The fallout from Australia's latest banking scandal  allegations that Commonwealth Bank may have ignored money-laundering regulations  could spur serious pain for the sector.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the largest bank Down Under, saw its shares tumble on Friday, shedding nearly 4 percent by the close.

That followed the Australian government's financial intelligence and regulatory agency on Thursday saying it was seeking civil penalties against CBA for "serious and systemic non-compliance" with anti-money laundering laws.

In a statement, CBA said it was reviewing the claim and would file a statement of defense.

Australia's banks were already under a cloud.

Late last year, the chiefs of Australia's big four banks made mea culpas to a Parliamentary inquiry over issues including insurance scandals, interest-rate rigging and outsized bonuses.

The opposition Labor party had pushed for a Royal Commission, or a public investigation authorized by an act of Parliament, into the sector, but banks have so far avoided that level of inquiry.

That may change, an analyst said.

"It's going to be harder and harder to resist the calls for a Royal Commission in Australia and Commonwealth Bank will have been a big contributor to that overall cynicism towards the banks," Brian Johnson, an Australia banking analyst at CLSA, told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Friday.

Royal Commissions have previously dug deep.

In June, an Australian Royal Commission into institutional responses to sexual abuse of children found more than 4,000 allegations against Catholic authorities were made over 35 years. The inquiry resulted in charges against a top Vatican cardinal, George Pell, over historical sexual assault allegations.

Pell, the highest-ranked Vatican official to ever be charged in connection with sexual abuse, has denied the accusations.

The government has already used public disdain for the banking sector to its advantage.

In May, the government decided to use the banks' large profits to help balance the budget, imposing a levy of 6 basis points on banks with liabilities in excess of 100 billion Australian dollars ($79.63 billion) in an attempt to raise more than A$6 billion over the next four years.

CLSA's Johnson said he was negative on the sector as a whole and on CBA's stock.

"When banks have delivered great returns for a long period of time, they start to do strategically challenging things, which destroys their returns in the longer term," he said.

"CommBank trades at a significant premium to the other banks because it's so profitable. And the way you make excess profit is obviously to do things slightly differently to the other banks. Perhaps this is part of that kind of ethos in the organization."
A month after its initial public offering, Blue Apron is losing more than a third of its workforce at a Jersey City, New Jersey, facility.

The meal-kit delivery company said it plans to close this location in October and has given all of its employees the option to transfer to the new facility located in Linden, New Jersey, about 15 miles from the old location.

Blue Apron shares have struggled since debuting on the New York Stock Exchange last month. The company, which had an IPO price of $10 per share, had seen its stock fall more than 38 percent, however, news of the job cuts sent shares lower. The stock closed below $6 Friday, down more than 6%.

Blue Apron said it expects about 470 workers will not be transferring to the new location.

Employees have until October to decide if they would like to transfer, so the number of lost jobs could become smaller, the company said.

"While the old and new facilities are only about 15 miles apart, many current employees may be hesitant to make the move due to extended commute times each day," Erik Thoreson, principal at Technomic, told CNBC via email. "Additionally, the availability of public transportation is also an important consideration from a workforce standpoint. In a market where employees have fewer options, we would likely see more being willing to make the trek."

In February, the company said it planned to bring more than 2,000 jobs to New Jersey with the construction of this new facility as well as hire between 400 to 500 people who reside within Linden.

Not to mention, the company said last week that its co-founder and chief operating officer, Matthew Wadiak, will transition to a senior advisory role.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the number of total job cuts.
As companies continue to seek the winning formula for attracting millennial talent, new research from global public relations firm Weber and Shandwick and KRC Research finds that CEO activism may be the key to getting the attention of today's younger workforce. According to the survey, 56 percent of millennials believe CEOs have a greater responsibility today than in years past to speak up about social issues, compared to just 28 percent of generation X and baby boomers. While mixing corporate culture with politics may still be a line many CEOs are scared to cross, the report reveals that remaining quiet on social issues may actually do some harm, as 47 percent of those surveyed say CEOs who do not speak out risk criticism and 21 percent say silent CEOs risk declining sales.

Hinterhaus Productions | Getty Images

For company leaders who aren't afraid to take a public stance, the survey shows that 51 percent of millennials said they are more likely to buy from a company whose CEO spoke out an issue they agree with, and 44 percent of full-time millennial employees said they would be more loyal to their organization if their CEO took a public position on an issue. One CEO who has been unapologetic about his company's involvement with social activism is former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. In 2015, Schultz received a lot of attention related to the company's "Race Together" campaign, which was intended to stimulate conversation about race relations in America among its customers. While the campaign was met with tough criticisms, Schultz made no apologies about the company's efforts. "Race is an unorthodox and even uncomfortable topic for an annual meeting," he said during the company's annual shareholder meeting in 2015, according to The New York Times. "Where others see costs, risks, excuses and hopelessness, we see and create pathways of opportunity  that is the role and responsibility of a for-profit, public company."
Only 21 percent of 200 small- to medium-sized U.S. businesses said they are completely ready to manage IT security and protect against threats.

The cost of cybercrime is mounting. The cost of a single ransomware incident can cost a company more than $713,000 on average.

alengo | iStock 360 | Getty Images

High-profile cybercrime such as data theft, ransomware and computer hacks seem to be occurring more frequently and with higher costs, but cloud computing may provide the security that companies are searching for, experts suggest. "Cloud computing improves IT security and security professionals need as much help as possible," said Nick McQuire, vice president of enterprise research at CCS Insight. "Cloud helps security operations respond quicker to threats and focus on business risk as opposed to spending countless hours researching threats and trouble-shooting aging on premises systems," he told CNBC via email. The cost of cybercrime is mounting. Research by Kaspersky Lab found the cost of a single ransomware incident (where an attacker encrypts a computer or network until a ransom is paid) can cost a company more than $713,000 on average, due to the costs of paying the ransom and related losses, such as value of lost data, the expense of improving infrastructure and repairing brand image. The recent "ExPetya" cyberattack hit more than 12,000 machines in over 65 countries.

A laptop displays a message after being infected by a ransomware as part of a worldwide cyberattack on June 27, 2017. Rob Engelaar | AFP | Getty Images

"The average ransom demand we would estimate now is a little over $300. Not insignificant, but all the costs associated with cleaning up, restoring a back-up, making sure the network is functioning, can push that much higher," David Emm, principal security researcher at Kaspersky Lab, told CNBC during a phone interview.

Companies aren't prepared for cyberthreats

Despite the cost of cybercrime, many companies are not fully prepared to address this threat. Only 21 percent of 200 small- to medium-sized U.S. businesses said they are completely ready to manage security and protect against threats, according to an online survey by security provider Webroot published on Tuesday. The lack of concern about ransomware is leaving a gaping hole in the security of businesses, according to Adam Nash, EMEA regional manager at Webroot. "Small- to medium-sized businesses can no longer afford to put security on the back burner and need to start engaging with the issues and trends affecting the industry," he said in a press release.

watch now

How the cloud can help

Philippe Very, professor of strategic management and head of faculty at EDHEC Business School, suggests that cloud computing can be safer for a company than investing in its own cybersecurity. He says the dominant actors in the cloud computing space, such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM and Oracle, have business models which cannot afford to be disrupted by data breaches, which means they should be among the most secure companies in the world. "If you sign a contract with Amazon, for instance, I would say you've signed a contract with a highly secured firm. This could be an incentive to invest more in the cloud, or transferring more company information systems to the cloud," he told CNBC during a phone interview. "It's quite complex to prevent everything and be 100 percent secure. You cannot secure your information systems completely, but if you rely on cloud computing providers which are highly secured, it can be a good argument to contract with them." Very says the cloud computing providers have good internal practices, have high security around their core business and can use this knowledge in their other businesses such as cloud computing.

boschettophotography | Getty Images

Cloud computing is already an attractive proposition for companies, as it can reduce costs. "Companies are replacing investment with some kind of fee. This investment most of the time is difficult to scale and evaluate and you are always investing and investing and reinvesting in information systems. The main motivation for going to the cloud originally was not security, but this can become a key factor of success for cloud computing companies," he said. Cloud adoption escalated over the past 12 months as companies become more aware of the security benefits, according to CCS Insight's McQuire. "Established cloud vendors like Microsoft, Amazon and Google, have put eye-watering investments into the security of their infrastructure," he said. "This is much more than most businesses can afford and crucially, they have the talent in cyber security which all enterprises desperately lack as well."

Is ransomware a big deal?
Dallas couple Neely and Andrew Moldovan thought they had a legitimate grievance when they complained far and wide about their wedding photographer, Andrea Polito, and what they called her hidden charge of $125. Unfortunately for them, a jury has decided that their photographer's grievance is far greater. The couple must now pay Polito $1.08 million in damages for malicious defamation.

The drama started when, three months after Neely and Andrew got married, they went on local news to complain about Polito, claiming that Polito was holding their wedding photos hostage, the Washington Post reports. As the couple continued to bad-mouth the photographer, their story gained traction, earning pick-ups from other outlets, including the Daily Mail.

"It's heartbreaking, because, you know, these are our memories," Neely, a beauty blogger at It Starts With Coffee, told NBC affiliate KXAS in January 2015, the Post reports.

Thanks to the immense power of social media, the Moldovans' story spread fast. They called Polito a 'scammer' and posted negative reviews. Ultimately, the bad buzz destroyed her career. The photographer was forced to close her studio and effectively shut down her business.

And yet, according to Polito, the hold-up on the photos was preventable. All the Moldovans had to do was choose a cover for their wedding album, fill out a form and pay a $125 fee. The couple had agreed to that charge beforehand.

"She basically didn't read her paperwork or contract," Polito told the Post. "It's in bold in our contract."
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

ADP  Bill Ackman's Pershing Square said it was seeking effective control of the payroll services company through nominations for five board seats at the annual meeting, and is also calling for the replacement of CEO Carlos Rodriguez.

Cigna  The insurer reported adjusted second quarter profit of $2.91 per share, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.48 a share. Revenue also beat forecasts, and Cigna raised its full-year outlook as its membership rolls grow.

WellCare Health  The health insurer mirrored rival Cigna by beating forecasts and raising its full-year outlook. WellCare beat estimates by 28 cents with adjusted quarterly profit of $2.52 per share and saw revenue beat consensus, as well. WellCare's results were helped by higher enrollment in its Medicare and Medicaid offerings.

Ford  Nomura downgraded the automaker's stock to "neutral" from "buy," citing uncertainties surrounding earnings growth in both North America and Europe.

Newell Brands  The maker of Rubbermaid food containers and Sharpie pens matched estimates, with adjusted quarterly profit of 87 cents per share. Revenue exceeded estimates and the company raised its full-year forecast, saying it is performing well in a challenging environment where retailers are consolidating and reducing inventory.

Viacom  The media company reported adjusted quarterly profit of $1.17 per share, 12 cents a share above estimates. Revenue also topped forecasts. The beat comes despite a 2 percent drop in ad revenue.

Potbelly  The sandwich chain fell one cent a share short of estimates, with adjusted quarterly profit of 11 cents per share. Revenue also fell shy of expectations. Potbelly said the overall restaurant environment remains "challenging" and doesn't expect an improvement in industry trends this year.

Eli Lilly  The drugmaker said its experimental migraine drug significantly reduced pain in a late stage study, which included patients who suffered an average of more than five migraine attacks per month. Lilly plans to file a marketing application for the drug during the first half of next year.

GoPro  GoPro reported an adjusted quarterly loss of nine cents per share, smaller than the consensus estimate of a 25 cents per share loss. The high definition camera maker saw revenue come in slightly above forecasts, and the company gave a strong current-quarter outlook amid higher sales and cost controls.

Shake Shack  Shake Shack came in four cents a share ahead of estimates, with adjusted quarterly profit of 20 cents per share. Revenue was ahead of forecasts, as well, however the restaurant chain's comparable-store sales drop of 1.8 percent missed analysts' forecasts for a 0.3 percent gain.

Kraft Heinz  Kraft Heinz reported adjusted quarterly profit of 98 cents per share, three cents a share better than estimates. The food company's revenue was short of consensus forecasts. Sales were impacted by weak North American demand, but the bottom line was helped by expense controls.

Activision Blizzard  Activision earned an adjusted 43 cents per share for its latest quarter, beating the consensus estimate of 30 cents per share. The video game maker's revenue also came in ahead of forecasts, but its full-year guidance falls short of projections.

Weight Watchers  Weight Watchers beat estimates by 15 cents a share, with quarterly profit of 67 cents per share. The weight loss company's revenue was also ahead of forecasts and Weight Watchers raised its full-year outlook, as both subscriber numbers and paid weeks posted double-digit increases.

Etsy  Etsy reported earnings of 10 cents per share for the second quarter, compared to Street forecasts of a loss for the online crafts marketplace. Revenue was slightly above estimates amid an increase in active sellers, and cost cuts helped the bottom line.

Yelp  Yelp surprised the Street  which had been expecting a quarterly loss  with profit of nine cents per share. The review website operator's revenue also beat forecasts. In addition, Yelp announced a $200 million stock buyback, as well as a deal to sell its Eat24 business to GrubHub for $287.5 million in cash.

GrubHub  GrubHub matched estimates with adjusted quarterly profit of 26 cents per share, with the food-delivery company reporting better-than-expected revenue. GrubHub also raised the lower end of its full-year sales guidance, but the shares were pressured in after-hours trading after hitting a record high in the regular trading session Thursday.

Bed Bath & Beyond  The housewares retailer announced it had accelerated a planned realignment of its store management structure, beginning the process in about half of its U.S. stores.

Toyota  The company will take a 5 percent stake in rival automaker Mazda, and the two announced they will jointly build a $1.6 billion U.S. assembly plant. Separately, Toyota raised its full-year profit forecast by 16 percent, based primarily on expectations of a drop in the yen's value.

Royal Bank of Scotland  RBS beat analyst estimates with a first half profit, its first since 2014, and possibly putting the bank on track for its first annual profit since 2007.

Raytheon  The defense contractor won a court victory when a U.S. district court judge in Los Angeles dismissed a $1 billion whistleblower lawsuit that had accused Raytheon of overbilling the U.S. government on a satellite sensor contract.
A tide of acid attacks in London in recent weeks has led to fears for the safety of members of the public  including tourists. On Monday, a tourist believed to be from Qatar was sprayed with corrosive liquid. The attackers took off with his expensive watch and phone before speeding off on a moped.

Rudi Tapper | E+ | Getty Images

The number of acid-related crimes in the British capital leaped dramatically last year to 454 from 261 in 2015  a 74 percent rise  according to the Metropolitan Police. Updated figures released by the London police force show that 282 incidents have taken place this year so far. The attacks involve corrosive substances being used to physically maim people. Motives for the criminal acts have become increasingly arbitrary in recent weeks, and experts say they have become an effective replacement for knives as a choice of weapon. Knife crime is also a prevalent issue for the city.

Warnings to tourists

The Saudi Arabian embassy issued a warning and advice to tourists in the capital on Friday, according to the Saudi newspaper Arab News. "We call upon visiting citizens and residents to exercise caution and avoid walking in alleys and dark places," the Saudi embassy said, according to the paper. The embassy also urged Saudi tourists to avoid carrying valuable items, and to inform police and the embassy in the event of an attack. CNBC has been unsuccessful in calling the embassy for a comment.

Bystanders can play 'an important role'

Medical specialists in the U.K. have also issued a caution and advice, in an attempt to raise public awareness of the attacks. Johann Grundlingh, consultant emergency physician, Jessie Payne, trainee in emergency medicine, and Taj Hassan, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, co-wrote an editorial highlighting their concerns and offering advice. "Bystanders who come to the aid of the victim of an attack can have an important role in minimising further injury," they wrote in the British Medical Journal.

Morning aerial view on London skyline from One Canada Square Tower aka Canary Wharf. Pawel Libera | LightRocket | Getty Images

They urged bystanders to remove victims from exposure as soon as possible and apply "copious" amounts of water on the affected area, "to minimize the long-term effects of scarring and need for surgical reconstruction."

No immediate impact on tourism industry
Artificial intelligence has become the pet anxiety of luminaries like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Stephen Hawking.They have all expressed concerns about our Promethean quest to develop machine intelligence, and those concerns seem to be spreading every day.

But there's another dimension of technological change that ought to worry us every bit as much as AI, if not more so.

Bioengineering has already allowed human beings to take control of their own evolution. Whether it's emergent cloning technologies or advanced gene therapy, we're quickly approaching a world in which humans can  and will  change the way they live and die.

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'It's just an embarrassing spectacle at this point': Matt Taibbi on Trump's America

Genetically engineered humans will arrive sooner than you think. And we're not ready.

China is perfecting a new method for suppressing dissent on the internet

Just this week, in fact, as Vox's Eliza Barclay reported, scientists made a major breakthrough in gene editing technology. In short, researchers were able to tinker with embryos in order to repair DNA and help fend off disease-causing mutations.

And this is likely just the beginning of what's possible.

Michael Bess is a historian of science at Vanderbilt University and the author of a fascinating new book, Our Grandchildren Redesigned: Life in a Bioengineered Society.Bess's book offers a sweeping look at our genetically modified future, a future as terrifying as it is promising.

"We're going to give ourselves a power that we may not have the wisdom to control very well," he told me. But that won't stop us from developing it, and Bess's book is an attempt to wrestle with the implications of this.

I spoke with Bess about his new book and about the technological challenges that lie ahead.

Sean Illing

You say in this book that bioengineering will be the next great technological wave to wash over humanity, and that it will cut more deeply than any of the industrial revolutions of the past.

That's a pretty strong statement. Can you explain what you mean?

Michael Bess

We single out the industrial revolutions of the past as major turning points in human history because they marked major ways in which we changed our surroundings to make our lives easier, better, longer, healthier.

So the switch from hunter-gathering and nomadism to settled agriculture meant that we were able to feed much larger populations and develop great cities and all the urban civilization that goes along with it.

And then, another great turning point, the Industrial Revolution, late 1700s, early 1800s, and what it has unleashed in the succeeding 200 years, going from animal power to machine power to electrical power  that has completely transformed our relationship to our environment, to the control that we have over the Earth, how we feed ourselves, how we work. And once again, that went along with a tremendous increase in human population and the complexity of modern society.

So these are just great landmarks, and I'm comparing this to those big turning points because now the technology, instead of being applied to our surroundings  how we get food for ourselves, how we transport things, how we shelter ourselves, how we communicate with each other  now those technologies are being turned directly on our own biology, on our own bodies and minds.

And so, instead of transforming the world around ourselves to make it more what we wanted it to be, now it's becoming possible to transform ourselves into whatever it is that we want to be. And there's both power and danger in that, because people can make terrible miscalculations, and they can alter themselves, maybe in ways that are irreversible, that do irreversible harm to the things that really make their lives worth living.

That's the concern  we've given ourselves, or we're starting now to give ourselves a power that we may not have the wisdom to control very well.

Sean Illing

And this revolution in biotechnology, in the ability to tinker with the human genome and alter our own biology, is coming whether we want it to or not, right?

Michael Bess

It is, but I'm always careful about saying that, because I don't want to fall into technological determinism. Some of the writers like Ray Kurzweil, the American inventor and futurist, have tended to do that. They say it's coming whether we like it or not, and we need to adapt ourselves to it.

But I don't see technology that way, and I think most historians of technology don't see it that way either. They see technology and society as co-constructing each other over time, which gives human beings a much greater space for having a say in which technologies will be pursued and what direction we will take, and how much we choose to have them come into our lives and in what ways.

And I think that is important to emphasize  that we still have agency. We may not be able to stop the river from flowing, but we can channel it down pathways that are more or less aligned with our values. I think that's a very important point to make when we talk about this.

What's happening is bigger than any one of us, but as we communicate with each other, we can assert our values and shape it as it unfolds over time, and channel it on a course that we'd prefer.

Sean Illing

Whatever shape it does take, we're not talking about some distant future here  we're talking about the middle years of this century, right?

Michael Bess

Absolutely.

Sean Illing

Well, before I hurl a bunch of alarmist questions at you, let's pause for a second and talk about the positive aspects of this technology.

How will human life improve as a result of this revolution?

Michael Bess

I think it's going to improve in countless ways. These are going to be technologies that are hard to resist because they're going to be so awesome. They're going to make us live longer, healthier lives, and they're going to make us feel younger.

So some of the scientists and doctors are talking about rejuvenation technologies so that people can live  have a longer, not only life span, but health span  which would mean that you could be 100 years old but feel like a 45-year-old, and your mind and body would still be young and vigorous and clear. So one aspect has to do with just quality of basic health and having that for a longer period of time.

Some of these chemicals  maybe some of the new bioelectronic devices  will allow us to improve our cognitive capacities. So we'll be able to have probably augmented memory, maybe greater insight, maybe we'll be able to boost some of the analytical functions that we have with our minds. And, in other words, sort of in a broad-spectrum way, make ourselves smarter than we have tended to be.

There will also be a tendency for us to merge our daily lives, our daily activities, ever more seamlessly with informatic machines. It's science fiction now to talk about Google being accessible by thought, but that's not as farfetched as many people think. In 30 or 40 years, it's possible to envision brain-machine interfaces that you can wear, maybe fitted to the outside of your skull in a sort of nonintrusive way, that'll allow you to connect directly with all kinds of machines and control them at a distance, so your sphere of power over the world around you could be greatly expanded.

And then there's genetic technologies. I imagine that some of them will be a resistance to cancer  or perhaps to certain forms of cancer  that could be engineered into our DNA at the time of conception. What's more exciting to me is going beyond the whole concept of designer babies and this whole new field of epigenetics that is coming out.

What I see there as a possibility is that you'll be able to tinker with the genetic component of what makes us who we are at any point in your life. One of the most awful aspects of designer babies is somebody's shaping you before you're born  there's a loss of autonomy that's deeply morally troubling to many people. But if you're 21 years old and you decide, okay, now I'm going to inform myself and make these choices very thoughtfully, and I'm going to shape the genetic component of my being in precise, targeted ways.

The way it's looking with epigenetics is we're going to have tools that allow us to modify our character, the way our body works, the way our mental processes work, in very profound ways at any point in our lives, so we become a genetic work in progress.

Sean Illing

What you're describing is utterly transformative, and in many ways terrifying. You point out in the book that social systems have always had time to adapt to these technological watersheds and to develop new habits and new values.

But that won't be the case this time, will it?

Michael Bess

No. That's one of the things that worries me. Humans need time to adjust, and I'm not sure we'll have enough. I don't agree with people like Kurzweil who say there will be an exponential acceleration of biotechnologies. There are some aspects of our world that do advance exponentially, like computer processing power, but the fact that there has been an acceleration in the last century seems to be undeniable. And the rate of acceleration seems to be increasing.

So even if it's not exponential, it's very impressive, and it means that drastic changes can come about much more quickly than they have in the past in human history. And it takes time for humans to consensually devise new habits, new practices, new attitudes, to arrange their lives in a way that makes those lives fulfilling and stable.

And there are institutional networks all around us that allow us to continue to have a sort of predictable structure to our lives from one day to the next, from one year to the next, and so forth. All these structures  you build them gradually, slowly, and it takes time to adapt.

Sean Illing

So it's safe to say we're mostly unprepared for what's coming?

Michael Bess

I think we've always been unprepared for these changes, but it's different when the changes come about over a century or two versus a decade or two.

A concrete example is the advent of cellphones and the internet. I see what it does to my students. There are these brilliant young students, and 95 percent of them are glued to their phones  always and everywhere. They're walking around to their next class or to wherever they're going, and compulsively looking at their phones. And it could be a beautiful day outside  the sky, the trees, other people  and they're locked into these little worlds.

Now, you might say that's a positive thing: They're communicating with other people, and the reach of their communication and richness of it have been expanded. But on the other side of it, they're not grounded in the here and now, in the concrete present. And there's something lost.

Are they even aware of what they're losing?

Sean Illing

I doubt any of us are aware of what we're losing until it's lost.

In the book, you seem to imply that the scientists and the researchers authoring this revolution have a kind of tunnel vision  they're focused on the incremental advancements but blind to the big picture, to the potential transmogrification of our species.

Is that right?

Michael Bess

I wouldn't call them blind. Many of them are very thoughtful people who do stand back. Talking to the robot designers and the scientists in these fields, I've been struck by how thoughtful they are about the implications of their work.

But meanwhile, their job is to make some particular advance that's going to be able to give us a new capacity to heal people, or to give us some more efficient capacity to govern our lives. And it's just harder for all of us to stand back and say, what happens when millions of people are doing this, and what are the hidden costs? What are we losing by this?

I talked to a robot designer, for example, and I said to him: "You're designing these robots that are ever more efficient and effective  what do you see us doing with them?" He said, "Well, you know, when I really step back, I'm very pessimistic about the future of humans to get along with each other. I think we're either going to wreck our planet ecologically or destroy ourselves in some kind of war  and I'm afraid that we're going to wipe ourselves out. What I'm hoping is that my robots will embody a form of intelligence that will survive the collapse of humankind and go out into the universe with intelligence. And, therefore, this creation of intelligence that has emerged with us humans will not die with our species."

I found that astonishing. I walked out of there thinking this was an amazing way to frame one's daily work. So I was impressed with the breadth of vision that lay behind this person who was designing robots.

Meanwhile, we're building these robots, and the rise of automation is going to throw our society into gross imbalance, because we're going to be facing a crisis of jobs. Millions of jobs are going to be automated out of existence. How will people live? What will be the political stresses put on our society when you have chronic mass unemployment?

(Author note: I recently had a discussion with Andy Stern about automation and the future of work. Click here to read it.)

Sean Illing

I'm always amazed at how little technologists tend to think about the moral and political implications of their work. For example, it's hard to imagine how disruptive this kind of biotechnology will be to our sense of fairness and equity.

We should be very concerned about the societal risks that would emerge alongside these bioenhancement technologies. Because presumably, in the beginning at least, only rich people will have access to this technology, and I wonder what kind of disorder that could spawn.

Michael Bess

Well, let's put it this way: If only rich people have access to these technologies, then we have a very big problem, because it's going to take the kinds of inequalities that have been getting worse over recent decades, even in a rich country like ours, and make them much worse, and inscribe those inequalities into our very biology.

So it's going to be very hard for somebody to be born poor and bootstrap themselves up into a higher position in society when the upper echelons of society are not only enjoying the privileges of health and education and housing and all that, but are bioenhancing themselves to unprecedented levels of performance. That's going to render permanent and intractable the separation between rich and poor.

For me, then, one of the imperatives that's going to arise out of bioenhancement is we're going to have to, in a sense, become Sweden. We're going to have to find a way to socialize the benefits of these technologies and offer them, at least as an option, to all citizens.

Doing this in a rich country like ours is hard enough  the challenge of doing this on a planetary scale is far more daunting.

Sean Illing

I agree with all of that, but it seems unlikely that we'll be able to socialize these technologies.

Michael Bess

The fact that the Western Europeans have done it with education and health care gives me some hope. I mean, there's still inequality in Western Europe; you can still go to Paris and see homeless people. But by and large, there's a safety net in that society that works quite well, and is consistent with a free market and civil liberties in a very democratic system.

So the fact that these large countries in Western Europe, a large part of the planet, have done this pretty effectively, I see that as a source of optimism, that we could do it as well if we want to.

And my thinking in my book is that this may be the event that forces us to truly implement a welfare state like they have in Western Europe. Because the alternative would be so horrifying; you'd basically have a fragmentation of our population into two castes  two biologically very different castes. And I think that would completely undermine the premise of equality that is central to our democratic system.

So the threat to our democracy would be so great that we would, in a sense, be compelled to accept a European model, where through taxation and redistribution of wealth we give subsidized access to these technologies, at least a basic package of these technologies, to all citizens.

Sean Illing

You used the word "caste" just now, but in the book you use the phrase "biologically bifurcated humankind" to describe a broader inequality between enhanced citizens of affluent nations and unenhanced citizens of poor nations.

How worried are you about this?

Michael Bess

This is my biggest worry. I give talks about this stuff in high schools, and it's readily apparent to high school students that if these technologies come into being in a society that is competitively based and has such great disparities of wealth and privileges as our global society has today, you put those two things together and you have a bifurcation of humankind. Only in this case, the inequalities are inscribed into our very biology, and therefore much more difficult to get beyond.

I believe we'll need some sort of global Marshall Plan that offers these technologies on a subsidized basis to people all over the world. Now, is that completely pie in the sky? Perhaps. In my book, I talk about other instances in which the world's nations have come together.

On climate change, for instance, the rich nations basically said, look, we understand we're all in the same boat. There's going to be a catastrophe with the ozone layer if humankind as a whole doesn't stop using CFCs. So we rich nations will pay for the poor nations to move beyond CFC-based technology, and they did.

And as a result, we bent the curve, and the ozone layer is no longer the pressing problem that it looked like it was going to be if we stayed on the trajectory we were on in the 1980s. Now, this is probably going to be far more difficult and expensive. What I'm really talking about, I guess, is ending global poverty.

Now, that may be impossible for us to do. If it is impossible for us to do, we will end up with a biologically bifurcated global caste system. Those are the stakes that are involved here.

Sean Illing

Reading your book, I thought a lot about the psychological impact of these technologies. It seems almost certain that these bioenhancements will encourage an obsession with perfectibility that would be very bad for us, both at the individual and the societal level.

I assume that's your view as well?

Michael Bess

Yes. There's a wonderful scholar at Harvard, Michael Sandel, who's written a beautiful book titled The Case Against Perfection. And he worries about what this is going to mean in terms of accepting our own flaws and, even more importantly, the flaws in other people if we become malleable enough that people will be seen as having flaws either through pigheadedness or by choice, rather than having been born as they are.

But I'm not as worried about this pursuit of perfection argument as some of the bioethicists who write about this are, because I think we're certainly not perfect today and we're never going to be perfect. Perfection is a mirage that constantly dances away from us. We'll have augmented powers, but we're going to be nowhere near perfect.

Sean Illing

Well, I'm not especially sanguine about human nature, so I tend to think we can't be trusted with instruments of this power.

At some point, though, it seems we'll have to redefine or reconsider what it means to be human. Part of what makes us human is our finitude, our creaturely vulnerabilities. But we may well engineer a way around these problems, and that's a dramatic shift.

Michael Bess

I don't see us ever succeeding at engineering our way around all of our vulnerabilities, because we may give ourselves all these powers that I was describing when you asked me to describe some of the positive effects of these technologies. We're still going to have a broad array of vulnerabilities. We're still not going to know why we were put here. We may live longer lives, but people will still die. We'll still be disappointed by things that happen to us. We'll still get frustrated. We'll still fight with each other.

Like you say, human nature will sort of just broaden out further, and I think a lot of the obstacles that we face in trying to live a good life, a meaningful life  they'll still be present, even in a world of bioenhancements.

But what's scary about it is that the human beings will have much greater powers over not just their surrounding environment, not just their ability to engage in warfare and things like this, but they'll have power to reach directly down into the biological basis of their mind and spirit and soul.

Sean Illing

If we transform ourselves beyond a certain point, which seems inevitable, we'll have to ask what it means to be a human in a world of walking gods. And I don't know what the answer to that is.

Michael Bess

Right. And that's why I worry about not having enough time, because I think, given enough time, we would probably be able to work our way through the very profound questions that these technologies will raise for us. And which, exactly as you say, all come back down to what does it mean to be a human being? What does it mean to live a good life? What are the things that really matter? What are the things that I should not worry about and leave aside?

All these very profound, difficult questions that in the past have been associated with spirituality or religion or morality, we probably will be able to address them in constructive ways.

But it takes time.

Sean Illing

I know you're not exactly in the prediction business, but let me ask you this final question: Are we rushing headlong into a dystopian hellscape, or will this be a net positive for human life?

Michael Bess

I think we are rushing headlong into a series of choices. Each of us as individuals will have to make decisions about which of these technologies we choose to adopt for ourselves. As parents, we'll have to choose for our children. And as a society, we'll have to decide if some of these technologies need to be banned outright.

A good candidate for a technology that should be banned globally would be a mind-reading technology that allows you to point the device at somebody's head and intrude on their privacy and read their thoughts without their consent or knowledge. That type of technology is an unmitigated evil, and nobody should be allowed to develop or use it.

So we're going to have to be very critical about these technologies, and I think that's going to fall on the basic education systems we have, and the family socialization process. I think people are going to have to be educated so that, as consumers, we do this intelligently rather than self-destructively.

So one possibility is the dystopian nightmare scenario of a bifurcated humankind, a society in which people are transmogrifying themselves beyond all recognition. The other side is a society where we have managed to preserve many of the things that make our lives worth living today: love, friendship, kindness to strangers, civility, cooperation, compromise  all the things that are the hallmarks of what makes our lives fruitful and worth living today.

There's no reason, in my view, why these technologies are inherently incompatible with a fairly decent world. But the choice is going to be up to us as individuals, as families, as communities, as nations, and as humankind. At all those levels, we're going to face a series of tough choices about how we educate ourselves to prepare ourselves for this very swift change.
The Problem Solvers caucus has also rallied behind a few ideas that have gained bipartisan support in the past, including abolishing the ACA's medical-device tax and expanding states' ability to seek waivers from some of the bill's coverage rules. On Wednesday, Republican congressman Mark Meadows , chair of the House Freedom Caucus, said health-care reform isn't over. He also said that he has met with the Trump administration to discuss the path forward, and he's confident they can develop a new plan. Meadows was one of the key GOP members to broker the deal for an amendment that enabled the American Health Care Act to pass the House in April.

Led by Democratic congressmen Tom Reed (N.Y.) and Josh Gottheimer (N.J.), the caucus is primarily focused on continuing to fund the Affordable Care Act's cost-sharing-reduction subsidies (CSR payments), which reduce the significant costs to insurers of covering low-income Americans under Obamacare. The bipartisan group also wants to establish a federal stability fund that states could access to reduce premiums for citizens with high-cost medical needs. The moderate lawmakers hope to alter the employer mandate so that it applies only to companies with over 500 workers, which would relieve the tax burden on small businesses that choose not to provide insurance plans.

Most of Congress seems to think so, and President Trump agrees, if his irate tweets about taking executive action to fix health care on his own are any indication. But the fact remains that Obamacare exchanges are still struggling all across the country. While a GOP-led repeal bill might not be on the table again anytime in the near future, some lawmakers continue to float possible solutions. In the House, a group of about 40 centrist lawmakers hopes to lead the effort to stabilize the Obamacare exchanges. Called the Problem Solvers caucus, the group includes some moderate congressmen from the New Democrat Coalition and the GOP's Tuesday Group.

We simply can't afford to give up on health-care reform. The fact that bipartisan cooperation is emerging only now is shameful; Democrats should have cooperated to begin with.

Over in the Senate, a handful of moderate GOP senators have suggested providing block-grant health-care funding to the states. This proposal was put forth in an amendment last week by GOP senators Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy, but it has yet to receive a vote. It would need to be scored by the CBO before a floor vote could take place.



Graham and Cassidy, along with moderate GOP senator Dean Heller (Nev.), met with Trump on Friday to discuss their plan. The White House, eager to capitalize on any idea to advance reform after last week's debacle, seems intent upon using this plan as a means of gathering momentum for further health-care negotiation.



Meanwhile, Republican senator Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) and Democrat Patty Murray (Wash.) announced Tuesday afternoon that the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee will hold bipartisan hearings throughout September to discuss possible ways to stabilize the ACA marketplaces.



For his part, Trump has threatened to stop doling out CSR payments, apparently with the goal of further exacerbating the problems that already exist on the Obamacare exchanges. Trump seems to believe that further devolution of the exchanges would force lawmakers to implement an immediate health-care solution, but ending CSR payments would almost certainly lead to utter chaos in the insurance markets, making a fix even more difficult.



These efforts, while uncertain and rather uncoordinated, reveal a basic fact: We simply can't afford to give up on health-care reform. The fact that bipartisan cooperation is emerging only now is shameful; Democrats should have cooperated to begin with. Obamacare reform was always going to be necessary, in one form or another. With earlier Democratic support, it might've been feasible to develop legislation that could fix at least some of the problems with the exchanges and garner enough support to be passed into law.



Legislative efforts may be effectively dead for the near future, but as health-care policy expert Avik Roy wrote on the Corner just after the Senate vote failed early Friday:

"The GOP cannot simply 'move on' and give up on health care. Health care is the biggest driver of our debt and deficit, the biggest driver of growth in government, and one of the biggest drivers of economic insecurity for those in the middle class and below. Take some time to reflect, yes. Come up with a better strategy, yes. But to give up on health-care reform is to give up on everything conservatives stand for."

If nothing else, the evident failures of Obamacare  premium costs constantly on the rise, more insurers fleeing the ACA exchanges across the country, leaving many states with just one or two insurance options on the exchanges  preclude anyone in Washington from giving up on reform for good.

Commentary by Robert VerBruggen, a deputy managing editor at National Review. Follow him on Twitter @RAVerBruggen .

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.

2017 National Review. Used with permission.
When moving into a campus dorm room for the first time, preparation is key. Yet new college students and their parents often mistake preparedness for a kitchen-sink approach to furnishing.

In a tight, shared space like a dorm room, there's a fine line between being comfortable and being overburdened by useless stuff. And the list of what's needed (or desired) is always changing: Advances in consumer technology often make electronics obsolete, and a university's must-have list can vary each semester.

One easy way to avoid a claustrophobic living experience is to coordinate before move-in day with your roommates. Few dorm rooms require more than one mini-fridge or microwave, for instance. Doubling up on smaller items, such as full-length mirrors and bulletin boards, can cause needless clutter and take up valuable wall space.

In size and aesthetic, many unfurnished freshman dorm rooms have more in common with a janitor's closet than a bedroom. But if you must buy a tapestry and a floor rug, it's wise to wait until arriving on campus before deciding. Rearranging beds and desks to maximize space is a game of inches, and there's nothing quite so disappointing as dragging across the country an extra-large rug that can't even fit on the floor.

Once room measurements are taken and furniture is placed, search the local area to find whatever else you need.

"We call it 'the Target run' here in Minnesota," said Sue Luse, an educational consultant and founder of College Expert. "Almost every college is somewhat close to something: a Wal-Mart , a Target that you can go to."

While some purchases can be delayed, many should be avoided altogether. CNBC spoke with college experts, current undergraduate students and volunteers with end-of-semester donation programs to find out what common dorm room purchases just aren't worth the space.
When Kristen Silton and her husband went house shopping several years ago, a fenced-in yard was high on their must-have list. The Atlanta couple, now 29, wanted a safe outdoor space for their mutt, Lola.

They're among the one-third of millennials whose dog played a bigger role in their home purchase than any children or spouse, according to a recent survey by SunTrust Mortgage.

"Every millennial couple I know has a dog," Silton says. "Everyone's got a practice baby."

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Since they've moved into their house, Silton and her husband have had two children, ages 3  and 1 . But it was Lola who drove the decision of what type of house to buy, and Lola who helped them learn how to budget for another's needs.

Indeed, while you can't put a price tag on the companionship of a four-legged friend, you canand shouldmap out how much your dog will cost you throughout his or her lifetime, experts say. You don't want to reach a point where unexpected expenses force you to give up your beloved pup, or where they crowd out all other financial priorities.

The annual cost of owning a dog depends on its size: $1,001 for a small dog, $1,214 for a medium-sized dog, and $1,448 for a large dog, excluding one-time capital costs like spay and neutering fees and a carrier bag, according to ASPCA estimates.

While homeowners needn't budget for extra housing costs for their pet, renters might. Some landlords charge pet deposits that on the high end can top $350, as well as one-time, non-refundable pet fees that can top $400 and monthly pet rents of more than $40, according to Trulia. In terms of these costs, the most pet friendly metropolitan areas on Trulia's list are Newark, Nj. and Cambridge, Ma., while the least pet friendly are Washington, D.C. and Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.

Dr. Erin Wilson, medical director of the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City, recommends that you start socking away money in a rainy day fund from the moment you get your pet. That way, you won't get blindsided by any pet-related rental fees, or the bill when Fluffy swallows something she shouldn't, or the costs associated with the diabetes she develops in her old age. "As our pets get older, they may develop chronic conditions, like we do," Wilson says.

Pet insurance can help defray the cost of your pet's medical care. Policies vary in terms of cost and coverage. At Nationwide, for example, policies range from about $17 per month to about $58 per month. The higher-priced policy covers preventive care such as vaccines and spay/neuter costs as well as an uncapped amount of other chronic or acute medical needs.

Just like with humans, regular preventive care can help keep overall medical costs down by preventing certain problems and catching others before they become worse, Wilson says.

So what does the cost add up to? The estimates below are based on an expected lifetime of 10 years for large dogs, 13 years for medium-sized dogs and 15 years for small dogs. Puppy love may be priceless, but with the money you spent on your pooch, you could have remodeled a bathroom or paid for a year's in-state tuition and fees at a public university, with some left over for books.
Think of going to college in Scotland and you might envision Hogwarts-like libraries, "Outlander"-style kilts, and real-life royal romances a la Kate Middleton and Prince William. But proximity to the world's most famous wizard story and a modern fairy tale aren't the only things Scotland has to offer. Your education there will also likely cost you a lot less than at comparable U.S. universities. "It was cheaper for me to have a flat and pay tuition here than just to pay tuition at some of the colleges [I looked at] in the U.S.," says Adler Hyatt, a recent graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). "So saving that bit of money has definitely given me a cushion for a little bit to figure out how to start surviving when I get back to the U.S." According to the 2016 Open Doors Survey conducted by the Institute of International Education (IIE), around 10 percent of U.S. students choose to study abroad either through short-term exchanges or long-term programs. The majority, around 12 percent, come to the UK. And because the Scottish education system is similar to the structure of American liberal arts colleges  students enroll for four years and, during the first two, can try diverse subjects on campus  many find their way to Scotland.

Photo courtesy of the author

"[In] most institutions in Scotland, in the first two years of study, you have the flexibility," says Melissa Cunningham, Senior International Recruitment Officer at the University of Strathclyde. "You pick and choose different subjects in the first and second year and it's only at the end of second you decide what you want to major." While tuition costs for international students are higher than for the Scottish nationals, they are still attractive. A year of undergraduate study can range anywhere from 12,000 to 20,000  15,000 to 26,000 USD at today's exchange rates  depending on the university and your course of study. Many institutions offer scholarships to American students and there are also grants available from the Scottish government. Your living expenses won't break the bank either. In Glasgow, for example, the cost of living is 650-800 ($800-1000) per month and that includes both your rent and your ability to enjoy life. "The real plus here that we've heard from the American students [is that] they aren't living and counting the pennies," says Kimmy Shields, Recruitment and Admissions Officer at the RCS. "They are able to experience the culture, they are able to still go to the theater, [and] live in a nice flat."

Photo courtesy of the author

How to choose a university

A nation of just over five million people, Scotland has 19 world-class universities and offers close to 4,000 undergraduate courses. Visit the Study in Scotland website and search for a course or a university that's of interest to you. Most Honors degrees, the equivalent of the U.S. bachelor's, take four years, and if you go directly for the Masters, you'll be done within five years. Once you determine what and where you want to study, visit that university's website and ascertain the requirements, fees, and the available scholarships.

How to apply

Undergraduate students apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Center (UCAS) that serves all of the UK. It costs 24 (about $30) and you can apply for up to five universities using one application. Make sure to check deadlines: While most expect applications by January 15th, a few universities have an earlier date of October 15th. You'll hear back by the end of March, although some may send their acceptance letters a bit later.

Photo courtesy of the author
Cryptocurrencies have exploded in popularity in recent years that has led to a red-hot fundraising trend where start-ups bring in millions of dollars in capital by issuing virtual tokens to investors in exchange for money. Initial coin offerings (ICOs) have become a primary means of fundraising for projects built on blockchain technology. Companies create and issue digital tokens that can be used to pay for goods and services on their platform or stashed away as an investment. They put out whitepapers describing the platform, software or product they're trying to build, and then people buy those tokens using widely-accepted cryptocurrencies (like bitcoin and ethereum) or fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar. All of that is done without any regulatory oversight, and that has regulators  and members of the financial industry  worried about the potential of widespread money laundering and fraud. All told, start-ups have raised more than a billion dollars this year in coin sales and in recent months, just four crypto projects have raised over $660 million combined, according to Smith + Crown, a blockchain research and consulting group. Digital currencies are pseudonymous, decentralized and encrypted, making it harder to track each of the transactions made, and the individuals behind them. Theoretically, anyone with an internet connection and a digital wallet can be part of a coin sale event. That, many worry, leaves plenty of room for people to launder money or finance terrorism activities and engage in other fraudulent behaviors  especially in countries where corruption is rampant.

Breeding fraud and money laundering

Regulators in the United States and Singapore have in recent weeks highlighted the risks of money laundering and fraud that investors face when buying into a digital token sale. On August 1, Singapore's financial regulatory body and central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), said in a missive that ICOs are "vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing risks due to the anonymous nature of the transactions, and the ease with which large sums of monies may be raise in a short period of time." Meanwhile, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) provides guidelines on its website for investors to consider before participating in token sales. Some of the key points the SEC asks potential buyers to consider are ways to identify fraudulent investment schemes. While terrorism financing is not as prevalent in Asia Pacific as compared to the Middle East or North Africa, experts told CNBC that money laundering through cryptocurrencies is a major concern among authorities.

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"It is an anonymous platform and you can get involved, get engaged, transfer value ... you can do all those sorts of things without ever having to identify yourself," Tim Phillipps, APAC leader for Deloitte's Financial Crime Strategy and Response Center, told CNBC. Traditional anti-money laundering framework requires fund-raising companies to do their due diligence in areas like knowing the customer, validation of their identity and tracking their sources of wealth, according to Phillipps, who previously worked with regulator Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The regulatory framework also requires companies to structure their products  a process that can sometimes be expensive. Phillipps said ICOs and cryptocurrencies are just new avenues for an age-old problem: "People would endlessly look for ways to avoid having to go through all the regulatory efforts, the compliance and so on."

How money laundering can happen through ICOs

Although regulators may be expressing concern about money laundering, a frequent refrain from bitcoin enthusiasts and cryptocurrency stakeholders is that the blockchain system is actually inconvenient for would-be launderers. That is, every transaction of a blockchain-based token is permanently recorded on a publicly view-able digital ledger. Although the parties associated with each exchange are hidden behind pseudonymous IDs, it is possible for investigators to track down who has done what if their activities go through a cooperating exchange. The concern, experts told CNBC, is that the massive influx of ICOs has meant there are now hundreds of blockchains on which criminals could transact. Concurrently, there's been a proliferation of exchanges that may be less inclined to cooperate with authorities. Now, experts in the field said, a new ICO could serve as the perfect vehicle for launderers, and here's roughly how it could work: Innocent Bob buys into an ICO of Token$$$ because he hopes it will appreciate

Bob could either sell his supply of Token$$$ on a major exchange (which is spending money to record customers' information to be compliant for regulators), or he could go to a fly-by-night exchange where the prices are better

The prices are better on that second exchange because would-be money launderers are willing to pay a premium to wash their funds

Dirty Harry, who is looking to make his dirty money appear clean, buys Token$$$ from Bob

Bob makes more money than he would have at a more regulator-friendly exchange, and Harry now has Token$$$ that isn't tied to a criminal enterprise

Harry can then go to any exchange and sell his Token$$$ for common digital or fiat currencies Alternately, criminals could just buy into an ICO themselves, hoping that the fledgling technology does not have robust know-your-customer practices. Although it is feasible that investigators could end up tracking these connections down, the cryptocurrency environment is beneficial to criminals because transactions are incredibly fast-moving compared to the traditional financial system. Furthermore, new companies and exchanges are popping up (and shutting down) faster than governments can track.

Having rules can protect buyers

To prevent money laundering and protect investors from fraud, many argue that cryptocurrencies need some form of regulation  particularly digital coins that sometimes act like securities but are not subjected to any of the stringent mainstream regulations. Late last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission released an investigative report in which it said companies that planned to use distributed ledger or blockchain-enabled ways to raise capital must take appropriate steps to comply with the U.S. federal securities laws. Singapore's MAS also clarified this week that it will regulate the sale of digital tokens in the city-state if they constitute products regulated under Singapore's securities and futures regulation. Having regulatory oversight for ICOs will see net benefits, multiple sources told CNBC. Most agreed that having proper rules in place can protect investors in the same manner they are safeguarded in the securities market. "Regulators are there to protect investors at the end of the day," Zennon Kapron, founder and director at consultancy firm Kapronasia, told CNBC. "The reason we have regulations around initial public offerings or any kind of securities in any market is to ensure that the process and the operation of (these offerings) are run in an organized and stable fashion." Having the proper regulation in place is particularly important as this form of fundraising is expected to gain more traction, especially among retail investors. Smith + Crown data showed that in the first half of 2017, there were more token sales than there were in all of 2016, with fundraising amounts increasing month to month since March. Token Data, another website that tracks upcoming token sales, listed dozens of ICOs in the coming months.

A view of Bitcoin token. Manuel Romano | NurPhoto | Getty Images

Kapron explained that, currently, in order to invest into ICOs, people need to have a certain amount of technical understanding and interest in the space. It's needed to buy ethereum or bitcoin and then invest into a coin sale. While the current environment is limited to a subset of investors, he said regulations will come in handy when it becomes easier to invest in ICOs and thus more people will become involved without necessarily being aware of the risk or challenges behind some of the platforms. A common criticism leveled at token sales is that many of the start-ups doing it lack either experience or a proper, viable business model. In other words, there's a greater likelihood of the business failing and investors being unable to recover their money. By contrast, in venture capital fundraising rounds, investors scrutinize the viability of a start-up's business plan an its executive strategies before backing them. VC-backed founders are obligated to answer to their investors. "Tokens are non-dilutive, (usually) possess no voting power, and have very little, if any, rights attached to them. They are neither debt, which enjoys mandatory repayment in the event of a default, nor are they equity, which grants the holder some preferential rights vis-a-vis ordinary shareholders," Justin Hall, principal at early-stage venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures, told CNBC.

Regulations may undermine cryptocurrencies

Some may argue that regulation could reduce or remove layers of privacy, going against one of the central tenets of crytocurrencies, according to Hall. "In their mind, fiat currency is corrupted by the heavy-handed intervention of central governments and banks. Cryptocurrencies are anonymous (to a certain extent) and decentralized, meaning decisions affecting the currency are not centrally dictated," he said. "In fiat, trust is enforced by a third-party." On the other hand, critics would call back to investor protection to argue in favor of regulations, he said, adding it may be difficult to reconcile the two sides. Moreover, Hall said, given how new the technology is, many regulators still "do not fully understand this emerging industry." Implementing poorly planned policies may do more harm than good, he said. To be sure, both the SEC and the MAS have extensively studied cryptocurrencies. MAS had issued a notice as early as March 2014 that said virtual currencies were not per se regulated, but intermediaries in virtual currencies would be regulated for money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

Even though participating in an ICO might be forbidden to Americans or Singaporeans, there is nothing stopping them from purchasing those tokens on a public exchange  and doing so with a fair amount of anonymity to boot. Justin Hall Principal at Golden Gate Ventures

There's also a general misconception among investors and companies that ICOs are not regulated already, according to David Tee, chief financial officer at Hong Kong-based fintech firm ANX International. As a result, he said, many of the ICO campaigns are being done with little or no professional or technical guidance. That likely results in misleading information and unfair sales processes, inappropriately designed token features and poorly written smart contracts that are vulnerable to hacking. That all, of course, raises the question of why someone would be interested in buying into a poorly-considered ICO in the first place. For most, the answer is simple: They think there's money to be made. Tee, who is a banking industry veteran, explained to CNBC that digital tokens are a "representation of contractual rights in the form of an easily transferable medium." He said those rights could allow for a variety of things, "or they may be rights to exchange the token for another asset, to receive future payments, or to share in revenues or profits of a venture." If the rights associated with the tokens fall in the latter category, most jurisdictions would consider them a security, "irrespective of whether that right is in the form of a digital token, a written contract or a formal security such as a share or debt instrument," Tee said. Currently, to get around regulatory scrutiny, many ICOs prevent residents from the United States and Singapore to participate in their token sales  either by blocking internet protocol addresses from those locations or by relying on self-declarations from the participants. But experts told CNBC that people are easily able to get around it by either using a virtual private network connection to mask their location or by simply asking a third party in a different place to participate on their behalf. "Even though participating in an ICO might be forbidden to Americans or Singaporeans, there is nothing stopping them from purchasing those tokens on a public exchange  and doing so with a fair amount of anonymity to boot," said Golden Gate Ventures' Hall.

Regulation may be the key to more legitimacy

While regulation can sometimes be expensive for companies, it could also bring in benefits. Currently, token sales are restricted mostly to retail investors who are not bogged down by the compliance rules faced by institutional investors. A regulated ICO market, with proper checks in place, could draw in professional investors, Syed Musheer Ahmed, a senior financial technology consultant and a member of the board at the FinTech Association of Hong Kong, told CNBC. If the industry opens up to professional investors, who have more capital to invest, companies can raise more money, he said.

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I was at a networking event recently, full of entrepreneurs and tech start-up types and those aspiring to be one of these.

I missed the main event, because apparently I don't read instructions well, but was there to mingle and eat free food.

Then I was introduced to someone we'll call David.

Organizer: Will, this is David. David, Will. Me: Hi David. What do you do? David: I run Blahblah. Me: Oh, right. Hey, you'd know Fatima. David: Yeah. B----. Me: Sorry? David: Yeah I know her. She's a b----. Me: Uh. Right. And why is that? David: Well, we hired her for a six month contract. Two months into it she takes something else and up and leaves. Caused me so much grief.

I then asked David if he thought that this was a good reason to call a woman a 'b----'. David's quick defense was that he had given me 'context' for it.

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I explained I didn't really think that mattered. People take jobs. That's what they do. She took a job with you. She then took a different job. It happens.

But, David explained, it caused him so much grief in having to re-hire and all that 
Even Martin Shkreli doesn't want anything to do with Martin Shkreli.

A man with the same name as the notorious "pharma bro" Shkreli was arraigned in the same courthouse, in the same courtroom, with the exact same judge on different criminal charges as those facing Shkreli on Friday.

Reporters covering the fifth day of jury deliberations for the ongoing securities fraud trial of the ex-pharmaceuticals firm CEO Shkreli packed into the courtroom in Brooklyn, New York, federal court to watch the deja vu scene play out.

Adding to the oddness was the fact that the high-powered lawyer Benjamin Brafman, who represents 34-year-old Martin Shkreli in the securities fraud case, was representing one of eight co-defendants of the other, 59-year-old Martin Shkreli, during Friday's proceeding.

Both Shkrelis are of Albanian descent but are not related to one another.

During the proceeding Friday, Brafman's client Shkreli was not in the courtroom when his namesake was arraigned on money-laundering charges related to alleged drug trafficking by a gang that also is accused of trafficking in weapons from the nation of Kosovo.

"There's another Martin Shkreli in this case. How weird is that?" quipped one of the case's other lawyers to a journalist after the arraignment.

The other Shkreli grinned broadly over at reporters after Judge Kiyo Matsumoto called his name out in court. Matsumoto also smiled.

The other Shkreli also accepted a warm handshake from Pashko Shkreli, the father of the younger Martin Shkreli, who happened to be sitting in the courtroom gallery directly in front of him.

"I don't need that kind of fame," said the other Shkreli, who smiled wryly when a reporter asked what he thought of his "newfound fame" after his lawyer entered a not-guilty plea.

The criminal complaint against the other Shkreli pointedly says, in a terse footnote, that, "This is not the same Martin Shkreli who is currently on trial in the Eastern District of New York."

The other Shkreli, who lives in Westchester County, New York, didn't respond when the reporter asked if he would start an account on Twitter, the social-media messaging site that the pharmaceutical executive Shkreli had been repeatedly banned from. That Shkreli was tweeting Friday from elsewhere in the courthouse, commenting on the appearance of several female reporters.

When CNBC asked him when he first became aware of the younger Shkreli, who gained widespread notoriety in 2015 for hiking the price of a drug by 5,000 percent, the older Shkreli likewise declined to answer, smiling as he shook his head.

At that point, Shkreli's lawyer, Brian Waller, stepped in and said he didn't want his client speaking with reporters. The younger Shkreli's lawyers likewise have asked him repeatedly not to talk to the media, given his habit of making outrageous comments.

The courtroom soon emptied out, leaving behind the legal team of Martin Shkreli, the "pharma bro" one, to resume their patient wait for a verdict in the case.
A man walks past a mural marking unionist territory on May 4, 2016 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Charles McQuillan | Getty Images

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar called on Friday for the European Union and Britain to find "unique solutions" to their Brexit logjam, including a bespoke customs union. That would solve the problem of a hard border in Ireland once Britain has left the EU, something that is of great concern to Dublin. Varadkar, a new face at EU summits since taking office in June, also suggested Brussels may accede to Britain's insistence that a post-Brexit body other than the European Court of Justice oversee bilateral issues, such as citizens rights and aviation regulation. He said, however, that all these "practical solutions" would need to be asked for and would not be offered. Varadkar was speaking in the British province of Northern Ireland as part of a drive to find a compromise that would avoid a hugely damaging hard border being erected across the island of Ireland.

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Dublin is hoping compromise can be reached ahead of a key Brexit summit in October, which Varadkar described as a "historic meeting for this island." "Time is running out and I fear there will be no extra time allowed," he told students at the Great Hall at Queen's University in Belfast. In a wide-ranging speech during his first visit to Northern Ireland as Irish prime minister, Varadkar made several proposals to try to break the Brexit logjam. He said a bilateral customs union could be based on one the EU currently has with Turkey. "If we have one with Turkey. Surely we can have one with the United Kingdom?" he said. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said Britain will leave the EU's customs union when it leaves the bloc in order to pursue its own trade agreements with countries around the world. A bilateral customs union would appear to imply that both sides would be free to strike deals with third parties, though Varadkar did not provide detail of the proposal. British membership of the European Free Trade Agreement was also an option, or failing that, Britain could remain in the single market and the customs union during a transition phase, he said.

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Irish Border?
Ahead of Friday trading, the Dow was coming off its seventh straight record high and on track for a positive week. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq were lower on Thursday. So far this week, the S&P 500 was flat and the Nasdaq was lower. The government reports its July employment report this morning. (CNBC)

Billionaire activist investor Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital wants control of ADP, including five board seats and the ouster of the chief executive, two demands the payroll processing company has rejected. ADP shares were higher by about 3 percent in early trading.(CNBC)

Yelp (YELP) shares were surging 20 percent in the premarket after the review website reported a surprising profit and better than expected revenue. Yelp has agreed to sell its Eat24 business to GrubHub (GRUB) for $287.5 million in cash. (CNBC)

Shares of GrubHub (GRUB) were under heavy pressure after hitting a record high on Thursday. After the bell, the food-delivery firm matched estimates on quarterly earnings and beat on revenue. GrubHub also raised the lower end of its full-year sales guidance. (MarketWatch)

GoPro shares (GPRO) were soaring about 18 percent in premarket trading after the action camera maker reported an adjusted quarterly loss of 9 cents per share, smaller than estimates. Revenue also beat. GoPro also issued a strong current quarter outlook (CNBC)

Weight Watchers (WTW) shares were popping about 13 percent in the premarket after the diet giant beat estimates with quarterly earnings and revenue. Weight Watchers raised its full-year outlook as subscriber numbers and paid weeks posted double-digit increases. (CNBC)
Federal prosecutors are investigating Kushner Companies, the real estate firm owned by the family of Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and senior adviser, over its use of a program that grants visas to wealthy overseas investors.

The authorities, in part, are looking into the role of Mr. Kushner's sister, Nicole Meyer, according to a person familiar with the matter who confirmed the inquiry.

The investigation centers on the real estate company's use of the so-called EB-5 program, which offers visas to foreigners in exchange for a $500,000 investment. Critics say the program has weak oversight and lax rules.

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At a marketing event in May, Ms. Meyer promoted the company's connections to the Trump administration as she courted Chinese investors for a pair of luxury apartment towers being built by the Kushner Companies in New Jersey. The project "means a lot to me and my entire family," she told prospective investors at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Beijing.

Mr. Kushner gave up his role running the family company in January. He still owns a significant piece of the business.

In a statement, Kushner Companies' general counsel, Emily Wolf, said the company was cooperating with the authorities.

"EB-5 is a longstanding federal program that is frequently used by many large developers to raise funds and help create jobs," Ms. Wolf said. "Kushner Companies utilized the program, fully complied with its rules and regulations and did nothing improper."

She added: "Neither Kushner Companies nor Nicole Meyer have done anything wrong in connection with the EB-5 program, and any suggestion to the contrary is simply false. The company and Ms. Meyer are cooperating with all legal requests in order to show that they did everything properly and clear up any questions."

The investigation was reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal, which said Kushner Companies had received a subpoena. The focus of the investigation is unclear.

The Kushners are seeking $150 million in EB-5 money for a pair of high-rise apartment buildings in Jersey City, known as One Journal Square. In May, Ms. Meyer marketed the development at events in Beijing and in Shanghai.

At the Beijing event, Ms. Meyer mentioned her brother's former role at the family company, saying he left to serve in the Trump administration. The two events were hosted by Qiaowai, a Beijing immigration company that promised good returns and "guaranteed" green cards to investors in the Jersey City project.

Mr. Kushner has played an important role in United States-China relations, brokering meetings between Mr. Trump and top Chinese officials. About three-quarters of the roughly 10,000 investor visas issued last year went to applicants from China.

Ms. Meyer apologized for mentioning her brother and did not appear at later events on the trip.

This is not the first time Kushner Companies has turned to the program. In 2013, it raised $50 million in EB-5 financing for a Trump-branded luxury high-rise apartment building in Jersey City, which opened late last year.

Created in 1990, the program was intended to provide financing for projects in areas with high unemployment. It has turned into a popular source of cheap financing for luxury developments.

There are no federal standards to define the areas that qualify for the program. And developers have been accused of providing gerrymandered maps to qualify.

The Government Accountability Office, the watchdog arm of Congress, has criticized the EB-5 program, citing lax safeguards against illicit sources of funds.

Mr. Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, have divested a portion of his stake in the family real estate empire, including the Jersey City project. But he has retained ownership in the bulk of the business, including the building that had received EB-5 funds.

Government ethics filings show the stake held by Mr. Kushner and Ms. Trump in the family business and other investments is worth as much as $761 million to them.

Blake Roberts, a lawyer who is advising the couple on ethics issues, has said that Mr. Kushner will recuse himself from matters concerning the EB-5 program.

Qiaowai, the Chinese immigration company helping Kushner Companies find investors, did not respond to a request for comment.

Javier C. Hernandez contributed reporting.
We may have another battle brewing between billionaire hedge-fund managers.



Leon Cooperman, chairman and CEO of Omega Advisors, told Bill Ackman not to interfere with ADP , the outspoken head of Pershing Square Capital's latest target.

"While I am always praising of you as a person and an intellect if I agree to say something it will be supportive of the company and critical of you. Just a heads up. I have no dog in this fight as I gave away all my stock to charity when I retired from the board (should have held the stock and give cash!), but this is a quality management that has done a great job over many years for the shareholders," Cooperman wrote in an email to Ackman obtained by CNBC's Scott Wapner.

"Their financial policies have always been balanced and intelligent, management is rationally compensated, they have spun out businesses showing no interest in building empires and they have a level of client satisfaction and retention second to none. The idea that you can tell these guys how to run their business doesn't strike me as intelligent or appropriate," he added.



Cooperman has served on the board of directors of ADP for two decades through 2012.



Ackman's Pershing is seeking control of ADP, including five board seats and the ouster of the chief executive Carlos Rodriguez, demands the payroll processing company has rejected, according to an ADP statement Friday.



Ackman has built an 8 percent stake in ADP, mostly in derivatives, the company said.



Word that Pershing Square was building a position in the company sent the shares up more than 10 percent late last month. Pershing previously owned ADP shares from 2009 to 2011.



Cooperman founded Omega Advisors in 1991. The firm has approximately $3.6 billion in assets under management, according to its website.

 Update: Bill Ackman told CNBC later on Friday he is not seeking control of ADP and plans to nominate a minority slate of directors.



 CNBC's Scott Wapner and Liz Moyer contributed to this story.
The man who stopped the recent global cyberattack known as WannaCry has been arrested for allegedly creating a virus of his own that aimed to steal peoples' banking details online.

Marcus Hutchins, who is also known as Malwaretech, was indicted on six counts last month, and was arrested on Wednesday.

In the indictment, Hutchins was accused of being involved in the creation and distribution of the Kronos banking Trojan. The malicious software, or malware, was designed to garner usernames and passwords of users on banking websites. Once a machine was infected, the malware allowed the hacker to log the details.

Kronos was active in Canada, Germany, Poland, France, and the United Kingdom, among others countries, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

The banking Trojan was first made available through some internet forums in early 2014, and was marketed and distributed through AlphaBay, a marketplace site on the dark web which had illegal drugs and firearms for sale. AlphaBay was shut down by the DOJ in July.
Yet those competing strategies suggest an inevitable collision between WhatsApp's product vision and Mark Zuckerberg's revenue ambition.

The first has helped WhatsApp reach 1.3 billion monthly users, while the second is expected to help Facebook get to $39 billion in revenue this year.

Facebook , which bought WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014, has a long history of placing ads on its most popular products and services, including the main News Feed, Instagram and, more recently, Messenger.

WhatsApp has a long history of keeping advertising away from its users, and the co-founders of the messaging app once wrote a blog post that called ads disruptive and even insulting.

WhatsApp took the first steps toward becoming more business-friendly this week when it began testing a new feature that would let users communicate with businesses that have been "verified" as legitimate by WhatsApp.

The effort to connect WhatsApp users with businesses on the site is still in its testing phase, though, which means the messaging service has far to go before it starts generating any meaningful revenue.

It may not be able to get there fast enough to suit Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who expressed impatience on the matter on a conference call after the company's Q2 earnings report last week.

"I want to see us move faster" on Messenger and WhatsApp, Zuckerberg said when talking about new sources of revenue.

He also said, "the first thing we need to do on Messenger and WhatsApp is get a lot of businesses using it organically."

When Jan Koum and Brian Acton founded WhatsApp in 2009, it was never seen as a business app. Instead, WhatsApp has focused its software development on a simple user experience and secure messaging.

It made money by charging users 99 cents a year, while its founders developed a reputation as mavericks with their public disdain for an advertising-based business model.

In a June 2012 blog post, WhatsApp referred to advertising, among other things, as "the disruption of aesthetics, the insults to your intelligence and the interruption of your train of thought...Remember, when advertising is involved you the user are the product...When people ask us why we charge for WhatsApp, we say 'Have you considered the alternative?'"

But one former Facebook executive questions how long WhatsApp can hold to its no-ads credo.

"If you look at the past, News Feed started as just friends, no ads," says Paul Adams, a former product manager and head of global brand design at Facebook who left the company in 2013.

"Then Pages came along" for businesses and ultimately "you saw businesses placing sponsored posts (i.e., ads) -- in News Feed," says Adams, who's now a vice president of product at Intercom, a startup that provides messaging services to 20,000 businesses.

Adams says WhatsApp doesn't necessarily have to sell ads to generate revenue.

Other huge messaging services have been making money in other ways.

China's WeChat, for example, charges companies that want to interact with its users a set-up fee and in some cases another fee for each interaction. It also takes a portion of some financial transactions users conduct on the site.

Zuckerberg himself hinted at this approach when he said last week:

"We can look at messaging platforms in other parts of the world and use that as a floor."
Most federal felons don't do a livestream on YouTube an hour or so after hearing a jury find them guilty. But Martin Shkreli is not most federal felons.

The social-media-craving Shkreli, 34, offered his many, many opinions about his just-concluded trial on YouTube from his Manhattan apartment Friday afternoon, right after calling the case a "witch hunt" on Twitter.

Then he admitted a New York Daily News reporter into his apartment for an interview. Which he also livestreamed, while sitting barefoot and drinking a beer (a Lagunitas India Pale Ale).

"It is what it is," Shkreli told the reporter, Ellen Moynihan, when she asked about the split verdict in Brooklyn, New York, federal court. The jury convicted him of three counts of securities fraud and acquitted him of five other counts.

"It's a complicated case. They reached a complicated verdict," Shkreli said, somewhat breezily, before bantering with Moynihan about his having raised the price of a lifesaving drug by 5,000 percent in 2015.

Shkreli also said that despite the verdict, "I'm Martin Shkreli; I'm going to live a great life."

"I'm going to focus not on what people say about me, I'm going to focus on how much more can I learn about medicinal chemistry," he said.

"I think drug companies are doing God's work. I think media companies don't," Shkreli said, as more than 3,500 people watched the livestream at one point.

"Daily News is fake news. Fake news to me is an uneven, biased approach to news."
Students entering college today have plenty on their minds already, such as debt and landing a job when they get out. Now, add one more fear to the list: worries about dropping out.

More than half of prospective students believe there is a chance they won't finish college, according to a new report from Allianz Global Assistance.

The most likely reasons? A family emergency, stress, and mental and physical health, the survey found. The findings are based on a poll in May of 2,004 college students, prospective college students and their parents.

Americans are going to college at higher rates than ever, said Kit Yarrow, professor emeritus at Golden Gate University, increasing stress for students who might not be ready or would prefer to take a gap year.

"It's almost like going to high school now," she said.

It appears that shift may be changing, however. Full-time enrollment immediately after high school no longer makes up the majority of college students, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

And only a minority of students, about 35 percent, graduate within four years of enrollment, said Mark Schneider, a vice president at the American Institutes for Research. Less than three-quarters graduate within six years, he said, which can lead to a situation where a student has taken on debt but does not end up with the skills and higher wages a degree might bring.
"There could be very problematic cooperation going on," an Israeli-based national security expert said.

Atta Kenare | AFP | Getty Images

Amid new international sanctions, North Korea's "No. 2" official embarked on a 10-day visit to Iran, a move that could result in the two sides expanding their ties. Iran's official IRNA news agency reported Kim Yong Nam, chairman of the Supreme Assembly of North Korea, arrived Thursday for the weekend inauguration ceremony for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. But given the head of North Korea's parliament is expected to stay for 10 days in Iran, the trip is being seen as a front for other purposes, including expanding military cooperation. At the same time, Pyongyang is looking for ways to counter sanctions and to boost the hard currency for the dynastic regime led by Kim Jong Un. "There could be very problematic cooperation going on because of the past history and because it makes strategic sense, especially for Iran now," said Emily Landau, a senior research fellow at the Israeli-based Institute for National Security Studies and head of the Arms Control and Regional Security Program. INSS is an independent think tank affiliated with Tel Aviv University.

UN Security Council takes action

Kim Yong Nam's visit coincided with a move by the United Nations Security Council to slap sanctions that bar exports of North Korean coal, lead, iron ore and seafood. The new restrictions could slash the hermit regime's roughly $3 billion annual export revenue by one third. The U.S.-sponsored resolution, which passed unanimously, followed the North's second intercontinental ballistic missile launch last month. It also curbs the number of North Korean laborers working abroad and clamps down on new economic joint ventures with Pyongyang. President Donald Trump cheered to U.N.'s action in tweets Saturday, describing it as "the single largest economic sanctions package ever on North Korea" and noting "China and Russia voted with us." The new sanctions have been proposed for some time by Washington, and pressure was applied on China, North Korea's longtime ally and its largest trading partner, to go ahead with them. Once the U.S. obtained Beijing's approval on the new resolution, it began negotiating with other nations part of the 15-member U.N. Security Council. In comments after his swearing-in ceremony Saturday, Iran's Rouhani said, "The sanctions policy in today's world is a failed and fruitless policy," according to a report from Iran's semi-official Fars news agency. Meanwhile, the man whom Iran described as the North's "No. 2" is believed to be traveling with a delegation of other officials from Pyongyang, including economic and military officials. "For North Korea, it's not a question of ideology," Landau said. "It's not a question of being close politically and maybe in terms of any of their religious orientation. It's all about who can pay in hard cash. That's what makes North Korea a very dangerous source of nuclear technology, components and know-how."

CIA targets Iran, Korean problems

Last month, Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo said in a speech at the Intelligence and National Security Alliance that he had "created two new mission centers aimed at focusing on putting a dagger in the heart of the Korean problem and the problem in Iran." "Both the North Koreans and Iranians feel a serious threat from the United States and the West and sort of see each other as very different countries but facing a somewhat similar situation," said Matthew Bunn, a nuclear proliferation expert and professor of practice at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. North Korea's newly built embassy in Tehran opened Wednesday, according to the North's state-run KCNA news agency. It said the new embassy was "built to boost exchanges, contacts and cooperation between the two countries for world peace and security and international justice." After the second ICBM test last month, defense experts said it appeared North Korea's long-range ballistic missile had the range to reach half, if not most, of the continental United States. Iran could have an ICBM capability similar to North Korea within a few years, as just last week it successfully launched a satellite-carrying rocket that some see as a precursor to long-range ballistic missile weapon capability.

'Extensive' missile cooperation
Employees torque a pipe at a wedge well at Christina Lake, a situ oil production facility half owned by Cenovus Energy and ConocoPhillips, in Conklin, Alberta, Canada.

market is expected to see a downward correction this quarter but Brent prices will move higher in the final quarter of this year, according to a research note from Barclays.

"Prices have moved higher, due to a perfect combination of a favorable macro environment, a seasonal uptick in consumption, continued inventory drawdowns, and geopolitical unrest," the note said. "Certain factors that supported prices in July are unlikely to last, and we expect a downward correction during this quarter."

The report, however, forecasts Brent prices going up to $54 a barrel in last three months of the year, based on continued inventory draws, OPEC discipline, and the ongoing decline in output in Venezuela.

The report further added that during the recent market rally, prices moved higher because of a paring back of selling positions, rather than new buying trades entering the market.

"Fundamentals remain shaky this quarter, therefore any rally that occurs before more substantive inventory draws would be short-lived."
A juror who was quoted anonymously by the New York Times , said "In some of the counts at least we couldn't find that he intentionally stole from them and the reasoning was to hurt them."

He looked over quizzically at one of this lawyers, Marc Agnifilo, each of the three times that Judge Kiyo Matsumoto interrupted a set of "not guilty" announcements she was reading off of the jury's verdict sheet with a "guilty" one.

The mixed decision perplexed many in the courtroom, including the 34-year-old Shkreli, who first drew widespread public scorn in 2015 for raising the price of a lifesaving drug by more than 5,000 percent.

While the seven-woman, five-man jury clearly accepted some of the prosecution's evidence, it rejected other parts of their argument.

At that trial, prosecutors claimed Shkreli had defrauded multiple investors in his two hedge funds out of millions of dollars , only to repay them with stock and cash that he looted from a the biotech company he created, Retrophin .

The split verdict in Shkreli's trial came at about 2:37 p.m. on the fifth day of jury deliberations, after a more-than-month-long trial in Brooklyn, New York, federal court.

A federal jury Friday found notorious "Pharma bro" Martin Shkreli guilty of three counts of securities fraud  but acquitted him of five other criminal counts related to hedge funds investors and a drug company he founded.

Former pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli speaks to the media in front of U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York with members of his legal team after the jury issued a verdict, August 4, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

Matsumoto did not set a sentencing date. That will happen after prosecutors and defense lawyers argue how much, if any, money Shkreli should be ordered to forfeit, and after defense lawyers ask her to overturn the guilty verdicts.

Shkreli, who remains free on $5 million bail, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

But he is sure to receive a far-less-severe punishment than that, given his lack of a criminal record, and other factors.

"I think we are delighted in many ways," said Shkreli said outside of the courthouse.

"This was a witch hunt of epic proportions and maybe they found one or two broomsticks but at the end of the day we've been acquitted of the most important charges in this case."

He almost immediately afterward used his new Twitter account, @samthemanTP, to comment on the outcome of the case, and also started a livestream on YouTube from his apartment.

Tweet

Shkreli's lead lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, told a group of journalists, "I hope tomorrow's reports inform the public that Martin Shkreli went to trial and despite being Martin Shkreli he won more than he lost."

But acting United States Attorney Bridget Rohde, whose office prosecuted Shkreli, said, "We're gratified as we stand here today at the jury's verdict."

"Justice has been served," said Rohde, whose prosecution team next plans to try Shkreli's co-defendant and former business lawyer Evan Greebel this fall.

Brafman said the amount of money Shkreli could be made to surrender would have been much higher if he had been found guilty of ripping off Retrophin, to repay swindled hedge-fund investors.

But Shkreli was acquitted of that charge, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which Brafman referred to as "the money count."

Brafman said that because the jury found that any loss suffered by Retrophin was either low, or non-existent, as the defense claims, the sentence recommended for Shkreli will be light.

"I think we would love to have a complete sweep but five out of eight counts, not guilty, is in our view a very good verdict especially since count seven, the main count that impacts on the loss in this case, that was the most important count in the case from our perspective," Brafman said.

"And for Martin to be found not guilty of that count is a very, very good result as far as we are concerned," Brafman said.

He noted that Matsumoto will have "enormous discretion" in sentencing Shkreli, who has no criminal history.

Brafman also said, "I think this verdict is a reasonably good verdict under the circumstances ... we are 90 percent pleased."

The charges against Shkreli were unrelated to his decision, while CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, to raise the price of the drug Daraprim from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill in 2015.

The price increase came as he was being investigated for the case that led to his trial.
A man enters the Wall Street subway station near the New York Stock Exchange.

Pension funds, wealth managers and insurance companies are increasingly looking outside of traditional stocks and bonds to find new investment products as the bull market ages.

"You're seeing a lot more competition for assets. A lot of players are trying to figure out what are the new areas," said Craig Hapelt, partner at The Boston Consulting Group in Toronto.

Second-quarter earnings from major private equity firms that wrapped up this week reflected a greater interest in alternative assets.

The four largest publicly traded private equity firms, Blackstone , KKR , The Carlyle Group and Apollo Global Management , reported a total $921 billion in assets under management, a 6.5 percent increase from the prior quarter.

That marked the biggest quarterly increase since the third quarter of 2013, according to CNBC analysis of company reports and S&P Global Market Intelligence data.

Private equity funds typically invest in companies by acquiring them, growing their bottom lines through cost cuts and other strategic changes and then selling them at a profit. The funds are part of a broader investment class called alternative assets, which includes real estate, commodities, infrastructure projects and hedge funds.

The top 100 alternative asset managers in the world saw assets under management rise 10 percent to $4 trillion in 2016, according to an annual report from Willis Towers Watson released July 17.

Pension funds contributed about $100 billion to that increase and had the largest share at one-third, while wealth managers held 15 percent, according to the study. Insurance companies increased their share of the $4 trillion in alternative assets to 12 percent from 10 percent last year, the Willis Towers Watson study said.

The firm's North America head of manager research, Brad Morrow, attributed much of the greater interest in alternatives to a search for better investment returns.

Historical performance indicates that alternatives can help insulate investors from sharp market drops. That's an increasingly important consideration to many as expectations of a stock market pullback build.

Between 1990 and 2016, developed market stocks fell a maximum of 49.05 percent, while a fund half allocated to hedge funds and half to private equity fell only 22.65 percent, Wells Fargo Investment Institute said in a June 22 report.

Performance from Jan. 1, 1990, to Dec. 31, 2016

Source: Wells Fargo Investment Institute

"We suggest that investors consider alternative investments as a way to participate in the upside potential of financial markets while potentially mitigating the effects of inevitable market corrections," Wells Fargo said.

The report showed the average monthly return for the hedge fund and private equity mix over that time was 4.76 percent a month, about 1 percent less than that of developed market stocks.

Alternative investments are also a better business for asset managers.

Although the alternative products account for only 15 percent of $69 trillion in global assets under management, they take 42 percent of the asset management industry's total revenues, excluding performance-based fees, according to a July 11 report from The Boston Consulting Group.

Global revenues by fund product, from 2003 to 2021 (estimated)

Source: The Boston Consulting Group

"Alternatives, solutions, and specialties will drive revenue and, with Passives, dominate [assets under management] growth," The Boston Consulting Group study said, "while traditional active assets will continue to be squeezed, losing share."

Investors have already been shifting away from more traditional, actively managed funds in favor of lower-cost exchange-traded funds. Reflecting the changing industry environment, about 60 mutual fund executives met in November for a forum to discuss ways to stop clients from withdrawing their money, The Wall Street Journal reported.

A few private equity funds are also making it easier for more people to invest in those alternative assets, which historically have been the territory of those with a million or far more to invest.

Anecdotally, some private equity and private credit funds are lowering their investment minimums to $250,000 or even $25,000, according to State Street's Cesar Estrada, who is global head of product management for private equity and real estate fund services.

The lower investment minimums are "certainly attracting a much bigger universe of investors," he said. "It's an emerging trend."

To be sure, hedge funds are one alternative investment that have grown less popular.

In the second quarter, the amount of assets in global exchange-traded funds and other exchange-traded products topped that in the global hedge-fund industry by $1 trillion for the first time, research firm ETFGI said Monday.
RBS reported a large earnings beat on Friday morning with the U.K. lender highlighting that it had swung back to a first-half profit for the first time in three years.



RBS' recovery continued in the first six months of 2017, with the bank posting a 939 million ($1.23 billion) pre-tax profit through to the end of June. The lender said its core capital ratio, a key measure of financial strength, increased by 14.8 percent over the same period.



"We're encouraged by the results today, it's our second best six-month result since the crisis and our best set of six-month results since the first half of 2014," Ewen Stevenson, RBS chief financial officer, told CNBC on Friday.



Here are some of the highlights from the earnings:

680 million ($894 million) for Q2 net profit vs. 212 million expected

CET ratio 14.7% for the first six months of 2017, versus a company target of 13%.

RBS plans to use Dutch license post-Brexit with no more than 150 jobs said to be relocating from Britain to the Netherlands.

The U.K.-based bank, which required a state bailout during the financial crash, has been unable to report an annual profit since 2007. It has waded through several legal scandals, job cuts and asset sales over the past decade.

Despite the earnings beat on Friday, RBS' Stevenson told CNBC that the bank may be set to record its tenth consecutive year without an annual profit in 2017.

"We know that we have still got at least one large issue ahead of us  the Department of Justice. So, if we get that settled this year I think we do expect that may push us in to a bottom line loss," he added.
Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak (L) and Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih leave a news conference after a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna, Austria, December 10, 2016.

Top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia have signaled they are ready to get tough with oil producers who are still pumping more than they promised. But it remains to be seen how they will back their rhetoric, analysts say.

The two nations have spearheaded a deal to remove 1.8 million barrels of oil a day from the market in a bid to shrink global crude stockpiles and drain a persistent glut of petroleum. Officials from oil producing nations, including Russia and Saudi Arabia, will meet in Abu Dhabi on Monday and Tuesday to figure out how to improve compliance with that deal.

The meeting comes as OPEC's overall production has ticked up in recent months, keeping a lid on oil prices even as falling U.S. crude stockpiles provide support.

Following a recent meeting of oil producers in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said it would not give OPEC members and other exporters a "free ride." Russian energy minister Alexander Novak insisted on 100 percent conformity from all countries.

"Saudi has signaled that it is going to be stern with those states with less than stellar compliance track records. But the big question is what tools does it have at its disposal to compel better behavior?" said Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets.
Sprouts Farmers Market is the "most likely" takeover candidate left among publicly traded grocery chains, JPMorgan has predicted, upgrading the stock on Friday to overweight from neutral.

Following Amazon going after Whole Foods , JPMorgan analyst Ken Goldman wrote in a note to clients that  should anyone else be shopping for a deal  "Sprouts is large enough to move the needle for most large retailers but not so large as to generate huge integration or balance sheet risk."

Though, a takeout of Sprouts would make more sense for a strategic acquirer, like Target , than a financial one, Goldman added.

Sprouts' business model is different than most grocery chains today and isn't easy to copy, which gives it another leg up for the company in the supermarket space, JPMorgan's Goldman said. The grocer has relationships with farmers and is able to buy their excess produce at below-market prices and move it quickly into its stores.

"We continue to think that overall, grocers are going to face challenging times ahead, mainly because competition continues to intensify. But we think SFM is in a good position  as a premium grocer with a unique business model  to defend itself to a degree."

Since the Whole Foods deal, many grocers have watched their stocks take a beating. Shares of Kroger and Supervalu have tanked more than 15 percent, each, over the past three months. The merger was made public in mid-June.

Meantime, Sprouts' stock is actually up about 3.3 percent over the past three months. Shares have climbed an impressive 24 percent since the start of the year  impressive especially when compared to the grocer's peers.

"Many of the issues SFM has faced over the past year  deflation, heightened labor investments, and abnormally intense competition  are beginning to abate," Goldman said on Friday.

To be sure, risks do remain for Sprouts, and Amazon is one of them.

Amazon Prime Now has been providing e-commerce services for 10 of Sprouts' stores, with plans to double that number in 2017 and expand the partnership further in 2018.

"Though still expanding today, Amazon could terminate or, at the least, de-emphasize its relationship with Sprouts once its acquisition of Whole Foods closes," Goldman warned on Friday.

Representatives from Sprouts and Amazon didn't immediately respond to CNBC's requests for comment.

Regardless, the grocery landscape space is becoming more and more competitive by the week  some might say by the day. German-based grocer Aldi is opening up stores throughout the U.S., supermarket companies are struggling to find a footing online, and meal-kit businesses present another question  ignore, or give in and compete?
Investors are often guilty of thinking things can only get better yet there appears to be little room left for European stocks to improve, according to a strategist at Deutsche Bank .

"If everything is as good as it gets then you have to position yourself for a softening," Sebastian Raedler, European equities analyst at Deutsche Bank, told CNBC on Friday.

Raedler argued that investors should position themselves for what will likely happen in the future rather than the strong economic data the market has seen over the summer.

The euro zone grew 0.6 percent in the three months through June, while on an annual basis the bloc's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 2.3 percent. Meanwhile, unemployment in the euro zone has been driven down to near-decade lows as the region recovers from the debt crisis.

"While the investor's psychology is always (tempted to think) the markets have gone up by 25 percent, banks have outperformed up 30 percent in the backdrop, then you say OK they have done so well, surely I want to be part of that party?

"But it is really like coming to a party at four in the morning  Everybody is already drunk and the question is, is that the moment to get yourself ready for action or is that the time to pull back? We think it is time to pullback," Raedler added.
True, McCoy had problems while at the helm of the company, including a 35-percent drop in its stock price this year. But McCoy also took innovative steps to try and right the company after taking it over in 2012, including selling off a large portion of its North American operations to a private equity firm.

Although people tend to think the "gig economy" started with Uber and Airbnb, in truth Avon has been doing it for decades with its part-time, majority female sales force. Uber has said it wants more women drivers, and McCoy likely will be able to tap into that workforce better than most.

McCoy was likely also hurt by a dangerous trend that hinders many top women executives. Studies show that women are more likely than men to be tapped to turn around companies and are frequently shown the door when they don't quickly succeed.

One doesn't have to look far to find other examples.

The day before Avon announced McCoy's departure, Irene Rosenfeld, the chief executive at Mondelez International, most famous for being the maker of Oreo cookies, announced her retirement after her own battles with investors, and Marissa Mayer of Yahoo left after a bumpy five years in her post after she was unable to fix the company's declining fortunes.

If one has any doubts about the unconscious bias that women leading companies face, you can look no further than the headline of the CNN Money story announcing McCoy's departure  "Ding dong! Avon's CEO is leaving." Not exactly subtle.

Whoever leads Uber, it will be a challenge. The truth is, a woman could do it, but picking her as some kind of window-dressing exercise only hurts us all in the long run by using them as props to masquerade a reluctance to address deep internal issues. All of the leadership at Uber was complicit in what had been happening at the company for years, and if they didn't know what was going on, that's a different kind of failure that should also be recognized and admonished.

No woman created this problem, but qualified women should certainly be among those considered to try and fix it.

Tracy Chadwell has worked in finance for 15 years and is the founder of 1843 Capital, a venture-capital firm that seeks to fund women-owned tech companies. She was partner of a growth-capital fund, Baker Capital, which had more than $1 billion under management. As a frequent speaker and start-up competition judge, Tracy has developed a broad network in the female founder community. She speaks conversational Japanese and restaurant French. Follow her on Twitter @TChadwell.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
Agriculture may have indirectly played a role in helping encourage President Donald Trumpto hold of off on taking trade action against China  at least for now.

The agriculture lobby and politicians from farm states have been pressing the administration, including Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, to refrain from imposing tariffs or trade penalties. The biggest fear they have is ag could become collateral damage in a trade war with China.

"We have been having meetings with the Secretary of Agriculture, with the U.S. Trade Representative, and talking to them about the importance of trade and how important it is to agriculture  and letting them know what kind of impact sanctions would have on agriculture," said Jim Miller, chairman of the U.S. Soybean Export Council and a Nebraska soybean farmer.

Last year, China purchased about $21.4 billion worth of U.S. agricultural exports, with soybeans accounting for two-thirds of it, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Other U.S. agriculture exports to China include distiller's dried grains, a corn byproduct used as livestock feed, cowhides, as well as tree nuts, cotton and fruits.

Soybeans shipped to China are processed or crushed into animal feed for the swine and poultry industry and other uses. With half of the world's hogs residing today in China, the demand for soy protein is significant and growing due to its rising population and middle-class wealth.

Last month, a delegation of nearly a dozen companies from China signed a $5 billion deal to purchase 460 million bushels of American soybeans. There also have been recent agricultural agreements with China involving U.S. beef and rice.

For its part, China has been preparing for what could be trade actions by Trump after frustration Beijing was not doing more to help on the North Korea issue. A speech scheduled for Friday on trade was postponed.

China's semi-official Global Times newspaper wrote in an op-ed Thursday about the situation: "With the highest volume of bilateral trade as the basis, China and the U.S. are like a couple in the same bed but with different dreams."

The paper's op-ed added, "A trade war threat to Beijing is only to vent its sentiment and send a warning to Beijing."

"The real question is whether there's a 'tit-for-tat' situation," said Joseph Glauber, senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington. "Typically, what countries do is take out equivalent measures [in any retaliation.]"

Glauber said if Beijing wants to get "the attention of a lot of people in the U.S. who spend a lot of time talking to the White House, hit soybeans. That's a pretty big number  and that would be a real concern if I were agriculture right now."

Then again, Glauber said it's not only soybeans; China could target sorghum and cotton.

"Farmers have expressed concern about trade issues," said Glauber. He said they've been worried about North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiations and more now about "adverse effects of any trade war with China."

Austin Rincker, a soybean producer in central Illinois and at-large director for the Illinois Soybean Association, said he's "fairly optimistic" that U.S. agriculture won't be impacted if there's a trade spat with China and points to the soybean deal signed last month as another encouraging sign.

"The deal that was put together is the second-largest deal for importing U.S. soybeans into China," Rincker said. "We really preach free trade and hopefully keep all those avenues open."

About 60 percent of the soybeans grown by American farmers are exported, with China by far the largest customer. China is the world's fourth-largest producer of soybeans but its need for soybeans is so great it imports from the U.S. and South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Miller, the Nebraska soybean grower, said South America is a competitor of American soybeans but adds "the U.S. cannot produce enough soy to meet the needs for the world. It takes world production to meet demand for soy protein."

That said, China could still retaliate against American soybean producers by encouraging its importers to purchase from other places such as South America. Similarly, Mexico is a major importer of U.S. soybeans and reportedly has been looking to buy more corn and soybean from South America so supplies could run short.

"If China were to increase the import tax from the United States [on soybeans], then initially we're going to see all the business shift to South America until they run out of beans," said Terry Reilly, a senior commodity analyst at Futures International in Chicago. "It's going to be a nail-biting experience."

Still, he believes an increased levy would hurt Chinese soybean companies in the end since "their crush margins are already very thin. So it's kind of a catch-22 for China because they depend on so much soybeans from South America and the United States."

Currently, China levies a value-added tax, or VAT, of 11 percent on imported soybeans, although prior to July 1 the amount was actually 13 percent. Beijing cut the rate to spur growth and also to help soybean processors since they have faced lousy profit margins for several years.

Anticipating the cut in the VAT, China recently saw ships with soybean cargos begin to stack up as importers waited for the lower tax rate to go into effect. Reilly expects the "congestion of beans" waiting to get unloaded after July 1 is a sign of just how sensitive the Chinese importers are to swings in the tax.

However, if China retaliates with a major increase in the VAT tax for U.S. soybeans, Reilly estimates it could pressure soybean prices, possibly to the lowest levels in a decade.

Yet even if China does encourage more soybean buying from South America, there could be a silver lining over the long term for U.S. growers.

"You don't want to lose a customer that you've invested so much time and effort in," said Miller, the Nebraska soybean farmer. "It's hard to get a customer back once you lose a customer. But it would open up new markets for us. We would be able to pick up market share in those regions that would no longer be supplied by South America."
Poland's future within the EU has come under renewed uncertainty after the President of the European Council said the country's "arrogant" rejection of EU law signals its desire to exit the union.

Donald Tusk, Poland's former Prime Minister, hit out at his home country's ruling Law and Justice party Thursday, saying that its fragile relationship with the EU had moved closer to breaking point.

"There is a question mark over Poland's European future today," Tusk told reporters in Warsaw Thursday.

Brussels has been at loggerheads with Poland in recent weeks over the conservative government's attempts to expand their powers. The EU claims that laws aimed at reforming the judiciary undermine the independence of judges and therefore break EU treaty rules. The government has since ignored a European Court of Justice order to halt tree logging in the Bialowieza forest, a Unesco World Heritage site.

"The fact that a European tribunal decision is rejected so arrogantly is evidence of something very dangerous in my opinion  it is an overt attempt to put Poland in conflict with the European Union," Tusk said.

Tusk noted that several actions of the Polish government appear to be "very controversial" and could risk the country's continued EU status. Brussels has already been considering triggering Article 7 of the EU treaty, a legal process which could suspend the country's voting rights.

"It smells like an introduction to an announcement that Poland does not need the European Union and that Poland is not needed for the EU," Tusk noted.

"I am afraid we are closer to that moment."

Tusk's comments came as he was in the Polish capital giving evidence to the Polish prosecutor's office over allegations of negligence in his government's handling of an investigation into a plane crash in 2010. The crash killed many high-ranking Polish officials, including then-president Lech Kaczynski, brother of the head of the Law and Justice party, Jaroslaw Kaczynski.
Chinese-made drones that may have been used by U.S. service members in Syria are now banned by the U.S. Army, according to a report.

"Cease all use, uninstall all DJI applications, remove all batteries/storage media from devices, and secure equipment for follow on direction," reads the memo from Lt. Gen. Joseph H. Anderson, the Army's deputy chief of staff for plans and operations. The memo was obtained by the publication Defense One, which said it was also confirmed by two Army officials.

According to the publication, the Army document cites "increased awareness of cyber vulnerabilities associated with DJI products."

Defense One also quoted Brett Velicovich, whom it described as a former Army intelligence soldier, as indicating the Army's comments "could have a huge impact on DJI." Velicovich now runs a Virginia-based consumer drone firm, Expert Drones.

"There are U.S. special operators in Syria using DJI products," Velicovich told the publication.

The Army memo, which was dated Aug. 2, was published online first by sUAS News.

Besides Syria, CNBC also found evidence that DJI-made drones are used in other areas of the military.

For one, a document on the Defense Department's website indicates that DJI Phantom drones were used during operations or exercises by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including for flooding and sometimes at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

DJI-made drones have also been used on occasion by the U.S. Air Force in conjunction with other military technology. One was used last year in Nevada at a national security site during a research challenge, which involved an attack drone intercepting the DJI drone with a large net.

CNBC reached out to the Army and Air Force for comment.

Adam Lisberg, a New York-based spokesman for DJI Technology, told CNBC in an emailed statement: "We are surprised and disappointed to read reports of the U.S. Army's unprompted restriction on DJI drones as we were not consulted during their decision. We are happy to work directly with any organization, including the U.S. Army, that has concerns about our management of cyber issues."

Lisberg added, "We'll be reaching out to the U.S. Army to confirm the memo and to understand what is specifically meant by 'cyber vulnerabilities.' Until then, we ask everyone to refrain from undue speculation."
The United States could shortly broaden talks on a push for stronger U.N. sanctions on North Korea to include all 15 Security Council members, signaling a likely deal with China on new measures, diplomats said on Thursday.

Since North Korea's July 4 launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the United States has been negotiating with Pyongyang ally China on a draft resolution to impose new sanctions on North Korea, which fired a second ICBM last Friday, in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"We have been working very hard for some time and we certainly hope that this is going to be a consensus resolution," China's U.N. Ambassador Liu Jieyi told Reuters on Thursday.

Some diplomats said the United States could give the draft resolution to all 15 council members as early as Thursday.

Typically, the United States and China have agreed sanctions on North Korea before formally involving other council members. A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, China, Russia, France or Britain to be adopted.

The United States has been informally keeping Britain and France in the loop on the negotiations, while U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said China had been sharing the draft and negotiating with Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has been frustrated that China has not done more to rein in North Korea and Washington has threatened to impose new sanctions on Chinese firms doing business with Pyongyang.

But Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his British counterpart, Boris Johnson, on Friday that China would continue to fully and strictly implement Security Council resolutions on North Korea, the ministry said.

Haley said on Sunday the United States was "done talking about North Korea" and China must decide if it is willing to back imposing stronger U.N. sanctions. But she has also acknowledged that Russia's engagement on the draft resolution would be the "true test."

Russia noted on Thursday that the permanent five (P5) veto powers had yet to formally discuss the draft. It was not immediately clear if poor relations between Russia and the United States, which imposed new unilateral sanctions on Russia on Wednesday, would hamper the negotiations.

"Even if there is an agreement between the U.S. and China, it doesn't mean there is an agreement between the P5 members," said Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, who met with Liu earlier on Thursday and discussed a possible resolution.

"Maybe there is a bilateral agreement (between Beijing and Washington), but that's not a universal one," he said, adding that while he was aware of what might be in the resolution he had not seen "the draft as it stands now."

The U.S. mission to the United Nations declined to comment.

Moscow has disagreed with assessments by Western powers that Pyongyang has launched two long-range missiles, saying they were mid-range. Diplomats say China and Russia only view a test of a long-range missile or a nuclear weapon as a trigger for further possible U.N. sanctions.

North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006 over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs and the Security Council has ratcheted up the measures in response to five nuclear weapons tests and two long-range missile launches.
For President Trump, 15 is the magic number.

That's the percentage at which he wants to cap the corporate tax rate, a steep cut from the current top rate of 35 percent and much lower than the ordinary income rates paid by many partnerships and small-business entities.

When news reports indicated recently that the goal was more likely to be set at 20 percent, or even higher, the president swiftly doubled down on 15 percent in an interview with The Wall Street Journal

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There's no doubt that a cut to 15 percent would be big, bold and historic. It might even be the biggest cut ever in corporate tax rates, to use another superlative Mr. Trump is fond of invoking.

It might do wonders for economic growth, level the competitive playing field, and encourage United States corporations to keep their headquarters in this country and invest trillions in cash currently stashed in offshore accounts.

A 15 percent rate would take the United States from having the highest corporate tax rate among industrialized nations to having one of the lowest. Britain is moving to 17 percent, Canada's federal rate has already gotten to 15 percent, and Ireland's is at 12.5 percent.

After last week's collapse of health care legislation, many believe Republicans can't afford to fail again, especially on what is widely considered their signature issue: taxes. As Scott A. Hodge, president of the conservative-leaning Tax Foundation, told me this week: "If the Republicans fail with tax reform, it would be truly catastrophic. It's really all or nothing at this point."

There's only one major stumbling block to a 15 percent rate, and the conventional wisdom is that it's an intractable one: how to pay for it.

According to estimates by the Tax Foundation, a cut in the corporate rate to 15 percent would add $2.2 trillion to the deficit over 10 years on a "static" basis, which assumes no additional economic growth. After factoring in growth and higher resulting tax receipts, known as "dynamic" scoring, the deficit would grow by $1 trillion, according to the foundation.

And if rates also go to 15 percent for pass-through entities  businesses that pay taxes at individual rates, like limited-liability corporations and partnerships  that adds another $1.5 trillion on a static basis, and $1.3 trillion on a dynamic basis, the foundation estimates. (A cut in pass-through rates has much less impact under dynamic scoring, because individuals and small businesses spend far less on capital projects and thus do less to stimulate the economy.)

Paying for corporate tax cuts of that magnitude "is a tremendous challenge if you don't want to blow a hole in the deficit," Mr. Hodge said. "Anyone writing tax legislation will find that the options are very limited."

How big is the challenge? In their tax blueprint, House Republicans could only get the corporate rate to 20 percent. The 2014 proposal from Representative Dave Camp, a Michigan Republican who was then the House Ways and Means Committee chairman, struggled to reach 25 percent. And when President Barack Obama nearly reached a "grand bargain" on tax reform with Republicans in 2013, he could only get to 28 percent, with 25 percent for some manufacturers.

"The math is really hard," said Ray Beeman, a tax expert at Ernst & Young and a former adviser to Mr. Camp. "There's really no big source of revenue that won't rile people up."

And yet 15 percent just might be possible.

For starters, eliminating the deductions and loopholes in the corporate tax code would go a long way toward paying for a significant corporate rate cut. There are so many of these that few companies actually pay the 35 percent statutory rate.

"Corporations benefit from all kinds of loopholes, especially the one allowing earnings to accumulate offshore without being taxed," said Steven M. Rosenthal, a tax expert and senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.

The Joint Committee on Taxation estimated that in 2016 the corporate income tax raised $300 billion in revenue, while what it called "targeted subsidies" cost about $270 billion. In other words, Congress could eliminate the subsidies and cut the corporate rate nearly in half without any significant loss in revenue.

Some of these tax subsidies are considered untouchable, like the deduction for employee health care costs. But others are expendable. One of the biggest is the interest deduction. Its elimination would raise $700 million over 10 years, the Tax Policy Center estimates. Many economists like the idea of eliminating the deduction because it favors borrowing over other forms of raising capital, like issuing stock. But big borrowers like real estate developers love the deduction, and Mr. Trump hasn't yet said that he's prepared to scrap it.

Another possibility would be to shift at least some of the tax burden from corporations to shareholders, by raising tax rates on capital gains and dividend income. Many economists favor that approach, because it reduces the double-taxation problem embedded in the current system. (Corporations pay taxes on profits, and then, when these are distributed, shareholders pay.) The added tax burden would fall primarily on affluent taxpayers since they tend to own stocks, helping to rebut the argument that slashing the corporate rate would be a tax cut for the wealthy.

While it's difficult to estimate how much additional tax revenue would be generated if dividends and capital gains were taxed at the same rate as ordinary income, it would surely be substantial, another big step toward a 15 percent corporate rate.

Taxing ordinary income, capital gains and dividends at the same rate would also greatly simplify the tax code. The notion does, however, run up against Republican orthodoxy that low capital-gains rates stimulate growth.

There are many other ways to raise revenue, of course. House Republicans proposed a border adjustment tax, popular with many pro-growth economists, which powerful retail interests shot down. Most European countries fund their low corporate taxes with some form of a value-added tax, on consumption rather than income. House Republicans have nodded in that direction, but a value-added tax runs afoul of many of the same interests that opposed the border tax, and has never been popular in the consumption-friendly United States.

Environmentalists and many economists would love to see a carbon tax, which would presumably be repellent to an administration that is skeptical of climate change and wants to promote the coal industry.

The point, however, is that if Mr. Trump and Republicans in Congress are serious about a 15 percent rate without vastly increasing the deficit, there are many ways to get there.

Then there's the 15 percent pass-through rate. While taxing small businesses and partnerships at the same rate as corporations has a superficial appeal, there's nothing that says they have to be the same. As the Tax Foundation maintains, cutting rates on these businesses has relatively little impact on growth. The House Republican blueprint was comfortable with a rate of 25 percent for small businesses and pass-through taxpayers, still a significant reduction from current ordinary income rates. And the 1986 reform act didn't require that pass-through entities pay the same rate as corporations.

"There's nothing magic about 15 percent," Mr. Rosenthal said.

The closer the pass-through rate is to ordinary income rates, the lower the incentive for lawyers, accountants, doctors and other service professionals to reorganize themselves into pass-through entities to avoid paying the higher rates. How to distinguish individual professionals from actual businesses has long vexed legislators trying to rewrite the tax code. "A big issue has always been, how do you prevent a pass-through owner who is really a wage earner or service provider from escaping the higher ordinary income tax rate?" Mr. Beeman said.

Everyone I spoke to mentioned that lowering corporate tax rates to anything close to 15 percent requires political courage and leadership to overcome the powerful special interests that benefit from existing loopholes  starting with real estate. Whether Mr. Trump can set aside personal interests and rise to the challenge remains to be seen.

Many tax experts hope he will.

"What's important is not just getting a home run under his belt," Mr. Hodge said. "The Republicans have to get tax reform right. They have to make sure it delivers the kind of growth that boosts productivity and real wages and living standards. If they do get it right, it can dramatically improve the lives of the people who feel most aggrieved about globalization and the state of the economy  the same people who voted for Trump."
White House Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly Getty Images

At age 13, President Donald Trump  a troublemaking, attention-seeking young boy  was shipped away to the New York Military Academy by his parents. While many kids become desperately homesick in the strict, disciplinary environments fostered by military schools, Trump thrived. As president, Trump has expressed an affinity for generals and military personnel, surrounding himself with the likes of Michael Flynn, H. R. McMaster, Joseph Dunford, James Mattis and  the latest addition to his inner circle  Chief of Staff John Kelly, the Marine General who had been heading Homeland Security. Trump came into office with the honor of being the first "CEO president," but it's the second-ever "military chief of staff" whose career experience may be critical to White House success. Military leadership has a proven record of success in the field of business, where the president has spent the last 50 years. Learning from military management tactics has also been made part of management theory and MBA school curriculum. The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, for example, is one of several MBA programs that incorporates military leadership principles. By engaging with top leaders from the armed services and participating in military training exercises, MBA students experience the real-world application of leadership principles, according to a Harvard Business Review article by Michael Useem, director of Wharton's Center for Leadership and Change Management.

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CEOs of major multinational corporations have also applied their military background to business operations. In 2008, former Wal-Mart CEO Bill Simon  who spent 25 years in the U.S. Navy  began sending recruiters to job fairs and headhunters with military connections. In four months the company hired 150 junior military officers, citing their ability to lead under pressure as a valuable skill in the talent pool. Word soon got out about the benefits of recruiting military talent, and G.I. Jobs' annual list of Military Friendly Employers, first published as a top 10 in 2003, swelled to a top 100. Kelly is not the first general to serve in the role of White House chief of staff. Alexander Haig, a four-star Army general who served in Vietnam and Korea, took over as White House chief of staff in 1973, during the height of the Watergate scandal. Haig is largely remembered for keeping the government running while Richard Nixon was preoccupied with the investigation, viewed by many as the "acting president" during Nixon's last few months in office. The decorated veteran also played a key role in finally persuading the embattled president to resign.

4 leadership lessons from Kelly's career

Some, including White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, have speculated that Trump "wants a little more discipline, a little more structure" in what has at times been a chaotic administration. This week, in fact, it has been said that federal officials are increasingly choosing to "ignore" the president. General Kelly, a former Marine who served primarily in Iraq, is expected to bring a management style heavily informed by his 45 years in the military. There are several high-profile lessons from his military career that can be applied to running a successful White House "business." Be diplomatic. Kelly was first promoted to brigadier general in 2002, prior to the commencement of the Iraq War. After the fall of Baghdad in April 2003, he took control of Task Force Tripoli, whose mission was to secure the Iraqi city of Tikrit. Kelly was at first reluctant to work with the tribal sheikhs in power, who were "hardly a democratic body and had done business with Saddam Hussein," according to Colonel Nicholas E. Reynolds. Ultimately, Kelly decided the sheikhs represented as good an interim local government as any, and he sought to establish a working relationship. As a by-product of Kelly's good faith, the sheikhs later assisted in the peaceful liberation of Bayji, a city 25 miles north of Tikrit. For a president who likes to drive a hard bargain  and has recently even clashed with members of his own party on Capitol Hill  Kelly's diplomatic outlook may offer a more conciliatory voice. Make no mistake, Kelly's politics swing conservative. But Trump has thus far failed to reach across the aisle for any major piece of legislation, while also attacking Republicans over health-care legislative failures and the Russia sanctions bill. Kelly's experience pushing past reservations about counter-parties is exactly what the president needs. "Gen. John F. Kelly brings career experience in running large-scale operations with diverse and conflicting players  and getting results  what the White House lacks at the moment," Wharton professor Michael Useem told CNBC.



Create a personal link with your employees to inspire loyalty. Kelly was deployed to Iraq again in 2008, this time as a three-star lieutenant general. It was here that he discovered what he truly loved about serving: "One of the worst things about getting promoted as an officer is that you get further and further away from day-to-day contact with young Marines," Kelly said. Of his leadership style, Kelly said the best thing you can do is look out for your Marines and let them know someone has their back. He apparently modeled his entire career around this concept. Donald Trump's White House has been described as insular, with the president himself largely isolated from the Washington establishment. In fact, you would have to go back to Andrew Johnson in 1865 to find a president as isolated as Trump, said Michael T. Corgan, a U.S. presidency scholar at Boston University. "[He] has got to find someone who can work between him and the Congress controlled by his (supposed) own party," Corgan told the Washington Times in June. "An obsequious Cabinet isn't enough." More recent developments suggest a widening gap between Trump and many power players in Washington.

Creating a personal link is crucial to leading people through challenging times Michael Useem director of Wharton's Center for Leadership and Change Management.
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The following companies are subsidiares of Lloyds Banking Group: A G Finance Ltd, A.C.L. Ltd, ACL Autolease Holdings Ltd, ADF No.1 Pty Ltd, Addison Social Housing Holdings Ltd, Alex Lawrie Factors Ltd, Alex. Lawrie Receivables Financing Ltd, Amberdate Ltd, Anglo Scottish Utilities Partnership 1, Aquilus Ltd, Automobile Association Personal Finance Ltd, BOS (Ireland) Property Services 2 Ltd, BOS (Ireland) Property Services Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland) No. 2) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland) No. 3) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland)) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 1 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 2 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 3 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 4 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 5 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 6 plc, BOS (USA) Fund Investments Inc., BOS (USA) Inc., BOS Edinburgh No 1 Ltd, BOS Mistral Ltd, BOS Personal Lending Ltd, BOSSAF Rail Ltd, Bank of Scotland (B G S) Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland (Stanlife) London Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Branch Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Central Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Edinburgh Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Equipment Finance Ltd, Bank of Scotland Foundation, Bank of Scotland LNG Leasing (No 1) Ltd, Bank of Scotland London Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Nominees (Unit Trusts) Ltd, Bank of Scotland P.E.P. Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Structured Asset Finance Ltd, Bank of Scotland Transport Finance 1 Ltd, Bank of Scotland plc, Bank of Wales Ltd, Barents Leasing Ltd, Barnwood Mortgages Ltd, Birchcrown Finance Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Financial Services Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Land Development Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Mortgage Services Ltd, Black Horse (TRF) Ltd, Black Horse Executive Mortgages Ltd, Black Horse Finance Holdings Ltd, Black Horse Finance Management Ltd, Black Horse Group Ltd, Black Horse Ltd, Black Horse Offshore Ltd, Black Horse Property Services Ltd, Boltro Nominees Ltd, British Linen Leasing (London) Ltd, British Linen Leasing Ltd, British Linen Shipping Ltd, C.T.S.B. Leasing Ltd, CBRail S.A.R.L., CF Asset Finance Ltd, CF1 Ltd, CM Venture Investments Ltd, Cancara Asset Securitisation Ltd, Capital 1945 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 12 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 3 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 5 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 9 Ltd, Capital Bank Property Investments (3) Ltd, Capital Personal Finance Ltd, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation 2018-1 Plc, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation 2019-1 Plc, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Cardnet Merchant Services Ltd, Cashfriday Ltd, Cashpoint Ltd, Caveminster Ltd, Cedar Holdings Ltd, Celsius European Lux 2 S.A.R.L., Central Mortgage Finance Ltd, Chariot Finance Ltd, Cheltenham & Gloucester plc, Cheltenham II Securities 2020 DAC, Cheltenham Securities 2017 Ltd, Chepstow Blue Holdings Ltd, Chepstow Blue plc, Chester Asset Options No.2 Ltd, Chester Asset Options No.3 Ltd, Chester Asset Receivables Dealings Issuer Ltd, Chester Asset Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Chester Asset Securitisation Holdings No.2 Ltd, Chiswell Stockbrokers Ltd, Clerical Medical Finance plc, Clerical Medical Financial Services Ltd, Clerical Medical International Holdings B.V., Clerical Medical Investment Fund Managers Ltd, Clerical Medical Managed Funds Ltd, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Guadalix Hold Co BV, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Guadalix Spanish Prop Co SL, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Megapark Hold Co BV, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Megapark Prop Co SA, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Property Company S.A.R.L., Cloak Lane Funding S.A.R.L., Cloak Lane Investments S.A.R.L., Conquest Securities Ltd, Corbiere Asset Investments Ltd, Create Services Ltd, Credit Card Securitisation Europe Ltd, Dalkeith Corporation, Deva Financing Holdings Ltd, Deva Financing plc, Deva One Ltd, Deva Three Ltd, Deva Two Ltd, Dunstan Investments (UK) Ltd, Edgbaston RMBS 2010-1 plc, Edgbaston RMBS Holdings Ltd, Elland RMBS 2018 plc, Elland RMBS Holdings Ltd, Eurolead Services Holdings Ltd, First Retail Finance (Chester) Ltd, Fontwell Securities 2016 Ltd, Forthright Finance Ltd, France Industrial Premises Holding Company, General Leasing (No. 12) Ltd, General Reversionary and Investment Company, Gresham Nominee 1 Ltd, Gresham Nominee 2 Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 1) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 10) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 11) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 12) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 13) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 14) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 15) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 16) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 19) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 20) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 21) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 22) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 23) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 24) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 25) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 26) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 27) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 28) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 29) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 3) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 30) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 31) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 32) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 33) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 34) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 35) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 36) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 37) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 38) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 39) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 40) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 41) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 44) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 45) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 46) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 47) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 48) UK Ltd, Guildhall Asset Purchasing Company (No 3) Ltd, Guildhall Asset Purchasing Company (No.11) UK Ltd, HBOS Covered Bonds LLP, HBOS Final Salary Trust Ltd, HBOS Financial Services Ltd, HBOS Insurance & Investment Group Ltd, HBOS International Financial Services Holdings Ltd, HBOS Investment Fund Managers Ltd, HBOS Social Housing Covered Bonds LLP, HBOS UK Ltd, HBOS plc, HSDL Nominees Ltd, HVF Ltd, Halifax Credit Card Ltd, Halifax Financial Brokers Ltd, Halifax Financial Services (Holdings) Ltd, Halifax Financial Services Ltd, Halifax General Insurance Services Ltd, Halifax Group Ltd, Halifax Investment Services Ltd, Halifax Leasing (June) Ltd, Halifax Leasing (March No.2) Ltd, Halifax Leasing (September) Ltd, Halifax Life Ltd, Halifax Loans Ltd, Halifax Ltd, Halifax Mortgage Services Ltd, Halifax Nominees Ltd, Halifax Pension Nominees Ltd, Halifax Premises Ltd, Halifax Share Dealing Ltd, Halifax Vehicle Leasing (1998) Ltd, Heidi Finance Holdings (UK) Ltd, Hill Samuel Bank Ltd, Hill Samuel Finance Ltd, Hill Samuel Leasing Co. Ltd, Home Shopping Personal Finance Ltd, Horizon Capital 2000 Ltd, Housing Association Risk Transfer 2019 DAC, Housing Growth Partnership GP LLP, Housing Growth Partnership LP, Housing Growth Partnership Ltd, Housing Growth Partnership Manager Ltd, Hyundai Car Finance Ltd, IBOS Finance Ltd, ICC Enterprise Partners Ltd, ICC Equity Partners Ltd, ICC Holdings Unlimited Company, Inchcape Financial Services Ltd, Intelligent Finance Financial Services Ltd, Intelligent Finance Software Ltd, International Motors Finance Ltd, Kanaalstraat Funding C.V., Katrine Leasing Ltd, LB Healthcare Trustee Ltd, LB Motorent Ltd, LB Quest Ltd, LB Share Schemes Trustees Ltd, LBCF Ltd, LBG Brasil Administracao LTDA, LBG Capital Holdings Ltd, LBG Equity Investments Ltd, LBI Leasing Ltd, LDC (General Partner) Ltd, LDC (Managers) Ltd, LDC (Nominees) Ltd, LDC GP LLP, LDC I LP, LDC II LP, LDC III LP, LDC IV LP, LDC Parallel (Nominees) Ltd, LDC V LP, LDC VI LP, LDC VII LP, LDC VIII LP, LTGP Limited Partnership Incorporated, Legacy Renewal Company Ltd, Leicester Securities 2014 Ltd, Lex Autolease (CH) Ltd, Lex Autolease (VC) Ltd, Lex Autolease Carselect Ltd, Lex Autolease Ltd, Lex Vehicle Finance 2 Ltd, Lex Vehicle Leasing (Holdings) Ltd, Lex Vehicle Leasing Ltd, Lime Street (Funding) Ltd, Lingfield 2014 I Holdings Ltd, Lingfield 2014 I plc, Lloyds (Gresham) Ltd, Lloyds (Gresham) No. 1 Ltd, Lloyds (Nimrod) Specialist Finance Ltd, Lloyds America Securities Corporation1, Lloyds Asset Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Branches) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Colonial & Foreign) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Fountainbridge 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Fountainbridge 2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (I.D.) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (International Services) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Stock Exchange Branch) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Asset Finance Ltd, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Ltd, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Scotland Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (HP) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.3) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.4) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds (LM) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds LLP, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 7) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 9) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Financial Services (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales, Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, Lloyds Bank General Insurance Holdings Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Insurance Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 11) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 17) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 20) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 3) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 5) Ltd, Lloyds Bank GmbH, Lloyds Bank Hill Samuel Holding Company Ltd, Lloyds Bank Insurance Services Ltd, Lloyds Bank International Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing (No. 6) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing (No. 8) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Bank MTCH Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 10) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 13) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 17) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No.16) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Offshore Pension Trust Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pension ABCS (No. 1) LLP, Lloyds Bank Pension ABCS (No. 2) LLP, Lloyds Bank Pension Trust (No. 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pension Trust (No. 2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pensions Property (Guernsey) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Properties Ltd, Lloyds Bank Property Company Ltd, Lloyds Bank S.F. Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Subsidiaries Ltd, Lloyds Bank Trustee Services Ltd, Lloyds Bank plc, Lloyds Banking Group Pensions Trustees Ltd, Lloyds Capital GP Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Properties Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Property Investments Ltd, Lloyds Corporate Services (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Engine Capital (No.1) U.S LLC, Lloyds Far East S.A.R.L., Lloyds General Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Group Holdings (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Holdings (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Hypotheken B.V., Lloyds Industrial Leasing Ltd, Lloyds International Pty Ltd, Lloyds Investment Bonds Ltd, Lloyds Investment Fund Managers Ltd, Lloyds Investment Securities No.5 Ltd, Lloyds Leasing (North Sea Transport) Ltd1, Lloyds Leasing Developments Ltd, Lloyds Nominees (Guernsey) Ltd, Lloyds Offshore Global Services Private Ltd, Lloyds Plant Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Portfolio Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Premises Investments Ltd, Lloyds Project Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No. 3 Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No. 4 Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No.5 Ltd, Lloyds Secretaries Ltd, Lloyds Securities Inc., Lloyds TSB Pacific Ltd, Lloyds UDT Asset Leasing Ltd, Lloyds UDT Asset Rentals Ltd, Lloyds UDT Hiring Ltd, Lloyds UDT Leasing Ltd, Lloyds UDT Ltd, Lloyds Your Tomorrow Trustee Ltd, Loans.co.uk Ltd, London Taxi Finance Ltd, London Uberior (L.A.S. Group) Nominees Ltd, Lotus Finance Ltd, MBNA, MBNA Direct Ltd, MBNA Europe Finance Ltd, MBNA Europe Holdings Ltd, MBNA General Foundation, MBNA Global Services Ltd, MBNA Indian Services Private Ltd, MBNA Ltd, MBNA R & L S.A.R.L., MBNA Receivables Ltd, Mainsearch Company Ltd, Maritime Leasing (No. 19) Ltd, Membership Services Finance Ltd, Mitre Street Funding S.A.R.L., Molineux RMBS 2016-1 plc, Molineux RMBS Holdings Ltd, Moor Lane Holdings Ltd, NFU Mutual Finance Ltd, NWS Trust Ltd, Nominees (Jersey) Ltd, Nordic Leasing Ltd, Ocean Leasing (July) Ltd, Oystercatcher Nominees Ltd, Oystercatcher Residential Ltd, PIPS Asset Investments Ltd, Pacific Leasing Ltd, Penarth Asset Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Penarth Funding 1 Ltd, Penarth Funding 2 Ltd, Penarth Master Issuer plc, Penarth Receivables Trustee Ltd, Pensions Management (S.W.F.) Ltd, Peony Eastern Leasing Ltd, Peony Leasing Ltd, Peony Western Leasing Ltd, Permanent Funding (No. 1) Ltd, Permanent Funding (No. 2) Ltd, Permanent Holdings Ltd, Permanent Master Issuer plc, Permanent Mortgages Trustee Ltd, Permanent PECOH Holdings Ltd, Permanent PECOH Ltd, Perry Nominees Ltd, Prestonfield Investments Ltd, Proton Finance Ltd, R.F. Spencer And Company Ltd, Ranelagh Nominees Ltd, Retail Revival (Burgess Hill) Investments Ltd, SARL Coliseum, SARL Hiram, SAS Compagnie Fonciere De France, SCI Astoria Invest, SCI De LHorloge, SCI Equinoxe, SCI Rambuteau CFF, SW Funding plc, SW No.1 Ltd, SWAMF (GP) Ltd, SWAMF Nominee (1) Ltd, SWAMF Nominee (2) Ltd, Saint Michel Holding Company No1, Saint Michel Investment Property, Saint Witz 2 Holding Company No1, Saint Witz 2 Investment Property, Salisbury II Securities 2016 Ltd, Salisbury II-A Securities 2017 Ltd, Salisbury III Securities 2019 DAC, Salisbury Securities 2015 Ltd, Sandown 2012-2 Holdings Ltd, Sandown 2012-2 plc, Sandown Gold 2012-1 Holdings Ltd, Sandown Gold 2012-1 plc, Savban Leasing Ltd, Scotland International Finance B.V., Scottish Widows Administration Services (Nominees) Ltd, Scottish Widows Administration Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Annuities Ltd, Scottish Widows Auto Enrolment Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Europe, Scottish Widows Financial Services Holdings, Scottish Widows Group Ltd, Scottish Widows Industrial Properties Europe B.V., Scottish Widows Ltd, Scottish Widows Pension Trustees Ltd, Scottish Widows Property Management Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Personal Wealth (ACD) Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Personal Wealth Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Wealth Holdings Ltd, Scottish Widows Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Trustees Ltd, Scottish Widows Unit Funds Ltd, Scottish Widows Unit Trust Managers Ltd, Scottish Widows Fund and Life Assurance Society, Seabreeze Leasing Ltd, Seaspirit Leasing Ltd, Share Dealing Nominees Ltd, Shogun Finance Ltd, Silentdale Ltd, St Andrews Group Ltd, St Andrews Insurance plc, St Andrews Life Assurance plc, St. Marys Court Investments, Standard Property Investment (1987) Ltd, Standard Property Investment Ltd, Sussex County Homes Ltd, Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, Swan Funding 2 Ltd, Syon Securities 2019 DAC, The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Plc, The British Linen Company Ltd, The Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, The Mortgage Business plc, Thistle Financing Holdings Ltd, Thistle Investments (AMC) Ltd, Thistle Investments (ERM) Ltd, Thistle Leasing, Three Copthall Avenue Ltd, Tower Hill Property Investments (10) Ltd, Tower Hill Property Investments (7) Ltd, Tranquility Leasing Ltd, Trinity Financing plc, UDT Budget Leasing Ltd, UDT Sales Finance Ltd, Uberior (Moorfield) Ltd, Uberior Co-Investments Ltd, Uberior ENA Ltd, Uberior Equity Ltd, Uberior Europe Ltd, Uberior Fund Investments Ltd, Uberior Infrastructure Investments (No.2) Ltd, Uberior Infrastructure Investments Ltd, Uberior Investments Ltd, Uberior Nominees Ltd, Uberior Trading Ltd, Uberior Trustees Ltd, Uberior Ventures Australia Pty Ltd, Uberior Ventures Ltd, United Dominions Leasing Ltd, United Dominions Trust Ltd, Universe The CMI Global Network Fund, Upsaala Ltd, Vine Street IX LP, WCS Ltd, Ward Nominees (Abingdon) Ltd, Ward Nominees (Birmingham) Ltd 1, Ward Nominees (Bristol) Ltd 1, Ward Nominees Ltd 1, Waverley  Fund II Investor LLC, Waverley  Fund III Investor LLC, Waymark Asset Investments Ltd, West Craigs Ltd, Wetherby II Securities 2018 DAC, Wetherby III Securities 2019 DAC, Wetherby Securities 2017 Ltd, Wood Street Leasing Ltd, and Zurich Insurance Group - UK Workplace Pensions and Savings Business.

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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. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, Haskel France SAS, Haskel Sistemas de Fluidos Espana S.R.L., Hibon Inc., Highspeed Newco LLC, Hingerose Limited, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., IR HPS Holdco. 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. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Industrial Ireland Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana Manufacturing S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments II S.A R.I., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Industrial Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Instrum Rand JSC, Interflex Datensysteme, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, Kryptonite corp, Lawrence Factor Inc., LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., MP Pumps Inc., Maximum AG Technologies Inc., Maximus Solutions, Mb Air Systems Limited, Nash Elmo, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Plurifilter D.O.O., Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Robuschi, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, SEEPEX, Seepex (M) SDN, Seepex Australia Pty Ltd, Seepex Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung, Seepex France S.a.r.l., Seepex GmbH, Seepex Inc., Seepex India Private Ltd., Seepex Italia SRL, Seepex Japan Co. Ltd., Seepex Nordic A/S, Seepex OOO, Seepex Pumps (Shanghia) Co. Ltd., Seepex UK Ltd., Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co., Superay, Syltone, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Tamrotor Marine Comp AS Norway, Tecno Matic Europe s.r.o., Thomas Industries Inc., Trane Technologies, Tri-Continent Scientific Inc., Vacuum and Blower Systems division, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zaxe Technologies Inc., Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc, Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Zinsser NA Inc., and crayon interface.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Kroger: 84.51 HQ Building Company LLC, 84.51 LLC, Alpha Beta Company, Ansonborough Square Investors I LLC, Ansonborough Square Retail LLC, Ardrey Kell Investments LLC, Bay Area Warehouse Stores Inc., Beech Tree Holdings LLC, Bleecker Ventures LLC, Bluefield Beverage Company, Box Cutter Inc., CB&S Advertising Agency Inc., Cala Co., Cala Foods Inc., Cheeses of All Nations Inc., Country Oven Inc., Crawford Stores Inc., Creedmoor Retail LLC, Dillon Companies LLC, Dillon Real Estate Co. Inc., Dillons, Distribution Trucking Company, Dotto Inc., Edgewood Plaza Holdings LLC, Embassy International Inc., FM Inc., FMJ Inc., Farmacia Doral Inc., Food 4 Less GM Inc., Food 4 Less Holdings Inc., Food 4 Less Merchandising Inc., Food 4 Less of California Inc., Food 4 Less of Southern California Inc., Fred Meyer, Fred Meyer Inc., Fred Meyer Jewelers Inc., Fred Meyer Stores Inc., Glasswing Labs LLC, Glendale/Goodwin Realty I LLC, Grubstake Investments LLC, HT Fuel DE LLC, HT Fuel NC LLC, HT Fuel SC LLC, HT Fuel VA LLC, HTGBD LLC, HTP Bluffton LLC, HTP Plaza LLC, HTP Relo LLC, HTPS LLC, HTTAH LLC, Harris Teeter, Harris Teeter LLC, Harris Teeter Properties LLC, Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc., Harris-Teeter Services Inc., Healthy Options Inc., Henpil Inc., Home Chef, Hood-Clayton Logistics LLC, Hughes Markets Inc., Hughes Realty Inc., I.T.A. Inc., IRP LLC, ITAC 119 LLC, ITAC 265 LLC, Inter-American Foods Inc., Inter-American Products Inc., J.V. Distributing Inc., Jondex Corp., Jubilee Carolina LLC, KCDE  2013 LLC, KCDE-2 LLC, KCDE-3 LLC, KCDE-4 LLC, KCDE-5 LLC, KGO LLC, KPF LLC, KPS LLC, KRGP LLC, KRLP Inc., KV Anderson LLC, Kee Trans Inc., Kessel FP, Kiosk Medicine Kentucky LLC, Kirkpatrick West Retail LLC, Kroger Community Development Entity LLC, Kroger Dedicated Logistics Co., Kroger Fulfillment Network LLC, Kroger G.O. LLC, Kroger HQ LLC, Kroger LM Real Estate Holdings LLC, Kroger Limited Partnership I, Kroger Limited Partnership II, Kroger MC Holdings LLC, Kroger MTL Management LLC, Kroger Management Co., Kroger Management  Corryville LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Athens I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Champaign I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Champaign II LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Cincinnati I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Dallas I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Danville I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Logansport I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Missouri I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Oak Ridge I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Olney I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Omaha I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Portsmouth I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Starkville I LLC, Kroger Management  NMTC Topeka I LLC, Kroger NMTC Fremont I LLC, Kroger OZ1 Inc., Kroger OZ1 LLC, Kroger OZ2 Inc., Kroger OZ2 LLC, Kroger OZ3 Inc., Kroger OZ3 LLC, Kroger Opportunity Fund I Inc., Kroger Prescription Plans Inc., Kroger Specialty Infusion AL LLC, Kroger Specialty Infusion CA LLC, Kroger Specialty Infusion Holdings Inc., Kroger Specialty Infusion TX LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy CA LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy FL 2 LLC, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings 2 Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings 3 Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings I Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Holdings Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy Inc., Kroger Specialty Pharmacy LA LLC, Kroger Texas L.P., LCGP3 Home Cooking Inc., Latta Village LLC, Local Mkt LLC, Main & Vine LLC, Matthews Property 1 LLC, Mega Marts LLC, Michigan Dairy L.L.C., ModernHealth LTC, Murrays Cheese LLC, Murrays Cheese LLC, Murrays LIC LLC, Murrays Table LLC, Pace Dairy Foods Company, Paramount Logistics LLC, Pay Less Super Markets Inc., Peyton's-Southeastern Inc., Plum Labs LLC, Pontiac Foods Inc., Queen City Assurance Inc., RBF LLC, RGC Southeast Properties LLC, Ralphs Grocery Company, Relish Labs LLC, Rocket Newco Inc., Roundy's, Roundys Acquisition Corp., Roundys Illinois LLC, Roundys Inc., Roundys Supermarkets Inc., Second Story Inc., Shop-Rite LLC, Smiths Beverage of Wyoming Inc., Smiths Food & Drug Centers Inc., Southern Ice Cream Specialties Inc., Stallings Investors I LLC, Sunrise R&D Holdings LLC, Sunrise Technology LLC, TLC Corporate Services LLC, TLC Immunization Clinic LLC, TLC of Georgia LLC, The Kroger Co. of Michigan, The Little Clinic LLC, The Little Clinic Management Services LLC, The Little Clinic of Arizona LLC, The Little Clinic of Colorado LLC, The Little Clinic of IN LLC, The Little Clinic of Kansas LLC, The Little Clinic of Mississippi LLC, The Little Clinic of Ohio LLC, The Little Clinic of TX LLC, The Little Clinic of Tennessee LLC, The Little Clinic of VA LLC, Topvalco Inc., Ultimate Mart LLC, Ultra Mart Foods LLC, Vandervoort Dairy Foods Company, Vine Court Assurance Incorporated, Vitacost, Vitacost.com Inc., Woodmont Holdings LLC, and YOU Technology.

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Iain Dale is Presenter of LBC Drive, Managing Director of Biteback Publishing, a columnist and broadcaster and a former Conservative Parliamentary candidate.

Now you may notice a distinct lack of political content in this weeks diary column. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, I am on holiday and havent spoken to anyone in the political world for nearly two weeks, and secondly, theres not been a lot happening!

***

There do seem to be some continuing stresses in the Cabinet over Brexit, however. In some ways this is inevitable. There will always be differing views, but do they really have to be expressed in public? Last week we had the disagreement between Liam Fox and Michael Gove over chlorinated chicken and this week the Chancellor has yet again decided to wade into the argument about how long any transitional period should be. Its pointless speculating about the length of a transition because in the end it will have to be agreed to by the EU. And surely a red line has got to be that we must be allowed to start formal trade negotiations with other countries from 29th March 2019, not from the end of a transitional period. I wonder whether the Chancellor is on board with that?

***

Isnt it revealing that the Corbyn leadership has been unwilling to offer any condemnation of the brutal regime in Venezuela? Revealing, but not surprising. Even the Shadow Foreign Secretary, Emily Thornberry, couldnt bring herself to say anything. Instead, Shadow Home Office Minister Chris Williamson went on Newsnight, presumably without informing Seumas Milne, Corbyns Comms Director. Milne, it should be remembered, is a fan of the Maduro regime, having conducted a nauseating interview with the Venezuelan leader in 2014 for The Guardian. Williamson was asked by Evan Davis whether he considered himself closer politically to Maduro and Chavez than to Tony Blair. He naturally refused to answer the question. Says it all.

***

Radio presenters live and die by their audience figures. Yesterday, we all learnt how many people were listening to our respective programmes and for LBC it was a record quarter. We reached 2 million listeners for the first time ever with virtually every show putting on listeners both in London and nationally. Nick Ferraris figures are truly phenomenal. The breakfast show sets the scene for the rest of the day and if your breakfast show isnt performing its likely that will filter down the schedule. Ferrari really is at the top of his game and nationally now has a record 1.19 million listeners each week. Nigel Farages show has done brilliantly. To get close on half a million listeners for an hour long show at 7pm is a real achievement. I never got anywhere near that figure when I was doing that slot.

My show had record figures too, beating James OBrien in London for the first time (although not nationally), 18 per cent up year on year, and my show had the largest increase in national listeners of any show on the station, reaching 815,000 which was a massive 27 per cent increase on the same period in 2016.

All very pleasing, and a testament to the work done by our respective production teams, but as ever, we shouldnt get carried away with one quarters figures. We should remember that in this quarter we had a general election, so it will not be a surprise if the figures move back a little in the next quarter. But this quarter we all stepped up to the plate and reinforced LBCs growing reputation in the world of political and current affairs broadcasting. And if you havent given us a listen yet, please do.

***

One of the things you face as you get older is the decreasing number of weddings you attend, and the increasing number of funerals you go to. In all honesty, I cant remember the last wedding I went to, but the funerals are coming thick and fast. Today Im attending a funeral near Saffron Walden of someone Ive known since I was 18. She was married to one of my best friends from my schooldays and died two weeks ago. She was the same age as me. Juliet had battled cancer for some time, and last year had to have a leg amputated. She knew she hadnt got long to live, but even so the news came as a shock. Her husband rang me just as I had got off a train at Charing Cross. I dont mind admitting I walked along the platform shedding quite a few tears. The end came very suddenly and was a shock to everyone. All sorts of cliches are trotted out at times like this but it really is true to say that she was a one off who was always totally positive about everything. Im sure she must have had some very dark moments in the last couple of years, but she was a battler and an optimist. And my friend.
The Conservative Partys traditional duty in British politics is neither happy nor easy. As the old trope goes, its the Tories job to come in and clean up the mess each time Labour have wrecked the public finances with excessive spending, taxing and borrowing.

There are plenty of other things wed rather do. Sometimes, we get the legislative space to do them  giving people the freedom to own their own homes through Right to Buy, for example, or opening up education to innovators through Free Schools  but mostly the prevailing weather has already been decided by others.

Nor is it much fun. Despite the routine left-wing critique that every Tory is secretly slavering for cuts, in reality Conservatives see it as a duty to try to right the ship, to the extent that theyre willing to take the battles and demonisation that goes with doing so. It would be far easier to opt for Labours self-gratification of promising endless freebies and the permanent suspension of the fundamental economic equation: the bills the state runs up must inevitably be paid for by somebody.

Voters tend to know this. At its bluntest, Britains political reputations break between the idea that the left is all heart but no brain, and the right is all brain but no heart. Fairly or otherwise, thats how many people see it. And they tend to choose accordingly. If they think the country is overdue for a bit of indulgence, and can afford it, they vote Labour. If they think times are tough, and the nation ought to practice hard-headed restraint, they vote Tory.

By and large, each party has lived up (or down) to those stereotypes. The last few years of Conservative government, however, are proving to be an exception. Austerity was undoubtedly necessary  it was so clear that before the 2010 election the voters were more radical on public spending than the Conservative Party. People accepted that it needed to be reined in, and braced themselves for tough but important action.

But, somewhere along the way, the job hasnt been done. George Osborne fans may point to his various tough decisions, and tougher speeches, as well as to the battles he fought and the unpopularity he attracted  but the fact remains that the deficit target slipped. It has kept on slipping under Hammond. The deficit is down, but after seven years it is currently scheduled to remain in existence indefinitely.

This is hugely dangerous. Dangerous for the country, because we run the risk of going into the next economic downturn with the state already sustained by sizeable borrowing  precisely the error made by Gordon Brown, which made the British experience of the crash worse than it needed to be. And dangerous for the Conservative Party, because if your core brand rests on being fiscally responsible, and hard-nosed enough to clean up Labours mess, you had damned well better make sure that once in power you fulfil that expectation.

We can already see the damage being done to the Tory vote by the uncomfortable prospect of a near-permanent twilight state of austerity. By squandering the early years on half-measures, the chance to do the job might well have been permanently missed. People might opt for a short, sharp shock to fix problems  few are likely to be enthused by the prospect of unending half-restraint, partial pain but only slow gain.

Would it have been easy to get on top of this problem in the Osborne years? No. Even the action that was taken was hard, and they were hobbled on some fronts by the reliance on Lib Dem votes. But the whole point of British conservatism is this: just because something might be hard to do, that does not mean it is not worth doing.

There remains the uncomfortable suspicion that, with his eyes on a greater prize, the former Chancellor was simply unwilling to completely sacrifice his reputation on the altar of the national interest, and so squandered a time-limited opportunity on doing only half the job. Quite how far the harm of that reluctance will extend, and how long it will last, is yet to be seen  by his country or his party.
The cruise industrys latest trend in slow cruising around Iceland is paying big dividends to Siglufjordur, which will welcome 35 calls in 2017, up from just six calls in 2015.

Most of the ships visiting are the expedition ships, who vary in size from 500 to 11,000 tons, said Anita Elefsen, director at The Herring Era Museum, which manages the cruise business in Icelands northernmost town  which was a tiny shark fishing village in 1900.

A new berth is available to cruise lines this year after a two year reconstruction process. The berth was lengthened to accommodate ships up to 220 meters in length and is located in the heart of town.

This opens up many opportunities for us here in Siglufjordur and makes us able to welcome larger ships to berth, than before, Elefsen told Cruise Industry News.

Callers include Iceland Pro Cruises, Silversea, Hurtigruten, Variety Cruises, Quark Expeditions, Phoenix Reisen, Ponant and Seaborun. Dont forget Lindblad either, Elefsen added, who was the first to send a cruise ship to Siglufjordur.

We try our best to be flexible and meet every ships demands. So far we have had no winter calls, but a few overnights that have worked out well, Elefsen noted.
Three additional cruise ships are calling into Pago Pago Harbor in October and December, according to the American Samoa Visitors Bureau.

The visits by three Holland America Line ships will mean a total of seven ships calling in American Samoa before the end of the year.

The Maasdam, making its maiden call, will visit twice in October and December, with the Noordam calling in October and the Amsterdam in December.

The remaining ships calling later this year include the Emerald Princess, the Norwegian Jewel, making her maiden call, and the Regatta.

In other news from the islands, when a cruise ship is in port, Tisa's Barefoot Bar and Alega Beach & Marine Preserve will only be open to guests that purchase a prepaid cruise ship day package. The deal includes a three-hour tour around Tutuila guided by Tisa with photo opportunity stops before arriving at Alega Bay.

Waiting for guests at Alega Bay will be an authentic Samoan feast and beverage prepared in a stone-fired umu earth oven with fresh organic foods that are locally grown.

Guests will also enjoy exclusive access and use of the private beach with an on duty lifeguard.

The package costs $135 per person, and for those just wanting the island feast and experience the beach and preserve (no transport or tour included) the cost is $75. Guests numbers will be limited to a maximum of 60 people to ensure the impact on the Alega Bay environment is low and not impede on the preserves eco-system.
Credit union employees are invited to donate $5 and wear jeans Sept. 13 as part of the annual Miracle Jeans Day to support Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals.

The annual Credit Unions for Kids Miracle Jeans Day event encourages credit union employees to donate $5 for the opportunity to wear jeans to work that day.

Credit unions can order free paper icons and stickers so their members can participate as well. Proceeds are donated the credit unions local Childrens Miracle Network Hospital. To register, visit cu4kids.org/mjd.

Last year, more than 300 credit unions went casual for kids, raising thousands of dollars for their local CMN Hospitals. More than 100 credit unions from 40 states have already pledged their support for the 2017 Miracle Jeans Day event.
Halliburton Company provides products and services to the energy industry worldwide. It operates in two segments, Completion and Production, and Drilling and Evaluation. The Completion and Production segment offers production enhancement services that include stimulation and sand control services; cementing services, such as well bonding and casing, and casing equipment; completion tools that offer downhole solutions and services, including well completion products and services, intelligent well completions, and service tools, as well as liner hanger, sand control, and multilateral systems; production solutions comprising coiled tubing, hydraulic workover units, downhole tools, and pumping and nitrogen services; and pipeline and process services, such as pre-commissioning, commissioning, maintenance, and decommissioning. This segment also provides electrical submersible pumps, as well as artificial lift services. The Drilling and Evaluation segment offers drilling fluid systems, performance additives, completion fluids, solids control, specialized testing equipment, and waste management services; oilfield completion, production, and downstream water and process treatment chemicals and services; drilling systems and services; wireline and perforating services consists of open-hole logging, and cased-hole and slickline; and drill bits and services comprising roller cone rock bits, fixed cutter bits, hole enlargement, and related downhole tools and services, as well as coring equipment and services. This segment also provides cloud based digital services and artificial intelligence solutions on an open architecture for subsurface insights, integrated well construction, and reservoir and production management; testing and subsea services, such as acquisition and analysis of reservoir information and optimization solutions; and project management and integrated asset management services. Halliburton Company was founded in 1919 and is based in Houston, Texas.
Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland.
Energizer Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes household batteries, specialty batteries, and lighting products worldwide. It offers lithium, alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel metal hydride, zinc air, and silver oxide batteries under the Energizer and Eveready brands, as well as primary, rechargeable, specialty, and hearing aid batteries. The company also provides headlights, lanterns, and children's and area lights, as well as flash lights under the Energizer, Eveready, Rayovac, Hard Case, Dolphin, Varta, and WeatherReady brands. In addition, it licenses the Energizer and Eveready brands to companies developing consumer solutions in gaming, automotive batteries, portable power for critical devices, LED light bulbs, generators, power tools, household light bulbs, and other lighting products. Further, the company designs and markets automotive fragrance and appearance products, including protectants, wipes, tire and wheel care products, glass cleaners, leather care products, air fresheners, and washes to clean, shine, refresh, and protect interior and exterior automobile surfaces under the brand names of Armor All, Nu Finish, Refresh Your Car!, LEXOL, Eagle One, California Scents, Driven, and Bahama & Co; STP branded fuel and oil additives, functional fluids, and other performance chemical products; and do-it-yourself automotive air conditioning recharge products under the A/C PRO brand name, as well as other refrigerant and recharge kits, sealants, and accessories. It sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, and wholesalers; and through various retail and business-to-business channels, including mass merchandisers, club, electronics, food, home improvement, dollar store, auto, drug, hardware, e-commerce, convenience, sporting goods, hobby/craft, office, industrial, medical, and catalog. Energizer Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Fortis Inc. operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 438,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 100,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,485 megawatts (MW), including 53 MW of solar capacity and 252 MV of wind capacity. The company also sells wholesale electricity to other entities in the western United States; owns gas-fired and hydroelectric generating capacity totaling 65 MW; and distributes natural gas to approximately 1,065,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, it owns and operates the electricity distribution system that serves approximately 577,000 customers in southern and central Alberta; owns 4 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 225 MW; and provides operation, maintenance, and management services to five hydroelectric generating facilities. Further, the company distributes electricity in the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador with an installed generating capacity of 143 MW; and on Prince Edward Island with a generating capacity of 130 MW. Additionally, it provides integrated electric utility service to approximately 68,000 customers in Ontario; approximately 272,000 customers in Newfoundland and Labrador; approximately 32,000 customers on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and approximately 16,000 customers on certain islands in Turks and Caicos. The company also holds long-term contracted generation assets in Belize consisting of 3 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 51 MW; and the Aitken Creek natural gas storage facility. It also owns and operates approximately 90,200 circuit Kilometers (km) of distribution lines; and approximately 50,500 km of natural gas pipelines. Fortis Inc. was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in St. John's, Canada.
Deutsche Telekom AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated telecommunication services. The company operates through five segments: Germany, United States, Europe, Systems Solutions, and Group Development. It offers fixed-network services, including voice and data communication services based on fixed-network and broadband technology; and sells terminal equipment and other hardware products, as well as services to resellers. The company also provides mobile voice and data services to consumers and business customers; sells mobile devices and other hardware products; and sells mobile services to resellers and to companies that purchases and markets network services to third parties, such as mobile virtual network operators. In addition, it offers internet services; internet-based TV products and services; and information and communication technology systems for multinational corporations and public sector institutions with an infrastructure of data centers and networks under the T-Systems brand, as well as call center services. The company has 242 million mobile customers and 22 million broadband customers, as well as 27 million fixed-network lines. Deutsche Telekom AG has a collaboration with VMware, Inc. on cloud-based open and intelligent virtual RAN platform to bring agility to radio access networks for existing LTE and future 5G networks; and partnership with Microsoft to deliver high-performance cloud computing experiences. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Bonn, Germany.
The following companies are subsidiares of Novo Nordisk A/S: Aldaph SpA, Beijing Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Science & Technology Co. Ltd., CS Solar Fund XIV LLC, Calibrium, Corvidia, Corvidia Therapeutics Inc., Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Dicerna Pharmaceuticals Inc., Emisphere Technologies, Emisphere Technologies Inc., MB2 LLC, NNE A/S, Neotope Neuroscience Limited, Novo Nordisk, Novo Nordisk (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Novo Nordisk (Pty) Limited, Novo Nordisk (Shanghai) Pharma Trading Co. Ltd., Novo Nordisk B.V., Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., Novo Nordisk Colombia SAS, Novo Nordisk Comercio Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Novo Nordisk Denmark A/S, Novo Nordisk Egypt LLC, Novo Nordisk Farma OY, Novo Nordisk Farma S.R.L., Novo Nordisk Farma dooel, Novo Nordisk Farmaceutica Limitada, Novo Nordisk Farmaceutica do Brasil Ltda., Novo Nordisk Finance (Netherlands) B.V., Novo Nordisk Health Care AG, Novo Nordisk Hellas Epe., Novo Nordisk Holding Limited, Novo Nordisk Hong Kong Limited, Novo Nordisk Hrvatska d.o.o., Novo Nordisk Hungaria Kft., Novo Nordisk Inc., Novo Nordisk India Holding Pte Ltd., Novo Nordisk India Private Limited, Novo Nordisk Kazakhstan LLP, Novo Nordisk Kenya Ltd., Novo Nordisk Lanka (PVT) Ltd, Novo Nordisk Limited, Novo Nordisk Limited Liability Company, Novo Nordisk Ltd, Novo Nordisk Mexico S.A. de C.V., Novo Nordisk North America Operations A/S, Novo Nordisk Norway AS, Novo Nordisk Panama S.A., Novo Nordisk Pars, Novo Nordisk Peru S.A.C., Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Private) Limited, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Singapore) Pte Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma (Taiwan) Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma AG, Novo Nordisk Pharma Argentina S.A., Novo Nordisk Pharma EAD, Novo Nordisk Pharma GmbH, Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf FZE, Novo Nordisk Pharma Inc., Novo Nordisk Pharma Korea Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma Limited, Novo Nordisk Pharma Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma Operations (Business Area) Sdn Bhd, Novo Nordisk Pharma Operations A/S, Novo Nordisk Pharma S.A., Novo Nordisk Pharma SARL, Novo Nordisk Pharma SAS, Novo Nordisk Pharma Sp.z.o.o., Novo Nordisk Pharma d.o.o., Novo Nordisk Pharma d.o.o. Belgrade (Serbia), Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries LP, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Services Sp. z o.o., Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals (Philippines) Inc., Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals A/S, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty. Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharmatech A/S, Novo Nordisk Pharmatech US Inc., Novo Nordisk Production SAS, Novo Nordisk Production Support LLC, Novo Nordisk Producao Farmaceutica do Brasil Ltda., Novo Nordisk Region AAMEO and LATAM A/S, Novo Nordisk Region China A/S, Novo Nordisk Region Europe A/S, Novo Nordisk Region Japan & Korea A/S, Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis Inc., Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., Novo Nordisk S.P.A., Novo Nordisk Saglik Urunleri Tic. Ltd. Sti., Novo Nordisk Saudi for Trading, Novo Nordisk Scandinavia AB, Novo Nordisk Service Centre (India) Pvt. Ltd., Novo Nordisk Slovakia s.r.o., Novo Nordisk Tunisie SARL, Novo Nordisk US Bio Production Inc., Novo Nordisk US Commercial Holdings Inc., Novo Nordisk US Holdings Inc., Novo Nordisk Ukraine LLC, Novo Nordisk Venezuela Casa de Representacion C.A., Novo Nordisk d.o.o., Novo Nordisk s.r.o., PT. Novo Nordisk Indonesia, S.A. Novo Nordisk Pharma N.V., UAB Novo Nordisk Pharma, Xellia Pharmaceuticals, Ziylo, and Ziylo Limited.

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Serco Group plc provides public services in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, the Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. The company offers base and operational support engineering, and management and information, as well as nuclear, space, and maritime services for the defense sector; and custodial, immigration detention, and detainee transport and monitoring services for the justice and immigration sectors. It also provides rail, ferry, and cycle operations; road traffic management; and air traffic control services to the transportation sector, as well as integrated facilities management, pathology and non-clinical support, and patient administration and contact services for the health sector. In addition, the company offers citizen services, including contact centers and case management; middle, back office, and IT; and employment and skills services. The company serves the United Kingdom and Canadian governments, devolved authorities, and other public sector customers; and federal and civilian agencies, and various state and municipal governments. Serco Group plc was founded in 1929 and is based in Hook, the United Kingdom.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 27F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 80%. About one inch of snow expected..

Tonight

Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 27F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 80%. About one inch of snow expected.
WATERLOO  A special American Red Cross blood drive in honor of Brady Prosser will take place Tuesday, Aug. 15, from noon to 6 p.m. at DeKalb Middle School.

Each donor at this blood drive will receive a free Cedar Fair theme park ticket, while supplies last. They can also enter to win one of three grand-prize packages for four to Knotts Berry Farm in California or Cedar Point in Ohio.

Prosser is an eighth-grade student at DeKalb Middle School. Last October, he was accidently burned over 65 percent of his body. He needed several surgeries and received 64 units of blood and plasma during his treatment.

Thanks to the generosity of others donations, Brady will eventually have his regular life back, said Emily Prosser, Bradys mother. We hope for every eligible person to donate blood. The need is so great.

The blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces a critical summer blood shortage. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in, and eligible donors are urged to give now, the organization said.

In addition to the theme park tickets for the Prosser blood drive, everyone who comes to give blood or platelets through the Red Cross from now through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard.

To make an appointment to donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.

A blood donor card or drivers license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. People who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger must meet height and weight requirements.

To save time at a donation, donors can use RapidPass to complete pre-donation reading and a health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To learn more donors can visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
Investec's Ian Gordon hailed Royal Bank of Scotland's latest set of quarterly results but reiterated his 'hold' stance on the shares.

The lender "very much" continued to be multi-year recovery story, Gordon explained in a research note sent to clients.

Nevertheless, he conceded that RBS had "travelled well" into the results, adding: "but this looks to be entirely justified and the shares should go better today."

As he pointed out, underlying profits of 1.69bn were 59% ahead of the company-compiled consensus, tangible net asset value was up 3p to 300p on the quarter, impairments were 56% better than consensus, negative revenues within Capital Resolution were 101m better than consensus and NatWest Markets continued to perform "extremey well".

On the flip side, on his estimates RBS's tNAV would decline in the backhalf of 2017, troughing at about 290p but improving after that point.

Furthermore, return on tangible equity was seen improving from -0.9% in 2017 to 10.3% in 2020, which was a "shade" below the 12.0% the lender was aiming for.

The analyst therefore kept his target price at 260.0p.

"For all the welcome progress, we believe that RBS very much remains a multi-year recovery story."
Toyota and Mazda have joined forces with the aim of producing 300,000 vehicles a year in a 1.6bn car plant in the US, as well as pooling investment into new technologies for electric vehicles and 'connected cars'.

The Japanese car giants agreed to establish a 1.6bn joint venture plant in the US with equal funding contributions, with the goal of beginning operations in 2021 and eventually producing 300,000 vehicles a year.

Roughly 4,000 jobs will be created as part of the plan.

Donald Trump attacked Toyota earlier this year over its plans to build a new factory in Mexico, threatening to hit the Japanese carmaker with a "big border tax" if the plant was not built in the US.

The car manufacturers, which also agreed to buy a stake in each other, also announced that they will jointly develop technologies for electric vehicles that they hope will allow them "to respond quickly to regulations and market trends in each country".

Toyota and Mazda will also work together to develop technologies for "onboard multimedia infotainment systems in preparation for increased use of in-car information technologies and the increasing demand for connected technologies", with Toyota cooperating with Mazda in Toyota's vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies "with the ultimate goal of creating a mobile society devoid of accidents".

Mazda said that it expects to produce cross-over models that it will newly introduce to the North American market, while Toyota said it plans to introduce the Corolla for the North American market.
America's trade deficit with the rest of the world shrank by more than expected in June with exports of services hitting a record.

The total shortfall in foreign trade in goods and services declined by 5.9% month-on-month to reach -$43.6bn, according to the Department of Commerce.

Economists had penciled in a shortfall of of -$45.5bn.

May's tally of -$46.5bn was revised slightly lower, to -$46.4bn.

Exports of goods and services increased by 1.2% on the month to $194.0bn - their highest level since December 2014 - while imports fell 0.2% to $238.0bn.

At $65.4bn, services exports were at their highest level ever, while those of goods, at $129.7bn, were at their best level since April 2015.

On the import side of the equation, purchases of capital goods from overseas ran at $52.9bn in June, which was also the highest level on record.

By countries, and in non-seasonally-adjusted terms, exports to India rose to $2.35bn, their best mark since the $2.37bn reached in June 2013, the Department of Commerce said.

In parallel, the US imported a record $4.3bn of goods and services from Italy.

The bilateral trade deficit on goods with the People's Republic of China widened from -$31.6bn to -$32.6bn in June.

In a research note sent to clients following Friday's release, Michael Pearce at Capital Economics said: "Real goods exports increased by a strong 1.6% m/m, benefiting from strong global growth and the weaker dollar.

"Even allowing for an upturn in imports, net trade should be broadly neutral for growth this year, after subtracting 0.5%-pts or so from annualised GDP growth over the previous three years."
European stocks are continuing to move higher, albeit only marginally so, with traders treading carefully ahead of the monthly US jobs report.

A dip in the single currency, likely also influenced by caution ahead of the non-farm payrolls figures in the States was also providing a small tailwind.

As of 1000 BST, the benchmark Stoxx 600 was edging higher by 0.03% or 0.11 points to 379.04, with the Cac-40 up by 0.07% or 7.57 and changing hands at 12,162.51 while the Dax was 0.07% or 8.05 points higher at 12,.162.64.

US jobs data due out at 1330 BST were expected to reveal 183,000 new hirings.

To take note of perhaps, the data would come close on the heels of revised figures on personal savings which had shown a substantial dip since the start of 2016.

On the back of those revisions, on 1 August economists at Oxford Economics told clients that: "This is not sustainable in the medium-term and points to more moderate 2% consumer spending absent a fiscal stimulus, firmer wage growth, or a deeper savings dip."

Other recent data also appeared to indicate that Americans had now realised that, at least in the near-term, fresh fiscal stimulus was considerably less likely.

In the background, the euro was marginally lower against the greenback, changing hands 0.01% lower at 1.1868, having made gains earlier in the session on the back of the continuing news-flow regarding the official inquiry into the US administration's relations with Russia.

Overnight, the Wall Street Journal reported that US special counsel Robert Mueller impaneled a grand jury to investigate Russia's possible interference in the 2016 elections, in a possible sign that the probe was gathering intensity.

Commenting on the those headlines, Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets said: "The US dollar has also remained under pressure, on reports that a grand jury is being convened by US special counsel Robert Mueller to look into the allegations of Russian interference in the US election. The mere fact that this is being talked about in such terms would suggest that the evidence is there and is waiting to be found."

The mixed close on Wall Street overnight was attributed to that news, with the Dow again edging higher on the back of the weakness in the US dollar that resulted.

On the economic front, factory orders in Germany sped ahead by 1.0% month-on-month in June, according to the Federal Office of Statistics, more than doubling economists' forecasts for a rise of 0.4%.

Meanwhile, Spanish industrial production dipped by 0.1% on the month in June (consensus: 0.1%), according to INE.

Italian retail sales were up by 0.8% in June versus May, according to ISTAT.

Looming large on the economic calendar for Friday, US non-farm payrolls figures for June due out at 1330 BST were expected to show 183,000 new hirings.

Swiss Re was a stand-out faller after it reported falling profits as price pressures weighed on its margins.

RBS was heading the other way after the 71% state-owned lender smashed past analysts' forecasts for adjusted second quarter profits.
Independent Scottish craft brewer Innis & Gunn enjoyed a significant year of growth as it increased annual turnover by 22% to 14.3m as it laid foundations for a planned doubling of the business in the coming two years.

Sales volume exceeded 2.2m cases for the first time in the history of the Edinburgh based company, which raised 2.4m via crowdfunding from nearly 1,914 new shareholders during the year.

The funds were used to up the capacity and technology at its brewery, with the majority reserved to open new Beer Kitchens, of which two were opened in Dundee and St Andrews in the year, with advanced negotiations currently taking place over sites in the UK and overseas as it looks to make "Tap & Table" its focus in 2017.

International sales accounted for much of the company's growth, with Canada staying in the lead as the primary export location, making up in excess of one fifth of total sales volume.

New distribution deals were also signed in Europe and Asia

I&G also sold just shy of 600,000 bottles over the year, as part of the first year of a joint-venture with French beverage company SIP Drinks and anticipates volume to double in the market over the next twelve months.

Gross profits jumped 25% to 8.5m last year as chairman Tony Hunt called it a "transformative year" in which it purchased the Inveralmond Brewery in Perth to add a stable of award-winning beers.

Hunt said it was just "the start of a planned transformation of our business".

"Most important of all, we laid the foundations from which we plan to double the size of this business over the next two years."
Shares in Petrofac gushed higher on Friday after the company said it will be awarded a $2bn contract as part of a 50/50 joint venture with Samsung Engineering by Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries in the southern part of Oman.

Petrofac and Samsung's scope of work on the 47-month contract includes engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, training and start-up operations for all the utilities and offsites at Duqm.

The development, which is a strategic investment for the Sultanate of Oman and forms the cornerstone of the Duqm Special Economic Zone, occupies more than 2,000 acres and, when completed, will have a refining capacity of approximately 230,000 barrels of oil per day.

E Sathyanarayanan, group managing director of Engineering & Construction, said: "This significant project represents our twelfth in the country and serves to reinforce Petrofac's commitment to one of our core markets; one in which we have been present since 1988. Furthermore, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to continue to increase in-country value through engaging with the local supply chain and recruitment of local resources."

At 1250 BST, shares in Petrofac - which is currently being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office - were up 8% to 479.60p.
Donald Trump has told supporters that special counsel Robert Mueller's formation of a special grand jury panel to examine evidence of Russian collusion allegations in his 2016 presidential campaign was a "fake story".

In Huntington, West Virginia, where he beat Democratic Party candidate Hilary Clinton by 42 percentage points in last year's race to the oval office, Trump held a rally overnight as he sought to take solace and whip up new enthusiasm in his populist base.

Trump told a sea of 'Make America Great Again' trucker hats: "Most people know there were no Russians in our campaign; there never were. We didnt win because of Russia. We won because of you."

He went on to accuse the media of trying to deny them of the leadership they wanted "with a fake story."

Mueller, who was appointed after the firing of FBI director James Comey in May, has assembled over a dozen investigators with experience in international bribery, organised crime and financial fraud from a pool of both current and former justice department prosecutors, the Washington Post reported, meaning that the former FBI boss could subpoena witnesses and records in the near future.

Ty Cobb, the presidents lawyer, said: The White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly... The White House is committed to fully co-operating with Mr Mueller.

So far the jury has demanded information about the meeting last June between the President's son, Donald Trump Jr, and Natalia Veselnitskaya, a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin.

Mueller's team has begun to focus on financial ties between Trump, his associates and Russia, CNN later reported, as one of the best ways to drive the investigation forward.

While the remarks on the probe were quite scathing, the President did not make any scornful or disparaging remarks about Mueller himself, another change in direction from his brand of individually focused assaults the world has become accustomed to seeing from his Twitter account.

The President sarcastically asked the crowd, "Have you seen any Russians in West Virginia or Ohio or Pennsylvania? Are there any Russians here tonight, any Russians?"

Speaking the same day, Steve Williams, the mayor of Huntington, which Trump referred to during the rally as "the heart of Trump country," lambasted the President's claim that the Russia story was a hoax.

It obviously isnt because Mueller is announcing today that a grand jury has been impanelled. Methinks he doth protest too much."
A Swiss bank that accepts only customers with at least 2m of assets is defying Brexit with plans to expand in the UK through new offices in Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow. Julius Bar will also put a small team in Belfast as it ventures beyond its UK operations in London. It is expected to hire 30 financiers for the new locations. - Guardian

Ministers need to stop feuding and agree on the shape of the transitional deal Britain wants before any future trading relationship with the EU is finalised, business leaders have warned. There is an urgent need for government to engage properly on the most imminent risk to business from Brexit: what happens, or doesnt, on Brexit day, the Institute of Directors (IoD) said in a report assessing transition period options. - Guardian

Legal & General has taken its first step into the retirement housing market by acquiring an existing operator with ambitions to build 3,000 homes for older people in the next five years. The insurer has paid 40m for Inspired Villages, a company previously known as English Care Villages, with the price including two existing retirement villages and the firms management.  Telegraph

Property company M7 has appointed bankers to explore a 300m float of one of its vehicles in what would be one of the largest public listings in the UK this year. The firm wants to raise the money via the stock exchange in order to invest in regional property across the UK which is let to a number of tenants.  Telegraph

The City watchdog has been warned that it is failing to give financial firms a clear idea of how to prepare for Brexit with fewer than a fifth of respondents to a survey saying it was doing a good job. Only 14 per cent of more than 2,000 regulated businesses responding to the survey commissioned by the regulator on its recent performance said that the FCA was doing a good job of explaining its preparation work for Britains withdrawal from the EU.  The Times

British Gass row with the government deepened after the company claimed that energy policies would soon account for more of an electricity bill than wholesale costs. Britains biggest energy supplier has been at loggerheads with ministers and Ofgem, the industry regulator, since announcing on Tuesday that it was raising electricity bills by 12.5 per cent.  The Times
Google announced on Thursday that retail related smartphone searches had increased 26% over the second quarter of 2017.

Search volumes across all devices maintained the same level of growth as last year, with a 7% increase.

Beauty was the stand out sector when it came to overseas consumers on mobile devices, with an increase of 42%. Apparel also remained very popular seeing a jump of 38%.

Martijn Bertisen, retail director at Google said that the "unseasonably warm" second quarter was the cause of the increase in consumer searches from their phones whilst out of the house.

The California based search engine said Estonians continued to show a heavy interest in UK retailers, reporting a 77% year on year (YoY) increase.

"Overseas shoppers - from within the EU and beyond - continue to show increasing interest UK brands. In particular beauty and fashion brands are benefiting from an increase in consumer interest. Whilst back at home, we saw a 43% increase YoY in suncare searches as we endeavoured to protect ourselves from the heat," said Bertisen.

British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson also noted that the growth in mobile browsing in the EU demonstrated a "stable appetite for UK brands from overseas consumers. Satisfying this interest from abroad through retailers digital offer, is crucial to go some way to offsetting the more discretionary spending habits of hard-pressed UK consumers."

UK retailers seemed to respond to the increase in multiple interactions  both digital and non-digital - that consumers must navigate their way through in order to complete their online shopping journey by increasing presence across digital channels and making serious investments in omnichannel measurement.
Staff at Austrian Member ORF have been reflecting on their own work and how it creates public value in a new report for the broadcaster.

25 staff who work in TV, radio and online, have contributed to a new report on the broadcasters contribution to society. Staff discuss the value their own work brings, whether that is providing a showcase to Austrian creative talent, staging debates or providing a trustworthy source of news.

ORFs public value report showcases the public value they bring in five key areas: individual, social, national, international and corporate value. Each section of the report includes an infographic, case examples and data indicators on how they have performed.

Every year, ORF reports the public value of the organization and its services. The report is complemented by a website under the motto Qualitat entfalten (unfolding quality).

The website includes a range of data and information including academic texts tackling subjects ranging from the value of independence to the impact of the Eurovision Song Contest; and #Next Generation, a series of video interviews with ORFs youngest staff members discussing their demands for the future and how media can be of the highest quality.

The report (in German) is available here or can be downloaded from the website. An English-language summary of the report can be found here.
The Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC)the Republican-dominated state board deciding the fate of TransCanadas long-delayed Keystone XL pipelinehave barred experts and homeowners from testifying over potential spills or whether the tar sands pipeline is even necessary during final hearings next week.

The Omaha World-Herald reports that former Lancaster County District Judge Karen Flowers, who was hired by NPSC to conduct the hearings, issued more than 30 rulings based on objections filed by TransCanada.

She ruled that issues such as safety or if the U.S. even needs Canadian oil are out of the commissions scope of authority.

The (Nebraska Major Oil Pipeline) Siting Act specifically prohibits the commission from considering safety considerations, including the risk of spills and leaks, Flowers wrote in her ruling.

Nebraska law requires the NPSC to approve a pipeline construction application if it is in the public interest. The commissionmade up of four Republicans and one Democratwill mainly consider issues that impact the local economy such as jobs and revenues.

Pipeline opponent Oil Change International spoke out against the hearing officers ruling, as it bars the testimony of 15 outside experts and more than 25 landowners.

For instance, the decision barred the planned testimony of Lorne Stockman, senior research analyst at Oil Change International. Stockmans testimony, which was submitted ahead of the hearings and thus part of the official record, would have stressed how changing market conditions and realities in the tar sands industry negates the need for Keystone XL pipeline.

There is simply no need for the Keystone XL pipeline based on the current market conditions, which even TransCanada has admitted, he said, noting recent statements by TransCanada representatives who have cast doubt in finding sufficient shippers to fill the pipeline.

Those conditions, Lockman continued, include an end to growth in the tar sands sector and stagnant global oil demand, headwinds that look set to end the reckless proliferation of tar sands pipelines. Given all of the risks to Nebraskans inherent in the building and operation of this pipeline, the fact that theres no compelling need to build it should be a critical element of the commissions deliberations.

My testimony exposes that the Keystone XL pipeline is not only a disaster for our climate and communities, but also that TransCanada has no business case to it to be built in the first place. Its no wonder they dont want me to testify, Lockman concluded.

Bold Nebraska founder Jane Kleeb, a prominent critic of the Keystone XL project, said legal action against the NPSCs decision to bar expert and landowner testimonies could be necessary.

Theyre headed for a very tough court fight, Kleeb told the World-Herald.

A recent Bloomberg report highlighted how during the hearings, Keystone opponents will focus on the issue of eminent domain, which Republicans traditionally oppose in favor of landowner property rights. Keystone proponents, meanwhile, will focus on job creation, which the GOP also supports.

TransCanadas proposed pipeline would carry 830,000 barrels of tar sands oil from Canada into the U.S. daily.
By Ryan Schleeter

Despite industry claims to the contrary, history shows that there is simply no safe way to transport fossil fuels, and pipelines are no exception.

The rate and volume of pipeline spills in the U.S. has increased in recent years, with devastating consequences for communities and our environment. In the past decade, U.S. pipeline spills have led to 20 fatalities, 35 injuries, $2.6 billion in costs and more than 34 million gallons spilled. Thats an average of 9,000 gallons of hazardous liquids spilled every single day for ten years.

And yet Donald Trumps pro-fossil fuel agenda means we could be facing a massive expansion of the U.S. pipeline network, including increased development in the Canadian tar sands. If that happens, it would be disastrous for the climate and violate the rights of tribes and First Nations on both sides of the border.

It would also mean more pipeline spillslots of them.

Three companiesTransCanada, Kinder Morgan and Enbridgewant to build new pipelines to transport oil from the Canadian tar sands into the U.S. Together, theyve seen 373 spills totaling 63,221 barrels of hazardous liquids since 2010.

Needless to say, this is a less than stellar track record.

Keystone XL builder TransCanada has by far the smallest U.S. pipeline network of the three, yet has still seen 13 spills in the last six years. Enbridge, which wants to expand its Line 3 pipeline through Minnesota and Wisconsin, has seen 147 spills. And Kinder Morgan, builder of the Trans Mountain pipeline in the Pacific Northwest, has seen 213 spills.

The largest of those was a massive spill from an Enbridge pipeline near Marshall, Michigan in 2010 that dumped more than 1 million gallons of crude oil into the Kalamazoo River. Tar sands oil from the ruptured pipeline flowed freely for 17 hours and reached 40 miles downriver.

Tar sands oil spills are particularly hard to clean up because unlike crude oil, tar sands oil sinks in water.

If these companiesand others like themare allowed to continue expanding the tar sands pipeline network, another Kalamazoo-sized spill is a very real threat. Given TransCanadas history, the Keystone XL pipeline could expect 59 significant spills in 50 years, while Enbridges Line 3 Expansion would be expected to see 51 significant spills.

Our climate and communities cannot afford that. But there is a way to stop these pipelines from being built in the first place.

We know Trump is not going to step in to stop these projects; he already issued an executive order to fast-track the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines in January.

But he cant control the financial markets.

Its time to put the banks funding these dangerous pipelines on notice, starting with JPMorgan Chase. As the sixth-largest bank in the worldand one that publicly supported the Paris climate agreementJPMorgan Chase has a responsibility to cut ties to this climate and human rights disaster.
By Joe McCarthy

Wyoming produces 40 percent of the U.S.s coal, nearly quadruple the amount produced by West Virginia, the second highest producer.

So far this year, production in the state has increased by 15 million tons.

Yet Wyoming hasnt opened a new coal mine in decadeslong-standing mines are filling the demand.

And it looks like the state might not open a new mine anytime soon.

Ramaco Carbon, a Chinese-owned company, was cleared by state regulators to begin construction of a new mine near the town of Ranchester earlier this year.

Then local landowners stepped in and lobbied a regional council to block the permit, arguing that the proposed mine had deficiencies that would ultimately harm the local environment.

They said that the proposed mine could pollute water wells, it lacked blasting limits and it would increase the likelihood of sinkholes. They also said that the plan approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency failed to collect data on the area and that the company neglected to consult residents who would be impacted.

Lawyers for the Powder River Resource Council, a regulatory body, said that the plan submitted by Ramaco was wholly inadequate.

On Tuesday, the plan was rejected in a 4-1 vote.

You dont just go into Wyoming with people whove lived here for generations and think youre gonna throw your weight around and tell us how its gonna be, Jill Morrison, director of Powder River Basin Resource Council, told The Huffington Post. It dont work like that here.

Now either the mine will be abandoned or Ramaco will have to devise a new plan that addresses the complaints and resubmit it for approval.

Either way, the rejection is symbolically profound and speaks to Wyomings larger struggle for economic sustainability.

The state has been hemorrhaging coal jobs for years as the industry shifts to automation and appetite for coal declines following the surge of natural gas.

All across the world, meanwhile, countries are giving up coal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

While Wyoming isnt giving up coal, its finding that its flat, open landscapes are ideal for renewable energy and that renewable energy, in turn, is ideal for job growth.

The state currently produces the fourth most wind energy in the country and 100 percent of all new energy in capacity in Wyoming will come from renewable energy between 2016-2019, according to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

This progress is being slowed by policies that tax wind power at high rates and by attempts to flat-out ban new renewable energy projects in the state.

But as citizens continue to see the benefits of wind energy through more jobs and the environmental hazards of coal energy, the calculus of state legislators could change.

Blocking a new coal mine shows the power of the public. Pushing for more wind energy would do the same.

Wyoming is at a bit of a crossroads, where if it doesnt get on board soon its going to miss out on an incredible economic development opportunity for the state, John Hensley, a wind energy expert, told the Star Tribune. Its an opportunity that is going to go elsewhere in the country if [Wyoming] doesnt move forward.

Reposted with permission from our media associate Global Citizen.
New Delhi: Foreign policy was discussed in Parliament on Thursday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj strongly condemned the allegations of opposition parties. Responding to the allegations of the Opposition on the Doklam dispute, Sushma said that the solution to any problem is not war. He said that this issue will be solved only by bilateral discussion. He said that India is working with patience and restraint.

Sushma also met with the Chinese ambassador of opposition leaders. In reply to a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, he said, Why did the opposition leader get the Chinese ambassador? The leader of the opposition should first know the side of India. We gave information to everyone on the Dochelam dispute. Now the era of war fighting has changed. Negotiations are necessary after the war.  Significantly, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi met with Chinese Ambassador Lu Zhaohui in India. Congress initially denied reports of the meeting, but after the news came to the media, the meeting was confirmed.

External Affairs Minister said that the opposition says that India has been alone in international relations, but should she tell whether it is true? He said, This is baseless. The opposition said that Indias relationship with neighboring countries is bad. Today, relations with India like the US, Russia, Britain, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are strong. 

Modis challenge to challenge Trump

Sushma also praised PM Narendra Modi as well. He said that former PM Jawaharlal Nehru had earned the personal honor, while PM Modi enhanced the value of the country abroad. He said that CPMs Sitaram Yechury is speaking that India has become a junior partner of America. this is not right. Sushma said, Modi had said that he did not want to be separated from the Parish Climate Agreement. Modi had said that India will be in this agreement. In Modi, there is the need to stand anywhere and challenge Trump. Modi has now become the PM who has set a global agenda. Sushma said that if Pakistanis leave terrorism, they can be sitting on the table of talks with him.

Israel will not forget our friend, Palestine

Sushma said that Israel is a friend of India but New Delhi will not forget the Palestine. He said, As a foreign minister I went on a trip to Palestine. There were leaders from there. As far as Israel is concerned, PM Modi went there on completion of 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Where the Foreign Minister has to go, I go there

On the allegations of opposition members running the Foreign Ministry by the PMO, Sushma said, Where the Foreign Minister plays the role, I go. Where the PM is to go, the PM goes. India has become so strong today that during my visit, the heads of the respective countries meet me comfortably.  He asked how many times former PM Manmohan Singh used to take foreign ministers along with him. He said, During the UPA tenure, foreign policy was made from PMO. Modi gives me complete freedom to make foreign policy.

Strong relations with Arab countries

Sushma said that when the NDA government came in 2014, people were suspicious of relationships with West Asia. He said, Todays relations with the Arab countries are the best of India. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi was our guest on the occasion of Republic Day. Saudi Arabia was honored by PM Modi for his highest honor. During the Yemen war, we brought the Indian people trapped there and brought them out. This is a great standard of success of Indian foreign policy. PM Modi interacted with the Saudi king and sought the assurance of safe release of Indians. King of Saudi said that he can stop the firefight for some time. He said that for the use of the airport, India will have to talk to Yemen. After this, Saudi used to prevent firefight between 9-11 in the morning and we used to get Yemens airport to take out its citizens from there. India collected about 4,700 civilians from Yemen and about 2,000 civilians from other countries including the United States, France, Germany. 

Panic and conversation not together

Sushma has reversed the charge of opposition leader Anand Sharma for closing Indias dialogue with Pakistan. He said that there can not be talks with Pakistan unless it will stop sponsoring terror. He said, We had made a roadmap for peace from Pakistan but after the encounter with Burhan Wani, the situation worsened. Pakistans then PM Nawaz Sharif described Wani as a freedom fighter. Terror and conversation can not go together.
A new Tel Aviv University study suggests that cultural activities, such as the use of language, influence our learning processes, affecting our ability to collect different kinds of data, make connections between them, and infer a desirable mode of behavior from them.

"We believe that, over lengthy time scales, some aspects of the brain must have changed to better accommodate the learning parameters required by various cultural activities," said Prof. Arnon Lotem, of TAU's Department of Zoology, who led the research for the study. "The effect of culture on cognitive evolution is captured through small modifications of evolving learning and data acquisition mechanisms. Their coordinated action improves the brain network's ability to support learning processes involved in such cultural phenomena as language or tool-making."

Prof. Lotem developed the new learning model in collaboration with Prof. Joseph Halpern and Prof. Shimon Edelman, both of Cornell University, and Dr. Oren Kolodny of Stanford University (formerly a PhD student at TAU). The research was recently published in PNAS.

"Our new computational approach to studying human and animal cognition may explain how human culture shaped the evolution of human cognition and memory," Prof. Lotem said. "The brain is not a rigid learning machine in which a particular event necessarily leads to another particular event. Instead, it functions according to coevolving mechanisms of learning and data acquisition, with certain memory parameters that jointly construct a complex network, capable of supporting a range of cognitive abilities.

"Any change in these parameters may change the constructed network and thus the function of the brain," Prof. Lotem said. "This is how small modifications can adapt our brain to ecological as well as to cultural changes. Our model reflects this."

To learn, the brain calculates statistics on the data it takes in from the environment, monitoring the distribution of data and determining the level of connections between them. The new learning model assumes a limited window of memory and constructs an associative network that represents the frequency of the connections between data items.

"A computer remembers all the data it is fed. But our brain developed in a way that limits the quantity of data it can receive and remember," said Prof. Lotem. "Our model hypothesizes that the brain does this 'intentionally' -- that is, the mechanism of filtering the data from the surroundings is an integral element in the learning process. Moreover, a limited working memory may paradoxically be helpful in some cognitive tasks that require extensive computation. This may explain why our working memory is actually more limited than that of our closest relatives, chimpanzees."

Working with a large memory window imposes a far greater computational burden on the brain than working with a small window. Human language, for example, presents computational challenges. When we listen to a string of syllables, we need to scan a massive number of possible combinations to identify familiar words.

But this is only a problem if the person who is learning really needs to care about the exact order of data items, which is the case with language, according to Dr. Lotem. On the other hand, a person only has to identify a small combination of typical features in order to discriminate between two types of trees in the forest. The exact order of the features is not as important, computation is simpler and a larger working memory may be better.

"Some of these principles that evolved in the biological brain may be useful in the development of AI someday," Dr. Lotem said. "Currently the concept of limiting memory in order to improve computation is not something that people do in the field of AI, but perhaps they should try and see whether it can paradoxically be helpful in some cases, as in our human brain."

"Excluding very recent cultural innovations, the assumption that culture shaped the evolution of cognition is both more parsimonious and more productive than assuming the opposite," the researchers concluded. They are currently examining how natural variations in learning and memory parameters may influence learning tasks that require extensive computation.

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American Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) supports Israel's most influential, comprehensive and sought-after center of higher learning, Tel Aviv University (TAU). TAU is recognized and celebrated internationally for creating an innovative, entrepreneurial culture on campus that generates inventions, startups and economic development in Israel. For three years in a row, TAU ranked 9th in the world, and first in Israel, for alumni going on to become successful entrepreneurs backed by significant venture capital, a ranking that surpassed several Ivy League universities. To date, 2,400 patents have been filed out of the University, making TAU 29th in the world for patents among academic institutions.
Intergenerational relations include various forms of help and support but also tensions and conflicts. Although relations with in-laws are the subject of many anecdotes and proverbs across cultures, they remain little studied in contemporary societies. A new study investigates how being a parent is associated with conflicts between family generations. The research is part of the Generational Transfers in Finland - research project lead by Professor Anna Rotkirch and funded by the Academy of Finland.

Using survey data from Finland with over 1,200 respondents, the authors studied conflicts that couples reported having with their own parents and their in-laws.

Overall, Finns reported higher conflict occurrence with their own parents than with their in-laws. Compared to childless couples, couples with children were as likely to report conflicts with their own parents. However, they were more likely to report conflicts with their parents-in-law. The results took into account how frequently family members were in contact with each other and how emotionally close they felt, as well as other sociodemographic factors.

Previous studies have shown that in-laws become more "kin-like" to each other when a grandchild unites kin lineages. Treating an in-law almost as biological kin can make the adults involved feel closer to each other and help each other more, what has been called a "kinship premium". This study documented evidence also of a "kinship penalty". As in-laws become more kin-like through the presence of a grandchild, their mutual conflicts increase.

Childcare provided by grandparents is of great help to parents of young children, but may also be a source of conflicts. "Daughters-in-law were more likely to report conflicts when their mother-in-law provided more grandchild care", says researcher Mirkka Danielsbacka. "This indicates that the increase in conflicts between in-laws are related to grandchild care."

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Article: Danielsbacka, M., Tanskanen, A. & Rotkirch, A. (2017) The "kinship penalty": Parenthood and in-law conflict in contemporary Finland. Evolutionary Psychological Science. DOI 10.1007/s40806-017-0114-8

More information:

Senior researcher Mirkka Danielsbacka, Department of Social Research, University of Turku.

Phone: 029 450 3063, e-mail: mirkka.danielsbacka@utu.fi

Senior researcher Antti O. Tanskanen, Department of Social Research, University of Turku

Phone: 029 450 3090, e-mail: antti.tanskanen@utu.fi

Research professor Anna Rotkirch, Population Research Institute, Vaestoliitto - Finnish Family Federation

Phone: +358-40-7763086, e-mail anna.rotkirch@vaestoliitto.fi

Generational transmissions in Finland- research project, http://blogs.helsinki.fi/gentrans/

Academy of Finland Communications

Communications Specialist Leena Vahakyla

tel. +358 295 335 139

leena.vahakyla@aka.fi
WASHINGTON -- When it comes to HIV prevention and treatment, there is a growing population that is being overlooked -- older adults -- and implicit ageism is partially responsible for this neglect, according to a presentation at the 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.

"The lack of perceived HIV risk in late adulthood among older people themselves, as well as providers and society in general, inhibits investment in education, testing and programmatic responses to address HIV in an aging population," said presenter Mark Brennan-Ing, PhD, director for research and evaluation at ACRIA, a non-profit HIV/AIDS research organization in New York City. "Ageism perpetuates the invisibility of older adults, which renders current medical and social service systems unprepared to respond to the needs of people aging with HIV infection."

There is an enduring misconception that HIV is a disease of the young, and in particular young gay and bisexual men, according to Brennan-Ing, but it is estimated that in developed countries with well-developed health care systems, almost half of all people living with HIV are 50 or older. In some countries, that number is expected to increase to 70 percent by 2020. People 50 and older account for 17 percent of new HIV infections, and are more likely than younger adults to be diagnosed with AIDS at the same time as they discover their HIV status.

Previous research has suggested as many as two-thirds of all older Americans with HIV have experienced stigma due not only to the disease, but to their age. This phenomenon may be even more pronounced among gay and bisexual men, because of an increased obsession with age and internalized ageism within the gay community.

Despite a median age of 58, older Americans with HIV are more likely to exhibit characteristics of people in their 60s, 70s or even 80s, said Brennan-Ing. The combination of stigma due to age, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, gender identity and expression, and HIV can lead to a number of negative outcomes specific to this population.

"Stigma results in social isolation, either through rejection by social network members or self-protective withdrawal, leading to loneliness and, ultimately, depression," he said. "Stigma also makes people reluctant to disclose their HIV status, which could affect their health care treatment or prevent them taking precautions to reduce transmission."

Older individuals who believe in the negative stereotypes associated with aging can also have poor health outcomes. Negative expectations about aging have been associated with poor cognitive test performance in older individuals and can increase stress, resulting in physical health issues, such as heart disease. More important, if an individual believes that aging leads to inevitable health problems and decline, that person may stop engaging in healthy behaviors, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

"These mechanisms may be responsible for empirical findings that internalized ageism is related to both chronic disease and longevity," he said.

While it may not be possible to reduce ageism at the societal level, there are opportunities at the community level for providers of health and human services to buffer or reduce the impact of ageism for those who are infected or at risk for HIV, he said.

Specifically, Brennan-Ing recommended:

Training health providers in HIV screening, early diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy in older populations and integration of key services.

Prevention, education and outreach targeting older adults.

Treatment guidelines for older individuals with HIV.

Funding in line with the aging of the epidemic.

Engagement of communities, community-based organizations and social service providers in outreach, mental health and social support.

Addressing the needs of special populations.

"With the demographic shift toward older adults in the HIV population globally, and the elusiveness of a cure, addressing the care needs of this aging population are paramount," said Brennan-Ing. "The aging of the HIV epidemic will be very challenging, but provides the opportunity to mount a global response that will address the needs of this population across regions and settings."

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Session 2126: "Ageism and Older Adults With HIV: A Source of Health Disparities?" Symposium, Friday, Aug. 4, 10-10:50 a.m. EDT, Room 149A, Street Level, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C.

Presentations are available from the APA Public Affairs Office.

Contact: Mark Brennan-Ing at mbrennan@acria.org or by phone at (917) 257-3642.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes nearly 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.
August 4, 2017 -- Low- and middle-income countries such as Brazil face a lack of epidemiological data, and one of the key priorities for researchers is developing high-quality surveys. Investigators at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health with collaborators at the Federal University of Sao Paulo studied the difficulties in conducting a longitudinal epidemiological survey in a school-based sample in Brazil. The findings are published online in the journal BMC Psychiatry.

"Overall, researchers in countries like Brazil lack the necessary funding resources to conduct important scientific research," said Silvia Martins, MD, PhD, associate professor of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health. "In particular, there are very few studies assessing the potential impact of social inequalities and exposure to traumatic experiences on psychiatric outcomes at the population level.

Martins and colleagues studied a sample school-attending adolescents born in 2002 now in the 7th grade in nine public schools during 2014 in two neighborhoods of in Sao Paulo with different levels of urbanicity. One neighborhood had low exposure to urban violence and scored high on the Human Development Index, while the other experienced high exposure to urban violence and low Index scores. In total, nine public schools located at the most socially vulnerable regions of each neighborhood were selected.

"At the start, we experienced several hardships," said Martins. "These included achieving unbiased sampling, reaching subjects, scheduling interviews, keeping participants' updated contact information, and counting on a highly-trained research team."

Some classes' records contained names of students who had never actually studied in those schools. "Inaccurate lists of enrolled students were a major source of concern," noted Martins. In terms of communications, the researchers found that poor internet access, deficient telephone and postal services also affected results.

"Our study offered some important insights on the problems faced when conducting epidemiological field work in low- and middle-income countries and provides some alternatives on how to deal with these difficulties. Working closely with community leaders, organizing group efforts to perform interviews, using a short, easy to understand instrument and providing a reward for participants are some of the strategies to be used, not only in Brazil, but also in other low- and middle-income countries," observed Martins.

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The study was supported by Columbia University President's Global Innovation Fund.

Co-authors are Shannon O'Healy, Mailman School of Public Health; Thiago Fidalgo, Zila Sanchez, Sheila Caetano and Marcos Ribeiro, Federal University of Sao Paulo.

Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health

Founded in 1922, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health pursues an agenda of research, education, and service to address the critical and complex public health issues affecting New Yorkers, the nation and the world. The Mailman School is the third largest recipient of NIH grants among schools of public health. Its over 450 multi-disciplinary faculty members work in more than 100 countries around the world, addressing such issues as preventing infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, maternal and child health, health policy, climate change & health, and public health preparedness. It is a leader in public health education with over 1,300 graduate students from more than 40 nations pursuing a variety of master's and doctoral degree programs. The Mailman School is also home to numerous world-renowned research centers including ICAP and the Center for Infection and Immunity. For more information, please visit http://www.mailman.columbia.edu.
Pulmonary fibrosis can possibly be attributed to a kind of cellular aging process, which is called senescence. This has been shown by researchers from the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, partner in the German Center for Lung Research (DZL). As they report in the European Respiratory Journal, they have already successfully counteracted this mechanism in the cell culture with the help of drugs.

Pulmonary fibrosis causes the patient's lung tissue to scar, resulting in progressive pulmonary function deterioration. In particular, the surface of the alveoli (called the alveolar epithelium) is often affected. If the disease's origin is unknown, the condition is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF for short. "The treatment options for IPF have been few and far between," explains Dr. Mareike Lehmann, scientisit in the Lung Repair and Regeneration Research Unit (LRR) at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen. "We are therefore attempting to understand how the disease comes about so that we can facilitate targeted treatment."

In the current work, Lehmann and additional researchers, headed by department head Prof. Dr. Dr. Melanie Konigshoff, have now succeeded in solving another piece of the puzzle. "In both the experimental model and in the lungs of IPF patients, we were able to show that some cells in the alveolar epithelium have markers for senescence*," explains study leader Konigshoff. "Because the occurrence of IPF increases with age, this was already suspected. We have now succeeded in proving this hypothesis."

Senescence promotes pulmonary fibrosis in two ways

Senescence impairs lung function in two ways: It prevents lung cells from dividing when they need to be replaced. And senescent cells secrete mediators that further promote fibrosis. Since this effect also plays a role in cancer, the scientists were able to access an already existing group of medicines, the so-called senolytic drugs that selectively kill off senescent cells.

Pulmonary fibrosis stopped in the cell culture

In order to test possible treatment strategies, the scientists placed the affected cells into a three-dimensional cell culture and examined the drugs's effect ex vivo, so to speak. Mareike Lehmann: "We observed that this caused a decline in the quantity of secreted mediators and additionally a reduction in the mass of connective tissue proteins, which are greatly increased in the disease."

Altogether, the study shows that senescence in the cells of the alveolar epithelium can contribute to the development and worsening of IPF. This finding is new and constitutes a possible starting point for the development of new treatments.

Further information

* Cellular senescence describes a type of arrested growth during which the cells no longer divide. There are various causes of senescence: Damage to the DNA is just as possible as is the attainment of a maximum number of divisions (limited by the so-called telomeres). There are a number of markers that indicate senescence. In the current test, these were the molecules p16, p21 and a positive test for beta-galactosidase activity.

Background: Just recently, scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen have shown that autoimmune reactions may be a causal factor of IPF.

Melanie Konigshoff's research unit is a part of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL). Since the end of last year, she is also been setting up a new laboratory at the University of Colorado, Denver, where she will further expand her research program on lung regeneration. The co-authors Rita Costa, Wioletta Skronska-Wasek und Stephan Klee are members of the CPC Research School "Lung Biology and Disease" and participants in the Helmholtz Graduate School for Environmental Health (HELENA).

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Original-Publikation: Lehmann, M. et al. (2017): Senolytic drugs target alveolar epithelial cell function and attenuate experimental lung fibrosis ex vivo. European Respiratory Journal, DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02367-2016

The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, the German Research Center for Environmental Health, pursues the goal of developing personalized medical approaches for the prevention and therapy of major common diseases such as diabetes and lung diseases. To achieve this, it investigates the interaction of genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle. The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen is headquartered in Neuherberg in the north of Munich and has about 2,300 staff members. It is a member of the Helmholtz Association, a community of 18 scientific-technical and medical-biological research centers with a total of about 37,000 staff members. http://www.helmholtz-muenchen.de/en

The Lung Repair and Regeneration Research Unit is part of the Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), which is a joint undertaking of the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich with its University Hospital, and the Asklepios Specialist Clinics Munich-Gauting. The CPC's objective is to conduct research on chronic lung diseases in order to develop new diagnostic tools and therapies. The LRR Research Unit examines new mechanisms and repair processes in the lungs for a better understanding that will allow the development of new therapeutic approaches. The unit also focuses on developing new methods in order to reduce the gap between pre-clinical research and its application on patients. The CPC is a facility of the German Center for Lung Research (Deutsches Zentrum fur Lungenforschung - DZL). http://www.helmholtz-muenchen.de/lrr

The German Center for Lung Research (DZL) pools German expertise in the field of pulmonology research and clinical pulmonology. The association's head office is in Giessen. The aim of the DZL is to find answers to open questions in research into lung diseases by adopting an innovative, integrated approach and thus to make a sizeable contribution to improving the prevention, diagnosis and individualized treatment of lung disease and to ensure optimum patient care. http://www.dzl.de/index.php/en

Contact for the media: Department of Communication, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstadter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg - Tel. +49 89 3187 2238 - Fax: +49 89 3187 3324 - E-mail: presse@helmholtz-muenchen.de

Scientific contact: Dr. Dr. Melanie Konigshoff, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Max-Lebsche-Platz 31, 81377 Munchen, Germany - Tel. +49 89 3187 4668 - E-mail: melanie.koenigshoff@helmholtz-muenchen.de
New Rochelle, NY, August 4, 2017--In a forthcoming special issue of Tissue Engineering on "Strategic Directions in Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering," Guest Editors Megan Killian, PhD, University of Delaware, MD and Anne Gingery, PhD, Mayo Clinic, MI have compiled a diverse group of scientific articles by leading researchers who are using novel approaches to tissue engineering to develop treatments for musculoskeletal disorders. The special collection of articles will be published in Tissue Engineering, Part A and Part B, peer-reviewed journals from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. Several articles are currently available free on the Tissue Engineering website until September 5, 2017.

The issue includes an article by Robby Bowles, PhD, University of Utah, Salt Lake City and coauthors from University of Utah, Duke University, Durham, NC and Washington University in St. Louis and Shriners Hospitals for Children-St. Louis, MO, using CRISPR/Cas-9-based technology for epigenomic editing to product cells from the chronic inflammation caused by musculoskeletal diseases. The researchers demonstrated the ability to reduce the expression of genes that code for inflammatory cytokine receptors in adipose-derived stem cells grown in culture. They report their findings in the article entitled "CRISPR-Based Epigenome Editing of Cytokine Receptors for the Promotion of Cell Survival and Tissue Deposition in Inflammatory Environments."

In the study "In Vitro Generated Intervertebral Discs: Towards Engineering Tissue Integration,"

J. Paul Santerre, PhD and Rita Kandel, MD, University of Toronto, and coauthors from University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Guelph, and University of Waterloo, Canada, described a two-step process for engineering a biological intervertebral disc implant and demonstrated mechanically stable integration in a cow model. Working toward creating a replacement for degenerated intervertebral discs, a major cause of chronic neck and low back pain, the researchers are pursuing an approach in which they use tissue engineering to create the individual components of the disc and then combine them together in a co-culture system.

A team of researchers led by Stephanie Bryant, University of Colorado, Boulder, examined the degradation behavior of enzyme-sensitive hydrogels, which have shown promise as cell delivery vehicles for cartilage tissue engineering. In the article "Understanding the Spatiotemporal Degradation Behavior of Aggrecanase-Sensitive Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels for use in Cartilage Tissue Engineering" the researchers combined experimental studies and computational approaches to evaluate and model changes in hydrogel density and growth of extracellular matrix over time and how these affected the clustering and other properties of bovine chondrocytes.

"Co-Guest Editors Anne Gingery and Megan Killian Co-Chaired the 2016 Gordon Research Seminar on Musculoskeletal Biology and Bioengineering and have furthered their commitment to the field by leading the assemblage of this excellent set of manuscripts," says Tissue Engineering Co-Editor-in-Chief Peter C. Johnson, MD, Principal, MedSurgPI, LLC and President and CEO, Scintellix, LLC, Raleigh, NC.

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers R03AR068777, R01AR047442, R01AR069588, 5P30CA042014-24, and 1R01AR065441. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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About the Journal

Tissue Engineering is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published monthly online and in print in three parts: Part A, the flagship journal published 24 times per year; Part B: Reviews, published bimonthly, and Part C: Methods, published 12 times per year. Led by Co-Editors-In-Chief Antonios G. Mikos, PhD, Louis Calder Professor at Rice University, Houston, TX, and Peter C. Johnson, MD, Principal, MedSurgPI, LLC and President and CEO, Scintellix, LLC, Raleigh, NC, the Journal brings together scientific and medical experts in the fields of biomedical engineering, material science, molecular and cellular biology, and genetic engineering. Leadership of Tissue Engineering Parts B (Reviews) and Part C (Methods) is provided by John P. Fisher, PhD, University of Maryland and John A. Jansen, DDS, PhD, Radboud University, respectively. Tissue Engineering is the official journal of the Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS). Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Tissue Engineering website.

About the Publisher

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Stem Cells and Development, Human Gene Therapy, and Advances in Wound Care. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News) was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.
On July 5, 2017, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory watched an active region -- an area of intense and complex magnetic fields -- rotate into view on the Sun. The satellite continued to track the region as it grew and eventually rotated across the Sun and out of view on July 17.

With their complex magnetic fields, sunspots are often the source of interesting solar activity:

During its 13-day trip across the face of the Sun, the active region -- dubbed AR12665 -- put on a show for NASA's Sun-watching satellites, producing several solar flares, a coronal mass ejection and a solar energetic particle event. Watch the video below to learn how NASA's satellites tracked the sunspot over the course of these two weeks.

Such sunspots are a common occurrence on the Sun, but less frequent at the moment, as the Sun is moving steadily toward a period of lower solar activity called solar minimum -- a regular occurrence during its approximately 11-year cycle. Scientists track such spots because they can help provide information about the Sun's inner workings. Space weather centers, such as NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, also monitor these spots to provide advance warning, if needed, of the radiation bursts being sent toward Earth, which can impact our satellites and radio communications.

On July 9, a medium-sized flare burst from the sunspot, peaking at 11:18 a.m. EDT. Solar flares are explosions on the Sun that send energy, light and high-speed particles out into space -- much like how earthquakes have a Richter scale to describe their strength, solar flares are also categorized according to their intensity. This flare was categorized as an M1. M-class flares are a tenth the size of the most intense flares, the X-class flares. The number provides more information about its strength: An M2 is twice as intense as an M1, an M3 is three times as intense and so on.

Days later, on July 14, a second medium-sized, M2 flare erupted from the Sun. The second flare was long-lived, peaking at 10:09 a.m. EDT and lasting over two hours.

This was accompanied by another kind of solar explosion called a coronal mass ejection, or CME. Solar flares are often associated with CMEs -- giant clouds of solar material and energy. NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO, saw the CME at 9:36 a.m. EDT leaving the Sun at speeds of 620 miles per second and eventually slowing to 466 miles per second.

Following the CME, the turbulent active region also emitted a flurry of high-speed protons, known as a solar energetic particle event, at 12:45 p.m. EDT.

Research scientists at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center -- located at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland -- used these spacecraft observations as input for their simulations of space weather throughout the solar system. Using a model called ENLIL, they are able to map out and predict whether the solar storm will impact our instruments and spacecraft, and send alerts to NASA mission operators if necessary.

By the time the CME made contact with Earth's magnetic field on July 16, the sunspot's journey across the Sun was almost complete. As for the solar storm, it took this massive cloud of solar material two days to travel 93 million miles to Earth, where it caused charged particles to stream down Earth's magnetic poles, sparking enhanced aurora.

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A Canadian-led investigation has opened a new chapter in antimatter research.

In a study published today in Nature, the ALPHA Collaboration reports the first detailed observation of spectral lines from an antimatter atom.

"Spectral lines are like fingerprints," says lead author Michael Hayden, a Simon Fraser University (SFU) physics professor. "Every element has its own unique pattern."

There is one (possible) exception: matter and antimatter are believed to be mirror images of one another, and so the spectral lines of antimatter atoms should be precisely the same as those of their normal atom counterparts. Whether or not this is true is unknown. Until now, scientists have only had glimpses of antimatter spectral lines, and comparisons with normal matter spectral lines have been coarse.

The ALPHA Collaboration studies antihydrogen, the antimatter counterpart of the ordinary hydrogen atom. Their experimental results show a particular set of spectral lines in antihydrogen match those in hydrogen very well. The team plans to zoom in much closer to check if subtle discrepancies exist between the two atoms on a yet finer scale.

Conducted at the CERN laboratory in Geneva, the research involves irradiating antihydrogen atoms with microwaves, similar to those used to communicate with satellites. When this is done, the anti-atoms reveal their identity by emitting or absorbing energy at very specific frequencies. That pattern, or spectrum, of frequencies corresponds to the "fingerprint" described by Hayden.

"One of the challenges we face is that matter and antimatter annihilate when they come into contact with one another," says Justine Munich, an SFU physics PhD candidate. "We have to keep them apart. We can't just put our anti-atoms into an ordinary container. They have to be trapped or held inside a special magnetic bottle."

"By studying the properties of anti-atoms we hope to learn more about the universe in which we live," says Hayden. "We can make antimatter in the lab, but it doesn't seem to exist naturally except in miniscule quantities. Why is this? We simply don't know. But perhaps antihydrogen can give us some clues."

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About the ALPHA Collaboration:

ALPHA is a collaboration of about 50 physicists from 17 institutions in Canada, Brazil, Denmark, Israel, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the USA. ALPHA-Canada comprises about 40 per cent of the ALPHA Collaboration. It currently consists of ten senior scientists, four postdoctoral researchers and five graduate students from five Canadian institutions. Twenty-three out of 54 co-authors in the reported work are presently or formerly with ALPHA-Canada: Michael Hayden, Justine Munich (Simon Fraser University), Nathan Evetts, Andrea Gutierrez, Walter Hardy, Taka Momose (University of British Columbia), Andrew Evans, Tim Friesen, Chukman So, Robert Thompson (University of Calgary), Melissa Mathers, James Thompson, Scott Menary (York University), Andrea Capra, Robert Collister, Joseph McKenna, Mario Michan, Makoto Fujiwara, David Gill, Leonid Kurchaninov, Konstantin Olchanski, Art Olin, Simone Stracka (TRIUMF).

ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY:

As Canada's engaged university, SFU is defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement. SFU was founded more than 50 years ago with a mission to be a different kind of university--to bring an interdisciplinary approach to learning, embrace bold initiatives, and engage with communities near and far. Today, SFU is Canada's leading comprehensive research university and is ranked one of the top universities in the world. With campuses in British Columbia's three largest cities - Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey - SFU has eight faculties, delivers almost 150 programs to over 35,000 students, and boasts more than 145,000 alumni in 130 countries around the world.

Simon Fraser University: Engaging Students. Engaging Research. Engaging Communities.
Simon Fraser University graduate student Oldooz Pooyanfar is monitoring what more than 20,000 honeybees housed in hives in a Cloverdale field are "saying" to each other--looking for clues about their health.

Pooyanfar's technology is gleaning communication details from sound within the hives with her beehive monitoring system--technology she developed at SFU. She says improving knowledge about honey bee activity is critical, given a 30 per cent decline in the honeybee population over the past decade in North America. Research into the causes of what is referred to as Colony Collapse Disorder continues. The presence of fewer bees affects both crop pollination and the environment.

Pooyanfar's monitoring platform is placed along the wall of the hive and fitted with tiny sensors containing microphones (and eventually, accelometers) that monitor sound and vibration. Temperature and humidity are also recorded. Her system enables data collection on sound within the hives and also tracks any abnormalities to which beekeepers can immediately respond.

The high-tech smart system is being used to gather data over the summer.

Pooyanfar, who has been working with Chilliwack-based Worker Bee Honey Company, believes that better understanding the daily patterns and conditions, using an artificial neural network in the hive, will help to improve bee colony management. Current methods of monitoring provide less detailed information and can disrupt bee activity for up to 24 hours every time the hive is opened.

"To learn about what bees are communicating, we can either look at pheromones--the chemical they produce--or sound," says Pooyanfar, who initially received funding through the MITACS Accelerate program. The City of Surrey is providing the field space for her research.

"With this monitoring system, we are collecting data in real time on what the bees are 'saying' about foraging, or if they're swarming, or if the queen bee is present - right now we are collecting as much data as possible that will pinpoint what they are actually doing."

Pooyanfar, a graduate student in SFU's School of Mechatronics Systems Engineering, plans to eventually manufacture a sensor package for this application to help lower the costs of monitoring and allow more beekeepers to monitor their hives in real-time. Her initial-stage research was featured at the Greater Vancouver Clean Technology Expo last fall.

WHY IT MATTERS

Biologists are working to better understand Colony Collapse Disorder given the value of honey bees to the economy and the environment. Monitoring bee activity and improving monitoring systems may help to address the issue.

FAST FACTS

According to B.C.'s Ministry of Agriculture there are more than 2,300 beekeepers throughout B.C. operating as a hobby, part-, or full time business with about 47,000 colonies, and as many as two billion bees.

The ministry also notes that honey bees play a major role in agriculture as pollinators of crops, contributing an estimated $470 million to the economy in British Columbia ($250 million in field crops and $220 million in greenhouse crops), and over $2 billion in Canada. See: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bees-and-bee-health-in-british-columbia

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An IEEE Milestone was dedicated to Tohoku University at a ceremony in Sendai on July 27. Professor Emeritus Yasuto Mushiake was honored for his technical achievement in discovering the principle of self-complementarity in antennas.

The recognition came in the form of a Milestone conferred by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers(IEEE), the world's largest association of technical professionals, based in the U.S.A.

The IEEE Milestones program honors technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity found in unique products, services, seminal papers and patents. The awards foster an appreciation of and involvement with the history of electrical engineering, and increase public understanding of electrical engineering and its impact on society.

Each milestone recognizes a significant technical achievement that occurred at least 25 years ago. And Mushiake's discovery was made nearly 70 years ago while he was a graduate student at Tohoku University. In 1948, Mushiake found that antennas with self-complementary geometries are frequency independent, presenting a constant impedance, and often a constant radiation pattern over very wide frequency ranges.

This principle of self-complementarity is the basis for many very-wide-bandwidth antenna designs that are used in television reception, wireless broadband, radio astronomy and cellular telephones.

Representing the IEEE, Dr. W. Ross Stone presented two plaques at the dedication ceremony. The original milestone was received on behalf of Tohoku University by president Susumu Satomi, and will be displayed at the Tohoku University Archives. Another miniature plaque was presented to Professor Mushiake.

"From a societal standpoint, the timing of these discoveries was tremendously important," said Ross on the significance of Mushiake's research. "This came at the dawn of the development of television broadcasting. And these antennas were used for most home television reception from the time the television broadcasting started, until television started being delivered by cable."

The original discovery, Ross said, is still relevant in modern antenna designs. "Ultra-wideband antennas have become tremendously important in several areas of modern telecommunications particularly as part of efforts to optimize spectrum usage."

Professor Mushiake was delighted to receive the recognition, but said that it had not been without setbacks. "It's been more than 60 years without acknowledgement from Japan." he said. "It show's courage on IEEE's part and I feel very privileged to have received this honor."

Professor Mushiake's Milestone is the 180th to be dedicated since the Milestone Programme began in 1983. Thirty-three of these Milestones were given out in Japan and it is the second time for Tohoku University to receive the recognition. The first was in 1995 for the world's first directional short-wave antenna (the Yagi-Uda antenna), invented in 1924 by professors Shintaro Uda and Hidetsugi Yagi.

A replica of the milestone commemorating Prof. Mushiake's achievement has been placed outside the Electrical, Information and Physics Engineering Building No.1 at Aobayama Campus.

Professor Mushiake was the president of Tohoku Institute of Technology from 1984 to 1989. Despite being 96 years old, Mushiyake actively updates his personal website and is a contributor to the free content encyclopedia platform, Wikipedia.

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Through a process called cell signaling, cells collaborate on necessary functions such as responding to changes in the environment, fighting off threats to the body, or regulating the basic processes that keep the body alive. Cells work much like computers carrying out functions and use cell signaling over a vast network. Also much like computers, cells can be reprogrammed to change their behavior.

Warren Ruder, assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, is developing microparticles that carry engineered bacteria known as 'smart biomaterials.' As the basis of a study recently supported by the National Science Foundation, Dr. Ruder will use the biomaterials to reprogram mammalian cell signaling. The goal of the study is to use these hybrid, living-nonliving biomaterials to better understand how cell signaling works and influence cell behavior when a problem occurs.

"Fundamentally, many diseases result from incorrect cell signaling," explains Dr. Ruder, "which causes the body's natural control systems to fail to maintain normal function, or homeostasis. New tools that allow cell signaling to be rewired therefore can affect many diseases. This project is geared toward developing new tools for exploring and rewiring cell signaling."

Dr. Ruder will serve as principal investigator of the project titled "Creating Smart Biomaterials Using Engineered Bacteria that Cooperatively Reprogram Mammalian Cells." The research will focus on delivering synthetic genetic components to mammalian cells and reprogramming their calcium signaling processes, specifically. Calcium signaling occurs in many cells, and it controls both slow and fast cellular processes.

"Calcium signaling is one of the most important cell signals," Dr. Ruder says. "It is the signature of muscle contraction, relevant to many forms of cardiac or musculoskeletal disease, but also a master regulator of processes ranging from neuron firing and brain function to fertilization."

Once Dr. Ruder introduces the smart biomaterials, they will be able to collaborate and collectively determine when to transmit genetic components to mammalian cells. Dr. Ruder will then use mathematical modeling and computation simulation to explore the processes behind calcium signaling in mammalian cells and which genetic alterations will cause the most significant changes in cell signaling dynamics.

"The bacteria will be genetically engineered to invade mammalian cells. Once inside, they will genetically engineer the mammalian cells in a process distinctly different from viral genetic delivery. We will engineer two different types of bacteria that will signal each other and thus work as a team to invade after they monitor the environment," says Dr. Ruder.

The project will receive $338,414 in NSF funding and will cover the award period from August 1, 2017 to July 31, 2020.

About Dr. Ruder

Dr. Ruder graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a BS in civil and environmental engineering in 2002. He completed his MS in mechanical engineering and his PhD in biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Dr. Ruder was also part of the inaugural "Biomechanics in Regenerative Medicine" class, which is a joint program between Pitt and CMU that receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and aims to provide training in biomechanical engineering principles and biology to students pursuing doctoral degrees in bioengineering.

His work focuses on merging biomechanical systems and the microscale and nanoscale with engineering living cells and smart material systems, the latter of which involves synthetic biology. Over the years his research has included: two years of research on mammalian cell signal transduction in the laboratory of Professor Aldebaran Hofer at Harvard Medical School's Department of Surgery; one month in the field in Antarctica studying organismal biomechanics and responses to ice encapsulation (a field of ecological mechanics); and two and a half years as a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Professor James Collins, at Boston University (now at MIT) and Harvard University's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering.

Dr. Ruder left his position as an assistant professor of biological systems engineering at Virginia Tech to teach at Pitt as a Bioengineering Assistant Professor. For the past four years at Virginia Tech, he directed the "Engineered Living Systems Laboratory," a group focused on merging synthetic biology with biomimetic systems.

He has authored 23 archival papers in journals such as Science, PNAS, Lab-on-a-Chip and Scientific Reports, and his group's work has been highlighted in Popular Science, Popular Mechanics and Wired (UK). The student honor society in his department at Virginia Tech selected Dr. Ruder as his department's "Faculty Member of the Year" in 2014.

While at Pitt, Dr. Ruder will be applying his work to medical technologies and cures for disease.

###
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Nearly every Sunday after Mass, my family encounters a homeless woman on the walk to our car.

She sits on a park bench between the church and the parking lot and asks conscience-laden churchgoers passing by for money.

Were I suddenly to find myself in a difficult personal situation, my church community  any faith community for that matter  is one place to which I would turn, too. Studies confirm that people of faith are significantly more charitable than secular or non-religious people.

But charity doesnt always take the form of dollars and cents.

When asked during an interview this year about what our response should be to beggars, Pope Francis replied, Help is always right.

It certainly is.

But this womans perennial presence on that park bench suggests her situation is not temporary, is not improving and that monetary handouts from churchgoers isnt providing the real help she needs.

Like many cities, Fort Worth, where I live, has grappled with how  and if  to regulate panhandling.

Earlier this year, the city council banned aggressive panhandling and even briefly considered ticketing people who give money to beggars.

The latter measure was withdrawn from consideration, as it raised constitutional concerns about limits on personal monetary decisions, but it provoked other important questions about our moral responsibility to the people we encounter on the street.

While there are some beggars who are overly aggressive, exploitative and whose tales of woe are transparently false, we can assume that many people asking for money are, in fact, desperate and authentically in need of assistance.

But in such cases, is giving money to a panhandler helpful or harmful? Does it satisfy a moral good?

Weve all heard the stories of panhandlers who have used their street earnings to feed an addiction.

Several years ago, I encountered a woman whose alcoholism rendered her homeless for a lengthy period of her life. After years of begging, she recovered, no thanks to the money she acquired on the street, which she insisted only fueled her drinking. I went straight to the liquor store every time, she said.

A priest I know, who is a former social worker, once chastised a congregant for giving cash to a panhandler when they were at lunch one afternoon. Dont do that. It wont help, he warned, speaking from his experience working with the poor for years in New York City.

For many of us, a street handout is an easy way to satisfy our conscience.

Still, its legitimate, even necessary, to wonder if our charity is ignoring or contributing to a larger problem.

If our consciences dictate that we must help, there are many ways to do it, some of which do not involve cash at all.

Most people on the street ask for money, but many of them have other basic needs that are easy to satisfy.

Its sometimes as simple as directing them to a charity or organization you support that can connect them with services they need.

You could carry cards with the address and phone number for Catholic Charities or any of the numerous providers whose mission is to help people get back on their feet.

Offering necessities like sunscreen, toothpaste, wet wipes and even some nonperishable food items should be welcomed by a person in true need.

If carrying such items isnt practical, carrying gift cards to grocery stores or restaurants is. Giving them out in lieu of money is one way of helping to ensure your donation is put to good use.

If time is not an issue, offering to purchase a meal for someone is a way to help, and it provides the opportunity to talk with and listen to the person.

Many times, listening and empathy is as needed as the meal itself.

How best to provide help is a personal decision, one that need never involve money, but one that should always be performed in a way preserves the dignity of the person being helped. That means, engaging them, asking their name, and looking them in the eye  even if theyve asked you for money most Sundays for the last year.
Defra will be raising the risk level of African Swine Fever following recent cases discovered in Romania the Czech Republic and Poland.

The risk level rating will raise from very low to low.

Nevertheless, it is a cause for concern for many British pig farmers. The pig industry has produced some new materials urging the general public and farmers to do everything to keep African Swine Fever (ASF) out of the UK.

The National Pig Association (NPA), the country's leading pig industry voice, has also warned of the dangers of wild boar in the UK transmitting the disease to domestic pigs.

Survey figures last year estimated there were 1,562 feral wild boar roaming the forest of Dean, which is near Gloucester, with populations spreading to new areas.

'Infected meat'

The NPA said that the tool Defra uses to measure risk uses a number of factors such as trade with the country, distribution of disease and confidence in controls by the country affected.

Whilst there are now two outbreaks in Romania, they are linked and thought to have resulted from infected meat coming in from the Ukraine being fed to pigs.

Perhaps more concerning, the NPA notes, is that there are now 76 cases in wild boar in the Czech Republic which means the disease is spreading and the situation in Poland is deteriorating.

There have been 29 outbreaks in Poland this year in domestic pigs, mostly backyard but a couple of commercial herds.

In the last 2 weeks, four of the outbreaks have been in a Part 1 zone (defined as an area where cases should only be seen in wild boar, not domestic pigs).

Standards have lapsed

The NPA said that this suggests standards have lapsed, as they should be operating on increased surveillance, good biosecurity and heightened awareness.

It is thought that the requirements relating to back yard pig ownership have been relaxed which has allowed the disease to spread into areas that it is not expected.

It is for these reasons that Defra has raised the threat level.

Defra are planning to start phase two of their communication plan to remind all pig keepers the penalties involved if found feeding kitchen scraps and to warn anyone travelling to affected areas of the contamination risk.

A West Yorkshire farmer has been fined for feeding sandwiches filled with meat to his pigs. Halifax council officers said the farmer broke legislation that prevented the risk of Food and Mouth disease.
A new project aiming to improve the productivity of hill flocks will be launched in North Yorkshire.

The North Yorkshire Moors Swaledale Breeders have secured EIP AGRI funding through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), administered by Defra, to set up an Operational Group.

The group is looking to improve carcase traits of Swaledale sheep, develop a template for hill sheep performance recording and improve hill lamb finishing systems.

The project will use electronic identification (EID), digital weigh scales and ultrasound scanning technologies to develop new ways of collecting data to inform genetic evaluations for carcase traits in hill sheep.

The project will involve using Swaledale sheep which are identified as having better carcase traits (loin, hind leg and shoulder) within a structured breeding programme to improve carcase quality and consistency.

Lambs from this programme will be assessed through different finishing systems to identify which systems are most profitable.

'Innovative project'

Steve Dunkley, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Senior Manager, said: This is an innovative project which is looking to address some of the challenges hill farms have with performance recording.

The producers involved are developing solutions that other hill producers can adopt, while also improving the carcase traits of their Swaledale sheep so they can meet the demands of the market.

Tim Dunn, chair of the North York Swaledale Breeders group, said: After breeding Swaledale sheep for many years, we feel a need to build on the many qualities the breed has.

With increased focus on meeting market specification, it is important we keep pace with other breeds and this work to improve carcase traits will help us stay at the forefront of sheep breeding in the UK.
Producers see losses increase to 26-28 per pig, estimates show
Here's Why Katrina Refused To Be Part Of It

According to Zoom, Salman was quite keen to rope in Katrina Kaif in his team so that she could also be part of the London Da Bang tour. But Katrina refused it, owing to her work commitments.

There's One More Reason...

Apart from her work commitments, Katrina's collaboration with Karan Johar's Dream Tour is coming in the way of Salman-Katrina's re-union on the live tour.

Salman Is Quite Keen To Be With Katrina

We also hear that Salman Khan is really keen to have her on this tour as he knows her presence will surely make a considerable increase in the footfalls at his live show.

Jacqueline & Sonakshi

Apart from Salman, Jacqueline Fernandez and Sonakshi Sinha will be seen shaking legs on this much awaited tour.

Salman Ditches Bipasha

However, unlike last time, Bipasha Basu won't accompany Salman & his team at the tour.

Salman-Katrina's Tiger Zinda Hai Is Already In Buzz

Meanwhile, Salman & Katrina's name is already in the buzz owing to their collaboration for Tiger Zinda Hai.

Do You Want To See Kat & Salman?

Coming back to Salman & Katrina, what's your thoughts about the same? Do you want to see them performing together on stage? Let us know in the comments section below.
Salman Khan appeared before the Jodhpur High Court today in connection with the Arms Act Case and the trail is prolonging since 19 years now. The Tubelight actor was charged in October 1998 for possessing a .22 rifle and a .32 revolver with no licence and unlawfully used them to poach two black bucks at Jodhpur's Kankani village.

The actor was acquitted by the court in January 2017 due to no evidence of his involvement but the prosecution appealed against the decision and the case is still pending at the Jodhpur High Court.



The incident occured during the shoot of Hum Saath Saath Hain where Salman Khan went on a shooting expedition along with his co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam.

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The local Bishnoi community came to know about the poaching of two black bucks and staged a protest across the village and the police later filed a case against Salman Khan and his co-stars in 1998.

Hot Lingerie & Papaya Is What Esha Gupta's Latest Pictures Are All About! View Here
John McCain. The Viet Cong couldn't kill him or break his spirit. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans could lasso, tie down and brand this maverick. No recent president has come close to possessing the honor that this man exudes. He is a statesman.

He actually thinks about and weighs the information that is presented to him. He doesn't scream at his opponents. He shows respect for them. He doesn't absentmindedly resort to the latest cute technology to get his point across. His crucial vote to move the health care debate forward while adamantly stating that he would not vote for the bill in its present form was music to my ears. Once again, he proved that he is willing to compromise for the good of all Americans. After hearing the speech he made on the floor of the Senate, I said to myself, "John McCain, please don't die."

In the primaries leading up to the 2000 general election, we had a golden opportunity. The Democrats could have nominated Sen. Bill Bradley of New Jersey. The Republicans could have nominated Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Both well-respected statesmen. Whoa, did we blow it. I would have had a real hard time deciding between those two gentlemen. But, at least, I would have had a decent choice.

I find myself left with only the hope that future generations of Americans will come to their senses and start electing men and women the caliber of John McCain. I am optimistic.

John McCue

Bangor
In October, four farmers will be taking on their own tenancy on the Cambridgeshire County Council estate for the first time.

In the second of a three-part series, Ben Pike spoke to Farmers Weekly columnist Matt Redman about taking on a five-year farm business tenancy in 2017, and why hes glad he missed out on his first tender.

When 29-year-old Matt Redman started his contracting business five years ago, he thought 2017 would be the year he bought his first tractor to run alongside the sprayer.

In fact, its going to be the year he takes on nearly 500 acres of Cambridgeshire arable land, and he has already got four tractors, a self-propelled sprayer, a direct drill and full-time staff.

Contracting business

The Harper Adams graduate, who was born into a farming family in Gravenhurst in Bedfordshire, says he is surprised at the rapid rate his business has grown, but that the five-year farm business tenancy (FBT) he takes on in less than three months time was always the target.

When I started contracting the whole idea was to get farming in my own right so I was looking for a tenancy, he said.

Contracting was a means of getting the machinery before the land, otherwise Id be financing the two together which would mean running older kit, so one had to come before the other.

The right match

Any new entrant will attest to the difficulty of finding a rental opportunity that matches their ambitions, let alone in a good location. Matt thinks hes found both with Oldfield Farm.

Finding a tenancy has been hard. I looked at Cambridge before but never applied. With our existing customers being where they are, we had to find somewhere fairly close by.

This was only the second tenancy I applied for. The first was livestock and arable and I got to the final two or three. But I was glad I didnt get it after I rejigged my figures.

I think the first one you go for is quite an emotional thing and you really want it, but with hindsight, Oldfield is a much better option.

Planning for the future

Matts business plan is one of precision and progression. He intends to use the farm as a knowledge hub to exchange information and advice with others.

There are aspirations to become an AHDB Monitor Farm and to engage with the public with school visits and Open Farm Sunday.

Oldfield Farm at a glance Located at Landbeach, six miles north of Cambridge, Oldfield has 489 ring-fenced acres of lime-rich loam and heavy clay soils, all of which are Grade 2 or 3.

Buildings include about 450t of grain storage plus a 100t silo, and a general purpose building which serves as a workshop or machinery store.

It grows a fairly typical combinable crop rotation of wheat, barley and oilseed rape, and includes a three-bedroom house.

If we can go somewhere and see how other people are farming, then they can come to us and we can learn and question together. Its got to be an efficient way of doing things.

But front and centre of his vision is technology, using the experience and machinery he has built up and applying successful techniques to his own farm.

Going forward its going to be totally soil mapped, were going to use variable seed rates and drone map the blackgrass, he said.

Were hitting it with everything you would do on a 5,000-acre estate. It just so happens to be a 500-acre tenancy.

All the new tenants will start their agreements while the UK is in the EU. By the time they end, the UK will have left.

Its something Matt says he thought about a great deal, but that ultimately the issues must not obstruct progress.

Brexit made it challenging to tender because everything is uncertain  be it glyphosate, markets or direct payments. Everything could be affected. But regardless we have to get on.

We have to build resilience into the business and spreading our risk across the contracting and farming will help with that.

If we go into it with the attitude that it is all going to change and we cant do anything until its sorted we may as well not bother, but if we accept we will need to adjust and adapt along the way, then there will be opportunities to be had

Cambridgeshire County Council has opportunities for new tenants on a yearly basis. Holdings available from October 2018 include a 145-acre fully equipped holding in Great Chishall. A list of Cambridgeshire County Council holdings will be available from January 2018.
Show me my photos of

If you are using Google Photos, it will intelligently look for photos of people, places, objects and much more. In case, if you want photos of your birthday, it will go through all the photos and gives the result in a matter of few seconds.

Set Reminder

Google Assistant can set reminders/alarms for you when you need it the most. For example, you can say "Add a reminder", "Remind me to buy eggs at so and so place," etc to activate this function.

Check flight

Google Assistant can check Gmail for details of flight reservations, hotel bookings, and upcoming trips and when you ask for details, it shows you from the timings to dates you will be out of town.

SEE ALSO: Nokia Camera app now available for download in Google Play Store

Some songs

OK Google, "Play [Favorite songs]." You can simply ask the Google Assistant to play your favorite songs with an option to control the playback and its volume with your voice.

Joke

OK Google, "Tell me a Joke." With this command, Google Assistant can crack some good jokes as well and you have the option to explore the Google Assistant's fun Easter eggs.

News

OK Google, "Tell Me the News." This command helps you to stay on top with the news updates happening on that day all around the world. There's an option to select your favorite outlets as well.

Translation

OK Google, "Translate." This command can help you in translating words and phrases in a multitude of languages. It is more of a fun learning experience.

Meaning

OK, Google, "What Does [...] Mean." This command helps the users to find the definition of words including its pronunciation.

Share market

OK Google, "What's the Stock Price of [...]." Google helps you in analyzing the stock market too. You can check any stock, index, or commodity price with the help of the Google Assistant.

Auto Expo 2018: How Artificial Intelligence can change the face of Mobility

Game

Ok Google, "Let's Play a game." The Google Assistant has some rather entertaining games you can fill some spare time with bots coming up with lots of simple games.
Apple may launch the expected iPhone 8 in two different sizes News oi -Vijeta Reports are that iPhone 8's OLED display panel is being manufactured by Samsung at its North Korea plant and the device will have two models of a 5.8-inch and a 6-inch screen.

A new report suggests that Apple may launch a premium OLED iPhone in two different sizes. The news comes from a source that provides details about the Samsung Display Production Plant A3. Apple OLED panels are to be manufactured in the same workshop.

The report claims that a full-scale production of the OLED panel for iPhone will be started by the end of August. It has also been brought to light that the same plant will manufacture OLED panels for iPhone in two sizes namely 5.8-inch and 6-inch.

This information contradicts with a previous report which stated that Apple will introduce two iPhone "7s" models with LCD displays and only one 5.8-inch OLED iPhone which might bear a brand name of iPhone 8 or X. Assumptions are that the iPhone 8/X is a special edition model that will mark the 10th anniversary of iPhones.

Apple might also be in a puddle of a shortage of units if the report is in fact true. The said plant has a capacity to produce 124 million 6-inch panels and 130 million 5.8-inch panels at 100% production rate in a year. The report mentions that the current efficiency for the production stands at 60% which would produce 75 million 6-inch panels and 79 million 5.8-inch panels for iPhones.

The volume sales that stands at 200 million for the upcoming device will certainly not be fulfilled. This might result in a shortage supply.

Tim Cook had mentioned recently in a press conference that Apple is facing problem in maintaining a balance in supply and demand chain for AirPods due to an overwhelming response. If the report has any truth, there is going to be a shortage of devices unless for some reason the sales of the devices does not reach an expected mark which is unlikely.

Best Mobiles in India
Coolpad Note 5 Lite C launched in India: Price, specifications and more News oi -Samden Sherpa Coolpad Note 5 Lite C is basically a downsized version of the Note 5 Lite which was launched earlier this year.

Coolpad has yet again launched a new smartphone in India. Dubbed as Note 5 Lite C this smartphone is basically a downsized version of the Note 5 Lite which was launched earlier this year. Apart from this launch, the company has also announced that it'll be launching an annual flagship smartphone in August which will be Amazon India exclusive.

Syed Tajuddin, CEO, Coolpad India, said in a statement, "Keeping the strategy of bringing high specs smartphones at an affordable price, we have yet again launched a product that our fans expect. After being ranked as one of the best sellers in the online space, it gives us immense pleasure to announce that with Note 5 Lite C we are looking to expand in the offline smartphone market."

"There is a lot more that will come from Coolpad for our India fans, as we plan to launch one major online flagship on 20th August and four more offline exclusive products by the end of 2018. Coolpad has become a major brand in India with full coverage from online to offline channels," he added.

Interestingly, Coolpad Note 5 Lite C is the company's first smartphone to be made available exclusively offline. The smartphone is priced at Rs. 7,777 and will be available in two color options - Grey and Gold.

The handset will be put up for sale on Saturday, August 5 and the device will be available via 3,000 multi-brand stores across eight states in India including Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Display, Processors, RAM and Storage Coolpad Note 5 Lite comes with a 5-inch HD (720x1280 pixels) display with 294 ppi pixel density. The smartphone is powered by a 1.1GHz Snapdragon 210 quad-core SoC which is paired with 2GB of RAM and Adreno 304 GPU. The handset offers 16GB of storage which is further expandable up to 64GB via microSD slot. Camera, Battery and Software Talking about the cameras, the smartphone is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera along with autofocus, f/2.4 aperture, and flash support. At the front, there is a 5-megapixel sensor with f/2.4 aperture as well. Coolpad Note 5 Lite C is backed by a 2500mAh battery which according to the company will offer 240 hours of standby time. As for the software, the device runs on Cool UI which is based on the latest Android Nougat version. Other Features The dual SIM handset offers connectivity options like Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and 4G LTE support. On board sensors include proximity sensor, light sensor, and accelerometer. The smartphone weighs 139 grams and measures 142.4x70.4x7.95mm.

Best Mobiles in India

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Samsung has reportedly shipped over 20 million units of Galaxy S8/S8 Plus News oi -Chandrika This is a huge achievement considering that the Galaxy S8 duo was released on April 21.

2017 seems to be quite a good year for Samsung in terms of earning revenues. According to a report by market research company Strategy Analytics, the company has already shipped more than 20 million units of its flagship Galaxy S8.

The report states that Samsung shipped 19.8 million units of the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus by the end of June. This is a huge achievement considering that the Galaxy S8 duo was released on April 21. And, the 20-million mark was crossed sometime in the beginning of last month. The report further claims that South Korean manufacturer shipped around of 278,800 Galaxy S8/S8 Plus units each day since their launch.

An earlier report by the same publisher, the success of the Galaxy S8 duo is the reason behind a growth in the average selling price (ASP) of Samsung smartphones. In 2016, it was $227, while it has increased to $235. What's more, the good times for the company are here to stay as the Galaxy Note 8 will be launching soon.

Samsung has already sent out press invites for the launch event of its upcoming flagship phablet, which is to take place on August 23. While last year's Note 7 met with an unfortunate fate, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is expected to create a stir in the smartphone industry.

As we already know, the device is going to have some of the same features as the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. So it goes without saying that people will love the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. Here you can check out its leaked promotional poster that surafced earlier.

Best Mobiles in India

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Haiti - FLASH : The Senate passes a law against the Gay community





Tuesday evening, the Senate ratified a bill (led by Senator Cantave) against the LGBTI community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersexual). Of the 14 Senators present at the time of the vote (less than 50% of senators in the Upper House) 12 voted for, 1 against (Patrice Dumont) and 1 abstained (Kedelaire Augustin).



This bill, in addition to prohibiting marriage (or attempted marriage) between two persons of the same sex in Haiti, also prohibits all forms of public demonstrations in support of homosexuality and proselytism in favor of such acts and stipulates that "any promotion, in any form or by any means, constitutes an offense of contempt of good morals and public decency."



The seven-item bill includes sanctions and specifies that perpetrators, co-perpetrators and accomplices of a homosexual marriage face a penalty of 3 years imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 Gourdes...



This bill also includes foreigners on Haitian territory, since one of these articles stipulates "No foreigner can avail himself of his personal status and the provisions of the law of his country to solicit the celebration in Haiti of a marriage between two persons of the same sex."



Senator Youri Latortue, President of the Senate, does not see the Church's hold on the secular state of Haiti, but rather the result of the majority senators who have expressed their faith saying "All senators are opposed to same-sex marriage so this only reflects their commitments made at the time of their campaigns [...] necessary to focus on its values and traditions, abroad, some see it differently but in Haiti, we see it like that."



The gay community is concerned about this bill and Charlot Jeudy, President of the "Kouraj" Association (an organization recognized by the Haitian state), which defends the rights of LGBTI, does not hesitate to qualify this bill as "an attack against the LGBTI community in Haiti". He said this text will further divide society, reinforce discrimination and bring much more violence and prejudice against the LGBTI community.



This bill must now be transferred to the lower house, where members should ratify it without any doubt before transmitting it to the Executive for publication in the official newspaper "Le Moniteur".



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-13958-icihaiti-social-canada-supports-the-fight-against-homophobia-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18033-haiti-social-kouraj-reactions-to-homophobic-comments-of-senatus.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-18768-icihaiti-social-american-reaction-about-the-postponement-of-the-massimadi-festival.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12977-haiti-social-the-fight-against-discrimination-is-enormous-dixit-marie-carmelle-auguste.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-9208-haiti-social-regrettable-incident.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Passing of Daniel Fouchard

"The Ministry of Tourism (MDT) has learned with consternation the sad news of the death of Mr. Daniel Fouchard, Former Executive and Director General of the Ministry, which occurred on Sunday, July 30 in Port-au-Prince."



"[...] Mr. Fouchard served professionally, loyally and efficiently in the Public Service for several years at the Ministry. The Ministry will retain for a long time the memory of this servant of the State. The funeral of Mr. Daniel Fouchard will be announced later."



Week 5 of the Clerks' Strike

After 5 week strike of lerks paralyzing the judiciary, Heidi Fortune, the Minister of Justice without solution has set up a Commission to study the causes and claims of clerks and make recommendations https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21528-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21424-haiti-news-zapping.html



Petit-Goave : Demonstration at least 2 injured

On Tuesday, agents of the Departmental Unit of Maintenance of the Order (UDMO) dispersed with tear gas the residents of the Digue, Provence, Rue Benoit who were demonstrating on the national road #2. The demonstrators demanded the clearing and the gabionage of the rivers. One found two wounded. However, protesters have reported other victims of police brutality. HL/ HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondant Petit-Goave)



Minister Fortune convened

Daniel Letang, Vice-President of the Lower House's Justice and Public Security Commission, announces that Heidi Fortune, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, will be convened to the Chamber on 8 August to explain to the deputies the strategies he intends to put in place to resolve the crisis in the justice system with the clerks' strike that has paralyzed the justice system since early July... https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21528-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21490-haiti-news-zapping.html



Nathalie Mondesir, winner of the NGL competition

On Tuesday 1st August the Office of the First Lady, Martine Moise, paid tribute to Nathalie Mondesir, winner of the McCain Institute's Next Generation Leader program (NGL) with the support of the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Nathalie Mondesir is the first winner of the NGL competition in the Caribbean. Several personalities, including the First Lady and the United States Charge d'Affaires in Haiti, Brian Shukan, spoke at the cocktail reception to the residence of the American Ambassador.



The Cap Prison, overcrowded

Like all prisons in Haiti, the Cap-Haitien prison center is overcrowded. There are now 912 detainees, almost double of the prison capacity planned to accommodate 500 prisoners. Of the 912 detainees, 457 were sentenced and serving their sentences and 455 persons are in prolonged pre-trial detention, including 16 women and 26 minors.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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From the public files of the La Crescent Area Police Department.

Friday, July 28

Background check regarding conditional offer of employment with the City of La Crescent. Main Street.

1:10 a.m. Lost property reported. Fourteenth Drive.

5:40 a.m. Emergency Medical. Second Street.

6:07 a.m. Suspicious person reported in backyard of residence. Officer was unable to locate individual. Hills Drive.

9:15 a.m. Welfare check. Contact made with subject of concern. Jonathan Lane.

10:12 a.m. Shore Acres Bypass opened for over size retail delivery truck. Shore Acres Road.

12:45 p.m. Juvenile welfare check. Senn Lane.

12:47 p.m. Shore Acres Bypass opened for cement delivery truck. Shore Acres Road.

1:56 p.m. Complaint of harassing text messages. Welshire Drive.

3:17 p.m. Assist other agency.

3:33 p.m. Juvenile welfare check.

4:01 p.m. Juvenile welfare check.

4:46 p.m. Driving complaint on a motorcycle. Vehicle not located. Fourteenth Street and Hwy. 16.

8:34 p.m. Report of trees on fire. It was a brush pile that had been lit for disposal. County Road 6.

10:34 p.m. Traffic stop. Verbal warning for illegal lane use. Hwy. 16/26.

11:15 p.m. Driving complaint of wrong way driver. Hwy. 14/61.

Saturday, July 29

12:26 a.m. Traffic stop with verbal warning given for illegal lane use. Second Street and Chestnut Street.

4:06 a.m. Suspicious activity. Contact made with subjects. Walnut Street.

7:23 a.m. Person has not returned to pay for fuel purchase. Third Street.

7:48 a.m. Report of a natural gas order. Fifth Street.

12:11 p.m. Possible vehicle fire. Lancer Boulevard.

1:43 p.m. An 18-year-old Dakota man cited for speed with endangerment. Hwy. 14/61.

4:59 p.m. A 42-year-old La Crescent man arrested for threats of violence with a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. A loaded .357 handgun was recovered. Sycamore Street.

10:19 p.m. Suspicious activity reported. Walnut Street.

Sunday, July 30

5:13 a.m. Door check, building secured. Walnut Street.

10:43 a.m. A 19-year-old La Crescent man cited for speed. Jonathan Lane.

11:55 a.m. A 51-year-old Brownsville woman cited for speed. Hwy. 16/41.

1:20 p.m. Motor vehicle crash reported. A 31-year-old Houston man cited for driving the wrong way on a one way roadway and leaving the scene of property damage crash. Kistler Driver and Hwy. 16.

1:46 p.m. Assisted Houston County Sheriffs Office with a roll over crash. Driver of vehicle was subject of an earlier driving complaint in the city of La Crescent. County 21/9, Houston.

2:23 p.m. Stolen bicycle in city of La Crosse. Owner believed item maybe located in La Crescent.

3:25 p.m. Property damage reported. Landscaping shrub believed to been run over by a vehicle during the night.

3:46 p.m. Remove unwanted individual from facility, Second Street.

6:40 p.m. Minor two vehicle property damage crash reported. A 21-year-old La Crescent man cited for failure to drive with due care.

7:09 p.m. Minnesota State Patrol requested LCPD to respond to Interstate 90 for a wrong way driver. Request was cancelled while enroute, I-90.

9:01 p.m. Attempt to serve arrest warrant. Redwood Street.

9:21 p.m. Traffic stop- verbal warning for illegal driving conduct. Hillview Boulevard and Hwy. 14/61.

10:56 p.m. Winona County Sheriffs Office assistance. Officer cancelled enroute. Knob Hill Road, Dakota.

11:02 p.m. Neighbor dispute reported. Eleventh Street.

12:05 p.m. Assisted Houston County Sheriffs Office deputy with traffic stop. driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Twilite Road and Hwy. 14/61.

12:27 p.m. Verbal domestic argument reported, Lancer Boulevard.

Monday, July 31

1:28 a.m. Traffic stop. Driver discharged firearm at officer who approached vehicle and officers returned fire. A high speed chase pursued with suspects fleeing in vehicle continuing to shoot at pursing officers. Suspect vehicle hit stop sticks and fled on foot with firearms into a nearby farm eventually giving up. One 19-year-old Holmen, Wis. man and one 19-year-old Kellogg, Min. man were arrested. Sanden Road and Hwy. 44.

6:58 a.m. Assisted with a stalled motor vehicle that lost rear wheel. Stood by providing traffic control until wrecker arrived. Hwy. 14/61.

9:25 a.m. Bicycle Safety presentation to adults and juveniles. Hill Street.

9:56 a.m. Report of a substantial natural gas leak within a business. La Crescent Fire Department paged and immediate vicinity was evacuated for safety. Upon the power and utilities having been disconnected. The building was vented and area subjects were advised they could return as gas company repaired the leak. Walnut Street.

10:33 a.m. Shore Acres Bypass opened for a dumpster delivery. Shore Acres Drive and Road.

12:03 p.m. Report of a down power line. Line determined to be data transmission line and appropriate utility company contacted. Redwood Street and Seventh Street.

12:17 p.m. Shore Acres Bypass opened for delivery of construction equipment. Shore Acres Road.

12:40 p.m. Concern for dog inside of parked vehicle. Owner spoke to about concern for animals welfare. Main Street.

2:27 p.m. Welfare Concern. Second Street.

3:15 p.m. Stolen cellphone reported. Lancer Boulevard.

3:26 p.m. Welfare concern. Second Street.

3:59 p.m. Live trap request. Main Street.

4:38 p.m. Welfare concern. Elderly subject had entered residence unannounced to homeowner. Subject is known to police and care facility staff was advised of unsafe behavior. Elm Street.

5:05 p.m. Traffic stop-verbal warning given for distracted driving. Walnut Street.

7:03 p.m. Parking complaint. Spruce Drive.

7:46 p.m. Report of vehicle fire. Vehicle was not located. Twilite Road and Hwy. 14/61.

8:34 p.m. Civil standby request- officer stood by without incident. Kistler Drive.

9:17 p.m. Juvenile welfare concern. An adult relative was located to assume temporary custody. Oak Street.

10:56 p.m. Complaint of harassing telephone calls. Second Street.

Tuesday, Aug. 1

5:17 a.m. Driving complaint. Vehicle not located. Twilite Road and Hwy. 14/61.

8:30 a.m. Shore Acres Bypass opened for refuse container delivery. Shore Acres Road.

8:38 a.m. Welfare Check. Contact made. Ninth Street.

9:44 a.m. Shore Acres Bypass opened for a refuse container Delivery. Shore Acres Road.

1:31 p.m. Emergency medical. Third Street.

1:40 p.m. Auto unlock requested. Vehicle opened. Hill Street.

1:51 p.m. Two vehicle minor property damage crash in a private parking lot. Hill Street.

2:24 p.m. Numerous pieces of wood removed from roadway. Twilite Road and Hwy. 14/61.

3:47 p.m. La Crescent juvenile on a skateboard observed to have illegally discarded a plastic drink bottle. Second Street.

4:17 p.m. Report of a caning left in a locked motor vehicle. Dog was briefly left and had sufficient ventilation. Walnut Street.

4:28 p.m. The 11th Annual National Night Out Event, Seventh Street.

Wednesday, Aug. 2

8:13 a.m. Emergency medical, Valley Lane.

9:55 a.m. Juvenile welfare check. Poplar Street.

1:49 p.m. Fingerprinted for Minnesota teacher licensure. Main Street.

3:17 p.m. Emergency medical. Crescent Hills Drive.

6:15 p.m. Report of a subject attempting to convince passing persons to assist in pushing his stalled vehicle while stopped in the traffic lane. A 51-year-old La Crescent man was intoxicated and arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Thursday, Aug. 3

12:36 a.m. Emergency medical. An intoxicated male laying on the Sportsmans Landing dock. A 38-year-old La Crescent man was not in medical distress and was arrested for violated court order in having consumed alcohol. DNR Landing and Hwy. 14/61.

5:09 a.m. Found cell phone. Later returned to owner. Jonathan Lane.

6:59 a.m. Report of a deer stuck in a fenced in back yard. Deer found eating fallen apples in yard and walked through open gate unharmed. Hill Street.

12:57 p.m. Welfare check. Main Street.

3:12 p.m. Fingerprinted for employer background check.

4:20 p.m. Abandoned bicycle in park picked up for safekeeping. Jonathan Lane.

4:33 p.m. Project lifesaver battery change and visit. Regent Drive.

5:19 p.m. Motor vehicle unlock. August Hills Drive.

7 p.m. Assist Houston County Sheriffs Department with a welfare check. Subject was taken into custody by HCSO for a health and safety commitment.
Appointed as one of the Senior Sales Managers who will be responsible for group bookings, Debbie Vail joins the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel team with more than 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Her strong negotiation skills, drive and a proven track record of success has allowed Vail to quickly progress into her current position. Vail began her career as a Reservations Agent at Sheraton Pasadena Hotel and continued to make her way up to Group Sales Manager. After eight years of outstanding achievement, she joined Westin Long Beach as a Senior Sales manager where she was responsible for large group business from Southern California and the southern half of the US. Vail graduated from California Polytechnic University, Pomona with a bachelors in business management and human resources.
Wynn Las Vegas announces the appointment of Frank Visconti as SVP of Retail. In his new role, Visconti will oversee the expansion of the resort's luxury retail offering and lead the continued development of Wynn Plaza, an expansive new 75,000 sq. ft. complex. With its opening, Visconti will direct total retail square footage of more than 173,500, and liaise with the iconic brands that currently occupy Wynn and Encore, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermes, Loro Piana, Prada, Alexander McQueen, and Givenchy. Hell oversee the development of the luxury retail offering at Wynn Boston Harbor, slated to open in summer of 2019. Conceived and designed by Steve Wynn in collaboration with Architectural Digest Top 100 Designer Roger Thomas, EVP of Architecture DeRuyter Butler, and Wynn Design and Development, Wynn Plaza will play on elements of natural light and airiness, with two stories covered by atriums and a skylight rotunda that is prominently showcased in the heart of the space. The first phase will feature a newly curated collection of luxury boutiques set to debut in fall 2017, with the second and final phase debuting summer 2018. Visconti began his career at Saks Fifth Avenue before moving to Neiman Marcus, where he served as VP and GM. Hired originally by Steve Wynn in 1992 to head retail operations for Mirage Resorts, Inc., Visconti eventually assumed the role of President of Retail for MGM Resorts International, where he oversaw more than 150 stores and 200 tenants within 13 resorts. Most recently, he led the development of Crystals within CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip, before forming his own consulting firm, Visconti Retail Group.
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee -- The U.S. hotel industry reported positive year-over-year results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 23-29 July 2017, according to data from STR.

In comparison with the week of 24-30 July 2016, the industry recorded the following:

Occupancy: +0.3% to 77.4%

Average daily rate (ADR): +1.2% to US$132.21

Revenue per available room (RevPAR): +1.5% to US$102.39

Among the Top 25 Markets, St. Louis, Missouri-Illinois, registered the largest year-over-year increase in each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (+12.0 to 82.6%), ADR (+14.7% to US$115.63) and RevPAR (+28.5% to US$95.53).

Three additional markets reported double-digit RevPAR growth for the week: New Orleans, Louisiana (+13.6% to US$82.39); Miami/Hialeah, Florida (+10.4% to US$143.08); and Detroit, Michigan (+10.0% to US$80.56).

Due to a comparison with the week of the 2016 Democratic National Convention,Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-New Jersey, reported the week's largest decrease across the three metrics: occupancy (-12.0% to 75.9%), ADR (-47.1% to US$124.06) and RevPAR (-53.4% to USD$94.17).

Chicago, Illinois, reported the second-largest decline in occupancy (-7.4% to 82.1%) and the only other double-digit decreases in ADR (-11.5% to US$144.82) and RevPAR (-18.0% to USD118.91).

About STR

STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for the global hospitality industry. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 15 countries with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, an international headquarters in London, and an Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. STR was acquired in October 2019 by CoStar Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGP), the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces. For more information, please visit str.com and costargroup.com.

Jeff Higley (STR)

VP, Digital Media & Communications

+1 (615) 824-8664 ext. 3318

STR
Eden Prairie, MN  The diplomas are framed, the caps and gowns returned, and the gift of a tablet or good watch is a reminder that time is not standing still for the recent college grad. While many graduates have found jobs, many more are still searching and not always finding industries that are a good fit for their skills and interests. That first job search can be especially stressful and daunting and the competition for choice positions is fierce.

Mike Schugt, President of Teneo Hospitality Group, has an answer for Millennials new to the workforce and unsure of how to find a position in a field where they can learn, grow and achieve. Schugt, a veteran hotelier and prominent sales executive, has no regrets about his career choice and is excited and inspired by the scope of opportunities in the hotel industry today.

"This is a fantastic time to get into the hospitality business-there are so many choices," Schugt affirms, noting that the industry offers opportunities for people from a wide range of disciplines. "The hospitality industry needs people with backgrounds in technology, engineering, finance, law, sales, marketing, food and beverage services, conference management, communications, real estate, human resources, labor relations, graphic design, foreign languages and more," he says.

Most of all, the industry needs workers with strong interpersonal skills, an ability that benefits the guest, the company and the employee.

A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University's Hotel Management School, Schugt has this advice for those starting out in the wide world of hospitality.

Authenticity, Humanity Are Key

According to Schugt, too many jobs are performed online and sometimes in isolation. Communications is computer generated and calls to customer service centers are increasingly digitized and impersonal. "Opportunities for face-to-face interactions are shrinking, and the result is a lack of authenticity in our daily outreach," says Schugt.

"This is a serious challenge for any business, service or otherwise," he asserts. When choosing a career, new graduates should look at the industry's culture and ask questions beyond pay, benefits and promotions. "Ask what kind of interactions you will have with your colleagues, managers, suppliers, the public. Will your career choice offer you a paycheck as your sole compensation, or will you reap the rich rewards that come from exposure to many different people, cultures, and belief systems that can teach valuable life lessons in leadership and human relations?" Schugt asks.

Schugt vividly remembers a lesson learned early in his career as a Front Desk Manager in a suburban Marriott hotel with a staff of 33 people reporting to him. "My first big, terrible idea was to make sure that my staff came back from their 30-minute breaks on time," he recalls. "My boss explained that we are here for the guests and team members and not here to micro-manage the staff. That was a lesson in humanity that I never forgot."

Work Harder  Get Luckier

Thomas Jefferson once said, "The harder I work the luckier I seem to get," and Schugt believes in working harder - and smarter - with personal and professional goals always in mind. "Consistently ask what you need to do to get to the next step on your career path," he advises.

"Don't think that a task is beneath you," Schugt cautions. "In the hotel business, crises big and small arise. "If you can't help when there is a power failure, what are you going to do when there is a serious emergency such as an earthquake, storm, flood or a reservations system crash?" he asks.

Take on More, Learn More

"Accept as much responsibility as anyone will give you - take on more than what is expected of you," Schugt advises. "Don't just concentrate on finishing your current workload  raise the bar by resolving to do an exceptional job. Ask to take on new responsibilities, train in new areas and learn all you can about our complex, challenging and ever-evolving world. This is a form of leadership that will drive both personal and team performance," Schugt asserts.

Think Big, Dream Big

According to Mike Schugt, everything is possible for those who think and dream big. "The only thing that is stopping you from doing exactly what you want is belief! Believe in yourself and believe that whatever it is that you do, you will do exceptionally well. The key is to Think Big, don't let a self-imposed boundary get in the way."

Seek and Meet Challenges

Meeting challenges, not avoiding them, is a key part of career development, in Schugt's view. "It is important to put yourself in uncomfortable situations that stretch you beyond what you thought you could do." Graduates who place themselves in challenging situations will learn a great deal about themselves and their industry. Schugt often quotes the German philosopher Friederick Nietzsche: "That what does not kill us makes us stronger".

Question Yourself

For Schugt, a little introspection goes a long way in setting goals and building that all-important belief in oneself. "The questions that you must consistently ask are: Am I living up to my potential? Am I on the right career path, and what is missing in my life plan?"

He points to a time in his career when a weak economy appeared to block any hopes for advancement to the sales position and leadership role he had targeted. "I realized that I had to set my mind to doing what I aspired to do and anything would be possible. It's so easy to get caught up in daily routines rather than focus on how to improve skills and live up to your potential. Discipline your mind to continually reach for new and higher goals and don't accept the status quo."

Learn a Foreign Language

Few industries demand more cultural sensitivity than hospitality and Schugt advises anyone with a serious career plan to learn a foreign language. "In a global economy, fluency in a major language is essential to effective employee and customer relations," says Schugt, who in addition to his native English speaks fluent German and Spanish.

Success in any job requires challenging work, self-examination and a willingness to take one's career to the next level. But Mike Schugt is convinced that the hospitality field will bring ample rewards to today's graduates. "Few industries offer the variety of brands, locations, positions and types of properties in which to work. You may find yourself working for an upscale urban property, in a college town, at an all-inclusive resort, a historic hotel, at a large conference center or even in a hotel in exotic and remote parts of Asia, Africa or Latin America," he says.

No one needs to fit into a specific mold in the hospitality field, according to Mike Schugt. "Some are leaders, some are entrepreneurs, others do best in support roles, some are highly guest focused, others thrive in accounting and finance. What matters is that you understand who you are and what you can do best, what motivates you and what drives you. Find your passion, set lofty goals and higher standards for yourself. Work hard to get there and believe that you can do it and thenmake it happen."

About Teneo Hospitality Group

Teneo Hospitality Group is a Global Sales Organization for the Finest Collection of Hotels, Resorts & Destination Management Companies (DMCs) Worldwide. Its globa l team is based in key geographic source markets and is an extension of its members' local and regional sales teams. Teneo has wide-ranging knowledge of the hospitality industry and serves the meeting planning community by providing valuable expertise and acting as trusted advisors. Teneo is a Latin word meaning to know, understand and persevere. This term represents the company's mission and its successful track record of global expansion. Since being established in 2013, Teneo has become a top-notch independent GSO. The company continues to expand its staff of hospitality sales and marketing professionals, and the services it provides the MICE marketplace as authorized by its members. Visit teneohg.com
A growing number of lawsuits alleging discrimination and harassment at some of the U.S.'s most famous restaurants have made headlines recently. To anyone who has worked in foodservice  front or back of house  this is not a recent phenomenon. Across all segments of the industry, allegations of discrimination and harassment are a daily challenge, which begs the question: why are managers, chefs and owner/operators still struggling with how to respond to, address, and resolve the allegations? Will there be lawsuits despite best efforts? Probably. Are best efforts actually always employed to address these issues? Unfortunately, not always.

A common reason why discrimination and harassment complaints often blossom from a problem to a catastrophe, is because of reactive handling. Instead, time should be taken to investigate a complaint in an objective, methodical, confidential and consistent manner. This means:

Investigating immediately, resolving in a timely manner and documenting each step taken  in a way that you would not mind seeing described in the media or in court.

Ensuring the "accuser" and the "accused" each get an opportunity to tell their side of the story and gossip is not tolerated.

Taking decisive and appropriate disciplinary action and following up periodically to ensure the steps taken were sufficient to prevent future, similar incidents.

How many of you (be honest, now) have had these knee-jerk reactions when listening to an employee allege this type of misconduct  even if you don't voice it?

"They're exaggerating/overreacting."

"They're too sensitive/high maintenance."

"Who would harass THEM?"

 And these reactions about the "accused"?

"They don't mean anything by it  it's just their personality."

"They're trouble, but also my best waiter/cook/chef/manager  what would I do without them?"

"I'm going to fire them immediately  I don't have time for this!"

 And these reactions about how to handle the issue?

"I'll just give them a warning, then I don't have to follow up later because I told them to stop."

"I'll just fire them and tell the staff exactly why so it doesn't happen again."

"I'll just fire them and not tell the staff anything at all."

A review of court documents and media statements made in high-profile restaurant suits related to discrimination and harassment show a clear trend: early decisions made based on these reactions exacerbated the problem. In cases where top management tolerated or participated in the behavior, larger penalties were levied, and the businesses met with greater media coverage and public outrage. In at least one case, outraged patrons and a (still pending) EEOC suit forced a restaurant to close its doors for good.

What's the lesson here? Regardless of how sublime your cuisine, failing to address issues of this nature can negatively impact or even close your business. Outside of colorful characters on TV and Twitter, the days of throwing plates, barking orders and epithets, foul language and sexual innuendo without consequences are over.

Give your employees the tools they need to alert you to this type of problem and respond appropriately. It is, after all, your obligation to provide a safe and professional workplace environment for your employees. If you're not sure what to do, there is plenty of guidance on responding to allegations of discrimination and harassment written by attorneys, HR professionals, and other experts that is readily available on the web, including our previous article "Eight Ways NOT to Respond to a Whistleblower Report."
Attorney Joseph M. Lovretovich Dispels 10 Myths About Employment Law

Posted by Press Releases on Friday, 08-04-2017 1:07 pm

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California attorney Joseph M. Lovretovich, of JML Law, lists the top ten misconceptions about employment law.ORANGE COUNTY, CA (PRWEB) AUGUST 02, 2017There are many California and federal laws in place to protect the rights of employees. However, many employers count on the fact that most employees do not understand these laws that exist to protect them, said attorney Joseph M. Lovretovich, founder of JML Law.In order to educate employees about employment law, Lovretovich lists the following ten misconceptions, followed by the facts:No. 1: At-will employees have no rights. It is true that in most states an employee is employed at-will and can be terminated at the discretion of the employer. However, the employer cannot terminate an employee in violation of a public policy such as race, disability, ethnic, national origin, gender or sexual orientation discrimination, noted Lovretovich.No. 2: Employers cannot give bad references. In fact, there is no law prohibiting an employer from ...

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About Webcast

In todays competitive landscape employers must innovate on their compensation packages in order to recruit top talent. As we know, benefits have a strong influence on an employees decision to select and remain with an employer. With such a diverse multi-generational workforce, it is no longer sufficient to simply offer a robust package with a variety of siloed and ultimately underutilized benefits. To truly attract and retain top talent, especially Millennial employees, benefits must respond to the individual employees needs.



It may seem difficult to purchase a cost effective benefit package that satisfies all employees at all ages and stages, however, utilizing a benefit administration approach that is backed by life event technology, demonstrates that your benefit package will respond to your employees diverse and individual needs. Furthermore, with Millennials representing the largest percentage of the workforce, successfully recruiting them demands paying attention to their individual needs and benefit preferences. Unfortunately, with traditional benefit administration employees become lost in a maze of benefits, resulting in disengagement and a lack of knowledge about how their benefits can meet their everyday needs. Learn how life event technology changes all that by bringing the focus back to the individual and addressing each unique life event by harnessing the power of modern technology.



Consider all of the life events that employees may experience at any given point in their career  from getting married, to pregnancy, to grief, to finding the right college for their child, all the way up to retirement. While its true that a life event or life interest is the number one reason why employees access and use their benefits, traditional benefit administration does not respond in this way. A traditional benefit administration approach no longer meets employees needs, considering that employees increasingly rely on their benefits to help them with events that arise in their lives. In a multi-generational workforce, the timing and urgency of each employees life event differs, leading to an increasing demand by employees for customized benefits tailored to their unique situations. This webinar will explain how you can utilize life event technology to effectively customize benefits for each employee, regardless of generation. This is incredibly important in todays landscape. In fact, according to a 2017 MetLife research study, 74% of employees noted they would be more likely to accept a job with a new employer if they had the ability to customize my benefits to meet my needs. Similarly, 72% of employees indicated that having the ability to customize my benefits to meet my needs would result in employees being more loyal to their current employer.



This webinar will also feature a case study, presented by Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2016. Northwestern Mutual Financial Field Representatives help deliver financial security to over 4.3 million people. Northwestern Mutual focuses on continually finding new technologies and partners that support their overall strategic goal in order to provide the highest level of service possible to their Field Reps and ultimately to their overall client base. Northwestern Mutual recently rolled out a 24/7 integrated benefit engagement solution to its Field Reps. This case study will demonstrate how cutting edge services, provide their Field Reps with enhanced benefit support via a life event driven mobile app and 24/7 call center support. This benefit engagement solution allows Northwestern Mutual Field Reps to get benefit questions answered quickly, resolves health advocacy issues with the help of experts in the field, and provides an overall better understanding of their benefits package. It also allows Northwestern Mutual Field Reps to spend more time providing the highest level of service thereby supporting the needs of their clients.





By registering for this webcast you will receive email communications and notifications from the sponsor(s).
We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector
I saw it in Chicago July 11, the anniversary date of the famous 1804 duel with Aaron Burr. The show is exhilarating. It reinvigorated my respect for the lives of our founders, and provided insightful perspectives for understanding our American polity.

The production has received widespread accolades, from former President Barack Obama to former Vice President Dick Cheney. Young Americans have been clamoring to experience this compelling rendition of American history. The Rockefeller Foundation helped finance 20.000 New York City 11th graders to experience Hamiltons emotionally uplifting, yet tragic story, from our founding generation.

I have encountered only one criticism of Hamilton. Utahs U.S. Sen. Mike Lee complains the show distorts what should be our view of the founders. However, Lee makes the conservative fundamentalists typical error in confronting history: he wants to confirm his own limited government ideology, and preclude anyone elses interpretation.

As our first secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton implemented a national economic program, which included the Bank of the United States. His Cabinet counterpart  Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson  opposed the program premised upon his anti-federalist (today we call it states rights) commitment. In the play, Jefferson acknowledges he could not defeat Hamiltons program.

Here is where Sen. Lee and his fellow conservatives misperceive our historical legacy. The founders established a constitutional order with the capacity to adapt to Americans evolving demands upon the governing apparatus established in 1787. The founding generation provided wide interpretive latitude in the Constitution to determine the breadth and scope of government.

We should not limit ourselves by trying to discern whether they would concur with us in our current endeavors  they vehemently disagreed among themselves. The men who wrote our Constitution led the national and state governments for decades after its implementation. They immediately devolved into factional disputes, leading to the development of political party divisions we live with today.

In addition, personal animus too often came between them. A bitter decades-long rivalry led to Burr killing Hamilton in their renowned duel. The publics negative reaction stunned Burr. Trying to restore his reputation consumed the rest of his life.

The most basic contribution the founders provided generations of Americans is the principle that even those who govern us are not above the law. The expectation that such public virtue would guide political leaders has been our historical legacy in the succeeding centuries. President Donald Trump poses a serious threat to this foundation of our constitutional order.

When campaigning for the Republican Partys nomination in January 2016, Trump outlandishly proclaimed he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue in New York, and not lose voters supporting his candidacy.

President Trump continues to premise his words and behaviors upon his notion he can act above the law. However, his supporters will not determine whether he has abided by our laws. Our constitutional system of justice will make this determination.

Hamilton portrays the man historians have labeled the father of the Constitution, James Madison, as a mousey underling of Jefferson. Such literary license does injustice to someone who, with Hamilton, wrote the Federalist Papers, our most significant American contribution to political theory, and the winning argument for ratifying the Constitution. At this moment, we should pay special attention to Madisons Federalist No. 10.

In it, he acknowledges, Men of factious tempers, of local prejudices, or of sinister designs, may by intrigue, by corruptionbetray the interests of the people. Despite clogging up government operations, even convulsing society, Madison argued the Constitution would prevent such demagoguery from executing its violence against the American people.

President Trump presents us with such a moment. The officeholders of this Republic are now obligated to ensure the continuance of our most basic governing principle: no person is above the law.
Image: twitter.com/OfficeOfRG

New Delhi, Aug 4 (IBNS): Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will be visiting flood affected areas in Gujarat and Rajasthan on Friday.

"Will be visiting the flood affected areas in Jalore, Rajasthan and Banaskantha, Gujarat today," the Gandhi scion tweeted.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rahul visited flood affected areas in Assam.

Interacting with the victims there, Rahul said: "Since the Congress is not in power at the Centre as well as in Assam, we will try our best to raise the issue of flood and erosion problem in the Parliament. Most of flood affected people yet to receive any relief and compensation from the government. Government must ensure to provide relief and compensation immediately."

"I will fight for your rights," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the state and reviewed the devastating flood situation.

The Prime Minister had announced a total package of Rs 2350 crore for all the flood affected north eastern states.

Image: twitter.com/OfficeOfRG
Srinagar, Aug 4 (IBNS): Police on Friday said that a militant and an unknown man were killed last night in a cross firing incident at Kanelwan area of Anantnag district in south Kashmir.

Sources said that the slain militant had joined militancy just ten days back.

"Kanelwan Anantnag encounter update. One militant killed. Arms ammunition recovered," a Jammu and Kashmir Police tweet read.

A statement read: "On a specific input about the presence of three militant in general area of Herpora Kanelwan Karvel Anantnag operation was launched by police, 3 RR and CRPF 40/90 Bn."

During the search operation, police said that militants fired on the search party, resulting in exchange of fire.

At around midnight, taking advantage of darkness two terrorists fired and managed to give a slip, police said adding, Cut off party of Army retaliated fire.

Later on, it was learnt one individual riding a motorcycle Yamaha Libero (JK13-527?) with erased last numeral got killed in cross firing. No material leading to his identity or I-card could be retrieved. Two mobile phones (Nokia 1209) and Jivi-N300 were seized from the said individual, police said.

One terrorist of HM outfit namely Yawar Nissar Shergujri @ Algazi also got killed in the encounter, the police statement said.

"One SLR, 2 magazines, 40 rounds, one Chinese hand grenade and a pouch was recovered from the slain militant," police said, adding that one solider of 3 RR namely Rifleman Rohit Kumar No. 13771129K also sustained injuries

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)

Image: Wallaper
Each year as the summer storm season sweeps across Minnesota, we see the need for emergency assistance from state government. In the last two years alone, weve seen nearly 50 counties, communities, and several tribal nations receive emergency assistance from Governor Dayton.

This year alone numerous counties including Winona, Freeborn, Kittson, and many others have and will receive aid. Its worth noting that the governor was only recently empowered with the ability to declare an emergency bringing immediate relief to those devastated by natural disasters. Until a few years ago, the Minnesota House and Senate had to return to Saint Paul in a costly special session to approve relief for each and every disaster.

In a show of how government can and should operate, in 2014 I worked with Gov. Dayton to establish the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account. By creating the account and giving the governor the authority to act on his own, we ensured that when a disaster struck, our state would respond by quickly distributing funds without the need to call a special session, and it worked. For the last two years our state has responded to numerous disasters without wasting time and money on special sessions.

This all started back in 2008, after the massive flooding of southeast Minnesota, my colleagues and I worked to develop a state disaster playbook to guide the 13 state agencies, governors office, legislature, cities, counties, school districts and townships impacted when a disaster occurs. In 2012, the nonpartisan Legislative Auditor released a report titled Helping Communities Recover from Natural Disasters, with recommendations on how to improve Chapter 12A by creating Chapter 12B to address disasters that are not covered by a Presidential Declaration, the laws are known as the state disaster playbook.

In 2014 I crafted a bill to continue the improvements made to Minnesotas disaster response with Chapter 12A by creating Chapter 12B. Chapter 12B implemented several changes recommended by the legislative auditor that increased coordination by the 13 state agencies and others involved in responding to disasters, and created the Disaster Assistance Account to fund their efforts.

Last summer, more than half a decade after we started this process, nearly 40 Minnesota counties and communities, and several Native American reservations became eligible for disaster assistance. For the first time, as a result of the improvements made to the disaster playbook, state and federal funds were distributed quickly and efficiently without the need for a special session.

A dedicated account for disasters guarantees accurate accounting and avoids problems associated with hurriedly passing bills in a special session, such as overpaying or underpaying.

This year weve already seen numerous counties and communities get immediate assistance from Gov. Dayton through state agencies and local government partnerships. The Disaster Assistance Contingency Fund is working for Minnesotans. You shouldnt have to wait or consider how and when aid gets to you after a natural disaster and we made sure thats a reality. When we work together for good and efficient government, we serve the people of Minnesota the way they expect and deserve.
New Delhi, Aug 4 (IBNS) : The Congress and other opposition parties will on Friday move privilege motions against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the Rajya Sabha charging her with misleading the House over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2015 Lahore visit and the Bandung Conference in Indonesia the same year.

The opposition leaders have alleged that Swaraj, by claiming that no representative from India delivered r any speech during the Bandung conference has provided wrong information to the Rajya Sabha as there are pictorial evidences speaking against her claim.

The Bandung conference issue cropped up on Thursday when senior Congress member Anand Sharma alleged that first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's name was omitted from the address delivered by Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh at the conference.

However, Swaraj said India didn't address the Bandung Conference. She said the speech in question was delivered at a separate conference.

The second privilege is for Swaraj "misinforming" the House, claiming that there was no terror incident after PM Modi's 2015 Lahore visit.



The opposition said that the Pathankot terror attack took place immediately after Modi's visit and there were five other terror-related incidents.

Sharma also wanted to know why PM Modi made the Lahore visit and "why, till date, nobody knows the details of the meeting".
New Delhi, Aug 4 (IBNS): The Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in New Delhi, MaryKay Carlson, made a special post on her Twitter page for people in India on Friday.

Dressed in four different sarees, a confused MaryKay Carlson asked netizens to suggest her the perfect one to wear on Indian Independence Day.

MaryKay Carlson is seen wearing Jamdani, Dupion, Kanjeevaram and Tussar in pictures shared by her on Twitter.

MaryKay Carlson will select the saree which netizens will vote to choose for her to wear on Aug 15.

Sharing her picture, MaryKay Carlson tweeted: "My #SareeSearch continues. Help me pick one to wear for #IndependenceDay by voting for your favorite. #WeWearCulture."

India will celebrate its 70th Independence Day on Aug 15.

Image: MaryKay Carlson Twitter page
Kolkata, Aug 4 (IBNS): The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Thursday booked a suspect at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI-CCU) airport in Kolkata and recovered 9.96 kg gold worth nearly Rs. 3 crore from his possession, officials said on Friday.

According to reports, DRI officials and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel intercepted a person, soon after he arrived at NSCBI airport from Aizawl in Mizoram onboard a Jet Airways flight (9W-624) on Thursday afternoon, and made the huge seizure.

"We detained a 27-year-old man from Mizoram, Zonunsanga, and seized 6 gold bars, weighing 1.66 kg each, from his back pack," a DRI official told IBNS. "The market value of the gold bars is approximately Rs. 3 crore."

Later, the person was arrested under Section 104 of the Customs Act.

"During preliminary interrogation, Zonunsanga, a well educated alumni of Delhi University, admitted that he was smuggling gold bars into India from Myanmar via Mizoram," the DRI official added.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)
Kolkata, Aug 5 (IBNS): A major fire broke out at a multi-storey commercial building at Anandapur area beside EM Bypass in Kolkata on Friday midnight, reports said.

According to reports, the fire was first seen on the fourth floor of Akash Tower and it's spreading quickly.

As many as 12 fire engines rushed to the scene and firemen are currently fighting the massive blaze.

The regional Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and office of a regional infotainment channel are located in the commercial building.

"Passport Seva Kendra (PSK Kolkata) is situated at the ground floor of the building and two privately run hospitals- Ruby General Hospital and Desun Hospital- are located metres away from the scene," an official of state fire and emergency services told IBNS.

"Our men are trying their best to douse the fire before it reaches to other floors of Akash Tower," the official added.

A local police official confirmed that no casualty has been reported so far.

"As it's a commercial facility and the fire started at midnight, no person is believed to be trapped inside the building," the police officer told IBNS.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)
New York, Aug 3(Just Earth News): The United Nations Security Council today expressed adeep concerna over the political situation in Burundi a including increasing numbers of refugees and reports of torture, forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings a and strongly urged the Government and all parties to immediately cease and reject such violence.

In a statement read out by Ambassador Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta of Egypt, which holds the Council presidency for August, the 15-nation body underscored deep concern regarding the continued worsening humanitarian situation, marked by nearly 202,000 internally displaced persons, three million people in need and more than 416,000 Burundians seeking refuge in neighbouring countries [] resulting from the country's persisting political impasse.

The Council commended the host countries for their efforts, and regional governments to respect their international obligations relating to the status of refugees, and to ensure that their return is voluntary, based on informed decisions and in safety and dignity.

It also strongly condemned all public statements inciting violence or hatred towards different groups, including calls for forced impregnation of women and girls and urged the Government and all parties to cease all violence and to condemn any hate speech.

The Security Council stressed that the prevailing situation has seriously undermined the gains achieved through the 2000 Arusha Agreement, with devastating consequences for Burundi and the region as a whole.

The Council reiterated its intention to pursue targeted measures against all actors, both inside and outside of the country, who threaten the peace and security of Burundi and underlined the utmost importance of respecting the letter and the spirit of the Arusha Agreement that has helped to sustain a decade of peace in in the nation.

The Security Council urges the Government of Burundi to reengage with international partners, especially the United Nations, in a constructive manner based on mutual trust, the statement said.

In that regard, the Council reiterated its concern over significant delays in the deployment of African Union human rights observers and military experts, noting that only 40 of the former and eight of the latter had been deployed to Burundi so far.

Reaffirming the Government's primary responsibility for ensuring security in its territory and protecting its population, with respect for the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law, it also called on States in the region to contribute to a solution to the crisis in Burundi and to refrain from supporting the activities of armed movements in any way.

Photo: UNHCR/Kate Holt (file)

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Aug 4(Just Earth News): Marking three years since the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) attacked the Yazidis in Syria, a United Nations-mandated inquiry has called for justice and rescue plans.

The Commission of Inquiry calls on the international community to recognize the crime of genocide being committed by ISIL against the Yazidis and to undertake steps to refer the situation to justice, said the expert panel in a statement marking the third anniversary of ISIL's attack on the Yazidis.

According to the Commission, in the early hours of 3 August 2014, ISIL fighters launched an attack on the Yazidis of Sinjar  a distinct religious community whose practice spans thousands of years. Over the following days, the terrorist group executed hundreds of men and took captive thousands of women and children, publicly reviling them as 'infidels.'

In its June 2016 report, entitled They Came to Destroy: ISIS Crimes Against the Yazidis the Commission found that many of the women and girls were taken to Syria where they were sold as chattel and sexually enslaved by ISIL fighters. Boys were indoctrinated, trained and used in hostilities.

ISIL committed the crime of genocide by seeking to destroy the Yazidis through killings, sexual slavery, enslavement, torture, forcible displacement, the transfer of children and measures intended to prohibit the birth of Yazidi children, the report concluded.

The genocide is on-going and remains largely unaddressed, despite the obligation of States Party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948 to prevent and to punish the crime, the Commission said.

Thousands of Yazidi men and boys remain missing and the terrorist group continues to subject some 3,000 women and girls in Syria to horrific violence including brutal daily rapes and beatings, the expert body noted.

Pointing out that some women and girls are being held in Raqqa city, the Commission revealed that as the Syrian Democratic Forces and international coalition offensive on Raqqa intensifies, reports have emerged of ISIL fighters trying to sell enslaved Yazidi women and girls before attempting to flee Syria.

The Commission recommended that all parties fighting ISIL consider plans to rescue Yazidi captives and use all possible to ensure their freedom during on-going military operations.

The international community must also recognize ISIL is committing the crime of genocide against the Yazidis, the statement concluded, urging action to refer the situation to justice, including to the International Criminal Court or an ad hoc tribunal with relevant geographic and temporal jurisdiction as well as to dedicate resources to bringing cases before national courts, whether under the framework of universal jurisdiction or otherwise.

The Independent International Commission  comprised of the Chair, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, Karen Koning AbuZayd and Carla Del Ponte  has been mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate and record all violations of international law since March 2011 in Syria.

Photo: Giles Clarke/ Getty Images Reportage

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Aug 4(Just Earth News): An independent panel reviewing the effectiveness of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has proposed the programme be recast as the Organization's 'urban champion,' including through the establishment of a coordinating mechanism to complement the its work and convene all UN agencies and partners on urban sustainability.

The panel, appointed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, recommends that 'UN Urban' be established as a coordinating mechanism similar to UN-Water or UN-Energy, as part of system-wide UN reform, with a small secretariat based in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) in New York.

In its just-released report, the Panel acknowledges the challenges which have compromised the ability of the UN-Habitat and the wider UN system to respond nimbly and effectively to rapid global change, and draws attention to the failure within the UN system to adequately acknowledge the pace, scale and implications of urbanization and the dependence of sustainable development on the direction of urban development.

The Panel agrees that UN-Habitat has limitations in accountability, transparency and efficiency, that its resources have been inadequate, insecure and unpredictable, and that the need to chase funds has caused it to stray from its normative mandate.

'Save, stabilize and rapidly strengthen' UN-Habitat; focus on 2030 Agenda

In the Panel's assessment, the first priority is to save, stabilize and then rapidly strengthen UN-Habitat to equip it for a renewed role based on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted at the UN General Assembly in 2015, as well as the New Urban Agenda, adopted at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) held in October 2016.

The Panel makes a set of recommendations on UN-Habitat's mandate, governance structure, partnerships and financial capacity.

The Secretary-General has found the proposed establishment of 'UN Urban in line with his own proposals for the reform of the Organization's development system, his Spokesman said on Thursday.

The Secretary-General welcomes the report of the High-Level Independent Panel to Assess and Enhance the Effectiveness of UN-Habitat, said Stephane Dujarric in a statement.

The Secretary-General considers rapid urbanization and its links with poverty, inequality, public health, migration, climate change and natural disasters to be one of the most pressing concerns of the United Nations, Dujarric said. He therefore appreciates the strong relationship between the assessment of UN-Habitat and the overall reform of the UN development system.

As a follow-up to Habitat III, the General Assembly mandated the Secretary-General to submit an evidence-based and independent assessment of UN-Habitat during the current session.

The Secretary-General appreciates the recommendations put forth by the Panel on better ways to address urbanization, a global mega-trend that is putting pressure on communities, infrastructure and the environment, and on how UN-Habitat and the UN system can reform to become fit for purpose in cities, the Spokesman said.

The Secretary-General finds many of the recommendations in line with his own proposals for the reform of the UN development system, particularly the establishment of 'UN Urban,' Dujarric said, noting that the objective is to foster more collaborative work by UN agencies in the revamped UN country teams, and align UN-Habitat's regional offices with the new policy integration functions of the Regional Economic Commissions.

General Assembly High-Level meeting on New Urban Agenda

Dujarric added that the Secretary-General also acknowledged the recommendations for changes to UN-Habitat's governance, and agreed that the agency must be equipped with a flexible, efficient structure that delivers for the most vulnerable residents of the world's cities, the spokesman said.

The General Assembly will convene a High-Level Meeting on New Urban Agenda and UN-Habitat on 5-6 September 2017.

The meeting will discuss best practices in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda as well as the recommendations put forth by the Panel. The outcome will serve as an input to the General Assembly's main body dealing with economic and financial issues (Second Committee), which will consider action to be taken in the light of these recommendations during the forthcoming session this fall.

The Secretary-General looks forward to further discussions with Member States on ambitious reforms that will help the human family to meet the urban tests of our time, Dujarric said.

UN Photo/Kibae Park

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Aug 4(Just Earth News): Violence in the Kasai provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) appears to be taking on an increasingly disturbing ethnic dimension, a United Nations human rights wing has warned, citing testimonies that Government forces have led ethnicity-based attacks.

"Survivors have spoken of hearing the screams of people being burned alive, of seeing loved ones chased and cut down, of themselves fleeing in terror. Such bloodletting is all the more horrifying because we found indications that people are increasingly being targeted because of their ethnic group, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Rafad Al Hussein in a news release from his Office (OHCHR).

"Their accounts should serve as a grave warning to the Government of the DRC to act now to prevent such violence from tipping into wider ethnic cleansing, h he added, calling on the Government to take all necessary measures to fulfil its primary obligation to protect people from all ethnic backgrounds in the greater Kasai area.

The report is based on interviews with 96 people who had fled to neighbouring Angola to escape the violence in Kamonia territory in Kasai.

The UN team was able to confirm that between 12 March and 19 June, some 251 people became the victims of extrajudicial and targeted killings, including 62 children, of which 30 were aged under eight.

Interviewees indicated that local security forces and other officials actively fomented, fueled, and occasionally led, attacks on the basis of ethnicity.

The UN Mission in the DRC has identified at least 80 mass graves in the Kasais.

The fighting between the Kamuina Nsapu militia and the Government began in August 2016. The UN team was able to confirm that another militia, called the Bana Mura, was formed around March/April 2017 by individuals from the Tshokwe, Pende and Tetela ethnic groups. It was allegedly armed and supported by local traditional leaders and security officials, including from the army and the police, to attack the Luba and Lulua communities who are accused of being accomplices of the Kamuina Nsapu.

According to the report, gthe Bana Mura allegedly undertook a campaign aimed at eliminating the entire Luba and Lulua populations in the villages they attacked. h In many of the incidents reported to the team, soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known by its French acronym FARDC, were seen leading groups of Bana Mura militia during attacks on villages.

Given the situation in the Kasais, the report highlights the need for the team of international experts on the situation in the Kasais, established in June by the UN Human Rights Council, to be granted safe and unrestricted access to information, sites and individuals deemed necessary for their work.

This report will be put at the disposal of the international experts, as well as any other judicial institution addressing the human rights situation in the Kasais, in an effort to advance accountability efforts in this regard.

Credit: OCHA/Ivo Brandau

Source: http://www.justearthnews.com
Toronto, Aug 4 (IBNS): The prices and the sales of Toronto houses recorded the third consecutive month-to-month reduction in July, media reports said.

The average prices of all types of houses were up by 5% year over year.

Apart from the prices, the sales of houses also dropped by 40.4% year over year in July.

The maximum drop in sales occurred in single-family houses where the number of detached house transaction dropped by 47.4% year over year.

The condo sales came down year over year in July by 30%.

The condo prices were up by 23% year over over. On the other hand, the prices for detached homes came down by 4.9% year over year in July.

The benchmark price was up by 18% year over year.

CEO of the Toronto Real Estate Board, John DiMichele said: "Summer market statistics are often not the best indicators of housing market conditions. We generally see an uptick in sales following Labour Day, as a greater cross-section of would-be buyers and sellers start to consider listing and/or purchasing a home."

(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh)
With almost a dozen notebooks, several packs of markers and numerous bottles of glue in his cart, Leland Diehl was well stocked for the beginning of the school year.

The Viroqua grandfather was shopping at the La Crosse South Shopko Wednesday morning for his four grandchildren. He said he was looking for some good sales as he picked up the scissors and crayons and other supplies the kids need before the first day of school.

Its going to be hard having them heading back, Diehl said. My wife and I like having them around all the time.

The start of the school year is more than a month away for students in La Crosse and Holmen, but Sept. 5 is coming  no matter how hard kids wish for the summer to last longer. The Onalaska School District starts first, on Sept. 1.

Local school districts are gearing up to help parents get ready for a new school year, publishing supply lists and hosting orientation meetings to help parents get acclimated. Immunization information is also available online, with clinics still available for parents to get their kids the shots they need before the school bus rolls up for the first time.

From 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 24, there will be back-to-school fairs at the Erickson and Mathy Boys and Girls Clubs located at 1331 Clinton St. and 811 S. Eighth St. Families will be able to get immunizations, vision screenings, school supplies and busing information, along with other resources.

Along with one at the back-to-school fairs, the La Crosse County Health Department will host immunization clinics from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Northside Elementary open house and 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Hintgen Elementary open house. Immunization fees are $15, and the clinic is open to all children 18 years of age or younger.

Families living in the La Crosse School District can enroll online at the districts website. In Onalaska, registration is Aug. 16 and 17, and registration forms need to be filled out online this year. The district will also host open houses at its schools Aug. 30.

Busing routes have been finalized, Holmen Transportation Supervisor Beth Hobbes said, and parents should be getting yellow cards with route information in the next week or so. Similar work has been going on at Onalaska and with La Crosses transportation vendor, Go Riteway.

Information on enrollment, vaccinations and other back-to-school resources for each district can be found on their websites at onalaska.k12.wi.us, holmen.k12.wi.us or lacrosseschools.org. Families can also view or download school supply lists, which can also be found at many local retailers school supply sections.

Heather Rabe and her daughter Anna were clothes shopping at Once Upon a Child in Onalaska Wednesday afternoon for some back-to-school outfits. Anna, a sixth-grade student at Longfellow Middle School, was picking up a concert outfit for choir and orchestra as well as clothes she could wear for dance class.

Despite transitioning from elementary to middle school, Anna said the school supply list wasnt much more complicated than before, with the usual requirement of binders, folders, note cards and pencils. Both Anna and her mom were looking forward to the beginning of the year, with Anna saying she was ready to get back learning with her friends.

Ive been waiting a long time, she said. Summer is really fun, but I dont always know what to do with myself.
Burma Religion Ministry Hits Out at Protesting Monks

Nationalist monks and laypeople staging a protest in Yangon. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  Monks staging sit-in protests in Yangon and Mandalay against the National League for Democracy (NLD)-led government do not represent the majority of Buddhist monkhood in Myanmar, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture said in a statement released Thursday.

Nationalist monks and laypeople staging a protest since Wednesday near the eastern gate of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and near Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image in Mandalays Chanmyathazi Township have been taken advantage of by those who dont want stability and tranquility, suggested the ministrys statement.

Protesters have been shouting slogans such as we dont want a government which downgrades race and [Buddhist] religion and we dont want a government which favors those who are not good at management.

There were banners stating our cause is to overthrow the government which undermines Buddhism.

The Yangon and Mandalay Sangha Nayaka committees attempted to dissuade people from demonstrating, but protestors had refused to leave by Friday morning.

The Mandalay Region Sangha Authority sent a letter to nationalist protestors in Mandalay on Thursday evening, warning the protestors to end the protest as they were against the law.

It was strongly denounced by the organizing committee on the same day, which said protestors would respond to any attempts to forcibly suppress the protest camp.

The ministrys statement, quoting Buddhist scriptures, said that Buddhist monks could stage a protest only by refusing to accept the offerings and meals provided by laypeople and only inside their monastery compounds and only under eight circumstances.

The protests staged in Yangon and Mandalay did not conform, according to the statement.

Maj-Gen Aung Soe, deputy minister of the home affairs ministry, told reporters outside parliament on Friday that if the religion ministry files a complaint with authorities, there are laws and regulations in place to take action against the protestors.
Burma Violence Follows Confrontation Between Villagers, Police in Rakhine

The confrontation in Outt Nan village. / State Counsellor Office Information Committee / Facebook

YANGON  Hundreds of people from Outt Nan village in Rakhine States Rathedaung Township resisted security forces on Friday when policemen attempted to arrest men suspected of being militants, according to the State Counselors Office and locals from the neighboring village of Zay Di Pyin.

According to U Maung Soe Win, an elder within the largely Buddhist Arakanese Zay Di Pyin village, four suspects were apprehended from Outt Nan while two managed to escape after hundreds of villagers surrounded a dozen policemen and fought back against the armed security forces with machetes, slingshots, and darts.

Villagers witnessed a huge crowd chasing policemen into a large field, said another Zay Di Pyin resident U Maung Khin Win.

According to U Maung Khin Win, villagers from a third community, Chwat Pyin, reported the discovery of militant training camps in the Mayu mountain range of northern Rakhine State as they searched for a missing local in July. They then informed the border police, who, following an investigation, arrested a man named Anatulah from Ahtet Nan village on July 27 for allegedly attending a training in the camp months earlier, according to the State Counselors Office Information Committee.

While detained, Anatulah reportedly revealed the names of other trainees, as well as camp leaders. This information led to a border police raid by Maj Okka Aung and 25 troops in the Muslim village of Outt Nan on Friday morning.

A statement by the State Counselors Office said that police initially arrested six suspects but that nearly 300 villagers surrounded the policemen, who then fired 15 warning shots, but the crowd did not disperse. The statement said that the crowd then attacked police, leading to the escape of two suspects.

Villagers from Zay Di Pyin said that a local imam was among the escapees, but at the time of reporting, this could not be verified.

The government statement said that the police were followed by Outt Nan villagers until they left the area, and in total, shot around 50 rounds. It did not mention any injuries or casualties. However, both Buddhist and Muslim residents of Zay Di Pyin told The Irrawaddy over the phone on Friday that, from the scene that was witnessed, they believed some Outt Nan residents endured gunshot wounds which may have been fatal. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify these claims with the border police at the time of reporting.

Representatives from Rathedaung police station declined to comment on Fridays conflict, but authorities have reportedly been deployed to the area surrounding Outt Nan and Zay Di Pyin to search for the suspects.
Burma Voice Editor Released on Bail

The Voice Daily chief editor U Kyaw Min Swe / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  After being detained for two months, The Voice Daily chief editor U Kyaw Min Swe was granted bail by Bahan Township Court in Yangon for 22 million kyats (US$15,400) on Friday.

The chief editor was arrested on June 2 along with the publications satirist Ko Kyaw Zwa Naing, also known by his pen name British Ko Ko Maung, for publishing an article which questioned Myanmars peace process and armed struggle.

The Myanmar Army filed a lawsuit against the pair, who were charged under controversial Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law and then Article 25(b) of the Media Law for allegedly defaming the military in the satirical article. Ko Kyaw Zwa Naing was later released and acquitted of violating Article 66(d) on June 16.

The court accepted the bail request for the chief editor at the court hearing on Friday, with 20 million kyat for the Article 66(d) charge and 2 million kyats for the Media Law charge.

I have done nothing wrong, U Kyaw Min Swe told reporters at a press conference held right after his release.

He said journalistsincluding three detained reporters in Hsipaw Prison, Shan State, who were charged under the colonial era Unlawful Association Actshould only be prosecuted under the Media Law if complaints are made against them, as they are just doing their jobs.

The media law is not yet effective because even the authorities have not followed the law and just use laws which can put the journalists behind bars right away, as soon as the case is filed. It is unfitting for the democratic transition, said U Kyaw Min Swe.

The judge has a fear when it comes to cases which involve the military, whether the army interrupts the case or not. They would take the side [of the army]the safe sidewhich has less risk for them. I dont want to blame them, he added.
Guest Column Will the Myanmar Army Wipe Out Ethnic Armed Groups?

Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing with Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi during his trip to India in July. / Commander-in-Chief / Facebook

The Myanmar Army has shownevermore visibly and publiclythat it is strengthening its forces. Recently, Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing toured Japan, India, Russia, Israel, Pakistan and Europein many cases he was chasing arms deals. It is clear that the Myanmar Army is seeking to replace its current outdated arsenal with modernized weaponry to beef up its military capability.

Several questions come from the recent moves of the Commander-in-Chief: What motivates the Myanmar Army to modernize its military capability when its clearly time for reconciliation in Myanmar to end the countrys decades-long civil war? Is the Tatmadaw seeking to wipe out ethnic armed organizations (EAOs)? If so, who will support the military? If not, what is their policy toward EAOs?

Only the commander-in-chief himself can answer these questions; we are forced observe the militarys moves, and speculate.

The Tatmadaws Strategies

Based on observations, one possible goal of the Myanmar Army is to wipe out all EAOs. The victory of the Sri Lankan army over the Tamil Tigers provided inspiration to the Myanmar Armya prominent retired general Bullet Hla Swe highlighted the armed groups surrender when he was interviewed by the BBC in 2013.

If the Myanmar Army is to eliminate the EAOs, it will squeeze the different groups, one-by-one, step-by-step. The Myanmar Army has been implementing its infamous Four Cuts strategy (Phet Lay Phet in Burmese) by cutting off food, finance, recruits and information to weaken the EAOs.

The Tatmadaw have been targeting natural resources that support EAOs. The government military has launched serious offensives against areas where lucrative natural resources such as gold, amber, jade, and teak are extracted. The Tatmadaws recent operations against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Tanai Township, Kachin Statein amber and gold mining areasis a classic example of the militarys Four Cuts strategy.

The Myanmar Army has been using Article 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act as a tool for weakening EAOs. The Army has charged many civilians, particularly ethnic minorities on suspicion of affiliating with EAOs. In doing so, communication between EAOs and the public has been hampered, weakening the organizations.

Less subtly, the Myanmar Army has launched large military offensives with combined ground forces, artillery fire, and airstrikes against EAOs. In the last five years, the KIA has lost most of their strategic outposts from these fierce attacksHka Ya Bum, a strategic peak just five miles from KIA headquarters in Laiza, Bum Tawng, Hpun-pyen Bum, Gideon, Lai Hpawng, and the No. 6 battalion in Hpakant and No. 8 Brigade in Indawgyi have both been displaced. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in the Kokang region has also lost a number of strategic outposts recently.

Looking East

The Myanmar Army realizes, however, that it could not fulfill a goal of wiping out EAOs without external support, particularly from China. The Myanmar Army increasingly ties itself with Chinaperhaps with this end in mindparticularly where groups straddle the Myanmar-China border.

China practices two notable policies towards Myanmar. The first policy is to protect the Myanmar Army from international punishment. China diplomatically shields the Myanmar Army from any scrutiny and punishment meted out at the UN Security Council (UNSC). On March 17, 2017, for instance, China and Russia blocked a short UNSC statement expressing concern with the situation of human rights in Myanmar after a 15-member body met to discuss the situation in Rakhine State. China also vetoed a UN draft resolution on Myanmar in January 2007.

The second policy is to drive out from China any potential supporters of EAOs. The central government in Beijing, following President Xi Jinpings anti-corruption campaign, has pressured officials in the southern province of Yunnan suspected to be involved with ethnic armed groups in businesses such as mining, logging, and other joint ventureoften through intricate business ties.

According to Tengxun News, Beijing arrested and investigated eight senior officialsformer Communist Party deputy secretary Qiu He, Kunming executive deputy mayor Li Xi, former Yunnan vice governor Shen Peiping, former Communist Party provincial secretaries Qin Guangrong and Bai Enpei, former Communist Party secretaries of Kunming city Gao Jinsong and Zhang Tianxin, and Kunming deputy mayor Xie Xinsong in Yunnan Province within the three years between 2013 and 2016. Beijing suspected that these people were affiliated with some EAOs such as the KIA, the MNDAA, and the United Wa State Army (UWSA).

In March 2017, a state-owned Chinese bankthe Agricultural Bank of China (AgBank)suspended accounts being used to crowdfund the MNDAA. On June 15, 2017, Chinese authorities froze over 5,000 accounts in border areas in what they called a crackdown on money laundering, gambling, and crime, in an attempt to increase border trade stability.

The Myanmar Army does not want EAOs doing business with people in China because it fears that income from illicit trades will be laundered. Perhaps as a quid pro quo, the Myanmar Army allows China to pour huge investments into Myanmar in a number of different sectors. China is hungry for resources to implement its One Belt, One Road initiative. Thus, China is investing billions of dollars into an oil and gas pipeline starting from Kyaukphyu on the Bay of Bengal in Rakhine State as well as building hydropower facilities in Mong Ton in Shan State and the Myitsone Dam in Kachin State (which is currently suspended), and many more.

Looking West

The Myanmar Army, however, recently shifted towards India. Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing made an eight-day visit to India in July 2017 and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Defense Arun Jaitley and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

According to the Indian Military News, the Tatmadaw made a major deal with India in March 2017 to buy torpedoes for their Navya deal worth US$37.9 million. It is not the first such deal between the two countriesthe Tatmadaw has received rocket launchers, mortars, radars, night-vision devices, bridges, and communication devices, as well as road construction equipment like bulldozers, tippertrucks, and soil compactors.

India is keen to supply Myanmars naval revamp, previously dominated by China. India has largely disregarded Chinas expanding footprint in Myanmarthe only Asean country with whom it shares land and maritime boundaries. India wants further diplomatic, economic and military cooperation with Myanmar.

Close ties between the two nations may have several benefits, but the major reason for close cooperation for the Myanmar Army is as a bargaining chip. The Tatmadaw wants China to know that if the country supports EAOs on its borders, Myanmar can veer toward India for military sourcing and lucrative investment projects.

Undeniably, the Myanmar Army could probably wipe out some EAOs that lack the military capability to defend themselves, but it would fair less well with larger groups. Unlike Sri Lanka, Myanmar hosts several strong EAOs, particularly the UWSA, which boasts estimate troop numbers of 30,000. It would be a false presumption that the Myanmar Army could continue to wipe out all EAOs.

The Myanmar Army would do best to negotiate and settle an agreement with non-state armed groups to bring peace to the country. Further pushing, taunting, and bullying of EAOs will only disrupt the countrys bid for peace and increase deaths. No citizen wants casualties to continue.

Joe Kumbun is the pseudonym of a Kachin State-based analyst.
Honeywell, the US-based global IT solutions giant, is providing Skytower with its enterprise buildings integrator, a building automation system that takes charge of system integration, covering the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and security protection facilities.

And, under the deal, the Chinese global ICT company Huawei delivered the gigabit network and provided a Passive Optical LAN solution to achieve smart network inside the Skytower.

"We're excited to work with Huawei to build a gigabit network for Skytower, Brisbane's iconic 270-metre, 90-story residential tower. The network is the first installation to utilise one common fibre optic cable for telephony/data and building services, said Mark Dunn, executive general manager, Honeywell Building Solutions.

Dunn says smart buildings are rapidly evolving to become more networked, human-centric and intelligent and the growing use of The Internet of Things, cloud computing, and Big Data, enables inter-operability between building intelligence and information systems, changing the building industry and accelerating the development of smart buildings.

Dunn said Billbergia Group, Skytower's property management company, wanted a technology provider that could provide a comprehensive smart building solution.

He said Bill McGarry, development manager of the Billbergia Group, understood the importance of "preparing building for the next wave of technology upgrades", and needed to be confident the Skytower technology solution was going to deliver the best outcome.

Billbergia Group approved Honeywell's proposed technology solution integrated with Huawei's POL solution, delivering a complete smart building solution.

Honeywell says Huawei's POL solution delivers benefits to Skytower including:

The building automation system shares the same network with triple-play services, eliminating the need to build standalone networks;

One single fibre bears all services, simplifying cabling and dramatically reducing capital expenditure;

Passive splitters take place of switches in the middle layer without the need of powering and cooling, which greatly saves riser space;

Smooth evolution to 10G PON while reusing existing cables for maximal investment protection; and

The U2000 centrally monitors the faults and alarms of all network equipment and provide added visibility to end-to-end service rollout.

In addition to smart buildings like Brisbane Skytower, Huawei and Honeywell announced they have agreed to jointly explore opportunities in education and enterprise campuses, business buildings, and industrial parks in high growth regions, including China, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Western Europe, the Middle East, and India.

The companies say they will jointly pursue large-scale smart city projects throughout the world to help build intelligent urban infrastructures that control costs while providing a more favourable living environment.
Victoria Police has leveraged SAS to bring together disparate data and paint its picture of the future "connected cop".

At SAS' Analytics Insights 2017 on Thursday, Mark Rollo and Dallas Reilly of Victoria Police described the work being done to modernise information management within the organisation.

Central to all Victoria Police information is case management, but this historically has data spread across a rich variety of sources  geospatial, digital data, visual analytics, in-car video, body-worn cameras, number-plate recognition, mobile technologies, Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting, among others.

"Information is the lifeblood of policing," the speakers said. "Quality and actionable intelligence is critical."

In partnership with SAS, Victoria Police has successfully achieved a single view of all this data, connecting and linking and presenting information in one place, regardless of the origin. The system is named BlueConnect, representing its importance in connecting the police to the community.

With BlueConnect in place, the Victoria Police now has information more readily available. Police on the ground can respond to incidents, arriving at a location far more prepared with information while police performing intelligence work can more swiftly analyse trends and seek to predict events of concern.

BlueConnect is not the end result, but merely the first big milestone on the journey to what Dallas Reilly termed "the connected cop".

The future of Victorian policing  the Connected Cop! Made possible with SAS #analyticsinsights pic.twitter.com/wrmsiNSYeF  davidmwilliams (@davidmwilliams) August 3, 2017

Reilly portrayed a vision of the future of policing where a patrol learns of an event. The police officers respond, their phone plotting a course to the location. An officer turns on the car siren which, in turn, activates recording on the in-car camera and officer body-worn cameras for evidence.

Enroute, the officers are informed about the situation, the location, the occupants, prior offences, potential weapon threats, and more data. The officers attend to the situation, and if a taser must be deployed this too captures video for evidence.

The officers defuse the situation, speak to victims and witnesses while continuing to capture video on their body cameras. The officers return to base, their equipment uploading and synchronising video files, vehicle and other machine data, and all the other items gathered. They can process the offender swiftly, and return to the street, with a previous vast manual workload of paperwork being handled automatically.

More formally, Victoria Police refer to this as integration; the integrated officer, the integrated patrol, and the integrated vehicle.

The SAS' Analytics Insights keynote was delivered by R "Ray" Wang from Constellation Research on the need for AI-driven smart-services, followed by SAS' Kimberly Nevala on how to identify good AI project opportunities  including the very true statement, "A $2 billion idea which does not get implemented is a $0 idea."

The Black Dog Institute also spoke about the work they are performing with the assistance of SAS in using data analytics to transform mental health services and reduce suicide. SAS supports the institute in its "Data for good" programme.
Automated cash-deposit machines are being blamed for the Commonwealth Bank allegedly violating Australian anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.

A total of more than $77 million was said to have been laundered, according to the monitoring agency AUSTRAC which has taken the CBA to Federal Court in a civil case over the alleged offences.

AUSTRAC claims that CBA contravened the laws more than 53,700 times. Any transaction over $10,000 is supposed to be reported within 10 days.

The maximum penalty for contravening the law is $18 million per breach.

"CBA did not comply with its own anti money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing programme, because it did not carry out any assessment of the money laundering and terrorism financing risk of intelligent deposit machines before their rollout in 2012. CBA took no steps to assess the risk until mid-2015 - three years after they were introduced.

"For three years, CBA did not comply with the requirements of its programme relating to monitoring transactions on 778,370 accounts.

"CBA failed to give 53,506 threshold transaction reports to AUSTRAC on time for cash transactions of $10,000 or more through IDMs from November 2012 to September 2015.

"These late threshold transaction reports represent approximately 95% of the threshold transactions that occurred through the banks intelligent deposit machines from November 2012 to September 2015 and had a total value of around $624.7 million.

"AUSTRAC alleges that the bank failed to report suspicious matters either on time or at all involving transactions totalling over $77 million.

"Even after CBA became aware of suspected money laundering or structuring on CBA accounts, it did not monitor its customers to mitigate and manage the risk, including the ongoing risks of doing business with those customers."

AUSTRAC's summary of its allegations:

AUSTRAC acting chief executive Peter Clark said: ""By failing to have sound anti money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems and controls in place, businesses are at risk of being misused for criminal purposes.

"AUSTRAC's goal is to have a financial sector that is vigilant and capable of responding, including through innovation, to threats of criminal exploitation.

"We believe this can be achieved by working collaboratively with and supporting industry. We will continue to work in this way with our industry partners who also share this aim and demonstrate a strong commitment to it."

CBA said in a statement it was reviewing the allegations and would respond "in due course".
Samsung Electronics Australia has announced the grand opening of The Frame Gallery, where shoppers will be treated to a stunning collection of local and international artworks on its impressive The Frame TV.

In a special location under Myer at Sydneys Pitt Street Mall, Samsung has promised shoppers a televisual and artistic treat, bringing a stunning collection of international and Australian artworks.

As you can imagine with the TV that is Samsungs The Frame, these artworks will be displayed on the The Frame, bringing art and TV together.

Samsung states that The Frame is More than a TV at its website (linked above), and proudly boasts that The Frame can transform your living space into a mesmerising gallery of curated art".

If you own The Frame, youll be able to choose from a library of embedded art, purchase from the online Art Store, or showcase your own photos to discover how The Frame stands out  and blends in  for all the right reasons".

But thats the exhibition at your place if youre a Frame owner.

For the general public, there will be a host of free activities for shoppers to enjoy during the course of the exhibition under Myer at Pitt St Mall, including design panel events with industry experts like Jen Bishop, Greg Natale, and Steve Cordony, along with live painting sessions by renowned Australian artist MULGA".

Want more? Of course you do.

Youll be pleased to know that visitors to the exhibition will also have the chance to win The Frame TV".

So, whether your style is boho, scandi, or jungalow, Samsung assures us all that theres an art piece to suit you in the Samsung Collection.

The exhibition will be open from 5 August to 1 September during shopping hours.

Youre invited to come down to check out The Frame, a remarkable TV when turned on and a magnificent work of art when turned off".

Youll find more information and timings for scheduled activities over at the Samsung Australia Facebook page.
Want to put a 4G SIM card into your smartwatch? Then Huaweis Android Wear 2.0 watch is the first to let you do it with Vodafone down under from 16 August.

When the Huawei Watch 2 launches with Vodafone in Australia, on 16 August, it will be the first 4G SIM-enabled smart watch available in the Australian market, and will be priced at A$599.

Of course, it wont be the first watch with a SIM card to have launched in Australia. I fondly remember the world first 3G feature phone squeezed down to the size of a watch back in 2009, from LG, and absolutely loved using it until the charging mechanism stopped charging the watch.

But that was back then, and now, almost a decade later, another high-tech but much more advanced smartwatch is coming to market with a SIM card slot, and this one compatible with 4G.

So, why does Huawei say standalone 4G connectivity is important?

The company explains that standalone connectivity allows Huawei Watch 2 users to step away from their phone for periods of time (such as going for a run or a night out) and still have access to near full functionality of the Smart Watch".

Were told that the SIM and built-in GPS chip facilitate calls and texts and the usage of apps such as Uber, Foursquare and Facebook messenger, all independent of a Bluetooth connected smartphone".

On top of that, the design of the watch includes dual-mic noise cancellation, to ensure a clear and stable telephone experience, and the integration of the antennae on the upper watch case facilitates signal reception for 4G, GPS, Wi-fi, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, and that it also includes all the capabilities you would expect from a Smart Watch".

First up, is its usage as a 'Health & Fitness Partner'

Huawei explains that its Watch 2 includes multiple sensors and advanced algorithms to provide the user with health and fitness solutions. Built-in smart sensors collect data points such as distance travelled, speed, steps, heart rate, calories, and gait. This information is then used to power exercise programs and workout plans".

Naturally, if youre a runner, and you have the Huawei Watch 2, you can get real time guidance and notifications.

Theres also built-in heart rate detection and GPS to measure the users VO2max and, after each run, the watch automatically generates a report that advises on recovery time and training effects".

Huawei proudly boasts that the added bonus of having the Huawei Watch 2 4G enabled is that it can do all this without the user having to carry their smartphone with them".

Huawei Watch 2 can also track users favourite exercise routes and add music to the workout regime, playing from a local music library or cached tracks on third party apps.

On top of that, Huawei says it isnt just fitness but also health, with Huawei Watch 2 promoting healthy living all day".

The Daily Tracking App can accurately track users daily steps and record time spent on medium and high intensity exercise, with all of this information presented to the user with daily targets to promote a healthier lifestyle".

Article continues below image, please read on!

Second is design

Billed as having a classic wristwatch design that integrates smart features and sport functions while maintaining a stylish look, you naturally get a high-definition display that is customisable with multiple watch face designs, simultaneously allowing users to personalise their device while also getting quick access to their favourite applications".

Built with Corning Gorilla Glass and offering IP68 Water and Dust Resistance, Huawei says its new watch is designed for comfort and fit during exercise and is smaller and more compact that than first generation of Huawei Watch".

Youre also promised a smarter battery design, too, with optimisation and greater density allowing for longer battery life.

Huaweis Lab Testing showed the new 420mAH battery delivered around 2 days of typical usage, around 10 hours of Training Mode (with the GPS & real-time hear rate monitoring on throughout) and around 3 weeks in Watch Mode (power saving mode that maintains basic functions  time keeping & pedometer).

Article continues below image, please read on!

Third is the promise of 'a smarter experience'

Not just a workout partner, Huawei wants its Watch 2 to add convenience to daily life".

This is where the Android Wear 2.0 intelligent operating system that powers the Huawei Watch 2 comes to the fore, integrating Google Assistant and allowing interactiong through voice commands.

Huawei explains that users can ask questions about the weather, their calendar appointments, ask the device to play music or dictate text messages, simply by using voice instructions".

The open ecosystem of Android Wear 2.0 promises that users can benefit from a vast library of compatible apps".

You can download independent fitness, networking and travel apps, as well as games, to bring even more functionality to the Huawei Watch 2".

And, if you own an iPhone, Huawei and Google want to tempt you away from an Apple Watch with the Huawei Watch 2, nothing that Android Wear 2.0 extends the experience of an Android smart watch to iPhone users".

Whether thats going to be enough to tempt iPhone users away from an Apple Watch is yet to be seen, but it will certainly enhance the Android experience by putting lots of functionality on your wrist, giving you the best of the phone and watch worlds together.

That said, Huawei and Google are gunning for iPhone users to consider Huawei Watch 2, nothing that with its built-in application store, Huawei Watch 2 can avoid the restrictions of iOS and allow users to install third-party faces and applications".

Then theres Huawei stating its 'Watch 2 also benefits from the latest in mobile payment technology and Android Pay to make convenient and secure transactions possible'.

Worried about security when making mobile watch-based payments?

Well, for security purposes, Huawei assures that the Huawei Watch 2 uses infrared and Cap sensors to identify whether the user is wearing it to ensure payment security. It locks itself automatically and disables the payment function when it is not on the users wrist".

Eric Zhai, managing director of Huaweis Consumer Business Group in Australia, said: Huawei strives to improve life through innovation and connectivity and the Huawei Watch 2 is a product of that work. As the internet of things becomes more fully realised, Smartphones and connected wearables will continue to bring benefit to peoples lives  from medical solutions to paying for public transport with a flick of your wrist.

So, we are proud that the Huawei Watch 2 will be the first 4G SIM-enabled Watch on sale in Australia.

Ian Walls, Vodafone Australias head of Devices said, The Huawei Watch 2 is an innovative wearable that demonstrates how smart watches are evolving to suit peoples needs and lifestyles. Were excited to be the exclusive Australian network operator for launch and look forward to announcing Vodafones plans for the Huawei Watch 2 soon.

Clearly, well have to watch this space for more information!

Also, the Huawei Watch 2 isnt listed at Huaweis Australian site yet.

Youll find info on the first Huawei Watch at Huawei Australia here, and this same location will presumably be updated on or by August 16 with all the latest Watch 2 details.

Tech specs below image, please read on.

Here are the tech specs:

Series

Huawei Watch 2

Available Colours

Carbon Black

Display

1.2 AMOLED 390 x 390, 326dpi, Corning Gorilla Glass

Size

48.9 x 45 x 12.6mm

Weight (without band)

42g

Lug Width

20mm

Wake-up modes

Raise, lift or turn wriest to wake up; semi wake-up mode

Storage

4GB ROM (Apprix 2.3GB for user storage); 768MB RAM

Processor

Qualcomm MSM8909W, 1.1 GHZ

Connectivity

Bluetooth: BT4.1 BLE+BR/EDR

Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n

Cellular: GSM/WCDMA/TDS/CDMA2000/TDD-LTE/FDD-LTE

Sensors

Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Heart Rate Sensor (PPG), CAP Capacitance Sensor, ALS/Ambient Light Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor

Battery

420mAh

Water & Dust Resistance

IP68

OS

Android Wear 2.0

Device Compatibility

Android 4.3

iOS 8.2

Standalone connect

Support SIM card

Charger

Magnetic suction base charge

GPS

Built-in independent GPS + Glonass

Release Date

16 August

Participating Retailers

Exclusive to Vodafone Australia at launch

SRP

$599  Check Retailer for plans and pricing
A Galesville farmer has won his five-year legal battle against Xcel Energy over stray voltage that he says harmed his cattle and could result in a record $13.5 million award.

A jury this week found that Xcel was negligent and failed to follow state regulations, causing more than $4 million in losses for Paul Halderson and his wife, Lyn, who operate a nearly 1,000-cow dairy.

The Haldersons claimed their herd suffered from illness and decreased milk production for more than a decade because of improperly grounded power lines.

In total, the Trempealeau County jury awarded the Haldersons about $4.5 million, which the court is required to triple in cases such as this where a jury finds willful, wanton or reckless violation of statutes.

That would be the largest stray voltage award in Wisconsin history and likely the second largest in the nation, said Haldersons attorney Barry Hammarback of River Falls, Wis.

It really was quite a vindication, Hammarback said, noting that the Haldersons had to endure accusations they were sub-standard farmers.

Paul Halderson, a longtime member of the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau school board, said he would rather have avoided the lawsuit but was relieved to get compensation for a problem that began as early as 1993.

It was a long struggle, he said. I wish that we didnt have to go through this to get this.

Xcel spokeswoman Christine Ouellette said the company was disappointed by the verdict and is evaluating the next steps.

The term stray voltage refers to current that leaks from neutral wires into the earth. Animals that come into contact with a grounded object  such as a watering trough  can receive small shocks. This can cause dairy cattle to avoid eating, become stressed and generally produce less milk, according to research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Wisconsins Public Service Commission established guidelines in 1996 for acceptable levels of stray voltage for utility service, although a farm or homes own wiring can also be the source, said Doug Reinemann, professor and chair of biological systems engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Its typically some of each, Reinemann said. Theres always some coming from each side.

According to the Haldersons suit, NSP found excessive voltage in one of their barns beginning in 1996 but failed to report it. In 2011, the Haldersons hired a consultant who found high levels of electricity and concluded it was coming from the utilitys distribution system.

The suit claimed this led to reduced milk production and the loss of $5.8 million in profits between 2004 and 2011 when Xcel installed equipment designed to reduce stray voltage.

Hammarback said after new equipment was installed, the cows reproduction rates nearly doubled, mortality plummeted and overall production increased by 5 million pounds of milk per year.

Its like night and day, Haldeson said in a statement released by his attorney. When we had stray voltage, we could never get the production we wanted and the cows were struggling with health problems. Now it seems effortless. Production is way up and the cows are doing great.

Also named in the suit was Star Blends LLC, which the Haldersons said provided bad feed in June 2011  shortly after Xcel installed equipment to address the stray voltage  that killed some of their cows and left others sick. The Sparta feed company settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.

Xcel countered that the Haldersons claim teeters on the false premise that their herd should have produced milk at levels exceeding state and local averages.

The utility claims no one detected harmful currents where cows were present and says Haldersons problems resulted from his expansion during difficult times for the dairy industry, bad feed, disease and inadequate veterinary care, and poor conditions for the cattle.

Arctic View expanded its operation in 2001 and 2005, growing the herd from around 200 cows to more than 900. Xcel says it tested for stray voltage each time new wiring was installed and did not find significant levels.

In 2010 a Grant County farmer won a record $5 million settlement against Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative, and last year the Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld a $9 million verdict against Crow Wing Cooperative Power & Light Co.
British security researcher Marcus Hutchins, who accidentally stopped the spread of the WannaCry ransomware that was affecting Windows machines in May, has been arrested by the FBI in Las Vegas.

Hutchins, 23, was attending the DEFCON security conference last week when he was taken into custody, according to the Telegraph.

The arrest was confirmed by British law enforcement and security agencies. US authorities allege that Hutchins created a banking trojan called Kronos between July 2014 and July 2015 and helped to distribute the malware.

Hutchins has been working with the GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre since he came to prominence after the WannaCry episode.

Finally located @MalwareTechBlog, he's in the Las Vegas FBI field office. Can anyone provide legal representation?  Andrew Mabbitt (@MabbsSec) 3 August 2017

In May, Hutchins, then an unknown researcher going by the Twitter handle MalwareTech, was hailed as a hero when hethe spread of WannaCry by registering a domain that was listed in the code of the malware.

He reasoned that this could be a command and control server and promptly registered the domain which appeared to be a random name, comprising letters from the top two rows of a keyboard. It cost him just US$10.69.

This was in order to create a sinkhole so he could examine the malware further.

But his action unwittingly stopped the malware from spreading as it had been programmed to check this domain, and continue spreading if it could not access the domain. Once he registered the domain, it was accessible, and when this happened the attacks gradually slowed down.

His mother, Janet, told the Telegraph that she was trying to find out details about the arrest of her son.

A security expert who was at DEFCON said: "I finally located him but they moved him 10 minutes before visitinghours and now he's in the wind again."

Britain's National Crime Agency said: "We are aware a UK national has been arrested but it's a matter for the authorities in the US."
WikiLeaks has published more documents from its CIA trove, detailing a project named Dumbo that can suspend processes utilising webcams and corrupt video recordings that could get in the way of a deployment by a special CIA group.

As with most of the projects it has revealed from the CIA, under the label Vault 7, Dumbo also works with the Windows operating system.

The special CIA group in question is the physical access group, a special branch within the Centre for Cyber Intelligence which is tasked with gaining and exploiting physical access to computers during CIA field operations.

Dumbo can identify, control and manipulate monitoring and detection systems which are running on Windows.

In a statement, WikiLeaks said Dumbo identified installed devices like webcams and microphones which were either connected locally or remotely.

"All processes related to the detected devices (usually recording, monitoring or detection of video/audio/network streams) are also identified and can be stopped by the operator. By deleting or manipulating recordings, the operator is aided in creating fake or destroying actual evidence of the intrusion operation."

It said Dumbo was run by a field agent from an USB stick. "It requires administrator privileges to perform its task. It supports 32-bit Windows XP, Windows Vista, and newer versions of Windows operating system. (But) 64-bit Windows XP, or Windows versions prior to XP are not supported."

WikiLeaks released manuals for Dumbo versions 2.0 and 3.0, with the later one dating back to July 2015.

The Vault 7 dumps began on 7 March and have been claimed to be the biggest leak of CIA documents so far.
Global satellite provider Inmarsat has completed an around-the-world test flight of its Global Xpress broadband satellite system.

The exercise, conducted on a Gulfstream IV aircraft, covered more than 25,000 miles, and Inmarsat said the flight demonstrated Global Xpress ability to deliver seamless, worldwide coverage across multiple spot beams and satellites.

This Gulfstream IV Around the World test flight demonstrates Inmarsats ability to deliver reliable, seamless next-generation wideband connectivity for aeronautical users, said Steve Gizinski, vice president of special programs, Inmarsat US government business unit.

Highly mobile, bandwidth-hungry government and commercial users can now travel the world and enjoy connectivity that allows them to conduct business as if they were in the office, even while 40,000 feet in the air.

Inmarsat said that while government and business users have historically had to manipulate flight plans to avoid gaps in coverage and performance, the test flight enjoyed complete flexibility in route selection.

The flight route spanned the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, beginning in the US with stops in the UK, the UAE, Thailand, Australia and Fiji.

Gizinski said a Global Xpress subscription-based data plan was configured for the Honeywell aero Tail Mount Antenna (TMA), with a committed information rate of 4Mbps forward and 1Mbps return but capable of 15Mbps or more.

And uniform coverage and service was delivered to the aircraft as it moved across 28 beams with handovers that went unnoticed by users, and three satellite-to-satellite handovers that were accomplished seamlessly.

Inmarsat says the terminals global plan enabled access to the Global Xpress network worldwide without the need to co-ordinate in advance and receive satellite-specific option files.

The company says that during the flight, Global Xpress supported mission-critical voice, data and streaming applications to include video teleconferencing, high-speed Internet access and file transfer, VPN as well as phone calls, and fully delivered or exceeded the committed information rate.
Given its current state, Australia will be able to have a full-fibre national broadband network only by 2030, and that after shelling out an additional $30 billion to $50 billion, according to a network expert.

Mark Gregory, an associate professor in network engineering at RMIT University, and a critic of the Coalition Government's multi-technology mix rollout, claimed in an op-ed that this level of expenditure would be unavoidable because of the route from ADSL to FttP that the government had decided to take.

He said that apart from this expenditure, the NBN Co would also have to make $1 billion annual payments to Telstra for the use of infrastructure that it leases.

"By 2025, Turnbull will have no more than two million premises connected using FttP. It is very likely that most of the five million premises NBN Co is connecting to the NBN with FttN/VDSL2 before 2021 will still be connected to the NBN with FttN/VDSL2 in 2025."

Gregory said the original NBN plan had been drawn up on the premise that the costs for rolling out fibre would fall. This had proven correct, he said, with Chorus now spending about $2800 to connect each premise in New Zealand.

"The government and NBN Co staunchly refuse to acknowledge that the Australian experts who stated that the cost of FttP would fall by 40% to 50% as the FttP rollout proceeded and that the time taken to connect premises to FttP would significantly fall were right," he asserted.

"Why is this? Turnbull is responsible for the biggest government infrastructure blunder in Australian history, one that will cost more than $30 billion to fix and put Australia more than a decade behind our competitors in the global digital economy. The evidence is clear."

Gregory, who is also managing editor of the Australian Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, contrasted the situation in Australia with that in both the UK and New Zealand, pointing out that one crucial difference was that in both these countries the existing dominant telecommunications player had been split into retail and wholesale divisions.

While the UK regulator Ofcom had obtained an undertaking that British Telecom would split into BT (retail) and Openreach (wholesale), both Labor and Liberal Governments failed to convince Telstra to do the same.

"As a result, BT and Openreach are now effectively two separate companies owned by the umbrella company BT Group, and the Openreach Board and CEO are free to develop and pursue a business model that will optimise its wholesale offering," he said.

Gregory said the next step should have been forcing Telstra to split, much in the same way that Telecom New Zealand was forced to split into Spark (retail) and Chorus (wholesale) in 2012.

Instead, Labor decided to set up another entity, NBN Co, in 2009 to build the NBN and supply 93% of residents with fibre to the premises. But this meant Telstra was the dominant player and by NBN Co having to make initial and ongoing payments to it, the financial model for the new entity was not viable.

While NBN Co had made a great deal of noise about moving some of its consumers from the dominant FttN/VDSL2 technology - which will link more than 60% of premises to the NBN - to fibre-to-the-kerb, that would happen only after 2021.
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Robert J. Burrowes | ( GlobalVoices.net |  

The sixth mass extinction is already here and the window for effective action is very short.

Human beings are now waging war against life itself as we continue to destroy not just individual lives, local populations and entire species in vast numbers but also the ecological systems that make life on earth possible.

By doing this we are now accelerating the sixth mass extinction event in earths history and virtually eliminating any prospect of human survival.

In a recently published scientific study Biological annihilation via the ongoing sixth mass extinction signaled by vertebrate population losses and declines the authors Gerardo Ceballos, Paul R. Ehrlich and Rodolfo Dirzo document the accelerating nature of this problem.

Earths sixth mass extinction is more severe than perceived when looking exclusively at species extinctions That conclusion is based on analyses of the numbers and degrees of range contraction using a sample of 27,600 vertebrate species, and on a more detailed analysis documenting the population extinctions between 1900 and 2015 in 177 mammal species. Their research found that the rate of population loss in terrestrial vertebrates is extremely high  even in species of low concern.

More than 40% of the species had experienced severe population declines.

In their sample, comprising nearly half of known vertebrate species, 32% (8,851 out of 27,600) are decreasing; that is, they have decreased in population size and range. In the 177 mammals for which they had detailed data, all had lost 30% or more of their geographic ranges and more than 40% of the species had experienced severe population declines. Their data revealed that beyond global species extinctions earth is experiencing a huge episode of population declines and extirpations, which will have negative cascading consequences on ecosystem functioning and services vital to sustaining civilisation. We describe this as a biological annihilation to highlight the current magnitude of earths ongoing sixth major extinction event.

Illustrating the damage done by dramatically reducing the historic geographic range of a species, consider the lion. Panthera leo was historically distributed over most of Africa, southern Europe, and the Middle East, all the way to north-western India. It is now confined to scattered populations in sub-Saharan Africa and a remnant population in the Gir forest of India. The vast majority of lion populations are gone.

Why is this happening? Ceballos, Ehrlich and Dirzo tell us: In the last few decades, habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive organisms, pollution, toxification, and more recently climate disruption, as well as the interactions among these factors, have led to the catastrophic declines in both the numbers and sizes of populations of both common and rare vertebrate species.

The vast majority of lion populations are gone.

Further, however, the authors warn that the true extent of this mass extinction has been underestimated, because of the emphasis on species extinction. This underestimation can be traced to overlooking the accelerating extinction of local populations of a species.

Population extinctions today are orders of magnitude more frequent than species extinctions. Population extinctions, however, are a prelude to species extinctions, so earths sixth mass extinction episode has proceeded further than most assume. Moreover, and importantly from a narrow human perspective, the massive loss of local populations is already damaging the services ecosystems provide to civilisation (which, of course, are given no value by government and corporate economists).

As Ceballos, Ehrlich and Dirzo remind us: When considering this frightening assault on the foundations of human civilisation, one must never forget that earths capacity to support life, including human life, has been shaped by life itself. When public mention is made of the extinction crisis, it usually focuses on a few (probably iconic) animal species known to have gone extinct, while projecting many more in future. However, a glance at their maps presents a much more realistic picture: as much as 50% of the number of animal individuals that once shared earth with us are already gone, as are billions of populations.

Furthermore, they claim that their analysis is conservative given the increasing trajectories of those factors that drive extinction together with their synergistic impacts. Future losses easily may amount to a further rapid defaunation of the globe and comparable losses in the diversity of plants, including the local (and eventually global) defaunation-driven coextinction of plants.

Future losses easily may amount to a further rapid defaunation of the globe.

They conclude with the chilling observation: Thus, we emphasize that the sixth mass extinction is already here and the window for effective action is very short.

Of course, it is too late for those species of plants, birds, animals, fish, amphibians, insects and reptiles that humans have already driven to extinction or will yet drive to extinction in the future. 200 species yesterday. 200 species today. 200 species tomorrow. 200 species the day after. And, as Ceballos, Ehrlich and Dirzo emphasize, the ongoing daily extinctions of myriad local populations.

If you think that the above information is bad enough in assessing the prospects for human survival, you will not be encouraged by awareness or deeper consideration of even some of the many variables adversely impacting our prospects that were beyond the scope of the above study.

While Ceballos, Ehrlich and Dirzo, in addition to the problems noted above, also identified the problems of human overpopulation and continued population growth, as well as overconsumption (based on the fiction that perpetual growth can occur on a finite planet) and even the risks posed by nuclear war, there were many variables that were beyond the scope of their research.

Ranging from nitrogen deposition to ocean acidification, and including such basics as soil, water, and air; virtually every ecological system upon which life depends is failing.

For example, in a recent discussion of that branch of ecological science known as Planetary Boundary Science, Dr Glen Barry identified at least ten global ecological catastrophes which threaten to destroy the global ecological system and portend an end to human beings, and perhaps all life. Ranging from nitrogen deposition to ocean acidification, and including such basics as soil, water, and air; virtually every ecological system upon which life depends is failing.

Moreover, apart from the ongoing human death tolls caused by the endless wars and other military violence being conducted across the planet  see, for example, Yemen cholera worst on record & numbers still rising  there is catastrophic environmental damage caused too.

In addition, the out-of-control methane releases into the atmosphere that are now occurring and the release, each and every day, of 300 tons of radioactive waste from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean are having disastrous consequences that will negatively impact life on earth indefinitely. And they cannot be reversed in any timeframe that is meaningful for human prospects.

Apart from the above, there is a host of other critical issues  such as destruction of the earths rainforests, destruction of waterways and the ocean habitat and the devastating impact of animal agriculture on meat consumption  that international governmental organisations such as the UN, national governments and multinational corporations will continue to refuse to decisively act upon because they are controlled by an insane global elite.

So time may be short, the number of issues utterly daunting and the prospects for life grim. But if, like me, you are inclined to fight to the last breath, I invite you to consider making a deliberate choice to take powerful personal action in the fight for our survival. If you do nothing else, consider participating in the fifteen-year strategy of The Flame Tree Project to Save Life on Earth. You can do this as an individual, with family and friends or as a neighbourhood.

If you are involved in (or considering becoming involved in) a local campaign to address a climate issue, end some manifestation of war (or even all war), or to halt any other threat to our environment, I encourage you to consider doing this on a strategic basis. And if you would like to join the worldwide movement to end violence in all of its forms, environmental and otherwise, you are also welcome to consider signing the online pledge of The Peoples Charter to Create a Nonviolent World.

We might be annihilating life on earth but this is not something about which we have no choice.

In fact, each and every one of us has a choice: we can choose to do nothing, we can wait for (or even lobby) others to act, or we can take powerful action ourselves. But unless you search your heart and make a conscious and deliberate choice to commit yourself to act powerfully, your unconscious choice will effectively be the first one (including that you might take some token measures and delude yourself that these make a difference). And the annihilation of life on earth will continue, with your complicity.

Via Global Voices

-

Related video added by Juan Cole:

TRT World: The Sixth Extinction
Wochit News | (Video News Clip) |  

U.S. officials said on Wednesday that President Donald Trumps doubts about the war in Afghanistan has led to a delay in completing a new U.S. strategy in South Asia. Trumps skepticism included a suggestion that the U.S. military commander in the region be fired. During a July 19 meeting in the White House Situation Room, Trump demanded that his top national security aides provide more information on what one official called the end-state in a country where the United States has spent 16 years fighting against the Taliban with no end in sight. The meeting grew stormy when Trump said Defense Secretary James Mattis and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford, a Marine general, should consider firing Army General John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, for not winning the war. In addition, once the meeting concluded, Trumps chief strategist, Steve Bannon, got into what one official called a shouting match with White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster over the direction of U.S. policy. Some officials left the meeting stunned by the presidents vehement complaints that the military was allowing the United States to lose the war.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller has empaneled a grand jury in the investigation of Trumps ties to Russia. The Grand Jury in turn has already issued a subpoena with regard to the meeting of Don Trump Jr. and other senior Trump advisors June 9 of 2016 with Natalia Veselnitskaya. Trump is clearly under investigation for obstruction with regard to the latter meeting, since he allegedly wrote a statement for Don Jr. to be read out for the public, in which he had his son deny that the meeting was campaign oriented, saying it was about adoption.

The mention of adoption is a tell. When Congress enacted a law permitting the sanctioning of high Russian officials around Vladimir Putin (the Magnitsky Act) in 2012, Putins response was to forbid Americans from adopting Russian babies. When Trump senior had his son say the meeting was about adoption, he was revealing that it was in part about the repeal of the Magnitsky Act. The Russians who set up the meeting, the Agalarovs, promised Trump Jr dirt on Hillary Clinton (presumably gathered by hackers, whom Putin once called patriotic.)

It now seems clear that Don Jr. released the email chain around that meeting in order to protect himself from going to jail, since his father had been imposing on him press releases about the meeting that distorted what happened and so may have involved obstruction of justice.

The Emoluments clause of the Constitution forbids politicians to accept anything of value from a foreign power. Some legal analysts have suggested that if the Trump campaign did receive significant help from Russia, even in the form of information, it could meet the definition of an emolument.

Mueller appears to think there is something to the story of Trumps collusion with Russia during the campaign. The Veselnitskaya meeting alone is pretty strong evidence in this regard. But Mueller is also investigating Trumps finances, including the possibility that Trump used his New York real Estate holdings for money laundering for Russian concerns. For Mueller to zero in on Trumps business affairs is The Donalds worst nightmare, and he tried to make it a red line, to no avail.

Ironically, Trump was just forced by Congress to sign new tough sanctions on Russia into law. The Putin team seem to have been hurt and confused. It is almost as though they knew nothing about the separation of powers and expected Trump to erase the Magnitsky Act by presidential fiat.

According to Interfax/ BBC Monitoring, Igor Sechin, the head of the Russian oil corporation Rosneft, complained, Even the US president has said that the bill [on sanctions] is wrong. He objects it but signs it. What else can I add? Of course, the law is wrong, they understand it themselves, Rosneft and Sechin are both under US sanctions.

Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev lamented this state of affairs on Facebook [BBC Monitoring]:

the Trump administration has demonstrated complete impotence, handing over executive powers to Congress in a most humiliating manner. This changes the balance of forces in US political circles.

What does this mean for them? The American establishment has comprehensively outplayed Trump. The president is not happy over the new sanctions, but he could not not sign off the law. The new sanctions move is, above all, yet another way of reining in Trump. There will be more moves, the ultimate purpose of which is his removal from office.

So Medvedev is putting his money on Mueller to dig up the kind of dirt that will get Trump impeached. And there is something guilty about his performance.



Related video:

CNN: Mueller is investigating the Trump money trail
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TeleSur. |  

Trump told the Mexican leader that they were both in a bit of a political bind due to Trumps campaign pledge to build a massive wall to prevent illegal immigration and have Mexico foot the bill, according to a transcript of a phone call shortly after Trump took office in January.

They are going to say, who is going to pay for the wall, Mr. President? to both of us, and we should both say, we will work it out,' Trump said. It will work out in the formula somehow. As opposed to you saying, we will not pay and me saying, we will not pay,' the U.S. president said.

But if you are going to say that Mexico is not going to pay for the wall, then I do not want to meet with you guys anymore because I cannot live with that, Trump warned.

While Trump has repeatedly insisted that Mexico would pay for the wall, he has provided few details about how that would be done.

According to transcripts obtained by the Post, the exchanges came in back-to-back calls that Trump had with Pena Nieto a week after taking office.

Believe it or not, this is the least important thing that we are talking about, but politically this might be the most important, Trump told his counterpart.

Meanwhile, the Mexican government denied that Pena Nieto telephoned Trump to offer his congratulations for his hardline immigration and border policies.

The allegation that Pena Nieto phoned Trump emerged when the U.S. head of state claimed that he had received a congratulatory call from his Mexican counterpart about his policies, according to the Independent.

While swearing in John Kelly  a former four-star general and secretary of homeland security  as his new chief of staff, Trump commented, At Homeland, what he has done has been nothing short of miraculous.

Trump added, As you know, the border was a tremendous problem and theyre 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 theyre not going to get through our border, which is the ultimate compliment.

However, Mexicos Foreign Ministry released a statement denying that Pena Nieto had recently spoken to President Donald Trump over the telephone.

The official document said, according to the Associated Press, that the only other time the two men had met and conversed was at the G20 Summit.

During the meeting, the two heads of state held last July 7 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 percent between January and June 2017 in comparison to the same time-frame in 2016, the statement noted.

Via TeleSur



Related video added by Juan Cole:

The Young Turks: LEAKED: Trump BEGGED Mexican President To Stop Talking About The Wall
Vancouver, BC, August 4th, 2017 / TheNewswire / July 4 2017 - FIRESTEEL RESOURCES INC. (TSX-V: FTR) ("Firesteel" or the "Company") today announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent with Pandion Mine Finance, LP ("Pandion") for a financing of US$20.6 million via a Prepaid Forward Gold Purchase Agreement. Proceeds will be used for the acquisition of up to 60% of the Nordic Mines Marknad AB ("Nordic Mines Marknad"), owner of the past producing Laiva Mine gold property in Finland.

Nordic Mines Marknad will be operated as a joint venture between Nordic Mines AB (Publ) ("Nordic Mines AB") and Firesteel. Firesteel will be the operator of the joint venture.

The US$20.6 million financing is subject to the completion of the remaining due diligence and the negotiation and execution of a Prepaid Forward Gold Purchase Agreement. On completion of the agreement, funds will be received in two tranches of US$15,600,000 with a tenor of 54 months and US$5,000,000 with a tenor of 46 months. These funds will be used to fund necessary mine capital equipment and efficiency upgrades and the commencement of mining operations as well as general and administrative costs and consulting fees.

Each tranche will have a grace period of 14 months after which the Company will deliver to Pandion a total of 60,540 ounces of gold for both tranches over the following 40 months. The Company will receive an amount per ounce of gold equal to the market price at the time, less a fixed discount. During the term of the Agreement, Pandion will also share in the upside on any increase in metal prices. The Company will have the right to buy out and terminate the Agreement at any time and its obligations under the Agreement will be secured by a first charge over the Company's assets.

Commenting on these developments, Michael Hepworth, President and CEO of Firesteel stated, "The Laiva Mine is a fully permitted past producing asset and securing this acquisition marks a major step forward for Firesteel. Previous engineering and geological reports identify considerable gold mineralization that the company is treating as a historical estimate and we are committed to moving swiftly to ensure the rapid advancement of this project. While the transfer of funds is contingent upon the completion of the remaining due diligence and the negotiation and execution of a Prepaid Forward Gold Purchase Agreement, our own extensive due diligence indicates there should be no barriers to the closing of this transaction."

"We visited the Laiva Mine with a multifaceted technical team to conduct technical due diligence during the last week of July and are excited about a restart of the mine. We are delighted to be working with Firesteel on its acquisition and restart of Laiva," said Joe Archibald, Founding Partner of Pandion.

Disclosure: Companies typically rely on comprehensive feasibility reports on mineral reserve estimates to reduce the risks and uncertainties associated with a production decision. The Company has not completed a feasibility study on, nor has the Company completed a mineral reserve estimate at the Laiva Mine and as such the financial and technical viability is deemed to have higher risk than if this work had been completed. Based on historical engineering and geological reports, historical production data and current engineering work completed or in process by Firesteel, the Company intends to move forward with the development of this asset.

About the Company

Firesteel is an exploration-stage junior mining company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of prospective precious and base metal properties in Canada and stable jurisdictions around the world. Firesteel is currently working to evolve from an exploration company to becoming a junior producer.

On April 7, 2017, Firesteel first announced the signing of heads of agreement with Nordic Mines AB to form a joint venture to operate and eventually acquire 100% of Nordic Mines Marknad, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nordic Mines AB. Nordic Mines Marknad owns 100% of Nordic Mines OY, the operator of the fully permitted and past producing Laiva Mine near Raahe in Finland.

Nordic Mines OY -Historical estimate

885,000 ounces indicated* (Indicated - 24.32 Mt grading 1.13 g/t Au) 231,000 ounces inferred* (Inferred - 4.37 Mt grading 1.64 g/t Au) Historical expenditures estimated at over EUR200,000,000 250 tonne per hour autogenous Outotec mill Cyanide leaching circuit First dore cast in 2011 Conventional open pit mine Excellent local infrastructure 2 additional early stage gold properties in Finland.



*The historical estimate is based on a technical report(s) by SRK (UK) Limited for Nordic Mines AB, issued in November 2013, and updated in a technical report dated March 2015 conforming to JORC (2012) reporting standards for resource estimates. As Nordic Mines AB uses JORC resource categories, it should be noted that the confidence in the estimate of JORC inferred mineral resources is not sufficient to allow the results of the application of technical and economic parameters to be used for detailed planning. For this reason, there is no direct link from an inferred resource to inferred resource as defined under NI43-10.

There are no more recent estimates or data available. To upgrade this work from an historical estimate to a current mineral resource, the Company will review the data set and complete additional modeling work to verify the historic estimate as a current mineral resource or mineral reserve. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate, as current mineral resources or reserves, and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or reserves.

The Company further cautions that it is not basing any production decision on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, and therefore there is a much greater risk of failure associated with its production decision. In addition, readers are cautioned that inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves.

Firesteel currently has one highly prospective property in British Colombia.

The Star property is currently operated under a Joint Venture agreement between Firesteel (49%) and Prosper Gold. (TSX-V: PGX) (51%).

About Pandion Mine Finance, LP

Pandion, headquartered in New York City, is a mining-focused investment firm backed by MKS PAMP Group and Ospraie Management, LLC that provides flexible financing solutions to developing mining companies.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Paul Sarjeant, P.Geo., a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and a director of the Company.
WEST KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 4, 2017) - COLORADO RESOURCES LTD. (TSX VENTURE:CXO) ("Colorado" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it will complete non-flow through and flow-through non-brokered private placements (the "Placements") that will include up to 10,000,000 units (the "Units") at an issue price of $0.26 per Unit and 12,720,000 flow-through units (the "FT Units") at an issue price of $0.365 per FT Unit. Following completion of the Placements Colorado expects to raise up to $7,242,800.

Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one half of one non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant (a "Warrant"), will entitle the holder thereof to acquire an additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.45 for 30 months after the date of issuance (the "Closing Date").

Each Flow-Through Unit will consist of one flow-through common share of the Company that qualifies as a flow-through share for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (a "FT Share") and one half of one Warrant on the same terms as described herein. The FT Units are part of a donation arrangement structured by PearTree Securities Inc. through which Goldcorp is expected to be the ultimate holder of the FT Units. Goldcorp will also purchase 4,240,000 Units directly from Colorado. The Placements are expected to close on or before August 31, 2017, following which Goldcorp will own approximately 14.25% of the issued and outstanding shares of Colorado.

The Company may pay finder's fees in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Placements remain subject to the approval of the Exchange. All securities issued in the Placements will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months from the Closing Date of the Placement.

On completion of the Placements, Goldcorp will have the right to maintain its pro-rata ownership percentage in Colorado during future financings. This right will entitle, but not obligate Goldcorp to participate in any future equity financings by Colorado to the extent necessary for Goldcorp to maintain a 19.95% equity ownership interest in the issued and outstanding common shares of Colorado. Goldcorp will also have a right of first refusal in respect of any non-equity financing and tolling arrangements related to future exploration or development on the KSP property and any BC properties Colorado expends the Goldcorp use of proceeds.

Proceeds from the FT Units will be used by Colorado to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenditures to expand the 2017 exploration program. Colorado will renounce the qualifying expenditures to subscribers of the FT Units for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. Proceeds from the sale of Units will be used for general corporate purposes.

Concurrently, further to Colorado's news release of May 11, 2017 wherein Colorado earned a 51% interest in KSP and outlined the exploration spending that would vest a further 29%, Colorado has entered into an amending agreement with SnipGold Corp. a wholly owned subsidiary of Seabridge Gold Inc. ("Seabridge") wherein the parties will amend the original Option and Colorado will purchase the outstanding 49% interest currently held by Seabridge in Colorado's flagship KSP project immediately. The transaction is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval and will result in Colorado owning a 100% interest upon payment to Seabridge of $1,000,000 in cash, 2,000,000 Colorado shares and a 2% NSR on the property (half of which can be repurchased at any time for $2,000,000).

Adam Travis, President and CEO of Colorado stated "This is one of the most important milestones in Colorado's 8 year history. The Company's 2016 exploration focused on the Inel zone at KSP and highlighted significant results (see News Release date December 19, 2016). Goldcorp's investment will not only allow us to increase our ownership of KSP to 100%, it will also provide additional funding to expand our 2017 exploration program and drill-test targets we would not otherwise be able to explore this year. We look forward to welcoming both Goldcorp and Seabridge as shareholders and now have the opportunity to advance KSP with significant support on all levels."

Colorado's financial advisor with respect to the strategic investment was Minvisory Corp.

About Colorado

Colorado Resources Ltd. is currently engaged in the business of mineral exploration for the purpose of acquiring and advancing mineral properties located in British Columbia and Nevada.

Colorado's main BC exploration projects include the KSP property currently under option with Seabridge Gold Inc., the 100% owned Kingpin property and the 100% owned North ROK property. Additionally Colorado holds an option on the Green Springs Property (Nevada) from Ely Gold & Minerals Inc.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed new sanctions on North Korea, Russia and Iran into law, insisting that the legislation remains "seriously flawed."



Trump signed the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act despite his earlier opposition to it in the face of overwhelming support for the bill in both the House of Representatives and Senate.



"Despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity," Trump said in a statement released by the White House. "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."



The bill imposes new sanctions on Russia for its alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, a charge Trump has vehemently denied. It also prevents the president from unilaterally lifting existing sanctions on the country.



"The bill remains seriously flawed -- particularly because it encroaches on the executive branch's authority to negotiate," Trump said. "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."



On North Korea and Iran, the president said the bill sends a message to those nations that the American people "will not tolerate their dangerous and destabilizing behavior."



He added, "America will continue to work closely with our friends and allies to check those countries' malignant activities."



The sanctions on North Korea target those providing the country with crude oil and other products that help its nuclear and missile programs. They are among the first penalties to be imposed on Pyongyang following its two tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles last month.



The new law also prohibits ships owned by the North Korean government or any country not complying with U.N. Security Council resolutions from docking in the U.S. and bans goods produced by North Korean forced labor from entering the U.S.



Russia has retaliated to the financial sanctions by ordering significant reductions in the number of staff at U.S. diplomatic missions in the country.



"I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected," Trump said. "As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress."



Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, called for a complete economic embargo against the North.



"Every nation of conscience should cut off all finance and trade with North Korea, with a few limited humanitarian exceptions, until such time that Pyongyang is willing to meet its international commitments to peacefully denuclearize," he said in a commentary posted on CNN's website.



The senator urged the Trump administration to block all dollar-denominated transactions that benefit Pyongyang and use both coercive and noncoercive diplomatic tools to make China understand there will be no business as usual with the U.S. if it continues to prop up that regime. (Yonhap)




By Donald Kirk





WASHINGTON  North Korea pops off another ICBM, and suddenly the U.S. media is full of talking heads offering views and solutions. They range from the extremes of annihilating North Korea's nuclear and missile facilities to, "Oh, just sign a peace treaty and everything will be okay."

It's hard to know which extreme is more troubling, but then the moderate positions don't offer much consolation either. We're done with "strategic patience," if we can take the word of the Trumpsters, so what has a chance of working? Right, President Trump says he's "handling" the problem but gives no clue as to what he means.

Actually, Trump is so busy attacking his critics while fending off demands for his impeachment that you have to wonder how much time he has for Korea. Therein, of course, lies one particularly disturbing scenario.

What if he decides a pre-emptive strike would be just the thing to divert attention from the unwelcome scrutiny he's getting on the home front? He's got retired marine generals as his chief of staff and defense secretary and a retired army general as national security adviser. Who knows what they really are telling him? Yes, they might be all in favor of a pre-emptive strike. No, they might be warning their boss of the ultimate consequences of a second Korean War.

General Mark Milley, army chief of staff, laid out the risks in a speech at the National Press Club. Yes, a second Korean War "would be terrible," he said in response to a question, "but a nuclear weapon detonating in Los Angeles would be (even more) terrible." In other words, maybe we should hit them before they hit us.

But wait! Who thinks North Korea is about to fire a nuclear-tipped ICBM that colorful graphics on TV screens show has the capability of hitting not just LA but the Midwest, maybe New York? C'mon, they're not gonna do it, are they?

People here in D.C. persist in asking me if I'm afraid of returning to Seoul, where I'm arriving Friday after an eight-week break in the U.S. and U.K. Frankly, I don't think there's anything to worry about, not now, not right away, but then think about all the conflagrations in history that burst on the world after decades of hedonistic happiness. After the Roaring '20s came the Great Depression  and World War II. The pages of history are full of forecasts by "experts" who had it all wrong.

Then we get to the other extreme, the crowd that thinks all we need to do is negotiate and get down to a peace treaty that would resolve everything. They love to echo the North with calls for "negotiations without preconditions," but they forget one immediate stopper. The North Koreans won't talk about ending their nuclear and missile program.

That's not to say, of course, that they wouldn't "freeze" testing in return for the U.S. and South Korea halting war games, but so what? They would still have their nukes and missiles ready to fire yet again on any pretext.

Another great flaw that treaty advocates overlook is the South Korean role. A bunch of them, recently in Seoul and all over Facebook,excoriate the U.S. but forget about South Korea. Jill Stein, who ran for U.S. president last November on the Green Party ticket, blamed U.S. forces for perpetuating the standoff as an occupying power. No one, it seemed, had briefed her on South Korean concerns, including efforts by President Moon Jae-in to open up dialogue with North Korea  all to no avail.

Perhaps what is most worrisome is that just about everyone concedes China is not going to do much about persuading North Korea to give up its nukes or stop testing missiles. Trump has registered his disappointment in tweets, and his critics, if they agree with him on nothing else, also say it's useless to count on China. No one doubts China will go on importing North Korean products, notably coal and other raw materials, while pumping in the oil to fuel the North's economy, including its military establishment and, yes, its nuclear and missile programs.

All of which leads General Milley to believe "North Korea is the single most dangerous threat facing the international community and the U.S. today." Missing from his remarks was what to do about it. Somehow I doubt if his bosses, Trump and Mattis, know what to do either.

Donald Kirk, www.donaldkirk.com, has been covering war and peace in the region for decades. He's at kirkdon4343@gmail.com.
Troops prepare for a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in Inner Mongolia on Sunday. / South China Morning Post



Parade of equipment and troops shows PLA is modernising and improving its readiness for war



By Choi Chi-yuk





China's massive display of military might on Sunday sent a clear message to the army, the country and the world that the PLA under its commander, President Xi Jinping, is quickly modernising and improving its readiness for war.

The event in Zhurihe in Inner Mongolia, to mark this Tuesday's 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, had none of the ceremony usually associated with a military parade in China. It was done with the troops in battle dress to remind them that the world's largest army must embrace changes and be ready for battle, analysts said.

Xi, in a camouflage uniform, told the troops to "be ready to assemble at the first call and be capable of fighting and winning any battle".





Chinese soldiers march in a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region on July 30, 2017. / AFP-Yonhap



The parade showcased what Xi has done to improve China's military since he took power five years ago, and it underlined his vision of the army's role in the country's future as China aggressively tries to boost its regional and even global clout.

"I firmly believe that ... our heroic army has the confidence and capabilities to maintain the nation's sovereignty, security and development interests," Xi said.

Major General Xu Guangyu, a former vice-president of the Defence Institute of China, a think tank for the Chinese military, said the parade was the nearest thing to a real battle that Xi could have to check the army's battle readiness.

"You can't create a war to test their abilities on the battleground," Xu said. "But you need to look at how pilots are flying their jets ... how soldiers are controlling their tanks."

Antony Wong Dong, president of the International Military Association in Macau, said the weaponry seen in Zhurihe gave the PLA formidable combat power.





Chinese military helicopters fly in a formation to make the number "90" during a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region on July 30, 2017. / AFP-Yonhap



"Following five years of massive reform and an anti-corruption campaign which has brought down dozens, if not hundreds, of senior military leaders, Xi can now table a handsome report card to the public of things that have changed under his leadership," Wong said.

China's military was plagued by fragmented leadership and rampant corruption when Xi took control of the Central Military Commission from his predecessor Hu Jintao in late 2012. Hu was seen as detached from military affairs  in 2010, when then US defence secretary Robert Gates raised a question to Hu about China's roll-out of its stealthy J-20 fighter, Hu appeared unaware of the development.

Xi was different. He wasted no time in consolidating his power over the military. Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, Hu's deputies, were toppled under Xi for corruption. He also restructured the PLA, creating the Joint Battle Command directly under the Joint Staff Department and making himself the commander-in-chief. Xi downsized the force by 300,000 but has spared no expense in equipping it with the best available gear.

Zeng Zhiping, a military specialist at the Nanchang Institute of Technology, said Xi had been much more hands-on than his predecessors in shaping the military into a powerful force.

"You have to take full responsibility when there is any flaw or wrongdoing found with the military," said Zeng, referring to Xi.





In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, military vehicles carrying missiles for both nuclear and conventional strikes are driven past the VIP stage during a military parade to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army at Zhurihe training base in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sunday, July 30, 2017. / AP-Yonhap



Sunday's parade was very different from those conducted under Hu and his predecessor, Jiang Zemin, who stayed on as the military commission chairman until 2004.

Both Hu and Jiang had only one parade  one in 1999 for Jiang and one in 2009 for Hu.

Both were held in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, and both leaders dressed in Mao jackets and inspected the troops from a limousine.

Xi, on the other hand, rode in a jeep on Sunday.

He has also lately been addressed by the troops as "chairman" instead of "chief", suggesting he is the only supreme military leader.

Xi's inspection of the army resembles what Deng Xiaoping did in 1981, when the late leader was trying to improve the battle capabilities of the bloated PLA after a decade of the Cultural Revolution.

In Xi's own words, he is now shouldering the responsibility for making China strong after Mao Zedong had made it "stand up on its own" and Deng had made it rich.

China's military has not been tested since its war with Vietnam in 1979. Since 1949, it has fought three other wars: in Korea against US-led forces in the early 1950s, a border war against India in 1962, and border skirmishes with the former Soviet Union.
WASHINGTON  During a terrorist attack, it may be best to avoid wall-to-wall news coverage, a new study suggests.

Watching television news coverage during terrorist events was associated with higher levels of post-traumatic stress and feelings of depression as well as decreased feelings of safety, the researchers found.

In the study, which was presented here today (Aug. 3) at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, the researchers focused on a terrorist event that captured news coverage in 2002: a series of sniper attacks in the Washington, D.C., area that killed 10 people and left three others wounded. Local media covered the events extensively as they unfolded. [7 Ways Depression Differs in Men and Women]

"We understand that [the] media plays a critical role in people's feelings of safety or feelings of threat in the environment," said lead study author Holly Mash, a research assistant professor of psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.

Mash and her colleagues had more than 1,200 people complete online questionnaires about their moods and feelings during the sniper attacks. In addition, the researchers collected data on how much sniper-related TV the people watched each day. The surveys were conducted three weeks after the initial attack but before the two perpetrators were caught.

About 40 percent of the people who completed the surveys reported that they watched at least 2 hours of sniper-related TV each day during the course of the attacks, which lasted for about three weeks, the researchers found.

And the more television a person watched, the more likely the individual was to report symptoms of post-traumatic stress and depression, Mash said. Post-traumatic stress symptoms include negative thoughts, nightmares and avoidance behavior. Depressions symptoms include depressed mood, trouble concentrating, difficultly sleeping and lack of interest in things the person typically enjoys.

The researchers thought that the post-traumatic stress and depression symptoms could stem from feeling less safe, Mash told Live Science. In other words, the less safe a person feels, the more likely he or she is to report symptoms of post-traumatic stress or depression.

And watching more sniper-related TV coverage was also associated with decreased feelings of safety, the researchers found.

Though the study focused on an event that took place in 2002, Mash noted that constant media coverage of terrorist attacks has become a bigger issue since that time. In addition to television coverage, there's constant internet coverage, which can include unfiltered and sometimes incorrect information, she said.

The findings have implications for media exposure, Mash said, adding that she recommends limiting exposure to only pertinent information about an attack. Still, "that's tough," she added.

The findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Originally published on Live Science.
The possible skull of ancient Egyptian pharaoh Sanakht of the Third Dynasty.

The supposed remains of Sa-Nakht, a pharaoh of ancient Egypt, may be the oldest known human giant, a new study finds.

Myths abound with stories of giants, from the frost and fire giants of Norse legends to the Titans who warred with the gods in ancient Greek mythology. However, giants are more than just myth; accelerated and excessive growth, a condition known as gigantism, can occur when the body generates too much growth hormone. This usually occurs because of a tumor on the pituitary gland of the brain.

As part of ongoing research into mummies, scientists investigated a skeleton found in 1901 in a tomb near Beit Khallaf in Egypt. Previous research estimated that the bones dated from the Third Dynasty of Egypt, about 2700 B.C. [Photos: The Amazing Mummies of Peru and Egypt]

Prior work suggested that the skeleton of the man  who would have stood at up to 6 feet 1.6 inches (1.987 meters) tall  may have belonged to Sa-Nakht, a pharaoh during the Third Dynasty. Previous research on ancient Egyptian mummies suggested the average height for men around this time was about 5 feet 6 inches (1.7 m), said study co-author Michael Habicht, an Egyptologist at the University of Zurich's Institute of Evolutionary Medicine.

Ancient Egyptian kings were likely better fed and in better health than commoners of the era, so they could be expected grow taller than average. Still, the over-6-foot-tall remains the scientists analyzed would have towered over Ramesses II, the tallest recorded ancient Egyptian pharaoh, who lived more than 1,000 years after Sa-Nakht and was only about 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall, Habicht said.

In the new study, Habicht and his colleagues reanalyzed the alleged skull and bones of Sa-Nakht. The skeleton's long bones showed evidence of "exuberant growth," which are "clear signs of gigantism," Habicht said.

These findings suggest that this ancient Egyptian probably had gigantism, making him the oldest known case of this disorder in the world, the researchers said. No other ancient Egyptian royals were known to be giants.

"Studying the evolutionary development of diseases is of importance for today's medicine," Habicht said.

In the early dynasties of Egypt, short statures were apparently preferred, with "many small people in royal service," Habicht said. "The reasons for this preference are not always certain."

Still, because the alleged remains of Sa-Nakht were buried in an elite tomb, there may have been no social stigma attached with gigantism at the time, the researchers said.

The scientists detailed their findings in the August issue of the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

Originally published on Live Science.
Double uterus

A series of ultrasound images shows a shark embryo swimming from one uterus to another. (Image credit: Ethology)

Ultrasound images showed that the fetal tawny nurse sharks could actually swim between their mother's two uteruses. They're probably looking for their next meal: eggs that will never have the chance to become baby sharks. The shark fetuses gobble up their brothers and sisters before they're born  or even fertilized. [Read more about the feisty fetuses]

Beware of glitter

(Image credit: SrdjanPav/Getty Images)

Here's something that you may want to avoid putting in your mouth  so-called edible glitter is not as safe to eat as you think. According to the FDA, some decorative glitters contain ingredients that should not be consumed. Check the glitter's label  if it says the product is "non-toxic," but doesn't explicitly say that it's "edible," don't eat it. [Read more about edible glitter]

A malodorous infection

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Stinky socks are no fun to be around, but could they actually make you sick? In the case of one man in China...maybe. A man who repeatedly deeply sniffed his socks after wearing them all day developed a fungal lung infection, which doctors said could have come from fungus spores in his socks. However, this is a rare case, and infrequent sniffs of your smelly socks  if you're into that kind of thing  are unlikely to send you to the hospital. [Read more about the stinky case]

'Pleistocene Park'

Herds of horses and bison roam the landscape once ruled by extinct mammoths and woolly rhinos. (Image credit: Courtesy of Nikita Zimov/Pleistocene Park)

Russian scientists hope to combat climate change with "Pleistocene Park," an experiment to recreate an ice age steppe in Siberia. By repopulating the park with large herbivores, the researchers hope to restore it to a grassland, similar to those in the region 20,000 years ago. This ecosystem will help keep protect permafrost from melt, and could sequester more carbon in the soil. [Read more about restoring an ice age steppe]

Humongous fungus

Much of the fungus (Armillaria gallica) is underground, but in the fall it sprouts honey mushrooms. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

An enormous fungus growing under the ground in Michigan weighs nearly 882,000 lbs. (400,000 kilograms) and spans about 75 hectares (0.75 square kilometers, or 140 American football fields). The fungus, also known as the honey mushroom, is at least 2,500 years old  and likely much older  and has a very low mutation rate, which could explain its longevity. [Read more about the humongous fungus]

Want more weird science news and discoveries? Check out these and other "Strange News" stories on Live Science!

Original article on Live Science.
About 10 percent of the general population has had an out-of-body experience at some point in their lives.

While driving and accelerating in his car, a man in France suddenly had a bizarre sensation: He felt like he was outside his car, looking in at his physical self, which was still at the wheel.

The man was part of a new study that links problems of the inner ear with eerie "out-of-body" experiences. These experiences are curious, usually brief sensations in which a person's consciousness seems to exit the body and then view the body from the outside.

The study analyzed 210 patients who had visited their doctors with so-called vestibular disorders. The vestibular system, which is made up of several structures in the inner ear, provides the body with a sense of balance and spatial orientation. Problems with this system can cause dizziness or a floating sensation, among other symptoms. [7 Weird Facts About Balance]

Maya Elziere, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Hopital Europeen in Marseille, France, and co-author of the study, enlisted patients who had experienced a range of issues, from recurrent vertigo and tinnitus to infections in the ear. Among these patients, 14 percent reported out-of-body experiences, compared with only 5 percent of healthy people without vestibular disorders who said the same.

"Out-of-body experiences were about three times more frequent" in patients with vestibular disorders, versus those without these disorders, said Christophe Lopez, lead author of the study and a neuroscientist at Aix-Marseille Universite in France.

Lopez said the example of the patient who felt like he was outside his body while accelerating in his car makes sense. The scientist explained that since the vestibular system would be responsible for orienting the driver and giving him the sensation of moving forward as he accelerated in a car, a faulty vestibular system could send crossed signals to the brain during the motion.

"If you are sending the wrong signals to your brain about your motion, it creates confusion  your brain has to make sense of conflicting information," Lopez told Live Science. "We think the conflicting signals create a kind of central incoherence, and that creates distortions in the sense of your body and the environment around you." [Top 10 Unexplained Phenomena]

Among the 29 patients in the study who reported experiencing out-of-body sensations, one described it as a "sensation of entering my body, like in an envelope, from the top." Another said, "I saw myself, smaller, from the top."

The research also found that most patients reported they had out-of-body sensations only after they had experienced dizziness for the first time. This suggests, Lopez said, that problems with the vestibular system were a factor in creating the odd sensations.

Out-of-body experiences have been documented for centuries, at least since the late 1800s. One case, recorded by French otologist Pierre Bonnier in 1905, describes a patient who felt "divided into two persons, one who had not changed posture and another new person on his right, looking somewhat outwardly. Then, the two somatic individuals approached each other, merged, and the vertigo disappeared."

Lopez said that doctors have commonly ascribed the sensation to a kind of psychosis. But the new study builds on other recent research that links the feeling, at least in some cases, to faulty wiring in the vestibular system, he said.

"What the authors of [this study] did is carefully quantify the incidence of vestibular sensations and their relation to symptoms traditionally labeled 'psychiatric,'" Peter Brugger, a psychologist at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, told Live Science. Brugger has studied similarly bizarre sensations of people seeing themselves, or their doppelgangers, before them.

Lopez said he was inspired to conduct his research after working in the lab of Olaf Blanke, a neuroscientist at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland.

In 2002, Blanke showed (opens in new tab) that he could induce out-of-body sensations in a patient by electrically stimulating the brain area that integrates vestibular and visual input.

Terence Hines, a professor of psychology at Pace University in New York and author of the book "Pseudoscience and the Paranormal" (Prometheus Books, 2003), told Live Science that the new study makes sense given the role of the vestibular system in the human body.

"I don't think it's the only explanation for out-of-body experiences," Hines said. "But we know that this part of the inner ear plays a role in how we orient ourselves in our bodies, so if something is wrong there, things can go kind of haywire. It's one reasonable explanation."

Other factors have indeed been linked to out-of-body sensations. A personal history of migraines, anxiety and depression have also been associated with more frequent reports of the sensation, according to the recent study. Other research, led by psychologist Andra Smith at the University of Ottawa in Canada, describes the case of a woman who could deliberately trigger an out-of-body sensation, suggesting that it may be possible to do so through meditation.

Also, Lopez said it is common to experience "floating" or "sinking" sensations while falling asleep, dreaming or waking.

"In terms of neurophysiology, it's unclear why that happens," Lopez said. He excluded occurrences around sleep from his study, because they're not necessarily associated with a faulty vestibular system. He also excluded any sensations associated with drug or alcohol use.

Lopez said that while a faulty vestibular system is "not the only explanation for out-of-body experiences," it might be reassuring to some to know that a mechanical explanation could be at play.

"Having an out-of-body experience may happen because one of the main sensory systems is not processing correctly," he said. "It doesn't mean you're crazy."

The study was published online June 8 in the journal Cortex.

Originally published on Live Science.
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.
by Jess Nelson , August 4, 2017

Aurora Health Care, a healthcare provider with 150 clinics and 15 hospitals in Wisconsin and Illinois, utilizes Salesforce to communicate with patients more effectively via email.

Aurora Health Care turned to Salesforce in April 2016 to improve patient health care and customer service by utilizing email as a channel to follow up with patients after hospital visits. Aurora Health Care leverages Email Studio in the Salesforce Marketing Cloud to regularly check in with patients and provide better health care, as opposed to only interacting with patients during an illness or injury. Aurora Health Care now runs more than 40 different email campaigns through the Salesforce Marketing Cloud, including screening reminders and regular tips on preventative care.

Aurora Health Care also utilizes email to drive adoption of its myAurora portal, an online portal where patients can review lab results, schedule appointments, manage prescriptions, and communicate with their providers.

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After partnering with Salesforce, Aurora Health Care's email open rates increased from 26% to 37%, while unsubscribe rates remained consistent at around 1%. A quarter of patients have thus far adopted the health-care companys myAurora portal, and according to Salesforce, email messages to myAurora patients have open rates approaching 50%.

The company also uses email as channel to advertise its mobile application. Aurora Health Care sends targeted email campaigns to patients who recently completed an appointment but have not yet downloaded the companys mobile app. Aurora Health Care doubled the number of app downloads and mobile users within two weeks of the campaign's initial launch.

Salesforce follows the regulations set by HIPAA as a Business Associate, and provides solutions to help its customers meet their HIPAA compliance obligations as well.
by Larissa Faw , August 4, 2017

They've done edible insects, meat-free burgers and meat-free tacos.

Now, The Economist is expanding the #feedingthefuture initiative by offering New Yorkers free smoothies made from produce that was destined for the trash.

Developed with experiential agency Sense, the "Waste Not. Want Not" activation concept promotes the publication's journalism through real world and somewhat gross and uncomfortable experiences.

As part of the third activation, an Economist-branded fruit and vegetable cart will take to the NYC streets in August and September to offer free smoothies to illustrate that ugly, wonky or bruised fruit and vegetables that are rejected by supermarkets can still be eaten and taste great.

Hungry Harvest, a startup that has claimed to have rescued over four million pounds of produce, partnered with "The Economist" and Sense New York to provide the ugly, past-prime produce.

All visitors to these experiences have the opportunity to subscribe to the publication at an introductory rate of 12 weeks for $12 and have the publication fund the planting a tree on their behalf.

To date The Economists experiential activities (which began in 2014) have generated more than 30,000 new subscriptions worldwide.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, August 4, 2017

Headphone manufacturer Bose is striking back against allegations that it violated federal and state privacy laws by intercepting and disclosing information about tracks listened to by its customers.

"This would be the first case in history to characterize information collection by an app provider as an intercept under federal or state law," Bose writes in papers filed Thursday. "It could make the standard operation of innumerable apps and devices illegal," the company adds. Bose is asking U.S. District Court Judge Andrea Wood in the Northern District of Illinois to dismiss the lawsuit.

The battle dates to April, when Illinois resident Kyle Zak alleged in a class-action complaint that Bose didn't notify people that its Bose Connect app -- which enables consumers to control their headphones through smartphones -- collects information about the names of tracks played through the headphones, and then transmits that data to the outside company Segment.io.

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Zak alleged that Bose violated the federal wiretapping law, which prohibits companies from intercepting electronic communications, and also violated an Illinois "eavesdropping" law and an Illinois consumer protection law.

Bose now argues that the federal wiretapping claims should be dismissed for several reasons, including that it couldn't have "intercepted" any communications under federal law, because it was an intended recipient of the information.

"The point of using the app is to connect it with the headphones," Bose writes. The name of the app alone communicates that purpose."

The company also urges the judge to dismiss allegations that it violated Illinois eavesdropping law, which prohibits the disclosure of private electronic communications. Bose argues that the law was meant to protect the privacy of conversations, as opposed to music titles or names of radio programs.

"There were no private conversations at all -- the app merely collected publicly available audio track information from commercial songs or podcasts," Bose writes.

Additionally, Bose is asking the judge to dismiss allegations that the company violated an Illinois consumer protection law by failing to disclose that it transmitted data about their media consumption. Bose contends that the alleged omission doesn't amount to a violation of the Illinois consumer protection law.

"Plaintiff has not alleged any affirmatively misleading impression created by Boses statements about the App," Bose argues. "The mere fact that Bose did not disclose some details regarding the configuration of its App in its general marketing materials cannot give rise to ... liability."
The Indians and left-hander Craig Breslow have agreed to a minor league contract, reports WEEI.coms Rob Bradford (Twitter link). Breslow was released by the Twins shortly before the non-waiver trade deadline after being designated for assignment.

Breslow, 37 next week, put extensive work into revamping his mechanics this offseason and dropping to a more sidearm angle from the left side, but the results unfortunately didnt line up with his efforts. Through 31 innings with Minnesota, Breslow averaged 5.2 K/9 against 3.5 BB/9 with a 40.4 percent ground-ball rate en route to a 5.23 ERA. His new approach, however, did sufficiently stymie left-handed batters at the plate. When left-handed bats squared off against Breslow, the result was a brutal .180/.279/.257 batting line, albeit in a fairly small sample of 44 plate appearances.

The Indians just placed Andrew Miller on the 10-day disabled list, leaving the inexperienced Tyler Olson as their only southpaw option in the bullpen. Perhaps, given Clevelands impressive depth when it comes to right-handed relievers, the Indians will be able to use Breslow in more of a specialized capacity. Despite his dominance over lefties, Breslow was clobbered for a .344/.404/.573 batting line by righties. The Twins, though, generally lacking depth and quality in their relief corps, were forced to use Breslow against right-handed bats more often than theyd probably have preferred (99 PAs vs. righties).
04.08.2017 LISTEN

Ghanaian music star, Rocky Dawuni , will be playing a string of US Summer dates starting on August 6 at the brand new Levitt Pavilion Denver in Colorado. Rocky and the band will continue to Dartmouth, New Hampshire for their "Summer Concert Series" at the Hopkins Center for the Art s on August 9.

From there they will perform at the super hip Arts Riot is Burlington, Vermont on August 10 before proceeding to headline the esteemed Festival des Traditions Du Monde Sherbrooke in Canada on August 11. The tour also includes public and private dates and will culminate at the Levitt Pavilion Pasadena on August 26 in Pasadena, California.

Rocky is currently working on his highly anticipated 7th album which will be the follow up to his GRAMMY nominated "Branches of the Same Tree." (Cumbancha) The new album is slated for release in 2018 and features incredible growth in his signature "Afro Roots" sound as well as very special collaborations with guest artists.

Rocky spent the first part of the year touring East Africa putting in amazing performances at some of the continents most celebrated festivals including Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar, HIFA in Zimbabwe and Soysambu Festival in Kenya. In between touring and recording, Rocky has also been focusing on his activism work. On June 5, he joined the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau alongside musician / activist / surfer Jack Johnson in Toronto for World Environmental Day in association with the Government of Canada and UN Environment. Later that month, Rocky was featured on two panels as a speaker at the prestigious Cannes International Festival of Creativity 2017 in France in association with the UN Foundation, the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves and McCann WorldGroup.

GRAMMY nominated musician and activist, Rocky Dawuni, straddles the boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. to create his appealing Afro Roots sound that unites generations and cultures. A galvanizing performer, Dawuni has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Jack Johnson, Bono, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monae and John Legend, among many others.

Named one of Africa's Top 10 global stars by CNN, he has showcased his talent at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and The Hollywood Bowl. Influenced by the soulful beats of Fela Kuti and the positive messages of Bob Marley - Rocky Dawuni's infectious, sing-along sixth album, Branches of the Same Tree, (Cumbancha) was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Reggae Album (2015) featuring the Afro Dancehall mashup " African Thriller and its striking accompanying video. "Branches continues to bring him an even wider international audience with the recent release of his Shine A Light video which is a welcome bit of joy in these troubled times. Reflecting his maturity as an artist, the album highlights Dawuni's ability to communicate a universal, uplifting message that crosses borders and reaches out to the hearts of millions.
Former AIDS Ambassador Miss Joyce Dzidzor Mensah has released a new song titled 'Nana Give Me,' after taking a break from music for a while.

The song titled 'Nana Give Me,' talks about the comeback of Joyce who now wants to be known in showbiz as Yawavi Yawa. In the song, she also asks the love of her life to show her greater love.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, she said: partners should learn to listen to the desires of their partners and make them happy. I am back to the music scene and it will be an interesting time.

Joyce also explained that she changed her name so she could have a brand that best represent her music.

I will be fusing traditional languages in my songs from hence forth and I needed something more African to identify with. I figured that using the name Yawavi Yawa which means a girl born on Thursday in the Ewe language will be best. My name Joyce has suffered so there should be a change, she told Graphic Showbiz in a telephone interview from her Germany base.

The song, a Dancehall piece features VVIP's Zeal. It was produced by Johnny Germany and mastered by Kin Dee.

According to Yawavi, she switched from gospel music to dance hall because she doesn't want to be put in a box. She believes she is versatile.

Listen to 'Nana Give Me' by Yawavi Yawa:



By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The management of Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly called Lilwin, has denied rumours that the actor is dead.

Reacting to the rumours, Lilwin's management disclosed that the actor who is currently in Europe is safe and sound.

Social media platforms last weekend were flooded with reports that one of Ghanas celebrated actors is dead.

The management, however, described the rumours as unfortunate, adding that it is a calculated attempt by some faceless individuals to cause fear and panic among Lilwin's fans across the country.

Born in1989, the Ghanaian comedian, actor and musician, was declared as Ghana's favourite actor at the 2015 Ghana Movie Awards, and had featured over 700 movies.
The announcement by the Ghana @60 Anniversary Planning Committee to commemorate August 4 as a significant day in Ghanas history appears to have opened old ideological wounds.

Daughter of Ghanas first president Dr Samia Nkrumah is convinced there is a deliberate ploy to belittle the efforts of her father in winning Ghanas independence.

She said the [email protected] planning committee can go ahead and celebrate August 4 but must not in any way belittle Nkrumahs role in Ghanas independence struggle.

Tomorrow, the president Nana Akufo Addo and key members of his party, will converge at Saltpond in the Central Region to commemorate the anniversary of the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention, (UGCC) the first ever political party in Ghana which turned the independent struggle into a political movement.

Huge political bigwigs at the time led by JB Danquah described as the doyen of Ghanas politics on August 4, 1947 announced the formation of the UGCC with the demand for self-government within the shortest possible time.

Dr JB Danquah

Even though Dr Kwame Nkrumah was not part of those who foundered the UGCC, he was invited later by Mr Danquah to serve as the General Secretary of the party.

Differences in ideologies and plan of action forced Dr Kwame Nkrumah to breakaway from the UGCC to form his own party- the Convention Peoples Party which eventually won independence for Ghana in 1957 with a call for "self government now!"

Since then there have been deep ideological wedge between followers of the CPP and the UGCC.

The followers of the UGCC believe history has been distorted to favour Dr Kwame Nkrumah at the detriment of JB Danquah, leaders of the UGCC and other key figures who were prominent in the fight for independence.

Several decades have passed but political parties in the current democratic dispensation who owe allegiance to the UGCC and the CPP have always kept the flames of this deep political differences burning.

The governing New Patriotic Party is linked to the UGCC, with its leader and president Nana Akufo-Addo deeply inspired by JB Danquah.

The president before him, John Mahama led the NDC which was formed in 1992 but has many of its adherents from the CPP. They are all inspired by Dr Nkrumah.

The CPP itself, still remains a party in Ghana, albeit a shadow figure of what Dr Kwame Nkrumah led to independence in 1957.

Dr Kwame Nkrumah

In an interview with Joy FM, the Deputy Chief of Staff Abu Jinapor who is also the deputy head of the Ghana @60 Committee announced the commemoration of the August 4, event as part of Ghana @60 celebrations.

He said August 4 is momentous and worthy of note in the history of Ghana.

The Ghana of today was conceived on August 4 when the UGCC was founded, he stated.

But the announcement has ruffled some CPP feathers.

Dr Samia Nkrumah believes there is no need engaging in this futile debate that is laced with hypocrisy.

I have no problem with anyone celebrating any effort or contribution towards our independence. Kwame Nkrumah himself said that the struggle for independence began before him and the struggle for emancipation may continue after him. So we have no problem with that.

What we do have with, is the attempt to denigrate Kwame Nkrumahs contribution.

Let no one belittle Nkrumah so that we do not lose focus about what needs to be done about the future of the country, she said.

She believes history has been unfair to her father and the 1992 constitution of Ghana has not done her father any favours at all.

Our 1992 constitution itself is deficient because it criminalizes Kwame Nkrumah, she said.

Despite these challenges she believes the new government must focus on present day issues and the problems of today.

I think there are much more important things we need to think about as a nation."

He cited the call for jobs, free education and other needs Ghanaian youth are craving for. That should be our focus.

The Deputy Chief of Staff who triggered the debate with his announcement of the August 4 event said the announcement was not meant to provoke a needless debate.

Abu Jinapor said Nkrumahs place in Ghanas history is well known and so is the events of August 4 1947 which signaled a political fight for independence.

"There is no need for a debate," he suggested.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
03.08.2017 LISTEN

Kumasi, Aug 03, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, has asked Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to go to every length to ensure openness and transparency in procurement processes of the assemblies.

They must resist any temptation to inflate procurement invoices, sole-sourcing, buying from companies which did not issue valued added tax (VAT) receipts and not deducting withholding taxes.

He added that they should not engage in any irregularities - doing things that could have dire financial implications for the economy.

Mr. Osei-Mensah was speaking at the opening of a day's training workshop organized by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) for MMDCEs, heads of public institutions and agencies, procurement officers, finance officers, auditors and store keepers in the region.

The goal was to help them to have better understanding of the policy direction of the PPA, to bring efficiency.

The Minister indicated that corruption in public procurement had had serious consequences for the nation and said it was time things were done right - measures put in place to ensure compliance with the public procurement law.

He encouraged them to do everything to keep themselves abreast of the spirit and letter of the law to avoid running into conflict with the law.

Mr. A.B Adjei, Chief Executive Officer of PPA, said the objective of the law was to achieve more transparency and efficiency in public procurement in Ghana.

He stated that appropriate steps had been taken to stop wanton sole-sourcing and restricted tender process, which resulted in massive corruption.

He said to help promote fairness and transparency, two new Units - Due Diligence/Value for Money and Procurement Audit had been created.

Mr. Adjei also spoke of the introduction of an electronic procurement system and said this was going to be piloted at the Cocobod, Ghana Health Service, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Department of Feeder Roads and Koforidua Technical University.

The PPA Zonal Offices in Kumasi and Takoradi were also being strengthened to monitor all public procurement activities in the regions.

He underlined the determination of the Authority to work with passion and integrity to protect the public purse.

GNA

By Kwabia Owusu-Mensah GNA
Rabat (AFP) - Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, wanted on genocide charges by the International Criminal Court, arrived in Morocco late Thursday for a "private" visit.

Bashir arrived at Tangiers airport, accompanied by ministers and other senior Sudanese officials, according to the Le360 news site, considered close to circles in Morocco's royal court.

Earlier in the day the official Sudanese news agency said the president was making a "private" visit of several days to Morocco, without giving details.

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for genocide and other crimes, charges he steadfastly denies.

He faces 10 charges, including three of genocide as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity and charges relating to the conflict in the western Darfur region.

Sudan's deadly conflict broke out in 2003 when ethnic minority groups took up arms against Bashir's Arab-dominated government, which launched a brutal counter-insurgency.

The UN Security Council asked the ICC in 2005 to investigate the crimes in Darfur, where at least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced, according to UN figures.

The long-time Sudanese president has denied the charges against him and continues to travel to various countries with impunity.

Last month war crimes judges ruled that South Africa had failed in its duties to the ICC in 2015 when it refused to arrest Bashir during a visit.

Later this month the Sudanese leader will travel to Moscow at President Vladimir Putin's request, according to Khartoum.

The Morocco trip, announced a week ago in the Sudanese press, has angered human rights defenders in Morocco who wrote to their government calling for the visit to be scrapped.

"The visit by someone with blood on their hands does no honour to our country," the 40 signatories said.

Morocco, which was not one of the 124 signatories of the Rome Statute which established the International Criminal Court, has hosted Bashir before.

Last November he attended an African summit in Marrakesh, on the margins of the COP22 international climate conference.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday got behind a bill to drastically cut legal immigration and replace current employment based visas with a point system.

The plan mimics systems used by Australia and Canada, which Trump has often praised, in awarding points to potential immigrants based on broad categories. The 140,000 visas available annually under this system would be distributed to the highest point-getters first.

Under the plan -- if approved by Congress, which will be a heavy lift -- the highest point-getting candidate, for example, not including special circumstances, would be a 26- to 31-year-old with a US-based doctorate or professional degree, who speaks nearly perfect English and who has a salary offer that's three times as high as the median income where they are.

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Have an Olympic medal or Nobel Prize? That will help too.

A candidate must have at least 30 points to apply.

Here's how the points would be doled out:

Age

Priority is given to prime working ages. Someone aged 18 through 21 gets six points, ages 22 through 25 gets eight points and ages 26 through 30 get 10 points.

The points then decrease, with someone aged 31 through 35 getting eight points, 36 through 40 getting six points, ages 41 through 45 getting four points and ages 46 through 50 getting two points.

Minors under the age of 18 and those over the age of 50 receive no points, though people over 50 years old are still allowed to apply.

Education

Points are distributed based on the highest degree a person has achieved. One point is given for an applicant with a US high school diploma or the foreign equivalent. A foreign bachelor's degree earns five points, while a US bachelor's degree earns six points.

A foreign master's degree in STEM fields earns seven points while a US master's earns eight points. A foreign professional degree or doctorate earns 10 points and a US equivalent earns 13.

English ability

Points are also given out for English ability, as determined by standardized English test.

Anyone with less than a 60th percentile proficiency gets no points. Between 60th and 80th percentile is worth six points, someone in the 80th to 90th percentile range earns 10 points, someone with a 90th percentile proficiency or above earns 11 points, and someone in the 100th percentile range earns 12 points.

Job offer?

The only point scale that factors in whether an individual actually has a job offer in the US comes in the form of salary in an effort to boost wages.

Five points are awarded if an applicant has a job offer that will pay at least 150% of median household income in the state where he or she will be employed. That goes up to eight points if the income is 200% the median income, and 13 points if it's 300% the median.

Nobel Prize

There are bonus points available for "extraordinary achievement," mainly reserved for major international awards. The system grants 25 points to someone who has won a Nobel prize or something "comparable."

Olympics

Fifteen points would be given to someone earning an individual Olympic medal or relatively competitive international sporting event.

Investors

The bill would eliminate a category of visas that spurred foreign investment in the US, the EB-5 program, which was used by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner's family businesses to build major real estate projects.

That concept is represented by awarding six points to an applicant who invests $1.35 million into a "new commercial enterprise" in the US, maintained for three years and with that individual holding management of that business as his or her primary application. The points go up to 12 if the investment is $1.8 million.

Spouses

The bill also requires applicants, if they want to bring a spouse with them, to calculate the points the spouse would earn under the same rubric.
New York (AFP) - US officials destroyed nearly two tons of carved illegal ivory worth $8-10 million in New York's Central Park on Thursday to denounce poaching that kills nearly 100 elephants a day in Africa.

On a brilliant summer's day with Manhattan's skyscrapers visible above the trees, decorative objects were placed on a conveyor belt and sent into a crusher, sending plumes of dust into the air to cheers.

The haul, which was the result of three years of hard investigative work in New York state, represents ivory from around 100 elephants.

John Calvelli, a senior official from the Wildlife Conservation Society, which helped organize the event, said 96 elephants are killed in Africa on average each day or around 35,000 a year.

The event was the third time authorities have staged a public ivory crushing in the United States since 2013.

"We're sending a message to the rest of the world. Stop buying ivory and lets save these elephants," Calvelli told AFP.

US federal officials, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance and New York Republican Congressman Dan Donovan were among the hundreds of supporters who attended the event.

"It's not ok to be selling these goods anymore and perpetuating and prolonging the agony of the situation," said British rocker Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac fame, who turned out to lend his support.

The international trade in ivory was outlawed in 1989. China remains the largest market, with the United States in second place

Speaking to AFP, he denounced the rate of elephant killing as "beyond imagination."

"If you're dealing in the proceeds of wildlife crime, if you are trading ivory, you're going to get prosecuted and it's not going to be pretty," Vance told supporters at the event.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation carried out the crushing of tusks, trinkets, statues and jewelry.

The international trade in ivory was outlawed in 1989. China remains the largest market, with the United States in second place.

Beijing has said it will ban all ivory trade and processing by the end of 2017, a move that conservationists have hailed a "game changer."

Calvelli said the three largest markets in the United States -- California, Hawaii and New York -- have fundamentally closed in recent years.

Elephant tusks are highly prized, particularly in Asia, where they are carved into ivory statuettes and jewelry.

The WWF estimates that in the early 20th century, there may have been as many as three to five million African elephants, but says there are now around 415,000.
More than 50 women in the northern Indian states of Haryana and Rajasthan have reported that they have had their hair chopped off while they were unconscious. Police are struggling to solve the mystery that is leaving women paranoid and worried, reports the BBC's Vikas Pandey.

"There was a strong flash of light that left me unconscious. An hour later, I found that my hair had also been chopped off," says Sunita Devi, a 53-year-old housewife from the Bhimgarh Kheri area of Gurgaon district in Haryana.

The "attack" on Friday has left her traumatised.

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"I am unable to sleep or concentrate on anything. I had read about such incidents taking place in Rajasthan, but never thought it would happen to me," she adds.

Reports of "phantom barbers" first emerged in early July from Rajasthan, but a spate of similar incidents are being reported from Haryana and even the capital, Delhi.

Sunita Devi lives in a close-knit community of traders and farmers.

Some of her neighbours are taking it in turns to stay with her until she is able to come out of the shock.

She says her attacker was an elderly man "dressed in bright-coloured clothes".

"I was alone on the ground floor of the house, and my daughter-in-law and grandson were upstairs when the attack happened at around 21:30," she says.

They saw and heard nothing.

Munesh Devi says there is fear in the community

The mystery deepens when I ask if anybody else saw the attacker.

Sunita Devi's neighbour Munesh Devi says that the narrow lane, which has around 20 houses, is usually buzzing between 21:00 and 22:00.

And it didn't end there.

Just a few yards away, homemaker Asha Devi lost her hair in a similar attack the following day.

But this time the attacker was reportedly a woman.

Asha Devi's father-in-law, Suraj Pal, says that following the incident, he sent her and other women of his family to a relative's house in Uttar Pradesh state.

"They were so paranoid after the attack, I told them to be away for a few weeks. There is fear in the community," he says.

Mr Pal says he was at home when Asha Devi went outside to complete a household chore at around 22:00.

"I went outside to find her when she didn't return for more than 30 minutes. We found her unconscious in the bathroom. Her hair was chopped and thrown on the floor," he says.

<img data-cke-saved-src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/11E5A/production/_97160337_1f5989e5-27b2-4a21-907f-d2393f2168eb.jpg" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/11E5A/production/_97160337_1f5989e5-27b2-4a21-907f-d2393f2168eb.jpg" datasrc="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/11E5A/production/_97160337_1f5989e5-27b2-4a21-907f-d2393f2168eb.jpg" class="responsive-image__img js-image-replace" alt="Indian Forensic experts examine Omvati" s="" hair,="" the="" 50="" years="" old="" victim="" whose="" braids="" chopped="" off="" allegedly="" by="" unknown="" person="" in="" kanganheri="" village,="" outskirts="" of="" delhi,="" india,="" 01="" august="" 2017."="" width="976" height="630" data-highest-encountered-width="624" style="border: 0px; color: rgb(189, 189, 189); font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; height: auto; max-width: 100%; user-select: none; width: 616.203px; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-in; display: block;"> Attacks have also taken place in Delhi

He adds that Asha gained consciousness after an hour and told him that a woman had attacked her.

"She told me that everything happened in less than 10 seconds," he says.

I found similar cases in rural areas of Rewari district - around 70km (43 miles) from Gurgaon. These are a few:

Reena Devi, 28, from Jonawasa village says she was attacked on Thursday. And the attacker seems to be a cat this time. "I was doing my chores when I saw a large figure that resembled a cat. Then I felt somebody touching my shoulders, and that's the last thing I remember," she says. She agrees that her "story is hard to believe". "I know it sounds impossible. But that's what I saw. Some people say I cut my hair, but why would I do that?" she asks.

In the neighbouring village of Kharkharra, Sundar Devi, 60, has been bedridden since she was attacked on Saturday. "I was going to a neighbour's house when somebody tapped my shoulder from behind. When I looked back, there was nobody. That's the last thing I remember," she says.

Reema Devi, 28, says her hair was chopped off while she was playing a game on her phone on Thursday. "My husband and children were also in the room. I felt a pull on my hair and when I looked back, my hair was on the floor," she says.

'Mass hysteria'

Gurgaon police spokesperson Ravinder Kumar says that the complaints are being investigated.

"These are bizarre cases. We have found no clues at crime scenes, medical tests of the victims show nothing abnormal," he said, adding that nobody has seen the alleged attackers.

Mr Kumar adds that police from different districts are coordinating efforts to "make some sense" of these incidents.

"Only the victims say that they have seen or felt the presence of attackers. We will get to the bottom of these cases, but until then, I urge people to not believe in rumours," he says.

Sundar Devi, 60, has been bedridden since she was attacked on Saturday

Women in some parts of Delhi have been using bands containing pictures of gods to protect their hair

And rumours are not in short supply.

As I travelled from one village to another, I was given different theories for the attacks.

In one village, an elderly man told me that an organised gang was involved. Another said he believed that tantriks, or so-called witch doctors, were behind the attacks because people went to them for treatment in such scenarios.

One woman insisted "supernatural forces" were involved. Others accused the "victims" of cutting their hair to get attention.

Rationalist Sanal Edamaruku told the BBC that he believed that these cases were a classic example of "mass hysteria".

"There is no miracle or supernatural force behind all this. Women who have reported these cases must be going through some internal psychological conflict." he says.

"When they hear about such incidents, they end up replicating it - sometimes even subconsciously."

But Reena Devi disagrees.

"I spent years growing my hair and it made me happy. And now that it's gone, you can't even imagine my pain. It's ridiculous to say that women are chopping off their own hair," she says. Other incidents of mass hysteria in India

In the mid-1990s, millions of Hindus around the world were gripped by reports in Delhi of sacred statues "drinking" milk. In the early morning of 21 September 1995, rumours of the elephant-headed deity Ganesha sipping milk from a spoon spread across the country. Offering food and drink like milk to the gods is an integral part of Hindu rituals.

In 2001, "a monkey-man" reportedly attacked hundreds of people in Delhi. Reports later suggested it was case of mass hysteria.

Thousands started travelling to a popular beach in Mumbai in 2006 after rumours that the sea water had miraculously turned sweet.

"People get together after dinner to just talk and relax. Friday was no different, but none of us saw any unknown person going in or coming out of Sunita's house," she says.
The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has commended the government for the bold steps taken so far to bring illegal mining to an end.

The association, in a statement, reaffirmed its unflinching support to the government in its efforts to protect the nations water bodies and the natural environment.

To this end, we pledge our full support for Operation Vanguard and we find it in line with the anti-galamsey fight the association initiated in 2014, the statement added.

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The association has categorically stated that it is in full support of the operation and not in opposition to it in any form whatsoever.

In reference to a recent media publication suggesting that the GNASSM was ready to fight against Operation Vanguard, the association would like to condemn in no uncertain terms and categorically dissociate itself from that statement.

We would like to urge the general public to disregard this unfortunate declaration made by persons not authorized to make official statements on behalf of the association, the statement added.

The association noted that at the time the said press conference was taking place, most of the executives of the association were attending the training workshop organized by the government at UMAT and were not consulted at all.

The association has added that it has commenced a process to investigate and sanction all members who initiated the press conference. Apart from national executives authorized to do so, the association would like to entreat its members to desist from making public statements on its behalf.

It would be recalled that the first GNASSM anti-galamsey task force was inaugurated at the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), Tarkwa by the then Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini.

Since the beginning of the anti-illegal mining campaign, the task force has, with the help of national security personnel, destroyed over 3000 dredgers and arrested some illegal operators.

We assure the government and the good people of Ghana that we will continue in that direction. We are also ready to work with the deployed security personnel to carry out Operation Vanguard to the letter, it added.

The association is appealing to the government about the plight of licensed small-scale miners. We think that it is unfair for us to be lumped with illegal miners, and to be prevented from working on our legitimate concessions.

We pray the government to state clearly its position on licensed small-scale mining so that members will know their fate. Presently, some members are hugely indebted to their bankers and other creditors and pressure is mounting on them to pay back with interest. We anticipate a positive and prompt response from the government, the statement added.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
04.08.2017 LISTEN

Banks that are exposed to the energy sector debt should be receiving their due from the proceeds of the bond by the middle of this month [August].

It will follow the issuance of the 15 year energy bond to clear the 2.4 billion dollar debt, barring any last minute changes.

According to the Managing Director of Cal Bank, Mr. Frank Adu Junior, the move should correct the balance sheets of banks that are exposed to the debt.

This he also believes will restore confidence in the banking sector that has been hugely affected by the legacy debt.

Financial closing is mid August so I would assume that by that time the funds will be available for distribution. This will help by cleaning up Cal Bank's BDC debt.

Although Cal Bank is part of banks owed the amount, Mr. Adu insists that adequate mechanisms have been instituted to reduce shocks.

This is not killing the bank because we took our provisions after the financial sector review and our capital adequacy ratio is still 19 percent so we are very well capitalized and we have provisioned for the BDC exposure, he added.

As at the end of 2016, available documents to Citi Business News stated that the net debt to banks and fuel suppliers amounted to 1.3 billion dollars.

A further breakdown also showed that the banks are owed 782 million dollars, while fuel suppliers are owed 440 million dollars.

State owned power producer, the Volta River Authority (VRA) owed the banks to the tune of 782 million dollars.

VRA also contributed 278 million dollars to the 440 million dollars owed fuel suppliers, while TOR contributed 162 million dollars.

Finance Ministry selects transaction advisors

The Finance Ministry in June selected Fidelity Bank and Standard Chartered Bank as lead managers for the bond issuance.

As part of their duties, the banks are expected to work closely with members of their respective syndicates/consortia and any other local banks/ financial institutions as Co-managers with the view to building capacity locally and facilitating knowledge transfer.

The Lead Joint Managers on behalf of Government (the Sponsor) shall set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (ESLA-SPV) to issue a long-term bonds (The Energy Bond or the Bond) on the back of ESLA receivables assigned to the SPV, which shall be listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), a statement by the Finance Ministry said.

Economist cautions of appropriate timing of bond

Economist, Professor Godfred Bokpin has told Citi Business News the seeming delay in the issuance of the energy bonds may be deliberate to attract more buyers.

According to Professor Bokpin, the country will suffer more should the bond fail to yield the needed amount hence the need for government to get its timing right.



By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
T he Mental Health Authority has teamed up with Mental Health Advocacy Ghana (MHAG) and other stakeholders to train judges on the need to decriminalise suicide.

Other facilitators of the workshop include the Ghana Psychological Association, the Department of Psychology of the University of Ghana and the Judiciary Training Institute.

The judges were given a general overview of mental illness with the following specific objectives:

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1. To help judges understand mental health and also be able to identify the signs of mental illness/distress among clients brought before them.

2. To enable the judges to appreciate their role in the implementation of the mental health Act

3. To help them understand suicidal behaviour in the context of Ghana, and reasons for decriminalizing attempted suicide.

4. How to manage stress and depression among the judges themselves.

The sessions in the Greater Accra Region were organised in three groupings as:

- Judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal - 26

- Judges of the High Court - 32

- Judges and Magistrates of the lower courts - 43

The training for Justices in the Greater Accra Region commenced on June 13 and ended on June 21, 2017, with each session spanning over two days.

At the end of the six- day session, 101 judges had been trained.

This was then followed by sessions for judges in the Northern belt of Ghana, beginning with a session for judges in the three Northern regions in Tamale (14), and then to Kumasi (42) and Sunyani (21).

The coalition then concluded the training sessions for judges in the Western region (13), Central Region (18), Eastern (17) and Volta 21. At the end of the training nationwide, 247 judges had been trained.

The presentations focused on the need to decriminalise attempted suicide which is still a criminal offence in our statutes (Section 57 Clause 2 of the 1960 Criminal Code, Act 29).

It was clearly indicated that Ghana remains one of the 25 nations in the world where attempted suicides are still punishable by law.

Mental health professionals hold the view that suicides and attempted suicides are more of mental health conditions that require empathy and help rather than criminalization.

A presentation by the Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, indicated that research supports the assertion that societies that have treated attempted suicides as mental health conditions rather than criminal offences have seen a relative increase in help seeking which may automatically result in a decrease in suicide rates.

In those societies, people are open to talking about suicide without fear of being prosecuted, and therefore are able to get psychological assistance to mitigate the triggers of such suicidal tendencies in them.

The MHAG is a group which birthed out of the recent spate of suicides.

The group is made up of Mental Health practitioners and advocates from various specialties around the globe.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
04.08.2017 LISTEN

The National Road Safety Commissions (NRSC) decision to contract a single company for the nationwide towing programme was borne out of considerations for capacity and convenience.

Speaking on Eyewitness News, the NRSCs Communications Manager, Kwame Atuahene, however, said smaller companies still have a part to play in the programme, which will be spearheaded by Road Safety Management Services.

The smaller companies, which some fear will be run out business, did not have enough capacity to be a major player in the contract, according to the commissoin.

Mr. Atuahene noted on that of the companies assessed, if you took out Road Safety Management Limited, the other towing companies might not have more than 50 trucks between them.

On the other hand, the Road Safety Management Limited is reported to have already acquired some 118 trucks ahead of the implementation of the programme.

An assessment was made of all the existing companies that were present and we realized that there were some companies that were in towing services but in terms of capacity, it was just one that had better capacity than the others.

Thus the contract with Road Safety Management Limited is out of the convenience of dealing with one company to act more like a regulator to deal with the several other entities even if the contract will be signed with one company, the job will not be done by just one company, he assured.

It would have created a lot of inconveniences trying to sign contracts with these pockets of companies one company signed but within the contract, several companies will provide the service.

The towing programme is to ensure that all vehicles that breakdown on highways are cleared off the roads.

For this reason, drivers are required to pay a road safety fee ranging between GHc 10 and GHc 200, in addition to road worthy certification fees.

Commercial vehicles and taxes will pay GHc40, mini buses will pay GHc80, while heavy duty trucks will pay between GHc80 and GHc200 annually, depending on their tonnage. Non-commercial vehicles are expected to pay GHc20.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and its IT partner-West Blue Consulting have commissioned another electronic zone (e-zone) facility at the premises of Ghana Union of Traders' Association (GUTA) headquarters in Accra.

This follows the launched of three other e-zone facilities at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), Tema port and Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) headquaters.

The newly e-zone facility or centre which is set up as part of the Ghana National Single Window (GNSW) project would provide 24/7 customer services to GUTA members who are most importers as well as exporters in the country.

The facility would also provide services including payments, self-service, and multimedia trade information to speed up business transactions at the Accra Business District where majority of GUTA members are plying their businesses.

With the establishment of the facility in the area, the problem of going importers to Tema port or customs headquarters to transact import business there would be a thing of the past, the President of GUTA, George Ofori said at the launch of the facility.

He described the setting up of the e-zone centre at their door-steps as a welcoming news to the importing community in the country as it would enable them to get unlimited access to get responses to their general enquiries and also have their technical problems solved immediately.

Mr Ofori therefore appealed to all members of GUTA to use the e-zone facility or centre transact their business, saying "the e-zone facility will reduce your transport cost, time and speed up your business".

On his part, the Head, Customs Technical Services Bureau at the GRA, Julius Kantun stressed: "With the launch of GUTA e-zone, people who have enquiries need not come all the way to Customs headquarters, but can now walk in here conveniently and at anytime and have all their trading issues resolved".

According to him, the innovative information technology drive currently being championed by West Blue and the GRA has made trade processes easier and faster for importers and exporters. This enable all stakeholders in the trade facilitation processes to work smarter and faster together.

Mr Kantun stated: "It is really a great pleasure that we all are enjoying the positive results of Ghana National Single Window since its inception in 2015".

We have had series of key changes in the past few weeks relating to transfer of officers from the Customs Technical Services Bureau to other places to further enhance the revenue growth of the country, he said.

Mr Kantun added that, "we are currently training a new batch of about 100 officers to further enhance the mandate of delivering the Customs Classification and Valuation Report in 48 hours and in some compliant cases, just less than 48 hours".

He used the occasion to assure of customs' commitment to ensuring that trade processes is well simplified and also the revenue of the government is jerked up.

Mr Kantun noted that since of the e-zone centre also known help desk, "we have discovered that it has provided a platform for you (exporters and importers) to share your challenges and in some instances share your successes with us".

This he emphasised has remodeled customs processes in making sure that they simplify the trade processes in the country.

"For us at the Customs Technical Services Bureau, we have been enhancing the help desk to allow easier access to the trading community and we have also enhanced the ticketing system to meet all necessary enquiries promptly".

Mr Kantun therefore thanked the implementers of the Ghana National Single Window and the executives of GUTA for partaking in this great initiative.

Presenting an overview of the GUTA e-zone, the General Secretary of GUTA, Alpha Shaban noted: "The e-zone centre contains a wealthy of information for buyers and sellers. We at GUTA are committed and strive to deliver the best we can for our members".

West Blue Consulting which Madam Valentina Mintah headed is the technical partner of the Ghana National Single Window (GNSW) project which has been contracted by the Government of Ghana to run the five year project.

Initially, the company successfully developed and implemented the Pre-Arrival Assessment Reporting System (PAARS) last year.

The PAARS, according to the senior officials is a modernized system that has been developed by the Customs Division of GRA as part of the implementation of the GNSW project to enhance revenue mobilization, improve border security and customs clearance, overcome duplication across regulatory agencies and promote trade facilitation.

Since the introduction of the GNSWs PAARS last year, traders are able to access Customs Classification and Valuation Report (CCVR) within 48 hours.

In some cases, within an hour that is substantial improvement from the previous situation whereby it used to take traders more than a week or two weeks just to get their CCVR.

The system has brought some efficiency at the ports, reduced time, reduced corruption, and cost of doing business.

Another significant achievement the company chalked was the countrys historic performance on the recent World Banks Ease of Doing rankings.

Ghana had moved an impressive 13 places up on the Trading Across Borders in the latest World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report. The report accredited the performance to the GNSW project initiated by the government.

The Doing Business 2017 report, titled Equal Opportunity for All, showed that Ghana was placed at position 108 out of 190 countries surveyed in the Overall Ranking of Ease of Doing Business  an improvement from 111 in the previous report.

In the sub-Saharan Africa sub-region, Ghana ranked in the Top 10, coming 9th, out of the 47 countries ranked in the region. This is evidence that the Government of Ghana is pursuing active reforms to ensure the Ease of Doing Business in Ghana.

The Customs Division of GRA took over the processing of the CCRV from the destination companies in September 2015.

The CCRV replaced the destination inspection report also known as the Final Classification and Valuation Report (FCVR). In spite of the successes chalked so far through the implementation of the PAARS, West Blue is still working hard to facilitate trade and maximise revenue for the government.

Based on the experience of the Single Window implementations in other countries, West Blue estimated that the GNSW project would reduce the cost and time of international trade (import, export and transit) in Ghana by 50 per cent and 25 per cent respectively over the next five years.

Instructively, the GNSW project was initiated on 1st September 2015 by the Government of Ghana to enhance the countrys trade and economic development and secure and increase government revenue.

It was officially launched in 1st December, 2015.

Indeed, the Single Window concept was developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in 2005 as an effort to simplify, harmonise and standardise international trade procedures and associated information flows between trade and government and within government itself.

UNECE, through its UN Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT), defined Single Window as a facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardised information and documents with a single entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements. If information is electronic, then individual data elements should only be submitted once.
The writer

04.08.2017 LISTEN

God bless our homeland Ghana and our founders! Let the nation say, "Amen".

Before I turn to this unfortunate debate about who founded Ghana and when we were founded, let me make the following declarations for the record:

First, Nkrumah has been our best President by a wide margin.

Second, winning elections after independence does not correlate with a person or party's role in the struggle for independence. Mugabe's party did not win the post independence mandate in Zimbabwe because he led the struggle for independence. He won because he belonged to the Majority Shona tribe.

Third, the continuing questioning of Danquah's loyalty is an unproven, disloyal stain on a man who deserves better from all of us, regardless of ideology.

As to whether Nkrumah was our sole founder, how could he be? As Danquah stated eloquently on 4th August, 1947, "Love of freedom from foreign control has always been in our blood. 870 years ago, we struck against the attempt of the Arabs to impose a religious slavery upon us in Ghana.

We left our homes in Ghana and came down here to build a new home." Thus the struggle for our freedom started 8 centuries before the founding of the UGCC-- and it continued after 6th March, 1957. It has heroes, beginning with some of those buried on the journey from ancient Ghana to our current home, through the leaders of the Aborigines Rights Protection Society, some brave chiefs, the founders of the UGCC, and the CPP, Seargeant Adjetey and his fellow matyrs before independence and then more people after independence. Make no mistake about it.

Our colonial masters have been gone for 60 years but we have not been free for 60 years. We lost freedom as a people under our military dictatorships-- NLC, NRC/SMC, AFRC/PNDC. Those who fought against these internal oppressors were as gallant as those who fought our colonizers. To say Nkrumah is our founder assumes that when Usain Bolt anchors Jamaica in a relay, he is the team.

It presumes that when Real Madrid won the champions league this past season, Ronaldo alone deserved all the credit. How could Nkrumah alone be credited with founding Ghana when he cannot, in good conscience be credited with founding CPP alone? Where would the CPP be without the organizational genius of Gbedemah?

No great country has one founder. Most American historians list 7 founding fathers. This list does not include Francis Marion of South Carolina whose exploits were described by George Washington as crucial to the success of the war of Independence. A few years ago, Tracy Lindeman of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation listed 36 founding fathers for Canada!

India had founders beside Ghandi with historians ranking Ambedkar's contributions greater than Ghandi' s.

South Africa had many founders beside Mandela-- of all races.

We should stop peddling the palpable fallacy that Nkrumah was our sole founder.

When Danquah told a crowd that Nkrumah would never fail them, he was wrong. He failed them by taking away the freedom he helped to win-- spurred by power and sycophancy.

While we are pre-occupied with this farcical debate about our founders, we are losing the nation we are arguing about. As President Akufo-Addo said on 6th March, "Sadly, the economic dividend that was meant to accompany our freedom has still not materialised. Sixty years after those heady days, too many of our people continue to wallow in unacceptable poverty". That is not all. Mobs, from streets or organized by our government can snuff out the lives of innocent citizens, as happened to the judges in 1982, the KUME PREKO matyrs in the next decade and just this year, to Major Mahama and others-- thus mocking our motto-- Freedom and Justice. Our environment is drowning in garbage while sinister forces with the collusion of government agencies pollute our rivers and streams under galamsey. We can't even name and shame them.

Our argument should be about our future, not our past and over who will be hailed by posterity for securing that future.

Let us built Ghana for posterity.

Arthur K
04.08.2017 LISTEN

Koforidua, Aug. 3, GNA - Mr Samuel Kwakye-Darfuor, the Eastern Regional Minister, has called on all the 26 municipal and district assemblies within the region to identify potential commodities to be used to base the one-factory one district project.

He said the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has received proposals from business and financial institutions in the region and urged the municipal and district assemblies to take a careful look at the raw materials abundant in their respective districts.

Mr Kwakye-Darfuor said this at the media launch of the upcoming trade and exhibition fair dubbed 'Brand Eastern for Export' scheduled to be hosted at the Jackson Park in Koforidua from September 9-14.

The fair would showcase products of the region and brand them for export promotion.

He said government is not oblivious of the numerous challenges facing the private sector and industry hence the two billion dollar fund from the Chinese government.

He said the NBSSI would also be restructured to play a vital role in setting up industries and these are some of the measures being made by government to support businesses.

Mrs Doris Asetena Mensah, Eastern Regional Director of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, said the fair was to showcase the potentials of the region and to link craftsmen and small scale entrepreneurs to the one district one factory policy and promote exports from industries in the region.

She said over 200 companies are billed to participate in the exhibition and appealed to the media to support them reach out to the public.

Mr Kwaku Adarkwah-Peprah, a representative of the NBSSI, said plans are advanced to establish business incubators in all the 10 regions to support the youth and students in schools who show potentials in entrepreneurship and craftsmanship.

Nana Somuah Mireku- Nyampong, Eastern Regional Representative on the Council of State, who performed the launching, said the region abounds in both natural and human resource and expressed the hope that the fair would unearth useful commodities for the establishment of factories and help create jobs for the youth.

GNA

By Bertha Badu-Agyei, GNA
04.08.2017 LISTEN

Constitution is a body of fundament principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.

The article 12, clause 2 talks about equality before the law. It says  Every person in Ghana, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, religion, creed or gender shall be entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual contained in this chapter but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.

To my opinion, out of 28 million Ghanaians only few peoples enjoy that article 12 clause 2. Those people enjoy because of article 71. I have a very big problem with that article.

It says, (1) The salaries and allowances payable, and the facilities and privileges available, to-

(a) the speaker and deputy speakers and members of parliament;

(b) the chief justice and the justices of the superior court of Judicature;

 the Auditor  General, the Chairman And Deputy Chairman Of The Electoral Commission, The Commissioner For Human Rights And Administrative Justice And His Deputies And The District Assemblies Common Fund Administrator;

(d) the Chairman, Vice Chairman and the other members of,

(i) a National Council for Higher Education howsoever describes.

ii) the Public Services Commission,

iii) the National Media Commission

iv) the Lands Commission and

v) the National Commission For Civic Education being expenditure charged on the consolidated fund, shall be determined by the President on the recommendations of a committee of not more than five person appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the council of state.

(2) The salaries and allowances payable, and the facilities available, to the President, the Vice President, the chairman and the other members of the Council of State, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers, being expenditure charged on the consolidated fund, shall be determined by Parliament on the recommendation of the committee referred to in clause (1) of this article.

(3) For the purpose of this article and except as other wise provided constitution  salaries includes allowances, facilities and privilege and retiring benefit or awards.

Our Ghanaian leaders has misuse this article 71, clause 2. From 1992 up to date, these leaders use the article to the disadvantages of the Ghanaian citizen. In Ghana here if, you are not a political leader, you are refereed as ordinary Ghanaian. Meaning you can not enjoy all these benefits provided by the constitution.

Sometimes I laugh at the politicians during election year. All that, they will say is give us the mandate or power to serve you. This is totally the opposite; we the citizens are serving them, all in the name of article 71, clause 2. They enjoy themselves and reject the ordinary Ghanaians in poverty.

The unfortunate aspect is that, teachers who taught these leaders are not well paid. There is no allowances, facilities as quoted in article 71, clause 2,for teachers. I think teachers gross salary is ten times the gross salary of member of Council of State. But all of us are Ghanaians according to the article 12, clause 2. I ask myself why some Ghanaians are ordinary and others are not? I leave the question for Ghanaians to answer.

The current leaders told Ghanaians that, Ghana do not have enough money. They added that, the pervious government has spent all the countrys money. So they are pleading with Ghanaians to give the power to reduce the countrys cost. I am even surprised that, they have even increased the cost. According to the article 71, clause 2, of Ghanas constitution, there are no cut point of ministers to be appointed by the President. Irrespective of the large number of ministers they still enjoy everything in the article 71, clause 2. The NPP government has appointed 110 minister excluding Council of State members, Chief Justice and Speaker of Parliament.

A developing country like Ghana, a minister takes home GH16,423.00, and a deputy minister takers home GH 14,826.00. This is their month salary with allowances and the facilities attached to it. After doing my rough calculations, Ghana pays GH182,458,320.00 yearly for only the ministers excluding the President, Vice President, Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Council of State members, member of Parliament, Auditor  General, Electoral Commission Chairman, CHRAJ boss, NCCE boss, NMC boss, Lands Commission boss etc.

This is only the money aspect, what of the other allowances, benefits etc. Is Ghana a poor country or rich country? Our leaders are very greedy and corrupt or are Ghanaians? Is Ghana safe under these leaders? Will future generation be secured? Do our leaders think about their citizens or their own selfish interest?

Long live Ghana!

Long live the writer!

Gyagri Fighton Baalaah

024105236

[email protected] .
I certainly will (be the ambassador) and keep up the pressure. Don't ease up at all. There is a lot of fight ahead of us. When you can't change people's habit, change the environment and make them respond to it. It brings about a social sense of responsibility. That is what we need to restore the discipline that we used to be associated with' (Ex-President J.J. Rawlings)

He made this profound statement when he was made the Sanitation Ambassador to lead the campaign in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). The problem of insanitary conditions afflicting this nation is not limited to the AMA or the other Metropolis in the country. Today, it is an undeniable fact that even the villages which used to see communalism as a vehicle in keeping the communities clean, are becoming filthy. It is sad to observe that mountains of refuse are what welcome most visitors to most of our communities at the outskirts of the towns.

What went wrong is the question we have to ask ourselves. Sanitation issues are primarily the responsibilities of the Local and Town Councils, which broadly, are now Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and their respective sub-Metropolitan, Area and Urban and Town Councils. The then dreaded 'Papa Tankas' or 'Samansaman' were derived from the activities of sanitary inspectors of old coming from the Town Councils to inspect the homes and the communities to check poor insanitary conditions.

'Samansaman' is derived from the word summons because the sanitary inspectors issued summons to homes and occupants of households which did not meet the basic sanitary and environmental conditions as required by the officials of the Local and Town Councils to appear before the local courts.

Those were the days, when as a child, the biggest offence one could commit was not to have disposed of the toilet of a younger sibling in the absence of your mother or father at the public place of convenience. Parents were so conscious of the ubiquitous presence of Papa Tankas and the subsequent issuance of court summons. For a parent to come to hear that he or she has been summoned (saman) to appear in court on a stated date was a hell.

People were very environmentally conscious and managed their wastes and refuse better and in the process maintained a cleaner environment than we have today. These are the people subsequent generations described as 'colo' people. I am happy to be part of the 'colo' people even though I was born after the exit of the colonial masters from power.

Our consumption in this 'civilized' times have increased so much but we do not seem to know what to do and how to manage the end products of our voracious ways of consumption. The nation is today overwhelmed by mountainous heaps of refuse in almost every community we live. Our drains are choked with filth, water bodies are dead because of what we dump into them. Instead of the free flowing rivers, the cheapest and most convenient means of disposing of refuse is to drop them in drains.

Efforts by various governments in the past to deal with these challenges have not achieved the desired results. The factors are hydra headed, ranging from population explosion particularly in the urban and peri-urban centres, poor and myopic planning by our development planning agencies, non-enforcement of laws and bye-laws to deal with the citizenry, inadequate funding to deal with sanitation related issues, the absence of or the inability to employ modern technology and best practices elsewhere, among others to address the problem.

The worst among the insanitary conditions in our country has got to do with liquid waste management. It is amazing to know that a huge settlement and households in many of our towns and cities do not have places of conveniences in the twenty first century. They resort to the use of public places of conveniences which were originally put up for people in transit. Instead of tenants and the citizenry demanding the construction of places of convenience in their various homes, they call on the government to build public toilets for them.

The management of such public toilets, where they exist, have become political,-yes, a major source of livelihood for party soldiers, swinging between the NDC and the NPP. The followers of CPP, PPP, APC and their allies can never be managers of public toilets in this country, walahi!

Yes, as I was saying, past governments have put in place various measures intended to deal with this sordid sight of national dimensions. Today, we have the Ministry for Sanitation and Water Resources. Sanitation management of whatever form, solid or liquid has shifted from the Ministry for Local Government and Rural Development. The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources recently acknowledged the very high levels of open defeacation throughout the country. Unsightly scene of adults openly easing themselves is very appalling to say the least.

However, effective implementation of any policies aimed at sanitizing the insanitary conditions in this country will require the collaborative efforts of the above two Ministries and the Office of the Head of Local Government Service. Indeed the direct involvement of the Ministry of Environment is required since a bad environment can be the product of insanitary practices and conditions.

No one thought that a day would come so soon when committed efforts by a leader, would inflict such deadly but legitimate attack on illegal miners who have made it a point to build their wealth by destroying our collective resources, our heritage and future. The success of the fight against galamsey and other illegal and uncontrolled desecration of the land and water bodies have become possible because of the commitment of the President of the Republic, but more importantly, his ability to carry the whole nation along to appreciate the need to halt the immense damage being done to ourselves.

This is the time to prick the nation's conscience and let all of us come to the understanding that we cannot continue to create such filthy environment, live in it and expect to be healthy. In the not too distant past, cholera has taken so many lives needlessly. Other diseases like malaria are products of unhygienic conditions we create. In many markets throughout the country, food items are sold in visibly filthy environments. The damage we are inflicting on our health.

Just as the Minister for Land and Natural Resources with the collaboration of other Ministries launched the fight against galamsey, the three Ministries I have alluded to above, need to engage the media and solicit the support of the media in their quest to deal with people's attitudes to the environment.

The relevant Ministries should develop jingles and messages in all known languages spoken in the country and must educate the public on the benefits of a healthy and sane sanitary practices. Messages that also bring to the fore, the problems we go through as individuals and as a nation should be developed as well and played 24 hours a day. One may ask whether we will be in a position to pay for such advertisements.

My answer is if we properly engage the media operators, particularly the electronic media, we can ask them to give us a minimum of 15 minutes air time where the jingles and the messages would be aired as part of their contributions towards ensuring a sane and clean environment. We are only asking the media to slot a minute of a jingle as they engage in their programmes for fifteen times a day. If this is employed throughout the country from 6am-6pm each day, we shall wake up.

Various activities of citizens that create filthy conditions, from dumping of refuse into drains, throwing of waste from moving vehicles, disposing of plastic waste with careless abandon among many others should be tackled. While tackling these, the MMDAs must also provide the facilities for waste disposal and cleaning.

I would want to see a major launch of this fight by the President, Nana Akufo Addo with ex -Presidents Rawlings, J.A.Kufuor and John Mahama as part of the launch. We shall overcome. Daavi, give me three tots of the bitters.

[email protected]
It is becoming clear that the number of youth completing tertiary institutions and therefore eligible to register for national service is outstripping the available places.

We have observed also how the management of the National Service Scheme (NSS) under the able leadership of Ussif Mustapha has introduced innovations to smoothen the process of engagement for the young graduates.

Unfortunately, the process has been bedeviled by unintended challenges which demand immediate attention through a policy redirection.

Mere posting of new graduates to establishments is no longer a guarantee of engagement by the receiving establishments. It is neither the fault of the NSS nor the establishments where they are posted to but the fallout from the system's inability to create more employment avenues. Indeed sometime ago, there were possibilities of service personnel being absorbed by the recipient establishments. Today even being offered the opportunity to serve one's country in existing establishments is proving a challenge let alone absorption at the end of it all.

There are establishments whose capacity for engaging service personnel is in the neighbourhood of twenty yet they are being saddled with two hundred prospective service personnel.

Some service personnel are told bluntly that the establishments have their own list of persons to engage.

Some establishments have resorted to organizing aptitude tests or examinations in Mathematics and English as an effective means of pruning the numbers.

The reality is that today national service has become a nightmare for not only young graduates but parents who are compelled to absorb the stress their children are going through.

Ghana has unfortunately had to make do with successive governments which did not create the enabling environments for the private sector to serve as an engine of growth of the economy and therefore not capable of absorbing the thousands of young graduates being churned out by our tertiary institutions.

A major policy paradigm shift is required to tackle the myriad of challenges the country is confronted with today. When President Akufo-Addo speaks on the public space about how he intends tackling the challenges, it is because he appreciates very well what is at stake.

The success of his agenda for job creation would define the future of the country. The issue of job creation in the country, it has now become glaring, is no longer restricted to the public sector which can no longer serve the employment needs of the country as it used to be but the private sector as has been noted many years ago but little has been done towards the realization of this objective.

These are critical moments in our history and the earlier we appreciate these and avoid the unproductive politicisation of issues, the closer we can come towards addressing this challenge.

A few days ago, we overheard the Minority segment of Parliament accusing the Finance Minister of massaging the fiscal figures as contained in his mid-year financial presentation in Parliament.

While we do not expect them to shower accolades for the effective manner in which the shattered economy is being treated, we are surprised that because of political leverage they have decided to ascribe criminality to the Finance Minister and by extension to the government.

They are surprised at the massive inroads being chalked by the government and therefore find it incredible so much can be achieved within this brief period and therefore feel comfortable at the feat chalked so far.

Even as the financial ailment is beginning to reverse, let government appreciate the challenges being faced by the youth as they search for places to do their service and an eventual employment.
President Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway and the envoys at the Flagstaff House in Accra

President Akufo-Addo has stressed that no matter the state in which his New Patriotic Party (NPP) government found the Ghanaian economy, he and his team would relentlessly set the country on the path of growth.

While appreciating the fact that his government inherited a broken economy, he said, 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 made the commitment when he swore in five new envoys namely, Dufie Agyarko Kusi, Virginia Hesse, Francisca Ashitey-Odunton, Alowe Leo Kabah and Professor Abena Busia to represent the country's interest abroad.

Mrs Dufie would be representing Ghana's interest in the Republic of Korea, while her colleague, Madam Virginia Hesse, would be heading to the Czech Republic while Francisca Ashitey-Odunton, GBC Deputy Director General, becomes Ghana's High Commissioner to Kenya.

Alowe Leo Kabah, a seasoned lawyer and politician, would be heading for Benin as Ghana's Ambassador while the acclaimed academic and poet, Prof. Abena Busia, becomes Ghana's Ambassador to Brazil.

President Akufo-Addo therefore gave them a charge to remember vividly the slogans of his government's flagship programmes  the 'One District, One Factory,' 'One Village, One Dam' and the 'Planting for Food and Jobs'  since he considered them as descriptions of his government's commitment to the rapid development and transformation of the nation's industrial and agricultural sectors.

We are determined to create the appropriate macroeconomic environment which will attract domestic and foreign investments into these, the real sectors of our economy. You have to help in that exercise, was his charge to the new envoys.

President Akufo-Addo also urged the envoys to strive to develop cordial working relations with the professional Foreign Service officers they would find at their duty posts, as well as develop a good rapport with the Ghanaian communities in their respective countries of accreditation.

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 underscored, You will recall at all times our objectives  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.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent
Lawyers for Akua Adubofour, mother of convicted cocaine baroness, Ruby Adu-Gyamfi aka Nayele Ametefe, have filed an application at the Court of Appeal over the judgement giving the state the green light to confiscate two storey buildings at East Legon belonging to her (Adubofour's) daughter.

According to solicitors at the Oak & Wuuds Law Firm, the flower court erred in granting the request by the applicants  the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB) and the Economic and Organized Crimes Office (EOCO) to confiscate the properties.

The appeal comes just a week after the Accra Financial and Economic Crimes Court had given the state the go-ahead to seize the properties.

Seizure

The court, presided over by Justice Georgina Mensah-Datsa, was convinced that the properties, which were a subject of litigation, belong to Ruby  who is currently serving an eight-year jail term in the United Kingdom for transporting 12.5kg of cocaine to Britain.

Madam Adubofour sued the state, claiming ownership of the two-storey buildings.

The state had filed a motion on notice for the confiscation of the purported illegal properties, estimated at $1.8 million.

Proceeds from the sale of the said facilities would be shared as follows: 50 per cent to the Narcotics Control Board, 20 percent to the Economic and Organized Crimes Office, 15 percent into the Consolidated Fund and another 15 percent to the Judicial Service.

Appeal

But Madam Adubofour is back in court seeking to stay the execution of the judgment of the court.

In the motion filed on July 27, 2017 at the Court of Appeal, the claimant stated that The judgment is against the weight of evidence, considering the facts and the evidence adduced before the court.

On the second grounds of appeal, lawyers for Madam Adubofour claim that The court erred on the means by which ownership or title to landed property may be proved in Ghana.

Insisting that additional grounds would be filed on receipt of records of proceedings from the court, the lawyers want the court to reverse the seizure of the properties.

Aside cost, Nayele's mother wants an order reversing the decision of the High Court to grant the confiscation of House No. 5, 4th Asoyi Link, East Legon, dated 25th July, 2017.

EOCO and NACOB have so far confiscated all items in the Night Angels Enterprise, located along the Dzorwulu highway and six Fidelity Bank accounts, including one containing GH3.22p belonging to Nayele.

EOCO was also demanding that lawyers representing Madam Adubofour serve her daughter in prison with processes she had filed claiming ownership of two houses.

However, Adubofours lawyers insisted that there was no need to serve her daughter with the processes since the houses belong to her (Adubofour).

Background

In Ghana, Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, the immediate past Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Justice, through Ms Penelope Ann Mammattha, a chief state attorney, filed Nolle Prosequi to drop the charges against six other suspects who were before an Accra circuit court presided over by Justice Francis Obiri, for their alleged complicity in the Ruby cocaine case.

The application, dated February 20, 2015 signed by the AG, stated in part, Take notice that the state intends that the proceedings against the accused persons in the above-named case shall not continue.

By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson

[email protected]
The people of Western Region, particularly supporters and sympathizers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the area, are gearing up to give President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo a rousing welcome on Monday.

The President would be in the Western Region for a three-day working visit from Monday, August 7 to Wednesday, August 9, 2017.

The president would interact with the chiefs and people in various communities in the region to thank them for their support and prayers in the 2016 general elections.

He would also interact with market women and traders at the Takoradi Market Circle in the Takoradi Constituency.

The Western Regional Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Okatekyie Amankwa Afrifa, who disclosed this to DAILY GUIDE, noted that the President would first visit Bibiani on Monday.

He mentioned that the president would interact with the chiefs and people in the area and move to Sefwi Wiawso in northern parts of the Western Region where he would pay a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the area.

The President will later address a gathering at a durbar of chiefs and people of Sefwi which will be organized in honour of the president, he added.

The Regional NPP Communications Officer added that from Sefwi Wiawso, the President and his entourage would travel to Wassa Akropong where he would also interact with the chiefs and people at a durbar.

The NPP has declared Tuesday, August 8, 2017 a wreath laying ceremony day for the founding fathers of the party.

So Tuesday, the President will storm the Nzema East Municipality and lead the exercise by laying a wreath on on the tomb of George Paa Grant at Axim.

The party would organise simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies at various locations across the country in recognition of those who played various roles in the independence struggle.

The president will later address the people of Axim at Victoria Park in the area.

Prior to the programme at Axim, President Akufo-Addo would meet and interact with the people of Tarkwa-Nsuaem and also perform the same function at Half-Assini in the Jomoro District.

The president would also visit the Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V and later tour the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital.

On the final day, the President will interact with the traders and market women at Takoradi Market Circle, and he would later leave for Cape Coast.

From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Rapid Response Unit (RRU), which operates at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and its immediate environs, has arrested five persons for dumping refuse at unauthorized places in the area, which is contrary to Section 56(a) and (b) of Act 851, Public Health Act (2012).

The five persons are Ibrahim Mustapha, Ishmael Yartey, Kwabena Owusu, Mustapha Buhari and Ama Galley.

Briefing the media, the Head of RRU, Moses Abor, said the five persons were arrested for dumping refuse at the interchange around 11pm on Wednesday, 2nd August, 2017 and were taken to the Nima Police.

The Nima Police District Commander, Superintendent of Police Bampo, advised that the culprits should be cautioned to desist from such acts and granted bail considering their condition.

The Head Public Relations of AMA, Numo Blafo III, warned them not continue with such acts and asked such persons to register with the accredited waste management companies in their various localities.

When such individuals are arrested, it would be ensured that they lead the AMA to those who gave them the refuse and they would be arrested and prosecuted, he said.

The AMA has rolled out various measures to actualize the vision of President Akufo-Addo to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa.

Public Health Officers of the assembly (Saman Saman) are visiting houses and entities to assess their sanitation condition and issue notices (summons) under the revamped enforcement of sanitation bye-law drive.

Twenty-one offenders were prosecuted a fortnight ago by the Abeka Magistrate Motor and Sanitation Court of the AMA.
The writer

04.08.2017 LISTEN

No! I am not the first gentleman to attend a girls school in Ghana so stop staring at me as though I am. Haha. And yes! St. Roses is one of the finest schools in the country. No two ways about that.

Many years ago around this time, I was preparing to do my national service in faraway Akwatia St. Roses precisely. I had not the faintest idea how the place looked like and how teaching girls may ever be, especially when I had been with only guys a chunk of my life.

As fate may have it, I stayed on after national service and those moments are still one of the best in my life. Let me share with you some interesting life lessons I chanced on in my four year stay there.

Not everyone loves you. Not everyone hates you!

Only a month or two into my service, I locked horns with final year students over what I thought was a trivial issue. Though it was a tough time for me, I enjoyed the experience. It was the first lesson life taught me to sometimes mind my own business! Haha.

All through this tense period, I knew some of these students didnt genuinely like me. They flaunted it, at least. On the flip side, however, others had come to like me pretty well.

As you journey through this life, dont be paranoiac. Inasmuch as youve die-hard enemies, you also have die-hard lovers. Stay focused!

Dont force square pegs in round holes!

As a Biology teacher, I came across quite a number of students who were in a Science class just to fulfill a parents dream. Deep within their hearts, they wished to have studied something else and it was evident in their grades.

The first step to greatness is to know who you are. If you force the best flying bird to swim, it will drown! Knowing who you are is as important as knowing who you are not. Indeed, theres nothing as frustrating as living a life thats not your own.

Choose relationship over everything, even money!

As much as I could, I tried to make each student a friend. We spoke about life outside exams oftentimes and while I was at it, I built a good relationship with their parents, too. Driven by passion, not money, I made sure each of these was prepared enough for their final exams.

Good gets paid. Many years on, most of these students have become such a driving force behind my dream. Sometimes, relationships can buy what money cant!

Planning cuts down waste!

One glowing characteristic of the St. Roses environment is that every single hour throughout the seven (7) days of the week is allotted for an activity. Each day is so well planned that time is the last thing that is mismanaged there.

Lesson. If you want to cut down waste in your life, plan it. If you want to cut down waste in your finances, plan your expenses. If you want to cut down waste from the kitchen, resort to proper planning of how much of what should be cooked. Less planning, more waste!

Proper preparation separates winners from losers!

On several occasions, my students made me feel like I was some Einstein. Though I came to class without a book, I could rattle all of the stepwise equations and concepts without stress. They marveled at how I could answer each question they hurled at me with ease while I broke down the monster of a Biology into simple, plain terms.

Secret is, I rehearsed every lesson even before day broke. I anticipated all questions those intelligent girls may ask and researched answers to such. I was no genius. I was only a properly prepared young man. Haha. Preparation is an advantage in life. Make use of it!

You dont know everything!

Frankly, there were times I was knocked out by some questions I was asked. Much as I tried to answer them, the follow-up questions flung me into even more self-contradiction. I eventually had to learn how to sometimes say, Please, I dont know this!

Youre human. Learn to admit what you dont know and be ready to learn such. The man who assumes to know everything is indeed the one who knows nothing!

Apology is not age limited!

Anytime I wronged my students, it wasnt a hard thing apologizing to them though I was years older than they were. If I felt I had been unfair to any, the only fair thing to do was to apologize.

In life, apology is rendered by the one at fault and it could be the older person. Learn to apologize to your kids when you treat them wrongly. Learn to do same to your subordinates. Sorry is only a one-letter word but can make one feel way better!

We can always make this world a better place. St. Roses. Veritas! Truth and Responsibility!

The writer is a playwright and Chief Scribe of Scribe Communications (www.scribecommltd.com), a writing company based in Accra. His play TRIBELESS is on Sept. 16/17 at the Drama Studio, Legon.
Kigali (AFP) - Rwandans cast their ballots Friday in a presidential election widely expected to return strongman Paul Kagame to office for a third term at the helm of the small east African nation.

Across the country dubbed "the Land of a Thousand Hills," voters queued outside polling stations decorated in the blue, yellow and green colours of the national flag to cast their ballots in the third election since the end of the 1994 genocide.

Some 6.9 million Rwandans have registered to vote in the poll which pits Kagame, 59, against two little-known candidates seen as unlikely to pose any threat to his Rwandan Patriotic Front's (RPF) iron-fisted control of the country.

Kagame cast his ballot at a school in the capital under tight security just after midday, accompanied by his wife and four children as loudspeakers blared music in the local Kinyarwanda urging citizens to come and vote.

At another polling station, voters praised Kagame for his leadership since his rebel army routed extremist Hutu forces who slaughtered an estimated 800,000 people -- mainly minority Tutsis -- and seized Kigali.

"We don't lack anything with him (Kagame). He was sent by God," said farmer Marie-Rose Nyiraguro, 53.

Democratic Green Party's champion, Frank Habineza, left, arrives to cast his ballot at a polling station in Kigali

She said she "doesn't even know the names" of the two other candidates, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party -- the only permitted critical opposition party -- and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.

Another farmer, Claudine Uzamukunda, 34, waited in line with her baby on her back. "Voting is a duty," she told AFP. "I came early so I can get back to my daily tasks."

Despite facing an unwinnable battle against Kagame in which opponents had only three weeks to campaign, Habineza was upbeat after voting.

"For the first time since 23 years an opposition party has been in the ballot", he told AFP by phone. Previously only independents and parties allied with Kagame fielded candidates.

Habineza and Mpayimana have complained about the tightly-controlled political space, in which they were only allowed one week to raise funds and and three weeks to campaign.

Visionary or despot?

Kagame was just 36 when he became Rwanda's de-facto leader after the genocide. He was appointed president by lawmakers in 2000.

The lanky former guerrilla fighter was first elected to the post in 2003 and again in 2010 with more than 90 percent of votes.

His close friend former British prime minister Tony Blair hails him as a "visionary leader" while others see him as a shining example of post-colonial leadership in Africa.

Kagame is credited with a remarkable turnaround in the shattered nation, which boasts an annual economic growth of about seven percent, is safe, clean and does not tolerate corruption.

However, critics increasingly bemoan what they see as despotic tendencies. Rights groups accuse Kagame of ruling through fear, relying on a systematic repression of the opposition, free speech and the media.

Kagame's critics have ended up jailed, forced into exile or assassinated. Few Rwandans would dare to openly speak against him.

"There is no election in Rwanda, there is a coronation declaring Kagame the king," outspoken local journalist Robert Mugabe told AFP.

'The election is over'

Even Kagame has said the result is a foregone conclusion.

"The election is over," he declared on the first day of the campaign.

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.

Political analyst Christopher Kayumba said Kagame remains popular with Rwandans, who see him as a guarantor of stability.

"Security remains critically important because today we still have people who lived their entire life in war. We only recently had a sustained period of peace," said Kayumba.

Polling closes at 1300 GMT and provisional results are expected by Saturday.
Johannesburg (AFP) - Jailed Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was discharged from hospital on Friday after being kept in overnight under observation, an official said, after local media reported he was suffering chest pains.

"He has been discharged and is back in the facility," Logan Maistry, spokesman for the department of correctional services, told AFP.

Pistorius, 30, is serving a six-year jail term for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, in his Pretoria house in 2013.

The "Blade Runner", as he was known, has always maintained that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he fired four high-calibre bullets through a locked toilet cubicle.

Maistry said on Friday the department would not release details on Pistorius's medical condition.

The News24 website had reported that Pistorius was taken from Atteridgeville prison in Pretoria to hospital in an ambulance on Thursday after complaining of chest pains.

The year before he killed Steenkamp, Pistorius became the first double-amputee to race at Olympic level when he competed at the London 2012 games.
Geneva (AFP) - The UN on Friday detailed more than 250 "extrajudicial or targeted killings" of civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai region from mid-March to mid-June, counting dozens of children among those massacred.

The findings, based on interviews with 96 refugees from the conflict-hit Kasai who had fled to Angola, blamed state agents for the murders of seven children.

The refugees gave harrowing accounts of the violence in the central region, which the UN warned had taken on "an increasing and disturbing ethnic dimension."

Victims recounted mutilations, including of a seven-year-old boy whose fingers were cut off, and an attack on a hospital in the village of Cinq where 90 people were killed, some because they were too injured to escape a raging fire.

Aside from government troops, the UN blamed a reportedly state-backed militia called the Bana Mura as well as the anti-government Kamuina Nsapu militia for a range of atrocities.

"Survivors have spoken of hearing the screams of people being burned alive, of seeing loved ones chased and cut down, of themselves fleeing in terror", the United Nations human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement.

Crimes against humanity

A team of investigators has confirmed 251 executions between March 12 and June 19, the UN report said.

"These included 62 children, of which 30 were aged under eight".

Regarding the children murdered, the UN explained that seven were killed by members of the army (FARDC) or the national intelligence service, while six died at the hands of the rebel group Kamuina Nsapu.

The Bana Mura militia members were blamed for the deaths of 49 minors.

Scott Campbell, the head of the western and central Africa division at the rights office, said the new UN report was merely "a snapshot" of the wider conflict and atrocities had likely continued over the past six weeks.

The violence in the Kasai region "could amount to crimes against humanity", Campbell added, underscoring growing concern that the conflict was "tipping towards to ethnic cleansing".

The Kasai conflict erupted last September after the death in clashes of a tribal chieftain, known as the Kamwina Nsapu, who rebelled against the authority of President Joseph Kabila's regime in Kinshasa and its local representatives.

The killing sparked violence that has escalated, including gross alleged violations such as rapes, torture and the use of child soldiers.

The UN said the Bana Mura militia largely included members of the Tshokwe, Pende and Tetela ethnic groups, while the Luba and Lulua communities were seen as supporting the anti-government Kamuina Nsapu.

In less than a year, the violence has claimed more than 3,300 lives, according to a tally by the influential Roman Catholic Church, and displaced 1.4 million people.

Around 80 mass graves have been uncovered in the region.

The president's mandate expired last December but under a transition deal, he was allowed to remain in office until elections that are supposed to be held in late 2017.

Kabila has so far failed to set a date for the polls, heightening tensions across the country.

The UN rights chief has blasted Kabila's government for not mounting serious investigations into the Kasai crisis.

He successfully lobbied the Human Rights Council to set up an international investigation, although it is not clear if Congolese authorities will grant the probe access to the Kasai region.
Nakuru (Kenya) (AFP) - As Kenya's presidential election looms, many in the country's Rift Valley feel a deepening dread.

It was in this fertile region in western Kenya that ethno-political violence flared in 2007 and continued into the following year after President Mwai Kibaki's disputed re-election.

About 1,100 people were killed and 600,000 displaced, with the worst violence occurring between the two major ethnic groups in the region, the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin.

Before 2013 elections the two groups struck a political alliance, and President Uhuru Kenyatta, a Kikuyu, is again running alongside his deputy William Ruto, a Kalenjin.

As the August 8 vote draws near, some in the valley hope the alliance will keep the region calm.

But others say the fragile peace could easily collapse.

Seven of the 19 counties listed as hotspots for potential violence by Kenya's peace-building agency, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, are in the Rift Valley.

"While major Kikuyu versus Kalenjin conflict is unlikely during elections scheduled for August 2017, serious local violence is possible," the International Crisis Group (ICG) concluded in a May report.

Makeshift shelters at a camp for the internally displaced in Njoro, in Kenya's Rift Valley

Though the campaign period has been calm in Nakuru county, residents and rights groups say an undercurrent of tension runs through the region.

Joseph Omondi, a human rights activist in the region, highlights that for Raila Odinga, 72, the main opposition candidate who claimed the 2007 poll was stolen from him, "it's this election or nothing else."

"That brings tensions because, in the event that the results are disputed, it can spark violence. That's what now is creating anxiety," he added.

Hate speech

In the valley, hate-speech flyers with explicit threats against those who vote for certain candidates have been circulating for months.

Human Rights Watch has documented several instances of intimidation between communities in Naivasha, another large town in the valley, where people were beaten, killed and forcibly circumcised -- an act of ethnic humiliatiation -- during the 2007-8 violence.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right), a Kikuyu, is again running alongside his deputy William Ruto, a Kalenjin

Some families have already fled the town, the head of the Anglican diocese Maurice Muhatia told local media.

While insisting "it's calm, it's peaceful," Naivasha reverend Adam Wachira told AFP there was "a sense of anxiety, because of what has happened in the past."

Despite heightened tension during the last presidential election in 2013, which was mostly peaceful even though Odinga claimed Kenyatta robbed him of victory, Naivasha remained calm.

This is seen as due to the alliance between Kenyatta and Ruto -- who were both hauled before the International Criminal Court for their alleged role in the post-election violence. The charges were later dropped.

'Superficial reconciliation'

Despite their partnership, the ICG notes that "reconciliation remains superficial," in the Rift Valley, where conflicts over land have been common since Kenya's independence in 1963.

Omondi echoes the conclusion, saying much-promised land reform efforts have never been carried out.

"The true reconciliation is not there," said Omondi. He believes the Kenyatta-Ruto partnership is all that is keeping the valley peaceful.

"If Uhuru divorces with Ruto, you will see violence in Rift Valley, on the biggest scale you've ever seen," he said.

Many of the scars from the 2007 unrest remain visible in the region.

Steven Mungai has lived in a displaced persons camp outside Nakuru ever since his shop in the western city of Kisumu was torched after the disputed vote.

A Kikuyu, he said he can never go back to his former city on the shores of Lake Victoria, where Odinga's Luo ethnic group is dominant.

"Over there, I won't be able to sleep because if I recall what I encountered all those years, my heart starts racing," he said.

The Rift Valley is likely to remain a tinderbox, especially ahead of the next election in 2022 as it remains to be seen whether Kikuyus will maintain their pledge to back Ruto for president.

And there's no telling if Odinga's opposition coalition, which has repeatedly warned of election fraud, will tolerate a loss at the ballot box next week.

"If it's free and fair, there will be no violence," Omondi said. "But let me assure you, if it's rigged, there will be violence."
Ghanas new Administration has the idea to leverage the countrys natural resources for a Billion credit facility from China with uncertainly about the cost of this new strategy for the burden of generations to come. Companies across the world had made the decision, during the second half of last century, to move their production from West to East, instead from North to South leaving Africa standing in the rain of poverty.

What is excavated from Africana soil, shipped to China and other parts of Asia, comes back to Africa as ready-made products with everyone involved knowing, the profit in this value chain is in the trading and manufacturing of the raw material, not in the excavation. Chinese are smart folks by attracting foreign companies, get their work force trained by their Management only for them to realize - over time - the same concepts are produced under only China logo at cheaper prices finding an ever more tough competitor besides them on the international market stagewho is smarter, White or Yellow Man?

The Black Man has no idea and capacity to copy, even finds it difficult to invent as ideas, imagination and visions are needed to come up with products, services and solutions for todays and future problems. Business folks in Europe, Asia, USA, Russia and South America are smart enough not to put and manufacturing capacity into Africa that over time has the ability to make Africa a serious competitor on the international stage. Their strategy is simple: let Africa survive as much as needed to be a market place for their own products to find buyers for, sustain their lives for humanitarian reasons as long as possible as this looks very positive back home with their own folks and take raw material (no finished products except agricultural produces) as long as even possible.

Nigeria can buy Salt from Ghana instead from Brazil, Ghana can produce enough sugar and rice itself instead is importing it from Brazil and Asia or USA. Cheap chicken parts (left overs, poor quality) are imported into Ghana from Brazil, while chicken farms are in Ghana to serve local customers. Ghanas gold is exported and comes back as wedding rings and necklaces into the country. Cocoa Beans are shipped out to Hamburg/Germany and when back as chocolate three times more expensive than in any Hamburg Discounter.

Russia, China, India, Asia, South America, USA and Australia are not affected by the crisis that can be observed daily on TV stations in small numbers and in future on the dramatic increase for which reason these countries have no interest to change the world order and move their strategy into the right direction fearing, once Africa wakes up, realizes its strength and powers over this world in itself inherited from God, will set the world agenda and countries that have not proven themselves as fair partners, will lose out over time.

The most affected countries are the once in Europe, the former Colonial Masters that still have a spiritual and effective link to their former Dependents. Still today, they do not see the need to assist Africa in the right way to make it self-sufficient in all walks of their economy even to the extent that possibly Africans will be very innovative as their  understandable  fear is to raise again, like China shows, a fears competitor with raising unemployment in their own countries in the light for intense automatization of processes in manufacturing and service sectors with people laid off. An increasing aging population and reduction in population in the developed world clashes with young, eager and hungry people on the African continent with no idea of their own how best to turn their fate around and make themselves rich nations; while African Leaders play into the hands of the Whites comfortably on the economic side of the endeavor. Thriving economies are not foremost based on money, but on ideas, inventions and dreams come true. Angry young African generations in their enormous numbers to come are capable to exceed current expectation and struggle their way upwards to leave the rest of the world with open mouth standing behind.

The world wants to see the Black Man breathing used air, and step-by-step fresh air just to keep him above water level, while seeing him walking on water is against their interest, ideas and actions.

EU has decided to ban the sale of rubber boats and motors to Libya, Italy sending Military Vessels to this area to stop human trafficking. These criminals are not the cause of the problem, only taking advantage of the misery people find themselves in leaving the real cause of the problem unsolved and pushed into the future in the attempt to cool voters in Europe downdangerous game with human lives! Africa is not an Economic, Draught, Humanitarian or Disease problem, it is a Political Problem, the mother of all problems visible.

What goes around, comes around and many die in the Ocean and African desertHumanity at its worst!

Author: Dipl.-Pol. Karl-Heinz Heerde, Sakumono, Tema West, Ghana, phone +233(0)265078287, [email protected] , 03.07.2017
Nairobi (AFP) - Televangelist Gilbert Deya was extradited to Kenya from Britain on Friday and charged with stealing children and presenting them as "miracle babies" born due to prayer.

Deya denied five counts of stealing children and was remanded in custody in a Nairobi court, until August 10 when a bail hearing is scheduled.

The scandal first broke in 2004 as it emerged Deya and his wife Mary claimed their prayers could see infertile and post-menopausal women fall pregnant in four months, and without intercourse.

However the "miracle babies" were allegedly stolen, mainly from Nairobi's Pumwani Maternity Hospital.

Kenyan prosecutors say they kidnapped at least five children under the age of 14 between 1999 and 2004.

Deya's extradition was first ordered in 2007 and his extradition Friday marked the end of his decade-long legal battle to remain in the UK.

Then-interior minister Theresa May instructed he be returned to Kenya in 2011. It is unclear why it took a further six years for him to be sent back.

The controversial preacher landed back in Nairobi before dawn, and investigators "are preparing to take him to court", said inspector general of police Joseph Boinnet.

Deya has been running his Gilbert Deya Ministries operation from Peckham, south London. His church's website says it has a membership of more than 34,000 in Britain.

He claims he was consecrated as an archbishop in the United States in 1992.

According to local media Deya was an evangelist in Kenya in the late eighties and early nineties, before he moved to the UK to set up his ministry.
04.08.2017 LISTEN

This Akufo-Addo government has begun indulging in irritating pettiness too early in its tenure and will be hurt as such. Does it really matter when Ghana was born? Was Ghana even ever born? Or why it is that many years thereafter, life in Ghana is still difficult to live despite the over-abundance of resources that has attracted foreigners to make it big time in Ghana but that has turned Ghanaians into refugees in other people's countries? (A lot of head-scratching here, if history serves any useful purpose).

Folks, the factors that turned voters against the John Mahama administration---and which put Akufo-Addo in power---have nothing to do with the political history of Ghana. The voters didnt bother their heads over who led the Gold Coast to independence to be given the highest accolade. Neither did they lose any sleep over what date on which the country was born (or what kind of birth that might be---natural or caesarean)!!

All that triggered everything was based on the voters assessment of their living conditions vis-a-vis happenings around them and how they thought their electoral decision could change the paradigm for their good. They voted according to the dictates of their conscience (or manipulation by unseen hands doling out petty gifts). In the end, the results of the polls put Akufo-Addo in power to solve Ghanas problems, not to worsen them.

Solving such problems demands more than attempting to play to the gallery. Particularly, anything being stage-managed to draw attention to who matters most in Ghanas history is not only wayward but is also a tacit admission of failure to accomplish tasks so early in the affairs of this Akufo-Addo government.

That is what is happening now, which is disturbing. A country that seeks to grow doesnt really have to remain fixated on pettiness as is the case now under Akufo-Addo. How does establishing who founded Ghana or when Ghana was born put food on the table of the suffering Ghanaian?

I have been given to know that today, August 4, has been set aside by the Akufo-Addo administration as a major milestone for the launching of a programme of activities to pinpoint August 4 as the birthday of Ghana. Thus a public lecture on the theme 4th August: Ghanas day of Destiny is to be given by the Speaker of parliament, Mike Ocquaye (who is no stranger to us for all the mesh or mess that he is in all capacities---an academic, politician, Reverend Minister, or whatever). And Akufo-Addo is the Guest of Honour (whatever it means in this context).

I pity these NPP people on their useless pursuit to revise Ghana's history. They have already lost the cause/fight and will emerge at the end of the shouting match called public lecture none the wiser. Ghanas history in the4 context of independence is already set in stone with march 6, 1957 as the indisputable rallying date.

Twisting issues to attempt downgrading this date is an exercise in stupidity. It is clear that this Akufo-Addo team of empty braggarts has too much time and too little to do---all against reality. (Public reaction to the state of affairs in Ghana under Akufo-Addo in just 7 months of his being in power speak volumes.

The mid-year budget review has attracted strongly negative reaction from their own constituents that should open their eyes to the reality unfolding. So also is the trouble being stoked by the government over the compulsory taxation of vehicle owners over towing. A lot is already stacked up against Akufo-Addo. Yet, he is bent on adding more to the lot).

History cannot be twisted to serve parochial interests. The UGCC was not a political party but a forum for the so-called elite at the time to show off, creating a smokescreen behind which to fight for their own interests. They lost big time when they brought on board the Great Osagyefo, an astute politician who could read deeper meanings into happenings at the time to launch his own CPP as a vanguard political front that the British Monarchy feared for what it was bent on doing. That was why they sided with him and brushed aside the doomed UGCC and its offspring (the treacherous National Liberation Movement and all its affiliates suffering from stunted political growth).

Lets be clear here. Which of the elements of the Gold Coast were united enough to help the UGCC achieve its objectives? Clearly, the most potent force at the time for any political activity was the Joint Consultative Council of Chiefs, one of whose prominent members was the Akim Abuakwa Chief, Nana Sir Ofori Atta. Intriguingly, other strong chieftains in other parts of the territory had their own slices of influence that the British authorities respected, revered, feared, or disdained, depending on the circumstance.

But the hard truth must be acknowledged that the British colonial authorities did not fear the UGCC at all. Indeed, they derided it as an impotent gathering of self-acclaimed business folks with connections that couldnt cut butter. They represented business interests that couldnt survive without nurturing by the very system that they thought they could challenge.

How could Paa Grant get his money without British support in his trading activities? And would the British not be quick to sniff him out if he proved too be too much of a potentate without political maturity? Not so for Nkrumah who had little material weight but a huge political capital with which to confront and undermine the British colonial enterprise. Anybody seeing things the way I do here?

(Let's recall the nationwide strike and arson against the enterprises of the Association of West African Merchants (AWAM---that would become a pejorative terminology in Ghanaian parlance) and why Nii Kwabena Bonnie IV, Osu Alata Mantse, enjoys more respect from those who know the history behind decolonization in our part of the world than the Paa Grants, J.B. Danquahs, and all those self-serving elitist elements in the UGCC could crave.). The Feb. 28, 1948 event that Nii Kwabena Bonnie spearheaded has more significance than the infinitesimal but annoying public posturing being given the traitorous J.B. Danquah and Co. by Akufo-Addo and his sub-standard government.)

The UGCC was spearheaded by Paa Grant, a merchant who invested his money in all that it did only to fade out because he had no political ambitions but economic interests or selfish ones at that to pursue. The UGCC itself was more of a forum for amalgamating economic interests than fighting for political independence because it wasn't a political instrument at birth, in operation, and at death. How did it die, anyway?

Other notables in the UGCC, especially the traitorous Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, were so shortsighted as not to know how to deal with Nkrumah and his foresight. They chose to break ranks with him and to construct him as an enemy to be attacked from all angles. They did so and failed woefully.

Of course, we are told that it was Dr. Danquah who suggested that the name "Ghana" be given to the Gold Coast territory that Nkrumah was leading toward independence. (Apparently, he was informed by the abundant wealth of gold in the land, a direct reference to the old Ghana Empire that crumbled by 1240). Revisiting history/antecedent at this point was his successful lottery. If he didn't see anything positive about Nkrumah's agenda, why would he suggest such a name?

I hope I won't wake up tomorrow to be told by the Akufo-Addo gang that the one who gave the name of the country at independence as "Ghana" should be regarded as the founder of the country and not the Great Osagyefo who used political force to beat the British colonizers. They are capable of doing anything politically mischievous. Such characters!!

In any case, at the time that Dr. Danquah made that suggestion, the UGCC had folded up. We cannot account for what became of it or its members (even though we can confirm that the conservative and reactionary ones took to the NLM and constituted a bastion for the anti-Nkrumah treachery.

Regardless of all that happened, they failed. The seed that they sowed in their offspring hasnt borne any useful fruit for Ghana yet. All it has done is to poison the political environment. Can such characters ever come clean?

We wait to hear the gas that Mike Ocquaye will release and factor it into public discourse on the waywardness of this obnoxious Danquah-Busia political trash that is now our major national problem to solve. Ofui!!!

Let me land here to say that Ghana couldnt have been born on August 4 as these NPP revisionist historians and politicians are over-extending themselves to establish because the objectives reality of the situation proved otherwise. Whist that objective reality gave rise to was the formation of a group made up of self-righteous exploiters of the economic situation who beguiled themselves into believing that their economic success could translate into anything political ---even if they had no idea what that political was.

The UGCC was made up of self-righteous business entrepreneurs taking advantage of the colonial system who had no clue on what politics meant or how they could take control of the territory within which they were operating. Couldnt that be the justification for their not wanting independence for the Gold Coast? Or their bated approach that Nkrumah dismissed as reactionary?

For the records, the CPP wanted independence for the Gold Coast through a gradual process that involved cherry=picking by the colonizers---giving the territory and its people what they thought was necessary at each historical juncture. Nkrumah saw things from a more radical angle and demanded independence in danger as against servitude in tranquility. And he succeeded; hence, there is a beautiful land of gold and everything that Nature has for the world called Ghana.

Folks, the truth is that the United Gold Coast Convention fought for the Gold Coast, not Ghana.

Lets be proud of the record and not succumb to the treachery that this lame duck Akufo-Addo government is spinning around. Doom awaits him and his gang of liars, thieves, and manipulators. New to political power and its entailments, they are already overwhelmed and leaping large before looking. When the day of accountability dawns, they may not even get the change to weep, wail or gnash their teeth. Pitiable lost souls that history will swallow up!!

I shall return
Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Keaton Jennings's future as an England opener was under fresh scrutiny after he once more fell cheaply against his native South Africa on the first day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Friday.

Jennings exited for 17, the only wicket to fall in a session that saw England reach lunch on 67 for one against a Proteas attack missing Vernon Philander and Chris Morris after both pacemen were ruled out with lower back strains.

England captain Joe Root won the toss and batted in initially overcast conditions, just as he'd done in a 239-run win in the third Test at The Oval.

That result left Root needing to avoid defeat in Manchester to secure a win in his first series as England captain, the hosts now 2-1 up with one to play.

Jennings, under pressure for his place after just one fifty in nine Test innings since a century on debut against India in Mumbai in December, was almost out for four.

But fast bowler Kagiso Rabada could not quite hold on to a diving caught and bowled chance following the Durhan left-hander's inside edge onto the pad.

Jennings was out though when, getting only half forward to Duanne Olivier, he was caught behind by wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock, a former team-mate in the XI at Johannesburg's King Edward VII school.

Pace bowler Olivier and middle-order batsman Theunis de Bruyn were only playing as a result of Philander and Morris's injuries.

Westley, in just his second Test, walked out to join Essex colleague Cook with England 35 for one in the 13th over.

Cook, England's all-time leading Test run-scorer, looked in good touch.

The former England captain drove fast bowler Morne Morkel straight for four and the left-handed opener struck another well-timed shot past Olivier.

Westley, fresh from his second-innings fifty at The Oval, almost played on to Rabada for one.

However, he subsequently hit four fours -- the best a back-foot drive through the covers off medium-pacer de Bruyn.

South Africa have not lost a Test series in England since 1998 and in their past 19 away Test series they have suffered just one campaign reverse -- against India in 2015/16.

Before play, a presentation was made to James Anderson after the Pavilion End at Old Trafford, his Lancashire home ground, was officially renamed the James Anderson End in honour of England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker.
The International Court of Arbitration has thrown out businessman Alfred Woyome's suit against Ghana over the GHC51 judgment debt paid him in 2010.

In a statement addressed to Woyome and his lawyers Thursday, International court said  The international court of arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce decided that this arbitration will not proceed article (6(4)); and fixed the ICC administrative expenses at $5000 which is covered by the non-refundable payment already made by the claimant.

The Article 6(4) says The arbitration shall proceed if and to the extent that the Court is prima facie satisfied that an arbitration agreement under the Rules may exist.

The case, titled Alfred Agbesi Woyome (Ghana) vs/ REPUBLIC OF GHANA (Ghana) was Mr Woyome's final attempt to defend the judgement paid to him by the state after the Supreme Court ruled last year that he received the money fraudulently.

The apex court ruled that Mr Woyome received the money from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for an invalid contract between the state and Waterville Holdings Limited in 2006 for the construction of stadia for CAN 2008.

Mr Woyome has, however, refunded GH4 million out of the total 51.2 million to state coffers.

Although he subsequently promised to pay the outstanding balance by quarterly instalments of GH5 million from April 1, 2017, he has reneged on that promise.

-Starrfmonline
FLASHBACK: The nurses demonstrating at the premises of the Ministry of Health

The coalition of registered unemployed private nurses from different government accredited private nursing training colleges in the country on Wednesday evening ended their three-day picketing at the Ministry of Health (MoH).

The group since Monday morning pitched camp at the ministry, where they passed three nights demanding their immediate postings to the various health facilities across the country.

The group, with a population of over 5,000 nurses, claims government has refused to engage them since they completed their training within the last four years.

The nurses, with qualifications such as health assistant clinical and diploma in nursing, opined they have been handed a raw deal by the ministry of health.

They assured us that when we finish we will be employed by government like the public nurses. We write the same exams and have the same pin as the public nurses but they are being employed and we have been left out, they revealed.

However, the leadership of the group decided to call a truce after officials of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) visited them to exercise restraint as stakeholders address their issue.

Rexford Ofori from the School of Nursing at Adenta and an executive member of the group mentioned that they decided to call off the picketing after the National Youth Organiser of the NPP, Sammy Awuku, and the Minister of Communications, Mustapha Hamid, addressed them Wednesday evening.

They apologised for the unfortunate situation and assured us that the ministry was working on our issue. They said we should give them some few weeks to settle the issue, he said.

Meanwhile, Robert Cudjoe, Head of the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Health, explained that the leadership had been engaged by the ministry on countless occasions to exercise patience for the process to go through.

We have been having this discussion with them, when the government came to power there was a process that had already started and there were some clearance that was pending. We have spoken with them and given them all the assurances that we have to give them. We have gone a step further by requesting finance to give us the go-ahead to employ them. The minister has met them, the deputy minister has also met them we have assured them on daily basis, he stated.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri


The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has begun the distribution of polio vaccines to various health facilities in the country after months of shortage.

The health service received the vaccines earlier this week and has already begun onward transfer to the cold rooms of major health facilities in the country.

Speaking to local radio station, Dr George Bonsu, Manager for the National Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), disclosed that the vaccines have been dispatched to some of the regions as at Wednesday.

So far, we have given vaccines to Greater Accra regional cold room, Central Region and Western Region and we will proceed to Eastern and Volta Regions on Friday August 4, 2017, he said.

Dr Bonsu stated that the service would continue the distributions on the weekend to the other regional cold rooms so the various health facilities would have the vaccines to administer to children.

We are hopeful that by the second week of August, the vaccines would have gone round the whole country, he added.

The vaccines procured can last for six months and the country would have to expedite action on the procurement of the next batch in order to sustain the stock of the life-saving vaccine.

It could be recalled that a few weeks ago, the country suffered shortage of polio vaccine, putting the lives of thousands of children at risk of contracting the disease.

The absence of the polio vaccine which has been very successful at curbing polio among infants caused panic among nursing mothers.

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus and mainly affects children under five years of age. It invades the nervous system, and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.

The polio virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine causing total paralysis with one in 200 being irreversible.

Along with diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis, measles and whooping cough, the disease has killed many children and caused deformities.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri


Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa's ruling ANC party warned its legislators on Friday that voting for a motion of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma next week would be a disaster for the country.

"Voting in favour of this motion will be tantamount to throwing a nuclear bomb," said a statement issued by African National Congress chief whip Jackson Mthembu ahead of the vote, brought by opposition parties, due on Tuesday.

"The removal of the President will have disastrous consequences that can only have a negative impact on the people of South Africa," he said.

"It will result in the entire cabinet having to resign which will lead to a collapse in government... It will plunge our country into complete political instability."

Mthembu's intervention comes as Zuma has been mired by growing criticism from within the party over allegations that he is corrupt and incompetent.

South Africa's economy slumped into a recession in the first quarter of the year while unemployment nears 26 percent.

Popular support for the ANC, which was swept to power in the first non-racial elections in 1994, slipped to 55 percent in last year's local polls -- its worst-ever election result.

'Fail regardless'

"We are not blind to the grievances raised by our people including our partners," said the statement, referring to noisy criticism from the ANC's coalition allies.

It acknowledged the impact of a unpopular cabinet reshuffle at the end of March that saw respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan ousted and replaced with a Zuma loyalist.

The move led to a string of downgrades to South Africa's credit rating as well as causing the rand currency to tumble.

The statement also recognised the controversy raging around Zuma and his relationship with the Gupta business family, and a tranche of leaked emails that point to a corrupt relationship between the two sides.

It described allegations that state organs had been corrupted as "serious and legitimate concerns".

But the statement added: "We are raising these issues now to show the ANC has been responsive."

Gupta family member Atul recently told the BBC that the leaked emailed had "no authenticity".

Zuma, 75, is due to step down as head of the ANC party in December, and as president ahead of the 2019 general election.
Kigali (AFP) - Rwandans voted Friday in a presidential election widely expected to hand strongman Paul Kagame a third term at the helm of the east African nation which he has ruled with an iron fist for 23 years.

Polls closed at 3pm local time (1300 GMT) after eight hours of voting, however those queuing would still be allowed to cast their ballots.

The electoral commission's Charles Munyaneza said the process had been peaceful with "no major problems. The turnout is good so far" among the 6.9 million registered voters, he said.

Across the country dubbed "the Land of a Thousand Hills," voters queued outside polling stations decorated in the blue, yellow and green colours of the national flag to cast their ballots in the third election since the end of the 1994 genocide.

Kagame, 59, is running against two little-known candidates seen as unlikely to pose any threat to his Rwandan Patriotic Front's (RPF) control.

Kagame cast his ballot at a school in the capital under tight security just after midday, accompanied by his wife and four children as loudspeakers blared music urging citizens to come and vote.

Voters at the polling station praised Kagame for his leadership since his rebel army routed extremist Hutu forces who slaughtered an estimated 800,000 people -- mainly minority Tutsis -- and seized Kigali.

"He freed the country, he stabilised the country. Now we can walk anywhere day or night without problems," said Jean Baptiste Rutayisire, a 54-year-old entrepreneur.

"He is an exceptional man. You don't change a winning team."

Rwandan socio-economic indicators since 1990

Like many other voters AFP spoke to, he didn't know the names of the other candidates, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party -- the only permitted critical opposition party -- and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.

Despite facing an unwinnable battle against Kagame in which opponents had only three weeks to campaign, Habineza was upbeat after voting.

"For the first time since 23 years an opposition party has been in the ballot", he told AFP by phone. Previously only independents and parties allied with Kagame fielded candidates.

Habineza complained that 100 of his 500 observers had not been allowed to enter polling stations for the first two hours of voting.

Munyaneza said there had been an issue with their accreditation "but we allowed them in anyway."

Visionary or despot?

Kagame was just 36 when he became Rwanda's de-facto leader after the genocide. He was appointed president by lawmakers in 2000.

The lanky former guerrilla fighter was first elected to the post in 2003 and again in 2010 with more than 90 percent of votes.

Rwanda is safe, clean and does not tolerate corruption. It also has the highest number of female lawmakers in the world

His close friend former British prime minister Tony Blair hails him as a "visionary leader" while others see him as a shining example of post-colonial leadership in Africa.

Kagame is credited with a remarkable turnaround in the shattered nation, which boasts an annual economic growth of about seven percent, is safe, clean and does not tolerate corruption. Rwanda also has the highest number of female lawmakers in the world.

However, critics increasingly bemoan what they see as despotic tendencies. Rights groups accuse Kagame of ruling through fear, relying on a systematic repression of the opposition, free speech and the media.

Coronation?

Kagame's critics have ended up jailed, forced into exile or assassinated. Few Rwandans would dare to openly speak against him.

"There is no election in Rwanda, there is a coronation declaring Kagame the king," outspoken local journalist Robert Mugabe told AFP.

Even Kagame has said the result is a foregone conclusion.

"The election is over," he declared on the first day of the campaign.

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.
Policy think tank, IMANI Africa has described as misplaced, a suggestion by the Institute of Economic Affair (IEA) for the government to increase the 17.5 percent VAT by 1 percent to fund the Free SHS program.

It said any increase in VAT will put undue pressure on Ghanaians.

Many have given their suggestions as to how government can raise funds to pay for its flagship educational policy, Free SHS which government has budgeted some GH400 million for.

A Senior Adjunct Research Fellow of the IEA, Dr. Eric Osei-Assibey, at a post mid-year budget press conference, said just as we did for the NHIS, increasing the VAT rate by say 1% and ring-fencing it for exclusive funding of the Free SHS will be very ideal. Domestic tax revenue provides a more stable and predictable source of financing expenditure for important public programmes such as free education.

But the president of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe in an interview with Citi News said, he believed the government had alternative sources of raising money to fund the program other than increasing VAT.

He expressed shock at why the Dr. Osei-Assibey would make the suggestions despite indications that the government was committed to reducing taxes which it believes have been a burden on the citizenry.

I suspect they already have funds to make sure the plan succeeds. I'm not sure taxation is one of them. For a government that is interested in reducing taxes, I would think that it may not be fair on them to be asked again to impose an additional 1% tax for something they already had a master plan for and ways to find sustainable resources to execute, Franklin Cudjoe said.

Debate over source of funding

A debate over the source of funding for the Free SHS program became rife when the Senior Minister, Yaw Osarfo Maafo said in a Citi News interview that the government would use money from the Heritage Fund to foot the bill.

His position was challenged by many people who said the Heritage fund was meant to be reserved for the use by future generations.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta subsequently announced that contrary to Mr. Osafo Maafos claims, the program will be funded with the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA).

He said it will cost government GH400 million to implement the free SHS programme for just the 2017/2018 academic year.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Nouakchott (AFP) - The head of a boycott movement opposed to a constitutional referendum in Mauritania accused the country's rulers on Friday of planning "massive fraud" on the eve of the vote, and warned of violence.

Saturday's referendum follows a tense campaign punctuated by massive protests that have been at times violently put down by the security forces.

Jemil Ould Mansour, head of the Islamic Tewassoul party spearheading the movement against the vote, said President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and his supporters had fixed "the electoral roll and voting materials to prepare fraud on a massive scale."

"Those in power are pushing people to violence by not allowing any kind of protest not in line with their own views," Mansour told reporters.

The boycott draws broad political support from religious conservatives and anti-slavery activists in the conservative west African nation, all of whom oppose measures including abolishing the Senate, suppressing several state bodies, and changing the national flag.

Around 1.4 million Mauritanians are eligible to vote, but the boycott coalition has declared the changes unconstitutional and is urging citizens to stay at home.

Violence "is not our choice", Mansour told journalists, but added Aziz and his supporters would be responsible if they continued to "force" the changes through.

Police and opposition activists clashed Thursday in Mauritania's capital on the final day of campaigning after the authorities refused to give the green light for protests in the capital and other regions of the Islamic republic.

Senators rejected the abolition of their own chamber in March, apparently to the government's surprise as a majority are from the ruling party, prompting Aziz to call the referendum.

Aziz accused the lawmakers of "betraying the nation" at his final rally, and called on the crowd to demand the dissolution of a chamber which, he said, "costs a lot, has no use and does nothing".

Several senators would soon be on trial, the president said, accusing them of corruption.

Polling stations open at 7am on Saturday while the nation's armed forces cast their ballots on Friday, according the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).

Results are due early next week.
Accra, Aug. 4, GNA - The prosecution in the murder case of Major Maxwell Mahama has told the Court that they are on a manhunt for 13 more suspects who took part in the murder of the soldier, at Denkyira Obuasi in the Central Region,.

Prosecuting Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) George Amegah, therefore, prayed the Court for an adjournment, saying his team had also forwarded the duplicate docket to the Attorney General's (AG's) Department for advice.

The Court then adjourned the matter to September 7, to allow the Police more time for their investigations and also to wait for the advice from the Attorney-General.

At the last sitting, the Court commended the Prosecution for acting expeditiously to prosecute the case, saying the Prosecution, for once, had dealt with the matter speedily and he (the judge) was happy about the turn of events so far.

The Prosecution had earlier asked the court to discharge all the accused persons because further investigations had led them to charge 19 out of the 32.

They later added an additional person, bringing the number of those standing trial to 20.

He said some of them would be used by the Prosecution as witnesses.

Major Mahama was on national assignment at Denkyira Obuasi when on May 29, he was lynched by some residents of Denkyira-Obuasi, who allegedly mistook him for armed robber because he had a pistol in his back pocket .

The mob ignored his consistent plea that he was an officer of the Ghana Army.

GNA

By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Agona Nyakrom (C\R), Aug. 4, GNA - The Omanhene of Nyakrom Traditional Area, Okofo Katakyi Nyakoh Eku X, says the Council would deal drastically with men who impregnate women and refuse to take care of them.

He said women who were facing such challenges should report to the divisional and sub-chiefs for action to be taken against those men.

Okofo Eku made this known when he addressed the Nyakrom Traditional Council Meeting at Agona Nyakrom in the Central Region.

He said the Council would not allow 'irresponsible fathers' in the area to go scot free as such behaviours could lead to social upheavals in the area and the nation as a whole.

The Omanhen said the Council would not delay to hand over all such cases from aggrieved women to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service to process them for court.

OKofo Eku said the Traditional Council had taken note of the increasing numbers of street children in the area and that those children needed to be protected and educated so as to become assets to the nation.

He said parenting was a collective responsibility and charged queenmothers in the Traditional Area to sensitise women on the need choose the right men to ensure the wellbeing of their children.

Nana Kwadwo Amoakwa, the Agona Duakwahene and Krontihene of Nyakrom Traditional Area, said the Council would organise a workshop for linguists to update them on the proper management of chieftaincy affairs.

He reiterated the call on the newly sworn-in chiefs of the Traditional Council not to lord over the people but use their positions to promote development in their respective towns.

Nana Yaa Sama, the Queenmother of Upper Bobikuma, said the Queenmothers Association of the Nyakrom Traditional Area had embarked on an exercise to ensure the reduction of teenage pregnancies in the area.

She said reported cases of teenage pregnancy among school children were alarming and there was the need to find a lasting solution to the problem.

She said efforts were being made to seek financial support to facilitate girl-child education in the Agona West Municipality adding: 'We also need women ministers, lawyers, judges , accountants and other professionals to work in the various sectors of the economy and bring glory to our land.'

GNA
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wenchi, Dr Prince Kwakye Afriyie has said he is taking steps to transform the municipality into a business hub and is therefore prioritizing the construction and rehabilitation of major roads in the area to facilitate movement of goods.

He emphasized that the government was creating the enabling environment for both businesses to thrive and create job opportunities for Ghanaians.

Dr. Kwakye Afriyie made the statement at a Public Consultative Forum organised by the assembly as a platform to engage stakeholders in the area on the governments flagship programmes.

The programme was aimed at soliciting support and share experiences to enhance the implementation and success of the intervention. It drew participants from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Clergy, Artisans, Opinion Leaders, Heads of Department and Assembly members.

He said the municipality was endowed with enough natural resources to propel its development and lamented the lack of capital exploit them.

On the one district one factory initiative, he disclosed the project was private sector led and encouraged businesses and individuals to take advantage of the opportunity for business expansion and growth.

Dr. Kwakye Afriyie appealed to the stakeholders to conduct proper needs assessments in sanitation, provision of portable water, agriculture; infrastructure and infrastructure enable the government to identify priority areas for investment.

He lamented a number of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) were defunct due to mismanagement and corruption and assured such unpatriotic behaviour will not be entertained in a development oriented NPP government.

The Anantahene of the Wenchi Traditional Council, Nana Baffour Owusu Ansah Agyapong commended the government for initiating interventions in an attempt to fulfill its campaign promises.

He appealed to the government to establish a cashew factory in the area to process cashew produced from plantations in the area and as well as revamp Tomacan, a defunct tomato factory in the area to employ the youth in the area.



By: Mashoud Kombat/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Kigali (AFP) - Rwandan election officials tallied votes on Friday from a presidential poll expected to hand strongman Paul Kagame a massive victory and third term at the helm of the east African nation.

"Kagame, Paul. Kagame, Paul," read out election officials from the vast majority of ballots at one polling station as counting began after a peaceful day of voting across "the Land of a Thousand Hills."

The electoral commission's Charles Munyaneza said the process had seen "no major problems" and turnout had been good among the 6.9 million registered voters taking part in the third election since the end of the 1994 genocide.

Kagame, 59, is running against two little-known candidates seen as unlikely to pose any threat to his Rwandan Patriotic Front's (RPF) control.

The lanky former guerilla fighter cast his ballot at a school in the capital just after midday, accompanied by his wife and four children as loudspeakers blared music urging citizens to vote.

Voters at the school praised Kagame for his leadership since his rebel army routed extremist Hutu forces who slaughtered an estimated 800,000 people -- mainly minority Tutsis -- and seized Kigali.

"He freed the country, he stabilised the country. Now we can walk anywhere day or night without problems," said Jean Baptiste Rutayisire, a 54-year-old entrepreneur.

"He is an exceptional man. You don't change a winning team."

Rwandan socio-economic indicators since 1990

Like many other voters AFP spoke to, Rutayisire didn't know the names of the other candidates, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party -- the only permitted critical opposition party -- and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.

Despite facing an unwinnable battle against Kagame in which opponents had only three weeks to campaign, Habineza was upbeat after voting.

"For the first time since 23 years an opposition party has been in the ballot," he told AFP by phone. Previously only independents and parties allied with Kagame fielded candidates.

Habineza complained that 100 of his 500 observers had not been allowed to enter polling stations for the first two hours of voting.

Munyaneza said there had been an issue with their accreditation "but we allowed them in anyway."

Visionary or despot?

Kagame was just 36 when he became Rwanda's de-facto leader after the genocide.

He was appointed president by lawmakers in 2000 before being elected in 2003 and again in 2010 with more than 90 percent of votes.

Rwanda is safe, clean and does not tolerate corruption. It also has the highest number of female lawmakers in the world

His close friend former British prime minister Tony Blair hails him as a "visionary leader" while others see him as a shining example of post-colonial leadership in Africa.

Kagame is credited with a remarkable turnaround in the shattered nation, which boasts annual economic growth of about seven percent, is safe, clean and does not tolerate corruption. Rwanda also has the highest number of female lawmakers in the world.

However, critics increasingly bemoan what they see as despotic tendencies. Rights groups accuse Kagame of ruling through fear, relying on systematic repression of the opposition, free speech and the media.

Coronation?

Kagame's critics have ended up jailed, forced into exile or assassinated. Few Rwandans would dare to openly speak against him.

"There is no election in Rwanda, there is a coronation declaring Kagame the king," outspoken local journalist Robert Mugabe told AFP before the vote.

Even Kagame has said the result is a foregone conclusion.

"The election is over," he declared on the first day of the campaign.

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.
04.08.2017 LISTEN

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has stated that Brong Ahafo region is serious manifestation of political party vigilantism, as a few of the vigilant groups are organized and based in the major cities in the region.

Majority are community based and mostly organized around influential individuals within the political parities they said.

CODEO called on government to ban political vigilante groups which is gaining notoriety in Ghana.

CODEO said the existence of political vigilant groups is illegal, so government should ban these groups immediately as matter of national security.

CODEO further called on political parties to disband these affiliated groups and urged other stakeholders, particularly the security agencies, to address this growing menace in Ghana.

Mr. Nicholaus Akyire, a member of CODEO Advisory Board, told Sunyani based radio Metro 90.5FM after a Round Table Discussion on the Menace of Political Party Vigilantism held in Sunyani.

He said the leaderships of the NPP and the NDC are largely responsible for the emergence of these groups in the 4thh republic should own up to their responsibilities and work together with the police to disband all politically affiliated vigilant groups.

Mr. Nicholaus Akyire, said CODEOs primary and broad objective is to complement the efforts of Ghanas Electoral Commission (EC) and all stakeholders in ensuring a transparent, free, fair and peaceful election in the country.

He called for the strict implementation of some agreed strategies which include providing a security of tenure for the IGP which will embolden the police to deal with the menace.

Mr. Nicholaus Akyire, calls on Ghanaians to work together to support the crusade against political party vigilantism in the electoral politics and called on the media to take up the course of the anti-vigilantism campaign just as it is doing for the illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) menace.
The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) hosted business leaders to its 'Ghana on The Go CEO's Breakfast Meeting' series at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, on 3rd August, 2017.

This edition of the quarterly event was titled, 'Policy Update: Ghana's Tax Exemption Regime' and convened to update the business and diplomatic community on the implementation of the new tax exemptions policy introduced in April 2017. The meeting also provided, diplomats, and business owners an open platform to engage policy makers on their experience with the new regulations.

Also in attendance was the Director of Financial Investment Division at the Ministry of Finance, Mr Samson Akligoh, and the Technical Advisor to the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Christian Soti. They gave further details on how the new tax policy is executed on a practical level, and clarified on particular sections and application of the regulation.

ABOUT THE GIPC CEO'S BREAKFAST MEETING

Introduced in 2013, the quarterly series is held to engage the Ghanaian business community on government policy deliberations and decision-making, and to ensure adequate representation of their views and concerns.

In the first quarter of 2017, the event was rebranded to reflect the new direction and vision of the Centre. The first edition of the 'Ghana on the Go Breakfast Meeting' series was convened to review the 2013 GIPC Act, its impact, and suggestions for improvement.

The outcomes of the event further underscored the need for continuous engagement with the private sector and other key stakeholders on current business challenges and opportunities to produce dynamic and innovative solutions aimed at ensuring that Ghana becomes the best place to do business in Africa.

THE NEW TAX POLICY

The government, through its 2017 budget issued a directive for all companies which qualify for exemption to pay the duties upfront and then apply for a refund. The new rules were implemented in April 2017.

EXEMPTION PROCESS AT GIPC

Giving a brief on the tax exemptions application process at the GIPC, the Chief Executive Officer Mr Yofi Grant, said the Centre was mandated under section 26 of the GIPC Act to grant import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions to qualified companies registered with Centre.

A typical approved strategic investment has incentives which include exemptions from the payment of import duty and VAT on plant machinery and equipment specifically for the project, construction materials specifically for the project, and on locally purchased construction materials and equipment required specifically for the project, he added.

Mr Grant, however, urged participants at the meeting not to hesitate, and share their experiences with the new tax regime to better inform government on how to make the business environment more convenient.


04.08.2017 LISTEN

President of the African Development Bank, Mr. Akinwumi Adesina has pledged of his outfits commitment to provide government with significant support to clean its energy sector debt.

He argues that the perennial challenges that have confronted the countrys power sector require robust measures to address them permanently.

Mr. Adesina made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the President to deepen the bilateral relationship between the AfDB and Ghana.

We have agreed to provide significant support to the energy sector. Ghana has a particular term which has entered the dictionary today called the Dumsor which is about power outages. There is no way that Africa can develop without power. An economy without power really cannot go far, he said.

He adds that the bank is willing to help improve liquidity profile of the energy companies facing severe damage issues in Ghana.

I assure the president that the African Development Bank will play a big role with how to reschedule some of those loans and also how to help them in improving the liquidity profile of the energy companies that we have here thus, the ECG and the Volta River Authority Mr. Adesina added.

Already some financial institutions in the country have indicated of their readiness to buy into the energy sector bond yet to be released by government later this year after Dr. Bawumia announced plans to issue a 15-year bond to clear the 2.4 billion dollars debts.

Mr. Akinwumi Adesina who promised to help the country's energy sector back on its feet also acknowledged the President's efforts in cleaning up the country's debt.

I want to salute the efforts of the government of Ghana in trying to clean up a lot of the debts that are actually in that particular sector.

Available documents to Citi Business News state that as at the end of 2016, the net debt to banks and fuel suppliers amounted to 1.3 billion dollars.

A further breakdown also showed that the banks are owed 782 million dollars, while fuel suppliers are owed 440 million dollars.

State owned power producer, the Volta River Authority (VRA) owed the banks to the tune of 782 million dollars.

VRA also contributed 278 million dollars to the 440 million dollars owed fuel suppliers, while TOR contributed 162 million dollars.



By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
Kinshasa (AFP) - A Congolese rebel warlord wanted for crimes against humanity including mass rape was handed over to the authorities in Kinshasa on Friday, a UN spokeswoman said.

Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka "has been handed over to the authorities at Kinshasa," Fabienne Pompey, spokeswoman for MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force in the country, told AFP.

Sheka turned himself in to UN peacekeepers in North Kivu, the east of the country on July 26 and was initially held in Goma, the regional capital.

The authorities issued the warrant for Sheka's arrest in January 2011 after an attack in which the militia under his command and two other groups allegedly raped nearly 400 people in 13 villages between July 30 and August 2, 2010.

His soldiers are also accused of razing almost 1,000 homes and businesses and leading about 100 people off into forced labour.

Due to the rape accusations and other acts that could constitute crimes against humanity, Sheka had been subject to UN sanctions including the freezing of his assets and a worldwide travel ban.

Rights group Human Rights Watch, while welcoming Sheka's surrender, called on both the Congolese authorities and the UN to guarantee Sheka's safety in custody.

Some of the worst attacks by Sheka's forces occurred between August 2012 and November 2013 in and around the town of Pinga.

His Mai Mai fighters abducted dozens of women and girls, many of whom are still being held hostage as sex slaves, HRW said.

In June 2015, MONUSCO forces launched military operations against his force after his men burned down several villages in the east of the country.
Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Kagiso Rabada took the prize wicket of Ben Stokes as South Africa held England to 260 for six on Friday's first day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

All-rounder Stokes, fresh from a hundred in England's 239-run victory in the third Test at The Oval, was leading a revival with the bat.

But fast bowler Rabada struck with the new ball in the penultimate over of the day when a full-length delivery, which surprised Stokes, smashed into the base of the stumps and bowled the left-handed batsman for 58.

Rabada, banned from the second Test for swearing at Stokes in the series opener, yelled in joy.

He finished the day with figures of two for 52 in 18 overs, but the worth of South Africa's efforts with the ball will only become fully apparent when they bat.

England's Alastair Cook made 46 before he was dismissed on day one of the fourth Test against South Africa at Old Trafford on August 4, 2017

Jonny Bairstow, who might have fallen for four, was 33 not out and nightwatchman Toby Roland-Jones unbeaten on nought at the close.

For the tenth successive Test, England captain Joe Root made a fifty.

But only two of those innings have yielded hundreds and Root, who has previously acknowledged his 'conversion rate' as a failing in his otherwise impressive game, was out for 52 on Friday.

England were unchanged from the side that triumphed in The Oval's 100th Test, a result that left Root on the brink of a win in his first series as England captain at 2-1 up with one to play.

But South Africa recalled seamer Duanne Olivier and batsman Theunis de Bruyn after pacemen Vernon Philander and Chris Morris were both ruled out with lower back strains.

Root again won the toss and batted.

But struggling opener Keaton Jennings fell for 17.

The South Africa-born left-hander, under pressure for his place after just one fifty in nine Test innings since a century on debut against India in December, was caught behind by schoolboy team-mate Quinton de Kock off Olivier.

The Essex duo of Alastair Cook (46) and Tom Westley (29) both exited after lunch with England on 92.

England's Keaton Jennings walks back to the pavilion after losing his wicket on the first day of the fourth Test against South Africa on August 4, 2017

Cook got a thin edge driving at left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and was caught behind.

Westley, fresh from a second-innings fifty on debut at The Oval, nicked a good length Rabada ball, with de Kock holding a superb diving catch for his 100th Test dismissal.

Dawid Malan was looking for a big score after managing just 11 runs during his Test debut at The Oval.

Unlucky Morkel

Morne Morkel, however, saw off Malan, born in London but raised in South Africa, when the Middlesex left-hander edged a drive to Proteas captain Faf du Plessis at second slip.

Morkel has repeatedly bowled well this series without proper reward.

Another example of his bad luck came when Root edged the towering quick on 40, only for de Kock to inexplicably remain rooted to the spot for what was his catch.

De Kock's anguished expression as the ball went through the slips for four spoke volumes.

Fortunately for de Kock, it was not an expensive error, with Olivier the beneficiary of a misjudgement by Root, lbw, to end a 101-ball stay.

During his innings Root, at 26 years and 217 days, became the third youngest player after Indian legenf Sachin Tendulkar (25 years, 301 days) and Cook (26 years and 10 days) to score 5,000 Test runs.

There was confusion when Bairstow appeared to be caught for four off Maharaj only for umpire Kumar Dharmasena to eventually ask for a review of Dean Elgar's slip catch.

Despite seemingly insufficient evidence to change an on-field 'soft signal' of out, third umpire Joel Wilson ruled in England's favour.

Stokes completed an 89-ball fifty before Rabada's late strike.
Essam-Debiso (W/R), Aug 04, GNA - A total of 4, 000 hectares of cocoa farms in the Bia West District of the Western Region, are to be rehabilitated as part of an aggressive push to increase production.

This is being done under the 'Shaded Cocoa Agroforestry Systems (SCAFS)' Project spearheaded by the Netherlands Development Organization - SNV.

Mr. Charles Brefo-Nimo, Field Coordinator of the Project, said the goal was to help substantially improve the livelihood of farmers in cocoa growing communities.

He was speaking at the launch of a radio interactive programme for the cocoa farmers at Essam-Debiso and said in excess of 4.4 million hybrid cocoa seedlings would be planted.

The farmers would also be supplied with equal number plantain suckers together with indigenous tree species and cassava planting materials.

These, he said, were meant to bring added economic benefits to the farmers.

The project, which has been dubbed 'Think smart - rehabilitate your unproductive cocoa farms' is also been supported by Cocobod, Forestry Commission, German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety and the district assembly.

Mr. Brefo-Nimo mentioned the other partners as Farm Radio International, an NGO, and two local radio stations - Winners FM and Vision FM.

The radio stations are providing the platform not only to educate the farmers on best practices but to also discuss solutions to challenges they might be facing.

He said since about half of the nation's cocoa production was from this area assisting to replant overaged and disease-infected farms was a right step and made a lot of economic sense.

He added not less than 2,000 cocoa farmers were going to directly benefit.

Mr. Reuben Ottou, Project Manager for SNV, urged strong cooperation of the farmers to ensure its successful implementation to achieve the intended outcomes.

The radio interactive programme, he said was a vital component of the project as it would provide the opportunity for the farmers to bring to the fore problems they were facing for prompt redress by a team of experts, engaged as resource persons.

Mr. John Koah, District Chief Executive, spoke of the government's determination to provide the needed incentives to boost cocoa production.

Nana Nicholas Cobbina, the Western North Chief Farmer, said the project was welcomed relief and could not have come at a better time.

GNA

By Stephen Asante, GNA
If you work at one of the Big Four Aussie banksgood luck. Youre all about to come under the microscopeagain.

In fact youre hearing it here first: There will be a Royal Commission into the banking sector. There have been calls for it since the start of the year. Now its coming.

It has to come.

If its not bank aligned financial planners screwing customers over, then it millions in laundered criminal funds. Quite simply, the average person on the street is sick to death of their bank doing them over.

Pick up a paper today. Or just watch the news. Or do both. There will be one major story, and its all thanks to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Theyre accused of mass breaches to anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism funding (CTF) laws.

This is bad news for the bank. These kinds of accusations typically dont pop up unless its a slam-dunk for the regulator. As reported by The Guardian:

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (Austrac), the financial intelligence agency, announced on Thursday it is suing Commonwealth bank for 53,700 breaches of money laundering and counter-terrorism-financing laws.

Thats right, 53,700 breaches.

All up, its likely going to cost the bank millions in fines. They can handle fines. Its chickenfeed considering they recorded a $4.8 billion profit after tax in their half-year report.

But can they deal with the reputational damage? Or is it just another sign of cracks in the system? And also, you have to wonder why it took the regulator 53,700 examples before they brought this to the public? Why not do something after 100, or even 10?

Again, a problem of the banks? Or is it a sign of complete and utter failure of the existing system?

There isnt much to come from shooting yourself in the hip pocket

Theres really no excuse for mass breaches of AML and CTF laws. Every bank and person that works in finance in the country has to do AML and CTF training.

Weve done endless amounts of training over time. You learn how to spot dodgy transactions. You learn when something isnt right. You learn when someone deposits $2.2 million in cash that theres probably a red flag in there somewhere.

But not at the CBA. And, of course, it begs the question: What about the others?

This is why a Royal Commission is imminent. The public will lap it up. Like a firing squadshoot first, ask questions later.

Except theres a problem. What good is a firing squad when all youll do is end up shooting yourself?

Its easy to pull out a Royal Commission and waste a bunch of time and money finding out what we already know. Major financial institutions that employ tens of thousands of people have problems. And youll probably see thousands of bank jobs out the door over the next year.

They are imperfect beasts. Theyre not angels of business. Theyre not the corporate saviours they make out to be. They are businesses that have the sole aim of returning value to shareholders.

And, combined, they are worth some $420 billion in market cap to shareholders across the country. They sit as investments in almost every default superannuation fund in the country.

I cant be certain, but Ill go out on a limb and suggest that, in your superfund (industry, private or SMSF) somewhere, you have at least one bank stock.

They are single-handedly the four most important pillars to Australias current banking system. And the four most important pillars in the countrys superannuation pool.

If youre going to throw a Royal Commission at the banks, youll end up damaging the investments of almost every Australian. Kiss any gains in your super goodbye this year.

Unless of course youve seen this coming. If the AML CTF breaches of the CBA dont surprise you, then welcome to the club. If youve seen the warning signs as we have, you will have already started investing in financial companies outside the banks.

Thats where the opportunity lies as the banks stumble and cracks open.

Like the recent news about ANZ going agile. Thats good PR spin for bringing in loads more technology and slashing the workforce.

You dont think that artificial intelligence and automated services will replace all staff in all branches in the next five years?

You dont think that blockchain technology will replace existing compliance, AML and CTF procedures and people? Well, if they werent before, they certainly will now.

The revolutionand the stocks to own

There is a groundswell happening in Australia and around the world right now. Its a financial revolution. Up for grabs is the entire financial system and your money.

The system as we know it is breaking apart, and there are opportunities everywhere to benefit from its destruction.

In part, this revolution is due to the incompetency of banks  such as the current CBA turmoil. And its in part due to the ineffectiveness of central banks and monetary policy.

Its also thanks to weak and pathetic attempts by government for any kind of long-term, constructive fiscal policy.

There to pick up the pieces, and market share, are a new wave of banks, financial institutions and next-generation financial services. Heck, in part its already here.

These companies are stealing bank market share from right underneath their noses. Companies like Transferwise, CurrencyFair, M-Pesa, Ant Financial (AliPay), Apple and Android Pay, Funding Circle are all examples of territory the banks used to own.

When the systems start to break, these companies will pick up the pieces.

These are the kinds of companies you want to own  not the banks.

And while there are loads of private companies cutting into the banks market, there are also listed stocks. Many on the ASX.

Some of the ones you should be paying attention to are companies like zipMoney Ltd [ASX:ZML], Kyckr Ltd [ASX:KYK], Afterpay Touch Group [ASX:APT], eServeGlobal Ltd [ASX:ESV] and OFX Group Ltd [ASX:OFX].

These are just some of the companies that are taking Australia into the new high-tech financial eranot the banks.

And of course theres the biggest financial revolution of them all: cryptocurrencies. If youre looking for the single biggest wealth-building opportunity in the history of money itself  investing in cryptos is it.

Some people say that bitcoin is just the domain of criminals and terrorists.

Well, thats clearly not the case. Just ask the Commonwealth Bank. Depositing wads of physical cash into CBA ATMs  thats the real domain of criminals and terrorists.

Regards,

Sam
'The big truck is still on ...
Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier

"When you shake a veteran's hand today, look them in the eye and give them a heartfelt thank you," said USAF Ret. Col. Jen Fullmer, parade grand marshal, who spoke at the event.
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.
The AroundTown section of the Clipper-Herald is to notify the public of upcoming events and to publicize pertinent information from individuals, groups or organizations that are not for profit.

PEOPLE

The Ostendorf family reunion will be held Sunday, Aug. 6, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Lafayette Park Pavilion in Gothenburg. Friends and family are welcome. Those attending are to bring a dish for a potluck, table service and an item for the white elephant auction.

An open house honoring Tommy and Ronnie (Hagan) Smith for their 50th wedding anniversary is planned Aug. 19, 2017, 2-5 p.m. at the Overton Family Building, 601 1st St., Overton. Hosting the event are Denise (Smith) Laverack and Dawn (Smith) Andersen. Those unable to attend may send cards to Tommy and Ronnie Smith, 810 West 10th St., Lexington, NE 68850.

HAPPENINGS

Miller Dances: All Dances start at 7 p.m. Bring finger food and snacks. Questions? Call 308-325-2909. Aug. 5: Curt Pfeil and Friends. Aug. 12: Ray Mullen. Aug. 19: No Dance - Firemens Barbecue. Aug. 26: "Diamonds and Dust," - Free Dance for Darlenes birthday.

2017 Nebraska Passports are available now at the Lexington Clipper-Herald office, located at 114 W. Fifth Street.

The Lexington Cross Country Team is sponsoring a 5K Run & Dog Walk, Saturday, Aug. 5 at 8 a.m. at the Lexington HS track, $20 per person-prizes/race token/pass to swim. Contact Sam Jilka for more info.

The Third Annual Tenneco Monroe Reunion will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cozad Grand Generation Center, located at 410 W. 9th St. in Cozad. Event will include catered meal and drinks will be provided. Former employees welcome.

The Lexington Blood Drive will be Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, 8:30 a.,m.-2:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. To schedule an appointment call Mag Fagot, 308-320-3280.

An Open House will be held Thursday, Aug. 17, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Eastlawn Apartments. The public is invited to view the newly remodeled Wilma Buckley Hall and view the apartments. Refreshments will be served.

Lexington Area Christian Womens Connection will meet for a 9:30 a.m. brunch Tuesday, Aug. 22 at Kirks Restaurant, Lexington. "A Safe Place" is the theme and Special Feature will be Jill Vaughn, North Platte with "Deborahs Legacy," building hope one day at a time. Music will be by Ivy Zimmerman. Speaker will be Debra Lord, Indianola, Iowa, giving her speech titled "True Confessions of a Former Good Girl." Reservations and cancellations by noon Monday, Aug. 21. Call Sheri Giesbrecht, 308-320-0952 or Teresa Lanman, 308-324-8386.

The Callaway Kite Flight will be held Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2 - 3. The event will be held at U.S. Highway 40, just four miles southeast of Callaway. Flying begins at 10 a.m. each day. Admission cost is $3 per person per day.

The gates will be open,8:00 a.m.-noon, at the City Service Building for disposal of household waste on the 3rd Saturday of the following months: Aug. 19 and Sept. 16, 2017. There is a minimal fee for disposal of household waste, furniture, wood, appliances and misc. items. Paint, chemicals and construction debris will not be accepted. Call the Service Building at 324-5995 if there are any questions.

WIC Clinics for Dawson County are scheduled as follows: In Lexington, MNCA Building, 931 West 7th, Tuesday through Thursday the first full weeks for each month. Call 308-324-6212 for appointment. In Cozad, Parkview Building, 120 E. 9th, Monday, Aug. 14 and Sept. 18. In Gothenburg, American Lutheran Church, 1512 Ave. G Aug.7 and Sept. 11.

Events at the Lexington Grand Generation Center - Public Bingo on Mondays at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play. For questions call 308-324-2498. Homemade Pretzel Baking on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. Cost to purchase pretzels is .50/pretzel, $6.00/dozen. Purchase and/or come help roll!

Love in Action Outreach, 907 West 8th St., Lexington, is open Monday through Thursday, 12:30  4 p.m. For assistance go to 909 West 8th St. Donations of clothes, furniture and other items any time back of store or contact 308-651-0925 for further assistance. Monetary donations are accepted as well.

Are you a person with compassion and good listening skills? Parent-Child Center would like to give you the opportunity to put those feelings and abilities into practice. The Parent-Child Center needs volunteers to answer our lines after office hours. If you are interested please call for more information at 308-324-2336.

If you visit the grave of a veteran and the flag holder is missing or damaged, please notify the Dawson County Veteran Service Office by calling 308-324-3041.

Volunteers needed for Adult Education ESL and GED classes offered through Central Community College. To volunteer contact Marge Bader, volunteer coordinator at 308-785-2111 or 324-8483 or email mbader57@msn.com.

Lexington Area Parkinsons Disease Support Group Meetings are held the second Thursday each month at 2 p.m. in the education room at the Community Health & Fitness Center (1600 W. 13th, Lexington) For more information contact Dixie Menke at 308-325-5350 or 308-784-4022 or Brenda Bierman at 308-324-2523 or 308-325-9216.

RYDE Transit - Public Transportation is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride in Dawson County or Lexington call 308-324-3670. Public Transportation is easy to ride and open to everyone.

YMCA EVENTS

Youth Art Class:Wednesdays, July 19-August 2, 1:30-2:30 pm for middle school students.

YMCA Summer Camp: Tuesday & Thursdays, July 11- August 3. Register weekly or for the entire camp.

Mini-Sprint Triathlon: Saturday, July 29, 8:00 a.m. at Camp Arrowhead. Register on line or call/stop by Orthman YMCA, 324-1970

MEETINGS

American Legion in Lexington meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.

Bingo Night at Lexington Regional Health Center will resume in the fall.

Survivors of Suicide Support Group meets every second Monday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1616 W. 39th St., in Kearney. For more information contact Carol Rowedder at 308-237-2635.

LEXINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Novel Stitchers meets on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. If you enjoy stitching--knitting, crocheting, quilting, cross stitch, needlepoint, or have another portable stitching project--join us at the library for two hours of stitching and visiting. We will meet on Tuesdays, July 25 and August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Lexington Public Library Board Room. We would love to have you join us.

LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER

Exercise room is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Every Sunday the Center available for rent.

Monday

9 a.m. - Tai Chi

10 a.m. - FROG

12:45 p.m. - Ive Got It

3:00 p.m. - Strength Training

7 p.m. - Public Bingo

Wednesday

9:15 a.m. - Go4Life

9:30 a.m. - Coffee/Crafts

9:30 a.m. - Pool T. - Lex

10:45 a.m. - Overton Foot Clinic

11 a.m. - 5-in-a-Row

12:45 p.m. - Cards

1:30 p.m. - FROG

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Hot Cookies

3 p.m. - Strength Training

LEXINGTON GRAND

GENERATION

CENTER MENU

Homemade bread everyday. Choice of skim, 2% or chocolate milk. No reservations needed except for large groups. Serving time: 11:30 a.m.

Monday

Spaghetti/meat sauce, italian beans, veggie blend salad, pears

Tuesday

Buffet ham, diced potatoes, corn, apricots

Wednesday

S/S Meatballs, ranch potatoes, broccoli corn bake, plums

ORGANIZATIONS

AA/NA: open meeting Friday nights at 7 p.m. at Plum Creek Mall at Two Bridges Counseling, 513 N. Grant St., Suite 3a, Lexington.

Westside Group: AA/NA open meeting on Monday and Wednesday nights at separate locations at 8 p.m. Monday night meetings at First Christian Church, 1206 N. Erie St. in Lexington. Wednesday nights at Community Health Center (west of hospital) 1600 W. 13th St. in Lexington.

AA Elwood: at 8 p.m. on Sundays at United Methodist Church, 601 Rush in Elwood. Contact: 785-3567 (Tom).

Al-Anon meets Mondays, 8 p.m. at the LexChristian Church, 13th & Erie; Wednesdays, 8 p.m. at Lexington Regional Health Center Board room, use east entrance; Thursdays, noon at Grace Lutheran Church, 105 E. 17th, use office door. For more information call 308-651-0143 or308-324-2288.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, non-smoking: at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at St. Anns Catholic Church basement, 301 E. Sixth St. Contact: 308-651-0143.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, non-smoking - Smithfield: At 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Hope Lutheran Church, 74098 Road 436 in Smithfield. Call 785-3567 or 472-3376.

Celebrate Recovery: a 12-step, anonymous program helping participants overcome any hurts, habits, addictions or hang-ups. Meets twice: 1) at 7 p.m. on Thursdays at Lexington Evangelical Free Church, 810 S. Washington Street. Contact: 308-324-3825 or 308-238-1298. 2) at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays at Parkview Baptist Churchs Y.A.C., 1105 Park St.. Contact: 308-324-4410.

The Compassionate Friends, Lexington Area Chapter (a support group for parents who have lost a child), meets the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m., at the Great Western Drive-In bank meeting room, corner of 6th and Lincoln. For more information call 308-320-1483.

Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Public Immunization Clinic, 1st & 3rd Mondays every month: Open 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. by appointment at 931 West 7th St., Lexington. Clinics serve ages 2 months - 18 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult, previous vaccination records required. Contact 308-865-1352 ext. 143.

Dawson/Gosper County CASA: seeking Volunteers. CASA Volunteers are everyday people from all walks of life, who advocate through the court system in the interests of children. Contact 324-7364 for more information.

Grupo Lexington AA (Spanish Speaking) open meeting Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 11 p.m., at 114 West 6th St. in Lexington.

Lexington Area Grief Support Group: meets at 4:30 p.m. on the first Mondays of each month at Fitness Center, 1600 W. 13th Street. Open to anyone experiencing the death of a loved one. Contact Lexington Regional Health Center Home Health office, 324-8300.

Lexington Optimist Club: meet at Kirks Nebraskaland Restaurant every Thursday at noon except the first Thursday of the month. If you need to get ahold of us you can email us at lexoptimist@gmail.com or you can send mail to Lexington Optimist Club, PO Box 355, Lexington, NE 68850.

Lexington Rotary Club: meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at Lexington Public Library from 12 to 1 p.m. For more information contact Kirsten Faessler at 308-324-8333.

Narcotics Anonymous: open meeting on Sundays at 12 p.m. at Two Bridges Counseling, 513 N. Grant St. Suite 3a in Lexington.

SMART Recovery for those with alcohol abuse struggles, is held in Lexington (adult meeting) on Thursdays from 7 - 8 p.m. Meetings in Cozad on Tuesdays from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at American Lutheran Church. Youth meetings in Lexington from at 7 p.m. at Club 180, located at 210 W. 7th St.
It is often asserted that the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 proved that HWA was right and he really did see the future.

This of course is nonsense. Herbert W. Armstrong said that Christ would return within twenty years in his book Mystery of the Ages. (PCG has since deleted those words so someone in there knows HWA spoke nonsense.) How convenient for them to forget this.

Also Herbert W. Armstrong never said the Soviet Union would collapse. He thought it would survive intact until a few years after Christ's return. It shows how biased some many in the COGs are that they never seem to notice this. This inconvenient truth is just tossed into the memory hole.

It is true that HWA said that some Eastern European states would break away from Moscow's orbit and join the European Empire he said would arise at any moment. But he never talked of the Soviet Union collapsing. He did not teach that. Also he portrayed the rise of the European Empire to be far quicker then what has actually happened. In Mystery of the Ages Christ was supposed to return by 2005 at the most.

So assertions that the fall of the Berlin Wall somehow prove that HWA was right is just complete nonsense spread by people who, for whatever reason, are still in denial that HWA was a false prophet who merely talked out of his own "human reasoning".
Did you know cults can be political, racial, destructive, polygamist or terrorist? They are characterised by uncommon spiritual, philosophical, or religious beliefs and rituals. Cultism is not a new term in Nigeria. It is commonly portrayed in Naija films and shows. A detailed analysis of the history of cultism in Nigeria shows it has existed for years and is still rampant today.

A picture of a man holding the skull of an animal. Photo: pexels.com, @cottonbro

Source: UGC

An interesting discovery in the history of cultism in Nigeria is it was first established for good reasons. However, it is now associated with demonic powers and satanism.

History of cultism in Nigeria

Learning about the origin of cultism in Nigeria is important as it helps people to distinguish facts from misconceptions. Currently, cultism is a problem in many institutions of higher learning in the country. Read on to understand where it started and its effects on modern-day society.

What is a cult?

A cult refers to a group of people who practice certain rituals that do not conform to a particular community's acceptable religious, spiritual, or philosophical beliefs. Usually, the group's initiation process, membership, policies, and activities are conducted in secrecy.

In contemporary Nigeria, cultism is a big challenge, especially in institutions of higher learning. It is mostly associated with negative things, including witchcraft and human sacrifice.

Historical development of cultism in Nigeria

A look into the origin of cultism in Nigeria reveals it is not something new. It dates back to the precolonial era. At the time, a group of people came together to request and ask for protection from their ancestors.

The aim of these people was genuine and had no ill motive, and they conducted rituals to appease their ancestors. Over time, it became normal to initiate people into the sect. After all, people wanted to join the secret group because it was associated with positive things.

People who joined the group had to swear to keep the group's secrets and observe all religious rules and rituals sacredly. At the time, the secret groups included the following.

Ogboni sect in the Yoruba community

Ekpe sect among the Efiks and some parts in the South East

Ekine and Owegbe groups among Delta and Edo State

People joined these sects to offer financial, social, political, and economic security to members.

A picture of an animal's skull surrounded by stones. Photo: pexels.com, @cottonbro

Source: UGC

Colonial era

Over time, cultism changed from the traditional path and intention of groups like the Ogboni, Ekine, and Owegbe. The Ku Klux Klan, commonly called KKK, was responsible for the change. At the time, the British people had taken over Nigeria as one of their colonies.

KKK was formed by White supremacists who were against the rights and freedoms of other people. The group was particularly against African-Americans, Latinos, Jews, Asian-Americans, Catholics, and Native Americans.

It was also anti-leftists, anti-immigrants, anti-homosexuals, anti-Muslims, and anti-atheists. The supremacist sect started in Pulaski, Tennessee, United States of America.

People in this sect threatened, murdered, and brutalised these communities. Their hurtful activities angered nationalists in Nigeria.

Nigerian nationalists responded by exerting more pressure on the colonialists to vacate their land. They desired and fought for the country's independence. They came together to form the Sea Dog Confraternity or the Pirates, the first recognised cult group in the country.

The Sea Dog Confraternity was established in 1952. The venue was at the University of Ibadan. Seven of its first members were students; their names are listed below.

Wole Soyinka

Pius Olegbe

Olumuyiwa Awe

Aig-Imoukhuede

Ralph Opara

Olu Agunloye

Tunji Tubi.

The primary goal of these seven students was to use their intellectual ability against the oppression of the British people. They decided not to use physical violence.

Instead, they would review the policies, understand the prevailing situation, and come up with long-lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the Nigerian people. The members met and strategised without interfering with the rights and freedoms of other students.

Members of this sect took an oath of allegiance to the group and were committed to defending their beliefs to their last breath. The confraternity's motto was Against all Conventions". The logo was the skull and crossbones.

In the initial stages of the cult, there was no violence. On the contrary, the seven members did good deeds, including visiting orphanages and offering social services.

The seven maintained their bond and abided by their oath long after leaving the University of Ibadan. Their cult was active and dominated the scene for two decades after completing their studies.

The dynamics of the sect started changing due to the social, educational, and political changes in the country. The shift caused leadership wrangles, pushing some members to exit.

A picture of an axe and sword. Photo: pexels.com, @Lum3n

Source: UGC

Modern-day cultism

Modern-day cultism can be traced to the post-colonial era. Cults started as fraternities in institutions of higher learning. Initially, they aimed to maintain law and order in the institutions.

In the 1990s, fraternities started spreading to the streets and creeks. Unfortunately, modern-age cults are a nuisance and pose a danger to the rights and lives of members, other students, and the entire society.

In contemporary Nigeria, there are numerous cults, many of them in institutions of higher learning. Members are dangerous and always ready to kill their rivals without regret or remorse.

Unlike before, modern-age sects are known for kidnapping, beating, and offending other community members. Examples are Vikings, Black Axe, and Eiye. They operate like militant groups.

In universities and colleges, members have harassed lecturers and other people who start relationships with their boyfriends and girlfriends. They often engage in armed robberies and cybercrime. Rogue politicians also use members to deal with their political rivals.

Modern-day cultists are known for evil practices and social vices. These groups are normally authoritarian, meaning their leaders have almost full control of their members or followers. As a result, becoming a member disrupt one's authentic identity and replaces it with something they are not.

A picture of a decorated human skull. Photo: pexels.com, @Chait Goli

Source: UGC

What is the meaning of cultism?

Cultism refers to the devotions and practices of social groups with unusual spiritual, religious, or philosophical beliefs and rituals. Modern-day cults are associated with societal ills and evils.

What is the history of cultism in Nigeria?

Cults in Nigeria started in the precolonial era when their intention was to seek good things from their ancestors. In the colonial era, the activities of the Ku Klux Klan changed the path and aim of the sects. In the modern era, cults have become chaotic and serve no public good.

Is there a modern-day cult in Nigeria?

There are many modern-day cults in Nigeria, especially in universities and colleges. Usually, they pose as fraternities and engage in evil deeds that harm the community.

What are the consequences of cultism?

Some consequences are violence, breakdown of law and order, social instability, disruption of learning, disorientation of societal values, drug addiction, sexual assault, and premature deaths.

What are the solutions to cultism?

Some of the solutions are creating awareness of the effects of cultism, enforcing strict rules and penalties on these sects, and censorship of internet usage.

The history of cultism in Nigeria dates back to the precolonial period. Initially, cults were started for a good reason. However, the situation has since changed, and these groups are detrimental to society.

READ ALSO: Types of cultism in Nigeria and their symbols: Interesting facts

Legit.ng recently published details about the types of cults in Nigeria and their symbols. Cultism is popular among modern-age young people who want quick money and wealth.

The vice is common in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning. Akwa Ibom State government, for example, discovered 51 cults and societies in secondary schools in March 2020.

Source: Legit.ng
A lot of Nigerians will be surprised to find out that former President Goodluck Jonathan is not married to only one wife. The ex First Lady, Dame Patience Ibifaka (nee Oba) Jonathan is sharing her husband with another woman. The fact that Jonathan has a second wife has remained unknown to most Nigerians for a long time. It is not something that has been publicised Lets find out who she is, this other woman that has managed to capture Goodluck Jonathan's heart.

The daughter of a Lawyer

Mrs. Lott Jonathan is most popularly known as Mrs. Lott J. She graduated with a Law degree from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).

It was also discovered that Lott J is the daughter of Chief F.D. Lott. Her father is a lawyer and also once served as Attorney General of Bayelsa State as well. These days, he is no longer a practicing lawyer, but is a member of the Governing Council of Niger Delta University, Bayelsa.

Mrs. Lott has a very close relationship with Deziani Allison-Madueke, who is the former Minister for Petroleum.

Mrs. Patience Jonathan

Mrs. Lott J got married to the ex president before he got involved with politics. Mrs. Lott is the mother of the former president's two sons. When Jonathan became the governor of Bayelsa State, he relocated his second wife and the two boys to the United States of America. This was where she was based for many years.

READ ALSO: President Goodluck Jonathan house in Bayelsa

Two wives  no problem

President Goodluck Jonathan

Mrs Lott did not return to the country until a few months after Goodluck Jonathan won the presidential election and became the president of Nigeria. She came back to the country with her two sons to be with her husband. .

She ended up settling down in Abuja. Sources have revealed that Mrs. Lott J is living in one of the most expensive areas of Maitama district, Abuja. In addition, the woman also runs her own private school, called Aduvie Montessori International.

The school is actually quite popular and thriving in the state. A lot of people send their kids there. It is said that Mrs Lott does not live together with the former Mr President but he tries to visit her as often as he can. Some say he visits every week.

Goodluck Jonathan's second wife Mrs. Lott J is known as a very easy-going and determined lady. However, you will not find her photos on the Internet. With two families and political career, Goodluck Jonathan has proven to be a very impressive man.

READ ALSO: See first photos from Goodluck Jonathan birthday celebration

Source: Legit.ng
- The rising cases of child sexual abuse is becoming worrisome

- An international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is keen on addressing the issue

- Efforts are being made to educate Nigerians on the menace

An NGO, Jose Foundation, has made a move to address the rising cases of child exploitation in Nigeria.

Legit.ng gathered that the foundation has partnered with experts based in the United Kingdom to launch a book on Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

It also aims for members of the public to understand the consequences of CSE especially with reference with experiences from Rotherham in the UK.

The book is titled Child Sexual Exploitation After Rotherham, Understanding the Consequences and Recommendations for Practice, and it was launched recently at the Kingston University, London.

The book was written to address the issues of CSE which is said to be gaining ground in several countries around the world.

READ ALSO: Priest quits Catholic church, says he's happy to be free

L-R Dr Rick Hood, Prince Martins Abhulimhen, Dr Angie Heal and Mr Wilson Muleya, at the launch of a book in London. Photo credit: Jose Foundation

The book will be officially launched at a workshop on CSE set to hold in Abuja soon, with the organisers partnering with the federal ministry of women affairs and social development.

Legit.ng checks reveals that details in the book, gives an insight to the experiences of CSE.

Survivours share their experiences, which aids the professionals to understand their worries and the horrific process they have been subjected to.

The book which is 310-pages was written by Angie Heal and Adele Gladman. The authors are of the view that it is better to know about CSE directly from the victims' account of events that affected them.

They plan to continue to raise awareness, while hoping that it will help change the way children have been failed by the society at large.

A statement sent to Legit.ng by the Jose Foundation president, Prince Martins Abhulimhen, stated that the book will strengthen the awareness against child sexual exploitation in Nigeria.

According to him, a presentation will be done in Abuja on peculiar cases of CSE in Nigeria and will be published in different local languages to help spread the word.

Abhulimhen lamented that child sexual abuse is on the rise Nigeria, even as he said efforts at addressing the menace are not well handled.

His words: 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.

Watch the video report on how Nigerian youths organised a protest made at the National Assembly.

Source: Legit.ng
- Governor Samuel Ortom says he is keen on delivering the dividends of democracy in Benue state

- The governor has appealed severally to opposition members to stick to issues rather than name-calling

- He cautioned a former minister of interior, Comrade Abba Moro on his recent utterances

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has cautioned a former minister of interior, Comrade Abba Moro against his utterances.

The governor gave the warning in a press statement sent to Legit.ng by his chief press secretary, Terver Akase.

Governor Ortom has always advised politicians to stick to issues instead of name-calling

Legit.ng gathered that Comrade Moro and other chieftains of the opposition PDP, were in the state recently to hold a caucus meeting, where they queried the governor's performance.

In the statement, Governor Ortom wondered why he has become an obsession for the former minister, who he described as a failed politician.

No week passes without Moro launching one attack or the other on the person and office of Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom.

Moro's obsession with the name Ortom is a clear case of a man who has not only failed as a politician but has also slumped into abyss of infamy.

Perhaps the name Samuel Ortom is a nightmare to Abba Moro, the statement said.

Governor Ortom accused the former minister and his political allies of orchestrating the plundering of Benue's resources during the previous administration.

He stated that the former office holders looted more than N200 billion belonging to the Benue state government when they were in the corridors of power.

Moro ought to direct his worries to the numerous fraud charges against him at EFCC.

He belongs to the league of leaders who failed the people and were roundly rejected in 2015 by the good people of Benue state. His current naked dance in the market square draws more pity than amusement to himself, the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Governor Ortom has refuted the rumours on social media that he was rearing snakes.

The governor debunked the rumours on Tuesday, August 1, in Makurdi during an interaction with press men at the Government House, Makurdi.

He stated that the rumour was anchored on falsehood by opposition elements in the state with to portray him in bad light.

Watch APC chieftain, Comrade Timi Frank speak on the ruling party on Legit.ng TV below:

Source: Legit.ng
- Ken Nnamani said he stopped the third term bid of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

- Nnamani said he does not regret the decision

- He said he would not mind doing it again

Ken Nnamani has revealed that he would stop the third term agenda of any president if he had the chance the same way he did to then president, Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2006.

Nnamani who served as Senate president during the administration of Obasanjo had presided over the tumultuous debate for third term agenda championed by the former president.

READ ALSO: Group of concerned Nigerians in protest over Buharis continued absence

Although the bid which was marred by controversy did not fall through, The Sun report that Nnamani insisted that if given the chance again, he would still prevent it from happening.

The former Senate president spoke at the Department of State Services (DSS) organised seminar titled Unity in diversity: Security and national development which took place at the Institute of Security Studies.

Nnamani said the idea that obeying whatever the president said as a way of showing loyalty to the country was not true.

He said: If you read the revelation of the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, about Obasanjo, which has not been denied, you will understand that the statement from Arase is not true. For instance, he said on the issue of third term that Nnamani cannot go free; whatever that means I dont know.

He said he took charge of the plenary and aborted the third term bid insisting he has no regrets.

Nnamani also spoke about the debate for restructuring insisting that it has a lot of benefit for each region. He gave the example of some crops which grow in the north but might not be able to do so in the south.

He argued that the perception that one part of the country was highly dependent on another part was untrue as each region has something peculiar and potentially great that can positively impact the greatness of the country.

He indicated that natural resources in different parts of the country might be different but when combined can affect its development.

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who was the governor of Edo state also spoke at the seminar where he warned politicians that if things are not done right, the youths in the country would revolt against them.

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He said: I have got useful information from the Department of State Security (DSS), especially in handling of persons. They will tell the executive what they think should be done, and if they dont do it, they have no right to pressurise. However, if things get out of hands, the DSS has to do what they can to stabilise the state with or without justice."

Legit.ng earlier reported that Yakubu Gowon who was also at the seminar cautioned those calling for secession insisting that it will not do the youths any good

He warned the youths that they might repeat the same mistake that was made that led to the Biafra war that affected innocent persons.

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of Nigerians speaking on the debate of restructuring of splitting of the country:

Source: Legit.ng
- Muiz Banire, the national adviser of the All Progressives Congress, has replied the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of 2019

- Banire said his party had satisfied Nigerians to the extent that it would win the election

- He also spoke concerning agitations for his removal by the Lagos chapter of the party

In spite of the many challenges it is currently facing, the All Progressives Congress will massively win the 2019 election, Muiz Banire, its national legal adviser, has declared.

Banire, who himself was engrossed in crisis concerning protests against him recently, said his party had succeeded to the extent of winning the trust of Nigerians.

Banire said this while he reacted to claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it would win the forthcoming election.

READ ALSO: EFCC issues warning against fraudsters who claim to work for Magu

The national legal adviser said his party would retain its position in states and at the centre in 2019,

This, he argued, was a result of its meaningful impact on the development of the country.

Despite the recent protests against him, Banire said he was still in a very strong relationship with the party at the Lagos state level.

He however said the national executive of the party voided his alleged expulsion.

Legit.ng earlier reported that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has finally handed Muiz Banire suspension following allegations of anti-party activities.

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Banire had been in a serious rift with some leaders of the party in Lagos which he accused of imposition of candidates in elections as well as other actions that are injurious to APCs successes.

He was accused of working against the party in the last local government election as well as suing a top party member.

Watch this video of what an APC chieftain said about the party's chance in 2019:

Source: Legit.ng
She is on the list of Africa's Most Successful Women named by Forbes. The Nigerian talk show host and TV producer Mosunmola Abudu is the most well-known media personality in Africa. Aside from her media career, she is managing to do her own business and organize charity events. But is there anyone in Mo Abudus life to support her? Let find out, who captured the heart of Africas Oprah. Keep reading to learn about Mo Abudu husband and children.

The first place: love or career?

Mo Abudu is known as a media star and the most recognizable personality in Nigeria. However, back in 1964, she was not even in Africa. Abudu was born in the United Kingdom and only when she was seven, did her family decided to move to Lagos. After her familys return to Africa, Mo Abudu was left to stay with her grandparents. At an early age, future media star learnt a lot about African culture and got inspired. She wanted to show the entire world what true Africa is.

READ ALSO: Mo Abudu dazzles in Gucci dress

Happy Mom Mo Abudu

Mo Abudu lives in Lagos with her son and daughter. The children were born during a short-lived marriage with Tokunbo Abudu. The details of Mo Abudu marriage remain a secret. Although Abudu got divorced and now is not married to anyone, she is very close with her ex-husband and of course close to their children.

Mo Abudu Ex-Husband and children

Mo Abudu doesnt hold anything against the father of her kids and even shares some nice posts about him on her social media page. Lately, she shared a very cute photo of her two kids, Temidayo and Adekoyejo with their dad. Under the photo, she wrote: Dear Toks, Happy Fathers Day. Thank you for being such an awesome dad to our kids. May God continue to bless you and increase you.

Father of Mo Abudu's children

Mo Abudu and Tokunbo Abudu s children are also very close to their parents. Tokunbo lives apart from the whole family and the kids understandably miss him very much. From time to time, Mo Abudu's daughter will share something nice about their dad.

Mo Abudu with children at her 50th Birthday party

Mo Abudu s marriage did not last for a long time, but the media star does not have any regrets. Her heart is free now. Her work now requires her to travel around Africa a lot and also make trips to Europe, and the United States. But most of all, Abudu enjoys motherhood. When talking about her children and family, she always says: "I love them so very much; I cant get over the fact that I am a mother."

READ ALSO: Mo Abudu rocks hot ankara piece for interview with Richard Quest

Source: Legit.ng
- In one of his recent tours, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, came across some excited police officers

- The policemen posed with Kanu for photographs that trended for some days

- Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris said the force would not treat the issue with levity

Nigerias Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has declared that the force will not take it lightly with two of its officers who recently took photographs with Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and had been touring states to gain more support.

In one of such tours, he met the policemen at a checkpoint who excitedly posed for photographs with him.

READ ALSO: Group of concerned Nigerians in protest at Abuja House in London over Buharis continued absence

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while reacting to the photographs that went viral days later, IGP Idris, who was in Lagos, said he was not happy with what happened that day.

He also said the police would be tough in handling the issue as it was very bad for professional policemen to act the way the officers did on seeing Kanu.

Idris, who described Kanu as one troubling the unity of Nigeria, said the action of the policemen that day proved double loyalty

He said the police force was being sanitized to meet the aspirations of the people.

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He revealed that the police would create new 88 area commands to meet the level of insecurity in the country.

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) recently reiterated its call for referendum, stressing that until the Nigerian government meets its demands, there will be no election in the South East starting from the upcoming Anambra state governorship election.

It was gathered that IPOB said should its call for referendum is not met, it will use the November 2017 governorship election in Anambra state, to set example for what is to come in the future.

Watch this video of a visit to Kanu's hometown:

Source: Legit.ng
- The special assistant to the president on prosecutions, Okoi Obono-Obla, insists that Ibrahim Magu must comply with a letter sent to his office by the minister of justice Abubakar Malami

- The presidential aide states that the office of the minister of justice needs case files from the EFCC to enable it carry out its oversight functions

- Okoi Obono-Obla dismisses reports of a clash between Magu and Malami

A presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla, has warned that the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, could face consequences for insubordination if he fails to act on the letter written to him by Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice.

READ ALSO: Group of concerned Nigerians in protest at Abuja House in London over Buharis continued absence

Obono-Oblas warning was in respect to a letter by written by Abubakar Malami on Tuesday, August 1, requesting Magu to forward to his office the outcome of investigations along with its recommendations on serious or complex cases.

Okoi Obono-Obla, who serves as special assistant to the president on prosecutions, told the Punch that the failure by Magu to adhere to the order will attract consequences for indiscipline and insubordination.

The aide said the office of the AGF needed the case files to enable it carry out its oversight functions.

He however dismissed suggestions that there was clash between Magu and Malami, noting that all the office of the AGF wanted is compliance with the EFCC (Enforcement) regulations 2010.

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He said: "A letter dated August 1, 2017, was written to the EFCC, urging the commission to comply with the EFCC Enforcement Regulation that was made in 2010. The regulation requires that in any case above N50m, the EFCC must carry along the office of the AGF from investigation to prosecution.

The letter was about the case files because if the cases are not well prepared, the office of the AGF will be blamed for it. So, the office wants to carry out its oversight function.

The EFCC cannot be more patriotic than the office of the AGF. Why is it that the EFCC is not cooperating when we are working for the same government?

If the EFCC refuses to act on the letter, there will be consequences on acts of indiscipline and insubordination.

There is no personality clash between the two heads. It is wrong to say that there is a clash. The EFCC is an institution and the office of the AGF is another institution. What we need is compliance. We should not personalise our institutions.

Meanwhile, 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.

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.

In the video below; the EFCC organised a march tagged walk against corruption in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Source: Legit.ng
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a 46-year-old Chinese man known as Ma Yongbin for fraud

- EFCC said that it nabbed Ma Yongbin at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport

-The anti-graft agency also noted that it arrested him when he wanted to board Egypt Air to China

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested one Ma Yongbin who is a 46 year-old Chinese national for fraud at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

EFCC arrests a-46-year old Chinese man for fraud. Photo credit EFCC

READ ALSO: IGP Idris reacts days after police officers took photographs with Nnamdi Kanu

EFCC made this information available to Legit.ng via its Facebook page saying that Yongbin was arrested while trying to board Egypt Air to China where he was found to have in his possession undisclosed sum of N305,000.

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app

The anti-graft agency also said that it arrested Yasir Salihu Abdullahi at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport with 849 ATM cards. He was on board Egypt Air en-route Dubai.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the acting chairman of the EFCC Ibrahim Magu, reiterated the agencys readiness to ensure that corruption is completely wiped out in Nigeria.

This, according to him, will ensure that the country retains her position in the comity of nations.

Watch the arraignment of Andrew Yakubu, a former group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation:

Source: Legit.ng
Yves here. This Real News Network report is telling in so many waysthe lack of anything resembling investigative reporting into the war (at least in the MSM), the lack of any sensible strategy, the reliance on mercenaries, and the way profiteering dominates other considerations.

AARON MATE: Its The Real News, Im Aaron Mate. The never ending war in Afghanistan is as deadly as ever. At least two U.S. soldiers have been killed in a suicide attack in a NATO convoy near Kandahar. Hours before, a suicide bomber hit a Shiite mosque in the western city of Herat, killing 29 and wounding dozens more. This comes as a new report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan reconstruction says: The conflict with the Taliban remains a stalemate. Close to 1500 Afghan soldiers are dying each month, and civilian casualties are at a record high. Some 40 percent of the country is controlled by the Taliban, or other armed groups. The Pentagon is said to recommend a new strategy for Afghanistan in the coming days.

Some top White House officials are drawing up plans on their own. Its recently emerged figures behind two private military firms: Erik Prince of Blackwater and Stephen Feinberg of DynCorp were asked to draw proposals to privatize the Afghan war even more than it already has been. Both, Prince and Feinberg, back the creation of a private military force to battle the Taliban. Matthew Hoh, is a former State Department official in Afghanistan, now a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy. Matthew, welcome.

MATTHEW HOH: Hi Aaron, thanks for having me on.

AARON MATE: Lets start with this latest news, protests have erupted in Afghanistan following the suicide attack on this Shiite mosque in Herat, followed by this deadly attack on the NATO convoy in Kandahar. Violence there seems as high as ever.

MATTHEW HOH: And, it is. And, actually its higher than ever. Since records have been kept by the Afghan government, and by NATO which didnt begin until about 2008. Casualties have just climbed every year. No matter what metric you look at, and there is this fallacy that runs around Washington D.C. that at some point after we surge troops into Afghanistan  At some point after General Chris Joniec, General Petraeus showed up with 100,000 more American and NATO troops  Things got better, actually that is a complete lie. Things never got better in Afghanistan, if you look at whatever metric you want to look at  Whatever statistic you want to look at, whether its the amount of IEDs that exploded, or the amount of American troops that got wounded or killed , the amount of civilians that have been wounded and killed  Thats probably the most important metric of all, right? The numbers have only ever gone up, and yeah this past week another announcement from the United Nations  Every six months we seem to have that, Aaron. That there has been a record number of civilian deaths, and yeah so again we see it.

I mean I was kinda surprised you called me, I thought maybe you can have  This is kind of gallows humor, I guess, but you can have the afternoon off  You can really just replay this episode from six months ago, or a year ago, or two years ago, because it is ad nauseam here the same news over and over again from Afghanistan. And, its horrid! Its absolutely horrible what has occurred, and what continues to occur here and the only thing that seems to differ is that there seems to be some more splinter groups that maybe occur, some different types of extremist factions that maybe arise in different parts of the country. And, you know American corporations get richer off of the war and the people in Afghanistan suffer. That seems to be about the only thing that continues to remain consistent.

AARON MATE: Matthew, the only alternative in this case to redundant content is simply just to not cover it. But 

MATTHEW HOH: Thats true.

AARON MATE: For us  thats not an option

MATTHEW HOH: And, Aaron, thank you! Because before you had me come on, I checked it today, and I checked the LA Times, and I checked the New York Times, and I checked the USA Today, and I checked the Washington Post. And, as we are going to talk about SIGAR about the Special Inspector General Corp and everything else. Its not being covered in those things. This is something that doesnt get discussed to the level it should be. In terms of having a real conversation about what is occurring in Afghanistan, what has been occurring in Afghanistan, what the United States and the West has done in that country, what the people of that country of Afghanistan have been enduring  Look, the way we discuss Afghanistan  We discuss Afghanistan as a war, not as a country, not as a collection of millions of people, but as a war, as a verb, or as a thing. We dont discuss it as an actual country, so thankfully you are  We are discussing this today, right?

Back to this here, yeah by any metric, by any standard, by any  Looking at events in Afghanistan over the last decade and a half it has just gotten progressively worse. And with no end in sight.

AARON MATE: So lets look at how some very influential people are looking at that same situation, and coming up with their solution. I mentioned, White House officials, including Steve Bannon, recruiting Erik Prince of  Formerly of Blackwater  The founder of Blackwater, and Stephen Feinburg of another military firm.

MATTHEW HOH: Yep.

AARON MATE: DynCorp  Meeting  Bannon met with these two to talk about sending even more private contractors to Afghanistan  No, already I should say I believe the ratio of private contractors to soldiers in Afghanistan is 3 to 1 currently. So, when we talk about this plan to privatize the war it should be stressed this is privatizing it even more than it already is. And, both Prince and Feinburg are trying to sell the White House on this plan to basically come up with a private army to take on the Taliban directly. Prince wrote an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal that apparently President Trump read and liked called: The MacArthur Model for Afghanistan. And, the subhead was: Consolidate authority into one person: an American viceroy whod lead all coalition efforts. Including a private army, Matthew.

MATTHEW HOH: Yeah, correct, and actually you know he originally went on to FOX News  Prince, and spoke about this on Hannitys program, because he knows that President Trump watches that and made his appeal there. And, in that case rather than using the example of General MacArthur as the post World War II  Ruler  You know post World War II viceroy in Japan, he used to example of the British in India. And, how for a couple centuries the British ruled India via the East India Company. Utilizing, basically, a private enterprise to maintain their colonial possession there. Backed up, of course by the authority of the crown and the crowns army, and the crowns treasury. He also pointed to Winston Churchill as well, neglecting to mention the millions and millions of Indians who perished under  You know, and suffered under such rule.

But, he uses the example, and this of course attracted the attention of President Trump and the White House. Enough so that this plan was presented to General Mattis  Was brought into the Pentagon as a serious proposal. The Presidents son-in-law, entertained the proposal along with these two  You know, these two men from private industry from Blackwater and from DynCorp, and it was presented to the Secretary of Defense as a real option.

AARON MATE: I should say that Mattis declined to include their suggestions in his policy recommendation to the White House that is expected in the coming days. But, it  The fact that these two were recruited by Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner means that it very well still might be on the table. Certainly, President Trump will be hearing about it as he has likely been already. In the last minute we have on that, let me ask you more about this Special Inspector General report that came out this week. Because, it includes a recommendation that a report on sexual abuse  Child sexual abuse by the Afghan military be declassified. Whats going on there?

MATTHEW HOH: Well this is something weve known for a while in Afghanistan. This goes back to the warlords that we put back into power. As many people are familiar with Afghanistan, when we came into Afghanistan in 2001 we put the warlords back into power that the Taliban had removed from the Civil War in the 1990s. Many of these men take part of a practice involving in what is called Dancing Boys. Basically it comes down to raping children, raping young boys, teenage boys. The American military has known about this practice  They have refused to do anything to stop this practice. It is a clear human rights violation, and it has gone on with the complicit knowledge and observation of the American military for the last 15 years.

When I was there we knew about it, we knew who was doing it, I have spoken to other people  Guys still talk about it, you hear stories about it all the time, and this past year the United States Congress authorized the Special Inspector General to look into it. As well as, the Congress is also maybe applying the Leahy Amendment which says that the United States wont sell weapons to any nation that is  Any nation thats engaging in human rights violations. So

AARON MATE: And, what is the calculus there behind overlooking child sexual abuse? Is it simply that we need these guys to fight against the Taliban? So, we have to let it fly.

MATTHEW HOH: Yeah, absolutely! Its an embarrassment to us, that these are our allies. Cause were in bed with these warlords with these  So its an embarrassment to us, but also we need them because just like the drug lords that were complicit with that we need to have as allies. We also need these warlords to be our allies, so we cant burn our relationship with them because we need them. Because, they are the militia commanders or they are the Afghan generals, or you know they are the people we need to maintain our position there. But, also two itll be an embarrassment to us that we have gone on for so long knowing this, and allowing it to go on. But this is nothing new, we do this in Iraq as well. I mean in terms of knowingly allow the Iraqi government to violate certain laws. We know  Each year  I mean what weve done in Iraq is that  Iraq has child soldiers in its militias, and so what we do is we give Iraq a waiver on its violations of having child soldiers in militias. Which then allows us to continue to sell weapons to the Iraqi government.

Other nations dont receive such waivers, but because Iraq is an ally and Iraq purchases billions and billions of dollars of our weapons they receive a waiver. So, this is nothing new  This is par  This is the standard of American hypocrisy in our foreign policy, and our defense policy. This is how our empire works, right? We dont have a moral standard that we abide by. We just have platitudes that we choose to ignore when its appropriate for us to do so for our own purposes.

So yeah, but this is something that  So what happened in this report with Special Inspector General is they have asked the Defense Department to release the report on the child sexual abuse by the Afghan security forces, which as we know from reports from our own soldiers. From our own experiences there is widespread, but the official report from our Defense Department has been  From the American Defense Department has been classified, and the American Defense Department says its classified for security reasons. But, you know, I mean security reasons and I go back to what Neil Shahin who wrote one of the best books about the Vietnam War, and also to by extension one of the best books about these wars as well. Because, the truth just carries over  You know a bright, shining lie when Neil Shahin said about secrets is that secrets arent meant to protect the public from dangers of other governments. Theyre there to protect the public from the embarrassments and the screw ups, and the true knowledge of their own government.

You know, I mean, thats what we are dealing with here that the American government knows that they are in bed with rapists. You know, these warlords in Afghanistan have been for a decade and a half, and to officially acknowledge those undermines so much of what theyve been saying about Afghanistan, about it being the good war. So, thats why they dont want to release it.

AARON MATE: Well, Matthew speaking of warlords  Lets see as the Trump Administration weighs in the coming days or weeks on its supposed new Afghan strategy. Whether that entails going into business with these private U.S. warlords behind Blackwater and DynCorp. Matthew Hoh, former State Department official in Afghanistan. Now a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy. Matthew, thank you.

MATTHEW HOH: Thank you, Aaron.

AARON MATE: And, thank you for joining us on The Real News.
Dear patient readers,

I feel as if I am apologizing regularly for the lack of original posts and its getting old. I actually had several good topics I wanted to write about last night. But I had a bad development on the blog management front and even hours later I am too upset to write.

Texas man shoots armadillo, bullet ricochets back into his face CBC. Lambert nominates this for a Darwin award, but Im not sure how bullet-proof armadillos normally are. But why would you shoot an armadillo? (although they can tear up lawns plus I was told the last time I was in New Orleans that some locals eat them).

18 breathtaking winning photos from National Geographics Travel Photographer of the Year contest National Geographic (David L)

Ten Ways to Organize Your Bookshelf The Millions (micael)

UK needs bottle deposit scheme to cut plastic litter in oceans, says thinktank Guardian. Mary L: The USA &/or US states need to do the same; additionally, eliminating the ridiculous plastic straws that come w/glasses of water at many restaurants.

Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation? Atlantic (resilc). Key quote:

Rates of teen depression and suicide have skyrocketed since 2011. Its not an exaggeration to describe iGen as being on the brink of the worst mental-health crisis in decades. Much of this deterioration can be traced to their phones.There is compelling evidence that the devices weve placed in young peoples hands are having profound effects on their livesand making them seriously unhappy.

Bitcoin split is a flop  so far Reuters (Li)

What Einsteins Brain Tells Us About Intelligence, According to the Scientist Who Studied It Inc (David L)

Freedom and Fear: India and Pakistan at 70 The Diplomat (resilc)

EU sends charge sheet to Visa over inter-regional fees Reuters

Brexit

Without a Brexit divorce deal, all the transition talk will have been a waste The Times. A must read. High level yet incorporated critical operational details. His air of unreality about the substance is consistent with our grumbling in Links in recent weeks about continued UK delusion re a transition deal (as in the denialism is now incorporating small bits of reality but is still denialism). For instance, we ignored the EEA idea because it made no sense. But then again, none of this has made any sense. And IMHO a standstill is a very generous offer of sorts and I suspect the EU would want a meaningful concession for that to be a go, particularly since it would require approval of all 27 remaining EU members. And see this. Although I had assumed reentry after the March 2019 exit date was effectively a non-starter, I have to confess ot knowing re the Euro angle: And once Britain leaves the EU on March 29, 2019 there is no path back on its current terms. If it wanted to rejoin, it would have to submit a new membership application, which under the EU treaties would require it to commit to joining the euro and the Schengen passport-free travel zone. By the same token, the window of opportunity for those who want to reverse Brexit will slam shut in March 2019. Tax haven moves south of border Herald Scotland. A piece co-authored by our Richard Smith! Brexit reveals Britains enduring flaws Financial Times. Love this line, which the editors elevated to the subhead: Tasking the Brexiters with managing Brexit was like asking the winners of a debating contest to engineer a spaceship Ministers blow 1m on headhunters for Brexit trade negotiators iNews

How Labour plans to mess with Theresa Mays weakened government Politico

Leaked Photos Link Corbyn To Known International Terrorist Waterford Whisper News (PlutoniumKun)

Italy sees unexpected reduction in Mediterranean migration flows Politico

Cracks appear in cash-starved German infrastructure Financial Times

Tusk warns about Polands EU future Politico

After FARC disarmament, Colombia is delivered entirely to paramilitary branches of ruthless corporations failed evolution

Venezuela

New Cold War

Syraqistan

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Trump Transition

Zuckerbergs Recent Hires Tell Us A Lot About His Worldview and Its Not Good Michael Krieger (micael)

In America, whos more likely to win an election: a scam artist or a war hero? Corey Robin

At Socialism 2017 conference, International Socialist Organization shows its pro-war colors WSWS (micael). From July, still germane.

How the CIA Came to Doubt the Official Story of JFKs Murder Politico (David L)

4 Proposed Tar Sands Oil Pipelines Pose a Threat to Water Resources Greenpeace (Sid S)

Is The EIA Exaggerating U.S. Oil Production? OilPrice

The balanced budget paradox Lars Syll

London Whale Has a New Target: J.P. Morgans Top Brass Wall Street Journal

Japan Buries Our Most-Cherished Economic Ideas Bloomberg

New rule forces big car makers into big changes in how they count revenues MarketWatch (Li). From last week, still germane.

Switzerlands First-World Problem: What to Do With $750 Billion Wall Street Journal (Li). The idea of spending foreign reserves domestically is incoherent and self-defeating but politicians have done a terrible job of explaining why.

New CEO will need to tackle multiple challenges over its long-term business model Financial Times (David L). Wowsers. Full of Uber puffery.

ALBERT EDWARDS: The same problems that caused the financial crisis are back Business Insider (David L)

Class Warfare

Affirmative Action Battle Has a New Focus: Asian-Americans New York Times (resilc) Imperialism Is Alive and Kicking: A Marxist Analysis of Neoliberal Capitalism Defend Democracy Japan Might Be What Equality in Education Looks Like Atlantic (resilc) Nissan Workers in Mississippi want to unionize and they need your support to vote today! Color of Change. Please sign this petition. Why Do Women Bully Each Other at Work? Atlantic. Honestly, I have no idea what planet these women live on. Women bully women. This is news? Personally, I dont expect women to be on my side, since theyve never been. And aside from that, I would never assume a fellow woman in a position of power would treat me well or help me. Among other reasons, they are too insecure in their own standing to be able to spend chips on assisting others. It takes most of their available resources to hang on to their spot, since men will target a woman precisely because shes assumed to be easier to isolate and dislodge. At least in finance, and I would assume this is the case elsewhere, men in organizations poach womens terrain (turf wars, trying to steal their clients) more than they would a fellow man (the article in a fashion acknowledges this as an issue towards the end). So it makes sense that theyd bully even more when the stakes are high and they are having to devote extra energy just to protect their position. The author (and the women interviewed) never seems to grok that the senior women lash out because they are often at the limits of their capacity, can barely tolerate another demand, and the women who make requests dont seem sufficiently cognizant (from the boss perspective) that they are doing just that. I wonder how much groveling would help. Seriously. But the other part is the subordinate women are likely harangued more because they are safe targets. And that should stop. Yet the women in this story bizarrely expected other women to help them: Many women told me that men had undermined them as well, but it somehow felt differentworsewhen it happened at the hands of a woman, a supposed ally. Distributism Isnt Outdated American Conservative

Hate is the New Sex Ecosophia (UserFriendly). A great piece.

Antidote du jour. From Crittermom:

I have fallen in love with these Fence Lizards since moving to this state.

Ive found them to be friendly, willing subjects for my camera, and quite endearing.

In fact, they inspired my first childrens book using my photographs (which I like to refer to as a best-seller that has yet to be published).

And a bonus from Robert H, courtesy Vinalhaven Sightings:

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. Commentators and analysts tend to be black or white on the topic of corporate social responsibility. As CalPERS demonstrated in the 1990s, being an advocate for better governance and serving as an activist was a profitable strategy, enhanced CalPERS reputation, and was pro-investor generally, and so was a win on all fronts. At the same time, as our Jim Haygood likes to point out, its ill-timed decision to abandon tobacco stocks, near their bottom not long before the massive Federal-state settlement was hashed out, was a costly move. And one can argue more broadly that if one were to be rigorous about corporate social responsibility, there would be no one to invest in because just about no company is clean on all dimensions of CSR.

However, Olenick is making a narrower point. Large companies almost reflexively reject outside efforts to make them do things differently. However, demands that executives may be inclined to regard as mere overweening do-goodery may in fact reflect changing social priorities. The pollution example illustrates that if you dont get on the bus, you will wind up under the bus. And more important, being attuned to these shifting demands and responding to them in a timely manner can be a profitable strategy.

By Michael Olenick, a research fellow at INSEAD. Originally published at his website

In 1970 a group of reformers led a campaign to Tame G.M. via a proxy battle that called for social responsibility.

The Harvard Crimson memorialized their demands. Quoting verbatim:

changing GM new car warranties to give more guarantees that the automobile will work;

improving health and safety standards for GM;

asking GM to substantially increase the number of non-white new car dealerships. At present, there are seven non-white franchises out of GMs total of 13,000 national dealerships;

asking the company to meet Health, Education, and Welfare Department anti-pollution standards before the 1975 HEW deadline and to devote more research to study other pollutants in the environment;

requiring GM to develop a car by 1974 that can crash into a wall at 60 m. p. h. with no injury to the occupants. The National Safety Bureau has already designed such a car that works at 47 m. p. h.;

enlarge GMs Board of Directors from 24 to 27 seats, adding three representatives of the public;

change the GM charter to restrict the corporation to operations which are not detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of the United States;

set up a shareholders committee to study GMs impact on the country, including an assessment of its efforts to produce pollution-free engines and safe cars, its effect on national transportation policy, and, in general, the manner in which it handles its economic power.

In response, to-be Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman  thought leader of the Chicago School of Economics  published a scathing article in the New York Times. Ive already detailed the article and will not repeat the core criticisms except to focus on one  noncustomer demands balanced against shareholder value.

Friedman begrudgingly admits that social responsibility and business practices that eventually increase share price sometimes align.  it may well be that in the long-run interest of a corporation that is a major employer in a small community to devote resources to providing amenities to that community That may make it easier to attract desirable employees, it may reduce the wage bill or lessen losses He then goes on to label these moves hypocritical window-dressing because it harms the foundations of a free society. He backs off telling companies to avoid these moves because that would be to call on them to exercise a social responsibility!

Lets think about a world where GM ignored Friedman and listened to the reformers.

In our mythical 1970s GM, after expanding their Board of Directors, General Motors decides to focus on several key areas of competition:

Quality & Reliability. Quickly realizing that the cheapest way to extend a warranty is to build more reliable cars, GM tasks their talented engineers with vastly improving reliability. Those engineers find a well regarded expert working in far-flung Japan, W. Edwards Deming, and convince him to come home and apply his methods  that were improving the quality of Japanese products  to GM plants. Safety. GMs theoretical 1970 safety initiative finds that baby boomers, their largest up-and-coming customer group, prefer safer cars. There is a reason Ralph Naders book, Unsafe At Any Speed, became a bestseller. GM finds that safer cars cost slightly more to build but provide a competitive advantage and buyers are willing to pay considerably more. Pollution. In 1970 American cities were choking with smog. Los Angeles was especially disgusting. Below is a photo of Los Angeles from that time and a more recent photo. Pollution was more than a social concern: it was a quality of life issue, a classic commons problem that Milton Friedman no doubt understood could not be solved with traditional market forces. GMs early 1970 low-pollution cars sell well in car-crazed LA, a traditional trend setter that pushes them to the rest of the world.



Diversity. GM makes an effort to train and launch dealerships with African American and Hispanic owners. They realize 7 out of 13,000 minority-owned dealerships, .054%, is ludicrously low. GM quickly realizes dealerships owned by African-Americans, staffed by non-racist salespeople, are more likely to be frequented by African-Americans. They sell more cars. Dealerships owned by Hispanic Americans hire Spanish and English speaking salespeople: they also sell more cars.

Every one of these social responsibilities that Friedman  and, by extension, followers of Shareholder Value Theory  rail against were, in hindsight, likely moneymakers. The inverse is also true; GM ignored these areas and their business was decimated by Japanese and German automakers.

Friedmans assertion that social responsibility for businesses is nonsense is, in itself, nonsense. Despite that Friedmans view became and, in large part remains, a dominant view it is simply wrong. In hindsight, had GM adopted these demands the business, and the shareholders, would have been healthier and wealthier. There is oftentimes no genuine conflict between shareholder value and social responsibility. Indeed, the opposite can be true: better managed businesses understand that fulfilling social responsibility can increase shareholder value.

Here are some other photos of smog from the time Milton Friedman argued there was no value, nor market, in cars that polluted less.

Manhattan:

Louisville:
Hyperacusis refers to an increased sensitivity to and reduced tolerance of everyday sounds that people would not usually find uncomfortable.

Image Credit: fizkes / Shutterstock.com

What is hyperacusis?

People with hyperacusis may find these sounds merely irritating or they may have a more adverse reaction, experiencing severe discomfort and even pain on exposure to certain noises. Some examples of the sounds that people with this condition report finding problematic include childrens screams, the sound of machinery, and high-pitched noises, such as alarms or sirens.

This condition can cause people to withdraw from social and public situations in order to avoid exposure to these sounds, which can, in turn, lead to isolation and feelings of distress and anxiety. An inability to concentrate in the presence of certain sounds can also affect concentration, which can subsequently affect the individual's performance at school or in the workplace.

People who find that intolerance of sound is affecting their day-to-day living should seek medical attention. A healthcare practitioner will examine the ears and, if required, refer the patient to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or audiologist for further testing. No tests are currently available that can lead to a definitive diagnosis of hyperacusis; however, symptom questionnaires and a hearing test can help a physician to determine the level of sound that a patient can tolerate and the level that causes a reaction.

When Normal Sounds are Painfully LOUD! | Hyperacusis Play

Management

There are no specific drugs or corrective surgeries that can cure hyperacusis, although treating any underlying specific medical conditions could help to resolve the problem.

If no clear underlying cause can be identified and treated, a number of techniques are available to help patients reduce their sensitivity to sounds, as well as any fears and anxieties they have developed as a result of the condition.

Currently, the management approach to hyperacusis is therapy and counseling. This may involve sound therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), lifestyle changes, as well as counseling and education.

Sound therapy

Since people with hyperacusis often isolate themselves in order to avoid certain sounds, therapists generally feel it is important to reintroduce sound into a patients life gently and gradually so that they can again start to take part in activities they had been avoiding.

Also referred to as desensitization, sound therapy is used to desensitize a patients hearing over a period of several months. This is achieved through the use of noise generators, which may take the form of an ear-level device, similar to a hearing aid, or a bedside sound generator. White noise is the sound most commonly used.

CBT

The aim of CBT is to help patients recognize what is helpful and unhelpful when they are trying to cope with hyperacusis on a day-to-day basis. Patients are encouraged to explore the way they think about the problems associated with hyperacusis and to make changes that will help to reduce their stress levels, alter any avoidance behavior, and recover from hyperacusis symptoms.

Lifestyle changes

Patients are taught relaxation techniques. They are advised to listen to soothing music or sounds and encouraged not to avoid situations where they may be exposed to noise. Patients are also advised not to rely on ear muffs or ear plugs to blot out sound since this can result in a further increase in sound sensitivity.

Counseling and education

Counseling and education can help a patient learn more about their condition and feel supported in coping with the problems it causes.

Support groups for patients include the British Tinnitus Association and Action on Hearing Loss. These organizations provide an opportunity for patients to share and discuss their experiences with other people who suffer from hyperacusis.

Outcomes

Research has shown that patients tend to find counseling, CBT, and education an effective combination. When a structured management approach to hyperacusis is employed, the success rate in terms of symptom relief are between 50% and 85%.

References

NHS, Hyperacusis, http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/hyperacusis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

British Tinnitus Association, Hyperacusis, https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/hyperacusis

UCSF Medical Center, Hyperacusis, https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/hyperacusis/

Further Reading
Multi-week regimen may be an effective complement to traditional therapy, multiple studies suggest

People who suffer from depression may want to look to yoga as a complement to traditional therapies as the practice appears to lessen symptoms of the disorder, according to studies presented at the 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.

"Yoga has become increasingly popular in the West, and many new yoga practitioners cite stress-reduction and other mental health concerns as their primary reason for practicing," said Lindsey Hopkins, PhD, of the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, who chaired a session highlighting research on yoga and depression. "But the empirical research on yoga lags behind its popularity as a first-line approach to mental health."

Hopkins' research focused on the acceptability and antidepressant effects of hatha yoga, the branch of yoga that emphasizes physical exercises, along with meditative and breathing exercises, to enhance well-being. In the study, 23 male veterans participated in twice-weekly yoga classes for eight weeks. On a 1-10 scale, the average enjoyment rating for the yoga classes for these veterans was 9.4. All participants said they would recommend the program to other veterans. More importantly, participants with elevated depression scores before the yoga program had a significant reduction in depression symptoms after the eight weeks.

Another, more specific, version of hatha yoga commonly practiced in the West is Bikram yoga, also known as heated yoga. Sarah Shallit, MA, of Alliant University in San Francisco investigated Bikram yoga in 52 women, age 25-45. Just more than half were assigned to participate in twice-weekly classes for eight weeks. The rest were told they were wait-listed and used as a control condition. All participants were tested for depression levels at the beginning of the study, as well as at weeks three, six and nine. Shallit and her co-author Hopkins found that eight weeks of Bikram yoga significantly reduced symptoms of depression compared with the control group.

In the same session, Maren Nyer, PhD, and Maya Nauphal, BA, of Massachusetts General Hospital, presented data from a pilot study of 29 adults that also showed eight weeks of at least twice-weekly Bikram yoga significantly reduced symptoms of depression and improved other secondary measures including quality of life, optimism, and cognitive and physical functioning.

"The more the participants attended yoga classes, the lower their depressive symptoms at the end of the study," said Nyer, who currently has funding from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health to conduct a randomized controlled trial of Bikram yoga for individuals with depression.

Elsewhere at the meeting, Nina Vollbehr, MS, of the Center for Integrative Psychiatry in the Netherlands presented data from two studies on the potential for yoga to address chronic and/or treatment-resistant depression. In the first study, 12 patients who had experienced depression for an average of 11 years participated in nine weekly yoga sessions of approximately 2.5 hours each. The researchers measured participants' levels of depression, anxiety, stress, rumination and worry before the yoga sessions, directly after the nine weeks and four months later. Scores for depression, anxiety and stress decreased throughout the program, a benefit that persisted four months after the training. Rumination and worry did not change immediately after the treatment, but at follow up rumination and worry were decreased for the participants.

In another study, involving 74 mildly depressed university students, Vollbehr and her colleagues compared yoga to a relaxation technique. Individuals received 30 minutes of live instruction on either yoga or relaxation and were asked to perform the same exercise at home for eight days using a 15-minute instructional video. While results taken immediately after the treatment showed yoga and relaxation were equally effective at reducing symptoms, two months later, the participants in the yoga group had significantly lower scores for depression, anxiety and stress than the relaxation group.

"These studies suggest that yoga-based interventions have promise for depressed mood and that they are feasible for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant depression," said Vollbehr.

The concept of yoga as complementary or alternative mental health treatment is so promising that the U.S. military is investigating the creation of its own treatment programs. Jacob Hyde, PsyD, of the University of Denver, gave a presentation outlining a standardized, six-week yoga treatment for U.S. military veterans enrolled in behavioral health services at the university-run clinic and could be expanded for use by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Hopkins noted that the research on yoga as a treatment for depression is still preliminary. "At this time, we can only recommend yoga as a complementary approach, likely most effective in conjunction with standard approaches delivered by a licensed therapist," she said. "Clearly, yoga is not a cure-all. However, based on empirical evidence, there seems to be a lot of potential."
Georgia State University received $147 million in research funding in fiscal year 2017, setting a record for the sixth consecutive year.

The total exceeds last year's record of $120.1 million. Externally funded research activity at the university has climbed 81 percent over the past three years. This year one of the largest funding increases came from industry research grants and contracts, which grew nearly fivefold.

The university experienced a particularly large spike in funding for health and biomedical research. Of the $147 million, more than $20 million went toward research in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences and more than $16 million to research in the School of Public Health.

"As one of the nation's fastest growing research institutions, Georgia State has rapidly developed a reputation for scientific innovation," said James Weyhenmeyer, vice president for research and economic development at Georgia State. "Achieving this funding benchmark shows that we've been adept at cultivating monetary support for our innovative work, which helps drive economic development and transformative research at the university and throughout the metro Atlanta region."

This year's key awards included:

A $7.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health awarded to Margo Brinton (College of Arts and Sciences) to investigate the consequences of West Nile and Zika virus infections on the human central nervous system.

More than $4 million from the NIH awarded to Christopher Basler (Institute for Biomedical Sciences) to develop a drug targeting the Ebola virus.

A $3.9 million grant from the Laura and John Arnold Foundation awarded to Tim Sass and Dan Kreisman (Andrew Young School of Policy Studies) to create the Georgia Center for Education Policy, which will work to improve academic, career and life outcomes for students across the state.

Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

More than $3 million from the NIH awarded to Kathleen Baggett (School of Public Health) to test the effectiveness of Mom and Baby Net, a mobile phone app combining two programs to decrease maternal depression and build parenting skills.

A $2.8 million grant from NIH awarded to Zhoglin Xie and Ming-Hui Zou (Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine) to study diabetic cardiomyopathy, changes in the heart's structure and function related to diabetes.

A $1.8 million grant from the NIH awarded to Andrew Gewirtz (Institute for Biomedical Sciences) to study how changes in gut bacteria could lead to obesity and metabolic syndrome.

A $1.8 million grant from the NIH awarded to Anne Murphy (Neuroscience Institute) to investigate pain management therapies for people age 65 and older.

An $867,000 grant from Pfizer Inc. awarded to Michael Eriksen and the School of Public Health's Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science to continue their work to implement tobacco control programs in five major Chinese cities.

"Georgia State's record-high levels in research funding validate the strategy of long-term investment in talent and technology," said Mike Cassidy, president and chief executive officer of the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA). "The GRA stands committed to helping Georgia State continue to expand its capacity to discover more and launch more enterprises around the most promising inventions."

Georgia State earned its designation as a major research institution in 1995, and it now ranks among the nation's top 108 public and private universities in the Carnegie Foundation's elite category of Highest Research Activity.

Source: http://news.gsu.edu/2017/08/03/georgia-state-research-funding-record/
South African Airways (SAA) has run out of cash and is effectively bankrupt. It is feared it may not be able to pay salaries.

According to a cash-flow analysis provided by the airline to MPs on Wednesday, the state-owned airline went into a negative cash position in July when it had a net cash outflow of R568m. It projects a further deterioration in the months ahead with net cash outflows of R936m forecast for August and R918m in September. An improvement to a negative cash flow of R134m is projected for October on the assumption that the airline gets financing and government support of R792m.

DA deputy finance spokesman Alf Lees pointed out that the cash-flow projections for September did not include the R6.8bn in loans which SAA is due to repay to its lenders by the end of that month and which it was hoping to renegotiate. Proper accounting principles required this to be included in the cash flow analysis, Lees said.

According to documents provided to members of parliament's finance committee before a presentation by SAA on Friday, the airline, which relies on a R19bn state guarantee, needs a capital injection of R13bn over three years. It is not clear whether the R13bn includes the R2.2bn that SAA recently received from the Treasury in order to repay a loan to Standard Chartered Bank when the bank refused to extend it.

The Treasury is considering the sale of state assets to fund the airline's recapitalisation.

SAA chairwoman Dudu Myeni will tell the committee that SAA posted a year-on-year loss of R1.46bn in the first quarter of 2017-18, R71m worse than the matching period last year.

SAA remains without a CEO with no appointment in sight despite Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba saying he would finalise the CEO appointment by July.

The Treasury said on Tuesday that it had finalised the process of recruiting a CEO and had forwarded its recommendation to the Cabinet for consideration.

But this has raised questions about the effectiveness of the new board in halting the airline's downward slide.

Gigaba has given the assurance that there would be measures to strengthen the board and appoint a new chairperson in August.

SAA's quarterly results show that operating costs of R7.7bn have wiped out all the revenue of R7bn even before the R367m in quarterly finance costs were taken into account. This is a clear sign of the inefficiencies and operational difficulties that the airline will have to overcome if it is to become profitable.

Revenue in the quarter was lower than expected and this had a negative effect on the bottom line. The first-quarter results, which were below target, mean that SAA might fall short of its projected net loss of R853m for 2017-18, which is nevertheless an improvement on the projected loss of R4.5bn for 2016-17.

The struggling airline's "aggressive" five-year corporate plan, which has been refined with the help of independent aviation experts, assumes a recapitalisation; the agreement by lenders to extend maturing loans for a minimum of three years; the retirement of five wide-body aircraft; and that there will be no exit for any of the narrow-body aircraft. The first two A340-60 wide-body aircraft will be retired in August and in October.

SAA says the success of the corporate plan depends on the assumptions being realised. It forecasts that its corporate plan will generate additional revenue of about R13.6bn over five years through changes to its route network and initiatives to enhance revenue.

Myeni will be questioned by MPs about her attendance at board meetings. There have been media reports about her failure to do so.

Source: Business Day
Active machine learning for the discovery and crystallization of gigantic polyoxometalate molecules

Who is the better experimentalist, a human or a robot? When it comes to exploring synthetic and crystallization conditions for inorganic gigantic molecules, actively learning machines are clearly ahead, as demonstrated by British Scientists in an experiment with polyoxometalates published in the journal Angewandte Chemie.

Polyoxometalates form through self-assembly of a large number of metal atoms bridged by oxygen atoms. Potential uses include catalysis, electronics, and medicine. Insights into the self-organization processes could also be of use in developing functional chemical systems like molecular machines.

Polyoxometalates offer a nearly unlimited variety of structures. However, it is not easy to find new ones, because the aggregation of complex inorganic molecules to gigantic molecules is a process that is difficult to predict. It is necessary to find conditions under which the building blocks aggregate and then also crystallize, so that they can be characterized.

A team led by Leroy Cronin at the University of Glasgow (UK) has now developed a new approach to define the range of suitable conditions for the synthesis and crystallization of polyoxometalates. It is based on recent advances in machine learning, known as active learning. They allowed their trained machine to compete against the intuition of experienced experimenters. The test example was Na 6 [Mo 120 Ce 6 O 366 H 12 (H 2 O) 78 ]200 H 2 O, a new, ring-shaped polyoxometalate cluster that was recently discovered by the researchers automated chemical robot.

In the experiment, the relative quantities of the three necessary reagent solutions were to be varied while the protocol was otherwise prescribed. The starting point was a set of data from successful and unsuccessful crystallization experiments. The aim was to plan ten experiments and then use the results from these to proceed to the next set of ten experiments  a total of one hundred crystallization attempts.

Although the flesh-and-blood experimenters were able to produce more successful crystallizations, the far more adventurous machine algorithm was superior on balance because it covered a significantly broader domain of the crystallization space. The quality of the prediction of whether an experiment would lead to crystallization was improved significantly more by the machine than the human experimenters. A series of 100 purely random experiments resulted in no improvement. In addition, the machine discovered a range of conditions that led to crystals which would not have been expected based on pure intuition. This unbiased automated method makes the discovery of novel compounds more probably than reliance on human intuition. The researchers are now looking for ways to make especially efficient teams of man and machine.
Beijings Belt and Road initiative is part and parcel of President Xi Jinpings strategy to solidify Chinas emergence as a great economic and military power, a leading expert on Asian economies said Wednesday.

In May, 2017, Chinas President Xi Jinping has pledged $124 billion (96bn) for the scheme, known as the Belt and Road initiative.

China will funnel an additional RMB 100 billion ($14.5 billion) into the Silk Road Fund, while the China Development Bank and Export-Import Bank will set up new lending schemes of 250 billion ($36.2 billion) and RMB 130 billion ($18.8 billion), respectively, for Belt and Road projects. In addition, China will provide RMB 60 billion ($8.7 billion) for humanitarian efforts focused on food, housing, health care, and poverty alleviation. A second Belt and Road Forum will be hosted in 2019.

The current high profile projects are the building of Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, China-Laos railway, Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, and Hungary-Serbia railway, and upgraded Gwadar and Piraeus ports in cooperation with relevant countries. More than 270 cooperation projects or agreements have been signed during the May 2017 summit.

Nadege Rolland, of the National Bureau of Asian Research said Xis vision and strategy is not a new thing in Chinese history or to the West, but it is more tightly integrated to meet the challenges of a digital world, to shore up its economy from the severe downturn of 2008-2009 and expand its markets into new territories, especially Europe.

The goal is to have China as the uncontested leading presence in the region, an idea for a strategy that defines region as extending far beyond its borders. The Chinese also would be using that [new] wealth to attract more foreigners [to invest with them] and expand power and influence globally.

Rolland said Europe, including the European Union, is interested in what China has to offer, particularly through its Digital Silk Road moves, and appears to be willing to work with Beijing on developing joint standards in cyber use and control.

As for Russia, China believes cooperation is very good because they have common interests, particularly in Central Asia economically and Beijing is not stepping into [Moscows] sphere of influence when it comes to large security issues.

India is the only country [on Chinas borders] refusing to endorse Belt and Road and its development and infrastructure bank. India, long suspicious of Beijings support of its bitter rival Pakistan and concerned over its building of ports in a number of nations on the Indian Ocean, is starting to work  with Japan on infrastructure projects outside its borders.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced today that its new 10 Mega Joule (MJ) medium range multi-mission railgun system has completed final assembly and factory acceptance test in preparation for transport to Dugway Proving Ground in Utah to begin testing. The 10 MJ railgun system has been designed and built by GA-EMS to provide multi-mission, multi-domain capability with greater flexibility and a smaller footprint for ship, land and mobile platforms.

The 10 MJ railgun system has our third generation railgun launcher, and includes our fifth generation pulsed power system and a new mounting system that allows the launcher to elevate and train for better targeting, stated Nick Bucci, vice president for Missile Defense and Space Systems at GA-EMS. This represents a leap forward in advancing railgun technologies, offering reduced size and weight for the launcher, twice the energy density in a significantly reduced pulsed power footprint, and more capable hypersonic projectiles. Well continue to develop and mature these technologies, perform risk reduction, and test under real-world conditions to ultimately deliver a more capable, effective, and cost-efficient solution to counter future threats.

GA-EMS multi-mission medium range railgun weapon system integrates the High Energy Pulsed Power Container (HEPPC), 10 MJ launcher, hypersonic hybrid missile, and fire control technologies. The HEPPC utilizes GA-EMS next generation railgun capacitors and a new approach to packaging and distribution of the energy in a smaller footprint than existing pulsed power solutions. This reduces the number of pulsed power containers required to launch the guided projectiles or hybrid missiles. The HEPPC provides additional capabilities to test GA-EMS hypersonic projectiles, which contain a Guidance Control Unit with guidance, navigation, and control software and a complex control actuation system.

Successful projectile component testing was completed earlier this year, with multiple firings at launch accelerations over 30,000 Gees. The testing also demonstrated a continuous two-way data link between the in-flight projectiles and the ground station over an open range that supports the fire control solution.

In May, 2017, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced they successfully fired hypersonic projectiles with an enhanced Guidance Electronics Unit (GEU). They were successful in tests during multiple firings from their three mega joule (3 MJ) Blitzer railgun system.

GA-EMS has internally funded the Blitzer railgun systems and hypersonic projectile development. Blitzer railguns are test assets that include a launcher, high density pulsed power, and weapon fire control system. GA-EMS recently announced the development and completion of the High Energy Pulsed Power Container (HEPPC) which provides twice the energy density of existing pulsed power systems. The HEPPC is intended to reduce the footprint for pulsed power required to launch projectiles, offering greater flexibility for future Navy and Army railgun applications.

GA demonstrated a new lightweight composite sabot, achieving successful sabot separation and maintaining in-bore structural integrity at high acceleration levels.

General Atomics Electro Magnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is assembling a 10 MJ railgun in preparation for shipping to Utah, where the company will begin readying the weapon system for testing in 2018.

BAE Systems has a competing railgun. A 32 Megajoule prototype was delivered by BAE Systems. BAEs railgun can shoot up to 220 miles in range, around 10 times the distance capable of standard ship mounted guns with rounds landing more swiftly and with little or no warning compared to a volley of Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Recent tests of the BAE system were at 5 shots per minute.
The Long Range stand off (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile program has been funded since 2013 and has received about $500 million in funding. The program will eventually cost $15-30 billion.

There have been calls to cancel it. The LRSO would have a variable-yield weapon using a modified W80 warhead. The Air Force wishes to procure: 1,0001,100 LRSO. That looks like a significant increase in the number of air-launched cruise missiles available for bomber missions.

The Department of Energy is producing a new variant of the B61 gravity bomb that will be highly accurate and have a variable yield of 0.3 to 50 kilotons.

The existing (but to be retired) ALCM is believed to have a selectable yield of 5 KTs or 150 KTs. The lower yield is presumably for the boosted primary alone, and the larger yield for the two-stage weapon. The life-extension program for the W80 warhead, which will be carried by the LRSO missile, is expected to provide closer to a dial-a-yield option that would allow a number of yield options.

There is a debate that making the mini-nuclear weapons more capable and flexible would encourage their use in say a conflict with North Korea.

The US can destroy North Koreas air defenses using conventional weapons in about a week just as the US destroyed Air Defenses of Iraq. The question of whether missiles have more stealth or whether there is selectable nuclear yield on 1000 or 2000 nuclear weapons in the US arsenal is not significant. This is because the US can wage more limited nuclear war with lower yield nuclear weapons already.

A 2012 military analysis of North Koreas attack Seoul would be less damaging than more simplistic analysis.

Despite the thousands of artillery pieces, only 700 heavier guns and rocket launchers, plus the newer 300-millimeter MRLs, have the range to strike Seoul. Seoul has extensive air raid shelters for civilians that will quickly reduce the exposed population density. The North will struggle to keep these heavy artillery units supplied with shells, particularly with its aging supply system. Finally, U.S. and ROK forces will quickly begin hunting down units participating in the bombardment, causing their numbers to drop almost immediately.

North Korea occasionally threatens to turn Seoul into a Sea of Fire. The South Korean, U.S. and other international media often relay this statement, amplifying its effect. But can North Korea really do this? Does it matter if they can? The short answer is they cant; but they can kill many tens of thousands of people, start a larger war and cause a tremendous amount of damage before ultimately losing their regime.

If the North Korean Peoples Army (KPA) were to start a doctrinal, conventional artillery barrage focused on South Korean forces, we could expect to see around three thousand casualties in the first few minutes, but the casualty rate would quickly drop as the surprise wears off and counter-battery fires slow down the North Korean rates of fire. If the KPA were to engage Seoul in a primarily counter-value fashion by firing into Seoul instead of primarily aiming at military targets, there would likely be around thirty-thousand casualties in a short amount of time. Statistically speaking, almost eight-hundred of those casualties would be foreigners given Seouls international demographic. Chinese make up almost seventy percent of foreigners in Seoul and its northern environs which means KPA might also kill six-hundred Chinese diplomats, multi-national corporation leaders, and ranking cadre children who are students in Seoul. Horrible, but nothing approaching millions. Three primary factors and three secondary factors account for the huge discrepancy between rhetoric and reality:

Note : The Nautilus analysis seems to imply that a US-South Korea first strike would blunt the initial North Korea damage rate and could limit early deaths to 10000 to 15000. There would be no initial rate of 3000 deaths in the first few minutes and there would be some pre-warning on the South Korea side to get people to shelters.

However, the protracted artillery and tank battle would still kill 80,000 in the first week. Overall deaths would be in the 100,000-150,000 range.

Three Primary Factors

* Range  Only about 1/3 of Seoul is presently in range from artillery along a DMZ trace. The northern reaches of Seoul within artillery range have much lower population densities than Seoul proper;

* Numbers  Even though KPA has a tremendous number of artillery pieces, only a certain number are emplaced to range Seoul. KPA cant emplace every weapon near Seoul or the rest of North Koreas expansive border would be unguarded and even more vulnerable. Moreover, an artillery tube immediately reveals its location as soon as it fires. Therefore only about two-thirds of artillery will open fire at a time. The rest are trying to remain hidden;

* Protection  Artillery shelters for twenty million people exist in the greater Seoul metropolitan area. After the initial surprise has worn off, there simply wont be large numbers of exposed people. Even during the initial attack the vast majority of people will either be at work, at home, or in transit. Few people will be standing in the middle of an open field with no protection whatsoever available anywhere nearby.

Three Secondary Factors

* Dud rate  the only numbers availableto the DPRK as well as the rest of the worldindicate a dud rate of twenty-five percent. Its like immediately taking every fourth artillery tube away.

* Counter-battery fires  shortly after the KPA artillery begins firing, and the political decision has been made, South Korean artillery, Air Forces, and others will begin destroying artillery at a historical rate of 1% per hour. South Korea has had approximately 50 years to figure out where North Korean artillery tubes are emplaced using every sense available to man and machine.

* Logistics  in order to move south from the DMZ trace and place the rest of Seoul at risk, KPA must expose approximately 2,500 thin-skinned vehicles each day along three well-defined transportation corridors. Otherwise, KPA grinds to an almost immediate halt without a way to transport fuel, ammunition and spare parts needed to continue moving south. Alternatively, KPA can scavenge from ROK fuel stores and depots if they have not been previously destroyed.
You can draw a direct line from the founding fathers to issues and concerns of today in these verses. In a curriculum created by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, students study how Lin-Manuel Miranda used primary source documents to write raps for his Broadway show on Alexander Hamilton. They then choose a founding-era person or event on which to base their own creation. One presentation from each participating school gets stage time before students attend a performance of the show. As the Hamilton national tour expands (next opening: Los Angeles on Aug. 11), so does the curriculum. The institute, which has been integrating history into classrooms for more than 20 years, expects its Hamilton Education Program to reach 250,000 public school students across the country.

We created this issues Pop Quiz by excerpting snippets of student presentations and dropping out the key word(s). Fill in the blanks by clicking on one of the answer options, and watch a video of each performance.
A Policy Research Department representative stated during yesterdays AL plenary meeting that the related ministry had made it clear that [Macau] better not consider the reclamation of the 85-square-kilometer sea area.

The information was revealed by the departments representative, Chief Advisor Mi Jian, in reply to lawmaker Si Ka Lon, who had asked if Macau would seek permission from the central government to reclaim more sea for the construction of a new Macau.

The departments representative told Si that the society has already agreed that Macaus future development must be on sea.

[I will] make an explanation: although the central government granted the Macau administration rights over 85 square kilometers of sea area, that does not mean it can all be used for land expansion. [] It [the related ministry] said repeatedly, on many occasions, that if the Macau government designs convincing plans [regarding the sea area], then the central government will absolutely support them, explained Mi.

Currently, Macau is still subject to a moratorium on fishing. Mi noted that the department is conducting a basic investigation on the 85 km2 sea area, and that preliminary research results might be ready when the moratorium ends. According to Mi, the department will draft more specific plans for Macaus future development, taking the area into consideration.

In total, there are three areas of investigation: the first concerning the waters near the Macau Peninsula; the second concerning the 85 km2 sea area and its vicinity; and the third concerning the 300 km2 sea area near the neighboring 85 km2 region.

Regarding the first investigation into the Macau peninsula, Mi said that the department is hoping for feasible plans soon, and that the investigation has benefited from positive feedback.

We are conducting these three studies because the central government said that even though [the sea area Macau intends to use] exceeds 85 km2, [the central government] will support Macau, as long as [Macau] presents [good] reasons, said Mi.

Mi also pointed out that it is difficult for the department to conduct the investigation and create a plan to develop the sea area. This is due to its limitations in terms of natural conditions Macaus existing facilities in the vicinity, reclamation material restrictions, and the States sea policies.

The central government is very strict regarding sea reclamations, said Mi. Mi gave the example of a recent project in Hainan that involved an investment of RMB108.8 billion, which was put on hold because of Chinas restrictive sea policy. JZ
From Counterpunch



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On June 14, when United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson went before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Republican Congressman Ted Poe of Texas asked him about the government's policy towards Iran. "Well," Tillerson paused, "our Iranian policy is under development." Poe asked Tillerson directly whether the U.S. government supported "a philosophy of regime change, peaceful regime change?" Tillerson responded: "Our policy towards Iran is 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."

In other words, Tillerson said, the U.S. government was committed to overthrowing the current government in Iran by peaceful means. What they mean by "peaceful" should not be taken lightly. No regime-change operation is ever peaceful. The Trump administration, meanwhile, is conducting an inter-agency review of the sanctions on Iran and of the various options available to the U.S. for action against Iran. These options include military force. There is belligerence in the air.

On July 17, a month later, President Donald Trump certified to Congress that Iran was in compliance with the international nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The President has to conduct this certification exercise every 90 days. If the President does not certify the deal, then the U.S. Congress has 60 additional days to abandon the deal. The White House spokesperson said: "The President has made very clear that he thought this was a bad deal -- bad deal for the United States." Trump had wanted to refuse to certify the deal this time, and in the previous round. His national security team convinced him that this deal was valuable. One staff member said that Trump only signed on after he made it clear that the next time things would be different.

The American Right remains fundamentally opposed to the deal. John Bolton, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, wrote recently that the nuclear deal "remains palpably harmful to American national interests." Trump shares this view. They believe -- against all evidence -- that the deal allows Iran to retain its nuclear program because international verification on the ground in Iran is "fatally inadequate." Bolton urged Trump to make withdrawal from the nuclear deal the administration's "highest priority."

There is widespread enthusiasm in the White House to walk away from the deal and to use the full vitality of U.S. power to suffocate Iran. But elements in the U.S. intelligence services and in the diplomatic community are not keen on further confrontation with Iran. It would, they argue, confound U.S. policy in Iraq and against the Islamic State.

Iran complains that the U.S. has already violated the spirit of the JCPOA. In May, at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO) Brussels headquarters, and in July, at the G20 meeting in Hamburg, Trump asked his European allies to stop doing business with Iran. This was done privately. When she was asked about it, Trump's White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders affirmed that Trump had told European leaders "to stop doing business with nations that sponsor terrorism, especially Iran." The JCPOA, however, clearly prohibits "any policy specifically intended to directly and adversely affect the normalization of trade and economic relations with Iran." These are "sanctions" of a new kind.

The American Right recognizes that the nuclear deal cannot be easily undone. European states do not have the appetite to return to a confrontation with Iran. The Europeans are eager to bring Iranian energy into their countries and they see the utility of engaging Iran on the multiple crises in West Asia. This is why U.S. Senator Bob Corker said that since Trump was "fully committed" to the American Right's anti-Iran policy, new sanctions were needed to punish Iran for its "non-nuclear behavior." In other words, since Iran tested ballistic missiles, the U.S. has now placed new sanctions on 18 individuals, groups and networks.

The theory here is that the pressure on firms to stop doing business with Iran and new "non-nuclear" sanctions on Iran would encage the country once more. It would harden the positions of the Iranian leadership, Washington hopes, and drive it to do something provocative that would allow Trump to refuse to recertify the JCPOA in October. It would set the stage for a much more dangerous confrontation with Iran.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that Iran would "respond" to these sanctions, but he did not say how. What he did say was that Iran was grateful to the Europeans, China and Russia for "steadfastly employing perseverance to safeguard the JCPOA." Do the Europeans, the Chinese and the Russians have the means to prevent a U.S. war? Will the Russians intervene militarily in Iran -- as they did in Syria -- to provide the country with a nuclear umbrella?

Message to Iran

The U.S. already has military bases on the doorstep of Iran -- in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and elsewhere. There are at least 125,000 U.S. troops on the edge of Iran and thousands of warships and aircraft at the ready.

Iran has long seen its ballistic missile program as being a deterrent, however feeble, against this massive military encirclement. That the U.S. has decided to place new sanctions on Iran for its ballistic missile tests has sent a clear message to Iran: the U.S. will put as much pressure on Iran as possible to prevent it from developing anything like a deterrent capability.

Iran's head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, said that the U.S. should move its bases out of a 1,000-kilometre range from the Iranian borders. This would mean that the U.S. base at Shindand (Herat, Afghanistan), which is merely 200 km from the Iranian border, and the U.S. base in Bahrain, less than 100 km from Iran, would have to be removed. If the U.S. did not withdraw, Jafari intimated, then Iran would maintain its missile program. The program, he said, "is defensive and never would be subject to bargaining and negotiation at any level."

Pressure on Iran from the U.S. is not only from the bases that ring the country but also on the ground in West Asia, from Iraq to Lebanon. Tillerson told Congress that the Trump administration was aware of "Iran's continued destabilizing presence in the region, their payment of foreign fighters, their export of militia forces in Syria, in Iraq, in Yemen, their support of Hizbollah". The U.S., he said, was "taking action to respond to Iran's hegemony." There is a fantasy narrative in Washington, D.C., that Iran is the one that is aggressive in West Asia and that the U.S. -- with its history of regime change and the presence of its military bases -- is merely there to block Iranian ambitions.

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Chinas foreign minister yesterday welcomed comments by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson offering reassurance to North Korea that Washington isnt seeking regime change there.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a briefing that Beijing attaches great importance to Tillersons remarks on North Korea. Tillerson said Tuesday that the United States does not seek a collapse of the North Korean regime or an accelerated reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

Wang said China hopes all sides could meet each other half way to find a fundamental plan to resolve the security concerns of the parties through equal dialogue.

But Tillerson also said the U.S. does not think productive talks would result if North Korea comes with the intention of maintaining its nuclear weapons.

Tillerson also continued to push for Chinese help in keeping pressure on North Korea because of their special economic relationship. He said the North Korean problem is not Chinas fault, but China must help create conditions for productive talks.

China is the Norths biggest trading partner and food and fuel aid source. Chinese companies also have a virtual monopoly on investment in North Koreas economy, particularly natural resources.

U.S. President Donald Trump has grown increasingly frustrated by what he says is Chinas 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, Trump 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!

China says it shouldnt be held responsible for resolving the North Korean nuclear standoff alone and has said other countries are shirking their responsibilities in the effort to reduce tensions. AP
From The Guardian

Nissan's efforts to stop workers from forming a union is an all-too-familiar story of how greedy corporations divide and conquer working people

A few months before the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Dr Martin Luther King Jr wrote in his Letter from a Birmingham Jail: "We know from painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed."

But Nissan, like other large corporations, is doing everything it can to stop these workers from forming a union. In the lead-up to the vote, Nissan management has been deluging employees with anti-union literature and is threatening to close the plant if a majority of its workers vote to establish a union.

Supervisors have called workers off assembly lines for one-on-one interrogations. Anti-union videos are being run on a constant loop in employee break rooms. Groups of workers have been called into "roundtable" meetings to hear management disparage the United Auto Workers (UAW).

Nissan has been saturating local TV and radio with anti-union propaganda. This could go down as one of the most vicious, and illegal, anti-union crusades in decades. Workers should never have to endure this type of threatening campaign or walk through a minefield just to vote for a union.

The truth is Nissan is an all-too-familiar story of how greedy corporations divide and conquer working people. The company has brought in large numbers of contract employees and paid them less than they paid full-timers for the same work -- an old trick for driving down everyone's wages. The company is also telling those undecided about the union that their pro-union co-workers would cost them their jobs.

They have threatened the local community, saying that if the plant in Canton was unionized, it would move somewhere else.

Sadly, these kinds of threats matter a great deal in towns like Canton. Mississippi is the poorest state in the country, with over 30% of children living in poverty. The average weekly wage is just $727, the lowest in the nation. Very few people in the state have a defined benefit pension plan, and one out of five suffer from food insecurity.

Large corporations like Nissan like to set up shop in states like Mississippi because they know that when safety nets are frayed, and people hit hard times, they're more likely to accept low wages and poor working conditions. They know how to exploit human misery and insecurity, and turn them into high profits.

Nissan is no stranger to trade unions. It has union representation in 42 out of 45 of its plants throughout the world -- from Japan to France, Australia to Britain. But the company does not want unions in the US south, because unions mean higher wages, safer working conditions, decent healthcare and a secure retirement.

Corporations like Nissan know that if they stop workers in Mississippi from forming a union, wages will continue to be abysmally low in this state. Further, if workers are unable to form unions and engage in collective bargaining, Americans throughout this country will continue to work for longer hours for lower wages. As Americans, our goal must be to raise wages in Mississippi and all over this country, not engage in a destructive race to the bottom.

Nissan is not a poor company. It is not losing money. Last year, it made a record-breaking $6.6bn in profits and it gave its CEO more than $9.5m in total compensation.

Those kinds of obscene profits are a direct result of corporations' decades-long assault on workers and their unions. Forty years ago, more than a quarter of all workers belonged to a union. Today, that number has gone down to just 11%, and in the private sector it is less than 7%. And as corporations and Republican politicians succeed in decimating the right of workers to bargain collectively for better wages and benefits, the American middle class, once the envy of the world, is disappearing while income and wealth inequality is soaring. We have got to turn that around.

I proudly support Nissan workers' fight to form a union. What they are doing takes tremendous courage. If they succeed in forming a union it will not only improve their wages and working conditions, but will benefit workers across the south and all across this country.

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From Consortium News

On Aug. 1, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. is not pushing for regime change in North Korea, but some White House insiders say President Trump is considering going to war. Meanwhile, North Korea claims to have made progress on delivering a potential nuclear strike on the West Coast and beyond.

Tillerson, while saying the Pentagon has updated military options, admitted that a confrontation with North Korea could be catastrophic and suggested that there was still time for negotiations backed by economic pressure.

"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," said Tillerson, referring to the border between North and South Korea.

"We're not your enemy, we're not your threat but you're presenting an unacceptable threat to us and we have to respond."

I spoke to Flashpoint's Special Correspondent for the Koreas, Kay Jay Noh, about the volatile situation that could become a full blown confrontation at any time. Noh, who was recently in China and Korea, is a longtime political activist, writer and teacher. I spoke to him in Berkeley, California, on July 31.

Dennis Bernstein: U.S. pundits and certain Trump administration officials are talking about a "first strike," a "limited strike." We are flying bombers over the peninsula. What is your understanding of the situation on the ground in both countries?

Kay Jay Noh: I was in Korea and China recently and the situation on the ground is very different in the two countries. In Korea, people are going about their lives as if things were perfectly normal. In China, there is an escalation to war. It is rather covert but those preparations are becoming more and more evident.

What we do know is that on July 28, the North Koreans launched a Hwasong-14 ICBM [intercontinental ballistic missile]. This missile traveled to an altitude of 3,725 kilometers and a distance of 998 kilometers. It was in the air for 47 minutes. So it is clearly an ICBM that has the range to reach the continental United States. The experts are still out on whether the reentry vehicle worked or not.

All of this raises the temperature considerably. As always, the US has stated that all options are on the table. [UN Ambassador] Nikki Haley has said that she is not going to go to the UN anymore because there is no point in doing so. The prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, together with Trump, has said that they are "done talking about North Korea" -- ominous last words perhaps.

Again, it is important to point out that North Korea's missile program is a deterrent one. They do not have a first-strike policy, and they have reiterated on numerous occasions that they are willing to cease their nuclear program if the US will cease its military maneuvers against North Korea.

DB: We need another geography lesson on how close Seoul [the South Korean capital] is to the front lines. What might such a first strike look like?

KJN: A first strike might be on a nuclear facility, it might be on a launch facility, it might be a targeted attempt to take out the leadership. The thing to remember is that the North Korean border is closer to Seoul than Seoul's main airport. The North has between 7,000 and 12,000 conventional artillery pieces pointed at Seoul and could obliterate the city in a short space of time. Estimates are that between 30,000 and 300,000 people could be killed in the first volley of artillery fire.

North Korea has been using what is referred to in the defense parlance as a "tit-for-tat." Every time it perceives a threat, it responds either rhetorically or militarily. The problem with tit-for-tat as a conflict resolution process is that it often leads to misinterpretation and a spiral of escalation. It seems that we are getting close to a point where things are no longer predictable.

DB: Because the United States refused to sign a peace treaty in 1953 (to officially end the Korean War), we are still essentially in a state of war.

KJN: Korea was forced to open to the West in 1886 by a sort of gunship diplomacy. Since then the Korean relationship with the United States has been a very conflicted one, despite the way it is portrayed in the media.

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From Paul Craig Roberts Website



Donald Trump War Policy

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President Trump has been defeated by the military/security complex and forced into continuing the orchestrated and dangerous tensions with Russia. Trump's defeat has taught the Russians the lesson I have been trying to teach them for years, and that is that Russia is much more valuable to Washington as an enemy than as a friend.

Do we now conclude with Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that Trump is washed up and "utterly powerless?" I think not. Trump is by nature a leader. He wants to be out front, and that is where his personality will compel him to be. Having been prevented by the military/security complex, both US political parties, the presstitute media, the liberal-progressive-left, and Washington's European vassals from being out front as a leader for peace, Trump will now be the leader for war. This is the only permissible role that the CIA and armaments industry will permit him to have.

Losing the chance for peace might cost all of us our lives. Now that Russia and China see that Washington is unwilling to share the world stage with them, Russia and China will have to become more confrontational with Washington in order to prevent Washington from marginalizing them. Preparations for war will become central in order to protect the interests of the two countries. The situation is far more dangerous than at any time of the Cold War.

The foolish American liberal-progressive-left, wrapped up as they are in Identity Politics and hatred of "the Trump deplorables," joined the military/security complex's attack on Trump. So did the whores, who pretend to be a Western media, and Washington's European vassals, not one of whom had enough intelligence to see that the outcome of the attack on Trump would be an escalation of conflict with Russia, conflict that is not in Europe's business and security interests.

Washington is already raising the violence threshold. The same lies that Washington told about Saddam Hussein, Gadaffi, Assad, Iran, Serbia and Russia are now being told about Venezuela. The American presstitutes duly report the lies handed to them by the CIA just as Udo Ulfkotte and Seymour Hersh report. These lies comprise the propaganda that conditions Western peoples to accept the coming US coup against the democratic government in Venezuela and its replacement with a Washington-compliant government that will permit the renewal of US corporate exploitation of Venezuela.

As the productive elements of American capitalism fall away, the exploitative elements become its essence. After Venezuela, there will be more South American victims. As reduced tensions with Russia are no longer in prospect, there is no reason for the US to abandon its and Israel's determination to overthrow the Syrian government and then the Iranian government.

The easy wars against Iraq, Libya, and Somalia are to be followed by far more perilous conflict with Iran, Russia, and China

This is the outcome of John Brennan's defeat of President Trump.

UPDATE: The escalation of the conflict with Russia has begun. US vice president Mike Pence made false allegations against Russia yesterday (Aug. 2) in Montenegro designed to panic Montenegrins into joining NATO. The two-decade march of NATO eastward despite Washington's promise to the contrary, surely has taught Russia that no agreement with Washington can ever be trusted. So why does Russia continue to seek agreements with Washington?
From Gush Shalom

THE WHOLE world watched with bated breath while the days passed. Then the hours. Then the minutes.

The world watched while the condemned man, Muhammad Abu-Ali of Qalqiliya, waited for his execution.

Abu-Ali was a convicted terrorist. He had bought a knife and killed four members of a family in a nearby Jewish settlement. He had acted alone in a fit of anger, after his beloved cousin, Ahmed, was shot and killed by the Israeli border police during a demonstration.

This is an imaginary case. But it resembles very much what would happen if a real case that is now pending were to take this turn.

THERE IS no death penalty in Israel. It was abolished during the first years of the state, when the execution of Jewish underground fighters (called "terrorists" by the British) was still fresh in everybody's mind.

It was a solemn and festive occasion. After the vote, in an unplanned outburst of emotion, the entire Knesset rose and stood at attention for a minute. In the Knesset, such expressions of emotion, like applause, are forbidden.

On that day I was proud of my state, the state for which I had spilled my blood.

BEFORE THAT day, two people had been executed in Israel.

The first was shot during the early days of the state. A Jewish engineer was accused of passing information to the British, who passed it on to Arabs. Three military officers constituted themselves as a military court and condemned him to death. Later it was found that the man was innocent.

The second death sentence was passed on Adolf Eichmann, an Austrian Nazi who in 1944 directed the deportation of Hungarian Jews to the death camps. He was not very high up in the Nazi hierarchy, just a lieutenant-colonel ("Obersturmbannfuhrer") in the SS. But he was the only Nazi officer with whom Jewish leaders came into direct contact. In their minds, he was a monster.

When he was kidnapped in Argentina and brought to Jerusalem, he looked like an average bank clerk, not very impressive and not very intelligent. When he was condemned to death, I wrote an article asking myself whether I was in favor of his execution. I said: "I dare not say yes and I dare not say no." He was hanged.

A PERSONAL confession: I cannot kill a cockroach. I am unable to kill a fly. That is not a conscious aversion. It is almost physical.

It was not always so. When I had just turned 15, I joined a "terrorist" organization, the Irgun ("National Military Organization"), which at the time killed lots of people, including women and children, at Arab markets in retaliation for the killing of Jews in the Arab rebellion.

I was too young to be employed in the actions themselves, but my comrades and I distributed leaflets proudly proclaiming the actions. So I certainly was an accomplice, until I left the organization because I started to disapprove of "terrorism."

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Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"We need a more Open digital world -- that's good for business, the economy and the future of humanity. To get there is going to take "bottom-up" effort and Rob Kall's book is an exciting roadmap for how that can happen."



Rufus Pollock, author of "The Open Revolution", Founder of Open Knowledge, and formerly Mead Fellow in Economics at the University of Cambridge
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Animal behavior researcher Linda Koebner was a grad student when she spent four years with chimpanzees Doll and Swing, helping them to transition from a life behind bars as research subjects to freedom in a natural setting. Eighteen years later she returns for a magical reunion.

It's a story of rescue, rehabilitation, and resilience. The famous animal behavior researcher Linda Koebner helped two laboratory chimpanzees transition to a life outside of bars, then left them to live their lives in a sanctuary where the chimps could live a more normal life. But in the video... Koebner returns to check on her old friends, unsure if they'd welcome her home after all these years.

Koebner calls their names from the boat and her two old friends are there eagerly waiting for her on shore. Their first touches and embraces show the magnitude of good Koebner's work did in rehabilitating the chimps and showcases their human-like memory and compassion for a dear friend.








India's Population Bump and Its Consequences

by Moses Seenarine

Growth for Who?

India is a young country with a fast growing annual GDP of above seven percent in 2016, up from two percent at Independence in 1947. India's per capita income rose from Rs. 7,513 from 1950 to Rs. 69,959 to 2014, yet according to the World Bank, it had the largest number of poor people in any country in 2012.

The country's economic growth is lauded by the ruling class, but is India's growth rate sustainable and equitable? What is the cost of decades of growth in terms of environmental degradation and social exclusion? India is portrayed as one of the world's top greenhouse gas polluters, but India's extended period of economic growth is driving energy consumption, not necessarily its people.

Economic growth has remained positive since the mid-1970s and has hovered above five percent since the 1990s. Exports grew from $59 million in 1958 to over $30 billion in 2013, while food grain production rose from 51 million tonnes in 1950 to 257 million tonnes in 2012. Widespread belief in a raising GDP is viewed as a solution for all India's social and political problems, and the growth rate is the only indicator of progress to which all Indian politicians pay homage. But there is an annual negative balance of trade of $13 billion, and total external debt of $470 billion.

The youth unemployment rate hovers around 13 percent officially, but the actual figure may be much higher. The Rangarajan study estimated that 363 million, or close to 30 percent of India's 1.2 billion people lived in poverty in 2011-12. The study considers people living on less than Rs 32 a day in rural areas and Rs 47 a day in urban areas as poor. A vast majority of the poor come from Dalit and other disadvantaged communities.

Population Bump

The median Indian age is under 27 years, slowly raising from its low of 19 years in the 1970s. It is expected that, in 2020, the average age of an Indian will be 29 years, compared to 37 for China and 48 for Japan. The population growth rate is falling, and the pace of the decline has increased in the last few decades. The first decade of the new millennium saw fewer people added to India's population than in the previous decade.

Women are the main reason for this decrease in growth rate. Indian women are having fewer children, and they are choosing to stop having kids early, so the mean age at childbirth is falling. The average fertility is 2.3 children, well down from 5.9 births per female in 1951, and is expected to further decline to the replacement rate of 2.1 by 2025. The rural fertility figure is 2.5, and in urban areas it is 1.8, close to the European Union's 1.6. The urban population is around a third of the total, around 400 million people. The number of female births for every male birth in India is very low and just above that of China, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The sex ratio was 944 females for 1000 males in 2016, but this disparity should start to improve by 2020, when male and female child mortality is expected to be similar.

While the tremendous decline in fertility rate means that India does not represent a population bomb, there is a significant bump ahead due to demographic momentum that can still lead to resource problems and ecological crisis. Indians already represent a fifth of the world's humans, totaling over 1.3 billion in 2016, so the current slight value above the replacement rate translates into hundreds of millions of people in the coming decades. According to a 2017 United Nations' report, India will overtake China to become the world's most populous country within the next seven years. And, India's population will continue to grow until 2061 to over 1.7 billion people, by which time China's numbers is expected to decline to 1.2 billion.

Consumption Bulge

In 2012, India had the tenth-largest economy in the world but was the fourth-largest energy consumer, trailing only the United States, China, and Russia. Primary energy consumption more than doubled between 1990 and 2011. India was the fourth largest consumer of oil and petroleum products in the world in 2011, after the United States, China, and Japan. India relies heavily on imported crude oil, mostly from the Middle East, and became the world's sixth-largest liquefied natural gas importer in 2011.

India's power capacity increased from 1,323 MW in 1947 to 240,000 MW in 2013. Coal is India's primary source of energy; the power sector accounts for more than 70 percent of coal consumption. India's dependence on imported energy resources and its inconsistent energy sector reform may make it difficult to satisfy rising demand. Because of insufficient fuel supply, the country suffers from a shortage of electricity generation, leading to rolling blackouts.

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Indonesia yesterday deported more than 140 Chinese and Taiwanese to China, where they are wanted for impersonating police and scamming businessmen and politicians out of several hundred million dollars.

The 121 Chinese and 22 Taiwanese were handed over to Chinese police and left from Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on two flights, immigration office spokesman Agung Sampurno said.

They are part of trans-national organized crime who came to Indonesia as tourists, Sampurno said.

Indonesian police caught the mostly male suspects in a weekend raid of houses in Jakarta, Surabaya and the resort island of Bali. Two suffered gunshot wounds to their legs while attempting to escape. The arrests followed a tip from Chinese police.

National police spokesman Rikwanto said the scammers had operated from Indonesia since late last year to avoid being tracked down at home and the scam had earned about $450 million.

Rikwanto, who goes by a single name, said the suspects had incriminating information about their targets and posing as Chinese law enforcement officers promised a clean slate in exchange for money.

He said several Indonesians who helped arrange travel and accommodation were arrested in Bali though no Indonesians were victims of the scam.

In 2015, Indonesian authorities arrested and deported more than 400 Taiwanese and Chinese citizens in several major cities for involvement in similar crimes.

Taiwan, which the mainland Chinese government regards as a rebel province, is not recognized by Indonesia as a country but the two have significant commercial and economic ties. AP
The Ministers Spouses Conference of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, (PCG) has elected new executive committee to steer the affairs of the group for the next six years.



The new executive committee is under the presidency of Mrs. Eunice Amfo-Akonnor with Mrs. Elizabeth Opong Wereko as Vice President.



Other officers elected were Mr. Edwin A. Opare, National Secretary, Mrs. Comfort Annor, Assistant National Secretary, Mrs. Joyce Puplampu, Financial Secretary and Mrs. Theresa Bawua as Treasurer. The out-going acting national president, Mrs Florence Mante becomes advisor.



They were elected at the just ended biennial conference held at the University of Ghana, Legon.



The National President elect, Mrs Euinice Amfo-Akonnoe on behalf of the officers, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to put the group on a higher pedestal during their six year tenure of office.



She said: God has found it necessary at this time to elect us as officers for the next six years. We will tap the expertise of all members to move the group forward."



Speaking to the media, the out-going national president, Mrs Florence Mante said the group over the years had undertaken lots of projects aimed at seeking the welfare of women and children. She mentioned some of these projects as breast cancer awareness and the establishment of a fund to support people diagnosed with the disease and the HIV/AIDS campaign project to sensitize their members.



She warned Ghanaians, especially women to be wary of people parading the country as Men of God and engage in dubious activities with sole aim of getting money quick. She said such persons gave themselves titles including pastor, bishop, archbishop and man of God but ended engaging in things that bring the name of God into disrepute.



Rev Dr Samuel Ayete-Nyampong, Clerk of the General Assembly of the PCG in a sermon at the thanksgiving service on Sunday to climax the four-day conference at the Faith Congregation at Shiashie in Accra said the church should be able to bring comfort, hope and peace to the distressed to fulfill the mission of Christ. "The church of Christ should be an arena of peace, hope and love for the people," he added.



He however expressed concern about "the lack of zeal among present day Christians to pursue the holiness and Godliness that Jesus asked them to live but rather go after riches."



He said the people's deviation from God's way and word has resulted in the number of social vices being experienced because parents had failed to bring up their children in the Lord's way.



Rev Dr Ayete-Nyampong commended ministers spouses of the church for supporting their husbands and wives to effectively carry out their ministerial duties.

This years event, which was under the theme: When the Holy Spirit Moves, the Transformed Ministers Spouse was attended by more than 700 delegates.



The PCG Ministers Spouses Conference was formed 41 years ago to bring all spouses of the ministers together to support their spouses roles as ministers and also to support the welfare of women and children.





Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-04 08:04:01

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alipay, the world's largest online and mobile payment platform and lifestyle super app operated by Ant Financial Services Group, today announced its partnership with VTB Group, one of Russia's leading banking groups. VTB Group has recently started merchant acquiring for Alipay payments service in its over-120,000-POS-device network, which now makes VTB Group the biggest partner of Alipay in Russia. It is expected that more than 1 million Chinese travelers will benefit from the new partnership every year.

The service will be launched shortly after a pilot program in August. Q3-Q4 2017 will see its roll-out to the whole VTB network of near 100,000 merchants.

Alipay is the world's largest online and mobile wallet with more than 520 million active users. For Chinese shoppers, the new partnership will lead to more convenience and safety during their trips to Russia, and Russian merchants will have the ability to use all the value added marketing functions the system provides. For shops and restaurants, it means promising an increase of conversion rates, average ticket size and turnover.

According to an estimation of VTB24, the VTB Group's retail banking arm, Alipay will be in high demand in Moscow, St Petersburg, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, Blagoveshchensk and Irkutsk. "We see the number of Chinese tourists is increasingly growing," said Alexey Kirichek, VP, Director of Merchant Acquiring Department, VTB24. "Potential volume of this market is approximately 300 billion rubles per year. Average ticket size of Alipay users is 2-3 times higher than in other payment methods, hence we expect high demand for the new service from merchants."

"For Alipay, it's very important to get support from one of the largest banks in Russia. Large-scale acceptance of Alipay on the whole POS infrastructure of VTB24 will allow us to speed up and facilitate the launch of our service at merchants and enable country level coverage," said Bogdan Zadorozhny, Alipay's Business Development Director for Russia.

Alipay became available in Russia for Chinese tourists starting in April 2017. Merchants include a number of souvenir shops and department stores in Moscow and St Petersburg. In July, Alipay announced its partnership with Moscow's Department of Public Transportation. In the near future, Chinese tourists will be able to use Alipay to buy bus or metro tickets.

Alipay has been expanding to in-store offline payments both inside and outside of China. Over 10 million brick-and-mortar merchants now accept Alipay across China. In addition, it is accepted in over 30 countries and regions, with in-store payments covering more than 200,000 retail stores.

VTB24 is one of the leaders in the merchant acquiring business in Russia. Last year, the acquiring volume of the bank reached 1 trillion rubles. This year, the bank plans to achieve 1.4 trillion. Among the biggest customers of VTB24 are such retailers as Auchan, Russian Railways, Yandex Taxi, VK.com, etc.

About Alipay

Operated by Ant Financial Services Group, Alipay is the world's largest mobile and online payment platform. Launched in 2004, Alipay currently has over 520 million active users and over 450 financial institution partners globally. Alipay has evolved from a digital wallet to a lifestyle enabler. Users can hail a taxi, book a hotel, buy movie tickets, pay utility bills, make appointments with doctors, or purchase wealth management products directly from within the app. In addition to online payments, Alipay is expanding to in-store offline payments both inside and outside of China. Over 10 million brick-and-mortar merchants now accept Alipay across China. Alipay's in-store payment service is covering more than 200,000 retail stores across the world, and tax reimbursement via Alipay is supported in 24 countries and regions. Alipay works with over 250 overseas financial institutions and payment solution providers to enable cross-border payments for Chinese travelling overseas and overseas customers who purchase products from Chinese e-commerce sites. Alipay currently supports 19 currencies.

Media Enquiries Xinyun Yang International Communications Ant Financial Services Group Tel: +86 1381 6896 301 Email: xinyun.yang@antfin.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: Ant Financial Services Group via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-04 19:05:40

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Selangor, Malaysia, Aug 5, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Grey mangrove trees, Avicennia marina, filter heavy metals out of the surrounding soil and water. A new study from Indonesia has found that their leaf litter accumulates the most copper, followed by leaves and then roots.Researchers from Universitas Diponegoro analysed copper concentrations in a mangrove forest in Tapak Tuguerjo, an area along the northern coast of Java, Indonesia. The forest is downstream from a river polluted by a nearby factory. Copper concentrations in seawater samples from the study area ranged from 0.02 milligrams per litre (mg/L) to 0.05 mg/L; as much as six times the 0.008 mg/L maximum permissible level for marine biota set by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment.Over the span of 12 weeks, the team collected samples of water, soil, roots, young leaves and leaf litter (fallen leaves). After drying and grinding the plant material, they analysed its copper content using atomic absorption spectroscopy.They found that copper concentrations in the plant material were up to ten times more than the water samples. Leaf litter carried the highest concentration, followed by live leaves and then roots, according to the study published in the Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science.The results confirm findings from several other studies and demonstrate the mangrove's ability to defend "itself against contaminated environments by excreting copper through its leaves, which will then be discarded through defoliation." Mangroves are able to do this better than many other plant species, due in part to their adaptation to living in coastal zones, where they absorb and eliminate salt in a similar way.As the leaf litter breaks down, copper can then be reintroduced back to the soil and water. However, the researchers suspect the impact is minimal: the estimated amount released is less than 3.5 percent of the total absorbed, and is spread over a large area.For more information about this research, please contact:Nana Kariada Tri MartutiDepartment of BiologyFaculty of Mathematics and Natural ScienceSemarang State University, Indonesia 50229Email: nana.kariada@yahoo.co.id Tel: +628 12287 93345About Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science (JTAS)Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science (JTAS) is published by Universiti Putra Malaysia in English and is open to authors around the world regardless of nationality. The journal is published four times a year in February, May, August and November. Other Pertanika series include Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology (JST), and Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities (JSSH).JTAS aims to provide a forum for high quality research related to tropical agricultural research. Areas relevant to the scope of the journal include: agricultural biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, ecology, fisheries, forestry, food sciences, entomology, genetics, microbiology, pathology and management, physiology, plant and animal sciences, production of plants and animals of economic importance, and veterinary medicine. The journal publishes original academic articles dealing with research on issues of worldwide relevance.Website: http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/ The papers are available from these links: http://bit.ly/2v3NBSp For more information about the journal, contact:The Chief Executive Editor (UPM Journals)Head, Journal Division, UPM PressOffice of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (R&I)IDEA Tower 2, UPM-MDTC Technology CentreUniversiti Putra Malaysia43400 Serdang, SelangorMalaysiaPhone: +603 8947 1622 | +6016 217 4050Email: nayan@ upm.my Press release distributed by ResearchSEA for Pertanika Journal.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-04 14:00:12

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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 Closes 2nd Tranche of Private Placement for $324kTo 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 04, 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: 2017-08-04 15:35:02

SATO Corporation, Press Release, 4th August 2017 at 4:33 pm

SATO Corporation and Swedbank AB (publ) have signed an agreement on an unsecured loan of 100 million in Helsinki on 4 August 2017. The agreement with Swedbank continues the series of long term financing agreements that are consistent with the main terms of unsecured bonds issued by the company.

"Deepening the co-operation with Swedbank with a loan arrangement perfectly suitable to our finance strategy is a valuable thing to us. This financing agreement is an excellent continuation to the process where unsecured loan agreements have previously been made with Aktia Bank, the European Investment Bank and OP Corporate Bank", says SATO's President and CEO Saku Sipola. The cash proceeds will be used to refinance secured debt and for general financing purposes of the group.

The financing agreement strengthens measures taken by SATO to adjust its financing structure towards increased use of unsecured debt. SATO's unencumbered assets ratio was 56.3% at the end of Q1 2017.

SATO has consistently diversified its financing structure and improved its liquidity position. An important step in this was the 400 million unsecured syndicated credit facility agreement signed in June 2016 with several commercial banks. The solidity of SATO's financing structure has also been boosted further by unsecured bonds.

For more information please contact:

Markku Honkasalo, CFO, phone +358 201 34 4226 or +358 50 598 8728

Janne Runsamo, Group Treasurer, phone +358 201 34 4009 or +358 45 671 3567

www.sato.fi/en



SATO is one of Finland's leading lessors of rental apartments. SATO aims to offer full options for rental housing and an excellent customer experience. At the end of 2016, SATO owned a total of 25,300 rental apartments in Finland's largest growth centres and in St. Petersburg.

We contribute to sustainable development and initiative through our operations, and engage in open interaction with our stakeholders in order to produce added value. We operate over the long term and profitably. We increase the value of housing assets through investments and divestments and through our repair activities.

SATO Group's net sales in 2016 stood at EUR 263.0 million, its operating profit stood at EUR 267.2 million and its profit before taxes was EUR 219.4 million. The value of SATO's investment assets is EUR 3.4 billion.

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: SATO Oyj via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2017-08-04 21:02:13

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Skyline Investments Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Skyline Investments Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board:SKLN). has issued a press release with the following headline:Skyline Has Signed an Agreement to Purchase 13 Select-Service Hotels in the USA for $135M USDTo 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 Skyline Investments 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/Skyline Investments Inc.Source: Skyline Investments Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SKLN)Date: August 04, 2017Time: 3:02 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Skyline Investments Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Ximen Mining Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Ximen Mining Corp. (TSX Venture:XIM). has issued a press release with the following headline:Ximen Purchases Additional Mineral ClaimsTo 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 Ximen Mining Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Ximen Mining Corp.Source: Ximen Mining Corp. (TSX Venture: XIM, WKN: A1W2EG, ISIN: CA98420B1013)Date: August 04, 2017Time: 7:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Ximen Mining Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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.




North Koreas flurry of missile launches  20 of them just in the past year  is a new and alarming fact of life for Japan and its other neighbors.

But Pyongyangs recent demonstrations of its capacity to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles, while worrying, are drawing shrugs from many in the region who reckon theres not much anyone can do about them.

We have no idea when and where (a missile) would strike. Honestly, I dont think there is any way to prepare for it, Akira Fukatsu, a 65-year-old retiree, said as he sat drinking a beer on a bench in a park overlooking a U.S. Navy base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo. Were simply unlucky if one strikes here.

Many Japanese, South Koreans and Chinese appear to share that sense of resignation over North Koreas apparent newfound capacity to launch missiles capable of reaching much of the continental United States.

The July 4 firing of a Hwasong-14 ICBM, its first test, and another last weekend suggest that major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago are within range of North Korean weapons. Such missiles could be armed with nuclear, biological or chemical warheads, although many experts say North Korea hasnt fully mastered miniaturizing nuclear warheads and might not have the technology to ensure a warhead would survive re-entry into the atmosphere from space or even hit an intended target.

Attitudes in Japan, South Korea and China toward the threat vary, but likely reflect a sangfroid partly born of living with the legacy of the Cold War and ever present risks of huge earthquakes and other natural disasters.

JAPAN

Many Japanese have mixed feelings about the latest developments, viewing them as a sign that by focusing on ICBM development, North Koreas aggression is directed toward the U.S. rather than Japan, even if test launches have been splashing down off Japans coast.

Japan was within range of North Korean missiles even before their range extended recently, said Tetsuharu Nagashima, an official in charge of emergency response in Yokosuka, which is home to some of the 50,000 American troops stationed in U.S. ally Japan, as well as a Japanese naval base.

Instructions on the local government website tell people to take refuge in strong buildings or underground shopping arcades in case of attack, and to hit the ground and cover their heads if no such shelter is nearby.

Unlike some communities that have held drills and drawn up contingency plans, Nagashima said Yokosuka had no plan to conduct evacuation drills.

Misaki Honna, the mother of a 10-month-old girl, said suggestions that Yokosuka might be targeted because of the U.S. and Japanese military presence were troubling.

But even if we flee, we wouldnt know where to go. If a missile strikes, theres almost nothing you can do about it, she said.

Eiko Miyauchi, 83, endured U.S. fire-bombings during World War II. As a child, she was evacuated from the coast and took shelter in an underground bunker as bombs rained down.

I lived through the war, and I cant imagine anything being as scary as that one, she said.

SOUTH KOREA

Living just across the Demilitarized Zone from North Korea, South Koreans are famously laid back about its displays of military might.

But while life continues as usual and theres no visible panic on the streets, at least some South Koreans are starting to question whether North Koreas nuclear weapons and missiles may have become bigger problems than anyone wants to admit.

South Koreans have been too relaxed, said Yang Seung-jun, noting that missile launches show North Korea could attack the South at any time. Its our choice to laugh it off and say North Korea cant do that, or the United Nations will sanction them But war never happens when we expect it to, he said.

Some South Koreans who spoke to The Associated Press in the capital Seoul expressed frustration over decades of failed efforts by Seoul and Washington to dissuade Pyongyang from pursuing its nuclear ambitions.

Park Sun-hee, the mother of three, the youngest an 8-year-old boy, said she doesnt fret over every missile launch. Its obviously difficult to be in perpetual panic over the same bellicose neighbor who has been there for decades, especially while living in one of Asias most competitive societies.

Still, she does worry about the future.

I am thinking about moving to another country, Park said. I already lived half my life now, but I have children who still need to grow, and I wonder whether this country will be safe for them.

Some South Korean experts fear that development of a fully functional ICBM by the North might undermine their countrys alliance with the U.S., citing concerns that Washington may hesitate to defend the South if hostilities break out between the rival Koreas, which have never signed a peace treaty after the 1950-53 Korean War.

Others, like Yang, think newly elected liberal President Moon Jae-in should be tougher on Pyongyang.

In the meantime, many are just busy heading to foreign getaways and the beaches for their summer holidays. Like Moon, who took the week off for his summer vacation, they have sun and surf on their minds.

CHINA

Chinas relatively blase response to North Koreas missile tests reflects the belief that they do not pose a grave threat to Beijing, even if Beijing dislikes Pyongyangs defiance.

Alissa Chen, a teacher, said she thought it unlikely a North Korean missile would strike China. But we cant rule out this possibility, after all, with the North Koreans its hard to figure them out so its difficult to say, Chen said. But I have always thought they shouldnt act too rashly.

Beijing tends to object more vehemently to North Korean nuclear tests that have at times rocked buildings in northeastern China and raised worries over radioactive fallout and other unintended consequences, though President Xi Jinpings government appears unwilling to expend much effort or political capital to address North Koreas actions.

There are heavy industrial cities in the northeast, that is our concern, said Li Shuangsheng, a retiree walking past a subway exit in downtown Beijing.

Li Jiahua, a medical company employee in Beijing, said he was confident Chinas own growing military muscle and its historical alliance with the fellow communist state would deter threats from Pyongyang.

Im not worried about this. China is now so strong and the foreign policy China has pursued has been to unite our neighbors, Li said. Mari Yamaguchi, Kim Tong-Hyung and Emily Wang, Yokosuka, AP
Turkeys top diplomat vowed yesterday to root out militants plotting against China, signaling closer cooperation against suspected Uighur militants hailing from Chinas far west who have long been a sore point in bilateral relations.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters during a visit to Beijing that his government would treat threats to Chinas security as threats to itself and would not allow any anti-China activity inside Turkey or territory controlled by Turkey.

Cavusoglus tough comments, which came after a meeting and warm handshakes with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, were seen as referring to Chinas Uighur ethnic minority, a Turkic people who share cultural and linguistic ties with Anatolian Turks.

Turkey and China have in recent years pledged to cooperate on security and counter-terrorism efforts, though experts say such ties are also balanced by mutual suspicion. Relations between Ankara and Beijing have been strained by Turkeys campaign to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad  a China ally  and its sheltering of Uighur refugees.

Human rights groups have long accused China of oppressing its roughly 10 million Uighurs with severe restrictions on language, culture and religion and inflaming a cycle of resentment and radicalization. Hundreds have died in Xinjiang in violent clashes in recent years and China now keeps the region, with a land area comparable to Iran, under a constant lockdown with massive policing and surveillance efforts that activists say are rife with abuse.

Thousands of Uighurs have fled China in recent years to seek asylum in Turkey, with many traveling on to Syria to join Islamic militant groups or simply to escape persecution and find a new home. In response, China has pressed allies including Russia and Syria to share intelligence about Uighur militants fighting in Syria and help avert their return to strike at China.

Hundreds of Uighurs, if not far more, are believed to have joined the al-Qaida-affiliated Nusra Front while others have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group or sided with smaller militant factions in the Syrian conflict.

Cavusoglu endorsed Chinas efforts yesterday, adding that Turkey fully appreciated all the actions China has taken in combating the Islamic State group as well as reaching a political settlement in the Syrian War.

Wang, meanwhile, said that deepening our collaboration on anti-terror and security is the most central part of the two countries relationship.

With President Xi Jinping keen to play a leadership role in global affairs, China has swiftly expanded its presence in the Middle East and offered itself as a mediator in the regions conflicts. But it has not shied from calling for help, either.

At Beijings request, Egyptian police in recent weeks rounded up scores of Muslim Chinese students studying in at Al-Azhar University and deported them to China, sparking panic among Chinese living in Cairo who belong to the Uighur, Hui and Kazakh ethnic minorities.

The World Uyghur Congress, an overseas Uighur advocacy group, said it hoped China and Turkeys vows of cooperation in the name of security would not infringe on Uighur refugees lawful rights.

The Turkish foreign ministers comments have surprised and concerned us, said Dilxat Raxit, a spokesman for the group. Chinas goal is to use economic pressure to restrict Uighurs political rights but we remain hopeful that the Turkish people will continue to stand with Uighurs and give us their support.

Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan had positioned himself as a champion of Turkic peoples and in 2009 accused Beijing of committing genocide toward Uighurs, attracting a flurry of headlines and infuriating Beijing. The two governments clashed again in 2015 when Turkey offered asylum to Uighur refugees detained in Thailand whom China had demanded back.

Since then, however, the China-Turkey relationship has warmed amid a broader political realignment. China, Russia and Turkey have strengthened their partnership while Erdogan has pulled away from the orbit of European governments amid disputes over human rights and other issues.

China has expressed openness toward Turkey joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a security alliance comprised of Russia and several central Asian states that is seen as a counterweight to NATO.

Turkey and Russia have also backed several major Chinese initiatives  including Xi Jinpings Belt-and-Road project to develop infrastructure spanning the Eurasian continent  that were initially shunned by Western powers. Gerry Shih, Beijing, AP
Gourmet coffee enthusiasts in search for the best coffee beans may just find what they need in Aroma Bravo's Honduras whole bean coffee.

Contact

Charles C Harmon Co LLC

***@gmail.com

888-582-6650 Charles C Harmon Co LLC888-582-6650

End

-- Searching for the best coffee beans is often a challenge especially for gourmet coffee lovers with discerning taste. With so many notable brands to consider, it's difficult to decide which one to go with. One way to make it easier is to select coffee beans from a single geographic origin. Renowned coffee-producing countries such as Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras are some excellent places to get the best coffee beans for home brewing.Aroma Bravo, a certified organic coffee and tea company, has tasted all sorts of coffee in its quest to find the best coffee beans. As a coffee aficionado, the company has naturally cultivated a taste for gourmet coffee. After tasting various types, Honduras coffee is the one that resonated most with the company."We've spent a lot of time deciding which single-origin coffee to ultimately serve to our beloved customers. Some of the most memorable coffees we've tasted are sourced from Central America, with Honduras coming in first on the list," said a company representative for Aroma Bravo."In our opinion, Honduras coffee is the most flavorful gourmet coffee out there. We were just instantly captivated by its earthy quality, mild aroma, and mellow flavor of chocolate and nuts. Overall, it has a well-balanced taste that makes it superior to the other varieties we have had. From then on, we've decided to source Honduras coffee beans to represent our roasted coffee products," he added.The decision paid off for Aroma Bravo as the Honduran coffee became a hit among serious coffee lovers online. It was a meticulous journey, but the beverage company is glad to have finally found the best coffee beans that many gourmet coffee consumers enjoy today.Coffee lovers who want to learn more about Aroma Bravo Coffee and Tea and its roasted coffees can head to https://www.amazon.com/ review/RGT39IQ3MMSYJ/ ref=cm_cr_rdp... Aroma Bravo sources only the best coffee beans from Honduras to create an impressive lineup of gourmet coffees. Roasted in small batches, Aroma Bravo Coffee is highly recommended for serious coffee lovers.
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After a busy start to this Congress, it's time to recharge and catch up on some of the next issues Congress will be wrestling with this fall. This summer reading list is a resource to help you be ready to hit the ground running this fall  whether you'll be spending time on a beach or traveling through your state or district.

Fit to Serve?

A topic sure to be on constituents' minds is the administration's recent decision to prohibit transgender Americans from serving in the military. RAND recently studied the potential effects of allowing transgender troops to serve openly in the military and found that the number would likely be a small fraction of the total force and have minimal impact on readiness and health care costs.

How Would Changes to the Health Care System Affect Americans?

As policymakers consider the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), RAND research has examined how modifying or replacing the ACA would impact insurance coverage, consumer costs, and federal spending. RAND experts have also considered system-wide policy options that could provide coverage to more Americans.

Responding to North Korea's Continuous Provocations

Prior to the August recess, Congress passed sanctions on North Korea in response to its ongoing missile and nuclear tests. Recently, RAND researcher Bruce Bennett briefed Congressional staff on developments in North Korea, including its recent ICBM test and regional dynamics in Northeast Asia. Bennett also explains why a surgical strike on North Korea's nuclear arsenal simply won't work.

How to Stem the Tide of Opioid Abuse

People who misuse heroin and prescription opioids have mortality rates that are six to 20 times higher than the general population, and opioid-related deaths have increased dramatically during the past two decades. A new RAND report finds that following three recommendations in providing medical care to people with an opioid addiction may reduce deaths among those patients by as much as one-third. Additionally, in a recent Congressional testimony, RAND expert Rosalie Pacula explains that treatment for individuals with an opioid-use disorder will be key in fighting the epidemic.

What's Next in the Fight Against ISIS?

The defeat of ISIS in Mosul was a significant blow to the terrorist organization. Now that the terrorists have been dislodged, the focus of the Iraqi government and international community is shifting from military operations to stabilization efforts. Achieving stability will depend on active leadership and financial and technical support from the United States, other coalition members, the neighboring Gulf States, and the United Nations.

How Vulnerable Is Your Computer?

What if there's a flaw in your operating system, a zero-day vulnerability, that is leaving you vulnerable to hackers? And what should the government do if they know about it? The report Zero Days, Thousands of Nights provides findings from real-world zero-day vulnerability and exploit data and explores factors policymakers should consider in deciding whether to retain these vulnerabilities or disclose them to help better secure networks.
In the late 1980s, a fortuitous event occurred that continues to resonate within (and on) the walls of the headquarters campus of the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, California.

Software developer Peter Norton was serving on a United Nations Development Programme Advisory panel in Saudi Arabia with two RAND researchers who had an affinity for art when Norton happened to mention his art collection was outgrowing its storage space. The researchers suggested a display solution: The hallways of RAND.

That was the beginning of a relationship between art benefactor and research organization that continues to this day.

What's it like to work in an office building with scores of museum-quality art on the walls? Does creative artwork inspire the innovative problem-solving for which RAND is known? A recent feature in the Los Angeles Times delved into RAND culture to address those questions. The print edition headline: Think tank with an artful mind.

Since the RAND building is not open to the general public, here's a peek at a few pieces in the collection.

L.A. History as an Anchor Photo by Panic Studio LA John Valadez's The Broadway Mural (1981) wraps around a first-floor elevator lobby at RAND. More than 60 feet long, the multi-panel mural records a downtown Los Angeles scene outside what was then the Victor Clothing Company on Broadway between Second and Third streets. Big Statements Photo by Panic Studio LA Several large works can be found in a first-floor conference space often accessed by the public. At left, one of two pieces from the Groundspeed (Red Piazza) series (2001) by Rosemary Laing, a photo-based artist known for staging elaborate art in nature. At the end of the hall is Nina Bovasso's Delaunay in Mind (2004), an abstract acrylic on paper that from a distance can be mistaken for a quilt.

Civil War Abstraction

Photo by Panic Studio LA

Embedded among research offices on an upper floor is Kim Dingle's Lincoln's Cow (1990), an oil-on-canvas work that cleverly maps the Confederate states during the Civil War in white and the counties that symbolically refused to secede from the Union in black.

Getting It on Tape Photo by Panic Studio LA Artist Charles Spurrier created the bands of color in this 1996 untitled work by applying his thumbprints to cellophane. The oversized piece is one of several by Spurrier on loan to RAND from the Peter Norton collection.

Faces in Time

Photo by Panic Studio LA

These are four of 18 Portraits of Victor Clothing Company Employees (c. 19791981) by John Valadez that hang across an elevator bank frequented by RAND employees. As a young artist, Valadez bartered his talent, creating portraits of the employee of the month in exchange for free rent for his studio. When Victor Clothing sold the historic downtown building, it tried to reunite as many of the paintings and their subjects as possible.
Chinas Defense Ministry says a Chinese warship is assisting the U.S. Navy in its search for a sailor who is missing and may have gone overboard during operations in the South China Sea.

The ministry said in a statement yesterday that the Peoples Liberation Army Navys guided-missile frigate Liuzhou is coordinating with the U.S. in the search for the sailor in the spirit of humanitarianism.

The U.S. Navys Pacific Fleet says the destroyer USS Stethem reported a man overboard around 9 a.m. Tuesday. Multiple searches of the destroyer were conducted but the sailor hasnt been found.

China, which claims virtually all of the South China Sea, accused the U.S. in July of trespassing in its waters when the Stethem sailed within 12 nautical miles (32 kilometers) of Triton Island in the Paracel Group.

The operation was aimed at affirming the right to passage and challenging what the U.S. considers Chinas excessive territorial claims in the area. China sent ships to intercept the destroyer.

China has strongly objected to repeated freedom of navigation missions by the U.S. Navy in the South China Sea.
Russia's Communications and Mass Media Ministry has prepared draft legislation that would impose fines for the distribution of foreign newspapers and magazines without the permission of the government.

Deputy Minister Aleksei Volin told Interfax on August 4 that the law would target "individuals" who distribute foreign publications without a license.

He said the proposed fines ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 rubles ($16 to $500) were intended to add a punishment to an already existing law barring the distribution of foreign print media without a license.

Volin said that the proposed legislation does not bar the reprinting of foreign articles by Russian media or the distribution of individual articles in other forms.

Based on reporting by Interfax and Izvestia
The protracted standoff over proposed amendments to Georgias constitution has resulted in the emergence of two divergent, parallel Georgias, a dichotomy that could undermine confidence in the political process.

That is the conclusion reached by a seven-member delegation from the U.S. National Democratic Institute following a series of meetings last month with members of the countrys leadership and representatives of political parties and civil society. The objective was to assess the political situation in the run-up to municipal elections tentatively scheduled for mid-October.

The failure to reach a consensus on the proposed constitutional amendments has indeed resulted in the polarization of the political landscape, with the ruling Georgian Dream party that authored the draft proposals on one side and virtually all other political parties, both parliamentary and extraparliamentary, on the other, together with the countrys most influential NGOs. But to speak of two Georgias is misleading and an oversimplification, given the lack of unity both within Georgian Dream and among the opposition. Those tensions and rivalries could, journalist Khatuna Lagazidze suggests, catalyze the emergence of new political alignments in the run-up to the presidential election due in 2018.

The most controversial proposed constitutional amendments concern whether and when to switch from direct to indirect presidential elections; the time frame for transition from the current mixed majoritarian-proportional system of parliamentary elections to a fully proportional system; and the allocation of votes between parties that qualify for parliamentary representation.

In late June, the Georgian Dream parliament faction approved in first and second readings, in the absence of the three opposition parliament factions, a draft that postponed the transition from the mixed to the 100 percent proportional system until the elections due in 2024.

The draft approved days earlier by the Council of Europes Venice Commission of legal experts envisaged switching from the mixed to the fully proportional system in 2020. That U-turn reportedly reflected pressure within Georgian Dream from some of its majoritarian lawmakers who feared the loss of their mandates in the event of a switch to the proportional system. Their stated rationale for preserving the existing mixed system was the problems Moldova encountered following an analogous transition to a fully proportional system in 2006.

At the same time, in line with the Venice Commissions recommendations, Georgian Dream lowered the barrier for parliamentary representation from the current 5 percent to 3 percent and agreed to limit the maximum number of additional parliament mandates the winning party will receive as a result of votes cast for parties that do not qualify for representation.

The parliamentary vote nonetheless triggered outrage across the opposition spectrum. Sixteen opposition parties, including the former ruling United National Movement and European Georgia, which split from it earlier this year, immediately addressed a statement to the Council of Europe secretary general, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Venice Commission, the OSCE, and foreign ambassadors in Tbilisi calling for a halt to parliament discussions of the draft (the third reading of which is scheduled for October), and the submission of a revised draft to the Venice Commission, all of whose recommendations would then be incorporated into the final version. They characterized the amended constitution unilaterally endorsed by Georgian Dream as antidemocratic, adding that it does not reflect the will of the Georgian people and cannot be considered a legitimate document.

Professing himself profoundly disappointed, Venice Commission President Gianni Buquicchio met with representatives of the parliament, the president, and the opposition. Buquicchio again characterized the draft as on the whole a good one. He pointed out that Georgian Dream had taken the right step in opting to switch from the mixed to the proportional system at the risk of losing power, but added that postponing that transition for seven years was not the best decision. He appealed to all involved to resume talks with the aim of reaching consensus.

Although both sides repeatedly expressed their readiness for further talks, each demanded that the other make clear prior to sitting down at the negotiating table what concessions it is prepared to make. And in a further indication of the lack of unity within Georgian Dream, some of its members continue to insist that no substantive changes can be made to the draft amendments prior to the third and final reading of the bill in October, and that they see no chance of reaching consensus. Others, including parliament chairman Irakli Kobakhidze, maintain that if talks with the opposition yield a compromise solution, there are legal and procedural ways of amending the draft.

President Giorgi Margvelashvili, who had boycotted the work of the commission tasked with drafting the amendments but nonetheless vigorously opposed the proposed abolition of direct presidential elections and of the National Security Council subordinate to the president, called in early July for withdrawing the draft amendments from parliament. Georgian Dream rejected out of hand both that proposal and Margvelashvilis subsequent offer to convene talks between the ruling party and the opposition with the aim of reaching a consensus.

Since then, the constitutional deadlock has been overshadowed by a further disagreement, this time over draft amendments to the law on local self-government and to the Electoral Code. The changes to the law on self-government entail reducing from the current 12 to five the number of towns with the status of self-governing entities distinct from the outlying district. In addition, elected mayors will require the approval of a majority of members of the municipal prior to appointing their deputies. As for the election law, the proposed change envisages making the representation of individual political parties on the Central Election Commission proportionate to the number of votes they received.

The opposition said it considers those changes unwarranted, undemocratic, and aimed at giving Georgian Dream an unfair advantage in the run-up to the October municipal elections -- even though, as Ekaterina Beselia, chair of the parliaments judicial committee has pointed out, the changes to the electoral code will take effect only after those elections. The population at large disapproves of the proposed downgrading of some self-governing towns: a poll conducted in June by the NDI found that 59 percent of respondents were against merging those towns with the surrounding region, while only 16 percent approved; 45 percent believed the change will have a negative impact.

In late July, Margvelashvili vetoed all three draft bills, arguing at length that they would hinder the countrys democratic process, weaken pluralism, and reduce public involvement in the functioning of the state. The parliament immediately overrode the vetoes during a session marred by a heated exchange between parliament chairman Kobakhidze and Margvelashvilis parliamentary secretary, Ana Dolidze.

Veteran commentator Ramaz Saqvarelidze suggested to the news portal InterPressNews that insofar as Georgian Dream enjoys a large enough majority to override any presidential veto, Margvelashvili is deploying his right to veto legislation as a tactical weapon to enhance his approval rating in the run-up to the presidential election in 2018, in which he clearly aspires to a second term.

Lagazidze sees both the municipal and the presidential elections as key milestones in the process of what she describes as the reincarnation of old-established political forces and the birth of new ones. The results of a poll conducted by the NDI in mid-June/early July suggest that the outcome of the municipal elections is wide open, given that 62 percent of the 2,261 respondents were undecided which party they would vote for if the elections were held the following day. Twenty-two percent said they would vote for Georgian Dream, 7 percent for the former ruling United National Movement (ENM), and 3 percent for European Georgia, which split from the ENM in January 2017.

Lagazidze opined that a struggle has already begun for the support of the street, meaning the voters disenchanted with and alienated by both the ENM and Georgian Dream, and that whoever succeeds in winning their favor will win the 2020 parliamentary ballot. She also predicted that the ENM and European Georgia will be competing first and foremost with each other, rather than with Georgian Dream, in the upcoming municipal elections. She suggested that Aleko Elisashvili, a former journalist and member of the Tbilisi municipal council who intends to run as an independent candidate for Tbilisi mayor, could emerge as a potential national leader if he manages to place second in that vote after Georgian Dream candidate Kakha Kaladze, as the NDI opinion poll suggested he might.

At the same time, Lagazidze acknowledged the existence of invariables, the biggest of which is the future role of Georgian Dreams founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili. Ivanishvili served for a year as prime minister after Georgian Dreams defeat of the ENM in the October 2012 parliamentary elections and then stepped down. Although he plays no role in public life, 59 percent of the respondents in the NDI poll remain convinced that he dictates Georgian Dream policy from behind the scenes, and 56 percent think it would be preferable for him not to.

Rumors have surfaced in recent months that Ivanishvili is ill; prominent Georgian Dream members, including Health Minister Davit Sergeenko, have categorically rejected them as untrue.

There has also been speculation that Ivanishvili is disillusioned with Georgian Dream and might decide to sponsor a different political force in 2020, a scenario that Lagazidze did not exclude. The very possibility of losing Ivanishvilis patronage and financial backing could, Lagazidze added, lead to a split within Georgian Dream, with some of its members breaking away to form a new party.

(The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL.)
SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine -- Resolutions from the UN General Assembly and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region have been presented at the trial of Mykola Semena, an RFE/RL contributor who is fighting what he says is a politically motivated separatism charge.

Semena told RFE/RL after the trial's August 3 session in the Crimean capital, Simferopol, that the judge agreed to include the resolutions on Crimea into the case file. He expressed hope that the documents, as well as Russian laws that guarantee freedom of expression, would be taken into consideration by the court.

Both international resolutions condemned the annexation of Crimea as illegal under international law.

The hearing was adjourned until August 31.

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 called for the violation of Russias territorial integrity.

Semena faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Semena's trial has been postponed several times since it started in late March.
The Daily Vertical is a video primer for Russia-watchers that appears Monday through Friday. Viewers can suggest topics via Twitter @PowerVertical or on the Power Vertical Facebook page.

A transcript of today's Daily Vertical can be found here.

NOTE TO VIEWERS: As I will be going on vacation, The Daily Vertical and all Power Vertical products will not appear from August 7-11. The regular schedule will resume on Monday August 14.
The European Union has widened sanctions against Russian companies and persons, including the deputy energy minister, over the illegal diversion of four Siemens gas turbines from southern Russia to Ukraines Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula.

EU diplomats on August 4 said Deputy Energy Minister Andrei Cherezov and a department head at the ministry, Yevgeny Grabchak, have been added to the sanctions list for actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.

The European Council said those sanctioned will be subject to a travel ban and a freeze of assets held in the EU.

EU member states had until late on August 4 to object to the new sanctions.

The decision must be unanimous, but two diplomatic sources told Reuters they did not expect any objections.

The European Council also placed sanctions on Sergei Topor-Gilka, listed as chief executive of the state firm Technopromeksport. It said Topor-Gilka led negotiations with Siemens to acquire the gas turbines that eventually were illegally diverted to Crimea.

Three companies, including Technopromeksport, were also targeted by the new sanctions.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called the decision to expand the sanctions an "unfriendly and unjustified" step and that it reserved the right to take retaliatory measures.

A spokesperson at the Energy Ministry told state-run TASS news agency that Cherezov had no comment about the EU action.

Crimea has been subjected to EU sanctions on energy technology since Russian military forces seized control of the Ukrainian region in March 2014 and the Kremlin staged a referendum that has been deemed as illegitimate by most countries in the world.

The latest move will bring the total to 153 persons and 40 entities on the EU sanctions list. The measures were introduced in March 2014 and were extended in March until at least September 15, 2017.

Siemens has said the turbines were "illegally" diverted "against our will" to Crimea and that it was cutting some of its ties to Russia following reports of the illegal shipments.

It said the turbines originally had been sold for use at the Taman power plant in southern Russia.

The United States and other Western nations have imposed sanctions on Moscow after it illegally annexed the Crimean region and for its support of separatist fighters in eastern Ukraine.

Russia denies providing weapons and personnel to the separatists despite evidence of such support.
The European Court of Human Rights has issued an extraordinary order barring the transfer of a journalist in Russia to the tightly controlled Central Asian county of Uzbekistan, the journalist's defense lawyer said in a statement on Facebook.

Attorney Kirill Koroteyev wrote on August 4 that the Strasbourg court approved a request freezing the deportation order against Ali Feruz, a Russian-born journalist for the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper, pending the resolution of his appeal to the court.

Koroteyev told the Interfax news agency that the court gave Feruz until the end of September to submit his completed complaint for consideration.

Interfax reported that the Russian Justice Ministry notified "the relevant Russian state bodies" of the court decision shortly after receiving notice from the court on August 4.

Tatyana Glushkova, a lawyer for Novaya Gazeta, told the website Ovdinfo.org that the case should take "several months or half a year."

"During that entire period, it is forbidden to send Ali to Uzbekistan," Glushkova said.

Glushkova also said that the Moscow City Court was scheduled to hear an appeal against the deportation order on August 7.

READ: Support Mounts For Journalist In Russia Facing Deportation To Uzbekistan

Feruz, whose real name is Hudoberdi Nurmatov, was ordered deported by a Moscow court on August 1 because of alleged violations of migration law. Feruz says he has the right to remain in Russia pending a decision on his application for asylum.

On August 4, Feruz was being held in a center for foreigners while awaiting decisions on the deportation order and other immigration-related issues.

He told activists from a group that monitors the treatment of Russians in custody that he was beaten and subjected to electric shocks while he was being transferred from the court to the holding center after the deportation order was issued.

Feruz left Russia at the age of 17 and accepted Uzbek citizenship, but he fled Uzbekistan in 2008 after allegedly being tortured for two days by the Uzbek security forces.

His supporters claim that he faces torture, imprisonment, and possibly death if sent to Uzbekistan.

Numerous Russian and international organizations have issued statements in support of Feruz, including the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, the Russian Union of Journalists, the Russian presidential advisory council on human rights, and others.

A petition in support of Feruz on the website Change.org has picked up more than 51,000 signatures.

There was no immediate comment from Russian or Uzbek officials or from the Strasbourg court on August 4.

The deportation of Feruz would expose Russia to fierce criticism and set up a test for Uzbekistan's conduct under President Shavkat Mirzyoyev, who has taken some steps to open the country up since he came to power after the death of autocratic longtime President Islam Karimov was announced in September.

In a statement on August 2, Human Rights Watch said that Mirziyoyev "has promised reforms, but such endemic problems as torture and politically motivated detention have yet to be addressed."

"Russias obligations as a party to the Convention against Torture and the European Convention on Human Rights include ensuring that no one in Russian custody is forcibly sent to a place where they face a real risk of persecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations," the New York-based rights group said.

With reporting by Interfax, Ovdinfo.org, and Mediazona
A Georgian soldier serving at Bagram Airfield near Kabul, Afghanistan, has been killed after being ambushed on patrol.

Georgia's Defense Ministry said on August 4 that Junior Sergeant Mdinary Bebiashvili of the 23rd Infantry Battalion was killed and three other Georgian troops were wounded in the attack.

One of the wounded was in critical condition.

Bebiashvili's death brings to 32 the number of Georgian servicemen who have been killed participating in the international mission to stabilize Afghanistan.

With about 860 soldiers in Afghanistan, Georgia is one of the largest troop contributors to NATOs Resolute Support mission.
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. Its something of a mission statement for Sheridan, whose neo-Westerns are filled with deeply burdened men making painful sacrifices.

Sheridans 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 havent been taken. The reservation, shrouded in violence, drugs and poverty, is an ominous place where American flags wave upside down.

Its 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 shes 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 isnt the land of backup, shes told. This is the land of youre on your own.

The dead girl is revealed to be the daughter of a close friend of Lamberts (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 storys point-of-view, are white. When the police visit the familys 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 Sheridans 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 Lamberts 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 Sheridans 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. Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer

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.
A relentless air-and-ground campaign against the Islamic State (IS) affiliate in Afghanistan does not appear to have radically diminished that militant groups ability to inflict deadly attacks or prevented it from expanding its geographical reach in the war-torn country, analysts asked to assess progress against such radicals' fighting capacity in Afghanistan told RFE/RL.



U.S. and Afghan forces have waged a relentless campaign to destroy Islamic State in Khorasan (ISIS-K) since that IS offshoot emerged in 2015, with Washington and Kabul claiming their campaign has killed hundreds of militants and commanders, including its leaders.



But speculation at the group's demise has proved premature as it has expanded to at least five provinces, from Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan in the east to Jawzjan in the north and Ghor in the west. ISIS-K has also continued to carry out a series of high-profile attacks seemingly targeting members of the mainly Shi'ite Hazara community.

U.S. military officials have maintained the group is on the retreat, although reports this week claimed an exasperated U.S. President Donald Trump recently told his top officials that we aren't winning...we are losing the war in Afghanistan to militant groups like the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS-K.

Analysts say ISIS-K is neither a monolithic group nor a direct extension of the extremist group in Iraq and Syria -- representing more of an alliance of splinter groups from the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban with elements of regional militant groups such as Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e Jhangvi.



These kindred groups have simply rebranded themselves to attract funding and replicate the success of IS militants in the Middle East, say analysts.

Remarkably Resilient



The group is proving remarkably resilient in Afghanistan because it hails from the region and has operated there for a long time, says Ahmad K. Majidyar, a South Asia and Middle East expert. It is not an alien group that has relocated from the Middle East to South Asia.

Majidyar says it is also no coincidence that the ISIS-K emerged in the wake of the Pakistani Armys military offensive starting in 2014 that drove myriad militant groups from Pakistans lawless tribal areas into eastern Afghanistan, where ISIS-K has set up its headquarters.

NATO's spokesman in Afghanistan, U.S. Navy Captain William K. Salvin, told RFE/RL that ISIS-K was on the run in Afghanistan." He added that the number of ISIS-K militants is down to around 1,000 from a high of 3,000, although he acknowledged the group had expanded its activities to western and northern Afghanistan.

In April, the U.S. military in Afghanistan dropped a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB), dubbed "the mother of all bombs," in an effort to destroy IS hideouts in a complex of tunnels and bunkers in eastern Nangarhar Province. U.S. officials said the bomb killed over 90 militants, though fighting in the area has continued.





Tapping Into Sectarianism



Instead of being a death blow to the group, ISIS-K has continued to carry out a series of attacks targeting the Hazara minority.

In the latest attack, ISIS-K carried out a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in the western city of Herat, killing at least 32 people. In its deadliest attack to date, the militants killed over 80 people in twin suicide bombings targeting a protest staged by members of the Hazara minority in July 2016. At the time it was the deadliest attack to hit the Afghan capital since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001.

Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Brookings Institution, says ISIS-K has managed to tap into growing sectarianism that has been metastasizing in Afghanistan.

Former Taliban leader Mullah Akhar Mansur was trying to avoid playing the sectarian card and blatantly ethnic discrimination and got rid of local commanders for that -- and they joined ISIS-K, she says.

Fighters Relocating From Middle East

The resilience of ISIS-K fighters in Afghanistan has fueled concerns of a possible spillover into Afghanistan from the fighting in Syria and Iraq.

There is little evidence yet of fighters relocating from Iraq and Syria, although Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman General Dawlat Waziri said this week that the government had observed an increase in numbers of foreign fighters and weapons entering the country.

Michael Kugelman, South Asia associate at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, says there is good reason to believe that some IS fighters are coming to Afghanistan from the Middle East as their strongholds and safe havens are destroyed there.

IS militants have lost large swaths of the so-called caliphate they declared in 2014. Iraqi government forces last month recaptured the northern city of Mosul, IS's last remaining stronghold in Iraq. Meanwhile, U.S.-backed Syrian Kurd and Arab fighters are fighting to recapture the city of Raqqa, the group's stronghold in Syria.



They may see Afghanistan as an attractive destination because of its large lawless spaces and rampant instability, says Kugelman. Those conditions work to any terror group's advantage.



There are also fears about Afghans who have fought alongside IS militants in Syria and Iraq returning to their homeland.

They are destined to return in the near future -- if they have not already, says analyst Majidyar. Those fighters are battle-hardened and poisoned with sectarian beliefs, which could pose serious challenge to Afghanistans sectarian harmony and fragile stability.
A prominent Kazakh rights activist who heads a group that advocates for the rights and safety of journalists says he has fled the country because he fears for his life.

Ramazan Esergepov, president of the Almaty-based NGO Journalists In Trouble, told RFE/RL by phone on August 4 that he is in Paris. He said he arrived there on August 3.

Esergepov told RFE/RL that he decided to leave Kazakhstan after he was stabbed by unknown attackers in May and other developments led him to conclude that he might be jailed.

On August 1, police in Almaty detained and questioned Esergepov, accusing him of organizing of an unsanctioned rally in Almaty on July 29 to support political prisoners.

Esergepov became president of Journalists In Trouble in 2012.

He previously spent three years in prison after being convicted of revealing classified information in articles about alleged links between a Kazakh businessman and the National Security Committee.

At least five activists and journalists have fled Kazakhstan for Ukraine in recent years.

Zhanar Akhmet, a blogger who criticized President Nursultan Nazarbaev's government, fled in March amid mounting pressure and politically charged criminal investigations.

Nazarbaev, who has held power in the Central Asian nation since before the 1991 Soviet breakup, tolerates little dissent.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says the Kremlin agrees with President Donald Trump's statement that the U.S. "relationship with Russia is at an all-time and very dangerous low."

"We fully share this opinion," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a regular conference call on August 4.

"The danger may lie in a deficit of interaction and cooperation in those matters which are vitally important for our two countries and peoples," he said.

Trump made the remark on Twitter on August 3.

He blamed the state of ties between Moscow and Washington on the U.S. Congress, which adopted a bill last week imposing new sanctions on Russia and preventing the president from easing the punitive measures without its consent.You can thank Congress, the same people that can't even give us HCare! Trump said in the tweet, referring to a defeat in the Senate for his plans for health-care legislation.

Trump signed the sanctions legislation -- which was passed with veto-proof majorities in both houses of Congress -- on August 2.



U.S. lawmakers said the legislation is a response to Russia's occupation and illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, its support for pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine, and its alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election that Trump won.

U.S. Senator John McCain (Republican-Arizona), a prominent advocate of a tough stance toward Russia, took issue with Trump's assertion that Congress is to blame for the strained ties with Russia.

"Our relationship w/ Russia is at dangerous low. You can thank Putin for attacking our democracy, invading neighbors & threatening our allies," McCain, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, tweeted on August 3.

The U.S. Justice Department and congressional panels are investigating alleged Russian interference and also seeking to determine whether there was any collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia.

Trump's criticism of Congress came as several media outlets reported that Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury as part of the investigation. A grand jury is empowered to determine whether criminal charges should be filed in a matter, and it operates in secrecy. It is made up of ordinary citizens.

The U.S. intelligence community issued an assessment in January that Putin ordered an "influence campaign" targeting the U.S. election, with goals that included undermining trust in the U.S. electoral process, denigrating Clinton, and helping Trump. Russia denies meddling, despite what critics say is strong evidence, and Trump denies any collusion.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, Interfax, and RIA
A NATO soldier was killed and six other personnel were wounded in Afghanistan on August 3 after a Taliban suicide bomber attacked their convoy in Kabul Province, the NATO Resolute Support mission said.

The wounded were being treated at a U.S. military hospital at Bagram airfield and were in stable condition, it said. Local hospitals reported that as many as a dozen civilians were also wounded in the nighttime attack.

The NATO soldiers were on a joint patrol with Afghan forces in the Qarabagh district. The Taliban quickly claimed responsibility for the attack on social media and in messages to journalists.

Officials said the soldier killed was not American, but provided no further details.

A suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan on August 2 killed two American troops as they were traveling in a convoy near the airport in the southern city of Kandahar, in a strike claimed by the Taliban insurgency.

The attack illustrated the dangers faced by U.S. forces in Afghanistan as President Donald Trump considers whether to send thousands more troops to try to end the standoff with the Taliban.

Based on reporting by AFP, dpa, and Reuters


Reset interrupted. Detente derailed. Rapprochement rebuked. Any illusions about a thaw in U.S.-Russian relations were pretty much laid to rest this week.

So what happens now?

On this week's Power Vertical Podcast, we look at relations between Moscow and Washington in the aftermath of new U.S. sanctions and Russia's retaliatory moves -- and in light of Russia's upcoming Zapad-2017 military exercises.

Joining me are co-host Mark Galeotti, a senior research fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Prague and head of its Center for European Security; former U.S. State Department official Angela Stent, director of Georgetown University's Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies; and Moscow based foreign affairs analyst Vladimir Frolov, a former Russian Foreign Ministry official and a columnist for Republic.ru.

Enjoy...

Listen to or download the podcast above or subscribe to The Power Vertical Podcast on iTunes.
A court in Ukraines Russia-controlled Crimea region has sentenced pro-Kyiv activist Volodymyr Balukh to prison on charges of weapons and explosives possession he says was politically motivated.

The Rozdolne District Court convicted Balukh on August 4 and sentenced him to three years and seven months in prison.

Balukh pleaded not guilty and says the case was groundless.

He is one of dozens of Crimeans whom Russia has prosecuted in what rights groups say has been a persistent campaign to silence dissent since Moscow seized control over the Ukrainian region in March 2014.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said that officers searched Balukh's home in December and found 90 bullets and some explosives in the attic.

The search was conducted shortly after Balukh planted a Ukrainian flag in his yard and affixed a sign to his house that read Heavenly Hundred Street, 18.

The Heavenly Hundred is a term Ukrainians use for the dozens of people killed when security forces sought to disperse protesters in Kyiv whose demonstrations drove Russia-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych from power in February 2014.

After Yanukovych's ouster, Russia seized Crimea by sending in troops and staging a referendum dismissed as illegal by Ukraine, the United States, and a total of 100 countries.

The Russian takeover badly damaged Moscow's relations with Kyiv and the West and resulted in the imposition of sanctions by the European Union, the United States, and several other countries.

Rights groups say Crimea residents who opposed Russia's takeover have faced discrimination and abuse at the hands of the Moscow-imposed authorities.

In March 2017, the European Parliament called on Moscow to free more than 30 Ukrainian citizens who were in prison or other conditions of restricted freedom in Russia, Crimea, and parts of eastern Ukraine that are controlled by Russia-backed separatists.


A Russian opposition activist who was extradited by Belarus has been sent to pretrial detention in a politically charged extremism case, his lawyer says.

Svetlana Sidorkina said on August 3 that Vladimir Yegorov had been jailed until September 18 while an investigation on suspicion of public calls for extremism is under way.

Sidorkina said Yegorov is being held in his native town of Toropets in western Russia's Tver region.

Yegorov, the leader of the liberal 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.

Belarusian human rights activists raised concerns about Yegorov's whereabouts on April 2, saying that he had been missing from his room in a Minsk hostel since July 29. His lawyer said later that he had been extradited.

With reporting by Mediazona
WASHINGTON -- Legislation signed into law this week by a reluctant U.S. President Donald Trump hits hard at Russia, cementing existing sanctions and adding on a few more for good measure to punish Moscow for its actions in Ukraine, Syria, and allegedly cyberspace.

Buried in the bills dry legislative language, however, is arguably something more important: a road map, and a signal, for what might follow if Moscow doesnt change its behavior more toward Washington's liking.

I think you could call this a threat, said Peter Harrell, who worked on Russia and Iran sanctions while at the State Department between 2012 and 2014.

One section focuses on Russian sovereign debt, which the Kremlin has used to stabilize strategically important companies since sanctions were first imposed by the United States and European Union in 2014, following Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula.

The measure, which received overwhelming support in Congress calls on the Treasury and State Departments, along with intelligence officials, to analyze the potential effects of expanding sanctions...to include sovereign debt and the full range of derivative products.

This would be a significant escalation of economic pressure on Russia and would be a significant statement about the toughness of U.S. sanctions on Russia, Harrell told RFE/RL.

Though the measure only orders a report on the issue, Harrell said it signals that U.S. sanctions officials and congressional leaders might close off a Russian workaround to the 2014 sanctions.

Those sanctions cut off from the international credit markets several major companies either controlled by, or closely linked to, the Russian government.

The Kremlin was forced to bail out those companies to the tune of tens of billions of dollars since they were unable to roll over existing debt, Harrell said, and ended up drawing down some of its rainy-day investment funds.

But the U.S. and EU sanctions didnt prevent the Russian government from raising capital on its own. Last year, it sold around $3 billion in new Eurobonds.

If the Russian sovereign government can keep borrowing on international markets, it kind of becomes a workaround for theses sanctions against the big Russian state-owned companies, Harrell said. Because while Sberbank and Rosneft cant borrow on international markets, the Russian sovereign can, and then they can turn around and simply relend the money to Rosneft and Sberbank.

The Russian government holds a controlling stake in Rosneft, the countrys largest oil company. Sberbank, Russias largest bank, is also state controlled.



Congress is signaling to the Russians and U.S. allies and the Trump administration that sovereign-debt sanctions may be coming down the pike, Harrell said.

Daniel Fried, a veteran diplomat who was the State Departments sanctions coordinator in 2014, said the law was smartly crafted because it hints at the direction Congress will go in the event of an escalation.

"For example, in response to the Russians giving us an August surprise, as they did in 2008, he said, pointing to Russia's invasion of Georgia that year.

Fried said the reports mandated by the new legislation will also help the administration and Congress focus on punitive measures that can actually be implemented without causing other problems.

It does no good, and it is in fact a fools game, to start bellowing and shouting and bragging and youre going to do this, that, and the other thing that you will actually never do because you havent actually thought through the consequences, he said.

Another key section could pack a similar punch. It orders administration agencies to identify the most significant senior foreign political figures and oligarchs in the Russian Federation, as determined by their closeness to the Russian regime and their net worth.



The report should also focus on the estimated net worth and known sources of income of those individuals and their family members (including spouses, children, parents, and siblings), including assets, investments, other business interests, and relevant beneficial ownership information.



What this indicates, said Ilya Zaslavskiy, a Russian-born activist who has investigated Russian business tycoons and their investments and lobbying, is that U.S. officials have a more sophisticated read on how Russias politics and business sectors are intertwined.

It shows that now there is a much better understanding of what is going on in Russia, said Zaslavskiy, who is now affiliated with the U.S.-based Free Russia Foundation. They understand that its both political figures and oligarchs, that its not only their network but their closeness to the regime that matters more.



Earlier sanctions targeted a small group of well-connected businessmen and oligarchs. That included Gennady Timchenko, who allegedly ran an oil-trading business holding exclusive exports contracts that netted billions over many years; Arkady and Boris Rotenberg, construction magnates who have built massive state-funded projects such as the Kerch Strait bridge to Crimea; and Yury Kovalchuk, whose Bank Rossia has lasting ties to Putins hometown of St. Petersburg.

Expanding the sanctions to target relatives of individuals with close ties to the Kremlin or government power centers -- for example, keeping the daughter of a government minister from studying at a U.S. university -- would be a clear escalation, Fried said.

That would be an escalation, but quite frankly, what do you expect? he said. [If] you buy into that sort of government, you enrich yourselves with that kind of government, youre asking for trouble.

In contrast to Congresss strong support for the sanctions, Trumps position has been lukewarm at best. In signing the bill into law on August 2, he called it flawed but said he was doing it "for the sake of national unity."

Trump's first seven months in office have been dogged by questions about interactions between Trump associates and Russian officials, along with the U.S. intelligence communitys conclusion that Russia sought to influence the 2016 presidential election.

Multiple investigations have been launched in Congress into alleged Russian meddling, and the Justice Department in May appointed former FBI chief Robert Mueller as special counsel to probe whether Moscow attempted to interfere in the U.S. voting and whether Trump associates colluded with Russians.

Trump has called accusations of improper ties to Russia a "hoax" aimed at undermining his presidency.

On the eve of the sanctions bill becoming law, Moscow ordered the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia to sharply cut its staffing.
WARSAW -- Mikheil Saakashvili, the former Georgian president and ex-governor of Ukraine's Odesa region who was stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship in late July, has taken part in Poland's commemorations marking the anniversary of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation.

Speaking at a ceremony in Warsaw on August 4, Saakashvili thanked Poles and their country for their contribution to "the fight of Ukraine and my native Georgia against the [Russian] aggressor."

"Just like Poland had faced the dilemma to be or not to be, Ukraine and Georgia also faced the same question caused by the same reasons, to remain or not to remain on the world's map," Saakashvili said, adding that Ukraine and Georgia followed the path Poland had left for them in 1944.

"Poland is a symbol of freedom in this part of Europe and an example for Ukraine, Georgia, and other nations in the region," Saakashvili said.

Saakashvili also credited the late Polish President Lech Kaczynskis arrival in Tbilisi in August 2008 -- when bolstered Russian forces in Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia launched attacks on adjacent regions of Georgia -- with stopping Russia from expanding its presence in other regions of Georgia.

"The absence of beautiful buildings and the big walls of old Warsaw destroyed in the 1940s is a symbol of the Polish nation's indestructible soul," Saakashvili said.

Saakashvili arrived in Warsaw from the United States for what was his first international trip since Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko stripped him of his Ukrainian citizenship on July 26.

Saakashvili condemned Poroshenko's executive order as an "illegal way to move me from the political scene in Ukraine."

The 49-year-old Saakashvili is an adamantly pro-Western reformist who came to power in Georgia as a result of the peaceful Rose Revolution protests of 2003.

He served two terms as president from 2004 to 2013.

But his popularity declined in his later years in office, in part because of the 2008 five-day war with Russia during which Moscow's forces drove deep into the South Caucasus country.

Saakashvili's long-ruling party was voted out of power in 2012 parliamentary elections.

Saakashvili was stripped of his Georgian citizenship in 2015 after he took Ukrainian citizenship in order to become governor of the Odesa region.

Georgia is seeking Saakashvili's extradition to face charges related to the violent dispersal of protesters and a raid on a private television station.

He says those charges are politically motivated.

Saakashvili resigned as Odesa's governor in November 2016 -- complaining of official obstruction of anticorruption efforts, accusing Poroshenko of dishonesty, and charging that the central government was sabotaging crucial reforms.

Now, without Ukrainian citizenship, Saakashvili cannot seek political office in Ukraine, where his party is calling for early parliamentary elections.

Ukraine is scheduled to conduct its next presidential election in March 2019.

With reporting by Telewizja Republika and YouTube
When the West imposed economic sanctions on Russia in 2014 in response to the seizure of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, Moscow took the punishment as an opportunity. It imposed a ban against a variety of food imports, mostly from European states, with an eye on unleashing its own farming potential. By investing in homegrown agriculture, the idea went, the country could eliminate a potential security threat by lessening its dependence on foreign products, boost employment by returning Russians in rural areas to the land, and set itself up for an organic future by providing ultra-niche crops to patriotic foodies. Three years after the counter-sanctions were announced in August 2014, those closest to Russia's black earth tell us how the country's strategic food-to-table initiative has affected their livelihoods.

The Vegetable Farmers

In 2010, as the United States suffered from its highest unemployment levels in decades, Chicago native Daniel Lawrence landed in Russia. The freshly minted university grad planned to teach English for six months, but soon met Olga Korogodina, a Moscow real-estate executive he describes as having a genius for "getting stuff done." As the craze for kale swept the U.S., the fit, clean-living couple was unable to find the leafy superfood in Russia, so the two set out to grow their own. In 2014, they discovered an abandoned communal cabbage farm 80 kilometers north of Moscow and set to work transforming the Soviet wasteland into an organic wonderland. Superfood Farm now grows more than 30 different boutique vegetables for high-end supermarkets and restaurants.

Daniel: "When sanctions hit, a lot of people got involved in farming. So, for the average vegetable farmer it probably hasnt been a good thing. There are fewer imports, but thats just been replaced with domestic competition from people who saw an opportunity. Im hesitant to say the sanctions have brought about any big changes yet in the way Russians feel about food, but it has definitely started something." Olga: "I dont think well see a lot of Russians returning to the land. We tried to hire local people but they would just get drunk and disappear. Russians dont want to work on farms. Our five employees are from Central Asia. They know how to work." Daniel: "This patriotism regarding food is a good start, but there has to be something behind it -- it can't be just marketing, people will eventually see through it. You see this phrase everywhere now: 'fermerskiye produkty', 'farmer's products'. It's meaningless. Which farmer? It's like a restaurant advertising 'chef's food'."

Daniel is skeptical about the "boom" in Russia's organic market, which reportedly grew 60 percent from 2010-16. After Russia implemented its targeted ban on foreign food imports, President Vladimir Putin said his country could become the world's leading producer of "healthy, ecologically clean, high-quality food." Daniel: "I think those numbers are probably inflated. My theory is its mostly just big companies putting a sticker saying organic on things and charging more. Theres no regulation here. The trend for organic is limited to a very small demographic. "Russia has huge potential. There are abandoned Soviet farms all over the country, and the infrastructure is still functional. Things dont need to be new. For someone who wants to get into farming, its a great way to get started. But I think the attitude here toward business can be a hurdle. In the U.S., starting a business and failing is almost a rite of passage. Whereas here, if your business fails then, well, youre a failure."

The Beekeeper

After a bumper season in 2013 brought in 1.5 tons of honey, beekeeper Ravil Sanzhapov found himself unsure of what to do with the excess. When his daughter Guzel, an experienced entrepreneur, came up with the idea of a honey-cream factory, the fate of tiny Maly Turysh changed in a big way. After a crowdfunding campaign brought in nearly 500,000 rubles ($7,800), Ravil and his daughter set up an operation in the village, located 200 kilometers west of Yekaterinburg, that now employs nine locals to turn honey into a boutique treat. The pair says changes in Russia's attitude to its own food began long before the sanctions.

Ravil: "Maybe sanctions had an impact, but the main thing is a change in people's frame of mind. I sold clothes before we started the honey business and I noticed people were becoming blase about having access to all these foreign goods. They were no longer impressed just because something was imported."

Russia's aims for agricultural self-sufficiency may be hobbled by the quality of the domestically produced machinery available. Ravil: "The quality of the Russian equipment is generally poor. Once, we bought a Russian machine for grinding berries, but we eventually just had to send it back. The foreign machines are much more expensive, but we need something reliable."

Guzel Sanzhapova: "We succeeded here because the time has come; the boom in organic Russian food is not a result of the sanctions. There are plenty of niches in the market -- all the villages just produced raw materials when they were better off making a finished product. Don't just milk cows, make a cheesecake with raspberry jam! It's a normal evolution. The same thing happened in Europe, we're just very late.

Guzel Sanzhapova: "Actually, I want this organic Russian food trend to end. Fashionable means a 300-percent price markup. I'm confident that we can save Russian villages, but each of them needs to create some kind of small operation that can employ locals. We'll see how things work out here. If everything goes well, I'll move on to another village."

The Goat Farmer

In the winter of 2013, when Sergei Balaev bought the remains of a Soviet cattle farm 130 kilometers south of Moscow, a bitter wind howled through the empty windows of the dilapidated stables. But the political storm that broke out over the Ukraine conflict the next summer gave the goat farmer's fledgling business an unexpected boost after competing Western food imports were blocked by Moscow.

Sergei: "I know about 200 farmers and all of them hope the sanctions will continue -- the more the better. There are no cheap imports on the shelves anymore. We need about two to three more years for local products to take over the market from imports. Then we'll hold onto it with the quality of fresh local food." After the Kremlin earmarked billions to support Russian agriculture, Sergei received a government grant of 8 million rubles ($120,000) in 2015. But he says high lending rates present a hurdle for many people looking to get into farming. Sergei: "It's impossible for a farmer to get a loan, that's something you only see on Russian TV. At 25 percent interest you'd have to be crazy. I wouldn't be able to repay a loan like that in my lifetime."

After the ban on some Western food imports was imposed, Russia laid plans to revamp its agricultural sector. It invested in infrastructure and equipment, and allocated funds for increased subsidies to individual farmers, but Sergei feels more could be done. Sergei: "It would be great if farmers were supported without needing sanctions to force people's hands, but in Russia the local official needs a kick in the pants from the higher-ups before they'll start doing something."

Sergei: "It is true that Russians don't want to work on farms. I start laughing when I watch the news. They talk about unemployment, but meanwhile my farm manager can't find a dairymaid or a shepherd. Russians are like Italians, always on siesta."

The Restaurateur

When Boris Akimov flicked through a dusty Tsarist-era cookbook, he realized that much of Russia's culinary diversity had been lost during the Soviet era. In 2009, the former journalist teamed up with a friend to start a business sourcing seasonal produce from small farmers, championing the weird and wonderful. Today, Lavkalavka is a chain of restaurants and farmers' markets, one of several Moscow brands pushing the idea of "farm to table" organic Russian food.

Boris: "I can't say that everything has been great after the sanctions. People are buying from local farmers because they don't have anything from Europe now, but the economic crisis here means that people have less money to shop with. Overall, though, I think the sanctions have done more good than harm. The government here used to only think about big corporations and help them out with subsidies. Now there's more focus on small farms and they are actually getting some money from the government. Buying Russian food from small farmers is giving a chance to villages that just a few years ago were disappearing and dying."

Boris: "A while ago I was flying over Cognac in France. I remember looking down and seeing every little bit of land was being used. The farmers there have been making amazing food for centuries. If I went there what could I do?"
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
A United Nations commission said on August 3 that the Islamic State is still committing genocide against the Yazidi minority in Iraq and Syria and the world has done little to counter it.

As the campaign to retake the extremist group's stronghold in Raqqa intensifies, IS fighters are reportedly trying to sell enslaved Yazidi women and girls before fleeing, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria said.

"The genocide is ongoing and remains largely unaddressed, despite the obligation of states...to prevent and to punish the crime," it said.

Thousands of Yazidis were seized by IS when it overran Iraq's northwestern town of Sinjar in August 2014, and most of them remain unaccounted for.

The town was regained from IS in late 2015 and 30 mass graves of Yazidis have since been found there. But an unknown number of the ethnic minority, which practices a unique religion that IS considers heretical, was moved to nearby Raqqa.

"Thousands of Yazidi men and boys remain missing and the terrorist group continues to subject some 3,000 women and girls in Syria to horrific violence including brutal daily rapes and beatings," the commission said.

Based on reporting by dpa and Reuters
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev was recorded this week describing his personal hatred for the country's powerful public prosecutors, calling them "thieves" and "arrogant" during a meeting with local activists. Mirziyoev, who took office last December, has said he wants to wipe out corruption, but some critics say he is taking aim at prosecutors to strengthen his own position. (RFE/RL's Uzbek Service)
On June 22, The Mars Society launched the second phase of its ambitious Mars 160 Twin Desert-Arctic Analog simulation to study how seven crewmembers could live, work and perform science on a true mission to Mars. Mars 160 crewmember Paul Knightly is chronicling the mission, which will spend 60 days in the Canadian arctic at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) on Devon Island after completing a similar 80-day mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in southern Utah in 2016. Here's his third dispatch from the mission:

This week I figured I would give you a tour of our home on "Mars"  the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station, or FMARS for short. Let's start from the outside and work our way inside. At 2 stories tall and 25 feet (8 meters) in diameter, FMARS predates and is nearly identical to its sister station in Utah where we spent the first half of our mission, the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS).

Looking around from outside the station, it is easy to see why this location was selected. As we walked up to FMARS for the first time last month, it felt like I had been transported into an image captured by one of the Mars rovers. Large boulders are strewn about the polar desert without any vegetation in sight. Only a few species of lichen and flowers are hardy enough to survive in this harsh climate, and the few species of animals that call Devon Island home have made themselves scarce in our presence. And then there's the six of us living in a two-story habitat on the rim of an impact crater. [Inside Mars 160: The Mars Society's Red Planet Simulation in Pictures]

Mars 160 crewmembers Anushree Srivastava and Paul Knightly prepare for an extravehicular activity. (Image credit: The Mars Society)

Just inside the main airlock on the first floor is the EVA Preparation Room, where we get ready for our extravehicular activities and store our spacesuits. This room leads into the rest of the first floor, which consists of lab space and work benches where we prepare samples and work on engineering problems including spacesuit maintenance and equipment repair. The bathroom and shower are behind the engineering work space  but more on that later.

Climbing a ladder leads to the second floor that consists of the main living area, including the kitchen and our state rooms. In the middle of the room, a kitchen table doubles as a conference table, around which stories and meals are shared and preparations are made for the day's field activities. As with many homes, a lot of life happens in our kitchen at FMARS.

Between our time on the Mars 160 mission and other missions to MDRS, we have all found that meal preparation and fixed eating times are essential to the emotional health of the crew. Food is an interactive experience that ensures the entire crew is involved in at least a few shared activities and moments each day. We all generally prepare at least one major meal (lunch or dinner) per week, ranging anywhere from soup at lunch to a minor feast at dinner.

In just the past week, we have tested the culinary limits of our food supply. I cooked up a taco night on Saturday, which required me to make tortillas from scratch and to use Spam as a stand in for beef. Call it a Tex-Mex/Martian fusion dish. Then, on Monday, Yusuke spent the better part of the day preparing a dish he called "Red Water," which was a mix of almost everything in the kitchen minus the sink. I would call it a blend between curry and chili, but it was surprisingly tasty with a generally sweet and rich flavor. [Mars 160 Coverage: Training for a Manned Mission to Mars]

Mars 160 crewmembers Jon Clarke and Anastasiya Stepanova get ready to dig into some Russian space food for dinner. (Image credit: The Mars Society)

A meal that we look forward to twice per week comes courtesy of Anastasiya, who brought with her a supply of Russian space food courtesy of Spacefood Laboratory, based in Moscow. Spacefood Laboratory has been supplying food to the Russian space program since the 1950s and has recently expanded its market to include outdoor enthusiasts and rescue crews that all benefit from the easily prepared and nutritious dishes. The meals are my first introduction to the Russian palette, and dishes have ranged from borscht soup to a dessert of cottage cheese with sea-buckthorn. Naturally, almost all of these dishes come out of a tube  just as astronauts and cosmonauts would find them served up on the International Space Station(ISS).

Back to the tour of FMARS. Each person sleeps in a state room that leads into the kitchen and consists of a single bunk bed with adjacent space for clothes and personal items. Some walk-in closets are bigger than our state rooms, but on a mission to Mars space is critical, and the cramped quarters are a worthwhile price to pay for the sake of exploration. The rooms are big enough to provide us with private space when we need it, but much of our daily work happens out in the open.

Anastasiya Stepanova exercises while fellow Mars 160 crewmembers prepare for an extravehicular activity. (Image credit: The Mars Society)

Above the state rooms is an attic where we can store extra food and supplies in addition to the water basin. Our water supply comes from a freshwater stream fed by snow melt that is about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) from FMARS. The crystal-clear water is probably clean enough to drink without any additional filtration, but we boil all of our drinking water anyway to be safe. Water must be collected manually with the help of our ATVs every couple of days and is done "out of sim" in normal cold-weather gear. Once it is brought back to FMARS, a cistern in the EVA Prep Room is filled and then pumped to our upstairs water basin. From the basin, the water is then distributed to the kitchen and bathroom through a gravity and pump-on-demand system.

Which leads us back downstairs to the bathroom. People always want to know how astronauts "go" in space. Our bathroom at FMARS actually consists of two separate rooms for the toilet and shower. The shower is like any you might find in a normal house. It is attached to a water heater that we turn on during our weekly shower days  just one shower per person, per week here at FMARS. Daily hygiene is handled by a combination of no-rinse shampoo, baby wipes, and the occasional sponge bath. Laundry is a more difficult task that is usually performed using the shower as well, but without a dryer, clothes must be hung up to dry.

With all fanfare reserved for the end of our tour, we arrive at the toilet. Astronauts traveling to Mars will have to contend with human waste storage and disposal, which left unchecked could be quite voluminous for a crew of six or more on a two-year roundtrip mission. While MDRS is equipped with a standard septic system, waste handling at FMARS is actually more analogous to the constraints of a surface mission to Mars. [How Will a Human Mars Base Work? NASA's Vision in Images]

At FMARS, waste is segregated by liquids and solids. Liquid waste is stored in 55-gallon drums that are flown out at the end of the mission, and solid waste is burned in an on-site incinerator with other solid trash. This "leave no trace" mentality of wilderness exploration will also apply to the first missions to Mars, and is already being tested today. For instance, on the ISS, liquid waste is now being recycled into water usable for drinking. Solid waste on a Mars mission could perhaps be recycled into fertilizer to grow plants; otherwise, a storage and disposal system will need to be devised for early missions until infrastructure is built to handle it on a larger, municipal scale.

That concludes today's tour of FMARS! I hope you've enjoyed this insight into our home on "Mars." It may not have all the luxuries of a modern home, but it is helping us to prepare for what the first astronauts will need as we venture farther into the solar system.

Editor's note: To follow The Mars Society's Mars 160 mission and see daily photos and updates, visit the mission's website here: http://mars160.marssociety.org/. You can also follow the mission on Twitter @MDRSUpdates.

Paul Knightly is a geologist and PhD student at the Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He is a member of The Mars Society's Mars 160 Twin Desert-Arctic Analog simulation, where he is conducting geological field research to better understand the arctic environment and its implications for Mars. Follow The Mars Society on Twitter at @TheMarsSociety and on Facebook. Original article on Space.com.
Artists illustration of the Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69, the next flyby target for NASAs New Horizons mission. This binary concept is based on telescope observations made from Argentina on July 17, 2017 when MU69 passed in front of a star. New Horizons scientists theorize that MU69 could be a single body with a large chunk taken out of it, or two bodies that are close together or even touching.

NASA's New Horizons spacecraft may double its pleasure during its next deep-space flyby 16 months from now.

On Jan. 1, 2019, New Horizons is scheduled to have a close encounter with a body called 2014 MU69, which lies 1 billion miles (1.6 billion kilometers) beyond Pluto in the distant, frigid Kuiper Belt. (The probe famously zoomed past Pluto in July 2015, returning the first-ever up-close images of that mysterious world. This second flyby is the key component of New Horizons' extended mission.)

Not much is known about 2014 MU69, so the New Horizons team planned out a campaign to watch the object pass in front of background stars. Such "occultations" can reveal a great deal about the foreground body, including its size and shape. [Destination Pluto: NASA's New Horizons Mission in Pictures]

Mission team members decamped to various spots around the globe to watch three occultations this year, one each on June 2, July 10 and July 17. Observations of the most recent one, which scientists made from southern Argentina, suggest that 2014 MU69 may actually be two separate bodies, New Horizons team members said.

Artists illustration showing 2014 MU69 as a long and relatively skinny object. MU69 could also be a body with a large chunk out of it, or two separate objects that orbit closely to each other (and perhaps even touch). (Image credit: NASA/JHUAPL/SwRI/Alex Parker)

These two objects may be orbiting each other closely, or they could be touching, the team members added.

"This new finding is simply spectacular. The shape of MU69 is truly provocative, and could mean another first for New Horizons going to a binary object in the Kuiper Belt," mission principal investigator Alan Stern, from the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, said in a statement. "I could not be happier with the occultation results, which promise a scientific bonanza for the flyby."

It's also possible that 2014 MU69 is a single object  one that's relatively long and skinny, or a more spherical one with a big chunk taken out of it, NASA officials said. Further analysis of the occultation data may allow New Horizons team members to get to the bottom of the mystery, the officials added.

Thanks to the occultation observations, MU69's size is now better understood as well. If the flyby target is a single body, it's no more than 19 miles (30 km) long. If it's a binary, each of the two pieces is 9 miles to 12 miles (15 to 20 km) long, mission scientists said.

The occultation campaign was an extensive effort that involved a number of assets and instruments. For example, NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)  a 747 jet equipped with a 100-inch (2.5 meters) telescope  observed the July 10 event. And mission team members used observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft to choose the best viewing spots on the ground.

"Both of these space satellites were crucial to the success of the entire occultation campaign," Stern said.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
NEW YORK  Automakers aren't the only ones who make concept cars. NASA does too, but this one is for off-roading on Mars.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Mars rover concept vehicle arrived at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum today (Aug. 4), where it will remain on exhibit until Sunday (Aug. 6). Its arrival is part of Kennedy Space Center's Summer of Mars Experience Tour.

Space.com got a chance to explore the rover just after its arrival and talked with retired astronaut Mike Massimino about the concept vehicle and what's coming next for NASA. [Missions to Mars: A Robot Red Planet Invasion History (Infographic)]

The vehicle arrived at the Intrepid museum Aug. 4, and will remain until Aug. 7. (Image credit: Jesse Emspak/Space.com)

The Intrepid is currently hosting its Space and Science Festival. (Space.com will have a booth and display there Aug. 5 and 6.) The festival features demonstrations from NASA, local educators and universities, and NASA staffers will give talks about travel to other planets.

With input from NASA engineers and based on their specifications, Cape Canaveral, Florida-based Parker Brothers Concepts built the vehicle. The rover weighs about 5,500 lbs. (2,500 kilograms) and has six wheels designed with open structures rather than air-filled tires, similar to those on the Mars Curiosity rover currently exploring Mars. The interior looks more like an aircraft than a road vehicle, and it has seats for a driver and a co-pilot, as well as one behind those two. The interior also includes a glove box, which would hold Martian soil and rock samples.

Odds are, a real crewed Martian rover wouldn't look quite like this: A look at the pictures of prototype rovers designed by NASA shows a very different design aesthetic.

Space.com stopped by to see a Mars rover concept vehicle at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. (Image credit: Jesse Emspak/Space.com)

For one thing, it's unlikely to be black, since any astronaut vehicle must reflect radiation, not absorb it. Keeping the interior cool in an atmosphere like that of Mars, which has only 1 percent the pressure of Earth, is as big a problem as staying warm on a planet that can reach minus 243 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 153 degrees Celsius) at the poles. It probably would also dispense with the flashy blue LEDs on the side.

That said, the vehicle is a good look at possible future Mars rovers, Massimino told Space.com. "It's meant to inspire people," he said. "This isn't the design they'd use."

Massimino, who flew on two space shuttle missions (one of which was the last to repair the Hubble Space Telescope), notedthat even though the United States doesn't currently send humans to space on its own spacecraft (it relies on Russian Soyuz craft to get to and from the International Space Station), the country will be able to do so when the Orion crew vehicle is ready (NASA estimates range from 2021 to 2023). He is also optimistic that private spaceflight companies such as SpaceX and Boeing will come up with new designs, even as NASA tries to get the next-generation Space Launch System, which would propel Orion, ready to fly. "It doesn't all have to be NASA," he said.

The rover has plenty of storage space in the back. (That's retired NASA astronaut Mike Massimino in the driver's seat.) (Image credit: Jesse Emspak/Space.com)

In addition, Massimino noted that such concept vehicles can help define the engineering parameters that scientists, astronauts and NASA want. The glove box, for example  which, in the concept vehicle, takes up the right side of the back compartment  might change as future design iterations reflect what planetary scientists need  for example, more space for instruments.

Such a rover would be the largest object humans have ever sent to another world. The Curiosity rover weighs about 2,000 lbs. (900 kilograms), which is more than one-third the weight of the concept rover. Therefore, launching that kind of equipment would need either multiple launches or a single heavy-lift rocket. According to SpaceX, the company's current Falcon 9 rocket can lift about 4,000 lbs. (1,800 kg) to the Red Planet; SpaceX says the upcoming Falcon Heavy rocket will be able to get 16,800 lbs. (7,620 kg) there, though that hasn't been fully tested or proven yet.

Mike Massimino poses in the front of the concept rover. (Image credit: Jesse Emspak/Space.com)

Technical challenges aside, Massimino said what's really necessary is commitment  and funding is only a part of the equation. "I could see a cooperative mission," he said, in which the U.S. would share some costs with another country. "People have figuredout a lot about how to get there and [how] to stay alive," he added. "We can definitely do it."

Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Occupied Aaiun, August 03, 2017 (SPS) - The Sahrawi Association for the Supervision and Protection of the natural resources has stated in a statement that the Moroccan occupying authorities continue their plunder Saharawi natural resources, in a clear contradiction with the international conventions governing the matter.

The Saharawi Association warned in its statement that "the Moroccan authorities use cargo ships that do not meet the requirements of international maritime navigation", and clarifies "that they do not have the system that exchanges the data of the ship with the rest of the ships or satellite stations ".

The communique issued by the Sahrawi Association includes the example of the "Philippine ship loaded with Saharawi phosphates, which deactivated the system of recognition off the Mauritanian coast, violating international agreements," the statement said. The most important standard for the safety of maritime navigation, as established by the International Navigation Agency, belonging to the UN ". "This Agency, stated in the agreement on 'protection of lives' signed in 2002, that all ships with cargo over 300 tons, must have the system of recognition,"

Finally, it is emphasized that the Philippine ship that left the occupied Aaiun appeared in Uruguay avoiding to pass through the Panama Canal and South Africa, to avoid its arrest. SPS

125/090/TRA
T he first rule of commute club is, obviously, you do not talk about commute club. But when the other rules are so flagrantly flouted on London transport every day, we must break this first rule, in order to redress the second. The second rule of commute club is always give up your seat to a fellow passenger in greater need.

This act of everyday gallantry should be easy enough, yet daily experience suggests otherwise. Social media is full of indignant accounts from, say, that person who stood all the way from East Finchley to Colliers Wood, while strapping lads lounged on, oblivious. Its just unfortunate that the second rule of commute club also happens to conflict with the third, and most important rule of all: never make eye contact with any of your fellow passengers, nor acknowledge their existence in any way.

This rule applies especially, but not exclusively, to busking accordion- players with a fresh take on Radioheads back catalogue and people you know from work and were happily chatting to moments earlier. As every veteran of the Central line knows, the only way to make it through rush hour with your mental faculties intact is to sink so deeply into your safe place that youre barely conscious of your surroundings at all. Its a kind of self-hypnosis, with headphones in place of a swinging pocket watch and the Standard instead of a psychiatrists soothing voice.

Ive heard tell from distant cities in the North of bus routes where passengers exchange pleasantries when someone sits down next to them. Not in London, mate. And definitely not if youre a woman. Women learn early that in the culture of the Underground accidental eye contact is an invitation as unequivocal as writing your phone number in lipstick on the carriage window while mouthing Rihanna lyrics.

Offering up your seat is the decent thing to do, yes. But remaining seated while others stand doesnt quite make you an abhorrent stain on humanity either. Its a failure of attention, not of compassion.

Even if a seated person should regain full consciousness in time to notice the people standing up around them, theres the law of unintended consequences to consider. We are yet to reach a public consensus on when a potent silver-maned titan of industry becomes a little old man in need of a nice sit-down. Is it at 55? At 70? Or when he switches over to Radio 3 and buys a bird-feeder? And is that woman in the aisle two weeks either side of a difficult childbirth? Or is that just mom jeans working their self-fulfilling prophecy on her mid-section? If only the people in need of seats would pipe up and ask, but then, theyre as much subject to Rule Three as anyone else. TfL did launch a Please Offer Me A Seat badge earlier this year, but there will still be people without badges who require seats. And, in any case, acting on the badge would require the seated to look up from their trance. See also Rule Three.

Whats needed is a more fundamental change to the culture, one that allows people to offer and request seats as casually as we touch in with an Oyster card.

Heres one easy way we can all help effect that change: the next time someone offers you a seat, accept without quibble. Dont start frantically checking out the passengers next to you, in search of someone fatter or older. Dont worry what it means for your waning sexual allure. Just say a gracious thank you and sit your socially awkward, easily offended, getting-off-at-the-next-stop backside down.

Fingers crossed it wont turn out that there was actually a guy with crutches right behind you. That would be awkward.

Killer boots: films undying fetish

Ive never killed a man, but if I did, Id want to be wearing the right shoes. Something with good support and midsole cushioning. The Reebok Classic in black, perhaps? My trusty DMs? Just definitely not a pair of thigh-high, PVC stiletto boots. Shoes like that are great in da clerb but a serious sartorial error if your evening plans include fleeing a crime scene on foot.

So why does the stiletto thigh-high remain regulation footwear for todays lady assassins, like Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde (out Wednesday) and Taraji P Henson in the upcoming Proud Mary? Just as it was for Modesty Blaise and the Bond girls back in the Sixties.

Theres the etymology to consider  stiletto is Medieval Italian for little knife but more likely this is just a sign of Hollywoods ongoing commitment to reducing every last narrative of female empowerment to a masturbatory fantasy for teenage boys. Yawn.
Today marks the start of a new era for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, as they withdraw from royal life, relinquishing both their duties and their titles.

The couple made their final appearances at a series of events in London at the start of this month, for which Markle chose largely to wear British designers.

From the baby blue Victoria Beckham midi she sported to the Endeavour Awards to the stunning Emilia Wickstead ensemble she wore for her final appearance as a senior royal, the outgoing Duchess demonstrated not only her affinity for block colour, but also her abilities in sartorial diplomacy.

As she now ventures into unchartered territory - it's been confirmed that her first stop post-royal will be providing the voiceover for a Disney+ documentary about elephants - it will be intriguing to see which brands Markle chooses to support.

On becoming a part of the royal family, Meghan was required to transform her relaxed Californian wardrobe overnight. Glossy blowouts replaced her signature messy bun, nude nails replaced colourful polish, and her beloved cross-body bags were, as royal etiquette dictates, swapped for clutch bags.

Tending to stick to a palette of plain colours and neutral hues, Meghans royal wardrobe was elegant and formal, if noticeably heavier on expensive designer brands than her sister-in-law Kates.

On cutting her royal ties, Meghan will once again be able to wear whatever she likes. She will no longer be required to wear tights in public, or formal hats at events, can carry any sort of handbag and paint her nails whatever colour she pleases.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex departs Canada House on January 07, 2020 (Getty Images ) / Getty Images

She will also, interestingly, be able once again to accept free clothes from her network of fashion industry contacts (something that is prohibited for members of the royal family), among them her good friend Misha Nonoo and Givenchys Claire Weight Keller who designed her wedding dress.

In addition to whatever money they make from their upcoming projects, Harry and Meghan, the soon-to-be members of the public, will also continue to receive a steady income from Prince Charles' private Duchy of Cornwall estate, which will also go some way to cover Meghans high end fashion purchases.

While the newfound free reign might mean Meghan embraces an edgier, more high-fashion approach than during her royal years, her recent outings in Canada might suggest Meghans post-royal wardrobe will be more relaxed and down to earth.

Just days after the Sussexes announced that they were stepping down, Meghan visited two Vancouver women's charities in one day for which she wore a cable knit by The Row recycled from her Suits days with jeans and weatherproof boots. And then again a few weeks ago she was spotted getting off a commercial flight in Canadas Victoria International Airport wearing a super casual outfit of jeans, shirt and flats that championed sustainable brands.

Perhaps Meghan will use her newfound position to champion ethical fashion start-ups? Or maybe she will give us a dose of her Suits days glamour with a magazine cover-worthy wardrobe (shes bound to grace the cover of Vogues September issue no?). We wait with bated breath.

Scroll through the gallery above to take a look at Meghan's sartorial highlights over the years.
I s it a bar? Is it a restaurant? No, its the new genre-defying venue from the one and only Ryan Chetiyawardana.

The man also known as Mr Lyan has just had his Bankside bar Dandelyan crowned the best in the world but he has no intentions of resting on his laurels.

For his latest launch he is revisiting and remodelling White Lyan, his first bar which opened on Hoxton Street back in 2013.

It closed at the beginning of the year in preparation, and while the downstairs has been turned into the slightly more laid-back Super Lyan  serving classic cocktails with a (substantial) twist  the upstairs is about to become his most experimental venue yet.

Cub  as in Lyan cub, you see  will open in early September, pulling together the worlds of food and drink while majoring on sustainability.

Pillow Manhattan: a cocktail at Super Lyan down below / Maja Jaworska

The project is a collaboration between Ryan and Doug McMaster, the chef behind Brightons pioneering zero-waste restaurant Silo, with added input from Dr. Arielle Johnson, former resident scientist at Noma no less.

While you will still be able to pop in for a drink should you wish, it will be far removed from your typical bar experience. Not just because of the quirky flavours and ingredients that Ryan has become known for, but because of the way food and drink will interact.

The idea was born out of both frustration and love at the same time, explains Ryan.

There are so many incredible people in the food and drink industry doing inspiring things, but Id noticed that there has been a weird divide created between food and drink.

At the end of the day they are the same thing. Great food and drink are things that bring people together. The idea of food as sustenance, which separates it from drink, just doesnt apply when youre talking about eating out at nice restaurants  people dont do that to be full, its about the experience just as going to a bar is.

At Cub a tasting menu will feature three plates and four drinks, along with off-menu added extras. This wont follow the traditional format of drinks paired with food, but will be served course by course  some courses will be food, some will be drink and some might hover between the two.

Cryptic and quirky creations such as Krug, water jelly, spiked herbs or Japanese knotweed, raw sheeps milk, ramson will be served at a counter that is both bar and kitchen. It will be manned at all times by a bartender, a chef and a hybrid bartender-chef.

The full menu  which also includes buttered Mr Lyan gin, precipitation of lapsang tannins, ambergris, cider and compost-smoked carrot, buffalo curds and whey  will cost 45, which feels cheap given the complexity involved. And thats quite deliberate.

It is important to be accessible in order to open the experience and the message up to as many people as possible. Otherwise, we will simply be preaching to choir, explains Ryan.

The message hes talking about is not just one of food and drink, it is also about sustainability.

The space will be made into its own ecosystem, with experimental ingredients being grown on site as part of a program to research the effects of environment on food growth and flavour.

Ryan uses basil as an example to explain how this might work.

By manipulating different factors such as light or co2 levels you can change how the plant grows and with that you can change the flavour. In the case of basil you could emphasise its clove-like tastes or the more lemony, citrus flavours. In a way, you are creating a new ingredient.

The venue will also purchase only wholly sustainable ingredients and use a closed-loop method to minimise waste.

We want to challenge the way people view food and drink, and the value they attach to it  especially at the luxury end of the market, says Ryan.

The best bars in London 1 /64 The best bars in London Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN, rosewoodhotels.com/london

The Rosewood is doubly wonderful for drinkers, as theyve two fine spots. In the modern Dining Room, sit at the gin bar, which outstocks anywhere else in London, with more than 400 gins and 27 tonics. Trying to choose is impossible, but what a lovely impossibility to have. The bar staff clearly had one hell of a tasting session as they know the list perfectly. Across the way is Scarfes Bar, a brilliant, brilliant bar gladly shaken free from all the stuffiness usually found in hotel bars. The drinks are stunning, theyve often live music, it gets wonderfully busy and crackles with laughter. Go a little later and its busier, people drink more, everything is better. Bar Americain 20 Sherwood St, W1F 7ED, brasseriezedel.com

As the name suggests, this is a classic American bar, and done near perfectly. One can become very fond of Bar Americain and very quickly: passing through Piccadilly Circus, it acts as a magnet  a quick negroni becomes a temptation impossible to resist. Its a very beautiful place, calling to mind grand Parisian hotels of the 20s and 30s, bottles winking from the bar, staff floating through with their finery and litres of charm. Youre here to drink the classics: theyve a killer Clover Club and a straight-down-the-line Manhattan. But ask: the bartenders know their stuff and bring their A-game to any challenge  tell them what you like, and theyll bring you something new. They often have specials on, as well. Top marks for the attentive staff, bringing plenty of water and bowl after bowl of popcorn  both essential after a few here. Oriole Smithfield Markets, E Poultry Ave, EC1A 9LH, oriolebar.com

The team behind Nightjar took their winning formula, gave it a bit of a shake up and created Oriole. Theyve live music throughout the week  from Wednesday to Saturday, theres a charge per person, so watch out for that  which gives any night here a bit of zip. This is a strictly seated spot, so be sure to book: once inside, its a whirlwind tour of the world, with fine details from across the globe, both in the styling and the drinks and so much cheaper than booking a holiday. Drinks are excellent, whether youre into New Orleans style classics or something from the depths of Asia: explore the menu (split into Old World, New World and The Orient) and expect something unusual and faintly brilliant, with a touch of the Tiki. Put it this way: Oriole is ideal whether you prefer drinking from a crystal tumbler, a teacup or, er, a silver crocodile. Piano Works 113-117 Farringdon Road, Farringdon EC1R 3BX, pianoworks.bar

Full credit to this fun Farringdon spot: theyve worked hard to make the place better and better since opening, which is pretty good going for what was already a decent spot to begin with. The Piano Works sounds like a quiet jazz bar but instead is a hell-raising house of sound, splendidly raucous, where a house band take requests and belt out your favourite songs. The more you get involved, the more fun it is, and the place heats up the later it gets. Wine starts at 16, house cocktails are 8, but they've tons of terrific deals during the week  including cocktails for a fiver (!!) Drink lots, dance lots and leave in the early hours with someone you shouldnt do. Thats what we did. Hawksmoor, Spitalfields 157A Commercial St, E1 6BJ, thehawksmoor.com

Its hardly surprising the bar snacks are a highlight here  have the oxcheek nuggets with a side of chips, then call the waiter over to order them over again  given how good the steak upstairs is. The drinks and setting, though, match them pound for pound. The old tube tiles on the walls, the beautiful parquet floor, the copper tops and silvery black ceiling make the large space a place to settle in for the night no matter your seat, while the cocktails come with oodles of thought in each one: the new menu has homemade bitters, shrubs and syrups, and its bloody obvious everyone behind the bar is more than a little nerdy about building drinks. Shaky Petes Ginger Brew is the classic, so have it, but follow up with the Shadow Boxer, a mix of scotch, sherry and Fernet-Branca. Odd, oddly delicious. Its also a cracking place to sit for a bottle of wine. Andrew Edmunds 46 Lexington St, W1F 0LP, andrewedmunds.com

Perhaps better than its ever been, Andrew Edmunds recently won The Good Drinking prize in our Restaurant Awards, and for good reason. Its a small spot, cramped to the point that coming here on a first date feels like youre being very forward indeed , with the best tables upstairs and not much to look at  just settle for being distracted by someone beautiful. The food, French-ish/English-ish, is fine, but its the wine that's extraordinary. And youre here for wine: forget cocktails, they have. What a list, and so quietly marked up that youre getting a steal with almost every bottle  indeed, the more expensive the better the deal. Having been going 30 years, those who knew old Soho say its one of the last bastion of such things. Drink too much gorgeous wine and come back often. The Connaught Bar Connaught, Carlos Place, W1K 2AL, the-connaught.co.uk

A bar for the impossibly beautiful, a bar of high heels and glimmering lights, of perfume and leather. Aside from oddly thumping music, the Connaught is wonderfully detached from the world  a place of its own, cosy and winter warm when it needs to be, light and summer when desired. The drinks, naturally pricey, are well put together and while classic in tone, come with crackles of theatre: washes in perfume bottles, branches as garnishes, smoke, the lot. Still, the martini trolley is what theyre famed for, so its only right to indulge. Afterward, head to the Champagne Room: sadly the law stops it being the cigar haven it once was, but it's still gorgeous: romantic and charming with its fireplace, dramatic with its glass ceiling and sculpture swan diving. Treat yourself to the Ruinart blanc de blanc. Damned good olives, too. Milk & Honey 61 Poland St, W1F 7NU, mlkhny.com

You know a bar is good when local bartenders love it, and Milk & Honey has long been a Soho favourite for those in the know. Hidden in plain sight this terrific bar has been doing its thing for just shy of 15 years. The talent hasnt diminished, and neither has the care put into the drinks. Cocktails are strong and proper and happily, they're updating the list soon to freshen things up. At around 10 a drink, M&H is also a bargain for central London, and the quality outstrips the price. It functions as a members bar, but non-members can book up until 11pm  though going earlier in the week means youre more likely to score a table. Milk & Honey is civilised, without the crushing formality. Next door is the Blind Pig, another top 'hidden' spot. Mark's Bar HIX Soho, 66- 70 Brewer St, W1F 9UP, hixrestaurants.co.uk

The bad: you might not get in. If its busy, they dont squeeze people into this basement, so either be there early, or bamboozle them with charm, or dazzle them with your brilliant wit. Were kidding: just take someone hot. The good: pretty much everything else. Naturally, the bar snacks are distractingly tasty, but the drinks list is excellent, and unusual too, with a few historical recipes brought back to life. Attention to detail is everything here, so if youre not sharing one of the big old Chesterfields, head to the bar and sit and watch  theres something about it thats like seeing a cardmaster turn tricks. And have a Hix Fix, just to say you have. The Beaufort bar and the American Bar at The Savoy The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EU, fairmont.com

Glitz, glamour and lots of gold: both Savoy bars are wonderfully opulent. The world-famous American bar, recently revamped, is still up there as one of the best bars on our humble planet. The bartenders bible, Harry Craddocks The Savoy Cocktail Book, was written here, and the cocktails served today remain as finely tuned as they ever were. Whereas as other bars try to recreate the glamour of such places, The Savoy neednt pretend: everything is genuine. The palatial Beaufort is absurdly romantic, and drinks are extravagantly presented: it works for the most special of special occasions, and theres something undeniably grand about sipping away in the same place Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway all did. If youre planning a few drinks, either be rich or take someone rich  seriously. Artesian 1C Portland Pl, W1B 1JA, artesian-bar.co.uk

Artesian won its accolades for its team, Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale, who ran the place for eight years and earned its reputation as the best bar in the world. Theyve sadly departed, but have left the place in capable hands, and the feel is much the same as it ever was, which is chic, glamorous, and not taking itself too seriously. While the beautiful and the rich rub shoulders, the bartenders are mixing up excellent but often slightly silly drinks  but its their mischievousness that makes them so winning. Seriously impressive. Les Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels 8-10 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP, cvssevendials.com

Call it CVS and your night becomes considerably easier to pronounce. Sat in Neils Yard, it is one of Londons finest wine bars. Thoroughly French, of course: New World wines barely get a sideways glance, while even Italys finest is only begrudgingly given a little space on the considerable menu. This doesn't mean there is a lack of choice  to the contrary, it is almost overwhelming, though they have a short by-the-glass list, and the charming staff are both well informed and passionate about what to have. In the summer, sit outdoors, in the winter, cosy up by the bar. Wherever you are, try the mystery wine; if you guess it, youll win a bottle. Have food  small plates made to share, and terrifically good  and drink plenty, so the bill doesnt hit as hard. The Shrub & Shutter 336 Coldharbour Ln, SW9 8QH, theshrubandshutter.com

This Brixton bar felt new in the area, taking a little of east London and bringing it down south. Theyve a pleasingly patchwork approach to decor: there are jars and bottles and shakers everywhere, which gives the place a kitchen feel. The cocktails, lovely to drink on their own, are made better with the food, which is designed to match what youre drinking. The pairings initially sound a little gimmicky  crayfish with vodka, venison on the side of The Deerhunter (an old fashioned, basically)  but they work, so drop that sceptical streak for a moment. It gets busy, so book up, get in early, and stay late. Theyve a license until 3am, so itd be rude not to. Sky Pod at the Sky Garden 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF, skygarden.london

The truth of it is, you come for the view, but good God it's a great view, and 360-degrees at that. Up 35 floors, if you can think of a London icon, you can probably see it. When the weather's good, get outside for some fresh air. With completely free entry and minimal security fuss, its worth making a reservation, though if youre ok to queue, theyll have you in. Cocktails arent torturously expensive, at around 11.50, and are very enjoyable  the cognac-chocolate-caramel-port mix that is Black and Gold is particularly good so it doesn't feel like they're relying on the sights.

Theres a sense of special occasion, and all the more so with live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Theyre hoping for jazz on Wednesdays, too. If youre tempted to eat, Fenchurch and the Darwin Brasserie are well worth trying  Fenchurch is particularly good for veggies. The Gilbert Scott St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Rd, NW1 2AR, thegilbertscott.co.uk

Given the golden hue here, where luxury hangs in the air like perfume, its remarkable that wine starts at as little as 5 a glass. Wine is its strong point, and likeable head sommelier Joris Beijn is a man worth knowing: he is passionate about his list, knowledgeable and accommodating. The bar is flexible, in that it is by turns ideal for a date, or a catch up with old friends, or a pre/post dinner drinks. The room is a stunner: high painted ceilings, dramatic red walls, great big bells as art, marble bar top and crystal glasses catching the light. Cocktails come in at around 14, and err on the light side: lots of gin and floral concoctions. The restaurant, next door, isnt to be missed, either, just be prepared to get an Uber home: invariably, youll stretch and tease out the evening to stay just a little longer. Gerry's Club 52 Dean Street, W1D 5BJ, gerrysclub.com

A word of warning: this is technically a member's club, but you'll probably be fine if you flirt enough  and don't ask for Gerry, he's long since passed. Michael looks after this place now. We've only been once  very late, very drunk and with very good friends. Most old-school Soho drinking dens are dead, but this hub of actors and writers is what remains of 'Old Soho'. If you're boring, steer clear: it is a place to drink wine and beer and tell stories, to laugh uproariously and to give yourself a monumental hangover in a faintly discreet way. 68 and Boston 4-5 Greek St, Soho, W1D 4DD, 68andboston.com

Boston, the bar upstairs, looks like glamorous train carriage from the golden age of cocktails but plays it a little bit safe. Wine bar 68, downstairs, is the real gem, with a wonderful way of pricing: every bottle on the list is 20, so choose what you like, not what you can afford. Better yet, if you don't fancy a bottle, they're served by the carafe (14) or glass (5.50). Wines are well picked and Denise Medrano, wine blogger and lover found behind the bar, is always working to update the list  so go back to try something new. Youll probably end up getting drunk here: the pull of another bottle at just 20 is monumentally hard to resist, but hey, thats what Soho is for. If you fancy drinking something more upscale, ask  theyve a few hidden wines kept hidden away for those in the know. Thats you, now. The Pink Chihuahua at El Camion 25-27 Brewer St, W1F 0RR, elcamion.co.uk

Forget house infusions and drinks that take half an hour to make: sometimes a good night needs tequila and dancing. The Pink Chihuahua is built for it: theyre providing the tequila  more than 300 different types of it, in fact  youre there to drink it down and dance it up. Theyve all sorts of twists on Margaritas and Daiquiris, and, given youre downstairs from Mexican restaurant El Camion, plenty of bar food to indulge in too. Lots of fun, and if youre feeling more in the mood just to sit back and sip something slowly, ask about their choice of Mezcal. There's real talent here, but fun too. The Gibson 44 Old St, EC1V 9AQ, thegibsonbar.london

Given the dearth of decent cocktails in Farringdon, the tiny Gibson is a God-send. Its a parlour pitched somewhere between Edwardian and Art Deco, and drinks arent simply poured here, theyre tended to, built, thought about, adored. All unsurprising, really, given the team learnt their trade at the likes of Nightjar and The Connaught.

This place is doing more creatively to push bartending forward than any bar that's opened up in a while, so ask the team for recommendations and youll be presented with something magic. Youll need to ask, actually, as the menu is a novel and theres the risk of wasting the evening reading instead of drinking, and that simply wouldnt do at all. Peg+Patriot Patriot Square, E2 9NF, talentedmrfox.com

The Talented Mr Fox, Matt Whiley, offers is a nice blend of things here: while the menu takes a sophisticated trip around London, with each cocktail a column of flavour, some managing chameleonic taste all within the space of a sip, the actual bar is surprisingly spare and understated. The effect is such that while drinks are upmarket, one doesnt feel obliged to sit demurely to enjoy them. Relax, have a few  you might want to, as the serves arent huge. It should be said that these cocktails are among Londons most interesting, rather than Londons best: they are talking points, oddities, they put flavours together in a way that isnt available elsewhere. If youre big on trying new things, different experiences, seeing what a cocktail can do, come, its a must. If its just something reliably delicious you fancy, elsewhere may be better. Worship Street Whistling Shop 63 Worship St, EC2A 2DU, whistlingshop.com

One presumes the staff here have night vision, otherwise its a complete and utter mystery how they see customers, let alone their ingredients. Still, they must do, for the output is pretty much excellent through and through at this dark spot. Its Victorian-inspired, which sounds tired and not a little tacky, but the gang from Purl have done it properly. Drinks are busy  lots of fusions, blends, gasses and pressure and all sorts  so its appropriate they come out of a lab. Still, all this engineering seems to be worth it, as the drinks slip down easily, the alcohol often hidden away. Make sure to take a seat in the Dram Shop, and pop in to the Gin Closet too, which operates as an honesty bar. Kansas Smitty's 63-65 Broadway Market, E8 4PH, kansassmittys.com

Below bar Off Broadway  a long way off, its Mexican  sits this glorious den of jazz and juleps. It is a speakeasy for 2016: that is to say, it has none of the contrived mannerisms of bars which proclaim to be speakeasies, it just happens to actually be one: youll need to knock to get in, the music raves loud and hot, and the place is so crowded strangers become family after a drink or two. The house band, for which the place is named, have envy-inducing talent, and the bar has fairly recently overhauled its drinks list, and the results are good. Youll be absorbed by the music, and stay afterwards to ride the buzz of the crowd. GONG 52, Shangri-La Hotel, the Shard, SE1 9QU, .gong-shangri-la.com

Gong is in the Shard, so youre there for the view alone. View it certainly does: at 52 floors up, its by far Londons highest spot to drink: consequently, sipping on a martini, one feels a little like a Bond villain pondering all thats below. Its not a huge bar, but that somewhat adds to the sense of exclusivity. Prices are, naturally, sky high: expect to pay at least 18. The drinks have plenty about them to compete with the view: presentation is everything. Theyve not skipped on the spirits making the mix, either: expect the likes of Zacapa 23 rum (heavenly stuff), Talisker scotch and Tanqueray 10 for the gin. All top drawer stuff. If this all sounds a bit intimidating, bear in mind they operate a no reservations policy, so youve as good a chance of getting in as anyone else. Mr Fogg's Salon 58 St Martin's Lane, Theatreland, WC2N 4EA, mr-foggs.com

Downstairs is a pretty decent pub, busy from theatreland. Upstairs, the salon is quieter, but only a little. The walls are a glittering ballgown of 19th century curiosities, unsubtle nonsense winking away. Head to a chaise longues with a couple of friends or a date and take in something from each one of the five acts which split the menu. Drinks seem to smell especially good here, rich, relying heavily on the likes of rum, cognac and sherry. Gin lovers need not despair: theyve a room with 300 different types next door. Come elegantly dressed. Bar Termini 7 Old Compton St, W1D 5JE, bar-termini.com

Do Bar Termini right and youll love it: do it wrong, and you may be underwhelmed. Tony Conigliaro, cocktail chap par excellence, and coffee maestro Marco Arrigo have built a revolving-door of a place: dont come here to linger. Expect a night of cocktails and youll leave disappointed: instead, love it in the day for the 1 espressos, and swing by in the evening for a negroni (6). Theyre small, but some of the best in the capital. One swishes in and out here, and that way, it adds a touch of Italian glamour to any evening. Trisha's (New Evaristo Club) 57 Greek St, Soho, W1D 3DX



Drinks dont make a bar, and thank goodness, as the stuff served at Trishas  named for its owner  is uniformly pretty awful: red and white wine youd consider an insult if a friend served it at supper, prosecco wildly overpriced, terrible spirits ecetera ecetera. At more than 70, the club is Sohos oldest, and while nobody who goes there can ever remember anything changing  its often quite hard to recall much about Trishas in crystal detail, as it happens  nothing needs to. The bad wine and expensive mixers and paint stripper spirits are all part of the point: its a glorious drinking den, and marvellous, marvellous fun. There are characters here: the last time we were in, we sat being scared witless by an old East End gangster who said hes known the Krays. Tremendous. Long may this place live. The Fumoir Claridge's, 49 Brook St, W1K 4HR, claridges.co.uk

The Fumoir will confuse you, as youll be torn between shouting about it and keeping it all to yourself. This plush purple and leather spot, deco decadence with a touch of welcome pomp, is hidden away behind a secret door at Claridges. Tiny and glitzy enough to feel like a Hollywood dressing room from the Golden Age, its little surprise the likes of Christina Hendricks adore it. For such a small place, they squeeze an awful lot in: plenty of wines, classic cocktails given a stern shake up, buckets of gin, a lovely choice of armagnac and a magnificent scotch list, gleaming with rarities. 69 Colebrooke Row 69 Colebrooke Row, N1 8AA, 69colebrookerow.com

Once known as the bar with no name, henceforth they shall be called the bar with Bernards watch, as there is no other explanation for the speed with which their finely mixed cocktails arrive. Another bar from Tony Conigliaro, its earned its reputation for turning out hit after hit: the drinks list is endlessly tempting. The piano is a nice touch; that is gets played a much nicer one, and make sure to order the Prairie Oyster  fun to drink, and one even for those who cant eat seafood. Bear in mind its a small spot, so youre close to your neighbours, and if you dont like strong drinks where the booze kicks, this wont be for you. Happiness Forgets 8-9 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU, happinessforgets.com

Dont expect frills and fuss or the rest of it here: Happiness Forgets is cocktail bar distilled down to its very essence, and done very well  their tag High End Cocktails/Low End Rent sums it up best. The bartenders are all top drawer, and their creations impeccable. Unsurprisingly, this Hoxton space has its regulars, so the crowd is always good. Tables can be booked, but half are always kept for walk-ins: try your luck, its worth it. Dry Martini by Javier de las Muelas Melia White House Hotel, Albany Street, NW1 3UP, melia.com

Come to this one to brag: Dry Martini is known as Barcelonas best cocktail bar, and has been rated the fifth best bar in the world by the Worlds 50 Best Bars panel. Renowned bartender Javier de las Muelas has bought over his concept to us lucky Londoners, and with it, finely mixed and classic cocktails. No prizes for guessing that the Dry Martini is the house special  if you dont think you like them, heres a place to change your mind. With more than 80 gins on the list, you could easily lose a week here. Gordon's 47 Villiers St, WC2N 6NE, gordonswinebar.com

Gordons seems to get more and more crowded with each passing day, but perhaps rightly so: the beloved Embankment institution is made for knocking back bottles of wine in. Eat a few cold bites and chat into a long, unwinding evening. The wine list is good enough, but youre really here for the atmosphere: in summer, the terrace, buzzing, in winter, the caves indoors, crammed with noise, spilt wine, and joy. Social bar at City Social 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 1HQ, citysociallondon.com

Youd think youre at City Social, up 24 stories of Tower 42, to eat, but if you stop in the bar, theres a good chance you wont make it to your table. The drinks come as something of a surprise: theyre so much better than one expects from a restaurant bar, inventive, put together carefully but not staidly, retaining a sense of fun. And, crucially, damned tasty. Its a dark room, and full of city types, but perfect for a few late night cocktails soaking up the view, which is really quite wonderful. Bloody pricey, but thats part of it. Ladies and Gentlemen 2 Highgate Rd, NW5 1NR, twitter.com

William Borrells bolthole transcends its gimmick (which, if you hadnt guessed, is that its a converted public loo), with the help of some very handy bartenders, and its house-brewed gin, Highwayman, of which twelve bottles a day get distilled. Ladies & Gents manages well as a place for a quiet drink, or better yet, a place to quietly get roaringly drunk. Convenient indeed. The drinks are strong, very interesting, and theres plenty of odd sods on the wall to keep your conversation up. It maintains a veneer of being somewhere faintly upmarket, but youll probably end up reading from one of the books scattered around or trying to dance to the live music. Perfect for a date that gets out of hand. Bull In A China Shop 196 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6LG, bullinachinashop.london

Truth it, youll need to catch this place on a good night, as weve been in often enough to know it has its good nights and its meh nights. But when the place is on, its really cooking, and easily one of the best bars in town. The cocktail list is short, but thought through, and care is taken in even the small things: they even make sure the water glasses are chilled. The chamomile and charcoal Old-Fashioned is a must, and any whisky lovers should get chatting to the bar staff, as theyve bottles which arent available anywhere else in the capital. Sager + Wilde Arch, 250 Paradise Row, E2 9LE, sagerandwilde.com

Wine lovers rejoice, wine bores look elsewhere. Sager + Wilde admirably keep things unpretentious: the exposed brickwork sets the tone: theyre keeping things low key. The specials list changes regularly, and always with interesting choices introduced. Some of the wines are exclusive to this place, so youre all but guaranteed to try something new. Have a SHE + T (sherry with tonic, delicious), and absolutely do not leave without having the grilled cheese sandwich. 7 Tales at Sosharu 64 Turnmill St, EC1M 5RR, sosharulondon.com

Underneath Jason Athertons Sosharu is this sexy, seedy Japanese drinking den, where youll find the hazy, debauched glamour of Tokyo after dark. Unlike so many bars underneath restaurants, 7 Tales doesnt feel like a holding pen, and drinks are precision made, with flavours leaning beyond the usual  think rice-washed gin, sake, infusions of sesame, snacks like tempura. Bar snacks are an irresistible must. Callooh Callay 65 Rivington St, EC2A 3AY, calloohcallaybar.com

Eccentric doesnt seem to quite cover it: enter the surreal world of Callooh Callay through an old Victorian wardrobe, catch sight of a throne and order punch out of a gramophone from a menu thats more of a sticker book. It sounds a bit ridiculous, but the bartenders really know their stuff, so for all the quirks, drinks are fundamentally pretty excellent. On the weekends, its a party bar, and DJs spin music to match: youre here for a good time. Any detectives in your gang will find there are two extra rooms in Callooh Callay to explore  theyre hidden away, too, naturally. If youre good, you might even get an invite upstairs to the Jub Jub Room, where the 10-long cocktail list changes every three weeks. Fans should also head to their new offering in Angel, Little Bat. Dukes Bar Dukes Hotel, 35 St James's Pl, SW1A 1NY, dukeshotel.com

Dukes is known for one reason: martinis. The St Jamess hotel was a favourite haunt of James Bond author and (very) keen drinker, Ian Fleming, who supposedly came up with the shaken, not stirred line here. Their martinis are exceptionally strong, and very large: theres a reason they wont serve you more than two. But look, break the mould: theyre a classic hotel bar, they serve a fine range of classic cocktails. Theres also a cognac and cigar garden, if youre so inclined. NOLA 1st Floor, 68 Rivington Street, EC2A 3AY, nola-london.com

It would be too easy to miss this place, so do your homework and saunter in: its must more attractive than sweatily asking anyone if theyve seen the place. Drawing inspiration from the home of proper cocktails, New Orleans, the bar loves traditional drinks, builds them properly and serves them in a den of music and laughter. Unlike some places specialising in old school serves, NOLA is a place for fun: sure, it seems to say, you could have a quiet drink  but why would you want to? Theres a cracking cigar terrace too, small enough that everyone talks before heading back in for one hell of a Vieux Carre. Call Me Mr Lucky 11 Southwark St, SE1 1RQ, twitter.com

All the hidden bars at the Breakfast Clubs around the capital are popular, with perhaps The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town being the best known. Call Me Mr Lucky, on Southwark Street, happens to be our favourite. Once youve flirted with the staff  ask to get lucky  youre taken through the restaurants kitchens to a lively bar decorated like some twisted take on a kids party. Have a go on the wheel of fortune, where youll really want to get lucky, and win a free shot, and then work your way through the cocktail list. Like any good-time bar worth its salt, this place is big on tequila, and the drinks are light-hearted fun, but  here we go getting lucky again  along with the quirks comes quality. By the of the evening, before youre porured back onto the street, youll swear tequila is your new favourite drink, and youll be singing the party hits they play all the way home. K Bar at The Kensington 109 - 113 Queen's Gate, SW7 5LP, townhousekensington.com

K bar feels majestic  and there is no other word for it  because drinking here is a little like being in the captains quarters of the Titanic, albeit without the sinking feeling. There is glamour here: a kind of place to be seduced in. Cocktails wise, bar manager Ben Manchester is the man to ask for, but theres a fine list to choose from. It avoids stuffiness, and just needs to be packed out to really get cooking. Nightjar 129 City Rd, EC1V 1JB, barnightjar.com

Nightjar has fame which means writing about it is redundant: people think it marvellously good, and theyve live music most of the week. Its seating only and worth booking: just be sure not to cancel, or theyll charge a steep 10 per person. They do the speakeasy theme, but well enough that it isnt too tired yet, and have plenty of old school style on the list. Pick up a pack of cards from the bar on your way out. Reverend J W Simpson 32 Goodge St, W1T 2QJ, revjwsimpson.com

Bourne and Hollingsworth run this rather lovely little bar, downstairs from a small doorway on Goodge St. Service is friendly and speedy, it's comfortable, and drinks more than hold their own  there's both obscure traditional mixes and modern serves made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Luckily, with good drinks come good people, and it's a loud, happy place. Albertine 1 Wood Ln, W12 7DP, albertinewinebar.co.uk

Albertine hasnt changed much since the day East Enders was commissioned there. A wine bar through and through, youll struggle to get anything else (though there are a couple of ales on the menu.) Its a place with spirit, which draws a regular, devoted crowd. They sell everything they serve, and its well worth splashing out: the mark-up gets less and less as the bottles get more expensive, meaning you can get an absolute bargain at the top end of the list. Its also the kind of wine bar you go to to overindulge. First Aid Box 119 Dulwich Rd, SE24 0NG, firstaidbox2015.com

This place really is worth travelling to Herne Hill to, which must be saying something. The team behind Shrub & Shutter have thickly laid on the pharmacy theme here, with cure-all drinks. Its not an idea which sounds like it should work, and yet, how much better life would be if they were one of the emergency services. Expect saline drips, syringes, and the likes of plastic lungs  their take on thirst aid  but rest assured, flavours arent medicinal in the slightest. At 8 - 10 a drink, its reasonable for London, and wonderful to see a bar really trying something new. Bravo. Media Wisdom Photography - Giles Christopher Nam Long Le Shaker 159 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 0LJ, namlong.co.uk

It gained fame for its celebrity fans, which include Mick Jagger and Prince Harry, but Nam Long has held on longer than most A-list haunts: its been going 30 years, and recently was given an overhaul. Its quite possibly the most Chelsea place imaginable  there are literally MIC cast members floating about  and its a go-to spot to drink far too much and party. The upstairs area is bright, airy, and well looked after by the excellent bartenders, while downstairs  "the Opium Den"  is as it sounds (though there was no opium available when we asked... ) The drinks upstairs were made with more care, but downstairs is more intimate, opulent, and better for a small groups. Some of those Chelsea types who go really are the very worst, and the drinks are outrageously expensive, but hey, its a laugh. The Vault at Milroy's 3 Greek St, Soho, W1D 4NX, shop.milroys.co.uk

A bar through a bookcase: were sold. Better yet, its underneath one of Sohos finest whisky shops  with stiff competition from The Vintage House  so if youre taken with something downstairs, buy it on your way out. Its a simple little bar and the service is decidedly so-so, but its usually pretty busy, they play good music and have an excellent range of spirits. The menu is changed regularly, but its a good place to cram into with friends or on a date. You mightnt spend the entire night here, but for a couple of drinks on the way somewhere, or on the way back, it fits the bill perfectly. Bounce 241 Old St, EC1V 9EY, bouncepingpong.com

There are two Bounce bars, one on Old Street and one on Holborn. The Old Street spot is a little more fun, graffiti adorning the walls,the Holborn spot somewhat more upmarket. Still, they both deserve a mention, and for the simple reason theyre damned good fun. Drinks here are good, with a decent spirit selection at both (and a huge number of gins in Farringdon) and a respectable selection of beers. Food is fine, simple. Still, you come to play ping pong. Theyve tables everywhere. Theres little to fault with Bounce: its a laugh, and sometimes thats all somewhere needs to be.

You dont need a science degree to get the most out of your visit, though.

He adds: Its not just about the message, its about being excellent at the same time.

Given his credentials  and not least that best bar in the world award  wed trust his judgement on that one.

For more information and details of soft launch offerings visit: lyancub.com.
As online retailers like Amazon go from strength to strength, it can be hard to survive as an independent shop - even in a city like London. This is what Trouva.com hopes to combat as an online marketplace for indy bricks and mortar boutiques.

Here, its creative brand director and east Londoner Lucy Ward shares her design story with us, from how she got into the industry to which places in the capital inspire her.

Tell us about how Trouva started...

It set up in 2015 by co-founders Mandeep Singh and Alex Loizou. Both have backgrounds in retail and technology and were perfectly placed to launch a marketplace that genuinely helps independent bricks-and-mortar boutiques thrive. Our mission is to ensure an independent future for the high street, by providing boutiques with the economies of scale and tech that bigger players in the market have.

Lucy Ward at home Trouva

For shoppers, were a real treasure trove, uncovering design, lifestyle and fashion pieces that you simply cant find on Oxford Street. Its been so motivating to see Trouva grow from 0 customers to 60,000 over the past two years, and to see the positive effects we are having on independent stores and for shopkeepers alike.

What's the Trouva ethos?

We have a curated collection of the best design and fashion products which acts as an alternative to the chain-dominated, identikit high street brands. Our boutique community is made up of real people who are passionate and dedicated shopkeepers, running bricks-and-mortar stores, and were all about propelling that forward and enabling them to thrive. It means that we pride ourselves as a company on being human, we work hard but always aim to inspire the best in each other. Not only is the team at Trouva passionate about the industry, its also so inspiring to go behind the doors of over 300 boutiques and work with some of the best creatives and buyers in the world.

What was your background?

Before Trouva, I worked with a number of retailers including John Lewis and Net-a-Porter through my role at My Beautiful City  where I was head of marketing, communications and new business. Prior to this, I spent two years working with the in-house team at Jack Wills, before joining Trouva on its exciting journey as it was launching.

Do you have any advice for someone breaking into the industry?

Be passionate and knowledgeable. Try and attend relevant trade shows like Maison Objet in Paris or Salone del Mobile in Milan. For opportunities closer to home, London Design Festival and Clerkenwell Design Week are always on my list.

We are so spoilt living in the capital, as there are so many events  whether its a gallery, museum or talk  to keep us inspired and up to date with what is going on in the industry.

Discover: iyouall boutique in South Deptford

Are you working on any new projects or collaborations?

We are constantly searching for design-led boutiques, which is why were able to launch new independents on Trouva every week. Just this month we have welcomed eight new boutiques to the Trouva community, including iyouall, a stunning lifestyle store in South Deptford from the team behind iya design studio selling homeware, accessories and stationery and Artisans and Adventurers, a boutique located on Columbia Road which features a range of handmade jewellery, textiles and traditional African designs.

What is your favourite piece from Trouva right now?

Thats a hard question as I have a never-ending wish list. The Ganni dress Im wearing was a recent purchase from Wild Swans in Islington, which has the best selection of Scandinavian fashion in London.

On a recent visit to A New Tribe, a boutique on Chatsworth Road, I discovered this Desert Blanket from Californian based brand, BFGF. I absolutely love the unique tropical inspired artwork. Im looking to use it as a wall hanging in my flat.

A New Tribe

What was the last piece of homeware you bought?

This expressive print by Alicia Galer. When shes not making art, she works in Triangle Store in Hackney (a favourite Trouva boutique of mine), where her work is exclusively sold. I love the artwork so much that I bought two.

And your most treasured possession?

It has to be my vintage patchwork Floor Story rug. Its an extravagant purchase but one that will last me a lifetime. It is the ultimate feature piece in my open plan living space. Floor Story is also run by my brother-in-law, and so it also has a familial meaning behind it.

London's best design shops 1 /26 London's best design shops Minimalist Mint in Knightsbridge Inge Clemente Essentials Labour and Wait in Shoreditch All of the lights Tom Dixon Studio in Portobello Dock Scandinavian dream Skandium has shops in Knightsbridge and Marylebone Beauty meets practicality SCP in Shoreditch East End cool The lighting area at SCP in Shoreditch Quirky objects A display at Aria in Barnsbury, north London Louis Little Eclectic You'll find contemporary furnishings alongside vintage pieces in Aria in Barnsbury Louis Little Something a little different Aria in Islington Louis Little Utilitarian cool Labour and Wait in Shoreditch Personal touch Lizzie Evans, founder of Smug in Islington Lizzie Evans, founder of Smug - press image Unique shopping experience Jasper Morrison in Hoxton Jasper Morrison in Hoxton - press image Full of quirky pieces Retrouvius in Kensal Green Eccentric Jimmie Martin in Kensington Jimmie Martin Scandi-style Triangle in Clapton Triangle in Clapton - press image Trendy Monologue shop in Shoreditch Bold patterns House of Hackney Shop in Shoreditch Anthony Crolla

What are the three easiest ways to makeover a room?

1. Applying a fresh lick of paint is key.

2. Whether youre into minimalist design, eclectic home wares or monochrome colours, pick a direction for your room and stick to it.

3. Make your house your own with home accessories: find distinctive pieces with stories and products that you will love and treasure for a long time.

What homeware trends do you predict for the coming season?

With Marrs Green recently voted the worlds most popular colour, I think well definitely be seeing more of this shade over the next year. The colour can be overpowering and so I would introduce it to a space by way of a cosy armchair, teal painted bathtub, or even your front door. For a subtler nod to the colour, Id recommend selecting ceramics or glassware for your dining table.

Im currently also into interiors inspired from the Far East. Simplicity and functionality is at the heart of Japanese design and I love that nothing is without purpose and place. Hasami ceramics are a favourite of mine.

Do you have a secret design haunt in London?

I have several. Two of my favourites are Mag Culture, the shop that celebrates the best magazines. Its situated right next to Trouva HQ and is a total design haven. I visit each month, often with members of the Trouva team to get inspiration. Theres something very satisfying about sifting through beautifully printed publications.

A post shared by bonds. HACKNEY (@bonds.hackney) on Aug 1, 2017 at 12:34am PDT

And Bonds in Hackney is also a must visit. The new bricks-and-mortar store is under the same roof as candle company, Earl of East London and KANA, a talented artist creating handcrafted ceramics. The building holds an incredibly rich and vibrant heritage of craftsmanship. Not only does Bonds sell great design-led pieces, its also an awesome coffee spot and event space.

Describe a day in the life of Lucy Ward...

Trouva boutique Oklahoma window display

I usually wake up at 6am. Although Im an early bird, coffee plays a massive part of my morning and is the first thing I need.

I arrive at office before 9am so I can prepare for the day ahead. In my role, I focus on content creation and building the Trouva brand. That means my day-to-day tasks can range from planning creative campaigns, interior trend forecasting, visiting our boutiques or interviewing customers for feedback on what they love about Trouva.com, as well as most importantly what could be improved.

Im a firm believer in trying to leave the office by 7pm, dependent on deadlines of course. My brain tends to switch off after this point; its important to listen to your body and work around when you feel the most productive.

I also swear by doing yoga, for mind as well as body. We actually run a Monday class at Trouva HQ, which makes me step away from my desk and think about myself for an hour. Luckily, Im very spoilt on the cooking front as I have a partner who is a brilliant chef and normally makes me dinner. After a quiet evening, Im in bed by 10.30pm, latest. Can you tell that I like my sleep?

trouva.com. Follow Lucy on Instagram here
I dont know whether The Evening Standards distribution extends to Hawaii, but I wrote a column nine months ago calling for a crackdown on texting while walking. And now its about to become law there. Initially only in Honolulu, and some tiny attention-seeking place in New Jersey called Fort Lee, but its a start. Its good to know someone on Waikiki Beach is listening. Or even reading.

Back in November I called for phone lanes to be introduced for those annoying people who walk around glued to their mobiles, scanning the tiny screen for vital social media updates or notifications of news events or instructions on how to get from A to B, which could save a great deal of time and potential danger if they simply read the message: Look up: you might see the street sign if you can tear yourself away from your phone, you idiot.



The important thing is that the dudes in Honolulu, tearing themselves away from important work like waiting for a wave or ordering a Mai Tai, have taken my comments on board. In fact theyve come up with even stronger action than I envisaged  theyve made it illegal to cross the road while looking at your phone, or tablet, or laptop, or digital camera. I know what youre thinking: why didnt they go all the way and include books? And newspapers? And maps? No, that would be crazy. And as someone who often walks along reading the paper, or trying to solve crossword clues, Im grateful for them making that distinction between digital devices and old-skool endangered species like books and newspapers.

Anyway, from the end of October, offenders will be fined $15-35 for a first offence, with rising penalties for serial offenders. As a result Ive been trying to think of other annoying antisocial activities could fruitfully be legislated against, with the double effect of making life in London more tolerable  specifically by making people more considerate towards others  while raising money for the citys coffers.

As a driver (and a public transport user, and a cyclist, and a pedestrian, but in this case as a driver), my pet hate is drivers who fail to thank other drivers when you let them out of a turning. This, in my experience, is literally the number one complaint of every driver. Forget the impatient maniacs who accelerate through red and amber lights, the angry maniacs who tailgate you while honking and swearing and gesticulating, and the rude selfish maniacs who nick your parking place while youre waiting for someone to come out of it (although they deserve a painful punishment too). Theres something about the casual passive-aggression of the ones who dont thank you for your kindness that drives me into a fury.

You know what its like: youre driving along, calm, relaxed, happy, and you see someone edging out of a turning on the other side of the road. Theyre indicating to go the same way as you and you can see that no one is coming in the other direction. So you smile, and flash your lights, and give them a cheery wave to get ahead of you so they dont get held up in their busy day. And what do they do? Nothing. NOTHING! The utter bastards. It can spoil my day, I tell you, though thankfully there is a cure, which is to let a bus pull out after all the cars in front of you overtook it, and receive a cheery thumbs-up and (if youre lucky) the full hazard-light flash as thanks. That makes everything all right.

Then there are those drivers pedestrian equivalent: people who dont acknowledge you when you hold open a door for them. I dont know about you but I tend to hold doors for people if theyre close behind me. Not just women  PEOPLE. Especially people with bags, or pushchairs, or prams. All I want in return is a smile, a wave; even a barely perceptible nod of appreciation will do.. but SOMETHING. When youre completely ignored it has the same effect as the driver who doesnt thank you: you are momentarily outraged, and simultaneously depressed that our society has sunk so low that someone cant even be bothered to thank you for a small everyday kindness. I mean, if I was a doorman I would have a uniform. And a cap.

There used to be a double-barrelled bloke at The Evening Standard who walked through the Newsroom with the imperious gait and superior manner of someone who was accustomed to having doors opened for him on a regular basis, probably by a manservant. Obviously he worked on the Londoners Diary, carrying out important journalistic tasks like going to parties he would have gone to anyway, to talk to people he would have talked to anyway. Anyway, I twice held the door open for this fellow and on both occasions he breezed through without even acknowledging my grovelling presence. I loudly said: Dont mention it (the second time I tried: Youre welcome) and I think I may have heard a vague sort of grunt as he marched towards his double-barrelled corner of the office to rummage through party invitations and dog-eared copies of Tatler. Not that Im still angry all these years later, you understand.

Bags of trouble: people wearing rucksacks in the city should be banned / Shutterstock / Peter Bernik

And then there are rucksacks; well, people wearing rucksacks. Theyre fine in their place, but that place is in the Far East, on a Gap Yah, or at a music festival, or even on a bicycle. Where theyre not fine is in a shop with narrow aisles where they suddenly turn around sideways, knocking you into the tinned soup and cereals with a grunt and a gasp, while they move off, oblivious. Or on a bus or the Tube, where they stand in the standing bit and then turn around without warning, scattering men, women and children, sometimes spilling coffee over the seated passengers as a result. Or at a gig: the other day at a gig in Brighton, I had the great misfortune to be behind a student who appeared to be carrying his entire worldly goods in the sort of backpack youd have if you were about to spend the next six months in South East Asia. And he kept doing that thing people in front of you at crowded gigs do of moving imperceptibly back all the time, when I was already crushed against a pillar, so I kept shoving him in the back of his backpack with increasing force. But it was so full of stuff that he didnt even notice. Because they never notice, do they? Theres a simple cure mate: when youre indoors, TAKE THE F***ING THING OFF.

And finally, there is the 21st century phenomenon of annoying waiters in hipster restaurants. They cant wait to tell you their name, can they? And to ask you if youve eaten with us before, as if theyre youve just popped round for dinner with them, rather than paid through the nose to eat a succession of small plates (translation: small portions at large prices) that will be delivered to you as soon as they come out of the kitchen (translation: whenever we feel like it, even if that means you get your pudding first, served alongside a savoury starter), so they can deliver a tutorial. And of course theyll keep coming back every few minutes to ask you how everything is and of course because youre British youll tell them everything is great, thanks so much for asking, Mmmm its all delicious; and as soon as they turn away youll go back to complaining about the tiny portions and the fact that you still havent had your main course even though you ate your pudding 15 minutes ago. And then youll give them a generous tip, even though theyve already added an optional 12 per cent to the bill which you didnt notice until you got home.

Oh how I long to go to one of these pop-up places and tell the beardy tattooed waiter in his sockless winklepickers: Hi, my name is Tim. Have you waited on me before? Let me tell you a little bit about how we like to dine  we like our starters at the start, our puddings at the end, and our main courses in the middle, all of them served together with gaps of 10-15 minutes between courses. One day I will.
T he weather is finally heating up again, and with the mercury set to hit a balmy 29C this weekend, there is nothing left for it but to grab the SPF and head to one of the countrys most beautiful sandy stretches of coastline.

From southern favourites in Dorset and Cornwall to picturesque spots in Merseyside and Norfolk, this is your guide to the best beaches in the UK.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall

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Theres a reason Kynance Cove is one of Cornwalls most revered beaches: its white sands, turquoise water and serpentine rocks will trick you into thinking youre in the Med.

Where to eat: Anns Pasties do the best pasties this side of Penzance.

Where to stay: for killer views, its got to be Atlantic House.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire

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Unspoilt and remote, Barafundle Bay in the south-west corner of Wales is regularly voted one of the best in the UK, thanks to its postcard-worthy golden sands and twinkling sea.

Where to eat: for locally sourced fare, check out The Boathouse Tearoom.

Where to stay: The Stackpole Inn is an excellent posh pub with rooms.

Climping, West Sussex

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Wedged between Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, Climpings shingle and pebble beach is much quieter than its neighbours, so there will be no wrestling for the perfect place to plonk.

Where to eat: enjoy a sundowner at The Oystercatcher Inn.

Where to stay: Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa is a hidden gem just back from the beach.

Blackpool Sands, Devon

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With the appearance of golden sand (actually very small pebbles) and shimmering azure waters, youd be forgiven for thinking you were lying on a beach on the Algarve.

Where to eat: wander to The Venus Cafe for vegan fish and chips.

Where to stay: swap the sea for the country at the wisteria-lined Watermill Cottages.

Botany Bay, Kent

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Wedged between Margate and Broadstairs, Botany Bay is studded with Kents famous chalk towers and you can try your hand at fossil hunting, too.

Where to eat: a breakfast sandwich at The Kitchen is perfect beachside fuel.

Where to stay: over in Margate, The Reading Rooms is one of our favourite British B&Bs.

Achmelvich Bay, Scotland

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Summer brings porpoises off the coast at the gleaming white sand Achmelvich Bay  its also home to Hermits Castle, the smallest in Europe.

Where to eat: The Seafood Shack serves the freshest fish in the UK.

Where to stay: let the lapping waves lull you to sleep at the North Coast 500 Pods.

Durdle Door, Dorset

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While you may not be able to avoid the crowds, Durdle Doors impressive limestone arch marks the finest beach on the Jurassic Coast  the waters here are superbly clear, but also superbly cold.

Where to eat: for fresh seafood with stellar views, its got to be The Boat Shed Cafe.

Where to stay: roll-top tubs and sea views are plentiful at Lulworth Cove Inn.

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

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Pastel-hued beach huts dot the shoreline of this northern Norfolk gem  the sand dunes and pine woods that fall behind are particularly beautiful.

Where to eat: The Crab Hut serves baps filled with seafood straight out of Brancaster Staithe.

Where to stay: discover quirky Georgian maritime charm at The Globe Inn.

Porthcurno, Cornwall

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Just three miles shy of Lands End, Porthcurno is blessed with soft white sand and turquoise water.

Where to eat: sip on a Cornish ale at The Logan Rock Inn.

Where to stay: a lovers bolthole, Driftwood cottage has spectacular sea views.

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula

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The limestone crags that flank Three Cliffs just add to its beauty. Its only accessible by foot but the golden beach that awaits is worth the walk.

Where to eat: treat yourself to the tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Beach House Restaurant.

Where to stay: the ultra-modern secret garden pods at nearby Oxwich Bay Hotel.

Formby Beach, Liverpool

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Dramatic dunes make way for stunning views across the Irish Sea. The mountains of Cumbria can be seen on a clear day.

Where to eat: youll find the finest fish and chips in town at The Good Catch.

Where to stay: after a day sunning, indulge yourself at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa.

Southwold, Suffolk

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Charming Southwold, with its Instagrammable pastel beach huts, might just be the most quintessentially English resort town going.

Where to eat: head to Two Magpies Bakery for freshly baked sourdough.

Where to stay: The Swan Southwold is a Scandi-cool seaside stay.

Berneray Sands Beach, Outer Hebrides

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The tiny Isle of Berneray is home to just 138 people, so its likely youll find a stretch of the impossibly white sand at Berneray Sands Beach to yourself.

Where to eat: pick up a rose and pistachio meringue or walnut sourdough at The Scandinavian Bakery.

Where to stay: cosy up to the islands famous seal colony at Seal View B&B.

Polzeath, Cornwall

A file photo of the Cornish coast / Shutterstock

A mix of shingle and sand and dotted with rock pools, Polzeath is a popular surfing spot  just watch out for the riptide.

Where to eat: the breakfast tacos at Taco Boys are worth walking over the headland for.

Where to stay: with brilliant views over the beach, book the cottage at The Oystercatcher.

Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsular

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Sprawling languorously along the Gower Peninsula in Wales, Rhossili Bay features a winning combination of rugged coves and golden sand.

Where to eat: dont miss the artisan pastries and locally made ice cream at The Lookout.

Where to stay: look across the Bristol Channel to Devon from your window at Broad Park.

Pentle Bay, Tresco

Tresco Island

Break off from the Cornish pack and head to the Isles of Scilly. Pentle Bay, with its gleaming white sand, lies 30 miles south of Lands End.

Where to eat: The New Inn is pub grub at its finest.

Where to stay: skip over to Hell Bay Hotel in Bryher for an indulgent spa stay.

Luskentyre, Isle of Harris

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Named the 13th best beach in the world by Tripadvisor for 2020, theres never been a better time to discover the pristine Scottish isles.

Where to eat: whether youre craving crab or cake, Croft36 will sort you out.

Where to stay: the charming Atlantic Cottage is the epitome of Hebridean hospitality.

West Wittering, Chichester

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With views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs, West Wittering is soul-soothing. This year youll need to book a car park space before you go.

Where to eat: try tasty local fare at the newly opened Three Veg Deli.

Where to stay: Landseer House is an excellent country pile on four acres of meadows.

Saunton Sands, Devon

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This three-mile stretch of golden sand on the north Devon coast is popular among keen surfers  you just need to clamber over the largest sand dunes in the UK to get there.

Where to eat: tuck into an aubergine katsu curry at Biffens Kitchen.

Where to stay: perched above the beach, the Saunton Sands Hotel is a luxury retreat.

Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

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Flanked by lush headlands, head to Mawgan Porth first thing to watch the surfers before taking a dip in the crystalline water yourself.

Where to eat: dont fancy leaving the beach? Beach Box will deliver your smoothie bowl directly to you.

Where to stay: home to one of the UKs best eco spas, you cant miss the Scarlet.
N ext has urged customers to return a pair of boys shoes amid fears they contain a toxic substance linked to cancer.

The high street retailer recalled the product after discovering a potential problem in the lining of the Younger Boys Navy Brogues that contains a quantity of restricted substance which exceeds Nexts specification.

The substance, identified as benzidine, is one of several industrial chemicals the NHS warns can increase the risk of bladder cancer.

Authorities in Australia have also issued a warning about the product, which was sold internationally.

Recall: Next discovered a problem with the lining of the Younger Boys Navy Brogues shoes / Next

In a statement, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said: The 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."

Next told customers they could return the shoes and receive a full refund.

A statement on the retailers website 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.

Please call us on 0333 777 8185 to arrange a collection, or return the shoes to your local store, if this would suit you better. If you have given this item as a gift, please ask the recipient to contact Next.

Were very sorry for any disappointment and inconvenience caused, but we hope youll understand that customer safety is our highest priority.
M ore than 250 people including 62 children have been massacred in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid fears of ethnic cleansing.

UN human rights investigators say survivors speak of hearing the screams of people being burned alive as militia groups sweep across the country.

The UN said the killers were backed by Congolese security officials. Human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein urged Congo's government to "act now to prevent such violence from tipping into wider ethnic cleansing."

The investigators based their new report on interviews in June of 96 people who fled Congo's Kasai province into neighboring Angola over the three previous months.

Photos showed survivors with dismembered limbs and deep scars. In a statement, the U.N. human rights chief described accounts of "the screams of people being burned alive" and others who were "cut down."

The report provides a snapshot of the violence that erupted in the once-calm region a year ago. The U.N. has estimated the existence of 80 mass graves there. At least 1.3 million people have been internally displaced, and at least 40,000 have fled to Angola.

Violence in the Kasai region by the Kamwina Nsapu militia began last August with the killing of a regional tribal leader who had defied the government of President Joseph Kabila. Access for U.N. investigators to the region has been difficult, and security concerns skyrocketed after the murder of two U.N. experts in the Kasais in March.

Based on the accounts from people who fled between March and June, the new report counted 251 killings, attributing 150 of them to the Bana Mura and another 79 to the Kamwina Nsapu. Government forces were blamed for another 22.

The Catholic church has estimated more than 3,300 people have died in the fighting. The U.N. human rights office, which follows a strict methodology, has estimated the total death toll at over 500.

Additional reporting by AP
H olidaymakers bound for beaches across Europe have been warned to stay out of the sun amid warnings over scorching temperatures.

Alerts have been issued over extreme heat across Spain, Italy and Croatia as the mercury is predicted to soar above 40C over the weekend.

Travellers in Granada and Seville could face highs of 42C while temperatures soar to 39C in parts of Italy.

Bosnia, Hungary, Switzerland and Corsica are also due to see some extremely hot weather.

Scorching heat: Holidaymakers bask on a beach in Benidorm as temperatures look set to hit 42C / REUTERS

European forecasters at Meteoalarm have issued a plea to tourists to remain vigilant and take precautionary action before going out in the heat.

Tourists have been urged to avoid taking long journeys where possible and listen to advice issued by health authorities in specific destinations.

Experts have advised Brits to drink plenty of fluids and stay in the shade during the heatwave which expected to last until Wednesday.

A spokeswoman for The Weather Company told The Sun: Temperatures are expected to be around three to five degrees above normal for the time of year for eastern Spain this week, reaching around 35/36C for the Balearic Islands.

Temperatures in London are set to hit highs of 22C on Friday but drop slightly to 20C on Saturday and Sunday.

Forecasters at the Met Office predicted a changeable weekend with a mix of sunshine and showers.

Summer holiday: Tourists in Spain face record-breaking temperatures / REUTERS

The warnings come amid pleas for holidaymakers to arrive at airports across Europe three hours early for flights to the UK due to tighter restrictions at EU border controls.
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With more than three million apps available to download, the Google Play Store is by far the largest app store in the world. The harsh truth, however, is that many of those apps frequently crash, are slow to render and use way too much battery power. In other words, they aren't worth your time.

Google isn't oblivious to the issue. In fact, they've recently taken steps that'll make it easier for users to sidestep the junk and get right to the high quality apps they desire.

Andrew Ahn, a project manager for the Google Play team, said on Thursday that they've enhanced their search and discovery algorithms to reflect quality apps. What this means is that higher quality apps will show up in searches and recommended lists more often than bum apps.

Ahn said the change has already had a positive impact on app engagement as they've noticed that people tend to use higher quality apps more often and uninstall them less often.

App developers have a number of resources available to help test and tune their apps both before and after they go live.

The Play Console, Ahn notes, is useful in finding and fixing a number of quality-related issues. Android vitals, meanwhile, uses opted-in devices that have your app installed to help identify key performance issues while the pre-launch report shows reports from alpha and beta app testing. And of course, ratings and reviews from users shouldn't be ignored as they can provide valuable insight into shortcomings in your app.
Lenovo has confirmed that it is dropping its Vibe Pure UI on all future smartphones and will be switching back to vanilla Android. This is a big change coming from their custom overlay that ran on top of Android.

According to Lenovo's head of smartphone product marketing Anuj Sharma in an interview with Gadgets360, the first phone to ship with stock Android will be the K8 Note (it'll feature Android 7.1.1 Nougat). The decision comes after seeking customer feedback and a nearly yearlong internal review process.

Moving away from their custom Android skin means Lenovo can offer OS updates directly from Google much faster. For example, all "K Series" smartphones launched this year will receive the Android O update.

Other brands like Samsung and LG that use heavily modified versions of Android are typically very slow to receive updates since they must be modified to work with the custom skin.

The move will put Lenovo more in line with Motorola (which it purchased in 2014 for $2.91 billion) as well as help reduce technical support costs and extend product life cycles.

Lenovo's first smartphones shipped with Vibe UI, a heavily bloated skin that ran on top of Android. After some incremental improvements, Lenovo released Vibe Pure UI in an attempt to reduce bloatware.

Since Lenovo sells phones in many international markets, coming to this standardized decision was a bit difficult. In China for example, Android isn't very popular when compared to custom skins but in the Indian market, stock Android is preferred.
The following companies are subsidiares of Procter & Gamble: "Petersburg Products International" LLC, "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, 1837 LLC, Agile Pursuits Franchising Inc., Agile Pursuits Inc., Ambi Pur, Arbora & Ausonia, Arbora & Ausonia S.L.U., Avon - Giorgio Beverly Hills, Billie, Braun GmbH, Braun Shanghai Co. Ltd., Celtic Insurance Company Inc., Charlie Banana USA LLC, Corporativo Procter & Gamble S. de R.L. de C.V., DDFSkincare, Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery Shanghai Co. Ltd., Fameccanica North America Inc., Farmacy Beauty, Fater Central Europe SRL, Fater Eastern Europe LLC, Fater Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Fater S.p.A., Fater Temizlik Urunleri Ltd STI, First Aid Beauty, First Aid Beauty Limited, Folgers Coffee, Fountain Square Music Publishing Co. Inc., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette China Limited, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Shanghai Ltd., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay S.A., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, Inversiones Plaza LLC, LLC "Procter & Gamble - Novomoskovsk", LLC "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", LLC Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, Laboratoire Mediflor S.A.S., Laboratorios Vicks S.L.U., Lamberts Healthcare Ltd., Liberty Street Music Publishing Company Inc., Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones C.A., Merck Consumer Healthcare, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, Native, Nature's Best Health Products Ltd., New Chapter Canada Inc., New Chapter Inc., Nioxin Research Laboratories, Noxell Corporation, OUAI, Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Consumer Health Germany GmbH, P&G Distribution East Africa Limited, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding Inc., P&G Health Austria GmbH & Co. OG, P&G Health France S.A.S., P&G Health Germany GmbH, P&G Healthcare Zhejiang Limited, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Investment Management Ltd., P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G Japan G.K., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G South African Trading Pty. Ltd., P&G-Clairol, PG13 Launchpad Alpha Inc., PG13 Launchpad Beta Inc., PG13 Launchpad Gamma Inc., PGT Healthcare LLP, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Pressbox, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chengdu Ltd., Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble China Ltd., Procter & Gamble China Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent Beijing Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deutschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distributing Philippines Inc., Procter & Gamble Distribution Company Europe BV, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe LLC, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana S.A.U., Procter & Gamble Far East Inc., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finance U.K. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble Ghana Trading Limited, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Ltd., Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Technology Innovation Co. LTD., Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care LLC, Procter & Gamble Health & Beauty Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Health Belgium BV, Procter & Gamble Health Limited, Procter & Gamble Health Ltd., Procter & Gamble Health Poland Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Hellas Single Member Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holding Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Holdings UK Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Honduras S de RL, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership KKT, Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings Inc., Procter & Gamble Indochina Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica Limitada, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala Limitada, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama S. de R.L., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International Sarl, Procter & Gamble Investment Company UK Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Italia S.p.A., Procter & Gamble Jiangsu Ltd., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea Inc., Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble L&CP Limited, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA Pty Ltd, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Tianjin Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Mataro S.L.U., Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Philippines Business Services Inc., Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc., Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo Higiene e Saude S.A., Procter & Gamble Product Supply U.K. Limited, Procter & Gamble Productions Inc., Procter & Gamble RHD Inc., Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services Sarl, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Switzerland SA, Procter & Gamble Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology Beijing Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Trading Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Vietnam Company Limited, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil Ltda., Procter & Gamble do Brazil LLC, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble doo Beograd, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Procter and Gamble Lanka Private Limited, Procter and Gamble SA Pty Ltd., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Recovery Engineering, Redmond Products Inc., Richardson-Vicks, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Riverfront Music Publishing Co. Inc., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Series Acquisition B.V., Seven Seas Limited, Shulton Inc., Snowberry, Snowberry New Zealand Limited, Sunflower Distributing LLC, TAOS - FL LLC, TAOS Retail LLC, THIS IS L, TULA, Tambrands, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving, The Art of Shaving - FL LLC, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Iams Company Inc., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company LLC, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., This is L. Inc., Thomas Hedley Co, US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon Shanghai Academy, VitaminHaus Pty Ltd, Walker & Co. Brands Inc., Walker & Company Brands, Wella AG, Zenlen Inc., Zirh, and iMFLUX Inc..

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The following companies are subsidiares of Western Union: Banco Western Union do Brasil S.A., Coins, Custom House, Custom House (Online) Ltd., Custom House Currency Exchange (Australia) Pty. Limited, Custom House Currency Exchange (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Custom House Financial (UK) Limited, Custom House Financial Ltd., Custom House Holdings (USA) Ltd., Custom House ULC, E Commerce Group Products Inc., First Financial Management Corporation, Global Collection Services S.A., Global Corporate Real Estate Advisors LLC, Grupo Dinamico Empresarial S.A. de C.V., MT (Bermuda) 1 Ltd, MT (Bermuda) 2 Ltd, MT Caribbean Holdings SRL, MT Financial Holdings Ltd., MT Global Holdings Ltd., MT Group Investment Holdings Ltd., MT Group Ltd., MT Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd., MT Holdings Limited, MT Holdings Switzerland GmbH, MT International Holdings Ltd., MT International Operations Partnership, MT International Operations SRL, MT Network Holdings Ltd., MT Payment Services Ltd., MT Payment Services Operations EU/EEA Limited, MT Worldwide Holdings Ltd., Money Transfer Financial Services Limited, Operaciones Internacionales OV S.A. de C.V., Opus Software Technologies Private Limited, PT Western Union Indonesia, Paymap Inc., RII Holdings Inc., Red Global S.A., Ruesch Holding LLC, Ruesch International (Delaware) LLC, Ruesch International L.L.C., Servicio Electronico de Pago S.A., Servicio Integral de Envios S. de R.L. de C.V., Servicios de Apoyo GDE S.A. de C.V., SpeedPay Inc., Speedpay, The Western Union Real Estate Holdings LLC, Transfer Express de Panama S.A., Travelex, Union del Oeste de Costa Rica SRL, Vigo Remittance Canada Company, Vigo Remittance Corp., WU BP Peru S.R.L., WU Technology Engineering Services Private Limited, WUBS Financial Services (Singapore) Pte Limited, WUBS Payments Limited, Western Union (Bermuda) Holding Finance Ltd., Western Union (Hellas) International Holdings S.A., Western Union Acquisition Partnership, Western Union Benelux MT Ltd., Western Union Business Solutions (Australia) Pty Limited, Western Union Business Solutions (Hong Kong) Limited, Western Union Business Solutions (Malta) Limited, Western Union Business Solutions (SA) Limited, Western Union Business Solutions (Singapore) Pte Limited, Western Union Business Solutions (UK) Limited, Western Union Business Solutions (USA) LLC, Western Union Business Solutions Japan KK, Western Union Chile Limitada, Western Union Communications Inc., Western Union Consulting Services (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Western Union Corretora de Cambio S.A., Western Union Financial Holdings L.L.C., Western Union Financial Services (Australia) PTY Ltd., Western Union Financial Services (Canada), Western Union Financial Services (Hong Kong) Limited, Western Union Financial Services (Korea) Inc., Western Union Financial Services (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Western Union Financial Services Argentina S.R.L., Western Union Financial Services Eastern Europe LLC, Western Union Financial Services GmbH, Western Union Financial Services Inc., Western Union Financial Services International (France) SARL, Western Union GB Limited, Western Union Global Network Pte. Ltd, Western Union Holdings Inc., Western Union International Bank GmbH, Western Union International Holdings LLC, Western Union International Limited, Western Union International Services LLC, Western Union Ireland Holdings Limited, Western Union Ireland Partnership, Western Union Japan K.K., Western Union LLC, Western Union Luxembourg Holdings 1 S.a.r.l., Western Union Luxembourg Holdings 2 S.a.r.l., Western Union Luxembourg Holdings 3 S.a.r.l., Western Union MT (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Western Union MT East Ltd., Western Union Malta Holdings Limited, Western Union Malta Limited, Western Union Morocco SARL, Western Union Network (Canada) Company, Western Union Network (France) SAS, Western Union Network (Ireland) Limited, Western Union Network Belgium SPRL, Western Union Northern Europe GmbH, Western Union Online Limited, Western Union Overseas Limited, Western Union Payment Services (India) Private Limited, Western Union Payment Services GB Limited, Western Union Payment Services Ireland Limited, Western Union Payment Services Network (Canada) ULC, Western Union Payment Services Network EU/EEA Limited, Western Union Payment Services UK Limited, Western Union Payments (Malaysia) SDN. BHD., Western Union Peru S.A., Western Union Processing Limited, Western Union Processing Lithuania UAB, Western Union Processing Services Inc., Western Union Regional Panama S.A., Western Union Retail Services Belgium, Western Union Retail Services GB Limited, Western Union Retail Services Ireland Limited, Western Union Retail Services Italy S.r.l., Western Union Retail Services Norway AS, Western Union Retail Services RO SRL, Western Union Retail Services Spain S.A., Western Union Retail Services Sweden AB, Western Union Services (Philippines) Inc., Western Union Services (Spain) S.L., Western Union Services India Private Limited, Western Union Services S.L., Western Union Services Singapore Private Limited, Western Union Singapore Limited, Western Union South Africa (PTY) Limited, Western Union Support Services (Nigeria) Limited, Western Union Support Services Cote dlvoire, Western Union Turkey Odeme Hizmetleri Anonim Sirketi, Western Union do Brasil Participacoes Limitada, and Western Union do Brasil Servicos e Participacoes Ltda..

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This is a current list of the top 250 companies by market capitalization on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Learn more .

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is one of the largest, and most recognizable, stock exchanges in the world. The NYSE is in New York City, New York at 11 Wall Street. The NYSE has been in existence since the earliest days of the United States becoming a nation, in 1792 and is primarily made up of blue-chip companies with large market capitalizations. In fact, many of the stocks that make up the Dow Jones Composite Index (i.e. The Dow) are listed on the NYSE.

This article gives a brief history of the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, it covers topics such as what kind of stocks trade on the exchange, what are the listing requirements, how trading is performed, and what the daily price movement of the NYSE tells investors about investor sentiment.

What Were the Origins of the NYSE?

Today, the New York Stock Exchange is known as the center of the financial universe. However, the exchanges origin is far more humble. On May 17, 1792, 24 stockbrokers signed the Buttonwood Agreement creating a centralized exchange to help provide order to the securities market in what was still a young nation. The "Buttonwood Agreement comes from the tree of the same name under which the founders signed the agreement.

An initial benefit of the exchange was how it removed the need for auctioneers when trading commodities like wheat and tobacco and to set a commission rate. The exchange initially focused on government bonds.

However, the exchange had no formal home. Business was usually conducted informally in the local coffeehouses. In 1817, the exchange changed its name to the New York Stock & Exchange Board which later became the New York Stock Exchange. At this time, the exchange adopted a constitution that set the rules for trading. A group of stockbrokers met twice a day at 40 Wall Street to trade 30 stocks and bonds.

Over time, the exchange moved became the financial hub of the country and moved to its current location in 1865.

What Kind of Stocks Trade on the NYSE?

As of June 2022, the NYSE includes approximately 2,400 companies with a market capitalization of over $28.2 trillion. Although the NYSE trades stocks of all market capitalizations, its best known for trading the stocks of large cap companies. These have the benefit of being mature companies in mature industries. And many of these companies reward shareholders with dividends.

However, that also means that many of these companies are better suited for value investors as opposed to growth investors. In bear markets this stability can be a benefit for investors as these stocks tend to perform less bad than more volatile stocks. But in a bull market, these stocks are not likely to provide investors with the growth that they look for.

An interesting fact about how the NYSE and NASDAQ operate is that the companies with the five largest market caps on the NYSE are also listed on the NASDAQ exchange.

What Are the Listing Requirements For the NYSE?

The NYSE has strict guidelines that govern the types of companies that can list on the exchange. Here are the major requirements that all companies must meet:

The company must have at least 2,200 shareholders

The company must trade over 100,000 shares per month

The company must have a market valuation of over $100 million

The company must generate more than $75 million in annual revenue

However, there is at least one advantage of having such stringent requirements. That is the companies that meet the requirements generally find it easier to get more investors funds when they hold their initial public offering (IPO).

Once a company begins trading on the NYSE, it must continue to meet these requirements. If it doesnt it can be delisted. In addition to these requirements, the stock must continue to trade above $1. If the price of a stock drops below $1 for more than 29 consecutive trading days, the stock receives an Initial Price Violation Notice.

At that point, the company has 10 days to provide the exchange with a plan for bringing their shares above $1.

How are Trades Executed on the NYSE?

For over a century, the floor of the NYSE was the place for investors to be. This meant trades were conducted by traders who ran buy and sell orders across the trading floor looking to broker a deal for their clients. But with the birth of the NASDAQ exchange in 1971, the New York Stock Exchange began conducting electronic trading.

However, the NYSE continues to conduct trades in an auction style. Brokers purchase stocks on behalf of their clients or firms. Every order features a broker who will enter the order electronically and a specialist who serves as the market maker for that stock. The specialist posts bid and ask prices and manages the actual execution of the trades. And there are still a handful of stockbrokers who still traffic buy and sell orders physically on the floor of the exchange.

How Does the NYSE Signal Investor Sentiment?

Like its counterpart, the NASDAQ, the NYSE measures the risk appetite of investors. When the NYSE is moving higher over a length of time, it signals that a risk on environment. Conversely when the NYSE moves lower over a significant period, it signals that investors are moving to a risk off position.

Some Final Thoughts on the NYSE

Financial news networks plan their programming schedule around the opening and closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. Its still considered a distinguished honor when individuals or groups are invited to ring the opening bell. In fact, Warren Buffett is attributed with saying that in the short term, the stock market acts like a voting machine. A fact that many U.S. presidents will attest to.

The NYSE is the oldest and most recognizable of all the stock exchanges. It also has the most stringent requirements for inclusion. And those requirements must be maintained even after a stock begins publicly trading on the exchange.

Although the NYSE still has a small in-person Trading Floor, much of the trading is done electronically to provide traders with the speed to execute trades.
ONEOK, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in gathering, processing, storage, and transportation of natural gas in the United States. It operates through Natural Gas Gathering and Processing, Natural Gas Liquids, and Natural Gas Pipelines segments. The company owns natural gas gathering pipelines and processing plants in the Mid-Continent and Rocky Mountain regions. It also gathers, treats, fractionates, and transports natural gas liquids (NGL), as well as stores, markets, and distributes NGL products. The company owns NGL gathering and distribution pipelines in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado; terminal and storage facilities in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois; and NGL distribution and refined petroleum products pipelines in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, as well as owns and operates truck- and rail-loading, and -unloading facilities connected to NGL fractionation, storage, and pipeline assets. In addition, it operates regulated interstate and intrastate natural gas transmission pipelines and natural gas storage facilities. Further, the company owns and operates a parking garage in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma; and leases excess office space. It operates 17,500 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines; 1,500 miles of FERC-regulated interstate natural gas pipelines; 5,100 miles of state-regulated intrastate transmission pipeline; six NGL storage facilities; and eight NGL product terminals. It serves integrated and independent exploration and production companies; NGL and natural gas gathering and processing companies; crude oil and natural gas production companies; propane distributors; municipalities; ethanol producers; and petrochemical, refining, and NGL marketing companies, as well as natural gas distribution and electric generation companies, producers, processors, and marketing companies. The company was founded in 1906 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Intrepid Potash, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the extraction and production of the potash in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Potash, Trio, and Oilfield Solutions. The Potash segment offers muriate of potash or potassium chloride for use as a fertilizer input in the agricultural market; as a component in drilling and fracturing fluids for oil and gas wells, as well as an input to other industrial processes in the industrial market; and as a nutrient supplement in the animal feed market. The Trio segment provides Trio, a specialty fertilizer that delivers potassium, sulfate, and magnesium in a single particle. The Oilfield Solutions segment sells water for use in the oil and gas services industry; and offers potassium chloride real-time mixing services on location for hydraulic fracturing operations and trucking services. The company also offers salt for use in animal feeds, industrial applications, pool salts, and treatment of roads and walkways for ice melting or to manage road conditions; magnesium chloride for use in the deicing and dedusting of roads; brines for well development and completion activities in the oil and gas industry; and metal recovery salt, a combination of potash and salt to enhance the recovery of aluminum in the aluminum recycling processing facilities. Intrepid Potash, Inc. was founded in 2000 and is based in Denver, Colorado.
Genuine Parts Company distributes automotive replacement parts, and industrial parts and materials. It operates through Automotive Parts Group and Industrial Parts Group segments. The company distributes automotive replacement parts for hybrid and electric vehicles, trucks, SUVs, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, farm vehicles, small engines, farm equipment, marine equipment, and heavy duty equipment; and accessory and supply items used by various automotive aftermarket customers, such as repair shops, service stations, fleet operators, automobile and truck dealers, leasing companies, bus and truck lines, mass merchandisers, farms, industrial concerns, and individuals. It also distributes industrial replacement parts and related supplies, such as bearings, mechanical and electrical power transmission products, industrial automation and robotics, hoses, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial and safety supplies, and material handling products for original equipment manufacturer, as well as maintenance, repair, and operation customers in equipment and machinery, food and beverage, forest product, primary metal, pulp and paper, mining, automotive, oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, power generation, alternative energy, governments, transportation, ports, and other industries. In addition, the company provides various services and repairs comprising gearbox and fluid power and process pump assembly and repair, hydraulic drive shaft repair, electrical panel assembly and repair, hose and gasket manufacture and assembly, and other value-added services. It operates in the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Indonesia, and Singapore. The company was incorporated in 1928 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
The following companies are subsidiares of Air Products and Chemicals: 7001 Hamilton Properties LLC, ACP Europe SA, ACP Zolder Invest NV, AJWAA Emirates Gases Company LLC, AJWAA Gases LLC, AP Services South America SpA, APCI (U.K.) Inc., Abdulla Hashim Gases & Equipment Co. Limited, Air Products (Anshan) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (BR) Limited, Air Products (Cangzhou) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Changsha) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Chongqing) Chem-Materials Co. Ltd., Air Products (Dongguan) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Guangzhou) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Hangjin Qi) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Hefei) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Huaibei) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Inner Mongolia) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Air Products (Jiangxi) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Jincheng) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Jinjiang) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Kunshan) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Linfen) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Middle East) FZE, Air Products (Nanjing) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Ningbo) Hi-Tech Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Qindao) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Rozenburg) B. V., Air Products (Shandong) Engineering Co. Ltd Nanjing Branch, Air Products (Shandong) Engineering Co. Ltd., Air Products (Shanxi) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Shenyang) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Xi'an) Gases Co. Ltd, Air Products (Xia'men) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Zhongshan) Gases Co. Ltd, Air Products (Zhumadian) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products A/S, Air Products Advanced Materials LLC, Air Products Ammonia Distribution AD GmbH, Air Products Ammonia Distribution LLC, Air Products Ammonia Distribution Ltd., Air Products Ammonia Holdings LLC, Air Products Asia Inc., Air Products Bahrain W.L.L, Air Products Blue Energy, Air Products Brasil Ltda., Air Products Canada Ltd./Prodair Canada Ltee, Air Products Caribbean Holdings Inc., Air Products Central Asia Group LLC, Air Products China Inc., Air Products Debang (Lianyungang) Co. Ltd., Air Products Ecuador S.A., Air Products Emirates Gases LLC, Air Products Equipment Limited, Air Products Gas O.O.O., Air Products Gases Holdings B. V., Air Products Gases S.A.E., Air Products Gesellschaft mbH, Air Products GmbH, Air Products Group Limited, Air Products Gulf Gas LLC, Air Products Helium Inc., Air Products Helium Inc. Qatar Branch, Air Products Holdings B. V., Air Products Holdings GmbH, Air Products Huadong (Longkou) Co. Ltd., Air Products Hydrogen Company Inc., Air Products Hydrogen Energy Technology (Zibo) Co. Ltd., Air Products Iberica S. L., Air Products Industrial Gas LLC, Air Products International LLC, Air Products Investments B. V., Air Products Investments Holdings LLC, Air Products Investments LLC, Air Products Ireland Limited, Air Products Israel Ltd., Air Products Italia S. r. I., Air Products Japan Inc., Air Products Japan K. K., Air Products Korea Inc., Air Products LLC, Air Products Leasing B. V., Air Products Llanwern Limited, Air Products Lu'An (Changzhi) Co. Ltd., Air Products Maghreb S. A.R. L., Air Products Majan LLC, Air Products Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Air Products Management BV/SRL, Air Products Manufacturing Corporation, Air Products Manufacturing LLC, Air Products Middle East Industrial Gases Company Limited, Air Products Nederland B. V., Air Products Netherlands Gases B. V., Air Products O. O.O., Air Products PLC, Air Products PLC Branch, Air Products Peru S. A., Air Products Qudra (GICIS), Air Products Renewable Energy Limited, Air Products S.A., Air Products SAS, Air Products San Fu Co. Ltd., Air Products Saudi Investment Company, Air Products Services Europe S. A., Air Products Shared Services Sdn. Bhd, Air Products Singapore Industrial Gases Pte. Ltd., Air Products SinoHytec (Beijing) Hydrogen Energy Technology, Air Products Slovakia s. r. o., Air Products South Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Air Products Sp. Z o.o., Air Products Specialized Process Equipment SDN, Air Products Switzerland Sarl, Air Products Taiwan Holdings Co. Ltd., Air Products Ukraina LLC, Air Products West Coast Hydrogen LLC, Air Products Yanbu Limited, Air Products and Chemicals (Anhui) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Banan) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Beijing) Distribution Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Binzhou) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Chongqing) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Guiyang) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Hefei) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Hohhot) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Jiyuan) Onsite Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Lianyungang) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Nanjing) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Pengzhou) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Putian) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Qingdao) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shaanxi Pucheng) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shaanxi) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Gases Production Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Gasification Technology Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) On-Site Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Systems Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shangluo) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shenzhen) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Tangshan) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Tongxiang) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Weifang) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (WuXi) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (WuXi) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Xi'an) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Xingtai) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Xinxiang) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Xuzhou) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Yichun) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Yulin) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Zhangjiagang) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Zhuhai) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Zibo) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Air Products and Chemicals Inc. of Utah, Air Products and Chemicals Tech Development (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals de Mexico S. A. de C. V., Air Products spol s.r.o., Asia Industrial Gas Company Ltd., Bangkok Cogeneration Company Limited, Bangkok Industrial Gas Co. Ltd., Beer Gas Cymru Cyf, Beijing AP BAIF Gas Industry Co. Ltd., Beijing Shuimu Tongda Transportation Co. Ltd., Blue Ocean Industrial Gases Co. Ltd., Carbolim B.V., Carburos Via Augusta Logistics S. L., Caribbean Industrial Gases Unlimited, Centro Tecnico Indura Limitada, Chengdu Air & Gas Products Ltd., Chengzhi Air Products Hydrogen Energy Technology Co. Ltd., China Shenhua Coal to Liquid and Chemical Co., Consolidacion Comercial Infra S. A. de C. V., CryoService, CryoService Limited, Dixons of Westerhope Limited, DuPont Air Products NanoMaterials, EPCO Carbon Dioxide Products, EPCO Carbon Dioxide Products Inc., East Coast Nitrogen Company LLC, East Coast Oxygen Co., Far Eastern Industrial Gases Co. Ltd., Gaolu Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Gardner Cryogenics, Gas Direct Limited, Gas Supply Services Ltd., Gas Technologies Ltd., Gases Industriales de Colombia S.A.  Cryogas, Gases Integrated Company Limited (GIC), Gasin II Unipessoal LDA, Gastel Limited, Gazsur S. de R. L. de C. V., Goar Allison & Associates, Green BioFuel s.r.o., Harvest Energy Technologies, Harvest Energy Technology, Helap SAS, INOXAir Products Pvt. Ltd., Indura, Indura Argentina S.A., Indura Holding LLC, Indura Holdings Colombia LLC, Indura Inversiones Limitada, Indura S. A., Indura Sociedad Comercial Limitada, Inner Mongolia Jiutai New Materials Technology Co. Ltd., Inversiones Air Products Holdings Limitada, Jazan Gas Projects Company, Jazan Integrated Gasification and Power Company (JIGPC), Jubail Waves for Gases Company, KRIG Holdings B. V., KRYVYI RIH Industrial Gas, Korea Industrial Gases Ltd., Kulim Industrial Gases Sdn Bhd, Lida SAS, M&M Gases Limited, Markaziy Osiyo Sanoat Gaz LLC, Matgas 2000 A.I.E., NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, NMAP Services Unlimited, Napro S.A., Olin DNT Limited Partnership, Oxigeno Medicinal Domiciliario Limitada, Oxygen & Argon Works, Oxygen & Argon Works Ltd., Oxygen Center Ltd., Oxygen Warehouse Trade (1980) Ltd., PQ Ammonia, PT Air Products East Kalimantan, PT Air Products Indonesia, PT Air Products Indonesia Services, Permea China Ltd., Permea Inc., Procal, Prodair Air Products India Private Limited, Prodair Corporation, Prodair Escravos Limited, Prodair S. A. S., Prodair et Cie S.C. S., ROVI Cosmetics International, S.I.Q. Beteiligungs, SAGA SAS, SCWC Corp., STP & DIN Chemicals Sp. 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.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Textron: AAI Corporation, AAI Services Corporation, ALSTOM Gears, Able Aerospace, Able Aerospace Services Inc., Able Engineering & Component Services, Aeronautical Accessories LLC, Airborne Tactical Advantage Company LLC, Arctic Cat, Arctic Cat ACE Holding GmbH, Arctic Cat France SARL, Arctic Cat GmbH, Arctic Cat Inc., Arctic Cat Production LLC, Arctic Cat Production Support LLC, Arctic Cat Sales Inc., Arctic Cat Shared Services LLC, Arctic Cat UK Ltd., Arkansas Aerospace Inc., Avco Corporation, Aviation Service servis letal doo Ljubljana, Aylesbury Automation, B/K Navigational Equipment sro, BELL TEXTRON ASIA (PTE.) LTD., Beech Aircraft Corporation, Beech Holdings, Beechcraft Defense Support Holding LLC, Beechcraft Domestic Service Company, Beechcraft Germany GmbH, Beechcraft International Holding LLC, Beechcraft International Service Company, Beechcraft New Zealand, Bell Textron Canada International Inc., Bell Textron Canada Limited/Limitee, Bell Textron Co. Ltd, Bell Textron Inc., Bell Textron Korea Inc., Bell Textron LLC, Bell Textron Miami Inc., Bell Textron Prague a.s., Bell Textron Rhode Island Inc., Bell Textron Services Inc., Bell Textron Supply Center BV, Bell Textron Technical Services Inc., Benzlers, Brazaco Mapri Industrias, Burkland, Cessna Aircraft Company, Cessna Citation European Service Center SAS (99.9%; 1 share  Textron France SAS), Cessna Dusseldorf Citation Service Center GmbH, Cessna Finance Corporation, Cessna Finance Export Corporation, Cessna Mexico S de RL de CV, Cessna Spanish Citation Service Center SLU, Cessna Zurich Citation Service Center GmbH, Citation Parts Distribution International Inc., Cushman Inc., Datacom Technologies, David Brown Group, Doncaster Citation Service Centre Limited, E-Z-GO Canada Limited, Energy Manufacturing, Flexalloy, HBC LLC, Hawker Beech de Mexico S de RL de CV, Hawker Beechcraft Argentina SA , Howe & Howe Inc., Howe and Howe Technologies, Industrial Technology Inc., InteSys Technologies, International Product Support Inc., KSB Annecy SAS, Kautex (Changchun) Plastics Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Chongqing) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Guangzhou) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Pinghu) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Shanghai) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Wuhan) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex Corporation, Kautex Craiova srl, Kautex Germany Holding GmbH, Kautex Inc., Kautex Japan KK, Kautex Shanghai GmbH, Kautex Textron (UK) Limited, Kautex Textron Benelux BVBA, Kautex Textron Bohemia spol sro, Kautex Textron CVS Limited, Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG, Kautex Textron Iberica SL, Kautex Textron Management Services Company de Puebla S. de RL de CV, Kautex Textron Portugal  Produtos Plasticos Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., Kautex Textron de Mexico S de RL de CV, Kautex Textron do Brasil Ltda., Kautex of Georgia Inc., Kaywood Products Corp., Klauke, LCI Corporation International, LLC Textron RUS, Maag, McCord Corporation, Mechtronix, Medical Numerics Inc., Midland Industrial Plastics, MillenWorks, MillenWorks Themed Technologies, MotorFist LLC, OPINICUS Simulation and Training Services LLC, OmniQuip International, Opinicus, Optical Boring Co., Opto-Electronics, Opto-Electronics Inc., Overwatch Systems, PEINER Umformtechnik, Pipistrel, Pirelli Tyres - General Rubber Goods (GRG) division, Premiair Aviation Maintenance Pty Ltd, Progressive Electronics, Ransomes, Ransomes Inc., Ransomes Investment LLC, Ransomes Jacobsen France SAS, Ransomes Jacobsen Limited, Ransomes Limited, Ransomes Pensions Trustee Company Limited, Replacement Part Solutions LLC, Response Technologies LLC, Rotor Blades Limited, Sukosim Verbindungselemente, TRU Simulation & Training Spain SL, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., TRU Simulation + Training LLC, TekGPS Engineering Srl, Textron Airland LLC, Textron Atlantic LLC, Textron Aviation Australia Pty. Ltd., Textron Aviation Canada Ltd., Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Textron Aviation Finance Corporation, Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation Prague Service Center sro, Textron Aviation Rhode Island Inc., Textron Aviation Services de Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Capital BV, Textron Communications Inc., Textron Far East Pte. Ltd., Textron Finance Holding Company, Textron Financial Corporation, Textron Financial Corporation Receivables Trust 2002-CP-2, Textron Fluid and Power Inc., Textron France Holding SAS, Textron France SAS, Textron Global Services Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment UK Limited, Textron IPMP Inc., Textron India Private Limited , Textron Innovations Inc., Textron International Inc., Textron International Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Limited, Textron Management Services Inc., Textron Motors GmbH, Textron Motors North America Inc., Textron Outdoor Power Equipment Inc., Textron Realty Corporation, Textron Shared Service Centre (Canada) Inc., Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Textron Sweden AB, Textron Systems Australia Holding Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Canada Inc., Textron Systems Corporation, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK (Holdings) Limited, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK Limited, Textron Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Textron UK Pension Trustee Limited, Textron Verwaltungs-GmbH, Turbine Engine Components Textron (Newington Operations) Inc., United Industrial Corporation, Westminster Insurance Company, Williams Machine & Tool, and Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Services Limited.

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GOODING  A 26-year-old man accused of robbing and stabbing a man Tuesday night in Gooding has been arrested, police announced Thursday.

Hector Arismendez Cortez was arrested and booked into Gooding County Jail on charges of robbery, aggravated battery and possession of methamphetamine. His bond is set at $50,000.

Police arent searching for more suspects, police chief Dave Fisher said in a statement Thursday.

About 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, a man was approached in the parking lot of the Gooding McDonalds and robbed at knifepoint.

During this confrontation, the victim resisted slightly and one of the suspects stabbed at him in the chest with a knife, resulting in a shallow puncture and slight lacerations to his chest and neck area, Fisher wrote in the statement.

The victim fled to Maverik and reported the incident, according to the statement. He was treated at the scene and a hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

He described the suspects to police as three Hispanic males. The suspects left the parking lot and drove south on Highway 46 toward Wendell.

They were driving a dark gray two-door extended cab Chevy pickup with blue tinted headlights.

Gooding city and county officers continued the investigation throughout the evening and obtained surveillance video of the suspects vehicle, as well as a more detailed statement of events.

The vehicle was found in Bliss, where it was impounded. Police obtained a search warrant for a residence.

It resulted in the arrest of Cortez. Police also arrested 34-year-old Luis David Garcia on an unrelated warrant.
TWIN FALLS  Filer Avenue West will have intermittent lane closures over the next two months as contractors work to expand sewer capacity in western Twin Falls.

The closures begin Friday near Wendell Street South and continue through Sept. 29. Work takes place on the Grandview sewer trunkline and will require a 14-day closure to all non-local vehicle traffic in order to install new sewer lines across the roadway.

Knife River will install the new pipeline and tie it into a manhole north of the Twin Falls County West building, 630 Addison Ave. W. The project is funded with sewer bond money and was recommended in the Wastewater Collection System Capital Improvement Plan.

Information: Contact Twin Falls Staff Engineer Josh Baird at 208-735-7323 or jbaird@tfid.org.
WENDELL  Two men are dead after a murder-suicide at the Magic Valley Portuguese Hall late Friday morning.

The victims were Tony Sousa, 56, of Wendell, and Agustin Nopal Donu, 34, of Paul. They were killed with a rifle in the bar of the hall, said Gooding County Sheriff Shaun Gough.

Gough wouldnt say which of the men is believed to have been the initial shooter. Sousa had been the president of the Portuguese Hall since last October. The hall was being renovated this summer in preparation for their 20th anniversary celebration, and Donu was one of the construction workers.

A family friend told the Times-News Friday the Portuguese community was in shock after the deaths.

Sousa was from California originally but had lived in Wendell for many years.

Some other construction workers were present outside when the shooting happened around 11 a.m., Gough said, but they didnt hear what happened. The prior relationship between Eonu and Sousa, or the possible reasons for any dispute, are unknown.

Gough said there is no danger to the community and the investigation has been turned over to the county coroners office.

The hall, which is located near where Bunn Street and S 2000 E meet, is used for community and cultural events and Portuguese religious celebrations, such as the Holy Spirit Festa, a yearly celebration for some Portuguese Catholics, and ones honoring Our Lady of Fatima, an appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary reported by three children in Portugal in 1916. It is the only Portuguese Hall in Idaho and has about 110 members from the Wendell area and all over the state.

According to federal American Community Survey data gathered from 2010 to 2014, 1.2 percent of Wendell School District residents reported Portuguese as their primary ancestry, which is the 11th-highest out of school districts in Idaho. Buhl is first at 2 percent, and a few other Magic Valley school districts also have slightly higher Portuguese populations.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Donu's name.
TOKYOJapanese automakers Toyota Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. plan to spend $1.6 billion (U.S.) to build a joint-venture auto manufacturing plant in the U.S.  a move that will create up to 4,000 jobs, both sides said Friday.

The plant will have an annual production capacity of about 300,000 vehicles, and will produce Toyota Corollas as well as a new Mazda crossover vehicle for the North American market.

Toyota and Mazda are forming a capital alliance and splitting the cost for the plant equally. Toyota wouldnt say where the plant would be built, but because the new plant will build the Corolla, chances are it will be located near Toyotas current Corolla plant in Mississippi to be close to parts supply companies. The companies expect the plant to begin operations by 2021.

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After reassessing the market, Toyota has changed its plan to make Corollas at a plant in Guanajuato, Mexico, now under construction, and instead will produce Tacoma pickups there, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said.

President Donald Trump had criticized Toyota for taking auto production and jobs to Mexico. With the investment, both automakers can hope to prove their good American corporate citizenship and appease the Trump administrations concerns about jobs moving overseas.

Toyoda denied that Trumps views influenced his decision.

We have been reviewing the best production strategy for our business, he told reporters at a Tokyo hotel, after shaking hands with Mazdas president.

Trump welcomed the announcement in a tweet: Toyota & Mazda to build a new $1.6B plant here in the U.S.A. and create 4K new American jobs. A great investment in American manufacturing!

Sales of small cars have slumped in the U.S. amid steadily low gas prices. Corolla sales fell 10 per cent through July. But Toyota hopes the market will have shifted by 2021. If not, the plant will have the flexibility to shift to another model, according to spokesman Scott Vazin.

Toyota plans to acquire a 5.05 per cent stake in Mazda, valued at 50 billion yen ($455 million U.S.). Mazda, which makes the Miata roadster, will acquire 50 billion yen worth of Toyota shares, the equivalent of a 0.25 per cent stake. The investment deal is expected to be final by October.

The companies also plan to work together on various advanced auto technology, such as electric vehicles, safety features and connected cars, as well as products that they could supply each other.

In the past, Toyota was not overly bullish on electric vehicles, which have a limited cruise range. But recent breakthroughs in batteries allow for longer travel per charge. Japanese rival Nissan Motor Co. is allied with Renault SA of France and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., and is the global leader in electric vehicles. Their alliance led world vehicles sales for the first time in the first half of this year.

Toyoda also noted the growing competition from newcomers in the auto industry like Google, Apple and Amazon, stressing he was worried about autos turning into commodities. He praised Mazda as a great partner in that effort.

It has also sparked Toyotas competitive spirit, increasing our sense of not wanting to be bested by Mazda. This is a partnership in which those who are passionate about cars will work together to make ever-better cars, he said.

The companies said their collaboration will respect their mutual independence and equality. Toyota, which makes the Prius hybrid, Camry sedan and Lexus luxury models, already provides hybrid technology to Mazda, which makes compact cars for Toyota at its Mexico plant.

The sheer cost of the plant also makes a partnership logical, as it boosts cost-efficiency and economies of scale. Working together on green and other auto technology also makes sense as the segment becomes increasingly competitive due to concerns about global warming, the environment and safety.

Given the massive level of competition in the industry, partnerships are no longer a surprise, said Akshay Anand, an executive analyst at Kelley Blue Book.

Politics are another incentive.

The new presidential administration has made it clear investments in the U.S. are a top priority, and this plant may be another nod to that mindset, Anand said.

Mazda President Masamichi Kogai said he hoped that the partnership will help energize the industry.

Toyota is vying for the spot of No. 1 automaker in global vehicle sales against Nissan-Renault and Volkswagen AG of Germany, as the industry gradually consolidates.

Japanese rival Nissan Motor Co. is allied with Renault SA of France and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., and is the global leader in electric vehicles. Their alliance led world vehicles sales for the first time in the first half of this year.

The limited tie-up with Mazda marks the latest addition to Toyotas sprawling empire, which includes Japanese truck maker Hino Motors and minicar maker Daihatsu Motor Co. Toyota also is the top shareholder in Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru cars.

In the past, Toyota was not overly bullish on electric vehicles, which have a limited cruise range. But recent breakthroughs in batteries allow for longer travel per charge.

Mazda, based in Hiroshima, Japan, used to have a powerful partner in Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co., which bought 25 per cent of Mazda in 1979, and raised it to 33.4 per cent in 1996. But Ford began cutting ties in 2008, and has shed its stake in Mazda.

Also Friday, Toyota reported its April-June profit was 613.0 billion yen ($5.6 billion U.S.), up 11 per cent from 552.4 billion yen a year earlier. Quarterly sales rose 7 per cent to 7.05 trillion yen ($64 billion U.S.), as vehicle sales improved around the world, including in the U.S., Europe and Japan.

Toyota stuck to its earlier projection for global vehicle sales for the fiscal year, ending in March 2018, at 10.25 million vehicles. It raised its fiscal full year profit forecast to 1.75 trillion yen ($16 billion U.S.) from the earlier forecast of 1.5 trillion yen ($14 billion U.S.). It earned 1.8 trillion yen in the previous fiscal year.

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SAN FRANCISCOGone are the days when workplace exchanges were confined to conference rooms, meetings and the proverbial water cooler.

More than ever, businesses are turning to instant messaging apps such as Slack, Hipchat and Skype to facilitate communication and collaboration. As this informal communication becomes the norm, so too do the tiny pictographic characters known as emoji.

Emoji have become so ubiquitous they have even been turned into a movie. But lawyers are increasingly encouraging companies to keep them out of their workplaces, cautioning that what a given emoji means can change depending on the context and culture in which theyre used.

Devised as a way to clarify the tone or emotion of a message, emoji can also muddle meaning and lead to workplace misunderstandings that legal experts worry could soon get someone sued.

Read more:Twitter reveals Canadas favourite emojis in honour of World Emoji Day

Thats why Michelle Lee Flores, a partner at Cozen OConnors Los Angeles office, is devising an online seminar addressing emoji in the workplace  how to use them, how not to use them and why you should never, ever send someone an eggplant.

My advice when it comes to using (emoji) is always the same: Just because you can, doesnt mean you should, Flores said. Theres so much opportunity for confusion and room to insult or offend other people, and thats where a lot of problems in the workplace start, with someone going, Well, Im not sure how to take that. Use your words. Try that instead.

The idea of inviting clients to listen to an hour-long session on emoji may seem unusual, though several attorneys said they incorporate slides about emoji into sexual harassment and discrimination presentations. Still, some of Flores peers said she could be onto something.

In Silicon Valley, we think of ourselves as being very politically correct, but as things get more and more casual theres more of a likelihood that you can say something offensive, said Sheeva J. Ghassemi-Vanni, an employment lawyer with Fenwick & West who specializes in advising startups. Were already seeing this become a problem where (lawyers) have to come in and figure out what an emoji means, what they were trying to say and what someone else thought they said. Its a problem.

The Unicode Consortium, the body charged with deciding what characters should be added to the universally accepted emoji lexicon, is also tasked with defining emoji. Online, they offer insights and definitions into each of the more than 2,600 emoji.

Some emoji  like smile and thumbs up symbol  have fairly ubiquitous definitions, happiness and indicating approval, according to Unicode.

Others are not so simple.

The so-called oncoming fist emoji can be seen as an angry punch or a congratulatory fist-bump. The winking face emoji can be seen as humorous or flirtatious.

Alden Parker, a partner at the San Francisco office of Fisher Phillips, said hes seen emoji used as evidence in cases that allege harassment and workplace discrimination.

People sometimes misgender someone or dont use the correct (skin) pigmentation or they use a symbol that has another meaning that is offensive and inappropriate, he said. Maybe they didnt mean it, maybe they did. But thats typically where we see problems arise.

This year, 69 new characters will be added to the emoji library. For lawyers, thats 69 new emoji to worry about.

One of them is a breastfeeding woman. One of them is a woman in a hijab or a head scarf. And its wonderful that were being inclusive and we have emoji to represent all kinds of people, but it also creates more opportunity for abuse, Flores said.

Earlier this year, a judge in Israel ruled that two potential renters owed a landlord more than $2,000 due to an incomprehensible stream of emoji the renters sent the property owner. The emoji  some dancing women, a peace sign, chipmunk and a champagne bottle  were enough to prove intent to the judge, who ruled they seemed celebratory and gave the landlord cause to think a contract was in the works.

Bay Area employment attorneys said they have yet to hear of a case in the U.S. that has turned on the use of an emoji, but the symbols have become a common piece of evidence presented to judges and juries on the premise that they illuminate tone.

But tone can be subjective, lawyers said, especially in written communication.

Christina Janzer, head of user research for Slack, a company that creates chat tools for businesses and teams, said she and her team use emoji all the time.

The tiny characters can boost productivity by providing workers a common language in which to communicate, Janzer said, as well as quick ways to convey feeling and make messages feel more personal.

When a member of her team needs other people to take a look at a project or a document, team members react to the file or link with an emoji that looks like a pair of eyes. That means theyre on it, Janzer said. When theyve finished the task, they mark messages with a check.

Its an easy way to respond and react to things as they are happening while avoiding the whole reply-all trap of email, she said.

Slacks apps let individuals turn off emoji for themselves, displaying plain text instead, and businesses can add custom emoji by uploading images. The company is considering letting its customers restrict emoji that may be inappropriate or culturally insensitive, Janzer said.

According to data from the Unicode Consortium, the red heart emoji, smiley face with hearts for eyes and face with tears of joy emoji are among the most popular and commonly used.

But none of these should be used at work, according to Flores.

I dont recommend using emoji at work at all, but if you do, I would stick to a traditional happy face. Just a happy face, not a rosy-cheeked one or winky-faced one, she said. If you want to do a thumbs-up or some gesture thats universally understood, use the generic yellow or the skin colour thats closest to your own skin colour.

Creating a rule restricting employees emoji use could miss the nuanced ways the symbols are used, Janzer said. She pointed to the heart emoji as an example.

We see people using the heart emoji to say, I feel for you, when a colleague is going through a hard time, she said, adding that she often uses the smiley face with heart-eyes with her team at work. Its acknowledging that I feel grateful and thankful for them and their great work but in a more human way.

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Twenty per cent of sausages sampled from grocery stores across Canada contained meats that werent on the label, a federally funded study has found.

The study, published this week in the journal Food Control, was conducted by researchers at the University of Guelph and commissioned by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

It examined 100 sausages that were labelled as containing just one ingredient  beef, pork, chicken or turkey.

About one in five of the sausages we tested had some off-label ingredients in them, which is alarming, said Robert Hanner, lead author of the study and an associate professor with the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario at the University of Guelph.

The CFIA reached out to Hanner for the study after the European horse meat scandal in 2013, where food labelled as beef was found to have horse meat  in some cases beef was completely substituted by horse meat.

The goal of the study, the federal food regulator said, was to examine scientific methods used by Hanner to see if the CFIA could use them in its regulatory practices. The scientific tools showed promising results, the CFIA said.

Seven of 27 beef sausages examined in the study contained pork. One of 38 supposedly pure pork sausages contained horse meat. Of 20 chicken sausages, four also contained turkey and one also had beef. Five of the 15 turkey sausages studied contained no turkey at all  they were entirely chicken.

None of the sausages examined contained more than one other type of meat in addition to the meat the sausage was meant to contain, Hanner said, noting, however that researchers were testing only for turkey, chicken, pork, beef and horse.

The good news is that typically beef sausages predominantly contain beef, but some of them also contain pork, so for our kosher and halal consumers, that is a bit disconcerting, Hanner said.

The undeclared meats found werent trace levels, Hanner noted.

The levels were seeing arent because the blades on a grinder arent perfectly clean, he said, adding that many of the undeclared ingredients found in the sausages were recorded in the range of 1 per cent to 5 per cent.

More than 1 per cent of undeclared ingredients indicates a breakdown in food processing or intentional food fraud, Hanner explained.

The CFIA said Thursday that it was not surprised at the results of the study.

We know from international intelligence that this happens and were not immune to these things, said Aline Dimitri, the executive director of food safety science with the CFIA.Luckily when we looked at the prevalence based on that little set that we took, we are in much better shape than other countries.

The 20 per cent mislabelling rate is low compared to Europe, where studies have found 70 per cent of samples contained ingredients that were not declared.

The CFIA investigated all 20 cases of mislabelled sausages and in the case of the chicken labelled as turkey, it was able to find issues with a manufacturers traceability program  incoming meat and production records were not properly maintained, Dimitri said.

That problem was fixed, she said, but the CFIA is keeping tabs on the company. The horse meat found in one sausage couldnt be investigated because the company had voluntarily ceased operations.

Dimitri cautioned, however, that the study has limitations.

This is a very small study and research-focused and not designed to really have a baseline on whats happening out there, she said, adding that the scientific tools used by Hanner showed promising results.

(The tools) can actually differentiate properly between different meats, it can give us a sense of whats in there, Dimitri said.

She said the CFIA is now considering a broader study on the issue.

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QUEBECMuslims in Quebec City are going to have their own cemetery after all.

The cemetery will be located on a parcel of land of about 6,000 square metres the city is selling for about $270,000 plus taxes, Mayor Regis Labeaume and members of the Muslim community said at a news conference Friday.

It is expected to be ready this fall.

The news came just three weeks after a zoning change proposal aimed at setting up a Muslim cemetery in Saint-Apollinaire, a town of around 6,000 southwest of Quebec City, was defeated in a referendum by a 19-16 margin. One ballot was rejected.

Its very disappointing, Mohamed Labidi, president of the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec, told the Star on July 16. We feel ignored . . . the action in Saint-Apollinaire is against living together.

The centre was the driving force behind the purchase of a plot of land beside an existing cemetery in Saint-Apollinaire earlier this year that members hoped would become their own.

Quebec Citys Muslims have been looking for a cemetery for two decades, but made a renewed push after they completed the payment for the citys main mosque in 2011.

It was there last January that a gunman shot and killed six men in the main prayer hall and injured 19 others. The bodies were sent overseas and to Montreal for burial.

Labidi praised Labeaume for keeping his promise to forge ahead with plans for the cemetery.

Its a great day, Labidi said. It is a historic day for Quebec City. Today, we are reaping the benefits of 20 years of hard work.

Boufeldja Benabdallah, interim co-ordinator of the cemetery project, also welcomed the news.

Earlier, Mr. Labeaume was praising the land and its beauty, he said. I told him, Youre going to push us to die earlier because we want to take advantage of the land. Its just to say there is joy today and we are all going to die in peace and with respect.

Benabdallah also stressed the importance of remembering those who died in the shooting in January.

Ill finish up with a fraternal thought for our six brothers who died in the tragedy last Jan. 29, he said. Todays announcement will put a bit of balm on this tragedy.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also endorsed the decision.

An important and courageous step for dignity and decency. Congratulations Mayor Labeaume for taking action, Trudeau tweeted Friday.

The GTAs first Sunni-Shia cemetery was approved in March 2012. The Toronto Muslim Cemetery Corporation received a licence from the province, officially giving it the go-ahead to begin operations at Bethesda Sideroad and Leslie St. in Richmond Hill, the Stars Noor Javed reported.

For years, Muslims in the GTA used non-denominational cemeteries, often compromising on certain religious requirements at the time of death, such as speedy burial. The new Muslim cemetery ensures that all graves are correctly aligned toward Mecca, as preferred, and service is available on weekends.

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New research showing Torontos top Airbnbs earners are big commercial players is further evidence of the need for regulations limiting short-term rentals to a persons principal residence, a senior city staff member said Friday.

A draft report by urban planning researchers at McGill University identified Toronto, Montreal and Vancouvers biggest Airbnb earners as large, commercial hosts with multiple listings, not regular people sharing their homes.

The report says these Airbnb listings are eating into Torontos already scarce long-term rental housing stock and an absence of regulatory intervention may threaten the loss of more rental housing units.

The city, in its June staff report on the burgeoning short-term rental market, estimated that of the 10,800 properties listed on Airbnb in 2016, 3,200 were not in a principal residence, Carleton Grant, the citys director of policy and strategic support, said Friday.

Those 3,200 units would not be allowed under the citys proposed regulatory regime, which is intended to protect the long-term rental market for people who live in Toronto, he said.

Our regulations are based on a number of principles that allows people to rent their homes for short periods of time and take into account housing availability and affordability.

The city is currently receiving feedback on its proposed regulations which would allow short-term rentals for up to three rooms or an entire home for up to 28 days. Would-be on-line hosts have to register with the city, pay an annual fee and remit a tourist tax.

The proposed zoning bylaw changes and licensing and registration requirements are scheduled to go to council in the fall.

Airbnb disputed the McGill University reports findings and insists the vast majority of its hosts are middle-class Canadian families sharing their homes to earn a bit of additional income to pay the bills.

Fairbnb, a coalition of groups pushing for regulation, says no one disputes that.

But the fact is that countless non-Airbnb commissioned studies using publicly available data, including ours, have shown that the real money made for Airbnb is made by a small percentage of multi-listing hosts who run ghost hotels, said Fairbnb spokesman Thorben Wiedtiz.

Ben dAvernas emailed the Star on Friday to say he is one of those regular Airbnb hosts who rents a room in his Leslieville house because the money is good and the company offers liability insurance coverage for damages caused by guests.

He also explained why he prefers short-term renters.

Renting to long term tenants is a crap shoot, if things go south, getting them out is like swimming in quicksand, they can stay for months on end while the landlord has to wade through the rental tribunal bureaucracy, he wrote.

When the deadbeat tenant is finally evicted after trashing the flat, there is rarely any hope of collecting back rent or damages.

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Torontos new Medical Officer of Health is calling for a public discussion on the merits of decriminalizing all drugs in the wake of the ongoing overdose epidemic.

Its clear that our current approach to drugs in this city and this country doesnt seem to be having the desired impact, Dr. Eileen De Villa told reporters Friday at a briefing on how the city is responding to drug users overdosing and, in some cases, dying.

There have been six suspected fatal overdoses since the weekend, including two teens found dead in an Etobicoke highrise. In addition, Toronto emergency wards treated 79 people suspected of overdosing during the last week of July. Its not yet clear how many were deaths.

Last year, its believed more than 2,400 Canadians died as a result of opioid-related overdoses.

On Friday, following Thursdays emergency meeting of city partners, De Villa reviewed with reporters the citys overdose prevention strategies which include asking police to carry the fentanyl antidote and speeding up the opening of three safe injection sites.

De Villa said among the 10 key strategies in Torontos Overdose Action plan is a call for a public health approach to drug policy that puts the health of the community first, rather than looking at this as an issue of criminal behavior and or an area for law enforcement.

The city is convening a committee of health and drug policy experts to explore a different approach that puts the health of the community first, she said.

While acknowledging the city doesnt have the power to change the Criminal Code, Toronto has always been a leader in policy, and I dont see why we wouldnt continue to be a leader on this front, said De Villa, who stepped into her high-profile position four months ago.

Councillor Joe Mihevc, chair of the board of health, joined De Villa at the briefing and said the generations of the war on drugs has been an abject failure.

He said Toronto should be provoking the conversation that is happening internationally. About 25 countries, including Portugal, have decriminalized drugs in some form, and next year recreational marijuana will be legal in Canada, he noted.

Is it appropriate, is it a wise use of public resources to be throwing police, lawyers, courts the criminal justice system at it, or is it an issue where we throw in a lot more public health staff and nurses? What yields the best result? he said.

Mihevc predicted, if the fentanyl crisis deepens in Canada, mayors across the country will begin pressuring the federal government to look at legalizing and regulating illicit drugs.

He drew the connection to the wave of opioid overdoses, where former patients prescribed painkillers, including nice, white middle-class people, get hooked, then turn to fentanyl-laced heroin bought on the illegal market. Some traffickers cut their drug supply with fentanyl, a highly potent painkiller.

If there is a silver lining to the tragedy that were living with overdoses, it is provoking a larger conversation on how we have understood drugs, the control of drugs, the illegality of drugs, the ethics of drug use in Canada, Mihevc said.

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Staples of the traditional outdoor camp experience, from canoeing to cooking over a fire, open up a whole new world for refugee children at the Willowgrove day camp.

The 100-acre outdoor education centre and day camp in Stouffville is welcoming 14 refugee children this summer where theyll be able to experience Canada through the great outdoors, some for the first time.

Teissir Nouren Mahamat is attending Willowgrove camp for the first time since coming to Canada as a Sudanese refugee a year ago.

I like the summer time, the shy 13-year-old says, communicating mostly in smiles and nods through questions from camp director Miriam Reesor.

A big factor is English, but (in) every child you can see the confidence to try things, Reesor said.

Willowgrove hosts about 150 children for its weeklong day camp program, with some kids returning throughout the summer. Each week has a different focus or theme that guides daily activities, which include searching for biodiversity in the creek, swimming, kayaking, barn games, and campfire cooking.

The camp uses some funding from the Stars Fresh Air Fund to help refugee children attend the camp for two weeks, Reesor said. While these campers may not be fluent in English, this doesnt get in the way of their fun.

Its interesting how much they can just become part of the group, because at camp everyone is coming from different places, Reesor said, adding that the camper mix includes Syrian refugees and Canadian-born youth who live in other cities.

Willowgrove has also hosted relatives of campers, hailing all the way from China and Colombia. Counsellors are mindful of language barriers and keep a special eye out for non-native English speakers to ensure they are participating in activities.

During her time at camp, Mahamat took three days to warm up to the idea of swimming in the pool, which she had never done before in Sudan.

Now she loves it, but archery takes the top spot as her favourite new activity.

She relays her camp adventures over the phone to her brother, sister, and parents, who are still in Sudan, Reesor said.

Back at her home in Markham, Mahamat lives with the grandmother who brought her to Canada, and her aunt, uncle, and four cousins.

Reesor said Mahamat is very helpful with her younger cousins, two of whom joined her at camp, but is happy to see her getting a mini-vacation.

When I talk to parents, I say I want them to be OK that their child comes home dirty and tired, Reesor said.

The camp runs until Sept. 1, the last Friday before the start of school.

Goal: $650,000

To date: $649,892

How to donate

With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send 25,000 disadvantaged and special needs children to camp. The experience gives these children much more than relief from summer heat; it gives these children a break in life and memories to last a lifetime.

By cheque: Mail to the Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund, One Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M5E 1E6

By credit card: Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or Discover, call 416-869-4847

For instant donations, use our secure form at: thestar.com/freshairfund .

The Star does not authorize anyone to solicit on its behalf. Tax receipts will be issued in September.

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Its not news  that the executive director of the African Canadian Legal Clinic (ACLC) used the clinics credit card to purchase a $754 diamond ring back in 2007. And that she repaid the amount, twice, she says, immediately after the purchase, and again after an audit flagged the fiscal no-no.

Its not news that Margaret Parsons has had a running battle with Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), the government agency that funds 79 such clinics across the province. And that she loathes them as much as they seem to loathe her.

Its not news that the pitched battle, now into its 17th year of public hostility, has divided the Black community into pro-Parsons and anti-Parsons camps  all the while feeding into the crab-in-the-barrel stereotype ascribed to such historical conflict.

Its not news that LAO has been trying to nail Parsons for years  accusing her of improper financial management, poor fiscal controls, misstatement of statistics, misuse of LAO funds for purposes other than intended, finagling with membership lists, insufficient corporate oversight... And its not news that LAO is still trying.

The relationship is permanently broken. Despite this, the last declaration from the LAO committee that decides on sanctions against clinics had to agree that, some progress, if belatedly, has been made. We note for example, that it finally appears to be the case that apart from the unresolved concerns relating to inter-fund transfers, the recommendations from the 2012 PwC forensic audit report appear to have now been completely adopted by ACLC.

Stop the press. Breaking news.

But, no. It is the committees caustic June 2016 report that is being leaked to the media by agents quietly representing LAO.

As reported this week in the Star by Metros May Warren and Vicky Mochama, that report said the clinic, which has advocated for the Black community for more than 20 years, was in fundamental breach of its obligations under its funding agreement with Legal Aid Ontario. A final decision, expected in a few weeks, could see the clinic defunded by LAO.

LAOs big and latest bet was that auditors would discover that Parsons had used LAO money  the clinic got $669,730 last year in LAO grants  to fund ACLC projects not authorized by LAO. It was supposed to be the great inter-fund controversy.

But that fizzled when the accounting firm PwC reported in April: We noted no indications of loaning or borrowing of LAO funds.

The news is: just when the ACLC seems to be at its best in terms of meeting the high  Parsons says unfair and unreasonable  expectations, LAO is stuck with a raised and sharpened sword.

Just when Parsons and the clinic seem to be closest to meeting every imposed condition, LAO is poised to pull its funding.

This would be a dumb move and a crucial error. It would only bolster Parsons long-standing view that the relentless scrutiny is motivated by more than the pursuit of fiscal accountability of public dollars.

In fact, if the findings of the latest audit of the clinic are to be believed there is grudging acknowledgment that ACLC is in compliance to all but a few conditions. So, its best to leave Parsons alone.

Yes, thats a tough pill to swallow. But, the hawks at legal aid are better advised to pull in their talons.

The positioning of the latest leak of info surrounding the clinic is so one-sided, obviously skewed, too old news and so willfully blind to the ACLCs latest improvements as to raise suspicion.

As late as the June 2016 report from LAOs punishment committee, one might have concluded that the clinic was toast. That report said ACLC had complied with just one of eight conditions placed on it  and that de-funding would happen by March 2017, if improvements were not forthcoming.

Awkwardly, two months before that decision, the internal audit division of LAO filed a report that said the ACLC had complied with 78 per cent of the 2013 recommendations from PwC, and the clinic staff was co-operative and helpful.

Still, Legal Aid Ontario began setting up an advisory group of Black professionals to provide a soft landing should clinic funds be cut. The most important goal was to cushion the anticipated political fallout from de-funding one of the most legally successful clinics  one that services the most marginalized and victimized clients. The advisory group has several prominent Black citizens who have been scathing in their criticism of the clinic in the past. It also has members with questionable motives. And a third segment, discovering the tortuous history, have begun questioning why they were brought into the mess to give credence to what they fear is a hatchet job.

Make no mistake. De-funding the ACLC would hobble its effectiveness  no matter what replacements were instituted.

There is a fierce, fearless, freedom-seeking advocacy that courses through this organization. Its primal source and impetus is Parsons, executive director since 1996.

Set up by the Mike Harris Tories  imagine that  the clinic is supposed to be an advocate for the Black community. And that it is.

Long before the term anti-Black racism rolled off news readers lips and before racial profiling made it into our lexicon, Parsons and the clinic were railing against both  at conferences, in speeches, at the United Nations and, more importantly, in the courts, including factums before the Supreme court of Canada.

Some clinics are tickled to argue a single case before the highest court; the African Canadian Legal Clinic has been there 15 times, with three more pending.

It was Osborne Barnwell, a Toronto lawyer who himself is not afraid to speak out against racism and challenge the law society, who best encapsulated Parsons in a Star series on the clinic in 2003. I find the woman quite the right person to be at the clinic because  and this might rub people the wrong way  she doesnt stand nonsense. Im not surprised that there are some people who would want her head.

From the start, there was conflict. The ACLC set up offices on Bay St., a fact that rubbed LAO officials the wrong way, Parsons said. They felt a clinic should be in the hood. Parsons interpreted that to mean they consider her an uppity Negro who didnt know her place. Its been downhill ever since.

Parsons doesnt trust legal aid officials, thinks they try to squeeze and limit the clinics advocacy and reach and tries to box them into a safe and prescribed place. Instead, the ACLC has 30 staff spread over eight locations. Besides the clinic, it runs community advocacy and development and training for youth. And she is unequivocally and unrepentantly Black. The scrutiny, she says, is classic anti-Black racism.

They came in. They thought they had the Enron of LAO. They thought they had a smoking gun. They didnt even have a firecracker, Parsons told the Star in 2003 concerning LAOs investigation.

The public agency is charged to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public dollars. This file has consumed time and burned many bridges.

On Thursday Parsons was equally defiant as she walked me through a 10-page spread sheet that documents how and when the clinic has complied with the original eight conditions and their many sub-clauses and added hurdles amounting to more than 30 requirements and demands imposed by LAO.

An observer from LAO attends all ACLC board meetings. The board has at least two lawyers and two members with financial acumen and all have received training as to their duties and responsibilities. There is a financial restructuring plan. The deficit and accrued liabilities are gone. Industry standard policies on use or corporate cards, travel, meals and procurement are in place. There have been audits upon audits, and LAO funds are released only under the strictest terms.

Through all this there has never been any charges of fraud  only a decrying of lack of financial controls and practices that were not in keeping with LAO requirements.

We are 96 per cent completed. I dont know what else to do under Gods green Earth, Parsons said Thursday. Like Sisyphus, Im rolling that burden called ACLC, and I never make it to the mountain top.

Where is the attorney general? What, you are going to let a 23-year-old institution crumble because of past minor deficiencies. What? We are not worthy of redemption?

LAO has done its job. Its time to back off. De-funding the ACLC would be an example of excessive force and an abuse of power.

Royson James column appears weekly. rjames@thestar.ca

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How will the Donald Trump presidency end? It will end badly, so let me count the ways:

1. America is hurtling towards a constitutional crisis that will rock its institutions to the core.

2. Its president and his business empire will soon be exposed as beholden to Russian oligarchs and mobsters.

3. Trump will try to fire special counsel Robert Mueller to prevent this from becoming known, but Congress will intervene.

4. His only remaining hope will be a 9/11-scale disaster or contrived war that he can exploit.

5. If we are lucky enough to survive all of the above, Trump will resign before he is impeached  but only in exchange for a pardon from his servile vice-president, Mike Pence.

Read more: A brief oral history of the bonkers Anthony Scaramucci era

Yes, this scenario is anything but far-fetched.

One lesson we have learned from the slow-motion train wreck of this Trump presidency is that precise predictions are impossible to make. That is true, except for one thing.

We are now getting a much clearer sense of where this high-stakes drama is heading. The details may change but the contours of this epic chapter in American political history are beginning to emerge.

Although it has been another head-spinning week, perhaps the most important disclosure was a Washington Post story (notwithstanding reports that Mueller empanelled a grand jury to probe Russias ties to the 2016 campaign). The story suggested how centrally involved Donald Trump has become in the expanding inquiry about his secret connections with Russia.

The story revealed that, contrary to previous public assurances, Trump himself dictated a misleading statement about the nature of a meeting with a Russian lawyer during the campaign.

In August, U.S. President Donald Trump said he hopes for a "truly honest" outcome from the Russia investigation that has consumed the opening months of his presidency. (The Associated Press)

Mueller, a former FBI head, is examining Russian interference in the 2016 election, including potential obstruction of justice and allegations of cover-up. But much to Trumps horror, Muellers investigation is expanding to include the history of connections between Trumps controversial business empire and Russian government and business interests.

In this latter category are some of the most corrupt Russian oligarchs and mobsters, involved in widespread money laundering, who rose to prominence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

On the surface at least, one of the most perplexing questions still unanswered from last Novembers shocking election result has been Trumps persistent refusal to single out Russia or President Vladimir Putin for dramatically interfering in the American presidential election.

This has prompted many people in the U.S. and abroad, not only his critics, to ask the question: What does Russia have on Trump?

Increasingly, it appears that the Mueller investigation will help answer that question by examining the close but largely secret relationship between the Trump empire and Russian financial interests.

According to leaks, it has only been in recent days that Trump has realized that this Mueller probe, if not stopped, may even include an examination of his tax returns that he has been so stubborn to keep secret.

A revealing preview of what Mueller is undoubtedly discovering was featured as the extensive cover story of Septembers issue of the U.S. magazine New Republic. Written by investigative journalist Craig Unger, the story was titled: Married to the Mob: What Trump Owes the Russian Mafia.

Unger was stark in his conclusions: Whether Trump knew it or not, Russian mobsters and corrupt oligarchs used his properties not only to launder vast sums of money from extortion, drugs, gambling and racketeering, but even as a base of operations for their criminal activities. In the process, they propped up Trumps business and enabled him to reinvent his image. Without the Russian mafia, it is fair to say, Donald Trump would not be president of the United States.

More than anyone, Trump knows what Mueller will discover. He knows the legal peril that he and his family are in. He also knows that his presidency is certain to end  in some way  if that story ever becomes public.

We should remember this when we see how Trump acts in the weeks to come. Like a cornered rat, he will fight to protect his interests. In every conceivable way, he will work to stop Muellers probe, to challenge Congress if it intervenes, to undermine the press and judiciary if they get in the way and  yes  even to engage in reckless military adventures if he thought that would strengthen his position.

This next stage of this Trump story will no longer be a diverting reality show. It will be the moment when Americans  and the rest of us  will learn if U.S. democracy is strong enough to stop him.

Tony Burman is former head of Al Jazeera English and CBC News. Reach him @TonyBurman or at tony.burman@gmail.com

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Concerned for patients privacy and pocketbooks, Ontarios health minister says he will tackle a new Big Pharma marketing scheme that uses electronic medical records to sell drugs.

Minister Eric Hoskins said he will ask Ontarios College of Physicians and Surgeons to investigate how electronic vouchers that steer patients to brand name drugs over cheaper generics may be impacting privacy, accessibility and affordability.

He said he also plans to express my concerns with Telus Health, which inserts the electronic vouchers into its popular electronic medical record software (EMR) used by thousands of doctors across Canada.

Our government remains steadfast in our commitment to put patients at the centre of our health-care system, Hoskins said in a statement.

To drive business their way, brand-name drug companies have paid Telus to digitally insert vouchers so that the prescription is filled with their product instead of the lower-cost generic competitor that pharmacists normally reach for, a recent Star investigation found.

The voucher works like a coupon: If a patients insurance does not cover the full cost of the pricier brand name drug, the drugs manufacturer will cover part or all of the cost difference from its generic equivalent.

Thousands of doctors across Canada use electronic medical records to take notes during patient visits and to create a prescription to be filled by the patients pharmacy. Telus Health, a subsidiary of the telecom giant, is a dominant player in the electronic medical records field. Following publication of the Star story, one major Toronto hospital has suggested that its doctors opt out of the voucher feature.

By including the vouchers in electronic medical records, concerned physicians say a clinical tool they use to prescribe drugs and care for patients is being co-opted so drug companies can increase profits. Industry experts say the vouchers can add unnecessary costs to private drug plans, which may be passed on to the patient through higher premiums.

Doctors had to agree to the voucher feature in the Telus software before it was enabled on their systems, and physicians can opt out at any time.

Telus Health said the feature has been positively received by the majority of doctors using the software. The voucher is offered only after a physician chooses a drug by its brand name to prescribe so there is no influence on what drug the physician selects, a spokesperson said.

Telus has been a significant beneficiary of a provincial government-funded program that saw more than $340 million distributed to doctors to adopt electronic medical records in their practices. Roughly half of the doctors who received funding went with a Telus-owned EMR that now includes the voucher feature.

OntarioMD, a subsidiary of the Ontario Medical Association, managed the funding program, which ran from 2005 to 2015. Its role included determining if EMR software met certain specifications to be certified. The organizations CEO, Sarah Hutchison, said the use of brand drug vouchers in EMR is not considered as part of the certification process.

But some doctors think it should be.

Electronic health records are publicly funded for the benefit of patients, said Toronto physician Nav Persaud, who complained about the voucher feature to Telus.

Electronic health records that are used to market products for the pharmaceutical industry or to share information for marketing purposes should definitely not be publicly funded  they could be banned entirely.

In his statement, Hoskins said he will be writing to Telus and OntarioMD to express my concerns about these practices and start a dialogue on how we can best move forward with the management of our patients electronic health records to ensure transparency and openness.

Hoskins, a doctor, will also request Ontarios College of Physicians and Surgeons look into the matter to see how we can establish a stronger, clearer guideline moving forward.

The head of the doctor regulator has already said, in general, vouchers being included on a prescription is not appropriate as they may lead patients to think their physicians favour brand drugs over generics.

In an internal obtained by the Star, Dr. Rocco Gerace, registrar of Ontarios College of Physicians and Surgeons, said the inclusion of vouchers on prescriptions may also lead some patients to perceive that the physician is in a conflict of interest, or that they are recommending or endorsing the name-brand formulation of a drug instead of a generic or other alternative.

Gerace said in his letter that the regulators policy recommends physicians generally use the generic name of a drug to make sure the prescription is clear.

Generics contain the same pharmaceutical ingredients and can cost as little as one-fifth of the brand price.

To keep costs down, many drug plans encourage pharmacists to substitute a cheaper generic drug when filling a prescription for a brand drug, unless the prescribing doctor specifically requests otherwise. Without a voucher, even if a doctor uses the brand name on a prescription, pharmacists may substitute the cheaper generic.

The voucher feature is offered in a number of electronic medical record systems, a Telus spokesperson said, adding that its system, introduced in August 2016, follows ethical principles not necessarily present other software.

Ontarios health minister committed to raising the issue at the next meeting with his federal, provincial and territorial counterparts.

I believe we need a pan-Canadian approach to addressing this and ensuring consistency across the country, Hoskins said.

For now, it will remain up to individual doctors to decide whether to use the voucher feature.

At St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto, about 100 physicians and nurse practitioners in the family medicine and pediatrics units use a Telus EMR to write prescriptions for their patients.

The hospital is strongly encouraging its doctors opt out of the voucher feature, said chief medical officer Dr. Doug Sinclair, adding that the vast majority have already disabled the function.

We do not see that it benefits them or the patient population we serve, Sinclair said.

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JEROME  SIRCOMMs long-beleaguered Director John Moore is out and a new deputy director has been assigned the directors duties.

The Southern Idaho Regional Communications Joint Powers Board placed Moore on administrative leave May 1, leaving the largest emergency dispatch service in the Magic Valley without formal direction for two weeks. Former Deputy Director Kristy Churchman had resigned in late January, and her replacement, Hope Lindsey, joined SIRCOMM May 15.

Moore later sent the joint powers board a letter of resignation, which the board  commissioners from Gooding, Lincoln, Jerome and Twin Falls counties  accepted at a special meeting held June 5.

After a lot of deep thought  and after 30 years of public safety  I decided it was time to move on, Moore said Thursday. Politics and the job were getting to me and I needed to get out for my personal health and to spend time with my family.

Circumstances surrounding Moores departure are unclear. Minutes reveal a board that had become frustrated with the director, who had held the position since 2009. Moore joined SIRCOMM as a dispatcher in 1997.

In February, Twin Falls County Sheriffs Capt. Tim Miller told the joint powers board that mandatory overtime was killing the morale of the 911 staff.

In the April 25 joint powers board meeting, Jerome County Commissioner Charlie Howell questioned Moore about overtime expenses after the director reported SIRCOMM was 40 percent under budget. Being understaffed, overtime pay should have been up, Howell said.

When you throw it against the wall it doesnt stick, Howell said, according to the minutes.

Twin Falls County Sheriffs Chief Deputy Don Newman and Miller both agreed with Howell, and Moore told the board he would rework the numbers for the next meeting.

But Moore was placed on leave days later and wasnt at the meeting.

Howell said he couldnt be specific about why he called an emergency meeting to place Moore on administrative leave, but several discrepancies had surfaced that broke the camels back, he said Thursday. In his defense, however, Howell said Moore dedicated his life to SIRCOMM and put them first in everything and was loyal to a T.

Three years ago, the board hired an independent investigator to look into a morale issue at SIRCOMM that resulted in a sudden exodus of employees. Half of the dispatchers had left over a period of several months. It has since raised wages to $16.52 per hour and has streamlined the hiring and training process.

Morale is very important, especially when you have people working side by side like the dispatchers do, Howell told the Times-News in 2014. Filling the empty dispatcher seats would take extra stress off remaining dispatchers, but it wont change the underlying problem, which, he said then, was not understood.

Howell vowed to find out, though. And if we need to change administrations, we will.

The following year, Moore was arrested after crashing his work truck into a call box at the emergency dispatch centers headquarters. According to the police report, he admitted to taking pills he had been prescribed. He was suspended after the crash initially but was later reinstated.

SIRCOMM has a long history of staffing problems  even before Moore was hired as director, Jerome County Sheriff Doug McFall said Thursday. Dispatcher jobs are demanding and highly stressful, he said, and generally have a high turnover rate.

I do know there were quite a few dispatchers who were unhappy with the work atmosphere, McFall said. His deputies now tell him dispatchers seem happier under the new deputy director.

Despite the commissioners raising the starting wages, the agency remains short-staffed. Typically, SIRCOMM employs 10 or 11 full-time dispatchers, plus several part-time and several in training. Commissioners say 18 employees are needed to cover overtime, vacations and sick time.

SIRCOMM provides emergency dispatch services for 41 agencies in Jerome, Twin Falls, Lincoln and Gooding counties. The city of Twin Falls is the only entity in the area with its own 911 dispatch service.

Howell said the joint powers board has not decided whether to hire a new director or to move Lindsey into the position and hire a new deputy director.

Either is an option, he said.

Moore said he plans to stay in the Magic Valley and is looking for a new job: I have too many ties to the community to leave.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has had quite a run of it lately.

A couple of months ago, his allies in the Supreme Court tried to dissolve the countrys opposition-controlled legislative branch. That prompted a swift backlash, with thousands of Venezuelans participating in regular, sustained protest efforts. Over the past few months, more than 120 people have been killed. And now, Maduro has convened a super-assembly to rewrite the constitution. Opposition leaders worry this body will effectively replace the countrys legislature and allow Maduro to crack down on dissent.

This naked power grab has prompted international condemnation and a threat of massive U.S. sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump said that Maduro has joined an exclusive club of dictators. How did this former bus driver and groupie become one of the most reviled leaders in the world?

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Maduro began his political life as president of the student union at his local high school. He never graduated, but the son of two leftists left an impression. He would address us during the assembly to talk about students rights and that sort of thing. He didnt speak much and wasnt agitating people into action, but what he did say was usually poignant, Grisel Rojas, a former classmate who is now the schools principal, told the Guardian.

After a brief flirtation with rock music, Maduro became a bus driver in Caracas, Venezuelas capital. Along with his father, he organized a local union. He was also active in the MBR-200, the civilian wing of Hugo Chavezs military movement. He campaigned frequently for Chavezs release from prison.

Once Chavez was released, Maduro joined his political operation, helping to rewrite the 1999 constitution and joining the National Assembly. When Chavez became president, he named Maduro foreign minister. In that role, he famously took on the United States, comparing Guantanamo Bay prison to the Holocaust.

When Chavez was dying of cancer, he urged Venezuela to elect Maduro, a man he described as a complete revolutionary, a man of great experience despite his youth, with great dedication and capacity for work, for leading, for handling the most difficult situations.

Maduro campaigned as Chavezs protege. On national television, he recounted how the president came to him from the grave in the form of a song bird. All of a sudden, a little bird circled three times around me, stopped on a wooden beam and began to sing a pretty song, Maduro said. Then I, too, began to whistle, he said, whistling like a bird as he talked. The little bird looked at me in a strange way. He sang, circled me once and flew away. And I felt his spirit. I felt him giving us a blessing, saying now the battle begins, go to victory.

Maduro ran on a socialist platform, saying that its him or the oligarchy. He was narrowly elected in April 2013 by a margin of just 1.5 per cent.

Since that narrow win, Maduro has been trying to channel his predecessor. As my colleagues reported: Maduro often dresses like Chavez, talks like Chavez and has even told Venezuelans that he has slept in Chavezs tomb. Wednesdays anniversary events will give him the chance to remind Chavista loyalists that hes the late commandantes chosen one. Chavez sets the route, Maduro takes the wheel, was the campaign slogan he ran on, playing up his blue-collar bus-driver background.

He also mimicked Chavezs tough talk toward enemies, immediately expelling U.S. diplomats and accusing historical enemies of poisoning Chavez.

Maduro, however, lacks Chavezs chavismo. While Chavez was a very charismatic leader who was able to maintain cohesion among different groups within the government structure, Maduro doesnt have that ability, and he also doesnt have the money that Chavez had because the price of oil has plummeted, Taraciuk Broner told NBC News. He doesnt have the funds to sustain all the social programs that Chavez had.

Maduro has had to deal with an economic crisis that Chavez did not have to face. The countrys economy, heavily dependent on petroleum production, began to falter, then entered free fall as the price of crude oil plummeted. During Maduros four years in office, the countrys economy has shrunk by 23 per cent. People are starving and the Venezuelan government cannot get the food or medicine people need. About three-quarters of the countrys citizens have lost weight in the last year. And with growing levels of desperation, crime has spiked.

The economic crisis has turned into protests and a political crisis that has been exacerbated by Maduro. He has cracked down on his opponents, arresting opposition leaders on conspiracy charges. He censored unflattering news coverage and allowed his national guardsmen to club activists in the streets, bloody scenes that are captured on television. He lacks Chavezs gift for language, instead railing against the fascists in the street in near nightly speeches. Even his propaganda suffers  Maduro was roundly mocked after he went on a television program and performed a song for Venezuelan unity.

As a result, the countrys opposition, long derided as weak and disorganized, has grown much stronger. Even members of Maduros working class base have begun to question the leaders fitness for office. Last year, a poll showed his approval rating in the low 20s. Time called him the worlds most embattled political leader.

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ISTANBULNew U.S. sanctions targeting Iran are a breach of its nuclear deal with world powers and an attempt to abolish the accord, Iranian officials said Thursday, adding that the government will respond to what it sees as an escalation of U.S. aggression.

We believe that the nuclear deal has been violated, and we will react appropriately, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on state television Thursday.

The deal curbed Irans nuclear activities in exchange for the removal of some sanctions, while the new measures target anyone involved in Irans ballistic missile program and its powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps.

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The belief in Washington is that . . . Iran must be put under pressure, Araghchi said. And the goal of the new sanctions, signed by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, is to destroy the 2015 agreement so that Iran will withdraw.

The administration has criticized the deal for its narrow focus on the nuclear program, without addressing issues such as Irans support for proxy militias and its growing ballistic missile arsenal. Trump has questioned the utility of the agreement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in remarks at the State Department on Tuesday.

The agreement dealt with a very small slice of Irans threats, Tillerson said. It was kind of like we put blinders on and just ignored all those other things.

But even as the United States ramps up pressure on Iran  including threats to leave the pact  officials in Tehran have moved cautiously in response, weighing the cost of potential conflict with the benefits of remaining part of the deal.

Before the agreement, which ended the countrys isolation, Iran probably would have balked at calls for diplomacy. As a regional power, it has defied the international community, building up missile defense and backing proxy forces across the region.

But under the nuclear deal, Iran has rejoined the global economy and is now keen to avoid blame for the collapse of the agreement. Trump recently certified Irans compliance with the deal, an authorization he is required to make to Congress every 90 days, but has suggested he may not do so again in the fall, without saying why.

President Trump made clear that, in terms of the fate of the nuclear deal, the administrations latest certification of Iranian compliance was only a temporary reprieve  a stay of execution, said Robert Malley, who served as the White House coordinator for the Middle East under President Barack Obama.

So far, Iran has appeared content to sit back and allow the (Trump) administration to further isolate itself on the nuclear deal, said Malley, who is now vice president of policy for the Brussels-based International Crisis Group. But that calculus could change.

Iran, experts say, could continue to adhere to the agreement and seek assurances from Europe and Russia that they would refuse any U.S. attempt to renegotiate. The European Union has countered Trumps calls to ditch the accord, reminding the administration that it belongs to the international community.

If the White House decided to declare Iran noncompliant, it would probably be based on little to no valid evidence, said Richard Nephew, former coordinator for sanctions policy at the State Department.

But Iran could still push the technical limits of the deal with small incremental steps that restart its nuclear program, he said.

It could also restart all of its nuclear activity, which it says is for peaceful purposes, or use its military assets or proxy forces to strike U.S. interests in the region.

Iran and the United States have skirmished in the waters of the Persian Gulf, where the U.S. Navy stations its 5th Fleet. American forces and militias loyal to Iran also fight in proximity in Iraq and Syria, where they are both battling Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL.

Having Iranian proxies take aim at the U.S. presence in Iraq or Syria could trigger powerful U.S. retaliation, which quickly could snowball, Malley said.

According to Ali Vaez, senior Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group, rising tensions could push Iran to double down on means of deterrence it considers essential to its national security, including missile defense and support for regional proxies.

Last week, Iran successfully fired its satellite-carrying Simorgh launch vehicle into space, prompting the U.S. Treasury Department to come back with more sanctions.

Irans parliament, reacting to the sanctions bill as it made its way through Congress, recently fast-tracked funding for the countrys ballistic missile program and Revolutionary Guard Corps.

According to Abbas Aslani, world news editor at Irans privately run Tasnim news agency, Iran will not violate the nuclear agreement but neither will it abandon or compromise on its defense capabilities, including the missile program.

Irans hard-liners, many of whom opposed the deal as one that granted too many concessions, may use the tensions to press for some sort of retaliation. The deal was negotiated under Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate recently elected to a second term.

He fired back at domestic critics Thursday at a ceremony marking his formal endorsement by Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final word on all matters of the state.

Iran survived some of the toughest sanctions through a combination of the power of diplomacy and deterrent defensive power, The Associated Press quoted Rouhani as saying. During his second term, Iran will insist on constructive engagement more than before.

But it is unclear how long Rouhani will maintain his pro-diplomacy rhetoric, which has already become increasingly more critical of the Trump administration, said Farzan Sabet, a fellow at Stanford Universitys Center for International Security and Cooperation.

Still, conflict between the United States and Iran is not preordained, Malley said, and both sides could back down.

But that means that the survival of the nuclear deal and avoidance of military conflict depend on the Trump administration showing restraint and the Iranian regime displaying wisdom, he said. Given what we know of the two, what are the odds of that?

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SOMERSET WEST, SOUTH AFRICAOscar Pistorius was taken from prison to a hospital Thursday for medical examinations and will be kept at the facility overnight amid South African media reports that the former track star and convicted murderer was suffering from chest pains.

Pistorius was taken to the hospital Thursday morning and was expected to return to the prison later the same day, Department of Corrections spokesperson Logan Maistry told The Associated Press. However, Pistorius will now stay overnight in the hospital for observation, Maistry said.

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Maistry declined to give details of Pistorius medical complaint, citing department rules preventing the divulging of information on offenders. He said only that Pistorius was having medical examinations.

Reports claimed Pistorius was suffering from chest pains and was taken from Atteridgeville Prison to the emergency department at Kalafong Hospital in the South African capital Pretoria by ambulance, and escorted by armed guards.

Maistry declined to comment on the reports, while a spokesperson for Pistorius didnt immediately return a phone call from the The Associated Press seeking comment.

Pistorius, the double-amputee Olympic runner and multiple Paralympic champion, is serving a six-year prison term for murder in the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. He has served a year of his sentence.

The 30-year-old Pistorius was first imprisoned at the Kgosi Mampuru II Prison in central Pretoria but was moved to Atteridgeville because it was better suited to handle disabled inmates.

This is the second time Pistorius has left prison for a hospital visit. Last year, he was taken to the hospital for treatment to cuts on his wrists, which prison authorities said he sustained after falling in his cell.

Pistorius was convicted of murder after an appeal by prosecutors against an initial manslaughter verdict. He killed Steenkamp in the early hours of Valentines Day 2013 by shooting her multiple times through a toilet cubicle door at his Pretoria home. Pistorius claimed he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder hiding in the cubicle.

Prosecutors have announced their intention to appeal again, this time against Pistorius six-year sentence, which they say is too lenient. The National Prosecuting Authority said it will appeal to South Africas Supreme Court, and the appeal could be heard this year. Pistorius faces having his sentence increased to 15 years if prosecutors are successful. There is no death penalty in South Africa.

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MANILA, PHILIPPINESThe United States top diplomat is expected to raise concerns about human rights in the Philippines when he visits Manila this week for Asias biggest security forum, including during possible talks with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will raise all relevant issues in the U.S. alliance with the Philippines, including concerns about human rights, acting U.S. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton said in Washington on Wednesday. She said a meeting with Duterte is being arranged.

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Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Robiespierre Bolivar said Thursday the Philippines is open about its rights record. So definitely if Secretary Tillerson wishes to raise that, the Philippines has always been open and committed to protecting human rights.

Duterte, however, has lashed out at critics of his war on illegal drugs, which has left thousands of suspects dead in the past year. When then-U.S. president Barack Obama raised concerns about the mounting death toll, Duterte told the president to go to hell.

Thornton said Tillersons trip to Manila will provide a chance for a robust bilateral program with the Philippines on the sidelines of the security meetings.

She said there will be much to talk about, including a siege by Daesh-linked militants in the southern city of Marawi and growing threats of international terrorism.

But certainly, we will be talking about governance, about human rights issues and about how we can increase our economic and other kinds of people-to-people engagement with the Philippines, she added.

Dutertes spokesperson, Esrnesto Abella, said no announcement has been made of a meeting between Tillerson and Duterte.

Human rights advocates have accused Duterte of unleashing a human-rights calamity with his war on drugs. They say his recent threat to bomb tribal schools he accused of teaching students to become communist rebels could constitute war crimes, prompting Duterte to clarify that the schools would only be bombed when the buildings are empty.

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U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Congress on Thursday for the United States poor relationship with Russia, a day after he signed sanctions legislation that he said was flawed and unconstitutional.

In a Twitter message, Trump described Americas relationship with Russia as at an all-time & very dangerous low.

The new law, which also includes sanctions on Iran and North Korea, limits Trumps ability to change restrictions on Russia and is a reflection of bipartisan concern that Trump would ease punishments for the Kremlins annexation of Crimea and meddling in the 2016 presidential election. In blaming Congress for the poor relations, Trump omits assigning responsibility to President Vladimir Putin of Russia for his role in Crimea, for violating a landmark arms control treaty with the deployment of a new cruise missile, and for interference in elections in the United States and Europe.

Several congressional committees and a special counsel are investigating whether there was any coordination between the Kremlin and Trumps campaign advisers to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump. The president has called the investigations a witch hunt.

Russia had pre-emptively responded to the new sanctions by seizing two U.S. diplomatic properties in Russia and ordering the United States to remove 755 members of its embassy staff stationed there. Trump has not publicly commented on the Kremlins response and did not invite the news media to cover the bill-signing event as he has for other laws. In a statement released on Wednesday, Trump called the law significantly flawed, and he said it included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions.

Trump has said he wants to improve the United States relationship with Russia. He is not the first U.S. president to bristle at Congress for interfering with the ability to set foreign policy.

In blaming Congress for poor relations with Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump avoided assigning responsibility to Vladimir Putins actions , including his role in Crimea and in election interference in the U.S. and Europe.





On Wednesday, the Russian prime minister, Dmitri A. Medvedev, declared the end to hope for the improvement of our relations and mocked Trump as having been forced to sign the sanctions into law.

The Trump administration has demonstrated total impotence, handing over executive functions to Congress in the most humiliating way possible, Medvedev wrote on Facebook. He added that the American establishment has totally outplayed Trump with the goal to remove him from power.

The same day Trump signed the sanctions bill, Vice President Mike Pence was in the Balkan nation of Montenegro, reaffirming the United States commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Montenegro joined the alliance in June, a move that incensed Moscow. Pences tone on Russia was more assuring to NATO members than that of Trumps, who once called NATO obsolete.

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WASHINGTONThe waters of the so-called swamp are starting to rise around Donald Trump, with various creatures of Washingtons political marshes threatening his presidency from multiple angles.

Consider about nine developments of the last few days in a town derided by the president as an amphibian-infested bog.

First, the special investigator in the Russia affair has empanelled a grand jury, according to multiple reports. Second, lawmakers from both parties are co-operating to craft different bills that would curb Trumps ability to fire the investigator.

Third, the attorney general Trump mused about firing has been promised his job is secure. Republican lawmakers have brushed off three demands from the president: on Russia sanctions, on health care, on adjusting procedural rules  thats four, five and six. A pair of Republicans have just released books criticizing the president.

Eight, his own partys senators have blocked him from making appointments during the summer break; they used a rare parliamentary gimmick to thwart him. And to cap it all off, Trumps critics have been emboldened by a new dip in his poll numbers.

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This is all happening by the end of the first congressional session of the Trump presidency, which is concluding this week with senators heading off on their summer recess. On their way out the door, they stiff-armed questions about their president.

One Republican walking down the hallway shrugged when asked whether the president understands the health law he wants them to pass: I certainly wouldnt want to comment on what the president understands and doesnt understand.

Their mood has been hardening against the commander-in-chief.

Republicans have made it clear theyre unhappy Trump threatened one of their old colleagues  former senator, now Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Trump has just fired two party establishment figures from his White House staff. He then fuelled rumours he might fire Sessions out of frustration with his refusal to defend the president in the Russia affair.

Democrats say they hear the grumbling from Republican colleagues.

Sen. Ron Wyden, a member of the intelligence committee investigating Russian collusion, says hes convinced any move to fire special investigator Robert Mueller would trigger a constitutional crisis.

Ive seen a real change in tone (from the Republicans), he said. Ill leave it at that.

Mark Warner, another Democrat on the committee, said hes noticed the same shift: Republican colleagues have said (firing Mueller) would be the beginning of the end of the Trump presidency.

I think you would see widespread bipartisan support to put back in place (a new special investigator).

In fact, two groups of senators, from both parties, have already started crafting bills to restore an investigator if Trump fires Mueller. It now appears unlikely that Trump will fire the attorney general to get a new one who might fire Mueller.

Republicans have rebelled against the idea, saying they will not confirm a replacement for Sessions.

One Trump-skeptical Republican senator, Lindsey Graham, said in an interview with The Canadian Press that nobody in the Republican caucus would accept the special counsel being fired without just cause.

Graham is doing his part to protect the investigator  hes co-sponsored one of the bills that would set limits on the presidents ability to oust him.

Mueller is under assault from the presidents staunchest supporters.

Trump boosters are promoting the idea of firing him in part because inquiry staff donated to Democrats. But Graham said that, as a lawyer himself, he doesnt see that as a disqualifier. He pointed out that most members of the Kenneth Starr team that investigated Bill Clinton were Republicans.

As for Sessionss job security, Graham said: Ive never felt better about Jeff.

Meanwhile, lawmakers thumbed their nose at Trump and voted overwhelmingly to limit his ability to eliminate sanctions. When Russia protested, Trump called lawmakers a bunch of big-talking, do-nothings who cant even pass a health law.

In fact, several are now working to protect Obamacare and keep it from collapsing  once again, in defiance of the presidents wishes. One of the lawmakers who voted to preserve Obamacare, Sen. John McCain, even taunted the president over his Russia remarks.

He responded to a presidential tweet with one of his own: You can thank Putin for attacking our democracy, invading neighbours & threatening our allies.

And then news broke late Thursday in the Wall Street Journal that Mueller had called in a grand jury in his Russia investigation. The probe appears to have grown from a look at election collusion to broader issues involving financial crimes, based on the expertise of the lawyers hes hired.

So, what does that mean?

A former assistant Watergate prosecutor and federal prosecutor says it means 23 people have been selected to be on a grand jury, and rather than simply interviewing witnesses in an office, they can summon them to give formal testimony, then consider charges.

In case that wasnt clear enough, Nick Akerman adds: Because the prosecutors want to take testimony under oath and may be heading toward indictments.

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A preschool teacher buckled in for the two-hour flight from Seattle to San Jose noticed something on the cellphone screen of a fellow passenger that set off alarms. According to police, the unnamed woman began following along as the man in the seat ahead swapped messages about sexually molesting children.

Thanks to the young teachers alert action, the man and another women were arrested quickly on Monday. Two children  ages 5 and 7  have been identified by authorities as the likely potential victims. Police say without the teachers heroic intervention, the abuse could have gone undetected.

Its kind of mind-blowing, San Jose sex-crimes Detective Nick Jourdenais told the Mercury News. She gets on a plane, a normal citizen minding her business. A couple of hours later, shes intervening on quite possibly the most traumatic thing children can go through. This was life-altering for them.

Michael Kellar, 56, must not have realized his large-sized cellphone screen was legible to the passenger seated behind him on the flight. It was in large font, and she sees certain words and starts contemplating theres something bigger there, Jourdenais told the paper. Then the conversation transitions to children. Thats the moment when she decided to preserve the evidence as best as she could.

According to police, the teacher snapped her own cellphone photos of the conversations, which allegedly involved Kellar requesting the individual on the other end to perform sex acts on the kids. The teacher then told the flight crew, who in turn contacted authorities on the ground.

When the Southwest plane touched down, San Jose police and San Francisco-based FBI agents detained Kellar for questioning. The Tacoma native told police the texts were just role playing and sexual fantasy, the Mercury reported. He freely let law enforcement look over the messages.

But back in Tacoma, FBI agents were busy pinpointing the identity of the other party. Capt. Mike Edwards, commander of the Seattle Police Departments Internet Crimes Against Children task force, told KIRO 7 that investigators traced the messages to a woman Kellar had met via an online dating site. Eventually, the trail led law enforcement to Gail Burnworth, 50, of Tacoma.

At a news conference Thursday, San Jose Police Sgt. Brian Spears said investigators were able to rescue the children before the assault. Burnworth was babysitting the children. Extremely disturbing, he said.

Folks that are doing these sort of things are literally all around us, Edwards told reporters. We dont know who they are. The discussion that was going on was very disturbing, about harm to children, he told Q13 Fox TV.

Had she had not come forward, had not done anything with this, they would have carried out their plans and intentions. . . . They need to be punished and they need to be kept away from kids.

Id like to highlight that if it wasnt for this particular passenger taking action to alert the staff and alert the police, this catastrophic event would have been horrific, said Spears. In my eyes, she is our hero.

Kellar is now in jail in Santa Clara County. He faces two counts of attempted child molestation and two counts of solicitation of a sex crime. Burnworth was booked at the Pierce County jail in Washington. She faces charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, rape of a child, and dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

It could not be determined if the two had lawyers yet to speak for them.

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A leaked conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull lead to an udder surge of social media posts on Thursday.

In the January 2017 exchange between the leaders, initially reported by The Washington Post on Thursday, Trump and Turnbull were discussing the refugee resettlement deal between the U.S. and Australia.

I hate taking these people, Trump said. I guarantee you they are bad. That is why they are in prison right now. They are not going to be wonderful people who go on to work for the local milk people.

The commander-in-chiefs reference to local milk people raised many eyebrows, with milk people trending on Twitter as users postulated what Trump meant or poked fun with dairy-themed memes and GIFs.

The transcript of a conversation between Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto was also released. In the conversations, Trump also called New Hampshire a drug-infested den, expressed concerned that he looked like a dope.

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CARACAS, VENEZUELADefying criticism from Washington to the Vatican, Venezuelas ruling party on Friday installed a new super assembly that supporters promise will pacify the country and critics fear will be a tool for imposing dictatorship.

The constitutional assemblys first order of business was selecting its head  former Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, a loyal follower of President Nicolas Maduro.

The nomination was approved unanimously by the 545 delegates, who marched to the neo-classical legislative palace accompanied by hundreds of red-shirted government supporters carrying roses and giant portraits of the late Hugo Chavez, Maduros predecessor and mentor.

Some shouted, Hes returned! as a jab at the opposition, which had ordered images of Chavez removed from an adjacent building when it won control of congress in 2015.

The assembly was scheduled to meet again Saturday, and Rodriguez pledged it would be taking action against Maduros political opponents.

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Dont think were going to wait weeks, months or years, she said. Tomorrow we start to act. The violent fascists, those who wage economic war on the people, those who wage psychological war, justice is coming for you.

The installation of the all-powerful constitutional assembly is virtually certain to intensify a political crisis that has brought four months of protests that left at least 120 people dead and hundreds jailed. Maduro vows the assembly will strip opposition lawmakers of their constitutional immunity from prosecution, while members of congress say they will only be removed by force.

But the opposition is struggling to regain its footing in the face of the governments strong-armed tactics and the re-emergence of old, internal divisions. Several opposition activists have been jailed in recent days, others are rumoured to be seeking exile and one leader has broken ranks from the opposition alliance to say his party will field candidates in regional elections despite widespread mistrust in Venezuelas electoral system.

In a sign of its apparent demoralized state only a few hundred demonstrators showed up for Fridays protest against the constitutional assembly, one of the smallest turnouts in months. They were halted by security forces firing tear gas and rubber bullets.

This is what the constitutional assembly will bring: more repression, said opposition lawmaker Miguel Pizarro.

However, Maduro accuses his opponents of using violence and argues that the constitutional assembly is the best way to restore peace. On Friday he heralded members of the security forces whove been on the front lines of the daily street battles, claiming that 580 of them had suffered serious injuries from brutal attacks by terrorist protesters.

I feel deeply the wounds of each one of you, Maduro said addressing a small group of injured national guardsmen scarred with burns, on crutches and wearing neck braces. With your bodies as your shield, you have defended the right to peace.

Amid the rising tensions, an increasing number of foreign governments have sided with the opposition, refusing to recognize the constitutional assembly and further isolating Maduros government.

On Friday, the Vatican urged Maduro to suspend the new body, expressing deep worry for the radicalization and worsening of the turmoil in Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, agreed that Maduro must restore the rights of the Venezuelan people in a phone call Friday to discuss several ongoing international crises, according to a readout of the conversation by the White House.

Foreign ministers from several South American nations said they will gather Saturday in Brazil for an emergency meeting to decide whether to evict Venezuela from the Mercosur trade bloc for violating its democratic norms. Venezuela was suspended from the group in December.

The opposition boycotted the July 30 election of the constitutional assembly, saying the rules were rigged to further entrench Maduros dictatorship.

The results have come under mounting scrutiny after the international company that provided the electronic voting machines said that without any doubt the official turnout had been tampered with  a charge dismissed by Maduro and the National Electoral Council.

The U.S. State Department said Thursday the assembly was illegitimate, reiterating a call by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for Maduro to leave office or face unspecified actions to return the government processes back to the constitution.

The constitutional assembly is made up of an array of pro-government trade unionists, students and even representatives of Venezuelans with physical disabilities. But the agenda is expected to be set by bigger-name loyalists, including Maduros wife, son and several ministers who resigned their posts to join the body.

It will have sweeping powers to upend institutions and in theory could even remove Maduro, a fact held up by government supporters as proof that its not a partisan power grab. One of its first tasks, which may come as early as Saturday, could be the closure of the opposition-controlled congress and the removal of chief prosecutor, Luisa Ortega Diaz, a longtime supporter of Chavez who recently broke with Maduro.

Ortega Diaz filed a complaint Thursday seeking a court order to block installation of the new assembly. The request, filed to a lower court in an apparent attempt to circumvent the government-stacked Supreme Court, was dismissed Friday on procedural grounds.

She also ordered prosecutors to investigate the allegations of election tampering. Smartmatic CEO Antonio Mugica said Wednesday in London that results recorded by his companys systems and those reported by the National Electoral Council show the official turnout count of 8 million was off by at least 1 million votes. An independent poll suggested that fewer than 4 million people voted.

Opposition lawmakers have pledged to remain in power no matter what action is taken by the constitutional assembly, raising the possibility of two governing bodies operating side by side, with neither recognizing the other.

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How crazy is North Korea?

Last week, it tested a missile that could reach Toronto or D.C. If they fired those, said a U.S. expert, you could kiss Trump Tower goodbye. Why are they building these nightmares?

During the Korean War, the U.S. dropped more bombs on North Korea than everywhere in the Pacific including Japan, during the Second World War. Twenty per cent of North Koreas population was killed, according to a U.S. air force commander. Some say 30 per cent.

Across the Sea of Japan, they can see the only country ever bombed with nuclear weapons  by the U.S. They look around and see Saddam Hussein is gone  after dismantling his nuclear program. So is Libyas Qaddafi.

But dont they have other needs. Yes, and according to the New York Times, North Korea has an ambitious civilian infrastructure program, including markets and resorts. Everybody overspends on their military.

Its true their leader, Kim Jong Un, looks crazy and has crazy hair. But thats not unique.

Their possession of nuclear weapons means the U.S. has no military options and may have to talk to them and guarantee the security of Kims regime. Thats the purpose of those weapons. They know if they actually used them, theyd be obliterated. So they wont, unless theyre crazy. But if theyre crazy, why are they acting so rationally. Theyve actually checkmated the U.S.

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The following editorial appears on Bloomberg View:

Leave aside the other features of the immigration-reform proposal President Donald Trump endorsed on Wednesday and focus on its main idea: Reducing immigration by half over a decade. Its the wrong goal, and it subverts the rest of the plan.

Theres no doubt the U.S. immigration system is broken  or that a shift to a merit-based immigration system, which the proposal advocates, is long overdue. But admitting far fewer immigrants would do enormous damage to the U.S. economy and the federal governments fiscal stability.

The legislation Trump embraced, proposed by Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia, would not increase skills-based immigration. Indeed, the number of skilled immigrants granted legal residency annually would remain roughly what it is now, 140,000, while family visas would be slashed and the 50,000 so-called diversity visas (for applicants from countries that are otherwise underrepresented) would be eliminated altogether.

With typical hyperbole, Trump said the new system will reduce poverty, increase wages and save taxpayers billions and billions of dollars. How exactly this would happen is something of a mystery. Perhaps hes referring to the possibility that the most unskilled native workers might command modestly higher wages.

The sharp reduction in immigrant workers in the years ahead would also reduce tax receipts for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the tripod supporting the nations rapidly aging baby boomers  10,000 of whom retire daily. Immigrants paid about $328 billion in taxes in 2014, according to one estimate.

In effect, the plan would take the demographic headwinds the U.S. faces already and transform them into a gale.

To counter those winds, the nation needs higher productivity. As it happens, one way to boost productivity is to welcome skilled immigrants. On average, every foreign-born student who gets a masters degree in a U.S. university and works in science, technology, engineering or math creates 2 1/2 American jobs. Almost 6 million people work at immigrant-owned companies in the U.S.

Trump claims to admire the immigration systems of Canada and Australia, and both are good role models. But those nations also admit far more immigrants, as a percentage of population, than the U.S. does. This plan is not a skills-based system akin to Australia and Canada. What the president and senators are proposing is a dead end.
Among the secondary tragedies emanating from the current political, social, and economic mess in Venezuela is this: for young, left-wing idealists elsewhere, a magnet for their hopes is fading. I think each generation deserves a chance to believe in the actualization of the dreams and ideals they discover in adolescence. It gives them something to work with as they age and evolve.

In the 1930s, despairing young workers went to Spain to fight for the Republic against fascism. I knew people who went to China in the 1940s. The Cuban revolution in the late 1950s inspired another generation. There were many beacons in the 1960s and 70s, some in Africa. I visited Mozambique early enough to see the promise that soon was snuffed out. By the 1980s, the points of light were retreating. Venezuela under Hugo Chavez was the latest.

He was an eccentric figure in that procession, an unlikely link in a chain that includes Che Guevara. Chavez was a career military officer, in the South American tradition of strong figures who alone can ostensibly rescue their nations from Yankee imperialism and local sellouts. But he was also unique.

For not just a leftist but a Marxist, Chavez had an unexpected commitment to boring old bourgeois-style elections. He said they separated Venezuela from the Soviet Union. He ran repeatedly, in internationally scrutinized votes, and got big majorities amid rising turnouts.

He was overthrown in a 2002 coup, restored by mass protests, ran again and won. He stood in a recall vote  an institution he created  and won. (His successor, Nicolas Maduro, has thwarted efforts for a recall vote on himself.) The process was robust enough that a vociferous opposition did well in elections and in 2015 took a huge legislative majority. That led to Maduros effort to derail them via Sundays dubious vote for a constituent assembly.

The usual revolutionary argument against elections is theyre easily subverted by big money and become a way to roll back gains made by the poor. There have been Marxist exceptions, like Rosa Luxemburg, who argued that the masses need protection from their leftist protectors, and that elections, with full paraphernalia (opposition parties, free press, etc.), provide it.

Somehow Chavez found himself on her side of the argument. (For the record and to cleanse my soul, Id like to confess I was wrong in approving Egypts 2013 military coup, that overthrew an elected, though odious, Islamist government.)

But it wasnt electoralism that endeared Chavezs era to so many young idealists; it was his support for popular social movements  beyond labour and peasant unions: media and culture groups, religious radicals, environmentalists etc.

These movements arose in reaction to the brutal neo-liberal economic policies of the 1970s and 80s and were in full flower by the time Chavez entered politics. Unlike most pols, he didnt try to co-opt them to win elections. He encouraged them in endless concrete ways, but was willing to let them thrive on their own.

Based on memories, Id say theres nothing so inspiring as seeing ordinary people whod normally never be enlisted in public matters, speak out and discover their own voices. Somehow Chavez got that right, too.

Maduro succeeded Chavez, who died of cancer in 2013. He has none of Chavezs virtues: his electoralism, a light populist touch, puckishness  as when Chavez took the podium at the UN after George W. Bush and said the smell of sulphur still lingered, so the devil must have just left; or when he gave Eduardo Galeanos anti-colonialist book Open Veins of Latin America to Obama at an Organization of American States meeting, and you could actually picture Obama reading it. Maduro is a former bus driver and union leader, not a military stiff; youd expect better of him.

Maduro will also benefit from disgust at the hypocrisy of attacking him and saying he must go  as the Globe and Mail did this week  but not others of even lower popularity, like Mexicos Pena Nieto, whose hands really are drenched in blood; or Brazils Michel Temer, at 7 per cent, beneficiary of a true anti-democratic coup. Hypocrisy always smarts and rage at the U.S. in Latin America is bottomless.

As for the young, where will they go? Somewhere. Bernie Sanders or Jeremy Corbyns next campaign maybe. You cant kill that impulse but you can make it harder to access and express. At least until the next beacon shines out.

Rick Salutins column appears Friday.

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Aug. 6 marks the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. The official story presents this bombing as a way to end the Second World War. I question this interpretation chiefly because Hiroshima was not a military target, it was a city inhabited largely by women, children and the elderly.

Following this event, there was a rapid buildup of nuclear weapons and the world has lived under the constant threat of nuclear annihilation.

The effect this has on our collective mental health cannot be overstated. I compare this to a hostage-taking incident, with the hostage being the entire human race.

Most people cope with this by blocking it from their awareness. But the threat remains real and forms a background tension that negatively impacts all aspects of our lives.

We urgently need to build a foundation of understanding and co-operation that can lead us toward worldwide peace. This is a process we all must involve ourselves in.

Dave Carter, Castlegar, B.C.

While the White House is in discord, what with the firings of senior staff and their replacement by others with little or no political experience, North Korea advances its nuclear technology so that even we in Canada are targets. It really doesnt matter where North Korea sends its nuclear missiles, the entire planet is in trouble. All this while the most powerful nation in the world dithers under a leadership that hasnt a clue how to deal with the crisis. We are all in trouble.

Stephen Bloom, Toronto

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Re: Something to celebrate, Editorial, Aug. 3

Something to celebrate, Editorial, Aug. 3

You have recently publicized the creations of Robert Zunke on the Leslie Street Spit. Your editorial castigated the city for knocking them down.

There is another side to this story. Several unofficial inukshuks had been assembled in Goderich on publicly owed land. A woman was injured by one of them as it toppled over. A lawsuit was threatened and Goderichs insurance company paid more than $60,000 to settle the matter.

The insurer stated it was now a known hazard and Goderich would have to pay any future claims. I suspect the Goderich situation played a role in Torontos decision.

Joe Simpson, Listowel, Ont.

It comes as no surprise to hear Torontos public officials wrecked Robert Zunkes artistic creations on the Leslie Street Spit. No wonder Mr. Zunke may decide not to return to the spit.

The Toronto Star should explain that Los Angeles Watts Towers were born in the mind of another solitary man, Simon Rodia. Like Zunke, Mr. Rodia was a man determined to build garbage into wonder in a wasteland.

The Watts Towers continue to draw tourists in the thousands.

Robert Fripp, Toronto

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This story is part of the Toronto Stars trust initiative, where, every week, we take readers behind the scenes of our journalism. This week, we focus on how Tanya Talaga approaches her coverage of Indigenous affairs.

In recent years, consumers of mainstream media may have noticed greater coverage of Indigenous people in Canada. The Stars Tanya Talaga believes this is due to the Idle No More movement, the rise of social media, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and an awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

While Talaga was reporting on politics at Queens Park between 2009 and 2012, she began concentrating on issues affecting Indigenous people, such as land rights disputes, natural resource exploration, and the proposed Ring of Fire development in northern Ontario. She also noted a need for greater scrutiny of the deaths of seven Indigenous students who had left home to attend high school in Thunder Bay between 2000 and 2011.

Since then, Talaga, whose maternal grandmother is Ojibwa and a member of Fort William First Nation, has covered countless stories about Indigenous rights, murdered and missing women in Thunder Bay and inequities facing First Nations children. Her book, Seven Fallen Feathers, about the seven students who died in Thunder Bay, will be released in September.

Its a beat that involves building trust with members of marginalized communities experiencing trauma, such as suicide among youth. Each case involves different people and circumstances. So how does Talaga maintain a balance of compassion and sensitivity with the journalists job of asking the hard questions?

My editor, Lynn McAuley, and I approach each story on youth suicide and the deaths of youth in care with concern for the families and communities left behind, Talaga says. We aim to look at the broader issues behind each death, such as intergenerational trauma brought on by residential schools. We try very hard to make sure our stories are not gratuitous or disrespectful.

For instance, while covering youth suicides earlier this year at Wapekeka First Nation, a remote community 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Talaga examined the historical presence and impact of convicted pedophile Ralph Rowe, a former Anglican minister and Boy Scout leader. Rowe, who would fly into remote First Nations, including Wapekeka, in the 1970s and 80s, was convicted many years later of more than three dozen counts of indecent assault on young boys.

When seeking more information about the death of a young person, Talaga acknowledges that each First Nations community is its own entity and has its own way of handling a crisis or trauma. She might call an official from the community or the band office to find out if a family member wants to talk, or reach out to someone she knows. Trust, she says, is key.

Trust can take time  weeks, months and sometimes longer, she says. I try to keep in touch with those who have shared their stories with me. Often, Im writing about traumatic or pivotal events in someones life. Checking in to see how someone is shows you care about how they are  that is important.

Last year, Talaga was part of a team that won the Project of the Year prize at the National Newspaper Awards for Gone, an investigation into missing and murdered Indigenous women. A 2014 RCMP report put the number of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls in Canada at 1,181, but that number has been challenged by many who believe it is much higher.

Talaga approaches every story with the understanding that a grieving family is trying to process what has happened.

Families often feel their concerns are not being heard by investigators, and often complain of never hearing from the officers handling their cases, she says. Each one of these women and girls has a name, was a person with her own identity and not just a number. She was a mom, a sister, an aunt, a friend. I try not to lose sight of who she was.

Many of Talagas stories touch on the length of time it can take authorities or governments to respond to issues facing Indigenous people. In May, Talaga wrote about Indigenous leaders seeking an inquest into the deaths of Indigenous children in care following the deaths of four teenage girls in provincial group homes. There is still no word on whether one will be held.

Do situations like this frustrate Talaga?

I have faith that one day, the chance at justice for the families and all involved, will come.

Email your questions to trust@thestar.ca

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We are gravely opposed to Jerome Countys involvement in leasing beds to ICE.

This is sending a message that Idaho (Jerome) is not here to support our Hispanic, Latino, and immigrant citizens. This policy will have a negative affect and will erode trust in all of our communities with our own local law enforcement by causing great fear among our citizens throughout all our counties.

We as citizens in the state of Idaho need to be able to trust in our local law enforcement to protect and serve us all.

Our local economy will be hurt by this act by ICE involvement in our communities. The Hispanic/Latino population have a long standing within in our communities with roots going back more than a century who provide to our labor force and economy.

People can be detained for lengthy time waiting to see an immigration judge, hurting entire families. Counties and cities should not be holding inmates at all for federal immigration authorities.

Bottom line, ICE is bad for business and our citizens of Idaho. This will affect all of us in the state of Idaho not just our Hispanic/Latino family.

Brian Smith

Ketchum
Forget the jobs report, this is what's REALLY hot today.

Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report

Can the electric car company's stock sustain the rally following better than expected second quarter results? Wall Street will be looking for some follow through to see if the Tesla rally is back in action. Tesla stock closed up 2.83% to $356.91 Friday.

Here is what TheStreet's founder and Action Alerts PLUS portfolio manager Jim Cramer thinks about Tesla.

GoPro (GPRO) - Get Free Report

Shares of GoPro Inc. surged over 19% to close at $9.85 each on Friday following better-than-expected earnings results from the action-camera maker.

Watch: Tag Along on Some of GoPro's Biggest Adventures

GoPro said that this quarter saw a 39% reduction in inventory from last quarter, and forward weeks of supply in their channel is lower 25%. Its HERO5 Black was the best-selling digital image camera in the U.S. in the second quarter, the company added.

Intel (INTC) - Get Free Report

TheStreet talked exclusively with Intel CEO Brian Krzanich. Here is what he told us about the powerful tech stock rally (which is starting to fade). Intel stock closed slightly down Friday.

Toyota (TM) - Get Free Report

Toyota Motor Co. plans to take a stake in rival Mazda Motor Corp. (MZDAY) and the Japanese automakers said they will jointly invest in a new U.S. production plant that could create 4,000 new jobs.

Watch:President Trump Tweets About Expected Toyota-Mazda Plant

The $1.6 billion facility, when completed in 2021, will be capable of producing as many as 300,000 cars a year, the companies said. Toyota's plant in Georgetown, Ky., has the capacity to make 550,000 cars a year. Shares of Toyota finished up nearly 1% to $113.64 per share Friday.

Yelp (YELP) - Get Free Report

Wall Street gave Yelp an enthusiastic review, as the local business ratings service announced an asset sale, a stock buyback and an earnings beat on Thursday.

Shares of Yelp Inc. closed up 27% on Friday, as the San Francisco company announced it's selling its Eat24 food delivery service to GrubHub undefined for $287.5 million in cash. The companies also formed a partnership in which Yelp will integrate GrubHub's food ordering platform into its offerings.

Yelp Co-founder and CEO Jeremy Stoppelman said the deal and the partnership would expand ordering and delivery options. The deal also provides Yelp with a financial return, as the sale price more than doubles the $134 million in cash and stock that Yelp paid for Eat24 in 2015.

Teva (TEVA) - Get Free Report

The bear raid on Teva Pharmaceuticals continues on Friday, with shares plummeting 13% to $20.60 each at Friday's close. Teva remains in focus after releasing a dreadful series of news on Thursday, including a dividend cut due to pressured generic drug prices.

This analyst hammered the company on Friday.

Here is what TheStreet's founder and Action Alerts PLUS portfolio manager Jim Cramer thinks about Teva.

Snap Inc. (SNAP) - Get Free Report

Snap finally received some vote of confidence.Martin Sorrell, CEO of British multinational advertising and public relations company WPP plc, apparently is putting a good chunk of change into the platform. Snap shares gained almost 5% to close at $13.55 Friday.

NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) - Get Free Report

Activist investor Elliott Management's Paul Singer on Friday launched a campaign at NXP Semiconductors with an activist filing suggesting that the insurgent fund will negotiate with "potential acquirers" and financing sources.

NXP shares finished the week up 1.59% to $112.42 at Friday's close on the news.

The move comes after Qualcomm extended a $47 billion acquisition offer for NXP Semiconductors, a deal that was announced in October. It also comes after a report in May suggesting that Elliott Management wants Qualcomm to pay more than $110 per share.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) - Get Free Report

Fresh off the successful release of its Ryzen CPUs, Epyc server chips and Vega GPUs, AMD is ready to debut of its long-awaited Ryzen Threadripper processors. The Threadripper is a direct response to Intel's core i9 super chip.

The Threadripper should be available before Intel's i9 and if AMD's second-quarter results are any indicator, the launch will likely help prop up its third-quarter sales. The company is already optimistic about the third quarter with an upbeat forecast and an increased full-year outlook for revenue growth. AMD stock closed slightly down Friday.

Blue Apron (APRN) - Get Free Report

Blue Apron Holdings Inc. is moving 1,270 jobs and closing its facility in Jersey City, New Jersey, as it struggles to swing to profit about one month after its initial public offering.

The meal-kit delivery company said the plant will close in October. All of the employees at the Jersey City plant were given the option to transfer to a new plant in Linden, New Jersey, about 15 miles away, Blue Apron told CNBC. Bloomberg was first to report the news on Friday.

Employees have until October to decide if they want to transfer to the Linden plant. The number of jobs affected could shrink during that time.

Needham analyst Kerry Rice told TheStreet that moving to the Linden plant has always been Blue Apron's plan. The new facility is set to ramp up with more automation and technology than the Jersey City plant currently has.

But even though this has been the company's plan for some time now, the market sentiment toward Blue Apron is still pretty negative, Rice said.

"Information that suggests this is a new strategy could send the stock price down," Rice said.

Blue Apron stock closed down over 6% Friday.

NXP Semiconductors is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells NXPI? Learn more now.

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Shares of healthcare player Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA) - Get Free Report are plunging again on Friday, after a monster gap-down on Thursday with heavy volume. The selloff Friday morning is pushing the stock into levels not seen in over a decade.

This stock was massacred lower on Thursday, after the generic drug player reported worse-than-expected results for the second quarter. The company said that profits declined to $1.04 billion, or $1.02 per share, which was well below last year's second-quarter results of a profit of $1.23 billion, or $1.25 per share.

Teva Shares Are Getting Obliterated Again After Vicious Investment Bank Downgrades

Teva's Massive Debt Load Just Became an Even Bigger Issue

Revenues for the second quarter jumped 12.9%, to $5.69 billion, which topped last year's results of $5.04 billion. However, Teva Pharmaceutical slashed its 2017 earnings forecast to a range of $4.30 to $4.50 a share from $4.90 to $5.30 a share, and cut its quarterly dividend to around 8 cents per share from 34 cents per share.

The company blamed its generic business issues on accelerated price erosion and decreased volume, due to customer consolidation, increased competition from increased FDA generic drug approvals and delayed product launches.

At last check, shares of Teva Pharmaceutical are down by 8.2%, to $21.78 a share, in early trading Friday.

If we take a look at the chart for Teva Pharmaceutical, you'll notice that during Thursday's gap to the downside, this stock broke some key near-term support at around $27 a share with massive downside volume. This stock is now down a whopping 42% on the year, and around 37% in just the last month.

Shares of Teva Pharmaceutical have printed a new 52-week low this morning, after the stock hit an intraday low of $20.41 a share. Volume is once again massive on Friday with over 58 million shares traded so far, which is well above its three-month average action of 9.33 million shares.

Despite all of the negatives, there might be one silver lining for this stock at least for all the traders out there. Shares of Teva Pharmaceutical are trading into extremely oversold territory, since its relative strength index reading is coming in at around 14 on a daily chart. This is an extreme reading, since anything below 30 is considered oversold.

Traders should look for long-biased trades and an oversold bounce in this stock if the intraday low of Friday holds at $20.41 a share, or you wait for the bounce to come after the third trading session following a large gap-down like we see on Thursday. I expect the oversold bounce to move this stock fast and furious back toward $24 to $26 a share, but consider this just a trading opportunity, since, longer term, the chart is broken, and the company has clear fundamental issues.

The bottom line, an oversold bounce should be in the cards for Teva Pharmaceutical very soon. Consider this just a play for traders from a technical extreme reading. Investors should continue to avoid the stock until the put in a couple of quarters that show a turnaround and stabilization of the business is in motion.

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This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
Delek US Holdings, Inc. engages in the integrated downstream energy business in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Refining, Logistics, and Retail. The Refining segment processes crude oil and other feedstock for the manufacture of various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, asphalt, and other petroleum-based products that are distributed through owned and third-party product terminal. It owns and operates four independent refineries located in Tyler, Texas; El Dorado, Arkansas; Big Spring, Texas; and Krotz Springs, Louisiana, as well as three biodiesel facilities in Crossett, Arkansas, Cleburne, Texas, and New Albany. The Logistics segment gathers, transports, and stores crude oil, intermediate, and refined products; and markets, distributes, transports, and stores refined products for third parties. It owns or leases capacity on approximately 400 miles of crude oil transportation pipelines, approximately 450 miles of refined product pipelines, an approximately 900-mile crude oil gathering system, and associated crude oil storage tanks with an aggregate of approximately 10.2 million barrels of active shell capacity; and owns and operates ten light product distribution terminals, as well as markets light products using third-party terminals. The Retail segment owns and leases 248 convenience store sites located primarily in West Texas and New Mexico. Its convenience stores offer various grades of gasoline and diesel under the DK or Alon brand; and food products and service, tobacco products, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and general merchandise, as well as money orders to the public primarily under the 7-Eleven and DK or Alon brand names. It serves oil companies, independent refiners and marketers, jobbers, distributors, utility and transportation companies, the U.S. government, and independent retail fuel operators. Delek US Holdings, Inc. was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Core Laboratories N.V. provides reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement segments. The Reservoir Description segment includes the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock, reservoir fluid, and gas samples to enhance production and improve recovery of oil and gas from its clients' reservoirs. It offers laboratory-based analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and oil delivered products; and proprietary and joint industry studies. The Production Enhancement segment provides services and products relating to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulations, and production. It offers integrated diagnostic services to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions to improve the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects. In addition, the company markets and sells its products through a combination of sales representatives, technical seminars, trade shows, and print advertising, as well as through distributors. It operates approximately in 50 countries. The company was founded in 1936 and is based in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.
The following companies are subsidiares of CIT Group: 1143986 Ontario Limited, 1244771 Ontario Limited, 3918041 Canada Inc., 544211 Alberta Ltd., 555565 Alberta Ltd., 555566 Alberta Ltd., Baliardo Limited, C.I.T. Leasing Corporation, C2 Aviation Capital LLC, CBG LJB 21 LLC, CCERU Finance LP, CFHE Funding Company LLC, CIT Aerospace (Australia) Pty Ltd, CIT Aerospace Asia Pte Ltd., CIT Aerospace Belgium Sprl, CIT Aerospace Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, CIT Aerospace Holdings (France) SAS, CIT Aerospace International, CIT Aerospace International (Aruba) A.V.V., CIT Aerospace International (Australia) Pty Ltd., CIT Aerospace International (Bermuda) Limited, CIT Aerospace International (France) Sarl, CIT Aerospace International Leasing II, CIT Aerospace LLC, CIT Aerospace Sweden AB, CIT Asset Management LLC, CIT Aviation Finance I (France) Sarl, CIT Aviation Finance I (Ireland) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance I (UK) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance I Ltd., CIT Aviation Finance II (France) Sarl, CIT Aviation Finance II (Ireland) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance II (UK) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance II Ltd., CIT Aviation Finance III Ltd., CIT Bank N.A., CIT CBK Funding Company LLC, CIT CBK Funding Inc., CIT CLO Holding Corporation, CIT CLO I Blocker Inc., CIT CLO I LLC, CIT CLO I Ltd., CIT Canada Finance LP, CIT Canada Finance ULC, CIT Capital Aviation (UK) Limited, CIT Capital Finance (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Capital Securities LLC, CIT Capital USA Inc., CIT Cayman Coconut Palm Leasing Ltd., CIT Cayman Sandy Keys Leasing Ltd., CIT Communications Finance Corporation, CIT Credit Group USA Inc., CIT Equipment Finance (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT FSC Eighteen Ltd., CIT FSC Nineteen Ltd., CIT Finance & Leasing (Tianjin) Corporation, CIT Finance & Leasing Corporation, CIT Finance LLC, CIT Financial (Alberta) ULC / Services Financiers CIT (Alberta) ULC, CIT Financial (Barbados) SRL, CIT Financial (Hong Kong) Limited, CIT Financial II (Barbados) Srl, CIT Financial Ltd./Services Financiers CIT Ltee., CIT Financial USA Inc., CIT Funding (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Funding Company LLC, CIT Funding LLC, CIT Funds LLC, CIT Group (Hungary) Financial Servicing Limited Liability Company "under voluntary dissolution", CIT Group (NFL) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group (NJ) LLC, CIT Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (In Members' Voluntary Liquidation), CIT Group (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group Finance (Ireland), CIT Group Holding (Germany) GmbH i.L., CIT Group Holdings (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group Holdings B.V., CIT Group Inc., CIT Group Italy Srl in liquidazione, CIT Group SF Holding Co. Inc., CIT Healthcare LLC, CIT Holdings (Barbados) SRL, CIT Holdings B.V., CIT Holdings Canada ULC, CIT Home Lending Securitization Company LLC, CIT Insurance Agency Inc., CIT Leasing (Bermuda) Ltd., CIT Leasing (Germany) GmbH i.L., CIT Lending Services Corporation, CIT Lending Services Corporation (Illinois), CIT Loan Corporation, CIT Malaysia One Inc., CIT Maritime Leasing LLC, CIT Mezzanine Partners of Canada Limited, CIT Millbury Inc., CIT Rail Holdings (Europe) SAS, CIT Rail LLC, CIT Railcar Funding Company LLC, CIT Small Business Lending Corporation, CIT Strategic Finance Inc., CIT TRS Funding B.V., CIT TRS Holdings B.V., CIT TRS Subsidiary B.V., CIT Technology Financing Services Inc., CIT Trade Finance Funding Company LLC, CIT Transportation Holdings B.V., CRE CT 21 OTHER LLC, CRE CT 27 OTHER LLC, CRE FFBC LLC, CRE LJ 21 OTHER LLC, CRE LJ 27 OTHER LLC, CRE LJ 4800 Riverside LLC, CRE LJ CA 2 LLC, CRE LJ CA LLC, CRE LJ CP ESCONDIDO LLC, CRE LJ TX LLC, Canadian Income Partners I Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners II Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners III Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners IV Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners V Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VI Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VII Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VIII Limited Partnership, Capita Corporation, Capital Direct Group Inc., Centennial Aviation (Bermuda) 1 Ltd., Centennial Aviation (France) 1 SARL, Centennial Aviation (France) 2 SARL, Centennial Aviation (Ireland) 7 Limited, Direct Capital Corporation, Direct Capital Funding III Company LLC, Direct Capital Funding V LLC, Education Loan Servicing Corporation, Emerald Funding (Netherlands) C.V., Emerald Holdings C.V., Financial Freedom Acquisition LLC, IMV 11 PALM LLC, INDYMAC VENTURE LLC, Jessica Leasing Designated Activity Company, MEX CIT SERVICIOS S. de R.L. de C.V., Madeleine Leasing Designation Activity Company, Memphis Peaking Power LLC, Millennium Leasing Company I LLC, Millennium Leasing Company II LLC, NACCO (U.K.) Limited, NACCO GmbH, NACCO Rail Ireland Limited, NACCO S.A.S, Nacco Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Newcourt Financial Espana S.A., North Romeo Storage Corporation, ONEWEST VENTURES HOLDINGS LLC, OWB REO LLC, OneWest Bank N.A, OneWest Investments II LLC, OneWest Investments LLC, OneWest Resources LLC, PL Servicing LLC, Rita Leasing Designated Activity Company, The CIT GP Corporation III, The CIT Group Securitization Corporation II, The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., The CIT Group/Commercial Services Inc., The CIT Group/Corporate Aviation Inc., The CIT Group/Equipment Financing Inc., The CIT Group/Equity Investments Inc., The Capita Corporation do Brasil Ltda, The Equipment Insurance Company, and Worrell Capital Limited.

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NuStar Energy L.P. engages in the terminalling, storage, and marketing of petroleum products in the United States and internationally. The company also engages in the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia. It operates through three segments: Pipeline, Storage, and Fuels Marketing. The Pipeline segment transports refined products, crude oil, and anhydrous ammonia. The Storage segment owns terminal and storage facilities, which offer storage, handling, and other services for petroleum products, crude oil, specialty chemicals, renewable fuels, and other liquids; and pilotage, tug assistance, line handling, launch, emergency response, and other ship services. The Fuels Marketing segment is involved in bunkering operations in the Gulf Coast; blending operations; and purchase of petroleum products for resale. As of December 31, 2021, it had 3,205 miles of refined product pipelines and 2,230 miles of crude oil pipelines in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico; a 2,050-mile refined product pipeline originating in southern Kansas and terminating at Jamestown, North Dakota; a 450-mile refined product pipeline originating at Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Mandan, North Dakota refinery and terminating in Minneapolis, Minnesota; a 2,000-mile anhydrous ammonia pipeline; and 29 terminal and storage facilities, which offer approximately 44.2 million barrels of storage capacity. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.
With powerful cards and stunning screens, the Razer Blade Pro is one of the most popular gaming laptops on our sister site LaptopMag. So it shouldnt be a surprise that theres a lot of interest - and questions - around the system and its company.



The Toms Guide Community Team held a special Q&A and giveaway with our friends at Razer. Thank you for the turnout!

While there were many fantastic questions submitted to the Q&A, there were definitely a few standouts. Here are some of best question and answers from our Q&A with Kevin Sather, Global Director of Systems Marketing. Questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Dont worry if you missed our live Q&A with Razer. The Toms Guide Community has plenty of Laptop features and events planned for the future. Make sure to the check the Toms Guide forums for all of the latest community updates and discussions.

Improving the Razer Blade Line

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

ThursdayFridaySaturday: What would you say is the biggest difference between the 2016 version of the Razer Blade Pro and the 2017 version of the Razer Blade Pro?



Kevin Sather: There are a few key updates to the 2017 version of the Razer Blade Pro. While keeping the same amazingly thin 0.88-inch design, we were able to step up the CPU to the Quad-Core Intel Core i7-7820HK, and give users the ability to overclock it by going into performance mode.

The other big difference is the new Razer Blade Pro is the first mobile certified device by THX, delivering amazing visuals and high fidelity audio output.

Some of the great features we kept from the prior generation are the 17.3-inch 4K touch display with G-SYNC and 100% Adobe color space support, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics, 32GB of system memory, up to 2TB of RAID 0 SSD storage, and the ultra-low-profile mechanical keyboard that is powered by Razer Chroma.

Check out Sherris review of the 2017 Razer Blade Pro where it earned another Editors Choice award.

snorlax316 asked: If you can change one thing about your laptops, what would it be?

Kevin Sather: Awareness! We now have such a great range of laptops that deliver performance blended with portability. The Razer Blade Stealth now has a 13.3-inch display option and new Gunmetal color, the 0.7-inch thin Razer Blade continues to balance power and mobility with a Quad-Core i7 CPU and GeForce GTX 1060 graphics, and the Razer Blade Pro tops the line up with an amazing 4K display, overclocked Quad-Core CPU, GeForce GTX 1080 graphics, and so much more, in a chassis that is just 0.88-inch thin.

With this line up of products, we have laptops to fit a wide variety of users needs. We design and build these for gamers, and everything they do with their PCs, and making sure everyone knows about these great laptops is one of the biggest things we're working to change.

Below0 asked: Just one question: One of the common themes I'm seeing in the latest rounds of reviews is that the Razer Blade Pro overheats beyond comfortable measures, as Sherri noted in hers.

My question is: What is the team doing to combat heating issues in the latest rounds of technology? Will there be changes to the design of the laptop or changes to the material used inside the laptop?

Kevin Sather: Thermal management is one of the biggest challenges our engineers face when designing thin-and-powerful notebooks. The Razer Blade Pro  at 0.88-inches thin  launched as the thinnest notebook to come equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080. We designed one of the worlds thinnest vapor chambers from the ground up to help cool the laptop, and utilized something we call touch-point thermals to push heat away from where users touch the laptop.

Nonetheless, we have heard this feedback. There are always ways to manage thermals better, and thats something weve challenged our engineers to continually improve upon in all of our laptops, including the Razer Blade Pro.

Achimel: Any plans for a 15-inch Razer Blade/Blade Stealth in the future? While I love the portability of a 13-inch laptop, for gaming purposes I always enjoy the 15" monitor size as a middle ground between function and size.

Kevin Sather: Portability has always been a key tenant of our design approach, and the amount of performance our engineers can squeeze into our 14-inch Razer Blade laptop is amazing. We understand some users want a larger screen experience on-the-go, and we currently have our 17-inch Razer Blade Pro as the next step up in screen size. Well continue to listen to feedback from fans such as yourself as to what is desired in our laptops, both in terms of size and features, to deliver the best possible products.

rafaeldelboni said: Hi, I have two questions: Do you have plans to use the new Max-Q design in the future of the Razer Blades? Second, is there any chance for a updated version of the Blade 14-inch be released this year?

Kevin Sather: The new Max-Q design approach introduced by Nvidia is a great step forward to bringing more thin and powerful laptop options to users. We have always believed in blending mobility and performance in our laptops -- since the inception of our systems business in 2011 -- with the approach of minimizing sacrifices to both design and experience.



We havent announced any plans for Max-Q designed products yet, but as always we are listening to our customers and will develop innovative solutions to meet their needs. As for an updated version of the 14-inch Razer Blade, we will be shipping the 4K model this summer to complement the current Full HD configuration.

Orenlevene said: Is there a possibility of the gunmetal-style Razer Blade Stealth coming to Europe in the future?

Kevin Sather: We were excited to roll out our laptops to parts of the Europe last year, and plan to continue to grow the awareness and availability of them in the region. We've seen a ton of interest in the Gunmetal version of the new Razer Blade Stealth since it's announcement at E3. The new color features a tone-on-tone THS logo, black USB ports (instead of our usual green), and a subtle, non-Chroma white backlit keyboard. We will be shipping it very soon to North American customers. We'll keep an eye on the demand from our European fans for that version, and do our best to meet them.

Anhquan_1 said: I always appreciate your products: from the Mice to the Laptops. But I want to ask when will Razer upgrade the graphic card for the Razer Blade Stealth. Right now, I have the Razer blade Stealth, Razer Mamba TE, and the Goliathus Soft Mouse Mat. The Intel HD Graphics 620 for the laptop does not provide enough graphical power.

Kevin Sather: Good question! We see the Blade Stealth as a great productivity laptopto take with you to school or work, and for users that need more performance, we offer the Razer Coreexternal GPU enclosure. A single Thunderbolt cable is all you need to connect the two devices, unlocking desktop-like performance on the Blade Stealth Ultrabook. Further, the Core enables users to continually upgrade their GPU as new components become available.

For those looking for more power from the laptop itself, we offer the 14-inch Razer Blade laptop. The chassis is slightly thicker than the 13.3-inch Blade Stealth but comes equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPU, and Quad-Core processor.

rightsaidFREDDD said: What is the design process for Razer keyboards and laptops? Do you have a testing facility? What do you look for in a good design? What makes a "good" keyboard?

Kevin Sather: Anyone at Razer can pitch a product design or even an idea to our engineering team, and many people do. From there, our engineers and industrial designers get to work. We have design offices in San Francisco, Taiwan and Singapore, staffed with some of the best talent in the world.

We often send early, unannounced product out for testing with Team Razer, our global roster of professional gamers. The players use the product and offer us invaluable feedback for what they like and dont like. From there, the product gets tweaked until we deem it ready to launch.

Keyboards, Mice and Tablets, Oh My!

Mika_Hime said: [[Just a few questions]]



1. Will we see more physical stores or on-site stores?

2. I'm a huge fan of colors, got Chromas from head to toe. I was just wondering, will we see more color variation? Lately, there's been yellow-ish themed products for O.W., and in the past, there have been solid color headsets from mobile devices. Will there a be a chance that Keyboard customization can follow through more than just clickers and lighting effects?

My favorite color is pink, and It's hard to find good gaming gear that goes with my favorite color. I'd like to find a sleek-looking keyboard that's as comfortable as a Chroma Black Widow but in pastel pink.

Kevin Sather: Yes! We are big proponents of users trying our hardware and seeing the difference themselves before buying. In July, our Blade Stealth and Blade became available for hands-on demos at Best Buy. More users than ever before can go into local stores and try our laptops for themselves.

To find the store nearest you, visit the Best Buy product pages (opens in new tab) and click on Store Pickup.

As for colors, Razer Chroma offers endless customization options for the lighting effects. Thanks for the feedback, we're always exploring new ways to meet our fans requests.

iPhantomhives said:Will there be more 14" Razer Blade/PRO Protective Sleeve/ portable bag designs in the future?

Kevin Sather: Were investing heavily on gear and accessories at Razer. In fact, we now have a dedicated team of designers and marketers for the category.

While we dont comment on future products, I can say that we have an aggressive accessories roadmap for this year. Id encourage you to visit our RazerStore page for the latest updates.

g-unit1111 said: I have two questions:

1. I've been told by numerous reps that the 10-key number pad on mechanical keyboards is becoming a thing of the past. Is this true? Will it be noticeable on future Razer keyboards?

2. What happened to Razer's triple display monster laptop that was in the works? I noticed it is no longer available. Or was that just a concept that could be manufactured?

Kevin Sather: Funny you should ask. Just yesterday we announced our new ten keyless keyboard.

Were all about choice when it comes to keyboards at Razer. Operating our own production lines at the factory level has enabled us to create our own mechanical switches, and new technologies like Mecha-Membrane and the ultra-low profile mechanical switch we have on our Razer Blade Pro laptop.

The triple-display notebook, Project Valerie, was announced as a concept at CES earlier this year. Weve received a ton of amazing feedback since the show, and will use that feedback to explore the potential to bring something like Project Valerie to market.

WolfieNorth said: I've got two questions:

1. Will a Razer store potentially open up in the Chicago area?

2. Is Razer maybe thinking about making a VR headset/system?

Kevin Sather: Our 14-inch Razer Blade is a fantastic virtual reality system, meeting the spec requirements for both HTC Vive and Oculus while providing the ports necessary to connect either headset. At 0.7-inches thin and just over 4 pounds, its also one of the most portable VR systems available today.

As for RazerStore, were always looking for the next location for our store. Hit us up on Twitter and Facebook and let us know youd like us in Chicago! Personally, Im always looking for an excuse to visit Giordanos pizza

Jackielyn said: Will Razer ever create a gaming tablet pc? That would be awesome right? I think that you guys can make a great high-definition tablet pc. I'll be looking forward on seeing that. Btw, I enjoyed using your Blackwidow Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (opens in new tab). Kudos!

Kevin Sather: Thats an interesting question, and one we explored with Project Fiona and the Razer Edge tablet a few years ago. Were seeing more and more people move away from tablet PCs toward devices like two-in-ones, and have been following that trend closely.

While we dont comment on anything that may or may not be in development, were always interested to hear thoughts from the community. What would you like to see in a Razer tablet, or a two-in-one? How can Razer improve upon whats already out there? Whats most important to you for that type of device?

Drop us a line on Razer Insider. Were always listening.
Localisation in infrastructure development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is critical to industrialisation.

This was said by the Chief Director of African Integration and Industry, Mr Nigel Gwynne-Evans. Gwynne-Evans was speaking at the SADC Industrialisation Week that is taking place at The Focus Rooms in Sunninghill, Johannesburg that started on Monday and ended on Friday, 4 August 2017. The theme of the Week is Partnering with the Private Sector in Developing Industry and Regional Value Chains.

According to Gwynne-Evans, all SADC member states should prioritise localisation in infrastructure development. He said these developments would require long-term government plans and considerable preparation to achieve the requisite skills and industrial capacity to meet demand. These, he said would add to the build-up and opportunities to meet the demand for infrastructure.

State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have a critical role to play in creating the environment that attract the private sector to invest. The Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa has worked closely with SOEs around driving localisation. From an industrialisation perspective, infrastructure can be a key driver of industrialisation through the supply of key services, equipment and infrastructure on the large scale projects, highlighted Gwynne-Evans.

Gwynne-Evans who described the gas sector as a game changer for the region, added that from an economic perspective, this sector needs a focused and holistic approach on how it can be developed in the region. He said the world-class resources in both the east and west coasts, present an opportunity to transform many lives in the region though this sector.

Gwynne-Evans further outlined that there was no shortage of funding from the private sector for projects. He said that the challenge in the region was getting bankable and investable projects in rail, road and power sectors amongst others. He added that the focus must be on how to make these projects ready and attractive to the private sector, utilising concessionary funding such as that provided by the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the African Development Bank.

The Group Executive of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Mr Mohan Vivekanandan said according to the International Monetary Fund findings, infrastructure is crucial because it is an enabler to drive short and long term economic growth. He then stressed that if a region does not have quality infrastructure in place, it will not have an enabler to grow its economies.

The Vice President of Group Regulatory Services at Sasol Limited, Mr Johan Thyse mentioned the bi-lateral trade agreements between South Africa and Mozambique as a key element that contributed to the success of the Sasol pipeline in Mozambique. He mentioned that during the construction of the SA-Mozambique pipeline, 840 people were trained and hired. To date, he said, SA, Mozambique and Sasol have invested at least R24 billion in the pipeline.

The successful development of the gas industry in South Africa was achieved through collaboration. Collaborations are key to the success of any project, stated Thyse.

Reposition SADC region into the Global Value-Chain

For industrialisation to succeed, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region must reposition itself into regional and global value-chains. This is according to the President of the Regional Standardisation Organisation, Dr Eve Gadzikwa. Gadzikwa was speaking at the SADC Industrialisation Week that took place in Sunninghill, Johannesburg.

According to Dr Gadzikwa, now is time to implement the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063 and reposition SADC in the global value-chain. Gadziwa added that the region needed to take advantage of partnering with the private sector, which she said has the capacity to add value into industrialisation.

There is an advantage when partnering with the private sector as they fill critical gaps in industrial development and in the manufacturing of quality products. Public-private partnerships are crucial for driving collective efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, said Dr Gadzikwa.

Dr Gadzikwa mentioned the industrial parks programme as one which would boost industrialisation in the region. She cited Ethiopia as one country that has successfully implemented the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programme and urged other countries to follow suite as a potential driver of industrialisation. According to her, three of the eight SEZs that Ethiopia has developed, have registered successful results.

The central challenge that is facing the region is transitioning from commodity driven economies to added-value and knowledge-based intensive economies. We need to develop the industrial base, and partner with the private sector in developing industry. One critical factor to focus on while industrialising is to integrate small, medium and micro-sized enterprises into industrial development. In doing so, these would address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality in the region, added Gadzikwa.

Dr Gadzikwa emphasised that the need for coordinated efforts to industrialise was now urgent and was no longer business as usual.

The programme for the Industrialisation Week that started on Monday and ended on Friday included site visits to companies in the agro-processing, mining and pharmaceutical sectors.
Concluding today, in Gaborone: 2017 African Caucus

Governors of the World Bank Group and the IMF, and delegates from countries on the African continent met here in Gaborone on Thursday for the 2017 African Caucus. The forum was opened by the chairman of the African Caucus, Kenneth Matambo, who is also the Minister of Finance and Economic Development in Botswana. The two-day forum is under the theme: Economic transformation and job creation: a focus on agriculture and agribusiness. The findings of the deliberations will inform the 2017 Memorandum of African Governors to the Heads of the Bretton Woods Institutions. [Download: the draft programme]

2017 AGOA Forum (8-10 August, Lome): preview

Transcript of a press briefing by Mr Peter Henry Barlerin (Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs) and Ms Constance A. Hamilton (Acting Assistant US Trade Representative for Africa): As Peter Barlerin has said, the delegation will be led by the US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. At the forum, he will outline the administrations trade policy approach to Africa generally, and to the sub-Saharan African region specifically. We expect that he will stress both the Trump administrations interest in deepening our trade relationship with the continent, as well as his expectation that our African partners will engage in fair trade, eliminate barriers to US export, and abide by the eligibility criteria of the AGOA program. He is looking forward to meeting with his commerce and trade counterparts and to forging long-term relationships. Let me tell you briefly a few of the topics that are going to come up at the forum:

Responses to questions on reciprocity:

But in terms of reciprocity, AGOA is a preference program. It is a unilateral, one-way preference program. It does not demand reciprocity from the countries that benefit. So we do believe that in the long term, preferences alone are not going to stimulate the kind of economic growth that we want to see on the continent. And so we encourage countries to think about doing more with us, and thinking on their own about reciprocity with the United States and how that can help move their growth forward.

I think that weve always said that building towards a more reciprocal relationship was in the best interest of both United States and African countries, but we want countries to be ready to do that. Were not demanding FTAs, were simply saying that when countries are ready and want to approach us with doing more, we welcome that. We welcome that conversation. But right now, were not changing AGOA into a two-way, sort of asking for reciprocity from the beneficiaries of the program. Thats not what AGOA was set up to do. Its a preference program that was set up to provide unilateral, one-way trade preferences to promote the trade and growth of Africa. Now, if I could just say one more thing. Ambassador Lighthizer will be there, hes the new USTR, but he has a lot of depth and understanding of trade relationships. Hes going to be talking to African Ministers, hes going to be talking to the heads of regional organizations, and hes going to learn a lot about their concerns about the existing AGOA and hear recommendations about what we do next in the future. And hell consider all of that.

So what were saying to the countries of the EAC is, we welcome you to use AGOA to the fullest, but please do not ban a legitimate American product and hurt US citizens and companies and our employment on the backs of that. And so thats why we accepted the petition. As I said, were still looking at it. We do believe that the argument that the EAC makes, that used clothing is stifling their ability to grow their local industry, is just not supported by the data or the research. We do believe that these things can exist side-by-side, and we encourage the EAC to look at some of that research and go back and revisit this ban before we have to make a final decision on what were going to do as a result of the petition.

SADC Industrialisation Week: selected updates

(i) Intra-Africa trade could double to $400 billion (The Chronicle). The volume of intra-African trade could easily double to $400bnfrom $170bn if market information is shared and widely distributed among African countries, a trade analyst says. Gainmore Zanamwe, Afreximbank senior manager for Intra-African Trade Initiative, told delegates at the opening of the SADC Industrialisation Week that if Africa addresses the issue of availability of market information, trade volumes can breach the $400bn mark and thrust the continent firmly towards industrialisation. Lack of access to market information is still a major barrier to intra-Africa trade, he said. Zanamwe cited a study on the regional value chains for leather and leather products (jointly commissioned by Afreximbank, UNCTAD and the Commonwealth Secretariat), which found that Australia was the main source of tanned hides and skins for Southern Africa, including South Africa, even though Zambia exported the same products at lower costs and its exports were higher than South Africas imports. The report, he said, also showed that South Africa imported leather that had been further prepared after tanning from India at double the price at which Ethiopia exported such leather while Mauritius and Nigeria imported leather products from Italy and Belgium at much higher costs than what South Africa and Botswana exported them for.

(ii) SADC region sitting on massive gas reserves (The Herald). Southern Africa is most likely sitting on massive natural gas reserves of more than 600 trillion cubic feet which the region must exploit to reduce a heavy reliance on biomass energy, a top South African industrialist says. Vice president of group regulatory services at Sasol Limited, Johan Thyse told delegates at the SADC Industrialisation Week here, that building mutual partnerships among the blocs member states was key to tapping the regions huge gas reserves to beat the energy woes facing most countries in southern Africa. The successful development of the gas industry in South Africa was achieved through collaboration. Collaborations are key to the success of any project, he said. This worked well for Mozambique and South Africa and I think this can work well for the entire region. According to new findings, there are some 600 TCF gas reserves in southern Africa. The region stands to gain if we build strong partnerships to exploit the reserves.

(iii) Localisation in infrastructure critical to the development of SADC region (dti)

Mr Nigel Gwynne-Evans, Chief Director of African Integration and Industry, said all SADC member states should prioritise localisation in infrastructure development. He said these developments required long-term government plans and considerable preparation to achieve the requisite skills and industrial capacity to meet demand. These, he said would add to the build-up and opportunities to meet the demand for infrastructure. Gwynne-Evans further outlined that there was no shortage of funding from the private sector for projects. He said that the challenge in the region was getting bankable and investable projects in rail, road and power sectors amongst others. He added that the focus must be on how to make these projects ready and attractive to the private sector, utilising concessionary funding such as that provided by the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the African Development Bank.

Etching gender into trade policy in the COMESA region (UNCTAD)

Building upon the success of its online course on trade and gender, UNCTAD has broadened the scope of this initiative by tailoring its training for different regions of the globe. First in line has been the 19-country COMESA, the largest regional economic organization in Africa. Nearly 50 Representatives from COMESA - the Common Market for East and Southern African - have wrapped up their eight-week online course and committed to strengthening the gender perspective in trade policy. The online course for COMESA was accompanied by a new teaching module - Trade and gender linkages: An analysis of COMESA - which complements the existing teaching material with data, case studies and an in-depth analysis of the linkages between trade performance and gender equality in the COMESA region. The course is part of a capacity-building project on trade and gender funded by the governments of Finland and Sweden. Trade and gender linkages: an analysis of COMESA (pdf). Table of contents: Introduction; Trade and gender in the agricultural sector; Trade and gender in the manufacturing sector; Trade and gender in the services sector; Conclusions.

ECOWAS: Commission President urges setting up of regional data sharing mechanism for migration (ECOWAS)

As part of the trans-national holistic approach aimed at dealing with the problems associated with migration, irregular migration and border management issues, the ECOWAS Commission President Marcel de Souza has drawn attention to the necessity of setting up a regional data sharing mechanism. The ECOWAS Commission President made the disclosure at the opening of the ECOWAS Heads of Immigration meeting in Abuja yesterday. Also speaking on the harassment of the citizens of the Community at the border crossings which constitute a major handicap to the free movement of persons, the President made an appeal to all Member States to create an ECOWAS corridor in the regions ports, airports and land borders in order for ECOWAS nationals to simply present their ECOWAS passports or identity cards, just like elsewhere, until the technology allows us to install electronic readers.

Richard Goldstone: Predatory dumping is not unlawful, but SA should implement rule of law (Business Day)

It is for these reasons that I immediately accepted the invitation to become the patron of the FairPlay Movement. It is my hope that together with other interested parties, our efforts can make a difference. One area where we can make an immediate difference is in helping to tackle the plight of those rendered jobless by dumping and the many dependants who have previously relied on that income from the chicken industry. Where dumping has exacerbated poverty, hardship and hunger, civil society must devise ways to bring relief. This is what the Social Support Summit seeks to achieve. [Goldstone is a former Constitutional Court judge. This is an edited excerpt from his keynote speech at Wednesdays Social Support Summit]

Nigeria becomes largest producer of catfish in Africa (Daily Post)

Nigeria has emerged the largest producer of catfish in Africa through the introduction of import reduction and backward integration policy. This feat was announced in Abuja by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during the Think Tank Meeting on Ornamental Fish Trade and Intra-Regional Fish Trade. He said: Before the present administration, Nigeria was spending about $900m annually on the importation of fish which earned the country the unenviable position as Africas largest importer of fish but with the new policy of import reduction and backward integration, Nigeria became the largest producer of Catfish in Africa. The Minister lauded the recent formation of the African Network of Women Fish Processors and Traders as a platform for women who constitute the major players in fish post-harvest handling and marketing in Africa.

Nigeria: FG to launch national roadmap for cocoa production (ThisDay)

The federal government will draw the cocoa industry roadmap in order to attract investments to the sector by holding the first International Cocoa Summit, 28-31 August in Abuja. The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, said the summit would target raising the national cocoa production output to 500,000 metric tonnes per year from 2021. The summit is organised by the trade ministry in association with Cocoa Association of Nigeria, International Cocoa Organisation, African Ex-Im Bank and governments of the cocoa producing states. The cocoa sector used to sustain Nigerias economy before the advent of oil in the 70s and 80s. The industry has suffered unfortunate vicissitudes resulting in sharp drop of annual production from 420,000mts in the 60s to 300,000 mts and further to 192,000mts in 2015. Nigeria has nosedived to the seventh position in the world in cocoa production as against the fourth position it maintained some years ago.

Botswana: Debswana output set to reach 2014 peaks (Mmegi)

Debswana produced 24.2 million carats in 2014 before mid-stream overstocking and weak demand forced a limiting of production to 20.4m in 2015 and 20.5m carats in 2016. In April, the diamond giant revealed it was targeting 20.5m this year, but last week, a De Beers executive confirmed the figure would likely be closer to 22 million. De Beers executive head (strategy and corporate affairs) Gareth Mostyn told Mmegi Business the prospects for healthy demand in the second half of the year were looking strong.

Somalia: Helping a government harness revenue (World Bank)

This week in Mogadishu, the World Bank launched the second in our Somalia Economic Update series, Mobilizing domestic revenue to rebuild Somalia. The series aims to support policymakers and other stakeholders with analysis of trends in the Somali economy. What is starting to emerge is a picture of a country undergoing three parallel (and linked) transitions: political, security, and economic. Somalias new economy is decentralized and privatized. Long years of conflict dislodged Mogadishu from its dual position as political and economic capital and, in turn, reinforced the economic power of port cities and urban hubs like Kismayo (in southern Somalia), Berbera (in Somaliland), and Bosaso (in Puntland), giving rise to the powerful logic of federalism. At the same time, new technologies, a large Somali diaspora, and a regulation-free environment facilitated large scale telecoms and banking businesses to emerge.
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The Airports Authority has successfully carried out a simulation of a crash landing at Piarco.
The officers of the National Police of Ukraine have solved more than 300,000 crimes and detained 180,000 criminals for two years of their work.

Chief of Ukraines National Police Serhiy Kniazev posted this on his Facebook page on the occasion of the second anniversary of establishment of the National Police of Ukraine.

"Two years of [operation of] the National Police of Ukraine. Over 300,000 crimes have been solved, 180,000 criminals have been detained. We have gained more than 40% of public confidence. We usually measure success by numbers, but each number and each achievement stand for people who are actually our greatest fortune as they are the ones who are moving the reform forward and building a new, modern, European police," Kniazev wrote.

August 4, Ukraine marks the National Police Day.

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April 2014 - June 2017, 303,446 people, who participated in the anti-terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine and ensured its conduct, were granted the ATO participant status.

This is reported by the press office of the State Service of Ukraine for War Veterans and Anti-Terrorist Operation Participants in response to Ukrinform's request for information.

"April 2014 - June 2017, 303,446 people, who defended the independence and sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and took direct part in the anti-terrorist operation and ensured its conduct, were granted the combatant status. In particular, 8,295 people were granted combatant status in 2014, 156,060 people  in 2015, 110,082 people  in 2016, 29,009 people  in January-June 2017," reads the response.

According to the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, more than 208,500 service people and members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who participated in the anti-terrorist operation in Donbas have been granted the combatant status since the beginning of the anti-terrorist operation.

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In 2019, UAH 50 billion will be allocated for the repair of Ukrainian roads due to the work of the Road Fund.

Infrastructure Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelyan said this in an interview with Obozrevatel online portal.

"I think that we will reach it [the amount of UAH 50 billion for roads] in 2019. Because next year 50% of receipts from all excises will go to the Road Fund, 75% - in 2019 and 100% of excises from 2020 will go for fuel to the Road Fund," the head of the department said.

He noted that international financial organizations should also open credit lines for the construction of a number of highways through the territory of Ukraine.

"Perhaps, we will involve Chinese or other partners under state guarantees in order to get high-quality roads. We have already held negotiations with the largest Chinese company China Road and Bridge Corporation on the construction of the first concrete road in Ukraine, which will connect Odesa, Mykolayiv and Kherson," Omelyan added.

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The Ukrainian government understands that the development of small and medium-sized businesses is the foundation of a successful economy, so it is working on the creation of favorable conditions for entrepreneurs, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said.

"Farming is an excellent opportunity for rural people to create their own businesses and produce high-quality products with added value. The good news is that this year the government envisaged four billion hryvnias [$155 million] in budgetary subsidies for farmers who are engaged in the livestock industry, horticulture, growing grapes, vegetables and sugar beets," he wrote this on his Facebook page on Friday.

He recalled that the Ukrainian Agricultural Policy and Food Ministry had created a high-quality video explaining how to get such a subsidy.

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About optimism in the question whether the Kremlin will now resort to a great war against Ukraine

Consequently, anti-Russian sanctions have become a U.S. law. Donald Trump criticized it and warned a little, but he has finally put his signature. Which threats are posed to Russia by the new Washington policy (and this is basically a change in the previous course of the West for broad economic and political cooperation with the Kremlin), which Europe will also have to follow? Russia is being squeezed out to the "second place" of the world policy and equated with such "toxic" countries as Iran and North Korea. And since the Russian economy, and therefore the Russian political regime, is not able to survive and develop without the technological and financial "sponsorship" of the West, the prospect of a general collapse has loomed before the Kremlin quite concretely, although it will certainly not happen tomorrow.

The Kremlin is certainly aware of the scale of the threat. The assessment of the situation, which was presented to the public by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, turned out to be surprisingly sober and logical: "The sanctions regime has been codified and will remain in effect for decades unless a miracle happens. This legislation is going to be harsher than the Jackson-Vanik amendment as it is overarching and cannot be lifted by a special presidential order without Congress' approval. Thus, relations between Russia and the United States are going to be extremely tense regardless of Congress makeup and regardless of who is president."

In a word, the Kremlin is being driven into a deadlock almost in all directions, and they understand it. This raises the most acute question for Ukraine and Ukrainians: will the Kremlin resort, because of hopelessness, to such an option as a strong and swift military strike on Ukraine, so as to close the "Ukrainian question" once and for all (as it seems to them)?

Absolutely it is not necessary to rule out such a step, and, unfortunately, anything can happen, but now it seems unreal. Let's note that it's not about increasing the shelling at the front, not about a local operation to grab another piece of Ukrainian territory (such actions will only add unnecessary problems to the Russians in relations with the United States and Europe, and will not resolve the "Ukrainian question"). It's about a great war with a real threat to the existence of the Ukrainian state.

Firstly, an open war with Ukraine is staking everything, and Russia is still not in a situation so to put everything at stake. A military offensive against Ukraine is too dangerous for Russia itself because of the practical impossibility of calculating the consequences of such an act. Nobody and nothing will give the Russians a guarantee of victory, especially because the Russian army is not as strong as the Soviet one, and the Ukrainian army is not as strong today as it was three years ago. The likelihood is too high that the reaction of the world, primarily the United States and the European Union, will also be powerful and swift, first and foremost, in the form of immediate and serious support for Ukraine with weapons and other material resources, not to mention the immediate strengthening of anti-Russian sanctions to the maximum, and that means a certain death of the Kremlin regime. Still, we should not underestimate the instinct of self-preservation of the Kremlin leaders. It's only in public they play out a "crazy Zhirinovsky," who is capable of any reckless and suicidal act from which normal countries will inevitably suffer. In practice, they are sufficiently sober and careful, and do not like risky steps.

Secondly, the Kremlin still has a certain reserve of tools to counter the new U.S. policy. It is still unclear how these sanctions will be applied. Let's recall the words of Donald Trump after the signing of the law: "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." In addition, Russians will certainly try to take advantage of the obvious disagreements about anti-Russian sanctions between the United States and the European Union in order to significantly weaken their effect. For Russia, the most important thing for the near future is to withstand sanctions for as long as possible without concessions on its part, hoping that over time, circumstances will arise in the international situation ("a miracle," as Medvedev put it), which will lead to the cancellation of sanctions, or at least to their substantial weakening. The safety margin of the Russian political system, and therefore of the current political regime in Russia, is still quite solid, it will not dry up tomorrow or even the day after tomorrow. This can take years, and over this period, of course, anything can happen. And that's why, the Kremlin believes, one should not hinder the possible appearance of the said "miracle" by sharp actions like a large-scale military offensive against Ukraine, which will force the enemy (the West and Ukraine) to act sharply as well, that is by exerting maximum pressure on Russia. Then the sanctions, even newer than the current ones, may look like imprisonment against verbal reprimand. At least, this logic of behavior is most obvious for the current Kremlin.

Thirdly, there is still some hope, even delusive, for Trump. The U.S. president does not hide his discontent with the law, which he had to sign. During his six months in office, Trump showed himself to be a like-minded person of Putin as to what the real powers and capabilities of the first person in the state should be. So far, the American political system has successfully overcome these "dictatorial" inclinations of its president, and we hope this will continue. However, the Kremlin, of course, hopes it won't. The military offensive against Ukraine will certainly bury these hopes for Trump.

Finally, we should remember that the final exit of Ukraine from the political influence of Russia will happen only when we have a new, European type of democracy, absolutely opposite to the post-Soviet principles of the Russian political system. Until Russian and Ukrainian political systems are like twin brothers (systemic corruption, dependent courts, the undivided executive and legislative powers, the frank weakness of civil society, the meager middle class, the oligarchic economy, etc.), it is not necessary to say that Ukraine has put an end to the colonial past and has become a state independent of Russia. And we should not be misled by the war and other Russian-Ukrainian disputes at the level of lawsuits, trade and propaganda wars, sanctions, bans, and so on. The principles of the construction and functioning of the political system are the categories much more stable than even an open war, which can end in the twinkling of an eye. The Kremlin's plan to preserve in Ukraine the political system that is the continuation and creation of the Russian one is a much more reliable means for them for controlling Ukraine than the plan of a military strike. We are saved to some extent by the Kremlin's understanding of the obvious truth that a military strike against Ukraine in the event that it proves unsuccessful will quickly and finally destroy the existing political system in Ukraine in favor of a democratic one, in line with Western standards.

All these reasons combined give us optimism about the question whether the Kremlin will resort to a great war against Ukraine. However, of course, this does not mean that we no longer need to strengthen our own army as soon as possible.

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Yuriy Sandul, Kyiv
In January-June 2017, a number of Ukrainian tourists who visited Turkey increased by 33% compared to the same period in 2016. In the second half of the year, it will not decrease despite terrorist attacks and bad weather.

Ukrinform learned this from the Association of the Hospitality Industry of Ukraine.

"During the first half of this year, 214,000 Ukrainians already visited Turkey, which is by 33% more than in 2016. In addition, on June 1, 2017, the agreement on visa-free travel of Ukrainian citizens to Turkey with internal passports in the form of an ID-card came into effect, which will promote further growth of the tourist flow in the second half of the year," the report reads.

According to the report, the threat of terrorist attacks and the deterioration of climatic conditions will not affect the growth of tourists from Ukraine in Turkey.

As reported, on July 30, a group of unknown people opened fire at a nightclub in the Turkish resort of Bodrum. There were no Ukrainians among the victims.

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August 4, the Razdolnensky District Court in the Russian-annexed Crimea sentenced Ukrainian activist Volodymyr Balukh to 3 years and 7 months in the general regime penal colony and fined him RUR 10,000.

Crimea.Reality portal reports this, referring to Crimean resident Mikhail Batrak who was present at the court hearing.

Volodymyr Balukh was found guilty of storing munitions and explosives.

The Russian Security Service (FSB) detained Balukh in the morning of December 8, 2016. According to his wife, FSB officers raided the houses of Balukh and his mother in the village of Serebrianka for four hours. Russian Security Service officers claimed they had found 90 cartridges and several TNT blocks in the attic of the Balukhs house.

The lawyers of Balukh and human rights activists, in turn, state that he is a victim of reprisals for his pro-Ukrainian stance as he had placed the Ukrainian flag in his courtyard.

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President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman have congratulated Ukrainian police officers on their professional holiday.

"I congratulate you on the second anniversary of establishment of the National Police of Ukraine. For two years of your activity, you have been highly appreciated by citizens due to professional fulfillment of tasks on combating crime, ensuring public safety and order, devotion to the ideals of the good and justice," the President noted, the press service of the Head of State reports.

As Poroshenko noted, the police officers now have the leading role in strengthening law and order, protecting human rights and freedoms, and the Ukrainian society relies on the principled stance, honesty and conscience of the police.

In turn, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has noted that being a police officer is a calling. "Not everyone can serve people, be ready to prevent crime, help in difficulties sometimes risking one's own life. I am proud that today we have hundreds of thousands of people who are ready to serve and defend," the Head of Government said in congratulations, released on the Government portal.

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More than 10,000 foreigners, including over 3,000 Russians, have been denied entry to Ukraine since the beginning of the year.

Assistant to the Chairman of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, spokesperson Oleh Slobodian said this in a commentary to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"More than 10,000 foreigners, including over 3,000 Russians, have been denied entry to Ukraine since the beginning of the year," Oleh Slobodian said.

He also added that the staff of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine had banned 116 persons, including 20 Russian citizens, from entering Ukraine in last day.

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08/03/2017

By Edwin L. Aguirre

UMass Lowell researchers will take advantage of the rare opportunity presented by the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21 to study how the moons shadow might affect Earths upper atmosphere.

Physics Prof. Supriya Chakrabarti, who directs the universitys Lowell Center for Space Science and Technology (LoCSST), hopes the data will help scientists better understand the impact of space weather  the constantly changing environmental conditions in interplanetary space, especially between the suns atmosphere, called the corona, and Earths outer atmosphere, called the ionosphere.

Inclement space weather can affect GPS navigation, shortwave radio, satellite communications and much more, explains Chakrabarti.

During the eclipse, the moons shadow will sweep over the atmosphere at supersonic speed. It has been suggested that the passage of the shadow can create a wave similar to the one that forms at the bow of a ship as it moves through water, he says. Our goal is to record any potential disturbances in the upper atmosphere. We hope to observe the formation of a type of atmospheric wave, called gravity wave, and determine how far and how deep these waves propagate.

Chakrabarti, together with physics Asst. Prof. Timothy Cook, will operate an instrument  called the High-Throughput and Multi-slit Imaging Spectrometer, or HiT&MIS  at their observing site in Jackson, Wyo., where they will experience 2 minutes, 16 seconds of total eclipse.

The instrument, which was designed and built at LoCSST, will image a long, narrow vertical strip of sky at multiple optical wavelengths simultaneously and at high resolution to obtain a clear profile of the upper atmosphere.

HiT&MIS can detect faint emissions from atoms and molecules such as oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen, says Susanna Finn, a research scientist at LoCSST who is the principal investigator for the centers eclipse research, which is being supported by the National Science Foundation.

HiT&MIS can observe these emissions during both daytime and nighttime, so during the eclipse, we can seamlessly observe changes in the atmosphere as the conditions go very quickly from daylight to darkness and back to daylight, says Finn.

To increase the chances of having clear skies on eclipse day, physics Ph.D. students and LoCSST research assistants Saurav Aryal and George Geddes will operate a similar instrument at a different site  the campus of Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, which is close to the spot where the greatest duration of the total eclipse will occur: 2 minutes, 40 seconds.

Photo by Edwin Aguirre and Imelda Joson Photo by Edwin Aguirre and Imelda Joson This view of the suns outer atmosphere, called the corona, was captured during the total solar eclipse on June 21, 2001 from Lusaka, Zambia. Turning the sun off and on abruptly during the eclipse will allow us to test different models of the ionosphere, says Geddes, who, like Aryal, has never witnessed a total solar eclipse before.

Aryal adds, The instrument will operate autonomously. Our role is to monitor it continuously before, during and after the eclipse to make sure there are no technical glitches.

Geddes and Aryal, who will also make poster and oral presentations about their experiment at an eclipse workshop at SIU, will analyze the data collected by HiT&MIS.

Total solar eclipses do not happen often at a given location, and they occur even more rarely in a place conducive to deploying an instrument and conducting research, says Finn. The conditions produced by a total solar eclipse are quite unique, so we look forward to the opportunity to take advantage of such an event happening right here in the United States.

An Eclipse Megamovie

About 125 miles east of where Chakrabarti and Cook will be stationed, Edwin Aguirre, who works as senior science writer in the Office of University Relations, and his wife, Imelda Joson, are leading a private expedition to photograph the event along the eclipse paths central line near Riverton, Wyo., where totality will last 2 minutes, 24 seconds.

Photo by Edwin L. Aguirre Photo by Edwin L. Aguirre Eclipse chaser Imelda Joson tests one of the hydrogen-alpha telescopes and apochromatic refractors that she and UML staffer Edwin Aguirre will be bringing to Riverton, Wyo., to image the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. Aguirre and Joson will use super telephoto lenses, apochromatic telescopes and GPS-equipped digital SLR cameras to capture high-resolution images of the suns corona during totality.

The couple is taking part in the Eclipse Megamovie project, an initiative launched by Google and the University of California Berkeley in partnership with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Oregon State University, Foothill College, the High Altitude Observatory of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Lick Observatory, the University of Colorado at Boulder, Williams College and the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses. The project will aggregate still images of the eclipse from more than 1,000 volunteer photographers and amateur astronomers.

The goal is to compile multi-megapixel images of the corona and the so-called diamond-ring effect, taken along the entire eclipse track, and convert them into a high-definition animation of the total eclipse. The data set will help scientists study the dynamics of the suns inner corona in great detail and measure the size of the sun with better precision.

Photo by Edwin Aguirre and Imelda Joson Photo by Edwin Aguirre and Imelda Joson This shot of the diamond ring on March 29, 2006 from El Salloum, Egypt, signaled the beginning of the total eclipse. This project will produce an expanded and continuous coverage of the total eclipse that far exceeds what any one photographer can record from a single location, notes Aguirre.

Farther west, physics Asst. Prof. Silas Laycock and Prof. Paul Song will get to see the eclipse while attending astronomy meetings, although they are not planning to conduct any eclipse-related experiments. Laycock will be in Sun Valley, Idaho, for the gathering of the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Totality here is expected to last 1 minute, 12 seconds.

Song will be in Portland, Ore., for the AAS Solar Physics Division meeting, where he will present a paper about his research on a model of the chromosphere, the red-colored middle layer of the sun that will be visible during the total eclipse. Portland lies outside the eclipse path, so attendees will be transported by bus to Willamette University in Salem, where they will be treated to 1 minute, 54 seconds of totality.

Finn, for her part, is opting to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the celestial show. She will be with her family camping in Oregons Ochoco National Forest near Mitchell, where they be immersed in 2 minutes, 4 seconds of morning darkness.

This will be my very first total solar eclipse, so Im really excited, says Finn.
08/04/2017

By Katharine Webster

Asian-Americans are often held up as the model minority. Research shows that overall, they are happier and more successful than any other ethnic group.

But that stereotype and those statistics belie the unique difficulties facing Southeast Asian-Americans who came to the United States as refugees of the Vietnam War or the Khmer Rouges reign of terror in Cambodia, according to Assoc. Prof. of Education Phitsamay Uy, who opened the Southeast Asian American Studies (SEAAS) Conference on campus last month.

The issues faced by refugees and their children are different from those of fifth- or sixth-generation Chinese or Koreans, said Uy, who studies high dropout rates among Southeast Asian-American youth.

Other issues include poverty, post-traumatic stress disorder, difficulty accessing health care, racism and language barriers, even between parents who struggle with English and children who speak nothing else, Uy and other speakers said.

Yet its difficult to advocate for or even study Southeast Asian-Americans because government data lumps them all together with immigrants from India, China, Taiwan and Korea, said Katrina Dizon Mariategue, immigration policy manager for the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center in Washington, D.C., founded in 1979 to aid refugees of the Vietnam War.

Before we can even talk about doing research, just getting good data is a struggle, she said.

Video by K. Webster Dancer Loan Hoang teaches vogueing to workshop participants. The SEAAS Conference, hosted by the university and its Center for Asian American Studies, brought together more than 200 academics, policymakers, artists and activists to study and celebrate the culture of Southeast Asian-Americans.

UMass Lowell faculty are engaged in numerous research projects with the Southeast Asian-American community on topics ranging from health care and immigration to education. Most recently, faculty members won a large grant to create a digital archive of Southeast Asian history in Lowell, where more than 20 percent of the population is of Asian ethnicity, according to the U.S. Census. The city also boasts the second-largest Cambodian community in the country.

At the conference, a breakout session on community organizing was led by family members and supporters of the Minnesota 8  eight Cambodian-Americans who came to the U.S. as babies or small children but were detained by the governments Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) department for deportation last summer because of crimes, ranging from property damage to assault, that they committed years ago.

Although most were born in Thai refugee camps, five of the eight have been repatriated to Cambodia, a country theyve never known or dont remember, where they have no relatives and where they dont speak the language. Two are still in detention, awaiting immigration hearings, and one, Ched Nin, was freed in February after an immigration judge found that his deportation would cause undue hardship to his wife, Jenny Srey, and their five children.

Photo by K. Webster Photo by K. Webster Katrina Dizon Mariategue of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, Channapha Khamvongsa of Legacies of War and psychology Prof. Khanh T. Dinh take questions about policy and research. Nin and Srey say they are trying to put a human face on deportation policies that tear families apart  and leave taxpayers footing the bill when the main breadwinner is forcibly removed.

A lot of people, like the politicians who make these decisions, arent aware that families are being separated like this, Nin said.

Dizon Mariategue, who is helping the Minnesota 8, said Southeast Asian-Americans  whose parents were often so traumatized by war or hindered by lack of education that they failed to obtain U.S. citizenship for themselves and their children  are disproportionately affected by such deportations.

Its a huge human rights issue, she said. We also believe its triple jeopardy: Theyve served prison time for their crimes, then theyre re-imprisoned by ICE, and then theyre deported.

The conference also celebrated Southeast Asian culture with a film festival, writing and blogging workshops, poetry readings, dance and theater  including the Lowell-based Angkor Dance Troupe and Flying Orb Productions.

Photo by K. Webster Photo by K. Webster Dancer Loan Hoang performs a piece about liberating herself from stereotypical Vietnamese-American femininity. In one workshop, Vietnamese-American dancer Loan Hoang performed a piece about growing up hearing from her mom, aunts and other women how to be a good Vietnamese girl  soft-spoken, pretty, gentle and flowerlike  and freeing herself through breakdancing and vogueing, a dance style that mimics and exaggerates the moves and poses of fashion models. Her mom hates her dancing, she said during a brief discussion afterward.

I started off breaking, so she thought I looked like a boy, and she said, Be a girl, Hoang said. So I did the Vietnamese pageant and modeling circuit and she said, Not that kind of a girl. It was very confusing.

The only time the family likes her dancing is in the Catholic Church, added her sister, Uyen Hoang, a graduate student in Asian American Studies and Community Health Sciences at UCLA who read a paper on the potential of vogueing to liberate young Vietnamese-American women from nationalistic feminine stereotypes.

Loan Hoang has gone to Vietnam to teach breaking and other contemporary dance styles. She taught a vogueing lesson in the workshop, too  and everybody danced.
Many new decision aids are developed while aspects of existing decision aids could also be useful, leading to a sub-optimal use of resources. To support treatment decision-making in prostate cancer patients, a pre-existing evidence-based Canadian decision aid was adjusted to Dutch clinical setting. After analyses of the original decision aid and routines in Dutch prostate cancer care, adjustments to the decision aid structure and content were made. Subsequent usability testing (N = 11) resulted in 212 comments. Care providers mainly provided feedback on medical content, and patients commented most on usability and summary layout. All participants reported that the decision aid was comprehensible and well-structured and would recommend decision aid use. After usability testing, final adjustments to the decision aid were made. The presented methods could be useful for cultural adaptation of pre-existing tools into other languages and settings, ensuring optimal usage of previous scientific and practical efforts and allowing for a global, incremental decision aid development process.

Health informatics journal. 2017 Jul 01 [Epub ahead of print]

Maarten Cuypers, Romy Ed Lamers, Paul Jm Kil, Regina The, Klemens Karssen, Lonneke V van de Poll-Franse, Marieke de Vries

Tilburg University, The Netherlands., Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, The Netherlands., ZorgKeuzeLab, The Netherlands., Tilburg University, The Netherlands; Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, The Netherlands., Radboud University, The Netherlands.

PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28747076
Water levels have continued to rise in Srekor village in Stung Treng province, upstream from the massive Lower Sesan II hydropower dam, where more than a hundred villagers have refused to move as testing of the dam begins.

Choeun Sreymom, a Kbal Romeas community representative, said that the water had now reached knee-height in parts of Srekor village. As for his village of Kbal Romeas, he remains hopeful that the predicted flood will not arrive. We have to wait until the rain stops and when they close all of the dams gates to get 72 meters of water as required. If our place is not flooded, we will not move anywhere else, she said.

She added that the authorities had deployed roadblocks to prevent people accessing the flood zone, including recently blocking two U.N. officials.

More than 4,000 families have already relocated to make way for the floodwaters, most from the ethnic Bunong and Kuy minorities. For generations, they have lived off of the fish and land made rich from sediment carried by the Sesan and Srepok rivers, Mekong tributaries which converge near the dam site.

With the construction of the dam, their world will forever change. The 400 MW dam is intended to reduce Cambodias dependence on its neighbors and spur development. The $816 million Lower Sesan II is a key plank in the governments economic strategy, majority owned by Chinas HydroLancang International, minority stakes are also held by Vietnams EVN, and the Royal Group, a conglomerate owned by Kith Meng, one of Cambodias most influential tycoons.

Sarun Sokhom, a Srekor village representative, in a Facebook video posted on July 29, said I ask that the authorities stop deploying forces including police and soldiers to guard us like prisoners and illegal immigrants, she said.

Duong Pov, Stung Treng deputy governor, dismissed claims that villagers freedom of movement was being restricted. They restrict themselves because they didnt want the authorities to help them, he said. The authorities didnt go in to treat them badly or remove their homes.

Pov added that the authorities would not force the holdouts to move. The villages will be located at the bottom of the reservoir, he said.
The social affairs minister has come under fire from rights groups for saying that people who complain about election results could be hit with a bamboo stick.

Both international and local rights workers have called for Vong Soth to be fired over the comments, which he made at a gathering of officials on Monday.

For the upcoming national election, if there is any problem, they will be hit with a bamboo stick, he said, referring to people protesting against the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Please bear in mind that the government is borne out of the ruling party. Therefore, officials should know how to behave towards the party, he said, speaking to any officials who might question his statement. If they hesitate, they should resign.

Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watchs Asia division, said in an email: The warning from the ministry, which is a restriction of the peoples freedom, is to please the Prime Minister Hun Sen. Moreover; Mr. Vong Soth should be fired from his position as the minister of social affairs.

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 added.

The comments from Soth are just the latest threat of violence against opposition forces in the country this year. In June, ahead of local elections, Gen. Tea Banh, the defense minister, said he would smash the teeth of protesters who complained about the election result. Prime Minister Hun Sen has also warned of civil war in the event that his Cambodian Peoples Party lost an election.

Soeung Sen Karona of rights group Adhoc, said Soths comments could incite violence, adding that the repeated stoking of anti-opposition sentiment could undermine democracy.

Considering previous statements, there was no proper punishment of those who used violence, both verbal and physical, against people and activists, he said.

In the months after Cambodias last general election, in 2013, thousands took to the streets and were often met with violence by the security forces, which led to the deaths of at least five people in early January 2014.
Prime Minister Hun Sen this week ordered the expulsion of a U.S. non-governmental organization after it assisted CNN with a news report on alleged child sex exploitation.

Hun Sen called CNNs report into child sex trafficking in Svay Pak, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, an insult which cant be tolerated.

He ordered the expulsion of Agape International Missions (AIM), which has worked in the anti-sex trafficking sector in Cambodia since 2005. Regardless of cost, this NGO must leave Cambodia. It cant stay here, he said.

My country is poor, but you cant insult my Cambodians, he added.

Gen. Khieu Sopheak, interior spokesman, and Chum Sounry, foreign affairs spokesman, could not be reached.

Late last month, CNN broadcast a short documentary report titled The Cambodian Girls Sold for Sex by their Mothers, but after protests from the Cambodian government, it removed the word Cambodia.

In the film, a CNN reporter visited Svay Pak, once infamous for its child brothels, and interviewed Don Brewster, AIMs founder, who told CNN that Svay Pak was at one point the epicenter of Cambodian child sex trafficking. He adds that although children are no longer being sold in brothels here, trafficking is now taking place in hotels, where it is harder to detect, and harder to prevent.

CNN this week stood by its report.

Jonathan Hawkins, a CNN spokesman, said the broadcaster had used a variety of sources to verify the information contained in its report.

The story is about the collaboration between various groups in Cambodia, including the police, to eradicate this problem. It is fair and factual, as well as important, and there is nothing sensational or unbalanced about it. Whats more, if anything, it actually congratulates the Cambodian authorities on their efforts, he wrote in an email.

Chou Bun Eng, secretary of state at the interior ministry, said the government wanted honesty from CNN.

I want professional journalists to not use their positions to express hatred ... by downgrading other nationalities. Its not right, she added.

The governments objections rest on the claim that the girls featured in CNNs report were not Khmer, but rather Vietnamese-speakers, though officials did not explain why ethnic Vietnamese could not be Cambodians.

Vietnamese language was spoken but it says they are Cambodian women. I dont know where the accuracy is, said Bun Eng.

But Hawkins of CNN said focusing on the ethnicity of the people in the piece missed the point.

This is an issue occurring in Cambodia, with girls who live and  in the case of the girls we interviewed  grew up in Cambodia. They experienced horrendous abuse in Cambodia, he wrote.

In a statement, AIM said it is working to provide a full statement regarding this issue as soon as possible. Meanwhile, AIM maintains the highest regard for the people and leadership of Cambodia. We have served here for many decades and look forward to a resolution.

Am Sam Ath, head of local rights group Licadhos investigation unit, said Cambodia should not welcome NGOs who were found to have broken the law.

We, civil society, dont support any NGO that breaks the law. They must abide by the law, he said.
VENEZUELA: ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES In Venezuela, the election chief is refuting a report that voter turnout numbers were "manipulated" and inflated by at least one million votes -following the controversial election last week for a new constitutional assembly. Spanish Service broadcaster Celia Mendoza in New York, and reporter Alvaro Algarra in Caracas talk about the tumult in Venezuela as the Maduro government pushes ahead with the new assembly to rewrite the countrys constitution.
Al-Shabab militants have retaken a strategic town linking Somalias capital to the western regions of the country.



Residents in Leego, 120 kilometers from Mogadishu, said they saw militants enter and seize the town early Friday morning after Ugandan troops stationed there completed their withdrawal.



Residents reported that the troops, who are part of the African Union mission AMISOM, had been loading military equipment and personal belongings onto military trucks since Thursday. The convoy departed the town early Friday, allowing al-Shabab militants to reoccupy the town.



The governor of Lower Shabelle region, Ibrahim Adam Najah, confirmed the fall of Leego to VOA Somali.



I can confirm to you that the anti-peace element, the enemy of Somalia, has taken over the town without a fight, and that AMISOM troops have withdrawn, he said.



Najah said militants using five battle wagons entered the town from different directions.



Leego is just 30 kilometers west of Ballidogle airport, where U.S. advisers and instructors train several hundred elite Somali commandos.



Najah said he was disappointed that AU troops left the town without informing his administration.



I have contacted AMISOM on why they had to suddenly withdraw from an area so strategic. They said they will comment later on about the reason and what caused the move, Najah said.



AMISOM has yet to comment on the Leego withdrawal. Its the latest pullback from the so-called forward operating bases which have been come under heavy al-Shabab attacks.



Leego in particular was the scene of a deadly assault by the militants on June 26, 2015, when 54 Burundian soldiers were killed.



The Ugandan troops have been deployed there ever since to secure a key western route linking Mogadishu to the Bay and Bakool regions.



Al-Shababs capture of Leego effectively cuts off the Mogadishu from these regions making air travel the only means to travel there.



Najah said he wants either government troops or other AMISOM troops to return to the town and retake it from Al-Shabab.



The withdrawal comes just five days after Al-Shabab carried out one of the deadliest ambushes on Ugandan troops. The attack on a supply convoy in Golweyn village on July 30 killed as many as 23 Ugandan soldiers according to Somali government officials. Uganda said it lost only 12 soldiers.



Military sources told VOA Somali that the troops who were pulled from Leego today will be deployed at Golweyn village to secure the southern route linking Mogadishu to the port town of Barawe.



Al-Shabab, which is allied with al-Qaida, has been fighting since 2006 to overthrow the Somali government and turn the country into a strict Islamic state.
A look at the best news photos from around the world.
The Spanish embassy in Venezuela has been hit by explosive devices lobbed by two people on a motorcycle.

Prosecutors reported the incident Thursday, describing the explosives as gasoline bombs. There are no reports of casualties. It appeared that the building sustained no damage.

The first meeting of the 545 delegates elected to rewrite Venezuelas constitution is scheduled for Friday at the legislative palace in Caracas, setting the stage for a possible showdown between President Nicolas Maduro and the political opposition, which says the election of the constituent assembly was not fair.

The United States will not recognize the National Constituent Assembly, the U.S. State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement, adding that the election lacked credible international observation.

The U.S. considers the Assembly the illegitimate product of a flawed process designed by the Maduro dictatorship to further its assault on democracy, Nauert said.

Opposition leaders are calling for a mass protest Friday.

The only way theyll get us out of here is by killing us, said opposition spokesman Freddy Guevara. They will never have the seat that the people of Venezuela gave us.

Fraud investigation

Venezuelas attorney general, Luisa Ortega Diaz, said Thursday she had opened an investigation into alleged voter fraud. She filed the request for investigation in a lower court, after earlier filing complaints about the constitutionality of the new assembly with the nations Supreme Court.

Venezuelas president and election chief Wednesday denied a report that voter turnout numbers were manipulated and inflated by at least 1 million for the controversial election to choose an assembly to rewrite the national constitution.

The head of the National Election Council, Tibisay Lucena, said the claim by a British election-technology firm was irresponsible, and she threatened to begin legal action against the company.

This is an unprecedented opinion from a firm whose only role in the electoral process is to provide certain services and technical support that has no bearing on the results, Lucena said.

The head of British firm Smartmatic, Antonio Mugica, said in London Wednesday there is no question in his mind that the total reported vote was false. He did not, however, say whether vote tampering altered the outcome of Sundays balloting.

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, Mugica said. We estimate the difference between the actual participation and the one announced by authorities was at least 1 million.

Maduro: 'Transparent Vote'

President Nicolas Maduro said in televised remarks that Mugica was pressured by the United States and Britain. He also repeated the governments stance that eight million people voted, adding that the turnout would have been 10 million if others had not been blocked by protesters.

This election cannot be stained by anyone, because it was a transparent vote, Maduro said.

The opposition, which boycotted the vote, said turnout was less than 4 million, and that account was reinforced by journalists reports that dozens of polling places around Caracas were almost deserted Sunday.

The president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, Julio Borges, said Smartmatics findings are complete confirmation of what the opposition and election analysts had suspected.

Pre-election polls showed more than 70 percent of all Venezuelans opposed a body to change the constitution.

The opposition contends the vote was rigged to pack the assembly with supporters of Maduro. Maduros opponents are demanding early presidential elections. The next scheduled election is October 2018.
Brazil's Congress is expected to reopen the door for a modest pension overhaul as soon as October, lawmakers said before returning to normal business on Thursday following a vote to block a corruption trial against President Michel Temer.

Still, legislators warned that Temer must spend some of his newfound political capital either on measures raising tax revenue or a new, less ambitious 2017 budget target. The choice could quickly put him at odds with allies and even erode market confidence in his austerity agenda.

Since May, uncertainty over whether Temer would be suspended from office and tried by the Supreme Court had paralyzed talks on a proposed pension reform, the cornerstone of the president's plan to eventual close Brazil's gaping budget deficit.

The government, emboldened by a 263-227 vote to block the charges on Wednesday, now wants to resume talks with legislators by early next week, gauging support for the proposal, a government source told Reuters, requesting anonymity to freely discuss the government's strategy.

Speaker Rodrigo Maia wants the lower house to vote on the reform by the end of August, he said earlier this week, which means the proposal could be approved by the Senate as soon as October, according to a second government source.

The government will not draw red lines in the negotiation, the first source added, in the hopes that lawmakers will agree to approve a meaningful overhaul now instead of resorting to piecemeal changes over the next few years.

Some remain skeptical that even a watered-down pension bill can pass, saying the window of opportunity for a pension reform may have closed ahead of next year's general elections.

The risk of prosecutors pressing new charges against Temer could also darken the outlook.

Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot charged Temer last month with taking bribes from meatpacker JBS SA which the president denies. Congress voted on Wednesday to block those charges from proceeding to the Supreme Court, but Janot may still bring additional charges in the case.

Temer's opponents failed to have him stand trial for corruption, but they said his coalition emerged with a smaller majority from Wednesday's damaging vote and that will hinder approval of his unpopular agenda.

"Our strategy is to resist the reforms. The government has been weakened and will have greater difficulty getting pension reform through," said Carlos Zarattini, Workers Party leader in the lower house.

Fiscal Woes

Wary of opening new battle front, Temer is unlikely to move any time soon on a plan to simplify Brazil's tax system. But his government will need a quick answer to growing questions about missing its annual budget target.

So far Temer has raised fuel taxes, frozen spending and stepped up asset sales to avoid changing the target - a decision that investors could read as a sign of weaker fiscal discipline.

This week Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles reiterated the government's commitment to a 2017 fiscal deficit of 139 billion reais before interest payments.

The so-called primary deficit in the 12 months through June, however, rose to 167.2 billion reais, equivalent to 2.62 percent of gross domestic product and well above the official target.

Changing the target is a last-resort measure that could be announced later this month, the second government source told Reuters, adding that a new target would still not exceed last year's 161 billion reais deficit.

More tax increases could face stiff resistance in Congress.

"It will not be prudent to change the target," said Marcos Montes, whip of the government-allied Social Democratic Party (PSD) in the lower house. "But I don't think society would stand even higher taxes. The government will have to cut even deeper."
The Brazilian Social Democratic Party, President Michel Temer's biggest ally, plans to launch its candidate for the 2018 presidential elections as soon as December, the party's two most senior leaders said on Thursday.

Senators Aecio Neves and Tasso Jereissati said the decision will be made at a national convention where the party will also elect a new leadership. Jereissati has been PSDB interim president since May, when Neves requested a license to defend himself against corruption charges.

If there is more than one PSDB candidate for Brazil's presidency, the party will hold a primary election in February or March, Neves told journalists after meeting Jereissati.

Sao Paulo state governor Geraldo Alckmin and city mayor Joao Doria Jr. are seen as PSDB's most likely candidates in 2018.

The party governed Brazil between 1995 and 2002, during the Fernando Henrique Cardoso administration, and has often campaigned in favor of pro-market reforms to cut public spending and reduce the state's role in the private sector.

The PSDB decision to announce a candidate as soon as December highlights the short window of opportunity for Temer to press ahead with its economic agenda in Congress before next year's election campaign dominates public debate and creates rifts between his allies.

Neves, who lost the 2014 election to Dilma Rousseff by a slim margin, had been tipped as another potential contender until he was accused in May of taking bribes from the billionaire owners of meatpacker JBS SA.

He denies any wrongdoing.
Three firefighters have been hurt as they battled a large brush fire south of the Greek capital, Athens.

Authorities have ordered the evacuation of dozens of homes in two communities in Lagonissi, a coastal area 30 kilometers from Athens, after several homes and cars were destroyed in the fire.

Dozens of firefighters and fire engines are taking part in the operation.

Winds up to 60 kilometers per hour were hampering the firefighting effort, while temperatures in the area reached 35 degrees Celsius.

Summer wildfires are common in Greece.

Wildfires are also taking a toll on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica and in Albania.
Tens of thousands of undocumented Chakma refugees in India's remote northeast desperately need basic aid such as shelter, food and clean water as monsoon floods inundate villages and submerge crops, the charity World Vision said Thursday.

More than 224 people have died in western and northeastern parts of India and millions have been affected by floods that have washed away homes, devastated large swaths of farmland, destroyed roads, and disrupted power and phone lines.

Monsoon rains have caused mighty rivers such as the Brahmaputra and their tributaries to burst their banks, forcing people into relief camps in states such as Gujarat, Assam and Rajasthan. More than 2 million are affected.

But World Vision said that while response efforts by authorities in states such as Gujarat have been commended, the welfare of undocumented Chakma refugees living in far-off Mizoram state, bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh, is a concern.

"The floods have affected some of the most vulnerable  migrant workers, farmers and children. The devastation in Mizoram is immense. The people who live along the riverbanks are mostly refugees and live in abject poverty," said Kunal Shah, World Vision India's director of disaster management.

"Without identification papers, they receive no state support. These people are stuck in a no-man's land invisible to the media and government. They are not recognized by either the Indian or Bangladeshi governments and therefore do not qualify for assistance," he added in a statement.

India usually experiences monsoon rains from June to September. The rains are vital for agriculture, which accounts for 18 percent of gross domestic product and provides employment for almost half the country's 1.3 billion population.

But in many states, the rains frequently trigger landslides and cause rivers to overflow; flooding in turn forces millions into temporary camps, ruins crops and exposes people to disease.

The Chakma are an ethnic group scattered in India's Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya and West Bengal states, as well as in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and western parts of Myanmar.

They began fleeing to northeastern India from former East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, in the 1960s, but have few rights, and many are not registered with the U.N. refugee agency.

World Vision said getting aid  dry food rations, tarpaulin sheets and sanitary towels  to flood survivors in remote, forested areas was a challenge, because roads have been destroyed.

"Reaching out to the most affected people was really tough. It took us two days by car and a two-hour boat trip to reach the remote villages," said Shah.

"These isolated communities live in densely forested areas," he added. "The scant roads that existed before the floods were washed away by landslides. As we floated along the river to the reach the Chakma communities, we saw their houses smashed to bits."
A Republican congressman says he believes it is time for the U.S. to reach out to Eritrea and forge a partnership to fight terrorism.

U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of California submitted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would encourage the U.S. secretary of defense to negotiate with his Eritrean counterpart to cooperate on the war on terror, security in the Red Sea region, confronting Iranian proxies in Yemen and other U.S. security priorities.

The amendment was rejected, but Rohrabacher said he may try to push for cooperation with either a future amendment or standalone bill.

"I think it's time for us to reach out to Eritrea and take them up on some of their offers, and do things that would be good for us and good for the order of the world in a sense they would be opposing radical Islamic terrorists," Rohrabacher told VOA in an interview this week.

Human rights abuses and authoritarian rule have long made Eritrea an international pariah. The U.S. currently has no military-to-military cooperation with the country and, although there is an embassy in the capital, Asmara, there is no U.S. ambassador.

Eritrea and many members of its ruling regime are subject to U.N. sanctions, imposed for an unresolved border dispute with Djibouti and the country's alleged support for Islamist militants in Somalia.

But Rohrabacher believes U.S. policy needs to change. He says it is colored by Eritrea's larger, more powerful neighbor and longtime enemy, Ethiopia.

"We should not be just hanging our hats on the side of someone like the Ethiopians and just letting them direct what our policy is," he said. "Eritrea is in a very strategic location, and it is working with people that I think are very responsible people in terms of the war against terrorists."

Eritrea hosts a military base operated by the United Arab Emirates at the port city of Assab, from which the UAE conducts missions in its war against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Question of human rights

Eritrea's government has been subject to strong criticism for its domestic policies. A U.N. commission of inquiry found that Eritrea has a "wholesale disregard for the liberty" of its citizens. The commission concluded that the country imprisons dissidents without trial and forces its citizens to serve indefinite national service. Thousands of Eritreans have risked their lives at sea to flee the country.

But Rohrabacher believes the U.S. will have very few African allies if it allows concerns about human rights to dictate its partnerships on the continent.

"Very few of them have a human rights record and a record of [an] honest government that would be acceptable for the United States," he said. "So we should be basically figuring out what is in the interests of our country, and does that government even meet the minimum standards of being in a relationship with us."

The U.S. does have historical military links with Eritrea. From 1943 to 1977, the U.S. Army operated Kagnew Station in Asmara. There, the army intercepted radio messages from other countries during the Cold War.

Additionally, the U.S. considered partnering with Eritrea in 2002 when then-U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited the country and met with President Isaias Afwerki.

But after the meeting, Afwerki said "we are not offering anything to get anything from the United States," and a partnership on combating terrorism fell through.

Arguments against partnership

Khaled Beshir, a board member of the Awate Foundation, a group that works to counter what it calls Eritrean propaganda, recently told the U.S. House of Representatives that a U.S.-Eritrea partnership is unlikely. Eritrea has never accepted responsibility for playing a destabilizing role in the region by arming the Somali extremist group al-Shabab, he said, and the Eritrean government continues to blame the U.S. for many of its woes.

"They think the U.S. is behind pretty much everything, including people leaving the country, the sanctions, the border demarcation," he said. "I think the Eritrean government has not learned to take responsibility."

Beshir believes allying itself with Eritrea would put the U.S. at odds with much of the rest of the world, who are demanding the country improve its behavior.

"It's very simple. This is contrary to U.S. interests, what [Rohrabacher] is proposing, because it will go against the international community that has put sanctions on Eritrea for the last seven years," he said. "The role that Eritrea has been playing as a spoiler, as a destabilizing force in the region, I don't know how that will serve the U.S. interest, even from the security point of view."
Ecuador's Vice President Jorge Glas was relieved of his duties on Thursday, a day after he questioned government economic figures in his latest clash with President Lenin Moreno, who issued a resolution sidelining Glas.

The resolution, which stopped short of firing Glas, accused him of not being a team player. It did not say how long the suspension of Glas' duties, including his leadership of efforts to repair damage from a 2016 earthquake, would last.

"The loyalty and commitment ... implied in serving the homeland in a unified way has not been properly understood by the vice president," the resolution said.

On Wednesday Glas issued a statement denying and defending himself against corruption allegations. The statement also said Moreno's government had been issuing inaccurate economic data.

"They have perversely manipulated the economic figures," Glas' statement said.
Turkey, once considered the model of an open, secular democracy in the Muslim world, now seems to be stuck in reverse. The government is cracking down on dissidents and erasing the line between religion and state in a country that has served as the bridge between East and West.

Founded nearly a century ago, the overwhelmingly Muslim republic incorporated Western thought and philosophy and focused on science. It became an early member of NATO and aimed for European Union membership.

But President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, riding a wave of domestic conservatism, is turning toward increasingly authoritarian rule. The once-vibrant news media have been the target of mass arrests since a failed coup attempt a year ago, with journalists joining opposition legislators in jail on terrorism charges.

Thousands of workers have been culled from the civil service and school system. The education curriculum was revamped to eliminate the theory of evolution from most classrooms. Proposed legislation would allow local religious leaders to register and conduct marriages.

Fears of extremism

Critics inside and outside the country see a steady assault on the secular system, along with marginalization of minorities, which they fear could feed extremism.

Basically, President Erdogan is destroying Turkeys secular education system, said Soner Cagaptay, Turkey program director at the Washington Institute policy organization. That is the key reason why Turkey worked as a democratic society, which did not produce violent jihadist radicalization.

The replacement of secular education with a nonsecular curriculum will inevitably expose Turkey to jihadist recruitment as well as radicalization efforts by groups such as ISIS and al-Qaida, both of which thrive across Turkeys border in Iraq and Syria.

The Education Ministry announced July 18 that the new national curriculum dropped the theory of evolution and added the concept of jihad. The ministry said evolution is above the level of students and was not directly relevant. It also said jihad was an element of Islam and had to be taught correctly.

Mustafa Balbay, of the main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), questioned the changes.

We have to look at this issue as a whole, Balbay said. If you do that, you will see that new steps by the government will move our students away from science and scientific knowledge. Science is the basis of the modern Turkish republic. An 18-year-old person is old enough to be elected to public office, but you tell him he cant understand the theory of evolution. It makes no sense.

But the change mirrors the sentiments of much of Erdogans conservative supporters.

Evolution is monkey theory. I dont believe in monkey theory. Allah created us, said Kemal, a cab driver in Erzurum. In Turkey, we as a society have to become more religious. I support the governments moves. I am a Muslim. I want our country to produce more religious and more ethical generations.

Rushed legislation

The proposal to open the marriage system to clerics emerged from the Cabinet Erdogan installed after a recent referendum. Opposition and womens rights groups say the changes could open the door to underage marriages and could be used to force Islamic traditions on other religions.

They dont see the need to rush the legislation through, pointing out there are higher priorities, given that the current civil marriage bureaus arent overworked.

It is not a surprise that the first action undertaken by the Cabinet ... is an initiative that will inflict another blow to secularism, said Candan Yuceer, deputy chair of parliaments committee on gender equality and a member of the opposition CHP. This is not a regulation that emerged out of need, but instead is the governments arbitrariness.

Parliament lost much of its clout in the referendum, which despite a clearly split electorate, gave Erdogan the ability to revamp the judiciary and other government organizations to suit his agenda. More regressive legislation is in the works, and there has been talk of restoring the death penalty, which has drawn protests from Germany and other European nations.

The CHP says it will try to stop the marriage bill in parliament, although opponents are finding themselves off balance in fighting the governments moves. Last years attempted coup has significantly weakened the opposition. The government has shackled most of the media and critics of Erdogans more conservative policies find themselves labeled as terrorists.

Reporters Kasim Cindemir in Washington and Yildiz Yazicioglu in Ankara contributed to this report.
The Ethiopian parliament lifted the state of emergency enacted last year, following months of protests that claimed hundreds of lives.

The parliament, which convened Friday for a special session, approved the measure shortly after listening to a report presented by Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa, head of the command set up to oversee the state of emergency.

In his report, Fegessa said that the country's peace and security situation has improved, despite some security issues remaining in parts of the country.

Emergency rule was imposed Oct. 9, 2016, after a development scheme for the capital Addis Ababa sparked unrest that turned into broader anti-government demonstrations about politics and human right abuses.

More than 600 people were killed in the unrest and over 21,000 arrested. The defense minister said 8,000 people are still behind bars, accused of crimes committed during the violence.
Polish authorities have questioned Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, as a witness in an investigation into the 2010 jet crash in Russia that killed Poland's then-president Lech Kaczynski and 95 others.

Tusk, who was the Polish prime minister at the time, told reporters after the more-than-eight-hour interrogation that he would not be intimidated by the proceedings, which his lawyer described as politically motivated.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the country's ruling party leader and the brother of the former president, said Tusk "should be afraid.''

But Tusk said, "I do not have anything to fear. And Mr. Kaczynski will not scare me, no matter how badly he wants to get me."

Kaczynski has long insisted that the crash was no accident and that Tusk was morally responsible for the death of his twin brother.

Polish and Russian investigators determined at the time that pilot error, bad weather and poor air-traffic control were to blame for the crash.

Prosecutors have said they are trying to determine why Polish authorities at the time did not take part in the autopsies, which were performed by Russians and later shown to be sloppy. Exhumations have revealed that some body parts got mixed up and were buried in the wrong graves.



Tusk's Polish supporters see the questioning as part of a bitter feud going back years that pits him against Kaczynski, the man who directs most government decisions now.

One of the EU's top leaders since 2014, Tusk is considered one of the most charismatic and effective politicians that Poland has had in many years, and the only one able to unite a weak and divided political opposition. Should he ever return to Polish politics, he would represent a major threat to Kaczynski.
Flames engulfed one of the tallest residential towers in Dubai Friday, the second time in two years that residents had to scramble to safety as chunks of debris fell to the street.

The 336-meter-tall Torch Building caught fire in the early hours of Friday.

More than 40 floors of the 86-story Torch Tower were burning on one side of the building, an Associated Press journalist near the scene said. Building residents could be seen on the street outside, with several saying the fire broke out just after 1 a.m.



Dubais Civil Defense announced about 3:30 a.m. that firefighters had brought the blaze under control and that no injuries had been reported.



Cooling operations are underway, Dubais official media office said via Twitter. No injuries have been reported.

We were sleeping and we woke up to the fire alarm and people screaming, one resident told Reuters. We ran down the stairs and it took us about 10 minutes to reach from the 50th floor.

The cause of the fire was not immediately clear.

In February 2015, another blaze damaged the Torch Tower.

Several skyscrapers in Dubai have caught fire in recent years, leading the country earlier this year to pass tougher fire laws, mainly focused on the replacement of flammable material used in cladding, a covering or coating used on the side of buildings.

A fatal fire in London in June prompted authorities to order testing on the cladding used in British buildings.
Peru may sever diplomatic ties with Venezuela to protest Sunday's election of a legislative superbody in the country that has been widely criticized as undemocratic, Peruvian Foreign Minister Ricardo Luna said on Thursday.

Luna said Peru wanted to discuss appropriate measures with his regional counterparts in a meeting set for Tuesday before acting unilaterally, however.

Peru called for the meeting as Venezuelans broadly boycotted Sunday's election of a constituent assembly, designed to enhance the powers of leftist President Nicolas Maduro.

Asked by reporters if Peru has ruled out cutting diplomatic ties with Venezuela, Luna said, "Not at all. All options are on the table."

"We're going to see how other countries taking part in the meeting feel and, depending on that, see what can be done collectively," said Luna. "That doesn't tie our hands or condition any unilateral decision that we might take."

Peru has said it expects foreign ministers from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Paraguay to attend Tuesday's meeting in Lima.

Maduro has become increasingly isolated as an economic crisis and political crisis deepens in his once prosperous OPEC nation. About 120 people have been killed during anti-government protests in recent months.

Countries around the world have condemned the constituent assembly as a bid to extend Maduro's rule indefinitely and give him unbridled power. Maduro says the creation of the political body was necessary to address an unprecedented economic decline and help restore peace in the volatile country.

No nation has cut ties with Venezuela in response to the vote so far. But Peru has been one of the region's most outspoken critics of Maduro's government since President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, a conservative economist and former Wall Street banker, took office a year ago.

Peru recalled its ambassador to Venezuela in March after the country's Supreme Court took over the opposition-led congress, ut the move was later reversed.

Maduro has denounced criticism from Peru and other countries as part of "imperialist aggression" orchestrated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

"The president of Peru has called for a meeting in Lima on Tuesday to prepare an economic, political, diplomatic and military aggression against Venezuela," Maduro said on Wednesday.
Analysts estimate 1,700 French nationals have joined the Islamic State, responsible for attacks in France that have killed more than 200 people in the last two years. France has Europe's largest Muslim population and a long history of extremist attacks, but it was only two years ago that it launched an effort to stop the radicalization of Muslim youth, much later than other European nations. France's project is off to a slow, troubled start. VOA Europe correspondent Luis Ramirez explores why.
In a change from chocolates and fizzy drinks, the French are starting to offer fresh oysters from vending machines in the hope of selling more of the delicacy outside business hours.

One pioneer is Tony Berthelot, an oyster farmer whose automatic dispenser of live oysters on the Ile de Re island off France's western coast offers a range of quantities, types and sizes 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

French oyster farmers are following in the footsteps of other producers of fresh food who once manned stalls along roadsides for long hours but now uses machines.

"We can come at midnight if we want, if we have a craving for oysters. It's excellent; they're really fresh," Christel Petinon, a 45-year-old client vacationing on the island, told Reuters.

The Ile de Re's refrigerated dispenser, one of the first and with glass panels so customers can see what they are buying, is broadly similar to those that offer snacks and drinks at railway stations and office buildings worldwide.

Customers use their bank card for access, opening the door of their choice from a range of carton sizes and oyster types.

Berthelot, 30 years an oyster breeder, sees it as an extra source of revenue rather than an alternative to normal points of sale like food markets, fishmongers and supermarkets.

"We felt as though we were losing lots of sales when we are closed," he said.

"There was a cost involved when buying this machine, of course, but we're paying it back in installments ... And today, in theory, we can say that the calculations are correct and it's working."

Selling oysters from a machine bets on more than just open-mindedness among consumers. Live mollusks not kept cool enough or stored too long out of seawater can cause food poisoning when opened.

The Berthelots say the machine has an appeal to a younger generation accustomed to buying on the internet and unperturbed by the absence of a shopkeeper.
An idyllic country manor set among the vineyards of the Loire River Valley, known for producing some of the worlds finest wines, is where France sought to pioneer its efforts to combat the radicalization of Muslim youth, but the experiment did not prove to be a success.

The efforts were late in coming, compared with other European nations. Britain launched its campaign shortly after the 2005 London attacks. Denmark has had largely successful programs in place for years.

Frances first efforts were in 2013, when it started an online campaign and a telephone hotline where relatives and teachers could report teenagers showing changes in behavior that pointed to radicalization.

Watch: A Year After France Attacks, De-radicalization Efforts Are a Trial and Error Exercise

France is late to the game

But it was the 2015 Islamic State group attacks, including one at the Bataclan theater where scores of people were gunned down, that prompted France to start an official, hands-on campaign that involved reaching out and dealing directly with radicalized youth by removing them from their environments and de-programming them.

The efforts drew further public support in 2016 when a shocked nation searched for solutions after attacks in Nice and Normandy.

It was quite a sense of both denial and panic at the same time, Muriel Domenach, general secretary of the French governments Inter-ministerial Committee for the Prevention of Delinquency and Radicalization, told VOA. Some people would say theres no such thing as radicalization. Its just a matter of lack of equal opportunities, social economic challenges. Others would say it has all to do with Islam, she added.

The governments plan was to open reintegration centers where young Muslims at risk were to come, sing the French national anthem and be immersed in the secular principles that underpin the French republic.

The first was at the Pontourney manor, near Beaumont-en-Veron. In principle, the town welcomed the idea, but only initially.

Most people were of a spirit to say, Why not, lets try to do something, said Bernard Chateau, the mayor of Beaumont-en-Veron. Today, we see that it did not work. It was a failure.

Poor attendance and neighbors were scared

Attendance was voluntary, and only a handful of young Muslims came. Those who did frightened the neighbors. Some residents formed an association to protest.

The association is not against dealing with de-radicalization but simply one has judged that in this location that is Beaumont-en-Veron in the middle of an inhabited place is not the place for de-radicalization, said Catherine Bideau, an association spokeswoman whose home looks across a field to the Pontourney manor.

One had a Fiche S, meaning the person had been flagged by French authorities as a threat to national security. We had a person with psychiatric problems. We had a person who belonged to one of the most dangerous jihadist groups in France, the Strasbourg network, and links to one of the Bataclan attackers. So we had figures who really raised the question about a danger that was evident, Bideau said.

The neighbors concerns point to underlying social attitudes in France that make de-radicalization a difficult subject to raise in a once Catholic nation where secularism, since the French Revolution, has been sacred.

The problem arises as to why France reacted so belatedly, institutionally speaking, towards jihadism in comparison to other societies, other European countries, said Farhad Khosrokhavar, a sociologist at the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences in Paris. One of the major obstacles was laicite, the ideology that the state, the government should not interfere with religion which is a private matter, Farhad said.

France now looking at younger Muslims

Government officials call de-radicalization a process of trial and error, and are now examining ways to reach marginalized Muslims at a younger age, an approach supported by peace activist Latifa Ibn Ziaten, who was originally from Morocco. Ibn Ziatens son, a French paratrooper, was killed in a 2012 terrorist attack. She now lectures school groups.

One must look at that youth as the future of France. That is important. And that is what is lacking much because today a young person should be followed from nursery school to middle school, Ibn Ziaten said after a lecture in the Paris suburb of St-Denis. What is happening is the opposite. We are focusing on the middle school youngsters and by then it is a bit too late, she said.

Analysts say Muslims make up 7.5 percent of Frances population, the highest, percentage in Western Europe. With more than 1,700 French nationals joining the Islamic State group, the country is one of the highest contributors of recruits to the terror group.

According to the governments initial plan, centers like Pontourney were to be set up in every region of France, but that will not happen. At the end of July, officials said Pontourney is closing.

Now, the government under new president Emmanuel Macron seeks to draw from the lessons of failure and search for a new way while upholding Frances values of openness, diversity and secularism.

We will have to sort of rethink the whole process and see if this third way between what we call the open background and individual follow-up and prison should be further developed and how, Domenach said. This was one of the lessons learned from our previous experiments that disengagement is actually proving very difficult.
A U.S. businessman, who made a dubious name for himself by jacking up the price of a lifesaving drug by more than 5,000 percent, has been convicted of securities fraud.

A Brooklyn jury, after five days of deliberations, found Martin Shkreli guilty Friday on two counts of securities fraud and a single count of conspiracy. He was acquitted on five other charges.

The 34-year-old entrepreneur was arrested in 2015 on charges he looted a drug company he founded of $11 million in stock and cash to pay back investors in two failed hedge funds he ran.

Shkreli's lawyers said no harm was done because all the investors were enriched by the scheme.

The investors who testified at the trial said they did not know about Shkreli maneuverings.

Media reports say less than an hour after the guilty verdict, Shkreli was live on YouTube, saying: Im one of the richest New Yorkers there is and after todays verdict, it's going to stay that way.

Legal analysts say Shkreli, who is facing up to 20 years in prison, will likely not receive that much time.

However, former federal prosecutor Robert Mintz said, No real good can come from going on YouTube after a guilty verdict.

A sentencing date has not been set.

Before the trial, Shkreli drew condemnation for his decision as the CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals to buy a drug used by patients with AIDS and certain types of cancer and promptly raise its price from $13.50 to $750 a pill. Turing fired him.

He defended the drug price hike, saying he had a duty to maximize profits and would do it again.
Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), long the country's dominant political force, must recognize its future may lie in sharing power with longtime rivals, one of its most senior lawmakers said.

Manlio Fabio Beltrones, a former PRI party chairman and Senate leader, said the increasingly fragmented political landscape in Mexico can only be repaired if parties take joint responsibility for government.

To that end, Beltrones wants to introduce rules to make coalition governments possible before Mexico elects a new president in 2018  a move that would mark a shift in the balance of power away from a presidential system that has dominated the nation for decades.

Mixing patronage, corruption and authoritarianism, the PRI ruled Mexico for 71 years straight until 2000. But the system built by the PRI started to unravel when the party lost outright control of Congress in 1997.

No party has held a congressional majority since then, and for the past 20 years presidents have cut ad-hoc deals with the opposition to pass laws during prolonged periods of deadlock.

"The system is worn out," Beltrones, 64, told Reuters in a recent interview.

The PRI recaptured the presidency in 2012 but graft scandals, gang violence and weak growth have sullied its reputation. Polls suggest the Congress elected alongside the next president in July 2018 could be more divided than ever.

2014 change

Anticipating a need for greater consensus, lawmakers in 2014 changed the constitution to create a basis for coalition governments, a provision that previously did not exist.

However, Congress has been unable to agree on the legislation to implement the change.

Beltrones has proposed rules to govern how Congress would oversee future coalitions by ratifying key cabinet posts and a plan for government put forward by the president. He hopes the proposal will become law before next July.

However, while several senior opposition figures are supportive, it remains unclear whether the PRI is ready to back a plan that implicitly recognizes its waning influence.

Divided presidential field

The reform would also test the front-runner for the presidency, former Mexico City mayor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, whom some critics believe it aims to hem in.

Twice runner-up for the presidency, the leftist Lopez Obrador split with the PRI in the 1980s. He has ruled out working with other major parties, saying they are corrupt.

Mexico's unpopular president, Enrique Pena Nieto, is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election.

A July 23 poll by newspaper Reforma put Lopez Obrador's party, the three-year-old National Regeneration Movement, in first place on 28 percent. The centrist PRI was back in third on 17 percent in a deeply divided field.

Beltrones said that if the leading parties are struggling to secure a third of the vote, Mexico cannot afford to exempt others from the responsibility of government.

But some inside the PRI believe it could scrape home alone in 2018 if the opposition remains divided.

Asked in a recent interview with Reuters whether it was good for democracy for a government to be elected by just a third of voters, PRI secretary general Claudia Ruiz Massieu replied: "It's enough."
Myanmars government has repeatedly appealed for calm in recent weeks as the death toll from an outbreak of swine flu, or H1N1 influenza, has risen to 14 since the first cases were reported last month.

Officials have pointed to the fact that the strain of the virus, which was part of a global pandemic in 2009 that originated in pigs, is now considered a normal seasonal flu, and infections  if not deaths  have occurred in the country as recently as last year.

But a lack of faith in the Myanmar governments ability to handle a health crisis and a seemingly slow initial response have nevertheless created a disconnect, allowing an atmosphere of mistrust to prevail and pushing many to take matters into their own hands.

Companies have given surgical face masks to employees, while some entrepreneurs are even selling them on the internet.

Educating the public

Activist Thet Swe Win was one of many volunteers to take part in an awareness effort over the weekend on the streets of Yangon that consisted informing members of the public to wash their hands and wear masks when outdoors.

The reason for doing this campaign is that our government is not announcing any accurate information about this and people are afraid, he said.

The government, however, disputes allegations of passivity and obfuscation.

Dr. Than Htun Aung, the deputy director of the public health department with Myanmars Ministry of Health and Sports, said the government has made announcements and continued to share protection methods while collaborating with the World Health Organization.

We did risk assessments about this, and responded rapidly to the patients, whether they were severely diagnosed or not, he said. We have to wait and see to tell whether it will get larger or disappear.

The government has also recommended avoiding crowded places, hand washing and recognizing tell-tale symptoms as some of the first lines of defense rather than emphasize the use of face masks, which have not proven to be an always reliable safeguard against the virus.

Dr. Than Htun Aung said that people dont understand how influenza is spread, and they panicked because they didnt get correct information about this.

He did not specify what details were wrong or where they were being disseminated, except to say that social media and media are responsible for providing correct information to people.

Response to outbreak

The ministry says in the last 10 days of July there were 62 confirmed cases of H1N1, with 12 deaths. The heightened sense of alert led the city of Mandalay to cancel an annual spirit festival that was supposed to start a few days ago. Local media reported a 14th fatality this week and a slight uptick in infections. Adding to some of the confusion there was a separate outbreak of bird flu on a farm in southern Myanmar late last month.

But the disconnect in information and urgency surrounding H1N1 is understandable, perhaps even expected.

Myanmars health system was neglected for decades under military rule, and some services today, from ambulance drivers to burials, rely on an army of volunteers or NGOs to make up for a lack of human resources and emergency response.

Anthony Quick, an executive advisor to M-EMS, a company that works on pre-hospital care and training in Myanmar, said in an email that as is the case with almost any type of outbreak or disease in Myanmar, the current health facilities are not yet fully adequate to meet the demands of the general population, which could cause some difficulties and mistrust.

This is not to say that the current providers we have now are not doing their job to the best of their ability, he said, adding that they can feel overwhelmed.

Dr. Amaya Maw Naing, a public health specialist and one of the advisers to the Myanmar Red Cross Society, said that uncertainty around government awareness efforts is common in similar circumstances.

In every country we are very worried that people will also think there is something they [the government] are hiding and they are not telling us, she said.

She described the government's activity as proactive, citing knowledge of cross-coordination efforts in Yangon and other states and divisions.

So if these kind of measures continue I think that we will be able to overcome higher numbers of deaths, she said.
A leading human rights group is criticizing Myanmar's legislators for backing a new amendment to the telecommunications law, saying the amendment which allows bail for those charged with using online media for defamation does little to bring the law up to international freedom-of-speech standards.

On Wednesday, the Upper House passed an amendment to Section 66(D) of the Telecommunication Law of 2013 in a confidential vote. The Lower House is expected to vote on the amendment next week.

Phil Robertson, the Asian affairs assistant director of Human Rights Watch, told VOA Burmese that the amendment to allow bail for those accused of defamation is like putting a Band-Aid on a wound gushing blood.

"It's not going to solve the problem," he said.

The law is a holdover from the era when Myanmar's military-dominated civilian government sought to restrict speech for political reasons. Section 66(D) of the Telecommunications Law says anyone "extorting, coercing, restraining wrongfully, defaming, disturbing, causing undue influence or threatening to any person by using any telecommunications network" faces prosecution and a possible prison sentence of up to three years, plus a fine.

Lack of specificity

Because Section 66(D) lacks specificity, it is unclear what speech falls within the scope of the law, according to a letter Human Rights Watch wrote to government officials in May. Rights activists say the use of the social media law has spiked since the new National League for Democracy (NLD) government took office in January 2016.

"In the last two years, this law has opened the door to a wave of criminal prosecutions of individuals for peaceful communications on Facebook and has increasingly been used to stifle criticism of the authorities," said a letter with 45 signatories  including Amnesty International  urging legislators to repeal Section 66(D).

At least 81 people have been charged with violating the law and at least eight people have been sentenced to prison terms, almost all for postings on Facebook or other social media since voters replaced the government dominated by former generals with the NLD, the party of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Many of the cases have involved charges filed by the military officers against bloggers and journalists.

Because those charged under the law are not entitled to bail, many people have been detained for months pending trial.

Upper House lawmaker U Aung Thein told VOA that 66(D) is needed to protect citizens who can be vulnerable to defamation spread via social media.

"Most cases of defamation are charged under Article 500 of the penal code, and they can be discreetly handled by the concerned parties in court. But with cases of defamation involving social media which are charged under Section 66 (D), they can spread worldwide within seconds."

'Very dangerous for public'

Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have repeatedly called upon the government in Napyidaw to reform holdover limits on expression imposed by the military government and made recommendations on how to bring the Telecommunications Law in line with international standards, "but it seems that government of Burma is not just listening," Robertson said.

"We want to see this law reform in line with international human rights standards," Robertson said. "It's pretty simple. There are certain standards that set out what restrictions can be legally imposed on expression and this law does not conform to those. It's not even close."

He pointed out that while many NLD lawmakers had been jailed under the previous regime's use of Section 66(D) they now seem disinterested in wiping the old laws off the books.

Khin Maung Myint, one of the lawyers who defends journalists detained under the law, is worried that the amendment in the pipeline is likely to cause more, not fewer, restrictions on speech.

"This amendment does not change the main problem, which is that it remains solely in the power of the police to decide which cases are criminal," Khin Maung Myint told VOA Burmese. "The amendment gives police more power to arrest suspects and file charges."

Police departments in Myanmar are overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is directly controlled by the Ministry of Defense.

"There's nothing in the amendment that limits the police," he said. "This is really very dangerous for public if the police do not handle cases carefully."

Robertson says passage of the amendment will result in more cases being brought under Section 66(D) because the government and the military will use "this law to attack civil society, to attack ordinary Burmese, to attack the media. This is really disappointing. It raises once again fundamental concerns about whether the Burmese government is serious about respecting human rights or not. This was supposed to be a new government. This was supposed to be a government elected by the people that respected people's right. We are not seeing that."
The European Union on Friday imposed sanctions on three more Russians  including Deputy Energy Minister Andrei Cherezov  and have also been blacklisted over the delivery of Siemens' turbines to Moscow-annexed Crimea.

A department head at the Russian ministry, Evgeny Grabchak, is also now barred from traveling to the EU and any assets he may have in the bloc will be frozen.

The EU said the blacklisted companies also include Siemens' two contracting companies that moved the gas turbines to the Crimea in violation of EU sanctions, which bar business being conducted in the Black Sea peninsula since its annexation from Ukraine in 2014.
A Nigerian man who overstayed his U.S. visa has been arrested in connection with a phishing scam and charged with fraud and identity theft.

Police in North Carolina arrested Daniel Adekunle Ojo for his role in a cybercrime that sought the tax information of 1,600 school district workers in Glastonbury, Connecticut.

Prosecutors said Ojo sent a bogus email to a school district employee, which appeared to be sent from another Glastonbury employee requesting the W-2 tax information of all employees. That employee then forwarded the information, which was used to file 122 false tax returns.

Officials said the Internal Revenue Service processed several of the fake returns and deposited nearly $37,000 in various bank accounts.

Prosecutors said they believe Ojo was also involved in similar email phishing schemes targeting school districts in Groton, Connecticut, and Bloomington, Minnesota.

A judge ordered Ojo to be detained and transferred from his home in North Carolina to Connecticut.

Officials said Ojo entered the United States in May 2016 on a visitor's visa and failed to leave the country the following month as required.
Alaska is the biggest  yet one of the least populated American states. There are just over 741,000 people living there  oil industry workers, adventurers from all over the U.S., Native Alaskans, immigrants. Within this complex cultural mosaic there is a group known as Russian Old believers. Nearly 50 years ago, they established a village called Nikolaevsk on Alaska's Kenai peninsula. VOA's Natasha Mozgovaya reports from there.
Pakistan's new cabinet took oath Friday, concluding a democratic leadership transition process that was set in motion a week ago when a judicial order ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for concealing assets and plunged the nuclear-armed nation into political uncertainty.

Sharif's ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which dominates the parliament together with its allied parties, swiftly nominated and elected Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as the country's new chief executive.

Abbasi, 58, is a close associate of Sharif and was serving as oil minister in the ousted government.

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain administered the oath of office to more than 40 cabinet members, mostly known as staunch Sharif allies.

Diplomats, lawmakers and top military officials were among the attendees at the special ceremony. Later, Prime Minister Abbasi chaired the inaugural meeting of his cabinet.

Khawaja Mohammad Asif, who headed the defense and water ministries in the previous cabinet, has become the full-time foreign minister of Pakistan.

Sharif had faced criticism for not appointing a full-time foreign minister and relying on advisers to run external policy matters since he came to power in 2013 for a record third time.

US policies

The political uncertainty gripped the country at a time when the United States is reviewing its Afghan policy amid prevailing concerns and allegations that covert support by the Pakistan military has enabled the Taliban to sustain and intensify its violent campaign in Afghanistan.

"We will certainly look forward to working with [Abbasi] on areas of mutual cooperation," said State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert on Thursday, while congratulating Abbasi on his election.

"As you all know, we have very strong people-to-people ties with the government of Pakistan and we'll look forward to working with Pakistan, and we'll look forward to working with him [Prime Minister Abbasi] as well," she added.

It is being widely reported that President Donald Trump's administration is expected to take a tougher stance on Pakistan in the proposed new strategy to pressure it to do more against militant sanctuaries on Pakistani soil.

Islamabad denies charges it is supporting or sheltering insurgents involved in terrorist activities in Afghanistan, and insists Pakistan is working for peace and stability in the neighboring country in its own national interest and stability.

Counterterrorism efforts

Pakistani officials routinely denounce terrorist attacks against Afghan civilians and forces. In a rare move, Pakistan's military chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, on Thursday condemned as terrorism this weeks' Taliban attack in Afghanistan, in which two U.S. troops were killed and four others wounded.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria maintains that Pakistan has taken significant steps to counter cross-border terrorism and supports Afghan peace-building efforts.

"We have undertaken various measures that include plugging of gaps, infrastructure development of crossing points and other measures. Our efforts for border management are aimed at facilitating movement of people, trade and transit and curb the movement of undesired elements," Zakaria added.

Officials say that a visiting U.S. delegation headed by an acting special representative for the region, Ambassador Alice Wells, also has been briefed on Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts.

Wells arrived Thursday in Islamabad, and Afghanistan appeared to have dominated her discussions with Pakistani interlocutors.

She met with Asif and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Zubair Hayat, among others, before concluding her two-day visit on Friday, according to a U.S. embassy statement.

"She stressed that Pakistani soil must not be used to plan or conduct terrorist attacks against its neighbors," the statement added.
Police raided the offices of Kenyas opposition alliance Friday evening, an opposition spokesman said, four days before a national election.

Dennis Onyango, a spokesman for veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, said the purpose of the raid on the party offices in the capital was unclear.

Kenyan television reported that police at the scene said the raid was carried out because the opposition was running a parallel vote tallying center.

Kenyan election law stipulates that only the countrys election board can tally and announce election results. The countrys last two elections have been marred by problems.

In 2013 electronic voting equipment suffered widespread failure, and in 2007 a winner was declared while tallying  which was never completed  was still under way.

Odinga ran in both elections, lost both, and each time blamed fraud. This time he had said that his party intended to keep their own track of the vote tallies.

Odinga is running against President Uhuru Kenyatta in the Aug. 8 polls, when Kenyans will also chose their next lawmakers and local representatives.
While President Donald Trump has thrust transgender people back into the conflict between conservative and liberal values in the United States, geneticists are quietly working on a major research effort to unlock the secrets of gender identity.

A consortium of five research institutions in Europe and the United States, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, George Washington University and Boston Children's Hospital, is looking to the genome, a person's complete set of DNA, for clues about whether transgender people are born that way.

Two decades of brain research have provided hints of a biological origin to being transgender, but no irrefutable conclusions.

Now scientists in the consortium have embarked on what they call the largest study of its kind, searching for a genetic component to explain why people assigned one gender at birth so persistently identify as the other, often from very early childhood.

Researchers have extracted DNA from the blood samples of 10,000 people, 3,000 of them transgender and the rest cisgender (people whose gender identity matches the sex that they were assigned at birth). The project is awaiting grant funding to begin the next phase: testing about 3 million markers, or variations, across the genome for all of the samples.

Knowing what variations transgender people have in common, and comparing those patterns to those of cisgender people in the study, may help investigators understand what role the genome plays in everyone's gender identity.

"If the trait is strongly genetic, then people who identify as trans will share more of their genome, not because they are related in nuclear families but because they are more anciently related," said Lea Davis, leader of the study and an assistant professor of medicine at the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute.

Political arena

The search for the biological underpinnings is taking on new relevance as the battle for transgender rights plays out in the U.S. political arena.

One of the Trump administration's first acts was to revoke Obama-era guidelines directing public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms of their choice.

Last week, the president announced on Twitter he intends to ban transgender people from serving in the military.

Texas lawmakers are debating a bathroom bill that would require people to use the bathroom of the sex listed on their birth certificate. North Carolina in March repealed a similar law after a national boycott cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars in lost business.

Currently, the only way to determine whether people are transgender is for them to self-identify as such. While civil rights activists contend that should be sufficient, scientists have taken their search to the lab.

That quest has made some transgender people nervous. If a "cause" is found, it could posit a "cure," potentially opening the door to so-called reparative therapies similar to those that attempt to turn gay people straight, advocates say. Others raise concerns about the rights of those who may identify as trans but lack biological "proof."

"It's an idea that can be wielded against us, depending on the ideology of the user," said Kale Edmiston, a transgender man and postdoctoral scholar at the University of Pittsburgh specializing in neuroimaging.

Dana Bevan, a transgender woman, psychologist and author of three books on transgender topics, acknowledged the potential manipulation of research was a concern but said, "I don't believe that science can or should hold back from trying to understand what's going on."

No genetic test sought

Davis stressed that her study does not seek to produce a genetic test for being transgender, nor would it be able to.

Instead, she said, she hopes the data will lead to better care for transgender people, who experience wide health disparities compared with the general population.

One-third of transgender people reported a negative health care experience in the previous year, such as verbal harassment, refusal of treatment or the need to teach their doctors about transgender care, according to a landmark survey of nearly 28,000 people released last year by the National Center for Transgender Equality.

About 40 percent have attempted suicide, almost nine times the rate for the general population.

"We can use this information to help train doctors and nurses to provide better care to trans patients and to also develop amicus briefs to support equal rights legislation," said Davis, who is also director of research for Vanderbilt's gender health clinic.

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee has one of the world's largest DNA data banks. It also has emerged as a leader in transgender health care with initiatives such as the Trans Buddy Program, which pairs every transgender patient with a volunteer to help guide the person through a health care visits.

The study has applied for a grant from the National Institutes of Health and is exploring other financial sources to provide the $1 million needed to complete the genotyping, expected to take a year to 18 months. Analysis of the data would take about another six months and require more funding, Davis said.

The other consortium members are Vrije University in Amsterdam and the FIMABIS institute in Malaga, Spain.

Probing the brain

Until now, the bulk of research into the origins of being transgender has looked at the brain.

Neurologists have spotted clues in the brain structure and activity of transgender people that distinguish them from cisgender subjects.

A seminal 1995 study was led by Dutch neurobiologist Dick Swaab, who was also among the first scientists to discover structural differences between male and female brains. Looking at postmortem brain tissue of transgender subjects, he found that male-to-female transsexuals had clusters of cells, or nuclei, that more closely resembled those of a typical female brain, and vice versa.

Swaab's body of work on postmortem samples was based on just 12 transgender brains that he spent 25 years collecting. But it gave rise to a whole new field of inquiry that today is being explored with advanced brain scan technology on living transgender volunteers.

Among the leaders in brain scan research is Ivanka Savic, a professor of neurology with Sweden's Karolinska Institute and visiting professor at the University of California-Los Angeles.

Her studies suggest that transgender men have a weakened connection between the two areas of the brain that process the perception of self and one's own body. Savic said those connections seem to improve after the person receives cross-hormone treatment.

Her work has been published more than 100 times on various topics in peer-reviewed journals, but she still cannot conclude whether people are born transgender.

"I think that, but I have to prove that," Savic said.

A number of other researchers, including both geneticists and neurologists, presume a biological component that is also influenced by upbringing.

But Paul McHugh, a professor of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has emerged as the leading voice challenging the "born-this-way" hypothesis.

He encourages psychiatric therapy for transgender people, especially children, so that they accept the gender assigned to them at birth.

McHugh has gained a following among social conservatives, while incensing LGBT advocates with comments such as calling transgender people "counterfeit."

Last year he co-authored a review of the scientific literature published in The New Atlantis journal, asserting there was scant evidence to suggest sexual orientation and gender identity were biologically determined.

The article drew a rebuke from nearly 600 academics and clinicians who called it misleading.

McHugh told Reuters he was "unmoved" by his critics and said he doubted additional research would reveal a biological cause.

"If it were obvious," he said, "they would have found it long ago."
Rwandans voted Friday in a presidential election widely expected to give President Paul Kagame a third term in office.



We need a good leader in our country now to continue to secure the country, to help the people of Rwanda and to continue to develop the country for the next seven years, said Kagame supporter Joseph Zorondera after he cast his ballot at the Mbandazi Primary School primary school outside Kigali.



Voting was calm as people slowly trickled into the school nestled in the hilly outskirts of the sprawling capital city, casting ballots in different classrooms.



Everything is going well in each room, said Valerian Musengamana, the polling station chief. The people are very happy with the activities of the election. They are really satisfied.



In Photos: Rwanda election



The East African Community has international observers monitoring the polls. The European Union decided not to send a team of observers. At mid-day, representatives of local observer missions told VOA they hadnt encountered any significant issues and that the voting appeared to be progressing smoothly.



Opposition presidential candidate Frank Habineza, of the Green Party, told VOA that some of his partys observers had been denied access to polling stations but, after informing the National Election Commission, 95 percent of them were permitted to monitor the voting process.



Habineza is one of two challengers President Paul Kagame faces in Kagame's bid for a third term. Independent Philippe Mpayimana is also on the ballot.



Few of their supporters would accept to be interviewed at the polls.



I chose [the Green] party simply because of its good platform, said voter Charles Ndamage, with electoral commission officials watching nearby. The manifesto presented by Habineza was very interesting to me. For instance, the fact that he wants to develop the country by reducing the step between rich people and poor people.



Nine of the 11 political parties permitted to register in Rwanda have endorsed Kagame. Four other presidential hopefuls were disqualified by the electoral commission. The government and ruling party have brushed off allegations from human rights groups that authorities have restricted freedom of expression and stifled political opposition.



Kagame has been in power for 17 years. He is widely credited with stabilizing the country after a 1994 genocide.



They [the opposition candidates] are good but I dont think any of them will do better than Paul Kagame. Because we have seen for the last few years that he has been on, the changes. Its really a big change. Its obvious, said voter Imelda Batamoliza.



His supporters point to developments like improved roads, more communities connected to clean water, and recently built schools. A 2015 constitutional referendum, approved by 98 percent of voters, could allow Kagame to remain in power until 2034.



His supporters told VOA they arent looking for a president for life.



At the end of the [new] seven-year term of his excellency Paul Kagame, someone will continue after him, voter Zorondera said.



Rwandas electoral commission is expected to release official poll results over the weekend.
Mikheil Saakashvili, since last week the world's only stateless former president, says he could have remained safely in the United States, or perhaps settled with his family in his wife's home nation, the Netherlands.

But instead, the former Georgian leader, who last week was stripped of his adoptive Ukrainian citizenship, turned up without notice Thursday in Poland, where he stands at risk of being deported to Georgia to face criminal charges that he says are politically motivated.

"No, I could have [received residency in the United States], I was even offered to do it, but I didn't want to take it," he told VOA's Georgian service in an interview this week. "Like many people, I obviously have [a temporary] visa, but that's it. I never had any intention to stay in the U.S. and I am not now intending to stay."

As for the Netherlands, "If I had wanted a Dutch citizenship, I would have taken it a long time ago," he said. "On the contrary, my wife is now a Georgian citizen. My kids are Georgian. Formally I'm not, of course, but I am in real terms. This thing will never be on the table for me."

Saakashvili, who reportedly had been staying with relatives in the New York borough of the Bronx while planning his next move, told VOA he loves to visit the United States. "I feel at home here, but my home is Georgia and Ukraine, for sure."

Both countries, however, are off limits, especially without a passport. Georgian authorities insisted this week they are going ahead with criminal proceedings against him and, after a falling out with his college friend President Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine is threatening to deport him to Tbilisi if he turns up there.

It was not immediately clear why he chose to travel to Poland, where news reports say he attended an event marking the anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. But it does get him closer to home.

It also leaves him in considerable jeopardy. A spokesman for the Chief Prosecutor's Office in Tbilisi says authorities in Poland have already been approached with a request for his extradition.

It has been a strange and winding journey for Saakashvili, the hero of Georgia's "Rose Revolution" who led demonstrators to storm the parliament in 2003, ending the post-Soviet rule in Tbilisi of one-time Soviet foreign minister Eduard Shevardnadze. For years he was welcomed in Washington as a hero of Western-style democracy.

But by the end of his second and last term in office, his party had lost control of parliament, and soon afterward he left the country in the face of what he dismisses as trumped-up criminal charges.

To the rescue came his old friend Poroshenko, who provided him not only a Ukrainian passport but also a post as governor of the southwestern province of Odessa. But because Georgian law stipulates that anyone who acquires another passport automatically loses Georgian citizenship, the move cost him his Georgian passport.

Looking to burnish his own reformist credentials in the post-Euromaidan upheaval, Poroshenko placed Saakashvili, along with a handful of ex-Georgian democratic revolutionaries, in Ukrainian government sectors tainted by graft.

"But the 'Georgian team' wasn't doing well in Kyiv, hemmed in by the all-powerful bureaucracy and a political elite that wanted [Saakashvili] to fail," wrote Bloomberg's Lenoid Bershidsky.

Increasingly at loggerheads with Kyivs leadership, Saakashvili resigned the governorship and announced the formation of a new political movement last fall. Last week, on his first departure from Ukrainian soil since moving to form his own party, Saakashvili learned via international news reports that Poroshenko had removed his citizenship in what several experts are calling a politically paranoid maneuver.

"This is an issue that distracts from what should be the main focus of Ukrainian officials, which is economic reform, anti-corruption, and defending the homeland," David Kramer, former deputy assistant Secretary of State, told VOA.

"Why pick a fight with Saakashvili at this time?" he asked. "It doesn't make a lot of sense, though coming after President Poroshenko's trip to Tbilisi two weeks ago, it does not seem like a mere coincidence. The revoking of Saakashvili's citizenship seems intended to placate Georgian officials who viewed their former president's role in Ukraine as an irritant in relations."

It is hard to see what benefit there is for the citizens of Ukraine in taking away Saakashvilis passport, said Thomas Melia, a fellow at the George W. Bush Institute who frequently visited Georgia and Ukraine as a senior official under the Obama administration.

The stated reason  that the government of Ukraine didnt know there were criminal charges pending against Saakashvili in Georgia when he came to Ukraine  is preposterous, he told VOA. All the world knew there were charges pending.

Ukrainian officials to declined multiple requests to weigh in.

In his interview with VOA this week, Saakashvili said his temporary U.S. work visa, which he acquired during a brief stint in Washington several years ago, is set to expire in less than a year.

"This threat of denied citizenship has been there forever, and I got used to it," he said of the Ukrainian prosecutor's threat on Wednesday to extradite him to his native Georgia should he return to Kyiv.

"Frankly I did not think [Poroshenko] would do it so brutally, so immediately after coming back from Tbilisi," he said of his former boss's visit to the Georgian capital.

In keeping with his legendary appetite for political battle  his U.S. Secret Service codename was "Energizer Bunny"  Saakashvili appears determined with his sudden arrival in Warsaw to mount yet another campaign, this time in the courtrooms of Kyiv or Strasbourg.

"If the Administrative Court [of Ukraine] doesnt work out, we will go to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg," he recently told an Interfax reporter. At VOA headquarters, however, he refused to elaborate on exactly how he might advance his search for a country to call home.

"Look, I'm fighting every day. I'm talking to you. I talk to multiple Ukrainian journalists, to think tanks. I am trying to help the Ukrainian nation, the Ukrainian people," he said. "I've seen so much suffering, so much deprivation because of selfishness, greed, immorality of the ruling political class. How can I not try to help? That's my natural instinct. That has nothing to do with my political aspirations or ambitions."

He pauses.

"Of course I might have ambitions," he added. "But that is secondary."
Attorney General Jeff Sessions took new steps Thursday to punish cities he believes are not cooperating with federal immigration agents in a move that was met with bewilderment by local officials who said they did not know why they were being singled out.

The Justice Department sent letters to four cities struggling with gun violence, telling them they would not be eligible for a program that provides money to combat drug trafficking and gang crime unless they give federal immigration authorities access to jails and notify agents before releasing inmates wanted on immigration violations.

Latest threat

Baltimore, Albuquerque, and Stockton and San Bernardino in California all expressed interest in the Justice Departments Public Safety Partnership, which enlists federal agents, analysts and technology to help communities find solutions to crime.

By taking simple, commonsense considerations into account, we are encouraging every jurisdiction in this country to cooperate with federal law enforcement, Sessions said in a statement that accompanied the letters. That will ultimately make all of us safer  especially law enforcement on our streets.

The threat marks Sessions latest effort to force local authorities to help federal agents detain and deport people living in the country illegally as part of a push to reduce crime he believes is linked to illegal immigration. The attorney general has repeatedly vowed to withhold federal money from cities that do not cooperate, similar to how previous administrations have held back highway funds during debates over the speed limit and drinking age.

But it was not immediately clear to some of the cities why they were targeted.

Cities say they work with ICE

In a letter to Sessions, Republican Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry denied that New Mexicos largest city is a sanctuary for immigrants living in the country illegally and said he has been trying to work with immigration authorities since taking office in 2009. In fact, Berry said, Immigration and Customs Enforcement staffing at the prison transport center fell in recent years.

If your agency has questions or concerns with our (Bernalillo) County jails, I would refer you to their leadership, Berry wrote.

Peter Simonson, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in New Mexico, called the demands a bullying tactic.

Another concern raised by cities is that police who patrol the streets book suspects into jails run by county or state authorities over which they have no control. The Justice Departments letters focus on giving federal immigration agents access to such detention facilities.

Cities don't run the jails

In San Bernardino, officers book anyone they arrest into jails that are run by the county, not the Southern California city of 216,000 people, said Police Chief Jarrod Burguan.

The city of San Bernardino has never taken any formal act to declare itself a sanctuary city, Burguan said. Our policies have been very, very consistent over the years.

Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said his officers also book suspects into a county-run facility and are tasked with fighting violent crime, not enforcing federal immigration laws.

That does not mean we dont work with our other federal partners, but that is just not a function of ours, he said.

Nor do police enforce immigration laws in Baltimore, where arrestees are taken to a jail run by the state, said Anthony McCarthy, a spokesman for Mayor Catherine Pugh. The state says it adheres to federal policies on immigration in its detention system.

We are receiving tremendous federal support for the violence-reduction actions, and we wouldnt want anything to deter the progress we hope to make on that front, McCarthy said.

Immigration, street crime priorities

Sessions has pledged to make fighting immigration and street crime the Justice Departments top priority, but the strategy is putting him at odds with some city leaders, who say the best way to fight crime and build community trust is to keep local police out of federal immigration matters.

Last week, Sessions told cities they must meet the same conditions or lose out on millions of dollars from a separate grant program that helps police departments pay for everything from bulletproof vests to body cameras, a move that made some local officials more defiant.

In the four letters, the Justice Department asked the prospective cities police departments to show proof of their compliance by Aug. 18.

In Albuquerque, immigrant student activists said the letter was part of the Trump administrations broader attack on immigrants.

It is a vision of terror for families like mine, said Gabriela Hernandez, Southwest Organizer for United We Dream.

The Justice Department in June tapped 12 cities to receive aid through the Public Safety Partnership, and officials said the four cities targeted Thursday had expressed interest in the next chance at participating. Cities were chosen based on higher-than-average rates of violence and willingness to receive the help and training.

Cities that want to be involved going forward will have to show they allow unfettered communication between police and federal immigration authorities, give agents access to jails in order to question immigrants and provide agents with 48 hours of notice when someone in the country illegally is about to be released.
Researchers in England are hoping to help root out modern-day slavery in northern India by using detailed satellite imagery to locate brick kilns  sites that are notorious for using millions of slaves, including children.

A team of geospatial experts at the University of Nottingham use Google Maps and dozens of volunteers to identify potential sites of exploitation and report them to authorities.

"The key thing at the moment is to get those statistics right and to get the locations of the brick kilns sorted," said Doreen Boyd, a co-researcher on the "Slavery from Space" project.

"There are certainly activists on the ground that will help us in terms of getting the statistics and the locations of these brick kilns to [government] officials."

Anti-slavery activists said the project could be useful in identifying remote kilns or mines that would otherwise escape public or official scrutiny.

"But there are other, more pressing challenges like tackling problematic practices, including withheld wages, lack of transparent accounting ... no enforcement of existing labor laws," said Jakub Sobik, spokesman at Anti-Slavery, a London-based nongovernmental organization.

Millions of people in India are believed to be living in slavery. Despite a 1976 ban on bonded labor, the practice remains widespread at brick kilns, rice mills and brothels, among others.

The majority of victims belong to low-income families or marginalized castes like the Dalits or "untouchables."

Nearly 70 percent of brick kiln workers in South Asia are estimated to be working in bonded and forced labor, according to a 2016 report by the International Labor Organization. About a fifth of those are underage.

The project relies on crowdsourcing, a process where volunteers sift through thousands of satellite images to identify possible locations of kilns. Each image is shown to multiple volunteers, who mark kilns independently.

The team is currently focused on an area of 2,600 square kilometers in the desert state of Rajasthan  teeming with brick-making sites  and plans to scale up the project in the coming years.

Researchers are now in talks with satellite companies to get access to more detailed images, rather than having to rely on publicly available Google Maps.

The project is one of several anti-slavery initiatives run by the university, which include research on slave labor-free supply chains and human trafficking.
A Senate committee approved legislation Thursday that would suspend U.S. financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority until it ends what lawmakers said is a long-standing practice of rewarding Palestinians who kill Americans and Israelis.



Members of the Republican-led Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 17-4 to pass the measure, sponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and the committee chairman, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.



Corker said the Palestinian Authority has "enshrined in law'' a system that creates a monetary incentive for acts of terrorism by paying monthly stipends of as much as $3,500 to Palestinians who commit acts of violence and to their families. The amount of the payment depends on the length of the jail sentence they receive for the crime, he said.



"This is sick,'' Corker said.



Husam Zomlot, chief representative of the Palestinian General Delegation to the U.S., called the legislation "misinformed and counterproductive.'' He disputed Corker's assessment of what he described as a 52-year old program "to support families who lost their breadwinners to the atrocities of the occupation, the vast majority of whom are unduly arrested or killed by Israel.''



Palestinians have argued that ending Israel's occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem  lands Palestinians seek for their state  is key to defeating terrorism.



"The program has served a social and security need to provide for our people, guarantee a better future for the children and protect the needy from the many radical groups around us,'' Zomlot said in an emailed statement.



The bill is named for Taylor Force, an MBA student at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and a West Point graduate who was visiting Israel in March 2016 when he was stabbed to death by a Palestinian. Force was from Lubbock, Texas. His parents live in South Carolina.



Graham said the Palestinian Authority praised Force's killer as a "heroic martyr'' and he's termed the payments "pay to slay.'' He estimated that the Palestinian Authority has made $144 million in what he described as "martyr payments.''



"So if you're a young Palestinian the best thing maybe you can do for your family in terms of income streams is to be terrorist,'' Graham said. "That's inconsistent with peace.''



Following the committee's vote, a bipartisan group of senators called on Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, to seek support from other countries for ending the payments.



"We are hopeful that your efforts to use diplomatic leverage on the international stage will complement action in Congress,'' they wrote.



The Trump administration's budget request for fiscal 2018 includes roughly $260 million for economic development and law enforcement programs in the West Bank and Gaza. The internationally backed Palestinian Authority has tightened its grip in the West Bank since losing control of the Gaza Strip to the Islamic militant group Hamas a decade ago.



"Assistance in the West Bank and Gaza remains critical to advancing the United States' long-standing national security priority of achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace,'' according to a State Department budget documents.



A December report by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service said that since the mid-1990s the U.S. has committed more than $5 billion in economic and nonlethal security assistance to the Palestinians. The United States has, since 2015, cut foreign aid to the Palestinians by the same amount its government has spent on the payments for acts of terrorism.



But the legislation cleared by the committee would go a step further, a move that concerned several Democrats. They said they agreed with the intent of the bill, but feared withholding critically needed foreign aid would accelerate the problems in the West Bank and Gaza.



"There's poverty, there are a lot of checkpoints, there's hopelessness,'' said Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.



Before foreign aid can resume, the State Department would be required to certify to Congress that the Palestinian Authority has terminated the payments for acts of terrorism and has revoked any law or decree that allows a compensation system for imprisoned Palestinians, according to the bill.



The committee agreed to adjust the legislation so that the aid payments would go into an escrow account that could be accessed once the laws establishing the prisoner payments are revoked. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., had argued the Palestinian Authority would have greater motivation to change if it knew the money had not been cut off completely.
The U.S. Senate has effectively blocked President Donald Trump from making any appointments while the lawmakers are on their August break.

The politicians have agreed to a procedural quirk known as pro forma sessions  a series of brief meetings that will technically keep the Senate in session.

Senators took the action after Trumps recent criticism of Attorney General Jeff Sessions sparked speculation that he might fire Sessions during the recess.

Trump's anger

The Washington Post said that Trump has mused with aides about replacing Sessions when Congress took its annual recess in August, in order to avoid a protracted Senate confirmation hearing over a new attorney general. The White House had called the report more fake news.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told NBC News recently there will be holy hell to pay if Trump fires Sessions, who was a senator until Trump tapped him to become attorney general.

Trump has vented his anger at Sessions, an early supporter of his presidential campaign, for removing himself from oversight of the Justice Departments investigation of Russias interference in last years presidential election.

That in turn led Sessions deputy to name a special prosecutor, former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief Robert Mueller, to conduct an investigation of possible Trump campaign collusion with Moscow aimed at helping Trump win. The probe has consumed the early months of Trumps White House tenure, even as Trump has branded the investigation a witch hunt and an excuse by Democrats to explain his upset victory over his Democratic challenger, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Senators weigh in

Graham said that any effort [by Trump] to go after Mueller could be the beginning of the end of the Trump presidency unless Mueller did something wrong. Right now I have no reason to believe Mueller is compromised.

Democratic Senator Charles Schumer, the Senate minority leader, has noted Sessions political support of the president when Trump was an underdog in last years race for the Republican presidential nomination. Sessions was the first senator to endorse Trumps candidacy.

I would say to my fellow Americans, Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, every American should be troubled by the character of a person who humiliates and turns his back on a close friend after only six months, Schumer said.

All Americans should be wondering: Why is the president publicly, publicly demeaning and humiliating such a close friend and supporter, a member of his own Cabinet? Schumer said recently. They should wonder if the president is trying to pry open the office of attorney general to appoint someone during the August recess who will fire special counsel Mueller and shut down the Russia investigation. Let me say, if such a situation arises, Democrats would use every tool in our toolbox to stymie such a recess appointment.

Attacks via Twitter

Trump has lobbed attacks at Sessions, a highly unusual public spat in Washington between a president and a member of his Cabinet. Trump publicly has said he is disappointed with Sessions, while calling him VERY weak and beleaguered in comments via Twitter.

Associates of Sessions have told the White House that Sessions has no intention of quitting his post at the U.S. Justice Department, and so far Trump has not fired him.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has said that even though Trump is disappointed in Sessions, the president wants him to continue to run the Justice Department and focus on controlling illegal immigration and investigating leaks of classified government material to journalists.
Steve Jobs - who helped usher in the era of personal computers - has been the subject of movies and books, but his complicated life, and the ubiquitous objects he left behind, also turn out to be the stuff of opera.

Steve Jobs' life was complicated and messy," notes Grammy-nominated composer Mason Bates. "He had a daughter that he didn't acknowledge for many years; he had cancer  you can't control that. He was while a very charismatic figure, quite a hard driving boss, and his collisions with the fact that he wanted to make everything sleek and controllable, yet life is not controllable, is (a) fascinating topic for an opera.

Bates, who has composed dozens of symphonies and chamber works, felt that Jobs was the right subject for his first opera. Mark Campbell, one of the most prolific librettists in contemporary American opera, was not so sure.

"I've had a number of socialist friends of mine saying, 'Why would you write an opera about Steve Jobs? He was the worst capitalist!'" he recalls. His response? "Reach in your pocket; you probably have an iPhone there."

Rather than creating a chronological life story, Campbell says the collaborators opted for a fragmented narrative to reflect the man and his machines. Steve Jobs did have a mind that just jumped from idea to idea to idea  it was very quick. And we wanted to tell an opera that is also very quick, that jumps around.

So The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, which premiered at the Santa Fe Opera last month, shifts back and forth in time over the course of 18 scenes. And the composer created a different musical world for each character. Since Jobs played guitar, and spent much of his time dealing with electronics, Bates gave him "this kind of busy frenetic quicksilver world of acoustic guitar and electronica.

Jobs' wife, Laurene, had a calming influence, helping him focus  and her sound reflects that. Completely different space, of these kind of oceanic soulful strings.

Other characters depicted include Jobs' partner, Steve Wozniak, and the Japanese-born Zen priest, Kobun Chino Otogawa, who led Jobs to convert to Buddhism, and served as a mentor for much of his life. Bates says he has an "almost purely electronic world of prayer bowls and processed Thai gongs.

The operas set echoes Jobs creations, says director Kevin Newbury. After a prologue in a replica of the iconic garage where Jobs ideas first took shape, the garage walls explode into six moving cubes with screens...which look a lot like iPhones.

We're doing something called projection mapping where all of the scenic units have little sensors, so the video actually moves with them. We wanted to integrate it so seamlessly into the design because that's what Steve Jobs and Apple did with the products themselves.

Jobs sense of design was influenced by Japanese calligraphy, including the enso  a circle that depicts the mind being free to let the body create. Bates says that also figures in the opera's title: The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, with the capital "R" in parentheses.

Of course, there's the revolution of Steve Jobs in his creations and his devices. There's also the evolution from a countercultural hippie, to a mogul of the world's most valuable company. And there's the revolution in a circle of Steve Jobs as he looks at the enso, this piece of Japanese calligraphy, and finds that when he can kind of come full circle, he reaches the kind of completion that he sought so long in his life.

Audiences have been wildly enthusiastic about the opera, even if the reviews from critics have been mixed. Now, it's headed to Seattle  home to rival tech company Microsoft!  and then San Francisco, which will bring the piece full circle to the Bay area, where Steve Jobs grew up.
Top U.S. intelligence officials are refusing to back down over concerns about Russia, even as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian officials lament what they describe as deteriorating relations between the two countries.

"Our values and our interests are not aligned naturally," Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, told a small group of reporters this week.

"Russia desires to be the center of influence in the European theater," Stewart said. "There will be a perpetual contest between us and the Russian state for either regional or global dominance."

Stewart, who spoke before the latest public sparring between Trump and Congress over Washington's approach to Russia, also warned of Moscow's ability to interfere and shape the playing field.

"They've got their heads wrapped around the idea that 21st-century warfare is as much cognitive as it is kinetic," Stewart said.

This is not the first time Stewart, who has led the DIA since July 2015, has warned about Russia's intentions.

In the DIA's "Russia Military Power" report, released in late June, Stewart cautioned that Russia "is manipulating the global information environment" and was especially successful in Crimea and in Syria at "shaping the information environment to suit its interests."

Despite such warnings from Stewart and other high-ranking intelligence officials, Trump has pushed for improving ties with Russia.

This past week, the president signed legislation authorizing new, tough sanctions against Russia but took to Twitter, warning of the consequences.

"Our relationship with Russia is at an all-time & very dangerous low," President Trump tweeted, adding, "You can thank Congress."

Trump has also dismissed concerns about multiple investigations into allegations of possible collusion between his presidential campaign and the Russians, telling a rally in West Virginia on Thursday, "The Russia story is a total fabrication."

Russian officials have been quick to echo Trump's sentiments.

"We fully share this opinion," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call Friday, when asked about ties between the U.S. and Russia being at a "very dangerous low."

A tweet from Russia's embassy in South Africa said the U.S. was using "primitive Cold War era cliches."

Those themes were also picked up and disseminated by Russian disinformation networks on Twitter, according to a new online dashboard from the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Hashtags with "trumprally" and "westvirginia" were used with heavy or increased frequency during the course of Thursday and Friday based on the dashboard's look at about 600 Twitter accounts with links to Russia's propaganda efforts.

In addition to the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency director, other top U.S. intelligence officials have warned about Russia's influence activities.

"They're trying to undermine Western democracy," Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told the Aspen Security Forum late last month, admitting Russia's influence efforts are "quite a bit more sophisticated than they used to be."

CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who like Coats was nominated by Trump, told the same forum there was no doubt in his mind Russia would continue efforts to meddle in U.S. elections.

"They have been at this a hell of a long time," Pompeo said. "And I don't think they have any intention of backing off."

Still, Pompeo refused to rule out working with Russia in areas where Moscow and Washington could find common ground, such as counterterrorism.

He said that "if Russia has information that can help us fight the CT [counterterror] fight around the world, it's my duty" to work with them and "the right thing to do."
U.N. human rights investigators have issued a new report documenting the killings of more than 250 people, including 62 children, in violence in central Congo over three recent months that could devolve into wider ethnic cleansing.



The investigators based the report on interviews in June of 96 people who fled Congos Kasai provinces into neighboring Angola. It decried alleged violence involving a new militia, Bana Mura, backed by Congolese security officials.



U.N. human rights chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein urged Congos government to act now to prevent such violence from tipping into wider ethnic cleansing.



His office provided pictures of survivors with long scars and dismembered limbs from the violence. Zeid described accounts of the screams of people being burned alive and others who were cut down.


United Nations investigators said Thursday they will examine rising levels of violence against women in Samoa for the first time after the South Pacific nation this year embarked on a national inquiry into domestic violence.

Kamala Chandrakirana, who heads the U.N. Working Group on discrimination against women in law and in practice, said the 10-day visit later this month was the first fact-finding mission by a U.N. human rights experts group to Samoa.

She said the group would visit the capital Apia and villages in Upolu and Savaii to gather information about discrimination against women, including violence and women and girls.

Recorded cases rising

The mission comes after figures showed the number of recorded cases of domestic violence in the nation of about 200,000 people rising to 723 in 2015 from 200 in 2012, prompting a yearlong national inquiry.

U.N. officials have previously voiced concern that violence against women in Samoa appeared to be socially legitimized and accompanied by a culture of silence and impunity.

We will be looking at all aspects of womens life: political and public, economic and social, family and cultural life, and health and safety, Chandrakirana said in a statement.

We are interested in achievements and good practices in eliminating discrimination against women as well as existing gaps and challenges.

Most women experienced abuse

Samoan authorities have acknowledged the problem since a 2007 study on domestic violence found 46 percent of women surveyed had experienced some form of partner abuse and 60 percent been physically abused by someone other than a partner.

We need to be mindful of not putting survivors of violence in any more danger if they decide to come forward and tell us their stories, said Samoas Ombudsman Maiava Iulai Toma when he announced the national inquiry last year.

Chandrakirana said that while in Samoa the UN team would also meet government officials, representatives of state institutions and civil society organizations, and academics.

We are particularly interested in legislative and policy reforms undertaken in recent years and the impact on the enjoyment of human rights of women in Samoa, she said.
A top United Nations official visiting South Sudan this week called on the nation's warring parties to engage in a meaningful political process to end the fighting.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the new U.N. under-secretary-general for peacekeeping operations, said the continuing violence is causing the South Sudanese people to suffer needlessly.

Lacroix arrived in Juba on Tuesday to assess security and meet with South Sudan's leaders, including President Salva Kiir. Lacroix called a Thursday news conference in Juba to say both warring parties appear unwilling to end the violence.

"In spite of the unilateral cease-fire which was decided by the authorities, fighting is continuing in different areas of the country. And it is a matter of concern because the continuation of fighting seems an obstacle in the political track and it is also a matter of concern because this fighting obviously has a very serious impact on [the] population," Lacroix said.

He said the fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians from their homes, worsening the humanitarian situation across the country.

"The U.N. as a whole and the agencies and those that work with them are doing their best to help as many people as possible under difficult, sometimes dangerous situations," Lacroix added.

It is Lacroix's second visit to Juba. The U.N. peacekeeping chief met with Kiir, First Vice President Taban Deng Gai, and other senior officials to press them to restore peace and stability in South Sudan, revitalize the 2015 peace agreement, and deploy the Regional Protection Force.

Lacroix said 150 peacekeepers from Bangladesh have been deployed in recent months as part of the regional protection force aimed at protecting major installations across the country, including Juba International Airport.

"Things are now accelerating, which is a good thing. A number of units now have been deployed in Juba," Lacroix said, adding that more units will be deployed in the coming months, including four battalions from Rwanda.

Lacroix also visited Malakal, capital of the former Upper Nile State, which is one of several areas that has seen stepped-up fighting over the past year.
The Trump administration has approved a $600 million sale of high-technology attack planes and equipment to Nigeria despite ongoing human rights concerns.

The Pentagon said Thursday that the State Department had approved the sale and notified Congress, which has 30 days give its go-ahead.

The deal includes 12 A-29 Super Tucano planes, which are described as light attack planes.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the aircraft would support Nigerian military operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State terrorists and monitor drug, weapons and human trafficking.

"Nigeria is an important partner in the U.S. national security goal to defeat ISIS, including its branches in Africa, and this sale is part of the U.S. commitment to help Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin countries in that fight," an agency statement said, using an acronym for the Islamic State group.

In the final days of his administration, former President Barack Obama suspended the sale after a Nigerian jet bombed a refugee camp near the border with Cameroon, killing about 230 civilians who had fled from Boko Haram forces.

President Donald Trump telephoned Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari a few weeks later, saying he backed the sale of the attack planes to help Nigeria fight terrorism.

But U.S. officials said the administration was keeping the pressure on Nigeria to improve its human rights record.
The United Nations confirms it has received notification from the United States about its intention to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, unless it identifies suitable terms for re-engagement.

Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said in a statement that the secretary general welcomes any effort to re-engage in the Paris Agreement by the United States.

US to participate in talks

The U.S. State Department said Friday that it will continue to participate in international climate change negotiations during the withdrawal process, which is expected to take at least three years.

It said in a statement, the U.S. participation in the negotiations will protect U.S. interests and ensure all future policy options remain open to the administration.

The United States supports a balanced approach to climate policy that lowers emissions while promoting economic growth and ensuring energy security, it said.

The department said President Donald Trump is open to re-engaging in the Paris Agreement if the United States can identify terms that are more favorable to it, its businesses, its workers, its people, and its taxpayers.

Trump decision

Trump announced his decision to withdrawal from the climate accord in June, saying the deal was very unfair at the highest level to the American people. He argued the deal would have cost trillions of dollars as well as hurt American businesses and jobs in the energy and manufacturing sectors.

Guterres said in June that the U.S. decision was a major disappointment for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote global security. The secretary general said it was crucial for the U.S. to remain a leader on climate and sustainable development.

News of the decision was greeted with strong protests from the environmental community, and the mayors of some of the largest U.S. cities vowed to remain faithful to the accord, regardless of what the Trump administration does.

The United States agreed to the 2015 climate agreement under former President Barack Obama. Under the deal, the United States pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.
 

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The United States is seeking the quick adoption of a U.N. Security Council draft resolution on Saturday that would deprive North Korea of $1 billion a year in revenue that helps fuel its illicit nuclear and ballistic missile program.

The move for additional sanctions is in response to Pyongyangs intercontinental ballistic missile launches July 3 and 28, which showed that the rogue nation may now have the capacity to bring the U.S. mainland and much of Europe into its crosshairs.

Diplomats say that after weeks of negotiations between the United States and China, the Security Council has scheduled a vote for 3 p.m. (1900 UTC) Saturday, as all 15 members have seen and discussed the U.S.-drafted text.

According to a Security Council diplomat with knowledge of the negotiations, the provisions, if adopted and implemented, would effectively deny Pyongyang of a third of its annual $3 billion in exports. Four export sectors are targeted in the resolution: coal; iron and iron ore; lead and lead ore; and seafood.

In two council resolutions adopted in March and November of last year, the council imposed export caps on coal, which is North Koreas single largest export.

In this resolution, there is no cap, there is no allowable coal, all coal exports will stop, will be banned from export from North Korea, the council diplomat said.

Immediate $400M drop

By removing that cap, the diplomat said there would immediately be a decrease of $400 million a year in North Koreas export revenue.

Iron and iron ore would also be included under the full ban, depriving North Korea of an estimated $251 million this year. There would be prohibitions on lead and lead ore exports as well, which were expected to generate about $113 million in revenue this year and on seafood, which was anticipated to bring in nearly $300 million in 2017.

The diplomat said the draft resolution would also prohibit countries from accepting additional guest workers from North Korea. Pyongyang is notorious for sending its citizens to other countries to work and then confiscating much or all of their salaries, effectively making them slave labor.

The draft text also tightens the enforcement of existing sanctions. The council has imposed several rounds of increasingly tougher targeted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 for its nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches.

The proposed resolution also designates nine North Korean individuals and four entities for asset freezes and travel bans.
The United States condemned the execution of Syrian blogger and activist Bassel Khartabil Safadi by the Syrian regime.

In a statement, the U.S. State Department expressed outrage over the repeated acts of brutality, including torture and extrajudicial executions, conducted by the Syrian regime.

The regime of President Bashar al-Assad bears responsibility for the widespread suffering, death and destruction it has inflicted on its own citizens, the statement said.

Widow notified

Khartabils widow, Noura Ghazi Safadi, wrote on Facebook early this week that she has received confirmation that security services executed Khartabil in October 2015 after torturing him in prison.

Ghazi did not say in her Facebook message posted late Tuesday how she had confirmed her husbands death.

Khartabil, a Palestinian-Syrian software pioneer, was arrested five years ago in Damascus.

Khartabil, who was 34 at the time of his death, ran a software development workspace in Damascus, which was known to the Syrian authorities, and was a leading contributor to Arabic Creative Commons, a framework for coding and legal rights, which promotes the open distribution of software and ideas, according to a Lebanese friend.

Creative Commons statement

Creative Commons confirmed his execution in a statement Wednesday. He was taken from the street in Damascus in March 2012 amid a wave of military arrests, Creative Commons said.

The London-based human rights group Amnesty Internationals senior director of research, Anna Neistat, said his death is a grim reminder of the horrors that take place in Syrian prisons every day.
The U.S. military confirmed Friday that an airstrike earlier this week targeted and killed a senior member of the al-Shabab extremist group.

Ali Mohamed Hussein, who served as al-Shabab's shadow governor for Mogadishu and has been one of the group's most outspoken members, was killed in an airstrike. He was the only person killed in the strike and no civilians were harmed, U.S. Africa Command said in a statement.

"The U.S. conducted this operation in coordination with its regional partners as a direct response to al-Shabab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces," the statement read.

Hussein, also known as Ali Jabal, was known for forcing Mogadishu businesses to "donate" money to the Islamist militants.

Somalia's information minister, Abdurahman Omar Osman, told VOA Somali that President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed "approved an operation with international partners on 30 July near Tortoroow, killing a key al-Shabab leader behind Mogadishu bombings, assassinations."

Tortoroow is an al-Shabab stronghold in the Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia.

A brief statement on the attack from the U.S. Africa Command said the airstrike took place Sunday at about 3 p.m. local time.

President Donald Trump earlier this year approved expanded military operations against al-Shabab, including more aggressive airstrikes.

Following the strike, the Somali president held an emergency meeting with the country's heads of security agencies on Monday. Sources told VOA the meeting focused on the latest security incidents in the country.

The meeting came a day after the militants carried out two deadly attacks in Somalia. In the first, militants ambushed a convoy carrying African Union troops in Lower Shabelle. At least 18 soldiers were killed, according to a senior Somali military officer.

In the second, a massive car bomb explosion killed at least 10 people and wounded 15 on a busy Mogadishu street.
Clashes broke out between opposition supporters and security forces in Venezuelas capital after the government inaugurated a constituent assembly to rewrite the constitution.

Security forces launched tear gas at protesters who marched along Caracas highway toward the National Assembly.

Opposition protesters have been holding almost daily protests for the last four months against the government of socialist President Nicolas Maduro, leading to the deaths of at least 120 people.

Assemblys first meeting

Earlier Friday, a controversial assembly comprising allies of Maduro met for the first time in Caracas, five days after it was elected to rewrite the 1999 constitution.

The Constituent Assembly was inaugurated Friday, despite an international outcry and protests by the political opposition, which contends the vote was rigged to pack the assembly with Maduro supporters. In one order of business at the legislative palace, the 545-member body unanimously selected former Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez as its president.

Rodriguez condemned foreign criticism of Venezuela.

The international community should not make a mistake over Venezuela. The message is clear, very clear  we Venezuelans will resolve our conflict, our crisis without any form of foreign interference, she said.

Vatican calls for calm

In addition to rewriting the constitution put in place under then-President Hugo Chavez, the new assembly will have power over other branches of government and the authority to remove public officials.

Media reports say chief prosecutor Luisa Ortega, who this week said she had opened an investigation into alleged voter fraud in Sundays election, may be targeted by the assembly.

Ortega filed the request for an investigation in a lower court, after earlier filing complaints about the constitutionality of the new assembly with the nations Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, President Maduro and Venezuelas election chief denied a report that voter turnout numbers were manipulated and inflated by at least 1 million for the election to choose the assembly.

Meanwhile, the Vatican has called for a suspension of the Constituent Assembly, saying Friday that it contributed to a climate of tension and conflict. The Vatican also called for the Catholic-majority nation to avoid any form of violence as the crisis deepens.

The United States, European Union and several Latin American countries have said they will not recognize the assembly.

One opposition leader released

In another development, Venezuelan authorities, who had detained opposition leaders Antonio Ledezma and Leopoldo Lopez earlier in the week, allowed Ledezma to return home, where he was placed under house arrest, Ledezmas wife said via Twitter Friday.

Lopez remains in prison.

Twitter video showed intelligence agents dragging Ledezma and Lopez out of their homes and shoving them into cars early Tuesday. The two had been under house arrest for previous opposition activities.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a statement late Tuesday that 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.


A New Orleanslike musical funeral procession with a band set in Vietnam and a transgender fire-eater are all a part of a multimedia traveling exhibit by a Ho Chi Minh City-based artist collective called The Propeller Group.

The exhibit is showing at the Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston.

Vietnamese-American Brittany Trinh has seen the exhibit more than once. The film titled, The Living Need Light, The Dead Need Music, is Trinhs favorite piece in the exhibit.

First it was the music and then the way that it was being filmed, and I just felt like I was a part of it. Trinh said, I just felt really connected to it in a strange way.

The Propeller Groups origins

Founded in 2006, three artists make up the core of The Propeller Group: Tuan Andrew Nguyen, Phu Nam Thuc Ha, and Matt Lucero. All have multicultural backgrounds.

Two of these founders were born in Vietnam and had to leave the country with their families because of the Vietnam War. Lucero is Native American with Spanish roots. All three grew up and were educated in countries including the United States and Singapore before going to Vietnam to live and work as artists.

It was the end of the Vietnam War, and then the Cold War occupied so much of our kind of upbringing until, you know the early 90s. And so that had always kind of affected how we thought and become something that haunted us, Nguyen said.

These artists have backgrounds in filmmaking, but they found shooting video in public in Communist Vietnam was difficult, and their cameras were almost confiscated. To work around this, they formed an advertising firm that allowed them more freedom to shoot video in public.

Youll see propaganda and really slick advertising, and that was the space that Vietnam was in, and that was the space the Propeller Group came out of, looking at those kind of dichotomies and those collisions and ideologies, Nguyen said.

We were doing the advertising, the commercial work by day, and by night we were kind of developing our own artistic conceptual practice, he said.

US exhibit

While the group rarely is allowed to show its work in Vietnam because of censorship, there is a traveling exhibit of its work showing in the United States. Themes of life and death can be seen in the pieces of multimedia works of art.

One film in the exhibit looks at the Vietnamese rituals surrounding funerals, which includes a transgender fire-eater.

Its a moment for them to perform and to express themselves without being stopped by the police. Then it becomes a moment of resistance in public as well, thats one thing that kind of drew us to looking at these rituals and these traditions, Nguyen said. Its (rituals) something thats always in flux, and I think part of that comes from the many, many kinds of wars that Vietnam has been engaged in over the last few centuries, he said.

How people die and live as a result of politics and ideologies and the impact of globalism also are themes seen in a time-lapse video of what happens when a motorcycle called the Honda Dream is left outside overnight in Vietnam. The motorcycle was stripped bare.

So this motorbike that was once a symbol of the future and of economic mobility now is a symbol for something else. The Honda Dream becomes this physical manifestation of how ideas of capital and communism have kind of shifted over the last 10, 15, 20 years in a communist society, Nguyen said.

Exhibit well received

The exhibits Houston curator says the citys Vietnamese American community has been especially receptive to this exhibit.

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. Its also one of the cities that has one of the largest populations of Vietnamese. This exhibition will resonate and will bring forth questions and will open conversations about the identity of Vietnamese Americans, said Javier Sanchez Martinez, Blaffer Art Museums Curatorial Fellow.

Nguyen says he hopes the exhibit will inspire the audience to re-examine how they think about history and the different narratives that affect their current way of thought.

The exhibit is organized by Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houstons Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the Phoenix Art Museum.

The Propeller Groups exhibit will travel next to the San Jose Museum of Art.
The head of German automaker Volkswagen's engineering and environment office pleaded guilty Friday in a U.S. court to charges connected to an emissions scandal involving the company.

Volkswagen executive Oliver Schmidt pleaded guilty to conspiracy and fraud charges that could land him in prison for up to seven years. He will be forced to pay a fine of between $40,000 and $400,000 for his role in a scheme, dubbed Dieselgate, to mislead U.S. environmental regulators.

In March, the company admitted to using software to fool regulators into believing Volkswagen cars complied with U.S. emissions standards. It was ordered to pay $4.3 billion in penalties and another $17.5 billion in civil settlements.

The government said diesel cars that Volkswagen claimed were clean were, in fact, releasing 40 times more nitrogen oxide emissions than is allowed by law.

Schmidt is the second Volkswagen employee to plead guilty to charges related to the scandal. Last year, company engineer James Liang admitted to helping design the devices used to beat emissions tests. The FBI now cites him as a cooperating witness.

Most Volkswagen employees charged in the scheme are in Germany and can't be prosecuted by U.S. authorities. The company still faces legal issues in countries across the globe and has put aside more than $24 billion to handle costs related to the scandal.
The World Health Organization reports it has provided anti-malaria drugs to nearly 900,000 children in areas in northeast Nigeria formerly held by Boko Haram militants.

The effort is part of a new strategy to tackle malaria, a major killer of children younger than 5 years old. The director of WHO's Global Malaria Program, Pedro Alonso, tells VOA the agency has completed the first round of an emergency approach to stop the disease.

Alonso estimates about 10,000 lives will be saved by providing anti-malaria drugs to the same 900,000 children every month until November, when the period of high transmission will be over.

He says the drug clears the parasites that might already have invaded a child's system and provides protection for three to four weeks.

"By repeating this operation to the same children every month over the next four or five months, which is the high transmission area," Alonso said, "we may potentially  unfortunately, it will not be perfect and therefore we will not be able to stop all deaths  but, we should be able to have a massive impact in terms of prevention of disease and death in that specific population group, which is the highest risk group and where mortality concentrates."

WHO estimates there are more than 8,000 cases of malaria every week, including seven deaths, among northeastern Nigeria's population of 3.7 million people. There are an estimated 1.1 million children aged three months to five years in the region.
Three firefighters have been hurt battling a large brush fire south of the Greek capital, Athens.

Authorities have ordered the evacuation of dozens of homes in two communities in Lagonissi, a coastal area 30 kilometers from Athens, after several homes and cars were destroyed in the fire.

Dozens of firefighters and fire engines are taking part in the operation.

Winds up to 60 kilometers per hour were hampering the firefighting effort, while temperatures in the area reached 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).



Albanian fires

In Albania about 300 firefighters and military personnel are working to keep under control about 25 wildfires that have broken out in the last 24 hours. About 20 of the fires are threatening residential areas in the capital, Tirana, as well as in the cities of Vlora, Dibar, Elbasan and Berat, where vast areas of forest are burning.

Albanian authorities have asked neighboring Greece and Italy, as well as the European Union, for assistance in controlling the fires near Tirana and along the country's Riviera.

Two airplanes are expected to arrive in Albania from the Greek island of Corfu and from Puglia, Italy, to assist the civil emergency units on the ground.



Corsica winds, heat

Wildfires are also taking a toll on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, approaching the famous hikers' route known as the GR20.

Authorities have issued warnings about soaring temperatures expected in Corsica and the southern French mainland, and the added threat of high winds.
Since becoming an adult, the eldest son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly drawn media criticism for what has been portrayed as a life of privilege at taxpayers expense.



Yair Netanyahu, 26, has been described as someone who hobnobs with world leaders and enjoys a state-funded bodyguard, while living at the prime ministers official residence.



But his recent behavior has now drawn public rebuke from the children of a former Israeli leader, along with threats of a libel suit. It has also revived criticism of the Netanyahu familys perceived hedonism and sense of entitlement, at a time when the prime minister faces multiple corruption allegations.

Israeli police disclosed Thursday that Netanyahu is suspected of fraud, breach of trust and bribes in a pair of cases, just as his son was being pilloried in the press.



Younger Netanyahu in the tabloids

The younger Netanyahu hit the tabloids last weekend when a neighbor posted an account of how he refused to pick up after the Netanyahu family dog at a public park and then, when confronted, gave the neighbor the finger.



Yair Netanyahu lashed out on Facebook at a website run by a liberal think tank that detailed what it said was his lavish lifestyle at taxpayers expense.



In the post, Netanyahu alleged the site is funded by what he claimed are foreign interests, referring indirectly to the dovish New Israel Fund, which he renamed the Israel Destruction Fund. He signed the post with emojis of a middle finger and a pile of excrement.

The Times of Israel said Thursday that the Molad organization that runs the site served the younger Netanyahu with a notice of intent to sue. The notice reportedly said that his posts had no iota of truth to them.



But perhaps the harshest reactions came from some of the other targets of his post, in which he claimed the children of former Israeli leaders Shimon Peres, Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert did not come under such scrutiny.



It included an insinuation that one of Olmerts sons had an interesting relationship with a Palestinian man that affected national security.



Olmerts son Ariel fired back on Facebook, denying he was gay, dismissing the claims as a fabrication and accusing the younger Netanyahu of racism and homophobia.



Ariel Olmert added that he works for a living, never slept in the prime ministers residence and on principle, try to pick up my dogs doody.



His older brother Shaul then chimed in, calling Yair Netanyahu a fascist thug.



Questioned in scandal

Yair Netanyahu has also been questioned, though not as a suspect, about a corruption scandal in which his father was asked by police under caution about ties to executives in media, international business and Hollywood.



Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are said to have received more than $100,000 worth of cigars and liquor from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan, who reportedly asked Netanyahu to press the U.S. secretary of state in a visa matter.



Australian billionaire James Packer has reportedly lavished Yair with gifts that included extended stays at luxury hotels in Tel Aviv, New York and Aspen, Colorado, as well as the use of his private jet and dozens of tickets for concerts by Packers former fiancee, Mariah Carey.



Police are trying to determine whether these constitute bribes, since Packer is reportedly seeking Israeli residency status for tax purposes.



The prime minister has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, portraying the accusations as a witch hunt against him and his family by a hostile media.
Members of the Yazidi religious community in Iraq and around the world commemorated the third anniversary Thursday of the massacre of thousands of civilians in their historic homeland, Sinjar, at the hands of Islamic State group militants.

Amid expressions of grief and calls for action by the international community, Yazidi officials said the tragedy their minority group suffered in Iraq in 2014 continues: Thousands who disappeared while IS extremists were in control are still missing, and large numbers of other Yazidis who fled for their lives have not been able to return.

The IS genocide against our people continues to this day, said Vian Dakhil, a Yazidi member of the Iraqi parliament. We need the international community to support us in starting a new beginning.

Watch: Yazidis Continue to Struggle in Refugee Camps 3 Years After IS Massacre

Ancient roots for Yazidis religious beliefs

Yazidis, an ethno-religious minority group of about 550,000 people, mostly reside in northern Iraq, in an area also populated by Kurds and Arabs. The extreme and rigid version of Islam that Islamic State professes regards the Yazidis as devil worshippers who must either renounce their religious views or die.

Yazidism is linked to ancient Mesopotamian religions and combines aspects of Zoroastrianism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism. As an ethno-religious group, most Yazidis marry only within their community; those who do not are considered to be Yazidis no longer.

According to international organizations, IS was responsible for the killing and abduction of roughly 9,900 Yazidis and destroying 68 Yazidi shrines in 2014.

When the terror group entered the Yazidi ancestral city of Sinjar, Aug. 3, 2014, they murdered roughly 5,000 men and boys and enslaved thousands of women and children. Those who managed to escape were trapped on Sinjar Mountain, leading to an international outcry and response, including U.S. airstrikes.

World decried genocide against Yazidis

The United States, United Nations, European Union, Canada and other countries maintain that Islamic States all-out assault against Yazidis amounted to genocide.

Those who represent the religious minority say that recognition is welcome, but more action is necessary to rescue the Yazidis whose lives are still controlled by Islamic State.

We have managed to rescue 3,054 people, but 3,360 people are still under IS, Dakhil, the Yazidi member of Iraqs parliament, said during an appearance this week at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington.

She said more than a thousand Yazidi children, ages 4 to 10, have been brainwashed and trained by IS to conduct suicide attacks.

Those children now have forgotten their names, language, and parents. They have been trained to kill Yazidis and Christians, Dakhil added.

Refugees live under harsh conditions

Dakhil appealed to the international community to help those who fled, to assist them in returning to their homes or resettling again in the Yazidi community.

According to Yazidi organizations and advocates, about 400,000 displaced Yazidis are living in refugee camps in Iraqs Kurdistan region, and another 90,000 have emigrated to Europe and the United States.

Those who reside in refugee camps complain about harsh living conditions and a lack of basic services.

We have been placed in those refugee camps without clean water or other basic services, Kachal Jardo, a displaced Yazidi from Sinjar who lives in a camp north of Nineveh Plains, told VOA.

Jardo contends Iraqi officials have failed to protect 43 mass graves that hold the remains of Yazidis executed by IS. And Yazidis have not been allowed to exhume the remains for reburial, he said.

Those mass graves are abandoned and no one knows what is going to happen to them. Only God and foreign countries can come to help us find our missing people and bring them home, Jardo said.

Sinjar is still in ruins

Iraqi Kurdish officials estimate the mass graves hold the bodies of hundreds of Yazidis massacred by Islamic State fighters.

U.S.-backed Kurdish forces known as the Peshmerga removed IS from Sinjar in November 2015. But more than 80 percent of the citys buildings and infrastructure are in ruins. Yazidi officials said residents have not been able to return, mainly because of disputes among anti-IS groups over control of Sinjar.

Experts say efforts to rebuild Sinjar and bring it back to life also should address issues such as who will govern the area and what will happen to its Arab population.

Yazidis claim Sinjars Arabs cooperated with IS and served as guides for the extremists during their bloody massacre.

Sinjar could be a flashpoint for an internationalized tension ... where you have the sensitivities between minorities themselves, and you have regional countries like Turkey and Iran who have a stake in this, said Sarhang Hamasaeed, an Iraqi expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace.

Reconciliation a difficult goal

Restoring security to Sinjar and other territories in the post-IS era, Hamasaeed said, will ultimately depend on local communities reconciliation.

Reconciliation for the minorities, at least in the first stage, would be for them to be able to go home. It touches on their security: Will our neighbors attack us again? the Iraqi analyst said. To prevent that, there have to be not only protective measures, of how do you put up a security parameter around those minorities, but how do you work on that relationship [so that] at least in the first stage its a nonviolent coexistence.

Vian Dakhil of the Iraqi parliament said she recognizes the importance of reconciliation between Yazidis and other Iraqi groups, but such a task could be difficult and time consuming.

How can I tell someone in my community who lost 68 people of his relatives to come back and trust the neighbor who reported him to IS? Dakhil asked.
The Movement for Democratic Change Alliance is set to sign a coalition agreement on Saturday in a bid to unseat President Robert Mugabes Zanu PF party in the 2018 general elections.

The MDC formations led by Morgan Tsvangirai and Welshman Ncube, Tendai Bitis Peoples Democratic Party, Jacob Ngarivhumes Transform Zimbabwe, Zanu Ndonga, Multiracial Christian Democrats, Zanu Ndonga and Zimbabwe People First are confident that they will beat Zanu PF in the next polls.

Thousands of people are expected to witness the signing ceremony at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare.

In a statement, the MDC-T said, The democratic forces in the country are converging to forge a formidable united front in the next election in line with the demand of the people of Zimbabwe.

Critics say the MDC Alliance will struggle to unseat the ruling party, which has been in power since Zimbabwe attained independence from British rule in 1980.

More details to follow 
Special Counsel Robert Mueller has seated a grand jury, The Wall Street Journal reports, meaning his probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election is growing.

Investigators and prosecutors use grand juries to examine evidence, grill witnesses and subpoena documents to determine if a crime has been committed. It is a serious step in any investigation.

The Journal says the panel began its work in recent weeks and will likely continue for months.

Mueller and his team of lawyers are looking into possible collusion between Russia and the Trump presidential campaign.

Reuters reports the grand jury has already issued subpoenas in connection with the June 2016 meeting a Russian lawyer and others held with Donald Trump Jr. and other top campaign officials.

Reports indicate the younger Trump jumped at the idea of a meeting when the the lawyer told him, through an intermediary, that she had incriminating evidence against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

President Donald Trump has cast doubt on whether the Russians tried to interfere in the election, despite intelligence reports that the Kremlin sought to manipulate the election in Trump's favor.

Trump has consistently denied any collusion. He called Mueller's probe "a witch hunt" and reports around Washington have said the president may try to fire him.

Subpoena power

Now that a grand jury has reportedly been seated, it could seek to subpoena Trump family financial records. The president has warned Mueller to stay away from his finances.

Mueller's office has not commented on the Wall Street Journal report.

Trump special counsel Ty Cobb said that he is unaware of a grand jury probe but says "the White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly ... the White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller."

Mueller, a former FBI director took over the Russia probe after Trump fired his own FBI director James Comey in May when Comey apparently refused Trump's request to back down from the investigation.

Bill to Protect Special Counsel

Also Thursday, two U.S. senators introduced a bill to make it hard to fire a special counsel.

The proposal by Democrat Chris Coons and Republican Thom Tillis would put into law that a president can only fire the investigator for misconduct, conflict of interest, severe illness or other good cause.

A three-judge panel would determine if the firing was justified.

The law is apparently an effort to protect Mueller from any attempt that Trump would fire him.

But some analysts say if the president wants to fire Mueller, the proposed legislation may prompt him to do it before the Senate has a chance to vote on the new law.

The bill would apply retroactively to May 17, 2017  the day Mueller was appointed by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to investigate allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible ties between Russia and Trump's presidential campaign.



"This is something that lives long beyond this'' situation involving Mueller, Tillis told reporters. "And I think it's also something that begins to re-establish the reputation for independence in the Department of Justice.''



Tillis was among many GOP senators who defended Attorney General Jeff Sessions after Trump criticized him for recusing himself from the Justice Department's investigation into suspected Russian interference in the election. Trump has threatened to fire Sessions, a former Alabama senator.

Some information for this report from AP.
The Zimbabwe National Army and Zimbabwe Republic Police say they are conducting a comprehensive investigation into clashes between some army members and police in Harare sometime this week.

In a joint statement, the ZNA and ZRP assured Zimbabweans that they will take some action against those linked to the public melee, which left at least six policemen nursing serious injuries.

The security forces regret the unfortunate incident that took place on 1st August 2017 in the Harare Central Business District. We want to categorically condemn that incident and assure the nation that a joint team has been set up to conduct comprehensive investigations into the matter and appropriate action will be taken against the perpetrators.

We also want to reaffirm that as security forces we are fully united despite this incident.

Some members of the ZNA angered by police who stopped a military vehicle using spikes went on a rampage on Tuesday and beat up police in Harare, claiming that they were disciplining them.

Reports say some members of the public cheered when soldiers took action against the police said to be notorious for using spikes to stop vehicles at will.

Soldiers once went on the rampage a couple of years ago in Harare and looted valuable property when the Zimbabwe economy nearly tanked.

The soldiers were never brought before the courts.
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, right, departs the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017, before President Donald Trump arrived to speak with small business owners as part of "American Dream Week." (Alex Brandon/AP)

President Trumps new chief of staff, John F. Kelly, made much of his income last year advising companies that depend on federal contracts, including a private military conglomerate that has made billions of dollars for its work in Afghanistan and Iraq, financial filings show.

Kelly, a four-star Marine Corps general who retired last year as head of U.S. Southern Command, was paid $166,666 to work as an adviser on military defense issues for the defense contractor DynCorp International, the documents show.

During Kellys time at DynCorp, a company subsidiary was awarded a $700,000 contract with the Department of Homeland Security, the agency to which Kelly would soon be nominated to head, although it is not clear what role, if any, he had in the contract.

Kelly, 67, submitted his financial disclosure documents in December before joining DHS. As part of an ethics agreement, he pledged in January to resign from his positions with federal contractors before being confirmed as secretary.

Since being named Trumps chief of staff last week, Kelly has been praised as a disciplined military man and a fellow political outsider who can bring order to Trumps chaotic West Wing while helping the president deliver on his promises to make deals and drain the swamp of the Beltway establishment.

Kellys private-sector work shows how he has been a participant in the ways of Washington, where it is common for military officers and other former government officials to find second careers as consultants or lobbyists  and then, sometimes, return to government.

A DynCorp spokeswoman said the company would not answer questions about Kellys work. White House officials did not respond to questions or make Kelly available for an interview.

Before his DHS role, Kelly spent more than 40 years in the Marines, including three tours in Iraq. Shortly after his military retirement last year, he joined DynCorp and other firms with close ties to federal contracting.

DynCorp, like many defense contractors, counts a number of retired military officers within its ranks. Kelly was hired by the company in June 2016, and his six-month salary at the company accounted for the bulk of his private-sector income last year, the disclosures show.

Two months after Kellys hire, a DynCorp subsidiary was awarded a $700,000 contract to provide Elicitation and Detecting Deception training for DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel.

In a company news release, Randy Bockenstedt, a senior vice president for DynCorps logistics arm, said, This is the first win for [DynCorp] with DHS, a customer we are targeting heavily going forward.

DynCorp spokeswoman Mary Lawrence said the company would not answer questions about the work Kelly did as an adviser. She also said the company was no longer heavily targeting DHS for contracts.

Kelly has been celebrated as an experienced military leader with close ties to the armed forces. He was introduced at his Jan. 10 confirmation hearing by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and former secretary of defense Robert M. Gates.

In an administration stacked with billionaires and business heads, Kelly submitted a filing that shows he stands apart, with relatively modest finances.

Kelly owns investment real estate in Woodbridge, Va., worth up to $250,000, which netted him between $5,000 and $15,000 last year. He listed four mortgages totaling between $715,000 and $1.5 million.

Kelly was paid $37,500 last year as a board member of Michael Baker International, a federal engineering contractor owned by DC Capital Partners, a private-equity firm for which Kelly served on the board, filings show.

He was paid another $23,000 by government contractor Flatter & Associates as part of his work as a senior fellow with the National Defense University, a federal staff college funded by the Department of Defense, the records show.

Between October and December, Kelly made $12,500 as an adviser on national security affairs for Beacon Global Strategies, a Washington consulting firm co-founded by Philippe Reines, a longtime aide to Hillary Clinton.

Kelly pledged in January that he would resign from his private-sector positions and recuse himself for a year from participating in any matter involving those companies or the nation of Australia, whose government owed him a payment for a speaking arrangement, filings show.
We organized the high-profile members of President Trumps West Wing staff into six key groups, based on their backgrounds and allegiances. Many are members of two or three of these groups. If we imagine those factions and the intersections between them as a Metro map, this is how it would look:





Some of the most important positions in the heart of the White House have changed hands in the first months of the administration. In many of those cases, the people with the strongest links to the Republican establishment have been the ones forced to leave, including Reince Priebus, Sean Spicer and Mike Dubke.

Trump ousted Priebus, who previously led the Republican National Committee, as White House chief of staff in late July. He replaced him with Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. The major shake-up was designed to bring order and military precision to a West Wing beset by chaos, infighting and few tangible accomplishments. On March 30, Katie Walsh, deputy chief of staff and a Republican operative, also left the White House to run a pro-Trump outside group.





Four people have held the essential job of communications director in the first months of Trumps term. Before he took office, Trump said that Jason Miller, a political operative who previously worked on Sen. Ted Cruzs presidential campaign, was his pick for the position. Two days later, Miller resigned. Press secretary Sean Spicer then did double duty, filling both roles until Michael Dubke was named to the position in March. When Dubke resigned in June, Spicer filled in again. Spicer quit when Trump named New York financier Anthony Scaramucci to the post, but Scaramuccis tenure was a short 10 days and the job is now vacant again. Spicers position as press secretary was then offered to Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who had been working as his deputy.





Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn was the first significant departure from the administration. He resigned in mid-February over revelations about his potentially illegal contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States, and he is now under investigation. He was replaced by H.R. McMaster, another lieutenant general. Flynns deputy, conservative commentator K.T. McFarland, was forced out in May.





Many of the other staff members fall into multiple categories, and in some cases one of the categories might have more weight than others. For instance, Kellyanne Conway has worked with several figures of the Republican Party, such as Newt Gingrich, but in this White House her image is more related to the Trump campaign, despite her initial endorsement of Cruz in the Republican primaries.




The classic American western is an endangered species.

Youre more likely to find a meta-movie that comments on the near-extinction of the genre  such as The Hero, in which former cowboy actor Sam Elliott plays a former cowboy actor  than you are to come across a rootin-tootin example of what is sometimes known as the leathers-and-feathers genre. How long has it been since the Coen brothers remake of True Grit? Seven long years. And 2015s The Revenant feels like something of a fluke.

And yet, since making his screenwriting debut with Sicario, actor-turned-filmmaker Taylor Sheridan has almost single-handedly reinvented the moribund art form, cranking out one contemporary cowboy parable after another. Set on the frontier of the drug war between the United States and Mexico, that 2015 film was followed up by last years Hell or High Water, a bank robbery shoot-em-up set against the backdrop of a West Texas landscape still devastated from the 2008 financial crisis. Both Oscar-nominated films explore classic western themes of morality and frontier justice: reward and punishment that sometimes fall outside the letter of the law, yet within a strict code of honor.



Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner investigate a murder on an Indian reservation in the loosely fact-based contemporary western "Wind River." (Credit: Fred Hayes/The Weinstein Company)

Both also deal with the idea of conflict and cooperation between the white man and the Other (whether that means the Native American, in the case of Hell, or, in the case of Sicario, the Mexican).

Sheridans latest film  and his impressive directorial debut  is Wind River, a loosely fact-based thriller about the investigation of the murder of a Native American teenage girl on Wyomings Wind River reservation. It reunites Jeremy Renner, playing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer Cory Lambert, with his co-star from two Avengers movies, Elizabeth Olsen, as F.B.I. agent Jane Banner. In many ways, the film interrogates the cliches and caricatures of the cowboys-and-Indians movie, simultaneously acknowledging them even as it knocks them down.

Sheridan, in a phone interview, puts it this way: I work very hard to line up stereotypes and then smash them with a hammer.

Cory, for example, is in many ways the paradigm of the lone, laconic gunslinger. Renner, in a separate interview, describes his character as less cowboy than cowboy-esque  a man defined not by what he says, but by what he does, in the manner of John Wayne. Sure, Renner says, he might wear a white, wide-brimmed hat, and he doesnt say much, but hes a much more sensitive, newfangled version of the familiar heroic archetype: emotionally soft, in Renners words, but by no means weak  not to mention haunted by his own tragedy.



Jeremy Renner is a new kind of cowboy, an emotionally soft  but not weak  officer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in "Wind River." (Credit: Fred Hayes/The Weinstein Company).

Practicing what Renner calls a form of cowboy meditation, Cory makes his own bullets, hand-loading rifle cartridges with gunpowder at a workbench in his home. Its not merely a demonstration of his self-reliance, Renner says, but a form of new-age therapy. Were not on the Oregon Trail anymore, he says. Were on Twitter and Instagram.

Olsen says she sees Jane  a Fort Lauderdale-based Fed on temporary assignment to the Southwest  as a takeoff on another old trope: the new sheriff in town. Not only is she a woman in a mans world, shes also a Caucasian who is out of her element on the reservation. Taylor wanted to explore what happens when a white, blond female comes in to solve a crime, she says. I dont know what Im doing, and I need help. I dont understand how to navigate this world.

To be fair, the world of Wind River is an especially complicated one, with Cory working side-by side with the tribal police chief (Graham Greene), while also encountering friction  and outright hostility  when he and Jane show up at a squalid shack belonging to several drug-addicted Native suspects. The movie might not present a flattering portrait of reservation life, but, as Sheridan points out, who would want that?

Sugarcoating doesnt do anybody any good, he says of the films frank portrayal of Native American struggles. Its not vilifying Native Americans to show issues with substance abuse. Those very issues, in different ways, strike at the very core of all people under emotional and financial pressure. They exist in every class and culture.

In Sheridans view, that sometimes brutal honesty doesnt fly in the face of the films appeal, but, rather, explains its it  especially with the Native American community. Wind River was, in large part, made possible by an investment from the Tunica-Biloxi Economic Development Corp., a Louisiana-based tribal business that operates Native American gambling casinos, and that was looking for opportunities to invest in films that raise awareness about Native American culture, warts and all.

Out of the blue, we got a call from the Tunica-Biloxi tribe, Taylor says, recalling the 2015 conversation he had with a tribal representative. Id been on the call for 20 minutes, and they suddenly said, Wait a minute  youre not Native American? No, bro, I said. Im Irish. 

Sheridan attributes his ear for what he calls the vernacular rhythms of Native American speech, behavior and life to his West Texas upbringing. Although there are few Indians left in his home state  theyve all been forcibly relocated to Oklahoma  the time Sheridan spent visiting friends on various reservations has convinced him that, thanks to years of cohabitation and cross-pollination  and, yes, conflict  there are now as many similarities as differences between todays cowboys and Indians.

In the film, for example, Corys ex-wife is Arapaho, and they have a son together.

But the tale of the evolving relationship between the white man and the Native American is nowhere better illustrated, according to Sheridan, than in one of Wind Rivers final scenes. In it, Cory and the murdered girls father Martin (Gil Birmingham, with face painted), are sitting next to each other on the ground, each of the men having experienced profound loss.



Jeremy Renner and Gil Birminghams characters in "Wind River" embody the new West. (Credit: Fred Hayes/The Weinstein Company)

Youve got the guy with the cowboy hat sitting next to the guy with his face painted, Sheridan says, and the scene starts with Cory saying, Whats with the paint? Martin tells him: Its my death face. And how do you know what that is? asks Cory. Martin is like, I dont. I just made it up. 

That conversation, Sheridan says, encapsulates so much that is true and contradictory about the modern west: not just its stubbornly lingering cliches, but the sense that something is, inevitably, slipping away.

Right there, Sheridan says, metaphorical hammer in hand, I just wreck it.

Wind River (R, 107 minutes). Opens Friday at area theaters.
Lindsey Fong, 34, and Rob Oden, 31, met in 2013 during an open acro-yoga practice in Meridian Hill Park in Washington. (Julie Papikova)

Some people believe in love at first sight. For Lindsey Fong, it was love at first flight.

The environmental scientists life turned upside-down, literally and figuratively, the day she met Robert Oden. Walking home from a yoga class in August 2013, she stumbled upon a group of people forming gravity-defying shapes and structures in Washingtons Meridian Hill Park.

Impressed and intrigued, she asked the group what it was. The participants explained they were practicing acro-yoga (a partner-based, acrobatic form of yoga) and offered to show her some moves.

Within minutes, she was being lifted into the air, like Baby in Dirty Dancing, by her future husband.

[A refresher on wedding etiquette, from tricky plus-one scenarios to cash bars]

Lindsey and Rob exchanged vows in front of the D.C. War Memorial on July 8. The couples daughter, Kaia, rode down the aisle in a remote-controlled red convertible. (Julie Papikova)

Right away, she was hooked  on acro-yoga, that is. It became my passion, she said.

She began attending the groups biweekly practices religiously and bonded with Rob over their mutual interests. A friendship began to blossom and, by early fall, they were each others primary partners, later performing under the name AcroClimactic.

Despite their increasing intimacy, for months each wrongly assumed the other was involved with someone else. It wasnt until December, when Lindsey alluded to the fact that she was single on Facebook, that Rob realized her relationship status.

Interested to learn more, he went to her page. But his excitement quickly turned into embarrassment after he accidentally liked a years-old picture of her while scrolling through her feed.

Instead of ignoring or denying his blunder, he decided to make his intentions known by asking her out on a date. She accepted hesitantly, as she was worried a romance would possibly hurt their progress as partners.

Dinner went smoothly, but when Rob inquired about a second date, Lindsey politely declined. We worked so well together and I didnt want to lose that, she says.

Although stung by the rejection, Rob took it in stride. I had to acknowledge that we were not destined to go down that path and accept it, says the cybersecurity consultant.

Rob lifts Lindsey at the end of their wedding ceremony in front of guests on July 8 in front of the D.C. War Memorial. (Julie Papikova)

Their shared commitment to acro-yoga helped them push past the initial awkwardness and focus on their friendship. Still wanting to be involved with Lindseys life outside of yoga, Rob asked to join her teams for the charitable Cupids Undie Run on Capitol Hill and the D.C. Dragon Boat Festival.

As their connection grew, in and out of acro-yoga, Lindsey noticed her feelings start to change. In March 2014, during an acro-yoga performance to Over the Rhines song Trouble, audience members commented on the pairs noticeable connection  and palpable chemistry.

They were right. A few weeks later, at a Great Gatsby-themed bash, they shared their first kiss.

[Whats it like getting married at Disney? Its not always a fairy tale. ]

From there, things progressed steadily. Wary of another rejection, in June 2014 Rob asked Lindsey to be exclusive. She surprised him by blurting out I love you.

Five months later, they embarked on a 10-day trip to Chile and Argentina. The trip cemented their relationship and brought them even closer together. People assumed we were married and called me Mrs. Oden,  says Lindsey. It didnt sound strange. It actually felt natural.

Rob moved in with Lindsey, and they began building a home together. Three months after the trip, Lindsey learned she was pregnant. The pregnancy was unplanned, but they were committed to each other and to raising a family together. They were excited and selectively began telling friends and family members the good news.

It was, This is all happening right now. Can we do it? and we said, Yes, yes we can!  Lindsey says.

However, three months later, Lindsey miscarried. It was incredibly hard and very painful, says Lindsey. But it solidified our commitment to each other.

The pair took it as a sign that they should plan adventures and embrace life. They traveled to Africa (visiting Kenya, Zanzibar, Tanzania and South Africa) and enrolled in acro-yoga teacher training in Hawaii, where Rob secretly planned to propose.

In December 2015, Lindsey became pregnant again. Flights to Hawaii were canceled and Rob began plotting a new proposal closer to home. Six months later, during an acro-yoga conference in Philadelphia, he surprised her with a theatrical proposal to Cant Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Donning a black tux, he dropped to a knee and asked her to be his wife in front of 200 of their acro-yoga friends and family.

Our love is not conditional, Lindsey says. Theres no I love you but or I love you except. 

Id rather be in a situation when I am mad with her than happy with somebody else, says Rob. Even at our most mad, we are still madly in love with each other.

Their daughter, Kaia, was born in August 2016. Seeing her with Rob is exactly what I envisioned and how I hoped it would be, Lindsey says.

The wedding plans were expedited in November when Robs fathers health took a turn for the worse. Diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer, the couple decided to have a small, intimate courthouse ceremony in New Orleans. Four months later, his father died.

[Forget the big wedding. More of todays couples include you through Facebook.]

Life goes its own direction and you embrace the challenges, Rob said. It didnt follow the trajectory we thought it would  the proposal, marriage and babies  but sometimes the best things in life are the things you dont plan for.

And I wouldnt change any life event, he added, because they all led me to her.

On July 8, 2017, Lindsey, 34, and Rob, 31, were all smiles as they exchanged heartfelt, handwritten vows at the D.C. War Memorial on the Mall. While the lead-up to the festivities was a comedy of errors  members of the wedding party were missing, favors were forgotten, dresses were accidentally stained and more  everything came together once the ceremony began. Its our nature, Lindsey quipped.

Robs 13-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, Kayla, was a bridesmaid. Kaia, now 11 months old, cruised down the wedding aisle in a bright red, remote-controlled convertible and parked next to the bridal party.

At the close of their vows, the officiant, Robert Roy, a friend and fellow acro-yoga performer, surprised guests with a personalized take on the vows.

Rather than You may now kiss the bride, Roy announced, you may now lift the bride, and Rob raised his new bride effortlessly above his head. Their 125 guests erupted in excited cheers and applause, providing the perfect segue to their reception at Dance Loft, which featured belly dancing, hula hooping, hula and, of course, acro-yoga.

Are you getting married in the Washington region? Tell us why we should feature your nuptials here at wapo.st/weddings.
Dear Carolyn: When my husband and I first married, I had a wonderful relationship with his parents. However, over the last decade his mothers health has deteriorated such that she is now both severely disabled and depressed. My father-in-law is a wonderful man who has devoted his life to her care, but, despite his devotion, she directs her unhappiness at him. Spending time with them is difficult.

My husband agrees theyre not easy, but also mourns his moms disabilities. They are local so we probably see them monthly.

They recently announced their plan to join us on the annual beach vacation with my side of the family (who is not local). They plan to rent a house nearby during the same week.

Carolyn, this time with my husband and children is dear to me, and the prospect of an in-law invasion makes me miserable. When I shared these feelings with my husband and proposed alternatives (a weekend getaway with them or time together during a different week) he flipped out and was devastated. He said he cannot tell them no and I am unreasonable for not accommodating them.

Im not the type to put my foot down, but Ive done so and my husband is now sleeping on the couch and not speaking to me. Aside from this one issue, our relationship is great. I need a sanity check; am I in the wrong?

 Anonymous

Anonymous: No. Even if your mother-in-law were in perfect health and pleasant company, youd have every right to veto, saying, We see your parents monthly; this is my familys time.

And, his flipping out on you is not okay regardless. Even when such an emotional outburst is understandable, a loving, mature adult will de-escalate and apologize for losing his composure. Sticking with it over days, against someone who is making clear efforts to both honor her priorities and make reasonable trade-offs to do so, is not acting in good marital faith.

Its important to recognize, though, that being right can still be wrong if you dont recognize the emotional stakes. Even a loving, mature adult can buckle under the strain of helplessness in a crisis like his mothers, and when that happens, its not unusual for someone to unload some of the excess weight onto the nearest safe person. In this case, you.

Or in the case of his mother: his father. You say she unloads on him despite his devotion, but I would argue its because of it. Whom can we blame for infirmity, mortality and loss? The universe? So, we blame our best friends for burning the toast.

People generally dont do this consciously, they just drop their guard around the person they trust not to leave.

If your husbands flip-out is indeed uncharacteristic, then I think you can safely treat this as his attacking not you or your family time, but the Human Condition  by the nearest way available means.

So approach him accordingly. Your moms ordeal is tearing you up. I see that. Wait a beat for a response. If none, then say you didnt mean to add more stress and youre there for him when hes ready. Then, patience. Hold firm on the beach or relent  up to you  but either way, he needs the best listener you can be.
A D.C. judge has temporarily blocked PN Hoffman from building condos on this plaza. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

A D.C. Superior Court judge on Friday temporarily barred a developer seeking to build condominiums from razing a Northwest Washington plaza that community groups contend was ceded by a bank to the public more than 40 years ago.

In issuing the order, Judge Todd Edelman said that two Adams Morgan community groups have a substantial chance of prevailing in the lawsuit they filed to block PN Hoffman from building on the plaza, part of property owned by SunTrust bank at the intersection of 18th Street and Columbia Road NW.

SunTrust, which maintains a branch on the site, has an agreement to sell the property to developer PN Hoffman, which plans to build 54 condos.

As he left court, SunTrust lawyer Michael Ross declined to comment on the judges ruling, saying, Were still evaluating.

Paul Zukerberg, the lawyer representing the projects opponents, described the judges ruling as incredible because the neighborhood activists were able to stop in their tracks a bank and developer.

Shoppers wait in line to buy produce at the Saturday farmers market on the plaza in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Amy Clark, a spokeswoman for PN Hoffman, said the developer declined to comment.

[How a charmless concrete plaza morphed into hallowed ground]

The plaza was designed as a de facto public square in the 1970s. Its then-owner, Perpetual Federal Savings and Loan bank, offered it as a way to assuage a community that was opposed to the bank opening because of its discriminatory lending practices.

Before and after SunTrust took over the site in 1992, the plaza has hosted a weekly farmers market and occasional public events.

For older residents familiar with the sites history, it has also become a symbol of the neighborhoods history of progressive politics.

But many Adams Morgan residents view the plaza as an eyesore, and the neighborhoods email group has been rife with pleas for a developer to transform it into something other than a grazing ground for pigeons.

After PN Hoffman unveiled its plans for the site, the two neighborhood groups, Adams Morgan for Reasonable Development and the Kalorama Citizens Association, filed suit claiming that Perpetual had granted the plaza to the community in the form of a public easement.

But SunTrust has argued that the plaza is private property and that no such easement exists.

As evidence for their case, the community groups cited a 1976 letter written by Perpetuals president, Thomas J. Owen, in which he asserted that the three-story building the bank was designing would be placed far back on the site to allow ample room for vendors and other open air activities.

In his ruling, Edelman cited that letter as well as testimony from two former Adams Morgan community leaders who were present during negotiations in the 1970s as evidence that Perpetual had ceded the plaza to the public.

Im not here saying that the plaza is better than condos or condos are better than a plaza, the judge said.

Reasonable people can disagree over the use.

But he said that allowing the project to proceed without a trial could allow for the destruction of the plaza before a legal resolution.

Ross told the judge that the temporary injunction could blow up the deal between SunTrust and PN Hoffman.

He asked that the community groups put up a $20 million bond, which they would forfeit if the bank is victorious at the trial.

Zukerberg countered that the groups dont have $20 million and if they did, they might buy the property themselves.

The judge said he would get back to the two sides about a bond next week.
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser stands on the field before a baseball game between the Colorado Rockies and the Washington Nationals in July. (Mark Tenally/AP)

Its not always easy to track down the fixtures of Washingtons political and business elite in August, when District residents traditionally head for mountains, beaches or anywhere else less sweltering than the nations capital at the height of summer.

Among those who have skipped town: D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), who will be mostly outside the District through Aug. 12, according to her staff.

On Wednesday, the mayor began a vacation in Florida that will last through Tuesday.

After that, Bowser will return briefly to the District before traveling to Louisiana to meet with officials from the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and to Tennessee and Mississippi to speak about education at the invitation of the Congressional Black Caucus, mayoral spokeswoman LaToya Foster said.

Bowser isnt the only local politician taking a break from business at the John A. Wilson Building. The D.C. Council went on recess last month and does not reconvene until mid-September, although many council members continue the work of constituent services and drafting legislation despite the absence of scheduled meetings.
Beneath the ground in a handful of locations in Rock Creek Park, not far from the swirl of an oblivious capital, lurks the Districts lone endangered species: the mysterious Hays Spring amphipod.

Fully grown, theyre about one centimeter long. They live under wet, dead leaves. They are milky white, sightless and shy. They are not photogenic.

They look like tiny dead shrimp, said David Culver, an environmental science professor at American University who studies amphipods.

Though Stygobromus hayi, as the endangered amphipod is affectionately known, lacks the majesty of other endangered species, such as the blue whale or Asian elephant, it is the star of a scientific paper published this summer. The amphipods elusive qualities made it an ideal subject for study through environmental DNA, a technique for examining microbes in soil to locate very tiny critters.

Environmental DNA, or eDNA, are little bits of ourselves we living creatures constantly emit into the world around us  strands of hair left on a comb, for example, or skin cells shed onto a computer keyboard.

Not wishing to exterminate members of such a celebrated endangered species, scientists screened water samples from 10 seepage springs in Rock Creek Park  not rushing rivers, but wet spots where groundwater rises to the surface  looking for bits of Stygobromus hayi. They detected the creature at four springs, including one near the U.S. Park Police Station on Beach Drive, where the animal wasnt found with traditional methods.

This study is the first to our knowledge to successfully employ an eDNA approach to detect rare or threatened invertebrates from subterranean ecosystems, the study said, calling eDNA a considerably less invasive sampling technique.

The authors of the case study, published in the scientific journal Conservation Genetics Resources, thought it would be easier to find traces of amphipods where they hang out than actually finding the animals themselves.

Studying endangered species, after all, isnt easy  especially a species like the Hays Spring amphipod. Truth be told, this unique animal, which lives on four square kilometers of Planet Earth, looks a heck of a lot like other amphipods. So much, in fact, that confirming an identification involves some unseemliness.

The only way to find out is to kill them, said Daniel Fong, an American University professor and co-author of the study.

[Purple Lines obscure obstacle: A rare, shrimplike creature]

The Hays Spring amphipod was discovered in 1938 on property belonging to the National Zoo, said Meagan Racey, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They were found at additional sites along Rock Creek in subsequent decades and act as metaphorical canaries in the coal mine.

As Washingtons recent record-setting deluge showed, storm water can be a big problem in a densely populated city. Runoff from roads can contain heavy metals that degrade the quality of soil in Rock Creek Park, especially when spewed from antiquated pipes.

All that nasty stuff in the water can kill amphipods. Indeed, the creatures helped spur a $1 million program to control storm-water runoff near the Carter Barron Amphitheatre. If they persist, that means efforts to keep pollution out of the park may be succeeding.

Theyre very sensitive to water quality, Racey said. The fact that they exist here is good news.

The Hays Spring amphipod also grabs more headlines than the average minuscule crustacean. Activists seeking to stop construction of the Purple Line cited it as a reason not to build the line. It was also declared the Districts official amphipod earlier this year by Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D).

[D.C. Council ponders: What should D.C.s official amphipod be?]

That said, theres a lot researchers dont know about the Hays Spring amphipods. Was this eDNA from one animal or 100? Was the DNA present because an animal molted or because it died?

From here, the depths of the Earth are the limit.

This study was more a proof of concept that we can actually detect a small, little invertebrate species, said Matthew L. Niemiller, an ecologist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the studys lead author.

The fact that we can detect a small species like this, we can apply to other species around the world that are rare and endangered.
THE DISTRICT

Man shot dead in Brookland identified

D.C. police have identified a man fatally shot Thursday night when a gunman opened fire on a group at a gas station parking lot in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast.

Jarvis Belle, 29, died at a hospital shortly after the shooting that occurred around 7:40 p.m. at an Exxon station in the 3400 block of 18th Street NE.

Belle lived two blocks from the scene. A person who answered the phone at the address said the family was not there and would not answer questions. Police did not discuss a possible motive, and no arrest had been made as of Friday afternoon.

 Peter Hermann

Upskirting at

Columbia Heights

Police said Friday they are looking for a voyeur who sexually assaulted a woman at the Columbia Heights Metro station and might have taken other upskirt photographs.

At around 7:40 p.m. Thursday, a woman reported she was leaving the station on a west escalator when she felt a hand up her skirt, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said in a statement. Video surveillance showed a person stuck a cellphone up the womans skirt, and an investigation indicated other victims might not be aware they had been photographed the same way.

 Justin Wm. Moyer

MARYLAND

Teen killed when tree falls on car

A 14-year-old girl was killed after a tree fell on a car in which she was a passenger as fierce storms hit Baltimore County, according to officials. The girls mother was the driver.

The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. Thursday along Pot Spring Road near Deer Fox Lane, according to Baltimore County Police. A crane lifted the tree from the Hyundai Sonata.

The teenager was in the back seat and pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers  girls 16 and 13  and the driver were taken to a hospital for injuries described as not life threatening.

 Dana Hedgpeth

VIRGINIA

Motorcyclist charged after chase

A motorcyclist led police on a chase along Interstate 66 before crashing the bike and running before being caught, police said.

Virginia State Police said the Thursday incident started just before 7 a.m. when officers attempted a traffic stop along eastbound I-66 near Route 28 in Centreville. The motorcyclist hit 100 mph during the chase, weaving through traffic, according to police. After crashing, the motorcyclist fled into woods where authorities found Rudine L. Puckett, 25, of Tennessee after a search. He faces charges including eluding police and reckless driving.

 Dana Hedgpeth
A reporter holds up an example of the amount of fentanyl that can be deadly after a news conference about deaths from fentanyl exposure, at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, Va., in June. (Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press)

The number of Maryland deaths related to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, surged in the first quarter of 2017, more than doubling from the first quarter of 2016, and making up the majority of drug-related overdose deaths in the state.

Marylands Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported Friday that fentanyl-overdose fatalities jumped to 372 from January through March, up from 157 during the same period in 2016. Fentanyl and a related additive, carfentanil, which are increasingly common nationwide, can be 50 or 100 times more powerful than heroin.

Many drug-users are unknowingly consuming the synthetic opioids, which are often mixed into other drugs to increase their potency, Health Secretary Dennis Schrader said.

We implore Marylanders who are grappling with substance use disorder and are taking illicit substances to seek treatment immediately, Schrader said in a statement. The state has an online tool for locating treatment centers.

Use of fentanyl, the powerful synthetic opioid that killed rock legend Prince in April, has spiked dramatically in recent years. There were eight fentanyl-related deaths in Maryland in the first quarter of 2013, which means since then the number has jumped more than 40-fold.

The marked increase in use is a key factor in the growing number of opioid-related overdoses  which are also tied to the use of heroin and prescription painkillers  in the state.

Deaths from heroin increased, but not as dramatically as deaths from fentanyl. There were 266 heroin-related deaths in the first quarter of 2017, up 21 percent from 2016.

The number of prescription opioid-related deaths was similar this quarter compared with last  100 in 2017, compared with 99 in 2016.

Opioid-related deaths in the state have increased every year since 2012, with more pronounced upticks in 2016 and 2017.

Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who lost a cousin to a heroin overdose, has declared a state of emergency regarding opioid addiction. In June, Hogan issued a standing order that allowed the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, to be dispensed from licensed pharmacies without a prescription.

Hogan also received a waiver so beginning July 1, residents could be reimbursed by the federal Medicaid program for certain residential substance abuse treatment programs.

Health officials in Baltimore  which reported the most drug-related deaths and the most deaths because of fentanyl (123 through March, compared with 46 at the same time in 2016)  said in June they were running low on naloxone, which has been used to save hundreds of lives in the city.

Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County reported the next highest figures for fentanyl-related deaths.

Prince Georges County had the fourth-highest number of fentanyl-related deaths  with 27 in the first quarter of 2017, compared with four in 2016. Montgomery County reported 15 fentanyl-related deaths compared with five in 2016.
Medical marijuana regulators in Maryland are asking companies that have received preliminary licenses to grow and process the drug whether they had personal or business connections to the independent experts who graded their applications.

The inquiry follows a report in The Washington Post this week that revealed several ties between evaluators and businesses.

With a few exceptions, state cannabis regulators chose businesses to enter the potentially lucrative legal marijuana industry based on how they were scored by 20 experts hired by the Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI) at Towson University.

The connections between some applicants and some of those experts raise new questions about how the state tried to avoid conflicts in setting up a legal marijuana industry where hundreds of businesses were competing intensely for a limited number of licenses for growing, processing and selling the drug.

[Lawmaker asks for special session on marijuana after Post report]

The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission sent emails to businesses this week asking them to disclose any relevant relationships, according to representatives of multiple recipients of the emails. The representatives, who described the emails to The Post, asked not to be identified because the commission had marked the communication confidential.

Specifically, the commission is requesting each applicant to certify that none of its agents, including owners, investors and employees, has any relationship with one of the Subject Matter Experts retained by RESI that could be viewed as a conflict of interest, the email read.

If any individual in your organization had any affiliation or relationship with any of the Subject Matter Experts, please describe in detail the name of the individuals, the nature of the relationship and the earliest dates on which that relationship existed.

The email did not specify what the panel planned to do if it learned that specific companies had links to application reviewers. Patrick Jameson, executive director of the commission, declined to comment on the messages. He said last week that his agency was investigating potential conflicts of interest.

The Post reported that the person listed as general manager of Temescal Wellnesss processing facility is married to a woman hired to evaluate applications from prospective processing businesses. The couple told The Post that they were unfamiliar with each others positions.

An attorney for Temescal Wellness, which received preliminary licenses to grow, process and sell the drug, said last week the company did nothing wrong and was cooperating with the commissions request for information.

The commission is scheduled to consider final approval for medical marijuana growers and processors this month, contingent on them passing final background checks and inspections.

Aaron Gregg contributed to this report.
The Montgomery County lawmakers leading the charge for a $15 minimum wage in the states largest jurisdiction say they are not deterred by a study that says the change would cost tens of thousands of jobs over five years.

County Council member Marc Elrich (D-At Large) said the study  which asked business owners to predict the effect of raising the minimum wage rather than look at the impact of an actual wage hike  was designed to produce negative results.

What do you think theyre going to tell you, Elrich said. Its not a valid study.

Elrich, who is running to replace County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), introduced a bill last week to bring the minimum wage up from $11.50 to $15.

Days later, the county released the study by the Philadelphia-based economic consulting group PFM. It was commissioned by Leggett in January after he vetoed a different $15-an-hour minimum-wage bill, also sponsored by Elrich, that had passed the council by one vote.

Council member George L. Leventhal (D-At Large) (Neal Schlosburg)

The PFM report, sent to council members Tuesday evening, said business owners and community business leaders estimated that they would reduce their lower-wage workforce by an average of 23 percent if minimum wage reached $15. The study involved online surveys and in-person and phone interviews.

But Elrich said unemployment in Montgomery decreased between 2013 and 2017, when the hourly minimum wage in the county increased from $7.25 to $11.50.

Looking at that trajectory, he said, it is laughable to think the county would lose 47,000 jobs if it increased its minimum wage to $15 by 2022.

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 minimum is reflective of the market and not likely to cause substantial disruption if left in place.

But council member George L. Leventhal (D-At Large), a co-sponsor of the Elrich bill, said its not reasonable to assume the minimum wage would stop at $11.50 in 2017 and never change.

This study is not the last word on this, said Leventhal, who is also running for county executive.

The Health and Human Services Committee, which Leventhal chairs, will hold a public hearing to discuss the minimum wage on Sept. 26. The committee will begin discussing the Elrich bill in October.

The bill attempts 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.

Leventhal said he is not locked into the numbers in the second bill.

He noted that economists have produced studies that say raising the minimum wage is damaging to local economies, as well as studies that say its good for consumer spending and strengthens the middle class.

So I was not surprised that the county could procure a study, that it paid for, that said raising the minimum wage to $15 will have negative effects, Leventhal said.
Lawrence Pezzullo, accompanying Sandinista leader Tomas Borge in 1979, shaped U.S. policy in Nicaragua during a crucial stretch in that countrys history. (Family Photo)

Lawrence Pezzullo, an American diplomat who brokered the 1979 resignation of Nicaraguan strongman Anastasio Somoza Debayle, whose family had ruled the country for more than four decades, died July 26 at his home in Baltimore. He was 91.

The cause was heart ailments, said a son, Ralph Pezzullo.

A career Foreign Service officer, Mr. Pezzullo was known as a straight-talking pragmatist, more interested in facilitating negotiations than relaying threats of military action  a fact that sometimes placed him at odds with his superiors in Washington.

He was serving as U.S. ambassador to Uruguay when President Jimmy Carter reassigned him to Nicaragua in April 1979. His predecessor in Managua, Mauricio Solaun, had abruptly resigned amid the escalating civil war between the left-wing Sandinista National Liberation Front and the Somoza government.

Somoza, a rotund five-star general known as El Jefe, had promised to fight to the death rather than relinquish the political power that his family had exerted since the late 1930s, when his father, head of Nicaraguas National Guard, seized power and established the Somoza dynasty.

Mr. Pezzullo in 1977, when he was U.S. ambassador to Uruguay. (State Department)

The family had long presented itself as a bulwark against communism in Central America, and long had the backing of the United States during the Cold War. But Carter began to make human rights a cornerstone of his foreign policy, and the Somoza family received strong criticism for its abuses.

The Nicaraguan National Guard had reportedly tortured civilians as part of its campaign against the Sandinista guerrilla fighters, and helicopters were dropping 500-pound bombs on shantytowns near Managua.

Mr. Pezzullo, a veteran diplomat with experience in Vietnam, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia and Guatemala, was tasked with convincing Somoza to resign, thereby bringing the war to an end.

Mr. Pezzullo held private meetings with Somoza for three weeks, often in the generals underground bunker in Managua, before Somoza relented, describing himself as a tied donkey fighting with a tiger.

Somoza eventually settled in Paraguay, where he was assassinated in 1980 by bazooka-wielding members of a leftist Argentine guerrilla group. In Nicaragua, the Sandinista ruling junta observed his death by declaring a national day of celebration.

The country was led by Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega until free elections in 1990 handed power to the opposition. Ortega returned as president in 2007 and was reelected in 2011 and 2016.

Mr. Pezzullo initially sought to moderate the juntas political views, plying it with planeloads of aid from Washington and insisting that he was there as a potential partner, not as an enemy.

And in a small yet powerful gesture at reconciliation, he moved out of the old ambassadors residence, a hillside mansion that had long served as a symbol of U.S. dominance in the country. His son Ralph said that Mr. Pezzullo frequently hosted Sandinista leaders at his new, smaller home, imploring them to stop trafficking weapons to left-wing rebels in El Salvador.

He largely succeeded, with Nicaraguas foreign minister calling him the best U.S. ambassador to Nicaragua in this century. Yet with the election of President Ronald Reagan in 1980, the State Department began to treat Nicaragua as a menace.

Mr. Pezzullo insisted the threat was overstated. He recalled telling Secretary of State Alexander Haig in 1981: Im not saying theyre going to turn Nicaragua into Connecticut, but I think we can deal with these fellows. And I think we can prevent them from doing stupid things, and causing problems in the hemisphere. I think that is a cheaper way to go about it, than to get into some sort of John Wayne approach.

Months later, however, Mr. Pezzullo was replaced as ambassador. Reagan subsequently authorized the CIA to provide funding and arms to the contras, a group of conservative-aligned revolutionaries. The resulting conflict between the guerrillas and the government resulted in the deaths of more than 30,000 Nicaraguans and allegations of widespread human rights abuses.

Lawrence Anthony Pezzullo was born in the Bronx on May 3, 1926, to a family of immigrants from Italy. His father owned several New York City butcher shops and fruit stands.

Mr. Pezzullo graduated from Columbia University in 1951 with a bachelors degree in history and taught at a high school before entering the Foreign Service in 1957.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, the former Josephine DiMattia of Baltimore and Naples, Fla.; three children, Ralph Pezzullo of Los Angeles and David Pezzullo and Susan Pezzullo Johnston, both of Naples; and seven grandchildren.

In 1983, Mr. Pezzullo became the first layman to lead Catholic Relief Services, the churchs foreign-aid arm in the United States.

He was credited by some with modernizing the organization, and in March 1993 was appointed special envoy to Haiti by newly elected President Bill Clinton, charged with coordinating the White Houses efforts to restore power to the countrys president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Aristide had been ousted in a military coup the previous year, and some of his supporters had been killed or tortured. Mr. Pezzullo helped negotiate a United Nations agreement that granted amnesty to the soldiers and military leaders who committed the crimes, in exchange for Aristides return to power.

But the military failed to step aside, and Mr. Pezzullo was blasted by organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the National Coalition of Haitian Refugees, which described Mr. Pezzullo and the White House as contributing to a reign of terror in Haiti.

Mr. Pezzullo was forced to resign in April 1994, as the Clinton administration moved from a policy of negotiation to one of forceful intervention, with thousands of U.S. troops occupying the country for six months in 1994 and 1995.

Aristide was restored to the presidency, but the countrys political system ultimately devolved into chaos. Aristide was reelected in 2000, but there were allegations of electoral fraud, and he fled the country four years later during a second coup.

Were a developed nation that is accustomed to quick answers because we produce quick answers in almost every other area, Mr. Pezzullo told the New York Times in 1981. But when you throw yourself into a revolution, there are no quick answers. The questions are easy  Where is it going? Who are the new leaders? and so  but answers are impossible.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported the circumstances of Mr. Pezzullos departure from Catholic Relief Services. According to news accounts at the time, Mr. Pezzullo resigned as executive director in March 1993 to become the U.S. special envoy to Haiti. He was not forced out because of concerns over aid to drought victims in Ethiopia. The story has been revised.
Jose Montano, a 17-year-old youth in Maryland accused and then cleared of sex assault charges in a high-profile case over allegations of a brutal rape in a high school bathroom, admitted to a far less serious offense Friday of having a lewd video of a juvenile in his phone.

The resolution of the state criminal case  in Montgomery County Juvenile Court  clears the way for another battle: whether Montano, a native of El Salvador who entered the country illegally last year, will be granted residency status or deported.

Theres a lot of work to be done, said one of his attorneys, Jose Canto, but I think he has a chance to get a green card.

The plea represented a quiet resolution to a story that attracted national attention and mention in a White House press briefing as it became part of the larger debate over illegal immigration.

Montano pleaded involvement, a juvenile court term, to possessing a pornographic video of the girl at the center of the rape case. She made the video, which was about 10 seconds long, and sent it to Montano the night before the purported rape, according to Montanos attorneys.

Montanos immediate future is not clear. He is being held at a juvenile detention center in Virginia. A Montgomery judge on Friday scheduled a hearing for Aug. 16, and he may ultimately release Montano to his relatives.

The original case surfaced in mid-March, after Montgomery County detectives were called to Rockville High School. They met the 14-year-old student, who told them that Montano and his friend, 18-year-old Henry Sanchez Milian, had repeatedly raped her in a bathroom stall.

The detectives questioned Sanchez Milian, who acknowledged he and Montano had sex with the girl. Detectives questioned Montano, who said theyd gone into the bathroom merely to tell jokes, according to a police affidavit. Detectives charged both teens with two counts of first-degree sex offense and one count of first-degree rape. Montano, a juvenile, was charged as an adult.

News accounts revealed the teens immigration histories. Sanchez Milian also had entered the country illegally a year earlier, from Guatemala. Both teens had been detained at the border then allowed to continue on to Montgomery County, where they enrolled at Rockville High as ninth-graders while awaiting possible immigration court proceedings.

In the rape case, defense lawyers for the two asserted the sex acts in the bathroom were consensual.

Prosecutors at the Montgomery County States Attorneys Office reviewed the case and eventually determined there were too many inconsistencies and the facts didnt support the original charges. In May, they dropped all sex assault charges against the teens.

[Rape charges to be dropped against immigrant teens in Md. case]

But as they did, prosecutors then filed child pornography charges against Montano and Sanchez Milian over two images  a video and a photo  on the teens phones of the girl. The images, according to the teens attorneys, had been sent by the girl to Montano, who shared them with Sanchez Milian.

Prosecutors pursued the new case against Sanchez Milian in adult court, charging him with two counts of possession of child pornography. That case is pending, a trial date set for Oct. 30. Sanchez Milian remains held in the Montgomery jail, where immigration agents have lodged a detainer against him  an indication they could eventually move to to try to have him deported.

The new case against Montano went into juvenile court, where he was charged with two counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of distribution of child pornography because he sent the images to Sanchez Milian.

Juvenile court proceedings, including charges, often are kept confidential, and The Washington Post generally does not identify juvenile defendants who are not charged as adults. But Montanos attorneys had wanted the hearings open and did not object to a reporter being present.

Attorneys for the two teenagers have long said the pornography charges were too harsh and amounted to a stretch of child pornography laws designed to go after adults. The attorneys also noted that the images being used against their clients had been part of communications that had helped lead to the rape case being dropped.

At a half-hour hearing Friday, Assistant States Attorney Mary Herdman told Circuit Judge Cynthia Callahan the parties had reached a resolution, and she would no longer be pursuing a recent effort to move the pornography case against Montano to adult court.

Under his plea, Montano pleaded involvement to one of the child pornography possession counts, and prosecutors dropped the other possession count and the two distribution counts.

Montano, wearing a blue polo shirt and listening over a headset to a Spanish interpreter, answered questions designed to establish he wanted to accept the plea deal.

Herdman read a brief summary of what prosecutors would have presented had the case gone to trial andsaid police found the images on Montanos Instagram account.

Outside of court, David Wooten, an attorney for Montano, said his client has learned he needs to respect girls more and that consensual sex in a high school bathroom is bad behavior. He understands that was a horrible decision, Wooten said.

He said given Montanos background in El Salvador  he was abandoned by his parents, he fled the country to get away from gangs trying to recruit him, his attorneys said  he has a case to make for being allowed to stay in the United States.
A man who runs a day-care center in Virginia was arrested Wednesday after he inappropriately touched two children, police said.

On June 20, an 11-year-old reported being inappropriately touched by a man later identified as 43-year-old Claudio Vargas Lazo, who operates a state-licensed, in-home day-care facility in the 3900 block of Kernstown Court, Fairfax County police said in a statement. An investigation determined that Vargas Lazo also inappropriately touched a 9-year-old, the statement said.

Vargas Lazo was arrested Wednesday and charged with three counts of aggravated sexual battery, according to the statement. Police asked anyone with more information or concerned that Vargas Lazo had inappropriate contact with their child contact them at 703-246-7800.
D.C. police have identified a man who was fatally shot Thursday night when a gunman opened fire on a group at a gas station parking lot in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington.

Jarvis Belle, 29, died at a hospital shortly after the shooting, which occurred about 7:40 p.m. at an Exxon station in the 3400 block of 18th Street NE.

[Four shot, one fatally, in Northeast Washington]

Three other men were struck by gunfire and were taken to area hospitals with injuries police said were not life-threatening. Police said the shooting occurred in front of the garage bay doors.

Belle lived about a block from the shooting scene. A person who answered the phone at the address said the family was not there and would not answer questions. Police did not discuss a possible motive, and no arrest had been made as of Friday afternoon.
A class-action lawsuit was filed Thursday in Maryland on behalf of women who attorneys say were sexually assaulted by a former Kaiser Permanente doctor.

The lawsuit alleges that Kaiser ignored the complaints of patients who accused Bryan S. Williams of inappropriately touching them during exams, thus allowing him to continue practicing and assaulting women.

The Maryland State Board of Physicians suspended Williamss medical license in May 2016, documents show.

Williams, who was a pain-management specialist and anesthesiologist, worked at Kaiser locations in Largo and Kensington, Md., between 2010 and 2014 and assaulted at least 12 women, according to the lawsuit filed by Baltimore-based law firm Murphy, Falcon & Murphy as well as state medical board records.

[Anesthesiologist trashes sedated patient  and it ends up costing her]

Its a tragic irony that these women who came to have their pain relieved were caused more, said attorney Hassan Murphy. It is revolting and it is vile what this man did.

Williams has not been criminally charged in the matter, Murphy said.

Kaiser officials said in a statement that they fired Williams and reported him to physician licensing boards in Maryland, Virginia and the District. The company also said it reached out to each person who raised allegations against Williams and sought to address their concerns.

The safety of our patients is our highest priority, and we have no tolerance for behavior that puts our patients at risk, Kaiser said in its statement. We take allegations of misconduct very seriously, and we take action to protect our patients.

Williams could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday. Williams denied the allegations in an April 2016 news account preceding his hearing before the state board of physicians.

Women whom the state medical board interviewed last year said they felt molested, violated and sick after encounters with Williams, documents from his suspension hearing show.

Why would [he] do that when people trusted him? one woman told the medical board. Its not fair that as a doctor hes putting us through this.

[Case of doctor caught trashing man during surgery comes amid push for cameras in operating rooms]

Kaiser received a formal complaint alleging that Williams engaged in inappropriate conduct in September 2013 and again three months later, the lawsuit asserts.

Despite having received multiple complaints, Kaiser Providers did not reprimand, suspend, terminate, report or otherwise discipline Dr. Williams, the lawsuit alleges. It states that instead, Kaiser told Williams to enroll in a seminar about the importance of having a chaperon during exams.

Dr. Williams represented to Kaiser Providers that he had completed this seminar but it was in fact never completed, the lawsuit contends. Neither did the Kaiser Providers confirm or otherwise verify Dr. Williamss completion of the seminar.
Brian and Shelane Gaydos with daughters, Nadia, Olivia, and Sophia. Shelane Gaydos was a Fairfax County police officer and killed herself after a miscarriage in June 2015. Her family believes she suffered from postpartum psychosis. (Sarah Bryant)

Shelane Gaydos always wanted a big family. The Herndon woman and her husband, both Fairfax County police officers, had three little girls and were expecting their fourth child when they learned during a routine 12-week ultrasound that the babys heart had stopped beating.

Gaydos was devastated. In the days that followed, she blamed herself, worried aloud that she had let her husband down, and told her sister that she felt like a failure. She took time off work, stopped sleeping. Two weeks after the doctors appointment, she ended her life.

Her family and friends have spent the past two years trying to understand what happened to the 35-year-old woman they knew to be ambitious, passionate and fiercely dedicated to her children.

It was natural, of course, that she would be depressed, said her mother, Joanne Bryant of Fairfax Station, who is now helping to raise her three grandchildren. We did not know to what degree.

Gaydoss family believes her death was the result of postpartum psychosis, a rare illness that can cause delusions and paranoia. And they have become advocates for raising awareness about the range of mental-health issues  often referred to in somewhat misleading shorthand as postpartum depression  that can affect expectant or new mothers.

At least 1 in 7 women experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the first year after birth, making mental-health disorders the most common complication of pregnancy. Despite this, maternal depression remains vastly underdiagnosed and undertreated, with just 15 percent of women affected seeking professional help.

In recent years, advocates say, there has been new progress in understanding and treating an illness that half a million U.S. women experience each year. Medical providers are screening for depression more routinely, and lawmakers are beginning to look for solutions for expanding treatment options.

Last November, Congress passed the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act as part of a large medical research funding bill to provide federal grants to states to create programs that screen and treat women for maternal depression. The bill had broad bipartisan support, but funding for the grants is now in question. The House last week approved just $1 million of the $5 million originally allocated. The Senate has yet to vote.

Rep. Katherine M. Clark (D-Mass.), who introduced the bill, said many women struggle silently through what is supposed to be the happiest time of their lives.

Moms have a lot of guilt about how they feel, so they dont seek treatment, she said. We want to reduce the stigma and increase awareness that this is highly treatable.

Maryland created a statewide Task Force to Study Maternal Mental Health in 2015 that prompted the state to design a plan for a system for advising pediatricians and obstetricians to treat maternal depression. The D.C. Council is considering a bill that would create a similar task force.

Postpartum depression is where breast cancer was 30 years ago: We whispered about it, said Adrienne Griffen, founder and executive director of Postpartum Support Virginia. This is the next generations issue. 

[Taking antidepressants while pregnant: Local doctors and moms weigh in]

Hormonal shifts and stress

About 80 percent of women experience baby blues within the first few weeks of child birth, often defined by mood swings and irritability or sadness. Maternal depression is longer lasting and has more-severe symptoms, which can include anxiety, sleeplessness, extreme worry about the baby, feelings of hopelessness, and recurrent intrusive thoughts about hurting themselves or the baby.

Women are more likely to attempt suicide during the first year after childbirth than during any other time in their lives, and they tend to choose more lethal means.

These mood disorders are triggered by fluctuating hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, that ramp up during pregnancy and then drop off sharply after birth. Another significant hormonal shift occurs when women stop breast-feeding.

Researchers are trying to understand what predisposes some women to be more sensitive to these hormonal fluctuations, while others are not.

Its clear that environmental stressors play a role. The prevalence of depression is far higher for women who are poor or in abusive relationships or for women whose babies are born premature or disabled.

The stress of having a child is also exacerbated by unrealistic societal expectations, advocates say, and a poor social safety net that offers no federal paid leave program for new mothers.

Women are supposed to have a full-time job, breast-feed, fit into a Size 6, go back to work a week after their baby is born, and do it all themselves, not to mention without sleeping, said Jamie Zahlaway Belsito, advocacy chair of the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health.

Studies have shown that untreated maternal depression can harm not just mothers but also their children, and can lead to delays in cognitive and emotional development. Severe depression during pregnancy is associated with health risks, including pre-eclampsia and preterm delivery.

Spotty progress in screening

[Beyond Mom: Postpartum depression can impact a partners well-being, too]

With mounting evidence about the effects of maternal depression and with the availability of reliable screening tools, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommended in 2015 that women be screened at least once for depression during pregnancy and again in the postnatal period. And last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an influential federal panel, made a similar recommendation. The American Academy of Pediatrics in 2010 recommended that pediatricians screen mothers for postpartum depression at well-baby visits during the first six months.

Some mental-health advocates recommend that screenings happen more frequently.

If they know we are going to ask this time and again, and if they know its important for their health and their babys health, they will be more likely to get the support they need, said Lenore Jarvis, a pediatric emergency room doctor at Childrens National Health System.

Jarvis noticed a pattern of mothers coming to the emergency room worried about babies who did not have a clear medical problem. As a doctor, she would examine the baby and report back that everything was fine. But she felt she was not getting to the root of the problem.

She launched a pilot study to give depression screenings to mothers whose visits were not urgent and to provide resources to help those who needed it. The study found that 27 percent scored positive, and 7 percent reported having suicidal thoughts. More than half of the women who screened positive said they had never been screened before.

Despite the push, many women are still not being screened, advocates say.

One challenge is that many obstetricians or pediatricians lack specialized training to respond to maternal mental-health concerns, and they do not know where to refer mothers for help. The ACOG is developing training materials to help obstetricians, and it published a technical document to advise doctors who want to prescribe medications to pregnant or lactating women.

A statewide program in Massachusetts, which many advocates consider promising, makes a perinatal psychiatrist available full time to consult by phone with pediatricians and obstetricians or other caregivers who need advice to treat mothers.

Treatment options can include individual or group therapy, medication, home visits by a nurse or social worker, or simply a follow-up phone call.

For some women it just helps to know that they are not the only ones going through this, Jarvis said.

Raising awareness

Nadia Monroe, a University Park mother, was not diagnosed with postpartum depression until she returned to work four months after her baby was born. Despite panic attacks and chronic anxiety, it wasnt until she tried to quit her job because she was struggling to function that her boss sent her directly to see her obstetrician and called the office herself to sound an alarm.

Monroe eventually saw a psychiatrist and received a prescription for antidepressants that helped stabilize her mood.

I didnt have to suffer for so long, said Monroe, now a mother of two who runs a free peer support group for other mothers experiencing postpartum depression.

To raise awareness, friends and family of Shelane Gaydos organized a 5k run last fall to honor the police officer and avid runner, who was often out on trails with a baby stroller. They hope to make the symptoms well known to women and those who love them. They plan to have another run in October.

If Shelane had known that this was curable, that she could have gotten better, she would have been that patient who did every single thing, so she could still be here for those girls, said Laura Tiso, a longtime friend who worked with Gaydos at the Fairfax County police.

Two years after his wife died, Brian Gaydos said he has finally stopped asking God every day to bring her back.

His life has changed more than 180 degrees, as he became a single father to his three daughters and learned to cope without the woman he called his best friend and soul mate.

When people ask him what happened, he tells them: She died from a disease called postpartum depression. He said the answer makes many people uncomfortable:

You have to break through the uncomfortable, he said. We are losing a silent battle that no one wants to talk about.

For help, visit the Postpartum Support International website at postpartum.net or call 1-800-944-4773. If you are in the Washington area, visit the Perinatal Mental Health Resource Guide at dmvpmhresourceguide.com .
Located in Washington, DC, Mount St. Sepulchre is a Franciscan monastery and Commissariat of the Holy Land in America. (Irene Abdou / Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Stock Photo)

Vacation Bible school

Southeast D.C.: Hero Central  Discover Your Strength in God. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday, 11:15 a.m. For ages 5 to 12. Learn about some of the Bibles heroes. Free breakfast and lunch. Arts and crafts, theater and liturgical music and dance are incorporated in the program. Transportation will be provided if needed. Register: 202-544-1415 or 301-787-2123. Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 400 D St. SE.

Burke: Hero Central  Discover Your Strength in God. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Openings still exist for children in kindergarten through the rising fourth grade. Volunteers are welcome. Children attending the program should wear comfortable sneakers or closed-toe shoes and leave all toys, special items and electronic devices at home. Your child will be escorted to the classes between 8:45 and 9 a.m. daily and will be dismissed to an adult with a photo ID. No exceptions. $20; no refunds given. Information, including registration forms, can be found at burkeumc.org/index.html. Burke United Methodist Church, 6200 Burke Centre Pkwy., Burke. 703-250-6100. burkeumc.org.

Arlington: Paul and the Underground Church. Aug. 14 to Aug. 18, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For age 4 to rising fifth-graders, with study of the Apostle Paul from 6 to 7:20 p.m. for adults. Registration now closed. Clarendon United Methodist Church, 606 N. Irving St., Arlington. 703-527-8574. clarendonumc.org.

Events

Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon: Walk the labyrinth. This medieval Christian practice provides a guided pattern for walking prayer in an atmosphere of peace and quiet. It is offered on the first Saturday of every month. Historic Christ Church, Auditorium, 118 N. Washington St., Alexandria. Free. parishlife@ccalex.org. 703-549-1450. historicchristchurch.org.

Sunday, 10 to 11 a.m.: Tonia Heggs, associate pastor and director of congregational care at Macedonia Baptist Church in Arlington, will be the featured speaker during the worship service at Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ, 5010 Little Falls Rd., Arlington. 703-538-4886. rockspringucc.org.

Saturday, 2 p.m.: Gargoyle tour at Washington National Cathedral. Docents will present a visual overview of the history and function of these carved architectural features and lead a walking tour on the ground level. Binoculars are recommended, and cameras are welcome. $22, or $18 for ages 12 and younger, students, seniors and military. Reservations suggested. Washington National Cathedral, welcome desk, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-537-2228. cathedral.org.

Sunday, 9:30 a.m.: Adult Sunday school. Steve Croco, director of the Yale Divinity School Library and former head librarian at Princeton Theological Seminary, will speak about the Protestant Reformation on American Soil. National Presbyterian Church, Stone Hall, 4101 Nebraska Ave. NW. 202-537-0800.

Sunday, 10 a.m.: Imam Johari Abdul-Malik will be the guest preacher at the worship service. Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ, 1 Westmoreland Cir., Bethesda, Md. 301-229-7766. westmorelanducc.org. 301-229-7766. Free.

Sundays through Aug. 27, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Jesus Film Festival. Free. Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Rd., Alexandria, Va. 703-765-6555. office@aldersgate.net.

Sunday, all day: Backpack collection. Backpacks and related school supplies collected on this day will be distributed by the churchs mission partner at Friendship Place to children in the pre-K or kindergarten grades who need them. Supplies that accompany the backpacks include a bottle of white liquid glue, large pink eraser, glue sticks, box of tissues, box of crayons, markers or colored pencils, No. 2 pencils, dry-erase markers, safety scissors, small school box, two-pocket folders, wide-ruled notebooks and a ruler with inches and centimeters shown on it. Please leave these gifts in the collection bins near the church entrances. National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Ave. NW. 202-537-0800.

Tuesday, 12:10-1 p.m.: Classical pianist Cha Park will perform works by Haydn and Granados and Ravels piano masterpiece Gaspard de la nuit. $10. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. 202-347-2635. epiphanydc.org.

Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m.: Bob Pedersen and Casey Sutcliffe will lead DivorceCare, a program for those who are separated, newly divorced or working on divorce-related issues. Come as you can. Child care is available upon request by sending an email to janwilliams@burkeumc.org. Burke United Methodist Church, Room 6, 6200 Burke Centre Pkwy., Burke. 703-250-6100. burkeumc.org.

Friday, 6 and 7 a.m.: Mass will be celebrated by the friars of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America. Franciscan Monastery, 1400 Quincy St. NE. 202-526-6800. myfranciscan.com.

Aug. 12, 9:30 a.m. to noon: Politics for neighbors and naysayers. Amy Laura Hall, Foundrys scholar in residence and associate professor of Christian ethics at Duke Divinity School, will discuss her writings on this topic. Bring your friends, neighbors and naysayers. Free. Foundry United Methodist Church, Community Commons, 1500 16th St. NW. foundryumc@foundryumc.org. 202-332-4010.

Aug. 13, following the 10:30 Worship Service: This years after-church picnic will feature Doug Spitnales pulled pork barbecue and Laura Knights side dishes. Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingswood Rd., Alexandria. 703-765-6555. Please leave your name, phone number and email address at office@aldersgate.net.

Correction: This story incorrectly reported the name of the guest preacher at Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ in Arlington on Aug. 6. This version has been corrected. Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea spoke on July 30.

For more religion events, visit washingtonpost.com/religion. Send submissions with event name, dates, times, exact address, prices and a publishable telephone number at least one week before our Saturday publication day to Religion Events, The Washington Post, 1301 K St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071; or email gerri.marmer@washpost.com.


Kayakers paddle in view of downtown Seattle, cloaked in a haze of smoke that swept down into the Puget Sound region from fires in British Columbia. (Elaine Thompson/AP)

People around here live for the Pacific Northwest summer. And this one had been especially sweet after a long, dark, rainy winter.

Until this weeks swelter moved in.

My mom lives in Texas, and when I told her we were having a heat wave, she couldnt stop laughing, said Meagan Zeman, who fled her 93-degree home, where she was entertaining family, for the shade of a maple in a park along Lake Washington on Thursday afternoon. She moved to Seattle from Dallas about 13 years ago, and these days, she says, anything over 75 is too hot.

Prolonged unseasonably hot weather, the result of a high-pressure dome over the western United States, has gripped this corner of the country, where the National Weather Service has issued an excessive-heat warning. Temperatures in parts of the region have hit triple digits, meeting and exceeding daily record highs.

And for the fourth straight day Friday, smoke from British Columbia wildfires created a milky haze here, blocking views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges and raising air-quality concerns in parts of Washington state. But the smoke also had a side benefit: It has been tempering some of the suns rays, mercifully reducing the temperature by a few degrees, according to the Weather Service.

[Historic heat roasts Pacific Northwest, but wildfire smoke lessens intensity]

In Seattle, which has now had 47 days straight without rain, the mercury began climbing steadily this week. By Thursday, temperatures soared to a record 94 degrees, about 17 degrees hotter than normal in a city where just 16 percent of homes have central air conditioning.

Such warm weather is unusual for this area, which is better known for its cool, rainy weather and Pacific Ocean breezes that typically keep summers a comfortable average of 77 degrees.

Aware that folks elsewhere roll their eyes and see the 90s as normal summer weather, many Seattleites have been sent scrambling for the shade of parks, for swimming pools and lakeside beaches, for libraries and movie theaters. The lines at ice-cream shops are long and the Popsicle aisles at supermarkets depleted. Air-conditioning units have been flying off the shelves.



A pair of women are hidden under a large beach umbrella as they try to assemble it Thursday in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson/AP)

The Seattle Department of Transportation twice this week closed the 100-year-old University Bridge to cool it down, spraying water on the structure to keep the metal from expanding and damaging the span.

On social media, people railed about the hazy heat and shared clever and snarky remedies, such as this one: If everybody just turned their fans on, we could blow this #smoke to outter-space. #cantbreathe #BlameCanada #seattleheatwave #Seattlesmoke.

Seattle normally doesnt see more than three days of 90-plus-degree weather in a year, said Weather Service meteorologist Gary Schneider.

Were not used to warm weather around here, he said. And some people love it. It gives them a chance to get out on the water. . . . We had a long, wet winter.

Others not so much.

Many open play fields sat empty during the day Thursday as the temperature climbed. Seattle officials issued a map of cooling facilities, which include public libraries, city pools and senior centers. They urged people to stay hydrated, check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors, and keep an eye on pets.

In Seward Park, along Lake Washington, Shannon Welles sat in the shade with her parents  who were visiting from Virginia  looking out toward the Cascade Mountains, where on a clear day there is a postcard-perfect view of Mount Rainier. Not now.

Welles grew up in Florida and moved west from Atlanta a few years ago, in part to get away from the heat, she said. With no air conditioning, her bedroom in her three-story townhouse is like an oven. So during her parents visit, she planned to take them to parks close to the water.

Karen and Ron Welles said they dont mind the heat much; theyre used to 90-degree summers at home near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Besides, Ron Welles said, whatever weather you have, thats it. You roll with it and adapt.

Frances Goldberg decided the best way to cope with the heat was to get out of town. So she and a nephew headed north for a day trip to Lummi Island, a small artists enclave 20 miles south of the Canadian border that had been spared the smoke that engulfed Seattle. The temperature also was at least 10 to 15 degrees cooler. It was so pleasant up there, so cool I had to wear a wrap, Goldberg said. I grew up in the South where its really hot. We moved out here seven years ago, and I think my body is simply not used to this kind of heat.

Some visitors to the city were more bummed about the smoky haze than the high temperatures.

Near Pike Place Market, a popular tourist destination, Joshua Goines walked with his aunts Wanda Cantrell and Sarita Cantrell-Mayhawk up a steep sidewalk. Goines, who had driven across the country from Michigan with his aunts, was pushing Cantrell-Mayhawk in her wheelchair.

Wearing a long-sleeved knitted sweater, Cantrell-Mayhawk declared that she was quite comfortable. Her sister, Wanda, said she prefers the weather to be this way: I actually want it hot in the summer.
INDIANA

Pence hands over state-related emails

Vice President Pence has turned over emails from a private AOL account he used to conduct official business while he was Indianas governor.

A spokeswoman for current Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) said Pences attorneys sent notice in July that they were handing over an electronic database containing the emails.

For months Holcombs office has been grappling with a backlog of roughly 50 public records requests from activists, political groups and news organizations. The state hired the Indiana law firm McNeely Stephenson in May to handle the crush of requests, entering a contract that could cost taxpayers as much as $100,000.

Pence provided 13 boxes containing paper copies of the emails in March. But he was slow to provide an easily searchable electronic database of the emails, which his successor requested months ago.

Holcomb spokeswoman Jane Jankowski said Friday that the records are being reviewed. His office hopes to begin releasing them soon.

 Associated Press

MISSOURI

10 sickened by package at IRS building

A division of the Department of Homeland Security has opened an investigation after a suspicious package in the mailroom sickened about 10 people at the sprawling IRS building in downtown Kansas City, Mo.

Agents with the Federal Protective Services, which responds to terrorism and criminal acts against U.S. government infrastructure, opened the investigation after responding to the IRS building Friday morning, Homeland Security spokeswoman Lucy Martinez said.

The building was not evacuated and returned to normal business about two hours after the incident began.

A hazardous materials team took possession of the package, Martinez said. About 10 people reported feeling ill, including vomiting and sweating, after the package arrived at the building, a Kansas City Fire Department spokesman said.

 Associated Press

Hundreds of animals found in Calif. building: Police in Montclair stumbled across a trash-strewn industrial building crammed with more than 1,000 snakes, parrots, chickens and other exotic animals when they arrived to serve an arrest warrant on a man there. An official with the Inland Valley Humane Society said many of the animals were dead. Animal rescue workers spent much of Friday examining the survivors and moving them to safer conditions. The exotic animals were discovered after police asked Humane Society officials to care for the mans two dogs following his arrest on an unrelated charge.

 Associated Press
Scary question of the day: If this is how President Trump reacts to news of a federal grand jury being employed in the Russia investigation, what happens if things turn really serious?

Reports that special counsel Robert S. Mueller III is using a grand jury to collect evidence reaffirmed what was already obvious to legal observers: This probe  and for the president, this problem  is not going away anytime soon.

Mueller is beefing up his staff, bringing in former federal prosecutors with experience in complex financial investigations. Of course there is a grand jury.

Thats how prosecutors do their work, unless they have come to the quick conclusion that the subject is a dry hole. This was never likely in Muellers case, and every week seems to open a new and potentially productive avenue for him to follow.

So White House special counsel Ty Cobb had the right response to the grand jury news. The White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly, he said in a statement. The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller.

(Victoria Walker,Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

Restrained. Appropriate. Normal.

Not so the president.

Once again, he diminished the significance of Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 election and demeaned the findings of the U.S. intelligence community: The Russia story is a total fabrication. It is just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics.

Once again  as the West Virginia crowd chanted Lock her up!  he said the focus should be on his vanquished opponent, not him: What the prosecutor should be looking at are Hillary Clintons 33,000 deleted emails. And they should be looking at the paid Russian speeches. And the owned Russian companies. Or let them look at the uranium she sold that is now in the hands of very angry Russians.

Even leaving aside the factual flimsiness of Trumps accusations, the inappropriateness of a sitting president making this argument is impossible to overstate. As his still-Attorney General Jeff Sessions told the Senate Judiciary Committee in January, This country does not punish its political enemies.

This country also has mechanisms, well-honed and well-tested, for dealing with situations where criminal investigations are warranted. They require recusal in cases that pose a clear conflict of interest, as Sessions recognized in immediately walling himself off from any Clinton investigation and eventually accepted in recusing himself from the Russia probe.

They set out procedures for the White House to follow in dealings with the Justice Department involving criminal proceedings, designed, as then-Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. explained, to ensure that prosecutors are impartial and insulated from political influence.

(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

Such niceties are not for Trump. No surprise there, but the worst of his West Virginia speech was yet to come. Trump followed by impugning the Mueller investigation as an illegitimate effort to undo the election results: They cant beat us at the voting booths, so theyre trying to cheat you out of the . . . future that you want. Theyre trying to cheat you out of the leadership that you want with a fake story that is demeaning to all of us, and most importantly demeaning to our country and demeaning to our Constitution.

Trademark Trump. He takes the very thing that he is doing  in this case, demeaning the Constitution  and flings that accusation back at his opponent. Trumps campaign and now his presidency have been an unceasing effort to demean the Constitution. From fake news to so-called judges, from his ill-considered travel ban to encouraging police officers roughing up of suspects, Trump is a one-man assault on the rule of law.

Inciting supporters to equate a criminal investigation (and potential prosecution) with a usurpation of their democratic choice is the most chilling yet. What Trump decries as a witch hunt is an authorized investigation being conducted pursuant to Justice Department rules, by an experienced prosecutor, selected for this job by another experienced prosecutor, who was nominated by Trump himself. That Trump and his allies are scheming to undermine Muellers legitimacy underscores that their sole goal is retaining power, the law be damned.

Some readers have asked a fair and important question: Why is nearly every column of mine about Trump? The answer is: Trump. His behavior is so extreme and so dangerous that to respond only episodically and occasionally is to risk allowing it to appear acceptable. Outrageous words and outrageous actions require expressions of outrage in return, each and every time. That will continue until the danger subsides.

Read more from Ruth Marcuss archive, follow her on Twitter or subscribe to her updates on Facebook.
Regarding the July 31 front-page article Putin tells U.S. to cut diplomatic staff by 755:

When sanctions are levied against a state with authoritarian leadership, those measures will be answered in kind. A response may be announced, as was the case with Russian President Vladimir Putins order to reduce U.S. diplomatic staffs in Moscow and elsewhere in his country, or the reciprocal action could be far more insidious. Such a response to the recently announced sanctions bill could be forthcoming.

In Estonia on Sunday, Vice President Pence said that the United States would expect Russian behavior to change. Well, do not hold your breath. It is quite clear that Mr. Putin will double down. Or perhaps he will change his behavior but most likely not in a positive way. This is the danger of sanctions. Congress loves sanctions for symbolic reasons, to look tough. But is it ready for what they will produce? No doubt Mr. Putins head is spinning as a result of the mixed messages out of Washington.

Using sanctions to send President Trump a message about Russia is not good form. Conducting domestic politics via sanctions bills is poor foreign policy. The pressing question is: What is our foreign policy?

Brigid Starkey, Catonsville, Md.
Doug Pennington is a communications professional and D.C. resident.

News has been virtually exploding from our phones and televisions of late  so much so that a cannon shot of a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit late last month was barely heard: Two judges on a three-judge panel struck down the Districts system of concealed-carry gun regulations as a violation of the Second Amendment.

What happens next holds critical implications for the safety of our neighborhoods, not only in the District but also in cities and states across the United States. Weak concealed-carry laws do not make Americans more secure.

The courts wrongheaded decision does not entirely come as a surprise. As I testified before the D.C. Council in 2014, One can hardly avoid the writing on the wall when it comes to . . . laws that totally, or even virtually, prohibit carrying firearms outside the home.

That said, four other U.S. circuit courts have upheld the constitutionality of laws similar to the Districts, in which license applicants must provide local authorities with a good reason to carry a loaded, hidden handgun in public to justify the risks of doing so. For its part, the Supreme Court has so far shown little interest in plunging again into the thicket of gun violence prevention policy, and small wonder.

This area of law has produced general agreement among lower courts, in part because it presents a web of complex life-or-death problems that are far better suited for the peoples representatives to balance and resolve, rather than judges in the peace of [their] judicial chambers  as Ronald Reagan appointee Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III eloquently wrote in 2011.

The two D.C. Circuit judges, however, shot through that restrained judicial wisdom. They stretched the limited holding of the Supreme Courts landmark decision in D.C. v. Heller to press the broader cause of firearms deregulation. How?

It is important to recall that Justice Antonin Scalias majority opinion in Heller narrowly held that the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms at home for self-defense. In the courts first substantive Second Amendment case in nearly 70 years, however, Scalia also added a great deal of discussion of the amendments text and history, as he saw it  including his understanding of what it means to bear, or carry, arms.

The D.C. Circuits majority opinion  drafted by George W. Bush appointee Judge Thomas B. Griffith  took advantage of this added verbiage, circumventing Hellers narrow holding in favor of essentially rewriting it to say there is a core constitutional right to carry guns outside the home.

The D.C. Circuits decision ham-handedly sweeps aside centuries of practice and precedent for strict concealed-carry regulation reaching back to 1300s England through the ratification of the 14th Amendment. The opinion also managed to take a snide, condescending tone, in a manner sadly consonant with the Trump era and beneath the gravity of the issues at stake.

Perhaps most significant, Griffiths opinion failed to acknowledge the fundamental difference about the Second Amendment identified years ago by Dennis Henigan, former vice president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence: The gun right recognized in Heller is the most dangerous right, unlike any other in the Constitution.

A wealth of empirical evidence shows, Henigan wrote, that the exercise of the right to possess guns increases the risk of harm to individuals exercising the right, to their families and to the community at large. Rather than respect this evidence and recognize that more than 125 D.C. residents have already received concealed-carry gun licenses, Griffiths opinion repeatedly compared gun rights with free speech rights. But as Americans have seen all too often from concealed-carry permit holders  including the Washington Navy Yard shooter  there are life-or-death matters at stake here.

This deeply problematic, and potentially dangerous, D.C. Circuit ruling should be vacated by the full D.C. Circuit, and the case should be reheard. Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson  who was appointed by President George H.W. Bush  wrote a masterful dissent that is practically a road map for such a reexamination. It soberly respects the text and history of the Constitution, Supreme Court precedent and the demonstrated public-safety concerns of the people of the District. As she wrote, Regulations restricting public carrying are all the more compelling in a geographically small but heavily populated urban area like the District. Quoting another case, she wrote that Washington is the seat of our national government, a city full of high-level government officials, diplomats, monuments, parades, protests and demonstrations and, perhaps most pertinent, countless government buildings where citizens are almost universally prohibited from possessing firearms. 

If the full D.C. Circuit were to apply the same diligence to its analysis, it would follow Hendersons lead, reiterating a cross-ideological consensus from courts across the United States: We must uphold our Second Amendment rights while also allowing our elected officials to take reasonable steps to protect public safety.
IN A chilling televised speech last August, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte read aloud the names of 150 politicians, judges and law enforcement officials, linking them to alleged drug crimes and asking them to surrender themselves to the national police. Since the announcement, many of the people identified have been removed from their positions, denied government security or imprisoned on drug-related charges without due process. Last Sunday, even more disturbing news emerged: One of the politicians named, Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., was killed in a police raid, along with his wife and 13 others. Mr. Parojinog is the third mayor killed in Mr. Dutertes drug war, which has claimed the lives of more than 7,000 Filipinos.

The Philippine National Police alleges that Mr. Parojinog was killed after his guards opened fire on officers, who were lawfully enforcing a search warrant. This narrative was called into question when details of the raid surfaced the next day. The raid took place at 2:30 a.m. and coincided with the freezing of all closed-circuit cameras in the vicinity. Mr. Parojinogs daughter, who has been taken into custody on drug and firearm charges, has since accused the police of planting drugs in the home. Given that the two other mayors killed in the drug war were also shot dead by police officers with search warrants, lawmakers and others are right to demand an investigation.

Yet it comes as no surprise that Mr. Duterte has brushed aside all criticism of the police. His government has repeatedly come out in favor of extrajudicial executions in the name of law and order. The countrys police chief has encouraged vigilante killings, while the solicitor general has promised to neutralize official inquiries into police practices. Mr. Duterte himself had pledged to execute 100,000 criminals and throw their bodies into Manila Bay. He has also threatened to impose martial law across the country, as he has already done on the island of Mindanao, inspiring little confidence that he will maintain the rule of law.

Congress can take a stand against Mr. Dutertes assault on basic rights. Sens. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) have introduced a bill to restrict the supply of defense equipment to the Philippine National Police, the force that is leading the drug war. This act could be a strong rebuke to Mr. Duterte, especially if it is supplemented with calls for an independent U.N. investigation into the governments brutal anti-drug campaign.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson should deliver this message personally during his upcoming visit to Manila. Doing so might irritate Mr. Duterte, but that would do less lasting harm to U.S.-Philippine relations than would setting aside democratic values for geopolitical convenience. Most Filipinos look on the United States favorably; how long will that last if America finds nothing objectionable in Mr. Dutertes frighteningly lawless regime?
Moises Naim is a distinguished fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the author, most recently, of The End of Power: From Boardrooms to Battlefields and Churches to States, Why Being in Charge Isnt What It Used to Be.

What do Americas wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq have in common? The most obvious commonality is that the superpower did not do well in these conflicts against seemingly weaker enemies. Another is that in all three wars, U.S. intelligence agencies, war planners and policymakers grossly underestimated the motivating power of nationalism. While Americans went to war to fight communism, terrorism or a murderous dictator who presumably had nuclear weapons, warriors in those countries felt they were defending their homelands from a foreign invader. In their minds, and in the minds of many in their communities, these fighters were first and foremost patriots, not insurgents or terrorists. Misunderstanding and underestimating nationalism as a driver of peoples motivation to kill and die for their homeland has been a fatal and recurrent American mistake.

[The worlds flags, in 7 charts]

This blind spot of American foreign-policy-makers is as common as it is surprising. The obliviousness to the power of nationalism in other societies is surprising because the United States is itself highly nationalistic. American nationalism manifests itself constantly and in myriad ways, from erudite claims about the nations exceptionalism to the reverence its citizens show to the Stars and Stripes, their flag. This reverence is even codified in the Pledge of Allegiance, which schoolchildren, government officials and many Americans often recite at the start of public gatherings. Of course, Americans are not alone in revering a piece of colored cloth. Everywhere, flags serve as a powerful symbol of a nation, its ideals and its people.

That is the premise of A Flag Worth Dying For: The Power and Politics of National Symbols, the amusing but ultimately frustrating book by British journalist Tim Marshall, who is a former diplomatic editor of Sky News and before that worked for the BBC.

A Flag Worth Dying For, by Tim Marshall (Scribner)

Marshall fills his book with factoids and oddities about flags: The worlds tallest unsupported flag pole resides in Saudi Arabias second city, Jeddah. . . . The flag weighs 1,250 pounds, or about the same as five baby elephants. In some observers eyes, the Bosnian flag looked like the label on a box of cornflakes. Denmarks was the most burned flag in 2006 because in September 2005 the Jyllands-Posten newspaper had published twelve cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.

The book is essentially a compilation of such facts about flags, and the author is clearly uninterested in exploring the broader significance of the multitude of individual facts with which he packs each of the nine chapters. Marshall writes more as a hobbyist who hoards details about the subject of his fascination rather than as an analyst attempting to explain the role of flags in international affairs or domestic politics.

Occasionally, however, he does share nuggets of historical gold: Where did these national symbols, to which we are so attached, come from? Flags are a relatively recent phenomenon in human history. Standards and symbols painted in cloth predate flags and were used by the ancient Egyptians, the Assyrians, and the Romans, but it was the invention of silk by the Chinese that allowed flags as we know them today to flourish and spread. Traditional cloth was too heavy to be held aloft, unfurled and fluttering in the wind, especially if painted; silk was much lighter and meant that banners could, for example, accompany armies onto battlefields. The new fabric and custom spread along the Silk Road. The Arabs were the first to adopt it, and the Europeans followed suit, having come into contact with them during the Crusades.

The observation that technological innovation  the invention of silk  was the decisive factor in the popularization of flags and eventually their transformation into one of the most powerful manifestations of nationalism, one that has survived in the 21st century, is a welcome respite to the list of largely unrelated facts.

[The Confederate flag largely disappeared after the Civil War. The fight against civil rights brought it back.]

In discussing the LGBT rainbow flag, for example, Marshall reports that in 2016, the flag was flown in the headquarters of the British intelligence agency, MI6. He speculates that this was an attempt by C, the agencys chief, to signal that the organization welcomed recruits from all backgrounds. Marshall closes the section by concluding that James Bond will not have been shaken but may have been stirred by this gesture. In a section devoted to car racing, we are reminded that signaling the finishing line . . . is the black-and-white checkered flag. In the section that follows, Marshall proceeds to offer some self-help advice to his readers: This is the age of the banner. Which is why if you want to get ahead, get a flag  or at least display one to make a statement.

Flags and nationalism go together, and we are living in times of heighted nationalism. We surely need a deeper understanding of the dynamics of nationalism and the powerful appeal of political symbols. Marshall acknowledges as much but ultimately does little to use his vast knowledge of flags and the lessons of history to offer robust insights about the uses and misuses of flags in world affairs.
Gordon M. Goldstein is an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Alexander Klimburgs The Darkening Web: The War for Cyberspace articulates a powerful central thesis: The Internet has arrived at a historical inflection point, the author asserts, and today has become an arena for a massive international security competition fought in an increasingly Hobbesian ecosystem of digital aggression and overt information warfare.

[How a $10.69 purchase may have sidelined the global malware attack]

Nation-states of the 21st century, Klimburg explains, have become inextricably bound to a digital Great Game  a chessboard on which their respective interests can be advanced, and key points captured, all toward the notion of occupying the commanding heights of what will be the dominant domain of the future: cyberspace. Far from the Webs early ethos as a benign realm for borderless information-sharing and communication, states are making cyberspace a domain of conflict, and therefore increasingly threatening the overall stability and security not only of the Internet but also of our very societies.

Its unfortunate that Klimburgs book is diffuse, unfocused and feathered with egocentric first-person flourishes. Had the author presented his thoughts with more discipline and concision, his arguments might have had more impact. For the tale he tells is a chilling one.

The Darkening Web, by Alexander Klimburg (Penguin Press)

A recent wave of cyberattacks that has spread around the world vividly dramatizes Klimburgs argument that states have pried open a technological Pandoras box that is rapidly reordering the global threat environment. In May, 200,000 computers in more than 150 countries were infected with the WannaCry malware virus, shutting down hospitals, rail traffic and production lines in an offensive that the Department of Homeland Security attributes to North Korea. In June another hack against Ukraine, which that country accuses Russia of instigating, spread to 2,000 targets in 65 countries. Remarkably, in both cases the attacks used cyberweapons stolen from the U.S. National Security Agency by a group called the Shadow Brokers, which first offered the malicious code for sale about one year ago.

Both the NSA debacle and many of the seminal disclosures related to the Kremlins intervention in the 2016 U.S. presidential election  including Russian probes and possible penetration attempts into 21 state election systems  occurred after Klimburg completed his manuscript. Yet his treatment of Russias vision of the Internet and its hyper-aggressive quest for supremacy in cyberspace still constitutes the most illuminating and absorbing passages in The Darkening Web.

Applied domestically as an instrument of political control and internationally to advance a strategy of destabilization, Moscows doctrine of cyber-dominance is ominous and increasingly effective. Klimburg cites a study concluding that Russian Internet users have become so inured to the Kremlin narrative of the Internet as a tool of Western powers that two out of five Russians distrust foreign media and nearly half of Russians believe foreign news web sites need to be censored. RT, the television station formerly known as Russia Today, has a budget that rivals the worlds largest media group, the BBC World Service. In the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin, RT is determined to break the Anglo-Saxon monopoly on global information streams.

Supplementing its propaganda machine, the Kremlin employs hundreds of Internet trolls to spread disinformation and post antagonistic commentary in Western media, messages like Putin makes Obama look weak!

In Ukraine, a Russian propaganda warfare offensive was central to the 2014 occupation of Crimea and included fabricated claims that babies had been crucified by Ukrainian soldiers. Russias philosophy of information conflict is much older than the United States, Klimburg observes. In many ways, the rise of cyberspace has breathed new life into former Soviet military strategy. The author quotes a former KGB colonel on the Kremlins effort to both sow discord among the United States and its allies and weaken American political institutions: The most common subcategory of active measures is dezinformatsiya . . . or disinformation: feverish, if believable lies cooked up by Moscow Centre and planted in friendly media outlets to make democratic nations look sinister.

The Darkening Web would be a better book if its six disjointed sections and 19 chapters, including a conclusion and epilogue, were substantially restructured and compressed. Much of the history of the Internet from the 1990s is more academic than essential, forcing the reader to join a sometimes tedious slog retracing the individual footsteps in the sands of the history of the cyber-space domain. Acronyms abound, sometimes incomprehensibly: This definition of IO clearly and troublingly puts equal emphasis on the CNO task and the psychological warfare components, PSYOPS and MILDEC. Personal conclusions by the author can be pedantic: I have become increasingly doubtful that the Smith-Mundt Act  which has been amended a number of times since the 1950s  was really a bulwark against propaganda that could also inadvertently be consumed by US persons.

There are also peculiar discontinuities between Klimburgs analysis and prescriptive recommendations. The author correctly notes that within the United Nations there is a fierce geopolitical conflict over the future of the Internet, with Russia, China and many Arab states coalesced in one bloc and the United States and its allies in another. Klimburg is right that the ideological differences between the Free Internet nations and the Cyber-sovereignty advocates is not too far away from the ideological confrontation that defined the Cold War. Although these two blocs are irreconcilably divided, the author proposes that the U.N. First Committee should be the driving force behind a new initiative to solve the horrendously complex international crisis in cybersecurity. It is a wholly unrealistic notion. With the exception the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War, major powers in the U.N. system have almost never achieved consensus or mounted effective engagement in response to the hardest international security challenges, of which cybersecurity is certainly one.

[If Trump wants to work with Russia on cybersecurity, heres what he should do]

Finally, despite its breadth and grand ambitions, The Darkening Web traverses little new intellectual territory. Klimburg devotes considerable effort to explaining the governance structure for the Internet, a theme already comprehensively addressed in the work of the outstanding scholar Laura DeNardis. While the authors conclusion that global powers have weaponized the Internet is self-evidently true, that book has already been written by Wall Street Journal reporter Shane Harris, in his methodically researched 2014 work, @War: The Rise of the Internet-Military Complex. And while the evolution of American offensive cyber-capabilities is a subject of obvious import and interest, that narrative has already been written, too  by Slate columnist Fred Kaplan in his fascinating Dark Territory: The Secret History of Cyber War, published while Klimburg was composing his own study.

As The Darkening Web demonstrates, explaining cyberspace and its acute geopolitical and geostrategic disruption is profoundly challenging; it is a history hurtling ahead at Internet speed.
After delivering a blistering speech critiquing Donald Trumps performance as president at a recent conference, I was challenged by an audience member to say something nice about our commander in chief. I answered without a seconds hesitation.

For almost a decade, Mika Brzezinski and I had the pleasure of occasionally crossing paths with Ivanka, Don Jr. and Eric Trump. I explained that in those encounters, the presidents children were unfailingly deferential and polite. Long before their fathers election, the Trump children enjoyed a stellar reputation among most Manhattan influencers for being hard-working and well raised. They possessed few of the flaws too easily recognizable in other wealthy and well-connected kids. Often, conversations that centered on the boorish behavior of Trump himself would end with someone citing his children as a mitigating factor against whatever severe judgments were being handed down.

I once told Trump that a good way to judge most people is by the children they raised, and that by that measure, he seemed to be an unqualified success. The Donalds response was uncharacteristically humble.

Anything good you see in my children is the result of them having a great mother, he quietly said, with no cameras rolling to catch this fleeting glimpse of humility.

Much has changed in the five years since Trump delivered that self-aware confession. The Manhattan developer is now the least popular first-year president in the history of presidential polling. His oldest son is caught up in a federal investigation involving attempts by Russia to undermine American democracy. Federal prosecutors are also reportedly investigating the finance and business dealings of Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who has repeatedly been forced to amend federal disclosure forms to add omitted information on his financial assets and contacts with foreign nationals, including from Russia. Even Trumps daughter Ivanka, despite her concerted efforts to keep a low profile during the campaign and to round off her fathers roughest edges inside the White House, has become the subject of controversy.

(Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

Her decision to sit alongside foreign leaders at the recent Group of 20 summit in Hamburg was slammed as grotesque and banana-republicky. In a recent tweet, she declared that she would be serving alongside John Kelly, just as the retired four-star Marine general let it be known that all access to the Oval Office would go through him. The real estate heiress not only appeared to be claiming the West Wing as her territory, but she also betrayed a troubling sense of entitlement that one might expect from other billionaires daughters but not this one. Kelly and White House insiders know that Ivanka Trump is as ill-prepared to face the brutish realities of Washington as her father. And tragically, neither seems to know what they do not know.

Which brings us back to Kushner.

Though Donald Trump might be loath to admit it, Kushner did much to elect his father-in-law. By quietly building a successful online fundraising and targeting operation far beyond his candidates comprehension, Kushner gave Trump a fighting chance to keep the 2016 presidential race close, in the hope that lightning would strike at the right time. It did. And thats when Kushners problems began.

The quiet diplomacy Kushner employed so effectively during the campaign gave way to the sort of stubborn arrogance that often infects the winning side of presidential campaigns. Trumps shocking victory led his son-in-law to believe he could reinvent government like Al Gore, micromanage the White House like James Baker and restructure the Middle East like Moses. Kushners confidence seemed to reach its apex whenever the subject turned to Middle East peace. His bizarre belief that the world began anew the day Trump was inaugurated was exposed again this week when a leaked audiotape caught Kushner telling White House interns: We dont want a history lesson. Weve read enough books.

Americans have seen enough headlines over the past six months to better understand why nepotism does not work in the White House. Though my words may suggest otherwise, I genuinely like Jared and Ivanka. I also love Joey, Andrew, Katherine and Jack Scarborough. But I wouldnt let them run my morning show any more than Trump should let his children run roughshod over White House operations. Vice presidents, not daughters, should sit in G-20 summits. And a secretary of state should broker Middle East peace. Not an inexperienced 36-year-old son-in-law.

I have no doubt that Trumps daughter and son-in-law believe they are working hard to make America and the world a better place. But now the best thing they can do for their country is to move back to New York and let professionals run the White House.

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Leon E. Panetta was White House chief of staff from 1994 to 1997 and served as CIA director and secretary of defense in the Obama administration.

Retired Gen. John F. Kelly has survived combat. The question now is whether he can survive as White House chief of staff.

The answer will be determined in part by challenges faced by every chief of staff, but most importantly by the personal relationship Kelly has with his boss  the president of the United States.

When I became White House chief of staff in 1994, President Bill Clinton was concerned about some of the same difficulties confronting this president  too little discipline, competing centers of power, a weak chain of command, haphazard access to the Oval Office, leaks and a lack of focus on a unified message or priorities. The key, however, was that Clinton recognized these problems and wanted to correct them for the sake of the country and his presidency.

The elements critical to improving White House operations are pretty basic:

1. Trust. There has to be trust between the chief of staff and the president. Each must be honest with the other and be willing to back the other up on personnel and policy decisions.

2. One chief. If there are too many assistants to the president who have no clear portfolio of responsibility but who can go around the chief of staff to the president, that is a prescription for chaos. For the chief to be successful, he must control all staff, know what each person is responsible for and working on, and be fully aware of all policy discussions taking place with the president. That is not to say that staff members should not be free to present their views to the president, only that this should be done pursuant to a process that has been established by the chief of staff and approved by the president.

(Victoria Walker,Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

3. A clear chain of command. Every staff member needs supervision, and that means having clear lines of authority. I put two deputies in place, one responsible for issues and politics, the other for scheduling and personnel. They, in turn, supervised certain employees to ensure that each was doing the job assigned. It is important that staff members feel that they are part of a team serving the president and that they are kept informed about the key messages, issues and priorities of the president. If a chief does this right, it will go a long way toward controlling leaks.

4. An orderly policy-development process. It is critical that there be a system for providing the president with the essential information and options required to make decisions on key issues. The National Security Council has a long-established process of meetings for deputies and principals designed to provide recommendations on critical foreign policy crises. The same should be true on economic and domestic issues. It may be difficult to stop this president from tweeting, but at a minimum he needs to tweet based on a policy process managed by the chief of staff.

5. Telling the president the truth. There has to be one person in the White House willing to look the president in the eye and tell him the truth  to tell him when he is wrong and when he is about to make a mistake  and that has to be the chief of staff. Staff members, by their nature, are hesitant to challenge the president for fear of offending him. But it is a disservice to the president and the nation not to make him aware of the political and substantive problems he may confront as a result of a particular decision. No president likes to be told he is wrong. However, to be successful, all presidents have to accept the reality that they are not always right.

Every chief of staff, past and present, has faced these challenges. But success or failure is not just dependent on the chief of staff; it also hinges on the willingness and support of the president. Clinton was willing to make the changes necessary to establish effective White House operations, and he was reelected in 1996. Whether President Trump is willing to make these changes will in large measure determine not just how long Kelly survives as chief of staff, but also the ultimate success or failure of Trumps administration.
William B. Schultz is a partner at the law firm Zuckerman Spaeder, which represents generic drug companies and other clients. He served as a general counsel for the Department of Health and Human Services during the Obama administration and deputy commissioner for policy at the Food and Drug Administration during the Clinton administration.

Most people who work in health-care policy agree that rising prescription drug prices pose a serious threat to efforts to make health care affordable. Prescription drug prices account for 17 percent of the nations health-care costs, up from 7 percent in the 1990s.

According to data from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, prescription drug spending accounts for nearly 20 percent of total program spending for Medicare, the largest of the governmental health-care programs. With backing from powerful lobbying organizations, the brand-name pharmaceutical companies avoided price controls.

The one bright spot in drug pricing has been generic drugs. A 1984 law, enacted in exchange for patent extensions to the branded drug companies, created the modern generic drug industry. Today, generics account for 89 percent of prescriptions filled in the United States but only 26 percent of the total spending on prescription drugs. Generic drugs lower drug prices through competition. Once the patents on brand-name drugs expire and anticompetitive business tactics by branded companies have been overcome, less expensive generic versions of these products are allowed to enter the market, and drug prices typically drop dramatically. Patients and taxpayers realize the savings from generic drugs every day.

When I first heard about the law the Maryland legislature enacted this year to address price gouging and unconscionable price increases for prescription drugs, I liked the idea. That was before I read the legislation, which turns out to apply only to generic drugs and exempts any branded drug still under patent  in other words, the bill leaves untouched the segment of the pharmaceutical industry that is responsible for the unconscionable increases in drug prices in recent years.

What I call the Big Pharma carve-out in the new Maryland law of course was not an oversight; instead, it is a reflection of the political power of the brand-name drug industry and its lobbyists. In allowing the bill to go into effect without his signature, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) raised two concerns about its constitutionality  namely, that the terms unconscionable and excessive in the bill are too vague, and that the bill regulates commerce outside Maryland.

The bills stated purpose is to address recent examples involving sole-source drugs (drugs made by only one company) for which the patents have expired in which drug companies have raised prices to extraordinary levels. The most famous example is Daraprim, a 60-year-old drug used to treat a rare parasitic infection. After Turing Pharmaceuticals purchased the drug in 2015, it raised the price from $13.50 per pill to $750. A few months later, its president, Martin Shkreli, was arrested for securities fraud. Often lost in the coverage of this unconscionable price increase is the fact that Daraprim is not a generic drug; instead, it is a brand-name drug whose patent had expired.

The law is a cumbersome and ineffective answer to a few isolated examples of sole-source drugs whose prices have increased dramatically even though their patents have expired. The best response to this problem is to fix the approval process for generic drugs at the Food and Drug Administration so that once patents have expired, competitors applications to market these sole-source drugs are given priority and approved promptly. Competition is the most effective method of bringing down drug prices.

The Maryland law distracts from the more difficult and important challenge of lowering prices of patented brand-name drugs, which often cost $50,000 to $100,000 per year for a single patient, and in rare cases more than $500,000 a year. These are drugs for which there can be no competition and for which government programs increasingly are the purchasers (and are typically prohibited by law from negotiating prices, again due to Big Pharma).

In the past 35 years, the only significant victory in the battle to control drug prices has been the enactment of legislation that established the generic drug program at the FDA. While generic drug competition is not the complete answer, it must be a major part of any effort to address the problem of soaring prescription drug prices. Unfortunately, Maryland could destabilize its generic drug market and divert resources from the real causes behind the high prices of prescription drugs.
It was an honor to be associated with so many of my administration colleagues in Catherine Rampells Aug. 1 op-ed, The most dangerous man in Washington. I suppose Ive been called a lot worse in my time in Washington, but Ms. Rampell awarded me that title based on what can only be described as fake news.

If being the most dangerous means helping President Trump draft a taxpayer-first budget, fighting for the millions of people who justifiably believe Washington has forgotten them, or advocating for smarter, more effective and more accountable government, then I plead guilty. But Ms. Rampell hung that mantle on me based upon her accusation that I was so desperately opposed to raising the debt ceiling as to be hell-bent on wreaking a global crisis.

Let me be clear regarding the debt ceiling: The debt ceiling should be raised. It should be raised sooner, not later. The United States will never default on its debt. It should be raised in the simplest manner possible. On all those points, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the president and I are of one mind. We have been for some time now. All of which I would have been glad to have shared with Ms. Rampell, if she had bothered to call me. I understand her trepidation in doing so, though. Apparently I appear to be pretty dangerous.

Mick Mulvaney, Washington

The writer is director of the Office

of Management and Budget.
In 1992, the Democratic Party faced a challenge on the issue of abortion. Pennsylvanias governor, Robert Casey, a Democrat dedicated to the working class, asked to speak at the national convention in New York City. He wanted to propose a pro-life plank for the party platform, mostly as a way of affirming his Catholic beliefs.

He fully understood that the motion would be voted down, but the Democratic Party refused to permit him even to air his views, so great was his heresy. That sent a strong signal to working-class Catholic and evangelical voters that if they did not fall into line on this one issue they were no longer welcome in the party, writes Mark Lilla in The Once and Future Liberal, his brief but brilliant book that comes out later this month.

I wonder if today the Democrats are making the same mistake on immigration. To be clear, I think the bill that the Republicans rolled out this week is bad public policy and mean-spirited symbolism. But thats beside the point. Lilla acknowledges that he is a pro-choice absolutist on abortion, but he argues that a national party must build a big tent that accommodates people who dissent from the main party line on a few issues.

In Lillas view, there is a larger crisis within American liberalism. When he visited the online home page of the Republican National Committee, he found a statement of broad principles that guide the party, starting with the Constitution and ending with immigration. On the Democrats website, by contrast, he noticed a set of links to People, and when he clicked on them he got to pages specifically designed to appeal to one group or another  women, Hispanics, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans. Alluding to Lebanons system of power-sharing among religious and ethnic groups, Lilla writes, You might think that, by some mistake, you have landed on the website of the Lebanese government  not that of a party with a vision for Americas future. (The Democratic National Committees home page now features the partys platform more prominently.)

There have been two different agendas for American liberalism, according to Lilla. The first was Franklin D. Roosevelts  a collective, national effort to help all Americans participate in the countrys economic and political life. Its symbol was two hands shaking, an affirmation of the binding strength of national unity. The more recent liberal project has been centered on identity, affirming not unity but difference, nurturing and celebrating not national identities but sub-national ones. A recurring image of identity liberalism is that of a prism, Lilla notes, refracting a single beam of light into its constituent colors, producing a rainbow. This says it all.

Immigration is the perfect issue on which Democrats could demonstrate that they care about national unity and identity  and that they understand the voters for whom this is a core concern. Look at the Democracy Funds voter study done in the wake of the 2016 election. If you compare two groups of voters  those who voted for Barack Obama in 2012 and Hillary Clinton in 2016, and those who voted for Obama in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016  the single biggest divergence on policy is immigration. In other words, there are many Americans who are otherwise sympathetic to Democratic ideas but on a few key issues  principally immigration  think the party is out of touch.

And they are right. Consider the facts. Legal immigration in the United States has expanded dramatically over the last five decades. In 1970, 4.7 percent of the U.S. population was foreign-born. Today, its 13.4 percent. Thats a large shift, and its natural that it has caused some anxiety.

The anxiety is about more than jobs. In his 2004 book Who Are We?, Harvard University scholar Samuel Huntington pointed out that the scale, speed and concentration of Mexican migration into America after 1965 were without precedent in the countrys history and could provoke a backlash.

He asserted that America had more than just a founding ideology; it had a culture that had shaped it powerfully. Would America be the America it is today if in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries it had been settled not by British Protestants but by French, Spanish, or Portuguese Catholics? Huntington asked. The answer is no. It would not be America; it would be Quebec, Mexico, or Brazil. He advocated some modest limits on immigration and, more important, a greater emphasis on assimilation.

Democrats should find a middle path on immigration. They can battle President Trumps drastic solutions but still speak in the language of national unity and identity. The countrys motto, after all, is out of many, one  not the other way around.

Read more from Fareed Zakarias archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
J. Allen Hynek was hired as an Air Force astronomer to debunk the myth of UFOs but later on became a UFO believer. (Alvin Quinn/AP/AP)

Sarah Kaplan is a science reporter for The Washington Post.

Back in 1950, during a lunch break at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, several scientists were trading wisecracks about a recent spate of UFO reports when Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi offered an observation that has echoed through the decades. Given the number of places where life could exist in the vast universe, and the length of time it has had to evolve, the skies ought to be teeming with beings from advanced, space-faring civilizations  but nothing incontrovertible has shown up. You have to wonder, as Fermi did, Where is everybody?

His colleagues chuckled, but the Fermi paradox perfectly frames the profound absurdity of the search for life beyond Earth. Humans have beamed beacons into space, robotically visited every world in the solar system and discovered thousands of planets circling stars far from our own. Yet all weve encountered is a chilly void.

Still, the possibility that something is out there calls to us.

[NASA is hiring a planetary protection officer to guard us against alien life  and vice versa]

The Close Encounters Man: How One Man Made the World Believe in UFOs, by Mark O'Connell (Dey Street)

Three new books approach the mystery from distinctly different perspectives: the unlikely believer in UFOs, the visionary dedicated to rigorous investigation and the cadre of scientists who still plug away at the problem, probing the universe for an answer.

In The Close Encounters Man: How One Man Made the World Believe in UFOs, screenwriter Mark OConnell recounts the gradual evolution of J. Allen Hynek, an Air Force astronomer, from UFO debunker to believer. Hyneks tale unfolds a few years before Fermi posed his question, when aliens were much on the minds of Americans. In the summer of 1947, a Boise businessman piloting a small plane across the Cascade Mountains spotted a chain of unidentified flying objects weaving among the peaks. Shortly after, Alabamians reported that brilliant lights appeared over an airfield in Montgomery. Then a swarm of wingless machines was spotted in Maine.

Baffled by these bizarre accounts, the Air Force decided that someone had to sort through all the sightings  if only to prove that they werent really extraterrestrials.

So they hired Hynek, an alum of the University of Chicago and a former civilian scientist for the Navy who previously was best known for studying the evolution of stars. Methodical and undogmatic, Hynek could not have been further from the kooky, paranoid stereotype of a UFO enthusiast. He seemed to be exactly the man who could be counted on to dismiss the phenomenon.

Instead, he became its biggest advocate.

I was somewhat like the proverbial innocent bystander who got shot,  Hynek would later say.

After researching thousands of UFO reports, many from apparently credible witnesses, Hynek became convinced that a significant fraction of sightings could not be explained by current science.

The Air Force, however, disagreed. In 1970 it discontinued its UFO investigations, having concluded that the phenomenon was largely a result of pranksters, psychological experiences and tricks of light.

Undeterred, Hynek established his own Center for UFO Studies and developed a system for classifying these close encounters that inspired the 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Hynek died in 1986 still convinced that UFOs were something exotic.

Its clear that OConnell, who maintains a UFO blog of his own, wants readers to come away from his book agreeing with Hynek. He derides mainstream astronomers who mock UFOlogy as pseudoscience and reserves special venom for Carl Sagan, who spoke so eloquently about the potential for life in the universe but was unwilling to believe that extraterrestrials might have visited Earth.

Im inclined to side with Sagan  the human mind is far too easily deceived for this science reporter to believe that rogue aliens offer the most persuasive explanation for strange apparitions in the skies. If there really are advanced beings out there, traversing the universe at the speed of light, it seems unlikely that scaring suburbanites and confusing livestock are the best uses of their time.

But reading The Close Encounters Man does engender respect for its subject. Hynek was a rational person looking at an irrational subject, James Oberg, a science journalist, NASA engineer and longtime UFO doubter, tells OConnell. He approached the UFO problem as a scientist would. And although aliens didnt actually invade America, Hynek  with a little help from Steven Spielberg  helped them invade the American psyche. He got us thinking about encounters with ET, paving the way for a more scientific approach to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, or SETI.

Shortly after the Air Force gave up on UFOs, NASA commissioned a study of the best methods for seeking out alien life. The resulting report argued for using radio telescopes to listen for the kinds of electromagnetic signals that would emanate from an advanced civilization in space. If we still havent seen aliens in person, the thinking went, perhaps we might be able to hear them.

That report landed in the lap of a young astronomer named Jill Tarter, who, like Hynek, had started her career observing distant stars.

In Making Contact: Jill Tarter and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, science journalist Sarah Scoles writes that the astronomer was instantly converted. As Tarter told Scoles, I just knew Id found the right place, never having thought about it before. Whereas her work on stars had felt distant and abstruse, SETI gave Tarter a sense of purpose. She went on to direct the first targeted effort to detect extraterrestrial signals and helped found the SETI Institute  now an authority on the search for alien life.

There was a feeling of connectedness, Tarter said of this research. I was doing something that could impact peoples lives profoundly in a short time.

Its a noble motivation, and Scoles  who narrates her story in a warm, chatty tone  clearly thinks Tarter is a hero. But the SETI pioneers biggest enemies are decidedly prosaic: narrow-minded, sexist male colleagues who try to tell Tarter she doesnt belong in science; sneering politicians who deny SETI funding to make a political point; seemingly exotic radio signals that turn out to come from ordinary satellites.

Tarter is now celebrated as a pioneer and a feminist icon; she was the inspiration for Jodie Fosters character in the movie Contact. But her story lacks a triumphant ending. She retired in 2012, never having heard the signal she spent her life listening for.

SETI research is a far cry from UFOlogy. But its impossible to ignore the similarities between Tarter and Hynek. Both were ordinary astronomers who happened upon the alien question and never let go, regardless of the indifference, derision and outright hostility they encountered. Both devoted their lives to the idea that, as the saying goes, absence of evidence isnt evidence of absence. Even though absence is all either ever found.

Which brings us back to Fermis paradox. More than a half century of sustained scientific research has uncovered neither hide nor hair  or whatever  of extraterrestrial life. Does that mean theres nothing to be found?

Aliens: The Worlds Leading Scientists on the Search for Extraterrestrial Life lays out the case for optimism in a collection of essays. The world in which this book was published is one that Hynek and Tarter helped make. Chris French, the head of anomalistic psychology research at Goldsmiths, University of London, uses Hyneks close encounters scale to discuss psychological phenomena that can explain such experiences. Two of the essays were written by scientists at Tarters SETI Institute.

[The weirdest star in the sky is acting up again]

The other contributors include experts from astronomy, cosmology, planetary science and genetics, as well as fields that didnt even exist when Hynek and Tarter began their work  astrobiology and exoplanet research. Together, they provide an overview of where the search for alien life now stands.

Advances in biology on Earth have expanded our notion of where and how life can thrive. Meanwhile, exploration of space has identified places in our solar system and beyond that could be (or once were) hospitable to alien organisms. Mars used to boast an atmosphere and flowing water; the moons of Jupiter and Saturn harbor hidden subsurface oceans and liquid methane lakes. Our growing catalogue of exoplanets suggests that most stars in the galaxy host planets on which life could conceivably form. When the James Webb Space Telescope launches in 2018, scientists will be able to probe the atmospheres of those planets in pursuit of biosignatures  molecules that are thought to signal the presence of life.

No one has an answer to the question: Where is everybody? But scientists do have plenty of places to look. Perhaps, someday in the not-too-distant future, theyll receive that long-awaited radio beacon from a distant galaxy. Or look through a microscope at a water sample from an ocean moon and find microbes swimming around. Or detect a haze of biosignatures in the atmosphere of an alien world.

Or, hey, maybe an unidentified flying object will appear suddenly in the sky one day when we least expect it. A crowd will gather, a hatch will open and, finally, a little green man will step out to reassure us were not alone.

The Close Encounters Man How One Man Made the World Believe in UFOs By Mark OConnell Dey Street. 403 pp. $17.99 paperback

Making Contact Jill Tarter and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence By Sarah Scoles Pegasus. 288 pp. $27.95
Bella Resnikova, then 94, is pictured in 2015. She was among 1 million women to fight in the Soviet army during World War II. (MARKUS SCHREIBER/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Liza Mundy, a fellow at New America, is the author of Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Codebreakers of World War II, which will be published in October.

Early in The Unwomanly Face of War, Svetlana Alexievichs harrowing and moving account of female Soviet soldiers during World War II, there is a scene where a group of female fighters arrives at the front. Wearing army shirts and forage caps  shorn of the long braids they once felt proud of  they are crack graduates of a womens sniper school, assigned to the 62nd Riflemans Division. Their commander is not happy to see them. Theyve foisted girls on me, he complains.

The commander orders them to prove they can shoot and perform other key tasks such as camouflaging themselves in the field. Skeptically watching their training exercise, he steps on a hummock and is taken aback when the ground below him speaks. Youre too heavy, the hummock tells him. It is a female sniper, embedded in the landscape. I take back my words, the commander admits amid their laughter.

[Dont forget how the Soviet Union saved the world from Hitler]

The woman recounting that anecdote killed 75 men in the years that followed, receiving 11 combat decorations and becoming renowned for her skill at picking off Nazis. She and her companions were among some 1 million women who fought in the Soviet army, helping repel the Germans during four bloody years of siege, occupation and combat. For many Allied countries, World War II was the watershed conflict that brought women into the military (and intelligence) in significant numbers; with fighting taking place in so many quarters, it proved impossible to staff a global war using only men. But the Soviets deployed theirs most fully. At the outset of American involvement, U.S. officials dithered over whether to admit women even in non-combat capacities  it was feared that they might become hysterical if permitted to work as, say, air traffic controllers. Soviet women, in contrast, served as fighter pilots, tank drivers, infantrymen, antiaircraft gunners. The Unwomanly Face of War tells the story of these forgotten women, and its great achievement is that it gives credit to their contribution but also to the hell they endured.

The Unwomanly Face of War, by Svetlana Alexievich (Random House)

At nineteen I had a medal For Courage,  says one. At nineteen my hair was gray. At nineteen in my last battle I was shot through both lungs.

Alexievich, a Belarusian journalist and author, in 2015 received the Nobel Prize in literature. She has been saluted for writing intricately braided oral histories that give collective voice to the suffering caused by cataclysmic events including the Chernobyl disaster and the occupation of Afghanistan.

The Unwomanly Face of War began in the late 1970s, after she read a newspaper article about a female accountant retiring from a Minsk auto factory. The article mentioned that the accountant had been a sniper  the one with 75 kills. Alexievich sought her out; one interview led to hundreds. Soviet publishers at first rejected the book as overly naturalistic and insufficiently admiring of the Communist Party. Perestroika was more receptive. Two million copies were printed in 1985.

The English translation arrives at a time when women in combat remain a fraught topic. Anyone who thinks that a female soldier cannot carry a wounded man off the field of battle  a frequent argument and a wrong one  need only read this book. One medic hauled 481 men from under fire. I myself find it hard to believe, she reflects.

During the books journey to publication, a censor urged Alexievich to tell heroic stories. But, growing up, she had heard enough of those. Men start wars, she holds, and glorify them. She wanted to write a book that would make war sickening. She succeeded. There is the radio operator who drowns her baby so its crying wont give away partisan fighters hiding neck-deep in water. There is the medic  16 when she joined  crawling to rescue a man whose blasted arm is hanging by a few sinews; lacking scissors, she bit his flesh off so he could be bandaged.

Starting out, Alexievich wanted to understand why the girls of 1941 came forward. How is it they decided to take up arms on a par with men? To shoot, mine, blow up, bomb  kill?

In part, the answer lay in the gender egalitarianism of their communist education. Girls  at the wheel of the tractors! one recalls being taught. Girls  at the controls of a plane! But its also because the loss of men was so swift and massive. After Hitlers 1941 invasion, millions of soldiers and officers were captured, as one man recalls. In six weeks Hitler was already near Moscow. . . . And girls were eager to get to the front voluntarily. . . . Those were brave, extraordinary girls.

Many admired Stalin and believed in Soviet power. The frontline girls were full of fervor, feted by their neighbors, eager to defend the Motherland. One danced while waiting for her troop train. Nobody ever thinks a war will be long. But there were other reasons. We were starving, recalled a lathe operator who became a submachine-gun platoon commander. She yearned for the front because there would be rations there. Rusks and tea with sugar.

The girls were unbelievably young. One enlisted after the seventh grade. A sapper contracted a fever and realized that her wisdom teeth were coming in.

Some had not yet started menstruating. Those who had often stopped. We were so overworked we ceased to be women, said an armorer. The loss of femininity bothered them. They hated wearing mens underwear, feared looking ugly in death. They struggled to keep their legs out of caterpillar treads while pulling men out of burning tanks. Nobody would marry a legless woman. The difficulty reconciling conventional femininity with killing and fighting is at the heart of this book. One gunner confided that those she killed  my dead  still came to her in her sleep.

[One of Russias biggest holidays is a WWII anniversary Americans dont think about]

The assault on their femininity got worse; after the war, front-line girls found that their service marked them, and not in a good way. Everybody knows you spent four years at the front, with men, a girl was told by her mother.  Army whores. . . . Military bitches . . . . They insulted us in all possible ways. . . . The Russian vocabulary is rich, recalled another. In the United States, military women also faced slanderous accusations of immorality, though not to the same degree. So the front-line girls were well-advised not to talk about their service. There is another reason their story was buried: People everywhere wanted to put the war behind them and return to normal life, but in the Soviet Union, forgetting became crucial.

Thats because anybody could be branded an enemy of the people for saying the wrong thing. As one woman puts it, after all the sacrifice  some 20 million war dead, military and civilian  Stalin still didnt trust the people. One fighter lost her highly decorated husband to 10 years of forced labor when an informer turned him in for remarking that heaps of Russian corpses blunted his sense of triumph. After the Victory everybody became silent, the author writes. Silent and afraid.

Alexievich did an enormous service, recovering these stories. The outsize Soviet role in defeating the Nazi army and liberating Europe is often neglected. If men who fought on the eastern front have gotten short shrift, how much truer of the women. As a female rifleman scrawled in charcoal on the Reichstag: You were defeated by a Russian girl from Saratov. That may be an overstatement, but it is not altogether untrue.
That sound you hear is the wall of elected Republican support for President Trump beginning to crack.

There was Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.) warning that firing special counsel Robert S. Mueller III would be the beginning of the end of the Trump presidency. There was Sen. Charles E. Grassley (Iowa) warning that if Attorney General Jeff Sessions were fired there is no way that the Judiciary Committee would consider a replacement this year. And there was Sen. Ben Sasse (Neb.) warning Trump that if he were considering a recess appointment to replace Sessions, he should forget about it. Added Sasse: The presidency isnt a bull, and this country isnt a china shop.

All of these responses to future abuses of power are important as preventive measures. But no major elected Republican has provided a comprehensive critique of Trumpism itself. Until now. Sen. Jeff Flakes new book, Conscience of a Conservative, is a white-hot indictment of Republican cowardice in the face of a hostile ideological takeover. It also represents the single largest act of political bravery of the Trump era.

The book has gained buzz for its, well, forthright description of Trump himself. He is guilty of erratic behavior, unmoored from principle, and a fly off the handle approach to governance. He is impulsive and lacking in coherent economic analysis. He is willing to heap praise on dictators and to speak fondly of countries that crush dissent and murder political opponents and to undermine confidence in our democratic elections.

As an author, Flake has the ability to employ language like a legal but damaging body blow. Seemingly overnight, the Arizonan writes, reckless, outrageous, and undignified behavior was excused and countenanced as telling it like it is, when it was actually just reckless, outrageous and undignified. And: We degrade our politics enough as it is without turning our democracy over to carnival barkers and reality television.

I would pay to witness the next meeting between the Senate Republican caucus and Trump, just to see the interaction between Flake and the barker in chief.

Flakes ideological critique is libertarian in content (Friedrich Hayek and Barry Goldwater figure prominently) but moderate in application. He defends free trade and views globalization as a fact and an opportunity. But he actually apologizes for opposing the TARP bank bailout in 2008, a vote that he self-diagnoses as an act of cowardice.

The passion of Conscience of a Conservative, however, comes from Flakes deep, religiously rooted outrage at the dehumanization of vast groups of people based on nationality or ethnicity. This is what led him to visit a mosque in a show of solidarity when candidate Trump proposed a Muslim travel ban. This is what led Flake, during the first meeting of Senate Republicans with Trump after the election, to question Trump about his characterization of Mexican immigrants as rapists.

Flakes view of Mexican migrants was conditioned by their work  hard, reliable work  on his family ranch in Arizona. I have always said that I could never look at these migrants and consider them criminals. And the moral center of the book is the moving story of two doctors  one a Palestinian, the other an Afghan  who saved the life of Flakes father after a ruptured aorta. Neither might have been allowed into America, says Flake, had we restricted visas from countries compromised by terrorism.

Flake is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and one explanation for the skepticism many of his fellow Mormons share about Trump is surely their focus on personal character and rectitude  areas where the president is defiantly lacking. But another is their own history as victims of persecution. Mormons, explains Flake, have had foundational and horrifying experience with some of these worst impulses of mankind and became both refugees and immigrants in our own land. And so when someone starts talking of religious tests and religious bans, we know better. . . . When we say No Muslims or No Mexicans, we may as well say No Mormons. Because it is no different.

History tends to honor those who are the first to speak with moral clarity in a muddy time. Read Hubert Humphreys speech on racial equality to the 1948 Democratic convention: My friends, to those who say that we are rushing this issue of civil rights, I say to them we are 172 years late.

It was admirable to be for equality in 1964. It was courageous and visionary in 1948. Flakes party is different, but his role is comparable.

Read more from Michael Gersons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook .
IT HAS been almost a year and a month since Seth Rich was killed in what D.C. police believe was a botched robbery attempt. In that time, the family of the 27-year-old Democratic National Committee staffer has had to deal not only with their private sorrow but also with nonsensical, hurtful conspiracy theories. What was bad when the rumors circulated on far-right websites became worse when a major news organization tried to peddle the bogus story. And that may not be the worst of it  if allegations of White House involvement prove true.

A lawsuit filed this week alleges that Fox News Channel collaborated with a wealthy supporter of President Trump and the White House to create a story published online in May  and since discredited  buttressing wild theories that Rich had leaked Democratic Party emails and was killed by operatives working on behalf of Hillary Clinton. The lawsuit by Rod Wheeler, a former Fox News contributor involved in the May report who says he was defamed, claims the White House  perhaps Mr. Trump personally  was monitoring and encouraging the storys development.

Defendants named in the suit, including Dallas investor Ed Butowsky, who is depicted as playing a major role, denied the claims. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders in a Tuesday news briefing said Mr. Trump had no knowledge of the story and claimed its completely untrue that he or the White House had involvement in the story.

Skepticism is always in order when viewing the allegations of a lawsuit, and issues have been raised about Mr. Wheelers credibility because he helped to further the discredited story. But, as reported by NPRs David Folkenflik, Mr. Wheeler has marshaled documentary evidence (including text messages and recorded phone calls) that bolster his account. Not to add any more pressure but the president just read the article. He wants the article out immediately. Its now all up to you, reads a May 14 text from Mr. Butowsky to Mr. Wheeler. The story appeared about 36 hours later. Mr. Butowsky told reporters this week he was joking.

Particularly troubling is that on April 20, a month before the discredited story ran, Mr. Butowsky and Mr. Wheeler met at the White House with then-press secretary Sean Spicer to brief him on the storys development. After the story broke, Mr. Spicer played dumb. Im not aware . . . generally I dont get updates on DNC  former DNC staffers, Mr. Spicer said May 16 when questioned by reporters.

It is sad that the White House track record for honesty is such that allegations that should be preposterous cant easily be dismissed. Even sadder is the thought that American political life has sunk so low that the truth and a familys pain may be seen as minor obstacles to be brushed out of the way.
Do you believe in mermaids, unicorns and fairies?

If so, you may have taken interest in a new mythical creature that appeared during the 2016 election: the Trump Democrat.

It has become an article of faith that an unusually large number of people who voted for Barack Obama in 2008 or 2012 switched sides and voted for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton. It follows that Democrats, to win in the future, need to get these lost partisans to come home.

But new data, and an analysis by AFL-CIO political director Michael Podhorzer that he shared with me, puts all this into question. The number of Obama-to-Trump voters turns out to be smaller than thought. And those Obama voters who did switch to Trump were largely Republican voters to start with. The aberration wasnt their votes for Trump but their votes for Obama.

It follows for Democrats that most of these Obama-Trump voters arent going to be persuaded to vote Democratic in future; the party would do better to go after disaffected Democrats who didnt vote in 2016 or who voted for third parties.

(McKenna Ewen,Whitney Leaming,Whitney Shefte/The Washington Post)

In the aftermath of Trumps surprise win, the commentary quickly focused on the Obama-Trump voter. Nate Cohn of the New York Times said, Democrats have to grapple with the importance of the Obama-Trump voter. NBCs Chuck Todd said one of the big surprises of this election was the emergence of the Obama-Trump voter. Priorities USA, the super PAC that backed Clinton, concluded that Democrats must win back Obama-Trump voters.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) asserted that Trump is expanding the Republican tent. We used to call them Reagan Democrats. Now theyre Trump Democrats. Donald Trump Jr. embraced the Trump Democrats claim at a rally. And many Democrats have bought into this thinking. Not long ago, according to McClatchy News, the Democratic political firm Global Strategy Group concluded that Obama-Trump voters effectively accounted for more than two-thirds of the reason Clinton lost.

There was some justification for thinking this. Data from the American National Election Study survey found that about 13.4 percent of Trump voters had backed Obama in 2012. A University of Virginia poll found that 20 percent of Trump voters had supported Obama at least once.

But such polls have a flaw: People tend to forget how they voted in previous elections, with more recalling they voted for the winner than actually did. A poll released in June by the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group, a nonpartisan collaboration of analysts and scholars, avoided this problem because it re-interviewed the same respondents queried in 2012; they were asked who they voted for in real time.

Democracy Fund found a fairly ordinary crossover vote in 2016: 9.2 percent of Obama voters supported Trump and 5.4 percent of Mitt Romney voters supported Clinton. That was a typical and unsurprising degree of partisan loyalty. The 2016 election did not create more instability, in the aggregate, than others, it reported.

And those Obama voters who did cross to Trump look a lot like Republicans. The AFL-CIOs Podhorzer analyzed raw data from the Cooperative Congressional Election Study , out in the spring, and found that Obama-Trump voters voted for Republican congressional candidates by a 31-point margin, Republican Senate candidates by a 15-point margin and Republican gubernatorial candidates by a 27-point margin. Their views on immigration and Obamacare also put them solidly in the GOP camp.

Democratic analysts who are looking to solve the partys problem by appealing to this small group of Obama-Trump voters are pointing themselves to a group that by and large is a Republican group now, Podhorzer told me. The bulk of Obama-Trump voters are not fed-up Democratic voters; they are Republican voters who chose Obama in 2012. As such, few are available in 2018 or 2020. Democrats should instead appeal broadly to working-class voters, he said.

(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

In 2008, a larger-than-usual number of Republican voters went with Obama during an extraordinary time, when the economy was in free fall and an incumbent Republican president was deeply unpopular. ANES polling found that 17 percent of Obama voters in 2008 had been for George W. Bush in 2004, compared with the 13 percent of Trump voters, the same survey found, who supported Obama at least once. These people arent Obama-Trump voters as much as they were Bush-Obama voters.

This is important, because it means Democrats dont have to contort themselves to appeal to the mythical Trump Democrats by toughening their position on immigration, or weakening their support for universal health care, or embracing small government and low taxes. What Democrats have to do is be Democrats.

Twitter: @Milbank

Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
While I found Charles Mathewess and Evan Sandsmarks July 30 Outlook essay, Being rich damages your soul. We used to know that, interesting, I question its sweeping generalizations and stereotypes about the wealthy. Some of those characterizations may be true, but many wealthy individuals make enormous philanthropic and charitable contributions for the betterment of society. The commentary failed to acknowledge that.

I was also deeply troubled that in referring to several important religious and philosophical traditions that have criticized excessive wealth, the essay failed to mention or acknowledge Jewish ethics and values relating to wealth. According to Jewish law, Jews should use their property in the service of holiness. While there is nothing inherently wrong with accumulating wealth, it should be used to serve God and care for Gods creatures, not for self-aggrandizement. Jewish tradition also cautions against wasting money that could be better spent caring for those in need. Jewish tradition repeatedly emphasizes the responsibility to care for the poor and vulnerable in society.

Sadly, throughout history, the relationship between Jews, wealth and power has been typecast and used by demagogues and others motivated by anti-Semitism and racism. Over centuries, Jews have paid a very steep price because of these stereotypes.

Arthur Schwartz, Arlington
Enough, already, with all the takeouts and think pieces about how President Trumps loyal base continues to support him. Thats neither surprising nor impressive  and its certainly not the point about this shameful and appalling presidency.

Also, its not entirely true. Trump won 47 percent of the popular vote in Novembers election. Thats less than Hillary Clintons 48 percent but means nevertheless that nearly half the country put its trust in a man who had already shown himself to be a liar, a buffoon, a demagogue and a self-proclaimed sexual harasser.

This week, Gallup reported Trumps approval rating at 36 percent, with 60 percent of those polled disapproving of the job hes doing. Since the advent of polling, no president has been so unpopular at this point in his tenure. Clearly, some who voted for Trump have had second thoughts. But most have not, and why, at this point, should anyone expect otherwise?

It might feel like six years, but its only been six months and change since Inauguration Day  far too soon for even Trump to have alienated everyone who trusted him with their hopes and dreams. Give him time. Hes working on it.

Lets assume, for the sake of argument, that Trump has a solid base of about 35 percent of voters who will stick with him no matter what. Much of his base lives in small towns, rural areas, the South and the Rust Belt  which has inspired countless lazy op-eds about how the jaded sophisticates of the East and West Coasts are too smug and insular to have a clue about the real America.

(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

Please. Just stop.

This country is riven by many fault lines, race and educational attainment being perhaps the most important. But no citizens America is any more real than anyone elses. The voice of a laid-off West Virginia coal miner is no more authentic than that of a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, a Hollywood production assistant, an Upper West Side advertising executive or  and this may be shocking  an opinion writer for a mainstream news outlet. If people such as me live in an elite, progressive bubble, it must be an awfully big one; indicators such as the popular vote suggest there are more Americans inside than out.

I accept that most Trump voters  those who were not heeding his campaigns dog-whistle appeals to white supremacy and racial grievance  had an understandable motive: Frustrated with a political system that seems incapable of getting much of anything accomplished, they decided to lob in a grenade, blow it to smithereens and start over.

I get that. I get how Trumps outrageous statements on Twitter and in campaign-style rallies sound fresh and encouraging to his die-hard supporters, not vicious and loopy. Trump gets it, too, and thats why I doubt anyone will ever be able to pry his smartphone from his dainty clutches. Some of his tweetstorms are primal screams from an insecure man who is in way over his head, but others are carefully crafted to show that he is keeping the faith with those who elected him to break the rules.

But Trump is genuinely delusional about both his talents and his popularity. On Thursday, a day after he grudgingly signed the Russia sanctions bill, he tweeted, Our relationship with Russia is at an all-time & very dangerous low. You can thank Congress, the same people that cant even give us HCare!

Apparently hes never heard of the Cuban missile crisis, in which Washington and Moscow came close to nuclear war. But why is he going out of his way to attack a Congress led by his own party? Senators, especially, do not take kindly to such abuse, as Trump should have learned from the health-care vote. It might be different if he were a popular president. But he is not.

How long will Trumps base stay with him? I dont know, but clearly hes worried. Even Rasmussen, the generally conservative survey that usually shows him as having more support than other pollsters detect, released a poll this week showing Trumps approval below 40 percent for the first time. He makes laughable claims about having accomplished more than any other president in his first months because he knows his support will slowly leak away if he fails at his central promise, which is to get stuff done. Thus far he has been a failure.

(Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

Trump voters are not blind to that fact. And their patience wont last forever.

Read more from Eugene Robinsons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. You can also join him Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a live Q&A.
David S. Cohen served as deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency and undersecretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence during the Obama administration.

The relationship between the intelligence community and President Trump surely has been tested in the first six months of this administration. But the presidents reported demand for intelligence to support his policy preference to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal risks politicizing intelligence analysis, with potentially grave consequences not only for national security decision-making but also for our ability to address a wide range of international threats.

Under a 2015 law governing the Iran nuclear agreement, the president is required to certify every 90 days whether Iran is transparently, verifiably, and fully implementing the agreement, has not committed a material breach with respect to the agreement, and has not taken any action, including covert activities, that could significantly advance its nuclear weapons program.

Although this certification is a political call, it necessarily is based on an intelligence assessment. Intelligence analysts, who are privy to our clandestine collection as well as the intelligence shared with us by key liaison intelligence services, and who are trained in applying proper analytic tradecraft, are in the best position to judge whether Iran is spinning too many centrifuges, holds too much enriched uranium or is secretly pursuing a nuclear weapon.

Trump apparently understands this. Acting on the recommendation of his key national security advisers  the secretary of state, secretary of defense, national security adviser and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff  he reluctantly agreed last month to certify that Iran was in compliance with the agreement. That uniform recommendation, of course, was based on the intelligence communitys collection and analysis.

But Trump then immediately commissioned a group of White House aides to generate a rationale for declaring Iran to be in violation of the agreement. According to a report in Foreign Policy, this group includes Stephen K. Bannon, the presidents chief strategist, who has no intelligence background. The president reportedly told them that he wants to be in a place to decertify 90 days from now and its their job to put him there, according to the magazines source.

This is not how the intelligence process is supposed to work. Certainly, policymakers should ask the intelligence community probing questions and challenge the communitys judgments. That not only is policymakers prerogative, but also it is the right thing to do, and the tougher and more topical the questions, the better.

But there is a big difference between asking a pointed question and demanding a particular answer. When a president directs his staff to generate intelligence to support a preferred policy outcome, overriding the dispassionate analytic judgments of intelligence professionals, that is the very definition of politicization of intelligence.

This is a dangerous place to go. At the most basic level, one would hope that foreign policy decisions with potentially dramatic consequences would be based on the best available facts, not political pretexts.

That is one reason we have invested billions of dollars in our intelligence community over the past decades. Not only is the U.S. intelligence community unparalleled in its collection capabilities, we also have devoted enormous time and attention to training our analysts  especially in the aftermath of the episode regarding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq  to ensure that finished intelligence is objective, properly qualified, based on all available sources and free of political considerations. When the president demands intelligence to fit his political desires, this investment is squandered and our national security endangered.

Moreover, politicized intelligence undermines our ability to generate international support for steps  military, diplomatic, economic or otherwise  the administration may want to take in coordination with others.

When our allies, not to mention our frenemies, doubt the validity of U.S. intelligence claims, they are much less likely to work with us. When I traveled the world to build support for sanctions on Iran by presenting intelligence (with authorization, of course) on the progress of Irans nuclear program, the hangover from the Iraq intelligence failure was palpable. But because our intelligence on Iran was unquestionably sound, we were able to persuade dozens of countries to work with us in pressuring Iran.

If Trump withdraws from the Iran nuclear deal based on intelligence viewed as politicized, there would be little hope that our European allies, not to mention the Russians and Chinese, would cooperate in reimposing sanctions, much less join us in military action.

And the harm would not stop there. Our diplomats and other officials rely on the strength and authority of our intelligence analysis every day in forming policy, in bilateral negotiations and in bringing together coalitions around the world. Weakening this foundation by politicizing the intelligence process would make it more difficult to address a range of national security challenges, from North Korea to Syria to Venezuela.

The president recently told the Wall Street Journal that he expects the detailed studies he has commissioned to validate his belief that Iran is noncompliant. It is up to the leadership of the intelligence community to ensure that the presidents political desires do not infect the intelligence analysis and that their officers remain able to speak truth to power.
To know what infrastructure we need to build, we need to have an idea of what kind of world we want to live in. (Stephen Taylor/ Alamy Stock Photo)

Infrastructure is having a moment  rhetorically, at least. President Trumps Infrastructure Week in June came and went without a plan or any tangible changes. Meanwhile, congressional work on Trumps proposed $1 trillion infrastructure package may have to wait until next year. But before the president or Congress undertakes any big moves, here are five common misconceptions we should demolish.

Myth No. 1

New infrastructure projects would reduce unemployment.

In his inaugural address, Trump vowed to build new roads, and highways, and bridges, and airports, and tunnels, and railways all across our wonderful nation and explained that we will get our people off of welfare and back to work rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor. This is a familiar theme. President Barack Obama said essentially the same thing during his time in office.

While it is certainly true that more projects would mean more demand for man-hours of work, Americans are mostly already working, with the unemployment rate of roughly 4 percent at its lowest point in years. And while there is regional variation, the building trades are getting lots of work overall. It isnt clear that there would even be enough skilled American labor to undertake any massive infrastructure program without cannibalizing existing projects and driving up the price of construction by private enterprise, thus reducing incentives to create new jobs.

Myth No. 2

Regulations kill infrastructure projects.

In explaining his plans for rebuilding America during Infrastructure Week, Trump proposed that a few simple pages of rules could replace the current complex regulations, boosting infrastructure projects. Trumps promise echoed long-held conservative dogma that regulations, particularly environmental-review requirements, stifle major projects. For instance, in a report detailing alternatives for generating $1 trillion in infrastructure investment, the conservative Heritage Foundation suggested reforming regulations that hamper infrastructure projects.

But if job data is any indication, regulations do not result in an overall reduction of activity in the infrastructure sector, though they may change what kinds of projects are undertaken.

Since the publication of Rachel Carsons classic book on environmentalism, Silent Spring, 55 years ago, the implementation of regulations  specifically environmental rules  has spurred infrastructure projects all over the country, from air pollution control to solar-power installations and more. In 2012, for example, a Maryland-based environmental group announced that cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay by upgrading sewage systems would create 240,000 jobs. And more regulations requiring, for example, smart grids to distribute renewable power would result in extensive project starts.

Myth No. 3

Private investment leads to infrastructure projects.

In his recent budget proposal, the president called for spending $200 billion to incentivize private investment to build infrastructure. Again, this is a familiar move. Obama regularly called for leveraging private companies to achieve a larger civil works agenda, focusing on an infrastructure bank that would organize this effort.

What Trump and Obama hoped was that investment in infrastructure equity by the private sector would fuel a building boom. What they have overlooked is that the private sector has always funded civil infrastructure by underwriting and buying municipal bonds, which allow local governments to borrow money from private investors in exchange for interest and tax benefits. What is now proposed is merely a different financing structure: private investment in equity  in other words, an ownership stake  in these public facilities, which supposedly will mean more new projects.

But this is a mistake. The mode of raising capital does not cause development. Projects happen either when there is an investable private opportunity or when the government levies a tax or authorizes a user charge, such as a toll, to fund the repayment of a capital investment. Private investment is a way to raise capital, but no evidence suggests that private investment itself causes projects to happen.

Myth No. 4

Infrastructure spending will spur growth.

The American Society of Civil Engineers annually issues a report card on the condition of American infrastructure. According to this years report, we are not in good shape. What could fix our D-plus grade? The society reports that we need to close our $2.0 trillion 10-year investment gap with a healthy round of infrastructure spending. According to the Treasury Department, these kinds of investments are important for spurring growth.

During the global financial crisis, economists saw infrastructure spending as a better option than throwing money out of helicopters  metaphorically speaking  to goose the economy. They may have had a point at the time, but these days, U.S. economic growth is not particularly slow, so speeding it up would probably take more than spending on infrastructure (or throwing money out of helicopters). And though the condition of our existing infrastructure is generally appalling, thats a repair and maintenance issue, not a result of too little investment to begin with. (If we have gotten to the point of calling filling potholes and repainting bridges infrastructure investment, then we have a bigger problem than we thought.)

Finally, its not clear that an infrastructure boom would necessarily result in economic growth, especially not in the short term, when big projects can slow things down. For instance, a recent study of Uber trips in Melbourne, Australia, demonstrated that major transportation projects are creating significant traffic congestion. Youve got these very large projects . . . that have a short-term impact on the travel pattern of a city, Brendan Lyon, chief executive of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, told a Melbourne newspaper. And since congestion can slow economic growth, big projects shouldnt be deployed with short-term growth gains in mind.

Myth No. 5

We know what infrastructure we need.

With financing proposals on the table from the president and the Senate minority leader, among others, it seems we already know how wed spend that capital. After all, if both parties want to drop $1 trillion on infrastructure, presumably they know where it should go.

Yet these proposals dont mention any particular projects. So its worth asking: What exactly would we build if we could marshal the political will? Underground high-speed rail? World-class international airports? More roads? And where  in the growing urban centers or the declining Rust Belt? With all the talk about building something, the only specific infrastructure proposal that gets any national attention is a southern border wall.

Infrastructure spending is, more than anything, a public policy tool, a way to encourage or enable certain ways of life and modes of commerce. How and where will we live in the future? What kind of energy should we plan to consume? Do we accept a human role in climate change, and will we encourage patterns of commerce and life that reduce that? Should the global trend of urbanization be encouraged by investing in cities or discouraged by facilitating extreme commutes and rural lifestyles? Is potable public water a civil right or a costly service? What kind of jobs do we want for future generations of Americans?

These questions arent simple. They require us to bring our judgment and values to bear, and until theyre answered, its not clear what infrastructure we need. Before any candidate or elected official tries to sell you on an infrastructure plan, they first need to explain what kind of world theyre trying to build and what vision of the future they want to build it for. Otherwise, its just more empty promises.

outlook@washpost.com

Five myths is a weekly feature challenging everything you think you know. You can check out previous myths, read more from Outlook or follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter.
President Trump clearly doesnt want to release his income tax returns to the public. Members of the public and commentators have progressed through stages of outrage, speculation and acceptance that theyll never see the goods, while others have made attempts to pry the documents free (such as proposed legislation in New York and other states that would require presidential candidates to release their returns). But Trumps most pressing tax problem may come from somewhere else entirely: a pre-election transfer of property to a company controlled by his son that could run afoul of the IRS.

According to a recent story by ProPublica and the Real Deal, in April 2016, a limited liability company managed by Trump sold two condominium apartments to a limited liability company managed by Eric Trump. They were on the 13th and 14th floors of a 14-story, full-service, doorman building at 100 Central Park South in Manhattan. This is a prime Midtown neighborhood, yet the sale price for each condo was just $350,000. Although the condition and square footage of apartments 13G and 14G are not readily known, a popular real estate website shows that G-line apartments on both the fifth and eighth floors are one-bedroom, one-bath units of just over 500 square feet. Two years before the Trump transaction, apartment 5G sold for $690,000. Maybe the two units in question were in terrible shape, but two months before the sale to Eric Trumps LLC, they were advertised for $790,000 (on the 13th floor) and $800,000 (on the 14th floor), according to ProPublica.

[Sitting presidents cant be prosecuted. Probably.]

If a sale between a parent and child is for fair market value, it does not trigger a gift tax. But if a parent sells two expensive condominiums to his son at a highly discounted price, for example, then the parent makes a taxable gift in part. In that case, the seller must pay a gift tax of up to 40 percent. (In this case, that might have run the president somewhere in the neighborhood of $350,000.)

Each taxpayer has a $5.49 million lifetime exemption (a married couple has a combined $10.98 million exemption), meaning you can give away that much money without incurring the tax. To claim that a transaction is covered by the exemption, though, you must file a gift tax return. Well-advised wealthy individuals typically fully use their $5.49 million exemption by making gifts to family members as soon as they have the assets to do so.

(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

So if Donald Trump sold the apartments to his sons company for less than fair market value, he needed to file a gift tax return, even if he wanted to claim that the sale was not taxable because of the exemption. The government wants to know what gifts people make, because gifts are taken into account when determining the value of a persons taxable estate at death. If Trump had already used his exemption, he would owe gift tax on the difference between the fair market value of the apartments and the amount paid by Eric Trump.

[Trump or Congress can still block Robert Mueller. I know. I wrote the rules.]

Its possible the president filed the right paperwork. But without a full release of his tax returns, the available evidence suggests he hasnt. According to New York City property records, Trump paid $13,000 in state and local transfer taxes for these two sales. That is the correct amount for a sale between strangers. But if he paid state and local transfer taxes, that means he didnt treat the transfers as gifts. And on the real estate forms filed in New York, Trump didnt check any of the boxes indicating that these were sales between relatives or sales of less than the entire property. It would seem, then, that he treated the transactions as if they were sales for fair market value to a stranger.

Since Trump did not cast the transactions as gifts for state and local tax purposes, it is almost certain that he did not do so for federal gift tax purposes, either. In our combined 40 years of experience as tax lawyers, we are unaware of a situation in which a taxpayer would report a transaction as a fair market value between strangers on the state level (and thus incur real estate taxes) but treat it as a gift at the federal level (and thus incur an additional tax). Its fair to infer that Trump didnt follow the rules.

[Sorry, Donald Trump Jr. is not a traitor.]

Willful failure to file a tax return, including a gift tax return, is a misdemeanor , punishable by a $25,000 fine, imprisonment of up to one year or both. Fraudulent failure to file  meaning an overt act of evasion  may elevate willful failure to a felony . That carries a fine of up to $100,000, imprisonment of up to five years or both, along with the costs of prosecution. According to internal guidance provided by the IRS to its agents, factors indicating potential fraud include repeated contacts by the IRS, failure to cooperate with IRS agents or employees, knowledge of the filing requirements, offering implausible or inconsistent explanations, substantial tax liability, and refusal or inability to explain failure to file.

Presidential income tax returns are subject to mandatory audit . The IRS can decide whether Trumps transfers were truly gifts. If they were, which seems likely, Trumps failure to file a gift tax return opens him up to penalties and fines, or even criminal charges. Perhaps such a charge wouldnt go anywhere, since the president must consent to being indicted by a federal prosecutor. But tax law would permit them.

(The Washington Post)

[I was an FBI agent. Trumps lack of concern about Russian hacking shocks me.]

Twitter: @professortax

@ProfBCrawford

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Two years before Donald Trump became president, he tweeted, Sadly, because president Obama has done such a poor job as president, you wont see another black president for generations! But six months into Trumps tenure, theres a growing buzz among Democrats that the next black president has already been identified: first-term Sen. Kamala Harris of California. Shes running for president, one fundraiser told the Hill. Take it to the bank. The dominant trend in Democratic Party politics is fresh, new and interesting, another fundraiser told Politico. And Kamala is the trifecta on that.

Im bullish on the idea that well have another black president. But its not a given that the next one will be a Democrat.

That might seem like a wild assertion, particularly given the role that racial resentment played in Trumps electoral victory. Its no secret that the GOP continues to fail spectacularly at messaging to black voters. The partys present approach to African Americans is best summed up by Trumps mockingly unserious entreaty last year to vote Republican: What the hell do you have to lose?

Black voters have lent long-standing and overwhelming support to the Democratic Party. And most of the nations rising black political stars are Democrats: Harris, Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.) and former governor Deval Patrick (Mass.)  who is, reportedly, the preferred candidate of several prominent Obama administration alumni, including Valerie Jarrett .

The conventional wisdom assumes that a black presidential candidate can succeed only in the more racially progressive of the two major parties  the Democrats  and with the widespread support of black voters. But this isnt necessarily so.

(Tim Scott)

An examination of gubernatorial and senatorial elections since the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 shows that there have been comparable numbers of popularly elected black Republicans (eight) and popularly elected black Democrats (10). Though the two black governors were Democrats, the majority of the 10 black lieutenant governors have been Republicans, including the two currently holding office: Jenean Hampton of Kentucky and Boyd Rutherford of Maryland. In the Senate, there have been two black Republicans to four Democrats. At the statewide level, where gerrymandered districts arent a factor, a black Republican in a top office is no more anomalous than a black Democrat.

More significant to the prospects for a black GOP presidential nominee is the specific convergence of trends playing out across the country, particularly the intensifying hyper-partisanship. As the nation has sorted itself along party lines and antipathy has risen between the two sides , white Republicans who might harbor racial animus are willing to shelve that impulse to ensure that Democrats lose elections. At a minimum, the level of ideological polarization in American politics masks racially prejudiced voting behavior, and at a maximum, it renders it inoperable, according to a recent study on white conservatives in the GOPs base from professors M.V. Hood of the University of Georgia and Seth McKee of Texas Tech. The pull of partisanship is so strong and has become so central to the identity of white Republicans that their views on race take a back seat when they enter the voting booth .

Hood and McKee also found that white conservatives are either more supportive of minority Republicans or just as likely to vote for a minority as they are a white Republican, and that the base of the GOP does not discriminate against minority nominees in high-profile contemporary general elections. This finding helps explain the relative surge in black Republicans in Congress since the tea party movement, including Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) and Reps. Mia Love (Utah), Will Hurd (Tex.) and Allen West (Fla.)  not to mention Indian American former governors Nikki Haley (S.C.) and Bobby Jindal (La.).

This phenomenon also can provide an advantage to black candidates in primaries and the general election. In Republican primaries, voters are overwhelmingly white and are becoming more conservative; they tend to choose the more conservative candidate. Understanding this, minority candidates often run to the right flank. Its unsurprising, then, that Heritage Action for America, an advocacy organization associated with the conservative Heritage Foundation, scored Scott, Love and West as more conservative than the average House Republican. (Hurd, who represents a purple district that is majority Latino, necessarily tacks more to the center.)

Two related studies show that in South Carolina, Nikki Haley and Tim Scott are more popular than their white Republican colleague Lindsey Graham, and that conservatives, evangelicals, and less-educated individuals respond more positively to Scott when he is described as a Tea Party favorite  than as the first African American Senator from South Carolina since Reconstruction.

Consider Ben Carsons 2016 presidential campaign. Carson, an inexperienced politician, rode a strong evangelical message and critiques of the media  both of which play well with conservative audiences  to the top of the GOP presidential polls. He held steady there for a few weeks until terrorist attacks and national security concerns (not his strong suit) changed the tenor of the race in Trumps favor. In other words, its not that racial animus doesnt exist, its that the power of conservative identity can outweigh it.

The path to the presidency for GOP candidates requires winning a majority of white voters in the general election, not just the primaries. But every Republican presidential nominee since the Voting Rights Act has handily won white voters, except in 1968, 1992 and 1996 , when margins of victory were smaller because of somewhat competitive third-party candidates. In the current hyper-partisan atmosphere, if a black candidate can appeal to Republican voters, he or she can capture the same coalition that white Republicans use to win elections.

(Sarah Parnass,Osman Malik/The Washington Post)

The Democratic Party, for its part, is well aware of its poor performance among white voters and has begun focusing its attention on them, specifically the white working class. Post-election analysis shows that it was these voters, shifting from the Democratic Party to Trump, who were ultimately responsible for Hillary Clintons undoing. Some progressives have expressed concern that the partys attempts to win back white working-class voters will come at the expense of black voters, despite the fact that black voters are the most reliable part of the Democratic base. With its obsessive focus on wooing voters who supported Donald Trump, writes Brown Is the New White author Steve Phillips, the party is neglecting the cornerstone of its coalition.

The Democrats intramural debate was evident in the recent race for the Democratic National Committee chairmanship, when an ally of eventual winner Tom Perez said of Rep. Keith Ellison  who, as the first black congressman from Minnesota and the first Muslim elected to Congress, holds more progressive positions than many others in the party  Is he really the guy we need right now when we are trying to get all of those disaffected white working-class people to rally around our message of economic equality? This quote illustrates a desire to address oft-cited white economic anxiety by subordinating issues of race and religion. Now Democrats must determine whether their next electoral victory lies in recapturing the white working-class voters who used to be part of their base or doubling down on the demographics-is-destiny strategy, which prioritizes appeals to the growing segment of minority voters.

So while a black liberal is fighting upstream in a political climate of racial and ideological polarization, that same climate could work in favor of the black conservative candidate. And though black Democratic candidates often increase black voter turnout  see 2008 and 2012  the rash of restrictive state voting laws has suppressed turnout among minority voters. Because a black Republican nominee doesnt rely on black voters, the electoral factors that hurt black Democratic candidates dont have nearly the same effect. In an irony befitting todays bizarre political landscape, a black Republican nominee may benefit electorally from discriminatory voting laws.

This leads to yet another trend that could help: growing black dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party. Even the election of a black Democrat to the presidency wasnt enough to compel the federal government to meet demands to address systemic racial disparities in a meaningful way. For all its loyalty to the party, the black electorate has not realized the policy gains that should accompany its voting power. Yet, black voters continue to support the Democratic Party for lack of viable options in the voting booth. This conundrum is called electoral capture, a concept that Princeton professor Paul Frymer describes as a blocs overwhelming support for one political party as a result of the opposing party having no interest in, or making no effort to win, the blocs votes. As a result, some black Americans have turned to other forms of political expression  black turnout was down seven percentage points from 2012 to 2016  such as rallies and demonstrations, the Black Lives Matter movement, protest votes, and principled exits from the electoral process. Black Americans dissatisfaction hurt Democrats, not Republicans, on Election Day.

This is where black men put their finger on the scale. A black Republican nominee would peel away a small but significant portion of the black electorate, mostly men. Though black men largely hold liberal views, more of them than black women buy into the conservative mantra of self-determination, small government and economic sufficiency as a remedy to racial discrimination. Also, my research, supported by similar findings, found that black men are much more likely than black women to vote for a black presidential nominee regardless of party or policy views. This suggests that a black Republican candidate can cut into the Democratic base to some extent in the absence of a black Democratic candidate. If Trump managed to get 13 percent of black men to vote for him (Mitt Romney drew 11 percent in 2012 against Obama), a black Republican candidate is certain to exceed that by some noticeable margin. And in a razor-thin election, black men voting along racial lines could help tip the outcome.

Taken together, the current landscape provides fertile soil for the idea of a black Republican in the White House. Of course, when it comes to the presidency and electoral politics, good conditions are hardly enough to win. There are simply too many other factors at play, from candidates likability to things they cant control, such as the state of the economy.

And race still matters: White Republican primary contenders could try to employ coded racial appeals to denigrate competitive black candidates (or to denigrate white candidates  recall the George W. Bush teams attacks on Sen. John McCain during the 2000 South Carolina primary). Further, being black and very conservative is insufficient (recall the Alan Keyes, Herman Cain and Carson campaigns). And theres the reality that the Republican bench for viable black candidates is basically empty, except, perhaps, for Sen. Scott.

Still, if the notion of a black Republican presidency occurring before the next Democratic one seems doubtful, its becoming less so as our politics becomes more divided and stress fractures emerge in historic coalitions. Given the unpredictability and hyper-partisanship of the current political environment, the political winds now blowing could indeed fill the sails of a black Republican presidential nominee.

Twitter: @DrTedJ

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Former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn on Thursday provided new details about his contracts with the Trump presidential transition, a company connected to an Iranian-American businessman and the parent company of a data science firm that worked for the Trump campaign. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Michael Flynn, who served briefly as President Trumps national security adviser, filed an amended federal financial disclosure report late Thursday providing new details about his contracts with the Trump presidential transition, a company connected to an Iranian American businessman, and the parent company of a data science firm that worked for the Trump campaign.

In a letter accompanying his revised disclosure, Flynn noted that his initial disclosure reports were filed under rushed circumstances without the customary consultation and review provided by White House lawyers and the Office of Government Ethics. The letter said Flynn did not receive the attention afforded others because he was no longer a White House employee at the time.

Flynn resigned his post just 24 days after taking office amid reports that he misled Vice President Pence about the nature of his contacts after the election with the Russian ambassador to the United States.

Flynn also drew criticism over foreign payments he received while working in the private sector after stepping down as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014. In a previous disclosure to House investigators Flynn reported receiving nearly $68,000 in fees and expenses from Russia-related entities in 2015.

In addition to the Russia-related income, Thursdays filing showed that Flynn received at least $5,000 as a consultant to a project to build nuclear power plants in the Middle East. Flynns work on that project had been disclosed previously, but it was not known that he was paid.

(Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post)

The updated disclosure also confirms that Flynn had agreed to work with the SCL Group, at the time the British parent company of Cambridge Analytica, a data science company hired by Donald Trumps campaign. One of Cambridges main financiers is hedge fund magnate Robert L. Mercer, whose daughter Rebekah is an influential conservative donor.

The Washington Post reported in February that Flynn had been hired as an adviser to SCL Group. Flynn was tapped to help the American subsidiary of SCL win new U.S. government contracts, according to people familiar with his role. SCL also hired one of Flynns former colleagues from Office of the Director of National Intelligence to lead its government contracting efforts. Flynn received no compensation from SCL and performed no actual work, according to a person familiar with his activities.

The new filing disclosed that Flynn received about $28,000 from the Trump Presidential Transition. The largest source of income disclosed is $140,000 for Flynns work as an adviser and consultant to Minneapolis-based NJK Holding Corp. That firm is led by Nasser Kazeminy, an Iranian-born businessman now living in the United States.

The Associated Press reported Thursday evening that NJK issued a statement saying that Flynn played an advisory role to NJK holdings relative to its investment interests in security. NJK funds a technology firm called GreenZone Systems to which Flynn serves as vice chairman. GreenZone is led by Bijan Kian, Flynns business partner in Flynn Intel, a company now under scrutiny for its role in lobbying work for a Dutch-based business linked to the government of Turkey.

Earlier Thursday, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (Md.), asked Kian to provide information about Flynns foreign business contacts and travel. At the time of a previous security review on Flynn, Kian told military investigators that his partner had several foreign business contacts. But Flynn did not tell the same investigators about those contacts, according to Cummings. A person familiar with the situation said Flynn nonetheless received his security clearance at the time.
On his first day in office, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke pledged zero tolerance for sexual misconduct. The acting National Park Service chief testified to Congress in June that hes bringing a culture of transparency, respect and accountability to a workplace he acknowledged is often hostile.

But the Park Service recently gave a new job and a performance bonus to a national park superintendent in Florida whom investigators found made unwanted advances to a woman he supervised  with hugs, lingering handshakes, inappropriate comments about her appearance, and sitting or lying on her desk while she was trying to work. Investigators said he also harassed another woman who no longer works at the park.

Then, the Park Service issued a one-page set of talking points for media inquiries.

The talking points, obtained by The Washington Post, instructed staff to praise the superintendent, Jorge Acevedo, for making a substantial contribution during his four-year tenure at De Soto National Memorial, a coastal park near Bradenton.

Acevedo has served since March as partnerships manager at the Tuskegee Airmen and Tuskegee Institute national historic sites and Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, a consortium of Park Service properties. He is no longer supervising employees but kept his $82,000-a-year salary, according to an agency official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel issue.

Just before his transfer, the official said, he received a $1,000 cash bonus.

[As the Park Service confronts sexual harassment, this dysfunctional park is Exhibit A]

When interviewed by investigators, Acevedo denied the allegations and said his staff perceived his actions differently than he intended them.

The case was investigated by the inspector generals office for the Interior Department, the Park Services parent agency, and detailed in a March report that was not made public.

The report, as well as the talking points, were initially obtained by the environmental watchdog group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, which provided them to The Post.

Acevedo, through a Park Service spokesman, declined to comment, and he did not respond to an email or a message left on his cellphone. Agency spokesman Tom Crosson declined to discuss Acevedos transfer, citing ongoing personnel actions.

Jeff Ruch, PEERs executive director, blasted the agencys handling of the case, saying it perpetuates a culture of impunity. He said by issuing the talking points, the Park Service re-victimized the victims and implied that they were not as valuable to the agency.

The case comes as the agency confronts a string of episodes of sexual misconduct disclosed more than a year ago by Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendalls office. The revelations  at Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks, the Grand Canyon and Canaveral National Seashore  have led to congressional hearings and a survey prepared by the outgoing Obama administration of the Interior Departments 70,000 employees to gauge the extent of the problem.

House lawmakers, particularly Republicans, scolded Obamas Park Service chief for failing to fire or move quickly to discipline managers and employees following findings of misconduct, and criticized a lack of accountability at the top.

A year later, Trumps administration is still dealing with sexual harassment and how to punish it, even though Zinke promised to take a hard line on ethics, warning employees in an email on his first day, I expect us to do better.

The administration has sent mixed signals on how aggressively it intends to address the problem.

Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk said he planned to start disciplinary action this week, including suspensions and firing, against as many as a dozen employees after an inspector general investigation found six women in the parks maintenance division were subjected to derogatory comments, verbal abuse and unequal treatment by male employees. The action was first reported by the Associated Press.

[Investigation finds credible evidence of sexual harassment at Yellowstone]

It took 19 months for the Park Service to fire a boatman who investigators in an inspector general report disclosed propositioned female employees at the Grand Canyon  one of multiple male employees who propositioned, groped and bullied women for years on river trips.

The boatman had remained an employee of the park since the case went public. The other men resigned or retired, including the former park superintendent, who an IG investigation found had ignored the womens complaints.

He was first offered a job transfer to the agencys Washington headquarters.

The chief park ranger at Canaveral, another coastal Florida park next to the Kennedy Space Center, worked from home with full pay for more than a year after investigators disclosed a pattern of unwanted advances, attention and inappropriate remarks he made to multiple female subordinates. The officer, Edwin Correa, left the Park Service in May, officials said  months after he was charged by local police in one case. He and his lawyer declined to comment.

Shortly after taking office, Zinke moved quickly against a senior executive in charge of the Interior Departments Office of Law Enforcement and Security, who retired after investigators disclosed in an IG report that he had sexually harassed six women who worked for him.

[GOPers say they want to punish sexual harassers in govt. Ryan Zinke has his first test case ]

The Canaveral superintendent, Myrna Palfrey, was put on a nine-month temporary reassignment after three investigations of park mismanagement, one of which found she retaliated against a whistleblower who reported it.

In May she returned to her duties as superintendent. The Park Service said no wrongdoing on her part was found. Palfrey, through a spokesman, declined to comment.

Investigators became aware of the misconduct at De Soto after the employee wrote Acevedo a detailed email in which she listed his alleged indiscretions and how they were hurtful to her, according to several people who have seen it. He then forwarded the email to his superiors, who turned the case over to the inspector general.

The woman repeatedly asked Acevedo to stop, but he wouldnt, the inspector generals report said. After Acevedo drove past her home, she told him when she confronted him that this was creepy and stalker behavior, according to the report.

Acevedo also violated other federal rules, passing beer to volunteers in the park, improperly accessing gunpowder used in historical reenactments and staying at the home of park volunteers he later rewarded by having a parking pad built for their trailer, investigators found.

He said he had exempted the park from the no-alcohol policy and denied breaking the rules on gunpowder and volunteer access to the park. According to the report, Acevedo insisted the woman try on a button-down park shirt in his presence.

She explained she knew the shirt would be too small for her and told him, but she tried it on at his insistence.

Acevedo gave a different story to investigators, telling them he acted in the context of looking for a shirt she could wear.

Acevedo denied any inappropriate behavior toward the woman. He told investigators he attempted to physically distance himself from her after she first talked to him about his conduct.

Park Service officials said the sexual harassment survey of employees is scheduled for release by the end of summer.

Read more at PowerPos
A man walks in front of a public TV screen in Tokyo broadcasting news of North Korea test-firing its second apparent intercontinental ballistic missile on July 29, 2017. (Eugene Hoshiko/AP)

The American-led effort to isolate North Korea from all aspects of the international community has apparently spread to New Zealand, where a group of North Korean academics  including a historian, a philosopher and a linguist  were denied visas for a conference this week.

The 10-member delegation from the Pyongyang-based Academy of Social Sciences was not permitted to attend the International Society for Korean Studies conference in Auckland this week.

Their specialties include Korean folklore, philosophy, classical literature, history and education. They were to be accompanied by two minders, as is standard for North Korean groups traveling abroad.

One of the academics due to travel was Jo Hui Sung, who has some renown in his field: the history of the Koguryo era, one of the three kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula until the 7th century.

But the New Zealand government rejected the visa applications last Friday to comply with sanctions against North Korea, according to people familiar with the process. They said it was because of the United Nations sanctions, said one, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to give details of the decision.

[ State Department: U.S. to block Americans from traveling to North Korea ]

As Kim Jong Uns regime has continued to defy the international community by launching missiles, the United Nations has imposed sanctions to try to cut off North Koreas ability to buy parts for its weapons program by clamping down on both logistics and financing.

At the same time, the United States has imposed much more aggressive unilateral sanctions against North Korea, blacklisting individual people and companies that the Treasury Department claims are involved in running or financing the weapons program.

On Wednesday, the State Departments top envoy for East Asian affairs, Susan Thornton, told reporters that the United States was seeking possible ways to suspend North Korea from Asias biggest security group, the 27-nation ASEAN Regional Forum. The group, which includes the United States and South Korea, is scheduled to hold its annual gathering Monday in the Philippines.

None of the sanctions in place or planned  whether unilateral or multilateral  have targeted humanities professors.

New Zealands Foreign Ministry declined to comment, referring inquiries to the immigration department.

Immigration New Zealand can confirm that these visa applications were declined for not meeting immigration instructions, said Marc Piercey, a spokesman for the immigration department. He declined to comment further for legal and privacy reasons.

The visa decision was made just days after Recorded Future, a threat intelligence firm, released a report saying that North Koreans were accessing the Internet through a handful of countries, including New Zealand. However, it was not clear whether the report had anything to do with the decision.

[ North Korea fires another missile as it works to put the U.S. within reach ]

The International Society for Korean Studies two-day conference was held at the University of Auckland and was attended by 130 academics from around the world, including the United States, Europe, China and South Korea.

The Japan-based group convenes the conference every other year; the last event was held in Austria in 2015. Twelve North Koreans, many of whom were slated to travel to New Zealand this week, attended.

Proponents of engagement were dismayed by the news.

If youre interested in bringing about gradual change in North Korea, surely one of the best ways to do so is by bringing out as many people as possible and exposing them to the outside world, said Stephen Epstein, who teaches Korean studies at Victoria University of Wellington. He has helped host previous groups of North Koreans to New Zealand.

[ Tillerson says putting pressure on North Korea is just the beginning ]

New Zealand has hosted other delegations of North Koreans, including three English professors who traveled to a New Zealand university last year, and two North Koreans who attended a study group of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific in Auckland in March.

But the New Zealand government has also denied visa applications from North Koreans in the past.

As North Korea advances its missile program and touts its ability to strike the U.S. mainland, Washington has been leading an international campaign to isolate Pyongyang.

It is pressuring foreign governments that allow North Korean workers into their countries to stop the practice  labor exports have become a major source of hard currency for the regime. It has also been urging other governments to cut off diplomatic relations with North Korea.

Read more:

Aid workers, Korean Americans voice concern about new North Korea travel rules

After Otto Warmbiers death, tourism to North Korea comes under scrutiny

North Korea could cross ICBM threshold next year, U.S. officials warn

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Police officers secure the area July 28 after a knife attack at a supermarket in Hamburg. A suspect police have only identified as Ahmad A. allegedly stabbed six people, one fatally. A seventh person was wounded in an attempt to overcome the suspect. (Markus Scholz/DPA/AP)

For months, Germany awaited paperwork from the Palestinian Authority to carry out his deportation, but it took only a moment, police allege, for the man they have identified only as Ahmad A. to wield a knife in a rampage in a Hamburg supermarket.

He stabbed six people, one fatally. A seventh person was wounded in an attempt to overcome the suspect, who will face charges for murder and attempted murder, as well for causing grievous bodily harm.

The 26-year-old Palestinian, born in the United Arab Emirates, wanted to die a martyr, prosecutors said. His attack last month has renewed questions about whether Germany has control of its borders, prompting recriminations from opposing political factions ahead of a September election that will be a referendum on the nations chancellor, Angela Merkel.

In its response to the refugee crisis, Germany has aimed to prove that humanitarianism and national security are compatible. But the debate over deportations captures how these principles come into conflict, legal experts and practitioners said, and is therefore exemplary of Europes broader movement toward a stricter policy.

As Germany stiffens its stance on immigration, in a manner at odds with the open-door policy for which it is known, deportation has emerged as a critical measure of state security. The case of Ahmad A. appeared to reveal gaps in that architecture, a point reflected in the outcry of politicians and the media.

[In Germany, Merkel welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees. Now many are suing her government.]

The deportation talk is a way of Germany saying, We have control; we are in the drivers seat,  said Carsten Horich, an expert in migration law based in the city of Halle.

But experts said new legislation is unlikely to remove practical barriers to deportation, such as the fact that many migrants arrive without passports. Other barriers, they said, involve human rights concerns  from health problems to the status of minors.

Germany deported more than 25,000 people in 2016, an increase of about 5,000 from 2015. In the first half of this year, 12,500 people have been deported, according to the Interior Ministry.

The suspect in the Hamburg case was meant to be one of them. But the federal migration office missed a deadline in 2015 to send the man back to Norway, the nation responsible for his asylum claim under European rules. His request for asylum in Germany was then dismissed toward the end of last year, again putting him on the path to deportation. But he didnt have a passport dictating where he had to go. Police said he was cooperating as authorities tracked down identification documents from the Palestinian Authority, which can take months.

Around the same time, however, a friend of the man had warned security officials of his possible radicalization, and then, in the spring, a shoplifting case that was later dismissed put him on the polices radar. Still, he wasnt considered an imminent risk, classified as an Islamist instead of a jihadist, said Andy Grote, the interior minister of Hamburg. Authorities also said he suffered psychological distress.

But the man, who was living in a refugee home in Hamburg, quickly self-radicalized, federal prosecutors said. Only two days before the attack, he chose to adopt a lifestyle matching his radical Islamist beliefs, they said.

The case has drawn parallels to one of the most deadly strikes in decades, when a young Tunisian ex-convict and failed asylum seeker drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin in December. The Islamic State asserted responsibility, whereas the suspect in Hamburg operated without instructions from a broader network, authorities said.

Still, across the political spectrum there were calls for a crackdown  from detaining radicalized individuals to thwart attacks, to putting economic pressure on nations to force them to readmit migrants. This chorus meant that Alternative for Germany, the far-right party poised to enter the German Parliament for the first time, was not alone in demanding that the country rethink its immigration policy.

The message was echoed in the German media. Bild, the countrys top-selling tabloid, wrote of the great deportation lie, noting that the number of deportations in 2017 was lower than at this time last year.

We see this every time something shocking happens, said Heiko Habbe, an attorney with Fluchtpunkt, a Hamburg-based legal aid group. You can draw a line over the last 15 years with ever-stricter laws, but if we want to live in an open society, we cannot prevent every danger.

[How McKinsey shaped Europes response to the refugee crisis]

A day after the attack, a new measure went into effect making it easier to detain and deport migrants. It authorizes new forms of electronic monitoring and strips away the need to give prior notice of deportation in certain cases. But Habbe said it would not have applied to the Hamburg suspect because he was not flagged as a danger, or Gefahrder.

This classification has existed in German law as grounds for preventive deportation of foreigners, meaning those without an expulsion order, since 2004. It requires that the security of the nation be at stake. But the classification has not been used until this year, said Anna Katharina Mangold, a law professor at the University of Frankfurt. Since then, several courts have turned back challenges on constitutional grounds.

Fundamental rights of foreigners do not seem too important in times such as these, Mangold said.

On Monday, however, the European Court of Human Rights stopped a deportation justified on these grounds  of an 18-year-old from Dagestan living in Bremen in northwestern Germany  that had been planned for Tuesday. Both Germanys Federal Administrative Court and Federal Constitutional Court had upheld the deportation. The European Court of Human Rights will review the case.

Read more:

Hamburg stabbing suspect was radicalized but also mentally unstable, authorities say

A far-right group chartered a boat to repel migrants on the Mediterranean. Then part of its crew filed for asylum.

Italy offers swimming lessons for refugees traumatized while crossing the Mediterranean

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
In this Sept. 17, 2015 photo, an Emirati gunner watches for enemy fire from the rear gate of a United Arab Emirates Chinook military helicopter flying over Yemen. (Adam Schreck/AP)

As a vicious civil war erupted in Yemen two years ago and triggered international alarm, the United States warned the combatants to step back. But its efforts were quietly undermined by one of the most trusted U.S. regional allies: the United Arab Emirates.

Hundreds of people had died in battles and airstrikes. But the UAE, part of a Saudi Arabia-led military coalition that is supported by the United States, encouraged its partners to resist then-Secretary of State John F. Kerrys appeals for peace talks or a cease-fire.

Yemenis should be firm, as the secretary is a persuasive speaker, Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, a senior Emirati leader, told Yemens prime minister as Kerry headed to the region in May 2015. The Gulf Arab states also should stand firm, the prince said, according to a meeting summary that was part of leaked Emirati diplomatic emails shared with The Washington Post.

The meeting hinted at the UAEs drive for influence across the Middle East, using military power, diplomacy and covert means to bolster allies and counter rivals. Its role in Yemen and other recent actions has caused friction with the United States, complicating their decades-long military relationship.

Already, the UAEs rise as a top-tier U.S. military ally had set it apart from other Arab nations, enhancing its outsize ambitions and regional clout. Now, the two nations appear poised to expand their partnership even further under President Trump, as his administrations America First doctrine translates into a more aggressive stance against Iran and an expanded campaign against al-Qaeda militants on the Arabian Peninsula.





Admiring U.S. generals, including Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, refer to the UAE as Little Sparta and call it a model for how regional allies could reduce the counterterrorism burden on the United States.

But tensions in the alliance were brought to the fore last month when American intelligence officials said that the UAE had orchestrated the hacking of a Qatari government website  a move that inflamed a longtime rift between Americas Persian Gulf allies and thrust the White House into the uncomfortable role of mediator.

UAE and American interests have also diverged in Libya, where U.S. officials complained that the UAE was thwarting peace efforts. Yemens brutal conflict has exposed the United States to accusations of complicity in war crimes because of its support for the UAE and its gulf allies.

The danger of creating an independent military capability is that you create an independent military capability, a former senior U.S. official said. Its great that we have a partner in the Emiratis, but we dont always see eye to eye.

[UAE orchestrated hacking of Qatari government sites, according to U.S. intelligence officials]

An enthusiastic buildup

In 1981, just a decade after the UAE became independent, Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who later would become the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, flew to Washington with grand ambitions of buying U.S. fighter jets that would bolster the military capabilities of the oil-rich monarchy and transform his country into a global power. Instead, he felt that he was laughed out of town, a former U.S. diplomat said. No one knew about the UAE. Who was this kid?

In the years that followed, the UAE began sending troops to Western-backed conflicts, including the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Somalia, the Balkans and Afghanistan. The kingdom is building out a series of bases in Africa that will give it even greater military reach.

In this Nov. 7, 2015 file photo, made available by the Emirates News Agency, WAM, a convoy of UAE military vehicles and personnel travels from Al Hamra Military Base to Zayed Military City, marking the return of the first batch of UAE Armed Forces military personnel from Yemen, in Abu Dhabi. (Ryan Carter/AP)

The Emiratis have also embarked on an extended spending spree. In addition to obtaining F-16s, they were the first U.S. ally to acquire a THAAD, a sophisticated missile defense system. They are now hoping to buy F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, the Pentagons most advanced fighter aircraft, which cost $100 million apiece.

Andrew Exum, who served as the senior Pentagon official for Middle Eastern issues until this year, said sophisticated weaponry is not the UAEs biggest military asset. What distinguishes them is the diligence with which they have gone about investing in all of the unsexy things needed to build a capable military, he said, including logistics and training.

Emirati officials say it was the perceived threat from Iran that jump-started their drive to build a modern military and test their forces beyond their borders. They also have seen the need to counter the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood and any political or armed groups they see as an extension of that movement.

It really has to do with geography and the threats we grew up with from day one, said Yousef al-Otaiba, the UAEs ambassador to the United States and a central figure in the countrys successful U.S. lobbying efforts. Otaiba, a tireless promoter of the view that the UAE is a stabilizing force in the Middle East, has made inroads with key Trump administration officials, including Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and adviser.

But the Emirati view of stability, its critics say, has included a troubling embrace of autocratic leaders who share its antipathy to Iran or Islamists and its intolerance of any political dissent.

[How a 91-year-old imam came to symbolize the feud between Qatar and its neighbors]

That stance has created headaches for the United States, including in Libya. While Emirati pilots played a central role in the 2011 intervention that toppled Moammar Gaddafi, U.S. officials grew frustrated in the years that followed as the UAE, along with Egypt, quietly provided military and financial support to Gen. Khalifa Hifter, a powerful figure who led a violent campaign against Islamist forces, including militants. That support violated a United Nations arms embargo.

U.S. officials also saw Hifter as an obstacle to a political solution. The last straw was a major shipment from the UAE of armored and other vehicles to Hifter that drew a stern response from the administration of Barack Obama.

What we want in Libya is a stable, secular government, Otaiba said. Its the same thing we want in Syria; its the same thing we want in Yemen. Secular.

Quicksand in Yemen?

Within days of his May 2015 visit, Kerry was able to secure a pause in the fighting in Yemen. But like other cease-fires since, it crumbled after a few days.

More than two years later, thousands have been killed by coalition airstrikes, artillery shelling and gunfights. Millions of Yemenis are threatened by starvation and disease, including a cholera epidemic.

Talk of a political solution has grown faint.

The UAE joined the Saudi-led coalition after a Shiite rebel group known as the Houthis ousted Yemens government. The UAE, like its Saudi partners, viewed the Houthis as an Iranian proxy force  a characterization that American officials at the outset of the war said was exaggerated.

Some in the Obama administration also warned their gulf allies that the intervention was ill-conceived, according to Robert Malley, the former White House coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and the gulf. Eager to smooth things over with gulf nations angered by Obamas nuclear negotiations with Iran, administration officials decided to give the Saudi-led effort military support, but hoped to minimize U.S. involvement and accelerate a political settlement, he said.

We feared that this was not a war that was destined to end quickly, Malley said. The region has had ample experience with nonstate actors like the Houthis  clearly inferior militarily, yet prepared to fight on and unwilling to give in. The Saudi-led coalition risked getting dragged in more and more, at great humanitarian cost, he said.

Privately, Emirati officials seemed worried, too. With Western media coverage primarily focused on Yemens humanitarian crisis, the UAE was losing the moral high ground fast, Otaiba wrote to a colleague in July 2015, according to hacked emails distributed by a group apparently sympathetic to Qatar, the UAEs rival.

The Trump administration, appearing to prioritize pushing back against Iran over reservations about the conflict, is now weighing deeper U.S. involvement.

The UAE has taken a leading role in combating al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen  a U.S. priority. In 2015, Emirati forces proved their ability to plan and execute a major operation, acting against U.S. warnings when they mounted an amphibious assault to capture the southern city of Aden from Houthi forces.

But the UAEs stewardship of the south has been troubled.

A feud between UAE-backed southern separatists and the Yemeni government, which is based in Saudi Arabia, may complicate a settlement of the war. The UAE has also supported ultraconservative Sunnis known as Salafists, undermining its talk of a secular region.

The Yemen operation has illustrated the risks to the United States in backing, even indirectly, operations by foreign forces.

Reports by the Associated Press and Human Rights Watch in June alleged that the UAE or forces loyal to it maintained a network of secret prisons in southern Yemen. Witnesses told the AP that in at least one of the facilities, where detainees were being tortured, U.S. forces were present.

Emirati officials denied they maintained secret detention centers or tortured prisoners. U.S. officials told the AP that military leaders looked into the allegations and were satisfied that U.S. forces were not present when any abuses occurred.

Ryan Goodman, a former Pentagon official who teaches law at New York University, co-authored a recent report that concluded that the United States, because of its support for UAE operations in Yemen, may hold legal responsibility for illegal detention practices.

Is this really a productive way of achieving the long-term goal of combating AQAP or ensuring stability in Yemen? Goodman wrote.

Ryan reported from Washington.

Hundreds of thousands of Yemeni children are nearing starvation

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Friday that the Justice Department has more than tripled the number of leak investigations compared with the number that were ongoing at the end of the last administration, offering the first public confirmation of the breadth of the departments efforts to crack down on unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information.

The announcement seemed designed both to reassure the president, who has criticized the attorney general as being weak on leak investigations, and to scare government officials away from talking to reporters about sensitive matters.

Sessions said he was devoting more resources to stamping out unauthorized disclosures, directing Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray to actively monitor every investigation, instructing the departments national security division and U.S. attorneys to prioritize such cases, and creating a new counterintelligence unit in the FBI to manage the work.

Sessions also said he was reviewing the Justice Departments policy on issuing subpoenas to reporters.

This culture of leaking must stop, Sessions said.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

President Trump has complained vociferously about unauthorized disclosures of information, particularly when the leaks result in stories that are unflattering to the administration. Many Republicans have argued that the issue deserves as much attention as the investigation into whether Trumps campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to influence the 2016 election.

[President Trumps war on leaks, explained]

Sessions, too, has said previously that illegal leaks are extraordinarily damaging to the United States security and confirmed that such disclosures were already resulting in investigations. Last week, though, Trump wrote on Twitter that his attorney general had taken a VERY weak position on Intel leakers.

The attorney general did not specify the raw numbers by which leak probes had tripled. The Obama administration initially pursued such cases in historic numbers but grew more averse over time. Officials have said that since the start of the Trump administration, authorities have approved more than half a dozen leak probes and more are expected.

Rosenstein refused to rule out the possibility that journalists would be prosecuted, saying, Im not going to comment on any hypotheticals.

It has long been Justice Department practice in leak probes to try to avoid investigating journalists directly to find their sources. In 2014, then-Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. said that as long as he was heading the Justice Department, no reporter is going to go to jail for doing his or her job.

The policy instead has been for investigators to first focus on government employees who may be responsible for leaking. In some cases, when the scrutiny of employees has been exhausted, senior Justice Department officials may authorize investigations of journalists, possibly by examining their phone records.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions after a news conference announcing ongoing leak investigations Friday. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)

As a result, leak investigations are often slow moving, and many never lead to charges. Within the FBI and the Justice Department, agents and prosecutors who handle leak cases have long argued that if they could investigate journalists earlier and more aggressively, they could be more successful in prosecuting leak cases.

We are reviewing the entire process of how we conduct media leak investigations by responding to issues that have been raised by our career prosecutors and agents, Rosenstein said. Were taking basically a fresh look at it. . . . We dont know yet what, if any, changes we want to make, but we are taking a fresh look.

Sessions said that the Justice Department must balance the presss role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in the intelligence community, the armed services and all law-abiding Americans.

Prosecutors in the Obama era brought nine leak cases, more than during all previous administrations combined, and in the process called a reporter a criminal co-conspirator and secretly went after journalists phone records in a bid to identify reporters sources. Prosecutors also sought to compel a reporter to testify and identify a source, though they ultimately backed down from that effort.

Holder issued updates in 2015 to the departments policy on obtaining information from members of the news media, after his Justice Department came under fire for the tactics prosecutors used in bringing such cases.

Sessions made his announcement Friday in the Justice Departments seventh-floor conference room with Rosenstein, Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, and National Counterintelligence and Security Center Director William Evanina. Conspicuously absent were representatives from the FBI, which generally investigates leaks. Rosenstein said that was probably because Wray had just started his job as director of the bureau this week.

Coats said the hunt for reporters sources would go well beyond the intelligence agencies. These national security breaches do not just originate in the intelligence community. They come from a wide range of sources within the government, including the executive branch and including the Congress, he said.

Sessions said that in the first six months of this year, the Justice Department received nearly as many criminal referrals involving unauthorized disclosures of classified information as it had received in the past three years combined. Though he did not say if it had resulted in a criminal referral, Sessions cited in particular a recent disclosure to The Washington Post of transcripts of Trump conversations with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Sessions said prosecutors had charged four people with making unauthorized disclosures of classified information or concealing contacts with foreign officers. Most of the cases did not involve journalists.

So far, the Justice Department under Sessions has publicly announced charges in just one leak case related to the media. Reality Leigh Winner, a 25-year-old government contractor, was charged in June with mishandling classified information after authorities said she gave a top-secret National Security Agency document to a news organization.

A Justice Department spokesman said that when Sessions mentioned four people who had been charged, he was referring to Winner; Candace Marie Claiborne, a State Department employee charged with concealing her contacts with foreign intelligence agents; Kevin Patrick Mallory, a former CIA officer accused of selling information to China; and Harold T. Martin III, a federal contractor suspected of stealing a massive amount of classified information. Martin was arrested during the Obama administration, though he was indicted in February.

Several prominent conservatives lauded Sessionss announcement, while open-government and free press groups said it was worrisome. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press said it would strongly oppose revising department guidelines on issuing subpoenas to reporters, and Danielle Brian, executive director at the Project on Government Oversight, said leak investigations might inappropriately target well-intentioned whistleblowers.

Whistleblowers are the nations first line of defense against fraud, waste, abuse, and illegality within the federal government, the last thing this administration wants to do is to deter whistleblowing in an effort to stymie leaks, Brian said in a statement.

Leak cases are difficult to prove and prosecute, and they almost always come with political controversy  especially when the leaks involve providing information to reporters that is arguably in the public interest.

Trumps presidency has been dogged by a steady stream of information given to reporters by anonymous sources, though not all of those disclosures have involved classified information and many were probably not illegal.

Trump, for example, has complained that former FBI director James B. Comeys decision to engineer a leak about a conversation he had with the president was illegal, when legal analysts say that is probably not the case.

Comey has conceded that he told a friend to give a reporter information about a request from the president that Comey shut down the bureaus probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. But he said he did not share classified material.

Prosecutors can bring charges against people for sharing information with the public only when classified or other national security material is at issue. Material cannot be classified to conceal legal violations or prevent embarrassment, according to an executive order from President Barack Obama .
In meeting after meeting with his national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, this spring and summer, President Trump angrily hammered home two questions:

He wanted to know why the U.S. military wasnt winning in Afghanistan, and he asked, repeatedly, why, after more than 16 years of war, the United States was still stuck there.

The presidents two questions have defined a contentious debate over whether to send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan to halt two years of Taliban gains. And they have exposed a potentially deep philosophical rift with McMaster, a three-star general.

H.R. heard the first question and seized on it, said a senior White House official who is close to McMaster. But he never heard, or didnt want to hear, the presidents second question.

The debate over Afghanistan strategy, which McMaster had initially hoped to have resolved by May, continued Thursday when the president and his national security adviser met in the Oval Office. Trumps reluctance to commit to a new strategy reflects the paucity of good options in Afghanistan and the dim prospects for peace.

[Behind the front lines in the fight to annihilate ISIS in Afghanistan]

It also highlights a contradiction at the core of Trumps foreign policy. On the campaign trail and in conversations with advisers, Trump has said he wants to win and project strength. But he also has called for ending costly commitments in places such as Afghanistan and the Middle East.

The charge for McMaster is to craft a strategy that addresses these contradictory impulses  a desire to simultaneously do more and less in the world  and define the presidents America first vision.

McMasters challenge is made more difficult by the stylistic differences that separate the two men. McMaster arrived at the White House in February determined to run an apolitical process that would surface the best national security ideas from the vast federal bureaucracy and present options to the president.

But Trump has shown little interest in a methodical and consensus-oriented approach. Impatient and determined to shake up U.S. foreign policy, Trump solicits input not only from McMaster but also from friends, family members, Cabinet secretaries and other counselors.

In a disorderly West Wing in which decisions are evaluated not by ideology but by their impact on the Trump brand and their fealty to the presidents campaign-trail promises, McMaster has struggled to become a dominant foreign policy force.

McMasters biggest asset is the respect he commands from a Washington foreign policy establishment that has grave doubts about Trump. Senators and the people the president talks to say, We love H.R.,  said a senior administration official in describing the dynamic between the two men. The president is very proud of him.

But McMasters approach has also spawned a fierce rivalry with key players from Trumps campaign, led by chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, who views Trump as a revolutionary figure on the world stage.

McMasters allies have accused Bannon and his protege Sebastian Gorka, a cable-news mainstay, of waging a concerted campaign to minimize the national security advisers influence. Bannon and Gorka have recently become a more regular and outspoken presence at meetings led by McMaster and his team on Afghanistan, the Middle East and the administrations national security strategy.

McMaster, meanwhile, has in the past two weeks dismissed three National Security Council officials who were viewed as disruptive forces and were seen as close to Bannon.

Sometimes you have very forceful differences of opinion among the presidents senior advisers, said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who is close to McMaster and Bannon. H.R. is indispensable in helping the president hear all those viewpoints and have the information he needs.

For now, though, those conflicting viewpoints have produced as much chaos as consensus, frustrating the president and fueling speculation about McMasters job security. Trump insiders see retired Marine general John F. Kelly, the presidents new chief of staff, as a natural McMaster ally who is seeking to tame the White Houses internecine fights and force the president to stick to a schedule.

Late Friday, Trump issued a statement of support for McMaster amid calls from some conservative activists for his dismissal.

General McMaster and I are working very well together, Trump said. He is a good man and very pro-Israel. I am grateful for the work he continues to do serving our country.

McMasters friends and colleagues are sympathetic to his challenges.

He had not worked in D.C. before, so this was certainly a new environment for him, but I have always seen him lead, said Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. He sets very clear goals. . . . When were in those meetings, hes all about getting options on the table for the president.

This portrait of the McMaster-Trump relationship is based on interviews with more than 20 senior Trump advisers, NSC officials and friends of both men. Most spoke on the condition of anonymity to offer frank appraisals.

McMaster arrived at the White House after the ouster of his predecessor, Michael Flynn, and with few ties to the president or the Trump administration. Cotton, who recognized Trumps affinity for generals, brought him to the presidents attention.

There arent that many people who earn decorations for valor who also have best-selling PhD dissertations, the senator said of McMaster, referring to the generals book, Dereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam.

Dina Powell, the deputy national security adviser, helped him forge relationships with other Cabinet members and counseled him on how to connect with Trump, according to other administration officials.

McMasters first big task, though, was not winning over his boss but earning the trust of his staffers  many of whom were on loan to the NSC from other federal agencies and had been disparaged by some Trump administration officials as Obama holdovers.

McMaster tried to ban the term. In his first staff town-hall meeting, he emphasized that as a nonpartisan Army officer he did not vote  a message he delivered repeatedly during his first months. McMaster wanted the NSCs professional staff to know that he valued its input. He was also sending a message, perhaps unwittingly, to the president, who demands loyalty from his staff and regularly boasts of the size of his electoral-college victory.

McMaster began by compiling a list of 15 strategic problem areas that would guide the councils work. And he spoke broadly of his concern that U.S. power and influence had been on the decline for much of the past 16 years, said current and former White House officials.

The president has views that are different than where the establishment has been, and the president appreciates that General McMaster is taking those views and coming back with strategies that give the president options, said Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and senior adviser.

One of the places McMaster would try to arrest the slide was in Afghanistan, where he had served in 2010 and 2011 and was personally invested. Fewer and fewer Americans understand what is at stake in the wars in which we are engaged, he had said in a 2015 speech at Georgetown University. How many Americans could, for example, name the three main Taliban organizations we are fighting in Afghanistan and Pakistan?

The American strategy Trump inherited had been defined by the Obama administrations focus on withdrawing American forces and ending the war.

One key to a better outcome, McMaster argued, was an open-ended commitment that would demonstrate American resolve and compel the Taliban to enter peace talks. McMasters version of America first in Afghanistan meant negotiating from a position of strength.

Among his biggest challenges was holding the attention of the president. In classified briefings, Trump would frequently flit between subjects. We moved very quickly from news to intelligence to policy with very little clarity on which lanes we were in, said a U.S. official who took part in the briefings. McMaster would act like the tangents didnt happen and go back to Point 2 on his card.

Trump had little time for in-depth briefings on Afghanistans history, its complicated politics or its seemingly endless civil war. Even a single page of bullet points on the country seemed to tax the presidents attention span on the subject, said senior White House officials.

I call the president the two-minute man, said one Trump confidant. The president has patience for a half-page.

Another problem was overcoming the presidents skepticism that winning in Afghanistan was even possible.

On Afghanistan, McMaster wanted something that would appeal to the presidents instincts as a promoter, U.S. officials said.

The solution: The general dug up pictures of Kabuls Massoud Circle from 2005 and 2015 to show how businesses and traffic had returned to the once-desolate area. And he asked one of his Afghanistan experts to find a black-and-white snapshot from 1972 of Afghan women in miniskirts walking through Kabul.

The goal was to give the president the idea that Afghanistan was not this hopeless place, said one U.S. official familiar with the briefing, which included several pictures of the country.

The briefing did not change Trumps position, which had been shaped by his two years on the campaign trail and his sense that the American people had lost sight of the wars purpose. The strategy review that McMaster had hoped to complete by early May  ahead of a NATO conference where he hoped to secure pledges for more European troops  remains stalled.

At McMasters urging, Trump earlier this summer signed an order giving the Pentagon the authority to send as many as 3,900 more troops requested by commanders to Afghanistan. But Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, concerned about the absence of an approved strategy and chastened by Trumps doubts about the war, has not authorized the forces to go.

At a meeting last month, the president angrily complained that the United States was not winning in Afghanistan, suggested firing the current commander and questioned whether sending more troops to the country would be folly, said U.S. officials familiar with the meeting. The first detailed accounts of the meeting were reported by NBC News.

The fight over the Afghanistan strategy points to a larger problem with the relationship between McMasters NSC and the West Wing. During his six months on the job, McMaster has raised morale among the career staffers, who describe him as open and accessible.

He has put in place a rigorous and structured process that integrates the views of agencies across the government.

Less clear is whether any of that work is resulting in new policies. A Pentagon strategy aimed at defeating the Islamic State was completed in early March but still has not been approved by the president, officials said.

The administration instead has worked piecemeal to give U.S. commanders in Iraq and Syria more latitude to increase the pace of military operations. Potentially divisive questions about the United States long-term goals and military presence in the region  the same issues being debated in the Afghanistan review  remain unresolved.

Julie Tate contributed to this report.
Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting on North Korea in early July. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

The United States has proposed wide new United Nations sanctions on North Korea that would ban exports of coal and other commodities, a U.N. Security Council diplomat said Friday.

The new penalties are likely to be adopted quickly by the Security Council in response to two North Korean intercontinental ballistic-missile launches last month, the diplomat said. A vote could come as soon as Saturday.

The bans on coal, lead, iron and seafood exports could deny North Korea $1 billion in annual revenue, out of total exports of $3 billion, according to the diplomat, who insisted on being identified only as a Security Council diplomat in a briefing for reporters.

The U.N. sanctions would also cap North Koreas lucrative program of farming out laborers, called guest workers, to other nations, the diplomat said. Employer nations, which include China and Russia, would be barred from increasing the number of North Korean workers they use.

The additional sanctions, which were hashed out by U.S. and Chinese diplomats over the past month, do not contain the toughest penalties under discussion, including broad new prohibitions on all exports of oil as well as potential additional banking and commercial penalties opposed by China and Russia.

[U.S. displays military firepower after latest North Korean missile test ]

The diplomat acknowledged that the United States had sought some elements that were not part of the new proposal but would not provide details. U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley had identified oil as one area she hoped to target when discussions began.

The new sanctions would prohibit new joint ventures between North Korean entities and foreign corporations and cap foreign investment in existing ventures.

There are also new restrictions on North Korean imports of dual use products  commercial items that could have benign applications but can also be turned to military use.

The goal is to restrict North Koreas access to hard currency and products that it can use to further its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, both of which the Security Council has declared out of bounds.

We are looking for as many ways to squeeze them to get them to the table, the diplomat said.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is on an Asian tour focused partly on increasing pressure on North Korea and by extension its traditional ally and protector China.

[Tillerson reassures North Korea he does not seek regime change ]

Tillerson said Tuesday that the United States does not consider North Korea an enemy and does not seek to topple the regime of leader Kim Jong Un. He invited talks aimed at persuading Kim that he has too much to lose by hanging on to his weapons. So far, Kims calculation has been the opposite  that his weapons and the means to deliver them buy him irreplaceable leverage over the United States, his principal adversary.

China and Russia, which hold veto power on the Security Council, oppose the North Korean nuclear weapons program but have been unwilling to go along with some Western-backed proposals to punish the country.

We have been working very hard for some time, and we certainly hope that this is going to be a consensus resolution, Reuters quoted Chinese U.N. Ambassador Liu Jieyi as saying Thursday.
Williamson, WV (25661)

Today

Cloudy skies with a few snow showers after midnight. Low around 35F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies with a few snow showers after midnight. Low around 35F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 03/08/2017 (1927 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

During two summer vacations in Costa Rica last year, Brian Pallister was virtually unplugged from cabinet members and senior government staff back home in Manitoba.

There are no records of incoming or outgoing international calls for government business in July and August from the landline at his Central American vacation spot, according to the results of a freedom of information request.

There was no record of incoming or outgoing calls for government business on the private cellphone in his wife Esther Pallisters name during the time last summer when he was in Costa Rica.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister was out of contact with cabinet ministers and senior Manitoba government staff during two vacations in Costa Rica, records show.

There were no emails during that period to and from his government email account.

The only evidence of contact with government staff during his summer vacations  totalling approximately 19 days  are two emails from an account in the name of Esther Pallister  one on Aug. 31 in which she forwarded the premiers thoughts on three forthcoming government announcements and the other on July 14 that discussed Esther Pallisters participation at an upcoming government event.

According to past government statements, Pallister last year vacationed in Costa Rica from approximately July 8-15 and Aug. 25 to Sept. 4. He was also away in Costa Rica from Dec. 17 to Jan. 3, 2017.

The premier has long maintained he does a considerable amount of work while away in Costa Rica, but according to the results of numerous freedom of information requests, he does this work largely on his own with little contact with government ministers or senior staff.

NDP MLA Andrew Swan, who served in cabinets of two premiers, said he is astonished by the degree to which Pallister appears to remove himself from the business of running Manitoba when he is out of the country.

This is highly unusual and its very, very hard to believe, he said. Both Greg Selinger and Gary Doer were in constant contact.

He said as far as he knows former Progressive Conservative premier Gary Filmon was also in frequent contact with ministers and staff while away on holidays.

Pallisters PCs won election April 19, 2016 and the cabinet was sworn into office on May 3. When Pallister was out of the country last summer, the government was only in its third and fourth month in office.

There were real events happening, Swan said. It was during one of his times in Costa Rica that Omnitrax announced they were closing the port of Churchill (to grain shipments).There were serious, grave situations to be dealt with in Manitoba.

This week, due to results from NDP freedom of information requests, it was learned that the premier used his wifes cellphone to participate in only two phone calls with cabinet ministers and staff while vacationing in Costa Rica at any time over the past 13 months. Both occurred on Dec. 19.

While the phone was registered in Esther Pallisters name, it appears that it was only used for government business. According to a response to a freedom of information request, some 82 calls were made on the phone between May 3, 2016 and Jan. 29, 2017. With help from the provincial ombudsmans office, the NDP received details on 74 calls involving the premier or his wife and government staff. Another eight calls were excluded from the FIPPA request because they dealt with constituency matters.

It appears that Esther Pallister did not use the phone  in her name  for personal calls.

The province initially fought the release of details of government phone calls and emails from accounts held by Esther Pallister, but changed its mind on July 14. That same day the government issued a policy directive requiring that cabinet ministers and staff use their government-assigned email accounts, phones text and messaging applications when conducting government business.

What appears to have prompted the change was the provincial ombudsmans stance that records of government business  whether conducted on a private or government-owned device  falls under freedom of information laws and is available to the public on demand.

The ombudsman released its seven-page decision to that effect on Thursday, supporting an NDP appeal of the governments initial refusal to release the records.

Swan said it appears that the private phone, belonging to Esther Pallister, was used solely for government business.

Theres nothing to suggest that this was a phone that was used by her in the course of her regular day, he said. There now appears to be no other way to look at this except to say that this was a way (for the premier) to get around the (freedom of information) law.

Brian Pallister has yet to comment on the release of government emails and phone records from accounts in his wifes name.

However, Justice Minister Heather Stefanson defended the government and her premier Thursday, saying the PCs identified gaps in Manitobas government smartphone and email policies and corrected them. She pointed out that there were no information leaks as a result of the use of private phones and emails.

Stefanson also strongly objected to suggestions that her boss doesnt work hard.

Frankly, Ive had enough of the premiers name and his familys name being bantered about on these issues. Hes one of the hardest working guys I know, (and) has never taken his eye off the ball of what Manitobans elected us to do, she said.

What Manitobans want is affordable, effective delivery of services in Manitoba and thats exactly what were going to give them.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/08/2017 (1926 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Mexican street-food restaurant mini-chain that offers customers a tantalizing mix of food, drink, art and music has chosen downtown Winnipeg as the site for its first outlet outside Ontario.

Monarch & Misfits, a Toronto-based restaurant operator that has four La Carnita restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area, is taking over the former Fox & Fiddle English-style pub/eatery space at 456 Main St.

Although renovations to the interior of the cavernous space are still a work in progress, company CEO Andrew Richmond said in an interview Thursday theyre hoping to open for business before the end of this month.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSThe eatery aims to open its first Winnipeg location at 456 Main St. this month.

Richmond said Monarch & Misfits had no plans to expand beyond Toronto until he visited friends in Winnipeg about three years ago. While here, he met with a local business group that filled him in on some of the things that have been happening downtown and in the city in general.

Thats when my interest in Winnipeg was first sparked, he said, and several more visits to the city further solidified that interest.

I like the city and the architecture in Winnipeg is second to none. Its phenomenal. I also think Winnipeg is at a very cool moment in time right now with whats going on in the cocktail and food scene, the arts scene and the music scene.

So when he heard the Fox & Fiddle had closed and its former space was available, he jumped at it.

He admitted the heritage building, with its soaring ceiling heights and abundance of wood and marble, is not the kind of space the company would normally choose for a La Carnita restaurant.

We kind of bring that sort of utilitarian, raw esthetic to all of the spaces we do. So this was a challenge because its kind of opulent, with all of the marble and stuff. But thats the beauty of it  trying to fit in our esthetic in an old bank.

SUPPLIED The interior of a La Carnita restaurant in the Toronto area.

Richmond said the restaurant will feature a menu similar, but not identical, to whats offered at its four Toronto-area restaurants. There will be Mexican street corn, tortilla chips with dip, Mexican meatballs, barbecued wings and a variety of tacos. But the chef will also have the freedom of adding a few of his own unique dishes.

Its really inspired by the Mexican food you find in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Thats where I pulled a lot of the inspiration and recipes from, Richmond said.

But its not a massive menu. We believe in having a tight menu, but we do those things and execute those things very well.

Richmond also stressed eating at a La Carnita restaurant is more than just about the food.

Its about three things, really. We do art and food and music.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Toronto artist Jahn Page uses a wheat-pasting technique to make giant murals for the La Carnita restaurant. The space was previously occupied by the Fox & Fiddle.

For example, hes hoping to partner with a group and stage a music-themed event at the restaurant in September.

Well also be working with local DJs and maybe feature some live music, he added.

They also plan to feature artwork from local, national and international artists throughout the space, hold art giveaways and to hopefully stage some art shows in the venue. He said theyve held three art shows so far at their Toronto locations, one of which drew more than 33,500 people.

We want to tap into the creativity and culture of the city. Its all built on culture  street culture  and food.

Nicholas Friesen, marketing and communications co-ordinator for the Exchange District Business Improvement Zone (BIZ), said La Carnita will be a welcome addition to the area.

Were always excited when anything, be it a restaurant or a gallery or a music venue, opens up. So the fact that it sounds like a combination of everything that the Exchange represents sounds like an ideal type of restaurant (for the area), he said.

SUPPLIED The interior of a La Carnita restaurant in the Toronto area.

He said while its unfortunate the Fox & Fiddle restaurant closed, It also creates the opportunity for something new and exciting to come in.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/08/2017 (1926 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With a growing surge of asylum seekers crossing into Manitoba through frozen farm fields last winter, government officials expected an even greater flood of migrants would arrive when the temperature got warmer. The province repurposed a shuttered seniors building close to the U.S. border in Gretna to serve as a reception centre and temporary shelter for the refugee claimants.

But, as the temperature rose, the number of asylum seekers crossing into Manitoba fell, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) numbers show. It posts the number of RCMP interceptions of asylum seekers who are apprehended between the ports of entry every month.

After intercepting 19 in January, 142 in February then 170 in March, there were 146 in April, 106 in May and just 63 in June, says Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. It has not yet posted the number for July, but Winnipegs Welcome Place estimates from 70 to 80 refugee claimants arrived in July.

The situation is much different in Quebec, which has seen as many as 100 asylum seekers arriving per day. Its opened Olympic Stadium in Montreal to shelter the swell of asylum seekers from the U.S. The number arriving in Quebec has grown to 781 in June from 245 in January, IRCC information shows. Many are reported to be Haitians who fled the massive earthquake in 2010 and were granted temporary protected status in the U.S. The Trump administration is now considering ending that program. Rather than waiting to be returned to Haiti, many are making a run for the Canadian border at Quebec.

Quebec has accounted for 3,350 of the 4,345 people intercepted by RCMP crossing into Canada this year till the end of June. Manitoba accounts for 646, the IRCC says.

Since it opened in early May, the reception centre in Gretna, 120 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg, has provided temporary housing for 218 refugee claimants, a provincial government spokeswoman said Thursday. Gretna isnt where refugee claimants are crossing into Canada, but its only 28 kilometres from Emerson, which was inundated with asylum seekers earlier this year. More refugee claimants crossed into Canada on foot at Emerson in the first three months of 2017 (332) than in all of 2016 (266), numbers from Winnipegs Welcome Place show.

The volume of asylum claimants crossing the border fluctuates on a weekly basis, said the spokeswoman for the province. There are no plans to close the Gretna temporary shelter any time soon, she said.

The department continues to operate the reception centre in Gretna with Welcome Place providing direct services, and will evaluate its options moving forward.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 04/08/2017 (1926 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  Omnitrax could be legally compelled to fix its damaged rail line to Churchill under federal rules that prohibit companies from abandoning train lines, experts in transportation law say.

The Denver-based firm could be held accountable for the added costs of transporting supplies north, experts say, citing a February regulatory decision that found another rail company liable for refusing to repair a bridge.

Federal railway companies have an obligation to provide service for traffic offered on their lines, and thats a statutory obligation, said Lucia Stuhldreier, a lawyer with the Vancouver firm McMillan, who specializes in rail-transportation agreements.

OMNITRAX Omnitrax says it will cost as much as $60 million to repair its Hudson Bay Railway line.

On May 24, the Hudson Bay Railway became inoperable from north of Gillam to Churchill after heavy flooding washed out numerous bridges. On July 18, Omnitrax said it wouldnt 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 to the line.

Transportation lawyers tell the Free Press Omnitraxs obligations are outlined in a federal law that take priority over funding disputes.

The Canada Transportation Act compels railway companies to maintain operations on the lines they own. They otherwise have to follow an intentionally complicated process to get rid of the line, said Gavin Magrath, a Toronto lawyer who focuses on international transportation cases.

The moral or ethical backdrop is that if youre going to operate a railroad, you probably get granted a bunch of land to use for the right-of-way, and youre providing a kind of semi-public service in a monopoly environment. So its very strictly regulated.

The act compels rail companies to submit business plans to Ottawa at least every three years, indicating whether they intend to keep each of their rail lines running. (Omnitrax wouldnt say when it submitted its last plan.)

In that plan, they can issue a notice of discontinuance, which starts a 12-month period so people are informed the company wants to drop the line. After that, the railway has to advertise the line to the public and negotiate a price in good faith. The buyer has to agree to keep the line running.

If no one buys the line, the company can choose to continue running the line, or ask Ottawa to take it over in exchange for net salvage value, an amount the federal government calculates based on the value of land and steel minus the cost of salvaging it. The transport minister has the first crack on the sale, followed by the province (Manitoba and possibly Saskatchewan, as the Hudson Bay Railway curves west) and then municipalities along the line.

Omnitrax could solicit a buyer and avoid the entire process. While it signed a confidential agreement with First Nations group Missinippi Rail, the company said it needs federal money.

If they are planning to discontinue the operation and they havent admitted that to the (Canadian) Transportation Agency, theyre causing problems, Magrath said. It may be privately owned, but its still a public utility.

The law says companies that sell, lease or transfer rail lines must keep operating them for three years, unless the transport minister says otherwise.

Stuhldreier said Omnitrax may find itself in front of a federal regulator that recently came down against Canadian Pacific Railway.

In July 2014, fire damaged a bridge that had CP Rail lines in Richmond, B.C., and sustained more damage when a barge collided with it. That prevented chemical-shipping company Univar from transporting supplies. CP declared a force majeure, an exceptional circumstance that curtails contractual obligations.

In February, the transportation agency ruled CP Rail had breached its obligations to keep service running within a reasonable amount of time. The regulator ruled that Univar is entitled to compensation for the expenses it incurred as a result of CPs failure to fulfil its level of service obligations.

The regulator looked at previous cases, and said a railway company cannot permanently relieve itself of its statutory obligations by indirect means by deciding not to rehabilitate a railway line. Instead, a company that found it financially unviable to repair a line would have to start a formal process to have it transfer or discontinued.

Stuhldreier says the case shows costly disasters can only temporarily halt companies obligations.

They basically looked at the facts and said we should allow CP a reasonable amount of time to fix things, she said. But they cant indefinitely absolve themselves just by refusing to repair the damage.

The agency ordered a confidential amount of reimbursement, but took into account the hit to Univars reputation, as well as the added transportation costs from after the date at which the company could have repaired the tracks. CP has asked the Federal Court for leave to appeal the case.

Stuhldreier said that might mean Omnitrax could be held liable for Churchill companies forced to pay higher transportation costs.

Her McMillan firm colleague, Ryan Gallagher, suggested Omnitrax may have acknowledged its own obligations last month when it said the line would cost $20 million to $60 million to repair

Theres no ability for anyone to say the line cant be rebuilt, that its completely impossible. The issue is a matter of money, and whos going to pay for it, he said.

A spokeswoman at Omnitrax wouldnt comment on how the company views its legal obligations, but said it hasnt moved toward dropping the line since its last news conference July 18.

As we shared in Winnipeg during our technical briefing, we have not taken steps to discontinue the line, the company wrote. It repeated its position that its top priority is working with government to return safe and reliable service.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/08/2017 (1926 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A century ago, Canadians were at the controls of planes battling German pilots in the skies above Vimy Ridge.

This weekend, Winnipeggers will be able to get a glimpse of what the planes were like, both on the ground and by looking at the sky.

Starting today and running through Sunday, visitors to the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada will be able to see a replica Nieuport 11.

TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Replica Nieuport 11 planes from the First World War fly by the Royal Canadian Aviation Museum Saturday.

And if people look at the sky  weather permitting  theyll see other replicas flying above the city from Lyncrest Airport to the Richardson International Airport today, Saturday and Sunday at around 11:30 a.m.

Theyre the same planes that flew past the Vimy Ridge Memorial during a ceremony in April, marking 100 years since the battle in which all four Canadian divisions fought together for the first time and successfully took the ridge from German forces.

Brig.-Gen. A.E. Ross said after the war: In those few minutes, I witnessed the birth of a nation.

Dale Erhart, a retired Air Canada pilot and a former pilot with the Canadian Armed Forces, who is here this weekend with the Vimy Flight  Birth of a Nation national tour, was piloting the lead plane in the Vimy flypast.

It was a huge emotional impact, Erhart said.

It was something we could not prepare for. Knowing this was where Billy Bishop flew. Using the cemeteries as landmarks for navigation. It was a great impact.

I had to focus on leading the formation and making it there on target.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Volunteers unload a replica Nieuport 11 aircraft from the back of a semi-trailer Thursday. The Vimy Flight  Birth of a Nation tour stops at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada starting today.

People more used to seeing todays large jets  or even small single-engine private planes  will be surprised at how diminutive the planes were in the First World War. Theyre so small that, with the wings taken off, four of the planes are being transported across the country in a semi-trailer.

The Nieuport 11 was less than six metres long and weighed 480 kilograms when fully loaded. Its maximum speed was 156 kilometres per hour and the highest it could fly was 4,600 metres. Even though the Nieuport 11 has two wings, it isnt a biplane, but a sesquiplane because its lower wing is much smaller than the top one.

Erhart said the engines in the replica planes are different than in the ones flown during the First World War.

They fly just like the real thing, but the engines are more reliable, he said.

They used castor oil for the engines. The oil would spray out at the pilots and be absorbed through the skin. It is a laxative, so you can imagine what happened during the flights.

Helen Halliday, the museums president and CEO, said it will be a special weekend for people who go to the museum. She said the Vimy tour pilots will be there to talk about the plane and the experience of flying over the battlefield and monument.

More than anything, it is about the skies, Halliday said.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Dale Erhart (left) of the Vimy Ridge Flight Team, Nigel Daly (right) of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and other volunteers unload a wing from a replica Nieuport 11 aircraft.

Theyll see the plane. This is really considered Canadas first fighter plane. When you see it here, it is almost hard to believe. And when it is in the air, it sounds like a lawnmower.

This is what the museum is about  it shows the advancement of aviation.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/08/2017 (1926 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When former U.S. president Jimmy Carter was taken to St. Boniface Hospital last month suffering from dehydration, it was a timely reminder that heat-related illness can strike anyone at any time.

Carter, of course, was able to recover and return to the Habitat for Humanity site where he had fallen ill. Nonetheless, his experience underscores the importance of taking precautions to ward off heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps and dehydration.

Conditions such as these result from exposure to hot temperatures, especially if exposure is prolonged, activity is vigorous and humidity is high. As a result, it is important to recognize the early warning signs of potential trouble.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authoritys Sun Safety Guide outlines categories of heat-related illness and the accompanying symptoms. They are:

Mild dehydration: Loss of energy; little urine or very dark urine. This is treated by moving to a cool place and drinking water. There is no need to see a health-care provider. When hydrated, your urine should be almost clear.

Heat cramps: Muscular pain or spasms usually in the legs or abdomen, usually occurring after significant exertion, are an early sign of heat illness. This is treated by moving to a cool place and drinking a glass of cold water every 15 minutes until you feel better. There is no need to see a health-care provider unless symptoms persist or worsen.

Heat exhaustion: Moist, cool, clammy skin, which may be pale or red in colour; headache, nausea or vomiting; dizziness; fatigue. May have low-grade fever. Move to a cool place, and lie down with your feet elevated. Drink a glass of cold water every 15 minutes until you feel better. See a health-care provider as soon as possible.

Heat stroke (which can be life-threatening): Dry, red, hot skin; drowsy, confused, decreased level of consciousness; nausea, vomiting; fever, shallow breathing; rapid pulse. This is a medical emergency, and 911 should be called. Move the person to a cool place, and fan and sponge with cold water. If the person is unconscious, immerse them in cool water. If they are conscious, give them cold water to drink. Remember, sweating is a sign you are hot and need to drink cool fluids. Not sweating when you should be is a danger sign for heat stroke.

Its also important to remember some people are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses than others.

While everyone is susceptible to heat and high humidity, children (especially infants), teenage athletes, the elderly and people with a chronic health condition are particularly vulnerable. Older people are at higher risk of heat illness, as temperature regulation and physical functioning may be altered. Children normally have a higher level of body heat, absorb more heat, sweat less, and are less likely to drink sufficient fluids and adjust to hot temperatures.

If you are caring for a child or older person, ensure they are drinking cool fluids regularly. If you have a baby under six months of age, offer more milk than usual through breast or bottle-feeding. If your baby is older than six months, you may offer cool water.

It is also worth noting people taking certain medications may also be more vulnerable to heat illness, as are people who are overweight, and those with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness or kidney disease.

There are, of course, some things you can do to keep cool this summer.

Here are few tips from the Sun Safety Guide:

 For every 25 minutes in the sun, take a five-minute shade and water break.

 Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as they may cause dehydration.

 Where possible, plan activities during cooler times of the day. Avoid being outdoors or taking part in strenuous activities during the hottest period of the day, which normally occurs between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

 Use SPF 15 or higher sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Sunburn interferes with the bodys cooling process.

 If your home isnt air-conditioned, cool down by using fans, spending time in the coolest room of your home or taking a cool (not cold) shower, bath or sponge bath. Try to spend some time each day in a cool place, such as an air-conditioned public building such as a library.

 Eat smaller meals more frequently.

Diana Doyle-Zebrun is a registered nurse and manager of clinical and quality initiatives with Health Links.
Opinion

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This article was published 04/08/2017 (1926 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Small business is small for a reason.

It could be a new business, starting to grow. It could have been a larger business, one that failed to thrive and was forced to shrink its operations.

Most likely, however, it is small because it is intended to be that way. The goal of small business is sustainability, which means expansion can be the enemy of survival. Health and growth are not two sides of the same fish.

Of course, many of the headlines these days are grabbed by Skip The Dishes, the small business that grew. Yet anyone with a memory for headlines also will remember Loewen Group, a funeral home conglomerate that started small in Steinbach  and how quickly the dream imploded after a few years.

We need to see past the headlines to understand the importance of small businesses for a sustainable future.

In 2016, according to Statistics Canada, across all sectors 78,430 small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) were born  but 83,240 SMEs died, leaving a net loss of 4,810 businesses for the year.

Its not easy being small.

Yet in 2015, 70.5 per cent of the private labour force in Canada was employed by small business; 19.8 per cent of workers were employed by medium business and only 9.7 per cent by large business.

Those same small businesses also were responsible for 87.7 per cent of the new jobs between 2005 and 2015. Big business? Only 4.6 per cent.

Its not easy being small, but the economy depends on small business. If small businesses are not sustainable, in the long run, neither is the Canadian economy.

Small business usually is local. Its workers and its customers are local. The more it can source its supplies locally, the better, making it less vulnerable to forces at a distance over which it has no control.

All these things are crucial components of a sustainable system.

The sustainability of a small business is related to the welfare of its workers and the health of the community in which it is planted. It cant rely on profits from elsewhere to subsidize local losses the way big business does. There is also no other pool of customers at a distance to replace the local ones it loses  and if cant attract local workers, it cant operate.

Small businesses should therefore support two things, despite the swirl of politics that tend to project a right-wing image onto them as a group: a living wage and a culture of environmental sustainability.

Local workers should be paid enough of a wage so they can also be local customers. And a healthy local environment means a better quality of life not just for ourselves, but for our children.

Poverty reduction is therefore good for everyone  but if most working people are employed by small business, then a livable minimum wage is required. Regular increases in that minimum wage should be part of an overall strategy to improve the living circumstances of those most at risk of creating more burdens on a caring society for health care and social services.

Of course, if you dont care, then it doesnt matter. But a sustainable local business has to care about its workers and its customers alike, present and future. This is why support for a carbon tax and other measures to shift lifestyles away from plundering the planet should be an integral part of every small business operation.

It just makes good sense, as well as good cents. Done properly, it is not something that needs to be resented as the heavy hand of government.

Concerned about the fact there will be as much plastic as fish in the ocean by 2050? Why serve plastic straws when there are alternatives  such as not offering them  which cost you and the planet less? Why serve coffee cream in little plastic knuckles, when a pitcher will do? When the bulk of restaurant waste is takeout containers, why not find a way to skip the trash as well as the dishes? Concerned about hungry people, here and elsewhere? Dont waste any food  from producer to consumer  for any reason. Period. Make caring for your local community and the planet a deliberate strategy  and market it that way.

Consistently, a thoughtful approach to reducing waste in the overall system leads to greater efficiency and lower costs in a small business.

It also identifies areas where government intervention is most important to encourage or enable social change.

Its about leverage, not brute force.

But first, you have to care. Second, you have to think. It doesnt start somewhere else  it starts where we live, where we work, where we spend our time and our money.

We need to live close to home. A sustainable small business has a better idea of home than any other kind, because it is rooted in and sustained by its local community.

Peter Denton is a local sustainability consultant and chairs the policy committee of the Green Action Centre.
Opinion

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This article was published 04/08/2017 (1926 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was on the news last week. This made sense: he was in Winnipeg to open the 2017 Canada Summer Games and took advantage of the opportunity to make announcements with local colleagues.

But Trudeau was also on the news the week before last. And the week before that. He was on television, the radio and social media. He is consistently being covered by the media in some capacity. Even while on holiday, Trudeau receives media attention. I cant open my laptop without coming across a picture of him smiling at me.

Does this mean that Trudeau is enormously busy in his role as prime minister and the media is dutifully covering his whirlwind tempo of governing?

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Prime Minister Justin Trudeau carries the torch toward the cauldron at the Canada Summer Games opening ceremonies at Bell MTS Place on July 28.

Not exactly. Trudeau has generally adopted a chairman-of-the-board approach to the position of prime minister, in which he enunciates values and high-level goals but is not involved in the nitty-gritty of policy-making. That job is left mostly to his ministers.

Instead, media coverage of Trudeau is focused on the man himself: his mannerisms, his values, his persona and his looks. And it is the prime minister and his staff themselves who are generating and encouraging this media coverage.

In recent months, Trudeau posed balancing himself on a table in the Parliament building; turned up in the background of pictures at a beach wedding; appeared shirtless out of nowhere in a forest; and obligingly posed for pictures with passersby and photo-bombed a group of high school graduates in Vancouver by jogging behind them.

Trudeau recently accepted an invitation to appear on a podcast dedicated entirely to the long-dead American political drama The West Wing. Surely putting in time on an obscure podcast is an odd way for the prime minister to spend his time.

But if the goal was to keep the media spotlight on the prime minister, his participation was a success: Trudeaus ruminations on fictional president Josiah Bartlet (There are little moments where I get to channel my inner Bartlet) led to a fresh round of light-hearted media coverage focused squarely on Trudeau.

Trudeau has been featured in several high-profile U.S. magazines, including on the cover of GQ and in Vogue.

But the height of positive media coverage was likely met last week when he was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone with the headline Why cant he be our president?

The accompanying profile apparently was too fawning even for Canadian audiences, who enjoy favourable comparisons of our prime minister to U.S. President Donald Trump. Macleans immediately published a story entitled, The 10 most cringeworthy lines in Rolling Stones Justin Trudeau profile, which included Rolling Stone author Stephen Rodricks observation that, For Trudeau, listening is seducing.

This relentless focus on media coverage of Trudeau makes some strategic sense. The prime minister is still popular among Canadians, although his popularity has been eroding slowly over this past year. The CBCs Leader Meter, a summary of national polls, gives the prime minister an average of 50.3 per cent approval among Canadians.

Polls also consistently show that Trudeau is more popular than the party he leads. This helps to explain why the focus is kept on him rather than, say, on his team of Liberal ministers.

Trudeau also continues to benefit from his contrast with other leaders. Stephen Harper is gone from public life, but the 2015 election was less than two years ago and the memory of the former prime minister has not faded entirely. Trudeaus emphasis on openness and sunny ways helps to contrast him with a former prime minister whose politics had darkened considerably by the time he left public office.

And as the Rolling Stone profile reminds us, Trudeau can benefit from any effort to distinguish himself from Trump, who is deeply disliked by Canadians.

But Trudeau has, up until recently, been scoring on an empty net in terms of leader approval: neither the Conservatives nor the NDP has had a leader in place to provide much in the way of competition. Thats no longer the case for the Conservatives  and while Andrew Scheers politics are indeed close to Harpers, his communication style seems inspired at least in part by Trudeaus sunny ways.

This past week, for example, the new Conservative leader tweeted a close-up of his and a camels face with a light-hearted caption that suggests Scheer knows his memes: I dont always take selfies, but when I do, its with a camel.

That is not exactly out of the Harper communications playbook.

And the leading candidate for NDP leadership, Jagmeet Singh, already has received some high-profile fawning coverage of his own: a recent GQ interview with the youthful Singh described him as the incredibly well-dressed rising star in Canadian politics, a reference to his sharply tailored suits. Trudeau will have to compete with Singh among Canadians who like their politics with a little glamour.

Royce Koop is an associate professor and head of the department of political studies at the University of Manitoba.
A tense stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops on the Doklam or Donglang Plateaua ridge in the Himalayan foothills claimed by both China and Bhutancontinues.

Late last week, Indias National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, met China State Councillor Yang Jiechi on the sidelines of a BRICS security summit in Beijing. However, they failed to arrive at any agreement on defusing what is being described as the most serious Sino-Indian border dispute since the two countries fought a month-long border war in 1962.

Beijing is adamant India must withdraw its troops unconditionally before there can be any substantive talks on the Doklam issue and the related question of where the tri-junction between the borders of India, China, and Bhutan lies.

Beijing emphasizes that the intervention Indian troops made on June 18 to prevent Chinese construction workers from expanding a road on the disputed ridge is without precedent. Never before has the Indian Army confronted Chinese troops on territory to which New Delhi makes no claim, acting instead in the name of a third country.

Chinese officials and the countrys state-owned media have repeatedly indicated that Beijings patience is wearing thin. According to a report in yesterdays Indian Express, the Chinese government is anxious to have the dispute settled by the time of a BRICS heads of government summit that is to be held in Xiamen, China at the beginning of next month.

Indias government, meanwhile, has signalled it is prepared for a long stand-off, lasting months, even years. While claiming it doesnt want a military clash with Beijing, New Delhi insists that control over the remote ridge is vital to Indias national security, because it lies some 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the Siliguri Corridora narrow slice of territory that connects Indias seven northeastern states to the rest of the country.

The US and other great powers have thus far made only pro forma statements urging the two sides to pursue a diplomatic solution. But the principal factor driving the dispute is Indias emergence as a veritable frontline state in Washingtons military-strategic offensive against China. Indeed, on June 18, the very day that Indian troops interceded on the Doklam Plateau, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump vowed, following a White House meeting, to further expand the Indo-US global strategic partnership.

Last month India, the US, and Japan held what Trump boasted was the largest-ever Indian Ocean naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal. And speaking Monday at the inaugural session of an India-US Forum, Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj parroted the language that Washington uses to paint China as an aggressor in the South China Sea. A strong India-US partnership, declared Swaraj, is critical for upholding an international rules-based systemi.e. a US-led orderacross the Indo-Pacific region.

On Wednesday, Chinas foreign ministry issued a 15-page statement detailing its position on the Doklam dispute. It reiterated Beijings demand that India pull back all its troops to end the military standoff, while noting that there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in Chinese territory. This, the statement said, was down from a high of 400 Indian troops.

The statement included a thinly-veiled threat of military action. No country, it warned, should ever underestimate the resolve of the Chinese government to defend Chinas territorial sovereignty and integrity, adding Beijing would take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.

The statement said that as a sign of goodwill China had informed New Delhi of the road-building project in advance. Indias intrusion into the Chinese territory under the pretext of Bhutan, it continued, has not only violated Chinas territorial sovereignty but also challenged Bhutans sovereignty and independence.

Since the eruption of the dispute, the Indian media has raised a hue and cry over Chinas alleged bullying of Bhutan, a tiny Himalayan border kingdom.

But India has itself long treated Bhutan as a protectorate. Moreover, there is much evidence to suggest that New Delhi ordered its troops to intervene on the Doklam without even seeking Bhutans agreement, let alone in response to a distress call from Bhutan as New Delhi has implied.

Only on June 29, that is a week-and-a-half after the standoff began, did Bhutans government even issue a statement protesting the alleged Chinese incursion.

Indias corporate media has for years been stoking animosity toward China and this has increased over the past two years as Beijing, in response to the burgeoning Indo-US alliance, has strengthened its longstanding strategic ties with Pakistan, Indias arch-enemy.

However, a handful of columnists have expressed concern about the brazenness with which India has treated Bhutan. Several have also suggested that New Delhis stance is being fueled at least in part by fears that Bhutans government may be preparing, in response to overtures from Beijing, to act more independently of India.

Reportedly, it is only at Indias insistence that Bhutan has spurned a Chinese proposal that it abandon its claim to the Doklam in exchange for China acknowledging Bhutans sovereignty over a large area further north.

In 2013, with the obvious aim of bringing about the defeat of the then-sitting Bhutan prime minister, who had defied New Delhis wishes by meeting with the Chinese premier, India withdrew energy subsidies to the country.

The Hindu s diplomatic editor, Suhashini Haidar, cautioned the Indian government not to overplay its hand in a column last week. Arguing that the Indian government must see that Bhutans sovereignty is no trivial matter, Haidar chastised a Foreign Ministry official for likening the question of whether Bhutan had sought the help of Indian troops or India had acted unilaterally to whether the ball came first  or the batsman had taken a stand before the ball was bowled.

Indias ruling elite has long viewed itself as the regional hegemon of South Asia. Emboldened by Washingtons support, the Modi government is intervening across the region and in the island states of the Indian Ocean to counter Beijings influence, which has grown in recent years thanks to burgeoning economic ties, including investments in infrastructure.

New Delhi is aggressively courting and seeking to forge anti-China factions within the local bourgeois elites. India worked with the US to carry out a regime operation in Sri Lanka, helping orchestrate a common opposition candidate in the 2015 presidential election to unseat Mahindra Rajapkase who they deemed too close to Beijing.

Chinas capitalist regime, for its part, has responded to Washingtons ever escalating threats and the forging of the Indo-US partnership by whipping up Chinese nationalism and oscillating between aggressive counter-threats and appeals for an accommodation with the US.

In the current dispute with India, Beijing has adopted a hardline and bellicose stance that contrasts markedly with the manner it dealt with previous disputes with New Delhi. Not only has the state-run media given the dispute great prominence, but papers like the Global Times have churned out article after article threatening and taunting India with a massive military defeat should it not back down.

In an interview with the Hindu, Joshua T. White, a former top diplomat in the Obama administration, made clear that Washington would not remain on the sidelines in the event of a clash between India and China.

The US, said White, is largely sympathetic to the challenge that India faces in dealing with a territorially assertive China. Given the nature of Sino-Indian disputes, India technically does not ask for our help because it does not need it. But it knows that Washington presents a sympathetic ear and that if there were to be wider a Sino-Indian crisis, we will have a totally different conversation.

Hidden in these diplomatic words is that a conflict between China and India, themselves both nuclear-armed powers, would rapidly draw in the US and potentially other great powers, threatening a global conflagration.

A recent article in Foreign Policy, a mouthpiece of the US establishment, warned of the danger of a Sino-Indian war. Seven weeks into the crisis, the continued impasseand increasingly caustic rhetoricindicates the potential for escalation remains high  Aggressive signals of resolve like military exercises or mobilization or perceived windows of tactical opportunity in a different sector of the disputed India-China border could lead either side to miscalculate, resulting in accidental or inadvertent escalation. And any shooting that begins on the border could even expand into other domains like cyber- or naval warfare.

Foreign Policy was studiously silent, however, on the role US imperialisms drive to harness India to its reckless military-strategic offensive again China has played in dangerously destabilizing Sino-Indian relations and the entire Indo-Pacific region.
On Tuesday, August 1, Ankaras Fourth Criminal Court launched a trial of 486 defendants accused of complicity in the attempted coup in Turkey on July 15 of last year. They are formally charged with violating the Constitution, attempting to assassinate the President, attempting to abolish the government of Turkey, managing an armed terrorist organization, seizing military bases, manslaughter, attempting manslaughter, and deprivation of liberty.

Prosecutors are demanding 330 life imprisonments for the 45 suspects accused of being leaders of the coup attempt. Of the defendants, 416 are jailed pending trial and 18 are not under arrest; 7 others are fugitives.

They are facing charges over events at the Akinci Air Base, the command center of the coup attempt, from which fighters took off to bomb the Turkish parliament and other key targets, killing 80 people. Akinci Air Base, near Ankara, was also where the putschists held the chief of general staff and other army commanders captive for hours, before they were freed by pro-government forces.

The explosive character of the trial and the deep political conflicts inside the Turkish state machine and armed forces were underscored by the announcement yesterday that the government had suddenly fired the officers leading the Turkish army, navy, and air force. A crisis in which this trial or related legal actions led to a renewed attempt by factions of the armed services to topple Erdogan cannot be ruled out.

Amongst the suspects are generals and civilians considered to be leading figures of the so-called Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO). Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher Ankara blames for having orchestrated the coup attempt, is being tried in absentia, as the leading suspect. Gulen denies involvement, but evidence revealed since the July 15 coup indicates that he at least gave his approval for the scheme to topple Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan through a coup, as did the US government.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) declared they would apply to be admitted as co-plaintiffs in the trial. Erdogan, ministers and lawmakers are also among the plaintiffs in the indictment.

The first trial on the failed coup attempt started in December 2016 and was followed by dozens of trials across Turkey. Since July 15 of last year, more than 50,000 people have been detained or arrested for suspected links to FETO, and Turkish security forces have launched operations against those suspected of working for FETO almost every day.

Following the defeat of the coup attempt, thanks to a mass mobilization primarily of workers and youth, the AKP government declared a state of emergency and launched a wide-scale crackdown against not only the putschists, but all expressions of political opposition. Erdogan is using this crackdown to further his bid to secure dictatorial powers.

US imperialisms war drive in the Middle East has provoked conflicts between Ankara and its NATO allies. As US imperialism moved to back Kurdish forces as proxies in Syria, Ankara, fearing the emergence of a broader ethnic Kurdish movement including inside Turkeys borders, moved away from Washington and its traditional European imperialist allies. As Erdogan sought to improve relations with Moscow, US and European officials became ever more determined to get rid of him (see also: http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2017/04/05/turk-a05.html ).

Having backed the coup, they are now also hosting military and civilian officers who fled Turkey to Europe or the United States and appealed for political asylum after the abortive July 15 coup attempt.

Erdogan has long feared that he could share the fate of Egyptian President Muhammad Mursi, who was toppled by a US-backed coup in July 2013. The July 15 coup demonstrated that the danger of the overthrow of the Turkish regime by a NATO-backed military dictatorship is very real.

Erdogan is reacting with a crackdown on all opposition, presenting his assault on democratic rights as a nationalist campaign of fighting external powersthat is, primarily Washington and Berlin, and their co-conspiratorswhose aims are subjugating and dividing Turkey.

Recently, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel signaled that Berlin would review its policies toward Ankara and stated that he could not advise companies to invest in the country. This came only weeks after Turkish authorities handed Berlin a list of some 700 companies supposedly linked to the Gulen movement, and after Berlin decided to redeploy its troops from Turkey to Jordan.

In response to Gabriels remarks, Erdogan slammed Berlin over its barely veiled threats to impose economic sanctions, saying, You have to take into account a bigger price [that you will have to pay], if you think you can frighten Turkey with your threats of embargo.

The already frayed relations between Turkey and its NATO/European Union (EU) partners have further worsened. Ankara recently purchased an S-400 missile defense system from Russia, is seeking closer ties with China and is threatening the EU with the release of a new flow of Syrian immigrants to Europe.

The EUs pretense that its growing pressure on Ankara is about bringing democracy to Turkey, like Erdogans claim he is pursuing an anti-imperialist policy, are political frauds. NATO and the EU are waging a ruthless struggle to maintain Turkey in their geo-strategic orbit, while the US government escalates its war drive against Russia and China.

The movement led by Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher who until 2013 was the closest political partner of Erdogan and his henchmen, is a strategic asset of US imperialism in its confrontation with China and Russia. Having moved to the United States in 1999, he rapidly developed his movement, particularly in the former Soviet republics of Central Asia and in Africa. Gulen controls a wide network of schools and foundations under CIA patronage. His movements aim is to train a layer of the ruling elite in these countries aligned with Washingtons interests.

While Erdogan and his AKP pursue a reactionary and militarist agenda, the US and European powers are in fact ready to work with him, as they did during his first two decades in power, if they reach an agreement on what all sides consider to be the vital issues. The same imperialist powers that lecture the AKP government on democracy are the main supporters and partners of the arch-reactionary absolutist regimes such as Saudi Arabia and the Gulf oil sheikdoms.

Since November 2015, France has stood under a state of emergency, with the basic rights of the population suspended, while Paris continues its military operations in Africa. Having already declared its aim of becoming a major military power, corresponding to its economic might, Berlin revealed its disregard for fundamental rights in the recent police crackdown against protesters at the recent G20 summit in Hamburg.
Amid intense political infighting within the US ruling elite, the Washington Post has published transcripts of President Donald Trumps phone calls in late January with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.

Both transcripts display Trumps thuggishness, bald-faced lying, hatred of Muslims and refugees, and his readiness to bully other countries, including supposed allies, in pursuit of his America First agenda.

In his call with Turnbull, Trump repeatedly berated the Australian prime minister for trying to hold him to a horrible, stupid and disgusting deal signed with the Obama administration. The agreement was ostensibly to permit entry to the US for refugees who have been detained for years in Australias offshore prison camps on Nauru and Papua New Guineas Manus Island.

Referring to the executive order he had just issued to ban entry to people from a list of Muslim-majority countries, Trump complained that the Australian deal will make me look terrible. He declared: Here I am calling for a ban where I am not letting anybody in and we take 2,000 people.

From the outset of the call, Turnbull identified himself with the executive order, which US courts later struck down because it was patently discriminatory toward Muslims. He boasted that we have, as you know, taken a very strong line on national security and border protection here and our policies have helped to inform your approach.

We are very much of the same mind, Turnbull continued. It is very interesting to know how you prioritise the minorities in your Executive Order. This is exactly what we have done with the program to bring in 12,000 Syrian refugees, 90 percent of which will be Christians.

In other words, Turnbull and his government have adopted an explicitly anti-Muslim policy, while trying to camouflage their policies for public consumption.

Turnbull was at pains to reassure Trump that the Australian deal involved a quid pro quo, with Canberra offering to take a number of Latin Americans detained in US refugee camps, without actually obliging the US to take a single person from Nauru or Manus.

The agreement, Turnbull explained, does not require you to take 2,000 people. It does not require you to take any. It requires, in return, for us to do a number of things for the United States.

Later, as Trump continued to rail against the deal, Turnbull emphasised: Every individual is subject to your vetting. You can decide to take them or to not take them after vetting... The obligation is to only go through the process.

Trump pushed the point. I hate having to do it, but I am still going to vet them very closely. Suppose I vet them closely and I do not take any? Turnbull replied: That is the point I have been trying to make.

This confirms that the refugee agreement was always a cruel hoax, purely for public consumption. Even if some of the detainees in the Australian camps want to be sent to the US, on the other side of the world, none might be accepted.

Turnbull told Trump the detainees were basically economic refugees from Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan... They have been under our supervision for over three years now and we know exactly everything about them.

Trump referred repeatedly to the fact that the refugees were actually in prison, implying that they were criminals and should not be allowed into the US. Why havent you let them out? Why have you not let them into your society? he asked.

In a revealing comment, Turnbull insisted: It is not because they are bad people. He told Trump all refugees are barred from arriving in Australia by boat, no matter what their plight, supposedly to stop people smugglers. Even a Nobel Prize winning genius would not get in.

Trump replied: That is a good idea. We should do that too. You are worse than I am.

In reality, the majority of the detainees have been classified by the UN as refugees fleeing persecution, as per the 1951 Refugees Convention. Vilified by the Australian media and political establishment, the refugees are guilty of no crime yet have been detained indefinitely in breach of their basic democratic rights to deter any asylum seekers trying to reach Australia.

Turnbulls comment underlines the contempt of his Liberal-National government, and the previous Labor government that initially incarcerated the detainees, for international law.

The entire conversation had undertones of racist hostility toward the millions of people fleeing the US-instigated wars in Syria and other Middle Eastern countries. Both men spoke scathingly of German Chancellor Angela Merkel for not shutting Germanys border. Trump said it was crazy, because you do not want to destroy your country. Turnbull said he agreed with Trump, adding that letting one million Syrians walk into their country was a big factor in the Brexit vote.

Ultimately, Trump said he would honour the refugee pact, at least in public, but reiterated his displeasure. As far as I am concerned that is enough Malcolm, he said. I have had it. I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day. [Russian President Vladimir] Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous.

The conversation commenced and finished with fawning efforts by Turnbull to ingratiate himself to Trump personally and to reiterate his governments unwavering commitment to the post-World War II strategic and military alliance with the US.

I know we are both looking to make our relationship which is very strong and intimate, stronger than everwhich I believe we can do, Turnbull began. Trump replied: Good.

At the end of the call, Turnbull was anxious to assist Trump more broadly, notably in Syria, where Australian military forces are on the frontline of the US-led intervention, and over North Korea, which Washington is threatening militarily.

Do you want to talk about Syria and DPRK [North Korea]? Turnbull asked. Trump was still fuming about the refugee pact. His reply was recorded as: [inaudible] this is crazy.

Nonetheless, Turnbull persisted. Thank you for your commitment. It is very important to us, he said, adding: You can count on me. I will be there again and again.

Trumps reaction was: I hope so. Okay, thank you Malcolm.

With that, the US president abruptly ended the call after just 25 minutes, making it the shortest call he made to a head of government in the days following his inauguration.
When you retire from work, you retire from pressure, stress, deadlines, performance reviews, boring meetings and that annoying guy down the hall who spends all day making personal phone calls that everyone can hear. But you will also leave behind something that is more important than you may realize: human contact. While most of your colleagues probably aren't close, personal friends, just being around people provides a certain level of socialization that you will miss once you retire.

A recent study by the University of California--San Francisco revealed that 43 percent of the people surveyed who were over 60 years old reported feeling lonely on a regular basis. Two-thirds of the adults who said they were lonely live with a spouse or other partner, which indicates that you shouldn't rely upon your spouse to be your sole source of companionship.

[Read: 12 Regrets You Can Avoid in Retirement.]

While you work, social contact happens easily and automatically. After you retire, you can still find plenty of ways to stay socially engaged, but it requires a little more initiative on your part. Here are seven ways to stay socially active and prevent loneliness after you retire.

Take classes. Whether it's an art class, a cooking class, a language class or a salsa dancing class, you are bound to meet other people with similar interests. Your local community center or library probably offers inexpensive classes covering a wide variety of topics. Your local college may have programs in which seniors can attend classes that have empty seats on a non-credit basis.

Join or organize a club. A book discussion group, an investment club, a restaurant-of-the-week club, a wine-tasting club or other group based around a common interest will bring people together. Most of these groups will provide mental stimulation as well. Check the activity calendar at your local community center or use an online tool such as Meetup.com to find an existing group or start one of your own. Toastmasters clubs provide an excellent venue to meet new people, share your knowledge and experiences with others and become a better speaker.

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Volunteer. One of the best ways to find a sense of purpose and happiness is to help others who are less fortunate. Volunteering is also a great way to add more culture to your life and meet people at the same time. You can become a docent or tour guide at a museum or an usher at a concert hall, for example. If you have business or teaching skills, you can become a mentor. You can also join a local service club such as Lions or Kiwanis.

[Read: 7 Tips to Maintain Social Connections in Retirement.]

Join an activity group -- or start one. This could be a hiking group or a group that walks up and down the halls of shopping malls. There are groups that take day trips to local points of interest. A local gym may offer exercise groups for yoga, aerobics, water aerobics and more that are targeted at seniors.

Join a local chorus or band. Most communities have local choruses and bands that welcome people of all ages and ability levels. Don't worry if it's been years since you sang or played your instrument. You will be surprised at how quickly your skills return. Pursuing an artistic endeavor is an excellent way to nourish your creativity as well as provide a way to meet others.

Call, write to or visit a friend every day. Today, it is easier than ever to reconnect with friends from all stages of your life using social media tools such as Facebook. While social media provides a means for initial contact and surface-level interaction, you can cultivate more meaningful connections with people by calling them, writing a personal letter or email or, if they are local, getting together occasionally.

[Read: The Pros and Cons of Living Near Family in Retirement.]

Invite people over. You don't have to throw lavish, expensive parties. You can simply invite a few people over for card games or board games, a potluck or a movie night. Don't worry if your home is modest or if it's not spotless from floor to ceiling. People are coming to enjoy spending time with you and the other guests, not to inspect your home.

Loneliness doesn't have to be a characteristic of your retirement years. With some possibility thinking and effort, you can discover or create a variety of physical activities, mentally stimulating activities and fulfilling activities that involve meaningful interaction with other people.

Dave Hughes is the founder of Retire Fabulously.
The states lawmakers and its Republican governor have condemned the comments as disgusting, saying Trump failed to help fight the opioid crisis

Trump, in a call with the Mexican president, Enrique Pena Nieto: We have the drug lords in Mexico that are knocking the hell out of our country. They are sending drugs to Chicago, Los Angeles, and to New York. Up in New Hampshire  I won New Hampshire because New Hampshire is a drug-infested den  [it] is coming from the southern border. Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Donald Trumps reference to New Hampshire as a drug-infested den in a call with the Mexican president was disgusting, wrong and an example of appalling  hate-filled rhetoric, the states Democratic lawmakers and Republican governor said.

Trumps claim was contained in a White House transcript of a call with Enrique Pena Nieto on 27 January which was published by the Washington Post on Thursday.

We have the drug lords in Mexico that are knocking the hell out of our country, Trump said. They are sending drugs to Chicago, Los Angeles, and to New York. Up in New Hampshire  I won New Hampshire because New Hampshire is a drug-infested den  [it] is coming from the southern border.

Trump won New Hampshire in the Republican primary but did not win it in the general election. Hillary Clinton was declared the winner of a tight race six days after the November ballot.



On Thursday, state lawmakers condemned Trumps remark over its tone and called it inaccurate. New Hampshire does have a serious problem with drugs, they said, but with opioid addiction of the kind that is affecting a number of states rather than over narcotics smuggled in from abroad.

Using the presidents favourite medium, Twitter, Senator Maggie Hassan said Trumps remark was disgusting, adding: As he knows, NH and states across America have a substance misuse crisis.

To date, [Trump] has proposed policies that would severely set back our efforts to combat this devastating epidemic. Instead of insulting people in the throes of addiction, [Trump] needs to work across party lines to actually stem the tide of this crisis.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen tweeted that Trump owes [New Hampshire] an apology & then should follow through on his promise to Granite Staters to help end this crisis. Its absolutely unacceptable for the president to be talking about [New Hampshire] in this way  a gross misrepresentation of [New Hampshire] & the epidemic.

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The Republican governor, Chris Sununu, said in a statement: The president is wrong. Its disappointing his mischaracterisation of this epidemic ignores the great things this state has to offer. Our administration inherited one of the worst health crises this state has ever experienced but we are facing the challenge head on.

The Democratic congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter issued a statement in which she said: No, Mr President, youre wrong about New Hampshire  but you have failed to help us fight the opioid crisis. We need recovery facilities NOW. Stop attacking health care and make the investments you promised.

The states other US representative, the Democrat Ann McLean Kuster, said in a statement she was appalled by President Trumps ignorant and insulting comments.

At a time when we need to be working together to address the opioid epidemic, Mr Trump is making disparaging remarks about New Hampshire to foreign leaders while promoting policies at home that will hurt our response to the substance misuse crisis, including efforts to roll back access to healthcare for thousands of Granite Staters.

Mr Trumps comments underscore how little he appreciates the gravity of this issue and the need to work together collaboratively on real solutions. President Trump should immediately apologise to all Granite Staters.

While Trumps remark prompted bipartisan outrage at the national level, state political parties traded barbs.

The New Hampshire Democratic party chose to tweet a picture of a bucolic New Hampshire scene, with the words: How about this @realDonaldTrump, does this seem like a drug-infested den? #nhpolitics.

New Hampshires Republicans responded: Are [New Hampshire Democrats] denying [New Hampshire] is in the middle of an opioid epidemic? [New Hampshire] Republicans have been working everyday to fight the crisis. #nhpolitics.
The two young soldiers who were killed in an Afghanistan suicide bombing this week have been identified.

The Pentagon said Thursday that Sgt. Jonathon Hunter, 23, and Spc. Christopher Harris, 25, were killed near Kandahar on Aug. 2.

Watch: Navy Dad Surprises His Kids at School After Coming Home From Afghanistan

Both paratroopers were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Harris was from Jackson Springs, N.C., just an hour's drive from his post.

Col. Toby Magsig, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat team, said the brigade is "deeply saddened" by the loss of Hunter and Harris.

"Spc. Christopher Harris was an extraordinary young man and a phenomenal Paratrooper," Col. Magsig said. "He regularly displayed the type of courage, discipline, and empathy that the Nation expects from its warriors."

Hunter, the son of an Army veteran, hailed from Columbus, Ind.

Both men were on their first deployment.

"He had been there 32 days. I'm former military, me and his uncle both, so we know the dangers," Hunter's father, Mark Hunter, told The Associated Press.

Mr. Hunter said his son had recently gotten married.

"Jonathon loved his unit and serving his country and was excited about the opportunity to go to Afghanistan to do his part in fighting injustice," the family said in a statement.

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly of Indiana released a statement Thursday.

Watch: Mom Can't Stop Screaming When Army Son Surprises Her at Home After 4 Years

Donnelly said, I am saddened to hear that Columbus native, Jonathon Michael Hunter, has been killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. His service and sacrifice in defense of our country will never be forgotten. My prayers and condolences go to his family, friends, fellow soldiers and the entire Columbus community."

The Taliban has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

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Watch: Stranger Buys Plane Ticket So Soldier Can Go Home to His Family Over Memorial Day Weekend

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The models bring their game faces. (Photo: Instagram)

Chicago-based photographer Larry McGhee is only 21, but he has dreams of changing the fashion industry. He wants to highlight black beauty and in his latest shoot, he does just that.

The 21-year-old shot a series of photos in a gorgeous location on the west side of Chicago, with 10 beautiful models wearing monochromatically coordinated black swimsuits and complementary accessories.

McGhee tells Yahoo Style, My Inspiration for this photo shoot was to recognize African-American women of different shapes and sizes. I am very inspired by African-American art and the culture behind the beauty, so I thought Id do my own project that projects these things.

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You, my beautiful black women, are unforgettable. We thank God for you  Watch FULL video at www.larrymimages.com. Link in Bio! A post shared by Larry McGhee (@asianzeus_) on Jul 31, 2017 at 10:19am PDT

On what he wants the fashion industry to know, he says, Black womens culture should be respected and acknowledged, but not copied. People glorify our culture and Instead of just giving us the acknowledgment and recognition that we deserve, they try to appropriate and re-create it in the fashion industry. I dont think that is right. 

Big shoutout to @art_warrior1 for the dope Headpieces! This man is crazy talented, if anyone needs some pieces done hit him up asap! #BlackGirlsBreakTheInternet #Melanin #LarryMImages #blackisbeautiful #Queen A post shared by Larry McGhee (@asianzeus_) on Jul 26, 2017 at 7:44am PDT

We are totally celebrating these gorgeous images and the message behind them, and the internet is giving them major applause as well.

The melanin is popping! pic.twitter.com/Pbo0E2zp4S  WondAfrikan Gurl (@gio_logie) August 3, 2017

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




By Matthew Stock LONDON (Reuters) - Researchers in England are hoping to help root out modern day slavery in northern India by using detailed satellite imagery to locate brick kilns - sites that are notorious for using millions of slaves, including children. A team of geospatial experts at the University of Nottingham use Google Maps and dozens of volunteers to identify potential sites of exploitation and report them to authorities. "The key thing at the moment is to get those statistics right and to get the locations of the brick kilns sorted," said Dr Doreen Boyd, a co-researcher on the 'Slavery from Space' project. "There are certainly activists on the ground that will help us in terms of getting the statistics and the locations of these brick kilns to (government) officials." Anti-slavery activists said the project could be useful in identifying remote kilns or mines that would otherwise escape public or official scrutiny. "But there are other, more pressing challenges like tackling problematic practices including withheld wages, lack of transparent accounting,... no enforcement of existing labor laws," said Jakub Sobik, spokesman at Anti-Slavery, a London-based NGO. Millions of people in India are believed to be living in slavery. Despite a 1976 ban on bonded labor, the practice remains widespread at brick kilns, rice mills, and brothels, among others. The majority of victims belong to low-income families or marginalized castes like the Dalits or 'untouchables'. Nearly 70 percent of brick kiln workers in South Asia are estimated to be working in bonded and forced labor, according to a 2016 report by the International Labor Organization. About a fifth of those are under age. The project relies on 'citizen science' or 'crowdsourcing' - a process where volunteers sift through thousands of satellite images to identify possible locations of kilns. Each image is shown to multiple volunteers who mark kilns independently. The team is currently focused on an area of 2,600 square km in the desert state of Rajasthan - teeming with brick-making sites - and plans to scale up the project in the coming years. Researchers are now in talks with satellite companies to get access to more detailed images, rather than having to rely on publicly available Google Maps. The project is one of several anti-slavery initiatives run by the university, which include research on slave labour-free supply chains and human trafficking. (Additional reporting and writing by Kanupriya Kapoor, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Montreal (AFP) - The Canadian government said Thursday it would "bring all the resources necessary" to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, after 10 of the mammals died in the Gulf of St Lawrence in the past two months.

The North Atlantic right whale, which is much larger than a humpback or a gray whale, is one of the most endangered whale species, with only about 500 of them left in the world.

Most of the 10 carcasses found in the last two months showed signs of being tangled in fishing nets or cables.

Canada "will bring all the resources necessary to bear to ensure that every possible measure is in place" for both the protection and recovery of the species, said Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

In July, authorities banned fishing in several parts of the Gulf of St Lawrence to protect the whales.

"We estimate maybe 80 to 100 right whales currently in the Gulf of St Lawrence. That's two or three times higher than any other previous year," LeBlanc told a press conference.

"So the phenomenon of seeing perhaps 200 or more right whales in the Gulf of St Lawrence in an area of high marine and shipping traffic, but also an area of extensive commercial fishery, is new."

The government is planning to increase the number of surveillance flights checking on the whales, and also to use acoustic equipment that would detect them miles before they reach the shore, allowing fishermen to be warned.
TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian health authorities and aid workers are using an Olympic stadium to shelter asylum seekers as a growing number of people walk into the country from the United States. The Quebec Red Cross and local health authorities opened Montreal's Olympic Stadium on Wednesday to asylum seekers brought in by bus after having crossed the U.S. border, Red Cross spokeswoman Stephanie Picard said. The city is seeing a growing influx in refugee claimants coming from the United States and is scrambling to house them all. The Red Cross is assisting with beds and providing bedding and other personal-care items. Montreal's health authority would not provide exact numbers on how many people are being housed in the stadium, built for the 1976 Olympics and which now serves as an event space. More than 4,300 people have walked across the U.S. border into Canada this year seeking refugee status. The vast majority of them come to Quebec, according to figures from the federal government. Many asylum seekers who spoke to Reuters say they left the United States fearing President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. People who cross the border illegally to file refugee claims are apprehended and held for questioning by both police and border officials before being allowed to file claims and live in Canada while their application is processed. Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre welcomed the asylum seekers on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, saying 2,500 people had come in July alone. He said on Twitter that providing for the new arrivals is a "humanitarian gesture." (Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
By Michael Martina BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Thursday welcomed comments by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that the United States does not seek to topple the North Korean government and would like dialogue with Pyongyang at some point, saying China had always supported talks. Tillerson reiterated that Washington sought to persuade North Korea to give up its missile and nuclear weapons programs through peaceful pressure. The United States does not seek regime change, the collapse of the regime, an accelerated reunification of the peninsula or an excuse to send the U.S. military into North Korea, Tillerson said. Speaking to reporters, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China "attached great importance" to Tillerson's remarks and his reiteration of what Wang called the "Four Nos" principle. "We hope the U.S. side can put this 'Four Nos' principle into actual policy towards North Korea," Wang said. The United States has recently been paying more attention to security issues on the Korean peninsula, and China has always believed security is the key to resolving the problem, he added. North Korea says it needs a strong military deterrent to prevent a hostile United States from attacking it. China hopes all sides can meet each other halfway and through talks find a way of resolving each others security concerns as this is the key for a resolution, Wang said. In a separate statement sent to Reuters regarding Tillerson's remarks, the foreign ministry said it had always supported dialogue between the United States and North Korea. On Saturday, Pyongyang said it had conducted another successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile that proved its ability to strike the United States. Tillerson, who will also attend the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, is expected to press China and other regional nations to take tougher action against North Korea. China has signed up for increasingly tough United Nations sanctions against North Korea, but has also pushed for a resumption of dialogue and de-escalation by both Pyongyang and Washington. Tillerson's remarks showed "courage", said the state-run Global Times newspaper, which is usually known for its nationalistic bent. "Many Americans would think Tillerson is showing weakness, but we see his statement as the most courageous expression from Washington regarding the Korean peninsula issue," it said in an editorial on Thursday. "While (Washington) exerts pressure on North Korea, it should leave some alternatives for Pyongyang and make it believe that abandoning its nuclear and missile programs will do more good than insisting on this path." Wang also urged all parties not to heighten tension on the Korean peninsula and said China had already clearly condemned North Korea's latest missile test. "Regarding North Korea's recent missile launch, once again in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, China has already clearly expressed our opposition," Wang said. "At the same time, we also call on all parties not to take any actions that will lead to an escalation in tensions." (Writing by Philip Wen and Ben Blanchard; Editing by Paul Tait and Clarence Fernandez)
China on Thursday welcomed comments by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that Washington would not seek regime change in North Korea, after a week of verbal sparring between the two countries over Pyongyang's rogue weapons programme.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said "we attach importance to the remarks", when questioned on the US's latest comments on the North, which has caused international alarm with two recent missile tests.

"We have noted that the US side has recently paid more attention to security issues on the peninsula -- China has always believed that security is at the core of the problem," Wang said, at a joint press conference with the visiting the foreign minister of Turkey.

Wang's statement alluded to Tillerson's efforts to underscore that Washington would not seek to topple North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

"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 told reporters on Tuesday.

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 scrambling to find a solution.

Tillerson said Washington would be willing to talk to the North if its leaders accept that they must disarm, and said that Beijing was not to blame for the situation.

His statement struck a more diplomatic tone than US President Donald Trump, who has demanded that China rein in its neighbour's nuclear ambitions -- angrily tweeting over the weekend that Beijing is not doing enough.

The president tweeted that he was "very disappointed in China" after the North boasted last week that the entire mainland US was within range of its intercontinental ballistic missiles.

"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," said the US leader.

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Trump has repeatedly urged China, North Korea's main trade partner and ally, to use its economic sway to curb the regime's nuclear programme, while Beijing insists dialogue is the only practical way forward.

Wang said that China has maintained a "continuous and stable position" on the issue, calling on "parties to not take any action that will lead to escalating tensions".

On the heels of Trump's accusations, Tillerson's remarks "show courage," said an approving editorial in China's Global Times, a state-run nationalistic tabloid.
CNNs Chris Cuomo and White House counselor Kellyanne Conway got into a heated debate on Thursday evening over the investigation into alleged links between Russia and Donald Trumps campaign.

During the interview, Cuomo brought up a meeting the presidents elder son, Donald Trump Jr., and his adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, attended with Russian lawyers. Conway responded by criticizing 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Cuomo wasnt having it.

But regardless of who won the election, and how Hillary Clinton handled herself and handled her campaign, its all irrelevant to the questions of Russian interference, Cuomo said.

Thats not true, Conway replied.

Of course they are, Cuomo shot back.

Conway tried to raise the subject of the election again and Cuomo pointed out he wasnt talking about that. Then things got really intense.

CONWAY: This investigation is not about Russian interference, you know that, right? Youre talking   CUOMO: I think it is exactly about that, I think one of the reasons that this meeting is so troubling is because what the president had called a hoax and a witch hunt is now demonstrably not that because Russian people reached out  not like citizens, not like just good people from Russia  but a lawyer with very specific contacts reached out to his son, with a solicitation of negative information about his political opponent, and then either duped him or whatever happened in the meeting happened. Shows its not a witch hunt

Conway accused Cuomo of wanting to re-litigate old news and not wanting to cover current stories such as the medal of honor recipients.

Not true, Cuomo said. Not true, its not an either or.

And it only got more heated from there.

See the full discussion above.

Also on HuffPost

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A homeless woman sits bundled against the cold in the Manhattan borough of New York City, January 4, 2016. (Photo: Mike Segar / Reuters)

The Jesus of the Bible had plenty to say about the poor  their dignity, righteousness, and faith. He went so far as to suggest that those who serve the poor will inherit the kingdom of God.

Some American Christians beliefs about the poor may not be as forgiving, according to a recent poll from The Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation.

Christians in America are twice as likely as those of other faiths to blame poor people for their economic status, the study found.

The survey of 1,686 American adults asked respondents what they thought was generally more often to blame if a person is poor  lack of effort on the individuals own part or difficult circumstances beyond their control. Researchers found that 46 percent of Christians said that poverty is generally due to a persons lack of effort. Only 29 percent of all non-Christians said the same.

According to The Washington Posts statistical analysis, white evangelical Protestants, compared to those with no religion, were 3.2 times as likely to say that poverty is caused by a lack of effort.

Atheist, agnostic, and unaffiliated Americans blamed difficult circumstances for peoples poverty (65 percent).

Forty-two percent of American adults in total believed poverty was due to a lack of effort, while 53 percent believed it was due to difficult circumstances.

Although religious identity was an important factor, The Washington Post found that political partisanship is the most important demographic identity when it comes to this particular question. Seventy-two percent of Democrats attributed poverty to circumstances, while 63 percent of Republicans blamed lack of effort.

Christians beliefs about the causes of poverty dont necessarily translate into inaction on caring for the poor. The Washington Post interviewed a number of individuals for the piece, most of whom claimed that they were taught in church to help the needy and that their congregations worked hard to care for the poor.

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46 percent of all Christians said that poverty is due to a persons lack of effort. (Photo: Arrangements-Photography via Getty Images)

The Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, a minister at Middle Collegiate Church and a progressive Christian activist, told HuffPost she believes theres an inherent conflict in giving charity to the poor while blaming them for their economic status. Acknowledging that poor people are caught in structures and systems that are often beyond their control forces Christians to think deeply about how to work for justice, Lewis said.

We are forced to ask ourselves about whether the ways these systems work are consistent and coherent with our believe in a God of love and justice, whose compassion was shown uniquely in the life of a poor Jewish Rabbi from Palestine. We have to ask ourselves can we sleep at night when there are homeless on the street, when a mom cant see her children because she has to work three jobs to survive. We have to ask ourselves are we following in the Way of the Christ or are we following in the Way of the Empire, Lewis said.

And that is more decidedly difficult question than can I make my shift at the soup kitchen.

Also on HuffPost

St. Catherine of Siena

The second-youngest of 25 children, Catherine of Siena is one of only two patron saints of Italy. Catherine believed herself to be spiritually wed to Jesus and committed herself to a monastic life as a teenager. She was a peacemaker during the 1368 revolution in Siena and convinced Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy to Rome during a tumultuous time for the Catholic Church. One story from her life tells of Jesus appearing to her with a heart in his hands and saying, Dearest daughter, as I took your heart away from you the other day, now, you see, I am giving you mine, so that you can go on living with it for ever. She was canonized in 1461.

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc grew up a peasant in medieval France and reportedly started hearing the voices of saints from a young age. At the age of 18, Joan believed that God had chosen her to lead France to victory in its ongoing war with England. The precocious Joan convinced crowned prince Charles of Valois to allow her to lead a the countrys army to Orleans, where it defeated the English and their French allies, the Burgundians. She was subsequently captured by Anglo-Burgundian forces, tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. She was just 19 years old when she died. The Catholic Church canonized her in 1920.

Hildegard von Bingen

Hildegard von Bingen was a Benedictine abbess who lived between 1098 and 1179. Hildegard became a nun as a teenager, though she had received divine visions since early childhood. It wasnt until her 40s that Hildegard began writing a record of these visions, which came to be known as Scivias (Know the Ways). She went on to write other texts documenting her philosophy and also composed short works on medicine, natural history, music and more. Bishops, popes, and kings consulted her at a time when few women engaged in the political domain. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

St. Teresa of Avila

Teresa of Avila was born in Spain during the 16th century to a well-to-do family. Teresa was fascinated by stories of the Christian saints and martyrs from a young age and explored these interests through mystical games she played with her brother, Roderigo. Her early efforts to join a convent were interrupted by the disapproval of her father, as well as several bouts of malaria. She turned instead to quiet prayer and contemplation and attained what she described in her autobiography as the "prayer of union," in which she felt her soul absorbed into Gods power. She went on to join a convent and was said to have at one point restored her young nephew to health after he was crushed by a fallen wall. The episode was presented at the process for Teresa's canonization, which took place in 1662.

St. Catherine of Genoa

Born in 1447, Catherine of Genoa is perhaps best known for her visions of and treatise on purgatory. She conceptualized purgatory as an interior, rather than exterior, fire which individuals experience within themselves. The soul presents itself to God still bound to the desires and suffering that derive from sin and this makes it impossible for it to enjoy the beatific vision of God, Catherine wrote in her book of revelations. She developed a deep relationship with God which Pope Benedict XVI described as a unitive life. Catherine also dedicated her life to caring for the sick, which she did at the Pammatone Hospital until her death in 1510. She was canonized in 1737.

St. Clare of Assisi

Clare of Assisi shunned a life of luxury in her wealthy Italian family to devote herself to the burgeoning order of Francis of Assisi. When her parents promised her hand in marriage to a wealthy man in 1211, Clare fled for the Porziuncola Chapel and was taken in by Francis. She took vows dedicating her life to God, and Francis placed Clare provisionally with the Benedictine nuns of San Paolo. Her family, furious at Clares secret flight, went there to try to drag her home by force, but Clare was resolute. Clares piety was so profound that her sister, mother and several other female relatives eventually came to live with her and be her disciples in her convent outside Assisi. The group came to be known as the Poor Clares and walked barefoot, slept on the ground, abstained from meat, and spoke only when necessary. Clare died in 1253 and was canonized two years later by Pope Alexander IV.

Therese of Lisieux

Born in France in 1873, Therese of Lisieux experienced a mystical union with Christ while undergoing study for her First Communion in 1884. She entered the Carmel of Lisieux, a Carmelite hermitage, in 1888 and made a profession of religious devotion in 1890. She became ill and died at the young age of 24, but her writings and revelations formed the basis for widespread veneration after her death. Affectionately called The Little Flower, Therese believed that children have an aptitude for spiritual experience, which adults should model. "What matters in life," she wrote, "is not great deeds, but great love." She was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925.

Julian of Norwich

Little is known about Julian of Norwich, an English mystic who lived from 1342 until roughly 1430. Information about her comes primarily from her Revelations of Divine Love in Sixteen Showings, the book in which Julian recorded her divine visions. In 1373, she became ill and nearly died within a matter of days. A priest came to her bedside and show her an image of Christ, after which Julian recovered and received the 16 revelations that she recorded in her book. God later revealed to her the meaning of these visions, which she recorded as: Would you learn to see clearly your Lords meaning in this thing? Learn it well: Love was his meaning. Who showed it to you? Love.... Why did he show it to you? For Love.... Thus I was taught that Love was our Lords meaning. She chose to live a contemplative and reclusive life until her death.

St. Bridget of Sweden

Unlike many of her counterparts, Bridget of Sweden did not devote herself fully to a religious life until her 40s when her husband died in 1344. Reportedly distraught after his death, Bridget spent long hours in prayer beside her husbands grave at the abbey of Alvastra. There she believed God spoke to her, telling her to be my bride and my canal. He gave her the task of founding new religious order, and she went on to start the Brigittines, or the Order of St. Saviour. Both men and women joined the community, with separate cloisters. They lived in poor convents and were instructed to give all surplus income to the poor. In 1350, Bridget braved the plague, which was ravaging Europe, to pilgrimage to Rome in order to obtain authorization for her new order from the pope. It would be 20 years before she received this authorization, but Bridget quickly became known throughout Europe for her piety. She was canonized in 1391, less than 20 years after her death.

St. Beatrice of Silva

Born in 1424, Beatrice of Silva abandoned a court life with Princess Isabel of Portugal to enter a Cistercian convent in Toledo. She lived at the convent until 1484, when she believed God summoned her to found a religious order. She started the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where she lived and served as superior until her death circa 1492. Shortly before Beatrices death, Pope Innocent VIII approved a the convents adoption of the Cistercian rule, which consisted of three guidelines: be silent and submissive to Gods direction; strive for a life of obscurity and piety; and love everyone with a holy love. Beatrice reportedly received a vision of the Virgin Mary dressed in a white habit with a white scapular and blue mantle, which formed the basis of the dress for her order. Pope Paul VI canonized St. Beatrice in 1976.

St. Angela of Foligno

Angela of Foligno was a Franciscan mystic who was born into a prestigious family and married at the age of 20. A series of events, which included a violent earthquake in 1279 and an ongoing war against Perugia lead her to call upon St Francis, who appeared to her in a vision and instructed her to go to confession. Three years later, her mother, husband and all of her children died in the span of a few months. Angela then sold her possessions and in 1291 enrolled in the Third Order of St Francis. At 43, Angela had a vision of Gods love while she was making a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Francis of Assisi. She dictated her experiences in The Book of the Experience of the Truly Faithful. Pope Francis canonized Angela of Foligno in 2013.

Mechthild of Magdeburg

Like Hadewijch, Mechthild of Magdeburg was part of the Beguine community. The German mystic decided at age 22 to devote her life to God and authored a text entitled The Flowing Light of the Godhead. She entered the convent of Helfta in 1270 and used poetry to express her divine revelations. On the first page of The Flowing Light, Mechthild wrote: I have been put on my guard about this book, and certain people have warned me that, unless I have it buried, it will be burnt. Yet, I in my weakness have written it, because I dared not hide the gift that is in it.

Hadewijch

Hadewijch was a Flemish mystic who was part of the Beguine movement, a network of ascetic and philanthropic communities of women that arose primarily in the Netherlands in the 13th century. Little is known about her life outside of her writings, which include a collection of letters on the spiritual life of the Beguines, as well as a book of visions. According to Dr. Elizabeth Alvilda Petroff, a comparative literature professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Hadewijch believed that the soul, created by God in his own image, longs to be one with divine love again, to become God with God.

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Temperatures in heavily populated South Asia will exceed habitable levels by the end of this century without efforts to stem manmade climate change, according to new research.

Researchers behind the study, published in the journal Science Advances, found that 4% percent of the South Asian population is expected to experience temperature and humidity conditions in which humans cannot survive without air conditioning by 2100. Three quarters of the population will experience environmental conditions considered dangerous, even if not downright unlivable.

The effects of unchecked temperature rise would extend beyond the health concerns associated with being outside in high temperatures. With workers unable to stay outdoors for extended periods of time, the regions economy and agricultural output would decline, experts say. With the disruption to the agricultural production, it doesnt need to be the heat wave itself that kills people, says study author Elfatih Eltahir, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in a press release. Production will go down, so potentially everyone will suffer.

Currently, extreme unhealthy temperatures in South Asiaa region that includes India, Pakistan and Bangladeshaffect around 15% of the regions population. A number of deadly extreme weather events in the region reflect that reality, including a 2015 heat wave that killed more than 2,500 people.

Researchers note that the disastrous scenario could be avoided if countries meet their commitments to keep temperatures from rising more than 2C (3.6F) by 2100. That goal, embedded in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, will likely be difficult to meet without increasingly ambitious efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

South Asia ranks high on lists of the most threatened regions, but it is far from the only place where scientists say global warming could change the fabric of society. In a 2015 study in the journal Nature Climate Change, Eltahir found that a number of Persian Gulf cities would reach similarly unlivable temperature thresholds by 2100.

We have built entire infrastructures with particular temperatures in mind, Matthew T. Huber, an associate professor of geography at Syracuse University, told TIME earlier this year. When temperatures get really high, we dont have the material capacity to deal with that.
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Friday threw out the death sentence for a man forced to wear a "stun belt" during the penalty phase of his trial for a 1996 triple murder in Indiana.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago said John Stephenson, 54, was prejudiced by his lawyer's failure to object to the belt, which lets an officer administer an electric charge to prevent a prisoner from misbehaving in the courtroom.

A box on the belt that contained electric wires had been hidden under Stephenson's shirt but visible as a bulge to jurors, four of whom had been aware of the belt.

Stephenson had also worn the belt during his eight-month trial, but never acted up.

Though the appeals court upheld Stephenson's conviction, Circuit Judge Richard Posner said the belt "contaminated" the penalty phase of his trial.

"The fault is certainly not Stephenson's; it's his lawyer's, for failing to object to his client's having to wear a stun belt, given the absence of any reason to think his client would go berserk in the courtroom," Posner wrote.

A spokesman for Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Stephenson's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The appeals court said Indiana can ask a jury to reimpose the death penalty if Stephenson does not wear the stun belt, or ask a judge to impose a lesser penalty.

Stephenson was convicted of murdering three people inside a pickup truck at a rural intersection in March 1996.

The case is Stephenson v Neal, 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 16-1312.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Grant McCool)
Idris Elba as Roland and Matthew McConaughey as the Man in Black in The Dark Tower. (Photo: Ilze Kitshoff/Columbia Pictures/Courtesy of Everett Collection)

Warning: This post contains major spoilers for the film version of The Dark Tower

Fans of Stephen Kings beloved Dark Tower book series have spent a solid decade anticipating a film version of the authors magnum opus, only to see those plans repeatedly collapse like a house of cards. And Danish director Nicolaj Arcel experienced that disappointment right along with them. Im a massive fan of the novels and have been since I was a teenager, Arcel tells Yahoo Movies. Unlike other fans, though, the filmmaker was given the opportunity to make the movie a reality. In April 2016, he stepped into the directors chair previously almost occupied by the likes of J.J. Abrams and Ron Howard and called Action on the first entry in a potential franchise that could include additional sequels and a TV series.

Even though he was making his Hollywood debut with a big-budget film overseen by such established producers as Howard and Akiva Goldsman, the self-described uber-geek says he enjoyed a certain amount of creative control in crafting a Dark Tower movie that he and fellow fans, as well as mainstream audiences, would want to see. One of the big things that the studio will always be concerned about with any kind of brand is, will people understand it who are not fans, Arcel explains. So I had as much creative control as anybody would have on a film like this. In this spoiler-filled conversation, we talked with Arcel about the bits of Dark Tower mythology that didnt make the final cut and the one Stephen King reference he couldnt include in the film.

One thing that jumps out right away about the film is that this version of The Dark Tower is framed as Jakes story rather than Rolands, which is a very fundamental shift in the narratives point of view. Was that a deliberate choice on your part?

When I got on board, Akiva Goldsman had already written the script. It was his choice, and Ron Howards possibly. They ended up going with the idea of, Lets enter this world through Jake. Lets make it Jakes story. That was a choice they made, and it was part of the reason why I got excited about it when I read it. I saw that this version was different from the novels I read, but I also got the world and the characters, so I understood why they began the story like this. Its an introduction to the saga  its not supposed to be the whole saga in 95 minutes.

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Idris Elba as Roland and Tom Taylor as Jake in The Dark Tower. (Photo: Jessica Miglio/ Columbia Pictures/Courtesy of Everett Collection)

The first book in the series, The Gunslinger, is very different from what the first film ends up being. Its a dystopian western, and the movie has very few of those western elements in it. Did you want to incorporate more of that genre into the film initially?

We had to make a conscious choice. The first novel is a western, theres no escaping that. But the other books are not westerns; they are fantasy sci-fi adventure novels, some of which take place in modern-day New York and are kind of gangster-y. So we had to make the choice of saying, What is the genre of this movie series? And the choice was that its a fantasy sci-fi adventure. If we started out doing a western and people saw that and liked it, but then the second one was nothing like a western, everybody would be like, Whats wrong? I thought this was a western. They would be so confused. So we tried to combine everything that we love about the novels into the world, and introduce that idea to the audience. But I do miss some of the western style.

How did you settle on the visual tone of the film, especially since there are so many genres at play?

I thought that the most important thing for me was to keep it grounded. Thats the world I come from, the European cinema. I was very concerned about making it feel real. Obviously, theres some pretty crazy stuff in there; theres magic and gunslinging and monsters and other worlds. But its not over Hollywood-ized. I tried to shoot on real locations and all that.

Stephen King has said over the years that he based Roland on Clint Eastwoods Man with No Name character from Sergio Leones spaghetti westerns. Were there movie gunslingers that you and Idris Elba looked to while creating your version of the character?

Interestingly, we didnt go to other movies when we were talking about it. We talked a lot about soldiers with PTSD and veterans of traumatic experiences. What are they like? What is their state of mind? How do they internalize all the troubles theyve been through and try to get past that? With Matthew [McConaughey], it was a little more playful. He was immediately like, This is kind of the devil, right? Im just the devil? I was like, Sure, its the devil. So we had a lot of fun with that. He was really happy to just be able to play evil, because a lot of villains always have a reason [for their actions]. I thought it was refreshing that the Man in Black is just evil.

The Dark Tower director Nikolaj Arcel at the films New York City premiere. (Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

The Dark Tower book series is connected to all of Stephen Kings other novels, and the movie features several shout-outs to stories like The Shining and The Stand. Was it difficult to incorporate those into the film because of rights issues?

I had a team of people who were helping me figure this out. I would say, Can I do this? They would say, No. Then Id say, But can I do this? Theyd say, Yeah, you can do that. There was a lot of that back-and-forth, and I spent a lot of time on that, because it was very important to me. One of the things that I love about The Dark Tower is how it connects all the other Stephen King worlds and novels into this one saga, so it was important to me to get that right. Even if some of it is on the edge of whats legal  and I dont know if it is, but even if it was  Im pretty sure that the people behind these other properties are going to be like, This is cool. Hes just making a commercial for our film now!

Was there a reference you wanted to include but couldnt get permission?

I couldnt have a city sign reading Salems Lot for some odd reason. I wanted it to be on an old sign in Mid-World that theyd be driving by. That would have been cool, but I couldnt do it. I dont know why.

Is it going to be difficult for future movies to deepen those connections?

I dont think so. Honestly, I think its going to be the opposite. What happens with movies like this is that the next one is made for more money, and theyll be able to spend a little bit of dough. Itll be like, Can we buy the rights to this? For us, it was more like a begging situation. And King himself is going to help; he might have done that once or twice [on this movie].

Did you meet King in person during the making of the film?

We had a lot of communication, but I havent actually met him in person because he stayed in Maine the entire time. He didnt want to come to South Africa, which I can totally understand. Its a very long plane ride and very grueling. But we communicated almost at least once a week throughout the entire production. It was very collaborative, and he was so cool.

Fans will obviously be watching very closely for the Horn of Eld, which signals that this is a sequel to the book series. It is on Rolands person in the film, but its not directly referenced at all. Is there a deleted scene that explained its importance to the mythology?

No. That was one of the things where, as a fan, I would have felt it was cool to do a scene where he picks up the horn and says, This is what I need. It was left on the fields of Jericho Hill. But its a case where the studio probably came in and said, rightfully, Nobody who has not read the novels will know what this scene is about. Its just going to be weird to hear them talking about the horn now and never again. And I totally get that. As the story hopefully continues, well slowly build to the idea of what it is and why its important. Now its simply there.

Similarly, the Crimson King  another important part of the story  is referenced only in background graffiti.

That was actually suggested by Stephen King himself. During the editing, there were one or two references to the Crimson King and I asked him, Do you think we should keep it visual and wait a little bit? He was like, Totally. Because thats what he does in the first novel too. He doesnt even mention the Crimson King until later.

The 95-minute runtime did cause some consternation among fans. Did you understand that reaction?

If I hadnt directed it, I would also have been going, 95 minutes? How in the hell? Whats wrong? What Ive hopefully been able to explain in these interviews is that were meeting the three characters and are going on from here. I was actually happy this film was on the short side. My last film, The Royal Affair, was too long in my view. Every time I see it, I go I could have just cut out 15 or 20 minutes! [Laughs]

Matthew McConaughey as the Man in Black in The Dark Tower. (Photo: Ilze Kitshoff/ Columbia Pictures/Courtesy of Everett Collection)

Is there a longer cut?

The early cut of The Dark Tower was maybe 12 minutes longer. On the DVD theres going to be like five or six minutes of deleted scenes, which I felt kept the pace a little slow. There is some fan service stuff in there too. Theres a little bit more about gunslinger lore and more about the Man in Black. Theres also more dialogue between Jake and Roland; at one point they come across this diner which is a little bit tall and deep. Its a very short scene but fun to watch.

The later novels get very meta-textual; Stephen King even becomes a character in some of them. Would you try to replicate that in future films?

It would be great. I love that stuff, but King really doesnt want us to have him be a character in the movie series. I think he asked Ron Howard personally to promise never to put him in it. So we wont do it if he doesnt want to. I also think it would be weird. If Stephen King shows up in the fourth film people would go, Whats going on? [Laughs]

The Dark Tower: Watch a trailer:

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The Daily Beast

Marina Tanaka / EyeEm via GettyTwo planes crashed into each other mid-air Saturday during a Dallas air show that was packed with families marking Veterans Day weekend, with both planes plummeting to the ground in a fiery explosion, video footage shows. Six people who were aboard the planes are feared to have died, ABC reported. The collision took place during the Wings Over Dallas World War II Airshow. A spokesperson for the Dallas Fire-Rescue said he didnt know the status of the pilots, but th
In a phone call with Mexican President Pena Nieto in January, President Donald Trump said he won support in New Hampshire because New Hampshire is a drug-infested den, a reference to the states opioid crisis.

A transcript of Trumps Jan. 27 phone call  during which he faulted Mexico for the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S.  was obtained and published by the Washington Post on Thursday.

They are sending drugs to Chicago, Los Angeles, and to New York. Up in New Hampshire  I won New Hampshire because New Hampshire is a drug-infested den  is coming from the southern border, Trump told Pena Nieto.

Trump  who won the Republican primary in New Hampshire but lost the state to Hillary Clinton in the general election  campaigned in New Hampshire on a promise to solve the opioid addiction epidemic.

We are becoming a drug-addicted nation and most the drugs are coming from Mexico or certainly from the southern border, Trump told Pena Nieto in the call. We have a massive drug problem where kids are becoming addicted to drugs because drugs are being sold for less money than candy because there is so much of it.

The New Hampshire comment drew ire from Democratic leaders as well as the states Republican governor on Thursday.

The President is wrong. Its disappointing his mischaracterization of this epidemic ignores the great things this state has to offer, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement. Our administration inherited one of the worst health crises this state has ever experienced, but we are facing this challenge head on.

Democratic New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan called the remarks disgusting. Instead of insulting people in the throes of addiction, @POTUS needs to work across party lines to actually stem the tide of this crisis, she said on Twitter.

Its absolutely unacceptable for the President to be talking about NH in this way  a gross misrepresentation of NH & the epidemic, New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, said in a tweet, calling for Trump to apologize.
Jackie Speier, who represents California's 14th Congressional District near San Francisco, said the probe into Russian meddling 'could get very muddy very quickly': Getty

Donald Trump would resign before Congress is able impeach him, a senior US representative has said, as pressure mounts over his team's alleged links to Russia.

Jackie Speier, who sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said attempts by the President to pardon members of his family or fire the man appointed to investigate Russian meddling in last years presidential election could trigger an impeachment vote.

I have always thought that he was never going to fulfil his full term, she said.

I am more convinced that he will leave before any impeachment would take place.

On Friday it emerged that the special counsel appointed to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 vote, Robert Mueller, was using a grand jury  suggesting his probe was entering a new, more serious, phase.

The move piled further pressure on the President, whose seven months in office have been dogged by accusations that his team worked with Russia to swing the vote.

Speaking on Radio 4s Today programme, Ms Speier said: I do think the potential for the House to start to think in terms of impeachment is not outside the realm of possibility.

It is not something that would be happening any time soon but if the President were to act precipitously at any of these situations, pardoning his family members, taking actions to try and get rid of Mr Mueller, I think those would be tipping points and could end up in the House calling for impeachment.

In order for Mr Trump to be impeached, a simple majority (50 per cent plus one representative) is needed in the House.

A trial would then take place in the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is needed to remove him from office.

Ms Speier said the current makeup of the House of Representatives meant only 24 Republicans were needed to join with Democrats in order to pass an impeachment vote.

Describing the similarities between the Mr Trump and Richard Nixon, who resigned following attempts to impeach him, as stark, she said the investigation into the incumbent president could get very muddy very quickly, adding: You cant make this up, that is what is so mind boggling.

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Mr Mueller was appointed special counsel in May by the justice department following the firing by Mr Trump of FBI director James Comey.

He has since assembled a team of more than a dozen investigators, including current and former justice department prosecutors with experience in international bribery, organised crime and financial fraud.

News of the grand jury came as senators introduced two bills aimed at protecting Mr Mueller from being fired by Mr Trump, with both parties signalling resistance to any White House effort to derail the investigation into Russian meddling in last year's election.

Mr Trump's defence team has been looking into potential conflicts of interest among members of Mr Mueller's team, such as past political contributions to Democrats including Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump has warned that any effort by Mr Mueller to look into his finances would fall outside the scope of Mr Mueller's appointment.

Related:
Newly published transcripts of January phone calls between President Trump and the leaders of Mexico and Australia didnt just give people an opportunity to see how Trump discussed matters with international leaders at the time. One conversational snippet has given the internet a primo meme opportunity.

Published Thursday by the Washington Post, the transcripts showed that Trump had a combative conversation Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about a plan to accept hundreds of refugees from offshore detention centers near to Australia.

I guarantee you they are bad. That is why they are in prison right now. They are not going to be wonderful people who go on to work for the local milk people, Trump said, seemingly a reference to the massive U.S. dairy industry.

That milk snippet was all the internet needed to turn it into a meme full of all the dairy product-themed jokes.

Local milk people pic.twitter.com/m0JtvzKsz3  Erin ????Gloria???? Ryan (@morninggloria) August 3, 2017

tfw ur a local milk person pic.twitter.com/LjV8dD8Lmr  The Gregory Brothers (@gregorybrothers) August 3, 2017

????

People are strange

When theyre milk people

Local milk people

They produce milk  Jason O. Gilbert (@gilbertjasono) August 3, 2017

The topic of cookies, another business Trump gave airtime to during the presidential debates of 2016 popped up too.

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What if the Local Milk People form an alliance with the Local Cookie People???  Harold Itzkowitz (@HaroldItz) August 3, 2017

A band name was born.

the local milk people sounds like a bad neutral milk hotel cover band  Alexandra Petri (@petridishes) August 3, 2017

local milk people is my favorite jack white side project pic.twitter.com/lXFYn2TAEV  Brian Barrett (@brbarrett) August 3, 2017

*steps away from twitter for literally two seconds*



"what the hell are local milk people"  Ali Watkins (@AliWatkins) August 3, 2017

Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be local milk people https://t.co/b9OZlBLl2S  Matt O'Brien (@ObsoleteDogma) August 3, 2017

Those iconic collectible milk print ads made an appearance.
Huge fire breaks out in Torch tower

No injuries reported

The building is popular with expatriates

Fire brought under control

A fire ripped through one of the world's tallest residential towers in Dubai on Thursday night, sending panicked residents fleeing from the building.

Debris could be seen spiralling to the ground across the famous Marina district of the city as the fire consumed multiple floors of the Torch Tower after midnight.

Fire rips through the Torch Tower in Dubai Credit: Nivetha Vijayathasan

Authorities quickly evacuated the residents and no injuries were reported.

"We were sleeping and we woke up to the fire alarm and people screaming. We ran down the stairs and it took us about 10 minutes to reach from the 50th floor.

"The fire was very strong at that time, about 1 a.m. Then it started calming down over the next two hours. It started on the 67th floor, that's what we were told."

Flames shoot up the side of the Torch tower residential building in the Marina district, Dubai Credit: Reuters

Dubai Civil Defence said the fire had been brought under control and cooling operations were underway.

The incident may revive questions about the safety of materials used on the exteriors of tall buildings across the wealthy Gulf region and beyond.

The 1,100ft, 79-storey skyscraper, which is known to be popular with expatriate residents of the UAE city, was devastated by a fire in February 2015. There were no deaths in that fire.

The external cladding on the building was blamed for the rapid spread of the 2015 fire, leading to the decision to fully renovate the exterior cladding - works which began last summer and were believed to be ongoing.

Flames have spread across many floors of the Dubai skyscraper

In June, a fire at Grenfell tower in west London led to at least 80 deaths.

The growth of the fire was made worse by the tower's exterior cladding, which was similar to the materials used at Dubai's Torch tower.

Cara Spillane tweeted: Terrifying to see Torch Tower, in the area I live in (Dubai Marina) on fire now.

Hope everyone gets out OK.

Flames shoot up the sides of the Torch tower residential building in the Marina district, Dubai Credit: Reuters

Reports on social media suggested the fire reached the roof rapidly, with an entire side of the building engulfed in flames.

Story continues

A witness told Gulf News: "Smoke is everywhere. The streets are covered in debris."

Authorities later shared a photo of the charred and blackened tower but it was no longer visibly in flames. Officials said they were now working on providing shelter for those affected.

Dubai Civil Defence announces that the fire at the Torch Tower has been brought under control. Cooling operations are underway pic.twitter.com/4k2NeVXYBK  Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 3, 2017

The UAE revised its building safety code in 2013 to require cladding on all new buildings over 15 metres (50 feet) tall be fire-resistant, but older buildings are exempt.

Most of Dubai's approximately 250 high-rise buildings use cladding panels with thermoplastic cores, UAE media have reported. Panels can consist of plastic or polyurethane fillings sandwiched between aluminium sheets.

Such cladding is not necessarily hazardous, but it can be flammable under certain circumstances and, depending on a skyscraper's design, may channel fires through windows into the interiors of buildings.

The fire can be seen amidst the Dubai skyline Credit: Getty

In January Dubai announced tougher rules to minimise fire risks after a series of tower blazes in the modern emirate mostly due to flammable material used in cladding, a covering or coating used on the side of the buildings.

On New Year's Eve 2015 a fire broke out in a luxury hotel, injuring 16 people hours before a fireworks display nearby.

In November 2015, fire engulfed three residential blocks in central Dubai and led to services on a metro line being suspended, although no one was hurt.

3:32AM

'We woke up to people screaming'

By 4am the outside of the building showed no sign of fire as residents and onlookers stood around staring up at the building.

A resident who gave his name as George told Reuters:

"We were sleeping and we woke up to the fire alarm and people screaming. We ran down the stairs and it took us about 10 minutes to reach from the 50th floor. "The fire was very strong at that time, about 1 a.m. Then it started calming down over the next two hours. It started on the 67th floor, that's what we were told."

Another resident, whose name was Mohammed and lives on the 12th floor, said the top part caught fire first and then lower levels followed as debris fell.

Bystanders look on as fire is seen at the 1,105 foot tall Torch tower skyscraper Credit: AFP

1:13AM

View of the fire across the city

The fire can be seen in the Dubai skyline Credit: Getty

12:48AM

'Cooling operations begin'

Dubai Civil Defence says the fire has been brought under control and cooling operations have begun. No injuries have been reported.

Dubai Civil Defence:Fire at the Torch Tower has been brought under control. Cooling operations are underway. No inures have been reported. pic.twitter.com/4hHMnaRJ7T  Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 3, 2017

12:40AM

Fire 'largely under control'

The Dubai Civil Defence says the fire has been "brought largely under control" and that no casualties have been reported so far.

Dubai Civil Defence: Torch Tower fire brought largely under control. No casualties have been reported so far pic.twitter.com/ETJN3kPu2a  Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 3, 2017

12:25AM

Flames 'engulf 40 floors'

An Associated Press journalist near the scene says more than 40 floors of the high-rise tower appear to be engulfed in flames on one side of the building. Residents of the building are crying, with several saying the fire broke just after 1 a.m.

Dubai police cordoned off the area around the building, keeping people about a block away from the fire and the falling debris.

12:18AM

'We're out but people are in tears'

Terrifying to see Torch Tower, in the area I live in (Dubai Marina) on fire now. I am on holidays in Ireland atm. Hope everyone gets out ok.  Cara Spillane (@CaraSpillane) August 3, 2017

@SkyNews torch tower Dubai tonight 3rd Aug 2017 pic.twitter.com/QBMukzyHnV  rob shepherd (@robshepherd70) August 3, 2017

We're out but people are in tears... cars are exploding all around now... being moved further away  rob shepherd (@robshepherd70) August 3, 2017

Cars exploding catching fire pic.twitter.com/AtC2PXrdUN  rob shepherd (@robshepherd70) August 3, 2017

12:12AM

One of the tallest in the world

The Torch tower is believed to be the 7th tallest residential skyscraper in the world - it was the tallest when it first opened in 2011 - and the 32 tallest building, according to the Skyscraper Centre. It has 676 apartments

11:50PM

Location of the tower

11:43PM

No injuries reported so far

Dubai Media Office is reporting that there are no known injuries so far.

It said Dubai Civil Defence has evacuated the tower and is tackling the blaze.

Dubai Police Commander in Chief & Dubai Civil Defence Director General on site following measures to control the fire at the Torch Tower pic.twitter.com/3hY3tqJfq9  Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 3, 2017

11:37PM

Second fire in building in recent years

The Torch tower was also hit with a fire in 2015, the Gulf News reports.

Woke up to the crazy sirens in the neighborhood - yet another fire at the Torch tower in Marina. Hope everyone is safe. #dubaipic.twitter.com/UgRXcmZfea  Dina K (@dinakfouri) August 3, 2017

11:25PM

Fire 'started on 30th floor'

A witness said the fire started on the 30th floor and has now reached the roof. The Torch building is 79 storeys high.

The #Torch building in #Dubai is on #fire. It started on the 30th floor & has now reached the roof of the 79 story residential building. pic.twitter.com/m5gDm8deWL  Aaron G. Sheasley (@aaronsheasley) August 3, 2017

11:21PM

'Smoke is everywhere. The streets are covered in debris'

A witness told Gulf News: "Smoke is everywhere. The streets are covered in debris."

11:16PM

Footage shows skyscraper engulfed in flames
New York (AFP) - Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, one of the world's most notorious criminals, is claiming his extradition to the United States was illegal and wants a US judge to dismiss his case.

The 60-year-old kingpin, accused of running the Sinaloa cartel -- one of the world's biggest drug empires -- was extradited to New York on January 19, and is being held in solitary confinement in Manhattan pending trial next April.

But in a new court filing, his public defender lawyers say his extradition violated the terms of Mexico's initial agreement to send Guzman to either Texas or California, and violated the Mexico-US extradition treaty.

They also allege that had Mexico known of "the extraordinarily harsh conditions" of his US confinement, it would never have signed off on his extradition.

"These conditions... are tantamount to torture. Had Mexico been advised of these conditions, it almost certainly would not have consented to Mr Guzman's detention and prosecution in this district," said the court papers.

His lawyers are also challenging the US government's desire to seize $14 billion in Guzman's purported drug profits, saying there was "no evidence" the United States sought permission from Mexico to pursue such a forfeiture.

Federal Judge Brian Cogan has yet to rule on the request.

Guzman faces a litany of firearms, drug trafficking and conspiracy charges in the US federal court in Brooklyn, New York. If convicted, he will likely spend the rest of his life in a maximum security US prison.

The defense repeatedly has challenged the conditions of his custody.

In May, Cogan agreed to relax only slightly just a handful of the conditions, allowing him to exchange pre-screened written messages with his wife but denying him family visits and phone calls.
By Hamid Shalizi KABUL (Reuters) - Attacks on the Iraqi embassy and a Shi'ite mosque in Afghanistan have reinforced fears that Islamic State militants are seeking to bring the group's Middle East conflict to Central Asia, though evidence of fighters relocating from Iraq and Syria remains elusive. Islamic State said it carried out Monday's attack against the embassy in Kabul, which began with a suicide bomber blowing himself up at the compound's main gate, allowing gunmen to enter the building and battle security forces. The group also claimed responsibility for an attack Tuesday that killed at least 29 and wounded more than 63 at a Shi'ite mosque in Herat, an area in western Afghanistan that had previously escaped Islamic State's sectarian attacks. The choice of target in the Iraqi embassy attack, three weeks after the fall of Mosul to Iraqi troops, appeared to back up repeated warnings from Afghan security officials that, as Islamic State fighters were pushed out of Syria and Iraq, they risked showing up in Afghanistan. "This year we're seeing more new weapons in the hands of the insurgents and an increase in numbers of foreign fighters," said Afghan Defence Ministry spokesman Gen. Dawlat Waziri. "They are used in front lines because they are war veterans." One senior security official put the number of foreigners fighting for both Islamic State and the Taliban in Afghanistan at roughly 7,000, most operating across the border from their home countries of Pakistan, Uzbekistan or Tajikistan, but also including others from countries such as India. While such foreign fighters have long been present in Afghanistan, there has been growing concern that militants from Arab countries, who have left the fighting in Syria as pressure on Islamic State there has grown, have also been arriving in Afghanistan through Iran. "We are not talking about a simple militant fighter, we are talking about battle-hardened, educated and professional fighters in the thousands," another security official said. "They are more dangerous because they can and will easily recruit fighters and foot soldiers here." The United States, which first came to Afghanistan in 2001 after Al Qaeda's attacks on New York and Washington, is considering sending more troops to Afghanistan, in part to ensure the country does not become a haven for foreign militant groups. But while Afghan and U.S. officials have long warned of the risk that foreign fighters from Syria could move over to Afghanistan, there has been considerable scepticism over how many have actually done so. In April, during a visit to Kabul by U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, Gen. John Nicholson, said that, while ISIS had an "aspiration" to bring in fighters from Syria, "we haven't seen it happen". "NEW TACTICS, WEAPONS" U.S. commanders say that, in partnership with Afghan security forces, they have severely reduced Islamic State's strength over the past year with a combination of drone strikes and Special Forces operations. But according to Afghan intelligence documents reviewed by Reuters, security officials believe Islamic State is present in nine provinces, from Nangarhar and Kunar in the east to Jawzjan, Faryab and Badakhshan in the north and Ghor in the central west. "In recent operations, we have inflicted heavy losses on them but their focus is to recruit fighters from this area," said Juma Gul Hemat, police chief of Kunar, an eastern province where Islamic State fighters pushed out of their base in neighboring Nangarhar have increasingly sought refuge. "They are not only from Pakistan or former Taliban, there are fighters from other countries and other small groups have pledged their allegiance to them," he said. Afghan officials say newly arrived foreign fighters have been heavily involved in fighting in Nangarhar province, Islamic State's main stronghold in Afghanistan, where they have repeatedly clashed with the Taliban. Security officials say they are still investigating Monday's embassy attack and it is too early to say whether there was any foreign influence or involvement. Islamic State put out a statement identifying two of the attackers as Abu Julaybib Al-Kharasani and Abu Talha Al-Balkhi, Arabic names that nonetheless suggest Afghan origins. Khorasan is an old name for the Central Asian region that includes Afghanistan, while Balkh is a province in northern Afghanistan. What little contact is possible with fighters loyal to Islamic State in Afghanistan suggests that the movement itself is keen to encourage the idea that foreign militants are joining its ranks. "We have our brothers in hundreds from different countries," said an Islamic State commander in Achin district of Nangarhar. "Most of them have families and homes that were destroyed by the atrocity and brutality of the infidel forces in Arab countries, especially by the Americans," he said. "They can greatly help us in terms of teaching our fighters new tactics, with weapons and other resources." (Editing by Alex Richardson)
A Texas doctor and mother of five who vanished while hiking the Grand Canyon has been found dead, authorities said.

Sarah Beadle, 38, was on a 10-mile hike with two children, ages 10 and 11, when of the kids began feeling dizzy from heat exhaustion.

Read: 1 Hiker Dead, 4 Others Injured After Plunging Down Icy Mountain

The emergency room physician left the children in a safe spot and went off to get water and help, her husband, Scott, wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday.

Somewhere along the trail, she made a wrong turn and got lost. The park rangers suspect she died of heat exhaustion, Scott Beadle wrote.

The mother had been missing for about 24 hours when her body was found. She had been walking the trail with her daughter, Laura, and her nephew, Evan.

The group had run out of water when Laura began feeling ill, the husband said.

The children were later found by other hikers, who gave them water and walked them to the next campground, authorities said.

The Beadles were avid fans of the outdoors. The mothers Facebook page features a photo of her tandem skydiving.

She worked at Baylor Emergency Medical Center in Keller.

Read: Ex-NFL Star Joins the Hunt for Indiana Girls' Killer: Let's Rid the World of This Monster

Our hearts and prayers go out to Dr. Sarah Beadle and her family, hospital administrators said in a statement Wednesday.

An official cause of death has not yet been released by the National Park Service.

An investigation is being conducted by the service and the Coconino County Medical Examiners office.

Sarah loved traveling with her family and sharing so many wonderful experiences with all of us, her husband wrote. I thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

Watch: Cops Search Property Where Bodies of Teen Indiana Hikers Were Found

Related Articles:
Four people have been charged with leaking information from the Trump administration, the US attorney general announced on Friday, as he took an aggressive stand against the deluge of leaks that have plagued the first six months of the presidency.

Jeff Sessions, who was taunted by his boss, President Donald Trump, for being weak on leakers, said that he would leave no stone unturned in the hunt for the culprits.

His remarks came after the highly-damaging, and highly unusual, leak of transcripts of Mr Trumps telephone calls with the leaders of Mexico and Australia.

Profile | Jeff Sessions

"No one is entitled to surreptitiously fight their battles in the media by revealing sensitive government information, said Mr Sessions.

No government can be effective when its leaders cannot discuss sensitive matters in confidence or to talk freely in confidence with foreign leaders."

Mr Sessions did not provide details of the four, besides confirming said they had been charged with unlawfully disclosing classified information or concealing contacts with foreign intelligence officers.

But, in his remarks at the justice department, he announced that his department has more than tripled the number of active leaks investigations compared to the number pending when President Barack Obama left office. He also said the department is reviewing guidelines related to subpoenas of journalists.

"This nation must end the culture of leaks, he said, in remarks guaranteed to please his boss.

We will investigate and seek to bring criminals to justice. We will not allow rogue anonymous sources with security clearances to sell out our country any longer.

Kellyanne Conway, a White House adviser, on Friday morning even raised the possibility of using lie detector tests to root out leakers.

"It's easier to figure out who's leaking than the leakers may realise," she said.

Asked on Fox News if lie detectors may be used, she replied: "Well, they may, they may not."

Story continues

Mr Sessions remarks came as the Russian election hacking investigation  the subject of many of the leaks  gathered pace.

America was on Friday digesting the implications of a decision by Robert Mueller, the special counsel, to appoint a grand jury to assist his investigation. The convening of a grand jury, a standard prosecution tool in criminal investigations, suggests that Mr Mueller and his team of investigators are likely to hear from witnesses and demand documents in the coming weeks and months.

Robert Mueller, the special counsel

It was also reported on Friday that two Republicans on the House intelligence committee travelled to London earlier this summer to speak to Christopher Steele, the British former intelligence officer behind the controversial dossier detailing some of Mr Trumps alleged activities in Russia.

The two politicians left their addresses at two London addresses connected to Mr Steele, who worked for intelligence firm Fusion GPS, and chanced upon Mr Steele at his lawyers office, while he was there.

The Americans, following instructions from Washington, did not meet the former spy.

But their attempts to track down Mr Steele  without informing their Democrat colleagues, the Senate or Mr Mueller  have infuriated Washington investigators hoping to get to the bottom of the story.

What is clear is that the president and his allies are desperately trying to smear Fusion GPS because it investigated Donald Trump's ties to Russia, said Tracy Schmaler, a representative for Fusion GPS, in a statement.

Christopher Steele, the former MI6 agent who compiled the Trump dossier on behalf of his clients

Mr Trump on Thursday night was holding a Make America Great Again rally in West Virginia, where he repeatedly referred to the Russia investigation, which is evidently weighing on his mind. Earlier on Thursday it was reported that Mr Trumps financial and business dealings were coming under Mr Muellers microscope  something that the president said in an interview with the New York Times was unacceptable.

What in the world is wrong with us as people? Have we not heard enough about the Russians? he said.

The Russia story is a total fabrication. It's just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics. That's all it is. It just makes them feel better when they have nothing else to talk about.

He then continued: Most people know there were no Russians in our campaign. There never were. We didn't win because of Russia. We won because of you. That I can tell you.

Have you seen any Russians in West Virginia or Ohio or Pennsylvania? Are there any Russians here tonight, any Russians?
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Foxconn Technology Group is not saying whether it plans to invest $30 billion in the United States, as President Donald Trump claimed the company's leader told him "off the record."

Trump announced to a group of small-business leaders at the White House on Tuesday that Foxconn CEO Terry Gou told him privately that the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer could invest as much as $30 billion in the U.S. The company signed a deal with Wisconsin last week to build a $10 billion display panel manufacturing plant and Trump did not specify where the additional spending would be.

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."

The company may be looking at a separate Wisconsin site in Dane County, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Wednesday , citing multiple sources it did not identify. The paper said no offers have been exchanged and there were no guarantees any would be, but there could be developments in the next two months.

It wasn't clear what kind of facility the second site would be.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said in an interview with WITI-TV that the company would expand in Wisconsin, to "tap into our intellectual talent in Madison and Milwaukee."

"What we are getting from Foxconn is that they are committing to Wisconsin," Ryan said. "We do anticipate that there's going to be more than just this one location in the Racine-Kenosha area."

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.

Story continues

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.

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, a Democratic congressman who represents a swath of south-central Wisconsin that includes Madison, questioned during a news conference Wednesday how many jobs will actually materialize and how much those workers will really be paid. He added that he's worried Foxconn might abandon its plans if Trump fails to follow through on his proposal to raise import tariffs.

"We've got to be very real about what this actually means for Wisconsin taxpayers," Pocan said.

Ryan, speaking at an employee town hall in his southeastern Wisconsin congressional district, called the deal a "game-changer" that "is a generation's worth of economic development." Ryan said he pitched federal job training benefits and tax credits that make the U.S. competitive to Foxconn officials who were deciding whether to locate here.

Ryan said he believed Wisconsin's central location, and an abundance of colleges, universities and technical colleges where future workers could receive the necessary training helped the state win the project. Foxconn is eyeing property in Ryan's district.

"It's a really good deal for Wisconsin," he said.

___

Follow Scott Bauer on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sbauerAP
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is expected to be announced on Aug. 23 during one of Samsungs Unpacked event. Now, new information has surfaced regarding when the upcoming flagship smartphone will hit store shelves.

An anonymous representative from a South Korean telecom claims the Galaxy Note 8 will have a Sept. 15 release date in the country, according to ETNews. Unfortunately, no information was given on the devices pricing. Theres also no word on whether this Galaxy Note 8 release date will be exclusive for South Korea.

Its very possible that the Galaxy Note 8 release date for the United States would be the same. Samsung did the same strategy for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, so its certainly not out of the question, as pointed out by Phone Arena.

Galaxy Note 8

Photo: Evan Blass

READ: Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Leaked In Midnight Black, Gold Color Options

Theres still no specific date yet on when the Galaxy Note 8 preorders will be available, but mobile network providers believe that a 10 to 14-day preorder period would be ideal. The Note 8s alleged release date is more than a month later than the Aug. 19, 2016 release date of the Note 7. That of course ended up badly for Note 7 users and Samsung, and now it seems like the company has taken its time with the Note 8.

Its also important to point out that the gap between the introduction and the release date of the Galaxy Note 8 is about five days more than that of the Note 7. This is allegedly part of Samsungs strategy to hype up the Note 8 for consumers, while also minimizing the possibility of lack of early supplies.

Samsung Electronics decided on the release date of Galaxy Note 8, another representative for a different mobile network provider said. There is almost zero chance that it will change the release date of Galaxy Note 8.

The reason why Samsung has decided on the Sept. 15 release date for the Galaxy Note 8 is because it wants to face off against LG. It was reported last week that the LG V30 will go on sale in South Korea on Sept. 18 and Sept. 23 in the U.S.

Story continues

The LG V30 is expected to be announced on Aug. 31 ahead of IFA Berlin 2017. LG also announced earlier today through a press release that its next major smartphone would feature a curved P-OLED display.

It would be extremely rare for two major smartphones to be released at the same time, but it sure isnt impossible.

READ: LG Confirms 6-Inch Curved OLED FullVision Display For The V30

The alleged final specifications for the Galaxy Note 8 was also shared yesterday by VentureBeat reporter and notorious leaker Evan Blass. The Note 8 will feature a 6.3-inch SuperAMOLED QHD 1440p display with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. Under the hood, Samsungs Exynoss 8895 processor will power the Note 8 in global markets, while Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 processor will power it in the U.S.

The Note 8 is said to come with 6GB of RAM, 64GB of storage (with microSD card support) and a 3,300 mAh battery that can be charged through the USB Type-C port. The handset also features dual 12-megapixel cameras; one with an f/1.7 aperture wide angle lens, and another with a telephoto f/2.4 lens.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will initially be available in two color options, namely midnight black and maple gold, but will also be followed by orchid grey and deep sea blue color options.

Samsung

Photo: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

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On the day that several news sources reported that special counsel Robert Mueller has impanelled a grand jury to look into Russian interference in the 2016 election, President Trump defiantly told a cheering crowd at a rally in Huntington, W.Va., that the investigation is a total fabrication.

In his speech in West Virginia, a state he won by over 40 points last November, Trump repeated his assertion that the investigation is motivated by sour grapes on the part of Democrats frustrated over his victory.

The Russia story is a total fabrication, Trump said. Its just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics. It just makes [Democrats] feel better when they have nothing else to talk about.

But that defiant posture is becoming harder to sustain as Muellers investigation grows both in seriousness and scope. The probe has been expanded to include Trumps dismissal of former FBI Director James Comey and the finances of Trumps family and current former associates.

Mueller has also reportedly subpoenaed documents related to Donald Trump Jr.s meeting last year with a Russian lawyer who was offering information from Russian government sources about Trumps opponent Hillary Clinton.

Several House and Senate committees are pursuing their own investigations of Russian influence on the presidential election.

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, in Huntington, W.Va. (Photo: Darron Cummings/AP)

Trumps legal counsel was tight-lipped about the matter in a statement earlier in the day.

Grand jury matters are typically secret, Ty Cobb, special counsel to the president, said in a statement. The White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly.  The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller.

But Trump said the investigation was intended to impede the work of his administration.

Most people know there were no Russians in our campaign, there never were, he proclaimed. Have you seen any Russians in West Virginia or Ohio or Pennsylvania? Are there any Russians here today? They cant beat us at the voting booths so theyre trying to cheat you out of the future you deserve.

Story continues

He also continued to criticize members of Congress for their inaction in repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. Trump praised Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W. Va., who was in attendance, for her work on health care reform. Capito was reluctant to commit to the repeal bill that was defeated last week in the Senate, but ultimately voted in favor. Trump quickly called on lawmakers to follow through and roll back President Barack Obamas signature legislative achievement.

While he did not attack any senators by name, Trump bemoaned the bills failure by a single vote, after three Republicans defected to join all 48 Democrats in opposing it.

You have to do it, Trump said of repealing the ACA. Nothing in life is easy, but Congress must not give in. They must not give up, but instead Congress should get to work and deliver Americans the great health care they deserve, the great repeal and replace theyve been talking about for seven years.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Donald Trump said he hoped for a "truly honest" outcome from the Russia investigation amid reports that special counsel Robert Mueller has convened a grand jury in Washington to investigate the allegations of Russias interference in the 2016 elections.

The grand jury has issued subpoenas in connection with a meeting between Donald Trump Jr and a Russian lawyer in June 2016, according to Reuters.

It began its work in recent weeks and is a ramping up of Mueller's inquiry into Russia's efforts to influence the election and whether it colluded with Mr Trump's campaign.

Robert Mueller

A grand jury's deliberations are secret and its existence was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

At a campaign rally in West Virginia, Mr Trump slammed the investigation as a "fake story that is demeaning to all of us and most of all demeaning to our country and demeaning to our Constitution."

"I just hope the final determination is a truly honest one, which is what the millions of people who gave us our big win in November deserve and what all Americans who want a better future want and deserve," the president told thousands of supporters at an arena in Huntington.

Mr Trump, who remains agitated over the investigation into allegations of coordination between his campaign associates and Russian government officials, said Democrats had a decision to make.

"They can continue their obsession with the hoax or they can serve the interests of the American people," he said.

President Donald J. Trump appears at the rally in West Virginia Credit: Getty

Mr Trump maintains there were no ties between his campaign and Russia and says no wrongdoing was committed. His frustration over the investigation peaked in recent weeks as he began attacking Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the investigation. Mr Sessions, most recently a US senator, was an early and ardent Trump supporter.

"Most people know there were no Russians in our campaign. We didn't win because of Russia. We won because of you," he told the crowd in West Virginia.

Story continues

Explainer | What is a grand jury?

Mr Trump argued that Democrats are pushing the "totally made-up Russia story" because "they have no message, no agenda and no vision."

"The Russia story is a total fabrication. It's just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics," he said, referring to his victory over Hillary Clinton. "It just makes them feel better when they have nothing else to talk about."

His suggestion for Democrats: "Try winning at the voter booth. Not going to be easy, but that's the way you're supposed to do it."

A grand jury consists of lay individuals and it can hand down criminal indictments if convinced to do so by Mr Mueller.

Through a grand jury prosecutors can also have subpoenas issued for documents and put witnesses under oath.

The setting up of a grand jury was a sign that Mr Mueller believes criminal charges could be possible at some point, or at least that he thinks he will have to subpoena records and obtain testimony from witnesses.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to Mr Trump, told the Wall Street Journal he was not aware of the existence of the grand jury.

He said: "Grand jury matters are typically secret. The White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly. "The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr Mueller.

Law professor Stephen Vladeck told the Wall Street Journal: "This is yet a further sign that there is a long-term, large-scale series of prosecutions being contemplated and being pursued by the special counsel."
The number of U.S. honeybees, a critical component to agricultural production, rose in 2017 from a year earlier, and deaths of the insects attributed to a mysterious malady thats affected hives in North America and Europe declined, according a U.S. Department of Agriculture honeybee health survey released Tuesday.

The number of commercial U.S. honeybee colonies rose 3 percent to 2.89 million as of April 1, 2017 compared with a year earlier, the Agriculture Department reported. The number of hives lost to Colony Collapse Disorder, a phenomenon of disappearing bees that has raised concerns among farmers and scientists for a decade, was 84,430 in this years first quarter, down 27 percent from a year earlier. Year-over-year losses declined by the same percentage in April through June, the most recent data in the survey.

Still, more than two-fifths of beekeepers said mites were harming their hives, and with pesticides and other factors still stressing bees, the overall increase is largely the result of constant replenishment of losses, the study showed.

You create new hives by breaking up your stronger hives, which just makes them weaker, said Tim May, a beekeeper in Harvard, Illinois and the vice-president of the American Beekeeping Federation based in Atlanta. We check for mites, we keep our bees well-fed, we communicate with farmers so they dont spray pesticides when our hives are vulnerable. I dont know what else we can do.

Environmental groups have expressed alarm over the 90 percent decline during the past two decades in the population of pollinators, from wild bees to Monarch butterflies. Some point to a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids as a possible cause, a link rejected by Bayer AG and other manufacturers.

In the USDA study, beekeepers who owned at least five colonies, or hives, reported the most losses from the varroa mite, a parasite that lives only in beehives and survives by sucking insect blood. The scourge, present in the U.S. since 1987, was reported in 42 percent of commercial hives between April and June this year, according to the USDA. Thats down from 53 percent in the same period one year earlier.

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Among other factors, beekeepers said 13 percent of colonies in the second quarter of this year were stressed by pesticides, 12 percent by mites and pests other than varroa and 4.3 by diseases. Bad weather, starvation, insufficient forage and other reasons were listed as problems with 6.6 percent of hives.

Colony Collapse

Colony Collapse, while not a main cause of loss, has perplexed scientists for more than a decade since the phenomenon of bees seemingly spontaneously fleeing their hives and not returning was first identified in the U.S.

As beekeepers have worked to improve hive conditions, the syndrome has waned as a concern, said May Berenbaum, head of the entomology department at the University of Illinois and a winner of the National Medal of Science.

Its been more of a blip in the history of beekeeping, she said in an interview. On the other hand, its staggering that half of Americas bees have mites, she said. Colony Collapse Disorder has been vastly overshadowed by diseases, recognizable parasites and diagnosable physiological problems.

In the survey, a hive loss was attributed to colony collapse if varroa or other mites were ruled out as a cause; few dead bees were found in a hive, a sign that they fled; a queen bee and food reserves were both seemingly normal pre-collapse; and food reserves were left alone after fleeing.

May said his losses are highly variable depending on where his hives are located and may be affected by farmers improperly spraying pesticides. Its really tricky to tease out factors behind bee deaths, he said. Maybe its pesticides, maybe its not. But when I eliminate everything else, its a distinct possibility.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing neonicotinoids, proposing bans on spraying them and several dozen other pesticides in fields where bees have been brought in to pollinate a crop. A pair of scientific studies in Science last month linked neonicotinoids to poor reproduction and shorter lifespans in European and Canadian bees. The research was funded in part by Bayer CropScience and Syngenta AG, the makers of imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam.

There are numerous things impacting bee health, Syngenta Chief Executive Officer Erik Fyrwald said in an interview in Brussels last month. One of the very minor elements there is pesticides. So its amazing to us that the discussion is, as a whole, about pesticides. Not only pesticides, just specifically neonics.
(FREDERICKSBURG, Va.)  A woman and her two children escaped from captivity inside a home in Virginia when deputies were sent to check on their welfare, authorities said.

The woman, 32, was hospitalized in serious condition with untreated health issues, and her children were staying with family members after also receiving medical attention, The Free Lance-Star reported.

Investigators believe the children, ages 8 and 11, have never attended school, Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Lt. Charles A. Carey said.

The woman and her children ran out a side door as deputies spoke with Kariem Ali Muhammad Moore, who had been reluctant to let them inside, Carey said.

They had gone to the home after a caller asked for a welfare check, expressing concern that no one had seen nor heard from the family in quite some time, he said.

Moore, 43, was arrested at the scene on Saturday, and held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on multiple felony counts including abduction and assault. It wasnt clear if he has a lawyer.

The family told deputies that they had not been allowed outside the home in at least two years. The woman is Moores girlfriend and he is believed to be the childrens father, Carey said. Moore was unemployed and apparently rarely left the home, Carey said.
Sydney (AFP) - A species of spider that usually travels no further than a few feet from where it was hatched, likely made an epic sea journey on a "land raft" from South Africa to call Australia home, a study said Thursday.

The Australian trapdoor spider, known scientifically as Moggridgea rainbow, is only found on Kangaroo Island off the south Australian coast and lives a sedentary land-based lifestyle, rarely moving far.

Research in the journal PLOS ONE said DNA sequences shows it actually belongs to a genus of trapdoor spiders otherwise found only in South Africa and split from its closest relatives between two and 16 million years ago.

"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," said University of Adelaide researcher Sophie Harrison.

"But our research showed that the divergence of Moggridgea rainbow from African Moggridgea trapdoor spiders occurred sometime between two and 16 million years ago, well after the Africa-Gondwana separation."

The timing -- established using "molecular clock" dating technology -- also rules out the alternative theory that they arrived with humans, who set foot in Australia much later.

This leaves long-distance travel across the Indian Ocean as the only other logical explanation, the study said.

"At first thought, this does seem incredible," said Andrew Austin, from the same university.

"But there are precedents of such ocean travel. Moggridgea (a separate species) are also found on the Comoros volcanic islands, 340 kilometres from mainland Africa.

"However this is a relatively short distance compared with the 10,000 kilometres from South Africa to Kangaroo Island."

The research suggested a colony could have made the trip on 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," said Harrison.

The spider lives in banks close to the ocean on Kangaroo Island with the mother laying her eggs in a burrow which, when the conditions are right, then hatch.

They 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.
Tehran (AFP) - Iran said Thursday that new US sanctions were a violation of its nuclear deal with world powers, piling pressure on President Hassan Rouhani as he starts his second term.

Rouhani vowed to keep up his efforts to end Iran's isolation as he was sworn in by the Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his re-election in May.

But the ceremony came less than 24 hours after US President Donald Trump confirmed fresh sanctions against Iran.

Tehran says the new measures violate its 2015 deal with world powers that eased sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme, an agreement which Trump has repeatedly threatened to tear up.

"We believe that the nuclear deal has been violated and we will react appropriately," deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on state television.

"We will certainly not fall into the trap of US policy and Trump, and our reaction will be very carefully considered."

The mounting crisis creates a difficult situation for Rouhani, a 68-year-old moderate who won a second four-year term largely thanks to his efforts to repair relations with the West.

"We will never accept isolation," Rouhani said as he was sworn in in front of top political and military officials.

"The nuclear deal is a sign of Iran's goodwill on the international stage."

Khamenei took a tougher line, saying Iran must not fall for Washington's "tricks".

"The enemy's hostility has made us more resistant," the supreme leader said.

Iranian officials say they have prepared a 16-point document for how they will respond to the new sanctions, without giving details.

The new parliament will also vote on a bill boosting financial support to the Revolutionary Guards and the country's missile programme, which are targeted by the sanctions.

- 'Unfortunate timing' -

For Rouhani, who had hoped his second term would focus on rebuilding the stagnant economy, "it's unfortunate timing", said Ellie Geranmayeh, an Iran analyst with the European Council on Foreign Relations.

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"What will be absolutely critical is how the Europeans position themselves," she said.

Britain, France and Germany -- who signed the deal alongside Russia, China and the United States -- remain firm backers of the agreement and are eagerly seeking to rebuild trade ties with Iran despite logistical problems caused by US sanctions.

French energy giant Total defied US pressure in July by signing a multi-billion-dollar gas deal with Iran.

"What Iranians are banking on at the moment, maybe overestimating, is that Europe will safeguard and build on the deal, and make it too politically costly for Trump to tear it up, or at least show Washington that if it walks away, it will be doing so alone," said Geranmayeh.

But the Europeans do oppose Iran's recent missile tests, with the French foreign ministry stating Thursday that they "contradict" UN Resolution 2231 which oversees the nuclear deal, and "constitute a potential threat to stability and security in the region".

They have been careful to avoid claims that Iran is "violating" any agreements, since the UN resolution only "urged" Iran to refrain from missile tests.

Everyone agrees that Iran has stuck to its central commitments regarding its nuclear programme -- including, reluctantly, the Trump administration.

But with Iran gaining the upper hand across the Middle East, through support for proxies in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, US lawmakers appear determined to ratchet up tensions.

Meanwhile, Rouhani also faces challenges at home.

Since the election, he has engaged in a war of words with the Revolutionary Guards over their outsized role in the economy -- although they have since sought to bury the hatchet with a public show of unity.

Meanwhile, reformist allies are angry over news that he will unveil another all-male cabinet.

Much of Rouhani's popularity has been built on his promise of greater civil liberties, including more rights for women, but Iran has still had only one female cabinet member since the 1979 revolution -- ironically under hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The government line-up is due to be officially unveiled on Saturday at a high-profile inauguration ceremony in parliament in the presence of foreign guests, including EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.
The last recession ended in 2009, and it took until 2014 for the economy to add back all the jobs lost during the downturn. But accounting for population changes, the proportion of jobs remained below pre-recession levels.

Until now. Employers added 209,000 jobs in July, which pushed the economy past an important milestone: When adjusted for a growing and aging population, there are now more jobs than there were at the pre-recession peak in 2007. Nearly a full decade after the start of the recession, employment has returned to its demographically adjusted pre-recession level, according to a new report from the Hamilton Project, which is part of the Brookings Institution. The economy has added enough jobs to make up for losses during the Great Recession.

The economy lost about 8.5 million jobs on account of the recession. Since the U.S. population continued to grow during that time, and the age mix shifted, it took about 10 million new jobs to get back to the same level of labor-market health as in November of 2007, right before the recession began. There are still shortcomings in the labor market. But fully closing this jobs gap is an important sign of healing.

Source: Brookings Institution

Some segments remain troubled

The Brookings report points out that even back in 2007, there was slack in the labor market, with some people underemployed and others who might work if good jobs were available not even looking for work. So weve returned to a less-than-perfect baseline. And some significant slices of the labor market remain troubled.

Men suffered more during the recession, because male-dominated sectors including construction and manufacturing got hammered. As a consequence, men have not recovered as a bloc of the labor force as well as women have, with a sizable jobs gap for men, compared with 2007 levels.

Source: Brookings Institution

There are regional variations, too. Fifteen states (including the District of Columbia) have closed the jobs gap, including New England and Midwestern states such as Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. But 11 other states still have a sizable jobs gap, including southern ones such as North Carolina and Mississippi along with northern ones such as Montana and Wyoming. This reflects a variety of factors, including disruptions in the energy industry, the impact of technological change and the extent of damage done during the recession.

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Blacks and Hispanics suffered more than whites in terms of job losses caused by the recession  but theyve now recovered slightly better, compared with 2007. Those struggling most during the last 10 years are workers without a college education, who still face a large jobs gap compared with 2007. Many unskilled jobs have been replaced with automation and will probably never return.

Source: Brookings Institution

Source: Brookings Institution

President Trump has crowed about job gains during his first six months in office, even though job growth under Trump has continued at the same pace as during President Obamas second term. The recovery of the last eight years has been the slowest since the end of World War II, but it is grudgingly moving along. Eventually, the labor market may be even healthier than it was in 2007.

Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com. Encrypted communication available.

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Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman
John Boyega helps lead the freedom-fighting Resistance in the far, far away galaxy of Star Wars, but back here on terra firma, he knows its much harder to be a hero. Thats certainly the case in Kathryn Bigelows new drama, Detroit, a dramatic depiction of the Algiers Motel incident that occurred during the riots that roiled the Motor City in 1967. Boyega plays Melvin Dismukes, a security guard who witnesses a trio of police officers physically and emotionally terrorize a group of African-American men, and two white women, who they suspect of firing a gun at law enforcement. Even as the tension within the Algiers mounts, and the officers behavior grows more and more violent, Dismukes remains uncertain how to act. We all like to claim hero when were not in the situation, [but] the natural instinct is to survive, Boyega tells Yahoo Movies. Hes the silent watcher, unfortunately. And for me as an actor, I totally understood it. This is something he didnt prepare himself for. (Watch our interview above.)

Taking up roughly an hour of Detroits 143-minute runtime, the Algiers Motel sequence is an often painful viewing experience that will absolutely spark conversations amongst audiences about police brutality and the past and present state of race relations in America. And Boyega says it was equally intense material to film. At the same time, that intensity also made it exciting to be a part of it as a performer. It was a gold mine of talent, he says. Every take was different and unique. Once the cameras stopped rolling, we went up to each other and asked if everyone was okay. It was a solemn kind of moment.

Detroit: Watch a trailer:

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Jonathan Lipnicki in Jerry Maguire and now. (Photo: TriStar Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection/Getty Images)

Jonathan Lipnicki is ready to take Hollywood by storm (again), but he wants to do it his way.

Lipnicki, 26, made a name for himself as a child actor, starring in films such as Jerry Maguire and Stuart Little, but he took a step back from the industry after his early success. Lipnicki talked with Page Six about how 10 days in Israel changed his life and will affect his career moving forward.

I worked my ass off as a kid, he says. I made a lot of sacrifices to do what I did.  No regrets. It was the greatest thing that ever happened to me because I feel like I gained a lot of maturity and knowledge from that.

Lipnicki continues, I went through a dip in my career, didnt work very much, didnt believe in myself. This is the first time in a while Im proud to be who I am, and I hope to do a lot of projects in the future, and Im going to show people that the past is the least interesting thing about me.

In March, Lipnicki opened up about battling anxiety and depression, which began after he was bullied in middle school and high school because of his fame.

While reaffirming his Jewish faith with Birthright Israel, Lipnicki says he was blown away by the connections he made.

The life-changing aspects of [the trip] are really finding community with the other people youre with  seeing their outlook on life despite the circumstances they grew up with there, he tells Page Six. Theyre such beautiful people inside and out. It gives you a lot of perspective, and I think thats always something that we are missing now.

He adds: Its a crazy world were living in right now in the United States. Everybody is so divided that finding common ground with anyone is always going to lead to something really special.

The Western Wall was the most incredible spiritual experience I have ever had. I have never felt this close to my roots. I am home. @sachlavisrael @birthrightisrael A post shared by Jonathan Lipnicki (@jonathanlipnicki) on Jul 28, 2017 at 11:09am PDT

Lipnicki says hes always been in touch with his Jewish identity, but the trip helped reaffirm his beliefs.

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Theres nothing quite like the feeling of when you walk down the stairs that are above the Western Wall and the suns going down, and you see all these people dancing and praying, he reminisces. It was one of the most incredible feelings Ive ever had.

I was just overcome with emotion, and I was totally not crying, he jokes.

According to Lipnickis IMDb page, his comeback is most certainly underway.

Read more from Yahoo Celebrity:
(Reuters) - About 10 people at a Kansas City, Missouri, IRS building were sickened with symptoms including chest pains and vomiting after they came into contact on Friday with a suspicious package delivered to their office, local news reports said.

The package appeared to have arrived in an 8-by-12-inch envelope and gave off a smell of ammonia, but the Internal Revenue Service building was not immediately evacuated, Fox4KC television quoted fire officials as saying.

The package was isolated and emergency responders set up a triage center near the building, KCTV reported fire officials on the scene as saying.

Most of the people who fell ill were treated and feeling better but a few were taken to a hospital, the Fox affiliate said.

The Kansas City Fire Department said online that they were responding to a report of hazardous material at the building. Officials were not immediately available for comment.

(Reporting by Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas; Editing by Tom Brown)
The world of social media became familiar with an unusual term on Tuesday  local milk people  when the Washington Post published Thursday the transcript of a telephone conversation between President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The call in question took place in January when the president made it clear to Turnbull that the United States will not grant entry to refugees from offshore detention centers near Australia, contrary to the refugee resettlement deal struck during the Obama administration, which made way for the transfer of 1,250 refugees currently held in offshore detention centers in the Pacific Island nation of Nauru and Papua New Guineas Manus Island to the United States because he believed the refugees were not people of good conduct.

I guarantee you they are bad. That is why they are in prison right now, Trump said, according to the Post. They are not going to be wonderful people who go on to work for the local milk people.

Read: USDA To Buy Cheese Worth Nearly $20M To Help Dairy Farmers

Even though the transcript was quite long and filled with other details, the phrase local milk people was picked up by Twitterati who wasted no time in unleashing a torrent of memes, calling out the president for trivializing workers in the dairy industry.

Everyone who came across the phrase immediately wanted to know what the president meant by local milk people. Trump was basically referring to small dairy farms and owners of small dairy businesses around the country.

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Refugees who have legally obtained the immigrant status in the U.S., typically receive cash and medical assistance from the federal government during the first eight months of their stay in the country in order to help them settle down, according to Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

Most refugees have always been a good fit for entry-level jobs due to their willingness to work for minimum wage and their dream to eventually strike it big. The dairy industry is one of the sectors that has provided ample opportunities to immigrants for decades. Some global humanitarian aid, relief, and non-governmental organizations like International Rescue Committee also provide special training programs for resettled immigrants so that they can have a better chance of getting hired by small dairy farms.

Jorge Montalvo, the deputy secretary of state for economic opportunity and director of the New York State Office for New Americans, said: "Its kind of an ideal situation. The dairy industry needed more skilled workers and you have folks who have some of these skills and are interested in doing it and you put them together," the Washington Times reported.

Dairy Industry

Photo: Getty Images/ Scott Olson

Read: Too Much Cheese? US Sees Largest Stockpile Of Dairy Products In 30 Years Amid Russian Sanctions, Low Milk Prices

Walt Guterbock, the manager of Threemile Canyon Farms, in Boardman, Oregon, told VOA News that by hiring immigrants to work at his farms, he was fulfilling multiple objectives  filling job vacancies with cheap labor and giving the immigrants work opportunities that would allow them to take care of themselves and their families.

"Some of these people would end up in homeless shelters because they don't have a job, Guterbock said. So I think we've saved some of them from that fate.

Getting jobs in dairy farms is ideal for some immigrants also because living in the countryside reminds some of them of settings they are familiar with, compared to adjusting to life in big cities.

For me, I love living in the countryside rather than being in the cities, Manoj Rai from Bhutan, the first immigrant hired by The New York program, a collaboration of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Community Action Angels and Alfred University, said. Most of our people, where we were brought up, we were farmers and we still love to be on the farms, he added.

It is predicted that 80 percent of workers in Wisconsin's dairy farms are immigrants. John Rosenow, a Buffalo County dairy farmer who works for Rosenholm Wolfe Dairy said the farms would take a big hit without foreign-born help because most U.S. citizens would be reluctant to take up physically demanding jobs for $13 per hour.

If you remove Mexican labor, farms would go out of business. Thats a given, Rosenow said, USA Today reported.

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For the first time in the U.S., scientists have used the gene editing technology CRISPR to edit out genetic disease in human embryos. In another firstthis from the world of nutritionthe low-calorie ice cream brand Halo Top became the best-selling ice cream pint in America. Heres what else caught our attention this week. (Sign up for the TIME Health newsletter for more.)

Low-calorie, high-protein Halo Top ice cream recently became the bestselling pint in the U.S. Though the ice cream has fewer calories, less sugar and more protein and fiber than traditional brands, health experts say people shouldnt convince themselves its a healthy food.

Anti-vaccine hoopla has people wondering: can dogs get autism? Heres what the science says.

Chinese scientists were the first to use CRISPR, a powerful gene editing tool, to fix genetic defects in human embryos. But the first U.S. scientists to achieve the same feat say their method is more reliable.

Spending too much time on social media, like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, is a problem. But too much varies from person to person. How social media might interfere with a persons mental health may also depend on which site theyre using.

The latest survey of who uses opioids in the U.S. reveals how entrenched the opioid epidemic really is.

Organic foods tend to be considered healthier than conventional versions, but what about wine? Even though organic wines make up just a fraction of the U.S. wine market, theyre becoming more popular. Heres the bottom line on whether organic wine is really healthier for you.

Netflixs recent series continues to spark controversy. A new study showed a spike in searches for suicide after the shows debut.
National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster has removed an ally of his predecessor from the National Security Council, the White House said Wednesday.

Ezra Cohen-Watnick, 31, senior director for intelligence programs at the NSC, was hired by Michael Flynn, Trumps first national security adviser. Flynn was fired in February after it was revealed he discussed Russia sanctions with that countrys ambassador to the U.S. prior to President Donald Trumps inauguration, then lied about it.

Cohen-Watnicks ouster marks a victory for McMaster in his ongoing battle with members of the presidents inner circle. McMaster had reportedly tried to remove Cohen-Watnick in March, but was blocked from doing so by Trump after top advisers Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner pressed to keep him on staff. (McMaster did, however, succeed in ousting Bannon from the NSC, as well as Flynns former deputy, K.T. McFarland.)

General McMaster appreciates the good work accomplished in the NSCs Intelligence directorate under Ezra Cohens leadership, a White House official said in a statement Wednesday. 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 one of several NSC staffers McMaster has fired in recent days. Earlier Tuesday, The Atlantic reported the sacking of Rich Higgins, the NSC strategic planning director, after he penned a controversial memo claiming globalists, the deep state, Islamists and others are trying to derail Trumps agenda. Last week, McMaster removed Derek Harvey, a Middle East adviser and holdover from Flynns tenure.

The moves suggest McMaster is succeeding in steering the NSC away from the nationalistic viewpoints of Bannon and Flynn and toward more traditional conservative perspectives.

Cohen-Watnick is best known to the public for his role in providing intelligence documents to Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), chairman of the House intelligence committee. He was one of two White House officials who gave Nunes documents that suggested members of Trumps transition were inadvertently swept up in surveillance operations. The House Ethics Committee later announced it would investigate Nunes for making unauthorized disclosures of classified information, prompting him to step down from his committees investigation into whether Trumps team colluded with Russian officials to influence the 2016 election.

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According to Politico, career CIA officials expressed reservations about Cohen-Watnick to McMaster, and pressed for his removal.

As The Atlantics Rosie Gray detailed last month, Cohen-Watnick largely was a mystery in the Trump administration:

Unlike other White House officials who have become public figures in their own right, Cohen-Watnick never speaks for himself publicly, leaving others to fill the void. Yet he hardly comes into sharper focus when you talk to co-workers, friends, and former colleagues. Ask around about Ezra Cohen-Watnick, and people get defensive. Some profess not to know him, or ask why anyone would want to write about him. Others simply refuse to discuss him.

Prior to joining the White House, Cohen-Watnick served at the Defense Intelligence Agency, and was accepted into the agencys Defense Clandestine Service in 2012. Thats where he met Flynn, who reportedly shared skepticism of the CIAs intelligence operations. Cohen-Watnick later followed Flynn to Trumps transition team and the administration.

Members of the national security community reportedly were surprised that a relatively young, inexperienced staffer had been appointed to such an important NSC role.

No one at his level could have possibly had the experience to be made senior director for intelligence programsno way, no how, Daniel Benjamin, an NSC staffer under President Bill Clinton, told Newsweek.

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Mario Cantone showed up on Comedy Central's The President Show last week as the freshly anointed White House Communications Director, Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci. Unfortunately for Cantone, he's not going to get to play that role for long since The Mooch got canned just 10 days after getting the job. But Cantone got to play The Mooch, at least, one more time, as he said farewell to the love of Mooch's life, Donald Trump. As the show got started, "Trump" (Anthony Atamanuik) was talking to "Vice President Mike Pence" (Peter Grosz) and "Steve Bannon" (John Gemberling), when he said, "We have lost a lot of friends around here lately. Including the only man I ever loved." Right then, Cantone crawled out from inside the couch, saying, "I friggin' love you, Mr. President." Cantone then said, "It's me, the only f**kable guy in the White House." Unfortunately, "The Mooch" couldn't stay for long, but before he left, he found the silver lining, saying, "At least, now I can go see my wife and newborn son," right before he and "Trump" laughed hysterically. Cantone then followed that up with, "No, I'm not gonna do that." As Cantone was leaving, he said he had one more "old Italian expression" to share, and then passionately kissed "Trump." Then the giant hand of "General Kelly" reached in and grabbed Cantone, as he yelled out "I Love you, Mr. President. I friggin' love you."
Mario Cantone showed up on Comedy Centrals The President Show last week as the freshly anointed White House communications director, Anthony The Mooch Scaramucci. Unfortunately for Cantone, hes not going to get to play that role for long; the Mooch got canned just 10 days after getting the job. But Cantone got to play the Mooch at least one more time when he said farewell to the love of Moochs life, Donald Trump.

The Mooch Returns!

As the show got started, Trump (Anthony Atamanuik) was talking to Vice President Mike Pence (Peter Grosz) and Steve Bannon (John Gemberling), when he said, We have lost a lot of friends around here lately. Including the only man I ever loved. Right then, Cantone crawled out from inside the couch, saying, I friggin love you, Mr. President. Its me, the only f***able guy in the White House.

Unfortunately, the Mooch couldnt stay for long, but before he left, he found the silver lining, saying, At least now I can go see my wife and newborn son, right before he and Trump laughed hysterically. The Mooch then followed that up with, No, Im not gonna do that.

One More Old Italian Expression

As Cantones Mooch was leaving, he said he had one more old Italian expression to share, and then passionately kissed Trump. Then the giant hand of Gen. Mike Kelly reached in and grabbed Mooch as he yelled out I love you, Mr. President. I friggin love you.

The President Show airs Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. on Comedy Central.

Check out Cantones hilarious first appearance as the Mooch:

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HOUSTON (Reuters) - Workers were injured when a fire broke out on Thursday on the small crude distillation unit (CDU) at Motiva Enterprises' [MOTIV.UL] 603,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) Port Arthur, Texas, refinery, said sources familiar with plant operations.

The number of workers injured was not immediately known. The fire broke out on the 80,000-bpd VPS-2 CDU, the smallest of three at the refinery.

(Reporting by Erwin Seba; Editing by Andrew Hay)
After facing intense political pressure on Republican attempts to overhaul health care, two female GOP senators indicated that they had forged a bond in their defiance of both party and president.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, were on the front lines of the health care battle as the GOP attempted to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

Murkowski and Collins, who fought political pressure under a national spotlight, said they knew they had to prioritize their state over their party in a joint interview with CNNs Dana Bash that aired Friday. Along with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., they cast the decisive votes that halted the GOP effort.

You want to vote to do the right thing, Murkowski said. Collins, sitting next to her, echoed her sentiment, noting her obligation to vote for the people of Maine.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, leaves the Senate chamber after a vote on a stripped-down, or skinny repeal, version of Obamacare on July 28. (Photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images)

The White House pressured the senators to get back in line. Trump singled out Murkowski in particular the day after she and Collins opposed a procedural vote, saying that she really let the Republicans, and our country, down yesterday. Too bad!

Senator @lisamurkowski of the Great State of Alaska really let the Republicans, and our country, down yesterday. Too bad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017

I am voting for the people of Alaska, Murkowski said she told the president. The senator also faced a call from Trump (a very direct call, she said), and one from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who reportedly threatened department projects in Alaska.

I remember being so proud of you for saying directly to the president what your obligations were, Collins said. And thats the way I feel too. The people of Maine dont expect me to be a rubber stamp.

The Maine Republican said she faced phone calls, meetings and a conversation with Vice President Mike Pence.

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President Trump speaks as he meets with Republican senators about health care in the East Room of the White House on June 27, 2017. (Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

For both senators, protecting Planned Parenthood funding played a key role in their decisions. To me, it was so unfair to single out the one Medicaid provider and say to women in particular you cant choose which health care provider you want to go to, Collins said.

On the night of the skinny repeal vote  three days after they were the only two defections in the procedural vote  Collins and Murkowski sat next to each other on the Senate floor. Collins cast her vote first, followed later by Murkowski.

To have that weight, that responsibility knowing that your vote really is that pivotal, it does help to know there is another kindred soul nearby, Murkowski said.

Before the vote, they spoke with McCain on the Senate floor. The veteran Arizona lawmaker was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and had just returned to Congress after recovering from surgery.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, talks to reporters following a Republican caucus meeting in the Capitol on July 27. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

You two are right on this issue, McCain said, according to Collins, and she said she then knew he would be the third defector on the vote.

She was right. In a dramatic moment, McCain walked up to the floor and held out a thumbs-down, casting a no vote that shocked his colleagues.

He said people might not appreciate what has happened right now as being a positive, Murkowski recalled. But time will prove that having a pause, having time out for us to do better, is going to be good for the country.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Andrew Warren, senior treasury assistant at Oxford's Somerville College - Chicago Police Department

A US-wide manhunt has been launched for an Oxford University employee accused of stabbing to death a hair stylist in Chicago.

Police put out an all points bulletin for Andrew Warren, 56, a senior treasury assistant at Oxford's Somerville College, warning that he and an alleged accomplice were "armed and dangerous," and officers were told to use "extreme caution" if they were sighted.

The pair were last seen driving a rented grey 2017 Hyundai car.

Warren's fellow suspect was named as Wyndham Lathem, 42, an expert researcher of the bubonic plague, and an associate professor of microbiology and immunology a Northwestern University in Chicago.

They were accused of killing Trenton Cornell-Duranleau, 26 and, according to a court-issued warrant, they allegedly "stabbed him multiple times thereby causing the death".

Wyndham Lathem Credit: Chicago Police Department

The incident took place in Lathem's flat on the 10th floor of an apartment block and the victim was found dead at 9.05 pm on July 27.

A Chicago police spokesman said the two suspects were believed to have known Cornell-Duranleau, and had probably fled Chicago.

The spokesman said: "Something pivotal happened that resulted in the victim being attacked. The investigation is only intensifying.

"We strongly encourage them to do the right thing and turn themselves in."

Trenton James Cornell-Duranleau Credit: Facebook

A letter delivered to other residents of the building said police were "exploring a variety of motives, including a possible domestic incident".

In a statement Oxford University said 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".

Mischelle Duranleau, the victim's mother, wrote on Facebook: "Throughout his life he loved music and animals. 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." According to a social media page Warren lives in Swindon.

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Lathem has been an academic at Northwestern University since 2007 and teaches graduate students. His social media profiles showed visits to various scientific events.

A spokesman for Northwestern University said: "There is no indication of any risk to the Northwestern community from this individual at this time.

"This is now a criminal matter under investigation by the appropriate authorities, and Northwestern University is cooperating in that investigation."
An Air Canada flight was forced to turn back mid-flight Thursday after a Canadian passenger violently assaulted a flight attendant. John Svab, 57, of Hamilton, Ontario, reportedly threatened and attacked the flight attendant, who had to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

Police said they received a call about a violent passenger on board the Budapest-bound flight at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday. When it landed back at Torontos Pearson International Airport, police arrested Svab.

Read: Sunbathers Killed As Plane Makes Emergency Landing On Crowded Beach

When we attended the scene, we learned that the passenger was unruly and he has since been arrested and taken into custody for assault, Peel police constable Mark Fischer told the Toronto Star.

Svab was charged with making death threats, aggravated assault and endangering an aircraft while in flight. He was scheduled to appear in a Brampton, Ontario, court Thursday.

My understanding is that the unruly passenger was possibly drinking, Fischer said.

Police constable Bancroft Wright said Svab hurt the flight attendant after he became disruptive.

There was an altercation when he was being controlled, Wright told Canadas Global News. During that altercation one of the stewardesses was injured.

Police provided no additional details about how the altercation began or what exactly ensued on board, though they noted there was an investigation opened into the incident. The 267 passengers on the flight were booked onto another jet scheduled to depart Thursday.

The altercation aboard the Air Canada plane was not the first time in recent days that a passenger has disrupted a flight. A Spirit Airlines flight taking off from Las Vegas in late July was delayed after a passenger decided to strip naked and chat up a flight attendant.

Read: Plane Catches Fire, Passengers Evacuated At Denver International Airport

He removed his clothes and then approached a flight attendant, McCarren International Airport spokesman Chris Jones told reporters at the time. Metro officers were called and he was given medical attention.

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The flight was delayed by a half hour as police removed the passenger and investigated the incident. It remained unclear, in that instance, if the passenger was charged for his actions on the flight, though police noted he received medical treatment after being removed from the plane.

RTR4VI7E

Photo: Reuters

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Firefighters in Ohio were forced to decapitate a pet boa constrictor last week that had latched its teeth onto a woman's nose and wound its serpentine body around her neck, according to news sources. The woman survived, but the incident raises the question: Do boas typically attack the faces and necks of people?

The answer is no, largely because the Boa constrictor is usually found slithering on the ground, far from the faces and necks of people, said Scott Boback, an associate professor of biology at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, who was not involved with the woman's case.

"It's not typical for [boa constrictors] to, one, strike someone in the face and, two, to wrap around their neck," Boback told Live Science. "If that animal bit her in the nose, I really think that her face was too close to the animal. That's the error that was made." [7 Shocking Snake Stories]

Terrifying attack

In the incident ,which occurred on July 27, the woman couldn't pry the 5.5-foot-long (1.6 meters) snake off, so she called 911 at 2 p.m. local time. She told emergency workers that she had taken on two boa constrictors as "rescue snakes" the day before and had 11 snakes total in her home, according to audio of the emergency call.

"Please hurry  it's on my nose," said the woman, who wasn't named. "There's blood everywhere."

Firefighters found the woman lying on her driveway. Boa constrictors are not venomous, but "it was wrapped around her neck and biting her nose and wouldn't let go," Sheffield Lake Fire Chief Tim Card told the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. "They had to cut its head off with a knife to get it to let go of her face."

The woman was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Chronicle-Telegram. A reporter from the Chronicle-Telegram who later visited the house found an empty glass cage on the sidewalk and a small puddle of blood on the driveway.

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Risky behavior

It's unclear what the woman was doing when the snake bit her, but snakes can bite people in the face if they're close enough, Boback said. For instance, if a person has a snake wound around his or her shoulders  a feat of braggadocio usually done to get pictures of the daring act  the snake can easily strike the person's face or the face of a nearby person, Boback said.

However, snakes must bite first and coil second, he noted. As a snake lunges forward to bite, it generates momentum that helps it glide into a constriction loop, bending its chin downward and going into a sort of somersault as it curls around the prey's body. [Image Gallery: Snakes of the World]

Boa strike and coil application from Scott Boback on Vimeo.

So, it's likely the snake bit the woman's face first and then coiled around her neck, Boback said.

He noted that there are ways to remove a snake other than decapitating it. Snakes' teeth are curved and backward-pointing. "It's designed not to fall off of the prey, "Boback said. "It's hooked back like a fish hook."

That means "to remove that from her nose, you actually have to move the head of the snake forward," Boback said.

Sliding a credit card under the snakes' teeth can help detach it, Boback said. "You can push a credit card from the snout to the back of its mouth to help dislodge the teeth," he said.

Another strategy involves submerging the snake's head in water, though this works only if the snake has bitten a part of the body that can also be submerged, such as a hand or foot, Boback said. If the snake can't breathe, it will release the prey and surface for air, he said.

Boback added that it's best to avoid handling snakes when they're digesting meals or molting, as they're more likely to strike at those times, because they're feeling irritable or vulnerable. While many boa constrictors have found their way into terrariums, the snakes are originally from the region spanning from Mexico to Argentina. They're not endangered, but could soon become vulnerable because of the relentless animal pet trade, Boback said.

Original article on Live Science.

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Crystal Holt overcame her body worries by practicing yoga  and now she teaches others to do the same. (Image via Instagram/@crystalholtyoga)

A plus-size yogi has revealed how her physical practice helped her combat insecurities and launch a career in health.

Crystal Holt was once too embarrassed to attend a yoga class.

I didnt want anyone else seeing my big butt bent over and in the air or boobs trying to escape my shirt, she wrote for Mamamia.

I would do a YouTube video class at home sometimes, but halfway through I would end up sitting on the couch just watching. I told myself, Im paying for the gym membership; I better use it.

Today, Holt not only nails difficult poses, but is also a yoga teacher encouraging others to come out of their shells.

I was scrolling through Facebook one day and saw Dana Falsetti and Jessamyn Stanley, both plus-size yoga teachers breaking that stereotype and bringing yoga to all bodies.

I thought to myself, I can do this.'

Anyone with a body can do yoga! she declared. Bring your saggy boobs, flappy arms, and jiggly butts to the mat and try it out. Dont worry about looking dumb, because everyone else is also too wrapped up in their own worries about their bodies to notice yours.

Her message is spot-on, but the body ambassador admits the quest for self-love was no easy task. When Holt signed up to become an instructor, her body worries began creeping back.

I signed up for my first teacher training and canceled just two days later, he said. I was so scared to step out of my comfort zone, into a world that I thought I didnt belong.

A post shared by crystalholtyoga (@crystalholtyoga) on Jul 14, 2017 at 6:24pm PDT

After some reflection, Holt decided she wouldnt let negative self-talk hold her back. She signed up for a new training course, got her credentials  and the rest is history.

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Now Im able to not just say yoga is for everyone but actually show it. Screw those social media stereotypes of what a yoga body should look like.  Actual yoga practice is not about looking like a yogi at all; its about connecting the mind and body.

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Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




Pope Francis poses with US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and the daughter of Ivanka Trump at the end of a private audience at the Vatican: AFP/Getty

Two people close to Pope Francis have accused ultra-conservative American Catholics of making an alliance of hate with evangelical Christians to back Donald Trump.

Catholic priest Antonio Spadaro and Protestant theologian Marcelo Figueroa published a joint article in La Civilta Cattolica, a journal published by Jesuit priests in Rome and overseen by the Vatican, in which they denounced US Catholics for supporting the extremist positions of the American right, saying the world view of hard-line Catholics is not too far apart from that Islamist jihadists.

They singled out Steve Bannon, Mr Trumps controversial chief strategist who was raised Catholic, as a supporter of an apocalyptic geopolitics which had hampered efforts to combat climate change and exploited fears about migrants and Muslims with demands for walls and purifying deportations.

Although the criticism has not come directly from Pope Francis, who is a member of the Jesuit order, the two authors are known to be very close to him and all articles published in the journal have to be approved by the Holy See before publication.

The article echoes a lot of Pope Francis more muted criticism of the Republican since he entered the White House.

In May, ahead of his first official meeting with the President at the White House, he said he would be sincere with the Republican about their differences on issues like immigration and climate change.

I will say what I think and he will say what he thinks. But I have never wanted to make a judgement without first listening to the person," he said.

It is not clear whether the article received the Popes personal approval but he has not publicly or privately reprimanded them for it since the article was first published in July despite the anger it has provoked from US Catholics, the New York Times reported.

Charles Chaput, the Archbishop of Philadelphia, wrote an article for CatholicPhilly.com where he called the authors useful idiots for Pope Francis and emphasised the widening gulf in opinion between the Holy Father  who is seen as a reformer  and more conservative elements in the church.

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Many conservative Catholics have watched in horror as Pope Francis has made a number of public statements since being elected in Pope in 2013 which they feel are softening the Churchs stance on issues like abortion.

In November last year he indefinitely extended Catholic priests ability to forgive women who have abortions  a measure that was originally introduced as part of the Vaticans special Jubilee year which means thousands of pilgrims flock to Rome for prayer and forgiveness  though he emphasised he still believed it was a grave sin.
It is only 30 billionths of one percent, but when you are talking about sub-atomic scales, even that seemingly small a deviation from the accepted value can have much larger repercussions. And thats how much lighter a single protons mass has been found to be by a team of scientists, who used a new method to measure that value for the particle which, along with electrons and neutrons, makes up all the ordinary matter in the universe.

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK) in Heidelberg, Germany, and Riken in Japan used a device which combines strong electric and magnetic fields to measure the mass of individual protons. Called a Penning trap, it operates at the temperature of 4 degrees Kelvin (452.47 degrees Fahrenheit below zero) and can store single protons and carbon ions. The magnetic field forces the protons to move in circles and measuring the frequency of the protons as they spin allows for the calculation of their mass.

The value found by the researchers is an improvement by a factor of three over the accepted value of the Committee on Data for Science and Technology  an interdisciplinary committee which collects and publishes the recommended values for fundamental constants in science  according to the recent paper they published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

Read: LHC Experiment Hints At Physics Beyond Standard Model

This is a significant development because proton mass is a fundamental factor in a lot of atomic and particle physics, and a change to its standard value has numerous implications in fields like atomic spectra and quantum electrodynamics (the interaction of light and matter). It also has potential applications in testing the fundamental symmetry of the Standard Model, the so-called charge, parity and time invariance, as well as resolving the discrepancy in the mass of tritium, the heaviest isotope of hydrogen.

Penning Trap

Photo: Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics

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The single-particle detectors used in the measurements were partly developed by the Riken researchers, some of whom had previously worked on similar traps at CERNs Antiproton Decelerator. Riken group leader and spokesman for ADs BASE experiment explained in a statement Wednesday how that experience came in handy.

The group around Sven Sturm and Klaus Blaum from MPIK Heidelberg that did the measurement has great expertise with carbon, whereas the BASE group contributed proton expertise based on 12 years dealing with protons and antiprotons. We shared knowledge such as know-how on ultra-sensitive proton detectors and the fast shuttling method developed by BASE to perform the proton/anti proton charge-to-mass ratio measurement, he said in the statement on CERNs website.

Read: Conventional Physics Is Defied By This Material That Shrinks When Heated

Now that an established fundamental value has been upended by the researchers, they expect other teams of physicists to revisit the subject and challenge their findings, or maybe fine-tune the value further. But the MPIK-Riken researchers conducted a number of supplementary measurements to cross-check and verify their own conclusions.

It is also planned to tune the magnetic field to even higher homogeneity, which will reduce additional sources of systematic error, explains BASE member Andreas Mooser. The methods that will be pioneered in the next step of this experiment will have immediate positive feedback to future BASE measurements, for example in improving the precision in the antiproton-to-proton charge-to-mass ratio.

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(Reuters) - Regions Financial Corp said the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York is investigating the bank's relationship with a former customer who may have been involved in criminal activity.

The bank said it is cooperating with the probe, which is also looking into related aspects of Regions' Anti-Money Laundering and Bank Secrecy Act compliance program. (http://bit.ly/2vpNy4y)

Regions said it believes that the outcome of the litigation and inquiries will not materially impact the bank's business and its financial position.

Shares of the Birmingham, Alabama-based lender closed marginally up at $14.94 on Friday.

Complying with anti-money laundering rules costs U.S. companies as much as $8 billion a year, the Heritage Foundation estimated in a report last year.

A trade association representing banks, including JPMorgan Chase & Co and Bank of America, earlier this year called for bringing changes to the way money-laundering is fought by the industry and regulators, as it is viewed as an excessive burden.

(Reporting by Nikhil Subba in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump at the G20 Summit in Hamburg last month: AFP

The special counsel appointed to investigate Donald Trump's links to Russia during the US presidential campaign has set up a grand jury to study the evidence.

Robert Mueller was appointed in May to look into whether the Kremlin had tried to meddle in the 2016 election and whether the Trump campaign colluded with them in doing so.

The grand jury began its work in recent weeks in a sign that Mr Mueller's inquiry is ramping up, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Russia has loomed large over the first six months of the Trump presidency, with US congressional panels also investigating the election interference that US intelligence agencies believe was meant to tilt the vote in the Republican billionaire's favour.

Moscow denies any meddling and Mr Trump has dismissed suggestions of collusion by his campaign, while regularly denouncing the investigations as political witch hunts.

A grand jury investigation is a precursor to a full trial in US criminal law. It a legal body which has the power to investigate whether there is substantial evidence that a crime has been committed and determine whether charges should be brought.

Although this does not mean that the case will proceed to a criminal trial or an impeachment, it is a clear sign that the investigation into the Presidents alleged links with Russia has entered a new, more serious, phase.

A grand jury, which which was also a feature of English and Welsh law until it fell out of use in the early 20th century, has significant powers including the right to issue subpoenas which compel witnesses to testify.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to the President, said he was not aware that Mr Mueller had started a grand jury.

He told the Journal: Grand jury matters are typically secret.

The White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly  The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr Mueller.

However, the President attacked his Attorney General Jeff Sessions repeatedly on Twitter last week for his perceived failures over the case.

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It is believed that Mr Trump is frustrated that he cannot stop the Russia investigation altogether but is wary of firing Mr Sessions after sacking FBI director James Comey in May.

Mr Sessions recused himself from anything to do with the Russia investigation in March after it was revealed he misled the Senate over his meetings with the Russian ambassador twice before the election.

It comes after Mr Mueller appointed the 16th lawyer to his team, former US Justice Department official Greg Andres, on Tuesday.

Additional reporting by Reuters
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the Austrian World Summit on climate change in Vienna, Austria, June 20, 2017. (Photo: Heinz-Peter Bader/Reuters)

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is unveiling an environmental handbook to help state legislators enact policies that help in the fight against climate change and protect clean air  regardless of the White Houses actions.

The Hollywood movie star is scheduled to present his new Digital Environmental Legislative Handbook to 125 legislative leaders during his keynote address at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators on Friday in Cambridge, Mass.

Schwarzenegger is set to tell the lawmakers that they do not need to wait around for Washington before taking decisive, bipartisan actions to protect the environment.

Legislative leaders in state capitals across the United States are filling the vacuum left by Washington, especially when it comes to passing laws that protect the environment and promote economic growth, Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

This initiative comes at a time when the U.S. governments commitment fighting climate change is in question. President Trump has long dismissed climate-change science and has publicly ridiculed Schwarzenegger on other issues. At the start of June, he announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

Jeff Mauk, the executive director of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, told Yahoo News that his group was developing the handbook long before last years presidential election. But he said state action is more important now than ever before.

Each state is going to find solutions that match its economy and needs, he said. People from all across the spectrum are recognizing the economic benefits: both of addressing climate change before it becomes a more expensive problem and the job growth available from the new energy economy.

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers a speech at the Austrian World Summit on climate change in Vienna, Austria, June 20, 2017. (Photo: Heinz-Peter Bader/Reuters)

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute, dedicated to advancing post-partisan solutions to a slate of policy issues, worked with the environmental legislative caucus to develop the online resource Schwarzenegger will roll out Friday: a curated list of important information about bills regarding air quality, human health, climate change, energy efficiency and renewable energy.

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Mauk said his organization is always looking for ways to provide more resources to their members, more than 1,000 members from both parties in all 50 states.

This issue cannot be solved by just one party. Its going to take bi-partisan cooperation from across the country. Its going to be all hands on deck to take care of this, he said. The good news is that there are a lot of Republicans like Arnold Schwarzenegger and many within our network who are actively looking for solutions.

During his keynote speech, Schwarzenegger is expected to cite examples from California and other states that passed environmental protection laws. As governor, Schwarzenegger pushed for Assembly Bill 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006), which established a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Bonnie Reiss, the global director of the USC Schwarzenegger Institute, said in a statement that the new digital toolkit is aimed at lawmakers at all levels of government to help them craft informed laws and make smart decisions.

The United Nations recognized the powerful and important work taking place at the subnational level at the COP 21 Summit in Paris and acknowledged that the success of the international agreement  signed by over 190 countries  depends on the actions of state and regional governments, she said.

Read more from Yahoo News:
In first bipartisan attempt to keep president in check amid Russia inquiry, two bills would take steps to prevent president from directly firing special counsel

Robert Mueller departs after a closed-door meeting with members of the Senate judiciary committee in June. Photograph: J Scott Applewhite/AP

US senators from both parties are seeking to protect the special counsel Robert Mueller from being fired by Donald Trump, marking the first bipartisan bid by lawmakers to impose a check on the president against the backdrop of the Russia investigation.

A pair of bills were unveiled on Thursday, co-sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, that would take measures to bar the president from directly firing the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 US election and any involvement by the president and his team.

Mueller, who was appointed after Trump fired the then FBI director, James Comey, in May, has convened a grand jury in Washington, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Thursday, in a sign that his inquiry is escalating.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to the president, said he was not aware that Mueller had convened a grand jury  a powerful institution in the US government charged with both investigating potential criminal conduct as well as determining whether criminal charges should be brought.

Grand jury matters are typically secret, said Cobb, in a statement provided by the White House.

The White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly ... The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr Mueller.

A spokesperson for Mueller would not confirm the report.

Reuters reported that grand jury subpoenas had been issued in relation to the June 2016 meeting between Donald Trump Jr, the presidents eldest son, and the Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya.



The encounter was revealed last month and provided the first glimpse that the Trump campaign might have been willing to collude with the Russians. After initially misleading the public on the nature of the meeting, Trump Jr was forced to publicly release emails detailing how he accepted the meeting under the pretense of receiving very high level and sensitive information to incriminate Hillary Clinton.



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Natalia Veselnitskaya

A Russian lawyer whose work has focused on ending US sanctions on Russia and who met with Trump representatives Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort at Trump Tower in June 2016. Read further.

Sergey Kislyak

Until recently, the Russian ambassador to the US. A hub for contacts with Trump representatives including Kushner, attorney general Jeff Sessions, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and the president himself. Read further.

Sergey Gorkov

The Kremlin-connected head of Russian state investment bank Vnesheconombank. He met with Kushner during the presidential transition, but no specific policies were discussed, according to Kushner. Read further.

Dimitri Simes

President of the Center for the National Interest, a Washington thinktank, which hosted an April 2016 foreign policy speech by Trump. Trump, Sessions and Kushner appear to have met with Kislyak at the event, although both Kushner and Sessions have said any meeting was only in passing and they dont recall what was discussed. Read further.

By Tom McCarthy

Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and senior adviser, and his then campaign manager, Paul Manafort, also attended the meeting. This week, a report alleged that Trump personally dictated a false statement on behalf of Trump Jr that mischaracterized the meetings purpose as discussing a ban on the adoption of Russian children by US citizens.

Efforts by members of Congress to insulate Mueller reflect a growing desire to ensure the independence of the federal investigation. The president has publicly criticized Mueller and has reportedly tasked his lawyers with examining ways to undercut the investigation by searching for possible conflicts of interest among the special counsel and his team of investigators.

One of the bills, co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, and Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, would preserve the presidents authority to fire a special counsel but would enable the special counsel to challenge his or her termination in court. A three-judge panel would then review the challenge within a period of 14 days.

Tillis downplayed the idea that the aim of the legislation was to send a message to Trump, telling the Guardian he was motivated by the need to help restore the Department of Justice and the agencies within it.

Its a way to communicate to the American people that this is a unique institution among the cabinet positions and among the departments with the administration, Tillis said.

Anything we can do to ensure to the American people that it is truly independent, without either the president or the Senate having undo influence over its actions, I think thats healthy.

A June 2016 meeting between Donald Trump Jr and a Russian lawyer has become a flashpoint in the Russia investigation. Photograph: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

Tillis added that the intent of his bill was to ensure that the basis for the removal of a special counsel was warranted.

I fully expect there will be a number of cases where it may be, but what we want to do is go against those where it may not have been appropriate, he said.

The other bill goes even further by mandating that any special counsel may only be removed by the attorney general, and after a petition is filed before a federal court to establish misconduct, dereliction of duty, incapacity, conflict of interest, or other cause for removal. The latter proposal was sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina who ranks among Trumps more vocal critics, along with three Democrats, Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

The co-sponsors of both bills sit on the Senate judiciary committee, which is overseeing its own investigation on Russian meddling in the election that may also examine whether Trump obstructed justice in his dealings with Comey.

We should all be interested in making sure that special counsels have oversight. Special counsels must act within boundaries, but they must also be protected, Graham said in a statement.

Our bill allows judicial review of any decision to terminate a special counsel to make sure its done for the reasons cited in the regulation rather than political motivation.

Trump has long bemoaned the Russia inquiry, refusing to accept the conclusion of the US intelligence community that Moscow took active and extraordinary measures to influence the 2016 election and undermine Clintons candidacy. In recent weeks, he has focused his ire on the attorney general, Jeff Sessions, who recused himself from overseeing the FBIs Russia investigation earlier this year due to his own previously undisclosed meeting with the Russian ambassador to the US.

Trumps public humiliation of Sessions, delivered in a series of scathing tweets over consecutive days, sparked criticism on both sides of the aisle as lawmakers appeared newly concerned with the presidents apparent lack of regard for the separation of powers.

Trump also fired warning shots at Mueller in a highly publicized interview with the New York Times this month, saying he would make public at some point information that the special counsels team had potential conflicts of interest. He also signaled ramifications if Mueller went beyond the scope of investigating matters pertaining to Russia, such as his finances, and has declined to offer assurances that he will not fire Mueller.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions (R) speaks as Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats (L) listens during an event at the Justice Department August 4, 2017 in Washington, DC. Sessions held the event to discuss leaks of classified material threatening national security. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Attorney General Jeff Sessions vowed Friday to crack down on what he called a staggering number of leaks of classified information since the Trump administration took office. He promised to step up criminal investigations of suspected leakers, and to review department guidelines governing media subpoenas, raising the prospect of a renewed effort by federal prosecutors to compel reporters to reveal their confidential sources.

We are taking a stand. This culture of leaking must stop, Sessions said at Justice Department press conference where he was accompanied by Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. While declining to discuss specific cases, he added: it is important for the American people and those who might be thinking about leaking classified or sensitive information to know that criminals who would illegally use their access to sensitive information to endanger our national security are in fact being investigated and will be prosecuted.

Sessions warning was immediately condemned by Freedom of the Press advocates. It could mean a new wave of subpoenas, a new wave of court cases and it could spell trouble for the flow of information to the public, said Bruce Brown, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

The announcement comes after weeks of taunting by President Trump, most in the form of tweets, demanding that Sessions do more to end the leaks that have bedeviled his administration. It also comes the day after the Washington Post published one of the most high-profile leaks yet: transcripts of confidential phone calls President Trump had with the president of Mexico and the prime minister of Australia shortly after his inauguration.

Without mentioning the presidents demands, Sessions indicated his anti-leak crackdown has already begun: The number of criminal referrals to the Justice Department has exploded since the president took office, he said, and the number of active criminal investigations by the department has more than tripled compared to the number pending since the end of the last administration.

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Sessions did not say how many active cases were pending but noted that the department has already brought charges against a former NSA contractor for leaking a document about Russian cyberattacks to the Intercept. That indictment was announced two months ago.

Sessions is hardly the first attorney general to try to crack down in leaks. During President Obamas first term, his Justice Department under then Attorney General Eric Holder brought more leak prosecutions than any previous administrationalthough they began to dwindle after an uproar from First Amendment advocates when it was revealed his department had secretly subpoenaed the phone records of Associated Press reporters in one investigation and identified a Fox News reporter as a potential co-conspirator in violating the Espionage Act in another.

That prompted Holder in 2015 to announce new media guidelines that require a high-level scrutiny of subpoenas to journalists. But Sessions said today those guidelines are now being revieweda move that some news organizations and press advocates fear could unleash a flood of new subpoenas to journalists to turn over records of their contacts with sources and to testify about them.

Thats a reality that we have to prepare more, said Jane Kirtley, professor of media ethics at the University of Minnesota Journalist School.

We knew the Trump administration was going to take on the issue of leaking, she added. The big question is how far the administration will go to force journalists to reveal their sourcesand whether reporters themselves could be targeted for publishing classified information.

Weve never had a prosecution of journalists for being the recipient of leaks, Kirtley said. This could be the first time that happens.

Sessions also vowed to devote more resources to leak investigations and to give them higher priority within he department. Meanwhile, Coats said the U.S. intelligence community would fully cooperate and join the effort. He offered this message to potential leakers: If you improperly disclose classified information, we will find you, we will investigate you and you will prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and you will not be happy with the result.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Sbahle Mpisanes birthday celebration in all its glory. (Photo: Instagram/sbhale_mpisane)

South African fitness influencer Sbahle Mpisane has more than half a million Instagram followers, and she captivates her audience with her powerful and inspiring fitness routines. Mpisane recently turned 24, and her entire town seems to have celebrated with her.

Izimbali ezakwaZulu A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 30, 2017 at 12:44am PDT

A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 30, 2017 at 6:44am PDT

Mpisane  or Fitness Bunnie, as she is known in social media  had her traditional Zulu coming-of-age ceremony, called an Umemulo, and the pictures of the festivities are captivating. Historically, the ceremony was for Zulu women who reached the age of 21 as virgins, but as times have changed, the ceremony now celebrates young unmarried women as they come of age  typically before 30.

In celebration of Mpisane, her friends and family followed all of the requisite traditions, including parading down the street chanting her name.

A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 31, 2017 at 8:17am PDT

Friends and family also wore traditional costumes for the ceremony and looked amazing.

My MVPs Facebeat by: @thobie Outfit by: @zulu_brides A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 31, 2017 at 8:08am PDT

Mpisane is the daughter of Durban business tycoons Shauwn and Sbu Mpisane.

I am a daughter from a strong man, and a beautiful mommy A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Aug 1, 2017 at 12:51am PDT

Mother and Daughter A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 31, 2017 at 3:30pm PDT

Even South Africas first lady, Thobeka Zuma, made an appearance at the party to congratulate the birthday girl.

Our First Lady and her beautiful family @firstladytzuma A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 31, 2017 at 8:29am PDT

Mpisane had three outfit changes during the fun-filled event: two traditional South African costumes and one where she glammed up and left everyone speechless.

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My Umemulo Grand After Party Dinner was a dream pic.twitter.com/nIDBK2tYep  FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) August 1, 2017

My umemulo Grand After Party Dinner  A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Aug 1, 2017 at 4:30am PDT

The Mpisanes  A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Aug 1, 2017 at 4:17am PDT

DAUGHTER & MOTHER double trouble both dressed by @cinnelstore  A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Aug 1, 2017 at 4:39am PDT

Lol my face expression here A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Aug 1, 2017 at 4:41am PDT

The Twitterverse is loving all these beautiful photos of her Umemulo.

king love it..  Anele (@anele2471) August 1, 2017

Looking stunning  ngelo ngelo (@ngelongeloROAD5) August 2, 2017

More than beautiful  Lwazi_ (@MaveyHuncho) July 31, 2017

We 100 percent agree.

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Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




(FALL RIVER, Mass.)  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.

Its 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 Amazons 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 Amazons 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 Universitys Center on Education and the Workforce.

On the flip side, Amazons 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. Theyre 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 Amazons 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 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.

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Some 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.

Im 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, 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 arent 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 with experience running his own business, agreed: I dont 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 Amazons 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 wasnt 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. Its a harder life down there. At this point he just needs a job.

Ron Joslin, 55, said hes long worked at call centers, most recently making medical appointments for veterans. But he lost that job in April, and since then hasnt been able to find work  despite the Seattle areas hot labor market.

I dont believe the numbers reflect whats really happening, he said, waiting in a line hundreds of people long. You want to see whats really happening, go to the unemployment office and see how many people are there and how long theyve been unemployed.

His wife, a regular Amazon shopper, told him about the job fair, he said.

She heard about it on the news and was like, You need to go there. I said, Its going to be 100 degrees. She said, You need to go there. Shes tired of me being around the house.

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 theyre 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.
By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will press China and other Asian countries to take tougher action against North Korea when he attends regional meetings in Manila starting this week, a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday. Susan Thornton, the acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said Tillerson would have the chance to engage with China's foreign minister at the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila, but had no plans to meet North Korea's foreign minister there. Thornton said Tillerson, who is due in Manila on Saturday, would be seeking greater cooperation in isolating North Korea and in enforcing U.N. sanctions over its missile and nuclear weapons programs. She said Washington wanted to see countries "drastically" reduce their dealings with Pyongyang. "What we are trying to do is galvanize this pressure and isolate North Korea so it can see what the opportunity cost is over developing these weapons programs," she told reporters in a telephone briefing to preview Tillerson's trip. Thornton said China had taken "significant steps, ... frankly unprecedented steps" to increase pressure on its neighbor North Korea, but it could do "a lot more" to step up enforcement of existing sanctions and to impose more. "We would like to see more action faster and more obvious and quick results, but I think we're not giving up yet." Thornton's remarks contrasted with those of U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Saturday accused Beijing of doing "nothing" to help on North Korea and pointed to the huge U.S. trade deficit with China. A senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday that Trump was close to a decision on how to respond to what he considers China's unfair trade practices and was considering action that could lead to tariffs or other trade restrictions on Chinese goods. Thornton declined to comment on any possible action but stressed that despite Trump's tweets, North Korea and the trade issue were not linked in a "transactional," but "in a sort of philosophical way." "Can we work together jointly on the key security challenge facing Northeast Asia, which is the North Korea challenge?" she said. "If we can work together to do that, surely we can have a productive, mutually beneficial economic relationship in which we both enjoy reciprocal and fair access to each other's markets." Thornton said Tillerson would continue to press China on the South China Sea issue while in Asia, where the United State has been pressing for rapid adoption of a code of conduct over competing territorial claims. She said the United States would "certainly" raise human rights with Philippine President Duterte's government. U.S. criticism of Duterte's bloody war on drugs under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama damaged relations between the long-standing allies. Duterte has remained defiant, accusing critics of "trivializing" his drug campaign with human rights concerns. Tillerson will also visit Thailand next Tuesday and then Malaysia. His visit to Bangkok will be the first by a U.S. secretary of state since before the military seized power in a 2014 coup. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Yeganeh Torbati; Editing by James Dalgleish)
Toni Collette in Fun Mom Dinner (Photo: Momentum Pictures)

In the easygoing summer comedy Fun Mom Dinner (now in select theaters and on demand), Toni Collette plays a mother of four young boys whos totally over the idea of having mom friends  until, of course, a memorable night of misbehavior with some fellow preschool moms (played by Molly Shannon, Kate Aselton, and Bridget Everett) changes her mind. Collette, who has two children, has no such qualms about befriending other moms. But she does have a problem with being pigeonholed as an actress who plays moms.

In the past, Ive done interviews where they just start the interview saying, So you play a mom, the Australian actress told Yahoo Movies. And Im like, I play a really f***ing complex human who also has a relationship with a couple of kids shes pushed out. Indeed, few actresses on earth boast resumes so full of diverse, emotionally complex roles, from the social-outcast title character in her breakout film Muriels Wedding, to her Oscar-nominated performance as Haley Joel Osments desperate mother in The Sixth Sense, to the woman trying to keep her family together without losing her mind in Little Miss Sunshine. What drew Collette to Fun Mom Dinner  besides the promise of working with other talented, funny women  is that the story isnt about being a good or bad mother, but about how motherhood changes a persons identity, even when the kids are asleep.

During Fun Mom Dinners New York City press day, Yahoo Movies chatted with Collette about bonding with her co-stars, exercising with a post-childbirth bladder (as her character does in the film), getting recognized on the subway, and juggling an astounding variety of film and TV projects.

Molly Shannon, Toni Collette, Bridget Everett, and Katie Aselton in Fun Mom Dinner (Photo: Momentum Pictures)

So are you having a whirlwind day in New York?

Its been very busy. I just flew in very late from London last night and I think Ive had maybe three and a half hours sleep! Anyway, it has been a long day, but its so, so wonderful to see all these amazing women that I worked with on the film last year, and to be able to hang out and talk about the experience we had and celebrate it together. Its a good thing.

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Ten years ago, you had two films released; in 2017, the website IMDb says you have 11 projects.

Wow, thats a lot then!

So do you have a secret identical twin? How does that work?

Cardboard cutouts, and I live in my trailer. [Laughs] No, its funny because Im playing this character [in Fun Mom Dinner], and were a bunch of women who have kids, everybodys been talking about How do you balance work and life and kids and all of that stuff? You know, sometimes I really struggle with it, because I love working, and I obviously also love my children. And theyre the most important thing to me. But I do love working, and if I dont do it I think I am not quite myself, you know? Because its a big part of me and I get a lot out of it. What you need to know is, not every film is three months long. For instance, this one was three weeks. So it may say theres a lot of films there, but none of them too extensive in terms of the time I have to commit to it.

I watched a screener of the spy thriller Unlocked (in theaters Sept. 1) the same week I saw Fun Mom Dinner  in that one, you have a buzzcut and use a machine gun. It was a funny contrast.

I like doing lots of different things. I think thats one of the best parts of my job. And I really try to push myself and not be repetitive. After Muriels Wedding, I remember being offered a character that was kind of similar, and there was just something in my gut that knew not to do it. And Im so glad, because if Id have done that, I think its so easy to be categorized. And I somehow have managed to dodge that bullet.

It seems like a major challenge for actors to escape that kind of rut. Your career is amazing in that sense  I have absolutely no idea what youll do next.

Me too, thats the best part about it! [Laughs]

So my favorite thing you do in this whole movie is putting on your sons pull-up to do a trampoline workout.

Omigod, I forgot about that scene! Thats so funny! Ha! Yep. Well let me tell you, I can really relate to that. [Laughs] I mean, having had two kids, exercising becomes an issue. Actually I probably needed that little  I call it them nappy, what do you call it, a diaper?  to be able to do it. But yeah, what a weird type of exercise! Its a real thing people do.

Molly Shannon, Bridget Everett, Toni Collette, and Katie Aselton in Fun Mom Dinner (Photo: Momentum Pictures)

I had never seen it, but Im guessing if I lived in L.A. Id have already taken a class by now.

People really get into it out there, Ive heard. Someone told me what it was called  I cant remember what it is now, its a really weird name  and I was like, whats that? And they described it and I was like, oh yeah, I did that in a movie! [Laughs] But I dont know if I could do it for an hour. God, that would kill me.

Youve played a lot of mothers  a lot of very different mothers 

Thank you for pointing that out! I love a lot of things about this movie, but one thing I love is that it celebrates who these women are beyond the children in their lives. And in the past, Ive done interviews where they just start the interview saying, So you play a mom. And Im like, I play a really f***ing complex human who also has a relationship with a couple of kids shes pushed out. You know? It doesnt define a person. Its a huge part of any parents life, but it doesnt define you. And I think thats one of the things that these women celebrate on their night out in this movie. And I often have said, you dont go into an interview with Jon Hamm and say, Oh, so Don Draper  you play a father. Its just such a really sh***y imbalance. And Im glad that its addressed in this movie, and that its about, yes, they are wonderful moms, but they go out and they really connect, not only with each other but with themselves in a way that might have been missing for a long time. Its good to remember who you are, beyond your first and biggest responsibility.

I also enjoyed your characters knee-jerk reaction against making mom friends. Not sure Ive ever seen that said outright in a film before.

I loved that she was so upfront about it, that shes not backwards and coming forwards  she just tells it like it is. I have two kids and theyre both pretty young, so I dont entirely feel the same way, but I love that shes so frank about it. I love that shes like that about pretty much everything in her life. She lives with a lot of male energy, and I think its rubbed off.

The karaoke song in the film  99 Luftballons, in German!  was that your pick?

No, they chose it, but I was very happy about it because I love that song, too. Singing it in German was a slight challenge. I kind of learned it at the last minute. But karaoke can be a bit sloppy anyway. Although I do think Katie and I kind of nailed the German. Well have to see what a German audience thinks of that!

We talked about the wide variety of roles youve played. When fans approach you, whats the role they most often mention?

It depends where I am. A lot of people love Muriel. The character of Muriel is very dear to a lot of people still, which is so amazing to me. And its kind of beautiful, you know? I think it goes to show that most people do feel like that on the inside, that they related so intensely to that character. Sometimes if Im on the subway in New York, it will be Shaft. If I wear my hair a certain way, it will be The Sixth Sense. I lot of people do recognize me from Little Miss Sunshine. Everyones so lovely about it, too, I have to say.

Im a big fan of United States of Tara [the Showtime comedy on which Collette played a woman with multiple identities].

Aww, I loved that show so much.

I felt like with that show, you proved you could literally play anything. Do you feel like that role opened things up for you in film?

I really dont know. That show just in and of itself was such an amazing opportunity for me, or for any actor to have gotten a chance to do that. And I dont think it will ever happen again. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And not only that, everyone involved was just so lovely, and it was such a positive experience on so many levels. You know, Ive had a lot of really, really good jobs and I really only try to work on projects I believe in, but that particular one was, it was right up there for me. So  but did it open up things after that? After we shot Season 3, I had my son. And yes, to be honest, I havent stopped working since then, when I think about it! [Laughs] So maybe youre right in pointing that out. I never put two and two together. I dont know if it came from that show or what, but thats what has, thats what tends to have happened now that I look at it, yeah.

It must feel good to have those opportunities just keep increasing exponentially. Maybe it doesnt feel like that, but it looks like that on paper.

I still feel really lucky to get the jobs that Im offered, I really do, because I know its a tough industry. I have actor friends who dont get to work that often, or dont get to work on things that they really believe in, and 99 percent of the time I do get to do that. And I just really, really honestly feel so grateful. I still enjoy it and it still challenges me. I still try to work on stuff that pushes me a little bit, because you need to keep growing, you know?

Is there any role thats still on your wish list? A Bond villain, something like that?

Im never good at this question, because really, things are sent to me and it either makes sense or it doesnt. I just think characters are more complex than that, and its hard to say, I want to play a character like that. However, last summer I did play a manipulative bitch and Ive never done that before, and it was really fun! There was so much to play with. And recently, I filmed a movie that really was the hardest job of my life, this [horror] film called Hereditary with a writer-director called Ari Aster. Gabriel Byrne played my husband, and its an intense one. It surprised me every day. I think if Id really contemplated it any more before I started, I might have just run the other way, because every day was just so much more full-on than I even anticipated. So I just had to take it one step at a time. But in a perverse way it was really satisfying, even though it was like twisting myself inside out.

And now we have to bring that around to Fun Mom Dinner! So in comparison, Fun Mom Dinner was like

It was the most gleeful, joyous, buoyant, satisfying in a completely different way, experience, with like-minded, very creative, smart, savvy, sassy, generous, communicative women. It was just what I needed. I read it, I wanted to have fun, and it couldnt have been more so.

Role Recall: Arnold Schwarzenegger Talks Original Terminator Movies, Twins, True Lies, and More

Read more from Yahoo Movies:
Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the 31-year-old hired by retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn to serve as the senior director for intelligence programs at the National Security Council, was fired on Wednesday afternoon, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

The White House confirmed the decision late Wednesday afternoon.

According to one source close to the White House, the decision comes from the current national security advisor, Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, who is trying to root out the people at the NSC connected to a controversial concept paper about how Trump was under attack from globalists and Islamists trying to destroy America. Its everyone who touched that concept paper, the source told Foreign Policy.

Rich Higgins, the reported author of the memo who was serving in the NSCs strategic-planning office, was let go on July 21, the Atlantic reported Wednesday.

General McMaster appreciates the good work accomplished in the NSCs Intelligence directorate under Ezra Cohens leadership, the White House statement 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 came to the NSC from a position at the Defense Intelligence Agency, where Flynn was director until he was ousted by President Barack Obama for his management and leadership style. There is little in the public record about Cohen-Watnick, though he reportedly survived a previous McMaster attempt to remove him. There was a great deal of distrust between Cohen-Watnick and the intelligence community, partly due to his relative lack of experience. The situation only grew worse when in March, Cohen-Watnick forced out a CIA officer who was on loan to the NSC and working under him. According to the Washington Post, he was told without explanation to clear out his desk and return to the agency.

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The firing comes amid more unrest in the White House. On Monday, newly minted White House Chief of Staff John Kelly dismissed brand new White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci. Last week, McMaster removed Derek Harvey, the top Middle East advisor on the NSC, from his post. Harvey and Cohen-Watnick were viewed as allies within the NSC and together had pushed for more aggressive actions against Iranian proxy forces in Syria.

Top Trump advisors Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner have reportedly protected Cohen-Watnick so far. But now, with Kelly as White House Chief of Staff, even Bannon and Kushner need permission to talk to the President.

Cohen-Watnicks past is still largely a mystery. He worked at DIA, where he rose several ranks but otherwise didnt appear to make much of a mark. His name surfaced as a possible source of a drummed up scandal about Obama National Security Council official Susan Rice unmasking the names of Trump officials in intelligence reports.

Rice has denied she made any requests for political reasons.

According to a profile in the Atlantic, Cohen-Watnick liked to argue about the Iraq War at his Maryland high school, fell into libertarian tendencies while in college, and gradually became more hawkish. Like many, the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 were a turning point for him, pushing him to turn dreams of being a spy into reality. Newsweek reported he served in the Defense Clandestine Service and attended the CIAs training school, nicknamed the Farm.

Last summer, reportedly unhappy at the DIA, he turned his attention toward landing a job on Capitol Hill at one of the congressional committees. Instead, he found himself recruited by the Trump campaign during the transition.

Kate Brannen contributed reporting to this article.

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images
Rally for thousands of diehard supporters held on same day news emerged that special counsel has set up panel to examine evidence of alleged collusion

Donald Trump has sought to rally thousands of diehard supporters against the investigation into his campaigns alleged collusion with Russia  on the same day news emerged that the special counsel, Robert Mueller, has convened a grand jury in the case.

Theyre trying to cheat you out of the leadership that you want with a fake story, Trump told a rally in Huntington, West Virginia.

Natalia Veselnitskaya

A Russian lawyer whose work has focused on ending US sanctions on Russia and who met with Trump representatives Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort at Trump Tower in June 2016. Read further.

Sergey Kislyak

Until recently, the Russian ambassador to the US. A hub for contacts with Trump representatives including Kushner, attorney general Jeff Sessions, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and the president himself. Read further.

Sergey Gorkov

The Kremlin-connected head of Russian state investment bank Vnesheconombank. He met with Kushner during the presidential transition, but no specific policies were discussed, according to Kushner. Read further.

Dimitri Simes

President of the Center for the National Interest, a Washington thinktank, which hosted an April 2016 foreign policy speech by Trump. Trump, Sessions and Kushner appear to have met with Kislyak at the event, although both Kushner and Sessions have said any meeting was only in passing and they dont recall what was discussed. Read further.

By Tom McCarthy

The concerted effort could be a sign that the White House is realising the full gravity of the situation. Mueller, appointed special counsel in May following the dismissal of the former FBI director James Comey, has recruited more than a dozen investigators, including current and former justice department prosecutors with experience in international bribery, organised crime and financial fraud.

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On Thursday, it was reported  first by the Wall Street Journal, but later by other outlets including the Associated Press  that Mueller is using a grand jury in Washington, meaning he could subpoena witnesses and records in the coming weeks and months.

The use of a grand jury, a standard prosecution tool in criminal investigations, suggests that Mueller and his team of investigators are likely to hear from witnesses and demand documents in the coming weeks and months.

In what might be seen as a bid to weaponise his populist base, Trump told the crowd in Huntington, a coal country stronghold where he beat Hillary Clinton by 42 percentage points: Most people know there were no Russians in our campaign; there never were. We didnt win because of Russia. We won because of you.

The crowd, many with Make America great again hats or signs, erupted in vociferous cheers. Trump continued: We won because we totally outworked the other side. We won because of millions of patriotic Americans voted to take back their country.

The president asked mockingly: Have you seen any Russians in West Virginia or Ohio or Pennsylvania? Are there any Russians here tonight, any Russians? They cant beat us at the voting booths so theyre trying to cheat you out of the future and the future that you want. Theyre trying to cheat you out of the leadership that you want with a fake story that is demeaning to all of us and most importantly demeaning to our country and demeaning to our constitution.

Trumps rhetoric at a 9,000-person capacity arena on Thursday echoed rallies during the election campaign where he claimed the system was rigged against him. This time he appeared to be scattering seeds of doubt about the investigations by Mueller and two congressional committees into whether there was collusion between Russia and Trumps presidential campaign.

I just hope the final determination is a truly honest one, which is what the millions of people who gave us our big win in November deserve and what all Americans who want a better future want and deserve, the president added ominously.

Democrat lawmakers will have to decide. They can continue their obsession with the Russian hoax or they can serve the interests of the American people. Try winning at the voter booth. Not going to be easy, but thats the way youre supposed to do it.

Grand juries are used in only a handful of countries. In the US, they are normally made up of about 16 to 23 members of the public rather than the usual 12, hence grand jury. They are also held in secret  the fact that one has been convened is not even officially acknowledged.

Unlike in ordinary courts, witnesses are not allowed to have lawyers present and federal prosecutors often treat them as fishing expeditions, where investigators question witnesses under oath for hours hoping to trip them up and make them perjure themselves.

Lawyers, who sit outside, implore witnesses to consult with them before answering even seemingly easy questions.

Trump spared the media his usual broadsides and instead focused on the Democrats, whom he claimed were trying to find an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics. Prosecutors should be looking for former secretary of state Hillary Clintons 33,000 emails, he added, prompting thunderous cheers and chants of Lock her up!  some nine months after the election.

The prolonged denial of links to Moscow signalled a shift in strategy for Trump, who rarely dwells on the issue during rallies, where few supporters seem concerned. His daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, also brought it up during a short speech, calling it a crazy story about Russia. And the West Virginia governor Jim Justice, announcing his defection from the Democrats to the Republicans, told the crowd: Have we not heard enough about the Russians? I mean, to our God in heaven, think about it: the stock markets at 22,000 and this country has hope and were on our way.

The defense attorney John Dowd told the Associated Press: With respect to the news of the federal grand jury, I have no reason to believe that the president is under investigation.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to the president, said he was not aware Mueller had started using a new grand jury. Grand jury matters are typically secret, Cobb told the Associated Press. The White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly  The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr Mueller.

It was unclear how the Washington grand jury was connected to the work of a separate grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, that has been used to gather information on Trumps former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who is under scrutiny over his ties to Moscow.

Steve Williams, the mayor of Huntington, criticised Trumps claim that the Russia story was a hoax. It obviously isnt because Mueller is announcing today that a grand jury has been impaneled. Methinks he does protest too much.

Trumps speech in the city was a wasted opportunity, Williams added. I thought it was a 2016 campaign rally. I expected some discussion about the opioid crisis, particularly since the presidents commissions report came out a couple of days ago. I was hoping he would declare a national emergency.
By Eric Walsh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump chafed on Thursday over the new dive in U.S. relations with Russia, widening a rift with his own Republican Party as he blamed Congress for causing the tensions with a new package of sanctions.

Far removed from his election campaign promises to improve relations with Vladimir Putin and his praise of the Russian president, Trump found himself the target of Kremlin scorn after he reluctantly signed the sanctions against Moscow into law on Wednesday.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday evening the measure showed the Trump administration was utterly powerless. The sanctions amounted to a full-scale trade war and the hope of improved relations with the new administration in Washington was over, Medvedev said in a Facebook post.

Even while campaigning for the White House, Trump's stated desire for improved ties with Moscow raised eyebrows among his fellow Republicans, as well as Democrats. Prospects for a rapprochement largely evaporated once he took office in January over U.S. intelligence agencies' findings that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. election campaign.

Congress passed the new sanctions to punish Russia for the election interference and the annexation of Ukraine's Crimea in 2014, and included provisions allowing lawmakers to stop Trump from easing the penalties.

Trump, who has publicly expressed frustration with Congress, lashed out again at lawmakers on Thursday.

"Our relationship with Russia is at an all-time & very dangerous low," he said in a Twitter post.

"You can thank Congress, the same people that can't even give us HCare!" he added, referring to a bitter setback this month when Republicans failed to push healthcare legislation through the Senate.

Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, and Democrats are strongly divided on many issues but the sanctions measure drew wide support from lawmakers in both parties.

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"THANK PUTIN"

Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a leading voice on foreign policy in the party, was among the Republican lawmakers pushing back hard at Trump's tweet.

"Our relationship w/ Russia is at dangerous low. You can thank Putin for attacking our democracy, invading neighbors & threatening our allies," McCain said on Twitter.

Trump had little choice but to sign the legislation because Congress clearly had the votes to override his potential veto. He strongly criticized the bill as "significantly flawed" and complained it infringed on his presidential powers to shape foreign policy.

Russia has loomed large over the first six months of the Trump presidency. U.S. congressional panels and a special counsel are investigating the election interference in probes that also are looking into any potential role by Trump aides.

Moscow denies any meddling and Trump, regularly denouncing the investigations as a political witch hunt, denies any collusion by his campaign.

Republican U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, asked about Trump's tweet in an MSNBC interview, agreed U.S.-Russian ties were "at a very low point" but rejected the president's blame.

"Ultimately, the responsibility falls primarily on Vladimir Putin," Cotton said, pointing to Russian actions over Ukraine, arms control treaty violations and alleged meddling in various Western nations.

He and other Republican lawmakers pointed to previous presidential administrations' policies, including under Trump's Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama.

"You can thank years of Russian aggression met by a feckless U.S. response and devastating defense cuts for the current situation," Republican U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher wrote in a Twitter post responding to Trump's tweet.

PENCE'S TOUGH STANCE

Despite Trump's public misgivings about the sanctions, Vice President Mike Pence presented a tough stance against Russia during a tour of Baltic states this week.

Pence assured the leaders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - all once part of the Soviet Union - that they would have U.S. support in the event of Russian aggression. Russia will hold large-scale military maneuvers in nearby Belarus this month.

Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, asked for his reaction to Trump's tweet, told MSNBC: "I can just tell you we saw real bipartisanship on Capitol Hill when it came to these sanctions. Democrats and Republicans agreed we had to tell North Korea, Iran and Russia 'enough was enough.'"

Durbin said the bill deliberately included measures to ensure Trump imposed the sanctions and did not lift them. "We put requirements in the bill which most presidents have never seen to make sure this happens," he said.

The Kremlin dismissed the sanctions on Thursday.

"Nobody should doubt that Russia will protect and defend its interests," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a conference call with reporters. "We in general believe that this policy of sanctions is short-sighted, unlawful and hopeless."

Even before Trump signed the bill, Putin on Sunday ordered the United States to cut about 60 percent of its diplomatic staff in Russia by Sept. 1 and took away a summer house used by U.S. Embassy staff.

The sanctions will affect a range of Russian industries and could hurt the country's economy, already weakened by 2014 sanctions imposed after the annexation of Crimea. Several provisions target the Russian energy sector, with new limits on U.S. investment in Russian companies and restrictions on energy exploration involving Russian firms.

The sanctions also affect North Korea and Iran.

Related:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

(Restores dropped word "he" in 8th paragraph)

(Reporting by Eric Walsh and Susan Heavey in Washington; Dmitry Solovyov in Moscow; Writing by Frances Kerry; Editing by Bill Trott)
Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump reluctantly signed off on new sanctions against Russia Wednesday, bowing to domestic pressure and putting efforts to improve ties with the Kremlin on ice.

Trump signed the legislation behind closed doors and away from the cameras, after failed efforts to scupper or water down the bill.

Trump's reluctance was on full display in an angry signing statement, in which he called the legislation "significantly flawed."

"In its haste to pass this legislation, the Congress included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions," he said, including curbs on the president's ability to conduct foreign policy.

The legislation -- which also includes measures against North Korea and Iran -- targets the Russian energy sector, giving Washington the ability to sanction companies involved in developing Russian pipelines, and placing curbs on some Russian weapons exporters.

It also notably constrains Trump's ability to waive the penalties, a statement of mistrust from the Republican controlled Congress which remains unsettled by Trump's warm words for President Vladimir Putin.

The sanctions seek to penalize the Kremlin for meddling in the 2016 US presidential election -- which Trump won -- and Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Trump said he would "honor" some of the bill's provisions, but stopped short of saying it would be fully implemented.

The White House said only that Trump would give Congress's "preferences" mere "careful and respectful consideration."

Trump received the legislation at 1:53 pm on Friday and waited until Wednesday to sign it.

The nearly week-long delay in signing had raised speculation that Trump might veto or try to somehow shelve the sanctions, which were approved in a 98-2 Senate vote.

By signing it, he avoided the humiliating prospect of Congress overriding his veto.

Expecting the signature, Moscow preemptively ordered Washington to reduce its diplomatic presence in Russia to 455 persons before September 1 -- bringing it in line with the size of Russia's mission in the US.

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US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday he will meet with his Russian opposite Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over the weekend, but warned US-Russia ties could still get worse.

"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's decision to pass the sanctions bill had made attempts to thaw ties "more difficult."

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 beautiful black gown worn on the show Wildflower. (Photo: Instagram/iammajasalvador)

Even if you dont follow Filipino television, you might want to take notes from the upcoming episode of the drama Wildflower. Star Maja Salvador shared photos of her characters wedding dress on Thursday, and theyre causing quite a stir. Its one of the most breathtaking black gowns weve seen off the runway.

Imbitado ka sa kasalang ARNALDO at IVY ngayon August 9 2017 #WildflowerWildestWedding #IvyAguasTheBrideInBlack @jraddams A post shared by Maja Salvador (@iammajasalvador) on Aug 3, 2017 at 3:38am PDT

Designer Val Taguba designed the strapless ball gown with an enormous skirt made from French lace and encrusted with Swarovski crystals throughout.

[We were] inspired by royal Spanish weddings, Salvadors stylist, Regi Cruz, told the Filipino website Preview. The reason for choosing to wear a black gown, aside from the fact that her character is nontraditional, is that it [serves as a] warning that there would be bigger and more thought-provoking things to come.

Arnaldo and Ivy #WildflowerWildestWedding #TheBrideInBlack AUGUST 9 2017 A post shared by Maja Salvador (@iammajasalvador) on Aug 3, 2017 at 6:09am PDT

Salvadors character on the show goes by the name Ivy Aguas, though in the plot reminiscent of ABCs Revenge, thats just the name she assumed when plotting to take vengeance on the family she blames for her parents death. Part of that plan includes marrying the son of her enemy, according to Preview.

A black wedding gown seems pretty appropriate for a bride like Ivy, but shes not exactly being nontraditional. As fashion historians are always quick to point out, the white wedding dress tradition only goes back to Queen Victorias 1840 wedding. Brides in Spain didnt pick up on that trend until the 20th century, and up until that point many wore black. That may have been meant to symbolize the till death aspect of wedding vows, or it may have just been a practical use of a dress they already owned.

In the 20th century, at least one very famous bride wore black for her wedding: Sarah Jessica Parker. Oh, I wish it was because I was badass, she said of the dress on Watch What Happens Live in 2016. I just was too embarrassed to spend any time looking for a wedding dress. There was a store that I liked that I knew, and I just went and got whatever they had hanging.

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More recently, Zosia Mamet wore a black Givenchy dress for her wedding last October.

The minute [the dress] went over my head, both my friends gasped, she told Vogue. It definitely wasnt the most epic in terms of the dresss power on its own, but it fit me like a glove in every way, and I knew, without a doubt, that it was my dress.

High-end designers have been offering wedding gowns in many different colors lately, and while some brides wont dare to go darker than millennial pink, there are certainly options for everyone. A sure sign black wedding dresses are making their way to the mainstream? These two options at Davids Bridal.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




By Lawrence Hurley

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Friday threw out the murder conviction of an ex-Blackwater security guard and ordered three of his former colleagues to be re-sentenced in the high-profile prosecution stemming from the massacre of 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians at a Baghdad traffic circle in 2007.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered a new trial after tossing out the murder conviction of former security contractor Nicholas Slatten.

The three-judge panel said Slatten should have had a separate trial instead of being tried alongside his former colleagues. At a new trial, Slatten would be able to introduce evidence that one of his co-defendants had fired the first shot.

Separately, the court said Paul Slough, Dustin Heard and Evan Liberty, who were all convicted of manslaughter and other offenses over their respective roles in the incident, should be re-sentenced because their 30-year prison terms were too long. The court also threw out one of Liberty's convictions for attempted manslaughter.

The Justice Department declined to comment. Lawyers for the defendants could not immediately be reached.

The Sept. 16, 2007, incident stood out for its brutality even in a city in a grip of a bitter sectarian war and sparked debate over the role of private security contractors working for the U.S. government in war zones.

A heavily armed, four-truck Blackwater Worldwide convoy the men were traveling in had been trying to clear a path for U.S. diplomats after a nearby car bomb.

At Nisur Square, the four guards opened fire on the Iraqis, including women and children, with machine guns and grenade launchers. In addition to the 14 dead, another 17 Iraqis were wounded.

Slatten's murder conviction was for shooting dead the driver of a white Kia car that had stopped at the traffic circle.

The Justice Department's case against Slatten, "hinged on his having fired the first shots, his animosity toward the Iraqis having led him to target the white Kia unprovoked," the court said in the unsigned ruling.

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But the statements made by the unnamed co-defendant immediately afterward that he fired the first shot "strike at the heart of that theory and instead point to the co-defendant, not Slatten," the court said.

The defendants were convicted in October 2014. Slatten had been sentenced to life in prison.

Blackwater was later sold and is now operating as Virginia-based Academi.

(additional reporting by Lindsay Dunsmuir)
San Francisco (AFP) - A British computer security researcher hailed as a hero for thwarting the "WannaCry" ransomware onslaught was in US custody on Thursday after being indicted on charges of creating malware to attack banks.

Marcus Hutchins, known by the alias "Malwaretech," was charged in an indictment dated July 12 and unsealed this week by federal authorities in Wisconsin.

The US Justice Department said in a statement Hutchins was arrested Wednesday in Las Vegas, where a major Def Con hacker security conference took place over the weekend.

Twitter postings from other security researchers said he was detained as he prepared to fly back to Britain.

Hutchins faces criminal charges including conspiracy to commit computer fraud, according to the US Department of Justice.

The indictment accuses Hutchins and another individual of making and distributing Kronos "banking Trojan," a reference to malicious software designed to steal user names and passwords used at online banking sites.

Since it was created, Kronos has been configured to work on banking systems in Britain, Canada, Germany, Poland, France, and other countries, according to the DOJ.

The indictment set the time of the activity by Hutchins as being from July 2014 to July of the following year.

- 'Dark markets' -

Hutchins was part of a conspiracy to distribute the hacking tool on so-called dark markets, according to the indictment signed last month by US Attorney Gregory Haanstad.

Kronos was evidently first made available through certain internet forums in early 2014, and was marketed and distributed through a hidden online AlphaBay marketplace, according to US prosecutors.

AlphaBay was shut down by US and European police in a crackdown on two huge "dark web" marketplaces that allowed the anonymous online trade of drugs, hacking software and guns.

The timing of the indictment of Hutchins raises questions as to whether insights mined from the AlphaBay probe lead to his arrest.

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Underground websites AlphaBay and Hansa Market had tens of thousands of sellers of deadly drugs like fentanyl and other illicit goods serving more than 200,000 customers worldwide.

AlphaBay, the largest dark web market, had been run out of Thailand, and filled a gap left behind by the notorious Silk Road online market, shut down by authorities in 2013.

Officials at the time said shutting down the two markets and the arrests of administrators enabled them to collect extensive intelligence on buyers and sellers, including criminal gangs. Their names were being distributed to law enforcement in 37 countries.

- From hero to accused -

Lawyers at the San Francisco-based online rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation said they were looking to contact Hutchins.

"The EFF is deeply concerned about the arrest of Marcus Hutchins, a security researcher known for shutting down the WannaCry ransomware. We are looking into the matter, and are reaching out to Hutchins," a statement from the group said.

A spokesperson for the British Embassy in Washington said only that they "are in touch with local authorities in Las Vegas following reports of a British man being arrested."

Hutchins was hailed as a hero in May for finding and triggering a "kill switch" for a WannaCry ransomware attack that was spreading wildly around the world, locking away data on computers and demanding money for its release.

Andrew Mabbitt, another security researcher who was with Hutchins in Las Vegas, said he did not believe the allegations.

"He spent his career stopping malware, not writing it," Mabbitt said on Twitter.
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.

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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.
Governor of West Virginia, Jim Justice announced Thursday while rallying with President Donald Trump he was switching parties by leaving the Democrats to become a Republican.

I tell you as West Virginians I cant help you anymore being a Democrat governor, Justice said, according to the Atlantic. So tomorrow I will be changing my registration to Republican. Addressing the crowd, Justice suggested that he would have an easier time working with the states Republican-controlled legislature by switching parties. Trump cheered the decision, saying that Justice showed the country that our agenda rises above left or right.

Justice joins a longer than expected list of politicians who have switched sides, including the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton.

Read: Caitlyn Jenner & Other Celebrities Thinking About Running For Political Office

The former first lady and the Secretary of State was originally brought up in a conservative household which led her to campaign for Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater in 1964.

She was also the president of the Wellesley Young Republicans and even attended the 1968 Republican National Convention in Miami before breaking off from the party, according to the Washington Times.

The next name on the list might be even more surprising than the previous one.

Trump, while currently occupying the highest American political office as a Republican, has in the past identified as a Democrat as well as a part of the Reform Party.

He reportedly contributed to the campaigns of both Republican and Democrat parties.

He, however, won the Republican nomination for the presidential election. There were reports of Trump running for the presidential nomination in 2000 on behalf of the Reform party. He had even won the California primary.

Another politician who switched sides is the former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, who was registered as a Democrat until 1982.

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After having voted for Jimmy Carter in the 1976 presidential elections, his foreign policy disillusioned her, especially when it came to the handling of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

She switched parties in 1979 and voted for Ronald Reagan to be president the next year.

Read: Apple CEO Tim Cook Weighs In On Presidential Politics

At the Republican National Convention in 2000, she spoke about how her fathers experience was an inspiration behind her decision to switch to the Republican side: My father joined our party because the Democrats in Jim Crow Alabama of 1952 would not register him to vote. The Republicans did.

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is another member of the list of eminent politicians who were not always on the side they are now. A staunch conservative now, he reportedly spent his early years however as a Democrat. He was even elected to Texas House of Representatives in 1984 as a Democrat, according to CNN.

Even Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was initially a Republican before becoming the perceived beacon of hope for progressives.

Unlike some of the other people mentioned in this list, she did not change sides early on in her life. Instead, she made the switch from the political right in her 40s.

Related Articles
President Donald Trump talks with West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice before Justice spoke during a rally Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, in Huntington, W.Va - AP

The governor of West Virginia has abandoned the Democrats to support President Donald Trump.

Jim Justice, a 66-year-old coal mining magnate and the richest man in West Virginia, was elected as a Democrat governor in the November 2016 election - although he refused to endorse Hillary Clinton's presidential bid.

He defeated the Republican candidate, Bill Cole.

But, eight months after taking office, he has switched sides, and instead throw his weight behind Mr Trump.

"This man is a good man. He's got a backbone. He's got real ideas," Justice said. "He cares about America. He cares about us in West Virginia."

Jim Justice, governor of West Virginia, is to defect from the Democrats to the Republicans

On Thursday night Mr Trump held a "Make America Great Again" rally in West Virginia, and earlier in the day he promised a "big announcement".

Mr Justice is said to have friendly relationships with some members of Mr Trumps family. Before entering politics he gave money to politicians from both parties, and was at times registered as a Republican, Democrat and independent.

A colourful character, standing six foot seven tall, Mr Justice made headlines when he brought a cow pat into the state congress to illustrate his complaints about the Republican budget proposal.

What we have is nothing more than bunch of political bull you-know-what, he said, pulling the lid off a silver platter to reveal the prop, placed on top of a printed copy of the budget.

The news came as Mr Trump's approval rating hit a new low.

The president, however, remains popular in West Virginia, where Mrs Clinton famously promised to "put a lot of coal miners out of work".
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New White House Chief of Staff John Kelly told Attorney General Jeff Sessions last weekend that his job was safe after Sessions endured several weeks of sharp public criticism from President Donald Trump, a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday. Kelly, who was named chief of staff by Trump on Friday, phoned Sessions on Saturday to reassure him the White House wanted him to remain as head of the Justice Department, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The conversation was first reported by the Associated Press. Kelly said Trump was still annoyed with Sessions' decision in March to recuse himself from the investigation of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign, but there had been "kind of a thaw" in Trump's attitude toward him, according to the official. The White House did not immediately respond to a request from Reuters for comment. The Kremlin says it did not interfere in the election, and Trump has denied any collusion. Last week, Trump assailed Sessions in a tweet as "very weak" and said he was "very disappointed" with his attorney general in a Wall Street Journal interview. When asked at a news conference last week about Sessions' future, Trump replied: "Time will tell. Time will tell." Republican lawmakers rallied to the defense of Sessions, a former U.S. senator from Alabama, and Trump has not mentioned him in tweets in recent days. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Writing by Eric Beech; Editing by Peter Cooney)
You can add presidential transcripts to the list of things that have experienced a Trump bump.

While transcriptions of conversations, interviews and speeches with the U.S. president have always been of interest, the Trump Administration has turned them into a hot commodity.

The latest example: The leaked transcripts of two phone calls Trump had with the leaders of Australia and Mexico shortly after he was inaugurated.

One reason why theyre so popular: Trump is unpredictable. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, communications professor at the University of Pennsylvania, said many readers may be drawn to the transcripts just because Trump has such a quirky way of talking.

People are interested in his transcripts for the same reasons theyre interested in watching his speeches, she told TIME. The unexpected content makes him inherently interesting. With President Trump you can never be sure what is going to happen next.

Some of those unpredictable comments are also controversialanother reason Trump transcripts do so well. In recent weeks, Trump has told the New York Times he wouldnt have hired his attorney general if hed known he would recuse himself from overseeing an investigation, told an anecdote about a friend who partied on yachts to a group of Boy Scouts and told a group of police not to be too nice to suspects in custody.

Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for the New York Times, recently wrote an op-ed on what its like to interview President Trump. Of all the presidents hes interviewedBill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and now TrumpBaker says no one has rivaled the current president in his capacity to provoke. He added, A product of the New York tabloid world, Mr. Trump has an unerring instinct for saying things that will produce gasps.

Trump also regularly criticizes news coverage of his Administration, only adding interest to the source material. In February, he called news coverage of a heated phone call he had with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull fake news and said the media lied about the conversation.

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Thank you to Prime Minister of Australia for telling the truth about our very civil conversation that FAKE NEWS media lied about. Very nice!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 3, 2017

But that only drove interest in the leaked transcript, which confirmed that Trump himself called it the most unpleasant call all day and said their disagreement over a refugee deal was ridiculous.

Even without Trumps attacks, trust in the media is at a historic low, making transcripts even more valuable. According to a Gallup poll, in 1976, 76 percent of Americans had a great deal or fair amount of trust in the media. By September 2016the last time Gallup conducted the pollit stood at 32 percent.

The other phenomenon with President Trump is that theres interest in finding out whether the private and the public individual are saying the same thing, added Jamieson. There have been a number of instances where he has been caught saying things that are not true. The stake in understanding what he said in private is higher as a result.

Still, Jamieson cautioned relying on transcripts that are not publicly confirmed.

You dont know who made the transcripts, she said. Theres a somewhat naive assumption that anything is leaked and is represented as being a transcript must be a transcript. In the political climate were in, I wouldnt assume that.
Nissans efforts to stop workers from forming a union is an all-too-familiar story of how greedy corporations divide and conquer working people, writes Bernie Sanders

Nissan workers in Canton who want to unionize: What they are doing takes tremendous courage. Photograph: Rogelio V Solis/AP

A few months before the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Dr Martin Luther King Jr wrote in his Letter from a Birmingham Jail: We know from painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

This week, thousands of courageous workers at a Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi, are doing just that. They are voting for the right to join a union, the right to make a living wage and the right to job security and pensions. And they are doing so by connecting workers rights with civil rights, as the plants workforce is over 80% African American.

But Nissan, like other large corporations, is doing everything it can to stop these workers from forming a union. In the lead up to the vote, Nissan management has been deluging employees with anti-union literature and is threatening to close the plant if a majority of its workers vote to establish a union.

Supervisors have called workers off assembly lines for one-on-one interrogations. Anti-union videos are being run on a constant loop in employee break rooms. Groups of workers have been called into roundtable meetings to hear management disparage the United Auto Workers (UAW). Nissan has been saturating local TV and radio with anti-union propaganda.

This could go down as one of the most vicious, and illegal, anti-union crusades in decades. Workers should never have to endure this type of threatening campaign or walk through a minefield just to vote for a union.

The truth is Nissan is an all-too-familiar story of how greedy corporations divide and conquer working people. The company has brought in large numbers of contract employees and paid them less than they paid full-timers for the same work  an old trick for driving down everyones wages. The company is also telling those undecided about the union that their pro-union co-workers would cost them their jobs.

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They have threatened the local community, saying that if the plant in Canton was unionized, it would move somewhere else.

Sadly, these kinds of threats matter a great deal in towns like Canton. Mississippi is the poorest state in the country, with over 30% of children living in poverty. The average weekly wage is just $727, the lowest in the nation. Very few people in the state have a defined benefit pension plan, and one out of five suffer from food insecurity.

Large corporations like Nissan like to set up shop in states like Mississippi because they know that when safety nets are frayed, and people hit hard times, theyre more likely to accept low wages and poor working conditions. They know how to exploit human misery and insecurity, and turn them into high profits.

Our goal must be to raise wages in Mississippi and all over this country, not engage in a destructive race to the bottom

Nissan is no stranger to trade unions. It has union representation in 42 out of 45 of its plants throughout the world  from Japan to France, Australia to Britain. But the company does not want unions in the US south, because unions mean higher wages, safer working conditions, decent healthcare and a secure retirement.

Corporations like Nissan know that if they stop workers in Mississippi from forming a union, wages will continue to be abysmally low in this state. Further, if workers are unable to form unions and engage in collective bargaining, Americans throughout this country will continue to work for longer hours for lower wages. As Americans, our goal must be to raise wages in Mississippi and all over this country, not engage in a destructive race to the bottom.

Nissan is not a poor company. It is not losing money. Last year, it made a record-breaking $6.6bn in profits and it gave its CEO more than $9.5m in total compensation.

Those kinds of obscene profits are a direct result of corporations decades-long assault on workers and their unions. Forty years ago, more than a quarter of all workers belonged to a union. Today, that number has gone down to just 11%, and in the private sector it is less than 7%. And as corporations and Republican politicians succeed in decimating the right of workers to bargain collectively for better wages and benefits, the American middle class, once the envy of the world, is disappearing while income and wealth inequality is soaring. We have got to turn that around.

I proudly support Nissan workers fight to form a union. What they are doing takes tremendous courage. If they succeed in forming a union it will not only improve their wages and working conditions, but will benefit workers across the south and all across this country.

But regardless of what happens this week, Nissan workers should be very proud. They have exposed the system of racial and economic injustice that corporations like Nissan are perpetrating. We need to build on their courageous efforts, and fight for an economy that works for all of us, not just the top one percent.
Legal experts warn not to read too much into a report that special counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury as part of his probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The decision was likely made for practical reasons, such as making it easier to call witnesses to testify, and does not necessarily indicate that the former FBI chief is ready to issue indictments, experts say.

When conducting an investigation, prosecutors commonly work with a grand jury, said Melinda Haag, former U.S. Attorney in San Francisco. Because of its significant legal power and investigative reach, Haag says, impaneling of a grand journey can happen at almost any point during an investigationnot just near the end.

The use of grand juries, which serve as forums for testimony and evidence gathering before a potential trial, is not uncommon in federal cases. Its a unique environment with special rules: because there are no defendants, legal counsel is not present, and the prosecutor has significant control over the proceedings. The process can lead to indictments if criminal evidence comes to light.

In part because it echoes the events of Watergate, Muellers decision to specially impanel a grand jury has been seen as revealing. That means that Mueller opted not to use a sitting grand jury to handle the case, or continue using the grand jury in Alexandria, Va., that had been used by federal prosecutors to investigate former national security advisor Michael Flynn.

But while the special formation of the jury is a highly visible and certainly important move in the ongoing investigation, it may be less dramatic than it initially appears.

Given the nature of the things that Mueller is investigating, it would be odd for him not to use a grand jury in the District of Columbia, said David Sklansky, a co-director at Stanfords Criminal Justice Center, adding that it would be weird for Mueller to rely on a standing jury for the investigation.

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There are a number of reasons for that. Under law, grand juries are held to a certain term length and sometimes called to multiple cases, so for a complicated and potentially lengthy investigation it makes sense for a prosecutor to convene a new jury that can devote its entire term and attention to a single case.

And a sitting jury would not have been screened for participation in a high-profile and high intensity case like this one. A dedicated grand jury will be an administrative convenience, in a case that could involve numerous documents and participants, said Robert Weisberg, a criminal justice expert at Stanford Law School.

At an extreme, the formation of the jury could mean that Mueller believes he hasor could soon haveenough evidence to issue an indictment that could lead to a criminal case, says Hadar Aviram, a law professor at UC Hastings. But it could also simply mean the Mueller is hoping to utilize the powerful evidence-gathering machinery that a grand jury provides.

Aviram calls the grand jury process a powerful mechanism that has the capability of generating more evidence through its powers of subpoena, meaning the prosecutor can compel testimony and the handing over of documents. The latter is particularly potent, because, unlike with testimony, its nearly impossible for documents to be protected under the Fifth Amendment. And Weisberg points out that because those who testify are under oath and could end up as defendants in a later trial, and prosecutors can grant immunity in exchange for testimony, the grand jury tends to be a productive environment for revealing testimony and naming of further witnesses.

But Haag emphasizes that the impaneling may simply mean that Mueller plans to start subpoenaing documentsand, even if they are at a stage where they want to take testimony from one or more people, that, too doesnt mean theyre reaching the end of the investigation.

Regardless of the strategy behind the formation of the grand jury, many aspects of it will be mysteries for some time. The proceedings could be lengthy and are legally protected under strict rules of secrecythough witnesses are free to talk about their participation. If witnesses do choose to disclose their involvement, or any details of the subpoenas are leaked, it could provide clues into the shape of the investigation.

But for now, were mostly in the dark.

Everything is just a kind of tea leaf reading at this point, Wesiberg saidadding that any conclusions should be drawn with caution.
Venus might have had an ocean earlier in its life, when clouds in its atmosphere would have kept its surface cool enough to hold liquid water.

Scientists used computer simulations to test scenarios in the early solar system and see whether Venus, the scorched planet that is second from the sun, once could have been wet. According to a study in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, while it remains unclear if an ocean ever actually existed on Earths inward neighbor, the data show that it is not out of the realm of possibility.

Read: Are Alien Planets More Likely to Be Covered in Water or Land?

Some of the factors the researchers used in their computer simulations were the amount of carbon dioxide levels on Venus today, how much heat from the sun has reached Venus over the years, and how slowly the planet rotates on its axis  so slowly that Venus completes an orbit around the sun faster than it completes a rotation, making a day last longer than a year there. The team plugged in that information to a model of how the solar system formed that suggests planets were extremely hot in the beginning and then cooled off over time.

According to the study, a young Earth-like planet would have had a lot of heat and molten rock but as the rock cooled and solidified, that transformation would have released volatile compounds that would have contributed to an atmosphere. Depending on when cloud coverage would have formed in the skies above Venus and how much light from the sun its surface was reflecting, its possible that Venus could have held a thin ocean if it had merely 30 percent of the water that Earth does.

venus-globe

Photo: NASA/JPL

It would be a huge difference from what the planet looks like now  Venus is similar to Earth in its size but has an atmosphere of carbon dioxide that is much thicker than Earths and surface temperature reach several hundred degrees. It has almost no water vapor in its atmosphere today.

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The new research is not the first time scientists have suggested that Venus was once much more habitable than it is now  NASA reported last year that there could have been a stretch of 2 billion years when the planet had an ocean, albeit a shallow one, and cooler surface temperatures.

What changed between then and now? A lot more radiation from the sun reaches Venus than it does Earth, so over time the ocean would have evaporated and eventually all that water vapor would have been lost to space. Subsequently, the large amount of carbon dioxide leftover would have amped up the greenhouse effect on the planet, trapping more and more heat until Venus became completely cooked.

Read: Are There Aliens on Mars? Not Even Bacteria Can Survive on the Surface

Venus is not the only Earth-like planet in the solar system that scientists believe once was covered in ocean. Research has suggested that Mars was warm and wet earlier in its life, compared to the dry landscape we see today. Channels on the Martian surface could have been carved out by falling rain that accumulated in rivers, and all that water on Mars may have fed into an ocean in the northern half of the planet. Over time the Martian atmosphere changed and much of it was lost to space, and the water dried up.

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A zoo in the U.K. has welcomed pocket-sized triplets, but don't let their size fool you  they come with an enormous heritage.

Read: Twins 'Ping' and 'Pong' May Be Tiny, but Their Closest Relatives Are Elephants

The three baby pups, born July 21 at the Chester Zoo, are called rock hyraxes, a species more closely related to elephants than any other animal in the world, but they each weigh less than 9 ounces.

Rock hyraxes have helped conservationists learn so much about the evolution of different animals, and how animals can evolve and adapt to the environments where they live," Team Manager of small mammals, David White, said in a statement from the zoo. "They really are special little creatures."

In a video released by the zoo, the small-statured siblings can be seen exploring and napping with their mom, Daissie, and dad, Nungu.

Their species have two large, narrow-edged teeth similar to an elephant's tusks. They also have skull and foot structures that are comparable to the large mammal.

After about seven months of pregnancy, Daissie gave birth to her furry trio. They have not yet been named and their genders have not been identified.

The Africa and the Arabian Peninsula natives live together in groups as small as two or as large as 26 and have up to 20 different noises they use to communicate with each other.

Read: 2 Elephants Spring Into Action to Save Calf From Drowning in Zoo's Pool

The rubbery soles of their feet act like suction cups to help them grip onto rocks while climbing.

Hyraxes are known for spending a large majority of their time lying out and basking in the sun, so mum Daissie and dad Nungu have certainly been run off their feet keeping up with these three little ones, White said.

Watch: Elephant Does Handstand in Water to Keep Cool

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A senior Hamas delegation arrived Friday morning in Tehran for an official visit. The delegation includes, among others, senior Hamas figure Izzat al-Rishq and head of the Hamas administration Saleh al-Arouri, who was forced to leave Qatar for Lebanon, reportedly due to "external pressures" following several Arab countries' boycott of Qatar.

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The official reason for the Hamas delegation's arrival is the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who was reelected in May. However, it is reasonable to assume that the delegation's members will use the visit for additional meetings related to ties between Hamas and Iran.

Al-Arouri during his in meeting in Beirut, Lebanon, this week

Relations between Iran and Hamas have been known many ups and downs in recent years as a result of Hamas turning its back on the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is an ally of Iran's, and following former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal's rapprochement toward Saudi Arabia.

As Hamas and Iran drifted further apart, Iranian aid to Hamas decreased significantly, though it was not stopped altogether. The improvement in the relations between the two was expected due to the change of leadership in the last internal elections held by Hamas, when the pro-Iranian blocled by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Salah al-Arouri and othersgained strength. Hamas expects that Iran's financial and military assistance will improve during the current term of the organization's leadership.

Earlier this week, al-Arouri reportedly met in Beirut with former Iranian deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The Iranian official stressed that an important part of regional security and the fight against terrorism is linked to the strengthening and unity of the axis of resistance. He added that Tehran supports Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the shadow of the unity of the Muslims and the fighting against the Zionist entity. He also said that the efforts of some Arab countries to normalize relations with Israel would not succeed.
A rendez-vous between a Jordanian and an Israeli member of parliament along the Allenby Crossing point between the two countries did not take place after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened.

The meeting between Jordanian MP Yahya al-Saud and Oren Hazan of the Knesset was expected to be physical after the two men exchanged jabs on twitter following the fatal incident, which took place at the Israeli embassy in Amman on July 23 leaving two Jordanians dead.

Relations between the two countries have been tense since the incident, prompting Hazan to call for a re-education for Jordan on its relationship with Israel. His remarks were not welcomed by Saud who replied that the shoe of any Palestinian child is more honorable than this villain and his entity [country] and the shoe of any Arab and Muslim is better than him and his rogue entity, which has no origin and religion.

Yahya al-Saud proposed a meeting on the Allenby Bridge along the border of the two countries and it was quickly accepted by Hazan.

The Israeli MP failed to show-up on Wednesday morning at the rendez-vous as he was called by Netanyahus office not to go to the meeting point. Reports claimed that he was already on his way when he received the call.

Yahya al-Saud described him as a coward who has retreated although news site Alaraby also quoted him as saying I received from Hazan a letter of peace between the Israeli and Jordanian people.

Meanwhile, around 78 Jordanian MPs have backed a motion demanding the closure of the Israeli embassy and the immediate departure of the ambassador in protest to the July 23 incident. The MPs lament that Jordanian blood and Jordanians dignity are not cheap and the government was supposed to stand for the right of the blood that was shed and maintain their dignity strongly and firmly. They want the Israeli security guard returned to Jordan for trial.
- An NDC MP is in tears over demolition of his storey building

- He says he has been targeted in the demolition exercise

YEN.com.gh brings you the latest news in Ghanaian politics

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), Member of Parliament for South Dayi constituency, Nelson Dafiamekpor is wailing over the demolition of his 3-storey building.

The 3-storey building of the MP

READ ALSO: President Akufo-Addo, NPP mark UGCC 70th anniversary at Saltpond (Photos)

The legislator is alleging that, he feels has been targeted by some task force members believed to be from the State Housing Company Limited (SHC) in the demolition exercise.

According to him, a joint team from the personnel of the military and the police service without court order stormed the Adenta Frafraha area today, pulling down his 3-storey building.

Some reports suggest that, about 15 other uncompleted properties including that of the MP have been reduced to rubbles in the area.

Nelson Dafiamekpor in a media interview has threatened court action, claiming he has contacted every necessary powers to get some answers over the exercise, but his several calls and messages to the MD of the SHC have been ignored.

READ ALSO: People once called me cocaine dealer in traffic  Yvonne Okoro cries

The 3-storey building raced down

The NDC man expressed worry over the demolition, insisting that, he suspects it was a targeted exercise, since other properties around his building were not touched.

He asserted that, because the task force didnt want it to look like a targeted exercise, they broke some few fence walls of other houses around his property.

The lawmaker added that, his colleague Member of Parliament for the area, Yaw Boabeng Asamoah is equally helpless after visiting the demolition site.

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The buildings before mine were spared because he told me that he placed a call to somebody and that person instructed that building should be left out, even if it will take 10 years, I will pursue them in court, he vowed.

Another victim also told the media in an interview that, his entire life investment of Gh200,000 have been totally demolished without any proper explanations to him.

READ ALSO: NPP blowing cash on UGCC but theres no vaccines at hospitals  Kofi Adams

Some other properties destroyed in the exercise

The emotional victim amid tears mentioned that, he and his family are totally devastated, since he does not know where to begin his life.

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Source: YEN.com.gh
The exchange deal between Hezbollah and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham formerly known as al-Nusra Front began on Wednesday and it has been slowly progressing as fleet of more than 100 buses continue to transport rebel fighters, families and refugees from the Lebanese border town of Arsal to rebel-held Idlib.

The deal was reached on the heels of an offensive operation launched last month by Hezbollah to take over the border city. Arsal and its neighboring areas are home to around 100,000 Syrian refugees, who have fled fighting between rebel and government forces.

Although details about the complicated exchange deal are yet to be disclosed, security sources have claimed that around 1000 fighters were among the 7,000 people who were heading to Idlib. Major-General Abbas Ibrahim of the Lebanese army reduced the number drastically stating that what we know is 120 fighters.

Hezbollah is fighting in the Syrian war on the sidelines of pro-Assad forces. The presence of its forces is significant. However, Lebanese Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk sounded uncomfortable with the groups role in the war-torn country. He voiced his concerns that Lebanon is on the verge of great changes and it might be subject to an embargo by the West and the Arab world due to Hezbollah.

A security source in Lebanon claimed that the Lebanese army would soon launch an offensive on an ISIS-linked terror group near its border. The source added that positions of the group were shelled on Thursday. Major General Ibrahim said amid the preparations for an assault, they are willing to negotiate for the extremist group to surrender.
Oman has secured a $3.55 billion loan from Chinese financial institutions and the undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Nasser Khamis al Jashmi is relieved that the country has successfully completed the financing requirements for the expected 2017 fiscal deficit.

The Omani official revealed on Thursday that the loan was sealed on July 11 as a senior unsecured term loan with a five-year maturity period. The arrangements were made by the newly established debt management office under the finance ministry and it was designed to principally target Chinese financial institutions.

Leading Chinese banks are said to have been interested in the loan deal but their names were not revealed.

The multi-billion dollar loan has made Oman the largest borrower from the Gulf region in the Chinese market.

Muscat had intended to borrow $2 billion but the figure rose to $3.55 billion. A Finance Ministry statement noted that the increment was due to the strong interest it received from the Asian country while highlighting that Oman is pleased to have introduced a new pool of investors to the Sultanate of Oman.

The countrys external borrowing for 2017 totals has increased to $10,5 billion considering that it had issued a $5 billion multi-tranche bond and a $2 billion Sukuk at the beginning of the year. Jashmi said the latest loan deal has enabled the government to meet the refinancing needs in relation to some of the loan installments due during the year.

Oman underlined that the transaction demonstrates the continued confidence of international investors in Oman and reaffirms lenders continued belief in the sultanates long-term credit fundamentals.

Oman has been struggling to replenish coffers hit hard by lower oil prices since 2014.

According to a report by Moodys, Oman is expected to miss its budgetary objectives for 2017, thereby making it the second time in a row.
Qatars ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani pointed out that his country cruised well through the crisis with its neighbors and that the emirate has grown even stronger and more resilient.

To us and to everyone, Qatar after June 2017 is unlike what it was in the past, al-Thani is quoted as saying during a cabinet meeting in Doha.

We are proud of our history, but what happened in June 2017 made us stronger and has allowed us to work harder for the country, he added.

Qatar has been embroiled in diplomatic crisis with its neighbors namely Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, plus Egypt, which have cut off ties with Doha over its alleged support of terrorism.

The boycotting bloc busted air, ground and sea links with Qatar leading to the countrys regional isolation.

Qatar flatly rejected the accusation and turned to Iran and Turkey to skirt around the blockades.

To normalize ties, the Saudi-led bloc imposed conditions including reduction of ties with Iran, suspension of military cooperation with Ankara, and closure of al Jazeera news network.

In a public address last month on the issue, the Qatari ruler indicated that his country was ready for dialogue but its sovereignty must be respected first. He also blamed the boycotting countries for smear campaign against his country.
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.
Canada and United Kingdom on Thursday, warned their citizens travelling to Ghana of an imminent terror attack.

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist targets could include shopping malls, government buildings, and public areas such as bars, restaurants, hotels and sites frequented by Westerners. Be aware of your surroundings in public places, The Canadian High Commission in Ghana said.

The Canadian government further warned its citizens to be cautious of crime and fraudulent activities in Ghana.

In the late hours of Thursday, the United Kingdom has also added to Ghanas terrorism concerns with travel advice on its website indicating that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Ghana.

Like Canada, the UK said possible attacks are likely to occur in places visited by foreigners.

Security services in the West African nation in April 2016 warned of such terror attacks on the country but later said enough measures had been put in place to avert terrorism.

Ghana has seen no terror attack on its soil though some nationals have had confirmed ties to terror group ISIS since 2015.

The minority in parliament is demanding immediate action from government to assure the safety of the public.
A half ton-bronze Buddha statue has been stolen from a temple in Botswanas capital Gaborone.

The theft comes weeks ahead of the first visit of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama to the country to address a human rights conference.

The 1.5m (5ft) tall and 1.2m wide bronze statue, which was donated by Thailand in 1996, was stolen during a break-in at the Gaborone North Buddhist Temple, Assistant Police Commissioner Witness Bosija said in a statement, BBC reports.

Another Buddha statue at the temple was acquired from Sri Lanka four years earlier.

China, which happens to be one of Botswanas largest trading partners, has repeatedly objected to the Dalai Lamas visit.

According to China, the Himalayan region of Tibet has been part of its realm for more than seven centuries. It considers the Dalai Lama to be a dangerous separatist.

Beijing has not specified what action it may take if the Dalai Lama does visit the Diamond-rich southern African nation.

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.
Ethiopias parliament on Friday voted to lift the state of emergency imposed last October to help check anti-government protests, BBC reports.

Ethiopia declared a state of emergency on October 9 last year to curb violent unrest leading to damage of properties including those of local and international businesses.

Members of parliament in the Horn of Africa nation on Friday announced that the restrictions around its ten-month-old state of emergency have been lifted. Police would no longer be able to arbitrarily arrest people or conduct property searches without warrants.

Before the State of Emergency was imposed, over 50 people died on October 2 in a stampede at a festival in Bishoftu after police fired teargas and warning shots to disperse protesters at the event.

At least 500 people have been killed and thousands arrested in the wave of anti-government protests in the Amhara and Oromia regions over the past months

A Human Rights Watch report last year detailing the brutal crackdown against protesters in Oromia region highlighted the problem of mass arbitrary detentions.

The October state of emergency was initially introduced for six months and was extended for another four months.
Four Chinese cities enjoy Georgian wine tastings

Wine lovers in China had a taste of Georgian wine at several exhibitions this week.Sommeliers and wine enthusiasts in four Chinese cities  Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Foshan  sampled 40 premium wine varieties from Georgia.The Georgian wine events were held under the Georgian Wine Guang Dong Tour; all the above-mentioned cities are part of the South Chinese province of Guangdong.Georgian wine was much loved and praised by Chinese wine professionals, distributors, and importers.China is one of the largest importers of Georgian wine.Between January and June 2017, about 3.84 million bottles of Georgian wine were exported to China, says the Georgian National Wine Agency. This is a 104 percent increase than the same time period in 2016.With these numbers, China takes second place as the largest importer of Georgian wine.
BTK railway to be commissioned in October

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway will be commissioned in October, Kazakhstan Railways said in a message July 28.Kazakhstan Railways President Kanat Alpysbaev was informed about this at negotiations during his working visits to Azerbaijan and Georgia.During the visits, Alpysbaev had meetings with Turkeys Transport, Maritime and Communications Minister Ahmet Arslan and Georgias Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Gakharia to discuss the further development of cooperation in the field of railway transportation.The message said that with the implementation of transport infrastructure projects, the potential of corridors passing through the regions countries has increased by many times.This will make it possible to transport up to two million containers per year through Kazakhstan by 2020, said Kazakhstan Railways in its message.The BTK railway is being constructed on the basis of the Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement. The peak capacity of the railway will be 17 million tons of cargo per year. At the initial stage, this figure will be one million passengers and 6.5 million tons of cargo.
Israel and Georgia: small countries with future

By Khatia Kardava

Last week Georgias Prime Minister had a fruitful two-day official visit to Israel.On July 24-25, Kvirikashvili met with high-ranking officials and leaders of the Israeli government with an aim to further deepen and enhance cooperation between the two nations. The visit was symbolically dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. A successful bilateral cooperation between the two nations has been actively developing since June 1992.Within the framework of visit, meetings were held with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Chairman Yuli Edelstein and Knesset Opposition Leader Isaac Hersog. Kvirikashvili also visitedthe Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Palestine. Apart from official meetings, the Georgian Prime Ministermet with the Georgian Diaspora.The Georgian PMs press office reported the visit of head of Government of Georgia is expected to give a new impetus to the development of friendly relations between the countries.The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasized 2600 years of friendship between Georgia and Israel recalling his visit to Georgia in 1999.I have visited Georgia and was enormously impressed by the talent of the people, by their friendliness, by the immediate comradery with Israelis that is instantaneous. It just happens. We are kindred souls living in a very difficult part of the world so we are small countries that show a big future. And I think we can offer a bigger and better future for our peoples by working together, said Prime Minister Netanyahu.Georgias Prime Minister also stressed 26-century long friendship between the nations stating that the personal ties and relations between the Jewish and Georgian people are truly exemplary. Kvirikashvili continued that in this regard, the year 2017 is of special significance as we celebrate 25 years of establishing diplomatic relations with Israel.The partnership between the two countries and prospects of further enhancement were discussed, particularly, with a focus on economic cooperation. Both sides noted the dynamics of trade turnover data between the two countries and greater potential in this direction.In 2016, Direct Investments from Israel was increased by 13.7 million USD, which shows a slight decrease compared to previous years 18.7 million USD.In January-June, 2017, exports of Georgian products to Israel reached 8 million USD; imports amounted to 10.5 million USD.Georgia's great closeness to Israel covers both emotional and strategic levels, and these relations must be reflected in economic partnership as well, which is the main goal of this visit. We have a very fruitful cooperation in terms of education, health care, agriculture, security and innovation development. For each of these directions specific activities were planned, said Georgian Prime Minister.The first Jewish community in Georgia dates back to 6th century BC and the country has always been distinguished with the presence of strong Jewish community until 1970ies and later, after the collapse of the Soviet Union when most Jewish people migrated to Israel and USA. In the 70ies approximately 30, 000 Georgian Jews migrated. Today, officially that are less than 4 000 citizens with Jewish roots residing in Georgia.Jerusalem and Tbilisi agreed on a visa-free regime in 2013, as a result of which Georgian citizens travelling to Israel as tourists or private visitors can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa during a 6 month period. The same goes for Israeli tourists in Georgia.These measures have reflected positively on Georgias tourism industry. Last year in 2016, 100,000 tourists from Israel visited Georgia due to the visa-free regime resulting to 57% growth in comparison to 2015.Many international treaties are signed between Georgia and Israel that establishes the basis for further development of cooperation in various fields. In recent period, bilateral cooperation is actively developing with all major destinations between Israel and Georgia, especially, in the fields of economy, agriculture, culture, education and interpersonal relations.
The News in Brief

Mogherini: Lack of Consensus and Inclusiveness over Latest Constitutional Changes



EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini responded to the joint appeal of Georgian civil society organizations, voicing regret over the lack of consensus and inclusiveness regarding the latest developments in the Constitutional reform process in Georgia.



A group of 32 Georgian civil society organizations (CSOs), released an appeal to the international community on June 27, criticizing the ruling partys decision to postpone the introduction of proportional electoral system to 2024 and urging the international community to deliver very strong messages to the Government and the ruling party, that the attempts towards consolidation of power are incompatible with western standards of democracy.



We have been closely following the different stages of this process, taking good note of the Venice Commissions Opinion on the draft text of the new Constitution, reads the letter, undersigned by the High Representative on July 26 and published by the Transparency International  Georgia a day later.



The European Union welcomed the declared readiness of the parliamentary majority to integrate the Venice Commissions recommendations. Nevertheless, the latest draft text adopted by the majority contains important modifications related to the proportional system for parliamentary elections, a central pillar of the whole reform, the High Representative noted.



We are aware that the latest changes were introduced despite objections formulated by all parliamentary opposition parties and the overwhelming majority of civil society organizations, Mogherini also said, adding that we regret the lack of consensus and inclusiveness at this decisive phase of the reform process.



From the very start, we have been encouraging a consensual and inclusive process in our contacts with the different political forces in Georgia, be it in government or opposition. Please rest assured that additional efforts are made to ensure that the reform is based on a broad and lasting consensus, she concluded.



On June 23, the Parliament of Georgia adopted unanimously with 115 votes the constitutional amendments with its second reading. The third and the final hearing will be held in autumn 2017.

(Civil.ge)







Saakashvili threatens new revolution in Ukraine



Georgias former president, who was recently stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship, vowed on Saturday to return to Kyiv and oust President Poroshenko, his one-time ally.



Mikheil Saakashvili was speaking to Georgian TV station Rustavi 2 from the United States.



He told the TV station that the decision three days prior to take away his citizenship was confirmation that he is the main threat to the current corrupt regime in Kyiv, which he will return and help overthrow.



The former President of Georgia and Governor of Odessa recently formed his own political party in Ukraine.



Ukraines formal reason for canceling the citizenship of the Georgian-born politician was that he allegedly had violated certain procedures when he applied. The decision was made shortly after Poroshenkos first official trip to Georgia.



Saakashvili was in the U.S. at the time. From a legal standpoint, he is now a stateless person. But he will not apply to another country for citizenship because he considers himself a citizen of Ukraine and will use every legal avenue to restore his citizenship status there.



I dont recognize illegal decrees [Now] the first and foremost task is changing authorities in Ukraine and Ill play a crucial role in this, Saakashvili said, adding that in the fall his political allies will launch a series of rallies throughout the country.



The step taken by Poroshenko was an act of a frightened, scared human being. He violated the constitution of Ukraine as well as its international commitments, Saakashvili said in the interview. Poroshenko cut his throat with his own hand, as he banished his main opponent from the country.



Im quite optimistic, Georgias former president added.

(DF watch)




@PatriciaMazzei

A young Democrat filed to run against Miami Rep. Carlos Curbelo this week, saying he was persuaded to go "from canvasser to candidate" after the Republican incumbent voted to replace the Affordable Care Act.

Ricky Junquera, 31, worked as a field organizer in past campaigns for former Rep. Joe Garcia, Curbelo's 2016 opponent. He planned to help Garcia again if he ran. But Garcia appears uninterested -- so Junquera himself jumped in.

"I know the district just as good, if not better, than most people," he said. "I've knocked on those doors."

Junquera, the deputy press secretary for the Sierra Club in the Upper Midwest, recently moved back to Miami to help care for his mother, who has multiple sclerosis.

"When Carlos voted to repeal the ACA, the ramifications don't affect him and his family, but they affect mine, and they affect mine pretty harshly," he said.

Junquera becomes the third Democrat to declare a candidacy against Curbelo. The only one with serious experience as a candidate is Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who ran for state Senate last year and has also attacked Curbelo on health care. Steven Machat is also running.

Curbelo's district, which leans Democratic though he won it by 12 percentage points last year, has one of the highest rates of Obamacare enrollment in the country.

Junquera, who like Curbelo is Cuban-American, accused the congressman of being a lackey of House Speaker Paul Ryan and said if he were elected, he'd better represent working people. For now, he plans to campaign after work and on weekends to see if his candidacy takes off.

"We need leaders who know what it's like to face a mountain of student debt, who have seen firsthand the toll a devastating illness can have on a proud family, and who value programs like the ACA because they provide a helping hand up and hope for a better tomorrow," he said.
@NewsbySmiley

Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli has a friend in Miamis mayor as he awaits word on whether hell be extradited to his former country on charges that he illegally spied on his enemies and allies.

Martinelli, who was living in the Miami area for two years before his June arrest near his Coral Gables estate, is accused of intercepting and recording the private conversations of political opponents and allies, judges, journalists, businessmen and union activists. He has been charged in Panama with interception of communications, and tracking, persecution and surveillance without judicial authorization, along with two additional embezzlement offenses, according to a complaint filed by the U.S. Attorneys office in Miami.

The 65-year-old is being held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami. Federal Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres denied him bond, and the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday denied an emergency petition to consider a request for bail.

That same day, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado wrote a letter of support to Torres.

To read the rest, click here.
@alextdaugherty

n 2013, Marco Rubio and three other Republican senators worked with Democrats to draft a bipartisan immigration bill.

Rubios 2013 bill, which proposed an expanded visa program for low-skilled workers, failed after the House decided not to vote on it.

On Wednesday, Rubio said he was still considering a different immigration proposal, backed by the White House, that cuts the number of green cards for low-skilled and non-English speaking immigrants. The 15-page plan was first introduced in the Senate in February, and the White House announced its support Wednesday.

Of the four Republican senators who drafted the 2013 bill, Rubio is the only one who hasnt voiced disagreement.

Im glad to see the president is open to a step-by-step approach to improving our immigration laws, and I stand ready to work with my colleagues in Congress on common sense proposals to achieve real progress for Americans on this issue, Rubio said in a statement. I continue to support reform that prioritizes welcoming people to our country based on their skills, not just on whether they have a family member already living here.

Rubios comments were in contrast to his three GOP colleagues who worked on the immigration bill.

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Trumps proposal incentivizes more illegal immigration by limiting the number of visas for low-skilled jobs in tourism and agriculture that would otherwise go unfilled.

Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona said: We need to make sure we are responsive to the needs of our economy and Im concerned that drastic cuts to the number of immigrants fails to meet that goal.

The other GOP senator who worked on the 2013 bill, John McCain of Arizona, is receiving treatment for cancer. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in February, McCain told reporters he was not interested in the bill.

Rubio, whose parents came to the United States from Cuba and worked in low-skill jobs for a period of time, declined to comment on the immigration policy beyond his statement.

His office said Rubio has always prioritized English-speaking immigrants, citing his work on the 2013 bill that would require green card holders to achieve English proficiency.

On the day we announced the principles that would shape the immigration bill, we made it clear that English proficiency would now be required for permanent residency for the first time in American history, Rubio said in 2013.

Rubio did not play a role in drafting the new proposal, his office said.

The White House said the plan, dubbed the Raise Act, will prioritize immigrants who speak English, have special skills and can support themselves financially. The Raise Act will prioritize high-wage immigrants because the White House argues that low-skilled legal immigrants currently drive down wages for all Americans.

Two of Rubios South Florida colleagues, Republican Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Carlos Curbelo, said they do not support the new legal immigration proposal.

Im against the RAISE Act because it dramatically cuts the number of folks who can enter our great nation by legal means, Ros-Lehtinen said in a statement. There are many individuals living in other lands who dream of becoming patriotic, law-abiding Americans but will be prevented from realizing that dream because they do not yet speak English or they lack special skills.

Read more here.


@PatriciaMazzei

Here's something that wasn't on President Donald Trump's public schedule Thursday: a private Oval Office gathering with Cuban-American Bay of Pigs veterans.

The six men got their picture taken with Sen. Marco Rubio and Trump, seated behind the Resolute Desk, according to a photo tweeted by Rubio's office.

Last time Trump was in Miami, tightening U.S. policy toward Cuba, he met for a few minutes backstage at the Manuel Artime Theater in East Little Havana with Brigade 2506 veterans. The brigade issued its first-ever presidential endorsement last year, for Trump, a fact he has since repeatedly mentioned as important to his campaign.

Photo courtesy Rubio's office
@ngameztorres

President Donald Trump told Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in a phone conversation that he won 84 percent of the Cuban-American vote in the November elections.

In the latest election, I won with a large percentage of Hispanic voters. I do not know if you heard, but with Cuba, I had 84 percent, with the Cuban-American vote, Trump said during the Jan. 27 call, according to a transcript published Thursday by The Washington Post.

But the best estimates of Trump's share of the Cuban-American vote in November are far, far lower  50 to 58 percent  and experts say they have no idea where Trump could have gotten his number.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

No one knows exactly how Cuban Americans vote because the process is secret, but many voters are regularly surveyed at exit polls to determine their preferences.

Another way to estimate preferences is to look at the residents of voting precincts and try to align them with vote results. Such estimates, however, depend in part on how the residents define themselves  just as Hispanic or specifically Cuban American, for example.

But none of the estimates of Cuban-American votes for Trump reached 84 percent.

Lets take a look at exit polls first. An exit poll by the non-partisan Edison Research, which does polling for CNN and Fox, gave Trump 54 percent of the Cuban-American vote in Florida. About 67 percent of the 1.2 million voters of Cuban origin live in Florida, according to the Pew Research Center.

Latino Decision, a Democratic polling firm, gave Trump 52 percent of the Cuban-American vote in Florida, based on a November election eve poll. The firm estimated that Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton won about half the Cuban-American vote nationwide, indicating that Cuban-American voters outside Florida tend to be less conservative.

Immediately after the election, Republicans and Democrats clashed over the numbers.

Mauricio Claver-Carone, former executive director of the U.S.-Cuba Democracy PAC who was appointed by Trump to the Treasury Department, estimated that Trump won 58 percent of the Cuban-American vote based on his review of results from about 30 Miami-Dade precincts with large Cuban-American populations.

Democratic strategist Giancarlo Sopo and Florida International University professor Guillermo Grenier estimated that Trump won 50 percent of the Cuban-American vote after reviewing results from Hialeah, Westchester and West Miami.

Democratic pollsters and analysts said exit polls also showed Trump did not do as well as Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate in 2012, who won an estimated 65 percent of the Cuban-American vote in Florida.

Sopo and Grenier concluded that the Cuban-American vote in Florida was important but not decisive for Trump's victory.

Even under Mauricio's (Claver-Carone) analysis there wasn't a single Cuban precinct where Trump got 84 percent of the vote, said Sopo.

Read more here.
Chris Pappan's pencil work, based on historical photographs of Native people, bear the markings of a skilled draftsman. In "Guardian Spirits," three figures are wrapped in blankets, shrouding the lower half of their faces. While Pappan precisely rendered the folds and wrinkles, the proportions are deliberately way off. In his composition, the figures are rail thin and inordinately tall.

That's one of the many ways they don't resemble traditional ledger art, the form that American tribes invented in the 1800s after paper was introduced as a medium to record stories and histories.

Pappan, who grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, and claims heritage from Osage, Kaw, Cheyenne River Sioux, and mixed European, originally didn't want to use Native American imagery at all in his work.

He was schooled in the history of ledger art as part of his studies at the prestigious Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe. Afterward, he moved to Illinois to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

He was keenly interested in the styles of art in Juxtapoz Magazine, which promotes underground art that crosses between street art, illustration and galleries. Some of the illustrative tricks, such as warped visual perspectives, were metaphorically useful when he began making ledger art.

"It took on this meaning of people having distorted views of Native people, or being taught distorted views of Native people. It also refers to Native peoples' willingness to play into that distortion  to perpetuate the myths about us," he said in a phone interview.

Pappan, now 46 years old, was working at a gallery in Chicago when he came across an unused accounting ledger. At the time, he'd been searching for his voice, whether it used Native imagery or avoided it entirely. He'd begun painting self-described "lowbrow" art, in which he would depict Native women as anthropomorphic spirits, with a buffalo or deer head.

That blank accounting book triggered an "epiphany moment," he said. He thought he could adapt that style of drawing onto the ledgers and call it "21st Century Ledger Art." He hand-letters each piece with that label.

***

Pappan said there are some challenges with the physical constraints of the form: his compositions must be designed to fit on a set size of paper. Sometimes he uses the existing writing on the ledger to generate meaning, and other times he doesn't. Some are very explicit in their politics. "Indian Giver" has a reversed image  another of his favorite ways of manipulating his source photographs  of a man in a headdress and glasses. He drew it on a ledger sheet noting names and their accompanying debts.

He sources the photographs from a variety of sources: websites, old books, museums, antique shops and more. They're mostly from the 1800s up to the 1950s, and his reasons for choosing a specific image vary.

"I'll choose a photograph to work from because the person doesn't look so stereo-typically Native. He'll be wearing a turban or a beaver-pelt hat  something that's not always associated with the Plains style that is so prevalent in everyone's minds," he said.

He prefers working from portraits  another facet that differentiates his work from traditional ledger art, which depicted "military exploits and important acts of personal heroism," according to the Plains Indian Ledger Art Project, run by Ross Frank, an associate professor of ethnic studies at the University of California, San Diego.

There was a shift after the U.S. government forced the tribes to move onto reservations, when the artists "added scenes of ceremony and daily life from before the reservation to the repertoire of their artwork, reflecting the social and cultural changes brought by life on the reservation within the larger context of forced assimilation," according to a short introduction to the history of ledger art.

Pappan favors drawing photorealistic portraits, an aesthetic decision he described as a personal preference. He's interested in the ways he can "convey a narrative" without a sequence of action. "If I take an image and distort it and then put it in a different context, or I have different things going on around that person, it creates a different narrative. Again, that plays into how I am trying to change, or advance, the genre of ledger art," he said.

In "Atom Hearth Mother (Earth)," Pappan contrasts a mirrored, double-image portrait of a woman with a map of Arizona, cut into a patterned design and stamped with a drawing of a piece of construction equipment. The bottom is lined with a Pop-art like repeated image of a coyote in black, yellow, white and blue.

In the view of MAM curator Brandon Reintjes, "it's almost like he was playing on stereotypes to push past stereotypes." Some viewers at the MAM seem to take the drawings at face value if they don't pause for a closer examination. "They work on people very slowly," he said.

To Reintjes, one of the impressive aspects of Pappan's style is that he takes two older forms of expression: ledger art, which dates to the 1800s, and sketching with graphite, and combines them into "something that's a fully fledged contemporary expression." It's seemingly simple  but he "creates layers of complexity with it."

Reintjes said he's curious to see where Pappan's work heads within five to 10 years, adding that he's "poised to add to the conversation about contemporary Indian art."

"Guardian Spirits" hints at a future direction Pappan would like to pursue: larger-scale drawings, no longer inhibited by the size of a single piece of paper. For "Spirits," he arranged four sheets (two pages per sheet) in a vertical column, giving him space for those looming figures. He chose the photograph for the rich visual potential of the blankets' folds  it reminds him of a classical painting study and "how what's underneath is very subtly revealed through this texture," he said.

Another piece in the MAM exhibition, "Mind the Gap," points to a future direction and the history of ledger art at the same time. He left the drawing inside the original ledger book, which is dated at 1906. In the museum, it's arranged on a pedestal.

This way, he said it feels less like a drawing than a "historical object, or a relic." Ledger artists would keep their drawings in the books and carry them with them, so it gives viewers an idea of how they originally were kept.

He also wants to revisit the paintings, which push further into his lowbrow roots.

"I haven't done as much painting lately but I hope to get back to that real soon," he said. "Everything that I do was influenced by that lowbrow genre."
To playwright Deborah Zoe Laufer, the underlying subject of her work remains the same regardless of the political moment: what it means to be human.

Laufer, who's based in New York City, is in Missoula this week to attend the Colony, a six-day playwrights' gathering hosted by the Montana Repertory Theatre. During the Colony, the writers participated in a public forum on the topic, "What do we write now? What are the priorities?"

For her part, Laufer said, "All of my writing, really, asks a very broad question of, what does it mean to be human right now? What does it mean to be a human living in 2017? It doesn't change depending on the political climate. It's still the same question, it's just got very different answers."

A corresponding through-line in Laufer's work is her interest in science and technology. "They so directly influence who we are as people," she said.

In her play "Leveling Up," she used the premise of top young gamer recruited by the U.S. military to fly drones to examine the pains of growing up in the modern world that was funny and sad. "Informed Consent" visits the confluence of genetic research and race. "End Days" is set in post-9/11 era, involving religious fanaticism, an alleged impending apocalypse and a teenage goth.

"Every one of my plays is influenced by what's happening on the front page or the 20th page," she said.

On Friday, she'll present a staged reading of a new work, "Be Here Now," that was commissioned by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. It will premiere in February or March, and later she plans to direct a production herself for Theatre Lab, a resident company at Florida State University.

The play, which takes its name from the mindfulness slogan in a nod to our age of distraction, takes place in a small fulfillment center in upstate New York. Bari, a middle-aged woman, helps ship fake Himalayan objects that in reality are produced in China, like they're "pretending to be spiritual and special, but they're really mass-produced garbage," Laufer said. Product aside, the fulfillment center workers share the same worries with white-collar employees in the modern U.S. economy: Will they eventually be replaced by robots or another form of automation? If they lose their jobs, will they lose meaning and their way?

She's talked into going on a date with Mike, an artist who's chosen raw material is as raw as it gets: garbage. Mike also has Geschwind syndrome, in which the temporal lobe of the brain is affected by tumors and epilepsy. Some people with the syndrome have described their seizures as "ecstatic religious experiences," Laufer said. She found the concept fascinating, including interviews with some people who "had the tumor removed, and they missed their seizures. It was one of the most profound experiences of their lives," she said. That notion provided an undercurrent for one of the play's central questions: Do they want to live on after losing something so central to their experience? she said.

Mike's vocation  which is an entire genre of art, it's worth noting  contrasts with the missing pieces in Bari's life: making the most of what you have; that things other people might consider garbage are beautiful to someone else; the importance of "seeing promise and beauty in what seems like a bad situation," she said.

Laufer hopes that Bari will ultimately be played a woman in her 50s or 60s. She said women in that age bracket are under-represented on stage. While they comprise an increasing portion of the population, there's a lack of strong roles, which she hopes to remedy.

At Missoula's staged reading, Bari will be played by local Rep veteran Salina Chatlain. Viewers may recognize her from the one-woman play "Broomstick" in 2014. Mike will be played by Jeff Medley, who's won many "best actor" polls and recently turned in an excellent performance in the contemporary play "Constellations," a production by indie troupe BetweenTheLines at the Roxy Theater.

***

Laufer is one of the Colony's greatest success stories, according to Greg Johnson, the director of the Rep.

Before she attended the second Colony in 1996, Laufer was focused on an acting career in Los Angeles. A friend had moved to Missoula and told her about the writers' colony, which was founded by Johnson, Michael Murphy and Marsha Norman, a faculty member at Juilliard School.

Laufer had only written one play, and she submitted it "on a lark." She didn't even know Norman, an award-winning playwright, was involved.

"The second day, she told me I was a playwright," Laufer said. "It was big news to me. She invited me to Juilliard on the fourth day."

Since then, her work has been produced around the country, accumulating great reviews and numerous awards. Locally, the Rep has produced "Leveling Up" and "End Days."

This week marks the fifth time Laufer has attended the Colony since that first round. Two of those were as a student, and the last three as a teacher. Her current visit was paid for by the Dramatist Guild Funds Traveling Masters program.

"I've always loved the people who are involved," she said. "There's a real hunger for self-expression about the world and a real desire for community  a writing community."

Six days immersed with like-minded artists is a welcome change from the solitary workdays playwrights often put in.

"It's lonely being a playwright. If you're not in rehearsal, it's very lonely," she said. "Being with a group of people who are passionate about theater and in very different stages of their writing careers, it's life-saving, really.

"Every playwright I know is hungry for the opportunity to spend time with other writers. I think it's important for everybody. It takes courage to sit down by yourself in a room and write. Being with other people who are fighting the good fight as well, it gives you courage."
For the second time in two weeks, western Montana wildland firefighters returned to work on Thursday knowing one of their own died in action.

The Hotshot firefighter killed in a tree-felling accident on the Lolo Peak fire Wednesday was 29-year-old Brent M. Witham of Mentone, California, according to the Missoula County Sheriffs Office.

Witham was given CPR on the scene of the accident and airlifted to a Missoula hospital, but could not be revived. He was a member of the Vista Grande Hotshot crew based in Idyllwild, California, serving with 374 fellow firefighters in the mountains 10 miles southwest of Lolo.

The 6,542-acre, lightning-caused fire continued to burn actively on Thursday after growing about 200 acres overnight. Most of the fire line defense has been arrayed along Lantern Ridge, overlooking the Highway 12 corridor west of Lolo.

Mark Struble, the Lolo Peak fires public information officer, said Wednesdays death is something crews know can happen. The U.S. Forest Service even holds drills to prepare for something like this.

We call it an incident within an incident, Struble said. You have to refocus after a situation like this. I think were taking it easy on people, letting them know if they need more time to handle the stress and debrief, its all part of the process when things like this happen.

But everyone knows this is dangerous work, and even with the right protections and protocols, accidents can happen.

Struble said Withams family in California was making memorial arrangements, and he didnt know if a service would also take place in Montana. The Vista Grande Hotshot crew has already returned to their base at the San Bernardino National Forest.

The option was out there to stand down for other crews, but I dont know if any did, Struble said. You want your folks to be able to grieve their way, but the fire keeps burning.

Hotshot firefighters are among the most highly trained and experienced ground crews in the wildfire force. Working in teams of 20, they exceed the physical fitness and technical skills of most Type I fire crews.

Hotshots are typically qualified to use multiple firefighting tools from hand equipment to chainsaws, pumps, engines and communications gear. They often serve as initial attack forces, hiking into remote fire locations or using helicopters for access.

Witham's death was the second firefighter fatality in two weeks in western Montana. On July 19, 19-year-old Trenton Johnson of Missoula died when he was struck by a tree while preparing to confront a half-acre fire northeast of Seeley Lake.

Falling trees killed 4 percent of the 440 firefighters who died on the job between 1990 and 2014, according to statistics compiled by the National Interagency Fire Center.

"As a department, our hearts go out to the Witham family, members of the U.S. Forest Service family, and all wildland firefighters across the nation,'' said sheriff's office spokeswoman Brenda Bassett.

Gov. Steve Bullock memorialized Witham on Thursday, asking the public to keep firefighters in their hearts.
Open casting calls for background extras for a new TV series, "Yellowstone" will be held in Missoula and Hamilton this weekend.

"Yellowstone," starring Kevin Costner, follows "the Dutton family, led by John Dutton, who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the United States, under constant attack by those it borders  land developers, an Indian reservation and America's first national park," according to a news release.

"It is an intense study of a violent world far from media scrutiny  where land grabs make developers billions, and politicians are bought and sold by the world's largest oil and lumber companies."

The writer and director for the 10-episode series, Taylor Sheridan, has an Oscar nomination for his "Hell or High Water" screenplay. He wrote and directed the Casey Affleck film, "Ain't Them Bodies Saints" and has a new thriller, "Wind River" starring Jeremy Renner out now.

According to the news release, extras selected here will be used on a shoot in Darby and Livingston. Hollywood trade publications have said much of the series will be shot in Utah.

Casting call requirements

Seeking male and female extras and background actors of all ethnicities, ages 14 and up.

Saturday, Aug. 5

9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Downtown Missoula, 200 S. Pattee St. Watch for signs directing you to the casting rooms.

Sunday, Aug. 6

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Bitterroot River Inn, 139 Bitterroot Drive, Hamilton

Pay: $101.50 per day for non-descriptive extra; $150 for a featured extra (these will be selected after the casting)

Shooting dates: Aug. 14-25. The extras are not required to work all dates, but can work multiple dates.

Shooting locations: Darby and Livingston

No headshots, acting resumes or experience are required, but bring photos and resume if you have one. Photos will be taken and some paperwork is required. Attendees should know their measurements.
A 29-year-old Missoula man has been arrested after prosecutors say he raped a woman he found passed out in downtown Missoula.

At the end of July, prosecutors filed a felony charge of sexual intercourse without consent  Montanas statute for rape  against Shane Pelletier, who was arrested Wednesday.

According to a court affidavit filed with the charge, a woman reported to Missoula Police in early July that she had been drinking with friends downtown one night, then could not remember anything until she woke up in an apartment to find Pelletier  whom she didnt know  raping her.

The woman said after waking up during the assault, she passed out again, and woke up again hours later to find Pelletier still sexually assaulting her.

She told a detective she told Pelletier to stop, and tried to leave but found her clothing was wet and covered in vomit. Pelletier allegedly told her he found her passed out in a parking garage and brought her home.

The woman later identified Pelletier in a photo lineup.

Pelletier made his initial appearance in Missoula County Justice Court on Thursday, where Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway set his bail at $100,000. Holloway allowed Pelletier to be screened for pretrial supervision but said if released he will be on GPS monitoring.
A semitrailer truck crashed into a homeowner's yard in a residential neighborhood in Missoula on Friday afternoon but miraculously it appears that nobody was seriously hurt.

The wreck occurred just after 2 p.m. and was at the corner of South Fifth Street East and Gerald Avenue.

Police and firefighters were on the scene and traffic was blocked on the one-way Fifth Street.

Jen Elison was nearby when the accident happened.

I was working in my office a few houses down and just heard this amazing crash, she said. Apparently the driver blacked out, and the truck went right between two trees somehow and over the sidewalk and through this beautiful iron fence.

Elison said the crash was extremely loud. The driver appeared to have escaped without serious injuries.

This is usually a busy sidewalk but thankfully there were no pedestrians or skateboarders right there, Elison said.

Missoula Police Department spokesperson Travis Welsh said the adult male driver was transported by ambulance to a hospital, but his condition or extent of injuries was unknown. The investigation is underway.
Missoula County Public Schools intends to move forward with plans to demolish the Willard-Alternative High School building, despite protests from neighbors over the historic value of the building.

The maintenance the school needs would have cost up to $3 million, Superintendent Mark Thane told neighbors during a community meeting Thursday at Willard. He pointed out the school's old plumbing and electrical wiring as two areas in need of upgrades.

Demolition of the building is scheduled for next summer, with construction beginning on the new building this fall.

About 30 people attended the meeting, with two or three voicing their support of the plans to demolish the old building. About 10 or so spoke out against the plan however, frustrated by the late notice to the neighbors.

Brian Upton, a local attorney and Willard neighbor, said he wanted to continue to fight the district's plan.

"I am not resigned," Upton said.

Helen Jenkins, who had attended all the community meetings regarding the Willard remodel, said she wasn't sure there was much use fighting at this point. She was deterred by a court decision in Helena where a judge ruled a school district had complete control over how to handle its properties. Energy might be better spent fighting to preserve the district's administration building, 215 S. Sixth St. W., and Whittier school, 1001 Worden Ave. Whittier was built at about the same time as Willard and followed a similar floor plan.

"If I see a larger group of people willing to fight, it might be worth applying some of that pressure, but I'm pretty confident the school district has made up its mind," Jenkins said.

Former school board trustee Irene Hiller said she had lived in the area for almost 50 years and thought the comments about the design of the building and the historic value were just community "nitpicking".

Over 1,000 kids have gotten a better education through Willard at this point, Hiller said. That had nothing to do with the building, she said. That was because of the teachers and programs the school offered.

"This may be a historic area," Hiller said. "But there was a lot of history here that had nothing to do with the bricks or mortar of this building."

Thane said the school board had heard the neighbors concerns over the design of the outside of the building. The Willard sign will be preserved and bricks from the old building will be salvaged and used in the new school, he said. The school district also intends on documenting the building by taking photos as well as recording narrative video archives, Thane said.

The school district had made other changes to the plan for the school after a meeting in June when neighbors expressed dissatisfaction with plans to reduce the green space behind the school. The parking lot for the school will now be smaller, with additional spaces being painted on Crosby Street. A sport court was also moved closer to the school and off the center of the green space. The school also will build a swing set and a climbing structure to replace the one that is on the space now.

Concerns were raised about the parking lot requiring students to make a right turn off of Sixth Street, Thane said. Regardless, anyone travelling down Sixth Street will have to make a right turn to get to parking on West Crosby Street. While comments were made about either installing a stop sign or reducing the speed limit for the street, Thane explained Sixth Street is controlled by the Montana Department of Transportation, due to its connection to U.S. Highway 12.

Thane faced a similar issue as principal of Target Range and said when the school tried to change the rules of the road around the school, the school had to attend hearings in Helena regarding the request. What he heard there was that using devices like stop signs can cause more harm than good on a main thoroughfare like Sixth Street.

Still it was something that warranted more consideration, Thane said.

"I hope you do have a sense we took your comment seriously," Thane said.

There were no complaints about the inside of the building, with most saying the design for the school seemed well thought out and beneficial to the students. CTA Architect Tony Houtz said the building would be "an inviting and energetic area" with a more open design, flexible work spaces and lab classrooms, something lacking in the old building.

The new two-story building would be large enough for 250 students, about 100 more students than the school has enrolled. It would have a multipurpose space and a teaching kitchen  both of which could be used for neighborhood events. A sliding wall would separate a set of large stairs from the multipurpose room, meaning the stairs could be used by students as a learning space and could be transitioned into bleachers.

There would be a total of 14 classrooms, two lab spaces and rooms tucked under the stairs where students could practice their instruments.

The entrance to the school's new parking lot would be off Ash Street and the building's entrance would be facing the parking lot. West Crosby Street would run along the back of the school.

The school district did not have the money to renovate the old building, Thane said. The ballot language did not say anything about demolition of Willard, he said. But the students of Willard deserve a new school, like the ballot language promised them.

Upton said it would come at a high cost to the neighborhood.
An arrest warrant has been issued for 45-year-old Brian Young of Missoula after police believe he attempted to kidnap a woman outside a casino Thursday morning.

According to Missoula Police Department public information officer Travis Welsh, police were called to a casino in the 2200 block of Brooks Street around 5 a.m. after it was reported that Young was armed with a knife and a can of pepper spray.

Officers were told Young attempted to abduct a woman who was outside the casino smoking. When two other customers came outside, Young allegedly sprayed them with the pepper spray and fled in a 1994 Toyota 4Runner. The woman went inside the casino until officers arrived.

Young is described as around 5-feet-11-inches tall and weighs 190 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. His 4Runner is maroon with the license plate 472951A. Police say Young should be considered armed and dangerous, and anyone who sees him should call 911.
Even as a new general atop the White House staff works to enforce order among President Donald Trump's warring factions, another general across the building is weathering attacks from the right-wing media after his disputes over policy became public.

John Kelly, a retired four-star Marine, was sworn in as chief of staff this week with a mandate to instill order in Trump's pack of restive aides.

H.R. McMaster, the three-star Army lieutenant general serving as Trump's national security adviser, has meanwhile seen his standing questioned amid arguments with other advisers and the President himself.

Some right-wing media outlets this week began a sustained attack on McMaster after he removed a top intelligence adviser, seen as a continuation of his effort to purge acolytes of his predecessor, Gen. Michael Flynn, from the National Security Council.

Some conservatives also raised objections to his decision earlier this year to extend a security clearance for Susan Rice, President Barack Obama's final national security adviser who has been accused by some conservatives of mishandling classified information involving Trump campaign associates.

A senior administration official said Thursday that McMaster has written letters to all past national security advisers -- including Rice -- extending their security clearances. The official characterized the letters as a pro-forma move that allows the former advisers to participate in administration discussions about national security matters that originated under their tenure.

But the impression that McMaster was going easy on Rice pervaded certain conservative websites, including Breitbart, which blared the headline: "H.R. McMaster Promised Susan Rice She Could Keep Security Clearance in Secret Letter." Another conservative outlet, The Daily Caller, declared that "Everything the President Wants to Do, McMaster Opposes."

It was the latest signal that some of Trump's aides and outside advisers have begun eyeing McMaster with skepticism, accusing him of orchestrating a takeover of the National Security Council meant to advance establishment foreign policy thinking.

Trump himself has expressed frustration with McMaster after being presented options on key security issues that appear only marginally different than what Obama pursued while he was in office.

McMaster's insistence, alongside that of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Joseph Dunford, that the US re-certify Iran's compliance with the Obama-era nuclear deal was met with sharp pushback from the President, who felt such a move would undermine his campaign promise to scrap the agreement.

"I have great respect for my people. If it was up to me, I would have had them noncompliant 180 days ago," Trump told The Wall Street Journal.

McMaster has also openly argued with senior strategist Steve Bannon, a former executive of Breitbart, over policy in Afghanistan, a debate which has seized the NSC for months. McMaster has sought to convince Trump on a plan that would modestly increase troops levels, but Trump has remained resistant.

Impact of Kelly arrival

According to two senior White House officials, McMaster has been irritated by the impression that he's lost standing with the President. His allies hope Kelly's arrival in the West Wing, and his insistence on adhering to a rigid chain of command, will reinforce McMaster's authority among the national security ranks.

This week, Kelly signaled his willingness to allow McMaster and others in the White House leeway in their roles, including in hiring and firing decisions, after McMaster dismissed Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior director of intelligence on the National Security Council.

Cohen-Watnick, who arrived at the White House under fired national security adviser Michael Flynn, had clashed with some other members of the council. McMaster had sought to dismiss him for months, but was prevented after interventions by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, and Bannon, the senior strategist.

A senior administration official said McMaster ran the decision to remove Cohen-Watnick by Kelly before announcing it internally this week, and Kelly did not object.

A White House official said McMaster is "confident that Ezra will make many further significant contributions to national security in another position in the administration."

It was the latest step to remove officials who came to the White House under Flynn. Another Flynn appointee, Retired Col. Derek Harvey, was removed from his post last week. Harvey, a long-time intelligence officer, was appointed by Flynn and continued to serve as the council's senior director for the Middle East under McMaster.

Kelly, in his first week, has worked to institute a tighter order that discourages the kind of backstabbing that pervaded the first six months of Trump's presidency. He has mandated that all of Trump's aides, including members of his family, report through him, a bid to manage the stream of information to the President.

"I think you're already starting to see a different flow. A different discipline," said Mick Mulvaney, the director of Trump's Office of Management and Budget. "Times that I've been on phone conversations with the President the last couple of days, Gen. Kelly's been on those conversations as well."

Kelly has also sought to tamp down on the type of death-by-leak that currently is plaguing his former military colleague. He's instituted a new reign of order in the West Wing, administration officials said, with a greater sense of process and rank now governing the often-at-odds coalitions have formed over the first six months of Trump's presidency.

"I like the protocol, the idea that there's a paper trail, there's a pecking order," said Kellyanne Conway, Trump's senior counselor, on CNN Tonight. "General Kelly focuses on both the 'chief' part and the 'of staff' part."

McMaster, who favors rigorous order, has similarly welcomed a like-minded ally who is enforcing a chain of command that disallows favored aides or family members from circumventing the traditional policymaking routes, officials said.

But Kelly's task is heightened by the long slate of looming foreign policy decisions that Trump is weighing. As the President departs Friday for a 17-day vacation at his golf resort in New Jersey, the strict order that Kelly has imposed in the West Wing will be tested by a President known to solicit advice and opinions during sojourns to his vacation homes. Kelly will be on the trip as well.

"The fact that both of these individuals served in uniform and fought in war has created a bond that's going to be there during the course of the business they have to do in the White House," said Leon Panetta, a former secretary of defense and White House chief of staff who Kelly served as a top military aide. "Kelly is not going to undercut others responsible for national security issues. That's just not what he does. What he will say to the president will pretty much reflect whatever recommendations McMaster will make."

"They're both military, they're both disciplined, they both believe in strong chain of command," Panetta said. "They both believe in an orderly process for making decisions, and I think a lot of that comes from their military background. A lot of that comes from the fact that they've been in battle and know what it takes to take to the hilt. That common experience of having served in uniform and in battle creates a very strong bond between these people."
A Powell County sheriff's deputy has been placed on administrative leave after shooting at a suspect who, according to authorities, drove straight at the pursuing deputy.

Powell County Sheriff Scott Howard said the deputy was not injured but declined to provide information on the condition of the suspect.

The brown and tan Dodge Ram van driven by the suspect appeared to have several bullet holes in the front windshield and the back of the van's window was shattered. The van had Oregon plates.

The Montana Division of Criminal Investigations was in Powell County to assist with the investigation Friday, as well as Montana Highway Patrol. The agencies closed off Rock Creek Cattle Road north of Deer Lodge for several hours as they processed the scene.

The sheriff said several 911 calls came in at about 4:30 a.m. reporting a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Interstate 90. A Powell County deputy and Montana Highway Patrol troopers both searched for the car but were not able to find it.

The deputy began searching secondary roads near the interstate and spotted the suspect's van on a secondary road. The sheriff said the driver tried to ram the deputy's car several times by repeatedly backing into it.

The suspect reached the end of Rock Creek Cattle Road and turned around and "came at (the deputy) at a high rate of speed," Howard said.

The deputy "discharged his weapon at that point," Howard said.

Howard would not release the deputy's name, how many shots were fired nor the condition of a suspect.
If Matt Rosendale has anything to say about, Montanas U.S. Senate race will run through Colstrip.

The Republican state auditor and recently announced Senate candidate made the beleaguered power plant town a first stop of this campaign on Thursday.

Obviously, that is the focus of a lot of attention, but its not just because of the town of Colstrip. Its not just because of the challenges they are clearly going to be facing, Rosendale said. Its because of the issue itself, which is the development of our fossil fuels and the development of our resources.

You cant go into a state that has all this timber and all this valuable product locked in the ground and ignore it and think that the economic situation is going to improve for folks.

The fourth Republican to enter the race to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, Rosendale is promising to curb regulations that make mining, logging and oil drilling difficult.

Rosendale is of the opinion that state and federal regulations have harmed development of coal, oil and gas, including the non-development of major mining projects like Arch Coals failed Otter Creek mine in southeast Montana.

The candidate said permitting undid Otter Creek. Archs own explanation for the failure in 2015 was more complex.

Archs Coals Otter Creek leases held an estimated 1.5 billion tons of coal on state and federal lands. The company bid $86 million in 2010 to mine the states coal share. But by 2015, The global coal market was crashing. Arch suspended its state application in 2015 shortly after the company declared bankruptcy.

Arch cited a weak coal market and poor capital in explaining its decision to withdraw from permitting. The company said the path to getting the mine permitted was uncertain. The company hadnt answered questions about water quality and quantity coming from the mine. Without those answers, Montanas Department of Environmental Quality wouldnt move forward on issuing permits. Those questions went unanswered for seven months before Arch withdrew its permit application altogether.

On Colstrip, Rosendale favors the development of clean coal technology to deal with the carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants. The U.S. Department of Energy last year, at the request of Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock, estimated that it would cost $1.2 billion or more to retrofit Colstrip power plant with technology capable of capturing carbon dioxide, which would then be sold to petroleum companies interested in pumping the pollution into old wells to release stubborn oil reserves.

However, there is no functional production-scale carbon-capture technology available now and Colstrip faces deadlines for at least partial closure. Colstrip Units 1 and 2 are to close in the next six years under terms agreed to by Talen Energy and Puget Sound Energy to settle a pollution lawsuit. Two Oregon utilities with ownership shares in Colstrip Units 3 and 4, are obligated by law to begin phasing out coal power from the energy delivered to Oregon customers within the next 13 years.

More needs to be done to encourage the export of Montana's fossil fuels, Rosendale said. Getting federal government approval for coal ports would be a start, he said. In 2016, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers suspended the environmental review of the Puget Sound coal port intended to serve coal mined on the Crow Indian Reservation. The Army Corps did so at the request of the Lummi Tribe, which has treaty fishing rights to the Puget Sound area.

States should be making decisions on ports, Rosendale said, expressing a conservative preference for states rights and limited federal government.

A second coal port near Longview, Washington, has federal support and intends to ship coal from Montana and Wyoming.

Others who have already declared as candidates for the Senate seat are State Sen. Albert Olszewski, a Kalispell orthopedic surgeon; Ronald Murray, a Belgrade businessman and former state House candidate; and Troy Downing, the owner of a California-based storage company who lives in Big Sky.
Recently, as a result of President Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accords, we, along with legislative colleagues and local government officials, sent a letter to Gov. Steve Bullock urging him to join with other states, cities and businesses to uphold the accords, despite the presidents decision. Specifically, we believe that the governor should use his executive authority to establish firm, quantifiable and enforceable limits on Montanas greenhouse gas emissions, and then take steps to meet those limits.

It is true that climate change is adversely affecting Montana, and indeed, the entire planet. It is also true that acting alone, Montana can do almost nothing to arrest climate change. It is only by negotiated international agreements, such as the Paris accords, that the most destructive effects of climate change can be averted. But such agreements are difficult to maintain. Participants face the temptation to benefit from the costly efforts of others, and to avoid making such efforts themselves. Shortsightedly, the president has yielded to exactly that temptation, putting the whole agreement, and the effort to arrest climate change, in jeopardy.

Fortunately, other signatories have indicated that they will continue to honor their Paris commitments. Their willingness to do so reflects farsighted and thoughtful leadership. Similarly, American governors, mayors and business people clearly understand that our fate depends on collective action and they are prepared to exercise the leadership the president has abandoned by aligning their communities with the spirit and intent of the Paris agreement. We believe Governor Bullock should join these leaders; by moving to cap and then reduce emissions he will make it clear that Montana is prepared to play its part in this crucial collective effort.

Developing a climate change policy for Montana will be a challenge, but a challenge we must face. At some point, and the sooner the better, climate change will require a response, and we will be far better off crafting that response here in Montana rather than having it imposed upon us. That means we need to understand the various strategies available to us for capping emissions, how they can be cost-effectively deployed, and the policies that can achieve that deployment. Those policies can create opportunities for us in developing new ways of producing and using energy. But since reducing emissions will inevitably have adverse effects on certain industries, occupations, communities and income groups, we must also be prepared to address the concerns of those most severely impacted. In the end, Montanans need to share equitably both the benefits and costs of meeting the challenge of climate change.

Participating in the international effort to arrest climate change will be a challenge, but one which forward looking political leaders must accept. The pace of climate change is accelerating and the costs of inaction are mounting. Now is the time to unite with partners from across the world and to act boldly to address this global threat.
Huckleberries-for-hire to the U.S. Department of Labor for recognizing the need to help Montanas coal industry workers train for careers in other fields. As the states future prospects in coal fade, and particularly as portions of the coal-fired power plant in Colstrip move toward shutdown, hundreds of workers in Montana will need to find other stable, well-paid jobs. The $4.6 million allocated to the state this week will be used to make workforce retraining and other employment aide immediately available to some 1,700 coal workers in Colstrip and throughout eastern Montana, according to an announcement from the Governors Office.

Smoked chokecherries to western Montanas sooty skies, one result of wildfire that affects everyone who breathes, especially those of us who live in certain valleys where the air can become trapped for long periods of time. Despite being surrounded by a number of wildfires, the air quality has been deemed mostly moderate in Missoula and nearby communities. For much of this past week, however, the air quality in the Seeley Lake area was classified as hazardous due to the heavy clouds of smoke from the nearby Sunrise fire. Visibility on Monday was so bad, firefighters had to keep their helicopters grounded.

Squeaky-clean huckleberries to all those who volunteer for the annual Blackfoot River Cleanup for helping to make a noticeable difference in the cleanliness of the beloved river. Each year for the past 14 years, volunteers of all ages have spent a part of their Saturday scouring the river and its banks for trash, and lately, theyve been finding a lot less. In 2005, volunteers counted more than 3,000 bottles and cans. Last year, it was just 441. Thats still too many, of course, so dirty chokecherries to those who dare use this treasured public resource as their own personal garbage bin.

Chokecherries as well to the steep drop in commodity prices that, combined with historic drought conditions and massive wildfires, is giving Montanas farmers and ranchers an extraordinarily tough time. From 2015 to 2016, farm earnings in the state dropped by 71 percent for a nightmare year, according to an economist at the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana. The Lodgepole Complex fire in eastern Montana has scorched more than 270,000 acres  including 16 homes, hundreds of miles of fencing, farming equipment and field after field of hay, wheat and other crops. And, as agriculture is the largest industry in the state, the financial struggles of Montanas farmers and ranchers are certain to be felt throughout the states economy for years to come.

A raft of huckleberries to Emily von Jentzen, who this week became the first person to ever swim the entire length of Flathead Lake  and back! The Kalispell attorney swam for 40 hours to cover the 56-mile distance, fighting headwinds and high waves so fierce they made the crew in a support boat sick. She left Somers last Saturday morning and returned to Somers on Sunday night alongside fellow swimmer John Cole, who became the sixth person to swim the length of Flathead Lake one way. Von Jentzen was the first person to set that record too, in 2010. Last weekends swim was not just her latest feat; it was also her latest fundraiser. Von Jentzen and her nonprofit, the Enduring Waves Foundation, have raised some $50,000 to help the families of children with health problems cover their medical expenses.
Two Butte men in their 20s pleaded not guilty in Butte district court Thursday to felony burglary, a charge that has landed both men in Butte jail with bonds of $150,000 each.

Jay Ashton, 26, and Levi Gunderson, 24, were arrested July 20 for allegedly breaking into a garage July 20 while two residents were at home, court documents show.

Police responded to the home on the 2600 block of Princeton Street after receiving a call from a female resident who said she and a male resident saw a man entering their garage.

When police arrived, documents say, they entered the garage and discovered Ashton and Gunderson hiding beneath a parked vehicle. Police placed them under arrest.

Documents state that the female resident searched the vehicle and reported that a set of house keys, a set of keys to a trailer, a collection of change, a knife, and a key card were missing from the car. The documents also state that the residents witnessed one of the men exit the garage and walk down an alley and return to the garage shortly thereafter. After a search, police were unable to locate the missing items on the men or in the surrounding area.

During Thursdays arraignment, an omnibus hearing was scheduled for both men for Sept. 7. They remain in county jail with bonds of $150,000.

In other court proceedings Thursday:

 Adam Price, 21, pleaded not guilty to three counts of felony possession of dangerous drugs. Price was arrested June 14 after police and a probation officer found two bags of black-tar heroin, 6.4 grams and 2 grams, in a home where Price was present. Police also found 11 packages of Suboxone, a drug commonly used to treat narcotic addiction, inside Prices shoes. The search was in response to a report that a female living in the home, who was on probation, may have been using drugs. An omnibus hearing was scheduled for Sept. 7. Price is free on recognizance, having posted a $15,000 bond.

 Kylie McDonalds sentence was revoked after an investigation revealed she violated her parole. In March 2016, the 23-year-old woman received a three-year deferred sentence for felony partner or family member assault. Court documents state the charge, her third offense, stemmed from an incident in which she got upset and punched her mother. On Thursday, McDonald was sentenced to three years in the Montana Department of Corrections with credit for 351 days of time served. She was remanded into the custody of the Butte-Silver Bow sheriff and will be transferred to the state department of corrections for placement in a treatment facility.
Police reports

STOLEN VEHICLE

When police stopped Sam Smith, 36, of Butte at about 5:15 p.m. Thursday on the first block of East Granite Street because the officer knew Smith was driving on a suspended license, the stop turned into two felony complaints and the retrieval of a stolen vehicle from Idaho.

The officer said he smelled marijuana and saw a glass pipe in the car. The officer then found Smith had a syringe in his sock and methamphetamine in his pocket, according to the police report. The car was also reportedly stolen from Kootenai County in Idaho.

Jessica Smith, 20, of Anaconda was riding with Smith. She claimed she had bought the vehicle, a 1994 Ford Explorer, for $500, despite the fact the vehicle had been reported stolen.

Sam Smith was booked for two felony counts  possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of dangerous drugs  as well as three misdemeanors  no liability insurance, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jessica Smith was booked for possession of a stolen vehicle, a misdemeanor.

THREATENING WITH A KNIFE

Brian Hower, 56, of Butte allegedly threatened to stab two Taco John's employees during an altercation in the restaurant's parking lot at about 7 p.m. Thursday.

Hower initially entered into the business, 1960 Harrison Ave., demanding payment for cleaning the parking lot, although he was not contracted to do so, according to police. He then caused a disturbance and exited the restaurant but blocked the exit to the drive-through. One employee went outside to ask Hower to leave, and he allegedly threatened to shoot and stab the employee. Another employee came outside, and Hower reportedly threatened both employees with a small, silver pocket knife. Police booked Hower on two felony charges of assault with a weapon.

DUI REFUSAL

When police went to arrest Jason Ringe, 46, of Butte for refusal to take a blood alcohol test at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday at St. James Healthcare, Ringe reportedly told police he was going to smoke a cigarette and go home and started to walk out of the hospital. The officer reportedly told Ringe to stop, and he allegedly refused. When the officer stopped him, Ringe allegedly refused to put his hands behind his back for handcuffing. The officer and Ringe got into a minor altercation, and both wound up on the floor, according to police.

Officers had initially found Ringe at Nissler Junction at the Interstate 15-90 interchange west of Rocker with his engine running, an open container of alcohol inside his car, and asleep at the wheel, police report. The officer transported Ringe to take a DUI blood test at St. James Healthcare.

Ringe was booked on four misdemeanors: obstructing justice, resisting arrest, driving without a valid license, and DUI refusal.

FIGHT ON NATURE TRAIL

Russell Geary, 32, of Butte was booked at about 6 a.m. Thursday for a warrant for his arrest out of Lake County for a $2,000 bond. Geary and a female allegedly got into an altercation on Grizzly Trail near Rocker. The female reportedly told police Geary shoved her, but she did not want to file a complaint. But police booked Geary on the warrant complaint.

FALSE NAMES

When an officer stopped a car on a routine traffic stop at George and Oregon Streets at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, the man and woman in the car reportedly gave false names.

The female, Haley Maher, 20, of Butte, was wanted on two warrants out of Butte city court for failure to appear and for a $285 bond out of Jefferson County. She was also booked for obstructing a peace officer, all misdemeanors. The male, Nicholas Williams, 28, of Butte, was booked for failure to wear a seatbelt, no liability insurance in effect, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and obstructing a peace officer, all misdemeanors.

FAILURE TO APPEAR

Shayna Lamping, 22, of Butte allegedly got into a minor accident at South Montana and Second Streets at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. When police ran her identification, they found she was wanted by city court for failure to appear. She was booked for careless driving, not wearing a seatbelt, no insurance, and criminal contempt, all misdemeanors.

GOODS WORTH $2,000 STOLEN

Officers responded to the 2600 block of Meadowbrook Drive Tuesday morning after two homeowners called to report that someone had stolen two rifles, two 12-gauge shotguns, a fly rod, an ammunition bag, and clothing from their home, totaling a value of $2,000.

According to police, the homeowners said they were away from the home during a renovation project and were notified by a caretaker that someone had broken into the home. Upon arrival, police said, officers discovered the burglar or burglars had broken a window leading into the homes basement. They later learned from contractors working in the area that a suspicious SUV had been recently driving in the neighborhood.

Police said they were able to recover the clothing and ammunition bag, which had been tossed in a nearby field, but have yet to locate the other stolen goods.

Police say they believe the burglary took place sometime between Monday night and early Tuesday morning.

DUI AT THE CAR WASH

Police say they apprehended a woman Tuesday morning as she exited a car wash for allegedly driving under the influence.

Around 9 a.m., an employee at a Harrison Avenue gas station phoned police to report that an intoxicated woman had driven her vehicle to the car wash.

Police arrived at the station, where they waited for the woman to exit the car wash.

After questioning the woman, Danette Brown, 49, of Butte, police said they smelled alcohol on her breath and witnessed her fail sobriety maneuvers. Police arrested the woman and took her the Butte jail, where she allegedly failed sobriety maneuvers a second time and blew twice the legal limit on the Breathalyzer.

Brown was cited with aggravated DUI and driving without insurance.

NO CLOTHING CAPER

Police say a man returned to his parked vehicle on the first block of Main Street Tuesday evening to find a woman in the back trying on some of his clothing.

When the man came toward the vehicle, police said, the woman took off the clothes and exited the vehicle, kicking and breaking a ceramic plate in the process.

Police later caught up with the woman, Harriett Peltier, 55, of Butte, and arrested her. Police say she is being cited with criminal mischief and trespassing.
FRIDAY, AUG. 4

ART WALK

The monthly Artwalk runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at venues throughout Uptown Butte.

COUNTY FAIR

 The Butte-Silver Bow County Fair continues through Saturday at the Butte Civic Center. See schedule in this edition of The Montana Standard.

 Butte Spay Neuter Task Force will be at the Butte-Silver Bow County Fair from noon to 5 p.m. at the Butte Civic Center. There will be information on the importance of spaying and neutering your pets, fun stuff for the kids, and animals from the shelter that are up for adoption.

SIDEWALK SALE

Anaconda businesses will have their annual Sidewalk Sale from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Park will be closed from Main to Cedar. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be face painting and childrens games.

FIELD TRIP

Calypso Chapter of the Montana Native Plant Society will sponsor a field trip from 4 to 6 p.m. on Big Butte to examine its diversity of grasses and weeds. Contact Robert Pal at rpal@mtech.edu or 406-552-5748 for meeting time and place.

ALIVE AFTER FIVE

Alive After Five, Park and Main, Anaconda, is from 5 to 8 p.m. with music by the Ken Rich Band.

TALK ON RAPTORS

Montana State Parks will host Montana Raptors at 8 p.m. at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Details: 406-287-3541.

BOOK SALE

Friends of the Hearst Free Library will have a book sale 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 401 Main St., Anaconda.
Human rights in China has not gotten any better.

In June 2016, Congress passed House Resolution 343, condemning the Chinese government for sanctioning the pillaging of organs from Falun Gong and other prisoners of conscience.

Falun Gong is a Buddha School teaching whose principles are truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. On July 20, 1999, over 18 years ago, this teaching was outlawed by the Chinese communist government under the leadership of Jiang Zemin. Falun Gong was becoming too popular and he wanted it eliminated.

In 2006, investigators found those arrested were being blood typed, killed and their organs sold for transplantation.

In 2008, Israel passed a law prohibiting its citizens from getting an organ transplant in China, where wait times are only 1 to 4 weeks. In other countries it can be a few years wait time. Illinois, Pennsylvania and Minnesota have passed resolutions condemning Chinas organ pillaging; these states alert their citizens to what is happening in China. Montana should do the same.

There is a Senate Resolution 220 which condemns the Chinese Communist Partys violent suppression of the Falun Gong spiritual practice, including the killing of practitioners and selling their organs for transplant. This resolution is an important step in further exposing this crime against humanity and will help our medical community and transplant patients make informed decisions to avoid becoming an accomplice to this heinous crime. Please sign this petition, encouraging Senators Tester and Daines to co-sponsor it at: StopOrganharvesting.org

-- Katherine Combes, Kalispell
Its painful to watch the national news. Partisan politics rule the day. The times when you made decisions by taking into account the best interests of your neighbor feel all but gone. We used to come together as one nation, indivisible, and chart out a course that we all could agree on.

We used to meet in the middle. And in rural Montana, we still do.

We have all seen the magic that occurs when diverse interests and stakeholders put their differences aside, and focus on their commonalities. Thats the real Montana  not Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians or Independents. Its neighbor helping neighbor solve problems and plan for a future where the grizzly and elk are plentiful, and where our kids and grandkids can still find moments of inspiration in mountain meadows.

On the heels of the recent Montana state legislative session, there was a lot of talk about our public lands. Some radical folks on the right feel our federal public lands  lands that are managed and protected for all to use and enjoy  should be transferred to states, or sold completely to private parties. They arent happy with how these lands are managed by our U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or National Park Service.

We saw the same rancor on the left side of the spectrum, with extremists who toss wrenches into forest restoration activities with little consideration for simple  yet hugely significant  consequences for local economies and potential wildfire risks.

We urge Montanans of all stripes to meet us in the middle, listen to each other, respect each other and hash out a path forward where we all win.

Over the last decade weve seen lots of bills come and go statewide and nationally that propose quick fixes to long-term problems. The only legislation that has passed, that has passed the litmus test of all Montanans, are the pieces of legislation where the solutions started around the kitchen tables of real Montanans.

The Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act, which permanently protected thousands of acres of prime wildlife habitat, was over 30 years in the making. Sure, there were folks on the left who said the habitat protections were not enough, and people on the right who said it was too much. But the overwhelming majority met in the middle. And Montana is better for it.

More recently in the communities of Seeley Lake and Ovando, over a decade of listening, tweaking and compromise resulted in the recently introduced Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, which not only puts logs on trucks and promotes forest restoration activities, it also provides mountain bikes and snowmobiles with more terrain while permanently designating some of Montanas wildest landscapes such as Grizzly Basin and Monture Creek as wilderness.

We are seeing this collaboration elsewhere in the state. The Gallatin Range near Bozeman is currently seeing mountain bikers, hunters, horsemen, skiers, outfitters and conservationists working together to find permanent solutions for that vital corner of Greater Yellowstone. That collaborative spirit is also alive and well in Lincoln, where ranchers, timber mills, snowmobilers, business owners, fly fishermen, hunters and more are working together to create a positive future for the area.

Each Montanan has the ability to come together, meet in the middle, and decide how Montana grows in the next hundred years and beyond. U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines, and new U.S. Congressman Greg Gianforte: please, support our Montana-made solutions. Put your partisan leanings aside. Work on behalf of Montanans, who meet in the middle.

Its in this place where the real work is done.

-- Loren Rose, of Seeley Lake, is the chief operating officer of Pyramid Mountain Lumber. Paul Roos, Lincoln, is owner of Paul Roos Outfitters. Barb Cestero, Bozeman, is a senior regional representative for The Wilderness Society.
Butte-Silver Bow commissioners have cut two of five new employee positions sought by Chief Executive Dave Palmer from the countys budget plan, and they are the ones that would have cost taxpayers more money.

But commissioners agreed Wednesday night to hire four additional firefighters whose salaries will be partially covered by a federal grant, and property taxes overall would go up under the spending plan.

Changes are possible until a final budget is enacted, which could happen Aug. 14.

But as the plan stands now, those who own a home worth $75,000 would pay $13.92 more per year. The increase would be $18.56 on a $100,000 home and $37.13 for one worth $200,000, according to the countys Finance and Budget Department.

Commissioners OKd three new positions: an arborist, an in-house accountant for two special taxing districts, and paying retiring Planning Director Jon Sesso $45,000 per year from pollution settlements to be a part-time Superfund coordinator.

But they nixed Palmers plan for a new supervisor to oversee county-performed construction projects that came with a $72,000 salary plus benefits. They also rejected an accountant for the Parks Division and building manager.

For a variety of reasons, the three approved positions are not expected to cost additional money, and the ones rejected would have. But the overall budget plan would come with a general tax increase.

It would be on top of increases that took effect last November to pay for most of the $8.7-million waterpark expected to open next May. That raised tax bills by $11.60 for a $100,000 home, as an example.

Several factors are behind the new hikes, including new spending to cover pay raises for all county employees plus an additional $30 per month toward insurance costs for those in the self-funded health plan. Their premiums are going up an average of $170 per month.

A federal grant will cover 75 percent of the costs for the additional firefighters for two years, dropping to 35 percent the third year. The countys portion will still cost about $545,000 over that span and contribute to the overall tax increase.

They would add $1.86 to the tax bill on a $100,000 home this year, and start-up costs for the waterpark would add $5.40 per $100,000. Voters approved a bond issue in 2016 to fund most construction costs for the pool and up to $350,000 per year in maintenance costs. A portion of the latter will kick in this year.

But one of the biggest reasons behind the possible tax increase is something county officials are not doing: tapping big bucks from Buttes Tax Increment Financing Industrial District (TIFID) to prop up spending.

Former Chief Executive Matt Vincent went to that well three out of four years he was in office, and it provided $1.3 million to the last budget that expired June 30. Palmer was OK with those moves, but he says the TIFID needs all of its funds now for the industrial park west of town.

So that is $1.3 million made available to last years budget that wont be in the new one.

Although the county is expecting $167,000 more in gross proceeds taxes paid by Montana Resources in the coming months, they were way down last year.

And a late tax settlement between the state and NorthWestern Energy left a $383,000 hole in revenues that was not foreseen when the county enacted its last budget, said Budget Director Danette Gleason.

But the biggest battle in this years budget was over the new positions, and on a motion by Commissioner Jim Fisher, the council voted separately on each one with little comment.

Commissioner Cindy Perdue-Dolan, citing questions from constituents, did ask if it was possible to approve the part-time Superfund coordinator position but not give it to Sesso.

Palmer said they could always advertise for that position, but County Attorney Eileen Joyce said Sesso was already a Superfund coordinator as part of his county duties and the proposal was tied to his retirement as planning director.

The council approved the position 7-4. Those in favor were Dan Callahan, Jim Fisher, John Morgan, Dan Olsen, Sheryl Ralph, Cindi Shaw, and John Sorich.

Those against the position were Bill Andersen, Dan Foley, Perdue-Dolan, and Brendan McDonough. Bud Walker was absent Wednesday night. (See info box for tallies on all five positions.)

The council voted 8-3 for the new firefighter positions after Fire Marshal Brian Doherty gave a presentation to show it would enhance public safety and help the department deal with big increases in calls they get for help.

On a separate budget matter, Perdue-Dolan and Andersen proposed a 10-percent cut in money for professional services. The money is set aside for numerous outside services, such as medical care for jail inmates or hiring outside counsel to assist county attorneys in trying a case.

The proposal would not affect services tied to existing contracts or grants, she said, and would save taxpayers about $184,000.

I talked to several of the department heads, and they dont like it when we cut things, but Im asking for just 10 percent, she said.

But Commissioner John Morgan said the cuts were arbitrary, Gleason listed numerous services tied to contract or grant obligations, and Andersen and Perdue-Dolan were the only ones supporting the cut.
MUSCATINE  Muscatine City Council members Thursday night approved the city's response to a state auditor's report of expenditures from a trip to China.

The re-audit report evaluated more than $4,000 in city expenses from a 2014 trip to China, in which State Auditor Mary Mosiman questioned the reporting of certain expenses and documentation of the trip's public purpose.

The state auditor wrote, "The finding does not state there was no public purpose for the trip or the related incidental expenses. Rather, the finding states there was insufficient documentation of the public purpose served."

At the meeting Thursday night, Councilman Tom Spread said the city council was aware of the trip. Having been in the banking business for 40 years, Spread said, he was surprised by the high cost of the audit, which took a year to complete, citing "taxpayers spent over $8,000 to talk about $4,000 in expenditures."

"This disturbs me because I've never seen a report that said so little and cost so much," Spread said.

In the report, the state auditor recommended the city council pre-approve all travel to China.

"For the audit to suggest that there should have been a public hearing prior to this trip is ludicrous," Spread said. "If you apply that logic ... anytime somebody gets in the car to go to the Quad-Cities for a Regional Bi-State meeting, we would have to have a public hearing. That just makes no sense."

Spread also questioned Mayor Diana Broderson's method and motives for requesting the re-audit. Spread claimed the mayor never asked the city administrator or finance department for the trip's records, and, instead, filed an anonymous complaint with the state auditor.

"The mayor indicated this was an issue of transparency," Spread said. "Maybe one day the mayor will explain the logic of filing an anonymous complaint in the name of transparency."

In an interview, Jennifer Campbell, with the state auditor's office, said, "All I can confirm is that we did receive a request from an elected official."

City Administrator Gregg Mandsager said, in an interview, while Broderson may have given her name to the state auditor, the office does not release that information and keeps complaints anonymous. He said the city was not aware Broderson filed the complaint until she was quoted in a Muscatine Journal article.

"I did not make an anonymous complaint. I fully identified myself when I asked my question, Broderson said Thursday. And before I called (the auditor), I did inquire with the city administrator about the trips, and then with the city attorney about the trips, and then with the ombudsman before it went to audit."

I cannot recall being asked anything about travel expenses to China, nor can I find anything in any documents related to that, Mandsager said. "The only thing I can find is the initial question on the formation of the China Initiative Committee formed by previous mayor Hopkins, as to the spending authority of that committee."

Mandsager said the China task force, like all other committees, had no spending authority. The audit did not investigate the China committee.

Following the discussion, council members agreed to approve the city's response to the re-audit, which said the city disagrees with the findings and does not plan to implement recommended policy changes.

Asking the council for approval, Mandsager said, was a way for council members to receive clarification or suggest changes to city policy. The response was approved by the city's audit committee, according to Mandsager, and the council unanimously approved it without any changes.

"The State Auditor's focus on documentation appears to follow an outdated, narrow or generic set of policies or procedures that should not be applied across the board to all cities," the city wrote in its response.

"Reviewing internal controls of (cities') policies and procedures are standard practice for all of [the state auditors office] engagements," Campbell said. "And if we see any potential areas where controls could be strengthened or where policies could be strengthened, we always make those recommendations."

The city also listed economic successes that have resulted from Muscatine's relationship with China, including a minority investment in The Merrill Hotel, the Sino-U.S. Friendship House, the Travel Agency, two visits by Chinese National Symphonies and the Muscatine Visitors Center in China.

In addition to the citys response to the re-audit, in an interview, Mandsager said some expenses that were documented under the account Advertising and Publications were related to city pamphlets being translated into Chinese and distributed that year. In December 2014, Mandsager said only himself and the community development director went to China, where as former mayor DeWayne Hopkins had previously traveled to China.
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 []
An administration police officer on Wednesday night shot and killed his colleague at Engineer police station in Kinangop, Nyandarua County.

According to Engineer Police Station OCPD, Mohammed Huka, the incident occurred in the wee hours of Thursday after the officers had a disagreement.

Sergeant Solomon Wainaina was pronounced dead on arrival at Kinangop hospital where he was rushed after the attack.

According to the OCPD, Justus Mwangi Ndiangui, using a G3 gun, pumped nine bullets into Wainaina killing him on the spot.

A police officer who witnessed the incident said the sergeant had earlier picked a quarrel with his junior Mr Mwangi over the night duty shift.

The suspect returned from the night duty, found his senior in his office and they quarreled for a second time before he shot the sergeant using a G3 Rifle.

The suspect was arrested on scene and an investigation into the incident launched.
The Moi University student who was arrested on suspicion of being an Al Shabaab operative has been released unconditionally..

Salad Tari Gufu, 25, was arrested at the Huruma Police Station by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit after he surrendered himself to clear his name from the list of six suspects released by police.

After cooperating with Police, Senior Resident Magistrate Hellen Onkwani on Monday ordered his release, saying that the respondent was not supposed to be arrested and it was his brother that was to be arrested.

Police had placed a Sh2million bounty on Salad and five others, in the statement released on July 19 and described him as a recruiter and a facilitator of a terror network.

I am not involved in any terror activities and I am not armed like the police are saying. I am a student at the Moi University and I just completed my attachment waiting to resume my studies in September after the elections, Mr Salad said on the day he presented himself to the police.

After his release, Salad who is pursuing a Bachelors degree in education at Moi Universitys main campus said he was very happy to reunite with his family.

He said he was willing to continue cooperating with the police in whatever way they may require. Salad added that the police treated him well while he was in their custody.
Rapper CMB Prezzo has said he is now over Yola who is rumored to have found love in a white man.

The two dated for two and a half years, a relationship that saw the couple costar in reality television show Nairobi Diaries.

They were also engaged but due to irreconcilable differences, they went their separate ways.

Speaking to Kiss about the failed relationship Prezzo said: If God hasnt written it, it wont turn out the way you want it to.I believe that life is a learning curve and if one door closes, another one opens. Some things will happen and make you feel heartbroken but maybe it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Asked if he is over Yola, he said: Yes, I have gotten over her already. I keep myself very busy. I just hope and pray that she is good where she is.

Prezzo also said he has not moved on and is in no rush to jump into another relationship.

No, Im not seeing anybody right now, and Im not really in a rush.

On the issue of Yolas name tattoo he got last year, the rapper explained that he will not be removing it because their relationship meant a lot to him.

The tattoo stays because you have to understand that when I was getting this tattoo she was a very big part of my life.We dated for like two and a half years and the problems that I came across she was the only one there for me. Me saying Im gonna remove the tattoo because she has another man is petty and immature, said Prezzo.

The rapper is currently working on releasing songs after elections and has done collabos with Tanzania artistes among them Joh Makini, Mr Blue, and Baraka The Prince.
Unregistered customary unions will no longer be regarded as marriage even after completing the necessary traditions such as paying bride price.

This after a law published by the Attorney General in June, requiring all traditional marriages to be registered, came into effect on Tuesday.

In the legal notice published on June 9, Prof Muigai asked the couples married according to community customs before enactment of the Marriage Act 2014 to register their unions at the start of August

The operative date (of the Marriage Act 2014) has been fixed for 1st of August, 2017. All parties married under African customary law are required to register their marriage, Prof Muigai said.

After the operative date, any unregistered union will not be regarded as marriage even after completing the traditions such as paying bride price, said the State Law Office.

Under the Marriage Act 2014, couples married under customary laws must both notify the Registrar of Marriages within three months of completing the traditional rituals and present themselves for registration within six months.

The registration takes place at Sheria House ground floor and is in line with Marriage (Customary Marriage) Rules, 2017, and stipulations of Section 96 of Marriage Act, 2014.

It costs Sh600 to inform the registrar of the union and another Sh2,000 to register the marriage according to the revised rates.

Kenyans abroad will pay Sh10,000 for unions registered at the countrys embassies while conducting a search for a marriage certificate will now cost Sh500 up from Sh200.

The marriage certificate, which can also be acquired at Huduma centers, is issued after 21 days of registration.

The certificates will only be issued to people whose applications are successful.

According to marriage experts, the law which was assented by President Uhuru Kenyatta in February 2014, will protect children and women who are vulnerable when unions fail.
FORT BELVOIR, Va. - The old battle tank arrived at 10:15 Thursday morning, covered in a black tarp and chained to the bed of tractor trailer.

The construction site near Fort Belvoir went quiet for a moment, as the truck backed in. And when they pulled away the tarp, the steel hide still bore the gouges and holes from enemy gunfire in 1944 and '45.

This was "Cobra King," a hallowed, 38-ton U.S. Army legend that during the World War II Battle of the Bulge bulled its way through German lines and was first to relieve the besieged defenders of Bastogne.

Someone had taken a picture of the tank right after the battle, sitting in the snow with its crew, and the words, "First in Bastogne" scrawled on the armor in chalk.

The chalk was long gone Thursday as a work crane lifted Cobra King, with its black treads and white turret star, from the flatbed and set it inside the site of the National Museum of the United States Army.

The state-of-the-art museum, about 20 miles south of Washington, D.C., has been under construction since October, and is set to open in late 2019, officials said.

It will house scores of historic Army artifacts and works of art. The Sherman tank and several other "macro" items are so big that they must be installed in place, and the museum built around them.

On Monday work crews put in a 27-ton Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle that headed a charge from Kuwait to Baghdad, in Iraq, in 2003. Later, the museum will install a World War II Higgins landing boat, and a World War I French tank, the Five of Hearts, which is believed to be the only surviving such tank used by American soldiers in the war.

On Dec. 26, 1944, Army Lieut. Charles Boggess was in command of Cobra King, and driving with Gen. George Patton's Third Army to the relief of Bastogne. There American forces had been hemmed in by the famous German offensive that created the big bulge in the allied lines.

Boggess' tank was an experimental so-called "Jumbo" Sherman, better armed and armored than earlier Shermans, which had proved vulnerable to more potent German tanks. It had a V-8 500 HP gasoline engine, a 75 mm main gun and two machine guns.

Patton was close to Bastogne, and Boggess was ordered to take Cobra King and some other tanks and punch through the enemy lines.

"I believe it is appointed to each man to have a few minutes of glory in his life," Boggess told the Chicago Tribune during a visit to Bastogne in 1984. "Mine lasted four miles and 25 minutes."

Cobra King was already battle tested. It had been knocked out of action in France in November, 1944, repaired, and sent back to the fight, said Army museum historian Patrick R. Jennings.

The commander who preceded Boggess, Charles Trover, had been killed in Luxembourg by a sniper as he stood in the turret on Dec. 23. And now Cobra King was being ordered to dash into Bastogne. "It was a dramatic day," Boggess recalled. "It was a day that you didn't know if you would live or die."

Boggess and his crew - driver Hubert S. Smith, co-driver Harold Hafner, gunner Milton Dickerman, and loader James G. Murphy - pushed Cobra King at full speed, sweeping the road ahead with gunfire until they breached the German lines.

Jennings, the historian, said the tank crew spotted some soldiers in the distance who through binoculars looked like Americans. But the tankers were wary because infiltrating German troops were said to be dressed as Americans. Finally, an America soldier strode up to the tank, stuck his hand out to Boggess and said, "Glad to see you."

But Cobra King's war wasn't over. It continued the push into Germany, until it was put of commission on March 27, 1945, during a doomed raid to try to rescue allied POWs from a German prison camp.

The mission was a fiasco, and the tank was hit by a round that penetrated its armor and started a fire inside.

The crew, different from the one at Bastogne, escaped. But the tank was abandoned, Jennings said. The Germans later torched the inside.

"When it breaks through at Bastogne, that's when it really gains its moment in history," Jennings said Thursday as he waited with other VIPs in white hard hats and yellow hazard vests.

"Up to that time it's another tank," he said. "But it gets its moment in history. It's written on the side. And I would bet within two weeks rain and snow washed all that chalk off. And they're right back in the mix again."

"It goes back to being a piece of equipment again," he said. "Then it's involved in this remarkable raid, gets damaged. And you do what a logical soldier would do. You get out. You can't fix it. You have to keep moving. America will get you another one . . . They thought, 'We need to get another tank. We need to get out of this one, and go get another one.' "

"It's only later, as history starts to unfold, that it becomes precious to us," he said. "Until then, it's just another piece of equipment."

After the war, Cobra King was recovered from the battlefield and displayed as a "gate guard" out in the open at several American bases in Germany, he said.

As the years passed historians and officers began to investigate the stories of the various American tanks that were on display around Europe, he said.

Jennings said that an Army chaplain, Keith Goode, took a special interest. He researched and began to suspect that this anonymous tank sitting out in the weather, most recently in Vilseck, Germany, might be the famous Cobra King. He turned out to be right. The tank was shipped back to the U.S. in 2009.

The exterior was restored. (The interior was too badly damaged for restoration, Jennings said.) And the tank was trucked from storage in Fort Benning, Georgia.

At 10:17 a.m. Thursday, Allen Pinckney, deputy director of the museum, announced to those gathered at the construction site: "The Sherman tank is here!"

A bulldozer, whose clattering treads suggested the sound of a tank, paused in its work.

Jennings later went over the pristine exterior closely, then crawled underneath and stood up in the interior. Inside, it was still "a mess," he said.

But the Cobra King, once stained with blood, and still scarred from battle, was back on history's pedestal.

Seventy-two years after it rumbled through the snow to Bastogne, it sat in the sun on a summer morning as a museum was built around it.

"It's a rugged thing," Jennings said. "But it's a survivor."
AMERICAN CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH

Worship at 10 a.m. Programs for children and youth during worship service. 2 Andrew Road, American Canyon.

ARBOR ALLIANCE

Join us Sundays at 5 p.m. Why 5 p.m. worship? It is a good time for busy people and young families. Kids church and nursery available. 721 Trancas St., Napa. thearborchurch.org; 530-304-4704.

BEIT ABBA

Messianic Jewish ministry of The Fathers House is held the first and third Friday of each month at 7 p.m. Child care provided for ages infant to 7 years old. 2557 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa. tfh.org/beitabba.

CARMELITE MONASTERY

Mass times: Sunday, 9 a.m.; Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. (except for the first Saturday of the month, Mass will be at 11 a.m.). Morning of recollection every first Saturday of the month: Spiritual Talk, 9-10 a.m.; Confessions, 10-11 a.m.; Mass, 11 a.m. Bible study, on Tuesdays with Father Michael Buckley: Tuesdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. following the 8 a.m. Mass (contact the office to confirm time and day at 944-2454, ext. 103). Confessions-English: Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 10 a.m.-noon, 3-5 p.m., 8-9 p.m. Confessions-Spanish: Wednesday, 10 a.m.-noon, 3-5 p.m., 8-9 p.m. The 39th Annual Carmelite Benefit Dinner will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10. 944-2454; oakvillecarmelites.org.

CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING

Services are 9 and 10:30 a.m. with Youth Program and Teen Group at 10:30. Rev. Jay Langs topic will be Compassion in Action. Course in Miracles  ongoing every Tuesday, 6:15-8:15 p.m. Open Meditation Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Spiritual Cinema Night Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. features What Dreams May Come. A Mindful Life Workshop will be led by Lanna Cairns Aug. 20 at 12:30 p.m. 1249 Coombs, 252-4847.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH

Sunday service and Sunday school for youths up to age 20 at 10 a.m. The Wednesday evening service is at 7:30. Child care provided at all services. New hours for the Reading Room, located in our church building, open to the public weekdays except Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. All current Christian Science literature, including the writings of Mary Baker Eddy and the renowned Christian Science Monitor, are available to all to read or purchase; 2210 Second St., Napa; 255-5255; christiansciencenapa.com.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, NAPA  SECOND WARD

Sacrament meeting is each Sunday at 10 a.m., followed by Sunday School at 11:15 and Priesthood and Relief Society at 12:10 p.m. Young mens and young womens programs are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Corner of Trower Avenue and Dry Creek Road, Napa. 224-6496.

COMMUNITY CHURCH OF LAKE BERRYESSA

We will continue with its series on the New Testament. Join us as we examine the Book of John and learn of Christs purpose in our lives. We are a non- denominational Christian church welcoming all to enjoy the eternal life changing power of Jesus Christ. A weekly food distribution is available along with groups and activities. 6008 Steele Canyon Road at Moskowite Corners. 252-4488.

CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM

Aug. 4, we begin with delicious pre-Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m., followed by Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 6:30, led by Rabbi Niles Goldstein and Music Director, Gordon Lustig. Torah Study with our new spiritual leader, Rabbi Niles Goldstein Aug. 5, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Youngsters are invited to join Shorashim with Mimi on Aug. 6 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. BYO lunch to Lunch and Learn featuring Rabbi Niles Goldstein sharing his vision for the future of CBS. Aug. 8, at 11:45 a.m. 1455 Elm Street, Napa, cbsnapa.org, 253-7305.

CORNERSTONE MINISTRIES

Sunday service is at 10:15 a.m. Spanish Church begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday school and childcare are available at both services. Our midweek service is at 6:30 on Wednesday nights. There is childcare and childrens activities at this service. Middle school and high school study meets on Wednesday nights as well at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room. On Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., Freedom From Bondage meets in our Youth Room. 3305 Linda Vista Ave., Napa; 252-2909. cmnv.org.

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

At 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, Rev. Lynda Hyland Burris and liturgist Peg Cann will lead the service. Texts for the day include words from Chapter 13 of Matthew. Rev. Burris has entitled her sermon Hide and Seek. Special music by Napa Valley Threshold Choir. cpcnapa.org, facebook.com/cpcnapa. 1226 Salvador Avenue, Napa.

CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Join us for Sunday services at 9 and 10 a.m. Childrens programs during the 10 a.m. service. On Wednesdays at noon and 6 p.m. CrossWalk Talk, come and talk about some of the most provocative themes from the book, The Shack. Your faith will stretch. Visit us; our primary mission is to usher people into a growing, life-enhancing, world-improving relationship with God. 1050 Hagen Road, Napa. CreeksideChurchNapa.org; 255-7266.

CROSSWALK COMMUNITY CHURCH

Join us on Sundays at 10 a.m. for services in the courtyard. Childrens programs also available during the service. Meet with Pastor Pete on Wednesday at noon in his office for continued discussion of Poverty in America. 2590 First Street, 226-1812.

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

This Sunday, Dennis Nichols of William Jessup University delivers his message The God of all Comfort. Sunday services are at 8:45 and 10:30 am. 2659 First Street, Napa. fccnapa.org.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Two services, one at 9 a.m. with special music by Deborah Tonella, and one at 10:30 a.m. with praise music led by Florida Stringer. Pastor David will be preaching at both services on Can You Hear Me Now? Scripture reference will be 1 Samuel 3:110. After both services, in our Welcome Center, there will be coffee and treats. Childcare for newborn to age 5 is available all morning. Sunday School: Friendship Class meets at 10; Childrens Class for kindergarten through grade 5 will meet at 10:30 a.m. 1333 Third St., 224-8693, fpcnapa.org.

GRACE CHURCH OF NAPA VALLEY

Sunday services: Worship service at 9 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. Adult Sunday school classes at 9 a.m. Childrens service at 9 and 10:40 a.m. Nursery and preschool care available. Junior high ministry meets Tuesday, 7 p.m.; high school meets Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 3765 Solano Ave., Napa. 255-4033, GraceNapa.org.

HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

We continue a six-week teaching series titled Vision. What could the church be? What should the church be? Where is the church going and how do we get there? We hope to bring clarity to some of these questions as we chart a new direction. If youre a regular church attendee, never been or maybe its just been awhile, we invite you to come join us this Sunday and start the adventure with us at 10:30 a.m. Spanish speaking service on Sunday evenings starting at 6:30 and an Alcoholics Anonymous group that meets weekly on Monday and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. 970 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga.

HILLSIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

We meet at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at 100 Anderson Road, Napa. 255-3036; hccnapa.com.

HOLY FAMILY PARISH

Holy Mass is celebrated at 9 a.m. on Sundays and in the traditional Tridentine Latin (Extraordinary) form of the Roman Rite, according to the 1962 Missal, at noon. Before Low Masses there is a recitation of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 11:30 a.m. Confession is available after every Low Mass. Holy Family Parish is a Catholic mission-parish of St. Joan of Arc in Younvtille. 1241 Niebaum Lane, Rutherford. 944-2461.

HOLY GROUND CHRISTIAN CENTER

Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m., and Bible study is Wednesday at 7 p.m. 3860 Broadway, Suite 111, American Canyon. 373-2015.

LIVING VINE CHURCH

We meet every Sunday morning at 10. 3305 Linda Vista Avenue, Napa. 226-5551.

MEMORIAL CHAPEL AT VETERANS HOME OF CALIFORNIA, YOUNTVILLE

Sunday worship service, 10:15 a.m. Coffee fellowship one hour before service. Bible study on Wednesday at 1 p.m., Fellowship Room, with refreshments served; prayer meetings Thursday at 1 p.m. The memorial chapel is on the Veterans Home at Yountville campus on California Drive, across from the administration building. 944-4840.

MONT LA SALLE CHAPEL

Roman Catholic liturgical services are open to all in this chapel of the De la Salle Christian Brothers at 4401 Redwood Road, Napa. Sunday Mass is celebrated at 11 a.m.

NAPA COMMUNITY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Have you ever received an over the top gift before, maybe for your birthday or at Christmas? How did it make you feel? Did you feel that maybe you should in some way repay for that gift? Aug. 5, we are starting a series called Close Encounters and we will be looking at the first of seven miracles found in the Gospel of John. Join us as we look at Jesus giving an over the top gift. Join us at 11:15 a.m. for the worship service for Pastor Glenn Gibsons sermon entitled, Over The Top. napacomm.com, 1105 G Street, 252-2444.

NAPA METHODIST CHURCH

We are a progressive and reconciling church, where all are welcome. Two Sunday morning services: a 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary service and an 11 a.m. modern-style Fusion Worship service held in the Asbury Room. Childrens Worship and Nursery are available during both services. Silent Meditation is Mondays at 5:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. 625 Randolph Street. 253-1411, napamethodist.org.

NAPA-SONOMA FRIENDS MEETING (QUAKERS)

Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Silent meeting in the custom of Friends. Meet at the VOICES Youth Center, 780 Lincoln Ave., Napa. Enter at parking lot on left side of building, using door at end of wheelchair ramp. Quaker signs will be posted on Sunday mornings. We welcome visiting friends or those who are new to Quaker practice. nvquaker@gmail.com; 253-1505.

NAPA VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

Join us Sundays at 9:30 a.m. for Bible Study for all ages, 10:30 a.m. for worship service and a fun, interactive and energetic childrens program for preschool through fifth grade. Nursery provided for all Sunday services. Sunday evenings at 5 p.m., join us for A Study in Revelation with Steve McCoy. Steve will guide you verse by verse through the book of Revelation. Learn all about what the Bible says about the end times and what it means. The public is invited. 303 Trower Ave., Napa. napavalleybaptist.org; 252-2100.

NAPA VALLEY BIBLE CHAPEL

Dr. Don Tinder will continue with his series on the Gospel of Mark in the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, Aug. 6. We start Sunday services by remembering the Lords death, burial and resurrection during a time of worship and thanksgiving at 9:30 a.m., followed by a fellowship and coffee time starting at 10:30 a.m. At 11 a.m., we enjoy a time of Bible teaching. On Wednesdays at 6 p.m., we meet for a brief Bible study and a time of prayer. A movie night/home Bible study is held in downtown Napa at 6 p.m. on Fridays. 1559 Second Street, Napa. napavalleybiblechapel.com.

NAPA VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH

This year, we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the great Reformation; the event that changed the world. But the book of Hebrews suggests that there was an even greater reformation that occurred earlier. Join us this Sunday at 10 a.m. as we study Gods Word, focusing on Hebrews 9 and theme is The Greatest Reformation. Childcare and Sunday School provided. 4149 Linda Vista Ave, Napa. 337-4328. napavalleychurch.org. NVCC is a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church.

NAPA VALLEY LUTHERAN

Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Fellowship time follows. All are welcome because all belong to God. The church is located at the corner of Jefferson and Elm, Napa. 226-8166, napavalleylutheran.org.

NAPA VALLEY UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS

Aug. 6, 10 a.m. On the Draining of Swamps Traditional service with Rev. Jay Atkinson and Sunday Service Assistant Jeff Leles. In last falls campaign, Donald Trump spoke of draining the swamp of Washingtons political insiders. Five months later, we have had a mirror held up to our eyes, reflecting what many identify, despite our best intentions, as a swamp of white supremacy within our very own UU movement. Infant care, child care, and religious education provided. 1625 Salvador Ave., Napa; nvuu.org; 226-9220.

NEW LIFE TABERNACLE

Sunday school at 10 a.m., followed by worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday evening service the first Sunday of every month. Bible study on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. 2625 First St., Napa. 255-1062; NewLifeNapa.com.

ST. APOLLINARIS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Join us each third Saturday at the crossroads of faith and culture. 3700 Lassen St. Napa. 257-2555.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

St. John the Baptist Church holds daily masses in English at 7:30 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Weekend masses are Saturday at 5 p.m. (English) and 7 p.m. (Spanish) and Sunday 8 a.m. (Spanish), 10 a.m. (English), noon (Spanish), and 5 p.m. (English). Wednesday evening mass at 7 (Spanish). Corner of Caymus and Yajome in downtown Napa.

ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Childrens Church during the 10:15 a.m. service. 3521 Linda Vista Ave., Napa. 255-0119; StJohnsLutheran.net.

ST. MARYS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Worship on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. or Sundays at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. (organ and choir). Childrens Chapel (Sunday school) is at 9:50 a.m. Sunday. Nursery care is provided during the 10 a.m. service. Coffee hour follows the worship services on Sunday. 1917 Third St., Napa. 255-0991; StMarysNapa.org.

ST. STEPHENS ANGLICAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., sing using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Refreshments and social time after the 10:30 service. Evensong and Bible Study Wednesdays at 6 p.m. 1250 Oakville Grade, Oakville. 944-8915; ststephensoakville.org.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH

Mass times are Saturday at 4 p.m. (English), Sunday at 8 a.m. (English), 11 a.m. (English) and 1:30 p.m. (Spanish). Daily mass is at 9 a.m., except on the first Friday, which is at noon and in English. 2725 Elm St., Napa. 255-2949; stthomasaquinasnapa.com.

SALVATION ARMY

Join us for services Sundays at 10 a.m. 590 Franklin St., Napa. napasalarmy.org.

THE FATHERS HOUSE

Service times are Saturday at 6 p.m., and Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. Child care and Kids Church are available (ages infant through sixth grade). Youth ministry Encounter meets every Wednesday night at 7. Celebrate Recovery meets on Monday nights at 6:30. 2557 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa. tfh.org.

UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER IN NAPA VALLEY

Sunday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m., we are happy to welcome back Rev. Dave Lyman as our guest speaker. His message title is Its not Personal, its Programming. When we arrive on planet Earth, we are clean slates and then we take on an overlay. We will be talking about steps to move below the veneer to the truth, to whom we came here to be. Music is selected and performed by Lon Eakes. 11:40 a.m. Forum. After a Refreshments break, Rev. Dave facilitates a one-hour Forum exploring the things in life that trigger us  those pet peeves that dont have anything really to do with us. Historic Grange Hall, 3275 Hagen Road (1/2 mile east of the Silverado Trail), Napa. UnityinNapaValley.org, 255-6881.

YOUNTVILLE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Aug. 6, new schedule: Sunday Bible Classes (all ages), 9 a.m. and Worship service, 10 a.m. Lead Pastor Jim Huckaba is beginning a new sermon series called Fellowshipping With God .. Sundays sermon is titled First of All, I Timothy 2:1-6. Adult Bible Class, 9 a.m, in the Ministry Outreach Room. Childrens classes, 9 a.m. in the Callison Ministry Center Room 1 Jesus and Me. (birth-kindergarten), and first-fifth grades are offered. Vertical Student Ministry 9 a.m.; fifth-eighth grades and high school students in the Conversation Pit. 6619 Yount Street, Yountville, 944-2179.
For the second time this year, land-use authorities in Napa are trying to funnel dozens of lower-priced rental apartments into one of Californias costliest, tightest housing markets.

The nonprofit developer of the Manzanita Family Apartments is nearing the go-ahead to build 51 rental dwellings at 2951 Soscol Ave., after winning the city Planning Commissions endorsement Thursday night. The unanimous vote sends the proposal toward an expected City Council decision this fall, which could clear the way for a groundbreaking in the spring of 2019 and completion late the following year.

Estimated to cost $25 million and marked for a 1.85-acre parcel on the west side of the fork of Soscol Avenue and Old Soscol Way, Manzanita is the second project consisting entirely of affordable housing to come before Napa officials in recent months. Its creator, Satellite Affordable Housing Associates of Berkeley, seeks to offer its units at rents within reach of families earning less than 60 percent of the countys median income.

SAHA is following a path similar to that taken by Burbank Housing, which in June gained permits for its own 50-apartment Stoddard West complex near the South Napa Marketplace. Burbank and the site owner, the Gasser Foundation, plan to start work next spring.

This is for your favorite barista, your favorite teacher, your nurse, said Katie Fisher, project manager for SAHA. We want to make sure theyre able to live in Napa.

The city selected SAHA to develop an affordable housing complex at the Soscol-Old Soscol fork in the fall of 2015, and the builder returned with plans for a pair of three-story buildings bracketing a central courtyard. Sketches filed by the builder show a facade made with stucco and wood and featuring open balconies, with staircases integrated into the buildings away from view.

Twenty-five apartments would contain one bedroom, with 13 units containing two bedrooms and 13 others containing three. One apartment will be reserved for a property manager.

Monthly rents at Manzanita are expected to range from $523 to $1,047 for one bedroom, $628 to $1,257 for two bedrooms and $726 to $1,452 for three, according to Fisher. SAHA plans to take applications on apartments about six months before the opening, then choose tenants by lottery.

Despite such below-market rates, Napa planners complimented builders for offering a project with enough amenities and design sophistication to avoid a low-cost stigma. The complex is to include play and picnic areas in its courtyard, along with a community room and kitchen, bicycle storage and a shared laundry. SAHA, which will manage the development as well as own it for at least 55 years, also shared plans to organize life skills classes, educational workshops and other community events for residents.

Visually, it seems like an upscale, market-rate project, said Commissioner Paul Kelley, a local architect. If I were moving into Napa for the first time, I would feel lucky to get a place there.

The project will have two entrances from Soscol Avenue. The south entry  which will face Old Soscol Way  will prompt a traffic signal to be installed at Soscol and Old Soscol Way.

The north entry will be restricted to right turns in and out of the 85-vehicle parking area.

For planners as well as area residents, the main concern over the apartment complex stemmed from its location beside Soscol Avenue. Although the site would give tenants easy access to a shopping center, Queen of the Valley Medical Center and other services, some neighbors warned of possible dangers to children or seniors on foot on four-lane Soscol  and said that speeding and a traffic increase from a nearby detour have raised the hazard further.

If kids should run out into the street  chasing after a stray ball, for example  I shudder to think what will happen if (parents) take their eyes off them for one nanosecond, said May Shueh.

An 8-foot-high redwood wall topped by latticework will surround three sides of the apartment property, with half-walls on the Soscol Avenue side, according to the project architect John Thatch.

The Manzanita complex is SAHAs second project in Napa County, joining Valley View, a cluster of 70 cottages and apartments that broke ground last month in American Canyon. Dwellings at Valley View will be offered to lower-income seniors, including military veterans and the formerly homeless.
AMERICAN CANYON  City officials have been meeting with the U.S. Postal Service about getting a larger post office for American Canyon  a city of 20,000 people that lacks a full-service postal facility.

The current post office, established after the city incorporated and got its own ZIP code in the 1990s, is too small and does not offer an appropriate level of service for a city of American Canyons size, officials say.

But getting a new postal facility has been a challenge. The USPS has struggled with budget deficits in recent years, resulting in it moving away from building new branches.

Still, city leaders are gathering demographic data and other information to make their case for why American Canyon should have a more suitable postal operation for residents.

Ours is laughable, said Councilmember David Oro, who argued smaller communities in Napa County  such as Angwin with fewer than 4,000 residents  have better post offices.

Critics cite the limited staffing and business hours at American Canyons post office as two of its biggest drawbacks.

The front counter is usually manned by only one postal worker, resulting in long lines that extend outside the small building, located next to the local library off Crawford Way.

When it was new, there used to be two clerks, said the postal employee manning the tiny building on Tuesday. The clerk declined to be identified for this story.

She added that it was ironic that there used to be more people operating the small post office because back then it wasnt that busy.

Now that it is busy, theres one clerk, the employee said, who acknowledged that most of the time theres a line of customers going out the door of the building.

Another complaint about the post office is its hours of operation.

The public counter doesnt open until 10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. It closes for lunch from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., then reopens for only another hour and a half when it closes at 4 p.m. It is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The small building also has an insufficient number of Post Office boxes, said City Manager Dana Shigley.

But I think the real issue has to do with community pride, said Shigley. The community has grown substantially in the last decade. As the community grew, so did the provision of many other public services typically available, such having more recreation facilities, a larger library, new City hall, more parks, and a larger police force.

Yet here we sit with a substantially undersized and understaffed post office unable to meet the communitys basic needs, she added. The services have not improved or increased as the community has grown like other public services have.

Echoing Oros remark, Shigley noted that so many other cities much smaller than us  Angwin, Yountville, St. Helena  have full-service post offices with regular business hours. Meanwhile, AmCan residents wonder why they have to make do with the insufficient facility and services we have.

Its frustrating, said Shigley, expressing a common sentiment in American Canyon.

Last month, Shigley and Mayor Leon Garcia and Councilmember Kenneth Leary met with USPS officials.

Garcia came away from that meeting feeling more hopeful, saying it was far more productive that previous meetings with the Postal Service. Garcia and Shigley met with them last year as well.

He said the postal representative seemed more eager to address the citys concerns with the post office.

Leary, on the other hand, said USPS couldnt provide a clear answer for what American Canyon must do in order to expand its post office.

Shigley acknowledged the postal services standards for approving a new post office seemed squishy.

She said she came away with an understanding that the city needs to make a case on paper for why a bigger postal operation is necessary and appropriate, and submit it to the USPS.

They said build an argument, according to Shigley.

She said the city has faced a Catch-22 dilemma at times trying to convince the USPS to approve a new post office. Postal officials have told her that their statistics dont show a high use of the American Canyon facility, thus questioning the need for a new one.

We said to them its because everyone gives up and goes elsewhere, said Shigley, referring to residents travelling to Vallejos larger post office.

Sometimes residents have had no choice but to go to Vallejo to get their mail after their home mailbox is vandalized.

When a mailbox is tampered or damaged, the postal service holds a persons mail at the Vallejo post office because the American Canyon facility is too small to store mail.

This particular problem plagued dozens of residents two years ago, when police received 89 reports of mailboxes being vandalized, according to Police Chief Tracey Stuart.

Reports of vandalized mailboxes have gone down since 2015. Forty-four were reported last year, and only 15 so far in 2017, said Stuart.

Shigley said postal officials informed her on July 7 that USPS had made six arrests in the last year, all of whom were repeat customers in the North Bay division.
A fast food mainstay on Trancas Street is looking like a skeletal version of itself these days.

Much of Napas only Wendys fast food restaurant has been demolished to make way for a complete remodel of the Trancas Street eatery.

Customers will enjoy a stunning new Wendys experience when we reopen the restaurant, said Nancy Melin, chief operating officer of Eastbay Equities, Inc., which also operates under the name Wendys. Eastbay Equities is located in Pleasant Hill.

I anticipate that the restaurant will reopen the last week in September, said Melin.

This past week, construction workers stripped the Napa Wendys building down to wooden walls, leaving piles of sorted debris for removal.

According to the project description, the goal is to update the 35-year-old Wendys to the current Wendys standards.

That includes a new exterior for a new modern look, a new greenhouse front that is more integrated with the building, new design elements, new interiors, new bathrooms, a new kitchen and new signage.

The restaurant will feature such amenities as open, bright dining areas, with multiple seating options and dining room enhancements including music, TV, free WiFi and a fireplace, said Melin.

Adding to the overall experience are backlit digital menu boards and a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine.

Other elements include attractive landscaping and the use of energy-efficient LED parking lot lighting, which improves lighting quality and significantly cuts energy use, she said.

The Napa Wendys had an estimated 35 employees pre-remodel.

We provided the option for them to work at another restaurant we have nearby, said Melin. Around 40 employees will be hired when the restaurant reopens, including any original employees who want to apply.

Remodeling restaurants is part of a multi-year strategy to reinvigorate the Wendys brand throughout North America and the way customers interact with Wendys, said Melin.

In 2011, Wendys began a journey to reimage a majority of its North American restaurants into a more contemporary and welcoming dining environment.

To date, around 30 percent of the North America Wendys now feature the new look.
ROHNERT PARK  Rohnert Park Department of Safety detectives raided brothels at an apartment complex on Rohnert Park Expressway Wednesday.

The apartment complex management informed the public safety department they had evicted the occupants of two apartments when they found signs of prostitution and suspected a third apartment also was involved.

An apartment resident also informed detectives that men frequently came and went from a fourth apartment at the complex, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Detectives then located ads on the internet offering Asian women for massages and sex acts at the two apartments that were still active.

Undercover detectives went to the apartments and were greeted by a woman wearing lingerie.

Detectives found four adult women who spoke little English in the two sparsely furnished apartments that were set up primarily for prostitution, according to the Department of Public Safety. The women were put in contact with advocacy services to help them stop prostitution activities and were provided transportation to a safe location set up by advocates when requested.

The apartments were part of a large statewide Asian brothel operation that frequently moved women to different locations, the Department of Public Safety said.

Two men soliciting prostitution services arrived at one of the apartments when detectives were present and they were interviewed and released, the Department of Public Safety said.

Detectives worked with the apartment complex management to begin the eviction process on the last two apartments, and the investigation of the brothel operators is continuing, the Public Safety Department said.
Two men robbed a medical marijuana distribution center near the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport at gunpoint Thursday evening, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said.

A female employee of the distribution center north of Santa Rosa noticed a red Honda Accord approach her as she walked to her car around 7 p.m., Sgt. Spencer Crum said.

The employee got in her car, locked and started it, but a black male adult wearing black clothing and gloves blocked her car with the Honda to prevent her from leaving, Crum said.

The suspect approached the employee's car door with a handgun and demanded the employee take him inside the distribution center, Crum said.

Once inside, another black male adult entered the business and both suspects ordered the female employee to show them the distribution center's vault, Crum said.

The suspects forced the woman on the ground, bound her wrists and ankles with zip ties and left in the Honda with an undisclosed amount of cash and marijuana from the vault, Crum said.

The victim was able to free herself and called for help, Crum said.

The suspects' vehicle was described as a newer, dark red Honda with paper plates and tinted windows, Crum said.

Crum said marijuana was not being grown in the distribution center warehouse which he described as "well established and sophisticated." He said the sheriff's office is investigating whether the distribution center is legal under the state's medical marijuana laws.

Crum said the marijuana robbery Thursday is one reason why Sonoma County Sheriff Steve Freitas, who retired Tuesday, was opposed to the voter approved Proposition 64 that legalizes marijuana for adults in California.
Stephen Miller is back.

The White House's immigration expert burst onto the legislative scene back in January, when he was the public flag-bearer for President Donald Trump's bungled executive order seeking to restrict immigration from seven mostly-Muslim countries.

Critics lampooned Miller back then for media appearances loaded with authoritarian swagger ("The powers of the president to protect our country are very substantial and will not be questioned," he said), combative brio (judges blocking Trump's order were engaging in "a judicial usurpation of power," he said) and raw political ineptitude (Congress wasn't consulted about the secretly crafted order, the federal bureaucracy wasn't alerted and the public backlash wasn't anticipated).

Miller disappeared from center stage after that debacle but -- just in time to fill the bonkers-behavior-void left by Anthony Scaramucci's exit from Trumplandia -- he popped up at Wednesday's White House press conference to explain the president's support for a new immigration bill.

The presser was embroidered with lots of fun stuff Miller-watchers have come to expect. It quickly devolved, for example, into a pair of ribald face-offs with two reporters, Jim Acosta of CNN and Glenn Thrush of the New York Times. Miller also structured his performance as a civics lesson brightened by his confidence that anyone doubting the wisdom of a bill seeking to cut annual immigration rolls in half was ill-informed, anti-worker or sort of un-American.

But let's leave aside for now the immigration proposal's merits and take up a different pair of questions: Why Miller, and why now?

The White House just survived a week of seismic West Wing upheaval that included high-profile staff departures, a new chief of staff, a failure to repeal or even fine-tune Obamacare, and Congress forcing Trump to sign a Russia sanctions bill. Republicans on Capitol Hill have begun ignoring or defying Trump, clearly signaling their preference for leaving Obamacare and daily Twitter jousting behind so they can put tax legislation on the table.

Amid all of this chaos, the White House decided Wednesday to throw its weight behind an immigration bill that has very little chance of moving through Congress, involves a contentious issue many legislators would rather not address right now, and relies on a polarizing, vaudevillian figure like Miller as its advocate. That doesn't seem to make much sense.

It does make sense, however, if the White House really isn't committed to a policy battle over immigration reform - any more than it's really committed to banning transgender people from serving in the military. The Pentagon has ignored the White House's transgender ban, which the president rolled out last week on Twitter, and has done little since to try to make his threat a reality.

Another new White House initiative appears to involve using the Justice Department to make sure that white people aren't being discriminated against in college admissions. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that it had obtained a White House document outlining a plan to investigate and possibly launch litigation targeting colleges and universities engaged in "race-based discrimination."

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a White House spokeswoman, dismissed the Times story, saying the Justice Department is always interested in monitoring discrimination claims.

Regardless of how vigorously the White House winds up investigating discrimination against white people, the thread linking that effort to the transgender ban and the new immigration bill is that all three involve direct appeals to a core part of Trump's electoral base: blue-collar, white workers who believe their livelihoods are threatened by immigrants, by a society that favors people of color, and by a culture overly invested in ensuring diversity in public institutions like the military.

The president is the steward of a White House under siege right now, mired in wide-ranging investigations of possible 2016 campaign collusion with the Russian government, the business dealings of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Trump's own financial ties to Russia. The White House has little to show thus far in the form of legislative accomplishments, and Team Trump routinely looks more like a television sitcom rather than the command center of the federal government.

Trump isn't overly concerned about legislative outcomes like a new health-care bill or a new immigration bill. He cares more about "winning" and about cultivating his own image, and he defines both of those things in his own special way -- hence his willingness to pop off randomly with new proposals when he feels attacked or worried about falling behind.

Trump is willing to be polarizing in the same way that Sean Spicer, Kellyanne Conway, Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller were and are polarizing: They are primarily in this thing for the battle, party and public be damned.

So don't be surprised that Trump, Miller, and the rest of the White House are willing to push an incendiary immigration proposal into a legislative black hole at a time when their administration has so much else at stake. It's because these folks aren't really about crafting sound public policy. They're all about their base.
Maybe it's the Arizona air. Something has to account for the state's profusion of free-spirited politicians like John McCain, Barry Goldwater, Morris K. Udall and Bruce Babbitt. Now add another name to the list: the state's junior Republican senator, Jeff Flake.

Flake, a small-government, pro-tolerance conservative, may be President Donald Trump's No. 1 enemy among congressional Republicans. Unlike more than a few colleagues, he doesn't reserve his complaints about the president's outrageous behavior for private conversations. Flake refused to endorse Trump last year, and has continued to criticize his conduct.

Now he's publishing a book, "Conscience of a Conservative," which argues for a "return to principle" and against the politics of personal destruction. It's a title borrowed from a book Goldwater published in 1960, four years before he lost a disastrous presidential bid to Lyndon Johnson that nevertheless paved the way for Ronald Reagan's conservative takeover of the Republican Party. Flake used to run the Goldwater Institute think tank in Arizona.

The party's abandonment of core principles, he argues, began well before Trump. He's especially critical of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose main talent, in his view, was for "self-promotion," and of former House whip Tom DeLay, a practitioner of "petty politics and the raw exercise of power" with the sole objective of winning elections.

The Republican Party, Flake believes, then "took the road too often traveled -- of venality and mendacity and political expediency."

These qualities, he writes, produced the excessive spending that marked the prescription-drug benefit enacted by Congress under President George W. Bush and the anti-immigration and protectionist posture embraced by some Republicans during the Barack Obama presidency.

Flake acknowledges that there is only a modest constituency for limited government, reining in entitlements, encouraging immigration and a globalist economic policy. But he sees those principles as building blocks for bipartisan accords that could strengthen the party and country. He cites as Senate role models Howard Baker, Bob Dole, and Richard Lugar, none considered ideological conservatives, and also has praise for his senior colleague, McCain.

Trump's success pulled Republicans in the opposite direction, he argues.

"Never has a party so quickly or easily abandoned its core principles as my party did in the course of the 2016 election," Flake charges in his book.

He takes vehement exception to Trump's nationalist views on trade and immigration, doubts the president will rein in the growth of Social Security, Medicare and other entitlements, and deplores the crudity and duplicity of the Trump White House.

He is positive about Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, and also voted for some of the president's questionably qualified appointments. He supports the administration's deregulatory moves, but voted for the Republicans' failed effort to repeal and replace Obamacare with bills drawn up in secret and without any Democratic support, despite his calls for transparency and bipartisanship.

I chatted with Flake on Wednesday. Here's a lightly edited transcript of the conversation.

Q: How do you explain the Republican triumph of Trump?

A: This has been a long time building. We forgot our principles, so I think when we held the majority in the House and the Senate and White House and we didn't cut spending and limit government, and because we couldn't argue that we were conservative, therefore then we had to delve into the wedge issues. And we got further into those issues and have never gotten out.

Q: Trump has made it clear that he wants to get rid of special counsel Robert Mueller, who's running the investigation of his ties to Russia. If he does, what should or will Congress do?

A: I think Congress would move ahead with its own special prosecutor. I do. It may be Bob Mueller. You cannot allow the president to so discard institutions that have been really so instrumental. I just don't think that Congress would stand for that.

Q: Apart from less spending and more limited government, what is Flake conservatism?

A: Well, it's a game of addition and not subtraction. Where you simply don't play to the base. Seek to expand your constituency. Things like immigration, we expand to appeal to a broader audience. I think the current effort is to drill harder down in the base and rile them up when we're done. We've seen that work for a cycle, and I think it did last time. It worked in California with Prop 187, but it doesn't work in the long term.

Q: Do you really think you can re-create any consensus for free trade when, as you write, there are winners and losers and the politicians appeal to the losers?

A: I think we have no choice. If we want to grow economically, if we want to keep the standard of living that we have, we have no choice. And I think we can, and that's not to say that it won't involve different government programs to help those who have been left behind. There are certainly people who are left behind, but it has to start with honesty, and it's not honest to tell a bunch of coal miners that their industry is coming back for the foreseeable future.

Q: Health care: You don't like Obamacare, but can Congress move in a bipartisan fashion to improve what you think is a very flawed system?

A: We have no choice. We've reached the limits of what we can do with one party, and there are some calls to double down and bring another vote up. But there's no appetite for that. The parties are meeting. Lamar Alexander [the Tennessee Republican who heads the Senate Health Committee] has already indicated they're going to sit down, and that's the way it should be.

Q: Taxes: It looks like there will be tax cuts but not tax reform, a big deficit-busting measure. Is that the way forward for a conscientious conservative?

A: No. I'm an ardent supply-sider, but I recognize that some tax cuts are not stimulative. Some are, some aren't.

Q: Is eliminating the estate tax?

A: I think you have to, have to recognize we've done pretty well with the estate tax in terms of reforms that we've done. It's not enough of a revenue raiser to argue that that's what's going to sink us. As far as the stimulative value of it, I don't know whether that stimulates that much more.

Q: Do you worry about the effect it will have on the deficit?

A: Yes. I'm concerned that we don't take the deficit into account. But keep in mind we've got to have the economic growth. This anemic, under-2-percent is not going to cut it.

Q: Where will the Republican Party be in five years? Will Trump have changed American politics or be a passing phenomenon?

A: Well, I think to the extent that he goes back to traditional conservatism -- and I think on trade there are signs that he is -- if he doesn't, if he continues down this populist route, then I think this will be like other populist movements in the past, forgotten. Because populism is not a government philosophy.

Q: Do you think the Republican Party then really would move closer to what you're talking about?

A: Yes, I do. I think we'll return to more traditional conservatism. Limited government, economic freedom, free trade, strong defense, American leadership around the world.

Q: With the social issues being less important? And without turning as much to wedge issues that have been a focus?

A: Yes. I don't think we have the appetite to go back there. I hope we don't. I hope we focus on the issues that we can agree with, moving on.
The old English hymn says, God Moves in a Mysterious Way.

Burke Owens, the new pastor at St. Helenas St. Helenas United Methodist Church on Adams Street, would certainly agree, given the circuitous route he took to find his calling.

Religion was totally absent from Owens childhood.

I was raised in the northeast, in New England. My folks were avowed atheists. They thought religion was for idiots and fools: a good Democrat-liberal humanist point of view, Owens said.

In college, Burke said, he began a lot of spiritual work and practice that continued over the many years, but he never joined a specific religion.

It wasnt until after a 25-year career in food and wine, including stints as a sommelier, wine writer, and marketing and communications director for Tim Mondavis Continuum Estate winery that he had the urge to seriously pursue his religious yearnings.

After our kids were in college, I began to look at what to do with the next phase of my life.

His work had brought him and his family  wife Caroline, and two children, Rose and Bryn  to Napa, so he studied for more than four years at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, graduating in May with a Master of Divinity degree.

Owens said he settled on Methodism because he liked the denominations emphasis on building a community through small group interaction, and an overall openness.

After serving with churches in Petaluma and Napa, Owens took over in St. Helena on July 1.

The 60-year-old pastor said his main goal is simply to raise awareness of the church, perhaps the oldest in Napa Valley.

I want to encourage people to notice there is a church here, he said.

A biweekly film series, a Monday night silent meditation, and studies of the Bible and even other religions scriptures are among the new activities Owens has in store for the congregation.

His message, he said, is one of helpfulness.

Boosting Sunday worship attendance is less important than really connecting with people both inside and outside the church. Owens said. Everyone goes through times of crisis in life. I want people to know we are here to support them.

In the Methodist church pastors are appointed by the local Bishop, however Owens said he requested St. Helena; he felt it was a good fit, given his background.

I do feel that I have been called to work in this valley, with its focus on fine wine. Not every bottle of wine ages well in the cellar but those that do are extraordinary.

Like wine, Owens said, people can age and mature over the course of their lives, a process that is even more extraordinary than the still largely mysterious changes that occur in wine.

I believe that wine is a metaphor for how each person can grow and evolve into something finer and more complex over the course of their lives. My task as pastor in Saint Helena is to support and encourage this process of awakening so that our community is transformed and renewed.

Worship service is at 10 a.m. each Sunday at the Saint Helena United Methodist Church, 1310 Adams St. To reach the church office, call 707-963-2839.
When most people talk about an inferior vintage its usually the reflection of a critics view and not stemming from personal experience or exploration with the wines of that particular year, varietal or growing area.

Unfortunately, many respected critics tend to express their opinions too early without giving the wines of that vintage time to develop. And regretfully, we seldom see a published change of heart as time proves them wrong or misguided.

These negative opinions, based on weather issues and their perceived impact on the finished wine, often appear even before harvest. Others may appear before blending or bottling, long before the wines have had a chance to knit and emerge from infancy.

Its wishful thinking to believe there is no such thing as an off vintage. However, I find challenging a better term in the vineyard and winery as some wines and winemakers will meet the challenge by overcoming adversity and others will fall short. Yet, even in those vintages declared as off, you will find some stellar wines produced from specific varietals or growing areas that are able to excel despite the problems encountered by others.

2011 was such a vintage in the North Coast. A cool, wet spring was followed by a lackluster summer, and rains returned as harvest approached. The resulting wines were instantly maligned by the critical press, harming the market with broad-brush suggestions for consumers to pass on these wines and wait for the highly anticipated 2012s.

Not necessarily good advice as shortly after release many 2011s were modestly priced and showing quite well for immediate enjoyment and mid-term aging. The stylistic overtones were in the restrained traditional Old World profile rather than the more forward bolder wines were used to seeing from the New World. But this is not to say the resulting wines were bad, only that they were different.

To confirm this perspective we need only look to the February 2015 Decanter Magazines retrospective 2011 California Cabernet tasting of 118 wines. Three highly regarded European wine authorities tasted each wine and all agreed that 2011 was an atypical California cabernet vintage but one not to miss. They obviously appreciated the more Old World style created by the vintage character.

A few weeks ago, we joined two close friends from Los Angeles for a visit to the picturesque Schweiger Vineyards atop Spring Mountain. Among the many beautiful wines we sampled on the terrace, and later with lunch in the winery, were a trio of 2011s that confirmed my thoughts about off vintages and the fallacy associated with that terminology.

We began our 2011 adventure with Schweiger Cabernet Sauvignon that was an elegant expression of all that Decanter described in their tasting and prompted me to ask if there were other 2011s we could sample.

So next came the Schweiger Cabernet Sauvignon Gate Block (a small vineyard block at the lower end of the driveway) that took the elegance and precision of the first cabernet to new levels of depth, balanced concentration and complexity.

Then we savored the Schweiger Family Cuvee (a cabernet based blend) that could be seen as a great testament to any vintage (let alone 2011) with its subtle interplay of power and grace.

Enjoying these wines triggered a discussion of other so-called off vintages reminding me of how Ive often related the similar growing conditions, wines and negative critical commentary of 1998 to 2011.

For dinner that night, I brought along a 1998 Araujo Eisele Estate Cabernet that was showing beautifully as it nears the end of its second decade. Perhaps some 1998s, like the 2011s, did not show particularly well in their youth but in many cases (of course not all) the wait has proven itself worthwhile.

The next night, we continued our exploration of wines critics said wouldnt stand the test of time by looking at a 1989 Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot served side-by-side at dinner with a 1989 Chateau Ausone (a Grand Cru merlot based wine from Bordeauxs St. Emilion) brought by our LA friends Stephanie and Howard Sherwood.

1989 is considered exceptional in Bordeaux but is among the critically shunned vintages in Napa. Yet both showed beautifully with the Ausone demonstrating the refined unique character of a properly aged Bordeaux while the Duckhorn certainly held its own with a more youthful nose and palate.

It was once said that in California, vintage doesnt matter as its always sunny and warm. Now many decades and thousands of wines later, we know this is not the case since we are subject to vintage variations akin to other wine producing areas around the world.

These so-called off vintages are best appreciated as examples of diversity. And as consumers, we are rewarded in our ability to take advantage of the sleepers out there and pleasant surprises that await.

My July 21 column Will it be red or white? sparked several responses including a few short, sweet and humorous notes.

PabloMy answer to the question Would you like red or white? is always Definitely.

MichaelI have the waiter open both. The white is refreshing and the red opens in the glass.

TonyI love a good white wine, but only as Im waiting to drink my red!

Share your experiences with other readers by commenting on this article at napavalleyregister.com/wine-exchange or email me at allenbalik@savorlifethroughwine.com.
(Natural News) Psychiatry is an ancient phenomenon with an invasive and brutal history. In the past, the mentally ill were strapped to their beds and doctors performed lobotomies and electroconvulsive therapy in the hope to improve a patients mental state. As asylums closed in the 1970s and 1980s, old brutal practices and the use of coercion in psychiatry were abandoned. Therefore, psychiatry is now thought to be a benign medical practice to help the mentally ill.

Though at some point in history the focus shifted towards care rather than custody, an editorial, published earlier this year in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), revealed disturbing trends in coercive practices in todays mental health system.

While there will always be situations where intervention and coercion are inevitable to protect the life of the patient or their relatives, they are often unnecessary. Nonetheless, these ancient practices are once again becoming routine in our modern mental health care system.

Today, an increasing number of mental health professionals see coercion as an essential tool, giving rise to new types of secure mental health facilities that replicate some of the inhumane and unethical practices of old asylums.

People are required to take super-powerful psychiatric drugs against their will while being unable to leave locked wards. According to the reports findings, more than half of the admissions to psychiatric hospitals in England are now involuntary.

Although society has the right to be protected, using the health care system to detain people for punishment rather than treatment is unethical and criminal. Mental health institutions have too much power and the concerns of patients or their relatives are often ignored.

In many cases, a mentally ill person is seen as a danger to society. Britains current Mental Health Act has allowed thousands of unnecessary detentions and failed to deal with discrimination against ethnic minority patients. Though there is little evidence that community treatment orders offer any benefit, they form an integral part of the mental health services.

And whats worse, our prisons are also increasingly being used to manage and contain mentally ill people. In the United States, there are now over three times more mentally ill people in jails than in hospitals. Of these people, 16 percent have a serious mental illness and should receive proper treatment instead of being locked away.

Coercive psychiatry a torture system to gain control

The recent shift in psychiatry, which prioritizes risk management over individual health and social needs, has given institutions too much power. All too often the patients are left out of the decision-making and psychiatric health care providers are reluctant to share information. They feel they know whats best for their patients.

Coercion is once again being used to gain physical, legal, chemical, psychological, and financial control. Patients are increasingly losing their freedom. Psychiatric coercive measures are a cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment that goes against our human rights. According to the International Association Against Psychiatric Assault, psychiatric coercion fulfills all the criteria of the definition of torture as taken from the Anti-Torture Convention of the United Nations.

Though collaborative and person-centered care leading to recovery should be the primary focus of mental health services, people are increasingly being drugged and locked up in psychiatric institutions. They are diagnosed against their will and forcibly subjected to physical intervention with damaging psychiatric drugs and electroshocks.

Given these inhumane and damaging practices, patients who might benefit from psychiatric care are likely to delay or avoid treatment out of fear of losing their freedom and compromising their basic rights. Instead of helping these people, we have taken a step back by imprisoning and torturing them. Are we going back to the time of lunatic asylums that functioned as poorhouses and jails for the mentally unstable?

Sources include:

BMJ.com

IAAPA.de
(Natural News) Primary care providers complain about two things primarily these days: That too many patients consult (and believe) Dr. Google more than they believe their PCP and far too many of their physician and provider colleagues are on the take from Big Pharma.

As to the second complaint, there is much hullabaloo over the use of statin drugs, which many in traditional medicine circles rely on and trust implicitly, while alternative medicine providers find to be unacceptably toxic. [To the latter, there is an argument to be made based on scientific evidence indicating statins cause harmful side effects including rapid aging, brain damage, and diabetes, among other problems.]

One of biggest defenders of statin use is Dr. Steve Nissen, a prominent cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. As noted by nephrologist Dr. Jason Fung in this Medium post, Nissen is a well-paid advocate for statin drugs:

Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a leading cardiologist from the UK, along with Dr. Maryann Demasi and Dr. Robert Lustig, and who does not take any money from drug makers wrote an excellent commentary arguing that the cholesterol hypothesis is dead. In response, cardiologist Dr. Steven Nissen claimed that Internet-driven cults were scaring people away from statins. Both are cardiologists. Who is right and who is wrong? The public has no way to know.

But the public needs to know this, as Fung pointed out: Nissen is on the payroll of Big Pharma. He was paid $80,000 from drug firms last year alone, taking in payments from some of the largest drug makers (Pfizer, Amgen, and Astra Zeneca). But by complaining that scary Internet-driven cults are driving people away from statins, he uses scare tactics of his own to push statins, claiming that without them scores of people would die  as he cashes checks from statin makers.

As Feng noted, a French study proved that Nissen was wrong:

In France, an intense statin controversy in 2013 drove discontinuations of that drug up by 50% compared to 2012 and 2011. Lots of people died as a result, right? Not at all.

In fact, there were a couple of thousand fewer deaths in 2013, according to the French research.

Nissen, nevertheless, has declared, We are losing the battle for the hearts and minds of our patients to websites developed by people with little or no scientific expertise, who often pedal natural or drug-free remedies for elevated cholesterol levels.

But there is no truth to that claim because there is no evidence to support his mass death without statins assertion.

Is the Internet playing a role in statin denial, so to speak? Most definitely, but in the form of offering legitimate counter-research and opinion regarding the efficacy of those drugs. Natural News is, of course, one of the Nets leading providers of such information. (Related: Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Steven Nissen goes full quack, insists people who believe in statin drug side effects are part of a cult.)

As we noted this week:

Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies associate statin drugs with further damage and deteriorated cellular environments. The top problems associated with statins include, liver damage, Type 2 diabetes, pancreatitis, peripheral neuropathy, muscle damage, and cognitive decline. GreenMedInfos comprehensive database shows just how damaging statins really are.

Our founding editor Mike Adams, the Health Rangers, has been sounding the alarm for years about harmful medicine as well as conflicts of interest in medical and scientific research and expertise offered by doctors on the take. Thats why more people rely on him, and Natural News, to sort the wheat from the chaff.

The general public is not stupid. They understand that many doctors are on the payroll of Big Pharma but are desperate to hide this fact, Fung writes. They understand that the people that should be the most expert  the university professors and the physicians at the teaching hospitals and the researchers who write the articles are the ones that are taking the most $$$. Theyre trading their academic prestige for cold hard cash in a form of intellectual prostitution.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

Medium.com

Annals.org

GreenMedInfo.com

HealthRanger.news

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Doctors have recommended that pregnant women get flu shots for a long time now because pregnant women and babies have a high risk of complications from the flu, but many women are reluctant to take on the risks, particularly when there is no guarantee the vaccine will afford any amount of protection. A new study aimed at uncovering how prior vaccination can impact the immune response of expectant mothers, has confirmed that after receiving a flu shot, people have lower antibody responses to the following years vaccine.

The researchers from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center set out to determine if this effect is also seen in pregnant women, and to find out if that affects how the antibodies are passed on to the baby.

For the study, the researchers gave 141 pregnant women the flu vaccine. Among that group, 91 of the women had gotten the flu shot the year before, while 50 had not. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they discovered that those who had not received the flu shot the year before had a higher initial immune response to the shot. In contrast, the women who did the get jab the year prior had weakened peak antibody responses. Their findings were published in the Vaccine journal.

This is in keeping with past findings, including a study that showed that those who got the flu jab consecutively for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 flu seasons had a higher risk of being infected with the new strains of the flu. Moreover, in Canada, people who got a 2008 flu shot were as much as 2.5 times more likely to come down with the H1N1 flu the following year, than those who had not received a shot. Scientists suspect that annual flu shots could make it more difficult for the immune system to fight against new strains that show up afterward.

The researchers then set out to determine how this could affect babies. They tested the expectant mothers throughout the duration of their pregnancies and then analyzed the blood from their umbilical cords when the babies were delivered to see how well the mothers protection against the flu was passed along to the babies while in the womb.

They found that even though women who get a flu shot every year experience a weaker initial antibody response, with the passage of time, the protection afforded to their baby is unlikely to be impacted. However, for many women, getting the flu shot during pregnancy is just too risky to make it worth taking a chance on.

Plenty of reasons to avoid the flu vaccine

The fact that flu shots weaken immunity in subsequent years isnt the only reason that pregnant women might want to avoid them. A study in the Human Environmental and Toxicology journal found that the multiple-strain inactivated flu vaccine that contains mercury, was the direct cause of a 4,250 percent rise in fetal deaths during the pandemic flu season of 2009.

The effects of flu vaccines on pregnant women are not even fully understood. The insert for the jab Flulaval, for example, reads: Safety and effectiveness of Flulaval have not been established in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children. Yet doctors continue to pressure pregnant women to get flu vaccines.

Making matters worse, the flu vaccine is not particularly effective in many cases. In fact, the CDC admitted that the 2014 vaccine didnt protect against that seasons most dominant strain. Flu vaccines are developed several months ahead of the beginning of the official flu season to allow enough time for mass production, and the process scientists use to predict which strains will be most prominent that year is not foolproof.

While it is understandable that women who are expecting want to do everything they can to ensure a healthy baby, the flu vaccine has a lot of risks for very little reward.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

NaturalNews.com

CTVNews.ca

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Documents released in US cancer litigation show Monsantos desperate attempts to suppress a study that showed adverse effects of Roundup herbicide  and that the editor of the journal that retracted the study had a contractual relationship with the company. Claire Robinson reports

(Article republished from GMwatch.org

Internal Monsanto documents released by attorneys leading US cancer litigation show that the company launched a concerted campaign to force the retraction of a study that revealed toxic effects of Roundup. The documents also show that the editor of the journal that first published the study entered into a contract with Monsanto in the period shortly before the retraction campaign began.

The study, led by Prof GE Seralini, showed that very low doses of Monsantos Roundup herbicide had toxic effects on rats over a long-term period, including serious liver and kidney damage. Additional observations of increased tumour rates in treated rats would need to be confirmed in a larger-scale carcinogenicity study.

The newly released documents show that throughout the retraction campaign, Monsanto tried to cover its tracks to hide its involvement. Instead Monsanto scientist David Saltmiras admitted to orchestrating a third party expert campaign in which scientists who were apparently independent of Monsanto would bombard the editor-in-chief of the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology (FCT), A. Wallace Hayes, with letters demanding that he retract the study.

Use of third party experts is a classic public relations tactic perfected by the tobacco industry. It consists of putting industry-friendly messages into the mouths of supposedly independent experts, since no one would believe industry attempts to defend its own products. Back in 2012, GMWatch founder Jonathan Matthews exposed the industry links of the supposedly independent scientists who lobbied the journal editor to retract the Seralini paper. Now we have first-hand proof of Monsantos direct involvement.

In one document, Saltmiras reviews his own achievements within the company, boasting that he Successfully facilitated numerous third party expert letters to the editor which were subsequently published, reflecting the numerous significant deficiencies, poor study design, biased reporting and selective statistics employed by Seralini. In addition, coauthored the Monsanto letter to the editor with [Monsanto employees] Dan Goldstein and Bruce Hammond.

Saltmiras further writes of how Throughout the late 2012 Seralini rat cancer publication and media campaign, I leveraged my relationship [with] the Editor i[n] Chief of the publishing journal and was the single point of contact between Monsanto and the Journal.

Another Monsanto employee, Eric Sachs, writes in an email about his efforts to galvanize scientists in the letter-writing campaign. Sachs refers to Bruce Chassy, a scientist who runs the pro-GMO Academics Review website. Sachs writes: I talked to Bruce Chassy and he will send his letter to Wally Hayes directly and notify other scientists that have sent letters to do the same. He understands the urgency I remain adamant that Monsanto must not be put in the position of providing the critical analysis that leads the editors to retract the paper.

In response to Monsantos request, Chassy urged Hayes to retract the Seralini paper: My intent was to urge you to roll back the clock, retract the paper, and restart the review process.

Chassy was also the first signatory of a petition demanding the retraction of the Seralini study and the co-author of a Forbes article accusing Seralini of fraud. In neither document does Chassy declare any link with Monsanto. But in 2016 he was exposed as having taken over $57,000 over less than two years from Monsanto to travel, write and speak about GMOs.

Sachs is keen to ensure that Monsanto is not publicly seen as attempting to get the paper retracted, even though that is precisely what it is doing. Sachs writes to Monsanto scientist William Heydens: There is a difference between defending science and participating in a formal process to retract a publication that challenges the safety of our products. We should not provide ammunition for Seralini, GM critics and the media to charge that Monsanto used its might to get this paper retracted. The information that we provided clearly establishes the deficiencies in the study as reported and makes a strong case that the paper should not have passed peer review.

Another example of Monsanto trying to cover up its involvement in the retraction campaign emerges from email correspondence between Monsanto employees Daniel Goldstein and Eric Sachs. Goldstein states: I was uncomfortable even letting shareholders know we are aware of this LTE [GMW: probably Letter to the Editor]. It implies we had something to do with it  otherwise how do we have knowledge of it? I could add Aware of multiple letters to editor including one signed by 25 scientists from 14 countries if you both think this is OK. Sachs responds: We are connected but did not write the letter or encourage anyone to sign it.

A. Wallace Hayes was paid by Monsanto

The most shocking revelation of the disclosed documents is that the editor of Food and Chemical Toxicology, A. Wallace Hayes, entered into a consulting agreement with Monsanto in the period just before Hayess involvement in the retraction of the Seralini study. Clearly Hayes had a conflict of interest between his role as a consultant for Monsanto and his role as editor for a journal that retracted a study determining that glyphosate has toxic effects. The study was published on 19 September 2012; the consulting agreement between Hayes and Monsanto was dated 21 August 2012 and Hayes is contracted to provide his services beginning 7 September 2012.

The documents also reveal that Monsanto paid Hayes $400 per hour for his services and that in return Hayes was expected to Assist in establishment of an expert network of toxicologists, epidemiologists, and other scientists in South America and participate on the initial meeting held within the region. Preparation and delivery of a seminar addressing relevant regional issues pertaining to glyphosate toxicology is a key deliverable for the inaugural meeting in 2013.

Hayes should have recused himself from any involvement with the Seralini study from the time he signed this agreement. But he kept quiet. He went on to oversee a second review of the study by unnamed persons whose conflicts of interest, if any, were not declared  resulting in his decision to retract the study for the unprecedented reason that some of the results were inconclusive.

Hayes told the New York Timess Danny Hakim in an interview that he had not been under contract with Monsanto at the time of the retraction and was paid only after he left the journal. He added that Monsanto played no role whatsoever in the decision that was made to retract. But since it took the journal over a year to retract the study after the months-long second review, which Hayes oversaw, its clear that he had an undisclosed conflict of interest from the time he entered into the contract with Monsanto and during the review process. He appears to be misleading the New York Times.

The timing of the contract also begs the question as to whether Monsanto knew the publication of the study was coming. If so, they may have been happy to initiate such a relationship with Hayes at just that time.

A Monsanto internal email confirms the companys intimate relationship with Hayes. Saltmiras writes about the recently published Seralini study: Wally Hayes, now FCT Editor in Chief for Vision and Strategy, sent me a courtesy email early this morning. Hopefully the two of us will have a follow up discussion soon to touch on whether FCT Vision and Strategy were front and center for this one passing through the peer review process.

In other email correspondence between various Monsanto personnel, Daniel Goldstein writes the following with respect to the Seralini study: Retraction  Both Dan Jenkins (US Government affairs) and Harvey Glick made a strong case for withdrawal of the paper if at all possible, both on the same basis  that publication will elevate the status of the paper, bring other papers in the journal into question, and allow Seralini much more freedom to operate. All of us are aware that the ultimate decision is up to the editor and the journal management, and that we may not have an opportunity for withdrawal in any event, but I felt it was worth reinforcing this request.

Monsanto got its way, though the paper was subsequently republished by another journal with higher principles  and, presumably, with an editorial board that wasnt under contract with Monsanto.

Why Monsanto had to kill the Seralini study

Its obvious that it was in Monsantos interests to kill the Seralini study. The immediate reason was that it reported harmful effects from low doses of Roundup and a GM maize engineered to tolerate it. But the wider reason that emerges from the documents is that to admit that the study had any validity whatsoever would be to open the doors for regulators and others to demand other long-term studies on GM crops and their associated pesticides.

A related danger for Monsanto, pointed out by Goldstein, is that a third party may procure funding to verify Seralinis claims, either through a government agency or the anti-GMO/antl-pesticide financiers.

The documents show that Monsanto held a number of international teleconferences to discuss how to pre-empt such hugely threatening developments.

Summing up the points from the teleconferences, Daniel Goldstein writes that unfortunately, three potential issues regarding long term studies have now come up and will need some consideration and probably a white paper of some type (either internal or external). These are potential demands for

 2 year rat/long-term cancer (and possibly reproductive toxicity) on GM crops

 2 year/chronic studies on pesticide formulations, in addition to the studies on the active ingredient alone that are currently demanded by regulators, and

 2 year rat/chronic studies of pesticide formulations on the GM crop.

In reply to the first point, Goldstein writes that the Seralini study found nothing other than the usual variation in SD [Sprague-Dawley] rats, and as such there is no reason to question the recent EFSA guidance that such studies were not needed for substantially equivalent crops. GMWatch readers will not be surprised to see Monsanto gaining support from EFSA in its opposition to carrying out long-term studies on GMOs.

In answer to the second point, Goldstein reiterates that the Seralini study actually finds nothing  so there is no need to draw any conclusions from it  but the theoretical issue has been placed on the table. We need to be prepared with a well considered response.

In answer to the third point, Goldstein ignores the radical nature of genetic engineering and argues pragmatically, if not scientifically, This approach would suggest that the same issue arises for conventional crops and that every individual formulation would need a chronic study over every crop (at a minimum) and probably every variety of crop (since we know they have more genetic variation than GM vs conventional congener) and raises the possibility of an almost limitless number of tests. But he adds, We also need a coherent argument for this issue.

EU regulators side with Monsanto

To the publics detriment, some regulatory bodies have backed Monsanto rather than the public interest and have backed off the notion that long-term studies should be required for GM crops. In fact, the EU is considering doing away with even the short 90-day animal feeding studies currently required under European GMO legislation. This will be based in part on the results of the EU-funded GRACE animal feeding project, which has come under fire for the industry links of some of the scientists involved and for its alleged manipulation of findings of adverse effects on rats fed Monsantos GM MON810 maize.

Apology required

A. Wallace Hayes is no longer the editor-in-chief of FCT but is named as an emeritus editor. Likewise, Richard E. Goodman, a former Monsanto employee who was parachuted onto the journals editorial board shortly after the publication of the Seralini study, is no longer at the journal.

But although they are sidelined or gone, their legacy lives on in the form of a gap in the history of the journal where Seralinis paper belongs.

Now that Monsantos involvement in the retraction of the Seralini paper is out in the open, FCT and Hayes should do the decent thing and issue a formal apology to Prof Seralini and his team. FCT cannot and should not reinstate the paper, because it is now published by another journal. But it needs to draw a line under this shameful episode, admit that it handled it badly, and declare its support for scientific independence and objectivity.

Read more at: GMwatch.org
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 01:59:02|Editor: ying

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JUBA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Thursday elected nine representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in fresh elections following the June decision by the regional court to throw out the war-torn country's initial members.

Among the newly elected representatives three are women and six men hence fulfilling the crucial gender equality requirement, after competitive elections were conducted as requested in the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) decision.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Mawien Makol said in Juba that the election process has been free and credible within terms of the EALA.

"The elections have been this time free and credible within standards of the EALA," he said.

This came after President Salva Kiir's decree in March appointing the nine members from mostly his ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) was challenged by a South Sudanese lawyer Wani Santino Jada, who secured an interim court order in the EACJ withdrawing the nine on the basis of their election disenfranchising other smaller opposition parties.

South Sudan is the newest member of the East African Community (EAC) a regional economic bloc of six countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.

Article 50 of the EAC treaty grants the National Assembly of each member state to elect nine members of the Assembly from various political parties represented in the National Assembly.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 02:29:16|Editor: ying

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NICOSIA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Cyprus peace process can only be revived by the two Cypriot community leaders, a UN official said on Thursday.

"What I am saying -- and I think the leaders agree with -- is that talks will not be resurrected by the UN. The resurrection will have to happen through agreement by the sides," the UN Secretary General's special adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide said.

"If they agree, the Secretary General is there," he added.

Eide was talking after farewell meetings with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, representing the Greek Cypriots, and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, before handing in his mandate.

Eide will return to his native Norway to contest a parliamentary seat in elections in September.

He indicated that restarting the peace negotiating process would not be an easy task, as the United Nations is not planning an initiative. However, the Secretary General, who has a Security Council mandate of good services, remains available to act if the sides want it.

"But the decision has to be made here ... and the international community now needs to be convinced there is a real intent to try again," Eide noted.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres declared that the negotiating process had come to an end on July 7, after an agreement on security arrangements was not be reached.

He said that the sides have time to reflect on the outcome and prospects before embarking on a renewed process.

In two years of talks, Anastasiades and Akinci had removed deep rooted differences which persisted four decades.

Turkish troops occupied the northern part of Cyprus in 1974 in reaction to a coup by the military rulers of Greece at the time.

Withdrawal of troops and the termination of a 1960 Treaty of Guarantee was at the center of disagreements at the final session of the conference in Switzerland.

Eide's farewell reception was an opportunity for a meeting between Anastasiades and Akinci after the collapse of their negotiations.

Anastasiades has said he is ready to restart negotiations within a framework set by Guterres.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 03:54:57|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) who left Syria have been found to be disadvantaged economically, lacking education or job opportunities before heading to the warfront, a UN study revealed Thursday.

"Most FTFs interviewed in this study are young, male and without an advanced education," the UN report said.

"Perhaps contrary to general perceptions, the report finds that many FTFs serving as foot soldiers lack opportunity, are disadvantaged economically, lack education and have poor labor prospects, even when they come from Western societies."

"Most FTFs in this sample come from large families in urban communities that are rather isolated from mainstream social, economic and political activity," it said. "Some of the families from which these particular FTFs come often show signs of internal dysfunction or stress," it added.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced the release of the UN Office of Counter Terrorism's "Enhancing the Understanding of the Foreign Terrorist Fighters Phenomenon in Syria", which focused on motivations of foreign terrorist fighters to travel to Syria and return to their countries of origin.

"The report is a product of direct interviews of 43 FTFs of 12 nationalities in seven countries," he said.

"The report recommends that in dealing with returnees it may be important to differentiate among the initial intention (of FTFs) before going to Syria, what they actually did there and the reason for return," Dujarric said. "Among those interviewed for the report it seemed that not all went to Syria to become fighters."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 04:05:05|Editor: ying

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LONDON, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The celebrated veteran British actor who played Cornelius Fudge, the minister for magic, in four of the Harry Potter movies, has died aged 91, his family announced Thursday.

Actor Robert Hardy was also known for his portrayals in a number of productions of British wartime prime minister Winston Churchill.

Hardy became a household name in a popular 1970s television series about a veterinary practice in Yorkshire, All Creatures Great and Small.

J.K. Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter stories, paid tribute to Hardy, saying: "So very sad to hear about Robert Hardy. He was such a talented actor and everybody who worked with him on Potter loved him."

In a statement, Hardy's family spoke of his tremendous life, with a giant career in theater, television and film. His acting career spanned more than seven decades.

The family described Hardy as "gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, and celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work."

His three children, Emma, Justine and Paul, said in the statement: "Dad is also remembered as a meticulous linguist, a fine artist, a lover of music and a champion of literature, as well a highly respected historian."

Hardy started his acting career when he was in his early 20s with the Shakespeare Memorial Company in Stratford which later became the Royal Shakespeare Company. He died at a home for retired actors near London.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 04:40:28|Editor: Xiang Bo

Kalisa Mbanda, chairperson of National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Rwanda, receives an interview in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, on Aug. 3, 2017. National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Rwanda on Thursday urged voters to respect the choices and wishes of the people in the electorate and refrain from engaging in any violence. Rwandans on Friday will go to the polls that will elect their leader for the next seven years. (Xinhua/Gabriel Dusabe)

KIGALI, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Rwanda on Thursday urged voters to respect the choices and wishes of the people in the electorate and refrain from engaging in any violence.

Rwandans on Friday will go to the polls that will elect their leader for the next seven years.

There are three presidential contenders, incumbent President Paul Kagame of the ruling party Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate.

"We are appealing to all Rwandans to respect people's choices, wishes and be tolerant to each other's political views. We do not want to see or hear incidents of violence in electorates resulting in deaths, injuries and destruction to properties," said Kalisa Mbanda, chairperson of NEC.

He said that voters will not be allowed to cast their ballot if dressed in attire that promotes specific candidates or party.

"Voters should respect voting time. Voting starts from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who will come after the designated time will not vote," he said.

The executive secretary of NEC, Charles Munyaneza, said up to 95 percent of polling materials had been delivered and all were expected to be delivered by Friday morning.

According to him, up to 70 percent of preliminary results will be released before midnight.

Rwandans in the diaspora cast their votes on Thursday except in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi, where polling stations were not set over security concerns, Munyaneza said.

The results from diaspora will be announced together with those from the Friday's polls.

Police officers were deployed at all polling centers to ensure security and safety before, during and after the polls, said Inspector General of Police of Rwanda Emmanuel Gasana on Thursday, adding that all were set for smooth and safe elections.

NEC has set up 2,340 polling centers and 16,691 polling rooms across the country which will minimize long queues during the elections.

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| 2017-08-04 07:31:16|Editor: Yang Yi

Volunteer Liu Hongyan (1st L) introduces main scenic spots of the city to tourists at Xiamen Railway Station in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 3, 2017. Volunteer service stations have been established at some transportation hubs, business centers, scenic zones, plazas and parks in the city to greet the upcoming BRICS Summit. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 07:11:25|Editor: Yang Yi

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by Xinhua Writer Wang Jiangang

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The head of a U.S. climate change group on Thursday gave the thumbs up to the efforts made by the Chinese government in dealing with climate change, while warning the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate pact would hurt the U.S. economy.

"China has a very comprehensive program to address the climate change," Ken Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Climate Reality Project, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the "2017 JCI Global Partnership Summit," sponsored by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

"Your job is to reduce the dependence on coal," he said, noting that "China is completely on the right track."

"On the world level, you are showing a good leadership," said Berlin, adding that the Chinese government is very "progressive" in its efforts to deal with the climate change, citing the example that the country has a very good five-year plan for its renewable energy development.

The JCI Global Partnership Summit is an annual event, where young people unite with leaders of business, civil society and government to explore the greatest challenges of our time and craft sustainable solutions.

While speaking highly of the efforts made by the Chinese government, Berlin criticized the Trump administration for its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Change Agreement, saying that he didn't understand why Trump decided to pull out from it, doubting that it might be out of "ideological" or other reasons.

"The fossil fuel industry, the coal industry in particular, is not growing in the United States. But in the meantime, the renewable energy is growing very, very rapidly. So, if you discourage new and renewable energy, you will lose tremendous job opportunities," said Berlin.

"So, I think he (President Trump) is on the wrong track, as his decision will hurt the U.S. economy and jobs," he stressed.

Citing a Citibank report, Berlin said that "not taking action on climate change would cost the world 44 trillion U.S. dollars by 2060."

"According to the same report, if we transition to a clean energy economy, the globe would save some 1.8 trillion dollars by 2040," he said.

According to Berlin, there are over 2.6 million jobs in the United States in the solar, wind and energy efficiency sectors.

The U.S. renewable energy sector employed around 777,000 people in 2016, he said.

He told the summit that there are twice as many jobs in solar as in coal in the United States, and investment in clean energy could result in 6 million additional jobs by 2050.

The transition to a low carbon economy would provide a cumulative gain through increased GDP amounting to 19 trillion dollars by 2050.

Therefore, Berlin called on all countries to stick to the Paris Climate Change Agreement and take immediate action to support the climate pact.

People should "become involved in campaigns to support climate action," "contact your elected representatives to let them know how important climate action and the Paris Agreement are to you," "reduce your carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy, reducing transportation, and eating less meat."

What's important is that all people should "engage with climate change deniers," he said.

The Climate Reality Project is a diverse group of passionate individuals who have come together to solve the greatest challenge of our time. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore spends the majority of his time as chairman of the Project, a non-profit devoted to solving the climate crisis.
Nearly two tons of ivory products crafted from the tusks of at least 100 slaughtered elephants are heading for a rock crusher in New York City's Central Park on Thursday, which demonstrates New York's resolve to smash illegal ivory trade. (Xinhua/Li Xueyao)

NEW YORK, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Nearly two tons of ivory artifacts crafted from the tusks of about 100 slaughtered elephants were destroyed by a rock crusher in New York City's Central Park on Thursday.

The event, jointly organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, is designed to show New York's resolution to smash illegal ivory trade.

"It's a bad event from one hand, because we think about how many elephants gave their lives for the trinkets," Daniel L. Foote, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, told Xinhua.

Nearly two tons of ivory products crafted from the tusks of at least 100 slaughtered elephants are heading for a rock crusher in New York City's Central Park on Thursday, which demonstrates New York's resolve to smash illegal ivory trade. (Xinhua/Li Xueyao)

"On the other hand, it's a proud event for the law-enforcement successes that led us to seize and prosecute the criminals involved," he said.

"More than anything is to raise public awareness. We can get the word out, so that those of us who purchase illegal wildlife products are responsible for killing these animals," Daniel said.

Jimmiel Mandima, Director for partner relations with the African Wildlife Foundation, said it was important to destroy the ivory artifacts "because it means there's no value to keep ivory if you own any, and because we don't expect in the future ivory be sold anywhere."

Illegal hunting and habitat loss are seen as the major factors in the shrinking population of elephants.

According to the WCS, the Central African forest elephant population dropped 65 percent between 2002 and 2013 as a result of poaching, and its range shrank 30 percent.

Some populations of savannah elephants have also suffered major losses: in Tanzania and Mozambique, recent surveys show their numbers have dropped by 60 percent and 40 percent, respectively, in the past five years.

In addition, all three types of elephants including Asian, African forest and African savannah are listed as threatened on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Nearly two tons of ivory products crafted from the tusks of at least 100 slaughtered elephants are heading for a rock crusher in New York City's Central Park on Thursday, which demonstrates New York's resolve to smash illegal ivory trade. (Xinhua/Li Xueyao)

"It's a message to the public and to all of us that elephants are being killed. It's not cool to own ivory," Jimmiel said.

Thursday's ivory crush is one of the actions of WCS 96 Elephants Campaign, the name of which comes after the data that wild elephants are killed at rates as high as 96 per day.

During the 10 days before the World Elephant Day on Aug. 12, the WSC will continue to take another action called 10 Days For Elephants, so that people can sign up and receive 10 easy, fun, impactful actions to protect elephants and their homes.

New York State passed a law in 2014 to prevent the trade of illegal ivory articles by strengthening criminal and civil penalties for buyers and sellers whose actions are endangering elephant populations worldwide.

The law bans the sale of elephant and mammoth ivory and rhinoceros horns, with limited exceptions for products such as antiques demonstrated to be at least 100 years old and containing only a small amount of ivory.

Nearly two tons of ivory products crafted from the tusks of at least 100 slaughtered elephants are heading for a rock crusher in New York City's Central Park on Thursday, which demonstrates New York's resolve to smash illegal ivory trade. (Xinhua/Li Xueyao)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 07:16:28|Editor: Xiang Bo

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WINDHOEK, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's President Hage Geingob who turned 76 Thursday thanked the elderly for their contribution to the independence of the country.

Geingob said this when he visited one of the oldest homes in Katutura suburb, Windhoek, as part of celebrating his birthday.

He told the 26 seniors at the Katutura Old Age Home that he chose to spend the day with them because of their contribution to the liberation struggle.

"It is because of your contributions that we are today independent and enjoying the freedom," he said.

Geingob, who was accompanied by the First Lady Monica Geingos, brought with him a cake and some groceries.

President Hage Geingob on Thursday paid a surprise visit to the Katutura Old Age Home as part of his 76th birthday celebration.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany July 7, 2017. (REUTERS FILE PHOTO)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday blamed U.S. Congress for causing U.S.-Russian relationship to be at "an all-time and very dangerous low."

"Our relationship with Russia is at an all-time & very dangerous low. You can thank Congress, the same people that can't even give us HCare (health care)!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

Trump's comments came a day after he 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 laying out his accusation of the sanctions legislation, Trump said in a statement that the legislation "encroached on the executive branch's authority to negotiate."

"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.

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.

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 the sanctions bill signed by 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.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 07:51:36|Editor: Xiang Bo

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- After the Chamber of Deputies voted to dismiss charges against President Michel Temer for corruption, the government is focusing on social security reform, Brazil's Chief of Staff Eliseu Padilha said on Thursday.

According to Padilha, the measure is necessary to ensure the security of Brazil's accounts.

"Brazil's accounts cannot get completely out of hand. We must resume and finish the social security reform," he told the G1 news site.

The House voted on Wednesday to dismiss the charges of corruption against President Temer, by 263 votes against 227. The victory was solid but not impressive, and certain representatives from Temer's own PMDB party, and other allies, voted in favor of a trial.

Now, the government is seeking a political win and wants a vote on social security reform as soon as possible. The reform has been one of Temer's pet projects, but the government has more pragmatic reasons to seek the approval sooner than later.

The president still can be charged with obstruction of justice, which would lead to a new vote in the House to admit the charges, further delaying approval of the reform.

In addition, the social security reform is a constitutional amendment and requires a two-thirds majority in Congress to be approved. This may be difficult to obtain at a time when Temer and his government have a approval rating of just 5 percent.

The reform itself is also controversial. While the government states Brazil has a yawning social security deficit, which needs reform to honor future pensions, critics have dismissed this as a lie.

The opposition claims the numbers presented by the administration do not take into consideration extra sources of funding, which actually mean social security has a surplus, not a deficit.

In addition, critics say the reform will make it harder for Brazilians to retire, especially poor workers from sectors such as agriculture and construction, who currently enjoy lower retirement ages.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 09:17:04|Editor: Xiang Bo

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump-backed overhaul of the country's legal immigration system is likely to face an uphill climb through Congress, while its possible impacts on economy and society have drawn concern among American people.

Trump said he would support the Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act at a White House event on Wednesday, which is developed by Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia.

Introducing what he called the most significant overhaul of immigration in half a century, Trump said the current system "has not been fair" to U.S. workers as it allows entries of low-skill immigrants hired at a lower salary.

Initially introduced in February, the Cotton-Perdue bill had proposed a 50-percent cut in annual immigration over the next 10 years, designed to allot green cards for about 540,000 immigrants in 2027, about only half the number issued in 2015.

The bill, which stalled in the Senate for months, was reintroduced with certain changes, including a call for elimination of a diversity visa granted for those who come from countries with a low U.S. immigration rate and a 50,000 annual cap on refugee admissions.

The proposed bill would cut back family-based immigration to stipulate that only spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and permanent residents would be eligible for green cards.

Preferences for extended and adult family members would also be eliminated.

Furthermore, the act puts forward a merit-based system that grades possible immigrants for earning a green card, a major attempt to completely overhaul the family-based approach.

When evaluating applicants under the RAISE Act, factors that would be taken into account include English language skills, education, job offers, records of achievements, entrepreneurial initiative and age.

Shortly after the bill was unveiled, both Democrats and Republicans have adopted a skeptical attitude. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, though a supporter of merit-based immigration, expressed concerns that it would be devastating to the agriculture-and tourism-driven South Carolina, "which relies on this immigrant workforce."

Tom Perez, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, called the bill not just an affront to the U.S. values, but also a threat to the U.S. economy in a statement Wednesday.

The National Immigration Forum, an advocacy group, estimated that there would be a work force gap of 7.5 million jobs in the country by 2020.

"The bottom line is to cut immigration by half a million people, legal immigration, doesn't make much sense," said Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic leader.

Out of Capitol Hill, the bill's possible social and economic impacts have also drawn concern from pundits as well as ordinary American people.

"The United States is an immigration country. Contributions made by immigrations from all over the world has been widely recognized and highly praised in the country," Peter J. Li, associate professor of East Asian politics and international relations at the University of Houston, told Xinhua Thursday.

Li believed that the new proposal will do harm to the American economy as decreasing number of immigrants will deal a heavy blow to labor intensive industries such as service and agriculture.

"Trump's proposal to reduce the number of immigrants, once passed, will create a social and political atmosphere that demeans the immigrants, leading foreign high-tech talents to other countries and regions where technology and new industries are booming," he said.

In addition, the proposal will make the anti-immigrant sentiment of American society further ferment, said Li. Such sentiment has already brought a variety of allegations against immigrants, such as burdening the U.S. taxpayers and increasing public security risks.

Alex Nowrasteh, an immigration policy analyst at Washington-based Liberian think tank Cato Institute, argued that the Cotton-Perdue bill won't help boost skilled immigration.

The immigration effort "will only increase the proportion of employment-based green cards by cutting other green cards," Nowrasteh wrote in a blog. "Saying otherwise is grossly deceptive marketing."

Other analysts said the Cotton-Perdue bill is unlikely to get passed any time soon, as Congress is facing a number of proposals, including tax reform, a budget and lifting the debt ceiling.

"The new bill to cut back on legal immigration is almost impossible to be passed, because it is not consistent with the social and economic conditions of U.S.," Wang Zhidong, who has been a U.S. lawyer for more than 20 years, told Xinhua on Thursday.

"Unlike Canada and Australia, U.S. is born to be a country of immigrants, and if the new bill is passed, it will be a disaster for American people," Wang added.

Wang said, as a U.S immigrant for more than 30 years, he witnessed many bills or acts on immigration proposed but few passed. "The new bill is so extreme and there is nearly no room for the two parties to make compromise."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 09:27:07|Editor: Xiang Bo

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CANBERRA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The heads of Australia's major energy companies will meet with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull here next Wednesday in an effort to put a stop to rising electricity prices which are crippling low income Australian households.

In a letter sent to the heads of the nation's largest power companies on Friday, Turnbull said it was unimaginable that in a nation so rich in resources, Australians were struggling to pay their power bills.

"Australia is blessed with abundant energy so it is simply not good enough that some families and businesses cannot always afford to turn on their lights, heating and equipment," Turnbull's letter said.

Expanding on the prime minister's plan to "eyeball" the heads of the nation's biggest power companies, Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said the government hasn't ruled out stepping in to regulate the market if power companies can't come to an agreement.

"Certainly, we will look at regulatory options for us," Frydenberg said.

"The prime minister wants to eyeball the retailers and to tell them that we all need to do better to ensure particularly vulnerable households, who spend a higher proportion of their disposable income on power.

"Right now, it seems, many of them are stuck on standing offers which are not as attractive as market offers."

The energy minister said while the nation's consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), was investigating power prices, it would take many months to compile a report. He said that action needed to be taken now to ensure lower-income families aren't cut off.

"We are talking to the ACCC constantly -- the prime minister, the treasurer and myself -- and it released a report just last week which indicated how bad it was for these households who are stuck on the bad deals," Frydenberg said.

"So we can't afford to wait until next June, when the ACCC's final report is in. We need to take action now and that's why we'll have this meeting."

"We believe that they can increase the transparency around the bills that people receive," he said.

"(People) don't know when they could be getting a better deal elsewhere. The Australian energy regulator has found that households who move retailers and contracts could save up to 1,000 Australian dollars (795 U.S. dollars) a year or more."

The retailers will meet with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Wednesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 09:32:11|Editor: Liu

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by You Dongxiao

BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The military standoff between China and India in the Doklam region has lasted for almost two months now, and there is still no end in sight.

China has made it clear that there is no room for negotiation and the only solution is the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from the region.

The situation boils down to three main reasons why China will not, and cannot, back down.

Firstly, Doklam is Chinese territory and there is no doubt or dispute about it. The Doklam standoff differs from previous military confrontations along the China-India boundary in that it is the first intrusion into the Chinese side of the mutually recognized boundary.

The Doklam region belongs to China and has under Chinese rule for a very long time. This part of the boundary between Tibet Autonomous Region and India's Sikkim State is clearly delineated in the 1890 Convention between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet.

Every Indian government since independence has confirmed the boundary as it stands. It is hard to understand why India has decided to abandon its previous position and challenge the Convention at this time.

If China backs down now, India may be emboldened to make more trouble in the future. Beijing and New Delhi still have a number of differences over undefined sections of frontier, but Doklam is not one of them.

Secondly, it is simply illegal for India to send military personnel into Chinese territory, even under the pretext of "security concerns" or "protection" of Bhutan. This is not a grey area. India has not provided any legal basis at all for its action.

India contends that the building of some roads represents a significant change of the status quo with serious security implications and, in coordination with Bhutan, the Indian military attempted to stop the work in progress.

India attempts to justify its action in the name of protecting Bhutan, arguing that Doklam is Bhutanese territory, but even if that were the case, how does that entitle India to send troops there?

Although India and Bhutan have traditionally close relations, India recognizes Bhutan as an independent sovereign state. This raises the questions of when and why Thimphu invited India to protect its interests there. So far, there is no evidence that any such invitation was ever made.

Doklam is of huge strategic significance to India, due to its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor -- India's sensitive "chicken's neck" -- connecting seven northeastern states with the rest of the country.

India's own security concerns cannot possibly warrant a military occupation of a neighboring country. If they did, then any country could send its military forces unbidden into any neighboring country over purely internal security concerns.

Finally, the border line is the bottom line. China has relentlessly stated that it will never allow any people, organization or political party to split any part of Chinese territory away from the country at any time, in any form. China's position on such matters is crystal clear and unwavering.

Some Indian strategists and policymakers may be laboring under the misapprehension that China will back down sooner or later, citing resistance from vested interests in China's ongoing reform; that reform of the People's Liberation Army remains unfinished; and that India could play a key role in the United States' China containment strategy.

China has absolutely no reason or desire to enter into a war with its neighbor. After all, a peaceful and stable environment is crucial for China's economic growth and current reform drive, but it is ridiculous to conclude that China will allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be compromised. China will never back down in the face of foreign military pressure and will defend its native soil at all costs.

In sum, the only option is for India to unconditionally withdraw its troops from China and prevent any escalation of the crisis. Continued peace and tranquillity in the China-India border areas is undeniably in the fundamental interests of all.

(Editor's Note: You Dongxiao is an associate professor with the International College of Defense at the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army)

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

Infographic: Under the pretext of "protecting Bhutan", India attempts to create disputes in Doklam
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 09:52:23|Editor: Xiang Bo

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YANGON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Six more villagers have been found killed by extreme terrorists with two others going missing near Kaigyi village and the Mayu mountain range in Maungtaw, Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, according to the State Counselor's Office on Friday.

The bodies of the six villagers were discovered by the security forces on Thursday when they were patrolling the area.

The six victims, identified as members of the Mro Arakan ethnic group, were found murdered with machetes and gunshots by violent attackers, the statement said, adding that the security forces are in hot pursuit of the killers.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's security forces have also discovered some hidden tents of violent armed attackers in Mayu mountain range in Buthidaung-Maungtaw area in the weekend during a search in the area.

Last week, some 31 terror suspects were rounded up by the Myanmar security forces in Maungtaw township for holding a secret meeting in Kyauk Hlaykha village to plot terrorist acts.

A spate of violence occurred in Buthidaung and Maungtaw from last October to July with at least 44 civilians being killed and 27 others kidnapped by masked gunmen.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 09:57:25|Editor: ying

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BERLIN, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Hertha Berlin have signed midfielder Valentino Lazaro from RB Salzburg, the Bundesliga club announced on Thursday.

The "Old Lady" have strengthened their midfield as attacking midfielder Valentino Lazaro joins on loan. The loan contract of the 21-year-old Austria international includes an option to make the deal permanent.

"We are glad that the transfer of Valentino worked out. He will improve our offense with his quality and flexibility. It is no secret that we have been after him for some time," Berlin's sporting director Michael Preetz said.

Lazaro played since 2011 for RB Salzburg and provided ten goals in 85 competitive appearances. In addition, Hertha's new arrival is since 2014 part of Austria's national team.

"I am very happy that the transfer has been completed. The contact with Berlin has been there for a while. In all the talks with those responsible I had a good feeling," Lazaro told the club's official homepage.

However, the new arrival will be sidelined for the moment, as he is the road to recovery from an ankle injury.

Hertha Berlin clash with newly promoted Stuttgart at the first round of Bundesliga on August 19.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 10:02:28|Editor: Xiang Bo

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SUVA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A total of 312 people were treated for tuberculosis in Fiji in 2016 and the number of cases was growing, the Ministry of Health has disclosed.

Alex O'Connor, assistant minister of health, said tuberculosis remains an important disease of public health concern for Fijian health authorities.

He said tuberculosis was entirely curable, however, sadly in most communities it was often left unnoticed or a person was unaware that he/she had TB until they presented themselves to the health center or nursing station.

Loma Yavala, the national TB program control officer, said Fiji's number of cases was expected to increase to about 400 to 500 by the end of 2017.

Yavala said the ministry was aware that the staff serving TB patients were vulnerable and had a high possibility of getting infected by the bacteria.

She said fortunately they had TB services in Fiji and partners through the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Global Fund that organized training for health professionals to help health workers in this area.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 10:18:01|Editor: Yang Yi

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KAIFENG, Henan, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A company of one of China's most-wanted fugitives Guo Wengui has been fined 150 million yuan (22.3 million U.S. dollars) for crimes of fraudulently obtaining loans and bill acceptance, according to a court ruling issued Friday.

Two employees of Henan Yuda Real Estate Company were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to two years and another employee was exempted from criminal penalty, according to Kaifeng City Intermediate People's Court.

The defendants said they committed the crimes under direction from Guo Wengui.

Guo, the "actual controlling shareholder" of the company, fled China under suspicion of multiple crimes in August 2014 and is currently listed under an Interpol "red notice" for wanted fugitives.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 10:18:03|Editor: Xiang Bo

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CANBERRA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Strong growth in the export of goods and services has resulted in a 49.1 billion Australian dollars (39.1 billion U.S. dollars) turnaround in the value of trade exports in 2016-17, the nation's trade minister announced on Friday.

In an official media release, Trade Minister Steven Ciobo said Australia's export market experienced a 12.4 billion Australian dollar (9.88 billion U.S. dollar) surplus for 2016-17, up from a deficit of 36.7 billion Australian dollars (29.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2015-16.

"The result reflects the Turnbull government's commitment to free trade, which continues to underpin Australia's enviable economic prosperity and high standard of living," Ciobo said.

"The increase in the exports of goods in 2016-17 was primarily driven by resources, including coal -- up 19.7 billion Australian dollars (15.7 billion U.S. dollars) or 57.1 percent, metal ores and minerals -- up 16.2 billion Australian dollars (12.9 billion U.S. dollars) or 23.4 percent, and oil and gas -- up 6.1 billion Australian dollars (4.9 billion U.S. dollars) or 26.7 percent."

"Exports of rural goods also rose firmly -- up 3.4 billion Australian dollars (2.71 billion U.S. dollars) or 7.9 percent."

Ciobo added that it was not just an increase in the exports of goods such as minerals which was driving Australia's export growth, as services (including tourism and education) were also contributing heavily to the 9.88 billion U.S. dollars surplus.

"Given Australia's pre-eminent reputation as a destination for international tourists and students, services exports continued to rise steadily through 2016-17, increasing by 5.3 billion Australian dollars (4.22 billion U.S. dollars) or 7.8 percent for the year," he said.

The minister concluded by praising the success of free trade agreements (FTA) with major Asian nations including China as being a major factor in the strong export results.

"China, Japan and South Korea all remained major export destinations for Australian goods and services in 2016-17. The free trade agreements the Coalition delivered with these three countries will continue to deliver tangible benefits for Australians for many years to come," Ciobo said in the media release.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 10:48:20|Editor: Yang Yi

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ISLAMABAD, Aug.4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that he will work to implement China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and personally supervise the speedy completion of all the projects under the CPEC.

"Beyond CPEC, our economic cooperation will further enhance," said Abbasi at a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong on Thursday night.

During the meeting, the Chinese ambassador conveyed the congratulatory message of the Chinese leader to Abbasi on his election as the prime minister of Pakistan.

He said that the Chinese leadership is happy to see the smooth transition in Pakistan and will continue to support the government of Pakistan in the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi thanked the ambassador and conveyed his good wishes for the Chinese leadership.

The Chinese ambassador said that during the last four years, the bilateral relationship between China and Pakistan has attained new heights and he expressed belief that such ties will further strengthen under the leadership of Abbasi.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 11:09:23|Editor: Xiang Bo

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CARACAS, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has announced that the controversial National Constituent Assembly (ANC) will take power at the Federal Legislative Palace here Friday.

"The constituent assembly has made preparations for its big day tomorrow to take power. I have been informed that all is perfectly prepared step by step," Maduro said in a television broadcast Thursday.

"The constituent assembly will be the body to discuss and decide legislative issues once it has been installed," added Maduro, calling for "peace, calmness, joy and serenity."

The ANC will be installed at the Federal Legislative Palace, which current occupant is the opposition-controlled National Assembly, who has refused to leave and urged supporters to protest by taking to the streets.

Supporters of the ruling United Socialist Party have also been mobilized to stand up for the ANC in street demonstrations on Friday.

The opposition activists blamed Maduro for his intention to consolidate his power through the ANC by re-writing the constitution.

The installation ceremony is scheduled at 11 a.m. local time (1500 GMT) on Friday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 11:34:33|Editor: Yurou Liang

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BANGKOK, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of States Rex Tillerson will pay his first official visit to Thailand on Aug. 8 to talk with Thai officials about Thai prime minister's planned visit to the United States, the Thai foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Tillerson is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Government House, and hold a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.

According to the statement, this visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss issues of mutual benefit and interest, including bilateral relations, regional and international matters.

Tillerson is also to pay respect to revered late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej on behalf of the U.S. government.

Tillerson would be the highest-level official to visit Thailand since the 2014 coup.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 11:34:36|Editor: Yurou Liang

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BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's central government has allocated 100 million yuan (about 15 million U.S. dollars) for flood relief in the northwestern province of Shaanxi, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said Friday.

The money will be used to help relocate and aid disaster-affected locals, rebuild damaged houses and compensate families of those killed by the floods, according to the MOF.

The funds were allocated by the MOF and the Ministry of Civil Affairs on Thursday.

Last week, floods caused by heavy rain destroyed hundreds of houses and damaged thousands in Shaanxi Province.

Ten people died and another was missing, with more than 71,300 people forced to evacuate, local authorities said Saturday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 11:49:42|Editor: An

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Cross-border telecom and online fraud suspects are escorted off an aircraft by the police at an airport in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 3, 2017. A total of 143 suspects in cross-border telecom and online fraud cases have been brought back to China from Indonesia, according to the Ministry of Public Security on Friday. The cases cover several provincial level regions of China and involve more than 20 million yuan (2.98 million U.S. dollars), said the ministry. (Xinhua/Liu Xiao)

BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A total of 143 suspects in cross-border telecom and online fraud cases have been brought back to China from Indonesia, according to the Ministry of Public Security on Friday.

The cases cover several provincial level regions of China and involve more than 20 million yuan (2.98 million U.S. dollars), said the ministry.

The ministry said that suspects were first located in Indonesia and Chinese police from Tianjin, Hunan, Jilin and Sichuan went to Indonesia for an investigation.

On July 29, police from both China and Indonesia took action to destroy five dens, arrest 153 suspects, and confiscate tools used for criminal purposes, including PCs and bank cards.

Of the suspects, 143 were brought back to China and 10 remained in Indonesia for investigation.

The ministry said that telecom and online fraud by pretending to be police, prosecutors and court officials severely infringed on people's property right and interests.

It said that Chinese police will maintain a tough crackdown on such crimes, enhance cooperation with other countries, and bring criminals to justice.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 12:19:57|Editor: Yurou Liang

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said on Thursday that the United States will not recognize Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly (ANC) tasked to amend the Constitution.

"We are evaluating all our policy options (as) to what we can do to create a change of conditions, where either (Venezuelan President Nicolas) Maduro decides he does not have a future and wants to leave on his own accord, or we can return the government processes back to the constitution," the department said in a statement.

The United States on Monday slapped economic sanctions on Maduro, just one day after Venezuela held elections for the ANC. "By sanctioning Maduro, the United States makes clear our opposition to the policies of his regime," U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

Maduro 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.

The U.S. Treasury Department, which had slapped sanctions on 13 current or former senior officials of the Venezuelan government aside from Maduro, warned on Monday that anyone who participates in the ANC could be exposed to future U.S. sanctions.

The vote for the ANC 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| 2017-08-04 13:00:06|Editor: Xiang Bo

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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed Thursday in a skydiving accident in the western U.S. state of Nevada, authorities said.

The dead were identified as 43-year-old guide, Ashlie Caceras and 21-year-old German tourist David Becker. They crash-landed on the ground outside the Minden-Tahoe Airport in Douglas County.

Initial investigation reveals that the two skydivers were attached by single harness, Douglas County Sheriff's Capt. Jim Halsey was quoted as saying by the website of newspaper, the Nevada Appeal.

They were jumping in the morning with a local skydive company called Skydive Lake Tahoe, which promises sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains during their professionally guided free-falls at roughly 120 miles per hour (193km per hour).

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash.

The U.S. Parachute Association recorded 21 fatal skydiving accidents in the country in 2016, out of roughly 3.2 million jumps, the Nevada Appeal reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 13:00:08|Editor: Xiang Bo

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LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Casualties were feared after gunmen seized a building in a local bazaar and exchanged fire with security forces in Gereshk district of southern Afghan Helmand province, on Friday, a local official said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 13:05:09|Editor: Xiang Bo

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PYONGYANG, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Thursday slammed U.S for seeking new sanctions against it, reported the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The U.S. President Donald Trump Wednesday signed into law the "Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act" which enacted new sanctions on Iran, Russia and the DPRK.

"Thus, additional sanctions against the DPRK, Russia and Iran were formally adopted as law," said a spokesman for the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The DPRK "strongly condemns and rejects" the unilateral sanctions by the United States.

"The sanctions campaign by the U.S. might have influence on other countries, but never on the DPRK," said the spokesman.

He also said the U.S. sanctions will only lift the spirit of the DPRK's army and people to strive for "self-reliance, self-development and self-defensive capability".
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 13:15:11|Editor: Yang Yi

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BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A speech given by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a ceremony for China's Army Day has been published by the People's Publishing House.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the speech at the ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on August 1.

This year's Army Day also marked the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army.

The publication is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets nationwide, the publisher said Friday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 13:25:16|Editor: Yang Yi

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KAIFENG, Henan, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A company of one of China's most-wanted fugitives, Guo Wengui, has been fined 150 million yuan (22.3 million U.S. dollars) for fraudulently obtaining loans and bill financing fraud, according to a court ruling issued Friday.

Two employees of Henan Yuda Real Estate Company were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to two years, and another employee was exempted from criminal penalty, according to Kaifeng City Intermediate People's Court.

The defendants said they committed the crimes under direction from Guo Wengui, who is the "actual controlling shareholder" of the company and fled China under suspicion of multiple crimes in August 2014. He is currently listed under an Interpol "red notice" for wanted fugitives.

The court said that, under instruction from Guo Wengui, the three employees violated regulations and fraudulently obtained loans and bill acceptance worth a total of 1.495 billion yuan. More than 212 million yuan in loans has yet to be recovered.

Employee Zhang Xincheng fraudulently obtained loans and committed bill financing fraud worth 1.435 billion yuan. Guo Lijie and Xiao Yanling committed bill financing fraud worth 60 million yuan.

Their behavior disrupted national financial management order and jeopardized financial security, said the court.

Zhang, Guo Lijie and Xiao committed the crimes under the instigation of Guo Wengui, said the court, adding that they were accessory criminals and could be given punishment with leniency according to rules.

Zhang was sentenced to two years in prison with a fine for fraudulently obtaining loans and bill financing fraud. Guo Lijie was sentenced to 18 months in prison with a two-year reprieve for bill financing fraud and a fine. Xiao was exempted from criminal penalty for voluntarily turning herself in and confessing her crime.

The three defendants and the representative of the company accepted the ruling at the court and said they would not appeal.

On July 12, the Kaifeng City Intermediate People's Court opened a trial for the company's alleged crimes and those of the three individuals.

During the trial, the defendants did not object to the evidence and charges from prosecutors. They pleaded guilty, expressed remorse and thanked judicial organs for the lawful handling of their cases.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 13:35:21|Editor: Xiang Bo

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KABUL, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- One solider of the NATO-led Resolute Support was killed and six persons wounded after a suicide bombing struck a joint Afghan-Coalition patrol on outskirts of Afghanistan's capital of Kabul on Thursday, the coalition forces confirmed Friday.

The attack came when a man detonated his suicide jacket after approaching the patrol near a police station in the district, northern side of Kabul at around 8 p.m. local time, local media Tolo News reported.

Two Afghan civilians were also killed and seven others wounded, the report quoted local officials as saying.

However, the coalition said that six people including five foreign soldiers and one translator were wounded following the blast.

"The RS personnel who were wounded are being treated at the U.S. military hospital at Bagram Airfield. All of the wounded are listed in stable condition," it said in statement, adding that "more information will be released when appropriate."

The attack came as the security situation has been deteriorating across the militancy-hit country recently.

Also on Thursday night, four Afghan security force members were killed and five others wounded after a suicide car bombing hit an outpost in Gereshk district, southern Helmand province, the provincial government spokesman, Omar Zwak, told Xinhua Friday.

On Wednesday, two U.S. soldiers were killed and four soldiers wounded after Taliban attacked a military convoy in neighboring Kandahar province.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 13:45:24|Editor: Yang Yi

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HAVANA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's flagship airline, Air China, opened on Thursday a commercial office in Cuba to boost tourism cooperation between the two nations and the Caribbean area.

In a ceremony chaired by China's ambassador to Cuba Chen Xi and Air China's general manager in Cuba Zhang Xin, the office opened to facilitate travel between the Cuban capital and Beijing through the direct flight which has been operating since the end of 2015.

"The Air China brand has been increasingly popular in Cuba and the Caribbean countries. From today on, we will offer better services to all passengers with this office," Zhang said.

He introduced that since the inaugural flight of Air China to Cuba about 24,000 travelers of different nationalities have chosen to take this airline.

"There have been 156 flights between Beijing and Havana and we have maintained regularity, safety and comfort in all its trips," he said.

For his part, Ambassador Chen said the opening of this office, together with the existing regular flights, will promote cooperation in the tourism and air transport sectors.

"This direct flight has played an important role in facilitating personal exchanges between China and Cuba as well as Latin America. In addition, it has greatly contributed to the development of cooperation in different areas," Chen said.

The diplomat stated that Sino-Cuban relations are at their best after more than half a century of ties and without a doubt this direct link will help promote the visit of Chinese tourists to the island.

"Cuba has very attractive natural resources for Chinese tourists, very warm people, as well as a picturesque landscape, blue seas and fine beaches," he said.

Chen said that cooperation in tourism and air transport will have great potential and good prospects due to the interest of Chinese travelers to know Cuba and different Caribbean nations.

With a duration of almost 20 hours of flight and a technical stop in Montreal, Canada, Air China's flight to Cuba is the only direct link between China and the Caribbean region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 13:45:25|Editor: Yang Yi

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LOS ANGELES, August 3 (Xinhua) -- A man fired multiple gunshots outside the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles Tuesday morning before killing himself has been identified as 62-year old Larry Xin Zhang, according to Los Angeles Police department.

Investigators believe this was a single isolated incident, said Los Angeles Police department in a news release on Thursday evening.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 14:20:50|Editor: Xiang Bo

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NEW DELHI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The local government in India's eastern state of Bihar has decided to compulsory retire non-performing teachers in the education department, officials said Friday.

The axe is likely to fall on officials including headmasters, teachers and education department officials above the age of 50 for their non-performance.

The officials said teachers having failed thrice in assessment test would also be removed.

"The decision to compulsory retire non-performing officials was taken after a review of the education department by state's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar," an official told Xinhua.

The government is said to have taken a serious note of poor results in matriculation and intermediate exams this year.

"The move is aimed at improving results in matriculation (Class 10) and intermediate (pre-university) courses," the official said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 15:06:14|Editor: Song Lifang

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot is preparing to bring a new charge against the president for obstruction of justice at the Supreme Court.

Janot's announcement accusing President Michel Temer of obstruction of justice came a day after the Chamber of Deputies dismissed corruption charges against the president on Wednesday.

According to the GloboNews, a 24-hour news channel on Brazilian television, Janot has asked Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin to distinguish the charge of obstruction of justice from others of bribery involving executives of a Brazilian meatpacking conglomerate, JBS.

Therefore, Janot can charge Temer and his associates solely of obstruction of justice.

According to the Prosecutor General, the investigation into JBS, which began in May, has revealed that Temer committed the crimes of passive corruption, illicit association and obstruction of justice by buying the silence of public officials.

However, there may not be enough time for Janot to charge Temer for illicit association because the prosecutor will step down from his position on September 17. Until then he has to focus entirely on the accusation of obstruction of justice.

In Wednesday's vote to dismiss the corruption charges against the president, government allies in the Chamber received 263 votes against 227 to reject the charges, more than the one third threshold of votes.

According to Brazilian law, the current result means Temer cannot be prosecuted on these corruption allegations again during his term in office.

However, since Janot on Wednesday urged the Supreme Court to include Temer in the investigation into a conspiracy-based bribery by his Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) leadership, Temer is still being investigated.

If the Chief Prosecution Office decides to bring new charges against Temer, he will have to take the same old road once more.
Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Trogneux greet supporters in front of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, on May 7, 2017. Centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron won Sunday's runoff vote of the French presidential election, defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen, according to polling agency projections issued after the vote. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

PARIS, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- France's first lady Brigitte Macron will be named godmother of the expected twin cubs, the first babies panda in the European country, Beauval zoo officials said Thursday.

"China will choose the names (of the cubs). Brigitte Macron will give us the honor of being the godmother," Delphine Delord, the zoo's communication director wrote on her tweeter account.

The giant female panda Huan Huan, which is on loan to France from China, will give birth to the twins on either Aug. 4 or 5.

The female panda and her male partner Yuan Zi arrived in central France's Beauval zoo in January 2012.

There are about 2,000 pandas in the world. They are classified as "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Photo taken on July 19, 2017 shows the scenery of a characteristic town in Guantao County, north China's Hebei Province. The county built some characteristic towns to promote tourism and alleviate poverty since 2014. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

by Eric J. Lyman

ROME, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The newly-elected head of the Rome-based International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Gilbert Houngbo said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua that China's success in raising millions out of poverty over the last two generations can make it a useful model for other economies in transition.

"Even as a symbol, China's economic transition offers hope to other developing countries that want to do the same thing," the IFAD chief said in the interview.

"In specific terms, there are lessons China has learned, technologies developed, for example, or ways to adapt to floods or drought, that can be very helpful when applied in other places," said Houngbo, who's a former prime minister of Togo.

"China experiences many of the challenging issues faced by both developed and developing countries," Houngbo said.

He cited China's urbanization process as an example, saying the "tremendous economic growth" China experienced in recent decades presents it with an unusual set of difficulties, such as large numbers of would-be farmers leaving the countryside for urban areas. Over time, a trend like that reduces the number of people left to grow food.

"There are 3 million or more Chinese who move into cities every year," Houngbo said, adding "That's an astonishing number: every three years or so, it adds up to more than the entire population of my native country, Togo."

The IFAD chief gave his own advices on China's urbanization, calling for more infrastructure building for people living rural areas.

"The best way to solve that specific problem is to provide social protection and services like fast internet or access to medical care outside urban centers to act as an incentive for people to stay in rural regions," Houngbo said.

Gilbert F. Houngbo became the sixth President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on 1 April 2017.

Houngbo is on a multiple-country trip, which will take him to African countries like Botswana and Zambia. He will also make stops in Sweden, Denmark and Finland, before finishing the month with a trip to China.

The China trip is a key one, Houngbo told Xinhua, noting that the country is one of a small handful in the world that is both a major borrower from IFAD and a major contributor.

Having 176 members, IFAD has been working to combat poverty and malnutrition in developing countries through agriculture assistance.

Faced with the challenges of helping the world's poor-fed population, the organization's 10th three-year budget period concludes at the end of next year, forcing it to gear up its fund-raising efforts for a new budget period.

And the final year of each budget period is the key year when countries are making their pledges for the next three-year cycle.

The IFAD chief also warned of an upcoming more difficult time for farmers, citing rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns as reasons.

Houngbo, 56, previously worked for the United Nations Development Program and the International Labor Office, but became the sixth president of the IFAD in April.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 15:21:33|Editor: An

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KAIFENG, Henan, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A company owned by one of China's most-wanted fugitives, Guo Wengui, has been fined 150 million yuan (22.3 million U.S. dollars) for fraudulently obtaining loans and bill financing fraud, according to a court ruling Friday.

Two employees of the Henan Yuda Real Estate Company were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to two years, with a further employee exempted from criminal penalty, according to Kaifeng City Intermediate People's Court.

The defendants said they committed the crimes under direction from Guo, the "actual controlling shareholder" of the company, who fled China under suspicion of multiple crimes in August 2014. He is currently listed under an Interpol "red notice" for wanted fugitives.

The court said that under instruction from Guo the three employees violated regulations and fraudulently obtained loans and bill acceptance worth a total of 1.495 billion yuan. More than 212 million yuan in loans has yet to be recovered.

Employee Zhang Xincheng fraudulently obtained loans and committed bill financing fraud worth 1.435 billion yuan. Guo Lijie and Xiao Yanling committed bill financing fraud worth 60 million yuan.

Their behavior disrupted national financial management order and jeopardized financial security, the court said.

Zhang, Guo Lijie and Xiao committed the crimes under the instigation of Guo Wengui, the court said, adding that they were accessories to crimes and could be given leniency.

Zhang was sentenced to two years in prison and a fine, for fraudulently obtaining loans and bill financing fraud. Guo Lijie was sentenced to 18 months in prison with a two-year reprieve, for bill financing fraud, and a fine. Xiao was exempted from criminal penalty for voluntarily turning herself in and confessing.

The three defendants and the representative of the company accepted the ruling at the court and said they would not appeal.

Yang Yong, representative of the company, said they deserved the penalty and would learn a lesson from the case and act in accordance with the law in future.

"I have violated the law. I admit my guilt and feel regret. I think the verdict is fair and reasonable," Zhang said.

Guo Lijie and Xiao also expressed deep regret for their crimes and gratitude to the court's leniency.

Transcripts and footage of the session were broadcast by the court's official account on Weibo, a Twitter-like service.

On July 12, the Kaifeng City Intermediate People's Court opened a trial for the company's alleged crimes and those of the three individuals.

The defendants did not object to the evidence and charges, pleading guilty, expressing remorse and thanking judicial organs for the lawful handling of their cases.

According to a court ruling in June, Guo Wengui, also the actual controlling shareholder of Beijing Pangu Investment Company, directed three individuals of Pangu to apply for loans from banks using fake documents.

They received prison terms for fraudulently obtaining loans and foreign exchange. Pangu was also fined 245 million yuan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 15:46:41|Editor: Song Lifang

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MANILA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s member countries will discuss how to deal with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which has been continuing nuclear weapons testing despite international condemnation, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters.

The ministers will meet for the discussion at an informal dinner Friday night, in preparation for the ASEAN ministerial meeting scheduled on Saturday.

Philippine Acting Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said earlier that ASEAN is "very much concerned" about the developments in DPRK.

"All of us surrounding the region are very much concerned about the potential escalation of this issue," Bolivar told a news conference on Thursday.

DPRK is attending the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on Monday. ARF is a forum for security in Asia established in 1994. It draws together 27 members in the Asia Pacific region.

Bolivar said that ARF is the only venue outside of the UN where DPRK participates in roundtable discussions on security matters with South Korea, Japan, China, Russia, the United States, the European Union and ASEAN.

"It is the only venue thus far that we have to promote candid and free flow dialogue and to actually express our concerns to the DPRK side in a face-to-face manner," Bolivar said.

The ARF is a forum for dialogue where all the parties discuss the situation in the Korean Peninsula issue.

"There is an opportunity for them to exchange views on (security) issues of concern, including the Korean Peninsula," Bolivar said.

Bolivar expressed hope that the participants of ARF this weekend would "try to find some sort of grounds for proceeding to more productive, cooperative dialogue."

Asked if there is a move to expel DPRK, Bolivar said the ARF has no expulsion provisions like article 50 of the Treaty of European Union, where a country can exit.

"If DPRK wants to exit I guess there are no hard and fast rules for it to be prevented from exiting. But as a forum there are no rules for us to determine if this participating country should exit the forum or...it's only inviting countries to join the forum that we have certain criteria but this is not yet been discussed," Bolivar said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 15:51:44|Editor: Song Lifang

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PHNOM PENH, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Approximately 530,000 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia in the first half of 2017, representing an increase of 40 percent compared with the same period last year, according to a Tourism Ministry report on Friday.

Chinese holidaymakers accounted for 20 percent of the foreign tourists visiting Cambodia during the six-month period, the report said.

Some 2.66 million international tourists traveled to Cambodia in the first six months of this year, up 12.8 percent year-on-year, it said, adding that China topped the chart among the top 10 arrivals to Cambodia, followed by Vietnam and Laos.

Kong Sopheareak, director of the Tourism Ministry's statistics and planning department, told Xinhua that the excellent ties between Cambodia and China, Cambodia's attractive tourism sites and direct flights between the two countries are the key factors attracting more and more Chinese tourists and business people to Cambodia.

He said 12 airlines are operating about 120 flights per week between Cambodian and Chinese cities.

"It is expected that Chinese tourists to Cambodia will reach one million in 2017," he said.

Last year, Cambodia launched a "China Ready" strategy with the aim of attracting 2 million Chinese tourists annually to Cambodia by 2020.

The strategy listed steps to be taken by tourism authorities to facilitate visits by Chinese tourists, such as providing Chinese signage and documents for visa processing, encouraging local use of the Chinese currency and the Chinese language, and ensuring that food and accommodation facilities are suited to Chinese tastes.

Cambodia is famous for the Angkor world heritage site in its northwestern Siem Reap province.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting the Cambodian economy. The Southeast Asian nation received 5 million foreign tourists including 830,000 Chinese in 2016, earning gross revenue of 3.4 billion U.S. dollars, according to the Tourism Ministry.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 16:17:06|Editor: An

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GUIYANG, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Heavy drums beat out among the clapping and shouting of the audience. Red, green and yellow flags flutter in the wind. In the center, dozens of brave, black-bearded fighters in wooden masks and long-sleeved costumes try to kill each other with long swords.

It's a depiction of the bloodthirsty fight between two leaders of a rebel army after the collapse of the Qin Empire (221 BC - 207 BC), Xiang Yu and Liu Bang.

But when the performers take off their masks, the crowd are surprised to find that all are women.

"In the past, basically men played all the roles in Dixi. Female performers were rare," said Chen Qi, head of Meiqi Village in Anshun City, southwest China's Guizhou Province.

Dixi is local opera of in Anshun. The work has been passed down for hundreds of years.

Guizhou is at the frontline of China's poverty-relief campaign with more than 3.7 million people living under the poverty line. Many men in Guizhou have left the rural areas to seek work in the cities, leaving behind the elderly, women and children at home.

"Only a few men are still in the village, and few of them are willing to take part in Dixi," said 71-year-old villager Pan Rongde. Pan has been performing Dixi for about 40 years. "We simply cannot find young men to pass on the skills."

Scared that the art might die out, Pan recently formed the all-women Dixi troupe, which consists of about 30 members, all of them housewives in the village.

Liu Qin, 34, is a mother of two. She recently joined Pan's troupe. Liu started learning the art with several women in the village and has spent a lot of time learning the performing skills.

"We once practiced for about three months, day and night," Liu recalled. "To prepare a show for Spring Festival, we just stood next to a stove and danced till the middle of the night."

Liu said that she joined the troupe to "help carry on the Dixi culture," but she gradually fell in love with the art after all the practice.

For Zhan Yunxian, 38, learning to play her part in Dixi became a new way of relaxation.

"We used to watch men performing Dixi and I had never seen a woman do it," Zhan said. "So when Pan asked me to join the troupe, I felt awkward."

Zhan said that after she saw other women joining the troupe, she relaxed and carried on.

Now, performing Dixi and dancing in public squares have replaced watching TV and playing Mahjongg in Zhan's leisure time.

Dixi has boosted the women's confidence. To get performing opportunities and deliver great performances, many of the performers practice as much as possible.

"Even when I work in the field, I try to recite the lines, because I know I want to be a better performer," Zhan said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 16:37:17|Editor: Lu Hui

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SHANGHAI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A total of 523 Taiwan residents will take the National Judicial Examination on the mainland scheduled on Sept. 16 and 17, a Ministry of Justice official said.

Sun Xiaoming, deputy head of the ministry examination division was addressing a seminar which closed on Wednesday in Shanghai.

The National Judicial Examination is the only professional exam for lawyers, judges, prosecutors and similar legal professions.

On April 16, 2008, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council permitted Taiwan residents to take the exam. Since then, 3,489 candidates from Taiwan have taken the test, 308 were awarded professional qualifications from the Ministry of Justice, Sun said.

A growing number of law graduates from Taiwan are pursuing careers on the mainland.

Lee Ning, who graduated from Soochow University this year became interested in working on the mainland during an exchange program at Beijing's Tsinghua University.

"The culture and language in the mainland and Taiwan have the same roots, so I don't notice too many differences," said Lee.

Taiwan's legal profession is saturated and offers little room of career advancement, Lee said. "Development of the mainland means the United States and Japan are no longer the top choices for young graduates in Taiwan."

Lee is interning in Shanghai and will start graduate studies at Taiwan University this fall. She plans to come back to the mainland for a job after graduation.

"I am optimistic about opportunities for Taiwan lawyers in the mainland," said Chan Shih-yi, director of a law firm in Taichung.

The Ministry of Justice has made it easier for Taiwan residents to practice law on the mainland, by allowing Taiwan law firms can set up representative offices Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai and Zhejiang. After three years, representative offices can enter into joint-operations with mainland law firms in these regions.

Mainland law firms in the five regions can also employ Taiwan qualified lawyers as their legal concil in issues concerning Taiwan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 17:01:38|Editor: An

Qi Qingliang, President of Yuanquan Central Health Center of Boshan District diagnoses a patient in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province , Aug. 3, 2017. 65-year-old Qi Qingliang, the representative of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China(CPC), has worked hard every day to help the patients. When he graduated from university in 1978, he had the chance to stay at the school but he refused it and returned to Boshan District Hospital which located in the mountain area of his hometown. In 1997, as one of the top 10 famous doctors in Boshan district, he offered to be the president of Yuanquan Central Health Center which is about to be closed in Boshan district. With his unremitting efforts, the health center developed rapidly to the top one health center in the whole district. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 17:18:18|Editor: Lu Hui

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Brazil needs to improve its business environment and have a more open structure to attract more Chinese investors, an experts panel concluded here Thursday.

The "1st Brazil-China Seminar -- Regulation and Legal Challenges for Chinese Companies and Investments in Brazil" was held in Rio, organized by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV), a renowned governance and business think tank and college named after one of Brazil's most prominent presidents.

China is Brazil's leading trade partner with an increasing number of Chinese companies establishing branches in the South American country.

Representatives of some Chinese companies operating in Brazil described their main problems in the country, and discussed possible solutions with members of the business community, professors and diplomats from both countries to help advance Chinese investments in Brazil.

Wan Guangfeng, head of the Brazilian branch of oil giant China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), stressed the importance of the oil sector in Brazil, with the pre-salt reserves and a great potential for growth.

However, he pointed that some regulations have been posing obstacles for the development of the investments, such as the requirement for local content, which is widespread in the oil sector and the ill-organized regulation agencies.

In addition, he suggested that a tax reform may be beneficial for the development of the oil sector in particular.

Jia Yao, Administration Director at the Brazilian branch of China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), added that the country has the potential to be great with its territory, human resources and a good legal basis.

Floriano Azevedo, Law professor at FGV think tank in Rio de Janeiro, said that the business environment has experienced a lot of progress in the past two decades, but there is still much to go to build a more efficient and attractive environment for foreign companies and investors.

The required taxes and the bureaucracy to open a business are the main problems for a Chinese business seeking to invest in Brazil, said Li Tie, head of Chinese vehicle maker BYD's Brazilian branch.

In addition, he stressed that Brazil lacks tax incentives for green businesses, which would have been very encouraging and positive for such companies as BYD, which operates on clean energy and electric vehicles.

Brazil's current business environment is much too similar to that of China in the 1990s, Brazilian Consul to Rio de Janeiro Li Yang observed. Though Brazil produces a lot of industrialized goods, it rarely manages to be internationally competitive, which is unjust to local production.

"If Brazil wants to prosper and develop, the market structure needs to change," Consul Li said, adding that "Brazil is an important country, but if it does not dare to get up on the stage for the competition, it will never win."

Lastly, Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, president of the Getulio Vargas Foundation, a leading Brazilian University, stressed the importance of seeking deeper partnerships, and highlighted the necessity to acknowledge the cultural differences between Brazil and China.

Brazilians need to understand the business mentality of the Chinese and vice-versa. By knowing more about each other, he concluded, the two countries will prevent misunderstandings and achieve a deeper understanding in their relations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 17:23:21|Editor: Lu Hui

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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- A man who opened fire Tuesday outside the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles before shooting himself dead has been identified as 62-year-old Larry Xin Zhang, according to police.

Investigators believed this was a single isolated incident, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said in a news release Thursday.

This breaks with media speculation that the man was linked to a previous shooting at the consulate building in 2011, which resulted in the gunman, a 67-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from China, being arrested by police.

Tuesday's shooting, reported early in the day, injured no one. The man was found dead in his vehicle parked 20 meters away from the consulate office building.

According to the LAPD, the police removed the suspect from the vehicle, and the man had an apparent self-inflicted bullet wound on his chin.

The shooting resulted in six bullet holes on the building of the consulate, Xinhua reporters found.

The news release didn't mention the nationality of the suspect nor the motive for the shooting. The police only confirmed that the man was of Asia origin.

Chinese consulate officials told Xinhua that an earlier media report saying that the shooter is a Chinese national is "just a speculation."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 17:27:48|Editor: An

Visitors view ethnic Li brocade during the Xi'an Silk Road International Tourism Expo in Xi'an City, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Aug. 4, 2017. The 2017 China Xi'an International Tourism Expo was held at Qujiang International Conference and Exhibition Center on Friday. Exhibitors and visitors from 32 countries and regions attended this event. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 17:28:24|Editor: Lu Hui

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DAMASCUS, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least seven children were killed by fresh U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria's northern city of Raqqa, the de facto capital of Islamic State (IS), state news agency SANA reported on Friday.

The airstrikes targeted several residential areas in Raqqa overnight, leaving many people wounded and destorying their houses, SANA said. The U.S.-led coalition has carried out 44 air raids over the past 48 hours, targeting residential areas.

The state news agency repeated the government stance that the Washington-led coalition has been formed "illegitimately, as it was formed...under the pretext of fighting terrorism, while the facts suggest that the coalition is attacking infrastructure and committing massacres."

Earlier this week, the Syrian Foreign Ministry urged the UN to dissolve the coalition, citing the falling of victims on daily basis.

The U.S.-led coalition started its operation in Syria in 2014 against the IS positions in north of the country.

Recently, the coalition upped its strikes on Raqqa as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are on a crushing offensive to drive IS out of its main stronghold in Syria.

The SDF has been making strides in the battles against IS in Raqqa, whose countryside is also subject to a military offensive by the Syrian government forces.

A day earlier, IS's Amaq news agency said that one of the IS suicide bombers targeted a group of Kurdish fighters in the Souk Al-Hal area, southeast of Raqqa, killing 40 fighters with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Raqqa is a major stronghold of IS, but the battle to eradicate the terror-designated group, which has started by the U.S.-backed SDF, will not be easy with recent reports suggesting the IS militants are in possession of chemical weapons inside that city.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the IS militants will likely use such weapons should the SDF advance more into Raqqa.
Women and a girl are seen in Raqqa, Syria July 31, 2017. (REUTERS PHOTO)

DAMASCUS, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least seven children were killed by fresh U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria's northern city of Raqqa, the de facto capital of Islamic State (IS), state news agency SANA reported on Friday.

The airstrikes targeted several residential areas in Raqqa overnight, leaving many people wounded and destorying their houses, SANA said. The U.S.-led coalition has carried out 44 air raids over the past 48 hours, targeting residential areas.

The state news agency repeated the government stance that the Washington-led coalition has been formed "illegitimately, as it was formed...under the pretext of fighting terrorism, while the facts suggest that the coalition is attacking infrastructure and committing massacres."

Earlier this week, the Syrian Foreign Ministry urged the UN to dissolve the coalition, citing the falling of victims on daily basis.

The U.S.-led coalition started its operation in Syria in 2014 against the IS positions in north of the country.

Recently, the coalition upped its strikes on Raqqa as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are on a crushing offensive to drive IS out of its main stronghold in Syria.

The SDF has been making strides in the battles against IS in Raqqa, whose countryside is also subject to a military offensive by the Syrian government forces.

A day earlier, IS's Amaq news agency said that one of the IS suicide bombers targeted a group of Kurdish fighters in the Souk Al-Hal area, southeast of Raqqa, killing 40 fighters with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Raqqa is a major stronghold of IS, but the battle to eradicate the terror-designated group, which has started by the U.S.-backed SDF, will not be easy with recent reports suggesting the IS militants are in possession of chemical weapons inside that city.
Photo taken on May 5, 2017 shows the construction site by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a Chinese company undertaking the first phase of the Vision City project, which is part of the Rwandan government's efforts to solve housing challenges in the capital city Kigali. (Xinhua/Lyu Tianran)

KIGALI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Central African country Rwanda is set to hold its presidential elections on August 4, which will be the third since the end of the ex-genocidal regime in 1994. The following are some basic facts about Rwanda:

Rwanda is a landlocked country and is located in the heart of Africa. It is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, covering an area of 26,338 square kilometers.

Rwanda is also known as "The Land of Thousand Hills." It has five volcanoes, 23 lakes and numerous rivers, some forming the source of the River Nile. The Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga volcanic mountains with its high-altitude forests is world famous for mountain gorillas.

Rwanda is the highest densely populated country in the region with 415 inhabitants per square kilometer in 2012, according to the Fourth Rwanda Population and Housing Census conducted in 2012. The total population are 10,515,973, according to the 2012 census. 52 percent of the total population are women and 48 percent are men. 83 percent of Rwandan people live in rural areas.

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, which has a population of 1,132,686, according to the 2012 census.

There are 11 political parties in Rwanda, including the ruling party Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) chaired by incumbent President Paul Kagame.

In 1899, Rwanda became a German colony. In 1919, it became a mandate territory of the League of Nations, under Belgium. Rwanda gained independence from Belgium in 1962.

On April 6, 1994, then-President Juvenal Habyarimana died in an air crash along with Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira, which swiftly triggered a three-month-long genocide that claimed over 1 million lives, mostly ethnic Tutsis.

After taking control of Kigali on July 4, 1994, RPF formed a transitional government, which brought parties that did not participate in the genocide together. July 4 also marked the end of genocide.

Kagame has been president since 2000 when he was elected the president by ministers and members of parliament following the resignation of then President Pasteur Bizimungu. He was then reelected in the presidential elections in 2003 and 2010.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 17:53:35|Editor: Song Lifang

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SANAA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Nine civilians from two families were killed in airstrikes by Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen's northern province of Saada early Friday morning, a local official said.

The victims, mostly women and children, died when the airstrikes hit two houses in Mahdha area in Safra district and in Burkan area in Razih district, leaving seven others critically injured, the security source told Xinhua by phone.

The air raids on Saada were part of at least 40 airstrikes carried out by the coalition warplanes during overnight and Friday morning against Yemeni Houthi rebels in the northern provinces of Saada, Hajjah, Jawf, Hodeidah and Nehm district, northeast of the rebel-held capital Sanaa, according to Houthi-controlled Saba news agency.

This is the latest of a series of airstrikes hitting Yemeni civilians since the civil war began in March 2015.

Last month, the coalition fighter jets hit a camp of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mawza district in the southern province of Taiz, killing a total of 20 people, mostly women and children.

The United Nations refugee agency strongly condemned the July 18 aerial attacks on the IDPs camp and said that it is "deeply shocked and saddened." It said the victims were reported to have been displaced to Mawza from nearby Al Mokha district, which is also experiencing intensified hostilities.

In March 2015, Saudi-led coalition intervened in the Yemeni conflict to back internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi against Iranian-backed Houthis, who invaded the capital Sanaa militarily and seized most of the northern Yemeni provinces.

More than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the war that also displaced over 3 million, according to UN agencies.

The country has also been hit by a deadly cholera outbreak and is on the edge of famine.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 18:18:52|Editor: Song Lifang

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MANILA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- ASEAN foreign ministers will discuss on Friday ways to deal with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which has continued its nuclear program despite international condemnation, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

Cayetano told reporters that he planned to consult his counterparts on the Korean Peninsula issue again to explore how to engage the DPRK in the future, at an informal dinner on Friday night in preparation for the ASEAN ministerial meeting scheduled for Saturday.

"We feel as strongly as they feel that this testing of missiles does nothing but destabilize the region and also creates an atmosphere that's not conducive to resuming talks," Cayetano said.

The DPRK's behavior "courts accidents that can lead to armed conflict," Cayetano said. "We've been consistent in pointing out to North Korea what we feel is wrong."

Cayetano said the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is a good venue to engage Pyangyang.

"You can talk harshly in front of your colleagues in ASEAN engagements like what we have, because we will have retreats and we will have areas that will be closed door. But the less we talk, the more grave the situation can become," Cayetano said.

Acting Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said earlier that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was "very much concerned" about the developments in the DPRK.

"All of us surrounding the region are very much concerned about the potential escalation of this issue," Bolivar told a news conference on Thursday.

The DPRK is attending the ARF on Monday, which is a forum for security in Asia established in 1994. It draws together 27 members which have a bearing on the security of the Asia Pacific.

Bolivar said the ARF is the only venue outside of the UN, where the DPRK participates in a roundtable discussions on security matters with South Korea, Japan, China, Russia, the United States, the European Union and ASEAN.

"It is the only venue thus far that we have to promote candid and free flow dialogue and to actually express our concerns to the DPRK side in a face-to-face manner," Bolivar said.

The ARF is a forum for dialogue where all the parties discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula. "There is an opportunity for them to exchange views on (security) issues of concern, including the Korean Peninsula," Bolivar said.

He expressed hope that the ARF participants this weekend would "try to find some sort of grounds for proceeding to more productive, cooperative dialogue."

The ARF comprises the 10 members of ASEAN - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, plus ASEAN dialogue partners - Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and the United States, and Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Pakistan, the DPRK, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Bangladesh.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 18:23:54|Editor: Song Lifang

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HARARE, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- One million Zimbabweans are now on antiretroviral therapy (ART) as the country remains on course to meet United Nations targets on HIV/AIDS, but a steady rate of new infections remains worrisome, an official has said.

National Aids Council operations director Raymond Yekeye said that at least 300,000 people were still to go on ART, while the rate of new infections remained steady at around 40,000 a year.

"Our incident (new infections) has dropped to 0.48 percent from 0.98 percent in 2011. What we have planned as a country is to reduce our incident by half by 2018 and we have already done that in less than the period we were looking at.

"We have a fairly large treatment program and our coverage is around 76 percent," Yekeye was quoted as saying by Friday's Herald Newspaper.

Some of the country's 10 provinces have surpassed some of the UN targets commonly referred to as 90-90-90.

The global targets are aimed at increasing the numbers of HIV positive people who know their status by 90 percent, those on treatment by 90 percent and have the viral load of 90 percent of those on treatment reduced to undetectable levels.

Of the estimated 1.2 million Zimbabweans living with HIV, 74.2 percent know their status and 86.8 percent of these are on antiretroviral treatment.

Yekeye said the country faced problems dealing with drug resistance, new strains of HIV and non-communicable diseases such as cancer.

"It seems cancer is more acceptable as a cause of death than HIV, but we have seen that most people dying of cancers are on ART," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 18:24:01|Editor: Song Lifang

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BERLIN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- German supermarket chain Aldi has stopped selling eggs in all of its stores due to a possible pesticide contamination, the company announced on Friday.

The move was a "purely pre-cautionary" reaction to Thursday's revelations that eggs from Dutch poultry producers had been contaminated with the poisonous pesticide Fipronil.

Aldi insisted there was currently no reason to believe that customers had suffered any harm to their health.

Fipronil is a pesticide effective on a large number of pests. It is considered slightly poisonous by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is hence forbidden on animals destined for the food chain to prevent damage to the human liver, thyroid and kidney.

Aldi emphasized that in the future it would only accept eggs which were confirmed to have been tested negative for Fipronil. As a consequence, supply bottlenecks were possible in the short-term. The firm justified its decision with a desire to ensure "clarity and transparency" for customers.

German Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt has estimated that 12 states in the country are affected by contaminated eggs. The situation in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia on the Dutch border were the worst, according to Schmidt, but is still "under control."

Nonetheless, Christian Meyer, the state agriculture minister in Lower Saxony, demanded on Friday that Fipronil should be included in the list of substances for which food products are monitored systematically by the federal government.

By Thursday night, 138 Dutch poultry producers remained closed after investigations had revealed traces of Fipronil.

In total, 180 farms in the Netherlands were confirmed to had used an anti-lice poison which contained Fipronil. In one case the concentration was so high that Dutch authorities warned against "acute danger" to consumers of the affected eggs.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 18:34:04|Editor: Song Lifang

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NAIROBI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The East Africa Community (EAC) Observation Mission on Friday hailed Kenya's preparation for next week's polls, adding that the electoral body is on schedule to deliver free and fair elections.

Head of Mission of the EAC Election Observer Mission Professor Edward Rugumayo told a media briefing in Nairobi that they have held fruitful meetings with all the major stakeholders in the electoral process.

"The government has assured us that everything is in place and is secure to ensure the general election will be free, fair and transparent," Rugumayo said during the flag-off of the EAC observer mission.

The EAC observer mission consists of 60 members drawn from the six partner states who will visit 21 out of the 47 counties.

The team will return on Aug. 9 and thereafter release a preliminary report regarding the general elections.

"We have adequately prepared our mission members for this task and we are looking forward to an independent and objective observation that will reflect and represent the true picture of the electoral environment and processes," Rugumayo said.

The head of the mission said that his team has been given specific instructions on what to observe and what to report and examine along the lines of the EAC Treaty.

Rugumayo said his team is optimistic that Kenya can avoid a repeat of the 2007 post-elections violence that led to the loss of over 1,000 lives.

"All the candidates we have met have expressed commitment not to incite their supporters to engage in any act of violence," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 18:34:05|Editor: Song Lifang

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ZHENGZHOU, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Wang Min, former Communist Party of China chief of northeast China's Liaoning Province and senior national legislator, was given a life sentence Friday for embezzlement, accepting bribes and dereliction of duty.

The sentence was handed down by the Intermediate People's Court of Luoyang City in central China's Henan Province.

Wang was also deprived of his political rights for life, with all his personal assets confiscated.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 18:34:06|Editor: Song Lifang

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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The man opened fire Tuesday outside the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles in the United States before shooting himself dead has been identified as 62-year old Larry Xin Zhang, local police said.

Investigators believed this was a single isolated incident, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said in a news release Thursday.

This breaks media speculation that the man was linked to a previous shooting at the consulate building in 2011, which resulted in the gunman, a 67-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from China, being arrested by the police.

Tuesday's shooting, reported early in the day, injured no one. The man was found dead in his vehicle parked 20 meters away from the consulate office building.

According to the LAPD, the police removed the suspect from the vehicle, and saw the man had an apparent self-inflicted bullet wound on his chin.

The shooting resulted in six bullet holes on the building of the consulate, with one on the metal address plate of the building, two on the facade near surveillance cameras and three in the windows.

The news release didn't mention the nationality of the suspect or the motive for the shooting. The police only confirmed that the man was of Asia origin.

Chinese consulate officials told Xinhua that the earlier media report saying that the shooter is a Chinese national is "just a speculation."

An unnamed source who claimed herself as a female friend of the gunman told Xinhua that "the 62-year-old man is a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from China and has lived in the U.S. for about 20 years."

Ed Winter, Assistant Chief Coroner of the Los Angeles Coroner's office, told Xinhua on Wednesday that "I never said he was a Chinese national ... I said I believe he is a Chinese."

China on Thursday asked the U.S. side to investigate the shooting as soon as possible. China attaches great importance to the incident and has expressed so to the U.S. side, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a press release.

Necessary actions need to be taken immediately to ensure the safety and security of the compound and personnel of the Consulate General, Geng said.

The consulate general also expressed serious concerns about the incident, and urged the U.S. authorities to take necessary measures to protect the safety of the consulate office building and Chinese diplomatic staff.

"We are going to closely monitored the consulate," Tony Im, LAPD public information officer, told Xinhua via phone on Wednesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 18:49:18|Editor: Song Lifang

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MOGADISHU, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Friday confirmed that Al-Shabaab senior terrorist Ali Mohamed Hussein alias Ali Jabal was killed in drone strikes by American and Somalia security forces in southern region on July 31.

The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said the United States conducted this operation in coordination with its regional partners as a direct response to Al-Shabaab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces.

"There were no civilian casualties from this strike," Africom said in a statement following a coordinated operation with international partners near Torotoroow in southern Somalia.

The military said the strike was conducted within the parameters of the proposal approved by President Donald Trump in March, which allows the U.S. Department of Defense to conduct lethal action against Al-Shabaab within a geographically-defined area of active hostilities in support of partner forces in Somalia.

Ali Jabal was responsible for leading Al-Shabaab forces operating in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks against the capital of Mogadishu.

He used the Lower Shabelle Region of Somalia, a known Al-Shabaab safe haven, as a hub for these activities.

The militants were known in recent months to have conducted suicide car bombings and assassinations targeting police, governmental and military leaders in the capital.

Al-Shabaab militants were also known to have conducted numerous attacks against the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia members in the region.

His removal disrupts the Al-Qaeda allied group's ability to plan and conduct attacks in Mogadishu and coordinate efforts between Al-Shabaab regional commanders.

"We continue to work in coordination with our Somali partners and allies to systematically dismantle Al-Shabaab, and help achieve stability and security throughout the region," Africom said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 19:04:28|Editor: Song Lifang

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JAKARTA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia will cooperate with Google to counter spread of radicalism in cyber media following a spate of suicide attacks in the country which used internet as a facility, a minister said on Friday.

Minister of Communication and Information Rudiantara said the inclusion of Google in the move would shorten the period required to filter out and delete the internet contents with links with radicalism.

"Google and the ministry will apply a system of 'trusted flagger and legal removal programs.' Basically, we will settle all the problems," the minister said after meeting with the representatives of Google.

The trusted flagger program will report content linked with radicalism or terrorism and the legal removal system will scrap them, said Rudiantara.

The system is expected to begin operation in the next two months.

Most of suicide bombers in Indonesia have used internet facility to communicate with IS fighters in Syria to launch the strikes in the country and learn how to assemble bombs.

Indonesian security authorities have monitored movement and activities of dozens of Indonesian nationals who have returned after joining IS activities in Syria.

In a series of militants strikes in Indonesia, dozens of people have been killed, including the suicide bombers.
Kenyan preacher Gilbert Deya, 55, arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court, in central London, 01 November 2007. (AFP/Shaun Curry)

NAIROBI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Britain has extradited controversial preacher Gilbert Deya to Kenya to face child trafficking charges, the British embassy said on Friday.

A statement from the British embassy in Nairobi said the 65-year old televangelist arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 4.40 a.m. Friday aboard a Kenya Airways flight.

"Controversial Gilbert Juma Deya arrived back in Kenya this morning following ten years of appeal in the UK courts against his extradition," the embassy said.

"The Briton and Kenyan authorities worked closely together on Deya's extradition. He is wanted in Kenya for child abduction and trafficking charges," said the embassy.

Deya was an evangelist in Kenya in the late 1980s to early 1990s, but moved to the UK, establishing Gilbert Deya Ministries in 1997.

The preacher who runs an evangelical church in Peckham, southeast London has been on the list of most wanted persons for human trafficking since 2004.

In 2014, a London court acquitted Deya of separate charges of rape and sexual assault.

The Inner London Crown court entered a plea of not guilty against Deya. He had been charged with four counts of rape, one of attempted rape, two of sexual assault and one of battery.

He denied all the charges. His wife, Mary Deya was jailed in 2014 for stealing a baby at Kenyatta National Hospital in 2005. She was sentenced to three years in prison in 2011 for stealing a child and giving false information but she appealed the sentence.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 19:34:49|Editor: Song Lifang

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BERLIN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Germany has begun sending refugees back to Italy, German newspaper Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung reported Friday.

The change in policy took place in early June and was justified with Italy's "significantly increased" capacity to admit refugee families with underage children, said the daily.

The German government had stopped sending refugees back to Italy at the end of 2014 out of concern that it was unable to provide necessary asylum and care. However, the German practice violated the Dublin Regulation which mandates that refugees must apply for asylum in the first European Union state they enter.

A Federal Office for Migration and Refugees internal document noted that Italy had guaranteed that it would provide adequate accommodation and care for refugees.

According to the paper, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg deemed the guarantee sufficient and other European Union members had already begun relocating refugees under the Dublin framework.

Families with infants and small children are still exempt from the transferring.

Left party (Linke) politician Ulla Jelpke criticized the relocations, warning that "families with children will be facing inhumane conditions and threats to the welfare of children due to deficits in the Italian asylum system."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 19:39:53|Editor: Song Lifang

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MADRID, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Around 270 people have had to be evacuated from the town of Segura de la Sierra in southern Spanish province of Jaen due to a forest fire which broke out on Thursday afternoon, local rescue services reported.

The evacuation began shortly after people were warned of the fire early Thursday evening. A group of boy scouts were reported to be among the evacuees and many were people staying in holiday homes in the area.

Regional authorities reported that firefighting units worked through the night and were joined by five aircraft and eight helicopters on Friday morning. A total of 322 people are currently combatting the flames.

Meanwhile, a second fire has affected over 1,200 hectares close to the town of Verin in the province of Ourense in the north-west of the country.

This fire also started on Thursday afternoon and by Friday morning 400 people were combatting the flames, using 34 fire engines, 12 helicopters, and seven airplanes.

Regional authorities have confirmed that there is no danger to property. Arson is suspected.

Large areas of Spain are forecast to experience temperatures in the high 30's or even above 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Many provinces are on alert for the extreme fire risk.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 19:39:55|Editor: Song Lifang

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BERLIN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Oliver Schmidt, the Volkswagen manager who was arrested in the United States earlier this year, wants to plead guilty over his role in the "dieselgate" scandal, the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported Friday.

Schmidt's lawyers had informed the responsible court in Detroit accordingly. The plea will be heard later Friday local time.

The FBI had arrested the German citizen, who held a leading position when it came to Volkswagen's U.S. environmental policy between 2012 and 2015, while on vacation in Miami.

U.S. authorities accused Schmidt of being a part of a conspiracy to commit fraud and breach environmental regulations.

The defendant rejected these accusations until recently. He may now succeed in reducing the severity of his sentence by pleading guilty. Schmidt faces eleven separate charges, according to the report.

Schmidt is the only Volkswagen representative in U.S. custody, aside from an engineer who has already agreed a deal with officials to act as a principal witness.

U.S. authorities are confronted with the issue that most of their leading suspects are in Germany where they currently do not face the risk of extradition. Criminal charges have been released against eight individuals in total.

Volkswagen AG was the first German carmaker which was revealed to have installed illegal software which falsified emissions test results for its diesel vehicles in 2015.

A U.S. federal judge ruled in a civil lawsuit in April 2017 that Volkswagen "must pay a... 2.8 billion-dollar criminal fine for rigging diesel-powered vehicles to cheat on government emissions tests."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 19:44:57|Editor: Song Lifang

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NEW DELHI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 77 Indian fishermen released by Sri Lankan authorities reached the southern state of Tamil Nadu on Friday, officials said.

The fishermen languishing in Sri Lankan prisons were hailing from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

"The fishermen arrived at Karaikkal Port early this morning and from here they were sent to their homes," an official said.

The fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy in separate incidents this year on charges of trespassing into the territorial waters of the island nation.

Two local ministers from Tamil Nadu as well as family members and relatives of the fishermen received the released fishermen at the port.

According to officials, the Sri Lankan navy handed over the fishermen to Indian authorities near the international maritime boundary line on Thursday.

Fishermen of the two countries are often jailed for accidentally crossing into each other's territory. The fishermen traverse poorly defined boundary in the international waters as most fishing boats lack technologies to locate exact positions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 19:44:58|Editor: Song Lifang

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WELLINGTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Drugs with a street value of more than half a million NZ dollars (370,000 U.S. dollars) and more than 222,000 NZ dollars (165,280 U.S. dollars) in cash were among some of the haul seized by New Zealand police as part of Operation Tiger.

The New Zealand police said on Friday that Operation Tiger specifically targeted offenders who imported Class A and B drugs into New Zealand through international mail, which had been purchased on the dark net using bitcoins.

The operation, which has been in progress over the past six months, was a dual-agency operation involving the Waitemata Police Tactical Crime Team in Auckland and New Zealand Customs.

As a result of Operation Tiger, Waitemata Police arrested 13 people who were charged with a total of 79 charges - the majority of which related to the importation, possession or supply of Class A and B drugs.

The investigation was initiated after results from an operation in 2016 found that people who commonly engaged in the online purchasing of illicit drugs were often young people who did not typically have a record of previous drug offending, said a Waitemata Police statement.

Detective Sergeant Tim Williams who headed the operation said Operation Tiger prevented further social harm from young people becoming drug users and addicts through the supply of these drugs from importers.

"We want drug importers to know that the risk far outweighs the gain," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 20:05:12|Editor: Song Lifang

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KIGALI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan presidential elections kicked off Friday. Analysts expect incumbent President Paul Kagame, who is seeking his third term, will gain another landslide victory.

The president for the next seven years is elected by universal suffrage in one uninominal round ballot.

More than 2,300 polling sites comprising nearly 17,000 polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. On the ballot are Kagame of the ruling party Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate.

Many Rwandan voters cast ballots before 11 a.m.. "This is a wonderful day in my life. I'm proud to have voted a candidate I hope will impact my life," said a voter Josephat Masabo, at a polling station in Kacyiru, Kigali.

Rwandans in the diaspora cast their votes on Thursday.

Kagame arrived at Ape-Rugunga polling station in Nyarugenge district in the company of the Secretary General of RPF Francois Ngarambe and First Lady Jeannette and his children.

The incumbent president cast his vote around 11:12 a.m..

RPF's manifesto mainly focused on strengthening the economy, citizen's social welfare, and good governance among others.

Habineza is the first presidential candidate to cast vote. Speaking to journalists, Habineza said Friday's exercise for his party being the first time to appear on the ballot paper was a very big step forward for democracy in Rwanda.

"I'm expecting big victory today. Based on the support we saw countrywide, we are confident and expect to win by at least 70 percent. People were so enthusiastic, people were so happy to come to our campaigns," he told journalists after casting his vote at Kimironko Primary School II in Kigali.

He said his confidence was based on much support the party received countrywide during the campaign trail.

"We believe that victory is not easy but it not impossible. We are going to win very big tonight. There is full confidence. We met many people who want democratic change and wishing to see a new president. Many said after 23 years surely we need change, we need a new leader," he added.

Habineza said in case the results come out not in his favour he would still accept the outcome if the election exercise is free and fair.

Mpayimana, an independent candidate voted at Camp Kigali at mid-day. Speaking after casting his vote, Mpayimana said he expected above 50 percent of the vote.

He also said he would welcome the outcome of the election regardless of the results.

Nearly 6.9 million voters are expected to cast their votes, among whom 54 percent are women, according to National Electoral Commission of Rwanda (NEC).

The central African country has received over 1,800 observers, including more than 400 from the international community.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 20:05:13|Editor: Song Lifang

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HANOI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have discovered a new species of plant, a herb with pink flowers, in central Vietnam, Vietnam Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources said Friday.

The new plant, with the scientific name Phyllagathis phamhoangii (named after a well-known Vietnamese botanist), was discovered by a group of scientists from Vietnam, Russia and Sri Lanka in a forest in central Quang Nam province, the institute told Xinhua.

Diagnostic features of the new species are a short acaulescent rhizomatous herb with pink flowers, and sparse hairs on all its parts except petals and stamens.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has been proposed to give the conservation status of "Vulnerable" for Phyllagathis phamhoangii, said the institute.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 20:05:17|Editor: Song Lifang

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BRATISLAVA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Slovak Air Force has received two new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the United States to replace the current ageing Russian Mi-17s, which are nearing the end of their lifetime, the ministry of defense confirmed Friday.

The helicopters were handed over to the the Air Force by defence minister Peter Gajdos at a military helicopter facility in Presov, Eastern Slovakia.

"I trust that the first two machines will be gradually joined by another seven under an agreed deadline in line with the approved contract. This modernization will enable the Slovak Air Force to provide support to the military operations of ground forces and special forces and, of course, also provide domestic crisis management tasks during crisis situations such as floods, snow drifts and fires," said Gajdos.

Gajdos said he hoped that the modernization of the military would continue among ground forces as well.

"We'll be pursuing the modernisation of the Slovak Armed Forces to make them compatible with our NATO coalition partners," said the minister.

The Slovak defense ministry is to purchase nine helicopters worth 261 million U.S. dollars via the U.S. government's foreign military sales program.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 20:10:19|Editor: Song Lifang

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NAIROBI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has agreed to allow wheat and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports from Tanzania following bilateral talks.

According to a joint communique issued by the Kenya's Ministry of Trade on Friday, the Tanzanian products had been prevented from entering Kenya due to a number of administrative issues.

"Tanzanian LPG and wheat should flow without restrictions to Kenya with immediate effect," the ministry said.

Following consultations between trade officials from Tanzania and Kenya, the two governments undertook a fact finding mission on Thursday at the Namanga border Post to further follow up the progress made on the decisions of the Heads of State of Kenya and Tanzania to unlock the trade impasse.

Kenya's Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo said that regarding LPG imports into Kenya, the delay in the implementation of the directive issued on July 28 to allow free flow of LPG from Tanzania was due to an administrative challenge.

He added that Tanzanian wheat imports were restricted from entering Kenya due to an existing East African Community legal provision.

"Therefore, the 26 trucks currently stopped at the border should be released immediately since the legal lacuna has been resolved," Kiptoo said.

The statement added that a meeting of key stakeholders including wheat millers and farmers association should be held during the next bilateral meeting to agree on how to support wheat farming in the two countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 20:10:21|Editor: An

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MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent speech at the Army Day parade reflects "a gradual transition to a stricter defense of its interests" in the world, a Russian expert has said.

"That is why he chose such a strictly military entourage, and, wearing a military uniform in front of the troops, made a statement that China would never pursue an expansionist policy, but will never allow anyone to tear away any morsel of Chinese territory," said Vasily Kashin, research fellow of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Xi's speeches at the Army Day parade on Sunday and at the celebration for the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Tuesday illustrate the Chinese leadership's firm stance against separatism, Kashin noted, particularly regarding the issue of Taiwan.

The U.S. State Department approved an arms sales to Taiwan valued at about 1.42 billion U.S. dollars in late June.

"It is expected that Taiwan will receive more weapons in the foreseeable future, including, probably, F-35 fighters," said Kashin.

The arms sales was opposed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry as a violation of "international laws as well as the basic norms of international relations."

Xi said Tuesday that "no one should expect us to swallow bitter fruit that is harmful to our sovereignty, security or development interests."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 20:30:33|Editor: Song Lifang

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BERLIN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The rapist and murderer of a Chinese overseas student in Germany was sentenced to lifelong imprisonment, and his accomplice received a youth penalty of five years and six months for sexual coercion, a court in eastern German town of Dessau-Rosslau delivered the verdict Friday.

Local media Mitteldeutche Zeitung reported both defendants, Sebastian F. and Xenia I., were also ordered to pay damages for pain and suffering of 60,000 euros.

Li Yangjie, a 25-year-old architecture student went missing while jogging on the evening of May 11, 2016 in the city of Dessau. Her disfigured body was found abandoned in brush near the crime scene two days later before the police identified the both 20-year-old male and female suspects.

According to prosecutors, the two lured her to an empty apartment and then sexually assaulted her. When they found Li still alive, they carried the severely wounded victim away and abandoned her outside.

The case aroused tremendous public attention in both China and Germany. The male culprit's parents are both police officers, and dpa reported there had been temporary suspicion that the parents might have an influence on the investigation.

Chinese expatriates and overseas students across Germany had held memorials in various localities following the tragedy, also demanding a fair and just handling of the case.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 20:45:41|Editor: Song Lifang

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VALLETTA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission has sent a letter to the Maltese government asking why it failed to put the fourth anti-money laundering directive into law by the June 26 deadline, local paper The Malta Independent reported on Friday.

Malta is among 14 member states that received a letter asking it to provide an answer as to why is has not yet adopted the required legislation, or informed the Commission that it did, within two months.

A spokesperson for the Commission stated that whilst a reply from the government had not yet been received, the letter had only been sent two weeks ago.

A total of 17 states have been rebuked by the Commission, and a further three member states had only partially put the directive into effect.

The measures require countries to set up national registers showing the owners of companies which can then be accessed by authorities throughout the EU.

Furthermore, intermediaries must carry out extensive risk assessments of their customers in order to fight money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The directive also broadens the definition of a politically exposed person, which effectively means that a wider variety of people will be subject to stringent checks.

So far, only Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Croatia confirmed the directives were implemented on time.

EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said that this performance was unacceptable at a time when the EU has made the fight against illegal finance one of its top priorities in the wake of a spate of terror attacks.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 21:00:45|Editor: Liu

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BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- On June 18, Indian border troops crossed the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Duo Ka La (Doka La) pass and advanced more than 100 meters into Chinese territory.

The illegal crossing of a delimited boundary and entering the territory of a neighboring country violate China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, international law and basic norms governing international relations.

India has invented various excuses to justify its illegal action. The following are the facts:

What happened on June 18?

On June 16, the Chinese side was building a road in the Dong Lang area (Doklam), located in Yadong county of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.On June 18, over 270 Indian border troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector and advanced more than 100 meters into Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area.

The trespassing Indian troops, reaching as many as 400 people at one point, put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into Chinese territory. As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in Chinese territory.

Does the Dong Lang area belong to China?

Yes.

The main focus of the dispute is the Dong Lang area.

In 1890, China and Britain signed the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet. Article I of the 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 (currently known as Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen) on the Bhutan frontier, and follows the above-mentioned water-parting to the point where it meets Nipal territory."

According to the Convention, the Dong Lang area, which is located on the Chinese side of the China-India boundary, is indisputably Chinese territory.

The stability and inviolability of boundaries are a fundamental principle enshrined in international law. The China-India 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.

Is Bhutan involved in the incident?

No.

The 1890 Convention has made it clear that the China-India 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 China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector and it is also the boundary tri-junction between China, India and Bhutan.

The Indian troops' trespassing occurred at a place on the China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector, more than 2,000 meters away from Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen. Matters concerning the boundary tri-junction have nothing to do with this incident.

China and Bhutan have been engaged in negotiations and consultations to resolve their boundary issue since the 1980s. Although the boundary is yet to be formally delimited, the two sides have had 24 rounds of talks, conducted joint surveys in their border area and have reached basic consensus on the actual state of the border area and the alignment of their boundary.

What are the consequences of India's illegally crossing the China-India border?

According to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution 3314 adopted on Dec. 14, 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.

As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, nor does it have the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan's behalf. 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.

The Chinese government urges the Indian government to immediately withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary and conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal trespassing so as to swiftly and appropriately resolve the incident and restore peace and tranquility to the border area between the two countries.

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

Infographic: India's "excuses" of illegal trespass into Chinese territory groundless

Infographic: Under the pretext of "protecting Bhutan", India attempts to create disputes in Doklam
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 21:05:48|Editor: Song Lifang

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GENEVA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Violence in DRC's (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Kasai province appears to be taking on an increasing and disturbing ethnic dimension, a report by the UN Human Rights Office said Friday.

The UN Mission in the DRC said it has identified at least 80 mass graves in the Kasai, a diamond-rich area, and it estimates that at least 1.3 million people have been internally displaced in the Kasai province.

At least 40,000 have fled to neighbouring Angola.

"Survivors have spoken of hearing the screams of people being burned alive, of seeing loved ones chased and cut down, of themselves fleeing in terror," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein.

"Such bloodletting is all the more horrifying because we found indications that people are increasingly being targeted because of their ethnic group."

The High Commissioner called on the DRC government to take all necessary measures "to protect people from all ethnic backgrounds in the greater Kasai area".

The fighting began in August 2016 between the Kamuina Nsapu militia and the government. The UN estimates that at least 500 people have been killed in that period but police and aid organizations put that toll much higher.

The situation in the Kasai region deteriorated significantly during 2016 following a conflict over chieftaincy between the central government of Kinshasa and supporters of the traditional leadership system, the report says.

Information gathered by a team of UN human rights investigators suggests that some of the violations and abuses committed in the area may amount to crimes under international law.

The UN team was able to confirm that between March 12 and June 12, some 251 people were the victims of extrajudicial and targeted killings.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 21:35:58|Editor: Song Lifang

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SKOPJE, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Macedonia has paved the way to the increase of minimum wage up to 12,000 MKD or about 230 U.S. dollars as the government gave the green light to this initiative.

"Now that the government has adopted the changes to the law on minimum wage, all employees in the country who receive such wage will get the same amount," a press statement from the finance ministry said Friday.

The approval of such changes came after several consultations held by finance ministry with the employees and businesses.

After listening to latter's concerns, the government informed that it would provide financial support to the private companies so they paid their employees a higher wage.

Around 6 million U.S. dollars have been foreseen in the 2017 revised budget as a support for companies.

The request for minimum wage increase was first made by the Trade Union Federation of Macedonia.

The new minimum wage is expected to be passed soon in Parliament as the current majority here already has the votes to adopt the legal changes, local media reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 21:41:01|Editor: Song Lifang

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VIENTIANE, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A group of suspected illegal drug producers has been arrested in northern Laos' Oudomxay province, with more than 2 million amphetamine pills and six guns seized from their possession, local state-run online newspaper Vientiane Times reported Friday.

According to the report, a joint crackdown by officials responsible for drug control and supervision of the General Police Department of Lao Ministry of Public Security and police in Oudomxay province in Xay district, some 320 km north of capital Vientiane, resulted in the arrest of eight suspects.

Among the arrested were two Thai nationals and six Lao people.

During the operation this week, police confiscated 2,364,046 amphetamine pills, 6.3 kgs of opium, 126.8 kgs of unidentified powder, one kg of dry cannabis and many other items used for producing drugs, according to the report.

Police also seized six guns, five cars, three motorcycles, 5 million baht in Thai currency, 49,000 U.S. dollars and more than 240 million kip in cash.

Police officials said the group was targeted because it was the biggest gang allegedly involved in illegal drug production in Oudomxay and Luang Prabang provinces, and had been under surveillance for a long time.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 21:46:04|Editor: Song Lifang

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RIYADH, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Saudi-led coalition on Friday denied the accusations made by the United Nations of disrupting its humanitarian service in Yemen by cutting the fuel supply to Sanaa, Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to earlier media reports, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) director in Yemen has accused the coalition of hampering the fuel supply to UN aircraft transporting humanitarian aid to the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital.

The UN official revealed in the reports that the two UN aircraft had found it difficult to return after completing their mission as they had run out of fuel and the coalition would not allow the entry of fuel shipment to Sanaa.

The spokesman of the Saudi-led coalition, Col. Turki Al-Maliki, denied the accusations as "untrue" and "baseless," adding that they included "a lot of false information."

He explained that the coalition forces issued daily permits of entry for ships carrying fuel and necessities, as well as humanitarian and medical assistance to all Yemeni ports, including those under the control of Houthi militias.

He also noted that the latest permission the coalition had authorized to the United Nations was on July 29.

Moreover, he noted that it was the Houthi militants who had blocked the arrival of fuel and necessities, adding that the coup militias are exploiting their control of some Yemeni ports by selling goods in black markets in order to raise money.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 21:46:05|Editor: Song Lifang

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JUBA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The military command of the South Sudanese army, the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), has passed a resolution changing the name of the revolutionary army to South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF).

Army Deputy Spokesman, Santo Domic told Xinhua that the resolution was reached during a three-day military command conference that concluded on Thursday.

"It has been recommended that the SPLA name has to be changed to South Sudan People's Defense Forces and we will continue to use the SPLA name until the SPLA Act of 2009 is amended," Domic said in Juba on Friday.

Domic said the military command also passed other 70 resolutions that call for transformation of the army through capacity building, establishment of pension scheme, adoption of new policies to govern promotion of army officers, among others.

He said the reforms are necessary in order to transform the SPLA into a professional army.

"One of the reason as to why the SPLA needs to be professional is because we started as revolutionary army that was fighting for the independence of South Sudan and after the independence, we need to reach a certain standard of being professional like any other army in the region," Domic added.

The SPLA army is mostly composed of former rebel forces that fought against Sudan for over two decades leading to the split of South Sudan from Sudan in July 2011.

A senior military official said last week that efforts to transform the revolutionary army into a conventional force have been affected by the civil war that erupted in 2013.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 21:51:07|Editor: Song Lifang

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BERLIN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The head of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) faction in the German Federal Parliament, Thomas Oppermann, attacked the immigration policy of Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) on Friday in an interview with German newspaper Die Zeit.

"Ms. Merkel does not want to address the subject of refugees, because she has no answers," Oppermann said.

The challenges posed by the arrival of refugees and migrants since 2015 cannot be ignored and need answers, according to Oppermann. By leaving the subject to populist forces such as the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, the government risks strengthening anti-democratic and intolerant forces in German society.

Oppermann praised proposals made by his party leader Martin Schulz to award European Union funds to countries which accepted refugees, and cut payments to those which refused to participate in burden-sharing measures.

"Schulz wants to create incentives for communities in all of Europe to accept refugees. Ms. Merkel has attended many EU summits, but the distribution of refugees in Europe still does not work," he said.

Most importantly, however, Germany urgently required a new immigration law, according to Oppermann. The SPD has tabled proposals for a "points system" in which migrants are selected based on their suitability for the German labor market as indicated by their qualifications and language skills.

For Oppermann it was important to make a clear distinction between asylum seekers and migrants.

"Asylum is for those that need us, an immigration law is for those whom we need," he told Die Zeit quoting former chancellor Richard von Weizsaecker.

Oppermann emphasized that migration had to be organized in a way which received the support of the majority of Germans.

Nearly a million people came to the country in 2015.

"That looked like a loss of control and in part it was. Afterwards, the CDU stepped hard on the breaks and took an increasingly harsh stance...but all the while Merkel has postponed enacting the urgently-needed immigration law."

The SPD faction leader said he wanted to preserve the right to asylum, alongside passing an immigration law, to enable and manage the migration of laborers. For those who fell into neither camp, Germany would have to continue to join the international effort to create opportunities in their home countries.

In the interview, Oppermann insisted that Schulz still stood a chance in his race for the chancellorship against the incumbent Merkel. Germans will elect a Federal Parliament in September.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 22:11:19|Editor: Song Lifang

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BUJUMBURA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-one people including 20 inmates and a policeman were Thursday injured in a riot that happened at Murembwe prison in Rumonge province, 70km south of the Burundian capital Bujumbura, the police spokesman said Friday.

"The riots started yesterday around 1:30 p.m. and ended late at night. The riots opposed inmates to the cooks working in the prison. Inmates who are assigned security inside the prison had to intervene but in vain," Burundian Police Spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye said.

According to him, police agents had to fire into the air to control the riots and to prevent them from evading.

He said the reason behind the riot is, according to inmates, "little food" given to them as they alleged that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) had on Wednesday established the quantity of food that should be given to them.

"Nineteen inmates who are among masterminds of the riot have been transferred to other prisons," Nkurikiye said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 22:26:26|Editor: Song Lifang

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CAPE TOWN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) Parliamentary Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu on Friday denied reports that there are ANC MPs who will vote in favor of a no confidence motion against President Jacob Zuma.

"The rumor that there are ANC members who will vote in favor of this motion is nothing but wishful thinking on the part of the opposition," Mthembu said at a press briefing in Cape Town on the ANC caucus's position on the motion.

ANC members of parliament can never be participants in the demise of their own government and their own organization, Mthembu noted.

He was speaking after some ANC MPs, including Makhosi Khoza, Pravin Gordhan (former finance minister) and Mondli Gungubele, had spoken out recently that they intend to vote with their conscience.

"We will vote against this motion because it is a crude and populist attempt to unseat a popularly elected government," Mthembu said.

Opposition parties have been pushing for a secret ballot so as to encourage ANC MPs to vote in favor of the motion, scheduled for August 8.

Parliament Speaker Baleka Mbete has yet to decide whether the no-confidence vote should be conducted through secret ballot.

Zuma, who has survived seven votes of no confidence, said recently he is confident to defeat another no confidence motion.

The 400-member Parliament is dominated by ANC MPs.

Toppling Zuma requires 50 of the 249 ANC MPs to support the no-confidence motion.

The ANC has warned that ANC members who support the anti-Zuma no confidence motion risk being disciplined by the party.

Mthembu said the ANC is protecting the country's electoral system which places the political authority to deploy members of parliament in the respective political parties who contested elections.

"Thus all members of parliament from all political parties take their mandate from their political parties," Mthembu said.

ANC MPs should not be expected to be different from this legal and well established political norm, he added.

"Our decision to vote against this motion must therefore not be seen as defending or protecting any individual. We are protecting our country and our hard fought democracy," Mthembu said.

He also warned that removing Zuma from office would lead to the collapse of the entire cabinet which would have "deep and long lasting ramifications."

"It will plunge our country into complete political instability and economic uncertainty," Mthembu said.

This would also inadvertently negatively affect the poor and the working class the most as they are dependent on government for their livelihoods, said Mthembu.

"Instead of solving our problems, we would be doing more harm to our country," he added.

ANC MPs, who are an advanced cadreship of the party, will not allow the weakening of the state in favor of the opposition, said Mthembu.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 22:42:02|Editor: Song Lifang

Indian policemen fire tear gas shells at Kashmiri protesters during a protest against killing of a militant in Srinagar, summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Aug. 4, 2017.(Xinhua/Javed Dar)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 22:36:31|Editor: yan

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LUSAKA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The head of the Commonwealth is expected to visit Zambia next week as part of peace building visits to African countries, the government said on Friday.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland will be in Zambia from August 7 to 10 when she is expected to meet President Edgar Lungu as part of her African tour, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services.

The secretary-general's visit offers opportunities to build on longstanding engagement with Zambia as a member state of the Commonwealth, the statement added.

According to the statement, her visit is in line with the 2017 Commonwealth theme "A peace-building Commonwealth" which aims at building peace at all levels.

The visit will also focus on Commonwealth priorities including climate change, preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the United Kingdom.

Scotland is also expected to visit Tanzania and Mozambique on her peace and relationship-building tour.

The Commonwealth is an organization of 52 member states that are mostly former territories of the British Empire.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 22:51:38|Editor: yan

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GENEVA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A small plane crashed near a summer camp in eastern Switzerland on Friday, killing two 14-year-old campers and the pilot, police said.

A third teenager was also seriously injured in the crash of the single-engine plane organized at the Aero-Club of Switzerland camp in the eastern canton of Graubunden, police added.

Investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 22:51:39|Editor: yan

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BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation as requested Friday with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and they exchanged views on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Johnson highly praised the positive role China has played in the issue, but at the same time, he expressed great concern about the continuous escalation of the situation, hoping to find an effective solution through negotiation as soon as possible.

Wang expounded on China's principles and position, and stressed that China has made enormous efforts in safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and will comprehensively and strictly implement the UN Security Council's resolutions regarding the Korean Peninsula.

The Chinese foreign minister urged each relevant party to undertake their due responsibility.

The "suspension for suspension" initiative proposed by China is conducive to de-escalation of the situation and is helpful for seeking a breakthrough in the resumption of talks, Wang said, hoping that each party could seriously consider it and respond positively.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 22:56:43|Editor: yan

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NAIROBI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- East Africa's largest financial institution, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group and the Chinese financial service giant UnionPay International, on Friday entered into a partnership to boost digital payments in Eastern Africa.

KCB Kenya Head of Channels Dennis Njau said that the collaboration will see the issuance of UnionPay Prepaid Travel Mate cards in the Eastern Africa region.

"The cards will enable the digitalization of payments at retailers, large and small, to take advantage of one of the world's fastest payment processing networks," Njau said in a statement released in Nairobi.

As a result of the partnership, UnionPay prepaid and debit cards with chip-enabled technology, will be issued, first into the Kenyan market and then extended into East Africa.

The cards will be equipped with chip-enabled technology, to offer advanced speed, security and convenience to the bank's customers.

Njau said that with tourism and trade increasingly becoming the mainstay of East African region's economy, the partnership with UnionPay International strengthens its cooperation with a local financial institution to cater to the new customer segment.

UnionPay International CEO, Cai Jianbo said that the prepaid cards to be rolled out in East Africa will feature UnionPay contactless technology called "Quickpass" which provide speed and convenience to cardholders at major retailers, grocery stores, cinemas, parking lots, mass transit and taxis.

"The launch of UnionPay Business in Eastern Africa will further strengthen cooperation on people-to-people exchanges and advance the financial inclusion programs," Cai added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 23:31:57|Editor: yan

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BRUSSELS, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The European Union(EU) on Friday added three persons and three companies to a sanction list targeting Russian individuals and entities.

The persons and companies will face an asset freeze and a travel ban in the EU for "their responsibility in supplying Crimea with (four) gas turbines from Russia", according to a statement released by the Council of the EU.

The gas turbines were originally sold by German company Siemens for use in other parts of Russia, but were then clandestinely transferred to Crimea, which rejoined Russia in 2014 following a referendum.

The EU "didn't recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation", instead it slapped a set of sanctions against Moscow, including a ban of supplying of key equipment for infrastructure projects in Crimea and Sevastopol in important sectors.

A total of 153 persons and 40 entities are now on the EU sanction list in the wake of the Council's latest decision.

Siemens announced in late July that it would halt deliveries of power generation equipment to Russian state-controlled entities after its turbines were found in Crimea.

Siemens said that it had received "credible information" that all four gas turbines, which it delivered to southern Russia last year, had been "locally modified and illegally moved to Crimea."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 23:31:58|Editor: Yang Yi

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BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government is sending humanitarian aid to Myanmar to prevent the spread of the H1N1 influenza, the Ministry of Commerce said Friday.

The ministry will work with other government departments to offer disease control supplies that Myanmar is in urgent need of in the shortest time possible.

Since July 21, the outbreak of H1N1 flu in Myanmar has caused 13 deaths.

Myanmar's parliamentarians have put forward a motion urging the government to carry out an extensive awareness campaign against the spread of the epidemic.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 23:37:01|Editor: yan

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LUSAKA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- China and Zambia on Friday signed a framework agreement for construction of communication towers (phase two) in the southern African country.

The agreement involves 808 towers, 1,009 2G, 3G and 4G wireless stations, the setting up of a matched transmission network and user access terminals in unserved and under-served areas in order to improve communication services.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming signed on behalf of his government while Fredson Yamba, Secretary to the Treasury, signed on behalf of the Zambian government during a ceremony witnessed by President Edgar Lungu in Lusaka, the country's capital.

China's Huawei Technologies has been engaged to construct the towers, with the project expected to take about three years to complete.

The Chinese envoy said the signing of the agreement marks another milestone in the development of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Zambia as the sector was one of the important areas of cooperation under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The completion of the project will result in an increase in the voice service penetration from 70 percent to almost 100 percent as well as increase in data service penetration from five percent to 40 percent, a move that will result in improved communication conditions for people.

The Chinese envoy added that the completion of the project will lessen inconveniences experienced when using ICTs in the country as well as improve the investment environment of the country.

On his part, the Zambian leader said the launch of the second phase of the construction of communication towers demonstrates his government's commitment to provide citizens with ICT infrastructure in order to improve communication.

The Zambian leader said the launch of the project was a milestone in the government's commitment to ensure inclusiveness in the country.

The Zambian leader further said about 2,000 jobs will be created under the project which will also provide connectivity for enterprises as well as enable rural farmers access markets for their products.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 23:37:02|Editor: Yang Yi

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By Burak Akinci

ANKARA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- An increased anti-American sentiment arises in Turkey recently, as Turks perceive the United States as a great threat to their national security, according to a lastest survey.

Experts said the main reason was Washington's lack of support for its NATO ally after last year's coup attempt and its open support to Syrian Kurdish militia.

The Washington-based Pew Research Center surveyed 41,953 people in 38 countries over 11 weeks to discover things that were considered as the biggest threats around the world.

For a majority of Turks, the answer was the United States.

"Globally, a median of about one third view the power and influence of the United States, Russia or China as a major threat. America's influence is a top concern in Turkey," the survey read.

"A year after a failed coup attempt blamed at least in part on the United States, 72 percent in Turkey say American power and influence is a major threat to their country," said Jacob Poushter and Dorothy Manevich, co-authors of the report, on the Pew Research Center's website.

"This figure is up 28 percentage points since 2013, when just 44 percent named U.S. power and influence as a major threat. People in Turkey are also worried about the refugee issue which has spilled over their borders in recent years," they added.

One year after the failed coup attempt on July 15, the relations between Turkey and its traditional ally the United States have gone from uneasy to challenging.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and senior officials from his Justice and Development Party (AKP) publicly criticized the U.S. administration for refusing to extradite their number one enemy, Fethullah Gulen, the self-exiled cleric who had been accused of plotting last year's attempted coup that claimed nearly 250 lives and wounded over 2,000 others.

The frequency of conspiracy theory rhetoric against the United States has lessened since the coup, but the pro-government press is regularly fueling anti-U.S. sentiment.

On Wednesday, daily Takvim argued that coup leaders who were on trial in Ankara, swore allegiance to the United States by wearing American designer brands at court hearings.

As both the Obama and the Trump administration made clear that the extradition case for Gulen, living in Pennsylvania since 1999, would be handled as a judicial rather than a political matter, Ankara's attitude against the United States hardened.

"The essential reason why Turks see the United States as a threat is directly linked to the fact that this country is arming a movement that Turkey considers as a menace to its national security," Mustafa Aydin, professor of Kadir Has university said based on another survey conducted by his institution.

"The refusal by Washington to extradite Gulen, along with the perception that some American institutions might have involved in the coup attempt also had an impact on Turks' negative perception of the United States," he pointed out.

Gulen's far-reaching network consists of some 150 schools in more than 20 states in America. The schools and related institutions have operated on more than 2.1 billion U.S. dollars of U.S. taxpayers since 2010. It was used to found the networks interests in Turkey, Turkey's pro-government Anadolu Agency has recently reported.

Turkey has so far requested the extradition of more than 100 people with suspected links to the Gulen movement after the failed coup, according to Turkish government.

Turkish government officials also feel it was unlikely for the United States to approve a quick extradition of the outlawed preacher, as no progress has been made on the request yet.

"We find it hard to believe that an ally country refuses to hand an individual accused of terrorism and violent acts. As long as the United States refuses to cooperate on the matter, relations will continue to be strain and the Turkish people will feel betrayed," said an AKP official to Xinhua on the condition of anonymity.

"Our citizens find it hard to understand this unfriendly attitude. We hope that the U.S. administration will understand Turkey's preoccupations otherwise bad blood will prevail," he added.

Another ongoing and possibly more vexatious row is the U.S. support for Syrian Kurdish fighters of YPG (People's Protection Units) and the Syrian political group the PYD (Democratic Union Party).

For Turkey, U.S. support for the two intertwined organizations as allies in fighting Islamic State (IS) in Syria means support for the separatists Kurdish insurgents of the PKK, who are waging bloody campaigns in Turkey since 1984.

"Both Turkey and the United States consider the PKK a terrorist organization yet Washington is backing an affiliate and existing threat to Turkey," argued Turkish officials.

Turkey believes the Kurds want to establish an independent Kurdish state in Syria that would threaten its sovereignty.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that the relation with Turkey "is a bit under stress," but noted that Turkey "has a big role to play in Syria," without specifying on how to amend ties or how to retrieve weapons supplied to the YPG once the mission against IS is over.

Experts argue that Erdogan's stance is crucial in restoring ties as he has the last word on Turkey's foreign policy.

"Anti-Americanism is not something new in Turkey. If the president decides that this is enough, things will go back on track but at this stage he is using the current situation as a leverage in internal politics," told Xinhua political commentator and Hurriyet daily columnist Deniz Zeyrek.

According to him, the problems caused by the failed coup, such as the state of emergency that caused a massive crackdown against not only exiled Gulen's followers but all opposition circles, have led to a crisis in the country and blaming the West for the turmoil is easier than to address the problems.

"Blaming the West, the United States or European Union countries is more attractive and sympathetic for the popular masses in Turkey," added Zeyrek.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 23:42:10|Editor: yan

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MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Moscow is disappointed that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has not condemned the recent attack on the Russian embassy in Syria's capital of Damascus, which could encourage new terror acts, the Foreign Ministry said Friday.

"Unwillingness to show diplomatic solidarity with us should remain on the conscience of these delegations. The most disturbing thing is that the inability of the Security Council to condemn the acts of terrorists encourages them to carry out new provocations and acts of terrorism while making them feel impunity," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia "would not want these barbarians to have the conviction that someone in the Security Council is with them," it added.

On Wednesday, the Russian embassy in Damascus was hit by mortars, which was the third attack in a month. No casualties were reported.

The ministry said that the United States, Britain, France and Ukraine, using the pretext of the lack of necessary information, once again rejected Russia's proposal to adopt a standard short draft of the Security Council condemning terrorist attacks.

It underlined that terrorist acts have to be globally condemned, and that there should be no ambiguity in the assessments of attacks against diplomatic missions.

The Russian embassy in Damascus has been shelled several times since Moscow started to participate in anti-terrorism operations in Syria in September 2015.

Russia has withdrawn most of its troops from the war-torn country. However, it still supports anti-terrorism and humanitarian missions there.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-04 23:52:14|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. law enforcement agencies have conducted a nationwide sex trafficking sting that led to over 1,000 arrests, authorities have said.

The arrests were made in the latest round of operations under the National Johns Suppression Initiative (NJSI) that targets sex trafficking in the United States.

A total of 37 law enforcement agencies across 17 states joined the move in late July, the 14th of its kind under the NJSI.

Over 1,000 sex buyers were arrested in the massive operation, 15 of them facing trafficking-related charges, while 81 victims, 75 adults and 6 juveniles, were rescued, according to Thomas J. Dart, sheriff of Cook County in the state of Illinois.

Authorities in Texas's Harris County and Seattle respectively nabbed 170 and 160 people, the most during the operations that Dart stood behind. Authorities in Cook County made 141 arrests.

On Thursday, the sheriff proposed to set up a public database that would list the names of sex buyers who are caught for a second or subsequent time.

Since the NJSI operations started in 2011, nearly 8,000 sex buyers have been arrested by law enforcement officers.

Anti-human trafficking groups said sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery that exists throughout the United States and other countries.

The U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimated last year that 1 in 6 endangered runaways reported to them was likely a sex trafficking victim.
Image provided by Venezuela's Presidency shows Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (R) participating in a meeting with the 545 elected members of the National Constituent Assembly (ANC), in Caracas, Venezuela, on Aug. 2, 2017. (Xinhua/Venezuela's Presidency)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said on Thursday that the United States will not recognize Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly (ANC) tasked to amend the Constitution.

"We are evaluating all our policy options (as) to what we can do to create a change of conditions, where either (Venezuelan President Nicolas) Maduro decides he does not have a future and wants to leave on his own accord, or we can return the government processes back to the constitution," the department said in a statement.

The United States on Monday slapped economic sanctions on Maduro, just one day after Venezuela held elections for the ANC. "By sanctioning Maduro, the United States makes clear our opposition to the policies of his regime," U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

Maduro 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.

The U.S. Treasury Department, which had slapped sanctions on 13 current or former senior officials of the Venezuelan government aside from Maduro, warned on Monday that anyone who participates in the ANC could be exposed to future U.S. sanctions.

The vote for the ANC 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| 2017-08-05 00:07:17|Editor: Yang Yi

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BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A scanner magnifies a traditional Chinese painting by 200 times in an Artificial Intelligence Technology Center (AITC) in Beijing.

Based on big data technology, the machine is capable of recording the specific details of certain cultural relics. This can be used to tell fakes from originals.

The startup AITC in Yizhuang Economic and Technology Development area in the suburban Daxing district of Beijing was started in March by Hans Uszkoreit, scientific director at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence.

Uszkoreit said the center would focus on creating an AI service system and big data public technology platform. It will cooperate with companies that need the application of AI technology, such as JD.com, to make breakthrough in the fields of natural language processing and big data analysis.

Professor Uszkoreit and his company epitomize the foreign entrepreneurial rush in Beijing.

Beijing has hoped to attract more "elite foreigners" since it eased permanent-residence requirements in 2016. Twenty measures took effect on March 1, 2016, mainly targeting managerial-level professionals, Chinese born abroad, entrepreneurs and recently-graduated foreign students.

Zhongguancun, known in some quarters as "China's Silicon Valley," has offered permanent-residence certificates in China to more than 280 foreigners since 2016.

Jahangir Raza from Pakistan just graduated from North China Electric Power University. He is working in the capital as a service manager for Beijing Aeonmed and is getting his work visa in China.

He expects a lot from his future career, and says he decided to stay in Beijing because of the great opportunities here.

Yang Zhongwei, International Marketing & Sales Director of Beijing Aeonmed, said the company would like to hire overseas staff because they can become the strong link between overseas markets and Chinese companies.

From common entrepreneurs to Nobel laureates, an increasing number of foreigners see Beijing as an ideal place for their business ideas.

THOMAS Beijing Research and Development Center was founded in Beihang University this February. The center named after Professor Thomas C. Sudhof, a winner of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, was jointly founded by the city of Beijing, Beihang University and Professor Thomas C. Sudhof.

Focusing on repairing central nervous system injuries, the center has a multidisciplinary advantage and undertakes research into many areas, including pathophysiology, biomaterial modification, preparation techniques and repairing neural injuries.

Nils Pihl, a tech CEO in Beijing, born in Sweden, moved to Silicon Valley and then New York, but founded a tech startup in Beijing.

He wrote an article for the Business Insider, an American news website, to explain why he chose Beijing for his startup. Pihl believes Beijing is great for innovation.

"Beijing offered us cheap housing and food, a network of experienced mentors that were happy to take the time to help, steady access to some of the world's greatest engineering talent at a sixth of the cost of a junior engineer in Silicon Valley and access to a vast market of clients," he wrote.

Though for Pihl it was never about costs alone.

"Beijing attracts large numbers of truly driven, creative and interesting people," he wrote.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 00:22:22|Editor: yan

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DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The government of Tanzania is set to table a Bill in parliament designed to promote small businesses and regulate micro financial organizations, a senior official said on Friday.

Ashatu Kijaji, deputy minister for finance and planning, said the Bill will be tabled in parliament in the political capital Dodoma in September following a long time appeal by Members of Parliament.

Kijaji was speaking on her tour of Unit Trust of Tanzania (UTT) funded projects in Bahi district in Dodoma region.

UTT is a government-owned institution under the Ministry of Finance and Planning, which seeks to empower Tanzanians to become stakeholders in the east African nation's economic development through ownership of shares, savings, and collective investment schemes among citizens.

She said the Bill will be tabled at the right time when there were different opinions on the cost efficacy of the micro-finance organizations model for reaching credit to the poor.

"In September this year we expect to take the Bill to the parliament so that we can excellently monitor this sector in accordance to the law," said Kijaji.

James Washima, UTT Micro-finance chief executive officer, said lack of the micro-finance legislation has resulted in several conflicts, some of which led to closure of some micro financial organizations.

He added: "It is high time the government formulate a special body to oversee the sector."

Washima said micro-finance institutions have been issuing loans to millions of Tanzanians without being guided by regulations and principles, which he said should be a thing of the past.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 00:42:31|Editor: yan

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DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Border regions in Tanzania and Burundi have agreed to exchange criminals to face prosecution in their native countries, Tanzania's Kigoma Regional Commissioner Emmanuel Maganga, said on Friday.

The exchange of criminals was one of the resolutions reached at the end of a one-day good neighbourliness meeting between defence and security committees from Kigoma region in Tanzania and Makamba, Cankuzo, Rutana, Rumonge and Ruyigi regions in Burundi held on July 29 in Makamba region.

Maganga told Xinhua in a telephone interview that the six border regions also agreed to exchange security intelligence dossiers from local government authorities to the highest authorities.

"Indeed, the meeting was very successful as both sides exchanged views in a very candid atmosphere," said Maganga who led Kigoma region's defence and security committee delegation to the meeting.

Maganga added that the meeting also agreed to conduct joint operations aimed at controlling criminal acts along the border between the two countries.

"We also agreed to reinforce the holding of security meetings at grassroots level and issuance of accurate reports on movements of criminals from both countries along the border," said Maganga.

These measures were agreed between the border regions against the backdrop of a tidal wave of crime incidents in Kigoma region, including armed banditry, reportedly engineered by armed Burundi refugees.

Maganga said the meeting also proposed that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in collaboration with relevant authorities in Tanzania and Burundi should hasten the voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees currently sheltered in Tanzania.

The proposal followed recent appeals by President John Magufuli and his Burundian counterpart Pierre Mkurunziza to the Burundian refugees to return home and help build the tiny central African country.

Last week, Maganga said 5,327 Burundian refugees staying in camps in western Tanzania have volunteered to return home following the recent appeal by President Magufuli to them to return home and help build their country.

Maganga said: "The Burundian refugees are now volunteering in large numbers to return home following the presidential appeal."

He said 5,327 Burundian refugees from Nduta, Nyarugusu and Mtendeli refugee camps have volunteered to go home, adding that 4,935 of these were from Nduta, 364 from Nyarugusu and 28 from Mtendeli.

Currently, he said, Nduta sheltered 124,914 Burundian refugees, Nyarugusu 75,761 refugees and Mtendeli 49,839 refugees.

Maganga said the voluntary repatriation was continuous but explained that the Kigoma regional authorities were awaiting a tripartite meeting between Tanzania, Burundi and the UN refugees agency to deliberate on the voluntary return of the refugees.

In June this year, the UN refugee agency said Tanzania remained the largest host of Burundian refugees.

Tanzania is currently home to more than 315,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, mainly from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are hosted in three refugee camps of Nyarugusu, Nduta, and Mtendeli, which face severe pressure.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 01:12:48|Editor: yan

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BELGRADE, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A warning was issued Friday for extreme weather for most of next week across Serbia, with maximum temperatures forecast to range from 37 to 42 degrees Celsius.

The warning was issued by the Republic Hydrometerological Service of Serbia (RHMSS).

Days as well as nights will be tropical in most parts of Serbia with minimum temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius and maximum around 40.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 01:17:52|Editor: yan

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JERUSALEM, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu played down Friday his former aide's decision to become a state witness against him in two graft cases.

Earlier on Friday, Ari Harow, Netanyahu's former chief of staff, agreed to provide testimonies against the Israeli PM in two separate long-running criminal investigations.

In a post on his official Facebook page, the Israeli PM dismissed the move as "background noises."

He addressed the "citizens of Israel" and said he is "continuing working for the benefit of the country."

According to reports in local media, Harow, 44, has already provided the police with information about the cases.

The U.S.-born Israeli was one of Netanyahu's most trusted aides. He served as Netanyahu's bureau chief in the prime minister's office in 2008 and was appointed as his chief of staff in 2014. Harow left this position in 2015 amid allegations of conflict of interests.

A document the police filed with the court on Thursday shows the investigations involve "suspicion of the commission of felonies of bribery, fraud and breach of trust."

Netanyahu, 67, is a suspect in two cases. One, dubbed by the police as "Case 2000," involves secret talks he held with the owner of a large Israeli newspaper called Yediot Aharonot about reducing the competition in the news sector in return for more positive coverage.

The other case, known as "Case 1000," involves suspicions that Netanyahu and his wife Sara received expensive gifts from Israeli-U.S. businessman and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan.

Netanyahu had been investigated by the police at least four times. In March, Police Chief Roni Alsheikh estimated the police are close to completing the investigation, saying "we are in the final stages."

The procrastination of the law enforcement authorities sparked anger in the Israeli public, leading to weekly demonstrations near the home of Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit to demand charges against Netanyahu.

Netanyahu is serving his fourth term as prime minister.
A man poses with an effigy of U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the attempted coup at the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul. (Reuters photo)

ANKARA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- An increased anti-American sentiment arises in Turkey recently, as Turks perceive the United States as a great threat to their national security, according to a lastest survey.

Experts said the main reason was Washington's lack of support for its NATO ally after last year's coup attempt and its open support to Syrian Kurdish militia.

The Washington-based Pew Research Center surveyed 41,953 people in 38 countries over 11 weeks to discover things that were considered as the biggest threats around the world.

For a majority of Turks, the answer was the United States.

"Globally, a median of about one third view the power and influence of the United States, Russia or China as a major threat. America's influence is a top concern in Turkey," the survey read.

"A year after a failed coup attempt blamed at least in part on the United States, 72 percent in Turkey say American power and influence is a major threat to their country," said Jacob Poushter and Dorothy Manevich, co-authors of the report, on the Pew Research Center's website.

"This figure is up 28 percentage points since 2013, when just 44 percent named U.S. power and influence as a major threat. People in Turkey are also worried about the refugee issue which has spilled over their borders in recent years," they added.

One year after the failed coup attempt on July 15, the relations between Turkey and its traditional ally the United States have gone from uneasy to challenging.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and senior officials from his Justice and Development Party (AKP) publicly criticized the U.S. administration for refusing to extradite their number one enemy, Fethullah Gulen, the self-exiled cleric who had been accused of plotting last year's attempted coup that claimed nearly 250 lives and wounded over 2,000 others.

The frequency of conspiracy theory rhetoric against the United States has lessened since the coup, but the pro-government press is regularly fueling anti-U.S. sentiment.

On Wednesday, daily Takvim argued that coup leaders who were on trial in Ankara, swore allegiance to the United States by wearing American designer brands at court hearings.

As both the Obama and the Trump administration made clear that the extradition case for Gulen, living in Pennsylvania since 1999, would be handled as a judicial rather than a political matter, Ankara's attitude against the United States hardened.

"The essential reason why Turks see the United States as a threat is directly linked to the fact that this country is arming a movement that Turkey considers as a menace to its national security," Mustafa Aydin, professor of Kadir Has university said based on another survey conducted by his institution.

"The refusal by Washington to extradite Gulen, along with the perception that some American institutions might have involved in the coup attempt also had an impact on Turks' negative perception of the United States," he pointed out.

Gulen's far-reaching network consists of some 150 schools in more than 20 states in America. The schools and related institutions have operated on more than 2.1 billion U.S. dollars of U.S. taxpayers since 2010. It was used to found the networks interests in Turkey, Turkey's pro-government Anadolu Agency has recently reported.

Turkey has so far requested the extradition of more than 100 people with suspected links to the Gulen movement after the failed coup, according to Turkish government.

Turkish government officials also feel it was unlikely for the United States to approve a quick extradition of the outlawed preacher, as no progress has been made on the request yet.

"We find it hard to believe that an ally country refuses to hand an individual accused of terrorism and violent acts. As long as the United States refuses to cooperate on the matter, relations will continue to be strain and the Turkish people will feel betrayed," said an AKP official to Xinhua on the condition of anonymity.

"Our citizens find it hard to understand this unfriendly attitude. We hope that the U.S. administration will understand Turkey's preoccupations otherwise bad blood will prevail," he added.

Another ongoing and possibly more vexatious row is the U.S. support for Syrian Kurdish fighters of YPG (People's Protection Units) and the Syrian political group the PYD (Democratic Union Party).

For Turkey, U.S. support for the two intertwined organizations as allies in fighting Islamic State (IS) in Syria means support for the separatists Kurdish insurgents of the PKK, who are waging bloody campaigns in Turkey since 1984.

"Both Turkey and the United States consider the PKK a terrorist organization yet Washington is backing an affiliate and existing threat to Turkey," argued Turkish officials.

Turkey believes the Kurds want to establish an independent Kurdish state in Syria that would threaten its sovereignty.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that the relation with Turkey "is a bit under stress," but noted that Turkey "has a big role to play in Syria," without specifying on how to amend ties or how to retrieve weapons supplied to the YPG once the mission against IS is over.

Experts argue that Erdogan's stance is crucial in restoring ties as he has the last word on Turkey's foreign policy.

"Anti-Americanism is not something new in Turkey. If the president decides that this is enough, things will go back on track but at this stage he is using the current situation as a leverage in internal politics," told Xinhua political commentator and Hurriyet daily columnist Deniz Zeyrek.

According to him, the problems caused by the failed coup, such as the state of emergency that caused a massive crackdown against not only exiled Gulen's followers but all opposition circles, have led to a crisis in the country and blaming the West for the turmoil is easier than to address the problems.

"Blaming the West, the United States or European Union countries is more attractive and sympathetic for the popular masses in Turkey," added Zeyrek.
Emergency Ministry workers count miners walking out of Russia's top diamond producer Alrosa's Mir underground mine after the pit was flooded, near the town of Mirny in Sakha Republic, Russia, August 4, 2017. (ALROSA PHOTO)

MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Rescue workers lifted to the surface all 142 people trapped in a flooded diamond mine in Russia's Arctic, the Russian Emergencies Ministry said on Friday.

Earlier on the day, the Mir underground mine of Russia's top diamond producer Alrosa, located near the town of Mirny in Sakha Republic, was flooded by some 300,000 cubic meters of water from a neighboring abandoned quarry, according to the ministry.

It was initially reported that there were 151 people in the mine at the time of the accident, but later Alrosa said that only 142 people of the shift descended, while nine others remained on the surface.

The ministry, Alrosa and the local government said in separate statements that they had joined forces to organize the rescue operation.

They said rescue teams, including divers, resuscitation physicians and surgeons, psychological service specialists, as well as Alrosa head Sergei Ivanov, Sakha head Yegor Borisov and Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov flew to Mirny.

Over 100 people and more than 10 units of equipment were involved in the work at the mine, the Emergencies Ministry said in a statement, adding that another 30 mine rescuers and underground divers with equipment were prepared for airlifting to Mirny from the Western Siberian city of Novokuznetsk.

Alrosa's Mir underground mine, over one kilometer deep, was commissioned in August 2009.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 01:42:59|Editor: yan

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by Hashi and Abdi

MOGADISHU, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and scores injured in a car bomb explosion in the restive Somali capital city Mogadishu on Friday, a government official said.

Spokesman for the Ministry of Internal Security, Ahmed Mohamed Mohmud, said the blast took place near Ambassador Hotel along Maka Almukarama road in Mogadishu which was the scene of a deadly attack that claimed ten lives barely a week ago.

"It's too early to comment on the number of casualties as of now but several people have been wounded," Mohmud said.

Police officer Mohamid Ali confirmed to Xinhua the explosion which went off at around 7 p.m. local time.

"So far three people have died and six others injured. Security forces are already combing the area for details," Ali said.

Security forces could be seen along the streets of the city as they stopped vehicles for search. A witness said the explosion was so heavy and could be felt from his home.

"The explosion was deafening and so huge. My house was shaking and we learnt it was away in Tree Biyano area," Shire Nur said.

The scene has been cordoned off by security forces as ambulances rush the injured to hospitals.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The explosions happened after both Somalia and the U.S. forces killed a senior Al-Shabaab terrorist during a drone attack on July 30.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 01:53:03|Editor: yan

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ROME, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Iuventa, a Dutch-flagged ship operated by German migrant-rescue NGO Jugend Rettet that was seized by Italy in a probe into alleged aiding illegal migration, was being taken to the Sicilian port of Trapani on Friday.

The Italian Coast Guard seized the Iuventa by court order on Wednesday off the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, Italy's southernmost island.

A lawyer for Jugend Rettet, founded by young Germans in response to mass drownings of asylum seekers in the Mediterranean, confirmed Friday that the youth group is accused of "aiding illegal immigration".

"It's a serious accusation, which we reject," lawyer Leonardo Marino told public broadcaster RAI News24, adding he will appeal against the seizure of the ship and on-board documents and computers.

Jugend Rettet, along with Doctors without Borders (MSF) NGO, last Monday refused to sign a code of conduct for migrant search-and-rescue in the Mediterranean drawn up by the Italian government. Up to now, four NGOs have signed the code.

MSF Italy chief Loris De Filippi told RAI News24 on Friday that "we know our activities are under a magnifying glass".

"Humanitarian action is one thing, investigation is another," De Filippi said. "There must be a very clear humanitarian agenda, and it must be separate from the political or the military agenda."

Prosecutors have been investigating possible links between migrant traffickers and NGOs since last year, following reports by volunteers from Save the Children NGO that some of their fellow humanitarians were acting improperly.

"The coordination of the rescue operations in the Mediterranean is conducted by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, situated in Rome. We are informed about ships in distress via radio or we report back if we sight a ship in distress," says the Jugend Rettet website.

International law says everyone has the duty to rescue others in maritime distress, but the Iuventa crew reportedly intervened before shipwrecks occurred.

Under Italian law, aiding illegal immigrants becomes a crime if the immigrants in question are not in imminent danger of dying.

As a result of the tips, investigators sent an undercover agent on board the Save the Children ship Vos Hestia.

Corriere della Sera paper spoke with the undercover agent, named only as Luca B., aged 45. He called his 40-day mission "the most exacting but also the most moving of my career" because it put him in touch with "people who are suffering, and you realized that sometimes you only have a few seconds of time in which to save them."

The agent also said he was happy he was able to document at least three episodes in which the Jugend Rettet rescuers intervened to pick up migrants from boats that were not in distress, after being in direct contact with human traffickers.

The photos and video he collected were the turning point during the investigation, supplying evidence to obtain a court order to seize the German NGO's ship, Alfredo Fabbrocini from Italy's State Police told RAI News24.

Also on Friday, ANSA news agency cited a survey by Ixe pollsters showing that 28 percent of respondents thought the NGOs are operating correctly, against 67 percent who said there should be more transparency.

The survey of 1,000 Italian respondents also showed 72 percent agreed police should be allowed on board NGO vessels, and 69 percent agreed Italy should deploy the Navy to handle the migrant emergency. Those who disagreed were 24 and 26 percent, respectively.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 01:58:06|Editor: yan

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GENEVA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A small plane crashed near a summer camp in eastern Switzerland on Friday, killing two 14-year-old campers and the pilot at what was to have been an end-of-week celebration, the resort director said.

A third teenager was also seriously injured in the crash of the single-engine plane organized at the Aero-Club of Switzerland camp in the eastern canton of Graubunden, police said.

A 17-year-old female camper was badly hurt in the crash in the eastern canton of the Grisons and the cause was still under investigation, the Swiss News Agency reported.

"When I heard about the terrible accident this morning my world was shattered," camp director Yves Burkhardt told reporters, the Swiss national broadcaster reported on its website Swissinfo.

Burkhardt said that the sightseeing flight at the weekend was to have been a highlight for nearly 200 young people at the holiday camp that had operated without incident for 35 years.

Authorities said the four-seat Piper aircraft was on its second flight of the day and under the control of an experienced pilot, when it crashed in the Diavolezza region around 10 minutes after take-off.

The plane was being used in a flight initiation session organized by Aero-Club Switzerland, its spokesman confirmed.

In all, 192 teenagers aged 14-16 were attending the youth camp, which was due to end Saturday. Over the past 35 years, 5,000 youngsters have attended the annual camp and there have never been any serious accidents, Swissinfo said.

Police said a special trauma team has been sent to care for the other children who at the camp.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 01:58:07|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish economy minister said on Friday that Turkey, Iran and Qatar are discussing using Iran's land route to facilitate trade between Qatar and Turkey.

In an exclusive interview with state-run Anadolu Agency, Nihat Zeybekci said the three countries are discussing about alternatives to land trade routes with Qatar, and the easiest way is passing through Iran.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt abruptly severed diplomatic relations with Qatar and imposed a blockade on it, accusing the latter of supporting terrorism and extremism, which Doha has repeatedly denied.

"We want to meet all of Qatar's needs. We want all goods providers in Turkey to sell products, including cleaning materials, domestic appliances and textile, in Qatar," Zeybekci said.

Since the outbreak of the crisis, Turkey has transported hundreds of cargo planes of foods to Qatar, but Zeybekci said using cargo planes to carry products was not sustainable and economical.

"We foresee that at least four large tonnage ships would go to Qatar monthly but the land route is an alternative for carrying flexible and smaller packages," the minister explained.

Turkey has strongly backed its ally Qatar after the Gulf diplomatic crisis, by not only providing economic help, but also deploying troops and holding joint military drills in Persian Gulf.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 02:23:13|Editor: Yang Yi

Cui Aimin, Chinese Ambassador to Angola (2nd L) views the sand table of the Caculo Cabaca Hydropower Project in Dondo, Angola on Aug. 4, 2017. Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos officially inaugurated the construction of the Caculo Cabaca Hydropower Project in Dondo, Angola on Friday. Located at the North Kwanza province, the hydropower project will be constructed by China Gezhouba Group Co., Ltd (CGGC). (Xinhua/Xu Kunpeng)

DONDO, Angola, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos officially inaugurated the construction of the Caculo Cabaca Hydropower Project in Dondo, Angola on Friday.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Angolan Minister of Energy and Water Resources Joao Baptista Borges said the project, the largest of its kind being built in the country, is crucial to the economic construction of Angola in the future.

"It will solve the power shortage in Angola and play an active role in increasing employment of the country," he said, adding that the Angola government felt gratitude to the Chinese government and Chinese enterprises for their support to the development of Angola.

Located at the North Kwanza province, the hydropower project will be constructed by China Gezhouba Group Co., Ltd (CGGC).

According to Ren Jianguo, deputy general manager of CGGC, the group will turn Caculo Cabaca Hydropower Project into a high-quality project, making contribution to Angola's energy and power, infrastructure improvement, social and economic development, and people's livelihood improvement.

Angola Caculo Cabaca Hydropower Project is currently the largest hydropower station to be constructed by a Chinese company in Africa, Ren said, adding that upon completion, the project is expected to meet more than 50 percent of the country's electricity needs.

The project has a total contractual value of 4.5 billion U.S. dollars and has a planned installed capacity of 2,172 megawatts. The project will be completed within 80 months, and during the peak construction period nearly 10,000 jobs are expected to be provided for the locals.

According to the contract, CGGC will also be responsible for the four-year operation and maintenance of the power plant and for training a group of professional power plant operation management and technical personnel for Angola.

Cui Aimin, Chinese Ambassador to Angola, said that China is Angola's largest trading partner while Angola is China's second largest trading partner in Africa as well as the largest source country of imports in Africa.

To date, Angola is one of the countries in Africa to have the most extensive cooperation with China in investment and financing as well as infrastructure construction. China has cumulatively invested close to 50 billion U.S. dollars in the country, covering various fields in the infrastructure sector.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 02:33:16|Editor: yan

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RIYADH, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia defended on Friday the integrity of its judiciary system after passing death sentence against 14 terror suspects.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Justice, Shaikh Mansoor Al Qafari highlighted in a statement that all suspects have just trials, including the right to have lawyers.

He said that the 14 suspects were involved in cases related to killing civilians and attacks against police personnel.

The capital punishment is enforced after referring the case to various courts and the sentence is approved by 13 judges, he said.

Saudi Arabia imposes death penalty against convicts in murder, terror and drug trafficking cases.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 02:33:17|Editor: yan

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ACCRA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Ghana cautioned here on Friday they will deal ruthlessly with traffickers of wildlife who seek to use Ghana as a transit point.

Reacting to stories in international media about the seizure of 393.50 kg of pangolin scales in Malaysia in June 2017 and suspected to be from Ghana, Nana Kofia Adu-Nsiah, Executive Director of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, told the media that the authorities would not tolerate any person trying to use the country as transit point for wildlife trafficking.

"It is evidently clear that some of the wildlife traffickers are using Ghana as transit destination to operate their nefarious activities. We will like to send the message to them that they have no place in Ghana. We will smoke them out. We are going to intensify our collaboration with Customs, Police, NACOB, airport officials, informants and intelligence network to combat this crime," he stressed.

According to Adu-Nsiah, investigations conducted by the Narcotic Controls Board (NACOB) had revealed that the pangolin scales were sent by an expatriate from Nigeria through Ghana with a number of Ghanaian conduits exporting them finally under the label of "Oyster Shells".

"The increased demand for these weak creatures has seen an estimated one million pangolins removed from Asian and African forests over the past decade, bringing their numbers to critically low. Intelligence unit of the Narcotics Control Board also picked information and worked on it," he added.

On Wednesday, according to Adu-Nsiah, the agent, whose name came during investigations as Prosper Kumako, was arrested and upon interrogation, he admitted having facilitated the exportation of the pangolin scales from Nigeria, through Ghana to Malaysia, adding that in all these exports, the consignment was named "Oyster shells".

In all, three other accomplices were mentioned; two in Ghana and one expatriate living in Nigeria who is the original consignee who routed the items through the suspects now being interrogated by security officials in Ghana.

Ghana classified pangolins as one of its endangered species in the 1960s, and has been signatory to the CITES (Washington Convention) since March 1973.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 02:38:19|Editor: yan

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LONDON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ireland's prime minister said in a key-note speech Friday he did not want to see an economic border between the republic and any part of a post-Brexit Britain.

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar used his speech at Queen's University in Belfast to call for unique solutions to preserve the relationship between Britain and the European Union (EU) after Brexit.

Describing Brexit as the challenge of this generation, Varadkar said every single aspect of life in Northern Ireland could be affected by Britain's departure from the EU.

He warned that time is running out to try to achieve the best outcome for the island of Ireland after Britain leaves the EU.

The Irish Republic, which joined the EU on the same day as Britain more than 40 years ago, is destined to share the only EU border with Britain.

In what was his first official visit to Belfast since becoming the Taoiseach (prime minister), Varadkar said: "It will come as no surprise to anyone here that I do not want there to be an economic border on our island, nor do I want one between Ireland and Britain."

He said supporters of a hard Brexit had already had 14 months to come up with a plan, adding: "If they cannot, and I believe they cannot (come up with a plan) we can then talk meaningfully about solutions that might work for all of us."

Varadkar also commented on the lack of input into the Brexit debate from Northern Ireland as a result of the collapse of the devolved power-sharing executive which has led to the Northern Ireland Assembly being put on hold since March.

Varadkar said the EU 27 (the remaining member states of the EU) would meet in October to decide whether enough progress had been made in the initial phase of negotiations, focusing on the financial settlement, citizens' rights and the Irish border, to enable talks to proceed to the next phase.

He said there was a need for Northern Ireland's voice to be heard ahead of the crunch meeting in the fall. "Today we need an answer to the question, of who do we -- and others in Europe -- talk to in Belfast? Who will speak for Northern Ireland and her 1.8 million people?"

His own possible solutions for the future relationship between London and Brussels were an EU-Britain customs union if Britain wanted to remain in the customs union, or a deep free trade agreement with the EU if Britain did not want to stay in the European single market.

He said if those arrangements cannot be agreed now there could perhaps be a period of transition during which Britain would stay in the single market and customs union while the issues are worked out.

Varadkar promised that the Irish government would do all it could in Brexit negotiations to achieve the best outcome for peace, freedom, rights and prosperity in Ireland.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 02:38:21|Editor: yan

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by Hashi

MOGADISHU, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Somalia militant group Al-Shabaab on Friday captured an African Union peacekeeping mission base in Lego town in lower Shabelle region in the south of the country after Burundian contingent withdrew early in the morning, officials said.

A Somali military official who declined to be named confirmed to Xinhua that the AU's Lego base is now under Al-Shabaab militants while Burundian troops and Somalia National Army (SNA) vacated from the base.

"African Union peacekeeping troops from Burundian emptied their biggest military base today, I cannot tell the reason but I can confirm their withdrawal from Lego base in lower Shabelle region," the official said.

Heavily armed Al-Shabaab militants immediately moved in Lego town after the troops' withdrawal, according to eyewitnesses.

Al-Shabaab militants celebrated the withdrawal of the AU troops from Lego base in Lower Shabelle as a great victory to their fighters.

Dozens of AMISOM Burundian contingent were killed in June 2015 after Al-Shabaab fighters raided their base in Lego. The group claimed they killed over 50 soldiers there.

The group has carried out deadliest attacks at African Union peacekeeping troops in Lego and Janale in Lower Shabelle region, El-Adde in Gedo region and Kulbiyow base in Lower Jubba region in southern Somalia in the past three years.
Photo taken on Sept. 22, 2013 shows the Russian embassy to Syria in Damascus, capital of Syria. (Xinhua/Zhang NaiJie)

MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Moscow is disappointed that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has not condemned the recent attack on the Russian embassy in Syria's capital of Damascus, which could encourage new terror acts, the Foreign Ministry said Friday.

"Unwillingness to show diplomatic solidarity with us should remain on the conscience of these delegations. The most disturbing thing is that the inability of the Security Council to condemn the acts of terrorists encourages them to carry out new provocations and acts of terrorism while making them feel impunity," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia "would not want these barbarians to have the conviction that someone in the Security Council is with them," it added.

On Wednesday, the Russian embassy in Damascus was hit by mortars, which was the third attack in a month. No casualties were reported.

The ministry said that the United States, Britain, France and Ukraine, using the pretext of the lack of necessary information, once again rejected Russia's proposal to adopt a standard short draft of the Security Council condemning terrorist attacks.

It underlined that terrorist acts have to be globally condemned, and that there should be no ambiguity in the assessments of attacks against diplomatic missions.

The Russian embassy in Damascus has been shelled several times since Moscow started to participate in anti-terrorism operations in Syria in September 2015.

Russia has withdrawn most of its troops from the war-torn country. However, it still supports anti-terrorism and humanitarian missions there.
File pic (Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. law enforcement agencies have conducted a nationwide sex trafficking sting that led to over 1,000 arrests, authorities have said.

The arrests were made in the latest round of operations under the National Johns Suppression Initiative (NJSI) that targets sex trafficking in the United States.

A total of 37 law enforcement agencies across 17 states joined the move in late July, the 14th of its kind under the NJSI.

Over 1,000 sex buyers were arrested in the massive operation, 15 of them facing trafficking-related charges, while 81 victims, 75 adults and 6 juveniles, were rescued, according to Thomas J. Dart, sheriff of Cook County in the state of Illinois.

Authorities in Texas's Harris County and Seattle respectively nabbed 170 and 160 people, the most during the operations that Dart stood behind. Authorities in Cook County made 141 arrests.

On Thursday, the sheriff proposed to set up a public database that would list the names of sex buyers who are caught for a second or subsequent time.

Since the NJSI operations started in 2011, nearly 8,000 sex buyers have been arrested by law enforcement officers.

Anti-human trafficking groups said sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery that exists throughout the United States and other countries.

The U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimated last year that 1 in 6 endangered runaways reported to them was likely a sex trafficking victim.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 04:23:47|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Even as the flow appears to have thinned, migrants crossing the United States-Mexico border are dying at a faster rate in 2017 than in past years, according to the UN Migration Agency on Friday.

"Some 232 migrant fatalities have been recorded in the first seven months of 2017, an increase of 17 percent compared with the 204 deaths recorded between January and July 2016," according to the study of the Missing Migrants Project (MMP) released Friday at the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

These numbers are especially concerning considering that, according to U.S. Border Patrol figures, fewer migrants seem to be crossing into the United States in 2017, says the study.

The U.S. Border Patrol has apprehended 140,024 migrants between January and June 2017, about half the number recorded in the first six months of 2016, it says.

MMP has recorded more than 1,250 migrant fatalities on the U.S.-Mexico border since 2014, according to its study.

MMP staff reflecting on the deaths see each as an individual tragedy that serve as reminders of the many migrants who continue to risk their lives pursuing their "Sueno Americano," or "American Dream," the study says.

Though migrant fatalities on the U.S.-Mexico border represent 65 percent of the total number recorded in the America, it is likely that many migrant deaths occur in Central and Southern America that go unrecorded.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 04:38:53|Editor: Liu

Left: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends his annual news conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S.-Russia relations are at a low point, and are poised to get even worse after the United States slapped a new round of sanctions on Russia this week.

That could lead to both countries taking an even more confrontational stance going forward, U.S. experts said.

Washington's relationship with Moscow has been sour for some time, amid disagreements involving the war in Syria, the conflict in Ukraine, and U.S. accusations that the Kremlin meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections, a charge Russia strongly denies.

The new U.S. sanctions, passed with bipartisan, veto-proof majorities, underscore that Congress believes the U.S. cannot work with Russia, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's hopes several months ago that the two could partner on a number of issues, analysts said.

Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at The Heritage Foundation, told Xinhua that relations, currently frosty, are set to get even colder.

"I think that U.S. policy on Russia is heading only in one direction, and that is an increasing toughening of the position," Gardiner said, adding that the sanctions make a warming of relations highly unlikely.

"All of these sanctions make it very unlikely that we are going to see some rapprochement with Moscow," he said.

It had been Trump's hope that Russia would work with the United States on defeating terror group Islamic State, which had overrun vast swathes in the Middle East, although the radicals are now on the defensive.

The New York billionaire had wanted to work with the Kremlin in a bid to end the conflict in Syria. While Trump signed the sanctions under protest, analysts said the important takeaway is the fact that, in the end, he signed them.

The worsening of ties could manifest itself in even more sanctions in the future, as well as closer U.S. relations with other nations in the region, Gardiner said.

"I think it will look like increasingly ramped up sanctions against the Russians. I think it will look like sending defensive weaponry to the Ukraine, (which is) highly likely now," Gardiner said.

"I think we're going to see an increased U.S. military presence in Eastern Europe, such as the Baltic States and Poland. We're going to see further deployment of U.S. strategic bombers to Europe, especially to Great Britain, as a warning to Russia. And I think we're going to see a strengthened partnership with countries like Poland," he said.

Indeed, the United States and Poland are seeing increasingly warm relations recently, and Trump chided Russia, a traditional Polish adversary, in a speech from Warsaw earlier this summer.

Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West echoed sentiments that the bilateral relations are worsening.

"The relationship will remain rocky for the foreseeable future," West told Xinhua.

"There are pressures on each side that will keep the two leaders apart and make it difficult for them to reach any meaningful agreements," West said of Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"It will be some time before there is any thaw in the U.S.-Russia relationship," West said.

Still, experts said Russia would not likely risk a war with the United States. Russia is no longer a global power, as it was during the Cold War, and the country's power is limited to Europe. The nation does not have much ability to project its power globally.

In sharp contrast, the United States is a global super power, U.S. analysts said.

Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president and director of policy at the Center for the Study of Congress and the Presidency, told Xinhua that now is one of the nadirs in the U.S.-Russia relationship, but it could be far worse.

"Both nations have a greater level of economic engagement than the depths of the Cold War, (but) Syria is a far cry from the proxy conflicts of the Cold War," he said of the conflict in which both the U.S. and Russia are indirectly involved.

"That said, the United States will continue to face a Russia that is asserting its power," Mahaffee said.

Mahaffee noted there continues to be confusion on why Trump often refuses to speak ill of Russian actions, both during the election and abroad, that many Americans and their elected officials find reprehensible.

While Trump signed the sanctions into law earlier this week, he did so reluctantly, saying that he signed them "for the sake of national unity."

On Wednesday, Trump blasted Congress for what he said was bringing U.S.-Russia relations to a "dangerous low."

U.S. Congress, however, is strongly opposed to what it sees as disagreeable Russian behavior.

"Congress, in bipartisan fashion, has decided to codify these sanctions to reflect just how unacceptable some of Russia's behavior is to the United States," Mahaffee said, speaking of how Congress views the situation.

Mahaffee said that while both nations will continue to cooperate on some necessary counterterrorism measures, the United States also has a very different definition of counterterrorism efforts in Syria, compared to Russia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 05:24:07|Editor: yan

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LIMA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A national appeals court in Peru on Friday denied the appeal of former President Ollanta Humala and his wife Nadine Heredia and the couple will continue their preventive prison for 18 months.

In a 57-page decision, magistrates said that the appeal for the charges of aggravated money laundering was groundless.

Peru's prosecutor-general said that evidence showed Humala and Heredia received bribes from entities in Brazil and Venezuela to finance Humala's 2006 and 2011 presidential campaigns.

In 2006, Humala was the candidate for the Union for Peru (UPP), where he finished first in the first round but lost in the runoff.

In 2011, Humala won the top job with the Peru Nationalist Party (PNP).

Humala is being detained at a special facility in the district of Ate-Vitarte to the east of Lima, while Heredia is jailed at the Santa Monica Women's Prison, in the capital's district of Chorrillos.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 05:24:08|Editor: yan

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LONDON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- With very smart appearance and striking capital letter "Great Britain" marked on both doors, a fully-automated vehicle has been introduced by the British innovative organization Transport Systems Catapult at an exhibition in the city of Milton Keynes.

Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) is one of the 11 Catapults under Innovate UK, sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Britain's Catapults harness world-class strengths in research and innovation, helping to grow British markets and companies, and to turn best ideas into commercial products and services.

"We are not just here as an incubator for micro SMEs or SMEs. We are here to identify the research that needs to be conducted on certain technologies. Conduct the research today so it could be implemented in five years time or 10 years time," Neil Fulton, the program director of Transport Systems Catapult told Xinhua.

The electric-powered two-seater "pod", called Lutz Pathfinder, is the achievement of innovation company Oxbotica. It is a pioneering research and development project that has carried out the British first trials in public pedestrianized areas of self-driving vehicles.

The fully-automated vehicle is equipped with Oxford-developed autonomy software. "The situation is the university has fantastic technology and they need to work with the SMEs," said Fulton.

With the help of TSC, "Oxbotica now is a very successful organization in this field competing with Google and Tesla. So immediately we have a successful organization. And I think this is exactly what Catapult is. Therefore it is to identify these pieces of research that can turn into big opportunities for the UK," Fulton added.

In response to the question from Xinhua about fundraising, Fulton said "some of these are done with a government grant. Other funding comes two ways. The first way is come from the competition that UK and European government provide money, like matched funding. The other area funding is commercial funding. We have got a lot of experts work here. They can provide consultancy in a particular area into some of the companies that I talk about."

Innovate UK has set up and overseen 11 Catapults. Each center focuses on a specific industry, including Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, Digital Catapult, Energy Systems Catapult, Future Cities Catapult, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Medicines Discovery Catapult, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Precision Medicine Catapult, Satellite Applications Catapult and Transport Systems Catapult.

Catapults fulfil a unique role, bridging the gap between research and development in universities and companies, and markets hungry for product innovation, advanced solutions and new ways of doing things. Each has its own specialist sector, and together they combine to tackle issues of strategic national significance for future growth, trade and productivity.

Britain is well known for its innovation, and people always want to know the secrets. Perhaps Catapults may supply a clue about that.
Left: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends his annual news conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

Right: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before signing a new legislation at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 23, 2017. (Xinhua/Ting Shen)

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S.-Russia relations are at a low point, and are poised to get even worse after the United States slapped a new round of sanctions on Russia this week.

That could lead to both countries taking an even more confrontational stance going forward, U.S. experts said.

Washington's relationship with Moscow has been sour for some time, amid disagreements involving the war in Syria, the conflict in Ukraine, and U.S. accusations that the Kremlin meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections, a charge Russia strongly denies.

The new U.S. sanctions, passed with bipartisan, veto-proof majorities, underscore that Congress believes the U.S. cannot work with Russia, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's hopes several months ago that the two could partner on a number of issues, analysts said.

Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at The Heritage Foundation, told Xinhua that relations, currently frosty, are set to get even colder.

"I think that U.S. policy on Russia is heading only in one direction, and that is an increasing toughening of the position," Gardiner said, adding that the sanctions make a warming of relations highly unlikely.

"All of these sanctions make it very unlikely that we are going to see some rapprochement with Moscow," he said.

It had been Trump's hope that Russia would work with the United States on defeating terror group Islamic State, which had overrun vast swathes in the Middle East, although the radicals are now on the defensive.

The New York billionaire had wanted to work with the Kremlin in a bid to end the conflict in Syria. While Trump signed the sanctions under protest, analysts said the important takeaway is the fact that, in the end, he signed them.

The worsening of ties could manifest itself in even more sanctions in the future, as well as closer U.S. relations with other nations in the region, Gardiner said.

"I think it will look like increasingly ramped up sanctions against the Russians. I think it will look like sending defensive weaponry to the Ukraine, (which is) highly likely now," Gardiner said.

"I think we're going to see an increased U.S. military presence in Eastern Europe, such as the Baltic States and Poland. We're going to see further deployment of U.S. strategic bombers to Europe, especially to Great Britain, as a warning to Russia. And I think we're going to see a strengthened partnership with countries like Poland," he said.

Indeed, the United States and Poland are seeing increasingly warm relations recently, and Trump chided Russia, a traditional Polish adversary, in a speech from Warsaw earlier this summer.

Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West echoed sentiments that the bilateral relations are worsening.

"The relationship will remain rocky for the foreseeable future," West told Xinhua.

"There are pressures on each side that will keep the two leaders apart and make it difficult for them to reach any meaningful agreements," West said of Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"It will be some time before there is any thaw in the U.S.-Russia relationship," West said.

Still, experts said Russia would not likely risk a war with the United States. Russia is no longer a global power, as it was during the Cold War, and the country's power is limited to Europe. The nation does not have much ability to project its power globally.

In sharp contrast, the United States is a global super power, U.S. analysts said.

Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president and director of policy at the Center for the Study of Congress and the Presidency, told Xinhua that now is one of the nadirs in the U.S.-Russia relationship, but it could be far worse.

"Both nations have a greater level of economic engagement than the depths of the Cold War, (but) Syria is a far cry from the proxy conflicts of the Cold War," he said of the conflict in which both the U.S. and Russia are indirectly involved.

"That said, the United States will continue to face a Russia that is asserting its power," Mahaffee said.

Mahaffee noted there continues to be confusion on why Trump often refuses to speak ill of Russian actions, both during the election and abroad, that many Americans and their elected officials find reprehensible.

While Trump signed the sanctions into law earlier this week, he did so reluctantly, saying that he signed them "for the sake of national unity."

On Wednesday, Trump blasted Congress for what he said was bringing U.S.-Russia relations to a "dangerous low."

U.S. Congress, however, is strongly opposed to what it sees as disagreeable Russian behavior.

"Congress, in bipartisan fashion, has decided to codify these sanctions to reflect just how unacceptable some of Russia's behavior is to the United States," Mahaffee said, speaking of how Congress views the situation.

Mahaffee said that while both nations will continue to cooperate on some necessary counterterrorism measures, the United States also has a very different definition of counterterrorism efforts in Syria, compared to Russia.
Combination of file photos show Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) at a press conference in Punkaharju, Finland, on July 27, 2017 and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker at a press conference at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on April 29, 2017. (Xinhua)

MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU)'s decision to expand the sanction list against Russia over the Siemens turbine spat is "deeply regrettable", and Moscow reserves the right to retaliate, Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

"We consider this step, undertaken on the initiative of Berlin, as unfriendly and unjustified," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the new sanction expansion contradicts both international laws and principles of international relations in general.

"Responsibility for this decision, including the possible economic costs of Siemens and other German companies, as well as European companies operating in Russia, lies entirely with the EU and the German government," it said.

Earlier on the day, the EU announced sanctions against three Russian nationals and three companies, who will face asset freeze and travel ban in the EU for their responsibility in the allegedly illegal delivery of four gas turbines to Crimea.

The turbines were originally sold by German company Siemens for use in other parts of Russia and were then transferred to Crimea, according to the company.

Calling the incident an ordinary commercial dispute of economic entities subject to "absurd politicization", the ministry said Moscow strongly rejects attempts to use it as an example of the alleged dishonesty of Russian companies.

"The reasons for introducing a new portion of restrictive measures against our country are absolutely far-fetched and we reserve the right to retaliate," the ministry said.

The EU imposed a set of sanctions against Russia in 2014 over its annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, which includes a ban of supplying of key equipment for infrastructure projects in important sectors in the two places.

A total of 153 persons and 40 entities are now on the EU sanction list in the wake of its latest decision.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 06:04:28|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A draft law granting Turkey's muftis authority to solemnize marriage has triggered an uproar among the government and human rights circles, as they argue that the amendment violates the secularism principle of the constitution and might encourage underage marriages.

The proposal on the law for civil registration services, submitted to the parliament on July 25, will allow provincial and district muftis, the religious civil servants within the body of Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs, to solemnize official marriage along with state registrars of marriages in municipalities.

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) suggests that the government aims to transform social life in Turkey with Islamic rules to pave the way for underage child marriages.

The party also warns that this practice will divide the society into those whose marriages are registered by clerics and those not.

The draft is also criticized on the grounds that the representatives of the other religions might demand the same right, which is against the secular structure of the constitution.

Meral Danis Bestas from People's Democratic Party (HDP) warns that child marriages will become widespread under the proposed legislation.

Critics recall that rights of children and women have been already violated with religious Muslim marriages, which are frequently carried out in the country by imams, but it does not provide legal rights since it is not recognized by Turkey's secular system.

"There will not be marriages at early ages and all women's rights will be protected. The legal marriage age will not change and there will not be a situation leading to (the legalization of having) more than one spouse," Turkish Family and Social Policies Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya said Thursday.

The draft law would address the issues of underage marriages and second wives, as imams already often oversee religious marriages in both cases, despite the fact that both are outlawed, the minister was quoted by local media in Friday.

The amendment will give muftis the same authority, in addition to the aforementioned officials and marriages registered by a mufti will be civil ones, the minister said, adding that she is against the solemnizing religious marriage by Imams.

"I actually don't accept imams carrying out marriages. What's essential is the execution of civil marriages and their announcement," she said.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag underlined that the practice should be seen as "an additional option."

Responding to criticisms about the controversial proposal, Bozdag said the practice will encourage and boost formal marriages and protect women's marriage rights.

The draft law does not change the legal marriage age or the conditions for citizens to marry, he said on his Twitter account on July 30.

Hayrettin Karaman, columnist in the conservative, pro-government daily Yenisafak, said the draft law will make life easier for devout Muslims who also want religious recognition for their formal marriage.

Some religiously conservative Turkish nationals organize religious marriage ceremonies performed by an imam in addition to a civil marriage.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 06:09:30|Editor: Yang Yi

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2017 shows a screen shot of the pregnant panda Huan Huan in ZooParc de Beauval in Saint-Aignan, France. The giant female panda Huan Huan, which is on loan to France from China, will give birth to the twins under the watchful eye of two Chinese birthing specialists on either Aug. 4 or 5. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

SAINT-AIGNAN, France, Aug.4 (Xinhua) -- Huan Huan, the female panda which is on loan to France from China, has delivered twin cubs on Friday night.

In her first delivery, Huan Huan has given birth to two cubs at interval of a few minutes, said the zoo in a communique.

In the wild, female pandas raise only a cub, the "strongest", the one that has the most chances of survival, and abandon the second. Huan Huan has chosen the second cub and the first one was put immediately to an incubator.

In order to ensure the twins' survival, a team of experts will alternate the babies' feeding every two hours with Huan Huan so that she will take care of each one and that each one receives the breast milk.

In addition, two Chinese caretakers, specialized in baby pandas, arrived at the animal park to help to look after the panda family 24 hours a day and until January 2018. They will also teach Beauval team the first steps necessary for a good care of the newcomers.

The female panda and her male partner Yuan Zi arrived in central France's Beauval zoo in January 2012. They are on loan from China for ten years.

The female panda is only on heat once a year for two days.

There are about 2,000 pandas in the world.They classified as "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Source: Xinhua| 2017-08-05 06:09:31|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Friday submitted a notice to the United Nations formally announcing its intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the United States is "open to re-engaging in the Paris Agreement if the United States can identify terms that are more favorable to it, its business, its workers, its people, and its taxpayers."

The United States will also continue to take part in international climate change negotiations and meetings despite its intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, the statement added.

U.S. President Donald Trump on June 1 announced his decision to withdraw from Paris Agreement, citing concerns about the accord's threat to the U.S. economy as a main reason for the withdrawal.

"The cost to the economy at this time (by 2040) would be close to 3 trillion U.S. dollars in lost GDP and 6.5 million industrial jobs," said Trump then, citing figures from a disputed study commissioned by the American Council for Capital Formation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, both known for lobbying against climate regulations.

The decision to withdraw also fulfilled a crucial campaign promise by Trump, who once called climate change "a hoax."

In fact, before he announced his decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, Trump had already taken a series of actions aimed at reversing his predecessor Barack Obama's climate policies.

In March, with coal miners standing by, Trump signed an executive order mainly targeting the Clean Power Plan, a signature effort by Obama to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants in keeping with U.S. promises of the Paris Agreement.

In his first budget request, Trump also proposed a 31 percent reduction in funding the U.S. Environment Protection Agency.

Yet, despite his decision to leave the Paris Agreement, Trump would stick to the four-year-long withdrawal process stipulated by the Paris Agreement, which means that the U.S. withdrawal won't take effect till November 2020, about two months away from the end of his first term.

The State Department's statement confirmed on Friday that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement "as soon as it is eligible to do so, consistent with the terms of the Agreement."
No statements under PP

Imbert said when the Peoples National Movement (PNM) assumed office three years ago, When we put government directors into CLF towards the end of 2015, we found that there were no audited accounts. He said his predecessor Larry Howai was the subject of a court order in 2015 where a freedom of information request had been made for the provision of certain documents by the ministry. Imbert said these documents included the audited CLF accounts but, they (PP) could not produce them because they didnt exist. Saying the PNM found this situation to be unacceptable, Imbert disclosed that draft audited accounts up to 2016 are being prepared.

As soon as the audited accounts are available, they will be made public, Imbert promised.

The minister said the same order commanded Howai, and now him, to produce copies of a presentation made in 2010/2011 by then finance minister Winston Dookeran to Independent senators on CLF. However, Imbert said, No such record of any such presentation exists in the Ministry of Finance. Under these circumstances, Imbert said the new PNM administration had no choice but to continue with the appeal against its PP predecessor.

Imbert questioned shareholders reluctance to sign extensions to the CLF shareholders agreement when the PNM returned to office. He observed there was no hesitation by shareholders to sign 15 extensions when the PP was in office. Imbert said the issue of drafting a document did not arise because the document in question was identical to the last 15 extensions that shareholders signed. He said the 16th and 17th extensions to the agreement were eventually signed. Noting the procrastination by shareholders to sign the extension, Imbert said Government asked them to provide a concrete proposal by October 31, 2016, as to how they would repay the $23 billion of taxpayers money used to bail out CLF.

Imbert said the shareholders sent him a letter on October 26, 2016, asking to get back CLF and for Government to ask the Central Bank to release Clico back into their hands. He said the shareholders promised to pay back the $23 billion if this was done. Imbert said Government found this proposal totally unacceptable because there was no guarantee that the monies would be repaid. He added that Government has no influence over the Central Bank.

Imbert said it was shortly after that development shareholders produced the Project Rebirth report done by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC). He explained this was the former rejected proposal presented to Government in a different way. Imbert said it was instructive that PWC said, This draft report should not be relied upon by anyone for any purpose whatsoever. Reiterating that the PNM has protected taxpayers interest in the CLF issue, Imbert said amendments to the Insurance Act will seek to protect policyholders and other people from any future repeat of the CLF fiasco. He was optimistic that Parliament will approve these amendments later this year.
Website on forests and protected areas launched

According to a media release, the website, www.protectedareastt.

org.tt, is intended to be the main repository of information on forests and protected areas. Initial information will be provided on six pilot sites, which are the Caroni Swamp, the Nariva Swamp, the Matura Forest and coastal zones, the Trinity Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago and the North East Tobago Marine pilot protected area.

The website is a component under the Improving Forest and Protected Area Management in Trinidad and Tobago (IFPAMTT), which is a project being administered by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United States, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The information provided will reportedly include notes on the location, boundaries, legal destination, socio-economic description, wildlife assets and management of the six sites. It is expected that the website will increase visibility and provide access to current and regularly updated information on species diversity in Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking at the launch yesterday, Senior Policy Officer at FAO Caribbean, Dr Terri Raney said, the launch of the website is a local milestone in the development of an online platform to serve as a repository of information about our natural spaces. She added that the IFPAMTT project has highlighted important information, through surveys undertaken with people who live near the six pilot sites and it is the hope that the website will share the information that was accessed and contribute updates on the countrys protected areas. The launch of the website will enable sharing of information databases with an even wider audience than the stakeholders who are currently engaged, she said.

In his brief address yesterday, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Clarence Rambharat expressed his happiness over the news of the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) winning the injunction filed against them. Rambharat stated that even though the matter did not concern his ministry, he has pledged to channel legal and other resources to aid in CDA blocking particular operations from accessing Alcan Bay.

On the topic of hunting, Rambharat said he has written about the lack of data on hunting and its socio-economic impact indicators. He also said it is essential to represent the views of people in urban and rural communities.

We must strike a balance between people earning a livelihood and sustainability in these communities, he said.

He expressed that the technology will make it easier to do the protective work that needs to be done. What really matters is our appetite for implementing and monitoring, he said.

He added that the IFPAMTT project deals with the generation of data and interaction with people who it is intended to support. Technical Officer of the Project Coordination Unit, Celeste Chariandy, said plans are in the works to develop a small team to learn to manage the site.
North Korea now says its missiles can strike ANY city in the USA, including New York and Washington D.C.

Following its most recent test-fire of an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 28, the communist regime of North Korea has taken to the global stage to announce that it apparently now has the capacity to hit potential targets anywhere in the United States. Kim Jong-Un reportedly issued a challenge to President Donald Trump after the test, warning him that North Koreas advanced weapons technologies can now strike at any place and time, including locales as far away as New York City and Washington, D.C.

Under Kims leadership, North Korea is said to have been working tirelessly for many years to develop a nuclear weapon powerful enough to traverse the Atlantic Ocean and hit targets in North America. Since February, North Korea has successfully engaged in 12 missile launches, including both short- and intermediate-range missiles. But the last two launches have apparently involved missiles with intercontinental range  a first for the regime.

As relayed by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kims intent with the latest launch was to send a grave warning to the U.S. Speaking directly for Kim, this government-run news agency also indicated that its leader said proudly the test also confirmed all the U.S. mainland is within our striking range, a direct threat to both the U.S. and its allies.

President Trump denounces launch as reckless and dangerous

Responding to this provocation, President Trump issued his own condemnation in declaring it to be reckless and dangerous, adding that it doesnt help ensure the security of North Korea as Kim claims. The President also issued his own warning that the U.S. will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect our allies in the region.

Experts evaluating the situation say that the most recent missile launch by North Korea is much more ominous than the one it performed on July 4. As compared to the liquid-fueled, KN-14 / Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile launched on the day of Americas independence celebrations, the July 28 launch demonstrated a theoretical range of about 10,000 kilometers, or 6,200 miles. Based on this, it is believed that North Korea could potentially reach targets on the East Coast.

North Korea seems to have made a logical step forward, as it tries to perfect the technologies to build and field an operationally-viable ICBM that can threaten the mainland United States, warns Michael Elleman, a missile defense specialist at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Others like Kim Dong-Yub, a defense analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University in South Korea, seem to agree. If North Korea has, indeed, succeeded in miniaturizing its warheads down to a size of about 750 kilograms, or 1,650 pounds, then it might be possible that Kim Jong-Uns threats are worthy of consideration.

If the missile carries a 750 kg payload, its range could be 10,000 kilometres, Dong-Yub is quoted as saying to AFP. Taking into account the Earths rotation, it means it could reach not only the western cities but New York and Washington as well.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also commented on the latest missile launch, claiming that North Korea isnt solely responsible for this developing threat. He also condemned Beijing and Moscow for bearing unique responsibility in allowing it to happen. Declaring both Russia and China to be enablers, Tillerson plans to work with U.S. allies to put the heaviest possible pressure on North Korea in response to its repeated violations of United Nations sanctions.

We confirmed that we will closely cooperate in adopting a fresh UNSC (UN Security Council) resolution, including severe measures, and working on China and Russia, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told the media following talks with Tillerson about how best to proceed.

Sources for this article include:

Yahoo.com (AFP)

NaturalNews.com

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5G is the future. And, as it turns out, its not as far into the future as originally thought.

Nokias CEO said as much during a recent quarterly conference call with analysts. And Verizon (News - Alert) executive Matt Ellis verbalized a similar message during his companys second quarter update.





The Verizon executive vice president and chief executive officer commented that the carrier is confident it will be able to roll out 5G commercially next year.

Verizons early work related to 5G involves fixed wireless tests in 11 markets, notes Multichannel News. Those markets include Ann Arbor, Mich.; Atlanta; Bernardsville, N.J.; Brockton, Mass.; Dallas; Denver; Houston; Miami; Sacramento, Calif.; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

A July 27 statement published by Verizon offers further details on Verizons 5G activities. During second-quarter 2017, Verizon announced fiber purchase agreements with Corning (News - Alert) and Prysmian to extend the company's network lead and position the company to deliver new multiuse fiber services, including 5G, while complementing small-cell deployment, Verizon said. In June, Verizon and the city of Sacramento, Calif., announced a partnership to develop and deploy smart-city services. Verizon has begun previously announced pre-commercial 5G fixed-wireless broadband trials in eight of 11 cities.

The carrier also has been doing a variety of things to promote 5G with customers and policymakers. For instance, Verizon earlier this summer brought its 5G Experience Bus to Capitol Hill, the Federal Communications Commission, and a high school in Washington, D.C., to demonstrate whats possible with this upcoming technology.

Policymakers and students alike were wowed by 5Gs super-fast speed, which is expected to be 100 times faster than 4G, Verizons report on the visit said. They were also impressed by its super low latency  the delay between the time data leaves a source to the time it arrives at its desired destination. Next generation wireless with its low latency will drive innovation in many industries, including agriculture, health care, construction and engineering.

As noted earlier, Verizon isnt the only one talking about an accelerated introduction of 5G commercial services. Nokia (News - Alert) has been too. In fact, Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri recently talked about how there will be significant 5G trials next year and meaningful deployments of 5G the following year in China, the U.S., and elsewhere. Suri said Nokia initially thought 5G would not take off until 2020 or 2021.
We are now getting a much clearer sense of where this high-stakes drama is heading. The details may change but the contours of this epic chapter in American political history are beginning to emerge.

Although it has been another head-spinning week, perhaps the most important disclosure was a Washington Post story (notwithstanding reports that Mueller empanelled a grand jury to probe Russias ties to the 2016 campaign). The story suggested how centrally involved Donald Trump has become in the expanding inquiry about his secret connections with Russia.





Trump will do everything he can to stop the Mueller investigation:





Increasingly, it appears that the Mueller investigation will help answer that question by examining the close but largely secret relationship between the Trump empire and Russian financial interests.

According to leaks, it has only been in recent days that Trump has realized that this Mueller probe, if not stopped, may even include an examination of his tax returns that he has been so stubborn to keep secret.

A revealing preview of what Mueller is undoubtedly discovering was featured as the extensive cover story of Septembers issue of the U.S. magazine New Republic. Written by investigative journalist Craig Unger, the story was titled: Married to the Mob: What Trump Owes the Russian Mafia.

Unger was stark in his conclusions: Whether Trump knew it or not, Russian mobsters and corrupt oligarchs used his properties not only to launder vast sums of money from extortion, drugs, gambling and racketeering, but even as a base of operations for their criminal activities. In the process, they propped up Trumps business and enabled him to reinvent his image. Without the Russian mafia, it is fair to say, Donald Trump would not be president of the United States.





And, as Mueller zeros in on Trump, the Great Orange Id will become increasingly dangerous:





Like a cornered rat, he will fight to protect his interests. In every conceivable way, he will work to stop Muellers probe, to challenge Congress if it intervenes, to undermine the press and judiciary if they get in the way and  yes  even to engage in reckless military adventures if he thought that would strengthen his position.





We're heading for a showdown at the Washington Corral.





Image: Hoaxtead Research

Tony Burman has reached several conclusions about the Trump presidency. The first is that it will come to a bad end. The second is that Trump is in the pocket of the Russian mob. The third is that the end of the Trump presidency will be a existential challenge to American democracy:
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
Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz has made an appearance at a rally to prove his presence in the country after reports pointed out that he fled Mauritania few days before the August 5 referendum.

The Mauritanian President, accompanied by his wife, showed up at a rally in Nouadhibou Tuesday, to deflate the rumors claiming that he fled the country with his family amid growing political tensions taking place few days before the referendum.

The President who is said to be seeking another third mandate through the referendum qualified the claims as baseless lies.

The opposition has condemned the referendum and called on its supporters to boycott it.

Critics of the President argue that the referendum will pave the way to constitutional reforms including change of the presidential tenure.

The Mauritanian leader came to power in a coup in 2008. The following year he won presidential elections and extended his stay in power in 2014 via another electoral win highly contested by the opposition.
Algerians wishing to study in France have seen conditions to get a visa toughened as the French general consulate in Algiers imposes payment of at least 30 per cent of hotel bookings in advance.

Student associations in the North African country have slammed the decision, which they deem discriminatory as the same decision has not been imposed on Tunisian and Moroccan students.

ADDRA, one of student associations, indicated that the decision came late and should have been announced since March as hundreds of applications have been submitted and possibilities of seeing them rejected are very likely, online media huffpostmaghreb.com reports.

The general consulate argues that the new decision is part of new policies meant to ensure that future Algerian students in France are well accommodated.

The consulate also points out that studies have shown that most of the applicants; over  of them, cancel the bookings the following day after they submit their visa applications or right after the visa is issued.

The consulate added that even when visas are issued, students can be stripped of the stay permit, denied study visa or may face expulsion.

Campus France Algerie; a French higher education promotion agency in Algeria, indicated that it has already received over 32,000 applications against 28,000 last year and that 25 percent of 2017 applicants have received pre-admission in French Universities and High schools.

There are currently over 23,000 Algerian students studying in France, representing the third largest foreign student community behind Chinese and Moroccans.
Egypt has convened Libyan factions involved in the political process in the oil-rich North African country, asking them to establish modern democratic state and end polarization.

Egypts Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Mahmoud Hegazy, who heads the Egyptian committee mediating the Libyan crisis, this week held three-day talks with Libyan delegations from the cities of Misrata and Barca, Egyptian media Al Ahram reports.

The army commander reportedly urged the delegations to put aside their rivalries.

The delegations, according to Egyptian accounts, agreed on certain points during the talks, including the unity of Libya, restoring the Libyan state, rejecting foreign intervention in Libyan affairs, establishing a modern democratic state, ending polarisation in the media, and fighting terrorism.

Cairo has been trying to broker peace between Libyas opposed factions.

The oil-rich country has had two different governments; UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and Beida-based government supported by the internationally recognized parliament, the House of Representatives (HoR), and its ally, the Libyan National Army led by Cairo-backed Khalifa Haftar.

Misrata, seat of powerful military coalition named al-Bunyan al-Marsus, is opposed to Haftar and supports the GNA.

In February, an Egyptian attempt to bring together Haftar and GNA head Faiez Serraj failed. The Libyan commander refused to meet the nominal Prime Minister in Cairo. However, a meeting gathering the two men was held on July 25 in France at the initiative of President Francois Macron.

The political rivals then agreed to set aside their contentions and make way for peace, endorsing the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) signed in Skhirat, Morocco, in December 2015, as the only political roadmap for the countrys reconstruction, after the six-year long chaos that followed the removal of former ruler Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed revolution.
Son of former Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi Thursday indicated that Italy, by deploying warships into Libyan territorial waters, is looking to re-colonize Libya by, repeating the colonization and fascist strategy of the past.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi reportedly said Italy wants to re-colonize Libya as it used to consider Tripoli beaches as Romes colony.

According to a source that spoke with TV channel Libya 24 TV, Saif al-Islam pointed out that Italians ruined the mutual relations with Libya as neighbors after they had allowed NATO aircraft to bomb Libyan soil and cities from their airbases.

Here are the Italians repeating the NATO scenario by provoking the Libyans sentiments and love toward their soil in sending warships to infringe on Libyas sovereignty due to the irresponsible conduct of some Libyan officials, Saif Gaddafi was quoted as saying by a source reporting to Libya 24 TV.

The former Libyan strongmans reaction came after Rome announced deployment of Italian vessels into Libyan waters in a move to curb illegal migration.

Italy last week said UN-backed nominal Prime Minister made the request for Italian navy to help Libyan coastguards to combat the Mediterranean crossing by illegal migrants.

Italy conquered Libya in 1910s until 1947 when it lost all colonies of the former Italian empire.

Saif al6islam and his father lost dominion over Libya in 2011 in a NATO-backed revolution. He was arrested in November 2011 in southern Libya and imprisoned in Zintan.

He was granted an amnesty by the Tobruk-based parliament and was released in June. He has been reportedly living in Beida, the seat of east-based rival government.
Head of the Moroccan Government, Saad Eddine El Othmani, announced that a set of measures will be taken to implement the directives laid down in the speech, delivered by King Mohammed VI on the occasion of Throne Day.

In the speech, the Monarch lambasted public officials and the civil service for falling short of fulfilling their duties in serving the citizen and rebuked the administration for the delay in the implementation of several social and economic projects, creating disparities between regions.

In less than a week after the speech, the Government Council held its weekly meeting Thursday in Rabat under the chairmanship of the Head of the Government who announced the adoption of a realistic and operational program with a view to amend the dysfunctions and irregularities raised by the Sovereign.

Among the measures announced by El Othmani features the reform of the administration, the promotion of investments and the simplification of administrative procedures.

The Head of the Government also urged other ministerial departments to put forward concrete proposals to implement the Royal Speech.

Last July 29, King Mohammed VI blamed public officials for their low performance and for the delay witnessed in the implementation of a set of social projects in Moroccos different regions.

The speech echoed the demands of the Moroccan citizens for an administration that serves them and the homeland first and foremost. The King himself expressed disappointment at the civil servants who consider office with a rentier mentality.

In his strong-worded speech, the King did not spare political parties that abdicated their role in acting as a mediator between the citizen and institutions and contented rather with opportunist attitudes leading youth to shun political life.
No longer VERY weak on leakers? Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Jeff Sessions may have found a way to get back on his bosss good side. The attorney general, whom Trump had criticized as taking a VERY weak position on Intel leakers!, is now ready to crack down on them. Sessions announced Friday that the Department of Justice has tripled the number of investigations into disclosures of classified information compared to the end of Obama administration  which was not exactly easy on leakers.

Prosecuting leakers is now a law-enforcement priority, Sessions said, explaining that the Justice Department would devote more resources to tackle these cases and that the FBI would create a new counterintelligence unit to facilitate investigations. No members of the FBI joined Sessions in his announcement; he was instead flanked by Rod Rosenstein, his deputy whos overseeing the Russia probe, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats.

I have this warning for would-be leakers: Dont do it, Sessions said. I strongly agree with the president and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks.

Sessions also appeared to put journalists on notice in the clampdown against unlawful leaks. At the suggestion of law-enforcement investigators and prosecutors, he said, the DOJ is reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas.

AG Jeff Sessions, citing leaks, says he's "reviewing policies" for subpoenaing the press. "They cannot place lives at risk with impunity." pic.twitter.com/U35g1QankV  NBC News (@NBCNews) August 4, 2017

We respect the important role that the press plays, and will give them respect, but it is not unlimited, Sessions said. They cannot place lives at risk with impunity. We must balance the presss role with protecting our national security. Sessions did not go into specifics, and, at the end of the press conference, ignored a question shouted by a reporter as to whether he would prosecute journalists.

Sessions did make reference to the Washington Posts publication of transcripts of phone calls Trump had separately with the Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto, but did not say whether it rose to the level of a criminal investigation. He also threw out the stat that four people, so far, have been charged with leaking classified information or concealing contacts with foreign intelligence officers. He didnt give specifics there either, though at least one might be Reality Winner, the 25-year-old government contractor who allegedly leaked documents about a Russian cyberattack on a vendor that supplied technology for U.S. voting systems.
Chuck Schumer let approximately 65 nominations get through the Senate today in recognition that Mitch McConnells outrageous health care drive had ended. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

It wasnt as good as, say, the actual passage of actual legislation, but Mitch McConnell and his GOP conference got a nice treat from their Democratic opponents as the Senate wrapped up before a five-week recess, as noted by Russell Berman:

In the span of a few minutes on Thursday afternoon, the Senate confirmed dozens of the presidents stalled nominees to key posts in several departments. The departments of Justice, Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, and Commerce got long-awaited deputy, under, and assistant secretaries. NATO, the United Kingdom, and a bevy of other countries received U.S. ambassadors. And three districts got federal prosecutors months after the president fired nearly all of the U.S. attorneys who served under Barack Obama.

Its not as though Chuck Schumer and his Senate Democrats were just feeling charitable. This was just the other shoe dropping after the failure of the GOPs health care drive. Democrats had been slowing down the confirmation process for months in a protest against McConnells totally partisan and extremely secret proceedings on health care. When Republicans failed, Democrats took the pressure off the more routine nominations, and let a bunch  maybe as many as 65  go through today on voice votes. That doesnt mean the federal government is fully staffed, though:

The Senate still has dozens more nominees to consider, including judicial vacancies and most federal-prosecutor posts. And Trump has hundreds more to nominate, including a pick to replace John Kelly as secretary of homeland security after the retired Marine general took over as White House chief of staff on Monday. According to the Partnership for Public Service, the president has nominated people to fewer than 300 positions about one-quarter of those he needs to fill. But after the Senates busy Thursday, Trumps administration is at least not quite so bare.

And Trump also wont be able legitimately to blame short-staffing on Senate Democrats so much any more. Well see if he adjusts his Twitter whines accordingly.
Tom Reed and Josh Gottheimer. Photo: US House of Representatives

Ever since John McCain put Trumpcare back into a coma, congressional Republicans have been arguing about what, if anything, to do on health care. Some conservatives believe that they can still revive their partys bid to repeal Obamacare  or, more precisely, to use Americans frustrations over high health-care costs as cover to retrench the welfare state. Senate leaders (reportedly) just want to euthanize Obamacare repeal and move on to cutting taxes on the wealthy and corporations.

And then, there are the few GOP lawmakers who are interested in lowering premiums for their constituents by passing small-bore, technocratic fixes to Obamacare (as opposed to trying to do so by sacrificing cancer patients regulatory protections on the altar of the almighty invisible hand).

A number of Republican senators have evinced interest in such an endeavor. And this week, a group of GOP moderates in the House joined Democrats in proposing a five-point plan for bipartisan health-care reform. In an op-ed for the New York Times Friday titled Lets Stop Bickering and Fix the Health Care System, New York Republican Tom Reed and New Jersey Democrat Josh Gottheimer ouline the Problem Solvers Caucus proposal.

As that headline suggests, the editorial is written around the laughable premise that both sides are responsible for the current impasse over health-care reform. Reed and Gottheimer assert that Congress has failed to take action to contain premiums because Republicans have been hell-bent on repealing Obamacare, while Democrats have been intransigent about preserving the law as is, with neither side willing to discuss anything in between.

In reality, Democrats have long insisted that the Affordable Care Act needs tweaking, and have signaled an openness to working with moderate Republicans to pass deficit-neutral measures that would stabilize the Obamacare marketplaces. Which is to say: Theyve indicated that they are open to letting Trump (and his party) claim the political win of a bipartisan health care deal, in exchange for the progressive policy victory of consolidating Barack Obamas signature law. In fact, the partys primary think tank, the Center for American Progress, recently released a plan for bipartisan health reform that bears a similarity to (the better) portions of Reed and Gottheimers bill.

Republicans rebuffed this offer, and spent most of the past six months trying to gut Medicaid, erode protections for people with preexisting conditions, and cut taxes for the rich, in defiance of popular opinion, the wishes of every major stakeholder in the health-care system, and their own promises to their constituents. In other words, bickering ensued.

But whatever. We tell ourselves stories in order to legislate. If this framing provides Republicans with enough rhetorical insulation from cognitive dissonance to play ball on health care, so be it. And the Problem Solvers bill, itself, is built around a tacit acknowledgment that the biggest problem with Obamacare is its vulnerability to GOP sabotage.

The legislations first provision is to make Obamacares cost-sharing reductions  payments to insurance companies that defray losses incurred by covering the nonaffluent sick  mandatory. The lawmakers correctly note that uncertainty about the future of these payments is driving insurers to raise premiums. They gloss over the fact that this uncertainty only exists because congressional Republicans challenged the legality of the payments in court. A federal judge ruled in their favor, but allowed the Executive branch to continue making the payments, pending appeal. This has given the current GOP president the power to cut off the subsidies at will  one that Donald Trump has routinely threatened to use, for the explicit purpose of engineering a health-care crisis that (in his mind) would increase support for Obamacare repeal.

Regardless, the provision is sound policy, and would likely avert a double-digit-percentage increase in premiums. Reed and Gottheimer pair this proposal with one for a dedicated stability fund  essentially, money for reinsurance  that states could tap when their sickest residents amass medical bills that threaten to drive up premiums for everyone else. (This measure would also be less necessary were it not for the GOPs attack on Obamacares risk corridors.)

The rest of the bill is composed of a medical device tax repeal and two bad but benign conservative health-care ideas.

The first is a loosening of Obamacares employer mandate, which requires companies with 50 employees or more to provide insurance to all who work 30 hours a week (or more). Reed and Gottheimer want those numbers changed to 500 and 40, respectively. This would likely result in a small increase in the uninsured rate.

The second conservative proposal is to give insurers the freedom to sell plans across state lines. This policy would be dangerous, if it werent totally ineffective.

Despite conservatives purported fondness for federalism, one of their favorite health-care reforms is an attack on states rights  specifically, on each states right to regulate its own health-insurance markets. Allowing insurers to sell across state lines would, in practice, mean allowing insurers in (loosely regulated) Mississippi to sell cheap, skimpy plans to New Yorkers, thereby nullifying the Empire States duly enacted benefit requirements. In other words: Republicans are proposing a race to the bottom that would allow red states to undermine insurance regulations all across the country.

Happily, no one actually wants to run that race. As the Upshots Margot Sanger-Katz explains, regulations themselves arent the binding barrier to selling insurance across state lines:

Selling insurance in a new region or state takes more than just getting a license and including all the locally required benefits. It also involves setting up favorable contracts with doctors and hospitals so that customers will be able to get access to health care. Establishing those networks of health care providers can be hard for new market entrants.

The barriers to entry are not truly regulatory, they are financial and they are network, said Sabrina Corlette, the director of the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute.

In 2012, Ms. Corlette and co-authors completed a study of a number of states that passed laws to allow out-of-state insurance sales. Not a single out-of-state insurer had taken them up on the offer.

All things considered then, the Problem Solvers Caucus bill would likely be an improvement on the status quo. Of course, that doesnt mean its politically viable.

On the one hand, now that the GOP has unified control of the federal government, the party has little incentive to deliberately make health care more expensive for its constituents. True, theyve devoted most of this year to trying to do just that. But cutting Medicaid and Obamacares subsidies has a payoff for Republicans: Both clear up budgetary space for tax cuts. By contrast, a large spike in health-insurance premiums ahead of the 2018 midterms, induced by the presidents extortionate tweets, has no such upside. So, all else being equal, Republicans would probably be inclined to take the power to sabotage the individual market out of Donald Trumps hands.

On the other hand, the GOPs seven-year crusade to sabotage the Affordable Care Act wasnt solely motivated by cold political calculation. Many big-dollar conservative donors believe it is morally reprehensible for the government to tax the passive income of the rich, so as to fund health care for the poor and working class. And their many failed attempts to roll back Medicare have taught them that voters do not share this view. A pragmatic, center-right lawmaker might see making Obamacare work better as the second-best option after repeal and replace. But for right-wing ideologues thats the worst possible outcome: The point is to not make redistributive programs work better, but to make them dysfunctional, so as to undermine popular support for big government.

Given how theyve handled health-care reform thus far, its difficult to see Paul Ryan or Mitch McConnell deciding they are more afraid of premium increases than of inviting the wrath of both the Koch brothers and their caucuses far-right factions.

There are, quite likely, majorities in both chambers to pass the Reed-Gottheimer bill, which already boasts 40 co-sponsors. But those majorities would (almost certainly) be composed of a large number of Democrats, and a small number of moderate Republicans. Thus, to allow such an endeavor to go forward would be to invite a conservative mutiny. And without Ryans blessing, the number of moderate Republicans willing to buck their co-partisans on health care is likely to be small, (as it was when the American Health Care Act reached the House floor).

All that said, Republicans are going to need Democratic votes to lift the debt ceiling this fall. And that could provide the donkey party with the leverage to demand Ryan & Co. appropriate the cost-sharing payments  while giving the GOP leadership an excuse to make policy that actually benefits the people they promised to serve.
Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

In times of trouble, President Trump has a habit of saying something that makes his situation even worse, such as when he explained his revised travel ban was just a watered-down version of the order the courts blocked, or when he declared on national television that he was thinking about this Russia thing when he fired FBI Director James Comey.

The latest example is Trump telling the New York Times last month that any investigation of his familys finances by Special Counsel Robert Mueller would cross a line, then repeatedly suggesting that he was on the verge of firing Attorney General Jeff Sessions because he recused himself from the Russia probe. (Decisions on Russia-related matters fell to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who then appointed Mueller.) Reports that Mueller recently impaneled a federal grand jury in Washington suggest Trumps threats had no effect on him. (CNN reported on Thursday that Muellers investigation has widened to focus on possible financial crimes, some unconnected to the 2016 elections.) Trump signaling that he wants an attorney general willing to fire Mueller may have actually backfired, as lawmakers from both parties are now looking for ways to protect the special counsel.

Before leaving for their summer break on Thursday, the Senate made a procedural move that will prevent Trump from replacing Sessions via a recess appointment. The maneuver, which was also used against President Obama, involves scheduling extremely brief meetings so technically the Senate will be in session every three days through the break.

Senator Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, previously let it be known that if Sessions is fired, there will be no confirmation hearing for his replacement this year.

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  ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) July 27, 2017

On Thursday, two pairs of senators  Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Cory Booker, as well as Republican Thom Tillis and Democrat Christopher Coons  unveiled legislation that would prevent President Trump from firing Mueller without cause. As the Washington Post reports, the senators have different ideas about what should happen if a special counsel is fired:

Graham and Bookers proposal, which also has backing from Judiciary Committee Democrats Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.) and Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), would require the judges panel to review any attorney generals decision to fire a special counsel before that firing could take effect. Tillis and Coons proposal would let the firing proceed according to current regulations, which they codify in the bill  but the fired special counsel would have the right to contest the administrations decision in court. In that scenario, the judges panel would have two weeks from the day the special counsels case is filed to complete their review and determine whether the termination was acceptable.

Senators from both teams suggested that theyll combine their legislation after the break. I think we maybe can have a meeting of the minds. I really appreciate them doing it, Graham said of Tillis and Coonss bill. I just have a different way of doing it.

In a previous iteration of Muellers job, a three-judge panel had the ability to appoint an independent counsel. (Congress let that post-Watergate law expire in 1999 after special prosecutors caused scandals for presidents from both parties.) The current law gives the attorney general  and thus the president who appoints him or her  much broader authority over the special counsel. This is the first step to put a speed bump in place against [Muellers] improvident firing, Coons explained.

The senators said they believe the bill could pass because more Republicans have been standing up to Trump recently. While Trump has been pushing the idea that Muellers team is rife with conflicts of interest, members of both parties praised the former FBI director for his integrity. And Republican lawmakers responded to Trumps attacks on Sessions by rallying around the attorney general.

Coons said there is a broader bipartisan concern that the president may take inappropriate action to interfere with the ongoing, important work of Bob Mueller, and predicted that if the president were to fire the special counsel, the Senate might promptly take action to reappoint him.

Even if the Senate did pass a new rule on firing the special counsel, its unclear if the House would do the same  or if there would be enough support to override a potential veto by the president.

Senator Tom Carper, a Democrat, told CNN that he doesnt expect the legislation to be enacted, but the real clear message to [Trump] is dont do this, dont go there. Its symbolic, Carper said. But is an important symbol. Its a bipartisan symbol.

It doesnt seem like Trump is listening to messages from his own legal team, let alone a handful of senators  but hey, its worth a try.
Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

President Trumps approval rating has dropped by about one percentage point per month and now sits in the mid-30s. At the current rate, it would hit zero in September 2020. (A highly unlikely possibility, though with Donald Trump, anything is possible.) Measured in less quantifiable terms, Trumps political decline has not occurred in so linear a fashion. It has happened, as Ernest Hemingway wrote about bankruptcy, gradually and then suddenly.

After half a year of comic internal disarray, even in the face of broad public dismay, Trumps administration had, through most of July, managed to hold together some basic level of partisan cohesion with a still-enthusiastic base and supportive partners in Congress. This has quickly collapsed.

Signs of the disintegration have popped up everywhere. The usual staff turmoil came to a boil in the course of ten days, during which the following occurred: The president denounced his own attorney general in public, the press secretary quit, a new communications director came aboard, the chief of staff was fired, the communications director accused the chief strategist of auto-fellatio in an interview, then he was himself fired. Meanwhile, the secretary of State and national-security adviser were both reported to be eyeing the exits. (Against this colorful backdrop, the ominous news that Robert Mueller had convened a grand jury barely registered.)

More disturbingly for Trump, Republicans in Congress have openly broken ranks. When the Senate voted down the latest (and weakest) proposal to repeal Obamacare, Trump demanded the chamber resume the effort, as he has before. This time, Republican leaders defied him and declared the question settled for the year. When the president threatened to withhold promised payments to insurers in retribution, Republicans in Congress proposed to continue making them. Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Charles Grassley, responding to the presidents threat to sack Jeff Sessions, announced he had no time to confirm a new attorney general. Many Republican senators have endorsed bills to block the president from firing the special counsel.

Donald Trumps Dizzying Reversals and Changing Policy Positions

The most humiliating rebuke came in the form of a bill to lock in sanctions on Russia, passed by Congress without the presidents consent. The premise of the sanctions law is that Congress cannot trust the president to safeguard the national interest, treating him as a potential Russian dupe. It passed through both chambers almost unanimously. Trump delayed signing the bill for days, then submitted to its passage in the most begrudging fashion possible, releasing a statement that reads less like something a president would publish to commemorate the signing of a law than a petulant handwritten note a grounded teen might tape to the bedroom door. Congress could not even negotiate a health-care bill after seven years of talking, wrote the president of the United States. I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected.

During his very brief tenure as communications director, Anthony Scaramucci blurted out something very telling: There are people inside the administration that think it is their job to save America from this president. The conviction that Trump is dangerously unfit to hold office is indeed shared widely within his own administration. Leaked accounts consistently depict the president as unable to read briefing materials written at an adult level, easily angered, prone to manipulation through flattery, subject to change his mind frequently to agree with whomever he spoke with last, and consumed with the superficiality of cable television. In the early days of the administration, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and thenHomeland Security Director John Kelly secretly agreed that one of the two should remain in the country at all times to keep tabs on the orders rapidly emerging from the White House, the Associated Press reported recently.

And the insurrection appears to be creeping outward. When Trump tweeted that he would ban transgender Americans from military service, the Defense Department announced there had been no modifications to the current policy and that, in the meantime, we will continue to treat all of our personnel with respect. When Trump gave a speech to police urging them to rough up suspects, several police chiefs and even the head of his own Drug Enforcement Agency registered their public objections. The accretion of these acts of defiance is significant. The federal government has flipped on its chief executive.

Trumps only opportunity lies in exploiting fear to demonstrate strength.

Barring resignation or removal from office  which would require the vote of a House majority plus two-thirds of the Senate  we are stuck with a delegitimized president serving out the remaining seven-eighths of his term. Politically gridlocked presidencies have become normal, but for the office to be occupied by a man whose own party elites doubt his functional competence and even loyalty is, to borrow a term, unpresidented. Trumps obsession with humiliation and dominance has left him ill-prepared to cope with high-profile failure. He seems unlikely to content himself with quiet, incremental bureaucratic reform.

And yet it is difficult to see what Trump can do to reverse the situation. His next major domestic-agenda item, a regressive tax cut, is highly unpopular. He has inherited peace and prosperity. Nobody in the administration has been indicted. It is far easier to imagine conditions changing for the worse than the better.

There is one frightening exception. Trump could regain public standing through the rally-round-the-flag effect that usually occurs following a domestic attack or at the outset of a war. A miniature version of that dynamic was on display in April, when Trump launched a small missile strike on Syria, garnering widespread praise in the media for his newfound stature. The 9/11 attacks elevated George W. Bushs approval ratings for three years, long enough for his party to gain seats in the 2002 midterms and for Bush, two years later, to win what is still the Republican Partys only national-vote plurality victory since 1988.

Trumps authoritarian tendencies make the prospect of his rebuilding his legitimacy on the basis of security especially dangerous. The number of Republicans who see Trump as a strong leader has dropped by 22 percentage points since January. Trumps opportunity lies in exploiting fear to demonstrate strength.

There is an answer to this danger. It is to not simply assume Trump can  or should be allowed to  use war or terrorism to his advantage.

After 9/11, Democrats and the mainstream news media, harking back to the national unity that prevailed after Pearl Harbor, demonstrated their patriotism by supporting their president almost unquestioningly. That choice allowed Bush to escape scrutiny for policies that may have helped enable the attacks to happen. (Before, his administration had deemphasized the fight against Al Qaeda.) Bushs ground-zero halo gave him a presumption of competence as commander-in-chief that enabled him to launch a war without planning for the occupation. It mostly survived the revelations of the 9/11 Commission Report three years later and did not fully dissipate until the Iraq War occupation had unmistakably descended into a quagmire.

The ability of a president to gain popularity by launching (or suffering) an attack is not a law of nature. It reflects, in part, choices  by the opposition to withhold criticism and by the news media to accept the administrations framing of the facts at face value. A chaotic, still-understaffed administration led by a novice commander-in-chief who has alienated American allies deserves no benefit of the doubt. Everything from Trumps incompetent management of the Department of Energy, which safeguards nuclear materials, to the now-skeletal State Department, to his blustering international profile has exposed the country to an elevated risk of a mass tragedy. A long-term task of the opposition is to prevent the crumbling presidency from transmuting that weakness into strength.

*This article appears in the August 7, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.
Uganda has 35 diplomatic missions around the world, yet this is an area of the country's governance structure that has not often featured in local news and debates.

Lately, however, the appointment of politicians who lost elections to diplomatic roles, as well as some gaffes by politicians-turned-diplomats have drawn attention to our diplomats. In this ground-breaking series, The Observer interviews former diplomats to tell their own stories of serving Uganda abroad.

In the maiden part of this series, Jerome Kule Bitswande talks to Ambassador EDITH GRACE SSEMPALA.



My name is Edith Grace Ssempala. I am a civil engineer by training, but I have never practiced it. I studied at Namutamba Demonstration School in Mityana district. I went to Gayaza high school for ordinary level and did advanced level at Nabumali high school in Mbale.

I finalised my studies at Peoples Friendship University, as one of the seven lucky Ugandans that secured a government scholarship in Russia. You see, that is diversity.

Ambassador Edith Grace Sempala

In Uganda, I studied in Mityana, Kampala and Mbale. At that time, we had many great schools scattered around the country and one would just pursue an education, unbothered by which region of the country they are in. Meanwhile, students would also be assured of good grades, unlike today where you see good-performing schools only concentrated in one region.

I had a passion for sciences, particularly mathematics. I wanted to be an engineer, doctor or a pilot. Although very few girls did sciences then, I was determined.

I take this opportunity to encourage young girls not to be afraid of sciences, especially if they really want to pursue a career therein. Of course those who want to do arts should also be encouraged; whatever you do, make sure you do it well.

I went to Russia in 1973 to the Peoples Friendship University, then commonly known as Lumumba University. I stayed there for six years until 1979, having completed my masters degree in civil engineering. During my days at university, I was involved in gender activism.

I really loved Russia because of the diversity; we had people from all walks of life; Asians, Americans, Africans, etc. So, apart from the education, we met new people and that helped us in building networks that are important in a persons life. After completing my studies in Russia, I went to visit friends in Sweden as I prepared to return to Uganda.

After Sweden, I called my brother and told him I would be returning home. But he advised me not to, arguing that the situation in Uganda was not safe. That was very disturbing. I really got confused and restless because that is the time Idi Amin had been overthrown.

I had only known that Ugandas problem was Idi Amin. So, since he had been toppled, I wondered why the country was not safe. However, my brother insisted that I could not come back and he advised me to seek asylum and that is what I did.

JOINING POLITICS

During my stay in Sweden, I worked with a company called RIFA Electronics as a quality controller. In that time, I didnt want to get involved in politics, although I wanted to come to Uganda so that I could practice my engineering at home.

However, later on I organized a fundraising drive to raise some money to help Ugandans; we gave it to the Swedish Red Cross which eventually wired it to the Ugandan Red Cross to help Ugandans that were being abused since abuse of human rights had reached its peak in Uganda.

So, eventually, I was elected to the executive committee of Uganda Human Rights Activists, an association we formed in Sweden to advocate for ending abuse of fundamental freedoms and to highlight the blatant abuse of peoples rights that was happening in Uganda.

Later on, I was approached by the NRA [National Resistance Army] political wing members, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda and Amama Mbabazi. They presented their agenda to us in Sweden and I loved what they were saying.

We then formed an NRM branch in Scandinavian countries which included Denmark, Norway and Sweden. So, I headed the Stockholm branch in Sweden. I was really working a lot because I was running around; I was a mother, wife, an activist and an employee at RIFA. So, I was extensively involved in doing diplomacy for the NRM when it was in the jungle.

BECOMING AMBASSADOR

Eventually, the NRM ascended to power. Two months later, I sought leave at work and I came to Uganda. Mbabazi, who had become my friend because of the struggle, came to pick me from the airport.

I vividly remember we moved in his small ramshackle car. Anyway, when I reached the airport, he passed me via the VIP lounge and introduced me as ambassador-designate to Sweden. I did not expect it but neither was I surprised. I had become popular among the NRM top circles, considering the work I had done for them in Sweden.

And that was it; we were involved in back-to-back seminars, trainings, meetings and so forth. Actually, the two months that I had thought were going to be vacation, I ended up working hard and engaging in serious deliberations on how we can make Uganda better. So, there I was, appointed ambassador to Sweden.

So, in June 1986, I went back to Europe, but this time as an ambassador. I couldnt move to Sweden immediately because Uganda had its embassy in Denmark. That is where I stayed, although I often visited Norway, Iceland, Finland and Sweden.

DIPLOMATIC DUTIES

My job as a diplomat was basically to do public relations for Uganda because then we were only better known for Amin the dictator.

You see, when you are ambassador for a country like Uganda, you are [also] charged with dealing with the general image of Africa as a continent.

To the eyes of Europeans then, we were a people that abuse power; a people that, once [we] ascend to power, blatantly abuse human rights; a people incapable of governing ourselves; a people who are greedy and do not care about fellow citizens.

I was equipped with the NRMs 10-point programme that I endeavoured to explain to these countries. Our 10-point programme was undisputedly a good concept but to some, this was only good in writing and we were never going to implement it.

I remember a time I went to Norway and met the chairperson of their parliamentary committee on foreign affairs and explained to her our objectives as a new government using our 10-point programme.

She looked at me, and Scandinavians are very honest people, and said: I hear you, but I do not believe you. [Former president Dr Milton] Obote was a few years back in this very office, and he was also speaking the same language but look what he eventually turned out to be.



But as an individual, I genuinely believed that the people who had assumed power in 1986 would put Uganda on the right course. Needless to say, there were those who believed in my message, and also those who did not believe initially but eventually realized that the NRM was making strides in making the country much better than they had found it.

Gross violations of human rights had been stopped and outlawed; the army had been disciplined. We were only then being faced with challenges related to institutions and systems because, surely, those take time to build yet we had taken over a country that was in limbo.

I remember meeting Amnesty International officials and they raised concerns about delays in court judgments, investigations, etc, and I agreed with them but I asked them to help us build our systems.

While Amnesty International told me it was not a funding agency, I insisted that they were better-placed to seek support for us from the Danish government. The first donations we got from DANIDA [Danish International Development Agency] in the field of human rights development resulted from the advocacy of Amnesty International.

Well, I continued spreading the gospel of our NRM 10-point programme. I really pushed for the Nordic countries to support our private sector because in that way, Uganda would be in position to stand on its own without international support, and also the other countries could end up gaining from the investment climate, thus strengthening the relationship.

By the time I left, Denmark had even established an embassy here; Sweden and Norway were on the way and have eventually established embassies here. Iceland later followed suit, and I was very surprised because it was a small country. Finland was also about to come on board by the time I left.

TRANSFER TO USA

In 1996, my minister at that time was Dr Rugunda. I remember he just called me and told me that I had been transferred to the US. I had only been to America once for a relatives wedding and I really didnt know what serving in the US would be like.

I then telephoned my would-be deputy to seek advice from him even when I was still in Copenhagen because I believed that since he had been in the US already, he was more knowledgeable. He bought me a Dale Carnegie book titled: How to win friends and influence people.

It was a fantastic book that I read keenly very fast and, surely, it also gave me another insight into how to make friends. The United States was a very fantastic place; the Americans were good people and they were always open to helping us and seeing us grow.

Two presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, came to Uganda, which was really approval of our developed relations as partners in development. What you should know is that while I did meet the presidents of the US, I had never discussed any issues concerning Uganda with them because I only met them on invitation for a dinner, especially on Christmas days.

So, that means the Americans themselves approved of us, and organized for their presidents to visit Uganda. Of course that was not by mistake; it was a sign that we were making deliberate public relations moves especially with the staffers.

Edith Sempala (R) presenting her credentials to President Bill Clinton in 1996

In America, surely if you want to succeed, you do not bother yourself a lot with the politicians; you interest yourself with the staff who in most cases include front desk officers, secretaries, heads of department in charge of your country, assistant secretary of state for Africa, etc, because these are the people who really do the work.

TRANSFER TO ETHIOPIA

In 2006, I was transferred to Ethiopia and of course, by virtue of being in Addis Ababa, you are also ambassador to the African Union. And for me, that was the best appointment. I had not worked in Africa; so, my appointment in Africa was like a deployment home. As an African, I am a pan-Africanist. So, anything that develops Uganda and Africa, I will do it with all my heart.

I was happy that I was going to influence Africa from Africa. In Ethiopia, I was the first Ugandan ambassador to sit on the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, and I brought the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of Sudan on the table. Sudan and Egypt were not interested, but I still managed to table it for discussion and I am happy it came to pass.

In Ethiopia, I worked for only two years before I joined the World Bank.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

For the Nordic countries, I put Uganda on the map and brought support from them to Uganda, starting of course with relief aid, and support to the private sector. Not that we have benefited like we should, but the reasons why we have not benefitted enough are self-created. It is expensive to run an embassy and I can tell you these countries are selective when setting up an embassy.

So, that we have embassies for almost every country speaks volumes of how much I contributed in making Uganda friends with Scandinavian countries. [In the USA], Uganda became a household name in America; everyone was talking about us and, for me, that was like a dream come true. At a personal level, I really did not have any challenges.

Yes, we had issues with infrastructure, facilitation and so forth; but, for every challenge, I saw an opportunity therein. After two years in Ethiopia, I was happy that I had left working for government. Most people thought the government played a role in helping me get a job at the World Bank as

director external relations, but that was not true.

I surely attribute it to God, just like my other appointments in which I think God played a central role. I was blessed to leave the diplomatic service at the right time, before the human rights situation [in Uganda] became ugly, etc because I could not have continued to serve the government as is now.

Truth be told, I would decline the offer if I am appointed in the diplomatic service again. I dont know how to lie. So, how would I tell, for example, a country like the US that we observe human rights yet I am well aware that things are to the contrary back home?

In 2015, I was lucky to be named by the UN Secretary General on the advisory group of experts on review of peace-building architecture. This was a review of the peace-building processes of the United Nations to help its organs understand and improve ways in which they promote peace. Our report is on their website.

APPOINTMENT OF DIPLOMATS

Ambassadors are the face of the nation out there; their appointment criterion is important and its integrity should lead to the appointment of people who can deliver, people who are self-motivated with the skills and passion to do the job, people with diplomatic and public relations skills, people who are credible, with integrity.

They should also know how to make friends and influence them; they should not just be sycophants to the regime but should have a vision for Uganda and understand that good relations must be mutually beneficial (win-win). It does not matter whether they are career diplomats or not.

I never studied diplomacy but I was successful as a diplomat. One other aspect is that ambassadors are marketers and a marketer only succeeds if he has a good product. If Uganda is still a product worth marketing, is a question for you to find out.

Diplomatic service deals with bi- lateral issues. First, Uganda needs to put her house in order, sort out the political issue  governance in general (democracy, rule of law, human rights, corruption, etc.)

Credible investors consider such issues when making decisions as to where they should put their money. Countries have to account to their taxpayers for the money they invest in other countries.

Otherwise, Uganda is a great country with many comparative advantages; our geographic location, climate, untapped natural resources, a young trained/trainable population and friendly people.

Once governance is sorted, we should focus on attracting investments to add value in agriculture, tourism and boosting the manufacturing sector. That will be good enough to give Uganda a new and better face in the eyes of the world.

jeromekulbits@gmail.com

Look out for another engaging interview in this series next Friday
Thousands of Rwandans in Uganda yesterday gathered at the Rwanda High Commission to decide their president for the next seven years.

The Kitante-based office was the only polling station in Uganda. Rwandan nationals from all over the country started arriving there as early as 6am and voting began at 7am with five polling segments representing various districts to ease the identification process.

Despite long queues and the scorching sun, Rwandans in Uganda turned up in large numbers to show their loyalty to their candidates and their country.

Rwandans queue to cast their vote

Amidst tight security, voters had to present their legal documents like passports, Rwanda national IDs, voters cards and had to be registered and verified voters.

The electoral lists provided by the Rwanda Electoral Commission indicated there are about 7,000 registered voters in Uganda.

Maj Gen Frank Mugambage, the high commissioner of Rwanda, was happy with the high turnout and said every eligible person would vote, even if it meant extending the 6pm deadline.

In the race are three candidates; incumbent Paul Kagame of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGP) and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate.

Rwandan voters cast their ballot

Kagame is the anticipated victor since he possesses sufficient exposure and funding. Kagames agents in Uganda provided facilitation such as transport to their supporters from upcountry to travel to Kampala and vote.

Innocent Micho, a voter and resident of Kyankwanzi district, applauded Kagame for fostering development in Rwanda and appreciated him for offering them transportation.

He is hopeful his candidate will win. Esco Percious and Alexander Rwema, both students of Jovens High School in Entebbe, acknowledged their support for President Kagame.

He [Kagame] will win because he has been promoting peace and democracy. He inspires the young and we learn a lot from him, said Rwema.

Kagame has been president since 1994.

rachealnuwahereza @gmail.com

beckymutonyi@gmail.com
Every evening on Luuka road in the eastern district of Iganga, about 50 young mothers and girl-child school dropouts gather at the Empowerment and Livelihoods for Adolescents (ELA) clubhouse.

At the clubhouse, the mothers and girls read books and make new friends as they struggle to get their lives back on track. Annet Naisanga, 16, is one such girl trying to regain a normal quality life.

She goes to the club to read and play with her friends. She was defiled and impregnated by a 25-year-old man who ran away the very moment he realised he would serve jail time for committing the capital offence.

COMPETING FOR CARE

Coming from a poor family of five children meant that Naisanga had to compete for care with her school-going siblings despite being pregnant. Even after giving birth to Anisha, the teenage mother still struggles to find basic needs like good food for her one-year-old daughter. The care reduced when my parents realised I was pregnant.

They no-longer cared that much and even sent me away to stay with my grandmother but she also cant provide everything because she is not doing well financially, Naisanga said as she got a hold of Anisha who was trying to clutch at my notebook.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that one in four teenage girls (about 700,000) have either got pregnant or had a child.

Very few complete school and 68 per cent of teenage girls between 15 and 19 have never set foot in a secondary school. About 51 per cent (4.3 million) of Ugandas adolescents are girls but many of them face vulnerabilities like child marriage, pregnancies and violence.

Further, of the 110,000 adolescents infected with HIV/Aids, the highest prevalence is among girls at 66 per cent. Although she made it to secondary school, Harriet Mutesi didnt get past senior three. Her poor parents couldnt afford the school fees of Shs 40,000 per term.

Mutesi said since she joined the club earlier this year, her life has changed because she now hopes she may continue with her education. Unlike Naisanga who wants to learn hairdressing and tailoring, Mutesi hopes to continue with her secondary education and make it to university.

I really want to study but my guardians cannot afford to pay such huge amounts of school fees. My wish is that I get a sponsor so that I can be able to achieve my dream of being a nurse, Mutesi said as she excitedly moved her black pawn to replace her colleagues white on the chess board.

Because many girls are struggling to stay in school, UNFPA and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) decided to start the Better Life for Girls (BL4G) project. Implemented by BRAC Uganda, BL4G has transformed many lives across the 14 districts in the eastern and Karamoja regions.

These include districts like Bududa, Katakwi Iganga, Amuria, Kaabong, Butaleja and Kotido. By the end of 2016, 22,459 girls aged between 10 and 19 were enrolled in (ELA) clubs and 1,010 of these have already started their own income-generating activities.

Margret Namukuve, the project assistant with BRAC Uganda, said ever since an ELA club was formed in Bwanalila village, the number of recruits has grown. Fifty girls joined the club within three months of its formation, and Namukuve is certain they will have over 90 girls by the end of September this year.

Every day after doing their chores the teenage mothers and girls who dropped out of school come here for sessions with counsellors. The parents, especially mothers, support it because they say it makes their daughters occupied and avoid bad company, Namukuve said.

Apart from empowering teenage mothers with skills, BL4G also aims to keep girls in school by providing menstrual hygiene management support. So far, 756 schools (670 primary and 86 secondary) have been supported and now have functional safe spaces with senior women/men teachers trained in counselling and referrals.

FREE SANITARY PADS

Hellen Akisaati, a primary seven pupil at Bugadde primary school, Mayuge district, is part of the 70 girls that use the safe spaces and have received UNFPAs reusable sanitary pads at no cost.

Unlike in the past when she used to skip school during her menstrual periods, the 14-year-old is no longer afraid since she has been taught how to handle body changes.

The safe space at Bugadde has cleaning items like a basin, water, soap, changing dresses and material for making temporary pads. In case of an abrupt start of the menstrual period, the girls can rush there and tidy up, make emergency pads out of cloth and wool, thats if they forgot to carry their free re-usable pads.

The reusable pads can be used for close to two years if properly handled. Mary Awinjo, the Bugadde primary senior woman teacher, remembers that before the introduction of safe spaces, the school had a problem because many girls dropped out.

Most of the girls would shy away and some would even fail to participate in co-curricular activities which affected their performance.

Before we received free pads, girls would not be active at all and they would only say Im sick. But ever since we introduced the safe spaces, they have changed. The girls are now highly protected, says Awinjo.

Adding; Those with complications are allowed to rest in the safe space but if the complications like abdominal pains dont reduce, we refer them to Kyityerera health centre.

Akisaati is among the 52,920 school-going girls who have received menstrual hygiene management support since last year. More money, $587,000, has been earmarked for procurement of reusable pads and training of school-based clubs on how to make re-usable pads.

Joab Buyinza, the in-charge of Malongo health centre III, said because of the referral system, many teenagers now throng the clinic for services. Despite being a six-bed facility, it serves over seven schools in the vicinity.

Some 498 health personnel from 153 health facilities have trained in youth-friendly services in both Karamoja and the eastern region since 2016. These have helped extend services like STI/HIV testing, antenatal care and family planning to 131,421 adolescent girls.

Buyinza said the numbers of adolescents visiting the health centre has doubled and more have started getting services like counselling and STI testing, among others. The facility has a special Thursday when youths are given priority and on such days, over 100 throng the centre.

To consolidate the gains of BL4G projects of keeping girls in school, men associations have been mobilized to lead social change in the two regions of Eastern and Karamoja where girls face the gravest vulnerabilities. Currently there are 140 male action groups and they have conducted 280 dialogues in their communities.

A 15-member group, Male Action Group (MAG), is one such group and it has greatly helped reduce defilement and teenage pregnancies in Bukatuube subcounty, Mayuge district.

According to Moses Kato, the MAG chairperson, they have a representative in each of the 15 parishes who works with police to identify those abusing adolescent girls.

Most of the teenage mothers we talked to wanted to go back to school and we managed to convince some parents to take them back and they are performing well. So far because of our effort, 66 girls have gone back to school, boasts Kato.

MAG has also helped identify and work with police to apprehend defilers and taught parents the importance of keeping girls in school.

The 140 groups have been able to dialogue with over 4,420 parents on ending teenage pregnancies and keeping girls in school. The BL4G project will continue improving adolescents access to sexual and reproductive health information and services.

Although the project ends in December 2018, another phase could be considered to consolidate earlier gains of keeping girls in school.

abumay1988@gmail.com
Police has identified the woman who died in Nakivubo channel this afternoon as Olivia Basemera of Yoana Muzeeyi zone in Mengo.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima, Basemera was in her late 30s.

The Jinja Road police station is doing everything to establish the facts surrounding her death and a preliminary report will be ready hopefully by close of today, Kayima said. We promise to end the investigations soon so that we can share the report with the authorities concerned for the next course of action.

A police officer on a truck where the body of Basemera was carried earlier today

Kayima added that some of Basemeras relatives and eyewitness have already recorded statements.

For now, police has found that Basemera, probably out of fear, ran and fell into Nakivubo channel located near the railway line, and Mukwano Industries and Electoral Commission offices.

Kayima explained that the fire brigade team, with support from civilians, managed to quickly intervene and retrieve her body.

[However], in the process, boda boda riders picked the body and sped off to KCCA offices to cause unnecessary commotion that was witnessed, he said.

He said since boda boda riders wanted to forcefully access KCCA offices at City Hall in Kampala, police dispersed them by firing live ammunition in the air.

KCCA has also released a press statement indicating that at the time of the incident, it is alleged that there was a vehicle belonging to KCCA at Jinja road traffic junction.

KCCA added that it had forwarded the matter to police for investigation, before extending deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

nangonzi@observer.ug
oh man, I used to be hooked on dateline, 48 hours mystery, snapped etc. but it started to get me all paranoid about relationships. fuck people, if you don't like your spouse get a divorce!!!

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Lol seriously though! Those dumbasses always get caught too.

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The woman on that cruise ship actually did ask for a divorce, and that's what apparently triggered the killing - which, of course, is still insane male logic that makes no fucking sense to stable people with half a brain cell.

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That's who I thought it was at first, then I had to read the title of the post again to see what I'd clicked on.

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I love true crime shows, podcasts, anything really... but I just moved from a tiny one-bedroom apartment into a large two-story, three-bedroom house and wow my anxiety is through the roof. Bordering on paranoia. Every time I walk into a room, or up the stairs, I am CERTAIN someone is hiding in the shadows waiting to kill me.

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netflix should parody all their properties, it's ez $$$

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Netflix is getting stupid with some of the shit they greenlight.

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I agree.

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They need to greenlight a reality show about eyebrow lady in your icon.

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They've been stupid. They literally just throw all types of shit at the wall hoping it'll stick. That's why they're 20 billions in debt.

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It's no wonder they're in so much debt.

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mfte, throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks.

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The streak had to end eventually.

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That Edie Falco poster is nagl.



Also that girl from MA reminds me so much of Cara Delavigne, I think it's the eyebrows.



Edited at 2017-08-04 05:23 am (UTC)

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lmao forreal they look like a 30 rock parody

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The Rural Juror pt 2

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Mte

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Women can be just as shitty as men. Some of the true crime I've come across regarding the shit that mothers have done to their own children? Awful.

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Ok but our culture obsesses and gets the pitchforks out over "evil women" way more then men. if a dad kills or rapes his daughter it's just another day, but when someone like casey anthony comes along it sparks a media frenzy. most rapists never see jail time, meanwhile this michelle carter girl is convicted essentially of manslaughter by texting? i'm not saying your statement is wrong i'm just feeling like we as a society are so desensitized to shitty men we come down 100x harder on women who commit heinous crimes.

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Yup. Most violent offenders are MEN. Don't give me this b.s. about ~women can kill too~ It's a false equivalency.

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so true! women do awful things, yes, but not to the extent that men do. the crime statistics say it all--and yet people still can't admit that overwhelmingly the problem is male violence.

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Jodi Arias is exhibit A in support of your statement. She was awful, but the amount of hate she got was wildly disproportionate to men who committed similar crimes.

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it's probably because crimes against humanity committed by men are a dime a dozen. people become desensitized as they most likely expect that shit from men.

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ty

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Some awful women existing doesn't change the fact that the vast majority of violent crimes are committed by men. Over 90% of murderers are men.

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This comment with a Fassbender icon 

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You really tried it with this "but women also..." BS.

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nah i'd much rather be around women than men

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lol @ you basing your opinions on an entire gender by true crime stories and not by statistics. How embarrassing.

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men are worse

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Lol @ the replies

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look at the stats my friend. there is no comparison.

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Yeah, no, not quite. My mom tried this "but child abuse!" argument on me literally yesterday -- yes, women can and do commit terrible violent crimes sometimes, but the statistics aren't comparable at all. If it seems like way more women than men commit child abuse specifically, that's because women are overwhelming the caretakers of children while trash men are busy being deadbeats. Men are committing less child abuse because they're not there. So.

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[Obligatory men are weak and cant control their emotions]

The Carter case was idiotic. Victims of pedophilia and sexual abuse commit suicide every day yet the court doesn't care about them. They usually get off Scott free. Case was just another justice boner for mras to masturbate to

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i think so too tbh.

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Your comments are idiotic.

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The law says you have a responsibility to mentally impaired people EG the disabled, the young etc. She knew he was not able at that point to make decisions for himself, and told him to get back in the car even when he protested. The judge ruled the way he did because there was proof she knew the car was a hazardous environment.



When you are in that "I want to die" state of depression you're in full crisis mode and you need emergency care. She did not attempt to provide that.



Edit: Also worth pointing out she did a fundraiser after he died and no one knows what happened to the money.



Edited at 2017-08-04 08:36 am (UTC)

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I can't believe Michelle Carter, is the hill white feminists want to die on. Like really, go and find better examples

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Right? I wonder if the people who are in here bitching about the Carter case would be doing the same if the victim was a 14 year old girl. Just the fact that people can't see the parallels between this case and cyberbullying astounds me.

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Your last sentence is the absolute truth.

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You know, just because law is biased towards shitty men, doesn't mean, we allow women criminals to go Scott free.



I feel Michelle Carter's sentence is actually justified, and taking into account her mental illness, it's just right. If she was not mentally ill, probably she would have been sentenced to a harsher punishment

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This is really the person you want to defend?



Carter: They [Roy's parents] know there is nothing they can do. Theyve tried helping. Everyones tried, but there is a point that comes where there isnt anything anyone can do to save you, not even yourself. And youve hit that point and I think your parents know youve hit that point. Everyone will be sad for a while but they will get over it and move on.



Carter: Well I guess [that I am frustrated] just because you always say you are gonna do it but you dont, but last night I know you really wanted to do it and Im not mad. Well, I mean, kind of, I guess, just because you always say youre gonna do it but you dont but last night I knew you really wanted to and Im not mad.



Carter: Youre not joking about this or bullshitting me, right?  I just want to make sure youre being serious. Like I know you are, but I dont know. You always say youre gonna do it, but you never do. I just want to make sure tonight is the real thing.



Carter: Youre so hesitant because you keeping over thinking it and keep pushing it off. You just need to do it, Conrad. The more you push it off, the more it will eat at you. Youre ready and prepared. All you have to do is turn the generator on and you will be free and happy. No more pushing it off. No more waiting.



Edited at 2017-08-04 12:24 pm (UTC)

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I'm really unsure what one has to do with the other. She shouldn't be convicted because other more heinous criminals get off? Where is that logic?

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the reason carter was convicted was because the guy got out of his car, basically stopping the suicide, and she told him to get back in. if she hadnt sat on the phone with him while he died, and especially if she hadn't told him to get back in, she wouldn't have been convicted

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I'm getting burned out on true crime, and it weirds me out how obsessed people get over it, to the point of harassing families of victims. Fans can be just as bad as tabloids, tbh

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Yeah, I'm pretty much done with it. So many of these podcasts are run by people that have no business representing the dead as they do and it makes me pretty mad. Like internet detectives legitimized by buying a USB mic.

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Michelle Carter looks like Tammie Brown

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Omg I see it

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don't insult tammie brown like that

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omg hahaha

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Well come on telletubby! Teleport us to mars!

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THANK YOU! I didn't want to say it out loud, but I have been thinking it since the case started.

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Ugh I've been binge watching forensic files lately. Again. It's sad that they quit making new episodes, but since the narrator (Peter Thomas) died, it just wouldn't be the same show.

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What?! I had no idea he died!! I always watch Forensic Files :(

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New episodes are coming to Saturday nights! But yea, it's probably gonna suck because the ~replacement voice is awful! It sounds like they're trying to recreate peter thomas' voice electronically.

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The entire series of Unsolved Mysteries (with Robert Shack) is on Hulu if you want some old true crime stories.

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*A man killed his wife on an Alaskan cruise ship because she wouldn't stop laughing at him.





omg this reminded me of that man who set his wife & kids on fire bc she posted about him looking like a horse on facebook(??? or sumth).

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Good thing women are able to control themselves better than men tbh. I can't imagine the death and destruction that Sarah Jessica Parker might have reigned down upon us if she were a man.

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Good on Trace Cyrus for controlling his murderous tendencies tbh.

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*rained



ETA: yes, I know. I know.



Edited at 2017-08-04 11:44 am (UTC)

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Mte

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You can make your own post, bb 

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Michelle Carter is vile.



Also, I thought the Unabomber was caught because his brother recognized his manifesto or something, not bc of the FBI?

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That's what I've heard as well. It was his wife, I thought, that said it sounded familiar to the letters that Ted's sent them over the years.

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acting up issue cover star @ParisJackson talks to i-D about activism, feminism, and trump. read the interview here: https://t.co/6IC9mY72cg pic.twitter.com/pvSJ5gJJKG  i-D (@i_D) August 3, 2017

choice excerpts:Unfortunately in the world we live in it's almost impossible to feel comfortable in your skin 24/7. Especially with what the media is constantly feeding us. I still have countless insecurities and fears, like everyone else I know. But we're getting there, slowly but surely. Which is a big reason I want to change this fashion / beauty stigma, so it's not as difficult for people around the world to feel beautiful just the way they are.Beauty is not measured by numbers, or symmetry, or shapes, or sizes, or colours, or anything like that. Beauty, true beauty, should be measured by the soul, the character, integrity, intentions and mindset of a person, what comes out of their mouth. How they behave. Their heart.Ya the new generation is getting older. And that's what they want, what they are demanding. Change and honesty. Celebrating who they are, who their friends are, random people they meet. They're sick of reading lies and sick of unrealistic expectations in the media. The rest of the world, the racists, the homophobes, the sexists, they're getting outnumbered by people with open minds. So this world has no choice but to embrace every one else's beauty. Not just one idea of beauty. It's such a broad thing, "beauty." You can't put into just one template.Of course. That's ma goallll.Definitely to talk about it and spread the word, but also to set an example I guess. I'm not symmetrical, I'm not a size zero, I eat hella burgers and endless amounts of pizza. I can't fit into a runway sample size of designer clothes, I have scars and stretch marks and acne and I have cellulite. I'm human. Not a dress-up doll. The idea that we all have to fit one idea of beauty is outrageous and ridiculous because "perfection" is just an opinion.Double standards definitely suck, being sexualised also isn't cool. When you're in the public eye and people write stuff about you, they're usually not as lenient with judgment as they are with men. Oh, not to mention having a president that doesn't respect you because you have a vagina. Men are hella dope, I definitely don't think women are superior. We just all deserve to be treated with respect and equality. Feels me?He's hurting a lot of people but he's also waking us up so On behalf of the people that are starting a revolution, we def gotta thank him for the motivation.That's not feminism though. Feminism asks for equality, not to be superior.There are plenty of cases where anti-men people use the word feminism as an excuse to validate their own hatred, in which case I understand the negative stigma around the word. But that's like saying all Christians are KKK members. Not all members of a group are extremists ya know. Whether it be religious or political or whateversource tweet interview pics 1
Aww :')

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I know someone who insists they were both murdered due to discovering a pedophili ring. I'm just like................

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From the posts I've seen, I'm guessing they're getting at Pizzagate but who knows. Could be multiple but similar conspiracy theories floating around.

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It's more intriguing? They can't accept that sometimes people who seem okay kill themselves? I have no idea. Completely illogical.

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I've seen that on facebook so much lately. Like the fuck...?

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I wonder if that's what one of my cousins was getting at in some weird cryptic post he made last week about them on Facebook. Smh @ the weird shit people wanna make up.

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lol these conspiracies. the several discussion threads on lsa are weird and misogynistic.

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The rumors people will start after celebrity deaths are so disgusting. How hateful can you be?

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I saw a lot of those comments when Tom Delonge was talking about kidnapping in his neighbourhood. That this is some sort of widespread theory is wild to me. I also don't know what to say.

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do these people believe in pizza gate and hillary killing vince foster too?

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ikr? not only that but to suicide.. :( how does a child even process that is beyond me. this girl is an angel.

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totes

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She has her dads eyes. My heart goes out to her. For 12 years old, the amount of strength she is showing is inspiring.

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she's 12??? from her voice alone i would have thought she's several years older. damn, poor bb.

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Welp, there goes the tears. I couldn't imagine how hard that must have been.

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:( This was hard to watch without tearing up. She's a strong girl.

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<3 ilu

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TMZ is vile, they'll be tactless about anything for a profit.

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Truly. I don't know if I didn't notice just how they are because this is the first celebrity death that really fucked me up, but they've got his death certificate (I know it's public record) and shots of his funeral when all the other publications are just reposting his music and remembrances.



Reading tributes from his wife and ex wife were enough, I don't need to see more than that

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what did you think about samantha's statement btw? she was always my favourite but i was a bit weirded out tbh

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she's got a nice voice

that song always gets me in the guts

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Wasn't Chester the godfather of one of Chris' other kids? Source doesn't say, but I read that somewhere. Ugh, this is so terrible.

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Yes, he's Chris Jr.'s godfather.

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Awww. 



She has a nice singing voice, too.

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Very beautiful. And she looks so much like her dad. And I'm not crying, you're crying.

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Someone in this thread is chopping onions, I swear!

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I'm still processing this. I haven't listened to any LP since because I know it'll break me. This girl must be hurting so much. :(

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Same. It's so surreal to me still, I just can't wrap my head around him vient gone

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:( poor girl. Her father and her close uncle? Idk if I could do this performance.

Of all the things for Chris' children and Chester's children to have in common now...

This is what Chester sang at Chris' funeral. I remember because a reporter filmed part of it and LP fans were split on whether it was appropriate.



I'm going to a Chester memorial in a few days, it's so depressing.



Edited at 2017-08-04 09:26 pm (UTC)

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Jeff Buckley's version of this song is possibly the most well known and Chris was close friends with Jeff Buckley, who died of drowning in 1997(or thereabouts) - I think that's why Chester sang it at Chris's funeral, not for the specific meaning of the song, but because it meant something to Chris due to his friendship with Jeff and now Toni's singing it because it's connected to both Chris and Chester now. What a tragedy all the goddamn way around.

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She's so beautiful and courageous for this.

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This is such a bummer. >:/

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It's got 88% on Rotten Tomatoes so I'd say it's still worth seeing, just don't expect an in depth documentary or something.



But if you don't like "torture" kind of films than I'd understand why you wouldn't see it.

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The way RT scores is annoying. The review says something like "Maddeningly imperfect but still honorable," and they call it Fresh. It's lukewarm at best, and a lot of the supposedly good reviews are like that.



I just checked, and The Dark Tower is at 19. Yikes.

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If anyone is interested this was also a great review.



I left DETROIT angry & in tears. It's a soulless and brutal film that doesn't understand history. Here's my review. https://t.co/FW6MK25AzM pic.twitter.com/PXLlBVTC21  Angelica Jade (@angelicabastien) July 28, 2017

Disappointed but not surprised in the slightest, sadly. Boal was also never capable of telling this story either tbh.If anyone is interested this was also a great review.

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Thank you for this link. The review describes the film, in part, as a hollow spectacle. Having just come back from viewing, I totally agree.

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Yikes, dont read the comments

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mark boal is a very one note writer. he shouldn't have written this for many reasons.

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He really is. My interest in Bigelow's work has flagged since she started seeing herself as a "delivery system for his content".

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It's basically a horror/torture film so be prepared.



I'm not surprised, but then I had no intention of seeing the film in the first place. I'm done with Hollywood's misery porn about black people.





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Saw it today. Don't know how I feel about it, still.

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I feel like these reviews are only negative because the director is white.

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yes practically all the black reviewers who watched this film are race-mongering frauds who can't be sensible about a movie in their damn reverse-racist ways.



like you can honestly fuck off with this fox news hot take when literally any single glance at the reviews tell you that the concerns are legit + are eloquently and adequately discussed. when the only people who are praising a movie about black history and calling it "heroic" are non-black ppl then that should tell you something.



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I'm saying this because I feel she had no business directing it. It's a rough movie to sit through.

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lol you guys aren't even trying anymore

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The reviewer in question here is white too

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ya the justice department should investigate movie reviews for racism against whites too

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Katy Bigelow is woke. All her films remind you of this fact

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not forgetting the writer who is also white.

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From almost eveyr critic of color who has seen this movie they have basically described it as torture porn for white racists. Like on review said this is the type of movie the alt right lives for. I will definitely not be seeing this shit.

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I haven't seen it, it's just what the article says about it and some other reviews.

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From the article:



"This scene in the hallway is the centerpiece of the two-hour-plus film, and it is nothing short of horrifying. The residents terror is palpable, as is the cops air of utter impunity. But the impact of violence in cinema is rarely cumulative: Each successive depiction may repulse, but over time they begin to numb as well. So it is with the hallway scene. What begins as a shocking portrait of police misconduct gradually becomes a test of audience endurance."

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i'm not surprised to be honest. they should've gotten a black director and unpopular opinion but kathryn bigelow is not that great of a director, she's just okay. i didn't think hurt locker deserved that best director oscar

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That's what I mean. I feel like the reviews are luke warm or harsh because this white woman has no business doing this film. You can try and swallow this kind of torture on film if it were a black person and their point of view. But she just makes you side eye her.



Edited at 2017-08-04 11:29 pm (UTC)

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to be honest i'm just sick and tired of white people perspective. i don't care if it's a woman director and she is technically a minority. she's still white and for me that matters. if i am going to see a movie about a moment in black american history, i want to see it from the perspective of a black person. if i am going to see a movie based on chinese american experience, i want to see it from a chinese director, if i am going to see something about the indian american experience, i want an indian director and so on and so forth. and if people want to argue that a good director or writer should be able to put themselves in their characters shoes and make a good movie, to that i say white people have proven time and time again they can't do that so it's time for some fresh perspectives

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i thought the hurt locker was relentlessly boring. it had places were things seemed to be building towards something more but it went nowhere. i was honestly shocked at how much ppl praised the movie, i just don't get it.

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I'm lowkey annoyed that she's likely the most revered female director out there rn since all she does is make these super violent (read: "manly" movies) and I can't help but wonder if that's the main reason anyone takes her seriously. At least Sofia Coppola is out here trying to tell women's stories to a female audience, in a sense, you know?



but also I can't really judge how "good" Kathryn Bigelow is since her stuff is rly not my speed anyway

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yea i saw it last night and....it's a movie about black people but made for white people

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.@jemelehill, writing for The Undefeated, gives black women what 'Detroit' doesn't. Namely, a voice.https://t.co/4ZfPK06h9d  The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) August 4, 2017

Jemele Hill from ESPN wrote an article about how the movie doesn't feature black women

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They're really trying the clickbait with that photo.

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nevermind, there are a lot more reviews just like this one. well, shit. i was hoping it'd be good.



Edited at 2017-08-04 11:29 pm (UTC)

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Yeah, I was reading them last week or so and its not just black people who have a problem with it. Its poorly done. If she didn't want to step done as director she should've at least got some black writer's or black advisors.

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so what's gonna win best picture next year then? that Spielberg movie?

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The Papers? Probably.

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Get Out or Dunkirk

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I've seen both, and I loved get out. Amazing movie, it deserves all the awards

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I wish

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I'm definitely not having high expectations going into this film, but I'm glad to have read some of the critiques of it before watching. And I'm very upset at hearing of the sidelining of black women and lack of dimensions in the film.

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The Nigerian government will make illicit refineries operating in the Niger Delta legal, and will even supply them with crude oil, the presidency announced yesterday. The legalization process will take until the end of the year, and the crude they will process will be sold at a reasonable price.

The move, in stark contrast with years of forceful shutdowns of illegal refineries in the poverty-ridden Delta, follows negotiations between the federal government and local community leaders that were aimed at resolving problems, including oil theft that causes spills and losses for pipeline operators as well as lack of jobs in the area.

Oil theft is how most of these mini-refineries get the crude to process, and it has been a major headache for Nigerias oil industry. Last month, Bloombergs Paul Wallace reported that according to Wood Mackenzie estimates, almost a third of the crude that flows along pipelines in the Delta ends up in the hands of thievesthieves who often cause pipeline leaks like the one that led to the closure of the 60,000-bpd Agbada flow station in June.

The oil theft problem is not new and Abuja and oil field operators have tried different approaches to solving it. Operators, including Shell, are using surveillance helicopters, drones, and wellhead cages, Wallace reports, but according to industry sources, nothing seems to be doing the trick. Related: Qatar Dispute Back To Square One

The idea of legalizing the refineries was conceived relatively recently as an alternative to all these failed approaches. The legalization will in fact involve replacing the illicit facilities with modular refineries, two per Delta state to begin with, in the next quarter. Thats what Acting President Yemi Osinbajo told media after a meeting with community leaders.

Settling the matter with the refineries is essential for achieving some form of lasting peace with militant groups active in the Delta, who claim that their action are motivated by the unfair distribution of Nigerias oil wealth at the expense of Delta communities.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
On July 30, Venezuelas government moved forward with an internationally-criticized special assembly that will rewrite the constitution, a move widely seen as an attempt to neuter the opposition and consolidate power. As many as 12 people died in street protests and clashes with police. The vote was called a sham and a step toward dictatorship by the U.S., and it has deepened an already acute political and economic crisis for the South American nation.

The U.S. had threatened to levy penalties against the Venezuelan government in the lead up to the vote, and last week it slapped sanctions on 13 top Venezuelan officials, a move seen as a more mild option since it did not target Venezuelas oil industry.

But after proceeding with the vote, the U.S. has decided to step up the pressure. The Trump administration pushed off potentially catastrophic measures targeting Venezuelas oil sector, but only for now. The U.S. imports about 800,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Venezuelan heavy crude; cutting that off could potentially lead to full-on collapse in Venezuela and would likely also deepen the already terrible humanitarian crisis.

Venezuela produces a little under 2 mb/d, but aside from the exports to the U.S., the bulk of the remaining production is earmarked for a handful of countries for little cash or below-market prices. Venezuela has to send large volumes to China as repayment for past loans, and it also sells oil on the cheap to Cuba and other Caribbean countries as part of the increasingly irrelevant Petrocaribe program.

In other words, selling oil to the U.S. is where the Venezuelan government makes most of its money. So, putting an embargo on Venezuelan oil into the U.S. could push the country into default. The U.S. Treasury Department has considered this option, but so far it has opted not to take this route Related: Goldman: $50 Oil More Profitable Than $100 Oil

Another option under consideration would have a similar effect. The Trump administration, the WSJ reports, has been pressured by some members of Congress to bar the use of the U.S. financial system and U.S. dollars by Venezuelas state-owned oil company PDVSA. The move would be similar to what the U.S. and the international community did to pressure Iran to negotiate over its nuclear program, a campaign that led to a severe decline in Iranian oil exports. But this would also push Venezuela over the brink.

Either of these measures would also inflict damage on U.S. refiners that use heavy oil from Venezuela, and as such, it has received pushback from companies like Valero Energy, Chevron and Phillips 66, according to the WSJ. The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers sent a letter to the Trump administration warning of higher prices if sanctions targeted Venezuelan oil imports. Sanctions on Venezuelas energy sector will likely harm U.S. businesses and consumers, while failing to address the very real issues in Venezuela, the trade group wrote.

A less severe option would be to stop the sale of U.S. light oil and diluents to Venezuela. PDVSA needs lighter forms of oil to blend with its heavy crude, and has averaged 87,000 bpd of refined product imports from the U.S. this year. Reuters estimates that half of that has been naptha, which PDVSA uses to blend with its heavier oil.

Blocking U.S. refined product sales to Venezuela would force PDVSA to turn elsewhere on the international market, where prices would be higher. With limited cash, PDVSA probably would not be able to import in the same volume, which, in turn, would likely accelerate the decline of Venezuelas oil production, according to Francisco Monaldi of Rice University.

Even limited new US-imposed sanctions or discussions of broader sanctions could be a catalyst for Venezuela defaulting on its upcoming debt payments, Barclays said in a note to clients.

Due to fears of pushing Venezuela over the edge and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, the Trump administration took a more measured approach on July 31, declining to sanction Venezuelas oil sector. Instead the U.S. Treasury department announced sanctions specifically targeting President Nicolas Maduro, freezing any assets under U.S. jurisdiction. For now, the effect is unclear, although any reasonable observer would assume that the move wont do a bit to alter Maduros behavior.

At the same time, U.S. officials have said that the more severe punishment of oil-related sanctions are still on the table. Related: Russian Energy Minister: No Additional Output Cuts Are Needed

Of course, as has historically been the case, U.S. action in Latin America tends to play into the hands of strongmen, and U.S. sanctions could provide Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with a convenient enemy upon which he can lay blame. But while that could bolster Maduros political standing, albeit only modestly, it wont solve his acute financial challenges.

While the U.S. could accelerate this crisis, a major default could be coming one way or another, even without a push from Washington.

Helima Croft of RBC said that Venezuela could become the first major oil producer to fully fail. She argues that oil prices could shoot up to $70-$80 per barrel within months, as the prospect of a PDVSA default looks increasingly likely. "The national oil company owes $3.5 billion due in October-November. They are unlikely to make those payments," Croft told CNBC. "Venezuela has less than $10 billion now in reserves, and then have $5 billion in debt payments coming due this year. ... We really do think a disorderly default is on the cards for Venezuela."

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
China may soon start selling electricity to neighbor Myanmar in the latest sign that bilateral relations are thawing. China/Myanmar relations have been tense since 2011, when the Myanmar government blocked a hydropower project supported by China.

Now, Reuters reports, Chinas energy needs arent as urgent as six years ago as it shifts away from industrial production and into services, while Myanmars new leader, Aung San Suu Kyi has demonstrated she is determined to improve relations with Beijing.

The warming is in line with the One Belt, One Road initiative in China, which focuses on international investments in infrastructure projects and foreign trade. In fact, there are already three Chinese utilities that have devised plans to connect Myanmars power grid with the network in the province of Yunnan, sources told Reuters.

Yunnan generates almost all of its electricity from hydropower capacity and transmits the surplus output to eastern China as well as Laos and Vietnam. Myanmar, meanwhile, is suffering a serious electricity shortage. Only a third of the almost 55-million-strong population is connected to the grid, and blackouts in the big cities are not uncommon.

Some government officials in Myanmar, however, are showing signs of worry about Chinas growing influence in the region, which electricity exports would only strengthen. Already, they note, China has gained access to a strategic port in Myanmar.



Related: Solar And Wind Revolution Happening Much Faster Than Expected

This access is via a pipeline that will supply crude oil to Chinas Yunnan province from the port at Made Island in Myanmar. The launch of the pipeline was delayed by several years until Myanmar agreed to lower the transit fees.

Another criticism is that Myanmar has plenty of hydropower resources, and it would be smarter to develop these instead of buying electricity from China. However, the country needs energy and it needs it urgently. Developing the local hydropower resources will take time and money. For now, the government apparently believes partnering with China is the better option.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Pod-based hyper-speed travel reached a new milestone this week after the completion of the first full-scale test of Elon Musks envisioned Hyperloop in the desert of Nevada.

The 500-meter tube allowed a dedicated team to transport a levitated pod at high speeds in vacuum conditions. The magnetic levitation used to suspend the pods in mid-air is of the same variety employed in high-speed trains in Japan.

"The XP-1 performed as designed, handling high speeds and levitating in a vacuum tube depressurised to the equivalent of flying at 200,000 feet above sea level," said Hyperloop One co-founders Josh Giegel and Shervin Pishevar.

"Seeing a 28.5-foot-long and 8.9-foot-tall vehicle propel at high speeds down that track brings the vision of the Hyperloop much closer to reality."

The technology represents the future of public transportation, the two explained.

Musk originally unveiled the idea in 2013, but later open-sourced the technology to allow other companies to pursue the concept. Hyperloop One is one of the many companies competing to make tube travel a reality.

Dezeen reports that Hyperloop One is developing a tube that will connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a 12-minute commute. Elsewhere in South Korea, competitor Hyperloop Transportation Technologies struck a deal for a similar project.



Related: Solar And Wind Revolution Happening Much Faster Than Expected

In the United States, Musk envisioned a tube connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles. A hypothetical calculation of the costs involved in constructing the system portrays the project as a cost-effective competitor to the states pricey bullet train endeavor.

Roughly $1.3 billion for pylons, $3.8 billion for tube, and $300 million for pods gives a total cost of about $5.4 billion or about $14 million per mile. This compares to a cost per mile for interstate highway of $10 million or more in urban areas and nearly $20 million per mile for highway in California.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

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Nigerian company Forte Oil announced on Friday that it was in talks with one of the countrys major refineries to enhance the African nations low post-production processing capabilities, according to a new report by Reuters.

We are aggressively pursuing M&A opportunities along the energy value chain, Forte CEO Akin Akinfemiwa said in a meeting with investors. The firm is also in the process of acquiring small oilfields to increase its total production rate.

By 2019, Nigeria plans to process in-country all fuel that is needed for domestic consumption.

Despite being Africas largest crude oil producer, Nigerian refining capacity is low, which has forced the government to spend foreign currency reserves on purchases of refined oil goods. Building new refineries within the countrys borders would allow Lagos to revitalize aging oil facilities while preserving foreign currency resources.

Nigerias oil industry and economy suffered in 2016, not only from the low oil prices, but also from persistent militant attacks on oil infrastructure that have crippled crude oil production. The sabotages reduced Nigerias output from more than 2 million bpd at its highest point in 2015 to 1.4 million bpd last summer, the lowest production level in 30 years. The militant groups have slowed attacks in recent months, allowing output to recover marginally.



Related: Is Russia Poised To Own A Stake In U.S. Oil?

Due to the domestic strife, Nigeria was exempt from the OPEC production-cut deal, but since the cartel struck the agreement at end-November, Nigeria has been gradually lifting output, possibly undermining efforts by fellow OPEC members who are trying to keep supplies low. During the OPEC summit in May, the blocs members agreed to extend the cuts, while allowing both Nigeria and Libya to continue their exempt status through March 2018.

Recently tough, Abuja announced that it would cap output at 1.8 million barrels per day once production reaches that level later this year.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

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Court declined PML-N request of sending Imran Khan funding case to ECP

ISLAMABAD: During the hearing of foreign funding case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PNL-N) senior lawyer Akram Sheikh requested the Supreme Court to send the matter unconditionally to the Election Commission of Pakistan for examination.



Arguing before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, Justice Umar Ata Bandial and Justice Faisal Arab, which is seized with a petition filed by PML-Ns Hanif Abbasi seeking disqualification of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Secretary General Jahangir Tareen for non-disclosure of assets, ownership of offshore companies, and PTI being a foreign-aided party, Akram Sheikh requested the court to also set a timeframe for the ECP to decide the matter of receiving foreign funding from prohibited sources.



However, the court declined to entertain the request. Justice Bandial made it clear that the receipt of prohibited funds has to be established first.



Akram Sheikh said although the apex court hears and decides hundreds of cases daily, however it was a very important case involving a political party. He pleaded the court to determine a policy with regard to receiving of foreign funding by the political parties.



He said in Benazir Bhutto case, an 11-judge bench of the apex court had ruled that every political party was bound to get its accounts audited by a well-reputed chartered accountancy firm.



To a court query, he said the membership fee of PTI is Rs 19,000 and in 2013, the party received over Rs 405 million. He said it seemed that in the end the court will give a certificate to the PTI that it did not receive even a penny from prohibited sources. To a query that whether PML-N compiles the statement of its accounts, Sheikh said he could inform the court only after asking his client.



The counsel for ECP stated that the apex court could directly hand down a decision if it is proved that a political party was working against the ideology of Islam or Pakistan.



To a court query, Akram Sheikh submitted that Imran Khan has admitted ownership of London flat. He said, in fact, Imran Khan was the beneficial owner of Niazi Services Limited (NSL) and not the London flat.



The chief justice then noted that Imran Khan was not the shareholder of NSL. He said Imran Khan was neither director of NSL nor affiliated with its administrative affairs.



He said the court wants to know who was the real owner of NSL. Justice Bandial noted that the ownership is determined on the basis of assets. The chief justice said that black law dictionary defines the ownership.



Sheikh said that London flat of Imran Khan was sold in 2003 at 6, 90, 000 pounds and the whole amount was transferred in the account of NSL. He said Imram Khan did not declare an amount of 1, 27, 000 pounds in his affidavit. He said Imran Khan also received 208, 000 pounds as rent of London flat.



He said that NSL was made abroad, however it got benefit from an amnesty scheme which was meant only for Pakistan. He said Imran Khan was no more 'sadiq and ameen' after concealing assets. To a court query, Sheikh said NSL existed from 1983 to 2015, whereas the details of accounts of the company were given for only two years.



"If failure to declare a loan as an asset could lead to the application of Article 62 of the constitution", Justice Faisal Arab asked when Sheikh said that Imran Khan should be disqualified for not declaring a loan that he received from his former wife, Jemima, as an asset.



In response to judge's remark, Sheikh said the Supreme Court had disqualified former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for not declaring a salary that he could have received from his son's company.



Justice Bandial, however, maintained that since the Panama Papers case was related to the Sharif family's assets, the comparison was invalid. He also suggested Sheikh to read the verdict before commenting on it.



Sheikh said it is extremely necessary to probe the source of PTI's funds. When Sheikh started arguments over the money trail of Imran's properties, the chief justice said that Imran Khan declared his Bani Gala property in his nomination papers for 2002 elections. It would have to be proved from the bank records that the money was brought from abroad, the chief justice said, adding that it is also necessary to prove the loan.












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OTAN = Asesinos



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Mas temprano que tarde los derrotaremos



Hipocresia 3.0



El principe Carlos habla sobre el alto costo de la vida Es un chiste?



Las verdades son simples



Opinar es un peligro



Ejemplo de dignidad



El Nuevo Orden Mundial



Historica foto para el record Guinness







Se pegaron un tiro en el pie



Si palabras



Ya no enganan a nadie



No hacen falta palabras







Lo volvio a hacer



Capitalismo=embuste



Historico Bitcoin



La bateria mas grande de Holanda



El futuro es solar



Nec plus ultra, nec variatur



Fisica y culturalmente



Jamas nos callaran



Sin ellas, no seremos



Deja vu



Nada que celebrar



Hasta cuando?



Colombia Hoy



Para nunca olvidar



'Parasite' painted on a statue of Queen, Elizabeth in Kent, England



Sin palabras



La UE le apunta a la paz



Cada vez mas solo



LULA y su Pueblo



Bye Bye



Homenaje al genial Quino



Fueron ellos



Una imagen que resume



Tan bajo ha caido que se deja tocar el trasero?



Porky y el Nene (archiconocido narcotraficante)



Ladrones al poder



Asi mira el perrito a su amo



Crazy



Clamor popular



La nueva inquisicion



Bolivia



Chile Hoy



Eso es todo amigos!



Piensalo!



Pinerachet



No More Trump



Adios Macri, hasta nunca



La Marioneta se desinfla



Asi o mas cinico



Almugre



Mexico en 1794



Mas arrastrado imposible



Hasta cuando!



La pura verdad



Solidaridad con Palestina



Serie Capitalismo



Espejismos de la clase trabajadora



Asi es!



Comerciantes o delincuentes



No pasaran!



Asi es la vida



USA HOY



01/01/1959



La avaricia no tiene limites



AYUDA HUMANITARIA?



Chile Hoy



Asi son las cosas



Mapa Electoral de Venezuela



Patagonia argentina?



Un aniversario mas del mayor genocidio de la Humanidad



Retrato del franquismo en Espana



Visca Catalunya!



El Chulo de Madrid



Cuando la policia se roba la democracia



Una imagen dice mas que mil palabras



La purita verdad



Asi gobierna la maldita burguesia



Mi pobre clase media



Como Chavez nadie



Comparte La Colmena via twitter Twittear

Programa de la MUD



Asi o mas clarito



Por que Trump no ataco Corea del Norte?



Hace 15 anos Por que la OEA no se pronuncio?



Una verguenza nacional



La luz que nos guia



La Union Europea Premio Nobel de la Paz?



Feudalismo ayer y hoy



Obama, el mentiroso



Curiosa coincidencia



Un mundo de cerdos



No es extrano?



La Marioneta



Los ricos protestan, los pobres celebran



MARICORI Y OBAMA



Cuantas muertes este ano?



USA TODAY



USA HOY 6



USA HOY 5



USA HOY 4



USA HOY 3



USA HOY 2



USA HOY (1)



Insaciable



Cronologia de un agresor



Guarimbear en USA



Mexico hoy



Bolivar y Chavez



Primero Amargado



Dios los cria y ellos se juntan



USA hoy (III)



USA hoy (II)



USA hoy



Mexico hoy



Mexico hoy



Mexico hoy



Obama



La verdad sea dicha



Los ricos



Que no nos vea Obama



Pobre Obama



SOS PALESTINA



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Chavez Cuanto te queremos!



Por culpa de Chavez



Cerveza Polar







Algun dia Colombia volvera a la ideologia de Bolivar







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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!


Interested in firewood for the Italian market my name is Luigi Di Santo

I'm agent for the sales of firewood beech, hornebeam and oak for all italian territory.
View a PDF of the letter here >>

The Honorable James Mattis

Secretary of Defense

Department of Defense

1000 Defense Pentagon

Washington, D.C. 22202

The Honorable Mike Pompeo

Director, Central Intelligence Agency

Office of the Director

Washington, D.C. 20505

The Honorable Andrew McCabe

Acting Director

Federal Bureau of Investigation

FBI Headquarters

935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20535-0001

VIA EMAIL AND REGULAR MAIL

Re: US Cooperation with Abusive Allied Forces in Yemen

Dear Secretary Mattis, Director Pompeo, and Acting Director McCabe:

We, the undersigned human rights, civil liberties, and religious organizations, write to urge you to make public to the fullest extent possible without disclosing sources and methods, any reviews conducted by your agencies into allegations that US-allied forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and UAE-backed Yemeni forces have been responsible for serious abuses in Yemen. These include arbitrary detentions, torture, mistreatment, enforced disappearances, and unlawful prisoner transfers. We also ask that your agencies publicly disclose any actions the United States has taken with respect to any UAE or Yemeni forces implicated in serious abuses. For the Defense Department, this would include, but not be limited to, actions with respect to enforcement of the Leahy law.

We understand that Secretary Mattis has responded in classified form to a letter sent by the Chair and Ranking members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that requested the Secretary to direct an immediate review of the facts and circumstances surrounding these allegations. Disclosing the material contents of this response  including whether the Defense Department has initiated or completed such a review  would help assure the public that the United States is appropriately responding to the allegations.

We are unaware of any similar review being conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or other US government agencies. It is important that these agencies, and possibly others, conduct reviews as well given that the U.S. military denied involvement in some alleged interrogations in which detainees said U.S. personnel were involved. In particular, the Associated Press (AP) reported that some prisoners were transferred to a ship where US polygraph experts and psychological experts conducted interrogations. A CIA spokesman provided no comment on the specific claims. The allegations of abuse also involve the possible unlawful transfer of prisoners by US allied forces, which the CIA has been involved with in the past, including with the UAE.

The AP report included statements by U.S. Defense Department officials saying that the United States conducts interrogations in detention facilities in Yemen, provides questions to the Emirati forces holding detainees, and receives transcripts of their interrogations in response. The AP article and a subsequent one also alleged that the United States provides information to the UAE on suspected militants that the United States believes should be apprehended or questioned. A Yemeni brigadier general told the AP that the United States provided coalition authorities a list of most-wanted men, many of whom were later arrested.

We are concerned by comments from several U.S. defense officials and military leaders that they had looked into allegations of abuse by UAE and Yemeni forces but were confident no abuses had taken place when US forces [were] present. Under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which the United States is a party, authorities receiving intelligence information that may have been obtained by torture or ill-treatment have a responsibility to make genuine inquiries with the sending country to determine whether torture was used to obtain it, and whether any actions were taken to appropriately punish those responsible. Willfully making use of information obtained through coercive means may amount to complicity in torture or ill-treatment.

The United States should also inquire into and report on credible allegations from family members of detainees and Yemeni government officials that some prisoners had been transferred from UAE or Yemeni custody to a UAE-run military base in Eritrea without a fair means to contest the transfer.



The United States doubtless recognizes that continued cooperation with forces engaged in serious abuses places U.S. personnel at risk of being complicit in violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. We hope this brings a sense of urgency to U.S. investigations into the alleged abuses and the prompt implementation of necessary corrective action. The aim should be the elimination of arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, and enforced disappearances, among other abuses. Until the risk of such abuses is substantially reduced, the United States should not receive information from such forces unless it can be demonstrated that the information was not obtained through torture or ill treatment.

The US should also press the UAE and other forces implicated to make publicly available a list of all detention sites and provide information on all those in custody or who died in detention. These forces should fully cooperate with the committee established by Yemeni President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi on June 22, 2017 to investigate the abuses. The committee should be able to operate independently with access to all detention facilities, and exchange information with nongovernmental organizations.

We appreciate the Defense Departments prompt response to the letter from the Senate Armed Services Committee. However, we strongly believe the public needs more information to assess the U.S. governments response to this urgent issue, which has implications for US military operations beyond the situation in Yemen.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

American Civil Liberties Union

Amnesty International USA

Center for Victims of Torture

Human Rights First

Human Rights Watch

National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Physicians for Human Rights

The Constitution Project

Win Without War

cc: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Chair and Ranking Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, House Armed Services Committee, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Senate Judiciary Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster.
Several local schools did well in the Albany Business Reviews annual Schools Report.

Of the 84 school districts studied, Bolton was the highest ranked locally in seventh place. This is an increase from its 2016 rank of 12th.

The ranking is calculated using state Education Department data including a districts test scores in language and reading, social studies, science, math and graduation rates.

Bolton students ranked seventh in English and fourth in math. The district has about 200 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade.

District officials said in a statement on their website that they are very pleased with the ranking

These accolades truly endorse our schools mission, We strive for academic excellence and remarkable experiences in a supportive community, which will exceed all expectations. We are proud of the achievements of our students and look forward to sharing their bright future with our community.

Local schools that were in the top 25 included Saratoga Springs in ninth; Greenwich in 14th, Queensbury, 16th; Lake George, 18th; Schuylerville, 23rd; and Cambridge, 24th.

Queensbury dropped slightly from its 13th place finish last year and Lake George was 10th in 2016.

Other districts saw their ranking increase. Johnsburg went from 44th place last year to 28th this year. North Warren went from 37th to 30th. Fort Ann increased from 52nd to 33th and Glens Falls City School District increased from 38th to 35th.

Rounding out the top 50 was Hadley-Luzerne in 37th; Salem in 40th; South Glens Falls at 41st and Argyle in 50th.

Some schools in this area did rank in the bottom 10 of the percentage of high school graduates heading immediately to a four-year or a two-year college.

Only about 72 percent of Corinth graduates went to college. The percentages were about 71 percent for Johnsburg; 68 percent for Argyle; 67 percent for Hadley-Luzerne; 66 for Cambridge; 63 percent for Hudson Falls and 61 percent for Hartford.
QUEENSBURY  A New York City man who was part of a group that used counterfeit money to buy lingerie pleaded guilty Wednesday to a felony charge.

Yves Gala, 19, of Manhattan, pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument in Warren County Court. The charge stemmed from a May 2016 arrest for using fake $100 bills at the Victoria's Secret store in Aviation Mall.

Gala faces up to 4 years in state prison when sentenced next month, but could avoid a jail term with probation.

Two other suspects from New York City were arrested, and status of charges against them was unclear Friday.
The boating safety posters that feature Charlotte McCue jumping off her grandparents boathouse have all been snapped up, but the volunteer group that helped create them has gotten funding to print more.

The Warren County Board of Supervisors agreed to put $1,000 toward the safety effort that resulted in the posters, which show the 8-year-old who was killed in a boat crash last summer, enjoying the lake that she loved.

They are very happy Charlotte is being honored this way, Glens Falls Third Ward Supervisor Claudia Braymer, who has helped organize the boating safety effort, said of McCues family. Its a photo they gave us to be part of this program. It makes them happy to see her doing something she loved doing.

The posters are really emotional, they are really powerful, Braymer said.

The Lake George Chamber of Commerce and Warren County office of the state Department of Motor Vehicles have given out all of the posters they received in recent weeks.

 Don Lehman

Insurance change

Warren County leaders took the next step this week to moving toward a self-insurance plan for health insurance, and supervisors wanted county workers to know that they wont notice a change in coverage.

Instead of an insurance company backing the plan, the countys assets and worker premium payments provide the funding. The county believes the move will save several hundred thousand dollars a year.

Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Matt Sokol, who is chairman of the Board of Supervisors Finance Committee, said some county workers have expressed reservations about the switch. But he said they should know that their coverage will not change.

 Don Lehman

Sixty banners up

Phoenix Rising Hudson Falls has sold all 60 planned banners to commemorate veterans from Hudson Falls and Kingsbury. Through volunteer efforts, they have been hung on lightposts in the village and town.

Organizer Bill Nikas said last week there are plans to find other ways to honor local veterans. The group is working on an overlook on the Hudson River, as well.

 Bill Toscano

Impressing the chief

As a fire chief in Granville, Ryan Pedone is interested in his members, both in the fire service, and outside of it.

As a Granville High School graduate, he was especially interested at the end of last month when four of his firefighters graduated from the school. Alec Dekalb and Nate Dekalb graduated, having already passed their Firefighter I certification. Natasha Cooper, another department member, also graduated, and the fourth graduate was a special one.

Walter Hughes, who is 72 and is the department safety officer, received his diploma as part of a special state program. Hughes, known locally as Buddy, was drafted for the Vietnam War and served, but did not get his diploma until this years graduation.

 Bill Toscano
QUEENSBURY  The Hadley man who faces charges for allegedly sending an inactive grenade to a judge included a letter with the grenade that shows he was upset police did not act on tips he gave them about people he claimed killed his relatives.

Joseph A. Schutta allegedly included a list of 10 people from the Lake Luzerne area, Staten Island and Toms River, New Jersey who he said the police should investigate, calling them scumbags in the letter.

The letter, a copy of which was filed in Warren County Court, included numerous threats to kill police, and also included a number of other unusual items.

We dont forgive. We dont forget. We warned you, the letter reads. We asked for your help. You played the mafia. Now you die.

The letter writer lists 10 names and addresses of people described as suspects, but does not elaborate on what they are suspected of doing.

We are going to kill these suspects after we kill the law, the letter reads.

The court file also includes prior correspondence from Schutta that had been received by the Warren County Sheriffs Office in 2015, that shows he was upset about perceived threats or crimes at that point.

The letters were written on Saratoga County Jail inmate request forms and mailed to specific Warren County Jail administrators.

Schutta has been in and out of local jails over the years, with two prior felony convictions and numerous misdemeanors.

The letters are hard to follow, and refer to at least one person allegedly being poisoned in Corinth. But Schutta writes in one, they killed my mother, my wife ... they tried to kill my 10-year-old son.

It was those 2015 writings that led police to Schutta when the grenade was discovered in a package in a mailbox outside Warren County Municipal Center on July 27. The package was addressed to Warren County Judge John Hall, who sentenced Schutta to jail in 2005, with a return address of Kate Hogan at the Warren County District Attorneys Office.

It did not go through the mail, but when the Postal Service employee who emptied the mailbox that morning spotted it, he found it suspicious and had court security officers X-ray it. The outline of a grenade was evident.

In the package with the grenade were the covers for three VHS movies  Grizzly Mountain, Goodfellas and A Bronx Tale. The contents of the package were being analyzed for DNA and fingerprint evidence.

When sheriffs officers went to his Old Corinth Road home to question him after discovery of the grenade, court records show Schutta told them, I didnt go anywhere near that place. I dont know what you are talking about. I didnt put anything in that mailbox.

Im being set up, he added.

Schutta is being held in Warren County Jail for lack of bail on a three-count felony indictment that includes counts of crime of terrorism, placing a false bomb or hazardous substance and making a terroristic threat. He has pleaded not guilty.
FORT EDWARD  The Fort Edward woman who critically injured her 4-year-old stepdaughter last fall had nothing to say Friday as a judge sentenced her to a 13-year prison sentence for the brutal attack.

Marissa T. Bickford-Rice, 23, will have to serve more than 11 years of the sentence before she becomes eligible for parole, and will have to spend 3 years on parole after her release. She offered no apology or statement when given the opportunity Friday.

Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan imposed the prison term after hearing from victim Kaiden Starr Rices grandmother, who gave a heartwrenching victims impact statement about the life-long impact the injuries will have.

Grandmother Tammie Freitas told McKeighan she suspected Bickford-Rice had been abusing Kaiden for years before the severe assault last Sept. 21 in the familys Fort Edward home. Kaiden would cry when she would be brought back to the home after visitation with other family members, and had unexplained bruises.

When I would bring her back to her dads. she would cry hysterically and say She hits me on the floor, Freitas said.

She said she contacted child protective services about the injuries, but it was unclear what became of those complaints.

Kaiden has had to learn to walk, talk and eat all over again, has no use of her right arm, and cant ride a bicycle or do other things that children her age do, her grandmother said. Her hair has not grown back in places after her skull surgeries.

McKeighan called Bickford-Rices actions in hurting the child horrific and incomprehensible, and said she shouldnt even be trusted with a pet, let alone a child.

You should never, ever be allowed to be around a child again, the judge said.

Police said Kaiden nearly died after she suffered a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury that led to a stroke, and authorities initially feared she may not survive the attack.

Kaiden did not remember the assault, but Bickford-Rice told police she slammed the childs head against the Lower Wright Street homes kitchen floor. Special prosecutor Christina Tremante-Pelham said that explanation, and many different versions she gave, did not match the medical evidence, however.

Bickford-Rice was pregnant at the time of her arrest, and later gave birth to a son when incarcerated. The babys father, who is also Kaidens father, was awarded custody of the child.

Bickford-Rice initially turned down a plea deal offer last fall that included a 7-year prison sentence. But a special prosecutor was later appointed, and after further investigation into the childs injuries, the proposed sentence was increased.

McKeighan issued an order of protection that bars Bickford-Rice from contacting Kaiden for 24 years.
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Being the company CEO can be a lonely position, especially when a dilemma the company has never seen arises and demands a new solution.

It's a position Nick Leonard knows well. The president of The Horizon Group, a north Davenport cabinet manufacturer, has led the company for half of its 30-year history. During his tenure, the company became employee-owned, expanded its manufacturing shop, entered the Chicago market, and rode out the 2008 recession's downturn in construction. A custom builder of cabinets and casework for commercial clients, he said on a tour last week that the 50-person operation has returned to its pre-recession staffing level.

"When you're a president, CEO or leader  whether it's a big or small company  you always run into situation you haven't faced before," he said.

It can be insulating, said Leonard, who began with the company as a production manager. "A lot of situations something land on your desk and (you think) 'Wow, what am I going to do here?' You don't have a CEO next door you can ask 'What are we going to do here?'"

That is where Advance Iowa, a state-funded program located at the University of Northern Iowa, is stepping in to assist company leaders across eastern and central Iowa. Among its menu of education and consulting assistance is new Peer CEO Groups. The program is designed for mid-sized, second-stage businesses that employ between 10 and 100 workers. The groups, which hold private monthly roundtables, are designed to unite CEOs to discuss pressing issues and concerns and, more importantly, offer solutions.

Mark Hermann, of Bettendorf, leads two of the state's three Peer CEO Groups, one located in Dubuque and the latest group, located in Davenport. A third roundtable meets with business leaders in Cedar Falls.

"What we hope they are getting is a better insight into managing their businesses in a way that saves them time, which we all know is money," said Hermann, a consultant and facilitator with Advance Iowa. A retired risk manager and a former business owner, he wishes that he had such a resource back when in his early days of business ownership.

"There are a lot of issues for them that they face as CEOs and owners happening every day," said Hermann, who is CEO of his own company, Risk & Consulting Services, Bettendorf. "It's hard for them to seek input."

How it works

Each Peer Group involves about 12 CEOs, who are recruited and commit to the one-year program. The leaders agree to meet once a month for a 3-hour session in which they discuss topics based on issues encountered in their workplaces.

Hermann said the key to its success is that all the discussions are confidential, and every member discusses their experience with the topic and offer solutions. "Our groups are confidential and members sign a confidentiality policy or they leave the group," said Hermann, who facilitates each meeting with a structured agenda.

The CEO who is facing the topic is then asked to return to work and implement some of the solutions discussed and "comes back and reports on it."

In addition to the CEO roundtables, he said Advance Iowa's role is to provide education, resources and consultancy for Iowa's mid-sized businesses, "which are our bread and butter."

Hermann said the state of Iowa launched Advance Iowa as a pilot in 2012 realizing the gap of resources for its second-stage businesses. "There's so much out there for new business startups."

Advance Iowa since has worked with hundreds of Iowa-based companies that are in need of strategic planning, growth management, succession planning or even exit planning.

The 'right mix'

As part of Hermann's job, he actively recruited the Iowa Quad-City CEOs for the program, which began five months ago. "The goal is not just to get 12 company CEOs, but the right mix," he said.

Most participants in the Quad-City group are companies with 25 to 55 employees, but represent a wide variety of business and industry. Additionally, each CEO brings varying levels of leadership experience. That variety, he said, enables all the participants to learn from one another.

Discussion topics, which the group decides on at each meeting, have ranged from teamwork to cash flow, taxes, staffing, sales, marketing, growth, turnover, real estate and banking.

"On any of those issues, you don't know where the discussion is going to go,'' Hermann said.

As part of his facilitator education with Advance Iowa, Hermann received training from the Ed Lowe Foundation.

Wider reach

Leonard, like many CEOs, has plenty of responsibilities just running The Horizon Group, which made him skeptical about joining and committing the time. "I was pretty hesitant because I've been in roundtable settings like that and found them to be more social and networking-based."

But after five months meeting with the small group of other CEOs, he is impressed by the meeting structure and the advice and experiences each bring to the table. "It stays on point," he said of the strict agenda each meeting follows. "It's a good tool for being able to use my experience for people going through something for the first time and vice versa."

Asked how the experience is helping him run his business better, Leonard said, "I'm taking the information I'm hearing from people at those meetings and trying to consider how it could be implemented in our environment. I've certainly gained from it."

Located in the heart of an industrial park on West 76th Street, The Horizon Group designs and build custom cabinetry, reception desks and casework for a variety of commercial buildings, including offices, medical facilities, banking facilities and schools. "Most people don't know these are made here because we work directly with general contractors," Leonard said.

Still, his company facing many of the same issues as his peers. In fact, he attributes the Peer Group feedback with helping The Horizon Group alter how it recruits young workers and structures the job positions they fill.

Overseeing a 32-year-old company, Leonard also believes he has helped others. "I'm able to share with (other CEOs) what we've done to get through the growing pains."
With roots that run deep and stretch through eastern Iowa, 7G Distributing LLC broke ground on a new beer distribution facility Friday for its Davenport operations.

High winds swept the construction site as 7G representatives and invited leaders held a ceremonial ground-breaking with one of 7G's recognizable red Budweiser delivery trucks as a backdrop.

Mason Lee, operations vice president, told the audience of Davenport employees, guests and politicians that if they drink Budweiser, Corona and many craft beers "it comes through our warehouse."

The new 110,000-square-foot office and warehouse will replace the existing operation nearby on Northwest Boulevard. The 14.6-acre development will house a warehouse and connected two-story office building. The project, which will be a $12 million to $14 million investment, is the latest project for Eastern Iowa Industrial Center off Interstate 80, where Heinz Kraft and Sterilite are building new facilities.

"It will handle 2 million cases of beer a year,'' said Lee, a third generation in the family-owned distributor, headquartered in Cedar Rapids. He said the 65 Davenport employees, who include sales and marketing, warehouse and delivery staff, will now have a facility 2.5 times the size of the current warehouse. "We're very, very cramped there. Beer is on top of beer and people are on top of people."

Ron Kirchhoff, who owns 7G with co-partner Joe Lee, said the company is shy of $100 million in sales annually. But without any sizeable population growth, sales are expected to be stable.

Most of 7G's growth has been in the increased variety of beers it now distributes, including new craft beers. In the Quad-Cities, 7G distributes for Great River, Bent River and Green Tree breweries.

The Davenport center serves 600 customers in Scott, Cedar and Muscatine counties and will add Clinton County to its territory. With its other operations in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque, 7G sells and delivers Anheuser Busch, Corona and regional and Iowa craft beers across a total of 14 eastern Iowa counties. It has a fleet of 35 trucks and a total of 212 employees.

The building's architect is HDA Architects of St. Louis, which specializes in beverage distribution facilities. The general contractor is Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson, which will employ local contractors on the construction site.

Thanking Bill Wallace, Vanguard's last owner, who was in the audience on Friday, Kirchhoff recalled Wallace's concern that 7G "maintain a presence in this community," including with his employees. "Bill, hats off to you. We're continuing on the legacy you've done so well down here," he said.
Brandon Ketchum's treatment by the VA in Iowa City included "shortcomings" that may or may not have contributed to his death by suicide, according to a report released Thursday.

The Office of Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA OIG, has been reviewing Brandon's treatment for a year. The thrice-deployed Davenport veteran died July 8, 2016, just hours after being told the psychiatric unit at the VA hospital in Iowa City was full.

Several members of Congress demanded an inquiry, including Iowa U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, Republicans, and U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, a Democrat.

The OIG's office concluded that it is "difficult to determine" to what extent, if any, "shortcomings" in Brandon's treatment at the VA contributed to his death.

Members of his family asked Thursday for time to absorb the contents of the report before commenting on it.

The report listed several process recommendations, based on the shortcomings identified during the year-long review. Specifically, the OIG recommended the VA more closely follow policies, regarding follow-ups when veterans fail to show up for appointments; updating mental-health treatment plans; and making sure a coordinator is assigned to every veteran in treatment.

Additionally, the report indicated that the psychiatrist who last saw Brandon did not have a complete picture of his mental-health status at the time, because Brandon walked out of the appointment.

"The patients final appointment with his psychiatrist was the day prior to his death, during which he reported experiencing a recurrence of certain MH (mental health) issues and requested inpatient admission," the report states. "The psychiatrist documented that the patient denied other active problems in need of attention. The psychiatrist told the patient the inpatient unit was full and that he would 'probably not' be admitted, as his treatment could be started on an outpatient basis.

"Though not documented, the psychiatrist told us the patient declined his offer to remain in the outpatient MH (mental health) clinic while receiving treatment for his reported MH issue. Documentation in the EHR (electronic health records) shows that the psychiatrist inquired about the patients finances and his caregiver girlfriends request that he have a VA (Veterans Affairs) payee, asking the patient for his thoughts on the matter.

"The patient responded, saying 'My thoughts about it dont matter. They are going to do what they want to do. They wont let me come in the hospital to get help, but theyll take my money.'

"The psychiatrist documented that the patient then 'abruptly' left the appointment prior to completing the full session, and that the psychiatrist followed him to his car in an effort to re-engage him in care. The psychiatrist noted in the EHR (electronic health records) that the appointment lasted only a few minutes. He also documented 'I dont find an indication for hospitalization, though I was not able to make a complete suicide risk assessment due to veteran leaving the appt [sic] prematurely.'

"The psychiatrist documented, and phone records confirm, his two attempts to reach the patient by phone later that day and once the afternoon of the following day."

By then, Brandon was gone. His girlfriend, Kristine Nichols, discovered his body in the bedroom of his home on the morning of July 8.

The OIG concluded that the psychiatrist who last saw Brandon followed VA policy, adding that missing information from outside sources abbreviated the doctor's ability to fully evaluate him.

"We found that the patient requested inpatient MH admission the day prior to his death and was not admitted," the report states. "The psychiatrists decision not to admit the patient was within acceptable practice based on the information available to him at the time.

"However, if the admitting psychiatrist had been aware of the extent of the patients psychosocial struggles, as discussed later in this report, the psychiatrist may have decided to admit the patient. Moreover, the psychiatrist made a good faith effort to re-engage the patient after he abruptly left the session."

Information that was not supplied to the doctor included details of struggles Brandon was experiencing in personal relationships and indications others had that he was considering suicide.

The report also details Brandon's several-year history with mental-health treatment through the VA, including at least three previous suicide attempts. He was diagnosed with PTSD prior to his third deployment, and he "likely" suffered a traumatic brain injury during his last deployment. He had multiple hospital admissions and experience with residential treatment.

Brandon was "flagged" several times for being at high risk for suicide. He once was accused of making threats to the VA and was picked up by police and admitted to residential treatment, according to the report.

While his interactions with the VA were ongoing and widespread, documentation of his treatment was lacking. Specifically, the OIG pointed to several issues the VA has since agreed to correct:

 From 2013 to 2015, Brandon had four separate treatment plans, "... however, those plans were not updated following a number of significant events."

 Protocol was not followed when Brandon missed scheduled appointments. Policy requires VA staff to make and document three follow-up calls when veterans miss appointments.

 The VA system failed to assign Brandon a mental-health treatment coordinator after he switched treatment locations. Coordinators are critical in the treatment process, according to the report.

The report also elaborated on specific "shortcomings," including:

"Another note from a counseling session after the patient reported depression indicates that the patient 'was agreeable to seeking VHA (Veterans Health Administration) support and preventing things from becoming worse' and that the patient agreed to speak with his psychiatrist regarding medications to help treat depression. Other than having the psychiatrist co-sign the note and noting an appointment over a month away, the EHR (electronic health record) does not contain documentation of plans to ensure the patient connected with his psychiatrist to address his depression.

"Several days later, during a nurses visit to the patients home, the patient shared that he was 'not in a good place.' Despite repeated expressions of despair to individual clinicians, the treatment team was not brought together to discuss the patient and/or update his treatment plan."

In the end, his doctor categorized part of the problem with Brandon's treatment was the difficulty in getting to the bottom of his symptoms.

"About a month prior to his death, the patient reported an exacerbation of depression and told his psychologist, 'I havent felt this depressed in a couple of years,'" according to the report. "His psychiatrist explained that in complex cases such as this, it is difficult to sort out depression versus symptoms of PTSD. The psychiatrist stated his intention to address the patients depression if the truncated final appointment had continued."

On Thursday afternoon, Grassley, Ernst and Loebsack, along with Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., responded to the report in a joint statement:

This case is a tragic example of why we must do better for our veterans. It also illustrates the importance of having independent watchdogs at federal agencies. Inspectors general review agency work and point out problems that need to be fixed and ensure that policies and procedures in place are adequate.

"In this case, the inspector general report made four recommendations (including a post-suicide review recommendation) to improve mental health treatment for veterans going forward, but could not determine if these shortcomings impacted Brandons care. With an average of 20 veterans committing suicide a day, the VA must do everything in its power to extend help before it is too late.

"When it comes to caring for these brave men and women, there is no room for error. We expect the VA to implement the recommendations thoroughly and carefully, and we intend to make sure the VA does so."

The director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System, Judy Johnson-Mekota, offered assurances she is taking the OIG recommendations seriously.

On behalf of the Iowa City VA, I want to express my sympathy and condolences for the family of Mr. Ketchum," she said in a statement Thursday. "My thoughts are with them today. I am committed to always strengthening our suicide prevention program, and recommendations such as this OIG report only help us to improve in those efforts. As a health care system we are committed to continuous improvement as part of our daily work, and we welcome the opportunity to better serve our Veteran patients and their families.

In Brandon's final Facebook post, just hours before he died, he clearly didn't think the VA was interested in serving him.

"They gave up on me, so why shouldn't I give up on myself?" he wrote. "Right now, that is the only viable option given my circumstances and frame of mind."

That tormented frame of mind led those who love Brandon to write in his obituary that he "lost his battle with PTSD."

His brother, Brad Ketchum, also a combat veteran, lamented in the weeks following his death, "Maybe they could have saved him this time. But what about next time?"

Brandon's family and close friends knew as well as the VA that he had been existing on an emotional battlefield for several years. Victories were followed by defeat. And the cycle repeated.

Neither the VA nor anyone else could save Brandon, ultimately. And we'll never know whether those procedural shortcomings contributed to his death.

But we do know that his death now has contributed to progress in the system that is charged with helping veterans like him. I'm told Brandon would like that.
A trial slated to begin Monday for a woman charged in the April 2016 death of Jescie J. Armstrong in Rock Island has been delayed until Oct. 16.

Nate Nieman, one of the attorneys for Chelsea M. Raker, wrote in a motion filed Friday morning that the defense was notified Thursday that her co-defendant, Kire G. Carr, 19, has agreed to testify against her and has accepted a plea deal to do so.

He further wrote that Carr was brought into court that same day and stated that he will testify consistently with what he told law enforcement after being arrested.

This was sprung on defense counsel at the 11th hour, after the trial setting had been continued (previously) by the State so that it could be better prepared for trial, Nieman wrote in the motion.

Rock Island County States Attorney John McGehee confirmed Friday that Carr has agreed to testify against Raker and that he will plead guilty to felony murder in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence.

Carr would have to serve 100 percent of the sentence, McGehee added. No plea hearing has been scheduled as of Friday afternoon. A status hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31, according to court records.

Under Illinois law, a defendant can face murder charges if someone dies during the commission of certain felonies.

McGehee said prosecutors were approached Thursday by Carrs attorney, Michael Wassell, who relayed that Carr was willing to cooperate with prosecutors. Earlier that day, Raker appeared in court for a status hearing, where attorneys said that they were ready for trial on Monday.

Wassell could not be reached Friday for comment.

Nieman declined to comment, saying in an email response that I dont think it would be appropriate for me to comment about a potential witness in a trial.

Raker, 22, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and aiding a fugitive to flee.

A third co-defendant, Trey B. Gustafson, 20, is charged with first-degree murder. He has a status hearing Oct. 12.

Rock Island police were dispatched just before 2 p.m. April 27, 2016, to the 500 block of 20th Avenue after receiving a report of shots fired inside a home.

Officers found Armstrong, 15, with a gunshot wound to the head. He later died at Trinity Rock Island.

Prosecutors say Armstrong was shot while Raker, Carr and Gustafson were committing an armed robbery.

According to court records, officers found two 9mm Luger shell casings - one in the dining room and one on a kitchen shelf near the refrigerator - and suspected marijuana and a scale on the dining room floor of the home.

Officers later located Gustafson, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the buttocks, at 29th Street and 6th Avenue in Rock Island, according to court records.

Gustafson told police that he was at the home at the time of the shooting and that Carr had pointed a gun at Armstrong, according to court documents. He said Carr and Armstrong struggled with the gun prior to him being shot in the buttocks, according to court documents.

Prosecutors say that after the shooting, Raker drove Carr from the scene and out of Rock Island County.

Carr was arrested April 28, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio, by the U.S. Marshals Service. Raker was arrested May 28, 2016, in Georgia.

Gustafson was charged in July 2016.

McGehee declined to say what statements Carr gave to police after his arrest.

During an interview of Raker after her arrest, Rock Island police detectives told her that Carr claimed that she came up and popped this kid in the head while he (Carr) was fighting with him, according to a transcript of the interview that was filed in Raker's case.

The detectives, according to the interview transcript, also said that they had heard a similar story from somebody else who said it came right from your mouth that you had to finish the kill.

According to the interview transcript, Raker denied that she was in possession of a gun at Armstrong's house and said she was not aware of any plan to rob Armstrong.
A Galesburg, Illinois, man and an Avon, Illinois, woman were booked into the Scott County Jail early Friday after police say they found more than six pounds each of crystal ice methamphetamine and marijuana in their hotel room.

Jason David Chaney, 30, and Taren Nichole Coupland, 31, face four counts of controlled substance violation and two counts of failure to affix drug tax stamp.

Two of the controlled substance violations are Class B felonies, each punishable by up to 25 years in prison, and the other two controlled substance violations are Class D felonies, each punishable by up to five years in prison. The failure to affix drug tax charges also are Class D felonies.

Chaney additionally is charged with interference with official acts resulting in bodily injury, a serious misdemeanor.

Bond was set Friday at $100,000 cash or surety for Chaney and Coupland. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11. They also are being held on warrants out of Knox County, Illinois.

According to arrest affidavits filed Friday by the Davenport Police Department in support of the criminal complaint:

At 10:22 p.m. Thursday, members of the police departments Tactical Operations Bureau and the Bettendorf Police Department's

Special Operations Unit executed a search warrant at a hotel room at the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, 1777 Isle Parkway Drive.

Chaney ignored officers commands and began punching and kicking at officers, resulting in an injury to the right leg of one of the officers.

Police searched the room and found almost 6.1 pounds of crystal ice methamphetamine, about 6.24 pounds of marijuana, $17,797 in cash and a digital scale.

Chaney and Coupland conspired to possess and sell the drugs, the affidavits stated. Coupland told police that she introduced Chaney to drug suppliers and that they both were transferring money back to the suppliers through various bank accounts, according to the affidavits.
Tug of War

I dont live in the past, said Chad Christy, head tug master for LeClaire, Iowa. To me, its all about this year, and I feel better this year than I have in the years past. Christy was speaking of Iowa's history of brutal, and repeated, defeats at the hands of Illinois' rope-pullers in the annual Tug Fest. Reporter Jack Cullen breaks down the rigorous training both teams hope will land them victory.

Best in show

The Mississippi Valley Fair is awarding blue ribbons in everything from flowers to vegetables to homemade jellies. Check out a gallery of winners here.

What's in the water?

As the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico grows ever-larger and natural habitats deteriorate, Quad-Citians are tackling nine specific projects to improve water quality and biodiversity in the Quad-City region. Their work, using both ancient techniques and innovative firsts, is our Big Story in Sundays Quad-City Times. Reporter Alma Gaul chronicles those efforts, including a farm 'bioreactor' that filters nitrates from the water to high school biology students cleaning up marshes to the dangers posed by invasive plants.

Traffic

Iowa-bound lanes on I-74 are backed up due to a stalled vehicle.
A lawsuit filed two years ago by the Des Moines Water Works against three drainage districts in northwest Iowa drew a lot of attention to agriculture-generated nutrients in Iowa's streams and rivers.

The water works gets its drinking water from the Raccoon River. When nitrate levels reach a certain level, specialized  and expensive  equipment is required to remove the nitrate and make the water safe for drinking.

The lawsuit claimed the nutrients were coming from nitrogen fertilizer and, in some cases, animal waste via underground drainage tiles used on farms. Although the lawsuit was dismissed in March, the questions it raised remain.

The state of Iowa has adopted a voluntary Nutrient Reduction Strategy, inspiring more strategies for filtering farm water before it reaches streams. One such strategy is the installation of "bioreactors" at the edge of fields.

Here's how it works: A bioreactor is a trench filled with wood chips. When water flows into it, the bacteria in the water "eats" the wood chips, then "breathes" the nitrate, converting it into nitrogen gas. That way, cleaner water is discharged into waterways.

Scott County farmer Robb Ewoldt installed the area's first known bioreactor on land he farms in Muscatine County in April. He calls it a "denitrification plant."

The process is relatively new and construction is costly, anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000, depending on the size and slope of the land.

Ewoldt's was on the high end, about $20,000. In his case, he was able to obtain "cost-share" payments of about one-third from water-quality initiative funds at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and about one-third from the Iowa Pork Producers Association. The rest he paid for himself.

Given the cost and the fact there are thousands and thousands of drainage tiles in Iowa, bioreactors are not likely to become widespread any time soon. But they are a start.

There's not much to see

The trench for Ewoldt's bioreactor is 100 feet long, 25 feet wide, eight feet deep and filled with about 440 cubic yards of wood chips that were trucked in from Washington, Iowa. The tile that flows into it drains about 50 acres, he said.

Ewoldt applies hog manure to the field in the fall as fertilizer; his manure management plan filed with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources allows him to apply 3,750 gallons of manure per acre per year.

Weekly water sampling by a technician with the Iowa Department of Agriculture will show what affect the manure and the bioreactor have on nitrate levels. At the time the reactor was installed, levels were at four parts per million, which was well below the 10 parts per million that is acceptable for drinking water, said Jim Gillespie, director of the Agriculture Department's Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality.

After installation, the percentage has fallen to one part per million.

Because all the action is underground, there's really nothing to see on the surface, except for two small metal boxes that control the water flow. It is sometimes necessary to slow the water coming into the bioreactor, so the bacteria have time to work and, if the rain falling on the field is too much for the bioreactor to handle, the water-flow structures allow it to bypass the bioreactor and go directly into the stream.

In Ewoldt's case, water flows into an unnamed tributary of Pine Creek.

Generally speaking, about 45 percent of the total cost of bioreactor installation is for wood chips, 30 percent is for the water-control structures and tile, 23 percent is for the earthwork and 2 percent is for a protective fabric between the wood chips and the soil underneath, according to Sara Klindt, a soil conservation technician with the Iowa agriculture department office in Muscatine.

Carbon from the wood chips is what the bacteria eat, and it is not yet known exactly how long the wood chips will last before they need to be replaced, Gillespie said. He is hoping for a lifespan of at least 10-15 years.

In Ewoldt's case, the earth work costs went up, because more trenching was required to get the drainage right than originally anticipated.

State, Pork Producers helped

To date, the Soil Conservation and Water Quality Division of the Iowa Department of Agriculture has funded five bioreactors across the state and has 11, including Ewoldt's, in process, Gillespie said.

The state will reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost, but of course, there is only so much money to go around. In fiscal 2016, the division received $9.6 million for all water-quality initiatives statewide and, for 2017, received $10.575 million, Gillespie said.

Ferreting out other avenues of funding, such as Ewoldt did with the Pork Producers, makes bioreactors more affordable, Gillespie said.

The Pork Producers Association has committed to providing up to $25,000 through the year to offset up to half the costs for hog farmers to install bioreactors or another system called saturated buffers on their land, said Tyler Bettin, state public policy director for the association.

Farms are selected based on the greatest opportunity for nitrate reduction and will be dispersed throughout the state to aid in education and demonstration opportunities, Bettin said.

"Projects like this offer excellent opportunity to showcase new nutrient-reduction technologies and further advance farmer-led water-quality efforts in Iowa," he wrote in an email.

Iowa's voluntary Nutrient Reduction Strategy was adopted about 4 years ago. It aims to reduce by 45 percent the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus flowing down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.

Critics have argued that the strategy doesn't go far enough, because there are no mandatory requirements and there is no deadline for reaching the reduction goal. They also question why, when 90 percent of the nutrients causing the "dead zone," or low-oxygen areas, can be attributed to agriculture (farm fertilizer and animal operations) and 10 percent to industry or city treatment plants, only the 10 percent is regulated.

The agriculture community opposes mandatory requirements.

Gillespie points out that none of the work or expense of bioreactors does anything to improve yields or a farmer's profits. In fact, it is an expense. They are installed to "build a legacy," he said. "They're built so you can say, 'I'm cleaning the water.'"
The contrast was clear.

About an hour into a tour Friday aimed at building support for upgrades to locks on the nation's rivers, a barge carrying several dozen people passed underneath the Interstate 74 bridge.

Not far off was a separate barge, where workers were dredging the Mississippi River for piers to support the new I-74 bridge.

The bridge and lock system were built about the same time, back in the 1930s. Yet, the bridge is now being replaced. Meanwhile, the nation's waterways are being neglected, organizers of the tour said.

Just take the nearly 80-year-old LaGrange Lock and Dam, about 60 miles west of Springfield on the Illinois River.

"It is virtually falling apart before our eyes," said Martin Hettel, of American Commercial Barge Line and who chairs the Inland Waterways Users Board.

Upgrading the nation's lock and dam system has long been a priority of shipping and agriculture interests, along with Midwest lawmakers and politicians. And Friday's barge tour, organized by the corn growers associations in Iowa and Illinois, was aimed at shining a light on the lock and dam system that moves about 60 percent of U.S. grain exports to market.

The condition of Lock and Dam 15, at Rock Island, is relatively average, an official with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said. But as the barge locked through, officials pointed out a 15-foot section of wall that the Corps had demolished this spring. The wall was in poor shape and rather than take the chance that pieces would fall into the river, the section was taken out.

If there are major upgrades, other parts of the system will likely see new infrastructure spending first. The LaGrange lock is the top rehabilitation priority of the Rock Island District of the Corps of Engineers.

Meanwhile, shipping and agriculture interests are hopeful that action will be taken on the plan to upgrade and lengthen seven locks on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.

Congress authorized the expansion in 2007, over the objections of critics who said there is no need for expanded locks. Still, no money has been appropriated.

The Mississippi River locks due for expansion are between the southern tip of Iowa and St. Louis. The project, known as the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program, had a price tag 10 years ago of $4 billion. That figure would likely be higher now. It includes environmental restoration work that also was authorized.

President Donald Trump's pledge to usher in a huge investment in infrastructure has given some new hope that not only more money will be devoted to fixing roads, bridges and airports  but that waterways will get a boost, too.

Not only is there a push to authorize new locks, but maintenance work needed to extend the life of the locks. It's been 12 years since there was a major rehabilitation of a lock in the Rock Island District, Corps officials say.

"We are way behind," said Tom Heinold, deputy chief of operations for the Rock Island District of the Corps.

It's not clear when Congress might take up an infrastructure bill. The president has said it's a high priority, but health care has been a dominant issue so far, and tax reform is next on Congress' agenda.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who was one of three members of Congress along for the ride Friday, said the administration has promised her that a draft plan will be out by this fall.

"Whether we can move on it this year, that's a tricky question," she said. Duckworth is a member of the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee. Also on the trip were Reps. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, and Rod Blum, R-Iowa.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, was to have been on the tour, but she had a travel delay that caused her to miss it.
 Whats so bad about invasive plants?

Many of the Iowa American Water grants address the elimination of invasive plants. What's so bad about them?

Brian Ritter, executive director of Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport, explains:

"Invasive plants are a threat to the health of our ecosystems, to our economy, and, in some cases, to human health. Invasive plants are simply a living pollutant.

"They degrade healthy ecosystems by out-competing (displacing) native plants, reducing habitat for native animals, and, in some cases, causing nearly irreversible damage. They reduce the ability for ecosystems to be resilient."

 What are the top five that Q-C conservationists are battling at present? Any new ones coming in or threatening?

Ritter: "Hard to narrow it down to five!

"There are around 170 invasive plants in our area now. In the wetlands and other lowlands, the worst are probably purple loosestrife, reed canary grass and common reed grass or phragmites.

"In the woods, it's honeysuckle, autumn olive, multiflora rose and garlic mustard.

"In prairies and roadsides, its wild parsnip, Queen Annes lace, musk thistle, and teasel.

"Even though they have been here a while, poison hemlock and oriental bittersweet seem to be rapidly expanding in the last few years. Both are toxic, but poison hemlock is especially worrisome because it poses a major health risk as well as a threat to native wildlife and plants.

"Palmer amaranth is especially concerning for farmers, but also for new native plantings. We havent seen it become a problem in our local natural areas yet, but we are watching for it.

"There is some evidence that kudzu vine is moving northward as well, although it is not known to be in our area, yet.

"And most concerning are some of the ornamental non-native grasses that are spreading from backyards to natural areas, especially things like miscanthus and silver grass. Ive seen large monocultures of both pop up in recent years."

 Why is it important to have stands of native plants?

Ritter: "The list is long  Resiliency, diversity, beauty, economy, recreation, and natural heritage. It all starts with plants. Having diverse stands of native plants allows ecosystems to be resilient in the face of various threats.

"Diverse ecosystems provide us with clean air, clean water, healthy soils, flood mitigation, and productive landscapes. Diversity leads to diversity.

"Native plants provide critical habitat for pollinators that provide us humans with incredibly valuable economic services by pollinating one-third of our foods. Additionally, native plants provide a home for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians which, in turn, provide us with a wide array of recreational opportunities (bird-watching, hunting, photography, etc).

"This, in turn, is good for our economy. Its been estimated that there are over 100,000 jobs in Iowa alone related to outdoor recreation.

"Natives are generally better adapted to our climate and can thrive if given the chance and (offer) many excellent options for landscaping."
Setting aside the judgmental, holier-than-thou attitude toward those who believe marriage is the union of a man and a woman, I commend Jon Alexanders Quad-City Times Opinion column, The right to be awful.

Jack Phillips is a cake artist who is being coerced by the government to design a custom wedding cake for an event at odds with his faith convictions  or be punished.

This is not a case of refusing service to gays who want to buy a cake off the shelf. This is not a case of refusing to design a custom birthday cake for a gay individual. This is not about discriminating against individuals because they are gay.

This is about declining to create a cake conveying a message that is in opposition to ones conscience and faith. This is about the government crushing artistic and religious dissent and forcing an artist to create something that violates his deep convictions.

Is this the society we want? Do we really want the government forcing an Arab cake artist to create a cake celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Israel or the reunification of Jerusalem? Do we really want to force an African-American or Jewish cake artist to create a cake celebrating an Aryan nation event? Do we really want the government forcing a pro-Planned Parenthood cake artist to create a cake for a defund Planned Parenthood fundraiser?

Thank you for speaking up for freedom of conscience and expression in the face of government coercion.

Scott Pearson

Eldridge
A roundup of state government and Capitol news items for Friday:

SAFE HAVEN LAW: Officials with the state Department of Human Services said Friday they have used Iowas safe haven procedures for the 29th time since the law went into effect. A boy was born July 25 at an Iowa hospital, and the infant was released to DHS custody, state officials said. A court hearing to terminate parental rights will be held within a month. Specific details are withheld in order to protect the identity of the parents and child. Under the safe haven law, the life and health of newborns is protected, DHS Director Jerry Foxhoven said. In addition, parents in crisis are protected from prosecution for abandonment, allowing them to safely leave an infant at a hospital or health care facility, no questions asked. Through Iowas safe haven law, parents have the option to safely hand over custody of babies age 14 days or younger without fear of prosecution for abandonment. The parent or their authorized representative can leave the newborn at a hospital or health care facility and can remain anonymous. The safe haven law was approved in the wake of a high-profile case in 2001 involving a teen mother in eastern Iowa who killed her home-delivered newborn. Infants who are safe haven babies are placed with currently approved foster or adoptive families.

NEW STEM COUNCIL CO-LEADER: The Iowa Governors STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Advisory Council announced it has a new co-chair. Roger Hargens, president and CEO of Accumold in Ankeny since 2000, will serve along with Gov. Kim Reynolds as co-leader, succeeding Dr. Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin Industries, who will complete his two-year term as STEM Council co-chair in August. Roger Hargens embodies the councils mission, Reynolds said in a statement. He strives to recruit, employ and cultivate well-prepared Iowans, including launching the Accumold Scholars program in partnership with Des Moines Area Community College and the state of Iowa. His global perspective, workforce expertise and leadership experience will help take STEM to new heights in Iowa. In addition to serving as co-chair of the Governors STEM Advisory Council, Hargens also serves on the Iowa Innovation Council, the board of directors for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and the Des Moines Area Community College Foundation Board.

GAS PRICES: The price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa increased 4 cents per gallon and retail diesel prices in Iowa were up a nickel this past week, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.24 a gallon across Iowa, according to AAA, an increase of 4 cents from last week and 13 cents higher than a year ago. The national average on Tuesday was $2.32 per gallon. Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa averaged $2.44 a gallon, which also was 13 cents higher than a year ago. The current Iowa diesel average is 4 cents lower than the national average of $2.48 per gallon. Propane prices held steady at last months prices for a statewide average of $1.11 per gallon, while home heating oil rose from last months figures, ending with a statewide average of $1.93. Natural gas prices are down 12 cents at $2.84/MMbtu.

SBA DISASTER AID: Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Friday that the U.S. Small Business Administration has declared a disaster for seven Iowa counties affected by severe storms and flooding July 19-23. The SBA disaster declaration makes assistance available in Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Fayette and Floyd counties. Affected residents and business owners in these counties may now apply for low-interest loans from the SBA. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses of any size and private, nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from happening again in the future. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

 Times Bureau
Gov. Bruce Rauner made it clear this week that he's willing to push Illinois to a familiar precipice for a political victory. Question is: Will Quad-Cities' Republican lawmakers -- Rep. Tony McCombie and Sen. Neil Anderson -- be willing to take the leap?

There's a lot of hyperbole flying about over education funding package Senate Bill 1. Rauner again this week falsely called it a "bailout" for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) after issuing an amendatory veto. General Assembly's ruling Democrats -- who passed the key educational spending reform -- accused the freshman Republican governor of brinkmanship.

It's a grossly familiar refrain in the Land of Lincoln, where even the most fundamental governmental processes devolve into a master class in dysfunction.

Here are the known facts:

The formula long used to allocate funds is widely considered one of the worst in the country, especially for poor districts.

Education funding can't be released until a new spending formula is approved, such as SB 1.

Districts expect those payments, starting Aug. 10.

CPS has been the only district in the state that's gone without funding for its unfunded pension liability. Rauner wants to strip CPS of a roughly $250 million block grant, which it has received for years, in return for the pension help.

Analysis at Politifact reached the same conclusion we did: SB 1 isn't a "bailout" because CPS has received the grant funding for years.

The General Assembly has three options within the next two weeks: Override Rauner's veto, accept the amendments by a three-fifths majority or let the bill die.

Fitch Ratings warned this week that Rauner's veto could be grounds for another credit downgrade. Junk status, here we come.

Rauner's playing provincialism here. Pitting big bad Chicago against the rest of the state might be good politics in downstate Illinois. It's hardly a worldview from which to govern, though. Chicago, like the rest of the state, has its share of property poor districts brimming with low-income homes. It's these students who are the pawns on Rauner's chessboard. And he's shown a willingness to sacrifice them for better position.

The thing is, administrators from throughout Illinois -- rural and urban -- have lined up behind SB 1. They point to its "fact-based" approach to funding. In most cases, they represent districts that stand to gain financially from the bill's passage. In the Illinois Quad-Cities, SB 1 would mean millions more in aid for school districts in East Moline, Rock Island-Milan, Moline-Coal Valley. And it would do it without shortchanging thousands of students in the state's lone metropolis.

Put simply, there aren't the votes to approve Rauner's veto and strip CPS of its block grant. The death-through-inaction is downright implausible at this point. Only an override gets this done in the time available. The votes to do so may exist in the Senate. The necessary supermajority in the House looks short by our count.

Failure here would, ultimately, cost the local tax base. Districts would borrow to plug the gaps. Who pays the interest?

Yet again, Illinois has devolved into another game of chicken between Rauner and the General Assembly. It's a blame game that's now fueled by Rauner's need for a legislative victory. Last month's veto override, which finally closed the historically shameful budget impasse, was a massive political defeat.

And, so far, McCombie and Anderson have expressed total willingness to back the governor's so-called strategy, one that lacks much in the way of clear tactical forethought.

Theirs is partisan devotion that could result in districts throughout Illinois scrambling to balance the books. Rauner's understandable desire for a legislative victory isn't worth the cost.

McCombie and Anderson have a choice if and when an override vote hits the General Assembly: It's either their party or the school districts they represent.

They can't have it both ways.
The Qingdao-Kenya Business Forum was held on July 28 in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, during the visit of a delegation of government officials from Qingdao to the African city.

More than 50 distinguished guests from the governments and companies from both sides took part in the event, including Wang Luming, deputy mayor of Qingdao, Patrick Njoroge, president of the Central Bank of Kenya, and directors from Standard Chartered Bank Africa and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Qingdao-Kenya Business Forum is held on July 28 in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. [Photo/ qdbofcom.gov.cn]

Wang said that in recent years many Qingdao enterprises have been carrying out investment and trading activities in Kenya, which has set a solid foundation for economic and trade cooperation between Qingdao and Kenya.

Wang expressed the hope that the two sides would use the business forum as an opportunity to elevate bilateral economic and trade ties between the two sides to a new high, and that they would continue to strengthen their cooperation and exchanges in the areas of investment promotion, market development and infrastructure projects.

Standard Chartered Bank Africa agreed to provide platforms for exchanges and cooperation between businesses from both sides, as trade between China and Kenya has witnessed rapid growth and more development is expected to take place this year.

The Qingdao municipal bureau of commerce and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation at the forum.

The Qingdao business delegation was led by Wang, comprising leaders of the municipal bureau of commerce, foreign affairs office, and the Qingdao State-owned Assets Supervision Administration and Commission, as well as business leaders from Qingdao-based companies.

During their three-day visit, the delegation also met with Liu Xianfa, the Chinese ambassador to Kenya.

Liu spoke highly of the progress the Qingdao government had made in pursuing the city's internationalization strategy and implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, and said he hoped that Qingdao would take full advantage of its strength in equipment manufacturing and other areas and cement further economic and trade ties with Kenya.

The delegation also visited the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) and held talks with the UN-Habitat officials in Nairobi on trade and investment, urban planning and the sustainable development of human habitats, reaching consensus on a range of issues.
PHOENIX | An Arizona rancher who fought for years to retain sole use of his "Bar 7" cattle brand won a big victory Thursday in the Arizona Supreme Court when the court ruled the state did not have the legal right to let another cattle company use it to brand its cows.

The unanimous court ruling said the state violated a decades-old law that bars an identical cattle brand from being used by two ranchers.

Rancher David Stambaugh called the decision that also awarded him his attorneys fees "awesome."

"After 5 years  jiminy Christmas  unbelievable," he said.

Stambaugh, 50, has owned the Bar 7 brand since he was 10, when a retired rancher who was friends with his family sold it to him along with 10 cows for $10. He operates a farm near the small city of Eloy 65 miles south of Phoenix and runs about 30 head of cattle on land near the tiny town of Winkelman.

Stambaugh objected when the state Agriculture Department allowed the Eureka Springs Cattle Co. to use the identical brand in a slightly different part of its cows' bodies. The company also had operations in California, where it has rights to the same brand.

Eureka Springs owner Roger Warner said he wanted to be able to send his young cattle from Arizona to California so sought the same brand in Arizona.

Two appeals court judges said in a ruling last year that the department had the discretion to issue the brand because it was to be placed on the cows' left rib area and Stambaugh branded his cows on the left hip. One judge said registering identical brands was not legal.

The Supreme Court, in an opinion written by Justice Robert Brutinel, said there was no discretion allowed.

"The statute clearly provides that a brand with an identical design or figure may not be recorded," Brutinel wrote.

Stambaugh said in an interview after the Court of Appeals ruled last year that that leaving the lower court ruling in place would lead to confusion and questions about ownership at livestock auctions and other places where brand inspectors check cattle ownership.

Under the lower court ruling, the state could issue identical brands for six different spots on a cow, left and right hip, rib and shoulder. If cows were transferred to another rancher with the same brand, it could wreak havoc at an auction, Stambaugh said.

Warner said Stambaugh's concerns were unwarranted.

"Everything that Mr. Stambaugh said was going to happen hasn't happened  we haven't had one problem at all," he said.

Warner first tried to register the brand more than five years ago, and the department's brand clerk twice rejected the effort because it was the same Bar 7 brand, according to the Supreme Court's case summary.

Eureka Springs then enlisted the help of the Arizona Cattle Growers' Association. Warner and the association executive director Patrick Bray then went to the department together and the clerk issued the brand in 2012.

Stambaugh praised the clerk, saying she "did her job, but was forced not to do it."

Bray said he did not know the brand request had been turned down earlier and did not exert influence or choose one rancher over another.

Warner, who runs hundreds of cattle on a ranch between the small southeastern Arizona cities of Safford and Willcox, said that before the new ruling Colorado was the only other state prohibiting using the same brand in different places on cows.

He said he met with Stambaugh several times to try to negotiate a deal, but Stambaugh refused.

He said after the ruling that he will probably have to rebrand hundreds of cows.
An Iowa man was killed in a motorcycle crash Thursday afternoon near Spearfish, according to authorities.

The 24-year-old man was heading southwest on U.S. Highway 14A aboard a 2008 Harley-Davidson FXDC DYNA around 6 p.m. when he lost control of the bike in a curve. The motorcycle slid off the road and down an embankment, the Department of Public Safety said in a release.

The man, whose name was not released, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet, investigators said. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

When asked if the man was in the Black Hills to attend the Sturgis rally, public safety department spokesman Tony Mangan said he didnt have that information.

The rally officially starts Friday and runs till Aug. 13.

There were three motorcycle fatalities during the rally last year, all on the western side of the state. During the rallys 75th anniversary in 2015, 14 bike fatalities occurred, a record-number, based on Journal data.

Regional Health, meanwhile, reported 28 people had sought treatment at its hospitals in Custer, Lead-Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish and Sturgis from Thursday morning to Friday morning in rally-related incidents.

Rapid City Regional Hospital saw the largest portion of the patients: 11 visited the emergency room and four were admitted to the hospital. The Sturgis hospital ranked second with six ER visits and one inpatient.
SIOUX FALLS | Board members of the Sioux Falls School District are looking for ways to give minority students more access to the programs at specialty schools, which are majority white.

The board looked at each of the district's three specialty schools Wednesday, assessing demographics and setting a goal to promote the schools to more diverse groups.

The specialty programs include education in the fine arts, Spanish or learning with the students' parents alongside them.

The Argus Leader reports that more than 30 percent of the students in Sioux Falls public schools are non-white, but they make up less than 20 percent of students in specialty schools.

The board hopes the demographics at these schools will better resemble the overall student population this year when the district adds three computer science immersion schools.
SIOUX FALLS | Difficulty finding qualified employees is a major constraint on business growth nationwide, Gov. Dennis Daugaard said Thursday while launching a multi-state workforce development initiative meant to help address the issue.

The South Dakota Republican chose workforce as the central policy focus of his year-long chairmanship of the Western Governors' Association. He said the initiative's goal is to improve career opportunities for students, graduates and displaced workers.

"Things are going well in South Dakota, but still we do have some challenges, and we do have opportunities to improve," Daugaard said. "Finding workforce is the key problem that's faced by employers."

Daugaard in June was elected chairman of the Western Governors' Association, which is made up of 19 states and 3 U.S.-flag islands.

Daugaard said officials would share best practices, collect data and try to learn from each other ways to address the "skills gap" at a series of workshops in several states. He launched the push at a Thursday workshop in Sioux Falls that featured U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, who said the country has nearly 6 million job openings that are going unfilled.

He said that education and business need to communicate so that education can to focus on skills that lead to jobs. Acosta asked the western states to participate in two initiatives President Donald Trump's administration is pursuing to boost apprenticeships and address what Acosta called "excessive" professional licensing.

Acosta said there are many opportunities available outside of the four-year college system such as associates degrees and vocational education.

"We need great mechanics just like we need great doctors. We need great carpenters just like we need great lawyers," Acosta said. "Many well-paying careers are available to those without a college degree."

On licensing, Acosta said the cost and complexity creates an economic barrier for Americans seeking a job. He said unnecessary licenses should be eliminated and needed ones should be streamlined.
BELLE FOURCHE  Youth hunting is a quest and theres a program that connects young people with a mentor to learn about the art and safety of using a rifle, shotgun or bow to bag game. The program is a collaboration of hunting, youth, and conservation organizations to create a non-profit program called South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures. Ranchers, landowners, and state agencies contribute to the group by becoming involved with the purpose to provide a quality youth doe hunting opportunity.

The SD Youth Hunting Adventure group in the Belle Fourche area has taken part in an annual pheasant hunt in the area, besides the doe hunt at local ranches. Several landowners have requested that the young hunters come to their areas to hunt.

The beginning hunters all must attend a hunt safety course along with their mentors. The hunt safety course teaches the hunters how to handle a gun, the rules and laws of hunting, and gives them the opportunity to bond with their mentor.

Mentoring is a successful way of giving young hunters the prospect of learning something that could become a lifelong love that ordinarily they wouldnt be able to do. SD Youth Hunting Adventures has created one of the finest mentoring programs and has some of the most dedicated mentors, according to South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Conservation Officer Bill Eastman. He is excited about the program that benefits both the mentor and mentee. The mentors, he explained go through thorough background checks and are coupled with a young boy or girl. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters program are part of the package.

Mentoring provides opportunities to forge a relationship with the outdoors and connect with other people. Eastman pointed out that several of the boys and girls in the Northern Hills branch of SD Youth Adventures have grown out of their shells and were developing into promising young adults.

They have gained confidence in themselves and learned to trust adults, he said. He marvels at the growth of many of the boys and girls in the program.

During the year, the pairs  adult mentors and young mentees  have done several excursions. Most of them have taken part in the annual pheasant hunt, have gone doe hunting, and taken part in contests throughout the state. The duos have also spent time together doing stuff which gives both parties the opportunity to get to know each other and what their lives are like.

Saturdays adventure included archery, shotguns, and rifles. Each team was scored on their proficiency in each area. It was interesting to watch mentors showing the mentees how to do each process. Patience was apparent as the young people were shown how to hold a gun or a bow. At the end of the competition, prizes were awarded to the top contestants.

A highlight of the evening was the arrival of a UH-72A Lakota helicopter from South Dakota Army National Guard 1/112 FRG Unit. This unit is responsible for air reconnaissance and search and rescue.

The helicopter has the ability to use thermo-imaging and has been used along the United States borders and has been used in overseas missions.

The Army National Guard speaker was CW4 John Schneider who piloted the aircraft onto the field outside the lodge at the gun range. He was a treasure of information for the crowd, sharing the abilities of the helicopter and the skills of the crew. The three man crew works as a close knit part of the National Guard unit.

Schneider explained the operations of the helicopter and answered questions from the group.

As a follow up, the crowd was able to enter the craft and see what it was like to be in the cramped quarters. Several of the young people tried on the helmets and work gear of the pilots.

With a wave good bye from the crew and the whop, whop of the propellers, the copter raised off the prairie floor and headed home.
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii | In response to North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear programs and as a part of the continuing demonstration of ironclad U.S. commitment to our allies, two U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers under the command of U.S. Pacific Air Forces, joined their counterparts from the Republic of Korea and Japanese air forces in a sequenced bilateral missions July 29.

This mission is in direct response to North Korea's escalatory launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles on July 3 and July 28.

"North Korea remains the most urgent threat to regional stability," said Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, Pacific Air Forces commander. "Diplomacy remains the lead; however, we have a responsibility to our allies and our nation to showcase our unwavering commitment while planning for the worst-case scenario. If called upon, we are ready to respond with rapid, lethal, and overwhelming force at a time and place of our choosing."

After taking off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, the B-1s flew to Japanese airspace, where they were joined by two Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self Defense Force) F-2 fighter jets. The B-1s then flew over the Korean Peninsula where they were joined by four Republic of Korea Air Force F-15 fighter jets. The B-1s then performed a low-pass over Osan Air Base, South Korea, before leaving South Korean airspace and returning to Guam.

Throughout the approximately 10-hour mission, the aircrews practiced intercept and formation training, enabling them to improve their combined capabilities and tactical skills, while also strengthening the long standing military-to-military relationships in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Pacific Command maintains flexible bomber and fighter capabilities in the Indo-Asia-Pacific theater, retaining the ability to quickly respond to any regional threat in order to defend the U.S. homeland and in support of our allies.
A Montana woman has been charged with second-degree murder in a homicide that occurred early Wednesday in Summerset.

Stormy Gayle Marsh, 37, of Miles City, Mont., is accused of killing Phyllis Mastin, 49, in Mastins home on Fillmore Street in the Pine Hills Mobile Home Park.

According to the arrest affidavit, Mastin, Marsh and another woman, Cheryl Crow, were staying in the trailer on the night of Aug. 1. Crow awoke around midnight early Wednesday morning and heard Marsh rummaging through items in the residence.

Crow, who was afraid of confronting Marsh about the disturbance, lay in bed until she heard a door slam shut and Mastins car pulling out of the driveway, according to the affidavit. Crow then exited her room and went into Mastins bedroom, where she saw Mastins body on the bedroom floor. Crow locked both doors and called 911.

After a search warrant was obtained, officers found Mastins body with several wounds consistent with a sharp-edged instrument on her torso and arm with a large knife and firearm discovered under Mastins body.

Later, when Crow returned to the scene with officers, she noticed Mastins cellphone was missing, according to the affidavit. The Meade County Sheriffs Office then carried out a location ping on the phone and traced it to at or near the Rapid Motel at 3609 Sturgis Road. Authorities found Marsh at the motel and arrested her.

When questioned by detectives, Marsh claimed that an argument turned into a physical altercation between Mastin, Marsh and Mastins ex-boyfriend  identified simply as Jim in the affidavit  when Jim arrived at the residence, according to the affidavit.

During the altercation, Marsh claimed she suffered lacerations while trying to disarm Jim, who had a knife. After the altercation de-escalated, Marsh said she left the residence after Mastin told her to leave.

Marsh, who took Mastins car and cellphone, said she went to BJs Country Store in Black Hawk because Mastin and Marsh had arranged that location as a meeting spot. After waiting for 20 minutes, Marsh drove the car to Big Ds near the corner of Omaha Street and Sturgis Road.

A Pennington County deputy identified the car and noticed a female running from it. Marsh claims she fleld from police because she was in possession of marijuana, according to the affidavit.

Inside Mastins car, a red Ford Mustang, officers found a bloodied knife wrapped in a towel behind the drivers seat, according to the affidavit. They also found a blanket, black shirt and black pants in the cars trunk with what appeared to be blood stains. The blankets color pattern was consistent with a matching pillow found on Mastins bed, the affidavit said.

Marsh is detained at the Meade County Jail.
On July 27, the Rapid City Journal published an editorial about inmate community-service programs. I would like to offer additional information about this important program.

On a typical day in South Dakota, nearly 500 inmates work on community-service projects for state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. When the situation requires, these inmates also clear and thin timber, battle mountain pine beetles, fight wildfires and clean up storm debris.

Without the community-service program, many worthwhile projects may not have been completed and many offenders would not have learned a new skill, been able to give back to the society or re-establish a work ethic.

There are many success stories. The recidivism rate of inmates released during 2015 from the Rapid City, Yankton and Sioux Falls work centers and those on work release is lower than the overall recidivism rate for all inmate releases that year. Fewer returns to prison lessen the burden on taxpayers.

For both logistical and security reasons, the Department of Corrections cannot identify where inmates are working. Job assignments change, sometimes on a daily basis. More importantly, we dont want to advertise where contraband can be dropped off or where family and friends can visit an inmate, disrupting the management of the work site.

Community-service inmates are under the supervision of the host agency while at the job site. Electronic monitoring can be an effective supervision tool in certain situations, and we utilize that on higher risk offenders as both a sanction and as a supervision standard. Community-service inmates also wear state-issued clothing that is marked with DOC and Inmate. The photos used in a recent Rapid City Journal story, and in previous Journal stories, clearly show these conspicuous identifying labels on inmate clothing.

The editorial suggests that the department set up a system to notify the public when inmates escape. In fact, the Nixle notification system was initiated on September 1, 2011 for this very purpose  to allow messages to be delivered immediately to those who subscribe via cell phone text messages and/or email. The Journal even published a story on the collaboration.

The editorial incorrectly cites that one escapee who was picked up at a job site by someone turned himself in about a month later. That inmate did not turn himself in, but, according to the Pennington County Jail website, faces an additional charge of impersonation to deceive law enforcement.

The Department of Corrections is in the business of managing risk. Inmates serving in these programs are minimum custody, the closest to being released from incarceration and re-joining society. There is a risk in allowing them to have access to the community and we manage that risk accordingly through assessments and classification. These programs are necessary, however, to transition an inmate from an incarceration setting back into society. There is a greater risk that an inmate, suddenly released with no transition or support, will fail in society and return to the prison system.

The Department of Corrections mission is to protect the citizens of South Dakota by providing safe and secure facilities for juvenile and adult offenders committed to our custody by the courts and to provide effective community supervision to offenders upon their release and to utilize evidence-based practices to maximize opportunities for rehabilitation. We take that mission very seriously.
St. Petersburg Church of Scientology director freed from jail, put under house arrest

ST. PETERSBURG, August 4 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov)  The Nevsky District Court of St. Petersburg has released Galina Shurinova, the executive director of the local Church of Scientology, who stands charged with participation in an extremist organization, from detention and put her under house arrest, the Unified press service of St. Petersburg courts told RAPSI on Friday.

The court dismissed an investigators motion to extend Shurinovas detention. The woman was sent under house until October 3.

Other defendants in the case, the Church of Scientology of St. Petersburg head Ivan Matsitsky, chief accountant of the religious group Sakhib Aliyev, and chief of the official matters department Anastasia Terentyeva, will remain in detention until October 20. House arrest of Terentyevas assistance Constance Yesaulkova was extended for the same period.

According to investigators, from 2013 to 2016, the organization received over 276 million rubles (about $5 million) for rendering its services. However, the Church of Scientology of St. Petersburg has not been incorporated under the law, a representative of the Federal Security Service (FSB) said in court earlier.

The defendants were charged with illegal business, inciting hatred and enmity, and violation of human dignity.

Dianetics and Scientology are a set of religious and philosophical ideas and practices that were put forth by L. Ron Hubbard in the US in the early 1950s.

The scientific community never recognized it as science.

A resolution passed in 1996 by the State Duma, the lower house of Russias parliament, classified the Church of Scientology as a destructive religious organization.

The Moscow Regional Court ruled in 2012 that some of Hubbards books be included on the Federal List of Extremist Literature and prohibited from distribution in Russia.
Russian newspaper journalist must not be deported to Uzbekistan - ECHR

MOSCOW, August 4 (RAPSI)  The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) held that Ali Feruz, a reporter for Novaya Gazeta newspaper, must not be deported from Russia to Uzbekistan during the hearing of his case in Strasbourg, the journalists attorney Kirill Koroteyev wrote on his Facebook page on Friday.

On August 3, a court in Moscow ruled that Ali Feruz (Khudoberdy Nurmatov) must be deported for violating emigration rules.

The journalist pleaded not guilty. Feruz said that his life would be menaced if he is deported.

Feruz, who applied for refugee status in Russia in 2014, was forced to leave Uzbekistan in 2008 because of refusal to cooperate with the countrys security agencies and tortures.

The Union of Journalists, Amnesty International and Russia's Presidential Council for Human Rights have already asked the authorities not to deport Feruz. The Human Rights Council claimed that the ordered deportation of Feruz to Uzbekistan contravenes Russia's Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Dmitry Peskov, spokesman of the Russian President, said in turn that the authorities are aware of this problem. The situation is rather complicated, and several factors do not allow to put aside the occurred violations, he added.
MOSCOW, August 4 (RAPSI) - The Simonovsky District Court of Moscow has extended probation term of opposition politician Alexey Navalny for another year in the Yves Rocher embezzlement case, RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom on Friday.

The court granted a request of the Federal Penitentiary Service noting that Navalny repeatedly violated administrative legislation during his probation term. In particular, a representative of the Service noted that Navalny failed to meet his obligation to be registered at a local penitentiary inspection office on time.

Navalny himself argued against the extension, saying that previously courts dismissed similar motions. According to Navalny, the Services request seeks to obstruct his participation in elections.

In December 2014, Navalny was given a 3.5-year suspended sentence in the Yves Rocher case. His brother Oleg received a 3.5-year prison term. They were convicted of stealing nearly 30 million rubles (about $500,000 at the current exchange rate) from two companies, including Russian affiliate of Yves Rocher. The term of Oleg Navalny is to expire on June 30, 2018.

Moreover, Alexey Navalny was found guilty of embezzling 16 million rubles from the Kirovles timber company. He received a 5-year suspended sentence in this case.

Being convicted the opposition politician was repeatedly subjected to administrative liability for organizing an unauthorized rally in Moscow on March 26, providing resistance to police and obstructing the order or procedure of holding a rally on June 12.
Somber firefighters returned to their work on the Lolo Peak Fire Thursday as the continuing dry, hot weather pushed the fire danger into the extreme zone.

Mark Struble, the fires public information officer, said Wednesdays death of Brent Witham of Mentone, California, during a tree felling accident while working on the Lolo Peak Fire, is something crews know can happen. The U.S. Forest Service even holds drills to prepare for something like this.

We call it an incident within an incident, Struble said. You have to refocus after a situation like this. I think were taking it easy on people, letting them know if they need more time to handle the stress and debrief, its all part of the process when things like this happen.

But everyone knows this is dangerous work, and even with the right protections and protocols, accidents can happen.

Due to the steep, rugged terrain, theyre unable to put firefighters in places where they can directly engage with the fire. Instead, to protect homes they think the fire could threaten, crews are using heavy equipment and hand tools to create wide fire breaks. About 95 percent of those are in place along the north and east side of the fire.

Between Wednesdays cool front, strong wind gusts from the northeast that pushed flames back toward areas already burned, and retardant drops  59,000 gallons on Wednesday alone  the fire only grew by about 240 acres to 6,542 acres total on Thursday.

We have to be patient and let the fire work its way to us, Struble said. Right now its smoking pretty good in four spots and working its way down from Lantern Ridge. The good news is it doesnt look like we have anything in the tree crowns and its just burning junk on the ground. Thats sometimes the best you can hope for.

But having said that, this is a full suppression fire.

Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton is using the Lolo Peak Fire, as well as others in the Bitterroot, Beaverhead/Deer Lodge and Nez Perce/Clearwater forests, to urge area residents to download the departments mobile phone app in order to receive notifications of critical information.

With the entire county ringed by fire, this is a good time for people to sign up, he said.

The last measurable precipitation in the area was on June 27, according to the National Weather Service in Missoula, making July the driest since records began in 1893.

It doesnt look like well see any here in the next week either, said Dan Zumpfe, a NWS meteorologist in Missoula. "Theres an outside chance there could be some precipitation next Tuesday, but I wouldnt look forward to it.

Critical fire conditions that include dry fuels, hot temperatures, low humidity, dry lightning and gusty winds are expected to continue into the weekend, which prompted the fire dangers to rise to the highest level. When the fire danger is extreme, fires start quickly, spread rapidly and burn intensely, according to Tod McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest.

He notes that Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place across most of western Montana. Campfires are prohibited, as is operating motorized vehicles off designated trails. Cutting firewood is prohibited after 1 p.m., and smoking is allowed only in enclosed or non-flammable areas. Violators can face fines of up to $5,000 and six months in jail, and could be required to pay suppression costs and damages if they start a fire.

For more information, go to http://firerestrictions.us/

People really need to more careful, because its just getting drier and drier out there, said Brad Mohn, Hamilton Fire Chief.
Ravalli County Commissioners voted Thursday to transfer a small plot land on the west side of the Stevensville Bridge to the town of Stevensville for the development of a fishing access site.

The county can transfer the land without charge as long as it is used for parks or recreation and is maintained by the town. If the land is not used for those purposes, the title automatically reverts to Ravalli County. The plot in question has been discussed for a possible permanent fishing access site to replace the closed one on private property on the east bank of the river.

While the transfer is a positive sign for those interested in long-term security for a fishing access site around the Stevensville Bridge, there still wont be an access site there anytime soon.

Randy Arnold, a regional supervisor for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, attended the meeting and expressed support for the transfer. The state is working on a plan to create the fishing access site.

This will take us a while, Arnold said. Our construction and development crews will need to go out and survey the land. Its not just a matter of transfer.

The west side of the Bitterroot River has a higher bank than the east side near the Stevensville Bridge. Any boat launch developed there would require lowering the height of the land and removing soil.

The Montana Department of Transportation owns a plot of land adjacent to the one transferred by Ravalli County that would also be needed for development of the fishing access site.

Stevensville Mayor Jim Crews said the town would gladly accept the land.

The Ravalli County Floodplains Manager Brian Wilkinson received Crews answers to the public comment and is considering whether to provide the permit to develop the temporary access site at Stevensville River Park.

I have to make a decision by September 5, but I certainly dont plan on taking that long, Wilkinson said.
Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton has identified 32-year-old Christopher Ray Phillips as the man who killed himself during a traffic stop in Missoula last week, days after its believed he killed a woman in Jefferson County.

Missoula police tried to stop Phillips on the 3600 block of Rattlesnake Drive shortly before midnight on July 25.

Holton said the investigation found that a police officer was giving commands to the people in the car when Phillips shot himself in the head. Because the incident involved Missoula police, the Ravalli County Sheriffs Office was called in to conduct the investigation.

On July 23, the body of 45-year-old Cassandra Dean Morrison was found on the side of the road near Jefferson City, and the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office asked the Montana Department of Justice to assist them in investigating her death, which was deemed suspicious.

The Montana DOJs Division of Criminal investigation released a statement Thursday that Morrison died from multiple gunshot wounds, and that the investigation is ongoing.

Missoula police were conducting surveillance on Phillips at the DOJs request. Two other people who were in the car with him when he committed suicide were taken into custody.
Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton has identified 32-year-old Christopher Ray Phillips as the man who killed himself during a traffic stop in Missoula last week, days after its believed he killed a Butte woman in Jefferson County.

Missoula police tried to stop Phillips on the 3600 block of Rattlesnake Drive shortly before midnight on July 25.

Holton said the investigation found that a police officer was giving commands to the people in the car when Phillips shot himself in the head. Because the incident involved Missoula police, the Ravalli County Sheriffs Office was called in to conduct the investigation.

On July 23, the body of 45-year-old Cassandra Dean Morrison was found on the side of the road near Jefferson City, and the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office asked the Montana Department of Justice to assist them in investigating her death, which was deemed suspicious.

The Montana DOJs Division of Criminal investigation released a statement Thursday that Morrison died from multiple gunshot wounds, and that the investigation is ongoing.

Missoula police were conducting surveillance on Phillips at the DOJs request. Two other people who were in the car with him when he committed suicide were taken into custody.
For the second time in two weeks, western Montana wildland firefighters returned to work on Thursday knowing one of their own died in action.

The Hotshot firefighter killed in a tree-felling accident on the Lolo Peak fire Wednesday was 29-year-old Brent M. Witham of Mentone, California, according to the Missoula County Sheriffs Office.

Witham was given CPR on the scene of the accident and airlifted to a Missoula hospital, but could not be revived. He was a member of the Vista Grande Hotshot crew based in Idyllwild, California, serving with 374 fellow firefighters in the mountains 10 miles southwest of Lolo.

The 6,542-acre, lightning-caused fire continued to burn actively on Thursday after growing about 200 acres overnight. Most of the fire line defense has been arrayed along Lantern Ridge, overlooking the Highway 12 corridor west of Lolo.

Mark Struble, the Lolo Peak fires public information officer, said Wednesdays death is something crews know can happen. The U.S. Forest Service even holds drills to prepare for something like this.

We call it an incident within an incident, Struble said. You have to refocus after a situation like this. I think were taking it easy on people, letting them know if they need more time to handle the stress and debrief, its all part of the process when things like this happen.

But everyone knows this is dangerous work, and even with the right protections and protocols, accidents can happen.

Struble said Withams family in California was making memorial arrangements, and he didnt know if a service would also take place in Montana. The Vista Grande Hotshot crew has already returned to their base at the San Bernardino National Forest.

The option was out there to stand down for other crews, but I dont know if any did, Struble said. You want your folks to be able to grieve their way, but the fire keeps burning.

Hotshot firefighters are among the most highly trained and experienced ground crews in the wildfire force. Working in teams of 20, they exceed the physical fitness and technical skills of most Type I fire crews.

Hotshots are typically qualified to use multiple firefighting tools from hand equipment to chainsaws, pumps, engines and communications gear. They often serve as initial attack forces, hiking into remote fire locations or using helicopters for access.

Witham's death was the second firefighter fatality in two weeks in western Montana. On July 19, 19-year-old Trenton Johnson of Missoula died when he was struck by a tree while preparing to confront a half-acre fire northeast of Seeley Lake.

Falling trees killed 4 percent of the 440 firefighters who died on the job between 1990 and 2014, according to statistics compiled by the National Interagency Fire Center.

"As a department, our hearts go out to the Witham family, members of the U.S. Forest Service family, and all wildland firefighters across the nation,'' said sheriff's office spokeswoman Brenda Bassett.

Gov. Steve Bullock memorialized Witham on Thursday, asking the public to keep firefighters in their hearts.

"Lisa and I send our deepest condolences to the friends, family, and colleagues of Brent Witham," Bullock wrote in an email. "Mr. Witham lost his life protecting the people of Montana and we will remember him for his courage and sacrifice.''
Guwahati : Assam government will seek a CBI probe into the killing incident of minority student leader and president of All Bodo Minority Students Union (ABMSU) Lafikul Islam Ahmed, who was killed by unidentified assailants in lower Assam's Kokrajhar district on August 1.

While took part in a meeting with the representatives of ABMSU, AMSU and BPF Minority Cell in presence of BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary at Brahmaputra State Guest House in Guwahati on Thursday evening, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that, the state government will write to the centre for seeking a CBI probe into the minority student leader killing incident.

'We have already formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident,' Sonowal said.

The SIT formed headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Prakash Medhi.

The Assam CM has also asked DGP Mukesh Sahay to submit a report of the incident.

Meanwhile, Assam police had arrested the PSO of Lafikul in connection with the killing incident.

The PSO was identified as Jakir Ali.

Earlier, police arrested another person named Antaz Ali from Gossaigaon in connection to the case.

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.

Meanwhile, Assam government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to Lafikul's family and Rs 50,000 to the injured person.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
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Golez: "Sikkim standoff: China should fear the brewing trade war, it has more at stake than India"

I quote from this First Post article:

"China has much to lose. There are a few reasons for this:

1. China exports much more to China: $60 billion versus imports of only $9 billion: "First, China has been enjoying a thriving trade relation with India over the years. India has about $ 52 billion trade deficit with China. Last year, India exported about $9 billion worth of goods to China while China exported $60 billion to India. Chinese presence is evident in almost all sectors ranging from electronic items to pharmaceutical products. Chinese companies would not want to spoil the business opportunities the Indian market offers to them."

2. A conflict with India will disrupt China's Belt & Road Initiative: "Second, an even bigger impact for China will be on the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative. Antagonizing India could stall the progress of this ambitious Chinese project. China is well aware of this likely backlash. China has already invested heavily in this project. As noted in an earlier Firstpostpiece, China is in the midst of expanding its economic reach in South Asia through its much-hyped China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is critical to its OBOR plan."

"A significant chunk of investments (at least $ 50 billion so far) have already gone into this project by Chinese companies. India has already expressed its displeasure to China on CPEC plan layout since it crosses through the contentious part of Kashmir, which is occupied by Pakistan and claimed by India. Some of its neighbors like Sri Lanka too have spoken in favour of India on this issue saying it is difficult for India to accept the CPEC since it passes through the 'heart of Indian interests'. China will further risk the fate of CPEC and OBOR if it escalates tensions as India can pave hurdles on the progress of OBOR."

3. Indian Ocean choke point where 80% of China's oil imports pass through: "Third, Chinese experts have already cautioned their government about the negative impact China will face in the Indian Ocean, where India has a dominant position. As this article in South China Morning Postnotes, China is heavily reliant on imported fuel and more than 80 percent of its oil imports travel via the Indian Ocean or Strait of Malacca. India is strategically located at the heart of Chinas energy lifeline and the Belt and Road Initiative, and offending India will only push it into the rival camp, which [Beijing believes] is scheming to contain China by blocking the Malacca Strait and the Indian Ocean, the article quoted Macau-based military expert Antony Wong Dong as saying.

4. A China-India conflict will accelerate the emerging US, Japan, India alliance: "Fourth, India has much stronger diplomatic ties with US, Japan and a host of other countries than ever before. Making India an enemy would push China in the opposite camp and it will erode the gains it has been making as a peace-loving, matured country that aspires to become a world leader. Beijing wouldnt want to gamble its hard-won image by prolonging the military stand-off with India. Also, it is set to host the 2017 BRICS meet in September where India is a member along with Brazil, Russia and South Africa. It will be a big embarrassment for the Chinese leaders to face an Indian delegation to talk on strengthening BRICS at a time when both countries are engaged in a trade war and likely military conflict.

"Perhaps, China has even more reasons to put an end to this uneasy phase at the earliest than India has, the main among them, of course being the fate of its ambitious OBOR initiative."




Cheng devised a concept that uses a kinetic impactor to physically knock an asteroid off course. Kinetic impactors are basically fast-moving spacecraft that use their kinetic energy to smash into an asteroid to slightly modify the space rock's speed and/or direction. No Hollywood-style nuclear warheads are required. So far, they've only been tested in computer simulations, something Cheng hopes to change very soon. Now, he co-leads a NASA mission that will finally test his early work as part of the Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission.

The AIDA concept consists of two spacecraft: the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) and the Asteroid Impact Mission (AIM). NASA will develop DART, and the European Space Agency (ESA) will develop AIM. In June, NASA approved DART to enter the design phase.

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Scientists plan to test this deflection technique on a single asteroid with the help of two spacecraft missions: one is the impactor while the other will rendezvous at the target to measure the orbit change (of the impacted asteroid), Cheng tells HowStuffWorks.

Although DART isn't fully funded yet, Cheng and his colleagues already have identified a very special target. A binary asteroid called Didymos will make a very close flyby of Earth in 2022, coming within 6.8 million miles (11 million kilometers) of our planet, so the researchers hope that both AIDA spacecraft will launch in time to meet up with this target of opportunity.

Didymos consists of two asteroids in a close orbital dance. The larger component, Didymos A, measures approximately half a mile (780 meters) wide, and the smaller asteroid, Didymos B, is about 530 feet (160 meters) wide. As Didymos B is so small, it's often referred to as "Didymoon," and that will be DART's target.

"This binary asteroid Didymos comes very close to Earth. We knew in 2010 that the 2022 approach of Didymos to Earth was really special ... It's the closest approach in many decades; close enough for Earth-based observations by small telescopes and for radar. It's a system that's been well-observed already and known to be a binary asteroid," he adds.

Naturally, there are safety concerns with hitting an asteroid to see how its orbit is modified. Say the mission's team miscalculates and changes the asteroid's trajectory. Would it become a threat to Earth in the future? Fortunately, because Didymos is a binary asteroid, even if DART significantly affects the orbit of Didymoon around Didymon A, it won't pose a threat to Earth. Didymoon is simply too small to significantly change the orbit of the entire binary system.

"We're not changing [the binary asteroid's] orbit around the sun to any measurable degree," says Cheng.
The UK's premiere genre film festival is, without a doubt, Horror Channel FrightFest. A year round series of events that spread the love and passion for horror, FrightFest is the place to be for film fans across the United Kingdom. FrightFest has always been notable for the wildly creative new talents it has introduced to the genre film world, and with the recent announcement of this year's shorts film program - curated by our own mistress of the macabre, Shelagh Rowan-Legg - a familiar name among genre film fans takes his first baby steps into filmmaking.

You might know Tom Hodge better as "The Dude", as in The Dude Designs, one of the foremost artistic talents in the world of custom film artwork. He's been responsible for creating memorable artwork for such films as Ti West's The Innkeepers and Jason Eisener's Hobo With a Shotgun, as well as bespoke pieces for films like The Heat, They Live, The Story of Ricky, Karate Kill, The Editor, Wolfcop, The Sacrament, Father's Day, and dozens more. At this year's FrightFest we will be introduced to Tom Hodge, director.

Teddy Bears Picnic is the first filmmaking venture for Hodge, who is also a massive fan of horror and exploitation films from the last four decades on top of being an ace artist. There's not a lot of information about the film available, however, the song on which it's based features the line, "If you go down in the woods today/You're sure of a big surprise", which has inspired many a nightmare over the years. Hodge expands on this open ended horror in his director's statement about the film here:

Thomas Hodge is better known as 'The Dude Designs' poster artist behind; Hobo with A Shotgun (2011) The Innkeepers (2011) The Heat (2013) WolfCop (2014) The Other Side of The Door (2016) and They Live. He's also the author of VHS: Video Cover Art (2015) the first book of its kind to comprehensively bring together the artwork on UK VHS covers from the '80s to the '90s.



Tom is now proud to present his first stint in the director's chair with 'Teddy Bears Picnic', a proof-of-concept short film selected to premiere at this year's Fright Fest in London (UK) http://www.frightfest.co.uk The film will then be released online shortly after for everyone to see.



Tom describes the short as: "A year-long trip in terms of production but seven years of work in total. I opted to self-fund the film for possible development into a bigger feature. I've been hands-on throughout, donning many new creative hats to produce, direct, art-direct and edit for the first time. I spent months making props, building creepy woodlands and creating original costumes."



Inspired by the 1907 melody of the same name, Teddy Bears Picnic re-envisions the childhood song as a nightmarish fable that twists the concept of childhood innocence. "I love horror as a genre for its pure unabashed creativity," says Tom. "It gives you a wider scope to create unique characters and settings. What are nightmares if not essentially creative? I particularly loved the creativity of high concept horror in the '70s and '80s  from the films of Charles Band to the pulp horror novels of Guy N. Smith. So I wanted to take classic character-driven horror and develop it to suit contemporary tastes, with a strongly stylised visual approach.



I wanted to take that classic character driven horror concept and develop it for more contemporary tastes, with a strongly stylised visual approach, It was great being able to explore visual metaphors and themes in a new art form (film) that i truly love and have always aspired to work in.



I'm very grateful to have been able to work alongside a very talented group of people to help realise the world of TBP on the screen for the first time. There really are too many to mention here, unfortunately! But I was particularly honoured to have Abby Miller come over from the US. I loved her in 'Justified' playing the role of Ellen May. And my friend the truly unique and iconic actor Laurence Harvey. Plus an incredibly young 6 year old actress Lorelei Winterfrost. I had some apprehensive comments about working with child actors but I can honestly say she was more well behaved than the adults.



I also had the invaluable input of an amazing DP James Fox and the help/support from my co-producer Natalie Dorn, who also sacrificed a year for production. A musical score by Sophie Galpin (Pins-band) and sound design by Todd Freeman (Cell Count & Love Sick). Along with my co-writer Russell Norris.



Filmed entirely on location in the rural woodlands of the English Northampton countryside.



Produced by: Thomas Hodge, Natalie Dorn and Lauren Parker



Director of Photography: James Fox



Music: Sophie Galpin



Sound Design: Todd Freeman



Written: Thomas Hodge and Russell Norris



Edited and Directed: Thomas Hodge

Here at Screen Anarchy we've been friends and fans of Hodge for many years and his enthusiasm for genre films as well as a documented deep understanding of what makes them work makes this a very exciting project for us. We can't wait to see it. Teddy Bear's Picnic premieres at FrightFest on August 28th with an online release to follow.
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 "Justice Thomas, Criminal Justice, and Originalisms Legitimacy" | Main | Mississippi opioid task force apparently calling for extreme sentences for heroin dealers 

August 3, 2017

"Capital Punishment of Unintentional Felony Murder"

The title of this post is the title of this recent paper that I just recently came across via SSRN. The paper was authored by Guyora Binder, Robert Weisberg and Brenner Fissell, and here is its abstract:

Under the prevailing interpretation of the Eighth Amendment in the lower courts, a defendant who causes a death inadvertently in the course of a felony is eligible for capital punishment. This unfortunate interpretation rests on an unduly mechanical reading of the Supreme Courts decisions in Enmund v. Florida and Tison v. Arizona, which require culpability for capital punishment of co-felons who do not kill. The lower courts have drawn the unwarranted inference that these cases permit execution of those who cause death without any culpability towards death. This Article shows that this mechanical reading of precedent is mistaken, because the underlying justifications of Eighth Amendment jurisprudence require a rational selection for death of only the most deserving and deterrable offenders, and this in turn requires an assessment of culpability. We argue that the Supreme Court should address this open question in Eighth Amendment law and that it should correct the lower courts by imposing a uniform requirement of at least recklessness with respect to death for capital punishment of felony murder.

August 3, 2017 at 03:43 PM | Permalink

Comments

Unadulterated BS.

Posted by: federalist | Aug 3, 2017 4:32:16 PM

There is no killing more premeditated and intentional than an execution, except war. Both are state sanctioned.

Posted by: George | Aug 4, 2017 9:14:26 AM

Seventy five pages? Oh boy.

We are dealing with a narrow group: "a defendant who causes a death inadvertently in the course of a felony." Glancing at the article, it suggests it isn't likely to result in many death sentences. It is more likely to be an incentive in plea deals and the like.

But, noting some will disagree, I have an idea that many who support the death penalty would agree that a more direct culpability should be required if you execute them as compared to let's say putting people in a small cage for ten to twenty years.



Posted by: Joe | Aug 4, 2017 10:45:01 AM

more "direct culpability"--isn't that what a jury is for? But aside from that--let's say, in the non-DP scenario,

If the DP is available for felony murder, then it incentivizes felons who act in concert to police each other, and that benefits victims. So why would we categorically bar felony murder as eligible for DP---plus, the line between felony murder and accomplice liability (e.g. a "person who aids, induces or causes another to commit an offense, commits that offense") isn't clear either. The other problem--the identity of the "triggerman" isn't always clear, so you create the possibility of significant underpunishment when people act in concert--why would we incent criminals to act in concert?

So, all in all, Joe's comment about what those who support the DP "would agree" is speculation and likely relies on the fact that most people have only a passing idea of how the criminal law works and why things are the way that they are.

But what does Joe know--he speaks in terms of keeping criminals in the US as being good for the society in certain cases--perhaps that's true, but that begs the question of whether the juice is worth the squeeze--if we have mechanisms for keeping beneficial criminals here, then many will get to stay who aren't beneficial.

Posted by: federalist | Aug 4, 2017 11:44:55 AM

oops, I forgot to finish my first point---let's say three burglars do a home invasion, husband/father resists and two of the burglars beat him up--should the third not be held liable for the assault? Or what if one of the burglars rapes the 16 year old daughter--why wouldn't they all be on the hook for that? They all helped it happen.



Criminal coddlers never cease to amaze . . . .

Posted by: federalist | Aug 4, 2017 11:48:33 AM

more "direct culpability"--isn't that what a jury is for

The jury does determine that in certain respects, applying the law, which restricts their discretion in various respects. This includes the criteria used to execute people. As usual, I'm sorry to say such obvious things, but apparently there is some confusion.

why would we categorically bar felony murder as eligible for DP

I wasn't aware this was the issue at hand. The word "inadvertently" is there, for instance.

Reference is made here to "significant underpunishment." Well, if twenty years in a small cage (subject to the usual issues; Shawshank Redemption was on the other night; that is but a film, but it is not totally fictional) is deemed "coddling criminals," perhaps. But, I think punishments less than death can deter etc. in this context.

is speculation

It's a reasoned judgment of my life time experiences, reading of relevant materials and so forth. As is things federalist and others opine about here. We aren't submitting 75 footnoted essays backing up our analysis.

keeping criminals in the US as being good for the society in certain cases

to be clear, it is undocumented non-citizen criminals. There are lots and lots of "criminals" in this country who after they commit their crimes are productive members of society. A loose use of "immigrant" was used too. But, I know he means not merely "immigrants" but specifically again those open to expulsion. I hope others are as fair as to not latching on to possibly open to confusion phrasing in quickly written blog comments.

not be held liable for the assault

I'm sorry. We are clear that the DEATH PENALTY is at issue here. Not "liability" at all, right?

Posted by: Joe | Aug 4, 2017 1:42:06 PM

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 "Capital Punishment of Unintentional Felony Murder" | Main | Sizable set of Senators inquire about BOP's continued failure to use compassionate release 

August 3, 2017

Mississippi opioid task force apparently calling for extreme sentences for heroin dealers

In this post yesterday, I noted that recent reports and activity emerging from the Trump Administration concerning the opioid epidemic did not include any calls for new or increased federal sentences as part of the criminal justice response. But this local article from Mississippi, headlined "Task force: Up to life sentences for heroin, fentanyl dealers," highlights that some state actors are talking about some remarkable sentencing reactions to the crisis. Here are the basic details:

The Governors Opioid and Heroin Study Task Force is recommending some of the toughest measures in the U.S. to fight an epidemic that is now killing more Americans in a single year than U.S. service members who died during the entire Vietnam War... To battle the increased problem of heroin and fentanyl overdoses, the task force is recommending tough punishment for drug dealers who sell heroin or fentanyl  an enhanced sentence of 40 years to life.

I cannot yet find a copy of this state task force's full recommendations, so I am not sure that it is really calling for all dealers of heroin or fentanyl to receive sentences of at least 40 years in prison. But, whatever the particulars, I am sure that this task force is demonstrating how easy it is to advocate for increased sentences as one part of a response to our nation's latest drug epidemic.

UPDATE : A helpful comment below provides this link to the Mississippi Task Force recommendations. The first recommendation in the law enforcement section simply urges "increased punishment" for heroin dealers and an "enhanced sentence of 40 year to life" for all who sell or transfer any controlled substance "that result in death (or serious bodily injury)." So, intriguingly, the opioid epidemic has prompted a recommendation in Mississippi for a mandatory minimum 40-year prison term for any and every person who shares a drug that results in serious injury.

Though I am not sure how stringently Mississippi law approaches causation and serious bodily injury, I am sure this provision could be interpreted in expansive ways that could expose many drug-involved individuals to a mandatory minimum 40-year prison term. Indeed, were this recommendation to become law, I could imagine an aggressive prosecutor considering applying this provision to persons who passed around marijuana or ecstasy at a party if a partygoer thereafter badly crashed his car and broke some bones on the way home from the party.

August 3, 2017 at 10:58 PM | Permalink

Comments

The lawyer is losing clients to carfentanyl, thus the desperate, Draconian proposals.



Posted by: David Behar | Aug 3, 2017 11:16:14 PM

Here you go. http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/documents/2017/aug/03/gov-bryants-opioid-and-heroin-taskforce-recommenda/

For deaths caused by dealing heroin or fentanyl.

Posted by: Fat Bastard | Aug 3, 2017 11:21:50 PM

We need extreme prison sentences for doctors who prescribe opioids.

Posted by: Liberty1st | Aug 5, 2017 2:45:51 PM

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 Mississippi opioid task force apparently calling for extreme sentences for heroin dealers | Main | Split DC Circuit finds unconstitutionally excessive 30-year mandatory minimum sentences for Blackwater contractors who killed Iraqis 

August 4, 2017

Sizable set of Senators inquire about BOP's continued failure to use compassionate release

As reported in this article from The Hill, headlined "Senators push federal prisons to expand compassionate release," a notable group of legislators sent a notable letter yesterday concerning the work of the federal Bureau of Prisons. Here are the details:

A bipartisan group of senators are calling on federal prison officials to follow through on recommendations to expand the use of compassionate release. In a letter Thursday, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and 11 other senators asked acting Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Thomas Kane and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to take a serious look at a prison bureau program that allows federally incarcerated people to appeal for early release if they present certain extraordinary and compelling reasons. The lawmakers, who include Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), pointed to a 2013 report in which the Department of Justice inspector general recommended expanding the compassionate release program to deal with the increasingly large number of aging inmates with serious medical conditions. Though the senators said the BOP adopted new policies following that report to expand its criteria, none of the 203 elderly inmates who applied under medical reasons in the 13 months following the report were approved. Last year, the U.S. Sentencing Commission expanded and clarified the criteria for age and family circumstances that make an inmate eligible for compassionate release and encouraged the BOP to file a motion for release if an inmate meets the new policy. In light of these changes, the senators asked Kane and Rosenstein how many compassionate release requests received in the last three years have been granted and denied, how many petitioners have died waiting for a response, what steps the bureau has taken to follow the commissions directives and what action the bureau can take to increase its use of compassionate release. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) also signed the letter.

A few prior related posts:

August 4, 2017 at 10:15 AM | Permalink

Comments

"Though the senators said the BOP adopted new policies following that report to expand its criteria, none of the 203 elderly inmates who applied under medical reasons in the 13 months following the report were approved. "



In my 35 years of practicing federal defense, under whatever policy, I've never heard of a single one approved. Anyone have different experience?

Posted by: Michael R. Levine | Aug 4, 2017 11:59:00 AM

Lynne Stewart

Posted by: federalist | Aug 4, 2017 12:27:40 PM

Federalist, greetings! Of course, you are right!!



Posted by: Michael R. Levine | Aug 4, 2017 12:30:42 PM

Dying defense lawyer Lynne Stewart released from jail

By Lorenzo Ferrigno and Ray Sanchez, CNN

Updated 9:29 PM ET, Wed January 1, 2014

Story highlights

Lynne Stewart is released from jail after a judge's order

Stewart was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2010

She aided a convicted terrorist's communication from prison to his terrorist group

She is 74 years old and has a terminal, incurable illness

A former defense lawyer imprisoned for aiding a convicted terrorist's communication from prison to his terrorist group was released from prison Tuesday evening, after a judge ordered the "compassionate release."

U.S. District Judge John Koeltl granted a motion filed by federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Prisons to reduce the sentence of outspoken lawyer Lynne Stewart, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2010.

Stewart's "terminal medical condition and very limited life expectancy constitute extraordinary and compelling reasons that warrant the requested reduction," Koeltl wrote in his order.

"... It is further ordered that the defendant shall be released from the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons as soon as her medical condition permits, the release plan is implemented and travel arrangements can be made."

Stewart arrived in New York early Wednesday afternoon and is with her son and his family in Brooklyn, according to her lawyer, Jill Shellow.

"I know that she is very happy to be home," said Shellow. "I believe her immediate plan is to seek medical attention at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center."

Stewart, who is 74 and has breast cancer, was known for representing poor and sometimes unpopular clients as a defense attorney. In 1995, she represented the blind cleric Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, who was convicted of a long list of terrorist activities, including his part in a plot to blow up American military installations.

Abdel-Rahman is serving life in prison.

The motion filed Tuesday asked the court to release Stewart from a Texas prison because her cancer has metastasized to the lung and bone, and oncologists estimate her life expectancy to be less than 18 months. The filing said her medical condition was "terminal and incurable" and cited the "relatively limited risk" of recidivism and danger to the community from her release.

Shellow told CNN her client's supporters were "overjoyed that she will spend her remaining days with her family."

In 2000, Stewart broke her agreement to abide by measures set by the Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons. Those measures stipulated that Abdel-Rahman not be permitted any contact with his organization, Islamic Group. After visiting Abdel-Rahman in prison, Stewart passed on a message from him to his Islamic Group followers: that Islamic Group should reconsider a cease-fire in attacks against the Egyptian government.

Stewart was disbarred in 2007 and began serving her 28-month sentence in November 2009.

In 2010, Koeltl revised his initial sentencing of Stewart from 28 months to 10 years in prison.

Wearing navy blue prison garb and handcuffs, Stewart entered a crowded courtroom to a standing ovation.

"The pain is overwhelming" said Stewart, who paused to compose herself several times while speaking. "Prison has diminished me."

Posted by: anon1 | Aug 4, 2017 12:37:14 PM

From Wikipedia:

Stewart was born in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Irene and John Feltham. Her mother was of German and Swedish descent, while her father had English and Irish ancestry. She grew up in Bellerose, Queens and graduated from Martin Van Buren High School in 1957. She attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan but left without a degree. Stewart graduated from Wagner College on Staten Island with a B.A. in political science in 1961.[7][9][10] She earned a Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of LawNewark in Newark, New Jersey in 1975. She was admitted to practice law in New York in 1977.

Stewart believed that violence is at times needed to correct the injustices of capitalism. She stated that she doesn't "believe in anarchistic violence but in directed violence," with directed violence being that which is "directed at the institutions which perpetuate capitalism, racism and sexism, and at the people who are the appointed guardians of those institutions, and accompanied by popular support."

Legal career]

Stewart was admitted to the New York State Bar on January 31, 1977. For much of her career as a lawyer, she represented a number of economically disadvantaged clients as well as more high-profile cases. Stewart was a self-described "movement lawyer" who took a wider interest in promoting the general political interests of those she represented, rather than only dealing with the specific charges against them. Stewart defended Weather Underground member David Gilbert, who was found guilty for his role in the 1981 Brinks armored car robbery in which two police officers and a security guard were murdered.

In 1991, Stewart was subpoenaed to explain alternative fee arrangements with a gang member whom she had been defending on a drug trafficking charge. Stewart refused the subpoena and eventually pleaded guilty to second degree criminal contempt, a misdemeanor charge that would not result in her disbarment.

Another high-profile client was former Black Panther member Willie Holder, who hijacked Western Airlines Flight 701 on June 2, 1972; he claimed to have a bomb and demanded the release of Angela Davis and $500,000.

Along with William Kunstler, Stewart represented Larry Davis, who had been charged with the attempted murder of nine NYPD officers during a shootout, as well as the murder of four Bronx drug dealers. Stewart and Kunstler secured Davis an acquittal on the more serious murder and attempted murder charges, but Davis was found guilty on a lesser felony weapon possession charge. After the trial, Stewart ended her relationship with Kunstler, feeling marginalized by Kunstler hogging the publicity of the case and not giving her due credit. Even Davis believed that Stewart was more instrumental in his acquittal, stating that "everyone thinks Kunstler beat the case. Lynne Stewart beat the case."

Stewart also unsuccessfully defended former Gambino crime family underboss Sammy "the Bull" Gravano on ecstasy trafficking charges.

Stewart said that all her high-profile clients shared the distinction of being revolutionaries against unjust systems or were people whose cases expose those injustices. However, unlike most movement lawyers who found communications with prosecuting attorneys to be repugnant, former assistant US Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy found Stewart to be "eminently reasonable and practical" and commented that "when she gave her word on something, she honored it  she never acted as if she thought one was at liberty to be false when dealing with the enemy."

Abdel-Rahman case]

Omar Abdel-Rahman

After the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the FBI began to investigate Omar Abdel-Rahman also known as the Blind Sheikh. The FBI recorded Rahman issuing a fatwa that encouraged acts of violence against US civilian targets, particularly in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area. Rahman was arrested on 24 June 1993. The targets were the United Nations Headquarters, the Lincoln Tunnel, the Holland Tunnel, the George Washington Bridge, and the FBI's main New York office at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building.[24] There were also plans to bomb Jewish targets in the city as well as assassinating U.S. Senator Al D'Amato and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

In November 1994, former Johnson administration attorney general Ramsey Clark met with Stewart and asked her to take Rahman on as a client after Rahman dismissed his court-appointed lawyer and his other lawyers, William Kunstler and Ron Kuby, were taken off the case for conflict of interest. Stewart was reluctant at first, but Clark convinced her to take the case, arguing that otherwise "the Arab world would feel betrayed by their friends on the American left." Interviewed by the Washington Post about her embrace of Rahman's case, she said, "my own political sense tells me that the only hope for change in Egypt is the fundamentalist movement." Kuby, who had represented Rahman earlier, disagreed with Stewart's characterization, stating, "I love Lynne, but no one in the world could fairly posit the sheikh as a progressive or liberal on any issue." Stewart contended that she understood fundamentalists because attorney general "John Ashcroft is one."

During Rahman's trial, she argued to the jury that Rahman had been framed for his political and religious teachings and not, as the prosecution alleged, for conspiring in any violent acts against the United States. Rahman was convicted of seditious conspiracy on October 1, 1995, and in 1996 he was sentenced to life in prison.Stewart reportedly wept when the jury announced its decision.

Violation of "Special Administrative Measures"

As part of Stewarts defense of Rahman, and her serving for several years on post-conviction issues, she was subject to modified "special administrative measures" which govern communications between suspects and their legal counsel. Stewart had accepted the condition that, in order to be allowed to meet with Abdel Rahman in prison, she would not "use [their] meetings, correspondence, or phone calls with Abdel Rahman to pass messages between third parties (including, but not limited to, the media) and Abdel Rahman".[29] The special administrative measures, or SAMs, were modified in the wake of the September 11th attacks and were designed to prevent communications that could endanger US national security or lead to acts of violence and terrorism.[30]

According to a federal grand jury indictment, Stewart along with interpreter Mohamed Yousry, an adjunct professor in Middle East studies at York College CUNY, and postal clerk Ahmed Sattar passed messages between Rahman and his supporters in violation of the SAM,[31] thereby conspiring to defraud the United States in violation of 18 U.S.C.  371. The indictment also charged Stewart with violation of 18 U.S.C.  2339A and 18 U.S.C.  2, and making false statements (18 U.S.C.  1001), and Ahmed Sattar with being an active Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya leader who served as a vital link between Rahman and the groups members. Stewart was accused in the indictment of passing Rahman's blessing for a resumption of terrorist operations to al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya members in Egypt after they inquired whether they should continue to honor a ceasefire agreement with the Egyptian government.[31] According to video surveillance of Rahmans cell Stewart, Yousry and Rahman had been tricking the correctional officers into believing that Stewart and Rahman were having a routine conversation relating to his case, when Rahman was dictating statements to Yousry with Stewart joking that she should get an award for acting.[15][32]

Stewart said that the dispute was over one communication on behalf of her client to his supporters via a Reuters article, followed by a clarification after it appeared to have been misinterpreted. The clarification said: "I [Omar Abdel-Rahman] am not withdrawing my support of the cease-fire, I am merely questioning it and I am urging you, who are on the ground there to discuss it and to include everyone in your discussions as we always have done."[33][34]

The material-support charges were dismissed in the summer of 2003, but in November 2003, Stewart was re-indicted[35] on charges of obstruction of justice and conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism. She was convicted on these charges.

According to Judge John G. Koeltl, in denying Stewart's motion to reject the verdict as unfounded,

A rational jury could have inferred that, by relaying a statement withdrawing support for a cessation of violence by an influential, pro-violence leader of a terrorist group, Stewart knew that she was providing support to those within the IG (Islamic Group) who sought to return to violencewho the jury could have found were participants in the Count Two conspiracy, particularly Taha.

Michael Tigar, her attorney, stated that "this case really is a threat to all the lawyers who are out there attempting to represent people that face these terrible consequences." Supporters of Stewart alleged that the government charged her for her speech in defending the rights of her client. They believed that Stewart's efforts to release communications from her client were part of an appropriate defense method to gain public awareness and support. They also expressed alarm that wiretaps and hidden cameras authorized by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act were used by the government to gather evidence against her, which they called a violation of attorneyclient privilege. George Soros' Open Society Institute also donated $20,000 to Stewart's legal defense fund in 2002.[36] Commenting on her case, human rights organization Front Line states that it "has had a chilling effect on human rights defenders who stand between government agencies and potential victims of abuses."[3

Conviction

On February 10, 2005, following a nine-month trial and 13 days of jury deliberations, Stewart was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government (18 U.S.C.  371), providing material support to terrorists (18 U.S.C.  2339A and 18 U.S.C.  2) and conspiring to conceal it (18 U.S.C.  371), and making false statements (18 U.S.C.  1001). Co-defendants Mohamed Yousry and Ahmed Sattar were found guilty as charged.[38][39] Her conviction meant automatic disbarment.

Stewart remained free on bail pending the results of her appeal.[40]

Sentencing submissions

FMC Carswell, Stewart's prison

The original sentencing was to be in July 2005, but Stewart's defense team had repeatedly asked for and received numerous adjournments because she was receiving treatment for breast cancer. The defense team also argued that Stewart's age, problematic general health and cancer history could well mean that she would be in prison for the rest of her life if she were sentenced to serve several years.

In a letter to the court dated September 26, 2006, Stewart stated that her actions were consistent with how she had always represented her clients but that she had failed to recognize the difference in a post-2001 United States and that, in hindsight, should have been more careful to avoid misinterpretation. Claiming that persons with 'other agendas' had misinterpreted her actions, she said: "I inadvertently allowed those with other agendas to corrupt the most precious and inviolate basis of our profession  the attorney-client relationship.".

According to The New York Times, Stewart "acknowledged ... that she knowingly violated prison rules". She requested that the Court exercise the sentencing discretion given judges by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in U.S. v. Booker, and impose a non-custodial sentence. The prosecution requested that the Court impose the maximum statutory penalty, saying, "We hope that this sentence of 30 years will not only punish Stewart for her actions, but serve as a deterrent for other lawyers who believe that they are above the rules and regulations of penal institutions or otherwise try to skirt the laws of this country."

Judge Koeltl refused both to impose the 30-year sentence proposed by the prosecution and to waive jail time entirely as Stewart had requested. He stated that while over her long career of representing unpopular clients, Stewart had "performed a public service, not only to her clients, but to the nation", her conduct was "criminal" in this case.[44]

On October 16, 2006, Judge Koeltl sentenced Stewart to 28 months in prison. Yousry and Sattar were sentenced to 20 months and 28 years, respectively. Yousry was released in 2011. Sattar is serving his sentence at the Federal Supermax prison near Florence, Colorado.

Re-sentencing; 10 years

In response to Stewart's appeal, a Second Circuit Court of Appeals panel affirmed the convictions on November 17, 2009 and ordered the district court to revoke Stewart's bail immediately and take her into custody.

The appeals court went even further: it remanded the case for re-sentencing in light of her possible perjury at her trial, and other factors the court considered had not been properly weighed against her by the sentencing judge.

On November 19, 2009, Stewart surrendered to U.S. Marshals in New York City to begin serving the original 28-month sentence as prisoner #53504-054. Two months later, in January 2010, the full Second Circuit bench, in a split decision, declined to reconsider its panel's affirmance and re-sentencing directive. On July 15, 2010, Stewart was re-sentenced by Judge Koeltl to 10 years in prison, taking into consideration what he concluded were false statements she made under oath at her trial and other factors as directed by the appellate court.

Lawyer Herald Price Fahringer contested the new sentence, bringing the case back to the Court of Appeals. On February 29, 2012, Fahringer presented oral argument based on freedom of speech, arguing that out-of-court comments on a public issue cannot be punished with enhanced imprisonment, suggesting that otherwise "no one will be able to comment after a sentence for fear that the same thing could happen to them." This appeal later failed before a panel of judges, after finding no violations of free speech. Stewart filed a certiorari petition to the United States Supreme Court in February 2013.[50]

Health condition in prison

Stewart's breast cancer returned after she was imprisoned. Scheduled for surgery for other problems the week she was sentenced, Stewart instead had to wait eighteen months for that surgery. In the meantime the cancer metastasized to the point that her attending physician called it the worst case he had ever seen. She received chemotherapy in custody.

On June 25, 2013, Stewart announced that she had received a letter stating that Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Charles Samuels had denied her request for compassionate release.

In December 2013, prosecutors wrote a letter to the judge stating that Stewart had 18 months to live. They said she had also been diagnosed with anemia, high blood pressure, asthma and Type 2 diabetes

On December 31, 2013, the denial of Stewart's request for compassionate release was reversed after Stewart's doctor said she had only 18 months to live. The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the office of U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York filed a motion asking the judge in Stewart's case for a compassionate release.Judge Koeltl granted the motion, and on December 31, 2013, Stewart was released from prison.

Post-release. In September, 2016, Stewart was quoted on the assassinations of police in Dallas and in Baton Rouge. They are not brazen, crazed, you know, insane killers . . . They are avenging deaths that are never and have never been avenged since the 60s and 70s.

Despite the medical prognosis of 18 months as of December 2013, Stewart died on March 7, 2017, aged 77, at her Brooklyn, New York home of complications from cancer and a series of strokes, according to her son, Geoffrey Stewart.

Personal life]

Stewart was married to Ralph Poynter,[53][57] and was survived by her son, Geoffrey S. Stewart, also a lawyer, who lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Posted by: Emily | Aug 4, 2017 12:49:23 PM

Lynne Stewart took 4 years to die, in March 2017. She scammed the court.

Posted by: David Behar | Aug 4, 2017 1:03:43 PM

I know of one nonviolent marijuana offender with a life sentence who was released. Larry Duke was released. He is bright and has a very compelling personality. I'm sure he was loved by all the staff in his facility. I think that the most significant characteristic was his joyful persistence. He could be told no a thousand fold and always came back with the same request in a cheerful and slightly altered form. That's why I was astounded to find myself at midnight looking up speed calculations with diameter and rpm. for a project he was working on.

That was the nonviolent marijuana offender who was successful. There is a dying nonviolent marijuana offender in a medical facility who is in his late 70s. He's about 5 feet tall and weights 100 lbs. I have no idea why he needs to be in federal prison. They have all been turned down.

I was particularly optimistic when the OIG report came out with their recommendations. This was during the Obama Administration. They had the response from the bop and it looked as if they were going to comply. The recommendations were for compassionate release based on age and I think the age was 60 with 55 on the table. The BOP then talked about checking with their stake holders and all the good intentions seemed to disappear. There was no follow through on the part of the Administration.

Posted by: beth | Aug 4, 2017 1:15:21 PM

Compassionate release in a vacuum makes some degree of sense.

A case is cited where an elderly person with cancer was released who took a long time to die. If one desires, the release can be subject to revocation if the person's health turns to the better or whatever. But, any such rule is likely to have less than ideal applications. Never releasing someone on compassionate release, no pun intended, is overkill.

Posted by: Joe | Aug 4, 2017 1:48:23 PM

ETA: You can also make an exception for certain very serious crimes, if you wish. Someone in prison, e.g., for bank fraud might be different than a murderer or someone who was found to criminally conspire with one. This includes giving the prison discretion to release but not guaranteeing it. So, e.g., for that, a much higher proof of near death might be demanded.

Posted by: Joe | Aug 4, 2017 1:57:33 PM

Compassionate release decisions are made by the BOP. They are the controlling authority. These decisions seem to be arbitrary and have always been few and far between.

Posted by: beth | Aug 4, 2017 8:19:26 PM

Compassionate release is good policy to prevent busting the health budget.

Posted by: David Behar | Aug 5, 2017 11:04:49 AM

What struck me from the wikipedia article was the following:

"Health condition in prison

Stewart's breast cancer returned after she was imprisoned. Scheduled for surgery for other problems the week she was sentenced, Stewart instead had to wait eighteen months for that surgery. In the meantime the cancer metastasized to the point that her attending physician called it the worst case he had ever seen. She received chemotherapy in custody.On June 25, 2013, Stewart announced that she had received a letter stating that Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Charles Samuels had denied her request for compassionate release."

In other words, the government would not agree to have the court the self-surrender to allow her to under go surgery? So eighteen months while the cancer metastasized? This seems beyond cruel and unusual punishment to me. Am I missing something here.

Posted by: Emily | Aug 5, 2017 2:52:38 PM

Dear Professor (Doug) Berman,

Recently, I had an offender who was released early. His kidneys or liver (I can't remember which) were nearly done. With the help of the BOP and our excellent probation office, and with money from Social Security (I think), he was promptly placed in a nice little nursing home. He repaid that compassion by secreting meth in the home's library that was frequented by other infirm residents.

What was I do with a nearly dead meth head? Bless her heart, his aging mother agreed to take him in. I reluctantly agreed. Although it sounds cruel, I hope for his quick demise thus sparing his wonderful mother and our probation office the tiresome task of looking after him.

Legal realism, I propose, requires that we view compassionate release through something other than a rose colored lens. That certainly doesn't mean that I oppose compassionate release, but only that in this context what may appear cruel may well be prudent. All the best.

Rich Kopf

Posted by: Richard Kopf | Aug 5, 2017 6:54:51 PM

Judge Kopf. I hope my comment, from an extreme critic of our sentencing system, does not detract from your reputation among your peers.

In the several years of following this blog, your comment is the very first to be based in factual reality of sentencing, including the difficult dilemmas of judges.

My compliments, Your Honor.

Posted by: David Behar | Aug 5, 2017 7:26:34 PM

Always great to hear from you, Judge Kopf!

Posted by: Doug B. | Aug 5, 2017 11:49:33 PM

If we want to be realistic, yes, people whose kidneys are nearly done or whatever are more likely to use drugs to deal with their reduced existence. Meth sounds like a dangerous approach there. Might be better to find a different drug.

Posted by: Joe | Aug 6, 2017 9:58:27 AM

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 Sizable set of Senators inquire about BOP's continued failure to use compassionate release | Main | Kentucky judge rules death penalty unconstitutional for all offenders under 21 years old 

August 4, 2017

Split DC Circuit finds unconstitutionally excessive 30-year mandatory minimum sentences for Blackwater contractors who killed Iraqis

A huge new DC Circuit opinion released today in a high-profile criminal case include a significant Eighth Amendment ruling. The full 100+-page opinion in US v. Slatten, No. 15-3078 (DC Cir. Aug. 4, 2017) (available here), gets started this way:

Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard (defendants) were contractors with Blackwater Worldwide Security ("Blackwater"), which in 2007 was providing security services to the United States State Department in Iraq. As a result of Baghdad shootings that injured or killed at least 31 Iraqi civilians, Slough, Liberty and Heard were convicted by a jury of voluntary manslaughter, attempted manslaughter and using and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence (or aiding-and-abetting the commission of those crimes); Slatten was convicted of first-degree murder. They now challenge their convictions on jurisdictional, procedural and several substantive grounds.... The Court concludes ...that the district court abused its discretion in denying Slattens motion to sever his trial from that of his co-defendants and therefore vacates his conviction and remands for a new trial. Moreover, the Court concludes that imposition of the mandatory thirty-year minimum under 18 U.S.C.  924(c), as applied here, violates the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, a holding from which Judge Rogers dissents. The Court therefore remands for the resentencing of Slough, Liberty and Heard.

The majority's Eighth Amendment analysis is really interesting, running more than 30 pages and covering lots of ground. And it wraps up this way:

The sentences are cruel in that they impose a 30-year sentence based on the fact that private security contractors in a war zone were armed with government-issued automatic rifles and explosives. They are unusual because they apply Section 924(c) in a manner it has never been applied before to a situation which Congress never contemplated. We again emphasize these defendants can and should be held accountable for the death and destruction they unleashed on the innocent Iraqi civilians who were harmed by their actions. But instead of using the sledgehammer of a mandatory 30-year sentence, the sentencing court should instead use more nuanced tools to impose sentences proportionally tailored to the culpability of each defendant.

Judge Rogers' dissent from this conclusion is also really interesting, and it concludes this way:

Although it is possible to imagine circumstances in which a thirty-year minimum sentence for a private security guard working in a war zone would approach the outer bounds of constitutionality under the Eighth Amendment, this is not that case. The jury rejected these defendants claim that they fired in self-defense, and far more of their fellow security guards chose not to fire their weapons at all that day. Yet as my colleagues apparently see it, Congress should have included an exception for all such military contractor employees, or, rather, it would have included such an exception if it had only considered the issue. See Op. 7274. Perhaps so, but that is not the question before us. The district court judge made an individualized assessment of an appropriate sentencing package for each of these defendants, and the result is not disproportionate to the defendants crimes, let alone grossly, unconstitutionally disproportionate.

I think it possible (but not at all certain) that the feds will seek cert review of this Eighth Amendment decision, and I think it also possible (but not at all certain) that SCOTUS might be interested in this issue in this setting.

August 4, 2017 at 12:39 PM | Permalink

Comments

Starting under George Bush, an indoctrinated, pro-big government, Harvard graduate (not of the Law School), the criminal cult enterprise (CCE)embedded lawyers down to the tactical unit, generating hundreds of toxic, lawyer, make work jobs. These lawyers served as commissars of political correctness. They are 100% responsible for our defeat by Stone Age savages with $50 weapons. They canceled the orders of Four Star generals. They stopped a drone attack on the limousine convoy of Mullah Omar. They threatened and intimidated our warriors with prosecution.

They effectively deterred our warriors. In The Lone Survivor, the elite squad was spotted by a farmer. Instead of killing him on the spot, a three hour legal analysis broke out. All perished as the farmer reported their location to the Taliban. One survived by luck of becoming the guest of a tribal leader.

Once the public has had enough of the CCE, the names of these military lawyers will be released. They will be arrested, tried for aiding the enemy, and shot on the spot. The prosecutor of these contractors, and this judge should on the arrest list.

Posted by: David Behar | Aug 4, 2017 12:58:05 PM

Prof. Berman. Your book does not cover sentencing law and policy for treason. If you are taking requests, you should address the subject in the next edition. It will come in handy in the future.

Posted by: David Behar | Aug 4, 2017 12:59:21 PM

It has the now fairly common usage of a table of contents.

Perhaps, it will go en banc.

I question if this is the sort of general case that Supreme Court would wish to take among the tiny number of 8A cases it takes. It is an atypical application, applied in the DC Circuit, so that helps some.

Also, this reminds that abuses during the war on terror etc. has had some pushback that resulted in punishment, which you might not know from some comments of critics.

Posted by: Joe | Aug 4, 2017 1:21:41 PM

This is a monumental Eighth Amendment decison.

Not sure what the remedy is on remand.

Posted by: Grizzly Bear | Aug 4, 2017 2:13:39 PM

The majority's reasoning is very strange. It is not saying that the sentences were substantively unreasonable, it is saying that the legal procedure that produced the sentence ("the sledgehammer") violates the 8A. The court is saying that a MM /as applied/ to these defendants violates the 8A. But I always understand the 8A to be a substantive safeguard, not a due process of law safeguard. I fail to see how an otherwise constitutional sentencing scheme (a MM sentence) can be turned an 8A violation based upon the characteristics of the defendant. Because that is what the court is saying, it is not saying that the punishment is unusual per se, it is saying that what makes the punishment usual is the characteristics of the defendants (government contractors in a war zone).

Why even bother to drag the 8A into it?. Why not rule that the sentences were sustainability unreasonable (now that the guidelines are advisory)? As it stands, the lower court can go back and say "I ignored the 30 year MM but I am going to sentence them to 30 years anyway!" and then what will the appeals court say?





Posted by: Daniel | Aug 4, 2017 4:38:16 PM

I cannot make sense of any of this. Firstly, "cruel and unusual punishment" - certainly does not meet either criteria, since people are regularly punished at these lengths for manslaughter. Maybe the length can be appealed, but certainly not on constitutional grounds.

How was there an abuse of discretion to not hold separate trials? What sort of judge would separate such an event into four trials. The use of the word "sledgehammer" is a hardly something to be used in a legal decision of this importance. More like political rhetoric. It's hard to see what sort of trial with co-defendants is not a breach of discretion.

This news will go around the world, as an example of American institutions placing little value on the lives of non-Americans. If it were 17 Americans being killed by trigger-happy security guards who were non-citizens, the judges would never get away with this.

Posted by: Dave Lat | Aug 4, 2017 5:03:33 PM

I answered my own question.

The majority can't rule that the sentence was substantivity unreasonable because it was a MM sentence. At the same time, it doesn't want to rule that the MM sentencing scheme itself violates the 8A for the obvious reason that it is not. There are plenty of applications of the MM sentencing scheme that would not violate the 8A. So rather than grumbling and taking its lumps the majority concocts a rationale where the MM sentencing scheme is unconstitutional as applied to these defendants. If that wasn't eye-popping enough even more startling this rationale is not based upon the unusual nature of the punishment itself but based upon the unusual characteristics of the defendants. In effect then the majority incorporates 18 3533 into the 8A.

I don't want to say the majority is crazy, after all one can argue that Miller essentially takes a characteristics of a defendant (their youth) and rotates an 8A analysis around it. But it is a huge leap from a demographic factor like youth to "government contractor in a war zone". The nature of the those characteristics is very different.



Posted by: Daniel | Aug 4, 2017 5:08:52 PM

I would note that if you look at the table of contents that "Eighth Amendment" is not only section "VIII" (ha) but that the discussion begins on page 69. So, it's only part of it.

The USSC, other than in the death penalty context [Graham v. Florida noted various categorical limits arose there] and minors [even more controversial; Roberts concurred in Graham], has very sparingly applied 8A limits as to term of years for adults.

In fact, I know of but a single case (a 5-4 ruling from the early 1980s regarding a life sentence without a chance of parole) in modern times when they did so. An early 20th Century case dealt with a very harsh old Spanish punishment in the Philippines. An early 1960s case held you can't make drug addiction alone a crime. Various cases dealt with prison conditions. I also know of a 1990s case where the Court in a close vote determined something was an excessive fine.

The professor and others would be open to a more expansive application of the rules there and that might be appropriate. But, it would be an advancement of the law. This opinion flags the "statutes application only tangentially relates to Congresss purpose for creating the statute in the first place" and says that warrants less deference. It is unclear that is true as applied not sure how much that is a 8A argument.

Then, the majority notes these are first time offenders. Okay. They are first time killers or attempted killers of many people. The most in one case was 17 dead, 13 attempted killings. The opinion cites cases involving property crimes. The Supreme Court (rightly or wrongly) found a single serious drug offense warranted a very long sentence.

Next, it says the mandatory punishment doesn't provide enough individual discretion. That would call into question mandatory punishments that entails long sentences generally and the Supreme Court has shown no determination that is necessary. Again, they very rarely held something was constitutionally barred in here in a non-death penalty context.

And, the majority says the crimes here are comparatively less serious than others punished by the provision because of the nature of the the crime (war zone etc.). The dissent makes a good case that is mistaken.

Again, the 8A aspect of the opinion is only one portion. But, to me, it seems open to overturn if it goes to en banc or higher.



Posted by: Joe | Aug 4, 2017 6:00:27 PM

"...Baghdad shootings that injured or killed at least 31 Iraqi civilians,..."

Question: Why do they hate us?

Answer: They hate us for our freedoms.

Posted by: albeed | Aug 4, 2017 6:32:11 PM

Daniel, the Eighth Amendment can absolutely be a procedural safeguard, but generally in narrow categories: Juvenile homicide cases and death penalty cases are the big ones.

Anyway, this is an interesting ruling that could suggest use in a wide range of cases. I'm skeptical it would ever be applied to broader contexts, though.

Posted by: Erik M | Aug 4, 2017 11:14:46 PM

@Eric M

But isn't the broader context exactly what is at stake in this case? If there is such a creature as a 8A due process claim (as opposed an "as applied" claim.) what are the parameters of such due process claims? Kids, the DP, so why not government contractors in a war zone? What not punishment for adultery? Why not goat sex? The question because if there is a 8A due process claim (of which I am very dubious) then why is that due process concern only applied to some people/some context and not others?



One of the reasons I tend to be skeptical of due process claims in the sentencing context is because due process rulings almost always reduce to one of two categories. The first category is legal heat without any light where the appeals court bitches about process, a lot of dust gets kicked up, and the defendant on remand gets the exact same sentence he had before with a different process. This does not impress me other than as a waste of time and energy. The second category is where the judges feign they are complaining about due process but this is just a hint that they think the sentence is substantively unreasonable but they don't have a legal leg to stand on. Which, FWIW, is what I suspect happened in this case (as well as Graham and Miller). This does not impress me except as a matter of judicial deceit.

In every case the only meaningful question from the perspective of justice is whether or not the guilty party got the sentence he deserved. This is a very difficult question on which many people can and do disagree. But in my view due process claims in the sentencing context serve only to confuse and elide the substantive questions. They are, frankly, unhelpful.



Posted by: Daniel | Aug 5, 2017 12:20:22 PM

30 years is unconstitutional for manslaughter, but life in prison for shoplifting is OK? Yeah, right.

Posted by: ohwilleke | Aug 6, 2017 11:16:09 AM

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PayPal has taken to freezing the accounts of a number of high-profile personalities on the so-called alt-right who use the payment processing platform to fundraise  and they're not too happy about it. BuzzFeed has news of the recent actions by PayPal, which they've made without explanation except to say that the company does not "allow [its] services to be used for activities that promote hate, violence or racial intolerance.

Alt-right white supremacist site Occidental Dissent had their account frozen on May 1 and "men's rights" blogger Roosh V had his account frozen on May 4, followed by similar action taken against the account of Based Stickman, a.k.a. Kyle Chapman  whose own alt-right fame only goes back to that March rally/riot in Berkeley, at which he showed up in a bike helmet, gas mask and cape, with a stick and a shield with the American flag on it. Chapman previously created a crowdfunding page on the site WeSearchr for a "legal defense fund" in preparation for his next arrest  it now has over $87,000 in it, but WeSearchr's PayPal account was subsequently "limited" by PayPal, so Chapman may not have access to those funds.

These cases, combined with others reported on social media, have caused many on the alt-right to denounce PayPal  along with GoFundMe and Patreon which have taken similar actions against alt-right personalities and causes  as having a liberal bias and suppressing their free speech.

Alt-right personality Baked Alaska referred to GoFundMe as a "left wing garbage site" after they shut down a campaign of his, and right-wing Canadian YouTuber Lauren Southern, who spoke at a Berkeley event this spring, said in a video that Patreon "essentially eviscerat[ed] the majority of my income" when they banned her last month.

GoFundMe has removed my fundraiser from their site and permanently banned me with no reason given. Don't support this left wing garbage site pic.twitter.com/gmwXjtMQj0  Baked Alaska (@bakedalaska) July 28, 2017

This had pro-Trump media personality Mike Cernovich declaring that there's a need for "a free speech alternative" to PayPal after all these people were "un-platformed" by the company. But building a new payment processing platform is no easy feat.

Free speech alternatives to twitter, Kickstarter, etc are needed and being created. We need a new payment processor as well.  Mike Cernovich  (@Cernovich) June 6, 2017

Some have found luck using the crowdfunding site Rootbocks, which calls itself the "alternative, anti-censorship" crowdfunding venue. On their front page you can see a number of people raising funds to attend right-wing rallies.

Also, as BuzzFeed notes, a small invite-only crowdfunding site has emerged called "Hatreon," though it only boasts about 130 donors so far.

Meanwhile after Twitter has banned people like Milo Yiannopoulos over violating their terms of service, Cernovich has called for a "free speech alternative" to Twitter as well.

Previously: Pro-Trump Rally In Berkeley Turns Predictably Messy, 10 Arrested
This is the worst of the worst.

73-year-old Ralph Flynn and his wife, Carolyn Flynn pleaded guilty in Santa Clara County Superior Court to a bevy of horrific sex crimes against their adopted son.

According to the Chronicle, the Flynns adopted a 9-year-old orphan from Russia and turned him into a sex slave for the entirety of his lost childhood. The couple was arrested in November of 2015 and the orphan, named Denis and now a 25-year-old massage therapist, is pursuing a lawsuit against his former adoptive parents.

Dennis is the second adoptive son that Ralph has abused. Another boy, now a grown adult, alleges that Ralph and his previous wife abused him beginning in 1972. Ralph has admitted to as much. He has two grown biological sons of his own (one with each wife) and doesn't appear to have molested them.

The Chron reported last year:

Both boys, who were between 7 and 9 years old, said they were called into the master bedroom, where Ralph Flynn initiated sexual contact, and that the abuse continued consistently for 10 years and included masturbation and oral sex.

Ralph Flynn would bribe the boys with money, activities or desired items to coerce their participation, according to their accounts. When the boys were older, their adoptive mothers started to molest them as well, they said.

Throughout this, Ralph owned a popular coffee shop in Cupertino.

"I lost my virginity to my mom," Denis told investigators. Investigators believe both of Ralph's wives began molesting their respective adoptive sons when the boys were in their teens.

When Denis told his adoptive parents that the police knew what had happened, they told him to lie about it  while they were unknowingly being recorded by authorities. (GOOD FOR YOU DENIS!)

Once detained, Ralph was asked if he showed love to his adoptive sons. "Yes, yes, in a loving way," he said, admitted that "loving way" meant masturbation and oral sex.

Ralph and Carolyn Flynn copped their plea just as jury selection for their trial was beginning. It saved them  and Denis  the burden of testifying. Ralph has been in jail this whole time while Carolyn was out on bail. Now they're both going to prison.

Ralph pleaded no contest to three felony counts of lewd acts on a child and faces 24-years in prison. Carolyn pleaded no contest to two counts of rape and faces a 12-year sentence. Both will have to serve 85% of their sentences and register as sex offenders forever.

"I was preparing to go to war and go into this battle and now I don't have to. I am feeling relief and peace after all these years and excited for the future and building my life up," said Denis.

If you want to read his complete story, as told to the Chronicle last year, it's here.

Related: Brothers Face Trial Over Torture-Revenge on Child Molester
The proposed Market Street ban on Uber, Lyft, and essentially all cars that are not taxicabs, buses, or delivery vehicles was just unveiled this week, and is nowhere close to being law. It still hasnt been approved by the Board of Supervisors, its California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review wouldnt begin until 2019 at the earliest, and even the most generous timeline does not have Market Street and its sidewalks being reconstructed until 2022  by which time robots will probably be driving every vehicle. But that did not stop KRON 4 personality and recurring Family Guy character Stanley Roberts from devoting Wednesdays installment of People Behaving Badly to nailing Uber, Lyft, and out-of-town drivers for their rampant disregard of current Market Street restrictions.

Roberts still catches some lawbreakers in the video above, as he directs his rideshare-shaming toward Lyft, Uber, and private car drivers on Market Street between Third Street and Eighth Street (where those vehicles are currently not allowed). I was not aware of that, one driver tells Roberts.

Stanleys point, and it is a legitimate one, is that if rideshare companies arent notifying drivers of these laws (and/or if the drivers cannot read existing signage) with regards to just a five-block stretch of Market Street, then can we really expect compliance once two whole miles of Market Street are supposed to be free of rideshares and private vehicles?

Meanwhile the Chronicle spoke to several bicyclists and shop owners about the proposed car ban and the corresponding destruction and reconstruction of Market Street. As youd guess, the bikers all love it and the business owners all hate the idea.

I think its awesome, its really great, commuting bicyclist Cassidy Deline told the Chron. To be honest, I dont really think cars want to be on Market Street anyway. (Objection: Cars totally want to be on Market Street.)

Contra Stanley Roberts, rideshare drivers contended to the Chronicle that the current restrictions have already rendered Market Street undrivable. It is what it is already, Uber driver John Leibbrand said.

Business owners are of course the most opposed, because they fear lack of immediate access to their own businesses by car, and because the area around their storefronts will be torn up for construction for much of the early 2020s. Theres a million other bars in the city, especially in downtown, where its quieter and more accessible than, say, the Sutter Station Tavern would be during the construction phase, the establishment's bartender Tiana Narruhn said.

Though she floated a silver lining.Construction workers like to drink, right? Perhaps they do, but we worry that could lead to more scenes like this.

Related: Much To Uber's Dismay, SFMTA Approves Private Vehicle Restrictions For Market Street


The #GrizzlyFire in the East Bay Hills is now 70% contained, and crews hope to put it out by tonight. https://t.co/EHbKYu8VyB  Berkeleyside (@berkeleyside) August 4, 2017

A suspected arsonist who also got into a confrontation with a fellow motorist following a crash Wednesday morning  in which he allegedly brandished a gun  is in custody and has been since just minutes after a wildfire was reported near the site of the crash. The fire near Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Fish Ranch Road in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills was first reported at 1:06 p.m. Wednesday and grew to 20 acres by Wednesday night, thoroughly scaring residents of these hills where a devastating firestorm destroyed thousands of homes in 1991.

As the Daily Californian reports, suspect Alfredo Bautista was arrested at 1:07 p.m. Wednesday by UC Berkeley campus police after he was believed to be the motorist who fled the scene of a three-vehicle collision earlier that morning on Grizzly Peak Boulevard, about a third of a mile from the intersection where the fire was first spotted. The crash happened around 8 a.m., and the other motorists involved said that one motorist, thought to be Bautista, got out of his vehicle, pointed a gun at one of the other motorists, and then got back into his car and fled. He was then reported back near the scene of the collision several hours later, at 11 a.m., according to a release from the Oakland Police Department. Police responded back at the scene, at which point Bautista had already fled again in the direction of the UC Berkeley campus. He abandoned his car nearby, possibly in the direction of the fire, and then was found on the campus shortly after the fire was spotted.

Neither the OPD nor Cal Fire has confirmed that Bautista is an arson suspect, however the Daily Cal finds from UCPD records that Bautista was arrested on "charges of alleged vehicle theft, starting a fire resulting in great bodily injury and starting a wildland fire."

Did Bautista set a fire to distract authorities from chasing him down? Is he mentally ill? These are open questions, however arrest reports indicate that he made a stopover at Highland Hospital Wednesday before being transported to Santa Rita Jail.

Meanwhile, over 75 firefighters continue trying to tamp out what remains of the fire, which has not registered on Cal Fire's major incident tracking site despite Cal Fire officials being present on the scene.

Berkeleyside reports that the fire is 70 percent contained as of today, Friday, via Oakland Deputy Fire Chief Melinda Drayton. They hope to reach 100 percent containment by 8 p.m. tonight.

Grizzly Peak Boulevard remains closed to traffic between South Park Drive and Centennial.

And residents remain on edge because, as many remember, the 1991 fire occurred following an incompletely extinguished, smaller fire in the Berkeley hills above the UC Berkeley campus, just like this one.

Previously: 20-Acre Fire Breaks Out In Berkeley Hills, Now 50 Percent Contained
A Haight Street fast-food restaurant that narrowly avoided a lawsuit regarding drug sales on its premises was the site of a shooting Thursday afternoon, raising questions over management's promises that illegal activity would be abated.

It was May of 2015 when McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook received a strongly worded letter from San Francisco's City Attorney Dennis Herrera regarding "numerous complaints regarding narcotics trafficking in and around" the McDonald's at Haight and Stanyan Streets. This, after the current owner of the location "refused to address the issues," Herrera said, hence their pursuit of the company, itself.

In an effort to avoid legal sanctions, McDonald's promised to add security cameras, to fence off parts of the property, to prohibit use of the parking lot after business hours, and to employ a security guard would be on site during all hours of operation. That same McDonald's was open for business Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m., when a male victim was shot on the restaurant's grounds, CBS 5 reports.

According to NBC Bay Area, the victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the shooting and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The San Francisco Police Department has released few details on the victim, saying only that he is a 28-year-old male.

The Chron reports that no arrests have been made, and no suspect information has been released.

As previously noted, this McDonald's is no stranger to police activity  even that of the non-drug-dealer variety. In January of 2016 observant semi-homeless man Matthew Hay-Chapman spotted one of three escaped convicts from an Orange County prison waiting in line for coffee at that very restaurant. Hay-Chapman alerted police, who nabbed two of the three convicts (the third had turned himself in the day before).

Hay-Chapman ended up collecting a six-figure reward for his actions. That case was recently back in the news when a video made by one of the escaped convicts during their brief bout on the outside was released to the media, in which the two escapees arrested in SF celebrate their soon-to-end freedom.

Related: McDonald's At Haight And Stanyan In Big Trouble Over Drug Activity
I think most of us can agree that the weather's been a little funny, especially on Thursday, especially for August. And while some rare thunderstorms were predicted because of this weird mugginess, perhaps not everyone was prepared for drizzle in the city and that thickness in the air that most people are only familiar with in Midwestern, Southern, and East Coast summers.

National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Canepa explains to the Chronicle that last night's weather was the result of some "monsoonal moisture" which is "rotating clockwise around a large high pressure area" over the entire west coast.

One of the results: the scary and bizarre "fognado" seen above in Santa Cruz Thursday afternoon. It's actually just an elongated, horizontal bank of low clouds being blown inland, as ABC 7's weather guy Spencer Christian explains, and it just sort of resembles a tornado. The video below is a timelapse which explains why it moves so rapidly.



And here's a video of some lightning in Discovery Bay, in easternmost Contra Costa County, last night.




DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Lee Enterprises Inc., owner of the Sioux City Journal and 49 other newspapers, announced strong third-quarter earnings Thursday as it saw an improved revenue trend.

Lee reported earnings of $6.3 million, or 11 cents per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 25. That compares to $4.4 million, or 8 cents per diluted common share, for the same quarter a year ago.

"We saw good growth in both subscription and digital revenue this quarter, which improved the total revenue trend," Lee CEO Kevin Mowbray said in a news release. With a 6.6 percent decrease in total revenue, he described it as "the best quarterly trend performance of fiscal 2017."

Subscription revenue increased 1.6 percent because of second-quarter price increases and additional revenue from premium content. Digital advertising revenue rose 7.8 percent and represented 29.1 percent of total advertising revenue.

The earnings come on the heels of Lee's acquisition of the Moline Dispatch and Rock Island Argus. The previously announced $7.2 million deal closed June 30. The Dispatch-Argus is located across the Mississippi River from Lee's other two Quad-City-area newspapers, the Quad-City Times and Muscatine Journal.

On a conference call with analysts Thursday, Mowbray said the acquisition is "an ideal strategic fit offering substantial synergies."

"We are extremely pleased with the purchase and the transition is well under way," he said. The company will begin consolidating results with the new properties in September.

Mowbray also noted these same-property highlights for the quarter:

 Total digital revenue, including digital advertising and digital services, increased 6.4 percent to $27.1 million. Monthly page views of Lee mobile, tablet, desktop and app sites averaged 225.7 million, a 6.5 percent increase.

 Digital retail advertising grew 8.3 percent and represents 61 percent of total digital advertising.

 Total advertising and marketing services revenue decreased 10.8 percent as a result of softer print advertising.

In addition, Lee reported that operating revenue decreased 7.7 percent to $139.36 million. Advertising and marketing services revenue combined decreased 10.8 percent to $81.0 million, with retail advertising down 10.6 percent, classified down 11.8 percent and national down 6.3 percent.

Operating expenses decreased 4.7 percent. Cash costs, excluding workforce adjustments and other, decreased 8 percent. Compensation decreased 9.1 percent primarily because of a reduction in staffing levels.

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Ron Mayo said the 2017 quarter includes a $2.6 million expense to record a partial withdrawal liability from a multi-employer pension plan. The liability will be paid over the next 20 years and is expected to be about $200,000 a year, he said.

Mayo also said the company continues to reduce its interest expense as part of its aggressive debt reduction. Lee reduced debt by $16.4 million in the quarter, $48.7 million fiscal year to date and $71.8 million over the past 12 months.

Lee's principal debt was $568.5 million at the end of the quarter, he said.

In the analyst call, Executive Chairman Mary Junck said Lee's lower debt and leverage is enabling the company to evaluate "the best use of our free cash flow beyond debt reductions, including acquisitions such as the Dispatch-Argus ..."

According to Mayo, Lee has $17 million of real estate for sale and expects $7 million in deals to close in calendar 2017. He said the company is evaluating the sale of additional real estate not listed currently.

"We are actively evaluating the timing and economics of refinancing all or a portion of the company's long-term debt," he said.

Lee operates newspapers, specialty publications and digital products in 50 markets in 22 states.
Screenings

Free blood pressure screenings, 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays at Countryside Senior Living, front lobby. No appointment necessary.

Programs/Self-Help Groups

Al-Anon Information Center, call 712-255-6724.

Al-Anon and Alateen, meetings locally. For times, dates and locations of area meetings, call 712-255-6724.

Alcoholics Anonymous, beginners information, call 712-252-1333.

Arc of Woodbury County, serving the mentally challenged, 5:15 p.m. meeting, second Monday of the month at Mid-Step Services, 4303 Stone Ave. For families and interested persons.

Child Care Resource and Referral, provides resources, education and advocacy for children, parents, and child care providers. Assists in child care needs. For more information, call 712-277-1180.

Co-Dependence Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at First Lutheran Church, Fireside Room.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA), 10 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St.

Compassionate Friends, 7 p.m. fourth Wednesday of each month (third Thursday in November and second Sunday December) in Mercy Medical Center's Leiter Room. For families who have lost children. Contact Nancy Webb 712-212-4032 or Don Mulder 712-541-5512.

Clinics

Siouxland District Health immunization clinics, call for appointment, 712-279-6119 or 1-800-587-3005.

Information

Family and Addictive Illness series, for more information, call 234-2300.

Iowa Fathers, 6 to 8 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month at Hope Lutheran Church, Education Building, 218 W. 18th St., South Sioux City, Neb. Support group to help single, divorcing and divorced parents residing in the state of Iowa.

Mercy Pathways Outpatient Program, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, on the third floor, Mercy's Central Medical Building, 801 Fifth St., Suite 360. Provides hope, help, opportunity to connect through group therapy for individuals experiencing personal, relationship, psychiatric issues. For more information, call 712-279-5991.

Narcotics Anonymous, meetings daily, various times, dates and locations. For more information, call 712-279-0733.

Overeaters Anonymous, 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3700 Indian Hills Drive; 6 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John's Lutheran Church, 402 Lane Ave., Storm Lake; 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Church of the Nazarene, 226 N. Main St., Viborg, S.D.; 5:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at Newman Center, 320 E. Cherry St., Vermillion, S.D.; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St. A 12-step recovery program for people who have problems with food and weight. No fees.

St. Lukes Outpatient Behavioral Health Program, 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Thursday on fifth floor of St. Luke's, located at 2720 Stone Park Blvd. Offers several levels of outpatient care including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and group therapy. This program provides support and integrated treatment to individuals experiencing personal or relationship issues as a result of their mental illness. For more information and admission criteria, call 712-279-3906.

Sobriety By Faith, 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For more information, call James Mothershead at 712-577-9715.

The Link-Recovery and Freedom, 1603 Glen Ellen Road; 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday workshop, and Christian 12-step meeting 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. For all ages. Call Dee at 389-7432.

Tarahouse Meditation Center, 8 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 6:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, all at 3112 Rebecca St. Three easy 10-minute sessions in small group; beginners welcome. For more information, call 490-6410.

Blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays in the lobby at Westwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Free to public.

Support Groups

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hawkeye Club basement, 420 Jones St. For more information, call 277-5935.

Celebrate Recovery, Bible-based 12-step recovery group. Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive. Childcare provided. 712-490-3343. All welcome.

PFLAG of Siouxland, (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays), 7 p.m., fourth Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. St. Mark ELCA Church, 5200 Glenn Ave., in the upstairs meeting area. 712-258-3116.

Singles widowed and divorced, all ages, 4 p.m., Sundays. McDonald's at Sixth Street and Lewis Boulevard. 712-252-2675.

GriefShare, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

H.E.L.P. Ministries, spiritual NA support group, "Sunday on Saturday" service 6-8 p.m every Saturday at 513 Main St., Sioux City. Donald, 712-574-1744.

HIV/AIDS Support Group, meets weekly. For more information, call Darla or Teri at Siouxland Community Health Center, 712-252-2477 or 888-371-1965.

Hospice of Siouxland, seeking volunteers. For more information, call 712-233-4144 and ask for a volunteer coordinator.

La Leche League of Siouxland, breastfeeding support group meets every third Thursday at 11 a.m. at Morningside Lutheran Church. Children are welcome. For more information, call Mary at 712-546-7280 or Jacquie at 712-255-2998.

Living Each Day Cancer Support Group, 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of the month, Floyd Valley Hospital, Conference Center Room 2, Le Mars, Iowa. Open to all cancer patients, cancer survivors and family members. No charge. Pre-register by calling 712-546-3441 or 800-642-6074, ext. 441.

Mom and Baby Support Group, 10-11 a.m. last Monday of the month at the Orange City (Iowa) Hospital, lower level. For new moms and babies. 712-737-5260.

Tri-State Sober Project, 12-step meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Friendship Community Church, 305 Sergeant Square Drive, Sergeant Bluff. 6-7 p.m., Thursdays, Transitional Services of Iowa, 1221 Pierce St., Sioux City.

Doug's Donors Support Group, information for organ donors and recipients, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Fridays, 5:15-6:30 p.m. second Thursdays of the month at Mercy Cafeteria Woodbury Room. 712-277-1050.

Divorce Care, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

NAMI Siouxland, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Group meets 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month at Friendship House, 1101 Court St. For individuals and family members dealing with mental illness. 712-255-4209.

Orphan Sunday, 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday at Sunnybrook Community Church loft, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive.

Post Polio Support Group, 11 a.m. first Thursday of the month at Perkins Restaurant by Menards. 712-490-8213.

Relationship Support Group, 7 p.m. Fridays at Marketplace Mall. For more information, call 239-3129.

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Individual and Support Groups. For more information, call CSADV in Sioux City at 712-258-7233; Plymouth County at 712-546-6764; Monona County at 712-423-3443. Advocacy and support available 24 hours a day at 1-800-982-7233. All services free of charge and confidential.

Sickle Cell Disease Support Group, 11 a.m. third Saturday of each month at St. Luke's Hospital, meeting room 1. For patients, their family and any concerned member. Call La'Keshia Rainey at 712-203-2019 for more information.

Single and Parenting, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

Sioux City Association of the Deaf, 7 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Morningside Church of Christ, 5015 Garretson Ave. Regular meeting, September-May; no meeting, June, July, August and December.

Siouxland Autism Support Group, second Thursday of the month at Northwest Area Education Agency, 1520 Morningside Ave. For more information, call Julie Case at 712-490-8939.

Siouxland Epilepsy Support Group, 5 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at Prestwick Apartment Clubhouse, 4230 Hickory Lane. For anyone diagnosed with seizures or epilepsy and family or friends. For more information, call Steve at 274-6927.

Siouxland IC support group, meets quarterly in Sioux City. For patients struggling with interstital cystitis. For more information, call Jacque Dundas 316-641-9766.

Siouxland Informational Group for the Blind, 2-5 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Northern Hills Retirement Community, 4002 Teton Trace. For more information, call 712-266-8926 or 258-8151.

Grief support group, 5:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 5 for 13 weeks (may join at any time), Crescent Park United Methodist Church, 2826 Myrtle St., Sioux City. Scott, 712-899-6315.

Siouxland Ostomy Association, 2 p.m. first Sunday of each month (except September, which will be second Sunday; and no meetings June, July, August), in Room 300 at Mercy Medical Center, 801 Fifth St. For more information, call Dick Lindblom at 251-2453.

Siouxland Parkinson Disease Support Group, 1 p.m. fourth Monday of the month at Siouxland Center for Active Generations, 313 Cook St. For more information, call Sally Reinert at 402-987-3516.

South Sioux City Weight Support Group, 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul United Methodist Church, South Sioux City. For more information, call 494-1401 or 494-2133.

Disabilities Resource Center of Siouxland, 520 Nebraska St., Suite 101: Women's Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Wednesday of the month; LGBT Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Friday of the month; Adult ADHD, 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; Advocacy Group, 1:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month. For more information, call 712-255-1065.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, group meetings various times, days and locations in Siouxland. For information on the chapter in your area, call 1-800-932-TOPS.

Voice Disorder Support Group, meets as needed at Mercy Medical Center, Buena Vista Room. 712-279-2686.

Women's Peer Support Group, in Wayne and South Sioux City, Neb., for those who have experienced domestic abuse. For more information, call the Wayne office at 402-375-4633 or 1-800-440-4633; in South Sioux City, call 402-494-7592. Help and support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services free and confidential.

Woodbury County D.M.D.A., noon-2 p.m. first Saturday of the month at Country Friendship Acres, 4501 West St.; 7-8 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at 515 Court St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at 441 W. Third St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at 409 W. Third St. in the Community Room. Support group for people with disabilities and mental disorders.

Natural Mamas in Siouxland, 1 p.m., third Tuesday of each month in the Garretson room of the Morningside Public Library. All ages of children are welcome to come with moms. For sharing natural living tips, recipes, natural remedies and health, homemaking, mothering, etc. For more information, call 402-913-0038 or visit their Facebook page.

A Step Beyond support group, 3:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, except for August, November and December when it meets at 5:30 p.m. (no meeting in January) at the Christy-Smith Resource Center, 1819 Morningside Ave. For more information, call 712-276-7319.

Divorce care, 5 p.m., Sundays. Fireside room, Morningside Lutheran Church, 700 South Martha St.

Gamblers Anonymous meetings, 4 p.m. Thursdays at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 315 Hamilton Blvd.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Morningside Presbyterian Church, 4327 Morningside Ave.; 7 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John Lutheran Church; 7 p.m. Sundays, Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St.. 712-277-2901.

Art therapy support group, 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Registration required, call 252-9387.

After Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call Brenda, 252-9370.

After Prostate Cancer Support Group, 5:15 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call 252-9426.

Alzheimer's Association, Big Sioux Chapter Support Group, 2 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; 4 p.m. third Tuesday of the month (under age 65) at 201 Pierce St., Suite 110 (Famous Dave's building); and 6 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the Barnes and Noble Cafe. For more information, call Emily Lord at 712-279-5802.

Christy-Smith Funeral Homes of Sioux City, extensive grief library at the Morningside location. Open to the public during weekday hours. For more information, call 276-7319.

Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness Support Group, 7:30 p.m. fourth Wednesday of the month in the lower level of the Orange City Hospital. For more information, call 712-737-5260.

Connections Area Agency on Aging, and Mercy Medical Centers Older Adult Services Welcome to Medicare, 1:30-4 p.m., the first Friday of every month at Connections Area Agency on Aging, 2301 Pierce St. To pre-register, or for more information, contact Connections Area Agency on Aging at 712-279-6900.
LARCHWOOD, Iowa | An unusual turn of events led to a high-speed chase in northwest Iowa Wednesday morning.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at 7:12 a.m. in the 1100 block of Dement Street in Larchwood.

Crystal Ullibari, 26, of Sioux Falls, was found to be in possession of the stolen Ford-150 at the residence, a press release said. During the investigation, officers saw a Ford F-350 at the Larchwood City Park that was also believed to be stolen from Harrisburg, South Dakota.

When deputies approached the Ford F-350, the driver of the truck collided with a Lyon County patrol car in the parking lot. The truck then sped off through the grass and entered Highway 9.

The vehicle then drove in a careless manner evading the lights and sirens of deputies, the release said.

The pursuit continued on Highway 9 and reached speeds near 100 mph. The pursuit entered South Dakota, came back to Iowa and then back to South Dakota. The truck was found unoccupied in Sioux Falls and where it was confirmed to be the stolen Harrisburg vehicle.

The suspect for the first stolen truck, Ullibari, was charged with second-degree theft and felon possession of a firearm, both class-D felonies. She was also charged with possession of a controlled substance.
SIOUX CITY | Two additional suspects have been arrested and charged with felonies for their involvements in burglaries on Sioux City's north side.

Joseph Tapia, 18, of Sioux City and 16-year-old Henry Jose DeLeon, also of Sioux City, have been charged with one count first-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree burglary and a charge of third-degree theft, according to a press release.

Tapia and DeLeon were both held in the Woodbury County Jail on $22,000 bond.

The arrest of the pair stems from a burglary at a home, 4534 Perry Way. Police were called to the home at 5 a.m. Thursday, and found the suspects had taken several items and got into a fight with the owner, who was left with bruises, scrapes, a concussion and possible broken bones.

Another suspect, 19-year-old Jeremy Mahaney, of Sioux City, was arrested Thursday and held on $24,000 bond.

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A 19-year-old is facing multiple felony charges after police say he and another suspect have been involved in several burglaries on the north side of Sioux City.

Jeremy Mahaney, of Sioux City, was booked into the Woodbury County Jail Thursday and has been charged with one count of first-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree burglary, a count of third-degree theft and operating a vehicle without the owner's consent.

Police said Mahaney was taken into custody after officers were dispatched to a burglary at 5 a.m. Thursday at 4534 Perry Way. Police learned two suspects entered the home and removed several items. When the owner confronted the two suspects, a fight ensued and left the victim with scrapes, bruises, a concussion and possibly two broken bones, a press release said.

The vehicle used in the burglary was located a short distance away with the stolen items nearby, police said.

Mahaney was identified and brought in for questioning at 8 a.m. That is when police linked him and another suspect to several burglaries in the Leeds area.

Mahaney is being held in jail on $24,000 bond.

The second suspect has been identified but not located.

The investigation is ongoing.
YANKTON, S.D. | The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be holding an information meeting this month to discuss a proposal to change boating restrictions on Lake Yankton from electric motor only to no wake.

A press release said the meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. August 16 at the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, 55424 Highway 121, Crofton, Nebraska.

There will be a brief presentation followed by an open house where people can ask questions or express opinions about the proposed boating restriction change, the release said.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks are proposing a change in the "electric motors only" boating restriction on Lake Yankton to a no wake restriction. A change in the restriction would increase the boating access for fishing, the release said. The change would allow boaters to use gas-powered motors on Lake Yankton as long as the vessels were operated at no-wake speed.

Lake Yankton is a 300-acre lake located just below Gavins Point Dam and adjacent to the Missouri River.
SIOUX CITY | One incumbent and four challengers will vie for three open seats on the Sioux City School Board next month.

The deadline to file nomination papers for the Sept. 12 election passed at 5 p.m. Thursday without any last-minute entries.

School board member Perla Alarcon-Flory is seeking a new four-year term while Paul Gorski and John Meyers earlier announced they would not run for re-election.

The field also includes two former candidates, Shaun Broyhill and Miyuki Nelson, and newcomers Ron Colling and Jeremy Saint.

Alarcon-Flory, who owns Perla J Alarcon-Flory LLC, a Sioux City translation services business, points to her experience on the board and other work in the community.

Broyhill, a database administrator for Dakota Dunes-based Beef Processors Inc., has run for elective office before, including a 2016 run for an Iowa House seat, losing to Rep. Chris Hall, D-Sioux City.

Broyhill won a school board seat in 2013, but was forced to resign before the first meeting to serve a 120-day jail term for violating probation on a misdemeanor theft charge. He says that he would make a good school board member nonetheless, and has owned up to his "youthful mistakes."

Nelson lost to Meyers in a special election last November to fill an unexpired term. A former food safety coordinator, specialist and regional manager of Food Safety and Quality Assurance for IBP and Tyson Foods, Nelson is a mother who already serves on the District Advisory and Equity in Education committees for the school district. She said she will "strive for excellence in education" if elected to the board.

Colling was a teacher in the Sioux City School District for 39 years. He plans to work on budgetary issues he says will face the school board in coming years.

Saint, a local attorney, has considered running for the school board for years and recently was encouraged to go for it. He and his wife have two young children. The son of retired school teachers, Saint said he wants to ensure the district's programs remain strong.
DES MOINES | A swathe of Iowa land, stretching from Lyon county in the northeast corner to Lee county in the far southeast, is currently in a state of moderate drought, according to a press release from the state Department of Natural Resources.

Woodbury County is one of the counties on the edge of the drought area, with the majority of the county facing abnormally dry conditions, and the northern edge in moderate drought.

Northwestern Iowa, according to the release, is especially sensitive to drought because of shallow aquifers, and limited alternative water sources. A meeting was held in Cherokee on July 31 to address the increasing concern.

A chunk of land in the southern part of the state is currently in a state of severe drought as well.
SOUTH SIOUX CITY | There is such a thing as a free lunch, at least for South Sioux City elementary and middle school students.

That's because the district for the first time this fall will enroll in a federal program that covers the cost of all students' lunches, regardless of their family incomes.

Lance Swanson, South Sioux City schools' director of communication, said the district qualifies for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program due to the high percentage of elementary and middle school students who are eligible for free or reduced price lunches.

Prior to the district participating in CEP, about 73 percent of South Sioux City's 2,500 K-8 schoolchildren were eligible for free or reduced priced lunches. Last year, a full-priced middle school lunch cost $2.85, while a full-priced elementary lunch cost $2.60.

In the past, Swanson said the district has had problems in getting parents to complete the necessary paperwork to participate in the free and reduced lunches, and unpaid lunches were an administrative headache.

"There have been some situations in the past where, for whatever reasons that are not controlled by the kids, the parents are not paying the lunch program and they haven't signed up for free and reduced," he said. "And that makes it kind of embarrassing if there's not money in their account."

In some cases, that situation has left some students eating what Swanson called an "alternative lunch" -- a peanut butter or cheese sandwich.

Now, at least that won't be an issue in the elementary and middle schools. The high school, which is not eligible for CEP since too few students meet the federal income thresholds, will continue to offer free and reduced price lunches to students who qualify.

Superintendent Todd Strom said he has high hopes for CEP in the elementary and middle school grades.

"We hope it's a positive for all students and families involved," Strom said. "We're trying our best to make school a safe, welcoming and healthy environment to learn, and that also involves providing opportunities for good nutrition."

The subsidizing of the lunches, however, is not retroactive -- all outstanding lunch tabs still need to be paid, and the unpaid ones will be turned over to a credit agency on September 1. This isn't an uncommon practice for a school district, Swanson said.

"We've done that in the past if they've gone an extended amount of time and not paid their balance," Swanson said. "With this situation, we just wanted to make it clear that, if there's still some folks that have not paid in the past... they still owe what they owed last year, they still have to make payment on that."
President Trump's assignment of Terry Branstad to the Chinese embassy could look brilliant if the former governor could help bring some stability to the Korean Peninsula.

Here's how: Branstad presents to his old friend the Chinese president all the shiploads of food and medical aid the starving North Koreans need. Then open the border between China and North Korea and watch a peaceful, instead of chaotic, exodus toward a better future. With an American promise like that, we just might get some help from the Chinese in defusing World War III. - Alan McGaffin, Sioux City
George Bernard Shaw said, Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.

We have a narcissistic blaggard in the White House and a bunch of self-serving Republican cowards in Congress.

It took two women and a man with brain cancer to garner the courage to say no to the disastrous health care bill.

I hope all of us are taking a look at ourselves. - Jackie Austin, Rock Rapids, Iowa
The Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C) has to pay the Office of the Regulator more than half a million tala to regulate license fees for the electricity sector.

The Regulator charges similar fees to regulate license fees for the telecommunication and broadcasting sectors.

According to documents obtained by the Samoa Observer, the Office of the Regulators fee for the E.P.C this year alone is $691,500.

The figure was disclosed during a discussion with members of the business community during a recent presentation by the E.P.C.

Contacted for a comment, the E.P.Cs General Manager, Tologata Tile Tuimalealiifano, declined to comment.

The Regulator, Lefaoali'i Unutoa Auelua-Fonoti, would not deny or confirm the amount.

But she explained that her Office is merely following the fee structure under the law.

Pursuant to the Electricity Act 2010(the Act), Section 54 allows for the Head of State to set Regulations for licence fees under the Electricity Sector, she wrote in response to questions from the Samoa Observer.

The Electricity Fees Regulations 2017 was signed by the Head of State on 20th March 2017.

This regulation sets out the fees charged by the Office of the Regulator as per the Act. Same applications of license fees are applied to other Regulated Services like Telecommunications and Broadcasting as per requirements of their respective Acts.

In relation to E.P.C, Lefaoalii said under the Regulations, they charge them an annual fee of 0.5per cent based on their gross revenue from electricity sales.

These fees have been consulted with the Independent Power Producers (I.P.P.) as well as E.P.C as required before the Regulations came into force, the Regulator explained.

We cannot confirm the amount as mentioned because we have not yet received all the necessary financial information already requested that is needed from E.P.C to calculate the relevant fees.

The purpose of these fees is to cover operations of my Office in including carrying out Tariff Review, Public Consultations, monitoring and enforcement, Research and Development and regulating the Electricity Sector.

My office can only charge fees that are set out in the Regulations, we cannot over charge or undercharge fees that contradict what has been set out by law.
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.
WASHINGTON

(August 03, 2017)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., is being awardedfor modification P00007 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-15-D-0027) for additional aircraft on ground repair events for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida (40 percent); Patuxent River, Maryland (10 percent); Whidbey Island, Washington (10 percent); Kadena, Japan (10 percent); Sigonella, Italy (10 percent); Adelaide, Australia (5 percent); Atlanta, Georgia (5 percent); Kaneohe, Hawaii (5 percent); and Misawa, Japan (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2018. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor not-to-exceed cost-plus-fixed fee modification P00001 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-17-C-0015) for non-recurring engineering and the retrofit of one MV-22 aircraft in support of the V-22 Common Configuration-Readiness and Modernization (CC-RAM) Program. CC-RAM is an aircraft readiness improvement initiative to modify MV-22 aircraft to a Block C common configuration. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania (80 percent); and Fort Worth, Texas (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2019. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $15,705,749 will be obligated at time of award; none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.
ST. MARY'S CITY, Md.

(August 04, 2017)St. Mary's College of Maryland, the state's public honors college, is one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company features St. Mary's College in the new 2018 edition of its flagship college guide, "The Best 380 Colleges."Only about 15 percent of America's 2,500 four-year colleges and two colleges outside the U.S. are profiled in the book, which is one of The Princeton Review's most popular guides. Published annually since 1992, it has detailed profiles of the colleges with ratings scores in eight categories. St. Mary's College is also included in the Best Northeastern and Best Green Colleges lists.In its profile on the college, The Princeton Review quotes extensively from St. Mary's College students surveyed for the book. Speaking on the college's classroom environment, many students cite the relationships they built with faculty as the "largest benefit to attending SMCM." Students also report that "many professors are extremely good at making classes interesting and at engaging students through discussion-based approaches."The scenic location of the campus is highlighted in the guide: "Whether they are admiring 'the beauty of the St. Mary's River' from a kayak, 'tanning on the docks,' 'taking walks in the woods,' or keeping warm next to a bonfire, outdoor activities are popular and 'only a short walk from the campus center.'"Regarding the student body, a St. Mary's College student says, "I am so happy that I am able to walk about this campus knowing that every person I walk past could be a conversation away from being a friend of mine."The college's Office of Admissions is also quoted in the profile: "St. Mary's College of Maryland occupies a distinctive niche and represents a real value in American higher education. It is a public college, dedicated to the ideal of affordable, accessible education and committed to quality teaching and excellent programs for undergraduate students."St. Mary's College also was recognized recently as a 2017-18 College of Distinction, acknowledged in the 2018 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges and ranked among the "Best Colleges for Your Money" by Money magazine.St. Mary's College of Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education through 2024-2025. St. Mary's College, designated the Maryland state honors college in 1992, is ranked one of the best public liberal arts schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Approximately 1,700 students attend the college, nestled on the St. Mary's River in Southern Maryland.
HOLLYWOOD, Md.

(August 04, 2017)Part of the roof at Piney Point Elementary School is in bad shape. "The deck was severely deteriorated much beyond our expectations and experience," St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) Director of Design and Construction Larry Hartwick told the school board at its July 19 meeting.The board approved a contract award for the Piney Point Elementary School Roof Replacement to Island Contracting, Incorporated on January 11, 2017, in the amount of $1,091,000. There was also a construction contingency of $150,000. That's not going to be enough to cover the cost of the problems uncovered. The board unanimously approved adding an additional $120,000 to the contingency fund.According to a memo provided to the board by Hartwick, "The Piney Point Elementary School roof is composed of two roofing deck systems. An addition constructed in 1969 has a poured gypsum deck over a steel form. This section of roof was re-roofed in 1993 over the existing gypsum deck. In 1996, the school was expanded. The original section of the building constructed in 1951 was demolished as part of the 1996 project. The roof deck for the 1996 portion of the building was constructed on a steel deck."The memo goes on to say: "Prior to commencing the re-roofing over the existing gypsum decks, pull test were performed on the deck to determine if the deck had sufficient strength for the mechanical fasteners required to attach new insulation to the deck. Twenty-one pull tests were performed. Fifteen of the tests were marginal or failed. As work began on the re-roofing of the gypsum deck, the deteriorated condition of the existing gypsum deck became more evident and the extent far greater than anticipated. Gypsum breaks down when water is trapped below the roofing membrane. The steel form is also prone to corrosion under those conditions."Repairs to the gypsum deck include the removal of the gypsum from the steel form, cutting out the steel form that is corroded, and span the entire area with new steel decking. To date approximately 2,300 square feet of gypsum deck has been repaired at a unit cost of $16.00 per square foot. Unfortunately, based on additional test cuts, staff estimates that another 11,000 square feet of gypsum deck may need to be repaired as work progresses. Staff estimates that the gypsum deck repairs alone could be in the range of $213,000."The contractor will lay a steel deck over the badly deteriorated gypsum on that old section of roof. The newest roof section, which has a steel decking will also be replaced on top of that steel.School board member Jim Davis, who has a construction background, noted that the original 25 percent contingency was high. But, board member Cathy Allen observed that Hartwick advised of the possibility of problems at Piney Point with its old roof. "You did warn us," she said.Hartwick said the extra work won't delay the completion of the roof project this summer. He said the contractor will put in double crews to get the job done.Hartwick advised that even with the addition of the $120,000 contingency, the total cost of $1,456,000 is still under the budget for the project.
HOLLYWOOD, Md.

(August 04, 2017)St. Mary's County is getting a Nissan car dealership. The facility will be on southbound Three Notch Road (Route 235) in California between the Hickory Hills Shopping Center, and Plaza Tolteca Mexican restaurant and La Quinta Inn. It will be operated by Morelli Automotive Group of Bowie.Wanamaker Auto Group, owner of Bayside Toyota and Chevrolet in Prince Frederick, had originally proposed a dealership at the same location in 2014, but that project apparently stalled. Company owner Geoff Wanamaker had stated at the time that he was considering several potential dealerships, including Honda, Kia and Nissan.Morellii Automotive Group has operated Nissan of Bowie for five years. President/CEO Phil Morelli said the company is a family business, with his son Michael and wife Sandy also involved. Morelli previously worked for Honda of Bowie."We are really, really excited about being there," Morelli said of the new location. Grading is expected to begin in several days and a groundbreaking ceremony in several weeks.The dealership will be built in two phases. The first will be an 18,000-square-foot combined showroom and 10-bay service facility on the front two acres of the property. On the other side of the Three Notch Trail right-of-way is five acres that will eventually hold a separate building with additional service bays. The first phase will include a car wash.The back five acres was the subject of two public hearings, July 24 and 26, for a change in the county's Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan to allow for immediate central water service from the Metropolitan Commission. The planning commission July 24 approved the change. The Department of Land Use and Growth Management held the record open for 10 days after the July 26 administrative hearing on behalf of the county commissioners. There was no public comment at either hearing.Morelli said the new facility will be the most up-to-date, high-tech facility that Nissan offers. It is called a NReady 2.0 facility (see above graphic rendering).The new dealership is expected to employ 35 people. It will be calledMorelli said Nissan of Lexington Park will not only sell passenger vehicles, but also will have a commercial line. He said he is especially excited about offering the new Titan truck to the residents of the area.The closest Nissan dealership to St. Mary's County is currently Sheehy Nissan of Waldorf.
South Florida is a foodies paradise. So why do you keep going to the same restaurants time and time again? While we all have our favorites, you owe it to yourself to break up the routine and try something new. I suggest you start with these five places, each extraordinary in its own way. Ive included places throughout the Dade-Broward-Palm Beach areas because a good meal is often worth the trip.

Taste Buds of India

7881 W Sample Road

Coral Springs, FL 33065

954-603-6996

TasteBudsOfIndia.com

Indian food is too often associated with buffets serving the same tired dishes. While theres nothing wrong with that (I love a good Indian buffet), thats like judging all Chinese food by dining at Panda Express. Taste Buds of India offers an elevated dining experience. Not that its fancy (there are white linen tablecloths and napkins), but its the variety and inventiveness of the dishes that make dining at Taste Buds of India a must for any fan of Southeast Asian cuisine. Try the lasooni gobi: crispy cauliflower florets tossed in a slightly spicy tomato sauce, almost like General Tsos chicken. Another splash of spice enlivens chili paneer: cubes of Indian cottage cheese sauteed with onion, bell pepper, chili sauce, and light soy sauce.

For something milder, try the paneer reshami, which coats strips of the Indian cheese with onions and bell peppers in a mild masala. Although there are plenty of vegetarian dishes, meat and potatoes folks will find plenty to satisfy them as well. Madras lamb offers meaty cubes of tender lamb in a rich brown sauce with just the slightest bit of heat.

For seafood lovers, sauteed black pepper jumbo shrimp, redolent with ginger, garlic, onion, tomato, green pepper and crushed black pepper is a party in your mouth. Madras fish flavors the catch of the day with curry leaves, tomatoes and coconut milk. Although Taste Buds of India does offer a brunch buffet on weekends, the options arent as abundant or as inventive. Stick with ordering from the menu.

Dolce

1690 Collins Ave.

Miami Beach, FL 33139

786-975-2550

DolceItalianRestaurant.com

Dolce captures the effortless elegance of Rome in a 1960s Fellini movie. The fact that the food is spectacular is just icing on the cake. Each plate looks as if it was created by an artists palette and is an equal treat for the palate. Saying Dolce is the best restaurant in America isnt just hyperbole, it actually captured that title on Bravos culinary competition series of that name. Dinner will run about $50 a person, lunch about half that, and breakfast about $15. Stop by for happy hour for a great deal, when Dolce offers a selection of cocktails, wines, and appetizers for $8 each and beer for $4. Oh, and as if the casually elegant atmosphere and phenomenal fare werent enticement enough, did I mention that the wait staff all looks like Italian fashion models? It should be noted that Dolce follows the European model and adds an 18 percent gratuity to every check.

Juniors

409 Plaza Real in Mizner Park

Boca Raton, FL 33432

561-672-7301

JuniorsCheesecake.com

Brooklyn-based Juniors may be famous for its cheesecake, but its classic deli fare is a star in its own right. Soul-stirring classics include matzo ball soup, brisket, corned beef, and pastrami sandwiches. Theyre not the grossly overstuffed behemoths that made the Carnegie and Stage delis legendary, but there is still more than enough to satisfy even the most devoted carnivore. In fact, you could take half the meat off and save it for a later sandwich (as I, in fact, have) and still have a satisfying meal.

Entrees include Hungarian beef goulash with egg noodles, cheese blintzes, roast chicken, or Romanian skirt steak. Meal-enders include mile-high hot fudge sundaes, and, of course, that famous cheesecake. You can go with the basic, a blend of Philadelphia cream cheese, eggs, sugar, heavy cream, and a touch of vanilla with a classic graham cracker crust, but for true decadence try one of the combinations; such as the carrot cake cheesecake, which is basically an entire cheesecake wedged between two layers of carrot cake. Specials include half off all cocktails, including premium liquor brands, and half off all appetizers during Happy Hour from 3-7 p.m. daily and 50 percent off bottles of wine, with the purchase of an entree, on Mondays. On Tuesday, the Most Fabulous Burger is available for $7.

Swank Table

Swank Speciality Produce

14311 N Road

Loxahatchee, FL 33470

561-202-5648

SwankSpecialtyProduce.com

For the ultimate in farm-to-table dining you MUST check out the series at Swank Produce, in Loxahatchee Groves. Where youre not only eating well, youre doing well; each meal benefits a local charity. Each dinner is themed, whether by fashion (70s night), focus (steaks, Argentine, vegetarian) or holiday (Valentines Day).

After a tour of the farms hydroponic growing houses, guests gather at a table in the fields for al fresco dinners under a big white tent in the middle of the Loxahatchee Groves fields. This is no mere picnic; the tables are set with white linen table cloths topped with fine china and glass stemware. The food is equally elegant and prepared by the top chefs in South Florida. The 2017-28 series, kicking off in November, will feature eight Sunday dinners (family style), six Saturday night dinners (plated), and four-six Sunday brunches (family style or buffet). Prices will range from $75 to $162 per person (all inclusive). For more information, visit their website and book as soon as the dinners are listed; the entire season sells out in a matter of weeks.

Hot & Soul

3045 N Federal Hwy

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306

754-206-2155

HotAndSoul.com

To look at this unassuming storefront in an equally bland mall, you wouldnt imagine that it is consistently on every list of Fort Lauderdales best restaurants. The homey spot serves up inventive and multi-cultural takes on traditional comfort food. The fact that there are reasonably priced wine and craft beer lists just adds to the magic.

The menu is the very definition of fusion; the marriage of ingredients and techniques from diverse cultures makes for dishes that are as enjoyable as they are inventive. This is fine dining in a casual atmosphere. The emphasis is on the food and without pretense. Hot & Soul offers many dishes in half and full portions, so you can order the half as an appetizer or go for the larger size as an entree. Among the regular dishes that win raves is the chicken adobo (stewed bone in chicken over jasmine rice), gumbo (changes daily), and the Vegan Yum Bowl, a filling combination of coconut polenta topped with mushroom gravy, crispy onions, and sprouts. Start with a generous serving of country pate, presented with pickles, caramelized onions, orange marmalade, and toast.

Leave room for dessert. Although the options change daily, there are some staples such as dulce de leche custard and dark chocolate pistachio bark. A three-course meal with a glass of wine will run about $65 a person (tax and tip included). They only have a few tables and only take reservations for parties of five or larger. If theres a line, be patient, youll be rewarded!
Senate Republicans are not the only ones operating behind closed doors these days. Here in Wilton Manors, Pride Center CEO Robert Boo and his self-appointed board also like doing business back in the closet, away from watchful eyes of the community.

So, whats the big secret? Why all the hush hush? Well, it looks like the much-trumpeted LGBT Senior Housing Project that the Pride Center rolled out to much fanfare might be nothing more than a low-income housing project coming to a street near you.

Now dont get me wrong, as a community, we need to address issues such as affordable housing, low-income housing, housing for those in need of supportive services such as the homeless, those with substance abuse issues, those with mental health issues, and so many more. If these are the goals of the Pride Center and its partner Carrfour, then they need to come clean to the community they serve and not sugar-coat reality by masking this project as much needed affordable housing for LGBT seniors.

The community is starting to see through the smoke screen pumped out by Robert Boo & Associates and are starting to ask questions. The main question is, what type of housing for seniors are we talking about, 55 and older or 62 and older? This might seem like a minor issue dealing with age, but the distinction under Federal guidelines is huge. In a 55 and over community, only 80% of the units are restricted to having just one person 55 years or older living in them. That leaves the other 20% of the units unrestricted and open to all, along with the 80% open to anyone as long as one of the residents is 55 years and older. That might be a small concern to some, but the Pride Centers partner in this venture is an organization that specializes in supportive housing for the homeless in the Miami area.

So, when the Pride Center sugar coats the term Supportive Housing for LGBT Seniors, Carrfour might be looking at a totally different client base. In a 55 and over community there is a lot of wiggle room for housing people other than just needy seniors, and may I say 55 years old does not represent needy seniors. If the Pride Center wanted to commit to a 62 and older housing designation, the restrictions would be much tighter and would be targeted to a much more defined pool of senior citizen candidates. Unfortunately, rumor has it that this is not the case. Just one example of why the Pride Center needs to come clean to its Founders, the LGBT community, and its surrounding neighbors in Wilton Manors and Middle River Terrace.

Adding to the discussion was a claim by Robert Boo & Associates that the planned 120-unit development would add no financial burden to the City of Wilton Manors. Really? The Pride Center is a tax-exempt non-profit. This development would add not one penny to the Citys tax base, even though its residents would be free to utilize services provided by the City of Wilton Manors. Services such as our taxpayer funded municipal library, transportation for seniors, free classes provided by our Leisure Services Department, not to mention our infrastructure of water, sewer, roadways and much more all paid for by taxpayers of Wilton Manors. Subsidizing those in need is not the debate here. The problem is that the Pride Center keeps sugar coating a very bitter pill that the residents of this city will need to swallow if this project is allowed to move forward without some very serious questions and changes. And in case Boo needs reminding, EMS services and our police are funded through the General Fund Budget of our city. A development with 120 units will definitely be a cost burden to this city and to all the taxpaying residents who do not have the luxury of a 501(c)3 tax exempt status that the Pride Center enjoys. That is why we are asking that this plan come out of the closet, with its impact discussed in full view of all the community.

In contrast, the proposed development site on NE 26th Street was forced by City Commissioners to scale down expectations of units from more than 100 to a more community acceptable size of about 80 units. This development would add millions to the tax base of our city, while the Pride Centers planned development of 120 units adds nothing to our tax base and would have an even greater impact on the community than the NE 26th Street site.

Is anyone else concerned about the size of such a project? On a 5.5 acre site that already has five buildings and future expansion plans? Traffic impact? Or do the projects principals expect an easy ride just by using nice-sounding keywords in their sales pitch, such as senior housing, affordable, and LGBT community, in their attempt to sugar coat a very large low-income supportive housing project squeezed into an unsuspecting community.

Its time for the Pride Center to come out of the closet and openly discuss with the community exactly how it plans to make life just better here .
Supernova Shock Wave Simulation Carnegie Institution for Science

New work offers fresh evidence supporting the supernova shock wave theory of our solar systems origin.

According to one longstanding theory, our Solar Systems formation was triggered by a shock wave from an exploding supernova. The shock wave injected material from the exploding star into a neighboring cloud of dust and gas, causing it to collapse in on itself and form the Sun and its surrounding planets.

New work from Carnegies Alan Boss offers fresh evidence supporting this theory, modeling the Solar Systems formation beyond the initial cloud collapse and into the intermediate stages of star formation. It is published by the Astrophysical Journal.

One very important constraint for testing theories of Solar System formation is meteorite chemistry. Meteorites retain a record of the elements, isotopes, and compounds that existed in the systems earliest days. One type, called carbonaceous chondrites, includes some of the most-primitive known samples.

An interesting component of chondrites makeup is something called short-lived radioactive isotopes. Isotopes are versions of elements with the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons. Sometimes, as is the case with radioactive isotopes, the number of neutrons present in the nucleus can make the isotope unstable. To gain stability, the isotope releases energetic particles, which alters its number of protons and neutrons, transmuting it into another element.

Some isotopes that existed when the Solar System formed are radioactive and have decay rates that caused them to become extinct within tens to hundreds of million years. The fact that these isotopes still existed when chondrites formed is shown by the abundances of their stable decay productsalso called daughter isotopesfound in some primitive chondrites. Measuring the amount of these daughter isotopes can tell scientists when, and possibly how, the chondrites formed.

A recent analysis of chondrites by Carnegies Myriam Telus was concerned with iron-60, a short-lived radioactive isotope that decays into nickel-60. It is only created in significant amounts by nuclear reactions inside certain kinds of stars, including supernovae or what are called asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars.

Because all the iron-60 from the Solar Systems formation has long since decayed, Telus research, published in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, focused on its daughter product, nickel-60. The amount of nickel-60 found in meteorite samplesparticularly in comparison to the amount of stable, ordinary iron-56can indicate how much iron-60 was present when the larger parent body from which the meteorite broke off was formed. There are not many options for how an excess of iron-60which later decayed into nickel-60could have gotten into a primitive Solar System object in the first placeone of them being a supernova.

While her research did not find a smoking gun, definitively proving that the radioactive isotopes were injected by a shock wave, Telus did show that the amount of Fe-60 present in the early Solar System is consistent with a supernova origin.

Taking this latest meteorite research into account, Boss revisited his earlier models of shock wave-triggered cloud collapse, extending his computational models beyond the initial collapse and into the intermediate stages of star formation, when the Sun was first being created, an important next step in tying together Solar System origin modeling and meteorite sample analysis.

My findings indicate that a supernova shock wave is still the most-plausible origin story for explaining the short lived radioactive isotopes in our Solar System, Boss said.

Boss dedicated his paper to the late Sandra Keiser, a long-term collaborator, who provided computational and programming support at Carnegies Department of Terrestrial Magnetism for more than two decades. Keiser died in March.

The software used in this research was in large part developed by the DOE-supported ASC/Alliances Center for Astrophysical Thermonuclear Flashes at the University of Chicago.

The Carnegie Institution for Science (carnegiescience.edu) is a private, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with six research departments throughout the U.S. Since its founding in 1902, the Carnegie Institution has been a pioneering force in basic scientific research. Carnegie scientists are leaders in plant biology, developmental biology, astronomy, materials science, global ecology, and Earth and planetary science.
Preaching the gospel of specialty coffee can often feel like an uphill climb. You can have a beautifully floral Yirgacheffe or a Kenya that just tastes like pomegranate juice that just dont seem to move because customers favor the comfort and familiarity of a more straightforward Central American profile. It can be frustrating to say the least. But have heart, SCW (specialty coffee warrior), a new article in Grub Street states that thanks to third-wave coffee shops, demand for African coffees is increasing and it is a boon for farmers.

The 70s were the last hay day for coffees coming from Africa; Ethiopia, Uganda, Angola, and the Ivory Coast were all top-ten countries in terms of coffee production. But in the last 40 years, numbers have dropped pretty significantly. As a continent, Africas total coffee exports have dropped by 25%, and only Ethiopia and Uganda remain the in top ten.

But the tide is turning. Since 2003, Africas global coffee yearly coffee exports have increased by 35 millions bags, from 95 million to 130 million. Leading the charge in this growth is the Yirgacheffe region of Ethiopia, but the article notes that Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, and the Congo are also seeing increases in demand. This increase is crucial, as a Bloomberg article notes that coffee farming in Africa is facing a handful of threats: young would-be farmers are pursuing more profitable careers (the average age of a coffee farmer in Africa is 60), some farms are replacing coffee with subsistence crops, and even more still are choosing to sell their land entirely.

Nonetheless, demand for African coffees is trending upward, and that is thanks in no small part to the growing popularity of specialty coffee. So keep up the good work. Though it may not always seem like it, people are coming around.

Zac Cadwalader is the news editor at Sprudge Media Network.

An earlier version of this article stated African coffee exports had reached 130 million bags per year. This statistic refers to all global coffee exports.
The Summer 2017 edition of Bloomthe Barista Guild of Americas industry-focused live speakers forumtook place July 26th-28th at The Pearl in San Francisco. As attendees entered, we were given a choice from a rainbow of notNeutral Bloom mugs, which we were told to keep on hand the entire day and use instead of disposable cups.

The day started off with pastries from Tartine and coffee from several local contributors, including Ritual, Counter Culture, and Andytown. After way too much coffee, we settled into an opening speech from sponsor Olam Coffees Todd Mackey, where he stated the hope that we would come away with actionable ideas for ourselves and our businesses. After most of us had silenced our smartphones, he asked us to take them back out and introduced us to Slido, an interactive online platform where we could post questions in real time, anonymously if desired.

#BloomSF has officially kicked off! Let the discussions begin. #baristaguild #barista #sanfrancisco #bloomevent A post shared by Barista Guild of America (@baristaguild) on Jul 27, 2017 at 10:02am PDT

When discussing how they felt about using their phones as an interactive platform, most attendees were apprehensive at first but had an overall positive response. Hana Yoshimoto, barista at Blue Bottle, said, I came in with a mentality that smartphones are a distraction even when used in a purposeful way, but it opened my mind up to the possibility that they could be interactive and helpful. Regarding anonymity, she was a fan: Im also someone who doesnt like attention, so it allowed me to put forth a lot of questions and participate in a way that I wouldnt have otherwise.

Mackey introduced Mokhtar Alkhanshali, founder and CEO of Port of Mokha, who went on to talk about how the roots of coffee hold the keys to its future. He started by introducing the all-too-familiar dilemma of leaf rust, which in 2013 cost Central America 1 billion dollars in losses, leading the Guatemalan government to declare a state of emergency. He then stated that to solve problems like leaf rust that plague us in the present, we need to look at our past and know where we came from.

He took us back to Yemen, just across the water from coffees ancestral home, Ethiopia, where heirloom varieties hold promises of genetic diversity and potential solutions. Where the Ethiopian government is protective of coffees genetic secrets, according to Alkhanshali, Yemen is open to sharing them with researchers across the world. He went on to discuss the exceptionally high cupping scores and complex flavor profiles of Yemeni coffees, while the audience tasted samples.

When asked if Yemeni producers would ever consider using the washed-process to fetch even higher prices for their coffees, which are currently all dry-processed, he responded that the future of coffee is natural, just like its past. Water conservation is as crucial to the future of coffee as genetic diversity, and Yemen is a bastion of both.

Prompted by a question from Wrecking Ball Coffee co-owner Nick Cho, Alkhanshali also dropped the surprise that writer Dave Eggers has spent the last three years writing a book about Alkhanshalis coffee journey, titled The Monk of Mokha, available on Amazon for pre-order. He closed the conversation with the assertion that the shortest distance between two people is a cup of coffee.

We rolled straight into a panel moderated by Cho, titled Fast, Cheap, Good: Pick Two, about the world of specialty convenience coffee, featuring Molly Irwin of Fellow Products, Umeko Motoyoshi of Sudden Coffee, Kent Sheridan of Voila Coffee, and Tony Konecny of Yes Plz.

A major theme of the panel was, in Motoyoshis words, meeting people where theyre at and celebrating where theyre at. Panelists all spent time focusing on how to de-alienate customers who might be turned off by the specialty coffee ethos that our industry has created in trying to differentiate our product from its predecessors. Discussing the panels overall approach, attendee Daria Whalen, director of education at Ritual Coffee Roasters, said that panelists spoke a lot about entry points into certain markets, rather than equity on either side of those markets, which she felt was a good start, although not necessarily the whole conversation.

Irwin talked about incorporating volumetrics for home brewers who are ready to make better coffee but arent ready to invest in expensive scales. Motoyoshi emphasized how Sudden allows customers to enjoy top-quality, ethically-sourced coffee with almost zero equipment, so they dont need to have access to expensive setups and education to enjoy great coffee. Sheridan, who also makes an instant coffee product, emphasized the quality that Voila works toward, making instant not just better than before, but on a level of flavor and consistency that specialty coffee drinkers have come to expect from any brewed coffee.

Tony shares the subversive tips for brewing great coffee in restaurants. Inspire the cooks to brew it as they care about recipes and keeping the gear clean. Preach, brother! A post shared by Maria Cleaveland (@zoomerpc) on Jul 27, 2017 at 12:14pm PDT

The restaurant Konecny supplies coffee to, Locol in Oakland, has incorporated a controversial $1 cup of coffee on the menu, and he elaborated on what makes that possible, emphasizing that he doesnt think his restaurants $1 cups are competing with specialty cafes. The truth is, he asserted, its much easier to do good restaurant coffee in a fast-food environment, explaining that in his restaurants, coffee prep is a back-of-house operation with nearly zero waste, which allows coffee to get to customers at a price point theyve historically been accustomed to, but at a quality and ethic level that specialty drinkers expect.

When asked what she thought the important questions would be in coffee five years from now, Motoyoshi asked, Where are our customers? Are they with us yet? Are they excited about what were doing? And with that, we broke for a rooftop lunch, which the BGA had ensured was labeled with allergen info so that all attendees could engage.

We returned to a talk about a field in which we are the customers, that of natural wine, with a talk from local winemaker Martha Stoumen. In her tightly-packed and informative segment, she emphasized the contrast between control over nature and working with nature. Discussing the difference in production between natural and conventional wines, she compared natural wine to cage-free eggs or grass-fed beef, highlighting the fact that the world has room for both the natural and the conventional.

When asked the question of how to tell whether a given wine is natural, Stoumen delved into the tension around defining natural wine. She doesnt necessarily think that defining natural wines would benefit the industry, and asserted that voluntary ingredient labeling is the future for natural wine producers over third-party regulation. Meanwhile, she advised, go to wine shops that specialize in natural wine, talk to the bartenders, and when you try something you like, note the importer as well as the producer.

After Stoumens talk, we moved into an interactive session titled Exploring Your Privilege with Boss Barista and the BGA, led by Liz Dean, Ashley Rodriguez and Jasper Wilde. They started off with an exercise called Three by Three, where they asked three audience members (Ritual owner Eileen Hassi Rinaldi, Equator community engagement manager Akaash Saini, and Coffee Gundam founder Cat Mungcal) three questions each. In their responses, Rinaldi emphasized concerns over global and local coffee labor shortages and revealed a five-year aspiration toward creating employee housing, while Mungcal discussed the issue of mental health in coffee work.

Rodriguez and Wilde brought back Slido with an interactive poll around privilege, where audience members calculated their privilege dollars. The segment began a necessary discussion on how difficult it is to unpack privilege, which was further explored in the next segment, where we broke off into groups to discuss the specific topics of gentrification, sexual harassment policy, queer and trans inclusion, and intersection in 10-minute segments. On the overall impact of the privilege segment, attendee Jennifer Custard-Jarosz of Intelligentsia Coffee had mostly positive things to say: I think in regard to this conversation, theres still a lot of work to be done, but it was a good attempt.

The Bloom event centers questions over answers, and the BGA definitely succeeded in pushing our minds in new directions. Speaker after speaker pitched questions and solutions in equal measure to problems faced across the supply chain, from the threats producers face in getting great coffee to cafes across the world, to dilemmas around pricing and service, to the lessons cafes can learn from other specialty industries. Throughout the days events, each speaker approached the underlying question of how to truly center people, meeting them on their level but always pushing forward.

Attendee critiques hinged on the fact that they wanted discussions to delve further into the realm of equity and truly move people outside of their comfort zone. As in the coffee brewing process, where the bloom refers to the moment where coffee grounds first meet water and the brewing begins, the Bloom events content doesnt represent a finished product, but rather a start to many necessary conversations, especially those that push the boundaries of comfort and complacency.

RJ Joseph (@RJ_Sproseph) is a freelance journalist, publisher of Queer Cup, and coffee professional based in the Bay Area. This is RJ Josephs first feature for Sprudge.
Demitasse was in the LA coffee game long before the citys coffee scene exploded. Its first location in Little Tokyo opened a little over five years ago and is still the go-to destination for coffee aficionados in the area. Now, Demitasse has four locations spread all over the Greater LA area. The newest location is in West Hollywoodunlike the other more off-the-grid shops, this Demitasse sits on Santa Monica Boulevard, right in the heart of it all.

Whats surprising about Demitasse WeHo is that it was in the works for almost two years before finally opening in early March. Demitasse founder Bobby Roshan had been keeping his eye on the location, in part for the neighborhoods welcoming feel. Everyone is super friendly and really cares about the community, Roshan says. Its great to be a part of that. Its also a community that emphasizes acceptance and openness, two things I feel like the specialty coffee community embraces as well.

There are a few other specialty coffee spots nearby, but Demitasse offers more than what youll find anywhere else. For one, indoor seating. Ample space can be found around and behind the coffee bar for a patron looking to get some work done. If youve been to any of the other Demitasse locations, youll know theyre all designed differently. For WeHo, Roshan worked with Kelly Architects to create a seated bar in front of the siphons. The WeHo cafe also features a large mural on one of its walls. Its a pretty eye-catching piece by LA artist Greg Craola Simkinsa surreal, steampunk-type artwork filled with various fantastical creatures. Roshan is a big fan of Craolas work. The rest of the space is light and airy, but that mural is definitely the design centerpiece and in a way contrasts with the rest of the space, Roshan says.

The other fun factor is that every Demitasse cafe features unique drinks. Depending on which barista is on the bar, each one has its own creative take on either tea, coffee, or both. On the day I visited, the signature barista drink was the Rise Abovea ginger and carrot juice shot with espresso layered on top. Every Demitasse cafe has a different drink each day, but the WeHo location is the only one with a shrub on tap. Its a strawberry-rose pomegranate shrub created by the manager of the cafe, Brantly Irakleianos. The fizzy, tart drink is perfect for hot days or when youve hit your caffeine overload.

Were brewing coffee in three ways, Roshan says of the new location. Batch brew on a Curtis, siphoning coffee on our halogen-light siphon bar, and Kalita pour-over. We also got an under-counter Mavam espresso machine. Other options include Kyoto iced coffee and nitro cold brew on tap, as well as both sweet and savory Sugarbloom Bakery snacks.

The prime location of Demitasse WeHo will no doubt attract local foot traffic. The fact that Roshan is working with local businesses is also something to look forward to.

So many plans, Roshan says. We definitely want to do a slow bar. We also are reaching out to folks for collaborations and pop-ups. We just hosted Good Gravy Bakes downtown and well be sure to bring them in and others at this location, too. We are looking for some really talented chefs to do a takeover, as well, which would be a lot of fun. For a neighborhood that values community, West Hollywood has a great new addition with Demitasse.

Tatiana Ernst (@TatianaErnst) is a Sprudge staff writer based in Los Angeles. Read more Tatiana Ernst on Sprudge.
Judgment Reserved in Case of Christian Magistrate Dismissed from NHS over Family Views

Contact: Andrea Williams, Christian Legal Centre , 07712 591 164



LONDON, Aug. 4, 2017 / LONDON, Aug. 4, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- A Christian who was dismissed as a magistrate by the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice, after expressing his view that it was in a child's best interests to be raised by a mother and a father, must wait to learn the outcome of his claim of discrimination, harassment and victimisation against an NHS Trust after being blocked from returning to his role as a non-executive director.

Richard Page, who had nearly 20 years' experience as a finance director in the NHS, was suspended from his role as a non-executive director of Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust in March 2016.

The Trust believed that the expression of his views about family life on TV and news media outlets had "undermined" the confidence of staff.

Mr Page, from Kent, brought his claim against the NHS Trust Development Authority, under the Equality Act 2010.

At a preliminary hearing in January this year, an Employment Tribunal judge said that Mr Page's case was "crying out to be heard."

After a four-day hearing which began on 1 August, Croydon Employment Tribunal today delayed handing down its ruling.

Mr Page is being supported in his claim by the Christian Legal Centre and was represented in court by Christian Legal Centre representative Pavel Stroilov.

'Not in interests of health service' to serve on NHS Trust

Richard Page, 71, worked for various NHS Trusts over the course of almost 20 years, and his experience contributed significantly to the success of the organisations he was involved in. Mr Page and his wife fostered children for 15 years.

In 2016, Mr Page appeared on various television programmes to defend his position that children should ideally be raised by a mother and father. He had expressed this view during a closed-door consultation in an adoption case while serving as a Justice of the Peace.

He was later sacked for serious misconduct from the Magistracy by the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice, who said his comments suggested he was "biased and prejudiced against single sex adopters".

Then in August 2016, he was told that an NHS panel, convened to consider his suitability to return to his role as a non-executive director, was unanimous in its view that "it was not in the interests of the health service for [him] to serve."

The panel believed that Mr Page's actions were "likely to have had a negative impact on the confidence of staff, patients and the public in [him] as a local NHS leader."

He was told that the panel's decision would disqualify him for any further appointment as a non-executive director of any NHS Trust.

Perception of bias

The panel had received a single complaint about Mr Page's views but was made aware of almost 7,000 emails supporting him.

Richard Page told the Employment Tribunal that his faith put him on a collision course with the NHS's politically correct orthodoxy.

He said that the loss of his job signifies a worrying shift away from religious freedom, towards ideological dictatorship.

During the hearing, Mr Andrew Ling, former Chair of the NHS Trust said, "it is not legitimate to publicly state those (Mr Page's) views when they are in relation to and give rise to questions of equality".

Commenting on the impact of Mr Page's views, Mr Ling continued, "there was a perception that he may not be unbiased when considering issues in the trust."

When asked about how the NHS would treat someone favouring same-sex adoption, Miss Scanlan, Head of Non-Executive Development at the NHS Trust, initially observed that "if a Non-Executive Director expressed a view in the media in favour of same-sex adoption, we would not take the same action as was taken against Mr Page."

Reflecting on the possible impact of Mr Page's views, Miss Thomson, Chair of the Provider Leadership Committee said "[Mr Page's] views were likely to cause offence or make people feel that the trust was influenced in a discriminatory way and they were not in line with the Equality Act policy."

During the hearing, Mr Stroilov observed that, "The very purpose of the Equality Act is for different beliefs to be treated equally, whether we agree with them or not". He continued, "it can hardly be within its purposes to permit discrimination against adherents of a particular religion or belief on the grounds that this religion/belief is in itself 'discriminatory'."

He continued, "[Mr Page's] beliefs on a philosophical issue, having nothing to do with the practical workings of the NHS, turned out to be out of tune with its ideological orthodoxy".

Finally, "The detriment suffered by Mr Page was because of his religious belief that it was in the best interests of the child to be raised by a mother and father, and he was treated less favourably that a Non-Executive Director who would publicly express a belief favouring same-sex adoption".

Counsel for the NHS, David Massarella argued that, "It is beyond question that the views [Mr Page] expressed in his media appearances are discriminatory in respect of gay people".

He continued by saying, "The fact that a view is a religious view cannot act as a cloak for the expression of the view, the context of which may be offensive or discriminatory for people hearing them."

Additionally, he commented, "The Claimant (Mr Page) wants to focus his case on a religious belief that he holds that he wishes to characterise as an exclusively religious belief. On the face of it, that sounds entirely positive. But what he must do to avoid the consequences of that belief is to sever from that belief the obvious negative and discriminatory consequences of that view, which is that same-sex adoption is wrong, unnatural, sinful, or a last resort."

Mr Page is also continuing his legal action against the Secretary of State for Justice, claiming that his dismissal as a magistrate was unlawful and discriminated against him on account of his Christian beliefs.

'Appalling anti-Christian attitude'

Commenting on the hearing, Mr Page said:

"My desire to do the best for the child has been the paramount consideration throughout my time as a magistrate on the family panel. Yet by living out this belief, I have been drawn into a much bigger battle about my freedom, and the freedom of Christians more broadly, to express Biblical truth in the public square.

"To my dismay, I have discovered the appalling anti-Christian attitude prevalent throughout much of the establishment."

"It is deeply shocking that someone like me, who cares deeply about justice and freedom, and who has spent my whole life working to serve the community out of love for Jesus Christ, should now be punished in this way."

'Focus on perception has far-reaching consequences'

Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre which is supporting Mr Page, commented:

"The suggestion that discrimination can be established where there is a 'perception' that homosexual people may be affected by Mr Page's belief is deeply disturbing.

"The focus on 'perception' has far-reaching consequences, as it places unjustifiable limits on freedom of expression by shutting down unpopular views.

"Counsel for the NHS Trust's assertion that stating a Christian view on marriage and raising children has "obvious negative and discriminatory consequences... that same-sex adoption is wrong, unnatural, sinful, or a last resort" is deeply disturbing.

"The NHS was deeply concerned that Mr Page spoke to the media about what happened to him. But why shouldn't he speak to the media?

"We have to stand against the false assertion that it is best for a child to be raised by same-sex couples. The evidence directly contradicts this.

"Mr Page is a selfless and compassionate individual who has dedicated himself to public service. Yet he is another in a long-time of brave Christians who have suffered detriment for expressing Biblical truth in the public sphere. We continue to stand by him in his legal challenge."
The essential component of totalitarian propaganda is artifice (het toepassen van kunstgrepen. svh) . The ruling elites, like celebritie...
Play at the new site will be free and first come, first served through the...
Ask anyone whos driven over the Lewis and Clark Bridge on a Friday afternoon and youll hear all about long wait times, traffic back ups and inconsiderate drivers.

Now it seems a bit of a turf war has broken out between the city of Rainier and the Oregon Department of Transportation over the bridge. More specifically, how traffic moves across the bridge from Oregon to Washington.

In mid July, ODOT officials sent a letter to Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole, City Administrator Debra Dudley and Rainier Police Chief Gregg Griffith asking local police to stop directing traffic at the bridge.

According to Mark Buffington, ODOT District 1 manager, a Rainier police officer had on several occasions blocked the bridge entrance for eastbound traffic on Highway 30 coming from Clatskanie and the coast to get traffic from the westbound Highway 30/Rainier side moving more quickly.

The posted traffic control signs on the bridge entrance ramps indicate that the eastbound U.S. 30 traffic is to proceed directly on the bridge while the westbound U.S. 30 traffic is to yield to the eastbound traffic, Buffington said in the letter.

Police were apparently trying to prevent traffic from backing up to Rock Crest Street, where there are several cigarette and liquor stores popular with Oregon and Washington shoppers, Buffington said in a phone interview Thursday. A new shopping center is planned for the same area, one that will likely exacerbate the traffic problem, he added.

However, by blocking the eastbound traffic, Buffington said traffic instead backed up Highway 30 toward Clatskanie, noting that cars coming from this side travel at speeds of 55 mph or higher.

My first concern is that a traffic back-up onto mainline U.S. 30 could cause a serious  even fatal  accident. There are blind curves and traffic traveling at high speed in (this) section, the letter said.

In his letter, Buffington also noted that Rainier police do not have the authority to regulate traffic flow on a state highway controlled by ODOT.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the direction from ODOT wasnt welcomed by city officials or local residents.

Cole took to Facebook to express his frustrations with the ongoing traffic problems.

Many locals have been impacted by the ongoing traffic jams of the Lewis and Clark bridge ... Ive personally had many people thank me for the police departments work in freeing up traffic, Cole said in a July 26 post.

On behalf of the city of Rainier, I apologize for the future inability for our police officers to help alleviate traffic congestion. The citys only intent was to help citizens, Cole added.

Cole also said he has asked the state agency to look into solutions to the traffic quagmire. However, he said he has not heard back from ODOT, other than the demand to have our police to stop directing traffic.

Buffington said he understands the city and residents frustrations with the traffic issues. Part of the issue, he said, is that the state of Oregon doesnt own the bridge so its limited in what it can do.

Longviews own traffic woes at Industrial Way and Oregon Way, along with rail traffic in the same intersection, also play a key part.

ODOT engineers are looking into solutions to solve, or at least reduce, some of the traffic congestion but it will likely be some time before answers are found.

For now though, Buffington said the city has agreed not to use police to direct traffic.

I just dont want any accidents, Buffington said.
Racial slurs and American flags were found inside the old Three Rivers Cinema in Kelso on Wednesday night after intruders gained entry to the building.

Its unclear exactly when the break-in occurred or how many people participated.

Cowlitz Fire and Rescue was called to the theater around 8:50 p.m. Wednesday night when one of the theaters makeup artists noticed smoke billowing from the building.

Firefighters discovered a number of theatrical fog machines had been left on inside, filling the building with vapor. After switching the machines off, the crews determined the intruders had gained entry through the side of the building by breaking a door handle.

My first thought was Oh, they were just trying to pull a prank,  said Brandon Treadway, whose company, Treadway Productions, is one of a group of companies that lease the theater from Three Rivers Mall.

After seeing (the) upstairs, it seems they were sort of camped out, he said.

Treadway said he found a pair of shoes left upstairs beside a mattress, as well as a black and yellow sweater.

Kelso Police have not identified any suspects yet and are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.

Evidence from the scene suggests that the intruders were intoxicated and in a destructive mood, police said.

In addition to consuming multiple 24-pack cases of of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Busch Light beer, the intruders used spray paint to tag about 20 hateful slurs or sayings on the wall. The intruders also left five American flags draped around the theater, with a sixth attached to a broomstick handle that was shoved through a wall of sheetrock, according to reports filed with police.

The presence of slurs and flags fueled speculation on social media that the crime may have been racially motivated.

The intruders also threw barrels through multiple walls of sheetrock, broke a number of theater props and set pieces, and sprayed about 20 fire extinguishers throughout the building, leaving a residue of powder on the first and second floors.

Treadway said the theaters speakers were also wheeled into a separate room and an auxiliary cord had been left plugged in.

It was almost like a party happened where they just wanted to wreck everything, he said.

Despite the damage, Treadway said that he has no plans to cancel any of his upcoming events. Treadway estimated the damage at around $11,000.

The theater will be hosting a cleanup party this Sunday and the following weekend. Volunteers are welcome, he said.
WASHINGTON  That sound you hear is the wall of elected Republican support for Donald Trump beginning to crack.

There was Sen. Lindsey Graham warning that firing special counsel Robert Mueller would be the beginning of the end of the Trump presidency. There was Sen. Charles Grassley warning that if Attorney General Jeff Sessions were fired there is no way that the Judiciary Committee would consider a replacement this year. And there was Sen. Ben Sasse warning Trump that if he were considering a recess appointment to replace Sessions, he should forget about it. Added Sasse: The presidency isnt a bull, and this country isnt a china shop.

All of these responses to future abuses of power are important as preventive measures. But no major elected Republican has provided a comprehensive critique of Trumpism itself. Until now. Sen. Jeff Flakes new book, Conscience of a Conservative, is a white-hot indictment of Republican cowardice in the face of a hostile, ideological takeover. It also represents the single largest act of political bravery of the Trump era.

The book has gained a buzz for its, well, forthright description of Trump himself. He is guilty of erratic behavior, unmoored from principle, and a fly off the handle approach to governance. He is impulsive and lacking in coherent economic analysis. He is willing to heap praise on dictators and to speak fondly of countries that crush dissent and murder political opponents and to undermine confidence in our democratic elections.

As an author, Flake has the ability to employ language like a legal but damaging body blow. Seemingly overnight, he writes, reckless, outrageous, and undignified behavior was excused and countenanced as telling it like it is, when it was actually just reckless, outrageous and undignified. And: We degrade our politics enough as it is without turning our democracy over to carnival barkers and reality television.

I would pay to witness the next meeting between the Senate Republican caucus and Trump, just to see the interaction between Flake and the barker in chief.

Flakes ideological critique is libertarian in content (Friedrich Hayek and Barry Goldwater figure prominently) but moderate in application. He defends free trade and views globalization as a fact and an opportunity. But he actually apologizes for opposing the TARP bank bailout in 2008, a vote that he self-diagnoses as an act of cowardice.

The passion of Conscience of a Conservative, however, comes from Flakes deep, religiously rooted outrage at the dehumanization of vast groups of people based on nationality or ethnicity. This is what led him to visit a mosque in a show of solidarity when candidate Trump proposed a Muslim travel ban. This is what led Flake, during the first meeting of Senate Republicans with Trump after the election, to question Trump about his characterization of Mexican immigrants as rapists.

Flakes view of Mexican migrants was conditioned by their work  hard, reliable work  on his family ranch in Arizona. I have always said that I could never look at these migrants and consider them criminals. And the moral center of the book is the moving story of two doctors  one a Palestinian, the other an Afghan  who saved the life of Flakes father after a ruptured aorta. Neither might have been allowed into America, says Flake, had we restricted visas from countries compromised by terrorism.

Flake is a Mormon, and one explanation for the skepticism of many people of his faith about Trump is surely their focus on personal character and rectitude -areas where the president is defiantly lacking. But another is their own history as victims of persecution. Mormons, explains Flake, have had foundational and horrifying experience with some of these worst impulses of mankind and became both refugees and immigrants in our own land. And so when someone starts talking of religious tests and religious bans, we know better. ... When we say No Muslims or No Mexicans, we may as well say No Mormons. Because it is no different.

History tends to honor those who are the first to speak with moral clarity in a muddy time. Read Hubert Humphreys speech on racial equality to the 1948 Democratic convention: My friends, to those who say that we are rushing this issue of civil rights, I say to them we are 172 years late.

It was admirable to be for equality in 1964. It was courageous and visionary in 1948. Flakes party is different, but his role is comparable.
Rockets, gunfire test new Russia-backed truce near Syria's Homs

A boy rides on a tricycle along a damaged street in the besieged area of Homs, Syria.

Reuters, Beirut :

Warring sides exchanged rocket and gunfire north of the Syrian city of Homs overnight, hours after a Russia-backed truce took effect, a war monitor said on Friday, while heavy rocket fire also marred a similar deal east of the capital Damascus.

Russia, an ally of the Syrian government, said on Thursday its defense ministry and Syria's opposition had agreed to set up a "de-escalation" zone in the rebel-held countryside north of government-held Homs.

After an initial few hours of calm, the rebels and government forces and their allies began to target each other's territory. The monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory, said it had so far not received reports of any deaths.

The Russia-backed truce was similar to a de-escalation deal worked out in July for the besieged Eastern Ghouta rebel enclave east of Damascus.

Despite the deal and some reduction in violence, air strikes, rockets and exchanges of fire have continued to hit Eastern Ghouta.

The Syrian Observatory said since the Eastern Ghouta truce was declared on July 22 it had recorded at least 25 civilian deaths, including seven children, and dozens of injuries. Russia said it had deployed its military police in Eastern Ghouta in July to try to enforce the de-escalation zone.

Eastern Ghouta, the only major rebel-held area near the capital, has been blockaded by Syrian government forces since 2013. It has shrunk considerably in size over the past year as the Russia-backed Syrian army has taken control of other rebel-held areas around Damascus.

The Observatory said on Friday around 70 rockets had fallen in 24 hours on Eastern Ghouta in the heaviest bombing since the de-escalation zone was declared.

Several attempts at a lasting ceasefire in western Syria, where rebels have lost ground to government forces and their allies, have collapsed with both sides blaming the other for outbreaks of violence.

United States Says 'Grave' Consequences If Syria's Al Qaeda Dominates Idlib Province

The expanding influence of the former al-Qaeda has triggered civilian protests across towns in the province with some calling for the group to leave towns and not interfere in how they are run.
Huge rice import shows food security at stake

THE government's desperate moves to import food grains from abroad; particularly rice from some East Asian countries shows the big supply short-fall in the government stock. Bangladesh has a total supply short-fall of 12 lakhs tonnes as per the government estimates. The US Department of Agriculture however estimates the short-fall at 15 lakhs tonnes to highlight a situation of utter lack of food security as the rice market is heating up with escalated price. It emerged at a time when the government was boasting with claims of food self-sufficiency of the country and even exported certain quantity to Sri Lanka.

The sudden short-fall in the government stock, which was reported as low as 1.9 lakh tonnes in last May, was in fact unimaginable given the track records of past two decades level of stock. Rice production in Bangladesh witnessed a breakthrough with manifold rise in productivity in the meantime to give us a sense of complacence that the nation's basic food security is now ensured from domestic production. But growth in agricultural sector suffered severely over the past and the food crisis apparently resulted from it.

Many wonder why the government was not maintaining enough buffer stock to avoid emergency situation like the one we witness now. Even early this year it sold rice from government godowns under a politically tailored programme at huge subsidized price meant for ultra-poor families. Most of such deliveries were however misused by partymen as they grabbed the stock and sold it to black market. Now the government is running abroad to buy rice at huge cost to create the minimum national stock to ensure food security. It is not clearly understood why the government has neglected to maintain the minimum buffer stock for national food security at crisis time.

Rice price has meanwhile soared in the local market with the disclosure that the government has no stock to make market intervention. Fine rice now sells at Tk 60 per kg which sold at Tk 45 two to three months back. Coarse rice now sells at Tk 40 to 45 as common people's affordability has come under severe stress. The situation has been exacerbated by failure to make procurement of Aman rice early this year due largely for non-cooperation of millers to buy for the government and supply government silos at fixed price. Many millers are also lawmakers from the ruling party and reportedly wanted higher price to put procurement of Aman crop to failure. Meanwhile large-scale failure of Boro crops in flash floods in May this year has further worsened the situation.

Many believe that the huge rice import may bring the opportunity to government leaders to make huge fortune. Big buying means big corruptions as the money will come from government exchequer. We advise vigilance against such practice.


Biman cancels 2 more Hajj flights

Biman cancels 19 Hajj flights till Friday due to visa complications of the would-be pilgrims those passing days in agony as they are awaiting visas at Ashkona camp. This photo was taken on Friday.

banglanews24.com :

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has cancelled two more hajj flights which were scheduled to fly for Saudi Arabia' Jeddah city Saturday (August 5), due to visa complications of the pilgrims.

The announcement of halting the Biman flights-BG3039 and BG5035-came from the Ministry of Religious affairs on Friday noon.

Earlier, in the morning, Biman flight BG 3039 scheduled to leave at 06:55am couldn't fly on account of the same reason of visa complications. Sources from the Bangladesh pilgrims and hajj welfare association said that the cancellation of Biman flight of Friday morning was

finalized whereas the office of general manager of Biman public relations section said the flight is delaying.

However, the Biman office couldn't confirm about the new departure time of the flight.

Including the two halted flights for August 5, a total of 14 hajj flights are cancelled till Friday this time.

However, hajj pilgrims have expressed utter dissatisfaction over the flight cancellations.
BD RMG sector no more risky

Business leaders say US study motivated

Kazi Zahidul Hasan :

Business leaders have reacted sharply to a recent US study that branded Bangladesh as a 'high risk' apparel sourcing country.

The Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies of University of Delaware (US) conducted the "Fashion Industry Benchmarking Study" in collaboration with the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA).

The study came out with the conclusion after analysing working conditions of 11 garment manufacturing countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.

Terming the study 'false and fabricated', Bangladesh business leaders said a vested quarter is out to tarnish image of Bangladesh's garments industry afresh when it was going through massive transformation in terms of workers' and workplace safety under the inspection by the European and American buyers and retailers, Accord and Alliance.

"I simply disagree with the findings of the study because it puts disgraceful thoughts on Bangladesh's apparel industry," Md. Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) told The New Nation yesterday.

"Bangladeshi is no longer a 'high risk' apparel manufacturing country when it is producing and exporting garments following strict compliance rules enforced by the global buyers. So, we cannot accept such fake, fictitious and malicious thoughts which were set up in the study after being motivated by a vested interest group," Mohiuddin, also a former chief of BGMEA, the apex trade body for the apparel sector, added.

Disturbed by the study, he said, "Let them talk about on their own countries and their workplaces, why they come out for acting 'officiously' on Bangladesh".

"They should talk about what are happening in Grenfell Tower, fertilizer factories in the US and China," he added.

"We're rejecting findings of the study because all these are imaginary. Such a baseless study has tarnished our image abroad," M Siddiqur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told The New Nation yesterday

Refuting the claim of the study, he said, "We're working to ensure workplace safety in line with the suggestions of global buyers. A lot of work has already been done. Factory remediation process taken by the Accord and Alliance is nearing completion. Despite the fact, the study has identified Bangladesh as a 'high risk' apparel sourcing country."

"It seems to be a motivated study. So, we cannot accept its conclusion," he added.

The BGMEA chief said the University of Delaware is a reputed educational institute in America. It should be more careful in conducting study on Bangladesh's apparel industry that ranked second in the world in terms of export value.

Both the business leaders also claimed that Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry is now the safest among other industries in the world.

In 2014, the Accord on Fire and Building Safety and Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety took a five-year initiative to improve fire, electrical and building safety standard in 2,200 RMG factories from which they used to source apparel products.

They took up the initiative after the Rana Plaza factory disaster that killed more than 1,135 workers and injured over 2,500 people, which created a widespread global outcry over safety in Bangladesh's garment factories.

Bangladesh is the world's second-largest apparel exporter be hind China and the country fetched US$28.15 billion from exports of apparels in the just concluded fiscal year 2016-17.
Murder or suicide!

Housemaid's death sparks protest at Banasree: Locals clash with police, torched car, vandalized house

(Inset) A private car was torched following the death of a maid servant at Banasree where clashes between the agitating locals and the police occurred. This photo was taken on Friday.

Staff Reporter :

Angry people were locked in a clash with the police in the city's Banasree residential area on Friday when the news of murdering a housemaid by a house owner spread out in the locality.

The housemaid identified as Laily Begum, 25, had been working in the house of Munshi Moyenuddin, at house-14, road-4, block-G at Banasree residential area under Khilgaon police station.

Locals alleged that Laily was severely tortured by the house owner on Friday morning after she went to the house for work. She was rushed to the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where on-duty doctors declared her dead.

The house owner, however, claimed that Laily had committed suicide wrapping scarf in the neck. Earlier, she shut the door of a room after entering the house as usual like other days in the morning.

"She did not open the door despite repeated calls. Later, the building manager rescued her breaking the door of the room. The building manager saw that Laily was hanging from the ceiling fan tied with a scarf around

her neck," Moyenuddin claimed.

Police arrested two persons, including house owner Munshi Moyenuddin and security guard, in connection with the incident.

Sub Inspector of DMCH Police Outpost Bachchu Mia said, there was a mark of injury around her neck. Apart from that, there was no mark of injury in the body.

But a rumour spread that Laily was brutally chopped to death by the house owner when she went there to get her monthly wages. After that, several hundred agitated locals cordoned the seven-storey building for hours protesting the alleged killing and demanding immediate punishment of the killer.

At one stage, the fuming mob attacked the house, torched a car parked in the garage of the building and vandalized the house pelting stones.

Mizanur Rahman, Duty Officer of Fire Service and Civil Defense, said two vehicles equipped with fire extinguishing equipment rushed to the spot to douse the fire, but they faced severe obstacles from the agitated mob.

The locals were repeatedly locked in clashes with the police. To control the mob, police charged baton and lobbed tear gas canisters. Police also instantly picked up five persons from different parts of the area.

Members of the victim's family and local sources said that Laily went to the house to get her arrear salaries for last the five months. But she was severely tortured and killed by the house owner at one stage of the altercation.

Tense situations was prevailing among the local residents as members of police, divided in separate teams, were conducting raids till the time of filing this report at 8:00pm yesterday.

Inspector of Khilgaon Police Station [investigation] Mostafizur Rahman told The New Nation last night, "We're trying to control the situation."

Police sent the body to DMCH morgue for autopsy.


BRAC Univ students resume protests demanding registrar's removal

bdnews24.com :

Students of BRAC University have resumed their movement with a new demand - withdrawal of the registrar.

The fresh spell of protest began on Friday morning. The students also did not sit the scheduled tests of two courses of the computer science and engineering department.

They halted their movement on Thursday night following assurances from the university authorities, but they also had issued

a 72-hour ultimatum for their demands to be met.

A spokesperson for the protesters, Kamrun Nahar Dana, told this news agency that they had ended their hunger strike 'out of respect for the teachers' on Thursday night. But the matter had not been discussed with the rest of the general students.

She said, they resumed the protests and will stay away from classes and exams as their demand for the registrar's withdrawal during the investigation into the assault of a teacher has not been met.

"We had said that the registrar cannot continue in his post for the sake of a fair inquiry. The university has not issued any public announcement to that effect."

The protesting students have also declared that they will not take any test held under Registrar Md Sahool Afzal, a former army officer.

Since law department teacher Farhaan Uddin Ahmed was allegedly assaulted by Afzal and several other officials on Jul 31, the private university in Dhaka's Mohakhali has been in total disarray with the students demonstrating demanding justice.
OIC chief listens to Rohingyas' tales of tortures

UNB, Cox's Bazar :

Visiting Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen on Friday listened to Rohingya people's shocking tales of brutalities carried by Myanmar army saying the world will be informed about the tortures and misfortunes.

The OIC Secretary General made the remarks while talking to journalists after visiting the Kutupalong Camp in Ukhia upazila.

Expressing OIC' sympathy and solidarity with the Rakhine Muslims there,

Dr Othaimeen said pressure will be put on Myanmar to give the Rakhine Muslims citizenship and returning their assets so that they go back to their own country.

He held a meeting with government and non-government officials at the unregistered camp before entering inside the camp.

The OIC chief had a long conversation with a number of women who were brutally tortured in Myanmar by the Myanmar Army.

He also had separate conversations with a group of another 30 males and females in an IOM-run school.

Talking to journalists, Dr Othaimeen thanked the Bangladesh government and its people for hosting Rohingya people for decades.

He also urged the Rohingya people to abide by Bangladeshi laws.

Senior government officials, BGB senior officials and representatives of international bodies were present.

On Thursday, the OIC chief reminded Myanmar that Rohingya people must be given full citizenship and basic rights.

"Rohingya people are denied their basic rights. They need to be recognised in giving their identities. They must return to their country. They must have their full citizenship," he said.

He also called upon Myanmar government to come up with a roadmap on how to go forward to settle the issue peacefully.

Othaimeen arrived here on Wednesday night on a four-day tour, the first visit to Bangladesh since assuming charge as the OIC Secretary General.

He met President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali on Thursday.

The visit comes at a time when Bangladesh is preparing to host the next Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers to be held in the first half of 2018.

The OIC repeatedly condemned the violence and abuse against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar in the past months.

During the extraordinary session on January 19 in Kuala Lumpur, the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers urged Myanmar to eliminate the root causes affecting the Rohingya Muslim minority and restore their citizenship.
Vegetables, oil, bakery items mostly adulterated

Survey reveals

Staff Reporter :

Vegetables, oils and bakery items, available for public consumption in the markets, are mostly adulterated causing a serious threat to the public health, a survey revealed.

Institute of Public Health has recently tested samples of vegetables collected from different markets of the country. They were found contaminated with high dosages of pesticides like Chloropyriphus and Daimathite.

Besides, Mustard oil, Soybean oil and Ghee of different brands were also found adulterated. Artificial colour and essence were used while producing these spurious consumer products.

About 80 per cent of fried Vermicelli was tested found with presence of ammonia and humid which is not safe for human consumption.

Moreover, bakery items like biscuits, cakes and other items were also found adulterated using artificial colours, ammonia and different preserving agents to increase shelve life and make those crispy.

The Institute of Public Health revealed the information after Analysing a survey titled Monitoring and Evaluation of Horticultural Products and Other Food Commodities of Chemical Contamination: An Appraisal of Food Safety Survey in Bangladesh 2nd Round 2016-17.

It carried out tests on 465 samples of vegetables and other food items and found use of pesticides, colour, and also presence of alpha toxin.

Public health experts have alarmed that if pesticides cross the limit of acceptance level it can cause serious harm to the human body. The higher rate of use of pesticides than safe level will increase the chances of chronic diseases and damage in human body. It can cause kidney failure, lever failure and nervous failure and weakness.

Humidity imbalance in foods can also cause fungal infection in the human body, they said.

The Institute of Public Health had taken samples from wholesale and retail markets of five district towns and capital Dhaka. Tomato, Brinjal, Cauliflower, Bean, Chili pepper, Noodles and Vermicelli were taken as samples for the test.

The test found that among 30 samples of tomato two contained Chloropyriphus pesticide at double rate than acceptable level. It also found that among 30 samples of Brinjal one contained Daimathite pesticide at double rate than acceptable level, among 30 samples of Cauliflower 12 contained Chloropyriphus pesticide at higher rate than acceptable level, among 30 samples of Bean 15 contained Chloropyriphus pesticide at higher rate than acceptable level, and among 30 samples of chilli 15 containedples with Chloropyriphus than acceptable rate.

On the other hand, among 55 brands of Noodles and Vermicelli 13 were found with low level of protein than acceptable level and presence of lead was found in all 55 samples. Higher level of humidity was found in 10 branded Vermicelli samples taken for the test.

A total of 38 ghee samples were tested. Among them, BR was found in 27 samples, Sabanaman in 17 samples, while 20 samples were found with higher humidity.

Among 31 samples of Mustard oil 18 contained Sabanaman, 27 found with free floating acid, 12 with low level of iodine and 8 with low level of iron than acceptable level.

Among 27 samples of Soybean oil, 17 contained BR, 13 with Sabanaman and 12 were found low level of iodine.

Dr. Rehana Ferdousi, Nutritionist at Samorita Hospital of the city, told The New Nation that presence of high level of pesticide in vegetables is a threat to public health.

The higher level of contamination in vegetables can harm both adult and children. It can cause chronic diseases like kidney failure, lever malfunctioning and cancer, Dr. Ferdousi opined.

She added: High level of awareness required among consumers and such contamination decrease food values also causes critical diseases and act as public health threat.

President of Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Ghulam Rahman suggested the farmers for using natural methods of pest control instead of chemical pesticides.

He suggested that, Farmers should use more organic and natural methods of pest control in the production stages. Sex pheromone, lighting method and organic pest control can reduce such risk of public health.

Beside authorities should increase monitoring in the markets as well as field level for reducing chemical pesticides. Consumers have to be cautious while consuming such foods to avoid health risk and hazards, Rahman added.




BD-US ties growing with trust: Envoy

UNB, Dhaka :

Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin has said Bangladesh and the USA enjoy the best of relations marked by growing confidence, trust and cooperation.

He said the bilateral relations are deepening and broadening because of the two-way effort based on mutual respect and non-interference in each others internal affairs.

The Bangladesh envoy made the remarks at a reception accorded to a 23-member delegation of Bangladesh National Defence College at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington on Wednesday evening, the Embassy said on Friday.

He said the desire to expand this cooperation is reflected in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas letter of congratulations, which was among the first to reach President Donald J Trump on his election as the 45th President of the United States.

Ziauddin praised the USA for its support to enhance Bangladeshs Armed Forces professionalism now recognised as among the best in the world.

Through the annual military-to-military dialogue, he said, the USA has been providing Bangladesh hardware assistance, capacity-building, institution and leadership development and information sharing.

Commandant of the NDC Lt Gen Hasan Sarwardy led the delegation, which was on a study tour of the United States.

Foreign envoys and senior civil and military officials from the Department of State, Department of Defense and other US organisations attended the reception.

Ambassador Ziauddin mentioned the US contribution to building a multi-purpose training facility at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) in Gazipur to increase Bangladeshs capacity to train UN peacekeepers in a more professional manner.

He said the Bangladesh government is keen to have this collaboration continuing and flourishing further in future.

The ambassador said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina established the National Defence College in 1996 for promoting the concept of security through knowledge.

Today, he said, the NDC is a premier national institute for training and research on defence, security, strategy and development for senior leaders in military and civil services in Bangladesh.

Ziauddin said the USA has been one of Bangladeshs major development partners and largest markets of exports as well as the largest source of investment. Our relationship has also diversified to cooperation in health, education, global security, and particularly in countering terrorism and violent extremism, he added.

Lt Gen Sarwardy and Brig Gen Shahinul Islam also spoke on the occasion.

Defence Attache at Bangladesh Embassy Brig Gen Mohammad Shamsuzzaman coordinated the programme.




JS will again pass 16th amendment

They will go over public reps? We appoint them (judiciary), says Muhith

bdnews24.com :

Even though the Supreme Court has declared the 16th constitutional amendment, which had given parliament powers to impeach judges, illegal, the finance minister has said that it will be brought back.

Four days into the release of the full verdict relating to the amendment, AMA Muhith's take on the matter has come even as the government is yet to respond formally to the SC move.

"We will pass this again in the assembly... this law. We will pass this constitutional amendment again and keep on doing that. Let's see how far the judiciary can go," he told reporters on Friday in Sylhet.

"The judiciary's position is untenable in my opinion. They will go over the public representatives? We appoint them," said the minister in what was a clear mood of defiance.

Muhith was visibly angry when he answered journalists on the 16th amendment verdict during a visit to a site at South Surma for the proposed Sylhet medical university.

Parliament passed a bill to take back its powers to remove top court judges by a two-thirds majority on grounds of incompetence and misconduct by amending Article 96 to the Constitution on Sept 17, 2014, which is known as the 16th amendment.

The High Court declared the amendment illegal last year following a writ petition by some lawyers.

The Appellate Division upheld the High Court verdict on July 3, and published the full verdict on Tuesday, reviving the Supreme Judicial Council for removal of top court judges.




Blaming few is not enough if we the many do not assert

Editorial Desk :

In the absence of free election we cannot have a people's government answerable to the people. Those who come by cheating election they need to be surrounded by incompetent self-seekers. So there is nothing to be surprised in the observation of the Chief Justice Mr SK Sinha in the judgement rejecting impeachment of judges by one-house Parliament, as incompetence and ignorance are dominating our process of government.

He further commented that we are living in a crippled society. But we shall add to it to say that people live in fear and insecurity of life.

For the terrible sufferings of our people it will not be the whole truth to hold only the few powerful responsible. Because without the help of many across the entire gamut of administration it would not have been possible to treat the whole nation as helpless for a ransom. Almost everybody holding any state power indulges freely in exploiting the people for personal gain. When we say corruption is rampant, we also say abuse of power is rampant.

It appears that we have become a nation without conscience. That is not wholly true and that is why we have found a lonely few to take risks to bring sense into the affairs of government.

The people are surprised and shocked to find their long struggle for the desire to live in democracy has lost meaning in free Bangladesh. There are some to whom those who went to India have all the rights to decide the fate of our people. To them the Liberation War was not the people's war for their democratic rights. To deprive our people of their right to free election is a matter of no concern.

Mirjafforian betrayal is prevailing everywhere in free Bangladesh where the drive for authoritarianism is finding its way easy. They considered nothing wrong to treat our people as captive people for all kinds of lies and injustices.

The crisis of making Bangladesh belonging to the people of Bangladesh will not be easy to resolve. We have to find out who they are and who we are.

So blaming few is not enough if we the many do not assert.




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Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 1:36PM

by Sean Donovan

Roy Cohn, the devilish super-lawyer towering over Tony Kushners epic two-part play Angels in America, is introduced to the audience at his favorite place, his office telephone, shifting between various calls, screaming at his clients and associates, and relishing his position of supreme power and influence. In between calls he leans over to his protege, closeted Mormon lawyer Joe Pitt, and remarks

I wish I was an octopus, a fucking octopus. Eight loving arms and all those suckers, know what I mean?

At face value Roy is talking about needing the extra limbs to deal with all his callers at once, and certainly this is how Al Pacino played the line in the widely seen HBO miniseries rendition of Angels in America. But embodied here by Nathan Lane, in the British National Theaters revival of the play, currently playing in theaters around the United States through Fathom Events, the superb actor adds a flirtatious curve to the word suck. Roy is practically winking at Joe, sneaking in homoerotic double entendre to their powerhouse of conservative political domination. Nathan Lane found a way to make moments gayer in one of the gayest plays in the American canon.

Al Pacino was fantastic in the HBO miniseries, bringing his signature ranting gravitas to a loathsome real-life figure, the lawyer whose outsized ambition and greed led him to play a decisive role in anti-communist witch hunts and conservative politics for much of the mid-twentieth century. But Roy Cohn was also living something of a double life, not exactly out as a gay man by any twenty-first century standard, but frequently having sex with men; an open secret amongst the wealthy and powerful. As Roy says to his doctor in a speech denying any characterization of himself as homosexual or a person with AIDS:

I have sex with men. But unlike nearly every other man of whom this is true, I bring the guy Im screwing to the White House and President Reagan smiles at us and shakes his hand.

Al Pacino played Roy as a hollowed-out corpse, self-loathing to the point that his queerness was almost buried inaccessible inside him, while Nathan Lane takes an utterly different tack. Lanes Roy exists inside a gay world and knows its languages; despite maintaining a respectable outer appearance of straightness, Lane grants the audience access to an evil man who nonetheless lived a tense life in the unstable regions between straight and gay worlds. Its a remarkable achievement, emphasizing the queerness and tragedy of a character that threatens to be lost in Pacino types growling out Pacino-style monologues. Nathan Lane has always been cast in the most stereotypical roles and has woven the most beautiful characters out of them, gay men who find strength and love in embracing the feminine (The Birdcage being the masterclass example). To see Lane continue to find ways to honor his femme panache, through one of the most monstrous closeted characters of literature, is well worth the entire price of admission.

Beyond Lane, this revival of Angels in America rides solidly off the incontestable strength of its source material, without expending too much energy to reinvent the wheel. The epic tale (too long to recount here; hell, its too long for one play) careens across two men struggling with AIDS in the most apocalyptic years of the AIDS crisis in the Reagan-dominated United States, Roy and Prior Walter, played here by Andrew Garfield.

With the mountains of bad press from his gay without the physical act comment, one would love, as an apology, to find in Garfields work the kind of nuance and sensitivity that overflows from Lanes performance. Unfortunately, Lane is as lively as Garfield is wooden, drawing from the most simplistic gay stereotypes that bring to mind his similarly shallow work in the early good ol southern boy scenes of Hacksaw Ridge. Prior is a theatrical character but he uses his theatricality to buoy and strengthen himself. In Garfields caricature one gets the impression that he just believes this is what gay men are, that flamboyant theatricality is not informed by any kind of logic or history, not used for any kind of purpose, its just a fact of existence.

The rest of the cast does good to adequate work, but the widely seen performances from the HBO miniseries linger. Patrick Wilson and Jeffrey Wright so thoroughly owned their characterizations of, respectively, repressed lawyer Joe Pitt and resilient nurse Belize, that their successors here, Russell Tovey and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, have a tough time truly distinguishing themselves. Mary-Louise Parker gave the greatest performance of her career for the HBO miniseries as Joes wife Harper, an agoraphobe with unspecified mental illness, marked by frequent hallucinations. Harper is perhaps the best and most challenging character of the play, given some of Tony Kushners most majestic speeches and ideas to communicate. Denise Gough more than steps up to the plate, crafting a beautiful rendition of the character, if one that struggles to share the spotlight with a production more focused on Prior and Roy, and doesnt demand the immediate awe that Mary-Louise Parker inspired.

Susan Brown has the unique disadvantage of following-up on characters portrayed by Meryl Streep in the HBO series, including the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg, haunting Roy to his death, and Joe Pitts mother Hannah. Streeps inherent star power magnified her presence in the miniseries, and made Ethel in particular feel like a major character. And though Browns more minimal work is in keeping with the true supporting status of her roles, it doesnt stop the viewer from wanting a little bit more.

The key for the production is largely minimalism, with little props and only a few moving walls to signify the different spaces of the characters. The walls, artfully, are used less and less, particularly in part two of the play, as the characters are forced together by fate. Everything takes a back seat to the prose, as if the production was afraid to overwhelm or distract the text. But as a devout lover of Angels in America, these six hours were a dream. What more can I ask for than to be led slowly through the richness of this queer utopia of a play?

More from Sean Donovan

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Peter Kramer/Getty ImagesGrandmaster Flash and the Furious Five rapper The Kidd Creole was arraigned Thursday in New York City on charges of stabbing a homeless man to death. He did not enter a plea.

The rapper, born Nathaniel Glover, was arrested Wednesday in the Bronx, where he lives, and charged with second-degree murder, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

According to police, Glover got into a dispute with the homeless man, who has been identified as John Jolly, 55, on the city's east side Tuesday night. According to police records, Jolly was a level 2 sex offender and career criminal with 17 prior arrests dating back to 1983.

Glover then "pulled out a knife that he had attached to his forearm with rubber bands and stabbed [Jolly] in the chest with the knife two times," stated the criminal complaint obtained by ABC News. The complaint said Glover told police that he did so because he was in fear of Jolly.

Jolly was later found lying on the sidewalk. First responders treating him initially believed he was drunk until they saw the stab wound, police said.

Jolly refused to tell police detectives that he was attacked or even identify a suspect, ABC News learned. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he later died.

New York Police Department detectives were able to put the case together after they spotted someone they say is Glover near the crime scene on surveillance footage.

Glover had been working as the midnight security guard at a building near where the stabbing took place.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
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An inmate in the Harrisburg Youth Correctional Center on Thursday was sentenced to time in the Illinois Department of Corrections, according to a news release from States Attorney of Saline County Jayson M. Clark.

On Aug. 3, Jaylan Banks, 18, entered a plea of guilty in Saline County Circuit Court to a class 2 felony charge of aggravated battery. Judge Walden E. Morris sentenced Banks to eight years in state prison, with two years of mandatory supervised release.

Charges filed April 21 against Banks by the Saline County Attorneys Office arose out of an incident in which it was alleged that Banks, an IYC Harrisburg inmate, struck Jacob Miller in the face while Miller was working as a guard inside IYC Harrisburg, the release said.

The investigation of Banks case was led by Officer Brent Davis of the Harrisburg Police Department.

 The Southern
A Jonesboro man was sentenced to state prison Friday after admitting to a petition for revocation of conditional discharge for the original offense of domestic battery, according to a news release from Union County States Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds.

James L. Smith, 31, was sentenced to three years for the offense, and will also serve a four-year term of mandatory supervised release.

Smith was arrested in January 2016 after an investigation by Union County Sheriffs deputies, and pleaded guilty to the original charge in April 2016.

In January 2017, a warrant was issued for his arrest for failing to appear and he was subsequently arrested in May 2017. A petition for revocation of conditional discharge was filed in May 2017 after he committed a new offense during April 2017 in Jackson County.

 The Southern
CARTERVILLE  In April, the Higher Learning Commission reviewed John A. Logan Colleges accreditation as part of its standard 10-year review. Then, in July, the college got word it met all the criteria needed for affirmation of accreditation.

In other words, it passed the review with flying colors.

HLC conducts comprehensive evaluations of member institutions to confirm that the institution continues to meet the Criteria for Accreditation, is pursuing institutional improvement and complies with requirements sets by the U.S. Department of Education. Evaluations are conducted by teams of peer reviewers.

JALC President Ron House said there were only two conditions placed on the report, and one, unsurprisingly, was related to finances.

They called us and told us before they ever got here for the review that we were going to get that condition because everyone in Illinois was going to get that condition, House said.

A report from the commission stated JALC is sharing in the financial challenges of all Illinois public institutions resulting from the budgetary impasse between the state legislature and the governor, adding that JALC had taken many intermediate steps to address the annual shortfalls in hopes that the budget impasse would resolve, including a reduction in force that included faculty.

According to Melanie Pecord, acting vice president for instructional services at JALC, the other condition was regarding the colleges approach to institutional assessment, but that the college was well underway to meeting HLC goals.

We had actually begun doing what they said we needed to do a little before the evaluation, but were not yet reporting or collecting the data. But the changes were well underway, Pecord said.

House said it is important to understand what accreditation is in order to understand the magnitude of what this most recent review meant for the college.

Accreditation makes it possible for students to receive various types of student assistance. Without accreditation, programs like Pell grants, TRiO, and Veterans programs would be unavailable to our students, House said.

Additionally, House said, accreditation makes it possible for students to transfer to other higher education institutions to complete their programs and degrees, and is indicative of the quality of the educational programs and training, and the educational environment in which they are provided.

It is a reflection of how we do business here and how the college operates, and reflects how we all individually perform in our respective positions, he said.

Pecord said the process of getting to the review meant that the college was under some pressure for the final two years leading up to the visit by the HLC.

We had two staff turnovers in leadership positions in that final push before their visit," she said. "Everyone on the campus dug deep and put in the time and the effort with no questions asked, because we had to finish and make sure that reaffirmation was coming. That was a phenomenal feat for this college because this was all happening in the midst a of a budget crisis when we had reduction in force, we had reduction in staff."

Stephanie Chaney-Hartford, dean of academic affairs, said what was accomplished was even more impressive to her because the college was operating with a reduced number of faculty and staff.

People had to wear many hats. Not only were faculty are teaching more hours to make sure their programs are covered and working longer hours, but they added this process on top of that, Chaney-Hartford said.

House said their good standing allows the college to look forward to creating new programs.

We know that as the industries in the community change, we need to change," House said. "Right now we have a change to identify within our community what those needs are so we can continue to offer high quality programs which are beneficial to our graduates and hopefully keep them in the area."

House said that current trends in community college education involve reinventing and reanimating technical or vocational programs.

When community colleges came into being they had a great focus on vocational instruction, and over the years there was more emphasis placed on transfer programs. Recently, the pendulum has swung back the other way and now programs that prepare people for careers in technical areas, House said.

And those technical degrees bring with them a good wage, House said.

These are not degrees that lead to minimum wage jobs. People are making $22 per hour when they graduate from some of our programs. That is a good wage, a wage on which you can raise a family. They are making more than the teachers that teach them, House said.

Chaney-Hartford said the college is also dedicated to creating pathways to education for the community.

We want to make sure that high school students that want to earn credit hours while still in high school can do so. And we want to work with our non-traditional student, who work and have families have the opportunities they need to advance themselves," Chaney-Hartford said.

House said he is proud of the work the faculty, staff and leaders of the college have done to get the college to this point.

Weve overcome not just the adversity of no budget, reduced faculty, and shifting personnel in the middle of a huge evaluation, but weve done it well. We are proud of the report, and the faculty, the staff, the vice president, the deans and many others. We have had to overcome a lot of adversity and that makes the whole thing a lot sweeter, House said.

Classes at John A. Logan College begin Aug. 16.
ST. LOUIS  Farmers may be getting serious about drone technology.

Unmanned aerial vehicles are moving out of the curiosity phase and are becoming a key tool on many farming operations. But are farmers still playing with the technology or using it as a serious management tool?

At this stage, yes and no, said Will DeHoogh, with Botlink. His company was one of several demonstrating the latest in drone technology at the InfoAg Conference here. We have found that farmers are not able to fully capture this technology yet.

Many are finding useful applications, however. Chris Edwards teaches drone use at Rend Lake College in Ina.

He is seeing more interest in the classes, which began in 2015. Some farmers are enjoying the novelty, and others are using data gleaned from flights to provide direction on management decisions.

Its a little bit of both, Edwards said. You can make real-time business decisions with data an hour old. Some is being done at the field level. You can fly your drone, hook it up to your laptop computer and immediately get results on what your problems are, like whether you need to spray or replant.

While classes are becoming more common, most farmers are not yet in a position to accurately interpret all the data, according to DeHoogh.

We can give them a high-definition map that shows them problems or good things that are happening in their field, he said.

But individual growers dont actually have the training to interpret the information. Were generally working with co-ops or crop consultants. Wed love to work with farmers, but most dont have the individual training.

Brian Grant of Drone Nerds has seen definite movement in effective utilization of information gathered by drone technology. The Florida-based company is seeing rapidly growing interest. That is partly because the technology itself has improved.

The technology is finally starting to come together for the farming industry, Grant said. When drones became this new thing, everyone thought it would be great for agriculture. But the technologies werent really there yet to do what they needed to do.

Some people got burned by it. They really didnt get any information that was going to make them more efficient, harvest more crops and, at the end of the day, make more money.

Advances in camera technology are driving much of the growth. Higher resolution means more precise aerial scouting, which in turn allows more precise and specific remedies to crop problems.

When I first started three years ago, we were at 5 to 7 centimeters per pixel, said Nat Hyde of the North Carolina drone and data company Precision Hawk.

With new craft we have now, we are offering a centimeter per pixel at 400 feet. When youre looking at that resolution, you can see individual leaves.

Weve had guys who look at a high-resolution drone image who can identify whether their problem is ragweed or some other type of weed, for instance.

A complex system of thermal imaging can provide farmers with information on specific problems in a field, including nutrient deficiencies or disease pressure. Analyzing that information often requires knowledge off the farm, but that is changing.

I think were going to transition into a space where farmers are doing a little more diagnostics and prescriptions for themselves, DeHoogh said. At least we hope so.

Not only can drones identify problems in a field, but some can help remedy the problems. Drone Bots and other companies are marketing unmanned aerial vehicles that can carry tanks filled with fungicide or other chemicals to treat isolated issues in a field. One model displayed at the St. Louis conference can spray 7 to 10 acres.
GrandSouth Bank officials thanked the customers of Orangeburgs newest bank at its official grand opening on Thursday.

"The community has been so welcoming, and so excited and encouraging with everything we are doing, GrandSouth Bank Market Executive and Senior Vice President Michael Delaney said.

"It is nice to finally, officially open the doors and say we are here in Orangeburg," Delaney continued. "We provide a local flavor and personalized service. People know who you are when you walk in the door."

GrandSouth Bank celebrated the official opening of its location at 1055 St. Matthews Road. The bank is located in front of Orangeburg Mall.

A ribbon made up of twenty $50 bills was cut to celebrate the grand opening. The money was not damaged during the ceremony.

It will be donated to Into the Mouths of Babes, an Orangeburg County non-profit organization that provides food to poverty-stricken school-aged children over weekends.

GrandSouth customer John Hayden said he banks at GrandSouth because of the people.

Customer Josh Ridley said, "I never appreciated the value or understood the value of a true community bank and that personal touch.

"The people make the bank what it is. They make it easy to do business with them. They make it fun to borrow money and bank."

The 4,600-square-foot standalone bank provides a full range of services including personal and business checking and lending; online and mobile banking; personal savings; certificates of deposit; individual retirement accounts; money market accounts; consumer loans and commercial loans.

The bank also provides telephone banking, bill pay, wire services and safe deposit boxes.

The Orangeburg branch has six teller stations and three drive-thru lanes.

"We are happy to have this bank in the city," Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler said. "This is going to be a great enhancement to our city, and it is going to give us that hometown feel. We hope you get lots and lots and lots of business."

Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce President Melinda Jackson said, "Having an additional financial institution in Orangeburg County is indicative of the kind of economic growth spurt that we are experiencing right now.

"It is a welcome addition to our community."

Allen Fairey, GrandSouth Bank senior vice president, and Delaney, both formerly of First Citizens Bank, announced in 2016 their plans to open the bank at the former site of United Hospice of the Midlands.

Initially, the bank operated out of the former KB Consignment Furniture Store before moving into a standalone temporary structure in the fall of 2016.

The bank has operated out of its current permanent building since the second week of May. It currently employs ten. O'Cain Construction built the building.

Since its initial opening in September 2016, the bank has seen 1,200 deposit accounts totaling $47.1 million. The bank has also seen 428 loans totaling $34.1 million.

"It is a huge step forward for us as we are in a big expansion mode," GrandSouth Bank President and Chief Executive Officer J.B. Schwiers said. "This is a great community. Our performance here in 11 months since it has been opened has exceeded our expectations."

The bank has branches in Columbia, Greenville, Fountain Inn, Anderson and Greer. It will soon expand into Charleston.

Its parent company is GrandSouth Bancorporation.

For more information about the Orangeburg branch, call 803-596-0000.
Rural America has a health care access problem, and contrary to popular belief, it doesnt necessarily relate to the debates over Medicaid or Obamacares repeal currently dominating Washington politics.

Regardless of how good someones insurance is, or whether they have insurance at all, access will continue to be a problem if there are not enough health care professionals to serve them. Experts are debating whether the United States has a shortage of doctors. But, at the very least, we have a problem because of where those doctors are located. Rural America is at the bottom of many doctors lists when it comes to where they would prefer to practice.

Two policies could dramatically ease the difficulty of accessing health care across the country  and they have nothing to do with insurance and dont even need federal approval.

First, states can relax the laws governing nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). These two groups of professionals supply many of the services historically provided only by doctors, and within the scope of their education and training, they can provide care as safe and effective as that supplied by doctors. However, many states still limit the services NPs and PAs can provide and legally require them to be supervised by doctors.

When appropriate, untethering NPs and PAs from doctors would allow them to provide care in areas of the country that lack providers. For example, suppose an NP wants to move to a rural area and care for patients that routinely travel two or three hours to the nearest doctor.

If that state requires that a doctor supervise her practice  even for the most routine care  she will be tethered to those faraway doctors and face the exact same travel problems as patients. If the state allows NPs to practice routine care independently, her presence can make a real difference for rural patients.

My new research bears out this story using data on the location of doctors, NPs, and PAs across the country. When states allow NPs to practice independently of doctors, the number of NPs in areas with few doctors increases by as much as 60 percent. In areas with more doctors, the increase in the number of NPs is smaller, and the number of NPs in areas with the most doctors actually declines. This suggests that, when NPs can practice independently, they move to the areas in most need.

Second, states can limit the malpractice liability faced by health care providers. While most research suggests that the risk of malpractice liability has recently declined, providers still report changing which patients they treat because of legal concerns. To address these problems, states can enact legal reforms, such as capping the amount of money courts can award for difficult-to-quantify injuries like pain and suffering (i.e., non-economic damages).

While controversial because they can limit the compensation that legitimately injured patients can obtain, caps on non-economic damages can increase the supply of doctors in rural areas. My research shows that the same holds true for NPs and PAs. When states enact caps on non-economic damages, the number of NPs and PAs in areas with few doctors can jump by over 50 percent.

Though neither relaxing the legal restrictions on NPs and PAs nor capping non-economic damages is a silver bullet that will solve all of our health care problems overnight, they are both relatively cheap and easy-to-implement ways for states to take matters of access into their own hands.
While Commissioner of Police Michael Charles hosted a number of press conference, like this one he called on July 26, 2016.

Immediate past Commissioner of Police Michael Charles is into his fourth day as a civilian, having officially gone into retirement from the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) on Emancipation Day, August 1, 2017.





Charles, who was on one-year pre-retirement leave, was in his usual affable self when THE VINCENTIAN contacted him via telephone on Monday, July 31.





Immediately recognizing the voice of this reporter, Charles, who was at home, replied, "Boy, I glad you call me. I was sleeping and I have to go to a meeting.





But on a more serious note, he added, "I feel truly emancipated to begin my retirement on Emancipation Day, after serving the Police Force and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for 36 years, something for which I have absolutely no regrets. If I had to live my life all over, I will join the Police Force again, but this time I will do it at 18.





And as he reflected on his life and work as a police officer, he declared, "I am celebrating my retirement Emancipation style.





Charles was 21 when he joined the constabulary in 1981, and when asked, why he would join at 18, if he had to do it again, the outgoing Commissioner replied with a chuckle, "Because I would have more time as a police officer.





But Charles explained that policing is about serving people, and advised his former colleagues to build and maintain a close relationship with the public, which he described as being very critical to the fight against crime.





"When crimes are reported, always keep the virtual complainants informed and updated.

"The way you deal with the public is very critical in relation to good policing. Remember that one day you will have to return to civilian life. the veteran lawman advised.





As Commissioner, Charles enjoyed an excellent relation with the media.

Shortly after taking up duties in that capacity, July 16, 2013, he declared an open door media policy, and told journalists at the news conference, to feel free to speak to him at any time. This policy has been continued by current Acting Commissioner of Police Renold Hadaway.





Charles had also been instrumental in making it a policy of the Police Force for station bail to be granted to persons charged with possession of 16 grams of marijuana and under, something for which defence lawyer Grant Connell highly commended him, during a recent sitting of the Serious Offences Court.

Charles has no immediate retirement plans, but has been relaxing, while giving advice to those who need it.

"From time to time, I receive calls from persons, including serving members of the Police Force, for advice and opinions on various matters. I intend to continue to offer my service, not only to the Police Force, but also to the general public, once required, he assured.





Asked about recent statements made by three executive members of the Police Welfare Association (PWA), including chairman Sergeant Brenton Smith, Charles said, "I would prefer not to comment much on that, except to say that, while I understand that the voice note was not intended for the public ear, I think the statements made by the officers were rather unfortunate.





Charles, regarded as a peoples man, enjoys interacting with ordinary persons, and can be seen having his usual lime at simple outlets, from time to time.




"If you dont pay back the money, it means you got a scholarship without going through a competitive means for getting one, and it is not fair to those coming along who may deserve it.





So said Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves in response to the publication of names of individuals, some of whom he said were delinquent in their payments of student loans.





He explained that the Student Loan Company had to publish some names in the newspaper, however not all the names published were delinquent borrowers, he said.

On the other hand, some were delinquent.





"It cant be right for persons who have jobs, and you borrowed money, you have a reasonable paying jobthere are some persons who worked overseas getting good salaries, there and here, and not paying student loans, the Prime Minister said in Parliament on Monday.





He further explained that in the United States for example, there were far tougher lines that are taken towards delinquent student loans.





Here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, he explained that there was a liability of EC$90 million under the Student Loan programme  "and thousands of students have become professionals because of this programme.

But it could not continue to work, Gonsalves said, if it is not being replenished, because if the current trend continued, then fewer and fewer students will be able to borrow from the fund in the future. (DD)
Demonstrators watch a barricade burn after clashes broke out while the Constituent Assembly is being held. (Photo Credit: VOA News)

Over eight million people voted in Venezuelas National Constituent Assembly Election.





Over 8 million people, i.e. 41 percent of those eligible to vote, did so in last Sundays (July 30, 2017) to elect a new National Constituent Assembly in Venezuela.





This is according to the president of the National Electoral Council (NEC) - Tibisay Lucena who made the announcement last Monday.





"Despite the violence and threats, Venezuelans were able to express themselves, Ms. Lucena said in a post-election televised press conference.





According to her, the turnout was clear indication that "Peace has won. If peace has won, Venezuela has won.

Ms. Lucena admitted that the day was not without its challenges for the CNE, the situation, as charged as it was, causing the CNE to relocate some voting centers to avoid violence.





Telsur, the multi-State funded, panLatin American television network headquartered in Caracas, reported that the voting process has been peaceful with the exception of a few isolated incidents of violence, as opposition supporters protested and staged guarimbas (street action, e.g. barricades) in a bid to shut down the election.

The build-up to last Sundays election was marred by sustained street protests by opposition forces, with those protests turning violent to the extent that some 100 persons have been said to have died as a direct result of the unrest that set in because of the protests.





In fact, one candidate for the constituent assembly, Jose Felix Pineda, a 39-year-old lawyer, was killed in his home the night before the vote. Prosecutors said an armed group had broken into Mr. Pinedas home in Ciudad Bolivar on Saturday night and shot him dead there.





That and the call by the opposition for continued protests did not stop President Nicolas Maduro from declaring, in a post-election speech to a large crowd in Caracas, "Eight million in the middle of threats, there were states where they crossed rivers and mountains, and they voted. The people of Venezuela have given a lesson on democracy.





President Maduro thanked Latin America and the Caribbean countries for their support against what he called interventionist moves by the United States. Referring to President Donald Trumps promise that he would not accept the results of this election, Maduro said, as per a Telesur report, "We dont care what Trump says, we care about what our people say, adding,





"This election will mark the future years of the independence of Latin America,  Latin America will begin a new wave of struggle.





The Venezuelan president repeated a call for dialogue with the right-wing opposition in the country, and called on them to abandon violence and return to doing politics, Telesur reported.





Sundays poll elected some 545 persons to the Consitituent Assembly, with 364 of those elected as constituency representatives and 181 chosen as Social sectors representatives.

Among those to be elected are five persons from among the indigenous people. These were elected in a special poll on Tuesday.





And even as the result of the election was being digested by those home and abroad  including the governments of the USA and some South American countries who had condemned the vote, a feeling of excitement filled the crowds in the center of Caracas, as citizens sang, danced and laughed after the end of the process to choose its delegates to the legislative body that will draft the new Constitution, according to Telesur.





Meanwhile, street protests continued across Venezuela during the week, with the most recent resulting action being the revocation of house arrest conditions for two opposition leaders - Leopoldo Lopez and former Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma.





In a statement, the Supreme Court said that Lopez and Ledezma were sent back to prison because they had violated the terms of their house arrest by making political statements, via their Twitter accounts, including calling for protests against last Sundays election.





About 120 people have been killed in more than four months of anti-government street protests, including at least 10 during Sundays vote. (Source: Telesur and other News Agencies)
by Ronald Rose,

President of Island Scholars Inc, Lawrenceville, NJ





On March 28, 1999, I heard a sermon that changed my life. I had come home to visit my mother Beryl Hadaway in New Grounds, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As was our custom we attended Union Methodist church on Sunday.





The sermon delivered by Oscar Allen that day was titled "Anonymous Service. Oscar implored the congregation to actively serve their community and do it without fanfare or need for recognition.





I was so inspired by Oscars message, after church I told Kenneth "Bonnie Jackson who was seated next to me that I wanted to help the community served by the church. Later that week Kenneth Jackson informed me that there were students whose families were struggling to pay their transportation and uniform expenses. We started a program to provide a monthly stipend to high-school students from the community. The program has continued for the last 18 years, with much guidance and leadership from Oscar Allen. Many students have been helped. Over the years, we became more aware that students from the community desired to attend university and needed financial help. In 2012, we began a community program called Union Methodist Alumni & Friends Scholarship Fund which, in addition to helping high school and community college students, provided financial assistance to two university students.





In 2014, in consultation with Oscar and Errol Allen, I started Island Scholars to provide tertiary education scholarships for students from anywhere in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. On Thursday, July 27th, 2017, the day before the passing of Oscar Allen, his March 1999 sermon was still having a positive impact on the lives of students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Island Scholars awarded a total of $23,900 US to thirteen Vincentian students. Awards ranged from $1,400 to $3,000 US. In addition, a special one-time award of $2,000 US was given to Cherise King. Twenty-seven students have now received financial support through this program. None of this would have happened were it not for Oscar Allens inspiring sermon in 1999. Oscars incredible legacy will live on forever.





Island Scholars awarded scholarships to the following students:





Laurice Bailey - UWI Trinidad - Biotechnology & Microbiology; Tamara Browne - UWI Open Campus - Accounting; Stevern Cupid - UWI Open Campus - Early Childhood Education; Marcella Dublin - UWI Mona - Biotechnology; Chezelle Hackshaw -UWI Open Campus -Education Leadership & Mgmt.; Cherise King -UWI St. Augustine - International Relations; Ramona Mc Dowall - UWI - Mathematics Education; Amber-Marie Murphy - Trinity Medical School - Medicine; Keneisha Ollivierre -UWI Open Campus -Early Childhood Development; Aaliyah Providence - UWI Mona - Computer Science; ,Kimron Shallow - UWI Open Campus -CEconomics; Richard Smith - Univ. of T&T - Nautical Science & Marine Ops.; Leanna Sutherland - UWI Cave Hill - Psychology; Connice Trimmingham - ,University of South Florida - Economics.

Scholarship recipients are eligible to have their awards renewed if they maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better and continue to ,have a financial need.





Leana Sutherland received a special award ,of $2,000 US from Jacqueline Shu of California in support of her interest in performing arts and special education.





I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to Sir Errol Allen, Attorney Louise Bowman, Dr. Tera Hunter, Dr. Michael Joshua, Christina Shu, Dr. La Fleur Stephens and Bert Williams for their work on the very difficult tasks of determining the scholarship recipients and raising money to support the organization. Very special thanks to Jacqueline Shu who, like most of our donors, has no connection to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but heard about the need and sacrificed $2,000 US to support Leana Sutherland. We encourage others to support this very important program through donations. Our website is www.islandscholars.org. Donations are tax deductible if you live in the US.
Some of the 2017 recipients of the KCCU Education Assistance Programme that is now in its 22nd year of operation.

Six students benefitted big time from increased allowances offered by the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU).





Ashlyn Francis, Gabriella Hillocks and Nicholas John received scholarships based on their performances in the recent Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment, and three other students, Daequan Lynch, Lyndisha Cruickshank and Karen Providence, whose parents are KCCU members, have had their secondary education taken care of by the KCCU.





Additionally, two bursaries were provided to Vonique Samuel and Ciara Richards.





Some sixty other students received a contribution from KCCU to assist with their secondary education.

Addressing the Annual KCCU Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Thursday 27th July at the Peace Memorial Hall, Kingstown, Marcelle Alexander, Chief Executive Officer acting, traced the KCCU from its beginning April 12, 1958.





She referred to this ceremony as being the 22nd consecutive year of KCCU scholarship donations. This year, however, she said, was characterised by an increase - four to six- in the number of scholarship recipients, and an increase in the value ($1,000) of each scholarship award.





Sheddie Conliffe, Head of Science at the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, delivered the feature address at the annual Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union Scholarship awards.





He reminded the students that even though the CPEA was finished, it was not the end of the road, and encouraged them to, "Keep the same effort and enthusiasm,  since, "You are at a cross road.

Even when there are disappointments, Conliffe urged the awardees to not be afraid of failing. "In failing there are a thousand lessons, he indicated.





The gathering also heard from Chante Melville-Francis who can be considered a product of KCCU.

She received a KCCU academic scholarship and after five years at the Girls High School, secured a two-year extension to facilitate her tertiary education.





She worked at the Kingstown branch of the KCCU from 2014 to 15, and is currently pursuing studies towards securing a Bachelor of Law degree, made possible through a student loan from KCCU.

"KCCU has always been there encouraging me. And I am sure it is not going to change, Melville-Francis declared.




Rudolf Andrews, 34-year-old pest technician of Campden Park, was remanded on Monday after being charged in connection with an incident at Union Island, which left 72-year-old Lawrence Alexander hospitalized in critical condition.





Andrews was not required to plead to unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to Alexander with intent, when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

Alexander, retired fisherman of Union Island, was reportedly struck in his head with a stool at a Bar in the Southern Grenadine island on July 25.

In objecting to bail, Prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards informed the Court that Alexander was warded in the Intensive Care Union of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital with an injury, and the only mobile part of his body since was his neck.

Browne remanded Andrews until August 7, at which time the Court will have a medical update on the victims condition, and the issue of bail will be reviewed.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Attorney Samantha Robertson is representing Andrews, but lawyer Ronald Marks held papers in Court for her in relation to the case, as she was engaged in another matter before the High Court.




R. Theodore L.V. Brown e





Recently, Star Radio (98.3FM) was a high point in the history of talk radio.





That was a night all listeners will never forget. On that occasion, the programme "U.L.P. Speaks, was in the nature of an enjoyable, nutritious, mental feast when three of the most articulate and knowledgeable men in this State  Edwin Snagg, Herman Belmar and Luke Browne teamed up and took to the airways to outline the massive and revolutionary developments in the State of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, under the Unity Labour Party. What a magnificent and world class team! Those on the opposite side are like an engine without spark plug  no ignition at all from them. The N.D.P. engine is dead. N.D.P. is more desperately in need of a new spark plug than of an obsolete new leader without ignition capacity. The new leader has not given life to the N.D.P  the new leader does not amount to a resurrection of the dead. To entertain ideas to the contrary would be a fundamental misconception in the face of current reality.





Conveyors of hope





The U.L.P. men were clear, elegant and factual in their pronouncements that night. In every respect, they were expert and effective communicators on public display. They made us proud, motivated and grateful. What a valuable lesson for our young people! These men were in essence conveyors of hope. What a stunning national performance put on by Snagg, Belmar and Browne who always performs way above and beyond his age with a facile and fluent mastery of multiple disciplines  a very rare and unique national gem.

The joy they shared in the studio resulted from the great pleasure they enjoyed in the democratic delivery of compassionate service  a pleasure which was infectious as it escaped from the walls of the studio of Star FM and generated ecstatic delight in the expressions of callers who were overcome by a deep and emotional sense of gratitude and appreciation for the demonstrated love and passionate concerns of the Government for the welfare of Vincentians. The developments were mental, financial, infrastructural, economical, material, personal, physical, spiritual, medical, social and sentimental.





Refreshing and inspirating





Oh how refreshing and inspiring were the presentations of those three wisemen who follow the Star Snagg, Belmar and Browne! What a contrast they posed to the often dull, lame, shallow, hollow, semi-illiterate and ungrammatical diatribe from the N.D.P. without any traceable mental input! No wonder that party is so rapidly disappearing and will soon lack a national presence. It was like the dense darkness of the N.D.P. giving way to the bright and energising presence of the U.L.P. Keep up the good work, gentlemen. You made the distinction between night- the N.D.P and day- the U.L.P very clear, unmistakeable and unforgettable  so it is not regrettable how we voted. What a disaster it would have been, if we had voted otherwise! The star continues to shine more brightly with every passing day. Whatsoever we do shall prosper.
Left to Right: Dr. Nelson A. King receives award from Dr. Kim Best. Right: Dr. Roxie Irish receives award from Dr. Soleyn. Minister Claudette Muckett displays award.

THE VINCENTIANs United States Correspondent, Dr. Nelson A. King, was among 18 members of the Caribbean community in the US who were recently honored with the Legend of Faith Award by the Brooklyn, New York-based Faith Deliverance Pentecostal Church, at the churchs inaugural award ceremony at the Sheraton La Guardia Hotel in Flushing, Queens, New York.





The other honorees were: Vincentians Dr. Roxie Irish, James Cordice, Ministers Claudette Muckett and Roslyn Thorpe, Mary Abbott, and the Rev. Greta Edwards; Barbadians David McNair Douglin, Dr. Daphne Belgrave Cox, and Pastor Nigel Best and his wife, Minister Sharon Best; Jamaicans Pastor Madge Rowe and the Rev. Trevor L. Rankine; Haitians Fatima and Tatic Telcy; African American Dr. Kim Best; and Ministers Ruth Stapleton McCoy and Sylvia Davis. The nationalities of Row and Davis were unknown.





"Our honorees have come from various backgrounds, and they are holding different offices  have made great accomplishments, said the churchs Vincentian-born pastor, the Rev. Dr. Neithe Soleyn, originally from Chateaubelair, at the event on July 1. "Some are pastors, community leaders, missionaries, teachers, directors, professors, journalists, faithful members and more.

"Some have touched rock bottom, but are here today, added Rev. Soleyn, a former employee at Laynes Department Store in capital Kingstown. "I highly commend all of our honorees here today for taking a stand to make the sacrifices you have made, and we have recognized you to receive the Legend of Faith Award. You have, indeed, weathered the storms in making these great achievements  touching humans lives.





The Philadephia, Pennsylvania-based Cordice, the former president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania (SVGOP) and coordinator of St. Vincent and the Grenadines participation in the illustrious Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) for the past seven years, told THE VINCENTIAN after the ceremony, "Its bitter-sweet, and I say it with tears in my eyes. I looked at the nine persons that constituted my table of 10, and it is truly a blessing to be loved and supported!





"Then, I feel a sense of sadness, because so many persons who have helped me on this journey are no longer, like Eldon Nanton, Easton Nanton, Otis Jack, Elvis Kelly and Ernest Spring, he added. "I wish that I could share this honor with them. These men help to shape me. I will use the rest of my time on this earth to do as much good as I can in the interest of education and the well-being of our nation (St. Vincent and the Grenadines).

Dr. Irish, a Born-Again Christian and former national netball star in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is the founder and president of the United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn (UVCGB), which she founded in 2003.

The UVCGB, a group of 30 persons, is committed to helping to meet the medical needs of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and as recent as July this year, conducted a mission there.





Missionary Abbott, who worships at Faith Deliverance Pentecostal Church of God, is close to finishing her Masters degree in education. She works as a Group Teacher in Brooklyn.





Minister Muckett, of Sion Hill, is the widow of the late Rev. William Muckett, founding pastor of Attributes of Christ Church, in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn.





She is a licensed Minister of the Gospel, who has been preaching and teaching Gods Word for over 30 years. She has facilitated many workshops and assisted in departmental organizations within her home church, and has also volunteered at Public School 165 in Brooklyn.





Rev. Edwards was a pioneer for several churches for the New Testament Church of God in St. Vincent and Grenadines, pastoring at McCarty Church for seven years and Lodge Village for six years before migrating to the USA in 1990.





In the USA, she became a member and minister, and serves on the Board of Faith Deliverance Pentecostal Church of God for the past 27 years.





Minister Thorpe came to Faith Deliverance Pentecostal Church of God, as a Minister of the Gospel of Christ, from the Pentecostal of Assemblies of the West Indies.





She had worked as secretary in her brothers law firm, Stanley John, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Thorpe has worked for New York Citys Board of Education for 20 years, and is the author of two childrens books, "Ray Rays Amazing Dream and "Danny New Kid in School.

Dr. King has almost four decades of journalistic experience. Besides his print and broadcast journalistic experience, he has been an Adjunct Professor in Political Science, History and Social Sciences at Brooklyns Medgar Evers College for almost 10 years.





In addition, King, a certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church, has over two decades of public health experience.





Dr. King, whose doctorate is in business administration, specializing in international business, holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism, political science, public administration, business administration and law.
By Amina Nazarli

Baku will host the second edition of colorful and shiny festival - Indonesian Culture Days.

Indonesian Ambassador Husnan Bey Fananie, addressing the presentation ceremony on August 3, said that opening of the second Indonesian Cultural Festival (IFC) scheduled for September 9 at the Heydar Aliyev Palace and at Seaside Boulevard on the next day.

Both events will bring people of Azerbaijan closer to Indonesia. The aim of these events is to give you a better understanding of how Indonesian live their life, their values as well as their inspiration, he said.

The first day of the Festival will be staged at the majestic venue of Heydar Aliyev Palace to feature cultural exhibition and performances. The diversity of Indonesia is ranging from the daily Hindu rituals practiced on the island of Bali to the prevalence of Islamic sharia law in Aceh.



Fanani noted that within the framework of the opening ceremony on September 9, Indonesian dancers will deliver performances, and Miss Indonesia is also expected to attend the event.

Afterwards, a march with the participation of the Indonesians residing in Azerbaijan and friends of Indonesia will be organized, he said.

Admission for ICF is free. One needs to contact the Indonesian Embassy for seat reservation on email [email protected].

The diplomat said that, the Indonesian delegation, coming to Azerbaijan in September, will also consist of representatives of Indonesias business circles. In regard to this, they are going to hold a business meeting with their Azerbaijani counterparts on September 11.
By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

Beautiful models attract admiration from around the world. They are icons, inspirational to millions, setting the look, style and standard just as figures throughout history were admired for their beauty.

An event dedicated to presentation of the model school of the Best Model of Azerbaijan 2004 winner Ilgar Aliyev has been held in Khazar Golden Beach Hotel.

Famous models, stylists, representatives of the fashion industry, TV presenters, actors, attended the evening, Trend Life reported.

At the beginning of the presentation, entitled the Ilgar Aliyev Models Fashion Night, some 40 models - pupils of the school for the first time defiled on the catwalk, showing the clothes of famous brands.

Aliyev said that project aims to reveal talented actors and models and develop their professional skills.

"The modeling school will cooperate with various organizations for the implementation of joint projects. At the same time, our school begins a set that will continue until the end of August. We are looking for young and talented people who will help in the disclosure of their creative abilities. The school is open also for those who want to learn the correct gait, posture, style, manner of speaking. We want everyone to look beautiful", he said.

Ilgar Aliyev said that the modeling school is planned to be expanded in the future. "We have big plans and many ideas, I believe that everything will be good," added Aliyev.

At the end of the event, Ilgar Aliyev, awarded models with diplomas.








By Trend





Turkeys Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci will attend the inauguration ceremony of Irans re-elected President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Aug. 5, the Turkish Foreign Ministry told Trend.

According to the ministry, Zeybekci will visit Iran as a co-chairman of the Iran-Turkey joint economic commission.

The inauguration ceremony will be held in the Iranian Parliament with participation of civil and military officials from various countries, including eight presidents, 19 parliament members and 92 high-ranking international delegations.

For the first time, Rouhani became the President of Iran in August of 2013. During the elections held on May 19, 2017, he was re-elected for a second four-year term. He garnered 57 percent of the votes in the elections, with a turnout of 73 percent of the electorate.
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host two workshops in cooperation with the UAEs Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to provide guidelines for complying with the forthcoming GCC-wide value-added tax (VAT).



The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host two workshops in cooperation with the UAEs Federal Tax Authority (FTA) that will provide businesses in Dubai with guidelines for complying with the forthcoming GCC-wide value-added tax (VAT).



The workshops complement the Chambers efforts to keep its members informed about the latest regulatory developments and requirements, while they also provide an opportunity for business owners and executives to raise questions they may have about the implementation of the new tax.



A workshop will be held on August 8, at Dubai Chambers premises that will cover compliance within the UAEs retail sector, as well as the steps that should be taken during the mandatory VAT registration process. A similar workshop will be held on August 22, which will be attended by importers and exporters.



Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director general of the Federal Tax Authority, said: These workshops are part of the second phase of the joint effort by the Ministry of Finance and the Authoritys tax awareness programme, which started last March. The tax awareness workshops aim is to keep the UAEs business community informed on new tax laws and compliance procedures.



We are working with government institutions in the country, including chambers of commerce to host these workshops and educate businesses on the implementation of the new tax laws and compliance requirements detailed in the Federal Tax Procedures law, in addition to the objectives of introducing indirect taxes in the UAE to support stability and economic diversification through sustainable sources of revenue to finance major infrastructure projects and provide high quality services in the country.



Atiq Juma Nasib, senior vice president of Commercial Services at Dubai Chamber, explained that the workshops will aim to familiarise the business community with the concept of VAT, the registration and implementation process associated with the new tax, and its potential impact on the UAEs business community.



The workshops will support the Chamber in its efforts to provide more clarity for businesses on VAT, and enhance their understanding of its impact on the UAEs private sector. The events will also serve as an ideal platform for importers, exports and retailers to discuss regulation and bring up other important matters that are impacting the local business community, he said.  TradeArabia News Service
Construction work on the first wind power project in Oman's Dhofar Governorate is expected to begin soon and the development will be operational within two years, a top official was quoted as saying.



The Harweel project is a joint initiative between the state-owned Rural Areas Electricity Company (Raeco) and UAEs Masdar. Upon completion, the plant will be able to generate 50 MW power, an Oman Daily Observer report quoting the official said.



The project will be built on a total area of 200,000 sq m and nearly 25 turbines will be in operation with an individual capacity of around 3 MW. They will be erected at an approximate height of 120 m to 145 m from the land surface. The power generated will suffice to meet about 50 per cent of the need in Dhofar Governorate during the winter season, the report added.



Under a power purchase agreement with Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), Raeco will be operating the project. This project can be called an excellent example for Oman and UAE collaboration, the official said.
The Airbus Foundation together with its partner The Little Engineer is rolling out the Airbus Little Engineer (ALE) robotics programme in Africa, aiming to reach 3,000 participants in the first year.



The initiative aims at training thousands of students between 10 and 16 years old in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The goal is to encourage students to understand and embrace technology and ignite a passion that could grow into an exciting STEM career.



Africa has the fastest-growing and most youthful population in the world, its youth will be the driving force behind sustainable growth across the continent. Therefore, investment in education and training is essential in building an educated and skilled workforce and to encourage innovation. The goal of the ALE programme is to support the countries efforts in creating a sustainable pipeline of talent for Africa.



Africa has developed an innovation culture that is growing fast with many social entrepreneurs, local non-profit organizations and we want to support and work with them, said Andrea Debbane, executive director of the Airbus Foundation. It is important that we all join efforts to facilitate the access to STEM skills. These skills play a key role because Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics related jobs are at the core of solving the complex problems of todays world and its future.



In the spirit of think global, act local, the Airbus Foundation is working with local organisations dedicated to promote science education in Africa. The first partners, Travelling Telescope and STEM METS Resources, respectively based in Kenya and Nigeria will be rolling out a series of ALE workshops in their home countries.



Since its launch in 2012, ALE programme successfully positioned itself as an effective vehicle for discovery-based learning, working to enlighten and empower youth in the areas of science and technology through robotics and aerospace. As of now, the programme has reached over 3,000 students.  TradeArabia News Service


The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) inaugurated on Wednesday a smart pharmacy with a robot for dispensing and prescribing medication in Dubai Hospital.



This is the second of its kind in the DHA, as the authority launched a smart pharmacy at Rashid Hospital last January.



The robot can store up to 35,000 medicines and dispenses around 12 prescriptions in less than one minute.

The robot dispenses the prescribed medication with a click of a bottom based on a barcode, minimising any human error.



Humaid Al Qatami, chairman of the Board and director general of the DHA announced that the authority will be adopting the robot in all DHA hospitals Al Qatami added that the robot is one of the latest smart technologies adopted by the authority to meet the 2016/2021 strategy, which aims to achieve a happy and healthy society.



The smart pharmacy was inaugurated in the presence of Dr Ali Al Sayed, the director of the Pharmaceutical Services Department of DHA; Dr Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi, CEO of Dubai Hospital and Dr Khaldoon Walid Nabhan, Acting Director Finance and Administrative affairs at Dubai Hospital.



Dr Al Sayed said the robot can dispense up to 12 prescriptions in less than one minute, reducing customers waiting time. He added that the robot dispensing process will be paper free as the robot will store the prescription as soon as the doctor documents it electronically.



He added that depending on the robot to dispense the medication, would allow the pharmacist to focus on giving the customers the correct instruction on how to take the medication.



Al Qutami said the DHA is adopting a fully integrated smart system for its pharmaceutical services that include a barcode system in all its pharmaceutical transactions in DHA hospitals and health centers.



The DHA is the first to implement the barcode smart system in the UAE last April, which aims to ensure the safety of patients by giving each medicine a barcode, hence reducing the chances of any mistakes when dispensing medication.



The authority is implementing the new system in coordination with the biggest international companies that supply medication and by using the latest technology that the authority adopts in managing the health sector especially in the pharmaceutical department.



Al Qutami also said that the authority has adopted a smart system that monitors the cold chain of pharmaceuticals to preserve the quality and safety of medication.



Monitoring of cold chain especially when it comes to medication is considered one of the most important global issues and one of the biggest challenges that international health organizations face as it directly affects the quality, safety and the effectiveness of the medication.



The international-standard smart system monitors and tracks the temperatures of medication through the installation of smart devices and tablets that can be controlled and tracked electronically. These systems aim to guarantee a continuous cold chain, which will maintain the quality and safety of pharmaceutical medication. - TradeArabia News Service
Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
The funny little bird that struts in Wyomings sage brush sea is once again in the spotlight nearly two years after state and federal conservation plans staved off an endangered species listing.

Two months ago, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said sage grouse management in the West needed to be reviewed to mirror the administrations vision and give voice to those who felt theyd been left out of the birds conservation strategy on public lands.

The deadline for that report is Friday, but whether it will change the federal approach to saving the imperiled bird from extinction is uncertain.

Zinkes comments have spooked some in Wyoming, in particular his favorable view of controversial strategies like setting population targets and attempting to captive breed the bird. His language has also increased fear that the agency headed by Zinke will put development first and grouse second.

Others in the state are unruffled, concluding that no plan is above a review. At the least, the agency can provide clarity on issues from mitigation to grazing. The dense rules could be easier to follow for ranchers, businesses and government agents, they say.

Nearly 40 percent of the birds population and the largest portion of its habitat reside in Wyoming. The state has the highest potential conflict between sage grouse habitat on federal lands and oil and gas development, one of Wyomings cornerstone industries.

The endangered species listing that seemed likely years ago would have restricted mineral industries as well as recreation, ranching and agriculture on public, state and private lands. The controversy could have driven changes to the Endangered Species Act itself, experts say, which interest groups rely on in their environmental battles.

In short, no one wanted a listing in Wyoming and everyone with a stake in the issue, from bird lovers to oil and gas companies, worked on the state plans, which were largely mirrored in the federal versions. The plans didnt please everyone, but they constituted a historic compromise.

Zinke said he had heard differently. He called a team of experts, and in keeping with the America First Energy Strategy of the president, said those individuals were to report back with any recommendations for improvement in 60 days.

***

Its unclear if the Department of the Interior review will be made public immediately, or where the experts recommendations will drive the federal agency.

Gov. Matt Mead and other western governors spoke with Zinke at a meeting in Montana last month, and Mead co-wrote two public letters to the secretary, prior to that meeting, advising restraint.

Approaching the reviews completion, a number of conservation groups, scientists and outdoorsmen have rallied to impress on the secretary and the general public their alarm about population targets and captive breeding.

Both were mentioned, and discouraged, in Meads letters. Scientists see them as counterproductive in habitat conservation, the key indicator of a species survival.

Reports released last month by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies laid out why the issues are challenging.

They conclude that there is limited research available about captive breeding. What exists does not show high survival rates for chicks released into the wild.

Meanwhile, population targets are also more complicated than they sound.

Ed Arnett, a wildlife biologist for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership said targets would have to be ranges, because the number of sage grouse on the landscape ebbs and flows in a cycle. Population numbers are also impacted by any change to their habitat. A dry season that reduces sage brush health will likely impact the number of birds.

When I hear those folks talking about setting population goals, its not the same way I would think about it as a biologist, Arnett said. Thinking about managing to strict numbers is doomed to fail.

You can add birds to a weak habitat and they wont survive, he said. Trying to increase numbers, whether its by captive breeding or another mechanism, without improving habitat, will not work, he said.

Captive rearing in Wyoming has only recently become a legitimate enterprise.

The Wyoming Legislature gave the green light to a restrained trial of captive breeding, by collecting wild eggs from sage grouse nests, earlier this year. State agencies are still developing the rules for such a program.

Pushback against the proposal mirrors arguments against Zinkes comments.

The captive rearing, in our opinion, and I think that of almost everyone, its a last resort for any type of a threatened or endangered species, Arnett said. And we are simply not there.

The white papers laid out a similar, nuanced portrayal of the science behind captive breeding and the challenges trials have revealed.

Many of the birds die, is a simple take away. Successful trials cannot likely be expanded to large endeavors, Arnett said.

The last argument is one often heard in debates over public land, but not usually by conservationists: the federal authorities dont have the jurisdiction.

All the Bureau of Land Management is authorized to do is manage habitat, Arnett said.

Thats exactly what groups hope the agency will do, in accordance with the plans.

***

Some say the review has sparked a false alarm.

Bob Budd, chairman of Wyomings Sage Grouse Implementation Team, said he is not troubled by the review, nor the possibility that some states could manage their grouse differently than Wyoming.

Wyoming hasnt changed its mind or its approach to the grouse, he said.

Budd as chairman of Wyomings Sage Grouse Implementation Team, made a number of recommendations to Zinkes panel.

Mostly, the plans needed to be made more user friendly, he said.

The triggers for environmentalists  captive breeding and population targets  werent front and center in those discussions, he said.

The governor has made [his opinion on these issues] quite clear and I think that has been heard, Budd said. I dont think there is any battle brewing over that.

Discussing those topics does not mean they will be implemented, he said

We are not objecting to figuring out the number of birds that are out there, Budd said. But to take it to the next step and say we are going to manage like that. That is a different story.

Budd could not speculate on what the review would lead to, what the recommendations would be or what the administration would do with those recommendations.

As I said to the [members of Sage Grouse Implementation Team], I cant tell you whats going to happen with this, he said. I think (the review team) did a very good job of reaching out the states, listening to the concerns they had and understanding them. Its up to the secretary to decide on how he wants to act on the report.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK  If it werent for a crested caracara, Jim Peaco might still be hauling trash.

Theres not a lot of stimulation when youre a garbage truck driver, said the Yellowstone National Park photographer. So during breaks you have your bird book and binoculars. There were no wolves back then and few bears. So you try to work on your life list.

Thats when he saw the caracara in Yellowstone National Park, thousands of miles north of where it would normally live. Publicizing the sighting made him a bit of a star in the birding world.

This bird should not have been here, he said of the tropical falcon that has been featured on the Mexican peso.

That led to a job as a slide librarian for the National Park Service in Yellowstone.

If I hadnt seen that bird I probably wouldnt have heard about that opportunity, Peaco said.

Such is the fickle nature of Jim Peacos fate.

Born of fire

From garbage truck driver to seasonal slide librarian in 1984, Peaco finally got a toehold on a dream job: Yellowstone National Park photographer.

I had been here eight years, he recalled. My boss said, Get out once a week and take some new photos. I was paid out of the donation box. Then in 1988 I was paid by the Yellowstone Association.

As it turned out, 1988 was a pivotal year in Yellowstones history, thats when more than 790,000 acres burned in wildland fires, one-third of the entire park.

If those fires wouldnt have started, I dont know if the job would have continued or not, Peaco said.

Because of the fires, there was a huge demand for photos from Yellowstone  not only nationally but internationally. That made the parks management decide that maybe it would be a good idea to have a staff photographer.

Attention getter

Tall and thin, the 60-year-old Peaco is hard to miss in his ranger green pants and gray shirt. Its even harder to ignore him when he sets up his tripod, topped with a fat 600mm camera lens, on a boardwalk to capture photos of harlequin ducks at LeHardy Rapids on the Yellowstone River.

For one little boy with bright red shorts, a hat and sunglasses, Peacos uniform was a huge attraction. The boy jumped up and down yelling, A ranger guy!

When Im in uniform everyone assumes I know everything, Peaco said, and laughed.

It was the large camera lens that drew the attention of Amanda Chou, a budding Sunnyvale, California, photographer who was touring Yellowstone with her father, Stephen Chou. With all of the patience of a school teacher, Peaco gave Amanda a few tips on how to photograph the birds using a slow shutter speed to give the rushing water a silky appearance.

Some people are here to check Yellowstone off their list, Peaco said. Others with kids and the Junior Ranger program are well read and have studied before their trip.

Wide ranging

Like any job, not every day for Peaco is filled with black bear encounters, scenic geyser eruptions and adoring children seeking photography lessons. Peaco also helps out by monitoring exhibits at the visitor centers and sometimes has to put on his ranger hat to keep tourists away from elk, bison or bears. Some days even he cant find a photo worthy of shooting, despite being in one of the most unusual places in the world.

Yet over the course of his career hes photographed presidents, flown over the park during the height of the 1988 fires, boated onto the 160-degree waters of Grand Prismatic Spring and captured shots of grizzly bears and geysers that have circulated around the world  one of which appeared in a text book and was incorrectly credited to Joe Peaco, a source of humor to the humble photog. When wolves were reintroduced into the park in 1995, Peaco got to visit the wolf enclosure with biologists as they tried to coax them out of the fenced area and into the wilds of the park.

Heres this wolf, No. 10, over my right shoulder howling, he said. It was the deepest voice. It was dumping snow and he was on a ridge. It really was a ghostly image.

It is stories like this that have put Peaco squarely at the center of some of Yellowstones most historic events over the past 30 years.

Ive had experiences like I never would have before, he said.

Seasonal starter

Thats pretty cool considering Peaco knew very little about Yellowstone or photography when he signed up in his Illinois hometown in 1980 for a seasonal job to wash dishes at a park restaurant. After two to three days at that job in Old Faithful Lodge, he was promoted to waiter when some of the staff didnt show up.

It was a blast, he said. Our biggest concern was: What are we going to hike this weekend?

The fact that he was in such an unusual place began to dawn on him when Mount St. Helens volcano erupted, shedding ash on the park, and then it snowed 18 inches.

What! This place is crazy, Peaco recalled thinking.

That winter instead of traveling out of the park to vacation someplace warm, Peaco applied for a job at the Snow Lodge.

Thats when the wild factor set in, he said. There were fewer tourists around and the whole winter thing in the geyser basin was like being on another planet. Thats when the hook was set.

Even now, there are constant reminders for Peaco about the uniqueness of Yellowstone.

At a bear jam near Tower Junction, he set up his 600mm lens and tripod to try to photograph twin black bear cubs walking atop a downed log. A frustrated tourist father, unable to photograph the scene with his camera, appealed to Peaco to let him mount his camera body to the long lens to take a few photos. Peaco complied and then let the mans daughter look through the lens at the cubs.

Thanks, Ranger Jim, the girl said before departing with her parents.
Natrona County School District officials declined to comment Thursday on the future of a Casper high schools scoreboards after donor Tony Cercy was arrested for sexual assault last week.

Because this is an on-going investigation, we are unable to provide comment at this time, district spokeswoman Tanya Southerland said in a statement to the Star-Tribune.

Cercy and his wife, Caryl, presented Natrona County High School with a $500,000 check from the Cercy Family Adviser Donor Fund in December to pay for three scoreboards at the school. The family also made donations to the University of Wyoming, the Casper YMCA and the David Street Station project.

The extent of the scoreboards installation, or if its started at all, is unclear. At the time of the donation, Cercy said he hoped the familys name would find a home on the scoreboard.

Hopefully well have our name on the scoreboard and it will be a legacy that well be able to enjoy for a long, long time to come, he said at the time.

Cercy was arrested on July 28, and he was formally charged in court Monday with separate counts of first-, second- and third-degree sexual assault. He has not entered a plea to the charges, and his attorneys have not responded to requests for comment.

A 20-year-old woman told investigators that she fell asleep fully clothed on a couch at a lake house near Alcova Lake on June 24. She awoke wearing only a bra, and Cercy was performing oral sex on her, according to court documents. She said she pushed him off but that Cercy told her he had been trying to get some action from her for the past hour.

He then allegedly threatened to kill her and another person if the woman told anyone, the documents state.

Cercy owned Power Service Inc. until last year, when he sold the equipment-maker to a company worth $1.79 billion. His family now owns the Wonder Bar, among other restaurants and stores in town.
MISSOULA, Mont.  Ravalli County officials have identified a murder suspect who killed himself as police approached his vehicle in Missoula last week.

Sheriff Steve Holton says 32-year-old Christopher Ray Phillips shot himself in the head during a traffic stop early on July 26. Phillips was being sought in the shooting death of 45-year-old Cassandra Dean Morrison of Butte. Her body was found on the side of the road in Jefferson City  between Butte and Helena  on July 23.

An autopsy found Morrison died of gunshot wounds.

Ravalli County officers investigated Phillips' death because it occurred during a traffic stop. That investigation found that a police officer was giving verbal commands to the occupants of the vehicle when Phillips shot himself in the head. Two other people in the vehicle were taken into custody.
Wyomingites who purchased an insurance plan through the federal health exchange will likely see their premium rates jump by 48 percent in the next year, Blue Cross Blue Shield said Thursday.

The increase  one of the largest in the nation  is primarily driven by the uncertainty created by health care debates in Washington, said Blue Cross Blue Shield spokeswoman Wendy Curran. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January, Republican leaders in Congress have accelerated their efforts to roll back the Affordable Care Act, the sweeping health care reform legislation passed in 2010.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only insurer available on the Wyoming exchange, designed as a marketplace where private companies can sell coverage, often at subsidized rates. Curran said the company has no plans to pull out of the market here, at least for 2018.

I think right now, the factor that has the most impact is the uncertainty about whether the cost-share reductions, if they will be funded, Curran said. Those decisions are being made on a month-to-month basis. For 2018, it is still unknown.

The cost-share reductions are reimbursements that insurers receive from the federal government for providing lower-income Americans with plans at a reduced price.

If the government were to stop providing those reimbursements, Blue Cross Blue Shield would still be legally required to provide the plans at a lower cost. To make up for the money it would no longer receive from Washington, the insurer would raise premiums for everyone who purchased plans on the exchange.

Trump tweeted last week that he may end bailouts for insurance companies if Congress does not approve a replacement for the ACA.

About 56 percent of the more than 23,000 Wyomingites who receive coverage through the exchanges receive those subsidies, according to data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

That has a fairly big impact on those rates, Curran said of the subsidies. Of the 48 percent increase, the potential elimination of the cost-share reductions accounts for roughly 13 percent, she added.

Of the several repeal-and-replace ideas that Republican lawmakers have floated, all included a provision to repeal the individual mandate, a particularly controversial provision within the ACA that requires all Americans buy health care or pay a penalty.

The individual mandate was created as a means of keeping insurance pools viable. The Affordable Care Act required companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide coverage for chronically ill Americans, who typically are the most expensive people for companies to insure.

The mandate was designed to bring younger, healthier Americans into insurance pools to help offset the pricier customers.

Should that mandate go away, Curran explained, then prices would go up to make up for the (likely healthier) people dropping their coverage.

Uncertainty has the most significant impact on the rate increase, she said. We have no control over that. So that, I think, is the frustrating thing for us and probably for every Wyoming citizen. That yes, we understand health care costs and we understand it happens in Wyoming, but these things are directly attributable to decisions that are being discussed in the nations capital.

She said that rates across the country are all over the board, but are particularly high in Wyoming, which historically has had some of the most expensive health care in the United States.

She added that another factor  though smaller than the uncertainty  is how many people are using their health care in Wyoming, and at what cost. She said the insurer paid out more in claims than it gained in revenue last year.

The proposed increase was submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for approval earlier this year, before a flurry of votes last month failed to repeal or replace the ACA. Curran said Blue Cross Blue Shield had to give explanations to the federal government for the rate increases and said the CMS could come back and ask for more details.

But generally, she said, the rate increases are accepted. She anticipated that the insurer would hear from CMS by the end of September.

Curran said people receiving health insurance through their employers may be impacted by rate increase, though she wasnt sure how significant.
This summer, as rattlesnakes bask in the rocky heat of central Wyoming and the sun withers the grass, Little Chief will come home.

The Northern Arapaho boy was taken in 1881 and died two years later. For 135 years, his remains have laid beneath the invented name, Dickens Nor, at the site of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, now the Army War College.

Little Chief was one 10,600 children forcibly taken from Native American homes and sent to Carlisle. Forbidden from speaking their language, their hair shorn, the kids were part of an inhumane experiment.

Kill the Indian to the save the man, the schools founder, former cavalry officer Richard Henry Pratt, once said.

The childrens descendants are after a modest justice, the return of the remains.

Little Chiefs great-niece Yufna Soldier Wolf first tried to bring him home some 10 years ago. It was a difficult and defeating process, she told the Star-Tribune last year.

Soldier Wolf is the director of the Northern Arapaho Tribal Historic Preservation Office in Riverton, where she works to repatriate Northern Arapaho remains and artifacts to the tribe. When she first sought her great-uncles remains, she was only 24.

Two years ago, she began again.

Other Northern Arapaho boys buried at Carlisle will also be returned to their descendants later this month. Little Plume and Horse will leave behind the Anglo names printed on their headstones at Carlisle: Hayes Vanderbilt Friday and Horace Washington.

With the help of an archeological team, the Office of Army National Military Cemeteries begins disinterment of the three boys on Aug. 8. It expects to finish by Aug. 17. The Army is paying for the transport and burial costs for the three boys.

The Army is grateful to have the opportunity to help the Northern Arapaho families find closure by reuniting them with their relatives who were buried at Carlisle Barracks Cemetery more than 100 years ago, Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of Army National Military Cemeteries, said in a statement.

It is unclear what complications will arise from the exhumation. The graveyard of Native American children and Revolutionary War soldiers was moved in 1927 when the Army base expanded, potentially complicating identification of the graves.

There are nearly 200 Native American children buried in the cemetery, and other tribes have sought remains in recent years.

The Army has no other disinterment planned at this time, but the cemetery agency expects multiple to take place over the next few years. It is contacting all Native American tribes that had children at Carlisle between 1879 and 1918.

Little Plume, Horse and Little Chief, thanks to his little brothers granddaughter, will be the first to leave.
An assistant professor at the University of Wyoming died in a motorcycle crash during a hailstorm in Nevada.

The Nevada Highway Patrol said 52-year-old Gustavo Sbatella of Powell died Wednesday evening in a crash on Interstate 15 near Valley of Fire State Park in southeastern Nevada.

The UW professor was southbound in a rain and hailstorm at about 7 p.m. when he hit the brakes and the bike went into the rocky median, the patrol said. Sbatella was thrown from the motorcycle and died at the scene.

Alex Sbatella said his father was traveling to an academic conference in California.

Sbatella was an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and was based at the Powell Research and Extension Center. He was the extension irrigated crop and weed specialist and conducted research in the Big Horn Basin.

Sbatella also taught courses and mentored graduate students.

We lost an indispensable faculty member, said Jim Heitholt, head of the department. He had a savvy for conducting research in weed science, and we, as his colleagues, became better scientists because of him.

Sbatella was an Argentina native, graduating with a bachelors degree from a university in Buenas Aires and later receiving his masters and Ph.D. from UW. He joined the UW faculty in 2014.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Aug. 4 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.
Debt, Small Salary and $40 Deficit Caused Coakley's Downfall

Postoffice Defaulter Is Brought Here to Stand Trial

Debt, small salary, and the disappearance of $40 worth of stamps, charged to him, made Walter D. Coakley an absconding clerk from the postoffice last July, with $10,000 taken from a money package, without the slightest idea of how he should escape or even plans for spending the money.

This he confessed yesterday in the county jail, where he arrived Sunday. He will be tried in the federal court here in November.

In moving to the new postoffice he came upon the deficit. In some way he handed out $40 worth of stamps of a higher denomination. The purchaser, who is unknown and will never be discovered except by his own conscience, made Coakley a thief.

He told Mrs. Coakley, and they mourned over the probable loss of his position when the loss was checked up. He had only $33 due him on his salary. He did not know where to raise the $40 to protect the discrepancy.

He had asked for a transfer to Louisville and this had been denied him. He decided to quit at the end of the month.

When he reached Lebanon, Indiana, he talked to his brother William at Louisville by telephone and told him he was going to give himself up. He wandered from place to place unable to decide what to do. Someone heard his secret in the telephone office. In that way he was captured. At Indianapolis he had met a friend, Dave Miller, who heard his story and told him to ride on one of his trucks to Lebanon to make up his mind. He gave Martin about half of the $10,000, thinking it would be well to lay it aside for a start after he came out of prison. The money was turned over to the authorities at Indianapolis.

Mrs. Coakley is now with her family in Kentucky.

Coakley arrived with United States Marshal Frank Barnhart and Charles Mankidick, guard on the Golden State limited, Sunday night.

"I suppose it is a life sentence," said Coakley yesterday.

He will have to wait until an indictment is returned by the grand jury.
In response to critical online comments made about Supervisor Ally Miller, county communications specialist Jason Ground received a letter of reprimand and apologized to the supervisor Wednesday.

In a series of July 28 posts in a private Facebook group, one of which contained an expletive directed at Miller, Ground encouraged people to criticize the supervisors position on a since-approved ban on fee-based sexual orientation conversion therapy for minors during a hearing on the matter Tuesday. Miller and Supervisor Steve Christy were the two votes against the resolution.

At the behest of County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry, a letter of reprimand  intended to memorialize a discussion earlier in the day regarding Grounds wrongful use of county resources  was subsequently drafted and sent to Ground.

This came after the Star was told that no records of disciplinary action yet existed and that details of Grounds discipline would not be provided.

As we discussed, the Communications Office provides an important public service for the County and our work receives a high level of scrutiny, the letter, which was written by communications manager Mark Evans and provided to the Star in response to a records request, reads. It is vital we conduct ourselves professionally and treat all county employees and elected officials with respect.

Your action has not only been an embarrassment for yourself but for this office and for the county, the letter continues, before warning Ground that similar or additional violations of county policy will result in further discipline, including dismissal from county employment.

Ground also apologized to Miller for his criticism and use of profanity in a Wednesday afternoon email.

It will not happen again, the email concludes.

While Miller did not provide comment on the matter to the Star, Christy sent a letter to Huckelberry on Thursday describing the comments as deplorable, reprehensible and egregious. He also appeared to advocate for additional disciplinary measures, writing that Ground should be subject to every facet of the countys disciplinary process.
You know who is building a really strong argument against the re-election of Sen. Jeff Flake?

Sen. Jeff Flake.

Our junior senator, a Republican, made a splash over the last week by coming out with a seemingly daring denunciation of Republican behavior under President Trump, in interviews and in excerpts of his new book, called Conscience of A Conservative. His pearl-clutching impressed national pundits like the gullible centrist Republican at the New York Times, David Brooks.

But Flake also laid the foundation for an argument that can be made against him from the right and the left in 2018. The argument will be that Flake is all talk and no action. And it will likely be used by conservative Republicans challenging him in the primary election, then adapted and reused by Democrats challenging him in the general.

Many Republicans scoff at Flakes attempt at molding a conservative image for himself the year before the election. I exchanged Facebook messages Thursday with Lori Hack, a Ted Cruz supporter who became infamous in Republican circles as a delegate to last years national convention who refused to vote for Trump. The state GOP chair, Robert Graham, replaced her as a delegate.

Hack, of course, has problems with Trump, as Flake does. But she actually did something about it and suffered for it by losing her credentials to attend the Republican National Convention. She has a problem with Flake, too that he talks about himself as a conservative while taking sides too often with Democrats. She pointed to his support for President Obamas normalization of relations with Cuba and his support for comprehensive immigration reform as two examples.

Looking at Flake from the left, as I do, the contradiction between words and deeds jumped out especially last week. In an excerpt of his book published in Politico, Flake criticized Republican members of Congress for looking the other way during the predictable instability of Trumps presidency.

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.

Whats hard to fathom is that Flake had written those words before he voted for the so-called skinny repeal of the Affordable Care Act. That bill was a precise repudiation of the principles of good government that Flake is arguing for in his book and media tour.

To recap, the skinny repeal was a last-gasp effort to get something done on health care. It was worked out in private by a small group of Republican senators. Up until the few hours before they were to vote on the bill, the senators had not even seen the bill. There had been no public debate. Senators were expected to vote for it with the expectation that it would then not be approved in the House and instead be converted into a new health-care bill in a House-Senate conference committee.

It was the apex of bad government in service of the Trump agenda, and Flake went with it. Amazingly, he did so while he was preparing to launch a critique of just this sort of behavior.

The issue of Flakes talk vs. Flakes action  he built that.

McCains surprise vote

Those of you who only see the paper version of the Star missed my re-write of last Fridays column on John McCain. As you might remember, I criticized McCains willingness to consider the skinny repeal even after assailing the sort of closed process that led to it in an earlier speech.

Then he went ahead and surprised me by voting against it, in dramatic fashion, killing that bill. So, after the paper went to bed last Thursday, I did a major re-write, which you can find online at tucson.com by searching under the headline, McCain sticks with principles in no vote.

Miller gets appointee

A mundane agenda item released pent-up anger on the dais at the Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday.

It was just an appointment to the countys Transportation Advisory Committee. But board chair Sharon Bronson assailed Supervisor Ally Millers appointee  radio host Chris DeSimone. Thats because DeSimone, host of the Wake Up Tucson show on KVOI, 1030-AM, regularly attacks supervisors, county staff and others in ways Bronson considers beyond the pale.

For more than a year, Bronson said, DeSimone referred to Transportation Director Priscilla Cornelio by a horrible, vulgar name. The name he used was Cornholio. But more than that, Bronson said, DeSimone has repeatedly invented claims of corruption and even extortion on the part of county officials.

He routinely makes up information about the county and disseminates it as facts to his listeners, Bronson said. His attacks know no boundaries. They cant be dismissed as mere criticism of public policy. This is mockery, ridicule and personal attacks. It goes well beyond what anyone would consider civil or responsible, let alone fair.

Miller responded forcefully, pointing out that she and the other supervisors routinely approve each others appointees to commissions and boards, even though she may not like the other appointees.

I have never interfered with anyones nominations here, she said. I am a duly elected Board of Supervisors member. If you vote this down, you are disenfranchising the voters of District 1.

Miller added, Weve got to have a diversity of opinion instead of the continued groupthink that has been going on over 20 years.

It was an interesting point  accurate, yes. But its also true that DeSimone represents an alternative form of groupthink as much as a fresh perspective.

Things got serious for a minute when Miller said that if the other supervisors shoot down her nomination youre going to regret it. But the supervisors eventually did the right thing by approving the nomination unanimously anyway.
Atlantic/Warner Music NashvilleFour years ago this week, Brett Eldredges debut album was released. Now, the Illinois native is ready to turn the page, and unleash his self-titled third studio effort.

Just as he did with its debut single, Somethin Im Good At, Brett is looking to shake things up.

I knew putting this song out that it was going to shock people, he confesses. I mean, that's what I wanted. I don't want to not take risks in my career. It's boring to me if I just make a bunch of songs that are safe or whatever. I want to take chances.

And so I wanted to put a song out there that when you hear it you're like, 'What in the world just happened? I have to turn that back on and listen to it again, just to be able to figure out what just hit my ears,' he adds.

When it comes to his new album, Brett aims to take his fans deeper.

When somebody listens to this record, what I hope they will do is realize the different places I went with it, and the different story that I'm trying to tell with it, he explains. Me, I've [sung] love songs on other ones, but I think the depth of it will be like, 'Oh, I've never seen him quite open up like this.' Or 'I haven't heard him sing like this. This is a whole another side of him that I didn't know about.'

Brett Eldredge is new today in stores and online.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The writer took Rio Nuevo to task for a possible loan of $250,000 for private investment in downtown, indicating it was not its function to act as a lending institution and suggesting finding another source of funds be found. The Small Business Administration could be a source to guarantee such a loan or, if State Rep. Pamela Powers-Hannley were successful with her proposal for a state bank, another source of funds earmarked for such a venture would be available.
I was cautiously optimistic reading Rep. Martha McSallys column about leading the Problem Solvers Caucus on health care. She notes that her military service taught her not to walk by a problem, and she doesnt shy away from tackling some of the toughest problems my constituents and our country face.

I hope her experience finding common ground with those across the aisle on health care will translate into her stepping up on another critical issue: climate change. The House Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus added four members this week to reach 52, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. California, Utah, Nevada and Colorado are represented in the caucus, but Arizona isnt. With our ample sun, record heat and a 20-year drought, Arizonans stand to gain  or lose  a lot in the transition to clean energy. Being cynical is easy; facing the challenge shows true leadership. Its time we had a seat at the table. Its time for McSally to join the Climate Solutions Caucus.
Growing up I learned that how you treat others was important. If you wanted to keep friends you spoke well of them. You learned that if you said something bad about them behind their back it would backfire and you would no longer have them as a friend. This simple concept has been reinforced my whole life, and I am 76 now.

What did Donald Trump miss growing up? He is president now and quickly attacks anyone who does not support him or his pronouncements. He goes on to impugn their character and threaten them. He did this in his dealings with the Senate in trying to get an Affordable Care Act repeal passed. And now look at how he deals with the North Korean threat. He asks the leaders of China to help, then two weeks later denigrates them in a tweet. How are we going to solve the big problems we face as a country when the leader of the free world seems to have missed learning the most basic life lessons?
Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore 

No, sorry, weve changed our mind.

Lady Liberty is expensive to maintain and Im sure there will be a sharp downturn in tourism because, well, the vision is gone, and that was the attraction.

As the Trump administration continues their promised course to cut immigration, the statue that welcomed migrants arriving at our eastern seaboard is becoming a monument to an ideal we seemingly would like to forget.

The ideal in Europe is still there, but the French, Germans, English and others are a bit pragmatic about these things and could well want to avoid the controversy. The French could take it back or Canada (with a strong French heritage) could accept it. Both countries have a strategy to encourage immigration of the worlds best and the brightest to immigrate to their shores as part of their major strategies to dominate emerging technologies. All while the United States is busy working to dominate the fossil fuels market.

Perhaps President Trump could give it to the Australians for the immigration camps we support there. Or France would use it to highlight a new depositary for refugees in one of its outposts. Maybe Bagne de Cayenne or Reunion.

In any case we could note that with rising sea levels, we must find an alternative.

Real estate in Manhattan is going to be too dear to waste on a monument to an ideal to which we know longer subscribe. We dont even have to say that a rise in sea levels even exists or that its due to climate change, we can just say that its something President Obama did or didnt do. Maybe it was a plot to thwart a new coastal Trump hotel.

The statue was created by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who originally envisioned it as being a fellah, an Egyptian peasant. Conventions of the day shifted that to a classical goddess  La Liberte eclairant le monde (Liberty enlightening the world). In his dedication speech, President Cleveland noted, she holds aloft the light which illumines the way to mans enfranchisement. We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home, nor her shall her chosen altar be neglected. Willing votaries will constantly keep alive its fires 

Very nice, but times have changed. Now we have neither the votaries nor the votes.

Clearly, its time to find a respectful end for Lady Liberty and not make her endure the policy shifts of the United States of America to make us No. 1. We owe her at least the dignity of not making her bear false witness. We still share a love and respect for monuments which represented our values rooted in the past, for good or bad.

However, as President Trump has counseled, its probably time to move on. Au revoir Lady Liberty. Rest in peace.
The chairman of Sacombank, the headline grabbing institution thrust into the spotlight following the arrest of two former executives on charges relating to enormous financial damages, has shed light on allegations that the banks ex-deputy chairman still owes nearly US$2 billion to the lender.

Ex-Sacombank deputy chairman Tram Be was arrested and taken into four-month custody on charges of deliberately acting against the state's regulations on economic management, with serious consequences for his role in a massive bank fraud scandal that caused losses of over US$288 million.

Shortly after his Tuesday arrest, information circulated that the banking tycoon still owes the institution VND43 trillion ($1.89 billion).

However, Sacombank chairman Duong Cong Minh contradicted that claim on Thursday with a statement to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper noting that Be did not borrow any money, or hold any debt at Sacombank.

The debts in question are not owed by Be, but rather two separate debts Be was responsible for handling, Minh underlined. The two debts are worth VND35.4 trillion ($1.56 billion), while the total value of the collateral assets backing these liabilities is VND43 trillion, according to the chairman.

Prior to his [February] leadership termination and his August 1 arrest, Be was deputy chairman, and as per the law, Be and his relatives are prohibited from borrowing from Sacombank, Minh explained.

Loan handling ensured

Minh added that the Tram Bes so-called debts at Sacombank are in fact money owed by different individuals and organizations whose agreements with the bank were under the ex-executives management.

The Sacombank chairman elaborated that even though Be is responsible for the debts, handling each task involved is done by other Sacombank employees. As the bank chairman, I am the one who takes the highest responsibility, he said.

Sacombank chairman Duong Cong Minh

Minh also underlined that Bes arrest will not affect the money owed to the institution, as all of these are backed by collateral assets with valid papers and high liquidity more valuable than the money lent.

He elaborated that the debts under Bes management are backed by VND33 trillion ($1.45 billion) in property and VND10 trillion ($440.53 million) in stock.

The realty assets used to guarantee for the debts are land plots in prime locations in central districts in Ho Chi Minh City, including District 1, 3 and 5, as well as in District 8 and 9, Long An Province, and Can Tho City, he added.

The value of these properties and stocks are bigger than the loans so ensuring a return will be an issue, he pressed.

Be was arrested and placed under investigation for mismanagement that resulted in losses only in the Vietnam Construction Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VNCB), and Sacombank suffered no damages, Minh said.

The chairman said he publicizing this information to prove that Sacombank is capable of retaining its transparent operations even though its former executives are dealing with the law.

We want to tell the society that we are indeed under a hardship, but it is not impossible to overcome these hard times, he said.

Sacombank logged VND754 billion ($33.22 million) in pretax profit in the Jan-Jul period, overshooting its target by 29 percent.

This means it is totally possible for us to meet or exceed our full-year target of VND1 trillion [$44.05 million], he said.

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Some Vietnamese students who scored top marks on the national high school exam in June are finding the doors closed to their top choice universities after falling short in the countrys family background-based bonus point system.

Comparatively easy exams coupled with a controversial bonus-point system have resulted in over-the-top university entrance scores this year, forcing top-performers without underprivileged family backgrounds to enroll in their backup schools.

In June, hundreds of thousands of high school seniors across Vietnam sat a three-day national exam involving separate sections  math, literature, foreign language, natural sciences, and social sciences.

The natural sciences paper consists of separate sections for physics, chemistry and biology, while the social sciences paper includes questions on geography, history, and civics.

Results of the exam are used both as a prerequisite for high school graduation and as a tool for universities to screen applicants by evaluating scores from a combination of three sections.

A supervisor checks a students ID before exam starts at Nguyen Thi Dieu High School in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, June 21, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

When the best isnt good enough

H., a student from Hanoi, finished the national exam with a total rounded score of 29.25 out of 30 after achieving marks of 9.4 in math, 9.75 in chemistry and 10 in biology out of the maximum 10 points awarded in each subject.

With nearly perfect scores, it wasnt unreasonable for H. to be confident that shed have the opportunity to attend her top-choice university  the prestigious, 115-year-old Hanoi Medical University in Hanoi.

Unfortunately for H., sometimes being the best just isnt good enough.

Though the universitys benchmark score is set at a lofty 29.25, there are still far more qualified applicants than available spots in the incoming class, forcing the institution to resort to secondary criteria to shorten its list.

With an unrounded score of 29.15, H. was 0.05 points shy of meeting the secondary criterion.

Acceptance standards were slightly stricter at other universities, such as the Peoples Security Academy in Hanoi, which trains police officers, security agents, and inspectors.

The academys faculty of English linguistics only takes in students with total scores from 30.5, while the maximum possible score in any combination of three subjects is only 30, made possible by the existence of a bonus-point system gives additional merits to students with underprivileged family backgrounds.

Students of ethnic descent, living in remote areas, or with one or both parents registered as war invalids are entitled to bonuses up to 3.5 points.

This system, combined exams education experts consider far too easy, have led to top-scoring students missing out on the opportunity to attend their university of choice.

Students and parents receive admission slips at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, August 2, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Theres no best of both worlds

The problem lies in the difficulty level of the tests, said Assoc. Prof. Do Van Dung, rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. You cant blame the test compiler for the fact that the exam is designed for both graduation and university entrance purposes.

In 2014, the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training approved a landmark plan to merge the high school graduation and university entrance exams, held just one month apart, into a single national exam to be held every June beginning the following year.

The decision was considered a progressive move to reduce the immense stress and pressure that high school seniors often faced while preparing for both exams.

For a graduation exam, the test must be easy enough for an average student to pass and should contain only few challenging questions to separate top students from the rest, Dung explained. Meanwhile, a university entrance exam requires a whole different level of difficulty to separate the best from good and average students.

If we designed the exam to suit the purpose of screening university applicants, it would be so difficult that many students would not be able to graduate, he added. You cant have your cake and eat it too.

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Check out what is in the news today, August 4

Politics

-- Head of Vietnams Central Commission for Propaganda and Education Vo Van Thuong on Thursday met his Lao counterpart Kikeo Khaykhamphithoun in Phu Quoc Island, off the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang, where they both vowed enhanced cooperation and discussed ways to boost speedy yet sustainable economic growth.

Society

-- Police in Quy Hop District in the north-central Vietnamese province of Nghe An disclosed on Thursday they were detaining a suspect following a bust on a large dynamite smuggling ring who concealed more than 100 kilograms of explosives and electric triggers in a secret cellar.

-- Police in Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City revealed on Thursday they had arrested a 28-year-old man for attempting to sell a lead bullet gun for VND45 million (US$ 1,979).

-- A flashflood ravaging several mountainous northern provinces in the past two days has claimed nine lives, injured 11 others and left 25 people missing while causing serious damage to crops and homes.

Business

-- National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and budget airlines VietJet and Jetstar suffered 13,493 late departures, or 24.09 percent of the total number of flights, over the last six months, according to statistics released by Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The delay is attributed partly to passengers lateness in checking in and failure to grasp flight regulations.

-- Tour operators from 23 countries and territories have registered for the Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo 2017, slated to run in September at a convention center in District 7.

-- Vietnamese produce, particularly organic products, have drawn profuse attention from visitors and entrepreneurs at the ASEAN-India Expo and Forum 2017, which is running until Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand.

-- The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Vietnam and the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs have inked an agreement to implement the second phase of a project designed to provide counseling and assistance to human trafficking victims.

Education

-- A local charity club has donated a total of VND884 million (US$38,891) to Tuoi Tre (Youth) Newspapers hallmark program Tiep suc den truong (Giving Strength to Students,) launched every year to help needy students across the country.

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Public loudspeakers in Hanois downtown areas will no longer make daily broadcasts, according to a recent plan by the citys administration to improve the decades-old system.

The number of loudspeakers will be reduced and those that remain will be used only for emergency announcements.

The change is part of a recently approved plan by the Peoples Committee of Hanoi calling on the city to reorganize and improve the broadcast quality of its local radio stations.

According to the plan, each ward in the downtown districts of Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da and Hai Ba Trung will have between five and ten zones where public loudspeakers are permitted, with no more than two loudspeakers allowed at any given location.

These locations must be far away from schools, hospitals, diplomatic buildings, high rises, and residential areas inhabited by the elderly and foreigners.

The loudspeakers will also cease daily broadcasts, instead limiting the system to emergency announcements relating to natural disasters, search and rescue operations, and epidemic prevention.

Public loudspeakers in districts outside the downtown area will continue to be used for daily broadcasts, though they will be limited to two daily broadcasts of 15 minutes in the morning and afternoon, five days a week excluding weekends.

These announcements will cover topics relating to military drafting, government plans and policies, vaccinations, land clearances, pensions, and emergencies.

In the remote commune of Son Tay and other rural districts, broadcasts of up to 45 minutes will be allowed.

This pilot scheme will run in 2017 and 2018, before further adjustments are considered by the Hanoi administration.

Public loudspeakers in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

In April, Hanoi opted to keep its network of public loudspeakers after conducting a public survey on whether or not it was time to remove the loudspeakers, ending a months-long debate over the future of the half-century-old system.

Unsurprisingly, close to 90 percent of Hanoi residents who took the survey voted against keeping the obsolete system.

Roughly the same number said that the information being broadcast was not useful.

Less than four percent of the respondents said they get their daily news updates via public loudspeakers, while the remaining majority turns to the Internet, television, and newspapers instead.

In the past, the loudspeakers functioned as an essential medium for authorities to spread important news to residents.

As more modern forms of media gained traction, the decades-old devices, which begin their daily broadcasts at dawn, have been criticized for disturbing locals sleep and causing headaches.

Public loudspeakers in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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A flashflood resulted in death, injury, and missing loved ones after sweeping through the region on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, leaving heartache and devastated infrastructure in its wake.

Yen Bai and Son La Provinces took the heaviest hit.

In Mu Cang Chai Town, Yen Bai, two residents were killed, while 13 others went missing and eight were wounded.

According to Nong Thi Mai, a 50-year-old local, floodwater poured into the neighborhood from Kim Noi Mountain at around 5:30 am while her family was still sleeping.

I yelled at my family to wake up. We managed to run up a hill behind our house before the water and mud reached us, Mai recounted, adding that part of her residence was damaged in the storm.

A mobile phone store near a local stream was completely swept away with three people still inside while the house next door was completely devastated with its owner sent to the hospital and his wife and two daughters missing.

As of 7:00 pm on Thursday, Nguyen Van Khanh, vice-chairman of the Yen Bai Peoples Committee, was still at the scene to deal with the aftermath.

This is the most devastating flashflood in the towns history. Nobody would have predicted that disaster would hit the center of Mu Cang Chai, Khanh stated.

Four schools were destroyed while 32 houses were swept away and 15 more damaged, bringing the total estimated damages to a whopping VND150 billion (US$6.6 million).

At a local healthcare center, 14-year-old Giang A Pao was being treated after the flood carried him five kilometers away from mountains where he and four friends had been herding buffaloes when the storm hit. He considers himself lucky to have survived. The friends he was with when the storm hit are still missing.

In Muong La District, Son La Province, six people were killed and 10 others still havent been found, Ha Quyet Nghi, director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said, adding that 144 houses were knocked down.

At It Ong Town in Muong La, a bridge and medical center were damaged, while roads and farms throughout the locality were ravaged by the storm, Nghi added.

Authorities in both provinces have ordered the immediate evacuation of all residents in the affected areas and mobilized all available human resources for search and rescue operations and victim support services.

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Trinh Xuan Thanh, a notorious ex-oil executive who spent nearly a year in hiding overseas after being charged for criminal mismanagement, appeared on a VTV broadcast on Thursday, confessing that he returned to Vietnam and turned himself over to police by his own volition.

Vietnams public security ministry announced on Monday that Thanh turned himself in to the police in Hanoi after evading an international wanted notice issued in September 2016.

Several international news agencies alleged that Thanh was seeking asylum in Berlin, Germany when he was abducted and taken back to Vietnam. The German foreign ministry also released an official statement on Wednesday that the Vietnamese government should return Thanh to Germany where he can submit an asylum application or proper extradition protocols can be followed.

Vietnams foreign ministry contradicted its German counterparts statement on Thursday when it reiterated that Trinh Xuan Thanh gave himself up to the police.

The 7:00 pm VTV news broadcast later that day marked the first time Thanh was seen by the public since September 2016. He used the air time to confess hiding in Germany because of his senseless thoughts about the situation.

Thanh said during his time in Germany, he realized that [I] have to return and face the truth, meet people, admit my mistakes, and apologize.

Trinh Xuan Thanh is the former deputy chairman of the administration of Hau Giang Province and the former chairman of PetroVietnam Construction JSC (PVC), a subsidiary of state-run oil and gas giant PetroVietnam.

He is among six individuals indicted on charges of intentionally violating state regulations on economic management that caused severe consequences, for causing losses worth approximately US$147 million to PVC.

The VTV program also aired a signed confession letter written by Thanh admitting to being so afraid of the investigation into [my] role in PVCs mismanagement that [I] decided to flee to Germany.

A screenshot of his signed 'confession letter'

The ex-official said in the letter that he had been living an unstable life of fear in the European country.

With encouragement from my family and friends, I decided to return to Vietnam and turn myself over to police in hopes of receiving mercy from the state and the Party, the letter reads.

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Alappuzha (Kerala), (IANS): A National Investigation Agency team has raided a Kerala engineers home near here while pursuing a terror trail with Islamic State (IS) links, a top intelligence official said on Friday.

Speaking to IANS on condition of anonymity, the official said the NIA team arrived on Thursday night at the house the engineer, who was identified as a 24-year-old Muslim.

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He was brought from Kochi and according to our information, they have been able to take possession of mobile phones and laptops, the official said.

After the raid, he was taken back to Kochi and his parents have been asked to appear before the NIA team, he said.

The NIA is following a lead based on a case registered in March against eight IS supporters who held a secret meeting in Kanakamala near Kannur. Barring one, the rest have been arrested.

According to those in the know of things, apart from the raid in Alappuzha, the NIA LAO raidED two places at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.
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By Siddhant Mohan, TwoCircles.net

Mohsin Shaikh murder case took an interesting turn yesterday when Pune sessions court rejected the bail plea of Hindu Rashtra Sena leader Dhananjay Desai, one of the prime accused in the case. This is the fourth time that his plea for bail has been rejected.

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On June 2, 2014, 28-year-old Pune based IT professional Mohsin Shaikh was murdered by the members of Hindu Rashtra Sena when he was returning from the mosque after prayers. At the time incident happened, morphed and objectional images Shivaji and Bal Thackeray were being circulated on social media, which gave rise to communal stress in the city.

Desai is currently lodged in Yerwada jail and was seeking bail for four weeks on medical grounds. He alleged that he is in poor health and is not getting adequate treatment inside the jail.

Ujwala Pawar has taken the charge of special public prosecutor in the case after Ujjwal Nikam left the case in between. Before Pawar, the family was seeking Rohini Salian as special public prosecutor. But Salian could not be appointed due to states delay even after she gave her consent to represent the case.

In her submission before the court on Wednesday, Pawar told the court that there is enough proof against Desais involvement in the case. She referred towards the inflammatory speeches which Desai delivered asking HRS goons to go on a frenzy around the Hadapsar region of the city.

In between the shuffle of public prosecutors, Dhananjay Desai pulled out his bail plea from Bombay High Court in June and applied for a provisional bail in Pune sessions court.

Mohsins father Sadiq Shaikh seems satisfied with the Pawars presence in the case of his son. A number of organisations met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last week for timely appointment of Pawar in the case.
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By Amit Kumar, TwoCircles.net

Indian Universities, and especially those under the Central Government, have for long been presented as spaces where a student or a facultys caste does not matter. Universities like the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi are often used as examples of an inclusive campus; institutes where students are free to prosper and focus on their studies.

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Dig a little deeper into this idea (or just read the news) and you will soon find that this is hogwash. Campuses in India, much like the Indian society, are spaces where not only caste flourishes, but it also seeks to cut down on any voice that erupts from the marginalised sections. Yes, more Dalit and Bahujan students are now studying in these campuses than ever, yet as even the most basic conversation with Dalit-Bahujan student shows, their presence has not made their lives easier in these campuses. If anything, these spaces are even more ruthless in clamping down on any dissent especially when such dissent seeks to expose the brutal reality of these campuses.

The death of Rohith Vemula in the Hyderabad Central University in 2016 brought the nations attention to the disease of casteism that flourishes in Indian Universities, but as is well known it was neither the first nor the last. Ask the five students of the English and Foreign Language University in Hyderabad who chose to speak against a casteist faculty that had time and again, humiliated students because of their caste. The faculty, Meenakshi Reddy did not stop at that, however. In a move that is unprecedented even in India, she became probably the first faculty to ever file a case of defamation against the five students in 2012 and in fact, she even won her case towards the end of 2016, with the Nampally civil court sentencing the five students to six months of imprisonment. However, that order was challenged and the students were able to get bail. Both parties challenged the order, and the case is in now in the Nampally Sessions Court.

We have been made to feel like criminals and hide

This correspondent met one of the defendants in the premises of a University. The defendant (name not revealed as the case is presently underway) works at a college as a faculty. I asked how he got a job if he had a case against him? I do not knowmaybe the administration does not know, he says almost with a laugh. If truth be told, despite having the highest degrees and the required experience, I still feel like my job is more due to luck than because of my degrees, he adds as he sips his tea.

The entire issue of defaming a person revolves around the issue of Dalit-Bahujan students protesting against the casteist practices of Meenakshi Reddy, a faculty at the Department of German, which was consistently ignored by the administration.

In 2011, the Osmania University (OU) police questioned two university professors including Meenakshi Reddy after the National Human Rights Commission (HRC) took notice of R Jayamurugan, a Dalit student pursuing German, who claimed that he was being failed consistently in his semester examinations, which forced him to discontinue the course. In 2012, one more Dalit student, Kush Kumar, from the same department tried to commit suicide by consuming pills after he failed his exams. According to the defendants we spoke to, these are not mere unfortunate incidents of students failing to cope up with the pressure. When different students are pointing out that a certain faculty is consistently biased against students from a certain community, how can that be ignored? What does this show, if not an absolute disregard to the problems that we are facing? the defendant added.

Of the five defendants-R Bathran, M Sriramulu, Upendra, Satish and Mohanonly Sriramulu was a student of the German department and had alleged discrimination at the hands of Reddy since 2011. Others were merely ensuring their support to Sriramulu through protests and agitations. Bathran, in fact, was merely booked because he provided a platform, Dalit Camera, to Sriramulu to voice his pain and the discrimination he had been facing.

One of the other defendants we spoke to, who is currently working at a state university, said this was again a great example of how casteist Reddy had been. Our issue did not happen overnight nor did it get over in a week. This issue was written about in various local and national dailies. But she booked Dalit camera? Why? If this does not show her casteist nature, then what does? Bathran had been a student leader here and he had both seen and experienced the casteist nature of a number of faculties here. By booking Bathran also, she showed that she is after Dalit Bahujan students who wish to expose the true nature of the campus, he added.

The defendants also point out that while the civil court pointed out to the terms like Reddy harasses, Feudal Reddy were used by the court to point out the act of defamation, but even six months later after the verdict, they are unaware as to what damage was caused to Reddy. If we defamed her, then she must have suffered because of it, right? How? She continues to be in the same job that she was. How did her life change? We have been humiliated for over five years, forced to live a closed life and have been visiting the courts for the past five years. I cannot apply anywhere now because of this case. Yet somehow, we are still debating over how she was defamed, one defendant said.

The longer this case goes, the more trouble for us

The two defendants also pointed out that contrary to the perception that the order being challenged was a good thing for them, they are actually worried. The longer this case goes, the more trouble it will be for us. We are all first-generation learners from our families and all this costs us a lot of money. She is a faculty, so money is not an issue for her but we have to think about it, said one of the defendants.

If I lose my job, I have absolutely no clue what options will I be left with. And if this case reaches the High Court, then I am almost sure that we will not win this case, he added. His fears are not completely unfounded. Reddy is the daughter of Obul Reddy, who served as the Chief Justice of Andhra and Gujarat High Courts and the former governor of Andhra Pradesh, and in fact, in the judgement of the Nampally civil court, the judge who gave the verdict, even took note of this, remarking, she hails from a good family. Obul Reddy, the defendant added, had a considerable set of followers and disciples in the courts and will only make it difficult for the defendants to expect a fair trial and judgment.

Throughout our conversation, the defendants request that no information be published about where they work or even their job profiles. I know so many people here (in the campus where we meet) but I hardly meet anyone now because they will ask about the case. At this point, we dont know what to say to them, says one of the defendants. When asked if they feel any regret, the answer is immediate. Never. We did what was right.
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Srinagar, (IANS): Authorities on Friday allowed the weekly congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid here after six weeks of restrictions.

The Jamia was closed for Friday prayers in the last week of Ramazan as the authorities had imposed restrictions to maintain law and order in the area, and since then people were not allowed to enter it on Fridays.

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A large number of worshipers thronged the grand mosque and offered their prayers though separatist leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, who traditionally delivers the Friday sermon, was absent as he was placed under house arrest.

Immediately after the Friday prayers, stone pelting youths engaged security forces in pitched clashes.

Security forces used tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters.
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New Delhi, (IANS): The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Kerala government on a plea of Muslim man whose marriage with a Hindu woman was annulled by the Kerala High Court, which termed it a Love Jihad.

A division bench of Chief Justice J.S. Khehar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud asked the countrys premier anti-terror investigation body, and the womans father to produce all documents related to the case within a week and asked the Kerala government to file its response too.

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These are very sensitive issues.. Its a serious matter You give us all the materials you have, said the court to NIA and the father and posted the matter for August 16.

The Kerala High Court on May 25 had declared as null and void the marriage of a 24-year-old Hindu woman, who converted to Islam and wedded a Muslim man in December 2016, terming it a sham and ordered Hadiya, as she was now known, be placed in the parents protective custody.

Her husband, Shafin Jahan, 27, challenged the high court order in the top court, saying the the order was an an insult to the independence of woman in India.

Approaching the Supreme Court with a request to order Hadiyas father to produce her in court, bhe claimed she converted to Islam on her own volition two years prior to their marriage.

Advocate Madhvi Divan, appearing for Hadiyas father, said she was a helpless victim trapped by a well-oiled racket which used psychological measures to indoctrinate people and convert them to Islam.

Jahan is a criminal and his daughter was trapped by a network with connections to Popular Front of India and even the IS, said the lawyer.

Divan said such conversions and marriages were not rare in Kerala. Radicalisation is rampant in Kerala.. There is more here than what meets the eye. Court should order an independent investigation into each of these people who are behind what happened to the woman and their affiliations.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and Indira Jaising, appearing for Jahan, however asked the bench to first order the father to produce his daughter here so the court can decide whether she was in fit state of mind to exercise her choices in life.

They have declared a marriage void. How can this be? She should be produced before the court. The court should interview her, they argued.

How the liberty of an adult woman could be curtailed in such a manner and she be kept in custody of her parents, they asked.

The court also questioned why Hadiya has three names.

Which 24-year-old has three names? the bench asked, adding: Prima facie, the Kerala High Court had interviewed her before deciding to annul the marriage and return the child to her father. In this interview, the high court judgment records that she could not give coherent answers. So prima facie, she seemed to have been in the control of someone else.

The apex court also took an undertaking from Hadiyas father that she would be produced before the court within 24 hours, if the bench wanted to interact with her.

Hadiya, earlier known as Akhila, was a homeopathy student in Kerala when she converted to Islam and changed her name. Jahan had met her with his family in August 2016 in response to her posting on a marriage website and they got married last December.

But in August 2016 itself, her father had approached high court with a habeas corpus petition, alleging his daughter had been radicalised by some organisations and they also influenced her to marry a Muslim man so that she is out of the parents custody forever.

He had also apprehended that there could be a scheme to send her to Syria to work with extremist organisations such as IS since the man she married had been working in the Gulf.

The Kerala High Court, saying that national interest is at stake, had asked the state police chief, to conduct an investigation into cases of love jihad and probe incidents of forced conversion.

Love jihad is a term used by right-wing Hindu groups to describe inter-faith marriages which they say is an Islamist conspiracy to convert Hindu women through marriage or coercion.
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New Delhi, (IANS): Accusing the CPI-M-led Kerala government of sponsoring the murders of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers in the state, the RSS on Friday demanded a court-headed probe into the killings.

We demand investigation into the killings in Kerala under the supervision of either a judge of High Court or Supreme Court, RSS Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said at a press conference here.

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Alleging that the state government was patronising the killers of Sangh workers, Hosabale said: Ever since the CPI-M has come to power, its goons have unleashed a reign of terror in the state.

The RSS leader said that in the last 13 months, 14 RSS workers have been killed in the state.

Fourteen RSS workers have been killed in the last 13 months and the Kerala government is doing nothing. The government should fulfill its constitutional responsibilities and check this political violence, he said.

He also said that those who talk about intolerance were silent on killings of RSS activists in Kerala. Whenever there is any killing across the country then there is always an uproar, but when our workers are murdered in Kerala, there is no outrage, he alleged.

These are not just murders but are political killings, he said, adding that RSS workers were targeted as more common and poor people are joining the organisation, which was not liked by the ruling Left party.

Dont RSS workers have any right to work for their organisation in Kerala? Hosabale asked, adding that the state-sponsored violence wont be tolerated.

He said that Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would be visiting the state on August 6.

The BJP leaders visit comes in the wake of the murder of RSS activist Ramesh in Thiruvananthapuram.

The RSS accused the Left government of not doing enough to check the violence of communist cadres in the state. Over 300 people have been killed in the state since 1969.

The RSS leader claimed that despite being at the receiving end it has always tried to hold peace dialogue with the Left, at least three times in the past.
Young people advance action towards a healthy planet for all

Youth advocacy is on the rise, turbocharging a generational movement to fight the existential threat of climate change.
The first Zika Virus Sexually Transmitted case of this year has been confirmed in Pinellas County, Florida, CBS News reported and The Florida Department of Health made a statement on Tuesday.

Aside from that, the Health officials stressed that there is no evidence that mosquitoes are transmitting Zika anywhere in the state. The health officials of the southeasternmost U.S. state have announced that the total number of Zika viruses in Florida this year is up to 118.

Understanding Zika virus

The so called "Zika virus" is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae.

The name comes from the Zika Forest of Uganda, where the infection was first isolated in 1947.

The virus is transmitted to people essentially through the bite of an infected and active Aedes species mosquitoes such as Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. These are the same insects that carry and spread dengue, as well as chikungunya viruses.

Zika virus can also be transmitted from mother to child. Yes, a pregnant woman can transfer the virus to her fetus during pregnancy.

Aside from that, the virus can also be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her partner. Even if the infected person does not have any symptoms at that current time, the bug can still be passed to the other person.

Symptoms of Zika virus

"It is important to remember Zika can also be transmitted sexually and to take precautions if you or your partner traveled to an area where Zika is active," health officials said in a statement. If an organization already identifies an area where ongoing transmission of Zika is taking place, it is important to avoid going there or contacting people who reside there.

Initial symptoms of the virus include fever, rash, joint pain, vomiting, conjunctivitis, or red eyes. It is also possible for a person to feel muscle pain, headache, pain in the eyes

A person infected with Zika is rarely severe enough to guarantee hospitalization. Also, it is uncommon for an individual to die because of the infection.

However, complications of the virus can be devastating and overwhelming, especially if a mother contracts the virus while she is carrying the baby.

Zika virus in Florida

The name and gender of the person infected with the virus have not been disclosed. However, some information has already been revealed.

According to Florida health officials, the infected resident's partner recently traveled to Cuba and was unwell with symptoms consistent with Zika virus. They also mentioned that both individuals were already tested positive for Zika.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDCP has previously confirmed cases of the Zika virus that were sexually transmitted. Most of Florida's 118 Zika cases this year have been associated with travel outside of the United States. However, the only local cases confirmed this year all were associated with exposure to the virus last year.
A 17-year-old teenage boy has been arrested at the San Francisco International Airport. This was after he jumped out of the emergency door of a Boeing 737, shortly after it landed in San Francisco. This incident took place at 2.30PM on Tuesday, August 2, 2017, Los Angeles Times reported.

What happened?

Shortly after Copa Airlines Flight 208 from Panama City landed in San Francisco, an unidentified passenger rushed for the emergency door situated in the middle of the aircraft and jumped out of the plane. He acted too quickly to be stopped. After opening the emergency door, he slid down the wing and finally jumped down onto the tarmac.

The other passengers were both surprised and concerned and began shouting and calling for the air hostesses.

The boy began running away from the plane, only to be stopped by an airfield construction crew who happened to be working nearby. The crew detained him until the police arrived. There are several stories about what happened aboard the plane, following this incident. Copa Airlines released a public statement saying that the crew members simply closed the door and the plane then taxied to its gate. One passenger, Isaac Rodrigues, however, said that the door had come completely off and that a crew member had to block the entrance with her body. Either way, all the passengers, crew members, and the boy are safe and unharmed.

Eyewitness Statements

Airport spokesperson, Doug Yakel, has said that the boy was flying unaccompanied, from Panama City to San Francisco. Several sources have said that the boy appeared to be anxious and was rather fidgety during the flight, according to KNTV.

It appeared as though he was experiencing some sort of emotional distress.

Sophia Gibson, one of the passengers told the press how surprised everyone on board was. She said that it all happened really quickly before anyone could realize what was going on. She added, "It was as if he was, like flying out. It was really fast." Another passenger, Sebastian Tamarelle told press, "Just a standard landing and then everyone started noticing that I was sitting behind the middle emergency exit door, only the door had come off."

Copa Airlines has since told the press in a statement, that the boy is unharmed and that he has been taken into custody by the relevant legal authorities.

An investigation is currently being conducted by Customs and Border Protection and at present, there is no information about the boy's reasons for his actions. The boy has also been admitted a hospital so that a psychiatric evaluation can be performed. The airport and runways were unaffected by this event.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's statement differs from that of President Donald trump on the Russia sanctions. Pence made a seemingly supportive comment on the Law signed by Trump. Trump bashed lawmakers for endangering the already strained relationship with Moscow wish he aims to repair. Pence, on the other hand, said the sanctions send a strong message to Russia to change its behavior.

The U.S. Vice President made the statement during his four-day trip to Europe this week. His message contradicts that of Trump, who grudgingly signed the bill into law on Wednesday.

The President criticized legislators for clamping down on Russia with tough sanctions which limit his powers to veto.

Fear of incoherent policy by the Trump administration

During his tour to Montenegro, Georgia, and Estonia, Pence sounded a warning to Moscow to desist from its behaviors. He started that the sanctions legislation was overwhelmingly approved by Congress and send a loud message to Russia to change its unwholesome behavior.

In the contrary, Trump complained on Twitter that the sanctions legislation which he reluctantly endorsed would endanger the already fragile relationship with Russia which he pledged to amend during his campaign.

Despite the fact that some Republican leaders downplayed the differences in opinion by the duo, critics warned that such inconsistency exemplified an incoherent policy of the Trump administration that would eventually unsettle allies and collapse.

However, McFaul added that Moscow may view the uncoordinated messages as a symptom of policy disarray by the Trump administration. He further stated that if Trump insists on improving the relationship with Moscow, he would definitely fail.

Trump insists on better ties with Moscow

The U.S. President has consistently stated that he wants a better relationship with Moscow.

However, his administration has been plunged with controversies in the last six months of his presidency. As the congressional panels and the special counsel that are investigating the alleged interference by Russia in the 2016 U.S. election and possible collusion of Trumps campaign and Russian officials in the last election gathers momentum, improved ties with Moscow would hardly scale through Congress.

Following the passage of the Russia sanctions legislation by Congress which limits the Presidents veto to override, Trump grudgingly appended his signature on Wednesday but went ahead to criticize it as an infringement on his constitutional authority. He said he could reach a much better deal with foreign governments than Congress could.

As a retaliatory measure to the sanctions, President Vladimir Putin announced a sharp reduction of the U.S. diplomatic staff in Russia by 755 people and the confiscation of two buildings used by U.S. diplomats in Moscow.
Alaskan Bush People Season 7 returns with many revelations and people who tune into the show are getting nervous every time a new episode airs. Last time, Amis condition was revealed and it brought the audience into a heartbreaking scenario. But, prior to this, Ami and Billys eldest son was reportedly rushed to the hospital. A freak incident involving a Mason jar and explosive caused the commotion and injured Matts head. However, a recent leak suggests that Matt wasn't alone when the incident happened and someone else might have also been hurt.

Who else might have been hurt that night?

The tip came from the Facebook fan page called "Alaskan Bush People Exposed," which hinted that someone we know could have been hurt during that fateful night. The post wrote, Matt was not alone that night and someone else was hurt. Note that there will be some potential episode spoilers ahead.

This quickly elevated the issue ahead of the official airing of Alaskan Bush People Season 7 new episode. But who could have been hurt aside from Matt? According to a commentator named Renee Butka, it might have been Kenny Worrell of Hoonah. Kenny is known for his level of crazy and has been closely involved with Matt. He once helped Matt when the Browns demolished a womans shed and collected all the loot back in the Alaskan Bush, TV Insider reported.

Thus, another commenter named Brandon Hall suggests that Kenny and Matt were making moonshine. And eventually, the duo got really drunk while making the explosives which led to the accident.

Matt hurt his head during the mishap

Days ahead of its return to television Alaskan Bush People drop an update regarding Matts mishap.

The show has announced that the eldest among the Brown siblings are finally back into shape and his recovery went smoothly.

He even thanked his fans for their well-wishes and support through his Facebook fan page. Thank you to everyone for your well wishes following my recent accident. I am doing well and recovering with my family, he said.

Matt Brown is spotted in good condition

On the other hand, fans were able to have photo ops with Matt and the rest of the Brown siblings. But Matt's recent outings suggest that he has totally recovered from the incident. The family is in Dolores, Colorado for Noah and Rhain's rumored wedding ceremony. Billy and Ami also made an appearance in nearby Arizona perhaps to attend the said occasion.

Alaskan Bush People Season 7 airs every Wednesday on the Discovery Channel at 9 PM.
Jill Duggar is officially at the point in her pregnancy where fans have begun a "baby watch." The "Counting On" star announced her pregnancy last year and revealed her new baby would be born in July. Duggar and derick dillard will be naming their new son Samuel Scott, a far cry from calling their first son Israel.

What has Jill been up to?

There has been some controversy regarding Jill Duggar and what she has been doing. She was seen doing some hard labor and fans took to social media to talk about how wrong they thought that was. Duggar has been pregnant before and she knows the ins and outs of labor.

If something was too dangerous for her, she would not be participating. The Dillards are harped on a lot for their parenting choices and their mission trips, especially now that they will have two babies to take along with them.

Right now, there is no confirmation on whether or not Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard will be going back into the mission business. They had been in El Salvador already but came back the second time to prepare for the arrival of Samuel and to attend Joy-Anna's wedding to Austin Forsyth. Dillard's methods for raising funds for the mission trips have come under fire, even reportedly by his brother-in-law, Jeremy Vuolo.

Has baby Samuel arrived?

The couple shared a photo of Derick Dillard with a baby on social media.

Fans immediately jumped to the conclusion that Jill Duggar gave birth to the couple's second child. According to the Hollywood Gossip, Jill Duggar has not announced the birth of her son. The photo was actually a throwback to when Israel was born and some eager fans missed the caption. When the baby is born, the Duggar family will notify People magazine as they do for every other big event in their lives.

Once Jill Duggar gives birth, that will leave only one more Duggar grandchild on the way. Anna Duggar is still pregnant and due to have her son at some point later this summer. All of the babies born this year have been boys.

Fans are waiting on Jinger Duggar to announce she is expecting as she has been married almost a year.

Joy-Anna Duggar walked down the aisle just a little over a month ago and now, Joseph and Kendra will be tying the knot this fall. There is so much happening between the "baby watch" for Jill Duggar and the other big family events on the way. "Counting On" will be documenting most of it, though the birth of Anna and Josh's child likely won't make it on the show.
Fans have waiting a long time for the coming of the Sons of Anarchy spinoff Mayans MC, but it looks like they have to wait a little longer. According to reports, FX has confirmed that the sequel needs to undergo a number of reshoots and recast.

The executive producer of Grimm, Norberto Barba, will be handling the new television series premiere episode, which was originally directed by Elgin James. The network is going to replace some major roles. However, it didnt give further details about it.

The shows creator explains his side

It is not surprising that a big project like Mayans MC is undergoing a reshoot.

In fact, the first episodes of Sons of Anarchy and FXs new upcoming drama series Snowfall had the same experience.

In a tweet, The SoA creator Kurt Sutter explained why the reshoot and recast should happen. This was the process for SOA, he tweeted. According to him, it is just a clear indication of Fox and FXs commitment to the televisions series. This, too, will give him and Elgin James more time to improve the shows cast, script, and direction.

To recall, the 57-year-old producer initially planned to direct the shows prequel, but he will be focusing now on writing the television series script. The recast is now being made while the shows production is about to start in the late summer.

To recall, Mayans MC already cast JD Pardo as its lead actor E.Z. Reyes, a prospect in the Mayan MC charter. Also, Edward James Olmos is on the roster as Felipe Reyes and Richard Cabral as Johnny El Coco Cruz, a member of Mayans MC, Santo Padre. Other stars who are supposedly in the show are John Ortiz, Antonio Jaramillo, and Clayton Cardenas.

The 2 shows same fate

Mayans MC will be set after the events of Sons of Anarchy. Here, E.Z. Reyes will be seen struggling as he plans to seek vengeance against the cartel.

He will be making a great effort to get the respect he is longing to have from the woman he loves. Kurt Sutter will be co-writing the shows premiere episode on FX.

Meanwhile, SoA had been on the air for seven seasons from 2008 to 2014. It was led by Charlie Hunnam as Jax Teller. Fans can even recall the Mayans as a force that had a number of mixed-up with SAMCRO. Just like the spinoff, it underwent substantial reshoots before it finally debuted on FX.

It was also recast. Originally, Scott Glenn was set to play the role of the motorcycle club president Clay Morrow before it was later given to Ron Perlman. All of the scenes the 76-year-old actor had done were reshot.
It was in August 2015 when fans last saw 'True Detective' on HBO. Nearly two years have passed and fans are still waiting and hoping for the coming of 'True Detective' season 3.

It looks like cries of the anthology crime drama's followers are now heard as the Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali is now in discussion to allegedly star in the show's third installment. However, it is not yet revealed if the television series will surely return.

Can Ali help the show?

The Tracking Board reported that Mahershala Ali is now close to signing as the lead actor of 'True Detective' Season 3.

Nevertheless, the publication cleared that HBO has yet to give the show the greenlit, but its sources revealed that it is "definitely expected to return." It has been said that the 43-year-old actor could be a "redeeming factor" for the television series after its second chapter has failed.

To recall, the show's second season didn't catch the critics' attention. Also, its viewers found its storyline pretty boring. Hence, it was described to be one of the most "disliked" television series of that season. Its first installment, on the other hand, was said to have a stroke of luck. Its success was said to ride to Matthew McConaughey's crazy performance and Woody Harrelsons laid-back acting.

Also, fans also can't deny Cary Fukunaga's invaluable take in the show's first season.

It has been said that the directors magnificent depiction of the Southern Gothic landscape was one of the missing takes in the second installment.

Will Season 3 succeed with new star and writer?

As a matter of fact, 'True Detective' Season 1 was described as one of the most stunning pieces seen on television. The chemistry between the show's lead actors Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey was also depicted to be magnetic.

It also paved the way for 'The Dark Tower' star to be considered as a serious actor and made "McConaissance" famous, Slash Film reported.

Unfortunately, the anthology's second installment was poorly received, although it had a stunning cast composed of Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, and Vince Vaughn. Evidently, the shows executive producer Nic Pizzolatto can't handle the series' creative force alone to maintain what the first season started.

However, 'True Detective' Season 3 might be the redemption the television series needed. With the inclusion of the 'Deadwood' creator David Milch as part of the show's creative team and Mahershala Ali's take as its protagonist, it may be once again a success.
After twelve years of being together, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt broke up in September 2016. The actress then filed for divorce from her estranged husband, requesting legal and physical custody of their six children. To this date, the couple still has an ongoing custody battle over their kids, whom Angie said are already affected with their relationship fiasco. However, recent reports suggest that the couple has settled amicably for their children and decided to co-parent their kids. Recently, she was spotted with her daughter Vivienne, 9, at an organic store in LA, looking happy and fit.

Has she moved on from her husband?

When Angelina Jolie was photographed with her daughter on Aug. 2 on their way to their waiting car, which is loaded with healthy groceries, fans were quick to speculate whether there is someone making her smile. Fans suggest that Angie has finally moved on to a new man although this was never confirmed. Brad Pitt has also been linked with another woman, which is one reason why fans are wondering if Angie is ready to move on from him. However, many people dont think this way because she is also a career woman with six kids to think about. She recently told Vanity Fair that things became difficult with her husband throughout their message.

Angelina Jolie was criticized for allegedly cheating on Jennifer Anniston in 2005 with her now estranged husband.

The couple both starred in the 2005 film Mr. & Mrs. Smith where she was accused of cheating with Brad Pitt on Anniston. When it was confirmed that she already broke up with him, many fans took to social media and wrote: Welcome to the If he did it with you, he will do it to you club. She previously denied these allegations and said that she can never wake up in the morning with someone who cheats on his wife.

Angies relationships

Angelina Jolie was only 14 when she had a serious boyfriend. They lived together in their family home with her mothers consent but they eventually broke up. She then met British actor Jonny Lee Miller during their filming in the 1995 movie Hackers and got married in 1996. Their relationship though ended the following year and Angie filed for divorce in 1999.

She also shared a romantic relationship with model Jenny Shimizu and confirmed that she is bisexual.

In May 2000, Angelina Jolie married actor Billy Bob Thornton, whom she met during the filming of the 1999 movie Pushing Tin. Their divorce was finalized in 2003. Then in 2005, she met Brad Pitt in their movie together. They were dubbed as Brangelina.
"The Dark Tower," adapted from Stephen Kings epic eight novel series was always going to be difficult to pack into a single movie. Just a few days ago, Den Of Geek mentioned that "for years, Stephen King's eight-book fantasy horror epic, "The Dark Tower," seemed unfilmable."

It looks like despite the heroic efforts of the cast, which included a not-bad performance by Tom Taylor, and a saving-grace effort by Idris Elba, that the movie may have simply been over-ambitious.

Critics reactions to the long-awaited Stephen King movie have been tepid, to say the least.

Generally, the Idris Elba and Tom Taylor 'Dark Tower' movie seems to have been given the thumbs down by critics.

'The Dark Tower' movie thumbs down

The New York Times described "The Dark Tower" as "The Good, the Bad and the Stupid." To be fair to the movie production team, Manohla Dargis did point out that there are things other than bad and stupid in the movie, where she mentions that there is an occasional "glimpse of what might have been" a brilliant film.

Idris Elba saves the day somewhat, in a movie that otherwise was described as an "unappealing hash of movie making cliches."

The Boston Globe review seemed to lend the NYT critic review some authenticity as they described "The Dark Tower" as "derivative" and "generic."

But it was The Los Angeles Times who straight up came out and said that "The Dark Tower" was a "joyless adaptation of Stephen King's 'The Dark Tower,'" that was "hardly worth the wait."

Other critics wrote that the movie was simply too ambitious to fit in a one-sitting showing and contended that hopefully, the forthcoming TV series will be able to a better job of it.

Ambitious Tower movie given the complex synopsis of the King books

The trouble with reading books is that the movie seldom meets expectations. The popularity of the King books might be appealing, but it is a challenging thing to convey everything in Movies. Even more challenging is the probability that a lot of film-goers have never read the books.

The official synopsis explains - for those people didn't read them - that "Roland Deschain (Idris Elba), the last Gunslinger, is locked in an eternal battle with Walter O'Dim (Matthew McConaughey), also known as the Man in Black."

"The Gunslinger must prevent the Man in Black from toppling "The Dark Tower," the key that holds the universe together.

With the fate of worlds at stake, two men collide in the ultimate battle between good and evil." OK - so now go and make a movie out of all that!

Very likely it was a mission impossible as ComingSoonNet tagged it as a "bog standard boys own adventure."

Critic reactions on Twitter to 'The Dark Tower'

These days Twitter is the go-to platform for reactions to anything at all, so it would be remiss to leave those potentially game-changing reviews out of the equation.

Sadly, for those people like me who simply love the escapism of Stephen King's writing, it looks like the incredible believability that the author seems to conjure up in the books, where the reader is transported into another dimension is not going to happen in "The Dark Tower" movie.

The Dark Tower movie is an abomination. If you are a Stephen King fan and have read the books do not see that movie  John Smedley (@j_smedley) August 4, 2017

THE DARK TOWER will disappoint fans of the Stephen King series. Not awful, but not good. Read my review: https://t.co/sw5v0T6RpY #AMovieGuy  AMovieGuy.com (@LeosAMovieGuy) August 4, 2017

The dark tower was the single worst movie that has ever been made in the history of ever dear lord  Dan aka Charles LXIX (@mccoy_23) August 4, 2017

To watch the movie or not?

Diehard King fans will probably want to watch the movie, but it seems they should brace themselves for some disappointment. There are just too many good critics who have reacted negatively and given "The Dark Tower" the thumbs down, despite the efforts of Idris and Taylor to make something of the mission.

Nevertheless, the National Calendar does inform us that this weekend 4 and 5 August includes National Underwear Day and the underwhelming National Fresh Breath Day, so what else are you going to? As for me, I'd rather fling myself off The Dark Tower than hit the streets to celebrate the invention of underwear.
Cars parking (almost) on the sun? Technology has already invented them. However, a car park that can physically find a place for the car, even taking care of it in our place, does not exist at this time.

1. Mercedes automated parking

Parking at the historic mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart will soon become fully automated. However, this is a project on which engineers have been working for some time and has led to first experiments in Japan. The idea is to exploit and simplify the best currently available technology.

'Automated Valet Parking' is the name of the system that will soon be installed in Stuttgart's three-star car park museum, with the collaboration of German Bosch.

The new Mercedes Automated Valet Parking will use the Bosch sensors in the facility, including those in the machines that mount the Remote Parking Pilot. It is a semi-automatic parking system (already on some Mercedes models).

In this way, cars will be placed faster: no traffic jams and fewer emissions (around 20% less) linked to the search for a free seat. Moreover, who knows if, following this step, one day we will have to say goodbye to the parking lessons at the driving school. If the idea gets approved by the authorities, the German car house will look to apply the system to the next cars.

2. Amazon: new sectors in which the US giant could invest

Amazon has the ambition to invest in some new exciting sectors, which scares its competitors.

Amazon is an online bookstore that is also specialized in commerce. The least that can be said is that it is one of the most successful companies in the world.

However, its main quality is that it is a corporation that has a lot of ambition and is constantly evolving. Let's talk about future projects from Amazon's largest online library.

Amazon's new acquisition

Experience has already shown that you can not buy everything online. Indeed, before acquiring certain objects, it is imperative to see them physically. It is particularly the case for certain building materials or appliances.

Therefore the retail giant became ambitious to acquire the company Sears Holdings, which specializes in the sale of modern devices of Kenmore.

By making this purchase, Amazon's goal is to specialize in selling homes and home decorating items.

The other area in which Amazon could invest is banking. It is true that in the past most US banks have been reluctant to associate with the Silicon Valley giants. But today, the mentality has changed. So, the craziest rumors say that Amazon is about to acquire the American bank 'Capital One'.

Whenever the online bookstore giant uncovers its ambitions of expansion, companies that are already evolving in a given sector are frightened. For example, when Amazon announced its intention to go into real estate, Zillow saw the price of its action fall dramatically.

The same applies to the companies Blue Apron and Kroger, respectively specialized in the delivery of meals to companies as well as the grocery store.

3. After 32 years, Microsoft plans to turn the page Paint

Windows 10: Microsoft's graphic editor 'Paint' will soon be replaced by Paint 3D. After more than three decades, Microsoft has just announced that 'Paint' is part of the obsolete software that is not being developed. So, it can be deleted in the next Windows update of Windows 10.

The Paint software was introduced in the first version of Windows, nicknamed Windows 1.0. It was in November 1985. At the time, it was a licensed version of PC Paintbrush manufactured by ZSoft Corporation.

Paint has started as a 1-bit monochrome licensed version. It was not until 1998 that 'Paint' started recording the files in the popular JPEG format.

4. Unicredit hit by hackers!

The first Italian bank announced the compromise of the accounts of 400,000 of its customers. One week after the theft of $ 7 million by a hacker, Unicredit Group, a banking group founded in 1998, announced the Piracy of bank data of 400,000 customers.

The hackers acted in two stages: the first intrusion occurred between September and October last year and the second occurred between June and July 2017. With these two interventions, the pirates had access to personal data and IBANs. In other words, this is customer data relating only to personal loans.
By Zhang Yu and Yuan Hui in Ordos, Inner Mongolia | China Daily | Updated: 2017-08-04 07:26

Photo taken on Aug 6, 2015 shows people visiting Xiangshawan Desert in Ordos, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua]

Residents in desert areas in northern China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region have shaken off poverty and embarked on much better-off lives, after desert tourism driven by innovation was brought in.

The Kubuqi Desert in Ordos, the seventh-largest in China with an area of 18,600 square kilometers, was once the source of frequent sandstorms hitting the country's northern areas.

The desert's harsh environment resulted in poverty for local residents, most of whom only lived on raising livestock.

In the past 30 years, great efforts were made to tackle the desertification and improve residents' living standards.

Then, an innovative business model that incorporates governments, companies and locals was introduced with the aim of greening the region and creating jobs.

With guidance of governments and investment by the companies, farmers and herdsmen started to plant herbs, build solar power stations and develop tourist facilities.

In 2006, local governments and Elion Resources Groupa company engaged in ecological environmental protectioninvested in building a new village.

Doodgatsaa village gathered 36 scattered households and provided them with free training, after which villagers started to run their own businesses.

"In the past, we lived in shabby houses built with dry grass and mud," said Tserenbaabuu, a 41-year-old herdsman in the village.

Tserenbaabuu and his family now live in a 110-square-meter house.

He added their total income has increased to 200,000 yuan ($30,300), 10 times as much as in the past when raising livestock was the only source of earnings.

It is the prospering of tourism in the region, he says, that has changed their lives.

A national 4A tourist siteQixinghu Desert Eco-tourism Spotemerged, as developers began tapping desert tourism resources. It attracts more than 120,000 tourists annually.

The site helped boost tourism in nearby villages, including Doodgatsaa village which has been equipped with 32 home-style hotels.

In partnership with two herdsmen, Tserenbaabuu bought 20 vehicles for off-road driving in the desert, with the help of banks in Ordos.

"A vehicle can hold three tourists, and traveling across the desert will cost each of them 240 yuan," he said.

He also hired 10 villagers as drivers and pays 4,000 yuan to each monthly from May to October, the peak season for desert tourism.

To support the business, he constructed a family hotel that can hold 20 tourists, accompanied by a restaurant to serve meals.

"When the hotel is full at peak season, I can earn 2,000 yuan each day," he said.

A household like his can earn 120,000 yuan annually on average, up from around 10,000 yuan before 2006.

"It's really a great change for me," Tserenbaabuu said.

China has total desert area of more than 2.6 million square kilometers, according to the sixth Kubuqi International Desert Forum held last week.

The experiences accumulated in the Kubuqi Desert can be a model to share nationwide and worldwide, said attendees at the forum.

Contact the writers at zhangyu1@chinadaily.com.cn
ADDIS ABABA  China Communications Construction Company East Africa Company engaged in the construction of roads, bridges, airport runway, and rail projects among others, has awarded outstanding local employees in Ethiopia.

Speaking during the 2016-2017 East Africa Company Excellent Employees Awards Ceremony on Thursday here in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, Wen Yingzheng, the Party committee secretary of China Communications Construction Company East Africa Company, said the Company has successfully accomplished various projects in Ethiopia, with huge contribution and efforts of local employees.

While operating in the country for about two decades, the company has contributed to the infrastructure development while creating job opportunities for the local people, said Wen.

He said the company has also been encouraging local employees by increasing payments and providing various incentives of prizes as well as facilitating visits and training in China.

Speaking to Xinhua, Wen said his company is an important partner of Ethiopia in infrastructure development, and it has created thousands of jobs for local people.

He noted that the company has successfully completed various projects with quality and high speed.

Reiterating that the company has been in the country for the last 20 years, Wen said it would continue to create more job opportunities for the local people, whom the company also encourages with increased pays and various incentives.

Ermias Belay, one of the top 10 local employees, said that the Chinese company has constructed roads, bridges, airport runway, railway projects, which are considered to have brought about significant changes in the country.

He also said that local people have been benefited out of the job opportunities due to projects carried out by the company.

"We gained construction technology and strong working culture transfer by closely working with our Chinese engineers and experts," he said. "We also feel proud by directly playing the lion's share towards the development of the nation, the infrastructure construction in Ethiopia."

While working with the company, the local employees have benefited from Chinese working culture and acquired skills and knowledge, he said.

Officials from the company revealed it to Xinhua that the award has been organized for the third time in its row.
Being among the elite group of women holding key leadership roles in Hong Kong business life, Anna Yip, chief executive officer of SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Ltd - one of the city's leading mobile service providers - naturally, is very much concerned about how they fare at the top after having broken through the glass ceiling.

Not the least is the overall welfare of women.

Adding to her list of "firsts" at SmarTone, on top of the robotics strategy to woo customers, Yip plans to have special rooms set up at the company's offices to help women nurture their children.

Women's success in their careers, she believes, wouldn't be possibly complete without them devoting their undivided attention to the family and their children.

"Especially for women, you need to think about your kids," she advises.

Yip admits she has never been someone who plans well ahead and for the long term. Before landing herself in the telecoms business, she had wanted to be in the academia, having taken out a doctorate in management studies at the University of Oxford.

"To be frank, I merely do things according to what my heart tells me to do."

Yip joined global management consultancy McKinsey and Company in 2004 and was with the group for eight years. By the time she left, she was a partner with McKinsey and Company in Greater China where she led the Asia Payments practice and co-led the Asia Financial Institutional Group.

She recalls having really gone through the mill, particularly on the heels of the dotcom bubble burst in March 2000 that saw global stocks and enterprises sinking into oblivion and threatening to plunge the world into full-fledged recession.

But, she told herself: "I have to swim or sink."

Her next stop was at United Overseas Bank in Singapore in 2012 where she was appointed managing director for corporate planning and international strategy and, prior to joining SmarTone, she was head of Hong Kong and Macao, MasterCard Asia Pacific operations.

For those aspiring for the top, Yip says "climbing the mountain in one day" is a pipe dream. "You can't rush things. It's fine to stop and take a rest. Learn as much as you can and think of ways to do it better. It doesn't matter which level you're at. Someone will notice you."

tingduan@chinadailyhk.com
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Ten photos across China: July 28 - Aug 3

Updated: 2017-08-04 07:00

(chinadaily.com.cn)

This week was a dream-come-true for military watchers. August 1 marked the 90th birth anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Various events were held across the country, including a parade at an exercise field in Inner Mongolia for the first time in four decades. But the past seven days saw more than just fighter jets taking to the blue skies. Major storms delivered a double punch on the eastern provinces while other parts of the country sweltered under record heat. Here's the week's recap.
KAIFENG, Henan -- A company of one of China's most-wanted fugitives Guo Wengui has been fined 150 million yuan ($22.3 million) for crimes of fraudulently obtaining loans and bill acceptance, according to a court ruling issued Friday.

Two employees of Henan Yuda Real Estate Company were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to two years and another employee was exempted from criminal penalty, according to Kaifeng City Intermediate People's Court.

The defendants said they committed the crimes under direction from Guo Wengui.

Guo, the "actual controlling shareholder" of the company, fled China under suspicion of multiple crimes in August 2014 and is currently listed under an Interpol "red notice" for wanted fugitives.
BEIJING -- China had more than 230.8 million people aged 60 or above at the end of 2016, 16.7 percent of the total population, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said Thursday.

Of the 230.8 million, 150.03 million were 65 or above, or 10.8 percent of the total population, according to a report released by the ministry.

By international standards, a country or region is considered to be an "aging society" when the number of people aged 60 or above reaches 10 percent or more.H The country had 140,000 nursing homes holding a total of more than 7.3 million beds at the end of 2016, with a year-on-year increase of 20.7 percent and 8.6 percent respectively. However, there are only 31.6 beds for every 1,000 senior citizens.

According to the report, China had about 460,000 orphans at the end of 2016, with 88,000 living in government-funded agencies, with the rest being cared for by relatives or private orphanages.

Some 19,000 Chinese orphans were adopted by domestic or overseas families in 2016, the ministry said.
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]

MANILA, Philippines  The United States' top diplomat is expected to raise concerns about human rights in the Philippines when he visits Manila this week for Asia's biggest security forum, including during possible talks with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will raise all relevant issues in the US alliance with the Philippines, including concerns about human rights, Acting US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton said in Washington on Wednesday. She said a meeting with Duterte is being arranged.

Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Robiespierre Bolivar said Thursday the Philippines is open about its rights record. "So definitely if Secretary Tillerson wishes to raise that, the Philippines has always been open and committed to protecting human rights."Duterte, however, has lashed out at critics of his war on illegal drugs, which has left thousands of suspects dead in the past year. When then-US President Barack Obama raised concerns about the mounting death toll, Duterte told the president to "go to hell."Thornton said Tillerson's trip to Manila will provide a chance for a robust bilateral program with the Philippines on the sidelines of the security meetings.

She said there will be much to talk about, including a siege by Islamic State group-linked militants in the southern city of Marawi and growing threats of international terrorism.

"But certainly, we will be talking about governance, about human rights issues, and about how we can increase our economic and other kinds of people-to-people engagement with the Philippines," she added.

Duterte's spokesman, Esrnesto Abella, said no announcement has been made of a meeting between Tillerson and Duterte.

Human rights advocates have accused Duterte of unleashing "a human rights calamity" with his war on drugs. They say his recent threat to bomb tribal schools he accused of teaching students to become communist rebels could constitute war crimes, prompting Duterte to clarify that the schools would only be bombed when the buildings are empty.

AP
China's largest animal vaccine company is going to a part of the US where the industry action is.

In May, China's largest animal vaccine company, Jinyu Bio-technology Co Ltd, said it would open its first US facilities - a research lab and offices in the Kansas State University Office Park located on the north side of the Manhattan, Kansas, campus.

"Jinyu joins the world's largest concentration of animal health companies by locating in the KC (Kansas City) Animal Health Corridor with more than 300 animal-health companies in our region. Manhattan, Kansas, and Kansas State University are at the forefront of animal health research that is relevant to the Chinese animal agriculture industry and the world," said Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor.

The agricultural link between China and US appears to be on an upswing currently as American beef has been reintroduced to China following the lifting of a 2003 ban due to mad cow disease.

Jishu Shi, director of the US-China Center for Animal Health and a professor at Kansas State University, said that Jinyu's main products include foot and mouth disease vaccines for pigs and cattle, vaccines for classical swine fever, porcine circovirus, and other commercial vaccines for pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry.

The company has three subsidiaries in China: Jiyubaoling Biopharmaceutical Co in Hohhot, Youbang Biopharmaceutical Co in Yangzhou and Yikang Biological Co in Liaoning province.

"Manhattan is the home to many world renowned scientists in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Biosecurity Research Institute and the future National Bio and Agro-defense Facility," Jinyu Chairman Chongyu Zhang said in a statement.

Shi said Jinyu wants to strengthen its capabilities in animal vaccine research and development (R&D).

"(The lab) will focus on the R&D of animal vaccines, diagnostic assays and clinical training materials for veterinarians in China. It will hire four to six scientists in the next two to three years," he said.

Young said that although Jinyu is the first Chinese animal health company to locate in the KC Animal Health Corridor, there are a number of international animal health companies that have set up shop in the region.

"Since the inception of the corridor in 2006, 52 new companies have relocated to the region and many existing companies have continued to invest and expand,"she said.

Young said the companies have come from across the US as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Portugal, India, Belgium, Ireland, and Germany," she said.

She said Kansas State University - with its high-profile agriculture and veterinary medicine schools, may provide Jinyu with an ideal platform for partnerships.

"We fully expect partnerships to develop with Kansas State University faculty to promote real-world application and discovery.

"Additionally, there will be opportunities for Jinyu to build relationships with other animal health companies located in the region," said Young.

paulwelitzkin@chinadailyusa.com
The suspect in a shooting outside the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles used to be a judge before he immigrated to the US, but his motives remain unclear.

Police have put a security hold on the case and are not releasing any information to the public. "Once we transferred the case to the DA, it's up to the DA to release information," an LAPD spokesman told China Daily over the phone on Thursday.

The incident happened about 6 am Tuesday when the man opened fire at the consulate building and then shot himself dead. The building sustained numerous rounds, but no one other than the gunman was injured.

According to local media reports, the man, Larry Xin Zhang, 62, was a resident of San Gabriel, a neighborhood popular among Chinese in the greater Los Angeles area. Neighbors said he worked as a Chinese language teacher and had been living by himself in a rented house for over a year.

The neighbors said Zhang did not speak much English and could have had difficulties in life due to his inadequate language skills, according to some media reports.

Zhang had a son who lived in Las Vegas and a girlfriend named Helen, a resident of Temple City, California, according to a Thursday report in World Journal, a Chinese-language newspaper.

Helen told World Journal that Zhang had been a judge before he immigrated to the US as "an individual with extraordinary ability and achievement" 20 years ago. He had become a naturalized US citizen.

"He was not isolated or down and out like what media said; he was optimistic, outgoing and had good taste," said the report citing Helen.

"He shot at the consulate because of some reasons that can't be talked about," she said, declining to explain further.

Six years ago, the same consulate experienced a similar shooting incident when a man fired nine shots at a security guard outside the consulate building, but he hit only the building.

In response to a question about the shooting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Thursday that China attached great importance to the incident and had made solemn representations to the US side.

China has asked the US to investigate the shooting promptly, calling for necessary actions to be taken immediately to ensure the safety and security of the compound and consulate personnel.

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com
Detroit, Michigan, is home to unique museums, free attractions, scenic water views, fun activities, date ideas, and excellent restaurants. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts to explore one of the best art collections in the country, take a romantic walk along the Riverfront, or go on a tour of a major league baseball park. Here are the best best things to do in Detroit, Michigan on a day trip or weekend getaway.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MI  Courtesy of naokit - Fotolia.com

Located on Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) houses one of the largest art collections in the United States and one of the top attractions in Detroit. Established in 1885, it contains over 100 absolutely riveting galleries and covers 658,000 square feet. Van Goghs celebrated Self Portrait is one of the most well known paintings in the collection. The Detroit Institute of Arts offers several kinds of tours including daily guided tours and audio/multimedia tours like the Directors Choice and Youth Audio Tours. There are also family-oriented performances such as live music and puppet shows, storytelling, and art workshops. The Detroit Institute of Arts is open every day except Monday. 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, Phone: 313-833-7900

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2. Detroit Riverfront  Courtesy of hstiver - Fotolia.com

When the snow starts melting and the grass starts coming back to life, Detroit residents head to the riverfront. The entire area along the Detroit River has undergone drastic renovations under the leadership of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. This non-profit organization dedicates its attention to the establishment, operation, improvement, security, maintenance, programming, and expansion of the Detroit RiverWalk and surrounding green areas. The riverfront transforms into a hub of activity as the weather warms up. There are yoga and tai chi classes, running and biking races, seniors walking tours, rock and pop concerts, and much more. If you are looking for things to do in Detroit today, the Detroit Riverfront is a great place to visit. The ultimate goal of the Conservancy is to develop all five and a half miles of riverfront starting from the Ambassador Bridge and going all the way to Gabriel Richard Park, turning it into a place where Detroit residents can come and enjoy their town in safety and with pride. Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, 600 Renaissance Center, Suite 1720, Detroit, Michigan, Phone: 313-566-8200

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3. Comerica Park Tours, Detroit, Michigan  Courtesy of Andre Franke - Fotolia.com

Comerica Park is the home of the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball Team. It is an open-air ballpark located on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit. Comerica Park Tours are offered from June to September and last about 90 minutes. Visitors get a fascinating behind-the-scene look at some of the popular attractions within the park and are welcome to take photos along the way. Comerica Park Tours offers public tours on both game days and non-game days, and private tours are an option for groups of 15 or more on non-game days. 2100 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, Phone: 313-962-4000



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4. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Tour  Courtesy of John Sfondilias - Fotolia.com



The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Tour takes visitors to the only Brass Era auto assembly plant in Detroit that is open to the public. A National Historic Landmark, the Ford Piquette Road plant was built in 1904, and it was the first factory owned by the Ford Motor Company and specifically built to manufacture the Ford. It was in that building that Mr. Ford designed his Model T and forever guaranteed himself a spot in the pages of the history. Visitors can touch the beautiful brick walls and walk the original wood floors of the factory, which have become slightly worn since the days when workers manufactured and assembled various Ford models. You can even sit in one of the shiny old Ford beauties and take yourself back to the times of the automobile revolution. Even Mr. Fords office has been painstakingly preserved and is open to the public. If you are wondering what to do in Detroit on a rainy day, this is a great place to visit. Find more weekend getaways in Michigan 461 Piquette Street, Detroit, Michigan, Phone: 313-872-8759

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5. Cliff Bell's  Cliff Bell's



Everything about Cliff Bells tells story of an elegant and romantic time of the past  a time of speakeasies, prohibition, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Cliff Bells calls to mind a time when going to a club meant donning an evening gowns or a black suit. The restaurant is located in an artfully renovated Art Deco building designed in the 1930s by Albert Kahn. The clubs charm and lavish interior is only matched by the superb food, another tribute to the 30s. The restaurant-style seating allows customers to enjoy their food while listening to long-time favorite tunes and tapping their feet. The cocktails menu features old classics  you might want to try a Hemingway. Naturally, the music is and always will be timeless  it is jazz at its best and in all its incarnations. Musicians come from all over the world to play at Cliff Bells, always the perfect place to dine, unwind, and take in the music. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, Michigan, Phone: 313-961-2543

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6. Show Me Detroit Tours  Courtesy of John McGraw Photog - Fotolia.com



Whether you are visiting Detroit for the first time, a new resident who has just moved to the city, or an event planner, its always nice having an insider who knows all the nooks and crannies of the town to take you around. Show Me Detroit Tours are designed to cater to small groups with a maximum number of six people. Participants spend two thrilling hours going from one attraction to another in a comfortable luxury van, and everyone is encouraged to ask questions and comment on what they see and visit. Some of the attractions on the Tours list include the downtown area, Campus Martius Park, Stadium & Entertainment District, Greektown, Midtown/Cultural Center, Eastern Market, RiverWalk/Rivertown, Heidelberg Project and Belle Isle.

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7. Michigan Science Center  Courtesy of Viacheslav Iakobchuk - Fotolia.com

Located at the site of the former Detroit Science Center between the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) is an innovative hands-on museum designed to present science in a fun and creative way, inspiring curious minds and allowing them to learn. A non-profit organization, the museum has an IMAX theater, a planetarium, interactive exhibits, a designated area for kids, and more. If you are looking for fun things to do in Detroit with kids, this is a popular family friendly attraction. 5020 John R Street, Detroit, Michigan, Phone: 313-577-8400



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8. Joe Muer Seafood  Joe Muer Seafood

Joe Muer Seafood is an exquisite seafood eatery on the Detroit River waterfront with elegant decor that pays tribute to the retro 60s yet still incorporates a modern touch. Here, seafood is king. You can enjoy your meal in the main room or in one of three bars: The Raw Bar, which serves freshly shucked oysters, delectable raw fish at the Sushi Bar, which is known for delectable raw fish and its gorgeous blue granite counters, or the Piano Bar, where you can take it easy and listen to great music. Joe Muer Seafood also offers private dining, an experience which can include the special treat of dining in the kitchen with ten of your best friends or colleagues at Joes Table. 400 Renaissance Center Suite 1404, Detroit, Michigan, Phone: 313-567-6837



9. Detroit Princess Riverboat  Courtesy of icholakov - Fotolia.com

Built in 1993 in Jennings, Louisiana, the Detroit Princess is an impressive cruise ship that offers several different kinds of river tours including lunch, afternoon, dinner, and moonlight cruises. The Detroit Princess is also available to host a variety of events such as corporate functions or private events like birthday parties, family reunions, and weddings. With its four decks, the Detroit Princess has a capacity of 1,500 passengers and began operating in Detroit in 2005. Guests are provided with meals and other dining options, and there are bars on each level serving beer, champagne, cocktails, spirits, and wine. The Detroit Princess Riverboat maintains a business casual dress code. If you are looking for date night ideas in Detroit, try a romantic river cruise. 131 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48226, Phone: 877-338-2628

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10. The Rattlesnake Club  The Rattlesnake Club

Located in the Stroh River Place complex, The Rattlesnake Club is a 25-year-old Detroit institution that serves superb food you can enjoy while admiring the view of the Detroit River. When weather permits, visitors can feel a nice breeze on the spacious terrace. The restaurant maintains a policy of only serving the highest quality seasonal and sustainably harvested foods. The kitchen uses locally harvested produce, certified prime Angus beef, and not-from-farms finfish and shellfish in all their dishes. The wine selection is extensive and there are also many locally brewed beers. During the summer, Executive Chef Chris Franz occasionally offers grill-inspired hands-on instruction and demonstrations. Sometimes he even shares his tips and tricks on the Clubs Garden Terrace. Keep in mind that this fine dining establishment has a slightly formal/business casual dress code. 300 River Pl Dr, Detroit, Michigan, Phone: 313-567-4400



11. Detroit Zoo  Courtesy of foto frank - Fotolia.com

The Detroit Zoo is located on West 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, about two miles north of Detroit. Covering 125 acres, the Detroit Zoo is one of the largest and most popular family attractions in Michigan. The Detroit Zoo was the first in the United States to showcase barless exhibits, and it is home to over 3,300 animals, representing about 300 species. Its exhibits include a beautiful butterfly garden, the Australian Outback, Amphibiville, the Arctic Ring of Life, wetlands, a wolf habitat, Dinosauria, and many more. Kids can have fun riding the colorful train and the carousel which is open during the warmer season. 8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067, 248-541-5717

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12. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit  Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is located in the citys cultural center, along with the College for Creative Studies, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Wayne State University. It is a non-collecting museum housed in a 22,000 square foot building. The building formerly served as an auto dealership, and architect Andrew Zago worked hard to preserve its historic atmosphere. The museum constantly strives to increase appreciation for exhibits of contemporary art, which is evidenced in the many works they showcase. It also promotes education through its numerous cultural programs that include concerts, discussions, films, lectures, readings, and workshops. The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday. 4454 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, Phone: 313-832-6622



13. Dime Store  Dime Store

Dime Store is a popular downtown Detroit American Brunch Bar located in the Chrysler House. Dime Store serves breakfast, lunch, and drinks. Diners will be pleased to learn that brunch is served all day long. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, the decor modern and inviting. Dime Store has implemented a policy of serving only the freshest ingredients of the highest quality, resulting in very distinct and flavorful dishes. Let Executive Chef Josh Taylor surprise you with his House Sausage Omelette, Reuben Duck Sandwich, or Sweet Poached Pear Salad. Dont miss their fabulous Zingermans coffee and delicate Rishi organic teas. The restaurant also offers private parties for up to 65 people. 719 Griswold Street, Ste 180, Detroit, MI, Phone: 313-962-9106



14. The Whitney, Detroit, Michigan  The Whitney

Visiting the Whitney in Detroit is a special treat, whether you are dining with a client, enjoying high tea at the Katherine McGregor Dessert Parlor, treating friends to drinks and a bit of adrenaline at the Ghostbaror having a special celebration in the Whitney's exquisite Gardens. Located in an iconic Romanesque revival mansion built in 1894 by the lumber baron David Whitney Jr., the Whitney takes full advantage of its elegant, lavish setting and offers its guests refined contemporary American cuisine focusing on veal, beef, lamb, fish and seafood. Treat yourself with their Beef Wellington, a beef tenderloin stuffed with prosciutto, mushrooms and spinach, wrapped in puff pastry and served with veal cabernet sauce. Enjoy the restaurant's excellent wine cellar, it has something for everyone. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, Phone: 313-832-5700



15. La Feria  La Feria



La Feria is a Spanish tapas and wine bar that you simply must visit on a cold Michigan evening in order to truly appreciate the dining experience. An inviting warmth and an explosion of colors and aromas reminiscent of a Seville summer greets you as you enter. The restaurant is simple and consists of one room with rustic wooden tables. The atmosphere, however, is sizzling. Rioja and sangria flow freely, and cold and hot tapas are rushed out of the kitchen. In this lively environment, it is easy to imagine what it must be like in Seville during the annual feria (weekly festival.) Chef and owner Pilar Baron Hidalgo happily and creatively experiments with traditional recipes from her native Spain, drawing on everything she has learned from her mother and grandmother. La Feria isnt a large place, but it is exceedingly popular, so dont be surprised if theres a bit of a wait. Browse Michigan beaches 4130 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI, Phone: 313-285-9081

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16. Wasserman Projects Art Gallery  Wasserman Projects



Founded by Gary Wasserman, CEO of Allied Metals Corporation and lifelong art lover, who felt compelled to open up a new gallery in Detroit after seeing all of the recent revitalization and rebirth of the city, the Wasserman Projects is one of the top art galleries in Michigan's biggest urban area. Opened in late 2015, Wasserman Projects is located in the Eastern Market neighborhood and housed in an old, abandoned fire station. Offering around 9,000 square feet of floor space, the Wasserman Projects was designed to simply offer something new and interesting for locals and visitors to check out, and it quickly caught the eye of many people due to one of its most fascinating and unique exhibitions: the Cosmopolitan Chicken Project. Now, associated with several leading and emerging artists from Detroit and around the world, Wasserman Projects stands out as one of Detroits must-visit art galleries. All through the year, Wasserman Projects provides a platform to local and emerging artists, as well as more established talents from around the world. With flexible gallery spaces, Wasserman Projects is able to cater to many different styles and disciplines of artistic expression, ensuring that the Wasserman Projects gallery always has surprises in store for its guests. Both art and music are celebrated here, with sound festivals, sculpture displays, painting exhibitions, live performances, and more taking place each month. 3434 Russell St #502, Detroit, MI 48207, 313-818-3550



17. John K. King Used and Rare Books  Courtesy of Anna - Fotolia.com



John K. King Used and Rare Books is an iconic used bookstore in Detroit, operated by its namesake owner since 1971. The bookstore, which was originally opened in Dearborn and was temporarily housed within Detroit's renowned Michigan Theatre building, found its permanent home within the city's four-story Advance Glove factory building on West Lafayette Boulevard. Today, used and rare books of all sorts spill over into the adjacent Otis Elevator factory building and the facility's basement, including special collections related to topics ranging from African-American history and international interests to botany, horology, and the Michigan logging industry. More than a million books in total are housed at the store's main location and its two outposts, one at the city's Cultural Center and one in Detroit suburb Ferndale. 901 W. Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, Phone 313-961-0622

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18. Fox Theatre, Detroit, Michigan  Courtesy of aerogondo - Fotolia.com



Located on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, the Fox Theatre is a historic theater that opened in 1928. With more than 5,000 seats, the Fox Theatre is the largest surviving movie palace from the 1920s. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The theatre is rather grandiose; there are three levels of seating, and the interior is ornately decorated with Burmese, Chinese, Indian, and Persian themes. During its long history, several acclaimed performers have graced the theatre with their presence, including famous entertainers like Shirley Temple, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra. Today, the Fox Theatre is as beautiful as ever, as it was completely restored in 1988. 2211 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI, Phone: 313-471-7000



19. Date Idea in Detroit: Prime and Proper  Prime and Proper



Prime and Proper has swiftly established itself as one of the best restaurants in Detroit. Delicately fusing gourmet elegance with the home values and hospitality of old-fashioned American steakhouse locations, Prime and Proper is a beautiful and fascinating restaurant and one of the top places to eat in Detroit. Decorated in a mixture of grays, golds, blacks, and soft velvet tones, Prime and Proper is a lot more than a simple steakhouse. It offers the same great food and friendly service you'd expect at any steakhouse, but the astonishing beauty and interior design of this location seems more akin to a 5-star European restaurant. From floor to ceiling Prime and Proper is one of the most visually appealing restaurants in all of Detroit, fusing contemporary and classical aesthetic styles with shimmering glass cabinets, velvet-lined booths, comfortable leather chairs, gold-rimmed tables, and more to create an environment that is both welcoming and breathtaking. 1145 Griswold St., Detroit, Michigan 48226, Phone: 313-636-3100

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20. Eastern Market, Detroit, MI  Courtesy of sun lover 616 - Fotolia.com



Located approximately one mile north of downtown Detroit, Eastern Market is a historic market area that is doubly fascinating: it is a Michigan State Historic Site and it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally opened as a farmers market in 1841, it has expanded over the years, and additional sales sheds were added. Today, it covers 4.5 acres and is the largest historic public market in the United States. The market has many tempting items for sale like fresh fruits and vegetables, excellent cuts of meat, and flavorful spices. Eastern Market also displays the works of local artists and allows musicians to perform, an added bonus to the homegrown food. 1445 Adelaide, Detroit, MI, Phone: 313-833-9300



21. Campus Martius Park  Courtesy of andreaobzerova - Fotolia.com



Latin for The Field of Mars, Campus Martius Park is a two square block area that serves as the commercial heart of Detroit. After a fire in 1905, Judge Augustus Woodward chose this area to be the focal point of the efforts taken to rebuild the city. Today, this lively park is home to a seasonal ice skating rink, several public spaces that can be put to various uses, thought-provoking sculptures, and two performance stages. Several multiple purpose spaces encompass these park features, including Compuware, One Kennedy Square Buildings, Quicken Loan Headquarters, and the Penobscot Building, a city landmark and an impressive example of historic architecture. A trip to the park will surely lead to other adventures as all of Detroits major avenues radiate out from Campus Martius Park. 800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI, Phone: 313-962-0101



22. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History  Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History



Essential viewing for any visitors who would like to polish up their knowledge of African American history, the Charles H. Wright Museum is located on Warren Avenue. Commonly known as the Wright, the museum features several permanent exhibitions as well as a calendar of visiting or temporary exhibitions. The Museum was the brain-child of a prominent Detroit physician and civil rights activist, Dr Charles Wright, who decided that it was important for African Americans to be able to learn about their contribution to society and to preserve their history and culture for future generations. The Museum is the largest of its kind in the world. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, 313 494 5800

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23. Detroit Historical Museum  Detroit Historical Museum Dedicated to telling the story of Detroits unique history, the Detroit Historical Museum should be a must-see attraction for all visitors to the city. The museum features several permanent exhibitions which trace the origins and growth of Detroit over a period of more than 300 years. These permanent exhibitions include the popular Americas Motor Town, Detroit, the Arsenal of Democracy and the Doorway to Freedom exhibit, which tells the story of the Underground Railroad. These are just a small sample of the interesting exhibits which await visitors at the museum. In addition to these permanent exhibits, the museum hosts regularly-changing special exhibitions and events. Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, 313 833 1805



24. Fisher Building  Fisher Building Another of Detroits outstanding historic buildings, the Fisher Building stands tall and proud as an icon of Detroits proud history. The Fisher Building was built in the late 1920s, around the same time as the Guardian Building, both of which forever changed the Downtown skyline. No expense was spared in the design and building of the structure which features a marble-clad exterior and a stunning three-story gallery complete with barrel-vaulted ceilings, hand-painted facades, beautiful mosaics and impressive bronze detailing. The Fisher Building is widely acknowledged to be the finest Art Deco structure to have ever been built in America. Visitors are welcome to tour the gallery but signing up for a free guided tour is the best way to fully appreciate all you will be seeing. Fisher Building, 3011 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, 313 874 1100



25. Belle Isle Park  Sergey Novikov/stock.adobe.com Located on a large island in the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park covers over 900 acres. The original Detroit settlers used the island as an area to keep farm animals but these days the island is a beautiful City Park, larger than Central Park in New York. About one third of the park has been preserved as natural wooded and wetland areas which provide a habitat for numerous birds and small animals. Other popular attractions in the park include the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Casino and the James Scott Memorial Fountain. Visitors can access the park on foot, by bicycle, car or by public transport. Belle Isle Park, 300 River Place Dr, Detroit, MI 48207, Ph. +1 313 331 7760



25 Best Things to Do in Detroit, Michigan

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The Guardian Building

In the late 1920s Detroit was graced with a unique building designed by the acclaimed architect Wirt C Rowland. The Guardian Building was originally known as the Union Guardian Building, a symbol of the elevated status of the Union Trust Company. The remarkable 40-story skyscraper is one of the most impressive Art Deco structures in Detroit, featuring tangerine-colored bricks on the exterior and a striking cathedral-like lobby filled with pottery, glass mosaics and other artistic elements. Visitors are welcome to step inside the building to admire the beautiful vaulted ceilings and large glass mosaic in the lobby area.

The Guardian Building, 500 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226, 313 963 4567

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Motown Museum

Located on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, the Motown Museum was established in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, sister of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. The nickname of Motowns original headquarters is Hitsville U.S.A. Today, it is the home of the Motown Museum. Guests can visit the famous Studio A where many beloved Motown hits were recorded before the headquarters moved to Los Angeles in 1972.

The museum houses an impressive number of Motown artifacts, memorabilia, and photos  there is even a Motown Museum store. Guided tours are available and highly recommended as they are led by experienced museum docents. The Motown Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

2648 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI, Phone: 313-875-2264

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HCM CITY  Developing big data infrastructure and clean energy usage were issues at the top of the agenda at a seminar titled Overseas Vietnamese contribute to the development of HCM City held on Thursday.

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Vu Quang Minh told the seminar Overseas Vietnamese have contributed significantly to the development of Viet Nam in general and HCM City in particular, both in terms of the economy and skills.

Tran Anh Tuan, head of the HCM City Development Research Institute, said HCM City is going through a development boom and so many problems need to be resolved with the knowledge provided by overseas Vietnamese.

An official from the city Department of Information and Telecommunications said HCM City has spent a lot on IT applications in administration. However, the city lacks a common and big enough database to meet the development demand.

Dr Nguyen Duy Manh, a specialist in data science at Frances StarClay Corporation, said Big data is billions of files, millions of pictures, videos and clips, and machine learning is algorithms to deal with big data.

Like building infrastructure, in big data, the Government should invest in its open data with statistics from all relevant authorities, invest in broadband internet, support enterprises to develop big data infrastructure, install equipment for Internet of Things to accurately measure, update and announce the database, issue information security policies to protect users.

Developing machine learning is the way to help Viet Nam control big data, he said.

Vietnamese are usually good at mathematics. Now the Ministry of Education and Training only needs to introduce probability statistics and coding in school and Vietnamese students will be ready for the digital revolution.

Assoc Prof Vu Tuong Thuy of the University of Nottingham in the UK, who is also dean of science and engineering at Hoa Sen University, said Viet Nam has young IT engineers suitable for big data and the infrastructure in the IT industry in Viet Nam is updated with the most modern technologies in the world.

However, Viet Nam lacks a legal framework to allow everyone to develop and exploit the database. The country should strengthen training in data science and develop standard data that is allowed to be shared easily.

Speaking about development of clean energy, Tran Duy Chau, a researcher from Electricity of France, said In the near future the city will see a strong trend in solar power development, both commercial and household.

Besides the benefits of solar power, the rapid development of these decentralised power resources will also have many implications for the environment, planning and construction management, urban landscapes, fire and electrical safety, land management and many others.

The city must improve labour safety management and fire and explosion safety.

The seminar, titled Overseas Vietnamese contribute to the development of HCM City, was organised by the State Commission on Overseas Vietnamese and the HCM City Development Research Institute.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) on Wednesday held its second biannual discussion of the Viet Nam-Japan Joint Initiative Phase VI, as well as future trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.

Nagai Katsuro of the Japanese Embassy to Viet Nam stressed that in recent years, co-operation between the two countries has been extremely close.

The Joint Initiative Phase VI that ends this year is divided into main seven issues that Japan wishes to solve and implement together with Viet Nam, so that the latter can improve its business and investment environment in the near future, said Nagai.

The initiative focuses on labour, salary, logistics, transportation, support for small- and medium-sized enterprises, restrictive rules applicable to foreign investors in the Investment Law and the Enterprise Law, and pharmaceutical distribution.

One issue raised by Japan at the meeting was labour and wages. Commenting on this, Nguyen Tien ang, head of the Salary Department under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), said the current method of calculating base salary is not transparent, and that basic data and survey methods to calculate base living expenses for workers are yet to be completed, hence the lack of results.

ang also said that the growth of the Consumer Price Index and the Gross Domestic Product are not in sync with the salary growth rates, which cause problems for foreign direct investors in the country.

To address the confusion, the Vietnamese and Japanese sides will conduct additional discussions, making sure that foreign firms in Viet Nam do not have to increase their workers salaries repeatedly to fend off competitors trying to poach them.

Speaking at the meeting, o Nhat Hoang, director of the MPIs Foreign Investment Agency, lauded the successful relationship, noting that bilateral trade and investment were flourishing and deepening , with Japanese investors placing their trust in Vietnamese business environment.

However, he warned that Viet Nam still needs to improve its investment opportunities and environment to better attract Japanese entrepreneurs.

Japan is the second biggest foreign investor in Viet Nam in the first seven months of 2017, according to a report by the MPI, with up to 24.92 per cent of total foreign direct investment capital in the country, which equates to $5.46 billion.

The Viet Nam-Japan Joint Initiative Phase VI: New Co-operation Cycle was initiated by the MPI in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam and the JapanViet Nam Economic Committee under the Japan Business Federation. The Viet Nam-Japan Joint Initiative, initiated in April 2003, is a forum for policy dialogue between Vietnamese authorities and Japanese investors.  VNS
HA NOI  Vincom Retail, the Vietnamese mall operator under the property and retail conglomerate Vingroup JSC, plans to launch its initial public offering (IPO) this year, according to Bloomberg.

The company aims to mobilise about US$600 million through the sale, which may include a sale of existing shares as well as new stock, people with knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg.

Vincom Retail is preparing to raise funds as economic growth in Viet Nam raises living standards and increases shoppers disposable incomes. The benchmark VN Index this month hit its highest level since 2008, while the Asian Development Bank forecasts the nations economy will grow 6.3 per cent this year.

The $600 million offering of Vincom Retail is expected to become the countrys second largest IPO in a decade, trailing only the 2007 share sale from Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Viet Nam when it was selected for a government pilot programme for equitisation in the banking sector.

The last IPO that topped $100 million came from local airline VietJet Aviation JSC, whose shares are up 48 per cent since they started trading in February.

The exact size of the Vincom Retail offering hasnt been set yet, and the timetable for the listing could slip, the people told Bloomberg.

Viet Nam News contacted Vingroup representatives for confirmation, but they declined to comment.

The global private equity investment fund Warburg Pincus bought a 20 per cent stake in Vincom Retail in 2013. It completed another $100 million investment two years later.

Vincom Retail, considered the largest shopping mall operator in Viet Nam, has 20 malls in operation or under development in prime locations nationwide.

The existing prime assets of Vincom Retail include Vincom ong Khoi and Vincom Thu uc in HCM City, Vincom Ha Long in Quang Ninh Province, Vincom Ngo Quyen in a Nang City, and Vincom Ba Trieu, Vincom Long Bien, Vincom Mega Mall Royal City and Vincom Mega Mall Times City in Ha Noi.

Since Warburg Pincuss initial investment, Vincom Retail has expanded its portfolio from fewer than five properties to around 40 malls totaling 1.1 million square metres. It accounts for more than 60 per cent market share in the countrys modern retail industry, Bloomberg reports.  VNS
QUANG NAM  The Tam Thanh art community village in Tam Ky City of Quang Nam Province has been awarded the 2017 Asian Townscape Award for its colourful murals.

Vice Chairman of Tam Ky Citys Peoples Committee, Nguyen Minh Nam, told Viet Nam News the award was announced at the 2017 Asian Townscape Awards session in Fukuoka City, Japan, on July 27.

Nam said the prize was being awarded by UN-Habitat, Asian Habitat Society, Asian Townscape Design Society and Fukuoka Asian Urban Research Centre, and the ceremony will be held in Yinchuan City on September 28-29. Its a great honour for us. Efforts were made by local villagers, the citys administration and artists nationwide, Nam said.

We also expressed our thanks to the Korea Foundation Community Art Exchange Programme and Korean artists and volunteers for their decoration of the village with colourful murals on moss-covered walls in 2016, Nam said.

Tam Ky City and Tam Thanh Commune launched the fishing village of Tam Thanh as a community-based art space for eco-tourism development. Its also the first project in Viet Nam that weaves art space into community lifestyle.

The fishing village, with a population of 6,000, is known nationwide and by foreign tourists for the murals in Trung Thanh hamlet.

In March, artists from Singapore Technology and Design University, Viet Nams Fine Arts Association, colleges in Ha Noi and local painters started painting a coracle for an exhibition in Tam Thanh village.

Artists also turned the old walls of 100 houses in the village into colourful murals, depicting portraits of villagers, local scenes and regional panoramas. Photographers from South Korea, the Philippines and Turkey flocked to take photos at the village for an exhibition in Seoul and other cities last year.

Tam Thanh village has a 6km coastline and a tranquil environment, and tourists can easily connect from there with Tam Ky and Hoi An city. It hosts around 500 visitors each day, and 2,000 tourists on weekends.

In 2013, Hoi Ans historic town centre was chosen for the 2013 Townscape Award by the UN-Habitat Regional Office in Asia.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Education and Training has approved a new general education programme, focused on reducing the number of subjects and periods.

Subjects are divided into two types - optional and compulsory subjects and activities - different from a draft programme published months ago.

At primary school, compulsory subjects and activities include maths, Vietnamese, foreign languages (grade 3, 4 and 5), ethics, nature and society (grade 1, 2, 3), science, history and geography, computers and technology (grade 4, 5), physical education, arts and experience activities.

Compared to the draft, time for ethics has been cut by half for grade 1, 2 and 3, while the number of computer and technology periods has been slashed by half to 70 periods a year.

According to the programme, each school day is broke into no more than seven periods. Each period lasts from 35 to 40 minutes with breaks between periods.

Secondary school subjects include literature, maths, foreign language 1, civic education, history and geography, natural sciences, computers, technology, physical education, arts and experience activities.

Civic education periods for grade 8 and 9 have been cut from 52.5 periods per year to 35 periods per year. The number of technology periods was reduced from 52.5 periods per year to 35 periods per year at grade 6 and 7 and from 70 periods per year to 52 periods per year for grade 8 and 9.

Computers, physical education and technology are taught by modules.

There are different experience activities for students to select and schools to offer based on their capacity.

At high school, literature, maths, foreign language 1, physical education, national defence and security education, experience activities and local education are compulsory.

The education design for this level is profession-oriented modules. Each subject has a group of modules, aiming to help students improve their knowledge, experiment and apply knowledge to solve practical problems.

Each module will have 10 to 15 periods. The total time for each subjects modules is 35 periods.

Professor Nguyen Minh Thuyet, the programmes chief technical officer told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that after consideration, the programme compiling committee reduced lesson times to ensure relevance with Viet Nams conditions.

He noted that the programme was designed for educational facilities with two classes per day and is designed flexibly for those without conditions to teach two classes per day.

To improve quality, schools need to change organisational methods and teaching methods, he said.

He said that after the assessment council held their first meeting, the compiling committee started to identify requirements and outcome standards for each subject and plans for the content.

The committee will invite experts this month to discuss each subjects programme and ask for public comments. After the subject programme is approved, textbook compilation will start, he said.

Nguyen Van Ngai, former director of HCM Citys Department of Education and Training, said that the new programme is packed.

I am looking forward to detailed programmes for each subject. I hope that it will be filtered and compiled with more practical issues for students, not full of knowledge and academics like the old programme, he said.

Meanwhile, teacher Nguyen Thi Minh Tam, vice principle of Tan Tuc High school in HCM City, said that three English lessons per week is still too little for students to learn English listening, speaking, reading and writing. She proposed at least six periods per week.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Vietnamese Association of Diabetes and Endocrinology and the American Diabetes Association have kicked off phase two of an international specialised education programme in diabetes, or iSTEP-D.

It will focus on improving diabetes management in hospital as well as out-patient settings.

There will be eight training courses, with 600 physicians attending.

The country has a diabetes incidence of 5.4 per cent, double the figure in 2000. It means nearly five million Vietnamese are diabetic, Assoc Prof Thai Hong Quang, president of VADE, said.

More than 52 per cent of people with diabetes die because of the disease before the age of 60.

There is a very urgent need to take action for better diabetes management.

To quickly improve treatment, VADE regularly updates guidelines for diabetes management.

Linda Cann, senior vice president of professional services and education at ADA, said: By creating an opportunity for educational exchange between physicians from the ADA and those from VADE, it is ADAs hope that the burden of diabetes in Viet Nam will be reduced.

The partnership with VADE aims to strengthen the capabilities of endocrinologists managing diabetes, she said.

The four training centres are at the HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy and training centres of Cho Ray Hospital, Bach Mai Hospital, and the Central Hospital of Endocrinology.

iSTEP-D is a medical education programme aimed at updating standardised practical knowledge in diabetes and thus enhancing the effectiveness of diabetes diagnosis and treatment in Viet Nam. VNS
HA NOI  Quite a few transport projects in Ha Nois rural areas are not up to scratch due to lack of capital and difficulties in disbursing investments.

Nguyen uc Toan, deputy head of the transport infrastructure management division under Ha Nois Department of Transport, told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) that the rural transportation system lacks water drainage systems, signs and technical infrastructure.

The system of roads across fields satisfies local economic development, but it needs continuous improvement. Many localities invest in rural areas transport based on the current situation, not on planning.

Toan said transportation system investment in Ha Nois rural areas lacks comprehensiveness, only focusing on road upgrades but not on building new roads and replacing weak and temporary bridges.

Vu Hoang, vice president of the Ha Noi Road and Bridge Association, told VNA that the rural transport system has yet to meet the requirements of agricultural production. The roads in some places are so narrow that trucks cannot enter the fields. This, in turn, increases production costs and product prices.

For many years, residents of My uc, Ung Hoa, Soc Son, Chuong My, Thanh Oai districts have had to cross degraded bridges, resulting in a drownings at My Luong floating bridge in Chuong My District in July 2015 and at Seu market floating bridge crossing Ung Hoa and My uc districts in June 2016.

My Luong floating bridge spanning over 60m length and 2m width has its surface made of simple wood pieces, while the Seu market bridge made from steel is heavily rusted.

Ha Noi currently has 14 floating bridges that need replacement, most of which cross the ay River through My uc and Ung Hoa districts. These bridges are only for pedestrians, motorbikes, bicycles, serving 600 to 1,600 residents.

Le Nghiem Huan, deputy head of the urban management division of My uc District, said that My uc District has nine floating traffic bridges, most of which are in a bad state. The citys transport department has been constructing a bridge connecting My uc and Ung Hoa districts, but there are not sufficient funds for repair.

Ngo Manh Tuan, deputy director of the Ha Nois Department of Transport, said the department is aware of the bridges potentials risks. However, due to local budget limitations, only essential repairs to ensure safety on weak and temporary bridges are carried out.

Mobilise investment

Among the criteria for new-style rural areas being promoted by the Government, transportation requires the biggest investment, especially in villages and roads across fields.

According to the municipal transport department, the total capital needed for rural transport system in the period of 2016-20 is VN9.3 trillion (US$405.3 million).

In addition to funds from the State budget, the city will continue to mobilise resources from the public and prioritise Official Development Assistance and local budgets to develop rural transportation in combination with industrialisation and modernisation of agriculture.

The citys transport department said that it would review and replace weak local bridges and add water drainage systems while applying science and technology to rural transport construction and maintenance.

The department will use new materials and alternative materials to replace traditional ones that cause pollution.  VNS
HCM CITY  HCM City Peoples Committee has asked the Ministry of Transport to approve an investment plan to build an interchange at a traffic-clogged area in An Phu Ward in the citys District 2.

Total investment in the first project phase would be over VN1 trillion (US$44.05 million), including construction costs of around VN800 billion (over US$35.24 million), which would be taken from the leftover capital from the HCM City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway project.

Phase one of the project includes a two-way tunnel with two lanes in each direction, which would connect the HCM City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway to Mai Chi Tho Street and Sai Gon River Tunnel.

In addition, a two-lane tunnel would be built to connect the HCM City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway to Luong inh Cua Street.

The second and final phase of the project would include a two-lane overpass connecting Luong inh Cua Street to the HCM City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway, and another two-lane overpass connecting the Cat Lai - Mai Chi Tho three-way junction to the HCM City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway.

Two elevated railways over Mai Chi Tho Street that would enter Thu Thiem Station are also expected to be built, namely the Long Thanh - Thu Thiem light rail and HCM  Nha Trang railway.  VNS
HCM CITY  Anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy and methadone maintenance therapy are expected to be offered at more health facilities in Viet Nam to achieve the UNs 90-90-90 goals by 2020, according to the Viet Nam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control.

The integration (of ARV and methadone maintenance therapies) will be expanded in the country as many provinces and cities have had good results from the pilot programmes on integrated treatment, said Dr Pham uc Manh, deputy director of Viet Nam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC).

Manh spoke at a three-day national conference on treatment of substance-use disorders and HIV, which began on Thursday in HCM City.

The UN goals aim to have at least 90 per cent of all people with HIV know their status and 90 per cent receive sustained ARV therapy. The goals also call for 90 per cent of all people receiving ARV therapy to be eventually diagnosed with viral suppression.

To help reduce the number of staff and costs at health centres, Manh said that addicts living with HIV should have access to ARV therapy and methadone maintenance therapy at the same health facility.

Prostitutes and MSM (men who have sex with men), and other groups at a high-risk of HIV transmission, could also benefit from integrated treatment.

At least 34 per cent of the countrys drug users are infected with HIV, according to VAAC.

However, Manh said that integrated treatment had increased the number of tasks for health staff and that use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) was increasing in the country.

He expressed concern that methadone maintenance therapy had not been effective for a group of ATS users.

This is a big challenge, Manh said.

Dr Huynh Thanh Hien of the citys Psychiatric Hospital said that new kinds of recreational drugs were being used, but the rapid tests available could not detect these drugs.

These are the challenges we face in fighting drugs, Hien said, adding that it is important to educate young generations to avoid new kinds of drugs.

More than 51,000 patients receive methadone maintenance therapy at 280 health facilities in the country, according to Dr Tran Diep Tuan, rector at HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Ha Noi Department of Health cited statistic from Viet Nam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) saying that only 49 per cent of patients with HIV have received ARV treatment as of October, last year. In 2015, 80 per cent of all people with HIV know their status.  VNS


ONG NAI  The ong Nai Traffic Safety Committee, in co-ordination with local authorities, has closed all illegal road-railway crossing in the province since March this year.

The work followed the request of Standing Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh and the National Traffic Safety Committee.

Nguyen Bon, chief of the secretariat of the ong Nai Traffic Safety Committee, said the north-south railway system ran through five districts and towns of ong Nai Province with a length of 90km.

Local authorities set up 57 road-railway crossings with mobile warning system, guards and signals.

However, residents opened 66 illegal road-railway crossings without any warning signals, mainly in Bien Hoa City and Trang Bom and Xuan Loc districts.

The provincial authorities checked and decided to keep 11 crossings which are near industrial zones and residential areas. The province is setting up watchtowers, installing equipment and assigning guards to keep close watch at the 11 crossings all day and night.

Bon said locals awareness was still low, so they could re-open the illegal crossings. In the future, the ong Nai Traffic Safety Committee would improve education, and wards peoples committees would strengthen inspection, imposing appropriate penalties on violators.

The province has witnessed five railway accidents, so far, this year, according to the ong Nai Traffic Safety Committee. The accidents killed six people and injured eight others, an increase by one and eight compared with the same period last year, respectively. Reasons for the accidents were locals crossing the railway line illegally and encroaching upon the railway safety corridor.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Health on Thursday sent an official documents to health departments in all provinces and cities asking for stricter management of medical equipment at State-owned medical stations.

Deputy Minister of Health Pham Le Tuan said that many medical stations had recently called for funds from different sources and organisations in order to improve their facilities and their medical workers ability to provide proper examinations and treatments.

The ministry has asked directors of all health departments to strengthen their supervision of equipment, examinations and treatments at State-owned medical stations so that all facilities are used appropriately and theres no misuse.

The departments must check expenses, service fees and the period of paying back capital of investors who fund the purchase of medical equipment. If this period is shorter than the contract, medical stations and investors must discuss and adjust the service fees.

The ministry has instructed the departments to carefully study the Governments Decree 15/2015/N-CP, which regulates public-private partnership, and choose the most suitable investment methods.

Tuan said that departments, medical stations and organisations that are working together must approach higher-level authorities for approval. The co-operation project must be published so that partners and investors know about it and participate.

The health ministry is examining Circular 15/2007/TT-BYT so as to amend and supplement it, and add regulations about materials and chemicals tendering.  VNS
QUANG TRI  Quang Tri Province has asked the Duy Tan Mineral Development Co Ltd to temporarily stop exploiting sand from the river in Cua Viet Town.

Since the middle of July this year, the companys ships have been exploiting sand at the Bac Cua Viet Shelter in Gio Linh and Trieu Phong districts.

Local are worried that this could cause erosion, and are opposing the move strongly, with some using their fishing boats to get close to prevent the ship from working.

At a meeting between local authorities and residents on Wednesday, Nguyen Khai, 41, who lives in Cua Viet Town in Gio Linh District, said some parts of the embankment of the Hieu River where the Duy Tan Co Ltd was working had cracked, broken and sank.

I know the company works without communicating with the community, Khai said.

Despite disagreements with residents, on July 18, the companys ship exploited sand right in front of a residents house.

Bui Van Bao, deputy chairman of the Cua Viet Town Fatherland Front, said the company collected the sand going against regulations, causing worry in the community.

The company took sand from a very deep area which could cause landslides, he said.

Speaking at the meeting, Hoang Minh Tan, general director of the Duy Tan Company, admitted the companys mistake and promised to resolve the matter.

Tran Luong Quang, deputy chairman of the Gio Linh District Peoples Committee, said the work of exploiting sand at the Bac Cua Viet and Nam Cua Viet shelters was approved by Quang Tri Province Peoples Committee.

However, supervision of work was unsatisfactory as the company and local authorities did not join hands to work together, he said.

Quang proposed to invite concerned departments and organisations to check and assess the work to correct the faults.

Ho Xuan Hoe, deputy director of the Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, proposed that the company supply information and documents about its work to local authorities and residents.

Hoe also asked for compensation for residents.  VNS
Mai Kieu Lien

Viet Nam Dairy Products JSC (Vinamilk)

Vinamilk is Viet Nams largest dairy firm its CEO Mai Kieu Lien has been the key person in its emergence from a small, State-run firm to one of the most profitable brands in the country. Known as the Dairy Queen, Lien is the only Vietnamese woman to be named among Asias 50 Most Powerful Businesswomen four times by US business magazine Forbes.

Once called Margaret Thatcher of Viet Nam by CNBC, Lien has been a pioneer in making milk a regular source of nutrition for Vietnamese people. She has also been instrumental in developing material resources for the nations dairy sector.

Born in 1953 in France, but graduating from a university in Moscow, Lien has worked with Vinamilk for over 40 years, of which 35 years at the helm, steering the company to become an outstanding example of equitisation of State-owned enterprises. After its public listing in 2006, the companys market capitalisation has increased to nearly US$9.8 billion, based on July 31 share prices.

In 2016, it reported total sales of nearly VN47 trillion ($2.1 billion), up 17 per cent year-on-year. In the first half of 2017, its revenues topped VN25.4 trillion, up 11.5 per cent year-on-year, pre-tax profits reaching VN6.92 trillion.

In terms of sales, Vinamilk was already ranked among the worlds 50 largest dairy companies by KPMG in 2016.

Apart from its 13 factories in Viet Nam, Vinamilk has invested in a milk plant in the United States, one in New Zealand and one in Phnom Penh. The company exports to over 40 countries in the world, with export turnover in 2016 surpassing $250 million. In Southeast Asia, Vinamilk products have a presence in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Looking to take advantage of more business opportunities in the ASEAN Economic Community, Lien said Vinamilk always welcomed healthy competition in the dairy industry as it is good for both the company (pushed to innovate) and the consumers, who get more choices and better prices.

In the short-term, the company plans to continue expanding its milk plants and dairy farms (including organic farms) to serve rising demand within and outside the country. It is also looking for M&A opportunities to expand its market and increase its sales.  VNS
WATERLOO  The Destiny At The Well Church will meet at a new worship location.

The churchs first service at the Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church building, 202 Sumner St., will start at 1 p.m. Sunday with a Sunday in white theme.

The weekend will begin with the church hosting its annual picnic at City View Park at noon Saturday.

Call the church at 610-5426. Randy L. Jackson II is the pastor.

WATERLOO  A Summer Bible Study sponsored by the Catholic Parishes in Waterloo will begin Monday and meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays for four weeks at Sacred Heart parish.

Dr. William Mulcahey, a retired professor of Scripture at Mount Mercy University, will guide participants through a study of the Book of Job.

Registration is $60 per person or $100 per couple, payable at the first session. Register at 233-0498 or https://waterloocatholics.wufoo.com/forms/summer-bible-study/.

WATERLOO  Teresa Culpepper will discuss her experience as a mixed-heritage Catholic growing up in Waterloo at the Waterloo parishes Summer Forum Series on Wednesday.

The forum meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at COR, 220 E. Fourth St.

Adults and young adults of all ages are welcome. No registration is required. Food and beverages are available before and during the program.

WATERLOO  The Catholic Parishes in Waterloo are receiving registrations for The Bible Timeline video series, which will start in September and meet for 12 weeks.

The Bible Timeline is a series which provides an overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

This series will be offered Monday evenings and/or Saturday mornings if a sufficient number of people are interested.

Find out more and register at: http://waterloocatholics.org/the-bible-timeline.

CEDAR FALLS  Riverview Womens Ministry will host an afternoon womens session from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at Bethany Bible Chapel, 4507 Rownd St.

Bring on the Storm: Faith Journey of a Young Woman is about a couple and their struggles through cancer.

Tickets are $15 and are available at Riverview Conference Center, 439 N. Division St., by calling 268-0787 or emailing riverviewcc@gmail.com. Go to riverviewministries.com for more information.

GRUNDY CENTER  The Grundy Area Womens Connection will host the Traveling Thru Life event at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Grundy Center Community Building, 703 F Ave.

Beatrice Ingersoll, of Albany, Ill., will speak on Joy on Lifes Journey and Lori Uhlenhopp, of Aplington Art Works, will present Framing Trends for 2017. Music will be announced.

The event is sponsored by Stonecroft Ministries. All women are invited.

Reservations must be made by Aug. 11 by calling Charlyne at 345-2376.
WATERLOO  Union Baptist Crusaders drill team, color guard and drumline will join Aug. 11-13 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the teams founding by the late Rev. L. J. Jordan in 1967.

The first event will be a welcome gathering Aug. 11, followed by Aug. 12 activities from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ferguson Field, including a breakfast and afternoon picnic. There will be an Aug. 12 program at the church featuring a show-and-tell portion for alumni.

Aug. 13 will be the traditional Red and White Day with special presentations and an exhibition from the 2017 Crusaders.

To volunteer, contact directors Pat Bowers or Gertha Oliver, or leave a message on the church phone line at 235-1213.

The Rev. Marvin Jenkins is the pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church, 209 Jackson St., the Crusaders home church.
WATERLOO  Single-colored stripes and plaids are in. Shirts themselves, though, are out  of the waistband.

With Iowas annual sales tax holiday here, Waterloo Community Schools students can save a little money as they update wardrobes to reflect adjustments in the districts dress code. Shoppers pay no sales tax today and Saturday across the state on some clothing and footwear items valued at $100 or less as students prepare to go back to school later this month.

Small changes have been made for all district students in shirt requirements and the jackets or sweaters allowed to be worn in school. Shirts with collars are still required, but a single-colored stripe, plaid or trim is now allowed. Lighter-weight jackets, fleeces, sweaters, vests and sweatshirts with a similar single-colored stripe, plaid or trim also can be worn in school. Two-tone fleece jackets also are being allowed.

Shirts can now be untucked for all district students, and elementary school students are no longer required to wear a belt, even if their pants have belt loops.

Waterloos Board of Education approved the dress code changes last month. They came out of meetings with a student advisory team and building administrators.

This was a start, said district Registrar Julia Eckerman, without being a distraction.

The loosened requirements are expected to make it easier for students and families to find permissible school clothes.

We were hoping that would help open it up for parents a little bit, said Eckerman. Nothing has changed with bottoms, nothing has changed with shoes.

As far as the jackets, she said, it is cold in some of our classrooms, and so it just gives a little more variety for them to wear.

Officials have found requiring shirts to be tucked in can be a problem for some students, depending on their body types.

It can be a self-esteem situation with a person who doesnt like to have their shirts tucked in, said Eckerman. And tall students, for example, can have a hard time finding shirts that are the right length to remain tucked in.

The elementary school belt exemption is an expansion of the rule for children in preschool through second grade during past years.

I think its just because sometimes its a little hard for those little hands to hook a belt, said Eckerman. That also goes for unhooking belts, particularly when those children need to use the restroom.

She doesnt expect the untucked shirts to get in the way of enforcing the use of belts for secondary students. It wont be a problem unless their pants are sagging or falling off, which is already against the dress code, she noted. No ones going to go and lift up their shirt.

More information about the dress code and this years changes can be found online at waterloo.k12.ia.us under Dress Code Updates. Details about the sales tax holiday can be found online at tax.iowa.gov by clicking on the Sales Tax Holiday link.
When historians review Donald Trumps presidency, they may look back at two events this past week as pivotal: unprecedented Republican and institutional resistance to the president from Capitol Hill to the Pentagon, followed by his installation of a tough new chief of staff.

At this point, its hard to say which of these will prevail. Increasingly wary Senate Republicans make clear they wont readily follow Trumps lead. And new staff chief John Kelly faces a tough job in bringing order to White House chaos because the central problem in Trumps unpopular, ineffectual presidency is Trump.

It took several days in which his administration seemed to be imploding for the president to trigger the long-rumored shake-up. Normally, any of these would be seen as signifying major trouble:

Trumps open and covert warfare against his own attorney general, the first senator to back his long-shot candidacy, produced a sharp reaction from Jeff Sessions former colleagues. They told the president in no uncertain terms they would not consider a successor if he was fired.

A directive to reverse former President Barack Obamas acceptance of transgender people in the military, issued with minimal discussion and consultation in Trumps unconventional manner with a series of tweets, drew bipartisan condemnation. The nations top military officer refused to implement it, pending receipt of a more formal order.

Trumps new communications director, another political neophyte who boasted he loves the president, set off an unprecedented spectacle by trashing Chief of Staff Reince Priebus in vulgar and scatological language to a reporter who promptly made his conversation with Anthony Scaramucci public.

And Trump began the week with another one of his embarrassingly un-presidential performances, turning a speech to the Boy Scout Jamboree that should have been focused on broadly acceptable subjects, like American values, into yet another political paean to himself.

The climax of the disastrous week came when a stripped-down version of the long-promised bill to repeal and replace Obamacare collapsed in a dramatic early morning Senate vote on which three GOP senators provided the crucial votes for the years biggest Republican legislative disaster.

Though that defeat was no orphan but had many parents, Trump reacted with a barrage of tweets threatening further efforts to undermine Obamacare. He then fired Priebus, the former Republican national chairman who had seemed over-his-head in trying to manage Trump and his White House.

His successor, a Marine general widely respected among his peers, has succeeded as secretary of homeland security in cracking down on illegal immigration, making it one of the administrations more effective parts. Such staff changes are not uncommon in new administrations; Bill Clinton replaced his initial, overmatched chief of staff with a more experienced Washington hand.

But Clintons choice, Leon Panetta, was a former congressman with two decades of political and governmental experience. By contrast, Kelly is a career military officer without political experience, who only met Trump months ago. He takes over a White House in which several top aides, plus members of Trumps family, are not used to taking orders from a chief of staff. But Kelly immediately showed his clout by firing Scaramucci.

In one sense, last week was the inevitable result of a president with neither governmental experience nor much interest in learning the ropes. But it also reflected the impact of Trumps preoccupation with the simmering investigations into whether his campaign improperly colluded with the Russians during the 2016 election campaign.

His clash with Sessions stems directly from his view the attorney general acted improperly in recusing himself from the Russia probe because of his role in the Trump campaign. That and Trumps firing of FBI Director James Comey, also because of the Russia probe, led to appointment of Independent Counsel Robert Mueller.

And all indications are that Mueller has taken a broad view of his responsibilities that includes looking at Trumps business ties to the Russians, a subject the president has sought to keep off limits.

Many GOP senators who reacted so strongly against Trumps threats to fire Sessions were motivated by their belief his real target was Mueller. If he tries to fire the independent counsel, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina warned, it could be the beginning of the end of Trumps presidency.

That may be an exaggeration at this stage, given the fact Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, which would launch any impeachment proceedings, made clear last week they are more interested in investigating 2016 loser Hillary Clinton than Trump.

Still, if General Kelly cant cope with the loose cannon in the Oval Office, last weeks institutional resistance to the neophyte president will be only the beginning of his problems.
Q: Was the building in Evansdale at the corner of Lafayette and North Evans torn down by the city done so with tax money? Also, was this property sold for a $1?

A: The property in question was purchased and demolished by the city using general obligation bonds payable through tax-increment financing funds, said Mayor Doug Faas. The city also is purchasing the building immediately to the west using the same bonding and payment structure, and it will be demolished in the very near future. The city will have more than 300 feet of frontage on Lafayette and approximately 125 feet of frontage on North Evans available for development. None of the property has been sold or marketed to date. Any proposals from developers will be considered if they wish to contact City Hall.

Q: Does River Plaza have an elevator?

A: Yes.

Q: On Days of Our Lives who is playing the part of Angelica? Is it Morgan Fairchild?

A: Yes, that is Fairchild whos playing Angelica Deveraux these days.

Q: When will the Hawkeye Community College salaries be printed in The Courier?

A: As soon as Hawkeye sends us the information we will get it scheduled in the legal section of the paper.

Q: What happened to Sean Spicer?

A: The White House press secretary officially resigned July 21. He had been working behind the scenes filling in for the former communications director, Mike Dubke, since Dubke resigned his post in May.

Q: In a July 13 letter to the editor, Merle Wilson states 31 percent of Iowans are below the poverty line. Is that figure correct?

A: The most recent statistics for Iowa show 12.2 percent of individuals are living below the poverty level. The letter writer, though, appears to be referring to a study from the United Ways of Iowa last year that found 31 percent of Iowans are struggling to afford basic household needs; so they may be technically living above the poverty level but are not able to afford basic necessities.

Q: Im a conservative, but Im very concerned about the health care situation in Congress. The last seven years our premiums have sky rocketed and deductibles are out of control. I was denied a blood test because my insurance wouldnt cover it. What kind of insurance do our congressman and senators have that the public is denied in having?

A: Members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, as well as their office staff, get their insurance through the health insurance exchanges that were created by the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Some have instead opted to get their insurance through their spouses or privately. The senators and representatives who do use the exchange choose from 57 options at the gold tier, which they must buy at that level to get an employer contribution (from the federal government). The government pitches in up to 75 percent of a plans premium, again, if its gold or better, which may be slightly less than an employer contribution at some large companies.
By The Associated Press Aug. 03, 2017 | 07:22 PM | WALTHAM, MA

Prosecutors say the actor who played Luke Duke on the 1980s television show "The Dukes of Hazzard" walked behind a female cast member during a rehearsal for a show in Massachusetts and grabbed her buttocks.

Tom Wopat was arraigned Thursday in Waltham District Court on charges of indecent assault and battery and drug possession. He has pleaded not guilty and has been released on $1,000 bail.

Prosecutors say the inappropriate touching occurred last month during rehearsal of "42nd Street" being put on by the Waltham-based Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston.

A judge has ordered Wopat to stay away from the cast member, witnesses and the high school where he was arrested Wednesday while leaving rehearsal.

The 65-year-old Wopat is from New York. He wouldn't comment outside court.
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Credit: Jeff ForneyAvenged Sevenfold has released a cover the 1961 number-one hit "Runaway," originally recorded by rock n' roll and country artist Del Shannon. The track is streaming now on Soundcloud.

For their punk rock take on "Runaway," Avenged Sevenfold handed over lead vocals to guitarist Zacky Vengeance. They also recruited an extra guitarist in Warren Fitzgerald of the punk band The Vandals.

"I've always loved 'Runaway' and the dark undertone hidden behind the upbeat doo wop track," says Vengeance in a statement. "You can hear sincere anguish in his voice. I raised my hand to add a little punk rock flair to the vocals, have some fun, and give the fans a little something to talk about."

The "Runaway" cover was released as part of the continued expansion of the Avenged Sevenfold's latest album, The Stage. Throughout the summer, the band has been adding new songs to The Stage in an effort to turn it into a "living piece of art." They've previously shared covers of the Mexican folk song "Malaguena Salerosa" and the Mr. Bungle track "Retrovertigo," plus an original song called "Dose."

Avenged Sevenfold is currently touring with Metallica.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
A startup needs to test an idea quickly. For this, an MVP is created. MVP, Minimal Viable Product  a test version of a product or service with a minimum set of functions (up to one or two), which allows you to see the product's value for consumers and the market. MVP is created to test hypotheses and check the viability of the intended product: is it worth developing the project further, what changes should be made? The sooner a startup brings its MVP to market and tests the idea, the better. This article will look at how no-code technology can help founders achieve their business goals.

This article will try to cover everything that a founder needs to know about no-code at the initial stage of creating a startup.

What is no-code?

No-code, zero-code platform is a tool for creating websites, applications, chatbots, and other programs without the need for direct code writing by programmers. No-code is a valuable alternative to traditional development.

No-code is confused with low-code, but there is a difference in these terms. Low-code includes no-code and the ability to "finish code", add parts of code and the functionality.

A user of a no-code platform usually does not need to know layout, programming languages, or hire a team of programmers. The user of the no-code tool creates an application using a visual block constructor, which he fills with the necessary content and functions, and the no-code platform itself does the processing of requests, compiling the application and other "magic." It generates code using AI and/or contains blocks of code pre-written by programmers.

No-code allows the startup founder to create an MVP himself, entrust it to his employee with basic technical literacy and understanding of the project, or hire a no-code developer. Even in the case of hiring a no-code developer, the cost of creating an MVP will be significantly lower than with classical development with programmers. For example, you can read the interview of a startup and no-code developer on our website, who initially worked as a Product Manager and was able to master no-code for his project himself.

Benefits of no-code for a startup founder

There are the following key advantages for a startup founder in using no-code technology:

a large selection of no-code tools, platforms, and their integrations at the moment  already in 2022, there are many tools and platforms for creating an MVP, a larger project, or even a finished product on no-code, but few people still know about them, and others are far from all startups and founders use their potential;

cost  no-code development saves the money by speeding up the development process, not hiring professional programmers or no need to maintain a developer department, monitoring functions and quick bug fixes, avoiding or reducing the growth of technical debt;

speed is the main advantage over classical development  no-code allows you to build a simple application in a weekend, and a more complex one can be built in a month. In this way, you can test an MVP and even several versions of an MVP very quickly;

low entry threshold  to master a no-code platform, you often do not need technical education at all, but only an understanding of a company's business processes or product from the inside. In the case of pro-level no-code platforms, technical education is required, but you can get used to it hundreds of times faster than with any programming language. This makes no-code available to almost everyone who wants to work with technology;

ease of use  no need to write hundreds of code lines  just move the blocks and assign links between them. Work on a project can be entrusted to your employee without communicating with a team of third-party developers. You can speak "in your language" without the need to understand the "inner kitchen" of developers;

flexibility  with the help of no-code, it is easy for a startup founder to add new functionality and new features right during a project or a MVP testing without a significant increase in development costs.

Possible disadvantages of no-code for a startup founder

As often, any property can be, under certain conditions, both a disadvantage and an advantage. In no-code, many of the benefits with the wrong choice of tool can turn into disadvantages:

no-code is not always a budget solution for a project. Sometimes in a no-code development package, you get unnecessary functions and additions (on AppMaster.io you can separately connect the frontend and pay only for the backend or only for those functions that you are using); if you do not understand the needs of your project, then you can make a mistake with the choice of a no-code tool and not be able to implement the necessary functions on it, or it will be too difficult to implement them; often, no-code tools fail to ensure proper data security and contribute to data leakage (but AppMaster.io allows you to host a finished application on any server); no-code tools often do not provide the ability to upload source code or provide uploading in an inconvenient format, which makes it difficult to move to another tool or to your development. You have to choose a no-code tool "once and forever immediately" (AppMaster. io gives you the ability to download the source code. Also, we generate human-readable code and you will not have any difficulties with its transportation); most no-code tools on the market are not suitable for creating a finished product, and there are significant difficulties with scaling the project if the MVP is successful (AppMaster.io is a professional no-code platform and our capabilities allow us to implement and support the finished product and scale it in the future).

Forewarned is forearmed. Choose your no-code tool wisely and take full advantage of your choice.

Types of no-code platforms

Conventionally, all no-code tools can be divided into several types: no-code devices with a low entry threshold (you can create frontend and not very powerful backend on them), integrators that help connect applications and services, and professional no-code platforms (they strive to replace the code completely, provide the ability to create a robust backend and high bandwidth).

The basic principle of operation of your MVP and the choice of a no-code platform depend on such a conditional division into types. For example, if you make a simple application like a diary, you can limit yourself to a no-code tool with a low entry threshold and a beautiful design.

If your application has powerful potential, high bandwidth, multi-user interface, and works with large amounts of data or real-time data, it is better to choose a professional no-code platform like AppMaster.io or Direcual.

If you use several services at once, link them on integrators like Integromat and Zapier.

Adalo

An easy-to-learn designer with a relatively user-friendly interface. The free version is helpful for learning. The free version contains Adalo watermarks and does not allow you to upload your applications to GooglePlayMarket and AppStore. Beginners often choose this no-code platform to create their first applications with simple logic.

Bubble

It will take more time to learn Bubble , but the platform allows you to work with the backend, databases, business processes, and layout. There are many plugins. The free plan allows you to master the tool, and you can start developing at the middle rate. The price increase is due to the rise in the number of users.

Integromat

It is an integrator. Experts talk about it as a simple and affordable platform for linking applications and services. Scenarios can be created personally, or you can use templates. If you need to connect an application with a service not from the Integromat database, fill out the form and connect to its API via HTTP.

Zapier

This is an integrator for linking applications with each other or with other external services. You can transfer data between thousands of applications. There is a script constructor (one event starts a chain of necessary actions).

Directual

The no-code platform positions itself for creating MVP applications (Minimal Viable Product, minimum viable product) and full-fledged applications of finished products. Scenarios are the backbone of the platform. Using scripts, you can automate the backend logic of the application, create and combine workflows. The Directual catalog includes out-of-the-box connectors, HTTP requests, webhooks, database listeners, and integration with popular services.

AppMaster.io

No-code next-generation platform for creating native and web applications on a real backend. Visual drag-and-drop designer, user-friendly business process designer, one-click app publishing to AppMaster Cloud, or integration with any cloud platform. Push notifications, authorization using social networks. Networks, email, and more. Connect applications to hundreds of services or programmatically access them using APIs. The ability to upload source code and documentation in a human-readable format and transfer it to your servers. Documentation auto-generation. Modern and fast language GoLang at the core.

No-code perspectives for startups

No-code development is gradually gaining popularity around the world. There are already more than 500 no-code tools for creating websites and various types of applications.

According to the forecasts of IT world experts, no-code will develop more and more actively and capture parts of the market responsible for medicine, small online business, small business, and all niches where it is possibly necessary to optimize and automate development processes.

The mass shift of businesses and their customers online and to gadgets has increased the demand for the fast and inexpensive creation of mobile applications that would work according to a single quality standard and have a simple, understandable, user-friendly interface.

Conclusion

No-code is visual programming in the form of a constructor without directly writing code. Usually, basic knowledge in development is enough to build applications on no-code.

The logic of no-code constructors is intuitive: the application interface is assembled from blocks, icons, buttons, and text which are connected to the database. Usually, you can choose a suitable template or do everything from scratch. Speed and economy are the main advantages of no-code tools.

No-code is suitable for creating an MVP, testing an idea or new features in a product, saving time for solving standard tasks. PRO level no-code platforms can provide you with a finished product, an application.

If you don't have an account on AppMaster.io yet, join us. After registration, you will be given a free trial period for 14 days, in which all the basic functionality of the platform is available. It will allow you to learn the intricacies of working with a professional-level no-code platform and understand its potential.
Aug 4, 2017 | By Julia

As the race for sustainable energy charges on, developing nations often get lost in the shuffle. In Tanzania, over 30 million people lack energy, making up a whopping 75% of the countrys population. Thats precisely the issue that local startup Simusolar is trying to tackle. Created in 2014, the company develops and implements localized, sustainable solutions for delivering solar energy to rural Tanzanians. Previous efforts have included developing solar-run LED lights for fishermen on Lake Victoria working at night, an efficient replacement for the oft-used petrol lights.

Now, Simusolar is excited to announce that theyve officially entered 3D printing territory, with the start of a new partnership with French additive manufacturing company Sculpteo. The first-time collaboration will see Sculpteo 3D print specialized parts for Simusolars solar-charged solutions.

Our clients are smallholder farmers, fishers and rural residents looking to improve their incomes through productive equipment powered by solar electricity, explain Simusolar representatives. Many of them have several sources of income because no single one can be scaled without capital. The lack of financial services and accessible energy are obstacles.

Simusolar serves these communities with solar-powered technologies including water pumps, home lighting, small business equipment, and most recently, fishing lights to support the night fishing community on Lake Victoria in Tanzania, responsible for the largest protein source in the Lake Zone. Collectively, the Simusolar team boasts several decades of experience in solar energy and serving off-grid residents.

With the introduction of 3D printing technology into their production plan, Simusolar staff are hoping to push that experience even further. We needed a custom-made small, complicated part made of an electrically insulating material to add to our circuit board installation, say company reps. We considered injection molding, but the tooling cost was too high. Since we only needed 100 parts for an alpha run, why not 3D print them?

Initially turning to Tacklind Design, a Simusolar subcontractor, the team experimented with a semi-pro FDM printer in-house, with mixed results. Details of the prints had to be overly simplified, leading to redundancy and cost inefficiency. After discovering Sculpteos SLS system, however, the Simusolar team found they could take advantage of much higher 3D printing resolutions, leading to more robust parts at a fraction of the original cost. Its now their go-to method for most projects, Simusolar staff report.

So far, the company couldnt be happier with the results: Thanks to 3D printing, we are able to rapidly innovate components for our products thanks to the speed of manufacture and the reasonable cost of small batch production. The Simusolar-Sculpteo partnership can clearly look forward to a bright future ahead

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Aug 4, 2017 | By Tess

Kristin Stransky, a Denver-based digital artist, has reported stolen a number of her 3D printed artworks, including an elaborate 3D printed dress. The pieces, which made up much of the artists portfolio, were taken from an exhibition held at Colorado State Universitys Electronic Art Gallery.

While any art theft is tragic, there is something extra unsettling about an emerging artist having the bulk of her work stolen. The artist, understandably shaken by the crime, said she is desperately hoping that her 3D printed works will be returned, though that is doubtful.

If youre thinking that a 3D printed artwork can be replicated since it is saved as a 3D file and can be re-printed, that's not exactly the case for Stranskys mostly fashion-oriented pieces.

Daisy McGowan in the 3D printed FabLink dress

For instance, the FabLink 3D printed dress that was stolen required 800 hours to print and nearly 200 hours of assembly. The stunning dress, which was fitted for Daisy McGowan, the director of the Galleries of Contemporary Art at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, was made up of hundreds of small 3D printed links which were each connected by a dozen even smaller links.

The ten-pound dress, 3D printed from a nylon fiber material, was debuted in 2016 at the GOCAs annual Brilliant fundraiser. McGowan, who wore the stunning piece, was the talk of the event. It took an enormous amount of effort, patience, and work to complete the dress, so we hope for Stranskys sake (and for the love of 3D printing) that whoever took it returns it.

Stolen Statement necklace

The other pieces that were taken include an interactive Notion Motion necklace and vest, which light up with the wearers movements; a 3D printed necklace from Stranskys Statement collection; a piece of 3D printed fabric which demonstrates the linking technique; and a pair of hands that were taken from a larger piece called The Evolution of Handwork.

I'm grasping at straws here, and need to get word out about my stolen artwork, said the artist. Im already trying to figure out how to remake the pieces, but am still hoping I can get them back. Thats probably not going to happen, but its worth a shot. Im just hoping they didn't trash them. Who has a show at a major university and then has their artwork stolen?

"The Evolution of Handwork"

Stransky also added that it is not the monetary value of the pieces that concerns her most, it is that the bulk of her work, which she is relying on to promote herself in the art world, is now gone.

So far, there are not any leads on who could have stolen the pieces. All we know is that a key to the gallery was found missing from a lockbox, which was presumably used to break into the exhibition over night to take the 3D printed artworks. Perhaps the 3D printing community will come together to find Stranskys stolen artworks.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Here are some Bay Area headlines you might've missed this week.

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Firefighters battling blaze in East Bay hills; 20 acres have burned,East Bay Times

The Grizzly Fire blazed in Berkeley and Oakland this week, burning 20 acres in Tilden Regional Park and the hills. UC Berkeley shut power off on campus and instated a voluntary evacuation, but no structures were damaged as of yesterday. Read more.





Tokyo's Wagyumafia Bringing Criminally Expensive $180 Sandwich to San Francisco, Eater SF

Just adding to the slew of unbearably expensive bites in San Francisco, Tokyo flagship Wagyumafia will open a location in our fair city and serve up their $180 wagyu beef sandwich. If you like a slab of beef between two pieces of white bread, it's your time to celebrate. Read more.





In an Unused Harlem Church, a Towering Work of a 'Genius,' NY Times

MacArthur Foundation Genius Award-winner and large-scale artist Julie Mehretu is constructing twin behemoth installations for SFMOMA. These are her most political pieces yet. Read more.





Fatboy Slim and Moby to Headline LoveBoat Halloween (a.k.a. Ghost Ship Halloween), SFist

The newly dubbed LoveBoat Halloween will be headlined by Fatboy Slim and Moby this year. In the spirit of love, they'll be doing away with the VIP area to combat what the group calls the "the Vegas-i-zation of dance music culture." Read more.





Oakland is third-worst value for renters in U.S., Curbed SF

If you live in the Bay Area, this may not be such a revolutionary finding: Wallethub has named Oakland the third-worst value for renters, based upon factors including price, strength of the job market, crime rate, and overall quality of life. Read more.





Museum of Ice Cream Coming to SF in September, Eater SF

Ice queens, ready your spoons. The Museum of Ice Cream, a pop-up museum that's hit New York and L.A. already, is coming to San Francisco in September. Expect all manner of delicious, immersive installations. (PS: Take a moment to peruse the museum's Instagram feed it is pure happiness.) Read more.

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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. The man known for his quips and gaffes already has been joking about retirement.

"I'm discovering what it's like to be on your last legs," Philip said at a recent palace event. But the palace says his health wasn't behind the retirement decision.

Philip is patron, president or a member of over 780 organizations, with which he will continue to be associated. He simply will no longer play an active role by attending engagements.

He has had a long association with the military and had a once-promising military career. He 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. After her coronation in 1953, he settled into a life supporting Elizabeth in her role as queen, and they had four children.

Philip has given 5,496 speeches, written 14 books and gone on 637 solo visits overseas. He has championed environmental and conservation causes, and is an accomplished sportsman and pilot.
Based on an incident in which cops tortured innocent, mostly black people trapped by the riot in Detroits Algiers Hotel, the film is hobbled by the fact that the victim characters are based on real people, while the cops are fictionalized. Brilliant screenwriter Mark Boal had to make them composites, because a sharp lawyer, all-white juries, and a judge got the cops off despite their shifting alibis (even antiblack J. Edgar Hoover said they were obviously liars).

So we are deprived of the fascinating real ringleader, baby-faced vice cop David Snake Senak, a church boy who, after luring and busting 175 prostitutes, considered women evil. The film replaces Snake with a fake snake named Krauss (Will Poulter), a horror-flick bad guy with a leer and eyebrows worthy of Jack Nicholsons Joker. When he and his two also-fictionalized partners beat, berate and strip the women in an excruciatingly well-acted scene, the incident seems invented, though it happened.

The movie also doesnt quite capture how much the police, though racist, were motivated by terror. Snipers shot firemen and cops, one of whom died; as authorities fired over 155,000 bullets, more than 40 citizens died. To both Detroits 40 percent black population and its 95 percent white police, the riot was a war zone. Forget justice, it was about survival. Snakes cops invaded the Algiers because an angry fool teenager inside shot a starter pistol (no bullets) out the window, to scare cops. He succeeded.
Many people feel self-conscious about body or breath odor and may wish to cover it up with deodorant, perfume or mouthwash. But by just masking smells, people could be ignoring serious health issues, according to medical experts.

Catch your breath



Do you notice your breath smelling fruity? It may not just be the peach you had with lunch, but rather a very serious medical complication of diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs when your body is running low on insulin, causing your blood sugar to spike, Robert Gabbay tells Men's Health. Gabbay, chief medical officer at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, said that the condition is more common in people with type 1 diabetes than type 2.



With this condition, your body isn't creating the energy needed to function properly, and it breaks down fatty acids for fuel, which creates a build-up of acidic chemicals called ketones in the blood. One such acid, acetone, causes the fruity smell, Gabbay said. DKA can be a significant health problem, even leading to diabetic coma or death, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). If you notice the smell along with other symptoms such as a very dry mouth, difficulty breathing and abdominal pain, ADA recommends contacting your health care provider or going to the emergency room immediately.

On the other side of the breath spectrum, a foul smell could be a warning sign of undiagnosed sleep apnea, especially if you brush your teeth regularly. Sleep apnea causes breathing to stop and start while you sleep and makes your mouth very dry, a common cause of bad breath. The condition leaves sufferers chronically tired and also at greater risk for diabetes, stroke, heart disease and memory loss. If you have good dental hygiene but are still waking up with bad breath, it may be time to talk with your doctor.

Skin conditions

While some body odor is normal, a particularly strong smell could be a sign of skin disease, doctor and author Jennifer Stagg tells Bustle. "Skin infections can present with a putrid odor from the byproducts of bacterial growth. Gangrene, which is dying tissue, has one of the most offensive odors and smells like rotting meat."

Internal health issues may result in unpleasant body odors (BO), as well, such as liver and kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, which can lead to excessive sweat and increased BO. Stagg recommends talking with your doctor if you notice a strong smell from your skin.

Other smelly symptoms to watch:
School board, county commission and zoning meetings are this week


CEO letter to Shareholders

Melbourne, Aug 4, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - XPED Ltd ( ASX:XPE ) provides the Company's CEO letter to Shareholders.



Despite the downturn in share price, from a business perspective, Xped is in a much stronger position today. Our recently restructured workforce is now better aligned with BD activities and is focussed on delivering commercial outcomes on near and medium-term opportunities. While R&D has been historically an important part of our business it can be time-consuming and difficult to estimate time frames for completion. This has caused the business issues in the past with meeting time frames for commercial product readiness, thus impacting revenue opportunities. As part of the restructure we also integrated our engineering resources from JCT and Xped together as well as incorporated resources related to the acquisition of Jemsoft. The new structure is showing improvements and will be continued to be assessed and optimised for efficiency.



We have invested significantly in JCT Healthcare, including the initial investment to purchase, and through investment in stock, R&D, and time in restructuring the business to make it ready for national sales growth. JCT specialise in Nurse call management solutions, have an excellent product range and have put on several channel partners to enhance their national presence. They also have a growing revenue opportunity for the implementation of smart technology assisted care solutions in the Aged Care and Disability sectors. While it has taken longer to see the growth than I would have liked, the Board and I, strongly believe the Healthcare sector is a fantastic revenue opportunity for Xped.



Xped has a strong offering in the IoT marketplace. We have spent considerable time promoting the ADRC One Tap technology, and while disappointing, it has not seen the uptake that we would have liked. The strength in Xped is that this is only a small part of the overall IoT technology solution that we offer. Our App, RML, Gateway Services and Cloud Services provide a competitive platform offering, and we are now focussed on generating revenue from these. The ADRC One Tap onboarding is now part of our commercial and industrial solution through Vital Xense and potentially other partners.



We have also begun to generate revenue through our App development capabilities. The Lenze deal is expected to bring revenue this calendar year, and I am confident that if this is successful that we will be able to bring in more opportunities like these.



Through working closely with Intel we have successfully integrated our ADRC gateway services with Intel's Homelake (SHDAP) platform. This will allow us to leverage the Iotivity platform increasing the number of smart IoT devices that our platform can integrate with. The number of devices and simplicity of our App and Platform will be key growth drivers for our Smart Home offering we will bring to the market this year. I am looking forward to bringing you further information on this exciting solution in the coming months.



As we strive to improve the overall performance of Xped the Board and I have included ourselves in the company wide review. We have begun a process to identify opportunities for restructuring and strengthening both the Board and Senior Management teams. This initiative is expected to introduce on new talent to add value and drive the growth of Xped.



To view the full letter, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/V127R385





About XPED Ltd





XPED Ltd (ASX:XPE) is an Australian Internet of Things (IoT) technology business. Xped has developed revolutionary and patent-protected technology that allows any consumer, regardless of their technical capability, to connect, monitor and control devices and appliances found in our everyday environment. Xped provides technology solutions for Smart Home, Smart Building, and Healthcare.

At Xped, were Making Technology Easy Again(TM)
MADISON, Wis., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Christopher Parr, CEO of Parr Interactive, has collaborated with many prominent brands over the last 20 years, including Adobe, Intel, Sub-Zero and Wolf, Disney, American Family Insurance, TDS, HGTV, Rayovac, Insinkerator, and John Deere. In 2010, Parr founded the travel and leisure website Pursuitist - online at https://pursuitist.com - and he is a frequent contributor to Business Insider, Conde Nast Traveler and USA Today.

"Parr Interactive is delighted to have called Wisconsin home for two decades. We are proud to work with many fantastic Wisconsin brands, helping them grow," Christopher Parr said.

The Wisconsin web design and marketing company has received numerous industry awards, including recognition from ADDYs, WebAwards, Wired, NetGuide's Best of The Web, CNET, and MacWorld. Madison Magazine has named Christopher Parr as one of the 'Top 20 Most Influential People In Madison'  and USA Today has honored him as one of the 'Top 10 Best Travel Bloggers.'

"The medium of the web is not paper, it is not tv or the movies. The web is a unique medium, and Christopher Parr has shown us how to master it," said Michael Larson, author of HTML Unleashed.

"Parr creates delightfully rich and original work. Knows the solid groundwork in developing important content-rich websites," added Roger Black, author of Web Sites That Work.

In addition to web design and development, Parr Interactive provides social media marketing, content creation, user experience design and usability research, video production, events, and branding services.

Related Links

https://www.parrinteractive.com

https://www.pursuitist.com

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wisconsin-web-design-firm-parr-interactive-celebrates-20-years-300499890.html

SOURCE Parr Interactive
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) plans to venture into gas business and diversify resources for source of fuels as part of its five-year plan, a top official said on Thursday.

BPCL under the next five-year plan has set a target of Rs one lakh crore to be spent for all its expansion activities which includes marketing, refining etc, BPCL chairman and managing director D Rajkumar told reporters here.

We want our market cap to reach Rs 2.50 lakh crore. That is 2.5 times increase of what it is now. We have also planned to venture into gas business. That will be our next value chain, he said.

To a query, he said, the company has taken up an experiment to import crude oil from the United States under its diversification exercise.

We have imported two cargos of crude (from US) as an experiment. That is one (cargo) with crude with high sulphur and another (cargo of) crude with low sulphur. One million barrels each. This is basically with a view to diversify resources that are available to us, he said.

We really want to ensure that the prices are kept within the limits. For that it is necessary we source it from the right sources. We have been looking at various sources. Whatever we import, the crude will be refined in our existing refiners within the existing configuration, he said.

Right now, what we are trying to do is to diversify our sources in an efficient manner. he said.

Talking about the companys financial performance, he said BPCL clocked Rs 2.42 lakh crore revenue with a profit after tax at Rs 8,339 crore.

We hold market share of 24 per cent and our market cap is more than Rs one lakh crore.

To a query on expansion of outlets, he said the company currently has 14,000 outlets across the country.

In Tamil Nadu, we have about 4,524 outlets. Depending upon demand we will expand.
The Maharashtra government has announced Rs 10 lakh reward for any information leading to the arrest of two missing gunmen Vinay Pawar and Sarang Dilip Akolkar wanted for the killing of veteran Communist leader and social activist Govind Pansare. Earlier, CBI announced Rs5-lakh reward for leads on Narendra Dabholkars killers too. Sameer Vishnu Gaikwad and Virendrasingh Tawade have been arrested in connection with these cases. Akolkar and Pawar and Rudra Patil are wanted accused in the case.

While Akolkar and Pawar are shown as assailants in the murder of Pune-based rationalist Narendra Dabholkar by the Central Bureau of Investigation Patil is wanted in the 2009 Goa blast case. The chargesheet in this case states the conspiracy to kill Pansare was hatched a few months before the murder at the outfits office in Panvel and at the resident of a sadhak at Kolhapur. Tawde, Gaikwad and the wanted accused attended the meeting. In December 2014, Tawde also travelled to Kolhapur and carried a recce of Pansares office before the murder. A black motorbike used in the recce and subsequently by the assassins belonged to Tawde. He also provided the weapons.

A 14-year old eyewitness saw the assailants; the police have also recorded the statement of many Sanatan Sanstha members under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). These members have given details of the conspiracy and the involvement of the arrested and wanted accused. One of the key witnesses who was a sadhak with the outfit has identified the shooters and has mentioned in his statement that Pawar and Tawde visited his Kolhapur home in December 2014 just two months before Pansares murder. The said sadhak always provided shelter to the wanted accused when they visited Kolhapur. The state police have revealed ideological difference and the hatred that Tawde had towards Pansare as the motive behind the murder. Pansare was very vocal of his criticism of the right-wing outfit. He also wrote and spoke against Sanatan Sanstha at various meetings, gatherings that did go down well with Tawde. At many occasions they even had face-offs with each other.

Police is yet to establish a common link in the murders of Kalburgi and Govind Pansare in Kolhapur and Narendra Dabholkar in Pune in 2013, investigators have found evidence that the same weapon was used in all three crimes. The shooters are and suspects are also same. The style of murder was same. While Dabholkar was murdered in Pune on August 20, 2013, Pansare was shot at on February 16, died on February 20. Prof Kalburgi was murdered on August 30. Motorcycle-borne assailants had pumped four bullets into Dabholkar, 69, from a 7.65-mm country-made pistol, while Pansare, 81, and his wife Uma Pansare were shot at with five bullets from two 7.65-mm country-made weapons. The same modus operandi was used in the Kalburgi case too.

All the three cases were earlier being linked on the basis of the profile of the victims, probable motives, and modus operandi. Now, investigation says a 7.65-mm country-made weapon was used for the killings with the cartridges providing the first physical evidence linking the murders.

Forensic analysis of bullet cartridges recovered at the scene of all three crimes has revealed the same 7.65-mm country-made pistol was used. This revelation, which is made in a CID confidential report to the State government, comes close on the heels of the Centre denying any link between the three killings.

The killings of these activists had sparked outrage in the country with several eminent writers and others returning their state awards over rising intolerance in the country. Finally CBI managed to arrest Hindu Janajagruti Samiti member Virendra Singh Tawde in connection with the murder of Dabholkar. The Samiti is linked to Goa-based radical Hindu group Sanatan Sanstha, which had also come under the scanner for the murder of Pansare. Both the Centre and state governments are responsible for the apathy in investigation. There are red corner notices against the suspects but investigative agencies have been unable to find them. It shows a lack of political will in the matter. When all theories flopped and police and CBI failed on its intelligence they declared handsome award amount on two accused members. The question which arises here is if police is sure about them then why dont they take lead and raid all those places who can stand in support with these organizations and their members. If they are sure it is done by Sanatan Sanstha members, then why announce reward? Do you think sadhaks can really compromise their counterparts by providing information about them? If three murders were planned, executed and attempted in same fashion, why was police waiting after the first murder followed by second and third? How is this reward amount declaration going to help the intelligence? Then again the question remains, how intelligent is our intelligence?

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
The Opposition NCP sought an inquiry into alleged corruption by Maharashtra Industries Minister Subhash Desai involving 400 acres of land in Nashik.

Moving an adjournment motion, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde said a series of agreements were made between the state government and companies during the Magnetic Maharashtra event in 2016, but industries were not getting the required land to start operations.

Industries minister had ordered exclusion of sixty per cent of the notified land of MIDC, Munde said.

In Nashik, 400 acres land acquired by the MIDC was returned to the original land owners illegally and flouting the norms. This is another big scam and an inquiry should be conducted against him, Munde added.

Earlier, the Opposition had caused adjournment of the House nine times, demanding resignation of Housing Minister Prakash Mehta over the alleged SRA scam.
Branding the attack on Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi as disgusting and disgraceful, the grand old party on Friday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saying the latter must know the truth cant be silenced.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Friday took to Twitter and wrote BJP goons broke Congress VPs car with heavy stones on his way to the helipad after meeting flood victims at Dhanera.

With 218 deaths in Gujarat, 61 in Bansakanta following the floods due to torrential rains last week, Surjewala further lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief minister Vijay Rupani saying the PM only does an aerial visit while CM takes 5 days to visit.

Rahul Gandhi visited flood affected areas in Gujarat, on Friday, where he was also shown black flags by a group of protesters.

Addressing the villagers and the media, Rahul Gandhi said that he was in Assam the other day, Rajasthan on Friday and now in Gujarat.

Amidst his speech, few people waved black flags to which he asked the guards to let them in, and saying, I dont care.

Its a difficult and grievous time for all of you and so I wanted to come amongst you all, he said addressing the crowd.

He added that many people lost their loved ones and homes due to floods and so he wanted to meet them to tell them that the Congress Party is standing with the people of Gujarat.

It is not our government in Delhi or Gujarat, but we are standing here with you, I am standing here with you and we wont back down due to a few black flags, he said.

The Congress vice-president also visited Rajasthan flood affected areas on Friday morning and said that Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje-led Rajasthan Government is not taking adequate steps to provide relief to people of the state who have been affected by floods.

Gandhi, who was Jalore to take stock of the situation, said he received poor response from people of the state as no rehabilitation work is being done, while adding that his party is trying to facilitate masses to the maximum extent it can.

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 Rajasthans Sirohi, Pali and Jalore districts have been blocked and the traffic movement is badly affected due to the massive floods in the state.
Telecom operator Reliance Communications has pulled out from membership of industry body AUSPI raising uncertainty over future of the association, according to industry sources.

RCom sent its letter to the Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India (AUSPI) to withdraw from the membership of the body recently, sources said.

The reason for the withdrawal of the Anil Ambani-led firm is not known. His elder brother Mukesh Amabnis telecom firm Reliance Jio is a member of another industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

AUSPI officials could not be reached for comment, while RCom declined to speak on this.

This development leaves two core members  Tata Teleservices and Sistema Shyam Teleservices (SSTL) in the industry body. Considering that SSTL is in the process of merger with RCom, the latters withdrawal from AUSPI pushes it into uncertainty.

AUSPI stood for telecom operators who started their business with CDMA technology and also vigorously defended dual licence policy whenever it came under attack from rival telecom sector body COAI.

It has two associate members which include Chinese telecom gear maker Huawei and chipset maker Qualcomm.

Incidentally RCom was member of COAI but left it in 2007 -08 after differences with incumbent telecom operators.








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In 2015, it was reported that an elderly woman was being subjected to torture by her husband. There were calls for the authorities to make sure that justice was served. However, for over two years now, that justice has still not been served and Ms D still has to put up with her abusive husband.

How things have turned out doesnt seem to surprise many people. This is due to the fact that when a report was made to the Ottawa Police Department which was headed by Charles Bordeleau, they rather connived with Mr H to forcefully keep Ms D in her house. Ms D's son, Raymond decided to intervene on her mothers behalf and just like her mother; he was also subjected to threats and was stalked by police officers in plain clothes. But for the timely intervention of a lawsuit, the outcome would have been grave for Raymond.

If not for anything at all, one thing that should have sounded the warning bells for the police was the fact that Ms D happened to be an elderly woman. However, when the beating of a civilian to death by the police is termed as something careless by Charles Bordeleau, the Chief of Police, then the plight of Ms D. should be seen as just one of the things that the police are capable of doing. The death of Abdi was an incidence that even had Nathalie Des Rosiers sympathizing with the family in a tweet that was posted on her wall. This act by Des Rosiers was also met by police intimidations that forced her to come out and apologize to the police.

Ms D has now been rendered immobile as a result of the constant abuses that she has been suffering at the hands of her husband and the decision of the Ottawa Police Departments Elderly Abuse Unit to evict Raymond from the house. For a police department that has an Elderly Abuse Unit, the conduct of the Ottawa Police Department leaves a very sour taste in the mouths of all well-meaning citizens. How can there be such a department whilst an elderly woman has been abused for close to three years now?

The end result of having people like Robert Griffin in the police service is the inability of Ms D. to walk, talk or even write.

For now 831 days, since 20 April 2015, the Ottawa Police Services Elderly Abuse Unit have been maintaining their House of Torture against an elderly woman by forcing her to be subjected to an abusive husband while keeping her cut off from her son and others who have sought to help her.








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The story of how an elderly woman was allowed to be abused by her so-called educated and enlightened husband is one that brings tears to the eyes of even the coldest hearts.

At first, it was seen as a husband being wicked towards his own wife and son. However, when both sides of the story were heard, a very sickening revelation was made. Mr H has the impetus to do what he was doing due to the fact that he was being backed indirectly by some elements with the Ottawa Police service. This came to light after it was revealed that Ms D and her son made reports to the police with regards to the abuses that she was being subjected to by her husband but nothing tangible was done.

On the contrary, instead of the police swooping in to ensure that Ms Ds rights were safeguarded, they rather forcefully confined her and intimidated her son to the extent that he left the house. When the son tried to fight for her mother from a distance, Ottawa Police Detective Robert Griffin under the auspices of Charles Bordeleau  the Ottawa Chief of Police, intimidated Ms D's son and even threatened him on countless occasions. These intimidations only stopped when a lawsuit was served to Robert Griffin and his clique of corrupt officers.

The question now is, What will make a whole Chief of Police to connive with someone just to subject another person to torture?" This happens to be not the first time those Ottawa Police personnel have been fingered in an illegal conduct and there is enough evidence that it wont be the last. These are police personnel who have the effrontery to even intimidate Nathalie Des Rosiers, an MPP for Ottawa-Vanier, into issuing an apology with regards to comments she made about the brutal murder of an unarmed civilian Abdirahman Abdi.

It is about time that something is done about some of these bad elements with the Ottawa Police Department before more lives are senselessly lost. Presently, Ms D can no longer walk, talk or even write and it is all due to the activities of some corrupt cops within the Ottawa Police Department.
August 2, 2017

BAGHDAD  Iraq is working to recover the thousands of ancient artifacts illegally imported into the United States by Oklahoma City-based arts-and-crafts retailer Hobby Lobby.

Iraqi and US officials are in constant contact, and the smuggled artifacts are in safe hands now with the US Homeland Security and the US judiciary, which will issue a final verdict on the case," Maysoon al-Damluji, a member of the Iraqi parliament's Committee of Culture and Information, told Al-Monitor. "Meanwhile, the Iraqi Embassy is communicating with the US State Department to retrieve the artifacts."

Hobby Lobby was fined $3 million in July for buying some 5,500 artifacts in 2010 that had been smuggled into the United States through a dealer based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the US Justice Department. The company paid $1.6 million for the items, which were sent to three different addresses of the company in Oklahoma City. The antiquities include clay cuneiform tablets, cylinder seals and ancient clay bullae that were used to place authenticating seals on documents.

Damluji said, The course of things is in favor of Iraq to recover its archaeological pieces. It is only a matter of the time needed for administrative and legal procedures in the United States.

She was confident when she told Al-Monitor, "There is an atmosphere of optimism regarding positive responses from the United States to this effect, given the existent law ... whereby the trade in Iraqi artifacts and antiquities is not allowed, unlike the Gulf countries, including the UAE. A UAE-based dealer was involved in the [latest] smuggling operation because the UAE is not among the list of countries acceding to the UNESCO convention on smuggling of antiquities.

The Iraqi Embassy in London and a legal team will work with the US Justice Department, "which has the final decision on the issue of returning the stolen artifacts to their rightful owners, Damluji said. Moreover, under a 2015 UN Security Council resolution, countries are required to return smuggled or looted antiquities to their countries of origin.

The Justice Department said the Hobby Lobby acquisition "was fraught with red flags" and Hobby Lobby even ignored the warning of an expert it had hired who said the items might have been looted from Iraq. The company never met with the dealer who claimed to own the artifacts. Rather, a different dealer had the company wire payment to the personal bank accounts of seven other people, the Justice Department said.

Iraq has a history of fighting to retrieve its stolen antiquities and has recovered 4,300 artifacts smuggled out of the country since 2014 after Islamic State (IS) militants seized control of vast areas of the country's north, east and west.

The United States pledged a year ago to protect and restore historic sites and museums in Iraq, according to the US State Departments top adviser on Iraqi cultural heritage, John Russell.

A source at the US Embassy in Baghdad, who asked not to be named, said that the embassys instructions regarding smuggling cases are very strict.

Even before the Hobby Lobby case, government sources revealed that the Iraqi Embassy in Washington was following up on more than 5,000 antiquities smuggled from Iraq after 2003. The Iraqi Embassy in Cairo also has sought to restore manuscripts and other items smuggled to Cairo from Iraqi monasteries and churches in Mosul. In 2016, Iraq recovered the head of the King Sanatruq I statue, which is one the significant monuments registered in the Iraqi Museum of Antiquities. The statute was stolen in 2003.

Iyad al-Shammari, rapporteur of the parliamentary Committee of Antiquities, told Al-Monitor that the Public Authority for Antiquities in Iraq has contacted UNESCO "to urge the United States to hand over [any] stolen Iraqi artifacts," and he expressed great hope of solving the issue soon. Iraq has been preoccupied for years in trying to retrieve antiquities smuggled outside, he said, adding that some of the archaeological pieces were lost and sold on the black market.

In 2016, artifacts smuggled from Syria and Iraq were being sold on eBay. Shammari stressed that the Iraqi Ministry of Culture addressed the US Embassy in Baghdad to start the official and necessary procedures to recover the smuggled artifacts.

Iraq also plans investigations to obtain the names of smugglers.
August 3, 2017

The United States today broke its silence over the unremitting slew of accusations about its supposed plans to undermine Turkey through its armed support for Syrian Kurds fighting against the Islamic State (IS). The US Embassy in Ankara refuted the claims in a statement published on its website in English and in Turkish and shared via Twitter.

The statement read, Inaccurate reports by several outlets over the past few days have erroneously claimed that the United States has sent tanks and hundreds of truckloads of weapons into Syria to support the YPG [Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units]. It also declared, The United States has not provided tanks to any groups fighting Daesh in Syria, Daesh being the Arabic acronym for IS.

The embassy said that the majority of military assistance, which consists of light weapons and ammunition, was being sent to the Syrian Arab coalition, the assorted Arab groups fighting under the banner of the YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). A much smaller percentage of weapons given to Kurdish elements of the SDF are limited, specific to task, and are only provided due to their importance in helping achieve the goal shared by all of us  i.e., the capture of Raqqa and the destruction of Daesh, the embassy asserted.

The statement was in response to a barrage of front-page stories in Turkey's pro-government media claiming that the United States is raining military goodies on the YPG. The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that Washington has so far sent 909 truckloads of weapons to the YPG. An array of outlets eagerly seized and elaborated on the story.

The YPG is being armed. Is the target Turkey? asked Haber 10, an online news portal. Other outlets claimed that the United States had provided tanks and helicopters to the YPG and trained YPG militants to fly them. Yeni Akit, referring to the deliveries, proclaimed, The United States plan to occupy Turkey.

An SDF commander speaking to Al-Monitor via WhatsApp from northern Syria called the reports risible. America did not give us any tanks, he said. The tanks we have were captured from Daesh. A question about receiving helicopters elicited loud guffaws. Analysts closely monitoring the conflict concur.

Aaron Stein, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, has written extensively about the US-Syrian Kurdish partnership. The public list of weapons to be given to the YPG was obviously written with Turkey in mind. They are not game-changing weapons, Stein told Al-Monitor. Its mostly ammunition for guns the YPG already has.

The United States has been giving military gear to the Arab component of the SDF for several years, drawing on the provisions of a program to arm and train the vetted, moderate Syrian opposition. The Pentagon only began arming the YPG directly after President Donald Trump, overriding Turkish objections, authorized it to do so in April.

Stein argues that the real issue does not concern the nature of the weapons as such. Rather, he maintains, it is political. The US is giving military support to a partner force that Turkey views as its No. 1 security threat, he said, referring to the YPG's connection to the Kurdistan Workers Party, which has been fighting the Turkish army since 1984. American pledges to reclaim weapons from the YPG once the fight against IS is complete cuts little ice with Turkish officials, who insist it is only a matter of time before they end up being directed at Turkey.

In any case the vast majority of the trucks crossing into Syria via Iraqi Kurdistan contain foodstuffs and medicine, the embassy stated. It added, Erroneous reporting suggesting otherwise is dangerous and distracts from our joint desire and objective to destroy Daesh.

Turkey does not allow humanitarian aid to be channeled through its borders to the Kurdish-controlled chunk of northern Syria. It has began squeezing and in some instances shuttering international aid agencies that run their Syria operations from its soil. Some Trump administration officials have begun advancing the idea of shutting down US government aid operations in Turkey altogether because of the ever-thickening tangle of red tape. More importantly, there is growing concern about some of the supplies winding up in the hands of hostile elements, such as the al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, once it crosses the border.
August 3, 2017

WASHINGTON  A faction of Iran hawks in the Donald Trump administration appears to have been dealt a blow in recent days. Several officials allied with White House chief strategist Steve Bannon have been removed from the National Security Council (NSC).

Among them are NSC senior director for intelligence Ezra Cohen-Watnick, who was removed Aug. 2; NSC senior director for the Middle East Derek Harvey, who was asked to resign last week; and NSC director for strategic planning Rich Higgins, reportedly for writing and circulating a bizarre memo alleging a conspiracy of globalists, leftists and Islamists trying to undermine Trump, according to The Atlantic.

The arrival on Monday of new White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general who previously served as Trumps secretary of homeland security, appears to have bolstered the authority of national security adviser H.R. McMaster to make such firing decisions, which he has long sought. Combined, the personnel moves aim to bring more coherence and discipline to a sometimes chaotic, unpredictable foreign policy-making process that has often seemed undermined by competing power centers inside the administration as well as by Trumps own personality.

Though McMaster officially removed Bannon from the NSC principals committee after taking over from Mike Flynn in February, recent reports and sources indicate that Bannon has continued to operate a kind of parallel power center that has drawn in fringe thinkers who favor regime change in Tehran. A faction around Bannon has been thinking about how to destabilize Iran but is constrained by the fact that Trump tells them he does not want another big war, a military analyst whose mentors in the US national defense community have participated in the discussions told Al-Monitor.

The challenge is that the administration wants to do North Korea and Iran in Year One, to go into 2018 with national security capital, the military analyst told Al-Monitor, describing what his associates have heard in discussions with Bannon.

Thus far  no one in the administration can move Trump to start a war because he doesn't want to have his Iraq, the military analyst said, referring to the 2003 US invasion. With Iran, they are looking at regime change but coming up empty. There are no good plans, no decapitation strikes possible, like in North Korea.

Regime change would come, in theory, from economic recession in Iran combined with ethno-nationalist revolts in areas such as [the southeast region of] Balochistan, the military analyst explained. A combined series of events that would degrade the Islamic Republic.

But that vision appears to have been set back, both by McMasters purge of Bannon loyalists in recent days and Trumps own reluctance to get the United States bogged down in another big Middle East war. And the challenge of trying to foment Iran regime change would only be compounded by the rest of the worlds desire to uphold the nuclear deal and looking askance at Trumps threats to consider withdrawing.

In the meantime, sources tell Al-Monitor that State Department, Pentagon and NSC professionals who argue for a more pragmatic approach feel they may gradually be getting the upper hand in policy debates.

McMaster has cleaned out some problems, but Trump is still Trump, a former US official told Al-Monitor. He still listens to Bannon and [his son-in-law Jared] Kushner and crew.

Trump is determined that the United States' Iran policy not be driven by the desire to preserve the Iran nuclear deal  the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)  Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said this week.

The president  has been pretty clear on his dissatisfaction with the JCPOA as a tool or instrument, but we continue to have conversations about the utility of that agreement, whether it has utility, whether it doesnt have utility, Tillerson told journalists at the State Department Tuesday.

Were working with the other parties to that agreement, our European allies in particular, to ensure that we are fully enforcing all aspects of that agreement, holding Iran accountable for its commitments and challenging whether Iran is, in fact, living up to its commitments and the spirit of that agreement, Tillerson said. Were going to continue ... to take that approach as we evaluate and come up to the next milestone on the continuation of that agreement or continuation of waivers to the sanctions.
August 3, 2017

A bill that would cut off US economic assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA) over so-called "martyr payments" is finally gaining traction after initial ambivalence from pro-Israel groups, the Donald Trump administration and congressional Democrats.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the latest version of the Taylor Force Act today by a vote of 17-4, with four Democrats voting against it. The bill would require the United States to end most nonsecurity assistance to the Palestinians unless the PA stops paying stipends to convicted terrorists and their families, a practice that Israel dubs pay to slay.

Before todays vote, the bill was an exclusively Republican endeavor, but recent modifications have garnered some bipartisan support. Most notably, an amendment offered by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., would create an escrow fund that would temporarily set aside aid withheld to the PA until it stops the controversial payments.

Kaines amendment would allow the PA to still receive the assistance if the secretary of state certifies that the martyr payments have ceased. Funds would be held for two years, after which they could be used elsewhere if the Palestinian practice continues.

At a joint press conference following the vote, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and bill sponsor Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., lauded the latest modifications.

Its a bill that is now crisp. Its surgical, said Corker.

Graham first introduced the bill last year in honor of Taylor Force, a 28-year-old US Army veteran who was stabbed to death March 8, 2016, in Tel Aviv by Bashar Massalha, a young Palestinian killed by police at the scene. The attack took place roughly a mile away from a meeting between former Israeli President Shimon Peres and US Vice President Joe Biden, who was in Israel for an official visit at the time. The Israel Defense Forces retaliated by demolishing Massalhas family home in the West Bank; the PA has been distributing monthly stipends to the family since.

The Palestinian Authority pays families like this a lump sum of money in lifetime payments, Graham said. So if youre a young Palestinian, the best thing you can do for your family in terms of income streams is to be a terrorist, and thats sick. Thats inconsistent with peace.

Graham added that the United States provides more than $300 million a year in Palestinian aid even as the PA made an estimated $144 million in "martyr payments" last year. The Trump administration has requested $215 million in economic assistance for the West Bank and Gaza in its fiscal year 2018 budget request, all of which would be at risk should the Taylor Force Act pass. Current US law requires a dollar reduction in US assistance for every dollar the PA spends on "martyr" stipends.

Al-Monitor first reported on the lack of overt support for the bill among traditionally pro-Israel parties such as the powerful American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in July. But the Senate version of the bill has finally earned the endorsement of AIPAC and key congressional Democrats.

AIPAC applauds the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for adopting the Taylor Force Act  which would eliminate funding that directly benefits the Palestinian Authority  if it continues its abhorrent practice of paying salaries to terrorists or their families, the lobbying group wrote in a statement today.

Despite AIPAC's newfound support for the Taylor Force Act, it is still unclear if Israel itself supports the bill in its current incarnation. The Israeli Embassy declined to comment on the Senates latest version of the bill.

J Street, a liberal lobbying group that supports greater rapprochement with the Palestinians, initially told Al-Monitor it did not support Grahams original bill. The group put out a statement today reiterating its opposition to the latest version of the bill even as it hailed some improvements to it.

Although J Street was encouraged by provisions that could preserve funding for the projects of the US Agency for International Development at the local level, as well as humanitarian assistance provided by US nongovernmental organizations, it still believes the language is not yet clear enough.

The bills language is vague in places, making it unclear as to whether this assistance would continue depending on how narrowly the language is interpreted by the current US administration or by future administrations, J Street said in a statement.

J Street in particular objected to the exclusion of an amendment offered by Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., which was defeated in a party-line vote. The Udall amendment would have allowed the secretary of state to issue a waiver allowing for the continuation of US assistance for public health and other humanitarian needs.

Today I offered an amendment to create a simple, humanitarian exception to allow funding for programs that promote public health, prevent the spread of disease and provide assistance for food, water, medicine, health and sanitation needs, Udall told Al-Monitor.

I believe such an exception is a no-brainer  its the humane thing to do and a reflection of our values as a nation. Unfortunately my amendment was not adopted by the committee, so I voted against the underlying bill.

Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., also voted against the bill.

In an effort to try to improve the bill and keep it from undermining American national interests, Israels security and the humanitarian situation in the West Bank, Sen. Booker joined a number of colleagues to vote against it and hopes that changes can be made prior to it being voted on the floor of the Senate, Booker spokeswoman Kristin Lynch told Al-Monitor in a statement.

Ranking member Ben Cardin, D-Md., and the five remaining Democrats voted in favor.

This bill is not intended to undermine or stop much-needed humanitarian aid that is delivered through vetted US nongovernmental organizations to Palestinians in need, said Cardin.

The bill does preserve funding for the Israeli-run East Jerusalem Hospital Network, where the PA typically sends Palestinian patients seeking treatment not available in the West Bank.

At a hearing last month, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Stuart Jones expressed reservations about the original version of the bill. The State Department referred all questions about todays vote to the White House, which did not respond to Al-Monitors request for comment.
August 4, 2017

Seven exceptionally talented Iranian math students lost their lives in a bus crash on March 17, 1998. One of them was enrolled at Tehran University, while the others were studying at Sharif University of Technology. They had all won awards in national and international Olympiads and were returning from the 22nd Mathematics Competition for Students at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, in southwestern Iran.

The bus that crashed into a ravine 20 years ago was carrying other passengers who survived. One of them was Maryam Mirzakhani, the Iranian-American winner of the 2014 Fields Medal (equivalent to the Nobel Prize in mathematics). Mirzakhani, who emigrated to the United States to continue her education at Harvard University a few years after the crash, died from cancer on July 14.

Reactions to the news of Mirzakhanis passing on Persian-language social media networks brought back memories of the 1998 tragedy, which claimed the lives of her fellow mathematicians. There was also debate about the exceptionally talented Iranian students who emigrate from Iran, the possibilities and limitations that exist in Irans education system, as well as the role this system plays in cultivating talents.

Iranian universities were shut down for nearly three years in the aftermath of the 1979 overthrow of the shah and the subsequent cultural revolution (1980-83). The endeavor, which aimed to purge Iranian universities from Westernized students and professors, had many consequences. One of them was the exodus of a large number of university elites and experts from Iran.

The issue of brain drain was discussed as a serious problem within Iran. The leader of the revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, addressed this issue during a speech in October 1979 in which he said, Who cares if these brains leave Iran? They are not scientific brains, they are traitors! Who would leave their own country and run away to the United States?

The idea of establishing a center for the development of exceptional talents in Iran initially emerged in 1977, when two schools were set up: Farzanegan High School for girls and Allameh Helli High School for boys. Over the years, however, both of these centers received their share of criticism, including from those who believed that their mere existence was a sign of discrimination and thus against social justice.

In 1988, the statute of the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents (SAMPAD) was approved so that the organization could continue its activities under the Ministry of Education. According to the latest official statistics, by 2013, there were 150,000 students enrolled in 660 SAMPAD schools.

Mirzakhani was one of the students who was educated in these special schools. In 1994, when she was still a student at the Farzanegan High School in Tehran, she won the gold medal in the International Mathematical Olympiad in Hong Kong. A year later, she once again won the gold medal, this time in Canada.

According to a 2010 report published by Shargh Daily, Mirzakhani was one of the 225 Iranian students who participated in 53 international Olympiads between 1993 and 2007. Of these 225 students, more than 140 left Iran to pursue their studies abroad.

Mirzakhani received her bachelors degree from Sharif University of Technology, which is known as a center for exceptional talent. According to Shargh Daily, more than 94% of exceptionally talented Iranians who are either studying or working at various universities around the world received their bachelors degrees from Sharif University.

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Omid Kokabee, an exceptionally talented student of nuclear physics, agreed that the role played by Sharif University in cultivating Mirzakhanis talents is undeniable. Yet, he added, Such conditions only exist in a limited number of Iranian universities.

Kokabee was one of those exceptionally talented students and was ranked first in the 1999 Students Chemistry Olympiad. One year later, he was admitted to Sharif University for a joint doctoral degree in physics and mechanical engineering.

In 2007, Kokabee emigrated to Spain to pursue a master's degree in nuclear physics with a focus on lasers. He subsequently entered a doctoral program in the same field at the University of Texas. Kokabee spoke with Al-Monitor about his reasons for leaving Iran as well as his desire to study and do research in the field of nuclear physics. He said, [In Iran] I had to manage with the limited equipment that was available. Neither at university nor when I was in high school were there any equipped laboratories  even with basic equipment. Therefore, we could not experiment with what we had learned.

According to Kokabee, Iranians have the opportunity to achieve an advanced level of learning in terms of theory and established pedagogy in Iran, but when it comes to actual research, there are no prospects. Applied research requires modern and well-equipped laboratories, raw materials and international collaboration, which are not possible in Iran. Unfortunately, in Iran, applied physics is very weak, both in terms of resources and understanding its importance for industry and society, he said.

The case of Kokabee, similar to that of Mirzakhani, has been widely discussed on social media. In 2011, while about to return to the United States after a trip to Iran, Kokabee was arrested at Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport. Later he was charged with having relations with a hostile country and receiving illegitimate funds and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. On Aug. 29, 2016, after being diagnosed with kidney cancer and due to increased domestic and international pressure for his release, he was conditionally freed from prison.

According to a 2009 International Monetary Fund report, Iran ranks first among 91 countries in terms of brain drain.

Under the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005-13), there was an increase in the number of elites leaving the country due to his policy of purging the universities from Western liberal and secular influences. Indeed, data shows that in the academic year 2009-10, the number of Iranian students at American universities increased by 33% compared to the year before.

It appears that the trend of talented students emigrating from Iran has continued under the presidency of Hassan Rouhani, too. On July 11, 2016, the head of the exceptional talent group of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution in an interview with Tasnim news agency noted a 16% increase in the number of talented students emigrating from Iran in the academic year 2014-15.

Kokabee believes that considering the current situation in Iran, the public education system can only play a supportive role in cultivating and educating exceptionally talented students. He noted, A weaker education system can even waste these talents. These exceptional talents are naturally curious and thus need a suitable and nurturing environment to reach their goals. In the case of professor Mirzakhani, it is obvious that being a student at Sharif University provided her with such an environment.
August 3, 2017

President Hassan Rouhani attended his endorsement ceremony Aug. 3 with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the heads of the other two branches of government. The more significant day for Rouhani, however, will be his swearing-in ceremony Aug. 5, when, in front of an open session of parliament, he will introduce his new Cabinet. Reports that Rouhani consulted with Khamenei over potential candidates have caused the president considerable controversy before his second term has even started.

The first source of controversy was with the supreme leaders office, which denied that Khamenei was involved in choosing every Cabinet position. A statement on the supreme leader's website announced that all administrations coordinate with Khamenei for ministry positions in foreign affairs, defense and intelligence due to Khameneis constitutional duties in those areas. In Iran, the supreme leader is the commander in chief.

The statement continued that Khamenei has additional sensitivities regarding those picked to head the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology; the Ministry of Education; and the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. The Ministry of Science is particularly important in Iran because the minister appoints the heads of universities, which are known, historically, to be hotbeds of political activity in the country. The Ministry of Culture, given its role in issuing licenses to make films, sell books and stage music concerts, is also significant since Rouhani and conservatives have clashed over the country's cultural direction and openness. The statement, however, asserted that Khamenei does not get involved in choosing these Cabinet positions.

Mohammad Javad Abtahi, a conservative member of parliament, felt that Rouhanis claim to have consulted with Khamenei over his Cabinet list was more of an insurance policy against Reformists. Abtahi said that Rouhani is seeking refuge in Khamenei due to the pressures hes facing from Reformists in the formation of his Cabinet. Reformists, in light of their crucial support for Rouhani, expect Cabinet positions, but Rouhani may be either unable or unwilling to deliver on those appointments. Rouhani's statement that he consulted with Khamenei over the future Cabinet suggests he might be seeking to shift the blame once he introduces a Cabinet without a significant number of positions allotted to Reformists. Abtahi urged Rouhani to stand his ground against Reformists and not drag Khameneis name into the quarrel.

Reformists are standing their ground or, at the very least, putting on a brave face. Iranian parliamentarian Bahram Parsaei, a spokesman for the Reformist Hope faction, said that while the Reformists supported the president in the election, We will not give the president a blank check for any Cabinet combination. Parsaei said that it was with the help of Reformists and former Reformist President Mohammad Khatami that Rouhani was able to acquire 24 million votes. He added that Reformists have expectations with the formation of the Cabinet.

News outlets and politicians have speculated about the composition of Rouhanis second-term Cabinet. According to Fars News, Vice President for Administrative and Recruitment Affairs Jamshid Ansari said that a number of Cabinet members are returning, including Minister of Oil Bijan Zanganeh, Minister of Health Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohammad Shariatmadari and Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Ahmad Akhoundi. No other source has confirmed this news. Justice Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi told reporters Aug. 2 that he will not be returning.
August 2, 2017

In an article that could deliver a further blow to Turkeys ailing tourism sector and international image, Forbes magazine on July 28 described Turkey as one of the 10 most dangerous places for solo female travelers.

The article, which ranked Turkey ninth, was based on the travel website Trip.coms country evaluations in March, adding in information from US State Department warnings. The Trip.com website, while generally rating Turkey poorly, also features remarkably positive reviews of the country and of Istanbul  reportedly now Europe's cheapest city to stay in  by several female and male travelers.

The Forbes' piece hit a nerve with Turkeys Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. Pro-AKP media outlets pronounced the article to be presumptuous and untrustworthy. The daily Hurriyet said the story had provoked a wide reaction in Turkey, without clarifying the exact nature of this response or explaining what critics found objectionable in the ranking.

The hospitality industry has taken a series of serious hits in the last two years, including terror attacks and the failed coup attempt of July 2016. According to Tourism and Culture Ministry statistics, Turkey received nearly 36 million foreign visitors in 2014, with the number going down about 200,000 the following year. In 2016, the number of foreign visitors sank to nearly 25.3 million. The numbers appear to be dropping even more this year; in the first half of 2016, slightly over 11 million visitors were reported to have visited Turkey.

On Aug. 1, the ministry issued a press release about the Forbes article, saying it involved misperceptions that have targeted Turkey for some time. The ministry accused the article of being based on speculation rather than fact and charged that it deliberately sought to portray Turkey as a dangerous destination for women to influence the way the international community sees the country. Yet the statement, presented by the pro-AKP media as a severe response by the ministry to Forbes, did not provide data to counter Forbes arguments or to assure the international community that Turkey is a safe and hospitable destination for solo female travelers. The ministry's statement did not even mention traveling solo. In this case, what was not said is the crux of the matter.

The owner of one of the most prominent tourism firms in Turkey, who spoke with Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, said, I believe what bothered the government about the Forbes report is the issue of security. They have totally disregarded that the matter was about solo female travelers. Indeed, I am not even sure if they ever wonder what kind of services they could provide for solo female travelers or gay or transgender tourists so that they would feel safe and welcome in Turkey. Istanbul used to host one of the biggest Gay Pride marches in Europe for years. For the last few years, what gets in the international press is news of police brutality in those marches. Conference tourism is almost dead. This is significant because about half of the participants in conferences were solo female travelers.

The Forbes ranking comes after a decade of AKP policies that have been pushing women out of public spaces. Most of the party's base would say that a good womans place is in the house  unless the woman happens to be working for the AKP or other religious causes. The party's moves to push women out of public view and Islamicize the image and rhetoric of the public arena have left their marks.

For over a decade, government officials in Turkey have been telling women to get married as soon as possible, not to seek divorce, to have as many kids as they can, not to wear makeup or even laugh in public. Indeed, we have heard advice for pregnant women to avoid walking out of the house and for women to seek a means of transportation that is only for females. In the last year, random attacks on women in parks, buses or other public spaces have become commonplace. The pressure has become so heavy that the hashtag #Kiyafetimekarisma (Dont mess with my outfit) was a trending topic on social media for days and there have been several protests in major cities demanding freedom to dress as one wishes. Sexual and physical attacks as well as murder of women are on the rise in Turkey and the perpetuators often get off lightly.

Al-Monitor spoke with several seasoned female travelers who have been to Turkey multiple times as well as young women who visited Turkey once. Although none of them visited Turkey as solo travelers, all of them, at one point or other, had to walk alone at some point during their visit. When asked about safety concerns, none of them felt any danger in Turkey, but admitted that they had been worried or concerned at times. Some said that the reason for their initial worry was the rape and murder of Pippa Bacca, an Italian artist, in 2008, and the murder of Sarai Sierra, an American in Istanbul.

In both incidents, locals questioned why these women had traveled alone, as traveling solo for women is not the norm in Turkey.

Women travelers, except the ones who lived in Turkey for some time, told Al-Monitor that one of their biggest impressions about Turkey was that Turkish women refrained from talking to them. For the women travelers, that signaled a wider issue about Turkey and Turks: This is a male-dominated society, from taxi drivers to shopkeepers. It was mostly men who would do the talking. In rural areas, local women would rarely engage foreigners.

This, in turn, raises concern that the number of women in Turkish public spaces  city centers, bazaars, bars  is gradually diminishing. Therefore, women who dare to be present and active in public face higher risks.

New technologies have also made the uglier side of life more visible. For example, there was an incident where a young woman was beaten up on a bus while other passengers just looked on without interfering. Several drivers and their assistants on intercity buses were caught on cameras masturbating over and even ejaculating on sleeping female passengers.

The above and other similar news indicate that traveling or just being in public in Turkey for women has become much more difficult with or without a headscarf. Dressing modestly would help minimize visibility but it will not guarantee safety on the street. One Omani college student from the United States who was visiting Istanbul told Al-Monitor, We were at an upscale halal restaurant [not serving alcohol] with my family and I went upstairs to go to the bathroom; a middle-aged man coming out of mens bathroom groped me, but I could not say anything as I did not want my dad to get into a fight. The man was a customer dining with his family, with daughters about my age.

Jenny White, a professor at Stockholm University's Institute for Turkish Studies, is a keen observer of Turkish culture and politics who has researched, lived in and written about Turkey. Asked about changing risk factors for female travelers, White told Al-Monitor, You may no longer be able to rely on ordinary citizens to step in and help you.

She added that in Turkish society, there was savage hatred between different groups of people and an inability to rely on other people for help, as well as a sense of impunity that if you do something to someone else, you won't be held accountable.

Robyn Eckhardt, a food and travel journalist and cookbook author who has traveled in Turkey extensively to do research for her book, highlighted the hospitality in rural areas, particularly in the southeast. She said, I think there is a changing risk factor for any foreign traveler in Turkey caused by pronouncements from various members of the governing party about 'foreign plots' to destabilize Turkey and 'foreign spies' traveling around the country. Some people are likely to take such 'warnings' seriously, and if they do, this will not have good implications for visitors.

Despite the social turmoil and difficulties faced by local and foreign women, Turkey remains an intriguing travel destination with a vibrant young culture. It is not fair to list Turkey as one of the 10 most dangerous places to travel for women. It is crucial, however, to raise a red flag that rising xenophobia and misogyny are leading to the isolation of the country in all aspects. What can the solo female travelers do then? Stay sober, appear strong and in control at all times and be vigilant even at halal restaurants.
August 4, 2017

Following Israels July 16 decision to install metal detectors at the entrance to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, the Palestinian leadership announced the suspension of security coordination with Israel. The detectors have since been removed, but coordination has not been reinstated.

The decisions to freeze or to resume security coordination between the Palestinian Authority [PA] and Israel have been expropriated from the Palestinian leadership, an Israeli security source speaking on the condition of anonymity told Al-Monitor. Those decisions are now in the hands of the Palestinian street. Now more than ever, according to the source, it appears that the Palestinian public controls the leadership, not the other way around.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had withstood a barrage of criticism leveled at him over the past two years by opponents accusing him of collaborating with Israel, but he caved during the events last month on the Temple Mount sparked by the July 14 killing of two Israeli policemen at the site and Israels subsequent installation of the metal detectors. Now he no longer seems able to muster the great courage required to retake the high road.

The crisis over the Temple Mount is over, Israel has removed the metal detectors and cameras, and the Palestinians have declared victory in the volatile struggle over Al-Aqsa Mosque. The anti-Israel climate on the Palestinian street, however, has worsened, and the victory has awakened an appetite for more of the same by putting pressure on Israel  for example, by freezing security coordination.

When the PA informed Israel that it was severing ties in response to what it described as Israel's violation of Al-Aqsa, Islams third holiest site, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said dismissively, It's a Palestinian need first and foremost. If they want it, they'll continue [coordination]; if not, they won't. We don't intend to chase after them over it or force the issue. Well manage either way. He emphasized that Abbas needs the coordination more than Israel does.

Seemingly punitive Israeli actions taken over the past week appear to signal that Israeli security professionals disagree with Libermans attempts to minimize the importance of security ties with the PA. Actually, in recent days, US officials have told the head of Palestinian intelligence, Majid Faraj, that security cooperation must be resumed immediately, warning that the PA was playing with fire. It is unclear whether the American demand followed an Israeli request, but the fact is that joint efforts are underway to renew coordination  the Americans through diplomacy, the Israelis with threats.

On Aug. 2, Israeli soldiers raided the office of the Palestinian security forces in Hebron that deals mostly with civilian and crime-related issues among the citys Palestinian residents. At the same time, Israel removed the checkpoint at the exit from Ramallah (near the Beit El settlement) that provided top PA officials with convenient, coordinated passage out of PA-controlled territory.

The Israeli security source confirmed that Israel had indeed adopted some measures against the PA, calling them adjustments to changing circumstances, such as the absence of formal coordination, rather than sanctions. A Palestinian security force member, however, told Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity that Israel is clearly punishing the PA.

He warned that it was making a serious mistake that would make renewal of coordination even harder and added that despite the excellent coordination previously, Israel had implicated the PA time and again, when its troops entered West Bank Area A (under full Palestinian control according to the Oslo Accord) and carried out arrests. We were perceived as having opened the door to them and even telling them, Go ahead, arrest [so and so], he said.

Abbas has provoked great anger, especially in the Dheisheh, Jalazone, Qalandia and Balata refugee camps. The almost regular raids by Israeli soldiers on those camps to conduct arrests have led to a breakdown of trust between the local populations and the PA in general, and its security forces in particular. Residents of the camps consider Abbas an enemy and his security forces traitors to their people.

Abbas withstood pressure for months to halt security coordination with Israel; at the height of the individual intifada in November 2015, he called security coordination with Israel sacred. During those stormy months, Abbas met at least twice with the then-Shin Bet chief, Yoram Cohen, with the understanding that chaos might harm the PA and that therefore security coordination was also in the interest of the Palestinians. That is likely what Liberman meant when he claimed that the PA needs coordination more than Israel.

The Temple Mount crisis, which caused Abbas to cut short a visit to China and rush back to Ramallah, changed Abbas priorities. To restore some measure of public support, he was forced to set aside the sanctity of coordination with Israel for the sanctity of Al-Aqsa. Turning back the clock now seems almost impossible.

The Israelis chose to undermine the Palestinian VIPs' status, the Palestinian source told Al-Monitor. Top PA officials carry a card issued by Israel that enables them passage through specific checkpoints into Israel or into Jordan and from there to the rest of the world, virtually without undergoing security checks. Now, he argues, Israel is making it difficult for these officials to exit the West Bank to make their lives miserable. He explained, Israel thinks they will put pressure on Abbas to restore the security coordination and with it their pampered existence. But its not that simple.

Restoring security coordination will require careful preparation of Palestinian public opinion to dispel the perception of Abbas as a leader who does Israels bidding. The Palestinians will be seeking revisions to security ties with Israel to present them as achievements.

The PA's first demand, to appease refugee camp residents, will be an express promise from Israel to avoid surprise raids into Area A. The second demand will be to ease the passage of all Palestinians through Israeli roadblocks and to allow the presence of Palestinian police at the Allenby Bridge crossing into Jordan, where Palestinian are required to go through Israeli metal detectors. The issue of metal detectors has become very sensitive following the Temple Mount crisis.

Can Israel accede to these demands? The Israeli source told Al-Monitor that the Palestinians are going out on a limb, and there is no chance of them getting such concessions from Israel. The conclusion, therefore, must be that the resumption of security coordination is nowhere on the horizon.
August 3, 2017

Jared Kushner, the man entrusted by the president of the United States with reviving Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, admitted this week that he had no idea how to do it.

Everyone finds an issue that blocks progress, the Trump son-in-law and senior White House adviser complained in a closed-door meeting with a group of congressional interns July 31. He suggested that instead, lets focus on, how do you come up with a conclusion to the situation." True, there are those who specialize in finding issues, but the people undermining the solution to the situation are those who invent problems where none exist. Thousands of words have been written about the diplomatic implications of the Temple Mount metal detector problem invented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (the detectors were placed at the site after the July 14 attack on Israeli police officers). People say that once bitten, twice shy. Netanyahu is among those who once bitten rushes into the lions den  or, in this case, East Jerusalem. Unfortunately for him and for us, there is no trained, experienced handler to save him and us from this trouble.

The newbie negotiator told the interns that he had read enough books and did not require a history lesson on the conflict. Kushner would be well advised to add to his reading list the record of a July 26 Knesset debate, which would instruct him on another issue Netanyahu is inventing under his very nose. If Kushner did not fall asleep during the lesson on the role of Jerusalem in the Israeli-Palestinian, Jewish-Muslim conflict, then after reading the record he should either ask his father-in-law for permission to twist Netanyahus arm or hand Trump back the peace mandate. If anyone needed additional proof that Netanyahu and his friends had put the kibosh on the 1993 Oslo Accord on Israeli-Palestinian peace, the proposed legislation approved in a preliminary vote at the end of that Knesset debate can serve as the epitaph on the tombstone of that agreement.

Following are excerpts from the Knesset debate that preceded the vote at a first reading (the proposal would need extra readings and proceedings before being adopted) on an amendment to the Basic Law on Jerusalem. The amendment raises the majority required to approve relinquishing parts of Jerusalem to Palestinian control from 61 Knesset members, out of 120, to a special two-thirds (80) majority. Zeev Elkin, the minister in charge of Jerusalem affairs, said, This law is designed to strengthen the status of a unified Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to make it harder in the future for any government to undermine that unification, God forbid, and to hand over parts of the city to foreign sovereignty. Elkin then turned to the Arab members of the legislature, who had warned that the bill would deal a deadly blow to prospects of resolving the dispute over the city that both sides claim as their capital, and of a resolution to the overall conflict. You have reason to fear this bill and not to want it, the minister said in a clear attempt to provoke the representatives of the Arab minority. And that is exactly the reason we support it.

The Knesset also approved at a first reading an amendment to the same basic law, enabling the administrative transfer of more than 100,000 Palestinians currently under the jurisdiction of the Jerusalem municipality, to the jurisdiction of a new, separate municipality. These are the residents of near-Jerusalem Kafr Akeb village and Shuafat refugee camp. Both neighborhoods are located outside the separation fence (on the West Bank side), but belong to the Jerusalem municipality.

On the same day, the prime minister instructed Knesset member Yoav Kish of the Likud to push forward proposed legislation expanding the municipal borders of Jerusalem, while reducing its Palestinian population. The Greater Jerusalem Law would redraw the borders to include West Bank settlements Maaleh Adumim, Betar ilit, Givat Zeev, Efrat and the Etzion settlement bloc, all of them currently outside sovereign Israeli territory.

Kish wrote on his Facebook page that the bill was intended to increase the Jewish majority in Jerusalem. They want to divide Jerusalem, he wrote in an obvious reference to left-wing Israelis, whom Netanyahu accused in 1997 of forgetting that they are Jews. We want to strengthen it  without giving a single grain of land to the Arabs. But even that is not enough. On Aug. 9, a large police force is scheduled to evict the Shamasneh family from its home in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah (following a 2013 court order siding with settlers claiming ownership). Peace activists told Al-Monitor that the eviction notice against the Palestinian family signals a decision by authorities to renew the tide of Jewish settlement in the neighborhood, suspended several years ago under international pressure.

But when all is said and done, the right-wing Israeli government is unable to get rid of the two-state solution that envisions a Palestinian state alongside the Israeli one. A joint survey issued Aug. 1 by the Palestinian Policy Research Center in Ramallah headed by Khalil Shikaki and the Tami Steinmetz Center for Peace Research at Tel Aviv University finds Palestinian support for the two-state solution grew a surprising 8% over the past year. When offered four similar options as to what should happen next, around 45% of Palestinians and Israelis said they prefer a peace agreement, and only 18% on each side prefer the status quo. On the other hand, fewer than 20% of the Jewish Israelis polled trust the Palestinians, and 62% of them believe the Palestinians want to take over all of Israel. At the same time, only 13% of the Palestinians trust the Jews, and 52% of them do not believe that a two-state solution is feasible due to the expansion of the Israeli settlements on the territory they claim for their state. Still, a majority of both Israelis (53%) and Palestinians (52%) support the two-state solution.

One can only hope that envoy Kushner reads the findings carefully. He will find there the hint to locating the treasure that his father-in-law sent him to seek: Most Palestinians are sick of fighting. At the same time, the question of which flag will fly over the Temple Mount interests most Israelis like the snows of yesteryear on Mount Everest. Perhaps there is something to what Knesset member Dov Khenin of the Arab Joint List said at the Knesset plenary debate on the provocative Jerusalem Law  that Jerusalem had become a sanctuary for the corrupt.
August 3, 2017

On July 27, Israel passed a law officially declaring Victory in Europe Day a national holiday. Israel has always observed V-E Day as a day of national remembrance, but the new designation raises its status.

V-E Day commemorates the day on which the Allies accepted Nazi Germanys unconditional surrender in World War II. Its commonly celebrated in Europe and the United States on May 8, when the signing took place in Berlin. But since it was already the next day in the Soviet Union, in Russia it is observed on May 9. Israel has traditionally followed the Soviet tradition of celebrating the event May 9.

Many Soviet Jews fought in the Red Army against the Nazis, and many immigrated to Israel; some are still alive. Moreover, Israel has always acknowledged the decisive role of Soviet soldiers in Germanys defeat.

According to the new Israeli law, the WWII victory will be given special time in school and army curricula. In addition, every May 9 the Knesset will hold a ceremonial meeting, and the government will hold a state ceremony and a procession in Jerusalem.

To understand why this has special relevance for Russian-Israeli relations, it is important to mention at least two facts.

First, in 2012, Israel erected the Monument of the Victory of the Red Army over Nazi Germany in the Israeli town of Netanya. The concept was developed by Russian sculptors, and its construction was heavily sponsored by Russias Jewish diaspora. Top government officials attended the dedication, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israels then-President Shimon Peres.

Second, the Knessets action fits the joint effort of Russian and Israeli parliament members to prevent Poland from implementing a new law giving a green light to demolish Soviet-era monuments in Polish territory. Most of the monuments commemorate WWII and Soviet events. Many Poles view the statues as reminders of their oppression under Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin after the war. Israel was the only country that fully shared Russian negative reaction toward this move.

Why is Israel making the day a holiday now, more than 70 years after the war ended? There seem to be three primary issues involved.

First, states generally want to commemorate something that otherwise might be forgotten. For many years after WWII, there was no notion that it could be forgotten, but now in some countries the lessons of the war arent being taught, and there is a possibility that they will be neglected by future generations. Israel is special in this case not only because of the Holocaust but because Russian Jews who now reside in Israel consider the Red Armys role in the victory over the Nazis a major historical and cultural event  something fully in line with present-day Russias discourse on the issue.

Second, culturally it is a joyful occasion when moral duty and political strategy coincide. The Jewish tradition is built on a detailed remembrance of historical events, which is critical given their dispersion all over the world. The Holocaust is, by all means, the kind of historical landmark that Jews want their next generations to remember. Similarly, a commemoration of the Red Army soldiers who sacrificed their lives to free the world from Nazis is deemed part of the effort to achieve that goal.

Third, Israel has occasionally tried to show Russia its loyalty on issues important to Moscow, so that Israels voice is heard by Russian decision-makers when needed. These days  as Russia has come to play a bigger role in the Middle East  this approach may have a very practical angle, for such issues are many: the Iranian threat, the Golan Heights, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and others. Russias current position in the region creates the impression that Moscow can have a say in all these matters  whether its true or not.

Actions like the new V-E Day commemoration allow Israels voice to be heard more clearly in the Kremlin. Todays Russian leadership may be the most favorably disposed to the Jewish state in its modern history. Russian media project a rather sympathetic attitude regarding Israel. Certainly, that doesnt mean Russia will follow Israels agenda on the issues, but Israel today has opportunities to communicate its perspectives to its Russian counterparts in a fast and direct manner. The V-E Day law  as well as other moves to recognize Soviet and Russian historical contributions to world peace  look to Moscow to be bricks in a solid foundation for long-lasting and mutually beneficial relations between the two nations.
August 3, 2017

The weekslong protests surrounding Jerusalems Al-Aqsa Mosque have affected a variety of players connected with Islams third holiest site. The Islamic Movement in Israel has always been engaged, citing the need to protect the mosque. Its leader, Raed Salah, is the movements most prominent face and has been a vocal critic of Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa, repeatedly calling on the movements supporters to help protect it. As a result, he has been arrested by Israel and banned from Jerusalem on numerous occasions. Salah and his deputy, Kamal al-Khatib, were most recently detained for questioning July 11.

Umm al-Fahm, the Israeli city for which Salah served three times as mayor (in 1989, 1993 and 1997), has been in the news for the past few week as home to the three Palestinians from the Jabarin family who shot two Israeli police officers July 14 on the Haram al-Sharif, where Al-Aqsa sits. Al-Monitor spoke with people familiar with the city and the movement, who said that locals are divided about the three young men.

Mohamad Yazbak, a professor of Palestinian history at Haifa University, told Al-Monitor that the Islamic Movement has kept a low profile since the attack to avoid Israeli recrimination. Nevertheless, three Israeli ministers have called for Salahs arrest.

According to Yazbak, the events at Al-Aqsa were a big boost to the Islamic Movement, especially the leader of its northern branch, Salah. He asserted, Now Salah, whether we like it or not, he is the undisputed and highly credible leader of the Islamic Movement in Israel.

Yazbak also contends that the events at Al-Aqsa gave prominence to religious leaders at the expense of those in the political arena. Even Christian Bishop Atallah Hanna, who supported Al-Aqsa protests, also received a lot of credit and visibility. On the other hand, almost all the political leaders were on the periphery.

The Islamic Movement in Israel has a checkered history in its relations with the Israeli government. The movement split on the eve of the 1996 Israeli Knesset elections over the issue of whether it should participate. In November 2015, the Israeli government outlawed the movements northern branch and some 17 organizations and charities connected to it. The Israelis claimed that a significant body of evidence linked the branch to Hamas and accused the two groups of engaging in clandestine cooperation.

Lawrence Rubin, associate professor at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech, has written about the Islamic Movement and its founder, Sheikh Abdulla Nimr Darwish, who tried to take the organization in a pragmatic direction.

The movement was initially established in 1971, and although it had no official connection to the Muslim Brotherhood, many of its ideologies and philosophies often reflected those of the Brotherhood, which was founded in the Egyptian town of Ismailia in 1928.

Rubin wrote, The movement split in the mid-1990s when a hardline faction did not accept the majoritys decision to run for national elections in the Israeli parliament. Led by Sheikh Ra'ed Salah, this faction, later called the Northern Branch by others, claimed it would not legitimize the state by participating in an Israeli national institution.

Professor Nohad Ali, a sociologist, anthropologist and expert on Jewish and Islamic fundamentalism at Western Galilee University, explained the rationale behind the split. Writing on +972, a left-wing Israeli website, Ali said that Salah and his supporters staunchly opposed Darwishs vision, arguing, Participating in the Knesset will not advance the movement, but rather paralyze it. Salah further believed, Ali wrote, Muslim representatives cannot sit in an Israeli Knesset. It would require them to swear allegiance to a state that defines itself as Jewish.

Ali also explained that Raed's first electoral victory in Umm al-Fahm, the beginning of the peace process in the early 1990s and the signing of the Oslo Accords led some of the leaders of the Islamic Movement to work on the national level. Ali wrote, On the eve of the 1992 elections, Sheikh Darwish, leader and founder of the movement, and his supporters, suggested that the movement not remain limited to local elections but also take part in national ones, and support a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

Yazbak said he believes that the recent events involving Al-Aqsa and its positive effect for the northern branch will not affect the southern branch, which he described as much more moderate and practical. The southern branch, which has members in the Knesset, is very pragmatic and is similar in many ways to the moderate Islamists of Tunisia, Yazbak said.

While the Islamic Movement has tried to keep a low profile in recent weeks, there is little doubt that the possibility of a confrontation between it and the state of Israel is merely postponed, not eliminated. Few in Israel will forget that the three individuals who killed the two Israeli policemen at the Haram al-Sharif came from the town considered by many as the headquarters of the hard-core Islamic Movement in Israel.

If the troubles and disagreements over Al-Aqsa resurface, there is little doubt the movement will act to support their fellow Palestinians in Jerusalem in defense of a mosque that is holy to the entire Islamic world. If they do not, its members will feel that they have lost their raison detre.

Correction: August 9, 2017. An earlier version of this article identified the deputy leader of the Islamic Movement as Kamal Khoury, when in fact he is Kamal al-Khatib.
August 3, 2017

Yesterday, Al-Monitor colleague Amberin Zaman summarized the results of the Supreme Military Council's (SMC) critical decisions on promotions of generals in the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Today we will examine how these decisions might be interpreted.

First, the SMC met Aug. 2 under Prime Minister Binali Yildirim in a reconfigured format of four military and eight civilian officials. This means that civilians hold the council majority for the first time. Naturally, this also means that from now on, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan  and not the military  will have the final say in SMC decisions.

In mid-July, the feeling in Ankara was that Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar would be retired along with commanders of the army, navy and air force.

In my June 14 article, I had noted that despite the flurry of media criticism of Akar, Erdogan had not expressed support for him and it looked like he would be retired unless he was able to bargain with Erdogan. Akar was one of four branch commanders detained by putschists during the July 15, 2016, coup attempt. They all could have stayed on in their positions, but three were retired: Only Akar retained his post. This indicates he did indeed negotiate a favorable outcome through strategic bargaining.

According to the SMC decisions, current Gendarmerie Cmdr. Yasar Guler will lead the army, Gen. Hasan Kucukakyuz will take over the air force and Adm. Adnan Ozbal will command the navy.

Therefore, it's likely Akar will retain his post until August 2019. Unless there are major surprises, the current configuration also means Guler, a close associate of Akar, will become chief of general staff for the 2019-2023 term. Guler gets along well with members of Erdogan's Justice and Development Party and is known for his hard-line performance against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist group, and the Gulen movement, which Erdogan blames for the coup attempt.

The first signal of these changes came July 19 when Defense Minister Fikri Isik was named to be a deputy prime minister and Nurettin Canikli, who has an economics background and a strong vision for the Turkish defense industry, was appointed defense minister.

It was no secret there were sharp differences of opinion between Isik and Akar, particularly over the military education system and the institutional transformation of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). The TSK changes placed branch commanders under the minister of defense instead of the chief of general staff, and the chief of general staff position was attached to the presidency. With Isik's departure, the Ministry of Defense lost some of its strength against the chief of general staff. That's why it's not far-fetched to claim that Akars standing and influence have been boosted in the TSK, the Defense Ministry and the government, given the support he has received from Erdogan.

Also attracting attention was a four-hour meeting Erdogan had with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and a 2-hour meeting with Akar a day before the SMC announced its ruling. Most of the SMC decisions were obviously made in those meetings, and that is how the SMC completed its work in four hours, whereas it used to take three days.

Why did Erdogan extend Akars term of duty? What could Akar have offered him?

We have to acknowledge that since the coup attempt, power plays within the TSK and also between the TSK and civilian actors have continued. Within the TSK, relations over political affiliations, stances over civilian-military relations and attitudes toward military transformation remain unstable. Erdogan is mindful of presidential elections, which are due at the latest in 2019. To retire Akar now could have had disruptive, chaotic effects on these relations. A new debate about Akar's successor and the fallout from the failed coup  complete with more mass trials and continuing purges  could have triggered political polemics affecting Erdogans re-election aspirations. This is most likely one reason Erdogan chose to keep Akar rather than work with an unknown entity.

Another reason is Akar's successful performance in the struggle against the PKK and the Gulenists, which is the SMC's primary criterion for major promotions and appointments.

Last year, close to 4,000 military officers, including 196 generals, were discharged for their alleged links with the Gulenist movement and the military uprising. All field developments indicate that Turkeys struggle with the PKK, and against the PKK-affiliated Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, will continue unabated in 2018  hence Erdogans need for Akar.

During the crisis days after the failed coup, Akar positioned himself close to Erdogan and skillfully managed the power struggle in the TSK and pertinent political arguments without much damage. Also, the personal confidence between Akar and Guler, who is expected to replace him in 2019, is a buffer protecting Erdogan against a new crisis with the TSK. In short, until 2023, Erdogan should have smooth sailing without any disruption from the TSK, and he will work on reformatting civilian-military relations and the country's security structure.

Akar has eight years of seniority on Ozbal and six years on Kucukakyuz. Similarly, Guler has six years of seniority over Ozbal and four years over Kucukakyuz. This seniority in the TSK means that until 2019 the dialogues between Akar and the generals will start with Sir and conclude with Sir, yes sir.

The navy was the epicenter of the earthquake that followed the SMC decision. After the navy's commander, Fleet Adm. Bulent Bostanoglu, was retired, per tradition it was expected that the No. 2 ranking officer, Adm. Veysel Kosele, would assume the top spot. Ozbal, who was fifth in the navys seniority rankings, bypassed four more-senior admirals, which came as a major shock and is likely to cause grumblings. Ozbals promotion no doubt dilutes the institutional strength of the navy compared with the army and air force. It also ensures Akar's control over the navy will be more pronounced.

This is yet another indicator that the TSKs priority in 2018-2019 will continue to be combating the PKK and the Gulenists. Among the colonels the SMC promoted to brigadier generals are many who were sidelined for a time by false legal cases concocted to make it easier to prosecute Gulenist officers. Also promoted to brigadier rank were some special forces members and commando officers, although they were not academically trained staff officers.

An unusual number of colonels, lieutenant generals and major generals had their terms extended even though they were qualified for retirement. Purges after the failed coup created a significant vacuum between the number of four-star and one-star generals, which could affect the TSK's combat effectiveness.

In sum, definitely until August 2018 and most likely until August 2019, we will be discussing civilian-military relations not on their institutional aspects but on personal harmony between Erdogan and Akar. This may well be the wisest approach to current and future crises, albeit one that could possibly cause the Defense Ministry to lose some power. However, personalizing decisions could also hamper institutional transformation and military reforms  as well as democratization, transparency and accountability in civilian-military relations.
August 4, 2017

On June 31, Mehmet Gormez, a Turkish cleric who headed the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), a government department that runs more than 85,000 mosques, bid farewell to his post he had occupied since 2010. Gormezs term didnt end until 2020, which is why his early departure triggered a heated discussion in the media and on social media. As with most other changes in the state bureaucracy, many people believed that the departure of the erudite theologian had something to do with President Recep Tayyip Erdogans plans to single-handedly build a New Turkey."

A few facts about the Diyanet: It is a government body whose budget exceeds many key government ministries, such as the Foreign Ministry, and whose influence over society is significant. Created back in Mustafa Kemal Ataturks time (1923-1938) as a key institution of the Turkish Republic, the Diyanet has always controlled all mosques in Turkey, paying the salaries of the imams and also supervising the content of their sermons. Since the 1960s, its influence even spread to Europe, as it opened hundreds of mosques in countries like Germany with substantial Turkish immigrant communities.

The Diyanet itself is governed by top-down dictates of the state. The head of the institution is appointed by the president and can be changed at will. Various Diyanet heads have been dismissed throughout the past century when they failed to comply with the instructions of the government. This hierarchical structure is one of the reasons why Turkeys self-styled secularism does not imply a wall separating between the state and religion. It rather implies the states total control over religion.

The Diyanets story with Mehmet Gormez, who was an academic theologian before becoming a cleric, began in 2003 when he was made deputy president by the organizations then newly appointed head, Ali Bardakoglu, another academic-turned-cleric. Both Bardakoglu and Gormez came from the more reformist strain within Turkeys pool of theologians, holding the conviction that Muslimhood needs a renewal in the modern age. One step toward that goal was the Hadith Project, which revised and contextualized the medieval collections of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad. The project began in 2008 under the leadership of Gormez and was completed five years later.

In 2010, the Erdogan government replaced Bardakoglu with Gormez for reasons that remained unclear. In the next seven years, Gormez became quite an active Diyanet head, with public appearances both in Turkey and abroad. He delivered the first sermon in Turkey in the Kurdish language, and he also gave the first sermon by a Turkish scholar at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. He launched a scholarly refutation of the Islamic State, criticized the conservatives who did not want women and children in the mosques, and mobilized the public announcement systems of minarets against the military coup attempt on the fateful night of July 15, 2016.

In the eyes of most people in the Turkish opposition, Gormez was just another pillar of the Erdogan regime. In the eyes of the staunchest defenders of the same regime, however, Gormez was just not staunch  and not obedient  enough. This became evident earlier this year, when daily Turkiye, a pro-Islamic newspaper that lately has become one of the bastions of the most ferocious Erdoganists, began slamming Gormez for being soft on the Gulenists, which amounts to the ultimate political heresy in todays Turkey.

Al-Monitor sources in Ankara suggested that the campaign against Gormez was spearheaded by the notorious Pelicanists. The term comes from the mysterious Pelican Brief blog, which was the trigger to the ousting of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu back in May 2016. Since then, Pelicanists has become the code word for the hard-core Erdoganists who lash out against not only the critics of Erdogan but also his softer supporters who supposedly show signs of treason. They want to replace the people with 98% loyalty, as an insider once told me, with people with 110% loyalty.

A few articles in the Turkish media also offered the same explanation for Gormezs departure, which was apparently based not on his own request, as it was officially announced, but on a decision from the very top. One article was by Hakan Albayrak, an Islamist writer who is supportive of the government but who also has the rare spine to criticize it. Gormez was dismissed, he wrote in his column in daily Karar, because he did not take certain steps without consulting the commission of scholars. Because of this, Albayrak added, Gormez was ultimately found not very fit for practical use.

It seems that Gormez was also dismissed because his views on Islam were found to be too reformist and modernist compared to the more rigid and conservative circles that are becoming growingly assertive in the New Turkey. A famous voice from this conservative camp, a fiery preacher named Ahmet Mahmut Unlu, condemned Gormez as the worst head of the Diyanet ever and expressed the hope that he would be replaced with someone loyal to Ahl al-Sunna. The term is the Arabic word for Sunni Islam, and it is used in Turkey often to designate a pure, unreformed form of it. Other conservative Islamist figures shared this point of view in social media and vowed that the new head of the directorate must be a defender of Ahl al-Sunna.

At this point, it is actually not clear who will replace Gormez as the head of the Diyanet. What matters, however, is not just the leader but the very mission of the institution. In his noteworthy farewell speech, Gormez pointed to this issue. It must be decided, he said, Whether this deep-rooted institution is a purely bureaucratic body or whether it represents the scholarship tradition that guides our religious-spiritual life. And there are few reasons today to think that the powers that be prefer anything other than a purely bureaucratic body.
U.S. Marshals captured two people Thursday night in Virginia, wanted in a July 23 Calhoun County double murder, Sheriff Matthew Wade said.

Jeffrey Jamall Briskey, 32, and Sicondria Michala "C.C." Carter, 26, both of Anniston, were taken into custody about 9:30 p.m. CST in an Econo Lodge in the Petersburg, Va., area near the intersection of Interstates 85 and 95, Wade said.

Briskey has a warrant for murder, while Carter is wanted for hindering prosecution. The two are being held in connection with the killing of Travis Frost, 73, and Joshua Moody, 23. The two men were beaten and shot to death at Frost's Rabbittown Road residence in the eastern part of Calhoun County. Authorities received a call about 4:30 a.m. the morning of July 23.

Sicondria "C.C." Carter

Frost's wife, who called authorities, was hiding in a bedroom when the killings occurred.

Wade said Moody knew at least one of the people being sought, but on the Monday following the murder he said the killings "were not random."

Wade said investigators are on their way to Virginia to question the two. The search continues for Rhimington Otarivs Johnson, 25, of Anniston. He is wanted for murder, standing 6 feet 1 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds. Wade said he should be considered armed and dangerous.

He did not know if marshals recovered a gold 2002 Dodge Stratus with license number 11GS786. The car is believed to be Carter's.

Wade said investigators believe Johnson had split up from Briskey and Carter, who were caught with a combination of tips from Virginia and Alabama. Authorities do not believe Carter was "held against her will," he said.

Rhimington Johnson

During a press conference today at the Calhoun County Jail, Wade was also asked about criticism of the investigation on social media. Last night, Wade posted on his Facebook account a screenshot of a person asking if people felt safe with "three armed suspects" in the area. Wade, in his status, defended his department, saying they "worked tirelessly over the past two weeks having identified the suspects within two days of the murder."

Today, he said he knew when he posted the status that the two had been captured. He derided "keyboard commandos" who he said use social media to criticize those in law enforcement.

"Just because we don't tell you everything about an investigation doesn't mean that everything is out there," he said. "The family knows what we're doing, and that's what's important."

There is a $6,000 reward for information in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call (256)-238-1414.
Imagine pulling up to the elementary school car line in this.

Honda's new 2018 Odyssey got a makeover recently to become a "Minnie Van." The vehicle, a collaboration of Honda and ABC-Disney, made an appearance at the D23 Ultimate Fan Expo last month in Anaheim.

Pink with white polka dots, the van also sported mouse ears and a bow.

It was part of the "Minnie's Style: The Fashion House of Minnie Mouse" display, along with assorted mouse memorabilia. The winner of a sweepstakes took home an Odyssey - just not this particular one.

The mouse mobile wasanother way Honda has promoted the redesigned vehicle, which is manufactured in Talladega County at the Lincoln plant. It debuted earlier this year, and the company held a massive celebration as production began.

The new Odyssey is equipped with several features to minimize cabin noise and allow for convenience with families, offering three rows of seating. It also has an internal mic and camera system allowing the driver to communicate with passengers and look in on them, as would a parent with children.

The Odyssey has a heated and ventilated front seat, hands-free power liftgate, wireless device charging and in-car Wifi, as well as stain-resistant leather. It features one aspect new to any Honda vehicle - "magic slide" seats which adjust front and back and side-to-side.

Honda has redesigned and rolled out model redesigns for all four of its vehicles built in Alabama over the last three years - the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot SUV, the Ridgeline pickup and Acura MDX.
Toyota and Mazda will build a $1.6 billion manufacturing plant in the U.S., which is expected to create as many as 4,000 jobs.

However, the companies did not announce a location for the plant, according to multiple reports. CNN Money reported the plant is expected to be operational by 2021.

The news was immediately hailed by President Trump via Twitter:

Toyota & Mazda to build a new $1.6B plant here in the U.S.A. and create 4K new American jobs. A great investment in American manufacturing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2017

Trump earlier this year threatened Toyota with a border tax after it announced plans to build a new factory in Guanajuato, Mexico.

For the U.S. factory, Toyota says it will build the Corolla, the world's most popular sedan, while Mazda will focus on crossovers. The plant could produce about 300,000 cars a year.

Toyota has plants in Indiana, Kentucky and Texas. Mazda has not made cars in the U.S. since a joint partnership with Ford ended.

According to Forbes, Toyota and Mazda said they will both buy 5 percent of each other's shares and use the partnership to develop technologies for electric vehicles and autonomous drive, or self-driving vehicles.
When they start school next Wednesday, the students at Simmons Middle School in Hoover will see a big difference in the girls' bathroom. As they apply lipstick or wash their hands at the sink, they'll stand beneath the words "You are beautiful."

That's just one of several inspirational messages posted in the bathroom by five 7th-grade teachers at the 800-student school last weekend.

"Our principal, Brian Cain, asked us to 'own' different sections of the building," said Laura Missildine, a 7th grade language arts teacher who's starting her fourth year at Simmons.

The school's art teacher transformed the staff bathroom into a spa-like space last year, she said, and that inspired the group of teachers to do something similar for the girls.

"We felt our girls needed something like that, somewhere girls can go to call their own," she said. "We wanted them to have a retreat."

Missildine and four other teachers, including Winnie Davis, Allison Harrelson, Charvon Jackson-Lassiter and Sue Martindale, spent the day last Friday painting one of the walls mint green to go with the existing blue doors on the bathroom stalls. On Saturday, they applied the vinyl decals.

One of the teachers, Jackson-Lassiter, made the decals using her Cricut machine.

Each door has a different message, including: "Beautiful girl, you can do amazing things," "Be the best version of you," "Dream it, believe it, achieve it," "Happy girls are the prettiest girls" and "Be your own kind of beautiful."

This message greets girls as they walk in: "She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes."

"We had such a good time," said Missildine. "I can't wait for the girls to see it."

After she posted a few photos of the bathroom on her Facebook page, she made the post public so one of her friends could share it. "I thought it was crazy when 12 people shared it," she said. Her post has now been shared nearly 5,000 times.

What a fun day! I cannot wait to see how excited the girls are about their new bathroom at school! Simmons Bucs Posted by Laura Ashley Rainey on Saturday, July 29, 2017

"But this kind of thing is normal for us at our school. It's the way we are," she said. "And our girls deserve it. It brings me joy to do it for them."

Missildine believes middle-schoolers get a bad rap, but she finds her students "hilarious, so entertaining." She said she's constantly giving them positive reinforcement.

"Middle school is tough," she said. "Girls need a little love and encouragement."

Next, the teachers plan to do something similar in the boys' bathroom.
Rick Kern/WireImageA rep for Chris Christie has denied a story about Jon Bon Jovi using The Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney to avoid talking to the New Jersey governor at a party.

To back up a bit: Carney gave an interview with Vice News in November 2016 in which the drummer explains he once met Bon Jovi at a party, and the New Jersey rocker started talking to him "really intensely."

"I was like, 'Wow, why does Jon Bon Jovi want to talk to me?'" Carney remembers. "But I realized it was just because he didn't want to talk to Chris Christie."

Carney's comments surfaced again this week, and the New York Post's Page Six reached out to a rep for Governor Christie, who dismissed the story as "completely ridiculous."

"The governor and first lady are personal friends with Jon and [his wife] Dorothea," the rep says.

Bon Jovi supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, but he's allowed Christie, who's also a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, to use his music for political events.

"My friendships are apolitical. And yes, I absolutely gave [Christie] permission to use my songs," Bon Jovi said in 2015.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Hala Alyans novel spans generations of a Palestinian family as they search for home and identity in diaspora.

Hala Alyans debut novel Salt Houses has shaken up the literary world. The Palestinian-American poet and psychologists book is a family drama about displacement that traverses conflicts, countries and continents.

The novel explores the experiences of eight members of a Palestinian family spanning six generations. Readers meet them in 1967 Nablus, Palestine, at the start of the Six-Day War and travel with them through the Israel-Lebanon War in 2006 and beyond.

Salt Houses is punctuated by a never-ending search for home, from Nablus to Kuwait City, Amman, Paris and Boston. At times, the family members are uprooted by war, and at other times by choice or chance.

Born of a short story, the novel delves into the inter-generational trauma accompanying exile. It is a particularly personal book for Alyan, whose own family has experienced displacement.

Al Jazeera spoke with Alyan about the novels timeliness, her transition from poetry to prose and the role novelists can play in shaping narratives on the Arab world.

Al Jazeera: How did the idea of Salt Houses come to you?

Hala Alyan: Ive always been interested in the period between 1948 and 1967 when something terrible had already happened, but people didnt know what else was to come. How there was this lost generation, particularly of young men, that felt powerless.

I was going to write a short story about one young man, on his way to the mosque, reflecting on an illicit affair he was having. Then I had him run into his sister. Then I realised how much I loved the sister. And then I reflected on the mother.

I found myself captivated by this family. I felt it would be cruel to abandon them when I knew the Six-Day War was coming, and theyd probably lose their home. I know that might sound ridiculous as theyre characters I created, but I felt this obligation to see the story through.

Al Jazeera: Did you have the global political situation in mind when writing?

Alyan: When I first started writing, I was steeped in the past, preoccupied with the idea of doing justice to an era I never existed in. That felt like a huge responsibility. When I switched over to the 2006 Lebanon war and the final chapters, I was very much thinking about the present context.

The Trump era has amplified issues that always existed. Black bodies were being harassed by police; Muslims were being vetted and discriminated against. These things were already happening, they just became more shameless, exaggerated and blown up. In that sense, Im happy this book has come out in an era of literal and psychological borders; I hope it will contribute to the literary genre that tries to transcend and challenge those ideas.

Theres something tragic about having to find ways to keep your culture alive in displacement.

Al Jazeera: One of your characters, Mustafa, is attracted to the mosque for political rather than religious reasons. What message were you trying to send?

Alyan: What Ive taken is the archetype of the lost young person looking for tribe and community. You see that in disenfranchised communities everywhere and in people being radicalised. At the heart of that are people at a loss for purpose and meaning. Mustafa serves as a representation of the young man in a rudderless moment, looking for anything that will point him north. The means and instruments most accessible to him are those of the mosque and the community he finds there.

Al Jazeera: The family in this book is cushioned by a comfortable economic situation, yet still damaged by war. Why did you go with that angle?

Alyan: I wanted to write a story of displacement and diasporic memory, and to do that, people had to be able to leave. This book doesnt purport to represent the entire Palestinian experience. Its a slice of that experience: This is what happens if you have certain socioeconomic means and opportunities. I wanted this to be a story about being Palestinian without being in Palestine.

Its worse to be living in a camp, of course. But it was important for me to write about how theres still suffering and a sense of loss in exile. Theres a luxury and privilege in being able to become someone in exile, but that doesnt mitigate the fact that youre always going to be landless. Theres something tragic about having to find ways to keep your culture alive in displacement.

READ MORE: The bookseller saving Jerusalems Palestinian identity

Al Jazeera: What role should Arab novelists play in shaping the narrative on the region?

Alyan: From my perspective, its to tell the truth, as ugly as it might be. No one behaves well during war. There are real class and social issues. Im not going to paint my people or parts of the world I love with a rose-coloured brush because thats not fair to my audience or the people Im trying to represent. If Im going to tell the truth about certain things, I want to tell the truth about all of it.

Its important to remember that any critique, if were going to write about Palestine or Syria, is part of the tax we pay. Being able to talk about it is a luxury  we get to have voices whereas many people who came before us and many today dont.

Al Jazeera: In writing this book, did you feel you were able to connect more with your Palestinian identity?

Alyan: As a Palestinian, one of the things I contend with is guilt. Can I claim this identity, even if Im not suffering the way people in Palestine are? Can I claim this identity even though Im not living under occupation? My biggest fear is that Ill be accused of slipping that identity on and off.

Im very conscious that I say Im Palestinian-American  I dont shy away from it. In terms of writing Salt Houses, though, I do think it was in part a subconscious testament that Im unapologetically Palestinian. And that identity belongs to me in a different way, but I would say just as much as anybody who claims ownership of it.





Al Jazeera: Who did you write this book for?

Alyan: This was a book inspired by a family that was also written for them. I dont mean to sound ungrateful for all the praise Ive received, but when my brother read it and texted saying: You did it, you did the thing you were supposed to do, that was it. Nothing will top that.

This is not my story. And when you look at it that way, the most gratifying responses are from the people I had in mind when writing.

Al Jazeera: Will you be focusing more on novels now, versus poetry?

Alyan: Hopefully this is the beginning of more of both. I cant imagine not writing poetry. It feeds something essential in me that fiction doesnt. It also taught me a lot about patience and about taking what seems like a daunting task and breaking it into pieces.

Im well into a new novel, which is about an expatriate family that returns to sell its ancestral home in Beirut. The book is written simultaneously in the 1950s and 1960s in Damascus and Beirut, and then in the present day over one summer, as the adult children try to dissuade the patriarch from selling the home.

I like the idea of not being in one perspective forever, as that would be a little restless for me.

Al Jazeera: How do you feel about the reception for Salt Houses?

Alyan: For a while, I felt like it was happening to somebody else. Praise in publishing is such an individualistic thing. Granted, I sat down and created the product, but it felt like a collectivist process.

Writing this book for me took generations. I think of Salt Houses as a book thats been generations in the making, and thats taken a tribe to write.

This is a book my grandmother wrote without realising and my great-grandparents wrote without realising. This is a book that existed through so many people and so many iterations and so many cities.
UN peacekeepers are supposed to help vulnerable communities but can their presence damage the countries they operate in?

UN peacekeepers are sent to some of 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 three, we ask if the presence of a peacekeeping community can sometimes do the host nation more harm than good.

Read Part I: Why do some peacekeepers rape?

Read Part II: Is the UN sending the wrong people to keep the peace?

Inside Peaceland

In her 2015 book, Peaceland, Severine Autesserre, a professor of political science at Barnard College of Columbia University in the US, writes about a community of interveners for whom peace is either the primary objective (like peacekeepers) or part of a broader set of goals (such as diplomats or development workers) who often exist in a parallel world to the people they are meant to serve.

She argues that the way in which this community lives, talks and collaborates with locals reinforces a pervasive power disparity between the interveners and their intended beneficiaries.

The peacekeeping economy  in which millions of dollars arrive, circulate between external actors and rarely reach or benefit the local community  emboldens a sense of impunity and superiority among this community of interveners, says Marsha Henry, an associate professor at the London School of Economics Gender Institute in the UK, pointing to how peacekeepers and the aid community often live privileged, if precarious, lives in an economy that caters more to their needs than to the development goals of the country they are in.

You have immunity and privilege, and you fly business class, and you have privileges that you never had before, and quickly people begin to internalise this idea that the world is us and them, explains Paula Donovan, from Aids Free World, a US-based NGO that exposes injustice, abuse and inequality.

Kelly-Jo Bluen, a former project leader for international justice at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in South Africa, argues that peacekeepers often parachute in with little regard for the local population and with the notion that they are saviours. The focus becomes one of violence out there as opposed to the economies of violence and acts of sexual violence fostered and perpetrated by peacekeepers, she explains.

Interaction with the local population is often discouraged. But Henry argues that there should be more, not less, of it. When interaction does happen, it is often in the form of peacekeepers parading in their armoured vehicles and blue helmets, something she says furthers the dehumanisation of the host population.

One peacekeeper in the Central African Republic, who did not want to give his name as he was not authorised to talk to the media, told Al Jazeera, that his battalion had been instructed not to talk to or engage with the local population. It just creates the possibilities for the wrong things to happen  the next thing you know, we are accused of something, he says.

Peacekeeping and prostitution

There is one particular economy that can be fed by the presence of peacekeepers.

In the International Organization journal article Peacekeeping, Compliance with International Norms, and Transactional Sex in Monrovia, published in late 2016, researchers found that more than 50 percent of women surveyed in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, had engaged in transactional sex. A large majority  75 percent  with UN peacekeeping, the report found.

Widely touted as the first quantitative study of the association between a UN peacekeeping operation and transactional sex, the report stated: Transactional sex with UN personnel is a ubiquitous life experience among young women in Monrovia.

The actions of UN peacekeepers are undermining the UNs broader peace-building goals in Liberia, it continued.

When UNMIL (UN Mission in Liberia) withdraws, it will leave behind a distorted economy in which more than half Monrovias young women will have been making their livelihoods by selling sex.

When several international aid agencies raised the alarm over abusive behaviour by UN peacekeepers in Cambodia between 1991 and 1993, including them visiting brothels where some of the prostitutes were underage, Yasushi Akashi, the then head of the UN mission to Cambodia (UNTAC), responded, boys will be boys.

Reflecting on Akashis comments, Sandra Whitworth, a professor of political science at York University in Toronto, Canada and author of Men, Militarism and UN Peacekeeping: A Gendered Analysis, writes that bringing peace to Cambodia was accompanied [by] the deployment of soldiers who assumed that their prerogatives as militarised men included access to prostitutes, as well as a freedom to pursue, harass, and assault local women.

What constitutes exploitation and what abuse?

The UN discourages sexual relations between peacekeepers and the local community, arguing that it fosters unequal relations.



While peacekeepers can be fired or repatriated for breaking UN code by engaging in sexual relations, including paying for sex (defined as exploitation by the UN) with a member of the local community, they can escape prosecution if the UN rules that it is not abuse (such as rape), or if prostitution is not illegal in the country.

[But by Gill

prostitution, or what some term sex work, is rarely, if ever, the first choice of those who are hungry and/or have families to support. It is almost always a last resort and peacekeepers must reflect on their positions of power and privilege.]

It is up to the UN to decide whether the peacekeepers behaviour is deemed exploitation or abuse.

Olivier Salgado, the spokesperson for the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, explains the distinction between the two.

Sexual exploitation incorporates an inherently unequal power dynamic. Sexual abuse is a physical act committed whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. Both sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, however, violate the fundamental values of the United Nations and its standards of conduct.

It is also important to note, he adds, that in some instances, sexual exploitation may lead to sexual abuse and should, therefore, be given the utmost attention.

Consensual sex and unequal power dynamics

When in 2003, the then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan introduced a zero tolerance policy on sexual abuse and exploitation, 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.

But academics and researchers disagree over the effectiveness of this approach.

The pressure on peacekeepers to remain celibate for long missions is unreasonable, says Henry. Many just dont see paying someone for sex as a major infraction  if they cover it up, it is because they know the UN doesnt like it, she adds.

Paul Higate, a lecturer at the school of sociology, politics and international studies at the University of Bristol in the UK, agrees that it is counterproductive to regulate or prohibit sexual relations between consenting adults.

But Gill Mathurin, communications director of Aids Free World, on the other hand, argues that it is not possible for there to be consensual sex between UN peacekeepers and the people they are sent to serve.

Higate believes there needs to be greater clarity over how sexual relations are understood in the context of the power dynamics between peacekeepers and the host population.

The situation of adults involved in survival prostitution should not be equated with the rape of a child, he says.

[But] prostitution, or what some term sex work, is rarely, if ever, the first choice of those who are hungry and/or have families to support. It is almost always a last resort and peacekeepers must reflect on their positions of power and privilege.

Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo Helen Wembe* was at home in the village of Bunia, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, when a peacekeeper came to the door. Wembe, who was 13 years old at the time, explained that her grandmother wasnt home as she had gone to a funeral. The peacekeeper entered. He raped me. My brothers and sisters were in the house at the time, she says. That was in 2004, the same year the international media reported that peacekeepers had been exchanging eggs, bananas, and peanut butter for sex with women and children in Wembes village. The women involved said they were hungry, homeless or needed items for their babies or households. Hundreds of children were subsequently born in Bunia. The UN introduced DNA testing to determine the paternity of these so-called peacekeeper babies. Source: United Nations *Name changed to protect identity There are currently 22,016 peacekeepers in the DRC. Since 2015, there have been 47 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in the DRC. These include 83 peacekeepers and 65 survivors. To date, five of the accused have been jailed.

Follow Azad Essa on Twitter: @AzadEssa
An interfaith group was stopped from boarding their flight in the US as Israel enforces ban on foreign BDS supporters.

Washington, DC  Last month, an interfaith group was barred from catching a flight to Israel from an airport near Washington, DC. At the Lufthansa check-in counter, the group of Jewish, Muslim and Christian delegates were told that Israeli authorities had instructed the airline not to allow them to fly to Tel Aviv.





We werent given any more information, we were given no documentation, said Noah Habeeb, a 23-year-old student who was travelling with the group. We were told that theres nobody else we can speak to about it, that speaking to TSA [the Transportation Security Administration] or US security officials would be irrelevant because the decision was solely from the Israelis.

It quickly emerged that Israeli authorities had blacklisted the group because of their support for BDS  the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement  which works to pressure Israel into ending its occupation of Palestinian and Arab lands and to grant its own Palestinian citizens full rights.

The two women and three men who were banned are members of various activist groups that support BDS: Jewish Voice for Peace, Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and American Muslims for Palestine.

We were prepared for interrogation at Ben Gurion  I was. Im Arab and Jewish, all of us who have Arab heritage in any way were expecting that, but not in this way. This is new, Habeeb told Al Jazeera.

OPINION: The legal ways you can counter the anti-BDS campaign

Ban enforcement

Israel has regularly banned foreigners, including Jews, from entry for their activism or political views, but in March, it formalised its policy and began enforcing the ban more forcefully. Israels parliament passed an amendment into law denying entry to foreigners who express public support for boycotting the country or its settlements in the West Bank.





It appears that this is a new front in the war against Israel for which the state was so far reluctant to prepare, the amendment to the state entry law read. This amendment aims to prevent people or representatives of companies, associations or organisations who publicly call to boycott Israel from actively working within state territories to promote their agenda.

Interior Minister Arye Dery and Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan acknowledged in a statement that the group was barred from coming to Israel under the provisions of this new law, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said authorities have the right to deny entry to those it deems a threat to its security.

Every country has the right to say that certain people who work actively against it are not welcome, Nahshon told Al Jazeera. The same applies to the US or to any other country in the world. There is no reason whatsoever why we should allow people whose main purpose in life is the destruction of Israel to travel [here].

A related bill is also being advanced at the Knesset. If passed, it would ensure that the governments pushback against BDS is shrouded in secrecy. Heading the fight against BDS, the Ministry of Strategic Affairs wants its efforts to combat attempts to delegitimise Israel exempt from the countrys Freedom of Information Law, which permits citizens to seek information from a public authority.

Erdan said the bill, which already passed a first reading, was necessary. Since this is a battlefront like any other, the ministry put together a strategy for running the campaign against this phenomenon, he said on July 18.

Since its inception in 2005, BDS has gained significant momentum, most notably in the cultural, religious and educational arenas. But despite its success in persuading some unions and banks in Europe and elsewhere to divest from companies that violate Palestinian rights, the movement has not made a significant dent in Israels economy.

READ MORE: Why BDS supporters in British universities fear they are being silenced

Nonetheless, BDS actions have left Israel increasingly concerned about its image abroad, as the movements support base continues to grow in the US and Canada, as well. In 2016, the Knesset even held a conference to discuss various methods to tackle BDS, and allotted 100 million shekels (around $28m) to that cause.

US bills to counter BDS

Israels efforts to combat BDS have meanwhile grown beyond its borders. In recent years, a slew of bills banning the boycott of Israel or its settlements have come to the fore in the US Congress and state legislatures.





Over the past two years, weve seen a proliferation of legislation at the state and federal level, said Lara Friedman, president of the Washington, DC-based Foundation for Middle East Peace.

The immediate catalyst for this legislation  and the actual focus of its impact  isnt the BDS movement, but increased efforts in the international community, and particularly by the EU, to differentiate between Israel and settlements.

The Foundation for Middle East Peace has documented at least 28 bills introduced since 2015, targeting Israel boycotts and including in its definition of Israel its settlements in the West Bank. Critics say these anti-BDS bills are problematic because they conflate Israel with its illegal settlements, and stifle free speech.

What we have are efforts to protect and normalise settlements, cloaked as efforts to fight BDS, Friedman told Al Jazeera. [This] leads us to the broader free speech issue: much of this legislation is brazenly unconstitutional, seeking to exploit concern about BDS to undermine the constitutionally protected right to speak out and engage in activism based on ones political beliefs.

These bills can be broken down into four major strands, according to Friedman. The first is at the state level, and it seeks to bar companies and individuals that boycott either Israel or settlements from winning state contracts.

The second, also at the state level, seeks to have states divest from companies that boycott settlements or Israel, and a third, which has popped up at both the federal and state levels, seeks to exploit a very broad definition of anti-Semitism to effectively shut down both BDS and criticism of Israel on university campuses.

The fourth is a bill currently advancing in Congress: the Israel Anti-Boycott Act would impose huge sanctions  fines of up to $1m and 20 years in prison  on those supporting or advocating boycotts of Israel, including its settlements, advocated by international organisations like the EU or UN.

Backers of this legislation insist it is necessary to push back against EU- and UN-backed boycotts of Israel, despite the fact that not a single European country, nor the UN, calls for boycotting Israel, Friedman said.

READ MORE: The history of the BDS movement

As outrage grew over the proposed measure, with groups like the ACLU asserting its unconstitutionality, some members of Congress have said they are now open to amending or at least reviewing the legislation. In a surprising move, one of the original co-sponsors of the bill has even withdrawn her support for the legislation.

Theyre now realising how draconian [this bill] is, said Rahul Saksena, a lawyer at Palestine Legal, a group that supports pro-Palestine civil rights activists. It is fundamentally ridiculous that our lawmakers from both major political parties are supporting a bill that questions First Amendment-protected activism.

Saksena believes that amending the law is not enough to offset the chilling effect it will have on free speech and grassroots activism, on Palestine specifically.

Im concerned that with an overzealous presidential administration, pressured perhaps by Israel advocacy groups  including the ones that support this bill  if its enacted, it will be viewed as yet another tool to crush Palestine advocacy.
Earlier this week, the Jordanian parliament voted to repeal a provision of the penal code that allows rapists to escape punishment by marrying their victims.

The controversial debate over Article 308, which stipulates that rape perpetrators may be pardoned if they marry their victims and stay with them for at least three years, has plagued the nation for decades. It has divided Jordan between those who believe the law is necessary to rid women of the social stigma associated with having intercourse outside of marriage, and others who describe the law as a major human rights violation.

Al Jazeera spoke with Wafa Bani Mustafa, a womens rights champion and parliament member who was the first to propose an end to the provision. She says the fight for womens rights is not over.

Al Jazeera: Can you give us a bit of background on where this article and other laws that affect the status of women in Jordan come from?

Wafa Bani Mustafa: Article 308 has its roots in French and Latin laws. European countries only fairly recently abolished similar clauses. In France, that happened in 1994; in Italy, 1981.

The introduction of such laws in the Arab world happened largely through a mix of colonialism and through the experiences of other countries in the region. Many of the countries used Egypt as an example, which got its laws through the Ottomans and the French colonial involvement in Egypt.

But in essence, it is a European product. The important thing to focus on is that such articles have no religious or societal justification  they only discriminate against women.

Al Jazeera: Why do you think it took this long for Jordan to abolish this article?

Bani Mustafa: To be honest, raising awareness of womens rights and the battles to change laws largely depends on the movements within the parliament and womens movements in civil society and the pressure they put.

I was the first to propose a parliamentary memorandum to abolish Article 308 in December 2013. At the time, a number of deputies signed with me and there was a discussion with the government about formulating a committee to review the penal code. The issue was shoved aside when a new parliament and a new government came into place.

But after it was proposed, a movement started in Jordan to push for abolishing the law. The campaigns tried to unify Jordanians  even well-known academics, journalists and activists participated in this campaign.

They would go to every district in Jordan and campaign in universities, in media, and raise awareness. Several organisations worked hard to produce statistics and conduct studies on this issue. And they came out with numbers that were very powerful.

We also worked on this article on the regional level. We worked with the Arab inter-parliamentary union and we met with heads of state to get rid of this article in all of the Arab countries.

Al Jazeera: Why did you choose to focus on Article 308 at this moment in time?

Bani Mustafa: It was my duty as a legislator to adopt such an issue. As a parliamentarian, I have the right, by the constitution, to propose new laws or amendments to laws. And it was my ability to impact as an activist and as a lawmaker, and through my close relationship with civil society and womens groups, being able to oversee some of the cases that they dealt with  of victims that were exposed to oppression and injustice as a result of them being forced to marry under 308  that led me to focus on 308.

I used to oversee a lot of the cases. I was in contact with the victims and their families. And I used to see how society used to pressure them using this article to brush the issue under the rug.





I think the hardest thing is that we leave our girls with no options; her options are either to marry her rapist, or to marry her rapist. Marriage is a very sacred thing. It is too sacred for it to be used as a tool for punishment. When I took up this issue, I did so because I was convinced that we would win this battle legally and from my experience within society.

Al Jazeera: Some people would argue that although the article was abolished, this does not change the mindset of the society. What do you say to that?

Bani Mustafa: I think that changing the legislation is a vital part of changing society. Now that 308 has been abolished, we should wait and see how society will react.

More importantly, the law to give reduced charges to crimes involving the murder of women [Article 98] has also been abolished, and this is a strong message to society that there will not be any legal leniency in such crimes. There will be no legal cover for perpetrators.

The message were sending to society is a correct one, that builds on the issue of equality  that equality is the right of the whole society. If they are not punished, they will do it again. We have managed to protect women and now it is the job of the state to protect and support these women, to provide care and empowerment for them and to work on accepting them into society as victims and survivors and not as being guilty.

Al Jazeera: What do you say to those who have criticised Jordan for taking so long to repeal such a clause?

Bani Mustafa: Yes, its unfortunate that we took this long, but we have managed to take this step and there are other countries that havent until now. I think it is a major achievement.

What is important now is to follow up and to achieve equality [for] the victims and for society  This issue isnt specific to Jordan or to the Arab world. There are countries around the world that continue to stigmatise women. There are countries that have very developed legislation, yet in practice do not treat women equally. There are countries out there where women suffer way more than they do in the Arab world in similar crimes.

This interview has been edited for length.
The elections in Kenya matter not just to Kenyans but to the rest of the African continent and the world.

On August 8, two political heavyweights will compete for power in a tightly fought presidential election in Kenya. President Uhuru Kenyatta, who came to power in 2013, is seeking a second and final term in office. Raila Odinga, who lost to Kenyatta in the last election, is his main challenger.

The results of the election, the sixth since the end of the one-party state in 1991, are significant not just for Kenya, but also for the wider region. Kenya is a political and economic powerhouse, and a relative bastion of peace in East Africa. Regional leaders will be anxious about the outcome of the election and  in the case of an Odinga administration  about the priorities of the new government.





Over the years, Kenyatta and Odinga have differed widely on important policy issues that affect security and cooperation in the region.

Withdrawing troops from AMISOM

Odinga has taken issue with Kenyas involvement in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a major regional peacekeeping operation in which Kenya plays a central role. He has often called for the withdrawal of Kenyas Defense Forces (KDF), despite being the prime minister of the government that sent Kenyan soldiers to Somalia for the first time. Numbering more than 3,600 and mainly responsible for Sector 2  a large swath that encompasses the western and southwestern border of Somalia with Kenya  the KDF deployment plays a significant role in the regional effort to dismantle and defeat al-Shabab.

Even though territorially weakened, al-Shabab remains a potent threat for the region; controlling territories in southern and central parts of Somalia that act as a haven for the group to plot attacks. For example, over the past two years, al-Shabab has overrun three of AMISOMs Forward Operating Bases (FOB): KDF FOB in Ceel Adde, Ugandas FOB in Janaale, and Burundis FOB in Leego  all in South-Central Somalia.

OPINION: Kenyas election  What will young people vote for?

AMISOM has plans to start withdrawing troops from Somalia in October 2018, with a scheduled full withdrawal completed by 2020, yet the AU mission is unlikely to leave if assessments still show that the nascent Somali National Army is incapable of taking control.

Moreover, the mission still requires an extra 28,000 troops to pacify al-Shabab in the south-central regions of Jubaland and Hiiraan. KDF withdrawal under a new Odinga government will severely affect the mission, creating a vacuum that will allow al-Shabab to re-group  endangering not only the progress made inside Somalia but also the security of Kenya and the stability of the wider region. In contrast, Kenyatta has urged regional leaders to deploy more troops and has called on the international community to help with the additional deployments.

If Odinga wins the election, a regional diplomatic crisis may also be on the cards, with Somaliland, a semi-autonomous region that declared independence from Somalia, at centre stage. During a question and answer session at Chatham House last autumn, Odinga voiced support for the regions independence, stating that he was a strong supporter of the full recognition of Somaliland. As expected, his statement garnered a forceful rebuke from the Somali government.

If an Odinga-led government recognises Somaliland, Kenya would become the first country to do so. Such an action will undoubtedly wreak diplomatic havoc, not only causing Somalia to sever ties with Kenya, but also threatening the African Union, which considers the recognition of Somaliland as the beginning of a domino effect that could cause other distinct groups within the continent to also declare independence.

EAC integration efforts

An Odinga administration could, however, bring some much-needed enthusiasm to the East African Communitys (EAC) integration efforts. Tanzanias protectionist policies, which impose both tariff and non-tariff barriers, threaten the free flow of trade within the EAC. Tanzanian President John Magufuli has managed to upstage other regional leaders, including President Kenyatta, and increase the profile of his nation on the global stage. This led to interstate competition between the member states of the EAC and has worked against the goal of advancing the common regional interests. As a result, Kenyas relations with Tanzania have been lukewarm under the Kenyatta administration.

Unfortunately, this year's vote has many of the same tell-tale signs that marked the 2007 post-election violence. by

In an effort to de-escalate the ongoing trade war between the two nations, Kenya and Tanzania reached an agreement last week to lift a ban with immediate effect on wheat flour, cigarettes, milk and milk products. However, despite this agreement, Tanzania made a u-turn a few days later and blocked 20 Kenyan companies, including Kenyattas Brookside Dairies, from accessing the Tanzanian market.

With the trade row now escalating, these recent developments add to an already tense relationship between the two leaders, and there is not much chance of an immediate improvement if Kenyatta wins another term in August.

However, Odinga and Magufuli enjoy a close personal relationship, with Odinga recently being accorded something approaching a state visit by Magufuli. Perhaps with Odinga in office, Kenyas relations with Tanzania will improve and the stalled EAC integration efforts will pick up steam.

However, none of this matters if political violence erupts in Kenya.

The posibility of post-election violence

Kenya has a long history of dealing with political violence: it occurred during the elections of 1992, 1997 and, most notably, in 2007, when Odinga challenged the then incumbent President Mwai Kibaki.

Most polls and early results pointed to a strong lead for Odinga over Kibaki; the days that followed, however, saw Odingas lead quickly narrow. Three days after the election, in a closed-door meeting, the Electoral Commission of Kenya announced Kibaki as the winner by less than a quarter of a million votes. The announcement triggered widespread protests across the country as Odingas supporters accused Kibaki of stealing the presidency. The protests quickly turned into the worst violence the country had witnessed since independence  with more than 1,300 killed and 600,000 others displaced from their homes.

READ MORE: Why Kenyas presidential election on August 8 matters

Unfortunately, this years vote has many of the same tell-tale signs that marked the 2007 post-election violence. These include low public confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the appearance of a partisan judiciary, and a tightening race, with most opinion polls putting the two candidates within the margin of error.

Supporters of both sides firmly believe their candidate will win  with many opposition supporters adamant that the only way they can lose is if votes are tampered with. Furthermore, during a recent presidential debate, Odinga said there would be no violence if the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, adding uncertainty to an already tense situation. After the August 8 vote, if Odinga loses and does not either concede defeat or seek judicial recourse, a repeat of 2007s political violence is a real possibility.





Unrest in Kenya will destabilise a region already facing myriad challenges. South Sudan, the youngest country in the block, is facing a civil war that broke out in 2013 and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. In Burundi, ongoing political unrest has killed hundreds of people and displaced hundreds of thousands more as the government cracks down on dissent and opposition. In Somalia, al-Shabab continues to wage a war against the newly inaugurated Somali government and poses a security threat to Kenya and other neighbouring countries. If Kenya also succumbs to political violence, regional peace will become a lot harder to achieve.

Economically, the inland EAC members, including Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan, will suffer if a repeat of electoral violence occurs, as they rely on Kenyas Mombasa port and the Northern Corridor for imported goods.

Regardless of the electoral outcome, Kenyas policies in the region or its political stability will undergo a tectonic shift and its trajectory will also shape the region.

Yasin Ahmed Ismail leads GLAFPOL, a research, analysis and consultancy group operating in East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Previously, he was an analyst on East Africa at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) in Washington, DC.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
UN report details accounts of the screams of people being burned alive and others who were cut down.

More than 250 people, including 62 children, were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo from mid-March to mid-June, UN human rights investigators said in a new report

The High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) based the report, released on Friday, on interviews in June of 96 refugees who fled Congos Kasai provinces into neighbouring Angola.

At least 17 cases were of mutilations and other injuries, nine victims of abductions, four victims of rape and one victim of arbitrary arrest.

The OHCHR also received reports of incidents of widespread looting and destruction or burning of property and parts of villages.

Based on accounts from people who fled between March and June, the report counted 251 killings, attributing 150 of them to the Bana Mura and another 79 to the Kamwina Nsapu.

Government forces were blamed for another 22.

The Bana Mura militia were responsible for 171 victims [150 killed], the Kamuina Nsapu militia for 86 victims [79 killed] and FARDC soldiers for 25 victims [22 killed], the report said.

Burnt alive and cut down

UN human rights chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein urged Congos government to act now to prevent such violence from tipping into wider ethnic cleansing.

Hussein described accounts of the screams of people being burned alive and others who were cut down.

Victims recounted mutilations, including of a seven-year-old boy whose fingers were cut off, and an attack on a hospital in the village of Cinq where 90 people were killed, some because they were too injured to escape a raging fire.

READ MORE: I cant tell my husband I was raped

Violence in the Kasai region by the Kamwina Nsapu fighters erupted last August with the killing of a regional tribal leader who had defied the government of President Joseph Kabila.

The violence in the once-calm Kasai region comes on top of a broadly unstable situation in Congo, which has faced years of tensions and bloodshed in the east and where Kabilas government has defied international calls for Congo to hold elections as required under its constitution.

The Catholic church has estimated that more than 3,300 people have died in the fighting since the tribal leader was killed in a military operation a year ago.

Around 80 mass graves have been uncovered in the region.
Three-judge panel orders new trial of Nicholas Slatten for his role in 2007 Baghdad shooting that left 14 Iraqis dead.

A federal appeals court in the US has thrown out the murder conviction of a former Blackwater security guard accused of being involved in the killing 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians at a Baghdad traffic circle in 2007.

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered on Friday a new trial after tossing out the murder conviction of Nicholas Slatten, the former security contractor.

The defendants were convicted in October 2014. Slatten had been sentenced to life in prison.

At a new trial, Slatten would be able to introduce evidence that one of his co-defendants had fired the first shot and not him.

READ MORE: Military contractors  Mercenary or necessary?

The three-judge panel also ordered three of Slattens former colleagues to be re-sentenced in the prosecution arising from the massacre.

The court said Paul Slough, Dustin Heard and Evan Liberty, who were all convicted of manslaughter and other offences over their respective roles in the incident, should be re-sentenced because their 30-year prison terms were too long.

The court also threw out one of Libertys convictions for attempted manslaughter.

Dramatic and unusual

The justice department declined to comment. Lawyers for the defendants could not immediately be reached.

Al Jazeeras Patty Culhane, reporting from Washington DC, called the decision dramatic and unusual.

Obviously this is going to cause a great deal of controversy in Iraq, she said.

The September 16, 2007, incident stood out even in a city in a grip of a deadly sectarian war and prompted debate over the role of private security contractors working for the US government in war zones.





A heavily armed, four-vehicle Blackwater Worldwide convoy the men were travelling in had been trying to clear a path for US diplomats after a nearby car bomb.

At Nisour Square, the four guards opened fire on the Iraqis, including women and children, with machine guns and grenade launchers.

In addition to the 14 dead, another 17 Iraqis were wounded.

Slattens murder conviction was for shooting dead the driver of a white Kia car that had stopped at the traffic circle.

The justice departments case against Slatten, hinged on his having fired the first shots, his animosity toward the Iraqis having led him to target the white Kia unprovoked, the court said in the unsigned ruling.

But the statements made by the unnamed co-defendant immediately afterwards that he fired the first shot strike at the heart of that theory and instead point to the co-defendant, not Slatten, the court said.

Blackwater was later sold and is now operating as Virginia-based Academi.
China says India has been building up troops along its side of the border and demands an immediate withdrawal amid an increasingly tense standoff in a remote frontier region high in the Himalayas.

The standoff, on a plateau that lies at the junction between China, India, and Bhutan, is one of the worst border disputes between the nuclear-armed rivals in more than 30 years.

On Thursday, Chinas foreign ministry demanded India must immediately withdraw troops from the region, known as Doklam in Bhutan and India, and Donglang in Beijing, if it cherishes peace.

The plateau is currently disputed between China and Bhutan with India supporting Bhutans claim over it.

It has already been more than a month since the incident, and India is still not only illegally remaining on Chinese territory, it is also repairing roads in the rear, stocking up supplies, massing a large number of armed personnel, Chinas foreign ministry said in a statement.

This is certainly not for peace.

READ MORE: China demands India pulls back troops in border dispute

India, meanwhile, denied any such military buildup.

In a statement to parliament on Thursday, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj urged dialogue based on a written common understanding regarding the border intersection reached in 2012.

India always believes that peace and tranquility in the India-China border is an important pre-requisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations, Swaraj said, according to a transcript of her remarks released by her office.

We will continue to engage with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution.

Bottom line

The standoff began in June when Chinese troops began building a road through the plateau.

India sent troops at Thimpus request and warned China that construction of a road near their common border would have serious security implications.

The road gives China access to the so-called Chickens Neck, a thin strip of land connecting Indias central mass to its remote northeastern regions.

Indian officials say about 300 soldiers from either side are now facing each other about 150 metres apart.





In a separate statement, Chinas defence ministry said the country had shown goodwill and that its forces had exercised utmost restraint, but warned, restraint has a bottom line.

No country should underestimate the Chinese militarys confidence in and ability to fulfil its mission of safeguarding peace, and should not underestimate the Chinese militarys determination and will to defend the countrys sovereignty, security and development interests, it said.

Chinas military has held live fire drills close to the disputed area, and state television on Friday said more exercises had been conducted recently, though did not give an exact location.

In an editorial, the official China Daily said China was not in the mood for a fight, noting how the standoff has been unusually restrained.

However, if good manners do not work, in the end, it may be necessary to rethink our approach. Sometimes a head-on blow may work better than a thousand pleas in waking up a dreamer, the English-language paper said.

Narendra Modi, Indian prime minister, is to visit China early in September for a summit of BRICS leaders.
September 1 has been confirmed to be the first day of Eid al-Adha 2017, after moon sighting on August 22.

Saudi Arabias High Judicial Court (HJC) has announced that, based on confirmed sightings of the new moon crescent, the first day of the Eid al-Adha Muslim festival will be Friday, September 1, 2017.

Other Muslim countries will also observe Eid from September 1, whereas Pakistan will observe it from September 2.

In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th day of the Dhu al-Hijjah lunar month; the actual date for Eid was confirmed after moon sighting on Monday, August 21, the 29th day of the previous lunar month.

If the moon was seen on Monday, Eid al-Adha would have been 10 days later on August 31. However, since it was not seen, the lunar month carried on to 30 days and Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on September 1.

Official date

Saudi Arabias Um al-Qura calendar marks Eid al-Adha 2017 on September 1, but the official date is announced by the High Judicial Court (HJC) after the moon sighting.

The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which begins two days before Eid al-Adha, is also confirmed then.

The HJC had called for moon sighting on August 21, but since the moon was not sighted, it has called for moon sighting again on the evening of August 22.

On August 22, the High Judicial Court confirmed the sighting of the moon and officially announced September 1 as the first day of Eid.

Moon sighting on two days is technically unnecessary because a lunar month can only be 29 or 30 days. In 2016, when the moon was not sighted on the 29th, the Court announced the date for Eid al-Adha without moon sighting on the 30th. But for Ramadan 2017, the Court called for moon sighting on the 30th day, for the first time.

Muslim communities in Europe, the United States and Canada follow Saudi Arabias Eid announcement, as announced by the European Council for Fatwa and Research, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and the Fiqh Council of North America.

Bangladesh, Pakistan and India only accept local moon sighting with the naked eye to determine the lunar months start and thus follow their local calendar.

In Pakistan, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee called for sighting the moon on August 22, but having not sighted the moon, it announced that Eid will be observed from September 2.

At the International Hijri Calendar Unity Congress held in Istanbul in May 2016, members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation voted in favour of adopting a unified lunar calendar.

Scientific prediction

Astronomers calculated the Dhu al-Hijjah new moon birth to be on Monday, August 21 at 18:30 GMT, but have also predicted that it will not be visible to the naked eye and that in Muslim-majority countries the moon will set before sunset.

On August 22, the moon should be visible to the naked eye across the US but may require a telescope in other parts of the world.

Traditionally, visibility of the moon crescent depends on the sighting location and meteorological conditions. Recently, it has also depended on the imaging technology used to sight the new moon.

Steve Bell at the UK Hydrographic Office told Al Jazeera that specialised infrared digital cameras could photograph the new moon, which is invisible to telescopes due to their limited optical range.

Such sophisticated digital imaging technology has been used in the moon sighting of Eid al-Fitr 2017.

Local names

Eid al-Adha is Islams holiest festival celebrated annually around the world and is an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries, and in the Philippines. Schools in New York also close for Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.

Eid al-Adha in Arabic means festival of the sacrifice, and for Muslims, it commemorates the day when prophet Abraham intended to sacrifice his son but was instructed by God to offer an animal instead.

Eid al-Adha is locally also known as:

Eidul Adha, as spelled in the Philippines legislation.

Eid el-Kabir, as commonly referred to in Nigeria and Morocco.

Tabaski, as referred to in Senegal and Gambia.

Kurban Bayrami, as referred to in Turkey.

Hari Raya Haji, as known in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Eid e Qurbon, as known in Iran.

Bakr-Id or Qurbani Eid, as referred to in India, Bangladesh, and in the Urdu language .

Eid al-Adha 2016

In 2016, Eid al-Adha was expected to begin on September 11. But having not sighted the moon on September 1, the High Judicial Court in Saudi Arabia announced on September 2 that Eid would instead be on September 12.

The High Judicial Court announcement came on the day after the moon sighting.

Bangladesh, India and Pakistan celebrated Eid on September 13. According to the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Pakistan, the first day of the Dhu al-Hijjah lunar month was September 4, whereas for Saudi Arabia it was on September 3.

Traditionally, the Eid al-Adha festival lasts for four days but public holidays vary from country to country.
Residential tower has been evacuated after a second blaze at the Torch tower since 2015.

Firefighters have extinguished a blaze that swept through one of the worlds tallest residential buildings in Dubai early on Friday, forcing occupants to flee their homes as burning debris showered down the sides of the 79-storey tower.

Dubais civil defence authorities said firefighting squads put out the blaze by around 4am (00:00 GMT) and were cooling the 337 metre-tall Torch tower.

Police reopened the streets around the skyscraper after the fire was put out.

No major injuries were reported. A few people were treated for smoke inhalation, according to Dubais Gulf News website.

More than 40 floors of the building on one side were engulfed in flames as residents looked on from below, many in tears. The firefighters battled the blaze for more than two hours.

Flames shot up the sides of the building in the citys upscale Marina district in the second blaze at the structure since 2015.

https://twitter.com/1183Pankaj/status/893235668553527297

Firefighters and police sealed off surrounding streets, which were partially covered by dust and debris.

By 4am the exterior of the building showed no sign of fire as residents and onlookers stood around staring up at the building, according to a Reuters news agency witness.

We were sleeping and we woke up to the fire alarm and people screaming. We ran down the stairs and it took us about 10 minutes to reach from the 50th floor, a resident who gave his name as George told Reuters.

The fire was very strong at that time, about 1am. Then it started calming down over the next two hours. It started on the 67th floor, thats what we were told, he added.

Another resident, whose name was Mohammed and lives on the 12th floor, told Reuters the top part caught fire first and then lower levels followed as debris fell.

The government said it was working on providing shelter for the ones affected by the fire.

READ MORE: Grenfell fire  Residents demand justice

There was no immediate word on the cause of the blaze.

Hundreds of people were evacuated in 2015 from the same building when a massive fire swept through the tower.





Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a Gulf Arab trade and investment hub.

Several skyscrapers in the United Arab Emirates have caught fire in recent years, including a towering inferno that engulfed a 63-storey luxury hotel in Dubai on New Years Eve in 2016. In that blaze, as in others in Dubai in recent years, residents escaped without major injury.

Earlier this year, Dubai passed new fire safety rules requiring buildings with quick-burning side panelling to replace it with more fire-resistant siding.

Authorities have previously acknowledged that at least 30,000 buildings across the UAE have cladding or panelling that safety experts have said accelerates the rapid spread of fires.

A devastating tower fire in London in June killed at least 80 people and prompted the UK to order more thorough testing on the cladding systems of its towers.
Justice department says it will review how journalists are subpoenaed after a wave of leaks since Trump took office.

US Attorney General Jeff Session has vowed to crack down on those who leak classified or sensitive national security information, as well as review the way journalists are subpoenaed.

The announcement on Friday follows a torrent of damaging revelations to the media, following six months of political intrigue and open feuding within the White House.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly fumed about illegal leaks and even lashed out publicly at Sessions last week for taking what he called a very weak position on the issue.





Under pressure, and with some saying his job could be on the line, Sessions responded.

I strongly agree with the president and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks undermining the ability of our government to protect this country, Sessions said.

We are taking a stand. This culture of leaking must stop.

Rights groups say the public should be concerned about the announcement, calling it a crackdown on democracy.

Every American should be concerned about the Trump administrations threat to step up its efforts against whistleblowers and journalists, Ben Wizner of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said.

The organisation also said on Twitter that a crackdown on leaks is a crackdown on the free press and on democracy as a whole.

Four people have already been charged with unlawfully disclosing classified material or concealing contacts with federal officers, Sessions said.

He said the Department of Justice has more than tripled the number of active leaks investigations compared with the number pending when Trumps predecessor Barack Obama left office, and the number of referrals to the justice department for potential investigation of unauthorised disclosures had exploded.

Subpoenas for journalists

The Obama administrations justice department brought more leaks cases than under all previous administrations combined and was often criticised for manoeuvres seen as needlessly aggressive and intrusive.





Following consultation with media lawyers, the department in 2015 revised its guidelines for leak investigations to require additional levels of approval before a reporter could be subpoenaed, including from the attorney general.

But Sessions and Rod Rosenstein, deputy attorney general, said on Friday that they were reviewing how the department conducts leak investigations and whether current regulations impose too many constraints on their work.

One of the things we are doing is reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas, Sessions said.

We respect the important role that the press plays and will give them respect, but it is not unlimited.

With Trump desperate to control the messages emanating from the White House, Sessions said he would bolster a task force created during Barack Obamas administration aimed at apprehending leakers.

US intelligence community under scrutiny after media leaks

We will not allow rogue anonymous sources with security clearances to sell out our country, he said.

Joining Sessions, Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence, issued his own tough warning to would-be leakers and described such revelations as betraying the American people.

If you improperly disclose classified information, we will find you, he said. We will investigate you, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.

Most recently, the Washington Post on Thursday published leaked transcripts of phone conversations between Trump and the leaders of Mexico and Australia.

The transcripts revealed the blunt tone Trump has taken when speaking to his counterparts in other countries.

READ MORE: Trump declares media the enemy of the American people

Sessions expressed his anger over the revelations which apparently came from inside the White House.

Disclosure of the transcripts rocked Washington, with politicians from across the political spectrum strongly denouncing the leaks of presidential conversations with world leaders.

Somebody needs to go to jail, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stressed on Friday on Fox News.

You dont have the right if you work in the White House or youre a holdover from the Obama administration  to take the law in your own hands, Graham said.

He said the leaks were hurting the presidency itself.
President believed to enjoy widespread popularity but faces allegations of political repression as he seeks third term.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame looked set for a landslide victory as election results trickling in showed the incumbent with an average 98 percent of the vote in districts counted.

The electoral commission released 40 percent of results late on Friday, in which Kagame led his two little-known opponents with a whopping 99.38 percent.

The 59-year-old is expected to easily win a third seven-year term at the helm of the east African nation which he has ruled with an iron fist since the end of the 1994 genocide.

Voting closed at 13:00 GMT on Friday, but many Rwandans who had queued up before the deadline were also allowed to cast their ballots, Al Jazeeras Malcolm Webb, reporting from Kigali, said.

Kagame has wielded wide-ranging powers since the end of the genocide and became president in 2000.

About seven million people were registered to vote in the polls to pick a president who will lead the country for the next seven years.

According to the Rwanda Electoral Commission, more than 80 percent of registered voters cast their ballots.

Two challengers

Although Kagame is believed to be widely popular, international rights observers have expressed concern over the political environment in which voting took place.

Last month, Amnesty International, the international rights monitor, warned that the elections risked being held under a climate of fear created by years of repression due to alleged state intimidation of opposition.

Kagame is facing only two challengers: Frank Habineza from the small Democratic Green Party  the only registered opposition party  and Philippe Mpayimana, a little-known independent candidate and former journalist.





Habineza told Al Jazeera he expects a clean sweep at the polls.

Tonight I predict a result of 70 percent in my favour  according to my calcuations that is what I will get if it is a free and fair election, said Habineza.

If I dont get it, I will accept the results provided it is free and fair. We have already struggled with campaigning and some of our supporters have been scared off, but I hope they will vote today.

If they are scared today then this is unfairness and I cannot accept [the result]  it will be a catastrophe.

Authorities excluded several independent candidates from running, arguing they did not enjoy enough support.

A 2015 referendum saw 98 per cent of the electorate in favour of changing the constitution to allow Kagame to seek a third term. He could stay in power until 2034.

His Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) has governed the country since its armed wing defeated the countrys ruling civilian and military authorities in 1994, ending the genocide of 800,000 Tutsis  Kagames ethnic group  and moderate Hutus.

Views of voters

In the capital Kigali, voters arrived at polling stations as early as 5am local time (03:00 GMT) on Friday, two hours before polling began.

Elysee Tuyishima, a 29-year-old university student, said casting his vote in Kimisagara, a low-income suburb in Kigali, was his way of participating in decision making for the countrys future.

Not every person who is able to lead can do it, but when people meet together through voting they can choose one person who is able to do it, he told Al Jazeera.

I hope I have chosen someone who can help my country continue to achieve development.

READ MORE: Peace Clubs: Rwandas post-genocide search for renewal

At some polling stations, traditional and modern songs were played over loudspeakers encouraging people to vote.

In some areas, polling rooms were decorated with balloons, satin cloths and gourds of milk, a symbol of peace and sharing in Rwanda.

Kagames perceived popularity rests on Rwandas transformation after genocide and civil war into one of Africas most stable nations.

He has overseen strong economic growth, at an average of 8 percent between 2001 and 2015, while also turning Rwanda into a technological hub and uprooting corruption.

Repression alleged

Kagames critics allege repression  including killings  of the opposition.

Sarah Jackson, deputy director for Amnesty Internationals East Africa office, has called on the international community to remain watchful.

In the immediate run-up to the elections, Rwandas international partners with a presence in the country should continue to closely monitor the situation and speak out about any violations they observe, she said in an email.

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC) were reported to have sent observers to Fridays election, the final results of which are expected to be announced within a week.

With additional reporting by Tendai Marima: @i_amten
Singapores government has announced it is taking legal action against the grandson of founding leader Lee Kuan Yew over a Facebook post linked to an ongoing family feud.

In a statement late on Friday, the Attorney Generals Chambers (AGC) said it was applying for permission to prosecute Li Shengwu over a July Facebook post in which he alleged the government was litigious and stifling freedom of speech over the issue.

Li, an academic at Harvard University, is the eldest son of Lee Hsien Yang, the youngest child of the late Singapore leader.

READ MORE: Singapore marks 50th birthday with grand celebrations

He had also posted links to a summary of the feud between his father, aunt and uncle.

The dispute among Lee Kuan Yews three children  Lee Hsien Loong, the current prime minister; corporate executive Lee Hsien Yang; and neurologist Lee Wei Ling  centres on what to do with their late fathers home, a century-old bungalow.

Lee Kuan Yew, who is widely credited with transforming Singapore from a British colony to one of Asias wealthiest countries, stated in his will that he wants the house torn down to avoid the building of a personality cult around him.

But Lee Hsien Loongs siblings say their brother is attempting to block the houses demolition to capitalise on their fathers legacy for his political agenda.

The dispute spilled over onto social media with Li making the post.

Egregious attack

The attorney generals office described Lis post as an egregious and baseless attack on the Singapore Judiciary and constitutes an offence of contempt of court.

It had asked Li to delete the post and sign an apology.





Instead, he clarified his comments in a post earlier on Friday, saying that it was not his intention to attack the judiciary.

Any criticism I made is of the Singapore governments litigious nature, and its use of legal rules and actions to stifle the free press, he said.

The AGC said in its Friday statement: As Mr Li has failed to purge the contempt and to apologise by the extended deadline, an application for leave to commence committal proceedings for contempt against him will today be filed in the High Court.

Lee Hsien Loong has denied the allegations of blocking the buildings demolition and ruled out suing his siblings.

Political opponents and dissidents have previously been hit with financially ruinous defamation lawsuits filed by Singapores leaders.

Played out across social media, details of the feud have kept entertained a country unused to open criticism of its political leaders.
Government says new assembly will help restore peace, while opposition rejects it as undemocratic.

Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro has sworn in a controversial new Constituent Assembly that has the power to rewrite the constitution, despite massive protests and state prosecutors vowing to block it.

The 545-member assembly, including Maduros wife and son, held its inaugural session under tight security in the capital Caracas on Friday.





Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuelas former foreign minister, was nominated as president of the disputed body, which was elected on Sunday in a vote boycotted by the opposition and allegedly marred by voter fraud.

The assembly is scheduled to meet again on Saturday, and Rodriguez pledged it would be taking action against Maduros political opponents.

Dont think were going to wait weeks, months or years, she said. Tomorrow we start to act. The violent fascists, those who wage economic war on the people, those who wage psychological war, justice is coming for you.

Al Jazeeras John Holman, reporting from Caracas, said: The superbody will hold a lot of power over not just the opposition, but 40 countries around the world are worried about the democratic consequences on Venezuela of having this superpower of the Constituent Assembly.

Earlier, the Vatican urged the Venezuelan government to avoid or suspend its new legislative superbody.

READ MORE: What is a National Constituent Assembly?

In a statement issued on Friday, the Vatican said, initiatives such as the new Constituent Assembly instead of fostering reconciliation and peace, foment a climate of tension.

The Vatican also called on the security forces to refrain from using excessive and disproportionate force amid protests.

Hours before the inauguration, Venezuelas intelligence services transferred prominent opposition leader Antonio Ledezma from jail back to house arrest, his family said.

On Tuesday, security forces forcibly entered Ledezmas apartment before dawn and took him to a military prison.

New stage in politics

The Constituent Assembly marks a new stage in Venezuelas rule.

With unlimited powers to dissolve the National Assembly or amend laws, the new body is tasked with rewriting the 1999 constitution brought in under Maduros late mentor and predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

Maduro claims the revised charter will pull Venezuela out of its political and economic crisis

READ MORE: Venezuelas crisis explained from the beginning

The body has faced a backlash on several fronts.

Backing opposition allegations of fraud, Smartmatic, a British-based company involved in the voting technology behind the election last Sunday, said the official turnout figure had been tampered with and exaggerated by at least a million voters.





Although brushed off by Maduro as part of a plot by the international enemy, Luisa Ortega, Venezuelas attorney general and one of Maduros most vocal critics, ordered an investigation.

She said prosecutors had lodged court cases seeking to have the Constituent Assembly annulled.

Venezuela has experienced four months of violent protests that have left more than 125 people dead as opposition demonstrators armed with stones and Molotov cocktails battle security forces and armed motorcycle gangs of Maduro supporters.

Sundays vote brought the crisis to a boiling point, drawing international condemnation.

The United States has imposed direct sanctions on Maduro, calling him a dictator, while the European Union has joined the US, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina in saying it would not recognise the new assembly.

Al Jazeeras Holman said that the ranks of protesters seem to have thinned compared with the massive turnouts two months ago.

People here are not willing to give up despite fear and tiredness after more than 100 days of protests, he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is suspected of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, an Israeli police document says.

Police have been questioning Netanyahu for months over the cases but have released few details.

On Thursday, pplice released a gag order on reporting the details of talks that are under way to enlist a state witness. The document says the cases involving Netanyahu deal with a suspicion of committing crimes of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

The Israeli daily Haaretz said Netanyahus former chief of staff Ari Harow has reached an agreement with the prosecution to turn state witness in two corruption cases against Netanyahu that are being heard in court.

The cases relate to gifts allegedly given to Netanyahu and his family by business figures and discussions he had with a newspaper publisher.

READ MORE: Protesters in Paris rally against Israeli PMs visit

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, and his spokesman said in a statement that the premier was the target of a witch-hunt, now at its peak, aimed at changing the government.

This is destined to fail, for a simple reason: Nothing will happen because nothing happened, the spokesman said.

Harow was Netanyahus chief of staff in 2008 when he was opposition leader. He returned to work with the prime minister in 2014 but resigned a year later amid corruption claims.

The prime minister was questioned earlier this year under caution by police over the allegations.

Although he would not be forced to resign if indicted, it would increase pressure on him to step down after 11 years in office.

Spars on social media

Netanyahus eldest son Yair, meanwhile, is facing threats of a libel suit.

The 26-year-old lashed out on Facebook at a website run by a liberal think-tank that detailed what it said was his lavish lifestyle at taxpayers expense.

In the post, Netanyahu alleged that the site was funded by what he claimed were foreign interests, referring indirectly to the New Israel Fund, which he renamed the Israel Destruction Fund. He signed the post with emojis of a middle finger and a pile of excrement.





Avner Inbar, the chairman of the Molad organisation which runs the website, said they had served Yair with a notice of intent to sue if he does not retract his comments, saying the posts had no iota of truth to them.

The younger Netanyahu went on to claim that the children of former Israeli leaders Shimon Peres, Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert did not come under such scrutiny.

He included an insinuation that one of Olmerts sons had an interesting relationship with a Palestinian man that affected national security.

Olmerts son Ariel fired back on Facebook, denying he was gay, dismissing the claims as a fabrication and accusing the younger Netanyahu of racism and homophobia.

Ariel added that he works for a living, never slept in the prime ministers residence and on principle, try to pick up my dogs doody  a reference to a neighbours account who saw Yair refusing to pick up after his dog at a public park last weekend.

When confronted by the neighbour, Yair gave him the middle finger.

Ariels older brother Shaul then chimed in, calling Yair a fascist thug.
North Korea calls ban, due to take effect on September 1, a vile measure to limit the people-to-people exchange.

North Korea has condemned the US government for imposing a travel ban on the country, pledging that its doors would remain open for visiting Americans.

A North Korean foreign affairs spokesman on Friday called the travel ban a vile measure to limit the people-to-people exchange so as not to allow the US citizens to see the true picture of the [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea], according to state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The travel ban is evidence that the US sees North Korea as its enemy, the spokesman said.

The US state department announced on July 21 it would ban US citizens from travelling to North Korea, citing mounting concerns over the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under North Koreas system of law enforcement.

The travel ban came after the death in June of US college student Otto Warmbier, who was jailed in North Korea for allegedly trying to steal a propaganda banner from his hotel and returned to the US from North Korea in a coma.

The US state department said this week that the ban would take effect on September 1, and that those already in North Korea should depart before that deadline.

Now is [the] time for the Trump administration to come to its senses and make a decision to abandon its hostile policy, KCNA quoted the North Korean spokesman as saying.

We will always leave our door wide open to any US citizen who would like to visit our country out of goodwill and to see the realities with their own eyes.
Buses carrying fighters and refugees arrive in Idlib and Hama provinces from Lebanese border town of Arsal.

Buses carrying Syrian rebel fighters, their families, and refugees have arrived in opposition-held areas in Idlib and Hama provinces after an exchange deal allowed them to leave the Lebanese border town of Arsal.

On Wednesday, around 7,000 people, including members of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, were escorted by the Lebanese Red Cross. They were received by the Syrian Red Crescent after crossing the border.





The agreement follows the capture of the border area by Hezbollah with support from Syrian warplanes and involves the release of Hezbollah fighters held by Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which was previously known as al-Nusra Front.

Fighting flared up in July when Hezbollah launched an operation to capture the area from Syrian armed groups.

Security sources say that about 1,000 Jabhat Fateh al-Sham fighters are among those who left the area for Idlib aboard dozens of buses.

Al Jazeeras Imtiaz Tyab, reporting from Beirut, said the events were a culmination of a very complex deal.

The deal involved a number of phases, which included the exchange of the remains of the fighters on each side, and this very large evacuation and prisoner release, he said.

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.

Refugee crisis

Arsal and its neighbouring areas are home to around 100,000 Syrian refugees, who have fled fighting between rebel and government forces.

The war began when government troops opened fire on pro-democracy protesters in early 2011 but quickly turned into an armed conflict involving dozens of armed groups, and later foreign forces.

Hezbollah entered the conflict in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and has taken part in offensives on both sides of the border.

The country is currently divided between the Syrian government, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group, rebel factions, and Kurdish fighters backed by US troops.

As well as support from Hezbollah and its Iranian backers, Assad has the support of Russian forces and Iraqi Shia fighters.

The conflict has resulted in one of the most severe refugee crises since World War II with nearly five million people fleeing the country since 2011, according to the UNHCR.

The war has claimed up to 470,000 lives, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based campaign group that documents the death toll.
Local media say more than 40 fighters dead after clashes lasting 12 hours in Gereshk district in Helmand province.

At least 40 Taliban fighters have been killed in a gun battle with Afghan security forces that lasted for 12 hours in the southern Helmand province, according to local media reports.

The clashes erupted after the fighters attacked a local market in the centre of Gereshk district on Friday morning, TOLOnews, an Afghan news outlet, reported.

The clashes are the latest in a series of attacks to have hit Afghanistan this week.

On Thursday, at least five security officials were killed and several wounded in a Taliban-claimed car bomb attack near their checkpost, also in the Gereshk district.

One NATO soldier was killed and six other personnel  including five soldiers and an interpreter  were wounded in an attack in the Qarabagh district in Kabul province claimed by the Taliban on Thursday night.

On Wednesday, two US soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber who targeted a convoy of foreign forces in the southern Kandahar province.

Dozens of people were killed in a suicide attack at a packed Shia mosque in the western province of Herat on Tuesday.

Earlier this week, a suicide bombing and gun attack claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group on the Iraqi embassy in the capital killed two Afghan employees.

A total of 2,531 Afghan security forces were killed and 4,238 wounded in the first four months of 2017, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan (SIGAR).
Security Council due to vote on Saturday on a US draft resolution aiming to deprive Pyongyang of $1bn in export revenue.

The United States on Friday presented to the UN Security Council a draft resolution toughening sanctions on North Korea, aiming to deprive Pyongyang of $1bn in export revenue, a council diplomat said.

The council is expected to vote on Saturday on the measures that include a ban on exports of coal, iron and iron ore, lead and lead ore, as well as seafood by the cash-starved state.

The US has been negotiating the tougher measures with China, North Koreas main trading partner and ally, since Pyongyang launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4.

A second launch on July 28 further raised alarm about Pyongyangs drive to develop a missile capable of hitting the US mainland.

If implemented by all countries, the ban could deprive Pyongyang of roughly a third of its export earnings, estimated at $3bn per year, according to a diplomat familiar with the negotiations.

READ MORE: Three things to know about North Koreas missile tests

The draft text would also prevent North Korea from increasing the number of workers it sends abroad, prohibit all new joint ventures and ban new investment in the current joint companies.

The diplomat indicated that China and Russia were prepared to support the draft resolution, which would be the seventh set of UN sanctions imposed on North Korea since it first carried out a nuclear test in 2006.

We have high confidence that they will be on board with the broad outlines of this resolution, said the diplomat, who briefed reporters on the contents of the draft.

The US requested a vote at the Security Council at 11am (1500 GMT) Saturday, but the meeting was not immediately confirmed.

No ban on oil

The proposed resolution would add North Koreas Foreign Trade Bank, which manages foreign exchange, to a United Nations sanctions blacklist that imposes an assets freeze.

It would also tighten trade restrictions on technology to prevent North Korea from acquiring items that could be used for its military programmes.

North Korean vessels that are caught violating UN resolutions would be banned from entering ports in all countries under the proposed measure.





While the draft text would expand sanctions, it stopped short of curbing oil deliveries to North Korea  a move that would have dealt a serious blow to the economy.

Russia, which like China is a veto-wielding council member, had warned that it would not support sanctions that would worsen North Koreas humanitarian crisis.

A UN resolution needs nine security council votes in favour, and no vetoes by the US, China, Russia, France or Britain, to be adopted.

The US and its European allies, as well as Japan and South Korea, have argued that tougher sanctions are needed to force North Korea to come to the negotiating table to discuss a halt to its military programmes.

China and Russia have meanwhile insisted that sanctions alone will not change Pyongyangs behaviour and that talks are needed to address the crisis.

As negotiations at the UN entered the final stretch, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared that Washington was not seeking regime change in North Korea and was willing to talk to Pyongyang.
Science, technology and innovation resources should be strengthened, mobilized, rationally allocated, efficiently used and effectively promoted and appreciated if STIs are to fulfil their role of helping Africa attain sustainable development, Kasirim Nwuke, Chief of New Technologies and Innovation in the Economic Commission for Africas Special Initiatives Division, said Wednesday. In his opening Read more []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
The Australian Federal Court has fined the ocean carrier for price fixing between 2009 and 2012, imposing the second highest fine in the history of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, reports TradeWinds.



Photo: Alexey Lesik

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) has been fined $25m for engaging in cartel behavior in Australia between 2009 and 2012.

The Australian Federal Court has ordered ocean carrier Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) to pay a $25 million fine due to cartel behavior, according to a report from shipping industry news outlet TradeWinds.

The ocean carrier engaged in the transportation of vehicles to Australia between 2009 and 2012. Furthermore, the court found that a cartel operated from at least February 1997 and affected vehicles brought into the country by NYK and other shipping lines, reported TradeWinds.

The $25 million fine is the second largest sum imposed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), but it could have been double had NYK had not pleaded guilty last year. The fine was calculated on the basis of 10 percent of NYKs annual turnover in connection with Australia.

The Australian community relies heavily on imported vehicles, so a long-standing cartel in relation to the transportation of those vehicles to Australia was of a significant concern. The sentence imposed on NYK by the Federal Court today sends a strong warning to the industry and the business community at large, said Rod Sims, chairman of ACCC. The CDPP and ACCC can and will criminally prosecute cartel conduct.

Fellow Japanese carrier Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) was also charged with cartel behavior by the ACCC in 2016 and is facing similar fines in South Africa, while the European Commission has cracked down on price fixing schemes with new rules established last summer.
On August 2, President Trump provoked another media meltdown by endorsing the RAISE Act, an immigration reform bill sponsored by senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue.

If passed, the RAISE Act would cut legal immigration to America by up to fifty percent, and break the cycle of chain migration by giving priority to immigrants with in-demand skills.

Predictably, this has sparked outrage -- but not just from the left. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, says that "limiting immigration to the U.S. is a grave mistake" and that "the only way to meaningfully increase U.S. economic growth on a sustained basis anytime soon is to increase immigration.

Many Americans, even those who support the RAISE Act, agree with Zandi regarding its economic impact. However, they are mistaken: the preponderance of evidence suggests that while immigration may grow the economy, it does not improve it on a per-capita basis. Simply put: mass immigration increases the size of the pie, but not the slices.

A number of comprehensive studies examined the link between immigration and economic growth. In America, one of the most thorough was a 642-page study conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The study found that immigration negatively impacted the wages and employment prospects of American citizens, particularly for the working class. This is not surprising, since more workers means more competition for employment, and therefore lower prices (wages). This is basic supply and demand. However, the study does go on to conclude that immigration has benefited America in the long run, because second-generation immigrants tend to do better than their non-immigrant peers. The takeaway point: the benefits of immigration are not as clear-cut as we are led to believe.

Studies conducted in other western nations are more clear-cut. For example, a public study conducted by Denmark's Ministry of Finance recently found that immigrants, particularly those from beyond Europe, were a net drain on the nation's economy. In fact, non-European immigrants, and their descendants, consumed 59% of the tax surplus collected from native Danes. This is not surprising, since some 84% of all welfare recipients in Denmark are immigrants or their descendants. The bottom line: immigration is a net burden on Denmark.

Another study, this time conducted by the Fraser Institute, found that immigration costs Canadian taxpayers some $24 billion per year -- and this was using data from nearly a decade ago. The number has since increased significantly, as Canada has one of the highest immigration rates, adjusted for population, of any western nation. The details are not worth delving into, but suffice it to say that this simply adds more evidence atop the mounting heap.

The final study worth mentioning comes out of the UK, and was conducted by the University College of London. The report found that the value of immigration to the economy was contingent upon where said immigrants came from. This may not be politically correct (no fact is), but it conforms to the data from Denmark. The study looked at the labor government's mass immigration push between 1995 and 2011. They found that immigrants from the European Economic Area made a small but positive net contribution to the British economy of 4.4 billion during the period. However, during the same period non-European immigrants (primarily from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa) cost the British economy a net 120 billion. Basically, the type of immigrant matters.

Taken together, the studies show that immigration does not cause economic growth. At best, mass immigration is a relatively benign force, while at worst it is devastatingly expensive.

Going back to the RAISE Act. It will benefit America's economy in two major ways: 1) it will reduce the overall level of immigration significantly, and 2) it will better calibrate the type of immigrant coming to America. Regarding the first point: reducing the overall level is important because America's economy does not need additional labor: the labor market is already over-saturated as it is. Basically, unemployment is high and there is no sense in adding fuel to the fire. Furthermore, fewer immigrants will help improve working condition and wages for American citizens. This has already begun in a few locations (albeit for different reasons) -- the logic is sound and empirically valid.

As for the second point: the RAISE Act will ensure that America gets high-quality, skilled immigrants, by prioritizing people with economical skills. These are the type of immigrants who are most likely to help grow the economy in the long run -- the type of immigrants America should have been targeting for decades. All things considered, the RAISE Act is precisely what America needs to get its economy back on track.

Spencer P Morrison is a JD candidate, writer, and independent intellectual with a focus on applied philosophy, empirical history, and practical economics. Author of America Betrayed and Editor-In-Chief of the National Economics Editorial.
President Trump, in a White House address, forcefully endorsed the RAISE Act, as previously introduced by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and David Perdue (R-Ga). This is a bill that would dramatically reduce the level of legal immigration and revert back to the immigration process in place prior to the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965  an abandonment of American immigration policies in place for nearly 100 years. Yet the left and the mainstream media, such as Jim Acosta of CNN, are predictably caterwauling about fairness and tossing around threadbare charges of racism. While not admitting it openly, apparently, their belief is that virtually anyone from anywhere in the world should be allowed to come into the country, regardless of economic circumstances or educational background.

However, the United States, as does any nation, has a duty to secure its borders as well as ensure the welfare and livelihood of its citizens and thus allow immigration only under terms it sees fit.

There was no greater humanitarian crisis in recent history than the plight of the displaced persons in Europe after World War II. It is estimated that over 11 million men, women, and children (including nearly 1 million orphans) were living in refugee camps and on the streets of innumerable devastated cities and towns throughout central Europe. The conditions for many were appalling, and as the entire continent lay in ruins, there was no place to turn except to the charity and largess of the people of the United States.

Nonetheless, after three years, the crisis had little abated, and the American Congress with the prodding of President Truman passed the Displaced Persons Act of 1948 (extended in 1950). This act allowed, over a four-year period, just 8,000 war orphans and 400,000 others, all of whom had to be displaced as of the end of the war in Europe, to immigrate to the United States, with the notable exception of virtually all German, Austrian, and Italian citizens. The law required extraordinarily stringent vetting as well as enforcement in order to make certain that those allowed to come ashore truly wanted to become productive and loyal American citizens. This screening took place not in the United States, but in the various countries of Europe.

Within the universe of the non-German, Austrian, and Italian refugees in postwar Europe, who had endured the brunt of Nazi brutality, occupation, and the death and destruction of unfettered warfare, there were few Nazi sympathizers. Nonetheless, although displaced, those seeking asylum would be individually interviewed and the validity of their documentation verified. Further, any prospective immigrant was required to show a minimum level of English proficiency and attest that he would not become a ward of the state by either a) confirming the existence of relatives in the United States who would guarantee his financial support and assure that he would not displace American workers or b) possessing a trade or skill considered vital to the nation. There was in essence a de facto point system.

Within this universe of displaced persons, there were nearly a million orphans, many of whom wandered the streets of the camps and devastated cities. Over the four years the Displaced Persons Act was in effect, just 8,000 were allowed to migrate to the United States. Each orphan brought into the country had to be sponsored by an American charitable agency and a foster home pre-arranged. Further, older children (over ten) were subject to an interview and acceptance by an immigration official.

In 1948, the population of the United States was 147 million. During the four-year period that the Displaced Persons Act was in effect total legal immigration (including displaced persons) was less than 600,000, or 0.4% of the U.S. population. By comparison, during the period of 2012-2015, total legal immigration was 3.6 million, or 1.2% of the U.S. population.

There is little doubt that the United States could take, and perhaps should have taken in and assimilated, a considerably higher number of displaced person than 400,000 out of 11 million, considering the circumstances. If the nation was as racist as many accuse, then why didn't the nation take in more migrants from Europe, as 84% of the American population in 1948 were descendants of European settlers and immigrants? And why was the vetting process so stringent for these ethnic relatives?

Because immigration policy was based first and foremost on what was best for the nation and its people, not potential immigrants.

I was one of the 8,000 displaced orphans brought to the United States. Had I not been shot and sent to a hospital and later an orphanage, I would not have been among the fortunate few. I have often wished many more had followed in my footsteps and not been consigned to the vagaries and travails of the refugee camps and streets. Yet I do appreciate, in a postwar America, with its issues of recessions and the assimilation of millions from the military back into civilian life, the decision of the leadership of the country to limit immigration.

There are many quoting Emma Lazarus's poem engraved on the Statute of Liberty as the justification for vilifying the proposed legislation. They seem to say this nation should have open and essentially unregulated immigration. But that is not what it meant to me and the countless millions who have passed its torch.

I still vividly remember a cold and foggy morning, standing alone at the ship's railing as it slowly made its way through New York's Upper Bay. The sun began to break through the mist just as the ship passed by the welcoming image of the Statue of Liberty, bathing it in an iridescent glow. I had arrived in a strange land, but one that had recently saved the world from totalitarian despotism and welcomed me with open arms. From an immigrant's perspective, the statue does not represent the trials and tribulations of migrating to the United States. Rather, it represents hope and trust in the future in a land where dreams can, with hard work, become a reality.

The time has come to put nation and all its people first and return to an immigration policy that reflects that. I applaud Mr. Trump for backing this proposal. Congress must pass this proposed law, as the inane arguments for unfettered immigration cause schisms and animosity among the citizenry and benefit no one but the political parties and major corporations.
Apparently, President Trump was not aware of the decision by national security adviser H.R. McMaster to grant senior Obama official Susan Rice top-secret security clearance. This disturbing news was revealed by Sara Carter of Circa News, who documents the letter that notified Rice that such powers gave her "unfettered and continuing access to classified information and waiving her 'need-to-know' requirement on anything she viewed or received during her tenure."

Carter asserts that "[t]he undated and unclassified letter from McMaster was sent in the mail to Rice's home. Trump was not aware of the letter or McMaster's decision, according to two Senior West Wing officials and an intelligence official, who spoke to Circa on condition that they not be named."

I hereby waive the requirement that you must have a 'need-to-know' to access any classified information contained in items you 'originated, reviewed, signed or received while serving,' as National Security Adviser[.] The letter also states that the 'NSC will continue to work with you to ensure the appropriate security clearance documentation remains on file to allow you access to classified information.'

Circa revealed in "March that during President Obama's tenure, top aides  including Rice, former CIA Director John Brennan and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch  routinely reviewed intelligence reports received from the National Security Agency's incidental intercepts of Americans abroad. They were doing so by taking advantage of rules Obama relaxed starting in 2011 to help the government better fight terrorism, espionage by foreign enemies and hacking threats[.]"

In June, "the House Intelligence Committee subpoenaed Rice as part of the committee's larger investigation into the unmasking of Americans under the Obama administration.."

Apparently "[u]nder the law, and under certain conditions, it is common practice for some senior government officials to be given the unfettered access to classified information, and their 'need to know' is waived under 'Executive Order 13526 Section 4.4 Access by Historical Researchers and Certain Former Government Personnel.' But the White House officials told Circa that under the current congressional investigation, and given President Trump's ongoing concern that members of his team were unmasked, Rice's clearance should have been limited to congressional testimony only or revoked until the end of the investigation."

In fact, such breaking news may confirm Soeren Kern's April 2017 assertion that "[t]he decision to select Army Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond 'H.R.' McMaster to replace retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as national security advisor is setting into motion a cascade of other personnel decisions that, far from draining the swamp, appear to be perpetuating it."

Concerns about McMaster were highlighted by Hugh Fitzgerald in February 2017, when he wrote that "one hopes that the Senators before they vote will take the opportunity to examine [McMaster's] understanding of Islamic terrorism," since McMaster emphasized that "terrorist organizations like Daesh ... cynically use a perverted interpretation of religion to incite hatred and justify horrific cruelty against innocents."

Fitzgerald asserts that this description of the Islamic State "as 'cynically using a perverted interpretation of religion to incite hatred and justify horrific cruelty against innocents' is most peculiar," since it shows McMaster's belief "that Islam properly understood cannot possibly inculcate anything that might 'incite hatred and justify violence' against non-Muslims." Fitzgerald emphasizes that he is "not sure which would be worse: that [McMaster] may think he must pretend to believe this nonsense in order to avoid being accused of Islamophobia and to safely rise high in the Washington ranks, or that he really believes it."

At the time, Fitzgerald exhorted senators to "find out what McMaster thinks Islam, mainstream Islam, teaches and how it differs from that 'perverse interpretation' to which he keeps referring. The exchange ought to be instructive." Consequently, "[i]t would be perfectly appropriate for the Senators to ask General McMaster what 'perverse interpretation' of Islam he thinks the Islamic State or Al-Qaeda labor under, to explain exactly where the terrorists' interpretation of Islam distorts or veers away from the basic tenets of Islam[.]"

In March 2017, Raymond Ibrahim further exposed McMaster's perspective on Islam, which included "troubling remarks  such as 'the Islamic State is not Islamic[.]'" Equally troubling to Ibrahim was the "hearty endorsement" McMaster gave to a 2010 book titled Militant Islamist Ideology: Understanding the Global Threat. Written by CDR Youssef Aboul-Enein, the book had many claims "the Obama administration followed to disastrous results that were incorrect and problematic."

For starters, Aboul-Enein asserts that only 'militant Islamists'  ISIS types who behead, crucify, massacre, and burn people alive  are the enemy. 'Non-militant Islamists,' however, are not. It is the Militant Islamists who are our adversary. They represent an immediate threat to the national security of the United States. They must not be confused with Islamists.

Ibrahim emphasizes that "[t]his theme, which the author expresses in convoluted language  at one point he urges the reader to appreciate the 'the divisions between Militant Islamists and between Militant Islamists and Islamists' (p.176)  permeates the book. In reality, all Islamists share the same ultimate goal of global Islamic hegemony. They differ in methodology  but not in their view of us as the enemy to be crushed."

Yet, McMaster "wholeheartedly endorsed this book as 'excellent' and 'deserving a wide readership.'" It was clear that "McMaster was comfortable affirming the Islam-is-a- religion-of-peace doctrine." In fact, McMaster rejected "a key ideological view of other senior Trump advisers and signaled a potentially more moderate approach to the Islamic world, thus repudiating the language regularly used by both President Trump and Michael T. Flynn."

In February 2017, when early suspicions existed about McMaster's approach to Islam, Brian Thomas exposed the burgeoning ideological differences within the White House when he highlighted Dr. Sebastian Gorka's point that "Islam is the problem and the United States is locked in an ideological conflict." Thus, "it is the key failing of U.S. efforts to fight terrorism that we have not understood the importance of ideology." Rather, there exists a "systematic subversion of the national security establishment under the banner of inclusivity, cultural awareness and political correctness."

Fast-forward to August 2017 and Adam Kredo reports that "an ongoing staffing purge being conducted by White House National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster has thrown the West Wing into chaos, according to more than half a dozen Trump administration insiders who told the Washington Free Beacon that McMaster has been targeting long-time Trump loyalists who were clashing with career government staffers and holdovers from the Obama administration."

Consequently, as documented by Daniel Greenfield, "McMaster had purged Derek Harvey, one of the NSC's best people on the Middle East, for trying to fire Obama holdovers." In addition, "Bannon and Trump, according to White House officials, pressed McMaster to fire a list of Obama holdovers at the National Security Council who were suspected of leaking to the press. The list of names was compiled by Derek Harvey, a former Defense Intelligence Agency colonel who was initially hired by Flynn. McMaster balked. He refused to fire anyone on the list and asserted that he had the authority to fire and hire National Security Council staff." Greenfield explains that "McMaster keeps using that authority to purge patriots from the NSC. Rich Higgins, a top official of the National Security Council was fired last month after arguing in a memo that President Trump is under sustained attack from subversive forces both within and outside the government who are deploying Maoist tactics to defeat President Trump's nationalist agenda."

'Globalists and Islamists recognize that for their visions to succeed, America, both as an ideal and as a national and political identity, must be destroyed,' the memo warns. It argues that this has led 'Islamists [to] ally with cultural Marxists,' but that in the long run, 'Islamists will co-opt the movement in its entirety.' 'Because the left is aligned with Islamist organizations at local, national, and international levels, recognition should be given to the fact that they seamlessly interoperate through coordinated synchronized interactive narratives  These attack narratives are pervasive, full spectrum, and institutionalized at all 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.'

Moreover, "Higgins had also 'pushed for declassification of documents having to do with radical Islam and Iran ... as evidence of the Obama administration's links to the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups." Higgins's firing is further discussed by Rosie Gray at the Atlantic.

Greenfield states that "you have to wonder whether [McMaster] isn't emerging as a national security threat."

According to Rush Limbaugh, "[w]hen McMaster was chosen by Trump to be the national security director, Never Trumpers in the conservative movement and establishmentarians in Washington all celebrated[.] In fact, the establishment Washington loves [McMaster]." That alone should have been a warning sign.

And then there is Caroline Glick, who highlights the following salient points:

McMaster is deeply hostile to Israel and constantly refers to Israel as the occupying power.

McMaster pressured Trump to agree not to let Netanyahu accompany him to the Western Wall as well as pressuring Trump to cancel his visit to the Western Wall.

McMaster supports Obama's Iran deal.

McMaster fires all of Trump's loyalists and replaces them with Trump's opponents like Kris Bauman, an Israel-hater and Hamas-supporter whom McMaster hired.

The kicker is that it was Senator John McCain who recommended McMaster for the position.

It is in the interest of American security and her allies that McMaster hear the words "you're fired." The sooner, the better.

Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com.
West Virginia's Democratic governor, Jim Justice, announced at a rally featuring Donald Trump that he was switching his party registration to Republican because "the Democrats walked away from me."

The switch by Justice is an open invitation to other Democratic politicians to follow his lead and join the GOP.

Washington Examiner:

Justice, a billionaire coal and real estate tycoon, positioned himself as an ally of Trump who inspired him to switch parties. "I can tell you, this man and myself are not politicians," Justice said, after being introduced on stage by Trump at the rally in Huntington, W.V. "We ran to get something done. We ran and gave up a part of our lives. We ran because we want nothing." Justice, one of the few remaining Democratic governors, was lightly booed upon entering the stage, but cheered after announcing his party switch. "Today I tell you I can't help you anymore being a Democratic governor," Justice said. "Tomorrow, I will be changing my registration to Republican." Justice said he's met with Trump twice in the Oval Office since he became president. The president described Justice as a friend. "Having Big Jim as a Republican is such an honor," Trump said. "He showed the country that our agenda rises above Left or Right."

Trump won West Virginia with 65% of the vote, so Justice's gubernatorial victory was surprising. But the Democrats' ruinous coal policies have just about destroyed the party in West Virginia, and their radical social agenda hasn't helped, either.

What other Democrats might follow Justice's lead? There has been speculation for years that West Virginia's Senator Joe Manchin might be more comfortable on the other side of the aisle. But Democrats have given Manchin some plum committee assignments, including Armed Services and Energy and Natural Resources. His statement on Justice's switch scotched any rumors that he may also be considering a move to the GOP:

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who is up for re-election in 2018, said he is "disappointed" by Justice's decision. "I have been and always will be a proud West Virginia Democrat," Manchin said in a statement. "I am disappointed by Governor Justice's decision to switch parties. While I do not agree with his decision, I have always said that I will work with anyone, no matter their political affiliation, to do what is best for the people of West Virginia."

Manchin is very popular in a state that is solidly Republican in national races but split fairly evenly in statewide and local contests. Old habits die hard, and West Virginia used to be a crucial hold for national Democrats seeking to win the presidency.

The national Democratic Party has purged almost all of its more moderate elements in the South and Midwest and is mostly left with radicals who get elected in liberal enclaves like Madison, Wis. and Austin, Texas. Few if any of the remaining Democrats in these regions would contemplate switching parties. Not only would they be too liberal for most Republicans, but a backlash against their switching parties would be difficult to overcome.

There are 12 Democratic House members who hold seats in districts won by Trump in 2016. If there are any other switchers from Democrats to Republicans, they are likely to come from that group. Many of them barely survived in 2016 and might be defeated anyway in 2018.

Justice's flip may be an extremely rare event as the parties become more and more polarized.
The city of Detroit has been through a lot in the last decade: skyrocketing crime, bankruptcy, pension haircuts, and an exodus of residents and businesses.

The city emerged from bankruptcy in 2014 and is scraping by. For the first time since then, the city will hold a primary contest for mayor  eight candidates, all Democrats, of course, will vie for two spots on the ballot in November.

What makes the Detroit mayoral primary perhaps unique in American history is that fully half of the candidates are convicted felons  two of whom were convicted of attempted murder.

Detroit News:

Half of the eight mayoral hopefuls on Detroit's primary ballot next week have been convicted of felony crimes involving drugs, assault or weapons, a Detroit News analysis shows. Three were charged with gun crimes and two for assault with intent to commit murder. Some of the offenses date back decades, the earliest to 1977. The most recent was in 2008. Political consultant Greg Bowens said there are candidates with past hardships in every election cycle. It's not something unique to Detroit or the political arena in general, he said. "Black marks on your record show you have lived a little and have overcome some challenges," said Bowens, a former press secretary to Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer and NAACP activist. "They (candidates) deserve the opportunity to be heard, but they also deserve to have the kind of scrutiny that comes along with trying to get an important elected position."

"Not something unique to Detroit or the political arena in general"? Two candidates convicted of attempted murder isn't "unique"?

Yikes.

In 1977, Pitts was convicted of receiving and concealing a stolen 1977 Oldsmobile. She was sentenced to a year of probation. A decade later, she was charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder and two firearm offenses in connection with two separate shooting incidents on March 24, 1987, Detroit Recorder's Court records say. According to transcripts, Pitts was involved in a shootout with the owner of a collision shop and auto clinic on Greenfield in Detroit in a dispute over a repair bill.

A shootout? City council meetings are going to be very interesting if she is elected.

Fellow candidate Danetta L. Simpson has a 1996 felony conviction out of Oakland County for assault with intent to murder.

The 46-year-old former cosmetologist and salon owner has made past bids for state representative, Detroit's school board and City Council. Her prior interaction with the criminal justice system, she said, has fueled her desire to seek public office. Simpson said she represents a "new spirit" for Detroit. "I was a wrongfully convicted felon, overcharged for a crime I did not commit," said Simpson, a mother of four, who contends the witness in the case "lied on me." According to court records, Simpson pleaded no contest to assault with intent to commit murder  any term of years up to life in prison  in exchange for dismissal of a firearms offense.

Incumbent Mayor Mike Duggan holds a comfortable lead over the field, with the son of a former mayor, state senator Coleman Young, Jr. in second. It doesn't appear that any of the felons has much of a chance of making it to the November ballot.

But it is often said that the people get the government they deserve. I don't know if anyone deserves having to make a choice between felons and crooks.
Hey, kids, let's all play "Guess the Party"! It's the media's favorite game when covering criminal activities by members of the Democratic Party. The local rag in Fayetteville, North Carolina could not bring itself to write the word "Democrat" in covering the remarkable behavior of a candidate for mayor in that city.

Monica Vendituoli writes in the Fayetteville Observer:

A candidate running for mayor of Fayetteville has been arrested twice in 55 days, accused of stealing and interfering with a water company's equipment. Quancidine Gribble, 56, of the 6100 block of Louise Street, was arrested on misdemeanor charges by the Fayetteville Police Department on June 8 and again Tuesday. She was charged with larceny in June and with reconnecting disconnected utilities in the second incident, according to arrest documents. Her bail was set at $500 for each charge and she is currently out on bail. A full-time student pursuing a doctorate of philosophy, a community activist and a charity leader, Gribble is running for mayor of Fayetteville for the first time.

I am no lawyer, but I would think that a judge facing an accused offender who is accused of re-offending on the same crime might think twice about granting bail.

The backstory is intriguing:

The first warrant was filed June 1. An Aqua employee told a magistrate that he and another employee turned off the water and removed the meter at Gribble's house because she had not paid her water bills, arrest documents said. The second warrant was filed July 26 when an Aqua employee told a magistrate Gribble had reconnected a water line that the company had disconnected. "Once we removed the meter, Quancidine came out of her home screaming, telling us to put the meter back," the first arrest documents said. She's accused of taking the meter and an encoder receiver transmitter, which is used for automatic meter readings, out of the Aqua truck and into her home. The equipment has a value of about $500. Responding by email Wednesday night, Gribble said she is not guilty of either of the crimes. She said Aqua North Carolina provided incorrect information to the magistrates. "I was charged with one misdemeanor yesterday and that was done as intent to destroy my character due to me standing up to Aqua North Carolina," Gribble said. "These are the very reasons why I am running for mayor for the city of Fayetteville. The good ol' boy network has to be stopped."

In terms progressives like to use, "good ol' boy network" is called a "dog whistle," meaning a silent appeal to racism, recognized only by progressives.

Gribble has a criminal record, the most entertaining part of which was described in a profile of her when she was running for the Democratic nomination for president:

Back in 2000, Quancidine Hinson Gribble was sentenced to six months in prison after assaulting her husband. He was packing her things, and asking her to move out, and she responded by hitting him in the back of the head with a statue. During the trial, he mentioned that he was filing for divorce, but his lawyer was disbarred and he couldn't find the file. She currently runs on the platform of being a widow of a Veteran, meaning that either Robert Gribble never succeeded in divorcing his wife, and has since passed away, or that he did succeed in getting a divorce and Quancidine Gribble doesn't really understand how divorce laws work.

There seem to be a lot of Democrats who do not understand how the law is supposed to work.
Sean Hannity, who has the #1 MSM radio and TV programs opposing the Deep State fake news juggernaut that seeks to destroy the presidency of Donald J. Trump, is the target of a new attack that aims to deliver the "kill shot" to his successful 21-year reign on the Fox News channel  and, in so doing, further weaken the Trump administration's attempts to get its story out on the last surviving fair and balanced American mainstream media outlet.

It was largely a successful advertiser boycott of Fox News's longtime #1 host, Bill O'Reilly, last spring that resulted in O'Reilly's leaving the channel in late April. The enemies of Fox News, and of Hannity in particular, are gearing up for another round.

In recent weeks and months, Hannity's daily programs  three hours on nationally syndicated radio and an hour in prime time on the Fox News Channel  have established the affable 55-year-old host as the most easily accessible go-to source for accuracy and clarity on the coordinated effort to take down President Trump. Day after day and night after night, Hannity and his A-Team of expert guests  including investigative journalists Sara Carter of Circa News and John Solomon of The Hill, attorney and Fox News anchor Gregg Jarrett, and attorney and White House legal adviser Jay Sekulow, among others  have provided crisp, alternative, and accurate reporting and analyses of the day's news, especially as it relates to the POTUS.

An example was Hannity's program on Thursday, August 3 (a transcript will be online here later on August 4), which, unlike most of his FNC programs, aired live at 10 P.M. EDT due to breaking news of President Trump's address in West Virginia, which Fox, unlike CNN, carried live. After his opening monologue, Hannity had only four guests that night: Carter, Jarrett, Sekulow, and Newt Gingrich (author of the New York Times bestseller Understanding Trump), which allowed each guest ample time to have his say. The result was a complete deconstruction of the MSM's unified spin on the five key points that topped the day's news, as Hannity described it in his opening monologue. The key points included the story broken by the Wall Street Journal Thursday afternoon that Special Counsel Robert Mueller has "impaneled" a grand jury to hear evidence on the alleged collusion between Russia and Trump that has been the MSM's principal anti-Trump meme since it was created out of whole cloth almost one year ago.

An advertiser boycott of Hannity's FNC show was attempted last May, when his show had the audacity to present several segments about the unsolved murder of DNC staffer Seth Rich  which a number of independent sources and analysts have posited may be linked to the publication in WikiLeaks of damaging internal DNC emails and documents last summer. That boycott attempt failed to gain momentum, but earlier this week, the Seth Rich case received new life when former D.C. homicide detective Rod Wheeler, a key source and interviewee of Hannity's last May, changed his story and now alleges  via a lawsuit against Fox News  that he was the unwitting part of a conspiracy involving Fox News, several outside parties, and the Trump administration itself to push a fake narrative about Seth Rich's murder in order to help President Trump!



Newsweek's August 3 article.

On Thursday afternoon, the once great American weekly newsmagazine Newsweek, which I was surprised to hear is still publishing (two years ago, its print circulation had fallen to 100,000 copies from 4 million a decade ago), published its latest broadside against Hannity: "Fire Hannity Effort Intensifies."

Efforts to get Fox News to fire commentator Sean Hannity have intensified in recent days, amid allegations that the network collaborated with the White House in promulgating a conspiracy theory that sought to cast blame on Democratic operatives for the 2016 murder of Democratic National Committee staffer Seth Rich, who was killed while walking home from a bar in Washington, D.C.

After mentioning the earlier "boycott Hannity" effort that failed last May, writer Alexander Nazaryan goes on to note:

The rising prominence of the site Fire Hannity suggests a redoubling of those efforts  this time independent of Media Matters, though using similar tactics. The site was founded by the Democratic Coalition, whose executive director, Nate Lerner, on Thursday told me flatly of Hannity's coverage of the Rich murder, "I absolutely believe he knowingly used false info and quotes to enhance his story."



Newsweek cover, February 6, 2009.

It would seem largely irrelevant to take note of anything that appears in Newsweek at this point  in 2010, the Washington Post company sold the beleaguered publication to the late Sidney Harman for $1  were it not for the mention of Nathan (Nate) Lerner as the brains behind the new, dedicated anti-Hannity website. The Democratic coalition that Lerner heads describes itself as "the nation's largest grassroots Resistance organization." ("Resistance" is capitalized in the group's materials, much like "Movement," as in the 1960s antiwar movement, which eventually achieved capitalized status. These folks are aiming for history.)



Nathan (Nate) Lerner.

The purpose of the Democrat coalition is to resist and destroy the elected president, Donald J. Trump. And boycotts are one of their preferred strategies. There is even a tab at the top of the group's website to "Boycott Trump," facilitated by a free downloadable app.

Boycotts are definitely the Fire Hannity site's thing, too: the home page has a list of more than 100 of Hannity's advertisers and instructions on how to contact them to demand that they stop sponsoring his programs.

Meanwhile, the new fuel for this latest fledging "boycott Hannity" effort  the emergence three days ago of a completely new and different Rod Wheeler 2.0  has come under increased scrutiny and challenge. On August 3, LawNewz, for example, a non-partisan site that "brings common sense written and video analysis to the often confusing and always intriguing world of the law," published an informative and richly sourced article that raises serious doubts about Wheeler's August 1 lawsuit that started this current brouhaha: "Rod Wheeler's Own Words Completely Destroy Multiple Claims In His Fox News Lawsuit:"

Multiple allegations in Rod Wheeler's defamation lawsuit against Fox News are undermined by the plaintiff's own statements both public and private.

LawNewz was founded by "TV's top legal commentator and attorney, Dan Abrams," who also previously worked as a prime-time anchor and reporter for MSNBC. Rather than quote more of the excellent LawNewz article here, interested readers are directed to the original for an important read.

Meanwhile, for his part, Sean Hannity is continuing to ignore the whole Rod Wheeler 2.0 reboot  much to the chagrin of...Newsweek!  and, up to this point, the attempted boycott of his programs undertaken by the Resistance movement.

Peter Barry Chowka is a veteran journalist who writes about national politics, media, popular culture, and health care. He is a frequent contributor to American Thinker. His new website is AltMedNews.net. On August 1, Peter appeared on The Hagmann Report to discuss the breaking news in the Seth Rich case. The recording of the entire three-hour program is here, and Peter appears at 1 hour, 45 minutes, 50 seconds.
We are bombarded daily by the Democrats and the Destroy Trump Media screeching about Russian "meddling" and "interference" regarding our 2016 election. "Meddling" and "interference" are vague charges unless one specifies the concrete evidence.

Since Mueller is authorized to investigate this "meddling," the lawyerly questions are, what is the evidence, and what did the evidence cause, if anything? Never mind that the Obama intelligence agencies and FBI investigated this before Mueller was appointed and found no concrete evidence. In a January 2017 Armed Service Committee hearing, John McCain, trying to help Hillary and the Dems sell the Russia story, asked:

MCCAIN: I thank you. And so really, what we're talking about, is if they succeeded in changing the results of an election of which none of us believe they were, that would have to constitute an attack on the United States of America because of the effects, if they had succeeded, would you agree with that?

CLAPPER: First, we cannot say  they did not change any vote tallies or  or anything of that sort. And we have no  we have no way of gauging the impact that  certainly the intelligence community can't gauge the  the impact it had on the choices the electorate made. There's no way for us to gauge that. Whether or not that constitutes an act of war I think is a very heavy policy call that I don't believe the intelligence community should make. But it's certainly  would carry in my view great gravity."

Further, on March 6, 2017, Clapper was interviewed on NBC's Meet the Press by Chuck Todd. Clapper said there was no evidence produced by the CIA, FBI, or NSA of any "collusion" between the Trump campaign and Russia.

A rational person would conclude that if there was any evidence, then Clapper would know, and more importantly, the evidence would have been disclosed to the public.

Since Clapper's testimony, the only newsworthy revelation is that Donald Trump, Jr. and others met with a Russian lawyer in June 2016. It is hard to believe that the CIA, FBI, and NSA did not know this when Clapper gave his interviews and testimony. Of course he knew, but there is no evidence that anything occurred at the meeting affecting the election or suggesting collusion.

A rational person would conclude that Assistant Attorney General Rosenstein knew about Clapper's summary of the investigations by the CIA, FBI, and NSA before he appointed Mueller to further investigate. A rational person would conclude that Mueller and his staff of sixteen lawyers, half of whom contributed to the Obama and Hillary campaigns, knew about Clapper's reports. So why is Mueller investigating something that was investigated by the CIA, FBI, and NSA, all of whom found no evidence of "collusion"? In addition to "why," what is Mueller investigating, since Clapper said there was no evidence of collusion and no effect on the election? This is an investigation in search of a crime.

The Dems and the Destroy Trump Media tell us there was hacking of the DNC computers. But the DNC refused to have the FBI examine the computers.

We are told the Russians planted "fake" stories on Twitter and the internet about Hillary. But what fake stories? Why are we not given copies of these fake stories?

Nobody asks what fake stories about Hillary could be worse than the truth about Hillary. It is undisputed that Hillary approved the sale of 20% of our uranium to the Russians, and then contributions were made to the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation, aka the Clinton Corleone Foundation, and that the Russians then paid Bill over $500,000 for speeches in Moscow. It is undisputed that Hillary used a private email server in violation of the law and endangered our national security, that she destroyed emails and withheld emails. We know about Hillary's past in Whitewater and Travelgatel; the sale of a pardon to Marc Rich; the attempted cover-up of Bill Clinton's sexual harassment of women; and her inspired trade of cattle futures, turning $1,000 into $100,000 on her first time at bat in the futures game. And this is only a partial list of Hillary's past adventures. Not even the evil Russians on their best day could make up stories about Hillary that surpass the truth about Hillary.

What could the Russians or anyone make up about Hillary that is worse than the truth? But the Dems and the Destroy Trump Media, aided by the likes of McCain and Graham, insult our intelligence by repeating vague charges of "meddling... interference...collusion" when they all know there is no evidence, and more importantly that there was no effect on the election. They insult our intelligence when they say "fake news" about Hillary could have influenced the election. They know that it is the truth about Hillary that influenced the election.

Trump won because he was a better candidate with a better message than Hillary. The voters who voted for Trump did not need any "fake" stories about Hillary.

We voted for Trump because we know the truth about Hillary.

We voted for Trump because we want tax rates lowered; Obamacare repealed; immigration laws enforced, including building the wall, our military rebuilt; conservatives like Gorsuch on the Supreme Court; repeal of the Obama regulations that damaged our economy; and a fight against Islamist terrorists. Trump promised these, and he is doing his best to carry out his promises.

We know Trump, and we know Hillary. It is as simple as that.
Ever since Sean Connery uttered the words "the Chicago way," the rest of humanity has been on notice that a different rulebook applies to the territory around the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. "He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue! That's the Chicago way." The boundaries of this moral universe apparently extend all the way to the county line, as Cook County Board president Toni Preckwinkle has filed a jaw-dropping lawsuit.

Greg Hinze of Crain's Chicago Business writes:

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is sending a strong message to anyone who wants to mess with her pop tax: Don't. In an action a judge said could have "a chilling effect" on government and citizens' rights, county attorneys are seeking $17 million in damages from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, the group that, with a couple of co-plaintiffs, won a temporary restraining order delaying the levy by about a month. Preckwinkle spokesman Frank Shuftan says seeking damages is appropriate: "Actions have consequences."

If David Mamet were ever to pen a sequel to The Untouchables, the line "actions have consequences" would be the perfect coda to a scene in which violent retribution takes place. And make no mistake: Preckwinkle's lawsuit is about nothing other than vengeance, as the Chicago Tribune editorial board thunders today in an editorial titled "Preckwinkle doubles down on foolish: Vengeance is mine, sayeth the soda taxer."

While consumers have been busy rebelling against Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle's soda tax, she has been busy plotting revenge. Preckwinkle assigned her lawyers the task of punishing the group that sued her. According to Crain's Chicago Business, Preckwinkle's lawyers will try to extract a crushing $17 million from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association [IRMA], a private interest group that represents retail stores. The group had challenged her tax in court, arguing that it was unconstitutionally arbitrary. The retailers won a temporary order blocking the tax, but then suffered a loss they're appealing. So the penny-per-ounce tax took effect Wednesday, about a month later than Preckwinkle planned. A county spokesman says Preckwinkle believes the merchants association should pay the costs of her court fight and revenue the county couldn't collect. But really, the message is: Don't dare to challenge her, not even through the judicial system  the branch of government in a democracy that, among other things, gives citizens a way to challenge heavy-handed governments. Don't dare.

IRMA has gotten the message:

IRMA says it will fight the county's attempts to make it pay up. "We filed a timely lawsuit to have the tax declared unconstitutional and to stop the tax from taking effect on July 1st because it was the right thing to do on behalf of retailers in the county. This filing sends a very distinct signal to any person that believes they have a legitimate challenge to any law passed by the Cook County Board that they should think twice," a statement from the group said.

The premise of the soda tax  that it is a health measure  has been disproven by the simple fact that some of the largest consumers of sugary soda  the ones using food stamps  are exempt from the do-gooders' tax. It's all about the money, and if you get in the way of Toni Preckwinkle's money-grab, she will bankrupt you using taxpayers' funds.

It's the Chicago way, the approach that Barack Obama brought to the national stage.

Hat tip: Peter von Buol
The "official" rate of unemployment in California is a sparkling 4.7%, and according to state labor experts, the job market is tightening.

But how many more people would be employed if it weren't so darned expensive to hire and keep new people on the payroll?

How expensive? Here are the real-world consequences of government policies that make it so easy for employees to sue their companies for a variety of imaginary offenses.

Coyote Blog:

California is a uniquely difficult place for companies trying to actually employ people rather than robots. Owning a business in that state, you could be forgiven that the legislation actually embarked on a program to explicitly punish companies for hiring people. The state has spent the last ten or twenty years defining a myriad of micro offenses employees for which may sue employers and make large recoveries -- everything from having to work through lunch to having the wrong chair and not getting to sit in that chair at the right times of day. To illustrate this, I want to show you the insurance application I just received. Most companies have something called employment practices liability insurance. This insurance helps pay legal and some settlement expenses if and (nowadays) when a company is sued by an employee for things like discrimination or harassment or any of the variety of sue-your-boss offenses California has established. In that multi-page application, after the opening section about name and address, the very first risk-related question asks this: They specifically ask about your California employment, and no other state, in order to evaluate your risk. The other insurance-related result of California's regulatory enviroment is that if one is in California, it is almost impossible to get an employee practices insurance deductible under $25,000. This turns out to be just about exactly the amount of legal costs it takes to get a nuisance suit filed with no real grounding dismissed. It essentially means that any disgruntled ex-employee, particularly one in a protected class, can point their finger at a company without any evidence whatsoever and cost that company about $25,000 in legal expenses.

California is not likely to follow Missouri's lead, but the state illustrates how out-of-control lawfare against companies has gotten. It's no wonder that most companies settle employee lawsuits when the alternative is not only a long legal battle, but potentially millions in damages.

The system is rigged against companies. The idea that they are innocent until proved guilty is out the window. A company doesn't even have to intend to discriminate. It can be held liable if the number of minorities it employs is below that of similar businesses with a similar number of employees.

When it becomes so easy to file a lawsuit alleging discrimination or sexual harassment with a good chance of winning, why bother to work when you can reach into the deep pockets of a company for a big payday?
CAIRO - Libyan Deputy Prime Minister Fathi Al-Mejbari has distanced himself from the authorization Premier Fayez al-Sarraj gave for an Italian naval mission to support the North African country's coast guard, the website of the LibyaChannel TV reported Friday. Mejbari was quoted as saying that the mission was "an explicit infraction of the political accord," in particular regarding the "sovereignty of Libya".

The deputy prime minister also reportedly said that the authorization "does not express the will of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord".

Mejbari told Italy to "immediately stop the violation of Libyan sovereignty" and called on the UN Security Council, the Arab League and the African Union to intervene, the site said.
(by Paola Del Vecchio)

MADRID - Over five centuries after Queen Isabel the Catholic in 1492 expelled Spain's Jews and Moors, the Judeo-Spanish language, which has been passed from generation to generation and is still spoken in some countries will be honored by the country's top linguistic authority, the Spanish Royal Academy. The Academy has announced that it will set up in 2018 a Judeo-Spanish branch in Israel.



Judeo-Spanish, or Ladino, is still spoken today in the countries where Sephardic Jews moved at the time, from North Africa to the Balkans, Italy, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines and Latin America.



The director of the RAE, Dario Villanueva, said the creation of the new branch aims to ''pay an historic debt to Sephardic Jews''.



He said the initiative also aimed to preserve a ''cultural and historical phenomenon of great importance''.



''The Jews who were expelled in 1492 dispersed around Europe and the Americas, taking with them the Spanish language as it was spoken at the time of their expulsion'', he told the Guardian newspaper. ''All of this has been miraculously preserved over the centuries. There's literature, folklore, translations of the Bible and even modern newspapers written in Ladino''.



Villaneuva is already in contact with professors, experts and institutions to create the new academy, to be based in Tel Aviv, with the support of the National authority of the Sephardic community, the Sefarad-Israel Casa center and the Spanish and Israeli governments. The language, whose conservation suffered under the diaspora and holocaust, includes many terms of archaic Spanish and has been influenced by the language of countries that hosted the refugees.



One of the initiative's promoters, Shmuel Rafael Vivante, a member of the executive committee of the national authority and director of the Center Naime and Yehoushua Salti for Judeo-Spanish studies of the University Bar-Llan, has dedicated his life to preserving and rebuilding the memory of the language spoken by his family.



Judeo-Spanish words and expressions were taught in his family, along with Sephardic customs and songs, he said, calling the language one of ''happiness''.



''It was the language of happiness that filled my mother's social space with neighbors and that of my father with friends and holocaust survivors'', the researcher told El Diario.



Over time, Judeo-Spanish lost importance compared to Hebrew, which was increasingly spoken in ghettoes. According to Vivante, there are today some400,000 people in Israel with some knowledge of Ladino. Esther Bendahan, a writer and director of the Casa Sefarad-Israel in Madrid, said the language has been lost in countries such as the Netherlands and the UK but not ''in North Africa, the Balkans and Turkey''.
TEL AVIV- The front pages of Israeli newspapers on Friday reported that Premier Benyamin Netanyahu is suspected by Israeli police of corruption and fraud.



''The throne shakes'', wrote Yediot Ahronot. Police investigations have reached a ''turning point'', wrote Haaretz, when the premier's former cabinet chief Ari Harow was placed under pressure over another issue.



''If he accepts to cooperate with the judiciary there will be an earthquake'', said the newspaper, claiming the information in his possession would open a ''Pandora's box''.



''The truth is starting to surface behind the ''wall of silence'', wrote Maariv.



Netanyahu is suspected of receiving generous gifts from wealthy businessmen and of discussing with the publisher of an opposition daily, Yediot Ahronot, limiting the circulation of a rival publication, Israel ha-Yom, in exchange for a change in its editorial line.



Yesterday, Netanyahu said he is the victim of a ''hunting trip'' aimed at eliminating his government and assured that the suspects are unfounded.


TEL AVIV - The cement wall around Bethlehem in the West Bank continues to spark the creativity of artists both well-known and unknown, with two new murals mocking US President Donald Trump.

In one, a large-dimension depiction shows Trump painted in a way that has him embracing an actual Israeli guard tower.

In the other, Trump touches the surface of a wall with a thought bubble above his head that says "I'm going to build you a brother", an obvious allusion to the Mexico border wall.

In this second mural, Trump is shown wearing a Jewish kippah, perhaps to insinuate his acquiescence to the Jewish lobby.

The first mural is signed "@LushSux", who is listed on a Facebook page as a Melbourne artist active in various countries around the world, and who has previously painted murals depicting Trump (sometimes shown as a dog with downward-flopping ears) as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Others are crediting the murals to the renowned anonymous British graffiti artist Banksy, who has previously painted on the Israeli West Bank barrier wall.

Banksy, who supports the Palestinian cause, opened a hotel earlier this year in the West Bank called the "Walled Off Hotel".

Containing 10 fairly elegant rooms decorated with artwork, all with a view looking out on the wall, the hotel offers guests a way to see the same thing that West Bank residents see when they open their windows.


EU allocates 9.3 mn to UNHCR for services in Greece Needed for lodging, transport and education on islands

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, AUGUST 4 - The European Commission (EC) has allocated 9.3 million euros of emergency funding to UNHCR for refugee and migrant support in Greece, according to a statement from the EC.



The aid will ensure service continuity on the islands to cover expenses for transport, lodging, education for children, and support for sexual abuse victims, among other things.



The total amount of emergency funds allocated by the Greek authorities and by international organisations working in Greece comes to 371.16 million euros.



The European Union has mobilised more than 1.3 billion euros of aid in total (through 2020) to Greece to contribute to the management of migration and external borders, through various types of financing.(ANSAmed).




MOSCOW - Russia would like to organize talks between Libyan factions in Moscow or in the Chechen capital Grozny, Lev Dengov, the head of the Russian contact group on intra-Libyan settlement, told newspaper Kommersant.



''There are such plans'', Dengov said, adding that the Russians are ''working in active negotiations with the Libyans'' and that ''a certain number of Libyan delegations have visited Moscow and have said they are available to visit again Moscow or Grozny''.



Gen- Khalifa Haftar's alleged statements that he has ordered his forces to bomb Italian ships deployed in an imminent mission to provide naval support to Libya will not stop Italy's mission, the Italian ambassador to Tripoli, Giuseppe Perrone, told newspaper Corriere della Sera.



Haftar's reported words, the diplomat said, ''will not stop the Italian mission, which has already been agreed with the legitimate Libyan authorities under the Presidential Council, based on their request''.



''We are interested in operating in agreement with all the Libyans if possible, and obviously with General Haftar.



Therefore we will look for a contact with him as well, and we will make sure to explain the objectives of a mission that is not military but of assistance to Libyan authorities so that they can exercise their sovereignty across the entire territory of the country. We are explaining this to all authorities. It is a mission that is aimed at strengthening Libyan sovereignty, not at weakening it''.



''Ours is an overall strategy'', said Perrone. ''One part (is) with the Libyan coast guard. We also work in the South with the border guard and with neighboring countries. The objective is for human trafficking not to enter Libya itself. We operate with mayors in the South and the coast because there are alternatives to this trafficking economy. It is also important to improve the condition of hosting camps in Libya''.



Speaking about relations with France the diplomat said: ''We work to reach shared objectives: stability and national reconciliation''.
Migrants: 'Difficult seeing victims, doing nothing', Jugend German left and NGOs against seizure, it's 'blackmail'

(ANSAmed) - PALERMO, AUGUST 4 - The German NGO Jugend Rettet at the center of a probe by Trapani prosecutors on charges of aiding illegal immigration said Friday that in the ''search-and-rescue (Sar) area over the past two days we have recovered eight bodies of migrants''.



The organization said that the confiscation Wednesday of its Dutch-flagged Iuventa ship as part of the Trapani investigation ''does not allow us to work in the Sar area and help. In this difficult situation, the kind words and practical help of our supporters give us a lot of strength''.



''Our lawyers are currently working hard to examine legislation that has led to the confiscation of our ship Iuventa'', the NGO said.



Meanwhile members of the German left and NGOs have said they are against the confiscation.



''Seizing the Iuventa is nothing other than a trivial move to blackmail with which the Italian government wants to force NGOs to sign an agreement-gag that violates international law'', said Ulla Jelpke, the spokeswoman of German left-wing party Linke.



Katrin Goering-Eckardt, the German parliamentary whip for the Greens, also spoke against Italy's decision to draft a code of conduct for NGOS operating in the Mediterranean. Along with party colleague Luise Amtsberg, a spokeswoman for migrant policies, she noted that NGOS over the past few years have rescued tens of thousands of people and therefore are worthy of ''respect and solidarity''.



Both Linke and the Greens agreed with the association Pro-Aysl that has accused the Italian government of ''violating international law''.



The Italian-drafted code is aimed at regulating operations in the Mediterranean where the Italian coast guard, European border patrols and NGOs operate vessels that rescue migrants.



Only three out NGOs have signed the code amid ongoing disagreement over some of the its points.




Migrants: Sea-Eye becomes fourth NGO to sign code of conduct Organization uses ex fishing boat- Four others haven't signed

(ANSAmed) - ROME, AUGUST 4 - Another NGO has signed an Italian-drafted code of conduct for organizations carrying out rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The NGO, Sea-Eye, operates off the Libyan coast with a former fishing boat, which has been readapted to carry out migrant rescue missions.



Four NGOs have now signed the code of conduct promoted by Interior Minister Marco Minniti: Moas, Save the Children, Proactiva Open Arms and Sea-Eye. Out of the eight organizations that took part in preparatory work at the interior ministry to draft the document, SOS Mediterranee, Doctors Without Borders, Sea-Watch and Jugend Retter have not signed the code. Jugend Retter's Dutch-flagged ship was seized Wednesday as part of an investigation by Trapani prosecutors into alleged aiding of illegal immigration.



(ANSAmed).




BRUSSELS - UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) special envoy for the Central Mediterranean route Vincent Cochetel told ANSA that migrant detention centres and camps in Libya are "just prisons, some controlled by the authorities, some by militants and traffickers" with "terrible conditions" to which all migrants who disembark on the Libyan coasts are subjected.

"We can hope that one day there will be decent and open centres, but now they don't exist," Cochetel said.

Cochetel also told ANSA that the Italian justice system must decide the fate of seized migrant rescue ship Iuventa, "based on the facts".

Italian authorities seized the Iuventa, a Dutch-flagged ship operated by German NGO Jugend Rettet, this week after the Trapani prosecutor's office said its investigation into NGOs involved in migrant rescue operations found that traffickers had twice accompanied migrants as they boarded the ship.
Fund established

The Yuba County Deputy Sheriff Association has established a fund to benefit the two deputies who were shot in the line of duty this week.

Checks can be mailed to the DSA at YUBA COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION FAMILY SUPPORT FUND, c/o Rosa Leon, 720 Yuba St., Marysville 95901.

Or people can go directly to Sierra Central Credit Union with the same account information.
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City officials bracing themselves for complaints at Tuesdays town hall meeting on Artesias recent E. coli contamination were likely pleasantly surprised; the public feedback consisted predominantly of thanking the city for its efforts over the course of the 10-day boil water order.

In the neighborhood of 50 residents attended the meeting, and most of those who spoke had one concern in common: They do not want to see the City of Artesia begin treating its drinking water system with chlorine as a means of disinfection.

Mayor Phillip Burch said the New Mexico Environment Department and its branch, the Drinking Water Bureau, have indicated they would like to see Artesia begin using chlorine to disinfect its water on a permanent basis.

Several residents, including some whove relocated to the community from cities that do utilize chlorination, said they hope that will not be the case.

We came from a small community in West Texas that always had to treat their water, said Cheryl Hinkle. And I would hope that we dont get hysterical and insist on treating our water now over one uh-oh.

Chlorinators are dangerous. And I, as a woman, dont want to see that iron hit my house and destroy my washing machine and all of that kind of stuff. I never knew how water was supposed to taste till I moved over here. You go back to Denver City, and its nasty.

I like our water, agreed William Kalka. I dont want to change our water. Ill respect the decision if you guys decide you have to do it, but lets not get pressured. Lets not get pushed into anything.

Im for lets just go ahead and ride this thing out, lets see what weve got. I have not allowed the foreign press to concern me with their fake news, and everybody just needs to calm down.

Local business owner Robert Duncan also stated chlorination causes a lot of operational problems for businesses and households, Jess Holmes, who came to Artesia from Las Vegas, Nev., also a city that chlorinates, said he and his family had to utilize filters on their faucets and showers there, and Glen Hinkle, who worked as a water operator for several years in Texas before moving to Artesia and continuing that work, raised questions about chlorinations safety.

I was the one putting that chlorine gas in that water, and yes, it is some nasty stuff, Hinkle said. My question is, knowing the system like I do, how are we possibly going to be able to put in a chlorination system where youve got houses thatre tied onto the well line within feet?

City of Artesia Infrastructure Director Byron Landfair says the city is very aware of the potential impacts of treating its water with any type of chemical and says the city will be evaluating all options rather than making a knee-jerk reaction on something that may or may not be of benefit to the city.

The mayor said the state has made no indication it would require Artesia to chlorinate.

Theyre allowing us to take the first swing at it and say, This is what we want to do going forward, Burch said.

He also pointed out that while Artesia is one of a small number of communities in the state that do not chlorinate, chlorination is by no means a guarantee against E. coli contamination, and that many of the cities that test positive each year utilize that disinfection method.

The city has set a date of Sept. 15 to make a decision, allowing it three city council meetings to continue discussing the pros and cons.

Kalka also questioned how the chlorine used to flush the system during the boil water order had affected the citys biodigester.

Thats a very good concern, said Landfair. Weve been having to do some stuff with some molasses out there to try to keep the initial sludge real happy during this latest round of chlorine, but so far, were still meeting our requirements.

Duncan inquired about the well near 26th Street and Grand Avenue that was identified as the likely source of the contamination.

While the mayor pointed out there was no definite way to pinpoint the source, the city was reasonably sure it had originated with that well, which has been offline since the boil water alert was issued.

Landfair said that well was accessed approximately two months ago; due to some problems, it had been pulled out, reworked, and reinstalled. He said the city would go over the well with a fine-toothed comb before ever putting it back online.

Holmes raised the hope the city will explore more options for mass notification in the future. The initial boil water alert was distributed largely via social media, the citys website, and word of mouth.

We dont sit and watch the website of the city all the time, Holmes said. We dont do Facebook. We wouldnt have been notified the problem existed had it not been for friends and family.

Burch revisited that sounding the communitys sirens would have been confusing to many residents who would not have known the cause. He said telephoning water users from the citys database one at a time would have taken a long period of time, and that Reverse 911  a system through which an emergency call can be immediately dispersed to local landlines  is as yet unavailable in Eddy County.

The mayor said Reverse 911 is expected to become available in the coming months, however, and that as a pledge to the citizens, the city will be looking into additional notification methods.

Linda Van Der Veen asked if the city planned to increase its regular water testing schedule until we sort of feel comfortable about where were at?

Landfair said the city is currently back on its compliance schedule, meaning samples at seven wells around the city are being tested this week  the first week of the month  and eight more will be tested next week.

Well see what those results look like and make a decision next week as far as how were going to keep going with our testing, he said.

Those in attendance also heard from Fire Chief Kevin Hope to start the meeting, who detailed Artesias emergency services actions during the boil water order.

Hope said fire and police personnel began immediately making rounds to senior care facilities, Artesia General Hospital, and the homes of elderly or infirm residents of whom they were aware in order to be sure their needs were being met.

He said as calls came in during the 10 days concerning residents feared unable to boil their water or secure an alternate source, police or fire personnel were dispatched to check on them.

Hope said contact was maintained throughout with AGH regarding any cases that appeared to exhibit symptoms of E. coli sickness. None surfaced.

Kevin and I also sat in with a committee at the hospital yesterday, and they went through their emergency protocol and kind of graded themselves on, How did we do? said Burch. By and large, they were very pleased with how the staff went through it at the hospital. We were there to simply say, What could we have done to make it any easier or help out in any way? We had a very good conversation with those folks.

Our county emergency management folks were also interfaced with. When the very first notice went out and the boil water alert hit the streets, the first text I got was from our county manager. It said, If we can do anything, let us know. The first phone call I got was from emergency management personnel in the county saying the same thing  If theres anything we can do, please let us know. So we appreciated the support of our county, and fortunately, we didnt need too much help.
Mahlers Symphony No. 7, sometimes subtitled Song of the Night, is the composers most wayward symphony. Its not one of the pretty ones. With five seemingly mis-matched movements, the 80-minute piece doesnt... Read more
Meghwal said no money has been returned to investors in as many as 233 cases related to chit fund and ponzi schemes.

The government on Friday said money has not been restored to the investors in as many as 233 cases related to ponzi, chit fund and multi-level marketing activities.

New Delhi: The government on Friday said money has not been restored to the investors in as many as 233 cases related to ponzi, chit fund and multi-level marketing activities.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said the ministry ordered investigation by SFIO in 233 cases between 2012-13 and 2017-18 (till July).

The cases were related to ponzi, chit fund and multi-level marketing activities.

"No money in these cases has been restored back to the investors," the minister said.

The ministry ordered probe by Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) on complaints of serious nature involving companies which have defaulted after raising money from the public.

Of these 233 matters, cases pertaining to West Bengal are 152, followed by Odisha (31); Uttar Pradesh (11); 10 each by Assam and Delhi and Maharashtra (8).
Indian companies likely to adopt a wait-and-watch approach for hiring.

The IT sector saw the highest attrition at 24 per cent followed by telecom at 22 per cent and hospitality at 20 per cent.

Mumbai: The average salary hike for employees in some of the top sectors saw a significant drop in 2017 amidst uncertainty and slowdown in the job market.

As per Wisdomjobs.com, an online recruitment and career solutions portal, appraisals were hugely impacted by the uncertainty gripping most of the sectors in respect to hiring and fewer job opportunities.

Most industries witnessed conservative appraisals that were considerably lower than the two-digit salary hikes seen in the previous year. The IT industry was in the forefront of this with several companies deciding to defer their appraisals for middle and senior level employees.

Most sectors have seen conservative appraisals this quarter on the back of several external factors that impacted them in the previous two quarters. The hiring outlook of Indian companies, although still positive, will be characterised by a wait-and-watch approach as they come to terms with the real impact of automation  especially in the IT sector  and the consequent need for re-skilling their employees. This is likely to continue for a couple of quarters before picking up again, said Ajay Kolla, founder & CEO, Wisdomjobs.com.

The average salary hike in the pharma sector was the highest at 10.9 per cent followed by healthcare and retail sector at 10.8 per cent. Employees in the hospitality and IT sector saw an average salary hike of 9.9 per cent and 9.8 per cent respectively, FMCG and Telecom sector gave a hike of 9.6 per cent while employees in infrastructure and manufacturing saw a hike of 9.2 per cent & 9.1 per cent respectively.

While the layoffs especially in the IT sector contributed to higher attrition levels, the study pointed out that voluntary attrition levels saw a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) decline in Q1 2017. This according to it can be attributed to the uncertainty in the job market and slowdown in hiring across most sectors. The IT sector saw the highest attrition at 24 per cent followed by telecom at 22 per cent and hospitality at 20 per cent.
He was charged in October 1998, for possessing an unlicensed .22 rifle and a .32 revolver.

He used them to poach two black bucks at Jodhpur's Kankani village.

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Salman Khan appears before the district and sessions court here on Friday in connection with an illegal Arms Act case, and the next hearing has been scheduled for October 5.

He was charged in October 1998, with possessing an unlicensed .22 rifle and a .32 revolver and using them to poach two black bucks at Jodhpur's Kankani village.

Although he was acquitted by chief judicial magistrate's court due to insufficient evidence on January 18, the prosecution appealed against the decision. The appeal is likely to be heard today.

Earlier, Khan's lawyer Hastimal Saraswat had said that there will be no questions and answers and only bail bond has to be submitted.

"There will be no questions and answers only bail bond has to be submitted. Court had asked us to deposit bond of Rs. 20,000, which we will deposit today," said Saraswat.

During the shooting of Sooraj Barjatya's movie, 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in 1998, Salman allegedly went on a shooting expedition along with actors Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Sonali Bendre and Tabu, killing two blackbucks in Kankani village.

Following protests by the local Bishnoi community, a case was later filed against Salman and the other actors.
The lawsuit characterises Warner Bros.' conduct as "unscrupulous, unethical and offensive," causing injury to consumers.

Sylvester Stallone was seen in 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' earlier this year. (Photo: AFP)

Los Angeles: Sylvester Stallone is one up against Warner Bros. in the lawsuit over profits from the 1993 science-fiction film 'Demolition Man'.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge rejected the studio's bid to throw out breach of contract and fraud claims.

The actor is also being permitted to bring a potentially big claim that Warner's accounting practices are likely to deceive the public including others in Hollywood with profit participation agreements.

Through his loan-out company Rogue Marble, Stallone filed his lawsuit in April.

The complaint noted, "The motion picture studios are notoriously greedy. This one involves outright and obviously intentional dishonesty perpetrated against an international iconic talent. Here, WB decided it just wasn't going to account to Rogue Marble on the film. WB just sat on the money owed to Rogue Marble for years and told itself, without any justification, that Rogue Marble was not owed any profits."

According to the lawsuit, Warner Bros. initially asserted that nearly 67 million USD was unrecouped on 'Demolition Man' and therefore, nothing was owed to Stallone, who was to get 15 to 20 per cent of defined profits on the film.

After being challenged, the studio sent Stallone a check for 2.82 million USD, but the actor wasn't satisfied.

What makes Stallone's case provocative besides an A-list actor suing the same studio that distributed 2015's 'Creed,' which earned Stallone an Oscar nomination, is a claim of unfair business practices.

The lawsuit characterises Warner Bros.' conduct as "unscrupulous, unethical and offensive," causing injury to consumers and threatening to harm competition, because other studios have their own agreements with profit participants.

Stallone demanded injunctive relief in the form of "a full accounting, an explanation of how this practice came to be, interest, damages, and an end to this practice for all talent who expect to be paid by WB for the fruits of their labour."

In response to the lawsuit, Warner Bros. challenged the sufficiency of the pleading with a demurrer motion.

At a court hearing on Thursday morning, the judge adopted a tentative ruling.

The judge wrote, "The Court finds that Plaintiff's allegations as to general fraudulent accounting practices are sufficient to state a claim properly encompassing the general public, or at least competitors who stand to be injured by such practices."

Warner Bros. also can't use the statute of limitations at this juncture to beat a breach of contract claim. The studio pointed to the 1992 contract and argued that any violations dated to the 1990s and were time-barred.

The judge disagrees, factoring a complaint alleging breaches over the past few years.

Over the objection of Warner Bros. here, the judge is allowing Stallone's fraud claim to survive as well.

The whole ruling stated, "(1) Warner concealed the profits earned by the subject film, (2) there was a duty to communicate such facts as Warner had exclusive knowledge of such facts or alternatively the subject contract required payment of certain monies given such profits, (3) the concealment was intentional as Warner wished to retain the profits of the subject film for itself, (4) Plaintiff was unaware of the film's profits and would not have idly sat by for years without inquiring into the fees that should have been tendered as a matter of right, and (5) such concealment damaged Plaintiff in that it did not receive the profits due to it contractually. This is sufficient, at the pleadings stage, to state a claim for fraud."
The story of two people meeting, roaming, partying and realising their love for each other when they depart, is done to death.

Rating:

Director: Imtiaz Ali

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma

Known for making niche, off tangent romances all this while, director Imtiaz Ali brings his first-ever mainstream film Jab Harry Met Sejal. Exotic locations, Shah Rukh Khan, the film has every commercial aspect, but it seems plot has taken a major backseat.

Harry (Shah Rukh Khan) is a tourist guide in Frankfurt. Sejal (Anushka Sharma) is a Gujarati girl who is engaged to a mystery fiance Rupen. On her trip to Europe, she loses her engagement ring and soon after, she seeks help from Harry. Their lives change upside down when the two find that a local goon Gas (Chandan Roy Sanyal) has her ring.

When there is Shah Rukh Khan in the film, one doesn't expect a plot, rather the focus is on his romancing skills on screen. His charm is such that it can easily overshadow the story of a film and Jab Harry Met Sejal is one such film. The tagline of the film says, 'what you seeking is seeking you', which clearly depicts a typical melodrama and cliched romance.

Director Imtiaz Ali marked his directorial debut with Socha Na Tha way back in 2005. The film wasn't a hit but later went on to become a satellite hit. The innocence of the love shown between Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia was pure and honest. His iconic characters of Jab We Met, Rockstar, Highway, Love Aaj Kal or Tamasha has almost a similar graph.

Undoubtedly, Imtiaz is a brilliant storyteller, but he seems to be detached with his characters in this one. Travel and self-discovery are the core issues of his films. Even his repetition of the storytelling has been ignored each time, but his latest offering has nothing to offer. Still you will be reminded of all his previous films. Being a Shah Rukh Khan film, you will also be reminded of Chalte Chalte.

Two people meet, roam, party and realise their love for each other when they depart. This old style of romance has been done to death. What more for an Imtiaz Ali film? Good music? That also is missing from the film. Guess Imtiaz works best with A R Rahman and Pritam couldn't strike the right chords.

When the trailers were out, it seemed a no-plot film and turns out it is exactly what was showed initially. It is very important for a director like Imtiaz Ali to work with a superstar and a bigger production house since none of his films worked commercially. This aspect has outstandingly made the film overrated.

Looks like Shah Rukh Khan has completely lost the track of his films. Dilwale, Fan, Raees and now Jab Harry Met Sejal. This film is purely for a newcomer, you can't expect a film like this with the so-called 'king of romance' in it, especially in 2017. Each time he can't pair up with a beautiful girl who is half his age and romance her in Switzerland. Even the audiences have become so damn smart that they seek content and not stars. Anushka Sharma, who plays this bubbly Gujarati girl in the film, is good but in bits and pieces.

On the whole, it is nowhere close to an Imtiaz Ali film. Watch it only if you are an SRK fan or you want to see Europe for the worth of your ticket price.
However, an anguished judge stopped him, warning that the courtroom was not a 'television studio.'

Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma chided the lawyer for his remark and later allowed the ED's plea for extension by six days for sixty-four-year-old Shah's custodial interrogation in a decade-old money laundering case. (Photo: ANI/File)

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Thursday snubbed an overenthusiastic prosecutor for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for asking Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah to chant 'Bharat Mata ki jai' to prove his patriotism, saying it was not a television studio.

Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma chided the lawyer for his remark and later allowed the ED's plea for extension by six days for sixty-four-year-old Shah's custodial interrogation in a decade-old money laundering case.

The ED's counsel Rajeev Awasthi alleged that Shah was ruining the country by using money to fund terror and breached the line by daring the separatist leader to chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' to prove his patriotism.

However, an anguished judge stopped him, warning that the courtroom was not a "television studio."

"Argue on the merits of the case," said the judge.

During the proceedings, the ED submitted that foreign funds were used for terror activities including stone pelting on the security agencies in the Valley. The agency told the court that the source of funding of properties of Shah, worth hundreds of crores of rupees, had to be unearthed.

Read: Separatist leader Shabir Shah sent to 7-day ED custody

The prosecutor told the court that Shah, arrested on July 25 in the money laundering, was "totally non-cooperative" during his questioning by the ED.

Advocate M S Khan, appearing for Shah, however, alleged that his client was being pressured and compelled to give various statements during his custody by ED officials. He opposed the submission made by the agency, saying that it was not revealing the complete facts before the court.

The agency said there was a need to probe a lot of cash transactions which were used for terror activities and stone pelting causing huge inconvenience in the Valley.

The ED said it was ascertaining Shah's role in "anti- national activities" as well as the terror funding through 'hawala' channels from countries like Pakistan, the UAE and the UK. It told the court that the separatist leader was in continuous contact with anti-national elements, besides terrorists in Pakistan, and received money for "disrupting the

peace of Jammu and Kashmir".

It also said that Shah's associates were to be confronted with him and the "international ramification" of financial involvement was to be unearthed.

The ED's application, seeking seven days' custody, also said that during interrogation Shah revealed that he was obtaining donations for the Kashmir issue in cash for which he was not filing any income tax returns.

The records relating to the donations were to be recovered and the accused had to be confronted with them, the agency said.

Shah was arrested by the ED a day after several Hurriyat leaders were taken into custody of the National Investigating Agency (NIA) in a case of alleged terror funding in the Valley to fuel unrest.

He was taken into custody in the August 2005 case in which the Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Mohammed Aslam Wani (35), an alleged hawala dealer, claiming that Rs 63 lakh was recovered from Wani out of which Rs 52 lakh was allegedly to be delivered to Shah.

The agency had earlier issued summonses to Shah in the case, the prosecution had said, adding that Wani had claimed that he had given Rs 2.25 crore to Shah.

Investigating agencies like the NIA have cracked down on Hurriyat leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law -- Altaf Ahmed Shah, also known as Altaf Fantoosh -- and six

other Kashmiri separatists.
Jaitely said due to the heightened vigil of the security forces, many infiltration attempts have been foiled.

There have been 285 incidents of ceasefire violation so far this year through the LoC compared to 228 such incidents in the entire 2016 along the LoC, Jaitley said. (Photo: Representational/PTI)

New Delhi: Pakistan has increased attempts to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir through the border but there is a high number of casualties on their side, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday.

Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha that the Indian Army has "domination and impact" along the western border and all steps have been taken to check infiltration from across the border.

"Pakistan has increased efforts of infiltration," he said during Question Hour.

Jaitely said due to the heightened vigil of the security forces, many infiltration attempts have been foiled and infiltration has come down.

"There is record high in the casualties on the other side," he said.

There have been 285 incidents of ceasefire violation so far this year through the LoC compared to 228 such incidents in the entire 2016 along the LoC in which eight people had lost their lives, Jaitley said.

He said there were 221 ceasefire violation along the International Border which is guarded by both the Border Security Force and the Army.

Replying to another question, the minister said the Army has constructed an anti infiltration obstacle system (AIOS) along the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, under its operational control.

Radars, sensors and thermal imagers along with surveillance have been incorporated on this fence to detect and intercept infiltration by terrorists.

The AIOS is further strengthened by deployment of troops and construction of defence works based on threat perception for an effective multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid.

"Fortification of border is a continuous process. Anti-infiltration steps like obstacle systems, technical gadgets have been installed by the Army and enough steps have been taken to check infiltration," he said.

Jaitely said the government regularly reviews the threat perception to secure the borders and protect national interests.

"Appropriate measures are taken from time-to-time to maintain and upgrade the country's defence preparedness along the border to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India," the minister said.

Further, the areas along the borders are kept under surveillance by regular patrolling by troops and other aerial, optronic and electronic means.

"Appropriate retaliation to the ceasefire violations and other tactical incidents by Pakistan Army, as required, is carried out by Indian Army. All the forward posts are adequately strengthened to withstand enemy fire. Besides, there are well-established standard operating procedures (SOPs) to safeguard against enemy fire to minimise own casualties," Jaitley said.

He said the government is taking measures to ensure modernisation of Indian defence forces to keep them in a state of readiness to meet operational and security challenges.

"This is being achieved by inducting new equipment, technologically upgrading existing equipment and systems, training etc. It will not be in the national interests to divulge further details," he said.
Investigators are still trying to find out the channels that the separatists used to receive money from, a senior police personnel said.

The anti-terror probe agency, in a bid to foil funding for Hurriyat leaders, arrested Shahid along with six other separatists earlier in July. (Photo: AFP/Representational)

New Delhi: Leaders of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) receives funds for its operations in the Kashmir valley not only from Pakistan, but from outfits in London and Dubai too, a separatist arrested in July has told the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

NDTV, quoting a top government official, reported that separatist Shahid Ul Islam, who was a close aide of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and also the Hurriyat networks spokesman, made the revelations during interrogation following his arrest in July.

Investigators are still trying to find out the channels that the separatists used to receive money from, a senior police personnel told NDTV.

The NIA also seized a list, containing names of 150 terrorists active in the Valley, from Shahid.

Read: J&K terror funding case: Delhi court sends 7 separatists to 10-day NIA custody

The anti-terror probe agency, in a bid to foil funding for Hurriyat leaders, arrested Shahid along with six other separatists earlier in July. Shahid crossed into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in early 1990s and thus had overseen some terror launch pads.

Shahid was spotted with Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, in old photographs that the security agency found in course of its searches. In another picture, he is seen with an AK-47 standing alongside other armed men, who the NIA says, could be terrorists.

Read: NIA raids Jammu lawyer linked to Geelani in J&K terror funding case

The list of 150 terrorists disclosed that the gulf between separatists and terrorists is not as wide or deep as it was previously thought to be.

"We have some credible leads to work on... It is a wide investigation and will take some time, the government official said.

The list includes names of 82 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, 64 Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, 10 from Jaish-e-Mohammed and 2 from Al-Badr.

The NIA at a previous meeting had informed a Delhi court that they had been able to track funds received by separatist leaders to organisers of stone throwers in Kashmir.

We have analysed a lot of phone calls; we have ample technical and documentary evidence against people we have arrested and are questioning, the official said to elaborate on how it is validating its case.

Shahid will be produced in court on Friday, along with 6 other arrested separatists.

The NIA, after sharing results of its investigation will be seeking more time to interrogate Shahid in order to fill the missing links.

Government officials have further agreed that statements made during custodial examination hold little value during trial for they could have been made under pressure but are indeed invaluable for gathering evidence to strengthen its case.
Hospitals to purchase medicines, consumables on their own.

The AAP government had also last year started a free medicine scheme under which it vowed to provide all essential medicines in government hospitals.

New Delhi: With a view to curb the shortage of medicines in Delhi government hospitals, the Aam Aadmi Part (AAP) dispensation has allowed some major hospitals to purchase medicines and consumables on their own.

The decision comes two months after a report was presented to the chief minister that said that less than 50 per cent of medicines were available at several government hospitals.

The AAP government had also last year started a free medicine scheme under which it vowed to provide all essential medicines in government hospitals. However, there have been several complaints of shortage in the last one year with people forced to buy expensive medicines from outside.

Now, in an order issued on Wednesday, the government said bulk supply of medicines and consumables commonly used in all hospitals may be procured through open tenders by the CPA (Central Procurement Agency). Hospitals with more than 500 beds are allowed to do parallel tendering for procuring all medicines, consumables, and equipment.

Confirming this, a senior health official said that the government plans to study the impacts from this directive later. We will see how this goes. CPA is not able to deliver 100 per cent stock. So, we have asked the hospitals which have more than 500 beds to purchase the medicines from outside, the official said.

The move covers major Delhi government hospitals like Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, Guru Teg Bahadur, (GTB), among others. Autonomous hospitals under the Delhi government like Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, and Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, have also been asked to procure common drugs, consumables, and equipment through the CPA.

For specialised medicines and specialised consumables and equipment, procurement shall be done by the autonomous institutions, the order read. The heads of the hospitals with more than 500 beds have also been given the power to procure medical equipment that costs up to Rs 50 lakh per unit on their own.
The deceased along with other traffic policemen were trying to intercept a truck but it did not stop.

New Delhi: The Delhi high court upheld the grant of Rs 54. 44 lakh compensation to the widow of a Delhi Traffic police constable who was crushed to death by a truck on duty at a check point on National Highway 8 at Rajokri in South Delhi in 2015.

The deceased along with other traffic policemen were trying to intercept a truck but it did not stop, and when the deceased was about to return to the road side he was hit by the truck, the court said referring to the evidence by another constable who was on duty along with the victim.

The facts and circumstances where the driver of the truck in question did not enter the witness box, there being no explanation from his side as to why he could not stop in spite of noticing the traffic police on check duty, the negligence on his part is writ large, the court said. SBI General Insurance had challenged the grant of the compensation by a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, arguing that the deceased himself was negligent, as he had come in the path of the truck. It fu argued that the tribunal failed to deduct the benefit of ex gratia payment that was granted to the widow and also the benefit arising out of her being appointed in the Delhi police on compassionate grounds.
A woman in southwest Delhi's Palam claimed she became a victim of the hair chopping twice.

One of the victims of the braid chopping incident in Delhi. (Photo: Twitter | ANI)

New Delhi: Fresh incidents of chopping of braids were reported from different parts of the national capital even as the police have appealed to the people not to indulge in rumourmongering.

The Police Control Room has been receiving calls about such incidents. A woman and her daughter's hair was chopped off this morning while they were home in west Delhi's Mayapuri, the police said.

They informed the police but did not file a formal complaint.

In another case, a woman in southwest Delhi's Palam claimed she became a victim of the hair chopping twice.

Her hair was chopped off when she was on her way to the bank and again when she went to the washroom on Thursday.

Police said she had, on Wednesday, filed a complaint in this regard.

In Rohini, a domestic help fell prey to hair chopping on Thursday but did not approach the police.

District police units have appealed to the people not to indulge in rumourmongering.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) MN Tiwari said one of the incidents reported in his district turned out to be false.

He said the incidents have created fear among children.

The southwest district unit is scouring for clues and taking the help of psychiatrists from the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences who have met the complainants.

The experts have ruled out the possibility of women chopping off their own hair.
Under the provision of RTE Act, students are promoted automatically to higher classes till class 8.

New Delhi: Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday lauded the Centres decision to scrap the no-detention policy, saying it was poorly implemented. However, in a letter to Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, he said that the rollback of this important reform is a moment for us to introspect about education reforms in the country.

The no-detention policy was a progressive education reform and it is unfortunate we had to roll it back. And the reason, is that it was poorly and thoughtlessly implemented, said Mr Sisodia.

The decision (scrapping) was needed as an emergency measure to end the current crisis across the country where academic standards of schools are rapidly deteriorating, he added. On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet had approved the scrapping of the no-detention policy in schools till Class 8.

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 their year-end exam. However, the students will be given a second chance to improve via an examination before they are detained. The bill will now be placed in the Parliament for approval.

Under the provision of RTE Act, students are promoted automatically to higher classes till class 8. This is a key components of the RTE Act which came into force on April 1, 2010.
AAP government seeks clarification from civic bodies, which compiled the report.

In a major goof up, in the Registration of Births and Deaths in Delhi 2016 report, 11 cases of deaths were assigned to polio and two to smallpox. (Representational image)

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (APP) government, on Friday, sought clarification from the civic bodies in the wake of a few cases of deaths being apparently attributed to polio and smallpox in a report in 2016.

In a major goof up, in the Registration of Births and Deaths in Delhi 2016 report, 11 cases of deaths were assigned to polio and two to smallpox. Notably, smallpox was eradicated from the world in 1980 and India was declared polio-free in 2014 by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Attention of the department of economics and statistics has been drawn towards some reports in a section of the media, the Delhi government said in a statement.

It said that data for the report pertaining to birth and death registrations were provided by five local bodies  East Delhi Municipal Corporation, North Delhi Municipal Corporation, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Delhi Cantonment Board.

Clarifications/confirmations have been sought from the local bodies concerned about these reporting, the statement said.

The directorate has prepared the report according to secondary data provided by the local body concerned. After getting clarifications/confirmations from the local bodies, the discrepancies, if any, will be rectified accordingly, it added. In institutional cases (where deaths occurred in hospitals, nursing homes, etc.), the cause of death is being assigned and certified by the medical practitioner or the doctor who has last attended the deceased, the city government said. This data is further transmitted to the concerned local body online for registration of the death event.
Victim received 38 stitches on her waist; no CCTVs at site.

New Delhi: An 18-year-old Delhi University student needed 38 stitches on her waist after she was attacked by an unidentified youth with a sharp object in North Delhis Timarpur on Thursday afternoon. The police said that the girl was attacked after she countered a snatching attempt. However, the victims family suspects it is a stalking case.

I sent a police team to the spot immediately after the incident. It seems that the thief attacked the girl after she resisted a snatching attempt. But we are probing the case from other angles also, said Jatin Narwal, DCP (North).

We have spoken to the victim in detail about the incident. We are also preparing a sketch of the attacker to arrest him at the earliest, Mr Narwal added.

However, the victim, who is a first year student at Zakir Hussain Delhi College, said that she remembered seeing the suspect with some other youths in her locality, twice or thrice in the last few days. His activities never aroused any suspicion.

The victim was on her way to the college at around 3.20 pm on Thursday. She was walking along a lake in the nearby Nehru Vihar neighbourhood when the attack took place. She also claimed that no one helped her catch the attacker.

Suddenly, a youth in his early 20s approached me from behind and attacked my waist with a sharp object. He ran away immediately after that, the victim said. On seeing her bleed, some passerby called the police. By the time a police team reached the spot, the girl had been moved to a hospital.

I received a long cut on my waist and was given 38 stitches. But now I am recovering, said the girl who has returned home from the hospital. The police said the wound appeared to be inflicted by a blade.

No CCTV camera is installed near the area where the incident was reported. We have rounded up several bad characters from the locality to get a clue about the attacker. An FIR under Section 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC has been filed at Timarpur police station, said Mr Narwal.
Nearly 4 lakh hectare of agricultural land was washed away in rains and the water discharged by the Damodar Valley Corporation.

Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the Centre of not helping the state government tackle the havoc caused by the recent floods.

Flood waters washed away roads, bridges and crops in several districts, she said. At least 50 people were killed in 14 districts and nearly 4 lakh hectare of agricultural land was washed away in incessant rains and the water discharged by the Damodar Valley Corporation through its dams.

They (Centre) are not at all helping us in tackling the flood havoc, Ms Banerjee said, adding that districts like Howrah, Hooghly, Birbhum and two Midnapores had been badly hit. Ms Banerjee said she would speak to chief secretary Malay Dey, who is currently in New Delhi, in this regard once he is back.

Meanwhile, a senior official at the state agricultural department said that around 36,110 hectare of land out of the 1,24,144 hectare where vegetables were planted, was under water. The maximum damage was witnessed in districts like East Midnapore and South 24-Parganas.

In East Midnapore, around 6,984 hectare of land lay under water while in South 24 Parganas, the figure is 8,242 hectare, the officer said. Paddy damage in East Midnapore was estimated at 16,940 hectares, while in South 24-Parganas, it was at 13,263 hectare, the officer said.
The building will be lit from 8pm to 2:30 am everyday for the next one year.

Mumbai: The illumination of the BMC building to be undertaken to celebrate its 125th anniversary will cost the civic corporation around Rs 1 lakh per month. A total of Rs 10 crore has already been spent on illuminating the heritage building. According to officials, the building will be illuminated for seven hours a day and this arrangement will continue through the year.

Marking the 125th anniversary of the heritage structure, the BMC had illuminated its headquarters on Tuesday with different coloured LED lights set to cost the civic body a bomb.

According to a senior civic official, the BMC will have to pay Rs 1 lakh in electricity bills per month for it. A set of 850 boxes of bulbs have been fitted on the walls of the iconic structure. The work for the same has been awarded to Watchdog security company through tender process. The LED bulbs will consume less power and therefore as per our assumption, we (BMC) will have to pay around Rs 1 lakh on electricity per month if the structure is illuminated for seven hours daily.

The building will be lit from 8pm to 2:30 am everyday for the next one year, attracted many Mumbaikars on Tuesday, who clicked selfies against the structure.

As per the civic official, Mumbaikars will witness different colour schemes daily, which will represent different causes like pink for breast cancer awareness, tricolour on Independence Day and Republic day.
The accused had already issued more than 1,000 such certificates.

The Thane police claims that 500-600 people have got jobs with the fake certificates. (Photo: Deepak Kurkunde)

Mumbai: The Thane police has arrested three persons and busted a continuous discharge certificate (CDC) certificate scam on Wednesday.

The accused persons used to charges up to Rs 4 lakh to issue fake CDC certificates to people who wanted to work in the merchant navy. The accused had already issued more than 1,000 such certificates.

Crime branch officials came to know about Emrin movies and tourism, a job placement agency that contacted people, who were interested in joining the merchant navy and provided

them with fake CDC certificate.

Police officer said, The CDC certifies that the person holding this is a seaman as per the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended 1995. Every seafarer carries this document while on board. It also has records of his/her sea experience.

The Thane police officials receive a tip off that the main kingpin of the scam was coming to Thane to collect the money. The cops raided his office and arrested him. During interrogation he confessed about the crime and gave names of few other companions. The accused have been identified as Abdulla Hakim (42), Vijayan Pillay (55) and Mohiuddin Musa (60).

Thane, commissioner of police Parambir Singh said, The accused confessed that they had made fake CDC certificates and around 400 to 500 people had already got jobs with their face certificates. We have got information that the applicants got CDC from Panama country. There are some seamen involve in this. Our investigations are on.
New allegations come up, but housing minister calls them cheap.

Mumbai: On the third consecutive day, leader of the opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil made fresh allegations of corruption against housing minister Prakash Mehta. Mr Vikhe was not allowed to speak in the house, as he had not sought the necessary permission from the speaker, which is necessary to name any member of the house. This led to three adjournment of the assembly. However, Mr Mehta denied the allegations and called them cheap.

In the Assembly, when Mr Patil raised the issue, it led to noisy scenes. Finance minister Sudhir Mungatiwar said that he had not sought the speaker's permission and hence his statements should be expunged from the proceedings.

Later, speaking to the media outside the assembly, Mr Patil alleged that the housing minister's company Shri Sai Sidhi Pvt Ltd undertook an SRA project in Ghatkopar. The beneficiaries of the project are still waiting for a house in the building, which was constructed last year. But Mr Mehta's son Harsh and his relatives have been named as tenants. Mehta used his influence to get flats for his relatives. This is a conflict of interest, he said.

In another case, an FIR was registered against Mr Mehta by a Manish Shah, related to his flat in Samyak Darshan building in Ghatkopar. Shah, with the help of a BMC deputy engineer Sagar Mehta, lodged a complain about illegal constructions in some of the flats in the building, including Mr Mehta's flat, which was in the name of his wife Kishori Mehta. The FIR was registered in Pant Nagar police station. MrVikhe alleged that the minister changed his wife's name in the FIR from Kishori to Kishor to avoid controversy.

NCP leader Jayant Patil said that there are new allegations against the minister every day and hence he should resign. The government is not giving any assurance about the inquiry but protecting the tainted minister. It is a serious issue when the government keeps boasting about corruption-free governance, Patil said.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar said, another corruption matter has come up against Mehta. The CM had assured that he would discuss the matter of an inquiry into the corruption with opposition leaders but he did not invite anyone. The minister has admitted that he has committed the mistake. If Mopalwar is removed from the post then why not the minister? Even Eknath Khadse resigned from the ministry on charges of corruption. Mehta should be removed from the post, he said. However, parliamentary affairs minister Girish Bapat said the CM would discuss the issue with the opposition before the inquiry.

Speaking to the media later, Mr Mehta denied all allegations and lashed out at the opposition leader for his cheap allegations. The allegations levelled against me are very cheap and it is unfair to bring my wife's name into the matter. It seems to me that there is a competition between Vikhe Patil and Prithviraj Chavan to show their performance in the house and hence such cheap allegations were made against me, he said. Though I was director of Sai Siddhi Pvt Ltd, I left the post before becoming the minister. Also, my son Harsh is an official tenant. The allegations that my wife's name was changed is also wrong. The flat belongs to my wife but my brother Kishor stays there, he informed the assembly.
The CM has been standing strong behind Mehta and did the same on Thursday as well.

Mumbai: Housing minister Prakash Mehta on Friday tossed the ball in chief minister Devendra Fadnaviss court, when he said that he would quit if the CM asked him. The opposition continued to bay for his blood on the third consecutive day. If the CM asks, I am ready to sit out, until the inquiry gets concluded, he said. Mr Mehta is under attack over the Tardeo slum rehabilation authority (SRA) development project.

The CM has been standing strong behind Mehta and did the same on Thursday as well.

On Friday, opposition members again demanded his resignation. We will not allow both houses to function until Mr Mehta is sacked from the ministry, declared both opposition leaders of the assembly and the council.

Following the continuous attacks against him, Mr Mehta for the first time on Friday talked about tendering his resignation.

After claiming that he has done no wrong, he said, If the CM asks, I am ready to sit out from cabinet, until the inquiry gets concluded.

He also commented on the oppositions claim saying, Not a single issue that the opposition is raising has any substance. It just shows the oppositions mediocrity. I challenge them to prove any of the allegations, he said.

However, the CM was not available for comments on Mr Mehtas resignation. On Thursday, he had rejected the demand for his ministerial colleagues resignation, saying, Nobody got anything in the said project as a final decision was not implemented. There will be a probe in the matter. There is no need for his resignation before the probe, he had said categorically.
Tanzeem Merani said she will celebrate Raksha Bandhan with the soldiers and will also tie them Rakhis.

Ahmedabad: 14-year-old Muslim girl in Gujarat's Ahmedabad city has vowed to unfurl the national flag at Srinagar's Lal Chowk on this Raksha Bandhan.

Tanzeem Merani said she will celebrate Raksha Bandhan with the soldiers and will also tie them Rakhis.

"Last time I was stopped at the airport itself, and I unfurled the flag there. But, I will make sure I do it this time at Lal Chowk. This time I chose Rakha Bandha because it is a celebration of brother and sisters. I would like to tie Rakhi to my Army brothers," she added.

Her family has fully supported her. Her father said he acknowledges the fact that it isn't the best time to go into the state but asked as to how long one should wait to do this, and said that somebody needed to take a step in this direction, just like his daughter did.

"First of all, I would I like to ask who has created this gap between Hindu and Muslims? Do they have different coloured blood? It is a celebration and we have right to go anywhere we want to...I will always stand with my daughter. It is just a festival and why are we dividing it to Hindu and Muslim?" he added.

Backing his daughter's resolve, the father said that they want to spread the message of Hindu-Muslim unity and encourage the girls.

In 2016, Tanzeem had vowed to unfurl the national flag at Srinagar's Lal Chowk on Independence Day.
Riddiraj Kumar, a Class 3 student and an NRI from Kuwait, donated to the Indian Army Welfare Fund the entire prize amount of Rs 18,000.

Riddiraj Kumar (right) with his family meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. (Photo: Twitter | @PMOIndia)

New Delhi: He may be young but his gesture is huge.

Riddiraj Kumar, a Class 3 student and an NRI living in Kuwait, donated to the Indian Army Welfare Fund the entire prize amount of Rs 18,000 that he won in an international test.

Kumar, along with his mother, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Thursday and presented a cheque for the amount, the PMO said.

He had won 80 KD (Kuwait Dinars), equal to Rs 18,000, as prize money in the International Bench Mark Test for Improving Learning Award for Excellence conducted by the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER).

A student from Indian Educational School, Kuwait, Riddhiraj excelled both in Mathematics and Science, for Middle East, to win the prize money.

The prime minister congratulated Riddhiraj for his generosity and excellence in academics, the PMO said in a statement.

The prime minister also learnt that the boy has several innovative projects to his name, the PMO said.

The student's mother Krupa Bhatt told the prime minister that she is working on 'Every Child is Genius Project' and organising free seminars for the teachers in India, on identifying talents of the children, it said.

Modi also congratulated her for the commitment showing in spreading innovative learning projects.
Indias political democracy is lubricated by corruption. No party, big or small, can be said to be above board.

Anger was expressed in both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday by the Congress, the main Opposition party, which saw income-tax raids on its minister in Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, as reprisal for the Congress leader sheltering 40-odd Gujarat Congress MLAs on the run from the BJPs threats and blandishments on the eve of the Rajya Sabha polls, at his guesthouse on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

With the bringing down of the secular Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar by roping in chief minister Nitish Kumar himself in the exercise of overturning the popular mandate, and the direct mounting of pressure on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, both on corruption-related allegations like the Bengaluru events, the actions of the BJP and its government appear to have imparted a degree of urgency to Opposition concerns.

The drive of the secular Opposition parties seems to be in the direction of accelerating the process of coordinating their efforts, and recover from the recent betrayal by the Bihar CM. The proposed rally on August 27 in Patna called by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav is likely to give us a glimpse into the state of the preparedness of the parties ranged against the Narendra Modi governments policies, and the BJPs ideology and political style of arm-twisting opponents and subverting established democratic norms.

The raids on Mr Shivakumars properties in Bengaluru and New Delhi, ostensibly to gather evidence, were done with the CRPF in attendance. The use of Central forces for such a purpose is shocking and speaks of a tendency to drive in fear.

In contrast, the Opposition parties point to several cases against BJP leaders being slackened or ended, like those pertaining to the Assam and Chhattisgarh chief ministers, to say nothing of former ministers in Punjab when it was under NDA rule until not long ago.

It has also not gone unnoticed that this sudden burst of activity to root out corruption in the country has focused exclusively on Opposition parties. Leading officials and BJP leaders from Gujarat, facing trial in criminal cases that were subjects of household discussions when Narendra Modi was chief minister, are being let off by the courts one by one, as if by divine providence.

Indias political democracy is lubricated by corruption. No party, big or small, can be said to be above board. An important part of the reason is the way elections are conducted. Changing the template of the system needs the concerted cooperation of all political parties. But the present government appears to be going after its political opponents with a vengeance in the name of targeting corruption.

This suggests lack of seriousness on its part. Evidently, the government is keen to slay its political opponents long before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
India is in Bhutans territory at Doklam at Thimphus urging, not in Chinese territory as Beijings warmongers have been claiming.

In the context of the Doklam military standoff, India has presented two formulations in dealing with China, and it may be in Beijings best interest to pay heed. This will also be in the interest of furtherance of bilateral relations and a stable military and economic environment in the world.

If the worlds two fastest growing large countries, which are also among the worlds most significant economies, opt for military conflict, they will both pay a heavy price, but so will the rest of the world. Beijing should note that its time for caution, not brinkmanship through war-mongering rhetoric  which has been its staple over the past month and a half  and amateurish attempts to scare away a potential adversary through sabre-rattling, employing various methods of psychological warfare. If Beijing is to show maturity, it should put away the habit of listening only to itself. Thats also the ancient Asian way.

Three months before the 19th congress of the Chinese Communist Party, where President Xi Jinping, who has already been officially declared a core leader of his country (being placed in the pantheon of the greats), seeks to consolidate his power and position himself as Chinas most significant political personage after Mao Zedong, it is hardly advisable to be seen as being caught up in a mesh of ones own making. To emerge as the champion of peace rather than war, by sorting out issues with a key neighbour, may prove to be the better way, for theres no knowing where war-mongering may lead to.

The formulation that external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj laid down in dealing with China in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday was that war was not the way out. This was a follow-up on her official statement exactly a fortnight earlier in Parliament that both sides must withdraw simultaneously (for talks to take place). Both are sensible propositions. India is in Bhutans territory at Doklam at Thimphus urging, not in Chinese territory as Beijings warmongers have been claiming.

If Beijing believes that it will lose face by withdrawing from where its forces should not have been in the first place, then it will have to remove its men and machinery in a few weeks time when snows in those high altitudes inhibit normal activity. Indians will also have to pull back. That can be the starting point for talks across the entire range of bilateral ties, as Ms Swaraj noted. She also said China had made a contribution to the Indian economy as India had given it a vast range of contracts. This is the language of peace.

Its now time India and China went over the entire gamut of their bilateral ties and perhaps instituted a strategic dialogue.
Pistorius is serving a 6-year jail term for murdering his girlfriend Reeva, a model and law graduate, in his Pretoria house in 2013.

Johannesburg: Jailed Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was discharged from hospital on Friday after being kept in overnight under observation, an official said, after local media reported he was suffering chest pains.

"He has been discharged and is back in the facility," Logan Maistry, spokesman for the department of correctional services, told AFP.

Pistorius, 30, is serving a six-year jail term for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, in his Pretoria house in 2013.

The "Blade Runner", as he was known, has always maintained that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he fired four high-calibre bullets through a locked toilet cubicle.

Maistry said on Friday the department would not release details on Pistorius's medical condition.

The News24 website had reported that Pistorius was taken from Atteridgeville prison in Pretoria to hospital in an ambulance on Thursday after complaining of chest pains.

The year before he killed Steenkamp, Pistorius became the first double-amputee to race at Olympic level when he competed at the London 2012 games.
Tour companies say some 5,000 Western tourists visit the North each year, with US citizens making up about 20 percent of the market.

The move was triggered by the death of 22-year-old Otto Warmbier, who was sentenced to 15 years' hard labour in the North for trying to steal a propaganda poster (Photo: AP)

Pyongyang: North Korea's doors are still open to US tourists, Pyongyang said Friday, despite Washington banning its citizens from travelling there following the death of a US student who had been jailed in the country.

The US prohibition, which comes into effect September 1, was introduced after officials said the "serious risk" of arrest by Pyongyang authorities during tourist travel presented an "imminent danger to the physical safety" of its nationals.

The move was triggered by the death of 22-year-old Otto Warmbier, who was sentenced to 15 years' hard labour in the North for trying to steal a propaganda poster during a tourist visit but was released in a mysterious coma in June and died soon afterwards.

But a spokesman for the North's foreign ministry said Americans were still welcome.

"We will always leave our door wide open to any US citizen who would like to visit our country out of good will," he said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

Washington's State Department has declared US passports invalid for travel to, in or through North Korea.

No details of how US visitors might travel to the country in the circumstances were provided by the spokesman.

"There isn't any reason for the foreigners to feel threat to their safety in the DPRK which has the most stable and strong state system," he said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name.

A few Americans have faced "due punishments in accordance with the laws of the DPRK" for committing crimes against the state, he added.

Tour companies say some 5,000 Western tourists visit the North each year, with US citizens making up about 20 percent of the market.

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.
India has been making diplomatic efforts to ensure the expansion of the permanent as well as non-permanent membership of the UNSC.

Washington: The United States has reaffirmed its support for India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council (UNSC).

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, said, ""I believe US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is going to raise the issue at the United Nations."

Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States as a wonderful experience, Nauert said, "US had a lovely visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was certainly wonderful to have him here in the United States. I know the President enjoyed hosting him, as did the Secretary as well."

Nauert, a former Fox News host, said "US is certainly aware of the elections that India will hold in 2019."

During Prime Minister Modi's visit to United States in June, President Trump reaffirmed the support of the United States for India's permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council and in other multilateral institutions like the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"As global non-proliferation partners, the United States expressed strong support for India's early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group," the India-US joint statement said.

India has been making diplomatic efforts to ensure the expansion of the permanent as well as non-permanent membership of the UNSC and membership bid in the NSG, a 48-member elite group which controls the nuclear trade.
Abbasi, was endorsed by Sharif to hold the post for interim arrangement of 45 days (till mid-September) till Shahbaz makes to Islamabad.

Abbasi is likely to continue as premier for the remaining 10-month tenure of PML-N. (Photo: AP)

Washington: The US has congratulated Pakistan's newly-elected Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, saying it "looks forward" to working with him on areas of

mutual cooperation.

"We want to congratulate Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi on his election by the National Assembly. We will certainly look forward to working with him on areas of mutual cooperation," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her biweekly news conference on Thursday. "We have a very strong people-to-people ties with the government of Pakistan.

We'll look forward to working with Pakistan, and we'll look forward to working with him as well," she said in response to a question on the election of Pakistan's new prime minister.

Meanwhile, Nauert said she is not aware of the claims by Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that the then US President Bill Clinton had offered him USD 5 billion during Kargil war. "I'm not aware of any of that money and what you're referring to from quite a few administrations ago," she said.

Abbasi is likely to continue as premier for the remaining 10-month tenure of PML-N as the party chief Nawaz Sharif has hinted retaining his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the key province.

Sharif, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case on July 28, had nominated Shahbaz to succeed him after winning a by-election on his vacant seat in Lahore.

Abbasi, 58, was endorsed by Sharif to hold the post for interim arrangement of 45 days (till mid-September) till Shahbaz makes to Islamabad.
The opposition says turnout was closer to 3.5 million, mostly state employees fearful for their jobs.

Maduro faces accusations at home and abroad of trampling on democracy with the election last weekend of the assembly. (Photo: AFP)

Carascas: Venezuela is headed for a fresh showdown as President Nicolas Maduro prepares to inaugurate a powerful new "Constituent Assembly" on Friday, with his opponents vowing massive protests and state prosecutors seeking to block him in court.

Maduro faces accusations at home and abroad of trampling on democracy with the election last weekend of the assembly in a vote boycotted by the opposition and allegedly marred by fraud.

Attorney General Luisa Ortega's office said on Twitter that state prosecutors had filed a case to block Friday's inauguration, "based on suspected crimes committed" during the election.

Ortega, one of Maduro's most vocal critics, has ordered an investigation into "scandalous" electoral fraud, after a British-based technology firm contracted for the vote, Smartmatic, said Maduro had exaggerated the turnout.

Since all candidates for the assembly were Maduro allies, turnout was the key gauge of public support. The 545-member assembly whose members include Maduro's wife and son will have sweeping powers to dissolve the opposition-majority congress, pass laws and write a new constitution. It was initially due to start work Thursday against a backdrop of opposition protests.

But Maduro rescheduled the inauguration to Friday, vowing the assembly would open "in peace and calm." His opponents responded by pushing back their protest, calling on Venezuelans to "defend the constitution."

For four months Venezuela has been in the grip of violent protests that have left more than 125 people dead as opposition demonstrators battle security forces and armed motorcycle gangs of Maduro supporters.

On Thursday, two people on motorbikes threw Molotov cocktails at the Spanish embassy in Caracas, causing no casualties. Prosecutors did not link the attack to the political tensions, though Madrid is a fierce critic of Maduro's moves in recent days.

Maduro insists the new assembly is the solution to a drawn-out economic and political crisis gripping Venezuela, whose 18-year-old, oil-fueled socialist economic model has been driven to the brink of collapse by a plunge in global crude prices.

The United States imposed direct sanctions on Maduro, calling him a "dictator," while the European Union joined the United States, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina in saying it would not recognize the new assembly.

Maduro has denied the accusation of an inflated turnout figure, dismissing it as a "reaction by the international enemy." Venezuela's pro-government electoral authority had claimed more than eight million voters took part 40 percent of the electorate.

The opposition says turnout was closer to 3.5 million, mostly state employees fearful for their jobs. More than 70 percent of Venezuelans oppose the new assembly, according to polling firm Datanalisis.

Maduro moved swiftly to consolidate his authority after the election. Two prominent opposition leaders were hustled off to jail in the middle of the night by armed members of the Venezuelan intelligence services.

Security forces and pro-government motorbike gangs actively stamped out public signs of dissent. Delcy Rodriguez, a former foreign minister who is now part of the new body, said the Constituent Assembly will kick the lawmakers out of the chamber they occupy in the legislative palace, take it over and "never leave."

Faced with mounting international outcry, Maduro on Wednesday named a new foreign minister to fill the newly elected Rodriguez's shoes: former vice president Jorge Arreaza.

Arreaza is married to the eldest daughter of late president Hugo Chavez Maduro's mentor, the father of Venezuela's socialist "revolution," and the architect of the 1999 constitution the new assembly will rewrite.

Several major Latin American nations have underlined their wariness over the direction they believed Venezuela was heading. On Thursday, Argentina called on its citizens to not take non-essential trips to Venezuela.

The Argentina foreign ministry said "cases of insecurity and violence perpetrated by governmental forces and confrontations with the civilian population" prompted its appeal.

Chile, meanwhile, said six Venezuelan opposition figures were taking refuge in its embassy in Caracas. Four of them were judges named by the opposition to sit on a parallel supreme court, to counter the high tribunal stacked with pro-Maduro magistrates.

The six were seeking diplomatic protection but no requests for asylum had been received, according to Chilean officials.
To a question, the minister said that the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan had cultivated seeds of hatred.

Islamabad: Pakistan minister Khawaja Saad Rafique on Friday said that a review petition against the Panama papers case verdict that disqualified Nawaz Sharif as the Prime Minister, will be filed in the Supreme Court.

Nawaz Sharif will play a bigger role in the politics in future, he said. The minister added, No compromise has been made on the respect, dignity or honour of the institutions.

To a question, the minister said that the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan had cultivated seeds of hatred and now was being exposed himself before the nation.

About allegations of Ayesha Gulalai Wazir, he said, Imran Khan should resign from the party leadership ...Where are Imran Khans dialogues pertaining to be ashamed and tender resignation now.

Mr Rafique added, Instead of targeting Ayesha Gulalai to form counter-narrative and accusing the opponent party, Imran Khan should gather courage and prove the allegations false.
The January phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was widely reported at the time.

Australia refuses to settle any refugees who come to its country by boat, in a bid to discourage the dangerous and often deadly ocean crossings. (Photo: File)

Sydney: Australia's Prime Minister insisted on Friday that his relationship with President Donald Trump was "warm," despite transcripts of a heated conversation in which the leaders sparred over a refugee deal.

The January phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was widely reported at the time. But the transcripts published Friday by The Washington Post offered new details into the conversation, which focused on an Obama-era refugee deal under which the United States will take up to 1,250 refugees that Australia houses in detention camps on the Pacific island nations of Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

According to the transcript, Trump told Turnbull the agreement was "stupid," ''disgusting" and "horrible," adding: "This deal will make me look terrible... I am going to get killed on this thing."

"It was a courteous, frank conversation as President Trump said," Turnbull told reporters in the west Australian town of Broome when asked about the transcripts. "We're both adults. I stand up for Australia's interests, he stands up for America's interests. We have a warm relationship."

Trump originally said reports characterizing the conversation as testy were "fake news" made up by the media, and insisted the call had been civil. Trump repeated his assertion that the reports were "fake news" when he and Turnbull met in New York in May, to which Turnbull responded: "Yes, that's exactly right."

But the transcript showed the exchange was indeed fraught, with Trump at one point saying his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin had been nicer. "That is enough, Malcolm. I have had it," Trump said, according to the transcript. "I have been making these calls all day, and this is the most unpleasant call all day. Putin was a pleasant call."

On Friday, Turnbull dodged a reporter's question over whether he regretted characterizing the earlier media reports about the conversation as fake.

"The discussion was a frank one, as the president said, between adults," Turnbull replied. "We've both had plenty of experience in frank discussions."

Australia refuses to settle any refugees who come to its country by boat, in a bid to discourage the dangerous and often deadly ocean crossings.

Instead, the country pays Nauru and Papua New Guinea to keep asylum seekers in camps, where they live in harsh conditions that have been condemned by rights groups.

The Australian government has said it expects the first refugees to depart for the US in October.
Qarabagh district is located 50 kilometres north of the capital Kabul and is near Bagram Airbase, the largest American base in Afghanistan.

Civilians were also reported to have been wounded in the nighttime attack. (Photo: Representational/AFP)

Kabul: A Taliban suicide bomber attacked a convoy of foreign forces in Afghanistan late Thursday, killing one NATO soldier and wounding six other personnel, the coalition said.

"The patrol was conducting a partnered mission with the Afghan National Army when a personnel-borne IED (improvised explosive device) detonated," in Qarabagh district in Kabul province," NATO said in a statement.

The Taliban quickly claimed the attack on social media and in Whatsapp messages to journalists. Qarabagh district is located 50 kilometres north of the capital Kabul and is near Bagram Airbase, the largest American base in Afghanistan.

"One Resolute Support Soldier was killed and six personnel (five troops and one interpreter) were wounded Thursday evening when their patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber," Nato said referring to the name of its Afghan mission.

"The RS personnel who were wounded are being treated at the US military hospital at Bagram Airfield. All of the wounded are listed in stable condition," it added. The nationality of the dead soldier and injured was not immediately known.

Civilians were also reported to have been wounded in the nighttime attack.

"#Afghanistan explosion in Qarabagh district, 12 wounded brought to our #Kabul hospital so far," tweeted an Italian-run hospital in the capital which specialises in dealing with victims of bombings.

The attack came a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed two US soldiers in Afghanistan's restive southern province of Kandahar when he rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into a convoy of foreign forces.
August marks 70 years since the subcontinent was divided into two independent states -- Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan.

An untold number of people -- some estimates say up two million -- died in the savage violence that followed (Photo: AP)

Islamabad: Pakistani high school student Noman Afzal knows "traitorous" Hindus are to blame for the bloodshed that erupted when British India split into two nations 70 years ago. His history textbook tells him so.

Students across the border in India are taught a starkly different version of events, the result of a decades-long effort by the nuclear-armed rivals to shape and control history to their own nationalistic narrative.

The official unwillingness to confront the bitter legacy of Partition -- and the skewed portrayals being peddled in classrooms from New Delhi to Karachi -- is hindering any hope of reconciliation between the arch-rivals, experts say.

August marks 70 years since the subcontinent was divided into two independent states -- Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan -- and millions were uprooted in one of the largest mass migrations in history.

An untold number of people -- some estimates say up two million -- died in the savage violence that followed, as Hindus and Muslims fleeing for their new homelands turned on one another, raping and butchering in genocidal retribution.

The carnage sowed the seeds for the acrimony that prevails today between India and Pakistan, and generations later this defining moment in the subcontinent's history is still polarised by nationalism and rancour.

In a government-approved grade five history textbook used in schools in Pakistan's Baluchistan province, Hindus are described as "thugs" who "massacred Muslims, confiscated their property, and forced them to leave India".

"They looked down upon us, that is why we created Pakistan," said 17-year-old Afzal from Pakistan's Punjab province, reeling off a stock answer from his history textbook.

On the other side of the border, Mumbai schoolboy Triaksh Mitra learned how Mahatma Gandhi fought for a unified India free from British subjugation while the Muslim League -- the political party led by Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah -- sided with the colonial rulers to carve out their own nation.

"But what they hadn't really told us was the Muslim side of it," the 15-year-old said of his Partition studies.

- History kept hidden -

The chapters on Gandhi are a striking example of the gap between how Partition is portrayed on either side of the border. In Pakistan, his contribution to the struggle for independence is hardly mentioned, whereas in India he is hailed as an "one-man army".

History teacher Aashish Dhakaan who works in a high school in India's Gujarat state, acknowledged that the creation of the Muslim League was popularly upheld as "self reliance and liberty" in Pakistan, and the folly of "gullible Muslims" in India.

"In our history we won the war, and in their history textbooks, they won the war," said Dhakaan.

While the government-sanctioned curriculums on both sides of the border appear largely ossified to their version of history, one Pakistan-based group has been using games and popular culture to challenge students to think critically about their past.

Qasim Aslam's "History Project" runs sessions in schools in India and Pakistan, inviting students to compare how Partition accounts are presented in the two countries' textbooks.

"By the time they are 20, it is solidified and stays with them all their lives," Aslam said of the one-sided history lessons proffered in schools.

Mumbai-based student Mitra attended one of these sessions in April. "It helped me to take a different viewpoint into account and to form a more balanced notion," Mitra said. "If I know only one part, then it's not the complete truth."

Islamabad-based Pakistan studies professor Tariq Rehman said that correcting bias in the official syllabi "would take a change in foreign policy" between the two countries.

"Authorities (in Pakistan) don't seem to be interested in making changes and question the antagonism against India," he added.

But there are small signs of progress. The latest revision of the state history textbook in India includes graphic first-hand accounts of atrocities committed by Hindus, and asks students if the violence could be considered a holocaust.

A book of testimonies titled "The Other Side of Silence" by Indian writer and Partition historian Urvashi Butalia is now also part of the high school syllabus in India.

Butalia said she is pleased that more people are trying to understand Partition beyond a nationalistic prism. "It would have been impossible 20 years ago," she said.

But outside the classroom, Butalia says there is little appetite for confronting hard truths about the past.

The author discovered a series of police reports of rapes and murders from 1947 that had been kept hidden because authorities feared "opening up a can of worms" if the horrifying accounts went public.

She also points to Humayan's Tomb and Purana Qila -- two ancient monuments in New Delhi -- where thousands of Partition refugees sought sanctuary as the capital descended into chaos, noting there is no plaque at either site to remind the public of this troubled legacy.

"I do not say that silence is broken," she added. "We could learn so much, basically learn never to repeat that history, but we don't memorialise it in any way," she warned.
The standoff began on June 16 after Chinese troops began constructing a road near the tri-junction with Bhutan.

Sikkim, which became a part of India in May 1976, is the only state which has a demarcated border with China. (Photo: Representational/File)

Beijing: China has said that it has shown "utmost goodwill" over the prolonged military standoff with India in the Sikkim sector but warned that its "restraint" has a "bottom line".

The reaction from the Chinese defence ministry late last night came a day after the Indian External Affairs Ministry in a statement said that the peace and tranquillity of the India-China boundary constitutes the important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month made clear Indias position on the over-a-month-long standoff in the Doklam area, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution.

Read: Need dialogue, not war: Sushma Swaraj tells Oppn on Sikkim standoff

The standoff began on June 16 after Chinese troops began constructing a road near the tri-junction with Bhutan, which India says was a unilateral action by Beijing to change the status quo in the area.

New Delhi fears the construction of the road would allow China to cut off Indias access to its north-eastern states.

Ren Guoqiang, a spokesperson of the Chinese defence ministry, in a statement called on the Indian side to swiftly address the situation in a proper manner to restore peace and tranquillity in the border region.

"Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. Chinese armed forces have also shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability," Ren said, according to report in the state-run Xinhua news agency.

Read: Sikkim standoff: India making excuses over illegal border entry, says China

"However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line," Ren added.

The spokesperson urged the Indian side to give up the "illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests".

Ren said the Chinese armed forces will resolutely protect the countrys territorial sovereignty and security interests.

His comments also come after Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of a BRICS summit of NSAs from the member countries.
by Mathias Hariyadi

Yogyakarta's gathering of youth has a major interfaith dimension. A meeting was held today to discuss Unity in Cultural Diversity centred on coexistence. For Islamic leaders, radicalism and terrorism are challenges to be met together. Intolerance and terrorism are not expressions of true values of Asian culture, said Card Patrick D'Rozario of Dhaka. For former Muhammadiyah president Prof Syafi'i Maarif, corruption, social injustice and Arabisation are the causes of sectarianism in Indonesia.

Yogyakarta (AsiaNews)  Asian Youth Day (AYD) has brought to Yogyakarta (Central Java) more than 2,000 young Catholics from 22 Asian countries. The gathering, which will last until 6 August, has a strong interfaith dimension. In fact, the third day today, whose theme was Unity in Cultural Diversity, ended in a close-door meeting on peaceful coexistence between a number of cardinals and bishops from Asia with some important Indonesians involved in interfaith dialogue.

Participants in this meeting included Mgr Yohannes Harun Yuwono, bishop of Tanjungkarang and chairman of the Commission for Interreligious Affairs of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI), Jesuit Fr Heru Prakosa, who teaches at the Catholic Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta, Suhadi Cholil, a lecturer at the Islamic State University, and Savic Ali, social media director at NUtizen, Nahdlatul Ulamas multimedia application. The latter is Indonesias foremost moderate Muslim organisation, which supports pluralism, interfaith dialogue and human rights.

Both Muslim speakers said that both Islamic and non-Islamic communities face certain challenges. One is the rising radicalism, which promotes fundamentalism among Muslims and bias against religious minorities. The other is terrorism, which manipulates Islamic teachings to put in Muslims minds "misleading theological views that condemn socialising with people of other religious denominations." The two Muslim leaders call for resistance to the temptation of suspicions and reject these "false ideas".

Although radicalism and terrorism find fertile ground on the internet. However, for Savic Ali social media can also become a "tool to promote peaceful coexistence and eradicate extreme visions or manipulated teachings of certain religious doctrines."

Other Catholic leaders also took part in the discussion, sharing opinions and experiences. Bishop Anicetus B. Sinaga, archbishop of North Sumatera (Indonesia), said that every religion promotes peace and tolerance, but it is nevertheless the responsibility of religious leaders to spread these values among the faithful.

Card Patrick D'Rozario of Dhaka (Bangladesh) noted that intolerance and terrorism are not an expression of the true values of Asian culture. Nevertheless, it is Asias responsibility to convey the ideals of tolerance and solidarity to other continents.

Prof Syafi'i Maarif, former president of Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second moderate Islamic organisation, identified three causes for the spread of radicalism in Indonesian society.

In his view, corruption and social injustices due to the growing gap between rich and poor contribute to intolerance and violence between different religious and cultural communities. The third factor is the "deviant Arabisation" of Islamic culture in the country.

"Indonesians have been brainwashed, he bemoaned. It is not true, as many think, that Arabism is the authentic part of Islam. " In Indonesia, he added, corrupt politics has contributed to incidents of intolerance.

In fact, some conservative parties have recently formed a close alliance with radical Islamic movements to push their political agenda, contributing to Islamist trends that have generated strong tensions in Indonesian society over the past few months, as in the "Ahok trial" case.

Back in May, under pressure from extremist organisations, a district court in North Jakarta convicted Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian and the incumbent governor of Jakarta, on blasphemy charges for suggesting that some people abusively cited a Quranic verse to block his re-election.

His controversial two-year jail sentence gave Indonesias civil society a jolt, leading to what some have called a "new Indonesian nationalism", one that promotes the doctrine of pluralism.

Last July, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo signed a decree that gives the government the power to ban radical Islamist organisations.
by Mathias Hariyadi

The important Yogyakarta meeting comes ahead of next years synod dedicated to young people. For Card Patrick D'Rosario, the Church of Asia faces many social problems, especially poverty. He urged young Catholics to participate in its mission. AYDs 'spiritual fruits' must find application in the real life of young Catholics.

Yogyakarta (AsiaNews)  With the opening ceremony and the solemn Mass, the main component (2-6 August) of the 7th Asian Youth Day (AYD7) got underway in Yogyakarta, Diocese of Semarang (Java).

The press conference presenting the event was held at the Jogja Expo Centre (JEC) in the presence of Mgr Ignatius Suharyo, president of the Catholics Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI), Card Patrick D'Rosario, president of the Youth Commission of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), and Mgr Robertus Rubyatamoko, Archbishop of Semarang and chairman of the organising committee.

Mgr Suharyo emphasised the significance of two issues young Catholics are expected to face in order to spread the spirit of the Asian Youth Day, namely compassion and teamwork. The more than 2,000 AYD participants are called to put them into practice so as to pick the "spiritual fruits" generated and experienced during the meeting with their peers from 22 Asian nations.

"Id like to call these two fundamental principles 'ethical competence', said the KWI president. If young Catholics do not apply all of the AYDs 'spiritual fruits' in real life, then it would not have been useful. If these "spiritual fruits" are not put into practice, the celebration of our faith, the knowledge of the Catholic Church among its young people, and their encounter in Yogyakarta will not have had a serious impact on society."

The bishop urged all the young people to ask themselves some personal questions. "How do I assimilate God's words and evangelical joy in my life? How can I draw inspiration from Gods Word? And finally, how can I apply the spirit of God's words to my personal life? In short, what must we do morally, spiritually and socially to make our social life more and more dignified and humanised?" For Mgr Suharyo, these questions must be followed by a public commitment.

Card Patrick D'Rosario of Dhaka (Bangladesh) explained the historical context of this editions AYD. He placed the Yogyakarta meeting in the framework of two important events.

The first is the plenary assembly the FABC held in Colombo (Sri Lanka) in 2016, where discussions centred on the Catholic Church in Asia, the vocation of young people, and their mission. The second is the Synod dedicated to young people Pope Francis called for in 2018.

"The Catholic Church of Asia is a local Church that faces many social problems, especially poverty, the cardinal explained. Young Catholics are urged to join its mission. This is AYDs context.

As the archbishop of the host diocese, Mgr Rubyatamoko also spoke at the opening ceremony, the solemn Eucharistic celebration that saw today the participation of more than 50 bishops (including 6 cardinals) together with some 150 concelebrating priests and more than 940 children.

Senior government officials also took part in the event. AYD received the full support from the authorities through their presence and the permits they granted. "Our Closing Ceremony at the Air Force Academy was also organised with the help of the government, the prelate said.

Archbishop Rubyatamoko also noted that some moderate Islamic organisations took part in the event offering help in providing security. The Catholic Church of Indonesia, the most populous Islamic country in the world, is very active in interreligious dialogue and usually involves Muslims in its initiatives and activities.
by Card. John Tong

Hong Kongs new bishop emeritus (as of 4 days ago) takes stock of his eight years as pastor. He salutes and thanks all the faithful with special gratitude for the missionaries. Evangelisation has led to 60,000 new baptised in the faith. He talks about schools and teaching, the new Catholic university, and the permanent deacons. He expresses hope for talks between China and the Vatican.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews)  On the occasion of his retirement from the diocese, Card John Tong addressed a letter to the faithful titled A letter to my family in Christ, published today in the Dioceses English and Chinese weeklies.

In it the cardinal takes stock of his time in office, full of gratitude for everything that he experienced, first as auxiliary bishop and then as ordinary bishop. Incredibly he says that at least 60,000 people have been baptised in Hong Kong in the last 8 years. And as already noted, his successor is Mgr Michael Yeung, whose investiture ceremony is set for tomorrow afternoon.

A memorable interview published by AsiaNews in 2009 provides information about his life and background. Here is the full text of his letter.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

May the peace of the Lord be with you!



Three years ago when I was 75 years old, I submitted my resignation as the Bishop of Hong Kong to His Holiness in accord with Canon Law. However, Pope Francis postponed my retirement for three years.

On July 31, this year I will turn 78 and will then officially retire from the episcopal ministry of Hong Kong. Coadjutor Bishop Michael Yeung will succeed me.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude in this letter to all the members and staff of the Curia, all priests, deacons, Sisters and Church members, as well as friends I have made over the past years for their support and encouragement. May the Lord abundantly reward your sacrifices and hard work.

In his apostolic letter for the Year of Consecrated Life in 2015, Pope Francis advises us to look to the past with gratitude, to live the present with passion and to embrace the future with hope.



Following this line of thought I want to share with you some things from my experience as the Bishop of Hong Kong over the past eight years.

First of all, looking to the past with gratitude. I thank God for having given our Diocese wise leaders, particularly Cardinal John Baptist Wu and Cardinal Joseph Zen, whom I have worked with during these years.

They have contributed to establishing a solid foundation and an effective system in the Diocese. This enables all the faithful to have a deeper faith and to serve others as Jesus teaches us. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

As early as 25 years ago I started working in the Bishops Office assisting with diocesan matters. I have been through many upheavals during this time, with some of the unforgettable events being the exodus of people from Hong Kong before the 1997 reversion, the SARS epidemic in 2003 and the striving for universal suffrage in recent years.

In the face of with these challenges, I have learned to trust in God.

The Church needs to listen to the voices of young people; to understand the needs of the elderly and the underprivileged; to express demands against injustice. I felt the Churchs great concerns in society, sharing the publics joys and hopes, griefs and anxieties (Gaudium et Spes,1).

Secondly, when it comes to enthusiasm, I have tried to live in the present and to live out the witness of faith. As a cardinal, I have been appointed as a member of various Dicasteries of the Holy See, including the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, the Congregation for Catholic Education, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the Council for the Economy of the Holy See.

I will continue to participate in these apostolic ministries to show support for the Universal Church and to uphold the principles of unity and universality of our Church.

This is also an expression of a response to the Popes in modern times, especially Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, who have expectations of us.

As the Bishop, I am grateful to all the priests and sisters, especially missionaries serving in Hong Kong and their collaborators. Through their service, they are nurturing the People of God in areas of pastoral work, spirituality and formation with dedication and diligence. They make the witness of our parishes, schools and social services, to the three pillars of faith possible.

Together with the parishes and other communities, the local Catholic Diocese has devoted itself to evangelisation work. Over the past eight years, nearly 60,000 persons have been baptised and half of those were adults, who received at least 18 months formation in the catechumenate prior to Baptism.

At present, the Diocese has about 600,000 Catholics, approximately seven per cent of the total 7.4 million population of Hong Kong. Among our believers, many are non-ethnic Chinese Catholics.

Today, I am very pleased to see that most of our parishes have arranged at least one Mass in English or other foreign languages on Sundays. This enhances the non-Chinese Catholics participation in parochial groups and activities, as well as a more active participation in the liturgy.

Even though the number of vocations in our Diocese is few, our faithful continue to pray fervently for more. The Diocesan Vocation Commission, led by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha, fosters young people in exploring the meaning of life and discerning a possible vocation.

With the efforts of those Catholic groups for faith and vocations, the number of young men inspired under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to pursue a religious vocation is showing some improvement.

It is hoped that a culture of vocation is gradually being established in the local Church.

My vocation to the priesthood stemmed from the testimony of missionaries who showed their love, joy and selfless dedication to people. I hope, both for myself and for all clergy, to live in joy and love, letting young people from in and outside the Church see the joy and hope in our faith.



In the light of the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Father Dominic Chan, the Vicar General, has guided a team of permanent deacons since the ministry was inaugurated in the Diocese about 20 years ago.

There are now more than 20 ordained as permanent deacons, serving in diocesan organisations, parishes and social institutions. I am pleased to see that they are encouraged by their families and are well received by parishioners for their love and support.

On the formation of the laity in the Diocese, education needs to be suitable for the times. I am glad to see members of the Church active in studying philosophy, theology, spirituality and subjects connected with various ministries.

Also, a number of laypeople who have pursued religious studies for higher education are now assuming teaching professorships in philosophy and theology at the Seminary College and other institutes.

I do hope the Diocese will further develop the field of religious education by sowing, watering and bearing fruit in evangelisation.

In recent years, the Popes have established Years of Priests, Faith, Consecrated Life and Mercy; and convoked World Synods of Bishops on New Evangelisation and the Family.

Our Diocese is pleased to follow the pace of the Universal Church and the themes have motivated our faithful to deepen their spiritual encounter with the Lord and the Universal Church.

Pope Francis, like his predecessors, has published apostolic exhortations. He has written on the Joy of the Gospel and the Joy of Love, in addition to an encyclical, Laudato Si, providing a wealth of knowledge and Church teaching.

Reading these Church documents, I must say I have benefited a great deal from their teaching. I hope all of you will soon find time to read them, as it will help increase knowledge of the Church, broaden the vision of spirituality and better serve others.

While the Diocese was preparing translations of those documents, we collaborated closely with the neighbouring Churches in Taiwan and Macau. I rest assured that more cooperation will be undertaken.

Furthermore, we maintain contacts with the Churches in the Mainland and promote friendly exchanges with our counterparts there.

Finally, upholding the principle of hope towards the future will give the Diocese a brighter future.

The motto on my coat-of-arms is The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23:1). It always reminds me: The Lord cares for us and we will lack nothing, because He knows us and grants us the graces needed to meet all challenges.

I am confident that under the wise leadership of its new Shepherd, the Diocese will, in unity, implement all pastoral plans fully, including the opening of the Catholic university, a pastoral priority adopted as a resolution at the Diocesan Synod in the Millennium Year 2000.

Dear brother-priests, brothers and sisters in Christ: For the past eight years, I thank you for accompanying me on the journey of faith. For my faults and shortcomings, I ask you to forgive me and to continue to pray for me.

After my retirement, I will continue to engage in research work at the Holy Spirit Study Centre and to maintain my usual exchanges with friends. May I also encourage the Holy See to be in accord with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council and try to move dialogue between China and the Vatican forward.

May I ask you all to pray for this. As I always describe myself as a golden-jubilee resident of the Holy Spirit Seminary, I will continue to live in the Seminary, a place that nourishes my life of prayer and helps to deepen my I-thou relationship with the Good Shepherd; and certainly, a place for plenty of physical exercise!

May God bless you all!





+ John Cardinal Tong

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong



June 29, 2017 - Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles
by Ottavio De Bertolis

Rome (AsiaNews)  Part II of a book on the Holy Hour: an Introduction to the Method of Prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The simple suggested arrangements are actually rich and effective instruments of ecclesial tradition: a fraternal resource for the formation of bishops, priests, laity in China, requested by them.

Praying with St. Ignatius

Since this booklet has an eminently practical purpose, following our general considerations on the practice of the holy hour, we would now wish to provide a general pattern for prayer, adapting the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius to our purpose. We have already mentioned how we can approach prayer at this time, but here we would like to develop more detail on some points, which then the individual will have to, so to speak, mold to suit. Everything is useful, nothing is indispensable, and everyone should act as he or she feels, in the freedom of the Spirit. In the words of St. Ignatius, knowledge itself does not sate and fill the soul, that is, long digressions and considerations, for example, on the biblical text, rather it is feeling and savoring it intimately. In short, you do not need to know or say many things, just a few, even one or two, but the essential thing is to open up our heart to pacify it, fill it, transform it.

Finally, after providing a general scheme, adaptable to each passage of Scripture, we will present some excerpts of prayer, somehow connected with the various liturgical times.

The scheme

St. Ignatius teaches us to begin with a preparatory prayer: I enter the room or place of prayer and I stop. In the right position, which is not necessarily the most comfortable, but the one that helps me to be still, I begin to enter the presence of the Lord, considering what I mean and why I am there. I invoke the Holy Spirit, which moves my heart and my intellect, I recall the words of Jesus, that teach me to pray; I can offer this time in reparation of my sins, prefiguring in some way to offer love to the Lord, to keep watch and pray with Him; I can remember the people or categories of people I want to pray for.

So I look back on the events that I want to contemplate, quickly and succinctly. Here we could introduce a point of passion from any Gospel: one week you can focus on one pericope, the following week another, as you prefer. It should be neither too long nor too short, especially at the beginning. Read the story, I try to imagine the scene as if I were entering it: I depict the places, the people present, the temporal development of what is narrated; Within myself in the place I contemplate, making me one of the present. Then I watch people, listen to what they say, contemplate what they are doing, and try to garner some fruits: I say "some," not all possible fruits. I try to enter into the details, not striving, but simply allowing them to speak to me and tell me something. Here we are right in the heart of the Ignatian prayer, which is characterized by this ability to descend deeply, and this is always not through a hasty and superficial contemplation, but rather calm and attentive. It's important to be still, take the time, there is no one behind us, and we can safely stay there with Jesus, in front of Him.

Finally, talk: I speak with Jesus, or with his Holy Mother, or with the Eternal Father, according to how I feel intimately moved. The duration should be long enough, as the preceding phases prepare us for this, a kind of fuel that lights our inner engine, the fire of the Holy Spirit. And so, at the end of the conversation, I emerge from the prayer gently, returning to my usual occupations, by reciting the Our Father or another prayer, slowly, never in haste. I will arise, I will give thanks for the gifts received, I will make with the sign of the Holy Cross and I will leave the space.

This is the fundamental pattern that everyone will learn to live and live according to their own personality. For convenience, I propose some examples of this way of praying, that may a bring our holy hour closer to the liturgical time of year: all pious practices should in someway strive to be part of the liturgy, and in the liturgy find inspiration and vigor. In fact, private devotion can not and should not be detached from the for a of public prayer, and liturgy is the source and culmination of personal prayer, that is to say, that it leads to it and begins from it. These two poles illuminate and exalt each other, and between them, in a continuous referral, is our entire life of prayer.
by Paul N. Hung

St Joseph Major Seminary presented its summer pastoral programme. Thirty-nine seminarians launched 11 small social projects based on the needs of parish communities. For Denis Pham Bui Vuong, in charge of pastoral outreach, the plan includes study and fieldwork to help seminarians work with marginalised groups.

Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews)  The students of St Joseph Major Seminary in Saigon are engaged in a number of pastoral initiatives and activities for the summer that will bring them into contact with some of the neediest parishes and social groups.

AsiaNews interviewed some of those involved in the Summer Pastoral Project 2017 and describes their initiatives to address the problems that local Catholic communities have to deal with.

"To promote the pastoral and evangelical work of each local Church, the governing board and the professors at St Joseph Major Seminary launched the pastoral summer programme, said Fr Denis Pham Bui Vuong, who is in charge of pastoral outreach at the seminary.

The plan includes study and fieldwork to help seminarians work with poorer and more difficult communities and parishes. This way, they can serve the people abandoned by society."

"We attended short training course to help seminarians know and practice the spirit of Caritas in charities, social activities and peripheral areas, some professors Caritas Saigon said.

Seminarians are the future pastors, and need to understand how to work for parish communities. Priests help parishioners live in communion and love. If they are able to manage charitable and social activities, they will be able to build God's projects of mercy for people who live in particular circumstances, whether Catholic or not."

"With the help of the board and the social units, 39 seminarians launched 11 small social projects in parish communities, said Sister Anne, who is charge of the pastoral training course. The initiatives are intended to serve specific target groups like children, the poor, the elderly, the sick, etc. who live in particular and difficult circumstances."

"Phu Trung parish, in the diocese of Saigon, has 500 children who do not have a decent playground, said Peter Hoang Phuong Huynh and JB. Nguyen Trong Tin. They are likely to be drawn into bad groups and succumb to violent games.

This led to the project Making conditions for children playing sport in the churchs campus of Phu Trung parish. Thus, we can help children learn how to play and work with each other. The Church belongs to all who live in the community. Parents are sensitised to take care and educate their children and carry out positive activities and avoid bad ones."

ac, Phuoc, Phong and Vu are involved with Tam Hai parish. "Many young people are preparing to go to university. However, many still do not know what direction to take in their studies, so we launched a small project, 'Career counselling for Tam Hai High School Students'. Students are supported and helped, even by their families, to choose a path suited to their abilities and the needs of society. "

"Cong Thanh parish, Thu Thiem district, has about 2,500 parishioners, said Joseph Nguyen Thuan Hai, Joseph Nguyen Ngoc Duy, Paul Phung Thien and Francis Xavier Phan Minh Thuan. Most of them are labourers and lead a stable life.

Through a quick survey, we learnt that the parish has 90 seniors over 70, including ten people who are in very difficult circumstances. So we worked with the local Caritas to take care of their physical and spiritual health. "

"In the past, seminarians were not trained for charity works and methods in parish communities. Today they learn the skills they need and are able to develop a 'small social project', said St Joseph Major Seminary director Fr Joseph Bui Cong Trac.

Through training they are given a method to work and respond more effectively to the needs of their community."
Messages You have no messages
By Terry Flew, Professor of Media and Communications, Queensland University of Technology

c12/Shutterstock

Both The Economist and WIRED are worried about the splinternet. The UK research organisation NESTA thinks it could break up the world wide web as we know it.

What is this awkwardly named idea? Its the concept that someones experience of the internet in Turkey, for example, is increasingly different from their experience of the internet in Australia.

Travellers to China, in particular, will be familiar with this phenomenon. Thanks to the governments tight control, they have to use Baidu rather than Google as their search engine, and are unable to access Facebook or news sites like The Economist and the New York Times.

Read More: Is Americas digital leadership on the wane?

We have a growing splinternet because of regional content blocking and the need for companies to comply with diverse, often conflicting national policies, regulations and court decisions.

This tension is particularly apparent when it comes to the likes of Google, Facebook and Twitter. These platform companies have users in almost every country, and governments are increasingly insisting that they comply with local laws and cultural norms when it comes to access and content.

The internet was never truly open

The idea of the internet as an independent, global and unregulated platform has always been something of a fiction. Even at the height of techno-futurist rhetoric about its potential to transcend national boundaries in the late 1990s, there were always exceptions.

The Chinese Communist Party understood from the start that the internet was simply a new form of media, and media control was central to national sovereignty and its authority.

But the splinternet refers to a broader tendency to use laws and regulatory powers within territorial jurisdictions to set limits on digital activities.

A threshold moment was Edward Snowdens revelations in 2013. The documents he shared suggested that the US National Security Agency, through its PRISM program, had been collecting information from global users of Google, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft and Yahoo.

In countries such Brazil, whose leaders had had their communications intercepted, this accelerated moves towards developing national internet control.

Brazils Marco Civil da Internet law, for instance, now requires global companies to comply with Brazilian laws around data protection.

Is this a bad thing?

Until now, much of the appeal of the internet has been that its driven by user content and preferences, and not by governments.

But people are paying more attention to hate speech, targeted online abuse, extremism, fake news and other toxic aspects of online culture. Women, people of colour and members of certain religions are disproportionately targeted online.

Academics such as Tarleton Gillespie and public figures such as Stephen Fry are part of a growing rejection of the typical response of platform providers: that they are just technology companies  intermediaries  and cannot involve themselves in regulating speech.

A UK House of Commons report into hate crime and its violent consequences noted that:

there is a great deal of evidence that these platforms are being used to spread hate, abuse and extremism. That trend continues to grow at an alarming rate but it remains unchecked and, even where it is illegal, largely unpoliced.

If we say online hate speech should be policed, two obvious questions arise: who would do it and on what grounds?

At present, content on the major platforms is largely managed by the companies themselves. The Guardians Facebook Files revealed both the extent and limitations of such moderation.

We may see governments become increasingly willing to step in, further fragmenting the user experience.

Fair play for all

There are other concerns at play in the splinternet. One is the question of equity between technology companies and traditional media.

Brands like Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, Netflix and Amazon are eclipsing traditional media giants. Yet film, television, newspapers and magazines are still subject to considerably greater levels of country-specific regulation and public scrutiny.

For example, Australian commercial television networks must comply with locally produced material and childrens content regulations. These mostly do not apply to YouTube or Netflix despite audiences and advertisers migrating to these providers.

Read More: Discontents: identity, politics and institutions in a time of populism

It is increasingly apparent to media policy makers that existing regulations arent meaningful unless they extend into the online space.

In Australia, the 2012 Convergence Review sought to address this. It recommended that media regulations should apply to Content Service Enterprises that met a particular size threshold, rather than basing the rules on the platform that carries the content.

Do we want a splinternet?

We may be heading towards a splinternet unless new global rules can be set. They must combine the benefits of openness with the desire to ensure that online platforms operate in the public interest.

Yet if platform providers are forced to navigate a complex network of national laws and regulations, we risk losing the seamless interconnectedness of online communication.

The burden of finding a solution rests not only on governments and regulators, but on the platforms themselves.

Their legitimacy in the eyes of users is tied up with what Bank of England chair Mark Carney has termed for markets is a social licence to operate.

Although Google, Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and others operate globally, they need to be aware that the public expects them to be a force for social good locally.

Terry Flew does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.

Originally published in The Conversation.
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San Jose Police(SAN JOSE, Calif.) -- A man aboard a Southwest Airlines flight was arrested after a fellow passenger said she witnessed him texting about child molestation, police in California said.



The woman, who was on a Southwest Airlines flight from Seattle to San Jose on Monday, told authorities she saw the man -- identified by police as 56-year-old Tacoma, Washington, resident Michael Kellar -- using a large smartphone with an enlarged font to text about "sexually molesting young children," according to the San Jose Police Department.



The witness was seated behind Kellar, police said in a statement. She then alerted the flight crew, who in turn contacted San Jose Police working inside the airport terminal upon landing, police said. Kellar was then detained, according to police.



During an investigation, authorities determined that 50-year-old Gail Burnworth -- also of Tacoma, Washington -- had been "engaged in inappropriate sexual texts with Kellar," police said.



Two children, ages 5 and 7, have been identified as victims, police said.



Kellar was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on two counts of attempted child molestation and two counts of solicitation of a sex crime, police said.



Burnworth was arrested and booked in the Pierce County Jail in Washington and was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, rape of a child in the first degree and dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, police said.



A spokesperson for the San Jose Police Department told The Mercury News that Kellar had been holding his smartphone close to his face and in the line of vision of the passenger who reported him.



Kellar freely consented to the search of his phone and chalked up the texts as fantasy and role playing, police said, according to The Mercury News.



ABC News could not immediately reach Kellar and Burnworth for comment. It is unclear if they have retained attorneys or entered pleas to the charges against them.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
This is the high time to pace up your preparations for Upcoming IBPS RRB PO and Clerk Mains. Subjects like Aptitude, Reasoning, and English are important for the preparation of your exams but the subject the reality comes in your way as a big challenge is General Awareness. As you know General Awareness is the very important section in the banking exams. So we are here to provide you very handy Quiz on General Awareness that will cover Current Affairs, Static Awareness, and Banking Awareness topics. Attempt the quiz with your best effort and try to score as much as you can.

Q1. Union Cabinet has recently given its approval for signing and ratifying, an agreement between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters. The currency of Tajikistan is ___________.

(a) Tajikistani Dinar

(b) Tajikistani Kuba

(c) Tajikistani Bako

(d) Tajikistani Somoni

(e) Tajikistani Yemen

Q2. Indias first Aquatic Rainbow Technology Park, an ultra-modern exclusive facility for ornamental fish equipped with multi-species hatchery and live feed culture units, will become operational in which of the following Indian city?

(a) Bengaluru

(b) Chennai

(c) Thiruvananthapuram

(d) Amravati

(e) Hyderabad

Q3. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has recently given its approval for construction of how many units of Indias indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR)?

(a) 6

(b) 7

(c) 8

(d) 9

(e) 10

Q4. Which of the following state government has recently hosted the 14th Goods & Services Tax (GST) Council meeting?

(a) Telangana

(b) Uttarakhand

(c) Jammu and Kashmir

(d) Andhra Pradesh

(e) Assam

Q5. RBI was granted a licence to small Finance Banks for the commencement of banking business under Section ______ of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

(a) Section 38(3)

(b) Section 22(1)

(c) Section 47(4)

(d) Section 12(2)

(e) Section 27(5)





Q6. The foreign shareholding in the small finance bank would be as per the FDI policy for _______________ as amended from time to time.

(a) Private Sector Banks

(b) Public Sector Banks

(c) Foreign Sector Banks

(d) Regional Rural Banks

(e) All of the above

Q7. The promoters minimum initial contribution to the paid-up equity capital of such small finance bank shall at least be ?

(a) 50 per cent

(b) 40 per cent

(c) 60 per cent

(d) 30 per cent

(e) 20 per cent





Q8. Which of the following state Legislature passed a Bill to appoint Olympics silver medalist P V Sindhu as a Group-1 officer in the government, by amending the State Public Services Act?

(a) Telangana

(b) Andhra Pradesh

(c) Maharashtra

(d) Madhya Pradesh

(e) Kerala

Q9. Which of the following company has recently (May 2017) received the final nod from the Reserve Bank of India and is set to launch its Payments Bank?

(a) Airtel

(b) FinoPay

(c) India Post Payment Bank

(d) Paytm

(e) Aditya Birla Group

Q10. Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment has recently inaugurated the 15th National Meeting of the State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) to review Implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act-1995. Name the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.

(a) Thaawarchand Gehlot

(b) Dharmendra Pradhan

(c) Ravi Shankar Prasad

(d) Birender Singh

(e) Anant Geete

Q11. Veteran personality Reema Lagoo passed away recently. She was famous ___________.

(a) Classical Dancer

(b) Classical Singer

(c) Actress

(d) Sitar Player

(e) Politician

Q12. Gugga dance is the folk dance of which of the following state?

(a) Odisha

(b) Andhra Pradesh

(c) Haryana

(d) Gujarat

(e) Goa

Q13. Bargi Dam is in which of the following state?

(a) Karnataka

(b) West Bengal

(c) Madhya Pradesh

(d) Maharashtra

(e) Uttarakhand

Q14. Who is the Chief Minister of Kerala?

(a) Shivraj Singh Chouhan

(b) Vijaybhai R. Rupani

(c) Okram Ibobi Singh

(d) Laxmikant Parsekar

(e) Pinarayi Vijayan

Q15. Small Finance Banks will be required to extend ________ of its ANBC to the sectors eligible for classification as priority sector lending (PSL) by the Reserve Bank.

(a) 55%

(b) 35%

(c) 75%

(d) 50%

(e) 10%





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Borrowing books from the Hillsborough County public library just got easier for thousands of public school students as they will no longer require a library card.

New Hillsborough library system called 'HAAL Pass'

Allows students to use student ID number, PIN

Administrators expect library usage to triple

Public school students in Hillsborough can now check out library books, DVDs and online resources by using their school student ID number and a PIN.

It's part of a new initiative called "HAAL Pass," or "Hillsborough All Access Libraries."

"About six years ago, the White House issued a challenge to all public libraries and schools in America to find a way to make it easier to get students access to public library resources," Hillsborough Public Library Director Andrew Breidenbaugh said.

School leaders hope the facilitated access to books and resources will translate into a successful school year for students.

"One of the most important things we can do (is) we want to improve our reading and writing across this district," Hillsborough Public Schools Administrator Van Ayres said. "In order to do that you have to practice it  it's about repetition. The more you read, the better you get at it."

Currently, 50,000 Hillsborough Public Schools students have library cards. There are about 207,000 students currently enrolled in the district.

Library administrators said they expect usage to triple among students because of the new initiative.
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A Florida woman this week posted a video on Facebook of a foreign object found inside a half-gallon of Blue Bell ice cream, which appeared to be a piece of rubber.

According to WLTV-TV on Thursday, Elkton, Florida resident Melissa Collins posted the video late Wednesday night and it soon went viral.

FOOD FIGHT: Ranking the best flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream

Collins told the outlet that she and her daughter bought the ice cream at an area Publix grocery store.

She reached out to Blue Bell's corporate contact about the foreign object after running the half-gallon of ice cream and its contents under hot water.

"I looked over and there was just like, a white thing, kind of sticking out from the top," Collins told the outlet. "It was like rubbery and stretchy and I'm wondering where it came from."

Blue Bell released a statement to the TV outlet, stating that they made arrangements to have Collins send the object to their labs for testing.

NEW THINGS: 3 new Blue Bell ice cream flavors hit grocery stores this week

"We take all consumer concerns seriously. We will attempt to identify the object and determine its origin, and then share the results of our investigation with the consumer," the Brenham-based brand told WLTV-TV. "Our number one concern is consumer satisfaction and our goal is to meet consumer expectations with each product we produce. We are committed to ensuring that every consumer has a pleasant experience eating our ice cream."
An Oregon man was sentenced in a Louisiana court Thursday for repeatedly raping and torturing the mother of his child.

Gammion McCloud, 37, was sentenced to 25 years, five years supervised release with sex offender registration, and a $73,550 fine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Lafayette, La.
The daughter of a contract worker killed last month at Motiva's Port Arthur refinery has dropped her motion for a temporary restraining order to protect evidence in her father's death.

Attorney B. Adam Terrell, who represents Jessica Nash, said an injunction hearing scheduled for Thursday was canceled because Motiva and Newtron Beaumont agreed to the terms laid out in the order, which was granted July 20 by 136th District Court Judge Baylor Wortham.
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Amber Willemsen, convicted of intoxication manslaughter in the 2016 drunk driving death of Pearland Police Officer Endy Ekpanya, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison.

The jury decided Willemsen's sentence late Thursday afternoon. She must serve at least 16 years in prison before she will be eligible for parole.

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, the jury took less than two hours to convict the Clear Lake-area resident of intoxication manslaughter, in the June 12, 2016, wreck that killed Ekpanya, 30.

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Willemsen, 40, a former assistant principal in Clear Creek ISD, was out on bail on a felony drug charge when her Chrysler 200 sedan was involved in the crash on FM 518 near Liberty Drive.

"Endy Ekpanya took the hit for another citizen who was coming behind him," Brazoria County District Attorney Jeri Yenne said during her closing argument on Tuesday. "In his final act, he was protecting and serving."

DEFENSE: Pearland officer was distracted, not wearing seatbelt during fatal wreck

Yenne played an dispatch recording of the last call for service before Ekpanya was killed. "He couldn't answer that final call, but you, the jury, can by finding Amber Willemsen guilty."

Willemsen worked a shift as a stripper at The Ritz in Houston on the night of June 11 and 12, and was on her way from work when she drove her car on the wrong side of FM 518, crashing her car nearly head-on into Ekpanya's patrol car.

Jurors in the trial, held in the courtroom of District Judge Terri Tipton Holder, watched videos of Willemsen taking numerous sips of what appeared to be vodka in a water bottle that she brought into the strip club.

STRIP CLUB TESTIMONY: The Ritz violated stripper drinking policy the night of the wreck

Prosecutors also presented video evidence that Willemsen was stumbling at work, saying she was visibly drunk, and a blood test showed her blood alcohol concentration was 0.162, more than twice the legal limit, when her car struck Ekpanya's.

Ekpanya, 30, had been en route to a non-emergency call when the wreck occurred. He was taken by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police have arrested a man in connection with the fatal "accidental" shooting of a teen Friday morning in the 6200 block of Big Valley Drive on the Southwest Side.

On Friday afternoon, police announced they arrested Daniel Antonio Sandoval Farias Jr., 20, on suspicion of criminally negligent homicide.
PracticeMatch 2017 released a new physician compensation survey, including results from 1,959 physicians reporting in June 2017.

The study covered specialties across the spectrum. Here are eight things to know:

1. Nearly 40 percent of physicians report their compensation was the same in 2016 as it was in 2015; 9.1 percent said their income decreased by 8 percent or more and 11.5 percent said their income increased 8 percent or more.

2. Some physicians received a sign-on bonus for their current roles, with the average bonus being $18,137. Physician compensation plus their annual bonus by specialty includes:

 Cardiology: $364,169

 Urology: $357,398

 Emergency medicine: $306,389

 Pulmonology: $281,519

 Family medicine: $210,112

 Pediatrics: $194,915

 Endocrinology: $190,081

3. The average physician attended two medical conferences last year.

4. Around half  45 percent  of physicians report being satisfied with their income; 9.7 percent were extremely satisfied and 20.7 percent were very satisfied. Just under 20 percent were very dissatisfied and 5.1 percent were extremely dissatisfied.

5. Twenty-nine percent of physicians reported outstanding student loan balances and 9 percent said they received student loan assistance in 2016.

6. Two-thirds of the physicians reported no contact with medical recruiters to find their current position.

7. Most physicians reported job satisfaction in 2016:

 Satisfied: 40.5 percent

 Very satisfied: 34.5 percent

 Extremely satisfied: 13.1 percent

Eleven percent reported being dissatisfied.
The healthcare workforce is growing, with more than 2.6 million jobs added between 2005 and 2015. The healthcare organization's workforce will have an impact on healthcare spending and the financial health of organizations going forward, according to Health Affairs.

Here are five trends to know:

1. Healthcare accounted for 35 percent of the jobs added in the U.S. from 2005 to 2015. Of the 2.6 million jobs created, 6 percent were for physicians. Primary care physician volume jumped 8 percent while specialist jobs grew six times faster, according to the report.

2. While the jobs available for primary care physicians grew, PCP share of the physician workforce decreased from 44 percent to 37 percent. As the baby boomer population ages, the need for primary care will increase and the role of non-physician primary care providers could expand. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in some cases provide primary care services; the NP and PCP workforce grew 17 percent from 2005 to 2015.

3. If the number of specialists grew under the right conditions, the article suggests the impact "would not necessarily be negative for healthcare spending." A higher volume of specialists could create competition for referrals that would lead to lower prices. However, hospital integration and set fees for public payers could hinder this trend, and specialists charging facility fees would reverse it.

4. MedPAC, the Health Resources and Service Administration and Association of American Medical Colleges have suggested changes that could increase the volume of primary care physicians. MedPAC has suggested revising the Medicare fee schedule, which currently undervalues primary care and over compensates some specialties.

HRSA recommends funding be directed towards medical students working in family medicine, geriatrics and general internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry and general surgery. In 2012, AAMC recommended making half of the residency positions in primary care.

5. The National Health Service Corps program which provides student loan forgiveness for practicing primary care in underserved areas, has had limited success. "If we are to bend the cost curve, we likely need to move more aggressively on fee schedule changes, payment reform and workforce policies," concluded the article's authors.
Six urgent care centers in Southern California filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Wednesday, according to The Orange County Register.

The bankruptcy case includes the following six facilities:

Cypress (Calif.) Urgent Care

Hoag Urgent Care-Anaheim (Calif.) Hills

Hoag Urgent Care-Huntington Harbour (Huntington Beach, Calif.)

Hoag Urgent Care-Orange (Calif.)

Hoag Urgent Care-Tustin (Calif.)

Laguna Dana Urgent Care (Dana Point, Calif.)

Robert C. Amster, MD owns the facilities. He is the founder of Your Neighborhood Urgent Care, which includes a network of 10 urgent care centers in Southern California.

Four of the urgent care facilities that entered bankruptcy are leased from Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, Calif.

Dr. Amster's attorney, Ashley McDow, told The OC Register the bankruptcy will help "restructure our affairs with the landlord and the bank."

Hoag Urgent Care-Orange closed in 2016. The other five urgent care centers are expected to remain open and conduct business as normal during the bankruptcy case, according to the report.

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The following hospital and health system credit rating and outlook changes and affirmations took place in the last week, beginning with the most recent.

1. Fitch assigns 'A+' rating to Regional Health's bonds

Fitch Ratings assigned an "A+" rating to Rapid City, S.D.-based Regional Health's proposed $214.4 million series 2017 revenue bonds to be issued by the South Dakota Health & Educational Facilities Authority.

2. Moody's downgrades Midland County Hospital District's debt rating to 'Aa3'

Moody's Investors Service downgraded Midland (Texas) County Hospital District's general obligation debt rating to "Aa3" from "Aa2," affecting $101.1 million of general obligation debt.

3. Moody's assigns 'Baa3' rating to SoutheastHealth's bonds

Moody's Investors Service assigned its "Baa3" rating to Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based SoutheastHealth's proposed $86.9 million series 2017A and $6.29 million series 2017B revenue bonds, to be issued through the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Cape Girardeau and the Industrial Development Authority of Stoddard County. The bonds will mature in 2042.

4. Moody's affirms 'A1' rating on Sarasota County Public Hospital District's bonds

Moody's Investors Service affirmed its "A1" rating on Sarasota (Fla.) County Public Hospital District's outstanding bonds, affecting $192 million of debt.

5. S&P revises NorthShore University HealthSystem's outlook to stable

S&P Global Ratings affirmed the "AA" rating on Evanston, Ill.-based NorthShore University HealthSystem's series 2010 revenue refunding bonds, issued by the Illinois Finance Authority.

6. S&P upgrades HealthEast Care System's bond rating to 'A+'

S&P Global Ratings upgraded the rating to "A+" from "BBB+" on St. Paul, Minn.-based HealthEast Care System's series 2017A bonds, issued by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul.

7. Moody's assigns 'A2' rating to Fairview Health Services' bonds

Moody's Investors Service assigned its "A2" rating to Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services proposed $197 million series 2017A revenue bonds to be issued through the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Paul, Minn. The bonds will be fixed rate and will mature in 2047.

8. Moody's assigns 'A3' rating to North Valley Hospital's bonds

Moody's Investors Service assigned its "A3" to Tonasket, Wash.-based North Valley Hospital's proposed $8.5 million unlimited tax general obligation refunding bonds. The expected sale date is Aug. 16.

9. Moody's downgrades Lucile Packard Children's Hospital's credit rating

Moody's Investors Service downgraded Palo Alto, Calif.-based Lucile Packard Children's Hospital's credit rating to "A1" from "Aa3."
Stay in the know with Becker's Hospital Review's weekly roundup of the nation's biggest healthcare news. Here's what you need to know this week.

1. CHS extends divestiture plan as losses mount

Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems has added more hospitals to its divestiture plan.

2. CMS' final IPPS rule for 2018: 10 things to know

CMS has issued its Inpatient Prospective Payment System final rule for fiscal year 2018, which increases payments to acute care hospitals next year.

3. Man accused of killing physician over botched prostate surgery 21 years prior

Prosecutors allege a man who received prostate surgery in 1992 murdered the physician who recommended the surgery 21 years later.

4. Brigham and Women's may extend buyout offer beyond initial 1,600 employees

Boston-based Brigham and Women's Hospital may ask more employees to voluntarily leave their jobs just three months after offering buyouts to 1,600 employees.

5. Patient dies after cigarette lighter caused hospital gown to catch ire at Pennsylvania hospital

A 66-year-old female patient died after her hospital gown caught fire July 25 at Williamsport (Pa.) Regional Medical Center, part of Williamsport-based UPMC Susquehanna.

6. Tenet sells 3 Texas hospitals to HCA

Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare has completed the sale of three Texas hospitals and their related assets to Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare.

7. Texas hospital closes, lays off 60

East Texas Medical Center-Trinity has closed, which resulted in 60 employees being laid off.

8. CMS moves forward with $43B in DSH payment cuts

CMS issued a proposed rule July 27 that lays out a methodology for implementing cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital allotments under the ACA beginning in fiscal year 2018.

9. Banner Health opens 3 clinics at Arizona grocery stores

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.
New Hampshire and Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock reached a settlement that includes a staffing review of Concord-based New Hampshire Hospital, according to a New Hampshire Union Leader report.

The settlement comes months after Dartmouth-Hitchcock blamed the state for alleged staffing problems at the psychiatric hospital. With the settlement, D-H and the state resolve previous claims that D-H understaffed NHH and therefore failed to comply with its contract, according to the report. D-H argued against those claims.

Per the settlement terms, a staffing review will be funded through a no-bid $85,000 contract with Joint Commission Resources and cover the time period of Nov. 1, 2016, to the end of last April, according to the report. D-H will also provide the state with a $75,000 credit, "which releases both parties from any legal claims in connection with the previous argument of compliance," the report states. Neither party admitted wrongdoing or liability.

Jeffrey Meyers, commissioner of the state Department of Health and Human Services, told New Hampshire Union Leader D-H will fund the staffing review, which is due in approximately 120 days. The settlement states the review will be "used solely and exclusively for the state's internal purposes related to improving patient safety and quality, and is confidential and privileged," according to the report.

The following comments, which D-H provided to Becker's Hospital Review, were made in the settlement regarding the state and D'H's collaboration moving forward.

"Both the state and Dartmouth-Hitchcock are committed to providing the best possible care for our family members, friends, and neighbors suffering from mental illness and requiring treatment at New Hampshire Hospital. As the state seeks to address the crisis caused by a shortage of acute care beds and community resources, both I and the governor are grateful that Dartmouth-Hitchcock  the state's only academic medical center  provides its services across a range of service areas, including at NHH.

"The state recognizes and values Dartmouth-Hitchcock's crucial role in improving the health of our citizens and we look forward to working together to ensure that patients at NHH receive nothing less than the quality care they deserve."

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Police arrested a 35-year-old man on July 24 after he was caught on video stealing several laptop computers and televisions from Abrazo Central Campus Hospital in Phoenix, according to ABC15.

Authorities say surveillance video from the hospital shows Brian Leroy Nichols II taking computers from the hospital and stashing them in the facility's basement under the staircase. Mr. Nichols also made a bed under the staircase and told police he stayed at the hospital multiple nights.

When questioned by police, Mr. Nichols admitted stealing five televisions from multiple floors of the hospital. He said he snuck two 55-inch televisions from the hospital by putting them on a gurney and covering them with sheets. After delivering the stolen goods to an accomplice waiting outside the hospital with a truck, Mr. Nichols returned the gurney to a nurse, according to the report.

Police estimate the value of the stolen computers and televisions at about $36,000.

A hospital spokesperson told ABC15 the facility is reviewing its security measures and assisting police with the investigation.

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Judge dismisses lawsuit challenging Cleveland Clinic's closure of 108-year-old hospital

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Celgene to pay $280M to settle whistle-blower case over cancer drugs
Police arrested a New Mexico man Wednesday who had allegedly threatened to shoot up Santa Cruz, Calif.-based Dominican Hospital the day prior, according to KSBW.

Dominican Hospital was placed on lockdown Tuesday after a man called 911 threatening to carry out a shooting at the facility. He claimed the hospital was mistreating his wife.

Detectives received a tip Wednesday morning about the man who allegedly made the threat, Judson Swallow, leading to his arrest.

"Detectives immediately took measures to protect hospital clients and staff while trying to identify the caller and determine if there was any credibility to his threats. Later that afternoon, we received information that [Mr. Swallow] had made similar comments about wanting to commit an assault at Dominican Hospital," according to the report, which cited a statement from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office and San Bernardino Sheriff's Office made the arrest.
University of Chicago Medicine will drop its contract with Illinois Medicaid managed care plan IlliniCare Health next month, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

The hospital is the latest to part ways with the Medicaid administer, following Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Health Care in Downers Grove, Ill.

University of Chicago Medicine spokesperson Lorna Wong told Chicago Tribune, "After nearly two years of working to resolve payment issues, we are disappointed to announce that our current contract with IlliniCare Medicaid is scheduled to end Sept. 3."

IlliniCare Health President and CEO Michael Marrah responded by stating, "There is a challenge with being reimbursed by the state  but IlliniCare has continued to pay all of its providers in well under 30 days and with 99.9 percent accuracy."

University of Chicago Medicine's split with IlliniCare Health, one of 12 Medicaid managed care organizations in Illinois, will affect approximately 8,000 people, the medical center told Chicago Tribune. IlliniCare Health said about 4,000 people will be affected.

Both organizations are open to negotiations.
WellCare Health Plans, a Tampa, Fla.-based Medicaid and Medicare managed care plan, reported an 18 percent dip in net income in the second quarter of fiscal year 2017.

The payer posted net income of $74.1 million in the three months ended June 30, down from $90.8 million in the same period the year prior. WellCare attributed the drop to a $26.1 million pretax loss on early redemption of $900 million in senior notes and a one-time $25.6 million expense related to its acquisition of White Plains, N.Y.-based Universal American.

However, the payer achieved revenues of $4.3 billion in the second quarter of 2017, compared to $3.6 billion in the same period a year prior.

"We produced substantial year-over-year premium growth in the second quarter, coupled with strong margins," said WellCare CEO Ken Burdick. "All three lines of business contributed to year-over-year revenue growth through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions." Premium growth reflected the company's acquisition of Universal American and Care1st Arizona, which closed at the beginning of this year.

At the same time, WellCare saw expenses rise. The payer reported expenses of $4.2 billion in the second quarter of this year, up from $3.4 billion in the second quarter of 2016.
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A Belfast medical technology company specialising in remote heart-rate monitoring has been acquired for an undisclosed sum.

Intelesens, which started out in 2001 as a spin-out from Ulster University, has been snapped up by UltraLinq Healthcare in New York, but will continue to trade under its existing name.

The US company said the technology pioneered by Intelesens, which employs nearly 40 people, would enable it to provide a greater range of monitoring options. Intelesens' devices are sold globally for monitoring patients both remotely, while they are at home, and in hospital.

It makes Aingeal, a device for monitoring respiration rate, ECG, heart rate, motion and skin temperature in patients.

It was founded by the late Professor John Anderson with Eric McAdams and James McLaughlin (right), who remains its chief technology officer.

Jasmine Gardiner, chief operating officer of UltraLinq, said the company was keen to grow in Belfast, where she praised the work of economic development agency Invest NI. "Northern Ireland, specifically Belfast, has an amazing talent pool that we are excited to tap into," she added.

"When you combine that level of engineering quality and skill with the technology support that Intelesens has enjoyed from Ulster University and a supportive development agency like Invest NI, Belfast becomes an obvious choice for continued corporate development."

UltraLinq Healthcare is part of Renew Health Ltd, and the business hopes that Telesens' technology will complement its cloud platform for sharing and evaluating X-rays, ultrasounds and reports.

Telesens chief executive Aidan Lagan said: "The acquisition has presented a great outcome for our shareholders, and our staff are very excited about the ambitious plans."

Its team of 39 staff will stay at the firm's Heron Road site, near Belfast Lough, where manufacturing of electrodes and devices takes place.

Stephen Farber, chief executive of UltraLinq Healthcare, said: "Intelesens has pioneered the development of proprietary, world-class algorithms for the detection of a range of cardiac arrhythmias from wireless sensors on the body.

"This technology, coupled with the team's incredible knowledge of the space, will allow us to make huge strides towards our end goal of providing cost-effective tools to improve the delivery of cardiovascular care globally."
Julius Baer is planning to open a new office in Leeds, as well as operations in Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast

A Swiss private bank is expanding into Belfast and elsewhere in the UK despite uncertainty over Brexit. Julius Baer is a leading Swiss private banking group with a focus on servicing and advising private clients in global wealth management.

It's adding new offices in Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow, but is also setting up a small team in Belfast.

That could subsequently lead to a larger office in future.

The newly hired relationship managers "will be joining Julius Baer over the coming months, operating out of premises that have been identified and which are expected to open later this year", the bank said.

Yves Robert-Charrue, head of Europe for Julius Baer, said: "This is another step in Julius Baer group's growth strategy. Experienced relationship managers are attracted by Julius Baer's pure wealth management model.

"The UK, with its deep pool of talent in financial services, is a strategic location for investment and growth. We are committed to building a strong business for the long term and serving clients across the whole country."

Earlier this year it was reported the bank posted adjusted net profit of 705.5m Swiss francs (554m).

The move comes as some of Europe's top private banks revealed that they are expanding their business in the UK.

David Durlacher, chief executive of Julius Baer International Limited, said: "We are excited to make such an important addition to Julius Baer's already strong UK business. I am delighted we have attracted a number of very high-calibre individuals and especially that we will be able to form strong and lasting client relationships across the country."

The company, which has around 200 staff in the UK, has locations in 20 countries with more than 5,000 staff in total.

Earlier this year Danske Bank revealed it had sold off its high-end investment business to a global wealth management firm.

Davy Private Clients UK has acquired Danske Bank's portfolio of more than 1,100 of its customers, who would be seeking investment options of more than 150,000.

The deal involves the transfer of the management of more than 1,100 customer investment portfolios, which are currently managed by the bank's investment centre.

As part of the deal 12 Danske Bank employees will join Davy. The move is due to take place by the end of October.

Davy is Northern Ireland's largest wealth manager and employs 65 staff here.

Meanwhile, there have been claims that the UK could lose up to 40,000 jobs in the wholesale banking sector to other EU destinations under a hard Brexit.

The sector could also have to find up to $50bn (38bn) of extra capital to support new European entities, equivalent to between 15% and 30% of the capital currently committed to the region by wholesale banks, a study by consultancy group Oliver Wyman said.
Tributes have been paid to an inspiring nun who set up a cross-community theatre and was recognised by the Queen for her work.

Sister Aengus Fitzpatrick, a Sister with the Loreto Convent, died yesterday aged 74 after a short illness.

Born Mary Fitzpatrick in Dublin, she joined the Loreto order at the age of 16, taking the name Aengus after her brother.

She will be laid to rest following Requiem Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Omagh, where she will be best remembered for establishing the Hazel Wand Theatre School.

Operating initially out of a classroom in St Brigid's College, where she taught drama, English and religion, Hazel Wand moved to its current location in the Co Tyrone town in 1993.

In 2010 Sr Aengus received an MBE for her contribution to the performing arts.

Leeann Daly, a former student of Sr Aengus who later returned to the Hazel Wand to teach alongside Sr Aengus, described her as a "completely unique" woman who was "adored and respected" by everyone.

Ms Daly said: "Aengus named the School 'Hazel Wand', taken from The Song Of A Wandering Aengus, a WB Yeats poem.

"Her vision was to instil a cross-community ethos through Performing Arts.

"All students welcome, no divisions, a truly unique and inclusive space, filled with vitality and energy.

"Sr Aengus, who was affectionately known to her students as 'Sr A' and 'Aengy', was held in the highest regard by every student who bounced up the stairs in Hazel Wand.

"She was adored and respected by all, parent and student alike, and was unparalleled in her artistic vision, a superb director, but a teacher first.

"Many students have taken everything she taught them and are now living a life in the arts, some as teachers, some as students and some as performers.

"I can personally say as a drama teacher myself that I remember everything this phenomenal lady taught me, every word.

"She shared her passion and her love with me and every other person fortunate enough to meet her, she didn't try to make us understand why drama was good, her energy and passion was infectious.

"She was completely unique, she had a means to envision things while we stood around wondering how it would ever work. It always did. She worked up until June 30, 2017, always putting her students first."

Many of her past pupils paid tribute to her on social media where she was remembered with great fondness.

Among them was Jackie Duffy, who described Sr Aengus as "an amazing teacher who set so many people on their path in life". She added: "She was an inspiration to so many and will be remembered with fondness and love. RIP."
The stock market-listed Irish forecourt retailer Applegreen has purchased a network of seven sites from the Carsley Group in the UK for 21m. The sites consist of six service areas and one petrol filling station.

The service area sites are mainly located on the major arterial route of the A1 motorway in England.

The deal will be funded from existing company resources and is expected to be completed in the latter half of the year.

Bob Etchingham, chief executive of Applegreen, said the contract would "accelerate" the company's strategy to establish a major service area presence in the UK market, complementing its strong position in Ireland and growing footprint in the United States.

"This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our existing estate in the UK and leveraging our expertise in operating high quality service areas offerings with a strong food-to-go focus for the benefit of our customers," Mr Etchingham said.

Last month Applegreen announced that it had agreed to buy a chain of 34 filling stations around South Carolina's state capital Columbia.

Applegreen has six sites in Northern Ireland - three motorway service areas, two of which are on the M1 outside Lisburn; a motorway service area on the M2 at Templepatrick; and three filling stations in Hillsborough, Ballymena and Coleraine.

The company has said it will continue to eye expansion opportunities in the eastern United States following the South Carolina deal.

Mr Etchingham last month said that Applegreen will probably bed down the latest acquisition over a one to two-year period before contemplating another US acquisition.

He added: "We regard the east coast as being where we would like to develop."
The head of medical testing firm Randox has said that trading overseas will face "particular business challenges" following Brexit. Crumlin-based Randox, which is led by founder Dr Peter FitzGerald, is one of Northern Ireland's most prominent manufacturers and exporters.

In its latest results the company reported pre-tax profits of 18m and turnover of 96m for 2o15. It employs around 1,400 people.

While based in Crumlin, it also has a large premises known as the Randox Science Park in Massereene, Antrim, as well as 'wellness' clinics in Crumlin, London and Holywood. It plans to open more of the clinics in Dubai, Liverpool and Los Angeles.

It also has 21 international offices, including in India and Poland, and is due to open up in the United States.

Dr FitzGerald said it was well-placed to further expand in key markets, notwithstanding the challenges of the UK's exit from the EU.

"We appreciate that post-Brexit there will of course be particular business challenges with regards to international business, but at Randox we will remain committed to developing new health diagnostic technologies in the areas where they are needed most, and to expanding the business in our key markets, such as the US."

The company this week took part in the world's largest diagnostics conference in San Diego, California, the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo.

It launched new products including a test for acute kidney injury at the international event.

Dr FitzGerald said: "The USA is one of our most important markets and we have been exporting our diagnostic products there since the early 1980s.

"We will continue to nurture our presence there, the expansion of which will be supported by our soon to be opened facility in Kearneysville, West Virginia, which will enable us to strengthen our position in that market."

The company's main business is manufacturing tests and instruments for diagnosing clinical conditions, as well as carrying out risk assessments on longer-term threats including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

It also manufactures drug testing kits, including biochips for detecting the use of legal highs.
Inquiries were launched after a 27-year-old inmate at Magilligan Prison was found dead

An inmate at Magilligan Prison has been found dead, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has said.

The 27-year-old man died on Friday morning.

The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have launched probes into the man's death.

His next of kin have been informed.

Ronnie Armour, head of the Prison Service, said: "I would like to extend my sympathy and that of the Northern Ireland Prison Service to the family of the prisoner. My thoughts are with them at this difficult time."
Arlene Foster and Leo Varadkar discussed the Kingsmill inquest during a meeting in Belfast

Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 4th August 2017 DUP Leader Arlene Foster pictured with party members ,Sammy Wilson,Jeffrey Donaldson and Emmma Pengelly at Notting Hill for a Brexit meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar . Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye

Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 4th August 2017 DUP Leader Arlene Foster pictured with party members ,Sammy Wilson,Jeffrey Donaldson and Emmma Pengelly at Notting Hill for a Brexit meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar . Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye

DUP leader Arlene Foster has sought assurances from Leo Varadkar on the Irish government's commitment to assist the Kingsmill inquest.

Ten Protestant textile workers were gunned down during a republican paramilitary roadside ambush in South Armagh in January 1976.

An ongoing failure by the authorities in Dublin to provide Garda evidence to a fresh coroner's probe in Belfast is hampering its progress, even prompting a threat by some bereaved relatives to boycott proceedings.

The murder investigation involved police on both sides of the border, as the van used by the gunmen was stolen in the Irish Republic and later dumped there after the attack.

The Irish government has insisted legislative obstacles currently prevent it from providing the requested information to a coroner in another jurisdiction.

Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan cannot direct an officer to give evidence to the inquest without new legislation.

Law changes are being worked on in Dublin to overcome the issue.

Mrs Foster and Mr Varadkar discussed the matter during a meeting in Belfast on Friday.

"We spoke about Kingsmill and the need to bring justice to those families," she said afterwards.

"We are working with the Taoiseach in relation to those issues.

"They are looking at legislation and they are hoping to meet with the Kingsmill families before the end of the month."

The factory workers were travelling home from work when their minibus was stopped.

They were asked their religion then lined up on a country road and shot dead in a sectarian attack blamed on the IRA.

Only one man, Alan Black, survived despite being shot 18 times.
The man is currently being questioned

Police have arrested a man after shots were fired over a coffin in west Belfast.

Detective Inspector David Lowans said: "Detectives from Serious Crime Branch have today arrested a 54-year-old man in the Lisburn area on suspicion of violent dissident republican activity. He has been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite where he is currently being interviewed.

This arrest is in connection with an ongoing investigation into reports that shots were fired over a coffin in the West Belfast area on Tuesday July 4 2017.

Searches were also carried out last night in the Andersonstown area of West Belfast.

Police would appeal to the public to contact them with any information which could assist their enquiries by phoning either 101 or the confidential Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111."
Residents of nine Belfast tower blocks are to have their locks changed after it was revealed the Housing Executive handed master keys to the PSNI.

On Thursday police said they had returned the keys following concerns raised by residents in the New Lodge flats.

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The Housing Executive asked the police to take the keys for emergency situations or in a life or death situation, police said. Officers have used the keys a number of times to access people's homes. Police did not go into any details of these instances.

On Friday, the Housing Executive revealed it had offered to change the locks in all the New Lodge flats as well as those flats in the Mount Vernon area. The police did not have master keys for Mount Vernon homes, the Housing Executive said. The organisation would not elaborate as to why the two blocks had been included.

The Housing Executive was unable to provide a cost, or estimate for the number of homes affected. However, in June it said of its 32 tower blocks across Northern Ireland there were over 1,900 residents.

A spokesman for the Housing Executive said: A letter was hand delivered today to every resident living in the New Lodge and Mount Vernon tower blocks.

Access to Housing Executive tower blocks by all visitors, including the emergency services, is permitted only by concierges employed by the Housing Executive to operate a 24 hour service at the tower blocks. CCTV is also present on each floor of the blocks.

Unfortunately, there may be occasion when it is necessary to access a flat in a life or death situation. As a health and safety measure the PSNI was provided with master keys to enable such emergency access to a flat where a person's life may be at risk. The provision of a master key to the PSNI was to enable them to access flats in these emergency life and death situations."

The statement continued: After concerns were raised by residents in the New Lodge, we have offered all of those living in the blocks the opportunity to have their door locks changed.

We have also been liaising with resident representatives and elected representatives on the matter.

After contacting the PSNI today, they have advised they are not in possession of a set of master keys for Mount Vernon. As a result, the Housing Executive has taken the decision to offer a change of locks for each resident in Mount Vernon.

The Housing Executive regrets any inconvenience caused.

We can confirm that there have been no other instances where keys have been given to the PSNI for individual properties, belonging to the Housing Executive.
Dissident republicans are planning to use a park in west Belfast for a rally - even though they haven't been given permission from Belfast City Council to do so.

The organisers of a planned republican anti-internment parade - the Anti-Internment League - have scheduled a march from Ardoyne into the city centre and then on to Dunville Park this Sunday.

But an Ulster Unionist councillor has hit out at plans to host a subsequent rally in the Falls Road park, after the group failed to obtain the permission required from the council which owns the facility.

A Belfast City Council spokesman told the Belfast Telegraph that it has "received no request for use of Dunville Park this weekend", despite the rally being widely publicised on social media and via posters and leaflets.

Ex-High Sheriff of Belfast Jim Rodgers said the move flies in the face of council protocol and "yet again shows a blatant disregard for the procedures that other organisations are told they must follow".

"I am calling on the council to take appropriate action - even at this late stage," he said. "They must be notified and told that they can't use Dunville Park for this rally on Sunday. I don't care who it is - people must adhere to rules and regulations. Every other organisation has to go through the process of applying to the council and that includes providing a 24-point plan which has public liability insurance in it."

Mr Rodgers said that similar rallies had been held in previous years, resulting in "some costly vandalism".

"It is the job of the City Fathers to make sure we are getting money in rather than allowing people to rake around and destroy our parks and our city," he said. "Any injury or damage that ensues from this rally will come at a cost to the public purse. That's not what we want to be spending money on."

Organisers believe up to 5,000 people will take part in the march on Sunday.

A loyalist parade organised by the Loyal People's Protest is also planned for the city centre at the same time. The group has in the past held protests during republican parades through the city, including the now annual anti-internment march. Both parades have been listed by the Parades Commission as sensitive.

Meanwhile, an 'anti-terrorism' rally involving members of a controversial far-right group is also due to take place close to the planned republican anti-internment parade.

Leading figures from Britain First are among those expected to take part in the City Hall event jointly organised by independent unionist councillor Jolene Bunting. Those set to travel to Belfast for the 'Northern Ireland Against Terrorism' rally include Britain First leader and former BNP councillor Paul Golding.

Anti-Internment League spokesman Dee Fennell said he believes "it is no coincidence" that the rally and loyalist parade have been planned at the same time as the republican march.

He expressed concern at the possibility of a "perverse situation where republicans marching on a human rights issue will be banned" while far-right leaders are "seemingly able to travel to Belfast from Britain and have a free rein".

He added that parade organisers have voluntarily agreed to start earlier and have reduced the number of bands taking part to five.
The DUP will have a "robust and frank exchange" on Brexit with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar when the party meets him during his first official visit to Northern Ireland today.

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson said his party would tell Mr Varadkar that there was "a need for dialogue not megaphone diplomacy" on the issue.

Irish government insiders said the Taoiseach would move to end the hostility between his government and the DUP as he urged all parties in Northern Ireland to lay aside their differences and restore power-sharing at Stormont.

After a keynote speech at Queen's University, Belfast, the Taoiseach will meet the local parties separately. Dublin sources said he was "unlikely" to raise the issue of equal marriage with Arlene Foster.

Mr Varadkar will attend a breakfast Pride event in Belfast tomorrow. In his Queen's address, he will warn that "every single aspect of life" is at stake in the Brexit talks.

He will refer to the "differences and diversity" of the people north and south, which he says makes the island strong as a whole. "Our differences make us stronger and our diversity is our strength," Mr Varadkar is expected to say.

"We need to hear the voice of the elected representatives here in the North. We need the Executive, the Assembly, the North-South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Council up and running and acting in the interests of our peoples.

"We need that more than ever, and we need it now." The Taoiseach will describe Brexit as the greatest challenge of this generation. Negotiations are well under way in Brussels, and he is expected to quote Michel Barnier, who said "the clock is ticking".

"Every single aspect of life in Northern Ireland could be affected by the outcome - jobs and the economy, the border, citizens rights, cross-border workers, travel, trade, agriculture, energy, fisheries, aviation, EU funding, tourism, public services, the list goes on."

The diplomatic tone set to be used by the Taoiseach contrasts with some of his recent remarks on the DUP's approach to Brexit.

He infuriated the party when he said he was "hopeful" that Brexit wouldn't take place and that Ireland wouldn't "design a border for the Brexiteers". The DUP said that Brexit would be a reality and the will of the British people shouldn't be disrespected.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "We welcome the opportunity to meet with the Taoiseach and talk directly about Brexit and co-operating more closely to deliver an outcome that benefits both jurisdictions.

"However, it will also be a robust and frank exchange, as we believe the Taoiseach needs to gain a better understanding of where the DUP is coming from on these issues and of the need for dialogue rather than megaphone diplomacy."

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams welcomed the Taoiseach's strong stance on Brexit and accused the DUP of "disrespecting the will of the people in the North who voted to remain".

He said: "Brexit is the greatest threat to the two economies of this island since partition. The Irish government has a responsibility to defend the Remain vote and to challenge any proposals that threaten a hard economic border on the island of Ireland.

"Sinn Fein believes that the best way to defend the Good Friday Agreement, and to ensure that our economies are protected during Brexit, is for the North to be designated special status within the EU."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Mr Varadkar had adopted the right stance on Brexit. "I will encourage the Taoiseach to stick rigidly by his position that there can be no new economic or physical border imposed on the island of Ireland," he said.

"The Irish government should not and cannot move from this position. We are equal members of the EU27, but Ireland is more equal than the others on the issue of Brexit - we stand to lose most."

Alliance leader Naomi Long said she looked forward to meeting the Taoiseach and welcomed his participation in Belfast Pride celebrations which "showcases the diversity of our city".

Mrs Long said: "These are critical times politically for these islands, in terms of Brexit and the future of devolution. Northern Ireland and the Republic have a good relationship and I am confident it will continue thanks to meetings such as these."

The Ulster Unionists said it wouldn't be possible for them to meet the Taosieach today because of "logistics" but hoped to do so soon.

Former MP Tom Elliott called on Mr Varadkar to press for the release of files held by the Irish Directorate of Military Intelligence, which may shed light on IRA attacks such as Kingsmill.
The DUP has launched a legal action aimed at overthrowing a successful Sinn Fein-led motion at Belfast City Council to tackle dangerous bonfires.

On Wednesday, the council backed a Sinn Fein proposal that would allow council staff or private contractors to step in and remove bonfire material where they present a threat to life, property and the environment.

The motion also stated that intervention against bonfires should also take place "where they cause damage to public amenities and where they facilitate hate crime."

At the meeting, all unionists on Belfast City Council voted against the motion, which was carried by 31 votes to 21.

But yesterday a council spokeswoman confirmed that a call-in request has been submitted and is currently being examined. According to section 41 of the Local Government Act 2014, reconsideration of a decision must take place if 15% of councillors request it.

"In this case the grounds are community impact and procedural," the spokeswoman said.

Lee Reynolds, the DUP leader in City Hall, said: "Basically, these sections in the local government act give protection from bad decisions. That can be a bad decision taken as a result of bad process or one which will have a detrimental impact on one community or the other.

"The consequences of this can be different. If it is a matter of a bad process then it is a matter of taking another vote and the majority will hold sway.

"If, however, it is a matter of a decision which will have a detrimental impact on a community, this is where minority protections come into play."

At the meeting, Sinn Fein's Jim McVeigh said: "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."

It recently emerged that fear of intimidation had resulted in the council using contractors from outside Northern Ireland to remove bonfire material.

The DUP-led challenge to the successful bonfire motion will now be examined by independent legal figures.

"We will be seeking a decision as soon as we can get one," Mr Reynolds said.

Sinn Fein insists it is not opposed to all bonfires. Mr McVeigh said "if someone wants to build a bonfire, they need to come up with a site which is safe, which is not beside people's homes, which is not on public facilities, which doesn't have offensive hate crime materials on that. We are not opposed to all bonfires, this is not an attack upon loyalists or the loyalist culture."

But prominent loyalist Jamie Bryson highlighted that a Facebook post by Mr McVeigh on July 12, 2015 read: "I just think bonfires wherever they are, are destructive. Let's just stop them all wherever they are."

But Mr McVeigh added: "I am not against all bonfires.

"I don't like bonfires - I think they damage the community, they damage the environment.

"But the motion is very explicit - to particular bonfires."
Police seized guns, cash and drugs in a raid in west Belfast as part of an investigation dissident republican activity.

Officers carried out the searches in the Andersonstown Road area on Thursday.

The items were taken away for further examination.
A painting of Mars by a space-mad seven-year-old autistic boy who often struggled to concentrate for more than a few minutes will feature on a weightless flight as part of a zero gravity experiment in Russia.

Hayden Geraghty from Limavady, who was diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), struggled to communicate with others, but through his love of space and painting the young boy's speech and learning has remarkably progressed.

Dr Niamh Shaw, a scientist and engineer who works on a space studies programme, will feature the youngster's artwork while undergoing a zero gravity flight in Star City.

Hayden didn't utter a word until he was three and spoke his first sentence a year later. It was while watching British astronaut Tim Peake blast off for the International Space Station in December 2015 that Hayden began shouting along with the countdown as the rocket prepared for launch.

That moment marked the beginning of a love for space that has transformed his life.

His mum Caroline Geraghty explained how Dr Shaw contacted her over social media in a bid to explore Hayden's passion.

"We saw that she was travelling to Russia as part of this experiment and she asked people for suggestions of things she could bring with her, so Hayden painted a picture of the planet Mars and sent it to her, which she loved.

"He loves painting pictures of everything space - it helps him relax. When he was young he couldn't concentrate for more than a few minutes.

"His development from watching Tim Peake has been amazing. People will call it an obsession as he's fixated with space, but it's been great for him as he has improved so much over the last 18 months, particularly in school from his maths and English."

The Rossmar School pupil also attends the Irish Astronomical Association meetings which take place at Queen's University.

"We would never have been able to get him to sit in the cinema, but now he sits and listens to lectures because he's so fixated on the subject," Caroline added.

Dr Shaw, a lecturer on a space studies programme at Cork Institute of Technology, described the flight where she will display Hayden's painting.

"These are special planes that simulate weightlessness so every couple of minutes you are free-falling," she said.

"I'll take Hayden's painting with me and I'll take footage of it flying and free falling."
A Church of Ireland minister who once received death threats for shaking hands with his Catholic counterpart in a Co Londonderry town has conveyed his best wishes to him after he recently suffered a heart attack.

In what should have been a symbol of ecumenical reconciliation on Christmas Day, 1984, then Presbyterian minister Rev David Armstrong and Catholic priest Fr Kevin Mullan shook hands outside their respective churches in Limavady. But instead, the simple yet powerful gesture, given the political climate at the time in Northern Ireland, became a focus of hatred against the Protestant cleric.

It recently emerged that Fr Mullan, who is Parish Priest of Drumquin in Co Tyrone has suffered from a heart attack. Now recovering at home, the Omagh-born clergyman told the Belfast Telegraph that he has no intentions of retiring.

Highly respected throughout Northern Ireland, Fr Mullan said: "I hadn't been feeling as energetic as usual and then I deteriorated." Fearing that he would not be able to make it to hospital alone because he was suffering from breathlessness Fr Mullan contacted a local nurse who came to his aid. After assessment at the cardiac unit in Omagh Hospital he found himself in Altnagelvin where he had a stent inserted into his heart.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph he said: "I spent 22 days in Altnagelvin and I have to return to have further surgery in the autumn. I am resting at home now and I have had plenty of well-wishers. I want to pay tribute to the medical staff up there who were very professional."

Fr Mullan also played a central role in helping his community come to terms with the drastic after-effects of the Omagh bombing, which happened almost 19 years ago, on August 15, 1998.

Following the events of Christmas morning 33 years ago, Reverend Armstrong received numerous threats on his life. Left with no option, he took his wife and four young children to England. He later retrained as a Church of Ireland minister and served in Co Cork before his retirement from ministry.

Rev Armstrong told the Belfast Telegraph: "I am very sorry to hear Fr Kevin has taken ill and myself, my wife and four children all wish him a very speedy recovery. My children have a very high respect for Fr Kevin.

"He is a man without walls or barriers and always a ready smile even for those who may not agree with him. He is a lovely Christian and is 100% faithful to his church and to his Lord. He is my pal in Christ."

Recalling his and his family's ordeal in the 1980s Rev Armstrong said: "Fr Kevin and I go way, way back and we struck a blow against bigotry. We were pioneers that crossed the divide. In fact, it was Kevin who initiated the whole thing. When I arrived at my church on Christmas morning, he was at my door. I brought him in. It was a step towards reconciliation and a step away from hate in Northern Ireland.

"My family paid a very heavy price, but Kevin always kept in touch. I will never forget that for family events Kevin drove through the centre of Ireland to Cork to be there. We will now be on our way to Drumquin tomorrow to visit him."

Fr Mullan, who is now 71-years-old, has been a priest for 46 years.

Speaking of recent illness he told the Belfast Telegraph: "I was always on the go. I find it hard to be sitting down, very hard. In fact, it never crossed my mind that this could have been the end of the road."

Nevertheless, the cleric admits that three weeks in hospital certainly put things in perspective for him.

"I am full of thoughts of if I go, what a mess I will leave behind me," he laughed.

"I am only a quarter of a mile from home and of course my family has been very supportive every single day."

However, he added that despite the setback, the thought of retirement has not entered his head.

"I'm not considering it. What would the world do without me!" he laughed.
Tracey Henry with Ellie at their home in Coleraine

A distraught Northern Ireland mother has said she is being pressured into putting her blind daughter into care because the vital support she needs at home is not in place.

Tracey Henry raised thousands of pounds to adapt her Coleraine home for 15-year-old Ellie, whose condition means she cannot walk and needs round-the-clock attention.

The Sandelford Special School pupil contracted meningitis as a newborn. As a result she is now in a wheelchair and has multiple health issues, including a tendency to self-harm.

Cerebral palsy and brain damage then led to severe epilepsy, but with the help of four carers 45-year-old Tracey has been able to keep Ellie at her Broomhill Park home.

However, the mother-of-two recently underwent surgery on her wrist and said she cannot look after her daughter without additional help for the next six months at least.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, she said she desperately needed a better care package to ensure that her eldest girl is properly looked after while her wrist remains in a cast.

"I can't use my right arm, which makes things really difficult for me with Ellie," she said.

"She can't walk or turn herself over in bed and she needs to be changed several times a day. The support I'm getting isn't enough. I'm really frustrated because I don't know what to do.

"My 11-year-old daughter Kayla helps out, but it's too much to expect her to take over my role.

"I don't want to put Ellie into care, she's happy at home.

"But I'm being forced into that situation and being made to feel like a bad mother, even though caring for her at home is much cheaper than residential care." The Northern Trust said that Tracey was currently getting 126 hours' daytime care during the week through two carers, plus 9.5 hours for seven nights through a package that is worth almost 2,000 a week.

But she argued that Ellie, who only speaks a few words, requires 210 hours' care to give her adequate assistance.

Independent Unionist MLA Claire Sudgen said it has "felt like a continual battle trying to get Ellie the care she is entitled to" but added that she hoped to have a meeting "with all involved" as soon as possible.

She said: "Ellie, her mum Tracey and sister Kayla are an incredible family.

"Ellie is a wonderful girl who is clearly so loved.

"I remain disappointed that Tracey feels let down by those public services whose job it is to assist her."

The Northern Trust said it "appreciates the level of anxiety felt by Ms Henry surrounding the care of her daughter Ellie".

"To allow Ms Henry to care for Ellie at home, Ms Henry's home was assessed and a number of adaptations were recommended to meet Ellie's assessed need," it added.

"These adaptations were paid for in full by the Disabled Facilities Grant.

"Ms Henry chose to enhance the basic adaptations that were agreed."

The trust said it offered Ms Henry "a short-term respite support break", which it offers "to all families with assessed need".

It also said the level of night-time cover "had been assessed using information provided by Ms Henry" but it has now offered "to do a formal night-time assessment over a couple of nights to formally assess Ellie's night-time needs".

It added: "Up until May 31, 2017 (the time of the surgery on her arm), Ms Henry was in receipt of 51 hours of care per week, through direct payments.

"Following several reviews, the current package, including the additional 10 school holiday/summer time hours, stands at 18 support hours per day.

"These increased support hours allow for two carers for changes and transfers at key times, ensuring Ellie's assessed needs are fully met.

"This results in a total of 126 hours per week plus seven (9.5hrs) nights.

"The total support package is currently 1,961.75 per week. Ms Henry has a significant accrual in her direct payments account, with recently agreed uplifts to be added this month; this should prevent the use of any personal funds to finance Ellie's care."
Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed by David Jones (acting Pro Vice Chancellor -left) and James McElnay (right) at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed by David Jones (acting Pro Vice Chancellor -left) and James McElnay (right) at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed by David Jones (acting Pro Vice Chancellor -left) and James McElnay (right) at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed by David Jones (acting Pro Vice Chancellor -left) and James McElnay (right) at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed by David Jones (acting Pro Vice Chancellor -left) and James McElnay (right) at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed by David Jones (acting Pro Vice Chancellor -left) and James McElnay (right) at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed by David Jones (acting Pro Vice Chancellor -left) at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed by David Jones (acting Pro Vice Chancellor -left) and James McElnay (right) at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 4/8/17 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is welcomed by David Jones (acting Pro Vice Chancellor -left) and James McElnay (right) at Queen's University, Belfast, during his first official visit to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he will hold meetings with political parties. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, is met by Queen's University Belfast Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor David Jones as he arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, is met by Queen's University Belfast Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor David Jones as he arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, is met by Queen's University Belfast Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor David Jones as he arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, is met by Queen's University Belfast Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor David Jones as he arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye 4th August 2017

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th August 2017 The Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. On Saturday, Mr Varadkar, who is the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay taoiseach, will attend a breakfast event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, TD, arrives at Queens University, Belfast Northern Ireland to deliver speech on The Future of Relationships between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. Photo by Matt Mackey / Press Eye.

Ireland's premier warned that future trade and customs restrictions would be detrimental to both the EU and the UK as he set out his vision for a "soft" Brexit.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar proposed a bilateral EU/UK customs union and raised the possibility of the UK joining the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) after it exited the EU.

He said he would ideally like the UK to remain within the current customs union and single market structures but, if that did not happen, he suggested his alternative was "workable".

In response, the UK Government said it was committed to a "deep and special" future partnership with the EU that included "bold and ambitious" free trade and customs agreements.

Mr Varadkar outlined his ideas during a visit to Queen's University in Belfast, his first trip to Northern Ireland since replacing Enda Kenny in June.

Turning to the specific problem of the Irish border, he said a "unique solution" was needed.

Mr Varadkar again moved to dispel the suggestion that the Irish government favoured making the Irish Sea the EU/UK border.

In a message clearly directed at the pro-Brexit Democratic Unionists, he further claimed a "soft" Brexit could actually strengthen Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom.

In response to his remarks, DUP leader Arlene Foster said, while Brexit meant leaving both the customs union and single market, she wanted to find "practical solutions" to the border issues.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams welcomed the Taoiseach for offering a "very, very clear message" on Brexit.

Describing Brexit as the "challenge of this generation", Mr Varadkar repeated his hope that it would not ultimately happen, suggesting a second referendum might deliver a different outcome, but he said, if it did proceed, it would be in no one's interests to create trading barriers.

He urged continued UK membership of the Customs Union but said, in the absence of that, he would like to see a bilateral EU/UK customs union.

"After all, we have one with Turkey. Surely we can have one with the United Kingdom?," he said.

In regard to the single market, he suggested the UK could re-join the EFTA, like other non-EU countries such as Norway and Iceland.

"If the UK does not want to stay in the Single Market, perhaps it could enter into a deep Free Trade Agreement with the EU and re-join EFTA, of which it was a member prior to accession," he said.

"And if this cannot be agreed now, then perhaps we can have a transition period during which the UK stays in the single market and customs union while these things are worked out."

He again challenged Brexiteers to explain why a "hard" Brexit, with trade tariffs and customs restrictions, would benefit either the UK or Europe.

"If they can't come up with those solutions, well then maybe they might talk about mine, because the ones I have put forward are workable," he said.

Sinn Fein and the SDLP have demanded that Northern Ireland secures special designated EU status post-Brexit to reflect the difficulties that trading restrictions would pose at the Irish border.

Unionists are wary of the idea, as they claim it would differentiate Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

They claim it is being used by nationalists and republicans as a way to advance their united Ireland agenda.

Mr Varadkar said: "I would hope Unionist parties for example, who would be keen to preserve and protect the Union, would see how it is much easier to do that if in fact the United Kingdom stays in the customs union and stays in the single market because that takes away any need for any sort special arrangement or bespoke solution for Northern Ireland at all."

The UK government spokeswoman said: "We have been clear that we want a deep and special future partnership with the EU, including a bold and ambitious free trade agreement and a customs agreement.

"No-one wants a return to a hard border. We are clear that the border must be as seamless and frictionless as possible for trade, and that we must preserve the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland.

"That is why we are prioritising this issue in our negotiations and are pleased to have had constructive discussions with the European Commission on this already."

The Taoiseach said he was operating on the basis that Brexit would happen, but that he was still hopeful the UK would change its mind and remain in the EU.

He said that throughout political history, there was a precedence of people changing their minds.

"Of course I would hope the UK might think again and might decide to remain in the European Union, but I'm not operating on that basis," he said.

Relations between the DUP and Mr Varadkar have frayed in recent weeks, in no small part as a consequence of their very different views on Brexit.

After holding a meeting with the Taoiseach in Belfast later on Friday, Mrs Foster said the options for Brexit were "not binary", dismissing the characterisation of hard and soft exits.

"We were very clear with the Taoiseach that Northern Ireland as indeed the rest of the United Kingdom were leaving the European Union, that means exiting the customs union and the single market," she said.

"But, as we said before, we want to see the maximum access to the single market so we can make sure for businesses that there is continuing relationship with the European Union.

"We are leaving the European Union but we still want to do business very firmly with Europe and it is finding those practical solutions that we want to engage in.

"Not through megaphone diplomacy but actually through getting down to the nitty gritty for what's needed for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as well."

After holding a separate meeting with Mr Varadkar, Mr Adams welcomed his stance on Brexit.

"I criticised his predecessor (Enda Kenny) quite a few times and indeed the leader of Fianna Fail (Micheal Martin) because they seemed to be mesmerised by what the British were doing," he said.

"Now we have a very, very clear message.

"We have advocated special designated status.

"That doesn't infringe upon the constitutional position, it means the vote of the people here (56% Remain in EU referendum) is upheld and all their rights and entitlements."
ARV officers force access to a property as they deal with a stabbing incident on the Antrim Road in Belfast on August 4th 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

ARV officers deal with a stabbing incident on the Antrim Road in Belfast on August 4th 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

ARV officers deal with a stabbing incident on the Antrim Road in Belfast on August 4th 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

ARV officers deal with a stabbing incident on the Antrim Road in Belfast on August 4th 2017 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

Police have arrested three people following a serious assault in the Antrim Road area of Belfast.

Shortly after 8.30am on Friday it was reported that an altercation between a number of people was taking place on Antrim Road close to Duncairn Avenue.

A man, aged in his 30s, was taken to hospital for treatment to two puncture wounds to his back after he was stabbed.

Two men, aged 19 and 20, and an 18-year-old female were arrested a short time later and are currently in custody assisting police with their enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Anthony Kelly said: We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact officers in the Reducing Offending Unit at Musgrave Police Station on 101 quoting reference number 245 of 04/08/17.

Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Some of the other interviewees featured in Where Is Belfast

Some of the other interviewees featured in Where Is Belfast

It's a documentary giving a fascinating insight into the untold stories of the lives of ethnic minorities in Belfast.

The idea for Where Is Belfast was created by former Queen's University student Priya Biring, who started the project several years ago after the city was dubbed the 'race hate capital of Europe'.

Priya, a 26-year-old British Indian from Kent, also experienced race hate crime during her time in Belfast, but being a student she felt she was sheltered in many ways that others aren't.

The documentary is funded by the Community Relations Council and features a range of families and individuals showcasing their first-hand accounts of what it is like to live in close-knit areas which have experienced decades of sectarianism and divide.

Priya said: "I couldn't believe what ethnic minorities were going through when they arrived in Belfast. Petrol bombs through windows, 'locals only' daubed on houses - these acts are quite difficult to swallow from British society.

"It is certainly something I would say is very different to the rest of the UK because of the violent past and greater sense of community here in Northern Ireland.

"I experienced my own share of race hate crime in Belfast, but being a student meant I was sheltered in so many ways other migrants are not."

But working on the project she learned things were not simply black and white.

Priya said: "As I got to know my contributors and understand their complex relationships within their communities, I realised there was lots more to explore and racism was a thin covering that, when smashed, revealed the true story of integration in Belfast.

"There are so many positive stories of integration and the sense of community here does help that. But there is a bittersweetness to it.

"As a migrant you are dropped into an unknown area, usually a working-class one and will create bonds in that area.

"Naturally you become sympathetic to either Protestants or Catholics, without becoming wholly aware of that.

"What I found is that divisions are still being enforced in this way.

"However, I think the film gives a big hint that the youth are the solution. Their apathy for politics and the government will trump the past."

Among those featured is a family from Tunisia who are living in the west of the city as refugees. Mum Jihen tells the camera: "They ask me sometimes are you with Protestants or with Catholics, I tell them, I am not with anybody."

Catch the documentary at the Oh Yeah Centre on August 19 and Framework on September 2
One was a British soldier, the other a prominent IRA man.

They're both buried at Belfast's Milltown Cemetery - but that's not the only thing Patrick McKelvey and Joe McKelvey have in common.

And now the remarkable story of a father and his only son, who took diametrically opposed paths in life, has been recorded in a new book by west Belfast councillor Jim McVeigh.

Goodbye Dearest Heart, the Sinn Fein man's second book, which is published this weekend, not only tells the story of the McKelveys, but also shines a light on the times in which they lived.

Originally from Stewartstown in Co Tyrone, the McKelveys moved to the lower Falls area of Belfast around 1914.

Patrick was a policeman who enlisted in the special reserve of the British Army, while Joe became a leading member of the original IRA.

Their paths would cross only once after that, when Joe, who was executed in 1922, visited his father on his deathbed at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital in August 1919.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph ahead of the book launch, Mr McVeigh commented that it was both a "wonderful story" and a "terrible tragedy" that needed to be told.

"The father had been an RIC man. He was buried as a British soldier and he has a regimental tombstone on his grave, whereas Joe was assistant chief of staff of the IRA in the whole of Ireland," he said.

"When the First World War broke out, his father enlisted in the British Army, but by that stage he was too old to go abroad, so he just served in Belfast.

"The irony here is that the son went on to be a leading member of the IRA that fought against the two organisations of which his dad was a member."

Mr McVeigh, himself a former prisoner and IRA leader who spent over 16 years in prison, said that Joe McKelvey had always been considered a Belfast man.

"He was one of the most prominent leaders of the IRA to be executed in the civil war at Mountjoy Prison, alongside Liam Mellows, Rory O'Connor and Richard Barrett," added Mr McVeigh.

"But there isn't a great deal known about him, his role in the IRA, or his role in the civil war, and he's been slightly overshadowed by people like Liam Mellows and Michael Collins.

"But I grew up hearing stories about Joe McKelvey and, as a Belfast republican, when I read about his life it captivated me. I thought it was definitely time for others to hear his story too.

"One of the guys in charge of the firing squad that executed him was a former Belfast comrade in the IRA - a guy called Gunn - so the story is laced with terrible tragedy."

The book, which took two years to write, will be launched tomorrow at Rossa GAC.

by claire mcneilly
Leo Varadkar is making his first visit to Belfast as Taoiseach

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is greeted by Queen's University President and Vice-Chancellor James McElnay in Belfast

Leo Varadkar speaks during a press conference at Queen's University in Belfast on his first visit to Northern Ireland as Irish Taoiseach

Irish premier Leo Varadkar has said he and Theresa May are prepared to get directly involved in the Stormont talks, stressing the need for devolution ahead of crucial Brexit negotiations.

Taoiseach Mr Varadkar said the restoration of a powersharing government in Northern Ireland was necessary to try and achieve the best outcome for the island of Ireland after the UK leaves the European Union.

He said he is "willing to drop everything" to help end the political deadlock but only if he believes it will make a difference.

DUP leader Arlene Foster warned however that, unless Sinn Fein shows a willingness to compromise, devolution will not be restored.

Following a meeting with the Taoiseach Mrs Foster said a "spirit of compromise" and a "willingness to work for everyone in Northern Ireland" is needed, but she is yet to see that from Sinn Fein.

"Some of their commentary has been very hardline.

"There's no willingness to move from their stated positions and if they are going to continue with that then we won't have devolution back," Mrs Foster warned.

"I think that's a tragedy for the people of Northern Ireland," she added.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams again insisted devolution could only be restored once the DUP backed a "right-based" approach to government.

He said it was vital the Irish Government engaged with the UK Government on an ongoing basis.

"This will help to create the circumstances where these institutions can be back in place," he said.

In a statement the UK Government said it "is committed to the restoration of Stormont and is working with all the parties and the Irish Government towards that shared goal."

Mr Varadkar held separate meetings with the DUP, Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance parties on Friday during his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming Taoiseach.

The main issues under discussion were Brexit and the political crisis.

He described the gulf between Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party as "wide and deep" but insisted he did not believe the differences between the two main parties were insurmountable.

He said that having spoken to Theresa May on the phone they have both agreed to become directly involved in negotiations to restore the Executive if they believe it will make a difference.

"If the main parties, Sinn Fein and the DUP, come to point where an agreement can be sealed we are willing and able to do what we can to get the executive up and running again and have the assembly meeting.

"If there is a point at which an intervention would make a difference we are absolutely willing to drop everything and deal with that," he said.

Earlier in the day Mr Varadkar used a speech at an engagement at Queen's University in Belfast to urge the region's politicians to resolve their differences.

He told an invited audience that "every single aspect of life in Northern Ireland could be affected by Brexit" and that it is "the challenge of this generation".

Mr Varadkar highlighted that the EU 27 would meet in October to decide whether sufficient progress had been made in the initial phase of negotiations, focused on the financial settlement, citizens' rights and the Irish border, to enable talks to proceed to the next phase.

He stressed the need for Northern Ireland's voice to be heard ahead of the crunch autumn decision.

"Today we need an answer to the question, of who do we, and others in Europe, talk to in Belfast?

"Who will speak for Northern Ireland and her 1.8 million people?

"Time is running out, and I fear there will be no extra time allowed."

He said those hard Brexiteers who advocated a hard border had to come up with proposals as to how that would work.

"They've already had 14 months to do so," he said.

Mr Varadkar said a meaningful solution could be the establishment of an EU-UK customs union.

The Taoiseach also suggested, if the UK does not want to stay in the single market, it could perhaps enter into a deep Free Trade Agreement with the EU and rejoin The European Free Trade Association.

He said if this cannot be agreed now then perhaps there can be a period of transition during which the UK stays in the single market and customs union while the issues are worked out.

Mr Varadkar promised that the Government will do all it can in the Brexit negotiations to achieve the best outcomes for peace, freedom, rights and prosperity on the island of Ireland.

"At a time when Brexit threatens to drive a wedge between north and south we need to build more bridges and fewer borders.

"I promise I will play my part in helping to do exactly that," he added.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, right, who has been imprisoned in Iran, during a meeting with Alistair Burt who is visiting the country (Family Handout/PA)

The husband of a British-Iranian woman imprisoned in Tehran has spoken of his hopes for her freedom as a senior Foreign Office minister visits the country.

Alistair Burt will hold talks with senior Iranian politicians and raise the cases of dual national detainees including Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Kamal Foroughi.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffes Iranian family have given Mr Burt a message warning that imprisonment is taking a physical and mental toll on the 38-year-old mother, who has a young daughter.

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Her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, said he wanted Mr Burt to raise the issue of his wifes innocence as well as her incarceration, saying: Having two passports should mean more protection for her rights, not less. We hope he finds a way to encourage the Iranian authorities to allow Nazanin home reunited with her husband and daughter In just over a week it will be 500 days of Nazanin being held.

Gabriella was only 661 days old when her mother was originally taken  soon it will be half of her life growing up without her parents. Time passes, and it continues to take its toll.

Mr Burts visit to Tehran will see him attend the official swearing-in ceremony for re-elected President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday.

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The message to him from Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffes family says the unsuitable condition of the solitary confinement has deteriorated her health.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at Tehran Airport in April last year while visiting family in Iran with daughter Gabriella.

She was later jailed for five years for allegedly plotting to topple the Iranian government  a charge she has repeatedly denied.

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She has been held alone at Evin prison for the past nine months and is suffering from mental health problems, as well as physical issues with her shoulder, neck, eyesight and teeth.

The family said they managed to get a psychiatrist in to see her, but added: Being away from her daughter and husband has made her very fragile and desperate. The Iranian government keep promising her freedom, but it did not happen. She is near the end of her patience.

Mr Foroughi, 77, is held in the same jail for alleged espionage in Iran. He has strenuously maintained his innocence. He was detained in 2011 before being convicted of espionage and possessing alcohol two years later.

Roya Nobakht is another British-Iranian being held in Evin prison. She was jailed for five years in 2013 for making anti-government comments on Facebook.

Amnesty International UK warned the Government that it must significantly raise its game over the detainees.
Michael Gove has been accused of sending "mixed messages" to Britain's fishermen after confirming foreign trawlers will still be able to access UK waters after Brexit (David Cheskin/PA)

Michael Gove has been accused of sending mixed messages to Britains fishermen after confirming foreign trawlers will still be able to access UK waters after Brexit.

The Environment Secretary is reported to have told representatives from the Danish fishing industry that British counterparts would not have the capacity to land and process all of the fish in the territorial waters.

Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said his comments had exposed yet another lie of the Leave campaign.

Expand Close Environment Secretary Michael Gove is reported to have told representatives from the Danish fishing industry that British counterparts would not be able to land all the fish in territorial waters (Steve Parsons/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Environment Secretary Michael Gove is reported to have told representatives from the Danish fishing industry that British counterparts would not be able to land all the fish in territorial waters (Steve Parsons/PA)

The meeting in Denmark was attended by Niels Wichmann, chief executive of the Danish Fishermen organisation, who told BBC Scotland: The thing is he was just being realistic and he was saying that we need, within the Brexit negotiations phase, to find out where the final goal is, the final solution to the fisheries.

The fisheries will be outside the common fisheries policy and we need a transitional period. In that transitional period we will have to have access from other countries.

Mr Gove used a major speech in July to say that other countries would be able to access British waters after Brexit and his comments in Denmark appear to echo those remarks.

Expand Close Shadow Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Tom Brake says Gove's comments expose exposed "yet another lie of the Leave campaign" (Gareth Fuller/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Shadow Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Tom Brake says Gove's comments expose exposed "yet another lie of the Leave campaign" (Gareth Fuller/PA)

In his first speech as Environment Secretary he said: By leaving the CFP (common fisheries policy), taking back control of our territorial waters, granting access to other countries and allocating quotas all on the basis of what is scientifically sustainable, we can ensure that we set and follow the very highest standards in marine conservation.

But on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show earlier that month he said the Governments plans would mean no foreign fishing in our waters in this six to 12 mile zone.

Shadow environment minister Holly Lynch said: The Government is sending out mixed messages on who will be allowed to fish in UK waters post-Brexit.

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Michael Gove, after previously taking a tough line on exclusive rights for UK vessels, is already watering down those commitments.

The Government must clarify its position urgently to prevent further damage to EU diplomatic relations that could potentially harm a deal for the British fishing industry.

Lib Dem Mr Brake said: Yet another lie of the Leave campaign has been exposed by the Environment Secretary.

Michael Gove chose to put stopping EU fishing in British waters front and centre of his campaign to leave the EU, yet is now telling Danish fishermen the opposite.

We saw a promise of 350 million for the NHS on the side of a bus, this promise to fisherman might as well have been painted on the hull of a boat.
A safe bed has been found for a suicidal teenager whose case prompted a High Court judge to issue a scathing assessment of care provision.

Mike Prentice, medical director for NHS North, said: Following extensive assessments, the NHS has identified a bed for this young woman in a safe and appropriate care setting which will best meet her needs. The bed will be available ahead of the release date.

Sir James Munby, the most senior family court judge in England and Wales, had revealed there were no places available in an appropriate clinical setting when the girl is released from a secure unit later this month.

Beds were found after Sir James said he felt shame and embarrassment that he can do no more for the girl, known as X, in a judgment delivered in private in the High Court family division sitting in Manchester.

Expand Close The judgment was delivered at the High Court family division (Nick Ansell/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp The judgment was delivered at the High Court family division (Nick Ansell/PA)

Beds have since identified in three appropriate care settings as Cumbria County Council held discussions between healthcare professionals and other agencies involved in Xs care.

The judgment concerns a girl who has on a large number of occasions in a secure unit made determined attempts to commit suicide.

Staff at the unit, referred to as ZX, have said sending her back to her home town would be a suicide mission to a catastrophic level.

The teenager must leave the unit no later than 3pm on August 14.

In his ruling, Sir James said the case should make us all feel ashamed.

He said: For my own part, acutely conscious of my powerlessness, of my inability to do more for X, I feel shame and embarrassment; shame, as a human being, as a citizen and as an agent of the state, embarrassment as president of the Family Division, and, as such, head of Family Justice, that I can do no more for X.

If, when in 11 days time she is released from ZX, we, the system, society, the state, are unable to provide X with the supportive and safe placement she so desperately needs, and if, in consequence, she is enabled to make another attempt on her life, then I can only say, with bleak emphasis: we will have blood on our hands.

Expand Close Luciana Berger branded the case a "life and death situation" (Jonathan Brady/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Luciana Berger branded the case a "life and death situation" (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Labour MP Luciana Berger, who previously served as shadow minister for mental health, branded the case a life and death situation and called on Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to take immediate action.

Sir James ordered that copies of the judgment be sent to the Home Secretary, Health Secretary, Education Secretary and Justice Secretary, as well as the chief executive of NHS England.

A further court hearing is due to take place on Monday.
Syrian refugees at the Saricam refugee camp near Adana in Turkey

More than 850,000 people are now benefiting from a European Union-funded project that provides cash assistance to the most vulnerable refugee families in Turkey, an EU official said

The project, billed as the EU's largest humanitarian programme, provides debit cards to the most disadvantaged families, allowing them to buy food and meet other needs.

It was launched last year following an agreement in which the EU pledged three billion euros (2.7 billion) to help Syrian migrants in Turkey in return for Turkish assistance in curbing illegal migration to Europe.

Jane Lewis, head of the EU humanitarian aid office in Turkey, said the programme aims to assist 1.3 million refugees by the end of the year.

Turkey hosts more than three million mostly Syrian refugees.
A US military helicopter flies over the site of a suicide bomb that struck a Nato convoy in Kandahar (AP Photo)

A Taliban suicide bomber dressed in a woman's burka who rammed his motorcycle into a Nato convoy killed a soldier from Georgia and two Afghan civilians, officials have said.

The attack took place on Thursday evening and hit the Nato patrol near the town of Qarabagh, barely 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Kabul, the Afghan capital.

It was the second suicide bombing in as many days that targeted Nato.

On Wednesday, a suicide attacker hit a convoy on the edge of the southern city of Kandahar, killing two US soldiers and wounding another four.

Both attacks were claimed by the Taliban.

Three other Georgian soldiers were wounded in Thursday's bombing, as well as two US service members and an Afghan interpreter, according to the US military.

The military said the wounded are in a stable condition receiving treatment at the US military hospital at Bagram air base, also north of Kabul.

The attacker concealed his explosives beneath the all-enveloping women's garment known as a burka, according to Abdul Sami Sharifi, the district governor in Qarabagh.

He rammed his motorcycle into the Nato patrol, setting off his explosives, Mr Sharifi said.

In a statement, US General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, praised the contribution of the nearly 900 Georgian military personnel serving in Afghanistan.

"The commitment of Georgia as our largest non-Nato contributor is vital to our mission and we are honoured to stand beside them under these difficult circumstances," Gen Nicholson said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that one of its fighters from Takhar province carried out the attack at 8pm in Qarabagh.

He claimed 11 Americans were killed, but the insurgents routinely exaggerate their claims.

Meanwhile, in southern Helmand province, the Taliban stormed a market on Friday in the Gareshk district and fired at a nearby police station, according to district police chief Ismail Khan Khopalwaq.

The market was closed because of the Muslim weekend and no casualties were reported in the attack.

On Thursday, a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into a police outpost in Gareshk, killing two policemen and wounding another two.

The district has been the scene of heavy fighting in recent weeks between Afghan security forces, backed by US air support, and the Taliban, who now control roughly 80% of Helmand province.

Gareshk district is also where the Pentagon confirmed that an errant US bomb last month destroyed a police outpost, killing 12 officers and wounding another 11.

The incident is still under investigation and a joint US and Afghan delegation earlier visited the area.

In recent days, the Taliban have stepped up their attacks on Afghan security forces across the country's south.

A Taliban attack early on Friday on a police outpost in southern Zabul province, on the border with Pakistan, killed four policemen.

And three policemen were killed on Thursday when the Taliban attacked an outpost in southern Kandahar province, police spokesman Zia Durrani said.

In a separate attack near Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, the Taliban killed another five policemen in an attack on a checkpoint outside the city on Thursday, according to Zahir Gull Maqbol, an Afghan army commander.

AP
Firefighters have put out a blaze in one of the world's tallest residential towers, which engulfed part of the skyscraper in Dubai and sent chunks of debris plummeting below, city authorities said.

More than 40 floors of the 86-storey Torch Tower were burning on one side of the building, an Associated Press journalist near the scene of the blaze said.

Residents could be seen on the street outside, crying, with several saying the fire broke out just after 1am local time.

Dubai's Civil Defence announced at about 3.30am that firefighters had brought the flames under control and that no injuries had been reported.

"Cooling operations are under way," Dubai's official media office said on Twitter.

It was the second time in two and a half years that the more than 1,100ft-tall (335m) tower has been ravaged by fire.

The tower, located in the popular waterfront Marina district, caught fire in February 2015, but there were no major casualties reported in that blaze.

Early on Friday, authorities shared a photo of the charred and blackened tower but it was no longer visibly in flames. Officials said they were now working on providing shelter for those affected.

Dubai police cordoned off several blocks around the building, keeping people away from the falling debris.

Several skyscrapers in the United Arab Emirates have caught fire in recent years, including a towering inferno that engulfed a 63-storey luxury hotel in Dubai on New Year's Eve in 2016. In that blaze, as in others in Dubai in recent years, residents escaped without major injury.

Earlier this year, Dubai passed new fire safety rules requiring buildings with quick-burning side panelling to replace it with more fire-resistant material. Authorities have previously acknowledged that at least 30,000 buildings across the UAE have cladding or panelling that safety experts have said accelerates the rapid spread of fires.

A devastating blaze at the Grenfell Tower high-rise block in London in June killed at least 80 people and prompted Britain to order more thorough testing on the cladding systems of its towers.

AP
The US announced sanctions on Iran this week (AP)

Iran's supreme leader has criticised new US sanctions on Tehran signed by President Donald Trump and vowed his country would continue its missile programme despite international pressure.

Washington will "use any excuse to make a fuss" against Iran, said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking at a ceremony marking the formal endorsement of President Hassan Rouhani for his second term in office.

"You launch a satellite-carrying missile, they make noise," he said, describing the Iranian launch as a "scientific and technical job that is routine and necessary."

"The response to the hostility is to become stronger," Mr Khamenei added, as he described the US government as "the top aggressor and the most shameless" enemy of Iran.

"Some have sharply applied hostility (against Iran), like those who today are in office in the US," Mr Khamenei said, without mentioning Mr Trump or the US president's signing of the legislation on Wednesday.

The law also imposed new sanctions on Russia and North Korea.

According to a letter sent to the UN Security Council and obtained by the Associated Press, the US and three Western allies called Iran's recent launch of a satellite-carrying rocket "a threatening and provocative step" that is "inconsistent" with a UN resolution endorsing the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Iran last week launched the country's most advanced satellite-carrying rocket into space, marking the most significant step forward for the Islamic nation's young space programme.

In the letter to the Security Council, the US, France, Germany and the United Kingdom complained that the Simorgh space launch vehicle, if configured as a ballistic missile, would have the range and "payload capacity to carry a nuclear warhead".

Iran maintains the 2015 nuclear deal that put caps on its uranium enrichment programme - a possible pathway to nuclear weapons - and the Security Council resolution endorsing that deal do not ban the country from ballistic missile activity.

Russia, one of the five world powers that brokered the nuclear deal, has agreed with Tehran.

On Tuesday, Iran's parliament speaker Ali Larijani announced that Tehran has officially complained to the UN Security Council over the latest US sanctions.

Mr Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, said Iran should continue to stand powerful in the face of its enemies.

"International engagement should not lead to ignoring hostility of the enemies," Mr Khamenei said at the ceremony, broadcast live on state TV.

He added that "despite all the sanctions and enmities, the Islamic Republic is stronger" than before.

Mr Rouhani, who will be formally sworn into office on Saturday in parliament, said the nuclear deal has been a sign of "good faith" by Iran and that it brought the nation respite from "most difficult" UN sanctions.

"Transition from the most difficult sanctions was achieved through a combination of the power of diplomacy and deterrent defensive power," said Mr Rouhani.

He said that in his second term in office, Iran will "insist on constructive engagement with the world more than before".

Earlier, the state TV website quoted deputy foreign minister and senior nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi as saying that Iran will come up with a "smart" reaction to the latest US sanctions.

Mr Araghchi reiterated Iran's stance that the US legislation signed by Mr Trump amounts to a "hostile" breach of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

Tehran has prepared measures that Iran would take against the US action, he added without elaborating, except to say some of the measures will "improve" Iran's armed forces.

The US legislation imposes mandatory penalties on people involved in Iran's ballistic missile programme and anyone who does business with them.

It would also apply terrorism sanctions to Iran's prestigious Revolutionary Guard and enforce an arms embargo.

AP
In what possible world could you compare the tragic death of a terminally ill child, who had received specialist care in a leading London children's hospital, to the Nazi plan to exterminate disabled people?

Most of us would never conceive of such an extreme, repellent and profoundly offensive idea, which so callously disrespects the memory of Charlie Gard, the little boy who recently died after a lengthy legal battle over his medical treatment between his parents and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

But Bernadette Smyth, the founder and director of Northern Ireland anti-abortion group Precious Life, not only thought of this repulsive analogy, she decided to share it with the world. Writing on social media, she said: "May the death of baby Charlie Gard be a warning to all people in the UK that the Nazi program Aktion T4 is alive and well."

Aktion T4 was a programme of mass murder designed to eliminate disabled people from the Aryan 'master race'. Propaganda films and newsreels sought to present the disabled community as useless, expensive to care for and incapable of productive work.

Even maths textbooks circulated in school classrooms asked pupils to calculate how many wounded soldiers could be treated if hospital beds were not occupied by disabled people. It is estimated that around 275,000 disabled people were murdered by the Nazis.

By contrast, Charlie Gard died from a rare genetic condition after doctors did their very best for him. This is a distressing case, as well as a highly complex medical and moral one. But there are some basic facts.

Charlie's parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard were quite understandably desperate for their child to receive an experimental approach, nucleoside treatment (NBT), in the hope of an improvement in his condition.

GOSH initially explored the possibility of attempting this treatment despite the fact that no animal or human with Charlie's specific diagnosis had been treated with it.

But after Charlie experienced a number of seizures the entire treating team at GOSH formed the view that he had suffered irreversible neurological damage and that, as a result, any chance NBT might have had of benefiting Charlie had gone.

What's more, the GOSH team had evidence the child was suffering, and was enduring an existence "devoid of all benefit and pleasure". The High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court all agreed, ruling that life support should end to allow Charlie to die with dignity.

After she made her remark, Bernadette Smyth was invited on to the BBC Nolan show to discuss it. I was invited on to the programme to respond.

For two mornings running I was ready to challenge her. But each time the Precious Life director backed out. Instead, we heard Dawn McAvoy from the Northern Ireland Evangelical Alliance talk about how "people, out of compassion, can make statements that potentially are not helpful".

But I see no compassion in Smyth's Nazi analogy. The implicit slur against those who made vital decisions about Charlie's care is, to my mind, obscene as well as highly irresponsible given the torrent of abuse and death threats that GOSH staff have received.

Little Charlie Gard, who suffered so much, should not be appropriated as a weapon in the so-called "pro-life" war.

The best interests of the child, not the parents - despite their terrible anguish - must be paramount in distressing cases like this. That is why Alban Maginness, writing in this newspaper, was wrong to ask: "If there was a chance of preserving the child's life (through alternative treatment), shouldn't that option have been preferred?" Mr Maginness is not a neurologist. Charlie was deemed by international neurology experts at GOSH to be suffering. Does Mr Maginness believe that Charlie's suffering should have been prolonged by treatment that, due to irreversible brain damage, could not work? Is this what being pro-life means?

I would dismiss Smyth's remark as nothing more than a piece of nasty nonsense best ignored but for the fact that this woman and her views hold disproportionate sway over many Northern Ireland politicians, especially in the DUP, SDLP and TUV.

She is the former secretary to the All-Party Pro-Life Group at the Assembly.

A photograph from last year shows her beaming at the centre of a cluster of SDLP MLAs at the Great Hall in Stormont. Just last month DUP MP Ian Paisley tweeted a picture of himself and Smyth having an "excellent meeting".

It horrifies me that someone who could link the death of a terminally ill and brain-damaged child to a Nazi mass murder campaign is so close to power.
The DUP objects to a "sea border" as the answer to the problem of a "hard" land border, but provides no coherent solution of its own. If the UK leaves the EU and customs union, a hard border is inevitable as the EU's new frontier. The key question is: where?

Borders around the island of Ireland are the only genuine answer. But if a proper UK-EU deal is not reached the default answer will be the land border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic - and that's a disaster waiting to happen.

Predictably, there were knee-jerk nationalist calls for a border poll - unlikely to go ahead and, given present uncertainties, even less likely to get majorities north and south for political reunification.

Similarly, some unionists wrongly see the problem as the familiar "constitutional" sovereignty issue of political union with Britain. But dreaming of, or dreading, a "united Ireland" in the future is a distraction from dealing with the real and present danger of a new threat that would be damaging for most people north and south, unionist, nationalist and neither. It can only be prevented by their combined action.

Most are strongly opposed to Brexit; the 56% northern majority against included about a third of unionist voters; and few pro-Brexit voters want a hard land border.

It would disrupt, or sever, our now substantially integrated all-island economy, its border-crossing production processes, shared facilities, trade, commuting, socialising and shopping links and the cross-border funding and functional bodies which underpin the peace process. It would provoke mass demonstrations.

More ominously, new border posts would be attractive targets for dissident republican paramilitaries, also jeopardising the peace process. And this supposedly hard border would leak like a sieve - it did so even when militarised in the Troubles.

It would give illegal access to the single market to exploit price differentials, greatly magnified in size and number, making Ireland a smugglers' bonanza for paramilitary and criminal gangs.

For their own protection, Britain and the EU would need to have customs checks at their own ports and airports on goods and people coming from Ireland.

Rather than desperately trying to confine a multi-faceted disaster to Ireland, it would obviously be much better for all concerned if the island's borders were part of a proper solution.

Instead of the EU and the UK being separated by a single, supposedly hard (but leaky and insecure) border, they'd be better separated by two relatively "soft" borders, with Ireland benefiting from being in between them.

The island's position would be comparable to the "intermediate space" between the double security doors for entering and exiting banks, except here one "door" links Ireland with Britain, the other with the EU.

This would safeguard the all-island economy and place it in two partly-overlapping trade zones - with Britain and with the Continent (elsewhere these zones would be separated by the single hard border which Britain and the EU want for themselves, most notably the English Channel).

The north, as part of Ireland's all-island economy along with the south (a full EU member), would retain its trading access to the Continent; and the south, along with the north (politically in the UK), would retain access to vital markets in Britain, especially for its agricultural products, parts of which originated in the north anyway.

This damage-limitation solution can turn around the very real threat of Ireland being worst affected by Brexit - Northern Ireland much more than the other regions of the UK, the Republic more than any of the other 26 remaining EU countries.

Selective controls at the two soft borders surrounding Ireland would mostly enable the continuing free entry of people and goods from Britain and from the EU, and continuing free entry to both of them for goods made in Ireland and for people travelling from Ireland who have, or qualify for, Irish citizenship (and, hence, also for EU citizenship - ie, including all Northern Ireland's British citizens).

However, continuing free movement would not apply to people and goods which originated outside Ireland.

There is no "back-door" for non-Irish immigrants to Britain or to the Continent, where they may be denied entry at their ports and airports.

Likewise, non-Irish goods imported into Ireland from elsewhere can be denied entry to the EU or to Britain.

This "double doors" scheme ensures minimum change, minimum disruption.

But trade patterns will change over time, including with the rest of the world, and sometimes in threatening ways (eg importing sub-standard food). Furthermore, EU regulations and any UK-EU deal must be administered in changing circumstances.

Therefore, an all-island customs authority is also needed. Just as ports and airports already have appropriate physical infrastructures for handling freight and travellers, so Ireland (courtesy of the peace process) already has the political infrastructures - the North-South Ministerial Council, the British-Irish Council and the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference - with which to construct a customs authority and ensure it is democratically accountable to the two political jurisdictions, north and south.

If or when the UK, including Northern Ireland, leaves the EU and customs union, the solution requires that Northern Ireland then gets single market access, perhaps by joining the European Economic Area, or via a customs union.

This is not some special favour for Northern Ireland, but a necessary arrangement for the whole all-island economy, which also minimises the knock-on damage to Britain and the Continent.

The Republic's new Foreign Minister Simon Coveney recognised this in a significant policy shift when he suggested the new "bottom line" is maintaining the present invisible Irish border.

He (rightly) rejected the completely misleading notion (propagated by British Brexiteers) that a "frictionless" border could be achieved by technology (a non-solution, which often forgets the smuggler threat).

Instead, he called for a political solution, a "unique status connecting Northern Ireland to the customs union" (Irish Times, June 23) - adding, for good measure, that Michel Barnier is "on board".

DUP leader Arlene Foster (in an interview with Reuters, October 29, 2016) did state: "Northern Ireland could have a different relationship to the EU's single market, or customs union, from the rest of the UK following its exit from the EU".

And any such differential relationship to EU institutions inevitably requires sea borders of some sort.

Some unionists may oppose a "border down the Irish Sea", but we saw that's precisely what they'll get - and more - if there's a default leaky land border on which Britain cannot depend.

Anyway, many travelling from Northern Ireland to Britain already have to show ID (driver's licence, or passport). Reflecting unionist ambivalence, there are clearly contradictions in the DUP's position(s), but in a fluid situation it is perhaps politic to accept its stated preference for a soft border and hold the DUP to it, along with all the other politicians in Brussels, London and Dublin who claim to oppose a hard border.

It's disingenuous of the Irish Government to pretend it doesn't want a sea border and also incorrect to suggest a solution is only Britain's responsibility, for the EU needs secure borders as much, if not more. Who knows how it will all end?

But if the UK leaves the EU and customs union, a hard land border will only be prevented if the main socio-economic borders are somewhere else.

Campaigning should start immediately. The only genuine answer is island borders and some version of a "double doors" solution.
Mourners shout slogans as they carry the body of slain militant Yawar Nisar during his funeral procession in Anantnag, Kashmir, Aug. 4, 2017.

A fresh cycle of violence erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir on Friday after a suspected militant and a civilian were allegedly killed by police fire during an overnight encounter.

Police said the civilian  Ghulam Bhat  was killed in cross-fire between government forces and suspected Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) separatists in south Kashmirs militancy-infested Anantnag district.

The civilian who lost his life was riding on a motorcycle while the encounter with the militants was on. Somehow, one of the bullets hit him, S. P. Vaid, Indian Kashmirs police chief, told BenarNews.

Residents refuted the police claim, saying Bhat was killed when security forces fired indiscriminately to disperse anti-India protesters.

The suspected militant was identified as Yawar Nisar, 25, a resident of Anantnag district.

He had only recently joined HM and was involved in a few bank robberies and acts of terror, a police official told BenarNews without elaborating. HM is the oldest and largest separatist faction in Indian Kashmir.

Street clashes were reported across south Kashmir on Friday, leaving 20 protesters and six security personnel injured.

The violence came a day after two Indian Army soldiers and two suspected separatists were killed in separate gunfights in the disputed Himalayan region, where more than 70,000 have died as a result of the separatist insurgency since the late 1980s.

Security has been beefed up across Kashmir, which is claimed in its entirety by India and Pakistan, to curb protests that followed the killing of a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant  Abu Dujana, 27  and his aide on Tuesday, police said.

By and large, we have brought the situation under control now. Indian security forces exercised maximum restraint while dealing with violent protesters, Vaid said.

Internet services have remained off in many districts of Kashmir since Dujanas killing to prevent people from organizing protests. Despite preventive measures, the Pakistani nationals death triggered widespread protests, during which two civilians died and 45 others were injured on Tuesday.

India, Pakistan trade jibes

India routinely accuses Pakistan of backing armed separatism on the Indian side of Kashmir, which is known as Jammu and Kashmir state. Pakistan repeatedly denied this charge, saying the decades-old violence was a result of Indias oppressive rule in the Muslim-majority region.

New Delhi said Friday it would initiate a dialogue with Pakistan only if Islamabad stopped pushing terrorists into India.

Terror and talks cannot go together, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in parliament.

The day Pakistan stops promoting terror, India will start the talks. The dialogue cannot be one-sided, Swaraj said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan said it was intent on resolving the Kashmir issue peacefully and would continue to extend its political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris on the Indian side.

Pakistan remains committed to peacefully resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and will continue to extend its moral, political and diplomatic support to the people in Kashmir, Pakistans foreign office said in a statement on Friday.

The deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir has serious implications for regional peace and security. The international community must take notice of the grave rights violations in Kashmir, it added.
Pope Francis poses for a selfie with a man from Martinique, during the pontiffs weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Aug. 2, 2017.

Bangladesh officials met Thursday with delegates from The Vatican to discuss logistics for a visit by Pope Francis to the predominantly Muslim nation in South Asia being planned for later this year, a senior foreign ministry representative said.

In addition to Thursdays discussions with members of the Holy Sees diplomatic mission in Dhaka, a team from The Vatican is scheduled to travel here in a couple of weeks to assess government preparations for a planned three-day visit, according to the president of the Bangladesh Christian Association.

Our revered Pope is coming to Bangladesh by the end of November. We are not disclosing the specific date of his visit for security reasons, but it has been decided that he is coming to Bangladesh, Mohammad Khourshed A. Khastagir, director general in charge of the European desk at the foreign ministry, told BenarNews.

We are working out the details of the Popes visit. Today, a delegation of the Vatican mission (in Dhaka) came to the foreign ministry to discuss logistics issues, Khastagir said.

Should the papal visit materialize, it would be only the second trip to this country of 160 million people by the head of the Roman Catholic church. John Paul II was the last pope to visit Bangladesh, in November 1986.

Pope Francis would be coming to a country grappling with emerging Islamic extremism. Terrorist attacks in recent years have targeted secular writers, foreigners as well as members of religious minorities and Bangladeshs Christian community, which is less than half of 1 percent of the nations population.

In July, Bangladesh Cardinal Patrick DRozario discussed a possible visit by the pontiff. Last year, DRozario became his countrys first cardinal when Pope Francis elevated him to the second-highest rank in the Catholic Church.

Vatican and Bangladesh officials have been discussing the proposed visit. The officials from both sides will announce it at the appropriate time, DRozario told BenarNews at the time.

Late last month, a spokeswoman for the Press Office at the Holy See said a papal visit to Bangladesh was under study but the dates for a trip had not been confirmed.

Christians, others react

Nirmal Rozario, president of the Bangladesh Christian Association told BenarNews the tentative date for Pope Francis arrival is Nov. 30.

We Christians are really excited to welcome our revered Pope in Dhaka. His visit is a historic one. I did not know whether I would get a chance to see the Pope in my lifetime, Dilip Rozario, a Christian residing in Monipuripara in Dhaka, told BenarNews.

Other religious leaders look forward to the visit as well.

Not only Christians, but also people from all religions will welcome the pope. His visit to Bangladesh will help to create a liberal and tolerant religious environment in this country, Rana Das Gupta, the general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Unity Council told BenarNews recently.

The chairman of Bangladeshs Islamic Unity Front echoed that sentiment.

We welcome a great person like him. Bangladeshi people are always very hospitable. Muslims of this country will be happy with his visit here, Misbahir Rahman Chowdhury told BenarNews.

We can learn about his greatness from his speeches and comments that he made about Muslims, Palestine and Arab countries. We are really pleased with his speeches. We are waiting to welcome him in Bangladesh with warm wishes, Chowdhury said in July.
The Philippines on Friday branded as exaggerated press reports of rights abuses linked to the governments anti-drugs war, after the United States said that its top diplomat likely would raise the topic on the sidelines of regional meetings here.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte ahead of a series of international meetings being hosted by Manila this weekend and Monday, officials said.

The two men were expected to talk about long-standing and strong bilateral relations, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters in Manila on Friday. Cayetano described Dutertes relationship with Tillerson and U.S. President Donald Trump as very good.

So I expect the call to be frank, honest, but to discuss also the way forward of our relationship. And, also, to refer to some twists and turns, or some valleys in our relationship, he told reporters.

Hours earlier, Cayetanos office issued a statement saying it welcomed the opportunity to address concerns raised by the U.S. government and correct perceptions they may have gleaned from exaggerated media reports.

Tillerson is scheduled to meet with his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday. The following day, he is to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum, where North Koreas recent missile tests and its nuclear ambitions are likely to dominate discussions.

Tillerson will raise all relevant issues during his visit, including concerns about human rights, Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton told reporters in Washington this week.

Tillersons visit to Manila comes after 15 people, including a mayor, were killed in an alleged shootout with police in the southern Philippines on July 30. Rights groups have said the suspects were likely summarily executed as part of Dutertes crackdown, which, they say, has left thousands of addicts and dealers dead at the hands of police and vigilantes.

Cayetano noted that Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama, and Duterte did not have mutual trust, saying this was partly because the former U.S. president questioned the human rights situation in the Philippines.

Obama, at last years ASEAN summit in Laos, cancelled a scheduled meeting with Duterte after the Filipino leader cursed about him in a speech. But Duterte appeared to tone down his anti-U.S. rhetoric when Trump became president and expressed support for his Filipino counterparts anti-crime drive.

Between the Trump and Duterte administrations, there is mutual trust. So tricky issues, which in the past sparked arguments, I think, can and will be discussed, including human rights, Cayetano said.

Because when there is mutual respect, it can be discussed in a context of friendship and cooperation, he said.

Human rights: A shared value

The foreign ministry statement said the Philippines understood that the United States had a duty to its citizens to talk about human rights because it was accountable to them and the American press.

The Philippines is the oldest democracy in Asia and respect for human rights is a shared value, especially with our treaty ally, the United States, it said. Discussions on the issue of human rights are always included in our engagements with foreign governments, in particular with Western democracies.

Neither Cayetano nor his offices statement mentioned that Duterte had frequently lambasted rights advocacy groups who questioned the bloodshed. Duterte had also assailed the May 2017 visit of the U.N.s special rapporteur on extra judicial killings, and he has hit out at foreign leaders who have expressed worries over his governments alleged human rights abuses.

Duterte, 72, won the presidency in a landslide last year on a promise to rid the Philippines of the drug menace, and to turn Manila Bay into a dumping ground for dead addicts and dealers.

He vowed to crush the illicit drug trade in three months, or he would quit, but later took that back, saying the drug problem was graver than what he had initially anticipated. A year on, more than 8,000 people have been killed, including those whose deaths were blamed on vigilantes.

The staggering death toll so far eclipses the estimated 3,200 activists who died during the 20-year regime of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was removed by a civilian-back military uprising in 1986.

At his public engagements Duterte has carried a list of 150 politicians, judges, policemen and military personnel whom he claimed were in the drug trade, and he has warned that he waging a war with narco politicians. Three of those on the list, including a mayor who was slain last Sunday, have been killed in police raids.

Duterte earlier this week said his drug war would continue, and told law enforcers that he had their backs.

The police and the military should make sure that their enemies are dead, he said Wednesday. Otherwise, if the other guy can still pull the trigger, you will end up with a dead police or a dead military soldier.
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For Immediate Release, August 4, 2017 Contact: Randi Spivak, (310) 779-4894, rspivak@biologicaldiversity.org Senate Logging Bill Attacks National Forest Protections, Wildlife WASHINGTON Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced legislation today that would devastate America's national forests by rubberstamping large logging projects and severely limiting public comment and disclosure of environmental damage from unfettered logging. This bill is similar to Rep. Bruce Westerman's bill (H.R. 2936), which also aims to significantly limit public input and scientific environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Senate Republicans seem all too eager to let special interests destroy some of our most vital public lands, wildlife and watersheds, said Randi Spivak, public lands program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. This bill would return forest management to the dark ages, when reckless logging devastated wildlife, degraded rivers, and ruined recreation opportunities for millions of Americans. Among other harmful provisions, Thune's bill would allow logging projects affecting up to 10,000 acres15 square milesto be rushed through without meaningful public involvement or scientific evaluation of potential harm to wildlife and the environment. Thune, Westerman and other proponents of the bill continue to rely on misinformation that has been discounted by science, in particular that logging is needed to clear beetle-infested trees and prevent wildfires. That assumption has been debunked by studies showing that insect outbreaks do not increase wildfire likelihood, and in fact they can reduce wildfires' burn severity. The bill also aims to bar citizen access to the courts to uphold laws protecting national forests by setting up a process that would allow the Interior secretary to arbitrarily decide which projects can sidestep judicial review. This is nothing but a timber industry wish list to log national forests for any reason, while deliberately blocking public input, said Spivak. Proponents are shamefully playing on the public's fears to advance their agenda. But the only motivation for this bill is to help logging companies make more money. In the first four months of the 115th Congress, Republicans have introduced more than 60 bills attacking public lands, weakening environmental safeguards on those lands, or turning over their control to states and local governments. These attacks come despite the fact that the vast majority of voters across political parties support protecting and maintaining forests, national parks, monuments, and other public lands and waters.
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Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
Nigeria has signed financing deals with oil majors Shell and Chevron to develop projects that would boost reserves and revenue, the state-run oil firm said this week.

Photo by Jackson Jost via Unsplash

"Two sets of alternative financing agreements on Joint Venture (JV) projects to boost reserves and production in line with government's aspiration were executed in London on Monday," said a statement by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Abuja.

"The two projects are expected to generate incremental revenues of about $16 billion within the assets' life cycle including a flurry of exploratory activities that would generate employment opportunities in the industry, boost gas supply to power and rejuvenate Nigeria's industrial capacity utilisation," it said.

The NNPC said the deal with Chevron would see the development of the Sonam project, hitherto financed through cash calls.

The project with a potential for reserves of 211 million barrels of crude and gas reserves of 1.9 trillion cubic feet was expected to begin to bear fruits in the next three to six months, it said.

The NNPC said the agreement with Shell would facilitate the development of 156 development activities on some oil fields in the Niger delta.

Andy Brown, Shell Global upstream director said the alternative funding arrangement was an innovative financing plan that would enable the company commence exploration activities hitherto stalled due to funding challenges.

Oil majors have always complained of Nigeria's inability to pay its cash calls - counterpart funding - under their joint venture projects in the oil-producing region.

Nigeria is aiming to ramp up reserves, output and boost revenue in the face of dwindling oil earnings.

Nigeria, Africa's biggest oil producer and exporter, accounting for some two million barrels per day, relies on the sector for 90 percent of foreign exchange earnings and 70 percent of government revenue.

Low oil prices since mid-2014, worsened by outages after militant attacks on facilities, have cut production and hammered revenue.

Ongoing government peace talks with the rebels have halted attacks on oil facilities.

Source: AFP
A study conducted by Brandseye on behalf of the Aerospace division of the Toulouse MBA programme found that Qatar Airways is the leading Middle East airline according to consumer sentiment on social media. The study, with the aim to understand global public sentiment towards the leading airlines in the region and the factors driving it, analysed the social media universe of the four biggest Middle Eastern airlines according to social media conversation - Qatar Airways, Etihad, Emirates and Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) - with over half a million online mentions in both English and Arabic captured between March and May 2017.

Steve Mann via 123RF

After collection, the data was first broken down using proprietary artificial intelligence techniques. A further layer of accuracy was then added through the use of the Crowd  a group of trained contributors who provided human analysis and understanding to the social data, achieve a confidence level of 95% with a margin of error of 2.15%, ensuring the data represented the true feelings of the global public.

Public sentiment towards airlines

The three top airlines in the study  Emirates, Qatar and Etihad - all excelled with an overwhelmingly positive sentiment. Qatar was the most popular airline based on sentiment with 44% positive conversation and 9% negative, compared to Emirates with 39% positive and 16% negative, ahead of Etihad with 31% positive and 16% negative The most spoken about airline was Emirates with 243,633 mentions, followed by Qatar at 165,276, Etihad at 78,705 and Saudia, the fourth most spoken about airline with 59,447.

Sentiment breakdowns by airline

Importantly, although Qatar Airlines edged out both Emirates and Etihad, all three airlines performed strongly over the period. Such findings dovetail further with Skytraxs awarding of Qatar Airlines best airline for 2017, with Emirates and Etihad also featuring in the top 10.

What matters to passengers?

A unique element of the study included a topic analysis which unpacked the key topics impacting sentiment towards the airlines. Of the elements contributing towards a good or bad flying experience - aesthetics, ethics, and in-flight amenities - were the topics referenced most often by online authors, with each subject making up 10% of the overall discussion. Conversations related to staff claimed a 9% share, while airport experience, brand, and response time each took 8%. In-flight service and baggage handling had shares of 7% and 6% respectively. Pricing and special offers/promotions each contributed 5% towards the overall topic analysis.

Most discussed topics based on sentiment-bearing conversations

What makes a good airline?

Opinion data was analysed for topics towards each airline to understand that factors impacting both positive and negative sentiment. Qatar Airways was the top performer, followed by Emirates and Etihad, which backed up the overall sentiment ranking towards the airlines.

By contrast, of the four carriers, Saudia had generally negative sentiment towards it and performed poorly across a number of key topics.

Breakdown of positive and negative sentiment at the topic level

Brand resilience  impact of political sanctions

On 5 June 2017, political sanctions were imposed on Qatar. To assess the impact that a major global incident would have on an airline, Brandseye extended its research to track conversations to Qatar Airlines during the month of June. In total, Qatar Airways received 112,095 mentions during that time, a substantial amount of chatter  68% of the volume the airline had received during the previous three months combined.

Conversations spiked during the first four days of the crisis, during which time the brand was mentioned over 35,000 times, with the majority of mentions linked to the impact that the sanctions were having on those flying with the airline. The airline did experience a shift in sentiment on 20 June, following the announcement of the airline winning Skytraxs best airline in the world. Positive sentiment was also driven by the showcasing of the new QSuite at the Paris Airshow.

Daily volume of conversation about Qatar Airways in June

Sanctions impacts airline directly

With airspace and certain offices closed, Qatar Airways was forced to cancel a large number of flights and introduce refund procedures for those impacted. Despite an initial decline in positive sentiment around the incident  part of which arose off the back of the airlines perceived initial delay in responding to flight cancellations and requests for refunds  by 13 June, the airlines reputation had recovered, highlighting the value of a strong brand and effective crisis planning.

Weekly sentiment analysis towards Qatar Airways (28 May  30 June)

Despite the brief period during which positive sentiment declined, the airline ended June with 38% positive sentiment for the month: 6% behind its three-month average of 44%. Moreover, its 12% negative sentiment was 3% less than its average score for the April  June period. The study appears to show that for the top performer, Qatar Airways, consistently pleasing consumers has meant that the airline has been able to not only come out as a favourite among the public but has been able to develop a high degree of brand resilience, rapidly bouncing back from this possible PR crisis.

Reputation equals resilience, but its all about the detail

Simple tallies of followers and online mentions are a blunt tool  reputation strength hinges on brands ability to deliver consistently across a wide range of areas. In the case of airlines, everything from customer service to aesthetics plays a part in the overall strength of the brand.

Given their strong performances over a range of topics and high overall positive sentiment levels, its unsurprising that three of the airlines in the study  Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad  are among the worlds top carriers.

The study highlights that, although the quantity of mentions is important, it is the quality of engagement which separates the good from the great.
Tina Eboka, Group MD of the NTP Group of companies, a subsidiary of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), has been re-elected as vice chair of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency High-Level Group on the Security of Supply of Medical Radioisotopes (HLG-MR).

Tina Eboka

The announcement was made at the bi-annual meeting of the HLG-MR that took place in Paris recently. Eboka, who has headed the NTP Group since June 2014, was the first South African to be elected to the HLG-MR role, in 2016.

The High-Level Group on the Security of Medical Radioisotopes was established in 2009 by the OECDs inter-governmental Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) following a worldwide shortage of key medical radioisotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).

Mo-99

Mo-99 is used as a precursor for its decay product technetium-99m (Tc-99m). Tc-99m is used in over 40 million imaging procedures each year and plays a critical role in both the diagnosis and management of conditions including heart disease, neuroendocrine conditions, and cancers. Because the isotopes have short half-lives  just 66 hours for Mo-99 and six hours for Tc-99m  they cannot be stored or stockpiled, and must be produced daily in order to meet clinical demand.

Through state-owned company NTP Radioisotopes, South Africa is responsible for more than 20% of all global production of Mo-99, and is one of the top three Mo-99 producers in the world.

Ebokas election as vice chair in 2016 marked the first time that a major isotope producer was chosen to serve in the HLG-MR executive. This signalled that isotope producers  who carry the industry  should not take secondary roles in guiding the industry, said NTP Board Chair, Dr Namane Magau. The re-election confirms Tinas phenomenal leadership talents, and is a continued acknowledgement of NTP Groups key role in global medical radioisotope production.

New chair

Jeff Chamberlin, director at the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), was elected as the groups new chair.

The OECD HLG-MR is made up of representatives from some 40 governments and international agencies with interests in nuclear technology products, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Although South Africa is not an OECD member, it has been included in the HLG-MR since its inception because of the significant global role it plays in the manufacture and processing of medical radioisotopes.

NTP supplies Mo-99 and other key medical radioisotopes to 50 countries worldwide, and also produces 100% of local requirements. Working with the Department of Health, NTP supports isotope-based diagnosis and treatment at leading state hospitals including Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, and the Tygerberg Academic Hospital in the Western Cape.
Fake news is the new battleground for media freedom as social media is weaponised for propaganda purposes and fake news, commented Huffington Post South Africa editor-at-large, Ferial Haffajee.

Luke McKend. Credit: Ashraf Hendricks, GroundUp.org.za

Haffajee was taking part in a panel on Fake news and Media Sustainability, chaired by writer Marianne Thamm, at the Daily Mavericks The Gathering 2017 Media Edition in Cape Town. Thamm was in conversation with Haffajee; Google South Africa country manager, Luke McKend; and SA National Editors Forum (Sanef) media freedom sub-committee chair, Sam Mkokeli.

Haffajee, herself the victim of a fake news smear campaign via Twitter - discovered through the #Guptaleaks email dump to have been orchestrated by the London public relations firm Bell Pottinger, hired by the Gupta interests  spoke of how she was targeted a day after writing a story on state capture in South Africa.

This is the new battleground for media freedom. Fake news is a brilliant propaganda campaign: to quote an editor from the Philippines, it is the weaponisation of social media.

Haffajee thought Twitter didnt understand that their accounts were being used in a massive propaganda campaign and found it difficult to get action taken against the fake accounts which were targeting her and purporting to be from her.

Mkokeli spoke about how journalists were increasingly facing intimidation in South Africa. There are journalists who cant step outside their homes without a bodyguard. I am proud to enjoy freedom as a South African journalist, to live in a free society to do my job. What [Andile] Mngxitama (from the Black Land First movement) does, is take us away from that. They want to intimidate us, they want us to stop writing about state capture.

A handful of BLF members had tickets to The Gathering 2017 and were barred from entering today by the Daily Maverick and security. They were refused entry after having disrupted another Daily Maverick forum held by its journalists on the #Guptaleaks scandal in Johannesburg, a week ago. The event had to be halted.

The media is a public tool to make sure the public has the right to know. This is the space that Mngxitama is playing in. This is not just about the media, the attack is also meant for good South Africans, it is meant to silence politicians, silence the media, its about a bigger issue, reiterated Mkokeli.

Vital craft

Haffajees key learnings from the Shelly Garland fake blog issue which impacted on the fledgling Huffington Post South Africa team and led to two editors losing their jobs, was that the painful event could have happened to anyone in the media, although in this particular case, not all checks and balances were followed at the media channel.

Editing and curation are vital crafts. The question we havent properly thought through is how that blog landed so easily in our newsroom, how it resonated so completely and what it means for the race debate in our country.

We have put in place much tighter controls. We refer upward anything we feel is in violation of code and constitution. It is also part of a much bigger rethink.

McKend agreed that Googles role was very important in curtailing the proliferation of fake news. Our mission is to index worlds information and make it accessible to everyone. Some of those results are inaccurate, misleading it is deeply in our interest to make sure whatever part of our business, whether it is search, or a display ad, our role is to make sure that ecosystem works well together, otherwise it falls apart.

In order to deal with fake news issues, Google is ensuring that the right skills are in place in the media to help combat the spread of fake news. We cant do it all on our own.

For example, Google is currently training 6000 journalists across major centres in Africa in data skills and tools, thereby contributing to the industry in a meaningful way.

Its like an arms race, you are always going to have people who disseminate propaganda, and we will see a lot more technology come into play, said McKend. The huge amount of content makes it impossible to curate with people only.

But we all need to be prepared to pay for great news, otherwise whats the point? Where are the people who are consuming it? I made a decision recently to pay for all the news I consume. We have to take responsibility as consumers for the payment of news. We cant abdicate responsibility, if we value the content, we need to pay for it, he emphasised.

Fake news

In an interview with Bizcommunity.com following on his talk, McKend said it was a constant battle to prevent fake news gaining traction.

We have had to change our policies to deal with people trying to game Google and monetise fake news. We have been geared to respond to more extreme publishing behaviours, i.e., content on bullying, intimidation. Some of the content is more subtle than that and misrepresentation is now a big part of that. Now, if someone misrepresents themselves, we are able to take those ads down.

Between November and December 2016, Google took down 300 000 sites that misrepresented themselves, including fake news sites. Much of that had to include human intervention.

We dont want fake news sites to profit from misrepresentation. We need to suck the lifeblood out of what they do by removing their ability to make money.

However, not all propaganda sites are for profit, and there is a fine line between determining whether someones opinion that they are entitled to print, is fake news, McKend pointed out. What we are trying to do by investing in fact checking agencies in Europe, is to find ways for journalists to have the resources they need so they are not caught out by fake news.

Google have also introduced a new tag in the UK and Germany, which identifies whether a site is a trusted site or not, based on a variety of different signals.

Said McKend: The best defense against fake news is other journalists. The real strength of South Africas democracy is the journalists who have done the hard work on whether something is fake news or not. But journalism today requires a different skills set, which is why we are so heavily focused on the training aspect.

One of the roles we can play is to provide journalists with the tools and skills required. We are also in the early days of how we work with what is true or not, we will have to evolve very quickly... and come up with more robust means to solve this problem. Facebook also plays a role here and journalists have to help us out.

McKend described it as a bit of an arms race. We have a lot of experience in people gaming our systems, our ad systems, to try promote their content. We are bringing that experience to bear now on a completely different category of content, and fortunately we have a skills set inside the business. It is impossible to catch everything, but we can be a good player, rather than a bad player in this ecosystem.

The last word goes to Haffajee: Human beings are smart, people recognise shit, so some of the fake news just died. But heres the thing I learnt: the idea of white monopoly capital, the hashtag that we now know was started by Bell Pottinger, bounced through the internet very fast and resonated very quickly. In a fundamentally skewed and unjust economy, that is why that idea didnt just die, because there was a lot of reality in it.
It is possible to turn the tide of corruption in South Africa and revitalise the economy within six months if our political leadership, in partnership with business, puts self-interest aside and works for the good of all 55 million South Africans. State capture thievery is estimated to have cost South Africa R100 billion.

The Gathering 2017 Media Edition.Credit: Ashraf Hendricks, GroundUp.org.za.

This was the word from Pravin Gordhan and Mcebisi Jonas, our two most famous former ministers in the South African government, at the Daily Mavericks The Gathering 2017 Media Edition, which was held in Cape Town this time round, Thursday, 3 August 2017.

Gordhan and Jonas were greeted like rockstars, receiving a standing ovation on arrival. There were shocked murmurs when Gordhan revealed that state capture could have cost South Africa upwards of R100 billion in corruption  enough to double up on social grants, to put it into perspective.

Pravin Gordhan

Gordhan and Jonas took to the stage at Cape Towns iconic convention centre at the end of a long day of presentations and panel discussions on media and its sustainability in the future, both in South Africa and globally. Of course the conversation over the course of the day with various media luminaries and politicians was dominated by corruption, state capture, fake news, #Guptaleaks and the maligned London PR firm, Bell Pottinger.

While the notorious Gupta Brothers, the architects of South Africas state capture were sent an invitation and invited to reply by saving it in their draft emails folder, by the defiant Daily Maverick team, they did not respond, but nonetheless, featured prominently on the agenda of most speakers.

ZANews Gupta puppets

Gordhan said there could not be an environment where everything being done diminishes confidence, when confidence needed to be increased. If we have a deteriorating fiscal environment, add to that the corruption factor and lack of effective implementation, that makes investments even slower.

We need to galvanise all resources in this country to achieve (confidence and growth). Allowing rampant looting of state resources at the same time, doesnt add up.

The other thing we should be concerned about is the impunity with which this was done  if nothing bothers you, you dont care about impact on the country and its 55 million people and the unemployed That dont care factor is a dangerous stage to reach as a country.

There is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Gordhan said we can turn South Africa around in six months. But can we set aside self-interest? And put this country and its wellbeing first?

Jonas emphasised that we need to understand the link between state capture and corruption, which sabotages and stunts growth and leads to unemployment. The media is critical in conveying this.

Media sustainability

The day-long intensive workshop opened, ironically, with Simon and Garfunkels song The Sound of Silence, with the appropriate line, Hello darkness, my old friend, echoing through the vast hall before comedian and MC, John Vlismas, took to the stage and lightened the mood, declaring the parking lot at the CTICC where the BLF were lurking to try disrupt The Gathering, to be the scuffling zone.

But most media speakers did their best to inject a glimmer of hope into the darkness surrounding the media industrys survival prospects in this digital age of declining profits, battered by fake news and the intimidation of journalists.

Speaking on a panel on business having a voice in the media, AngloGold Ashanti chairman, Sipho Pityana, convener of the Save SA campaign, warned that business should be worried as the Guptas tightened their tentacles on the South African economy.

Today it is journalists under attack. Tomorrow it could be you. If there isnt a vibrant media to report on the corruption, you will be increasingly vulnerable. We need to stand together to make sure they do not succeed. We should be increasingly worried about the global criminal conspiracy being exposed. We must not underestimate the lengths it will go.

He urged business to get off the fence decide which side of history you want to be on.

Adman Mike Abel, chief executive of M&C Saatchi Group, said knowledge was power so people should be prepared to pay for quality content or sacrifice it. When asked, he said he would question a client as to their reasons if they instructed his agency to buy advertising in Gupta-owned media in SA.

In a panel dealing with civil society, media and public activism, Section 27 executive director, Mark Heywood, warned the media not just to join the dots on state capture, but to also report on the consequences of state capture.

We need to see the human dimensions, the human cost of this crisis, or we wont galvanise our society to stand up for the poorest of the poor It is the way states fail that you have the seeds laid for populism and civil war.

Media elite

It is this failing that the Economic Freedom Front (EFF) national spokesman, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, also highlighted in cautioning the media that it was too elitist.

The media in South Africa is trapped in the geography of apartheid. You are reaching the elite with the media, mostly white, not empowering the majority of South African citizens  the people who shift things in elections.

He added that those who were most important in shifting political power in South Africa, the majority of whom lived in the rural areas, should be receiving the kind of information peddled at The Gathering, but would not, as most media did not reach them.

This is the legacy that apartheid has left and that South African media has failed to transcend.

Ndlozi added that SABC remained the only important media house, as it had the language spread and geographic spread to reach the real South Africans out there.

Jackson Mthembu. Credit: Ashraf Hendricks, GroundUp.org.za.

African National Congress (ANC) chief whip Jackson Mthembu, went a step further, saying the SA media should apologise for not doing enough under apartheid to unmask the crimes of apartheid inflicted on the black majority population in South Africa and in some cases, being complicit in propping up apartheid. He mooted the idea of a media TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) for the media to account for its past.

However, Ndlozi said the most tragic media event in our recent history, was the destruction of the SABC, which he placed firmly at the door of the ANC. Mthembu can complain about the media but he needs to ask himself the hard questions on how the ANC have messed up the SABC.

Ndlozi said the EFF believed in self-regulation of the media, but that it had to have teeth. You are free, we are all free to express ourselves, but you are not free to lie. The very phenomenon of fake news if your own self-regulation was up to scratch, you would be able to regulate fake news.

We dont believe in attacking journalists, we must condemn that, he said, labelling recent attempts to intimidate journalists by certain sectors of society, as hooliganism.

Accountability

Huffington Post South Africa editor-at-large, Ferial Haffajee, said that during the height of the onslaught against critics of the Zuma government and state capture allegations against the political elite in government, Pravin Gordhan was targeted for intimidation and misinformation with upwards of 33 000 tweets bombarding him in the course of the fake news campaign orchestrated by Bell Pottinger on behalf of the Gupta family, as the #Guptaleaks reveals.

Referring to Bell Pottinger, Gordhan said: They came and messed up our country. They sabotaged our democracy. Why is Mr Henderson (Bell Pottinger CEO, James Henderson) not coming to South Africa to account to us? And we should ask with one voice: give us the money back and well invest it in orphanages for victims of Aids in SA So they can get a sense of what social responsibility means."
Albany Bakeries has launched its new and improved factory in Bellville, Cape Town, following a R350 million investment. The investment included an interior upgrade for the existing bakery and the building of a new plant which boasts a lower carbon footprint and a significant boost in production efficiency.

Albany Bakeries in Bellville was established in 1970 as a venture between Tiger Oats (now Tiger Brands) and National Milling. Thirteen months in the making, the new bakery occupies 6,884 square metres compared to an area of 3,766 square metres in the old facility.

We have been working really hard over the last 335 days. To come to this point we have laid over 1.5 million bricks and used 200 tonnes of structural steel, invested over 300,000 man hours and created over 100 jobs specific to this project, commented Albany Bakeries manager Frank Dos Reis, speaking at the launch event this week.

Multi-faceted upgrade

With the addition of two Tweedy high-speed dough mixers and a revamped high-tech bagging system, the new bakery will effectively be doubling output capacity from 6,000 loaves baked per hour to 12,000.

The bakery has been designed to be kinder to the environment, fitted with energy-efficient lighting, mixers, coolers and ovens. In terms of water consumption, the new plant saves 3,964 litres and waste water is recycled and used to wash the trucks.

Because were looking to the future, our new bakery has been designed with our environmental impact in mind. We have fitted green technology in the form of water reticulation systems, LED lighting and bigger windows as well as energy-saving conveyor systems, all of which will make us more energy and water efficient, noted Dos Reis.

Along with a handful of safety improvements, a lighter, brighter working space has been created for all staff and the use of natural light has been optimised to create an ergonomically-friendly environment.

Expanded distribution

Albany Bakeries Bellville currently services 5,000 outlets mainly in the Cape Metro area which will be doubled over the next five years, significantly contributing to small enterprises locally.

As a result of our increased capacity, we are now planning to increase the number of outlets to reach previously unserved parts of the Western Cape. These range from large supermarket chains to independent retailers and spaza shops, said Matshela Seshibe, Albany managing director.

The investment contributes to the economy of the Western Cape. We wont only be maintaining the number of jobs in this bakery, but were looking forward to increasing the number of people employed within the next five years.

Western Cape a strategic market

Tiger Brands, which provides stewardship for big South African brands like Koo, All Gold and Tastic, will be investing R850 billion into Western Cape facilities over the next two years. The new Albany bakery, the Jungle Oats mill, and developing new capability within the Purity baby facility, forms part of this investment.

In his keynote at the launch, Tiger Brands CEO Lawrence Mac Dougal noted, As an organisation we view the Western Cape as very important for us, and a strategic market for many of our core categories. This is evidenced by the substantial investments we are making into facilities and infrastructure development.

We provide over 5,000 jobs through permanent and seasonal employment across the province, and the Bellville bakery alone is going to provide in the region of 400 to 500 jobs.

Vote of confidence

According to Wesgro CEO Tim Harris, the massive investment into the Albany plant is a significant confidence boost in the Western Cape, especially in the midst of a tough economic climate.

This is how were going to get this economy growing again and how were going to create the jobs we need. Were going to use this example around the world to show foreign investors that there are opportunities here that they need to tap into.

The Albany brand has been on the receiving end of a number of awards, including the 2016/2017 TGI SAs Kasi Star Brands, 2017/2018 Icon Brand Awards and the Sunday Times Top Brands Awards.
#NEWSWATCH: Canadian shoe company Aldo has agreed to acquire the footwear and accessories operations of the Connecticut-based Camuto Group. The deal creates a new footwear powerhouse, merging Aldo's retail strength with the Camuto Group's expertise in wholesale.

Ken Wolter via 123RF

According to a New York Times report, the takeover will give Aldo a bigger footprint at a moment when fashion brands are seeking growth through mergers and acquisitions.

Weve been looking for an acquisition target for 18 months, and Camuto was the best fit, commented Aldo CEO David Bensadoun.

Aldo was founded by Aldo Bensadoun in Montreal in 1972. The brand now sells shoes in more than 3,000 stores in over than 100 countries worldwide. Aldo Bensadoun, now 78, has retired and the company is run by his son, David.

Extending capabilities and reach

"We're thrilled to have found a partner that has the skills and infrastructure required to support our vision. We are very excited about the ways the two organisations can help each other grow, leveraging each other's strengths," David said. "A huge part of our attraction to the Camuto Group is an understanding of their amazing design skills, excellent distribution network, and sourcing capabilities."

The Camuto Group, founded by the deceased Vince Camuto, is an expert in wholesale and licensing and is a strong player in the U.S. market. The Group produces shoes and apparel for the Jessica Simpson Collection, Tory Burch and Lucky Brand Jeans, in addition to its namesake Vince Camuto collection. The Vince Camuto brand sells mens and womens shoes, bags, clothing and accessories.

The deal between the two family-run businesses "will significantly increase both companies' capabilities and reach, and enhance their ability to offer the widest selection of footwear, handbags, and accessories through all channels, including owned stores, franchise, online and wholesale," Aldo said in a release.

"We are excited to become a part of the Aldo Group family" stated Camuto Group CEO Alex Del Cielo. "The Aldo Group will preserve Camuto's autonomy, each brand's identity as well as retaining key talent, ensuring for a smooth transition."

According to a report on Chain Store Age, the new company will operate two home offices, with one in Greenwich, Connecticut, where Camuto is based and the other in Montreal, where Aldo is headquartered. The Camuto family will continue to own and operate the apparel businesses. Del Cielo will remain in his role as CEO of Camuto Group and will report to Bensadoun.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed and the deal is subject to customary closing conditions.

For more:

Aldo to buy Vince Camuto in a merger of shoe brands

Canada's Aldo Group in deal to create new footwear giant

Aldo Group to buy Camuto Group in powerhouse shoe deal
Stuttafords has finally closed shop, after a last-ditch effort to rescue the stores in Eastgate and Sandton failed this week.

Image credit: Freddy Mavunda via Business Day

Interestingly, it was property company Liberty Two Degrees that scuppered an offer from a prospective buyer. The 159-year-old grande dame of SA department stores was subjected to a second bidding process, which kicked off three weeks ago and was concluded last week. By Monday morning it was clear it had failed.

One bidder, whose identity has not been disclosed, put forward an offer subject to a condition that Liberty Two Degrees, as the shopping centre owner, landlord and asset manager of the two stores, would support the leases, which would allow it to continue trading in those centres.

"Unfortunately Liberty rejected the offer and the two stores were closed on Monday morning," says Stuttafords CEO Robert Amoils. "It was a sad outcome as I'd hoped the selected bidder would be able to salvage continuity for those two locations and its staff," he says.

Liberty Two Degrees CEO Amelia Beattie says her company received the bid for Stuttafords last Thursday and discussed it at its board meeting on Friday. However, Beattie says the bid "did not meet our business requirements".

"It didn't contain all the information we needed . in terms of the normal processes of concluding a lease," she says, adding that the company didn't receive the information it required to enable it to support the leases or enter into new ones.

What Liberty wanted, apparently, was a detailed business case that would have supported the bidder's tenancy. "We wanted to do what's best for our environments and we believe we have acted in the best interests of our shareholders," Beattie says.

But now that Stuttafords has closed, the 950 people (in SA, Namibia and Botswana) who were employed before the business rescue process began, are out of work.

Stock levels are either minuscule or nonexistent, as the company has been heavily discounting stock by up to 75%. Business rescue practitioners will now tally up the claims.

It has emerged, however, that there were three bids for the flagship stores. These were independently adjudicated and managed by KPMG. One of them emerged as the preferred bidder.

The second bidder will now acquire Stuttafords' intellectual capital and intangible assets such as customer lists, IT platforms and historical trade data - essentially anything the company built up over its long history. That bidder doesn't want to keep trading, but wants the name of the business, as well as the hardware, software and office furniture.

Business rescue practitioner John Evans says he has been frustrated by the process. "I was always of the view that this was rescuable and should have been rescued. We had a credible rescue plan originally," he says.

Previously, says Evans, shareholder the Rubenstein family, management and the original bidders were willing to step back when the Ellerine brothers (the biggest shareholder) expressed interest in putting in a bid. "We were quite taken aback that Ellerine Bros reneged on its obligations and withdrew," he says.

Evans says he has no idea what the Ellerines wanted to achieve "or what their agenda was".

"I did at least have some faint hope that we'd manage to save something this time," he says in reference to the Sandton and Eastgate stores.

Liberty argues that Stuttafords' demise is an opportunity to provide a different "customer experience" in Sandton City (store size: 7,800m) and Eastgate (8,400m). "We are in the process of finalising a number of deals to move into those spaces," says Beattie.

Moneyweb has reported that Dis-Chem, Zara Home, Turkish fashion brand LC Waikiki, McLaren and Ferrari fashion brands are among those going after the Sandton space.

This week Stuttafords sent out a "notice to affected persons", including its creditors, disclosing that three bids had been received and only two were capable of implementation. But, it said, "a pivotal suspensive condition relating to the sale of the business being the consent of the landlord of the Sandton and Eastgate stores" had doomed the bid.

Source: Financial Mail
The second Africa Regional Dialogue, hosted by the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (Arasa) in partnership with the UNDP, under the Africa Regional Grant on HIV: Removing Legal Barriers are meeting in Johannesburg on 3-4 August 2017.

Over 140 representatives of government ministries, civil society, members of parliament, the judiciary, UN agencies and development partners will take stock of progress on the implementation of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law recommendations and discuss how to overcome challenges that remain in the HIV and TB response. It is five years since the report was released and six years since the first Africa Regional Dialogue on HIV and the Law.

While most African countries have made national, regional and international commitments to protect human rights and address HIV and TB, legal barriers continue to impede the health and rights of people on the continent, said Michaela Clayton, director of the Aids and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa.

This is an important opportunity for us to review how far we have come in implementing the recommendations of the Global Commission report, to identify the barriers that remain to implementing these recommendations and to identify how we can overcome these barriers.

Delegates will discuss progress in Africa on the implementation of the recommendations of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law, evaluate their impact, highlight issues and countries that continue to face challenges and make strategic recommendations on the way forward. Given the high rates of HIV and TB co-infection in Africa, the dialogue is also focusing on the impact of laws, policies and practices on the TB response.

Significant challenges remain

Although significant progress has been made in the HIV and TB responses across Africa, significant challenges remain with respect to legal and policy environments for key and vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV and TB, sex workers, people who use drugs, men who have sex with men and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.

The first Africa Regional Dialogue was held in 2011 and helped to inform the Global Commission on HIV and the Law, whose 2012 report revealed that bad laws and policies were obstructing the global HIV response. The Commission advised governments to dismantle legal barriers to HIV prevention and treatment, end discrimination against people living with and affected by HIV and to implement laws and policies that are grounded in evidence and human rights.

For UNDP, human rights are central to effective HIV responses and to the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and the commitment of leaving no one behind, said Mandeep Dhaliwal, director, HIV, Health and Development Group, UNDP. We are pleased to be working with government, civil society and UN partners in 88 countries to advance the recommendations of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law. Work on law and policy is vital from both a public health and development perspective. It is challenging but we know that progress is possible and essential.

The question is what needs to be done differently to include those who are already being left behind, such as people living with HIV or TB and key populations and vulnerable groups, said Advocate Bience Gawanas, special advisor to the Namibian minister of poverty eradication and social welfare. These groups need to have their voices heard and this dialogue is an important mechanism to do so.

This weeks dialogue features sessions on laws, policies and practices that:

mitigate or exacerbate violence and discrimination lived by women



discriminate and create barriers to services for children and young people



create barriers to access to HIV and TB treatment



effectively criminalise people living with HIV and TB and key populations

Progress in Africa

Since the Commissions report in 2012, significant progress has been made in addressing legal barriers to effective HIV and TB responses across Africa. For example, Mozambique has revised its law on criminalising unintentional HIV transmission and the High Court of Kenya has found a law criminalising HIV transmission to be unconstitutional.

Further, Seychelles decriminalised adult consensual same-sex relations in 2016 and the High Court of Botswana has ruled that foreign prisoners living with HIV are entitled to receive lifesaving antiretroviral treatment. In Ghana, a stigma and reporting system has been developed that allows key populations and people living with HIV to file complaints about human rights abuses and seek redress.

Robust evidence-based law reform creates conditions that can accelerate an end to the HIV and TB epidemics and premature deaths amongst the poorest populations in the African region. The time is now! said Vuyiseka Dubula, programmes director at Sonke Gender Justice.

Catch the debate on http://africadialogue.net/live-streaming/.
A coalition of eight civil society and community organisations resisting the proposed coalmine inside a protected area and strategic water source area in Mpumalanga have launched further proceedings in the Pretoria High Court.

These new proceedings are a judicial review application to set aside the decisions of the Minister of Mineral Resources and the Minister of Environmental Affairs to allow a coal mine to be built inside a declared protected environment, coupled with an interdict preventing the start of any activities at the proposed mining site pending the outcome of that review.

The two ministers gave their approval for the 15-year underground coal mine proposed by Indian owned mining company Atha-Africa Ventures inside the Mabola Protected Environment, outside Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga. They did so despite a series of court challenges and appeals pending against each of the licences given for this mine, and without any public participation.

In terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, commercial mining is prohibited in declared protected environments unless both the Ministers of Mineral Resources and Environmental Affairs give their permission.

Coalition fighting to preserve strategic Gauteng water source

The coalition consists of the Mining and Environmental Justice Community Network of South Africa, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg, Birdlife South Africa, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Federation for a Sustainable Environment, groundWork, Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD) and the Bench Marks Foundation, and is represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights.

The Mabola Protected Environment also falls within a strategic water source area that has been identified as important and strategic to protect in the interests of all South Africans. The proposed mine area is located in that part of the Enkangala Drakensberg strategic water source area, which constitutes the headwaters of the Usutu River System, via the Assegaai River. The Assegaai River flows into the Heyshope Dam, from which water is inserted into the Vaal River System via inter-basin transfer.

Accordingly, the mine area is a water source of the Vaal River System, which supports Gautengs water needs. The Usutu River flows through Swaziland and, after joining the Pongola River, flows into Mozambique, where it is known as the Maputo River. Accordingly, the health of the Usutu River System is also relevant to South Africas international obligations to Swaziland and Mozambique. All of these users will all be affected if the sources of those rivers are compromised.

Will fight to Constitutional Court

Atha was granted a mining right by the Minister of Mineral Resources in 2015, shortly after the declaration of the Mabola Protected Environment by the Mpumalanga MEC. Since then, Atha has received licences and approvals from the Mpumalanga environment department, the Department of Water & Sanitation, and the Department of Mineral Resources. All these approvals have been challenged by the coalition through internal appeals, and a High Court judicial review of the mining right.

The coalition believes it has good prospects of success in all these proceedings, and that the approvals will be set aside by the courts in due course. If necessary, the coalition will take this matter to the Constitutional Court. Court papers are available here.
Nedbank has added its corporate and investment bank head Brian Kennedy to Ecobank Transnational in an attempt to stem losses at its 21.2%-held associate, which led SA's third largest bank by assets to report its first contraction in earnings since the global financial crisis.

http://arc.co.za/project/ecobank-ghana/

Ecobank reported a $427.4m loss in the final quarter of 2016, offset by a $51m profit in the first quarter of 2016. Because Nedbank books its share of the pan-African lender's profit or loss a quarter later, this translated into a R1.2bn loss from Ecobank for the half-year to June, dragging interim headline earnings down 2.9% to R5.2bn.

Excluding Ecobank, Nedbank's headline earnings rose 6.7% for the period to June.

The bank last posted a decline in interim earnings in the first half of 2009, during the global financial crisis, when earnings fell 32.4% to R1.98bn.

Kennedy's appointment is subject to regulatory approval, and he will join Mfundo Nkuhlu, the head of Nedbank's businesses in the rest of Africa. Nkuhlu has been on the Ecobank board since Nedbank bought in and he was recently nominated to chair Ecobank's risk committee.

Nkuhlu indicated that Ecobank's volatile performance - its final quarters for each of 2015 and 2016 were due to higher impairment provisions - were an indication that improvement was needed in its risk management processes. "The 2016 provisions have to do with impairment provisions being raised by Ecobank on its legacy advances book," he said.

Ecobank's board is leading a turnaround strategy that involves issuing a $400m bond that would be convertible into equity in five years. The proceeds would be used to capitalise operations in Nigeria and ringfence legacy assets that Nkuhlu said had yielded some recoveries nonetheless.

Analysts at JPMorgan said Ecobank had turned out to be a poor investment for Nedbank, delivering a negative 15% internal rate of return. "Long-term potential could still be achieved, but investors have questions about the strategic benefit of a non-controlling stake in this pan-African bank," they said.

Nedbank's own operations enjoyed a boost from the corporate and investment bank, which was its largest earnings contributor at R3.2bn and which improved the bank's overall credit losses. These fell to 0.47% of gross loans and advances, from 0.67% in 2016.

Chief financial officer Raisibe Morathi said the corporate and investment bank suffered from a plunge in commodity prices in the first half of 2016, which led to higher impairments, but the situation had improved this year.

But Morathi said the bank expected a 16-basis-point rise in credit losses for 2017, mainly in the vehicle and credit card portfolios, as the weak economy heaped pressure on customers.

"We are beginning to see an increase in the level of non-performing loans," she said. "Customers are falling behind."

Source: Business Day
Vuyani Jarana

He will commence his duties after his current employer has officially released him.

Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba congratulated Jarana, saying: "Given that MJarana has turned around a loss-making subsidiary of the Vodacom Group, Vodacom Business Africa, into a profitable and growth business, we believe he will be key in turning around SAA."

The Treasury said in a statement on Thursday that Jarana had, among other successes, transformed and positioned Vodacom Business as a growth engine of the Vodacom group, growing its contribution to group service revenues from under 10% to 25% over three years.

He had also transformed Stortech, a 51% subsidiary of Vodacom, from a declining business to a new growth company, changing its shareholding structure and developing a new strategy that responded to the changes in the market.

"He built a solid and transformed organisation with emphases on both top-line business growth as well as margin expansion," the Treasury said.

It also stated that Gigaba had undertaken to meet the deadlines set out in his 14-point action plan released in July.

The Treasury was tasked with implementing three key issues by the deadline of 31 July, namely the appointment of a CEO for SAA; implementing the preferential procurement regulations, which took effect on 1 April; and engaging other government departments on the private-sector participation framework.

Source: BDpro
Predatory publishing - in which bogus journals publish academic research for a fee - threatens to undermine science in South Africa.

That's the warning from academics at Stellenbosch University, who say Blade Nzimande's Department of Higher Education and Training has wasted up to R300-million on research grants to scientists whose work ended up in predatory journals.

Johann Mouton and Astrid Valentine say between 2005 and 2014 more than a quarter of the research output at three universities ended up in bogus journals. They are Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban; the University of Fort Hare in Alice; and Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha.

The two academics, from the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology, say urgent action is needed from the DHET, the Council on Higher Education and the National Research Foundation.

"[Predatory publishing] poses a serious challenge to science," they say in the South African Journal of Science. "If it continues to increase at the rate of growth seen in the last five years, [it] may well become accepted practice in some disciplines and at some universities.

"Not only will it affect the very fabric of the science system (our confidence in the peer-review system), but it will also undermine the trust and confidence of the general public in science and its products."

In the decade they analysed, Mouton and Valentine found 3,906 South African papers in journals they classified as probably or possibly predatory. Many of their authors had received DHET grants averaging R100,000 to complete their work.

"Young and inexperienced scholars are often advised by senior academics to publish in such journals without knowing that this may compromise their academic career," they say.

The 47 journals they identify as predatory appeared on a list recognised by the DHET for funding purposes. "This means that academics were within their right to submit these papers for subsidy purposes, and no 'rule' of the funding framework was violated.

"But ... most of these journals do violate the basic rules of ethical publishing and research integrity and should therefore be avoided."

The National Research Foundation warned against predatory publishing in March, saying it would decline funding applications linked to "unethical and unscholarly practices".

Narend Baijnath, CEO of the Council on Higher Education, said he shared the concern. "Predatory publishing ... causes irreparable harm to the peer-driven knowledge production and dissemination system," he told TimesLIVE. "[It] is driven primarily by the profit motive."

The council had been awaiting the outcome of the investigation by Mouton and Valentine and supported their call for a national indaba to discuss the problem. "[This] will be constrained only by the council's lack of resources in the current financial year."

Baijnath said the DHET funding system "has to be brought under review to ensure that any perceived weaknesses that are being exploited are remedied, and that the journals accredited for subsidy are regularly updated to remove predatory journals". The council was also introducing a new system of reviewing universities, "to ensure [they] give systematic attention to the scourge of predatory publishing, and have in place internal processes of review and scrutiny which pick up dubious journals long before an article is published".

The DHET did not respond to questions.
Generation Education has launched a bursary scheme aimed at learners from the age of 15 years and older within both its schools and their surrounding communities. Arch Retails Systems, an IT business based in Parklands, Cape Town is its first business partner, having agreed to fund bursaries and provide employment for three students from the Sunningdale campus.

 Rabia Elif Aksoy  123RF.com

The bursaries will fund three years of school fees at a Generation Education campus, ensuring that the requisite knowledge and skills are transferred. After the initial three-year bursary period, successful bursary candidates will be put through a comprehensive on-boarding process before commencing a two-year period of employment at partner companies. The bursaries will be awarded to best suited individuals, whilst also providing an opportunity for underprivileged individuals from local township schools who are financially constrained but show promise.

Fostering business relationships

During the bursary period, the Generation Education team will foster the relationship between learners and various partner companies, as well as integrate successful candidates into these businesses, ensuring that the student fully understands the business environment in which he/she will be placed. This will be done through various means such as psychometric evaluations, aptitude tests, vocational working periods and cultural alignments.

Jevron Epstein, founder and MD of Generation Education comments, Together with like-minded businesses, our schools can assist in cultivating the journey for learners from primary education to employment, which is known as the golden thread. Employment for us is measured by sustainability, not only focusing on financial wellbeing but emotional too.

We are proud to have Arch Retail Systems partner with us to address both education and employment which are so desperately needed in South Africa. Our aim for the next ten years is to secure bursaries for all our high school students and in so doing allow anyone with a passion to attend our schools, as the education opportunity will be based on funding businesses commercial needs.

Helen Behm, HR manager at Arch Retail Solutions, adds, We are excited to partner with Generation Education. We have bought into this concept, as we struggle to find skilled staff and can see the potential that this model has to fulfil the skills we need as a company.

Self-marketing

Importantly, the students aged between 12 and 15 years are themselves responsible for the marketing of the bursary scheme to their target businesses across various niche industries to secure financial and vocational support. This allows companies to experience first-hand the level of expertise that Generation Education schools instil, while at the same time empowering students to be in control of their own destiny.

Generation Education combines the Montessori pedagogy in early childhood development with an international curriculum affiliated to Cambridge University. It is a 75% held subsidiary of JSE listed investment holding company Trematon Capital Investments.
Cape Town's "lost city" of Atlantis is a step closer to becoming a green technology hub.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies confirmed on Wednesday, 2 August, that he had received a recommendation from the special economic zones advisory board to designate Atlantis as an SEZ so that it could offer incentives to attract foreign and domestic investment.

Once Davies' announcement about the Atlantis SEZ is gazetted, a 30-day public participation exercise will begin.

If the SEZ gets the green light, it is expected to create thousands of jobs in an area plagued by unemployment for much of the time since it was built 40km north of Cape Town for coloured people removed from their homes in the 1970s under the Group Areas Act.

Western Cape Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde said investments worth R1.8bn were already in the pipeline if the SEZ was approved.

"South Africa is the world's fastest growing green economy, and in partnership with GreenCape we are establishing the province as the hub of this growth," he said.

"The Western Cape is home to 60% of the country's green project developers, and two-thirds of South Africa's green manufacturing happens in this province.

"To take advantage of this growth and to support a manufacturing economy, we applied for this national government policy instrument."

Mike Mulcahy, chief executive of GreenCape - set up by the provincial government in 2010 to support the development of the green economy - said: "This is a big first step towards unlocking the full potential of a green tech-focused SEZ, but there remains a formidable amount of work to do."

More than R600m has already been invested in Atlantis green tech businesses.

The biggest investment is the GRI South Africa factory which manufactures wind turbine towers and employs 230 people.

Source: Herald
Digital brands, like Amazon, Facebook, and even Uber, increasingly use print to become credible and gain trust with consumers. This real news emerges as the internet and online channels are sensationalist swamps, awash with fakery.

Print is still seen as a pillar of credibility. Thats why Facebook ran a series of print adverts in UK publications earlier this year to educate users on how to spot fake news. This is perhaps odd in light of the fact that research reveals UK readers find their print publications least credible of those in all European Union (EU) countries. That said, print still outshines the internet and social media as a credible news source, even in sceptical Britain.

Facebook tells UK users how to spot fake news in full-page print ads https://t.co/C23fAa9y5e pic.twitter.com/b0fHttNcvq  The Verge (@verge) May 14, 2017

Which media is most credible according to EU survey

The EU measures the trust of media in an annual survey. Simplifying the results this year, but maintaining the necessary relationship of net trust to positive trust for a true reflection of which media is most credible, radio trumps TV in most EU countries (chiefly Germany, UK, and Italy). Print media comes in second in France and Spain and third in other EU countries. Internet scores are lowest in most countries and net internet scores are all negative because more people say they do not trust the internet versus those who do trust it as a news source. Except in Italy. In Italy, they think its fine.

Social media scrapes the bottom of the barrel by scoring even lower than the internet. But this is not surprising to many South Africans. Omni-channel marketing offers obvious benefits over silo marketing in a world where people use several channels to interact with brands. And print clearly remains a key component of the winning mix as a viable contender for engendering credibility and building trust with customers.

This effect is not limited to advertising in existing print media. According to digital outlet PrintPower.com, Amazon, Apple, LinkedIn, Expedia, and Uber have marketed their businesses in traditional print. Airbnb, however, printed its own magazine. A fashion website, Net a Porter, also launched a glossy magazine and now sells more than 170,000 copies every month.

Why UK readers might find print publications least credible

And the EUs Trust in Media 2017 report also reveals perhaps an obscured truth as to why print serves its digital persecutors so well. While the report divulges that UK readers find their publications least credible, it suggests the cause is: due to the steady decline in readership and perhaps the quality of some titles.

Could it be referring to the scandals that rocked Fleet Street, unsettled Rupert Murdoch, and saw the closure of at least one prominent title, News of the World? The investigations ran from 2005 to 2007. Several publications were accused of phone hacking, bribing the police, and several other unethical practices. Many high-profile people resigned, including a chief of police. Advertiser boycotts led to closure of News of the World but also in its stable, ultimately owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, were The Sunday Times, The Times, and The Sun, infamous for its internet-like sensationalism that undermined media credibility.

Channel 4 News later published a related tape in 2013 that purported to reveal Murdoch claiming phone hacking was part of the culture of Fleet Street. The UK media clearly has an issue with credibility less pronounced elsewhere in the EU.

Local digital organisations cling to online marketing channels

Yet, even in the UK where print credibility is arguably at an all-time low, Facebook perceived its benefits for its fakery identification campaign.

I looked for examples in our own country of organisations following this trend. I found instead that Auto Trader has ceased its print version entirely and is now exclusively online. Takealot.com is a well-known digital brand thats even used its success to consume Kalahari and other digital brands. Yet I found no printed marketing materials for it (nor any others for that matter) in The Star, The Sunday Times, The Citizen, The Saturday Citizen, nor even in magazines such as Drum and You. I did note that it markets via multiple channels that include the web, an app, and a digital newsletter as well as through partner channels like those operated by Discovery.

So, while local digital organisations apparently cling to their online refuge their offshore counterparts have invested, some more heavily than others, in using combinations of traditional print media placements, going so far as publishing their own print platforms. All in the name of credibility, quality, trust. Clearly, its worth something in a world awash in the turbulent waters of sensationalism and fakery. And South Africas own giants of e-commerce may do well to mimic their successes.
Stuttaford Van Lines has been charged with 649 counts of collusive tendering in relation to tenders issued for the transport of furniture by the Presidency, Parliament, state-owned enterprises and other government departments.

Competition Commission head of communications Sipho Ngwema said on Wednesday, 2 August 2017, this was the largest number of charges for any single company in the history of the body's anticartel enforcement.

The commission said it would ask the Competition Tribunal to fine the furniture removal company the maximum administrative penalty of 10% of its annual turnover on each of the charges.

This penalty is imposed only for the most serious breaches of the legislation.

Ngwema said the commission's investigation revealed Stuttaford colluded with its competitors from at least 2007 through cover quotes.

In terms of the collusive arrangement, the first removal company to be contacted for a quotation would offer to source two or more quotations on behalf of the customer.

That removal company would subsequently request two or more of its competitors to provide quotes as cover quotes. The price would have been agreed on between the bidders and the winner would have been predetermined.

"All the companies found to have colluded with Stuttaford have subsequently settled with the commission," said Ngwema.

The other companies included JH Retief Transport, Cape Express Removals, Patrick Removals and De Lange Transport.

Source: Business Day
While locals have been known to enjoy dining out, many of the country's chompers are choosing to eat in with gourmet cuisine and fast-food meals available at the tap of a finger.

pavel shlykov via 123RF

Growth in on-demand food delivery from individual brands and third-party aggregated apps has largely been driven by millennials seeking convenience and quality food.

"Locally, we have seen fast-food brands introducing online ordering and delivery as well as the launch of Uber Eats," said Sue Morris, trend translator at Flux Trends.

"The market seems to be shifting to takeout and delivery rather than favouring sit-down restaurants," she said.

One of the oldest food delivery services, Mr D Food (previously Mr Delivery), was relaunched as an app and online service earlier in 2017. The app has been downloaded more than 200,000 in the past two months alone. Head of Mr D Food, Devin Sinclair, said this equated to more than 100,000 orders per month through that platform.

"There is huge opportunity in SA. According to Euromonitor, less than 1% of food ordering in SA in 2015 took place online," said Sinclair.

"As smartphones become the norm, people are migrating from phoning restaurants to order food for collection and using apps where they have the option either to deliver or to collect."

Mr D Food is 100%-owned by Takealot.com and backed by Naspers and Tiger Global. Naspers has invested more than half-a-billion dollars into online food delivery businesses since May, with $425m going to Germany's Delivery Hero and 80m into India's Swiggy.

Online food delivery presents a large opportunity and the industry has experienced strong global growth. Morgan Stanley estimates that food delivery in the US alone is worth $30bn.

"The food industry as a whole may be flat in SA, but there is no indication that growth in food delivery services will wane," said Sinclair.

"There is definitely more competition in the sector, but Mr D boasts the widest selection of restaurants and the best coverage in SA. We have been in the business for decades and we have now changed our underlying business model which will make the eat-in experience easier and better for customers."

Uber's food delivery service Uber Eats launched in Johannesburg in 2016 and in parts of Cape Town in 2017. It has expanded its territory to Pretoria, including Centurion, and plans to be in all major cities in SA by the end of the year or early 2018.

Mr D Food operates in 1,900 suburbs across the country.

"We are strongly placed to fulfil our growth ambitions, thanks to our national footprint and strong relationships with SA's favourite restaurant groups. We are also the only online food delivery service in the country that provides cash on delivery as a payment option, an appealing choice for many consumers," said Sinclair.

Source: Business Day
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Media24 has today announced that Competition Tribunal has approved the merger of Media24 and Novus.

The approval includes a condition that Media24 divest itself of the majority of its shareholding in Novus while retaining a non-controlling minority stake of 19%.

The media company announced in April that the Competition Commission had recommended the merger to the Competition Tribunal for approval.
Can be used for meetings, hearings, workshops, discussions, training, workspace, events, presentations, demonstrations, brainstorming, strategic planning, Cape Town based space, etc.

Seats 18 comfortably around three round tables of six each.

Room configuration is flexible

Can hire in additional chairs if required

 Air-conditioning

 Flat screen monitor

 Data projector available to rent (extra)

 Wi-Fi

 Flipchart stands and rails

 Variable lighting

 Comfortable, modern, stylish seating

 Standard set-up: round tables; other options available, i.e. school room or board room

Standard package - R20 per person

 Arrival, morning and afternoon refreshments - includes: water/tea/coffee/biscuits

Treat package - R40 to R50 per person

 Arrival, morning and afternoon refreshments - includes: water/tea/coffee/juice/biscuits/pastries/muffins/table sweets

Lunch package - R25 per person

 Standard package plus in-room lunch, including ordering take aways, cutlery, crockery and cleaning (actual take away food order cost not included)

Full day: R1,095 - eight hours

Half day: R765 - four hours
Burmese armed forces arbitrarily killed, tortured and arrested local people in southern Shan States Ho Pong Township during the period July 1630, according to a briefing today from local watchdog Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF).

SHRF says that the extrajudicial killings, torture and arrest of civilians occurred after the Burmese military clashed with the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA), which is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), near Hai Khai village, Ho Pong Township, on July 14.

In a detailed eight-page report, SHRF documented that a litany of human right violations were committed by soldiers belonging to the following Burmese military battalions: Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 508; LIB 509 of Light Infantry Division 55 (Ba Htoo Base); LIB 423; LIB 424 of Military Operations Command 7 (Hsihseng Base); IB 225 from Triangle Military Command (Kengtung Base); and IB 249 from Eastern Military Command (Taunggyi Base).

The Shan rights group reported that at least one villager was killed and up to seven others remain unaccounted for, their whereabouts unknown.

On July 18, 2017, at 10 am, two farmers named Sai Jarm and Sai Panda from Khok Lao village were on their way from a corn farm to a paddy field near the village carrying two rifles, one long-barreled and one short-barreled (used for hunting and protection against wild animals in the jungle), when they [encountered] about 100 Burma Army troops from LIB 424, reads the statement. The troops arrested and interrogated both of them, then took them with them, first to Khok Lao village, then to Kho Tawng village. This was seen by local villagers.

The report continued: On the way, they met a 12-year-old boy called Sai Win, from Kho Tawng, who was returning home after sending his grandfather to Nawng Vok village, south of Kho Tawng. He was carrying a walkie-talkie (commonly used by villagers for communication as there is no mobile phone coverage in the area). He was arrested and taken together with the other two villagers to a corn farm belonging to Lung Wan Na, in the hills near Kho Tawng village.

The SHRF statement read: SHRF is gravely concerned for the fate of the seven detained villagers, particularly the 12-year-old boy, and urges their immediate and unconditional release.

The report also described how Burmese troops killed a mentally ill man last week.

On July 30, at about 10 am, a farm laborer called Lung Shwe (who was mentally ill) was seen being arrested, beaten and shot dead by Burma Army troops from LIB 425 at Mai Nim. On August 1, a villager went and found his body, which had been burned, but he did not dare take it back to the village. The body remains uncollected, but on August 2, a funeral ceremony was held for Lung Shwe at the Hai Kai village monastery.

Sai Hor Hseng, a spokesperson of the SHRF, said that the Burmese military must take responsibility for their crimes.

Killing innocent people is [a violation of the] military code of ethics, he said. Therefore, the Burmese armed forces are responsible for all of their crimes and [should compensate] the victims.

The government should not be silent, he added. They should come out and do something for the people.

Extrajudicial executions and arrest of civilians have been regularly reported across Shan State. On June 30, 2017 Shan Herald reported that shelling killed two villagers in Wan Penghoi Village in northern Shan States Kutkhai Township amid fighting between Burmese armed forces and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

The situation is the same or even worse compared to last year, Shan activist Sai Hor Hseng said. Burmese troops were even torturing and arresting civilians while UN envoy Yanghee Lee was in the country [July 9-21, 2017].

In June last year, SHRF reported that 43 villagers including women were used as human shields, while five villagers were seriously tortured and three were killed by Burmese armed forces during fighting with the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) in Kyaukme Township, northern Shan State.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
iStock/Thinkstock(KANDARHAR, Afghanistan) -- The two U.S. service members killed Wednesday after their convoy came under attack in Afghanistan have been identified.



The Department of Defense on Thursday said the deceased are Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter, 23, of Columbus, Indiana, and Spc. Christopher Michael Harris, 25, of Jackson Springs, North Carolina.



Both soldiers were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.



Four soldiers were also wounded in the attack, and they are receiving treatment at a coalition medical facility. Their wounds are not considered life-threatening, the Resolute Support Public Affairs Office said in a statement early Thursday morning.



"On behalf of men and women of the Resolute Support Mission, I offer our deepest condolences to the families of our fallen comrades," said Gen. John Nicholson, commander of the 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 U.S. official on Wednesday said the convoy was on a routine training, advisement and assistance mission when it was attacked. The Taliban has claimed responsibility.



"I can confirm that two U.S. service members were killed in action in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when their convoy came under attack," Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said Wednesday. "U.S. Forces Afghanistan will provide additional information as it becomes available."



A statement from Resolute Support, the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, said the attack was on a NATO convoy.



The deaths raise the number of U.S. service members killed in action in Afghanistan so far this year to nine, matching the total for all of 2016.



An estimated 8,400 U.S. troops are serving in Afghanistan, where they train and advise the Afghan military in the fight against the Taliban and the ISIS affiliate in that country.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.




HYDERABAD (PTI): India's Kalyani Group and Israel's state-run Rafael Advanced Defence Systems have commissioned a Rs 70 crore anti-tank guided missile production facility in Hyderabad.



Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems, the joint venture between the two with 51 per cent ownership resting with Kalyani Group, would be the first private sector entity to manufacture such weapon systems in the country.



Kalyani Group chairman Baba Kalyani said the JV is ready to supply the missile, Spike, to Indian Army, and 90 per cent of its components will be sourced locally.



"The Spike missile is a fully-built ATGM (anti-tank guided missile) unit except for the explosives and the propellants, and we can supply this weapon which has a 2.5 km range to the Army within a couple of weeks of getting orders," Kalyani said.



The 24,000 square feet facility was set up in under 10 months and can produce "thousands of missiles", Kalyani said, adding the company will look for overseas customers if the Army delays orders.



When asked what is making the Army delay its order as Spike is fully tested and approved by it, Kalyani said there were "procedural delays".



It can be noted that the first 'Request for Qualification' for anti-tank guided missile production was invited in 2010 but nothing moved as there was a lack of policy clarity on FDI in the defence sector.



Kalyani said the JV is ready to invest another Rs 60-70 crore in the facility, depending on government or overseas orders over the next two years.



"We see US$ 1 billion worth business opportunity with this business vertical. We also have plans to begin production of Spike missile, which is an air-to-surface weapon, for the Air Force soon," he said.



Kalyani Strategic Systems, the defence vertical of the US$ 2.5 billion group having its origins in auto components, entered into the joint venture with US$ 3 billion Israeli government-owned Rafael in 2015.



"The JV will invest in high-end technology and advanced manufacturing techniques to design, develop and manufacture weapon systems for the Defence forces.



"This venture will offer direct employment to 300 and around 1,000 people indirectly through its hundreds of vendors who are all in the small scale sector," Kalyani added.



The plant was inaugurated by Telangana industries, commerce & IT minister Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao in the presence of Israeli envoy Daniel Carmon.



The facility will enable production of high-end technology systems for the Armed Forces and will be engaged in developing a wide range of advanced capabilities like command control and guidance, electro-optics, remote weapon systems, precision guided munitions and system engineering for system integration.



It will also aim to export products to other countries, especially to south-east Asia, said Yoav Har-Even, president & chief executive of Rafael Advanced Defence Systems.



Rao said Hyderabad is home to over 30,000 defence electronic engineers as it houses almost all public sector entities working in this field.


It is claimed the HSE missed a chance to pilot a drug credited with significantly reducing HIV infections.

PrEP, when used with safe safe sex practises, can cut the risk by up to 86%.

It costs around 400 for a one month supply and will not be available through the HSE until at least next year.

The Times of Ireland reports the manufacturer had discussed running a trial with the health authority.
Update 5.20pm: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he and Theresa May are prepared to get directly involved in the Stormont talks, stressing the need for devolution ahead of crucial Brexit negotiations.

Taoiseach Mr Varadkar said the restoration of a powersharing government in Northern Ireland was necessary to try and achieve the best outcome for the island of Ireland after the UK leaves the European Union.

He said that he is "willing to drop everything" to help end the political deadlock - but only if he believes it will make a difference.

Mr Varadkar arrived in Northern Ireland on Friday for his first visit since becoming Taoiseach.

Real privilege to arrive at @QueensUBelfast, first official visit here as Taoiseach. Honoured to receive book of poetry signed by Heaney pic.twitter.com/KicQXvRWmO  Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) August 4, 2017

He said that his meetings with political parties will focus on Brexit and the political crisis at Stormont.

Describing the gulf between Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party as "wide and deep", the Taoiseach said he did not believe the differences between the two main parties were insurmountable.

He said that having spoken to Theresa May on the phone they have both agreed to become directly involved in negotiations to restore the executive if they believe it will make a difference.

"If the main parties, Sinn Fein and the DUP, come to a point where an agreement can be sealed, we are willing and able to do what we can to get the executive up and running again and have the assembly meeting.

"If there is a point at which an intervention would make a difference we are absolutely willing to drop everything and deal with that," he said.

Relations between the DUP and the Irish Government have become strained over the issue of a post-Brexit border.

Before he arrived in Belfast, the DUP accused the Taoiseach of being incoherent and incompetent on what would happen to North-South relations in the wake of Brexit.

Party leader Arlene Foster also described comments Mr Varadkar had made about the border as "not helpful".

In a more conciliatory tone the Taoiseach said he has not spoken "in disparaging terms about any politician or party" and added that he does not intend to do so.

Earlier, during a speech at Queen's University in Belfast, Mr Varadkar urged the region's politicians to resolve their differences.

He told an invited audience that "every single aspect of life in Northern Ireland could be affected by Brexit" and that it is "the challenge of this generation".

Mr Varadkar highlighted that the EU 27 would meet in October to decide whether sufficient progress had been made in the initial phase of negotiations - focused on the financial settlement, citizens' rights and the Irish border - to enable talks to proceed to the next phase.

He stressed the need for Northern Ireland's voice to be heard ahead of the crunch autumn decision.

"Today we need an answer to the question, of who do we - and others in Europe - talk to in Belfast?

"Who will speak for Northern Ireland and her 1.8 million people?

"Time is running out, and I fear there will be no extra time allowed."

He said those hard Brexiteers who advocated a hard border had to come up with proposals as to how that would work.

"They've already had 14 months to do so," he said.

Mr Varadkar said a meaningful solution could be the establishment of an EU-UK customs union.

The Taoiseach also suggested that if the UK does not want to stay in the Single Market, it could perhaps enter into a deep Free Trade Agreement with the EU and re-join The European Free Trade Association.

He said if this cannot be agreed now then perhaps there can be a period of transition during which the UK stays in the single market and customs union while the issues are worked out.

Mr Varadkar promised that the Government will do all it can in the Brexit negotiations to achieve the best outcomes for peace, freedom, rights and prosperity on the island of Ireland.

"At a time when Brexit threatens to drive a wedge between north and south we need to build more bridges and fewer borders.

"I promise I will play my part in helping to do exactly that," he added.

During a Q&A session following his speech, Mr Varadkar was challenged on domestic issues at home, notably the timing of a future referendum on whether or not the eighth amendment on abortion should be repealed.

Three students sitting adjacent to Mr Varadkar made their point by wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the word "Repeal".

ends

Asked about the prospect of the Taoiseach participating in powersharing talks, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said it was vital the Irish Government engaged with the UK Government on an ongoing basis.

"When and how they (Mrs May and Mr Varadkar) would engage in any future talks process is something we don't have to deal with today," he said.

"The ongoing work with engaging with the British is very, very necessary and in fact will help to create the circumstances where these institutions can be back in place."

Mr Adams repeated his insistence that devolution could only be restored once the DUP backed a "right-based" approach to government.

Leo Varadkar to attend gay Pride event in Belfast, says he's not trying to unsettle anyone https://t.co/bqVhCTNMFM pic.twitter.com/mHtOrdmfrY  Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) August 4, 2017

Updated: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has urged the North's politicians to resolve their differences and restore powersharing as the Brexit talks enter their crucial stage.

Mr Varadkar has arrived in the North for his first visit since becoming Taoiseach.

In a speech at Queen's University in Belfast, he warned that time is running out to try to achieve the best outcome for the island of Ireland after the UK leaves the EU.

He told an invited audience that "every single aspect of life in the North could be affected by Brexit" and that it is "the challenge of this generation."

Leo Varadkar makes a speech at Queen's University in Belfast on his first visit to North. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Mr Varadkar highlighted that the EU 27 would meet in October to decide whether enough progress had been made in the initial phase of negotiations - focused on the financial settlement, citizens' rights and the border - to enable talks to proceed to the next phase.

He stressed the need for the North's voice to be heard ahead of the crunch autumn decision.

"Today we need an answer to the question, of who do we - and others in Europe - talk to in Belfast?

"Who will speak for Northern Ireland and her 1.8 million people?

"Time is running out, and I fear there will be no extra time allowed."

Leo Varadkar (left) is greeted by Queen's University President and Vice-Chancellor James McElnay as he arrives at the university in Belfast

He said those hard Brexiteers who advocated a hard border had to come up with proposals as to how that would work.

"They've already had 14 months to do so," he said.

He again insisted that the Irish Government will not design a hard border for Brexiteers.

Mr Varadkar said a meaningful solution could be the establishment of an EU-UK customs union.

"After all, we have one with Turkey. Surely we can have one with the United Kingdom?" he said.

The Taoiseach also suggested that if the UK does not want to stay in the single market, it could perhaps enter into a deep free trade agreement with the EU and rejoin the European Free Trade Association.

He said if this cannot be agreed now then perhaps there can be a period of transition during which the UK stays in the single market and customs union while the issues are worked out.

Mr Varadkar promised that the Government will do all it can in the Brexit negotiations to achieve the best outcomes for peace, freedom, rights and prosperity on the island of Ireland.

"At a time when Brexit threatens to drive a wedge between north and south we need to build more bridges and fewer borders.

"I promise I will play my part in helping to do exactly that," he added.

Mr Varadkar will later hold separate meetings with the leaders of the North's main political parties.

Leo Varadkar (right) is greeted by Professor David Jones (left) and Queen's University President and Vice-Chancellor James McElnay.

Earlier: The Taoiseach will today warn that every single aspect of life in the North could be affected by Brexit.

In his first visit to the North since taking over as Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar is due to make a keynote speech at Queen's University in Belfast.

He will then meet with the region's political parties who are struggling to reach an agreement to restore the powersharing institutions at Stormont.

Brexit is expected to be one of the main issues on the agenda at the party talks.

Mr Varadkar, who has been vocal on his views against a post-Brexit border, will warn in his university speech that "every aspect of life" in the North could be affected by the outcome of the UK leaving the European Union.

"The challenge in our generation is Brexit.

"The Brexit negotiations are well under way in Brussels. And, to quote Michel Barnier, the clock is ticking.

"Every single aspect of life in Northern Ireland could be affected by the outcome, jobs and the economy, the border, citizens' rights, cross border workers, travel, trade, agriculture, energy, fisheries, aviation, EU funding, tourism, public services, the list goes on," he will say.

In October, he will meet with the European Council to discuss whether sufficient progress has been made on key issues to allow the Brexit negotiations to proceed to the next phase.

"The three key issues are citizens' rights, the financial settlement and issues relating to Ireland.

"It is my fervent hope that progress will have been made, but I do not underestimate the challenges we face," Mr Varadkar will say.

"For our part, the Irish Government will discharge our responsibilities as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.

"We will do all we can, in Brussels, in London and in Dublin, to achieve the best outcome for everyone on this island to protect our peace, our freedom, our rights, and our prosperity," he will add in his speech.

Mr Varadkar will also stress the importance of hearing the voice of the North's elected representatives on Brexit and encourage parties to work to restore the Executive.

"We need the Executive, the Assembly, the North South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council up and running and acting in the interests of our peoples. We need that more than ever, and we need it now," the Taoiseach will add.

Mr Varadkar is expected to meet separately with Stormont's main political parties.

Key issues on the agenda will be Brexit and the region's political crisis.

Relations between the Irish Government and the DUP, the region's biggest party, remain strained after Mr Varadkar said Ireland would not help Britain design an economic border for Brexiteers.

He said Brexiteers were the ones who wanted a border so it is up to them to design one.

The DUP's Arlene Foster described the comments as "not helpful" and said she was looking forward to meeting with the Taoiseach to discuss a number of issues.

On Thursday the SDLP said it intends to ensure Mr Varadkar will not sway from his position that there can be no new economic or physical border imposed on the island of Ireland.

Party leader Colum Eastwood also said he will be asking the Taoiseach to become more directly involved in the crisis talks at Stormont aimed at restoring powersharing.

Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams said his party will be telling Mr Varadkar that the Irish government has a responsibility to defend the Remain vote and to challenge any proposals that would see an economic border on the island of Ireland.

The issue of same-sex marriage may also be discussed as Mr Varadkar intends to participate in a gay pride event in Belfast on Saturday to promote the rights of the LGBT community.
Update 1pm: Gardai have found a gun and a partially burnt out car close to the scene of last nights shooting in Stamullen in Co Meath.

Gardai have described the shooting as a despicable act on an innocent man and say it is lucky no children were caught up in the cross fire.

Superintendent Jim Gannon from Ashbourne Garda Station is trying to track its movements before the shooting.

"This car is a blue Seat Leon ST, which is an estate version. The number plate it was bearing at the time was 151 DL."

Supt Gannon has condemned the shooting  particularly as it happened while young children were out playing.

"It is very clear that the gunman in this case had no regard whatsoever as to the safety of the residents of the area. It's an easy thing to target an innocent man when he's getting out of his car and to fire shots, which endangers the public."

At around 7pm the victim was returning home to the Mill Close estate when another car pulled up beside him.

A gunman wearing a balaclava jumped out and fired a number of shots.

The gunman sped away in a car, which was driven by someone else.

A partially burnt out car with a gun inside it has been found close to the scene of the shooting on the Bellewstown Road.

The shooting is not linked to the Hutch Kinahan feud and gardai say they are working to find a motive.

One line of inquiry is that it is a personal dispute.

The victim, a Dublin man in his 30s, is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda Station.

Earlier: A shooting in County Meath last night is not believed to be part of the Kinahan - Hutch feud.

There is thought to be a gangland motive for the attack, however, which has left one man in a serious condition in hospital.

The victim, who was originally from the northside of Dublin, was shot multiple times as he sat in his car outside his home in the Mill Close housing estate in Stamullen.

Reports claim he was attacked by a lone gunman who entered the driveway of the house.

He was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time to contact them at Drogheda garda station on 041 987 4200 the Garda Confidential Line, 1800 666111 or any garda station.
Severe weather warnings have been issued for European destinations popular with Irish holidaymakers due to scorching conditions.

Temperatures are forecast to exceed 40C (104F) as a heatwave sweeps across the south of the continent.

Meteoalarm, which is a network of national meteorological services in Europe, issued alerts for "very dangerous" weather due high temperatures in 11 countries such as Italy, Switzerland, Poland and Croatia.

It urged people to "follow orders and any advice given by your authorities", adding that "extraordinary measures" could be introduced.

Temperatures are expected to reach 41C (106F) in Seville, Spain; 39C (102F) in Rome, Italy and 38C (100F) in Athens, Greece.

A spokeswoman for the travel trade organisation Abta said with very high temperatures being recorded across Europe, holidaymakers are being advised to make sure they take sensible precautions to avoid sunstroke and other serious problems that can result from over-exposure to heat and powerful sunshine.

"Holidaymakers should ensure they stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water, particularly the young or elderly.

"Abta would also advise that British travellers follow the lead of the locals in their destination by staying out of the sun at the middle of the day when it is at its peak, and follow any advice issued by health authorities in specific destinations."

Italian authorities told people in affected regions to "only travel if your journey is essential", while Polish officials said: "Protect yourself and support vulnerable people. Expect possible infrastructural breakdowns."

Tourists were among 10,000 people evacuated after forest fires in the French Riviera last week.

Tourists also had to be rescued from the Italian island of Sicily because of wildfires.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised visitors to Italy that forest fires are "dangerous and unpredictable", adding that the risk of further blazes will remain throughout the summer.

Conditions are considerably cooler for those staying in Ireland. It will be partly cloudy in the morning with showers spreading eastwards across Ireland. The afternoon will then have a mixture of sunny spells and areas of cloud with further showers in places, these perhaps locally heavy and prolonged over Ulster and Connacht. A gentle to moderate westerly breeze with maximum temperatures of between 14 and 18.
A 20-year-old motorist has been banned from driving after being caught on CCTV pulling a man along a road in a wheelchair behind his car, police have said.

Michael Ward, of Walworth Avenue, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving when he appeared in court last month.

William MacPherson, the man in the wheelchair, was fined after he admitted holding on to the car to be pulled along.

North Yorkshire Police said Ward was seen on CCTV talking to 28-year-old MacPherson outside the Moko Lounge Bar, on King's Road, in Harrogate at around 12.25am on January 28.

The footage then shows Ward driving along King's Road as MacPherson holds on to the back of the car while seated in the wheelchair.

The car pulled the wheelchair along a number of roads before coming to a stop outside McDonald's on Oxford Street.

Ward and MacPherson appeared at Harrogate Magistrates' Court on July 20.

Ward was banned from driving for 20 months, ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, fined 85 costs and told to pay an 85 victim surcharge.

MacPherson, of Link Way, Harrogate, was fined 154 and ordered to pay 30 costs and 30 victim surcharge after he pleaded guilty to holding on to a vehicle for the purpose of being drawn.

Traffic Constable Rob Roberts, of Harrogate's Road Policing team, said: "Ward and MacPherson acted selfishly that night.

"They paid no regard to the safety of other road users or pedestrians and chose to act in a dangerous manner.

"I hope the sentence that has been handed to them teaches a lesson to both them, and others, that reckless behaviour will not be tolerated on our roads."
It's a rite of passage for many school children in Canberra to host international students.

The latest is Daramalan College in Dickson which paired with its sister school in Kochi, Japan called the Kochi Gakugei School. Together they run an annual student exchange program.

Year 9 Daramalan student Charlie Curry, 15, offers Japanese exchange student Aoka Nakamura ,14, her first taste of a genuine Aussie sausage roll at the school on Friday. Credit:Bernard Kane

Twenty Japanese teenagers arrived in Canberra on Friday to experience a week of typical Aussie education. This will include subjects as diverse as Australian cooking to the history of Aboriginal art.

Daramalan has had Japanese as part of the curriculum for many years and the parents and students are strongly supportive of these annual visits, which go a long way in increasing the understanding and acceptance of different cultures and traditions."
One of the money laundering syndicates linked with the Commonwealth Bank compliance scandal worked with drug smugglers who imported methamphetamine worth $315 million, the largest ice seizure in West Australian history.

The Hong Kong-linked syndicate used the CBA to launder more than $21 million, according to the statement of claim filed by financial regulatory agency Austrac against CommBank.

West Asutralian police claimed the methamphetamine haul seized in September 2015 has a street value of $315 million Credit:WA Police

It is believed Westpac was also used by the syndicate to wash drug money, but it is unclear what methods were used, and whether these have also drawn the attention of Austrac.

In September 2015, WA Police seized 321 kilograms of ice and more than $1.4 million in cash from the syndicate after a series of raids around Perth.
The lawyer for a former CFMEU boss accused of destroying documents has slammed trade union investigators for charging his client with an offence that did not exist.

David Hanna briefly appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday after reportedly being charged in June with destroying documents in April 2014.

Former trade union boss Dave Hanna (centre) leaves the Magistrates Court during royal commission hearings. Credit:AAP

The 52-year-old was originally charged with a section of the Royal Commissions Act that did not exist and had to have the offence amended at his first mention.

Outside court, solicitor Peter Fisher said Mr Hanna was looking at all his options.
Border and security authorities would be "doing a lot of soul searching" following revelations that a bomb kit was allegedly mailed to Australia by the Islamic State and probably couldn't be sure that more explosive devices had not come into the country, a leading expert has said.

After the Australian Federal Police revealed that the bomb at the centre of the alleged Sydney plane terror plot had been sent by air cargo from Turkey, a spokeswoman from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection said that the scale of mail and air cargo "presents a unique challenge".

John Coyne, a former AFP transnational crime specialist now with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said that it was impossible to check all items of cargo and mail coming into Australia. Authorities would not know whether other such devices had been sent to Australia.

"A question now will be what other devices were sent through, how many, who to?" Dr Coyne said. "That will be a worrying issue in many people's minds in domestic and international security. Is this the first time this has happened? How many times has it happened? There is no way of telling."
Refugees on Manus Island currently have medical services provided by an international contractor to Australia. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen When previously asked about the agreement to take Central American refugees, the Turnbull government has maintained it had nothing to do with the Obama-era deal for the US to accept refugees from Manus Island and Nauru. In September last year, before the US deal was announced, Mr Turnbull said Australia's acceptance of refugees from Costa Rica was "not linked to any other resettlement discussions" and was "not connected to any other arrangements". Months later, after the US deal was announced, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said: "The Costa Rica arrangement had nothing to do with this deal and it's not a people swap." Labor's immigration spokesman Shayne Neumann said the government needed to "come clean" because Mr Turnbull's comments in the transcript "make clear that the two agreements are linked".

The leaked transcript of the phone call, which took place after Mr Trump was inaugurated in January, will also deeply concern refugees awaiting resettlement because it confirms the US is not obliged to accept even a single refugee. Mr Turnbull assured Mr Trump that, while the target was for the US to take 1250 people, it could take as few as 100 or even zero, and still honour the deal. "The agreement ... does not require you to take 2000 people. It does not require you to take any," he told the President. "The obligation is for the United States to look and examine and take up to and only if they so choose  1250 to 2000. Every individual is subject to your vetting. "You can decide to take them or to not take them after vetting. You can decide to take 1000 or 100. It is entirely up to you. The obligation is to only go through the process."

Mr Trump, who repeatedly branded the deal as "stupid" and "rotten", asked Mr Turnbull about the possibility the US could vet the refugees and decide not to accept any. Mr Turnbull replied "that is the point I have been trying to make", but noted he expected both the US and Australia to act "in good faith". The two leaders' forthright conversation salvaged the deal, in a major win for the Turnbull government, which wants to clear the camps on Nauru and Manus Island by either resettling refugees in the US, Papua New Guinea or Cambodia, and convincing others to go home. No refugees have yet been accepted by the US, although the Department of Immigration and Border Protection told the Senate in May that applicants were progressing through the final stages of the process. Mr Turnbull has previously acknowledged the US was not bound to take 1250 refugees, a figure first revealed by former White House spokesman Sean Spicer.

"It is possible that they could take a smaller number or a larger number," Mr Turnbull told 3AW radio in February. Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg told Sky News it was "absolutely wrong" to imply Mr Turnbull had given Mr Trump a get-out-of-jail card by telling him the US was only obliged to go through the motions. Mr Turnbull on Friday noted the agreement "has always been subject to American vetting procedures". He described his conversation with Mr Trump as "courteous and frank" and regretted it had been leaked. "It's always better when these conversations remain confidential but I haven't got any further comments to make on it," he said at a press conference in Broome. Senator McKim said the leaked transcript would plunge refugees awaiting resettlement on Nauru and Manus Island into further uncertainty and distress.
We learnt some important new things from the extended transcript of Malcolm Turnbull's first phone conversation with US President Donald Trump.

Probably least surprising is that the rebooted Trump White House still leaks, even after chief of staff Reince Priebus was axed.

Clearly, this transcript going public would be extraordinary in all but the new normal in Washington, DC, these days.

The record itself shows Turnbull in a good light, in some respects.
After suffering a stroke in 2001, Lavinia Codd, 47, went on to do a PhD in neurogenesis and work at the Queensland Brain Institute. Her achievements have been a powerful inspiration for her daughter, student Zoe McDonald, 18.

ZOE: My first memory is of playing with the IV drip in Mum's hand at the hospital. Mum was just 31 when she had the stroke. She came home a different person, angry. She wasn't a smoker, a drinker or overweight  so why had this happened to her?

Dr Lavinia Codd (right) with her daughter Zoe McDonald at the Queensland Brain Institute. Credit:Paul Harris

She'd been at one of Dad's work functions when she felt a sizzle in her brain, like a match going out. Her left field of vision went and she became confused. They took her to hospital but she was sent home with migraine medication. It's understandable  you wouldn't look at a healthy young woman in a gorgeous red ball gown and think she'd had a stroke. They didn't give her an MRI or the clot-busting drug that can help if given within a few hours.

Grandma was the main caretaker of me and my brother Sam for a while. One time when Sam fell over, cut his knee and started crying, Mum held her arms out, but he ran to Grandma. That was really hard for Mum.
They just don't make heiresses like they used to, or at least they don't when they come from the billionaire Forrest clan.

No extravagant birthday parties, no social debuts in Paris, no front row fashion show appearances, no glitzy weddings, no $20,000 handbags and no string of handsome boyfriends filling up gossip columns.

Sophia Forrest, the daughter of Nicola and Andrew Forrest, is on track to becoming one of the country's leading actors thanks to her break-out role on Love Child. Credit:Hugh Stewart

Instead for 24-year-old Grace Forrest and her actor sister Sophia, 22, it's all work, work, work.

The daughters of mining mogul and philanthropist Andrew Twiggy Forrest have been on something of a publicity campaign in recent months, Sophia making her first major outing in Sunday Life magazine last month, while next monday it is big sister Grace's turn, with a revealing interview in the glossy pages of Harper's Bazaar Australia.
This time last year she was undergoing an operation for breast cancer while her husband, Oliver Curtis, celebrated his 31st birthday behind bars at Cooma Correctional Centre.

But fast-forward 12 months and all eyes were on an uber-glamorous Roxy Jacenko in a monochrome ensemble accessorised with her new 6.5-carat round-cut diamond engagement ring at the launch of Birkenhead Point's multimillion-dollar fashion precinct on Tuesday.

Planning is yet to begin for the nuptials of both Channel Nine's Erin Molan and Sweaty Betty's Roxy Jacenko. Credit:Wes Nel

Arriving in style in a black Aston Martin, worth a cool $400,000, the Sweaty Betty boss, who recently became re-engaged to her husband of five years, Curtis, spoke at the event about how his 12-month prison stint had taken a toll on their relationship.

"The reality is I didn't know whether we'd stay together, that's the truth  I didn't think there was any hope," she said.
Just when you thought 2017 couldn't get any weirder along comes a new report on the technological developments in the sex robot sector.

The RealDolls and other sex robots can be customised according to traits the user finds appealing. Credit:Facebook/RealDoll

Yep. Sex robots are a big deal right now.

Recently, the Foundation for Responsible Robotics (FRR) released a report looking at the development of sex robots over the next five to 10 years. According to Noel Sharkey, emeritus professor of robotics and artificial intelligence at the University of Sheffield and co-founder of the FRR, we need to start taking their rise seriously.
A massive cocaine haul bound for Australia in the hull of a yacht has been intercepted by the French Navy in the South Pacific.

The record-breaking 1.464 tonnes of cocaine was seized near New Caledonia on July 27 with four crew arrested who are believed to be Lithuanian and Latvian, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission says.

A haul of 1.464 tonnes of cocaine seized from a vessel in the South Pacific. Credit:AAP/The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

ACIC officials worked closely with French authorities to foil the plot, which is believed to have been organised by a South American crime syndicate.

"Congratulations to the Marine Francaise and Gendarmerie Nationale for their efforts in relation to this record seizure of cocaine," ACIC executive director of intelligence Col Blanch said in a statement on Thursday night.
Two Qantas long-haul aircraft carrying hundreds of passengers have been forced to return to Sydney after one suffered wing flap problems and the other a crack to the outer pane of a cockpit windscreen just hours into their flights.

A Boeing 747-400 jumbo  Qantas Flight 63  on its way to Johannesburg in South Africa, departed Sydney just before 11am on Friday before the captain decided while above Tasmania to turn back to Sydney.

An A380  QF7  flying to Dallas in the United States, departed at 1.40pm and turned around shortly afterwards, circling off the coast of Wollongong as it dumped fuel.
A lawyer linked to embattled former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale says he plans to defend an extortion charge levelled against himself.

The former mayor's property lawyer, Cameron James McKenzie, appeared on the charge in Brisbane Magistrates Court for the first time on Friday morning.

Paul Pisasale's property lawyer, Cameron McKenzie, leaves the court with his defence lawyer, Peter Saggers. Credit:Jorge Branco

Magistrate Anthony Gett made an order to suppress the name of the alleged extortion victim.

During a brief hearing, the court heard the 35-year-old's charge "somewhat relates" to another matter recently heard before the court.
Police say they are now treating the disappearance of a Brisbane man as a homicide case. Sam Robert Price-Purcell was last seen on February 16, 2015 in the south-east Queensland area. Sam Robert Price-Purcell has been missing since February 2015. Credit:Queensland Police Service On Friday morning police urged anyone with information about Mr Price Purcell's disappearance to contact them. Detective Inspector Damien Hansen of the Homicide Group, State Crime Command said police had conducted a number of lines of inquiry which resulted in the homicide squad becoming involved in the past two months.

Detective Inspector Damien Hansen said Mr Price-Purcell's disappearance was now being treated as a homocide. Credit:Queensland Police Service "We've interviewed a lot of his associates from that time, we certainly have confirmed movements of him up till February 16, 2015," Inspector Hansen said. "Since that date we're unable to confirm any movements; his bank has remained untouched, he hasn't contacted relatives, totally out of character." The inspector said Mr Price-Purcell had been well known in the metro north area of Brisbane, and had been an "itinerant couch surfer" with friends. He said Mr Price-Purcell had also been involved in drugs. "He was known to police but he certainly comes from a good family, and it's unfortunate that they fall into these circles," Inspector Hansen said.
Queensland's premier has accused New Zealand's trade minister of not reading her government's plan to preference local businesses before he publicly slammed the plan.

Annastacia Palaszczuk says local businesses would receive weightings of up to 30 per cent in the consideration of government contracts under the Buy Queensland procurement policy.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was "more than happy" to send the NZ trade minister a copy so of the policy. Credit:AAP Image

Announced at Labor's state conference last weekend, it would mean reconsidering Australia and New Zealand's agreement, which was "not good" for Queensland.

New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay on Friday expressed his disappointment at the announcement and labelled Ms Palaszczuk "short sighted".
Four uncommon bullets used to kill a Gold Coast businessman have the same chemical fingerprint as bullets found at the house of a man charged in relation to his murder, a court has heard.

Philip Carlyle, 47, was shot in the head on the morning of April 13, 1997 in a soundproof room at his Robina business.

The Brisbane Supreme Court heard details of the unusual bullets used in the killing of Gold Coast businessman Philip Carlyle. Credit:Robert Shakespeare

His business partner, Neil Pentland, now aged 69, was arrested for murder in June after a reignited investigation into the execution-style killing.

Mechanic John Hitchen is also charged as an accessory after the fact and is alleged to have given Pentland the gun and disposed of it after the shooting.
Tim Maclatchy just wants to bring his daughter Caroline home.

In the six months since she was born in Vietnam, the Melbourne man and his partner Tram Doan have barely held their baby.

Baby Caroline cannot get the operations she needs from her hospital in Vietnam.

It wasn't until they brought their newborn daughter home from hospital that Caroline begun having seizures and they realised something was horribly wrong.

Caroline was born with DiGeorge syndrome, a chromosome defect that causes congenital heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
While some may question the authenticity of celebrating commemorative days such as this, let's not forget the world also joins hands (rather awkwardly) to celebrate more trivial things.

Originating in Santa Cruz in 2007, its Californian founders declared the day could be celebrated in three ways: - gather with friends and enjoy the taste of beer - celebrate those responsible for brewing and serving beer - unite the world under the banner of beer, by celebrating the beers of all nations together on a single day

Raise your glasses (or get to your nearest pub now) because Friday marks the very important global celebration known as International Beer Day.

A sample of such celebrations just in this month of August include International Doll Day on August 6 (weirdos), World Bratwurst Day on August 16 (Prost!) and International Love Litigating Lawyers Day on August 31 (no comment).

In light of that froth, International Beer Day seems rather genuine and worthy of celebrating.

We hope you can get to one of your favourite pubs to celebrate this great beverage, the world's oldest and most widely-consumed alcoholic drink and third most popular (after water and tea) overall, made (mostly) from just water and grains.

Not only will we embark on all three during our 36-minute lunch break, but we've hastily named five pubs here in Perth that have kept our spirits alive and brewing, through their devotion to beer over a sustained period of time.

Little Creatures, Fremantle:

Little Creatures was integral to not only enhancing the reputation of craft brewing here in the west, but also growing the movement over east. The microbrewery in Fremantle was an eye-opener when it first opened in 2000 for its clever and quirky design (beer kegs for seats, open brewery), and has been a key tourism driver for the economy since. Despite its early and sustained success, continues to bubble along at a pace that suits the good people of WA and Australia.
Police have seized assets worth $800,000 from a 52-year-old man following a raid on his Coogee property last week.

Fremantle police executed a search warrant at the man's residence on July 31, and uncovered quantities of methylamphetamine, MDMA, psychedelic narcotic DMT and cannabis.

The man was charged with intent to supply and sell meth.

Police also located drug paraphernalia, and stolen property.

The man was arrested and the Proceeds of Crime squad initiated an investigation into his assets.
Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has appointed a new Cabinet hoping to breathe new life into his conservative government, whose support among voters has plunged after a series of scandals and missteps.

Mr Abe turned to a group of moderates and experienced policymakers in the reshuffle, which had been planned for some time but was made more urgent by the resignation last week of the defence minister, who was accused of misleading Parliament.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows during a press conference after reshuffling his Cabinet on Thursday. Credit:AP

Mr Abe's Cabinet choices, as well as comments by the Prime Minister and senior aides, suggested a change in policy focus toward bread-and-butter issues like the economy and away from more politically contentious ones, particularly Mr Abe's drive to amend the pacifist constitution.

"I want to unite and move forward by returning to the early spirit we had when we took back the government in 2012," Mr Abe said.
The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia ( MFAA ) announced today that its Board has appointed director Donna Beazley to the position of Chairman-Elect, after Chairman Cynthia Grisbrook informed the Board that she would not stand for re-election this year.Ms Beazley, who has more than 25 years experience in the finance industry, has served as an MFAA director since 2014. She will be officially appointed Chairman and assume this role at the MFAAs Annual General Meeting in November 2017.A Credit Advisor at Oxygen Home Loans, Ms Beazley has been heavily involved with the MFAA - and as an industry leader - since becoming a mortgage broker more than 12 years ago. She served as a member of the MFAAs NSW/ACT State Forums for seven years, including two years as President, before being elected as a MFAA director.Ms Beazley said she was looking forward to taking on the role as the industry continues to grow.The MFAA now represents more than 13,000 brilliant, hard-working professionals. As a MFAA member of more than ten years and a director since 2014, I believe we now have a great mix of experience and expertise on the Board, and a stable and effective executive team. I couldnt be happier with the leadership of the MFAA in 2017, Ms Beazley said.Our industry is growing in both volume and share and as our industry evolves, we will need to continue to advocate strongly and raise the bar with regards to customer outcomes, professional standards and education for members.Its a critical time for the industry. As the finance broking industry matures, we will continue to attract the attention of regulators and other stakeholders. The MFAA will maintain its focus on advocacy at all levels of government as we work through regulatory reviews and the formation of policy that affects our members.Ms Grisbrook said she was proud of what the MFAA had achieved during her time on the MFAA Board  a period that was marked by challenges to the industry and the broking model.I am pleased with what weve been able to achieve in terms of advocacy for members. The Board and I have focused heavily on ensuring that the industry voice is heard during a period in which the broking model has been under intense scrutiny, Ms Grisbrook said.Following a period of significant change and disruption for the industry, I believe we have the right leadership in place to take the MFAA to its next phase and so now is the time for me to step down.I am very confident that Donna is an excellent choice to be Chairman of the MFAA. She has proven herself extremely capable on different committees and forums and she is a passionate advocate for the industry and for our members. She has the experience and the drive to provide exceptional leadership for the Board. I wish her all the very best in her new role.
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
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October 31, 2022

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Tonawanda Coke environmental impact study kicks off Friday with soil sampling

The event, which spotlights how citizens can help improve our understanding of air pollution, includes remarks from Rep. Brian Higgins, others

The soil samples will be tested using a state Department of Health-certified laboratory and cutting-edge soil-analysis techniques at UB and SUNY Fredonia to determine the impact that emissions from Tonawanda Coke have had on the surrounding environment. 

BUFFALO, N.Y.  The investigation into how air pollution emissions from the Tonawanda Coke plant may have affected nearby soil kicked into gear Friday with a gathering of elected officials, community organizers and scientists from the University at Buffalo and SUNY Fredonia.

The event  at the River Road Volunteer Fire Co. in Tonawanda  included students and citizen scientists taking the first of a planned 270 soil samples from sites in the town and city of Tonawanda, the village of Kenmore, Grand Island and the city of Buffalo that surround the plant.

The situation surrounding Tonawanda Coke speaks to the importance of the Environmental Protection Agency and the critical difference residents can make in fighting for their community, said Rep. Brian Higgins. The soil study, a collaboration between various levels of government, the community, local businesses and the University at Buffalo, will provide further clues about the lasting impact of the companys negligent actions and give us insight to make informed decisions moving forward.

The University at Buffalo  along with collaborators from SUNY Fredonia and Citizen Science Community Resources  will implement citizen-science-based soil sampling in the communities of the city and town of Tonwawanda, parts of Riverside, Black Rock and North Buffalo and parts of Grand Island. The soil samples will be tested using a state Department of Health-certified laboratory and cutting-edge soil-analysis techniques at UB and SUNY Fredonia to determine the impact that emissions from Tonawanda Coke have had on the surrounding environment, said Joseph Gardella Jr., SUNY Distinguished Professor and John and Frances Larkin Professor of Chemistry at UB, who is leading the study.

Jackie James-Creedon, executive director of Citizen Science Community Resources, credited community activists for prompting local authorities to examine Tonawanda Coke.

If it wasnt for a small group of people believing that they could make a difference, and actually getting off their couches, going outside and doing something about it, none of this would have happened, James-Creedon said.

The $711,000 study  Determining the Environmental Impact of Coke Oven Emissions Originating from Tonawanda Coke Corp. on Surrounding Residential Community  is a collaboration between members of UBs Department of Chemistry, SUNY Fredonias Department of Chemistry and CSCR.

The soil study, along with a separate $11.4 million effort also led by UB researchers, was ordered by a federal judge after Tonawanda Coke Corp. was found guilty of violating the Clean Air Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The health study aims to determine how Tonawanda Coke emissions may have affected the health of nearby residents and employees. Coke oven gas contains a number of toxic chemicals that are potentially hazardous to health, including benzene, a known carcinogen.

Statements regarding the Tonawanda Coke soil study

As a native of the Town of Tonawanda, I am honored to be a part of this important, groundbreaking project, and I hope that we can help the residents get a clearer picture of what has been happening in their community, said Michael Milligan, professor in SUNY Fredonias Department of Chemistry.

The soil study being conducted is an important first step in assessing the potential longer-term impact of the Tonawanda Coke emissions on our community, said state Sen. Chris Jacobs. The results of this testing will be critical to determining if any additional clean-up will be necessary to protect the health and safety of our community, and I am glad this essential work is moving forward.

The Town of Tonawanda supports this soil sampling investigation and applauds the efforts of Citizen Science Community Resources and the residents of Tonawanda and Kenmore who will assist in this research. We are excited about the prospects for a cleaner environment in Tonawanda and a resident-led engagement with our partners at the University at Buffalo and SUNY Fredonia, said Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph H. Emminger.

I have supported Jackie's efforts for the last 11 years. The City of Tonawanda stands with CSCR, UB and SUNY Fredonia and supports the soil testing as a means to figure out what, if any, contamination has occurred because of the negligence of Tonawanda Coke, said City of Tonawanda Mayor Rick Davis.

I encourage the community to stay involved in the process of the soil study. Positive action happens when people care, said Grand Island Supervisor Nate McMurray.

Citizen science  scientific research undertaken by members of the public  puts the tools of science into the hands of people who can use it to make a difference for the places they live in and care about. In some of the most powerful cases, such as here in Tonawanda, citizen science can be a tool for communities to create defensible knowledge and use it to combat injustice, said Jennifer Lynn Shirk, interim director of the Citizen Science Association.

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About the University at Buffalo: The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, the largest and most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York. UB's nearly 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.

About Citizen Science Community Resources: Citizen Science Community Resources is a grassroots organization in Western New York dedicated to science-based activism for winning environmental health and justice campaigns. Teaching others through our example, we empower people to investigate their air, soil, or water and use the power of scientific data to create healthier communities and a more just society. Citizen science is the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge. We seek to educate, empower, and advocate.

About SUNY Fredonia: Founded in 1826, Fredonia is among the most storied in the State University of New York system. It is home to a world-renowned School of Music and over 100 degree programs in the liberal arts, natural and social sciences, education, mathematics and business. Fredonia also features cutting-edge programs in the emerging fields of technology, service and communication. Fredonia is known for its strong academic programs, attractive architecture and grounds, rich campus life and commitment to student engagement and success. Fredonia is focused on ensuring that all Fredonia students, utilizing knowledge developed through a broad range of intellectual experiences, will be: Skilled, Connected, Creative and Responsible global citizens and professionals.
Rutgers vs. Michigan State: 5 takeaways from the Scarlet Knights' loss

Rutgers football suffered a loss to Michigan State as it failed to take advantage of a vulnerable Spartans team.
A talented Burnham-On-Sea theatre performer is set to take to the stage in her 19th production.

Clare Hunter, 33, has been dancing, singing and acting since she was aged three.

She will be performing in Weston Operatic Societys production of Shout, the Mod Musical at St Judes Theatre from Tuesday 15th to Friday 18th August.

Its set in London in the 60s and follows the lives of five women in their 20s and 30s who all face situations, usually involving relationships.

Throughout the story all five women send letters to Gwendolyn Holmes, an advice columnist for the magazine Shout. Her advice isnt always what youd hope!

Im thrilled to be playing Red girl in a small, but very talented, cast, says Clare. The musical score features huge hits such as Son of a Preacher Man, These Boots are Made for Walking, Shout, Downtown, Wishin and Hopin and You Dont Have to Say You Love Me; the show is certain to have your toes tapping all night!

The show will mark Clares 19th full musical show with the society over her 17 years as a member.

I have performed both locally and across the world with amateur groups and as a professional entertainer, she told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

Performing has been my love from a very early age when I took to the stage as Shirley temple and Annie, tap dancing and singing in the Bridgwater Carnival concerts, and talent shows across the country.

Ive performed with the award-winning Coastline Players of Brean, taking on lead roles and choreographing and directing their pantomimes, winning awards for best villain, outstanding performance and contributing towards best village pantomime awards for the club.

My favourite genre of performing has always been musical theatre and I have loved being on stage at many beautiful venues including the Princess Theatre in Burnham-On-Sea, the Playhouse and Blakehay in Weston, the town hall stage in Bridgwater and most recently the McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater.

I have had the pleasure taking on some fabulous roles over the years with my groups  Weston Operatic Society  some of my favourites including Irene in Crazy for You, Sylvia in Stepping out, and most recently Louise in Gypsy which earned me a nomination for best actress with the Somerset Fellowship of Drama at their annual awards evening.

I have also performed with Bridgwater Operatic Society, playing Penny in Hairspray (2015) and most recently Maggie in their 2017 Spring production of 42nd Street. I even managed to get through the last two shows tap dancing on a broken toe!

A personal recent highlight for me was interviewing Strictly Come Dancing winner and Holby City star Tom Chambers at the Princess Theatre in Burnham, even managing to tap dance with him!

The show will be performed from 15th-19th August at St Judes Theatre in Weston-Super-Mare.

Those interested in grabbing a ticket can visit the ticket hotline on 01934 420006 or contacting tickets@westonoperatic.org
Blue Whale, which is being linked to a death in India, is believed to be a group encouraging young people to kill themselves. Its thought that a group administrator assigns daily tasks to members, which they have to complete over 50 days. The tasks include self-harming, watching horror movies and waking up at unusual hours, but these gradually get more extreme. On the 50th day, Blue Whale reportedly instructs the youngsters to commit suicide.
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The European Union on Friday imposed sanctions on three more Russians, including Deputy Energy Minister Andrei Cherezov, and three Russian over the delivery of Siemens' turbines to Moscow-annexed Crimea.

The EU first introduced sanctions on Russia after the 2014 military takeover of the Black Sea peninsula from Kiev, and stepped them up repeatedly as Moscow then backed separatist unrest in the east of Ukraine.

The latest tightening comes in response to the delivery of Siemens' gas turbines to Crimea in violation of EU sanctions, which bar doing business there since the annexation that has not been internationally recognised.

Siemens says it has evidence that all four turbines it delivered for a project in southern Russia had been illegally moved to Crimea.

The Kremlin spokesman declined to comment earlier on Friday.

After the EU announced the move, the state RIA agency quoted Vladimir Dzhabarov, a deputy head of the international affairs committee of Russia's upper house of parliament, as saying Siemens operations in Russia may be curbed in response.

The EU also said the blacklisted include Siemens' two Russian contractors that moved the turbines.

EU's 28 states must be unanimous to go ahead with sanctions and diplomatic sources said Italy's opposition meant a fourth name had to be dropped from the initial German proposal.

Diplomats in Brussels said the Russian energy ministry official is involved in bilateral cooperation with Italy and has since escaped being sanctioned. The Italian representation in Brussels did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Other EU sanctions on Russia target its energy, financial and arms sectors. The latest additions complement a blacklist that already contains 150 people and 37 entities subject to an asset freeze and a travel ban over the turmoil in Ukraine.

More than three years of coordinated EU and US sanctions, however, have not forced a change of hand in Moscow, which vows to never give back Crimea and still supports the armed conflict in east Ukraine which has killed more than 10,000 people.
The board of Indian Oil Corporation (IndianOil) has given its in-principle approval for acquiring up to 50 per cent equity in GSPL LNG terminal in Gujarat for an estimated Rs 750 crore.
A Government Committee report has found pilots of a Jet Airways flight guilty of risking lives of passengers.

In April this year, Jet Airways and Vistara flights were involved in a near miss at Delhi airport.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report, a copy of which is with ANI, says, "The incident was reported on April 21, when Jet Airways flight 9W 597 sought to land at Delhi IGI Airport. As a result of the landing being aborted, the distance between it and Vistara flight UK 811, which had been authorised for takeoff, fell to less than 400 feet, triggering a warning in both cockpits to maintain a safe distance."

There were 148 passengers aboard the Vistara Airbus A320 plane bound for Bengaluru, while the Jet Airways Boeing 737 was arriving from Muscat with 174 passengers. "

The report also said that Jet Airways Pilots ignored concern raised by the ATC (Air Traffic Controller) over the high speed. The ATC asked them thrice whether they would be able to land at that speed. The pilot of the aircraft replied in the affirmative thrice but opted for a go-around after the co-pilot warned the pilot that they would not be able to land because the flaps couldn't be opened.

The AAIB has suggested corrective training for the pilots of Jet Airways flight 9W 597 and air traffic controllers.
The Indian Railways today awarded a Rs 1,050-crore contract for electrification of 781-km rail tracks to multinational conglomerate Larsen & Toubro Limited.

This is the first engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract of the Indian Railways under its Mission Electrification.

"The Indian Railways has given higher thrust on infrastructure creation, electrification. During last four years, total 103 railway electrification projects consisting of 16,815 route kilometres at an estimated cost of Rs 17,615 crore have been sanctioned," Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said at an event to exchange the contract of agreement.

The contract to has been awarded for electrification in two sections  the Delhi-Sarai Rohilla-Rewari and Alwar- Bandikui-Jaipur-Phulera-Ajmer section (353-route-km at a cost of Rs 594 crore) and the Roha-Verna section of Konkan Railway (428-route-km at a cost of Rs 456 crore).

This is for the first time that the railways has entrusted new electrification works not only to its PSUs including Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), Indian Railway Construction Company (IRCON) and Rail India Techno Economic Service (RITES) but also to Power Grid Corporation India Limited (PGCIL), a transmission sector PSU under the Ministry of Power.

At the event, additionally eight agreements were exchanged between railway zones and Public Sector Undertakings for 1,735 rkm of electrification projects at a cost of Rs 1,746 crore.

"The cumulative saving due to electric traction bill will be about Rs 26,000 crore in a decade which will be in addition to saving of Rs 41,000 crore planned to be achieved due to reduction in cost of power to the railways. The Mission Electrification will also make the Indian Railways more environment-friendly," Prabhu 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.)
Bengalurus Central Crime Branch police have arrested Abhinav Srivastav, a software development engineer working at Ola, in connection with a redress filed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) against him and Qarth Technologies, for misusing Aadhaar data obtained from its website without any authentication.





He is suspected to have stolen demographic data, details like address, mobile phone number, e-mail of at least 40,000 Aadhaar cardholders. Police said he has not accessed biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans, reported The Times of India.
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The border standoff with China cannot be resolved through war but bilateral talks, the government told Parliament on Thursday while advocating patience to address the issue.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India is engaged with China to resolve differences, not only in the standoff at Dokalam but all matters like border dispute, Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the blocking of UN sanctions against Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit chief Masood Azhar.

"Patience and control on comments are key to resolving problems. We are maintaining patience and controlling comments," she said in the Rajya Sabha replying to a discussion on "India's foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners" during which members voiced concern over the standoff and raised questions over India's policy.

She read out a statement giving details and explaining India's position on the Dokalam stand-off which has been going on for over a month.

"War is not a solution to anything. Even after war, there has to be a dialogue. So, have dialogue without a war... Patience, control on comments and diplomacy can resolve problems," the minister said.

She said if patience is lost, there can be a provocation on the other side.

"We will keep patience to resolve the issue," Swaraj said, adding "We will keep engaging with China to resolve the dispute."



In response to questions, she said military readiness is always there as the military is meant to fight wars.

"But war cannot resolve problems. So wisdom is to resolve diplomatically," the external affairs minister asserted.

She expressed confidence that the issue can be resolved through bilateral talks.

At the same time, Swaraj lashed out at the Congress and its leadership for meeting Chinese Ambassador over the border stand-off.

She said the Congress leadership rushed to get the Chinese perspective instead of first seeking details from the own government.

"You (Congress) should have first sought details from the governnment and then confronted the Chinese envoy," she said.

Swaraj then said Jawaharlal Nehru, during the 1962 war, had convened sitting of Parliament after Atal Bihari Vajpayee wrote to him regarding this.

She said she had called all parties in phases for two days to explain the entire Dokalam issue and the Opposition had left after being fully convinced.

She also slammed the Congress for questioning why India had boycotted an international conference called by China over 'One Belt, One Road' (OBOR).

"Do you know through where the OBOR passes? And you are asking these questions? It is a matter of sentiment (for India). You are the main Opposition party, You should speak with responsibility," she said, referring to the project which China proposes to build through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

At this, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the remarks made by his party colleague Rajeev Shukla regarding OBOR were in his "individual" capacity.

Swaraj then took a dig at the Congress, asking since when the party had become so democratic that each member speaks in own voice.

Earlier, Congress leader Anand Sharma accused the government of mishandling foreign relations, particularly in the context of tensions with China.

Referring to the border stand-off with China, he said the neighbouring country is being "unusually aggressive" and the "doors of diplomacy seem to be closing".

"When it comes to country's interests, we stand as one and there is no division. It is clear...Diplomacy must be given a chance. We believe in making all possible diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation on borders," he said.

"De-escalation does not mean retreat. It is safeguarding India's interest," he said.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sharma said he had "not uttered a word" on what he has talked with Chinese President Xi Jingping during their meetings in Astana (Kazakhstan) and Hamburg (Germany).

"It is his (PM's) duty to tell us. He cannot remain silent on matters of India's sensitive interests," he said



Sharma also noted that Security Adviser Ajit Doval had visited China recently and wondered whether after that "a window has opened that this standoff would be resolved."



He also said that India should avoid making boastful claims of isolating Pakistan.

The Congress leader said it was a matter of concern that China has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan.

He said managing of the periphery comes first and that is of critical importance, saying the rest comes later.

"Unless we manage our neighbours correctly, it would be difficult or rather impossible to play a major role globally," he said, adding, "What is your roadmap? There is no stability in your policy. It keeps changing. First, you say we would talk and then stop talks."



The Congress leader said India had succeeded in de- hyphenating India from Pakistan. "The real concern is that the hyphenation is back," he said.

"We have concern because China's profile in Pakistan is increasing and Pakistan is getting emboldened of this support for China and that is our concern," he said.

Talking about the surgical strikes, he said, "even a military victory must not be boasted upon."



Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said, "Today, the situation is that there is an attempt to corner India from all sides. The relations with neighbouring countries is not as it should be."



Yadav expressed concern about growing friendship between China and Pakistan and said that the Russia's affinity towards India is also diminishing.

In such a scenario, he said India has to think about its foreign policy and identify which country could be a reliable friend during the time of crisis.

The SP leader said that Russia should have been taken into confidence when India signed the nuclear deal with the US.

Yadav stressed on the need to give priority to the defence sector. "There is a need to strengthen our defence".

Sharad Yadav of JD(U) said the relations with neighbouring countries are not good.

He said the entire country is with the government but it should work to strengthen the nation internally and militarily.

Yadav said the country has got an able foreign minister but felt that she was not utilised properly.

He said India had become a lackey of the US.

Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said there were serious ruptures in India's foreign policy which used to be independent and had a say in global policies.

Demanding to know whether it is an independent policy now or aligned, he said unfortunately instead of multi-polarity, India has joined the unipolarity with the US.

India has been reduced to a junior strategic ally of the US, he said.

He said as per information available on the US website, in an agreement on logistics during the fourth visit of the PM, status of India has been shown as a "junior partner" to advance US interests in defence and security in South East Asia and greater region and termed it as the "last nail in our independent foreign policy."



He said on PM's fifth visit there was no answer on HIB visa despite 5 lakh Indian youth in IT and industries in Silicon Valley being in jeopardy.

Yechury said most of Russia which was a friend earlier had done a pact with Pakistan while India was doing a joint military exercise with US and Japan at the Bay of Bengal.

Yechury took a jibe at the prime minister that real strength comes from friendship and not displayed by foreign tours or embraces or "jumle" (speeches).

He mentioned a joke on Whatsapp which said that the PM during his last tour was asking which nation is this, only to know that it is India.

Swaraj retorted to it that such light comment does not suit such serious discussion to which P J Kurien too said it was a serious discussion.

Manish Gupta (Trinamool) said India has not learnt lessons from 1962 China transgression. Others who participated included A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) and Dileep Kumar Tirkey (BJD).
On Friday, with Chinas defence ministry warning New Delhi that restraint has its bottom line, Indian Army officers participating in the Doklam faceoff have provided Business Standard the first detailed accounts of how the situation has evolved.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday lauded Prime Minister on the successful bilateral relations with countries across the world saying that the latter has the guts to challenge US President Donald Trump.

" has earned respect for the country. He has brought glory to India. Despite Trump's allegations on India taking bribes, Prime Minister Modi has the guts to stand against Trump and the US. The world sees India differently now. We have improved ties with our neighbours," Swaraj said while speaking in Rajya Sabha.

Further, she slammed Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's meet with the Chinese envoy while India is in a standoff with the PLA at the Doklam plateau.

"He (Rahul) should have consulted with the Prime Minister first. The opposition should have taken the government's view before meeting the Chinese. Rahul should have consulted Prime Minister Modi before meeting Chinese envoy. The Opposition should have taken governments view before meet," Swaraj said.

Swaraj's statement comes after senior Congress leader Anand Sharma attacked Prime Minister Modi for his foreign policies, saying that he has not uttered a single word on what he talked with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meetings in Astana (Kazakhstan) and Hamburg (Germany).

"It is his (PM's) duty to tell us. He cannot remain silent on matters of India's sensitive interests," he said. Sharma had also questioned PM Modi's Pakistan trip in 2016, while saying that Nehru had earned respect for his foreign policies.
The dismissal of Nawaz Sharif as Pakistan Prime Minister by the countrys Supreme Court for his featuring in the Panama Papers may not be as straightforward as it seems. According to news reports in Pakistan, Sharifs dismissal goes much beyond the banal occurrence of a corrupt politician having to relinquish a position of power after a protracted public outcry. As is the case with most things that make headlines in Pakistan, the army had a telling role to play here, too.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been painting the country saffron by forming government in state after state, but its Cabinets in these states might have some catching up to do for matching the wealth accumulated by ministers in the Congress-ruled states over the years.
In her 300th film, Mom, Sridevi turns into a vengeful mother, out to get justice for her stepdaughter, Arya (Sajal Ali), when the legal system fails to punish her four rapists. One of them, she gets castrated; another paralysed by feeding him crushed apple seeds, a source of cyanide (Sridevis character Devki is a biology teacher); the third she implicates in this; and finally, shoots the fourth. Playing a vengeful woman is nothing new for her  her character wrecked fury on her husbands murderer in Army (1996).
Abhinav Srivastava, a 31-year old software engineer working with ride-hailing start-up Ola, has been arrested by the central crime branch (CCB) police for building a mobile application that illegally accessed data on the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) servers. .
Bihar's premier government hospital, the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), kicked up a row by asking its new recruits to declare if they are "virgins" or married but later dropped the word and replaced it with "unmarried".

Amid the furore over the issue, the health minister, however, sought to explain away the gaffe, saying that the meaning of the word virgin in the dictionary was 'kunwari' or unmarried which was not objectionable.

The marital declaration form given to the new recruits had asked them to declare whether "he/she was a bachelor/widower/virgin".

The form also asked the male recruits to mention whether they had only one wife or more.

"After the matter came to my notice I ordered to delete the word 'virgin' from the form and in its place write 'unmarried' which is a standard practise," Health minister Mangal Pandey told PTI today.

Earlier, while talking to a private TV channel, he said, "I saw the dictionary for the meaning of virgin and found that in Hindi, it means Kanya, Kuwari or Kanya Rashi which are not objectionable...But seeing the widespread opposition, I got the word deleted and replaced it with unmarried."



Talking to PTI, IGIMS director N R Biswas confirmed having replaced the word "virgin" with "unmarried" in the form.




With six months maternity leave, more and more women workers would be inclined to seek employment, Parliament was informed on Friday.

The response comes on a query whether the government has taken cognizance of the fact that six-month could cause non-recruitment of female employees in the corporate sector.

"The government is of the opinion that with enforcement of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017, more and more women workers would be inclined to seek employment which will lead to increase in employment preferences for women," Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

He further said there are stringent provisions under Maternity Benefit Act as well as the Equal Remuneration Act for prevention of discriminatory practices against women workforce, including recruitment.

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was passed by Lok Sabha in March, months after Rajya Sabha approved the measure that takes India to the third position in terms of the number of weeks for after Canada and Norway where it is 50 weeks and 44 weeks, respectively.

Under the new law, women working in the organised sector would be entitled to paid of 26 weeks from the previous 12 weeks.
Dreaded Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant Abu Dujana apparently rejected an offer to surrender made by the security forces minutes before the encounter that led to his killing along with an aide in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

According to a recording of a purported telephonic conversation between Abu Dujana and an unnamed officer of security forces, the LeT militant commander said, "Why should I surrender? I have left (home) for martyrdom. I have to die either today or tomorrow."



The officer made attempts to get the militant to give up by reminding him of his parents and wife.

"I have not married. This is propaganda. My parents were dead for me the day I left them," he said in the audio recording.

When the officer tells him that he must be aware that the conflict in Kashmir "is a game", Abu Dujana replied "I know the system. I know everything. What can I do, if anyone wants to play a game. I have to tread my own path".

The wanted militant could afford a laugh or two when the officer told him how he has travelled distances to get him.

He asked the officer about his well-being, saying it has been years since he heard from him.

"When we played 'chor-sipahi'. Sometimes we are ahead, sometimes you. Today you caught me, congratulations," he said.

The officer responded by saying he was only doing his duty.

"I will fulfil my duty," the militant replied.

The officer tells Abu Dujana that no one wants to kill anyone.

"That's okay, but whoever gave you the information wants me dead," the militant said.

"Listen to me, I cannot surrender. I know you have no animosity with me and that you are fulfilling your duty and I am mine. You do your duty and whatever is written in my fate, Allah will do that," he added.

When told by the officer that what he was indulging in was not 'jihad', the militant said "Chalo yaar, kya karenge. (friend, what can we do)".

The officer asked the LeT Commander to come out of the house to surrender and make people understand. "That is how this bloodshed will end," the officer said.

"I have never indulged in bloodshed. They know it," Abu Dujana replied.

When the officer told him that Kashmiris will listen to him, the militant disconnected the call.

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 Mamata Banerjee government has decided to sanction maternity leave for a maximum period of 180 days for all categories of female contractual employees engaged directly by the state government.

In a notification issued by the West Bengal government Finance (Audit) department, it was declared that all categories of female contractual employees including software personnel engaged directly by the state government departments and directorates will get maternity leave for a maximum period of 180 days.

These employees will also get a leave of 42 days in case of abortion or miscarriage, the notification said yesterday.

"During the period of such leave, female contractual employees will get contractual remuneration as per terms and conditions of the contract," it added.

The order will be effective from this July.

(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.)
Seven persons were arrested on Thursday and Rs 5 crore in scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes were recovered from them following raid by police at a flat in here.

Acting on a tip-off that a huge consignment of old currency notes were being transferred from Gurgaon to hawala operator, the Gurgaon Police crime branch team from Palam Vihar, led by inspector Sajjan Singh, raided a flat in Sector 15 this afternoon and recovered the money, Gurgaon Police PRO Ravinder Kumar said.

The accused have been identified as Rajeev, Satish, Rajesh and Sandeep, all residents of Delhi, Dinesh--a resident of Nanital in Uttarkhand, Praveen from Rohtak in Haryana and Amit, a resident of Gurgaon whose flat was raided, the official said.

"During questioning, the accused could not give satisfactory answer from where they got such a huge amount of old currency notes," Kumar added.

He said that a team of Income Tax Department officials was also called and they are investigating the case.

"All the old currency notes have been seized and probe has begun. They are interrogating them about the source of the money and where it was to be routed," the officer said, adding that there may be involvement of some hawala operators.
India is a long way off from the ideal GST structure and it may not get there anytime in the near future, says NITI Aayog Member Bibek Debroy, who favours three rates.

While asserting that the move towards the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was a good one, Debroy says it would have been much better if it had lesser number of tax rates.

"My view -- for which the government is slightly upset with me -- is that we should not have been here (the current GST) but we should have been much closer to the ideal GST," Debroy told IANS in an interview.

"Once we are here, I am not very convinced that we will actually get there (the ideal GST)."

Debroy said that ideally, there should be a single GST rate, but at present "depending on how you count it, you have seven rates".

"Every economist would argue for one rate but no country in the world has that. But instead of seven rates, have three rates," he said.

While the government's stand has been that the system would eventually move towards a lesser number of GST rates, Debroy said it now seemed to be a difficult shift.

"My point is that we don't know what those rates would be. Let's assume they are 12, 18 and 24 per cent, which sound reasonable. Can you imagine the tax rate of a product currently at three per cent increasing to 12 per cent? Really tough," the leading economist told IANS.

Gold and gold jewellery are currently taxed at three per cent under the GST regime.

Debroy said that the experiences of other countries had shown that growth and revenue increases happened through increased efficiency when all products were included and there were a maximum of two or three tax rates.

"Therefore, when people say rate efficiency, it will happen, but not right now. In terms of revenue increases, probably not that much beyond the extension of the base, because many more people are brought into the net," he said.

Debroy said that an ideal GST removes all indirect taxes, puts all items under its purview and has a single rate.

"Ideal GST is still a long way off. Most countries in the world that have moved towards the GST have taken more than 10 years to reach there -- if they ever have reached there," he said.

The NITI Aayog Member said that while there are statements floating around that 140-150 countries in the world have GST, but that's not really the case.

"What they have is VAT (Value Added Tax) without the service sector being integrated. Proper GST exists in not more than six to seven countries in the world."

"And out of these six-seven countries, with the exception of Canada, all are unitary countries -- that is, where the central government decides," he said.

In a country like India, there can't be the central government unilaterally deciding on the rates and several other issues, he said.

"Automatically, we are therefore talking about the dual GST and about the GST council. Now, when you have the GST council with all of the states having different perceptions, even if you assure compensation for revenue losses, what you will have is a long way off from the ideal GST," he said.

"So you will have a lot of products outside the GST like electricity, petroleum products, liquor and tobacco... And depending on how you count it, you have seven rates, not a single one."

Debroy said that a positive way to look at it is that there has been some movement on the issue and that waiting for the ideal GST would have taken 20 more years to generate a consensus.

"So on balance, even as a complicated thing, it's a very good thing that has happened. But it could have been better."
Indian seafood exports may come under inspection in the European Union (EU), the third-largest market of India, because antibiotics are being frequently found in them.
Finance minister on Friday hinted at undertaking more reforms, saying the country needs to better its growth rates in the given favourable global environment.

A month after the launch of the goods and services tax (GST), Jaitley said there is no finishing line for reforms and India still has to cover a long distance to remove poverty and bridge infrastructure deficit.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release an official notification about the 2017 SO/Steno Exam on September 9 (Wednesday). For the exam the Commission is set to conduct the Combined Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. Candidates aspiring for the post of S.O. (Section Officer)/Steno (GD-B/GD-I) can apply for the CLDC Exam. Those who pass the eligibility parameters can appear for the exam by filling the application form on or before the closing the date. Contenders may get other details about SO/Steno Exam 2017 by visiting official site of the Commission. Qualified candidates will get full details about qualification, age restrictions, salary structure, mode of selection, way to apply, important dates, etc. from the official site once it is announced. The duties and responsibilities of a stenographer include Speech Writing, Press Conference Briefings, Assisting the Minister or Officer and Helping in Public Relations.
To bypass the risk associated with group lending, several small finance banks are looking to quickly migrate to secure individual lending, mostly to non-agriculture sectors.
Gen Bipin Rawat is on a six day visit to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. He met Commander-in-Chief Land Forces of Kazakhstan today and discussed with him various aspects of cooperation among the two armies. Both sides mutually agreed to take forward the joint exercise which is to be held at Bakloh, Himmachal Pradesh this year in Nov 2017. Gen Rawat conveyed Indian support for deployment of Kazakhstan in UN peacekeeping operations. .

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Kazakhstan further sought assistance for capacity enhancement in the areas of counter insurgency operations, military education and training of cadets in India. COAS assured them of whole hearted support. He complimented the Kazakh Army for their professionalism as witnessed during the demonstration while visiting the 36 Air Assault Brigade. Gen Rawat will leave for Turkmenistan tomorrow..

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Ireland is wooing United Kingdom (UK) -based Indian companies increasingly worried over the impending economic challenges in serving the European markets after the UK's proposed exit from the European Union, or Bexit, following a national referendum in this regard.


Despite being bombarded with headlines about the migrant crisis facing Europe, little is really known about how European citizens perceive and experience migration in their daily lives. As part of our ongoing research weve found that rather than linking irregular migration with fears of terrorism, EU citizens have a more nuanced position on border security. The people weve interviewed rejected both border walls and open borders as political solutions to the issue of migration into Europe.

Tougher border security has been a key pillar of the way the EU has responded to the increase in migration since 2015. But our findings contradict the European Commissions argument that there is a powerful consensus among EU institutions and public opinion on the need to enhance border security in response to irregular migration.
The Cabinet of Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was sworn in on Friday with media reports saying that Khawaja Asif has been appointed the country's first full-time foreign minister since 2013.

President Mamnoon Hussain administered the oath to the new members at a ceremony at the President House in Islamabad.

The new Cabinet largely retained old faces but some new leaders were included as ministers and ministers of state.

There was some confusion about the size of the Cabinet as state-run PTV reported that it included 28 ministers and 18 ministers of state, while Geo TV reported that 28 ministers and 19 ministers of state have taken oath.

There was no formal announcement so far on the portfolios.

Media reports said that portfolios of several ministers from the previous Nawaz Sharif dispensation have been changed.

According to the reports, Khawaja Asif has been appointed as the country's first full-time foreign minister since 2013, when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party came to power.

Asif had the dual charge of the defence ministry and the water and power ministry in the previous government.

Ahsan Iqbal has been appointed the interior minister and former trade minister Khurrum Dastigir Khan was given the defence portfolio.

However, the powerful former interior minister Nisar Ali Khan has been excluded from the new Cabinet as he refused to join due to differences with the party leadership, the reports said.

Ishaq Dar retained the finance ministry portfolio despite Supreme Court orders to register corruption cases against him.

Daniyal Aziz, Talal Chaudhry, Arshad Leghari and Junaid Anwar Chaudhry were among the new faces to take oath.

Two days ago, Prime Minister Abbasi had delayed the formation of the Cabinet after meeting Sharif at the ousted premier's Murree residence.

Sharif has been staying in Murree since he vacated the official residence earlier this week after the Supreme Court disqualified him in connection with the Panama Papers scandal.

The transition to the new Cabinet has taken exactly seven days since Sharif's ouster on July 28.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is suspected of crimes involving fraud, breach of trust and bribes in two corruption cases, Israeli police revealed.

Police have been questioning Netanyahu for months over the cases but have released few details. It released a gag order Thursday night on reporting the details of talks that are underway to enlist a state witness.

The document says the cases involving Netanyahu deal with "a suspicion of committing crimes of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust."



Netanyahu's office has repeatedly denied wrongdoing over the investigations, portraying the accusations as a witch hunt against him and his family by a hostile media opposed to his hard-line political views.

A statement from his office Thursday night said, "We completely reject the unfounded claims against the prime minister." It said the allegations are part of a campaign to "replace the government" and "there will be nothing, because there was nothing."



One investigation, dubbed "File 1000," reportedly concerns claims that Netanyahu improperly accepted lavish gifts from wealthy supporters, including Australian billionaire James Packer and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan.

The second investigation, "File 2000," reportedly concerns Netanyahu's alleged attempts to strike a deal with publisher Arnon Mozes of the Yediot Ahronot newspaper group to promote legislation to weaken Yediot's main competitor in exchange for more favorable coverage of him by Yediot.

Netanyahu, who took office in 2009, has long had an image as a cigar-smoking, cognac-drinking socialite, while his wife, Sara, has been accused of abusive behavior toward staff. Opponents have portrayed both as being out of touch with the struggles of average Israelis.
A leading American daily on Thursday posted highly classified transcripts of Donald Trump's conversations with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, in yet another embarrassing leak for the US President.

In his conversation with Nieto, according to the transcripts, Trump is heard pleading that the latter should stop saying that Mexico would not pay for the wall.

In his conversation with the Australian Prime Minister, Trump is heard getting agitated on the refugee issue and eventually telling him that the call was the most irksome of the day.

ALSO READ: Trump endorses Bill to cut legal immigration

Transcripts of both the conversations that happened on January 27 and 28 respectively were posted by The Washington Post.

The top American daily is now owned by Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. Notably, in the last few days, Amazon has succumbed to the Chinese demands on restricted internet freedom.

The White House today did not immediately comment on the embarrassing leak of Trump's conversations with world leaders. In a statement, The Washington Post said the transcripts were prepared by the White House but have not been released.

"The Post is publishing reproductions rather than original documents in order to protect sources. The reproductions below also include minor spelling and grammatical mistakes that appeared in the documents," it said.

As per the transcripts, Trump is heard asking the Mexican leader not to tell the press that Mexico would not pay for the construction of the wall along the US-Mexico border.

The building of the wall was one of the major electoral promises of the US President. During his election campaign, Trump had said that Mexico would pay for the wall. Pena Nieto has repeatedly said that Mexico will not pay for the wall.

"You cannot say that to the press. The press is going to go with that and I cannot live with that. You cannot say that to the press because I cannot negotiate under those circumstances," Trump told Pena Nieto, according to the transcripts.

In his conversation with Turnbull, Trump says that accepting the refugees will "make us look awfully bad".

"We have to stop. We have allowed so many people into our country that should not be here. We have our San Bernardino's, we have had the World Trade Center come down because of people that should not have been in our country, and now we are supposed to take 2,000. It sends such a bad signal. You have no idea. It is such a bad thing," Trump is quoted as saying in the transcripts.

The conversation between the two leaders grew sour as Trump rejected an agreement to take refugees.

"I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day," Trump told Turnbull. "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous," said the US President, as he abruptly ends the call.
British publisher on Friday axed an extra 3,000 jobs in an ongoing cost-cutting drive aimed at combatting weak demand after a series of gloomy profit warnings.

The job cuts, which comprise roughly ten per cent of the group's global workforce, were announced in a first-half results statement.

also lowered its interim shareholder dividend by 72 per cent to five pence a share.

The latest cutbacks, which will run from 2017-2019 as part of efficiency plans launched in May, will generate annual cost savings of 300 million pounds.

"We will reduce Pearson's employee headcount by approximately 3,000 full time equivalent employees," it said in the statement today.

"Savings will come from the simplification of our technology, increased use of shared service centres, standardisation and automation of processes, reduction of headcount with a particular focus on managerial positions, centralisation of procurement and the reduction of office locations."



The group had already removed 4,000 jobs in a radical restructuring in early 2016.

Pearson, which faces chronic financial difficulties, is attempting to reposition itself towards the education and digital markets as it moves away from the traditional publishing business.

In January, the company issued a gloomy profit warning and last month it sold almost half its stake in Penguin Random House to joint venture partner Bertelsmann.

The publisher is largely dependent on the education market, after it shed the Financial Times newspaper and half of the Economist Group in 2015.

Meanwhile on Friday, announced that it rebounded into a slender profit in the first half of the year.

Operating profits stood at 16 million pounds in the reporting period. That contrasted with a loss of 286 million pounds a year earlier.
was returned to house arrest on Friday after spending three days in prison, his wife said.

"I am letting the country know that a short while ago the intelligence service Sebin unexpectedly brought Antonio home," Mitzy Capriles wrote on Twitter.

Ledezma, who is mayor of Caracas, had been arrested on Tuesday along with another opposition leader, Leopoldo Lopez, in the aftermath of a highly contested vote organised by President Nicolas Maduro to create a new all-powerful assembly that will supercede congress and rewrite the constitution.

(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.)
Its not often you hear large corporations arguing in favour of government regulations. But a group representing some of the worlds biggest companies, including Google and Facebook, is doing just that. They want the US government to abandon its plan to repeal the laws preserving net neutrality, the idea that internet service providers (ISPs) should treat all internet traffic the same and not block, slow down or otherwise discriminate against particular websites or online services.
The initial public offering (IPO) by state-owned Cochin Shipyard saw 76 times more demand than shares on offer.



The institutional investor portion of the issue was subscribed 63.5 times for the Rs 1,470-crore offering, high networth individual (HNI) portion was subscribed 289 times and retail portion was subscribed eight times.
Housing Development & Infrastructure (HDIL) slipped 7% to Rs 77, extending its Thursdays 3% decline on BSE, after the real estate developer said that the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has admitted Union Bank of Indias plea against subsidiary.
Amid ongoing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, the 35th batch of Amarnath pilgrims consisting of 132 pilgrims left for Kashmir Valley from Jammu on Friday morning under the supervision of tight security arrangements.

This was the second last batch of pilgrims that left from the state while the last batch will leave tomorrow.

In another yatra started from Poonch, the devotees continued to throng Buddha Amarnath Yatra with proper security arrangements in place.

A group of terrorists had earlier opened fire at a bus carrying the Amarnath pilgrims in the Anantnag district and killed seven pilgrims including five women.

The incident occurred on July 11 at 8:20 pm when the bus, carrying 17 pilgrims from Baltal to Mir Bazar, became victim to the terror attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ayesha Gulalai has said that she would provide proof of her allegations if summoned by a court of law or a parliamentary committee.

"I am not here speaking without evidence. I will not pursue it personally, however, if they go to some forum, I will cooperate," clarified Gulalai, Geo News reports.

Gulalai showed the alleged messages briefly to senior journalist Hamid Mir.

"The messages showed to me add weightage to Ayesha Gulalai's claims, but they should be investigated," said Mir.

Gulalai also said PTI spokesperson Naeem-ul-Haque had also sent her a text message.

"Naeem-ul-Haque also sent a text after sometime stating, 'I am alone and want to marry'," claimed Gulalai.

Gulalai also claimed that she was called and asked by PTI's Awn Chaudry to not address the press conference and a delegation would have visited her to discuss the matter.

The former PTI leader further said that her grievances were not only personal, but they were also related to public issues and corruption in the province.

Gulalai has alleged that Imran Khan sent her inappropriate text messages, but has not revealed any other details to support her allegations.

Following this, the PTI served a legal notice to Gulalai demanding that she replies to the letter within 10 days or pay compensation to the tune of Rs. 30 million.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Condemning the attack on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's convoy earlier today, senior party leaders have said that in a democratic country like India, there is no room for violence on political leader, adding that the true face of the Bharatiya Janata Party is getting exposed now.

"In a democracy there is no room for violence and attack against political leaders. We have fought violence and communal agendas in the past. The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) lie is getting exposed and their true face is coming out," Congress leader Anand Sharma told ANI.

He added that it is very clear that the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are getting disturbed by the tenacious efforts and campaigning of Rahul Gandhi and upsurge of Congress.

"The attack on Rahul Gandhi is most shameful and deserves to be condemned in strongest terms. We want to make it clear to the BJP president, Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Congress' voice can never be muzzled," Sharma asserted.

Another senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that it is evidence of that fact that those who perpetrate violence and those who support it are responsible for this.

"The attack on Rahul Gandhi is very controversial. A person who has a Special Protection Group (SPG) cover, if he is also not spared and stones are thrown and his car's windows are broken then it's a sad story which reflects on the establishment of how careless they are when it comes to protection of the Opposition leaders," Sibal said.

He added that on the other hand the BJP is not taking action against the culprits.

"We have also been seeing the kind of target that is being done by the BJP leaders of Opposition. This seems like a plan to make sure that India is without an Opposition," he asserted.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered in the incident where anonymous persons attacked Rahul Gandhi's convoy at Dhanera today.

Talking to the media, Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Neeraj Badgujar said, "Unknown persons started to pelt stones at that car which broke a glass of Rahul Gandhi's car. Fortunately, nobody has been hurt or wounded in the incident. We are registering a FIR in this case. I am supervising the procedure on the FIR."

Badgujar informed that a bullet proof convoy was provided to the Congress Vice President by the police after the incident.

Earlier, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala informed that BJP goons broke Congress VP's car with heavy stones on his way to the helipad after meeting flood victims at Dhanera.

After Congress' assertion that 'BJP goons' attacked the Congress vice President's convoy at Dhanera, Gandhi further attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying such obstacles like raising black flags, throwing stones won't stop them from helping people.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi visited flood affected areas in Gujarat where he was also shown black flags by a group of protesters.

Addressing the villagers and the media, Rahul Gandhi said that he was in Assam the other day, Rajasthan on Friday and now in Gujarat.

Amidst his speech, few people waved black flags to which he asked the guards to let them in, and saying, "I don't care."

"It's a difficult and grievous time for all of you and so I wanted to come amongst you all," he said addressing the crowd.

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.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China has strongly opposed any unilateral sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea by the United States.

China is against any unilateral sanctions imposed by any country, including those recently enacted by the United States, which stipulate tougher restrictive measures against Russia, Iran and North Korea, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The Chinese side has always opposed the use of unilateral sanctions, we believe that the dispute settlement arising between different countries should be implemented on the basis of mutual respect through an appropriate, fair dialogue," the statement seen by Sputnik said.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed into law a new batch of sanctions on Beijing, Tehran, and Moscow.

The sanctions target Russia's defense, intelligence, mining, shipping and railway industries and restricts dealings with Russian banks and energy companies. The law also limits the US president's ability to ease any sanctions on Russia by requiring Congress' approval to lift any restrictions.

President Donald Trump's grudging signature on new sanctions punishing Russia for alleged meddling in last year's US election sparked an explosive rhetorical response in Moscow on Wednesday.

Trump acknowledged the sharp worsening of the crucial relationship between Russia and United States and blamed lawmakers for forcing his hand on sanctions.

"Our relationship with Russia is at an all-time & very dangerous low. You can thank Congress, the same people that can't even give us HCare!" he tweeted.

The sanctions target Russia's defense, intelligence, mining, shipping and railway industries and restricts dealings with Russian banks and energy companies.

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With Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief and mastermind of Mumbai terrorist attack Hafiz Muhammad Saeed has reportedly deciding to launch his own political party in Pakistan, defence experts on Friday called on India to accelerate its initiative to declare the former as an terrorist globally and Pakistan a terror state.

Defence expert Shivali Deshpande said that by Saeed getting approval to form a political party, Pakistan will declare itself a terror state, which has not yet been done by neither the United Nations nor India.

"I am very sure that the same people from Pakistan will definitely not vote him to power after knowing that fact that Hafiz Saeed is an terrorist. He has a bounty over his head he was the mastermind in many terrorist attacks which had taken place in India," she told ANI.

Deshpande said if the people of Pakistan vote Saeed to power, it will be proven that Islamabad is nothing but a rogue nation and it will walk on the footsteps of North Korea.

Another defence expert Sunil Deshpande said that with Saeed coming to power, the entire world be under the threat of the nuclear war all the time.

"Pakistan is heading towards trouble. If Saeed launches the party then Pakistan would become a terror state and the complete regime will go in the hands of the terrorist," he told ANI.

Saeed has reportedly decided to launch his own political party in Pakistan by renaming his terror outfit JuD as Milli Muslim League Pakistan.

According to reports, he would be registering his political party with the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Saeed is likely to launch his political outfit on Pakistan's Independence Day at a function in Lahore.

This is being seen as a major happening as Pakistan recently elected its new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi after Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court over the Panama Papers scandal.

He is also said to have close relations with the Pakistani Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Recently the government of Pakistan's Punjab province extended the house arrest of Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and his four aides for 60 more days for their activities that were "detrimental to peace and security", The Express Tribune reported.

Saeed is a wanted terrorist by India and the United States for his alleged role in masterminding the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai that claimed 166 lives.

Pakistan had claimed to have banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), but following the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2002, it re-emerged as Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD). The United States has designated the JuD as a front for the LeT.
The Delhi Police on Friday arrested two people in connection with the murder case of a Delhi Jal Board (DJB) employee, who was found dead in his son's office in Rohini area of the capital yesterday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohini District Rishi pal said that his team solved the case in 24 hours.

Deceased Babu Ram Yadav was shot dead yesterday and his body was found around 11 a.m.

Yadav's robbed car has also been recovered.

Reportedly, Yadav 48, worked as a section officer in the DJB office in east Delhi's Laxmi Nagar.

On the day of the incident, he had gone to the office of his elder son Nitin in Sector 16 of Rohini.

A case was registered in the regard with the KN Katju Marg Police Station.

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Branding the attack on Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi as "disgusting and disgraceful, the grand old party on Friday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saying the latter must know the truth can't be silenced.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala took to Twitter and wrote 'BJP goons broke Congress VP's car with heavy stones on his way to the helipad after meeting flood victims at Dhanera.'

With 218 deaths in Gujarat, 61 in Bansakanta following the floods due to torrential rains last week, Surjewala further lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief minister Vijay Rupani saying the PM only does an aerial visit while CM takes 5 days to visit.

Rahul Gandhi visited flood affected areas in Gujarat, on Friday, where he was also shown black flags by a group of protesters.

Addressing the villagers and the media, Rahul Gandhi said that he was in Assam the other day, Rajasthan on Friday and now in Gujarat.

Amidst his speech, few people waved black flags to which he asked the guards to let them in, and saying, "I don't care."

"It's a difficult and grievous time for all of you and so I wanted to come amongst you all," he said addressing the crowd.

He added that many people lost their loved ones and homes due to floods and so he wanted to meet them to tell them that the Congress Party is standing with the people of Gujarat.

"It is not our government in Delhi or Gujarat, but we are standing here with you, I am standing here with you and we won't back down due to a few black flags," he said.

The Congress vice-president also visited Rajasthan flood affected areas on Friday morning and said that Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje-led Rajasthan Government is not taking adequate steps to provide relief to people of the state who have been affected by floods.

Gandhi, who was Jalore to take stock of the situation, said he received poor response from people of the state as no rehabilitation work is being done, while adding that his party is trying to facilitate masses to the maximum extent it can.

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.

Earlier on Thursday Rahul Gandhi visited flood affected areas at Lakhimpur in Assam and said that Congress Party will pick up the issue and discuss about the flood situation in the Parliament.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) says that 11,93,458 people have in 1,795 villages of 24 districts have been affected by the floods.

As many as 79 people have lost their lives in the devastating floods, eight of them from Guwahati.

Assam has been dealing with heavy floods since mid-July.

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Intense fighting is underway between security forces and insurgents after a group of armed men stormed a money exchange market in the center of Gereshk district in the southern Helmand province on Friday morning.

"Clash is ongoing between security forces and the attackers in the area", Tolo news quoted Helmand governor's spokesman Omar Zwak as saying.

Meanwhile, Zwak said that at least five security force members were killed when a car bomb blast occurred close to their outpost in the district on Thursday evening.

A number of soldiers were wounded in the blast, he said.

A security source, however, said that at least 20 soldiers were killed in the explosion.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.Further details are awaited.

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Following reports that Hafiz Saeed is looking to launch his own political party in Pakistan, India on Friday said that Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief and the mastermind of Mumbai terrorist attack is trying to hide his blood stained hands behind ballot ink.

Speaking about reports of Saeed deciding to launch his own political party in Pakistan by renaming his terror outfit JuD as Milli Muslim League Pakistan, India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay on Friday said, "regarding the aspect of political parties it appears that a person whose hand is stained with blood of innocent lives is perhaps both ironical and consorting to notice that such an individual is perhaps wanting to hide his blood stained hands behind the ballot ink."

"The person who has traded in bullets to take innocent lives is trying to hide behind the ballot that's a matter of concern," he added.

Emphasizing that Saeed is an internationally designated terrorist under the UN 1267 provisions, Baglay said that his organization whether it is Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or JuD is one of the same thing, and they have been carrying out terrorist activities not only against India but also against others in the region.

He said Saeed is a matter of concern not only for India but the entire region and beyond.

"We hear from media reports that he is under some sort of house arrest in Pakistan but it is very well known that his organisation and his other collegeus have enjoyed freedom in Pakistan to conduct terrorist activities against India and others," he said.

Baglay further said that it is Pakistan's obligation to make sure that such individuals and organisations are not enjoying freedom to conduct terrorist activities.

He added that it is also Pakistan's international obligation to enforce international sanctions on these individuals and organisations.

According to reports, Saeed would be registering his political party with the Election Commission of Pakistan.

He is likely to launch his political outfit on Pakistan's Independence Day at a function in Lahore.

This is being seen as a major happening as Pakistan recently elected its new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi after Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court over the Panama Papers scandal.

He is also said to have close relations with the Pakistani Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Recently the government of Pakistan's Punjab province extended the house arrest Saeed and his four aides for 60 more days for their activities that were "detrimental to peace and security", The Express Tribune reported.

Saeed is a wanted terrorist by India and the United States for his alleged role in masterminding the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai that claimed 166 lives.

He even carries a bounty of 10 million USD (approx. Rs 66 crore) on his head for his role in the attack.

He is an internationally designated terrorist but continues to be an influential person in Pakistan's certain religious groups.

Pakistan claims to have banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), but following the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2002, it re-emerged as Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD). The United States has designated the JuD as a front for the LeT.

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Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday said that the Chabahar Port in Iran will be a boon for India.

He said earlier things were more difficult for India as it had to follow the route through Pakistan, but once the port is operations then business will become easy from Kandla port in Gujarat.

"The Chabahar and Kandla port are not very far from each other and earlier we followed the route through Pakistan but now we have an easy route," said Gadkari.

He further said that Chabahar port will start operating within 12 to 18 months, which will open the doors for business in Iran and Afghanistan.

Gadkari will be visiting Iran as India's representative for President Hassan Rouhani's oath ceremony function in Tehran this week, where he will be meeting the President Hassan and his Ministers.

Reformist Rouhani was re-elected in May after defeating his hardliner rival judge Ebrahim Raisi.

Earlier, Gadkari had visited Tehran in May 2015 and both the nations had inked a pact to develop the Chabahar Port.

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Hours after Rahul Gandhi's convoy was attacked in Gujarat, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has branded the development as 'condemnable' and demanded more respect for the Vice-President of Congress from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to ANI here, CPI (M) leader D. Raja said that the attack on Rahul Gandhi is condemnable and that he demands more respect as the Vice-President of Congress.

"How can such an attack take place? Are we in a democracy or a fascist dictatorship state?", he said.

Raja blamed the BJP for the attacks as they happened in Gujarat, which is a BJP ruled state. "The BJP government must be held responsible for the attacks" he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said that the BJP was already shouting political slogans against Gandhi even before the attacks took place.

"While the people were welcoming him and telling him about their problems, the members of BJP were already shouting political slogans against Rahul Gandhi. The attack is condemnable." Gogoi stated.

"Is this what the BJP is being taught? Are they being asked to throw stones at the members of opposition parties? " he added

He also questioned the BJP and asked if Amit Shah or Narendra Modi will speak out on the attacks and criticize these attacks.

He further questioned the administration in Gujarat saying, "What is the state police doing? Why haven't the people who are responsible being arrested?"

Earlier the Congress branded the attacks on Rahul Gandhi as "disgusting and disgraceful",

Rahul Gandhi was visiting flood affected areas in Gujarat, on Friday, where he was also shown black flags by a group of protesters.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that IT raid on state Power Minister D.K. Shivkumar is a politically motivated move.

Raising question over the intention of the Central Government, the Chief Minister said "such things don't happen in a federal structure".

"This is a politically motivated raid, the timing shows that. I am not against any raid anywhere. The time that they have selected and the intention of the government is not right. This is the first time IT people have brought the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel to conduct raid," Siddaramiah told media.

Earlier in the day, Karnataka Power Minister Shivkumar's brother, Suresh Kumar, said that the Rs. 10 crore recovered during the raids by the income tax does not belong to the minister.

"The IT department raided a total of 70 places from where they have collectively seized Rs. 10 crore. The whole amount does not belong to D.K. Shivkumar and his family," said Suresh Kumar.

Alleging political vendetta Suresh said, "Our party and all senior leaders are extending support. We have received messages from Congress president and vice-president lending support and promising they will stand by our side irrespective of the consequences. They have told us to fight it out, as this is nothing but political vendetta."

Meanwhile, the IT department continues to conduct raid at Shivakumar's house in the Safdarjung area in Delhi.

The IT department yesterday also raided the house of the minister's father-in-law in Bengaluru.

The IT department on Wednesday had raided Shivakumar's residence and at a private resort in Bengaluru, where Congress' MLAs from Gujarat are staying.

In the wake of incessant raids the Congress created ruckus in both the Houses of Parliament and alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central Government was indulging in political witch-hunt just to defeat Congress candidate Ahmed Patel in Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat.

The IT department also maintained that its raid at Shivkumar's residence and resort has nothing to do with the Gujarat's Congress MLAs.

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The Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday produced separatist leaders arrested from Jammu and Kashmir before the Patiala House Court.

The NIA has arrested seven Separatists - Altaf Shah, Ayaz Akbar, Peer Saifullah, Mehraj Kalwal, Shahid-ul-Islam, Naeem Khan and Bitta Karate for funding terror in the Kashmir Valley.

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.

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Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday said that he will visit the house of slain Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist and other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ward councillors on August 6, who were allegedly attacked by CPI (M) workers in various parts of Thiruvanathapuram last week.

"I will be on Sunday visiting homes of some people who have been killed, belonging to my party and other organisations," Jaitley said.

Meanwhile, eight suspects have been detained in the murder of the RSS worker and taken into custody in connection with the case.

Earlier on Monday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the murder and called for an all-party meeting on August 6 regarding the same.

He said that party offices and workers' houses can't be attacked and political parties should be more vigilant and ask workers to keep away from such incidents.

"It's sure that some unfortunate incidents have happened in the state. Due to this it has been decided that meeting between leaders of all political parties be held and it will be done district wise," he said.

Earlier on July 30, Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Loknath Behera said that impartial probe will be conducted into the RSS worker death case and said that strong and firm action will be taken against the culprits.

A 34-year-old RSS leader was murdered in Kozhikode late July 29.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Communist Party of India- Marxist [CPI-M]-led LDF government in Kerala for the killing of RSS leader.

The Kerala DGP also apprised about 'Gundaquad' (anti-goon squad) in the city, which has not been used for quite some time.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh last Sunday called on Vijayan to nab the perpetrators and bring them to justice expeditiously.

Rajnath took to his Twitter handle to inform about the same and wrote that 'political violence is unacceptable in a democracy'.

"Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinrayi Vijayan today regarding the recent incidents of political violence in the state," he tweeted.

"I have expressed my concern with the law and order situation in the state of Kerala. Political violence is unacceptable in a democracy," he added.

He even requested the Chief Minister to curb the political violence in the state.

"I expect that the political violence in Kerala is curbed and that the perpetrators are brought to justice expeditiously," he tweeted.

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials on Friday arrested a 27-year-old man at Kolkata airport for allegedly trying to smuggle gold worth Rs. 3 crores from Myanmar.

The accused has been identified as Zonunsanga, from Mizoram who was travelling by Jet Airways flight no-9W-624 from Aizawl.

Officials said, "The flight which was scheduled to land at Kolkata at 1:25pm arrived early around 1:05pm. As the passengers began to disembark from the aerobridge into the terminal building, a team of DRI officers, with the help of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel on duty, cordoned off the area and commenced security checks".

"This operation led to the seizure of 9.96 kgs gold (six gold bars each weighing 1.66 kg) having a market value of approximately Rs 3 crore. The gold biscuits were found in his backpack."

DRI team further said, "The person arrested in this case was found to be well educated. He had studied at Delhi University. He confessed to falling for the lure of easy money being offered to carriers of such smuggled gold by organised smuggling syndicates".

A case has been registered and further investigation is on.

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Congress Party (NCP) workers on Thursday staged a protest outside the BJP headquarters over Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's comments on the tricolor and asked the saffron party to snap its alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister had warned on July 28 that any change in Article 35(A) of the Constitution, which gives a special state provision to Jammu and Kashmir, was not acceptable, adding that it would invite repercussions.

"Any tempering with Article 35(A) won't be acceptable. I won't hesitate in saying that nobody will hold the tricolor in Kashmir, if it happens. Let me make it very clear," she said.

Article 35(A) of the Constitution empowers the state legislature to define permanent residents and accord special rights and privileges to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

She warned and cautioned that if special rights and privileges to the people of Jammu and Kashmir are tinkered with, then there would be no one in the state to hold the tricolor.

She said, on the one hand, "we talk about resolving the Kashmir issue under the framework of the Constitution and on the other hand we flog it".

"Who is doing it? Why are they doing it? (challenging the Article 35A). Let me tell you that my party and other parties who carry the flag there (in Jammu and Kashmir) despite all risks... I have no doubt in saying that there will be no one to hold it ( flag) (if it is tinkered)," she said at an event here five days ago.

Mehbooba went on to add, "Let me be very clear. By doing all this (challenging Article 35A), you are not targeting the separatists. Their (separatists) agenda is different and it is totally secessionist."

"But, you are weakening those powers which are Indian and trust India and participate in elections and who fight to live a life honourably in Jammu and Kashmir. This is one of the problem," she said.

In 2014, an NGO had filed a writ petition seeking the striking down of Article 35 A. The case is pending in the Supreme Court.

Mehbooba said Kashmir is an idea of India.

"The basic question is how much is the idea of India ready to accommodate the idea of Kashmir? This is the basic crux," she said.

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Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notice to Kerala Government over growing incidents of political violence in Kerala and sought a report on the issue within four weeks.

The Commission has asked the State Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to take effective measures to stop such incidents.

Emphasizing that there is an urgent need to curb the ongoing violence in the state, the NHRC said that whenever such incidents happen, a precious human life is lost.

The brutal killings of the political workers are indicative of growing rivalry among different parties and poor state of law and order situation in the State.

Earlier on January 25 this year, the Commission had taken suo-motu cognizance of the matter on the basis of a media report of the gruesome killings of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Kerala.

It had called for a report from the Chief Secretary of Kerala along with the specific information whether any relief in these matters has been granted to the victims or their families.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also called for an all-party meeting on August 6 in the wake of spate of murderous assaults on political party workers.

"An all party meeting will be convened on August 6 in Trivandrum. Peace meetings will be held in Trivandrum, Kottayam and Kannu on the same," Vijayan said.

He said that party offices and workers' houses can't be attacked and political parties should be more vigilant and ask workers to keep away from such incidents.

Kerala has been witnessing incidents of violence and brutal killing of workers of different political parties in past few months.

Recently a 34-year-old RSS leader was murdered in Kozhikode.

The BJP had accused the Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M)-led LDF government in Kerala for the killing of RSS leader.

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The Patiala Court on Friday extended the ( Investigation Agency) NIA custody of Kashmiri Separatists accused in the terror funding case till August 14, while the remaining separatists were sent to judicial custody for a month in the case.

The Police custody of four accused Altaf Funtoosh, Peer Saifullah, Nayeem Khan and Mehrajuddin Kalwal has been extended for ten days.

Accused Bitta Karate, Shahid Ul Islam and Ayaz Akbar Khandey have been remanded to judicial custody.

Speaking to ANI here, one of the separatists' advocate, Ravi Kaaji said, "The remand of all the separatists has expired today. NIA has claimed that they don't want the remand for three of the separatists. So those three culprits were given judicial custody."

The advocate informed that for the four remaining separatists, NIA has asked for further custody because they need to be questioned.

"The Court has examined NIA's record and has given further remand for 10 days," he added.

On June 24, seven Separatists were arrested.

A day after their arrest they 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.

Six of them were arrested from Srinagar, while Bitta Karate was arrested from New Delhi.

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.

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The United States has reaffirmed its support for India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council (UNSC).

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, said, ""I believe U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is going to raise the issue at the United Nations."

Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States as a wonderful experience, Nauert said, "U.S had a lovely visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was certainly wonderful to have him here in the United States. I know the President enjoyed hosting him, as did the Secretary as well."

Nauert, a former Fox News host, said "U.S. is certainly aware of the elections that India will hold in 2019."

During Prime Minister Modi's visit to United States in June, President Trump reaffirmed the support of the United States for India's permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council and in other multilateral institutions like the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"As global non-proliferation partners, the United States expressed strong support for India's early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group," the India-U.S. joint statement said.

India has been making diplomatic efforts to ensure the expansion of the permanent as well as non-permanent membership of the UNSC and membership bid in the NSG, a 48-member elite group which controls the nuclear trade .

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As the Supreme Court rejected the plea opposing use of NOTA (None of the Above) in the Rajya Sabha, the Congress party on Friday said that the NOTA should not be used in the indirect elections, adding if the Election Commission wants to make changes in the polling system then it should first do it in the Constitution.

"We believe that the NOTA should not be used in indirect elections like Rajya Sabha," Congress leader P.L. Punia told ANI.

Punia said there is a proper procedure of polling for the Rajya Sabha mentioned in the Constitution and if the Election Commission wants to make changes in it, it should first bring an amendment in the Constitution first.

Meanwhile, another Congress leader Tom Vadakkan hit on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said it is not just about NOTA, but about everything taking place in Gujarat.

"For a single Rajya Sabha seat they are taking this country for a royal ride. Questions will be asked in public domain of what is happening for the Rajya Sabha seats," he said.

Earlier on Thursday, the apex court had pulled up the Gujarat Congress, which filed plea seeking stay on NOTA, for raising question over the use of NOTA option and said as to why it is raising the issue so late when the Election Commission had issued the notification in January 2014.

The Congress Party had on Wednesday moved the apex court against the Election Commission, challenging the introduction of NOTA option in the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat.

The Congress Party has been protesting since the Election Commission notified that NOTA option will be available for the first time in upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat.

The elections of the Upper House 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.

Despite its six Gujarat MLAs joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress is leaving no stone unturned to secure the Rajya Sabha berth for its leader Ahmed Patel.

The BJP has fielded party president Amit Shah, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Balwantsinh Rajput for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled to be held on August 8.

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The Opposition on Friday moved a privilege motion against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, over her response in the House to the short duration discussion on India's foreign policy and engagements with strategic partners

The motion has been filed under rule 188 of rules of procedure and conduct of business on false and misleading statement.

Swaraj on Thursday attacked the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha on foreign policy issue.

The Opposition was to move two privilege motions against Swaraj in Rajya Sabha today.

The motions were to be moved against her over two issues - misinformation on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lahore visit and the Bandung Conference.

Congress leader Anand Sharma questioned Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy and asked the Centre its roadmap on dealing with Pakistan.

Flagging its concern over the deteriorating ties between both the nations, Sharma asked why Prime Minister Modi made that "dramatic" visit to Pakistan and why, till date, nobody knows the minutiae of the meeting.

"You were going to Afghanistan and got down at Lahore mid-way; till date the Prime Minister hasn't told the nation what talks took place. On one hand, you get miffed and cancel talks after Pakistan invites separatists on a tea party, and on the other hand, you make a dramatic visit breaching all protocols," he said.

In December 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had 'unexpectedly' landed in Lahore to meet his counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his way back home after a day-long trip today to Afghanistan where he went after concluding a two-day visit to Russia.

The Congress also warned Swaraj over keeping two different and distinct views on the China issue and said that when it comes to Beijing, India should speak in one voice, there will be no two opinions on that.

This happened after the External Affairs Minister, in the Rajya Sabha, said that India has taken efforts to ease the stand-off with China.

She further stated that war cannot resolve the problems and that the wisdom is to resolve issues diplomatically on the issue of border stand-off with China.

The Centre and the Opposition engaged in another verbal duel in the Rajya Sabha over India's statement at the last Bandung Conference in Indonesia.

A combative Swaraj also asserted that she felt proud when she attended the Bandung Conference and saw large pictures of Nehru at the venue, when Anand Sharma alleged that first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's name was omitted from the address delivered by Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh at the 60th anniversary of Bandung Conference.

Sushma said the speech which Sharma was referring to was delivered at another Afro-Asian Conference held separately.

Nehru was one of the founder members of the Bandung Conference founded in 1955.

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The Opposition will most likely move two privilege motions against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha on Friday.

The motions will be moved against her over two issues - misinformation on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lahore visit and the Bandung Conference.

Congress leader Anand Sharma questioned Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy and asked the Centre its roadmap on dealing with Pakistan.

Flagging its concern over the deteriorating ties between both the nations, Sharma asked why Prime Minister Modi made that "dramatic" visit to Pakistan and why, till date, nobody knows the minutae of the meeting.

"You were going to Afghanistan and got down at Lahore mid-way; till date the Prime Minister hasn't told the nation what talks took place. On one hand, you get miffed and cancel talks after Pakistan invites separatists on a tea party, and on the other hand, you make a dramatic visit breaching all protocols," he said.

In December 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had 'unexpectedly' landed in Lahore to meet his counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his way back home after a day-long trip today to Afghanistan where he went after concluding a two-day visit to Russia.

The Congress also warned Sushma over keeping two different and distinct views on the China issue and said that when it comes to Beijing, India should speak in one voice, there will be no two opinions on that.

Sharma said, "Let me remind Sushma Swaraj that out of courtesy we did not interrupt. What I had said catering to the Congress Party is concerned; we are very clear that we stand with the government as one. When it comes to China issue; India shall speak in one voice- there will be no two opinions on that. Sushma Swaraj should not have tried to break that opposition consensus and unity. When India is united why is the government keen on creating a division and breaking the consensus."

This happened after Sushma, in the Rajya Sabha, said that India has taken efforts to ease the stand-off with China.

She further stated that war cannot resolve the problems and that the wisdom is to resolve issues diplomatically on the issue of border stand-off with China.

The Centre and the Opposition engaged in another verbal duel in the Rajya Sabha over India's statement at the last Bandung Conference in Indonesia.

A combative External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also asserted that she felt proud when she attended the Bandung Conference and saw large pictures of Nehru at the venue, when Anand Sharma alleged that first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's name was omitted from the address delivered by Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh at the 60th anniversary of Bandung Conference.

Sushma said the speech which Sharma was referring to was delivered at another Afro-Asian Conference held separately.

Nehru was one of the founder members of the Bandung Conference founded in 1955.
Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Ahmed Bajwa has in a rare gesture expressed his concern over the killing of two American soldiers during a Taliban attack on U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

The rare reaction from General Bajwa came after Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs and Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Alice Wells visited Islamabad.

"Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa offered heartfelt condolences on the death of two Special Forces soldiers who died in the incident (the terrorist attack on the United States forces in Kandahar)," the ISPR said in a statement.

The Dawn reported that many believe that the rare reaction over killing of US soldiers in Afghanistan was meant to address concerns in Washington, where Islamabad is widely accused of not acting against Taliban and Haqqani network sanctuaries from where they are believed to launch attacks in Afghanistan, including those on US-led coalition forces.

Two US soldiers were killed in Kandahar on 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.

Gen. Bajwa noted that Pakistan because of facing "similar trial of blood in fight against common threat of terrorism" well understood the anguish of the bereaved families of the soldiers killed.

Gen. Bajwa had a day earlier met Afghan envoy Dr Omar Zakhilwal for continuing the discussions on addressing irritants that had been souring the bilateral relationship.

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Pakistan's Ministry of Ports and Shipping is set to sign an agreement with a Chinese company to construct and establish the Pakistan-China Technical and Vocational Training Institute at Gwadar.

The technical and Vocational Training Institute at Gwadar will be constructed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and Beijing will provide a grant to impart training to the Pakistani workforce.

PPR, a Chinese company had already visited Gwadar to review the design and feasibility of setting up the vocational training institute for imparting training to Pakistani workforce.

To fulfil the requirement of the skilled manpower for the Gwadar deep-sea port, the Express Tribune quoted SHipping ministry officials saying,"The institute will help fulfil technical and skilled manpower requirements of the port after the development of industrial projects, including the Gwadar Port Free Zone."

The Chinese government will select a construction company for execution of the project and the institute will comprise a main building, which will have two blocks, an administration block, four workshops, cafeteria, hostels, parking areas, an examination block and a teachers lodging facility.

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Minister of State for External Affairs V. K. Singh said that the Pakistan is constructing six dams on the Indus River in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) with China's assistance

Replying a question, Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that India has made demarches to both Islamabad and Beijing conveying it is in violation of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"Pakistan is constructing six dams on Indus River in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir with assistance committed to those projects by China. These territories illegally occupied by Pakistan; collaborative activity there is in violation of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

"Accordingly, we have made demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying the position. The government will continue to maintain this position," Singh added.

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Under Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, Pakistan security forces have cleared a major militant hideout in the Rajgal Valley in the Khyber Agency which reportedly was being used as a transit route by ISIS jihadists from across the Afghan border to establish a foothold in Pakistan.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), operation Khyber-IV is progressing and security forces have cleared a major hideout of terrorists in the Rajgal area.

"In Balochistan, FC foiled terrorist activity planned during Azadi celebrations. FC troops conducted IBO in Kuchmina, Zhob. One terrorist facilitator guarding an hideout apprehended. Hideout dismantled. Prepared IEDs, explosives and IEDs making material recovered," reads ISPR Director General Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor's Facebook post.

Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad is a codename of a combined efforts by the Pakistani military and the local law enforcement agencies to deweaponized and eliminate the hidden terrorist sleeper cells across the country.

Commander Peshawar Corps Lt-Gen Nazir Ahmed Butt visited troops taking part in the ongoing operation along with Inspector General Frontier Corps (IGFC) K-P Maj-Gen Shaheen Mazhar Mahmood, The Express Tribune reported.

In Balochistan, Frontier Corps carried out an intelligence-based operation in Kuchmina, Zhob and foiled terrorist bid planned to sabotage 14th August celebrations.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise to Sri Lankan Tamils was fulfilled on Friday when carrier Air India on Friday connected two historical destinations- Varanasi and Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.

Ashwani Lohani, CMD, Air India, flagged off the inaugural flight.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Sri Lanka, in May had announced that from August this year, Air India will operate direct flights between Colombo and Varanasi.

"My Tamil brothers and sisters will also be able to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi Viswanath," he had said.

The brand new Air Bus 320 neo is deployed in this route. The flight is biweekly i.e Friday and Sunday. Air bus 320 neo has 180 seats. All seats are economy. The return ticket fare for this route is Rs. 15000.

During inaugural ceremony, Air Director Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport A.K.Rai was also present.

In the press meet, Lohani awarded free air ticket to CISF official who made Rangoli at Air India counter.

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It seems like nothing is good in Compton.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marion "Suge" Knight was arraigned in an L.A. courtroom Thursday morning for allegedly threatening 'Straight Outta Compton's director, F. Gary Gray.

Knight was indicted in February on a charge of violating California's Penal Code 422(a), which involves willful threats "to commit a crime which will result in death or great bodily injury to another person."

He was allegedly unhappy with his portrayal in the film and threatened Gray via text message in August 2014.

He's also awaiting a 2018 trial for the murder of Terry Carter and attempted murder of Cle "Bone" Sloan, for which Knight plead not guilty.

Knight pulled up to a Compton burger stand in January 2015 and fled after a brief conflict, running over both men.

The former rap mogul has also been fighting civil legal battles on several fronts, involving Dr. Dre, Chris Brown and Scott Storch and the wrongful death lawsuit he's facing from Carter's family.

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India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will visit Nepal next week to participate in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Foreign Minister's meet, scheduled to be held Kathmandu on 10 and 11 of August.

"Sushma Swaraj will be visiting Nepal to attend the BIMSTECH summit.She will depart in morning of 10 August and will return to New Delhi in the evening of 11 August. In addition to this she would be holding bilateral meetings with other leaders," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said during his final media briefing on Friday.

"The meeting of the BIMSTEC Foreign Minister's on August 10-11 would discuss progress on the implementation of the agenda of action agreed at the leaders' retreat and on all other agreed areas of cooperation in the run-up to the 4th BIMSTEC Summit to be hosted by Bimstec chair, Nepal, later this year," he added.

Highlighting that the BIMSTEC is observing its 20th anniversary this year, Baglay said that it has seen a renewed momentum since the leaders' retreat hosted by India in Goa in October last year.

The meeting of the BIMSTEC foreign ministers is likely to finalise the date for the fourth summit and to assess and review progress made by the grouping.

It will also chart the future course of the organisation whose secretariat is in the Bangladesh capital.

BIMSTEC is an international organisation involving a group of countries in South Asia and South East Asia. These are: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.

The main objective of BIMSTEC is technological and economic co-operation among south Asian and south east Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal.

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Sylvester Stallone is one up against Warner Bros. in the lawsuit over profits from the 1993 science-fiction film 'Demolition Man'.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge rejected the studio's bid to throw out breach of contract and fraud claims.

The actor is also being permitted to bring a potentially big claim that Warner's accounting practices are likely to deceive the public including others in Hollywood with profit participation agreements.

Through his loan-out company Rogue Marble, Stallone filed his lawsuit in April.

The complaint noted, "The motion picture studios are notoriously greedy. This one involves outright and obviously intentional dishonesty perpetrated against an international iconic talent. Here, WB decided it just wasn't going to account to Rogue Marble on the Film. WB just sat on the money owed to Rogue Marble for years and told itself, without any justification, that Rogue Marble was not owed any profits."

According to the lawsuit, Warner Bros. initially asserted that nearly 67 million USD was unrecouped on Demolition Man and therefore, nothing was owed to Stallone, who was to get 15 to 20 per cent of defined profits on the film.

After being challenged, the studio sent Stallone a check for 2.82 million USD, but the actor wasn't satisfied.

What makes Stallone's case provocative besides an A-list actor suing the same studio that distributed 2015's 'Creed,' which earned Stallone an Oscar nomination, is a claim of unfair business practices.

The lawsuit characterises Warner Bros.' conduct as "unscrupulous, unethical and offensive," causing injury to consumers and threatening to harm competition, because other studios have their own agreements with profit participants.

Stallone demanded injunctive relief in the form of "a full accounting, an explanation of how this practice came to be, interest, damages, and an end to this practice for all talent who expect to be paid by WB for the fruits of their labour."

In response to the lawsuit, Warner Bros. challenged the sufficiency of the pleading with a demurrer motion.

At a court hearing on Thursday morning, the judge adopted a tentative ruling.

The judge wrote, "The Court finds that Plaintiff's allegations as to general fraudulent accounting practices are sufficient to state a claim properly encompassing the general public, or at least competitors who stand to be injured by such practices."

Warner Bros. also can't use the statute of limitations at this juncture to beat a breach of contract claim. The studio pointed to the 1992 contract and argued that any violations dated to the 1990s and were time-barred.

The judge disagrees, factoring a complaint alleging breaches over the past few years.

Over the objection of Warner Bros. here, the judge is allowing Stallone's fraud claim to survive as well.

The whole ruling stated, "(1) Warner concealed the profits earned by the subject film, (2) there was a duty to communicate such facts as Warner had exclusive knowledge of such facts or alternatively the subject contract required payment of certain monies given such profits, (3) the concealment was intentional as Warner wished to retain the profits of the subject film for itself, (4) Plaintiff was unaware of the film's profits and would not have idly sat by for years without inquiring into the fees that should have been tendered as a matter of right, and (5) such concealment damaged Plaintiff in that it did not receive the profits due to it contractually. This is sufficient, at the pleadings stage, to state a claim for fraud.

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United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions, while detailing plans to combat leaks of classified information on Friday, said that the administration is reviewing the policies on media subpoenas.

The leaks of the classified information had earlier sparked the anger of President Donald Trump.

Sessions, in a brief speech at the Justice Department, said that he spoke to career employees and, the review work is being carried out at their suggestion.

"We respect the important role that the press plays and will give them respect, but it is not unlimited," Sessions said.

"They cannot place lives at risk with impunity. We must balance their role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in our intelligence community, the armed forces, and all law-abiding Americans," he added.

Sessions further said the Trump administration has "tripled" the number of active leak probes.

"I have this warning for would-be leakers: Don't do it," he said.

The announcement comes after a tense two weeks between Sessions and Trump.

Trump had said Sessions never should have recused himself from the federal probe.

"I want the attorney general to be much tougher on the leaks from intelligence agencies," Trump said calling on increased prosecution of "leaks."

"These are intelligence agencies. We cannot have that happen.

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President Donald Trump has almost decided to sack General John Nicholson as military commander in the region as American troops are not winning the war in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. media reports.

President Trump at a recent White House meeting suggested firing the commander of US forces in Afghanistan Gen Nicholson "because he is not winning the war." US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Joseph Dunford, also attended the July 19 meeting Trump asked them to find a new commander for Afghanistan, according to reports.

General John Nicholson, a highly respected four-star Army general with 35 years experience may become the first high-ranking military officer President Donald Trump decides to fire.

President Trump had become "increasingly frustrated" with the pace of the war in Afghanistan and was upset with the team he had asked to craft a new strategy for winning the war.

New commander will be announced soon but it is not known if he would agree to retire or demand to be fired as General David McKiernan did when Defense Secretary Robert Gates replaced him in 2009 as the Obama administration adopted a new counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan, CNN reported.

Nicholson also pledged to defeat and eliminate the local Afghan branch of ISIS known as ISIS-K, promising to do so by the end of 2017 and even authorised the use of the MOAB bomb, the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the US arsenal.

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US President took to Twitter to praise Toyota and Mazda for announcing a huge investment for setting up a manufacturing plant in the US which will create 4,000 jobs in America.

"Toyota & Mazda to build a new $1.6B plant here in the USA and create 4K new American jobs. A great investment in American manufacturing!," Trump tweeted.

Japanese automakers Toyota Motor Corp and Mazda Motor Corp said that they plan to spend $1.6 billion to set up a joint-venture auto manufacturing plant in the US  a move that will create up to 4,000 jobs.

Trump tweeted "....and don't forget that Foxconn will be spending up to 10 billion dollars on a top of the line plant/plants in Wisconsin."

Trump announced that his administration is working hard on tax reductions and economic reforms, also underlining that consumer confidence is at a 16 year high for a good reason.

In a tweet, Trump said, "Consumer confidence is at a 16 year high....and for good reason. Much more regulation "busting" to come. Working hard on tax cuts & reform!"

Earlier this week, he said the Taiwanese company registered as Hon Hai Precision Industry Ltd. has also informed him "off the record" that the value its project may grow to $30 billion.

"West Virginia was incredible last night. Crowds and enthusiasm were beyond, GDP at 3%, wow!Dem Governor became a Republican last night," Trump said on Twitter.

Japanese automakers Toyota Motor Corp and Mazda Motor Corp joint-venture auto manufacturing plant will have an annual production capacity of about 300,000 vehicles, and will produce Toyota Corollas for the North American market.

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Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi visited flood affected areas in Gujarat, on Friday, where he was also shown black flags by a group of protesters.

Addressing the villagers and the media, Rahul Gandhi said that he was in Assam the other day, Rajasthan on Friday and now in Gujarat.

Amidst his speech, few people waved black flags to which he asked the guards to let them in, and saying, "I don't care."

"It's a difficult and grievous time for all of you and so I wanted to come amongst you all," he said addressing the crowd.

He added that many people lost their loved ones and homes due to floods and so he wanted to meet them to tell them that the Congress Party is standing with the people of Gujarat.

"It is not our government in Delhi or Gujarat, but we are standing here with you, I am standing here with you and we won't back down due to a few black flags," he said.

The Congress vice-president also visited Rajasthan flood affected areas on Friday morning and said that Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje-led Rajasthan Government is not taking adequate steps to provide relief to people of the state who have been affected by floods.

Gandhi, who was Jalore to take stock of the situation, said he received poor response from people of the state as no rehabilitation work is being done, while adding that his party is trying to facilitate masses to the maximum extent it can.

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.

Earlier on Thursday Rahul Gandhi visited flood affected areas at Lakhimpur in Assam and said that Congress Party will pick up the issue and discuss about the flood situation in the Parliament.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) says that 11,93,458 people have in 1,795 villages of 24 districts have been affected by the floods.

As many as 79 people have lost their lives in the devastating floods, eight of them from Guwahati.

Assam has been dealing with heavy floods since mid-July.

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At meeting held on 04 August 2017

The Board of Fortis Healthcare at its meeting held on 04 August 2017 has given in-principle approval to enable the Company for raising of funds upto Rs. 5000 crore, subject to the approval of the shareholders and other regulatory approvals. The Board also approved recommendation for appointment of Harpal Singh, Director of the Company. The Board also approved convening of AGM on 26 September 2017.

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On 16 September 2017

Gujarat State Fertilizers& Chemicals announced that the 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company will be held on 16 September 2017.

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Sales rise 19.22% to Rs 53384.84 crore

Net profit of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation declined 55.93% to Rs 924.75 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 2098.38 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016. Sales rose 19.22% to Rs 53384.84 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 44779.25 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016.53384.8444779.253.058.092055.353762.611388.303151.77924.752098.38

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India is not just following but setting best practices in many areas in terms of New Telecom Policy 2018, Ms Aruna Sundararajan, chairperson, Telecom Commission and secretary, Department of Telecommunications said at an ASSOCHAM event.

I think as we go in to the New Telecom Policy, we must remember, is part of a much larger vision that the PM and the government have articulated for India because India is attempting to do nothing short of charting a new digital strategy for growth, said Ms Sundararajan.

This is something where India is in many areas is actually ahead of the rest of the world, said the Telecom secretary.

She also said that NTP is going to be a key building block in achieving the vision to grow at about 10 per cent from current rate of about 7.6 per cent.

What is the set of policies that need to be put in place for us to be able to make that transition that is the larger question, said Ms Sundararajan.

She further said that while telecom which contributes about 6.5 per cent to the GDP (gross domestic product) is a huge market which is still tremendously under-penetrated and there is indeed scope to go up significantly.

But if we look at the larger digital pie as part of India's GDP, today Digital India contributes about 16.5 per cent to the GDP, which is absolutely not trivial from any perspective and it is expected that this may go up to 25 per cent, she said.

Talking about the trillion dollar digital economy, she said that it is almost 25 per cent of India's GDP which we are hoping will be enabled directly by these two sectors - telecom and IT.

Of the two, telecom is the underlying platform on which digital growth can happen, so it is extremely important to get the policy on this absolutely right said Ms Sundararajan.

She also said that providing affordable and quality internet and broadband for all must be the vision, so that every India is enabled to join the economic, political and social mainstream.

Thus it is important to ensure that the requisite investments flow in the telecom sector over next 10-15 years.

For this she said it is also imperative to ensure a viable rate of return for industry, progress towards harnessing new technologies, spur innovation, build deep competencies, and accelerate domestic manufacturing and robust cyber security.

Hailing the very progressive and substantive reforms ushered in by the present government in the telecom sector over the last three years, she said For the first time India now has spectrum available, so that operators are able to step up service and coverage, there have been whole lot of initiatives around ease of doing business, trading, spectrum harmonisation, a number of measures have been taken, on BharatNet there has been very substantive progress, we have already reached optic fibre to one lakh Gram Panchayats and by the end of the year we hope that these Gram Panchayats will actually start delivering services and be lit.

Adding that on all these fronts, there has been good progress, Ms Sundararajan said, We see the new NTP as part of continuing ease of doing business, of building a Digital India towards achieving the larger vision of a prosperous India.

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Ingersoll-Rand (India) rose 1.53% to Rs 844.90 at 14:53 IST on BSE on bargain hunting after a recent slide.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 27.59 points, or 0.09% to 32,265.47.

On the BSE, 3,995 shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volumes of 3,645 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 849.95 and a low of Rs 811 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 940 on 3 May 2017. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 645 on 31 January 2017.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 3 August 2017, falling 4.54% compared with 3.18% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, falling 5.86% as against Sensex's 7.97% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one year, rising 10.84% as against Sensex's 16.32% rise.

The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 31.57 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

The recent slide was triggered by the company's weak Q1 June 2017 results. Ingersoll-Rand (India)'s net profit fell 14.2% to Rs 13.53 crore on 1.5% decline in net sales to Rs 147.01 crore in Q1 June 2017 over Q1 June 2016.

The result was announced after market hours on Wednesday, 2 August 2017. The stock fell 2.80% to settle at Rs 832.15 yesterday, 3 August 2017. The stock fell 4.72% in two trading sessions to Rs 832.15 yesterday, 3 August 2017, from its close of Rs 873.40 on 1 August 2017.

Ingersoll-Rand (India) is primarily engaged in the business of manufacturing and sale of industrial air compressors of various capacities and related services, and its complete machines and spare parts.

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JBF Industries rose 1.30% to Rs 195.30 at 10:10 IST on BSE after the company said its board will meet on 10 August 2017 to consider selling overseas subsidiaries to reduce debt.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 3 August 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 49.65 points, or 0.15% to 32,188.23.

On the BSE, 16,000 shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volumes of 30,175 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 198.30 and a low of Rs 193 so far during the day. The stock hit a record high of Rs 326 on 22 June 2017. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 185.90 on 22 November 2016.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 3 August 2017, falling 29.09% compared with 3.18% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, falling 30.61% as against Sensex's 7.97% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one year, falling 6.79% as against Sensex's 16.32% rise.

The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 81.87 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

JBF Industries informed that the board of directors will discuss the sale or restructure or reorganisation of the overseas subsidiaries of the company for the reduction in debt exposure of the company in their meeting to be held on 10 August 2017.

The company also informed that domestic plants in India at Sarigam and Silvassa for producing polyester chips, yarns and texturised Yarns are operating in normalcy. The work at the PTA plant in Mangalore is continuing as per schedule and is expected to re-commission within the first half of financial year 2017-2018. This plant is being setup with the latest technology of British Petroleum and will be having a capacity of 1.25 million tons per annum.

Net profit of JBF Industries declined 41.9% to Rs 11.14 crore on 7.7% rise in net sales to Rs 1069.92 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016.

JBF Industries is a manufacturer of polyester value chain products. The company is one of the largest polyester chips and yarn manufacturers in India and around 75% of the total domestic sales of the company find applications in the textile segment.

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Sales decline 2.31% to Rs 235.53 crore

Net profit of Monsanto India declined 5.09% to Rs 54.48 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 57.40 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016. Sales declined 2.31% to Rs 235.53 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 241.09 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016.235.53241.0924.3625.4861.8763.5659.5461.4354.4857.40

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A small batch of 132 pilgrims left Jammu on Friday for the Kashmir Valley to perform the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, officials said.

"The pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 2.55 a.m. in an escorted convoy of five vehicles," officials said.

S.D. Singh Jamwal, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu zone, said the last batch of pilgrims will be allowed to leave Jammu for the Kashmir Valley on August 5 and after that, no pilgrim would be allowed to proceed to the valley as the annual is concluding on August 7.

This year's 40-day long Yatra started on June 29 and will conclude on August 7 on Shravan Purnima coinciding with Raksha Bandhan festival.

The conclusion of the Yatra will be marked by the arrival of the 'Chhari Mubarak' (Holy Mace) at the cave shrine in the morning of August 7 after which t he final 'Puja' will be offered inside the shrine.

Situated at 3,888 metres above the sea-level in the Himalayas, the cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the size of the visible moon.

Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The cave is approached by pilgrims either through the 46-km long trad itional Pahalagam-Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Panchtarni trek or through the 14-km long Baltal-Dumail trek.

Helicopter services are also available for the pilgrims both at Baltal and Pahalgam. Till Thursday evening, 2,57,589 pilgrims had 'darshan' inside the cave shrine.

Last year only, 2.30 lakh pilgrims performed the Yatra. This year, 48 pilgrims have lost their lives during the Yatra.

Of these, 17 died in a road accident, eight were killed in a terror attacked while 23 died of natural causes.

Over 35,000 security personnel drawn from the army, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and state police have been deployed for this year's Yatra.
At least seven children were killed in US-led airstrikes in Syria's Raqqa city, the de facto capital of Islamic State (IS) militant group, the media reported on Friday.

The airstrikes targeted several residential areas in Raqqa overnight, leaving many people wounded and destroying their houses, Xinhua quoted media reports.

The US-led coalition has carried out 44 raids over the past 48 hours, targeting residential areas.

The government said the Washington-led coalition had been formed "illegitimately... under the pretext of fighting terrorism, while the coalition attacks infrastructure and commits massacres".

Citing the falling of victims on daily basis, the Syrian Foreign Ministry earlier this week urged the UN to dissolve the coalition that started its operation in the country in 2014.

Recently, the coalition surged its strikes on Raqqa as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are on a crushing offensive to drive the IS out of its main stronghold in Syria.

The SDF has been making strides in the battles against IS in Raqqa, whose countryside is also subject to a military offensive by the government forces.

Raqqa is a major stronghold of the IS, but the battle to eradicate the UN designated terror group, will not be easy with recent reports suggesting the IS was in possession of chemical weapons inside that city.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the IS would likely use such weapons should the SDF further advance into Raqqa.

--IANS

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The UK after Theresa May's self-imposed " General Election" reveals a stalemated society and politics, deeply divided between those who support and those who passionately reject the decision to leave the EU. Voting to leave was much easier than actually leaving. Political analysts are now talking of a "fuzzy Brexit", representing a constructive ambiguity where the UK tries to "muddle through" and stay within Europe while leaving the EU.

Insiders argue that this would imply a much longer transitional period, with the UK remaining inside the EU Customs Union in a modified form and a compromise agreement on its contribution to the EU budget. Some form of continuing jurisdiction by the European Court of Justice could also be part of this emerging deal.

With Prime Minister May away on a three-week vacation, there appears to be a power shift away from her head by Chancellor Philip Hammond. A cabinet source revealed a "broad consensus" on seeking an off-the-shelf transition deal -- effectively maintaining the status quo for around three years after Brexit, beyond March 2019. Informal sources point to a huge movement within the cabinet in favour of a substantial transition period, a direct fallout of the recent election which ministers interpret as a failure to endorse May's plan for a hard .

Hammond confirmed to BBC that the UK's relationship with the EU could look "similar in many ways" until 2022 - despite formally leaving the bloc in 2019. A majority of cabinet ministers confirmed they were comfortable with a lengthy transitional period of around three years, with continued free movement of people, single-market access, a customs union arrangement and potentially oversight from a supranational tribunal structure. Even more interesting was Home Secretary Amber Rudd's announcement that EU nationals would be free to come to the UK during the transition period as long as they register with the authorities. This is totally at variance with Teresa May's public statements on this issue.

Labour Party leaders were quick to respond. Chuka Umunna, Labour MP and leading member of the "Open Britain" campaign group, said it was "refreshing to hear government ministers facing up to the realities of at last" and acknowledged the Chancellor and Home Secretary had "brought a welcome dose of reality to the Brexit debate".

George Osborne, former Chancellor and now editor of the Evening Standard, appeared to take Hammond's interview as a vindication of his own position from June that May's government needs the "political equivalent of the cold shower" and a "realistic assessment of Britain's approach to the Brexit talks".

London's popular and charismatic Mayor Sadiq Khan quickly noted that the Brexit referendum result could be "trumped" if Labour used its next general election manifesto to commit to not leaving the EU, or to hold a second referendum on withdrawal. In a pointed intervention after days of conflicting signals on Brexit from senior Labour figures, Khan insisted he was an "optimist" about the chances of the UK staying in the EU. Labour had been accused of an incoherent policy on Brexit after leader Jeremy Corbyn insisted the party wanted the UK to leave the EU single market while shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said nothing was off the table.

The chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier was continuing to pressure the UK Government along with the European Parliament's chief Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt. British negotiators would need to demonstrate major progress on the paramount issue of citizens' rights. If they fail to do so, Verhofstadt would recommend to the European Council that negotiations on Brexit should not enter phase two relating to Britain's future relationship with the EU.

Verhofstadt underlined: "I am adamant that the European Parliament, as the directly elected body representing European citizens, will also provide its assessment to the Council, via the adoption of a parliamentary resolution, about whether or not we can go into phase two. Our voice will be heard." His comments are significant. It is clear that British negotiators would be required to satisfy the interests of the European Parliament on the complex issue of citizens' rights, as the institution will provide a separate assessment on progress, creating another potential hurdle for Brexit talks.

His intervention follows reports that Barnier had warned that talks on a future trade deal could be stalled due to lack of progress on the highly contentious issue of a financial settlement with the UK - often referred to as the so-called "divorce bill". Speculation has placed the financial settlement as high as 100 billion euros (89 billion pounds).

What are the stakes for India in this backdrop of intense speculation on the impact of Brexit on India-EU business relations as well as on the India-UK partnership? It is generally agreed that with 72.5 billion euros of India-EU trade and 19.4 billion euros of India-UK trade at stake, all partners needed to think through this issue carefully in the business and commercial context. The Indian position was best summarised by a leading industrialist, Shishir Bajoria, Chairman of the Bajoria Group, who noted: "We have 800 million young Indians who need jobs. We will trade with the UK, Brexit or no Brexit. And we will trade with the EU, Brexit or no Brexit."

Clearly, this is a narrative still in the making with high stakes for all -- India, the UK and Europe. If responses are based only on national security templates, the global economy risks being seriously impacted. In the event of a harmful deal, harmful to either side, or no deal, the repercussions will be global, not national. Brussels will be blamed as much as London. As David Goodhart (author of "The Road to Somewhere: The Populist Revolt and the Future of Politics") recently commented to the New York Times: "May be it is Europe's 'true-believers' who need to embrace the spirit of constructive ambiguity."
With the Election Commission (EC) likely to announce anytime now the date for the by-election to the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat in Punjab, which fell vacant in April following the passing away of veteran actor Vinod Khanna due to cancer, it could be a tough fight between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state's ruling Congress -- with the AAP playing the spoiler.

The BJP, which is the party in power at the centre, has made the first move by announcing the appointment of poll in-charges for the nine assembly constituencies falling under the Gurdaspur parliamentary seat that Khanna held from 1998 to 2004 and then from 2014 till his demise.

"Punjab BJP president (and union minister) Vijay Sampla has asked all the poll incharges to rush to their respective constituencies and start working towards the victory of the BJP in the forthcoming LS bypoll," BJP state secretary Vineet Joshi told IANS.

The Congress, fresh from its emphatic win in the Punjab assembly elections in March, cannot easily let the seat, which it held from 2009 to 2014, go back to the BJP easily. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will have a lot riding on this bypoll, especially after the Congress won the by-election in the neighbouring Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency, which Amarinder had quit in last November, in March.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which made its presence felt in the assembly polls and emerged and the single largest party with 20 seats in the 117-member house, is also likely to field its own candidate. The ascendance of the AAP could be a spoiler for the plans of the BJP, which has an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab, and the Congress for a direct fight.

As of now, none of the parties have any big name that is sure to be fielded for the by-election. While several aspirants in all three parties are vying to get the respective party tickets, the race will intensify after the poll panel announces the election date.

In the BJP, Vinod Khanna's widow, Kavita Khanna, who has looked after the constituency during his hospitalisation and absence from the constituency, is a claimant for the seat. Mumbai-based millionaire businessman Swaran Salaria, who has tried for the ticket on this seat earlier also, is again in contention. Other names being mentioned in BJP circles are that of party legislator Dinesh Singh Babbu and former state BJP president Ashwini Sharma.

In the Congress, the names doing rounds are that of a family member of Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pratap Singh Bajwa, legislator Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Ashwini Sekhri and former Union Minister Ashwini Kumar.

Amarinder Singh, who led the party to victory in the assembly polls after being out of power for a decade, is likely to have a big say in the selection of the Congress candidate.

Khanna, a Punjabi who was born in Peshawar (now in Pakistan), remained popular in the constituency despite accusations from his opponents that he remained absent from the area most of the time. He had stormed the Congress bastion on his electoral debut in 1998, defeating five-time Congress MP Sukhbans Kaur Bhinder.

(Jaideep Sarin can be contacted at jaideep.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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Air France will expand its no-flyover zone around North Korea after concerns a missile test crossed a plane's flight path, the media reported.

On Thursday, the French flag carrier said the move was being taken as a "precautionary measure" after a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) splashed down near the route being taken by Air France flight 293 from Tokyo to Paris on July 28, reports CNN.

"The information available to Air France at this stage indicates that the missile could have fallen into the sea at more than 100 km from the airplane's trajectory. Even if this distance was proven, it would not question the safety of the flight," airline spokesman Cedric Landais said.

The Air France flight, which had 332 people on board, passed just east of where the ICBM splashed down in the Sea of Japan roughly five to 10 minutes prior to the missile impacting the water, CNN reported.

At the time of the splashdown, the Air France flight was approximately 60 to 70 miles north of where the missile landed, according to a review of flight data.

In a statement on Thursday, Air France reiterated that the flight was "operated in accordance with the flight plan and without any reported incident".

"At this stage, as a precautionary measure, the company has decided to expand the non-flyover area around North Korea, a country that it does not overfly."

It also said that it "constantly analyses potentially dangerous flyover zones and adapts its flight plans accordingly".

North Korea has ramped up its missile testing program this year and the missile launched on July 28 appeared to have the range to hit major US cities.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US on Friday said Al-Shabaab militant Ali Mohamed Hussein alias Ali Jabal was killed in drone strikes by American and Somalia forces in southern region.

The US Africa Command (Africom) said it conducted the operation on July 31 in coordination with its regional partners as a direct response to Al-Shabaab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces, Xinhua reported.

"There were no civilian casualties from this strike," Africom said in a statement.

The military said the strike was conducted within the parameters of the proposal approved by President Donald Trump in March, which allows the US Department of Defense to conduct lethal action against Al-Shabaab within a geographically-defined area of hostilities in support of partner forces.

Ali Jabal was responsible for leading Al-Shabaab forces in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks.

He used the Lower Shabelle Region of Somalia, a known Al-Shabaab safe haven, as a hub for these activities.

The Al-Shabaab also conducted numerous attacks against the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia members in the region.

His removal disrupts the Al-Qaeda allied group's ability to plan and conduct attacks in Mogadishu and coordinate efforts between Al-Shabaab regional commanders.

--IANS

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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed on Friday that the Islamic State (IS) terror group was behind a sophisticated plan to smuggle an explosive device onto a passenger aircraft at the Sydney airport.

The four suspects arrested on July 29 reportedly hid a bomb inside a meat grinder to be checked in onto a July 15 Etihad Airways flight, reports Efe news.

However, the plan was aborted before the luggage went through the airport's security control, AFP Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan said in a press conference.

The suspects disassembled the device and then resorted to a second plan to assemble a chemical dispersion bomb with hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic gas that can be fatal for those exposed to it.

Phelan described the plot as "one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil," and praised intelligence agencies for their role in preventing the attack.

The deputy commissioner added that the explosive components were sent from Turkey and assembled in Australia with help from experts from the extremist group.

Two weeks after thwarting the terror plot, police detained the four people, one of whom was later released without charge.

Khaled Khayat, 49, and Mahmoud Khayat, 32, were both charged Thursday night with two terrorism-related offences, while another man remains in custody.

Authorities found chemical substances and other components reportedly being used to assemble another device during raids on several properties around Sydney. However, police said there were no concrete plans for when and where the device would be used once completed.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said authorities would lower the terror alert at airports from "probable" to "possible".

However authorities plan to extend security measures to prevent any future attacks on passenger flights.

Australia raised its terror alert in September 2014 and has passed a series of anti-terrorist laws to prevent attacks on its territory.

Since then, the country has suffered four violent attacks, disrupted 12 other terrorist plots and detained 70 people in 31 operations.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bhopal is set to host the India-Asean Youth Summit from August 14 to 19, Public Relations and Water Resources Minister Narottam Mishra said here on Saturday.

The summit will be inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh.

The inauguration will also be attended by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel apart from Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, who will deliver a lecture, while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be present for the concluding session, he said.

"The summit will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," said Mishra.

--IANS

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After the Chamber of Deputies voted to dismiss charges against President Michel Temer for corruption, the government is focusing on social security reform, Brazil's Chief of Staff Eliseu Padilha has said.

Padilha on Thursday said the measure is necessary to ensure the security of Brazil's accounts.

"Brazil's accounts cannot get completely out of hand. We must resume and finish the social security reform," he told the G1 news site, Xinhua reported.

The House voted on Wednesday to dismiss the charges of corruption against President Temer, by 263 votes against 227. The victory was solid but not impressive, and certain representatives from Temer's own PMDB party, and other allies, voted in favour of a trial.

Now, the government is seeking a political win and wants a vote on social security reform as soon as possible. The reform has been one of Temer's pet projects, but the government has more pragmatic reasons to seek the approval sooner than later.

The President still can be charged with obstruction of justice, which would lead to a new vote in the House to admit the charges, further delaying approval of the reform.

In addition, the social security reform is a constitutional amendment and requires a two-thirds majority in Congress to be approved. This may be difficult to obtain at a time when Temer and his government have a approval rating of just 5 per cent.

The reform itself is also controversial. While the government states Brazil has a yawning social security deficit, which needs reform to honor future pensions, critics have dismissed this as a lie.

The Opposition claims the numbers presented by the administration do not take into consideration extra sources of funding, which actually mean social security has a surplus, not a deficit.

In addition, critics say the reform will make it harder for Brazilians to retire, especially poor workers from sectors such as agriculture and construction, who currently enjoy lower retirement ages.

--IANS

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The Chinese government is sending humanitarian aid to Myanmar to prevent the spread of the H1N1 influenza, the Ministry of Commerce has said.

The ministry will work with other government departments to offer disease control supplies that Myanmar is in urgent need of in the shortest time possible, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday.

Since July 21, the outbreak of H1N1 flu in Myanmar has caused 13 deaths.

Myanmar's parliamentarians have put forward a motion urging the government to carry out an extensive awareness campaign against the spread of the epidemic.

--IANS

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Condemning the attack on party Vice President Rahul Gandhi's car in Banaskantha in Gujarat, the Congress on Friday said that "violence and physical attack have become BJP's culture".

In a series of tweets, Congress spokseperson Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged the attack was an organised act by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists.

"BJP goons attack Congress Vice President Rahulji's car in Lal Chowk, Dhanera, Banaskanta, Gujarat. Disgusting and disgraceful," said Surjewala on his Twitter page.

"With 218 deaths in Gujarat, 61 in Bansakanta alone, Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) only does an aerial visit while CM takes five days to visit. BJP only attacks opposition," he wrote attaching pictures of broken windowpanes of Gandhi's car.

Surjewala said: "Windowpanes of Congress Vice President's car broken in an organised attack by goons, security staff injured. BJP must know truth can't be silenced."

"Violence and physical attack have become BJP's culture. Congress and Rahulji get more determined to raise people's voice after every attack," he said.

Rahul Gandhi on Friday faced hostile black flag-waving crowds shouting slogans in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tour of flood-hit Dhanera town in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, forcing him to beat a hasty retreat.

--IANS

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Indian filmmakers are living in "absurd and scary" times, given how they don't know what the "rules" really are, says Vikramaditya Motwane, who is one-fourth of the Phantom Films banner that produced the controversial "Udta Punjab".

"I worry about curbing of ideas... not so much about what you can make or what you cannot, because you don't know what the rules are. I understand the 'no smoking or drinking on screen', but rest of the time, I don't know what the rules are.

"You can't take sexual stories, you can't tell political stories... it's so vague. It's such a vague box, and that's scary. It sets censorship on a scary level. It reeks of fear," Motwane, who has directed "Udaan", "Lootera" and "Trapped", told IANS during a tete-a-tete here.

Stories of the Hindi film industry's run-ins with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) have become an almost regular feature. Whether it was "Udta Punjab" and "Haraamkhor" or the latest "Lipstick Under My Burkha", "Indu Sarkar" and now "Babumoshai Bandookbaaz".

Sometimes the issue is about the words used, sometimes it's a reference to a politician or a place, sometimes it is about a story being too women-oriented and at times, the language is too vulgar.

Motwane does not agree with some of the censor board's disagreements.

"What I don't get is the 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' and 'Udta Punjab' kind of stuff... What do you mean by, 'You can't take a politician's name, can't say MP, police... it's absurd and scary. When you curb people's expressions on those lines, that's scary. It's scary because then what kind of stories are you going to tell?

"After all that, 'Udta Punjab' came... What happened? Did any controversy happen? People went and saw it peacefully... so what's the big deal? 'Lipstick...' has come uncut, and it's perfectly fine. Nobody is getting up and saying, 'Ye kya vaahiyaad picture hai (What a horrible film this is)'.... So, what is the big deal that you (CBFC members) have been making?

"Those things anger me."

Motwane, along with Anurag Kashyap, Madhu Mantena and Vikas Bahl, makes up Phantom Films that has also made films like "Queen", "NH10", "Masaan", "Hunterrr" and "Ugly".

He says the current scenario will lead to a time when filmmakers will start making "self-censored stuff right from the beginning".

"It's kind of pointless," rued Motwane, adding how "the whole point of filmmaking is to be expressive and tell a story for what it is, and be a window to the world".

But he says not having "explicit freedom of expression that allows us to say what we want is a constitutional problem... not so much a problem of filmmaking".

"Those are archaic British laws, and we have kept them because they are convenient to the government."

The censorship of films in India is governed by the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Recommendations to revamp the censorship process, made by a panel led by veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, were submitted to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting last year. But the wait for its implementation continues.

Motwane spoke to IANS at the Word To Screen, Publishers Bootcamp by Jio MAMI here last week.

(Radhika Bhirani can be contacted at radhika.b@ians.in)

--IANS

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Ironic as it may read but a cybersecurity researcher who was hailed as a hero after he discovered a 'kill switch' that put brakes on the fast-spreading 'WannaCry" ransomware in May has been arrested in the US for cyber fraud.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested 23-year-old Briton Marcus Hutchins, who runs a security blog called MalwareTech, in Las Vegas for "his role in creating and distributing the Kronos banking trojan virus", a Department of Justice spokesperson was quoted as saying in media reports late on Thursday.

According to a report in Los Angels Times, Hutchins is described as "having created, maintained and marketed the Kronos banking Trojan from July 2014 to July 2015".

The trojan virus stole credentials and personal information and put malicious code on victims' computers.

The Eastern District of Wisconsin returned a six-count indictment against Hutchins on July 12. It was unsealed at the time of his arrest.

Hutchins was regarded a hero when he helped slow the spread of ransomware called "WannaCry" that was locking files on computers around the world and unlocking them for a ransom of $300.

Hundreds of thousands of computers were infected with the malware. The damage forced some hospitals in the UK to turn patients away, and crippled businesses worldwide.

Hutchins, who is also malware researcher at the Kryptos Logic security firm, created a 'kill switch' that prevented the spread of the virus.

Hutchins' arrest as he was attending a hackers' conference in Las Vegas has stirred a fierce debate on social media with his defenders saying that "law enforcement may have misinterpreted actions Hutchins took to find a way to protect against Kronos".

Kronos was first made available online in early 2014, including on AlphaBay -- a secret marketplace for buying drugs and other illicit items.

"FireEye observed Kronos being advertised on an established Russian cyber criminal forum by the actor "VinnyK" in June 2014. Kronos has been used in a variety of malicious activities and infected diverse organisations," John Miller, Senior Manager of Analysis, FireEye, told IANS.

The allegations that the author of this malware has been arrested could discourage malicious actors from continuing to use it," Miller added.

According to media reports, Hutchins may have been unmasked during the AlphaBay investigation.

"When federal agents took down the service, they came into possession of its electronic records and may have been able to trace who was behind Kronos' creation," the report said.

--IANS

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Firefighters on Friday continued to put out a massive forest blaze in Spain's Galicia region, local authorities said.

According to the authorities in Spain's verdant Galicia region, some 2,965 acres of land has been scorched by the inferno since it broke out on Thursday afternoon in the mountainous countryside close to the small city of Verin, located near the Portuguese border, reports Efe news.

A senior regional officer said the fire appeared to have been deliberately started and added: "It began in a perfect area for it to spread a lot, on a slope and exposed to the wind in a zone, furthermore, full of impressive areas of reforested pine and chestnut trees."

Although a high-alert status was in place over the affected area, the officer insisted that the fire did not pose a threat to nearby settlements.

Around 400 people have been deployed to tackle the blaze, with added support from 12 water-dropping helicopters and seven specialised airplanes.

High summer temperatures in Spain and Portugal provide the ideal atmosphere for forest fires.

A huge blaze that engulfed Portugal's Pedrogao Grande area in June killed 64 people, many of whom lost their lives as they tried to escape the hellish flames in their vehicles.

--IANS

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With India, the US and China forming a "very combustible mixture right now", the fate of the ongoing Doklam standoff would largely depend upon events in the South China Sea, noted commentator on international affairs, Meghnad Desai has said.

If a war is to break out in the two theatres, which he predicted will begin very soon, it will see the US and India on one side and China on the other.

Desai, a Labour Peer in the British House of Lords, did not consider the Doklam standoff a mere India-China issue but rather equated it to the geo-political tensions across the globe, primarily in the South China Sea.

"Even today, nobody is contemplating that the whole Doklam thing could break anytime. We could be in a full scale war with China within a month. At that stage it will not be controllable. It may come as a surprise, but that is when the defence co-operation of India (with various countries) will bear fruit," Desai told IANS in an interview.

But is a war really likely to break out?

"I am not a jyotisi (astrologer). I cannot say what day or date but I think at this time it is very likely that we will be in a state of full-scale war with China very soon. And mind you, on several fronts, not just Doklam. It is just one frontier, they will start from all places, across the northern Himalayas," Desai, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, claimed.

He said that India and the US have an "implicit defence relationship" and that the two countries can safely rely on each other. When asked specifically on the expected reaction of the United States in case there is a war between India and China and whether Washington would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with India, Desai responded: "Absolutely".

"Ultimately, you have to understand that India cannot stand up to China without American help and support. America cannot stand up to China without Indian help. That is the symmetry in this relationship," he elaborated.

Desai maintained that "China is the central problem" in the way the American vision is constructed. When asked about the possibility of any backchannel discussions with the US on the Doklam standoff, Desai said that there were not just backchannel negotiations in play but it was being dealt with at the highest level by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who talk directly to each other.

"All things that follow now will have a lot to do with what happens in the South China Sea. The US has sent out enough signals. If there is war, it will be a US-China war, with India on the US side, in the South China Sea and in the Himalayas. This trio is a very combustible mixture right now," he contended.

He said that it is important to understand the Chinese thought process because they are "much more nationalistic, militaristic and aggressive" this time.

"I am sure we are not told everything that is going on. But my worry is even though India will not openly become militaristic but have we got the preparedness for it? We may have things in place. I just wish and hope that we are prepared for a very tough war which may last for a long time," he predicted.

Desai also suggested that India should not make the mistake of equating the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) with the Pakistani Army.

"I think, from past experience, we always assume that we are well prepared but you will be fighting one of the finest armies in the world. It is a very powerful army and I think they also have (much) training in mountain warfare. So, according to me, it will be a very tough fight for India. Don't be mistaken that this will be easy. It is not Pakistan. The Pakistani Army is the same set of people. They come from the same army traditions and they have the same thinking but the Chinese are very different," he reiterated.

Desai also expressed his disappointment over "the lack of talent on the top" of the ruling NDA government. "Arun Jaitley is a very good friend of mine but you can't have a person handling both the finance and the defence ministries," he said and suggested that it is perhaps high time that the defence ministry was again made an exclusive portfolio, so that the concerned minister could focus entirely on it.

The Doklam stand-off began in mid-June near the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan when Indian troops moved in to prevent China from constructing a road on Bhutanese territory on the Doklam plateau. China claims the Doklam plateau is a part of South Tibet.

Earlier this week, China claimed India had partially withdrawn its troops, which New Delhi firmly denied.

(Saket Suman can be contacted at saket.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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The Bharat 22 exchange traded fund (ETF), comprising of 22 companies, or investments from central public sector undertakings, public sector banks and some other strategic holdings, will be launched, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday.

--IANS

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The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) on Friday commemorated the 18th anniversary of Kargil Diwas by organising a patriotic song competition for schools here, an official said on Friday.

The 'Battle of Bands -- a musical tribute to our soldiers', where six school teams competed in singing patriotic songs, was organised by SAM Workshops -- a cultural arm of Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS).

The not-for-profit 'spiritual' organisation has been associated with IIMC for a long time and has conducted several cultural programmes in the institution in the past, IIMC official Vishnupriya Pandey told IANS here.

IIMC Director-General K.G. Suresh and General G.D. Bakshi addressed the gathering before the even began, Pandey said.

However, a student from the institute told IANS that Gen. Bakshi could not attend the event and Colonal V.N. Thapar, father of Kargil martyr Captain Vijayant Thapar, addressed the gathering instead.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) located near the institution had in July taken out a march on its campus in memory of and tribute to the Kargil martyrs.

The event was in headlines for JNU Vice Chancellor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar's demand for installing a decommissioned tank on the campus to instill patriotic fervour among students.

--IANS

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Aiming to prevent deaths caused by rabbies and snake bites, the Central Government is implementing the National Rabies Programme, and has directed states to procure anti-snake venom serum under National Health Mission (NHM), parliament was told on Friday.

"For prevention of deaths due to rabies, Government is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme in the country. States have also been asked to procure anti-snake venom serum under NHM," Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

In 2016, 1,064 people died of snake bites in India, while 86 people died of rabbies.

West Bengal reported the highest deaths by both snake bites and rabbies - 138 and 47 respectively.

Rabies is transmitted to the humans following bite of animals like dogs, cats, monkeys, mongoose, and so on infected by rabies virus.

"The states are asked to organise training of health professional on animal bite management and ID route of anti-rabies vaccination, communication activities for community awareness on do's and don'ts in the event of animal bite, strengthening surveillance of human rabies and strengthening lab diagnostics for rabies," said Patel.

--IANS

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Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller has issued grand jury subpoenas related to Donald Trump Jr.'s 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer, the media reported.

The subpoena seeks both documents and testimony from people involved in the meeting last july at the Trump Tower in Manhattan, CNN quoted a person familiar with the matter as saying on Thursday night.

The meeting has drawn scrutiny since an email exchange beforehand indicated the Russians offered damaging information on former presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to the President, said he was not aware that Mueller had started using a new grand jury.

"Grand jury matters are typically secret," Cobb said.

"The White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly... The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mueller."

In May, CNN reported that federal prosecutors had issued grand jury subpoenas to some associates of former national security adviser Michael Flynn as part of the ongoing probe into the alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Mueller took over that investigation in mid-May.

Earlier on Thursday, the US Senate introduced two separate cross-party bills designed to limit the Trump administration's ability to fire Mueller, reports the BBC.

The measures were submitted amid concern that the President might dismiss Mueller, as he fired former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey in May, citing the Russia inquiry in his decision.

--IANS

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The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following a spat between BJP and Congress members after a ruling party member made hawala allegations against the Congress.

The lower house, which saw peaceful proceedigns through the day, and also passed a bill, was taking up the Zero Hour when BJP member Kirit Somaiya raised the issue of an alleged hawala operator and claimed that he had nexus with the Congress.

Somaiya claimed that payments worth Rs 4 crore made by a hawala operator had allegedly reached the Congress headquarters.

This led to objections from the Congress benches, while Somaiya was supported by his party members.

As the ruling and opposition members sparred, amid the din Somaiya demanded that the Congress explain where the money came from.

As the din continued, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the house for the day.

--IANS

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US Senator John McCain has cast doubt on a Trump administration-backed bill that would clamp down on legal immigration and establish a merit-based immigration system.

In an interview with the Arizona Republic on Thursday, the Republican said he is not opposed to promoting such skills-based immigration, but voiced concern about how the measure could affect farm labour and other low-skilled work.

"I think you have to consider that we do want high-tech people, but we also need low-skilled people who will do work that Americans won't do," he said. "I wouldn't do it. Even in my misspent youth, I wouldn't do it."

President Donald Trump threw his support behind a measure proposed by Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue on Wednesday. The legislation would establish a system by which prospective immigrants are judged by their median salary, education level, ability to speak English and whether their skills are in economic demand.

McCain also said he's ready to revive a comprehensive immigration reform effort aimed at providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants living in the US, the Hill magazine reported.

He said he raised the idea with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer before heading back to his home state this week to begin cancer treatment.

"Immigration reform is one of the issues I'd like to see resolved," McCain told the Arizona Republic. "I've got to talk to him (Schumer) about when would be the best time."

McCain also voiced scepticism about Trump's proposed border wall, saying that the structure would be unlikely to stymie illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the US-Mexico border.

He said border security should rely more heavily on surveillance technologies, like drones.

"I'm not against a border wall, okay, but go to China and you'll see a border wall there," he said. "We need technology, we need drones, we need surveillance capabilities and we need rapid-reaction capabilities."

McCain also criticised Trump's recent staffing changes, saying that "he can't just keep firing everybody".

Due to the senator's open and clear criticism of the President, McCain and Trump have had a tumultuous relationship, CBS News reported.

"I will do everything in my power to work with this President... But there might come a time when I have to say 'I can't work with you'."

--IANS

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday stressed upon the need to open more historic routes across the Line of Control (LoC) to facilitate people's movement.

Interacting here with a visiting delegation from Muzaffarabad and adjoining areas, she said dialogue, reconciliation and economic development in the region would bring an end to violence.

Mufti said she has been demanding opening of all historic routes across the LoC that can get the state on the threshold of prosperity and economic affluence besides sending across the message of peace, coexistence and amity between India and Pakistan.

She said connecting people and regions with more routes and other positive activities is her mission.

Mehbooba Mufti said it was unfortunate that violence and acrimony have taken over the discourse between the two countries due to which activity on these positive ideas has slowed down.

She, however, expressed optimism that this negativity would ultimately fade and these positive initiatives would take the centre-stage.

Mufti said the present phase of Confidence-Building Measures need to be taken to next level where the points of convergence between the two people become much more pronounced and the lines dividing them become irrelevant forever.

The Chief Minister stressed on frequent cultural exchanges between youths, institutions, groups and communities on the two sides of the LoC and added that cultural exchanges have proved instrumental in bringing people and societies closer.

Mufti said she would like the new generation to take a lead in this.

"If we open up educational institutes for each other's students where they can benefit from the facilities and advancements made so far, it would help a great deal," she said.

Besides, she flagged areas like tourism, disaster management, agriculture, climate change etc. where expertise and difficulties can be exchanged to achieve better results.

Mehbooba Mufti informed the visiting delegation that Shardha Peeth, on a bank of the Neelam river the other side of LoC, was not only a sacred place for Kashmiri Pandits, but represents the collective ethos and pluralistic society of the state.

She favoured visits to the place by members of Kashmiri Pandit community, thereby opening a new chapter of pilgrimage tourism among the two people across the LoC.

--IANS

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North Korea on Friday slammed the US for issuing a travel ban on the country, adding US visitors "of good will" are welcome, the media reported.

"Regardless of any government policy towards North Korea, we encourage various forms of exchanges including visits by people from all over the world," a Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted by Xinhua as saying.

"We will always leave our door wide open to any US citizen who would like to visit our country out of good will and see the realities with their own eyes," he said.

The spokesman stressed North Korea was safe enough for foreign visitors where they feel no threat at all because of its "stable and strong state system".

For a few US citizens punished for their hostile acts against North Korea, the spokesman said: "There is no country in the world that will ignore foreigners who committed hostile acts within its territory."

He said it was a "legitimate right" of a sovereign state to punish criminals as required by law.

He also slammed the travel ban as a "childish" and "vile" measure to limit people-to-to people contact.

He said its purpose was to prevent US citizens from seeing "the true picture of North Korea that has achieved victory after victory".

"It is also a reflection of the US administration's perception which regards North Korea as an enemy," said the spokesman.

The spokesman called on the Donald Trump administration to abandon its hostile policy towards North Korea.

The US Department of State on August 2 announced a travel ban to North Korea, which will come into effect next month.

--IANS

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With numbers in favour, ruling NDA candidate M. Venkaiah Naidu is all set to become the second Vice President of India from RSS background, after Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

Naidu has been pitted against opposition candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi for the August 5 election.

In an effective electoral college of 787 members of both houses of Parliament, Naidu seems to be in a comfortable position as the NDA has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha and has support of some political parties from the south.

The Lok Sabha currently has 543 members and the Rajya Sabha 244. The Lok Sabha has two vacancies, while the Rajya Sabha has one vacancy.

According to BJP officials, apart from the NDA's 81 Rajya Sabha members and 338 Lok Sabha members, members of both houses - of the AIADMK (50), YSR Congress (10) and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (14) will also vote in favour of Naidu.

With around support of 493 members, Naidu is all set to cross the magic figure of 394. The BJP leaders are hopeful of crossing the mark of 500.

Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi, a former West Bengal Governor and a diplomat, has support of the Congress, the Left parties, Nationalist Congress Party, DMK, Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and National Conference.

Janata Dal-United, which is now a part of NDA, had announced support for Gandhi and is likely to vote in his favour.

Gandhi is unlikely to cross the half-way mark.

Meanwhile, the stage is set for the election as the Rajya Sabha Secretariat has has done all the preparations for Saturday's contest.

NDA candidate Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu entered the RSS and within some decades, he becmae the BJP's best known leader from southern India. He is well known for his witty one-liners.

Naidu was a key member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet before being pitted for the prestigious election.

Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, is an acclaimed civil servant, diplomat and governor, who is a strong votary of secular ethos, and has clear and independent views.

Gandhi, 72, had a distinguished career in the civil services before he became a diplomat and governor. Later, he turned an academic, author and columnist.

Hamid Ansari has been the Vice President and ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha since August 11, 2007. He won a second term on August 11, 2012. His current term ends on August 10.

Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was the first from RSS background to occupy the post of Vice President. He served as Vice President of India and ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha from 2002-2007.

--IANS

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A National Investigation Agency team has raided a Kerala engineer's home near here while pursuing a terror trail with Islamic State (IS) links, a top intelligence official said on Friday.

Speaking to IANS on condition of anonymity, the official said the NIA team arrived on Thursday night at the house the engineer, who was identified as a 24-year-old Muslim.

"He was brought from Kochi and according to our information, they have been able to take possession of mobile phones and laptops," the official said.

After the raid, he was taken back to Kochi and his parents have been asked to appear before the NIA team, he said.

The NIA is following a lead based on a case registered in March against eight IS supporters who held a secret meeting in Kanakamala near Kannur. Barring one, the rest have been arrested.

According to those in the know of things, apart from the raid in Alappuzha, the NIA LAO raidED two places at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.

--IANS

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Newly-appointed Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has vowed to implement the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and personally supervise the speedy completion of all projects.

"Beyond CPEC, our economic cooperation will further enhance," said Abbasi at a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong on Thursday night.

The ambassador said that during the last four years, the bilateral relationship between China and Pakistan has attained new heights and he expressed belief that such ties will further strengthen under the leadership of Abbasi, reports Xinhua news agency.

During the meeting, the Ambassador Sun conveyed the congratulatory message of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Abbasi on his election.

He said that the Chinese leadership is happy to see the smooth transition in Pakistan and will continue to support the government for the development and prosperity of the country.

On Tuesday, Abbasi, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, was elected Prime Minister, after he won the National Assembly election with a majority vote, five days after the Supreme Court disqualified his predecessor, Nawaz Sharif

--IANS

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French filmmaker Luc Besson says he found late music icon Prince "impossible" to work with.

Besson was eager to cast Price in the 1997 sci-fi film "The Fifth Element", but the role ultimately went to American comedian Chris Tucker, because Prince couldn't be relied upon.

Recalling the same, Besson told theguardian.com: "Ah, Prince. I love him but it was impossible. He said yes to the part.

"You make a meeting for Monday at noon and he turns up on Tuesday at six. Or he cancels three times. Always so charming and sweet, but the reality of musicians doesn't fit with film."

Prince died in April 2016.

--IANS

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China's first unmanned, panda-shaped "Sky Train" rolled off the production line in Ziyang, Southwest China's Sichuan province on Dec 8, 2016. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

A consortium led by the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) has signed a $400 million contract to provide the Malaysia National Infrastructure Corporation with 42 high-tech unmanned trains.

The agreement is China's first export of fully automatic trains. The total value of the contract is about 1.56 billion ringgit, or more than $400 million. Experts say the trains employ the highest standards in driverless technology.

The trains will also use other advanced technology to enhance safety and stability. Forty of the trains will be manufactured in Malaysia.
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday visited the flood affected villages in Jalore district of Rajasthan.

Rahul Gandhi met flood affected people in Kachhela, Devda, Dawai, Amli and Hadecha villages in Sanchore, the worst affected area in the recent flood like situation in the state. Some of the villages are still cut off.

Residents drew the Congress leader's attention towards the hardship they face due to excessive rainfall and flood like situation in the district.

"We told him of our problems. There are villages which are cut off and are waterlogged. He assured us that he will raise these issues in the parliament," Congress worker Jagdish Manju told IANS from here.

"Whatever we can do, will do for you," Rahul said while interacting with the villagers.

Rahul Gandhi while talking to media said no rehabilitation or relief works had been taken up here.

"Talking about rehabilitation is different and actually doing on ground is different. It seems nothing has been done."

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and state Congress President Sachin Pilot accompanied him.

Rahul Gandhi will visit the flood affected areas of Gujarat later on Friday.

--IANS

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In a fresh salvo, China has told India not to test its patience over Doklam, with its Defence Ministry saying that "restraint has a bottom line".

The Ministry told India to "give up the illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability".

"Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. Chinese armed forces have also shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability," said Ren Guoqiang, a spokesperson of the Chinese Defence Ministry, in a statement put out late on Thursday night.

"However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line," said Ren.

Ren called on the Indian side to swiftly address the situation in a proper manner to restore peace and tranquility in the border region.

He said the Chinese army will resolutely protect the country's territorial sovereignty and security interests.

On Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said India should withdraw from Doklam if it cherishes peace.

--IANS

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Nepal next week to attend the 15th Bimstec Foreign Minister's meeting to be held in Kathmandu, it was announced on Friday.

The meeting of the Bimstec Foreign Ministers on August 10-11 would discuss progress on the implementation of the agenda of action agreed at the leaders' retreat and on all other agreed areas of cooperation in the run-up to the 4th Bimstec Summit to be hosted by Bimstec chair, Nepal, later this year, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in his final weekly media briefing here.

The leaders' retreat of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand was held in Goa in October last year on the margins of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China South Africa) Summit.

The main objective of Bimstec is technical and economic cooperation among south Asian and southeast Asian countries along the rim of the Bay of Bengal.

With the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) virtually rendered ineffective as a bloc, largely due to non-cooperation on the part of Pakistan in a number of areas, India has been giving more importance to Bimstec in recent times.

"Bimstec is observing its 20th anniversary this year and it has seen a renewed momentum since the leaders' retreat hosted by India in Goa in October last year," Baglay said Thursday's briefing.

--IANS

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A group of Taliban militants attacked a money exchange shop in Helmand province of Afghanistan on Friday morning, officials said.

Helmand Governor spokesman Omar Zwak said clashes were ongoing between security forces and four militants at a market in Gereshk district.

They also attacked a military base situated nearby the market, Zwak said.

The shops in the building were closed when the attack took place.

"We still cannot provide details on casualties," he said.

The province with Lashkar Gah as its capital, 555 km from Kabul, is notorious for poppy growing and known as a Taliban stronghold.

--IANS

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A top Vatican official arrived in China on Friday in a gesture of rapprochement between Beijing and the Holy See, despite the absence of bilateral ties.

According to the Global Times daily, Sorondo participated in a conference on organ transplant and donation in Beijing, where he stressed on the love that the Supreme Pontiff has for China.

"Pope Francis loves China and loves the people of China, its history and population. We hope China can have a great future," said Sorondo, who has been heading both the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences since 1988.

The visit to China from the top Vatican official appears to reciprocate the visit made by a Chinese Health Ministry official to the Vatican in February in another rare diplomatic rapprochement between the two countries whose ties were cut in 1951.

Huang Jiefu, the Director of China's Organ Donation and Transplantation Committee, attended conferences on the subject in Rome, reports Efe news.

Pope Francis has expressed his desire to resume bilateral relations with China where the Catholic community is divided between those faithful to the Vatican and the members of the "patriotic church", controlled by the Chinese government.

China and the Vatican remain in conflict over issues such as the appointment of bishops as Beijing does not accept Rome appointing ecclesiastical positions on Chinese territory.

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump on Thursday nominated California entrepreneur Jamie McCourt to be the US Ambassador to France, said the White House on Thursday.

McCourt, as an entrepreneur and attorney, has founded and directed leading enterprises in Los Angeles and Boston, said the White House in a statement.

The 63-year-old businesswoman has degrees from Georgetown University, the University of Maryland and MIT.

During Trump's presidential campaign, McCourt showed her support and donated more than $400,000 to the "Trump Victory" fund, according to Los Angeles Times reports.

McCourt's nomination, which is seeking the confirmation from the Senate, came after the White House had withdrawn her candidacy to head the diplomatic mission in Belgium.

--IANS

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The UK has extradited a self-styled pastor who claimed he created miraculous pregnancies, to Kenya over child-trafficking charges, the media reported on Friday.

Gilbert Deya's extradition came after he failed in his decade-long legal battle to remain in the UK, the BBC reported.

The Kenyan government has alleged that he stole five children between 1999 and 2004. He has denied the allegation.

Concerns were first raised about the conduct of Deya, who ran a church in London, in 2004.

Infertile or post-menopausal women who attended the Gilbert Deya Ministries church in Peckham, south-east London, were told they could have "miracle" babies.

But the babies were always "delivered" in backstreet clinics in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.

Deya later moved to Scotland, and was arrested in Edinburgh in 2006.

When the BBC asked him at the time how he explained the births of children with DNA different to that of their alleged parents, the 65-year-old Deya said: "The miracle babies which are happening in our ministry are beyond human imagination.

"It is not something I can say I can explain because they are of God and things of God cannot be explained by a human being."

Kenya's police spokesman Charles Owino told the BBC that Deya arrived in Nairobi on Friday aboard a Kenya Airways flight following his extradition.

He is due to be charged in court with child trafficking.

Deya had opposed his extradition, saying he feared being tortured and sentenced to death.

--IANS

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Unregulated fishing of critically endangered sharks off India's Gujarat coast is driving them to extinction, warns a researcher. She foresees a spike in the hunting in India with the world's No.1 shark fin and meat supplier, Indonesia, all set to place stringent regulations on its fishing.

"Unregulated shark fishing in India is as much an issue for people as it is for the sharks and the marine ecosystem," Shaili Johri, Postdoctoral Fellow with San Diego State University in California, told IANS.

Sharks, as the top predators, are vital players in the marine ecosystem and their extinction will not only cause a collapse of the shark fishing industry but also all other fishing industries.

India-born Johri, who has interviewed over 25 fishermen and shark traders of Veraval, Gujarat's biggest fishing port, said the shark products are a highly traded commodity and this needed to be curbed, or at least checked.

The value of world trade in shark commodities touches $1 billion per year, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has said.

India is one of the world's largest suppliers of shark products and an important exporter of shark fins, with little or no market of its own, it said in a 2015 report.

The FAO report says India, which has virtually no domestic market for shark fins but has traditionally been an important supplier to the international market, ranked as the second-largest producer of sharks and the 12th-largest exporter of shark fins by volume between 2000 and 2011.

On an average, it recorded annual shark fin exports of 185 tonnes, worth $6.5 million, during 2000 and 2011. The major proportion of Indian exports, mainly dried fins, is destined for China, Hong Kong and Singapore, where the demand for shark fins and meat is huge. In China, where shark fin soup is a prized delicacy, a set of fins could fetch close to $1,000.

Johri, who was in this Colombian city for the 28th International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB 2017), said the extinction of sharks could mean a loss of livelihood for hundreds of people in India and also for other kinds of fishing.

"Sharks have slow growth and reproduction and recovery of fish stocks is slow. Unregulated fishing can make recovery difficult and thus lead to local as well as global extinctions," Johri added.

According to her, the Indian government should make specific stock assessments of shark species and regulate the fishing of threatened species.

A good precedent for this is the whale shark, one of world's largest and most majestic creatures which has been protected in India with a ban on its fishing since 2004.

Johri, who traces her roots to Gujarat's Ahmedabad town, said India exports 75,000 tonnes of shark products -- 25 per cent of the three million tonnes of the global annual trade.

An estimated 50,000-60,000 members of the Kharva community are involved in shark fishing in Gujarat.

Johri said no studies have been conducted so far either by the Indian government or its institutes regarding the habitat of the sharks, whose fishing has been banned in the US and the Philippines.

"India is a biodiversity hotspot for shark species and is home to many critically endangered species, yet approximately 46 per cent of shark species in India are data deficient. For example, till date there are no definitive studies to indicate which Indian shark species are endemic and/or migratory.

"If a migratory shark species has breeding grounds in Indian waters, implications of Indian shark fishing on such species could be huge and we could be contributing to global shark extinctions," she said.

Indonesia, home to 118 species of sharks, is the top shark-fishing nation in the world and a major exporter of its fins. Johri said since the Indonesian government is beginning to impose regulations to check the overfishing of sharks, demand would certainly spike from India, where there are no regulations to prevent overfishing.

It's high time the Indian government took initiatives to check the overfishing of shark species. Since there are no stringent regulations in place, most of the time even juvenile sharks end their lives in the fishermen's nets, potentially wiping out populations," she added.

(Vishal Gulati was in Cartagena for the Internews' Earth Journalism Network Biodiversity Fellowship Programme at the International Congress for Conservation Biology. He can be reached at vishal.g@ians.in)

--IANS

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A prominent Venezuelan opposition leader who had been transferred to a military prison has now been put back under house arrest at his Caracas residence, his wife said on Friday.

Antonio Ledezma, the incumbent metropolitan Mayor of the Venezuelan capital, was released by the country's intelligence service (SEBIN) after spending several days at the Ramo Verde penitentiary, Efe news cited his wife Mitzy Capriles as saying.

"I'm informing the country that a few minutes ago, SEBIN surprisingly brought Antonio back to our residence. He's returning to the home-prison," Capriles posted on Ledezma's official Twitter account.

--IANS

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Actor Rana Daggubati, who is proud of forthcoming Telugu political drama "Nene Raju Nene Mantri", wishes his grandfather and legendary producer D. Ramanaidu was still around to see the film.

At the pre-release event of "Nene Raju Nene Mantri" on Wednesday, Rana expressed regret over not working with his grandfather even in a single film.

"I'm very proud of 'Nene Raju Nene Mantri'. The only regret is that my grandfather couldn't see the film. Wish he was still around. I regret not having worked with him even in one film.

"Since his passing, a lot of positive things happened and I know he is blessing me from above," an emotional Rana said here.

Directed by Teja, the film marks Rana's first time collaboration with his father D. Suresh Babu, a popular producer who currently heads the home banner Suresh Productions.

"I have worked with my dad for this first time in this film. We always talk about films at home but to finally join hands for this project was special. It was one of the finest experiences of my life," he said.

Rana plays a politician in the film, due for release on August 11. It also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Navdeep, Catherine Tresa and Ashutosh Rana.

"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 that the film is not based on the life of MGR," Rana had earlier told IANS.

Many things about the film are a tribute to actor and late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G Ramachandran (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".

--IANS

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China on Thursday said India should withdraw its forces from Doklam if it truly "cherishes peace", and accused New Delhi of building roads, stocking supplies and deploying military along the border in the Sikkim sector.

It also said India's demand that Beijing pull back its troops from Doklam is unreasonable and shows its lack of sincerity to resolve the standoff.

Beijing said India kept "peace on the tip of its tongue", but its deeds reflect that New Delhi by no means wants peace.

It said India's troops were building roads, hoarding supplies and deploying a large number of armed forces on the Indian side of the boundary.

"This is by no means for peace," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

"The Indian side is always keeping 'peace' on the tip of its tongue. But we should not only listen to its words but also pay heed to its deeds," Geng said.

"If the Indian side truly cherishes peace, what it should do is to immediately pull back the trespassing border troops to the Indian side of the boundary," he added.

Geng said there were 48 Indian troops in Doklam until Wednesday.

Doklam is disputed between China and Bhutan. India says the area belongs to Bhutan.

The crisis began when Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road there in June.

On Wednesday, Beijing in a 15-page statement said the number of Indian troops in Doklam had reduced from 400 to 40 by the end of July.

India has denied any reduction in the troops at Doklam where both sides have been engaged in stand-off since mid June.

Geng said despite being intimated twice about road construction - on May 18 and June 8 - India did not respond.

"China had notified the Indian side in advance out of goodwill through the border meeting mechanism on May 18 and June 8 respectively and the Indian side didn't make any response."

Geng said on June 18 over 270 armed Indian border troops driving two bulldozers crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at Doka La pass and advanced more than 100 meters into Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side.

"As of August 2, there were still 48 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," Geng said.

He said Indian troops have been staying on Chinese territory for more than a month and asked New Delhi for an immediate pullback.

Geng said instead of withdrawing troops from Doklam, New Delhi made unreasonable demands to China which demonstrated its lack of sincerity for resolving the incident.

"This is by no means for peace," he added.

China has repeatedly asked India to withdraw troops from Doklam. India says it is ready if Beijing does so too.

"The fact that the Indian border troops illegally trespassed the boundary is irrefutable. Under such circumstances, instead of deeply reflecting on its mistakes, the Indian side fabricated such sheer fallacies as the so-called 'security concerns', the 'issue of tri-junction' and 'at the request of Bhutan' as excuses to justify its wrongdoing. This is by no means for peace."

--IANS

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Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi has suggested that medical use of be legalised in the country, reported the Press Trust of India and Scroll.in last Sunday. She argued that medical could help cancer patients, and cited the examples of countries where had been legalised, resulting in less drug abuse.
Accusing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of carrying out an "elaborate charade" to embrace the BJP, the CPI-M has said any alliance of "a motley bunch of secular parties" can't be expected to take on the Modi government.

"The political somersault by Nitish Kumar will rank as one of the biggest of its kind in India's political history which is replete with such opportunistic behaviour by bourgeois politicians," the CPI-M journal "People's Democracy" said in an editorial.

It said that after winning the Bihar election of 2015, Nitish Kumar had become the most prominent advocate of a grand anti-BJP alliance at the level.

"In a sudden turn around, Nitish Kumar and the JD-U have broken their alliance with the RJD and the Congress in Bihar and within hours formed a coalition government with the BJP.

"It is now clear that Nitish Kumar had utilized the filing of an FIR on corruption charges by the CBI against Lalu Prasad's son and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav to enact this elaborate charade," the editorial said.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist said that with the architect of the Grand Alliance himself embracing the Bharatiya Janata Party camp, "the concept of a Grand Alliance lies in tatters".

It said the CPI-M was concerned about building the widest unity against the Modi government and the BJP. "But ... this cannot be accomplished by putting together an alliance of a motley bunch of secular parties.

"Why such a grand alliance is unworkable is the unreliable character of many of the regional parties. Most of the regional parties have embraced the neo-liberal policies and are prone to make opportunistic alliances.

"With one or two exceptions, the regional parties have shown their willingness to ally with the BJP depending on when it suits their political interests. The current episode of the defection of Nitish Kumar underlines this character of the regional parties."

The CPI-M said it had concluded "that with the regional parties as the main constituents, there can be no credible all-India alliance".

But in the context of the need to forge wider unity for struggles on people's issues and communalism, the editorial said the CPI-M would strive to have joint actions and united platforms with some regional parties.

It added that fighting the Modi government cannot be accomplished by aligning with the Congress, which it said was "primarily responsible for the imposition of neo-liberal policies and continues to advocate them...

"That the Congress is not seen to be different from the BJP as far as basic policies are concerned is reflected by the fact that there is a steady flow of leaders and activists of the Congress to the BJP."

The editorial said: "What is required today is not an opportunistic alliance of all opposition parties but developing the broadest united actions and platforms to take up the issues of the working class, peasantry and other sections of the working people and also to build a broad unity to fight against the communal forces."

(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.)
Even as has allocated over Rs 36,000 crore towards fulfilling its top crop loan waiver scheme, the dispensation is gearing up for virtually carpet bombing public places and media platforms for publicising the scheme.
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhis car was pelted with stones during his visit to flood-hit Dhanera town of Gujarats Banaskantha district. The Congress alleged that the BJP goons were behind the attack. (Photo: PTI)
A 17-year-old student was allegedly stabbed to death by his classmate in front of their school here, police said today.

The incident is suspected to be a fallout of a quarrel the two and a few other students had a few days ago, they said.

Three persons, including the attacker and another student, were apprehended in connection with the incident which took place yesterday afternoon in front of Government Higher Secondary School in Basti Chowraha area, Additional Superintendent of Police B K S Parihar said.

The victim, a Class 12 student, was attacked by his classmate with a knife after schools hours. He was grievously injured and rushed to a hospital where he died, Parihar said.

Besides the attacker (also aged 17), two others, one of them a minor student, were apprehended, he said.

These students had got into a heated argument over some issue a couple of days ago and this may have led to the stabbing, the police officer said.

Khajuraho Police Station in-charge K S Randhawa said the family members of the victim rushed him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

They got angry when they did not find any doctor at the hospital and damaged some equipment there, Randhawa said.

Police intervened and brought the situation under control, he said, adding the boy's body was handed over to his family members after post-mortem.

The last rites of the deceased were conducted this morning at village Bamnora, located on Khajuraho's outskirts.

"We are trying to ascertain the exact reason behind the attack," Randhawa said.

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Three Pakistani nationals were able to get Aadhaar on the basis of forged documents, Minister of State for Electronics and IT PP Chaudhary informed the Rajya Sabha today.

He said action has been taken against officers who had issued fake documents to these Pakistani nationals.

"There has been instance where three alleged Pakistani nationals have submitted the said certificate during enrolment and subsequently got Aadhaar," Chaudhary said in response to query on whether Pakitsani nationals have been issued Aadhaar on basis of fake certificates.

For Aadhaar enrolment, an applicant is required to submit identity and address proof with photo on the certificate, the minister said.

"FIR has been lodged against the Officer who had issued the certificate without verifying details of the individuals." he added.

The government has till date enrolled over 116 crore residents for the 12 digit biometric and demographic based identity.

In reply to another question, Chaudhary said: "There is no provision for cancelling or relinquishing Aadhaar number, by the Aadhaar Number Holder.

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Goa Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar today informed the House that the state government would request Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) to remove advertisement promoting condom on their buses.

State run KTCL has been displaying condom advertisements on their buses featuring actress Sunny Leone.

"I will personally request Chairman and Managing Director of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited to remove such advertisements," he said on the floor of the House referring to the objection to the advertisement raised by Congress legislator Francis Silveira.

Dhavalikar said whatever posters that are objected to by the public would be removed.

Earlier in the past, right wing Hindu organisation Ranaragini, a wing of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, had objected to the condom advertisements on the KTCL buses which also double up as school buses during morning and afternoon hours.

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Al-Qaida's North Africa branch has freed a South African man who was held hostage for six years in Mali and he is now back home, South Africa's government announced.

Stephen McGown, who was released on July 25, was the longest-held of a number of foreigners seized by Islamic extremists in Mali, where several armed groups roam the West African country's north.

The extremists have made a fortune over the last decade abducting foreigners in the vast Sahel region and demanding enormous ransoms for their release.

McGown was kidnapped in 2011 at a hostel in Timbuktu, where he had been traveling as a tourist. He also has British citizenship.

"It was a big surprise when Stephen walked through the door," his father, Malcolm, told reporters. "He felt as sound and as strong as before."



South Africa's minister for international relations, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, said the government does not pay ransom in hostage situations.

"We can confirm that he has been released without any conditions whatsoever," Brian Dube, spokesman for the Ministry of State Security, told The Associated Press. He said Mali's government, non-governmental groups and other individuals were involved in negotiations but didn't give details.

McGown's release follows that of Swedish national Johan Gustafsson, who was freed in late June after being kidnapped along with McGown in November 2011.

Swedish officials denied that a ransom had been paid, as other European governments have done to secure the release of their citizens in the Sahel. A Dutch tourist seized in the same abduction was freed in a French raid in 2015.

In early July, the 42-year-old McGown was included in a proof-of-life video released by the al-Qaida-linked Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen group in Mali. The video showed six foreign hostages shortly before French President Emmanuel Macron arrived for an anti-terror summit.

"No genuine negotiations have begun to rescue your children," a narrator of the video said.

Gift of the Givers, a South African charity, had tried to secure the release of McGown and Gustafsson since 2015, sending a negotiator into remote parts of Mali and Niger. "We have reached a dead end," Gift of the Givers said in a May 17 statement.

But today, the group's founder Imtiaz Sooliman told reporters that it began negotiations for McGown's release before handing them over to the governments of South Africa and Mali.

In May, McGown's mother, Beverley McGown, died after an illness after waiting in vain for years for her son to be freed. McGown's father on Thursday told reporters his son "will pick himself up" and rejoin life at home after the loss. McGown's wife, Catherine, described their first exchange on reuniting: "He looked at me and said, 'Wow, your hair's grown!' I said, 'Your hair's longer than mine now!'"



Dube, the Ministry of State Security spokesman, didn't give details about the conditions of McGown's captivity but said he was "in good health, his mind is sharp and he was looked after well." He has had multiple medical checkups and has been told to rest, Dube said.

Extremists are still believed to be holding a Colombian nun taken from Mali, an Australian doctor and a Romanian man seized at different times in Burkina Faso, and an American who was working with a nonprofit organization in Niger.

Islamic extremists seized control of Mali's north in 2012. While they were forced out of strongholds a year later by a French-led military intervention, jihadists continue to attack Malian and French soldiers and U.N. Peacekeepers.

Five regional countries - Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad - have now created a 5,000-strong multinational military force against the extremists.

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: Apparel retailer Lifestyle plans to open six more stores during this fiscal, a top company official said today.

The company will open stores across the country, including in Chennai, Mysuru, Bengaluru and Pune in this financial year, with an investment of Rs 10 crore each, Lifestyle's president - retail operations N Sathiyanarayanan told reporters here.

Sathiyanarayanan, here in connection with the inaugural of Lifestyle's second store, at Prozone Mall, said the company at present had 62 stores and would have 68 by the end of this fiscal and work for the same had already started.

Asked how GST had affected the business, he said, "It is helping us."



The company, part of Dubai-based retail and hospital conglomerate, The Landmark group, has not revised prices in view of the GST.

"As customers are benefited, we are not going to hike prices," he said.

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Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today announced to hike wages of casual and contingency staff of the state government as per the new wage code bill approved by the Union Cabinet last month.

Addressing a workers meet here, Khandu assured them that when the new wage code bill is passed by Parliament, it will be soon implemented in the state.

He also said that if the new bill does not come up in this monsoon session of Parliament for approval or in the next session, the state government will come up with a good wage package in the budget session of the assembly.

At the general meeting of the joint working committee of Arunachal Pradesh Trade Unions, he also announced a hike of Rs 2000 in the wage of the labour community.

The chief minister assured them to bring out a corrective policy on Voluntary Retirement Scheme as such schemes had failed in the past.

On compassionate appointment, Khandu said a clear cut policy would be brought out to address such issues.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said the state government has increased the honorarium of angandwadi workers to Rs 4500 per month and anganwadi helpers to Rs 3000 per month.

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Assam government today wrote to the CBI requesting for an inquiry into the murder of student leader Lafiqul Islam Ahmed in Kokrajhar.

The state government has already formed a Special Investigation Team to inquire into the killling of Ahmed, president of the All-BTC Minority Students' Union (ABMSU).

The Union Home Ministry would now decide if the CBI would be given the responsibility. It will take some time," Media Adviser to Assam Chief Minister Hrishikesh Goswami told PTI.

The decision to handover the case to CBI was taken late last night during a meeting between Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, ABMSU, AMSU and BPF, he said.

Meanwhile, the government has appointed Anurag Tankha, an IG with the Assam Police, to head the SIT under the direct supervision of the DGP to probe the killing of the student leader.

"Tankha had a stint with the NIA and had vast experience of investigating such sensitive cases," Goswami said.

He said that the Kokrajhar Superintendent of Police Rajen Singh had been kept outside any investigation team as family members of the slain leader, ABMSU and many local groups questioned the role of the official.

"The other person, who was injured during the attack, has been released from the hospital. He has been provided with armed security and sent home," Goswami said.

Director General of Assam Police Mukesh Sahay said that two persons were arrested for the killing and some more persons were detained.

Lafiqul's mobile phone was sent for technical investigation., he said.

Sahay also thanked the people of Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) and local social organisations for not allowing the situation to deteriorate despite very charged atmosphere.

"Some protests are still going on. We do not have any problem there. Democratic protests are peoples' right. Our concern is that nobody gives any communal colour to that," the top cop said.

Bodoland Territorial Council Chief Hagrama Mohilary said that the BTAD administration will take appropriate steps for employment of the family member of Ahmed.

On Tuesday, two motorcycle borne assailants opened fire at 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.

Earlier also Ahmed had been attacked by miscreants, following which the Assam Police had provided him with personal bodyguards. Unfortunately, they were not there during the last attack.

ABMSU demanded a CBI enquiry and immediate removal of the Kokrajhar SP, alleging that a nexus between the police and a cow smuggling racket had killed Ahmed.

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Australia's prime minister insists that his relationship with President Donald Trump is "warm" despite transcripts of a heated conversation in which the leaders sparred over a refugee deal.

The January phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was widely reported upon at the time. But the transcripts published today by The Washington Post offered new details into the conversation. According to the transcript, Trump told Turnbull the agreement was "stupid," "disgusting" and "horrible."



Today, Turnbull told reporters the discussion had been courteous and frank and said his relationship with Trump was "warm."



Under the Obama-era refugee deal, the United States will take up to 1,250 refugees that Australia houses in detention camps on the Pacific island nations of Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

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The Mamata Banerjee government is likely to write a letter to the Centre to declare the recent floods in West Bengal a national disaster.

According to a senior state government official, a review meeting on the flood situation in 14 districts of the state is likely be held at the state secretariat tomorrow in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

After that a letter is likely to be sent to the BJP-led Central government to declare the current flood situation in West Bengal as a national disaster and release funds, the official said.

"The Central government has released funds for Gujarat but it's almost the same situation here in our state. So we will also demand from the Centre to declare it as a national disaster and release funds," he said.

The Centre has already declare funds for flood-hit states of Gujarat and north east including Assam but nothing has been declared for West Bengal.

"West Bengal has been neglected. Despite so many districts flooded the Centre is not doing anything. We demand for our people," he said.

Incessant rain along with water released from different barrages of the Damodar Valley Corporation flooded around 14 districts in West Bengal in which 50 people lost their lives and nearly four lakh hectare of agricultural land was inundated.

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Berger Paints India Ltd today said it will be pumping Rs 60 crore in West Bengal's Rishra plant out of total Rs 200 crore capex plan in FY18'.

"The total capex plan for the current fiscal is Rs 200 crore and of which Rs 60 crore will go in the Rishra plant in West Bengal. This is our major investment since past six to seven years," Berger Paints managing director & CEO Abhijit Roy said today on the sidelines of the AGM.

Rest amount will be shared by other plants of the company, he said.

Roy said the company was facing short of land, otherwise it could have invested additional Rs 50-60 crore.

He said they require at least two acres of land contigious with its Rishra unit lying idle and which once belonged to ICI India but now is owned by an NRI technocract.

The company was setting up emulsuion plant with capacity of 44160 tonnes in phases and setting up first colorants, vital ingredients for manufacturing paints with capacity of 2640KL per annum.

Berger Paints will bring the technology for the construction of green buildings in India, and in this effort its step-down subsidiary Bolix S.A. Of Poland has signed a pact with NBCC (India) Ltd for import of the technology in the country.

The paint maker, in June, had acquired Saboo Coatings Private Ltd engaged in industrial coatings segment.

"The acquisition cost was Rs 81.74 crore," Roy said.

It has also entered into an understanding with the concerned parties for purchase of 51 per cent of equity shares of Saboo Hesse Wood Coatings Private Ltd and the balance 49 per cent is held by Hesse shares GmbH of Germany, company's chairman Kuldip Singh Dhingra told shareholders while addressing the AGM here.

The acquisition is not yet completed and is subject to necessary approvals.

"Hesse is another partner there and it a German company. Therefore, we need Reserve bank of India's permission for that (acquisition). We have applied for it and we hope by September-October, the permission will come through. Once it comes, the acquisition will be completed," Roy said.

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The Goa government has introduced a bill in the legislative assembly, providing protection to investors from the financial institutions that defraud them.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar introduced the Goa Protection of Interests of Depositors (In Financial Establishments) (Amendment) Bill-2017, in the House yesterday.

The bill seeks to make liable the promoter, partner, director, manager or any other person or any employee of a financial establishment for punishment in case such the establishment fraudulently defaults the payment of depositors.

For the purpose, it seeks to substitute section 5 of the Goa Protection of Interests of Depositors (In Financial Establishments)-1999.

"The bill also seeks to amend section 7 of the Act so as to empower Special Court for attachment, sale, realisation of property in respect of fraudulent financial establishments," the bill reads.

It also has anew section 13-A to make provision for the offences under the Act as cognizable.

The financial institutions will have to file their reports and returns with the district collector.

"The amendments are as per the model bill received from the Reserve Bank of India for strengthening the enforcement mechanism and fill the gaps that exist in the Act," it stated.

Parrikaralso introduced the Goa Value Added Tax (tenth amendment) Bill 2017.

The Bill empowers the state to levy taxes only on sale of petroleum crude, high speed diesel, motor spirit, natural gas, aviation turbine fuel and alcoholic liquor for human consumption.

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Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati today mounted an attack on the BJP for "ignoring the corruption of its own leaders, while making a concerted move to paint the opposition leaders as corrupt".

She also alleged that the saffron party's government at the Centre was "misusing" the state machinery for the purpose.

"There is a continuous move to prove that the leaders of the opposition parties are corrupt by misusing the official machinery like the CBI, ED, Income Tax department and police. But, despite proof of corruption by their own leaders and ministers, no action is being taken," Mayawati told a meeting of the BSP office-bearers here.

"Why such a discriminatory and biased attitude.... Is this the anti-corruption campaign of the Modi government and BJP?," a party release quoted her as asking.

BSP leaders from Chhattisgarh, a state ruled by the BJP, tabled a report at the meeting about a senior minister in the Raman Singh cabinet allegedly taking control of several acres of forest and tribal land.

The report also alleged that a resort was being developed on the land by the family members of the minister.

"The people there (in Chhattisgarh) are questioning this tolerance of the BJP, despite corruption and illegal encroachment of land by its leader," the release quoted Mayawati as saying.

Citing the "very bad example" of the political developments in the run-up to the Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat, the BSP chief alleged that the Modi government, which had "failed on all fronts", was now "out to defame the opposition leaders to divert the attention of the people".

"It (the Modi government) is also going all-out to disturb the functioning of the states ruled by the opposition parties," she said.

Mayawati alleged that there was a move to "crush the opposition voice" even in Parliament and added that because of such a "suffocating atmosphere", she had to resign from the Rajya Sabha on July 18.

"But, the BSP is not going to remain silent against such a discriminatory, biased, autocratic, undemocratic and anti- people attitude (of the government) and will be launching a programme in the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, to expose it," she said.

The former UP chief minister added that her party would start holding monthly mandal-level "maha-sammelans" (public meetings) in the state from next month and in other states from November, which would be attended by her as the chief guest.

At the meeting, reports on the efforts to strengthen the BSP were submitted to Mayawati, who issued necessary directives to the partymen in this regard.

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Deserted roads, empty classrooms and shuttered doors behind which hide women and children too scared to step out. Kanganheri is a village spooked after three of its women reported that their braids had been chopped while they were sleeping.

The village on the edge of southwest Delhi - separated by not just a few kilometres but an entire world from the plush malls and much vaunted higher educational institutes of the national capital - is not alone in its panic.

It started off with isolated reports of women's hair, particularly braids, being chopped while they were sleeping or unconscious. But the numbers are increasing each day with some 30 odd cases being reported, mostly from villages in Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh.

Bogeyman, black magic or good ol' thievery..The theories are many as the hysteria spreads, blurring the boundaries between superstition and crime in a largely rural belt.

In Kanganheri, like in other villages, the discourse centres around black magic and sorcery after three women became unconscious following a splitting headache and woke up with their braids on the floor.

Suspense and fear hang heavy in the air with most villagers not sending their kids to school and women confined to their homes.

Manoj, whose 55-year-old mother Sridevi, lost her hair, is convinced the police is simply trying to put the blame on a person while it is in fact "Bengali black magic" in play.

"For one moment, I will believe that it is a man roaming around cutting women's braids, but how do you explain the same thing happening at so many places simultaneously?" asked the 32-year-old.

Sridevi, he said, had complained of a headache after returning from feeding cattle in the neighbourhood. When she woke up from a nap, her hair was gone.

"Bhagat ji", an astrologer, was the go-to man. He told Manoj that a tantric from Bengal had sent his followers to "bind the village inside a magical circle".

"My mother, who is active usually, is feeling so weak now. The tantric has stolen her strength from her body through her braid," Manoj, who runs an electrical repair shop in the village, told PTI.

Most villagers have covered the outside walls of their homes with henna handprints, along with the lime, chillies and neem leaves to ward off evil spirits.

Roshanlal Yadav, whose wife Munesh Devi, also 55 like Sridevi, found her hair cut, said they don't want to leave anything to chance.

"Some elders of the village told us to put handprints, then somebody said wash them off. And some others said hang neem leaves on the entrance, we are doing everything that can be done," he said.

Fantastical stories -- including one of a woman seeing a cat turning into a person before she lost consciousness and another seeing a man in red-yellow clothes carrying a trident - have been doing the rounds in the belt.

As the delirium spreads with the supernatural dominating the discussion, police and psychologists are weighing in with their theories.

The theft theory doesn't seem to work because family members of the victims said nothing had been stolen from their houses - not even the hair - admitted a police official.

With more such incidents being reported every day, officials said they are still searching for clues and awaiting results from forensic experts.

A team from the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) visited Kanganheri village on Wednesday.

According to IHBAS director Nimesh Desai, it is "too early to have an opinion, but one of the many possibilities could be factitious disorder", a condition where a person fabricates or exaggerates physical or psychological symptoms.

"Diagnosis or impressions like factitious disorder should be made very carefully.

"But it becomes more complicated and delicate when my belief system or behaviour is rooted in something my community and/or my subculture believes," Desai said, doubting the possibility of factitious disorder at a mass level.

It is possible theoretically that "an individual starts believing in a fictional scenario, but mass hysteria in factitious disorder is very uncommon if not rare".

Incidents of mass hysteria are not new to India.

In May 2001, over 100 instances of attacks by a mysterious "monkey man" were reported.

With descriptions ranging from a hairy creature wearing metal helmet, metal claws and glowing red eyes to an eight- feet-tall creature, the monkey man hysteria spread from Delhi to neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

In September 1995, idols of the Hindu god Ganesha were reported to be drinking milk. Before it was refuted as simple capillary action by scientists across the world, people had already queued up outside temples all over the world claiming it to be a miracle.

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Amid deepening Indo-Iranian ties, the government is hopeful that the strategic Chabahar Port will be operational by 2018, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said.

The Road, Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister will represent India at the oath taking ceremony Iranian President Hassan Rouhani tomorrow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier congratulated Rouhani on his re-election as the President of Iran and affirmed India's commitment to strengthen the special relations between the countries.

"India and Iran have been historically sharing special ties ... We are keen on developing Chabahar Port and are hopeful of starting operations in 12 to 18 months," Gadkari told PTI on the eve of his visit to Tehran.

Gakdari is keen on expediting development of the Chabahar port, located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province on the energy-rich Persian Gulf nation's southern coast that can be easily accessed from India's west coast, bypassing Pakistan.

The visit assumes significance as India has accelerated work at the Chabahar port and finalised some tenders for installation of key equipment at Chabahar Port.

"Civil construction work has started there. We have finalised tenders worth Rs 380 crore for equipment out of Rs 600 crore and once the port becomes operational it will become a growth engine," the minister said.

The minister said that he was also hopeful of certain approvals from the Iranian government for expediting work and added that once Chabahar becomes operational the trade and business between both the nations would see a boost.

For greater trade and investment flow with Iran and neighbouring countries, the Cabinet last year cleared proposals for development of Chabahar port including through a USD 150 million credit from Exim Bank.

It also authorised the Shipping Ministry to form a company in Iran for implementing the Chabahar Port Development Project and related activities.

As per the MoU signed between the two nations in May last year, India is to equip and operate two berths in Chabahar Port Phase-I with capital investment of USD 85.21 million and annual revenue expenditure of USD 22.95 million on a 10-year lease.

Ownership of equipment will be transferred to Iranian side on completion of 10 years or for an extended period, based on mutual agreement. The Iranian side had requested for provision of a credit of USD 150 million in accordance with the MoU.

As per the pact, operation of two berths is to commence within a period of maximum 18 months after the signing of the contract.

Besides the bilateral pact to develop the Chabahar port, for which India will invest USD 500 million, a trilateral Agreement on Transport and Transit Corridor has also been signed by India, Afghanistan and Iran.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told a group of BJP parliamentarians that they have to change their style of functioning to understand the changing face of Indian politics.

Modi met the BJP MPs from eight states at his residence and explained them the benefits of various government schemes such as Mudra, crop insurance and soil health card.

The prime minister also told the MPs that they have to change their working style to understand the changing face of Indian politics, an official statement quoted Modi as saying.

The MPs from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Telangana and Tamil Nadu were present in the meeting.

The recent attacks on BJP and RSS workers in the southern states were raised by the MPs at the meeting.

The parliamentarians from the ruling party also expressed concerns about cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and said there was a need for policy guidelines on it, the statement added.

The MPs also gave their suggestions on various welfares schemes such as Ujjawala and skill development.

The MPs from the northeastern states expressed their gratitude towards Modi for the speedy relief work during floods in the region.

It was Modi's ninth and the last meeting with BJP MPs at his residence during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament. These meetings were coordinated by parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar.

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Even as China once again stalled the move to designate JeM's Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, Chinese consul-general in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu today said his country was ready to work with India and all other nations to fight terrorism.

"China's stand remains unchanged against all forms of terrorism. We support international cooperation on counter- terrorism. China stands ready to work with India and all other countries to fight terrorism," Zhanwu told reporters here.

Asked as to why did China block the proposal to designate Azhar as a global terrorist if it was so committed to fight terrorism, Zhanwu said, "Regarding this specific question, I think there are some technicalities involved and I have not followed the technical developments."



Zhanwu's comments come a day after China again extended by three months its technical hold on the US, France and UK- backed proposal to designate Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

In February, China had similarly blocked a US move to designate Azhar, the Pathankot terror attack mastermind.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's move to put a ban on the JeM leader under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council. JeM is already in the banned list.

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Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has assured a worried China that its over USD 50 billion investment under the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would be safe and that the strategic project would be completed quickly.

The CPEC is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking southern Pakistan, and the Gwadar Port, to China's restive Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region.

As the CPEC passes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), India has raised objection to the project.

Prime Minister Abbasi gave the assurance to Beijing when the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong called him at the PM Office yesterday, according to a press statement from the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office.

The Ambassador congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming the office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The Chinese Ambassador conveyed the congratulatory message of the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Prime Minister Abbasi on election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Sun told Abbasi that the Chinese leadership is happy to see the smooth transition in Pakistan and it will continue to support the government of Pakistan in the development and prosperity of Pakistan, the statement said.

Prime Minister Abbasi thanked the Ambassador and conveyed his good wishes for the Chinese leadership.

"The Prime Minister said that he will work to implement CPEC as it was being implemented, and he will personally supervise the speedy completion of all the projects under the CPEC. Beyond CPEC, our economic cooperation will further enhance," the Prime Minister stated.

Ambassador Sun said that China is a close friend of Pakistan and both the countries have strategic partnership.

"During the last four years, the bilateral relationship has attained new heights; under your leadership, it will further strengthen," Sun said.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other senior officials were present during the meeting, the statement said.

China's official media this week reported that Nawaz Sharif's resignation as Pakistan Prime Minister may bring "some uncertainties" to the CPEC, though it may not "impede" the all-weather bilateral ties.

"The disqualification of Nawaz Sharif would likely bring some uncertainties to the ongoing CPEC project. Pakistan political parties have some disagreements on the project, especially whether the east or west route of the project should be given priority," an article in the Global Times said.

However, Sharif's resignation will not impede China- Pakistan relations, it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Chinese blogger who meticulously documented public protests around the country was sentenced to four years in prison today as Beijing continues a crackdown on civil rights defenders.

Lu Yuyu was found guilty of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" by a court in the southwest city of Dali, Yunnan province, his lawyer Xiao Yunyang told AFP.

The same charge has been used to prosecute dozens of activists and political dissidents since Chinese President Xi Jinping took office in 2012.

A former migrant worker, Lu and his girlfriend, Li Tingyu, undertook the demanding task of cataloguing labour strikes and other workers' demonstrations across China.

The couple published an exhaustive compilation of these incidents under the alias "Not the News", offering a rare, comprehensive record of how labour tensions were rising.

Lu and Li were arrested in June 2016. Months later, they were awarded the Reporters Without Borders-TV5Monde Press Freedom Prize in the "citizen journalists" category.

AFP was not able to confirm whether Li is still being held in custody.

Xiao told AFP that Lu, who pleaded not guilty, has already filed to appeal his sentence.

"He maintains his innocence," Xiao said, noting that Lu's current mental state was "not bad."



"The four-year sentence of Lu Yuyu is very worrying since he did nothing but compile information that was already publicly available," William Nee, a China researcher at Amnesty International, told AFP.

"Although, ironically, the Chinese government still brands itself as socialist and pro-worker, this harsh sentencing probably indicates that the authorities are willing to crack down on labour rights activists and their supporters."



Working conditions have generally improved over China's more than three-decade economic boom. But many labourers, who often leave their rural homes for menial factory jobs, are still victimised by employers.

According to the Hong Kong-based nonprofit China Labor Bulletin (CLB), there were nearly 2,800 strikes and protests in China in 2015 -- more than in the previous four years combined.

Many of the protests erupted over unpaid wages.

"Lu's sentence is deeply troubling," Keegan Elmer, a CLB researcher, told AFP. "(Lu and Li) provided all of China, officials included, with a glimpse into the reality on the ground."



But "targeting Lu has had absolutely no effect on the ability of workers across the country to do what they have been doing constantly in recent years -- organising online."



Three prominent labour rights lawyers were handed suspended prison sentences in September for "disturbing the social order.

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Chhattisgarh Congress today suspended its rebel MLA Siyaram Kaushik for giving "anti-party" statements.

The disciplinary action was taken against Kaushik, who is considered a supporter of Chhattisgarh Janata Congress party chief and former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, after he allegedly passed remarks against his party legislators in the state Assembly premises recently.

"The party leadership took serious cognisance of the remarks made by Kaushik, legislator from Bilha constituency, against the party in public domain during the monsoon session of the assembly (concluded yesterday) and considered it as violation of party's discipline," Congress state spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla said today.

Therefore, he has been suspended from the party's membership.

A show-cause notice was also slapped on him seeking his reply in this connection within seven days, he said.

"If he fails to give an appropriate reply, he will be expelled from the party," Shukla added.

A senior Congress leader from the state's Bilaspur district, Kaushik is said to be the staunch supporter of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, who floated a new political outfit - Chhattisgarh Janata Congress- after parting ways with Congress last year.

Congress, which had won 39 out of 90 seats in the last assembly polls, has taken disciplinary action against its three MLAs so far.

Earlier, Amit Jogi, son of Ajit Jogi, was expelled from the party, while R K Rai, an MLA from Gunderdehi, was suspended.

Kaushik and Rai have been supporting Amit Jogi in the state Assembly on every issues raised by him since he was expelled from the party last year.

Yesterday, Kaushik and Rai had also sat on dharna for about eleven hours along with Amit Jogi in the Well of the Assembly protesting against winding up the monsoon session eight days ahead of the schedule.

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The Congress today accused ministers in the BJP government in Maharashtra of indulging in corruption and scams and demanded Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' resignation.

Congress leader Hussain Dalwai said Maharashtra minister Prakash Mehta allowed the transfer of building rights to a builder in the SRA scam (slum rehabilitation authority) at mills compound in Tardeo in Mumbai.

He said while the minister has claimed that the chief minister has seen and cleared the file, the CM denied having seen it.

"When Nitish Kumar after charges of corruption against one of his ministers gave his resignation, so Devendra Fadnavis should take a cue from him and resign, as Nitish is the new partner of BJP," he said.

"There are scams after scams happening in Maharashtra and the state government or the central government are not doing anything about it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims of 'Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga' (neither will I do corruption nor allow corruption to happen) is hollow and has fallen flat," Dalwai said.

The Congress leaders denied the charges levelled by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya about payments worth Rs 4 crore made by a hawala operator that have allegedly reached the Congress.

"These charges are totally false and have no basis. The government wants to divert the attention of public from the main issues like problems of farmers and corruption by their own ministers in the state," said Dalwai, who was accompanied by party MP Rajeev Satav.

He also gave a list of names of other ministers in the Maharashtra government and said action should be initiated against them for alleged scams and corruption.

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Venezuela's controversial "Constituent Assembly," a new legislative body with supreme powers packed with supporters of President Nicolas Maduro, began its first session in Caracas.

The assembly of 500-plus members, which is tasked with rewriting the crisis-wracked country's constitution, took its seats in an oval chamber under the golden dome of the capital's 145-year-old Legislative Palace.

Veteran loyalist politician Fernando Soto formally announced the opening of the session.

He was followed by a priest endorsing the body -- despite a statement from the Vatican earlier today that the assembly had added to a "climate of tension" in the country.

The assembly's members were accompanied to the palace by Maduro and thousands of supporters carrying the national flag and portraits of late president Hugo Chavez.

"The people today are going back to the assembly building and will never leave," said one supporter, 72-year-old Euclides Vivas.

The opposition-controlled legislature, the National Assembly, has vowed to keep sitting in a different chamber in the Legislative Palace.

It has denounced the new body, which was elected last weekend, as "fraudulent."



That claim was apparently backed by a British-based company involved in the vote, Smartmatic, which said the official turnout figure had been "tampered with" and exaggerated.

The United States, the European Union and major Latin American nations including Argentina, Colombia and Mexico have all said they will not recognize the Constituent Assembly.

The United States imposed direct sanctions on Maduro over its election and warned the assembly's members could also be targeted by punitive measures.

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The CPI today appealed to social activist Medha Patkar to withdraw her indefinite fast seeking rehabilitation of nearly 40,000 families whose homes and lands will be submerged once the water in the Sardar Sarovar Dam is discharged.

"We are in solidarity with her cause and have been raising the issue in Parliament. We will continue to fight for it," party National Secretary D Raja said here.

He also asked the government not to take any step to forcibly remove the protestors from the site in Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh. Patkar and 12 affected people have been on fast which entered the eighth day today.

Noting that Patkar's health was deteriorating because of the fast, Raja said, "We appeal to her to reconsider the decision and withdraw her indefinite fast. We need her in these challenging times."



Renowned American historian and philosopher Noam Chomsky has recently come out in support of the Narmada Valley's project affected people by signing an online petition seeking the Prime Minister's intervention in ensuring justice for those "threatened" by submergence due to the Sardar Sarovar project.

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Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today inaugurated 200-bed Civil Hospital here.

Addressing the people on the occasion, Das said that his government is committed to providing better health care to the poor and has taken many steps to improve health services. "The inauguration of 200-bed hospital is another step in this direction. By December 2018, 300 more beds will be increased in it," Das said.

The chief minister said his government is working to modernise the district hospitals as well, so that people should not depend only on RIIMS in Ranchi for their treatment.

Health centres are also being made strong. (Only) three medical colleges were working in Jharkhand even after 70 years of Independence, he said, adding his government has started three new medical colleges in Dumka, Palamau and Hazaribagh having capacity of 500 beds each.

He said the Centre has also approved three more medical colleges in Koderma, Chaibasa and Bokaro. In the next three years, Jharkhand will have nine medical colleges, he added.

AIIMS will start functioning in Deoghar in two years and a cancer hospital in Ranchi in collaboration with Tata Trust will be started soon, he said.

Das said that the maternal-child death rate is high in the state. To decrease it, the doctors should treat 5-10 patients free of cost. Moreover, as per the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they should do social service on the 9th of every month and treat women and children free of cost.

The chief minister said that no appointments had been made in the state for years and as a result, there is a big shortage of medical and paramedical staff. Coping with the need, the government has started appointment of doctors, he said, adding a total 536 doctors have been appointed so far. BSc pass youths of villages are being trained in basic medical course so that they can be helpful in first aid at health centres. The first batch will start working by 2019 and very soon, vacant posts of the nurses will be filled up and ANMs will be given priority.

"When Jharkhand will be developed into a medical hub, people will get better medication and new avenue of jobs will be opened.

"Medical based skill development will be done and medical staff will be given 15 days training at ATI building. Very soon, 108 ambulance services with all facilities will be started. (A total of) 359 ambulances will be there in the state so that even remote villages can be within reach," Das said.

The chief minister appealed to the medical and paramedical staff to be sensitive and said that half of the ailments are cured with doctors' behaviour.

Laying stress on sanitation, he said that hospital premises should be neat and clean. He said that dress code should be different for different professionals in government hospitals so that they can easily be recognised.

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Veteran actor Dilip Kumar's kidneys are not functioning properly and he is being treated for it, a senior official from Lilavati Hospital said today.

The actor is off the ventilator and is not on dialysis, he further said.

Kumar was admitted to the hospital in suburban Bandra on Wednesday morning after he suffered from dehydration and urinary tract infection.

There have been reports that the 94-year-old actor is suffering from a renal ailment.

"His kidneys are not functioning properly. We will see what to do next. A team of doctors headed by Dr Nikhil Gokhale is treating him. They will decide what to do next," Lilavati Hospital's vice president Ajay Kumar Pandey told PTI today.

"But otherwise he is normal. He is off the ventilator. He is not on dialysis. He is under observation because of the age factor," Pandey added.

The actor is under the care of a team of senior doctors, including Dr Jalil Parkar and Dr Gokhale, at the hospital.

Asked if the actor is suffering from renal/kidney failure, Pandey said, "It is too early to give out a statement. He is having kidney issues."



Pandey added that at the moment, no surgery was required.

Earlier, Kumar's wife Saira Banu had said, "We (all) should pray he recovers soon. He should be well Inshallah! God willing. The doctors are treating him.

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Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane today appeared before Speaker of the legislative assembly in connection with the disqualification petition filed against him by independent legislator Prasad Gaonkar.

Rane requested speaker Pramod Sawant to grant him more time to furnish reply on the notice about disqualification petition.

"The time of four weeks was granted to Rane to file his reply," Sawant told PTI.

The hearing on the petition would now be held on September 4, said Sawant.

Gaonkar, who is representing Sanguem constituency, had filed disqualification petition against Rane last week seeking to disqualify him from contesting the election.

Rane is a BJP candidate for the by-election from the Valpoi assembly constituency which is going to polls on August 23.

Rane, who is currently minister in the Manohar Parrikar-led Cabinet, had resigned as Member of Legislative Assembly on March 16 when the Chief Minister took the floor test to prove his majority.

He later joined BJP and was inducted in the state cabinet.

Congress has already filed another disqualification petition against Rane which is currently being heard by the Bombay High Court at Goa.

The party has contended that Rane stood disqualified since a whip was issued to all the MLAs including him to vote against the confidence motion moved by Manohar Parrikar and he had walked out without voting before tendering his resignation as Congress MLA.

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Two brothers, who were allegedly involved in kidnapping of a doctor by an Ola cab driver and demanding a ransom of Rs 5 crore from the taxi aggregator, were arrested today following a brief shootout in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, police said.

Shrikant Gaur, who practises at a hospital in east Delhi, was kidnapped on July 6 from Preet Vihar while travelling in a cab. After kidnapping him, the abductors demanded a ransom of Rs 5 crore from his family members, who informed the police.

Four accused in the case were earlier arrested on July 19 after an exchange of fire between them and the police. The doctor was rescued then.

However, Sushil and brother Anuj were absconding.

Last evening, the police received a tip-off about the brother duo's presence in Meerut's Daurala village.

A team was sent and assistance of the Special Task Force of the area concerned was sought. When the teams from the Delhi and UP Police forces approached the accused, they opened fire.

However, the police did not fire in retaliation.

The duo was arrested from the village early today. A reward of Rs 50,000 had been declared in their heads by the Delhi Police.

On July 7, Dr Rakesh of Metro Hospital, Preet Vihar, approached the police with a complaint alleging that his colleague Dr Goud was missing since the previous night.

On the same day, cab aggregator Ola also told police that one of their drivers had informed them that he had kidnapped the doctor who had booked a cab from near Preet Vihar metro station to Gautam Nagar, the police had said.

Subsequently, on July 8, the driver of the vehicle that Goud had boarded called Ola customer care and demanded a ransom of Rs 5 crore. According to the firm's records, the driver was identified as one Ramvir Kumar.

The firm provided details about the owner, driver and the vehicle to the investigators. However, the documents of the accused were found to be fake upon verification.

It was found that the cab had been registered with Ola on July 3 and Goud was the first passenger it picked up.

The two brothers had their cars earlier registered with the cab agrregator but their services had been terminated for allegedly duping Ola, officials said.

As they had earlier worked with Ola and were well aware about how the system functions. They knew that usually there is a gap of two to three days after the documents are submitted till they are verified.

After submission of documents, a vehicle can at once start plying, the police had said, but before it could emerge that the papers were fake, they kidnapped the doctor for ransom.

For several months, they had been planning to execute a fool-proof ransom operation wherein their identities would remain hidden, the police had said.

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A Congolese rebel warlord wanted for crimes against humanity including mass rape was handed over to the authorities in Kinshasa, a UN spokeswoman said.

Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka "has been handed over to the authorities at Kinshasa," Fabienne Pompey, spokeswoman for MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force in the country, told AFP today.

Sheka turned himself in to UN peacekeepers in North Kivu, the east of the country on July 26 and was initially held in Goma, the regional capital.

The authorities issued the warrant for Sheka's arrest in January 2011 after an attack in which the militia under his command and two other groups allegedly raped nearly 400 people in 13 villages between July 30 and August 2, 2010.

His soldiers are also accused of razing almost 1,000 homes and businesses and leading about 100 people off into forced labour.

Due to the rape accusations and other acts that could constitute crimes against humanity, Sheka had been subject to UN sanctions including the freezing of his assets and a worldwide travel ban.

Rights group Human Rights Watch, while welcoming Sheka's surrender, called on both the Congolese authorities and the UN to guarantee Sheka's safety in custody.

Some of the worst attacks by Sheka's forces occurred between August 2012 and November 2013 in and around the town of Pinga.

His Mai Mai fighters abducted dozens of women and girls, many of whom are still being held hostage as sex slaves, HRW said.

In June 2015, MONUSCO forces launched military operations against his force after his men burned down several villages in the east of the country.

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Ban of electronic cigarettes in India will increase smuggling of such products, which have no assurance of source and quality standard, according to Tobacco Institute of India (TII).

TII, which represents leading cigarette manufacturers such as ITC, Godfrey Phillips and VST, also said prohibition of e-cigarettes would put India at "an enormous structural disadvantage versus countries that have espoused a balanced regulatory policy approach on the category".

The ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems), commonly known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes have witnessed increasing consumer acceptance in India as is globally, it said in a statement.

"A ban on legal business in ENDS will pose a serious threat of illicit trade and large scale smuggling of these products in the country with no assurance of source and quality standard," TII said.

Prohibition would benefit illegal trade operators and promote foreign products owned by overseas entities in the absence of any domestic competition to challenge the illegal trade in these products, it added.

TII further said if a ban were to be imposed on ENDS, the domestic industry would stop all research and innovation in this area.

It would put India at a disadvantage against countries which would have not prohibited ENDS, it added.

"Therefore, all latent and emerging consumer demand for the product in the country would be met through the illicit route," TII claimed.

Citing WHO data, TII said the global market for ENDS in 2015 was around USD 10 billion and as per Euromonitor International, it is projected to cross USD 60 billion by 2030.

The health ministry is considering a ban on ENDS, of which e-cigarette is a prototype, after a technical committee evaluated recent research that said e-cigarettes were potentially lethal.

An e-cigarette is a battery-operated device that uses liquid nicotine, propylene glycol, water, glycerin and flavour to give the user the sense of smoking a real cigarette.

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The EU imposed sanctions on three Russian nationals and three firms after gas turbines sold by German industrial giant Siemens were diverted to Ukraine's Russian-annexed Crimea region.

The individuals -- two Russian government officials and a senior figure with one of the companies involved -- will be subject to an asset freeze and a travel ban, the European Union said in a statement today.

Those targeted included Russia's vice energy minister Andrey Cherezov, according to the 28-nation EU's official legal journal.

"The EU has added three Russian nationals and three companies involved in the transfer of gas turbines to Crimea to the list of persons subject to restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence," the EU statement said.

The EU said that setting up an independent power supply for Crimea supports its "separation from Ukraine" and that "gas turbines are a substantial element in the development of new power plants."



Siemens said last month it was scaling back its Russian operations after finding out that the four turbines had been "illegally" modified and moved to Crimea, which Russia annexed in March 2014.

A firm targeted by the new sanctions, Russian company Interautomatika, which sells power-plant control systems, is one that Siemens said it would divest a minority stake in following the revelations.

The EU -- which has a strict policy of refusing to recognise Moscow's annexation of Crimea -- said 153 people and 40 companies had now been targeted by individual sanctions against Russia.

The bloc also maintains broader economic sanctions against Russia, imposed after the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014.

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Union Minister has sought to fast-track key infrastructure projects, including the Char Dham scheme, and reached out to all the stakeholders for quicker clearances.

He minced no words saying there will be zero tolerance for any delay.

Chairing a meeting of a group of ministers on infrastructure last night, Gadkari said 18 proposals relating to the ambitious Char Dham project were scuttled in absence of various clearances, pointing out that the decision to build the new project was taken after the Uttarakhand catastrophe.

"There should not be any delay in the Rs 12,000-crore project for developing 900 km of National Highways in Uttarakhand for improving connectivity to Char Dham pilgrimage centres," officials present at the meeting quoted Gadkari as saying.

The meeting was attended by Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, officials of various ministries, including railways and defence, as well as the Uttarakhand government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the project last year with an aim to improve connectivity to Char Dham pilgrimage centres -- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in the Himalayas.

During the meeting, the state officials flagged the notification issued by the environment ministry declaring 40 square km near river Bhagirathi as an eco-sensitive zone.

Gadkari urged his forest counterpart to look into the matter as this is not just holding up the project, but causing delays in Namami Gange and border road programmes as well, the officials said.

Asking the ministry to speed up clearances to 32 other highway projects, the road, highways and shipping minister has sought exemption of NHIDCL projects within 100 km of LoC or international boundaries from sending proposals to regional offices, as in the case of defence.

The issue of transfer of defence land to the National Highways Authority of India at various locations was also discussed at the meeting as five such cases are pending, the officials said.

Reaching out to railway officials for rail projects in Maharashtra, Gadkari said delays are causing socio-economic imbalances.

The railway ministry was also approached to provide 35 acres in Varanasi for an inter-modal station.

Other port projects, including those of JNPT, Kandla and Kamrajar, came up for discussion.
Following are the top stories of the northern region at 1700 hrs:



LGD6 COURT-KASHMIR-TERROR



New Delhi: The NIA custody of four Kashmiri separatists, including the son-in-law of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, is extended by 10 more days by a Delhi court in a terror funding case.

LGD8 RJ-COURT-SALMAN



Jodhpur: Bollywood actor Salman Khan appears before the district and sessions court in Jodhpur for verification of bail bonds in an Arms Act case related to the killing of black bucks in 1998.

DES10 JK-IAS-PICTURES



Jammu: An IAS officer in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir is removed by the state government after his "awkward" pictures on bed go viral on social media.

NRG10 UP-SP-MLC-RESIGN



Lucknow: In a jolt to the Samajwadi Party, its MLC Sarojini Agarwal resigns from the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council and joins the BJP.

DES3 RJ-ACCIDENT



Jaipur: Seven women are killed and six injured after a jeep collides with a trailer in Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan.

DES5 UKD-MAJOR-LAST RITES



Nainital: The last rites of Major Kamlesh Pandey, killed by militants during a search operation in Shopian district of Kashmir, are conducted with full military honours near Haldwani in Uttarakhand where his parents stay.

DES6 UP-FRAUD



Lucknow: Three persons allegedly involved in fraud by posing as the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's personal assistant are arrested.

DES9 JK-AMARNATH



Jammu: As many as 858 pilgrims leave for the holy cave of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas and the mountain shrine of Buddha Amarnath in Poonch district of Jammu region.

NRG11 HR-MURDER



Chandigarh: An accountant working with the Union Home ministry is allegedly killed over a monetary dispute by a man in Kakroi village in Haryana's Sonepat district.

DES2 UP-CONG-TOMATO



Lucknow: Pricey tomatoes spur a fresh round of protests by Congress workers who park a cart full of tomatoes in front of the UP Legislative Assembly and sell the kitchen staple at Rs 10 per kg.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The future of India-UK relations is "extremely bright", especially on the trade front with some 800 Indian companies emerging as the second largest job creator in the country, India's High Commissioner to the UK has said.

"There will be a sea change in the India-UK relations when we celebrate 75th anniversary of India's Independence day," Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha said.

Sinha, who was Chief Guest at a function organised by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan here in connection with the celebration of India Independence Day, said "future of our relations (India-UK) is extremely bright.

"There is consensus to forge special relations. We have already defined our relations in trade. About 800 Indian companies operating in the UK are the second largest job creator here," Sinha said.

Noting that India has made considerable progress since it achieved its independence, he said "today we are one of the fastest growing economies in the world".

He admitted that "this journey has not been easy - there has been up and down but the country has withstood the vicissitude of time. In the last three years we have firmly positioned ourselves on the trajectory of growth."



Citing official figures, he said (in the recent past) the country has made tremendous progress in the fields of building roads and electrification, particularly in the rural areas.

"However, we have a long way to go - the journey is going to be hard but I am sanguine that the goal will be reached," he said.

Stating that it is important to encourage people from both countries to travel to each other's country, Sinha said the "E-Visa introduced by India has enabled people of UK to visit India in large numbers.

Joginder Sanger, Chairman of the Bhavan here said "the Bhavan is the best cultural institute outside India."



Lord Ranbir Suri lauded the economic growth India achieved during the last 70 years.

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A German couple received lengthy jail sentences today for brutally raping and killing a Chinese student in eastern Germany, in a shocking crime that caused outrage in both countries.

The court in the city of Dessau found that the 21-year- old defendants, named only as Sebastian F. And Xenia I., lured the 25-year-old architecture student to an empty apartment in May last year, DPA agency reported. They submitted their victim to a horrific ordeal that led to her death.

Presiding judge Uda Schmidt called the case an "incomprehensible crime", handing down a 15-year sentence to Sebastian F and a juvenile sentence of five years and six months to his partner at the time, who is the mother of three children.

The two defendants, who sat impassively as the verdict was read out, were also ordered to pay a total of 60,000 euros (USD 71,300) for the pain and suffering of the victim's parents, who were co-plaintiffs in the case.

Schmidt said the pair's sole motive had been to fulfil a sadistic sexual fantasy. After trapping her in the flat, the pair repeatedly sexually assaulted the woman, leaving her with such severe injuries that they assumed she would die, the court found.

When the couple returned hours later and found the victim, identified in media reports as Li Yangjie, still alive, they carried the severely injured woman away and abandoned her in underbrush.

After friends in Germany and China alerted the authorities that she was missing, police organised a search for the woman, who was from the eastern province of Henan. Her corpse was found two days later.

An autopsy found she had suffered blows to the head, torso and extremities. After of the murder spread, hundreds of Chinese students and local residents held a rally in Li's memory to demand justice.

The couple was arrested two weeks after the crime and went on trial last November. Xenia I. Had admitted in testimony that she had lured the young woman, who was jogging in town, to the empty flat under false pretences and was present while Sebastian F raped her.

But she denied taking part in the abuse that led to the student's death. Beyond the shock at the brutality of the crime, the case also caused controversy in Germany and China because the mother and stepfather of Sebastian F are both police officers.

Sebastian F is also accused of at least one further rape committed in the summer of 2013 in Dessau which only came to light in the course of the investigation.

Dessau, 130 kilometres (80 miles) southwest of Berlin, is closely associated with the Bauhaus movement and draws architecture and design students from around the world.

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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today announced creation of a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) -- Bharat-22 -- that will comprise shares of 22 central public sector enterprises, state-owned banks and some holding in SUUTI.

Bharat-22 will cover six sectors, he told reporters here.

It will feature four banking stocks -- SBI, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda and Indian Bank -- other than CPSEs such as Nalco, ONGC, IOC, BPCL and Coal India.

Besides, there will be nine other PSUs as well as REC and PFC. SUUTI's holding in ITC has also been included.

Ninety per cent of the equities included are traded in futures.

ICICI Prudential is the fund manager.

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The government is contemplating to bring a national policy for the development of the Himalayan region, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said in the Rajya Sabha today dismissing the need for a council for Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

He said establishing a Council was not the solution for development and listed many schemes and programmes as well as projects in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttrakhand to prove his point.

Vardhan was replying to a debate on a private members' bill which provided for creation of a Central Himalayan States Development Council.

He said a comparison of human development index data showed that despite 40 years of creation of North Eastern Council, eight states - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura lagged much behind as compared to J&K, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

"Even without council, we are paying proper attention to the development of hilly states. If more need to be done, we will do it," the minister said.

He listed a number of schemes for the holistic development of the three states while mentioning that NITI Aaayog has also submitted a report on 12 states.

Pradeep Tamta of the Congress later withdrew his bill.

In his reply, the minister said these three states were, not only much ahead in human development index, but the government has announced several special packages for them that includes a Rs 80,000 crore package for Jammu & Kashmir.

He said that in terms of GDP too, Uttarakhand was far ahead.

Road and rail networks too were better in the three states for which a Council was being demanded.

Presenting a comparision, the minister said Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir have national highways network of 1,991 km, 1,208 km and 1,245 km, respectively, in comparision to barely a few hundred kms in North Eastern States.

Regarding the railway lines network, he said while J&K, Himachal and Uttarakhand had networks of 96 kms, 269 kms and 356 kms, the North Eastern states barely had a few kms.

He said in 2015, a special package was announced for J&K that includes Rs 42,611 crore for rail and highway network. Besides, a Rs 12,000 crore Char Dham project is being implemented in Uttarakhand for building 900 km of highways after Kedarnath tragedy in 2013.

The minister said Uttarakhand also figured among seven most developed states and that 119 research papers were awarded on these hill states.

Vardhan said he would also call a meeting of the members for their suggestions.

He said the country is providing leadership to the world on the climate change issue and members should rest assured.

Earlier, while moving his bill for consideration and passing, Tamta said a new development authority should be constituted taking into account the progress of the Himalayan region.

He said a separate ministry should be created in the central government for the Himalayan region on the lines of the one existing for the north east.

Jairam Ramesh (Cong) urged the government to review the policy of hydel projects in the upper regions of Ganga, Bahagirathi and other rivers.

"I urge you to relook at policy on huydel progamme", he said. Others who particiapted in the discussion included V Reddy (YSR Congress), B K Hariprasad (Cong), Mahendra Singh Mahra (Cong) and Subbarami Reddy.

The reply later saw frequent interruptions by the Congress members who urged the minister to cut short his reply, saying they were convinced and he should conclude.

Rajeev Shukla of Congress quipped that members would fall ill due to his long reply, triggering laughter in the House.

"The long reply is leading to development of fatigue," he added.

Pramod Tiwari of Congress then made another remark in a lighter vein directed at Vardhan. "You already prescribe allopathy. Now, please prescribe homeopathy," Tiwari told Vardhan who is an ENT doctor.

The minister then promised to cut short his reply. "Because of the homeopathy dose, I have to cut short my reply," he said.

Later, the House was adjourned till Tuesday as Monday will be a holiday on account of Raksha Bandhan.

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The government today said it has set up a new exchange-traded fund (ETF), Bharat-22, comprising 22 scrips including ONGC, IOC, SBI and Axis Bank.

This will be the second ETF from the government after it raised over Rs 8,509 crore from three tranches of CPSE ETF.

Bharat-22 will have a diversified portfolio of six sectors, including energy, FMCG, finance, basic material and industrial and utilities, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters here.

The 22 scrips include central public sector enterprises (CPSEs), state-owned banks and government's strategic holding in Axis Bank, ITC and L&T held through SUUTI (Specified Undertaking of Unit Trust of India).

"While selecting each of these sectors, we have kept in mind sectoral reforms which have had direct impact on the valuation of these shares... We believe that this ETF will be a fairly successful one," Jaitley said.

ETF functions like a mutual fund scheme and is bought by investors as units.

The oil and gas and coal and mine PSUs whose scrips figure in the new ETF are ONGC, IOC, BPCL, Coal India and Nalco.

The other CPSEs which on the list are Bharat Electronics, Engineers India, NBCC, NTPC, NHPC, SJVNL, GAIL, PGCIL and NLC India.

Only three PSU banks  SBI, Indian Bank and Bank of Baroda  figure in the Bharat-22 index.

Also, the government holding in Axis Bank, ITC and Larsen and Toubro held through SUUTI is also part of the ETF basket.

A list of 22 companies effectively means that small tranches of government holding in CPSEs and PSBs will be included, he added.

Jaitley said the inclusion of three PSU banks in Bharat-22 is "consistent" with the government policy.

"Government's stake can go down to 52 per cent in PSU banks and whenever possible, we will look for a possible consolidation," he added.

The government had raised about Rs 8,500 crore through the three tranches of CPSE ETF last fiscal.

The first CPSE ETF consisted of scrips of 10 PSUs  ONGC, Coal India, IOC, GAIL (India), Oil India, PFC, Bharat Electronics, REC, Engineers India and Container Corporation of India.

India, Jaitley said, has tried the ETF experiment successfully and globally, ETF asset under management stands at USD 4 trillion.

Over 4 years, this AUM is expected to touch USD 7 trillion as sovereign and pension funds have started preferring the ETF mode, the finance minister said.

ETF investment is less risky and provides liquid assets which are traded real time and is a transparent mode of investment, Jaitley pointed out.

Asked when the first tranche of Bharat-22 will hit the market, DIPAM Secretary Neeraj Gupta said there is no cap on funds that can be raised though ETF.

"It will be different tranches as per requirement of the government," he said.

The secretary in Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) said further that while formulating the ETF basket, returns for the last 10 years have been validated.

"Ninety per cent of the equities included are also traded in futures," Gupta said, adding that ICICI Prudential is the fund manager for Bharat-22.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today condemned the attack on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's car in flood-hit Dhanera town in Banaskantha district.

Rupani said he has directed officials concerned to take strict action against those responsible for the incident.

"Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has condemned the attack on the convoy of Rahul Gandhi. The chief minister also instructed the officials to take stern action against the persons responsible for the incident," a government statement said tonight.

On Gandhi's visit to villages in flood-hit Banaskantha district today, Rupani said it was a "photo-op exercise" and dubbed Gandhi a "perpetual tourist".

"The perpetual tourist, Shri @OfficeOfRG came to Gujarat but the people of Gujarat are asking--where are our INC MLAs in this crucial time?" Rupani said in a tweet, referring to the 44 MLAs of the Congress who are putting up in a resort in Bengaluru ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls.

"Instead of another photo-op, it would have been better had @OfficeOfRG and @INCIndia devoted time to proper relief work in flooded area.

"Rahul Gandhi's leadership style is working wonders in his party. Following him, Congress MLAs are also in vacation mode!" the CM said in another tweet.

"People of Gujarat know the tricks of Congress rather too well. Their anti-people and Anti-Gujarat mindset is not a secret," he tweeted.

In the Dhanera incident, a man hurled a cement brick at Gandhi's car, damaging its rear glass pane.

Earlier, the Congress vice-president was heckled by protesters at an event.

He left the stage in a huff after making a brief speech in the Lal Chowk area of the town after protesters showed black flags to him.

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The Madras High Court today granted bail to S Madhan, an accused in a medical admission scam, in a money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate.

Justice P N Prakash granted the bail on the grounds that the evidence produced by the ED did not meet requirements of Section 45(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for denial of the relief.

Rapping the ED for its "shoddy" investigation, the judge observed the PMLA was a welcome law but a sledge-hammer and it should not be used to crack nuts, lest it earned the wrath of the common man resulting in its very repeal by the legislature.

"It should be used against sharks and not shrimps," he added.

Madhan of Vendhar Movies, wanted for allegedly duping 133 aspirants of medical courses in SRM group of institutions to the tune of Rs 84.27 crore, was arrested in November last year in Tirupur after being on the run for nearly six months.

Police had also arrested SRM group of institutions founder T R Pachamathu in August last year. He was granted bail by the sessions cour later on the condition that he deposit a sum of Rs 75 crore in the trial court.

Madhan was also granted bail, but the ED booked a case under the PMLA and arrested him on May 23. A court had remanded him to judicial custody. Seeking bail, he moved the high court.

Allowing his plea, Justice Prakash said it was apparent to the court that "a shoddy investigation" had been hurriedly done to prevent Madhan from being released on bail.

He said the court was unable to arrive at a finding that there were reasonable grounds for believing that Madhan was guilty of such an offence.

The ED had not produced any material to show that apart from the present offence relating to 133 cheating complaints, Madhan was involved in any other offence.

The judge also noted that from the evidence collected by the ED and the police, the court was able to apparently see that Madhan was not the solitary player in this 'sordid' episode.

"There are prima facie materials to show that a well- oiled syndicate had existed by which affluent parents who were overambitious in wanting to make doctors of dull heads, were directed by the SRM University management to contact Madhan at his Vendhar Movies office...," he said.

The cash paid by the parents went to the kitty of the college management as could be seen from the confession of a co-accused, justice Prakash said.

"In view of the foregoing discussion, the court was inclined to grant bail to Madhan not because he was an angel, but, because the evidence produced by the ED does not pass muster of the parameters of Section 45(1) of the PMLA for denial of bail," the judge said.

He, however, made it clear that the observations were only for the limited purpose of deciding the bail application and shall not be construed as a clean chit given by the court to Madhan.

The judge then directed release of Madhan on him executing a bond for a sum of Rs 50,000 with two sureties, each for a like sum.

He ordered Madhan to report to the Principal Sessions Judge (Special Court for PMLA cases) here everyday at 10.30 am until further orders.

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The Orissa High Court today granted conditional bail to self-styled godman Sarathi Baba alias Santosh Roul in a cheating case.

Justice C R Dash allowed the bail application of Roul, who is facing charges of indulging in criminal activities and cheating people by misusing religious and spiritual practices, under the IPC, SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Arms Act and Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act.

The court asked Roul not to participate in any religious procession, enter his Barimul Ashram or visit Kendrapara district after his release from jail.

It also asked him not to give any religious discourse or address religious meetings or ask any of his followers to do so.

However, on the plea of the Crime Branch that the angry public pose a threat to Roul, the high court allowed him to seek police protection whenever and wherever required.

For this, Roul has to stay in constant touch with the state police and inform it in advance about his visits, the HC said.

Santosh Roul was arrested by the Odisha Crime Branch from his Barimul Ashram in Kendrapara district on August 8, 2015.

He is unlikely to walk free from the Choudwar circle jail as the Supreme Court had not granted him bail in February in a case of assault on a Dalit woman. The apex court had, however, granted the godman bail in a case pertaining to threats issued by him to a woman medical practitioner.

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The Delhi High Court has dismissed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's plea to delete his name as a defendant from a lawsuit on copyright violation filed by a former JNU scholar-turned-politician, and imposed a cost of Rs 20,000 on him.

Joint Registrar Sanjeev Aggarwal, while passing the order on Wednesday, observed the application was a "sheer abuse of process of the law" as the plaintiff (the scholar) was entitled to choose the defendants against whom he has a "cause of action".

In his lawsuit, Atul Kumar Singh, a former JNU student has alleged that the book published by Patna-based Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI), through its Member Secretary Shaibal Gupta, and endorsed by Kumar, is a plagiarised version of his research work.

The chief minister said in his application he had no direct or indirect association with other defendants and the book -- Special Category Status: A Case for Bihar. He also contended he had only endorsed the book and not authored it.

The Bihar chief minister said "no cause of action was made out for instituting and maintaining the suit", insisting he has been impleaded with a "malafide" intention to cause embarrassment.

The joint registrar turned down Kumar's contention and has noted in his order that two JNU supervisors of the scholar had certified his work as original and that it was released on May 14, 2009, a day before the book was released.

"The facts are cumulatively sufficient to give right to sue to the plaintiff (Singh) against defendant no. 1 (Kumar)."



The joint registrar noted that there were sufficient grounds to sue Kumar.

"Therefore, Kumar is both necessary as well as proper party to suit, as in his absence no effective decree can be passed in the present suit. Further, presence of Gupta is necessary in order to enable the court to effectually and completely adjudicate upon and settle all disputes in the suit," the order said.

The order said, "....The present interim application (by Nitish Kumar) is sheer abuse of process of law. Same is dismissed with cost of Rs 20,000."



The counsel for Nitish Kumar said the order will be challenged before an appropriate bench of the High Court.

Besides Kumar, the complainant has claimed damages totalling Rs 25 lakh from the defendants including Gupta, ADRI and its sister concern Centre for Economic Policy and Public Finance.

Singh opposed Kumar's application for deletion of his name as defendant as it had been filed purely on the ground of "privilege of his office".

The joint registrar declined relief to Kumar and fixed the matter for recording of evidence.

After the pleadings involving recording of evidence, framing of issues and cross-examination are completed, the matter will be referred to a judge for final adjudication.

The then chief proctor of JNU in 2006-10 is also party in the matter. His counsel Monika Arora and Kushal Kumar had contended that Singh had attended the varsity for the last time in 2013, therefore the university has no role in the matter as of today.

Singh, a former senior research scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), moved the high court in 2010 alleging that his PhD thesis 'Role of State in Economic Transformation: A case Study of Contemporary Bihar' of 2006 was released on May 15, 2009 in a book format under the title - Special Category Status, A Case for Bihar.

The lawsuit states that it was in 2006 that Singh had enrolled for a PhD at JNU. His home state, Bihar, was the subject of his research, and his thesis was to be titled, 'Role of State in Economic Transformation: A case study of contemporary Bihar.'



It said since the subject of his research involved conducting an economic survey, he got in touch with ADRI.

The petitioner claimed that initially the book was shown to be "authored" by Nitish Kumar, but when Singh complained about it, ADRI brought out a fresh version which was shown to have been "endorsed" by the Bihar chief minister.

The suit, which described Kumar as the "principal actor", said that "despite holding such a responsible post, the defendant in his present capacity has in order to draw public/media attention and to draw political mileage has along with other defendants deliberately, knowingly and malafidely breached the vested copyright of the plaintiff (Singh)".

Singh has alleged that Gupta played the "pivotal role" in illegally transferring his research work to the Bihar chief minister.

Singh, who belongs to Bihar's Saran district, had contested Lok Sabha elections from Chapra constituency in 2004 as an independent.

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South African adventurer Stephen McGown's release after over five years of captivity in Mali has sparked renewed hope for the safe homecoming of Indian-origin photojournalist Shiraaz Mohamed who was abducted near the Turkish border earlier this year.

McGowan, who was held captive in 2011 along with several other foreign nationals as he cycled his way through Africa, returned home yesterday after unrelenting efforts by the renowned humanitarian organisation 'Gift of the Givers', started by Indian-origin South African Imtiaz Sooliman 30 years ago, and interventions from the governments of both the countries.

Mohamed was abducted in January by a group of armed men near the Syrian border with Turkey almost six months ago while on a humanitarian trip with the 'Gift of the Givers'.

There has been no information on Mohamed's whereabouts or claims by any rebel forces of responsibility for his abduction at gunpoint after the vehicle he was travelling in was blocked in on the eve of his departure from Syria.

Sooliman said 'Gift of the Givers' representatives in Syria were continuing their efforts to find any possible information about Mohamed.

South African Department of State Security spokesperson Brian Dube told the The Star today that even though the circumstances of Mohamed's capture were different from that of McGown, the government was still working tirelessly to try to secure the photojournalist's safe return.

"The government's position has always been the same... that whoever goes missing or gets kidnapped outside the country, it will always play a role to try to get them back," Dube said.

"I can confirm that we are seized with this matter in trying to assist. We are working as a team led by Dirco (Department of International Relations and Co-operation), because this is an international matter. And, of course, state security will also play its role in trying to bring back Mohamed. It's a team effort," he added.

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Hyundai Motor India on Friday unveiled the all new version of its mid-sized sedan, Verna which is slated to be launched later this month.

The fifth generation Verna is based on a newly developed K2 platform and has been developed with an investment of Rs 1,040 crore.

The company has also commenced the pre-bookings of the upcoming model which it plans to launch on August 22.

"We have set a target of 10,000 deliveries before Diwali," Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) Managing Director & CEO YK Koo told reporter here.

Exuding confidence of the new offering doing well, he said: "The next gen Verna will create disruption in the sedan segment with its benchmark features and performance."



The new Verna comes with 1.6 litre petrol and diesel engines mated with both manual and automatic transmissions.

The company has so far sold 3.17 lakh units of the sedan in the country since the introduction of the model in 2006. Globally, the company has sold around 88 lakh units of the sedan till date.

The new Verna will be pitched mainly against Maruti Suzuki's Ciaz and Honda's City sedans which are priced between Rs 7.65-13.43 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) in the mid-sized sedan segment.

On the overall business, Koo said India has contributed 14.
The bubbly girl role from "Sasural Genda Phool" brought Ragini Khanna a lot of popularity but the actor says it also pigeonholed her as a performer.

Khanna, who is making her film debut with "Gurgaon", says she hopes the Shanker Raman-directed movie helps her move beyond her established image.

"After 'Sasural...', I only got parts in TV that required me to play the happy bubbly girl. So, I was like, 'Why can't people see me as an actor?' and 'Why are they just so stuck up with the image?' Because when I did 'Radha Ki Betiyaan...' or 'Bhaskar Bharti', they were way different characters than Suhana," Khanna told PTI.

The actor says she knew that she had a lot more to her as an actor than just playing the chirpy characters. And that is when "Gurgaon" happened to her.

The film, featuring Pankaj Tripathi and Akshay Oberoi, is a dark family thriller.

"This was the film I was looking for. Because I wanted to challenge myself as an artiste and I wanted to tell people that Suhana was not Ragini Khanna. Ragini is an artiste. She is capable of doing all the other parts as well as Suhana."



Talking about her character Preet, Khanna, 29, says, "She is the only person in the family who Kehri Singh (Tripathi) adores and loves. And Preet understands the sense of power she has in terms of what she can speak and what repercussions it can have on her family."



The actor says her role is close to who she is in real life.

"I'm as silent as Preet which is in contrast to the happy image of mine. My profession has made me a people's person. But as a child and all my growing up years, I was recluse and I have been this geek who reads a lot. I'm so much into my hobbies."



A career in films may be on the anvil but Khanna has fond memories of her television days and credits the small screen for giving her name and fame.

"I never consider any medium big or small. TV is so difficult that it's unimaginable. I've experienced it and I have great respect for all of them. TV is the biggest medium. How can someone discredit it? You cannot challenge the popularity of a TV actor."



She says she realised the actual value of being a TV actor when she performed at the Wembley arena in London.

"There were people running behind the bus we were in. There was a huge uproar when my character Suhana's performance was announced on stage. And that was when I got to know that the popularity of a TV actor is insane."



"Gurgaon" released today.

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An IAS officer in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir was today removed by the state government after his "awkward" pictures on bed went viral on social media.

"Pending enquiry into his conduct, Niraj Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur is hereby attached in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu," an order issued by the General Administrative Department (GAD) said.

Three pictures of the bureaucrat in an "awkward position" in bed went viral on WhatsApp and Facebook, triggering anger among the public.

In a swift action, the state government removed the officer from his post.

"We took immediate action after looking at the pictures. We do not know whether they are true or forged. A probe has been ordered to know the truth," a senior government officer told PTI.

Anand Sharma, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Udhampur will look after the work of Kumar till further orders, Under secretary to the government, Amrik Singh, said in an order.

Kumar was unavailable for comments.

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Chartered accountants' apex body ICAI has been directed to resolve complaints from government organisations in a "time-bound manner", union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said today.

The minister of state for corporate affairs informed the Lok Sabha that in the last five years, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) dealt with 1,125 cases out of the 2,550 cases registered during the period.

"The Ministry has issued directions to the ICAI that where complaints have been received from government organisations, they should be dealt within a strictly time- bound manner as public interest is involved in such cases," the minister told the Lok Sabha.

The institute should also ensure that disposal is done within the limit laid down for each step, he added.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had wondered why the institute took action only against 25 members for irregularities while more than 1,400 cases have been pending for many years.

Citing information available with the ICAI, Meghwal today said, "In respect of 25 cases punishment of removal of names from the register of members for one year or more, including permanent removal was awarded".

The minister was responding to a query on whether the ICAI has poor track record on disciplinary front and has prosecuted only 25 chartered accountants in the last 11 years.

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An Indiana soldier who was just 32 days into his first deployment was one of two American service members killed in a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan, military officials confirmed.

Mark Hunter said members of the Indiana National Guard informed him Wednesday night that his son, 23-year-old US Army Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter, died in the attack on a NATO convoy near the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.

The Department of Defense confirmed the deaths yesterday night. Officials also identified the second soldier killed as Army Spc. Christopher Michael Harris, 25, of Jackson Springs, North Carolina.

The US military in Afghanistan earlier said that four other American troops were wounded in Wednesday's attack. Jonathon Hunter, who grew up about 40 miles south of Indianapolis in the central Indiana community of Columbus, left July 1 on his first deployment and was providing security for the convoy that was attacked, his father said.

He joined the Army in 2014 and was a member of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Mark Hunter said his son was excited about his first deployment, but that he, as an Army veteran, was apprehensive.

"He had been there 32 days. I'm former military, me and his uncle both, so we know the dangers," Hunter told The Associated Press by phone from his home in Columbus. He said his son, who got married last October and has an older brother and two stepsisters, was cheerful, loving and religious.

"If you were down, he would cheer you up and he was God- loving. He was raised in the church," he said.

The family later issued a statement saying in part, "Jonathon loved his unit and serving his country and was excited about the opportunity to go to Afghanistan to do his part in fighting injustice".

Hunter said he will travel Friday to Dover Air Force Base to retrieve his son's remains and that funeral plans were being determined by him, Jonathon's mother and Jonathon's wife, Whitney.

After graduating from Columbus East High School in 2011, he said his son spent a short time in Nashville, Tennessee, pursuing his dream of becoming a music producer before he enrolled at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, where he studied criminology and business.

But Hunter said his son eventually left ISU and joined the Army in April 2014 because he didn't want to burden him with paying for his college.

"After he got into school and of course we were struggling with bills, to pay for it he decided to join. He said, 'Dad, I know that going into the military I can get a free education,'" Mark Hunter said.

He said his family has a history of military service that dates back to the Civil War.

"I'm just proud of him. He was a great soldier. He made (sergeant) in a little over three years, which is pretty rare, they tell me," Hunter said.

Before Jonathon Hunter's death, 207 Indiana service members had died since 2002 in the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, or supporting those operations, said Tim Dyke, director of training and services Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. He said that's based on a tally produced by the agency's former director.

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The government today said provisions of the POCSO Act and Indian Penal Code were sufficient to prosecute those who practised female genital mutilation (FGM), virtually ruling out bringing in a new law to ban it.

Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi had told a national daily that a law would be brought in to ban the practice in India if the Bohra community leaders didn't issue an edict to end FGM.

FGM or 'khatna' is a practice among the members of the community where girls have had either part of the clitoral hood or the entire clitoris cut.

"Necessary safeguards are already available under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, which can be invoked for prosecution of people indulging in the practice of FGM," she said in response to a question in Lok Sabha.

Gandhi had said that she was planning to write to Bohra community leaders asking for enforcing a ban on the practice of FGM. The ministry had drafted an advisory listing provisions under the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act under which its practioners can be prosecuted.

In May, the Supreme Court had asked the government and four states to respond to a petition seeking a ban on the FGM.

The practice is banned in the UK, the US and Australia. The UNICEF estimates about 200 million girls worldwide have undergone FGM which often causes serious physical and psychological problem.

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Iraqi troops have found a mass grave in the western city of Ramadi containing the bodies of 40 men believed to have been executed by the Islamic State group, officials said today.

It is the latest of dozens of such grisly finds made by Iraqi forces since they drove the jihadists out of the swathes of northern and western Iraq that they occupied in 2014.

Ammar Nuri al-Dulaimi, an official from a Martyrs Committee for Anbar province, said the bodies had bullet wounds to the head, suggesting they were executed by IS.

An army colonel, who asked not to be named, said troops had uncovered the mass grave during a sweep of the Al-Tach neighbourhood in the south of Ramadi, capital of the province.

The army retook the city in December 2015.

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The Israeli army arrested a Hamas member of the Palestinian parliament at his home in the occupied West Bank overnight, the Palestinian Prisoners' Club said.

Muhammed Abu Tir, 65, was arrested in a raid on his home near Ramallah, the group said today, only two months ago after he was released from a previous 17-month sentence.

The Israeli authorities, which did not immediately respond to AFP queries about the arrest, consider the Islamist movement that has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007 to be a terrorist group, as do the United States and European Union.

Abu Tir is from east Jerusalem which he represents on the Palestinian Legislative Council.

His arrest brings to 13 the number of people from the 132-member Palestinian Legislative Council currently jailed by Israel, according to the Palestinian rights group Addameer.

The Hamas-dominated parliament has not met since the Islamist movement took over the Gaza coastal enclave in June 2007, ousting Fatah forces loyal to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is suspected of crimes involving fraud, breach of trust and bribes in two corruption cases, Israeli police revealed.

Police have been questioning Netanyahu for months over the cases but have released few details. It released a gag order Thursday night on reporting the details of talks that are underway to enlist a state witness.

The document says the cases involving Netanyahu deal with "a suspicion of committing crimes of bribery, fraud and breach of trust."



Netanyahu's office has repeatedly denied wrongdoing over the investigations, portraying the accusations as a witch hunt against him and his family by a hostile media opposed to his hard-line political views.

A statement from his office Thursday night said, "We completely reject the unfounded claims against the prime minister." It said the allegations are part of a campaign to "replace the government" and "there will be nothing, because there was nothing."



One investigation, dubbed "File 1000," reportedly concerns claims that Netanyahu improperly accepted lavish gifts from wealthy supporters, including Australian billionaire James Packer and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan.

The second investigation, "File 2000," reportedly concerns Netanyahu's alleged attempts to strike a deal with publisher Arnon Mozes of the Yediot Ahronot newspaper group to promote legislation to weaken Yediot's main competitor in exchange for more favorable coverage of him by Yediot.

Netanyahu, who took office in 2009, has long had an image as a cigar-smoking, cognac-drinking socialite, while his wife, Sara, has been accused of abusive behavior toward staff. Opponents have portrayed both as being out of touch with the struggles of average Israelis.

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The Crime Branch of Mumbai police today opposed the bail applications of six prison officials arrested in connection with the alleged killing of Byculla Jail inmate Manju Shette.

In a reply filed before the sessions court through Public Prosecutor Shankar Yerende, the police said the accused were facing serious charges, and investigation was still on.

The police had direct, circumstantial as well as "electronic" evidence against them, and if released on bail, they "may hamper the investigation process", it said, also pointing out that these officials live in the jail premises.

The court is likely to hear the bail applications on August 16.

Six officials of Byculla women's prison here -- Manisha Pokharkar, Wasima Shaikh, Shital Shegokar, Surekha Gulve, Aarti Shingne and Bindu Naikade -- were arrested last month for allegedly assaulting Shette and causing her death.

Shette (45), serving life sentence, died in hospital on June 23. It led to a violent protest by fellow inmates including Indrani Mukerjea, a prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, the next day.

The accused officials alleged in their bail pleas that Indrani and some other inmates were the "masterminds" behind the false case against them. These inmates bore personal grudges against the officials, they said.

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Praising the women power of Jharkhand, Chief Minister Raghubar Das today said that the women of the state have set a precedent for women of other states.

"Whether it be agriculture, cottage industry or animal husbandry, women sakhi mandals have proved their worth everywhere. We are proud of them. In the next two and half years, the state will be the most developed state of the nation," an official release said quoting Das.

Addressing NABARD Bank Linkage Programme on Silver Jubilee of Women Self help Groups, Das said that the self help groups have given a new identity to rural economy.

He appealed to all banks including NABARD to play their roles in the development of the state. He said that poverty from the state will be eradicated in the next four years and all people will be brought above poverty line.

Women participation in dairy farm, fisheries and animal husbandry will be ensured, he said, adding the village coordinators will make group of 15 women each in 32,000 villages. These women will be trained and connected with employment strengthening 4,80,000 skilled women working professionally, Das said.

The chief minister said that there will be wide range of produce at village level and these products will be sold in domestic as well as international markets.

Jharkhand will prove to be a leader in Make In India campaign, he said.

"Apart from blankets, towels and bed sheets, we should prepare enough khowa in Shravani Mela season so that we should not import from outside," he said.

"One lakh self help groups will be digitised," Das said, adding "new technique can speed up the process of production and we will not fall behind in using them. The government will conduct a meeting of bankers with sakhi mandals after every six months."



"Our government planned the outline of development from the villages. The common budget was made for common people. A total 364 buses will be run by SC, ST women strengthening rural transportation," he said.

Addressing the programme, Development



Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Amit Khare said that the sakhi mandals need to be linked with credit and marketing. They play an important role in developing the society economically and socially.

State level SHGs, branch managers and district managers were felicitated and given appreciation letter.

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Former union minister P Chidambaram's son Karti today moved the Madras High Court for quashing of a "look out circular" issued against him under the Passport Act over a corruption case filed by the CBI, alleging it was part of the central government's "political vendetta".

Karti claimed that the look out circular (LOC) was issued on July 18 though he had responded to the summonses issued by the CBI and that it was done to cause "embarrassment" to him and to 'throttle' the voice of his father, "a leading member of the opposition".

When the matter came up for hearing before Justice D Duraiswamy, he adjourned it to August 7 after Additional Solicitor General G Rajagopalan sought time to get instructions on whether such a circular had been issued.

The case related to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds when his father was the Finance Minister in 2007.

In his petition, Karti contended that circular had been issued arbitrarily and without jurisdiction by the Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) and the Bureau of Immigration under the Union home ministry at the behest of different agencies to prevent him from travelling abroad.

"The circular is a well thought out and meticulously orchestrated fraudulent plan of the CBI to stop me at the airport as and when I proceed abroad by springing an unpleasant surprise on me and leak it to the media that I was detained at the airport and cause embarrassment to me," he alleged.

Karti also charged that the central government had been pursuing 'a politically-motivated vendetta' against his family, especially him, in the past two-and-half years by 'abusing' the powers of agencies such as the Income Tax, Enforcement Directorate and CBI.

He claimed that the whole aim of the central government was to 'damage' their reputation.

Karti said he had responded to the summonses issued by the CBI in connection with the case and there was "no absolute cause of action" for issuance of the LOC.

The petitioner had been summoned twice by the CBI since June this year to appear before it for questioning in connection with alleged irregularities in the clearance given by the FIPB to the media group for allegedly receiving funds from Mauritius when his father was the finance minister in 2007.

Karti had sought time to appear before the CBI, which had on May 15 registered an FIR against him and others alleging that a firm "indirectly controlled" by him had received money from INX Media, run by Indrani and Peter Mukerjea.

In his petition, Karti submitted that the LOC, which was used to monitor the arrival departure of foreigners and Indians or to restrict their movement, had been issued to restrain him from going abroad.

Claiming that the CBI issued the summons when he was abroad on personal work, Karti said his counsel had duly informed the agency about this through a letter dated June 20.

He said the LOC was a coercive measure to make a person surrender to the investigating agency only if it was amply demonstrated that he repeatedly and deliberately failed to cooperate with the investigation.

Karti submitted that he made frequent business trips abroad which were always for about two weeks.

Karti said he was scheduled to visit the UK from August 16 for two weeks and that if the LOC was not recalled, his travel plans would be jeopardised.

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The Madhya Pradesh government should ensure the rehabilitation of residents of the Narmada Valley affected by the closure of the Sardar Sarovar dam's gates, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today.

Kejriwal also expressed concern over the "deteriorating" health of activist Medha Patkar, who has been on an indefinite fast since July 27 over the issue.

The BJP government in MP had not made any attempt to reach out to her, Kejriwal said in a statement. AAP MP Bhagwant Mann recently toured the region.

"I strongly support the fight for the rights of those being displaced in the Narmada Valley and appeal to the Centre to protect their rights and our democracy, by stopping the Narmada waters from submerging the villages of the affected region.

"The Centre should engage in a constructive dialogue with the displaced and ensure complete rehabilitation before closing the gates of the dam," he said.

Thousands of families in Madhya Pradesh's Barwani, Dhar, Alirajpur and Khargone districts will have to vacate their houses following the Centre's nod for closing the gates of the Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada river in neighbouring Gujarat.

The closing of gates -- which will take place in a phased manner -- will lead to a rise in water levels, resulting in villages in the catchment area in Madhya Pradesh being submerged.

The government said three days ago that over 7,000 families had stayed put in the catchment area in MP, and it was trying to persuade them to leave.

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A Meghalaya police constable, Lusen A Sangma, who shot dead his senior colleague earlier this week at a police battalion camp in West Jaintia Hills district, has surrendered in North Garo Hills district.

"The wanted constable surrendered at Kharkutta PS in North Garo Hills. He was arrested and brought to where he committed the crime," West Jaintia Hills district SP R Muthu said.

Lusen Sangma was in a drunken state when he stormed into the top-floor room of the havildar and fired about six rounds from his weapon. The havildar later succumbed to his injuries.

Lusen escaped the camp by firing another 15 rounds in the air.

The SP said the police was investigating what prompted the constable to shoot dead his colleague.

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Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake is under pressure to resign amid allegations that a company at the centre of a probe into alleged irregularities at a government bond sale paid for a luxury apartment taken on lease by him.

Karunanayake this week appeared before a presidential commission of inquiry in connection with the bond sale scandal in 2015.

Perpetual Treasuries Ltd, a subsidiary of a company owned by the son-in-law of Sri Lanka's then-central bank chief Arjuna Mahendran, bought more than half of the controversial bond issue on February 27, 2015, prompting charges of a conflict of interest.

Mahendran and his son-in-law, Arjun Aloysius, have denied any wrongdoing.

Karunanayake, who was the Minister of Finance earlier is accused of taking on lease a luxury apartment in Colombo paid for by Aloysius of Perpetual Treasuries.

A leading civil society think tank, Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA), said, "The allegations are of sufficient gravity to require the immediate resignation of Ravi Karunanayake MP, the Minister of Foreign Affairs."



The CPA says Karunanayake's explanation that he knew nothing of the deal and it was his wife and daughter who had procured the apartment was unacceptable.

"CPA finds the Minster's testimony not only entirely implausible but also deeply damaging," it said.

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Lesser Floricans, a species of migratory birds, have skipped their annual visit to western Madhya Pradesh this monsoon, leaving wildlife experts worried.

The birds, commonly known as the likh or kharmore, generally make Ratlam's Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary, Petlawad in Jhabua and Sardarpur in Dhar district, as their homes for breeding during the monsoon.

However, this time these large birds of the bustard family which are an endangered species, have not yet arrived as the grasslands, where the winged visitors stay, have not been well developed due to scanty rains, mainly in the first fortnight of last month.

The bird is endemic to the Indian subcontinent where it is found in tall grasslands and is best known for the leaping breeding displays made by the males during the monsoon season.

"Not a single bustard has been sighted in Ratlam, Jhabua and Dhar yet. The arrival of the migratory birds is directly linked to the south west monsoon," said ornithologist Ajay Gadikar, who tracks the movement of these birds every year.

A few of these birds have been sighted so far in neighbouring Rajasthan and Gujarat this year, but their number is less as compared to last year, he said.

In the past, the winged visitors used to arrive in the state from unknown destinations with the onset of the monsoon, he said.

The Lesser Floricans are shy birds who make grasslands as their habitat. They ensconce themselves in places generally having one feet high grass strands, Gadikar said.

As many as 20 Lesser Floricans were seen in western MP last year, which included six in Sailana, he said.

These birds fly to MP, Gujarat and Rajasthan in July and return to unknown destinations after three to four months.

Gadikar was the co-ordinator of the 13-member team of officials from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the Wildlife Institute of India and The Corbett Foundation, which conducted a survey in Madhya Pradesh from July 24 to July 30.

Gadikar said during the survey, the team did not sight any Lesser Florican in Sailana, Petlawad and Sardarpur.

However, he said, "We are still hopeful that in the coming days, there could be good of the sighting of these birds in Sailana and Petlawad because after the recent rains, the grasslands have developed in these areas."



Meanwhile, Petlawad's forest ranger M S Naroke said, "We are keeping an eye every day on the areas where these birds had arrived for breeding last year. But, so far we have not sighted a single Lesser Florican there.

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Maharashtra reported 855 cases of farmer suicides during the January-April period of this year against 1,023 cases in the year-ago period, Parliament was informed today.

"The answer to unfortunate instances of farmers' suicides lies in improving their welfare," Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said in the Rajya Sabha.

With this aim, the central government has adopted a strategy for enhancing farmers' income by making farming more viable and generate profits for farmers on a sustainable basis, he said in a written reply.

Accordingly, the government is realigning its interventions to move from purely production-centric to farmers' income-centric platform, he added.

Responding to a separate query on number of farmer suicides in Maharashtra, junior agriculture minister Parshottam Rupala said that the state has reported 855 cases of suicides during January-April of 2017, in comparison to 1,023 cases of farmers suicides in the year-ago period.

To address the issue of farmer suicides, Union Health Ministry has asked all states, including Maharashtra, to prepare a detailed action plan, he said in the upper house.

The states have been asked to duly analyse districts wherein cases of farmers suicides are coming and submit a report to the ministry, he said.

Highlighting steps taken by the Maharashtra government to prevent farmers from committing suicide, Rupala said that the state is implementing a pilot project in Yavatmal and Osmandabad districts of Amravati and Aurangabad division.

It has released funds to the tune of Rs 34.19 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 12.50 in 2016-17 to these districts for implementation of the 'Baliraja Chetana Abhiyan'. Farmers counsel is being conducted through a programme by public health department in the state, he added.

Recently, the state announced a loan waiver scheme for farmers.

That apart, the central government is also supporting a programme on mental health in 444 districts across the country under the National Mental Health Programme.

The District Mental Health Programmme has been tweaked to provide suicide prevention services, work place stress management, life skills training and counselling among others, the minister said and added the research activity is also supported, he added.

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Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia today met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and requested him to extend financial assistance to the families of eight Sikh pilgrims who went missing after paying obeisance at Hemkund Sahib in July.

The former Punjab minister, while meeting Uttarakhand chief minister at the latter's office in Dehradun, also requested Rawat to direct authorities to make a legal closure to the case if they were satisfied that every attempt had been made to locate the remains of the eight pilgrims who went missing on July 6 from Govind Ghat near Hemkund Sahib gurudwara.

He said issuance of death certificates by the Uttarakhand government would provide proper closure to the case.

Majithia said eight pilgrims from village Mehta in Baba Bakala Sahib, in Punjab, had not been heard of since July 6.

He said search and rescue operations had also not yielded anything.

He said one of the victims Mehnga Singh was a taxi driver who had purchased his taxi on a bank loan which was still unpaid.

"Mehnga was the only bread winner of his family and the ill fated taxi was his sole source of income," he said.

Another victim Kartar Singh had three unmarried daughters while Jasbir Singh had left behind a seven-year-old son and another had left behind a young widow.

Stating that all these families needed a new start in life, Majithia said Uttarakhand could also give financial assistance through the office of the chief minister.

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One person was arrested today on the charge of sexually assaulting a minor girl, his daughter's friend, for several days, police said.

The 44-year-old man was arrested from Nayabazar in West district of Sikkim after the victim's family lodged a complaint with the police.

He allegedly had clicked some nude photos of the girl when she was bathing at her friend's residence during one of her visits, police said.

The accused sexually assaulted her repeatedly threatening her that otherwise he would circulate those photos in the Internet, police said.

At one point of time, the girl told her family about it and a police complaint was lodged.

A case under POCSO Act has been registered against the accused, police said.

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A man has been arrested by the DRI for allegedly trying to smuggle gold worth Rs 3 crore into the country from Myanmar.

The accused, a native of Mizoram, was intercepted by officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) upon his arrival at the airport here, an official release said today.

As the passengers began to disembark from the aerobridge into the terminal building, a team of DRI officers, with the help of CISF personnel on duty, cordoned off the area and commenced security checks, it said.

"This operation led to the seizure of 9.96 kgs gold (six gold bars each weighing 1.66 kg) having a market value of approximately Rs 3 crore. The gold biscuits were found in his backpack," the release said.

The apprehended person admitted to having smuggled them into India from Myanmar, it said.

"The person arrested in this case was found to be well educated. He had studied at Delhi University. He confessed to falling for the lure of easy money being offered to carriers of such smuggled gold by organised smuggling syndicates," the DRI release said.

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Pitching for reconciliation between India and Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today favoured dialogue between the two countries to take the CBMs to the next higher level, including opening of more routes across the Line of Control (LoC).

Mehbooba said this while interacting with a delegation from the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir which called on her here today.

She said dialogue and reconciliation between India and Pakistan would bring an end to violence, acrimony and miseries of the people in the state.

Mehbooba said it was "my mission" to connect people and regions with more routes and other positive activities.

The Chief Minister said she has been demanding opening of all historic routes across the LoC which can get the state on the threshold of prosperity and economic affluence besides sending across the message of peace, coexistence and amity between India and Pakistan.

Mehbooba said it was unfortunate that violence and acrimony has taken over the discourse between the two countries due to which activity on the positive ideas has slowed down.

She, however, exuded optimism that the negativity would "ultimately" fade away and such positive initiatives would take centre stage.

The present phase of these CBMs needs to be taken to the next higher level where the points of convergence between the people of the two countries become much more pronounced and the lines dividing them become irrelevant forever, Mehbooba said.

The chief minister stressed on frequent cultural exchanges between the youth, institutions, groups and communities on the two sides of the LoC.

Cultural exchanges have proved instrumental in bringing the people and the societies closer and I would like the new generation to take a lead in this regard, she said.

If we open up educational institutes for students of the both sides where they can benefit from the facilities and advancements made so far, it will help a great deal, Mehbooba said.

The chief minister said in areas like tourism, disaster management, agriculture and climate change expertise and difficulties can be exchanged to achieve better results.

Mehbooba informed the visiting delegation that Shardha Peeth, on the other side of the LoC, is not only a sacred place for the Kashmiri Pandits but represents the collective ethos and pluralistic society of the state.

She favoured visits to the place by members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, thereby opening a new chapter of pilgrimage tourism among the people across the LoC.

The delegation shared with the chief minister its observations about the opening of routes across the LoC and the consequent facilitation it has brought to travellers, particularly members of divided families living on the two sides of the divide.

Members of the delegation informed Mehbooba that the opening of travel and trade routes between the two parts of the state has provided more contacts at the people's level which has led to their emotional integration paving the way for lowering down of acrimony, violence and ill will between them.

The re-opening of these historic routes in the state has been able to restore back, to some extent, the social fabric across the state, the delegation told the chief minister while seeking more progress on these positive interventions.

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A number of members of the Lok Sabha today demanded withdrawal of the recent decision to effect a hike of Rs 4 per LPG cylinder every month.

The demand was raised during a discussion on the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Congres) attacked the government over its decision to gradually remove the LPG subsidy.

Over 18 crore people getting the subsidy would not get it, he said, wondering how they became "rich" overnight.

He said Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan did not share the benefits of reduction in crude oil prices which have falled by more than a half.

"The oil world had showered its blessings" on Pradhan, he Chowdhury said.

Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy slammed the government over the hike of Rs 4 per LPG cylinder every month and demanded withdrawal of the decision immediately.

His party colleague Ratna De (TMC) too demanded withdrawal of this decision.

Sharing similar views, Kaushalendra Kumar of JD(U) said the prices of LPG should be affordable to the poor and the government should not increase its prices.

He said the crude oil prices in the international market are very low but people of the country are not getting benefited out of this.

During the discussion, a few members demanded setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy in their states also.

Prem Singh Chandumajra (SAD) urged the government to consider setting up of such institute in Punjab.

Bhagwant Mann (AAP) too demanded for the same, besides Rajesh Ranjan (RJD) asked to set up in northern India.

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Union minister Nitin Gadkari's office has filed a police complaint against a person who has been projecting himself as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of the minister.

The complaint was filed by Jayant Dixit, who works as a Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Gadkari, said a release issued by the minister's office today.

It said that one Jesus Waghade, a resident of Orange Blossoms, Manewada, Nagpur was projecting himself as OSD of Gadkari, who is Minister of Road Transport, Highway and Shipping.

Dixit told PTI that the matter came to light after one of their employee had a chance to meet Waghade at Nagpur airport last evening.

"The person introduced himself as OSD of Gadkari to our office employee who immediately informed us about the same. Subsequently, after verification a police complaint was lodged today," said Dixit.

The release added that the concerned person was fake and has no relations at all with the minister and that Gadkari is not responsible for any person dealing with the fake OSD.

Police inspector Pradeep Lande told PTI that we have called the concerned person for questioning and after detailed inquiry future course of action will be taken.

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Opposition lawmakers today asked the government to put adequate focus on renewable sources of energy to cut dependency on fossil fuel, saying time has come to take the matter seriously.

During a discussion on the India Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017 in the Lok Sabha, a number of members from the Opposition parties said a majority of leading economies globally are moving towards biol-fuels and renewable sources of energy and India must take similar initiative.

The bill provides for setting up of an Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of over Rs 600 crore.

Participating in the discussion, Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy complimented the government for the initiative and said time has come for India to deliberate seriously on alternative sources of energy.

Roy also slammed the government for deciding to effect a hike of Rs 4 per LPG cylinder every month and demanded withdrawal of the decision immediately.

Tathagata Satpathy of Biju Janata Dal said there was a need for serious deliberations on "energy synergy" in India to ensure steady growth of the country's economy in the long- term.

"There is a need to challenge our dependency on the fossil fuel," he said.

P K Biju of CPI(M) said the government must usher in new technology to promote clean energy in the country.

The India Institute of Petroleum and Energy, whose foundation stone has already been laid, will have a course in petroleum and energy studies. The Centre had promised a petroleum university as part of the package to Andhra Pradesh after Telangana was split from it.

Andhra Pradesh has already allocated 200 acres of land for setting up of the IIPE at Sabbavaram Mandal in Visakhapatnam district.

A temporary campus of IIPE has been set up from academic session 2016-17 at the Andhra University campus with two undergraduate programmes in petroleum engineering and chemical engineering (with capacity of 50 students each).

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The Centre today approved a proposal to rename the iconic Mughalsarai railway station in Uttar Pradesh after Jan Sangh leader Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, a home ministry official said.

The proposal was given by the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, in a bid to revive the legacy of Upadhyaya, who was found dead in 1968 in the junction itself.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir cleared the proposal to rename the railway station as 'Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar station', the home ministry official said.

The move led to an uproar in Parliament after several MPs including Samajwadi Party's Naresh Agarwal protested against the Centre's decision to give the nod to renaming the junction after Upadhyay.

The junction, the fourth busiest railway station in the country, is located on the main Howrah-Delhi Grand Chord line.

The Uttar Pradesh government, headed by Yogi Adityanath, had in June approved the proposal of renaming the station and forwarded it to the Ministry of Railways for final approval.

Upadhyay's body was found under mysterious circumstances on a platform of Mughalsarai in 1968. The town is part of Chandauli district and is just 20 km from Varanasi.

Mughalsarai is also the birthplace of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.

The station contains the largest railway marshaling yard in Asia. It is 12.5 km long and handles around 1,500 wagons daily. The largest wagon repair workshop of the Indian Railways is also located here.

Mughalsarai is not the only railway station whose name has been changed in recent times. The iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, which was earlier known as Victoria Terminus, saw the word 'Maharaj' added to its name earlier this year.

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The Bombay High Court today pulled up the Maharashtra government, the Thane police and the civic administration for a shoddy probe into the 2013 Mumbra building collapse.

Stating that the police probe report was an "eyewash", the division bench of Justices R M Savant and Sadhana Jadhav asked the authorities to "show some sensitivity towards the victims".

The bench was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), seeking a speedy probe into the 2013 incident of the collapse of a seven-storey building in Thane.

Seventy-four people were killed and 62 others were injured in the incident. In 2014, another bench of the High Court had granted bail to four builders, who were accused in the case.

The court today observed that since last month, the Thane police had done nothing except recording statements of four men, who had supplied the material for the said building.

If this was the police's conduct in a case that was being heard in a court, it wondered, what do the police and the administrative authorities do in the matters that do not reach the judiciary.

The bench also asked, "Why is it that so many buildings keep collapsing in and around Mumbai? What do the authorities do?"



During the last hearing, the HC had directed the Commissioner of Police, Thane, to submit a probe report.

"For the last four years, you have done nothing and now after the PIL has been filed, and the court has issued directions, you are going to record statements of material suppliers.

"These suppliers will say that they haven't supplied any material so will that be the end of the matter? Given the fact that all the accused are out on bail and they can easily tamper with the evidence, they can influence all the witnesses, what are you going to do?" the bench asked.

"There is really no sensitivity on part of the probe team. This is certainly not the way to proceed with a case. We fail to understand why are you even proceeding with the trial," it said.

The court has now directed the Thane police to submit a detailed progress report within four weeks.

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The NIA custody of four Kashmiri separatists, including the son-in-law of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, was on Friday extended by 10 more days by a Delhi court in a terror funding case.

Special Judge O P Saini, however, sent three other separatist leaders to judicial custody for a month after the National Investigation Agency did not seek their custody.

Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah and other six accused Ayaz Akbar, Peer Saifullah, Shahid-ul-Islam, Mehrajuddin Kalwal, Nayeem Khan and Farooq Ahmed Dar were arrested on July 24 in the case of alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley.

The agency had earlier sought their custody, saying they had to be taken to various places for the purpose of investigation.

Shah, the son-in-law of hardline separatist leader Geelani, was in the custody of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who had put him under preventive detention immediately after the festival of Eid last month.

Geelani's close aides Tehreek-e-Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar and Peer Saifullah were arrested by the NIA from the Valley.

Shahid-ul-Islam is the spokesman of the moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq.

Hafeez Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of the Jamaat-ul Dawah, the front of the banned Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), has been named in the FIR as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference (factions led by Geelani and Mirwaiz Farooq), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Dukhtaran-e-Milat.

The houses of those arrested had been earlier raided by NIA sleuths as a part of the agency's efforts at clamping down on separatist groups allegedly receiving funds for subversive activities in the Valley.

The NIA had claimed that it recovered account books, Rs 2 crore in cash and letterheads of banned terror groups, including of the LeT and the HM, during the raids.
A special court today allowed the NIA to continue with the custodial interrogation of the son- in-law of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and three others for 10 more days in a terror funding case.

Besides Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah, popularly known as Altaf Fantoosh, the court sent Peer Saifullah, Mehrajuddin Kalwal and Nayeem Khan to the agency's custody.

The NIA sought 12 days of custody, saying they were required to be confronted with each other and with the evidences gathered in the case.

The agency had arrested seven persons on July 24 in the case of alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley to fuel unrest.

The other three separatist leaders -- Shahid-ul-Islam, Farooq Ahmed Dar and Mohamad Akbar Khanday -- were sent to the judicial custody till September 1 after the NIA told Special Judge O P Saini that they were not required for further interrogation.

Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, appearing for the probe agency, said that Fantoosh and three others were required to be taken to distant places in the Valley in connection with the probe.

A lawyer associated with the case said that during an in-chamber proceedings, the NIA also requested the court to put its remand application in a sealed cover as it contained various sensitive informations, which was allowed by the court till next date of hearing.

The agency had earlier told the court that it had received information that Hafiz Saeed, head of Jamat-ul-Dawah, and separatists, including members of Hurriyat Conference, had been acting in connivance with banned outfits like Hizb-ul- Muzahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Dukhtaran-e-Millat and others to raise and receive funds from inside and abroad through illegal channels, including hawala.

The money was being raised to fund separatist and terror activities in restive Jammu and Kashmir, it had said, alleging that the accused were waging war against the country and they were involved in various offences punishable under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

It added that the accused were involved in creating unrest by way of anti-India demonstrations and bandhs, which were done on their and others' instructions.

Advocate Rajat Kumar, appearing for the accused persons, however, had claimed that they were falsely implicated and they have been cooperating in the probe which has been going on for the past one month.

Shah was in the custody of Jammu and Kashmir Police, which had put him under preventive detention immediately after Eid last month.

Geelani's close aides Tehreek-e-Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar and Peer Saifullah were arrested by the NIA from the valley.

Shahid-ul-Islam is the spokesman of the moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq.

Hafeez Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of the JuD, the front of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been named in the FIR as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Dukhtaran-e- Milat.

The houses of those arrested had been raided by NIA sleuths last month.

The raids were part of the NIA's efforts at clamping down on separatist groups allegedly receiving funds for subversive activities in the valley.

The NIA had claimed that it recovered account books, Rs 2 crore in cash and letterheads of banned terror groups, including of the LeT and the HM, during the raids.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Benchmark Nifty snapped its two-day losing streak to end at 10,066.40 today following fag-end buying in metal, PSU bank, energy, auto, IT and bank stocks.

However, correction in Reliance Industries and healthcare stocks capped the gains.

Overseas, European stocks reversed losses as investors monitored earnings reports. Asian stocks ended mixed ahead of the US employment report.

The 50-share Nifty opened lower at 10,008.60 and moved in a range to 9,998.35 before finishing at 10,066.40, up 52.75 points or 0.53 per cent from its last close.

It saw an intra-day movement of about 86.90 points.

Sector-wise, Metal rose 2.50 per cent, followed by PSU Bank (1.38 per cent), Energy (0.94 per cent), Auto (0.71 per cent), IT (0.71 per cent), Bank (0.62 per cent), Finance Service (0.51 per cent), Private Bank (0.48 per cent) and Realty (0.23 per cent).

Pharma was the lone loser, slipping by 0.86 per cent.

Major index gainers were IOC, BPCL, Vedanta, Coal India, Hero MotoCo, Tata Steel, Eicher Motors, GAIL and NTPC.

Index losers included Dr Reddy's, Tata Power, Aurobindo Pharma, Sun Pharma, Reliance and Bharti Airtel.

The Nifty midcap and smallcap indices rose 0.26 per cent and 0.08 per cent, respectively.

A total of 850 scrips declined, 831 advanced while 68 remained unchanged.

Total securities that hit their price bands were 114.

Turnover in the cash segment eased to Rs 27,522.07 crore from Rs 27,705.36 crore yesterday.

A total of 13,235.54 lakh shares changed hands in 8,562,438 trades. The market capitalisation of listed firms on the NSE stood at Rs 1,31,24,778.25 crore.

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There are no regulations governing virtual currencies, including bitcoins, in India at present and the RBI has not given any licence to any entity/company to operate such schemes, Parliament was informed today.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley further said there is evidence that crypto currency/bitcoins are being used in the country and the bitcoin market in India has seen notable growth over the last few years.

"At present, there are no regulations governing VCs including Bitcoin (BTC) in India. Further, RBI has advised that it has not given any licence to any entity/company to operate such schemes or deal with Bitcoin or any virtual currency," Jaitley said.

The minister further said that taking cognisance of concerns raised at various fora from time to time on increasing use of virtual currencies (VCs) and the regulatory challenges, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) constituted a committee with representations from DEA, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), RBI, Niti Aayog and SBI.

"The objective(s) of committee were to take stock of the present status of virtual currencies both in India and globally, examine the existing global regulatory and legal structures governing virtual currencies," Jaitley said.

Recently, Jaitley had held an inter-ministerial meeting to examine risks related to VCs like bitcoins.

Bitcoins were in recently after a massive global ransomware attack 'WannaCry' hit systems in over 100 countries. The cyber criminals demanded a fee of about USD 300 in crypto-currencies like bitcoin for unlocking affected devices.

Recently, a domestic app-based bitcoin exchange Zebpay said it has five lakh downloads on the Android operating system and was adding more than 2,500 users every day.

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Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's car was pelted with stones today during his visit to this flood-affected town but he escaped unhurt, police said.

Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Neeraj Badgujar said a man threw stones at Gandhi's car, breaking its rear glass when he on his way from Lal Chowk to the helipad in Dhanera.

Gandhi escaped unhurt, he added.

"We have detained the person who threw stones on the vehicle of Rahul Gandhi," Badgujar said.

Earlier, Rahul was heckled by protesters at an event.

He left the stage in a huff after making a brief speech in Lal Chowk area of the town in Banaskantha district after protesters showed black flags to him.

Some of the people gathered at the spot also raised slogans hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notably, the Congress MLA from the area is in Bengaluru as part of the party legislators who have been flown to the southern city apparently to avoid being "poached" by the BJP ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha polls.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi accused the BJP "goons" of carrying out the "dastardly" attack.

He said that several cars in the convoy were damaged, their window panes smashed and an SPG man suffered minor injury.

"All this because, the Congress Vice President went to a flood affected area," he said.

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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat today said only India could rescue the world from the clutches of capitalism.

"The whole world is in the clutches of capitalism. Only India can rescue the world from this calamity," he said.

"As long as even an iota of religion (dharma) is surviving in India, no power on the earth can harm India. But unfortunately, if the religion vanishes from India completely, then no power would be able to save India," he said.

Bhagwat was speaking at the valedictory function of a residential course for men and women volunteers of Hindu Swaysmsevak Sangh (HSS) at Nagpur from various countries.

Quoting RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar that the British or the Mughals could not be blamed for the country's unfortunate situation.

"The only problem of the Hindu community is Hindus themselves and since Hindus are our own, we will not let them live in unfortunate situation," Bhagwat quoted Hedgewar as saying.

He said, "We need to build a Hindu community not because it is in problem, but because it is our own, and also for the conservation of the holy Hindu religion, culture and Hindu rashtra."



Renowned economist and member of Niti Aayog Bibek Debroy, who was present on the occasion, said that in the ancient times, the king had only limited responsibility of defence, internal security and ensuring the rule of the law, while everything else was done by the community.

"Unfortunately, because of the British legacy and what happened after 1947 as a citizen, we have become pampered and continuously look towards the government to do this and that. The government and the different levels of the government cannot solve the problem of India. The country's problems can be solved by its community," he said.

He also appreciated the initiative of promotion of Indian heritage and culture by HSS.

Total 65 participants from various countries took part in different activities like yoga, traditional Indian games and discourses on Hindu culture and heritage during the HSS residential course.

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The Opposition NCP today sought an inquiry into alleged corruption by Maharashtra Industries Minister Subhash Desai involving 400 acres of land in Nashik.

Moving an adjournment motion, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde said a series of agreements were made between the state government and companies during the 'Magnetic Maharashtra' event in 2016, but industries were not getting the required land to start operations.

"Industries minister had ordered exclusion of sixty per cent of the notified land of MIDC," Munde said.

"In Nashik, 400 acres land acquired by the MIDC was returned to the original land owners illegally and flouting the norms. This is another big scam and an inquiry should be conducted against him," Munde added.

Earlier, the Opposition had caused adjournment of the House nine times, demanding resignation of Housing Minister Prakash Mehta over the alleged SRA scam.

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The government has earmarked over Rs 8 lakh crore for a period of five years for modernisation of the Railways, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Friday.

Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu said a leading company, GE Alstom, has been given a contract worth Rs 40,000 crore for making state-of-the-art and environmental friendly diesel and electric locomotives.

Over a period of five years, Rs 8,52,000 crore has been earmarked for modernisation of the railways and of this, we have already allocated an amount of Rs 3,75,000 crore before completion of three years since allocation.

Prabhu said that during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's tenure, not more than Rs 35,000 crore per year had been spent as capital expenditure.

Responding to a question about the decision to implement flexible tariffs for rail travel like it is done for air travel, the minister said that 10 per cent discount is given.

Reduced fares have been identified in Shatabdi Express, Ajmer-Jaipur Express Train and Bangalore-Mysore Express Train.

He said that Rs 35,000 to Rs 45,000 crore is the railway subsidy which is given to the passengers.
The first Cabinet meeting held today under the leadership of Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi assured the country's "moral and diplomatic support" to the Kashmiris in their "fight for self determination".

Prime Minister Abbasi, while outlining his future plans during the meeting, promised to continue the journey of "progress and democracy" initiated by ex-premier Nawaz Sharif, Samaa-TV reported.

Abbasi put forward a 32-point agenda which was approved by the Cabinet in its entirety, the report said.

The prime minister reiterated that all projects, including the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, energy infrastructure to get rid of load shedding, economic revival and the fight against terrorism, would be carried out in "letter and spirit".

Abbasi assured "moral and diplomatic support" of Pakistan to the people of Kashmir in their "fight for self determination".

Abbasi also vowed to complete the developmental plans of 10 years in the next 10 months.

He stated that the Cabinet will work both on short term goals and long-term targets simultaneously.

Abbasi directed all ministers to give presentations on their ministries in coming days to apprise him about their working.

He also told the Cabinet that all ministers can approach him day and night and he would always be accessible to the Cabinet members.

It was also decided that Cabinet meetings will be convened almost once a week.

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Pakistan has increased attempts to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir through the border but there is a high number of casualties on their side, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said today.

Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha that the Indian Army has "domination and impact" along the western border and all steps have been taken to check infiltration from across the border.

"Pakistan has increased efforts of infiltration," he said during Question Hour.

Jaitely said due to the heightened vigil of the security forces, many infiltration attempts have been foiled and infiltration has been down.

"There is record high in the casualties on the other side," he said.

There have been 285 incidents of ceasefire violation so far this year through the LoC compared to 228 such incidents in the entire 2016 along the LoC in which eight people had lost their lives, Jaitley said.

He said there were 221 ceasefire violation along the International Border which is guarded by both the Border Security Force and the Army.

Replying another question, the minister said the Army has constructed an anti-infiltration obstacle system (AIOS) along the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, under its operational control.

Radars, sensors and thermal imagers along with surveillance have been incorporated on this fence to detect and intercept infiltration by terrorists.

The AIOS is further strengthened by deployment of troops and construction of defence works based on threat perception for an effective multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid.

"Fortification of border is a continuous process. Anti- infiltration steps like obstacle systems, technical gadgets have been installed by the Army and enough steps have been taken to check infiltration," he said.

Jaitely said the government regularly reviews the threat perception to secure the borders and protect interests.

"Appropriate measures are taken from time-to-time to maintain and upgrade the country's defence preparedness along the border to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India," the Minister said.

Further, the areas along the borders are kept under surveillance by regular patrolling by troops and other aerial, optronic and electronic means.

"Appropriate retaliation to the ceasefire violations and other tactical incidents by Pakistan Army, as required, is carried out by Indian Army. All the forward posts are adequately strengthened to withstand enemy fire. Besides, there are well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to safeguard against enemy fire to minimise own casualties," Jaitley said.

He said the government is taking measures to ensure modernisation of Indian defence forces to keep them in a state of readiness to meet operational and security challenges.

"This is being achieved by inducting new equipment, technologically upgrading existing equipment and systems, training etc. It will not be in the interests to divulge further details," he said.

In reply to another question, Jaitley said the government has enhanced special allowances given to defence personnel serving in difficult areas like Siachen.

He said recently the government has announced the special allowances for defence personnel which were more than what the 7th Pay Commission had recommended.

(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.)
Unable to settle their hospital bill, a couple had to allegedly sell their newborn girl for Rs 7,500 to a childless couple in Kendrapara district.

The baby's father Nirakar Moharana lodged an FIR today stating the ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) worker of his village was instrumental in taking them to a private nursing home which suggested him to sell the baby, to settle the bills.

However, the nursing home refused to comment.

Moharana and his wife Gitanjali, residents of Righagada village under Rajnagar tehsil, had been to district headquarters hospital here on July 30 for the delivery of their third child.

The ASHA worker who accompanied them to the hospital had later persuaded them to shift to the nursing home for better facilities. On August 1, Gitanjali delivered a girl, said Moharana, a daily wage earner, in the FIR.

"I had thought the treatment would be free at the private nursing home like it was in government hospital. But, I was asked to clear a bill of Rs 7,500. I had with me less than Rs 1,000 at that time. The hospital authorities said they would not let me go till the bill is paid," he said.

Alleging that the hospital authorities proposed to him to sell the baby to a childless couple to raise money, Moharana said, "Finding no other alternative, I gave in to their offer despite reluctance of my wife.

They then sold the newborn to a couple through a network of middlemen arranged by the nursing home, said the FIR.

"The village ASHA worker misguided me in taking us to the private nursing home. The incident deeply hurt my conscience. I went to the police so that those involved in the child-sale racket are arrested," Moharana said.

Kendrapara police station inspector Bijoy Kumar Bishi said a case was registered under IPC Section 372 (selling minors for unlawful and immoral purpose) and provisions of Juvenile Justice Act.

"The couple who allegedly bought the infant have been identified. Our primary objective now is to rescue the child after which penal action would be initiated against the other culprits," Bishi said.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today referred to NCP chief Sharad Pawar's old statement demanding a better connectivity between Mumbai and Nagpur to underline the importance of his pet project "Samruddhi Mahamarg".

Fadnavis tabled a motion in the Assembly congratulating Pawar and PWP (Peasants and Workers' Party) leader Ganpatrao Deshmukh who have completed 50 years in parliamentary politics.

"Sharad Pawar stated in 1982 that Vidarbha region is facing a severe backlog. A better connectivity with Mumbai is needed so that it will contribute to the prosperity of the region. The Samruddhi Mahamarg is based on these lines of Pawar, and it should not be opposed.

"Pawar always stressed on using sophisticated technology of Israel for farmers of the state. His early works in this regard was very helpful for the BJP government as well," Fadnavis said.

The 700-km-long Samrrudhi Mahamarg or the super communication expressway will pass through ten districts connecting Nagpur in east Maharashtra with Mumbai. It will have direct connectivity with the country's largest container port - JNPT, which is expected to enhance EXIM (export-import) trade of the state.

However, farmers in some districts are opposing the acquisition of their land for the ambitious project. Parties like the Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress, the Communist Party of India have backed the farmers.

"Vidarbha region had faced some issues with thermal power plants as well. The investment that went into setting up the thermal power plants had been shown as an investment in industries. It was Pawar who brought it up and pointed out the injustice done to Vidarbha region," said the chief minister.

Deshmukh, 90, who represents Sangola seat in Solapur district, has won Assembly elections 11 times.

Pawar (76), often referred to as the 'Maratha stongman' by his friends and rivals, plunged into politics as a grassroots worker in home turf Baramati in western Maharashtra in 1960s.

He completed his half-a-century in electoral politics in February this year.

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: Chief Minister V Narayanasamy today held discussions with officials on the project to develop the port in Puducherry.

A release from the Chief Minister's office said the Welfare and Port Minister M Kandasamy, Chief Secretary Manoj Parida and officials of Port department were among those who participated in the deliberations.

Narayanasamy reviewed the project to develop the Puducherry port as a satellite port of Chennai Port Trust (CPT) to ensure that cargo transactions took place at the earliest.

Welfare Minister Kandasamy told PTI that the government was keen to ensure that the port was developed fast.

"We are keen to ensure that employment opportunities were generated through this step, apart from generating revenue to the government," he said adding "we also have to overcome certain hurdles in implementing the scheme."



Puducherry government had inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CPT some months ago to develop Puducherry port as its satellite port.

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A joint meeting of legislators of all parties slated to be held here today to discuss the implementation of NEET-based selection to medical courses was cancelled at the eleventh hour.

The meeting was convened by Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and intimation was sent to all legislators a few days ago.

Each of the legislators was informed of the 'cancellation' of the meeting as Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao 'is out of station.'



Secretary to the Chief Minister informed the legislators via SMS of the 'cancellation of the meeting scheduled for today at the conference hall in the Assembly premises here,' according to AIADMK (Amma) Legislature party leader A Anbalagan.

Anbalagan told reporters that party MLA K A U Asana from Karaikal, who was also present, had come to take part in the meeting but the sudden announcement of cancellation had embarrassed the legislators.

Anbalagan wanted to know the real reason for not holding the meeting.

"If Malladi Krishna Rao could not be in station the Chief Minister could speak on his behalf. Normally the Chief Minister was presenting replies in the Assembly during question hour and on other occasions with regard to subjects held by Malladi Krishna Rao," he said.

Alleging that the Congress government "is not interested in procuring relief to the students ravaged by the introduction of the NEET-based system of selection to medical courses," Anbalagan said Lt Governor Kiran Bedi should also come forward and convene a special session of the Assembly to evolve a draft bill for earmarking 50 per cent quota of seats for Puducherry government sponsored students in private medical colleges.

She should also find a way out in the current NEET imbroglio, he added.

Further, Anbalagan said without taking any practical steps to benefit the students the Lt Governor was pleasing herself by finding fault with the government and making her comments through her Twitter handle or through WhatsApp.

He said the plan of the government to develop Puducherry port into a satellite port of the Chennai Port Trust would come a cropper as necessary dredging of the estuary was not completed as the accumulation of the sand and also the silt and solid waste at the estuary would involve a mammoth exercise.

The 10-member Estimates Committee of which he is the Chairman would visit the port site in the next ten days to find as to what ailed the implementation of the project, the AIADMK (Amma) Legislature party leader said.

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The leak of transcripts of telephonic conversations between US President Donald Trump and the leaders of Mexico and Australia is a national security matter, the White House has said.

It was referring to the yesterday's incident of a leading American daily posting highly classified transcripts of Trump's conversations with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

"It's a national security matter when phone call transcripts are being leaked out. It prevents the president from being able to do what he does best, and negotiate with foreign leaders," White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters told reporters yesterday abroad Air Force One travelling with Trump to West Virginia.

The White House officials, however, refused to comment on the specific leaks of the conversation, which was posted by The Washington Post on its website.

"What I can tell you regarding the border wall is that the president spoke about this on the campaign, continues to echo it now, and having a secure border is ... Something that he had promised his supporters and has continued to focus on making sure that we have a secure border," she said.

The leaks of the presidential conversation has been condemned by even Trump's critics.

"This is beyond the pale and will have a chilling effect going forward on the ability of the commander-in-chief to have candid discussions with his counterparts," Ned Price, a former National Security Council official under President Barack Obama, told The Hill.

"Granted, the White House contributed to this atmosphere by welcoming the free-for-all environment, where anonymous leaks are commonplace. But we must draw the line somewhere," Price was quoted as saying.

"I would've lost my mind if transcripts of Obama's calls to foreign leaders leaked. He wouldn't have sounded so dumb, but it's still absurd," said Tommy Vietor, another former spokesman of the National Security Council under the Obama Administration.

David Frum, a speech writer to the former US President George W Bush said that the president's opponents do a "lasting damage" to American security when they violate norms to undermine him.

"Leaking the transcript of a presidential call to a foreign leader is unprecedented, shocking, and dangerous. It is vitally important that a president be able to speak confidentially, and perhaps even more important that foreign leaders understand that they can reply in confidence," he wrote in The Atlantic magazine.

Frum said that the leak will reverberate around the world.

"No leader will again speak candidly on the phone to Washington, DC -- at least for the duration of this presidency, and perhaps for longer," he said.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions along with his top intelligence officials are scheduled to have a press conference on leaks today. The presser was however scheduled before The Washington Post released the transcripts of the presidential conversation.

Democratic Senator Mark Warner, who is Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed apprehensions that the leak may be "reflective of a chaotic White House" and demanded that the president should investigate the leaks.

"While the leak may be reflective of a chaotic White House, it still constituted a massive breach of norms and was serious enough to merit a congressional inquiry. Whether that is Intel or Judicial (committees) looking into it, somebody ought to," Warner told The Daily Beast in an interview.

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A team of officials from Punjab today visited Hyderabad to study the farm loan waiver scheme implemented in Telangana.

The Punjab delegation comprised state agriculture commissioner Balwinder Singh Sidhu, senior official D P Reddy and some officials from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, a Telangana government release said.

The delegation met Telangana agriculture secretary C Parthasarathi and other officials of the state government and also banks, it said.

Parthasarathi told the delegation that loans to the tune of Rs 17,000 crore were waived in Telangana since 2014.

Noting that the experiences of Telangana would help Punjab, the visiting officials were quoted as saying that their meeting here gave them confidence that they can implement loan waiver in their state, it said.

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What India has done in its incursion into China's Donglang area (Doklam) is "by no means for peace", a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Spokesman Geng Shuang responded after the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that "peace and tranquility" of the border between the two nations constitutes the important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations.

Geng said that China, "out of good will", notified India in advance through a border meeting mechanism on May 18 and June 8 about its road construction in the Donglang area, but "the Indian side didn't make any response to the Chinese side through any channel for over one month".

"Instead, it flagrantly dispatched armed forces carrying equipment to illegally cross the boundary to obstruct China's road building. This is by no means for peace."

By Wednesday, more than one month after the incursion, 48 Indian border troops and one bulldozer still illegally remained in the Chinese territory, according to Geng.

India's action "amounts to irresponsibility and recklessness", and the incident "is illegal under international law", Geng said.

What's more, India "is building roads, hoarding supplies and deploying a large number of armed forces on the Indian side of the boundary," which also "is by no means for peace", he said.

The Foreign Ministry issued a paper on Wednesday elaborating on what has transpired  and the Chinese government's position over the incident  warning India not to underestimate China's resolve to defend its territory.

Jon Taylor, a professor of political science at the University of St Thomas in Houston, said the Indian military breached both international law and a treaty convention by entering Chinese territory shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States.

"The incursion can be viewed as part of a greater strategic competition between China and India, one that is influenced by (US President Donald) Trump's push for a closer partnership with India," he said.

Taylor said that despite India's actions, China has remained restrained and tolerant. "I believe that this is because China wishes to preserve friendly China-India relations," he said.

Contact the writers at wangqingyun@chinadaily.com.cn
Rajiv Gandhi was "genuinely interested" in developing military ties with the US and the former Indian prime minister had shown he could move India's foreign policy in new directions, according to a declassified CIA document.

Gandhi's visits to then Soviet Union, the Middle East, France, and the US from May 1985 - nearly seven months after he was sworn in - "showed he is able to move Indian foreign policy in new directions and to do so in a more pragmatic, less emotionally charged style than his predecessors," the US Directorate of Intelligence said in the document.

A sanitised copy of the classified 11-page report was released by the CIA in December 2016 along with several other documents related to India.

The document said Gandhi "signalled that India was ready to enhance significantly its economic, particularly technological, ties to the United States and Western Europe."



According to the report dated August 1, 1985, three signals emerged from Gandhi's foreign visits about his "evolving personal and diplomatic style".

"First, his apparent willingness to give a fair hearing to other points of view strongly suggests that he is motivated to try to cut through emotionally charged issues to get to problem-solving. This has, in our view, been played out in his 'step-by-step' approach to improving relations with the US and Pakistan and to resolving the Tamil-Sinhalese conflict in Sri Lanka," it said.

"These relationships also give Gandhi a more strongly held personal stake in making progress in improving relations in South Asia," according to the document.

A large section of the "second signal" has been redacted.

The declassified document, however, details the third about Gandhi's personal style, which, it said, "comes from his dealings with the international press - a force with which he has become much more familiar as a result of his trips."



"In a Moscow press conference following his talks with Soviet officials, Rajiv answered leading questions on the US role in Nicaragua and on SDI (Strategic Defence Initiative) in a way that allowed reporters to play up Indo-US differences," it said.

"His performance at a similar event in Washington, however, suggested Gandhi had made some progress in learning to deflect questions designed to trap him and his subsequent press interviews have generally shown a more careful couching of language, particularly in response to questions on US."



According to the report, Gandhi's apparent efforts to improve his performance points to his sensitivity to the importance of projecting a positive image.

His decision to hold India's first "live" televised press conference in late June suggested he felt more confident dealing with the international press since his trip.

The Directorate of Intelligence in its outlook said that Gandhi, then 41, clearly was more favourably inclined toward the West and the US than his mother Indira Gandhi.

"In this sense, he may be more open than most Third World leaders to an approach that expects him to examine all aspects of complex issues, that nurtures and plays to his sense for realistic problem-solving, and emphasises the shared responsibilities of democracies in the international," it said.

Gandhi's "reasoned approach" to issues suggested that his opening to the West would not be easily derailed, it observed.

In a separate box - titled 'Gandhi and High Tech', the report said that Gandhi's West visit confirmed and clarified his widely advertised penchant for western "high technology."



"The fact that he visited high-tech facilities in the US and France, but declined an invitation to tour Soviet installations in Siberia will not be lost in Moscow, which is watching the issue as one of the signposts of 'Rajiv's India'. The agreements Gandhi signedin Paris and Washington to develop jointly new technologies in agriculture, medicine, and energy also will not go unnoticed by Moscow," the report said.

It said Gandhi's reaction to the high-tech presentations in Washington was also instructive.

"He focused on new technologies most applicable to India, such as iotech developments, and showed less interest in a robotics demonstration, suggesting that the prestige aspects rank below practical applications in his scale of values. His well-publicised personal affinity for computers has not clouded his sense of what is realistic for India."



Referring to Gandhi adding his Defence Minister P V Narasimha Rao to his delegation during his maiden visit to the US and a return visit by the scientific adviser at the ministry, the report said that it "suggests he is genuinely interested in developing military ties with the US."



The document also referred to Gandhi stating in public that India would begin by negotiating on small subsystems before purchasing major weapons systems from the US.
Kesar Bai and Manohar Babu's villages and fields will soon go under the Narmada, swelling by the minute since the gates of Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat were shut, but they have nowhere to go.

Not if you consider cramped, tin cabins as home, which is what they claim the Madhya Pradesh government is providing in the name of rehabilitating thousands staring at displacement.

Kesar and Babu, along with around 50 victims of displacement, camped in Delhi over the last two days demanding the government ensure their proper rehabilitation, as per Supreme Court guidelines, before the deluge comes.

A group of MPs and activists separately wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today highlighting the "pitiable" conditions of the porta cabins and poor sanitation facilities at the relief camps.

"I will lose my home as well as agricultural land of around two acres. Even my son's land will be submerged. We have not yet been provided any land or plot or the compensation amount of around Rs 60 lakh," Babu, a resident of Barwani district, said.

The protest site at Jantar Mantar saw a cross-section of parties extending their solidarity with the project-affected families here today. Social actvist Medha Patkar is on an indefinite fast at Dhar district in MP over the issue.

Interestingly, the parties, and leaders who have lent their support to the cause are at odds over various issues.

AAP MP Bhagwant Mann, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav, former RJD MP Raguvansh Prasad Singh, CPI national secretary D Raja, CPM leader Hannan Mollah shared the stage at the protest while AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav issued statements in solidarity.

They also requested Patkar, whose health has been "deteriorating", to withdraw her fast. MP CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan has also tweeted, requesting Patkar to withdraw her fast.

In their letters to the PM, the MPs and activists have said that it will be "cruel and inhuman" to compel thousands to leave their villages and shift to the temporary tin shades.

They have requested Modi to intervene and ensure that till the relief and rehabilitation of the oustees is completed and the rehabilitation sites are developed with all the amenities and facilities, families should not be evicted forcibly.

Kesar Bai said the deluge will not only leave them homeless and landless, but also snap age-old ties between relatives and neighbours -- "a wound that no amount of money can heal".

RTI pioneer Aruna Roy, one of the signatories to the letter, said the Narmada Dispute Tribunal Award (NWDTA) clearly provided that after completion of relief and rehabilitation, the prject affected families should be given six months time before submergence.

"The R&R of the affected families ouught to have been done when the dam height was raised. However, the state has failed to comply with this obligation. Many families still await allotment of plots. It is only recently that the state government has announced many packages. Many issues concerning R&R are still pending before the Grievance Redressal Authority," the leaders wrote.

Thousands of families in MP's Barwani, Dhar, Alirajpur and Khargone districts will have to vacate their houses following the Centre's nod for closing the gates of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river in neighbouring Gujarat.

The closing of gates -- which will take place in a phased manner -- will lead to a rise in water levels, resulting in villages in the catchment area in Madhya Pradesh being submerged.

The government said three days ago that over 7,000 families had stayed put in the catchment area in MP, and it was trying to persuade them to leave.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Indian Railways will reduce its emission intensity to the extent of 32 per cent by 2030 by taking a series of energy efficient initiatives, the government said today.

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said the interim emission standards for diesel locomotives are proposed to be drafted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change soon.

"The Indian Railways has committed to reduce its emission intensity to the extent of 32 per cent by 2030 by taking a series of energy efficiency initiatives," he said.

"It has also entrusted Rail India Techno Economic Service (RITES) for consultancy contract for study on emissions from diesel locomotives and setting up of emission standards," Gohain said.

The MoS further said that the ministry had taken several measures to ensure compliance of the standards, including use of biodiesel blends and conversion of diesel power car in dual fuel mode.

The process of development of standards is likely to be completed by March 2019, the minister said.

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Russia reacted angrily today after the European Union expanded its sanctions over the transfer of Siemens gas turbines to Moscow-annexed Crimea.

"We see this step, taken on the initiative of Berlin, as hostile and groundless," the foreign ministry said in a statement, saying that "the decision of Brussels to include a number of Russian officials and companies as a retaliatory measure for alleged illegitimate supply of Siemens gas turbines to Crimea prompts deep regret.

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A prominent academic from a renowned postgraduate school in Singapore holding US citizenship was today permanently banned from the country for working with a foreign government to influence the city state's foreign policy.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that senior academic and specialist Huang Jin, a professor on the US-China relations in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), and his wife Shirley Yang Xiuping, will be permanently banned from Singapore, in what is the first publicly known case of its kind in nearly two decades.

Huang gave what he claimed was a "privileged information" about the foreign country to prominent and influential Singaporeans, with the aim of influencing their opinions in favour of that country.

The foreign country was not named by the MHA.

"He knowingly interacted with intelligence organisations and agents of the foreign country, and cooperated with them to influence the Singapore government's foreign policy and public opinion in Singapore," the local media reported citing the MHA press release today.

Among those who Professor Huang gave the "privileged information" to was a senior member of LKYSPP, said the MHA, reported the Channel Asia, saying the ministry had not named the person.

"The information was duly conveyed by that senior member of the LKYSPP to very senior public officials who were in a position to direct Singapore's foreign policy. The clear intention was to use the information to cause the Singapore government to change its foreign policy," said the MHA.

"However, the Singapore government declined to act on the "privileged information."



According to his profile on the school's website, Professor Huang has published extensively on subjects such as the US-China relations, Chinese elite politics, China's development strategy and foreign policy, Sino-Japanese relations and security issues in the Asia Pacific.

Apart from the numerous journal articles he has written, Professor Huang, who was director of the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, also edited books on subjects like China's Taiwan policy, the South China Sea dispute and China-India relations.

His opinion pieces and columns have appeared in newspapers including the Global Times, The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao. He has also appeared on Channel NewsAsia, a leading local television channel.

"Huang used his senior position in the LKYSPP to deliberately and covertly advance the agenda of a foreign country at Singapore's expense. He did this in collaboration with foreign intelligence agents," said the MHA.

"This amounts to subversion and foreign interference in Singapore's domestic politics," said the ministry.

According to the MHA, Professor Huang recruited others to aid his operations. It added that his wife, Shirley Yang Xiuping, was aware of what he was doing.

"Huang's continued presence in Singapore, and that of his wife, are therefore undesirable. Both will be permanently banned from re-entering Singapore," said the MHA.

Professor Huang and his wife both are US citizens.

The Singaporean government has in the past taken action against individuals who had carried out subversive activities for foreign countries.

In 1998, the Internal Security Department arrested four Singapore citizens. Three of them were agents for a foreign intelligence service, and one of them recruited the fourth person to collect intelligence on and to subvert a local community organisation.

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Supply chain and logistics company Safexpress today said it is planning to invest Rs 300 crore to set up six more logistics parks across the country.

The firm today opened its 32nd logistics park facility in Hyderabad. Set up at an investment of Rs 30 crore, the park is spread over 4 lakh sq ft and is the company's largest logistics park in South India, senior officials of Safexpress said here.

"With the launch of the logistics park in Hyderabad, we have completed our five-year plan of building 32 ultra modern logistics parks across the country.

"We have six new logistics parks under construction at Bengaluru, Jaipur, Mumbai, Siliguri, Aurangabad and Ludhiana," Safexpress Managing Director Rubal Jain told reporters here.

The upcoming parks are going to cost about Rs 300 crore and expected to be launched around 2019, Jain said, adding they will be funded mostly through internal accruals.

The firm has warehousing space of over 13 million sq ft across its 32 logistics parks and another 1 million sq ft will be added with the upcoming parks, said Safexpress Vice President (Marketing) Vineet Kanaujia.

The company clocked Rs 1,600-crore revenue in the last financial year and is aiming for a double digit topline growth in the current fiscal.

Asked about the impact of GST on the logistics sector, Jain said "...Overall logistics costs will come down when warehousing and inventory holding costs are included. But we see transportation costs, which truck companies incur, going up. We don't see any change in that stance till diesel is brought under GST."



"Because costs are going up we are working with customers for long-term strategies by redesigning their entire supply chain. Transportation costs is going up. Overall the customer is saving, but, costs for a logistics express distribution company like ours are going up and so we are discussing that with the customers," he added.

Safexpress provides supply chain and logistics services to over 5,000 corporate clients. It has a fleet of over 5,000 GPS-enabled vehicles and claimed to have country's largest distribution network spanning over 620 destinations.

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The Karnataka government today told the Supreme Court that it will cost Rs 1.18 lakh to escort PDP leader Abdul Nazir Maudany, an accused in the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts case, when he visit his home state Kerala to attend his son's wedding.

The apex court had yesterday slammed the Karnataka government for demanding Rs 14.8 lakh as security expenses from Maudany for his visit to Kerala following which the state government had agreed to present the revised bill.

The apex court also modified its earlier order by which it had allowed Maundany to visit his son's wedding from August 7 to August 14 and said that now People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader would visit from August 6 to August 19.

"We accordingly direct that the petitioner shall be allowed to visit Kerala from August 6, 2017 to August 19, 2017 for the purposes already indicated in our earlier order dated July 31,2017," a bench comprising Justices S A Bobde and L N Rao said today.

During the hearing, advocate Joseph Aristotle appearing for Karnataka placed before the bench a letter issued by the Police Commissioner of Bengaluru City which said that Rs 1.18 lakh expense would be incurred in escorting Maudany during his visit.

The amount was accepted by advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing for Maudany but he said that during his earlier visit to the state for his daughter's wedding the cost was Rs 18,000 only.

"At that time they have provided only four police officials to escort and this time they have provided 19 policemen to escort him," he said.

To this, the bench said that this means that the accused would be virtually in police custody.

It said that during his visit, he will attend his son's wedding and would also see his ailing mother.

On July 31, the top court had allowed him to visit his home state Kerala.

Maudany (51) has challenged the trial court's order of July 24 declining him permission to attend his son's wedding functions between August 8 and August 20.

The trial court had allowed him to visit his ailing mother from August 1 to August 7, but had declined him the permission to attend his son's wedding on August 9.

In his plea, Maudany said he was granted bail in July 2014 on a condition that he would not leave Bengaluru without permission.

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The Supreme Court today indicated that it was inclined to go ahead with a proposal for a centralised selection mechanism for appointment of judicial officers in the subordinate judiciary even if there was no amicable consensus among various the high courts and the states.

It said that if the need arose it might accord a day-long hearing on the issue on August 22 to resolve the objections of various states and high courts to the proposal.

"We are inclined to pass an order after reaching an amicable consensus. If the objections persist, we may still pass the orders," a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said.

The bench, also comprising Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and A M Khanwilkar, tried to assuage the concern of various states and high court, saying there would be no breach and interference in the federal structure.

"We are trying to do some service to the nation. It is nobody's gain. No country can progress if there is no functional and effective judiciary. No person from abroad would like to come to India and contest his case for 15 years. Citizen should have confidence in the judiciary," it said.

It directed the apex court registry to send a "concept note" of the proposal allaying the objections to all the registrars general of the high courts and the secretaries of the law ministries of all the states.

The bench said that the high courts and the law ministries of the states should put the concept note on their websites to seek suggestions from the public and after analysis forward it to the apex court before August 17.

Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, representing the Centre, suggested that examination for subordinate judiciary should have a commercial law paper in the syllabus.

"There are four suggestions from the Union government. One is that the examination should have a commercial law paper along with other subjects. Secondly, there should also be a test to check the technology proficiency of the candidate," he said.

Kumar said that the third suggestion of the Centre was that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) being a professional independent body having experience, could be entrusted to hold such examinations. The last one was that the cost should be shared by the Centre and the states on a fifth-fifty basis.

The bench, however, disagreed with this suggestion of the solicitor general, saying it would amount to interfering in the federal structure as the syllabus for the exam was a state subject.

It said these change of papers, marks, syllabus are small changes which could be given effect by modifying the order, when the need arises.

Senior advocate Kalyan Bannerjee, appearing for the West Bengal government, the state had some objections to the proposal it would amount to a breach of the federal structure.

"Every thing would happen from Delhi. My Calcutta High Court or the state government would not have any say in the appointment of judicial officers in the subordinate judiciary," he said, adding that the high court has been conducting the examination regularly, but there were vacancies in the high court.

To this, the bench objected to Bannerjee calling, "My Calcutta High Court" and said it was not "my, but it is our Calcutta High Court".

"You should not make it political. You should rest assured there will be no interference in the federal structure," it said.

The court said that it wanted proffessional people to come into the judiciary so that they could do something for the institution.

On July 28, the apex court had said it would issue a "concept note" on its proposal for a centralised selection mechanism after some high courts expressed their reservation over any such move.

It had asked senior advocate Arvind Dattar, assisting the court as an amicus curiae, to prepare the concept note on the proposal after Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Calcutta high courts raised their objection on account of language and reservation criteria.

The bench had clarified that the centralised process would not affect their rules, reservation or language and it would be like a UPSC examination.

The apex court was hearing a case taken up on its own after a letter was written to the secretary general of the apex court by Secretary (Justice) Snehlata Shrivastava at the Centre.

According to a report earlier issued by the Supreme Court --'Indian Judiciary Annual Report 2015-2016'-- a whopping 2.8 crore cases were pending in the district courts across the country which were short of nearly 5,000 judicial officers.

The report had suggested increasing the judicial manpower "manifold" -- at least seven times -- to overcome the crisis by appointing about 15,000 more judges in the coming years.

Another apex court report -- 'Subordinate Courts of India: A Report on Access to Justice 2016'-- had also highlighted that nearly 15,000 more judges would be required in the next three years to overcome this critical situation.

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Shiv Sena Punjab unit today urged the central government to ban the sale of Chinese products in the Indian markets in view of the country's continued "threatening" standoff over the Doklam border issue.

Talking to reporters here, Sena's state vice president Inderjit Karwal claimed that the public was already "wary of buying" China-made products and the central government should initiate measures to ban them to hit China's economy.

"On one hand, China is provoking Pakistan to foment trouble in India, while on the other hand, it was vetoing in the UN in the matter of declaring Masood Azhar a global terrorist. Now it is having an evil eye on the Indian territory under its sinister expansionist designs and is indulging in intimidating tactics," he said.

Reminding Narendra Modi led Union government of "China's historical penchant for backstabbing India", the Shiv Sena said China and Pakistan "would never be friends with India".

"It was high time that China was taught a befitting lesson by banning its products and Pakistan too dealt with sternly", it added.

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As the indefinite shutdown in the Darjeeling hills entered the 51st day, the Yuva Morcha of the GJM today shot off letters to the prime minister, president and Union home minister, urging their intervention to resolve the crisis.

Meanwhile, the ban on the Internet services in the hills, imposed on June 18, was extended till August 14 by the district administration.

"We have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, requesting them to immediately intervene to solve the ongoing crisis in the hills. We feel our demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland should be respected," Yuva Morcha president Prakash Gurung said.

He added that the Centre could not "sit idle" when the workers of his outfit were on an indefinite hunger strike for 15 days.

Twelve activists of the Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), are observing a fast-unto- death over the separate state demand since July 21.

Meanwhile, Darjeeling District Magistrate Joyoshi Das Gupta told PTI, "We have decided to extend the ban on the Internet services for 10 more days. Although, no fresh incident of violence has been reported, the GJM is resorting to threatening the people."



The GJM today took out rallies, demanding restoration of the Internet services and an immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the hills.

No incident of violence was reported from the area since last night, but the police and security personnel kept up their vigil.

Barring the pharmacies, all other shops, business establishments, schools and colleges remained closed in the hills.

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Six persons were today arrested from Ameerpet area here on charge of trying to sell psychotropic substances, police said.

Police have seized Alprazolam and Diazepam from their possession.

K Kiran Goud, a toddy contractor, along with others including two students was nabbed by police and 2.5 kgs of Alprazolam and 500 grams of Diazepam were seized from their possession, a release from Hyderabad Police said.

"While doing toddy business Goud used to adulterate toddy by mixing Alprazolam and Diazepam for taste, sedative and muscle relaxing effects to the consumers," it said.

He used to purchase Alprazolam for Rs 1.3 lakh per 1 kg and Diazepam for Rs 10,000 per 1 kg and allegedly sold it for higher prices, police added.

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Special counsel Robert Mueller has convened a grand jury to investigate the alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, US media reports said, suggesting that his probe was expanding to focus on financial crimes.

The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news, said this was a sign that Mueller's inquiry was growing in intensity and entering a new phase. A CNN report said that the investigation has now widened to focus on possible financial crimes.

Mueller, a former FBI director, was appointed in May - after James Comey was abruptly fired as the chief of the investigating agency - to probe the alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

The impanelling of the grand jury means that Mueller could be expected to hear from witnesses and demand documents in the coming weeks, American media reports said.

The Russian meddling allegations have weighed in on the Trump administration, putting the US president in a difficult position hindering his efforts to improve ties with Moscow.

The development came as Trump signed a law authorising new sanctions on Russia on Wednesday. A week before that, the US Congress had overwhelmingly voted in support of the legislation, curtailing room for Trump to modify or lift the sanctions without congressional approval.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to Trump, said he was not aware that Mueller had started using a new grand jury. "Grand jury matters are typically secret," he said.

"The White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly... The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mueller," he said.

Cobb added that Comey had said three times Trump wass not under investigation and "we have no reason to believe that has changed."



Congressman Jimmy Gomez said the reports of Mueller impanelling a grand jury demonstrates that there are serious questions about foreign adversaries trying to gain influence through the financial interests of the US president, his family members, and other associates.

"Congress must uphold its duty to defend the Constitution and investigate President Trump's financial dealings," he said.

"President Trump's refusal to divest from his business holdings and release his tax returns create the possibility of foreign corruption and we must follow the money to ensure that his foreign entanglements do not constitute a national security challenge to the United States," Gomez said.

Democratic National Committee CEO Jess O'Connell said the grand jury was a further confirmation that this was not a "witch hunt".

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of Senators yesterday introduced legislation that would create a judicial check on the executive branch's ability to remove a special counsel.

The Special Counsel Independence Protection Act (SCIPA) ensures that any action by the Attorney General or Acting Attorney General to remove a special counsel from office must first be reviewed by a panel of federal judges.

"Our bill allows judicial review of any decision to terminate a special counsel to make sure it's done for the reasons cited in the regulation rather than political motivation," said Senator Lindsay Graham, a co-author of the bill.

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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today paid floral tributes Dr Y S Parmar, the first chief minister of the state, on his 111 th Birth Anniversary.

He paid the tributes at the statue of Parmar at Ridge and later at a function organised in the assembly.

Former Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, MP and co-incharge HPCC Ranjeet Ranjan, Secretary AICC Asha Kumari were present on the occasion.

It was because of the struggle led by Parmar that this hill state retained its identity and got statehood, Singh said.

The statehood set the pace for speedy development to fulfil the dreams of Parmar, who wanted the state's people to have their own identity, he said.

His vision was clear and the strenuous task to realise this vision was fulfilled on attaining of statehood in 1971, the chief minister said.

"The people of the state willremain indebted to him for his tireless efforts for getting it a separate political identity," Singh said.

Speaker Brij Bihari Lal Butail said Parmar had a lot of knowledge of human psychology and was a great litterateur.

The Dr Y S Parmar Chair in collaboration with the Department of History organised a special lecture at the Himachal Pradesh University



Dr Laxman S Thakur, who heads the Chair, spoke on the topic 'An Architect of Modern Himachal: Contribution of Y S Parmar in the Making of Himachal Pradesh'.

He highlighted the contribution of Parmar in the integration of 30 big and small states into Himachal Pradesh in 1948.

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Truck operators in Punjab today staged protests across the state and burnt copies of a government notification on disbanding truck unions.

The truck operators held demonstrations to put pressure on the state government to rollback its move of disbanding 134 truck unions in the state.

Over 90,000 truck operators participated in protests held in front of all sub-divisional headquarters in the state, said All Punjab Truck Operator's Union, President Happy Sandhu.

"The state government which often talked of giving employment to youth has rendered small truck operators jobless by disbanding truck unions in the state.

With this move, not only truck operators, all those who run tempos and other small commercial vehicles will be hit," said Sandhu.

Truck operators have been protesting against the recent decision of the Punjab cabinet to disband truck unions and end the cartelisation of goods transport.

Punjab government had last month approved the Punjab Goods Carriages (Regulation and Prevention of Cartelisation Rules), 2017, which bars goods carriage operators from forming cartels or unions in the state.

Truck operators claimed that because of the abolition of truck unions, small truck operators would suffer the most as the big companies would take over the trucking business, posing serious threat to the survival of small truck owners.

A man identified as Mahinder Singh set his truck on fire at Bathinda, police said adding that the protest by truckers in other parts of the state remained peaceful.

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Donald Trump has described Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election as a "total fabrication" amid reports that a special prosecutor has impaneled a grand jury to investigate the issue -- a step toward possible criminal indictments.

"We didn't win because of Russia. We won because of you," Trump said yesterday at a campaign-style rally in West Virginia.

Trying to build support among his core supporters, he said his enemies were "trying to cheat you out of the leadership you want with a fake story that is demeaning to all of us and most importantly, demeaning to our country and demeaning to our Constitution."



"The reason why Democrats only talk about the totally made-up Russia story is because they have no message, no agenda, and no vision," he said. "The Russia story is a total fabrication. It's just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American ."



His comments came after the Wall Street Journal revealed that special counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury to investigate Russia's interference with the 2016 presidential election.

The newspaper, citing two unnamed sources familiar with the matter, reported that the grand jury had begun its work in the US capital Washington "in recent weeks."



The move is a sign that the sweeping federal investigation -- which includes allegations that Trump campaign officials coordinated with Russia to tilt the election in the Republican's favor -- is gathering pace.

The establishment of a grand jury will allow Mueller -- a former FBI director -- to subpoena documents and get sworn testimony. It could well lead to criminal indictments.

"It's a significant escalation of the process," national security attorney Bradley Moss told AFP.

"You don't impanel a grand jury unless your investigation has discovered enough evidence that you feel reflects a violation of at least one, if not more, criminal provisions," he said.

"If you secure an indictment, your next step is to arrest the defendant."



Presidential lawyer Ty Cobb said he was not aware that a grand jury had been convened.

"Grand jury matters are typically secret," Cobb said, adding that "the White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly."



"The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr Mueller."



White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president was not likely the subject of the investigation.

"Former FBI director Jim Comey said three times the president is not under investigation and we have no reason to believe that has changed," she said.

Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores declined to comment on the report.

Trump has repeatedly denied allegations of collusion, saying he is the victim of a political "witch hunt" and "fake news."



But he has been forced to acknowledge that his eldest son, Donald Jr, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and his then campaign advisor Paul Manafort did meet a Kremlin-connected lawyer to get dirt on Hillary Clinton.

Mueller is also said to be investigating Trump's financial records unrelated to Russia or the election, CNN reported.

Trump has publicly warned Mueller that his financial dealings should be out of bounds and investigating them would cross a red line.

If called to testify before a grand jury, Trump would not be the first president to do so. Then president Bill Clinton was forced to give details about his relationship with Monica Lewinsky, evidence that was used in his impeachment.
Two men have been arrested for allegedly robbing and killing a Delhi Jal Board (DJB) employee at the office of his son in Rohini, the police said today.

Babu Ram Yadav (48), who worked as a section officer at the DJB office in west Delhi's Paschim Vihar, was killed on August 2.

Police yesterday arrested Amit Rathi (24), who is an employee of Yadav's son. He led policemen to his accomplice Rahul Bhatia (24).

The police said they scanned CCTV footages, in which the accused were seen entering Yadav's son's office while he was present there.

They could be seen fleeing with two bags containing cash in a Maruti Breeza car, the police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini) Rishi Pal said Rathi was aware that Yadav would carry a huge amount of cash while coming to his son's office in the morning. He then hatched a plan to rob him with two of his friends -- Bhatia and Jagdeep.

Jagdeep and Bhatia conducted a recce for over a week, he added.

The police have recovered a bag containing bank documents that were robbed.

Jagdeep is on the run and a search has been launched to nab him, the officer said.

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Two persons were killed after they were attacked by wild elephants in southwest China's Yunnan Province, local authorities said today.

The incident occurred at a farm in Meng'a township when the elephants attacked a family of three heading to Jinghong city on a motorbike yesterday, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

The man survived, while his wife and son died.

Wild Asian elephants are under Class A protection in China, with a population of about 300, mainly scattered in Xishuangbanna and the cities of Pu'er and Lincang in Yunnan.

In recent years, there have been frequent reports of attacks by wild elephants causing casualties and property damage in Yunnan.

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Two local Chinese officials were expelled from the Communist Party of China in central Hunan Province for performing "superstitious activities" which are banned by the ruling party, authorities said today.

Tang Yuansong, former head of the housing and construction bureau of Linwu County, attended five fengshui training courses in different cities under the guise of "investigation tours" starting in 2008, a statement by the commission for discipline inspection of Chenzhou City said.

The training sessions cost 54,000 yuan (USD 8,000) in total and were reimbursed as business trip expenses, state-run Xinhua agency quoted the statement as saying.

Since 2014, he also received 5,000 yuan annually on average for "practicing fengshui" for others, it said.

Huang Xiaowen, former head of Tuqiao Township of Rucheng County, asked others to set up an altar to cast spells and paid 100,000 yuan in tribute each time, with hopes of being promoted.

Both the officials have been expelled from the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), which banned its members from practicing religion.

Judicial authorities will further investigate their cases for criminal activity, such as graft and embezzlement, the report said.

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UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will pay his first visit since taking the UN helm to Israel and the Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip, at the end of the month, diplomats have said.

The UN chief will hold talks with Israeli leaders, travel to Ramallah to meet Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and to the Gaza Strip, where the United Nations runs a major Palestinian aid program, during the three-day visit beginning August 28.

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon said yesterday the visit will allow Guterres to "build a relationship" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also hold meetings with the Israeli president and defence minister.

"We are very happy about this visit," Danon told AFP.

"It's a great opportunity for the secretary general to experience Israel, to meet the leaders of Israel and to understand the challenges that Israel faces day-in and day- out."



Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour described the upcoming visit as "very important," indicating that it signalled a stronger UN focus on the plight of Palestinians.

"The UN has been involved since its inception with the question of Palestine and will remain involved until the question is resolved in all its aspects on the basis of international law," he told AFP by email.

The visit comes as diplomatic efforts to revive Israeli- Palestinian peace talks appear deadlocked.

Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, "is experienced. He has been to Israel in the past. He knows the complexity of the issues. He is not someone who comes to our region and has no clue about what is happening," said Danon.

The Israeli government will discuss strengthening the mission of the UN interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said Danon, following a series of skirmishes along the UN-monitored demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.

Relations between the United Nations and Israel have been tense over the expansion of Jewish settlements, which the world body has condemned as illegal.

Since taking over from Ban Ki-moon on January 1, Guterres has been cautious in his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, partly in response to US accusations that the United Nations was biased against Israel.

In March, the UN chief demanded that a report by a UN body be withdrawn after it accused Israel of imposing an apartheid system on the Palestinians.

Guterres had initially distanced himself from the report, but the United States insisted that it be withdrawn altogether.

During the recent flareup of violence in Jerusalem, Guterres called for de-escalation and respect for the status quo at holy sites after Israel installed metal detectors at the Haram al-Sharif mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The UN today detailed more than 250 "extrajudicial or targeted killings" in the the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai region from mid-March to mid-June, counting dozens of children among the dead.

"The UN team was able to confirm that between 12 March and 19 June some 251 people were the victims of extrajudicial and targeted killings," said the report from the United Nations human rights office.

"These included 62 children, of which 30 were aged under eight," it added, specifically accusing government agents of killing seven minors.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US military is confirming it killed a high-level commander of the al-Shabab extremist group with an airstrike in Somalia over the weekend.

A statement today says the strike on July 30 killed Ali Mohamed Hussein, also known as Ali Jabal.

The statement says he was "was responsible for leading al-Shabab forces operating in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks against the capital of Mogadishu."



The US Africa Command statement says the airstrike occurred near Tortoroow, an al-Shabab stronghold in Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia.

President Donald Trump earlier this year approved expanded military operations against al-Shabab, including more aggressive airstrikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities.

The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab is the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A leading American daily today posted highly classified transcripts of Donald Trump's conversations with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, in yet another embarrassing leak for the US President.

In his conversation with Nieto, according to the transcripts, Trump is heard pleading that the latter should stop saying that Mexico would not pay for the wall.

In his conversation with the Australian Prime Minister, Trump is heard getting agitated on the refugee issue and eventually telling him that the call was the most irksome of the day.

Transcripts of both the conversations that happened on January 27 and 28 respectively were posted by The Washington Post.

The top American daily is now owned by Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. Notably in the last few days, Amazon has succumbed to the Chinese demands on restricted internet freedom.

The White House today did not immediately comment on the embarrassing leak of Trump's conversations with world leaders. In a statement, The Washington Post said the transcripts were prepared by the White House but have not been released.

"The Post is publishing reproductions rather than original documents in order to protect sources. The reproductions below also include minor spelling and grammatical mistakes that appeared in the documents," it said.

As per the transcripts, Trump is heard asking the Mexican leader not to tell the press that Mexico would not pay for the construction of the wall along the US-Mexico border.

The building of the wall was one of the major electoral promises of the US President. During his election campaign, Trump had said that Mexico would pay for the wall. Pena Nieto has repeatedly said that Mexico will not pay for the wall.

"You cannot say that to the press. The press is going to go with that and I cannot live with that. You cannot say that to the press because I cannot negotiate under those circumstances," Trump told Pena Nieto, according to the transcripts.

In his conversation with Turnbull, Trump says that accepting the refuges will "make us look awfully bad".

"We have to stop. We have allowed so many people into our country that should not be here. We have our San Bernardino's, we have had the World Trade Center come down because of people that should not have been in our country, and now we are supposed to take 2,000. It sends such a bad signal. You have no idea. It is such a bad thing," Trump is quoted as saying in the transcripts.

The conversation between the two leaders grew sour as Trump rejected an agreement to take refugees.

"I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day," Trump told Turnbull. "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous," said the US President, as he abruptly ends the call.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US has congratulated Pakistan's newly-elected Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, saying it "looks forward" to working with him on areas of mutual cooperation.

"We want to congratulate Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi on his election by the National Assembly. We will certainly look forward to working with him on areas of mutual cooperation," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her biweekly conference yesterday.

"We have a very strong people-to-people ties with the government of Pakistan. We'll look forward to working with Pakistan, and we'll look forward to working with him as well," she said in response to a question on the election of Pakistan's new prime minister.

Meanwhile, Nauert said she is not aware of the claims by Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that the then US President Bill Clinton had offered him USD 5 billion during Kargil war.

"I'm not aware of any of that money and what you're referring to from quite a few administrations ago," she said.

Abbasi is likely to continue as premier for the remaining 10-month tenure of PML-N as the party chief Nawaz Sharif has hinted retaining his younger brother and Punjab Chief MinisterShahbaz Sharif in the key province.

Sharif, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case on July 28, had nominated Shahbaz to succeed him after winning a by-election on his vacant seat in Lahore.

Abbasi, 58, was endorsed by Sharif to hold the post for interim arrangement of 45 days (till mid-September) till Shahbaz makes to Islamabad.

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The US has said it is "deeply saddened" by reports of the execution of Syrian blogger and activist Bassel Khartabil by the Syrian regime.

Palestinian-Syrian Bassel Khartabil was detained by the Syrian government in 2012, a year after Arab Spring protests first broke out. His wife Noura Ghazi is said to have announced that he was secretly executed in late 2015.

"We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones," the State Department Deputy spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

"The United States expresses its outrage over the repeated acts of brutality, including torture, and extra- judicial executions, conducted by the Syrian regime," she said.

Nauert said the Assad regime bears responsibility for the widespread suffering, death, and destruction it has inflicted on its own citizens.

"Every day, courageous individuals work to recover from the devastation the Syrian regime has wrought, and the United States will continue to stand with them as Syrians work towards a negotiated political settlement that brings an end to the conflict," said the State Department spokesperson.

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Violence and arson broke out at the biggest South Sudanese refugee camp in Sudan, which houses tens of thousands of people, a security official has said.

The scale and cause of the yesterday's violence at the Al Waral camp in Sudan's southern White Nile was not immediately clear, but local police officers and government officials rushed to the camp to investigate the incident.

The UN refugee agency and the White Nile police chief confirmed there was unrest at the camp where some 50,000 South Sudanese refugees live.

"We have reports that there is disturbance and fire in Khor Al Waral camp of South Sudanese refugees," White Nile police chief General Eltieb Gourashi told AFP.

He said senior state officials were on their way to the camp to investigate the incident.

The UNHCR in a statement said it was "aware of the disturbance" in Al Waral camp and expressed concern "that every effort be made to ensure that a peaceful environment is maintained".

"We call on refugee leaders in the camp and the authorities and local communities in the area to refrain from actions that might further inflame the situation," it added.

While details of the trouble were unavailable, pictures apparently showing thick black smoke billowing from the camp and burnt huts were posted on social media networks.

About 410,000 South Sudanese refugees have arrived in Sudan since a brutal civil war erupted in their country in December 2013.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but it quickly fell into a civil war because of a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US has said it will not recognise Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly, terming it as the "illegitimate product" of a "flawed" process.

"The United States will not recognise the National Constituent Assembly," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, said in a statement.

She alleged that the process was rigged from the start, from the irregular manner in which the election was decreed to the government's refusal to permit voters to object to plans to rewrite the constitution.

"The United States considers the Venezuelan National Constituent Assembly the illegitimate product of a flawed process designed by the Maduro dictatorship to further its assault on democracy," Nauert said.

"The balloting itself was further designed to fill the National Constituent Assembly with Maduro loyalists.In a country suffering from malnutrition, the regime threatened that those who did not vote would lose access to food, pension, or employment benefits.Finally, the election lacked credible international observation," Nauert said.

Early this week, in an unprecedented move, the Trump administration announced sanctions against President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, in retaliation of the latter's threat against his opposition leaders and the elections which has been denounced by the international community as illegitimate.

Notably, Maduro is only the fourth ever sitting head of state who have been subject to American sanctions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Swati Pandey and Tom Westbrook

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Rattled investors on Friday wiped A$5.6 billion ($4.46 billion) from the market value of Australia's No.1 lender Commonwealth Bank after it was accused of "serious and systemic" breaches of money-laundering rules in a landmark legal case.

CommBank could face fines of hundreds of millions of dollars if convicted. The maximum penalty for contravening the anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing law is A$18 million per breach.

The bank said it was reviewing the allegations made in the Federal Court by financial intelligence agency AUSTRAC and would defend itself, however it has not commented directly on the claims which cast a shadow over the entire banking sector.

In the biggest such case of its kind in Australia and the first against a major lender, AUSTRAC on Thursday accused CommBank of 53,700 breaches of laws against money laundering and terrorist financing.

In response, CommBank shares tumbled 3.9 percent to A$80.70, the lowest since June 13 and the largest intraday drop in 1-1/2 years, against a 0.3 percent on the broader market.

The case is the latest in a series of banking scandals which have damaged the sector's reputation in Australia and fuelled calls for a sweeping judicial inquiry, known as a Royal Commission, with the power to recommend criminal charges and haul executives in for public questioning.

"The bank management will be distracted because of this issue and people will start pushing again for a Royal Commission. It's a downside risk for the sector," said TS Lim, banking analyst at Bell Potter Securities.

"It's hard to put aside money for these type of things. It's not like credit risk. I don't think shares would go anywhere from here because there is so much uncertainty and people don't know how the management would respond."

Ratings agency Standard & Poor's said it would assess whether the case would have any impact on CommBank's credit profile, citing possible financial penalties, reputational damage and weaknesses in governance.

S&P put Australian banks on 'negative watch' last October due to risks in the country's red-hot property market.

DRUG SYNDICATES

The regulator said the breaches were "systemic" and accused CommBank of failing to adequately report suspicious transactions totalling over A$77 million.

Six related to five customers who had been assessed by the bank as posing a potential risk of terrorism or terrorism financing. Others involved money-laundering syndicates subject to police investigations.

A drug importation and distribution syndicate deposited over A$21 million in cash into 11 CommBank accounts between February 2015 and May 2016, according to the court filing.

The bank allowed several of these accounts to operate even after being warned by federal police that they were connected with an investigation into serious offences, it said.

"It's too serious a breach given the crime syndicates allegedly involved and the money involved," Gavin Durbin, a former AUSTRAC executive, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC).

"The reputational damage is what this is all about."

Historically, conduct fines in Australia have been negligible compared to Europe and the United States, where banks paid billions of dollars in fines following the global financial crisis.

CommBank is due to report full-year results on Aug. 9.

($1 = 1.2566 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Swati Pandey and Tom Westbrook; Editing by Stephen Coates)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Royal Bank of Scotland beat first-half profit forecasts on Friday in a sign its long-promised recovery is finally gathering pace, and said it may move up to around 150 jobs to Amsterdam after Brexit.

The state-controlled bank's shares rose as much as 5 percent after it reported an unexpected 44 percent jump in income at NatWest Markets, the rebranded investment banking unit that brought it to the brink of collapse during the financial crisis.

RBS, rescued in a record 45.5 billion pound ($59.8 billion) bailout at the height of that crisis, has not made an annual profit since 2007 and last made a first-half profit in 2014.

"We are doing what we said we would, growing income, reducing costs and improving returns," Chief Executive Ross McEwan told reporters on a conference call.

RBS also said it was in talks with the Dutch central bank to use a licence it has in the Netherlands to conduct some Natwest Markets business there if it becomes necessary following Britain's exit from the European Union.

The unit currently has just a handful of staff but plans to employ a total of around 150, McEwan said.

In common with British-based rivals such as Barclays and HSBC, RBS has undergone a multi-year programme of restructuring including shedding billions of pounds worth of assets worldwide since the 2008 financial crisis.

The bank said it made 939 million pounds in pretax profit in the six months to the end of June, higher than the 872 million pound average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Reuters.

Its core capital ratio, a key measure of financial strength, also rose to a better than expected 14.8 percent.

RBS said new accounting standards known as IFRS 9 due to be implemented in January would have boosted that ratio by a further 0.3 percentage points if included now, one of the first indications by a bank of the impact of the new rules.

At 0845 GMT, RBS shares were up 2.5 percent at 262.7 pence, the biggest rise on the UK's benchmark FTSE-100 index.

Legal Woes

While the bulk of its restructuring is now done, RBS is behind its rivals in returning to profitability and faces a host of outstanding legal challenges that could hinder the resumption of dividends, a key sign of rehabilitation for investors.

The bank took an additional 396 million pounds in charges in the first half of the year for resolving past misconduct.

The biggest of RBS's legal problems remains an outstanding investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) into alleged mis-selling of mortgage backed securities during the build up to the 2008 crisis.

The settlement is key to the bank resuming dividend payments, and to the British government selling its 71 percent stake in RBS.

McEwan said he was optimistic about settling the case in the second half of this year, and that expectation was one of the reasons the bank was not forecasting a profit for 2017 as a whole, as it anticipates a hefty bill.

RBS last month agreed to pay $5.5 billion pounds to settle a similar case with the U.S. Federal Housing Agency, but analysts expect the DoJ case to cost the bank billions more.

McEwan, however, later cast doubt on the timing of the settlement, when asked by Reuters on a conference call whether negotiations had started with the DoJ.

"There is a chance we may not get it done this year , but that depends on when those conversations start," he said.

Unlike rivals Lloyds and Barclays, RBS did not increase its provision for claims of mis-selling payment protection insurance, Britain's costliest consumer scandal.
By David Shepardson and Joseph White

WASHINGTON/DETROIT (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T> and rival Mazda Motor Corp are expected to announce plans on Friday to build a $1.6 billion U.S assembly plant as part of a new joint venture, a person briefed on the matter said.

The plant will be capable of producing 300,000 vehicles a year, with production divided between the two automakers, and employ about 4,000 people when it opens in 2021, the person said on Thursday.

A new auto plant would be a major boost to U.S. President Donald Trump, who campaigned on promises to boost manufacturing and expand employment for American autoworkers.

The source, who was not authorized to speak to the media and requested anonymity, said the plant in a yet to be determined U.S. location was expected to build Toyota Corolla cars and a Mazda crossover utility vehicle.

Japan's Nikkei reported earlier on Thursday that Toyota would take a roughly 5 percent stake in Mazda Motor Corp <7261.T> to develop key electric vehicle technologies and jointly build a factory in the United States. The source who spoke to confirmed the Japanese carmakers planned future joint efforts on electric vehicles.

Toyota, in a statement, said the two companies have been exploring various areas of collaboration under a May 2015 agreement.

"We intend to submit a proposal to our board of directors today regarding the partnership with Mazda, however, we would like to refrain from providing further comment at this time," Toyota said in a statement issued by its U.S. operations.

Mazda said in statement that "nothing has been decided yet" and added the company "will have a board meeting on this matter today. We cannot comment any further."

Toyota, the world's second largest automaker by vehicle sales in 2016 and Japan's dominant car company, has been forging alliances with smaller Japanese rivals for several years, effectively consolidating the Japanese auto sector.

A new U.S. assembly plant would likely become the prize in a fierce competition among Midwestern and Southern states eager to expand manufacturing jobs.

The new U.S. plant comes demand for cars has fallen sharply. Toyota's U.S. Corolla sales are down nearly 9 percent this year.

In North America, Toyota builds Corolla cars in Canada and Mississippi and announced plans in 2015 to shift Canadian Corolla production to a new $1 billion plant in Mexico.

Trump in January criticized Toyota for importing cars to the United States from Mexico. The Republican president also threatened to impose a hefty fee on Toyota if it were to build Corolla cars for the U.S. market at a plant in Mexico.

"Toyota Motor said will build a new plant in Baja, Mexico, to build Corolla cars for U.S. NO WAY! Build plant in U.S. or pay big border tax," Trump said in a post on Twitter.

But since January, Trump has praised Toyota for its U.S. investments. Toyota said in January it plans to invest $10 billion in the United States over the next five years to meet demand.

Last month, Trump complimented Toyota for completing its long-planned new North American headquarters in Texas.

"We want to be the car capital of the world once again and we are taking steps to achieve that goal," Trump wrote.

The White House declined to comment on the Toyota-Mazda joint venture.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington, Joe White in Detroit and Arunima Banerjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Supriya Kurane and Tom Brown)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Nick Carey

DETROIT (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG executive Oliver Schmidt pleaded guilty on Friday in U.S. District Court in Detroit in connection with a massive diesel emissions scandal that has cost the German automaker as much as $25 billion.

Under a plea agreement, Schmidt will face up to seven years in prison and a fine of between $40,000 and $400,000 after admitting to conspiring to mislead U.S regulators and violating clean air laws.

Schmidt will be sentenced on Dec. 6.

In March, Volkswagen pleaded guilty to three felony counts under a plea agreement to resolve U.S. charges that it installed secret software in vehicles in order to elude emissions tests.

U.S. prosecutors have charged eight current and former Volkswagen executives so far.

"Schmidt participated in a fraudulent VW scam that prioritized corporate sales at the expense of the honesty of emissions tests and trust of the American purchasers," said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jean Williams.

"Schmidt, along with each and every official involved in this emissions scandal, will be held fully accountable for their actions by the Department of Justice as this investigation continues."

Earlier this year, Schmidt was charged with 11 felony counts and federal prosecutors said he could have faced a maximum of up to 169 years in prison. As part of his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to drop most of the counts and Schmidt consented to be deported at the end of his prison sentence.

Schmidt was in charge of the company's environmental and engineering office in Auburn Hills until February 2015, where he oversaw emissions issues.

'CHEATING'

After being informed of the existence of the emissions software in the summer of 2015, according to the agreement, Schmidt conspired with other executives to avoid disclosing "intentional cheating" by the automaker in a bid to seek regulatory approval for its model 2016 VW 2 liter diesel vehicles.

During the period in question, Schmidt was working at the company's Wolfsburg, Germany, headquarters as "one of three subordinates" to the head of engine development. He was arrested when he traveled to the United States in early January.

Volkswagen said on Friday it "continues to cooperate with investigations by the Department of Justice into the conduct of individuals. It would not be appropriate to comment on any ongoing investigations or to discuss personnel matters."

As part of the agreement, Volkswagen agreed to spend as much as $25 billion in the United States to resolve claims from owners and regulators over polluting diesel vehicles and offered to buy back about 500,000 vehicles.

James Liang, a VW employee who pleaded guilty to misleading regulators, is cooperating with prosecutors and will be sentenced on Aug. 25.

Among those indicted earlier were Heinz-Jakob Neusser, former head of development for VW Brand and two former heads of engine development, Jens Hadler and Richard Dorenkamp.

Most of the Volkswagen executives charged are in Germany and may not travel to the United States since Germany typically does not extradite its citizens.

Last month, the Justice Department charged former Audi AG manager Giovanni Pamio with directing employees to design software enabling thousands of Audi diesel cars to beat U.S. emissions tests. He was arrested in Germany. Audi is a unit of VW.

(Reporting by Nick Carey in Detroit and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Bernadette Baum)

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Indian IT major Infosys has signed up an agreement to buy London-based product design and customer experience firm Brilliant Basics. The details of the deal, however, have not been disclosed, but according to a report on Business Standard, Infosys has bought Brilliant Basics for Rs 62.76 crore or 7.5 million pounds. With this acquisition, Bengaluru-based Infosys plans to expand its global network of digital studios plans.

"This acquisition represents Infosys' commitment to the expansion of a worldwide connected network of Digital Studios. These studios are focused on fulfilling the needs of our global clients for end-to-end Digital Transformation solutions required to meet customer demand for next - generation enhanced customer experiences," the IT giant said in a statement.

Infosys currently has digital studios in Bengaluru, Pune, New York, London and Melbourne. Brilliant Basics will help Infosys in driving its design-based technology services in Europe and West Asia.

"Adding Brilliant Basics' design and customer experience capabilities has already proven to be invaluable, helping Infosys close large deals with a deep blend of skills. Brilliant Basics will leverage the breadth and depth of Infosys Digital to drive digital transformation solutions, which connect our clients' systems of record to new systems of engagement," said Ravi Kumar S, president and deputy chief operating officer, Infosys.

The founder of brilliant Basics Anand Verma also announced the deal in a statement published on Brilliant Basics website. "I am thrilled to say that earlier today Infosys, a global leader in technology services & consulting, announced its intention to acquire Brilliant Basics 'bb'. Today is a momentous day for bb and start of an exciting new chapter, I am confident that this new chapter will be even bigger and better for everyone at bb. I am very happy about joining the Infosys family," he said.
Concerned over governance lapses at Infosys, Co-founder N R Narayana Murthy has reportedly asked the company to make the investigation -conducted on Infosys' acquisitions- report public. Almost three weeks ago, Murthy wrote a letter to the Infosys Board asking them to make a full public disclosure of the report by US law firm Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher.

The law firms Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher were probing the allegations of improprieties in connection with Infosys' acquisitions of Panaya and Skava Systems in 2015. The investigation was ordered after two anonymous letters in February alleged wrongdoing in some of Infosys acquisitions, improper contracting and CEO compensation as well as expenditures.

It was alleged that the merger and acquisitions team acted without securing proper approvals. The law firms also investigated the charges levelled against Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka that he received inappropriate compensation and incurred excessive expenses relating to travel, security and his Palo Alto office. However, Gibson Dunn found no evidence of "inappropriate contracting" in its report. "We found no evidence that the CEO received excessive variable compensation or incurred unreasonable expenses for security, travel and the Palo Alto office," it said.

Earlier on June 23, Infosys came out with the summary of investigation that found no evidence to support any of the allegations. The law firms gave the clean chit to Infosys. However, now Narayana Murthy wants the company to disclose the full report. Murthy has also questioned the board as to why Ritika Suri quit Infosys soon after law firm Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher submitted its report. Ritika Suri was the executive vice-president at Infosys who was a member of the team that acquired Israeli firm Panaya.

The law firm also probed the severance payout made to former CFO Rajiv Bansal, Vishal Sikka's expenses, whistleblowers' complaints to Sebi and the US Securities and Exchange Commission over alleged improprieties in the USD 200-million acquisition of Panaya. In February 2015, Infosys had announced buying New Jersey-based automation technology company Panaya, its second largest acquisition deal, for Rs 1,250 crore in cash.

While releasing the brief report on the probe in June, Infosys said: "The investigation involved interviews of over 50 witnesses in India, the US, and elsewhere, the review of company policies, board minutes, public filings and internal documents, the collection, search and review by Gibson, Dunn attorneys of many thousands of internal emails and attachments, the use of forensic accounting experts to analyse technical and financial information."

This is not the first time when Infosys board is in disagreement with its co-founders. Earlier, ex-Infosys board member Mohandas Pai had asked the board members to explain excessive severance pay made to two top executives.



(With inputs from PTI)


An IIT Kharagpur graduate who was earlier accused of hacking into the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) of the UIDAI Aadhaar project was arrested on Thursday.

According to police, the 31-year-old Abhinav Srivastava gained access to the Aadhaar repository through the Digital India e-hospital initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

"As a highly qualified technical expert, Srivastava had a deep interest in developing Android mobile apps. He developed the Aadhaar e-KYC verification mobile application in January 2017 and earned about Rs 40,000 from advertisements," Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar said on Wednesday. "The accused accessed UIDAI data through the e-hospital application and its server. He provided Aadhaar information to people through the app."

The FIR, which had been filed by the UIDAI on July 26 stated that Srivastava had accessed UIDAI data without authorisation between January 1 and July 26 for an app called 'eKYC Verification'.

According to police, Srivastav was working at Ola as the company he co-founded, Qarth Technologies was acquired by the cab aggregator last year. Srivastava was earning Rs 40 lakh a year at Ola, The Indian Express quoted Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar as saying.

"Srivastava has developed as many as five mobile apps. We are investigating if the eKYC Verification app he developed was used in any form by Ola. The app was used by around 50,000 people after it was placed on Google Play Store," the report said.

Srivastav, who hails from Kanpur in UP was living at Yeshwantpur in Bengaluru. The police compliant accused Srivastav of stealing demographic data - details like address, mobile phone number, email address, age and sex - of around 40,000 Aadhaar cardholders by hacking into the UIDAI database.

However, according to police Srivastava has not accessed any biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans.




Cyber nationalists from India and Pakistan are spoiling for a fight, after an anonymous hacker from India defaced Pakistan government website www.pakistan.gov.pk, weeks ahead of the two countries' independence days. Experts predict the attack on a Pakistani government website is bound to activate hackers from both the countries to try and breach each other's cyber space and over thousands of websites from both the countries face high risk of being hacked.

Indian hacker going by a cryptic name of -Ne0-h4ck3r had changed the Pakistani website by posting Indian national anthem and Independence Day greetings on its wall. The hacker posted Ashoka Chakra in Tricolour, along with Indian Independence Day message. Another message that was posted on the website read, "Freedom in the Mind, Faith in the words. Pride in our Souls. Let's salute those great men, who made this possible."

The message was followed by the Indian national anthem. Even though the website was quickly restored by the Pakistan's IT team, the move was claimed as a 'victory' by Indian cyber nationalists. The foreign office of the Pakistan in Islamabad has not reacted to the incident.

Experts say that August draws maximum hacking of websites in the south Asia as techies from both the countries put their skills and nationalistic fervour to test by hacking each other's websites. The activity is usually limited to one month alone but this year, the India hacker may have riled Pakistani cyber experts by hacking one of the biggest government websites.

Action reaction A response in equal measure is expected soon where, observers say, Pakistani hackers will try to target prominent and sensitive Indian government websites. In the past, state police websites have been defaced by Pakistani hackers where they posted anti-India comments with an image of the Pakistan flag.

"In almost ritualistic attacks, every year underground hacking communities from both the countries launch cyber attacks on each other, ahead of August 14 and 15, the Pakistani and Indian independence days respectively," said Kislay Choudhary, director of Indian Cyber Army.

Choudhary said as Indian hackers have attacked where it hurts the most by taking their most prominent government website, Pakistani hackers will respond in kind by targeting Indian government portals, possibly where Indian take much pride.

"Elsewhere, attackers may try to steal data or acquire digital warriors had crippled 30 Pakistan government websites earlier this year in virtual surgical strikes as protest against the neighbouring country's announcement of death penalty to former Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Indian and Pakistani hackers also fought pitched battles in cyber space after last September's terrorist attack on a military camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector. complete control over the infected network. But in the case of India and Pakistan, it's more a display of power and skills. Most of these hackers are school and college students," said another cyber expert. This is not the first time when such an incident has taken place in Pakistan.

India's digital warriors had crippled 30 Pakistan government websites earlier this year in virtual surgical strikes as protest against the neighbouring country's announcement of death penalty to former Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav. Indian and Pakistani hackers also fought pitched battles in cyber space after last September's terrorist attack on a military camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector.


The Telangana State Teacher Eligibility Test (TS TET) 2017 results will be announced on August 5 by the Department of School Education Hyderabad, according to various media reports.

Candidates can visit the official website: tstet.cgg.gov.in to check their results.

The TS TET 2017 examination was conducted in 31 districts of Telangana state on July 23 in two phases by the Department of School Education, the answer key of which was released on July 29.

Here's a step-wise guide to check the TS TET 2017 results:





Visit the official TS TET website: tstet.cgg.gov.in

Click on the result link for TS TET 2017.

Fill in the required details on the page

Download the results

The TS TET 2017 scores are valid for seven years. According to the notification, 20 per cent weightage will be given to TS-TET scores and 80 per cent weightage for written test in Teacher Recruitment Test (TRT).
The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) stock rose higher in early trade on Friday even as the oil marketing firm reported net profit that fell 45 percent for the quarter ending June 2017.

The nation's biggest oil company, reported a 45 per cent fall in its June quarter net profit after inventory losses ate into refining margins.



Also read: Indian Oil net profit falls 45% on inventory losses



Net profit in the April-June period, at Rs 4,548.51 crore or Rs 9.60 per share, was 45 per cent lower than the Rs 8,268.98 crore (Rs 17.45 a share) net profit in the same quarter of the last fiscal.



"Variation in the net profit is primarily due to inventory losses," IOC Chairman Sanjiv Singh said.

At 11:15 am, the stock was trading almost 5 percent or 20 points higher at 406 level on the BSE.

Also read: Indian Oil Corporation net profit rises 85% in Q4



We look at why the IOC stock rose today even after its net profit nearly halved in Q1.

Net profit



The net profit came above street estimates. Analysts on an average had expected a net profit of Rs 3,063 crore for the first quarter, Thomson Reuters data showed.

Revenue soared almost 20 percent to Rs 129,418.11 crore in the quarter under review, from Rs 107,670.95 crore a year ago.

On a quarter on quarter basis, revenue rose 5.8 percent form Rs 122,285.30 crore in Q4 of last fiscal.

The firm reduced its debt by nearly 36 percent to Rs 34,922 crore as on June 30 from Rs 54,820 crore as on March 31 after it repaid some of the loans.



Morgan Stanley overweight on the stock



Morgan Stanley is overweight on the stock. The brokerage says IOC being a downstream company, will benefit from lower crude prices, overall cost reduction and growing diesel demand which will ultimately aid its bottomline.

It has given a target price of Rs 533 on the stock. In a note, the brokerage house said IOC's improving product mix and counter-cyclical investment's in refining capacity will aid the company. It also believes IOC's earnings to be better than its Indian peers.

Even before the Q1 earnings were announced, the IOC stock rose 4.93 per cent to hit a high of Rs 388.15 on BSE. It eventually ended the session at Rs 386.90, up 4.60 per cent on Thursday.

Gross refining margins

The state-owned firm lost Rs 4,042 crore in the quarter owing of inventory losses arising from drop in international oil prices. Inventory loss occurs when the oil prices fall after procurement and before marketing.

Clearly, the inventory loss was due to uncontrollable and unforseen circumstances. Without inventory loss, gross refining margins (GRMs) would have been $6.44 per barrel in Q1. This would have compared to $3.56 a barrel of GRM without accounting for inventory gain in the same period of previous year.
The Sensex has been trading above the 30,000 mark for more than two-and-a-half months and recording new highs. The index grew 4.1 per cent last month although it grew just 0.1 per cent this week, closing at 32,325.4 points. The week concluding on August 4 was an action-packed one, witnessing a high-voltage political drama in Bihar, a cautious repo rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India and stimulated investment demands.

ALSO READ: Cochin Shipyard IPO a huge hit, subscribed 76 times

The markets are expected to remain bullish in the near term. According to Mustafa Nadeem, Chief Executive, Epic Research, "In the short term, we expect to have a sideways-to-bullish market since the overall liquidity in equities is still there and we have not seen any negative signal. Some minor corrections can be seen, but that is part and parcel of a bullish trend."

"The recent rate cut was very much discounted, but as soon as it is passed on, we believe the growth cycle will improve, and that is one of the factors to be driving [growth] in the near term," he adds.

The biggest sectoral gainer this week was the Consumer Durables index, gaining around 7 per cent. It was followed by Metals, which rose 3.1 per cent, and the Auto index scaling around 2 per cent. The Healthcare index was hardest hit, declining around 4 per cent, and FMCG lost 2 per cent over the week. Indian pharma companies, which had earlier faced regulatory sanctions and warnings over quality control from the US health regulator, had yet another blow after the US Food and Drug Administration found quality lapses at a Biocon unit.

ALSO READ: Jio Effect: Airtel offering 1000GB free broadband data for 8 months

Nadeem believes sectors such as FMCG and IT are expected to do well. "We have FMCG as our first pick among sectors since it looks ripe at this point of time, nearly finishing its due correction and about to rebound. IT is another sector that has almost finished its down move and is looking encouraging in terms of risk-reward. Some stocks in this category may see positive momentum."

A lot of stock-specific movements are expected to happen.

Also watch:




Days after debt-laden Air India announced scrapping of non-veg meals for economy class passengers, Jet Airways has begun trimming of its meal preference from existing 23 to just seven.

According to a TOI report, a small plate of fruits for lunch or dinner could be the only meal choice for flyers allergic to lactose or gluten on Jet Airways as the full-service carrier looks to cut back its long 23-meals menu for both economy and business class in domestic flights.

"Going by trends we have seen certain special meal options have a higher consumption pattern than others on our domestic flights. While finalising our list of special meals available to our domestic flyers, we have ensured meal options like the fruit platter to be included to serve guests requesting bland food or gluten free meals. The special meals served on board Jet Airways' domestic flights are Child Meal/Baby Meal/ Jain Meal/Diabetic Meal/Fruit Platter, and all - time popular vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian meals," the report quoted Jet Airways spokesperson as saying.

The full-service carrier which earlier offered Vegan Meal option for domestic flyers has now narrowed down to only 7 options - vegetarian/non-vegetarian, Jain, diabetics, vegetarian/non-vegetarian, fruit platter and Muslim meal.

Earlier, the government had said that national carrier Air India's decision to stop serving non-vegetarian meals to economy class passengers on domestic flights is expected to save Rs 8-10 crore annually.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said the move is to save costs, reduce wastage, improve service and also avoid any chances of mix-up of meals.

"The annual saving is expected to be around Rs 8-10 crore per annum," he said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

On whether the views of air passengers were solicited before taking the decision, Sinha replied in the affirmative and added that passenger feedback through cabin crew was received.

The debt-laden national carrier has been taking various steps to reduce costs and revive its financial fortunes.
In the middle of the slowdown in the IT sector, senior executives at Tech Mahindra have decided to take the pay cut of 10-20 per cent in their salaries.

According to a report in Times of India, ranks of executive VP and senior VP in Tech Mahindra have offered to take a pay cut of 10-20 per cent because of the company's not so great performance over the past few quarters.

The 20 executives reportedly had written a letter to the CEO C P Gurnani and chief people officer Rakesh Soni.

Quoting a source, TOI in its report said that the action followed a hint from the management to the top executives that they would appreciate such an act. The pay is expected to be restored if and when the company's performance gathers some steam.

Meanwhile, IT major Tech Mahindra plans to hire around 2,200 people in the US this year, same as last year, amid the American government's call for creation of jobs in the country.

The Mumbai-based company, which has over 6,000 people working for over 400 clients in the US, has been recruiting resources out of colleges in the US over the past four years.
Fritz Ntone Ntone N. Melo

The construction of the Deido market in the economic metropolis of Cameroon will require an investment of six billion CFA francs, announced on Thursday by the urban council of Douala (CUD).

The construction of the Deido market in the economic metropolis of Cameroon will require an investment of six billion CFA francs, announced on Thursday by the urban council of Douala (CUD), after a deliberation of the Municipal Council.

This trading platform in Deido will benefit from the financial assistance of the Special Fund and Intercommunal Intervention (FEICOM), making a contribution of 5.4 billion CFA francs, while the share of the CUD will amount to 600 million CFA francs.

The Steering Committee of the New- Deido market construction project, whose implementation is mainly aimed at the realization of the project, stated that it had taken into account the business plan of this project quartered on economic concerns and social considerations.

In this perspective, an emphasis has been placed on the functionality of buildings, a neighbourhood market , "integrating all the functions of the market as we find them in our social and economic framework," declared the government delegate to the CUD, Fritz Ntone Ntone.

After obtaining the necessary financial agreement, the actual work will begin in 2018.

The main Economic town of Douala in the country, has about thirty markets mostly in a more or less unsanitary state. An absence of adequate market landscape pushes traders to turn sidewalks and other roads into market spaces, not to mention the resurgence of fires often caused by the poor condition of the facilities.
La Ville de Bamenda, Cameroun Archives

6 unidentified men and a woman, forming a gang of seven have been neutralized in the North West Region of Cameroon.

6 unidentified men and a woman, forming a gang of seven have been neutralized in the North West Region of Cameroon. Their intension as gathered was to wreck havoc with explosives they carried on them, all happened this early morning in Mbengwi, chief town of the Momo Division of the North West Region of Cameroon.

According to CNA relaying this information, the 7 were wearing cloths inscribed with the UN Logo, but it is not clear whether they are workers with the United Nations or impostors.

The arrest was made at 4 a.m this Thursday by elements of the Rapid Intervention Batallion BIR

The whole of Mbengwi and the North West in general is in total panic.

Meanwhile the Governor of the North West Region Adolphe LELE L'Afrique has been holding series of security meetings regarding the incident.
Robotics competition N. Melo

Four students from TASSAH academic represented the country at the first global robotics in Washington, USA. They are aged between 15 and 18 years old, but already with a mind for robotization.

Mualah Fofang, Ando Ulrich, Hagbang Larissa and Ngeh Jordan have just represented Cameroon in the first global robotics, an international robotics competition organized by a NGO based in the United States.

Originally reserved only for developed countries, including Europe, North America, and South America, this year the competition opened up to the world and includes teams from Africa and Asia. Of the 163 teams from the 158 countries that were present, Cameroon came out 43rd with its team of 4 students. "This honourable rank shows that students trained in Cameroon can stand in front of those from developed countries such as France and Canada and that they have the capacity to compete internationally," says Janet Fofang, Framer of the Cameroonian team consisting of students fromTassah Academic.

These students have followed a school curriculum that focuses on science, technology, and engineering to update themselves with new technologies today fit for international competition. The first step in the competition was to set up robots capable of performing well-defined tasks from the identical kits sent to each country. The robots in competition had different designs, as well as different engineering but had to accomplish a unique task, namely to find clean water sources and to be able to remove dirty particlesand render the water clean.

By grouping the countries into teams, the organization wanted to convey a main message: "When it comes to science and technology, there is no divergence because we put together to find the solution." In his speech at the closing ceremony, Jim Yong Kim, the president of the World Bank, did not fail to appreciate the initiative.

These young people will be the first generation in the history of mankind, to be able to put an end to extreme poverty in the world. "With what I've seen through these robots, I know they can do it," he said. Coming out of this competition, Janet Fofang, the Cameroon team leader and representative of the Organization in Cameroon, is already planning to prepare for the next deadlines. She plans to organize robotics competitions in each region and each year, it is the best teams that will represent Cameroon in the next editions.
| BY Ricki Green |

Arnotts via TKT Sydney, has brought together talented Aussie musicians Dan Sultan and Isabella Manfredi (The Preatures) to reimagine the classic rock anthem Forever Now for its latest campaign, which launches the brands new purpose: promoting real connections.

The campaign is made up of a 60-second TVC, with the full version of the song available via Spotify and Apple Music. Arnotts is also showcasing the journey of Sultan and Manfredis recreation of Forever Now through the release of behind-the-scenes video content featuring jam sessions and interviews with both musicians.

Sultan, who has just released his new album Killer, was thrilled to work together with Manfredi for the Arnotts campaign.

Says Sultan: Its always awesome to sing a great tune with great artists like Isabella Manfredi. Forever now is such an iconic song. A real honour to have done it.

Says Manfredi: I had so much fun recording this classic Aussie track, and singing with Dan was simply awesome.

Says Nik Scotcher, marketing director Arnotts ANZ: Arnotts chose to recreate Forever Now with Dan and Isabella because just like Arnotts biscuits such as Tim Tam, Scotch Fingers as well as Shapes, the song is a true Aussie classic.

We all shared the same passion in creating this campaign and our new purpose, which promotes the importance of togetherness. We believe its about celebrating the small moments shared with loved ones, the moments of real connection, as they become the ones we never forget, Nik said.

Australian comedian Nazeem Hussain provides the voiceover in the TV spot.
Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 11:57PM

While it isnt the first time its happened, it seems Facebook wasnt the only one after Snapchats parent company Snap Inc. Google reportedly wanted a piece of the incredibly popular pie and tried to buy the company for US$30 billion. According to Business Insider, Google verbally talked about the acquisition of Snapchat with the companys CEO Evan Spiegel. Snap is denying that formal discussions happened. Google also wont comment on the story. According to the report though, the offer was supposedly still on the table since the companys IPO early on in March.

Whether or not theres truth to this, Spiegel is known to like being in charge of his own company, especially with a product he started himself. It wouldve benefited Snapchat on the marketing side if they took the deal and Snapchat wouldve helped Google develop its AR technology. But in the meantime, Snap and Google do work close together. Googles investment arm put money on Snapchat after it went public. While Snap is considered one of Google Clouds biggest customers and they promise to spend US$2 billion on Googles cloud platform.

Source: GSMArena + 9to5Google
Such is the life of a hardcore cosplayer, where going to extreme lengths to bring your favourite character to life is standard. Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as a character from a film, television series, comic, book or video game, especially one from the Japanese genres of manga or anime.
"The big gap for us is supported accommodation, transitional accommodation and access to ACT public housing, you can send us 100 people and we'll engage with them, but ultimately if we don't have that ability to move them in or onto that next stage then that's a problems." Streets Homes Program case manager Tim Coxhead said.
He told his Academy colleagues that he still clearly recalls watching the then Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies lay the foundation stone for what is now known as the Shine Dome in 1958.
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"There seems to be a growing minority group [...] that seem to feel that since we can no longer find out who they are that gives them license to steal our service," Mr Evans said.
Amazon

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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 ...
Peter Zuccarelli of Plano, Texas, conspired to illegally export U.S.-made radiation hardened integrated circuits to China and Russia for their respective space programs, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.



Peter Zuccarelli, 62, of Plano, Texas, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally export U.S.-made radiation hardened integrated circuits (RHICs) to China and Russia for their respective space programs, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Zuccarelli attempted to secure the circuits for export without the required Commerce Department licenses, a violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

According to court documents, Zuccarelli and his co-conspirators agreed to illegally export RHICs to China and Russia between June 2015 and March 2016. Due to their military and space applications, exports of RHICs are strictly controlled.

Zuccarelli received these orders from his co-conspirator, as well as payment of about $1.5 million to purchase the RHICs for the Chinese and Russian customers. Zuccarelli placed orders with U.S. suppliers, and used the money received from his co-conspirator to pay the U.S. suppliers, the Justice Department said.

The department added that Zuccarelli falsely certified with the suppliers that his company, American Coating Technologies, was the end user of the circuits. He then removed them from the original packaging, repackaged them, falsely declared the circuits to be touch screen parts, and then shipped out of the United States without the required licenses.

At sentencing, Zuccarelli faces a maximum of five years in jail and up to a $250,000 fine. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the U.S. Probation Office completes its investigation.
As'ad's Bio

As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants.
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.

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You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
I am not interested in judging their opinions but remind fellow public servants that weve sworn an oath to serve the government of the day whether we like it or not.

Like everyone else, public servants had their own perceptions about who they felt was the best person to hold the top post.

For many others, it was a bitter defeat as the Alliance carried their hopes to resuscitate the economy and weed out corruption.

For some, it was with a sigh of relief as they wanted stability and continuity of policies and initiatives from the previous government.

PETER ONeills re-election as prime minister on Wednesday was received with a mixture of emotions by many Papua New Guineans.

The new government has a new agenda (Alotau Accord II) which it will move forward to implement.

There has already been, and will continue to be, much discussion and debate about the agenda, how it fits into national development plans and what choices will need to be made along the way. This will require focus and effort from us.

In the next weeks and months, as Alotau Accord II is clarified and the direction set, we need to look sideways and outside for help but equally we need to look to our provinces and districts. This balance requires good leadership.

A government is sustained only through the hard work and extraordinary efforts and sacrifice of the people who serve the country they love. We salute the police and polling officials who lost their lives during this years election.

Public servants should be focused on the delivery of public services  providing health care, educating our children, collecting tax or providing security. We want a public service that will deliver on time and on budget.

At the end of the day, its about putting a smile on someones face or saving a life or educating a child or simply knowing that our work helps make someones life a little bit better.

Its central to our role as public servants. When a new government is elected, we stand impartial and ready to implement their decisions. We may not like the person but we have to respect the office. Prime ministers come and go but we will remain as the agents of change.

Lets do the best we can in whatever were good at. Lets keep shining!
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 Volkswagens argument. This case really comes down to  a struggle between Congress telling the states, You dont get to design cars, but you do get to control how they work on your roads, she said.

Breyer expressed skepticism over Wyomings 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.
A decision on the federal wetland permit for the Owasco Flats restoration project could come as early as next week.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Friday that it's "working diligently" to finalize a decision on the project, which is being spearheaded by Cayuga County. The county must receive the federal permit before soliciting bids for the construction work.

This week, two of New York's top elected officials  Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Gov. Andrew Cuomo  urged the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite its review process. Schumer, D-N.Y., visited Cayuga County Monday. Cuomo sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers Thursday.

The regulatory section of the Army Corps of Engineers' Buffalo district is reviewing the permit. The agency said it was awaiting the state's water quality certification before conducting its evaluation. The state issued the necessary permits in July.

The Army Corps of Engineers added that it has worked with the Cayuga County Planning Department and the state Department of Environmental Conservation on modifying the restoration project to reduce its impact on waterways and wetlands at the southern end of Owasco Lake.

"As integrators, we work with our partners at the local, state and federal levels to determine the most effective solutions while remaining committed to the overarching goals of ensuring public safety and preservation of our aquatic resources," said Lt. Col. Adam Czekanski, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers' Buffalo district.

"We appreciate the continued support of congressional and state leaders as we all work towards healthier waters in the project area and across the nation."

The Owasco Flats project aims to reduce sediment plumes from flowing into the inlet and Owasco Lake. The restoration would include the construction of three basins to serve as a natural barrier to prevent runoff and sediment from entering the inlet.

The state initially awarded $712,500 for the project in 2011.
Despite the industry rapidly shifting towards electrification, Mazdas U.S. senior vice president for operations remains unconvinced about electric vehicles.



Speaking at a seminar in Michigan, Robert Davis said there is still a lot of innovation to do and that internal combustion engines still have a pivotal role to place in the future of transportation, Automotive News reports.

The internal combustion engine has a strong future role in transportation. We certainly considered the adoption of new technologies, batteries, EVs, plug-in hybrids and everything else. But they all share the internal combustion engine.

So before we go into the time and effort and expense of adding electrification, we were convinced that a solid, efficient internal combustion engine was critical, Davis said.

In recent years, Mazda has invested heavily in producing efficient petrol and diesel combustion engines with its Skyactiv and Skyactiv-D technologies.

Beyond believing in a prosperous future for combustion engines, Davis said hes concerned about the environmental impacts of lithium-ion batteries in EVs, saying they cannot be recycled as easily as cellphone batteries.

This is where the great thinkers of our industry need to speak up and be heard and make sure the manufacturers can do what they do best: compete against each other for the customers hearts and minds.

Were all better than this. We can do better than this. We need to consider that this is not zero emissions. This is remote emissions, or displaced emissions. We need to work on the best solution for the customers and for the environment in a common target, not an instruction manual on how to get there, Davis said in no uncertain terms.

PHOTO GALLERY
The partnership between Toyota and Mazda appears to be growing as Nikkei is reporting the two companies are close to closing a deal which could pave the way for the joint-development of electric vehicle technology and a new plant in the United States.



According to the Japanese newspaper, Toyota will purchase a five percent stake in Mazda. Mazda will reportedly make a similar investment in Toyota but theres no word on specifics.

Besides investing in one another, the companies are reportedly discussing the possibility of building a new plant in the southern United States. Sources suggest the plant would primarily build crossovers and have an annual output of around 300,000 units.

A deal could be announced as early as Friday and Toyota told Reuters We intend to submit a proposal to our board of directors today regarding the partnership with Mazda, however, we would like to refrain from providing further comment at this time. Mazda issued a similar statement saying nothing has been decided yet but the company will have a board meeting on this matter today.

The partnership between Mazda and Toyota isnt as widely known as the companys previous tie-up with Ford but the automaker currently builds the Yaris iA which is a rebadged version of the Mazda2.

Photo Gallery
A no-wake zone that has been in effect due to flooding along Lake Ontario has been extended, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday.

Through Sept. 2, boats operating within 600 feet of the lake's shoreline must abide by the 5 mph speed limit. The purpose of the zone is to reduce the impact on infrastructure and properties along the shore that have already been affected by flooding.

The no-wake zone is also in place for the St. Lawrence River.

Local law enforcement agencies may issue tickets for violating the speed zone. For boaters, tickets could be up to $250 for exceeding the speed limit in the designated area.

Lake levels have dropped in the last month as outflows increase, which is providing some relief to businesses and property owners along the shoreline. But high water levels remain a concern. Several docks are still submerged or partially underwater.

"High water continues to impact homeowners and businesses along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, and by extending the no-wake zone for an additional month, we can ensure boaters are helping to protect New York's vulnerable shorelines," Cuomo said.

Flooding has affected Lake Ontario communities for months. The state Legislature passed  and Cuomo signed  a bill in July to establish a $45 million flood recovery fund. The aid includes $15 million for homeowners, $15 million for small businesses and nonprofit organizations and $15 million for municipalities.

The program adds on to existing initiatives set up by Cuomo in response to the flooding.
Photo: Castanet File Photo

Okanagan municipalities and regional districts received cheques valued at more than $14.6 million in transfer payments as part of the federal government's Gas Tax program.

The money is the first of two annual instalment payments made to the province, and distributed among each local jurisdiction.

In all, nearly $133 million of this year's $265.9 million was distributed at the end of July.

Municipalities use the money for specific infrastructure projects.

Communities in the Central Okanagan received $7.846 million, the South Okanagan $3.494 million and the North Okanagan $3.349 million.

By municipality, Kelowna received the largest amount at slightly over $5 million, Vernon received $1.661 million, Penticton received $1.439 million and West Kelowna received $1.355 million.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen was the only Okanagan regional district to receive more than a million dollars, earning a cheque of $1.016 million.

The second instalment will come at the end of the year.
You could have the missing piece of the puzzle that will help the RCMP put someone behind bars. Here are some recent crimes that Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers hope you can help solve by calling our anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net or text to CRIMES (274637), keyword Ktown.

CRIME: THEFT OF PURSE

DATE: July 29, 2017

RCMP FILE: 201-43877

On Saturday, July 29th a woman was at Save-On Foods on Highway 33 between 11:30 and 11:40 a.m. She paid for her one item at the self-checkout and left, forgetting her purse behind at the checkout. She realized her mistake once she approached her car but when she returned the purse had already disappeared. Video surveillance was viewed and RCMP would like to talk to this Caucasian male who was wearing a black t-shirt and shorts and had tattoos on both arms.

Photo: Crime Stoppers

If you know anything about this crime, or any other crime, call the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net. Your information will be kept confidential and could lead to a reward of up to $2000.00.

CRIME: THEFT OF BENTLEY

DATE: July 30, 2017

RCMP FILE: 2017-44183

A vehicle left in the long term parking lot at Kelowna International Airport on July 24th was gone when the owner arrived to pick it up on July 30th. The key had been left under the mat in the unlocked car by one spouse so that the other could pick it up. The vehicle is a 4 door dark blue 2006 Bentley Continental with South Dakota license plate number WGC70 and VIN SCBBR53W06C036213.

Photo: Crime Stoppers

You can help catch these suspects and qualify for a reward by calling Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net or text to CRIMES (274637), keyword Ktown.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Contributed

A section of downtown Kelowna will be closed for the Okanagan Dream Rally on Sunday.

Bernard Avenue will be closed from Abbott to Pandosy streets, along with Mill Street from Bernard Avenue to the Queensway parking lot from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Traffic delays may occur throughout the morning due to the road closures and motorists are asked to plan ahead to avoid delays, said a City of Kelowna release.

Parking restrictions will be in place along the road closures.

Vehicles that are parked along the closed sections of Bernard Avenue and Mill Street Sunday morning will be towed to City Halls parking lot.
Photo: Contributed

Police in Penticton say they caught a pair of thieves trying to steal an ATV in a stolen truck, and arrested them the very same day after stealing another truck in the community.

The Penticton RCMP received a report of suspicious pickup trucks trying to steal an ATV on Hudson Street around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The suspects ended up fleeing and were unable to steal the quad.

Officers also spotted a F350 leaving a work site on Middle Bench Road, pulling a cargo trailer. The truck fled from police, causing the trailer to come loose and hit a fence. A spike belt was eventually deployed, stopping the truck on Johnson Road.

The two occupants then fled on foot but were located nearby with the help of a witness and police dog. RCMP say they were arrested for possession of stolen property and released on a promise to appear, and surveilled by the targeted enforcement unit.

Within two hours of being released, the two men were observed stealing a silver Chevrolet pickup truck from Brandon Avenue. The thieves were stopped on Taggert Crescent near Highway 3A and were arrested for theft over $5000 and possession of stolen property over $5000.

This was an excellent team effort by the police officers involved. said Staff Sergeant Kirsten Marshall It was successful because of the citizens of our community that provided us with the information needed to arrest these individuals.

Michael Dennis Carlston and Rajan Sign Sahota are both facing charges of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property over $5000.

Both men remain behind bars until at least their next court hearing, Aug. 16.
Photo: Peter Weeber, chief administrative officer

The Penticton Emergency Social Services Centre is closing Friday as wildfire evacuees in the region return home.

The ESS opened in Penticton on July 16, to assist wildfire evacuees while they were under evacuation orders. The centre was activated at the request of the province after large scale evacuations were occurring throughout the Cariboo.

Any evacuees requiring registration or further assistance are asked to contact the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Social Services Director by phone at 250.809.6561 or in person at the office of RDOS, located at 101 Martin St., during regular business hours.
Photo: Alanna Kelly An RCMP vehicle near Ellison Lake Thursday afternoon.

UPDATE: 5:30 p.m.

A man at a homeless camp was shot by a police officer Thursday afternoon, after police say he approached the officer with a knife.

At 12:30 p.m., the officer went with a bylaw officer to a homeless camp north of Ellison Lake, after they had received a complaint.

The officers engaged a male camper, who is alleged to have produced a knife, and approached the officers. Efforts were made to de-escalate the situation, Cpl. Janelle Shoihet, media relations officer with the RCMP E Division said in a press release. Ultimately the Kelowna RCMP officer was unable to resolve the situation and is alleged to have discharged their firearm, striking the male.

The man who was shot was arrested and taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The Independent Investigations Office of BC are heading to the scene to investigate the police-involved shooting.

The IIO is a civilian oversight agency tasked with reviewing incidents involving officers that result in serious harm or death.

A large police presence was in the area throughout the afternoon.

ORIGINAL: 4:15 P.M.

RCMP have yet to comment on a large police presence in the Bulman Road area near Kelowna International Airport.

Numerous RCMP and vehicles are stationed in the area, including the large Emergency Response vehicle.

Airport officials say the police incident is not on airport property and has nothing to do with operations at YLW.

More information when it becomes available.

Castanet has a reporter heading to the scene.
Photo: Save Kin Race Track David Goodwyn (L) represented the Okanagan Equestrian Society in court.

A ten-day court case involving supporters of Kin Race Track and the City of Vernon is on the home stretch.

The civil trial is expected to wrap up Friday after days of witness testimony before a B.C. Supreme Court judge in New Westminster.

Well here we are after many, many years, finally nearing the end of our trial in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, said Robyn Dalziel, the president of the Okanagan Equestrian Society, on the Save Kin Race Track Facebook page.

Dalziel thanked the society's lawyer David Goodwyn for his efforts.

Win or lose  of course we will win  this man has dedicated 14 years to this case, and without him we would have never been able to get this case into court. We would have had to walk away due to finances. Please comment so he will know how much this means to so many.

The society wants a return to horse racing at Kin, although it would need a substantial investment for upgrades to the track and stalls and to replace the grandstand.

Dalziel said she remained confident of a courtroom win.

The society had nine witnesses testify during the trial. The City of Vernon had fewer but they included Al McNiven, the former head of parks and recreation for the North Okanagan Regional District and Barry Beardsell, former Vernon councillor. Beardsell was expected to testify on Friday, Dalziel said.

Written submissions from the lawyers are supposed to be presented to the justice before the day's end. Another meeting for final submissions has been scheduled for September.
Photo: Contributed

It hasnt rained in the Central and South Okanagan for 35 days, a figure getting awfully close to record breaking for the region.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau says June 29 was the last time they measured precipitation in Kelowna and Penticton.

In Kelowna, that makes it tied for the fourth longest dry spell in history. The longest period without rain in Kelowna was 44 days, between June 23 and Aug. 5, 2003.

So we are not that far off from it, and we dont have any rain forecast in the next week, Charbonneau said.

In Penticton, this has been the seventh longest dry period in history, dating back to a 50-day dry streak in 1957 between Aug. 12 and Sept. 30.

We dont really see an end to it in sight, we will likely see these rankings move up, mused Charbonneau.

Daily temperatures will likely fall throughout the Okanagan this week, with highs in the mid-to-high thirties.
Photo: Contributed A fender-bender on the William R. Bennett Bridge caused traffic delays Thursday afternoon.

A fender-bender on the William R. Bennett Bridge has caused rush-hour traffic backups in the eastbound lanes.

The minor crash occurred Thursday at about 4:15 p.m., and closed the right lane of the bridge.

The closure disrupted traffic behind it, as drivers were forced to merge into one lane.
Photo: Contributed Stage 1 water restrictions remain in place in Greater Vernon.

Stage one water restrictions remain in place in the Greater Vernon area due to a lack of rain in June and July.

We are experiencing increased water demands, said a statement from Greater Vernon Water (GVW). Duteau Creek water reservoir readings taken on Aug. 1, show that the reservoirs are still below normal levels.

The utility has made operational changes to increase the amount of water supplied from Kalamalka Lake and offset demand from the Duteau reservoirs. But the amount of water GVW can draw from that source is limited by the system capacity, leading to the water restrictions.

Residents and businesses are asked to do what they can to help conserve water.

Efforts made now will help sustain supplies for farms, fish, and fighting fires during what is expected to be a continued hot and dry summer. While average water consumption from July 21-31 was 4 per cent lower than the consumption from July 1-20, our goal is to reduce demand by 10 per cent.

Stage one restrictions allow outdoor irrigation for up to three days per week before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. as follows:

Odd address number - Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Saturday

Even address number - Wednesday, Friday, and/or Sunday

Outdoor watering on Mondays is not permitted.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the approval of a federal wetland permit that's needed to allow the Owasco Flats restoration project to proceed.

In a letter to Lt. Col. Adam Czekanski, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Buffalo district, Cuomo noted that the state Department of Environmental Conservation approved permits for the Cayuga County project.

The Owasco Flats are located at the southern end of Owasco Lake. The restoration work would involve building basins to prevent sediment plumes from flowing into the lake.

A project completed by the Army Corps of Engineers nearly 70 years ago removed the natural filtration process that could prevent runoff and nutrients from winding up in the lake. That project separated the Owasco Flats flood plain from the inlet.

The restoration would bring back that natural barrier.

"The project's significant benefits to water quality clearly outweigh any minimal adverse impacts to ecologically degraded and underutilized wetlands, which have been disconnected from tributaries by channels constructed by the Army Corps in 1948," Cuomo wrote.

The state awarded $712,500 for the Owasco Flats project in 2011. The bidding process for the work was suspended last year to allow the state to adjust the final design.

The state DEC approved the permits in July. Now, county officials await the federal government's decision.

In his letter, Cuomo highlighted the importance of the restoration as it relates to Owasco Lake water quality. Harmful algal blooms have been a concern, especially since the lake serves as a drinking water supply for nearly 50,000 residents in the city of Auburn and surrounding area.

Cuomo visited Owasco in April to announce the approval of drinking water treatment systems for the city of Auburn and town of Owasco. This year's state budget included $2 million for the systems.

The carbon systems will be operating soon, according to the Cayuga County Health Department.

The Owasco Flats project could provide an additional boost to preserving Owasco Lake, but it needs the Army Corps of Engineers' approval.

"It is imperative to swiftly advance construction of the Owasco Flats Wetland Restoration Initiative  the health and wellbeing of our communities are at stake," Cuomo wrote.

Cuomo's letter follows Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's visit to Owasco Monday. Schumer, D-N.Y., also asked the Army Corps of Engineers to approve the permit needed for the restoration project.
Photo: MLA Dan Ashton

Penticton MLA Dan Ashton didn't expect to be given the role as the Indigenous relations critic for the B.C. Liberal Party, but he is grateful for the chance to continue the "advancement" with the First Nations.

Ashton was one of 37 Liberal MLAs on the shadow cabinet list, released on Thursday, Aug. 3. Before being elected as MLA, Ashton spent two terms as Mayor of the City of Penticton following three consecutive terms as a councillor.

"The world has changed and there has been terrific advancement with the First Nations," he said. "My family has been involved with First Nations, especially my father, I'm thankful to have been asked to take this position."

Ashton says he plans to be the voice of Indigenous people in B.C., noting working closely to create positive change for First Nations is his main goal.

"I won't be walking in front of them or behind them," he said. "I will be walking beside them."

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson was named the critic for childcare.
Photo: Colin Dacre File photo shows interim opposition leader Rich Coleman with members of the Liberal caucus.

Many of them were cabinet ministers but members of the B.C. Liberal caucus have taken on shadow portfolios in the light of the NDP/Green alliance which has formed a government.

Acting opposition leader Rich Coleman said in a statement Thursday that the recently toppled Liberals will focus on protecting jobs and maintaining a strong economy. Coleman stepped in as interim leader after Christy Clark's resignation last week.

"We will take every measure available to ensure that the NDP-Green alliance does not recklessly spend away our future and write cheques that British Columbians will have to pay with increased taxes," Coleman said.

The full list of critic roles is as follows:

Advanced Education  Stephanie Cadieux and Simon Gibson

Agriculture  Norm Letnick and Ian Paton

Attorney General  Andrew Wilkinson

Liquor, Gaming and ICBC  John Yap

Children and Family Development  Laurie Throness

Childcare  Linda Larson

Citizens Services  Steve Thomson

Education  Mary Polak and Dan Davies

Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Energy and Mines  Tom Shypitka

BC Hydro - Darryl Plecas

Natural Gas and Petroleum Resources  Ellis Ross

Environment and Climate Change  Peter Milobar

Finance  Shirley Bond and Tracy Redies

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations  John Rustad

Rural Development  Donna Barnett

Health  Mike Bernier and Joan Isaacs

Indigenous Relations  Dan Ashton

Jobs, Trade and Technology  Greg Kyllo and Jas Johal

Trade  Teresa Wat and Steve Thomson

Labour  John Martin

Mental Health and Addictions  Jane Thornthwaite

Municipal Affairs and Housing

Municipal Affairs  Todd Stone

Housing  Sam Sullivan

Public Safety and Solicitor General  Mike Morris

Social Development and Poverty Reduction  Marvin Hunt

Tourism, Arts and Culture  Michelle Stilwell and Doug Clovechok

Transportation and Infrastructure  Jordan Sturdy and Michael Lee

Small Business  Coralee Oakes

Mike de Jong will continue as Liberal house leader, while Jackie Tegart will take the role of caucus chair. Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster will serve as whip and Linda Larson will be the deputy whip.
Photo: Contributed

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has decided Marron Valley is not a suitable location for its proposed organic and bio-solid compost facility.

The boards environment and infrastructure committee voted overwhelmingly Thursday to select the Summerland landfill as the first choice for the plant.

The RDOS has been working on finding a new home for its food, yard, wood waste and wastewater treatment sludge facility for years, with the Campbell Mountain Landfill growing increasingly cramped.

Summerland and Marron Valley were two finalists, selected from a study of six. Kaleden director Tom Siddon, said the board also decided that if a deal could not be reached with the District of Summerland, staff will have to look at other options besides Marron Valley.

I like to keep an open mind, and staff do their best to do very careful analysis of decisions like this," he said. "But once we make this decision there would be no turning back and I just didnt feel that it would be the right location."

Summerland Mayor Peter Waterman said his community would not even consider hosting the facility unless it's a fully advanced technological facility, that will contain all odours and leachates, water that's percolated through, in vessel.

He said in addition to negotiated property taxes, lease money and road upgrades, the plant would give local orchardists access to high quality compost for their fields.

Waterman was unable to say when the issue would be sent to Summerland council.

I want to make sure, the conversation about this, as we move into discussion, is based on facts that come from actual facilities that are of advanced technological capacity, he said, adding they will likely be visiting state-of-the-art facilities elsewhere in B.C.

Summerland council has already received a considerable amount of correspondence opposed to the project, including from the operators of the KVR steam railway.

Waterman notes that if constructed, the facility would actually move their waste operations away from homes and the KVR.
Photo: Contributed

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is looking for a consultant to help them figure out what is behind the recent spike in milfoil and algae growth in Vaseux Lake.

Problems with milfoil and algae in the lake south of Penticton have been reported back into the mid-1970s, but an increase in sedimentation near the mouth of the lake has been observed in recent years and the productive growth seems to be increasing again.

The Regional District has been in discussions with the concerned property owners around Vaseux Lake to determine the source of the increasing milfoil and algae blooms as well as the increased sediment deposits, RDOS bid documents read.

Vaseux Lake is shallow, averaging just five metres, with a small deep zone in the centre that reaches about 27 metres. Peak water temperatures at the surface often eclipse 23 C.

The winning engineering firm will be expected to carry out a large series of tests and design a monitoring system for the lake, also making recommendations on how to reduce nutrients and sediment in the lake.
Photo: RCMP Brian Carlisle has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault.

An Abbotsford man has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault after police learned he may have been having unprotected sex while not disclosing that he has HIV.

Upon further investigation, police believe 47-year-old Brian Carlisle could have offended against more women than initially thought.

Carlisle is believed to have committed offences in Mission, Abbotsford, Coquitlam and Burnaby, but he has also lived throughout the Lower Mainland and in Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Vermont.

Mr. Carlisle has an online presence on numerous social media and dating sites, said Const. James Mason of the Mission RCMP.

Carlisle appeared in Abbotsford court Thursday, and has been released on a number of conditions, including not using any social networking or dating sites, informing any sexual partners of his HIV status and to wear a condom during sex.

In a press release, Const. Mason said police would normally not disclose an accused's medical status, but in this case, the public interest clearly outweighs the invasion of Mr. Carlisle's privacy.

Police have advised anyone who has been intimately involved with Carlisle to speak to a doctor.

Additionally, police are looking to talk to any of Carlisle's past sexual partners.
Photo: Facebook Donald Brodie took the stand for the first time at his trial Thursday.

The man accused of running down a pedestrian in a 2013 police chase testified Thursday he was not behind the wheel, but cited the G code when he was asked to identify the driver.

After weeks of trial, Donald Brodie took the stand to explain why he admitted to driving the black Eagle Talon that fled from a police check stop in the early hours of Dec. 6, 2013, but then later took back his confession.

After the car collided with Steve Kania, seriously injuring him, Brodie, Nathan Fahl and Lisa Carlisle were arrested at the scene. Fahl was originally charged as the driver, until Brodie sent several letters to the RCMP, and others to the media, stating he was actually behind the wheel.

On Thursday, Brodie told the court he was in the passenger seat during the entire chase, but wouldn't say who was driving.

It's against everything I believe in, Brodie said. I consider my friends like family, I would do anything for my friends ... I can't bring myself to throw a friend under the bus.

From where I come from, we call it the G code, I have it tattooed across my forehead ... it's just the way I was brought up, was that it's us against them, meaning the police.

Brodie went on to say that breaking that code could put his life in danger.

Being known as a person that rats somebody out ... it'll kill you faster than a bullet.

Despite refusing to give the name of the driver in court, Brodie acknowledged he was in the front passenger seat during the chase, a female was in the back seat, and a friend was driving.

There were only three of us in the car, I'm not going to sit up here and say that Nate was driving the car, I'm not going to say that Lisa was driving the car, but I can tell you one thing for certain that I wasn't driving the car, Brodie said.

He described the three of them leaving a party in Rutland just before 12:30 a.m. and almost immediately arriving at the check stop on Springfield Road. He said the driver quickly sped away down Leckie Road, as Brodie yelled at him to stop.

After fleeing from police through the Rutland area for some time, the chase came to an end near Dundas and Dundee roads, when the car struck Kania, who was out delivering newspapers.

He came through the windshield, almost in my lap, and I had glass in my eyes and all over me, Brodie said. I was just staring over at Mr. Kania on the ground ... I felt really bad seeing this happen and it still bothers me a lot.

The three were arrested, but Fahl was initially charged as the driver.

When Brodie was asked why he wrote the letters in early 2014 claiming he was driving, Brodie said he simply wanted to get his friend, Fahl, out of jail.

He's like a brother to me ... I'd do anything for my friends, Brodie explained. That saying, careful what you ask for because you just might get it, has never been more real to me.

To have someone released from jail, I thought it would take a little bit more than writing a few letters.

Fahl is currently serving a 30-month jail sentence for stealing a bait car in March 2016.

The Crown will cross examine Brodie Friday.
Photo: CTV A 26-year-old man was rescued after from a trail on Vancouver's North Shore Thursday.

A 26-year-old American tourist was rescued from a popular hiking trail near Cypress Bowl Thursday night after a snow bridge collapsed.

The man was hiking with his brother on the Howe Sound Crest Trail when the snow bridge collapsed underneath them, burying the 26-year-old and seriously injuring him.

The brother dug the man out of the debris and called 911.

North Shore Rescue performed a long-line rescue and brought the man to safety near Cleveland Dam.

The man was sent to the hospital with at least a broken leg, but he may have additional injuries.

- with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: ICBC

A new poll finds most B.C. drivers think it's getting more dangerous on our roads  but that it's not their fault, it's everyone else's.

The Insights West poll, commissioned by ICBC, found 99 per cent believe they are good or excellent drivers.

However, 58 per cent said drivers are less skilled than five years ago, and fewer than half said driving is generally safe.

Nearly eight out of 10 got at least one answer wrong when asked road test questions, and one-fifth admit to being aggressive drivers. One-third feel it's OK to "bend the rules" of the road if they're in a hurry.

About half of those polled believe driving is harder than it was five years ago.

aICBC says it has seen a marked increase in crashes during the last three years. There were roughly 260,000 crashes in 2013. Last year, that number jumped to 320,000  about 875 per day.

The insurer has just launched a safety campaign including an online Drive Smart Quiz.

The 12 questions might give an indication if you need to brush up on your skills.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Twitter

Former Kelowna fire chief Gerry Zimmerman says current dry conditions with no rain in sight seems to be the new normal in the Okanagan region.

Zimmerman was the face of a fire that roared through the southern part of the city in 2003, destroying more than 230 homes.

He says seeing the fire danger rating as "severe" across the entire Okanagan is very scary, but he thinks the region is better prepared should such a fire happen again.

The 2003 fire was caused by a lightning strike during one of the driest summers on record.
Photo: CTV

Drivers are coming forward saying they've been dinged with tolls for crossing the Port Mann Bridge when they were nowhere near the Lower Mainland.

John Chisholm got a bill for crossing the automated toll bridge even though he was was on Salt Spring Island.

And Joe Desroches says he got a bill in the mail for a red Toyota. He owns a Chevy.

Transportation Investment Corp., which operates the bridge, admits incorrect bills could affect as many as 150 people a month.

I was upset. Why should I pay for someone elses car crossing the bridge? Desroches told CTV.

He paid out of fear ICBC might refuse to renew his drivers licence.

After complaining, both drivers had the money refunded.

The company says its complaint ratio is about one in 20,000, which with 750,000 vehicles crossing the bridge each month equals about 150 mistakes.

The system is very accurate for vehicles displaying payment decals, says spokesman spokesman Greg Johnson. But for other cars, the bridge's cameras can sometimes misread licence plates.

Like any organization that handles the volume of transactions that we do, there are going to be errors from time to time, he told CTV.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
A bipartisan bill that would initiate a study on the awarding of federal contracts to women-owned small businesses has advanced in the U.S. Senate.

The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship passed the bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst and Kirsten Gillibrand.

The Ernst-Gillibrand bill would require the Small Business Administration to study the participation of women-owned small businesses in federal multiple award contracts.

Gillibrand, D-N.Y., urged her colleagues in the Senate to support the bill.

"We need to do everything we can to make sure that women-owned small businesses can compete for federal contracts on a level playing field, so that they can have the same access as anyone else to business opportunities that can create good-paying jobs," she said.

The U.S. Department of Commerce released a report in late 2015 found that the odds of a women-owned small business winning a federal contract are 21 percent lower than companies owned by men.

Women-owned small businesses also are less likely to win contracts in the industries that receive a majority of federal contract funds.

Ernst, R-Iowa, highlighted the bill that would require a study as first step to ensuring women-owned small businesses have a fair opportunity to win federal contracts.

"With small businesses making up 97 percent of all employers in Iowa and about 82,000 of those being women-owned businesses, I am pleased to see my colleagues on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee approve this important step towards ensuring all small businesses have better access to these contracting opportunities," she said.

After the committee's passage, the bill will now head to the full Senate for consideration.
Photo: Castanet web cam View of Kelowna from Castanet's web cam on Knox Mountain.

Thick, heavy smoke from surrounding wildfires is back in the Okanagan Valley.

After a slight reprieve Thursday, the smoke returned overnight, blanketing the entire region, and the Southern Interior.

Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index is currently rated a seven, or high, for all points in the Okanagan.

It's expected to remain there for the balance of the day today.

The worst area in the interior remains Kamloops with a reading of nine. Thursday, the Kamloops index reached 46, or extreme.

A smoky skies bulletin remains for the entire region.

People are asked to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

If you experience difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways, contact a health professional immediately.

Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease.


Photo: Contributed

UPDATE 12:10 p.m.

The Cariboo Regional District has also issued an expanded evacuation order, for the area south of of Highway 20 to the southern CRD border and east to the Fraser River.

This is an expansion of the order issued on July 28, 2017, for the area south of Highway 20 to Alex Lake.

A map of the impacted areas can be found here.

ORIGINAL 9:30 a.m.

More homes are being evacuated in the Cariboo region because of the Elephant Mountain Fire which continues to threaten properties along Hwy 99 within Electoral Area I.

The latest evacuation order is for the following addresses:

3265, 3269, 3419 Hwy 97

1468 Hwy 99

3515, 3540 Jackson Rd.

Because of the potential danger to life and health, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District has ordered everyone to evacuate immediately.

If possible, evacuees are asked to shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.

Those with large animals/livestock in need of shelter, are asked to contact the TNRD EOC at 1-866-377-7188.

Those requiring support services such as food and accommodation are asked to register at the

Sandman Centre at 300 Lorne St., Kamloops.

All evacuees are still required to register with the Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582, or www.redcross.ca.
Photo: Contributed Work on the curling rink parking lot is on time and on budget.

Work on the curling rink parking lot is on time and on budget.

The project is scheduled to wrap up on Aug. 23. During the period of the construction, the parking lot is closed to all traffic.

The curling rink parking lot was badly deteriorated and in need of replacement, said Tanya Laing Gahr, with the city. The completed work includes the replacement of sidewalks on the north end of the Vernon Recreation Centre and of a water main originally installed under the parking lot in 1966. The next stage of construction includes the replacement of the blacktop surface and substrate, updating a fire hydrant, new storm and sewer lines, new catch basins and a new garbage bin enclosure.

The parking stall layout will be realigned and repainted to increase parking capacity. Paving is scheduled take place the third week of August with cleanup and line painting the following week.

The overall cost to complete the project in one phase, including all consultation fees and contingencies, is estimated at $439,109.
Photo: The Canadian Press Special Counsel Robert Mueller departs the Capitol after a meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The waters of the so-called swamp are starting to rise around Donald Trump, with various creatures of Washington's political marshes threatening his presidency from multiple angles.

Consider about eight developments of the last few days in the town the president derides as an amphibian-infested bog.

First, the special investigator in the Russia affair has empanelled a grand jury, says a report in the Wall Street Journal. Second, lawmakers from both parties are crafting two different bills to protect the investigator, should Trump try firing him.

Third, the attorney general Trump mused about firing has been promised his job is secure. Republican lawmakers have brushed off three demands from the president: on Russia sanctions, on health care, on adjusting procedural rules  that's four, five and six. Finally, a pair of Republicans have just released books criticizing the president.

To cap it all off, Trump's critics have been empowered by a new dip in his polling numbers.

This is all happening before the end of the first congressional session of the Trump presidency, which concludes as senators head off on their summer recess this week.

Republicans have made it clear they're unhappy that Trump threatened one of their old colleagues  former senator, now Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Trump has just fired two party establishment figures from his White House staff. Now the town is awash in rumours he might fire Sessions out of frustration with his refusal to defend the president in the Russia affair.

Democrats say they hear grumbling from Republican colleagues.

Sen. Ron Wyden, a member of the intelligence committee investigating Russian collusion, says he's convinced any move to fire special investigator Robert Mueller would trigger a constitutional crisis.

"I've seen a real change in tone (from the Republicans)," he said. "I'll leave it at that."
Photo: The Canadian Press The home of Kariem Ali Muhammad Moore in Spotsylvania, Va.

A woman and her two children were held captive for more than two years in a Virginia home before escaping when deputies arrived to check on their welfare, authorities said.

The woman, 32, was hospitalized in serious condition with untreated health issues, and her children were staying with family members after also receiving medical attention, The Free Lance-Star reported.

Investigators believe the children, ages 8 and 11, have never attended school, Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Lt. Charles A. Carey said.

Deputies were sent to the home after a caller expressed concern that no one had seen or heard from the family in quite some time, he said.

The woman and her children ran out a side door as deputies spoke with Kariem Ali Muhammad Moore, who had been reluctant to let them inside, the sheriff's office said.

The woman is Moore's girlfriend and he is believed to be the children's father, Carey said.

Lorane James, who lives nearby, said she hadn't seen anyone go in or out of the house in two years.

Moore, 43 and unemployed, was arrested at the scene Saturday and held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on multiple felony counts including abduction and assault.
Photo: Police photo

A sharp-eyed airline passenger spotted another passenger texting about sexually assaulting children, leading officers in California and Washington state to arrest two people and find two young victims, authorities said Thursday.

San Jose police said they arrested Michael Kellar, 56, in the city's airport Monday night after a flight from Seattle. Kellar's texts led officers to arrest Gail Burnworth, 50, in her Tacoma home.

It appears two children, ages 5 and 7, were sexually assaulted, investigators said. Authorities say Burnworth had access to children as a babysitter and that Kellar was getting to the victims through her.

Seattle and San Jose police declined to discuss the children's relationship to the suspects and how Kellar and Burnworth knew each other.

The plane passenger told authorities that Kellar was sitting in front of her and texting about the abuse with a large font on a large smartphone. The font and screen were so big that the passenger was able to take photos of Kellar's text conversation, police said.

The passenger, who police didn't identify, alerted the flight crew, who notified an officer at the airport.

He is accused of attempted child molestation and solicitation of a sex crime. Burnworth was arrested on suspicion of child rape and sexual exploitation of children.
Photo: The Canadian Press Quebec City mayor Regis Labeaume points at a map as he announces the establishment of a Muslim cemetery, in Quebec City on Friday, August 4, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Muslims in Quebec City are going to have their own cemetery after all.

The cemetery will be located on a parcel of land of about 6,000 square metres the city is selling for about $270,000 plus taxes, Mayor Regis Labeaume and members of the Muslim community said at a news conference Friday.

It is expected to be ready this fall.

The news came just three weeks after a proposal aimed at setting up a Muslim cemetery in a town southwest of Quebec City was defeated in a referendum by a 19-16 margin.

Quebec City's Muslims have been looking for a cemetery for two decades, but made a renewed push after they completed the payment for the city's main mosque in 2011.

It was there last January that a gunman shot dead six men in the main prayer hall and injured 19 others. The bodies were sent overseas and to Montreal for burial.

The mosque's Mohamed Labidi praised Labeaume for keeping his promise to forge ahead with plans for the cemetery.

"It's a great day," Labidi said. "It is a historic day for Quebec City. Today, we are reaping the benefits of 20 years of hard work."

Boufeldja Benabdallah, interim co-ordinator of the cemetery project, also welcomed the news.

"Earlier, Mr. Labeaume was praising the land and its beauty," he said. "I told him, 'You're going to push us to die earlier because we want to take advantage of the land.' It's just to say there is joy today and we are all going to die in peace and with respect."

Benabdallah also stressed the importance of remembering those who died in the shooting in January.

"I'll finish up with a fraternal thought for our six brothers who died in the tragedy last Jan. 29," he said. "Today's announcement will put a bit of balm on this tragedy."
Photo: The Canadian Press Fire damage is shown on the Torch Tower at Marina district in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Firefighters have put out a blaze that broke out early Friday in one of the world's tallest residential towers in Dubai, engulfing part of the skyscraper and sending chunks of debris plummeting below, the city authorities said. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

Police in Dubai reopened the streets around one of the world's tallest residential skyscrapers after firefighters put out a blaze that erupted early Friday in the high-rise, forcing residents to evacuate in the middle of the night and sending chunks of debris plummeting below.

No major injuries had been reported in the tower, located in an upscale waterfront district heavily populated by expatriates from around the world. A few people were treated for smoke inhalation, according to Dubai's Gulf News website.

Several residents said the fire broke out just after 1 a.m. at the 87-story Torch Tower  a more than 1,100-foot-tall (335 metres) residential building in Dubai's Marina district.

The tower has 676 apartments  38 of which were burnt and destroyed by the fire, according to the official Dubai media office. Sixty-four floors of the facade of the building were also burnt, they said.

The same building had also caught fire just two-and-a-half years earlier.

The cause of the fire on was not immediately known but in the past, such infernos in Dubai have been linked to highly flammable building cladding  as was the devastating June tower fire in London that killed at least 80 people.

"You never think it's going to happen to you," said Alireza Aletomeh, a resident of the tower. "I had cash in there, furniture, paintings. ... Many things that are very valuable to me."

Aletomeh, a sales manager, said he moved to the Torch Tower just three months ago, snagging an apartment on the 54th floor of the luxury tower. He said he was coming home after midnight when building security guards told him to remain in the street because a fire had erupted.

He said his roommate grabbed their passports and that it took him more than two hours to come down the stairway because of the rush of people trying to get out at the same time. At least one woman passed out in the stairway, Aletomeh said.

Nearly the entire length of the building on one side became engulfed in flames at one point during the blaze as residents looked on from below, many in tears. The firefighters battled the blaze for more than two hours. Officials say 84 floors of the building are residential and three are for services.

Dubai's Civil Defence announced at about 3:30 a.m. that firefighters had brought the blaze under control and said cooling operations were underway. Authorities shared video of the building from the outside later on Friday, showing the entire length of the tower charred on one side.

By midday Friday, a few police cars could be seen in the area, but the main streets around it were open to traffic and had been wiped clean of debris, some of which had fallen on cars parked below.

The skyscraper, however, remained closed to residents. Officials said they were providing shelter at three nearby hotels for residents. By nightfall, residents still had not been told when they would be allowed to return to check on their apartments.
Photo: BC Gov A maps of areas closed to off-road use

The provincial government is banning off-road vehicle use in the backcountry across most of Southeast B.C.

In response to extreme fire risk, recreational off-roading is banned in the Cariboo Fire Centre, Kamloops Fire Centre and Southeast Fire Centre. In addition, all on-highway vehicles must remain on defined road surfaces.

The operation of any off-road vehicles in these regions during the current wildfire situation creates a potential wildfire risk, a news release reads While jeeps, trucks and other on-highway vehicles are permitted on designated roads, they are not allowed off-road.

The ban does not apply to private lands or national parks, nor does it apply to emergency responders or commercial/ industrial users who operate vehicles for farming, emergency response or business purposes.

The BC Wildfire Services says they will be continually monitoring conditions and the prohibition may be expanded or rescinded as needed.
Photo: NBC News

Workers may have been moving a gas meter when an explosion tore through a Minneapolis school building this week, killing two people and injuring at least nine others, according to federal investigators.

A team from the National Transportation Safety Board was in Minneapolis on Friday to start the painstaking task of determining what caused Wednesday's natural gas explosion at Minnehaha Academy.

Investigators will look into the movement of the gas meter, as well as whether the gas was turned off inside the building or at the street as the work was being done, NTSB board member Christopher Hart said. The NTSB is investigating because it has jurisdiction over gas pipelines.

Hart said investigators will be on site for up to seven days as they document the evidence, but that it could take a year for the agency to finish its work and issue safety recommendations.

City fire officials have said the explosion happened in a utility area at the private Christian school.

Contractors were working in the school, and some witnesses said they were warned of a gas leak moments before the blast. Some first responders also reported smelling natural gas as they pulled people to safety.

Master Mechanical was issued a permit in June for "gas piping and hooking up meter" at the school, according to city records.
Every Friday, The Citizen features a pet available for adoption from the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York.

This week, we spotlight Talladega.

Q: Who is your best friend?

A: Well, I have been here for little more than a week and so much has been happening to me that I haven't had time to focus on finding one. There are a lot of choices, but I sort of have my eye on Lyric. I think she might need some mentoring, and I would be good at that.

Q: What has been your worst experience?

A: OK, here is the awful truth. In my former home (if you can it a home) I was used to keep the people supplied with a constant stream of cute puppies so that they could sell them and make money! Isn't that the worst? I can tell you it is. No more!

Q: If you could describe yourself, what would you say?

A: I am a gentle soul. While I am only 4 years old, I look like I have been around the racetrack many times. I am also friendly and when I am all healed from my recent surgery, I want to go out for walks with my volunteers and greet all the nice people out there. I didn't get to go for walks before coming here, so I am really looking forward to that.

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would that be?

A: I'm not sure why I was named after a racetrack, but perhaps I would like to visit the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. It is quite famous, I understand. Perhaps my new family will be NASCAR fans and I will get to go! BTW, I do prefer to be addressed as Talley!

Q: If you could meet someone famous, who would that be?

A: Speaking of racetracks and racing, I might want to meet Dale Earnhardt Jr.! If you are a racing fan, you will know that between him and his late father, Dale Sr., they have won 16 NASCAR races at Talladega. That makes them racing all-stars. I would love to meet Dale Jr.!

Q: Do you have an interesting fact to share?

A: I do! Part of me is Great Dane, and despite the name, we have ties to Germany, not Denmark. Some believe our name came about when the French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc happened upon the breed while traveling in Denmark in the early 1700s. He called the large dog "le Grande Danois," or Great Dane, and the name just stuck. I'm glad it stuck  I like it!

Q: Do you have any advice for our good Citizen readers?

A: I do! Well, not so much advice but a big thank you for making our Hogs for Dogs event and fundraiser such a spectacular success. We are grateful to everyone who rode, came to the party and supported this great event and helped to support dogs like me who need help. Thank you and love, Talley and friends.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Many Atlantic Canadian consumers and businesses lost cellphone and other network services on Friday, in a widespread outage that hampered emergency communications, airports and other services.

Bell called it a "major service outage" affecting internet, TV, wireless and landline phones, with landline 911 service intermittent.

Flights were delayed at multiple airports, some consumers couldn't use their debit and credit cards, and the TD bank said some branches in the region were "temporarily" closed.

"Bell apologizes for this situation and we are working to restore service as quickly as possible," Bell's Nathan Gibson said in a statement at about 1:30 p.m. AT.

The outages weren't confined to Bell. Telus, which shares infrastructure with Bell, confirmed it is also down: "We're currently investigating a network issue affecting mobility customers in the East."

Telus said on its web site that a "possible fibre cut on Bell network" was to blame.

According to social media reports, at least some service was available with Rogers and Eastlink, although Eastlink said in a statement "an interruption impacting our network partners that may affect your ability to place calls."

Halifax Stanfield airport said some flights were affected, and Air Canada said computer issues were impacting flights at multiple Canadian airports. WestJet said its Moncton call centre is "offline," and asked customers to call later unless the matter was urgent.

The outage appeared to be affecting emergency communications in some parts of the region, and people are being advised to try non-emergency numbers to contact emergency services if 911 doesn't work.
Photo: Contributed Water testing by the City of Vernon and Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) has been conducted on Kin Beach and Sandy Beach on Okanagan Lake.

Feel free to go for a swim.

Water testing by the City of Vernon and Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) has been conducted on Kin Beach and Sandy Beach on Okanagan Lake.

Bacteriological testing by both the First Nations Health Authority and Interior Health have returned within acceptable levels, in spite of the presence of a naturally occurring algae bloom.

Recreational water users are reminded water-quality testing does not check for other toxins or chemicals.

The City and OKIB are also warning beach users that the root systems of lakeshore trees have been compromised by flooding, making these trees unstable. Caution should be used near these trees until crews have assessed and taken steps to limit risk to the public, said Tanya Laing Gahr, with the city.

However, while the latest water tests returned with acceptable levels of bacteria for both beaches, the City and OKIB governments request that residents and visitors stay off of Sandy Beach until the flood protection measures and other identified potential safety hazards have been removed.

The safety of people in our community is so important. We want to ensure that everyone has the information to make good choices in where they access the lake over the rest of the summer, said OKIB Chief Byron Louis.

We want to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy our beaches over the long weekend while being safe and respectful of our neighbours, added Mayor Akbal Mund.

OKIBs Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) installed gabion baskets as flood protection measures while the lake was rising and threatening damage to homes and property.

Now that the water has receded, the OKIB EOC is assessing the damage to the beach for safety hazards.

The warning signs remain posted to deter people from climbing over the flood protection measures until they can be removed.
Photo: Drive BC

UPDATE 4:00 p.m.

Drive BC is reporting the Highway 1 has reopened in both directions between Cache Creek and Kamloops.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.

Highway 1 has now also been closed eastbound at Cache Creek due to the fire.

ORIGINAL 2:50 p.m.

The Trans Canada Highway is closed going west four kilometres west of Savona, between Cache Creek and Kamloops due to the Elephant Hill wildfire.

Drive BC is reporting no estimated time of reopening.

Castanet will update with more information as it becomes available.
Photo: Contributed

British Columbia Premier John Horgan says he was shocked to learn that no provincial charges will be laid in the 2014 collapse of the tailings dam at the Mount Polley mine.

The disaster at the gold and copper mine was one of the largest in the province's history and sent 24 million cubic metres of mine waste and sludge into nearby waterways.

A three-year deadline on charges came Friday amid an ongoing investigation by B.C.'s Conservation Officer Service, but earlier this week the agency's deputy chief Chris Doyle couldn't say what stage the probe was at.

Horgan said he remembers seeing the devastation firsthand in 2014 and to have three years pass without any consequences is disturbing for him personally as well as for all British Columbians.

However, he said the federal government is very much engaged in the investigation and the province will work with federal investigators to ensure there are consequences for the events that took place.

Horgan, who was sworn in last month, said the Conservation Officer Service is limited in its resources and his government will get to the bottom of why more resources weren't deployed.

"We don't have an answer to that question today," he said Friday, adding the lapse of the deadline was "profoundly unfortunate."

Attorney General David Eby said the service is working with the federal government in relation to possible violations of the Fisheries Act, which has a five-year deadline for charges to be laid.

Two reports, by B.C.'s chief inspector of mines and an independent panel of engineering experts, found the collapse involving the mine operated by Imperial Metals Corp. (TSX:III) was caused by a poorly designed dam that didn't account for drainage and erosion failures.

The federal NDP issued a statement Friday pinning the blame on Ottawa.

"It is simply ridiculous that no charges have been laid. It's time for the Liberal government to live up to their promises and restore protections for fisheries and bring real improvement to the Fisheries Act," the party said in a statement.

Amnesty International also issued a statement expressing its disappointment with the lack of provincial charges, in which it accused the B.C. government of playing "Russian roulette" with citizens' futures.

No one from Imperial Metals was made available to comment on Friday.

The Mount Polley mine went back to full operations last year.
Photo: Contributed Kal Lake Road will not be closing after all this year.

Kal Lake Road will not be closing after all  at least not this year.

The City of Vernon had planned to close a section of the road between the Coldstream-Vernon boundary and Browne Road to allow for extensive road improvements.

But the city announced Friday, those closure plans are being put on hold.

Phase 2 of the Kalamalka Lake Road  Okanagan Rail Trail Project has been deferred to late spring 2018.

Current work on Phase 1 is expected to be wrapped up by the end of August. The full project was originally scheduled to be complete by late October 2017.

In order to complete Phase 2 of the project, BC Hydro poles need to be relocated along Kalamalka Lake Road. Work on the project was delayed when BC Hydro crews responded to the state of emergency in the province. Crews from BC Hydro will continue to relocate poles in preparation for the next phase of construction in the spring, said Tanya Laing Gahr, with the city.

The City expects substantial completion of Phase 1 of the Kalamalka Lake Road  Okanagan Rail Trail project by mid-August, and pole relocation completion by mid-September. Minimal disruption to traffic, including lane closure and possible single-lane alternating traffic, is expected this year.
UPDATE: 8 p.m.

The air tankers that spent Friday afternoon dropping retardant on the wildfire just south of Peachland have turned in for the evening, but two helicopters continue to bucket the blaze.

Jody Lucius, fire information officer, says 23 BC Wildfire Service firefighters attended the fire, along with municipal firefighters from Peachland, Summerland, Kelowna, West Kelowna and Ellison.

Lucius did not know if crews had contained the blaze as of 8 p.m., but James Springer, assistant fire chief with the Peachland Fire Department, said the tankers had blanketed 65 per cent of the fire with retardant as of 6 p.m.

UPDATE: 6 p.m.

Assistant Peachland fire chief James Springer says a wildfire southwest of Peachland has grown to about three hectares in size, however, bombers have been able to blanket about 65 per cent of the fire with retardant.

He says winds, that were giving crews some issues earlier, have calmed down, giving firefighters a chance to get a better handle on things.

There is no increased risk to any structures in the area and no evacuations have been ordered.

Ground crews from the BC Wildfire Service have arrived, joining other crews from fire departments throughout the central and south Okanagan.

UPDATE 5:35 p.m.

Peachland assistant Fire Chief James Springer says the fire is burning in a heavily forested and steep area, just outside of their jurisdiction near the water treatment plant.

Things are looking not too bad right now, he said. We are hitting it from the air, we are hitting it from the top of the hill with our structure crews and in the bottom in the bush with the forest service crews.

The upper flank of the fire is burning near Princeton Ave., which has residential and commercial properties in the area, according to Springer.

Structural protection crews from Ellison, Kelowna, West Kelowna and Summerland are also helping out.

Springer was not able to offer an estimate of the size of the fire, only stating it was called in around 3:30 p.m. as a 100 by 100 and growing fire.

No evacuations have taken place yet. However, Springer said the situation remains fluid and they will continue to monitor.

UPDATE 5:15 p.m.

Princeton Ave. is closed to traffic just past Pierce Rd.

Police at the roadblock were not able to say if there have been any evacuations beyond that point, but a steady flow of air tankers have been attacking the fire.

The B.C. Wildfire Service hopes to have more information around 5:30 p.m.

UPDATE 4:30 p.m.

The Summerland, West Kelowna and Ellison Fire Departments are also on the way to the scene, in response to a request for mutual aid from Peachland.

ORIGINAL 4:15 p.m.

The BC Wildfire Service is en route to a wildfire south of Peachland.

The fire, on the Munro Lake Forest Service Road, is five-and-a-half kilometres southwest of Peachland.

Fire information officer Jody Lucius says the fire is on the border between the municipality and crown land.

Lucius says two crews have been dispatched, one arriving by air, the other by ground. Air tankers and two helicopters have also been sent to assist.

Peachland Fire Department crews are also on the scene.

The size of the fire is not known at this time.
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AUBURN  Auburn City Council members expressed concern during Thursday's meeting over rumored changes in the state health department's methodology on reporting microcystin toxin levels in county drinking water, though health department officials said that is not true.

Councilor Terry Cuddy said he was informed at a meeting for an Owasco Lake activist group, called Save Owasco Now, that the New York State Department of Health changed its reporting procedures. Cuddy said the state Wadsworth Laboratory, which tests all drinking water samples, would no longer be reporting microcystin toxin levels at 0.15 parts per billion and that the lab would only report the toxins at 0.3 parts per billion or higher.

"I think the people of Auburn, the people of Owasco, those who are supplied with water from Owasco Lake, should know (what is in their drinking water)," Cuddy said during the meeting.

However, the New York State Department of Health told The Citizen Thursday after the meeting that the Wadsworth Laboratory, located in Albany, would not be changing its reporting standards.

While the EPA method has a microcystin reporting level of 0.3 parts per billion or greater, Wadsworth Laboratory will continue to report levels as low as 0.15 parts per billion," the state department of health said in a statement.

Roger Sokol and Lloyd Wilson, both directors within the state Center for Environmental Health, said during a phone interview Thursday that lower readings do come with a larger margin of error.

Sokol said analysts have a higher degree of confidence that a reading of 0.3 parts per billion has a smaller margin of error than a reading of 0.15 parts per billion.

According to Sokol and Wilson, 0.15 parts per billion is the level at which microcystins can be detected in the drinking water supply and 0.3 parts per billion is the EPA's reporting standard.

"We are working very aggressively with the city to get treatment systems up and running," Wilson said. "With the systems, people should have a greater sense of security."

A reading of 0.3 parts per billion is high enough to trigger a do-not-drink advisory for young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. A reading of at least 1.6 parts per billion results in the county health department issuing a do not drink order.

In other news

 City council voted unanimously to approve a solid waste disposal agreement with the village of Weedsport. Mayor Michael Quill was absent and did not vote.

The agreement between Auburn and Weedsport allows the village to use the city's landfill at the rate of $49 per ton of solid waste, with a maximum of 650 tons disposed during the year-long agreement.
Emotions and differing opinions were on display in Culberson County Wednesday.

Ranchers and environmental activists protested a 60-mile-long pipeline that will pump water out of the district and be used in the oilfield.

But many people were not happy that Agua Grande, a water marketing company, got the green light to start the project, which will begin pumping 5.4 million gallons of water a day under a portion of the Apache Mountains and into the Permian Basin to be used for fracking.

The district is very poor, does not have the resources to adequately monitor themselves, so are we going to actually allow the applicant to monitor themselves and trust them that theres not going to be any impacts? questioned Dill Guerra Addington, with Guerra Farm and Ranch.

But the Conservation District stresses that the pipeline will not deplete the communitys water supply and not affect water for any nearby springs. The plan is to pump out of the Capitan Permian Complex Aquifer in West Texas.

Theres not a direct connection with Balmorhea Springs, and that any adverse effects on Balmorhea Springs or any off-setting aquifers will not be present with the withdrawal that were planning to have, Blaine Saathoff, project manager of Agua Grande said.

And while Agua Grande is the first ever to receive a groundwater export permit in Culberson County, still though, some opponents are threatening taking legal action in an effort to halt the project.
SENNETT  Carbon systems to treat toxins from harmful algal blooms are expected to be up and running soon for both the city of Auburn and town of Owasco's water plants.

Cayuga County Environmental Health Director Eileen O'Connor said there has been widespread harmful algal blooms in Owasco Lake, and many of the public bathing beaches remain closed. She told members of the Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency Thursday morning that the health department has been sampling the treatment plants' water once per week and so far no toxins have been detected.

Also, the Cayuga County Health Department announced on Thursday it will no longer inform the public about public beach closures on Owasco Lake and Cayuga Lake. Due to the presence of significant amounts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) this year, most of the bathing beaches have been closed at least once so far this season.

The reason for this is that the frequency of HABs and the time period for re-opening can change rapidly based on environmental conditions. The most accurate information regarding a beach being open is best provided directly by the beach.

Before heading out, the public is advised to contact the beach directly to see if they are open for swimming.

Last summer toxins had been detected in the drinking water of customers who get it from Owasco Lake. It was the first time to happen in New York state. The toxins, called microcystin, can cause adverse health effects at high levels including liver damage. The levels detected last summer were low, and thus a do not drink order was never issued. Still, the state provided funding to Owasco and Auburn's treatment facilities for the installation of carbon systems.

Seth Jensen, director of municipal utilities for the city of Auburn, said he expects to turn on the bones of the city's powder activated carbon system Friday, Aug. 4 to see how it works.

"We're going to be up and able to at least feed carbon to the raw water," he said. "It's never perfect, so don't be surprised if this takes until Monday to run smooth, but we're flipping the switch tomorrow."

Owasco Town Supervisor Ed Wagner said his town's treatment facility is ready to start Friday.

Neither facility will test the system out by adding in toxins, a question that was asked at the meeting. But, Jensen said, the systems had been tested multiple times in a lab setting and worked.
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HIT: To tremendous growth for an area company.

Tessy Plastics, a manufacturer that began in Elbridge in 1973, cut the ribbon this week on a $31 million expansion at its plant in Van Buren. The 260,000-square-foot addition will support about 50 additional jobs.

The company already employs more than 1,000 in New York state, and this recent expansion looks like good news for the company's future.

MISS: To a report of an Auburn police officer being attacked.

Auburn police officer injured arresting Cayuga Centers teen An Auburn police officer was injured Monday night while arresting a 16-year-old resident of 

The APD said that an officer was trying to persuade a teenager to get out of the road on Osborne Street Monday night when the boy grabbed the officer around the neck. By the time the teen was taken into custody, the officer had a broken elbow and several cuts that required stitches.

The 16-year-old was charged with obstruction of breathing, resisting arrest and second-degree assault. We wish the officer a speedy recovery.

HIT: To an Auburn native who has been hitting the cover off the ball.

Tim Locastro was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday after batting .417 with two home runs, eight RBIs and seven runs scored in his last 10 games with Double-A Tulsa of the Texas League. This will be Locastro's second stint this season with Oklahoma City in the Pacific Coast League, where he previously played in seven games, going 4-for-13 with two doubles and an RBI.
Storm clouds hung over Flagstaff on Tuesday, but that didnt stop residents and Coconino County law enforcement officers from having a good time at Flagstaff City Hall for National Night Out.

Everyone was all smiles during the outreach event for public safety officers.

The Flagstaff Community Band played live music, kids laughed as they rode on top police motorcycles and law enforcement smiled as they handed out free hot dogs to visitors.

The event featured members of the Flagstaff Fire Department, Flagstaff Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Guardian Medical Transport and the Coconino County Sheriffs Office, mingling with the community and letting them know law enforcement was there to help.

Flagstaff Police Cpl. David Saurer and his motorcycle were a popular attraction as kids couldnt wait to get a photo atop his ride.

I think I have one of the best jobs in policing, Saurer said. The motorcycle turns peoples heads and it is always cool to hear some of the kids say they want to be a motorcycle cop.

Saurer said he could not stress enough the importance of National Night Out and community policing in general.

Events like these let people know that we are here and we are here to help, Saurer said. I think our department has a really good relationship with the community and I think it is because people trust us because of our actions and our outreach.

It was the little actions like a photo in front of a firetruck or an officer giving a sticker to a kid that put the biggest smiles on peoples faces.

Tayana Gray, 7, flashed a big grin when a DPS officer gave her a police badge sticker, which she eagerly put on.

Tayana said she loves police officers because her father works for the Navajo Nation Police Department.

Her mother Shantelle Gray said she strives to teach her daughter that she should never be scared to talk to a police officer.

This is a really good opportunity to remind my daughter that you should always be in touch with an officer when you need one, Gray said. People will have their own views about police, but at the end of the day they are good people trying to keep the community safe.

Flagstaff resident Jimmy Kleinhenz attends National Night Out with his three boys every year.

This year they spent a lot of time at the sheriffs office search and rescue tent, where they played a game that tested their readiness during a hiking emergency.

If you are going on a hike with experienced and inexperienced hikers, who do you prepare for? a search and rescue volunteer asked?

I guess I would have to say I would prepare for the inexperienced, Kleinhenz said correctly.

He said the event was a great way to get the community together.

I have been coming to this thing for 25 years now. Kleinhenz said. I still think it is a great event that lets police know we support them and lets us know they support us.
Who is the better experimentalist, a human or a robot? When it comes to exploring synthetic and crystallization conditions for inorganic gigantic molecules, actively learning machines are clearly ahead, as demonstrated by British Scientists in an experiment with polyoxometalates.

Polyoxometalates form through self-assembly of a large number of metal atoms bridged by oxygen atoms. Potential uses include catalysis, electronics, and medicine. Insights into the self-organization processes could also be of use in developing functional chemical systems like "molecular machines".

Polyoxometalates offer a nearly unlimited variety of structures. However, it is not easy to find new ones, because the aggregation of complex inorganic molecules to gigantic molecules is a process that is difficult to predict. It is necessary to find conditions under which the building blocks aggregate and then also crystallize, so that they can be characterized.

A team led by Leroy Cronin at the University of Glasgow (UK) has now developed a new approach to define the range of suitable conditions for the synthesis and crystallization of polyoxometalates. It is based on recent advances in machine learning, known as active learning. They allowed their trained machine to compete against the intuition of experienced experimenters. The test example was Na 6 [Mo 120 Ce 6 O 366 H 12 (H 2 O) 78 ]200 H 2 O, a new, ring-shaped polyoxometalate cluster that was recently discovered by the researchers' automated chemical robot.

In the experiment, the relative quantities of the three necessary reagent solutions were to be varied while the protocol was otherwise prescribed. The starting point was a set of data from successful and unsuccessful crystallization experiments. The aim was to plan ten experiments and then use the results from these to proceed to the next set of ten experiments - a total of one hundred crystallization attempts.

Although the flesh-and-blood experimenters were able to produce more successful crystallizations, the far more "adventurous" machine algorithm was superior on balance because it covered a significantly broader domain of the "crystallization space". The quality of the prediction of whether an experiment would lead to crystallization was improved significantly more by the machine than the human experimenters. A series of 100 purely random experiments resulted in no improvement. In addition, the machine discovered a range of conditions that led to crystals which would not have been expected based on pure intuition. This "unbiased" automated method makes the discovery of novel compounds more probably than reliance on human intuition. The researchers are now looking for ways to make especially efficient "teams" of man and machine.
American Airlines ordered new uniforms for more than 60,000 employees. A union representing the airline's flight attendants says more than 3,500 have filed complaints over the uniforms. (American Airlines)

Two American Airlines flight attendants have filed a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturer of controversial new uniforms, contending that the clothing is causing health problems for many employees.

The suit, which names American Airlines flight attendants Thor Zurbriggen and Dena Catan as plaintiffs, asks the court to order the manufacturer, Twin Hill, to recall the uniforms given to more than 60,000 employees worldwide and to set up medical monitoring for employees.

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The complaint was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. It will be up to a judge to decide if the suit can proceed as a class-action case.

Twin Hill issued a statement that it stands by its product.

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"Nothing in the complaint filed by two American Airlines flight attendants changes the fact that there is absolutely no evidence linking any of the symptoms alleged to our uniforms," the company said. Twin Hill is a subsidiary of Tailored Brands, based in Fremont, Calif.

American Airlines said all employees were offered the option of wearing alternative uniforms. "We would never ask our team members to wear an unsafe uniform," said Lakesha Brown, a spokeswoman for the airline.

The suit repeats complaints from American Airlines employees who say the uniforms, which were given to employees starting in September, are the cause of health problems such as rashes, headaches, fatigue, vertigo and respiratory problems.

A union representing American Airlines flight attendants says more than 3,500 flight attendants have filed complaints over the uniforms.

Twin Hill has said tests show that the materials used in the uniforms contained nothing that could cause health problems. Still, American Airlines and Twin Hill announced in June that they would end their partnership after the current contract expires in 2020.

In the lawsuit, Zurbriggen said he began to experience fatigue, rashes, eye irritation and throat irritation, among other health problems, after getting his new uniform in November. Catan said she suffered blinding headaches after trying on her new uniform.

Even after replacing the uniforms with other clothing, Zurbriggen and Catan said in the suit, the health problems continued when they came in contact with co-workers who continued to wear the Twin Hill uniforms.

"One conclusion that is clear, however, is the new uniforms are causing these health problems. That is the only possible conclusion given that the thousands of American Airlines flight attendants and pilots began reporting serious adverse reactions only after the new uniforms were introduced," the lawsuit states.

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hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
Medical device manufacturer Medtronic plans to lay off 185 people as it closes its Joliet distribution center. ( / AP)

Medical device manufacturer Medtronic plans to lay off 185 people as it closes its Joliet distribution center, the largest mass layoff among nearly 1,500 upcoming job cuts Illinois employers reported to the state last month.

Manufacturing employers drove many of the 1,482 layoffs reported in July to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. State law requires large employers to give 60 days notice when they are closing a plant or laying off at least a third of their workforce.

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Many of the announced layoffs affect union jobs.

Medtronic, one of the world's largest medical device manufacturers, will close its Joliet facility by December as the company reconfigures its network "to leverage other facilities and service providers in the U.S.," spokesman Fernando Vivanco said in an email. "This shift will ensure our operations are flexible and scalable in a way that is efficient and cost-effective  and continue to meet our high quality standards."

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Vivanco said the company told its employees in May and is offering severance and benefits and helping them find job leads in the area. The facility, which opened in 1998, receives and ships a variety of products but primarily those involving minimally invasive therapies.

"It's a very sad situation," said Carlos Ginard, communications director for the Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board of Workers United, which represents the workers. While the union is grateful for generous severance packages offered by Medtronic, he said, "if you've been working at a place for 30 years it will be really hard to get a job that pays the same as this one."

The union also represents the approximately 110 workers who are being laid off at Amcor Rigid Plastics, which is closing a plant in Batavia that manufactures plastic bottles for the food industry.

Amcor, which has four other plants in the Chicago area and 29 throughout the U.S., cited "changing business conditions" and will redistribute the work to other plants, said spokesman Michael Hodges. Amcor had acquired the Batavia plant from Ball Plastics in 2010 and expects to close it by April.

The Amcor jobs pay $16 to $31.18 an hour, said Anthony Siriano, servicing representative for the union. Close to 50 employees have worked there more than 20 years.

Standard Refrigeration will cut 102 union jobs when it closes a plant in Wood Dale because it is discontinuing a product line that was served by it, said Chip Bresette, head of communications at Alfa Laval, the parent company. The facility, which made tubular heat exchangers, will close by end of September.

PPG Industries is closing a plant on the Far South Side of Chicago that manufactures coatings for industrial applications as it consolidates due to overcapacity, spokesman Mark Silvey said. The plant, which employs 55 union workers, will close around Oct. 1.

Pace Industries, which manufactures wood kitchen cabinets and countertops, was listed in the state report as laying off 120 people at locations in Chicago's Lawndale neighborhood by Nov. 1. Neither the company nor the plastics workers union could be reached.

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Newell Brands, a consumer goods company that markets a range of brands including Rubbermaid, Sharpie and Krazy Glue, is closing its Downers Grove office in January to centralize its writing business in its Atlanta offices. The closure affects 134 office jobs, though some employees have been offered opportunities to relocate, a company spokesman said.

Also listed in the layoff notices was Westmoreland Nursing Center in Lake Forest, which closed July 21, affecting 84 jobs. Northwestern Medicine, which owns Westmoreland, previously announced it would close the nursing home in December with a phased-in approach to give employees and residents time to transition, but flooding damage from the big storms that hit the northern suburbs mid-July caused the home to be evacuated, said Christopher King, spokesman for Northwestern Medicine. The damage was deemed too extensive to reopen the nursing home. Residents were transferred other facilities in the northern suburbs.

Northwestern planned to close Westmoreland as it constructs the new Lake Forest Hospital, which will overlap with some of its services, King said. It has found other providers in the area to provide post-acute long-term care.

Other big layoffs in the Chicago area were reported by:

Sears, which is closing its store on North Harlem Avenue in Chicago in September, affecting 116 jobs.

Aramark, a food service contractor, which lost a contract at the Waukegan school district, affecting 117 jobs.

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Corpak Medsystems, a surgical and medical device systems manufacturer, which listed 81 job cuts at a facility in Buffalo Grove.

Kane Warehousing in Romeoville, which listed 178 jobs affected by a lost contract.

aelejalderuiz@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @alexiaer
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan sued Arizona-based Insys Therapeutics last year, alleging that the company deceptively marketed and sold a form of the prescription opioid drug fentanyl. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

An Arizona drug company is preparing to spend as much as $4.5 million to potentially settle a lawsuit brought against it by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan alleging the company pushed doctors to prescribe its opioid painkiller beyond its intended use.

The potential settlement comes as states and municipalities increasingly are suing opioid drugmakers for allegedly helping to propel the nation's opioid epidemic. Nearly 1,400 Illinois residents died of overdoses from all types of opioids in 2015, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

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Though the state and Insys have not yet announced a formal settlement agreement, Insys Therapeutics Chief Financial Officer Darryl Baker said during an earnings call Thursday that the company was setting aside $4.5 million for an "estimated potential settlement" with Illinois.

Illinois sued Insys in August of last year in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging that the company deceptively marketed and sold Subsys, a form of the prescription opioid drug fentanyl that's sprayed under the tongue. The drug is intended to treat patients suffering from cancer pain.

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The company heavily marketed the drug to Illinois doctors with records of prescribing high volumes of opioids regardless of whether those doctors were prescribing opioids to treat cancer pain, the state alleged.

According to the lawsuit, Insys sold nearly $12 million worth of the drug in Illinois between April 2012 and March 2015, and about 94 percent of those sales could be attributed to the state's top 10 prescribers of the drug.

Illinois also accused Insys of marketing the drug to treat "breakthrough pain" rather than just "breakthrough cancer pain," though the drug may only be marketed for cancer pain. Company sales representatives also inserted themselves into the prescription-writing process, the state alleged.

Attempts to reach an Insys spokeswoman for comment Friday were unsuccessful.

Madigan's office declined to comment Friday on news of the potential settlement.

Illinois' lawsuit is not the first time the company has faced allegations that it promoted the drug for uses other than cancer pain. In 2015, Insys settled with the state of Oregon for $1.1 million over such allegations.

Such lawsuits are becoming increasingly common across the country as states and municipalities try to recoup some of the costs of the opioid epidemic hitting their streets and neighborhoods, said Michael Canty, a partner at law firm Labaton Sucharow in New York, which has been consulting with a number of attorneys general's offices on whether to bring litigation over opioids.

"Taxpayers should not be footing the bill, while at the same time, these companies that are alleged to be responsible for the opioid crisis are reaping record profits," said Canty, who also worked on opioid cases as a former federal prosecutor.

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"You may not know anybody who has an opioid drug addiction, but you're paying for the Narcan (taken for opioid overdoses), for the hospital stays, for the diversion courts, for children born with a chemical dependence on the drug," Canty said. "These are all costs being borne by states."

Illinois cities and counties have been active in court on the issue. The city of Chicago filed a lawsuit against five opioid drugmakers in 2014. In June of this year, the state's attorney for Jersey County, near St. Louis, filed a lawsuit against two opioid drugmakers, and the state's attorney for Union County, in southern Illinois, filed a lawsuit against five prescription opioid manufacturers and their related companies.

St. Clair County, near East St. Louis, sued north suburban-based Abbott Laboratories and Connecticut-based Purdue Pharma in April, accusing them of overstating the benefits of opioids and misrepresenting the risks. Abbott no longer sells drugs in the U.S., and has said that it ended its co-promotion with Purdue nearly 14 years ago. Purdue said in a statement at the time, "We share public officials' concerns about the opioid crisis and we are committed to working collaboratively to find solutions."

A number of other municipalities and states have also sued drugmakers in recent years, including counties in West Virginia and California, a city in Washington and the state of Kentucky, among others.

A spokeswoman for industry group the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America declined Friday to comment on the lawsuits, but said in an email that the group "and its members are committed to supporting the appropriate use of prescription medicines and to working with others to collectively address prescription drug abuse and the growing problem of opioid abuse and addiction."

Insys has also been the target of a federal investigation over Subsys, and Insys CEO Saeed Motahari said, during the earnings call Thursday, resolving that and other investigations is a "priority" for the company. In December, federal prosecutors in Boston charged half a dozen former Insys executives and managers with leading a nationwide conspiracy to bribe doctors to prescribe the drug and defraud insurers.

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Steve Schmadeke contributed.

lschencker@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lschencker
Marilu Arce and her husband Raul watch their daughter Alyssa play softball Aug. 1, 2017, at Bettenhausen Park in Tinley Park. Marilu Arce, an assistant controller in the corporate accounting department at the Chicago-based National Equity Fund, works from her Mokena home two days a week and says dropping her commute has given her time to take her daughters to after-school activities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune )

Marilu Arce loves her job, but for a time she considered leaving.

The commute from her Mokena home to her downtown office, nearly two hours each way, meant her daughters couldn't enroll in after-school activities because she couldn't get home in time to take them.

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Then her employer adopted a policy permitting her to work from home two days a week, and "I feel like it changed my life," she said.

Her stress level has dropped. Her daughters are thrilled that they can play travel softball. She tackles household chores with more energy. She likes her job more.

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"It's the best of both worlds," said Arce, an assistant controller in the corporate accounting department at National Equity Fund, a Chicago-based nonprofit that brings investors and developers together to build affordable housing through government tax credits.

"If I ever thought about leaving this place, I would think twice."

That's the type of reaction Arce's boss, CEO Joe Hagan, likes to hear as the company measures the success of the work-from-home policy it instituted three years ago in hopes of improving employee retention. So far, it seems to be working: turnover was less than 5 percent last year, its lowest ever, dropping from an average of 8 to 11 percent before employees could work from home.

National Equity Fund executives say remote working has improved employee retention at the nonprofit, though it was an adjustment.

But Hagan is cautious. Though a growing number of U.S. employees are working remotely, thanks in large part to technology that enables flexibility and young workers who expect it, the perk has been getting mixed reviews of late as some high-profile companies call employees back to the office for more face time.

Those stories "make me vigilant," Hagan said. "I want to see what went wrong there."

The most scrutiny recently has been on IBM, which in May announced it would require some of its remote staff in the U.S. and Canada to work out of regional offices. The change was particularly jarring because the technology giant was a pioneer in letting employees work remotely, and in the software to facilitate that trend. Honeywell, Bank of America, Best Buy and Yahoo have made similar shifts away from remote work in recent years.

Skeptics wondered if the goal was to cut staff through voluntary departures, but IBM said it is building a "workforce of the future" composed of small "agile" teams that work quickly and closely in the same room to meet the demands of the constantly evolving industry.

To be sure, remote work is not dead at IBM. The change only applied to about 2 percent of its 380,000 employees worldwide, or roughly 7,600 people.

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Flexible work policies top employee wish lists when they look for a job, and employers increasingly have been offering them.

In the Chicago metro area, the population of employees who work mostly from home has nearly doubled since 2005, though it remains a sliver of the workforce. About 3.1 percent of the Chicago metro area's workforce, or 131,000 employees, worked from home at least half the time in 2015, according to an analysis of Census data by Global Workplace Analytics. That doesn't count people who are self-employed.

Nationally about 3.7 million employees, or 2.8 percent of the workforce, work from home the majority of the time.

Studies have shown working remotely increases employee engagement, but in moderation, because there is still value in the relationships nurtured when colleagues are face to face. The most engaged employees are those who work off-site three to four days out of a five-day workweek, according to a report this year from Gallup.

The key, advocates of flexible work policies say, is to match the environment with the type of work that needs to be done.

"The office is becoming a place for collaboration, while home is a place for concentration," said Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics.

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As more employers allow people to work from home they also are shrinking and revamping their offices to make employees excited to come in.

"I want to kill the notion that it's one or the other," said Kate North, managing director of workplace innovation and strategy at the Chicago office of Colliers, a commercial real estate firm. "We're working everywhere."

At National Equity Fund, adopting a work-from-home policy coincided with the end of its office lease and a move to a new building. The new office is 25 percent smaller and saves $2.5 million over the course of the 10-year lease, said Gaylene Domer, vice president of facilities management.

The company hired a consultant and did a pilot to test the remote policy, which many managers opposed at first, CEO Hagan said. The toughest hurdle was that people used to walking over to someone's cubicle to talk had to get used to calling or sending an email instead.

Now 91 of its 176 employees nationwide work from home two or three days a week, spread out in such a way that 22 people are out of the office at a time, Domer said. On their home days, employees tend to start work earlier and end later, but take longer breaks throughout the day to take care of personal business, Hagan said.

"You're always concerned people will not work as hard if they're outside the office, which has proven here, at least, to be a fallacy," said Hagan, who can see when people are logged in and active on the company's work system.

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The flexibility hasn't hurt productivity, which is up 50 percent. There is "something lost" when colleagues don't gather at the water cooler, but it's outweighed by the retention and happiness gains, he said.

"We used to get beat up all time (in employee surveys), I think because people were angry, they were stressed," Domer said. "People are happier now."

Managers decide on a case-by-case basis whether to let people work from home, and those who are permitted have to go through training.

Arce said she tries to confine her work to her home office and keep it out of the family room, drawing clear boundaries as the training advised. She writes a to-do list at the start of the week for herself and her team to ensure everyone is on track.

Employees were warned the perk would be withdrawn if it affects productivity, but "I don't know if I could go back," said Arce, who has been with the company for 18 years. "I think that would be a deal-breaker for me."

When remote programs fail it is often a failure of management, as many managers don't know how to mentor people they can't see, said Colliers' North. Doing it right, she said, means setting clear expectations, evaluating performance based on results and setting protocols around communication to ensure that everyone is upholding their end of the bargain.

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Employers are getting smarter about developing intentional remote work policies to avoid legal liabilities, said Brittany Bogaerts, a labor and employment associate in the Chicago office of Nixon Peabody.

She advises time-tracking tools to avoid overtime claims, written rules on safe workspaces to avoid workers compensation claims for injuries suffered at home, and uniform standards for deciding who gets to work from home to avoid discrimination claims. Bogaerts also counsels employers to remember that employees in other states could be covered by different local labor laws.

At Basecamp, a software company in the West Loop, everyone works where and when they wish, though the office could fit everyone if need be. Of its 52 employees, 15 live in Chicago and the rest are spread out across 30 cities around the world, said CEO Jason Fried.

The point is to hire the best people regardless of where they live, Fried said, which eases competition for the local talent pool. One of his best customer service representatives lives on a farm in Tennessee.

Twice a year Fried flies the whole staff to Chicago for a week so that people can meet in person and socialize.

It doesn't work for every hire.

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"There have been a couple of misfires," Fried said, remembering one new employee had trouble focusing when she moved overseas and started working remotely for the first time. "We have gotten better at figuring out whether this person will function in this environment."

But Fried challenges the notion that camaraderie has to happen in person or that innovation strikes when colleagues bump into each other in the hallway. While such interactions can be valuable, they can also be costly distractions.

"There are these myths around spontaneous brainstorms," he said. "Those big ideas also happen in the shower."

Some companies with traditional office environments are OKing radical remote work arrangements to attract and keep good talent.

Erin Escoffery, an associate at law firm Taft, is still writing research briefs while traveling abroad for a year with Remote Year, a Chicago-based company that organizes groups of professionals to visit 12 different countries over 12 months while they keep their jobs.

Remote Year caters to the desire among millennials to have "transformative life experiences" before settling down, said founder Greg Caplan. The company offers co-working spaces with Wi-Fi at each landing spot and helps people make the pitch to their employers about why they should be allowed to go.

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Escoffery's law firm, based in Indianapolis, prides itself on having an open mind to employee requests, said Ralph Caruso, a Taft partner and co-chair of the firm's associate advancement and recruiting committee. Given the nature of Escoffery's job and her good track record, the firm decided it was no cost to let her globe-trot.

Escoffery's billable hours have stayed consistent, and Caruso expects the experience will give her fresh perspective that will ultimately make her a better lawyer.

Escoffery, who started her trip in March and has visited Croatia, the Czech Republic and Serbia, among other lands, said she goes to the co-working space early to get in eight hours of work daily, and makes sure she's checking her phone and email during off hours as well.

With the promise of adventure, "you're definitely more motivated to get the work done efficiently."

aelejalderuiz@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @alexiaer
Stephanie Izard's take on Chinese food is worth the headache of landing a reservation.

Review: Duck Duck Goat

857 W. Fulton Market 312-902-3825

Rating: !!! (out of four) Off to a good start

>>Read more about our ratings

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"I thought it was normal for your mom to make Mandarin pancakes when you were growing up. It was only later I realized nobody was doing that," said Stephanie Izard, chef and partner behind West Loop's new Duck Duck Goat. Armed with childhood memories of cooking Chinese food alongside her mother and recent travels to China, Izard teamed up with Boka Restaurant Group principals Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm for her third restaurant, a gourmet take on Chinese cuisine in Chicago.

I stopped in recently to see if her efforts could satisfy General Tso's army or if they'd leave me yearning for P.F. Chang's orange peel shrimp.



Indiana Jones and the Temple of Goat



Entering the Duck Duck Goat dining room feels like parachuting into a Steven Spielberg set or, more specifically, Spielberg's idea of 1930s Shanghai in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom." The beige and red room is filled with woven-back, honey-colored banquettes and a bunch of tchotchkes including vintage electric fans. The room is meant to evoke a place where Chinatown workers might take a break or play a spirited game of mahjong.

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Duck Duck Goat (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Another red room is dotted with tasseled lanterns, gold-trimmed tables, handsome tufted stools and lush flowered drapes. There's also a tearoom featuring imported Chinese teabags and an epic foodie-friendly voyeuristic view of hanging Peking ducks. Finally, you'll spot a tiny parlor with a bar lined in jade-green subway tiles accompanied by a flock of goat figurines. The central meeting point for all of these rooms is a corrugated metal-topped bar meant to feel like, as Izard told me, an "outdoor bar shack."



I've been mesmerized by New York-based design firm AvroKO's attention to detail at other Boka Restaurant Group properties such as Momotaro and Swift & Sons, but those rooms were also cavernous. Though Duck Duck Goat holds a crowd, the individual spaces make the restaurant feel intimate and comforting.



Semi-authentic eats, fully awesome flavors



Our server was quick to tell us that the menu is made up of "semi-authentic" dishes, a smart move considering some will undoubtedly question whether or not anyone in China actually eats goat (they do) or how Izard could consciously serve that American tiki restaurant invention known as crab rangoon.



In the spirit of so many Chinese restaurantsauthentic or notthe menu at Duck Duck Goat is long. You'll have to venture back a few times to make your way through it. Many of the menu items herefrom hand-pulled noodles to chili-spiced Chongqing chickenare nuanced interpretations of dishes you might find at a 100-year-old restaurant in China.

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Dim sum, a Chinese phrase that roughly translates to "touch the heart" in English, is a good place to start. Izard describes her culinary style as aiming to "make your whole mouth happy." With her dim sum, she's also burning a fiery glow in your heart with smoky wood-fired duck heart slices swimming in a sesame- and horseradish-spiked mayo ($12) and char siu ribs ($16). For the latter, babybacks are cooked sous-vide style until tender and then glazed with a sticky sweet fermented tofu-, bourbon- and honey-infused housemade hoisin sauce. Cooking low and slow can sometimes result in mush, but Izard has expertly retained a delightful Southern barbecue pit-like bite to the flesh. The caramelized glaze finishes with notes of French roast and molasses.



The soup dumplings ($11) here aren't quite as supple or bursting with broth as the ones I had a few weeks ago at newbie Imperial Lamian in River North, but the porky richness and contrasting vinegar punch from a side sauce are just as satisfying.

Octopus, cucumber and peanut salad at Duck Duck Goat (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

After dim sum, I picked an interlude from the cold dishes portion of the menu, a salad with octopus, peanut and crunchy cucumber ($14). The dish is laced with chili, cilantro and a deeply savory condiment Izard and her team refer to as "drool sauce" because "it makes your mouth water," she explained. This dish refreshed me in the same way chomping on a cold slice of watermelon staves off suffocating summer heat.



The bowl of rice that started it all



There are also fried rice and noodle offerings on the menu. Izard said that the genesis of Duck Duck Goat came while she was sitting on the couch with husband Gary Valentine eating leftover fried rice from a Sunday Supper at Little Goat and realizing that the recipe was far less greasy than typical Chinese takeout fried rice.



Having sampled the seafood fried rice ($17) at Duck Duck Goat, I agree with her epiphany. By adding bright lemon notes and a touch of funky fish sauce to her rice, Izard transforms what is usually a gut bomb into a lighter intermezzo before hitting the main entrees. Smoked clams, ribbons of briny shrimp and chunks of flaky bass popped in my mouth like buried seafaring treasures.



It's getting hot in here



Chongqing chicken ($16), fried nuggets of poultry covered in mouth-searing peppercorns and a mountain of grassy shishito peppers, snuck up on me with searing heat. The intensity grew, numbing my mouth like novocaine and coaxing out a narcotic-like high in my brain. I felt like the mix could have used a touch more salt and the chicken pieces could have been a bit smaller so I could toss them in my mouth popcorn-style. But then again, I'm also lazy.



A bowl of glistening eggplant spears topped with frizzled onion and sprouts mounded over tender rounds of goat sausage ($15) had a spicy edge tempered by zingy hints of black vinegar.



Washing it down

Valentine has curated a tight beer list featuring my all-time favorite, Miller High Life ($5). I also enjoyed a funky farmhouse saison from Brasserie St. Feuillien ($9) that complemented the fermented notes in many of the dishes I tried. But thanks to a tip from my server, the best sip came with an Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Briney Melon gose ($8); the sour, fruity finish cut through the heat of the Chongqing chicken.

Duck Duck Goat (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

A fine finish

I've been a big fan of Duck Duck Goat pastry chef Nate Meads ever since he started making killer macarons at his now-defunct bakery, Fritz Pastry. After plowing through a bowl of Taiwanese pineapple dessert ($10)a supremely moist cake swimming in a moat of lustrous, gooey soy caramel and melting cashew ice creamI'm thinking about upping my fanaticism to full stalker status.



Bottom line: Duck Duck Goat, just like Imperial Lamian, isn't entirely real-deal Chinese cuisine. However, it's a smart, exciting melding of American ingenuity and authentic regional Chinese food imbued with Izard's joyful spirit, creating its own delightful new thing.

Michael Nagrant is a RedEye contributor.

Reporters visit restaurants unannounced, and meals are paid for by RedEye.
Christopher Benda, an Illinois naturalist visits Pellsville Cemetery Prairie near Rankin, Illinois. He works to preserve pioneer prairie cemetery plots, the last places in the state where original tall grasses and other native plants still reside. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

You won't find the Pellsville Pioneer Cemetery in Pellsville. You won't find Pellsville there either. There is no Pellsville. It was planned in the 1800s for Vermilion County, in east central Illinois, and never incorporated. So Pellsville cemetery sits in Butler Township (pop. 947), 40 miles northeast of Champaign. It's off the beaten path, as in you must travel unpaved farmland to reach it.

But when you reach it, you will know. The cemetery is apart from the landscape. Hard winds bow the miles of green cornstalks that surround it. Dave Anderson, Butler Township supervisor, periodically mows a wide moat of sorts around the small burial ground, which gives it the look of an island.

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Which, in a way, it is.

Compared with the orderly rows of corn and stony wind turbines spinning in the distance, Pellsville cemetery is a wild rumpus. Crumbling tombs stand against storm clouds; meadowlarks dive into waist-high grasses and disappear only to burst into the sky. When the wind flattens the grass you catch glimpses of more headstones. And the 1 1/2 acres itself is swallowed whole by a rowdy bouquet of purple prairie clover and leadplant, black-eyed Susan and rattlesnake master, wild quinine and spiked lobelia and white sweet clover.

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Pellsville cemetery, which holds 44 pioneers and contains more than 80 native flowers and grasses, is largely untouched prairie, at its dazzling peak in midsummer. It is considered, by the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory and Illinois Department of Natural Resources, "Grade-A" prairie, or "virgin" prairie. It has never been plowed, grazed or uprooted. It is as close as we get to what Illinois looked like before European pioneers rolled in, around the 1820s.

You've heard of prairies, maybe live on a Prairie Street or maybe shop at a Prairie Mall. But the thing itself is rare in Illinois, the Prairie State. Indeed, the colonists, often German and Irish, who settled the vast untamed fields of east central Illinois  later known as the Grand Prairie, stretching from roughly Champaign to the Great Plains  wished they knew less about prairies themselves. They didn't trust a land with so few trees and so many wolves. They spoke in nautical metaphors  oceans of grass, seas of green  to convey their unease. Said Barbara Garvey of the Museum of the Grand Prairie, outside Champaign: "You don't walk into 6- or 8-foot-tall grasses when you don't know what you'll find on the other end."

So they plowed and developed the prairie, and when they died, they were buried in it.

Which is where this familiar story takes a turn.

Illinois once had 22 million acres of tall-grass prairie. Today, only 2,300 acres remain. But of those acres, many of the finest examples of untouched, pre-settlement prairie sit on 29 tenuous pioneer cemetery plots, fragile islands of untamed land in what is now an ocean of agricultural conformity. Together these cemeteries, often left undisturbed because they are burial grounds, make up about 50 acres. It is as if the pioneers, in their deaths, left us a few seeds of life.

"Did you Google Pellsville?" Chris Benda asked. "Doesn't come up."

He climbed from his Subaru and immediately dove into the Pellsville thicket. Benda is 40, from Minnesota, and for the past decade has worked as a botanist, serving as president of the Illinois Native Plants Society and now with the Illinois Natural History Survey. He drives around the state and studies its flora, keeping tabs on unusually well-preserved sites like Pellsville. He spotted a clump of white sweet clover. "Terrible," he said. "Invasive. So I tug out the whole root"  which he demonstrated  "and now it's dead. Good."

He looked across the cemetery.

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Birds trilled and darted, wind lifted and fell, rain spit and stopped.

"Really the only reason these places have been saved is because some settlers once decided they would bury their dead among the flowers, partly because it was closer to home and easier," he said. "I bet there aren't any actual rare plants in this site. Everything out here is fairly common. Yet it's beautiful and priceless. Why? It's important for the way it is growing, not in clumps, but well-spaced. We have to consider the assemblage, variety and structure of a community of plants and flowers and grasses. Without dead people here, this spot would be like the surrounding fields."

It's the ecosystem, stupid.

He picks a leaf of showy tick trefoil and puts it on my shirt and peels it off, which sounds like Velcro. He holds up a prairie dock, which is a single large leaf, rough on the surface and cool to the touch despite the July heat. He points at the compass plants, which align themselves roughly north-south, hence the name, and resemble a child's drawing of a plant. He noted the orange daylily and grasses that shouldn't be here  but in many cases are here courtesy of the pioneer immigrants, and practically native by now. He said this may be his favorite site.

Headstones are scattered about, many so weathered that the surfaces are smooth and the lettering faded. The stone for Charlotte  her last name is lost  rests at a 45-degree angle. Black-eyed Susans wave above her. Another stone is so ancient that only the "ant" in "infant" can be easily read. Some of the stones are black from the controlled fires used to manage plant growth. Some are speckled like eggs. Where the land rises to the north, a wrought iron fence holds what looks like a family plot; many pioneer cemeteries began as family plots, then expanded to neighbors.

Benda said he's heard stories of biologists finding areas this perfect and weeping.

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However, this is also one of the five pioneer prairie cemeteries in Illinois without formal Department of Natural Resources designation as a nature preserve, heritage landmark or land and water reserve. It is, simply, owned by Butler. Anderson, who has been township supervisor for 32 years, said Pellsville "will be here as long as I am supervisor." Every spring he holds burns, and Grand Prairie Friends, a nonprofit that works to preserve and restore Illinois prairie, comes around to uproot invasive grasses and hold annual sales of prairie seeds.

Jamie Ellis, president of the board of directors of Grand Prairie Friends, says he's relieved that Butler is caring for its patch of prairie. But he adds that until about five years ago, some neighbors complained that the prairie, which they called weeds, was disrespectful to the dead. He said his group offered to buy the land from Butler and was turned down; he said the township also declined formal preservation status, not wanting the layer of state regulation that comes with it. Anderson said that was true  they can handle Pellsville themselves.

That worries Benda.

He's heard stories of farmers plowing up pioneer cemeteries once they hear a state agency is interested. "(Pellsville) is obviously cared for," he said, stepping around a strand of purple stems. "It's in amazing condition. But without (official protection), it's not OK forever."

Many of the 29 pioneer cemetery prairies identified by the state are clustered in east central Illinois; the rest are scattered, some on the border of Iowa, some north of Peoria. The sites average about 2 acres and 114 species of plants and grasses. Most were established between the 1830s and 1880s; Pellsville's first grave was made 1872, and its last was for Eliza Livingston and William, her husband, who died a few months apart in 1910. The sites are maintained often by neighborhood volunteers or the townships and forest preserves that own them. Some are somewhat inaccessible by foot; a handful are still open to fresh burials.

They hold parents, teenagers, infants, Civil War soldiers and veterans of the War of 1812. Their headstones often came from rock quarried in local creeks and rivers, and in some cases were put there by later ancestors of the dead, to replace wood markers. Eventually though, many of those ancestors died. Families lost their links to the prairie.

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The cemeteries sat abandoned.

Until the 1960s, when Robert Betz, a botanist at Northeastern Illinois University (who died in 2007), started drawing connections between a handful of pioneer cemeteries and what remained of prairie ecosystems. He started with Vermont Cemetery in Naperville, now a part of the Forest Preserve of Will County. (It's a glaring reminder of the benefits of being protected, standing a full 18 inches higher than the unprotected, soil-eroded residential-commercial land that surrounds it.) In 1976, inspired by Betz, the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory began an extensive study of sites with pre-settlement vegetation, which later became a cornerstone of nature preservation in Illinois. Botanists and biologists crisscrossed the state for years, visiting 4,000 cemetery sites to find what was left of even the narrowest sliver of prairie microcosm.

That is how most of the other 28 pioneer cemetery prairies were found.

But it wasn't always easy to persuade townships and farmers to recognize what they had. The idea of controlled burns in a burial ground didn't sit well with many. The preservationists' motives were occasionally questioned. Said Ellis of Grand Prairie Friends, which maintains a number of pioneer cemetery prairies: "It's a gentle back-and-forth. Ironically, you have people who want to visit graves of their ancestors and complain it's covered in weeds. So you explain, it's not weeds, it's original prairie, our ideas about burial have changed, this is sacred space but also our biological heritage. You try to identify shared values. I'm still not sure we have convinced everyone."

Consider Loda Cemetery Prairie, west of Pellsville. Now owned by Grand Prairie Friends, it's 4 acres of Grade-A prairie, a riotous contrast to the manicured Pine Ridge Cemetery alongside it. Pine Ridge had been prairie land and in the early 1980s, Loda intended to expand the cemetery into the untouched acres. According to reports about the town meetings at the time, when preservationists suggested protection, one Loda official suspected them of wanting something buried in the undeveloped acreage. When the point was raised that the prairie was already a pioneer potter's field  homeless men and unknown travelers who died in Loda are there in unmarked graves  a Loda resident replied that nobody cared about those people.

Beckie Green, a part-time church secretary in Loda, is now steward of its prairie.

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"To be honest, I didn't know a thing about this place when I was growing up here," Green said. Now, through the University of Illinois, she's a certified master naturalist. She weens invasive grasses, watches over 133 native plants as well as the 8 acres Grand Prairie bought as a buffer around the land. "It's what settlers saw and Native Americans saw. It's our history, it's on the decline. So I do my part. Still, I do get people who walk over and say, 'You know, I could mow that mess for you.'"

Loda Cemetery Prairie is a fifth of the remaining pioneer cemetery prairies left in Illinois. It erupts from the earth in a long single rectangular undulating wave, its clumps of New Jersey tea dipping their snowball heads into swaying thatches of goldenrod that brush against last season's big blue stem, now tanned and dry and poking above the Pine Ridge fence.

Viva Siddall, a former medical educator and research assistant, comes here often. She grew up in Loda, moved to Chicago, then retired here. She likes knowing, because of preservation efforts, that Pine Ridge will always overlook the Loda prairie, a stone's throw from her son, who is buried here, killed several years ago by a drunken driver. "Now I have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, so soon I'll join him here myself. It's a beautiful spot. Butterflies are everywhere. The only sound is wind in the trees. When I'm laying flowers, truck drivers on (Interstate) 57 sometimes see you and honk. It's comforting."

A styrofoam wreath creaks.

A beetle wanders the headstone of Mary L., who died at 15, then flutters to the grave of someone who "lived and who died and ..."  the stone is so old, that's all that's readable.

Nearby, Benda gets out of his car and tugs up a stalk of white sweet clover and mutters to himself. He pushes away tall grasses to reveal a large stone with a plaque that reminds anyone who may stumble on it: This is virgin prairie, preserved to honor the pioneers of Illinois.

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Then he lets the grass slide back and the memorial vanishes from sight.

cborrelli@chicagotribune.com
STRATFORD, ONTARIO  Thomas Middleton, whose co-authored 1622 play "The Changeling" was the most compelling and timely show I saw at the Stratford Festival of Canada this summer, wrote about lusty sex, crude male power and raw female desire. He has been a target for the censor for nearly 400 years.

Middleton was in a tough spot. Savvy Shakespeare was buoyed (and guided) in his perennial pragmatic conservatism by the affection of the arts-loving Queen Bess. But Middleton found himself at his peak in the famously unstable Jacobean era  all of the sudden, cultural London was cheek by jowl with an emotionally unstable administration marked by indiscretion and insecurity at the top, power grabs below and a section of the populace that felt so thoroughly disempowered as to be inclined to use gunpowder to blow up the parliament.

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Maybe that's why "The Changeling" (more than, say, Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," its venerable rustic pleasures notwithstanding) really feels like it captures the mood of this politically tumultuous summer, at least to a visitor to Canada from the United States.

Especially as directed by Jackie Maxwell, the longtime but now former artistic director of the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, and part of an unprecedented abundance of women directors on view at Stratford this summer.

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And if you think all those women at the helm  never before present here in such numbers  makes no difference to the ideas on Stratford's four stages? Well, then you have not seen "The Changeling," nor Donna Feore's enjoyably sly take on "Guys and Dolls," and certainly not Jillian Keiley's outre conception of Euripides' "Bakkhai," wherein the full-throated expression of female erotic ecstasy is expressed as far preferable to arrogant men giving self-serving political speeches as they indulge their own voyeuristic desires. (A private male act is depicted here with, by dignified Stratford standards, unusual physical detail).

This is just not the right summer for the constructions of romance. Martha Henry's modestly scaled production of "Twelfth Night," for example, bounces enjoyably through its overtly comic scenes, thanks to such longtime Stratford stars as Tom Rooney, Brent Carver, Lucy Peacock and Geraint Wyn Davies and their escapist indulgences, played with Stratford signature clarity and comic sophistication.

But the romantic sweep of the famous Shakespearean comedy is anything but unified. Its trajectory is one of fits and starts. There is none of the requisite bobbling buoyancy of love. And thus at the climax, you don't feel like anyone is going to protect anyone else. Not an uncommon feeling at present, but it's not so good for that play.

"The Changeling," though, leans into such dissonance.

Here's the basic plot: A young women named Beatrice-Joanna (Mikaela Davies) loves Alesemero (Cyrus Lane) even though her dad has promised her to a less-desirable dude, Alonzo (Qasim Khan). Beatrice-Joanna wants this impediment to her passions gone, so she exploits the affections of the aptly named servant De Flores (played by Ben Carlson, the fine Canadian actor usually seen in leading roles but who has been charged with playing a bunch of weirdos this season). De Flores knocks off Alonzo and even chops off his finger to extract some jeweled compensation. But what he really wants for this act of liberation for Beatrice-Joanna is Beatrice-Joanna's body. She has little choice but to agree, given the threat of discovery as a murderess, and thus the pair become locked in an embrace worthy of the great French naturalist, Emile Zola.

What is unusual about Maxwell's production is the complexity of Davies' characterization, especially her enthusiastic sexual embrace of De Flores, even as her lust lives in such close proximity to her ongoing detestation of this sycophant with a price. The play thus becomes a meditation on a woman trapped by patriarchal modes of possession and whose only chance for sexual self-expression is with a man she hates. Davies is doing the best acting work on view at Stratford this year; Maxwell's "The Changeling" teems with uncertainty, insecurity, pain and pleasure.

Stephen Ouimette's contemporary production of the ever-unsettling "Timon of Athens," although humanistic and vulnerable, could use more of such a defined point of view. "Timon" always is a strange theatrical experience  it's most likely a collaboration between Shakespeare and Middleton, scribes with very different philosophies and styles, as noted above. Money, and the pursuit thereof, do not come off well and thus the play was popular in the credit-bust era, but the personality of Timon now feels like it needs to be at the center of everything.

If King Lear is disabused of love by his own daughters, flatterers and freeloaders destroy Timon, another figure who has ever but slenderly known himself. The actor Joseph Ziegler, who was superb last year in "All My Sons" at Stratford, does not seem as secure in the trajectory of Timon, which makes the production seem halting and uncertain in places, although much of that is baked into the text. And Ziegler surely makes a sad Timon, a figure of generosity dissolving into such disenchantment as for life not to be worth living. The scenes between Timon and Carlson's sardonic Apemantus, the Eeyore of Timon's fin de siecle rave, work best. They help you see how many of us share space while operating on entirely different planes of existence. I wonder if they'd unfriend each other today.

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For fun  yippee!  Stratford audiences have the musical "Guys and Dolls," whose Damon Runyon landscape adapts easily to the thrust of the Festival Theatre. Visually speaking, the show is a traditional staging, although there is a coup de theater in the opening moments as the vistas suddenly switch from monochrome to Times Square technicolor and, on balance, more elaborate choreographic high jinks than one usually sees in this piece, luck being an especially lively lady in Feore's self-choreographed production. Feore clearly figured out that although the show's two leading female characters, Sarah Brown and Miss Adelaide, are poorly treated by men (one is seduced as a bet; the other waits years for a promise unfulfilled), they still are the only adults on the stage. Thus they will win the long game. And when you feel secure in that victory, "Guys and Dolls" becomes a lot more fun.

Here, it is the Dolls who rule the Guys, because the Dolls care about stuff (saving souls, building a home) and the Guys know only how to game. Thus Feore, whose productions invariably are bursting with life and emotional openness, makes certain you know that Blythe Wilson's atypically wry Miss Adelaide is far smarter than Sean Arbuckle's pliant Nathan Detroit. She'll be the one taking care of him, you intuit, just as you feel sure that Alexis Gordon's passionate Sarah eventually will have to save Evan Buliung's needy and serious Sky Masterson from his own self-created boredom.

Such notions surely are present in Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows' incomparable book (based on Runyon's story) and surely in Frank Loesser's stunning suite of songs, but they're often buried in productions overly obsessed with the flash of the Guys. (If you know the movie, you know what I mean.) Here, it's a Dolls' night out.

If Feore is subtly subversive, reordering the gender power balance while embracing the history, Keiley is faced with "Bakkhai," wherein that famously amoral Greek iconoclast Euripides explored the pleasures of escapist ecstasy without any of the Sophoclean moral interest in practical affairs of state. Using Anne Carson's translation, Keiley turns her doddering men into proto-Parrotheads, replete with fake breasts dispensing liquor. No wonder, then, that the women prefer to be led by Mac Fyfe's Dionysos, a gender-fluid figure who combines sex and a prayer group.

Once you've figured out the point of view, you won't be surprised by anything that transpires and the forces allied against the Bakkhai mostly feel too impotent to give these women enough to fight against. But for all that, this production is still unlike anything I've seen in a decade of summer Stratford attendance and, in its best moments, critiques the very notion of a classical theater festival operating in an age of such division and uncertainty.

Stratford, thankfully, has managed to hold the course through several theatrical ages now. Based on the five shows I saw (there are as many I did not see), 2017 feels like a working-through of something in the air.

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In recent days, the festival released plans to replace its much-loved, much-disliked Tom Patterson Theatre, where most of its risks have been taken, with a shiny new space. It is to be informed architecturally by the timeless undulations of the river just beyond its doors.

The Stratford Festival runs through Oct. 29 in Stratford, Ontario, about a seven-hour drive from Chicago. Visit www.stratfordfestival.ca for schedules, ticket prices, accommodations and other visitor information.

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

cjones5@chicagotribune.com

[ 'Ferryman' to Conor McPherson, London theater has an edge this summer  ]

[ Cirque du Soleil takes a sensual dive into a Mexican pool with 'Luzia'  ]







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)
Fleas collected in prairie dog burrows in the Red Lake area, about five miles northeast of Williams, have tested positive for plague.

Officials with the Coconino County Public Health Services District were notified of the possible plague outbreak by a resident who noticed a die-off of a prairie dog colony on their property, said Trish Lees, spokeswoman with the health services district.

The burrows are being treated and the area will be closely monitored to determine if further action is required. Lees said the prairie dog burrows are on private land and there are no trails or other public recreational amenities in the area.

According to a county press release, this is the first location in the county where fleas have tested positive for plague this year. The disease is endemic in Coconino County, however, so there are likely additional locations with infected fleas. Health department staff will continue to collect and test flea samples from locations throughout the county.

The health department urges the public to take precautions to reduce their risk of exposure to this disease, which can be present in fleas, rodents, rabbits and predators that feed upon these animals. The disease can be transmitted to humans and other animals by the bite of an infected flea or by direct contact with an infected animal. To limit possible exposure, people are encouraged to avoid rodent burrows and keep dogs on a leash as required by Arizona state law.

Symptoms of plague in humans generally appear within two to six days following exposure and include the following: fever, chills, headache, weakness, muscle pain and swollen lymph glands in the groin, armpits or limbs. The disease can spread throughout the bloodstream and/or affect the lungs, but is curable with proper antibiotic therapy if diagnosed and treated early.
When Jose Sanchez would sit in his home in front of the computer for hours on end and late at night, his mother thought he was wasting time playing video games, said the now startup entrepreneur working from 1871, the largest tech hub the United States.

"I've had a couple of times where my hours are weird and they think I'm playing video games on the computer when really I'm just coding programs," said Sanchez, founder of Fluxee, a startup company focusing on aiding real estate companies to use virtual reality technology to give more accurate representations of their properties. "I just like to code at night, it's just the way I work," he added.

For Sanchez, 25, being one of the few Latinos in a white tech startup world was daunting.

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"The startup world is almost intimidating because you don't see anyone that looks like you," said Sanchez, who believes that Latino-specific programming could inspire more Latinos to enter the coding and startup world.

"We need to encourage little kids to think entrepreneurially but within the tech world and within their community and culture," he said.

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With Jose's goal in mind, the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) has joined forces with Chicago-based technology incubator 1871, to launch the Hispanic incubator program, "focused on fostering opportunities for Hispanic-owned technology companies."

The incubator, which opened in early October of 2016, groups some 12 Hispanic and/or Latinx-owned technology companies to offer educational programming, resources, funding and technological support.

"The IHCC has a long history of helping Hispanic businesses access the tools and resources they need to grow and succeed," said IHCC President and CEO Omar Duque. "Our intention in moving to 1871, Chicago's epicenter of technology and innovation, was to continue in that vein, create more opportunities to support our existing membership, and design programming specifically for Hispanic companies to flourish in the digital marketplace."

Howard A. Tullman, CEO of 1871, called the program a "national standard and an example of how the technology ecosystem can provide opportunities for all entrepreneurs." And added that the opportunity to build an incubator based on Latinx entrepreneurs consistent with the mission "to make 1871 in the aggregate look like the city and have much as new idea infusion as different cultures represented as possible."

In the past, 1871 has partnered with tech groups like CODE2040, Chicago Urban League, ImBlackinTech, and Code Latino to increase opportunities for entrepreneurs of color, according to the statement.

"Through this partnership, we are giving access to a new generation of business leaders who will change and broaden the entrepreneurial landscape and undoubtedly elevate the overall tech community," said Manny Ozaeta, director of the Hispanic incubator.

In the United States, only 8% of all startups are owned by Latinos, and less than 1% of them are firms backed by venture capital. According to a study by Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Institute, Latino startups have a $1.4 trillion of potential economic contribution.

Tullman says that "the biggest challenge is raising the perspective of entrepreneurs and young people in the Hispanic community who are a little too content to settle for what their parents did."

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He added that would like to see more applicants for the cohort and that one of the goals is to raise Latinx youth's perspectives on what's possible and inspire them to enter the industry.

"There's plenty of people in the Latinx community that is entrepreneurial, they're only lacking skills in the tech area. It's a more specialized set of skills," Tullman added. "There haven't been commitments in programs to create that training base for them."

The Hispanic tech hub in 1871 is one of the "very" few of its kind the country, said Roberto Escalante, COO of IHCC.

"We wanted a program that would target millennials, the younger entrepreneurs," he said. "And we want to build an entrepreneurial sector via the incubator that encourages Latinos throughout the nation to want to come to Chicago to build their next great business."

For 12 weeks, the 1871 cohort meets Wednesdays from 9 am-6 pm at 222 W. Merchandise Mart #1212, to attend classes, conferences and workshops curated specifically for special types the member companies.

The program ends with a showcase that presents the companies to the community at large. The first co host has been able to raise $900,000 in investments, Ozaeta said. Thanks to the the relationship that the institution has with other companies and investors, the entrepreneurs of the first group of the Hispanic incubator have established relationships essential to grow their business, added Tullman.

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"Technology and digital companies are going to change the landscape and we want to make Latinos a part of that future and ensure that they have the tools to compete [in that industry]," said Ozaeta.

Currently, Latinos make 3% of the members at 1871, while 8% are African American, according to a report on the 1871 residency program.

These numbers include founders affiliated with incubators and programs operating in 1871. Since 10% of respondents did not report their race, and 6% identified their race as "other," the numbers could be higher, the report added.
Gene editing is getting fresh attention thanks to a successful lab experiment with human embryos. But for all the angst over possibly altering reproduction years from now, this technology already is used by scientists every day in fields ranging from agriculture to drug development.



New gene editing tools let scientists alter the DNA of living cells  from plants, animals, even humans  more precisely than ever before. Think of it as a biological cut-and-paste program. A look at the science.



WHAT IS GENE EDITING



While scientists have long been able to find defective genes, fixing them has been so cumbersome that it's slowed development of genetic therapies. There are several gene editing methods, but a tool called CRISPR-Cas9 has sparked a boom in research as laboratories worldwide adopted it over the past five years because it's faster, cheaper, simple to use with minimal training and allows manipulation of multiple genes at the same time.



HOW IT WORKS



Pieces of RNA are engineered to be a guide that homes in on the targeted stretch of genetic material. The Cas9 is an enzyme that acts like molecular scissors to snip that spot. That allows scientists to delete, repair, or replace a particular gene.



MEDICAL RESEARCH



The fresh attention comes from research involving human embryos. In laboratory experiments, a team lead by Oregon researchers used CRISPR to successfully repair a heart-damaging gene in human embryos, marking a step toward one day being able to prevent inherited diseases from being passed on to the next generation. But there's wide agreement that more research is needed before ever testing the technique in pregnancy.



The biggest everyday use of CRISPR so far is to engineer animals with human-like disorders for basic research, such as learning how genes cause disease or influence development and what therapies might help.



But promising research, in labs and animals so far, also suggests gene editing might lead to treatments for such diseases as sickle cell, cancer, maybe Huntington's  by altering cells and returning them to the body. Another project aims to one day grow transplantable human organs inside pigs.

Graphic explains the CRISPR-Cas9 method of gene editing; 2c x 3 inches; 96.3 mm x 76 mm; (Associated Press)





THE BIGGEST HURDLE



Safety is a key question because gene editing isn't always precise enough; there's the possibility of accidentally cutting DNA that's similar to the real target. Researchers have improved precision in recent years, but out-of-body treatments like using cells as drugs get around the fear of fixing one problem only to spark another.



THE ETHICS CONTROVERSY



Altering genes in sperm, eggs or embryos can spread those changes to future generations, so-called "germline" engineering. But it's ethically charged because future generations couldn't consent, any long-term negative effects might not become apparent for years, and there's concern about babies designed with enhanced traits rather than to prevent disease.



Earlier this year, an ethics report from the prestigious National Academy of Sciences opened the door to lab research to figure out how to make such changes  and said if germline editing ever is allowed, it should be reserved for serious diseases with no good alternatives and performed with rigorous oversight.



IS THAT LEGAL?



Where you live determines if, or what kind of, research can be performed on human embryos. Some countries, especially in Europe, ban germline research. Britain allows basic lab research only.



In the U.S., scientists can perform laboratory embryo research only with private funding, as the Oregon team did, not with federal taxpayer money. Any attempt to study germline editing in pregnant women would require permission from the Food and Drug Administration, which is currently prohibited by Congress from reviewing any such request.

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BEYOND MEDICINE



Researchers also are using gene editing to hatch malaria-resistant mosquitoes, grow strains of algae that produce biofuels, improve crop growth, even make mushrooms that don't brown as quickly.



This Associated Press series was produced in partnership with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Emily Basque, the mother of two children who will both be attending a Chicago public school this fall, talks in her home in the Lakeview neighborhood on July 30, 2017, about how public school schedules can be difficult for parents. (Alexandra Wimley/Chicago Tribune) (Alexandra Wimley/Chicago Tribune)

Congratulations! Your child is a kindergartner. Now it's time to strategize regarding child care.

Grade school schedules are notoriously hard on working parents, chock-full of days off for teacher training, parent-teacher conferences and government holidays that most employers don't recognize. A 2016 report from the Center for American Progress found public schools are closed for about 29 days a year  not counting summer vacation.

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"I just thought it was completely bonkers," study author Catherine Brown said of the public school schedule she encountered as a parent in Washington, D.C.

"The lens through which the school schedules operate was completely disconnected from my reality as a full-time worker."

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Parents complain of scattered days off that can sneak up on you and of quirky days off that leave parents with few child-care options.

"Well, great, I'm super-glad that it's Casimir Pulaski Day," Kristi Hubert of Oak Park said of the holiday honoring the Polish hero of the American Revolution.

"But, really, it's Tuesday  what do you do?"

Brown and her co-authors found that days off in the nation's largest public school districts varied widely. In most school districts in Lancaster County, Pa., the first day of deer hunting season was a day off. Kids in many districts got days off for parent-teacher conferences, which can bring the double whammy of a day off for kids and a required daytime parent-teacher conference for parents.

Emily Basque of Chicago is particularly frustrated by a version of Teacher Conference Day that includes a parent-teacher conference to which the child is not invited.

"What the hell am I supposed to do with my child  who I cannot bring to this meeting?" said Basque, the mother of two children, ages 6 and 3, and the director of project management at a software consulting firm.

Parents patch together solutions as best they can, said Brown.

"A lot of people are relying on family or friends. Many women are just making the decision not to work  and I think school schedules are part of it. Especially for women that are working low-wage jobs  it doesn't make sense to work a low-wage job when you have to take so many days off."

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Brown wants to see systemic changes, including a better alignment of school schedules with working parents' schedules. In the mean time, parents recommend taking a proactive approach. You don't want to be the mom or dad who turns to a new month on the calendar and breaks out in a cold sweat. Get the entire school schedule as soon as you can, and start strategizing.

Do you know a stay-at-home parent who might want to baby-sit one day a month? Do you have a friend with a part-time nanny who might be available? Do you know a teacher with young children? Maybe his or her nanny will be available during school holidays. Do you have a friend with whom you can split baby-sitting duties, with each of you taking both the kids for half the days?

"The biggest thing that I've learned is that nothing happens naturally" when it comes to landing good child care on days off, Basque said.

"You have to plan it, and organize it, and touch base with people."

If you have relatives who are willing and able to step in, congratulations. You've hit the child care jackpot. The doting grandparent who is waiting in the wings to provide free child care  and is close enough geographically to do so  isn't the reality for most modern families.

The qualified and experienced backup baby-sitter who's just waiting around for one to three scattered workdays per month is a similarly elusive figure.

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Online services such as care.com offer backup care options, as well as services such as background checks. But be aware that many sitters are students or part-time workers with limited availability, so you may need to hire more than one, and the hiring process can be time-consuming.

Basque, who hired a long-term nanny through care.com said she looked at 100 resumes, talked to 40 candidates on the phone and met five in person.

"It's really difficult to find people you trust to leave your child with," she said.

Many parents turn to day camps and other group child-care options offered by park districts, YMCAs or community centers. You'll have to do a little research because options vary from district to district, and you'll have to be willing to pay. A quick online sampling of prices nationwide found options from about $30 to $75 a day.

Under the circumstances, taking a day off or working at home with the kids may sound like the best option, but bear in mind that "working with the kids at home" isn't for the faint of heart.

"A lot of the time I'll take a sick day or work from home, and I'm kind of half working because it's very difficult to actually work from home when your kids are home with you and they're little," Brown said.

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Hubert, who co-owns a public relations and marketing firm, looked into day camp and decided that the costs and rewards just didn't add up.

When her sons, now 11 and 7, were younger, she sometimes took them to work for a day of quiet Lego play and Netflix movies. Other times, she would take a day off and make the most of it.

"If I was going to have to take the day off, I kind of wanted some fun-mom credit," she said. "So that's why I started Super Funday Monday and Super Friday Funday. I can't remember what we called Tuesday."

She'd take her sons to downtown Chicago on the commuter train, which they loved when they were little. They went to museums and the planetarium. During one memorable outing, they were waiting for a cab in blizzard conditions when Hubert lost her temper with a cabbie who had stopped at the curb, but wouldn't pick them up. Hubert insisted, and the cabbie caved.

Her sons were delighted, Hubert said. They still joke about what happens when "mom goes all cabbie" on someone.

nschoenberg@chicagotribune.com

[ Work, nap, clean: Parents and the first day of school  ]

[ How to address a child's nutrition at school  ]

[ Making the transition from Montessori to public high school  ]






PEORIA, Ill.  This Midwestern city has everything you need for a quick weekend getaway roughly 150 miles from Chicago: a thriving riverfront with green space and shopping, rejuvenated restaurant and music scenes, historical architecture and state-of-the-art museums, and an abundance of nearby parks and nature preserves.

Peoria's location is also an ideal base for a wine country weekend. That's right. A grape-focused getaway in Central Illinois.

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Before you scoff, know that at the turn of the 20th century, Illinois was the fourth largest wine producer in the United States. Prohibition forced grape growers to pull up their vines and switch to money crops, decimating the industry.

But Illinois' wine industry is showing signs of a comeback. Two decades ago, there were just a dozen wineries in the Prairie State. Today there are 105 in a network of eight wine trails.

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We recently dropped in on several vineyards in the Peoria region, and each one said it had plans to grow and offer more amenities.

If you decide to check it out for yourself, note that wineries near Peoria can be up to 40 miles apart, so allow for travel time when you plan your itinerary.

Old Mill

If all you have is one afternoon for wine tasting, head to Old Mill Vineyard's Bent Tree tasting room. Old Mill has been producing wine since 2013, but its tasting room opened last fall. Owners Donna and Kurt Grohsmeyer designed and built the room that's only steps from their vineyard. Bent Tree is a sleek, inviting venue whose windows overlook both the 10-acre vineyard and the grounds. For years, distillers have aged whiskey in used wine barrels to add character to their product. The Grohsmeyers have flipped the script for their Broken Barrel wine, aging it in used bourbon barrels. The result is a hearty, unconventional sip where the whiskey nuance comes through in the aftertaste of this wine made from chancellor grapes. I found it to be one of the most drinkable Illinois wines we tasted.

700 Coon Creek Road, Metamora, 14 miles northeast of Peoria; 309-258-9952, www.oldmillvineyard.com.

Sunset Lake

Everything about the wine at Sunset Lake Vineyards and Winery is personal, said winemaker and owner Mary Hofmann. "Each of our wine labels tells a story of our dogs or family," she added. The Hofmanns started their winery, formerly called White Oak Vineyards, in 1999 when "the idea was to grow grapes for other wineries," she said. That changed in 2010 when Mary, who is from Central Illinois, and her husband, Rudi, who is from Ebrach, Germany, bought the house and 11 acres next door to theirs and started making wine. Today the house is an expansive tasting room and the acreage is the source of 15 wines, each with a whisper of German character. Likenesses of their beloved dogs, Maxl and Moritz, adorn labels on almost every bottle. The vintners' Feierabend dry traminette is off-dry with lush, peachy fruit notes that make it a delightful, low-alcohol patio sipper.

8621 East 2100 North Road, Carlock; 18 miles southeast of Metamora and 25 miles southeast of Peoria; 309-376-2960, www.sunsetlakevineyard.com.

Alex and the XO's perform at the International Music, Wine and Craft Beer Festival over Memorial Day weekend at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard in Mackinaw, Ill. (Karen Torme Olson / Chicago Tribune)

Mackinaw Valley

The 86-acre Mackinaw Valley Vineyard estate features 15 acres of vineyards, a winery, a tasting room and a gift shop. From carefully labeled rows of grapevines to the outdoor deck with a 30-mile view of the pastoral valley, Mackinaw Valley is a peaceful oasis where you can dial down the roar of city bustle to a murmur and sample among more than 20 wines produced here. The vineyard also hosts concerts, murder mystery dinners, festivals and trivia games  all of which can be paired with its wines, most on the sweet spectrum.

33633 Illinois Route 9, Mackinaw; 12 miles southwest of Carlock and 16 miles southeast of Peoria; 309-359-9463, www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com.

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Kickapoo Creek

Kickapoo Creek Winery makes more than 20 wines, including fruit-infused and chocolate dessert varieties, from locally sourced produce and grapes grown on 14 acres of the estate. It offers walking trails, tours, wine dinners, event facilities, lunch in the cafe and a tasting room. The setting and amenities make Kickapoo Creek a popular destination for vineyard crawls and weddings alike, but its award-winning wines are the marquee attraction.

6605 N. Smith Road, Edwards; 31 miles northwest of Mackinaw and 8 miles west of Peoria; 309-495-9463, www.kickapoocreekwinery.com.

Big Horse

This vineyard is named for the draft horses raised and raced by owners Don and Trinity Archdale on the family farm that's home to the 2-year-old winery. The Archdales have big plans to make the winery a destination. It already offers live music and comedy acts on weekends and serves lunch and dinner in its bistro. Sunday Fun-Day dining experiences include a taco bar buffet and a crab boil with a bloody mary bar. Big Horse has hiking trails and carriage rides with plans to install a zip line. The Archdales recently purchased a nearby motel that they're renovating and converting into a 16-room boutique hotel scheduled to open next year. The 2016 Big Horse vintage was produced by Hopewell Winery in Rockport. Big Horse plans to open its own processing facility in a refitted barn down the road this fall. Of the nine wines Big Horse makes, we especially liked its drier, Italian-style white called Moonlight.

11603 N. County Highway 9, Lewistown; 44 miles southwest of Edwards and 40 miles southwest of Peoria; 309-412-5239, www.bighorsevineyards.com.

Native Trails

This winery with its recently opened tasting room is literally next door to Big Horse. Its first vintage also was produced in 2016, said owner Bill Nayden. But Native Trails' vibe is more low-key, with activities restricted to tastings and trail walks. Nayden said he's especially proud that the grape varieties he grows date back to the days when Native Americans occupied the land. Nayden's seven wines, which are pressed from corot noir, frontenac, vignoles and chardonnel grapes, are made by Hopewell Winery.

11765 N. County Highway 9, Lewistown; 44 miles southwest of Edwards and 40 miles southwest of Peoria; 309-357-4410, www.nativetrailswinery.com.

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Karen Torme Olson is a freelance writer.

Vintage Illinois

Oenophiles will want to mark their calendars for Sept. 16-17, when more than 25 wineries will be pouring the fruits of their labors at Vintage Illinois. The state's largest wine festival takes place at Matthiessen State Park, 4 miles south of Utica, 90 miles west of Chicago. The adult-oriented festival includes food from local eateries and live music. Buy tickets and get details at www.vintageillinois.com.

While there, head into downtown Utica for a more leisurely wine sampling at these two gems: August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Co. Tasting Room and Illinois River Winery.

August Hill's sleek tasting room at 106 Mill St. would be a standout most anywhere. Customers can do a tasting at the bar, indulge in a flight of wines and a plate of local charcuterie in the sophisticated lounge, or munch on local cheeses on the patio. The actual winery is 10 miles away near Peru. Tours by appointment; www.augusthillwinery.com.

Illinois River Winery's quirky tasting room/boutique, 723 S. Clark St., has a rowdy, roadhouse vibe that's a far cry from August Hill's oasis of casual refinement. Twenty-minute tours of the winery across the street are available Saturday afternoons. Be sure to sample the "Viagara" wine sold in pink bottles for women and blue for men; www.illinoisriverwinery.com.

Headed to Southern Illinois for the eclipse? Fuel up on BBQ and other local eats 

[ Traveling with millennials in wine country  ]

[ This summer's solar eclipse is southern Illinois' chance to shine  ]
MINERAL POINT, Wis.  Kyle Martin's family started farming this rural land in southwest Wisconsin 106 years ago. As a kid, he remembers rising at 3 a.m. to milk the cows, then doing more chores after getting home from school.

Martin still lives and works on the 100-acre dairy farm, but instead of using farm equipment, he uses a paintbrush.

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A converted chicken coop serves as his gallery, studio and office in Rock Springs. Drawn to the plein-air style of painting outdoors, he's motivated to paint barns before they fall. He's not putting paint on the buildings, but creating paintings of them, before they're torn down.

He's one of dozens opening the doors of his studio  which often doubles as an artist's home  for the 24th annual Fall Art Tour taking place Oct. 20-22 in and around Mineral Point, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Baraboo.

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The roughly 3 1/2-hour scenic drive from Chicago is a journey into Wisconsin's Driftless area, a rugged region that didn't get flattened by the glaciers like much of the Midwest. The resulting topography is more dramatic, with stone bluffs and valleys that have long served as a creative muse for artists.

The three-day event isn't enough time to visit all 46 participating artists, so consult the website fallarttour.com for a detailed map and artist descriptions to craft a plan. Choose from photographers and fiber artists, woodworkers, glass artists and more.

One must-see stop is Mineral Point's Brewery Pottery. Diana Johnston, co-founder of the Fall Art Tour, and her husband, Tom, transformed an 1850 limestone brewery into their unique home, pottery studio and gallery showcasing the work of more than 100 local artists.

Being invited inside the many repurposed buildings converted into artist homes and studios is a highlight of the tour. A Methodist church built in 1874 now serves as the studio and gallery for Sandra Peterson, who paints abstract impressions of large animals. A one-room 1911 schoolhouse is the home and jewelry studio of Maya Madden and Wayne Farra. A scrapbook by the front door has the details of the property along with a welcoming plate of Maya's cookies.

Stop by Carol Naughton's pottery studio in Dodgeville, and you're sure to have workspace envy. Her converted 1876 stone granary looks like it belongs in the pages of Architectural Digest. Upstairs you'll find living quarters for out-of-town guests, as well as hot cider and coffee. You can also check out Naughton's two kilns and pottery wheel, and, like other stops on the tour, watch the artist at work. The color and forms of her functional bowls, plates and pitchers (priced at $40 and up) reflect her surrounding 250 scenic acres, which visitors are invited to explore.

An hour north in Baraboo (home to Circus World and its vast treasure of Ringling Brothers memorabilia), you'll find musician, painter, puppet-maker and children's librarian, Anne Horjus. You're at the right house when you see his incredible life-size puppets on the front porch. The Dutch artist sets up a table for kids and adults to try the silverpoint, an Old World drawing technique that Horjus is using in his next children's book about Leonardo da Vinci.

People headed to the Fall Art Tour may be pleasantly surprised at the prices. Martin's barn paintings range from $300 to $600, while Madden and Farra's jewelry starts at $30.

Keep in mind that by supporting the artists, you're supporting these small towns.

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"Our arts reputation has a huge impact on our community," says Joy Gieseke, who heads up Mineral Point's chamber of commerce. "Given that Mineral Point's a town of less than 2,500, it's pretty incredible that we can support 19 galleries."

Besides the Fall Art Tour being the biggest source of income for many of these artists, opening up their homes to hundreds of people has another benefit.

"We always appreciate our lives more after this weekend," Madden says. "So many people seem in awe of our surroundings and the livelihood we've carved out for ourselves. It takes weeks to prepare for this weekend, but it's all worth it."

Andrea Guthmann is a freelance writer.

If you go

Lodging

History meets up with modern amenities at Mineral Point's Brewery Creek Inn and Brewpub, a renovated 19th-century stone building featuring well-curated furnishings and a hearty continental breakfast. Rates starts at $125; 608-987-3298, brewerycreek.com.

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Five minutes outside of downtown Mineral Point, at the end of a winding dirt road, an inviting log cabin greets weary travelers. Three-bedroom Maple Wood Lodge has a fireplace, farm stove, jacuzzi bathtub and 26 wooded acres. Rates for this house that sleeps six start at $235; 608-987-2324, maplewoodlodge.com.

Dining

Hungry for history? Reserve a table at a former bank in Spring Green. The food at Freddy Valentine's Public House is terrific and affordable, but it's the architectural details that make this meal so memorable. Items salvaged during the renovation were transformed into furnishings and decorative elements. To get even more bang for your buck, ask to eat in the bank vault; 608-588-0220, freddyvalentines.com.







Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 A previous maze design at Harvestville Farm near Donnellson, Iowa, paid tribute to Americas farmers. (Harvestville Farm)
State Rep. Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton, speaks at a press conference at the Thompson Center in Chicago on June 17, 2013. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

State Rep. Jeanne Ives is so far to the right on social issues that she once went on the radio to describe gay marriage as "a completely disordered relationship."

But even by the standards of the conservative Wheaton district she represents, an op-ed she shared on Facebook this week uses extreme rhetoric, describing public school teachers and administrators who support rights for transgender students as being "like dirty old men in trench coats lying in wait to expose children to sordid things."

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Ives, a 51-year-old Army vet, complained in the Facebook post that moves to protect transgender students are "happening in Wheaton schools too," sharing the op-ed by the Illinois Family Institute, which is considered an anti-LGBT hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The op-ed, headlined "Christians Must Exit Government Schools," encourages Christian parents to pull their children out of public schools as the battle by some against transgender bathroom rights is waged. The piece goes on to state, "No Christian should teach in an institution that requires them to facilitate the body- and soul-destroying fiction that humans can be born in the 'wrong' body."

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It states that "For years conservatives have asserted that homosexuals are pursuing children, and for years homo-activists have mocked that claim," describing gay rights activists as having the "pernicious goal of normalizing homoeroticism."

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Ives did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment Friday morning. But her Facebook post was criticized by the Illinois ACLU and the Illinois Education Association teachers union.

Ed Yohnka, an ACLU spokesman, said: "When people go to their corners and stop listening ... we lose a moment that could be used for education."

"There is a fundamental misunderstanding of what it means to be transgender ... a transgender boy is a boy; a transgender girl is a girl," Yohnka said.

And Amy Biancheri, a Batavia teacher and president of the Batavia Education Association, an affiliate of IEA, described likening public school teachers to "dirty old men" as "ludicrous."

"LGBT students in general and transgender students in particular are at greater risk of homelessness, suicidal ideation and completion, and harassment from other students  it's teachers' job to create a safe space for learning for all students, regardless of race, class or gender identification."

kjanssen@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @kimjnews
When the damaged 90-year-old wooden water tank atop the North Side's Swedish American Museum was taken down in 2014, neighboring tavern owner Scott Martin couldn't resist getting a closer look at the now-dimmed neighborhood beacon.

After all, it was easy access. The damaged tank, painted in the blue and yellow of the Swedish flag, sat in the museum's parking lot at Foster and Ashland avenues for safekeeping. Late one night, Martin recalls, he climbed onto the crumbling structure and posed for a photo. He insists it was more about connecting with his heritage than simple late-night high jinks, though "I might have had a few beers." Now that picture of Martin atop the tank hangs in his bar, Simon's Tavern, on Clark Street in Andersonville.

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The museum led an effort to have the tank repaired so it could rise again, but local leaders said it was beyond repair. So in the coming days a two-story steel and fiberglass replica  complete with the colors of the Swedish flag, a nod to the immigrants who flocked to this community in the 1880s  will be craned onto the museum's roof in the 5200 block of North Clark.

The rooftop tanks recall a time when the wooden structures, usually covered by a sweeping advertisement, dotted the top of the city's skyscrapers, commercial buildings and large apartment buildings. They popped up following the Chicago Fire of 1871, when city officials decided the rooftop tanks would provide water for the building's sprinkler system, the fastest way then to begin dousing a blaze.

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"The most reliable way (at the time) to pour water inside of a burning building was letting the forces of gravity do it," said Tim Samuelson, a city historian at the Chicago Cultural Center.

But in recent decades, electric-powered pumps have replaced the old systems, and building demolition and conversions across the city have seen the water tanks disappear by the hundreds.

Though they once numbered in the thousands across the city, only about 100 functioning water tanks remain, with demolition orders expected to bring that number even lower, according to the city's Building Department.

Ironworkers Luis Lopez, right, and Bob Camardo are building a fiberglass replica of the water tower at the Swedish American Museum in the Andersonville neighborhood in Chicago on July 28, 2017. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

In an effort to secure older, dilapidated water tanks, the City Council passed legislation in 2014 requiring owners of rooftop tanks to hire a licensed architect or structural engineer to determine whether the structures are safe. If they aren't, owners are required to immediately repair or demolish them.

Still, the old tanks remain a part of the city's public imagination, said Samuelson, who once hosted an exhibit at the cultural center on water towers. "Just the basic shape of them and seeing them against the sky is something that is distinctly Chicago," he said.

A brutal 2014 winter took its toll on the museum's tank, stretching and warping the 20,000-gallon structure irreparably. So instead of repairing it, as museum leaders initially indicated they would, a plan was hatched to replace it with a more durable, hollow steel and fiberglass structure  though it would no longer function as part of the building's sprinkler system.

Museum Executive Director Karin Moen Abercrombie said she still remembers the somber day three years ago when mourners  the best way to describe them  gathered to watch the tank's 14-hour removal. For many, it was like losing an old friend, she said. "People were standing on the streets the whole day," she recalled.

"It's sort of like when you have a big statue and the statue is gone  you sort of feel like there's a piece of the neighborhood missing," Abercrombie said. "It's a part of the community and, because people can see it from our roof, they can see it from a distance and they know that's where I am, that's where I'm going ... and that's where my home is."

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Workers are building a fiberglass replica of the water tower at the Swedish American Museum in the Andersonville neighborhood in Chicago on July 28, 2017. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

Leftover pieces of wood from the tower will be included in a future museum exhibit, Abercrombie said.

For Martin, 56, the old splintered structure honored not only the neighborhood's Swedish roots but served as a time capsule to his youth. Back then, he recalled, the narrow streets were lined with family-owned sweet shops, taverns and restaurants adorned in the blue and yellow of the Swedish flag, and major politicians flocked to the neighborhood for the annual Leif Erikson Day. Today, most of those Swedish businesses have vanished.

"For me, (the tower) is a reflection of the neighborhood that my mother Delores grew up in," he said.

Some $200,000 in donations flowed in for the tank replica, according to the museum, including $4,000 that came from selling pieces of the old tower. The six-figure cost was far beyond the original estimate of $60,000. Efforts to ensure the structure was sturdy and weather-resistant drove up the price.

Martin and museum officials are anticipating plenty of spectators along Clark Street when work crews hoist the new water tower to the same spot the old one occupied, maybe next week. "I've already had about 20 or 30 regular customers come in and say, 'Let me know what day it's going to be so that I can take off work,'" Martin said. "I think it'll be a really fun party."

wlee@chicagotribune.com

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A Cook County judge gave a retired public relations executive who sued his Gold Coast condominium board a $100,000-plus sanction, calling the lawsuit "meritless" and only meant to "harass." (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

A retired public relations executive who sued his Gold Coast condominium board over a $1,000 fine for alleged obnoxious behavior has been hit with an even stiffer penalty  nearly $100,000  by the judge handling the case.

In recent days, the Cook County judge presiding over the case ultimately decided that Brian Connolly's lawsuit was "meritless" and "frivolous" and only meant to "harass" and ordered him and his attorney to cover the condo board's $111,000 legal tab.

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The whopping judgment, which Connolly's attorney said sets a "dangerous precedent," came days after the Tribune chronicled the dysfunction that has plagued the building association's board in recent years. Things seemingly spiraled starting in 2011, when a former board president allegedly assaulted a former board member during a meeting at the high-rise in the 100 block of East Chestnut Street. Authorities were called and charges were filed, only for prosecutors to drop the misdemeanor case.

Connolly, who has twice been kicked off the condo association board, sued in 2013 after he was fined $1,000 for "creating an uncomfortable and hostile environment" over what he thought were violations of building rules, including confronting a boy walking his bike through the lobby, a woman walking her dog through the lobby and people using glass containers by the pool, according to a violation letter from the association's board.

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He sought punitive damages against the board members personally and asked that the board be ordered to hire a pool attendant and to open the building to an inspection of all construction done in the last decade. Connolly paid the $1,000 fine after his lawsuit was filed; he explained that he didn't want to incur an added penalty by the board if he didn't pay, he said. He now faces a penalty 100 times greater.

Brian Connolly, who has been in disputes with his condo board, says he loves living in the Gold Coast building, with its prime location and views, and that he isnt going anywhere. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune )

Cook County Judge Kathleen Pantle, who tossed the lawsuit earlier this year, wrote in a 10-page opinion awarding attorney's fees to the association's legal counsel that Connolly's claims were "meritless" and his lawsuit "should never have been brought in the first instance."

"Connolly did not come to the courthouse to achieve a peaceful resolution for the disputes he had with the Association but instead filed frivolous pleadings to harass (the) defendants," Pantle wrote. She ordered Connolly and his attorney Norman Lerum to pay a total of $111,000, with the bulk of the fees to be paid by Connolly.

Connolly and Lerum say they will appeal the ruling. Lerum, who has practiced law for nearly 40 years, said he has never been sanctioned before and said Pantle's decision sets a "dangerous precedent" for those asserting their free speech rights.

"In all due respect to the court, Judge Pantle's ruling is incorrect as a matter of law," he said in an email. "As a matter of public policy, the courts are to be open and receptive to First Amendment issues, and not punish those who raise them. This ruling is contrary to existing law and sets a dangerous precedent."

Anthony Milazzo, president of the condo association at 111 E. Chestnut St. in Chicago and owner of a condo there, also has a home in St. Charles. He expects to have his first child this summer and plans to step down from the association when his term ends next spring. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune )

To Connolly, the fines were an attempt by the board to exact revenge for his public criticism of their decisions, and the judge's ruling only enhances the chilling effect on his free speech rights. He writes a blog that has detailed some of the strife in the building.

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The board previously settled a defamation lawsuit Connolly brought over a letter written by the board president, signed by three board members and sent to residents that called Connolly "unfit to serve on our board."

"This case is about fundamental First Amendment rights and due process," said Connolly, a retired PR executive. "The courts should be open and protective of claims and arguments. Instead, Judge Pantle is closing the courthouse door and punishing condominium unit owners who dare disagree with bully boards that work to suppress contrary opinion."

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He previously told the Tribune that he feared he would lose his one-bedroom condo if the judge agreed to sanction him.

But board president Tony Milazzo, who has frequently sparred with Connolly, cheered the judge's decision.

"It vindicates our position that those who initiate frivolous and malicious litigation against others with the intent of harassing them or extracting unjustified settlement money should be held accountable," he said in an email.

sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @SteveSchmadeke
State Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston, speaks during a rally at the Illinois Women March on Springfield event Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. Biss sponsored the legislation that requires physicians and nurses to notify pregnant patients of all their available options, including abortion. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

For now, Illinois can't enforce a change in state law requiring hospital and medical clinic professionals to tell pregnant women about all their available options, including abortion.

That's because a federal judge out of Rockford ruled that until a lawsuit over the law is settled, it shouldn't be enforced statewide.

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The move comes after several Christian clinics filed lawsuits against state officials, maintaining that their free speech and religious freedoms were being violated by an amendment to the state's right-of-conscience law that took effect in January. Doctors and other medical staff at the Christian clinics argue that they would have to give advice they find morally wrong.

Supporters of the law say the changes only require health care providers to inform patients of all their options  a standard practice of care in the medical field. But Rockford-based U.S. District Court Judge Frederick Kapala sided with the clinics, some of which are located in the Chicago area, ruling that the law may violate health care providers' free-speech rights and halting enforcement of the law until the litigation ends.

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"It is clear that the amended act targets the free speech rights of people who have a specific viewpoint," Kapala wrote in his ruling in a lawsuit brought by the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, an organization of pregnancy centers with more than 50 in Illinois. "Thus, plaintiffs have demonstrated a better than negligible chance of succeeding in showing that the amended act discriminates based on their viewpoint."

A state court judge in Rockford previously barred the state from enforcing the law against three crisis pregnancy centers in Rockford, Chicago and the suburbs while another lawsuit was being heard; Kapala's decision prevents Illinois from enforcing the law anywhere in the state until the litigation ends, an attorney for the clinics said. Two other Chicago-area clinics originally filed federal lawsuits in Springfield, but those have been consolidated with the case in Rockford federal court.

Thomas Olp, an attorney for the Thomas More Society, a nonprofit religious liberty law firm that represents several clinics in federal lawsuits, said the amended law places an unnecessary and unreasonable burden on health care providers who have religious objections to the new guidelines.

And because the federal judge found that most patients "would have little difficulty" in finding an abortion provider on their own, the state faces a higher burden in proving the law was narrowly drafted to protect government interests.

"In our view, the state is unlikely to be able to meet its burden," Olp said.

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A spokeswoman for Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, whose office represents the state officials named in the lawsuit, declined to comment.

The original law was passed  after the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion  to allow physicians to not perform abortions if they objected to the procedure. Modifications to that law, designed to protect patients who didn't know all their options, were signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner last year after an emotional Illinois Senate subcommittee hearing that drew testimony from patients.

Providers must offer a "standard of care" that includes informing patients of their medical options, such as abortion or contraception, even if the physician is opposed to the treatment for religious or moral reasons, under the new law, which went into effect Jan. 1. If the patient is seeking a particular treatment, the physician or nurse must at least give a list of providers.

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It's unclear exactly how the state's new law would have been enforced. Patients who aren't told of all their options could sue their health care provider for malpractice, and Olp said the state's licensing board could discipline doctors or nurses directly.

None of the state's large Catholic health care providers has joined in the legal challenge to the legislation sponsored by state Sen. Daniel Biss, an Evanston Democrat.

sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @SteveSchmadeke
Dog bite

A woman reported being bitten by a dog downtown on Wednesday. The woman was meeting a friend downtown when one of her two dogs bit her on the knee. She said the dog is usually friendly, but felt she needed to inform the police since the dog is usually downtown.

Narcotics possession

Christopher Martinez and Jerry Hannah were arrested on Tuesday for dangerous drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and dangerous drug possession with intent to sell, after they were pulled over in a stolen car.

The car was reported stolen by the victim who lives in New Mexico.

When police pulled Martinez over he said he did not steal the car, but had taken the car back from the people who did steal it. Martinez identified the name of the victim and said they were friends.

Police were unable to contact the victim to confirm Martinezs story.

When police searched the car they found syringes and 38 grams of methamphetamine.

Neither suspect was arrested for auto theft at the time of their arrest according to the police report.

City and county residents who want to report a crime but wish to remain anonymous may call Silent Witness at 774-6111 or (877) 29-CRIME, submit a tip online at www.coconinosilentwitness.org, or text the word Flagtip along with your information to 274637 (CRIMES). Rewards of up to $2,000 are given for information that leads to an arrest.
Scott Kennedy says he only wanted to be loved, but the FBI says he gave a professional escort access to his company credit card. Here's what they spent it on. (Tribune Graphics) (Chicago Tribune)

The former escort under investigation for allegedly using $5.8 million from a suburban company to fund a lavish lifestyle with the help of a client-turned-boyfriend is upset at his attempts to portray her as "the brains behind this operation," the woman's lawyer said Friday.

The Tribune this week reported that the woman, Crystal Lundberg, and Scott Kennedy, a onetime executive who has been fired from the firm, are the focus of a federal probe into their use of his former employer's funds. A court filing lays out the pair's wild spending, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in travel and luxury goods, and about $24,000 for movers to haul Lundberg's potted plants from Illinois to her new 6,500-square-foot mansion in San Diego, where she planned to open a spa with company cash.

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Kennedy, 43, worked as a top financial official at Nemera, a drug-delivery device company in Buffalo Grove, when he met Lundberg, 31, through Backpage.com, a site that advertises sexual services. Kennedy first gave Lundberg access to a company credit card in November 2015 after she asked for help buying Christmas gifts for her daughters, an FBI affidavit alleged.

Kennedy this week told the Tribune he was "stupid" and shouldn't have trusted Lundberg, but her California-based attorney, Marc Carlos, fired back Friday, telling the newspaper that Kennedy is responsible for the fraud.

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"He knew what she was. He knew what her past was. Then he's the one who wanted to get in her good graces by giving her gifts," Carlos said. "He's the one who has  the means, the method, the opportunity and the motive to commit a crime. She doesn't."

Lundberg is not a "financial genius," did not go to college and lacks the sophistication to commit a crime like this, Carlos said.

"He needs to do something to lessen his liability, and by saying he's a victim of the, whatever it is, psycho-sexual control this woman has over him is his only out," Carlos said. "It's the only way he's going to be able to reduce his criminal liability, but it's ridiculous."

The allegations were detailed in an FBI warrant to seize $36,229 from the checking account of the spa business Lundberg was starting in San Diego.

Neither are named in the court filing, but Kennedy himself, his criminal-defense lawyer and his former company all identified him as the business executive, identified as Individual A by authorities. The former escort, referred to as Individual B in the paperwork, is identified in the court filing as president of K & K Enterprises, the spa business.

The court document, filed under seal in mid-May, says both Kennedy and Lundberg are under investigation for fraud and money laundering, but records show criminal charges have not been filed against either. In the court filing, the FBI said Kennedy has been cooperating with investigators, and his attorney, Sami Azhari, confirmed that they were working toward "an amicable resolution."

Azhari responded Friday to Lundberg's attempts to shift all blame to Kennedy.

Former escort Crystal Lundberg is under investigation for allegedly using $5.8 million on a company credit card of Buffalo Grove executive Scott Kennedy to fund a lavish lifestyle with the help of client-turned-boyfriend Kennedy, an FBI affidavit alleges. (LinkedIn)

"It would be prudent of Crystal and her attorney to refrain from making any comments or assertions that could eventually be contradicted, particularly in light of the investigation and any potential criminal charges she faces," he said.

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Among the credit charges allegedly run up mostly by Lundberg were plastic surgery during a stay in Miami; two Rolex watches at a cost of a combined $60,000; a personal driver for her daughters at a cost of $8,000 a month; a $2,500-a-month maid; two purebred dogs that cost as much as $6,000; and trips to Bali, France, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Santorini, Bora Bora and Fiji. Rent on the mansion was $12,000 a month, the court filing said.

An analysis by Nemera found more than 8,800 improper charges to the company credit card between November 2015 and mid-March 2017. The company found the spending spree totals included $970,734 on travel; $606,887 on clothing and accessories; $552,662 on home decor and improvement; and $279,231 on jewelry, among other line items.

While Kennedy largely blamed Lundberg for the spending, the FBI filing said he admitted using the company credit card to pay for travel and rent for a hotel where he was living when Nemera uncovered the fraud. He also acknowledged to the FBI that he bought gift cards with the credit card to pay for day-to-day expenses after Lundberg allegedly maxed out his personal credit cards, authorities said.

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In his Tribune interview, Kennedy said he was duped by Lundberg because he wanted to have a family. Carlos, her lawyer, scoffed at that notion.

"A family with somebody (who) before they became a couple he was paying hourly, that's ridiculous," Carlos said. "For him to say she tricked him is just a way of him to lessen his liability, make himself look better."

Kennedy also maintained to the FBI that Lundberg had led him to believe she would eventually reimburse him, a version of events he repeated to the Tribune. Kennedy said Lundberg told him she had been adopted by a wealthy family as a child and had a trust fund in her name worth $4 million that she could access at 30, according to the FBI filing.

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But the FBI document also notes Lundberg's bankruptcy filing in 2009 when she reported only about $100 in a checking account and income of about $200 a month. The bankruptcy filing made no mention of any trust funds, the FBI pointed out.

Asked about the trust fund claim and whether Lundberg ever told Kennedy she'd pay him back, Lundberg's attorney declined to answer.

gpratt@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @royalpratt
Scores of Chicagoans and suburbanites retreat from the dog days of summer by heading to bucolic vacation spots around Lake Michigan.

But there is no escape from city pollution.

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During the hottest days of June, July and August, exhaust from automobile tailpipes, diesel engines and factory smokestacks blows out over the lake and is baked by the sun into ground-level ozone, a hazy soup of pollution commonly known as smog.

Trapped between warm air and cold water, the lung-damaging pollution swells above the lake until the wind shifts and carries smog back to shore  just in time for the afternoon cocktail hour.

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For years, the coastal phenomenon often has left places like Door County, Wis., and Muskegon, Mich., with more smog problems than Chicago or industrial cities like Gary. But while scientists and regulators are familiar with the pattern, how it develops and who exactly is to blame remains somewhat of a mystery.

Federal researchers are attempting to answer those questions and others with a new study focusing on shoreline communities with relatively little traffic and few, if any, big polluters. The ambitious, multiyear project comes amid a fierce debate about more stringent national limits on smog, which the Trump administration has attempted to stall at the urging of coal, oil and gas industries and other business interests.

"Everybody wants clean air, but to get there we need to keep improving the science so we can make smart, informed decisions about where we should target our efforts," said Tracey Holloway, a University of Wisconsin researcher who isn't involved in the new study but often collaborates with the scientists behind it.

To get a better handle on the primary sources of smog-forming chemicals around the lake, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted extensive air testing in May and June using specially equipped aircraft and ships, along with ground-based instruments. The findings will be combined with satellite data and weather observations to determine with more precision how smog forms in the region and track where the pollution originates.

The tools scientists are using to fingerprint dirty air are considerably more sophisticated than what was available during the early 1990s, the last time a study like this was completed.

Local officials in Wisconsin and Michigan hope the new research helps resolve long-running battles with the EPA and frees their communities from a national list of communities with dirty air. Areas considered to be in "nonattainment" with federal smog standards are required to take more aggressive steps to clean the air and face restrictions on environmental permits for manufacturers and other polluters.

Chicago and most of the nation's other big urban areas have been on the list for years. One of the cities pinpointed by researchers is Sheboygan, Wis., a factory town of 49,000 that bills itself as the Bratwurst Capital of the World and also is on the list.

Shebyogan violated the federal smog standard on 25 days between 2013 and 2015  more than any other city in the Midwest, according to EPA monitoring data. Chicago recorded 11 daily violations during the same period.

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Echoing their counterparts in other lakeshore communities, Sheboygan officials have long said that pollution drifting up Lake Michigan from Chicago and Milwaukee is responsible for most of their problems.

"We've done our part, but it's unfair to make our employers jump through hoops when our neighbors in surrounding counties don't have to do a thing," said Sheboygan Mayor Mike Vandersteen. "Even if we shut down every industry we've got, we would still have these (smog) problems."

Smog wafting in from the middle of the lake tends to linger closer to shore than further inland, another counterintuitive trend that shows up in monitoring data. It's one of the reasons there were more daily smog violations in Muskegon (six instances) and Holland (four) in Michigan and in Door County (five) in Wisconsin than Chicago (two) during 2015.

The monitoring data provide a sharp contrast to images of clear skies and sandy beaches featured in television commercials and tourism brochures.

"People expect air quality alerts in a place like Chicago," said Jon Jarosh, spokesman for the Door County Visitor Bureau. "It's frustrating to see in an area like ours that has no ability to control what is happening, but maybe that reminds people why we all need to be good neighbors."

The need to curb smog-forming pollution is becoming more urgent. After reviewing the latest health research, the EPA's scientific advisers concluded three years ago that more stringent limits are needed to protect Americans from lung and heart disease that can shave years off lives.

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Health risks from smog are greater for people with asthma, and are particularly worrisome for children whose lungs are still developing.

Following a process required every five years by the federal Clean Air Act, the EPA under President Barack Obama tightened the national smog standard to 70 parts per billion, down from 75 ppb set during the George W. Bush administration. Studies have found that people can suffer lung problems when breathing smog at even smaller concentrations.

Most of the country met earlier smog standards far more quickly and at lower costs than expected. A 2014 Tribune analysis found that just 17 counties nationwide were still in violation of the smog standard of 84 ppb set by the Clinton administration in 1997. The only one in the Midwest was Allegan County in Michigan, home to Saugatuck and other coastal vacation towns.

Images from NASA satellite data vividly show improvements in air quality during the past decade as regulations and a fast-changing energy sector led to a sharp drop in nitrogen oxides, a key ingredient in smog.

Dozens of coal-fired power plants in the Midwest have either installed more effective pollution controls or shut down, displaced by cleaner burning natural gas, shrinking demand for electricity and pollution-free wind energy. Diesel fuel and engines are cleaner. New automobiles are more fuel-efficient and tailpipe exhaust generally contains smaller concentrations of smog-forming chemicals.

The question now is what can be done to meet more stringent health-based standards, and whether the rules should be tweaked for cities where topography and weather may be preventing smog from dissipating.

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"Our control strategies have been extremely effective," said Rob Kaleel, executive director of the Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium, a group of state officials from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin. "But in many cases we are dealing with upwind emissions that cross state lines, which makes it even more important to get the science right.

States have been fighting about air pollution for decades.

The Northeast still blames coal plants in the Ohio River Valley for chronically dirty air in cities and acid rain that despoils remote forests and lakes  problems that led Congress to approve a bipartisan overhaul of the Clean Air Act in 1990. Maryland's Republican governor last month threatened to sue the Trump administration to force another crackdown on pollution drifting from Midwest states.

Chicago and other urban areas have done their part by requiring tailpipe emissions checks, vapor controls on gasoline pumps and reductions in fumes from paint shops and printers. Still, some of the smog in Chicago comes from St. Louis, and Milwaukee's problems can be blamed in part on Chicago and other upwind cities.

Despite growing concerns among researchers about the health effects of air pollution, business groups are pushing hard in Congress and the courts to roll back the latest smog standard and other environment and health protections adopted during the Obama era.

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They have an ally in Scott Pruitt, the Trump EPA administrator who sued to block federal environmental regulations 14 times as Oklahoma attorney general, often in concert with oil and gas companies that have dramatically increased nitrogen-oxide emissions during the fracking boom.

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One of Pruitt's first official actions in his new job was delaying enforcement of the Obama-era smog standard, which he has called an example of the EPA's "activist agenda." He backed down Wednesday in response to legal challenges from environmental groups and Democratic state attorneys general, including Lisa Madigan of Illinois, but signaled the Trump administration is still looking for ways to change or repeal the standard.

On the same day, the EPA released a new report that outlined "steady and significant progress made in improving air quality across America" as the economy has grown.

Pruitt is quoted in a press release saying nearly 40 percent of Americans live in areas that violate federal clean air standards, despite decades of improvements.

Left unmentioned in the press release: Pruitt's role in lawsuits seeking to roll back laws and regulations that have played a major role improving air quality to where it is today.

mhawthorne@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @scribeguy
A lawsuit sought to block the severance agreement with Doug Baker, who recently announced his resignation following a scathing state watchdog report and is poised to receive up to $617,500. (Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune)

A DeKalb County judge Friday barred Northern Illinois University from paying the remainder of ousted President Doug Baker's severance package while the court considers whether school trustees violated the law when they approved the deal.

But Baker  who left in June after the release of a state report alleging improper spending during his tenure  already has received most of his money, including a $450,000 payment to end his contract a year early and another $137,500 to resign from his tenured position at the business school.

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NIU will not have to claw the money back under the ruling by Circuit Judge Bradley Waller, university officials said. Instead, while the case is still pending, the school will withhold any remaining reimbursements for legal expenses Baker incurred during his 4-year tenure.

Trustees had agreed to pay him up to $30,000 for "reasonable, unpaid expenses for legal counsel."

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All totaled, Baker's severance package is worth up to $617,500.

A lawsuit filed earlier this summer by Misty Haji-Sheikh, a DeKalb County board member who is also taking graduate classes at Northern Illinois, accused NIU trustees of violating the state's Open Meetings Act by withholding details of Baker's severance until the end of their meeting, which did not give the public sufficient time to review the terms before board members approved the exit deal.

Haji-Sheikh's attorney could not be reached for comment.

According to the suit, the board typically holds an open session at the meetings and follows that with a closed session. But on June 15, it said, the board departed from that practice and reserved one item on the agenda for a second open session, after the closed session, which lasted more than seven hours.

The only item to discuss in that second open session was Baker's departure  vaguely described on the agenda as "presidential employment." No public comment was sought, the suit said.

The board's vote came about two weeks after the release of a damning report from the Governor's Office of Executive Inspector General, which alleged ethical violations on Baker's watch. Though the public only learned about the report in late May, trustees had known about it for nearly a year when they approved the severance package.

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The report, among other things, alleged that administrators under his leadership routinely skirted ethics requirements to hire highly paid consultants, covered the consultants' housing and travel expenses, and then kept them on staff for too long at lofty pay levels.

Baker has denied the report's assertions, but said he had reached the conclusion he could not continue as university president because the investigation proved a "significant distraction."

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The inspector general launched the inquiry into Northern Illinois' hiring practices in 2014 following several anonymous tips. Illinois law requires state agencies to publicly bid out contracts for professional services from an independent contractor worth more than $20,000.

But the report found that the university hired nine employees between June 2013 and May 2015, paying them all more than $20,000, but never solicited bids for those jobs.

In all, investigators wrote, Northern Illinois spent more than $1 million on the five highest-paid of those employees.

sstclair@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @StacyStClair
A Northwestern University professor, wanted for a brutal stabbing in his Near North Side apartment, has sent a video message to family and friends apologizing for "his involvement" in the slaying, police said Friday.



The disclosure is the latest twist in the slaying of 26-year-old Trenton Cornell-Duranleau, who was found repeatedly stabbed and slashed in the home of Wyndham Lathem on July 27.



On Thursday, police said either Lathem or another suspect in the case, Andrew Warren, made a $1,000 cash donation in Cornell-Duranleau's name at the Lake Geneva Public Library on the day of the slaying. The person gave no indication why the contribution was being made.



Both men, who are wanted on charges of first-degree murder, remained at large Friday, though police say they have an idea where they might have fled. Lathem, 42, is an associate professor of microbiology at Northwestern and Warren, 56, is an employee of Oxford University in England, who traveled to the United States for the first time just three days before the slaying.



"We believe they're together or (at) least in very close communication," said Anthony Guglielmi, chief spokesman for the Chicago police.



Guglielmi would not say when the video was made or when it was sent out. In it, Lathem said he had made "the biggest mistake of his life," Guglielmi said, declining to release further information. He urged Lathem to turn himself in.



"At this point, he's reached out to family and friends," Guglielmi said. "We don't want to see this get any worse."



Police believe Cornell-Duranleau was killed in Lathem's apartment in the 500 block of North State Street around 5 a.m. on July 27. But officers were not alerted until an anonymous caller reached the front desk of the building around 8:30 p.m., more than 15 hours later.



They found Cornell-Duranleau lying face down, dead from stab wounds to his back, law enforcement sources said. In the kitchen, police found a knife with a broken blade in the trash can and another knife near the sink. Blood was everywhere, the sources said.



Police said they suspect Lathem fled with Warren. Both men were seen on surveillance video at the building, police said.



Around 5 p.m. that day  more than three hours before the body was discovered  one of the suspects walked into the library in Lake Geneva, Wis., and approached the circulation desk, according to Lake Geneva Police Lt. Edward Gritzner.



The man told a staffer he wanted to make a donation in the name of Cornell-Duranleau but asked to remain anonymous. The staffer accepted $1,000 in cash from the man, who turned and left through the main door.



No one saw him get into a car.



The man did not specify what he wanted the money to be used for, and Gritzner described it as a "general'' donation, nothing unusual for the library.



"They do take donations, a lot, as a matter of fact," he said. "Accepting a donation is not uncommon."

Four days later, Chicago police detectives arrived at the library and began asking questions. They showed the staffer a photograph of the suspects and the staffer picked the man out.



The library does not have video surveillance, Gritzner said. He did not know if the man was Lathem or Warren.



Gritzner said Friday there is no indication the suspects are still in that area, but police have been searching just in case.



"We're a resort town, a vacation town. Ninety-five percent of visitors are people from Chicago," Gritzner said. "We've checked the local motels, hotels and bed and breakfasts. We've been scanning for them every shift.



"It's an odd one," he said.



Authorities have so far offered little information about what may have led to the attack. Lathem and Cornell-Duranleau were involved in some sort of relationship and had "some type of falling out," Guglielmi said. He could not elaborate on the relationship and could not say how Warren knew Lathem and Cornell-Duranleau.

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Cornell-Duranleau, who had been living in the Heart of Chicago neighborhood, grew up in the small town of Lennon in eastern Michigan. He attended high school in Grand Rapids and earned a state certification in cosmetology in 2011. He moved to Chicago last year, telling friends he got a job at a salon in the city.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Authorities say a suspicious package that sickened several people at an IRS building in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, smelled like ammonia.

Local officials say about 10 people reported feeling sick after the package was delivered to the building Friday.

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Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Lucy Martinez says seven people were treated at local hospitals. She says several people reported feeling ill with "watery eyes." Some people reported vomiting and nausea.

Martinez says the envelope involved smelled like ammonia, but no other details were released about the envelope's contents or where it may have originated.

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The investigation has been taken over by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. The Federal Protective Service, a division of Homeland Security, also is involved.

The building wasn't evacuated and business returned to normal about two hours after the incident began.

A hazardous materials team took possession of the package, Martinez said. Further details about its contents haven't been released.

About 10 people reported feeling ill, including vomiting and sweating, after the package arrived at the building, said Kansas City Fire Department spokesman James Garrett. Two of those people were taken to nearby St. Luke's Hospital, where they were in good condition, spokeswoman Laurel Gifford said.

Garrett said the Fire Department checked the package for gasses and fumes but didn't find anything.
This file photo taken on June 21, 2017, shows Special Counsel Robert Mueller leaving after a meeting with members of the US Senate Judiciary Committee at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Saul Loeb / Getty Images )

Two bipartisan pairs of senators unveiled legislation Thursday to prevent President Donald Trump from firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller without cause - or at least a reason good enough to convince a panel of federal judges.

Senators have raised concerns that the president might try to rearrange his administration to get rid of Mueller, who is spearheading a probe of Russia's alleged interference in the presidential election and any possible collusion between the Kremlin and members of the Trump campaign and transition teams.

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Mueller's probe has been advancing, despite the president's attempts to discredit the probe as an illegitimate "witch hunt." He impaneled a grand jury in Washington, D.C., a few weeks ago, according to a new report out Thursday. And the case has already produced subpoenas, from a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia that issued them in relation to former national security adviser Michael Flynn's business and former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

While Trump cannot fire Mueller directly, many have raised concerns in recent weeks that he might seek to replace Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who recused himself from all campaign-related matters, including the Russia probe. Sessions's deputy, Rod J. Rosenstein, said he would not fire Mueller without cause - but a new attorney general could supersede his authority.

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The blowback from Congress to Trump's recent public criticism of Sessions was sharp and substantial, and his allies in the GOP told the president to back off. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, even indicated that he would not make time in the Senate schedule to consider a new attorney general nominee.

This week, there have been reports that new White House chief of staff John Kelly told Sessions he would not have to worry about losing his job.

But that has not quieted the concerns of the Democrats and Republicans behind the latest efforts to safeguard Mueller - and, by extension, his Russia probe - from presidential interference.

"The Mueller situation really gave rise to our thinking about how we can address this, address the current situation," said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., the co-author of one of the proposals. He called the effort "a great opportunity, in perpetuity, for us to be able to communicate to the American people that actions were appropriate - or if not, then not," if an administration ever attempts to terminate a special counsel's term.

The two proposals - one from Tillis and Sen. Christopher A. Coons, D-Del., and the other from Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Cory Booker, D-N.J. - each seek to check the executive branch's ability to fire a special counsel, by putting the question to a three-judge panel from the federal courts. They differ in when that panel gets to weigh in on the decision.

Graham and Booker's proposal, which also has backing from Judiciary Committee Democrats Sheldon Whitehouse, R.I., and Richard Blumenthal, Conn., would require the judges panel to review any attorney general's decision to fire a special counsel before that firing could take effect. Tillis and Coons' proposal would let the firing proceed according to current regulations, which they codify in the bill - but the fired special counsel would have the right to contest the administration's decision in court. In that scenario, the judges panel would have two weeks from the day the special counsel's case is filed to complete their review and determine whether the termination was acceptable.

Tillis and Coons, who pulled their bill together over the past two days, explained the difference as one to ensure that the legislation does not run afoul of constitutional separation of powers. Both senators, as well as Graham, said they expect they may merge their efforts after lawmakers return to Washington in September.

"I think we maybe can have a meeting of the minds. I really appreciate them doing it," Graham said Thursday of Tillis and Coons' bill. "I just have a different way of doing it."

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In either guise, the bill effectively would limit the president's authority to hire and fire special counsels - a privilege that fell more squarely under the executive's purview after Congress let an independent-counsel law established in the wake of the Watergate scandal expire in 1999, following Kenneth Starr's investigation of President Bill Clinton.

The lawmakers are not expecting that the president will like or support either proposal to protect the special counsel from being fired without cause. But they say they are convinced that there is enough support to pass such a law, even over Trump's objections, because of the number of Republicans and Democrats speaking out in defense of Mueller and his probe.

Coons identified "a broader bipartisan concern that the president may take inappropriate action to interfere with the ongoing, important work of Bob Mueller," he said, and guessed that "if the president were to fire the special counsel, the Senate might promptly take action to reappoint him."

"This is the first step to put a speed bump in place against his improvident firing," he said of his bill with Tillis.

Coons also pointed to his partnership with Tillis as an example of a trend "of public statements and actions by an increasingly wider range of bipartisan senators to push back on decisions by this White House."

As far as Mueller is concerned, that may be smart politics.

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According to a Quinnipiac University poll released this week, 64 percent of registered voters believe Mueller will conduct a fair investigation - far more than the 33 percent of registered voters who approve of the job Trump is doing as president. Sixty-nine percent of registered voters also believe it would be an abuse of power for Trump to order the Justice Department to fire the special counsel.

But the numbers are not so clear-cut when considering only registered Republicans. While more than half of registered GOP voters believe Mueller's investigation will be fair, over three-quarters of registered Republicans approve of Trump's tenure in the Oval Office. And only 37 percent of registered GOP voters believe that Trump would be abusing his power if he ordered Mueller's firing.

Scott Clement contributed to this report.
When Huey Long was running for office in Louisiana, he told crowds that as a boy on Sunday mornings, he would hitch the family horse to a buggy to take his Catholic grandparents to Mass and then ferry his Baptist grandparents to church. When a surprised friend said, "I didn't know you had any Catholic grandparents," Long replied: "Don't be a damn fool. We didn't even have a horse."

Long was governor and a U.S. senator in the 1920s and '30s, an innocent age when politicians carefully rationed their lies, dispensing them for specific purposes and striving to keep them believable. He might find himself unable to function in the era of Donald Trump, who churns out fiction nonstop with no rhyme, reason or restraint.

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Even after two years on the political stage, Trump continues to outdo himself. His penchant for lies resembles an incorrigible alcoholic's thirst for drink: He lives for the next one and can't abstain, no matter what it costs him.

He lies about inconsequential things. After a much-criticized appearance at the Boy Scouts of America's national jamboree, Trump claimed, "I got a call from the head of the Boy Scouts saying it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them." The organization denied it, and Trump's press secretary acknowledged the call never happened.

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He lies about more consequential things. In tweets announcing his ban on transgender members of the military, he said he made the decision "after consultation with my generals and military experts"  but it came as a surprise to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Trump lies about big things, inviting prosecutorial scrutiny. When it was reported that Donald Trump Jr. met last year with a Russian lawyer, Trump Jr. issued a statement that later turned out to be misleading. The president's attorney insisted the elder Trump had nothing to do with it  but after The Washington Post reported he had dictated it, the White House admitted he had "weighed in."

Trump spins falsehoods in public and in private, even when there is nothing to gain. In a phone conversation with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, Trump bragged he had campaign crowds of 50,000, though his biggest was 30,000. He more or less conceded that his vow to make Mexico pay for a border wall was bogus.

The Washington Post's Fact Checker describes Trump as "the most fact-challenged politician" it has ever encountered. In his first six months, it counted 836 false or misleading claims  4.6 per day.

It's enough to make me nostalgic for when the White House was occupied by the notoriously slippery Bill Clinton, whom one political rival described as "an unusually good liar"  before Monica Lewinsky. Clinton must be thinking he could have gotten away with more deceit than he dared.

David Corn's 2004 book was titled "The Lies of George W. Bush." A sequel for Trump would take several volumes.

Barack Obama was condemned for what PolitiFact named the 2013 Lie of the Year  "If you like your health care plan, you can keep it." Obama admitted he was wrong and expressed regret. Trump utters bigger lies than that every day and never takes responsibility.

Dan P. McAdams, a psychology professor at Northwestern University who last year wrote an article for The Atlantic assessing Trump's personality, tells me he expected him to greatly curtail his lying once in office. "But no way," he says. "Almost everything that comes out of his mouth now is either misleading, a gross exaggeration or a baldfaced lie."

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How does he explain Trump's habit? "What is true for him is what works in the moment to give him a win," says McAdams. "He must win every moment."

But this type of winning doesn't last. Trump's incessant dishonesty has helped drive his approval rating lower than any president's six months in since polling began in the 1940s. It has intensified suspicions about his Russian connections, which are under investigation by a special counsel.

The problem is not just that Trump is defrauding his followers. It's not just that if he has to answer questions during a criminal investigation, he may risk committing perjury. In a war, terrorist attack or other crisis, it's vital for the president to have some credibility with the citizenry.

Trump won't. If and when that moment arrives, most Americans will assume they are being misled. Trump will then find that his habit of lying has made him a loser.

Steve Chapman, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/chapman.

Download "Recalculating: Steve Chapman on a New Century" in the free Printers Row app at www.printersrowapp.com.

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schapman@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @SteveChapman13
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)

Chicago's Picasso, a 162-ton steel sculpture hovering 50 feet over Daley Plaza, has been slowly turning colors and gaining in popularity for 50 years.

Oxidation has given it a rusting patina. The growing popularity of metal sculptures has made it less of an oddball.

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The local art scene was different on Aug. 15, 1967, when Richard J. Daley proudly unveiled a work that the most celebrated artist of the day had made especially for the mayor's beloved Chicago. Daley acknowledged that some folks might need a little time before sharing his enthusiasm, as the Tribune noted.

"We dedicate this celebrated work this morning with the belief that what is strange to us today will be familiar tomorrow."

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Alfresco sculpture at that time usually meant historic figures carved out of granite or marble. Confusion over Picasso's sculpture had arisen long before the piece was installed. A maquette, a scale model, that was sent to the city about a year earlier left Chicagoans scratching their heads.

Clearly it was meant to look like something. But what?

Answering that question would require the imagination of a paleontologist examining a newly unturned fossil: A few features were recognizably those of some sort of animal. Others were puzzling.

Lots of people made a stab at deciphering the statue during the hubbub that accompanied its installation in front of 25,000 people at what was then known as Civic Center Plaza.

"Groups of children driven to the Loop for the event, businessmen on their lunch hour and housewives taking time out from their shopping filled out the crowd of official guests and dignitaries," the Tribune reported. "The experts had said that the great artist's work was a giant head of a woman, but not everyone could quite see it that way."

Over the coming days  and decades  people would ask, "What is it?"

Among the answers suggested by passers-by were: the head of a horse, butterfly wings, a flying nun, an Afghan hound, a vulture and Ollie the dragon  a reference to the popular television show "Kukla, Fran and Ollie."

Children were particularly intrigued by the question. One said it "was a baboon at the top but not at the bottom." A 5-year-old's answer had a hint of sibling rivalry: "It looks like my brother."

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"It's hideous!" a woman told the Tribune's reporter. "It's like a cow sticking out its tongue at Chicago."

Her verdict was echoed sotto voce at City Hall. Few ward heelers were willing to publicly question Daley's aesthetic judgment, the Tribune's reporter stationed there wrote. "But a number have said privately they believe the city has been hoodwinked by the artist."

An exception was Col. Jack Reilly, who spoke up, though his beef wasn't about aesthetics. The city's director of special events loved to stage elaborate receptions for visiting dignitaries in the plaza. With the sculpture taking up space, where would he line up the marching bands and military formations?

"If it is a bird or an animal, they ought to put it the zoo," Reilly told the Tribune. "If it is art, they ought to put it in the Art Institute."

Ald. John Hoellen, 47th, a Republican, wanted the sculpture deported. But columnist Mike Royko thought the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso captured Chicago's essence. "You'd think he's been riding the L all his life," Royko wrote.

Of the sculpture, he noted: "Its eyes are like the eyes of every slum owner who made a buck off the small and the weak. And of every building inspector who took a wad from a slum owner."

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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)

Debate of the sculpture's virtue was inflamed by its creator's politics. One Tribune reader denounced it as a "so-called statue donated by the card-carrying Communist, Picasso."

Picasso had joined the French Communist Party in 1944 and a few years later created the Dove of Peace  a symbol adopted by antiwar activists, especially those who held the U.S. more responsible than the Soviet Union for the Cold War.

In 1967, the U.S. was divided over the Vietnam War. Some were deeply opposed; others considered protesters to be subversive for not supporting American GIs facing Communist troops.

Two days after the Picasso's unveiling, an antiwar protester "was charged with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct after he refused to quit demonstrating in the plaza," the Tribune reported.

Daley was unfazed by the redbaiting critics of Picasso. Among the critics was Col. Reilly, wrote Patricia Balton Stratton, author of the recently published "The Chicago Picasso."

"Politics we handle ourselves," Daley rebuked Reilly. "Picasso is the best artist in the world and that is what we care about."

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Daley looked at the Civic Center plaza as a Renaissance prince would. The Medici decorated the public square of Florence with a sculpture by Michelangelo. Daley was similarly determined to make the great genius of modern art his court artist.

The architects who carried that message to Picasso had a sales kit, on the assumption he didn't know much about Chicago. Included were photos of notables associated with the city, such as Abraham Lincoln and Carl Sandburg.

"My friend!" Picasso said, seeing one of Ernest Hemingway. "I taught him everything he knew about bullfighting. Is he from Chicago?"

Perhaps Picasso recalled that the Art Institute of Chicago was the first American museum to show his work. Whatever the reason, not only did he take on the assignment, he refused to accept a $100,000 check for his work, saying it was his gift to Chicago. Several of Chicago's charitable foundations shared the $300,000 (more than $2 million in 2017 dollars) construction cost of the statue, which was fabricated by the American Bridge division of U.S. Steel in Gary.

But Picasso declined to sign over copyright. That stopped the city from collecting licensing fees for souvenir versions  ashtrays and shot glasses  that proliferated as the sculpture became an iconic image of Chicago.

Despite its mixed reviews, Picasso's statue grew on Chicagoans. Children delighted in climbing up it and sliding down. Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin used it as the background for announcing a pig as the Yippies' candidate for president in 1968, and the plaza became Chicago's equivalent of the ancient Roman Forum. Visitors asked their Chicago hosts to take them there.

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When Picasso died in 1973, Doug Wisecup paid his respects in front of the sculpture. "It's just too bad that we don't have a similar work in Des Moines," he told a Tribune reporter.

It inspired other sculptures  by artists of the caliber of Jean Debuffet, Joan Miro and Marc Chagall  to be placed at Loop sites. On its 25th anniversary, it was saluted by Emmet McShane, a city fire marshal. "It's what we think the city is about," he said, "The 'L' is there, the Picasso is there, the mayor is there."

He was referring to the second Mayor Daley. No doubt the sculpture will be similarly saluted when Mayor Rahm Emanuel hosts its 50th birthday party Tuesday.

That doesn't mean Chicagoans finally agree on what Chicago's Picasso is. It's that they've belatedly recognized the wisdom of the first Mayor Daley's aesthetic advice: "You're supposed to use your imagination in modern art."

rgrossman@chicagotribune.com
The Illinois Senate stands adjourned shortly after coming to order during a special session on education funding at the Illinois State Capitol, Monday, July 31, 2017, in Springfield, Ill. (Justin L. Fowler / AP)

For the first time in Illinois history, according to the Illinois comptroller, the state might miss its first August payment to public schools. Possibly the second payment, too.

The reason for the delay is familiar. The Democrat-controlled General Assembly and the Republican governor, Bruce Rauner, cannot agree on a path forward. This time, it's over school funding.

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Not even the possibility of schools unable to keep their doors open galvanizes lawmakers in this deadbeat state to act with urgency. Rauner issued an amendatory veto of the Democrats' school funding bill on Tuesday, starting a 15-day clock during which the Senate has to act. But the Senate has not even set a date to reconvene. Its schedule for the month of August is blank. Same with the House, outside of one committee hearing.

That doesn't mean lawmakers won't at some point return to Springfield to address the governor's veto. But they sure seem determined to run down the clock. To build pressure. To stoke panic. To fuel disunity. That's how governing, if you call it that, takes place in this state  always in a pressure cooker and often with lousy results.

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Some senators aren't even in Illinois. They're in Boston with the National Conference of State Legislatures. Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Olympia Fields, will be sworn in as an officer of the organization. The trip was planned months ago, she tells us, and she'll fly back "on a moment's notice" if Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, calls members back to Springfield.

So far, that hasn't happened.

Since Rauner's veto, a handful of lawmakers have been negotiating to find middle ground between the bill the General Assembly passed and the changes Rauner demands. Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, has been on the phone with Democrats and Republicans, trying to wade toward a new version that both parties would accept. But time is running out.

Also holding up progress is a lack of data. The Illinois State Board of Education is expected to release numbers Monday that show how each school district would be affected by the changes Rauner is seeking. We too are waiting on those numbers.

But no Illinois taxpayer, especially those with kids in public schools, should have been forced into this predicament in the first place. It's another black mark on Illinois' sorry scorecard.

Remember, Democrats passed the funding bill on May 31, stuffing into it extra money for Chicago Public Schools at the last minute. Then Cullerton sat on the bill for two months instead of sending it to Rauner, knowing the governor was poised with his veto pen. And for what, that two-month delay? A purposeful running-down of the clock. A way to foster turmoil.

Democrats knew the state owes schools their first payment on Aug. 10. They stalled anyway.

Now they continue to run down the clock, playing chicken with that 15-day, constitutionally mandated deadline to act on Rauner's veto in the Senate. There, senators could accept Rauner's changes, which is unlikely. They could pass a new version of school funding reform. They could override the veto. Or they could let the whole thing collapse by doing nothing.

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If the Senate takes action, the issue shifts to the House, which passed the original bill with the bare minimum of 60 votes. Republicans would need to join forces with Democrats to override the governor's veto, if it comes to that. And Republicans might be more willing to crack by then if schools in their districts could not open or stay open.

See how this works? Whatever it takes for my side to squeeze yours.

Governing in this state is a cynical gamble of brinkmanship, forcing those who actually depend on help to accept chaos and uncertainty. In this case, the captives are schools and the kids they serve. Crisis after crisis, only the pawns' names change. You can fill in the blank.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.

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An ongoing criminal investigation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a major step forward as his former chief-of-staff has agreed to testify against him, a court-issued gag order released by police reveals.

American-born Ari Harow, who served under the Prime Minister when he was elected in 2009, will cooperate with investigators in two cases, involving bribery, fraud and breach of trust, tied to Netanyahu.

As part of the deal, Harow agreed to plead guilty of committing fraud and breach of trust in an entirely separate case. In exchange, prosecutors will request that Harow be handed six months of community service and a fine of 700,000 shekels (around $200,000) instead of a jail term, which such offenses usually attract.

The deal with was authorized by Israel's Attorney General and was announced by police on Friday.

The announcement came just 12 hours after a court-issued gag order specified the alleged offenses of bribery, fraud and breach of trust for the first time. Netanyahu has been questioned as a suspect in the two cases.

Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in the cases, and on Friday he dismissed the latest developments once again.

In a short video posted on his Facebook page just hours after the deal with Harow was announced, Netanyahu wrapped up a discussion on various topics by saying: "I cannot end without reference to this week's latest affair. I do not pay attention to background noises and I continue working for you."

One case, known as Case 1000, involves allegations concerning inappropriate acceptance of gifts from businessmen.

In the other, Case 2000, Netanyahu is alleged to have colluded with a newspaper owner to have negative coverage of him toned down. In exchange, Netanyahu allegedly assured the owner that the circulation of a rival paper would be reduced.

Both gag orders issued prohibit publication of certain details of both the investigation and the deal with Harow.

Police are also investigating a third case -- Case 3000 -- which involves the purchase of German submarines and attack boats. The procurements were made during Netanyahu's premiership, but so far, he has not been questioned and the Attorney General has said he is not a target of the investigation.
The family of an Aurora-born 19-year-old who died by suicide at the LaSalle County jail last year is suing the county sheriff's office, sheriff and two deputies in a civil rights and wrongful death complaint filed in federal court.

Devin Jaros had been in the LaSalle County jail less than a full day on felony charges including aggravated fleeing and eluding and unlawful use of a weapon when a corrections deputy conducting cell checks found him hanging Sept. 17 in the pre-classification room at the jail in Ottawa.

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The deputy, identified in the lawsuit using only the last name of Pence, another deputy with the last name Diaz and Sheriff Tom Templeton are individually named in the suit, along with the county.

Kevin Casey and Shantel Perez, attorneys from the Chicago-based firm Peterson, Johnson and Murray, entered appearances Thursday on behalf of all defendants.

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Filed in late July in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the lawsuit states the county and named officers intentionally deprived Jaros of his constitutional rights to due process and equal protection, displaying indifference to his medical needs.

Demanding a trial by jury, the family is seeking compensation plus legal fees.

Based on material he'd reviewed so far, Casey said the complaint contained inaccurate allegations, but declined to go into specifics.

"There are a lot of factual inaccuracies and the county looks forward to fully defending this matter," Casey said.

The lead attorney for the Jaros family, Gregory Kulis, could not be reached Thursday afternoon.

The lawsuit alleges that all defendants knew Jaros' mental health status placed him at a high risk for suicide and knew he required medical care, yet failed to provide any medical care or treatment during his incarceration.

The lawsuit states that though the county was tasked with protecting Jaros, those involved were indifferent to protecting him, yet none have been disciplined in any way as a result of any allegations described in the complaint.

Further, it claims officers did not check the well-being of detainees that night.

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The county or sheriff are accused in the lawsuit of authorizing, tolerating and institutionalizing practices that were illegal which guided the actions of the deputies.

hleone@tribpub.com

Twitter @hannahmleone
The Hinsdale Village Board will spend more than originally expected for a large parking deck at the new Hinsdale Middle School. (Cordogan Clark & Associates )

The Hinsdale Village Board gave the go-ahead Thursday to Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 to proceed with construction of a large parking deck, to be paid for by the village, despite almost a $1.7 million increase in the cost estimate.

Bulley & Andrews, the school district's construction firm, earlier had estimated that costs would be about $4.53 million for the larger of two considered parking decks and $2.78 million for a smaller deck.

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The new estimates, which came with help from a consultant hired by the village, were $6.2 million for a deck with 189 lower-level spaces for village use and $5.3 million for a deck with 115 lower-level spaces. The board supported the larger parking deck.

The total cost for the larger deck is expected to be $7.2 million to $7.5 million, but the school district, which otherwise would have just planned for a surface parking lot, will contribute $1 million to $1.3 million toward the deck's cost, said Brian Kronewitter from Cordogan, Clark & Associates, the architectural firm.

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The Village Board also approved a memorandum of understanding, which previously was approved by the District 181 Board, for the parking deck project.

The parking deck is part of the project to build a new Hinsdale Middle School and will be on the site of the existing school building. The new school is being built directly south of the existing structure and is scheduled to open in August 2018.

District 181 Superintendent Don White previously explained the estimate increase, saying the parking deck design had to be modified because the engineering analysis, completed after the original estimate, showed that the school and parking deck had to be structurally independent. There also have been some items added to the project, and some line items were underestimated, White said.

There was a consensus among Village Board members that additional parking is needed for the village's downtown area and that spending the estimated $6.2 million for the larger parking deck made more sense than $5.3 million for the smaller deck. The larger deck will have a total of 319 spaces, including an upper level for school use during school hours.

"One of the biggest issues we've ever had, along with the condition of our roads, is the lack of parking in downtown Hinsdale," Village President Thomas Cauley, Jr. said. "We would rather error on the side of a larger parking deck. I don't like the additional cost from the earlier estimate, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to have more parking."

Cauley said Hinsdale officials would soon make a decision on how to pay the village's bill for the parking deck.

"For a larger deck, we may need to issue bonds, and we may not," he said.

Cauley offered a few options for the board's consideration at future meetings, one of which was to rent some parking deck spaces to commuters.

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"We could charge a premium; these spaces would be shielded from the weather," he said, noting the village charges $310 for six months of parking in its existing commuter parking lot.

"We could charge 25 percent more, and that would yield $60,000 a year," he said.

Cauley said he doesn't support adding a 0.25 percentage point to the village's food and beverage tax as an option he because not all Hinsdale restaurants are located downtown. He also doesn't like the idea of raising parking fees to generate more revenue.

"We've always said our fees for parking are not about revenue, but to make sure we have a turnaround with the parking," he said.

Cauley's preferred way to fund the parking deck is to set up a special services area that would increase property taxes for 50 parcels in the village's central business district.

"That would be the fairest tax," he said. "I prefer some way to have the people who benefit pay at least a portion directly."

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John Karstrand, president and chief executive officer of the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, told the board that business owners strongly support the parking deck.

Melissa Waters, an owner of Hinsdale Furriers, 33 E. First St., said she agreed business owners should absorb some of the cost for the parking deck. However, if business owners are charged with funding a large portion of the village's parking deck costs, some spaces should be reserved for merchants, Waters said.

White said he was appreciative of the Village Board's support in giving the go-ahead for the large parking deck, which allows for excavation work to begin on the HMS site.

"Every day makes a difference with our schedule," White said.

Cauley said a second reading of the ordinance giving approval for the larger parking deck will take place at the Aug. 15 Village Board meeting, basically as a formality.

Along with giving a consensus approval for the larger parking deck, the Village Board also approved a request from Bulley & Andrews for a waiver of the 8 a.m. construction start time to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday.

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That permission was granted for a 60-day period, starting Aug. 14 and will be reviewed again at that point for a possible extension.

cfieldman@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @chuckwriting
Sweet Home Chicago was among the award-winning benches named by Tinley Park as part of its 14th annual Benches on the Avenue art project. (Village of Tinley Park)

Winners of this year's Benches on the Avenue public art project in Tinley Park were recently announced.

This year's theme is "The Power of Music" to coincide with the village's branding effort centered around live music. The 19 benches are displayed along Oak Park Avenue from 172nd to 176th streets and will be out until early October.

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The award for best portrayal of theme went to Bethany Nemec for the "Music Speaks Life" bench she created. It is the fourth year she has taken part in the Benches art project.

Marty Rose's "Wordsmith" bench was judged most creative. He is one of the original bench artists, according to the village.

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The award for best 3-D bench was "Sweet Home Chicago," created by Nick Schulien. The movie "The Blues Brothers" inspired the bench, and Schulien has taken part in the Benches program for 12 years. He also has a second bench displayed, "A Whole New World," based on the 1992 movie "Aladdin."

Jennifer Lilly has two benches on display and both were judged award winners.

Her "John Williams Musical Themes" bench incorporates images of several of the movies scored by the composer, including "Star Wars," "Jaws" and "Schindler's List," and was awarded for best use of materials.

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Her bench dedicated to the group Coldplay received the Judge's Choice award. It is Lilly's 13th year taking part in the Benches program.

The best first-time artists award went to Sue Kohlstedt-Berry and her son, Sean, for creating "Star Spangled Jimi." The bench depicts Jimi Hendrix performing his version of "The Star Spangled Banner" at the Woodstock music festival. Kohlstedt-Berry is an artist and a teacher at Century Junior High in Orland Park, and her son is a woodworker, according to the village.

The Hillcrest High School Art Society was awarded best group/family project for "Heavenly Sounds." It is dedicated to Keith Anderson, former fine arts director for Bremen High School District 228 who recently passed away.

In its 14th year, Benches on the Avenue showcases the talents of professional and amateur artists from the area, with a different theme each year.

Each bench is sponsored by a local business or individual, who takes possession of it after the program has ended.

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John Williams Musical Themes was among the award-winning benches named by Tinley Park as part of its 14th annual Benches on the Avenue art project. (Village of Tinley Park)

mnolan@tribpub.com

Twitter @mnolan_J
Today is Friday, Aug. 4, the 216th day of 2017. There are 149 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On August 4, 1892, businessman Andrew Borden and his wife, Abby, were axed to death in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. Lizzie Borden, Andrew's daughter from a previous marriage, was accused of the killings, but acquitted at trial.

On this date:

In 1782, composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart married Constanze Weber at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna.

In 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard had its beginnings as President George Washington signed a measure authorizing a group of revenue cutters to enforce tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling.

In 1792, English romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was born at Field Place near Horsham, England.

In 1830, plans for the city of Chicago were laid out.

In 1914, Britain declared war on Germany for invading Belgium; the United States proclaimed its neutrality in the mushrooming world conflict.

In 1936, Jesse Owens of the U.S. won the second of his four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics as he prevailed in the long jump over German Luz Long, who was the first to congratulate him.

In 1942, the Irving Berlin musical "Holiday Inn," starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and Marjorie Reynolds, and featuring the song "White Christmas," premiered in New York.

In 1944, 15-year-old diarist Anne Frank was arrested with her sister, parents and four others by the Gestapo after hiding for two years inside a building in Amsterdam. (Anne and her sister, Margot, died at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.)

In 1964, the bodies of missing civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were found buried in an earthen dam in Mississippi.

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed a measure establishing the Department of Energy.

In 1987, the Federal Communications Commission voted 4-0 to abolish the Fairness Doctrine, which required radio and television stations to present balanced coverage of controversial issues.

In 1991, the Greek luxury liner Oceanos sank in heavy seas off South Africa's southeast coast; the 402 passengers and 179 crew members all survived, largely through the efforts of ship's entertainers who oversaw rescue operations. (Capt. Yiannis Avranas and other officers faced criticism for leaving the ship while some passengers were still on board.)

Ten years ago: President George W. Bush toured the site of a collapsed highway bridge in Minneapolis, pledging to cut red tape that could delay rebuilding. Three students, Iofemi Hightower, Terrance Aeriel and Dashon Harvey, were shot to death execution-style in a Newark, New Jersey, schoolyard. (Six people have since been sentenced to long prison terms.) NASA launched the Phoenix Mars Lander, a robotic dirt and ice digger, toward the red planet (it arrived in May 2008). Barry Bonds tied Hank Aaron's 755 career home runs as his San Francisco Giants lost 3-2 to the San Diego Padres. Alex Rodriguez became at age 32 the youngest player in major league history to date to hit 500 home runs with a first-inning homer in a 16-8 Yankees victory over Kansas City.

Five years ago: Michael Phelps won the 18th Olympic gold medal of his career as the United States won the medley relay at the London Games. The United States set a world record to win the women's medley relay. Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1 to join Steffi Graf as the only women to complete the Golden Slam  winning the Olympics and the four majors. Three British athletes won gold medals in Olympic Stadium: Jessica Ennis in heptathlon; Greg Rutherford in men's long jump; and Mo Farah in the men's 10,000 meters.

One year ago: Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, President Barack Obama vigorously denied that a $400 million cash payment to Iran was ransom to secure the release of four Americans jailed in Tehran. During a practice session on the eve of the Rio Olympics, South Korean gymnast Lee Eun-ju took a smiling selfie with North Korean gymnast Hong Un Jong in a warmly received scene captured by journalists.
Art and Soul on the Fox event coordinator Karen Castillo hangs one of her own computer-enhanced photos at Elgin ArtSpace Lofts. (Mike Danahey/The Courier-News)

Elgin City Council member Tish Powell has plans for the weekend that include adding to her art collection by shopping the booths at this Saturday's Art and Soul on the Fox in downtown Elgin.

"I've attended in the past, and I like the variety of artists they have," Powell, who serves as City Council liaison to Elgin's Cultural Arts Commission, said of the Saturday and Sunday event.

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People spending time and money downtown is one of the goals of events like Art and Soul, city officials have said. Mayor Dave Kaptain frequently mentions using the arts to draw people downtown further revitalize the old central business district and enhance the city's image.

Other arts-related attractions include the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the Elgin Fringe Festival in September, Side Street Studio Arts Krampuslauf in December, the city-supported Elgin Arts Showcase in the Professional Building and the Elgin Artspace Lofts.

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A project from Minnesota-based Artspace, the $15.2 million Lofts opened in 2013 and holds 55 apartments for qualifying artists along with gallery and retail space.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority allocated federal tax credits and state affordable housing tax credits to enable the construction of the live-work development. Elgin businessman Mark Seigle led a drive that brought in $500,000 from the private sector toward the project. And the city swapped out land near Elgin Community College with the college for what was its downtown campus, which was operating in what once was a department store. The conversion put the site back on the property tax rolls.

Sandra Nickerson is among local artists who will have their work on display and for sale at Art and Soul on the Fox this weekend in downtown Elgin.

"And actually, Art and Soul has been around in one form or another for about 60 years. So we're building on that tradition," Kaptain said.

Art and Soul grew out of a downtown fine arts fair sponsored by the Elgin chapter of the American Association of University Women, Kaptain said. In 2009, Art for All, a nonprofit made up of Elgin-area artists, started Art and Soul on the Fox with support from the city.

Art for All group president and Art and Soul coordinator Karen Castillo said that this year's event will feature 79 artists having booths, up 25 percent from recent Art and Soul ventures. The event has been drawing about 4,000 over its two-day weekend runs in recent years, Castillo said.

The event is considered a juried art show, in that the participants were chosen to take part, Castillo said, and information about them is available on the website www.elginartandsoul.com/. There also will be gallery space inside Artspace where artists will have their works for sale and displayed on walls and tables.

The artists also will be judged by an outside professional, Castillo said, with prizes awarded. Those attending the free event also can be part of a friendly competition of sorts, too, Castillo said.

For a free raffle will be held, with people having to visit zones being set up for the fest checked off on a card before turning it in for a drawing featuring prizes from downtown merchants, in a move to draw people back downtown. And participants can get another chance in the raffle by filling out a survey, Castillo said.

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Along with the additional art at the Elgin Artspace Lofts gallery at 51 S. Spring St., attractions are set to include a KidsZone along Prairie Street, a center stage for music and other acts on DuPage Court and food trucks and booths from local organizations in the parking lot at Riverside Drive and Chicago Street.

However, instead of having the artist booths on Grove and Spring Streets, for the first time, they will be located on the Riverside Drive Promenade. That allows the city to make more people aware of the relatively new city attraction that is the promenade, which runs from Festival Park at Prairie Street north to Chicago Street, Powell and Kaptain noted.

The work by Hampshire artist Arnold Kinast will be on sale this weekend at Art and Soul on the Fox in downtown Elgin. (Mike Danahey/ The Courier-News)

"It will be challenge, but it's exciting," Castillo said of the move. "But this way all the art will be in one area, marked by blue flags, that we'll be calling an artists' alley."

"Now Art and Soul on the Fox better fits its name," Powell said. Powell also noted that organizers this year "spiced up Art and Soul with some soul."

That's due to a stage being set up in Festival Park, where three bands will play in an evening concert starting at 5 p.m. which will have a $5 admission charge.

The concert will feature the Alpha Omega Funk Brotherz and Luis Palermo & ORQ Brasa All Stars  both of which have members from Elgin, Powell said  along with Motown Review.

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Powell explained that the bands are being paid with city money originally set aside for Elgin's annual late summer internationally-flavored iFest. That event is on hold for 2017, as the city works to revamp it, work with the Gail Borden Public Library and hold it sometime next year when school is in session.

Elgin Communications Specialist Molly Center said the concert budget is $30,000, while the city's budget for Art and Soul is $25,000.

"From feedback we've been getting, people have said we needed more ethnic events like we used to have," Powell said. "So we found bands that fit the bill. That's what we're rolling with."

The concert, too, is another attempt to draw people downtown, Powell said, and to give those attending Art and Soul a reason to stay downtown for the evening.

mdanahey@tribpub.com
While the Fox River was reopened for boating Friday afternoon, Elgin officials said Walton Island downtown will remain closed for about another week as crews work to clean the island which had been underwater a good portion of July. (Mike Danahey/The Courier-News)

After being closed to boating, kayaking and canoeing since the middle of July, the Fox River from the Algonquin area to the Montgomery dam reopened Friday afternoon.

"The restriction on the river will be lifted at 1 p.m. today," Cpt. Brett Scroggins, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Law Enforcement Region 2 said Friday morning.

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Scroggins explained that a restriction is put in place when conditions are considered to be significantly hazardous to the average recreational boater. The restriction has nothing to do with flooding or property damage, Scroggins said.

"What goes into making that determination involves many factors. It's a totality of the circumstances which include but are not limited to, water levels, flow rates, submerged piers, obstructions, debris, buoys and navigational aids out of place and the like," Scroggins said.

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In this recent flooding event and past ones Scroggins said he has worked with Kane County Emergency Management Agency Director Don Bryant who posts the status of the river on the agency's website, www.kcoem.org/.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources also posts river closures on its own website at www.dnr.illinois.gov/closures. The Department had closed the river from Pistakee Lake to the Montgomery dam on July 12, and from Pistakee Lake to the Illinois/Wisconsin border on July 13.

Bryant said in the wake of the recent flooding he's been providing the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and public safety agencies, such as the Elgin Fire Department, daily updates on the status of the river.

"We will continue to advise people to take care going out on the river," Bryant said. "There's still debris to deal with, some that may be hazardous."

Along with boating restrictions, the aftermath of recent flooding has put a damper on some other recreation in the area.

Forest Preserve District of Kane County Director of Community Affairs, Laurie Metanchuk, said the back portion of Buffalo Park Forest Preserve in Algonquin remained closed due to flooding, until the water recedes and staff has a chance to clean-up the roadway.

A man fishes the Fox River near the Kimball Street dam in Elgin Friday morning. The river reopened for boating Friday afternoon, but officials urged using caution if out on the water in part because of the amount of debris still floating downstream. (Mike Danahey/The Courier-News)

"Some trail sections at Brunner Family Forest Preserve in Dundee Township are also closed," Metanchuk said. "The limestone trail at Brunner literally washed out in some areas, and this will require some major repair."

Metanchuk said that, upon receiving notification of the river reopening, the Forest Preserve District would reopen that boat launches it maintains along the Fox.

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In Elgin, interim Public Services Director Kyla Jacobsen said that Walton Island in the Fox River downtown remained closed to the public

"We're in the process of cleaning it up as time allows. It's kind of a mess, particularly the south section," Jacobsen said Friday. "We're hoping to get it open by the end of next week."

West Dundee's riverwalk had a gazebo and portions of the path underwater at times during the recent flooding. Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said the riverwalk now is open for public use, but there remains a fair amount of cleanup work to do.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources opened the river for boating along the Chain O' Lakes and from the Stratton Lock and Dam to Pistakee Lake earlier in the week. The Department opened the stretch from the Algonquin dam to the Stratton Lock and Dam Friday afternoon.

Fox Waterway Agency Executive Director Joe Keller said while the river may be open, for the 7,100 acres of waterways from Algonquin to the Wisconsin border the agency oversees a debris advisory remained in effect.

Keller said boaters and those along the river are encouraged to contact the agency through its website, www.foxwaterway.com/, or through its smartphone apps to report any significant or unusual debris they might spot floating in the river.

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Both Bryant and Keller said they have filed paperwork with the state related to assessing the damage and related costs to the state.

Keller said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has made changes to its criterion since past flooding events in 2008 and 2013, and he is concerned that what now counts may not reach the threshold for FEMA to release federal money to help recovery efforts. Without this money it could be tough to find funding to address issues such as sedimentation left after the flood in the river's channel mouths, Keller said.

mdanahey@tribpub.com
Elmwood Park Police Department crime prevention specialist Bruce Bogg paused briefly during a presentation Wednesday in the department's crime-free housing class.

He asked how many of the new property owners in his audience had "peep holes" on the inside of their tenants doors.

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Only a few hands in the audience went up.

"You'd better get a drill," he advised the group, "because you're going to be required to put peep holes on the inside doors of your tenants' apartments so they can look out at see who's knocking at the door. Criminals  they'll knock on a door once they get in a building, and someone will open a door and now you've got a problem."

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Bogg, a retired Elmwood Park police officer, and Police Chief Frank Fagiano led the class, packing plenty of nuts-and-bolts advice for landlords on maintaining a quality crime-free residential building in the class with a few cautionary tales of what can go wrong if they don't.

The village has been conducting the classes since August 2011, and attendance is mandatory as part of the Elmwood Park Rental Licensing program.

As a police officer for some 30 years, Bogg said most of the calls he went on were landlord-tenant related. And, "we found out through the years dealing with this stuff that you actually have more authority on your property than we do," he told the roughly 25 property owners assembled.

Property owners can take a lot of the risk involved owning a property by being proactive, he said. They should visit their properties once a week if possible.

On the visits  "walk around your buildings, look in the bushes, look around the garbage cans, look in front, look in back," he advised.

"See if you have bottles of alcohol, see if you have dime bags of dope thrown in your bushes or bags of marijuana thrown in your bushes," he said. "That means you have a drug user on your property. Drug users are very careless, especially when they are in apartments, in their own environment, they fall asleep smoking cigarettes, they leave things on the stove because they passed out. So those are the things you need to look for."

Appearance counts, too, when it comes to maintaining a crime-free building, he said.

"Criminals seek out rental properties, especially a building that is run down, especially a building that the landlord is not taking care of it," Bogg said. "The criminal mindset is 'Hey, that's the one for me. I want to live there. I don't want to live where the landlord got nice grass growing, flowers, bushes, the place is spotless.' He doesn't want to live there because he knows he's going to have a problem. He's not going to fit in there."

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Property owners can receive a ticket for nuisance abatement for three or more nuisance activities at a building in 12 months.

"The chief is going to be calling you," he said.

He also emphasized tenant-screening as a key tool in heading off problems. All applicants and co-applicants (18 and older) should be screened. Screening should be consistent, fair and non-discriminatory, he said.

"Criminal behavior is not a protected class," he stressed.

What are some of the things applicants can be screened for? A credit check, income sources, any crimes in the past three to five years.

Police in Elmwood Park and elsewhere are following closely a Schaumburg case, where the sister of a murdered resident has filed a lawsuit against the company that rented the unit where the suspect and five other transient workers lived, Bogg and the chief said.

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"Background checks are important," stressed Bogg. "I know processing new tenants or going through the credit checks or going through the ID check is kind of a pain in the butt, but (not doing) it can bite you in the butt later on."

The group grew quiet when the chief gave them a glimpse  names and aliases blacked out on the overhead screen  of what police actually see of a suspect's total criminal activity, and not just crimes for which they were convicted.

One record on the overhead screen showed a person (identity not revealed) arrested 42 times, with only eight convictions. Another person had 16 charges of assault, four convictions.

"Those are all 16 different people," Fagiano said.

One name on the screen had aliases filling two columns.

"These are people (we) actually came in contact with that were renting in apartments," the chief said.

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The state of Illinois does not allow police to share that information with civilians, he said. But there are a number of online services that landlords or property owners can use to access information.

"The best thing to do, as Bruce talked about for the last hour  paychecks, driver's license, Google  Google their names," the chief suggested. " Google is one the best little tools out there."

Orlando Rios, one of the property owners at the session, appreciated the information police shared. He just started to lease his condo unit this year.

One thing he took away from the talk is "background is huge," he said. He also appreciated the advice police handed out on the importance of landscaping, lighting, conducting credit checks and other areas.

Izabela Sadowska, owner of a three-flat, said she learned a lot, too.

The need for property inspections impressed her the most. "I'm going to start it," she said.

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"For me, inspections is huge. Go look around  look, smell, look at people, show your face," she said.
Youre fired! was the reality show refrain of the current president of the United States, Donald Trump. So when, on the campaign trail, candidate Trump said, I alone can fix it, with it meaning whatever was ailing the country and each one of its citizens, it was easy to for someone looking for answers to transfer his my-way-or-the-highway TV decisiveness to Oval Office success.

Could The Apprentice boss have bought into his own hype on the way to the White House, forgetting the behind-the-scenes writers and producers, and the reality of life after the director yells, Cut?

If recent confusion wrangling Team Trump is any indication, that answer would be Yes. (Omarosa, a veteran of both shows, famously said during the 2016 campaign that critics and detractors would have to bow down to Trump, showing she also has trouble letting go of the drama.)

One sure thing any TV hand knows is ratings, how a show can earn decent numbers and still get canceled when it loses the desirable key demographic groups that may vary according to show, network and target audience, but always include the viewers advertisers crave, the ones who buy a lot of stuff.

His latest poll numbers show the presidents popularity holding at about 39 percent, but some of those key supporters recently have stopped buying what the Trump administration is selling.

Though rank-and-file fans have not gone anywhere, leaders of groups Trump depended on  from the military to law enforcement to an increasing number of Republicans (and after his off-key Jamboree remarks, the less said about Boy Scouts the better)  are breaking ranks. Perhaps they are pondering past traditions, legacies to come and another president who complained about the media and phony scandals almost up to the moment he waved goodbye.

Trump may have held sway in the big chair when wrangling backbiting celebrities and hopeful contestants, but when dealing with global friends and foes and a public that wants results, threats and ultimatums dont clear up a thing. As Trump watches many he thought were in his corner slowly back away, or at least hedge their bets, those tactics are far from foolproof.

Trump loves the military, he will tell you, and he appointed generals and former generals to his Cabinet and staff. This was despite his cruel criticism of the service of Vietnam War veteran, former Navy pilot and prisoner of war John McCain. As a candidate, Trump also maligned Khizr and Ghazala Khan, whose soldier son Humayun Khan was killed in Iraq, after the Gold Star parents criticized the GOP nominee at an appearance at the Democratic National Convention last year.

After his Twitter statement about banning transgender troops, it should not have come as a surprise when not just rights activists but also the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a letter to the military service chiefs, said the policy would not change until new rules were issued from the White House and secretary of Defense. In the meantime, we will continue to treat all of our personnel with respect, the letter read.

When your military depends on volunteers, its not particularly prudent to push those who have sacrificed and made that choice out the door.

A group of retired military officers spoke out against Trumps ban, and joining them were conservative GOP lawmakers, including McCain. And, in a twist worthy of an Apprentice feud, McCain delivered an electric moment worthy of any TV cliffhanger when he cast the no vote to derail the Republican attempts to overhaul the countrys health insurance landscape.

Two female Republican senators  Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska  made that vote possible with their own opposition to the GOP plan, despite pressure and threats of electoral and economic retribution. That two women held the power must have been galling for the president who had bragged in a videotape about his disrespectful treatment and judgments of women.

But Trump must be particularly puzzled by the rebuke from law enforcement leaders, after many in a recent Long Island audience visibly and vocally approved of his remarks to the Suffolk County Police Department, urging officers not to be too nice when dealing with innocent-until-proven-guilty suspects. It was just a joke, according to Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, though the family of Freddie Gray, who suffered a fatal spinal injury during a rough ride in a Baltimore police van, and plenty of other Americans probably saw no humor in it.

Trump channeled former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, an early Trump ally who has already been replaced by less problematic and more photogenic supporting players, in front of a department under federal oversight after allegations of discrimination against immigrant and Latino citizens its members are sworn to protect.

Police leaders in Suffolk County quickly responded, saying, As a department, we do not and will not tolerate roughing up of prisoners. They were followed by criticism of Trumps sentiments from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Foundation, departments from Los Angeles to New Orleans and the Acting Drug Enforcement Administration head Chuck Rosenberg, who emailed staff that President Trump had condoned police misconduct, before reiterating the departments core values.

When contestants made excuses on The Apprentice, Trumps brand meant calling them to account, and accepting few just joking or only helping my son, Donald Jr. type excuses.

While chief of staff John Kelly, the new showrunner and retired Marine general, may shift the supporting players and bring some order to prevent a White House rerun of recent chaos, his biggest job may be bringing back those key viewers the commander in chief counted on.

Even the ratings of The Apprentice eventually came down to earth.
Pueblo East, Pueblo West football teams knocked out of playoffs

Both Pueblo West and Pueblo East high schools had their faced stiff competition Friday night on the road.
Al Ahram Weekly

A Cairo tuk-tuk driver has been given a prison sentence after being found guilty of sexually harassing a woman, reports Reem Leila





The South Cairo Criminal Court in Helwan sentenced a tuk-tuk driver to five years in prison on 31 July for sexually harassing journalist Hend Abdel-Sattar while she was walking in the street.

Abdel-Sattar was walking in the street near her house in Helwan outside Cairo last year when a tuk-tuk driver tried to sexually harass her. Abdel-Sattar fought off the harasser, but took the number of the tuk-tuk and filed a report at the local police station.

The driver was then referred to the state prosecution for investigation, which in turn referred him for trial. At the time of the incident Abdel-Sattar was praised by the media for her courage as she did not shy away from reporting what had happened and insisted on her right to a full investigation.

Abdel-Sattar provided the police with a detailed description of the driver, who at first denied the incident but later confessed to what had happened. Abdel-Sattar said that my family was pressuring me to give up the case, but I insisted on proceeding even though my parents were afraid the harasser might harm me.

According to Abdel-Sattar, the harasser was going to get married just a few days after the incident. But I insisted that he receive the punishment as a lesson to others and to encourage female victims to report such incidents to the police, she said.

Tarek Al-Awadi, Abdel-Sattars lawyer, posted on his Facebook page that the Cairo Criminal Court Chamber 233 has sentenced Abdel-Sattars attacker to five years in jail. The ruling is a reassuring message to all women that they have the right to walk safely in the streets.

The ruling has also eased concerns that the authorities have not been doing enough to eliminate sexual harassment in Egypt. Maya Morsi, head of the National Council for Women (NCW), expressed her contentment at the verdict, adding that this was not the first time that such a ruling had been handed down.

In July 2014, the same court sentenced seven of nine men accused of sexual harassment to life imprisonment, Morsi said. The ruling was a victory for women, she said, adding that the NCW had a free hotline for women to report sexual harassment incidents.

According to a report issued by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, 99.3 per cent of Egyptian women have experienced sexual harassment and 96.5 per cent have been sexually assaulted.

Nihad Abul-Qomsan, head of the Egyptian Centre for Womens Rights (ECWR), an NGO, said the verdict should cause any man to refrain from such disgusting acts in future and to think a million times before committing them.

She said that sexual harassment had got worse in Egypt over the last few decades. Many people say that up until the 1970s there was very little harassment in Egypt, but things are very different now, she said.

According to the National Centre for Sociological and Criminological Research (NCSCR), 90 per cent of the offenders are jobless men. There are many contributing factors to the increase in sexual harassment, it said, with unemployment being one of them.

Salwa Al-Amri, a sociologist at the NCSCR who feels comfortable with the verdict, said that the huge financial cost of marriage and the fact that sex outside marriage was forbidden might also explain the behaviour.

Men take out their frustration, and not just sexual, on women. Bullies who sexually harass women in the streets often take advantage of mob situations and the anonymity such situations provide, Al-Amri said.

Sexual harassment is a chronic issue, and verdicts like these can help to end it. Similar verdicts will help female victims to come forward with their complaints instead of feeling ashamed to face society, she added.

Psychiatrist Mona Hammad said that the harassers were likely to be from a combination of personality types. Some of them could be men with anti-social personalities who feel no sense of guilt for what they do. Others may feel hate or aggression towards women, she said.

There were also those who may be adopting a mob mentality, Hammad said, losing their self-control as a result of being part of a crowd and so being less likely to follow normal social restrictions. This could lead them to engage in a level of violence they would not engage in if they were alone, she said.

I salute Abdel-Sattar for her bravery in pursuing this case as some women who have been subjected to sexual violence may feel stigmatised and their reputations may be at risk if they speak out, Hammad said.
China has put a strong emphasis on intellectual property rights protections and urged all WTO members to respect the rules of the organization, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday as US President Donald Trump prepares to launch a broad investigation into China's trade policies.

"China and US trade cooperation is the 'ballast and propeller' of bilateral relations and is mutually beneficial. We hope the two countries will continue on a path of cooperation," Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng said at a news conference.

Trump is expected to make a speech and sign a memorandum at the White House on Friday targeting China's intellectual property and trade practices, the CNBC news channel reported.

The Trump administration is considering initiating an investigation into Chinese trade practices under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. It allows the head of state to unilaterally impose tariffs or other trade restrictions to protect US industries from unfair trade practices of foreign countries.

Since the World Trade Organization was established in 1995, US Section 301 investigations have not led to trade sanctions. It was adopted to levy tariffs against Japanese motorcycles, steel and other products in the 1980s.

If the US initiates an investigation under Section 301, that would indicate that it wants to replace international law with its domestic law, said Zhao Ping, director of the department of international trade research at the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

"The move would be unreasonable and violate international practice," she said. "A US attempt to use unilateralism to override multilateral rules would be an abuse of its status as a superpower on the world stage. It would show disrespect for other countries."

The Trump administration might do so partly because it is looking to "divert attention from his (Trump's) domestic economic weakness," she added.

China and the US agreed to initiate a comprehensive 100-day action plan to address the trade imbalance in April. Under the plan, China will resume US beef imports and allow rice imports for the first time.

China-US trade volume reached 1.85 trillion yuan ($272 billion) in the first half of this year, up 21.3 percent year-on-year, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Such a policy against China could "definitely harm workers and entrepreneurs in both countries", said Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Wei Jianguo, vice-president of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said China's imports from the US will increase faster than its exports in the second half of 2017, so the US trade deficit with China is likely to be narrowed.

Wei said that the US is expected to overtake the European Union as China's largest trade partner this year with such growth.

"The world economy is currently on track to recover, but uncertain and unstable factors still exist," said Gao.

"We are willing to work together with the US to jointly promote China-US economic and trade relations, as well as to inject fresh vitality into the world economy."
More public-private partnership (PPP) projects were implemented in the first half of the year as China sought private funding for infrastructure construction, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said Friday.

As of the end of June, 2,021 PPP projects had entered the implementation phase, with a total investment of 3.3 trillion yuan (about 447 billion U.S. dollars), according to the MOF website.

That was up from 1,351 projects and 2.2 trillion yuan of investment as of the end of last year.

The central government is looking to PPP, a collaborative investment model between government and private companies, as a way to fund infrastructure projects amid concerns over high local government debt.

As of the end of June, 13,554 PPP projects were registered nationwide with combined investment of 16.4 trillion yuan, according to the China Public Private Partnerships Center under the MOF.

PPPs have existed in China since the 1980s, but the adoption of the financing mode had been slow until China released two PPP guidelines in 2014.
China will soon launch a new commodity futures contract as the country pushes for development of its commodity derivatives market.

Starting from Aug. 18, cotton yarn futures will be trading on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange, with preparation work for the launch already completed, said the China Securities Regulatory Commission in a statement Friday.

Trading tests will take place on Aug. 5 and 12.

Futures contracts obligate investors to buy or sell underlying assets at a predetermined price at a specified time, helping investors mitigate risks of price volatilities.

In an earlier note the CSRC said cotton yarn futures together with cotton futures, which are already traded, would help companies in the industry to hedge against and improve the management of risk.

Large and frequent fluctuations in cotton yarn prices have had a negative impact on related industries in the past few years, and the launch of the cotton yarn futures will be an answer to market demand, the CSRC said.

China has been developing its commodity derivatives market and plans to gradually open it up to foreign investors. Earlier in April, the country launched white sugar options, the second commodity options after soybean meal.
China released a list of industries that need to obtain licenses before discharging pollutants Thursday.

The list specified the deadlines for stationary sources of pollution in 82 industries to get licenses and named sectors to be focal points of management in a statement by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

Thermal power stations and paper-making enterprises were among the first required to operate with the permits, with more than 5,100 licenses already issued.

From the second half of this year, 13 industries including the steel and chemical sectors must apply for the permits. All 82 industries should have licenses by 2020.

By issuing the licenses, environmental authorities will specify the location and number of pollutant discharge outlets for companies, the method and direction of discharge, as well as set ceilings on the variety, concentration and amount of pollutants.

Companies in breach of the policy may face fines up to 1 million yuan (about 150,000 U.S. dollars) or the suspension of operations. Actions that hamper supervision, such as the damaging of monitoring devices and failing to keep original monitoring records, will also be punished.

China is fighting pollution and environmental degradation after decades of growth left the country with problems such as smog and contaminated soil.

The central government has been stepping up supervision of environmental violations while setting detailed tasks to clean up polluted air, water and soil.
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A condom producer in Guangdong province is taking legal action against the Guinness World Records in a bid to retain the title of world's thinnest prophylactic manufacturer.

Guangzhou Daming United Rubber Products Limited has taken Guinness World Records to court in Beijing after its product was deleted, even though it had previously been verified.

Guinness World Records verified the company's aoni condom, which has an average thickness of 0.036 milimeters, as the world's thinnest in 2013.

But the defendant deleted the record due to new internal regulations and rules it introduced in 2015.

Li Xubo, legal officer from Guangzhou Daming United Rubber Products Limited, said Guinness should not use the regulations and rules which were introduced in 2015 to delete previously verfied records.

"Guinness, which modified its rules at will, has run counter to the basic business ethics and the principle of good faith," Li said.

Beijing Chaoyang district people's court has yet to hand down its decision after two public hearings took place in July.
A Chinese geneticist is to retract a paper on a new gene editing technology that was published last year after other scientists said they had been unable to reproduce his results.

Han Chunyu and his co-authors applied for retraction of the paper from the May 2, 2016 edition of Nature Biotechnology and said they would like to analyze why the results were not reproduced, according to a brief statement on the website of Hebei University of Science and Technology.

Hans team agreed to have a third-party laboratory carry out an experiment to verify the findings on NgAgo-gDNA, said the statement.

NgAgo-gDNA is a new genome editing technology that could be an alternative to the mainstream CRISPR/Cas9 technique.

With China currently in eager pursuit of heavyweight scientific achievements, Han became an overnight sensation.

He was widely praised for pursuing groundbreaking research at a university with very little standing in the field of genetic sciences.

But doubts immediately emerged, with other researchers saying that the results could not be replicated. They included Dr Gaetan Burgio of the Australian National University.

A third-party laboratory will perform the experiment with the support of fellow scientists and disclose the results in response to public concerns, said the statement.
Organ donors in China are expected to exceed 5,000 this year, nearly twice the number in 2015, when voluntary donations became the only legal source of organs, the China Organ Transplantation Development Foundation said on Thursday.

This could make China the country with second-largest number of organ donors this year, said Huang Jiefu, president of the foundation, part of the National Health and Family Planning Commission.

"If everything goes well, China is expected to become the world leader in organ donations and transplantations by 2020," Huang said, giving no exact figures.

The number of organ donors in China reached 2,866 in the first seven months of the year, an increase of 33 percent compared with the same period in 2016, according to Wang Haibo, director of the China Organ Transplant Response System, which coordinates organ distribution and sharing.

The number of organ donors in China this year is expected to exceed 5,000, and more than 15,000 organ transplant surgeries are expected to be completed, said Wang, also a member of the foundation's council.

In 2015, 2,766 people donated organs after death, and the number increased to 4,080 last year, Wang said.

The number of people willing to donate their organs after death has kept increasing in recent years. As of July 16, more than 293,000 people had registered as potential organ donors, and more than 34,500 organs had been donated, according to the foundation.

Voluntary donations have become the only legal source of organs for transplant surgeries in China since January 2015, when China banned transplants of organs acquired from executed prisoners.

Nancy Ascher, president of The Transplantation Society, said China has made achievements in encouraging voluntary organ donations and ending its involvement in the international organ trade.

Despite the increasing number of organs, a large gap remains between supply and demand of transplant organs, which are the only option for some patients with terminal diseases.

More than 40,000 patients in China are awaiting a transplant organ, but only about 16,000 will undergo the surgery this year, according to the foundation's Huang, a former health minister.

In addition to a shortage of transplant organs, several other causes also contribute to the gap between supply and demand, including the high expense for such surgeries and a shortage of doctors certified to perform them, Huang said.

Huang said the number of hospitals certified to conduct transplant surgeries in China is expected to increase from 173 to 300 by 2020.
Experts called for job recruitment websites to strengthen their verification of information after a graduate student apparently received an offer from scammers posing as recruiters for a Beijing-based company.

The graduate student, Li Wenxing, was found dead in a pond in Tianjin's Jinghai district on July 14. An autopsy found that he had drowned.

Police said it's "highly likely" that the 23-year-old was somehow connected with a pyramid scheme organization, as a notebook with pyramid scheme content was found with his body. But the investigation is continuing and the police have not said why Li died.

Li graduated from Northeast University in Shenyang, Liaoning province, in 2016

Scammers, including operators of pyramid sales schemes, have been known in the past to entrap their targets through offers of lucrative financial returns, and then move to forms of extortion and even kidnapping.

According to jmdedu.com, which interviewed Li's friends and members of his family in Dezhou, Shandong province, Li got what he believed to be an offer from a Beijing-based company's branch in Jinghai via recruitment app Zhipin before he exhibited uncharacteristic behavior and went missing.

Li's mother said he told her in his last call not to give money to anyone, the report said. Li himself never borrowed money, the website quoted family members as saying, yet he recently asked for money three times.

According to the report, Li's high school classmate Ding Xiangcheng said Li discussed the job offera supposed position as a software engineerbefore he left for Tianjin.

The purported recruiters, apparently posing as employees of Beijing-headquartered software company Csii, may have offered Li the job after a phone interview, Ding said. Csii, however, said in an online statement that the people who contacted Li in the company's name were not its employees.

"The recruitment industry has been struggling for years with offers from pyramid operators," Zhao Peng, CEO of Zhipin, was quoted as saying on Tencent's news platform. "With the help of artificial intelligence and other technology, it's possible the problem could be eliminated. We can't stop pyramid schemes and fraud, but we should make an effort to get these off our platform."

Regulations governing online information services make it clear that platform operators should ensure that information on the platform is legalwhether they charge for the service or notand platforms that fail to verify are subject to legal liability, said Shen Binti, a lawyer at Beijing-based Zhongwen Law Firm.

It's common to find recruitment websites where unverified information may be published. It's not a loophole in technology but in management, Liu Deliang, a law professor at Beijing Normal University, was quoted as saying by Beijing News.

The Cyberspace Administration of China launched a campaign last year targeting illegal activities related to recruitment websites, including fraud and offers of sales jobs by pyramid schemes. The administration shut down 16 recruitment websites in the campaign.

Recruitment websites are a major channel for graduates to find jobs in China. According to a 2016 report published by Zhaopin.com, a leading recruitment website, about 60 percent of 2016 university graduates use recruitment sites, more than double the number who choose campus recruitment channels.
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A company of one of China's most-wanted fugitives Guo Wengui has been fined 150 million yuan ($22.3 million) for crimes of fraudulently obtaining loans and bill acceptance, according to a court ruling issued Friday.

Two employees of Henan Yuda Real Estate Company were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to two years and another employee was exempted from criminal penalty, according to Kaifeng City Intermediate People's Court.

The defendants said they committed the crimes under direction from Guo Wengui.

Guo, the "actual controlling shareholder" of the company, fled China under suspicion of multiple crimes in August 2014 and is currently listed under an Interpol "red notice" for wanted fugitives.
About 30 Nepalese ainline stewardesses visit China Cultural Center based in Kathmandu on August 3, 2017. [Chinanews]

"China's basic policy of diplomacy with neighboring countries is to treat them as friends and partners, to make them feel secure and to support their development. This policy is characterized by friendship, sincerity, reciprocity and inclusiveness." --Chinese President Xi Jinping

These wise remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping aptly apply to Nepal-China relations as the two countries marked the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on August 1. Sino-Nepalese relations have been marked by a high level of understanding, friendship, sincerity, mutual cooperation and people-to-people bonding.

Formal diplomatic ties began after both nations successfully completed epoch-making revolutions. Nepal had brought an end to the century-old family rule of the Rana oligarchy while China, under Communist Party leadership, carried out the New Democratic Revolution, liberating itself from the yoke of domestic reactionaries and foreign aggressors.

In April 1955, delegations of two nations held talks in Indonesia on the sidelines of the first Afro-Asian conference in Bandung, involving Major General Shovar Jung Thapa and Premier Zhou Enlai.

This was followed by the visit of the Chinese ambassador to India Yuan Zhongxian to Kathmandu. The two sides finally signed an agreement to establish the diplomatic relations on the basis of Panchasheel (the Nepalese word for the five principles of peaceful co-existence first enunciated by Premier Zhou) in Kathmandu on August 1, 1955.

The joint communique issued at that time stated: "The two governments believe the establishment of diplomatic relations will also promote further development in cultural and economic cooperation between the two nations."

During Chinese Premier Zhou's visit to Nepal in April 1960, the two countries concluded a Treaty of Peace and Friendship, declaring their respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and agreed to settle any disputes through peaceful dialogue.

Chairman Mao Zedong rightly said: "The Sino-Nepalese border should be peaceful and friendly forever." The two nations amicably sorted out their border issues and signed a border treaty in 1961.

This sharply contrasts with Nepal's border disputes with its giant southern neighbor that still encroaches on over 85,000 hectors of Nepalese territory.

King Mahendra, former Prime Minister BP Koirala, Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou are considered the key architects of Sino-Nepalese relations. However, a further significant moment was when paramount leader Deng Xiaoping visited Nepal in 1978 to open a "friendship highway," a visit that led to agreement on the air connectivity between the two nations, and an agreement for China to establish a sugar mill and a paper factory in Nepal.

Deng also promptly supported King Birendra's "Zone of Peace" proposal, an idea that India never liked.

Nepal and China have proved to be all-weather friends, helping each other in the times of crisis. On October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao proudly announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China from the Tiananmen Square, declaring the Chinese people had "stood up" for freedom.

However, the capitalist West was hostile to a communist China. At that moment, Nepal, as a trustworthy friend, constantly demanded restoration of China's legitimate seat in the United Nations. Nepal co-sponsored the resolution to induct China as a full UN member in October 1971.

Nepal has unwaveringly adhered to a "One China Policy" and never allowed its territory to be used against China. As a reliable friend, Nepal quickly disarmed and punished the Khampa rebels hell-bent on destabilizing Tibet from Nepal's northern border.

China has extended critical support to Nepal's much-needed infrastructure development. It has built vital roads, industries and buildings, among others. Its cooperation in the field of education and culture is highly recommendable.

During the Indian economic embargo on Nepal in 2015, China came to help, justifying a popular saying that "a friend in need is a friend indeed." It instantly joined rescue and relief operations in Nepal after it was hit by the Gorkha earthquake. During the Indian blockade, it provided gasoline to Nepal free of charge when its supplies from India were halted.

More importantly, the year marked the signing of a landmark trade and transit treaty that promises to lift Nepalese out of abject poverty.

Now China is the largest foreign investor in Nepal. Nepal stands to benefit from its advanced technology, management skills and able human resources. Nepal is now also part of President Xi's signature development project  the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)  which seeks robust connectivity between Asia, Europe and Africa.

The BRI holds immense promise for Nepal's all-round development through connectivity, trade, economic integration, cultural exchange and people to people ties. As all components of the BRI become operational, Nepal-China relations will also rise to new heights.

Ritu Raj Subedi is an associate editor of The Rising Nepal.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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France's first lady Brigitte Macron will be named godmother of the expected twin cubs, the first babies panda in the European country, Beauval zoo officials said Thursday.

Chinese panda Huan Huan, which is on loan to France, is expecting twin cubs, according to the zoo which carried out a medical examination. [Photo/China Daily]

"China will choose the names (of the cubs). Brigitte Macron will give us the honor of being the godmother," Delphine Delord, the zoo's communication director wrote on her tweeter account.

The giant female panda Huan Huan, which is on loan to France from China, will give birth to the twins on either Aug. 4 or 5.

The female panda and her male partner Yuan Zi arrived in central France's Beauval zoo in January 2012.

There are about 2,000 pandas in the world. They are classified as "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
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The U.S. embassy in Turkey refuted media reports that the U.S. had sent tanks and hundreds of truckloads of weapons to the Kurdish militia in Syria and underlined that Washington is fully transparent to Ankara about the arm sent to the People's Protection Units (YPG).

"Inaccurate reports by several outlets over the past few days have erroneously claimed that the United States has sent 'tanks' and 'hundreds of truckloads of weapons' into Syria to support the YPG," the U.S. embassy in Ankara said in a written statement on Thursday.

"The U.S. has not provided tanks to any groups fighting the Islamic State in Syria," the embassy argued.

"A much smaller percentage of weapons given to Kurdish elements of the SDF are limited, specific to task and are only provided due to their importance in helping achieve the goal shared by all of us, i.e., the capture of Raqqa and the destruction of Daesh," said the statement using Arabic acronym of the IS group.

The U.S. embassy stressed that Washington continues to provide full transparency to the Turkish government as to what weapons are being delivered to the YPG.

The vast majority of trucks crossing the Iraqi/Syrian border do not contain military equipment or supplies, but contain foodstuffs, medicine, and other essential supplies needed to ensure the health and safety of internally-displaced persons within Syria, said the statement.

Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency on Tuesday reported that the U.S. had dispatched 100 new trucks consisting of military equipment to the YPG on July 30.

The vehicles were reportedly carrying heavy weapons, cranes, Hummer trucks and jeeps, according to Anadolu Agency which suggested that the number of trucks that reached the Kurdish militia amounted to 909.

The U.S. assured Turkey for providing monthly information about weapons delivered to the SDF in a bid to respond the Turkish government's concerns about the YPG, which Ankara sees as an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Turkey thinks that the arm deliveries to the YPG group could end up at the PKK.
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The rapist and murderer of a Chinese overseas student in Germany was sentenced to life imprisonment, and his accomplice received a youth penalty of five years and six months for sexual coercion, according to a verdict announced Friday.
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Nepal has sent a draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to China for the joint development of cross-border transmission lines between the two countries, a senior official of Nepal's Energy Ministry said Friday.

The power-line connectivity between the two countries is expected to pave the way for electricity trade in the future between the two neighbors.

Former Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had asked China to help in developing 400 KV Cross-Border Transmission Lines Project at Rashuwagadi-Kerung (Geelong) border point. during a visit to China in March 2016.

"In line with the understanding reached with Chinese side during the visit of former PM Oli, the MoU draft on mutual cooperation in developing cross border transmission line was sent to China," Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, spokesperson of the Energy Ministry, told Xinhua. "It has been around four months that we sent the draft and we are awaiting the response from the Chinese side."

Although the joint statement had mentioned the development of transmission line only in Rasuwagadhi-Kerung segment, Nepal's energy ministry officials said such infrastructure could be developed in other three border crossings -- Tatopani-Khasa (Zhangmu), Korala and Kimathanka border points.

Ghimire said that they worked out on the MoU so that it could be signed during high-level visits in the future.

Nepal is considered one of the richest countries in the world in terms of hydro-power generation capacity. There are several hydro-power projects being developed in the bordering regions between Nepal and China.
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A man who opened fire Tuesday outside the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles before shooting himself dead has been identified as 62-year-old Larry Xin Zhang, according to police.

Investigators believed this was a single isolated incident, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said in a news release Thursday.

This breaks with media speculation that the man was linked to a previous shooting at the consulate building in 2011, which resulted in the gunman, a 67-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from China, being arrested by police.

Tuesday's shooting, reported early in the day, injured no one. The man was found dead in his vehicle parked 20 meters away from the consulate office building.

According to the LAPD, the police removed the suspect from the vehicle, and the man had an apparent self-inflicted bullet wound on his chin.

The shooting resulted in six bullet holes on the building of the consulate, Xinhua reporters found.

The news release didn't mention the nationality of the suspect nor the motive for the shooting. The police only confirmed that the man was of Asia origin.

Chinese consulate officials told Xinhua that an earlier media report saying that the shooter is a Chinese national is "just a speculation."
NAIROBI - China, a pivotal country to Kenya's progress, has injected needed investments to open up resource-rich but long-unexploited regions in the African country, said a Kenyan analyst in an interview with Xinhua.

"China's investments and economic cooperation in least developed countries (LDCs) has catalyzed these nations' economic development," said Stephen Ndegwa, a lecturer at MultiMedia University.

"It has motivated innovations that are both relevant and affordable in their national development needs," said Ndegwa, also a public policy analyst in Kenya.

He took the China-contracted mine coal in Lamu County as an example, saying the multi-million dollar project will not only increase Kenya's power supply substantially, but also open up the hitherto-underdeveloped area for more investments.

Ndegwa said Chinese establishment of manufacturing industries has expanded LDCs markets for raw materials and helped to add value at home.

"The ensuing technological transfer will be invaluable in the medium to long term as more indigenous people acquire and utilize new, modern skills of doing business and procuring goods and services," said Ndegwa.

With the recent launch of operation of Kenya's Mombasa-Nairobi railway, China's remarkable infrastructure capabilities are again being highlighted and promoting regional interconnectivity.

Ndegwa regarded this railway as a game-changer, saying the project is ushering Kenya in a new era in the transport of goods and people from the coast to the hinterland and vice versa.

The Chinese-built 472-km-long Standard Gauge Railway linking Kenya's capital Nairobi and East Africa's biggest port city Mombasa comes as part of ambitious efforts to build a 2,700-km East Africa corridor connecting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and other East African countries.

Not only Chinese businesses but also Chinese businessmen have acted as role models in this eastern African country.

Chinese business magnate Jack Ma visited Kenya in July and lectured young entrepreneurs on the virtues of hard work, resilience and empathy, which was hailed as historic by citizens from all walks of life.

"The recent visit by Jack Ma has helped to change the perception of youth in the country by inspiring them with the limitless potential of their ideas," said Ndegwa.
China-Africa trade surges 19% in H1

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-08-03 17:04

BEIJING - Trade between China and Africa reached $85.3 billion in H1, surging 19 percent year on year as the two sides strengthened cooperation in a wide range of areas, official data showed Thursday.



The data reversed the negative growth trend since 2015, according to Gao Feng, spokesperson with the Ministry of Commerce.



During January-June, Chinese imports from Africa, including minerals, agricultural products and fruits, amounted to $38.4 billion, jumping 46 percent from the same period last year, while exports gained 3 percent to $47 billion.



Transport equipment has become a bright spot in China's exports to African countries, with that of ships, trains and aerospace equipment up 200 percent, 161 percent and 252 percent respectively, thanks to stronger project construction cooperation.



In May, Kenya's Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway launched, becoming the newest addition to a list of Chinese-built railways in Africa.



China became Africa's largest trade partner in 2009, and the scale of bilateral trade has expanded rapidly ever since.



Trade with the region's top three trading partners -- South Africa, Angola and Nigeria -- went up 28 percent, 67 percent and 22 percent, respectively in the first six months.



In terms of investment, Chinese business non-financial investment in Africa came in at $1.6 billion in the first six months, up 22 percent year on year.
A man examines an insurance policy brochure at an industry expo in Haikou, Hainan province. [Photo by Shi Yan/For China Daily]

The growth in premium income in the insurance sector slowed in the first half of the year as stricter regulations designed to curb risky business began to bite, the industry's top regulator said on Thursday.

Insurance companies' premium income rose 23 percent year-on-year to 2.3 trillion yuan ($340 billion) in the first half of the year, slower than the 37 percent increase during the same period of last year, data from the China Insurance Regulatory Commission showed.

Premium growth for the full year is projected to drop below 20 percent, amid stricter regulations to contain financial risks, an official at the watchdog said at a news conference in Beijing.

Total profits of insurance groups grew 10 percent year-on-year to 116.2 billion yuan in the first half of the year, according to the CIRC.

The regulator moved to curb aggressive investments and acquisitions by the country's insurers and the sale of short-term high-yield investment products since last year.

The CIRC has ordered insurers to reduce the proportion of income from sales of mid and short-term policies such as universal life insurance, a type of investment-focused life policy.

The proportion should be kept below 50 percent of insurers' premium income and the regulator has suspended the approval of new branches of insurers who fail to meet the requirement.

Premiums from universal life insurance accounted for 17.4 percent of life insurers' total premium income in the first half of the year, declining by 19.45 percentage points from the end of last year, according to the CIRC.

The surge of universal life insurance products caught the regulator's attention, making it concerned that the excessive use of such policies could cause risks through a mismatch of assets and liabilities. It is believed that many insurers sought to fund their overseas investments by selling short-term high-yield life policies at home.

At Thursday's news conference, the CIRC denied media reports that the giant insurer, Anbang Insurance Group Co, was told by the regulator to sell its overseas assets. A CIRC official said that it did not issue such a requirement and has no plans of doing so.

Cao Jing, senior manager of accounting firm Ernst & Young's China actuarial and insurance risk advisory services, said that the slower premium growth was in line with expectation as stricter regulations would help cool the investment-focused insurance market.

Cao said she expected insurers to see accelerated premium growth from traditional protection products and health and retirement policies, while sales of products such as universal life insurance would continue to drop for the remainder of the year.
Employees of Yiguo.com package fruit in Shanghai. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd is betting big on the fresh produce market by upping the ante in a major fresh food e-commerce platform.

Tmall, Alibaba's business-to-customer unit, announced on Thursday it invested $300 million in Yiguo.com, a full-category fresh food site, to facilitate the expansion of its cold-chain systems nationwide.

This is Alibaba's fourth major investment in the online retailer, following an undisclosed amount of Series C funding together with global private equity firm KKR in 2016.

Yiguo delivers perishable goods, such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish to more than 200 cities in China, offering most of its customers same day or second-day home delivery.

Apart from its indigenous site and app, Yiguo also cooperates with Tmall Supermarketa unit selling mostly fast-moving consumer goodsby carrying out daily operations of its fresh produce offerings.

The financial backing will "push Tmall's ability in local sourcing, procurement, supply chain management and delivery to a new height", said Jing Jie, vice-president of Alibaba, in a statement.

Yiguo said it will use the funds to expand the subsidiary's infrastructure so that it can process the 500,000 daily orders expected by the end of this year, and up to 5 million orders by 2020.

The online grocery market is among the few niches that are set to enjoy exponential growth in China's already gigantic e-commerce landscape.

The segment could achieve a market volume of 678 million yuan ($99.7 million) by the end of this year, nearly 10 times the value of the sector back in 2013, said Matthew Crabbe, Asia-Pacific research director at research firm Mintel.

While online retail currently accounts for 3.1 percent of China's total grocery market, research firm IDG forecast the number will jump to 6.6 percent in just three years, driven by young and wealthier shoppers.

"Alibaba's Tmall and JD.com are two major players in the Chinese online grocery market, although their strength lies in combining online marketplaces with bricks-and-mortar stores as well as their efficient distribution networks," said Shirley Zhu, a Singapore-based Asia program director at IGD.

But the e-commerce giants will find it hard to crack the largest categoryfresh fooddue to the high costs of cold-chain delivery and the low shipping fees customers are prepared to pay, according to research by Goldman Sachs in March.

To address that, both Alibaba and JD have finished building their key nationwide "fulfillment centers"warehouses from which the distribution of goods is coordinatedallowing people in more than 200 cities to enjoy same or next-day delivery for groceries ordered online.

They are also testing different business models for selling perishable food online. For instance, JD invested in retail chain Yonghui to boost its online-to-offline deployment, while Alibaba channeled resources to build the Hema Xiansheng store, featuring fresh produce offerings that are accessible both in-store and through a mobile app.
Gavin Liu, Asia president of Westinghouse. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Westinghouse's bankruptcy would have no substantial impact on the ongoing AP1000 nuclear reactor construction in China, said its Asia president.

The company, a unit of Toshiba Corp, announced its bankruptcy earlier this year amid huge losses.

"We don't see impact due to the restructuring and we remain committed to delivering our Sanmen and Haiyang projects," Gavin Liu, Asia president of Westinghouse, told China Daily on Tuesday.

A comprehensive nuclear safety check was completed last month at the AP1000 reactor at unit 1 of the Sanmen nuclear power plant in Zhejiang province, the world's first AP1000 reactor. Fuel loading will take place later this month.

Mark Marano, chief operating officer of Westinghouse, said: "We are looking forward to loading fuel in Sanmen in August".

The company said it will ensure all the onshore, offshore, technique resources and all the equipment are delivered on schedule, and will keep the Sanman and Haiyang projects under quality and safety management.

The nuclear company filed for bankruptcy in March following billions of dollars in cost overruns at two nuclear power plants it designed in Georgia and South Carolina. It had recently reached a deal for an $800 million US bankruptcy loan.

According to Liu, the owners of the Sanmen and Haiyang projects will lead the process, from fuel loading to commercial operation. However, Westinghouse will also play a key role in supporting and ensuring the safety and continue working closely with EPC contractors to deliver the final commercial operation.

Westinghouse, with a strong commitment to its ongoing projects, has been communicating with the Chinese government and key customers of the AP1000 in China, he said.

The company finished Sanmen unit 1 inspection at the end of July, and will start the inspection work at Haiyang unit 1 this month.

"We are happy to see the Sanmen unit 1 and Haiyang 1 finally enter the fuel loading stage."

Liu said the company is very optimistic about nuclear development in China.

"We are very impressed with development in the past 10 years even after the world went through the Fukushima incident, with the whole world rethinking their nuclear development policies," he said.

"We were glad to see the bold and wise decisions from the Chinese government shortly after the Fukushima accident and its reiteration of its commitment to nuclear development.

"Nuclear power as a clean and emission free energy has contributed a lot to optimizing China's energy mix, improving national security," said Liu.

China increased its nuclear power capacity last year by another 8 GW, boosting its installed capacity to around 34 GW, according to BMI Research, which provides macroeconomic, industry and financial market analysis.

According to the National Development and Reform Commission, China's nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 58 GW by the end of the decade.

Westinghouse has successfully transferred its AP1000 technologies to China, based on which China has developed its own CAP1400 technology.

"We are optimistic about China's future nuclear development. It's a unique force in the global nuclear market," said Liu.

Liu said Westinghouse's cooperation with Chinese partners has been a very successful model, as the two parties work not only on Chinese projects but also projects worldwide, including in Turkey.

He cited the agreement between Westinghouse, China's State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation and Electricity Generation Company, the largest electric power company in Turkey, to develop and construct a four-unit nuclear power plant site in Turkey based on AP1000 reactor technology.

"The cooperation model between China and Westinghouse has been very successful, a win-win for both parties," said Liu.
A Chinese State-owned nuclear group has started construction on the multimillion-dollar Brenig onshore wind farm in the United Kingdom.

The renewable energy operation of China General Nuclear Power Corp, or CGN, announced this week it was carrying out building work at the Denbigh site in North Wales in partnership with Jones Bros Civil Engineering, a UK company.

The 16-turbine project is due to be completed in 2018 and will generate up to 37.6 megawatts of electricity, which could power 25,000 households.

Lu Wei, general manager of CGN European Energy Co, pointed out that Brenig was a significant development because it was the first time the group had led a construction consortium for a wind power project.

"The area's geography and its high-quality wind source meant the project attracted bids from many leading energy suppliers," Lu said. "CGN's ability to secure the project was a good reflection of the company's capabilities."

Construction of the Brenig wind farm will take between 12 and 15 months.

So far, the development has created 6.4 million pounds ($8.46 million) of contracts for local companies.

"We expect the project will stimulate the UK economy even more and continue to create jobs after the end of construction," Lu said.

Incorporated in 2014 in France, CGN European Energy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CGN, which is a major investor in the UK's nuclear power sector.

Since its establishment, it has taken on energy projects in the UK, France, Belgium and Ireland. According to company, it is the seventh-largest new energy operator in Europe.

The company also brought in Natural Power as a partner on the project. The UK firm will provide technical support during the construction process.

"Our investment in new energy already exceeds 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion)," Lu said.

He added that the company is looking to invest in projects in regions covered by the Belt and Road Initiative.
Shoppers splashed out 216 billion yuan ($32.1 billion) on online home appliances in China in the first half of the year, an industry report revealed.

This was an increase of 16.9 percent year-on-year as the trend of buying major household goods on the internet intensified.

Figures released by the China Center for Information Industry Development showed that sales of flat screen televisions, air-conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines reached 74.7 billion yuan during the same period, a 41 percent increase year-on-year.

"In recent years, China's online home appliances market has developed at a high speed with sales bigger than expected," the research institute's report stated.

As for the big online winners, JD.com Inc still tops the home appliance sector with an internet market share of 61.3 percent, the report highlighted.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's online marketplace Tmall.com grabbed a 28 percent slice of the market, while Suning Commerce Group Co Ltd came next on 9.4 percent.

The survey also showed that e-commerce transactions accelerated in rural areas, with retail sales increasing by 38.1 percent year-on-year for the first six months of 2017. But the report did not release detailed financial figures, which were supplied by the Ministry of Commerce.

Still, those sales numbers in rural regions were 4.9 percentage points higher than transactions in urban areas.

Best-selling home appliances in rural parts of the country were flat screen TVs and refrigerators.

"An increasing number of people want a certain quality of life," said Hu Yan, a department official at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

"High-quality home appliances are particularly popular online because they meet a demand for personalized products," she said.

The report showed that air purifiers, water purifiers and dishwashers are becoming more popular online. Sales of air purifiers increased by 54 percent and water purifiers by 37.6 percent in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2016.

Online sales of Chinese aircon brands accounted for 97.6 percent of the market, while domestic TV manufacturers captured a 72.2 percent share in their sector.

Contact the writers at chengyu@chinadaily.com.cn
By Jing Shuiyu in Beijing and Wang Jian in Nanchang | China Daily | Updated: 2017-08-04 08:25

The LED production line of Lattice Power Corp in Nanchang, Jiangxi province. [Photo/Xinhua]

A major Chinese chipmaker is hunting for overseas acquisitions in the LED sector as it bids to expand globally.

The head of Chinese Lattice Power Corp confirmed the group is looking to buy foreign companies involved in the light-emitting diode, or LED, industry.

This is the semiconductor technology behind lights in cell phones, tablets, PCs and televisions, as well as flashlights, car headlights and traffic signals.

Wang Min, chief executive officer of Lattice Power, said it had a billion-dollar war chest when it came to acquisitions.

"We are looking at potentially huge markets abroad, as well as foreign talent and technologies," Wang said.

Lattice Power tried to buy Lumileds, the United States-based subsidiary of Philips NV two years ago. But the bid to take over one of the technology giant's crown jewels failed.

Founded in 2006, the group based in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, has a registered capital of $123 million and more than 200 patents, including those for silicon substrate-based LED chips.

Indeed, this move into innovation is all part of the country's plan for companies to expand their technology bases.

Part of that is to encourage more mergers and acquisitions, and to "push for concentrated and differentiated development" in the industry.

By 2020, the LED sector in China is expected to generate 1 trillion yuan ($148.6 billion), so the stakes are high for tech companies.

Lattice Power has become a major player here with revenue from its main LED business reaching 861 million yuan in 2016, up 13.7 percent year-on-year.

"The low-cost and easily scalable technology has been applied to millions of households," CEO Wang said.

To maintain earnings growth, the company plans to raise $80 million this year to help finance three new production lines.

"By then, production capacity of LED chips will grow by 50 percent," Wang said.

Wu Shenjun, managing director of GSR Ventures, said the silicon substrate-based LED technology is "an ideal choice" for next generation innovation.

In 2015, the Jiangxi government wheeled out a plan to establish Nanchang Optics Valley, a Silicon Valley-style cluster of LED companies.

Since then, Lattice Power has launched an international partnership drive to attract more enterprises with LED expertise to set up workshop at Optics Valley.

"The goal is to build an industry cluster, consisting of about 100 companies, ranging from upstream to downstream of the LED chain," Wang said.

"By sharing resources, firms can lower costs in research and development, raw materials, logistics, equipment and labor," he added.

Zou Shuo contributed to the story.

Contact the writers at jingshuiyu@chinadaily.com.cn
Chinese companies have expressed an interest in securing exploration acreage to find gas in waters off the Isle of Man, the self-governing British Crown Dependency located between the United Kingdom and Ireland, said a senior government official.

Earlier this year the government of the island, located off the northwest coast of England, announced that it was planning to award a new round of petroleum exploration licences.

Steven Beevers, head of special projects in the department of economic development of the Isle of Man, said his administration was open to having partners in energy and other sectors from China.

"We will be licensing for gas exploration in August," Beevers said. "We already have some Chinese companies interested in that."

According to a report from BP Global, at least 2.5 billion cubic meters of gas within the Isle of Man's 4,000 square kilometers of seabed have been detected, and the actual reserves could be up to 25 billion cu m. It could potentially generate around 6.23 billion pounds ($8.22 billion) of revenue if price stays stable, Beevers said.

He said that the island, known for its competitive offshore tax policy, had in recent years started to promote itself to the Chinese market, after having built up a reputation over the long term as an investment hub in the West. Current Chinese investment in the island, he said, accounts for around one-tenth of its total foreign investment.

Beevers added the Isle of Man was suitable for small and medium-sized companies.

"Companies can apply for government grants and equity support. We don't charge company tax on profits, but in return we ask for employment. We can also provide equity participation and act as silent partners if that's what you want," Beevers said.

Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has been working with the Crown Dependency to set up 4G internet coverage there. Property developers eyeing the market in the UK, such as Reignwood Group, have also operated in the island, taking advantage of its beneficial offshore tax policy, according to Beevers.

Li Yongyuan, a lawyer in Yingke Law Firm, said that Chinese companies should be aware of local tax laws and regulations when operating in offshore hubs.

"Many companies investing in offshore hubs such as the Isle of Man want to reduce their tax costs, but they need to know not only the local laws, but also the bilateral or multilateral tax agreements the offshore areas have with other countries where their business operates.

"Without consulting professional law firmsespecially the local onesand not staying updated with the legal environment, those companies can unintentionally violate the laws.

"The Isle of Man is an autonomous area within the UK. It has inherited a large part of the British legal system. Chinese companies not familiar with local regulations, laws and the cultural environment may face risks caused by such ignorance."
BEIJING  As China's "new economy" goes from strength to strength, more and more foreign firms are jumping in for a slice of the pie.

Shared bikes flood the city streets, diners pay for meals on their smartphones, electric cars whizz down the roads: in the rapidly shifting picture of China's new economy, foreign companies are not absent.

Apple is betting big on this emerging market. Two weeks ago, its mobile payment service Apple Pay launched its largest-scale marketing campaign since entering China, offering perks including up to 50 percent discounts on purchases for a week.

Despite a much smaller presence than its Chinese rivals Alipay and WeChat Pay, the country's massive mobile payment market is hard to ignore for the US tech giant.

The general merchandise volume of China's third-party mobile payments reached 38 trillion yuan ($5.7 trillion) in 2016, up more than 200 percent from 2015, according to estimates by consultancy iResearch.

Apple's interest is not just in mobile payments. Last year, it made an investment of $1 billion in Chinese on-demand mobility provider Didi Chuxing. This spring, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited bike-sharing start-up Ofo during his China tour.

The sharing economy is taking off in China, so is its appeal to foreign investors. The country's top bike-sharing companies, Ofo and Mobike, have attracted investment from the United States, Japan, Singapore and elsewhere.

Some foreign firms see business opportunities come in an indirect way. One example is the US-funded Dow Chemical (China) Investment Company, which signed a memorandum of understanding with Mobike in May to help the latter develop lighter and more eco-friendly shared bikes.

US home-sharing company Airbnb has said it plans to more than triple the size of its China workforce this year and double its investment in the market to better serve Chinese travelers.

E-commerce is another success story in China's new economy. Online retail sales reached 3.1 trillion yuan in the first half of this year, a surge of 33.4 percent from a year earlier.

While Chinese firms Alibaba and JD.com grab the limelight, their US rival Amazon is also doing well.

On Black Friday last year, sales at Amazon China doubled from a year earlier, according to a company report. The number of active users of its cross-border shopping service soared 22 times by December 2016 from two years earlier.

In a move to tap deeper into China's internet economy, Amazon in June partnered with Migu, a China Mobile subsidiary with one of the country' s largest mobile reading platforms, to launch a new Kindle exclusively for Chinese readers.

China's spectacular growth used to be built on cheap manufacturing, low-end exports and smokestack industries. Now, with a wealthier domestic consumer base as well as technological progress, it is reconfiguring the economy for more consumption, more innovation and less pollution.

The sight of new energy vehicles (NEVs) on China's roads is increasingly common. About 510,000 NEVs were sold in China last year, up 53 percent year-on-year, and the number is expected to hit 800,000 this year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

International brands are doubling down on the market. Tesla has Asia's largest supercharger station in Beijing and plans to add over 300 supercharger stalls in the country this year, more than the combined increment of the past two years.

Denmark-based world-leading biotechnology company Novozymes sees long-term opportunities in China's industrial biotechnology sector as China transits to a greener, innovation-driven economy.

"We believe China's efforts to build up an inclusive business environment, and the relentless efforts to drive supply-side reform with an emphasis on sustainable growth, will lead to more business opportunities," said Sara Dai, Novozymes regional president of Asia Pacific.

Official data also showed growing foreign interest in China's new economy. In the first half of 2017, foreign direct investment (FDI) into China's high-tech manufacturing and services rose 11.1 percent and 20.4 percent year-on-year, respectively.

During the same period, FDI in information technology services, a significant part of the new economy, jumped 35.6 percent year-on-year, said Gao Feng, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce.

Singapore investment firm Temasek Holdings wants to increase investment in China's new economy, said Wu Yibing, Temasek's joint head of China.

The transition of China's economy has brought about a number of very attractive sectors including high-tech, non-banking finance, life science and consumption, Wu said.
SOFIA  Officials between China and Bulgaria have met to discuss cooperation expansion between the two sides on economy, trade and technology, Bulgaria's Ministry of Economy said in a statement on Thursday.

The meeting held between Bulgaria's Minister of Economy Emil Karanikolov and Chinese Ambassador to the Balkan country Zhang Haizhou discussed possibilities for the participation of Chinese high-tech companies in Sofia Tech Park, the first state-owned science and technology park in Bulgaria.

Sofia Tech Park could provide good conditions for Chinese companies and institutes, who are planning to expand their research and development centers in Europe, the statement quoted the minister as saying.

Chinese high-tech companies could set up their own or joint laboratories for research and innovation, as well as demonstration areas, added Karanikolov.

Ambassador Zhang said in turn that China was currently pushing technology parks to create incubators in Bulgaria, according to the statement.

The meeting also discussed options for strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperation, the statement said.

On Trade, the Chinese ambassador said that Bulgaria should increase its exports to China to achieve trade balance between the two countries.

"The Chinese side attaches great importance to Bulgarian agricultural products," the ambassador noted.

Bulgarian exports to China grew from $78 million in 2006 to nearly $480 million in 2016, the statement said. Meanwhile, imports from China to Bulgaria amounted to $961 million in 2006, and $1.149 billion in 2016, it added.
Jiang Qiuju, a single mother of two, shows hand-made cloth shoes at Shiku village, in Hongtu township of Enshi city, Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, Central China's Hubei province, on Aug 1, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Jiang Qiuju, a single mother of two, who is good at making handcrafts, has increased the popularity of traditional handmade cloth shoes in the market.

The price of cloth shoes is between 180 yuan ($26.79) and 230 yuan and the first batch of 30 shoes were sold out in a minute for about 4,000 yuan.

Jiang, born in 1983, always has innovative ideas when making cloth shoes, as well as other handicrafts such as rag dolls, pillows and towel boxes.

Jiang said she hopes to sell handmade cloth shoes outside of mountainous areas in Enshi, Central China's Hubei province. She added that she also hopes she could help contribute to local tourism products and could potentially motivate other women to make traditional handicrafts.
Customers are working on laptop in a Starbucks coffee shop in Beijing, June 2, 2017, [Photo/VCG]

Starbucks Corp, the world's biggest coffee chain, recently reached new agreements with its joint venture partners, giving it full ownership of Chinese mainland stores.

On July 27, Starbucks announced that it would buy the remaining 50 percent stake from Uni-President Enterprises Corp and President Chain Store Corp for about $1.3 billion in cash, in its biggest single acquisition to date.

After the acquisition, Starbucks will obtain 100 percent ownership in 1,300 stores in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

Meanwhile, Uni-President Enterprises and President Chain Store will acquire Starbucks' half share in President Starbucks Coffee Taiwan Ltd and assume 100 percent ownership of Starbucks operations in Taiwan of China for about $175 million.

Both transactions are expected to close early in 2018 and are waiting for regulatory approval.

The deal indicates Starbucks is paying more attention to Chinese mainland market as growth from its US market is cooling, Securities Daily said.

Zhu Danpeng, a researcher at the China Brand Research Institute specializing in food and beverage business, told the newspaper that Starbucks has listed China as one of its core markets for global development strategy, and the deals would help Starbucks better implement its expansion strategy.

With 2,800 stores and about 40,000 employees across 130 Chinese mainland cities, the Seattle-based coffee chain plans to expand to 5,000 stores by 2021. Same-store sales from Chinese mainland were up 7 percent in the third quarter ended July 2.

Xinhua contributed to this story.
Aerial photo taken on April 1, 2017 shows Anxin county, North China's Hebei province.[Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese banks in Beijing are considering setting up institutions in the Xiongan New Area in Hebei province and offering innovative financial products, according to the Beijing office of China's banking regulator.

China Banking Regulatory Commission spokeswoman Jiang Ping said that after China announced plans to establish the Xiongan New Area, Chinese banks in Beijing begun forming leadership teams and many of them have begun investigating and surveying the Xiongan New Area.

Zhang Zhan, vice president of the Beijing branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, said ICBC's Beijing and Hebei branches were responsible for serving the Xiongan New Area. He said they were positively participating in the financing program of the Beijing-Xiongan high-speed rail and is also helping companies such as China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom, Sinopec Group develop businesses there.

China Development Bank is also an industry leader in the new area with the bank already offering financing services for land requisition, house removal and placement.
HAVANA  China's flagship airline, Air China, opened on Thursday a commercial office in Cuba to boost tourism cooperation between the two nations and the Caribbean area.

In a ceremony chaired by China's ambassador to Cuba Chen Xi and Air China's general manager in Cuba Zhang Xin, the office opened to facilitate travel between the Cuban capital and Beijing through the direct flight which has been operating since the end of 2015.

"The Air China brand has been increasingly popular in Cuba and the Caribbean countries. From today on, we will offer better services to all passengers with this office," Zhang said.

He introduced that since the inaugural flight of Air China to Cuba about 24,000 travelers of different nationalities have chosen to take this airline.

"There have been 156 flights between Beijing and Havana and we have maintained regularity, safety and comfort in all its trips," he said.

For his part, Ambassador Chen said the opening of this office, together with the existing regular flights, will promote cooperation in the tourism and air transport sectors.

"This direct flight has played an important role in facilitating personal exchanges between China and Cuba as well as Latin America. In addition, it has greatly contributed to the development of cooperation in different areas," Chen said.

The diplomat stated that Sino-Cuban relations are at their best after more than half a century of ties and without a doubt this direct link will help promote the visit of Chinese tourists to the island.

"Cuba has very attractive natural resources for Chinese tourists, very warm people, as well as a picturesque landscape, blue seas and fine beaches," he said.

Chen said that cooperation in tourism and air transport will have great potential and good prospects due to the interest of Chinese travelers to know Cuba and different Caribbean nations.

With a duration of almost 20 hours of flight and a technical stop in Montreal, Canada, Air China's flight to Cuba is the only direct link between China and the Caribbean region.
BEIJING - More public-private partnership (PPP) projects were implemented in the first half of the year as China sought private funding for infrastructure construction, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said Friday.

As of the end of June, 2,021 PPP projects had entered the implementation phase, with a total investment of 3.3 trillion yuan ($447 billion), according to the MOF website.

That was up from 1,351 projects and 2.2 trillion yuan of investment as of the end of last year.

The central government is looking to PPP, a collaborative investment model between government and private companies, as a way to fund infrastructure projects amid concerns over high local government debt.

As of the end of June, 13,554 PPP projects were registered nationwide with combined investment of 16.4 trillion yuan, according to the China Public Private Partnerships Center under the MOF.

PPPs have existed in China since the 1980s, but the adoption of the financing mode had been slow until China released two PPP guidelines in 2014.
Chinese companies need to improve their corporate governance if they are to earn the confidence of British investors, a new report has suggested.

Comprising London companies and business leaders, the China City Group, which released the report on Thursday, is also aiming to grow international fund investment into Chinese companies and encourage more Chinese companies to list on London markets.

Led by China Resolutions Chairman John McLean, the group said it believes Chinese regulatory authorities should better supervise Chinese companies and urge them to follow international corporate governance rules if they aim to list overseas.

"I genuinely believe that we can achieve momentum rapidly and that our shared vision will bring benefits for both China and the UK," McLean said. "What we are suggesting are practical steps to ensure that the UK has reasons to be confi dent in the 'China brand'."

The China City Group report is a response to declining investor confidence in London-listed Chinese companies in recent years.

There have been 110 Chinese company listings in London between 1997 and 2016. As of the end of July this year, only 35 of them remain. The majority delisted mainly due to their own corporate governance issues or due to investor distrust.

Another reason for London-listed Chinese companies to delist is that due to waning market confidence, the stock price of their companies becomes too low to keep the listing meaningful.

Lu Yingni, managing director of EcoLeap, a London-based consultancy that advises on Sino-UK deals, said many Chinese companies listing in London are relatively young and small and lack stringent corporate governance measures.

"Bad publicity resulting from some Chinese companies' fraudulent practices has significantly lowered investor expectations, so the willingness to buy Chinese stocks is low," Lu said.

"That creates a vicious cycle, meaning healthy high-growth Chinese companies are less likely to consider London listing."

McLean said China City Group will liaise with Chinese regulators, who can then help to supervise Chinese companies and hold them accountable to international investors.

But some critics doubt that such measures can be achieved.

Xue Haibin, managing partner of Zhong Lun Law Firm's London subsidiary, said it is unrealistic to expect Chinese regulators to perform such functions.

"It is a good idea to increase discussions with Chinese companies to make sure they understand best corporate governance practices, but enacting regulatory measures would be too much of a stretch," Xue said.

"As London is such a free market, any regulatory frameworks that single out Chinese companies would be unrealistic," Xue said.
BRUSSELS  The European Commission gave the green light to a joint venture by Chinese and Canadian companies in the automotive sector on Thursday, saying it raised no competition concerns.

The joint venture, signed between China's Hubei Aviation Precision Machinery Technology (HAPM) and Magna International of Canada, will not be active within the European Economic Area, the executive arm concluded in a statement.

The case was under review after the Commission, which oversees the bloc's competition policy, received notification a month ago, according to the statement.

HAPM is a supplier of automotive seat mechanism and structure components while Magna is a global automotive supplier with 317 manufacturing operations and 102 product developments, engineering and sales centers in 29 countries and regions.

In May, the two sides agreed to establish a green-field joint venture company, located in China and worth up to 1.49 billion yuan ($221.8 million), for the manufacture and sale of components for automotive seats for the Chinese market, said HAPM on its website.

The joint venture deal is expected to be concluded between September and December, HAPM noted.

The EU, as well as other major economies, screens mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures between multinationals under anti-trust regulations.
Werner Baumann, CEO and chairman of the board of management at Bayer AG. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Innovation appears to be embedded in Werner Baumann's DNA. It is part of his makeup and the driving force behind Bayer AG's philosophy in China.

As CEO of the sprawling German multinational life sciences company, the 55-year-old is committed to change. He also respects tradition.

"It is always nice to come to China and see how fast things are evolving and developing in the country, and in our group," Baumann said.

"We have been in China since 1882, and our future growth prospects are closely linked to the market," he added.

During the next five years, Bayer will continue to invest in pharmaceuticals, crop science and consumer health.

By 2020, the company will have injected 1.4 billion yuan ($207 million) into its manufacturing plant in Kunming, Yunnan province. Eventually, this will become a global hub for traditional Chinese medicine and Western-style pharmaceuticals.

"Our aim is to ensure access to healthcare products," Baumann said.

Bayer is comprised of around 301 consolidated companies in 78 countries across the world, with its global headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany. The group has about 115,000 employees worldwide, according to its website.

Annual revenue in China was more than 5 billion euros ($5.85 billion) in 2016, while the company's global sales in the second quarter were about 12.2 billion euros, a jump of 1.9 percent compared to the same period last year.

"Pharmaceuticals posted sales growth of 4.4 percent to 4.3 billion euros," the group's corporate website stated.

Looking ahead, Baumann told China Daily about his hands-on approach, the company's plans here and his love for Do-It-Yourself, or DIY.

How do you visualize China's economic future?

The country has set 2020 as the target year to realize the "centenary goal" of building a moderately prosperous society (in an all-round way). This involves doubling its 2010 GDP (gross domestic product) and the 2010 per capita income of urban and rural residents by then.

In order to do this, China must maintain a steady medium-to-high rate of economic growth, while prioritizing better quality and more sustainable expansion.

With an increasing and aging population, it will be a challenge, both globally and in China, to ensure an adequate supply of safe, nutritious food, and access to healthcare products.

How do you assess Bayer's prospects here?

We have invested in China during many years and have an extensive footprint here. The country is the world's second largest economy, accounting for more than 30 percent of global economic growth in 2016.

We are confident we will be able to seize market opportunities in accordance with our business strategy and the needs of Chinese society. Our product portfolio and solutions are well suited to help generate sustainable growth.

What are your company's plans in China and for the group globally?

We believe that innovation and the ability to adapt quickly to a changing external environment are crucial drivers to invigorate and enhance economies. It will also help us stay competitive.

Our mission, "BayerScience for a Better Life", puts innovation at the heart of our company. We innovate to meet our customers' and patients' needs, and to adapt to fast-changing circumstances. Therefore, China's push for more innovation fits our business and market positioning.

What is your business philosophy?

There are two things. First, always do what is right and be fully committed and confident when opportunities arise. Always manage risk responsibly.

The second point, in business and in life, is you must surround yourself with people you can trust. That is absolutely essential.

At Bayer, I am blessed and very grateful for the trust that I have been given, and for the fantastic people that I have the privilege to work with.

How do you plan to develop markets related to the Belt and Road Initiative?

The Belt and Road Initiative is exciting and bold. Since it was proposed in 2013, China has made progress in achieving its aim of building a trade and infrastructure network to connect Asia with Europe and Africa along various ancient trade routes. We believe that more connectivity and exchanges between countries will generally create opportunities for economic and social growth. Bayer has been engaged in China since 1882, and our future growth prospects are closely linked to the market here.

What is the secret behind your business success in China?

I would have to say deep knowledge of the market here and the ongoing commitment to the country even through difficult times. You need the ability to anticipate trends and market developments, as well as key government initiatives.

You also have to roll out innovative product portfolios and customized solutions that meet the needs of Chinese consumers. A strong leadership team guarantees the strategy's implementation and helps achieve the company's goals.

We have qualified and passionate employees in China.

What is your biggest achievement in China as CEO of Bayer?

There are many areas in China which allow us to make a real contribution to the welfare of the Chinese people. One big trend is the shift in focus of the country's economy toward innovation and entrepreneurship. This suits Bayer as innovation is at the heart of our company.

We use advanced technology at our production sites in China. For example, the 100 million euros expansion of our pharmaceutical packaging plant in Beijing features industry-leading manufacturing efficiency, robotics, automation and digitalization.

Also, an oral multi-kinase inhibitor for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal tumors was launched in China this year. In the agribusiness, Bayer has rolled out nine new crop protection products in the country, covering rice, corn, wheat, vegetables and fruits between 2015-16.

More recently, we introduced a traditional Chinese medicine product, which we produce at our plant in Kunming.

How do you get along with local partners?

We have long-term relationships with leading institutions and universities in China, including a strategic collaboration program with Peking University to promote translational research in drug discovery.

We also have a research program with the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the fields of new synthetic methodology, natural product derivatives and organometallic chemistry.

There is, of course, a research agreement with the Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences to improve wheat yields. Other partnerships involve our e-commerce connections and startups through our digital health incubator program.

How do you motivate your international team?

Our employees have tremendous opportunities at Bayer. We also embrace diversity and have aspirational targets in terms of gender and nationality.

I also want to mention Bayer's employer brand, "Passion to InnovatePower to Change". This indicates that if you have the passion to innovate, we will give you the power to change.

What is an effective leadership strategy for running a company in China?

Bayer is well positioned for the future and has the ability to address long-term challenges in society. At the same time, we can take advantage of related business opportunities in China.

What is needed to support success in this market is innovation, cutting-edge products and technologies, as well as relentless customer focus and strong governance.

How do you cope with setbacks?

Life is never plain sailing. You will always face hardships and challenges. They are simply parts of life. Naturally, the same applies to the development of companies.

First, you must understand market trends. The market is changing and you should be brave enough to challenge the status quo and try new things.

Second, you need a strong team to further expand the business, based on joint expertise and experience. Third, reliable partnerships are also necessary. And, you should always focus on the customer.

What are your hobbies and how do you spend your weekends?

Frankly, when I'm not on business trips, I simply enjoy spending time with my family. We live in Krefeld, a town near Dusseldorf. It is actually my home town where my parents used to have a bakery. Now, I am passionate about crafts and Do-It-Yourself. Whenever something needs to be repaired in the house I do itexcept electrical issues.
Jay Owenhouse, a legendary escape artist and one of the most awarded illusionists in history, returns to Billings on Sept. 16 with his latest show, Family Magic.

Showtimes are at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Alberta Bair Theater. Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 4 at noon by phone at 406-256-6052, online at www.albertabairtheater.org, or in person at 2801 Third Ave. N.

Owenhouse has entertained millions on TV in "Masters of Illusions" and "Magic on the Edge."

Owenhouse creates a mysterious world of wonder and the impossible, allowing audiences to experience illusions and Bengal tigers up close.

Owenhouse spent 2008 touring China and Japan, where his show received the Best Touring Family Show in Asia.

Owenhouse first performed as a freshman in high school. He has invented magic effects and designed illusions not only for his show but for other magicians.
The audience assembles before the start of Apple's annual developer conference in San Jose, California, June 5, 2017.[Photo/VCG]

Apple Inc's iPhone may be ready for its next act as a springboard into "augmented reality."

The technology 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 about the start of it," Apple CEO Tim Cook told analysts.

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 is just one catchno 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, healthcare and more.

For the moment, though, we are basically stuck with demos created by developers.

These include a Star Warslike droid rolling past a dog that doesn't realize it is 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 apps. But they will not work on just any Apple device, only the iPhone 6S and later models, including the hotly anticipated next-generation model that Apple will release this fall.

Apple, of course, is not the only company betting big on AR. Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, talked up the technology at a company presentation in April.

He called it a "really important technology that changes how we use our phones". Apple rivals such as Google and Microsof Corp 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 and 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 it remains a niche product.

For now, the iPhone remains the company's dominant device, accounting for 55 percent of Apple's $45.4 billion in revenue during the three months which 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 made its debut on one Lenovo Group Ltd smartphone last year and will be part of another high-end device from Asus-Tek Computer Inc 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 the company will begin building AR-specific devices, too.

One obvious possibility might be some kind of AR glasses tethered to the iPhone.

This 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.

Associated Press
Yin Yanqiang lifts up a giant panda for feeding fruit at Chongqing Zoo, Southwest China's Chongqing, Aug 3, 2017. Yin Yanqiang, technical director of giant panda house of Chongqing Zoo, is called as "dad of pandas". He has been working here for 4 years since he graduated from the Institute of Zoology of Chinese Academy of Science. [Photo/Xinhua]
Commuters at Dongzhimen subway station in downtown Beijing made a joint push of a train and free a passenger sandwiched between a carriage and the platform in a dramatic rescue on Thursday night.

When the person got stuck at around 8 pm, subway staff tried to push the train on their own but failed. Commuters volunteered en masse to help, shouting "One, two, three" to time their efforts.

The incident ended with a round of applause at 8:12 pm when the passenger was rescued.
Containers are stacked in the logistics terminal waiting to be shipped in December at Jiangsu province's Lianyungang Port. The port is the first project of China and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative to start operating. GENG YUHE/CHINA DAILY

The logistics terminal in Jiangsu province's Lianyungang Port, built by China and Kazakhstan, has served as an important platform to improve economic cooperation, according to officials.

The first project between China and the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, the Lianyungang logistics terminal has imported and exported 7.77 million metric tons of goods since it went into operation in 2014.

Goods imported and exported from January to July this year increased by 49 percent over the same period last year, according to the center.

Wang Qinmin, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of the All China Federation of Industry and Commerce, said China and Kazakhstan have paid great attention to bilateral relations, deepened political trust and expanded cooperation in many areas since they forged diplomatic ties 25 years ago.

Wang made the speech at the fifth China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum, which was held on Wednesday and Thursday in Lianyungang. More than 200 officials from China and Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, attended the forum.

President Xi Jinping first proposed the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013. It comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, with the aim of building a trade and infrastructure network that connects Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes.

The Lianyungang logistics terminal started construction soon after the proposal emerged, with investment in the first phase reaching 606 million yuan ($90.2 million).

"The Kazakhstan partners didn't expect that the construction could be finished in eight months," said Liu Bin, general manager of the logistics terminal. "They thought at least two to three years were needed, considering the mountainous environment.

"The logistics terminal started to make a profit the same year it started operations. It serves companies of the two countries well."

Su Yang, manager of the terminal's production business department, said freight trains running from Khorgos, a city in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region near the border with Kazakhstan, to Almaty now take just six days.

"It used to take 12 days to transport good between the two cities. With the joint effort of the two countries, the transportation time and costs have been greatly reduced," he said. "The freight trains between Lianyungang, Khorgos and Asian and European countries will benefit the economy, especially companies along the route."

Last year, more than 1,200 trains transited through Kazakhstan, with rail freight for the two countries reaching 8.2 million tons.

China and Kazakhstan have agreed to develop more international freight train services, starting from China and going via Kazakhstan to Central Asia, Europe and Gulf countries, making rail freight a major solution to trade between Asia and Europe by 2025.
Chinese biologists to conduct more research at another lab

A biological research team from China said on Thursday it has withdrawn a controversial paper on a new gene-editing technique and will carry out further research at a third-party laboratory.

The team, led by Han Chunyu of Hebei University of Science and Technology, published the paper in May last year in the international science journal Nature Biotechnology.

The paper claimed the technique devised by the team may be more efficient and versatile than the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique, which has been used on a wide range of organisms, Xinhua News Agency reported.

After being published, the paper drew a flurry of attention from media and academia, with many questioning whether the experiment could be replicated.

Some researchers in China and other countries have tried to reproduce the original experiment based on its first description, but no one reported a success.

In December, Han's team and several additional independent groups provided the journal with new data claiming to have reproduced the gene-editing technique, Nature Biotechnology said in an article published on Wednesday.

At the time, the team and new groups were asked to gather additional experimental evidence to bolster their claims.

So far, the independent groups that reported initial successes in reproducing the results have not been able to add to their preliminary data to a publishable level, the journal said.

According to the statement made by Han's team on the university's website, the decision to withdraw the paper was made to respect accuracy in scientific research.

Together with other researchers, the team will continue to do related research at a third-party lab, aiming to verify the effectiveness of the gene-editing technique and figure out why their original experiment could not be repeated with the same results.

The university also said it will carry out an evaluation of the paper.

An employee with the publicity department at the university said on Thursday that Han and his team might not want to give more information on the matter right now.

"There are two problems to be solvedwhether their experiment is reproducible, and if not, why," said Shao Feng, a researcher with the National Institute of Biological Sciences, who was quoted by The-Intellectual, an account on WeChat.
An investigative group has been set up to probe some notary offices in Beijing for suspected misconduct that resulted in huge losses for seniors.

The Ministry of Justice on Thursday responded to recent news reports about the alleged scam targeting the elderly.

Starting immediately, notary offices or organizations are not allowed to provide notary services to people over 60 who authorize others to sell their houses unless they are accompanied by their adult children.

The whole notary process must be videotaped.

According to People's Daily, a pro bono law firm in Beijing is working on more than 10 cases involving seniors who believed they could profit by pledging their houses to a lender.

"We think it is a new type of scam disguised as a financing plan," said Wu Jie, a lawyer representing their cases at Zhicheng Public Interest Lawyers.

In one case, a woman was introduced to a broker who asked the woman to lend him 1.9 million yuan ($283,000) by pledging her house to a third party for three months. In return, the broker promised to give the woman 5 percent monthly interest.

The woman claimed she was brought to a notary office and signed a thick stack of documents that she couldn't fully understand.

According to the law firm, the documents authorize the third party to sell her house.

The woman was given an IOU of 1.9 million yuan from the broker. The notary office was suspected of playing an assisting role by allowing her to sign documents she didn't understand.

The ministry said the scam has caused huge economic losses as well as emotional damage, and disturbed regular notary services. It will fully investigate notaries.

The Justice Bureau in Beijing will work with police and law enforcement authorities to bring the scammers to justice.

Tong Lihua, head of Zhicheng Public Interest Lawyers, said more than 100 seniors have been scammed out their houses with the involvement of three notary offices.

He said he hoped an efficient warning system could be set up for vulnerable groups in society to prevent such tragedies from happening.

"We had an experimental program with the Aging Office in Beijing in which a hotline was set up for senior people to consult lawyers. It could prevent them from falling for scams," Tong said.
Three former executives of fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui were convicted of fraudulently obtaining loans and bill acceptance on Friday and two of them were sentenced, a court in Henan province said.

Zhang Xincheng, former financial director of Henan Yuda Real Estate Co, controlled by Guo, was sentenced to two years in prison, while Guo Lijie, the company's former deputy manager, was sentenced to 18 months with a two-year reprieve, according to a statement of the Kaifeng Intermediate People's Court.

Another defendant, Xiao Yanling, the ex-deputy head of the company's financial department, was convicted of fraudulently obtaining bill acceptance, but she was exempted from criminal penalty as she had voluntarily surrendered and her crime was lighter than others, the statement said.

Zhang and Guo Lijie were also slapped with fines, while the company was asked to pay 150 million yuan in fine, it added.

The court said the three defendants fraudulently obtained loans and bill acceptance of nearly 1.5 billion yuan by registering shell corporations, forging contracts and employing fake investment projects from 2008 to 2015.

The three said on Friday that they accepted the convictions and will not appeal to higher court.

In July, when the case was publicly heard, they said they did the crimes under orders of Guo, who fled abroad about three years ago.
Heye Meadow, also known as Lotus Leaf Meadow, is the biggest sub-alpine grassland in North China. It has become an oasis for those wanting to escape the heat this summer. As large areas of China sweltered in high temperatures unexpectedly earlier this summer, tourists from Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei and Inner Mongolia autonomous region swarmed Heye Meadow in search of cool air. It's also a favorite among photographers. At an altitude of 2,784 meters, the meadow is the highest peak of Guancen Mountain in Xinzhou city, Shanxi province. It features towering ancient trees, waterfalls and springs, and grass vegetation. The grasslands have an average temperature of 5 degrees Celsius for the year, with summer very short-lived. [Photo by Cao Jianguo for chinadaily.com.cn]
The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force has improved its strategic deterrence capability, thanks to the service of a new missile.

The DF-31AG, an enhanced version of the DF-31A intercontinental ballistic missile, is a new type of solid-fuel, road-mobile missile that can be launched from an eight-axle vehicle that also transports the missiles, according to an article published on Thursday by an online outlet run by PLA Daily, the military's flagship newspaper.

Compared with its predecessors, the DF-31 and DF-31A, the new missile features better mobility and survivability, the article said, without giving further details.

Before the arrival of the DF-31AG, the DF-31A was the PLA's newest intercontinental ballistic missile known to the public.

The DF-31AG was first viewed by the public at a field parade on Sunday morning at the PLA's Zhurihe Training Base in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

The parade was held to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the PLA, which was on Tuesday. The PLA used the occasion to display many new weapons, such as the J-20 stealth fighter jet and HQ-22 air defense missile.

The military said the new ballistic missile and the older DF-31A, which also appeared in Sunday's parade, represent China's status as a world power and the country's defense prowess. It called them "trump cards" in strategic deterrence.

Footage of the DF-31AG in the parade shows it is carried by an integrated missile vehicle known as a transporter-erector-launcher, and the bottom of the launch tube has been equipped with a buffer device. By comparison, the DF-31A is still mounted on an older, two-part vehicle and has no buffer attached to its launch tube.

The upgrades indicate that the DF-31AG is capable of making off-road launch in most kinds of terrain, with a very short preparation time, said Yang Chengjun, a military observer close to China's missile programs.

Du Wenlong, a senior researcher at the PLA Academy of Military Science, said that judging by the DF-31AG's extrinsic features and earlier information about it, the new model is likely to have a longer range, stronger penetration capability and larger destructive capacity than the DF-31A.

"It is possible that the missile has a global coverage and is able to deliver multiple maneuverable re-entry vehicles," he said. "Its service will extensively strengthen the Rocket Force's strategic strike capability."

According to Western weapons analysts, research and development for the DF-31, the first in the series, began in the mid-1980s. In August 1999, the first launch of the missile was conducted, and two months later, it was displayed to the public at the National Day parade.

The PLA Rocket Force now operates at least three types of intercontinental ballistic missiles for its nuclear deterrence system  the DF-31A, DF-31AG and DF-5B. The DF-5B, which made its debut at a parade in September 2015, is a liquid-propelled model capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads, according to information from the Chinese military.

In addition to the DF-31AG, another ground-to-ground missile that emerged for the first time was the DF-16G medium-range ballistic missile. Compared with the DF-16, the upgraded variant has higher accuracy and an improved maneuverable terminal stage that can better infiltrate missile defense systems, said the PLA Daily article.
TRURO, England - Victims of acid attacks in the United Kingdom are calling on the government to enforce longer prison sentences and tighten controls on the sale of corrosive substances, after a jump in the number of cases last year and in 2017.

The issue hit headlines after a recent spate of attacks, including one in June in which two cousins were doused with acid through a car window as they were out celebrating a birthday, prompting Interior Minister Amber Rudd to review legislation.

There have been several acid attacks in London since, from robberies to gang-related violence.

The Home Office said it planned to set out guidance for prosecutors on classifying corrosive substances as dangerous weapons and to review sentencing guidelines.

"Other key actions will include a review of the Poisons Act to assess whether it should cover more acids and harmful substances and further work with retailers to agree measures to restrict the sales of acids and other corrosive substances," said Sarah Newton, minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability.

For victims like 32-year-old Andreas Christopheros, who was assaulted at his home in 2014, that may bring little comfort. But he joins a chorus of acid attack survivors demanding that tough words become reality.

"I believe the UK has got its strategy toward this completely wrong," he said at his home in Truro, a seaside town in southwest England.

"I strongly believe that the sentencing for anyone who carries out any form of acid attack, whether their intended victim is injured badly or not, should serve a life sentence, with a minimum term of 20 or more years."

Ninety percent of his face has been reconstructed using skin from other parts of his body, including his scalp and neck. He has had between 10 and 12 surgeries and will need more, he said.

He has lost his eyelids three times as the scarring on his face contracts, making sleep a constant struggle.

Crimes using corrosive substances in London jumped in 2016 to 431 from 261 in 2015, Metropolitan Police numbers show. So far this year, there have been 282.

Jaf Shah, executive director of London-based nonprofit Acid Survivors Trust International, described a "loophole" in the law whereby people possessing acid would not be charged but those carrying a gun or a knife could.

"There just aren't appropriate levels of controls around acid," Shah said. "If you are caught with acid, police have to prove intent, which is very difficult."

Reuters

(China Daily 08/04/2017 page11)
Alex Richter shows Wing Tsun forms at his kung fuschool "City Wing Tsun" in New York, the United States, July 17, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hidden in the midtown of bustling New York City is "City Wing Tsun". This is Alex Richter's kung fuschool which features, as the name suggests, Wing Tsun, a Hong-Kong style martial art. As a native-born American kid, Richter was hugely influenced by the martial art films star Bruce Lee. His love towards kung fu, especially Wing Tsun, which Bruce Lee learned as a teenager, has been with him ever since.

Richter started to learn Wing Tsun at the age of 15 in Seattle area in the United States. At age 19, Richter shipped himself to Germany for Wing Tsun training for several years. In 2002, he rented a small dance studio and started his career as a martial art instructor in New York. At the beginning, he had only 15 students. Step by step, he now has over 400 students.

"Kung fu is part of my life now, it influences the way you look at everything," he said. "It is not only about fist fighting." Richter has also improved his training curriculum to maximize the benefits for all students. He builds up records for all his students. Richter is also documenting the old stories of martial artists, hoping he can get them published in the future.
The signing ceremony of the cooperation between China and Italy. [Photo/cri.cn]

A joint cultural park between China and Italy will be built in Chengdu city, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province.

The park, to be located in Chengdu's Tianfu New Area, will see a series of joint projects between China and Italy in the fields of culture, environmental protection, agriculture, and aviation industry, according to an agreement inked in Chengdu Thursday.

China and Italy will enhance cooperation in art, design and music, with events such as Italian music festivals, operas and fashion shows.

Ivan Scalfarotto, Italian vice minister for economic development, said that the two sides could cooperate on common problems troubling mankind, such as aging and urbanization.

He said Italy hoped to play a proactive role in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Italy's investment in Sichuan grew fast in the first half of 2017, increasing by 14.6 percent year on year to 83.5 million yuan ($12.4 million). Most of the investment focused on manufacturing, garment processing, agricultural products and catering.
Master calligrapher Xiao Xian's work. [Photo provided to China Daily]

At age 13, Xiao Xian (1902-97) was hailed a calligraphy prodigy for being skilled in the cleric lishu script.

Her writings displayed confidence and grandeur, and many people at the time made the mistake of thinking Xiao was a man.

Xiao's calligraphy achievements are recognized in an exhibition titled Calligraphy Life at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing through Aug 6.

More than 100 pieces by the Nanjing-based artist are on show, including several that were donated to the museum by Xiao's family at the exhibition opening.

The exhibition also commemorates the 115th anniversary of Xiao's birth.

Shown works demonstrate Xiao's versatility in practicing various scripts of Chinese calligraphy, such as zhuanshu, the seal script, and xingshu, the semi-cursive script.
Editor's note:

The TV series Midnight Canteen, adapted from hit Japanese manga of the same title, aired on Chinese TV in June but caused a lot of controversy online, criticized by many as copycatting the Japanese TV version and losing Chinese characteristics. The TV drama was rated at only 2.8 points out of 10 on douban, China's major film and TV review website, overwhelmed by criticism that it's not presenting an authentic Chinese midnight culinary culture.

Now the question is: What do Chinese eat at midnight? What are their favorites? Here is a list for the foodie in you.

1. Spicy crayfish

Spicy crayfish has become a sensational evening snack across China in recent years, originating from central and eastern parts of China, including Hunan, Hubei and Jiangsu provinces.

The crustaceans, also known as "little lobsters" in China, have a nickname in Chinese, ma xiao (spicy little lobsters), as they are often served in hot and spicy chili sauce.

Beer is a favored beverage to pair with the delicacy.

China's crayfish market is worth more than 140 billion yuan ($20 billion), according to media reports. Nearly 18,000 restaurants focused on serving crayfish as of August 2016, three times the number of KFCs in the country.
MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY

The first China-US Comprehensive Economic Dialogue in Washington concluded on July 19, without a joint news conferences, joint statement or new announcements on market access by the United States to China or vice-versa, prompting many to assume the CED has paved the way to a major trade conflict between the two countries.

But despite tough political rhetoric, economic realities do not seem to support such a view.

A more nuanced scenario is that, while the Donald Trump administration was willing to penalize the Sino-US economic dialogue over slow progress in deficit reduction and perhaps the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's geopolitics, it also wanted to use the CED as a "demonstration effect" in the impending North America Free Trade Agreement talks and trade reviewsto signal determination.

In fact, the shadows over the CED emerged a while ago. After Trump met with President Xi Jinping in early April, the two sides announced a 100-Day Action Plan to improve bilateral trade ties. Yet only two weeks later, Trump issued a presidential memorandum, directing Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to investigate the effects of steel imports on the US' national security on the basis of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

After returning from his visit to France last month, Trump ramped up the heat. "They're dumping steel and destroying our steel industry," he said on the eve of the CED. "They've been doing it for decades, and I'm stopping it. There are two ways: quotas and tariffs. Maybe I'll do both."

While China's ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai warned Washington of "troubling developments" that could derail the bilateral relationship, Ross raised the heat by saying he would present Trump a range of options to restrict steel imports on national security grounds.

Significantly, steel imports as a national security threat was not presented only as a Sino-US issue but also as a multilateral challenge.

As steel imports suddenly became a "national security" issue for the US, Secretary of Defense James Mattis was dragged into the debacle. By mid-June, Europe's NATO leaders had already launched an extraordinary lobbying campaign against an anticipated US crackdown on steel imports, which, they said, would hit US allies more than China. Consequently, Mattis, not Commerce Secretary Ross, has been hearing the cases of apprehensive German and Dutch NATO leaders and passing on their concerns to the White House.

In the White House, the issue reignited the old divide between trade hawksincluding Trump's trade and industrial policy head Peter Navarro; trade representative Robert Lighthizer; and trade advisor Dan DiMicco, who is former CEO of US steel giant Nucorwho are pushing for high import tariffs, and the more business-friendly former Goldman Sachs executivesSecretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Council chief Gary Cohnwho argue for restraint.

Washington's European NATO allies do not buy the national security argument. Some EU leaders are even ready for retaliation if Trump decides to walk the talk.

On the other hand, the US' NAFTA partners have been monitoring the debacle closely. If the Trump administration plans to use steel as a national security threat, Canada and Mexico know full well the focus will also be on NAFTA rather than just China or Germany.

China produces almost half of the world's steel, but its US market share in steel is marginalless than 2 percent. The largest steel exporters to the US include Washington's NAFTA partners Canada (almost 17 percent) and Mexico (about 9 percent), East Asian giants the Republic of Korea (12 percent) and Japan (nearly 7 percent), as well as Brazil, Turkey, Russia, Germany, Taiwan, Vietnamand then the Chinese mainland.

So if Trump really is "hell-bent on imposing" major tariffs on steel, it is the US' NAFTA partners that will be the first to feel the heat. But if Trump moves further to imported aluminum, semiconductors, paper, household appliances, that's when China and other major exporters to the US will become targets as well.
Levi's Revel. [Photos provided to China Daily]

When people in the United States talk about blue jeans, they are most likely to mention Levi Strauss, the German-American businessman whose company made the first pair of blue jeans in San Francisco in 1873. Today, the popularity of Levi's, the top brand for Levi Strauss & Co, is not confined to the US; it is a much sought-after brand in more than 100 countries around the world, including China.

A recent article on blue jeans that is burning up social media in China is not about how fashionable distressed jeans are, but about human lives, as its headline says: "Every Pair of Blue Jeans You Wear is Paid With Lives".

The author describes the onerous working conditions and environmental damage caused by the blue jeans industry in Xintang town in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province. The author claims that, "every pair of blue jeans, pricey or cheap, carries sin". Known as the "Blue jeans capital of the world", Xintang has some 3,000 businesses related to the jeans industry. It also meets 40 percent of the market demand in the US.

Careful readers will note that most of the article, especially the photographs, is not new. It gives the same facts that appeared in some articles published a few years ago following a Greenpeace study and a German documentary. In a survey published in 2010, Greenpeace found that at three sampling sites in Xintang, the amounts of lead, copper and cadmium in the riverbed exceeded national limits. The making of blue jeans requires a lot of water and chemicals.

A 2012 German documentary Der Preis der Blue-Jeans (The Price of Blue-Jeans), by Michael Hoft and Christian Jentzsch depicted the poor working conditions, health hazards and severe pollution in Xintang caused by the blue jeans industry, linking them to those cheap jeans that sell for about $10 a pair in stores.

According to the 45-minute documentary, blue jeans are much dirtier than most people might believe. Distressed denim is the result of several chemical-intensive washes, while fabric printing and dyeing involve heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury, which often end up in sewers and water bodies without being adequately treated.

Despite lacking information on the current situation in Xintang, the article went viral on Chinese social media.

Some news reports, however, say the local Xintang government has been trying to address the problem, by cleaning up waterways, relocating factories to several industrial zones where wastewater treatment is mandatory, and setting up a monitoring system.

Xintang is like many industrial towns in China that were heavily polluted because of their export-oriented industrialization, but in recent years they have paid great attention to environmental standards after the central government's prioritized sustainable growth and more and more people became aware of the health hazards of severe pollution.

Interestingly, some of the blue jeans produced in Xintang used to be made in El Paso, Texas, in the 1970s and 1980s, when thousands of workers were making Levi's, Lee, Guess and Gap jeans, according to a story on Atlas Obscura.

US President Donald Trump has again threatened to impose punitive tariffs on Chinese exports, mostly for political and economic reasons. But it seems to me that the Chinese government should impose environmental tariffs on all exports to the US to compensate the Chinese people who bear the environmental costs of providing cheaper goods to US citizens.

The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
A gavel in a court. [Photo/IC]

A VIDEO has been widely spread online, which shows employees at a photography studio in Guang'an, a city in Southwest China's Sichuan province, being made to drink cups of water from a squat toilet by their supervisor because they did not meet their targets. The local police have already found their tormentor and he has been detained for four days. Beijing News comments:

The incident sounds rather unsavory, but it happened. It seems the supervisor was proud of his deed because he uploaded the video on the domestic social networking platform, WeChat.

Reports say the supervisor required each of the members of staff at the photo studio to get as many as 20 customers within one hour, which was clearly mission impossible, and when they failed, he forced them to drink cups of water taken from a squat toilet as it was flushed.

He did not consider the dignity of the people he was tormenting, and indeed he treated the whole incident as something funny.

Worse, after the video was widely spread online, it inflicted another psychological blow on the punished employees because they felt humiliated. Actually, it was a female employee who was punished that called the police after she saw the video online.

The incident is not an isolated one. Previously, there have been many reports about employees being humiliated by bosses because they fail to accomplish ridiculous tasks: Some are forced to kneel and apologize, some are made to crawl on the streets, some are forced to berate themselves in public. They do such things because they want to keep their jobs.

According to the Labor Law, those humiliating or bullying employees face detention for 15 days and a heavy fine. The Criminal Law also says that those humiliating others face fixed terms of imprisonment if their deeds are so serious as to be considered a crime. In order to prevent these things from happening again, it is necessary to more strictly enforce the laws, and hold employers who humiliate their employees answerable for their illegal deeds.
A body found buried in a shallow grave near Roundup is that of a missing Billings man, authorities say.

Tattoos and other characteristics on the body, discovered July 30 by a landowner, matched 33-year-old Rory Wanner, according to Billings Police Capt. Jeremy House.

Archaeologists from the University of Montana assisted as forensic specialists in the case, said Montana Department of Justice spokesman Eric Sell.

Wanner went missing June 28, and a homicide investigation has surrounded his disappearance. Court documents filed this week revealed that two men may have lured Wanner to a house, where he was beaten to death.

Two men have been charged with felony tampering with evidence, but no homicide charges have yet been filed in Wanner's death.

In a Yellowstone District Court affidavit detailing the tampering charges, a witness told investigators Wanner was lured to the Heights home on the pretext of a drug deal.

At the home, the witness said Wanner was beaten until he was quivering a bit, like a seizure. Soon after, people in the house realized Wanner had stopped breathing and his body was loaded into a truck, the witness said.

Wanner was a lifelong resident of Billings, a personal trainer and fitness fanatic.

He had an amazing way of making sure others believed in themselves and knew their worth, friends and family wrote on an online memorial fund for Wanner.

The fund, available at youcaring.com, had raised $1,775 as of Friday morning. A separate fund has been set up for Wanner at First Interstate Bank, where donations can be made in person or via mail at any location.

Money will be used for Wanners financial obligations, the fund says.
A man uses his smartphone to scan an Alipay two-dimensional code for payments at the first unmanned supermarket in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

THIRD-PARTY MOBILE PAYMENT OPERATORS Alipay and WeChat Pay, launched "cashfree" campaigns nationwide on Tuesday, generously subsidizing users who refrain from using cash this week. Southern Metropolis Daily commented on Thursday:

For the two mobile payment giants, the pursuit of a "cashless" society is not just a vision of a digital lifestyle, but also a commercial pursuit.

Originally designed to facilitate e-commerce transactions, third-party mobile payment platforms such as Ailibaba's Alipay and Tencent's WeChat Pay have already proved extremely popular thanks to their convenience, and they will undoubtedly achieve greater success at home and abroad.

Yet whether they are the last piece of the puzzle for establishing a cash-free society is still unclear. A cash-free society is not something everyone desires, not least when there is plenty of space for improvement in China's traditional banking system.

Has the adoption of digital payments saved people the trouble of having debit and credit cards? Not really. Mobile payments depend on working smartphones or other mobile devices and third-party apps, while card payments can be made without any third-party assistance.

The lack of quality financial services in China has a lot to do with the rise of mobile payments. An advanced financial system is the key to the pursuit of cashless society, regardless of payment methods.

In the United States, card payments are still preferred not because the bricks-and-mortar retailers refuse to accept mobile payments, which accounted for just 0.2 percent of the retail sales in 2015, but because of that country's sophisticated financial system.

Scandinavian countries particularly Denmark and Norway have managed to proceed further in building cash-free society, because they are home to small populations as well as established welfare and credit systems, something not available in other Western nations like the US. The same applies to China, where the construction of a mature financial system is still underway.
Police officers examine the articles involved in the internet-based pyramid-style schemes in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province on April 13, 2017. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

LI WENXING, a college graduate from a farmer's family in Dezhou, East China's Shandong province, was found dead in Tianjin on July 14, having moved there to take up his first job after graduating less than a month ago. Beijing News comments:

Li's parents said that after he went to work for a company in Tianjin he seemed like another person. Although the police investigation has yet to reach a conclusion, testimonies suggest that Li's death was directly related to his "employer", which was not a science and technology company registered in Beijing, as stated on the recruiting website zhipin.com, but rather a pyramid scheme.

If that is the case, it will only be matter of time before the police crack the illegal organization. However, the recruiting website must also be held accountable for not verifying the legitimacy of the company.

Job seekers such as Li trust the website, as they believe these platforms are legal and well-supervised. But registering a website with the business and cyberspace authorities as required by the law, although it makes the website legal, does not mean the website is well-supervised or well-behaved. Lowering the threshold for advertisers directly reduces the website's operational costs. But doing so provides shady "companies" with the legal means to prey on fresh targets. To some extent, if the company was involved in illegal pyramid-selling, the recruiting website was its accomplice in Li's death.

College graduates should raise their self-protection awareness and check their potential employers are legitimate before taking up a job.
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (C) arrives at his official residence in Tokyo, Japan, August 3, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday appointed a number of veteran politicians that are close to him to high offices in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, in a move to reverse his all-time-low approval ratings and display a united party. His Cabinet reshuffle shows that Abe is trying to heal the fractures within the party.

The resignation of former defense minister Tomomi Inada, an Abe protege, a week ago, was a wake-up call for the Japanese prime minister that his favoritism was reflecting badly on him. Replacing Inada, who had no expertise in managing defense affairs, with one of her predecessors Itsunori Onodera, might restore some unity and sense in the Abe administration.

And Abe needs solidarity and stability in the top echelons of his administration. Former foreign minister Fumio Kishida, a front-runner in the race for the LDP presidency when Abe's term ends next year, will chair the party's Policy Research Council, a "bespoke" senior party post that could significantly benefit him in the future contest.

Seiko Noda, a former chairwoman of the LDP General Council and a prominent contender for the party's leadership in 2015, when she lost to Abe, has been named minister for internal affairs and communications. The presence of senior figures such as Noda and Kishida is expected to give a lift to the scandal-mired LDP.

That Abe invited senior LDP lawmakers, even potential rivals, to be members of his new Cabinet also points to the ineffectiveness of the opposition parties. Renho Murata, his chief opponent, resigned as leader of the Democratic Party of Japan last week because of her failure to take political advantage of Abe's growing unpopularity.

With virtually no opposition from the other parties, Abe faces little challenge. Despite his waning public trust, some polls suggest it is below 30 percent, Abe will survive if the reshuffle solidifies his administration.

Yu Qiang, a researcher of Japan studies at University of International Relations in Beijing
Major General Zhou Shangping (left), Senior Colonel Lu Yu and Senior Colonel Zhang Chengwen of the PLA Ground Force to brief reporters on July 24. Zou Hong/China Daily

It is good that Beijing has turned down New Delhi's request for negotiation to resolve the standoff in Donglang. Accepting it would have made a simple matter complicated, or even worse, changed the nature of it.

It is better that it try to clarify the truths of the matterpast and presentas well as the Chinese stance, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has done by issuing a fact sheet, because whatever moves Beijing chooses to make next, or is pressed to make, it should first set the record straight.

The fact sheet makes clear the essential truth that Indian troops have violated Chinese sovereignty by crossing an undisputed stretch of border and they refuse to withdraw despite repeated Chinese protests, requests and warnings.

For outsiders with inadequate information about the matter, it provides an understanding of why China has refused to negotiate.

And for New Delhi strategists hoping to ride the wave of recent Western anti-China propaganda that seeks to create an image of an "assertive" Beijing, this should be a wake-up call.

Since there is no dispute at the Sikkim section of the China-India border, as the 15-page document clarifies, unconditional withdrawal of the transgressing Indian soldiers is mandatory; nonnegotiable.

New Delhi may be betting on Beijing's preoccupation with ensuring stability for the upcoming BRICS Summit in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province.

China needs stability both at home and on its periphery for its development, but China will not sacrifice its territorial integrity for it. As has been said by many on many occasions, never underestimate the country's determination when it comes to safeguarding its sovereignty.

It is true that there is no tangible sign of a major military buildup on the Chinese side of the border, and that the standoff has been unusually restrained.

And it is also true that Beijing is not in the mood for a fight. On the contrary, China sees the border disputes with India as legacies of a bygone era that should be resolved through constructive engagement. It also appreciates New Delhi's sensitive pride and has tried hard to make its goodwill toward it understood. However, New Delhi should not misread such restraint, for to do so could have dire consequences.

Beijing has been correct in patiently insisting New Delhi withdraw its troops from Chinese territory. It should continue doing so until it is proven useless. A worst-case scenario should be avoided if at all possible.

However, if good manners do not work, in the end, it may be necessary to rethink our approach. Sometimes a head-on blow may work better than a thousand pleas in waking up a dreamer.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army's logistics base in Djibouti came into service on Tuesday, the 90th anniversary of the PLA's founding. Representatives of both countries attended a flag-raising ceremony at the base.

The logistics base is located near the southern entrance to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and it is the PLA's first overseas logistics base.

Djibouti, a comparatively stable and safe country in Africa with a population of 960,000, is located where Europe, Africa and Asia meet, which means it is of great economic and military significance. The United States, France and Japan all have bases in Djibouti.

The PLA logistics base in Djibouti has been established to support its escort and peacekeeping missions and humanitarian relief work in the Gulf of Aden and sea off Somalia.

The PLA has been participating in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and the United Nations peacekeeping missions for a long time. The PLA's logistics base is only a few miles away from Camp Lemonnier, US permanent naval base in Djibouti.
Robots attract visitors at an industry expo in Beijing. CHEN XIAOGEN / FOR CHINA DAILY

Technology and jobs, whither goest thou?

Whether in China or the United States, it is time to pause and assess the very real impact of technology's advances on those who will lose their jobs today as the so-called "jobs of tomorrow" are created.

Too often, "globalized" business leaders and macroeconomists blindly welcome every advance in productivity, while investors in turn reward news of resulting job reductions with an upward tick in share prices. As technology advances, and wealth is increasingly concentrated, the challenges of job creation and the need for bipartisan discussion on a way forward grow more increasingly pressing.

According to Credit Suisse's Global Wealth Report 2016, the top one percent in Russia controls nearly 75 percent of that nation's wealth. For India, the figure is 58.4 percent; Indonesia, 40 percent; Brazil, 48 percent; China 43.8 percent; and the United States, 42 percent.

And in a report released early this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos by Oxfam, the world's eight richest billionaires now control the same wealth as do the poorest half of the earth's population.

It is no surprise then that inequality  its causes and possible solutions  is a ubiquitous topic of discussion. The debate over economic inequity rages in the East as in the West. Raising employment levels is seen as a major challenge for developing and developed economies alike, and that includes both China and the United States.

No industry is exempt, and no country, no matter how protected, is able to escape the elimination of jobs "of the past"  too often with little consideration of the "people of today."

All too often the blame is laid squarely on the shoulders of globalization. Witness the breakout of protests in Hamburg at the G20 summit. Witness also the relative success of politicians who promised protections in the form of trade tariffs and a closing of borders. Enduring wage disparities and outdated and imbalanced tax structures are also seen as contributors to growing inequality.

However, is it only the export of jobs that has led to unemployment or are we entering a brave new world of technology steadily eroding once secure foundations of employment?

Directly addressing that question can help lead to possible solutions, drawing perhaps on apprenticeship programs and new management-employee relationships that may well disrupt our present thinking of the workplace.

A revolution is certainly on the way. 3D printing and the potential impact on design and manufacturing of "printing" in a multi-dimensional manner is an example.

Essentially one can design a pair of shoes, use a 3D-printing facility and see the immediate gratification of creativity.

Take another example  driverless cars, which threaten to disrupt a range of every day jobs, from that of traditional drivers and mechanics to those of the few who may still be managing gas stations. Self-service gas pumps displaced attendants. Charging stations for electric cars may well further disrupt gas stations eroding employment opportunities.

The ruthless advance of technology has implications for Asia, particularly in the garment industry. In many countries, the clothing industry did for Asia what the auto industry had once done for the United States in terms of offering rising wages and providing non-farm employment.

Imagine a clothing industry, however, that is brought to the realm of desktop publishing. As technology displaced a range of publishing jobs, an increasingly self-manned and self-driven clothing sector could significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the need for machine operators and button sewers. These and other jobs allowed a generation in Asia to entertain visions of life outside the farm.

The rise of manufacturing in China, Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia has helped nations transition between an agrarian-society towards more service-driven economies. Factories have employed millions as typically young Asian workers moved on from their rural, agrarian lives and transitioned to more urban settings.

Now, an increasingly automated manufacturing industry could see robotics limit the opportunities and the path from factory work to the middle class.

Even in the service sectors, the impact of technology on jobs is growing. A software program can eliminate the army of junior researchers and outsourced analysts who have been extracting the data, filling the spreadsheets and crunching the numbers.

Ever smarter "smart" machines are capable of collecting and processing information. The next step for robotic advisors: drawing inferences, answering questions and recommending actions.

As early as 2014, the Associated Press began to automate some of its corporate earnings reports. Robotic journalism has arrived.

Where will all these advances in technology take us?

Countries throughout the world have used monetary and fiscal policy to spur economic growth in the hope that greater growth will lead to higher employment.

Taxation is another weapon in the arsenal of governments seeking to incentivize behavior and job creation.

In this brave new world of the knowledge economy, such government measures alone are unlikely to be sufficient. Indeed, the solutions will have to be found outside of government, in our communities and businesses.

Providing equality of opportunity to all citizens should remain a guiding principle.

Education will be the key. Business, government and civil society leaders must come together to ensure the quality of education is improved to meet the demands of a technology-driven knowledge economy. More importantly, whether in New York or Beijing, or anywhere else, citizens must not be barred from quality-oriented education because of high costs.

Optimists feel that productivity increases will eventually lead to the creation of an entire range of jobs not thought of earlier. Pessimists look at the pace of automation and see a dystopian world ahead. Realists recognize that whatever the future holds there is an immediate scenario of displacement and a growing challenge of dislocation for millions of people.

As humanists, we argue that, regardless of the scenario, much more should be done to recognize and address the needs of the all too many whom are all too forgotten and increasingly left behind. That is as true in the United States as in China.

Curtis S Chin is a former US ambassador to the Asian Development Ban and Meera Kumar is a New York-based Asia analyst and communications consultant. This article was first published on chinausfocus.com on Aug 1, 2017.


Flames shoot up the sides of the Torch tower residential building in the Marina district, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in this August 4, 2017 picture by Mitch Williams. [Photo/Agencies]

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  A fire broke out after midnight in one of the world's tallest residential towers in Dubai, engulfing part of the skyscraper and sending chunks of debris plummeting below.

More than 40 floors of the 86-story Torch Tower were burning on one side of the building, an Associated Press journalist near the scene of the blaze said. Building residents could be seen on the street outside crying with several saying the fire broke out just after 1 am Friday local time.

Dubai's Civil Defense announced at about 3:30 am that firefighters had brought the blaze under control and that no injuries had been reported.

"Cooling operations are underway," Dubai's official media office said on Twitter.

It was the second time in 2 years that the more than 1,100-foot-tall (335 meters) tower has been ravaged by fire. The tower, located in the popular waterfront Marina district, caught fire in February 2015, but there were no major casualties reported in that blaze.

Early Friday, authorities shared a photo of the charred and blackened tower but it was no longer visibly in flames. Officials said they were now working on providing shelter for those affected.
Brazil's Prosecutor-General Rodrigo Janot gestures during a seminar on combating corruption, in Brasilia, Brazil, June 19, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil's prosecutor-general Rodrigo Janot is preparing to lodge a new charge for obstruction of justice against President Michel Temer at the Supreme Court.

This comes a day after the Chamber of Deputies dismissed a corruption charge against Temer filed by Janot.

According to the Globonews television on Thursday, Janot has asked Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin to separate obstruction of justice from other charges related to the bribery allegations made by executives of Brazilian meatpacking conglomerate, JBS.

This would allow Janot to charge Temer and his associates with the sole crime of obstruction of justice.

According to the prosecutor-general, the investigation into JBS, which began in May, has revealed that Temer committed the crimes of passive corruption, obstruction of justice by buying the silence of public officials, and illicit association.

However, the expectation is that there will be no time for Janot to file another charge for illicit association before he steps down from his role on September 17, meaning he will focus entirely on obstruction of justice.

The Chamber of Deputies voted Wednesday to dismiss the passive corruption charges against the president. The opposition would have needed a two-thirds majority to force a trial and make Temer stand down for 180 days.
Robert Mueller pauses after making an opening statement at the US Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US on June 19, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - A grand jury has issued subpoenas in connection with a June 2016 meeting that included President Donald Trump's son, his son-in-law and a Russian lawyer, two sources told Reuters on Thursday, signaling an investigation is gathering pace into suspected Russian meddling in the 2016 US election.

The sources added that US Special Counsel Robert Mueller had convened the grand jury investigation in Washington to help examine allegations of Russian interference in the vote. One of the sources said it was assembled in recent weeks.

Russia has loomed large over the first six months of the Trump presidency. US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia worked to tilt the presidential election in Trump's favor. Mueller, who was appointed special counsel in May, is leading the probe, which also examines potential collusion by the Trump campaign with Russia.

Moscow denies any meddling and Trump denies any collusion by his campaign, while regularly denouncing the investigations as political witch hunts.

At a rally in Huntington, West Virginia, on Thursday night,Trump said: "Most people know there were no Russians in our campaign. ... We didn't win because of Russia. We won because of you."

Mueller's use of a grand jury could give him expansive tools to pursue evidence, including issuing subpoenas and compelling witnesses to testify. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported a grand jury was impaneled.

A spokesman for Mueller declined comment.

A grand jury is a group of ordinary citizens who, working behind closed doors, considers evidence of potential criminal wrongdoing that a prosecutor is investigating and decides whether charges should be brought.

"This is a serious development in the Mueller investigation," said Paul Callan, a former prosecutor.
US defense media reports China's efforts to assist the search for a missing US sailor, Aug 3, 2017. [Photo/Screenshot]

China's navy is assisting the search for a missing US navy sailor in the South China Sea, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday.

The Chinese navy's Liuzhou frigate, which was conducting combat readiness duties in nearby waters, coordinated with the US navy "in the spirit of humanitarianism" and in accordance with the code for unplanned encounters at sea, the ministry said in a statement.

The unnamed sailor, who is a male lieutenant according to the Associated Press, is thought to have gone overboard when the US warship was about 100 nautical miles (185 km) southwest of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea on Tuesday morning. The warship has involved in a joint US-Japan drill those days.

A joint US-Japanese search-and-rescue effort is now underway, the US-based Defense News website reported.

The Chinese navy has aided the rescue effort, shadowing the Japan-based US destroyer Stethem along with two Japanese ships, three US navy officials told the military media website.

It also said that the sailor had not been found as of Thursday evening.

But the Chinese ship and its associated aircraft has greatly expanded the area the USS Stethem can cover to try and find its sailor, a US navy official was reported as saying.

Another US navy official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the Chinese cooperation was a win for protocols set up between all the nations in the region, including China.

"I would say that this is a good example for what benefits come from increased positive interaction with the Chinese," the US official said.

"The use of (the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea), existing operational channels for communication, participation in (Rim of the Pacific Exercise)- instances such as this, search-and-rescue efforts, are where those positive interactions and familiarity pay dividends," he added.

The CUES is an agreement reached in 2014 that aims to reduce the chance of an incident at sea among countries involved, and to prevent it from escalating amid rising territorial and maritime disputes.

It is not the first time China has come to the assistance of another country's soldiers.

In late June, China offered medical care to a Myanmar soldier with serious injuries on board vessel Spring Sky as it sailed 60 nautical miles (111 km) away from the Dayaowan Port, located in the Dalian Development Zone, Northeast China's Liaoning province.

China also offered help to three non-Chinese sailors from a chemical ship near a maritime search and rescue center in South China's Hainan province in 2014.
A new job description states the Billings City Council seeks a progressive, innovative and professional city administrator to lead the city of about 112,000 people as it grows and develops for the future.

Five to seven years experience is required, as is experience in finance, economic development, legislative relations, highly developed interpersonal skills, the ability to engender decision-making among city staff and a willingness to accept criticism. The council is also looking for someone who can look outside the box, follow council policy directives, listen, be thoughtful, and is a hard worker.

Walking on water isnt required, but council members would no doubt appreciate that level of dexterity.

Those are some of the desired qualifications found in a draft application created by The Mercer Group Inc., a Santa Fe, New Mexico, firm contracted to help the City Council find a successor to Tina Volek, who will retire Sept. 30 after 13 years leading Montanas largest city.

The firm has told Volek and the city's human resources director, Karla Stanton, that it could be three months or so before finalists are identified and vetted.

Mayor Tom Hanel and the 10 council members have the sole authority to hire the new city administrator, who serves at the pleasure of the council. A council-appointed citizens committee will also assist the selection process.

Hanel, who is term-limited, and up to five council members could be out of office pending the results of the Nov. 7 general election. The next mayor and newly elected council members will be sworn in after the New Year.

Assistant City Administrator Bruce McCandless, who is not a candidate to succeed Volek, has told the committee advising the council that hes willing to serve as interim city administrator until the new person begins working at City Hall.

Volek is Billings longest-serving city administrator.

The Mercer Group, which has assisted the council in previous executive searches, is charging $15,000 for its services, plus $150 per hour for any additional services the council might require.

Council members serving on the committee aiding in the selection process have said they want to meet in the next couple weeks. Councilman Larry Brewster said he wants to recommend to the council giving the public opportunities to visit with the candidates toward the end of the selection process.

Councilman Shaun Brown said a list of attributes being sought should be presented in a more cohesive fashion.

Those attributes include finding a person whos charismatic, an inside/outside influencer and someone who can focus on the quality of life for the city.

Brown called some of those desired qualifications a bunch of unorganized comments.

A meeting of the councils advisory committee has been tentatively set for the afternoon of Aug. 14, hours before the councils business meeting begins that evening at 6:30.
The three different drums are chico, repique and piano. Each plays a unique role during the performance. Liu Xuan / China Daily

First brought by slaves to Uruguay, Candombe is now a World Cultural Heritage of humanity and symbol of local culture. Daniel "Tatita" Marquez, percussionist and expert on Candombe, performed some contemporary Candombe music on Thursday evening at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

Contemporary Candombe is a music style developed by Marquez combining traditional Candombe music with jazz, electronic and other elements. The audience can hear both the sound of original beats inherited from African culture and the rhythm borrowed from modern art.

Uruguayan Candombe music uses wooden drums that are shaped like barrels and called tamboriles. The music style is based on three different drums: chico, repique and piano drums. Each of them carries a different drum beat during the performance. Typically, performers wear the drums with one strap over the shoulder and play them with a stick in the other hand while marching. Marquez prefers to use free-standing drums on stage.

Instead of using traditional Condombe drums, Marquez this time rented three Brazilian drums. "It's inconvenient to travel with so many drums," Marquez explained. "So every time I just rent the instruments in the local stores."

His performance also used new technology. The equipment fixed to the drums helps him conduct the performance beating three drums at the same time and add some modern music elements.

Eugenia Silveira Chirimini, a Uruguayan dancer, danced to the beating of Condombe, adding visual enjoyment to the party.

Candombe was introduced to South America along with the slave trade in the late 18th century. At that time, African-Uruguayans would organize Candombe dances every Sunday and on special holidays such as New Year's Eve. It was even banned by the government at one stage as it was considered a threat to public morals.

However, with the abolition of slavery and the integration of local people, Condombe has become a performance widely enjoyed by Uruguayans and an important aspect of the culture. In 2013, UNESCO recognized Candombe as a World Cultural Heritage of humanity.

Marquez said he hoped to bring Candombe around the world and introduce this type of music to more people.

liuxuan@chinadaily.com.cn
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The nonprofit support group PLUK, which helps parents of children with special needs across Montana, has drastically cut its staff and changed executive directors after a handful of state and federal grants ceased their funding.

PLUK, or Parents, Let's Unite for Kids, has seen its annual operating budget drop over the past two years from $645,000 to $250,00, forcing it to cut its 20 full-time positions down to four.

"As you can imagine, it's had a large, negative impact on the organization," said Mary Hernandez, PLUK's interim executive director.

Hernandez was brought on by the group's executive board three weeks ago to help steer PLUK through the current financial crisis. Roger Holt, who had been executive director since 2007, stepped down.

As a nonprofit, PLUK is almost completely reliant on federal and state grants for its operating budget. The amount of federal funding for many of the programs PLUK supports has shrunk in the past few years and there are more organizations applying for them. Montana, with its small, rural population, struggles to stand out.

"Montana has a hard time demonstrating its impact on people because of our rural population," Hernandez said.

A similar program in Chicago, for example, can affect more special needs kids than there are in the entire state of Montana. So a big-city program becomes the priority.

"Rural nonprofits are really challenged with having to compete with more populous states," she said.

PLUK assists families who have children with special needs by helping them connect with support systems, navigate the public school system and access resources that teach how to parent a child with physical or mental challenges.

Ultimately, the organization's goal is help families learn to advocate for themselves.

"We will continue to serve families across the state," Hernandez said.

While it works to restructure with its new, limited resources, phone calls to PLUK won't be returned until Aug. 15. Hernandez is eager to have some services up and running by mid-August; the start of the school year is a busy time for the organization.

"We do a lot of work helping with IEPs," or individualized education programs, Hernandez said.

IEPs are a collaborative process between administrators, educators, experts and parents designed to help account for students special needs. It's a process that can be stressful, particularly if a parent and child have never gone through it before.

Hernandez said she'll be relying on the remaining PLUK staff, which she described as "amazingly talented." The four remaining full-time positions at PLUK will be covered by eight part-time employees.

"This group is the most gracious group of people ever in accepting such challenging news," she said. "Their dedication to our kids and families is simply amazing."

Moving forward, PLUK will move toward securing more community support for its programs, taking donations and holding various fundraisers. Donations can be made to the group's Families Empowerment Fund.

"PLUK is still available," Hernandez said. "We fully intend to keep with our work."
HELENA  Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the shooting death of a Montana sheriff's deputy in May.

Broadwater County Attorney Cory Swanson filed notice on July 25 with the 1st Judicial District Court in Townsend.

In late May, Lloyd Barrus pleaded not guilty to about two dozen charges filed against him, including accountability to deliberate homicide in the death of Deputy Mason Moore. A Nov. 13 trial date was set for Barrus, 61, who was ordered to be held on $4 million bond by District Court Judge James Reynolds.

Barrus also faces two counts of accountability for attempted deliberate homicide involving two Butte-Silver Bow police officers and five counts of attempted deliberate homicide involving a Montana Highway Patrol officer and law officers from four jurisdictions.

Moore, 42, a husband and father of three, died from gunshot wounds while attempting to stop Lloyd Barrus and his son Marshall Barrus near Three Forks early in the morning of May 16.

Moore followed the vehicle for about a minute before activating his emergency lights and siren, according to court documents. The vehicle he was pursuing did not stop, and he advised dispatch of the pursuit. The California license plate number he provided came back as belonging to a 1998 Chevrolet belonging to Lloyd Barrus.

Another call to dispatch at about 2:32 a.m. reported reaching speeds of 100 mph.

A dash camera recorded the pursuit and ensuing gunfire and showed that after six minutes, Moore appeared to have been struck by gunfire. The camera was knocked from its mount and the patrol car came to a stop off the side of the road.

Moore was silent and did not move for about three minutes after the initial gunfire, according to the video, before he seemed to regain consciousness and could be heard moaning faintly before he opened the door to his vehicle.

About a minute later Moore and his vehicle were struck by additional gunfire.

Backup officers arrived about eight minutes later and found Moore dead just north of Three Forks.

The vehicle Moore was pursuing was spotted by a Butte-Silver Bow County sheriff's deputy near Anaconda around 3:30 a.m., spurring a chase that led to the Rock Creek area on Interstate 90.

Lloyd Barrus and his son, Marshall Barrus, allegedly fired at officers at the end of the chase. Lloyd Barrus was taken into custody, and Marshall Barrus was shot in the head and died the next day in a Missoula hospital.

An investigation found the father and son had gone out that night intending to get into a gun battle with law enforcement officers.
A humanitarian organization has set out to raise funds in hopes to rebuild a predominantly Christian town in Iraq that has been destroyed by ISIS.

According to the Knights of Columbus, which is spearheading the effort, the rebuilding of Karamdes, also called Karamlash, must happen within the next two months. Andrew Walther, the vice president of communications and strategic planning for the Knights of Columbus, told The Christian Post that the next 60 days are critical because if those who were displaced from their homes are unable to return within that time frame, they will leave the country for good.

Christianity is reaching a tipping point, Walther told The Christian Post. We have been told in 60 days, if there arent signs of hope and construction and people starting to move home, if this process doesnt begin in the next 60 days that people will just start leaving in droves and Christianity in Iraq will reach the point of no return.

Since ISIS invaded parts of Iraq in 2014, numerous towns have been destroyed and taken captive by the extremist group, many of which were resided predominantly by Christians or other religious minorities. Some of those towns have been liberated from ISIS control since then, including Karamdes, but the population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) remains significant.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, (UN OCHA) some 3.4 million people are internally displaced within Iraq as of June.

The Knights aim to raise $2 million, which the group says will help bring hundreds of families back home to Karamdes, and estimate that it costs about $2,000 to resettle one family. It will be partnering with the Archdiocese of Erbil for the effort.

The terrorists desecrated churches and graves and looted and destroyed homes, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said during an annual report at the Knights of Columbus 135th Supreme 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.
Many moviegoers turn to the absurdities of comedy or the happy endings of romance when looking for an escape. Im more of a guns and explosions kind of girl, so Id been looking forward to Atomic Blonde, the Cold War espionage thriller starring Charlize Theron as MI6 operative Lorraine Broughton.

Atomic Blonde is a highly stylized, spy-versus-spy picture based on a graphic novel. Though shot in color, the film relies on a restrained color palette and boasts carefully blocked frames and noir-inspired lighting. Set in the divided Berlin of 1989, the film also draws on an array of 80s references, from shoulder-exposing sweatshirts and stiletto ankle boots to a soundtrack so full of beloved 80s hits that licensing them all ranks as one of the films most impressive stunts.

As if in tribute to the Soviet enemies of the Cold War, the films plot has taken the form of so many Russian nesting dolls: Each new layer of the tale opens up to reveal another hidden inside. The crisis that sends Agent Broughton to Berlin involves a murdered MI6 agent and a missing list of all the undercover intelligence operatives in the city. Both East and West are willing to kill for the list (and do), as it poses both a security threat to their operations and an opportunity to gain the upper hand. The list is also believed to reveal the identity of a Soviet double agent who has infiltrated MI6. While the Brits know codename Satchel exists, theyve been unable to find and eliminate the traitor. In addition to the female lead, the characters involved in untangling the plot include Broughtons fellow British spy, David Percival (played as a charming maniac by James McAvoy), a handful of East ...

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Judicial Watch Warns California to Clean Voter Registration Lists or Face Federal Lawsuit

Data Show LA, San Diego, San Francisco Have More Registered Voters than Eligible Adult Citizens  LA Voting Rolls Have 144% of the Total Number of Eligible Residents

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- Judicial Watch announced it sent a notice-of-violation letter to the state of California and 11 of its counties threatening to sue in federal court if it does not clean its voter registration lists as mandated by the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Both the NVRA and the federal Help America Vote Act require states to take reasonable steps to maintain accurate voting rolls. The August 1 letter was sent on behalf of several Judicial Watch California supporters and the Election Integrity Project California, Inc,

In the letter, Judicial Watch noted that public records obtained on the Election Assistance Commission's 2016 Election Administration Voting Survey and through verbal accounts from various county agencies show 11 California counties have more registered voters than voting-age citizens: Imperial (102%), Lassen (102%), Los Angeles (112%), Monterey (104%), San Diego (138%), San Francisco (114%), San Mateo (111%), Santa Cruz (109%), Solano (111%), Stanislaus (102%), and Yolo (110%).

In the letter, Judicial Watch noted that Los Angeles County officials "informed us that the total number of registered voters now stands at a number that is a whopping 144% of the total number of resident citizens of voting age."

Under Section 8 of the NVRA, states are required to make a reasonable effort to remove the names of ineligible voters from official lists due to "the death of the registrant" or "a change in the residence of the registrant," and requires states to ensure noncitizens are not registered to vote.

There is "strong circumstantial evidence that California municipalities are not conducting reasonable voter registration list maintenance as mandated under the NVRA," Judicial Watch wrote in the notice letter sent to California Secretary of State Alex Padilla.

Judicial Watch referred California officials to a settlement agreement it reached with the State of Ohio in which Ohio agreed to update and maintain its voter registration lists and to keep a current voter registration list online and available for public access.

"California's voting rolls are an absolute mess that undermines the very idea of clean elections," Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said. "It is urgent that California take reasonable steps to clean up its rolls. We will sue if state officials fail to act."

In April, Judicial Watch sent notice-of-violation letters threatening to sue 11 states having counties in which the number of registered voters exceeds the number of voting-age citizens. The states are: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Tennessee.
home World Christian groups in Ireland celebrate dismissal of complaint against pro-life ad

Christian groups are celebrating the dismissal of several complaints against a pro-life advertisement that claims Northern Ireland's abortion laws had saved 100,000 lives.

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has dismissed complaints against a billboard campaign by the pro-life group Both Lives Matter that says 100,000 people are alive today because of Northern Ireland's strict abortion laws.

According to Catholic Herald, the complaints were filed by 14 people who argued that the statistic could not be substantiated.

On Wednesday, ASA issued its ruling saying the poster was not misleading and there was "reasonable probability" it was accurate.

"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," the ASA stated.

"Because we considered that readers would understand the figure to represent an estimate, we concluded that the claim was unlikely to materially mislead readers," it continued.

Both Lives Matter, which is a coalition of groups including Christian Action Research Education (CARE) and the Evangelical Alliance, hailed the watchdog organization's decision.

"We are delighted with this result. 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," said Both Lives Matter spokeswoman Dawn McAvoy, according to Premier.

Nola Leach, the chief executive of CARE, stated that ASA's decision should give cause for a "massive rethink" when it comes to policy in Britain.

"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?" she asked.

Northern Ireland is the only part of the U.K. where abortion remains banned after the 1967 Abortion Act was passed.

In January, Both Lives Matter published a report that suggested that over 100,000 people are alive today because the 1967 Abortion Act was not implemented in Northern Ireland.

The group explained that it found the figure by comparing the rates of abortion in Scotland, which has the lowest abortion rates in the U.K and is culturally most similar to Northern Ireland. The group then estimated the number of abortions performed for Northern Irish women in England and Wales, based on figures from U.K. Department of Health. The number of people who were spared from abortion is arrived at by calculating the difference between the two figures.

The ASA's ruling drew criticism from pro-choice campaigners including Clare Bailey of the South Belfast Green Party who said that the 100,000 figure failed to represent the full picture in Northern Ireland.

She said that she has not seen the report published by Both Lives Matter, but she questioned whether the study has taken into account the number of women who used online abortion pill providers.

McAvoy noted that Both Lives Matter knew that pro-choice groups would not be happy about the claim in the advertisement because of the commonly used argument that the law does not stop abortions. "And we have now shown that law does stop abortions," she said.
home World Iran releases ailing Christian convert Maryam Zargaran after four years in prison

The Iranian government has released ailing Christian convert Maryam Naghash Zargaran from Tehran's Evin prison, where she has been jailed for four years.

According to World Watch Monitor, Zargaran was due to be released on July 28, but it was delayed until Aug. 1 without any explanation.

Zargaran, a convert from Islam, was arrested alongside Iranian-American pastor Saeed Abedini in January 2013 in connection with their work at an orphanage. She was first questioned by the authorities in 2010 for her work with underground churches.

During her time in prison, she was denied proper medical treatment for her ongoing medical problems and was said to be near death a year ago.

Zargaran, also known as "Nasim," suffers from congenital heart condition said to be Atrial Septal Defect, which can reduce the blood's oxygen levels. She has also been diagnosed with lumbar disc disease, arthritis and osteoporosis. The stressful prison conditions have reportedly exacerbated her congenital heart condition and have left her suffering with depression.

She underwent two hunger strikes in 2016 in protest of her imprisonment and lack of medical care, but the authorities only allowed her to receive temporary and limited medical treatment.

Mohabat News reported that the prison guards and the judiciary authorities hesitated to send her to a hospital or give her suitable medical care when her health status took a turn for the worse due to the hunger strikes.

Zargaran finished her prison term on June 5, 2017, but her release date was postponed to Aug. 1 because she has spent a few days on medical leave.

Her case has been highlighted by Amnesty International when it accused Iran of "cruel" denial of medical care in its prisons.

Mansour Borji, from advocacy group Article 18, said that 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.

Abedini, who was freed in January 2016, following pressure from the U.S. government, had advocated for Zargaran's freedom and access to medical care. He told Baptist Press that it was his ministry that has led to Zargaran's Christian conversion. "Nasim is free. Hallelujah," the pastor posted on Facebook on Aug. 1.

In recent months, a dozen Christians a mostly converts from Muslim backgrounds a have received lengthy prison sentences of 10 years or more. The lengthy sentences prompted two other imprisoned Christians to undertake hunger strikes of their own, including Amin Afshar Naderi, who was released on bail after going three weeks without food.
home US Knoxville police department takes down Bible verse from headquarters following legal threat

The police department in Knoxville, Tennessee has removed a plaque that contains a Bible verse from its headquarters last week following legal threats from a Wisconsin-based atheist group.

According to Knoxville News Sentinel, the East Tennessee chapter of Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) filed a complaint about the plaque with the verse Romans 8:31, which states, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, then who can be against us?"

Aleta Ledendecker, who sent the complaint letter on behalf of FFRF in February, said that the organization was contacted by one of its members about the plaque. She reportedly sent three letters to the department, threatening a lawsuit.

On July 26, Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch announced the removal of the plaque, which was located on a wall near an employee deli inside the Safety Building, where the police department is headquartered.

City Law Director Charles Swanson said that the city could have fought a legal battle to keep the plaque in place, but he said he agreed with Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero's decision not to spend taxpayer money to fund the case.

Rogero, who identifies as a Christian, said in a news conference on Wednesday that the city had determined that the plaque crossed a "clearly established line" with government promoting a particular religion.

"As our founders recognized when they wrote the Constitution, the best protection for religious liberty is to restrict the government's role in promoting or endorsing any particular faith," the mayor said, as reported by CBN News.

"As Christians, we may not always realize that our co-workers or our constituents do not all see the world the same way we do. We may not understand that a Bible verse that gives us strength and comfort may send an entirely different message to someone else: That you are not welcome here, that this governmental body does not represent you," she added.

Rogero further explained that the city would spend the money if the officials believed that they could win a lawsuit.

Some police officers and civilian personnel were reportedly upset with Rogero for caving to FFRF, but Rausch defended the mayor, noting that she did not order the sign to be removed. The police chief maintained that the removal of the plaque was a "legal decision based on current case law" resulting from research conducted by the law department.

Rausch further explained that the plaque was not intended to promote religion, and noted that it was viewed as a motivational quote similar to those spoken by respected leaders throughout history.

The police chief said that the plaque will be moved to a new Hall of Inspiration that will be created inside the Safety Building. The section will be devoted to all faiths and will include plaques that contain messages from Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism as well as from Christianity. It will also include plaques containing non-religious quotes from famous figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr., President Ronald Reagan, Mark Twain and Aristotle.
home US South Carolina high court orders breakaway Anglicans to return 29 parishes to Episcopal Church

The South Carolina Supreme Court has ordered a diocese that broke away from the Episcopal Church in 2012 to return 29 properties that were valued at about $500 million.

On Wednesday, the high court ruled that the Diocese of South Carolina, which is now part of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), must return the 29 church properties to the Episcopal Church. However, the majority of justices decided that seven parishes and a land trust that broke away can hold on to their properties as they never agreed in writing to let the national church hold them in trust, unlike the others, The Post and Courier reported.

Among the properties that are set to be returned to The Episcopal Church are St. Michael's Church, the oldest surviving religious building in the city, and St. Philip's Church, which is the oldest congregation in the state.

About two-thirds of the parishes in the Diocese of South Carolina left the Episcopal Church in 2012, following years of bitter argument over issues ranging from scriptural interpretations to governance powers to gay rights. The diocese has since joined the ACNA, which was formed in 2009 as an alternative to the Episcopal Church.

A 2015 ruling by a lower court had granted the conservative Anglicans "all their property, including churches, symbols, and other assets" worth $500 million. That same year, the Episcopal Church tried to settle the dispute by letting the Anglicans keep their physical properties in return for giving up their intellectual property, but the breakaway diocese refused.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled 3a2 to reverse the 2015 decision, and it ruled 2a2, with one abstention, to uphold the lower court ruling on the breakaway diocese's intellectual property claims, allowing it to continue to use its name, seal, and symbols.

According to Christianity Today, the high court decision was hinged on the Dennis Canon, an Episcopal church law granting ownership of parish property to the local diocese and the national church. The justices determined that even after the diocese had left the denomination, only churches that had not "acceded" to the Dennis Canon had the rights to the property.

Rev. Jim Lewis, a spokesman for the Diocese of South Carolina, said that attorneys are still reviewing the complicated series of opinions. The diocese has expressed its intention to seek a rehearing by the high court.

"It's fair to say we were disappointed in the ruling as it has come down," Lewis said. "But it's something we are still studying because it's complicated," he added.

Bishop Skip Adams of The Episcopal Church in South Carolina said in an email to parishioners that he was grateful for the decision, but he noted that the breakaway diocese could still file an appeal.

"It is important to note that the legal system allows for periods of judicial review and possible appeal, so it will be some time before we can say with certainty what the journey ahead will look like," Adams wrote, adding that the church's ultimate goal is "reconciliation and unity."
home World Wycliffe Associates prepare to launch Bible translation projects in the Middle East amid intense persecution

Wycliffe Associates, an international organization aimed at advancing Bible translation around the world, has announced that teams of translators are now ready to launch Bible translation projects in the Middle East despite risks of intense persecution.

According to Worthy News, Wycliffe Associates is planning to launch 30 new Bible translations in the next 45 days in the Middle East and is now raising funds to cover the cost of $19,500 per language.

In the Middle East alone, as many as 150 language groups still lack a translated Bible. But extreme poverty and risk of persecution prevent translators from independently converting the Bible to their mother tongue.

"National Bible translators are living under such severe persecution, you and I can hardly fathom what they're going through," said Wycliffe Associates CEO and President Bruce Smith.

"Many have been arrested. Their families have watched them being dragged off, jailed, beaten, and tortured. They've lost their jobs and their families simply because they tried to share God's Word with their countrymen," he continued.

One translator was jailed for eight months and spent part of the time in solitary confinement. Upon his release, he was told not to associate with any Christians for five years. He lost his job because of his imprisonment, and he now relies on the help of other Christians for his family's survival.

Another translator in the region was accused by the police of spying and was jailed for 33 days. The authorities claimed that his translation of the Bible was in code, in an attempt to take over the country. Although he was freed by the authorities, he was forbidden from leaving the country and he was informed that he would be summoned later for sentencing and be sent to prison.

"I have never seen faith like the faith of these Christians, laying their lives on the line, risking horrible recrimination if they're caught," Smith said.

"That's how important God's Word is to them. In this region of the world, the Bible is a matter of life or death. Eternity hangs in the balance," he added.

The translators will be converting the Scriptures to their own mother tongue using the method known as Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation (MAST), a collaborative process that makes it possible to translate the entire New Testament in months rather than years.

Wycliffe Associates has been stepping up its efforts so that every verse of the Bible is translated into every tongue.

Last year, 7,097 of its staff worked to speed Bible translations in 76 countries. The organization has indicated on its website that it aims to translate the Bible into every language by the year 2025.
The growth in Montgomery County has sparked the expansion of Entergy Texas Inc. with the construction of a 993-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas power station in Willis.

With the Public Utility Commission recently approving the proposal, Entergy Texas will break ground on the new facility in 2019 with the goal to have it operational by 2021. The power station is the company's first step in its $1.9 billion effort to prepare for the future by replacing aging infrastructure.

"Southeast Texas has some of the fastest-growing areas in the nation," stated Sallie Rainer, president and CEO of Entergy Texas in an Entergy press release. "Entergy Texas is committed to meeting our customers' energy needs now and in the future. This investment will provide customers a new source of reliable power that reduces costs and lowers emissions, while also benefiting the Southeast Texas economy."

Entergy Texas Inc. provides electricity to more than 440,000 customers in 27 Texas counties.

"We are very pleased that this project received support of the parties and over 70 cities in the region. This overwhelming support demonstrates that the Commission and stakeholders recognize the importance of a modern and efficient plant such as this to the region and to Texas," Rainer stated. "We look forward to breaking ground in the first quarter of 2019 and expect to have the unit complete by summer 2021."

The new station will provide 750 onsite construction jobs and 25 permanent jobs. It will be located near the company's Lewis Creek Power Station.

"This is the first plant we have built since 1979," said Kacee Kirschvink, communications specialist with Entergy Texas, noting one megawatt will power about 200 homes.

Entergy Texas currently has power stations in Willis and Orange. It also has part ownership in Louisiana.

Power station benefits

According to information from Entergy Texas, the company filed its proposal to construct the Montgomery County Power Station in October 2016. Following that filing, the company reached an unopposed agreement with parties in the case  including entities representing consumers and cities across Entergy Texas' service area  on the need and benefits of MCPS.

Construction of the facility provides benefits for:

Customers - The plant will provide a stable and secure supply of electricity for a growing region, resulting in estimated savings of $1.7 billion over 30 years for Entergy Texas' customers. The plant will produce immediate benefits to customers through lower energy costs. These fuel savings will pay off the cost of construction after less than 10 years of operation  a third of the plant's lifecycle.

Communities - According to an economic impact study from TXP Inc., the construction of this facility will generate $1 billion in economic activity across Texas, comprised of $410 million direct investment in the local area, as well as generating $307 million in worker earnings and 7,000 total supported jobs (direct and indirect).

Environment - MCPS will be built with the environment in mind, featuring emissions control technology that will lower emissions compared to the existing fleet through the use of high-efficiency, combined-cycle natural gas turbines.

The initial spark

Entergy Corporation was born from humble beginnings in 1913. On Nov. 13, 1913, with a $500,000 line of credit and a franchise to provide electricity to the Arkansas towns Malvern and Arkadelphia, Harvey Couch shook hands with H. H. Foster for his sawdust. Couch would use sawdust from Foster's lumber company as fuel to generate electricity for his power company. Couch's goal was to create an integrated electric system.

Over the years, the company continued to grow and expand.

According to the company's website, in 1989, it officially changed its name to Entergy Corporation at the annual meeting of stockholders. The new name was used to forge a new direction.

The name Entergy is a composite of the words "enterprise," "energy" and "synergy," three qualities that described the company's new approach to navigating the rapidly evolving marketplace.

The 1990s were a decade of change. Change was everywhere. The electric utility industry began to prepare for open markets and deregulation. Entergy changed to meet the demands of its stakeholders. New subsidiaries were created to help control costs and increase revenues.

On June 8, 1992, Entergy announced its plan to acquire Gulf States Utilities, which provided electric service to customers in southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana. It took 19 months to work through the merger's legal and regulatory processes.

Entergy emerged as one of the largest electric utilities in the country with more than 2.3 million retail customers and $22.9 billion in assets. The service area for Entergy utilities now encompassed four states and reflected a major step in making the company more efficient and competitive.

Today, Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric-generating capacity, including nearly 9,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.9 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $10.8 billion and nearly 13,000 employees.
While Netflix's "Narcos" tells the story of cocaine and the role it played in giving rise to some of the world's most powerful drug cartels in the 1980s, an analysis by a former U.S. State Department official says fentanyl, an addictive opioid, may be the newest "game changer" for Mexico's cartels.

"Mexican criminals have been incredibly flexible and adaptive in terms of the drugs they supply to the massive illegal narcotics market in the United States," wrote Scott Stewart, a security expert with Stratfor, an Austin-based intelligence platform. "Much of this flexibility naturally comes in response to consumer demand for certain types of drugs."
Children dragged down hallways, picked up by one arm and left alone in public parks - these are all violations noted in this compilation of troubling state violations at Houston-area day cares.

The State of Texas offers the public a useful online tool for checking out a day care center's history of violations. Parents can check Texas state inspectors' reports for day care centers, which are available online.
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A Houston police officer charged last year with intoxicated manslaughter has been found dead in his home, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.

Fort Bend authorities arrested James Combs last August on suspicion of driving drunk and crashing into another vehicle, killing the driver, 36-year-old Brian Manring. Combs was 33 at the time.

Combs, who no longer works for the Houston Police Department, was later released on bond. But that bond was revoked Friday and a warrant was issued for his arrest, court records show.

The defendant allegedly had failed several of his bond conditions, according to court records. He failed a urine test for alcohol on July 13. He failed a breath analysis test the morning of May 8 and again on July 20.

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Combs' attorney, Mark Thiessen, on Friday morning planned to argue that those readings did not prove Combs had been drinking alcohol. They can be faulty and also affected by other factors, like food or cologne, he said.

But Combs, who had been expressing to Thiessen that he wasn't sure how much more he could handle, did not show up for the morning hearing Friday, Thiessen said.

"It was a red siren to me," Thiessen said.

The judge consequently raised the bail to $150,000, from $100,000.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Friday that the cause of death was suicide.

Comb's case, as it stood, was far from over. Another hearing was upcoming to determine whether the blood analysis from the night of the accident would be included in the case, Thiessen said.

News media meanwhile had followed the case closely. Manring, the man killed in the crash, had been the father of an 8-year-old girl. Manring's parents later filed a wrongful-death suit against Combs.

When Thiessen on Friday reached Combs to tell him he would have to post a new bond, he said Combs seemed despondent. As the day continued on, Thiessen learned that Combs, a military veteran, took his life.

"I think the stress of all this, and the guilt, it just left him hopeless and completely exhausted and depleted," Thiessen said, adding, "This accident ripped apart two families."

Like Manring, Combs had been a loving father, Thiessen said.

"This was a tragedy that took two great dads out of this world," he said.

Fort Bend County spokesperson Caitilin Espinosa said no further details on the circumstances of the death would be released.
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Federal prosecutors on Friday announced charges against eight people in last week's armed robbery of a Katy bank.

The first defendant listed is 30-year-old Walter Freeman Jordan, whose nickname is "Wacko."

Prosecutors say Jordan was one of the armed robbers who entered the First Community Credit Union in Katy on July 25.

READ MORE: Feds charge six in last week's Katy bank robbery

He then allegedly was in the pickup that led police on a 19-mile chase to a Memorial Park-area apartment complex, where authorities say he and a 25-year-old man holed up.

A SWAT team locked down the complex as police searched for the two men and negotiated with them for several hours before they eventually left the apartment and were arrested.

MANHUNT: Katy-area bank robbery leads to police chase, search near Memorial Park

Jordan is the oldest of the four robbers who entered the bank and the second-oldest of the group of eight defendants. He has a long criminal history in Harris County dating back to his teenage years that includes four separate trips to state jail or prison.

In 2005 he pleaded guilty to separate charges of stealing a cellphone, felony cocaine possession and evading police; he was sentenced to six months in county jail.

The next year he pleaded guilty to evading arrest and unauthorized use of a vehicle, a felony. He was sentenced to three months in county jail.

The following year he pleaded guilty to felony cocaine possession, this time more than 4 grams. He was sentenced to three years in state prison.

The same year, 2007, he was also sentenced to seven months for endangering a child in Nacogdoches County, according to state prison spokesman Jason Clark.

In 2009 Jordan was charged with burglary and assault. He took another plea deal, got the assault charge dismissed and was sentenced to six months in state jail.

The next year he pleaded guilty to minor criminal mischief and was sentenced to three days in county jail.

The following year he was charged with trespassing, assault and felon in possession of a weapon. He eventually pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and was sentenced to six months in county jail.

In 2013 Jordan was charged with robbing and injuring someone, as well as felon in possession of a weapon. He pleaded guilty to felony assault and was sentenced to three years in state prison.

Seven months after he left prison in February 2016, he was arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana charge. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two days, which was covered by time served.

In March of this year, Jordan was again charged with evading arrest. At the time of the Katy bank robbery, he was out on a $15,000 bond while awaiting trial.

He now faces federal bank robbery and firearms charges. Prosecutors said that if, he faces up to 25 years in prison for the bank robbery as well as a consecutive and mandatory seven years for the firearms offense.

Jordan did not have an attorney listed in court records who could be reached for comment.
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Eight Houston residents face federal charges after an armed bank robbery last week at First Community Credit Union in Katy, the U.S. attorney announced Friday.

The eight people, who range in age from 19 to 31, are charged with participating in a bank robbery and using firearms to commit a violent crime. The criminal complaint used to file charges gives this account:

A black Toyota Tundra pickup pulled up to the bank in the 23100 block of Cinco Ranch about 1 p.m. July 25.

Three people entered the bank and ordered everyone to the floor. Two people jumped the teller counter and forced employees to open the cash drawers, brandishing a pistol and punching one employee who was not moving quickly enough.

READ MORE: One of the defendants, nicknamed 'Wacko,' has a long record of violent crime, evading police in Harris County

While that happened, the third robber displayed a handgun to keep customers and employees quiet. The robbers seemed to be communicating via cellphone with someone outside the bank.

Within a few minutes, a fourth robber came in to the bank and screamed, "The cops are down the street, let's go!"

The four robbers in the bank fled in the Toyota Tundra; other people drove away in three more vehicles.

Police stopped those three vehicles and arrested four occupants, prosecutors said: Jaylen Christine Loring, 21; Daryl Carlton Anderson, 31; Deandre Bendard Santee, 26; and Johnathon Nico Wise, 26.

The four suspects in the Toyota Tundra hit the road. The driver refused to stop when police tried to pull over the vehicle, leading officers on a 19-mile chase that ended near Memorial Park at an apartment complex in the 1200 block of North Post Oak.

Four men left the car and fled, police said. One of them, 19-year-old Raymond Demond Pace, ran in front of the still-moving pickup and got pinned against a wall, where he was arrested.

Another of the pickup's occupants was stopped near the truck by a police officer and canine, police said. Prosecutors say that man was Zelmer Samuel Bonner, 26.

Houston police officers locked down the apartment complex and a SWAT team swarmed the area for several hours searching for the last two suspects.

READ MORE: Katy-area bank robbery leads to police chase, manhunt near Memorial Park

Police found those two men holed up inside an apartment in the nearby complex. They negotiated for several hours before leaving and getting arrested.

Prosecutors said a handgun was found with those final two suspects, who were identified as 25-year-old Derrick Eugene Delane and 30-year-old Walter Freeman Jordan, aka "Wacko."

At a media briefing that day, HPD Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite said local law enforcement agencies had been tracking the group, but he declined to definitively say they were part of a gang.

"We know that they're operating together, and they certainly have a lot of things that suggest that they might be part of a larger group," he said.

Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez credited the charges to the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative, which brings together the FBI, HPD and other agencies.

Six of the eight suspects appeared before a federal magistrate judge Friday morning, Martinez said in a news release. Loring had a hearing Thursday, and Pace "is expected to make his first appearance in the near future."

The eight people charged do not yet have attorneys listed in court documents who could be reached for comment.
Summertime heat can be hard on everybody, including animals. Zoos around the world have found a great way to help animals stay cool on the most scorching days -- Popsicles!

Who can't sympathize with these animals as Houston battles temperatures upwards of 100 degrees right now?
NASA just reported the drought in eastern Montana is so severe it is a once in a century event.

Not surprisingly, despite livestock grazing that some suggest could preclude large blazes, the drought in Eastern Montana has spawned some recent blazes including the 270,000-acre Lodgepole fire. The fire raced across grazed public and private pasture and rangelands.

Some ranchers who lost grass to the fire now must sell off their cattle, buy hay or seek out other private pastures for their cattle.

Unfortunately, some of these cowboys have requested the Department of Interior to open Montanas Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge for grazing by their cows. And recently Secretary of Interior Zinke granted their wish and swung open the gate to grazing by their livestock.

Its ironic that for the most part, the livestock industry regularly belittles the government, welfare queens, and paying taxes  yet they are quick to call on the government to assist with taxpayer welfare.

I do not mind helping people who have been impacted by a natural event. Thats what government is for and should do  even for people who complain about government all the time.

But allowing cattle to graze the CMR is the wrong solution. The CMR grass is needed more by native public wildlife than by privately owned cattle.

In a drought, wildlife must scramble to find food and cover. During drought, there is often as little as one-third grass production. In addition, wildlife displaced by the Lodgepole fire must search further for food, and no doubt some will be heading to the CMR.

In addition, livestock grazing during droughts is more likely to help the spread of weeds by disturbing soils and consumption of drought-weakened native places.

While the ranchers have other options from leasing other private pasture to buying hay to reducing their herds, wildlife has no other options.

Lets give the ranchers affected by fire a helping hand  provide loans, give emergency assistance, bring in hay from other regions  but lets not compromise the publics wildlife by allowing cattle to graze the CMR.

These are public lands that belong to all Americans, and they should be managed to benefit all Americans. Allowing private businesses to expropriate the food and cover that otherwise is needed by the publics wildlife is not in the public interest.
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Victoria's Secret gathered together some of the sexiest models right now (naturally) to showcase their fall 2017 lingerie lines.

Models Stella Maxwell, Martha Hunt, Lais Ribeiro, Josephine Skriver, Jasmine Tookes, and Taylor Hill showed off their toned bods in the lingerie giant's The Body line, which include The Unlined Demi, The Lined Demi and The Perfect Shape bra.

NEW TO THE CREW: Here are the report cards to Victoria's Secret's newest models

Click through the gallery above to see the models show off the new line.

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The six models truly are sexy, but the brand's tweet announcing the new line wasn't received with 100 percent praise.

Some of Victoria's Secret followers called out the brand for not including women of all body types, unlike competitor brands like Aerie, Nubian Skin, and Hips and Curves.

ROUGH WATERS: Victoria's Secret #WhatIsSexy campain falls flat after voters pick thin, white winners list

Though, others were quick to come to the brand's aid in standing up for the models.

The debate of body image and Photosopping models continues to be an issue within the fashion industry.

This week alone, body advocate and model Ashley Graham was accused of sharing a Photoshopped image on her Instagram account.

"Love this woman, hate how terribly they photoshopped this," one user commented. Another said, "Girl you are gorgeous and you don't even need editing....But God these photo editors suck so bad."

CONTROVERSY POST: Ashley Graham accused of Photoshopping her bum in post
Texas sheriffs are dueling over whether it's worth the time - and money - to invest in a 287(g) partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement that gives specially-trained deputies direct access to confidential government data banks to check the immigration status of people who've been jailed for anything from driving without a license to murder.

In a splashy press conference in Grapevine, ICE's acting director announced this week that 18 of Texas' 254 sheriffs had saddled up to ride as ICE partners. The new partners include three large suburban Houston area departments - Galveston, Montgomery and Liberty counties - and a cluster of more rural counties whose turf includes major highway corridors between Houston and the Mexico border. Collectively, their agencies represent counties with 3.8 million people - about 14 percent of Texas' population.

But on Thursday, Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, a self-described Trump-supporting Republican, held a press conference to explain why he's decided against a partnership. A video posted by ABC 13 soon attracted heavy Facebook traffic and thousands of comments.

In the 18-minute video, Nehls, whose department patrols one of Texas' largest and fastest growing counties, explained why he considers a 287(g) partnership redundant - and a waste of about $500,000 in taxpayers' money. Nehls said it would basically add yet another layer to a jail-based immigrant ID-checking program that already exists in his jail and others nationwide through a different mandatory federal program called Secure Communities.

"We have a great communication/great coordination with us and the ICE organization. ... We have a great partnership and so I do not feel right now there's a need for the Fort Bend Co sheriff's office to become part of 287(g) when NOTHING is broken. The processes that we have in place in Fort Bend County  it's working," he said in an 18-minute press conference video posted on the station website and on Facebook.

Nehls added that his county is one of the most diverse in the country - and has other priorities.

"This is a large growing county and we have the resources and the relationship in place with ICE today that I do not have to add six personnel and spend another $500,000 tax dollars to solve any problem. We don't have any problem," he said.

Nehls' statements drew objections from Jackson County Sheriff A. J. "Andy" Louderback, who's been a major force in pushing for more 287(g) partnerships in Texas as legislative chairman for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas.

Related: 18 Texas sheriffs are now approved to partner with ICE

Louderback, whose county 90 miles south of Houston has a population of 15,000 and already has its partnership up and running, told the Chronicle he thinks the program will have little cost for him or other sheriffs. Though Louderback has covered about $6,000 in salary for two employees to attend ICE's month-long training he hopes to recoup that through a state grant program.

Louderback said the two deputies he's designated already handle booking and fingerprinting jail inmates, and the 287(g) partnership will only make them able to do their jobs faster and better. He said that without a 287(g) partnership, it was sometimes taking too long through the normal Secure Communities process - where information collected via fingerprint databases is generally relayed to ICE via emails and faxes - to determine whether a jail detainee was wanted by ICE or had immigration-related offenses.

Some other Houston area sheriffs recently approved for the program have said little about the costs and none have it up and running. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset, one of the newly-approved ICE partners, told the Chronicle he didn't know how much it was going to cost to participate.

Louderback's county population is only about 50 percent larger than the number of inmates regularly housed in the Harris County jail. Earlier this year, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez dropped its 287(g) partnership because he said it was too expensive.

In an interview Friday, Gonzalez said eliminating the program saved him about $600,000 in salaries, though in Gonzalez' case the jail already has ICE-trained deputies and computers on site through its historic partnership.

Related:Sheriff cuts ties with ICE program over immigrant detention

Gonzalez emphasized that eliminating the partnership allowed him to redeploy 10 people to other assignments in his jail complex, transfers that helped the department reduce a major problem with overtime.

He said he doesn't understand why suddenly this year so many sheriffs have taken an interest in 287(g) - when the program has been around since 1996.

"Even now, it's still a minority (participating) compared to 254 counties around the state - every one is still able to function, there's still collaboration so I don't see the logic in doing it now," he said.

Historically, the 287(g) program has never been particularly popular. It currently has 60 partnerships among the nation's 18,000 law enforcement agencies. For many years, Harris County was the only 287(g) sheriff partner in the state.

The program, created under President Bill Clinton, is named for Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act,which allows the ICE Director to contract with state and local agencies and permits them to perform certain immigration law enforcement functions, provided they received specialized training provided by ICE.

It dwindled in popularity under President Barack Obama, but has picked up again under President Donald Trump. Texas now has 19 out of the 60 existing 287(g) partnerships - including the 18 sheriffs and an older agreement with the small Carrollton Police Department, a Dallas suburb.
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Texas prison officials will relocate 1,000 heat-sensitive inmates from the Wallace Pack Unit northwest of Houston to air-conditioned facilities as part of a plan to address stifling indoor temperatures that have proven deadly.

The transfers will require the relocation of hundreds of other inmates to make room for those coming out of the Pack Unit in Navasota, according to court documents filed late Thursday in federal court by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

"The transfer of Pack Unit inmates to these facilities will require TDCJ to make meaningful adjustments to its operations, but these changes are achievable in the short term," according to the court filing. "Security and classification concerns are being addressed in several ways."

LAWSUIT: Inmate's family files over 2015 heat deaths

The improvements are in response to a July order by U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison in Houston to arrange for cooler living quarters for hundreds of inmates who take medication or have health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that make them vulnerable to heat.

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A group of Pack inmates filed a federal lawsuit against the state prison system in 2014, following the heat-related deaths of multiple inmates at facilities across the state. Details of the plan are set to be finalized at a court hearing Tuesday.

Ellison ordered the state to make the changes in July, following a hearing in June in which inmates testified about fainting and vomiting from unmitigated heat inside the dormitories.

Ellison ruled the state had impeded remedies and showed "deliberate indifference" to the dangers, in violation of the Eighth Amendment's protection against "cruel and unusual punishment."

He told prison officials they also should provide easier access to respite areas and develop a plan for dealing with a heat wave.

TDCJ has said it plans to appeal the judge's finding. But in the meantime, the state will make immediate changes that will alleviate the dangers.

K2 PROBLEMS: Synthetic marijuana invades Texas prisons

"Adding temporary air conditioning in a prison not built for A/C would be costly and it's unknown whether untested equipment would bring the heat index to a level required by the court," said Jason Clark, spokesman for TDCJ. "While the temporary transfer will cause the displacement of many individuals, the agency has the capabilities and experience to move offenders and has done so in emergency situations."

The plan unveiled Thursday involves moving 500 heat-sensitive inmates to Diboll Correctional Center in Diboll near Lufkin and another 425 inmates to the Travis State Jail in Austin. Both of these facilities are air conditioned.

Other inmates at the Pack Unit with more significant medical needs will be moved to the Stiles Unit in Beaumont, which can accommodate CPAP machines and other necessary medical devices.

The transfers will happen as soon as the judge signs off on the order, according to court documents.

The prison system will also revise its respite program, making most of the air-conditioned sections of the Pack Unit such as the library available for inmates seeking relief from the heat.

The new plan includes revised signage encouraging inmates to seek respite any time, regardless of whether they feel ill, and encourages guards to let inmates seek relief when they ask for it.

The prison will also implement a new heat wave policy and install improved screens to keep out bugs.

Since 1998, at least 23 inmates have died from heat-related illnesses, a number that Ellison said is likely under-reported.

About 80 percent of Texas inmates live in prison units where no air conditioning is provided, even during heat waves, according to Clark.

Since 1977, county jails across Texas have required that indoor temperature be kept between 65 and 85 degrees. All but seven of the 122 federal facilities run by the Bureau of Prisons offer air conditioning, an official said. Even the federal detention center at Guantanamo Bay, which drew attention for the treatment of high-profile international prisoners, has cooling units.
A Houston man is seeking $200,000 from a former Tinder date he claims defamed him online and cost him his job.

Joseph Lazarus, 32, broke up with the woman he matched with on Tinder in 2014 and since then, he claims the woman has spread lies about him online and to two former employers, according to Harris County District Court documents filed Wednesday by Lazarus' attorney Joseph Mathew.

The name of the woman is being withheld because she had not been notified of the lawsuit against her at the time of publication. A request for comment has been made with the woman.

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VINDICATED: Houston teacher cleared in revenge porn case

Lazarus' relationship with the woman lasted about three months after the two matched on Tinder. During that brief time, he called their interactions normal. The two would go out to dinner and even attended a Houston startup convention together since Lazarus was working at an oil startup at the time and she was an aspiring entrepreneur.

Lazarus claims the two just didn't hit it off, so he decided to break up with her in person. She wanted to remain friends; he did not. Within a few months after the breakup, Lazarus said he started receiving threatening messages from her. At one point he received a message from her demanding $10,000 from him or she would tell people he raped her.

The threats became even more real in the fall of 2016. That's when Lazarus was called into his bosses office. Lazarus was working for a high end automobile broker in Houston at the time. The boss had seen posts about Lazarus on thedirty.com, a user-submitted gossip site, and couldn't risk his company's reputation.

READ MORE: Katy teen charged with blackmailing woman with sex video in 'revenge porn' case

The posts called Lazarus "creepy" and someone who "would have sex/rape fat chicks just to amuse his friends."

Lazarus was fired that day.

"I feel terrible. I feel like I'm living in a nightmare I can't escape," Lazarus told Chron.com.

One of the first things he did was retain legal counsel. The court documents filed Wednesday include text messages the woman allegedly sent to one of Lazarus' friends. The messages claim that Lazarus would buy her dildos instead of flowers and that he was a "rapist, liar, cheater."

"I don't know what she's talking about. I certainly didn't mail her any sex toys," Lazarus said.

READ MORE: Woman successfully sues ex-boyfriend for posting 'revenge porn' online

Mathew has taken on more than a dozen revenge porn cases in his six-year career. This is the first he's had where the alleged victim was a man.

"There's no way Joe Lazarus can defend himself against these baseless allegations," Mathew told Chron.com. ""If anybody finds themselves in a similar situation and I encourage them to speak out and find legal representation. Everybody has the right to be left alone. That's all Joe Lazarus is asking, it to be left alone."
While MS-13's extreme violence has made them America's most notorious gang, they are far from the biggest threat in Houston or Texas. The crown belongs to Tango Blast.

The Texas Department of Public Safety rates Tango Blast and all of its associated cliques as one of only four Tier 1 groups in the latest Gang Threat Assessment report, which was published last year.
Devastating floods in April 2016 destroyed thousands of buildings and homes around Houston and claimed the lives of eight people.

Lesser known is that the network of bayous and waterways around Houston, many built and maintained to control floodwaters, also took a significant hit -- and officials are trying to undo the damage.
Lets set aside for a moment the sound of wolves howling at dusk and the profound experience of standing at the foot of a giant sequoia. Instead, because we are practical people and because we must, lets get down to business. If you were to create a list of all the things that make America great, national park lands would have to be near the top. Not only because they are bona fide national treasures and a core expression of American democracy, but because they are a powerful engine for the national economy.

A report released by the Department of the Interior notes that in 2016, national park visitors generated nearly $35 billion in economic activity, and provided jobs for 318,000 Americans. I am responsible for some of those jobs myself, as the CEO of an adventure travel company.

Support for national park lands is one of those increasingly rare creatures with a measure of bipartisan backing. This gives me hope, because as it stands, the presidents proposed budget leaves an annual operations shortfall of about half a billion dollars. With these proposed cuts, the administration is in danger of walking away from a very good investment. In 2016, travelers spent $18.4 billion in towns within 60 miles of a national park. More broadly, outdoor recreationists in this country spend $887 billion a year on products and travel, which supports 7.6 million American jobs and generates $124.5 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue.

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke is reviewing policies that might burden energy development or jobs on public park lands. Included on his list to review are Park Service rules regulating oil and gas drilling in national parks where private entities own subsurface mineral rights. If those rules are rolled back, split estate parks including Grand Teton, Mesa Verde, Mammoth Cave, the Everglades, and many others could be opened to drilling.

Zinke has already recommended reducing the size of Bears Ears National Monument, and signaled he is also likely to recommend rolling back protections for the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off the coast of New England, home to whales, sea turtles, and deep-sea corals. The reasons he gave were jobs and energy potential, but Zinkes calculation feels off. More Americans are directly employed by recreational hunting and fishing alone (483,000) than by oil and gas extraction (180,000). National park lands if kept, managed, and used responsibly  can be a source of jobs and community strength that continually grow in value and never zero out.

Zinke is a Montana native, which pretty much guarantees he has hunted elk, hiked, and fished on public lands. He surely knows firsthand that once you spoil a place theres no going back. Zinkes immensely difficult job is to navigate the cliff-edge between exploitation and preservation. There are as many opinions on how to manage public lands as there are snow geese at Freezeout Lake in the spring. (Its an incredible sight  get your motel reservations early!)

We in the outdoor industry would welcome an opportunity to sit down with Zinke to discuss this issue. After all, in terms of consumer spending, our industry is larger than the auto and pharmaceutical sectors. Maybe over a beer we could ask the secretary to tell us about the soul-satisfying places he hunts, and the cafes and gas stations he frequents before he heads up the trail. We could then turn the conversation to the jobs and positive impacts that spring from this perpetually productive national resource of public lands.

I would bet that there are plenty of representatives in Washington, D.C., on both sides of the aisle who have soaked their boots crossing a creek, learned the native wildflowers of their districts, and introduced their kids to the grace and wonders of nature on public lands. I want to believe they will work to protect and preserve public lands  not just because its right, but because its smart.

So, Secretary Zinke  let those of us in the outdoor industry work with you to analyze this part of the government portfolio for its sustainable economic benefit. This is an element of government that delivers, without fail, positive economic impact through sustainable jobs and perpetual tax revenues  forever, if we make the appropriate choices.
Two-year-old Amiya King remains on life support in Minnesota following the crash of her family's vehicle near Max Sunday.

To help cover her medical bills, family members have opened a benefit account at Gate City Bank for donations.

King was one of three children were pulled from a submerged SUV following a crash along Highway 83, King's mother, 22-year-old Ashley Colby of Bismarck, was driving, towing a second vehicle, lost control and ended up, upside-down, in a slough along the highway.

King, whose lungs had filled with water, was airlifted first to Minot, Fargo and eventually to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where she was put on advance life support. The child has not able to breathe on her own since the accident.

Because Colby, a single mother of three, cannot work while at the hospital, family is asking for help. People can make donations to the Gate City account at any of the bank's branches, online or via mail to the Amiya King Benefit account.

The family also has a Go Fund Me account, https://www.gofundme.com/pzznt-2000, and is posting updates to the website Caring Bridge, https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amiyaking.
The uncertainty of Roosevelt Elementary School's fate in Bismarck has left some parents worried.

Last month, the Bismarck School Board voted unanimously to quash a committee's recommendation to close and repurpose Highland Acres Elementary School, while leaving open the possibility of closing Roosevelt and reusing it for the district's early childhood education program.

That decision has left some parents to wonder: why one school and not the other? Both schools are similar in size, and also share the same principal and some staff members.

Two Roosevelt parents have since formed a group, which will host its first meeting Sunday evening at the Roosevelt school gym. Organizers said the goal is to get everyone up to speed on where the school board is at in terms of any decisions regarding the school, and then discuss any concerns families, residents and other community members may have.

Im still feeling surprised, honestly," said Ann Richardson, a mother of two, including a first-grader at Roosevelt, who helped start the group. "I think its a fantastic school. I went to Highland Acres as a kid, so that obviously is the school I know best, but theyre very, very similar. I mean, they have the same principal; they have the same staff they share. Thats wonderful, and something that I loved about going to Highland Acres, and that was a huge value for me in choosing where my children go to school."

Richardson and another Roosevelt parent, Jen Nairn, started the group's Facebook page and website. They've also been canvassing the neighborhood and putting up flyers in advance of Sunday's meeting.

Nairn has three children, including a daughter who will enter second grade at Roosevelt. Both Nairn and Richardson said they moved to the Roosevelt school neighborhood specifically so their children could attend the school.

Richardson said she and her family moved to the home, which they rent, a few months ago, and they chose it because it was so close to the school.

"Hearing that the school that we chose, specifically, and the location that we chose, specifically, was going to potentially result in busing was very upsetting," she said.

The committee recommended Roosevelt close and its 130-some students be bused to Grimsrud Elementary School instead.

The decision to no longer consider closing Highland Acres for the time being did not result in one group being more outspoken than the other, said Board President Karl Lembke.

"The reason to not close Highland Acres was not just because a group of people told us not to, that was a factor obviously, but it wasnt the factor. We take input from everybody, and we will continue to do that," Lembke said.

The board decided to refocus its efforts on redrawing boundary lines on the east and north sides of town, rather than closing any schools, Lembke said. At this point, the recommendation to close Roosevelt remains just that: a recommendation, he said.

"We havent decided to repurpose Roosevelt, and it will just be a lot of community input and community involvement as we keep going forward and looking at the decisions to make," he said. "We cant just start over, we have to be at a point where we can make a decision on some of the recommendations that have been made  At this time its just a recommendation and has to be vetted like every recommendation that we have."

Richardson and Nairn said they're pleased to hear the possible closure of the school to which they send their children will include public input.

Its heartening that there will be public input, there will be a timeline, and so Im looking forward to the chance to have that dialogue," Nairn said.

The next school board meeting will be held Aug. 14, a week after board members select a new person to fill an interim position on the board.
Dane Christianson's eyes lit up when he received a shiny medal for successfully learning how to ride a bike.

Five days  75 minutes per day  later and the training wheels have come off for Dane, 7, who has autism.

Designer Genes of North Dakota partnered with iCan Shine, a nonprofit that hosts specialized bike camps for individuals with disabilities. With the help of adaptive equipment, trained professionals and lots of volunteers, by the end of the camp, about 80 percent of riders can successfully ride on their own.

Its amazing; it's awesome how good he has done, said Dane's mom, Sara Christianson. "That just an hour and 15 minutes a day, (and) hes riding a bike."

The bike camp, which started in Bismarck in 2012, was held Monday through Friday at the Nishu Bowman Archery Complex in Bismarck. This year, 26 riders, ages 7-19, signed up, according to Roxane Romanick, executive director of Designer Genes.

The riders start off on specialized roller bikes that, instead of a back wheel, they have a roller that look similar to a rolling pin. Pete Batallion, a bike technician with iCan Shine, said these rollers help with stability.

The iCan Bike program was developed by Dr. Richard E. Klein, a former mechanical engineering professor, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Today, the program exists across the country.

As the rider get more stable, they just fix the bikes and put on different types of rollers.

"They begin to develop the balance reaction, versus training wheels where you just lean into the training wheels," said camp director Heather Lundeen.

On Wednesday, the riders were launched on two wheels, and began riding outside on Thursday. Each day, volunteers, or "spotters," and family members were present to help the riders become independent, which may involve trailing behind the rider as they take off.

On Friday, the students graduated with family members and the volunteers, and a "real biker," Tom Warner, of the Our Place Motorcycle Club, brought in his motorcycle for the bikers to climb on.

Emily Savickis, a floor supervisor with iCan Shine, encouraged parents to continue letting their children ride their bikes several times a week, even in the winter, so they don't lose any progress they made.

Dane left graduation excited to show his siblings his new skills on his bright-blue bike.

"(The volunteers) had me try to run with (Dane) earlier," Sara Christianson said, adding she could barely keep up with him. "We'll see, because I think he's going to want to ride his bike as soon as he gets home."
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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 Morton County Fairgrounds greened up overnight, but not because of recent rains.

The green comes from T-shirts worn by the 400-plus county 4-H members exhibiting at the 57th annual Morton County Fair in New Salem this weekend.

Kids from all over Morton County are here, showing some of the things 4-H taught them to do throughout the year, said Karla Meikle, 4-H youth extension agent with North Dakota State University.

Thursday was 4-H Achievement Day at the fair and judges were on-hand to meet with youth and score their projects -- everything from baking to sewing, horticulture to photography.

Its really fun to have something to make and be proud of," said Dylan Campbell, a Mandan seventh-grader. Its fun to meet with judges and work on communication skills."

A member of the Falling Stars 4-H Club, Dylan's exhibits include corn, sunflowers and a sandblasted plaque that reads: Family - where life begins and love never ends.

Today is livestock day at the fair, which means all eyes are on the beef and dairy cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

My pigs are everything I do," said Aubrey Bornemann, a sophomore at New Salem High School. "They have personalities. I really like that about them.

This year, Aubrey is showing two cleverly named pigs -- "Albert Einswine" and "Piggy Azalea."

Dont tell Piggy, but Alberts my favorite," she said, smiling.

Aubrey takes her pigs for walks, which helps prepare them for their big day. Not only do they get exercise, but it teaches them the proper way to be led.

4-H and FFA are great things to have in communities," she said. "They provide you with opportunities and connections. You get to hang out with friends who are passionate about the same things as you."

Later this evening, fairgoers can take in the award-winning NDRA Rodeo.

"Its been voted North Dakotas number one rodeo, three years in a row, by members of the North Dakota Rodeo Association," said Meikle.

Rodeo times are 6:30 tonight and Saturday, with street dances to follow.

Local band Small Town Boys will open for LANco, of Nashville, Tenn., tonight. SLAMABAMA, of Birmingham, Ala., takes the stage Saturday.

Gate admission grants fairgoers full access to the day's schedule of events, including the rodeo.

There will be music, food, inflatables and exhibits all weekend long.

The fairs an exciting place to experience a little bit of North Dakota agriculture, said Meikle. And its close to Bismarck-Mandan.
A Coast Guard air rescue saved an injured woman aboard a Carnival cruise ship near Galveston Thursday night.

Sometime before 7 p.m. the cruise ship Valor called in a report of a 30-year-old woman who had fallen and injured her head.

The Coast Guard flew out to the ship, 10 miles east of Galveston, and hoisted the woman into an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.

She was rushed to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in stable condition.
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A South Texas fishing team is celebrating after one of its members caught a 12-foot tiger shark off Padre Island on July 30.

Catch-and-release fisherman Kevin Karwedsky landed the massive beast, according to the fishing team Turn 'Em at the Knot on Facebook. The fish is 12 feet, 7 and half inches long.

Karwedsky called this "a catch of a lifetime."

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He said he had no idea how big the fish was at 5 a.m. when the shark picked up the bait, but could tell it was a good catch about two hours in.

The fishing team measured the shark and released it back to the Gulf of Mexico, and Karwedsy and his brother, Russell Karwedsky, stayed with the shark to make sure it could swim off safely.

WATCH: Shark chomps a fisherman's catch off Padre

Karwedsky said shark fishing is his passion. "We spend day and night on the sand, work hard for bait, getting crushed by waves; all to hear that screaming drag and spend a few seconds with these apex predators."

"Congrats bro on the jump to the 12' club," said a Facebook post from the team.

"Couldn't have been in a better place than having fun and fishing with you. Had a blast. 12' 7 1/2" tiger caught this morning by Kevin Karwedsky."

Click through the slideshow to see photos of the amazing catch.
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A drive-by shooting at a southwest Houston stoplight left one man dead early Friday, police said.

A black SUV pulled up alongside a black Jeep Grand Cherokee about 3 a.m. at the West Orem stoplight on northbound Almeda, a witness told police. Someone in the SUV then opened fire on the driver's side of the Jeep, firing between two and 10 rounds before the SUV pulled away.

The driver was struck multiple times and killed, said Jerry Brown, a Houston Police Department homicide detective. The victim was not publicly identified because his family was not yet notified.

The witness, who was a passenger in the Jeep and a friend of the victim, said the attack was unprovoked. Police said the shooting did not seem sparked by road rage but would not speculate on a motive.

Detectives hope to find camera footage from a nearby gas station and any traffic cameras in the area.

Several shell casings littered the ground near the Jeep, whose driver-side window had eight bullet holes.

Police ask anyone with information in the case to call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS(8477).
The Houston Police Department has extradited back to Texas a suspected MS-13 gang member after he was apprehended in Virginia Saturday on charges that he killed two people, HPD Police Chief Art Acevedo said Friday.

Douglas Alexander Herrera-Hernandez, 20, also known as "Terror," is accused of killing a 16-year-old boy who provided information as a witness to detectives on a number of homicides committed by MS-13.
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A man attacked two women with a machete at a North Side home and then lead police on a chase, officials said.

Both women received life-threatening injuries, police said.

The attack was reported around 7 a.m., when a neighbor told police he saw a man walking around with a machete in the 200 block of Army Boulevard, according to Officer Doug Greene, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department.

RELATED: Woman hospitalized after head-on collision on North Side

Police were able to get a description of the vehicle the man was driving and they later found and attempted to stop him but he fled and officers initiated a pursuit, authorities said.

The suspect fled northbound on 281, and eventually turned back around and headed southbound. He made his way back to the crime scene, where he sped past police, paramedics and reporters with more than four squad cars close on his tail while a helicopter hovered overhead.

RELATED: Sheriff: Detention officer collected drug debts for inmate, had money deposited to commissary fund

"Officers did follow policy and they did a great job of staying with this guy," said San Antonio Police Chief William McManus. "Obviously, he's a very dangerous individual."

When police had first arrived at the residence the front door was barricaded but shortly after the suspect drove by, police forced their way into the home and found the two victims with multiple cuts.

The victims, described as two women in their 30s and 50s, were carted out on gurneys. Both were covered in blood and appeared to have wounds to their faces and arms. The older woman was only wearing a bra and panties when she was taken from the home.

"The injuries were very, very severe," according to McManus.

Police said one of the victims was in a dating relationship with the suspect. According to police records, there have been no serious or violent calls from the address of the crime scene. Most calls were for disturbances.

RELATED: Day care destroyed in blaze cited for 'high risk' fire inspection violation last year

Both women were transported to San Antonio Military Medical Center in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

While police were investigating, a distraught woman arrived to the street asking what happened to the women and if they were okay.

A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said the woman is a friend of one of the victims.

"She gave her a lot of TLC, would take her to church and make sure she's okay," the neighbor said.

The suspect eventually crashed into a pole near Euclid and Wilmington Avenues.

He was arrested at the crash site after a brief struggle with pursuing officers. He is expected to be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, though the charges may be enhanced if either of the victims die. Police said they have recovered a machete from his possession.

Matt Silva, an employee with Jordan Foster Construction, said he was sitting in his utility vehicle on Euclid Avenue when the suspect and pursuing officers came screeching around the corner. The suspect was blasting rock music from the van during the chase, Silva said.

"I guess he was wired up or something," he said. "He went out with a bang."

RELATED: Landscapers get into knife fight in middle of the street following road rage incident, police say

The suspect had to swerve to avoid one of Silva's employee's, and he drove over some mud, lost control of his vehicle and crashed.

"If it hadn't have rained yesterday, who knows where it would have ended," Silva said.

Silva said the suspect got out of the car, raised his hands and started screaming at the officers. Police then threw him to the ground and "attacked."

"They started beating him pretty bad, but he was still yelling, so I guess it wasn't that bad," Silva said.

Check back to mySA.com for updates to this story.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
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The Bexar County detention officer accused of conspiring to collect hundreds of dollars for an incarcerated drug dealer split the money with him and used part of her $500 to buy fireworks for her children, court records show.

Records also show she frequently spoke to the inmate on the phone and professed her love for him.

The deputy, Rita Alvarez, 31, was arrested Wednesday on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity and illegal bartering. She remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $50,000 bond. According to Sheriff Javier Salazar, Alvarez is currently on unpaid administrative leave and will probably be terminated in the near future.

RELATED: SAPD: Man attacked two women with machete on North Side, led police on chase

Alvarez was arrested after a months-long investigation into a suspected drug dealing operation allegedly led by Cristobal "Buddha" Perez, 35, who was arrested on April 25 after authorities reportedly found more than 400 grams of black tar heroin and 200 grams of cocaine and hashish at his stash house in the 100 block of Monclova Alley.

According to court records, Perez spoke with Alvarez from jail on a regular basis and she often told him she loved him and would be there for him. During one conversation, Perez requested Alvarez bring him barbacoa tacos.

The two also allegedly coordinated the drug money collections during the phone calls.

On July 1, Alvarez "readily agreed" to collect a $1,000 drug debt owed to Perez by one of his alleged heroin dealers, Roxanne Herrera, according to the affidavit.

Herrera and several other dealers allegedly dealt drugs for Perez. Herrera told police that Perez would front them 20 ounces of heroin, which they would sell for $900 an ounce for a total of $18,000. The dealers would then turn the money over to Perez and keep any extra cash for themselves, according to the affidavit.

Herrera was arrested on April 5 after she was allegedly caught with 400 grams of heroin and $6,000 in cash.

It is unclear how much Herrera owed Perez, but at least two $1,000 payments from Herrera were collected on his behalf following his arrest, authorities said. The payments were reportedly collected from third parties.

Alvarez personally collected one of the payments, according to the affidavit. She used some of her half to buy July 4th fireworks for her kids. The other $500 was deposited to Perez's inmate commissary fund.

RELATED: Sheriff: Detention officer collected drug debts for inmate, had money deposited to commissary fund

The other payment was allegedly collected by Victoria Sepeda, a 33-year-old who has children with Perez, from Herrera's partner, Nancy Landeros, on May 30 at a Dave and Buster's.

Landeros had previously spoken with investigators on April 24 and told them that Herrera said a Bexar County detention officer had spoken with her about the money she owed Perez. Investigators later met with Herrera at the jail, and she identified Alvarez as the detention officer with whom she had spoken.

Also arrested in the investigation were 34-year-old Salvador Robles and 25-year-old Omar Garcia. Court records allege Robles, like Herrera, was a drug dealer for Perez. Investigators recorded multiple phone calls between the two men in which Perez instructs Robles to collect drug debts owed to him. In one such conversation, Perez allegedly told Robles to "hit him in the mouth" if one of his debtors didn't pay up, according to court records.

Garcia, meanwhile, is accused of standing guard over the stash house on Monclova. Garcia lived next door to the stash house, according to court records, and investigators witnessed him making numerous "hand-to-hand transactions" at the gate separating the two lots.

On April 25, the same day Perez was arrested following the raid at his alleged stash house, Garcia gave police consent to search his own home. Inside, they found three shotguns and two handguns, one of which was reported as stolen, records show. He was not arrested after the search, but deputies obtained an arrest warrant for him on Aug. 1 and rounded him up with the other suspects involved in the alleged drug dealing ring.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
A San Antonio teenager drowned Wednesday, the day before his birthday, at Son's Island in Seguin while celebrating with friends, authorities say.

Witnesses told police they saw Jaleel Griffin, 17, struggling in the Guadalupe River around 6:30 p.m. Sgt. Zachary McBride said people tried to pull him from the water before he went under, but they were unsuccessful.
AUSTIN - A bill that would stabilize health care costs for tens of thousands of Texas' retired teachers for the next two years sailed through the House on final reading Wednesday, although its future is far from certain in the Senate as the political drama between the two chambers intensifies.

Lawmakers in both Republican-led chambers have said the state should bear some of the rising costs for premium, deductible and out-of-pocket health expenses facing the state's retired teachers, who are expecting to see their health care expenses soar in 2018. However, the two sides are at odds about how to pay for it.

"This is the most important bill I think we have this session," said Rep. Dan Huberty, a Republican from Humble who chairs the House Public Education Committee.

Beginning in 2018, retired teachers under the age of 65 could see skyrocketing health care costs under a plan passed into law earlier this year attempting to shore up funding of the Texas Retirement System.

After receiving a flood of calls about the spike in costs, lawmakers agreed to devise a plan to lessen the blow, such as reducing the deductible for non-Medicare retirees from $3,000 to $1,500 and by reducing premiums for spouses by $100.

In total, the legislation would change health care costs for more than 100,000, Rep. Trent Ashby, a sponsor of the House bill said.

Since lawmakers returned to Austin for a 30-day special session, both the House and Senate have passed bills that would inject more than $212 million into the state's Teacher Retirement System to pay for those changes over the next biennium. While the two chambers agree on how much to spend, they are at odds about where to get the money.

The House wants to pay for House Bill 20 out of the Economic Stabilization Fund, otherwise referred to as the state's rainy day fund. The fund has been used for one-time expenses, like construction projects, paying down debt and in recovering from natural disasters. For example, lawmakers spent $75 million from the fund to rehab the Alamo during the regular legislative session. However, the fund has often been used since its creation in the late 1980's to temporarily fund current operations, according to the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association.

Although the House voted 135-13 in favor of the bill to lower health care costs, conservative lawmakers were hesitant to support a plan that would tap the state's piggy bank for recurring expenses.

"It's really designed for when you have shortfalls as opposed to, 'Well, we didn't manage things quite in the budget the way we should have,'" said Rep. Bill Zedler, R-Arlington, who voted against the bill.

The Legislature should use more restraint, he said. It's a philosophy echoed in the Senate which opted in Senate Bill 19 to defer payment of the plan by skipping a payment to managed care organizations at the end of the biennium in 2019. The state would catch up on payments in the next budget cycle.

Ashby, a Lufkin Republican, banker and sponsor of the bill said he'd prefer the state avoid paying for the increased teacher benefits with the equivalent of a credit card.

"Let's pay cash ... rather than incur more debt," Ashby told lawmakers on the House floor. "Maybe it's just my country common sense, but if you have money in the bank, let's pay for it."

While the Senate and House are philosophically divided about how to pay for the program, the Senate bill is coupled with a plan to offer teachers a pay bump that has so far failed to gain traction in the House.

Relations between the two chambers have soured during the special session, with House Speaker Joe Straus pushing back against major pieces of Gov. Greg Abbott's special session agenda, a slate of 20 mostly ultra-conservative issues backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

With two weeks left in the special session, Straus and Patrick are in a political standoff. They have traded public comments blaming each other for refusing to meet in person to talk about the special session. And several bills, including must-pass legislation to continue operations of the Texas Medical Board, have yet to pass despite both chambers agreeing on identical versions of the bill.

Retired teachers found themselves frustrated this summer after learning their health care costs would climb next year after more than a decade of remaining unchanged. Retirees under 65 years old were being asked to pay for a larger part of their care in order to prop up the fund, which was facing an expected $1.5 billion shortfall by 2019.

Lawmakers in the regular session unanimously approved a plan to begin shoring up the fund by increasing retired teacher premiums, deductible and out-of-pocket expenses, increase contributions from the state and local school districts and dip into reserves. The state's share totalled $350 million.

The Texas State Teachers Association supports the plan to lower some of those rocketing costs, said Clay Robison, spokesman for the organization.

"This will lessen the increases in health care costs that were in store for retirees. It is not the final answer to the financial problems with TRS-Care, but it gives the Legislature time to come up with a more permanent solution during the 2019 regular session."
Ruth Meiers Hospitality House is planning to sell and close the men's emergency shelter in Bismarck.

Interim Executive Director Steve Neu confirmed Friday that financial difficulties have led the organization to list the property at 305 N. 23rd St., where 35 to 70 homeless men sleep each night.

The overnight housing for single men is the only permanent facility of its kind in the area, and the possibility of closure has set off alarms for homeless people and advocates who rely on it.

Ruth Meiers also has a residential program at the former Baptist Home, where short-term housing and casework services are provided. Apartments are available for homeless people in need of affordable accommodations.

At maximum capacity, the organization houses 300 people nightly, according to Neu.

Neu said the organization is refocusing its efforts on broader services for families and community reintegration. The shelter at 1100 E. Boulevard Ave. will not be affected.

Asked about the source of the financial problems, Neu acknowledged increasing costs, the purchase of the Baptist Home and private donations.

Its a business decision, and we want to provide the greatest service to the greatest number with the greatest need," he said.

Neu said there is not yet a set closing date, and he wants to work with the city of Bismarck and other homeless organizations to create more emergency shelter housing, for which there will remain a need.

Its not a dump on the street," he said. "We are working this through and were bringing parties together to talk about emergency shelter in general."

The pending closure led to a meeting on Friday afternoon at City Hall with a city commissioner and homeless advocates.

Bismarck City Commissioner Nancy Guy said the Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People is working on a contingency plan in case the shelter closes.

She added that it is possible another organization would buy the property to use as a shelter, but it is unlikely the city would do so at this point.

"We want to certainly support the Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People's efforts to put together some kind of a contingency plan, so when the weather turns cold, we aren't in a bad situation with folks not being sheltered," said Guy, who attended the meeting.

The director of the Missouri Valley Coalition could not be reached for comment on Friday.

Residents at the emergency shelter are asked to pay $2 per night and are given a bed to sleep in and a sandwich. The shelter is open for men from about 8:30 p.m. to 7 a.m., except in winter, when it is open longer hours.

Robert Faut, who stays at the men's shelter, said rumors of closure have created uncertainty among the residents.

"Everybody that is staying here is on their toes. They're pretty uneasy," Faut said.

Faut, who is originally from Beulah and has struggled with alcoholism, said he and others are already considering their options, which may include taking the bus to the nearest shelters in Fargo or Grand Forks.

Closing the shelter would be especially difficult for sex offenders, many of whom live there, because of restrictions on where they can reside, Faut noted. The 24-year-old said he's also concerned about the older people who have lived in the shelter for several years.

"They won't make the winter out there," he said.
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Texas' endangered species living near the border have some good news.

In a January phone call with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, Donald Trump admitted his pending border wall is "the least important thing" between the two countries and said he feared open disagreements over who would pay for the barrier because it was a "political problem" for both presidents.

The transcripts, originally obtained by The Washington Post, reveal a softer tone to Trump's promised border wall at a time where the barrier already faces stiff resistance from some GOP congressmen, including Texas Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn who said "the idea of physical infrastructure or walls is not novel."

CONCERNED CONSERVATIONISTS: Plans for Donald Trump's border wall on Texas wildlife refuge in the works

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News of the transcript also comes a day after Rice University ecologist Scott Egan warned that a border wall would threaten more than 100 endangered species.

"Evolutionary effects from the wall can change the balance of nature along the U.S.-Mexico border, putting wildlife in the area, including more than 100 endangered species, at risk," wrote Egan. "Some of the larger animals that will be threatened by the border wall are the jaguar, ocelot, jaguarundi, Mexican gray wolf, desert big horn sheep and pronghorn antelope."

POLL: Texans still hot on immigration issues, but oppose border wall

Of course, the months-old transcripts doesn't say anything about the wall being scrapped. Egan's comments were responding to news of the U.S. House approving a $1.6 billion spending bill that would fund enough for 28 miles.

At least for now, Texas' most vulnerable fauna have less to fear when it comes to the 2,000-mile border wall Trump originally promised during his campaign.

Click through above to see Texas' most endangered species, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
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!)
Bismarck will be one of four pilot sites for a new program connecting people in the criminal justice system to addiction and behavioral health services.

Though some resources exist for drug treatment and housing, many people are falling through the cracks and going back to jail. This program is different in that it funds case workers to keep people on track.

The community behavioral health program will contract with local providers to offer case coordinators and peer support specialists to probationers, parolees and people awaiting trial.

The statewide initiative is funded by $7.5 million from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation biennial budget that is set aside for behavioral health. The DOCR and Department of Human Services will start taking applications later this month from vendors. The program is expected to start this fall.

"It's going to be very difficult, but we have spent years talking about the problem and we have, for the first time, the opportunity to have an impact," said Pam Sagness, director of the behavioral health division at DHS.

Representatives from the DOCR, DHS and the Council of State Governments presented the program at a public meeting Thursday afternoon at the Capitol. About 50 people, including treatment providers, reentry advocates and jail administrators, attended.

Treatment centers, healthcare providers and community organizations are all potential vendors, who could hire the case workers. The hope is that multiple organizations will partner. The state will provide training and pay organizations per person they serve, with incentives for improved outcomes, including fewer rearrests and long-term housing.

"No one agency in our state meets the behavioral health needs of the clients we serve," said Lisa Peterson, clinical director for DOCR.

The program will not pay for services for which there are already funding streams. But it could fill in gaps, as they're noticed, such as transportation for people having a hard time getting to treatment.

Pilot programs will also launch in Devils Lake, Fargo and Dickinson.

Targeted for this program will be medium- to high-risk people on probation and parole, who also have a behavioral health issue, including substance abuse. Judges may also have the ability to add the program as a condition of release from jail.

"We're hoping this will really allow sentencing reform to take hold, and help judges feel comfortable and willing to keep people out of jail or prison," Peterson said.

She gave an example of a 35-year-old man from Dickinson, who used methamphetamine. He was put on probation after stealing tools from his employer and was sent to Fargo for inpatient treatment. Just a few months later, he relapsed and was referred back to residential treatment, which was not available in Dickinson. So, he went to a halfway house, relapsed again and started feeling suicidal.

"The point is, the more this cycle repeats itself, the more likely it is that (this man) goes to prison." she said. "We need people who will wrap around (him) and support him where and when he needs it."
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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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.
Copiii cu nevoi speciale din Stefan Voda au conditii de reabilitare mai bune, datorita UE si Fundatiei Soros Moldova
When managers at Bon Secours Virginia Health System started analyzing workers compensation cases, they noticed a bad combination: Older nurses were having problems from lifting heavy and sicker patients.

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.

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 healthcare 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:

Providing 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.

Managing noise and other physical hazards, such as causes of slipping and tripping.

Ensuring that the work environment is ergonomically friendly. That could include workstations, seating, flooring and lighting.

Using teams and promoting teamwork to solve problems.

Promoting healthy lifestyles and striving to 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.

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.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Discontinuing federal subsidies to health insurers established by the Affordable Care Act would upset markets and raise premiums, North Dakotas insurance commissioner warned Thursday.

Republican Jon Godfreads message comes amid concerns the Trump administration will cut off the subsidies, known as cost-sharing reduction payments. The payments are intended to compensate insurers for reducing out-of-pocket costs for low-income people buying ACA marketplace plans, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The payments are projected to total $7 billion in fiscal year 2017 before rising to $10 billion next year, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Frustrated by Congresss recent failure to repeal major provisions of the ACA, also known as Obamacare, President Donald Trump has derided the payments as bailouts to insurance companies, a characterization with which Godfread disagreed. He said the payments were part of the plan and taking them away would effectively pull the rug out from under insurers.

I think its an unfortunate leverage piece at this point to get Congress back to the table, Godfread said. Businesses hate uncertainty and thats what our insurance companies are facing.

Godfread hopes the Trump administration keeps up the cost-sharing reduction, or CSR, payments through 2018 while advancing a larger discussion on health care reform. He hopes to hear by Friday, Aug. 4, whether the payments will continue.

There are more than 21,000 people on the individual marketplace in North Dakota, Godfread said. While many parts of the country have only one carrier, North Dakota has three participating in the individual marketplace: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Sanford Health Plan and Medica.

Were a small state and were somewhat insulated at times, Godfread said. If they get hit in other places in the country, they may very well have to pull out of North Dakota, too.

Medica spokesman Greg Bury said if the federal subsidies are discontinued, Medica will refile its proposed rates and ask for an additional premium increase that could be as high as 20 percent.

Kirk Zimmer, executive vice president for Sanford Health Plan, predicted premium rates would be higher without CSR payments, although he is unsure of specific figures.

It could be a significant number, he said.

Tony Piscione, vice president of actuarial services for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, said their members received almost $4 million in benefits from reduced cost-sharing plans in 2016.

Should the federal government discontinue funding, premiums would need to increase for some or all of our individual ACA members to cover the cost of this benefit, he said in an emailed statement.

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimated in April that the average premium for a silver plan in the Obamacare marketplaces would need to rise by 9 percent in North Dakota to compensate for the loss of CSR payments, the lowest increase among the 38 states that used HealthCare.gov in 2016.

Trump is facing increased pressure from both sides of the aisle to drop his threat to cut off the insurer subsidies.

On Tuesday, Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said Trump should continue paying the subsidies through September while Congress works on a plan that includes CSR funding. A bipartisan group of governors on Wednesday called on the administration and Congress to fully fund CSRs through 2018, calling it a necessary step to stabilize the individual marketplaces in the short term as Congress and the administration address long-term reform efforts.
At least three lawsuits have now been filed against Wells Fargo from customers who say they were hurt by the banks latest scandal, involving how it operated its auto lending business.

In Washington, D.C., some politicians still angry at Wells Fargo over the sales practices scandal from last year are calling for Congressional investigations. And an influential banking regulator is demanding copies of the banks loan contracts with borrowers.

Wells Fargo admitted last week that roughly 570,000 customers were signed up for car insurance that they did not need. Many couldnt afford both the car payment and the extra insurance, which made them fall behind in payments. In about 20,000 cases, cars were repossessed.

The bank has already agreed to pay $80 million in the form of refunds and account adjustments to customers who were affected, with checks starting to go out this month.

Two of the lawsuits were filed in the Northern District of California and one was filed Southern District of New York. One said the banks abusive practices caused significant stress, hardship and financial losses for customers.

Separately, the New York Department of Financial Services, a banking regulator that tends to play an outsized role in oversight of the industry due to the number of banks based in New York, sent a subpoena to Wells Fargo demanding copies of loan contracts with borrowers, agreements with its dealer network, and any outside vendors who may have played a role.

Wells Fargo is one of the nations largest auto loan companies, working with a network of 14,000 dealerships across the country. Most people who get a Wells Fargo car loan did not go shopping specifically for a loan from that bank, but got it after applying for financing once a car or truck was picked out.

Like most auto loan companies, Wells Fargo required borrowers to have comprehensive and collision insurance. If they didnt have comprehensive coverage, Wells would purchase it for the customer and charge them for it.

Wells acknowledged its systems signed up customers who already had insurance. Worse, thousands of customers were unable to afford the insurance that some did not realize had been added to what they owed, and that may have contributed to a default that led to their vehicles repossession, the bank said.

We are very sorry for the inconvenience this caused impacted customers and we are in the process of notifying them and making things right, said Wells Fargo spokeswoman Catherine Pulley. The bank declined to comment on the specific lawsuits filed against it.

Politicians are also angry with Wells, with Democrats both in the House and the Senate calling for a Congressional investigation.

The bank had faced bipartisan outrage after admitting last fall that employees opened as many as 2 million accounts without getting customers permission to meet sales targets. It paid $185 million to regulators and settled a class-action suit for $142 million.

Seven Senate Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee sent a letter to Wells Fargo, saying they were extremely concerned to learn last week of the latest in a seemingly endless chronicle of Wells Fargos fraudulent practices and widespread misconduct.

They called it eerily familiar to last years sales practices scandal.

Ken Sweet covers banks and consumer financial issues for The Associated Press.

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A Texas jury has awarded a wedding photographer more than $1 million after determining a newly married couple unhappy with her work launched a social media campaign to post falsehoods about her.

The Dallas County jury found Friday that the campaign against Andrea Polito amounted to defamation.

The jury unanimously found the couple acted of out malice in targeting Polito in the months after their October 2014 wedding.

Polito said in her lawsuit that the couple repeatedly asked that their high-resolution wedding photos be forwarded to them but the contract stipulated that they first submit an order form for their wedding album. The cover photo for the album can cost in excess of $125 and the work assembling the album can take months. The album needed to be finalized before the photos were released to the couple, Andrew and Neely Moldovan.

Polito said when she became aware the couple was agitated at not having received the photos she offered to waive the cost of the albums cover photo.

At one point the Moldovans conducted an interview with a Dallas news station and then publicized the story on social media and other platforms. Among their assertions were that Polito was holding their pictures hostage and that she blatantly stole money while holding pictures ransom and then adding on extra fees, according to the lawsuit. They also alleged that colleagues of Polito were harassing them for taking their complaints public and she was nickel and diming them.

The lawsuit contends the ensuing negative publicity destroyed Politos business. Her attorney, David Wishnew, said Tuesday that Polito over the course of 12 years grew Andrea Polito Photography into one of the more successful wedding photography businesses in the Dallas area, at one point shooting up to 100 weddings a year. But the negative publicity effectively burned her business to the ground.

Nobody is challenging your right to post a review or your free speech rights but with those rights come consequences, Wishnew said. And in our case we had malicious intent.

A phone message left for the Moldovans attorneys was not immediately returned Tuesday. Its not clear if they intend to appeal the jurys decision.

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Mississippi Woman Charged With Lying About Fall at Walmart

A 59-year-old Mississippi woman has been indicted on criminal charges, with prosecutors saying she lied when she reported falling at a Walmart store.

State Attorney General Jim Hood said Friday that Dianne Bullock of Jackson is charged with one count each of insurance and wire fraud.

The indictment charging Bullock says she filed a complaint with Walmart in 2015 saying she slipped and fell while shopping at a store in McComb. Authorities say surveillance video showed the fall never happened.

The Clarion-Ledger reports Bullock would face up to eight years in prison and $15,000 in fines if she was convicted of both counts. She turned herself in to the Pike County Sheriffs Department. It was not immediately known if Bullock had an attorney representing her.

West Virginia Man Indicted in Scheme to Sell Paintings From Art Heist

A Boston federal jury has indicted a West Virginia man on charges he tried to sell paintings he did not have access to and falsely claimed were stolen in the largest art heist in U.S. history.

Prosecutors allege that 47-year-old Todd Desper, of Beckley, West Virginia, solicited buyers on Craigslist for two paintings he claimed were among 13 stolen from Bostons Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in 1990.

Authorities say they determined Desper had no access to the paintings and was engaged in a multimillion dollar fraud scheme targeting foreign art buyers.

The FBI has said two suspects who masqueraded as police officers to rob the museum of $500 million worth masterpieces are deceased.

Desper was indicted Thursday on wire fraud charges. His attorney couldnt immediately be reached on Saturday.

North Dakota Insurance Department Files Fraud Charge Against Morton County Man

Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread recently announced the recent insurance fraud charge filed against Joshua Kadrmas, of Mandan. Kadrmas is scheduled for a first appearance in court on August 22 in Morton County.

The Departments report stated that Kadrmas indicated to his insurance company that he hit a deer while on his motorcycle causing in excess of $11,000 worth of damage. An investigation conducted after Kadrmass claim was filed determined that the damage done to the motorcycle was not consistent with striking a deer but instead appeared to have been caused by a hammer and/or a sander disk.

Oregon Woman Sentenced in Kootenai County for Insurance Fraud

On Wednesday, August 2, a judge in Kootenai County sentenced a Portland woman to jail, probation and ordered her to pay restitution.

Jennifer Cadwell pleaded guilty to Insurance Fraud in June after an investigation revealed shed filed a false claim on her Safeco renters insurance policy. Cadwell was living in Kootenai County when she reported her home was burglarized and multiple personal items were stolen. Investigators discovered that she had pawned the personal items before the alleged burglary and prior to insuring the items with Safeco. Her insurance claim was denied.

Kootenai County District Judge Lansing L. Haynes sentenced Cadwell to 30 days in jail and ordered her to pay $1,967 in restitution to the Idaho Department of Insurance. The defendant received a withheld judgment and two years of supervised probation.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Jessica Cafferty of the Attorney Generals Special Prosecutions Unit.

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Montanas worst fire season in years is expected to scorch the drought-stricken landscape well into fall, long after the states firefighting reserves run out thanks to politicians diverting millions of dollars to fill a budget shortfall.

There is only $12 million left of the $63 million in the firefighting fund in June, and the state is burning through that at a rate of $1.5 million a day, state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation director John Tubbs said Tuesday.

We will use up the remaining balance in fairly short order, he said.

The states financial worries come as forecasters for the National Interagency Fire Center predict that eastern Montana, southern California and the western Dakotas could be exposed to major wildfire threats into October or November.

A wet winter and spring produced thick grasses in the region, but a hot June melted the snow and dried out the vegetation, leaving it vulnerable to lightning-caused fires, said Bryan Henry, a meteorologist for the fire center.

The threat of major wildfires also will remain high throughout August in northern Nevada and parts of the Northwest and northern Great Plains, he said.

More fires are now burning in Montana than any other state. So far, they have torched 578 square miles (1,476 square kilometers)  an area larger than Wyomings Grand Teton National Park  through both mountain timber in the west and grasslands in the east.

Thats already surpassed the land burned every year since 2012, when 1,907 square miles (4,939 square kilometers) burned in Montana, costing the state $55 million.

Most of the fires started in July. The state spent $21 million fighting fires that month  equal to the amount it spent for the 12 months before that, Tubbs said.

The eruption of wildfires caught state lawmakers and officials off guard after forecasts in the spring predicted only a moderate fire season. Thats when lawmakers passed a measure mandating that $30 million be transferred out of the fire fund if the states income came in lower than revenue forecasts.

The revenue numbers came in last month, triggering the transfer and a slew of budget cuts across state government.

Republican Sen. Pat Connell of Hamilton said he is concerned that another major fire could erupt at any time without enough money left in the fire fund.

Weve got a long way to go through this fire season and Im very scared about our future, Connell said.

If the fund runs dry, state officials will still be able to respond to fires, Tubbs said. His department can pull up to $22 million from the states general fund, and an earlier fire disaster declaration by Gov. Steve Bullock authorized an additional $16 million.

But with the revenue shortfall, its not clear how much cash is available. Tubbs said that will be a challenge for the governors budget director.

Some relief came when the U.S. government last week approved a grant that will allow the state to recover three-quarters of its costs to fight its largest fire burning in eastern Montana. The amount of the savings is not yet clear.

The state is also entering into cost-sharing agreements to fight fires with the U.S. Forest Service, which will also help, Tubbs said.

(AP writers Dan Elliott in Denver and Bobby Caina Calvan in Helena contributed to this report.)

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Summit County Councilwoman Tamela Lee was sentenced Thursday to five years in federal prison for taking thousands in bribes from an Akron grocery store owner.

Lee, 58, maintains her innocence, and her attorneys indicated she would appeal. U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko told Lee that she has the right to feel that way and to challenge her convictions, but that he felt she helped sully the public's view of elected officials.

"This is the most damaging thing to our system, that people think lowly of public officials to begin with, and this doesn't help," Boyko said.

A jury in February found Lee, guilty of six federal corruption-related charges following a week-long trial.

She took money, food, cigarettes and home improvement services from Omar Abdelqader, who is affiliated with multiple convenience stores and businesses in the Akron area, in exchange for her intervention in a criminal case involving his nephews, prosecutors said.

She also wrote a letter of support to the IRS for George Albanna, the owner of Prestige Auto Group in Tallmadge, who was under investigation at the time.

FBI agents built their case by tapping Lee and Abdelqader's cellphones. They also conducted surveillance on Lee and Abdelqader as they met up and exchanged money, and even had Albanna's father wear a wire.

Lee wiped back tears throughout Thursday's hearing. Her supporters sat in the viewing gallery.

When Boyko asked her if she wanted to make a statement before he imposed his sentence, Lee said, "I don't know what to say." Her attorney, Philip Kushner, said Lee was not in any condition to speak.

Kushner said Lee was a "law-abiding citizen dedicated to helping others" before this case. Lee found herself in dire straits when she needed money and to obtain food for herself when her husband left for Yemen and did not come back, Kushner said. He said Abdelqader was Lee's friend.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Barr, who argued for a higher sentence as recommended by the U.S. Probation Office, scoffed at those assertions. Barr noted that a lot of single women find jobs to support themselves and that Lee, who holds a Master's degree in business administration, did not do so.

"She could have done that and she made absolutely no effort to do that," Barr said.

The Federal Public Defender's Office represented Lee at trial. Lee and her supporters recently sought to raise thousands of dollars to hire Kushner and his firm, Kushner, Hamed & Grostic. The firm also represents former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora in his quest to overturn his corruption convictions.

A letter sent by Lee's supporters said her convictions were "an egregious travesty of justice." It also said the jury came to a "hastily decided verdict" on a Friday and that "they deliberated less than 1 1/2 hours, allowing them to leave early for the weekend."

Kushner tried to re-characterize Lee's feelings about her innocence by saying she "respectfully disagrees with the jury's verdict." He said Lee should not be punished for the views of her supporters.

Boyko made clear that those comments did not factor into the sentence, but he took issue with what he clearly viewed as an attack on a group that performed its civic duty.

"It's my jury. They did their job," Boyko said.

Boyko allowed Lee to report to prison at a later date.

The verdict cemented a fall for Lee, who was once the second in command for the Summit County Democratic Party. She was on the County Council from 2011 to 2016, and lost her seat in a primary race last year.

Most recently, the judge said she worked for Amazon.

Four people, including Lee and Abdelqader, were charged in the federal case. Abdelqader, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced in May to 2 1/2 years in federal prison.

His brother, Abdulrahman Abdelqader, was sentenced to six months in prison. Samir Abdelqader, Omar Abdelqader's nephew, was also charged in the federal case and was sentenced to probation.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
ELYRIA, Ohio -- A man and a woman face endangering children charges after five children with bed bugs, lice and fleas were found Wednesday in the back of a U-Haul truck in Elyria.

Jamie Adkins, 25, of Cleveland, and Brian Dekam, 55, the driver, also of Cleveland, are charged with five counts of endangering children, Elyria police Capt. Christopher Costantino said.

The children ranged in age from 2 to 15.

Emergency workers treated the 2-year-old for heat exhaustion at the scene. He was taken to University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center before he was taken by helicopter to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, the report says. His condition wasn't immediately available Thursday morning.

The other children were taken to the hospital as a precaution. They didn't suffer significant injuries.

An Elyria city employee at a Lorain Boulevard Speedway notified police just after 2 p.m. after he saw a woman loading the children into the U-Haul truck, the report says. He kept Dekam from driving back to Cleveland until police arrived.

Police arrived and the city employee told police there "was no way I was going to let that truck leave with the kids in the back of it," the report says.

The children were soaked from sweat from the high temperatures in the back of the truck, the report says.

"These kids were definitely in need of medical care," Costantino said. "The back of a U-Haul is not designed for transport for kids."

Adkins, who police believe is an acquaintance of Dekam, said they woke up at 4:30 a.m. and drove out to Jaime's Flea Market in Amherst from Cleveland, the report says. They stopped at Speedway to get drinks on the way back to Cleveland.

Adkins is the babysitter for the children except for the 15-year-old, the report says. She was in charge of the children for almost two weeks. The children's mother didn't see the children during that time. The mother lets her watch the children, the report says.

The four younger children are in the custody of the Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services, according to the report.

Adkins and Dekam are scheduled to appear in Elyria Municipal Court Thursday, court records show.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.
President Donald Trump has suggested the new sanction bill against the Russians could hamper his ability to negotiate with them. One would think that the greatest negotiator in the world would find this position advantageous. By having the support of a united legislative branch he would be negotiating from a position of strength. We have been told repeatedly by this White House staff, that when this President is pushed he pushes back harder. The question now Mr. President when it comes to Russia and Mr. Putin, will you answer the bell?

Paul Durica,

Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Federal and state regulations touch everything from whether truck drivers need to get tested for sleep apnea to requiring more than 1,500 hours of training to become a cosmetologist.

Some small business owners are sick of it. At a Cleveland roundtable presented by the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Association, people aired their concerns to officials who are looking for real-world examples of how regulations are burdening small businesses in America.

In Ohio, 99.6 percent of Ohio businesses qualify as small businesses, defined as businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Employees of those businesses total 2.1 million, making up 46 percent of employees, according from the Office of Advocacy.

The roundtable comes at a time where government officials are contemplating rolling back or reforming regulations. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January trying to cut down on federal regulations, saying agencies should cut two regulations for every new one.

Ohio Republican Senator Rob Portman was part of introducing the bipartisan Regulatory Accountability Act, which requires cost-benefit analysis for all regulations and aims to improve transparency.

Here are some of the regulations that small business owners felt were limiting their success:

The Affordable Care Act

Not being able to afford to provide health care was a common complaint among the business owners who spoke. As health care reform stutters and starts in Congress, many business owners are anxiously awaiting the results. If some form of change doesn't pass, some owners are afraid they won't be able to provide health care at all.

Frank Destro, who owns U.S. Industrial Sales Inc., which helps manufacturers sell their wares, said the healthcare expenses for his business have increased 25 percent per year since the Affordable Health Care Act passed.

"It prevents me from hiring people," he said.

Patricia Miller, owner of SpaceBound, a technology product company, said employers typically want to be able to provide the best benefits for their employees but that the additional costs that come with these kinds of regulations force employers to cut somewhere else.

She also said that in the grand scheme of things, officials could benefit from listening to small business owners, because they know what employees need.

Overtime pay regulations

Expansions in overtime pay rules under the Obama administration left some employers having to change the way that they do business. Many cited a proposed 2016 rule -- eventually blocked in court -- that allowed full-time salaried employees to earn overtime if they make up to $47,476 a year.

Miller said this stops employers from using discretion when it comes to their employees due to having to document hours to show they're complying with federal overtime rules. If an employee has an emergency, it's a lot more difficult to shift hours around, she said.

Lack of streamlining processes and unnecessary rules

A large part of administrative burdens comes from having to hire accountants and lawyers to make sure businesses are compliant, attendees said.

Tony Fiore, government affairs director for the Ohio State Council of Society for Human Resource Management, said technology could help streamline submitting information and other processes that take up time for business owners.

For example, being able to verify if someone is able to work in the United States. Making it possible to check out a potential employee's status quickly from a phone or app would make life easier for small business owners, he said.

Modernizing laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act is also key, Fiore added.

"We can't have 1930's labor laws governing the policy of the 2030 labor laws, that's just not feasible," he said.
RICHARDTON -- Following a two-day election process that took place last week, Father Daniel Maloney, of Bismarck, 75, was selected to become the ninth abbot of the Assumption Abbey in Richardton.

Maloney was chosen as abbot by the 45 combined monks from Richardton and the Monasterio Benedictino de Tibati in Bogota, Colombia. An initial straw ballot is taken before the monks offer up their comments on the candidates strengths and weaknesses. After a night off for prayer, theres a final vote deciding who will becomes the abbot.

Born in Devils Lake, Maloneys path to abbot included a stop to Assumption Abbey, where he attended high school and junior college. After being ordained in 1968, Maloney left North Dakota for graduate school, attending Fordham University in Bronx, N.Y. In 1973, he returned back to his home state to accept a teaching position at the University of Mary in Bismarck.

After leaving the University of Mary in 1975, Maloney returned five years later, teaching this time on a part-time basis. In 1983, he was appointed chaplain at the Annunciation Monastery, the Benedictine Sisters that sponsor the nearby college. Maloney held both positions up until the recent election that left him surprised with the result.

Its a great honor and a great responsibility, Maloney said. Im currently 75 years old and its an eight-year term. Normally, the abbots would retire at 75 years of age. Obviously, if the person is older, then a eight-year term would be of some concern, so thats one reason this was all unexpected.

Maloney replaces Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB, 73, who succumbed to his battle with cancer on May 25, 2017. On May 28, 2004, Wangler was elected the eighth abbot of Assumption Abbey. Prior to that, Wangler was the pastor of St. Marys Parish in Richardton for more than 21 years. Understanding the void that Wanglers passing brought to the community, Wanglers outstanding character did not go without notice.

He did outstanding job and left a legacy of strong spiritual leadership, Maloney said. He had been the pastor of the parish for 21 years and he gave many spiritual conferences to the monks. Abbot Brian was a good spiritual director; an outstanding and inspiring example of his own light.

He was a man of charity.

Maloney added that Wanglers continued service during his final days was seen as a model of strength.

He was suffering from cancer, but he was able to be at peace during the process and continued to do his duties to the very best of ability, Maloney said. Even though he was ill, he set an excellent example in regard to perseverance. I only hope to imitate that as best as I can. I hope to leave a spiritual legacy and one of hospitality here at the monastery for our visitors and people who come here for different reasons.

While Maloney will have jurisdiction immediately, he still awaits the official blessing from the Bishop on a date to be later determined. Maloney jokes, so in a way, Im like a abbot-elect.
HUDSON, Ohio - A Hudson police officer told investigators that he shot and killed a United Arab Emirates native after the man choked him and grabbed at his gun, records show.

A Summit County grand jury on Thursday decided not to bring criminal charges against officer Ryan Doran in the Dec. 4 shooting death of Saif Nasser Mubarak Alameri, a 26-year-old law student at Case Western Reserve University. Doran shot Alameri, who was unarmed at the time, during a struggle in a wooded area near Hudson Aurora Road, officials said.

The case is now closed, an Ohio Attorney General's Office spokeswoman said Thursday afternoon.

Doran told investigators that Alameri attacked him in the woods, and that he was fearful for his own life during the encounter. Doran said Alameri knocked him to the ground and grabbed at his gun, according to investigative records released Thursday by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

"I can't do anything and at that point there I thought I was dead," Hudson told investigators, records say. "I thought he was going to get my weapon and he was going to shoot, kill me dead on the spot."

Test results showed the officer's DNA on Alameri's fingernails, and the Emirati man's DNA on Doran's uniform collar. Those test results were consistent with Doran's description of the physical struggle, according to the investigative records.

The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office said Alameri was shot five times. The gunshot wounds were also consistent with Doran's description of the shots he fired, records show.

Doran chased Alameri into the woods after he was involved in a crash on the Ohio Turnpike near Interstate 480. Alameri drove his car at least 112 mph when he sideswiped another car and flipped his car onto its roof, State Highway Patrol investigators determined.

Witnesses said Alameri appeared to be acting strangely when he got out of the car and ran into the wood. Toxicology tests later showed he had marijuana in his system, but the medical examiner's office did not say if it was enough to cause impairment. Alameri did not have any other drugs or alcohol in his system.

Doran said he found Alameri in the woods and ordered him to stop, but Alameri ran. Alameri twice turned and ran toward Doran; the second time led to a collision that knocked Doran to the ground, he told investigators.

Doran told investigators that Alameri hit the back of his head several times while he was on the ground, and that he felt tugging on his gun and his belt. Doran grabbed his gun before he felt a hand or arm on his throat, he said.

"I start to feel that my, I'm losing oxygen and I'm going to black out and I'm going to die," Doran told investigators.

Doran said he sat up before he fired two shots toward Alameri's leg. Doran felt Alameri on his back, so he blindly fired several shots over his shoulder, he told investigators.

Doran then got up and ran about 15 feet away. Alameri was lying face-up in a ravine when other officers arrived and found them.

The other officers used a defibrillator on Alameri before paramedics took him to a hospital, where he died.

Evidence gathered during the investigation was turned over to the Ohio Attorney General's Office's Special Prosecutors Section, which presented that evidence to a grand jury. The grand jury declined to return an indictment in the case, an attorney general's office spokeswoman said Thursday afternoon.

The shooting was the second of two high-profile incidents involving an Emirati man last year in Northeast Ohio. In October, a Lorain County grand jury chose not to indict a hotel desk clerk accused of falsely reporting that an Emirati guest pledged allegiance to ISIS. Avon officers who were acting on the report detained the man at gunpoint June 29 at the Fairfield Inn and Suites on Colorado Avenue.

The United Arab Emirates ambassador to the United States spoke with Gov. John Kasich and Ohio Department of Public Safety Director John Born to discuss the Alameri shooting. Officials from the Abu Dhabi Police Department and an embassy consular team representing Alameri's family also met BCI investigators, medical examiners and police, Ambassador Youssef Al Otaiba said after the shooting.

The UAE Embassy released the following the statement upon hearing of the grand jury decision:

We are deeply disappointed by the Grand Jury's decision regarding the death of Saif Al Ameri, an Emirati student at Case Western Reserve University's School of Law. Mr. Al Ameri's death was a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family, and we will continue to support them in any way possible. The UAE Embassy will also consult closely with Mr. Al Ameri's family to determine additional legal options.

Case Western Reserve University also released a statement in response to the decision.

The state may have closed the case involving our law student Saif Nasser Mubarak Ali Alameri, but his tragic loss continues to be felt keenly on our campus. His classmates, as well as school faculty and staff, described Saif as friendly, generous and regularly able to inspire a smile among others. We again express our deepest sympathies to his loved ones and friends, and hope that their memories of him still will provide comfort.

To comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A Northeast Ohio-based company announced Friday it will partner with a state school to test medical marijuana, the first indication any institution might participate in the program.

CCV Research CEO Jonathan Cachat said his company reached an agreement with a qualifying public institution of higher education to construct a lab facility on its campus.

Cachat declined in an interview to name the institution, give details of the arrangement or provide another source confirming the agreement.

A news release from CCV says the school has a "unique, entrepreneurial team that recognized the opportunity to provide education with hands on lab experience, create local jobs, and support a functioning medical cannabis system in Ohio."

Ohio law limits testing lab licenses to public institutions of higher education for one year. Thus far, none have publicly said they plan to apply for a license and several have said they do not plan to because marijuana remains an illegal substance federally and possessing it could jeopardize federal funding.

All medical marijuana and cannabis products must be tested for safety and potency before sale. That has many patients and marijuana business owners worried the program will be delayed beyond its expected September 2018 start date.

Cachat said he wanted to announce the agreement, without identifying the school, to relieve concerns about a delay.

"The widely felt concern there wouldn't be any institutions stepping up is no longer a worry," Cachat said.

Alan Mooney, who was an investor in Ohio's failed 2015 recreational marijuana measure, is backing the proposal. Mooney, a Columbus-area financial advisor, said the facility would cost an estimated $3 million to set-up, more if they're able to establish satellite labs across the state.

Mooney said the partnership involves training students to be lab experts.

"This is a plant and Ohio, as a top agriculture state, should be the No. 1 in the country benefiting from that," Mooney said.

CCV Research was incorporated in Ohio to a Sheffield Village address in March, according to state records. Cachat said the company does not run labs in other states, but he has experience in the field.

Cachat ran a college campus lab that dealt with controlled substances while in graduate school and later worked with California testing labs while developing a marijuana-growing technique.

The Department of Commerce, which will license and regulate testing labs, will begin collecting applications from colleges, universities and technical centers on Sept. 11.

State regulators aren't concerned about delays, even if schools don't sign up. They interpret the law's one-year limitation to begin from the first date any marijuana business applications are due, which would expire June 5, 2018.

Ohio's program allows people with one of 21 qualifying medical conditions to buy and use marijuana if recommended by a physician. State regulators finished drafting rules and regulations for the program last month and are reviewing applications for cultivator licenses, the first round of marijuana business licenses the state will award.
Researchers finished counting the millions the Republican National Convention brought to Cleveland. Corey Lewandowski says he isn't paid a dime from an Ohio payday loan lender. And the Cuyahoga GOP may have to ask for $63,000 back from State Rep. Larry Householder. Read more in this edition of Ohio Politics Roundup, brought to you today by Andrew Tobias.

RNC good for CLE: Hard to believe it's already been more than a year since Cleveland played host to Donald Trump's nomination at the Republican National Convention.

Now armed with two studies, local organizers say the event brought in slightly less than expected -- one has a rosier outlook than the other -- but they are OK with that.

"That's because while the short-term economic effects may be fleeting, the community leaders that helped put on the event say they believe the lasting, long-term effects of the convention are what will make the event worth the effort," I write in my report for cleveland.com. The event -- largely seen as safe and well executed in the face of low expectations -- brought positive media attention, helped accelerate long-planned civic projects and, convention planners believe, will lead to an increase in future conventions and other business opportunities."

The success of the RNC shined a positive light on Cleveland internationally.

"Convention officials say they've doubled their average monthly convention leads since 2014, and say the pre-RNC infrastructure investment and RNC-related exposure has resulted in future events already on the books," I write. "They also alluded to possible development opportunities that could bear fruit in the coming years."

"We didn't see the RNC as the one singular thing that would help change the narrative, but we know that the narrative of Cleveland has been changing," said David Gilbert, the tourism chief who led the RNC host committee.

Lewandowski at the City Club: After some pressing from reporters, former Trump Campaign Manager Corey Lewandowski during a Thursday appearance at the City Club of Cleveland "said an Ohio-based payday lender was not a client of his - sort of," writes cleveland.com's Seth Richardson.

"Lewandowski sidestepped a question from an audience member about his association with the [Ohio-based Community Choice Financial] during the traditional question-and-answer segment at the City Club."

But at "a media availability following the event, Lewandwoski finally laid out his relationship with Community Choice Financial: he said it is not a client and he is not lobbying on its behalf."

The event got a little testy at times. Also, U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci, who is running for governor as a pro-Trump candidate, reserved four tables. Lewandowski, who appeared at the City Club at Renacci's suggestion, appeared at a Renacci fundraiser later Thursday.

Cuyahoga GOP donation to Householder questioned: Without referring to State Rep. Larry Householder directly, a Wednesday memo from Republican House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger suggested a recent $63,000 contribution Householder received from the Cuyahoga County Republican Party breaks state campaign finance law, according to my Thursday story.

Long story short: Rosenberger's memo said state legislators only can accept a donation that large from a county party if the county is in their district. Cuyahoga County Chairman Rob Frost -- likely incorrectly -- told cleveland.com he thought since Householder, a downstate legislator, is running for House Speaker, that made the donation OK under more lenient giving rules that govern statewide candidates.

The $63,000 donation, and another $70,000 donation from the Summit County Republican Party that Householder returned this week, have raised eyebrows in state political circles -- and angered more than a few Republicans -- with some suspecting they were structured to circumvent campaign finance rules.

Trump sides with nursing homes: Cleveland.com's Stephen Koff delves into a proposal that has largely flown under the radar, but is important to nursing home residents and their loved ones.

Koff sets up the story with this scenario: "Your parent is sick and aging. He needs a nursing home. And you've found what looks like a good one.

"But as he is admitted, he is asked to sign a binding agreement stating that if he's ever harmed or believes he was mistreated, he won't sue. Instead, he'll go to binding arbitration and accept the outcome. He promises not to go to court -- and the nursing home asks him to sign that promise before it even gives him a bed.

"This, say critics of the nursing home industry, is a standard practice that President Donald Trump not only wants to maintain but seeks to codify in a new federal rule. The Trump administration not only wants to reverse major parts of a rule signed in 2016 by President Barack Obama that would have banned arbitration agreements as part of the admission process. It also wants to make the rights of nursing homes clear in a federal rule."

"This is the health care story that nobody talks about," said Remington Gregg, an attorney who works on civil rights and similar issues at Public Citizen.

The nursing home industry says it only wants what's best for seniors, who should be able to resolve their complaints without the cost or bother of a court case.

Bidens and bikes: Former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, will be in Columbus Friday to help open the Pelotonia bike race, reports cleveland.com's Jeremy Pelzer, citing a media report.

The race has raised more than $143 million for cancer research at Ohio State University. The Bidens are prominent advocates in the fight against cancer.

AFP debate falls apart: The Ohio chapter of Americans for Prosperity had planned a September debate for next year's Republican candidates for governor.

Well, after Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine -- a top campaign official had said AFP's date was too early -- decided to pass on the event, and Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted said he'd only participate if all of the other three GOP candidates did too, AFP said Thursday the event will be postponed until after this November's election.

"While we disagree with, and are extremely disappointed by, Attorney General DeWine's stated reason for declining the invitation for our September 5th event, it is our view that Ohioans will be best served by hearing from all four candidates," AFP Ohio Director Micah Derry wrote in an email.

Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor was "ticked" that the debate won't happen as planned, as the Columbus Dispatch put it in a headline. In a statement, according to the Dispatch's Randy Ludlow, she said: "I'm appalled by the decision to postpone the first debate in the 2018 Republican primary because of other candidates' refusals."

Larkin roasts Mandel: Longtime Cleveland political scribe Brent Larkin lit up Ohio Treasurer and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Mandel in a blistering Thursday column.

It ends with a quote from Joe Cicero, who was mayor of Lyndhurst when Mandel was first elected to the town's city council in 2003, that sums up its general thrust: "Josh Mandel is inadequate as a human being."

Mandel strikes back: Larkin's piece got a pretty good ride on social media. Mandel's shared it with this comeback: "When @SherrodBrown poll #s slump, his liberal allies attack. Predictable like clockwork. Join our movement to help us keep the momentum!"

Kasich veteran signs on with Mandel opponent: Chris Schrimpf, a veteran of Gov. John Kasich's 2016 presidential campaign, has signed on with a new Ohio candidate.

Schrimpf will serve as a communications adviser to Mike Gibbons, the Cleveland banker who is running against Mandel in the Republican Senate primary.

Schrimpf is a Kasich insider -- he was one of the handful of people in the harrowing private plane ride to Mackinac Island described in the opener of Kasich's recent book. So his signing on with a Mandel opponent, given Kasich's and Mandel's icy relationship, raised some eyebrows in Ohio political circles. Gibbons is a first-time political candidate and Mandel is seen as a strong favorite.

In an interview, Schrimpf brushed off a question about the intrigue.

"I made a personal decision of who I wanted to work for in the Senate race. And I thought Mike Gibbons is the best overall candidate out there," Schrimpf said

What makes Gibbons the best? "He's an outsider. He has business experience. He's spent his career working and running a business and creating jobs, and I think that is what we need in Ohio, not someone who's been looking to run for Senate for years."

What about Mandel? "I think Josh is a good person. I think Mike Gibbons would make a better U.S. Senator."

The Gibbons campaign also added Matt Wills as a political adviser. Wills previously worked in Lt. Gov. Taylor's office.

PAC Update: A pro-Mandel Super PAC filed its mid-year report this week with the Federal Elections Commission. The Ohio Freedom Fund's two donors were William H. Roj, a resident of Windmere, Fla., who gave $100,000, and the Geo Group Inc., a private prison operator based in Boca Raton, which gave $25,000.

A campaign finance filing also shows the Ohio Freedom Fund paid Brook Bodney, who is working as a fundraiser for Mandel's joint fundraising committee, $25,000 a month between February and June.

New U.S. Attorney confirmed: Cleveland attorney Justin Herdman was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Thursday as the next U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Koff writes.

Steve Dettelbach -- who held the job for six years under President Barack Obama and is now running for Ohio Attorney General -- had warm words for Herdman, who worked for a time as Dettelbach's top prosecutor for national security cases.

"He is a brilliant, determined and independent person, and I think he'll make a great prosecutor," Dettelbach said.

Passing the torch: Stu Garson, the chairman of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, followed through on his long-discussed plans to step down from his post on Thursday, cleveland.com's Mark Naymik writes.

"Garson said in a letter to party leaders that he's giving up the unpaid job to allow the party time to elect a successor and prepare for the busy 2018 elections. He said changing a leader next June, when his term expires, would leave the party vulnerable to disorganization and infighting when the party should be focused on helping candidates."

Among those rumored to be angling to replace Garson: County Councilwoman Shontel Brown, whom Naymik said has the backing of U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge and others on the East Side, and Newburgh Heights Mayor Trevor Elkins, who has the backing of former Parma Mayor Dean DePiero and others.

State Rep. Sandra Williams will serve as interim party chair until a successor is chosen. Garson succeeded former Chairman Jimmy Dimora, who is serving a long prison sentence for a corruption conviction.

Naymik's column has some other intel: State Rep. Marty Sweeney, the former Cleveland Council president, is said to be angling for a state Senate seat that's also being eyed by another Democrat, Lakewood State Rep. Nikki Antonio.

Pushback on Portman's Backpage bill: An Internet industry group is among those pushing back against Sen. Rob Portman's effort to make it easier for "prosecutors and sex trafficking victims to hold prostitution-related websites" like Backpage.com liable for crimes, Koff writes.

Portman's bill, which dropped Tuesday, would remove immunity Internet sites have for hosting illegal material they have no role in creating. The Consumer Technology Association, whose board members include executives from Boingo, Amazon, Intel and Twentieth Century Fox, says the immunity is needed for a free and open Internet, and that Portman's bill potentially would expose them to frivolous prosecutions.

IT conspiracy: Cleveland.com's Sabrina Eaton took a look Thursday at the Ohio ties to Imran Awan, an IT specialist who was shared by numerous Democratic members of Congress who was arrested on bank fraud charges last week as he tried to leave the country.

Awan had done work for Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schutz, the former Democratic National Committee chair, as well as Ohio Reps. Joyce Betty, Marcia Fudge and Tim Ryan.

Political police blotter: Former Summit County Councilwoman Tamela Lee "was sentenced Thursday to five years in federal prison for taking thousands in bribes from an Akron grocery store owner," cleveland.com's Eric Heisig writes.

Lee, who was convicted in February, is the former second-in-command at the Summit County Democratic Party. Prosecutors say she took money, food and cigarettes from Omar Abdelqader -- who is affiliated with multiple convenience stores and businesses in the Akron area -- in exchange for her intervention in a criminal case involving his nephews.

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The Bank of Thailand will release a series of commemorative bank notes honoring the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The notes will depict scenes from the stories of his life.

The Bank of Thailand announced on July 20 that it will release a series of commemorative bank notes honoring the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The bank will issue 20-baht, 50-baht, 100-baht, 500-baht, and 1,000-baht notes in which the colors, sizes, and the portrait on the faces will be identical to the 16th series of bank notes, which are now in regular circulation.

The fallout from the Enhanced Uncirculated Coin set release: Another column in the August 21 weekly issue of Coin World re-veals that while forms of numismatic literature like fixed-price lists were meant to be fleeting, they can actually be quite useful.

The backs will each feature another portrait of the king, along with images depicting the stories of his life, as follows (descriptions are from the bank):

??20 baht: His early life.

??50 baht: The kings royal ceremonies and duties during the early time of his accession to the throne.

??100 baht: His kindness through royal duties in rural areas.

??500 baht: His wisdom and talents reflected through royal projects.

??1,000 baht: The kings late reign, characterized by his adoration in the eyes of the Thai people.

The security features are identical to those on the 16th series but with a special feature on the reverse where the area around the portrait of the king will illuminate when viewed under ultraviolet light.

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The commemorative bank notes will be issued into circulation on Sept. 20.
Thracian or Scythian Greek gold stater, after 54 BC, obverse depicting a procession; on the reverse, an eagle, wreath and scepter; NGC NGC MS Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5; estimate $800 to $1,200

British gold guinea dated 1710 is attributed as KM-534 in the Standard Catalog of World Gold Coins by Thomas Michael and George Cuhaj.

Paper Money Guaranty graded this Series 1865 First National Bank of Frederick (Maryland) $1 national bank note Very Fine 30.

Double-headed Washington cent features portraits of George Washington on both sides, with WASHINGTON inscribed on the designated obverse and ONE CENT on the reverse.

Proof 1902 Coronet gold $10 eagle is graded NGC Proof 67. Only 113 Proofs dated 1902 are reported to have been struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

Illustrated are the obverse and reverse of the 25 coins in the collection of 1900 Lafayette dollars.

The 1900 Lafayette dollar features portraits of George Washington and Gen. Lafayette on the obverse, with Lafayette on horseback on the reverse.

One of the highlights from the Rago Arts Aug. 24 sale is a collection of 25 1900 Lafayette dollars.

A collection of 25 1900 Lafayette silver dollars housed in a Capital Plastics holder highlights Rago Arts Aug. 24 auction of 470 lots of United States coins and paper money, and world and ancient coins.

Each lot in the sale will have a 17.5 percent buyers feeadded to the final hammer price.

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 25-coin collection has a combined estimate of $8,000 to $12,000. Each coin bears on its obverse the conjoined portraits, facing right, of George Washington and Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, known more simply as Lafayette. Inscribed around is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and LAFAYETTE DOLLAR.

The reverse portrays Lafayette on horseback, similar to artist Paul Wayland Bartletts statue of Lafayette erected in Paris as a gift of the American people. The connection is made clear by the the inscription around the border: ERECTED BY THE YOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES IN HONOR OF GEN. LAFAYETTE, PARIS along with the date, 1900.

The dies for the commemorative silver dollars were executed by Chief U.S. Mint Engraver Charles E. Barber.

The Lafayette dollars recorded mintage is 32,026 coins.

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Among other lots in the Aug. 24 sale:

??1902 Coronet gold $10 eagle, Numismatic Guaranty Corp. Proof 67, NGC-certified population of three in this grade, one higher. Its estimate is $50,000 to $100,000. Records indicate just 113 were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

??1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial half dollar, Professional Coin Grading Service Mint State 65. The estimate is $2,000 to $4,000.

??Undated (1783) doubled-headed Washington cent, NGC MS-62, brown. WASHINGTON is inscribed above the portrait on the obverse and ONE CENT above the portrait on the reverse. Pre-sale estimate: $1,800 to $2,200.

??Series 1865 First National Bank of Frederick (Maryland) $1 national bank note, Friedberg 380a (Paper Money of the United States by Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg), Paper Money Guaranty Very Fine 30. Pre-sale estimate: $4,500 to $6,500.

??1710 British gold guinea, KM-534 (Standard Catalog of World Gold Coins by Thomas Michael and George Cuhaj), PCGS About Uncirculated 58. Pre-sale estimate: $3,000 to $5,000.

??Thracian or Scythian Greek gold stater, after 54 B.C., with obverse depicting a procession, while the reverse shows an eagle, wreath and scepter, NGC MS Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5. Pre-sale estimate: $800 to $1,200.
The 2017 American Liberty Four Silver Medal set, which goes on sale Oct. 19, was on display at the U.S. Mint booth at the American Numismatic Association Worlds Fair of Money in Denver. The set was just one of several items on display.

The United States Mint has already offered most of its major products for 2017, but a few remain among future offerings, with two of the more significant ones to become available in October  the 2017 Limited Edition Silver Proof set and the American Liberty Four Silver Medal set.

The latter set was on display at the Mint booth at the American Numismatic Association Worlds Fair of Money in Denver Aug. 1 to 5 along with other products and rare coins from the Mint archives.

The remainder of the collector products to be offered from September to December are from the Mints 2017 America the Beautiful quarter dollars program, featuring sets, bag and role quantities, and the 5-ounce silver versions.

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.

When the 2017 Limited Edition Silver Proof set goes on sale Oct. 5, it will give Mint customers their second chance at a Proof 2017-S American Eagle silver dollar. The coin was first offered in the 2017 Congratulations set, the latest edition in an annual offering that generally attracted little collector attention or interest. Past editions contained the years regular Proof silver coins and that years Proof American Eagle silver dollar; both products were offered separately so many collectors did not find the sets particularly compelling. That changed with the 2017 edition.

The 2017 Congratulations set contained a Proof 2017-S American Eagle silver dollar and not the standard 2017-W edition that was available separately. This was the first Congratulations set to contain a special version of the Proof American Eagle silver dollar. That made the set a hot commodity among collectors (and dealers) since Proof American Eagle silver dollars are a popular and mostly inexpensive series to collect.

The combination of strong demand, a price of $54.95, no household limits, and an edition size of 75,000 sets translated to a sellout that took just two minutes. The rapidity of the sellout and the perception that the majority of the sets went to dealers and not to collectors triggered the expected backlash from collectors unsuccessful in buying one of the sets and unwilling or unable to pay secondary prices for them.

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The 2017 Limited Edition Silver Proof set will likely be similar to the 2016 edition in its standard contents: the Roosevelt dime, all five America the Beautiful quarter dollars, and the Kennedy half dollar, all in a 90 percent composition. (No 2015 Limited Edition Silver Proof set was offered; sales of the planned set were delayed until December 2015 and Mint officials decided to cancel the set rather offer it for just a few weeks to comply with congressional mandate that all Proof American Eagle silver dollars sold in 2016 bearing the 30th anniversary edge device.)

Although Mint officials have not announced an edition size for the 2017 Limited Edition Silver Proof set or a price, buyers should expect to pay well above $100 for the set (possibly in the $140 to $150 range).

The second special set to go on sale the same month as the Limited Edition Silver Proof set is the 2017 American Liberty Four Silver Medal set. It goes on sale Oct. 19. The set will join a fifth American Liberty silver medal already on sale as a single-item product. All four Mint production facilities will be striking medals for the four-piece set.

The Philadelphia Mint will be striking two medals  one, a single Proof medal, has been offered since June (sales totaled 39,264 as of July 23), and the second will be a Reverse Proof medal for sale only in the four-medal set, joining medals struck at the San Francisco, West Point, and Denver Mints.

The three other medals available only in the set are a 2017-S medal that also has a standard Proof finish, a 2017-W medal exhibiting an Enhanced Uncirculated finish, and a 2017-D medal with an Uncirculated finish.

The Proof version displays frosted devices against mirrored fields. The Reverse Proof finish displays mirrored devices against frosted fields. The Uncirculated pieces are struck on planchets that are burnished by being tumbled with steel media in a cleaning and brightening solution and then dried before striking. For the Enhanced Uncirculated version, the planchets are struck with dies having specific design elements subjected to varying intensities of laser frosting and polishing techniques.

The 1-ounce .999 fine silver medals have the same obverse and reverse designs that appear on the Proof 17922017-W American Liberty 225th Anniversary gold $100 coin, which went on sale April 6.

The designs on the coins and medals have elicited mixed reactions from the collector community. The obverse portrait is of Liberty as an African-American woman, the first such portrait on a U.S. coin. The reverse depicts an eagle. While some have praised the obverse design for its aesthetic beauty and innovative theme, others have been critical of the aesthetics of the designs (the large size of the stars has drawn much of the criticism on that point) and still others have decried what they perceive as a politically correct decision in portraying Liberty as a woman of color.

No price has been given for the set. The single medal is priced at $59.95 though it is unlikely that the cost of the four-medal set will be four times the price of the single medal. The cost of a hardcover booklet detailing the development of the Liberty portrait was factored into the price for the single medal.

Quarter dollar series

The remainder of 2017s Mint product line  at least what is announced so far  involves the America the Beautiful quarter dollars program.

Starting Sept. 7, the Uncirculated 2017-P Ellis Island National Monument 5-ounce silver coin will become available; the three-coin set for the same design, albeit in the standard copper-nickel clad composition and size, will go on sale starting Sept. 14. Those two products follow the Aug. 28 launch of bags and rolls of the Ellis Island quarter dollar.

In November and December, the Mint will offer products featuring the 2017 George Rogers Clark National Historical Park quarter dollar: bags and rolls go on sale Nov. 13, the three-coin set of the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park quarter dollar goes on sale Nov. 27, and the Uncirculated 2017-P George Rogers Clark National Historical Park 5-ounce silver coin goes on sale Dec. 5.

Also to be offered, starting Nov. 21, is the America the Beautiful Quarter 2017 Circulating Coin set.

With the exception of the two 5-ounce silver coins, the remaining America the Beautiful quarter dollar products offer the standard copper-nickel clad versions of the coins, including pieces from the Denver Mint, Philadelphia Mint and San Francisco Mint.

A factual error involving the 2016 Limited Edition Proof set was corrected on Aug. 5.
August 4, 2017

 Hardware from one of NASA's retired space shuttle orbiters played a critical role in the landing of the Curiosity rover on Mars five years ago.



Largely unknown to the public, a helium regulator that first flew multiple times into Earth orbit as part of the propulsion system for the reusable winged spacecraft was inspected, modified, tested and then re-launched as a key component of the descent stage for the six-wheeled rover that touched down on the Red Planet on Aug. 5, 2012 (PDT or Aug. 6 EDT/GMT).



"We took part of a space shuttle and put it on Mars," said Masashi Mizukami, an engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif., in an email interview with collectSPACE. "It was an existing off-the-shelf design that could meet nearly all of the specialized [Mars Science Laboratory] MSL requirements as is."



The repurposed hardware, which brought together a team from NASA's planetary exploration and human spaceflight programs, needed to function for the rover's landing to be successful.



"On the propulsion side, this was one of the few [possible] single point failures on the mission," said John Habis, vice president of business development at VACCO Industries, which sourced the helium regulator for the shuttle program and serviced it for its reuse on MSL. "If this unit had not of worked, there was no backup."



Off the (shuttle) shelf solution



The MSL spacecraft dove into Mars' atmosphere five years ago this Saturday (Aug. 5).



To safely place Curiosity on the surface, the descent stage needed to deploy a supersonic parachute, fire eight rocket thrusters and then lower the rover using a sky crane, prior to flying itself a safe distance away to impact the ground. Everything had to work as planned and had do so without any real-time input from controllers on Earth.



"Many of us had gatherings to wait for that little beep to tell us that everything was good," Habis recalled.





For the rocket-powered portion of the descent, a pressure regulator was needed in order to precisely control the flow rate of the eight thrusters' hydrazine propellant. As a result of other program constraints, the lead time to develop such a component was limited, making an off-the-shelf solution the only real option.



"When JPL came to us, they had already exhausted one or two vendors for this application and they were not getting too far," Habis told collectSPACE. "It was while we were in discussions about other components we were doing for the [MSL] cruise stage that we discovered this opportunity was there, and they discovered what we had and what could be used."



Working across its programs and centers, NASA sourced for MSL three 750 psi helium regulators, including at least one that was extracted from the space shuttle Discovery.



Used, but like new



Although based on the same hardware, the shuttle helium regulator needed to serve a different function as part of the Mars spacecraft.



"On MSL, it provided regulated pressure to the descent stage propellant. On the space shuttle orbiter, it provided regulated purge and pneumatic actuator gas for the main engines," explained Mizukami, who was the lead author on a 2009 paper about the reuse of the regulator.



To meet its new function and the much more demanding requirements of the MSL mission, the engineers at VACCO Industries needed to inspect the heritage hardware, modify it and devise a means to test it.







A special pressurization control assembly test, pictured here, was conducted to verify the space shuttle heritage regulator would still operate with a pyrovalve shock and slam start. (NASA/JPL-Caltech)

"The regulator [for MSL] had more stringent requirements than the shuttle regs as far as leakage and performance," said Dave Wicke, VACCO's vice president for engineering and technology, "so they had to be rebuilt very carefully so they could meet the greater demands for a long mission to Mars, versus a shorter shuttle mission."



"We had to create an elaborate test facility to model the entire 'seven minutes of terror,'" added Habis, referencing the title that NASA use to describe MSL's dramatic entry, descent and landing (EDL).



VACCO engineers modified the shuttle hardware with new components and serviced it so it was "like new."



"It really went out of here like it was a new unit from us. The only difference was that the raw material came from the shuttle regulators," said Wicke.



Continuing the legacy



The shuttle regulator worked as VACCO and JPL intended, as did the entire descent stage, and Curiosity safely made it down to explore Mars' Gale Crater. During its first year on the surface, the mission accomplished its primary goal, determining that the planet once had the right conditions to support life.



Since 2014, the rover has been ascending and exploring Mount Sharp, the peak at the center of Gale Crater.



The regulator that helped put Curiosity on Mars, along with the entire descent stage, impacted the surface more than 2,100 feet away (650 meters) from where the rover landed. It will stay there until perhaps a future astronaut expedition retrieves its remains as an artifact of two NASA spaceflight programs.







Mars Science Laboratory pressure regulator. (NASA/JPL-Caltech)
Every year when the air turns warm and green leaves bud, the same story seems to repeat itself: A motivated young person opens a lemonade stand, only to have police or a local zoning authority close it down because it lacks a business license. This holds true across the transatlantic sphere, from North America to Europe, summer after summer, like a nightmarish version of Groundhog Day.

The most recent case of prominence took place in London last month. Police fined a five-year-old girl 150 (about $195 U.S.) for trading without a permit, because she sold lemonade at 1 for a large glass, or 50p for a small one. She sobbed all the way home and was telling me: Dad, Ive done a bad thing, said her father, Andre Spicer, a business professor at City University London.

Tower Hamlet officials canceled the fine, but it had already left an indelible impression on the young girl. When other venues offered to let her set up her stand, she told her father, No. Its too scary.

She was proud of selling it, and this really soured the experience, he said.

Sadly, such stories have multiplied to the point that they threaten to become their own subgenre of literature. The United States, considered the bastion of the free market, could populate the section by itself.

Last year, the Orange County Health Department required 10-year-old Annabelle Lockwood to obtain a $3,500 permit or they would close her gourmet lemonade stand. (She was able to raise the gargantuan amount thanks to a GoFundMe page.)

In Discovery Bay, California, last month a grown man approached a young girls lemonade stand 10 minutes after she opened and demanded to see her business license. When she couldnt produce one, he threatened to call 911 (certainly a public emergency of the first order). Her father, Richard LaRoche, said, She was so scared that she came home crying and sobbing and said she didnt want to go to jail.

Thus did the governments system of permits, zoning, and regulatory requirements  as well as an imprudently uniform application of the law  teach young children to associate entrepreneurship with pain, motivation with punishment, and striving for success with unreasonable barriers.

Youre the reason kids lack ambition nowadays, LaRoche wrote to his daughters antagonist.

These cases illustrate a broader point for adults: Licensing requirements often needlessly bar people from employment, and the ones most affected are the most marginalized: the young, the inexperienced, minorities, and the disadvantaged.

There are, however, police forces that respond in a much different and more helpful fashion:

In Kansas City this summer, three-year-old Hannah Pasley opened a lemonade stand so that she could purchase a police costume. When they heard about it, 50 police officers patronized her stand, and she earned the money in no time;

Nine-year-old Angel Reyes opened a lemonade stand in Las Cruces, New Mexico, this spring to raise money for his cancer-stricken grandmother. He raised $50 in sales and received a $1,000 donation from charity. Local police came  not to arrest or ticket him  but to give him a permit to operate his business legally. They proceeded to purchase his product and wish him well; and

Last month in the northeastern Pennsylvania town of Tunkhannock, eight-year-old Owen Shylkofski opened a lemonade stand to raise money for his neighbor, whose house had burned down. When someone stole the $50 he raised, police donated to make up the lost money  and let him wear a real policemans hat during their visit.

These children will have a much different outlook on work, charity, society, and government.

They have now tasted the fruits of work. As AEI President Arthur Brooks has noted in the New York Times, and elaborated in his books including The Conservative Heart, The secret to happiness through work is earned success. They have felt a great psychological motivation to continue being productive and meeting the needs of others.

We learn through doing, Spicer wrote. Making a [lemonade] stand is a great opportunity for kids to share their interests, build confidence, and contribute to our communities. These children have become happy through service and learned that work is a gift they can handle.

Rather than turning to their parents or the government, they have learned to work for the things they want  whether for themselves or the needy. Their proceeds often go directly to another individual or private charity, teaching them that charity is a personal concern carried on by caring citizens and intermediary institutions like churches and philanthropies. When future calamities strike, they will turn to personal initiative, not the state, to remedy them.

This teaches them to be attached to the subdivision, to love the little platoon we belong to in society, which Edmund Burke called the first principle (the germ as it were) of public affections. It is the first link in the series by which we proceed toward a love to our country and to mankind.

Another point that is too often overlooked: These lemonade stands do not merely serve the children who operate them; they benefit the adults who do business with them. These child entrepreneurs experienced more than a touch of sentimental charity from their neighbors, and true solidarity between generations. They serve their patrons, who remember doing the same thing when they were younger. When these children grow up, they will give back to the next generation, continuing the cycle and strengthening the bonds of goodwill. In the process both generations discover, in Burkes masterful phrase, that society is a partnership not only between those who are living, but between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born.

And the children encouraged by their local police certainly have a different view of law enforcement than their less fortunate counterparts, leading to greater social trust and cohesion. If laws are their enemies, Burke wrote to Charles James Fox, they will be enemies to laws. For citizens to exercise the kind of delegation of the greatest trust which they have to bestow upon elected officials, who will exercise their own judgment rather than merely rubber stamping public opinion, they must trust their representatives wisdom and benevolence.

If community leaders wish to teach their children these lessons, or merely to avoid the spread of embarrassing viral stories of police overreach, states, municipalities  and parliaments  may wish to consider a piece of commonsense legislation enacted in Utah this March. S.B. 81 forbids any municipality from requiring a vendors license or permit of a business operated by anyone under the age of 18. The nub of that law could become a fitting example of what happens when good ideas cross the Atlantic.

In 2011, when she was Minister for Women and Equalities, Theresa May proposed spending 2 million to train 5,000 women to mentor female entrepreneurs. One can hardly think of a better destination than to visit the young people operating these stands.

At a minimum, public officials can stop closing them down and let a healthier view of work, charity, and society blossom in the next generation.

(Photo credit: Public domain.)
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Prior to August 2015, had someone searched online for the name Michael McCormick in Ocean Springs, they would have learned he is a decorated officer in the United States Air Force with four tours of combat flying duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They would have read that during his 14 years of military service, McCormick has been awarded, among several decorations, the Bronze Star with Valor. At that time, he was a Lieutenant in the USAF and has since been promoted to Captain.

But on Aug. 14, 2015, all that changed.

It was on that day McCormick was charged with kidnapping after he drove to Valdosta, Ga., to retrieve his then 5-year-old daughter, who had been taken from her school on the Mississippi coast by her mother, Andrea Hope Smith, with whom McCormick shared equal custody rights pending a hearing scheduled for later that month.

With that incident began a two-year ordeal which saw McCormick incarcerated for 20 days, lose his USAF flying duties, and physically separated from his daughter for nearly two years. He also had to travel to Valdosta 12 times for court appearances.

McCormick, 35, was charged, in addition to kidnapping, with criminal attempt to commit a felony/interstate interference with custody, disrupting public school, and three counts of simple battery, which are misdemeanors.

More than a year after his arrest, the two felony charges were dismissed. Parental kidnapping had long ago been abolished as a crime in Georgia, while interstate interference with custody only occurs when a parent attempts to take a child from another parent who has primary custody, which was not the case with McCormick and Smith.

McCormick had been charged with disrupting public school because he went to his daughter's school in Valosta to retrieve her. That charge was dismissed in April of this year. The three simple assault charges -- levied because of a false accusation he had pushed a teacher down at the school -- were dismissed last month.

Simply put, there was no evidence to support any of the charges levied against McCormick. So it begs the question: How can something like this happen to a decorated combat officer like Michael McCormick?

"Malicious prosecution," McCormick told The Mississippi Press this week. "The (Lowndes County, Ga.) Assistant District Attorney, Meredith Brasher, was basically out to get me. The truth is, she really didn't care. When they arrested me, they knew I was a legal, equal custodial parent. They knew I had filed for custody and the mother had taken the child.

"They knew everything. They didn't care."

According to court documents, at the time of the incident, McCormick's daughter had resided with him more than half her life. In March 2015, McCormick filed an action in Harrison County Chancery Court seeking to establish custody, support and visitation for the child.

Under Mississippi law, parents have equal custody of a child until or unless a court rules otherwise.

In late April 2015, Smith, who also serves in the USAF, drove to Biloxi and attempted to take the child and move to Valdosta. McCormick refused and Smith called police, who declined to get involved because they understood the two parents had equal custody rights. McCormick's daughter remained with him.

A hearing on the custody issue had been scheduled for Aug. 28, 2015, but on July 23, Smith drove to the Cedar Lake Christian Academy in Biloxi, where the girl was enrolled, entered the school from a side door or rear door, took her daughter and left, headed to Valdosta.

The school immediately contacted McCormick, as well as law enforcement, but once again police would not get involved. McCormick, however, was advised he would need to bring his daughter back from Valdosta for the Aug. 28 custody hearing, leading McCormick to believe he had the legal right to retrieve his daughter and bring her back to Mississippi, just as Smith had taken her from her school in Biloxi.

According to McCormick's attorneys, Smith had refused to inform McCormick where she and their daughter were residing, nor where the girl was enrolled in school.

McCormick and a friend flew out of Ocean Springs Airport on a private plane. He researched the different elementary schools in Valdosta and ultimately determined she was at Westside Elementary.

His daughter was on the playgound when McCormick arrived and she ran and jumped in his arms upon seeing him. He informed one of the teachers he was her father and was going to check her out of school.

Three times, however, the teacher attempted to pull the child from McCormick. All three times McCormick turned away from the teacher. At no time, McCormick said, did he push the teacher, nor anyone else, much less knock someone down. Not one of the numerous witnesses to the incident said McCormick had touched the teacher at all, yet he was charged with three counts of simple assault.

"The video surveillance of me going on that playground was reviewed by the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department and then, when we asked for a copy of it, it had been 'lost,'" McCormick said. "You can't make this stuff up."

A series of bond orders issued by a Lowndes County court suggest prosecutors began to realize they had no case.

The initial bond order which released McCormick from jail after 20 days ordered that he leave the county and not have any contact with his daughter, Smith, or others involved in the incident.

The first bond modification allowed for McCormick to speak with his daughter via telephone or FaceTime no more than three times a week, with a limit of 15 minutes each time.

A second bond modification allowed McCormick to have "full and complete contact" with his daughter, but he was still not allowed to return to Lowndes County except for a court appearance.

A third and final bond modification, issued in March, allowed McCormick to travel to Lowndes County to have contact with his daughter.

At the time of his arrest, McCormick's daughter was five years old. The next time he was able to put his arms around her, she was seven.

"That's a tough one to explain," McCormick said when asked if he could describe the difficulty in being separated from his daughter, while knowing he had done nothing wrong. "If anything else, it's a complete loss of confidence in our justice system and in the people who hold the power to do the right thing.

"Specifically, Meredith Brasher has gone above and beyond to cause this," he continued. "The difficulty I experienced is one thing, but people always talk about the child -- the child is the most important thing. Knowing good and well I wasn't guilty of what they were accusing me of, how can (Brasher) sleep at night knowing that little girl didn't see her dad for two years?

"For what? So you could flex your muscles? Boy, (Brasher) really showed me, didn't she? But I'm not the problem. It's that little girl. (Brasher) beat up on a five-year-old. Good job."

A message left at Brasher's office was not returned Friday.

"While I am greatly relieved by the outcome of this case, I am equally regretful of how long it took to resolve it," said McCormick's attorney, Nick Bajalia, in a statement, "and for the amount of personal, emotional, financial, and parental stress this entire ordeal placed upon Captain McCormick, his daughter, and his entire family."

The story does have a happy ending, however. The Mississippi custody hearing, originally set for Aug. 28, 2015, was ultimately held and McCormick was awarded primary physical custody. He and his daughter reside together in their Ocean Springs home.

It is clear, however, in speaking with McCormick, that he is bitter and angry over the false accusations against him and the price he paid for those accusations. He says had circumstances been different, the outcome might have been, as well.

"I'm a father, not a mother," he said. "Had I been the mother, I think things might have been a little different."
This IT jobs report covers Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. (Also see our reports for the Pacific, Mountain, North Central, Northeast and Southeast regions.)

Job market snapshot

Kerry Stover, COO at Pariveda Solutions, a technology strategic services consultancy in Dallas, says he has to cast a wide net to fill positions that demand technical infrastructure skills such as servers and networking. Even harder to get, he adds, are strong enterprise architects, people who can put together systems and processes, cybersecurity professionals and data scientists.

One hiring strategy Pariveda and other employers in the area are turning to is to find people in smaller markets to bring them into larger markets, Stover says. So you might search in Waco to draw them to Austin. If youre in Dallas, youll put out leads in Oklahoma City, because its easier to get this talent in those places, and you can find people who want to move.

Matthew Ripaldi, Houston-based regional senior vice president at engineering and tech staffing firm Modis agrees that a talent war is raging in the South Central region. For a lot of skills, there are more opportunities than there are candidates, he says.

Application developers and business analysts as well as big data specialists and service desk professionals are in high demand, Ripaldi says. Other hot skills include testing/quality assurance and networking. Many companies, particularly in the oil and gas industry, which is starting to grow again, are releasing money to fund backlogged work, and they need project managers.
Best Schools for Internships

Meghan Adams 18, a government major, at her internship with The Office of U.S Congressman William Keating in Washington, D.C. this summer.

The Princeton Review named Connecticut Colleges internship program one of the top 25 in the nation and listed the College among the best undergraduate institutions in the country.

Connecticut Colleges comprehensive internship program, which awards up to $3,000 for students to explore a career-related internship the summer before their senior year, ranked in Best Schools for Internships in The Princeton Reviews most recent publication, The Best 382 Colleges: 2018 Edition.

For more than 15 years, our career internship program has provided invaluable exposure to our graduates in a multitude of competitive industries, said Persephone Hall, the Hale Family Director of Career and Professional Development. Our career advisers, often in collaboration with faculty members, help students access our vast alumni network to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in todays complex world.

Each year, nearly 75 percent of students take part in the funded internship program. This summer, 319 rising seniors traveled across the country and around the world for their College-funded internships, where they explored careers ranging from environmental policy to fine arts.

Conns unique approach to education has increasingly gained recognition. In 2014, The Princeton Review recognized Conns four-year career program as one of the top 20 in North America. And in 2015, The Princeton Review named Conns internship program one of the top 25 in the nation.

Internships are a flagship of our comprehensive career preparation program, said Noel Garrett, dean of academic support and director of the Colleges Academic Resource Center. We work with students from day one to provide ongoing career-oriented opportunities. When connected with their academic experiences, these efforts result in meaningful internships that help guide a students future.

The College is one of only a handful of schools in the country that provides funding for every student to use in a career-related internship. The program is now fully integrated with Connections, a new kind of curriculum that lets students merge their interests into a meaningful educational pathway, to carry them through college and into a fulfilling, effective career and life. The internship program is one aspect of Connections, and it focuses on helping students connect their liberal arts majors to professional opportunities and graduate study.

My internship is right at the heart of European environmental policy, which is precisely what I'm exploring with my senior integrative project on Britains environmental legacy, said Josh Lee 18, a government major interning at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States in Washington, D.C. this summer. Doing exactly what I want to be doing career-wise has been informative and relevant, and I have Conns funded internship program to thank for that.

For Cecilia Bole 18, an internship at one of the countrys largest museums provided the perfect opportunity to apply her philosophy and classics majors to the work of promoting both ancient and contemporary art.

I am exploring the possibility of working at an art institution after graduation, and through my career internship, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is giving me the experience and credibility I need to pursue that option," she said.





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August 4, 2017
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Raise your glasses! The South West  and Cornwall, in particular  has more beer brewers per head than anywhere else in Britain.

In 2016 there were 140 beer manufacturers in the region, official labour market statistics reveal.

Our Trinity Mirror data unit reports that Cornwall has the highest proportion, with 4.5 brewers for every 100,000 people living the area - a total of 25.

However, we have it on good authority (the very excellent Cornish website Beer Today) that there are actually 39 breweries in Cornwall; that's 8 brewers for just over every 100,000 living in Cornwall.

Cornish ale lovers should chug a pint at the news that we beat Devon which has 3.9 brewers for every 100,000 people (30 in total). That's a population double the size of Cornwall.

According to Darren Norbury's Beer Today website , there are the 39 breweries in Cornwall. Here they are...

Ales of Scilly

Established at Higher Trenoweth, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly in 2001, the brewery moved to industrial unit premises in 2007. It is the only brewery on the Isles of Scilly.

All Saints

Established by Steve Willmott, who originally brewed as Doghouse Brewery, the brewery's beers are now made at Coastal Brewery, Redruth.

Atlantic Brewery

A Soil Association certified brewery established in 2005, with brews suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The focus is on bottles conditioned beers, although occasion brews escape in cask.

Black Flag Brewery

A new brewery for Cornwall in 2013, based in Goonhavern. Ben and Nick Sales' beer debuted at the Royal Cornwall Show in June 2013.

Black Rock Brewing

The first new brewery in Falmouth for nearly 100 years, opening in 2013. Brewer Jack Williams' family have been well-known publicans in the town.

Bude Brewery

Established in 2011, Bude brews locally named, traditional beers using high-quality Cornish ingredients.

Camel Brewing Company

A new Cornish brewery with outlets in the north of the county.

Castle Brewery

A small Cornish microbrewery run by Theo Corfield.

Coastal Brewery

Former publican Alan Hinde moved to Cornwall from Crewe in 2005 and set up this brewery in 2006. A five-barrel plant produces a wide range of beers, including monthly specials, many of which find their way to the Midlands, North and North West. The brewery also has a bar and bottle shop. Beers are also brewed for Steve Willmott's All Saints Brewery.

Cornish Chough

Formerly known as the Organic Brewhouse then Chough, the brewery was sold in 2011, although brewer Andy Hamer stayed on. The most southerly brewery in Britain on The Lizard, it is located on a farm and has a good local following.

Cornish Crown

A new brewery for 2011, Cornish Crown is run by Josh Dunkley, owner of The Crown pub in Penzance. The brewery premises are just out of town. There's a regular portfolio of beers which have proved popular across the UK.

Driftwood Spars Brewery

The brewery was established in 2000 under previous ownership of the attached Driftwood Spars Hotel. Now it is owned by hotelier Louise Treseder with Pete Martin as head brewer. The brewhouse has been extended recently and there is now a bottle shop, too.

Dynamite Valley Brewing Co

Set up by Dom Lilly and Ross Kessel in 2015, Dynamite Valley focuses on US-style beers mainly. The brews are vegan friendly. On Saturday afternoons, there is a beer cafe in the brewery.

Firebrand Brewing Co

Craft beer brewed at the Penpont Brewery in North Cornwall.

Fishkey Brewing Co

A Cornish microbrewery concentrating on producing traditional beers.

Fowey Brewery

A small-batch brewery creating beers in many different styles. The brewer has some 20 years' experience.

Granite Rock Brewery

A microbrewery in a home brew shop, launched in 2013. Frances Williams and Dave Wilmot are founders and co-directors, with Dave continuing an interest in brewing he inherited from his father.

The core of two beers produced on the 2.5-barrel brewery was joined in early 2014 by Penryn Company, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

Harbour Brewing Co

Harbour Brewing Company was launched in 2012 on a farm site a couple of miles outside of Bodmin, in Cornwall, operating on ten-barrel, American-designed plant.

Business partners Eddie Lofthouse and brewer Rhys Powell hatched their plan to open a new brewery having met in a pub in Padstow. Rhys has now left the brewery, but there is a new brewing team in place led by former Sharp's head brewer, Stuart Howe. A new 30-barrel brewery was installed in 2016.

Boardmasters and Harbour Brewery have teamed up this year to launch Soul Arch, a brand new IPA and ultimate post-surf ale. Soul Arch is on sale at selected stores, online and at handpicked post-surf pubs and bars in the South West, and will be available across the Boardmasters site from August 9 to 13.

Hell Yeah Brew Co

A homebrew project / small brewery near Truro, in Cornwall. Quite experimental in its approach.

Keltek Brewery

Established in Tregony, the brewery moved to Lostwithiel in 1998. Owner Stuart Heath moved the operation to Redruth in 2005, where it continues today. The plant there includes a state-of-the-art bottling line and an estate of six pubs.

Leafy Hollow

A husband and wife operated brewery in North Cornwall, with good environmental credentials. A nanobrewery creates just ten gallons per brew.

Lizard Ales

Established in 2004, Lizard is now based in an old nuclear bunker on the southernmost tip of mainland Britain. There is an excellent range of bottled beers in particular.

Longhill Brewery

A small brewery on the Cornwall / Devon border.

Padstow Brewing Company

A new brewery for 2013, run by husband and wife team Caron and Des Archer. They've received help setting up from Dave Lang of multi-award-winning Forge Brewery in North Devon.

Beers are out in local pubs and expansion is planned with a ten-barrel brew plant in the autumn of 2013.

Paradise Brewery

Named after the Paradise Park bird park in which it is situated, the brewery first started brewery in 1981. After a name change to Wheal Ale in 1994, the brewery closed in 2004 but was restarted in 2009 under the original name. The pub attached to the brewery is one of Hayle finest old buildings.

Penpont Brewery

Opened in 2008, Penpont uses its own Cornish spring water in its beer and has an ambition to one day grow its own malt and hops. The beers are found in several South West freehouses.

Penzance Brewing Co

Established in 2008, the Penzance Brewing Co is run by Peter Elvin, a Scillonian, whose long experience in brewing includes a spell as head brewer at Cotleigh Brewery. The brewery is located in building to the rear of his award-winning Star Inn, at Crowlas, near Penzance.

Regular brews in the pub are Crowlas Bitter, a 3.8% ABV copper coloured session bitter, Potion No 9, an award-winning 4% golden session brew, and Brisons Bitter, a 4.5% ABV best bitter, with chocolatey notes. Other specials are regularly brewed.

Rebel Brewing Co

Set up in small premises in 2011 with a 2.5-barrel plant, Rebel saw rapid expansion, thanks mainly to good local sales, and purchased a 15-barrel plant in a modern industrial unit.

In 2016, however, the company went into administration, but a new owner was found at the start of 2017. The brewery takes its name from the rebellious history of hometown Penryn.

Sharp's

An adventure's been brewing at Sharp's Brewery, in Rock, on the North Cornwall coast, since 1994. The success and growth of the young Cornish brewery has been phenomenal. Originally started as a microbrewery by Bill Sharp, in just over 20 short years Sharp's Brewery has come a very long way and are brewers of the No 1 selling cask beer in the UK, Doom Bar, doubling staff numbers from 70 employees to 145 in last six years.

A testament to the quality of each drop of beer, the brewer has a tally of over 70 international brewing awards. Just a few of Sharp's accolades recently include Sharp's five medals at the 2017 International Beer Challenge, including GOLD for Wolf Rock, the 'People's Favourite Cask Ale' at Inapub's People Choice Awards 2017, two Country winner awards and a gold medal at the World Beer Awards 2016, a gold and bronze medal in the 2014 World Beer Awards, 11 medals at the 2014 International Beer Challenge, Best Drink for Doom Bar in the food Reader Awards 2017 and 'World's Best Lager' at the World Beer Awards 2013 for Cornish Pilsner.

A pivotal supporter of local, sporting and charitable events within the Cornish community, Sharp's Brewery also serves its beers, with matching food suggestions, to the nation's festivalgoers at a range of music, food festivals and larger sporting and national events throughout the year. Sharp's Brewery is a proud sponsor of the Blue Flag initiative, and five pence from every limited release sold is donated to the charity to help protect beaches in Cornwall for the enjoyment of all.

Skinner's

Folklore abounds in the marketing of Skinner's Cornish beers, which were first supped in 1997. Steve Skinner heads a successful Cornish business whose beers are seen throughout the county and nationwide too via good wholesale distribution.

Look out too for Betty Stogs who often makes personal appearances at beer festivals and other events. The brewery has a 25-barrel plant, a good beer shop and well-presented visitor centre.

Spingo Ales

One of the oldest brewpubs in Britain, dating back to the 15th century, the Blue Anchor is famous for its Spingo range of beers. Up until recently the pub was the only place where one could find the beers, but now there are one or two other pubs, such as The Dock Inn, Penzance, taking the brews. The brewing business was re-named Spingo Ales in 2011.

St Austell Brewery

Established by businessman Walter Hicks in 1851, St Austell is now a major regional brewer, with an estate of more than 170 pubs throughout the West Country.

The brewery is still run by descendants of Hicks. Head brewer Roger Ryman joined the company in 1999 and revived and grew a tired range of beers into a sparkling, award-winning portfolio. In 2011 new plant was installed raising the brewing capacity to 150,000 pints a day, and enabling 24-hour production.

Eighty per cent of the production is the brewery flagship brand, Tribute. In 2012 the company secured 40m of new funding to "explore future growth opportunities".

It is the South West's largest wholesale distributor of beer, ciders, wines, spirits and soft drinks, serving more than 3,000 free trade accounts, from pubs, clubs, restaurants, hotels and other licensed outlets. The company employs up to 1,000 people, including part-time and seasonal staff.

St Ives Brewery

Established in 2011 by former publican Marco Amura, the brewery finally has a home in 2016 after an initial period being contract brewed.

Tintagel Brewery

Atop a high hill just outside of Tintagel, former farmer John Heard has converted an old milking parlour into the home of some award-winning Cornish beers. The ten-barrel brewery has its own spring water supply and gets power from its own wind turbine.

Tower Brewing

A small licensed craft brewery and tap tucked away in a North Cornwall village.

Tremethick Brewery

One of Cornwall's new breed of mirobreweries, opened in July 2016.

Verdant Brewing Co

A very contemporary, Cornish, ten-barrel brewery, making big waves around the UK with big, bold favoured beers, including IPAs and stouts.

Wooden Hand Brewery

Wooden Hand was set up 2004, brewing a range of beers sold in Cornish pubs and shops. The brewery boasts an impressive bottling line which is utilised by a number of other brewers.

Woodman's Wild Ale

A microbrewery incorporating foraged and wild ingredients into a seasonal range of beers.
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Motorists heading out of Cornwall face a hellish journey with four hour delays this evening as a large chunk of the M5 remains out of bounds.

The motorway was closed this morning after a crash between two lorries on the northbound carriageway between junction 22 (Burnham-on-Sea) and junction 21 (Weston-super-Mare).

The resulting fuel spillage shut two of the three lanes, as well as the hard shoulder and caused massive tailbacks all the way down to the A38 and A30 .

The huge fuel spillage resulted in two of the three northbound lanes being closed, along with the hard shoulder.

However, the carriageway was so severely damaged as a result of the crash, that emergency resurfacing work as had to take place and it is expected that delays will continue long into the evening.

Highways England said at 4pm that delays of up to four hours were being experienced.

A spokesman urged drivers to consider alternative routes if at all possible.

He said: "There are severe delays of 4 hours on the M5 in Somerset northbound between J24 (Bridgwater) and J20 (Clevedon).

"This is due to a collision between two HGV's which resulted in a large fuel spillage between J21 (Weston-Super-Mare) and J20 closing 2 lanes (of 3).

"As a result of the spillage emergency resurfacing work is required. Highways England are working hard to re-open another lane in preparation for the evening peak.

"It is anticipated that resurfacing work will continue throughout the afternoon into the evening.

"Please be aware that J21 northbound entry from the A370 (Weston-Super-Mare) is closed due to this incident and will remain so throughout the evening.

"Road users are advised to allow plenty of additional time for their journeys and may wish to consider using an alternative route if possible.

"If travelling to London from the South West, road users may want to consider using the A30 and A303 to join the M3."

According to traffic website Inrix, there are also long delays on the A303 heading east as motorists try to avoid the M5.
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Sandwich chain Subway is set to open a new outlet in Wadebridge, creating ten jobs in the local area.

The fast food giant has announced its latest Cornwall franchise will open within the Spar store on The Platt in November.

The Spar store is set to be closed for refurbishment and remodelling on November 1, in time for a November 20 opening.

A spokesman for Subway told Cornwall Live: "We are pleased to confirm that a new Subway store will be opening within the Gilletts Spar outlet in Wadebridge.

Work on the store will commence on November 1, and we expect to open by November 20, creating ten new jobs for those in the local area.

The chain has also announced that is opening a Subway on Dean Street in Liskeard in September.

Last month the firm announced it plans to open another 500 stores by 2020 as it seeks to cement its place as the UK's largest High Street fast food chain.

That would bring its total to 3,000 across the UK and Ireland - almost double that of closest rival Greggs, which has 1,698 outlets.

Subway said growing customer demand for its sandwiches had driven the decision.

The firm is also in the process of overhauling its stores with a revamped menu and a new look for the shops.

It said its expansion plans would create 5,000 new jobs.
CORNWALL, Ontario  Gerald Pilon, 85, of Cornwall was arrested on August 3, 2017 on the strength of a warrant and charged with resist arrest. It is alleged the man damaged someones car and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On August 3, 2017 the man was spotted by a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service in the area of the East Court Mall. He was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant after a brief struggle, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on September 12, 2017.

WARRANT

CORNWALL, Ontario  Niaz-Ali Janjua, 29, of Missassauga was arrested on August 2, 2017 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged the man failed to attend court on April 15, 2014 for a criminal harassment charge and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On August 2, 2017 members of the Cornwall Community Police Service assumed custody of the man from Peel Regional Police as they had the man in custody on the strength of Cornwalls warrant. He was transported to Cornwall and held for a bail hearing.
Rebecca Rutstein uses a high desert inspired palette while capturing seismic events that occur deep in the Earths crust. Runs through 8/12.

When your painting studio is set adrift on the open sea, things can get a little messy. Philadelphia-based painter Rebecca Rutstein spent her last three artist residencies in close quarters with oceanographic cartographers, examining never-before-seen images of the ocean floor and translating what she learned into undulating, semi-abstract paintings. She grew accustomed to the constant motion of the boat and its unpredictable effect on her brushstrokes. In Fault Lines, her first-ever solo exhibition in New Mexico, Rutstein returns to dry land. Using the sunburnt palette of the high desert, the artist turns her attention to seismic events that occur deep in the Earths crustand employs some tricks she learned at sea to imbue her compositions with dynamic motion. Fault Lines opens at form & concept on Friday, June 30, 5-7 pm.

This body of work comes full circle, from the artist residencies that Ive just completed at sea to the other geologic themes Ive been exploring for much of my career, says Rutstein. The artist grew up in Philadelphia, PA and got her BFA in painting at Cornell University. In her time at Cornell, she took a geology class for non-science majors and explored the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The Finger Lakes offered this incredible view of geology at work, says Rutstein. The class had a big impact on me, because it was a method of learning by visually analyzing these massive formations.

Several years later, after Rutstein completed her MFA at University of Pennsylvania, she flipped open one of her old geology textbooks and something clicked. Shed been creating process-oriented, abstract paintings, and the diagrams of seismic events in the book struck her as its own nonrepresentational language. All of a sudden my paintings had meaning for me beyond self-expressive mark making, Rutstein says. I started overlaying these plate tectonic diagrams on top of my abstract marks. Tectonic forces became metaphors for the shifts in her personal relationships, and she mounted solo exhibitions with titles such as Love and Subduction, Ebb & Flow and Deep Rift.

At artist residencies in Hawaii and Canadian Rockies, Rutstein continued her studies of geology and found new ways to translate scientific concepts into her work. She became fascinated with the work of Marie Tharp, a pioneering oceanographic cartographer who died in 2006. Rutsteins studies of Tharps work, and her own artistic explorations of underwater terrain, inspired her to apply for an artist at sea residency. She sailed from the Galapagos Islands to San Diego as a Science Communication Fellow for the Ocean Exploration Trust in 2015, and embarked on two voyages with the Schmidt Institute in 2016.

At first, I would try to tightly control my pigments, fighting the movement of the ship, says Rutstein. Then I started pouring the paints, and allowing the rocking movements of the ship to disperse it. It was a breakthrough, and revived Rutsteins interest in fractal geometry. Ive always had this interest in juxtaposition: micro and macro, graphic and atmospheric, organic and geometric, the artist says. These contrasting ideas really lend themselves to fractal geometry in nature, and how patterns repeat themselves on infinite scales. In her work, Rutstein emphasizes this ambiguity of scale. Her forms could represent clouds, continental plates, mountain ranges, rocks, pebbles or grains of sand.

For her solo exhibition at form & concept, Rutstein has moved away from her studies of the ocean floor in a return to broader geologic explorations. However, shes still incorporating paint pours into her work, and rocking her canvases back and forth as though she were at sea. Theyre very process-oriented, and then Im going back in and working with more intentional and purposeful graphic forms, she says. I want those opposing forces to coexist on the same canvas.

Rutstein will appear at the June 30 opening reception, and will conduct an artist talk at form & concept on Saturday, July 1 from 2-3 pm. Fault Lines runs through August 12, 2017.
Want to know how high U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and her team will set the bar in approving Every Student Succeeds Act plans? How DeVos handles her home state may provide the answer.

Michigans ESSA plan was largely panned in a review by Bellwether Education Partners and the Collaborative for Student Success. Another outside reviewer declined to rate it, citing incompleteness . The states GOP lieutenant governor worried about its impact on students with special needs . And Jason Botel, the acting assistant secretary of elementary and secondary education, called the state to talk about some of the information missing in its plan.

That last move angered Brian Whiston, Michigans state chief, who said the feds were sending mixed messages when it comes to ESSA. DeVos, he said, stressed local control, and told state chiefs in a closed door meeting to hand in their plans even if they werent totally complete. But Botel, the acting assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education, seemed to be working from a different playbook, Whiston said last month.

A lot seems to have changed since then. For one thing, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., a DeVos ally, questioned whether Botel had read ESSA carefully . And DeVos and company changed the way theyll be reviewing ESSA plans . Instead of just sending feedback letters and making them public, theyll first chat with states over the phone. If the state can explain a potential hiccup to the feds satisfaction, the department might not mention the issue in an official feedback letter, which would be released after the phone call

Michigan had its call this week. Afterwards, Whiston put out a statement saying the states interaction with the feds had been very positive. He also said state would be submitting a revised plan, including some clarifications the department asked for.

And DeVos herself had kind words for her home state, telling local reporters earlier this week that shes hopeful that Michigan is going to be very bold and very creative in the way that theyre addressing the needs of students here in Michigan.

But not everyone is optimistic about Michigans ESSA vision. In fact, Doug Mesecar, an adjunct fellow at the Lexington Institute, a right-of-center think tank who reviewed Michigans plan for the Collaborative for Student Success, said that if DeVos and company approve Michigan without major changes, it will be a sign that almost anything goes with DeVos department.

Based on what Ive seen and whats public, if they approve Michigan, you gotta wonder what kind of signal does that send to rest of the states, said Mesecar, who headed up the departments office of innovation and improvement during President George W. Bushs administration. That move would just let the barn doors open and everything is going to be possible.

Michigans plan offers three possible visions for accountability, although the state has settled on a dashboard approach since filing its plan back in the spring. And it isnt clear about how it would identify its lowest performing schools, as well as schools where groups of students arent performing well.

It also doesnt include any information about what a school would have to do to no longer be considered low-performing. And Michigan includes science and social studies in the academic achievement portion of its accountability system, an ESSA no-no .

In fact, there are so many blank spots in Michigans plan, Mesecar doesnt think it should have been submitted for peer review at all.

I would have expected the department to say we cant even review this its got so many holes in it, Mesecar said. And if Michigan has in fact filled in those blanks, Mesecar wondered why its more fleshed-out ESSA vision hadnt been made public.

Reminder: So far, sixteen states and the District of Columbia have turned in ESSA plans. Nine have gotten feedback. And one stateDelawarehas been officially approved. The rest of the states will submit their ESSA visions later this fall.

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
The New Jersey education chief is recommending that Newarks schools return to local control.

Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington is recommending that the state Board of Education give the school district control over the last two of the five areas that the state uses to assess districts: instruction and program and governance.

In its last evaluation on the states Quality Single Accountability Continuum, or QSAC, New Jerseys district monitoring system, Newark scored 92 percent in instruction and program and 100 percent in governance.

The district already has control in the three other areas: operations, fiscal management, and personnel.

Harrington wrote in an Aug. 1 letter to Newark superintendent Christopher Cerf that the district had shown that its able to sustain the progress that it had made and had demonstrated evidence of adequate programs, policies, and personnel.

The state took over the school district in 1995 after years of poor academic performance, fiscal mismanagement, and cronyism.

The return to local control has been in the making for some time. In 2015, Gov. Chris Christie appointed Christopher Cerf, a former state education commissioner, to lead the district. Cerf, whose contract goes through 2018, is widely expected to be Newarks last state-appointed superintendent.

With local control, the elected Newark school board will be able to hire and fire its superintendent.

In congratulating the district, Harrington also stressed the responsibility local officials had to the citys children.

As the transition to local control begins, it is important that those of us entrusted by the public remember that with power comes responsibility, she wrote. The people of Newark are entitled to an orderly and collaborative transition that is solely focused on the interests of its 50,000 children. It is my hope that the leaders of Newark will fully embrace this commitment.

The state board of education will have to approve a resolution giving the citys school board control over instruction and programs and governance and another measure to clear the way for the state and district work on a transition plan, according to the state department of education.

The board could take up the Newark resolutions at its Sept. 13 meeting, according to the department.

Last month, the state board of education approved a set of resolutions to proceed with a similar process in the Jersey City school district, which the state took over in 1989.
A national coalition of civil rights groups want U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to reject Floridas soon-to-arrive waiver request that will ask to be relieved from key pieces of the Every Student Succeeds Act dealing with the nations most vulnerable and historically disadvantaged students.

Approving Floridas request, activists say, will set a disturbing precedent for other states.

Sometimes it feels like were playing three-card monte or a game of cat and mouse, said Liz King the Director of Education Policy for The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. She said approving the waiver request will effectively make ESSA toothless. Everytime we make progress, someone finds a way to cut it back.

The waiver , still in draft form, asks for the state to be allowed to forego using minority student subgroups and the results of English-learners language proficiency exams in its statewide accountability system. And because Florida education officials say English is the states official language, it doesnt want to conduct standardized tests in recently-arrived immigrant students native languages.

Those provisions were the biggest victories for national civil rights activists when ESSA was passed in 2015 and they fear that if Secretary DeVos approves the waiver this fall, other states, eager to break free from decades of federal badgering over the nations stagnant achievement gap, would follow suit.

The Florida education agency gathered feedback on the request over several weeks and its expected to soon be considered by Republican Gov. Rick Scott. It has broad support from the states district superintendents who want to keep the states politically volatile accountability system mostly intact.

This week, the Leadership Conference, made up of 23 minority rights groups, sent a tersely worded letter to all 51 state superintendents urging them to follow the law as written rather than follow in Floridas footsteps.

Low-income children, children of color, children with disabilities, English-learners, and Native children have been left behind for far too long and deserve no less than robust and thorough state policy to ensure an excellent and equitable education, the letter said.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) also sent a letter to congressional leaders and Secretary DeVos that more specifically urges her to reject the waiver request outright since, they say, the request flies in the face of ESSAs civil rights legacy and circumvents the states legal obligations to English-language learners.

And a group of local civil rights activists in Florida will ask next week for a sit-down meeting with Florida department officials.

The department said in an e-mailed statement that they welcome any feedback to its plans.

We appreciate everyone who took the time to submit input on Floridas ESSA draft state plan, said Meghan Collins, a spokeswoman for the department.

In its waiver request, the department said their accountability system is meant to improve the outcomes of all students, rather than students with a particular ethnicity, special need or language requirement. Instead of English proficiency exams, the state wants to use its English Language Arts test to measure ELL students langauge acquisition.

But the civil rights groups say that flies in the face of decades of research regarding how to close achievement gaps between minority students and their peers. Because the state for so many decades segregated its schools and denied a litany of basic education services to minority students and students with special needs, the state is obligated to provide tailored remedies to those groups unique needs.

If this waiver is approved, there will be no accountability whatsover for ELL students progress in English Language acquisition, said Rosa Castro-Feinberg, a civil rights activist, education consultant and former school board member in the Miami-Dade district. I think the department has been misadvised by folks who are not up on the research related to ELL issues and subgroup accountability issues.

One out of every 10 students in the state qualifies for ELL services.

The waiver request will create a political dilemma for Secretary DeVos who has been criticized both for her theories on the departments role in upholding civil rights and her departments feedback to states submitted plans.

One thing were learning through the ESSA implementation process is that too often the decision makers at the federal, state and local level are disconnected from children who arent getting a fair shakeout from policy decisions, King said.

Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics.
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That's a beach ball.

But is there any truth to it? Well, during the middle ages in Japan, when everyone was at war and there were actual samurai warriors, no one would have had any idea what that book was talking about. By the time the 1600s rolled around, the samurai were famous not for their fighting abilities, but their administrative and bureaucratic skills. Basically, if they existed in the present day they would be more likely to be accountants and lobbyists than Navy SEALS. It was during this uneventful period that the samurai, having little to do and no reason to justify their existence, started getting all dramatic about honor and death, but it was mostly just empty talk.

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Even when they were running around killing people, the samurai's approach was less "epic swordfight" and more "try to catch the victim off guard or lure them into a trap." In fact, they rarely used swords -- in battle, they preferred to stick to a bow and arrow. Yes, they were fucking campers.

Mizuno Toshikata

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Upon finally besting his opponent, this brave warrior rises from his hiding place and declares, "GG EZ."

And you know the famous oath of loyalty they swore to their masters? The idea comes from the religion Confucianism and has nothing to do with military badasses at all. Also, that loyalty usually lasted only for as long as the master's checkbook would allow it. This should go without saying, but just because a code of conduct exists it doesn't mean people will follow it. Cops in America aren't supposed to shoot innocent people ever, for instance, but, well, you know.
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Accenture Acquires 200-Person Solution Provider To Boost Search, Content Analytics Capabilities

Alec Shirkey

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Accenture has purchased Search Technologies, a services company with expertise in enterprise search analytics, the company announced on Thursday.

The professional services firm, No. 2 on the CRN Solution Provider 500, said the entire 200-person team at Search Technologies will join Accenture Analytics. Within that division, Search Technology's team of engineers will work to develop solutions that help companies examine unstructured data from a variety of sources, including social media, digital, and audio-visual.

Search Technologies, headquartered in Herndon, Va., is particularly interested in use cases in the areas of e-commerce, fraud detection, health care and large corporations in the pharmaceutical, financial services and media industries.

[Related: Accenture Acquires Digital Consultancy Clearhead To Strengthen Personalization Services]

"The opportunity here is to bring Search Technologies people, their deep expertise, and their solutions together with ours to ... help us build better business outcomes for our clients," said Narendra Mulani, chief analytics officer for Accenture Analytics.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In addition to search and big data platforms, some of Search Technologies' projects incorporate machine learning technology, which can be applied in areas such as artificial intelligence-powered natural language processing.

"When you pull all these [technologies] together, we can now do some very sophisticated things to help people find and analyze information," said Kamran Khan, president and CEO of Search Technologies.

Other use cases involve marketing departments at large companies looking to dissect large amounts of data collected via digital tracking tools. Khan expects Search Technologies' expertise will expand the foothold of Accenture Analytics in the marketing services area.

Accenture will integrate those capabilities, including a proprietary content processing framework and API-level data connectors, into the Accenture Insights Platform.

Although this deal features a significant amount of client overlap, Accenture said the acquisition is complementary to its analytics business because of Search Technology's narrow expertise in content analytics.

"Talking to customers with whom we have a great relationship and tell them as a small company, we were helping them solve a narrow set of problems," Khan said. "Now we are part of an org that can come in and address the largest problem they are trying to solve, of which we've been a part."
New Justice Department Unit Combats Health Care Fraud

A new enforcement unit within the U.S. Justice Department in Chicago has been formed to fight health care fraud. The new Health Care Fraud Unit was announced around the same time as the announcement of the major $1.2 billion prosecution for a massive health care fraud scheme.

The goal of the unit is to seek out and prosecute the individuals and businesses that engage in all types of health care fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Joel R. Levin, when announcing the new unit, explained that "Every year, health care fraud causes millions of dollars in losses to Medicare and private insurers" and that "Health care fraud also often exploits patients through unnecessary or unsafe medical procedures."

Health Care Fraud Increases Costs

Health care fraud is a significant drain on public resources such as Medicare, as well as on private insurers. Essentially, fraudulent claims that get paid out raise the costs of insurance and misuse public resources, forcing higher premiums and higher taxes upon the public.

The Department of Justice has recently been focusing on investigating and prosecuting health care fraud cases involving phony billing schemes, kickbacks, bribes, prescription fraud, and more. Prosecutions have gone after not just the businesses, but also those individually involved, and those who benefit from, the fraudulent activity as well.

Patients at Risk

One of the most common health care crimes that actually directly impacts consumers involves prescribing unnecessary medications and tests. While it may not seem fraudulent to use all the fancy technology that doctors have available to them, there are significant costs associated with doing so, as well as significant revenue and profits that medical providers can make.

Though most tests won't actually put a patient at risk, some could. Unfortunately, short of directly asking you to lie, or sign for tests that aren't happening, there may not be "tell-tale" signs that your doctor is engaging in fraudulent practices. If you suspect something is amiss with your doctor, you can always get a second opinion, or visit another medical provider, or even file a complaint with the DOJ.

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An accused cyber criminal from Nigeria has been arrested on fraud and identity theft charges in a scheme that stole the W-2 forms of Connecticut school employees to steal thousands from the IRS.

Daniel Adekunle Ojo, 33,, a citizen of Nigeria living in Durham, N.C., was arrested Thursday by federal authorities. Following his arrest at in Durham residence, Ojo appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in Greensboro, N.C., and was ordered detained pending his transfer to Connecticut.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, special agents from the FBIs cybercrime squad in New Haven and the IRS have been investigating phishing emails that were sent to various school districts in Connecticut earlier this year.

In February 2017, an employee of the Glastonbury Public Schools received an email that appeared to be sent by another Glastonbury school system employee. The email contained a request to send W-2 tax information for all employees of the school system.

The recipient of the email responded by sending copies of the W-2 information for approximately 1,600 Glastonbury Public Schools employees. After the W-2 information was emailed, approximately 122 suspicious Forms 1040 were filed electronically with the IRS in the names of victims of the Glastonbury phishing scheme.

The 122 tax returns claimed tax refunds totaling $596,897. Approximately six of the returns were processed, and $36,926 in fraudulently-obtained funds were electronically deposited into various bank accounts.

The complaint alleges that OJO controlled or used an aol.com email account and a gmail.com email account involved in this phishing scheme, and that he participated in the scheme to obtain the Glastonbury school system employees personal identifying information and use it for personal gain.

This ongoing investigation also includes phishing incidents that victimized the Groton public schools, and the Bloomington Independent School District in Bloomington, Minn.

In March 2017, a Groton school system employee emailed copies of the W-2 information for approximately 1,300 employees. After the W-2 information was sent, approximately 66 suspicious Forms 1040 were filed electronically with the IRS in the names of victims of the Groton phishing scheme.

The tax returns claimed tax refunds totaling $364,188. The fraudulent tax returns were not processed by the IRS because they were flagged as being part of an identity theft scheme, and no money was released in connection with the returns.

The complaint alleges that Ojo entered the U.S. on a visitors visa in May 23, 2016, and failed to depart on his scheduled departure date of June 8, 2016.

Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly cunning in exploiting technology to steal identifying information from unwitting victims, U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly said in a release. Fortunately, our cyber investigators are skilled at cracking these crimes and catching these fraudsters.

To help avoid becoming a victim, always remember when you click on a link or send an email, check - and then double check - that the link youre being asked to open, or the email address you are responding to, is authentic. A single mistake can lead to a lot of misery. I commend the FBI cybercrime squad and IRS for quickly bringing this individual to justice. This investigation is ongoing.
Along with some construction materials, food and utensils, the hidden tents were found on 30 July during a search for a villager from Yathedaung township who was reported missing in the mountain range.

Last week, some 31 suspected terrorists were rounded up by the Myanmar security forces in Maungtaw township for holding a secret meeting in Kyauk Hlay kha village.
The changes to the law include allowing bail for suspects and preventing third parties from filing cases.

But a proposal to do away with jail time for alleged defamatory posts on Facebook or other social media was voted down 92-59 in the upper house, dominated by lawmakers from State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyis ruling party.
In March 2017, the UN Human Rights Council established a fact-finding mission to investigate alleged human rights abuses in Myanmar. Since then, however, various Myanmar government officials have publicly said the government plans to block these efforts by denying visas to mission members. The mission will officially begin its work in August.

Myanmars threat to block the UN Fact-Finding Mission from entering the country will only end up harming the governments standing on human rights, said John Fisher, Geneva director at Human Rights Watch. Even if the mission doesnt get access, were confident that they will carry out their work and produce a report that advances justice for the victims of human rights abuses in Myanmar.

If Myanmar follows through on its threats and refuses to provide visas to the mission members, it will be joining an ignominious group of pariah states, including North Korea, Syria, Eritrea, and Burundi, that have denied Human Rights Council-authorized fact-finders access to their countries, Human Rights Watch said.

Human Rights Watch is issuing the Q&A to emphasize the need for the Fact-Finding Missions work, to clarify the scope of its mandate, and to highlight the governments attempts at obstruction.

The document answers basic questions about the mission and its mandate, the current human rights situation in Myanmar, and the likely effect of visa denials on the mission.

The United Nations needs to stand up to Myanmars bullying tactics of threatening visa denials, Fisher said. The Burmese military has long avoided any accountability for its widespread and serious abuses. Granting entry to the Fact-Finding Mission would send a signal that the government is prepared to work collaboratively with the international community to help identify perpetrators of serious crimes, and deter future crimes by all parties to Myanmars armed conflicts.
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.


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)
Robert Mueller, the special counsel overseeing the investigation into Russia's cyberwar on America's elections and Trump's possible collusion, has impaneled a grand jury in Washington. The Wall Street Journal was first to report this news on Thursday.

The move means the probe is intensifying and could stretch "for months," according to the WSJ.

The grand jury, which began its work in recent weeks, is a sign that Mr. Mueller's inquiry is ramping up and that it will likely continue for months. Mr. Mueller is investigating Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 election and whether President Donald Trump's campaign or associates colluded with the Kremlin as part of that effort. A spokesman for Mr. Mueller, Joshua Stueve, declined to comment. Moscow has denied seeking to influence the election, and Mr. Trump has vigorously disputed allegations of collusion. The president has called Mr. Mueller's inquiry a "witch hunt." Ty Cobb, special counsel to the president, said he wasn't aware that Mr. Mueller had started using a new grand jury. "Grand jury matters are typically secret," Mr. Cobb said. "The White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly.The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller." Before Mr. Mueller was tapped in May to be special counsel, federal prosecutors had been using at least one other grand jury, located in Alexandria, Va., to assist in their criminal investigation of Michael Flynn, a former national security adviser. That probe, which has been taken over by Mr. Mueller's team, focuses on Mr. Flynn's work in the private sector on behalf of foreign interests.



[IMAGE: Reuters, FILE]

Reuters- EXCLUSIVE-GRAND JURY SUBPOENAS ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH JUNE 2016 MEETING BETWEEN TRUMP JR, RUSSIAN LAWYER AND OTHERS  SOURCES  Steve Kopack (@SteveKopack) August 3, 2017

Side note to this: Greg Andres, new hire for Mueller, was EDNY prosecutor while Sater was a EDNY mob case cooperator https://t.co/zl0DQGPqJy  Andrew Rice (@riceid) August 3, 2017

BREAKING: Mueller crosses Trump's red line as he dives into Trump's finances, Trump Org. deals, Trump Tower tenants https://t.co/23nieJnPMF pic.twitter.com/ADy0M1AYY4  Marshall Cohen (@Marshall_Cohen) August 3, 2017

Everyone's expecting, "YOU GET A SUBPOENA! AND YOU GET A SUBPOENA! AND YOU GET A SUBPOENA!!" pic.twitter.com/iCJgSlpO5P  Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) August 3, 2017

Not surprising. Mueller's team has reportedly issued grand jury subpoenas already. This shows there is enough here to warrant looking at. https://t.co/uOa5A6lfD8  Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) August 3, 2017

Before it seemed investigation was looking at potential financial crimes w/Russians; now and/or financial element of collusion  Justin Miller (@justinjm1) August 3, 2017

i'm sure trump and sean hannity and alex jones will take this calmly and rationally and not overreach https://t.co/wPGlJw5Fgt  John Whitehouse (@existentialfish) August 3, 2017

CNN banner: "Mueller crosses Trump's red line as Russia investigation follows the money" pic.twitter.com/wPXvGS2gMv  Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) August 3, 2017

Robert Mueller is not fucking around https://t.co/z70CzxVFGR  John Hendrickson (@JohnGHendy) August 3, 2017

*rifling through the grand jury wikipedia entry* hmm yes i'm available to weigh in on your show  Gideon Resnick (@GideonResnick) August 3, 2017

really feel like this could hurt trump's chances of getting a job after his presidency with the local milk people https://t.co/2xFkhINv4u  Sal Gentile (@salgentile) August 3, 2017

CNN appears to, by and large, be further confirmation of this  https://t.co/jzeDYW57A1  and this  https://t.co/y3A8dytvj8  angle. https://t.co/tUalcPvPUU  Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner) August 3, 2017

BREAKING: Grand jury subpoenas have been issued related to June 2016 meeting between Donald Trump Jr., Russian lawyers and others  sources pic.twitter.com/r8AVLhJCxt  Reuters Top News (@Reuters) August 3, 2017

Robert Mueller's investigation is following the Trump-Russia money trail, sources tell CNN https://t.co/LTrgUBmbP3 https://t.co/fEH2McMdQf  CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) August 3, 2017

Stocks are moving lower on the Dow Jones Mueller story pic.twitter.com/l6jjRdKCgz  Steve Kopack (@SteveKopack) August 3, 2017

BREAKING: Trump's onetime foreign policy adviser CARTER PAGE was under a FISA warrant since 2014, CNN has learned. https://t.co/23nieJnPMF pic.twitter.com/MNsXf0hWDK  Marshall Cohen (@Marshall_Cohen) August 3, 2017
At first glance, it looks like the best possible news of all: the eradication of certain hereditary diseases that have long blighted mankind, causing immense suffering to the victims and agony to their loved ones.

And that is indeed the potential offered by the gene-editing technique that was unveiled by American scientists on Wednesday. In a world first, they showed how they had fixed faulty DNA in an embryo by removing the gene responsible for an inherited heart condition.

The same approach could, in theory, be applied to around 10,000 conditions that are caused by a single rogue gene carried in the egg or sperm, such as cystic fibrosis, Huntingtons disease, and achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism.

The breakthrough was led by scientists from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland using the gene-editing tool Crispr-Cas9

Nightmare

That has to be a cause for celebration, surely?

I disagree. As a science journalist of long-standing, I am urging greater scrutiny of this breakthrough.

I believe we risk paying a dreadful price for being seduced by the claims of scientists desperate to push to the limits their research into the very beginning of life  while generating headlines and attracting funding for yet further experimentation.

It takes us ever closer to the prospect of these gene-editing techniques being used on healthy embryos, tinkering with their DNA to create designer babies, perhaps to order, with characteristics such as boosted brain power or physiques.

In the process, we may unleash a nightmare that might irreversibly alter the future of humanity. It is also a terrifying weapon in the hands of the unscrupulous.

The announcement by the team at the Oregon Health & Science University sounded convincing enough, I grant you. In the journal Nature, they revealed how, in the lab, they had intervened at the moment a sperm (carrying a faulty gene) fertilised a healthy egg.

They used an emerging technology called CRISPR, which works like medical scissors, to snip out the defective gene. The developing embryo then repaired itself, inserting healthy genetic material into the gap.

But what the team actually did was far messier, far riskier, and is emblematic of the problems that plague this field of Frankenstein science.

First off, their success rate is questionable. With natural conception, there is a one in two chance that the faulty gene will manifest itself in the embryo (it could show the mothers healthy version of that same gene instead).

The Oregon scientists were able to get healthy genes in only 72 per cent of the embryos they created, compared with the 50 per cent that Nature achieves. Yes, their figure is higher but critics argue that it is still too hit and miss in what was a small study to be a bona fide medical advance.

'I believe we risk paying a dreadful price for being seduced by the claims of scientists desperate to push to the limits their research into the very beginning of life' (stock photo)

More significantly, the research team couldnt prove that gene-editing hadnt harmed other crucial cells in the developing embryo. The embryos they experimented on were destroyed after three days, in accordance with legal requirements, so no one knows what other DNA damage might have been caused.

And the truth is that the scientists didnt even achieve what they set out to do.

After removing the fathers faulty gene from the fertilised egg, they had aimed to replace it with one from a healthy male donor, but they found that the fertilised eggs unexpectedly rejected this donor gene. Instead, the healthy version of the gene from the mother was used.

Its a golden rule of science that if you dont achieve what your experiment aimed to do, then you have failed. And a fluke good result doesnt change that: its still a failure.

In my career, Ive seen hype triumph over truth too often. In the Nineties, scientists first managed to grow stem cells in the lab. These are the basic human cells that can develop into everything, from skin cells to brain cells to liver cells.

Wow, they declared. We can grow every sort of human tissue from these stem cells. Were made! Once aboard the stem cell bandwagon, scientists could be sure of research grants for life.

But 20 years on, the clinical uses of stem cells have proved limited to a handful of conditions such as multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

At least stem-cell medicine is generally harmless. But gene-editing could ultimately bring only limited benefits  along with terrifying consequences.

The biggest fear among ethicists is that it heralds the dawn of a new human eugenics, on a par with the Nazis attempts to eradicate the impure. Disability rights campaigners fear that gene-editing could popularise the idea that so-called defective human beings should be aggressively weeded out.

Amoral

Where would that end? With attempts to wipe out the short, the fat, or even those with the wrong colour hair?

Then there is the very real fear that amoral scientists, more interested in profit than ethics, will use the technology to modify embryos to create physically and intellectually superior humans.

It is already happening with animals. Chinese scientists have created dogs with a more muscular anatomy, apparently to make them better for police work. Whats to stop them creating humans who are better adapted for police work? Or armies of modified super-soldiers?

'The Oregon scientists were able to get healthy genes in only 72 per cent of the embryos they created, compared with the 50 per cent that Nature achieves'

Professor Henry Greely, a genetic ethics expert at Stanford University in California, has warned that there is the very real risk of rogue genetic editing by malicious parties.

He also fears that the wealthy might pay for genetic enhancements for their offspring, which could lead eventually to social discrimination of those not enhanced.

The point is that such DNA changes are not reversible. Once they are incorporated into the human genome, they would be passed on to future generations  altering our species and perhaps our destiny for ever.

Even worse, Professor Greely adds, terrorists or criminals could use this science to make [lethal bacteria or viruses] for bio-warfare  or to blackmail institutions or countries by threatening to release them.

Curse

Indeed, last year, the then U.S. Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, added gene editing to the list of potential weapons of mass destruction that may be used by terrorists and rogue states such as North Korea.

For, most worryingly, the science behind CRISPR editing is fast becoming cheap and accessible. Professor Charis Thompson, a genetic ethics expert at the London School of Economics, predicts that amateurs may even start playing with the technology in their garages with relative ease.

This is a science that could easily run away from all attempts at regulation  and the risk will be greater if we allow scientists to push open the door to gene-editing by appealing to our emotions and persuading us that it can achieve beneficial miracles such as ending the curse of hereditary disease.

In reality, we already have a medical technique that does this job well. Its called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and can be offered to couples who carry hereditary disorders.

PGD involves using in-vitro fertilisation to create embryos which can be screened for faulty gene mutations. Only unaffected embryos are then transferred into the womb.

We do not need CRISPR editing, with all its horrifying potential for abuse. We should be shutting the lid on this particular Pandoras box now.
In this special series, fashion consultant Karen Kay talks to stylish women about the pieces they cherish in their wardrobe. This week, fashion blogger and Instagram star Erica Davies, 40, opens the closet in the stylish home she shares with her husband, James, and their two children.

Erica loves the flattering shape and asymmetric hemline of this Penelope dress

PRINTS CHARMING

I saw this Penelope dress on Rixos Instagram feed and instantly fell in love with its clashing prints.

The flattering shape nips in at the waist and skims over the hips, with an asymmetric hemline, while the blouson sleeve is great for those of us who dont like to bare our arms. I splashed out 280 on this, but I had a big birthday coming up and sold some pieces on eBay to justify the purchase!

This Lily & Lionel style has become a real favourite for Erica

STAR BUY

Show me a Seventies maxi dress and Im sold. This Lily & Lionel style has become a real favourite.

It comes with a matching slip and is a brilliant throw-on when you dont want to put an outfit, together. Im such a fan of this style, I bought the same dress in a lovely black and red leopard print.

LACY LADY

I love lace blouses, especially when they have a frill like my one from Monsoon which I have in black and white.

I wear them with everything from denim dungarees to apron dresses, and layer them with a thermal rollneck in winter. I dont even bother ironing these, because the broderie anglaise works well when left with a slightly textured feel.

BRETON STYLE

I darent count how many Breton tops I have: there are endless permutations in my wardrobe. I wear them with clashing prints so youll often see me in stripes with bold florals or leopard print, say.

But I also love that classic French look of Breton top with navy trousers and sandals. The classic Saint James version is great for English summers, when you need a little more substance to ward off a chill breeze.

Erica is a huge fan of Breton style tops (left) and finds this Topshop khaki shacket (right) one of her hardest working pieces

UTILITY JACKET

Ive had this Topshop khaki shacket for years. I wear it buttoned up as a shirt, or wear it open as a lightweight jacket.

This M&S Autograph cotton lace midi skirt is very versatile

I style it with a wide legged black jumpsuit or bright pink A-line skirts: it seems to work with everything and is one of the hardest working pieces I own. And it looks better with age

FLIRTY SKIRT

I bought this M&S Autograph cotton lace midi skirt last summer, and have loved discovering how versatile it is.

I wear it with gold heels, a plain cashmere crewneck and red lipstick for a date night, or with white sandals and a plain white tee on a sunny day.
A U.S. Federal appeals court today threw out the murder conviction of former Blackwater security guard Nicholas Slatten, who had been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 2007 massacre of 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians in Baghdad.



Slatten and other former staff of military security contractor Blackwater (renamed Xe Services, now Academi, run by Erik Prince, brother of Trump DOE chief Betsy DeVos) were the focus of a high-profile legal case that has stretched on for a full decade.

Dozens of people from Iraq traveled to the United States for the trial, as we reported ten years ago here on Boing Boing. And the judge who sentenced Slatten to life in prison decided he was a nice guy who deserved a break (from the death penalty).

From Reuters:

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered a new trial after tossing out the murder conviction of former security contractor Nicholas Slatten. The three-judge panel said Slatten should have had a separate trial instead of being tried alongside his former colleagues. At a new trial, Slatten would be able to introduce evidence that one of his co-defendants had fired the first shot. Separately, the court said Paul Slough, Dustin Heard and Evan Liberty, who were all convicted of manslaughter and other offenses over their respective roles in the incident, should be re-sentenced because their 30-year prison terms were too long. The court also threw out one of Liberty's convictions for attempted manslaughter.

No word from the Justice Department, or lawyers for the defendants.

The mass killing at a traffic circle in Iraq's capital city on Sept. 16, 2007 was notable for its sheer brutality, and brought into focus concerns over the growing number of private military contractors working alongside U.S. military forces in Iraq and other mideast war zones.

Erik Prince, the founder and chief of the many-times-renamed firm at the center of this story, is now advising President Donald Trump's regime on how to further privatize American military operations overseas.

We'll always have the Seychelles.



In the Reuters photo above from September 20, 2007, one of the people who was wounded the Blackwater shooting attack is helped by his relatives in a hospital in Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki at the time said the U.S. embassy should stop using American security firm Blackwater after the deadly shooting, saying he would not allow Iraqis to be killed in "cold blood".

PHOTO, TOP: Blackwater Worldwide security guard Nick Slatten (C) and attorneys leave the federal courthouse after being arraigned with 4 fellow Blackwater guards on manslaughter charges for killing unarmed civilians in a 2007 shooting in Baghdad, in Washington in this January 6, 2009 file photo. (Reuters)
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Richard Kay, the writer who knew Diana best, and his colleague Geoffrey Levy bring you the full untold story of the disintegration of her marriage to Prince Charles, and the deep divisions it caused within Charles and Dianas inner circles.

The silk-velvet dress in Victor Edelsteins collection was originally in burgundy, but the Princess of Wales wanted it in midnight blue. Now in her dressing room at Kensington Palace she slipped into it, watched by the designer.

For him it was a moment of blessed relief, as she looked fantastic. For her a moment of sheer excitement at the thought of what Prince Charles would say when he saw her in it. I must show this to my husband, she excitedly told Edelstein, and, he recalls, she scuttled off down the corridor to find him.

Moments later she was back, almost dragging the prince who was even more exotically clad than she was in full dress uniform, with medals, ribbons and sash  he was preparing for an official military engagement.

Its still early days but already there are signs of tension as the camera captures a moment of unease during an official dinner in Wellington, New Zealand, in April 1983

But what did he think of her dress? Well, he said, smiling, you can certainly wear a lot of jewels with that. Here was a moment of harmony, of appreciation of his wifes beauty, when the two of them could laugh together as though they hadnt a marital care in the world.

It was spring 1985, and almost four years into the marriage such moments were already rare. A few months later, on 9 November, this would be the dress in which the world would see her being whirled round the ballroom floor by John Travolta at a White House dinner hosted by President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy.

As the marine band played Youre The One That I Want, other dancers left the floor clear as the Hollywood star spun a delighted Diana for an exhausting ten minutes. She also danced with Clint Eastwood, but secretly the ballet-loving princess had hoped to be dancing with the Soviet-born star Mikhail Barysh - nikov, who was also among the 80 White House guests, but he never k new, and so never asked her.

Charles and Diana take an open-top carriage through the streets of St Columb, Cornwall, in May 1983. The crowds mob Diana, to Charless obvious discomfort

Diana dancing with Clint Eastwood at the White House dinner hosted by Ronald and Nancy Reagan in 1985

As for Prince Charles, he got up to dance, rather more sedately, with the operatic diva Beverly Sills. His private hope had been to dance with Diana Ross.

No one at the White House that glittering evening could have imagined that this was a marriage on the slide, let alone in crisis. But in fact it was the last hurrah for a union which, within months, would find each going their separate romantic ways.

Charles would have rekindled his lifelong love for Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles  a love that many, including Diana herself, never believed he had ever really given up.

At the same time Diana had felt provoked into beginning a relationship with the copper-haired Guards officer James Hewitt. It was to be another ten bitter years before the marriage would finally end.

A bare-chested Charles takes a break from royal duties in Australia. It was April 1981, two months after the engagement.

Diana was left behind to plan the wedding, and wept after seeing him off at the airport

POISONED BY A PENCIL LEAD LEFT IN HER CHEEK AFTER A CHILDHOOD ACCIDENT As the marriage unravelled Diana started turning to New Age practitioners and treatments. By far the most colourful were her visits to Jack Temple, the former market gardener turned dowser healer who kept pictures of clients such as Cherie Blair, Jerry Hall and the Duchess of York on the wall of his clinic in West Byfleet, Surrey. Jack used a crystal pendant which he dangled above Diana in search of bodily poisons. He discovered that lead contamination was affecting her health. More specifically, he located excessive lead in her head, around the cheek area. It was the spring of 1996, just a few weeks before Diana and Charles were divorced, and Fergie had recommended Temple to her. Temple died, aged 86, in 2004 and his disciple, former bank manager Barry Witton, recalls Jack talking about the princesss visit. When Jack told the princess what hed found she cried out, Crikey, so thats what happened to me, he says. She told him she remembered breaking a lead pencil against her cheek when she was a schoolgirl aged about 12. Some of the lead had broken off and must have stayed in her cheek. Jack believed that a residue of lead was having a detrimental effect on her, says Witton, now director of the Jack Temple Association. He deduced that her familiar stance, the shy, girlish look down to the left that she had, came from a desire to protect her eye. After he had treated her Jack said to me that she was a changed woman and that she could now look at you head on. He also believed there was lead in her body as part of her genetic inheritance because her aristocratic ancestors had drunk out of lead crystal glasses. Despite the dubious science behind Jack Temples claims, Diana, who also believed in reincarnation, was impressed, and so grateful to him that she bought him a gift of a set of wooden chairs for clients to use in the stone circle he had arranged in the garden to channel energy from the sun. She herself loved sitting there. Advertisement

On the summer day in 1996 that the decree absolute came through Diana telephoned her friend, the holistic practitioner and lifestyle guru Nish Joshi. She was in tears, he recalls. I told her it would be fine. Then after a moment she collected herself and said, Well, I suppose almost 20 million is not bad for an ex-nanny.

That flash of typical Diana tongue-in-cheek humour about the divorce settlement (in fact it was 17.5 mill ion) couldnt mask the shock she felt at suddenly, after 15 years, finding herself semi-detached from the Royal Family in an arrangement that left her shorn of the elevated style HRH despite her status as the mother of a future King William.

But then, as she told her Aunt Mary  her mothers elder sister Mrs Mary Roche, I have been swimming against the tide. And yet when Diana arrived in the Royal Family, the Queens advisors universally liked her.

As one of the monarchs senior clerics tells us, They were determined to use the shy young girl to build a firm foundation for the future of the monarchy in a way that would modernise it. She brought a freshness to the palace that they felt it badly needed.

With the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Robert Runcie, at Westminster Abbey in 1982. Charles arranged a meeting between them to help Diana with her faith

No one imagined then that the personality cult that would envelop the princess would turn into  as royal aides saw it  a potential danger. According to the senior cleric, one key figure who saw the hazard lights flashing was the late Lord Maclean, who was Lord Chamberlain for 13 years until 1984. Chips Maclean told me that it took time for many, including himself, to realise that Diana was becoming a potential threat.

She had taken the focus away from the monarch and there can, as he put it, only be one sun. Other royals must orbit around her. Diana was becoming a second sun and that was considered dangerous. One can only imagine how this would have affected the princess had she been aware of this assessment on top of the doubts and fears she was already feeling about her marriage, thanks to the everpresent Mrs Parker Bowles.

Not quite in the spirit of Archbishop Robert Runcies observation, you may think, when he married the couple at St Pauls Cathedral, that here is the stuff of which fairy tales are made.

Mercifully, however, Diana knew nothing of these official misgivings. It certainly helps explain, and puts into perspective, Charless growing envy at Dianas spontaneous popularity when on official visits he found crowds swarming to see her and virtually ignoring him.

Five years before their wedding, when he was 27 and talking about marriage, he loftily declared, Whoever chooses me is going to have a jolly hard job always in my shadow.

To be fair, early on he was proud of the public fascination with his young wife, but he soon tired of it. So the royal bride was facing an uphill battle on two fronts. Sir William Heseltine, former private secretary to the Queen, remembers how delighted everyone was when Prince William was born in 1982. But between the births of William and Harry there were the first stirrings of anxiety, he tells us.

Could this sleeping pill have been the real cause of Dianas mood swings? Dianas early apparent cri de coeur when she self-harmed, cutting her arms and legs soon after the birth of Prince William, had alarmed the Queen, although Diana herself put it down to post-natal depression. Astrologer Penny Thornton, whom Diana first consulted in 1986, recommended the homeopathic Bach flower remedies, made from plant essences, to help calm her nerves. But we have learned of another factor which could well have been the cause of, or at least exacerbated, Dianas bouts of acute depression at a time when her mind was already troubled with thoughts of a loveless husband and another woman. She was in the habit of taking the sleeping pill Halcion when she travelled. The American-made drug, used by up to 800,000 people in Britain at the time, was banned by the British government in 1991 over concerns that it had a high level of side effects including psychiatric problems and depression. In 1985 Diana revealed she was taking the drug to American businessmans wife Mary Robertson, whose son Patrick she nannied in London for six months before marrying Prince Charles. When Mrs Robertson and her husband returned to New York, Diana and Mary remained friends. At that time, after the birth of Prince Harry, the royal marriage was moving into crisis and, subsequently, Charles would talk about Dianas terrible mood swings. Diana mentioned to me when we met in 1985 that shed been taking Halcion to get over jet lag, says Mrs Robertson. It could have been a contributing factor to her depression. Id been taking it myself and I suffered mini depressions. I took it for several years and it wasnt until an episode of depression in 1992 when Id flown to London that I realised I shouldnt have been taking it. I was having lunch with Diana at Kensington Palace and Id taken Halcion to get over my jet lag and I felt so shaky I was worried I wouldnt get through lunch. Its probably something Diana shouldnt have been taking at all, but who knows? Their meeting in 1985 was at the British Embassy in Washington. Charles and Diana were based there during a visit to the White House, and Mrs Robertson and Patrick, then six, visited them there. Despite the arrival of William and Harry aged three and one, the marriage had reached a low ebb. Mrs Robertsons view today is that the prince was totally unprepared to take on this young, untried, untested, very needy young woman. Patrick (now 37, married with two children, and in finance) sat between the royal couple and, recalls Mrs Robertson, now 73 and a widow, the talk soon turned to babies. You wouldnt have guessed there was any friction, she says. They were joking and laughing about hoping they would have a little girl next time. It was an unbelievable performance. Advertisement

February 1988 and on a tour of Thailand with Charles there is no hiding her unhappiness. With her beloved boys back home and her marriage in deep trouble, shes bereft

Friends of the prince and princess were wondering if all was well. It was the start of general talk. If my sympathies were with one of them, they were with Diana. I saw in Prince Charles this elderly man  I wouldnt call him an intellectual but a man who had intellectual interests  who was into his thirties when they got engaged, and she was 19 and their interests were simply not compatible.

Dianas Aunt Mary recalls talking about her over tea with Prince Charles at High - grove. It was 2004 and shortly after the death of Dianas mother, Frances (Marys younger sister). Diana her - self had been dead for seven years and the prince was anxious to explain to a close member of the princesss family how hard he had tried to understand her. He said he had done everything he could to make her happy, recalls Mrs Roche, now 82.

He had made changes in his life at her wishes, just for her. So the implication, I suppose, is that she wasnt happy. If she was, why would you be trying to make her happy? One area in which the prince tried to help Diana was religion, though just what this had to do with making Diana happy is hard to fathom. He told me he was a bit concerned at the lack of religion in her life, says Mrs Roche. So he had arranged a meeting for her with the Archbishop of Canterbury. But it turned out that the Archbishop [the late Robert Runcie] was telling Diana about all his problems.

She listened to him rather than the other way round. It illustrates what a wonderful listener she was and how she could draw people out. Only someone like Prince Charles would think that bringing Diana together with an archbishop would make her more religious, her mother, who converted to Roman Catholicism in 1994, snorted to a friend.

A retired chaplain who was close to Diana recalls, Marrying into the Royal Family was culture shock enough for the princess but she then found that Charles was almost too religious at times for her to cope with.

His desperation to analyse faith confused her. She was just content to believe. There were other changes. Aware that Diana was uncomfortable with many of his closest chums, he stopped seeing them, a painful sacrifice as they included people he had known since childhood. One was royal favourite Penny Romsey, now Coun - tess Mountbatten, 64, who remains mar - ried to, though separated from, Charless old Gordonstoun chum Norton, the 3rd Earl Mountbatten.

Her mum's advice? fight for him! On one long weekend visit to Scotland with William and Harry to see her mother Frances on the Isle of Seil, off the Argyll coast near Oban where she had settled in a small, pretty house, the two women sat talking late into the night about love and marriage. Mrs Shand Kydd had been shattered by the departure of her second husband Peter, the man for whom she left Johnnie Spencer all those years earlier when Diana was six. Now Peter had left her for champagne expert Marie-Pierre Palmer. Diana and her mother Frances Shand Kydd in the Royal Box at Wimbledon in 1993 It was no secret on Seil, an intimate community, that Mrs Shand Kydd had nurtured hopes that Peter would one day come back to her. He didnt. He and Marie-Pierre married and lived in France. Ken Wharfe, Dianas Scotland Yard bodyguard who accompanied the princess to the white-painted bungalow overlooking Seil Sound, remembers Frances as her daughters No 1 confidante. She was, after all, a woman with experience of life  and love. That night Diana was rather gloomy and she and her mother had a long heart-to-heart about Charles who, says Wharfe, Diana felt was avoiding her. As Wharfe recalls, Frances asked her, Do you love him? If you do, it is worth fighting for. Diana replied, Yes, I do. Said Frances, If you are sure, Duch [Dianas childhood nickname], it is worth hanging on to. Advertisement

Another was Tory MP Sir Nicholas Soames, a former defence minister who has known the prince since they were 12-year-olds. Charles sorely missed their company and, for their part, they suddenly felt the chill wind of rejection by the heir to the throne as those prized invitations to Highgrove and Sandringham dried up.

For a young woman desperately anxious to be loved and wanting to make her husband happy, it was bizarre of Diana to come between her husband and his oldest friends. Far from cementing her marriage, which still had some moments of happiness, it widened the cracks in its foundations.

So was she being selfish? Undoubtedly she was. But there was a reason. Those friends whom she wanted the prince no longer to see were the very figures whom she knew had counselled him against marrying her. It wasnt so much a case of revenge, more a case of an anxious Diana feeling acutely uncomfortable in their company. She saw them as exercising an unhealthy influence on Charles  and inevitably, of course, they were also friends of Camilla.

Senior figures in the Royal Family were perplexed at times by aspects of Dianas behaviour. In particular, the Queen was puzzled about her attitude to some of the formalities of royal family life, especially at mealtimes at Balmoral for example, where a piper played.

A sombre Diana in Lagos, Nigeria, in March 1990. She and Charles spent a week in West Africa but were barely on speaking terms

Sir William Heseltine recalls, Diana was difficult about who she sat next to. She didnt like some people. That wasnt well received as at these moments it was a case of sit where you are told. She found it exhausting having to make conversation when drinks were served before dinner, and then making conversation with your neighbours on both sides during dinner, and then again after dinner when everyone adjourned to the sitting room and the conversations continued for another hour or so before the Queen went to bed.

No one was supposed to go to bed before the Queen. I think Diana found those evenings very difficult, as I did myself. The princess once or twice went off to bed before the Queen, which was not the thing to do. But Sir William adds, She was flung into this routine as a young girl  no wonder it was difficult for her.

It was at Dianas request after two years of this tedious regimen that she and Charles no longer stayed with the Queen and Philip when they visited them on Royal Deeside, but at Craigowan Lodge, which up until then had been where the private secretary stayed. They still had to go across to the castle for dinner, but at least they could get away afterwards.

It was a move that caused considerable discussion among the royals. They were surprised and dismayed that the daughter of an earl who was also a royal equerry serving two monarchs, was finding it so hard to adjust to Windsor family life. After all, the two families had been linked for generations.

Playing pranks on princess pushy Diana never lost a prankish side that had echoes of her childhood when nanny Mary Clarke thought she might grow up to be an actress. One royal figure who became the butt of her pranks was Princess Michael of Kent, her Czech-born next-door neighbour at Kensington Palace, whom she mockingly referred to as the U-boat commander. On one occasion Princess Michael, whose father served in the SS during the Second World War, was dressed up for the races and about to leave the palace with friends when Diana threw open a window and leaned out shouting and waving an extravagant goodbye. She had been exercising with me and was in her skimpy gym gear, says Carolan Brown, the princesss fitness trainer for five years until 1994. As they drove off Diana was laughing hysterically. She thought Princess Michael was very regal. She hated any kind of stuffiness. On another occasion she was wearing a vivid green face-mask as she waved her neighbour goodbye. For her part, Princess Michael described Diana as a silly girl and uneducated. Advertisement

Sir William, now 87 and back home in his native Australia, had observed changes in Diana. At the time of the wedding there was this innocent, warm ingenue, a charming and very beautiful young woman, he reflects. But I noticed how she changed and matured in three or four years quite dramatically. Even from the earliest time I thought there was an internal toughness about her and my earliest hopes had been that, rather like her grandmother-in-law [the Queen Mother] who never had much of a formal education, she would pick up the ropes and would, with her own internal toughness, develop into a rather formidable royal lady.

The last time they spoke was when he retired from the royal household and was saying his farewells at Balmoral in 1990. After lunch the princess and I had some conversation about the [marriage] situation and she said to me, I have to stick it out. And I thought she would. Diana was to develop just as Sir William had predicted, but by then, of course, she and Charles were no longer together.

Staff at Kensington Palace were only too well aware of what was going on. Dianas dresser Helena Naughton, speaking for the first time, reveals that the princess did talk about her marriage breakdown. I was always aware of what was going on because of her mood in relation to what was happening, says Helena, now working for the NHS. It was hard, everybody [the staff] needed to tread carefully.

In the meantime, when Mrs Roche, in a letter to the princess, touched on the fact that she, too, was only 20 when she first married and understood the difficulties of marrying young, her niece wrote back saying, For the first time someone in my family understands me. You have no idea what that brings me. Life is up and down at the moment and a struggle to say the least.

By the late 1980s, when the prince and princess were effectively living separate lives, she at Kensington Palace, he at Highgrove, Charles had taken to carrying in his breast pocket the letter that Prince Philip had written to him when he was courting Diana, urging him to make up his mind or risk damaging her reputation. He would produce it with a flourish and say, Look what they did to me  I was forced into it, by way of explaining a marriage that wasnt working.

For her part, Diana was already beginning to fear the very thing she vowed to herself as a child from a broken home would never happen to her  the break-up of her marriage. She loved Charles definitely, says Vivienne Parry, who worked closely with Diana for 12 years as national organiser of the charity Birthright (now Wellbeing of Women). She went into marriage believing it would work. But then she was 19, and that is what we all believe when we are 19.

Her daydream was to be deeply loved, which is why Andrew Lloyd Webbers The Phantom Of The Opera about an obsessive love became something of a fixation. She went to see it at Her Majestys Theatre in London over and over again, usually escorted by her personal hairdresser Richard Dalton. Shed call me up and say, Lets go to the theatre, recalls Richard, who was working in Bond Street when he first did her hair and now lives in California. Id say, Not The Phantom Of The Opera again! and shed giggle. And so off wed go, and shed be totally lost in it.

Mindful of her own marital problems, Diana was sometimes the giver of advice. Liz Emanuel, who with then-husband David made Dianas wedding dress, remembers meeting Diana at a charity function. David and I had split up and I was with Tony [playwright Tony Drew], whom I live with now, and I introduced Diana to him, Liz recalls, and she said to him, Make sure you look after her. It was very sweet.

Diana was also used to confiding in her elder sisters Sarah and Jane. But in 1990 Janes husband Robert (now Lord) Fellowes succeeded Heseltine as the Queens private secretary. After this the princess felt increasingly uneasy about unburdening her private thoughts to Jane.

In many ways the scholarly Fellowes was in an equally tricky position. Both at home and in the palace, it was not so much a question of what he was saying as what he was not. He had once before noted his anxiety about his position to his palace seniors when his sister-in-law Diana joined the Royal Family. Now it was clear that his unease was entirely justified. When he discovered that Diana had assisted with Andrew Mortons explosive book  originally she denied it  he offered his resignation to the Queen. It was refused.

Meanwhile, as the Queens annus horribilis of 1992 continued and John Major made his solemn House of Commons announcement that the Prince and Princess of Wales had parted, so hostilities intensified in what was already being called the War of the Waleses.
Before social media, it used to be that trends had a seasonal, or at least monthly, shelf-life.

The advent of Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube, however, has made flash-in-the-pan viral sensations a daily occurrence - especially in the beauty space.

Here, we chart the latest hair and make-up fads (as in the ones we've seen in the past few weeks alone), so you'll know which ones are in and which ones are out - at least for now.

IN: EARLOBE STROBING

That's lit! This week, the Internet collectively stumbled across the 'lobe strobing' (or ear highlighting) of Instagrammers like @theboldbre (left) and @makeupby.amandarose (right)

Ahead of his time: Vlogger Bretman Rock posted a video about ear highlighting in January

Remember when Kylie Jenner made ear contouring a thing?

Well now the interweb is on a mission to make its little sister 'lobe strobing' or earlobe highlighting a thing.

Make-up addicts like @theboldbre and @makeupby.amandarose have taken to Instagram lately to show of their inner-ear highlight. This week, their posts have captured the attention of both their followers and sites like Refinery29.com and HerCampus.com.

Like most things trending, though, this is one technique that's hardly new. Make-up artists have been doing it to their clients for years and vlogger Bretman Rock posted about it back in January.

OUT: BIKINI-LINE HIGHLIGHTING

V-ery interesting: During Miami Swim Week, models got their 'V' areas (AKA bikini lines) brushed with highlighting cream from Scandinavian brand The Perfect V

We never thought we'd see the day when bikini-line highlighting entered our vocabulary, much less see a product that catered to it.

But during Miami Swim Week, we saw both in action. Models who walked in the Scandinavian Chic show on Saturday, July 22, were brushed with The Perfect V Shades of V Very V Luminizer before hitting the runway.

According to the brand, which also sponsored the show, the 'V' is defined as: 'That small triangle - the bikini line and visible delicate skin that we wax, shave, laser, sugar, trim or dye then leave until the next time.'

At $48, the highlighting cream doesn't come cheap, but it supposedly does for the region what your favorite face highlighter does for your cheekbones - catches the light and draws attention to the place you applied it. And, the company claims that it's good for your skin because it contains ingredients like Vitamin E and elderflower.

Granted, we're not in Miami, but we've yet to see this trend occur in the wild.

IN: BRIGHT HAIR STREAKS

Hot pink heaven! Gigi Hadid, 22, debuted a fuchsia ponytail on Instagram earlier this week

Anything It girl Gigi Hadid does is likely to go viral, so when she debuted a hot pink-streaked ponytail on Instagram earlier this week to her 35 million followers, we had a feeling it wasn't the last we'd see of it.

Sure enough, our inboxes were instantly filled with emails about how to get the look, and we have no doubt the 22-year-old model's fans will imitate her ASAP.

Gigi's fuchsia strands, which were done for a Maybelline photoshoot, are clearly the work of extensions or wash-out hair color, but for something more long-lasting, try Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream in Fleurs Du Mal or L'Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Pink.

OUT: CEREAL HAIR

They're magically delicious: Hairstylists have taken to Instagram to showcase their pastel and jewel-toned creations with cereal-inspired hashtags like #fruitypebbleshair and #trixhair

A few short weeks ago, just when we thought rainbow hair couldn't get any more specific, the social media gods blessed us with cereal-colored strands.

Colorists posted photos of their multi-hued clients with hashtags like #fruitypebbleshair, #trixhair and 'my little lucky charm' to describe their creations.

The colors ranged from washed-out pastels to bold jewel tones, but the Kellogg's and General Mills-inspired hashtags died down after several days.

IN: LUSH BUBBLE BAR FIDGET SPINNER

Bath-time pastime: Lush Cosmetics created a working Bubble Bar fidget spinner

Question: What do you get when you combine a cult-favorite bath and body brand with a worldwide toy obsession?

Answer: An instant hit in the form of a Lush Bubble Bar Fidget Spinner that actually spins.

The company cooked up the limited-edition product that was sold as a UK exclusive but got so much feedback from others who wanted one that it's considering making another run.

A post on the affiliated Lush Kitchen Instagram account three days ago said: 'So it turns out Bubble Spinner reuseable bubble bar was a lot more popular than we expected. Our heads are spinning with the overwhelming response! We're currently sold out as this was a limited-edition Kitchen batch, but we can't ignore the love it's been getting so the Bubbles room might be fidgeting around with more soon...'

We have a feeling it's only a matter of time before some intrepid DIY-er comes up with her own version, too.

OUT: BATH BOMB-INSPIRED MAKE-UP

Lush for life: Blogger Kimberley Margarita loves Lush Bath Bombs so much that she uses them as inspiration for her colorful make-up looks

Two weeks ago, the Internet was raving about blogger Kimberley Margarita's fantastical, sparkly make-up looks inspired by Lush bath bombs of all different shapes, colors and textures.

In her breathtaking Instagram posts, Kimberly freely admitted that she was not being compensated by Lush to do the looks and was just a true Lushie.

Like fashion, however, in Instagram beauty, one day you're in, and the next day you're out. This week social media moved on to its next Lush obsession (see the Bubble Bar Fidget Spinners above).

IN: MY LITTLE PONY MAKE-UP

The mane event: Pur Cosmetics has tapped YouTuber Hailie Barber as an ambassador for its upcoming My Little Pony make-up collaboration

Pony up: The My Little Pony Pur collection goes on sale August 10

My Little Pony: The Movie doesn't come out until October 6, but fans can get their hands on make-up products inspired by the horses as soon as August 10.

Make-up brand Pur has created an eyeshadow palette, brush set, lip toppers, eyeshadow sticks and more to coincide with the film, and lovers of both the childhood toy and the cosmetics company are already clamoring for it.

After Pur released several images of the products on its Instagram account, commenters left notes like, 'I really want this. I spend my days watching ponies with my 4yo so I really think I deserve this pallette,' and 'OMG yes. I cannot wait! My Little Pony was my fave!!!!'

YouTuber Hailie Barber is serving as an ambassador for the collection and listed the prices of several of the products in a video tutorial she made using them.

The 16-shade palette, for instance, will retail for $29, while the glitter lip gloss toppers will be $16 and the six-piece brush set and case will be listed at $49.

OUT: SNOW WHITE MAKE-UP

Who's the fairest of them all? Besame Cosmetics is launching a Snow White collection of make-up to honor of the classic film's 80th anniversary

Talk about a fairytale: The 20-shade eyeshadow palette is based on colors used in the original film and is housed in a storybook

Disney fans were treated to a sneak peek of Besame Cosmetics' Snow White make-up collaboration at the D23 Expo in San Diego at the end of July.

And while the excitement around the fall launch was palpable - fans took to Instagram to make comments like, 'Need.This......#ohmg #snowwhitemakeup #want #need #willingtosellakidney' - it was short lived.

Like the Beauty and the Beast make-up collection before it, the initial buzz over the products has already died down, and beauty lovers have moved on to the #nextbigthing.
She's been described as one of Australia's most beautiful women, so it will come as no surprise that when Home and Away actress, Pia Miller, shares her beauty regime, many women sit up and take note.

But while you might think the actress always looks as glamorous as she does on set and on the red carpet, in fact the 33-year-old said the opposite is true.

'I wear so much make-up while shooting I like to let my skin breathe [when I'm not],' Pia told Husskie.

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Actress Pia Miller (pictured) recently shared her off-duty beauty regime

For the 33-year-old (pictured shooting Home and Away) actress, the most important thing is sunscreen - which she will wear religiously, even on a cloudy day

Pia confessed that when she is not shooting the soap, she prefers to wear no make up and let her skin breathe - she loves beach days at Bondi Beach in Sydney

Instead, Pia prefers to add just a slick of 'sunscreen' when she's off-duty and looking after her two children, Isaiah and Lennox.

Pia is best known for playing the cop, Katarina Chapman, in Home and Away, and speaking about her day-to-day routine, she said:

'In the morning, I cleanse, tone and moisturise using witch hazel products, which leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean.'

'In the morning, I cleanse, tone and moisturise using witch hazel products, which leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean,' Pia said

When it comes to make up, Pia also favours a natural approach - she said she likes to curl her eyelashes, apply a light layer of bronzer and some colour to her cheeks with blusher

After applying Factor 50 sunscreen ('even when it's cloudy'), the Chilean-born actress will sometimes add an 'organic balm' such as the Passionate Skin Care Skin Food product, which serves as a hydrating serum for her luminous skin.

As soon as she has wrapped on set, Pia added that she'll use a deep cleanser such as the Neutrogena Deep Clean cleanser, in order to get rid of every scrap of make up.

When it comes to make up, Pia said she also favours a natural approach.

After she's curled her eyelashes, she'll apply a light layer of Benefit's Hula bronzer to enhance a summer glow, and then a lip and cheek balm such as RMS Lip-to-Cheek to give her some colour.

'My routine has evolved over time  when I was younger I probably wasn't as aware of what I was putting on my skin as much as I am now,' she told the publication.

'My routine has evolved over time  when I was younger I probably wasn't as aware of what I was putting on my skin as much as I am now,' Pia said

When it comes to exercise, Pia is a fan of yoga and Pilates

However, she confessed she doesn't have a huge amount of time on her hands what with working and being a full-time mum; she will try to exercise with her boys

In the past, Pia has spoken about her beauty tips, fitness approach and more.

She told Harper's Bazaar that 'given my heavy shooting schedule and being a mum - my workout routine sometimes takes less of a priority':

'I've come to peace with this as I try to stay active through other avenues like hanging with the kids,' she said - adding that if they are at school and she has a late call-time for Home and Away, she will head to a yoga or Pilates studio in Sydney or practice at home:

'Exercise is so important to me... [But] if one week I cant find a spare hour  I don't put pressure on myself, instead as a family  we'll head straight down to the beach for a surf and swim or over to the park near home to kick around the footy.'
Australian TV reporter Sam Squiers has described the moment she was finally able to take her baby girl, Imogen, home after 44 days in hospital.

Her baby girl was born five weeks early in June via caesarean after her 35-year-old mother suffered a placental abruption - a serious pregnancy complication where the placenta detaches from the womb.

Taking to Instagram, Sam shared the emotional moment she and her husband Ben were able to take their daughter home.

Australian TV reporter Sam Squiers has described the moment she was finally able to take her baby girl, Imogen, home after 44 days in hospital (she and her husband Ben are pictured leaving hospital)

Baby Imogen was born five weeks early in June via caesarean after her 35-year-old mother suffered a placental abruption

'For the past 44 days Ben & I have watched other parents walk out of level 5 of the @matermothers with their babies in their arms as we walked in to see ours on level 6...and finally we got to walk that walk ourselves,' she wrote.

'Immi felt the warmth of the sun for the first time, the breeze on her face and the sloppiness of Broby's welcome home lick,' she wrote, referring to the pet dog.

'We're forever grateful to the wonderful staff here in the NCCU for looking after Immi and us, the amazing ICU staff during those frightening first days I was there after suffering severe pre-eclampsia, my obstetrician Dr Megan Castner & our paediatrician Dr Aaron Easterbrook.

'Immi felt the warmth of the sun for the first time, the breeze on her face and the sloppiness of Broby's welcome home lick,' she wrote, referring to the pet dog. (Imogen is pictured here in the car on the way home from hospital)

Australian TV reporter Sam Squiers previously shared an adorable photo of her newborn baby girl, with a strawberry pink birthmark she calls her 'Wonder Woman kiss' (pictured)

'Thanks to all our friends who dropped off meals, premmie sized clothes (I really didn't have enough small stuff!), coffee vouchers, lactation cookies, flowers, for those who walked Broby or took him to their house and just for all the encouraging messages of support & love...we don't have any family up here in Brisbane but now more than ever we have realised we in fact do.

'I cried as soon as I got in the car and instantly felt relieved when we got home...it doesn't matter how many times I have to wake in the night or how little sleep I get, there's nothing quite like finally being at home with Imogen.

'I cried as soon as I got in the car and instantly felt relieved when we got home...it doesn't matter how many times I have to wake in the night or how little sleep I get, there's nothing quite like finally being at home with Imogen,' Sam wrote (pictured is her baby at home)

The TV reporter said the family dog (pictured) had been keeping guard over their precious little girl

'A few more hospital stays in the coming weeks and months but our life can finally begin,' Sam wrote.

'A few more hospital stays in the coming weeks and months but our life can finally begin.'

For the journey home, baby Imogen - who has a strawberry pink hemangioma on her forehead that her mother calls her 'Wonder Woman kiss' - wore a burgundy top-knot.

Sam took to Instagram to say 'five zeros still aren't small enough!'

Talking about the first few days at home, Sam said her baby girl was 'going well'

The Channel Nine journalist underwent an emergency caesarean after suffering a placental abruption - a serious pregnancy complication where the placenta detaches from the womb

Speaking to 9Honey about life back home, Sam said her daughter had been 'going well.

'We worked out early she had only ever had lights and sounds of nurses and alarms in the NICU so really didn't like silence or darkness,' she explained.

'She'd sleep all day in front of the TV but was unsettled the first night so we dimmed the lights and played classical music all night and she slept from feed to feed.'

The Channel Nine journalist and her husband have had to learn how to set up oxygen for Imogen

The Channel Nine journalist and her husband have had to learn how to set up oxygen for Imogen.

Sam said Broby, their dog, has been on guard duty.

'Broby has been on full big brother duty, straight away he recognised she was something special,' Sam told the publication.

'He sleeps by her bassinet and checks on her when she whimpers as she wakes up. They're smart, dogs!'
A mother-of-three who created controversial 'passion activated capsules' designed to be inserted into a woman's vagina prior to intercourse to create a candy-scented sparkle afterwards, has spoken about how her idea was initially 'just for fun'.

Speaking to Australian radio hosts Matt Tilley and Meshel Laurie on KIIS 101.1s Matt & Meshel on Friday, Texan woman Lola-Butterflie Von-Kerius said she was inspired to create her product Passion Dust after seeing a meme that said 'I don't sweat, I sparkle' online.

'I thought that it would be cool if we could sparkle from the inside out,' Ms Von-Kerius told the pair.

Lola-Butterflie Von-Kerius created Passion Dust - 'passion activated capsules' designed to be inserted into a woman's vagina prior to intercourse to create a candy-scented sparkle afterwards (stock image)

The caption on this Instagram post states the photos are a 'demonstration' only, to show the 'visual results' of the capsules, and not intended to be 'offensive'

Her product was not something she initially intended to bring to market but has since been a sell-out - something that has not been without controversy.

In July, a top top gynecologist warned women to avoid the bizarre glitter-bombing trend for the sake of their health.

Dr Jen Gunter, a leading doctor based in Canada, said the unusual concept was guaranteed to lead to a dangerous infection.

After designing her own 'pills' for personal use, the creator was invited by a friend to attend a 'passion party' to showcase them

'Just because something is safe for your lips, for example glitter lip gloss, doesn't mean it is safe for the vagina,' Dr Gunter warned readers on her blog.

Speaking on Australian radio on Friday, Ms Von-Kerius described herself as a 'fun, sparkly person who 'loves to shine'.

After designing her own 'pills' for personal use, she was invited by a friend to attend a 'passion party' to showcase them.

As a woman becomes aroused the capsules warm and eventually begin to dissolve (stock image)

'She wanted me to bring my pills because she wanted to tell the other ladies about it and when I did they wanted to try it,' she said, about how the product gained momentum.

'They were scared and hesitant but at the same time it sounded fun and they wanted to give it a try, so I made some for them to try and when they actually got the nerve to do it they had fun with it,' she added.

On the Passion Dust website, the product - which sells for US$7 for a pack of five - is described as 'a sparkalized, passion activated capsule that is inserted into the vagina at least 1 hour prior to having sexual intercourse'.

'As you become more aroused and as the capsules becomes increasingly warmed and moistened by your body temperature and natural vaginal fluids it will begin to dissolve,' the description continues.

On the Passion Dust website the product - which sells for US$7 for a pack of five - is described as 'a sparkalized, passion activated capsule that is inserted into the vagina at least 1 hour prior to having sexual intercourse'

Ms Von-Kerius, who in 2013 was diagnosed with a brain tumour which affected her vision, said the success of her capsules had helped her support her family.

'It really has been a blessing in disguise,' she said.

'Even though I didnt intend for it to be a product I ended up selling, the fact that it did become so popular really did help me and my children.'

'Even though I didnt intend for it to be a product I ended up selling, the fact that it did become so popular really did help me and my children,' the mother-of-three said

Her product was not something she initially intended to bring to market but has since been a sell-out - something that has not been without controversy, with experts warning it could lead to dangerous infections

The website says Passion Dust contains sugar-based ingredients, gelatin by product and acacia - ingredients experts have warned could cause a nasty inflammatory vaginal discharge.

The site says the capsules contain no preservatives, wheat, gluten, animal by-products or starch.

On the radio, Ms Von-Kerius said the only testing she had done on the product was on women 'who wanted to try it and who were willing to try it'.

She estimated this number to be around 100.

'Of course I was my own guinea pig and I would never have put something out that I knew was going to get a bad reaction because that would just be bad business and stupid,' she said.
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Traditionally, a wedding day is about celebrating two people and their love for one another. But what happens if there's a third person in the equation?

That was the case for Kelly McCrudden, 32, from Brisbane, who somehow found the time to breastfeed her seven-month-old daughter, Emily, on her wedding day last October.

The same can be said for the other stunning images, pictured below, of brides captured breastfeeding on their big day.

In honour of World Breastfeeding Week, between 1 and 7 August, FEMAIL meets Ms McCrudden and hears her story, alongside pictures of several other mothers' candid and special breastfeeding bridal moments.

In honour of World Breastfeeding Week, FEMAIL met the breastfeeding bride, Kelly McCrudden (pictured on her wedding day breastfeeding), and she shared her story behind this shot

According to Ms McCrudden, while she ended up tying the knot last October, she had originally planned a day in March - that was until her daughter, Emily, now 1, was born on the very same day intended:

'We'd hoped to get married on March 28, but that ended up being the day Emily was born,' Ms McCrudden told Daily Mail Australia.

'And so, when we re-arranged the date for October, I remember thinking to myself that she was still being breastfed - so why should I change that?

'The main thing I wanted to make sure was that she was comfortable on the day, and wasn't likely to start crying.'

'When Emily is older, I want her to be able to look back and know how important she was and how she was present at that special day,' Ms McCrudden (pictured left, breastfeeding on her wedding day and right, with Emily) told FEMAIL

Ms McCrudden isn't the only woman who has breastfed on her special day - Crystal (pictured here) was captured breastfeeding by Jacquie from One Day Somewhere Photography

Ms McCrudden's sister - who photographs at Akemi Images - captured the moment on camera.

The beautiful image shows the new mother and bride-to-be looking down lovingly at her daughter, who is also clad in white, as she nurses her.

When Emily is older, I want her to be able to look back and know how important she was and how she was present at that special day

Ms McCrudden's sister, Tammy, was equally pleased with the shot, posting on her Instagram page: 'I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love this picture. How much more beautiful can it be? My sister and my niece...'.

Ms McCrudden was also pleased with the results.

'There's no point hiding it, we've all got to do it,' Ms McCrudden said.

'I was just lucky I was looking down so such a nice shot could be taken. It was only taken on my couch at home before the wedding. But I love the photo and treasure it now.

'When Emily is older, I want her to be able to look back and know how important she was and how she was present at that special day.'

Elena Bernard (pictured breastfeeding), from the UK, also fed her baby on her wedding day, captured by British photographer, Emma Stoner

The hashtag #breastfeedingbride on Instagram boasts over 100 images of mums and newborns, with everything from a quiet moment at the ceremony to a snatched shot during hair and make up depicted

Ms McCrudden isn't the only woman to have had the intimate moment captured on camera.

Countless other women have shared their precious moments which showcase an incredible connection between mother and baby on the Internet.

The hashtag #breastfeedingbride on Instagram boasts over 100 images of mums and newborns, with everything from a quiet moment at the ceremony to a snatched shot during hair and make up depicted.

Countless other women have shared their precious moments which showcase an incredible connection between mother and baby on the Internet

Ms Bernard said of her breastfeeding wedding day experience: 'It was nice for me as well to have a moment away... I feel like breastfeeding is so much easier than expressing and trying to force a bottle on a reluctant baby, even on your wedding day'

Pictured: Ms Bernard on her wedding day

Pictured: Ms McCrudden with her daughter, Emily

Pictured: Anne Luka from Munich breastfeeding

Elena Bernard, from the UK, also fed her baby on her wedding day, captured by British photographer, Emma Stoner.

Speaking to Ms Stoner about her day, Ms Bernard said: 'On our wedding day, Evie was teething and poorly so she couldn't cope very well with the teething pain.

'She went back to 100 per cent breastfeeds. I think the day and week leading up to the wedding was pretty intense as well, Evie needed a bit of calm and a breastfeed is amazing for that.

'It was quite nice for me as well to have a moment away... I feel like breastfeeding is so much easier than expressing and trying to force a bottle on a reluctant baby, even on your wedding day'.
She has enjoyed a recent string of sun-soaked holidays but it appears Michaella McCollum still thinks her tan needs some work.

The 24-year-old, from Dungannon, Northern Ireland, was spotted frolicking in the surf as she enjoyed yet another beach break on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Slipping into a racy white one-piece, McCollum, one half of the infamous Peru Two, flashed a hint of side boob as she unveiled a new tattoo on her rib cage - a piece of Arabic script that is believed to read 'freedom of God'.

The inking is likely to have special personal significance to McCollum, who was jailed in Peru in 2013 along with Melissa Reid for trying to smuggle 1.5 million of cocaine.

Sun seeker: Michaella McCollum was recently spotted soaking up the rays in Mallorca, Spain

Racy: The 24-year-old flashed a hint of side boob in the white mesh pannelled swimsuit

Personal motto: The former jailbird showed off this Arabic tattoo, part of which reads 'freedom'

But while the jet-setter oozed confidence as she flicked her long blonde hair and frolicked in the surf, she suffered an unfortunate wardrobe mishap as she left the beach when her swimsuit pulled too tightly around her crotch.

McCollum also caught the attention of two young men who were seen admiring her as she strolled along the shore.

But life isn't all holidays for the former jailbird, who was pictured at the Job Centre in April.

One fellow job seeker said at the time: 'Michaella didn't look happy to be joining the dole queue.

Topping up the tan: Michaella flicked her long blonde hair behind her shoulders

Beach stroll: The Belfast native looked out across the sea as she walked through the surf

Turning heads: Michaella caught the eye of two toned young men as she walked past

Michaella and her fellow mule Melissa Reid (front) attending a hearing in Lima four years ago

'I was surprised to see her there after all the photos of her enjoying herself on holidays abroad.'

Over the last few months, Michaella has been spotted living it up in party centres Ibiza and Marbella enjoying sun, sea and cocktails.

How the former drugs smuggler has funded her holidays is unclear, but she has been linked to a number of potentially lucrative opportunities.

It has been reported that she has been offered a 250,000 tell all book deal detailing her criminal exploits and time behind bars in Lima.

Taking a dip: McCollum cooled down in the sea after sunning herself on the sand

Not a hair out of place: Michaella made sure to keep her long locks dry as she went into the sea

A lot on her mind: McCollum looked deep in thought as she dipped her toes into the sea

And rumours suggest she hopes to use her notoriety to kickstart a reality TV career, but claims she was being considered for Celebrity Big Brother were denied by the show's makers.

Four years ago she and friend Melissa Reid were caught trying to smuggle 1.5million worth of cocaine to Europe and McCollum has certainly been making the most of her newfound freedom.

The beach lover recently signed up for the dole amid claims she is set to appear on Celebrity Big Brother, having spent time on the beach in Ibiza and Marbella, Spain, in recent months.

Jet-set life: The 24-year-old has been spotted enjoying a number of beach breaks this year

Summer sun: McCollum joined other holidaymakers on the beach in Mallorca, Spain

It is a stark contrast to Reid, who has landed a charity job at Citizens Advice.

Reid applied for a job at the charity after she was released from the South American jail last June.

McCollum, by contrast, has been accused of capitalising on her notoriety, and in May it emerged she has signed with a talent agency.

New ink: The cut of the white swimsuit offered a glimpse of the new tattoo on her rib cage

Beach stroll: McCollum took a break from sunbathing to explore more of the beach

She is rumoured to have been offered a 250,000 book deal.

The two were sentenced to spend six years and eight months inside a grim jail in Lima, after they were caught trying to smuggle the huge quantity of cocaine.

The ex-convict was released on parole last March after serving less than half of her sentence but initially had to stay in Peru, where she carried out voluntary work until August when she flew back to Belfast.
If you're looking for a buzzing spot to catch up with friends or to hang out with colleagues post-work, Arcade Food Hall by Tottenham Court Road makes for a novel experience. The sprawling venue masterminded by JKS Restaurants brings eight open kitchens and a mezzanine restaurant that offer a mix of global cuisines, from regional Thai curries at Plaza Khao Gaeng to US-style smashed burgers and Middle Eastern shawarma from the brains behind Berenjak. The menu truly does take your tastebuds on a colourful trip around the world! Get stuck in with a few dishes and wash them all down with a cocktail or two. The margaritas come highly recommended and there are various twists on a negroni. Be sure to book ahead to avoid queueing at the door as tables get snapped up quickly.
A former 21 stone woman has told how she was shocked into losing half her body weight after receiving a message from her dead husband.

Two years after Joanne Howey's partner died suddenly from septicaemia, the 39-year-old claims to have felt his presence out of the blue.

Joanne, 38, from Darlington, County Durham, said that a memory flashed into her mind of her husband Christian - warning her to stay healthy for their kids.

The eerie experience jolted her into losing 11 stone and now the stay-at-home mum weighs a healthy 10st 7lbs and is a size 10.

Joanne says: 'The room suddenly went cold and the memory of Christian telling me to stay healthy just popped into my head.

'His words echoed around my head saying that one of us needed to be here for the children.

'From that moment, I knew I had to change. It really shook me.'

Joanne Howey, now 38, pictured with her late husband Christian in March 2012 when she weighed 19st 7lb

Joanne Howey, 38, weighing 10st 3lb and a size eight, after joining Slimming World

Growing up, Joanne had always struggled with her weight and after giving birth to her first two children, she'd ballooned to 18 stone.

After her first marriage failed, Joanne met Christian, a train dispatcher, in May 2008 on dating site, Plenty of Fish.

Joanne, who is mum to Elanor, 15, William, 14, Scarlett, 11, and Toby, seven, says: 'When I saw him it was like being hit by lightning, it was love at first sight.

'He was an amazing stepfather to my first three children and the perfect father to our son Toby.

Joanne Howey, now 39, pictured in May 2016, weighing 11st and a size 12. Although she's been left with some loose skin, she's much happier with her body

Joanne Howey, now 39, weighing 20st and a size 24, pictured on her wedding day in April 2012 with her late husband Christian (left). Right: The couple with their now seven-year-old son Toby in July 2010

In March 2016 weighing 12st and a size 12 with a pair of her old size 22 jeans

'I was exhausted from looking after the kids all day so, most nights, I'd order myself a takeaway while the children were asleep.

'Christian never put on a pound but I just got bigger and bigger - but he didn't care about my size.'

But, in 2012, when Joanne weighed 19st 7lbs, according to her, Christian could tell his wife wasn't happy.

Joanne says: 'He told me to look after my health so I was always there for the kids.

Whenever Joanne craved unhealthy foods, the memory of Christian spurred her on to keep up her diet

Mother-of-four Joanne Howey pictured in July 2016 weighing 10st 10lb and a size 10

'I was shocked and laughed the comment off. But, looking back, it was as though he'd had some sort of premonition.'

In 2011, Joanne and Christian became engaged. But a few months later, Christian visited the GP after suffering from severe stomach pains.

He was referred for further tests and diagnosed with a non-cancerous growth on his pancreas.

Joanne said: 'He needed an operation to remove the tumour but we were hopeful that everything would be OK.'

In August 2013, weighing 20st 10lb and size 26. Joanne had always struggled with her weight, but she ate all day long to comfort herself after Christian died

The couple decided to marry one month later so they could tie the knot before his surgery.

Joanne said: 'Walking down the aisle, I felt like the happiest woman in the world.

'My dress was a size 24 but I felt beautiful.'

In June 2012, Christian underwent his operation at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The surgery was successful but, after going home, he developed a fever.

Within a matter of days, Christian's condition deteriorated and he was diagnosed with septicaemia.

Joanne says she's certain Christian is proudly watching over her

Sadly, three weeks after his op, he passed away aged 38.

Joanne says: 'I held him as he slipped away and my heart broke in two.'

Afterwards, she sought comfort in food and overwhelmed by grief, some days she was unable to cook properly for herself and would order an Indian takeaway a few times a week.

She says: 'Some days I'd eat and eat until I fell asleep.

'I'd gorge on crisps and chocolate all day long and had my own secret stash of snacks.'

By May 2014, her 5ft 4in frame had ballooned to 21st 12lbs and she was a dress size 28 and unsurprisingly, her weight was taking a toll on her health.

Joanne shed the pounds by joining Slimming World and then had a gastric bypass to lose the remaining weight

She explained: 'I was tired constantly and struggled to walk up the stairs.

'One day, two years after Christian died, I got a sudden chill and knew he was with me.

'Once, after he passed away, I received a text from his phone saying 'goodnight'.

'Sometimes the phone would ring but no one would be there, so I often felt his presence.

And in late 2014, she heard his voice telling her that she needed to change her lifestyle.

The mother-of-four pictured shortly before her gastric bypass operation in June 2015

Once after Christian died, Joanne received a text from his phone and she often feels his presence

So, a month later in January 2015, Joanne joined Slimming World and lost 2st in two months - swapping greasy takeaways for healthy home-cooked meals.

She said: 'Whenever I craved unhealthy food, I'd think of my precious husband and it spurred me on.'

Five months later, she underwent a gastric bypass to lose the remaining weight.

She added: 'Going under the knife after losing Christian seemed reckless but I knew it would be worth it.'

In late 2014, Joanne heard Christian's voice telling her that she needed to change her lifestyle

She may have been left with some excess skin, but all that matters to Joanne is that she's happy and healthy for her four children

The operation was a success and, over the next 18 months, Joanne lost an astonishing 9st.

She now weighs 10st 7lbs and is a size 10, after losing 11st 5lbs.

Joanne said: 'My extreme weight loss has left me with excess skin but I'm much healthier now.

'Even though my husband is no longer here, he spurs me on every day.

'I know that Christian is watching over me, proudly encouraging me on and giving me a wink'.
Meghan Markle turns 36 today and while she is reported to be celebrating with her boyfriend Prince Harry in London, others clearly had her in their thoughts.

The Suits actress' co-star Patrick Adams shared an intimate shot of himself and Meghan on his Instagram account in celebration of her birthday.

In the photo the US based actress can be seen planting a kiss on her colleagues cheek as he beams before the camera.

Meghan Markle's co-star Patrick Adams shared an intimate shot of himself and the actress on his Instagram account in celebration of her 36th birthday

Captioning the photo Patrick writes: 'Ross and Rachel the next generation' in reference to the famous on-screen Friends couple played by Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer

Captioning the photo Patrick writes: 'Ross and Rachel the next generation' in reference to the famous on-screen Friends couple played by Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer.

The close pals star alongside each other in hit US drama Suits where Meghan plays Rachel Zane, a lawyer engaged to her handsome colleague Mike Ross, played by Patrick.

The pair have worked together on the series for six years, when filming back in 2011, so it is no surprise for Patrick to want to celebrate his co-star on her special day.

The close pals star alongside each other in hit US drama Suits where Meghan plays Rachel Zane, a lawyer engaged to her handsome colleague Mike Ross, played by Patrick

Meanwhile it is reported that Meghan will be celebrating her 36th birthday back on UK turf with her royal beau.

According to Hello! Meghan flew into London a week ago in preparation of her birthday on August 4.

The actress was spotted dressed in a white blazer going unnoticed at Waterloo station last week according to the magazine.

It is unclear what Meghan can expect as a gift from her Prince but one magazine has claimed that she could be expecting a very special present imminently.

Meghan is reported to have flown into London last week in order to celebrate her birthday with boyfriend Prince Harry

Prince Harry could be just weeks away from proposing to his girlfriend Meghan Markle, it is claimed.

The 32-year-old royal could pop the question as early as next month and is looking to tie the knot with the American actress next year, a royal source told Heat magazine.

The long distance couple, who make huge efforts criss-crossing the globe to see each other, have been dating for roughly a year.

And now it seems Prince Harry is ready to take their relationship to the next stage.

'I'm told there will be a formal proposal, and it could be as soon as next month,' the source said.

Harry is reportedly having a ring made at Collins, the Queen's jeweller in Tumbridge Wells. Previous speculation has suggested he would give Meghan, 35, a family ring should he propose.

The source added that there is widespread belief the wedding would take place next year, perhaps in 'early spring'.
A cannabis products producer bought the town of Nipton, California (pop. 20) for $5 million, with the intention of turning into a weed "destination."

From BBC:

American Green wants to invest up to $2.5m (1.9m) in revitalising the town to make it more tourist-friendly as well as eco-friendly.

"We thought that showing that there was a viable means of having a cannabis-friendly municipality and further making it energy independent could be a way of really inspiring folks to say, 'Why can't we do that here?'" project manager Stephen Shearin told Bloomberg.

"The gold rush built this city," he adds. "The green rush can keep it moving the way people envisioned it years ago."
A 11-year-old girl is convinced she is a real-life Sleeping Beauty - thanks to an incurable neurological disease that causes her to sleep at least 16 hours a day.

Jade Frazier, of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, has suspected Kleine-Levin Syndrome, a rare disorder that leaves sufferers desperately tired and causes them to fall asleep regularly throughout the day.

The incurable conditionalso known as Sleeping Beauty Syndromemeans Jade, who has permanent black circles around her eyes, has to take four naps a day, otherwise she risks falling into a totally incoherent and dazed state.

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Condition: Jade Frazier (pictured with her mother Dee), of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, has suspected Kleine-Levin Syndrome, which causes her to sleep at least 16 hours a day

Symptoms: The little girl (pictured sleeping) has permanent black circles around her eyes and slips into an incoherent state whenever she suffers an episode

Jade's illness impedes on her life so much, it once caused her to sleep for 20 hours straight through Christmas Day and miss out on opening her presents because she was so groggy.

The syndrome is a 'rare and complex neurological disorder', the cause of which is unknown, according to the Kleine-Levin Foundation.

It is characterized by recurring periods of excessive amounts of sleep, altered behavior, and a reduced understanding of the world.

At the beginning of an episode, the patient becomes drowsy and sleeps for most of the day and night.

Some sufferers spend days, weeks or even months in periods of deep sleep, waking only to go to the bathroom or to eat.

Others can sleep for up to 20 hours a dayas is the case for Jade.

Diagnosis: There is no specific way to detect the condition, but doctors have performed tests to rule out other illnesses. Jade is pictured during an electroencephalogram for that purpose

Syndrome: Jade's daily three to four naps can last from 30 minutes to half the day. Her disorder also causes developmental delay and stunted her language

Jade's mother Dee Frazier, 36, a waitress, said her daughter falls asleep 'all the time, anywhere', adding that Jade can't take any kind of stimulants to try and combat the issue, because the syndrome also causes hyperactivity and irrational behavior, and the medication could make it worse.

'She definitely sleeps more than other children and she misses out as a result,' the mom said.

Dee first noticed something was unusual about Jade's sleeping pattern when, as a newborn baby, she stayed asleep all night.

But the mom, who also has an older son, just assumed the totwho was born prematurely at 34.5 weekswas a 'good' baby.

'My 12-year-old son JD hated naps but Jade loved them,' she said. 'I didn't think there was anything weird about it.

'It wasn't until she started sleeping a lot at school that we started to worry.'

Jade's daily three to four naps can last from 30 minutes to half the day; her disorder also causes developmental delay and stunted her language.

No treatment: The girl's mother said her daughter falls asleep 'all the time, anywhere'. But Jade can't have stimulants because the syndrome also causes hyperactivity and irrational behavior

Consequences: If she's kept from sleeping, Jade's mood suffers, causing her to lash out and become aggressive

According to her mother, Jade has the mental age of an eight-year-old, and if she isn't able to have a nap, she lashes out and becomes aggressive.

'It's almost like a two-year-old having a meltdown,' Dee said. 'She might stick her tongue out and she will take her shoes off and throw them across the room.

'Once she's asleep I don't wake her up because she gets so upset. I know it will be more beneficial for her if I let her sleep.'

Jade's refusal to wake up on Christmas morning is what prompted doctors to say she likely has Kleine-Levin Syndrome.

There is no specific way to detect the condition, but medics have performed tests to rule out other illnesses.

'She didn't want to open her presents because she wanted to sleep and that's not like a normal girl her age,' Dee said. 'We are Christian so we do the tree and presents and turkey and she didn't want any of it.

'It was really hard. That was the first real moment where we were like, "Hey, there really is something going on here, this is a bit much."

Life: Dee Frazier worries about Jade's future and fears her daughter may never hold down a job. She is also heartbroken to see her daughter missing out on typical childhood experiences

Beginning: Dee first noticed something was unusual about Jade's sleeping pattern when, as a newborn baby, she stayed asleep all night, but at first she didn't think anything of it

'She also fell asleep at the water park once. We were in a wave pool and she said, "Momma, I need a nap." We had to get out and she fell into a deep sleep.

'There were people her age who looked at her and were laughing and one boy said, "Look dad, she is sleeping. How funny is that?" '

Understandably, Dee worries about Jade's future and fears her daughter may never hold down a job.

'It doesn't matter where we are. She suddenly gets really really tired and her eyes sink in,' Dee said of her daughter.

'She loses all her energy. Then she will put her thumb in her mouth and she's out.'

Jade sleeps at least 16 hours a day on average and is stuck in a dream world, thinking she dozes off so much because she is like Sleeping Beauty in the Disney fairy tale.

'She loves Disney and Sleeping Beauty is one of her favorites, so she will say, "Well that must be why I like sleep so much,"' Dee added. 'But it is not a fairy tale.

'As a mom it is hard. I will see photos on Facebook of different moms and their kids Jade's age doing ballet and things like that. But if she tried to do those things, when she got back she would sleep forever.

'My heart breaks for her because she is not experiencing what a normal 11-year-old should be experiencing.'
A moving animated short film that beautifully captures the struggles of a boy falling in love with his handsome classmate has racked up 14 millions of views in just four days.

In A Heartbeat, which was released on YouTube on Monday, tells the story of Sherwin, a boy who develops a crush on Jonathan, the most popular boy in their school. Sherwin's heart literally jumps out of his chest to pursue Jonathan, threatening to reveal Sherwin's feelings to his crush and the rest of the students.

The movie's creators, Beth David, 21, and Esteban Bravo, 24, made the film while studying at Ringling College Of Art And Design in Sarasota, Florida. What started out as their senior thesis has become an online sensation that landed them spots in several festivals, and a chance at a student Academy Award.

Success: A moving animated short film that beautifully captures the struggles of a boy falling in love with his handsome classmate has racked up 14 millions of views in just four days

Love: In A Heartbeat, which was released on YouTube on Monday, tells the story of Sherwin (pictured), a boy who develops a crush on Jonathan, the most popular boy in their school

At the beginning of the short film, Sherwin, hiding behind bushes and on top of a tree, looks longingly at Jonathan, who walks by buried in a book.

Sherwin's heart begins beating faster, so much so that it eventually flies out of his body to chase after Jonathan.

A terrified Sherwin tries to get his heart back, worried that Jonathan will see it and understand the extent of his feelings.

The chase between Sherwin and his heartwhich keeps wanting to go back to Jonathan despite his owner's effortsescalates until the heart finally escapes Sherwin's grip and goes after his crush.

Sherwin walks inside the school to find his delighted heart cuddling Jonathan's cheek, while the boy seems a little surprised by this attention.

Feeligns: After Sherwin spots Jonathan, his heart begins beating faster, so much so that it eventually flies out of his body to chase after Jonathan

Exposed: A terrified Sherwin tries to get his heart back, worried that Jonathan will see it and understand the extent of his feelings

He needs it back: The chase between Sherwin and his heartwhich keeps wanting to go back to Jonathan despite his owner's effortsescalates

Well, hello, there: At one point, Sherwin ends with his arms wrapped around Jonathan's neck as he desperately tries to catch his heart with both hands

Both boys then end up holding on to one end of Sherwin's heartand are spotted in this position by the rest of the students.

Instead of supporting the budding romance, the other students look down in contempt and shoot Sherwin and Jonathan disapproving looks.

Mortified, Sherwin tries to take his heart away, causing the heart to rip in the middle.

Heartbroken, Sherwin leaves with one half while Jonathan keeps the other.

Sherwin can then be seen struggling to cope with his pain, until Jonathan comes to find him.

The boy hands Sherwin the other half of his heart, which becomes whole again.

Free! Having wrestled its way out of Sherwin's hands, the heart is free to follow Jonathan inside the school and happily cuddles up to the boy's cheek

Judgemental: Instead of supporting the budding romance, the other students look down in contempt and shoot Sherwin and Jonathan disapproving looks

Sad: Mortified, Sherwin tries to take his heart away, causing the heart to rip in the middle

Pass the tissues: Heartbroken, Sherwin leaves with one half while Jonathan keeps the other

Sherwin and Jonathan then exchange a meaningful look as Jonathan's own heart starts glowing in his chest cavityhinting that the two will get to enjoy their romance after all.

David and Bravo started working on the film a year and a half ago, and funded it through a successful Kickstarter campaign.

Their initial goal of $3,000 was largely surpassed, with donations reaching more than $14,000.

Bravo, a gay man, and David, who declined to label herself but identifies as 'a member of the gay community', called the movie's success 'mind-blowing' in an interview with the New York Times.

'Its really surreal,' Bravo, of Mexico City, told the newspaper. 'I hope I give a good name to people from my country.'

Hope! Sherwin can be seen struggling to cope with his pain, until Jonathan comes to find him

Happy ending: The boy hands Sherwin the other half of his heart, which becomes whole again

Crush: Sherwin and Jonathan then exchange a meaningful look as Jonathan's own heart starts glowing in his chest cavityhinting that the two will get to enjoy their romance after all

Project: The movie's creators, Beth David (right), 21, and Esteban Bravo (left), 24, made the film while studying at Ringling College Of Art And Design in Sarasota, Florida

They love it: Thousands of viewers have praised the short film, with one person wishing for more 'cute and wholesome' LGBTQ films in the future

High praise: One viewer proclaimed that In A Heartbeat had single-handedly 'saved 2017'

David, who is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Bravo, are now semi-finalists for the 2017 Student Academy Awards.

Thousands of viewers have praised the short film, including Ashton Kutcher, who shared a link to a story about the movie on Facebook and wrote: 'This speaks for itself, even without dialogue.'

Others took to Twitter to rave about the movie, with one person explaining it had done a great job at encapsulating a complex struggle in a short amount of time.

Someone else wished for more 'cute and wholesome' LGBTQ films in the future, while one viewer proclaimed that In A Heartbeat had 'saved 2017'.
A woman horrified two doctors when she revealed her first plastic surgeon sliced her face open and shaved down a bump on her nasal bone  while she was still awake.

On Thursday night's episode of the E! reality series Botched, McKenna from Reno, Nevada, asked Dr. Paul Nassif and Dr. Terry Dubrow if they could fix her 'lumpy bumpy nose' before her 30th birthday.

But the doctors were shocked to learn that her previous surgeon actually operated on her while she was awake, and she still refers to her nose job as the 'cheese grater incident'.

Transformation: McKenna asked Dr. Paul Nassif and Dr. Terry Dubrow to fix her 'lumpy bumpy nose' on Thursday night's episode of the E! reality series Botched

Botched rhinoplasty: McKenna's nose was very narrow, had a hump on the bridge, and had bumps on the tip when she first met with the doctors

Success: Dr. Nassif was able to straighten McKenna's nose and make it look more natural

Growing up, McKenna said she had a petite nose until she was in middle school. When she hit puberty, she noticed her nose getting bigger and wider, and one day a group of girls left a message on her answering machine calling her a 'big nose b***h.'

She was so insecure about her nose that she decided in college it was time for her to get a rhinoplasty. Although she initially loved the results, her nose started to change and swell after her surgery.

When she went to show her surgeon a bump that had formed on her new nose, he started fixing it right then and there.

'The sound of the bone and cartilage being ground down was terrifying,' she recalled. 'It felt like a jackhammer on my face.'

Kind gesture: When she first met with the doctors, McKenna surprised them with cookies in the shapes of their faces

Growing pains: McKenna said she had a petite nose (left) until she got into middle school (right)

Although her nose looked nice and flat for the time, she said it eventually started to change again.

McKenna, who kindly baked cookies in the shapes of the doctors' faces, hoped they would be able to fix the bumps on her nose once and for all.

After Dr. Nassif and Dr. Dubrow chowed down on the cookies, McKenna explained that after her first rhinoplasty, she noticed a 'nice little bump forming' on the side of her nose.

'So I went back,' she continued. 'He offered to make a little slice and use a file and kind of remove this extra piece and then glue it back together.'

Terrible results: Shortly after having a rhinoplasty in college, she developed a bump on her nose

Shocking: McKenna told the doctors that her previous surgeon sliced open her face and shaved down a nasal bone in his office while she was awake

Better than nothing: Dr. Nassif said he could make her nose 50 per cent better

'Whoa, whoa, whoa,' said Dr. Dubrow as his eyes widened in disbelief.

The doctors moved to the examining room to continue McKenna's consultation, and while Dr. Nassif promised to make some improvements, he noted it wouldn't be perfect.

'How are you gonna feel if you have a 50 per cent improvement,' he asked.

'That's an improvement, so I'd be happy with that,' she responded.

Fixed: 'I'm feeling excited and energetic that I finally made the right steps and made the decision this time,' McKenna said of her surgery

Happy as can be: McKenna proudly showed off her new nose on her 30th birthday

During surgery, Dr. Nassif was able to straighten out her nose and make look more natural  right in time for her birthday.

'I'm feeling excited and energetic that I finally made the right steps and made the decision this time,' McKenna said of her surgery.

'It's so nice to not have that burden any longer.'

After giving herself time to heal, McKenna proudly showed off her new, natural-looking nose to her friends and family.

'Before my surgery my nose had as much appeal as sugar cookies without the sugar. It had bumps on the tip, a hump on the bridge, [and] was too narrow,' she said.

'I think the last time that I was carefree about my nose was back in middle school before kids started bullying me.'
After months of very public problems, including a family spat, rumours of a sex tape and cheating allegations Amir Khan and his wife Faryal sensationally split today.

The boxer, from Bolton, who is worth 23million, announced their split over Twitter in a tweet reading 'So me and the wife Faryal have agreed to split. I'm currently in Dubai. Wish her all the best'.

The heated argument that proceeded is worlds away from the humble couple who gushed about one another at their engagement back in 2012 - but that's not the only thing to have changed.

Left, the British boxer in a pink suit for Wimbledon championships alongside new wife Faryal, who wore a white dress, in 2013. Right, in October 2016, she looked a different woman

Amir Khan and Faryal at their engagement party in 2012. They married the following year in New York

After announcing their engagement, the happy couple were spotted shopping in Manchester as they picked up some items from Selfridges

In the seven years that the couple have been together Faryal has undergone a dramatic transformation from her humble days as a student.

Amir and Faryal first met when she was 19 and he was 24 through mutual friends at a party in New York seven years ago.

At the time, the businesswoman, who runs a cosmetic company, was studying political science and journalism at Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences in New Jersey.

She adopted a modest approach to fashion with photos from their early days of dating seeing Faryal opt for fitted pencil skirts and jeans.

Dressed in more traditional clothing, the model accompanied Khan to an event in June 2013

Left, with husband Amir in 2013 at the Royal Opera House. Her make-up is daring, but her dress is demure. Right, a recent Instagram photo shows a bigger change, with lower cut necklines a more common feature

Two years after they met the couple were engaged with images from their engagement ceremony showcasing their dedication to their religion.

Official photos see Faryal dressed in a deep red sari and elaborate jewels performing a ring exchange before their family.

However, despite Faryal's clear committal to Islam then the now model has since faced criticism over the way she dressed from members of her husband's family.

Faryal claimed that she was bullied by members of the Khan family previously stating that she was considered a 'bad Muslim' if she bared any skin and claims she was even cropped out of family photographs.

The model has always maintained that she is committed to Islam and Khan shared the left image during Eid

The model also claims she came under fire from the family for having plastic surgery.

In an Interview last year she said: 'I was in Pakistan with Amir's family when his brother tweeted: 'Michael Jackson isn't dead. He lives with us.' He was trying to say I'd had plastic surgery.'

However, in March this year Faryal admitted that she was partial to a few nips and tucks in an interview with you magazine.

She said: 'Because of lack of sleep, genes, dehydration, I get bags under my eyes and I wanted to get them lightened. So I went to my doctor, Simon [Ourian, a renowned cosmetic surgeon in LA]  he's Kim Kardashian's doctor.'

Faryal has also had fillers in her cheeks. 'I like high cheekbones,' she told the magazine.

Khan frequently shared proud images of his wife, including as they travelled together to welcome new members to his charity, left

In December 2013, Makhdoom was starting to transform her eye look, with darker shades, but kept her dress modest and inkeeping with former styles

Amir Khan's family regularly criticised the model for dressing in a way that was 'improper' in Islam

However, she denies that this surgery adding: 'I've never had plastic surgery. Fillers and plastic surgery are two different things and I want people to understand that.'

She went on to say that it was thanks to her husband's money that she was able to alter her looks.

She added: 'If other women had this money and if they had a husband who was famous, they would do it, too. If I wasn't married to Amir Khan, I'd probably be a regular girl and I might not do it. But I'm in the limelight, I go to events, so it's part of my life now.'
Yves Saint Laurent is keeping customers on their toesand on wheelswith eye-catching roller skates and stilettos hybrids.

The Paris-based label has unveiled the shoes, which have both vertiginous heels and a set of wheels, as part of its new collection.

Yves Saint Laurent's Anya 100 Patch Pump Roller, which come at a hefty price of $2,600 according to Who What Wear, look like regular stilettos at first glance.

Creative: Yves Saint Laurent is keeping customers on their toesand on wheelswith eye-catching roller skates and stilettos hybrids

Risky: The Anya 100 Patch Pump Roller, which come at a hefty price of $2,600, look like regular stilettos at first glance, but are mounted on a set of wheels and have a brake pad

Options: So far, the pumps exist in four different versions. One of them is a black pump with a red leather applique (left) while the other is a chic black shoe dotted with crystals (right)

But upon closer examination, the shoes are actually mounted on wheels, and even have brake pads like classic roller skates.

It is not the first time Yves Saint Laurent has experienced with roller skates and integrated them in its designs.

In 2013, the brand launched a slightly more conventional pair of Stars And Stripes skates, made out of a flat shoe and with four wheels.

The Anya 100 Patch Pump Rollers currently exist in four different versions. Two of them, with multicolored patches of snakeskin, exude a pop art vibe.

Opinions: Twitter users roasted the unpractical footwear, with one of them playfully claiming that Yves Saint Laurent 'is selling $2,000 shattered ankles'

Ambitious: Another person pretended to rejoice at the invention, claiming that regular high heels were 'not challenging enough'

Getting tricky: Someone else lamented the fact that they can barely walk in regular stilettos, let alone those mounted on wheels

Past: It is not the first time Yves Saint Laurent has experienced with roller skates. In 2013, the brand launched a slightly more conventional pair with a Stars And Stripes pattern (pictured)

Versions: The Paris-based label previously revealed a pair of high-heeled boots also mounted on wheels (pictured in an ad)

Release: Yves Saint Laurent unveiled the shoes (pictured in an ad) as part of its new collection

As for the other two, one is a chic black satin pump dotted with crystals (and equipped with wheels, naturally), while the other is a sultry black shoe with a red leather applique, InStyle reported.

Twitter users roasted the unpractical footwear, with one of them playfully claiming that Yves Saint Laurent 'is selling $2,000 shattered ankles'.

Someone else lamented the fact that they can barely walk in regular stilettos, let alone those mounted on wheels.

'Saint Laurent released the all new Roller skate stilettos,' another person wrote. 'THANK YOU! About time. Heels were not challenging enough.'
One of the trendiest drinks of 2017 is the Moscow Mule: a refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice.

Much of the cocktail's appeal is down to the fact it's often served in very Instagram-friendly copper-coloured mugs.

But now a US state department has issued a warning that these pretty vessels could give you food poisoning if they have not been specially made for cocktails.

Moscow Mules are traditionally served in a pretty copper mug, making them an Instagram favourite

The stark message comes from the state of Iowa's Alcoholic Beverages Division, which has warned that copper and copper alloys are poisonous if consumed.

When these metals come into contact with food or drink with a pH level lower than 6, copper may leak into the edible substance and can be accidentally consumed.

The warning states: 'High concentrations of copper are poisonous and have caused foodborne illness.'

The pH level of a Moscow Mule is well below 6, which is why Iowa and several other states have issued the warning as these cocktails are often served in copper mugs.

The Food and Drug Administration's Moral Food Code, which Iowa and many other US states have adopted, has banned copper and copper alloys from coming into contact with foods that have a pH level lower than 6 because of the risk of poisoning.

A Moscow Mule is a variation on a Dark 'n' Stormy, but replaces the cola and rum with vodka

However, this doesn't mean that you can never drink a Moscow Mule from a copper mug.

If a copper-coloured mug is lined with another metal, such as nickel or stainless steel, then the copper cannot leak into the food or drink and give you food poisoning.

But it's important to check if your vessel has a lining before you start to drink.

The Alcoholic Beverages Division wrote in its public warning: 'Copper mugs lined on the interior with another metal, such as nickel or stainless steel, are allowed to be used and are widely available.'


Kanye West is suing his tour's insurer after the company allegedly refused to pay for his canceled shows in November - and blamed his cannabis use.

The rapper was forced to cancel the last 21 shows of his North American tour after he had a mental breakdown and had to be checked into a hospital.

While his insurer Lloyd's of London would normally cover the costs, the company said they don't have to pay because his marijuana use caused the breakdown.

The 40-year-old is asking for $10 million in damages from Lloyd's, claiming the company has yet to pay him out for his cancelled shows, and has no intent to do so.

His company said in a legal document filed on Tuesday that insurers have yet to pay and is 'implying that Kanye's use of marijuana may provide them with the basis to deny the claim'.

Here, Daily Mail Online takes a closer look at how marijuana use could cause psychosis and potentially cause a mental breakdown, as Lloyd's claims.

Kanye West, who is pictured during his Saint Pablo Tour in 2016, is suing his tour's insurer after the company allegedly refused to pay for his canceled shows in November - and blamed his cannabis use

Marijuana legalization began in the United States in 1996, when California legalized the drug for medical use.

That sparked a wave.

In the next decade, 14 states followed suit: Oregon, Alaska, Washington, Maine, Hawaii, Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Vermont, New Mexico, Michigan, New Jersey, Arizona and Massachusetts.

Then in 2012, Colorado and Washington state legalized the drug for recreational use.

Now, just five years later, marijuana is legal for medical and recreational use in eight states: Massachusetts, Colorado, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Nevada, California and Maine.

It is also legal for strictly medical use in the District of Columbia and 21 states: Montana, North Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware and Hawaii.

The wave has given rise to a booming industry of edibles, dispensaries, cannabis healthcare professionals, and paraphernalia.

Marijuana is the national favorite according to a report published by Addictions.com, making up more than 70 percent of all drug use in the United States.

But experts warn researchers are struggling to keep up with the pace of legalization, and there are still many gaps in our knowledge.

However, some experts warn people are using the drug to self medicate for things like depression and anxiety despite research showing it does more harm than good.

In fact, there research shows that increased risk of depression as a result of frequent marijuana use is thought to be behind psychosis' onset. The two mental health conditions have previously been linked.

'A number of people choose to self medicate, but it could actually make things like anxiety and depression worse,' Dr Lucy Troup, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at Colorado State University told Daily Mail Online.

'We can't fully understand yet the brain mechanisms that cause mental illness, but we've seen a clear link between marijuana use and users who report psychotic breaks. But again, it's different for every person.'

In California medical marijuana can be used as a treatment for anxiety. In the other states and DC, someone suffering from anxiety or depression can apply for a medical marijuana license if their conditions are considered to be severe and debilitating.

COULD CANNABIS TREAT MIGRAINES? Chemicals in cannabis could be effective at treating painful migraines, research revealed last month. Cannabinoids, the compounds in marijuana that make you feel high, may be better at treating pain than recommended migraine medication, a study found. Researchers from the Interuniversity Center in Florence found that pills containing the chemicals reduce the pain felt by migraine sufferers by 43.5 per cent. The drug also had a number of additional effects, including stopping stomach aches and muscle pain, according to the researchers. Previous research has found cannabis reduces migraines by targeting cells in the body that control pain relief and inflammation. Advertisement

CAN MARIJUANA USE CAUSE A PSYCHOTIC BREAK?

Psychosis is defined as a condition that affects the mind and causes the sufferer to lose touch with reality.

Symptoms include:

delusions and hallucinations

feelings of paranoia and suspiciousness

disorganized thinking and speaking

loss of or decreased motivation

loss of or decreased ability to initiate or come up with new ideas

difficulties expressing emotion

Studies have found that marijuana is thought to cause psychosis-like experiences by increasing a user's risk of depression. The two mental health conditions have been linked.

Frequently abusing the substance also significantly reduces a user's ability to resist socially unacceptable behavior when provoked, research suggests.

'We don't understand the precise mechanisms for psychosis, but there is clear research that supports that cannabis use can lead to it,' Dr Lucy Troup, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at Colorado State University told Daily Mail Online.

'I can't comment particularly on Kanye West's case, because I don't know a lot about him other than what the media says. But there are different variables that could have made it more likely such as how long it's been used, when someone first started, how concentrated or potent the drug is that they are using, how they are taking it, and their specific genotype.'

Drug-induced psychosis is most commonly associated with LSD or amphetamines, but can also be caused by marijuana, cocaine and alcohol.

Results of a study by the University of Montreal revealed that going from being an occasional marijuana user to abusing the substance once a week or as often as every day, increases the risk of psychosis-like experiences by 159 percent.

The results also demonstrated that marijuana use reduces a person's ability to resist socially unacceptable behavior in response to a particular stimulus.

Dr Lucy Troup, a cognitive neuroscience expert, explained that while she doesn't know much about Kanye's circumstance in particular, she was surprised to hear that Lloyd's of London isn't paying out

KANYE WEST'S PAST MARIJUANA USE: COULD THE DRUG HAVE CAUSED THE RAPPER'S MENTAL BREAK?

In the past Kanye has been candid about his weed habit. He's made multiple references in his songs. He also admitted to smoking before the 2015 Video Music Awards where he infamously announced his 2020 presidential candidacy.

Dr Troup explained that while she doesn't know much about the rapper's circumstance in particular, she was surprised to hear that Lloyd's of London isn't paying out.

She said that if a bank makes that claim about anyone, be it Kanye or someone less well known, the process to support that claim is long and complicated.

'There isn't enough knowledge about his [Kanye's] medical history for anyone but his doctor to say for sure what caused his mental break,' Dr Troup explained. 'It would be a long and complicated process because they would have to look at his blood work, a hospital report, and a number of other things.'

'I'm guessing when you insure a rock star you have to expect these kinds of things,' she added.

A source has also told InTouch that Kim and Kanye are now worried footage taken by the rapper's team in days prior to the tour's cancellation could be used against him in court.

The video allegedly shows his mental state deteriorating before he broke down in the days leading up to his hospitalization.
A diabetes drug could be a breakthrough treatment for stopping Parkinsons disease in its tracks, a study suggests.

People with Parkinsons who took Exenatide  an existing diabetes medication - for around a year had better motor skills than those who took a placebo.

The results suggest the drug could halt decline in Parkinsons patients rather than just relieving symptoms.

Experts welcomed the University College London (UCL) research as a particularly promising step in the search for a treatment to slow or stop the disease.

Senior author Professor Tom Foltynie said: This is the strongest evidence we have so far that a drug could do more than provide symptom relief for Parkinsons disease.

This is a very promising finding, as the drug holds potential to affect the course of the disease itself, and not merely the symptoms.

People with Parkinsons who took Exenatide  an existing diabetes medication - for around a year had better motor skills than those who took a placebo (stock image)

With existing treatments, we can relieve most of the symptoms for some years, but the disease continues to worsen.

David Dexter, deputy director of research at Parkinsons UK, said: These interesting results build upon an earlier, smaller trials and offer further encouragement that diabetes treatments could provide new treatments for Parkinsons in the future.

The drug is modelled on the saliva of the Gila monster lizard and has been used since 2005 to treat Type 2 diabetes.

In diabetes, it works by activating hormone receptors in the pancreas to stimulate the release of insulin.

But the same receptors exist in the brain, and scientists believe activating them can boost dopamine function and stop inflammation.

In Parkinsons, dopamine-producing cells become damaged, so preventing this could help stop the progression of the disease.

For the study, researchers followed 60 people with Parkinsons disease at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, in London.

The patients injected themselves once a week for 48 weeks with either Exenatide or a placebo, in addition to their regular medications.

After the treatment, those who took the drug had improved their motor function - measures like tremors, agility and speech  while those who took the placebo had declined.

Patients who took Exenatide scored an average of four points higher on a 132-point motor function scale after treatment than those who took the placebo. This was a statistically significant difference.

Researchers found the benefits were still continuing when participants were checked 12 weeks after they stopped taking the medication.

In Parkinsons, dopamine-producing cells become damaged, so preventing this could help stop the progression of the disease (stock image)

But despite scoring higher, participants who took Exenatide said they did not notice improvements in their symptoms beyond what their standard medication already did for them.

The study - the first randomised controlled trial of the drug in Parkinsons patients - adds to previous research which suggested the drug could improve motor function and modify the course of the disease.

The research is published in The Lancet today (FRI) and was funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research (MJFF).

First author Dr Dilan Athauda said there was still more work to be done before the drug could be approved as a Parkinsons treatment.

Dr Brian Fiske, of MJFF, added: Using approved therapies for one condition to treat another, or drug repurposing, offers new avenues to speed Parkinsons therapeutic development.

The results from the Exenatide studies justify continued testing, but clinicians and patients are urged not to add Exenatide to their regimens until more is known about their safety and impact on Parkinsons.

Next, researchers will try to confirm whether or not the drug can affect the course of the disease and whether it improves quality of life for patients in the long-term.

Parkinsons disease affects 1 in 500 people and around 127,000 people in the UK live with the condition.

It causes muscle stiffness, slowness of movement, tremors, sleep disturbance, chronic fatigue, an impaired quality of life and can lead to severe disability.
Offices should provide desk fans to help menopausal women manage their symptoms, a new Government report recommends.

Companies should also provide places to rest, special absence policies and cold water fountains, as well as any uniforms being non-synthetic, the report adds.

The report found that many menopausal women struggle to work in traditional office environments, with formal meetings exacerbating hot flushes.

Some women suffer to the extent they are forced to quit their job or reduce their working hours, the report adds.

In the UK there are around 4.3million working women aged 50 or over; a 72 per cent rise since 1994. The average age women start the menopause is 51.

Offices should provide desk fans to help menopausal women manage their symptoms (stock)

HOT FLUSHES IN AN EARLY MENOPAUSE MAY BE LINKED TO HEART DISEASE Hot flushes in women aged 40 to 53 may be a sign of blood vessel damage, which can cause heart disease, results revealed back in April. The uncomfortable symptom is also thought to hinder blood vessels' ability to dilate, which can cause high blood pressure, the study found. Researchers found no association between hot flushes and heart disease risk in women aged 54 to 60. Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, executive director, the North American Menopause Society, said: 'Hot flushes are not just a nuisance. 'In this study, physiologically measured hot flushes appear linked to cardiovascular changes occurring early during the menopause transition.' Advertisement

'Women feel they need to cope alone'

The report outlines that many women find their colleagues are unsympathetic to their condition and, while pregnancy and maternity leave are taken seriously, menopause is often ignored.

The report is based on findings from the University of Leicester, who reviewed 104 studies carried out between 1990 and 2016 on the effects of the menopause on women's work life.

Study author Professor Jo Brewis said: 'The evidence indicates that many women find transition symptoms, especially hot flushes, difficult to manage and that being at work can exacerbate these symptoms.

'But women tend to feel that they need to cope alone, for example because they don't want their manager or colleagues to think their performance is being affected or because they find the prospect of disclosure embarrassing.

'Employers and managers can use the report to assist them in initiatives designed to create more menopause-friendly workplace', The Telegraph reported.

Vitamin D could prevent early menopause

This comes after researchers from Harvard University found women can cut their risk of an early menopause by eating oily fish and eggs.

In a study published back in May, the researchers revealed a high vitamin D intake via food and supplements lowers the risk of an early menopause by 17 percent. Vitamin D is thought to slow the ageing of women's ovaries.

Calcium-rich foods make women 13 percent less likely to suffer.
A woman who confused deadly cancer for spots has used selfies to document her battle from a face-ravaging disease to smiling with a mouth implant

Marisha Dotson, 28, from Knoxville in Tennessee, has lost her nose, parts of her jaw and eight teeth during her battle with squamous cell carcinoma.

Doctors gave her just a 20 per cent chance of survival when they discovered the aggressive form of skin cancer had spread from the small pimple on her nose.

Despite managing to defy expectations, she has been left with permanent damage to her face and relies on a temporary dental implant to smile and talk.

The cancer all stemmed from a small pimple on her nose three years ago, which even doctors dismissed and suggested was just acne.

Now cancer-free, Miss Dotson doesn't care about her dramatic new appearance, and said she just feels 'lucky to be alive'.

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Marisha Dotson, 28, from Knoxville in Tennessee, has lost her nose, parts of her jaw and eight teeth during her battle with squamous cell carcinoma (pictured before)

Miss Dotson, who is an orphan, said: 'Cancer took my nose and parts of my jaw, but not my body so I will keep on fighting.

'I earned these scars and should be proud of them as they area testament of my will to live, the blood, sweat and tears I shed to survive.

'I have to use a dental implant now, without it I can't eat or talk because of all the missing bones in my face.

'The damage I have now I will live with for the rest of my life, I've given up on the cosmetic side of things and just feel so lucky to be alive.'

'I had to go through the pain'

She added: 'Early on, I made a decision that whatever pain I had to go through to live a little longer I would do and also I have a brother to take care of so I have to be around for him.

'Surgeons removed the bone in my hard palette, I lost eight teeth, my sinus cavity and tissue from under my eye and there is also a huge gap on the left side of my face.

'The odds of me surviving this form of cancer were very low as were the surgery success rates, I was given less than a 20 per cent chance of still being here today.

'But now I've had two tests to see if the cancer has come back and both are clear, which has given me hope so I'm very optimistic about the future.'

Doctors gave her just a 20 per cent chance of survival when they discovered the aggressive form of skin cancer had spread from the small pimple on her nose (pictured after surgery to remove most of her nose to stop the spread of the disease)

The cancer all stemmed from a small pimple on her nose three years ago, which even doctors dismissed and suggested was just acne

Her journey started three years ago, when she first noticed a small red pimple-like dot on her nose.

The student counsellor went to her local health service who said they hadn't seen anything like it before and even suggested it could be acne.

When she became concerned

Miss Dotson said it looked like a 'regular pimple'. She only became concerned when it doubled in size and began to make her unwell.

Cancer took my nose and parts of my jaw, but not my body so I will keep on fighting Marisha Dotson, 28

Seeking help from a dermatologist, she was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma.

Surgeons operated on her for 15 hours in different stages to remove layers of the cancerous tissue and most of her nose.

But during surgery to remove the squamous cell carcinoma, it was discovered the tumour had spread deep into the tissue.

Miss Dotson said: 'My tumour was like a jellyfish with cancerous tentacles reaching deep into my face.

Miss Dotson said it looked like a 'regular pimple'. She only became concerned when it doubled in size and began to make her unwell

Despite managing to defy expectations, she has been left with permanent damage to her face and relies on a temporary dental implant to smile and talk

'After a couple of hours into surgery my reality shifted, the tumour was much deeper than surgeons thought and it was very painful.

'Despite having 300 shots of anaesthetic to my face it still hurt as they continued to cut and burn each layer, so close to my nerves and sinuses.'

Left without most of her nose

So much tissue and cartilage had to be removed during the surgery, that she was left without two-thirds of her nose.

She was given reconstruction surgery using skin from her forehead.

Miss Dotson said: 'I could feel there was a part of my face missing but when I looked in the mirror I was devastated, I had this huge hole where my nose used to be.

'Surgeons took skin from the crown of my head, shaved off a piece of hair and took the skin then flapped it over my nose and took cartilage from my ear.

'To keep the blood supply, they dragged the skin over my nose and it was left hanging off my forehead for a month.'

More spots started to appear

Shortly after the completion of her facial reconstruction, another cancerous spot developed and from there more started to appear over her face.

She added: 'Every spot was cancerous, I was so angry because I had been through so much already having the reconstruction.

Her nose had to be rebuilt twice following the 30 operations to rid her of the skin cancer

Miss Dotson, who lost her mother at the age of 16, credits doctors for saving her life, many of whom worked for lower-rates to help her get the treatment she needed

'I had one big on my cheek, under my right eye, two big ones on top of the bridge of my nose, one above the left side of my nose and then eight smaller ones under my nostrils.

'The one on my cheek looked scaly but like a blister too, the others were more like little raised pimples or spots.

'I went back into surgery to have them removed and came out looking like Frankenstein's monster, they had to take so much out on my nose, nostril and lip that I needed skin grafts.'

Finally cancer-free

WHAT IS THIS FORM OF SKIN CANCER? A form of non-melanoma skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer of the keratinocyte cells, in the outer layer of the skin. They are mainly found on the face, neck, bald scalps, arms, backs of hands and lower legs. Squamous cell cancers, the second most common type of skin cancer, may: Look scaly

Have a hard, crusty cap

Make the skin raised

Feel tender to touch

Bleed sometimes The most common cause is too much exposure to ultra-violet light from the sun or from sun beds. This causes keratinocytes in one of the layers of the epidermis to grow out of control into a tumour. Dr Bav Shergill, a British Skin Foundation spokesperson said: 'If an SCC is left untreated for too long, there is a small risk that it may spread to other parts of the body, and this can be serious.' Source: British Skin Foundation Advertisement

After a total of more than 30 surgeries to remove all of the tumours, reconstruction and fit in a temporary mouth piece to allow her to talk and eat, she is finally cancer-free.

She said: 'Before I had gotten so used to bad results that I couldn't believe it when something good happened in September, I started crying and have even framed my pathology report.

'I still feel sad sometimes but I always remind myself of what I've overcome, I had the choice from surgeons to keep fighting or give up and die, but I chose to fight.

'I try really hard to be positive and even though I'm cancer free now, I've had to sacrifice a lot to get to this point.'

Left with hefty medical bills

Miss Dotson, who lost her mother at the age of 16, credits doctors for saving her life, many of whom worked for lower-rates to help her get the treatment she needed.

Despite this she has been left with hefty medical bills and is hoping for a permanent mouth implant.

She said: 'I'm fundraising for a permanent mouth piece not covered by insurance so that I don't have to struggle with constant infections.

'Then because I'm still recovering from surgery my disability benefits only cover rent, so I'm trying to save anything I can to pay off my bills.

'I've beaten cancer multiple times and overcome some truly scary odds, some of my friends call me 'the walking miracle' and I don't argue with them because it's true.'

Anyone wanting to donate can do so here.
Chris Ware is inarguably one of the greatest cartoonists of the last 50 years. In this short film produced by Ian Forster and Nick Ravich, Ware talks about the challenge of writing stories from the viewpoint of an African-American school teacher named Joanne Cole.

From his home and studio in Oak Park, Illinois, artist Chris Ware shares motivations and challenges for telling stories from the perspectives of others in his work. "I distinctly remember being told by my teachers, if you draw women, you're colonizing them with your eyes," Ware recalls of art school. "Do you not draw women and then maintain an allegiance to some sort of experience that only you have had? Or do you try to expand your understanding and your empathy for other human beings?"

Though it might be uncomfortable, Ware strives to write from a place of empathy, expanding his stories to feature characters whose experiences differ from his own. Among these characters is African-American school teacher Joanne Cole, who appears in Ware's continuing comic series Rusty Brown. "I have to try to somehow push my limits and my understanding of how I feel through other people in what I'm doing," says the artist. "You risk falling on your face doing so, but that's a risk you have to take."

Known for his New Yorker magazine covers, Chris Ware is hailed as a master of the comic art form. His complex graphic novels tell stories about people in suburban Midwestern neighborhoods, poignantly reflecting on the role memory plays in constructing identity. Stories featuring many of Ware's protagonists  Quimby the Mouse, Rusty Brown, and Jimmy Corriganoften first appear in serialized form, in publications such as The New York Times, the Guardian, or Ware's own ongoing comic book series Acme Novelty Library, before being organized into their own stand-alone books.
Overweight people are assumed to be American, new research reveals.

People are significantly more likely to presume a heavy Asian person is from the US than someone of a normal weight with the same ancestry, a study review found.

It is also assumed that overweight Asian people live in the US legally, unlike those with a healthy BMI, the research adds.

According to the researchers, this demonstrates being overweight causes people to speculate someone is a naturalized US citizen.

They add their findings challenge the stereotype that Americans are often white.

Overweight people are assumed to be from the US, new research reveals (stock)

AMERICAN AND BRITISH GIRLS ARE THE FATTEST IN THE WORLD: MORE THAN HALF CARRY DANGEROUS STOMACH FAT American and British girls are the worst in the world for carrying dangerous stomach fat, research revealed last month. A study by Auckland University of Technology found more than half of girls in the US and UK are 'overfat'; putting them at risk of diabetes and cancer. These children may appear to be of a normal weight, however, having a waist circumference of more than half their height is enough to put them in the danger category. In the rankings of the world's 30 most developed countries, US schoolgirls are the fattest, followed by the UK. On average, almost 87 percent of men and more than three-quarters of women in the list are 'overfat'; storing their weight around their middle rather than elsewhere on their body. It raises fresh concerns about female weight gain - particularly around the stomach, which is the most dangerous - at a young age. Advertisement

How the study was carried out

The researchers, from the University of Washington, analyzed 10 studies where a total of 1,000 college students were shown pictures of people of different races and asked to gauge their country of residence.

Some of the pictures were digitally altered to make the person look overweight or of a healthy weight.

Overweight was defined as having a BMI of more than 25 and a normal weight as a BMI of less than 25.

Overweight people are significantly more likely to be thought of as American

Results reveal that overweight Asian people are significantly more likely to be thought of as American than those of normal weight with the same ancestry.

People also assume overweight Asian people are significantly more likely to live in the US legally than those who are of a healthy weight.

This demonstrates being overweight causes people to presume someone is a naturalized US citizen, the researchers claim.

For unclear reasons, the same results were not found to be true for white, black or Latino people.

The results were published in the journal Psychological Science.

'Extra weight allows people to be seen as more American'

Study author Caitlin Handron said: 'In the U.S., there is a strong bias associating American identity with whiteness, and this can have negative consequences for people of color in the U.S.

Co-author Sepna Cheryan added: 'We found that there was a paradoxical social benefit for Asian Americans, where extra weight allows them to be seen as more American.'

The researchers argue their findings challenge the stereotype that Americans are often white.
Spicy pickle flavoured condoms probably wouldn't be your first choice.

Instead, you'd most likely turn to the more socially accepted strawberry, chocolate or vanilla varieties.

But for those keen on enjoying a flavour adored by millions of Indians, their prayers have been answered by a contraceptive firm.

Social media erupted with Manforce Condom's announcement of its new achaari range, with many mocking it and posting memes of what it may taste like.

On Twitter, one jokingly suggested that it could have the power to help 'control the population' rates in the country.

Another said they would be unable to look at their favourite home-made achaari dishes in the same way ever again.

Social media erupted with Manforce Condom's announcement of a new range of achaari flavoured condoms, with many mocking what it may taste like

Others depicted the spice of the flavour, mimicking the after-reactions of those who would enjoy, or not enjoy, the taste.

Manforce already sells coffee, hazelnut and butterscotch rubbers - but its latest is set to spice up the world of oral sex.

The condom is officially known as achaari, a traditional blend of spices that is used across India to pickle various dishes.

But it doesn't appear to have the qualities of conventional flavoured condoms, with foodies describing the taste as tangy, bitter and salty.

One Twitter user even jokingly suggested that it could have the power to help 'control the population' rates in the country

Another said they would be unable to look at their favourite home-made achaari dishes in the same way ever again

Others depicted the spice of the flavour, mimicking the after-reactions of those who would enjoy, or not enjoy, the taste

On Twitter, startled users responded to the announcement with a collection of meme's, images and jokes about achaari

And achaari differs in taste across all regions of India, with some regions keen on using lime and others chilli, among other options .

MANFORCE'S ADVERT CONTROVERSY The latest announcement comes after Manforce launched a controversial advert that was said to encourage rape in 2015. An Indian politician accused a former US porn actress turned Bollywood star of encouraging non-consensual sex after she appeared in a 'dirty and horrific' condom advert. CPI leader Atul Kumar Anjan told a cheering crowd that Sunny Leone's turn in the Manforce adverts needed to be taken off air because it 'develops your sexuality and destroys your sensibility'. He the claimed incidents of rape 'will increase' thanks to the advert, which helped promote safe sex in a country which has the third highest number of people living with HIV and Aids in the world. Advertisement

Sunil Lulla, the head of Grey ad agency, told the BBC: 'Such campaigns are mostly so that companies can make the news and draw attention to their business.

'However, if it is spicing up sexual enjoyment and conversation around safe sex in India, then such efforts should be encouraged.'

Manforce made its announcement on its Facebook page, attracting thousands of 'likes' and hundreds of comments.

For those keen on satisfying their taste-buds while practicing safe-sex, achaari isn't the only strange option out there.

A quick search on the internet shows endless possibilities, including bacon, cola, garlic, cola, caiprinha and even cannabis varieties.

While contraception giant Durex announced the 'launch' of the rather unusual eggplant flavoured product in September.

The idea of the savoury flavour took inspiration from the aubergine emoji which is often used as an innuendo for male genitalia in text messages and tweets.

However, the company later revealed that it had no plans to launch the condoms, and the tweet was part of a campaign to promote safe sex.
An insurance company refused to cover a gay man's HIV-prevention drug because he 'engages in High risk homosexual behavior'.

The man, who lives in New York, applied for Truvada's PrEP in July. The drug is the only FDA-approved antiretroviral treatment to protect someone from HIV infection.

But days later he received a denial letter from United Healthcare, which stated: 'The information sent in shows you are using this medicine for High risk homosexual behavior.'

The company claimed health plans only cover Truvada for patients who have HIV or have been exposed to the virus, adding that his request for coverage 'is not medically necessary under New York State Law'.

However, the letter also includes a list of United Healthcare Truvada criteria, which state that the drug - which costs $1,450 a month wholesale - should be covered for adults 'at high risk of sexually acquiring HIV-1'.

HIV activism groups have slammed the denial as illegal, and the phrasing of the letter as 'homophobic and discriminatory'.

This is the denial letter sent to a gay man who applied for HIV-prevention medication in New York in July. United Healthcare said he was not eligible because of his sexual orientation

Truvada is the trade name for a certain type of PrEP ('pre-exposure prophylaxis') drug.

This drug in particular is fixed-dose combination of two anti-retroviral drugs, tenofovir and FTC, in one pill.

They work together to interfere with an enzyme which HIV uses to infect new cells, slowing down the virus's attack or preventing it altogether.

The drug is designed for people that have not yet been exposed to the virus to protect themselves against it.

Alternatively, people who have been exposed can take PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), a month-long course of drugs started within 72 hours of exposure.

Speaking to Daily Mail Online on Friday, Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the HIV/AIDS department at the National Institutes of Health, said he was baffled by the idea that an insurance company would deny somebody pre-exposure protective medication.

'It seems like an inherent contradiction,' he said.

'PrEP is made for people who are actually at risk for HIV infection, not for people who are not at risk.

'It has been proven that PrEP is a highly effective way of preventing HIV infection. That is the reason Truvada was approved.'

After receiving the letter on July 11, the patient, who remains anonymous, went to HIV activism groups for support to appeal the decision.

WHAT IS PrEP? Truvada is the trade name for a certain type of PrEP ('pre-exposure prophylaxis') drug. This drug in particular is fixed-dose combination of two anti-retroviral drugs, tenofovir and FTC, in one pill. They work together to interfere with an enzyme which HIV uses to infect new cells, slowing down the virus's attack or preventing it altogether. The drug is designed for people that have not yet been exposed to the virus to protect themselves against it. Alternatively, people who have been exposed can take PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), a month-long course of drugs started within 72 hours of exposure. Advertisement

He sent the document to Jeremiah Johnson, of Treatment Action Group (TAG), who has led calls against the insurance company and the state health department to acknowledge the denial as a violation of guidelines.

'At best, it's gross incompetence of the insurer to carry out their own policy,' Johnson told Daily Mail Online. 'At worst, it's down right discrimination and it's illegal.

'The patient was shocked by the language, as we all are.

'The words they use were stigmatizing terms on their own, but when you send that on UHC letterhead, saying 'you're being denied this essential medication because you're homosexual'... We were just horrified.

'It's a clear violation of policy, it's unethical and it's malicious to deny people who are vulnerable.'

The patient appealed to overturn the decision through his doctor, and has now been issued PrEP.

However, activism collectives have launched a petition to New York State Health Department to condemn United Healthcare's denial letter.

James Krellenstein, of ACT UP NYC which is behind the letter and petition, said this is hardly the first case of a baseless denial.

'We are hearing story after story of patients being denied Truvada coverage despite being fully in compliance with CDC, federal and state guidelines,' he told Daily Mail Online.

'Often you can appeal the decision and get approved, but studies show these kinds of denials deter people and led to lower overall coverage.

'The language in this letter shows that this case is a black and white case of discrimination based on the patient's sexual orientation.'

Krellenstein pointed out that last year the New York City Health Department issued guidelines to doctors, highlighting gay men as candidates for PrEP.

And federal guidelines from the National Institutes of Health say the LGBT community is one of the most vulnerable populations to HIV infection, and therefore should receive PrEP.

'United Healthcare endangered a patient's health because of his sexual orientation,' Krellenstein said.

'Every time this happens, insurance companies are endangering the health and well-being of the entire LGBT community.'

United Healthcare said in a statement: 'We apologize for the insensitive language appearing in the letter and regret any difficulty it caused. We have corrected our letters, removed the prior authorization requirement for Truvada and members can fill their prescription at the network pharmacy of their choice.'

The CDC last year said that 1.5 million Americans could benefit from taking PrEP to lower their risk of contracting HIV sexually or through intravenous drug use.

Contradiction: The letter included Truvada's criteria, which states that the drug is meant for adults at high risk of sexually acquiring HIV. It is the only FDA-approved drug for that purpose

Currently, figures suggest just over 100,000 people take the drug.

Krellenstein urged insurance companies to make contact with HIV activism groups to discuss coverage, criteria, and costs.

'We are interested in solving this problem, we're willing to sit down with UHC or any insurance company to work this out,' he said.

'But we are not going to remain silent while they endanger the health and well-being of our community.'

Johnson urges people who have been denied PrEP to visit the National Coalition for LGBT Health, which allows patients to anonymously share their stories and get support to appeal the decision if necessary.

'Don't shame yourself if you were denied,' Johnson adds.

'This is a stigmatized medication, like the contraception pill was years ago. Anyone taking a stigmatized medication needs to be very persistent.

'Work with your doctor to keep appealing the decision, and do what you can to make HIV activists aware if you were denied.'
Laurel Bares's parents thought they were in the clear when she was checked out of the hospital, having endured 40 consecutive days of cancer treatment.

Then on June 12 they got bad news - the one-year-old's neuroblastoma had relapsed and spread throughout her body.

Laurel, from Plymouth, Massachusetts, was first diagnosed with the disease on March 10, just six days after her first birthday.

At her first pediatrician checkup on March 6, her parents mentioned that their daughter seemed ill, irritated, and distant. The doctor did a physical exam and said everything was fine, it was nothing to worry about.

Uncertain, they took her for a second opinion.

There, doctors felt a lump the size of a softball in the side of her abdomen. Days later, tests revealed she had stage 4 neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nerves which has just a 40 percent risk of surviving five years.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Laurel's parents thought they were nearing the end of her treatment when she was checked out of the hospital after a consecutive 40 days of receiving cancer treatment. Then they got bad news - the one-year-old's neuroblastoma had relapsed and spread throughout her body

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: HOW DOCTORS DISMISSED HER PARENTS CONCERNS AND A HUGE LUMP ON HER HIP

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that occurs when a very early form of nerve cells don't mature properly during development and become cancerous.

It occurs most often in infants and young children; nearly all people with the disease are diagnosed before their fifth birthday.

Just over every one in three cases of neuroblastoma start at the adrenal gland, as in Laurel's case. Adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones and are found just above the kidneys.

Laurel was taken in for her one year checkup on Monday, March 6, just two days after her first birthday party.

Doctors gave her a standard full evaluation and noticed that though her height was normal, her weight had dropped into the 22nd percentile for her age.

'I breast fed her until she was nearly seven months old,' her mother Leah told Daily Mail Online. 'Until then, she was in the 60th percentile for her age, so I felt like this was a really big deal.'

The pediatrician then did a physical examination, and when they went to feel Laurel's right side she started squirming uncomfortably.

'The doctor told me it was just that Laurel knew she was getting shots,' Leah said. 'Really, she just ignored a softball-sized lump in my baby's side.'

WHAT IS NEUROBLASTOMA? Neuroblastoma is a cancer of specialized nerve cells in the nervous system and other tissues. Fewer than 800 children in the US are diagnosed each year with the disease and most are diagnosed when they are younger than five. It is the second most common solid tumor in childhood, and it makes up eight percent of the total number of children's cancers. Neuroblastoma commonly occurs in either one of the two adrenal glands in a child's tummy or in nerve tissue that runs alongside the spinal cord, in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis. The cancer can spread to tissues beyond the original site, including bone marrow, bone, lymph nodes, liver and skin. As with most cancers the cause of neuroblastoma is unknown. The symptoms vary depending on where a child's tumor is. Treatment depends on the age of the child, as well as the size and position of the tumor and whether the disease has spread. Advertisement

Other than her weight, doctors told her parents everything looked normal, gave her vaccinations, and sent her on her way.

That week her parents started seeing red flags.

'Call it a parent's intuition, but we knew something was seriously wrong. Her fever spiked and she got incredibly sick,' Leah explained.

'She was constantly clutching her abs and got really pale. By the end of the week she was throwing up on an empty stomach.'

Laurel's parents took her back into the doctors that Friday, and still they were told that it was probably nothing serious and to just wait it out.

'We were almost yelling at them. This wasn't a bug, something was wrong and we knew it. So they told us we would have to take her to Boston Children's Hospital in an ambulance,' she said.

When they got to the hospital Laurel was brought to a room and followed by a team of doctors.

'My husband works at a hospital, and said when he saw there were that many doctors he knew it must be really bad,' Leah explained.

'Then they took her blood pressure and it was at 198, which is wicked high and deadly for a baby.'

Doctors then felt the bump on her abdomen and realized it was most likely cancer.

'It was an eight-centimeter tumor, which is just huge. The doctors biopsied it and then told us what she had,' the mother said.

Doctors biopsied the tumor and confirmed she had stage four neuroblastoma. The tumor had enveloped her adrenal gland completely and spread into her hips.

It's thought that the vaccines she got on the Monday prior to her diagnosis aggravated the tumor and sparked the symptoms which led her parents to take her to the emergency room.

Immediately Laurel was attached to series of machines to regulate her breathing, her heart rate and her blood pressure.

Then treatment started. Laurel underwent five rounds of chemo and had a major surgery which removed 99 percent of her tumor.

'Her doctors were very confident they'd gotten all of the cancer and with the chemotherapy that she'd be on her way to radiation,' Leah said.

'So then we started doing testing for stem cell therapy. It's a really big deal so there are multiple tests she would have to pass to begin the therapy.'

Laurel Bares, who lives in Plymouth, Massachusetts, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on March 10 of this year, just five days after her one year checkup

At the checkup, Laurel's parents flagged a concern to the pediatrician that their daughter seemed ill, and were told it was nothing to worry about

RETURN OF THE CANCER AND A SEARCH ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR A POSSIBLE CURE

Laurel underwent five rounds of chemo and had a major surgery which removed 99 percent of her tumor

During the last round of testing, scans showed that the cancer had returned, this time spreading into her hips, up her spinal column, into her skull and part of her jaw bone.

'We were crushed,' Leah said. 'Doctors told us there were two courses of treatment we could choose from, but that neither had high success rates.'

One of the treatments, Leah explained, is a radiation treatment therapy that would see Laurel and two caregivers - her father and her grandmother - locked in a lead-lined room for two weeks while she undergoes radiation treatment.

'I'm five months pregnant, which was a big surprise to my husband and I, and means I wouldn't be able to see my daughter for two weeks except through a window, and wouldn't be able to hold her for a full week after she gets out of the hospital,' she said.

'You'd have to put me on a plane to keep me from holding my baby girl for that long.'

The second option is a mixture of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

It works in that the immunotherapy triggers the immune system to guide the chemotherapy drugs to the nerve cells where the neuroblastoma has attached.

The family is also going to the Helen Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to meet with a pediatric cancer specialist about an experimental therapy technique called the PEDS-PLAN.

The technique uses precision medicine and examines a part of the cancerous cells with a computerized algorithm that checks for certain cell markers.

Those genetic markers can be used to find a more specific treatment.

But now the cancer has returned, and Laurel, who is pictured above during her treatment, will have to undergo continuing chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments while her parents search for experimental treatments to save their daughter

The treatment is funded through a charity called Beat NB, which was started by parents who lost their son to the disease seven years ago.

'There are some kids who are able to take medicines for osteoporosis or for Alzheimer's, but for whatever reason it treats their specific tumor and shrinks it,' Kyle Matthews, co-founder of Beat NB told Daily Mail Online.

'A lot of families come to us when they are told there are no options left.'

Because the treatment is experimental, it will most likely not be covered by the family's insurance, and so they are crowdfunding to raise money.

Leah, who is an artist, said she considers herself lucky that she's been able to pursue a career owning her own gallery to stay at home with her little girl.

'We aren't sure exactly what's coming next, but I'm so glad I've been able to stay home with Laurel and didn't have to put her in daycare,' she explained.
Education alone will not lift millions of lower-caste Indians out of poverty and oppression as long as land in the country is in the hands of a powerful few, according to a Dalit writer whose memoir chronicles her family's struggles against caste.

India banned caste-based discrimination in 1955, but centuries-old biases persist, and lower-caste Dalits - once called 'untouchables' - are among the most marginalised communities in the country.

The biases persist even when a person is educated, and even in India's elite educational institutions, said Sujatha Gidla, whose parents were college professors and who herself studied at one of the country's best known engineering colleges.

Sujatha Gidla's new book - Ants Among Elephants: An Untouchable Family and the Making of Modern India - has received critical praise

'The untouchability problem is really a problem of land ownership,' said Gidla, 53, speaking by phone from New York, where she lives.

'As long as land is in the hands of a few, there will be a caste system ... (and) Dalits will continue to be untouchable'.

More than half India's lower-caste population is landless.

Landless Dalits are at the bottom of the age-old social hierarchy, making them vulnerable to discrimination and attacks by upper-caste Hindus, including recent ones by hardline 'gau rakshak' vigilantes who have lynched them on suspicion of eating beef or transporting cows, which they regard as sacred.

Dalits were once barred from public places including temples and water taps frequented by higher-caste Hindus, and restricted to jobs considered dirty or dangerous such as manual scavenging and the disposal of animal carcasses.

Gidla's book 'Ants Among Elephants: An Untouchable Family and the Making of Modern India' chronicles the lives of her family - including an uncle who went from being a student who wrote poetry to founding a guerrilla movement, as well as her mother's struggles with caste and sexism.

Mob Violence

Gidla grew up Christian in southern India, where many Dalits converted to Christianity as a way out of the caste system and to access educational opportunities otherwise denied to them.

'But even those who study don't have the same opportunities as their high-caste counterparts,' said Gidla, who moved to the United States when she was 26 years old.

'Things have not changed since my time,' she said, pointing to the suicide last year of a Dalit student at the same south Indian university where, 30 years ago, Gidla failed the admission interview despite scoring high in the examination.

Gidla's realisation of the inherent violence of the caste system came on July 17, 1985 when six Dalit men were killed and three young women raped by high-caste Hindus in Andhra Pradesh state in a case that shook the country for its brutality.

Untouchable village children sitting outside their house in brassmaking Dokhra village

The current spate of lynchings across the country is a reflection that not much has changed, she said; it is also a result of Dalits demanding their rights.

'When Dalits stayed in their place, they weren't subject to so much violence,' said Gidla, who works for the New York subway and wrote the book on her commute and breaks.

'The mob violence against them now is linked to their own political awakening and assertion.'

Dalits living in a slum along the Gomti river in Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh

Last month, India elected its second Dalit president in 70 years, who spoke of growing up in a mud hut in a small village.

Dalit leaders have also been demanding an end to 'dirty' jobs and land for landless labourers.

But ownership of land brings its own problems.

'As long as Dalits are just workers, there is no violence; when they become owners, there is violence,' Gidla said.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hoping to 'hoist' a countrywide mega show of nationalism for over a fortnight immediately after Independence Day.

The Tiranga Yatra will see the BJP's leaders reaching out to every household in India.

Led by party MPs in every parliamentary constituency and chanting Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai, BJP leaders and workers will hoist the tricolour at every home.

BJP leaders and workers want the tricolour flag hoisted from every home

Tiranga Yatra was conceived in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Though the Tiranga Yatra was conceived in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for seven days, he has asked BJP members to celebrate the occasion for 15 days this time, from August 16-31.

He has also told party workers to make it a regular event every year.

'PM Modi wants Tiranga Yatra to be a regular feature of the Independence Day celebrations in India.

'All BJP MPs, MLAs and other prominent leaders will take out the yatra in their areas and appeal to citizens to hoist the national flag for 15 days,' said Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari, who will be leading the march in his parliamentary constituency of North East Delhi on a bike.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching Tiranga Yatra at a public rally in Jhotrada village

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari

The party's programme comes amid growing instances of avowed nationalists challenging citizens to prove their loyalty to India by shouting the right slogan or showing respect to national symbols.

The BJP cadre has been specifically told not to use four-wheelers while on the quest. They will have to ride two-wheelers.

'The idea behind the Tiranga Yatra is to remind the countrymen of our martyrs and their supreme sacrifices. The national flag is a symbol which could instill the feeling of nationalism among the countrymen and have that unifying effect on the masses,' Tiwari said.

Last year, PM Modi had flagged off the Tiranga Yatra from Bhabra village in Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh, which is the birthplace of freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad.

Members of Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti take part in the 'Tiranga Yatra' from Vishwa Vidyalaya Metro Station to Hansraj College

Though the Tiranga Yatra was conceived in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for seven days, he has asked BJP members to celebrate the occasion for 15 days this time

The BJP leaders will also put up posters and photographs of martyrs in parks, markets and other public places in their areas.

However, strict instructions have been given to participants to follow the flag code so that the tricolour is not disrespected during the yatra.

They have been told to take down the tricolour at unset or ensure that the flag is well-lit after dusk.

While carrying the flag on two-wheelers, it has to be perched atop an eight-footlong bamboo stick.

'Across the nation, the BJP leaders would pay homage to the sung and unsung freedom fighters and in the process connect with the people of the region.

We also want every Indian to celebrate Independence Day with full pride and enthusiasm as it is the feeling of nationalism which unites 125 crore Indians,' said Poonam Mahajan, president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, which is also reaching out to the war veterans to instill a sense of nationalism among the young generation.

In another event to mark the 70 years of Independence, the war veterans would hand over national flags to BJP chiefs of all states and UTs in Delhi on August 9, and they will further camp in their states till August 15.

People hold Tricolor flag during take part in "Tiranga Yatra" at Azad park on the eve of Independence Day celebration in Allahabad

According to the plan, 27 state BJP presidents will assemble in Delhi on August 9 where beneficiaries of OROP will hand over the flags to them

Mail Today had reported that the BJP state presidents will tell the countrymen about contributions of the armed forces, the wars the country has fought since Independence and the sacrifices made by the the Army.

The programme will be launched on the occasion on 75 years of Quit India Movement in the national Capital and will conclude on August 15, when the country celebrates 70 years of Independence.

According to the plan, 27 state BJP presidents will assemble in Delhi on August 9 where beneficiaries of OROP will hand over the flags to them.

The tricolours will be carried by BJP workers through all the districts of the country.
Congress scion Rahul Gandhi came under vicious attack from a mob of stone pelters while he was on a tour of flood-affected areas of Banaskatha in Gujarat.

The stone pelters who attacked the car in which the Congress vice-president was seated were allegedly shouting pro-Modi slogans and carrying black flags.

Although Gandhi managed to escape unhurt, the SPG men in the backseat sustained some injuries.

Rahul Gandhi was attacked while on a tour of flood-affected areas of Gujarat

Shortly after the attack, Rahul Gandhi met people affected by floods in Banaskatha's Runi village.Thousands of people in Gujarat have been affected by floods for more than 10 days.

Gandhi was on the way from Lal Chowk to the helipad in Dhanera when the attack happened. Badgujar added that the person who threw stones on the vehicle of Rahul Gandhi had been detained.

However, Nitin Patel, the Deputy CM of Gujarat suggested that Gandhi himself was should be held responsible for the attack.

'Rahul Gandhi refused a bullet- proof car for travelling and opted for a private car', he added.

Rahul Gandhi took to twitter to claim that such attacks will not deter them and they will use their strength in helping people.

'Let them come. These people are scared. That is why they are protesting. Two  three black flags will not deter us,' Gandhi said when faced with protestors carrying black flags.

Several senior Congress leaders from Randeep Surjewala to Abhishek Manu Singhvi accused the BJP of orchestrating the attack. Singhvi termed those carrying out the 'dastardly' attack as BJP's goons.

The stone pelters who attacked the car in which the Congress vice-president was seated were apparently shouting pro-Modi slogans and carrying black flags

Rahul Gandhi's convoy was smashed by stone pelters

Randeep Surjewla tweeted, 'Windowpanes of Cong VP's car broken in an organised attack by goons, security staff injured. BJP must know truth can't be silenced.'

Earlier in the day Rahul Gandhi was heckled, black flags shown to him by protestors who were shouting pro  Modi slogans surging Gandhi's rally in Dhanera town in Banaskatha.

Gandhi left from the stage, where he was making a speech, in a bad mood. In a series of tweets, the Gujarat Chief Minister hit out at Rahul Gandhi terming his visit as a photo op.

The person who threw stones on the vehicle of Rahul Gandhi had been detained

'Instead of another photo-op, it would have been better had @OfficeOfRG & @INCIndia devoted time to proper relief work in flooded areas.', Rupani stated.

Rupani also did not stop taking potshots at the Congress and its legislators who have been absent from Gujarat during the flood situation prevailing in the state.

'The perpetual tourist, Shri @OfficeOfRG came to Gujarat but the people of Gujarat are asking- where are our INC MLAs in this crucial time?', Rupani tweeted.

Notably, the Congress has six MLAs from the district Congress leader visited today.

However, none of them have visited the flood affected areas as they have been kept away, in a resort in Bengaluru, as Congress feared their poaching in the run  up to the Rajya Sabha elections.

Gandhi has been visiting flood affected areas in various parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The ongoing mystery of women's hair being chopped while they sleep has taken on a dark and surreal twist.

Indian police now suspect the role of tantriks or a gang performing black magic as being responsible for asking superstitious people to chop off random braids.

Lately, women from several states - Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab and Delhi - have been reporting incidents of their braids being chopped when they are asleep or unconscious.

At least 55 women across five Indian states, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have reported waking to find their braids mysteriously cut off (stock image)

Incidents of chopped hair were reported on Friday as the police appealed to people to not indulge in rumour-mongering

In Delhi, cases have been reported from Najafgarh, Ranhola, Aman Vihar, Mangolpuri and Mundka.

Sources told Mail Today that during the recent two meetings between community leaders the possible role of tantriks has come to light.

Requesting anonymity, a source said: 'There have been many incidents in which unusual demands are made by the tantriks to the superstitious people who fall prey to them.'

Investigation: Forensic experts examine a 50-year-old victim in Kanganheri village, one of dozens of alleged attacks which have baffled police in India (file pic)

'It is possible that a gang of tantriks asked some superstitious people to chop off braids to achieve a desired result. And these people must have roped in others to help them achieve the target.

Usually, in such cases, the number that is to be achieved is very high so if any tantrik or a group is behind it then the incidents might go up,' said another source.

With such incidents on an alarming rise in the national Capital, Delhi Police has made an appeal to people to not spread rumours related to ghosts or bogeyman.

Attacked: A 49-year-old woman who claimed her braid was chopped off in a mystery attack shows off what is left of her hair in Kanganheri village, the outskirts of Delhi (file pic)

Police officials told Mail Today that so far the number of complaints received do not mention the exact sequence of events.

In fact, some victims are changing their statements now. Senior officials said they are 'not ruling out' the possibility of a foul play.

As the delirium spreads with the supernatural dominating the discussion, the police and psychologists are weighing in with their theories.

With more such incidents being reported every day, officials said they are still searching for clues and awaiting results from forensic experts.

Kanganheri, a village in South-West Delhi was spooked after three of its women reported that their braids had been chopped while they were sleeping.

Bogeyman, black magic or good ol' thievery ... the theories are many as the hysteria spreads, blurring the boundaries between superstition and crime in a largely rural belt.

On Friday, two fresh cases of chopped braids were reported but no official complaint was made.

One incident was reported from Mayapuri, while another was from South-East Delhi's Ambedkar Nagar. This is not the first time crimes related to black magic have made headlines.

Mystery: Monesh Devi, 55, is one of dozens attacked across India since July, a wave of 'braid choppings' which have caused panic (file pic)

In June, a 35-year-old man from Shahdara chopped the ears of his three-year-old daughter, claiming that a supernatural power had asked him to do so.

Similarly, a three-year-old girl who had gone missing on July 11, was thrown into a canal by her father to become a tantrik, police said.

The child's body was recovered from thecanal in Faridabad the next day.
Investigators from the National Investigation Agency are questioning three computer techies for allegedly having links with Islamic State on social media.

The accused IT 'terror nerds' are believed to have been radicalised by the popular TV speeches of Salafi preachers Zakir Naik and Anwar Al-Awlaki.

NIA investigation has revealed that several people in south India have links to a module following ISIS ideology using online media.

The NIA has intercepted three youths - two from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and one from Alappuzha in Kerala (file pic)

The information suggests that the ISIS module busted from Kanakamala in Kerala's Kannur district in 2016 is still active.

In the latest development, the NIA has intercepted three youths - two from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and one from Alappuzha in Kerala - who were closely in touch with the ISIS module and the 23-member group who left for Afghanistan mid 2016.

Those questioned includes an employee of a computer shop, another suspect runs an internet cafe and youngest member has completed MCA and is currently unemployed.

Other link Officials claim that suspects are also part of the group formed by Shajeer Mangalassery alias Abu Ayisha an absconder in the Kanakamala case who was reportedly killed in Afghanistan.

Zakir Abdul Karim Naik is an Indian Islamic preacher, and the founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation. He is also the founder of the 'comparative religion' Peace TV

'They were members of WhatsApp and Telegram groups through which Shajeer coordinated activities. However, they operated online using fake names and continue with ISIS activities even after the bust in October last year,' a senior NIA official told Mail Today.

The NIA has already filed a chargesheet against six persons besides Shajeer Mangalassery, who, while being outside India had hatched the criminal conspiracy and formed the terrorist gang to further the objectives of ISIS/ Daesh in India.

Shajeer Mangalassery had migrated to ISIS/ Daesh controlled territory in Afghanistan from the UAE in June 2016.

Anwar al-Awlaki was an American and Yemeni imam and Islamic lecturer. US government officials allege that he was as a senior recruiter and motivator

NIA in its raid carried out the residences of these people on Friday recovered around 80 compact discs, three mobile phones, and laptops.

The majority of CDs were of recordings of the speeches made by controversial religious leader Zakir Naik.

These persons were following the ISIS ideology for more than one year and were radicalised by speeches of Zakir Naik and Anwar Al-Awlaki.

During the searches, NIA officials seized several mobile phones, laptops, hard disks, pendrives, DVDs, CDs, memory cards, and SIM cards besides documents, including books and manuscripts.

The agency has sent the electronic devices for cyber forensic examination to ascertain their role in the case before recording their arrest.

The Umar Al Hindi module was busted by the NIA on October 2, 2016, when six persons, including module leader Manseed, aka Omar Al Hindi aka Muthuka, 30, of Kannur, were holding a secret meeting at Kanakamala.

Of the six persons arrested, Abu Basheer aka Rashid aka Buccha aka Dalpati aka Ameer, 29, belonged to South Ukkadam in Coimbatore.

He is the third accused in the case. The NIA searched his house following his arrest.

The module had allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy to commit terrorist activities in Kerala by targeting at least five prominent persons.

For some time now, Kerala's presence on the ISIS radar has baffled investigating agencies given its social indices of high literacy, welfare programmes, political awareness and remittance economy.

The largest number of youths have joined ISIS from Kerala compared to other states of the country.

Most of these sympathisers are connected to their handlers and Jihadis through encrypted chats or social media platforms.

In past couple of years security agencies have managed to track and crackdown on increasing presence of terror outfit in South India but it's treat is still looking in the country.
You shall be unswervingly loyal to the absolute leadership that the party has over the army, heed the call of the party, follow the party,' asserted chairman Xi Jinping, while officiating a mega parade at the Zhurihe Combined Tactics Training Base in Inner Mongolia on the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Images showed a martial Chinese President, also chairman of the Central Military Commission - the most powerful organisation in the Middle Kingdom - dressed in combat fatigues, driving in an open jeep and inspecting around 12,000 combat troops.

Xi told the PLA to be prepared for the battle and to defeat 'all enemies that dare to offend' China. Was it India, who had dared to challenge the mighty PLA when Beijing tried to change the status-quo at the tri-junction between Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim, the target?

It has been decades since China last fought a war and the country insists it has no hostile intent, and simply needs to defend itself. However it's increasingly assertive stance in the South China Sea has rattled its neighbours

A formation soldiers from the PLA's Rocket Force, which controls the nation's arsenal of nuclear and conventional ballistic missiles, shout pledges of loyalty during the parade, which are part of the celebrations of the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army

According to The South China Morning Post, 'Xi didn't specify any target', though the defence ministry spokesperson Ren Guoqiang stated that the parade was not targeted at China's 'surrounding situation', it was 'in accordance with the yearly training schedule.'

Military

Zhurihe is China's largest and most advanced military base. It was the first time that such a military parade was held outside Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

'It differed from previous events in its heavy emphasis on combat and field operations,' noted the Hong Kong newspaper.

It was indeed a huge display of military power; Xinhua reported that 40 per cent of the weapons on show had never before been seen by the public. Xi told the troops: 'You shall extend the battleground to wherever the party points. The world under heaven is not at peace, and peace needs safeguarding.'

China's military has undergone an extensive modernisation programme, cutting thousands of troops while investing heavily in modern technology, including drones, stealth fighters, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers

Unlike previous parades seen in Beijing, the troops in Inner Mongolia were clad in full combat gear, to further emphasis their readiness. It was also the first time that President Xi had reviewed troops in such a way

He added: 'We are closer than ever to realising China's great dream of national revitalisation and building a strong people's army.'

There is a contradiction here, which might become a problem for Xi.

Can Xi speak of a 'Chinese Dream' and a 'Peaceful Rise' while threatening to go to war against those who dare oppose China?

A war would undoubtedly take China 50 years back in development.

The PLA, in the meantime, continues to take giant steps towards the future. At the beginning of 2016, Beijing under-took in-depth reforms of its defence forces, aiming at a far wider 'integration'.

Apart from the traditional three 'services' - the PLA's Army, Navy and Air Force - the PLA now has a Rocket Force (formerly, the second artillery) and a Strategic Support Force (SSF), which could be game changing.

It could be a critical organisation for dominance in space, cyber and electromagnetic domains.

China is looking into the future.

Missile launchers, self-propelled artillery and transport helicopters stand on display behind the formations of troops. Xi said the Chinese military had the capabilities to 'preserve national sovereignty, security and interests'

Chinese Type 99 tanks parade, followed by elite airborne troops in helicopters above. The march took place at the remote Zhurihe training base in inner Mongolia, which is Asia's largest military training centre. The Chinese military said the parade had been planned for some time, and was not related to the current tensions in North Korea

Missile

China's military modernisation will include the ability to attack at long ranges any adversary forces that may deploy or operate within the Western Pacific Ocean.

An array of weapons, like different types of missiles such as the new HQ-19 missile -which are specifically used to intercept ballistic missiles mid-course - are being developed.

China is also working on an unmanned combat aerial vehicle named the 'Black Sword', which could compete with the best US drones. But there are other aspects that one can't ignore.

Not all is rosy in China today.

According to a blog on the People's Daily website, on July 26 and 27, the days before Xi met the National Security Advisors of the BRICS, a seminar was held in Beijing and the purpose was to 'unify the understanding among Party members'.

Chinascope, a website which publishes translations and analysis of the Chinese media, pointed out that the meeting was different this year: 'First, the seminar location was changed from the Party School to the Jing Xi Hotel'.

This hotel, closed to foreigners, is located near the Military Museum and Defence Ministry and is run by the PLA's General Staff Department. Why was the venue changed? Is Xi more 'secure' under the PLA wings?

Divisions on display: Up to 12,000 troops, 570 vehicles and 129 jets participated in the parade. State media reported that it was the first time that 40 per cent of the vehicles had been presented, which highlighted China's massive military spending

Challenges

It was also different due to the large participation of party cadres; it included the seven members of the Political Standing Committee, provincial party bosses, top leaders from central government, representatives of the People's Congress, the judiciary and of course, the PLA.

A telling detail: No paper and no pens were seen on the tables. In his speech, Xi said he was 'aware of the challenges': 'The world is undergoing a dramatic change while China is facing serious challenges.

'How do we deal with the complexity of the world and gain control on the international stage? How can we seize the opportunity and break through conflicts and risks as China enters a critical development stage?

'How can the party overcome the tests and risks and continue to be the leading party of the country? These are the important questions the party members should answer.'

In the next few days, the leadership will move to the seaside resort of Behaide. It doesn't mean things will be less steamy. The battle for the 19th Congress seems to have started.

The PLA is bound to play a crucial role in the power struggle at the top of the party. We'll have to wait for a few months to see which way the smoke blows.

Meanwhile, the PLA, 90 years after its foundation, seems much behind its chairman. The confrontation in Dokalam should be seen in this perspective.

The writer is expert on China and Tibet
Here's a 30-minute keynote that Bruce Sterling gave in 1994 to the ICA's "Towards the Aesthetics of the Future" VR conference in London. You should watch it, if only for the insight it gives into the early years of today's most contested technology questions.



I'm pretty sure this was the year I first met Bruce face-to-face, at a Philcon. I was a fresh Clarion graduate who had dropped out of university after reading a transcript of Bruce's keynote at the 1991 Game Developers Conference, and had followed his coverage of the crypto-wars in the first issues of Wired Magazine; I read and reviewed The Hacker Crackdown at the bookstore I was working in and hand-sold it by the boxload. This video shows Bruce exactly as I remember him then: his laconic Texas delivery still a little disjointed, rather than the gnomic mystique he'd develop later; wearing a cyberpunk leather jacket, freely mixing science fictional speculation about living in a vat of shared blood with wry jokes about the foolishness of allowing US spooks to backdoor UK computers.





This speech is a remarkable time-capsule. 1994 was the height of the Clipper chip debate, the first salvo in our decades-long crypto war. It was the early years of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and a host of other organizations that didn't prosper as well in the years to come (I can't remember the last time I heard of the Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility). VR was in its first blush, and there was massive investment and hype, and media companies were trying to figure out how to make money with it, while the users were split between those whose brains and bodies responded fully to the bulky helmet and glove combos, and those who were left flat (or worse, nauseated) by the experience.





The arguments about crypto and backdoors are remarkable too, if only for how little the underlying substance has changed (crypto works, putting backdoors in crypto makes it stop working, crypto is key to securing computers)  but of course today we have much less abstract debates about these issues: on the one hand, the Apple vs FBI kerfuffle after the San Bernardino shootings; on the other hand, a planet brought to its knees by dum-dums after an NSA backdoor got out into the wild.





Keen Sterling readers will recognize, towards the end, a plot device that turned up in his excellent and prescient climate-change novel Heavy Weather, published the following year: the breathable heavy liquid must have felt like an incredible balm to the still-a-Texas Sterling, whose asthma was confounded by smoking, pollen and scorching heat.

I'm also struck by the generational difference among the cyberpunks and post-cyberpunks in our speech delivery. That first wave, composed of smart, thoughtful midwesterners, southerners, Texans and the occasional laid-back Californian, were wont to speak slowly, thoughtfully, in measured tones, as with seers staring off into a great distance, taking care to describe what they were seeing as precisely as possible. The post-cyberpunks who came after are overheated, frothy, a little spittle-flecked (guilty as charged), the kind of people who can drive a simultaneous interpretation translator to fits of tears (I'm sorry, honestly). Something about the compressed attention spans of the noughties versus the nineties?





Bruce Sterling talking in London in 1994 [Bruce Sterling/Beyond the Beyond]
Penny pincher: Multi-millionaire Tory MP Nadhim Zahawi

Businessman and Tory MP Nadhim Zahawi, founder of polling firm Yougov, informs the Commons register he was paid 200 to appear on the World Service.

As the second highest-earning MP, with a 25million property empire, it seems odd to have accepted the fee.

But then Iraqi-born Zahawi, 50, is a parsimonious figure. It was revealed during the expenses scandal he claimed 31p for paper clips, 53p to buy a hole punch, 63p for ballpoint pens and 89p for a stapler.

On another note, why's the BBC paying politicians to appear on its shows?

There are questions over the suitability of former Goldman Sachs President Gary Cohn, 56, to succeed Janet Yellen, as many predict, as the next head of the Federal Reserve.

Washington observers suggest Cohn's aggressive personality, honed on the trading floor, will be ill-suited to the Fed's scholarly environs.

'Like a bulldog guiding an institution of eggheads,' is how one commentator put it yesterday.

Harrods has opened a Wellness Clinic, offering all manner of over-the-odds holistic treatments.

The emporium's previous owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed, was a devotee of alternative therapies.

Piers Morgan claims the eccentric Egyptian, 88, once gave him a special copper energy bracelet, advising him: 'It will have a tremendous effect on your nether regions and activate you sexually.

But be warned: Don't exercise it too much or you'll end up in a wheelchair.'

Aviva boss Mark Wilson, 50, neatly dodged a question on Radio 4 yesterday on whether he was worth his 4.3million a-year pay packet, saying: 'I'll let the shareholders answer that.

They can determine what I'm paid.' Do they really? BP and WPP investors rejected Bob Dudley and Sir Martin Sorrell's giant pay packets last year, though much good it did them.

London Stock Exchange boss Xavier Rolet was on bubbly form yesterday announcing his firm's interim results.

Perhaps Monsieur Rolet, 57, was excited about heading off to his beautiful Provencal vineyard, Chene Bleu, where he and wife Nicole produce award-winning wines.

If anyone's dining sur l'herbe this weekend, my local tilt merchant informs me their 2016 rose is drinking nicely.
If youre a blur Group shareholder, these past few days have been just that: a blur.

The e-commerce enabler has had a rough time of it of late after its shares were temporarily suspended in June as it looked to shore up its finances.

blur announced last month that it had raised 1.75mln on the condition that shareholders backed various board changes, including the appointment of a new chairman.

All at sea: Providence shares dipped 36% on Friday

Those proposals were voted through without a hitch this week and the new-look board confirmed it is performing a strategic review and will use the recently-raised cash to implement a new growth plan.

As for blurs final results, which were also published this week, they showed underlying losses narrowed dramatically in 2016, to just US$3.5mln from almost US$9mln.

The AIM-quoted group wasnt done there though. The overhaul was complete when founder and long-term chief executive Philip Letts stepped aside to allow Laurence Cook, formerly blurs chief commercial officer, to take over the reins.

Investors seemed to like the new direction their company was taking, with blur shares almost doubling to 4.3p.

UK Oil & Gas was flowing higher once again this week following the latest update from its potentially significant Broadford Bridge licence in the Weald Basin.

UKOG revealed on Monday that it now has all the necessary regulatory approvals for a planned flow testing programme to test some 926 feet of its Broadford Bridge well.

Broadford Bridge has encountered a massive section of the Kimmeridge play which, according to UKOG, in this location is seen to be extensively naturally-fractured and oil bearing from a depth of 3,800 feet to below 5,640 feet.

At the same time, the company has now applied to the West Sussex County Council to extend the exploration/testing phase for a further year, to 15 September 2018.

Shares have been rising on the back of recent positive news flow from Broadford and this week was no different, with the stock adding 20% to 7.6p.

In wasnt quite the same story for Real Good Food which left investors with a sour taste in their mouths after warning that it will miss forecasts made only a month or so ago.

The cake decoration and bakery products group said results for the year to March 2017 had been affected by two substantial sugar purchase claims discovered by the auditors.

Some previously capitalised development costs that should have gone through the profit and loss account will also affect the numbers.

As a result, underlying profits (EBITDA) are estimated to be 2mln, compared to a forecast of 5.0mln-5.4mln made in June, though this figure is still subject to final audit.

Profits for the current year, to March 2018, will also be some 2.3mln lower than previously expected due to a slower start on expansion work at its Renshaw icing business, and soft trading conditions in the first three months of the year.

The stock lost 40% of its value come Friday afternoon to trade at 20.3p.

Overall though it was pretty good week for those listed on the junior market. The AIM All Share index added 0.7%, or 7 points, to sit at 990  just shy of its 2017 highs.

Its also been a pretty strong week for FTSE 100-quoted companies, with the blue chip index adding 1.5%, or 112 points, to close the week just above the 7,480 mark.

There were contrasting fortunes for two junior oil and gas explorers this week.

Echo Energy was in demand after its new chief executive told investors that it had been a very busy start since its relaunch earlier this year

In a bullish interim report, Fiona MacAuley said: We have already taken our first steps of creating the building blocks of a mid-cap E&P [exploration and production] company alongside building a portfolio with multi-Tcf [trillion cubic feet] potential.

She added that Echo would conduct rigorous technical and commercial analysis to help it discover high value assets in Latin America.

MacAuley also said that the company is ready to jump in at the low point of the E&P cycle as it looks to ride the wave to more lucrative times.

Those buzzwords and the talk of discovering lots of gas in a market that is only headed upwards got investors excited, with Echo shares up 21% for the week to 11.2p.

The same couldnt be said of Providence Resources though, which shed 36% of its value this week, with most of those losses coming on Friday.

Providence told the markets that its drilling operation offshore Ireland hit the Druid target as planned, but shares sank on the news that the reservoir was filled with water rather than black gold.

The explorer said it will still drill down to test the deeper Drombeg target which is about 1km beneath Druid, but given that the latter accounted for slightly more than 3bn barrels of the wells 5bn barrel total resource potential, its easy to see why investors were jumping ship.

Providence shares dipped 36% to 10.3p come Friday afternoon.
Profits at the London Stock Exchange jumped to 277million in the first half of the year, after it narrowly avoided a takeover by the Germans.

The 21billion deal with overseas rival Deutsche Boerse was backed by LSE's board and only fell apart because of interference from the European Union.

The British firm's results suggest it could have a bright future on its own  but commentators said another suitor could yet emerge.

Hot property: Profits at the London Stock Exchange jumped to 277m in the first half of the year

'Everything is going global these days,' said David Buik of stockbroker Panmure Gordon.

'It all depends if the right partner comes along  the counterparty would have to be a perfect fit, something immensely complementary.'

Revenues at the LSE rose 18 per cent to 853million, and its interim dividend was up 20 per cent at 14.4p.

Chief executive Xavier Rolet described it as a 'strong financial performance', with good growth in all areas.

He also mounted a strong defence of the company's lucrative euro clearing business, which handles 2.1trillion of trades a day.

Politicians on the Continent have repeatedly said they hope to snatch this prize away when Britain leaves the European Union  and one industry estimate suggests as many as 100,000 jobs could be at risk.

But the EU has since said it will seek to give its watchdogs joint oversight of foreign clearing houses, only forcing them to move in exceptional circumstances.

Rolet said the authorities had finally recognised that it would be 'far more dangerous' to run euro clearing on the continent, away from the institutions and rules of the City.

The LSE is also fighting to secure the listing of 1.5trillion Saudi state oil firm Aramco, in what will be the world's biggest ever flotation.

The kingdom is planning to sell 5 per cent of the business to foreign investors, and London and New York are both desperate for the right to host it. LSE shares rose 3 per cent, or 111p, to 3880p.
Mobile operators are calling for major reforms to Britain's planning system so they can erect 500,000 masts for their new super-fast 5G network.

The bosses of Three, EE and O2 say a rapid increase in the number of transmitters across the country is needed for a proposed 5G mobile network to be in place by 2020.

The technology, which is still being tested, will mean data can be transferred wirelessly at dramatically faster speeds than existing 3G and 4G networks.

It is seen as a vital step as more devices connect to the so-called 'internet of things', placing more demand on existing airwaves.

Mobile data: The bosses of Three, EE and O2 say a rapid increase in the number of transmitters across the country is needed for a proposed 5G mobile network to be in place by 2020

It could be potentially used by driverless cars, home appliances and infrastructure such as traffic lights.

But the frequency used by 5G means more signal masts will be needed, and mobile companies insist planning applications take too long and could make installing them an impossible task.

One said the system was 'a nightmare', while another warned Britain was at risk of falling behind other countries.

It comes after the Government said it wanted the UK to become a global leader in the field.

Speaking as his company unveiled its latest results, Three chief executive Dave Dyson said the number of smaller antennas needed  those which can be fixed to buildings, lamp posts and signs  could be as high as 500,000.

He added: 'It is a significant step change from where we are today ... the industry in the UK is at risk of lagging behind.' Mark Evans, boss of Telefonica UK, which trades as O2, added: 'It's essential our investment in digital infrastructure is not thwarted by analogue planning practices.'

Plans for phone masts often face opposition from those living nearby because of their appearance, but industry figures argue they are becoming as important as utilities such as water and must be given a higher priority.

Mobile operators believe changes could be brought forward quickly but these would likely face strong opposition from councils, which are responsible for approving mast applications.

Martin Tett, the Local Government Association's environment spokesman, said yesterday: 'Planning controls exist to give people the power over developments that impact on their quality of life, and they should be respected.'

He said about 90pc of applications for masts were approved.

The Government is due to set out possible changes it could make to the planning system to help the rollout of 5G before the end of the year.
Mining firm Randgold glistened yesterday after reporting a surge in profits as it digs around for its next 'world-class' gold deposit.

The company  which operates in the African nations of Mali, the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo  made a 187.7million profit in the first six months of the year, up 53 per cent on the same period in 2016.

It extracted 663,786oz of gold, up 16 per cent, while the cost of getting each ounce out of the ground fell 13 per cent to 453.

Traders took their hard hats off to the firm, driving shares up 3.4 per cent, or 240p, to 7235p, making it one of the day's best performers.

The figures rather overshadowed those of smaller rival Centamin, which saw gold production fall to 124,641oz in the second quarter, down 11 per cent on a year earlier.

Panning out nicely: Randgold made a 187.7m profit in the first six months of the year, up 53 per cent on the same period in 2016

This slump at its Egyptian mines drove profits down 48 per cent to 28.8million, although bosses said the pain would only be temporary.

Centamin had been focused on cutting back the wall of a pit which was hiding promising seams that can now be accessed in coming months, it said. Shares fell 0.2 per cent, or 0.3p, to 166.7p.

It was a rockier ride for mining minnow Shanta Gold after chief executive Toby Bradbury quit.

The AIM-listed company is changing its strategy due to a crackdown in Tanzania, where the government has pledged to go after foreign firms for extra taxes.

Bradbury has been replaced by former finance boss Eric Zurrin, who will focus on controlling the company's costs. Shares fell 6.3 per cent, or 0.25p, to 3.72p.

STOCK WATCH - METMINCO Troubled Australian gold miner Metminco fell yesterday after its chairman quit. Phillip Wing  who has been with the firm for a decade  has left immediately with no successor in place. Metminco is digging in Columbia, Chile and Peru and hopes to start producing gold in the first half of 2019. In April, the firm revealed a 74.4million annual loss  even worse than the 29.4million lost in the previous year. Shares dived 4.8 per cent, or 0.12p, to 2.5p.

A slew of corporate results drove much of the action on the FTSE 100, helping it climb 0.85 per cent, or 63.34 points to 7474.77.

Next (up 9.7pc, or 388p, to 4401p) topped the leaderboard after telling traders that sales would not fall by as much this year as it previously thought.

Shares in Imperial Brands  up 3.1 per cent, or 100.5p, to 3305p  and British American Tobacco  up 3.1 per cent, or 150p, to 5004p  bounced back thanks to a dip in sterling, which helps them as their overseas profits are more valuable in British currency.

The two cigarette makers fell heavily earlier this week when US regulators announced a crackdown on the industry.

Medical supplier ConvaTec was dog of the day falling 6.4 per cent, or 19.7p, to 289.3p. The firm makes colonoscopy bags and catheters, and went public for 4.4billion last year in London's biggest float.

But although revenues for the first half of 2017 inched up to 632.4million from 630.9million the previous year, profits slipped 7 per cent to 146.3million.

The announcement of a maiden interim dividend of $0.014 per share did nothing to improve investors' mood.

Elsewhere in healthcare, pharmaceuticals firm Shire has launched a review which could see it split in half.

The company's neurosciences division is responsible for around a fifth of its sales and is a big earner in America, where its ADHD drugs are hugely popular.

Chief executive Flemming Ornskov described it as an 'incredibly strong business that could stand alone'.

New York and London are both thought to be contenders to host the new business.

A separation would leave Shire free to put all its energy into its rare diseases arm.

This is the key money-spinner and has made valuable breakthroughs in immunology, haematology, internal medicine, eye ailments, oncology and anti-virals.

'We are at an exciting inflection point,' Ornskov said. Shares slipped 2 per cent, or 82p, to 4118p.
Billionaire US hedge fund boss Steven Cohen has been banned from operating in the UK

A billionaire who faced insider trading charges has reportedly been blocked from acting for UK investors.

Steven Cohen, who is thought to be worth nearly 10billion, was said to be seeking permission to allow his office to handle cash for others.

Point72, which manages his personal fortune, is allowed to trade in Britain without authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority.

But the firm must obtain consent in order to expand to handle external clients.

The FCA is thought to have indicated this would not be forthcoming, but has not officially said no.

Point72 opened a London office last year and Will Tovey, a former head of Barclays European equity distribution operation, was hired to run it.

Hedge fund boss Cohen was last year barred from managing clients money in the US after an insider trading probe which saw an underling jailed for nine years.

However, his ban will lift next year, and he could then apply to the FCA for permission again.
Sofa takeover: DFS has snapped up rival Sofology for 25m

SOFA DEAL Sofa chain DFS has snapped up rival Sofology in a 25million deal, just weeks after it warned over profits and an uncertain economic environment.

The acquisition will see DFS take over Sofology's chain of 37 UK stores and the group said it has already identified 4million in annual cost savings as part of the tie-up. Last year, Sofology reported revenue of 143million but booked a statutory loss before tax of 8.9million.

BREXIT BOON Swiss bank Julius Baer has bucked the trend of financial firms shifting staff to the EU in the wake of Brexit by launching a large-scale expansion in Britain.

The private bank will open new offices in Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow, while also establishing a team in Belfast as it looks to tap private wealth held outside the capital.

RISING REVENUES Mobile operator Three has cheered rising revenues despite earnings slipping back in response to customer and investment costs.

The telecoms firm, which is owned by Chinese conglomerate CK Hutchison, said half-year earnings dropped 2 per cent to 341million, down from 348million in 2016.

TECH JOBS Telecoms firm Vodafone has set up a website to show off its research in a bid to attract talented software engineers.

Vodafone Labs describes work the company is doing on an artificial intelligence, including a 'chatbot' called Tobi, as well as speech recognition software.

PAY DRAMA Cinema workers involved in a long-running pay dispute are to stage a fresh wave of strikes this weekend.

Members of the Bectu union at five London Picturehouse venues will walk out from 4pm on Friday until 5am on Sunday.

FORMER RIVAL Waste management firm Renewi has appointed the ex-boss of a rival company to its board.

Luc Sterckx, the former chief executive of waste company Indaver, will serve as non-executive director from September.

SHIRT DISPENSER Fashion retailer Uniqlo has launched a vending machine that dispenses shirts and jackets.

The machine, located in Oakland Airport in California, will dispense clothing items at the touch of a button.

BAR BOOST Premium bar and restaurant The Alchemist has snapped up three new UK sites for 4.5million.

The new venues in Bristol, Cardiff and Nottingham, add to its existing 12 sites across the country.
Aviva boss Mark Wilson claims the UK car insurance market punishes loyal customers

The UK's car insurance market is 'dysfunctional' and punishes loyal customers, the boss of Aviva has said.

Mark Wilson hit out at the way customers are tempted to switch with ultra-low premiums for the first year at a new insurer while those loyal to a single company see their bills rise.

'The industry puts its premiums up year after year ... we're trying to develop products that increase customer loyalty,' Wilson said.

Car premiums across the industry rose by 11 per cent on average in the last 12 months, driven by rule changes forcing it to pay higher compensation to accident victims.

The firm's overall profits climbed to 1billion in the first half of 2017, up 57.1 per cent on the same period last year.

The bulk of this came from its life insurance division, where profits climbed 8 per cent.

Bosses are now sitting on a 1.7billion war chest, and Wilson said he was prepared to buy smaller companies to help the firm grow.

Aviva also unveiled a ten-year deal which will see products sold at HSBC branches. Shares rose 0.1 per cent, or 0.5p, to 538p in trading.
Joe Nickell is terrible at sighting ghosts and has a pitiful record of catching extra-terrestrials.

Its as if theyre not real, he says.

Nickell is perhaps the worlds only full-time salaried paranormal investigator. He travels around the world conducting field research on everything from monsters and ghosts to psychics and religious phenomena.

People call him a debunker but Nickell is unapologetic about trying to find the truth. Hes been investigating hauntings since attending his first seance in 1969 and says he has never come across any evidence that would prove the existence of ghosts.

The Loch Ness monster? It's an otter, he says. Bigfoot? Oh, thats just a bear.

It is, after all, his job to explain away the paranormal.

For more than two decades Joe Nickell (pictured with some unusual drinking buddies) - a former stage magician and detective - has traveled around the world challenging paranormal claims with the Center for Skeptical Inquiry in Buffalo, New York. He's pictured here at a 'Martian' bar in New York City for a 1999 BBC-produced series

Nickell (pictured) is perhaps the world's only full-time paranormal investigator. He began to consider himself a skeptic of paranormal claims in 1969 when he attended his first seance as part of a CBC radio special, Houdini in Canada. He's held his own seance since 1996

Bigfoot is just one of the myths Nickell disproves for a living. Here he's on an expedition at Bluff Creek in California, the site of an infamous Bigfoot 'sighting'

Nickell points toward scientifically explainable reasons for why people may think theyve seen the supernatural. A ghost could be the result of sleep paralysis, the traumatic grief of losing a loved one and the power of suggestion. He has a theory, though, about why people remain fascinated with the paranormal.

People do have very human needs. They want to believe in wonderful things. When theyre in grief, they have trouble coping with that, said Nickell, whos authored numerous books on the paranormal and served as a character consultant on the 2007 horror movie The Reaping.

His lack of specific credentials  he has a PhD in English from the University of Kentucky  is offset by experience and a broad area of knowledge.

He is frequently asked to comment on paranormal subjects, usually as the token skeptic. Hes worked on popular cases like the events that inspired the hit movie The Haunting in Connecticut, which he thinks was made up for media exploitation.

The causes for other haunted houses may not be so nefarious. One person may influence or spread an idea to another, said Nickell, thats why as a hotel or a house becomes thought of as haunted more ghostly encounters are reported.

This was the case for the Mackenzie House in Toronto, where footfalls were heard on the stairs for decades until, in the early 1970s, he investigated and found that they were coming from a late-night cleaning crew in the building next door.

At various haunted inns, many apparitions have turned out to be due to the person experiencing a common 'waking dream'. Nickell 'caught' the 'ghost' of Mackenzie House (pictured) in Toronto during the early 1970s when his investigation discovered the haunted footfalls on the staircase were being caused by nothing more than a late-night cleaning crew in the building next door

Even with this explanation, the Mackenzie House is still considered to be the most haunted house in Toronto.

Anyone could be fooled by some iillusion, Nickell said.

Questioning the supernatural is important, he said. This maxim speaks to his lifelong obsession with unraveling secrets.

Growing up in the Appalachian town of West Liberty, Kentucky, Nickell was a curious child whose parents indulged his obsessions. When Nickell became interested in magic, his father, a postmaster and amateur magician, taught him some of the tricks that he knew. He became an amateur sleuth at the age of eight when his parents bought him a professional fingerprinting kit and he turned a room in his house into a crime lab.

As a child, Nickell dreamed of becoming a magician, later an investigator. He dreamed of becoming a lot of things and, at 72, has become most of them. He still counts his heroes as Harry Houdini and other magicians who used their magic talents to expose trickery.

On moving to Toronto in 1968, Nickell (above in an undated photo) renewed his childhood interest in magic and began his career as a magic pitchman in a carnival. His father was an amateur magician and taught him some of the tricks that he knew

Nickell often performed magic tricks and sold magic kits in toy stores, as seen in these undated photos at Simpson's department store in Toronto. He did his last shows as a professional stage magician in 1973 because he began work as a private investigator

Nickells first seance was in 1969 in Toronto for a CBC documentary called Houdini in Canada. Despite the mediums pronouncement, he said Houdini was a no-show. Hes conducted his own seances every Halloween since 1996 at the Center for Inquiry, where he works.

A former detective with the world-renowned Pinkerton agency, Nickell has gone undercover for his paranormal investigations. He has shaved his moustache, walked with a cane and done a number of things to fool his suspects, who know his usual persona all too well.

Nickell went undercover at Camp Chesterfield, dubbed the Coney Island of spiritualism, to show that a mediums pronouncements werent the work of the divine but a magic trick. He called himself Jim Collins and limped with a cane around the Indiana site for a few days, telling anyone who would listen about his mothers death.

Nickell has used disguises several times in his work as a paranormal investigator appearing undercover, for example, as a seance attendee (left) at the spiritualist village, Camp Chesterfield, in Indiana

He participated in a psychic reading at a church on the grounds where he was instructed to write down the names of loved ones who had died and a question. The medium read his message and told him his mother wants you to know shell always be there for you.

It was very moving, in this situation it was very, very moving, said Nickell. I was nearly on the verge of tears until I remembered that at that time my mother was still alive and wasnt named Mrs Collins. And I felt so much better because Id just caught another trickster.

Nickell typically uses evidence collection bags, swabs, camera and a magnifier in an effort to eliminate bias from his work

In a field thats commonly divided into believers and debunkers  people whose minds have been made up prior to inquiry  Nickell has gained international attention for being a fair-minded investigator.

Nickells explanations for the paranormal are often quite mundane.

In the case of lake monsters, for instance, a few otters swimming in a line can create the illusion of one large creature, he said. Otters exist everywhere in the world except Australia, which could explain the variations on the monster, he added.

In the case of the Loch Ness monster, Nickell suggested its a large otter based on its undulating locomotion, relative size and fast speed. He was at Loch Ness in 2012 and didnt find the fabled creature.

Then theres Big Foot, the tall, hairy bipedal creature thats thought to stalk forests. Well, its probably a black or brown bear standing on its hind legs, Nickell said. Not every Big Foot sighting can be explained away by bears, he admitted, but its an example of how peoples perceptions can be fooled.

As described in Nickells book Tracking the Man-Beasts, hes searched for the North American Bigfoot, as well as its international counterparts, for years and has found no fossil evidence or specimen. Throughout his research he did, however, befriend costume maker Phillip Morris, who claimed he made the gorilla suit for the infamous 1967 Bigfoot film.

Nickell has gone on numerous lake-monster expeditions, often for a television documentary or series. He's investigated Scotland's Loch Ness monster and is shown in this undated photo on a sonar-equipped boat on New York's Lake Champlain in search of the creature Champ. At none of the lakes has he found convincing evidence for a monster

Fraudsters use similar tricks, whether theyre faking Bigfoot or Jesus, Nickell said.

I treat religious claims the same as any other, he said. Early on in skepticism, a lot of skeptics would say, We dont get into religion. Lets not get into that. Thats a whole can of worms. Lets just stick to Bigfoot and ghosts and flying saucers and so forth".

And I came along and said, No, the Shroud of Turin, the weeping icons, the faith healing miracles  those are important to look at and they deserve to be criticized and examined in the same way that any other claim but you do it with respect."'

The Shroud of Turin (above) is a linen cloth believed so seriously by some Christians to bear the image of Christ that Pope Francis has visited the icon at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, where it's stored in a vault. Nickell has investigated the case since 1977 and believes it to be the work of a 13th or 14th century artist

The Shroud of Turin, for example, is a linen cloth believed so seriously many Christians as the burial cloth of Jesus that even Vatican historians vouch for its authenticity but Nickell claims it's no more than a medieval forgery. Tests have shown the bloodstains on the cloth are paint and carbon dating has placed its manufacture at 1260 and 1390 AD, he said. To illustrate this claim, he created a Shroud of Bing Crosby using powdered pigments and a bas-relief sculpture.

Wanting to believe can cloud a persons judgement, said Nickell, especially when theyre looking for a miracle.

In 1991, Nickell and members of the New York Area Skeptics group went to a small Greek Orthodox Church in Queens, New York, to examine the icon of St Irene, patron saint of the sick and of peace, when it supposedly began to cry. They found that the icons glistening varnish and surface irregularities created a play of light that produced the appearance of weeping.

Nickell also examines religious claims, such as the 1990 case of the 'weeping' St Irene icon at a small Greek Orthodox Church in Queens, New York (pictured). The icon attracted thousands of pilgrims over the few days it was reputed to be 'weeping'

In 1997, Nickell investigated another 'weeping' icon at a Toronto church at the request of an attorney for the Greek Orthodox Church of North America. There he took samples of the 'tears', which proved to be a non-drying oil, deliberately placed on the icon by someone

The Greek Orthodox Church later pronounced the 'weeping' icon, being held by Nickell in this 1997 photo, to be a hoax

His paranormal hypotheses have been proven right before. For decades, visitors to the Van Horn Mansion in the small community of Burt, New York, reported seeing a ghostly figure dressed in white. It turns out this ghost was a mannequin in the window, he said.

Its not my job to explain that theres no ghosts, said Nickell. I dont feel like I have to wrestle someone to the ground and beat on them the scientific knowledge.

Armed with a series of kits packed into plastic bins, Nickell typically uses evidence collection bags, swabs, camera and a magnifier in an effort to eliminate bias from his work.

In search of monsters: The truth behind famous myths and legends, according to Joe Nickell Vampires unearthed: Health epidemics caused scares Epidemics were invariably behind vampire scares, Nickell says. A stricken persons lethargy, pale appearance, coughing of blood and contagiousness, although actually due to consumption, were attributed to vampires. Blood found at the mouth of a suspected vampires corpse that had been exhumed was considered evidence of vampiric feeding, even though that's part of the natural human decomposition process. Getting ghosted: Pranks, sleep deprivation or even carbon monoxide poisoning can explain sightings Nickell has never come across any evidence that would prove the existence of ghosts in his almost 50-year career as a paranormal investigator. Instead, he points toward scientifically explainable reasons for why people may think they've seen the paranormal. Ghosts are often the result of pranks, environmental phenomenon and physiological conditions like sleep paralysis and sleep deprivation, Nickell says. Ghostly sightings may also be brought on by drug use or carbon monoxide poisoning. Testing the water: In search of the elusive Loch Ness monster There's numerous reasons against the existence of lake monsters, Nickell says. One reason he gives is that dead animals usually float to the surface and a monster specimen has yet to be found. Another possible explanation he provides is that large reptiles need to breathe, which means they would need to surface frequently. Lake monsters may be an illusion caused by a group of otters swimming in a line, floating objects, singular large waves or plain ole hoaxes, he says. Nessie? Claimed to be the first photograph of the Loch Ness monster, this was known as the 'surgeon's photograph because it was supposedly taken in 1934 by a London gynecologist called Robert Kenneth Wilson who refused to have his name associated with it. It was considered evidence of the monster for a number of years but since 1994 it has been widely agreed the photo was a hoax. What the howl? Blame the French for werewolves The werewolf may be the oldest myth in folklore and likely grew out of a misconception of medical conditions such as hypertrichosis, where excessive hair grows all over the body. French sailors and settlers brought the werewolf myth to America, Nickell says. In France, an unidentified animal had wreaked horror on various villages. Similar animal attacks occurred in America and, without reason to think otherwise, the French blamed it on werewolves. Turns out, some European 'werewolf' attacks were the work of murderers, Nickell says. The hairy truth about Bigfoot The majority of Bigfoot evidence consists of eyewitness accounts. Yet, as psychologists and juries know such accounts can be inaccurate, Nickell says. While these anecdotes shouldn't be dismissed, he says, they can't replace physical evidence of Bigfoot. A Bigfoot carcass has never been found and there's no fossil record fitting the monster's description, he says. A plausable explanation for Bigfoot, Nickell says, is a brown or black bear standing on its hind legs. This still from the infamous 1967 film by Roger Patterson appears to show a clear image of a female Bigfoot, later nicknamed Patty, striding along a riverbank. Skeptics, including Nickell, insist the creature is simply a person in an ape suit Advertisement

Since 1995, hes received a small endowment for his work as a full-time paranormal investigator under the auspices of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. The organization, located on the outskirts of Buffalo, New York, promotes scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims. But Nickell is adamant that hes not the heartless debunker who dismisses paranormal believers as gullible fools.

Im confident that if I can explain a mystery then the debunking will take care of itself, said Nickell. So, where the debunker might say, Oh, those people were probably drinking. So, not a ghost, what Im gonna do is say, I went there. Those people were very sincere and they had actually had an experience, so no one should accuse them of anything nefarious.

Nickell said hes also interviewed numerous people who claim to have been abducted by aliens and found them to be decent, sane people. UFOs are real in the sense that there is really something unidentified flying in the sky thats been caught on camera, he said, its just not being flown by extraterrestrials.

Nickell has conducted hands-on examinations of such 'miraculous' phenomena as statues exhibiting heartbeats, as shown here in this undated photo at a site of reported supernatural appearances by the Virgin May in Conyers, Georgia

For decades Nickell has studied reports of unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, and addressed the subject of alien visitations in several books. He's pictured here in 2005 getting 'abducted' by 'aliens' at Kelly, Kentucky, the site of a famous 1955 UFO/alien-attack

Nickell also studies crop circles, which he admitted are mostly created by hoaxers. He's pictured here on a 1994 investigation of an English crop circle near Stonehenge

Case in point: Roswell. From the evidence, said Nickell, balloons burst near the New Mexican town in 1947. The Roswell incident was propelled into history that year when an eager, young public information officer with the Roswell Army Air Base released an unauthorized press release. Other UFO crash stories followed, as did photographs of living and dead aliens.

Turns out not only can aliens not drive a spaceship  they cant draw, Nickell said.

Nickells most high-profile case was the Nazca lines, a set of enormous drawings etched into the desert floor of Peru. The etchings, many taking the shape of animals, were relics of the countrys 1,500-year-old Nazca civilization.

In 1982, Nickell helped create a full-size duplicate of the condor using only sticks and cords such as the Nazca may have employed for Skeptical Inquirer magazine. He found no evidence that extraterrestrials were involved in the creation of the original icon

Paranormal enthusiasts, convinced that the Nazca couldnt have produced the symbols with simple tools, theorized that the society had help from aliens. One popular conclusion was that the lines were runways for alien spaceships.

To Nickell, this argument seemed wild. So, he and a team of University of Kentucky students employed a West Liberty landfill to use as a sketchbook to set out to prove that the Nazca could have created the artwork alone.

On August 7, 1982, Nickell and his crew successfully copied the 440-foot Nazca drawing of a condor using twine and wooden stakes to map out the icon.

Perhaps Nickell's most famous case is the famed Nazca lines in Peru. He set out to prove that the ancient Nazca people could have produced the icons without the aid of space aliens by recreating this spider for National Geographic TV's Is It Real? series

Nickells investigations, in many cases, do little to sway paranormal believers. Alien abductees still insist they were abducted. The Shroud of Turin remains hotly contested. People who commune with ghosts of a recently departed loved one dont want to be told that the episode was just a dream.

Paranormal believers arent weighing the evidence, said Nickell. Theyre not using their brain but their heart, he added.

Although Nickell is a Humanist  an atheist with a heart  the pull of belief in the paranormal is a sentiment he understands. His mother was a follower of the Disciples of Christ, and its because of this that he advocates for a kindler, gentler scepticism.

Based on nearly 50 years of probing, Nickell doubts hell ever encounter anything supernatural. But the meaning of scepticism is to always question and stay open to different possibilities, he said.

I dont know what the future holds; the psychics havent been able to tell me, said Nickell. But my hope is I fall dead in a haunted house or Ill stumble over a cliff looking for Bigfoot. In other words, I want to be active until the end.
Hilarious footage has emerged of a bickering couple from Portsmouth arguing over who is better at diving.

Joker, Jennifer Davis seems defiant that she is a better diver than Olympic-medal winner Tom Daley.

Her partner Brad goes on to film her as she 'proves' that her diving is 'sick'.

He can be heard saying : 'You have not mastered diving. It takes years to master diving.'

Jen, 24 replies ' What is professional if you can't win the f***ing Olympics Brad?'

Dressed in a green bikini, she goes to nearby pool and jumps into the water in Pestana South Beach, Portugal to demonstrate that she is a gifted diver.

The popular Facebook duo, BradHolmes91 from Portsmouth, create comedy skits based around realistic seeming pranks

The popular Facebook duo, BradHolmes91 create comedy skits based around realistic seeming pranks. This particular video has had over one million views since it was posted on Facebook.

Brad Holmes 26, told the Mailonline: 'It come around because as Jen believes she can do most things, she thought diving was easy. Which it's clearly not. So I asked her to perform a dive & she thought it was perfect. But to be honest last year she said she could bear Usain Bolt in a race.'

Jennifer Davis seems defiant that she is a better diver than Olympic-medal winner Tom Daley as she dives into the pool to 'prove' her skills

One online viewer called Russell White commented: She could win the 2018 Olympic gold as no one else would've known about it. Although that said if Jen was competing on her own there'd still be a solid chance she'd finish second!

Another viewer, Shelley Williams posted: 'The video has confirmed to me Jen is the real mastermind behind these videos - always wondered before if she was for real or not - quality team work keep going guys
On live CNN TV this morning Mexico's former president Vicente Fox did it again  he colored Trump's wall with the F-word and then had all sorts of other gem-like things to say about Trump. CNN's Alisyn Camerota was talking to Fox about current Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's even demeanor last January when talking to Trump about the wall (leaked transcript here).

Camerota: Do you think the president of Mexico should have been more forceful in saying it's never gong to happen?

Fox: Well you can use my word  we will never pay for that fucking wall.

Camerota (suppressing nervous smile): "I apologize to our morning audience for the salty language this morning. Perhaps I should have taken that offer for the five-second delay."

Other fun Fox quotes from the interview:

[About Trump] "He's always lying to the American people."

"That's incredible that the United States people is accepting a president that doesn't want mediahe's trying to shut them downthat's the attitude of a dictator."

"Trump has to learn that the US is a democracy."

"How can we trust a US president that lies every minute of the day?"
A teenage boy who fell into floodwater from Cyclone Debbie ended up needing an operation for a serious brain infection, leaving him bedridden for two months.

Jayden Galea, 15, was diagnosed with a cold at first but flown to Townsville hospital just a day later when the aggressive eye infection moved into his brain.

It took him two months to recover from emergency surgery for the severe periorbital cellulitis infection and stories are emerging of many similar cases.

Scroll down for video

Jayden Galea (pictured), 15, was struck down with an aggressive eye infection that spread to his brain

Cyclone Debbie killed 14 people and caused $2.4billion in damage in Queensland (pictured) and northern New South Wales

Jayden's father Darren said it was a harrowing experience and he is glad doctors took action quickly to get his son's infection under control, the Courier Mail reported.

'There was one kid across from us who was infected and the doctors, when we were speaking to them, had said someone had died from Mackay with a similar thing,' he said.

'Hopefully he will recover fully, but it was pretty scary when we first got back his blood tests and CT scan.'

Dr John McIntosh of Mackay Super Clinic said serious infections are common after cyclones due to bacteria and fungus being stirred up by floodwaters.

The serious infection left Jayden (pictured) bedridden for two months after being flown to Townsville hospital for surgery

Dr John McIntosh says serious infections are common after cyclones due to bacteria and fungus being stirred up by floodwaters (pictured, floods after Cyclone Debbie)

The 15-year-old from Mackay was not the only person to be struck down with illness after Cyclone Debbie (pictured, flooding after the cyclone)

He said most people get infections on their hands and feet and Jayden was unlucky the sensitive eye area was affected.

'So clearly this boy has got an infection in his eye and, because that area is around the nose and eyes, the drainage goes straight through the back through the brain toward the heart, that area is a higher risk of getting brain infection,' he said.

The 15-year-old from Mackay was not the only person to be struck down with illness after Cyclone Debbie, and his father saw other patients with similar infections.

Jayden Galea caught the serious eye infection that spread to his brain after falling into floodwaters (pictured)

Queensland Health warned people to stay out of floodwaters (pictured) and wear protective clothing

Travis Parry from nearby Blue Mountain has been sick for months with a chronic infection after working in the wake of the cyclone and says he has trouble breathing.

Queensland Health warned people to stay out of floodwaters and wear protective clothing.

Cyclone Debbie ripped through Queensland and northern New South Wales in March 2017, causing 14 deaths and $2.4billion in damage.
An 81-year-old woman suffered cracked ribs as tried to defend herself against a robber who attacked her at an ATM.

The woman was withdrawing $500 from the ATM in Aurora, Ontario, at 7.30pm on Monday when the man next to her suddenly lunged at her.

Surveillance cameras inside the bank captured their struggle.

He was filmed grabbing the money from the woman's hands as she tried to push him off then knocking her to the ground before running away.

The man watched the woman as she withdrew $500 from the ATM in Auroria, Ontario, before lunging at her

The unnamed woman was left reeling on the floor in pain.

Police in Canada released the footage earlier this week in a bid to track down the heartless thief.

He was arrested on Thursday but his name has not been released by authorities.

The man appeared to be taking out money at the machine next to his victim. He turned on her when he saw her wad of cash coming out of the machine.

The woman put up a fight, clutching on to the money as the man tried to pry it from her hands

The woman continued struggling with the man, turning away from the machine as he continued his attack

Eventually the man grabbed the money out of her hands and pushed her to the floor

The elderly woman was left lying on the floor with cracked ribs. She was later taken to hospital

The robber was wearing a grey t-shirt and shorts and kept his sunglasses on throughout the attack.

The elderly woman was taken to hospital to be treated for her injuries.

The New York Post reports that afterwards, the woman said she would have put up the same fight if attacked again.
A charity boat operating in the Mediterranean allegedly colluded with people smugglers to accept multiple 'deliveries' of migrants, investigators have revealed.

Photographs captured by undercover officers show the criminals 'escorting' vessels packed with asylum seekers before being transferred to aid boats bound for Italy.

The images emerged after Italian authorities carried out their first seizure of a rescue boat on suspicion of aiding illegal immigration.

One photograph appears to show a smuggler waving off a boatload of migrants after travelling alongside them to within the reach of rescuers.

Photographs captured by undercover officers show the criminals 'escorting' vessels packed with asylum seekers before being transferred to aid boats bound for Italy

German charity Jugend Rettet is also accused of towing boats used to ferry migrants back towards Libya, where most migrants hoping to reach Europe depart, to be reused by smugglers.

The revelations emerged after investigators took the unprecedented move of impounding the aid organisation's vessel, Iuventa, at Lampedusa on Wednesday.

Details about the alleged collusion were contained in documents outlining the case prepared by prosecutors in Sicily following months of accusations about charities co-operating with smugglers.

Ambrogio Cartosio, the chief prosecutor from the Sicilian city of Trapani who is behind the investigation, said that no arrests had been made and that inquiries are continuing.

'We have evidence of encounters between traffickers, who escorted illegal immigrants to the Iuventa, and members of the boat's crew,' he said but added that there was no evidence that charity members received any money from the traffickers.

He said that their motivation was 'humanitarian'.

The investigation, launched in October 2016, centres on three specific incidents involving the 100ft vessel, but investigators are analysing other aspects of the charity's operations.

The revelations emerged after investigators took the unprecedented move of impounding German charity Jugend Rettet's vessel, Iuventa (pictured), at Lampedusa on Wednesday

The images emerged after Italian authorities carried out their first seizure of a rescue boat on suspicion of aiding illegal immigration

Prosecutors are said to have gathered evidence from an undercover police officer working on another boat, along with evidence from workers on Save the Children's Vos Hestia vessel.

The charity, which means 'youth rescues', refused to comment on the precise allegations but said in a statement that the 'rescue of human life is and will be our top priority'.

Details of the investigation emerged amid a row between the Italian government and the eight charities operating in the Mediterranean over a controversial code of conduct issued by Rome.

Senior Italian officials yesterday insisting that charities who do not sign up will be blocked from undertaking rescue missions unless the code is adhered to.

It is unclear how the threats to the charities would be enforced. Experts say a blockade could contradict international law which says vessels have a obligation to help those who are in distress.

Charities are responsible for between 35 and 40 per cent of rescues in the area.
An irate minister and the NSW Police Commissioner have slammed Sydney's swelling 'tent city' as it threatens to expand out of control.

Over 40 tents have been erected in Martin Place since December that clog the CBD walkway since the council's initial break up of the camp in June.

Numbers have continued to grow in recent weeks despite continued attempts by authorities to move the people on.

Now the ongoing saga looks set for an abrupt end as police plan to move in and evict resisting residents by 'putting them in the back of a truck'.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller went as far as to suggest inhabitants of the camp 'should not be allowed back in the city'.

The ongoing saga of a homeless camp set up in Sydney's CBD looks set to come to an abrupt end as police threaten to throw resisting campers 'in the back of a truck'

'They should be gone and they should not be allowed back in the city' was the message from a robust Police Commissioner Mick Fuller who was not to be moved on his stance

Martin Place's 'tent city' (pictured) has been slammed by an irate minister and the NSW Police boss

Dozens of tents have been erected in the Sydney forecourt since December with the number continuing to grow despite attempts by authorities to move people on

Family and Community Services Minister Pru Goward said the makeshift residence was making a 'mockery' of the city.

'This is a critical public safety issue that keeps me awake,' Mr Goward told 2GB Radio on Thursday.

'I'm not letting [Sydney Lord Mayor] Clover Moore off the hook... I don't care what it takes, we will move these people on.'

Commissioner Fuller said the problem would persist as long as the council provided facilities such as mobile showers.

'The problem is that whilst ever local government puts in place activities that will make it of interest for homeless people, they will continue to set up camp,' he said.

Family and Community Services Minister Pru Goward said the makeshift residence was making a 'mockery' of the city

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the problem would persist as long as the council provided facilities such as mobile showers

'The best way to resolve this is for the local government to use its powers to take away the tents, the barbecues, the gas bottles. Police will support that operation.

'If there is someone who is breaking the law, then we will put them in the back of a truck.'

'They should be gone and they should not be allowed back in the city.'

A spokesman for Lord Mayor Clover Moore hit back on Thursday and said mobile showers were funded by the State Government.

The City of Sydney was focused on 'practical solutions for people sleeping rough and homeless', a statement read.

A spokesman for Lord Mayor Clover Moore hit back on Thursday and said mobile showers were funded by the state government

City CBD workers walk past a tent city housing the homeless in Martin Place directly adjacent to the main entrance to The Reserve Bank of Australia

The spokesman reiterated calls to find a long-term solution and urged the State Government to accept a proposal for a development comprising 150 new affordable and social housing units.

Mr Fuller will meet with Minister Goward to discuss the encampment on Friday morning.

'And we will drag, if we have to, kicking and screaming, someone from local government to get a resolution,' the commissioner told 2GB on Thursday.

A spokesman for Lord Mayor Clover Moore (pictured)0 hit back on Thursday and said mobile showers were funded by the state government
Mohamed Hadid celebrated his 'slap on the wrist' ruling from a long-running building violation by relaxing on his yacht with his finacee in St Tropez.

The 68-year-old kicked back while his beautiful bride-to-be Shiva Safai, 35, soaked up some sun while cruising the waters of the coastal French town on Thursday.

The father of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid learned he would avoid jail time for the illegal construction of his 30,000 sq ft mansion in Bel Air, on July 20.

His neighbors were bitter when they learned the billionaire would be fined $3,000, pay $14,191 in fees and serve 200 hours of community service.

Mohamed Hadid celebrated his 'slap on the wrist' ruling from a long-running building violation by relaxing on his yacht with fiancee Shiva Safai in St Tropez on Thursday

The real estate mogul vacationed at the French coastal town with his 35-year-old model fiancee and other friends (pictured)

The 68-year-old learned he would avoid jail time for the illegal construction of his 30,000 sq ft mansion in Bel Air (pictured), on July 20

Hadid is father to world famous supermodels Gigi, 22, (left) and Bella Hadid, 20. He had them with his ex-wife and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid

Hadid spent the day with Safai, who he has been engaged to since 2014, and other friends, including French DJ Cedric Gervais and his model girlfriend Sandra Kubicka.

The developer was spotted leaning over a rail watching his younger friends paddle-board and splash around in the water.

At one point he removed his collared shirt to jump in the water and to catch some rays alongside Safai, who was lounging around in a $188 one-piece Les Canebiers swimsuit.

The reality TV star on E!'s Second Wives Club later shared a photo of herself with her 645,000 Instagram followers and wrote: 'Summer state of mind'.

Hadid followed his fiancee's suit and uploaded a stoic photo of himself on the yacht and captioned it: 'Wind blown'.

The developer was spotted leaning over a rail watching his younger friends paddle-board and splash around in the water

At one point he removed his collared white shirt to jump in the water and to catch some rays

Safai wore a $188 one-piece Les Canebiers swimsuit and took a jump into the refreshing water

Hadid seemed to be in high spirits during his vacation, unlike his neighbors who were upset with his ruling two weeks ago.

'He's a criminal and he should have gone to jail, blasted Hadid's neighbor Nicole Behrstock, 81, to DailyMail.com. 'And he should be forced to knock down that monstrosity.'

However, the mogul could still go to jail if he fails to reduce the size, complete the house and bring it up to code. Judge Eric Harmon gave him three years to comply.

Hadid was often a no-show during his court appearances at Los Angeles Superior Court in Van Nuys where, on May 30, he pleaded 'no contest' to three charges of criminally violating building regulations and ignoring orders to stop construction while building the 30,000-square-foot luxury home in Bel Air.

Because it is so huge, the house has been dubbed 'Starship Enterprise' by neighbors who claim that the illegal over-building at the site could cause landslides that could destroy their nearby homes.

Neighbors left the hearing feeling let down and expressing feeling ranging from outrage to disappointment.

Hadid spent the day with Safai, who he has been engaged to since 2014, and other friends, including French DJ Cedric Gervais and his model girlfriend Sandra Kubicka (pictured)

Gervais and Kubicka had a blast during the outing, jumping into the water and play fighting

'Hadid is a career criminal,' added Nicole Behrstock. 'And the judge is letting him get away with his criminal activities. Why has he been allowed to break the law, ignore orders from the city over and over again.

'My daughter bought a house 18 years ago and six months ago a city inspector came by, told her one of her bathrooms wasn't up to code and had to be demolished.

'And like a good citizen who obey the law, she demolished her bathroom.

'This guy Hadid thinks the law doesn't apply to him. This is a slap on the wrist. In fact it's not even that. It's nothing. It's nothing to him, just another delay, just like all his other delays over the past three years. It's going to drag on and on and on.

The reality TV star on E!'s Second Wives Club later shared a photo of herself with her 645,000 Instagram followers and wrote: 'Summer state of mind' (pictured)

Hadid followed his fiancee's suit and uploaded a stoic photo of himself on the yacht and captioned it: 'Wind blown'

'What happened in court today is telling other developers, "You can do what you like and get away with it."'

Neighbors watched with increasing alarm as the massive house grew bigger and bigger. By 2014, the house was 9,000 square feet bigger - and 31 feet taller - than regulations allowed, they protested. And a 70-seat IMAX movie theater, plus two huge decks included on the property, were also illegal, they insisted.

But Hadid - hoping to sell the giant mansion for $50million plus - continued to build, despite orders from Los Angeles City Council to stop, and in December 2015, in an almost-unprecedented move, the city decided to prosecute him criminally.

Hadid has vowed that he won't tear down the massive house. 'Demolish this house? Never!' he told Town and Country. 'This house will last forever. Bel Air will fall before this will.'

Hadid has been engaged to Safai since 2014. She is a model who was born in Iran but raised in Norway. She moved to Los Angeles when she was 19 years old
Oxford's vice-chancellor Louise Richardson

An Oxford University bursar has slammed the grossly excessive pay packet of his own vice-chancellor.

Attacking the university gravy train, New College bursar David Palfreyman said it was hard to see a value for money return for the escalating pay of Oxfords leaders or any improvement in governance.

He also questioned the need for pro-vice chancellors, who act as deputies, and said they were a cadre of costly helpers.

Oxfords vice-chancellor Louise Richardson earns 350,000 a year, which rises to around 410,000 including pension.

Meanwhile 450 other senior staff are on more than 100,000.

It comes amid a growing row over vice-chancellors pay, with universities minister Jo Johnson calling for an end to the endless upwards ratchet of salaries. A large portion of university funding comes from student fees, which rise to 9,250 a year next month. Supporters of Professor Richardson have said she is only modestly paid when compared with the UKs top bankers.

But Mr Palfreyman, who has been his colleges bursar since 1988, yesterday branded the comparison silly. In a letter to the Financial Times, he said: No sane person could dispute that top bankers are egregiously overpaid, but their daft pay is no reason for VCs to be put on the same gravy train, albeit in a third-class compartment.

He explained that before the year 2000, Oxford had got by for eight centuries with the cheapest vice-chancellor in the land.

This involved rotating in a head of house for two to four-year periods and paying them a modest 100,000 in 2017 terms, he explained. We now pay four times as much ... and surround this five to seven-year chief executive with a proliferating cadre of costly helpers as pro vice-chancellors; but few in Oxford would be able to detect any improvement in our governance and management resulting from these reforms  or indeed any value-for-money return for this grossly excessive spend on the senior management team, he said. He added wryly: Fortunately, the academic rhubarb still grows despite the universitys expanding administration!

Mr Palfreyman is the director of the Oxford Centre for Higher Education Policy Studies, which is based at New College, and regularly lectures on university policy.

Professor Richardsons pay is less than her predecessor, Andrew Hamilton, who took home 462,000 a year including pension before he left in December 2015.

Mr Palfreyman explained that before the year 2000, Oxford had got by for eight centuries with the cheapest vice-chancellor in the land

Data from the University and College Union reveals that in the academic year 2015/16, Oxford spent 1,326 on air fares for the two vice-chancellors and 6,134 on hotel accommodation. When Professor Hamilton left the university, he was paid relocation costs of 6,000 and related tax costs of 3,000, according to Oxfords accounts.

Terrorism expert Professor Richardson, 59, is Oxfords first female vice-chancellor and previously held the same role at St Andrews.

The Mail has revealed how Craig Calhoun, the former vice-chancellor of the London School of Economics, was paid 1.7 million over four years despite it scoring only a bronze in official teaching ranks. Earlier this week, the vice-chancellor of the University of Bolton, George Holmes, defended his 222,000 salary saying university bosses are not paid enough compared to those in other countries.

An Oxford spokesman said: Oxford is the worlds highest-ranked university ... delivering outstanding teaching and adding 5.8billion to the UK economy every year. The Universitys international success is delivered by competing with other globally pre-eminent universities to attract top ... talent. The remuneration of the vice-chancellor reflects this.
Labour's hard-Left Momentum group has launched a so-called decapitation strategy aimed at taking out Boris Johnson, Amber Rudd and other senior Tories at the next election.

The grassroots organisation, which Tory MPs accuse of orchestrating abuse during the last election, yesterday said it was putting its supporters on a permanent war footing in preparation for a possible snap election.

The group operates independently from the Labour Party but has the support of senior figures, including Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and Diane Abbott.

Yesterday it served notice that it will target senior Tories in marginal seats, with Mr Johnson, Miss Rudd and former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith all likely to face campaigns designed to unseat them.

The group, which operates independently from Labour but is backed by Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott, is planning to set up training camps in London, Manchester and Birmingham to drill 160 activists to target constituencies held by the likes of Boris Johnson (pictured)

The tactic is reminiscent of the so-called decapitation strategy run by the Liberal Democrats in 2005 when they tried  and failed - to paralyse the Tories by taking out senior figures including Michael Howard, Theresa May and David Davis.

Pictured: Home Secretary Amber Rudd, who is a target of the group

Momentum now plans to launch a series of training camps for Labour activists to target 160. Activists will be taught a range of campaigning techniques, including how to make viral videos similar to Momentums parody of middle class people sitting around discussing the Labour leaders policies, which was condemned by Tory MPs as an attempt to fuel class war.

The group said the training programme, which will start with sessions in London, Manchester and Birmingham, was part of its permanent election campaign.

Beth Foster-Ogg, Momentums training coordinator, said: This election showed what a groundswell of ordinary people, knocking on doors and campaigning for the Labour party can do.

Now we want to skill up the hundreds of thousands of new Labour party members so they can be better, more effective campaigners when the next election comes, and so they can campaign and organise in their communities outside of election time.

If we are out talking to people, campaigning and making the Labour party the heart of our communities all year round, we will be ready to beat the Tories when this weak and unstable government inevitably calls another election.
Once open to Christians looking to engage in prayer and seek absolution, the former St Luke's Anglican Church is now open to a different crowd - real estate brokers and home-buyers.

Since the Brighton church was deconsecrated over twenty years ago, it's become a four-bedroom, red-brick townhouse in the sought-after neighbourhood at the top end of Bay Street.

So if you've always dreamed of living in the light of the lord, then this stunning Gothic-style building may be just the property for you.

The church was deconsecrated twenty years ago and is now a four-bed, red-brick townhouse

Architect and developer Ben Genser said that the response has been 'nothing short of overwhelming' and that the apexed residence is now 'very sought-after'.

The former house of worship dubbed 'The Tower Residence' is expected to fetch between $3 and $4 million at its August 19 auction.

And it's not the only former house of God that's gone on the market recently - super-luxury former churches are the new black when it comes to the alternative Melbourne property and development market.

Architect Ben Genser said that all the living spaces have the feeling of 'loftiness and volume'

'It's was a very liveable family home,' said Mr Genser said, who took on the project 18 months ago and 'relished' the challenge of re-purposing the early-1900s building.

He made improvements to the layout, added a lift and added an ensuite bathroom to each of the three spacious bedrooms.

'That's critical in this day and age,' he told Domain. 'Weve married functionality and form together in holy matrimony.'

Genser made improvements to the layout, like the addition of an indoor lift and a plunge pool

'It's was a very liveable family home,' said Mr Genser said, who took the project 18 months ago

'And it was important to us to make sure the bedrooms accessed their bathroom without crossing over each other. Everyone can be in their own separate zones and spaces.'

Mr Genser said that all the spaces have the feeling of 'loftiness and volume' that are incredibly generous considering the functionality of the environment.

The former 'disappearing room' at the top of what used to be the church's tower, is now a meditation retreat and reading loft, while the main bedroom has unique focal point in the form of a circular, clear-glassed window with stone-worked edging.

The main bedroom boasts a unique circular, clear-glassed window with stone-worked edging

The former 'disappearing room' in the tower is now a meditation retreat and reading loft
The Secret Service has vacated its command post inside Trump Tower following a dispute with President Trump's company over the lease.

Agents were previously based in a unit one floor below the president's $90 million penthouse apartment, in Manhattan, but moved out in in July, relocating to a trailer on the sidewalk.

Sources close to the negotiations, told the Washington Post that the government and Trump's company had not been able to agree on the cost of the lease, or its conditions.

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The Secret Service has vacated its command post inside Trump Tower following a dispute with President Trump's company over the lease (an agent pictured inside the tower last November)

But, while Secret Service officials are still hoping for space in Trump Tower - putting agents much closer to the action on the rare occasions the president does visit his apartment - the Trump Organization made it clear they hadn't reached an agreement.

On Thursday, a spokeswoman for the Trump Organization said the Secret Service should find another location.

'After much consideration, it was mutually determined that it would be more cost effective and logistically practical for the Secret Service to lease space elsewhere,' spokeswoman Amanda Miller wrote in an email to The Washington Post.

Donald Trump's (pictured on Thursday at the White House) government and Trump's company had not been able to agree on the cost of the lease, and its conditions

While the Secret Service insist their current, temporary, location causes no impedance on their ability to provide security.

The U.S. military leases a separate space for the White House Military Office in Trump Tower for an eye-watering $130,000 a month - more than any other unit in the building - although they let it from a private businessman Joel Anderson. He told the Wall Street Journal that the government never attempted to negotiate.

Donald Trump relocated from the penthouse apartment to the White House after his inauguration, but his wife Melania and son Barron remained behind so the 11-year-old could finish that year of school.

Both Melania and Barron moved to Washington in early June. The First Family also have their own private security detail that keep close at all times.

Despite that, the Secret Service treat the empty apartment as Trump's home and have full-time detail on it.

U.S. secret service agents patrols inside Republican president-elect Donald Trump's Trump Tower in New York in November

The president's wife Melania and 11-year-old son Barron remained at the apartment until early June

Officials say that for now, on the odd occasion they do return to their New York home, agents can make up for the lack of command post by stationing agents throughout the building.

But experts reveal the lack of post is a security issue, particularly as the thick walls of the Trump building could potentially disturb radio transmissions from the trailer.

Presidents are required to have local police protecting them when they return to their homes.

It cost taxpayers $2 million a year to station U.S. Coast Guard boats off the coast of George H. W. Bushs Maine estate during his presidency. While the Secret Service paid Vice President Joe Biden $2,200-a-month to rent the neighboring cottage to his Wilmington, Delaware home.

But because Trump lives in the most densely populated neighborhood in the biggest city in the U.S., this is a massive task.

Initially, barricades were erected around Trump Tower, the block was closed to traffic, with the exception of Fifth Avenue, and a no-fly zone erected around the building.
A coroner has confirmed the cause of death of Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy was choking.

The 42-year-old star died in June after being hospitalized for sickle cell anemia in Las Vegas.

The rapper, whose real name was Albert Johnson, had to be pulled out of a meet-and-greet after taking ill.

At the time of his death, friends claimed he died by choking on an egg in his hospital room.

Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy died on June 20 of choking, it was confirmed on Thursday

The Clark County Coroner's Office confirmed on Thursday that the cause of his death was indeed choking but they made no mention of the egg when speaking to The New York Daily News.

Johnson had suffered sickle cell anemia his whole life.

The condition causes blood cells to take on a curved shape that can then cause blockages in blood vessels and it can be exacerbated by dehydration.

There were fears at the time of his death that the scorching 110-degree heat he was performing in may have exasperated his condition.

The rapper was in Las Vegas on the Art of Rap tour, alongside some of hip-hop's most acclaimed talent including Wu Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah, KRS-One, Onyx and Ice-T.

He had performed on Saturday night.

In a statement, Mobb Deep's publicist said: 'It is with extreme sadness and disbelief that we confirm the death of our dear friend Albert Johnson, better known to millions of fans as Prodigy of legendary NY rap duo Mobb Deep.

Prodigy was one half of the rap duo Mobb Deep. He is pictured with Havoc, its other star, in 2016

Prodigy was in the middle of a performing tour in Las Vegas when he was pulled out of a meet and greet on June 20. He's seen above in a photograph taken days before his death

'Prodigy was hospitalized a few days ago in Vegas after a Mobb Deep performance for complications caused by a sickle cell anemia crisis.

'As most of his fans know, Prodigy battled the disease since birth. The exact causes of death have yet to be determined.

'We would like to thank everyone for respecting the familys privacy at this time.'

As news about Prodigy's death spread, fans took to social media to mourn and commemorate him - as did many of his celebrity peers.

Both old-school and new hip-hop artists commended the man that they identified as a true talent.

Mobb Deep came to national attention in 1995 with their hard-hitting sophomore album The Infamous, which was based on the pair's struggle to come up in their Queens neighborhood.
President Donald Trump traveled to West Virginia Thursday evening to address residents of the state during a coal rally, in which he maintained the Democrats are stoking Russian allegations, before Gov Jim Justice announced his switch to become Republican.

'The Russia story is a total fabrication. An excuse for the greatest loss in the history of politics,' Trump told the crowd as he referred to Hillary Clinton's shocking defeat last November.

'It makes them feel better when they have nothing else talk about. What the prosecutors should be looking at are Hillary Clinton's 33,000 deleted emails,' Trump said as the crowd started to chant 'lock her up'.

'We didn't win because of Russia, we won because of you.'

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President Donald Trump traveled to West Virginia Thursday evening to address residents of the state during a coal rally, in which he maintained the Democrats are stoking Russian allegations as Gov Jim Justice announces he is switching sides to become Republican

'The Russia story is a total fabrication. An excuse for the greatest loss in the history of politics,' Trump told the crowd as he referred to Hillary Clinton's shocking defeat last November

'We won because we totally outworked the other side. Millions of patriotic Americans voted to take back their country

'Have you seen any Russians here tonight?' Trump asked the crowd.

'They can't beat us at the voting booth so they are trying to cheat you out of the future that you want with a fake story that is demeaning to our country,' he said.

Trump also boasted about keeping his promises made on the 2016 campaign trail.

'As you have seen, I have kept that promise as President,' he told attendees at the rally at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.

'We are putting our coal miners back to work. We have ended the war on beautiful, clean coal. We have stopped the EPA intrusion. American coal exports are already up.'

'I have factories coming back in this country,' Trump added, moments before the audience started chanting his name.

He told his supporters that they 'are doing great' and 'I'm so proud of you.'

'We've added more than 1 million new jobs and the good news keeps pouring in,' Trump said before telling the audience that 'we have a very important announcement tonight'.

Trump welcomed Democratic Gov Justice to the stage, who was said to be preparing to announce his switch to become a Republican during the president's rally.

He told his supporters that they 'are doing great' and 'I'm so proud of you.' 'We've added more than 1 million new jobs and the good news keeps pouring in,' Trump said before telling the audience that 'we have a very important announcement tonight'

He welcomed WV Gov Jim Justice (right) to the podium. Justice told his constituents: 'I can't help you anymore being a Democrat governor.' The governor plans to change his registration to Republican on Friday

'So tomorrow I will be changing my registration to Republican,' Justice (pictured) said as the crowd exploded with applause

'I can't help you anymore being a Democrat governor,' Justice said the audience.

'So tomorrow I will be changing my registration to Republican,' Justice said as the crowd exploded with applause.

The governor praised the president and his family calling them 'good people'.

'I've hunted with Don Jr. Eric has changed my tire. And Ivanka and Jared are so good, it's off the chart,' he said.

Trump 'is a good man,' Justice added. 'He cares about us in West Virigina. He has made us common every day Americans, feel good about who we are.'

The president then took over the podium saying: 'Having Big Jim as a Republican is such an honor. All over the nation they are watching.'

'Gov Justice showed the country that our agenda rises above left or right. It's an agenda for all of the people, especially for the tens of millions of forgotten Americans.

'We will make sure they are never ignored again,' Trump said.

Trump then blasted lawmakers on his failed attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Trump then blasted lawmakers on his failed attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare as his supporters (pictured)

Trump has already declared his intent to run again in 2020, and his reelection campaign is already up and running, including raising money and hosting events across the country

To date, the President has headlined campaign rallies in Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Ohio. Thursday's event is the Trump's seventh campaign rally in roughly six months

'Congress must do its job, keep its promise, live up to its word and repeal and replace Obamacare. You have to do it,' Trump said.

'Nothing in life is easy, but Congress must not give in. They must not give up,' he continued.

'But instead Congress must get to work and deliver Americans the great healthcare that they deserve, the great repeal and replace that they've been talking about for seven years,' the president said.

Trump has already declared his intent to run again in 2020, and his reelection campaign is already up and running, including raising money and hosting events across the country.

To date, the president has held campaign rallies in Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Ohio.

Thursday's event is Trump's seventh campaign rally in roughly six months.

Lara Trump, Trump's daughter-in-law, arrived during his Make America Great Again Rally in Huntington

At the rally, Lara also decried the 'crazy story about Russia'. 'It's so crazy, you have no idea,' she said

Lara also took a moment to show off her baby bump as she flashed a huge smile for the cheering audience
Whitehall has been accused of a cover-up after civil servants refused to release a record number of sensitive documents from the past.

Government departments applied to withhold 986 documents from publication by the National Archives last year  more than double the 460 applications in 2013.

The papers relate to 1986 and 1987, when Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, and include official documents about arms sales to India and Saudi Arabia, as well as a visit to the Middle East by Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.

The documents were due for release for public inspection under the so-called 30-year rule.

The papers relate to 1986 and 1987, when Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, and include official documents about arms sales to India and Saudi Arabia

But Whitehall departments can ask for files to stay secret if publication would undermine national security or foreign relations.

The Advisory Council on National Records and Archives, the independent body which rules on the applications has now demanded a meeting with Whitehall officials to discuss the rise on censorship.

In its annual report, it said the rules were being 'applied more tightly by departments'.

It also warned that civil servants 'had not given enough thought' to many requests. In 2014 three documents that departments wanted withheld were eventually published but last year the figure rose to more than 20.

However the advisory council's own independence also risks being drawn into question after it released figures showing it had sided with the Government in 99.5 per cent of appeals for publication. The body also revealed that it had only asked to see one of the classified documents the government had asked to be withheld.

Sir Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, described the apparent rise in government secrecy as 'an affront to our democratic ideals'

Sir Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, described the apparent rise in government secrecy as 'an affront to our democratic ideals'. He added: 'It is in everyone's best interest to know what their government is doing.'

The advisory council said the rise in the number of withheld files could be explained partly by new rules allowing for the publication of official documents after 20 years rather than 30, meaning more are handed over each year to the national archives.

Robert Barrington, executive director of campaign group Transparency International UK, said that openness over public records was an 'important part of rooting out corruption'.

'This report suggests there is still a culture of opacity within many government departments,' he said. 'A lack of disclosure can often lead to concerns that the government has something to hide and therefore transparency is the best measure to ensure public trust.'

A government spokesman said: 'Last year 95 per cent of government records that were transferred to the National Archives were made public.'
San Francisco police are on the hunt for at least one gunman who opened fire at a busy family park, leaving three injured and with one of those in critical condition.

Dolores Park turned into a chaotic scene when an unknown suspect fired shots into the crowd gathered at the popular tourist destination on Thursday evening.

Two adult men and a male minor were shot around 3pm and were taken to a nearby hospital, as authorities report one of the adults is in critical condition.

Officials are not releasing the condition of the minor.

Police were still searching for at least gunman who fled the scene after the blitz shooting as of Thursday night.

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At least one gunman opened fire at Dolores Park in San Francisco at 3pm on Thursday, injuring two men and a minor. Pictured: San Francisco officers and paramedics at the scene of the shooting

Two adult men and a male minor were shot around 3pm and taken to hospital, as authorities report one of the adults is in critical condition. The shooting happened at a bridge entering the park (pictured)

A San Francisco General Hospital official said one of the victims has life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.

Hospital spokesman Brent Andrew said another man has been released and that the third victim, also a male, is a minor. He wouldnt provide any other details.

The shooting happened at a bridge connecting the park to the street, prompting police to advise people to stay away from the area but lifted that advisory two hours later.

A witness says the park was packed at the time of the shooting with families and tourists.

Antonia Juhasz says she saw someone running off with a handgun and two people bleeding profusely before emergency workers carried them away on stretchers.

A witness says the park was packed at the time of the shooting with families and tourists. Pictured: Bloody items of clothing that seem to be left at the scene

Juhasz said she was sitting when she heard the burst of gunshots and saw the suspect running off with a gun in hand. holding a gun and running.

She said she started yelling, 'It's actually a gun, it's actually a gun!' to get people's attention.

Juhasz added it was a terrifying moment because people were not reacting, possibly thinking the blasts were fireworks.

She said once people realized gunshots were erupting, they started running in a panic.

Witnesses claim the shooting happened after several men, some who of which were wearing bandannas that partially covered their faces, began causing a scene on the bridge.

Hatter, a witness who goes by that name, told the SF Gate that he saw some park regulars confront the group of men.

He claims that when he approached the scene, he heard someone yell, 'Theyre strapped, bro!' and then one of the men pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots.

Dolores Park sits on a hill in the Mission Districts and it's a popular destination for locals and tourists who come to sunbathe and take in the city views.
A syringe-wielding drug addict will serve three years in jail for attacking two strangers at a Queensland camping ground and threatening to kill them and 'bury their bodies in pine boxes.'

Luke Raymond Watts, 32, pleaded guilty to 25 charges on Thursday for the attack on two men at the Glastonbury Creek camping ground in Brooyar State Forest, north of the Sunshine Coast, in July 2016, according to the Sunshine Coast Daily.

The two men had travelled to the camping ground from the Gold Coast and were enjoying a weekend away when they heard a woman in a nearby tent scream for help, Crown prosecutor Ron Swanwick told the court.

Luke Watts will serve three years in jail for attacking two strangers at a Queensland camping ground with a syringe and threatening to kill them and 'bury their bodies in pine boxes'

As the men debated calling the police, Watts ran out of the woman's tent and told the men not to interfere.

When the men paused, Watts called them 'cowards' and yelled 'I will kill you' while threatening them with a syringe.

'I'll put you in pine boxes and bury you on the hill,' Watts said.

Watts told the woman from the nearby tent he had to kill the men because they would go to the police, Mr Swanwick told the court.

He forced them to lay face down on the ground.

The men were able to escape when Watts was distracted, and hid in the bushes until they flagged down a passing car.

Police discovered Watts had stolen the pair's car and camping equipment and fled.

He was later arrested on charges including deprivation of liberty and robbery with violence.

Watts' defence lawyer Simone Bain blamed her client's actions on his ice addiction and said he often 'blacks out'.

Watts will be eligible for parole in March, 2018.
Steve Harvey has come clean about the leaked staff memo that got him in hot water earlier this year, and says it was a learning experience for him.

Harvey spoke about the memo - which said in part 'Do not come to my dressing room unless invited' - at a Thursday press junket in Beverly Hills, California to promote his new daytime show, 'Steve'.

The memo which leaked in May drew widespread mockery for its stern warning to staff on Harvey's former show, 'The Steve Harvey Show,' not to speak to him while he was in the makeup chair.

'I'm not a mean-spirited guy - I'm a very congenial guy to people who know me,' Harvey explained Thursday, Variety reported.

Steve Harvey spoke about the infamous memo at a Thursday press junket in Beverly Hills, California to promote his new daytime show, 'Steve'

In the email, the 60-year-old host told staff not to open the door to his dressing room (pictured above in 2014) and to make an appointment if they wanted to speak to him

'The email was out there and it wasn't a big deal to me at all,' Harvey said. 'I thought it was cute'

'The email was out there and it wasn't a big deal to me at all,' he said. 'I thought it was cute. You all didnt.'

Harvey blamed a disgruntled staffer for the leak, noting that only 10 out of 60 employees made them move from Chicago to Los Angeles for the new show.

'It was something I wrote a year ago and someone didn't get a job coming to LA and they got pissed,' he said.

'I was OK until I saw it on CNN and that's when I know I was in a lot of trouble,' Harvey continued in reference to the media firestorm that followed the leak.

'I learned two things from that email I can't write and I should never write,' he said.

The email, which Harvey said was a year old, was obtained and posted in May by Chicago media blogger Robert Feder.

Steve Harvey, left, and executive producer Shane Farley participate in the 'Steve' press junket. Harvey spoke out about a memo to his former staff that leaked in May

Harvey compared his request to a parent asking his kids for a few moments alone at the end of the workday.

Regarding his new daytime talk show, Harvey said that his goal was to bring a late-night format to daytime.

The show will have an opening monologue, desk segment, and 'incredible game' he said.

Harvey said that humor and celebrity segments will be a bigger part of the new show than his previous one

A copy of the email, obtained by media blogger Robert Feder, surfaced in May - the day before Harvey's talk show was scheduled to end production in Chicago after five years

'People don't care about the coupon queen anymore,' he noted.

His daytime talk show debuts September 5.

Harvey, who was promoting his new, Los Angeles-based syndicated show titled 'Steve,' called himself a congenial guy.

The email, which Harvey said was a year old, was obtained and posted in May by Chicago media blogger Robert Feder.

Harvey compared his request to a parent asking his kids for a few moments alone at the end of the workday.

His daytime talk show debuts September 5 on NBC.
A miner who came home to find his friend naked in bed with his ex-girlfriend, before breaking both their noses, has been spared jail.

Andrew Draper Doyle, 31, launched a brutal attack on the pair, who arrived back at his home in Mount Julian, Queensland, after a night at the pub on July 30 2016.

He punched them both, before placing his ex-girlfriend in a choke-hold, the court was told.

Andrew Draper Doyle, 31, (pictured) launched a brutal attack on the pair, who arrived back at his home in Mount Julian, Queensland, after a night at the pub on July 30 2016

Doyle was arrested last year and appeared for sentencing in Mackay District Court on Thursday (court pictured)

Doyle was arrested later that day, and appeared for sentencing in Mackay District Court on Thursday.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, entering a dwelling by break and committing violence, and choking or suffocation, The Mercury Daily reported.

The brutal attack occurred while Doyle and his ex-partner the pair were going through a break-up.

Doyle had a history of violence and prior criminal convictions, the court heard.

The judge said the circumstances surrounding the attack provided understanding, but did not excuse the violent behaviour.

Doyle was sentenced to seven and a half years jail, but was granted immediate parole.
Britain will be powerless to stop migrants sneaking into the country and will need an extra 3,000 Border Force guards after Brexit.

All of Britain's airports are currently short of staff to monitor who is coming into the country, with the exception of London City.

It has been revealed that officers are being swamped by the number of immigrants sneaking into the country in lorries, with 300 out of 7,900 having quit the force in the last year.

Britain will be powerless to stop migrants sneaking into the country and will need an extra 3,000 Border Force guards after Brexit (file image)

The general secretary of the Borders, Immigration and Customs Union, Luce Moreton, told the Sun: 'Britain's borders aren't secure.'

She said: 'We don't have enough staff to respond to all the small vessels spotted. We don't have enough cutters to intercept small vessels at sea.

'We don't have enough people to response when there are lorry drops. More often than not we can't get there.'

Spending on Border Force has been cut by 100million since 2012, with the number of people getting into the UK illegally having risen by 12 million in the same period.

The revelation comes the day after a 40million smuggling ring responsible for bringing up to 2,000 people into Britain was smashed by police.

Migrants as young as five were among those caught using false Spanish passports to board tourist flights during a decade of deception.

Travellers, most of them affluent Iranians, paid at least 22,000 a time for a bespoke service in which they used genuine travel documents of people who looked like them or were given cutting-edge counterfeits.

Police in Spain smashed a gang which was charging illegal immigrants more than 22,000 to smuggle them into Britain

Police chiefs said the 'perfectly structured' people-smuggling gang is believed to have been one of the biggest ever discovered.

Its mastermind, believed to be an Iranian national based in Malaga, was arrested at Heathrow airport as he tried to flee to Sao Paulo in Brazil via Dubai.

More than 100 others, including his key henchmen, were held in raids across Spain and at airports across the continent.
Australia was terrifyingly close to witnessing the nation's worst ever terror atrocity, with hundreds of people blown out of the sky on a routine Saturday flight to the Middle East, it emerged today.

If the alleged ISIS-led plot had been successful, the Etihad jet would have been downed by a bomb unwittingly carried on board by one of the suspect's brothers.

With full details of the plot yet to emerge - and others shrouded in secrecy for legal reasons - the Australian public have only been fed titbits of information this week.

Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan (right) with NSW Deputy Commissioner David Hudson

ETIHAD FLIGHT PLOT: WHAT WE KNOW  Lakemba man Khaled Khayat, 49, and his son Mahmoud Khayat, 32, from Punchbowl, have been charged with two counts of acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act.  NSW Police say their plot involved two elements: smuggling a bomb onto an Etihad Airways flight out of Sydney, and building a chemical weapon to release toxic hydrogen sulphide gas.  The IED was built using components sent to Sydney via international cargo, and was allegedly assembled under instruction from an ISIS commander.  Police claim the men tried to smuggle it onto an Etihad flight on July 15 but failed  The first hearing in the case was in Parramatta Court on Friday, with the maximum penalty under these charges being life imprisonment  The men were among four who were arrested in raids on July 29, and there have been subsequent raids across Sydney.  One of the four, a 50-year-old man, has since been released without charge, while Khaled Merhi remains in custody but has not yet been charged. Advertisement

But at a press conference this morning, an hour before two of the suspected ringleaders appeared in court, the chilling allegations were laid out to a shocked media.

In essence, a bomb was allegedly carried into Sydney Airport on July 15 to be detonated aboard flight EY451. It never made it aboard. Hundreds of lives were spared.

But once these details had been digested, one terrifying question lingered: How did nobody in Australia know about a plot that had been ordered in Syria and involved parts being sent from Turkey to Sydney in international air cargo?

And how did the authorities only find out about it nearly two weeks after the plot failed?

A leading terrorism expert says the alleged plot to blow up a flight out of Sydney Airport using explosives sent from overseas exposed Australian security flaws.

Terrorism expert Professor Jeff Lewis of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology said security agencies would normally pick up the 'noise' associated with such a plot.

'Its clearly a security breach,' Professor Lewis told Daily Mail Australia.

'It does sound extremely sophisticated to me and it is a concern.'

Khaled Khayat is accused of being part of an alleged plot to blow up an Etihad flight out of Sydney Airport

Police patrolling Parramatta Court ahead of the appearance of two alleged terrorists alleged to be behind a plane bombing plot

The alleged Islamic State plot to blow up an Etihad flight out of Sydney is reported to have got as far as a bomb being presented for check-in inside luggage at the airport on July 15.

Police allege the components of that bomb had already been flown into Australia from Turkey as air cargo and assembled in Sydney under direction from a senior IS figure, beginning in April.

But Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Michael Phelan said the improvised explosive device, built here to blow up a passenger jet, did not breach security.

Two men alleged to be behind the plot faced court on Friday each charged with two counts of acting in preparation for or planning a terrorist act.

'Components of this IED were sent through international air cargo by the ISIL operatives through to the accused men here in Australia,' Mr Phelan said.

'With assistance from the ISIL commander the accused assembled the IED, the components of the IED, into what we believe was a functioning IED to be placed on that flight.

Khaled Khayat is accused by police of planning the bombing of an Etihad flight out of Sydney Airport

Police allege a terrorist plot to blow up an Etihad flight got as far as an accused terrorist trying to check-in a bomb at Sydney Airport

'As a result of that aborted attempt there were a number of actions that took place on that day and we did recover components of that IED and certainly we believe that ... we recovered the whole of the IED.'

Professor Lewis said while Australian intelligence agencies had done exceptional work in the past they needed to be constantly identifying any security flaws.

'There are flaws in our security processes and this one would be ringing significant alarm bells,' he said.

'If this was pure happenstance that this was picked up we are in a bit of trouble. Until they do the investigation we can't be sure.'

Police allege Khaled Khayat, 49, of Lakemba and Mahmoud Khayat, 32, of Punchbowl, were behind the plot.

The older Khayat is accused of carrying the bomb made of 'military grade explosives' and packed inside a meat grinder to international departures at Sydney Airport with a plan to get it on a plane inside checked baggage.

Khayat allegedly accompanied his unwitting brother to the airport to board an Etihad flight to Abu Dhabi. The luggage containing the bomb was not checked in, possibly due to its weight.

Australian Federal Police patrol Sydney Airport, where police alleged terrorists planned to plant a bomb on an Etihad flight

NSW police outside the Parramatta Court complex where two alleged terrorists appeared on Friday morning

Police allege terrorists planned to blow up a flight to Abu Dhabi by planting a bomb on a plane at Sydney Airport

Thwarted, Khayat allegedly took the bomb home while his brother boarded the flight as planned.

None of this was known to Australian security agencies until 11 days later when they were tipped off by United States and British intelligence. The Khayats were arrested three days after that.

'This is one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil,' Mr Phelan said.

'If it hadn't been for the great work of our intelligence agencies and law enforcement over a very quick period of time then we could well have a catastrophic event in this country.'

Police would not name the Islamic State commander who allegedly sent the explosives to Sydney but said he was 'not Australian' and was not related to any of the local terrorism targets.

Mr Phelan said it was a 'concern' that Islamic State had been able to send the components to Australia.

No one would disagree.

Passengers at Sydney Airport where police allege terrorists tried to plant a bomb on an Etihad flight




Attention all pizza-lovers. Drop everything, because Pizza Hut is giving out free margherita pizzas all weekend long.

On Wednesday, Domino's made the shock announcement that they would no longer be selling margherita pizzas, infuriating customers craving the traditional Italian dish.

Reacting to the news, Pizza Hut have now revealed they will be handing out 10,000 margheritas on the house.

Pizza Hut will give out free Margherita pizzas all weekend to the first ten customers in store

Pizza Hut took to their Facebook page on Friday morning to announce that they will be giving free margherita pizzas to the first ten customers in each store on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

'To get your free pizza simply head to your local Pizza Hut and be one of the first 10 customers each day,' the post reads. 'True story!'

Doing the maths, this means that Pizza Hut will be making 10,000 people very happy this weekend.

Pizza Hut took to their Facebook page on Friday morning to announce a free pizza giveaway

Dominos is the number one pizza seller in Australia with 600 stores in Australia, followed by Pizza Hut with 320.

'It's like any business, if pizzas don't sell, they get deleted,' Domino's chief executive Don Meij told news.com.au of the decision to remove the classic from the menu.

'You can't just endlessly add new pizzas to the menu and not take something away.'

Domino's have also launched a new premium range of pizzas, although reports suggested they may be more expensive and smaller.
A handful of inner-city jaywalkers have been caught out as diligent police officers lingered on Sydney street corners ready to pounce on unsuspecting commuters.

Bewildered city workers jumping the red pedestrian light at Margaret Street and York Street crossings in Wynyard were met with the heavy hand of the law on Thursday morning.

Bypassers along Sydney's busy streets appeared baffled as police explained to offenders what crime had been committed.

Current NSW law states that it is illegal to cross while a pedestrian light is red and comes with a $72 fine, or $2,200 if contested in court and is unsuccessful.

A handful of inner-city jaywalkers have been caught out as diligent police officers lingered on Sydney street corners ready to pounce on unsuspecting commuters (pictured)

City workers jumping the red pedestrian light at Margaret Street and York Street crossings in Wynyard were met with the heavy hand of the law on Thursday morning

Wynyard in Sydney's CBD was the latest spot for NSW Police to crack down on jaywalking

There has been a rise in offences in recent years since NSW Police unveiled a crack down on jaywalkers in 2012.

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia that the operation on Thursday morning was a routine check from their motorcycle patrol team.

The aim of such operations are to raise awareness among pedestrians, and to promote safe road use.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command said last month such operations are part of many ongoing operations aimed at minimising road trauma.

'Tragically, two cyclists and 26 pedestrians have died in crashes in New South Wales already this year.

'Operations like this aim to prevent further avoidable deaths on our roads.'

NSW Police urge walkers to adhere to crossing laws especially in built up areas.

'The NSW Police Force encourage pedestrians to take responsibility for their own safety by using crossings, obeying road rules and being aware of their surroundings,' their website reads.

'Extra caution should be exercised in areas of high vehicle and pedestrian concentration such as near train stations, bus stops and in CBD areas.'

There has been a rise in offences in recent years since NSW Police unveiled a crack down on jaywalkers in 2012

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia that the operation on Thursday morning was a routine check from their motorcycle patrol team
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One of the nation's largest cannabis companies will purchase the entire desert town of Nipton, California, and turn it into a pot paradise.

American Green Inc announced Thursday it is buying all 80 acres of the town whose current owner likes to describe it as being conveniently located in the middle of nowhere.

Nipton owner Roxanne Lang says escrow hasn't closed yet. But she confirmed American Green is the buyer.

One of the nation's largest cannabis companies will purchase the entire desert town of Nipton, California, and turn it into a pot paradise

American Green Inc, announced Thursday it is buying all 80 acres of the town whose current owner likes to describe it as being conveniently located in the middle of nowhere

Nipton owner Roxanne Lang says escrow hasn't closed yet. But she confirmed American Green is the buyer. Pictured is a hotel in Nipton

The new owner plans to turn the onetime Gold Rush town 60 miles from Las Vegas into an 'energy-independent, cannabis-friendly' destination

The new owner plans to turn the onetime Gold Rush town 60 miles from Las Vegas into an 'energy-independent, cannabis-friendly' destination.

When Lang's late husband, Gerald Freeman, bought Nipton in 1985 it was a rundown ghost town.

He transformed it into an eccentric destination for desert aficionados.

There's a general store, a hotel, RV park and a campground. Nipton does get quite a few tourists because of its location on the edge of the Mojave National Preserve.

American Green president David Gwyther said in a statement that cannabis legalization in the US 'has the power to completely revitalize communities in the same way gold did during the 19th century'.

Once the sale is finalized, American Green is planning to start with Nipton's water.

When Lang's late husband, Gerald Freeman, bought Nipton in 1985 it was a rundown ghost town. He transformed it into an eccentric destination for desert aficionados. There's a general store, a hotel, RV park and a campground

Nipton does get quite a few tourists because of its location on the edge of the Mojave National Preserve. In a statement announcing the sale, president David Gwyther said cannabis legalization in the US 'has the power to completely revitalize communities in the same way gold did during the 19th century'

Once the sale is finalized, American Green is planning to start with Nipton's water. The town sits on a Pleistocene-era underground lake, and the company wants to bottle cannabis-infused H2O for distribution in California

Recreational marijuana became legal last year in California. American Green said it is also in talks with edible and extraction companies about setting up production facilities in Nipton

According to Quartz, the town sits on a Pleistocene-era underground lake, and the company wants to bottle cannabis-infused H2O for distribution in California.

Recreational marijuana became legal last year in California.

American Green said it is also in talks with edible and extraction companies about setting up production facilities in Nipton, according to Quartz.

Eventually, the company plans to offer everything from cannabis mineral baths to artists-in-residence programs and cannabis culinary events.

Nearly half of Niptons power comes from the photovoltaic solar array Freeman installed in 2010.

Only about 20 people live in the town of Nipton.

The company also plans to offer everything from cannabis mineral baths to artists-in-residence programs and cannabis culinary events

Nearly half of Niptons power comes from the photovoltaic solar array Freeman installed in 2010
A New York man who was initially arrested for insurance fraud has been linked by DNA from a beer bottle to the 2013 rape of a jogger, and the NYPD believes he could be responsible for five other attacks in the city.

Mark Andrade, 45, was arrested and charged on Wednesday for a March 2013 attack on a 24-year-old woman in Forest Park located in Queens.

Authorities said Andrade's DNA was on a beer bottle the victim pulled out of his back pocket while she was struggling with him, according to ABC 7.

At the time, investigators retrieved the bottle as a part of the crime scene and were able to obtain DNA from it. There was no immediate match until now.

Mark Andrade (center), 45, was arrested Wednesday and charged with attacking a 24-year-old woman in March 2013 in Queens. A DNA breakthrough linked Andrade to five other assault cases

Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said Andrade stun-gunned and robbed the 24-year-old victim after encountering her jogging along a path in Forest Park (file image)

Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told the New York Daily News that Andrade stun-gunned and robbed the victim after encountering her jogging along a path in Forest Park.

'This one young lady struggled with him and actually pulled a beer out of his back pocket and then threw it,' Boyce said.

Boyce said they 'swabbed' the beer bottle and got the DNA. 'That's how we identified him,' he said.

Last week, police were alerted to a hit on that DNA when Andrade was arrested in Long Island for insurance fraud on July 21.

Since he was incarcerated, a sample of his DNA was taken and came up came up as a match in the database, according to ABC 7.

The victim in the case was also able to help identify him.

Andrade (pictured) was charged with attempted rape, robbery, assault and weapons possession

According to Boyce, DNA was recovered in another sexual attack and he said detectives are hoping to charge Andrade in that case, plus the four others.

Andrade allegedly started the attacks in March 2011, and the most recent one took place in August 2013, when a 69-year-old woman was tased and raped.

The other attacks include, a 54-year-old woman who was jogging in March 2011, a 13-year-old girl who was jogging in September 2011, a 34-year-old woman jogging in August 2012, and a 40-year-old woman walking her dog in November 2012.

Despite Andrade being arrested six times, none of them allowed police to obtain a DNA sample from him.

It wasn't until February 2015, when Andrade was arrested for grand larceny, did police get a swab of DNA.

Earlier this week, Boyce said, the DNA from that case was linked to the DNA from two of the Queens attacks, according the Daily News.

Andrade was charged with attempted rape, robbery, assault and weapons possession.
The teen who shot to international infamy after he had his nickname 'DEVAST8' tattooed across his face has decided not to remove it after all, according to the NZ Herald.

After becoming an internet sensation, Mark Cropp decided to have it removed when Kingsland institution Sacred Laser offered to do the work on the house.

But a spokesperson for the laser clinic confirmed on Wednesday that the 19-year-old had informed them he wouldn't becoming back.

Mark 'Devast8' Cropp (pictured) had his nickname 'DEVAST8' tattooed across his face in jail

Mark Cropp underwent the first laser removal session to begin removing the face tattoo

In July, he took to Facebook to plead for a job, writing that he hoped employers wouldn't judge him based on his ink, as job agencies had.

'I was over people judging for my facial tattoo... that's why I made the decision to put that photo on Facebook, to turn around and say "I am just a normal human being, you do not have to judge me because of the way I look".'

When the post went viral, the Oamaru-born teenager was inundated with more than 50 job offers a well as media request from all over the world.

Mr Cropp accepted a job at scaffolding company PR Contracting, earning $22 to support his girlfriend Taneia Ruki and their child, news.com.au reported.

Mr Cropp's partner Taneia Ruki was pregnant with their child when he first went to jail in 2015

'We've all made bad choices, doesn't mean we are bad people,' Douglas George Herbert said of hiring Mr Cropp.

'I'm a big brown man covered in tattoos myself, and I have been on the receiving end of judgment from people who don't even know me.'

On Wednesday, Mr Cropp told Herald Focus that his night shift work with Herbert was going so well that he was going to put the treatment on hold.

PR Contracting boss Douglas George Herbert said peopeol have also judged him for his tattoos

His brother was the one to tattoo the word 'DEVAST8' on his face after a long night of heavy drinking in a Christchurch jail when Mr Cropp was 17.

Mr Cropp was serving a two-year, three-month, jail sentence for aggravated robbery and assault with a weapon after pulling out a knife after a drug deal with a tourist went south.

He initially said he wanted to keep the tattoo, but apparently changed his mind after Sacred Laser reached out and offered to remove it for free.

The young father has had several changes of heart regarding the controversial inking.

Cropp was behind bars in Otago Correction Facility when his brother tattooed his face in 2016

In July, he said, 'Once it was started, I thought, I can't go back on it now. I wish I had stopped while the outline was there to be quite honest.'

'Before I knew it I had this on my face ... It was swollen like a bloody pumpkin.'

But now that he has discontinued laser treatment, it seems that he has changed his mind again.

'Thats the thing  its part of who I am. But if it comes down to it, if I have to get rid of it to be a normal person and function in society again, then I have to,' he said.

Two offers of access to removal services at low cost were made to Cropp while he was imprisoned, both of which he declined.

Mark Cropp has has discontinued laser treatment to remove a face tattoo that says 'DEVAST8'

Mr Cropp recently attended the first of twelve sessions at Sacred Laser, where a part of the tattoo near his ear was partly removed.

But the next day, Sacred Laser reported that he had informed the clinic he wouldn't be having any more work done on it.

Although they were disappointment, their offer to remove the ink free of charge still stands if Mr Cropp changes his mind again.
A lawyer is hoping that a nightly blood-sucking leech treatment will help return his eyesight after his schizophrenic son allegedly blinded him in a blitz attack.

John Dunlap, 80, is placing his trust in an experimental treatment that requires him to attach several leeches around his eyes so that one day he might see again.

The lawyer from Memphis started the bizarre therapy after his bipolar and schizophrenic son Andrew, 41, allegedly attacked Dunlap and blinded him in 2015.

With the help of his wife, Marcia, Dunlap has worms sucking blood from his face for an hour, in hopes that the leeches' saliva will help restore health to his blinded eye.

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John Dunlap, 80, uses leeches as a treatment to restore his eyesight (pictured). The lawyer was blinded and had his right eye gouged out after his schizophrenic son Andrew, 41, allegedly attacked him in his Memphis home in May 2015

Dunlap was allegedly blinded when his mentally ill son Andrew attacked the elderly man at his home in Southwind, Tennessee, in May of 2015.

Andrew was charged with attempted murder and domestic assault after he allegedly went off his medications and pushed Dunlap down the stairs, before jumping on top of him and gouging out his eye.

Andrew remains in jail as he awaits trial.

After the attack, Dunlap was left with an artificial right eye and was blinded in his left, due to a severed optic nerve, reported the Commercial Appeal.

Dunlap said: 'Anytime I want to start thinking about the things I'm missing or not doing what I used to do, I think "Get over it. Move on."

'I guess some people may feel the world has ended for them, but it hasn't.'

With the help of his wife, Marcia, (pictured together) Dunlap has worms sucking blood from his face for an hour, in hopes that the leeches' saliva will help restore health to his blinded eye

Dunlap started his first round of the therapy in December and has gone through the process around 60 times, each time lasting for up to an hour.

In the time since his first treatment, Dunlap's left eye has begun to return to its normal shape and is described as a 'live eye'.

Marcia helps her husband by placing seven to eight leeches around his eyes almost every night during the rounds of the therapy.

The leeches remain on his face until they become so full of blood that they fall off, a process that can take 45 to 60 minutes.

The treatment doesn't come cheap and friends of the Dunlaps' have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise for his expenses. So far they have raised $9,000 of the $100,000 goal.

The leech treatment works through the worm's saliva, which has loads of enzymes that work to restore Dunlap's eye tissue. Marcia carries the leeches out for her husband's treatment

Although several ophthalmologists gave Dunlap bleak outcomes, a Los Angeles-based doctor gave the elderly man hope with experimental stem cell therapy.

Dunlap said to the local newspaper: 'In the beginning he made it very clear he's not an ophthalmologist and not an eye surgeon but he had had some success with stem cells in treating blindness. It's experimental.'

The leech treatment works through the worm's saliva, which has loads of enzymes that work to restore Dunlap's eye tissue.

The saliva left from the blood-suckers 'enhances the blood supply to the eye, nourishes eye tissue and revives the optic nerve in both eyes', according to the Commercial Appeal.

The leeches are only stage one for Dunlap. After this phase he will begin stem cell treatment.
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Lara Trump showed off her baby bump in a colorful long dress as she and husband Eric arrived for her father-in-law President Trump's rally in West Virginia.

The 33-year-old and her husband, the president's son Eric, was spotted walking across the South Lawn of the White House to board Air Force One to West Virginia on Thursday.

The Trumps, who are expecting their first child next month, were joining President Donald Trump in West Virginia for a Make America Great Again rally.

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Eric Trump couldn't keep his eyes off his wife Lara and her baby bump as they walked across the South Lawn of the White House on Thursday

Lara looked stunning in a black, white and pink dress with flora and fauna designs, and white stilettos

Lara looked stunning in a black, white and pink dress with flora and fauna designs, and white stilettos.

While Eric kept it smart in a blue suit, although he flashed a colorful red lining, and blue and white tie.

The 33-year-old couldn't keep his eyes of Lara's baby bump as they made their way onto the presidential plane. They were joined on the plane by Ivanka Trump's husband Jared Kushner.

When the couple arrived at Tri-State Airport, West Virginia on Thursday afternoon, they gave a wave to the waiting crowds as they disembarked Air Force One and made their way to the rally at Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.

Eric Trump, center, waves as he and his wife Lara Yunaska, left, and White House adviser Jared Kushner, right, walk down the steps of Air Force One at Tri-State Airport in Huntington

The Trumps, who are expecting their first child next month, were joining President Donald Trump in West Virginia for a Make America Great Again rally

Lara also took a moment to show off her baby bump as she flashed a huge smile for the cheering audience at the rally before the president took the stage.

At the coal rally, Trump addressed residents of the state, and maintained the Democrats are stoking Russian allegations, before Gov Jim Justice announced his switch to become Republican.

'The Russia story is a total fabrication. An excuse for the greatest loss in the history of politics,' Trump told the crowd as he referred to Hillary Clinton's shocking defeat last November.

'It makes them feel better when they have nothing else talk about. What the prosecutors should be looking at are Hillary Clinton's 33,000 deleted emails,' Trump said as the crowd started to chant 'lock her up'.

'We didn't win because of Russia, we won because of you.'

Trump also boasted about keeping his promises made on the 2016 campaign trail.

Lara also took a moment to show off her baby bump as she flashed a huge smile for the cheering audience

Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, watches as his wife Lara Trump arrives during a Make America Great Again Rally at Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington

Lara Trump, Trump's daughter-in-law, arrived during his Make America Great Again Rally in Huntington

At the rally, Lara also decried the 'crazy story about Russia'. 'It's so crazy, you have no idea,' she said

'As you have seen, I have kept that promise as President,' he told attendees at the rally at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.

'We are putting our coal miners back to work. We have ended the war on beautiful, clean coal. We have stopped the EPA intrusion. American coal exports are already up.'

Trump has already declared his intent to run again in 2020, and his reelection campaign is already up and running, including raising money and hosting events across the country.

To date, the president has held campaign rallies in Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Ohio.

Thursday's event is Trump's seventh campaign rally in roughly six months.

President Donald Trump traveled to West Virginia Thursday evening to address residents of the state during a coal rally, in which he maintained the Democrats are stoking Russian allegations as Gov Jim Justice announces he is switching sides to become Republican

'The Russia story is a total fabrication. An excuse for the greatest loss in the history of politics,' Trump told the crowd as he referred to Hillary Clinton's shocking defeat last November

Meanwhile, the former real estate mogul is said to be excited at the prospect of welcoming his seventh grandchild into the world.

Lara and Eric were vacationing in Aspen in March when they revealed that they are expecting their first child  a baby boy  together.

'It has been an amazing year for the Trump family and we couldn't be more excited about this next big step in our life,' the couple told Daily Mail Online. 'We are thrilled to bring a baby boy into the world this September.'

Lara, who is due in September, admitted she was surprised by how 'exhausted' she was in the beginning of her pregnancy because she is a 'very active person'.

However, the former Inside Edition producer said she is feeling 'really good now', and she couldn't resist gushing about what an 'amazing dad' Eric is going to be.

Of course, Eric has had plenty of parenting practice thanks to his older brother and sister.

Donald Trump Jr. has five children with his wife Vanessa, while Ivanka Trump has three children with her husband Jared Kushner.

He told his supporters that they 'are doing great' and 'I'm so proud of you.' 'We've added more than 1 million new jobs and the good news keeps pouring in,' Trump said before telling the audience that 'we have a very important announcement tonight'
A Victorian ice addict who brutally injured two elderly women while on a drug-fueled crime spree will spend up to six years in jail.

Tammy Phillips appeared in court on Thursday pleading guilty to ten offences for the horrific attacks, a year after she was arrested in Kerang, a rural town 25 kilometres from the Murray River.

As 87-year-old Mavis Dillon loaded her walking frame into her car 34-year-old Philips, from Shepparton, pushed her onto the ground and beat her.

Mavis Dillon (pictured) was loading her walking frame into her car when 34-year-old Philips pushed her onto the ground and beat her before stealing her car

As a result of the attack Ms Dillion has lost her independence, suffering from anxiety and depression

She then ripped the keys from the elderly woman's neck and took off in her car.

'I've never been frightened in my life, I've been through lots of things and I've survived, but this one I'm going to live it for a while yet,' Mavis Dillon told 7 News.

She later turned her aggression to a second senior citizen, using a fake gun to threaten the pensioner in front of her granddaughter.

Both victims were hospitalised and have been left traumatised as a result of the incidents, now battling with anxiety and depression.

Ice addict Tammy Phillips (pictured) who brutally injured two elderly women while on a drug-fueled crime spree will spend up to six years in jail

They have lost their independence and one of the two women now lives in a mental institution.

Despite Philips having a difficult life, which includes prostitution and drug and alcohol abuse while suffering an intellectual disability with a severe personality disorder, the judge could not excuse her crimes.

'You broke the face bone of an 87-year-old lady and another lady is living in a mental asylum because of what you did to her,' County Court judge Elizabeth Gaynor said.

Judge Gaynor said Philips' pitiful life meant she was a danger to others and she was sentenced to a maximum of six years in jail.
A Jewish activist is planning a protest after a local council refused the building of a new synagogue due to 'terror threats.'

The Land and Environment Court on Wednesday backed Waverley Council's decision to prohibit the construction, partly because the place of worship could become a terrorist target.

The event, titled 'March for Bondi Synagogue' is scheduled for Sunday August 13 between 3:30pm and 5:30pm at the Waverley Council Chambers.

'Join me in protesting the disgraceful decision by Waverley Council to ban the building of a new Synagogue in Bondi for fear that it would likely be an 'Islamic terror target,' the event created by Avi Yemini reads.

'The problem is not the Synagogue, it's radical Islam. I call on prime minister to join us in protest against this shocking Council decision in HIS own electorate.'

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Jewish gym owner Avi Yemini and a Jewish activist group are planning a protest after a local council refused the building of a new synagogue due to 'terror threats'

The proposed synagogue was to be built on this block of existing tennis courts in Bondi

An outspoken Jewish activist has slammed a decision to ban the construction of a synagogue at Sydney's Bondi Beach, claiming the ruling is a 'submission to Islamic terror'.

The decision has enraged Jewish leaders who claim the community is being prevented from practicing its religion because of the threat of Islamic extremism.

Conservative Jewish activist Avi Yemini described the decision to ban the building as 'outrageous'.

'A Jewish synagogue has been banned in Bondi from building a community centre for Jews from the fear of it being a terror target,' he said in an online video following the ruling.

'Wake up Australia - we have officially submitted to Islam... If this is the road we are taking we have become a pack of cowards.

'We have let them dictate what religions are okay in Australia and not.'

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies boss Vic Alhadeff told news.com.au the ruling set a 'dangerous precedent'.

The decision has enraged Jewish leaders who claim the community is being prevented from practicing its religion because of the threat of Islamic extremism (stock image)

'It's a very sad day for Australia if an established community, which needs a house of worship, is refused permission to build it because of fear that others may pose a threat,' he said.

'This simply shows how we're all losing our freedoms. Those who want us to be afraid are winning, and this ill-conceived judgment represents a dangerous precedent.'

Among the reasons Waverley Council previously refused the development were that the site was 'unsuitable for a synagogue because of the potential risk to users and other members of the general public'.

In prohibiting the synagogue on Wednesday, commissioner Graham Brown noted 'a more sophisticated risk assessment process could be required for matters such as a potential terrorist threat'.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies boss Vic Alhadeff said: 'This simply shows how we're all losing our freedoms'

Jewish leaders labelled it a 'very sad day' following the ruling. The Central Synagogue is pictured in Bondi Junction

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Waverley Council noted the court ruling was based on a variety of factors.

'A number of residents agreed with the contentions raised by the Council and provided additional evidence against the development of the site,' the statement read.

The council, reiterating the 'potential risk to users', said the proposal to build the synagogue did not respond to the 'character and streetscape of the area or provide sufficient residential amenity'.
A Melbourne man who arranged for an 11-year-old Filipino girl and her mother to have sex in a web show has been jailed after his crimes were discovered by an undercover police officer.

Steven Koscak also had sexual conversations online with underage Australian girls over several years and asked them to send him explicit photos.

The 29-year-old pleaded guilty in July to 16 offences, including a federal charge of procuring the Filipino girl to engage in sexual activity overseas.

Koscak, 29, arranged for an 11-year-old and her mother to have sex so he could watch online

'You communicated with the mother and insisted she be involved in sexual activity with her daughter,' Victorian County Court Judge Mark Dean said on Friday during sentencing.

'This is a grave offence that concerns the sexual exploitation of a child in a developing nation.'

Koscak, from Melbourne's northwest, spoke to several girls online between 2013 and 2016, asking them to send photos and having web cam chats.

The years of offending came to an end when Koscak spoke online to 14-year-old 'Amber'.

'She was in actual fact an undercover police officer,' the judge said.

The pair engaged in a number of sexual chats during which Koscak requested explicit photos before organising to meet in person.

'You arranged to meet her at a cafe where you were arrested by the Australian Federal Police,' Judge Dean said.

'Your activities must be regarded as having caused your victims harm,' the judge told Koscak

The court was told Koscak, who was in the Army Reserve, was abused by his father and this disrupted his childhood and development.

But he still had to be punished for his 'selfish and manipulative' crimes, Judge Dean said, jailing him for three years and ordering him to serve at least 18 months before being eligible for parole.

'You engaged in the ever-growing sexual exploitation of children,' the judge said. 'Your activities must be regarded as having caused your victims harm.'
A series of gastroenteritis and flu outbreaks across New South Wales have caused more than 10,000 people to flock to hospital emergency departments in just one week.

Almost 2,000 people sought help at hospitals for gastro this past week, coinciding with a series of reported outbreaks in aged care facilities and child care centres, health authorities told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Of those who went to the emergency department, 400 people were admitted for severe infections.

In the same week, NSW hospitals confirmed another 8,000 patients were suffering from the flu.

A series of gastroenteritis and flu outbreaks across New South Wales have caused more than 10,000 people to flock to hospital emergency departments in just one week (stock image)

Almost 2,000 people sought help at hospitals for gastro this past week (stock image)

The surge coincides with a series of reported outbreaks in aged care facilities and child care centres (stock image)

Dr Vicky Sheppeard, director of communicable diseases branch for NSW Health, told the publication hospital emergency departments in Sydney, northern Sydney, south-east Sydney, Illawarra Shoalhaven and the Blue Mountains had seen a higher number of patients with gastro compared to last year.

Viral gastro outbreaks were reported at 26 aged care facilities and 38 child care centres in NSW, Dr Sheppeard said.

More than 800 people were affected by the outbreaks, she said.

Gastro is spread through contact with an infected person. Symptoms often include fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

In the same time frame, NSW hospitals confirmed another 8,000 patients were suffering from the flu (stock image)

The virus typically passes after two days.

'Dehydration often follows bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly in young children, so people with the virus should rest well and increase the amount of fluids they drink. If people are concerned they should see their local GP,' Dr Sheppeard told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Doctors are encouraging anyone who has such symptoms to avoid aged care homes and child care centres and wash their hands frequently.
A female postal worker has been attacked by a man while delivering letters in Midlands, Western Australia.

The 71-year-old was reportedly knocked from her motorcycle, before she was kicked several times.

Police confirmed they have charged a 19-year-old Midlands man with aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm over the incident.

A female postie delivering letters in Midlands, Western Australia was attacked Thursday by a man who pushed her off her motorcycle

The assault took place around 1.30pm on Thursday afternoon, as the postal work returned to Templeman Place after delivering letters along Cooper Street.

The victim had passed a man walking along the street before she was approached and pushed, according to The West Australian.

The woman then reportedly fell on a fence before being kicked as she lay on the ground.

The police released a picture of a man captured on CCTV footage in the area, who was not the attacker but assisted officers with their investigation

The assault took place around 1.30pm on Thursday afternoon, with the postal worker pushedto the ground and repeatedly kicked

She suffered minor injuries and was taken to St John of God Hospital in Midlands to be treated.

Her attacker, who fled down Templeman Place, is due to appear in Perth magistrate's Court on August 5.

The police earlier released a picture of a man captured on CCTV footage, who was not the attacker but assisted officers with their investigation.
This would have caused Pentland significant financial difficulty, the court heard

He allegedly knew Carlyle was set to move to the US to be with his mistress

Pentland was denied bail on Friday due to a 'substantial circumstantial case'

Philip Carlyle was killed in 1997, allegedly by his business partner Neil Pentland

Four uncommon bullets used to kill a Gold Coast businessman have the same chemical fingerprint as bullets found at the house of a man charged in relation to his murder, a court has heard.

Philip Carlyle, 47, was shot in the head on the morning of April 13, 1997 in a soundproof room at his Robina business.

His business partner Neil Pentland, now aged 69, was arrested for murder in June after a reignited investigation into the execution-style killing.

The court heard Pentland is alleged to have known Mr Carlyle was prepared to move to the United States to be with a woman he was having an affair with and in doing so, would have caused Pentland significant financial difficulty.

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Neil Pentland has been arrested for the 1997 murder of businessman Philip Carlyle (pictured)

Mechanic John Hitchen is also charged as an accessory after the fact and is alleged to have given Pentland the gun and disposed of it after the shooting.

Pentland was denied bail on Friday after Brisbane Supreme Court Justice John Bond found there was a 'substantial circumstantial case' against him.

The court heard the .32 calibre Norma bullets used to kill Mr Carlyle were not commonly sold in Australia.

Mechanic John Hitchen is also charged as an accessory after the fact of Mr Carlyle's mudrder

Three of the fatal bullets have the same isotopic profile as a batch of bullets found at Hitchen's home, while the fourth bullet matched a second batch also found at the property.

The court heard Pentland is believed to have been the last person to see Mr Carlyle alive after meeting him at the business at 10am.

Medical evidence suggests Mr Carlyle was killed sometime between 10am and midday.

Mr Pentland and Mr Hitchen (second and third from left) being escorted by police on Tuesday

The .32 calibre Norma bullets used to kill Mr Carlyle were not commonly sold in Australia

Pentland also knew the air-conditioning plant room at the premises was soundproof and went directly from the business to Hitchen's home, allegedly to arrange a car service.

The case will return to the Southport Magistrates Court in September.
Two Qantas planes, one bound for America and another for Africa, have been diverted back to Sydney Airport and have returned safely.

The airline said that flight QF7, headed for Dallas Fort Worth, couldn't 'fly efficiently' and began dumping fuel off the coast of Australia before returning with 'mechanical faults'.

While flight QF63, destined for Johannesburg, was also forced to turn back just hours into its flight with an 'engineering issue'.

Two Qantas planes were forced to turn back to Sydney following a mechanical fault and a cracked windshield

Two Qantas planes have been diverted back to Sydney Airport due to 'mechanical faults'

QF63 (pictured on the tarmac) was bound for Johannesburg and had travelled over Tasmania before returning to Sydney to land

Flight QF7 - an Airbus A380 - was a 15-hour direct flight between Sydney and Dallas Fort Worth.

It left Sydney International Airport just before 2pm on Friday but began dumping fuel off Wollongong around an hour into its flight.

In a statement, Qantas said that the flaps on the aircraft, attached to the wing, were not able to retract, stopping it from flying efficiently.

They said the captain made the decision to return to Sydney, given the Dallas flight path is the longest on Qantas' network.

A passenger captured the moment QF7 was forced to dump fuel as it circled off Woollongong

The flight path of QF7 - that was destined for Dallas - shows the airline circling off the coast of Wolloongong as it dumps fuel before landing

QF63 was also diverted back to Sydney after setting off for Johannesburg, with its flight path taking it over Tasmania before it had to turn around

The plane suffered an 'engineering issue' which caused it to be diverted, alongside another Qantas flight that also returned to Sydney airport

The plane landed back in Sydney at 4.38pm without incident, where engineers will inspect the plane and its mechanical issue.

The second Qantas plane, flight QF63 - that was destined for Johannesburg - was also diverted back to Sydney airport on Friday due to a crack in its windscreen, according to Seven News.

The Boeing 747 flight took off just after 11:20am and was a couple of hours into its flight when it returned to Sydney at approximately 3:14pm.

A Qantas spokesperson said their team were working on accommodating passengers or offering them transport home.

The airline said replacement services would also be issued.

The Boeing 747 had a crack in its windscreen, with Qantas' stating the reason for its return was an engineering issue

Flight QF7 had been on its way to Dallas Fort Worth, but mechanical issues caused it to return to Sydney airport shortly after 4pm on Friday

It comes just two weeks after a Qantas A380 flying othe same route from Sydney to Dallas was forced to turn back because of an engine oil leak.

The QF7 flight departed Sydney Airport just before 1pm on July 21 bound for Dallas in the US but returned to Australia about seven hours later.

The aircraft was high above the Pacific Ocean when pilots discovered the leak and made the call to head back to Sydney.

'It was about three and half hours into the flight when the pilots made the decision to return to Sydney to have the fault inspected rather than continuing for another 12 hours to Dallas,' a Qantas spokesperson said.

The Sydney to Dallas flight covers close to 14,000km, while the Sydney to Johannesburg route crosses just over 11,000km.

The plane was about an hour into flight when it began dumping fuel on its return to Sydney

Another Qantas plane was forced to return to Sydney Airport earlier in the day hours into its journey to Africa
A South Australian doctor has performed a historic operation on a Cambodian man who's entire mouth had been closed over with a huge growth emanating from his lip.

Eng Kheng, a resident in a remote village in the country's Kampong Cham province, has been living with the condition for 30 years and had never received dental treatment.

Dr Andrew Cheng, an Adelaide-based doctor, heard about Mr Kheng's incredible case through a charity he works with in Cambodia, and wanted to help.

'I've never see anything like this before. I don't think anyone around the world has seen anything that big,' Dr Cheng told Daily Mail Australia.

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A South Australian doctor has performed a historic operation on a Cambodian man who's entire mouth had been closed over with a huge growth emanating from his lip

Eng Kheng (pictured) a resident in a remote village in the country's Kampong Cham province, has been living with the condition for 30 years and had never received dental treatment

'I've never see anything like this before. I don't think anyone around the world has seen anything that big,' Dr Cheng told Daily Mail Australia

Mr Kheng was originally being looked at by doctors for cataracts, before shocked doctors noticed the growth in his mouth.

They alerted Dr Cheng, who flew with his mentor to Mr Kheng's village after being sent medical information from Cambodian clinicians.

'The local doctors and surgeons organised CT scans to make sure it wasn't a malignancy. We managed to utilise all the CT scans in the photos to plan the surgery in Australia.'

The size of the growth from his gums was the result of a rare condition called Gingival Hyperplasia. There is a one in 750,000 chance of being diagnosed with the condition according to Dr Cheng.

Mr Kheng was forced to adapt his eating and swallowing, only being able to consume certain foods.

'He usually only had fluids, cooked rice, noodles and soup. And lemonade, he loves lemonade,' Dr Cheng told Daily Mail Australia.

'He was able to swallow but the way he swallowed was different to you or I. He kinks his neck back and swallows, a bit like a bird.'

His airwaves have experienced a degree of narrowing but fortunately Mr Kheng never had any issues breathing, despite dealing with the condition for 30 years.

The size of the growth from his gums was the result of a rare condition called Gingival Hyperplasia

There is a one in 750,000 chance of being diagnosed with the condition according to Dr Cheng

They first trialled the procedure on Mr Kheng's brother, who was suffering from the same condition, but his case was much less severe.

'We performed the surgery on his brother first and utilised their primitive surgical instruments. We performed the surgery and got pretty good results,' Dr Cheng told Daily Mail Australia.

They said it was important for them to do the surgery in Cambodia because they wanted to 'teach the local doctors.'

But because Mr Kheng's condition was so bad, they were unable to safely remove the growth in Cambodia, so they reached out to Ashford Hospital in Adelaide who agreed to assist.

'He could potentially die in Cambodia if we performed the surgery. So we brought him back to Australia,' Dr Cheng said.

The operation was a complete success and Mr Kheng is totally unrecognisable. Other than a few scars around his mouth there is almost no evidence of the surgery

'His chief concern was to look normal. He's been suffering all his life, he just wanted to look normal, like everyone else'

His regular nurses and antitheses donated their time to help in the operation, and after the Cambodian community in South Australia learned of the landmark surgery, they all chipped in.

The operation was a complete success and Mr Kheng is totally unrecognisable. Other than a few scars around his mouth there is almost no evidence of the surgery.

After the operation he was invited by local monks to live in a monastery nearby, so he could recover in a more familiar setting.

'It was like he never left his village,' Dr Cheng said.

Mr Kheng can now enjoy all the food and lemonade he wishes without having to 'eat like a bird' but his number one priority was simply to fit in.

'His chief concern was to look normal. He's been suffering all his life, he just wanted to look normal, like everyone else.'
A shopper at Westfield Marion got a huge fright when she spotted a cheeky mouse poking its nose around the sushi bar in the shopping centre's foot court.

The mouse was seen by a mother-of-three on July 17 crawling about the Dozo Japanese Food Express sushi counter at the Adelaide shopping centre.

She was 'shocked' to see the rodent so far from home and first thought she might have been dreaming.

A shopper at Westfield Marion got a huge fright when she spotted a cheeky mouse (pictured) poking its nose around the sushi bar in the shopping centre's foot court

'If there's one, there could be more. My thought was how did it get into there in the first place  the glass cabinet has folding doors,' she told Adelaide Now.

She took some photos before letting the staff know, who dumped all of the food straight away.

Shop owner Florence Zheng told Adelaide Now her workers couldn't believe the rodent had made an appearance in their display cabinet.

'Unfortunately we had to throw out all the food and also a mat underneath, and we then cleaned and sanitised everything. But that is just what you have to do.'

A representative from Marion's city council confirmed the mouse event had occurred and said the correct measures were immediately taken to correct the situation.

The shop's owner Florence Zheng said her workers couldn't believe the rodent had made an appearance in their display cabinet

'Council's Environmental Health Officer inspected a premise at Westfield Marion after receiving a complaint of a mouse in a bain marie,' a statement provided to Daily Mail Australia read.

'The shop owner appeared horrified at the incident and had dumped all the food in the bain marie and sanitized the area before we arrived.

'Our officer inspected the outlet, reminded them of their responsibilities and, despite the reported incident, found they had the required rodent controls in place.

'Centre management has been notified.'
The prime minister of Cambodia has said he wants his US-born grandchild to denounce American citizenship.

Hun Sen, whose country was the site of one of the 20th century's most terrible genocides, says he is worried his 14-year-old grandchild, whom he did not name, could be eligible to fight for the US military with an American passport.

'Now I am finding a way to renounce US citizenship from my grandchild because probably the US will make war with some countries and will require my grandchild to be a US soldier,' he said in comments posted to Facebook on Thursday.

The prime minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen (pictured, March 2016) has said he wants his US-born grandchild to denounce American citizenship

US citizens are not currently compelled to perform military service, although males are required to register for conscription when they turn 18 (Pictured, Hun Sen, left, and son, Hun Manet, during his 1999 graduation from West Point Military Academy)

The grandchild was born when his or her parents were studying in the US. Hun Sen, 64, and wife Bun Rany have six children, including one adopted daughter whom they have disowned after coming out as gay.

Most if not all of their children had some education abroad, including son Hun Manet, who attended the US Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1999.

US citizens are not currently compelled to perform military service, although males are required to register for conscription when they turn 18.

US citizens must make a formal declaration to renounce their citizenship. It cannot be done by parents or others, nor can any child do so under age 16 because they are not considered mature enough.

A minor between ages 16 and 18 must demonstrate they are doing so willingly and with full understanding of the consequences.

Hun Sen has said he is worried his 14-year-old grandchild, whom he did not name, could be eligible to fight for the US military with an American passport (Pictured, Hun Sen, left, and his wife, Bun Rany, watch their son, Hun Manet, graduate West Point Military Academy in 1999)

Hun Sen has an uneasy relationship with the US, whom he feels supports his political opponents, but has expressed his support of US President Donald Trump (pictured, Thursday), agreeing with his disdain for the press

Hun Sen has an uneasy relationship with the US, whom he feels supports his political opponents.

While the US has criticized the country's human rights record, it has tried to keep an even-keeled relationship to offset the strong influence China has in Cambodia.

However, the prime minister is a fan of President Donald Trump, and even voiced his support for him before last year's presidential election, saying that as a businessman, Trump would want peace and could be friends with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, while Hillary Clinton had a record of pushing for war in Syria when she was secretary of state.

He has also expressed his agreement with Trump's disdain for the press.

Just this week, Hun Sen shared his opinion on CNN - a Trump nemesis - which the Cambodian leader complained had broadcast a misleading program about child prostitution in his country.

'CNN television deserved to be cursed by President Donald Trump,' he said.

'May I send a message to Donald Trump to praise you because your cursing CNN was fair and right, not wrong. The American media is too spoiled.'
Victorian Police have confirmed that an arrest has been made at a Huntingdale service station after a chase involving an erratic driver speeding the wrong way down the road.

3AW Drive had been flooded with callers describing a 'madman' in a silver Holden Commodore VE speeding at about 80 km/hr through the Moorooduc area, mounting footpath outside St St MaCartan's Primary School.

The man, who was taken into custody at 4pm, was the only occupant of the car that was seen speeding through Mornington, Melbourne on Friday afternoon.

An arrest has been made after police pursued an 'erratic' driver through the Moorooduc area

A chopper and six police cars were involved in the 'dramatic' pursuit of the 'madman' driver

One caller described primary school children and pedestrians being forced to leap out of the way when the vehicle mounted the footpath.

'The kids were on the footpath. They had to jump onto the road to let the clown through,' a witness told the radio station. 'The kids were threatened.'

Another bystander said that he'd watched the car race through a roundabout the wrong way outside an old people's home on Racecourse Rd.

Witnesses used Twitter to spread the word about the erratic driver speeding on Bungower Rd

'He just barely missed two kids on bikes, and then just swerved into the middle of the road.'

The driver had reportedly been driving at 200km/hr on Eastlink in the east-bound emergency lane near Mt Eliza.

'Police are responding to reports of an erratic driver in the Mornington area,' said a statement from Victoria Police during the chase.

'The vehicle was seen on Bungower Road just after 3.30pm. Police are currently monitoring the vehicle.

'As the incident is ongoing, will not be providing a running commentary and will provide updates as they come to hand.'

Police chased the driver of a silver Holden Commodore to a Union petrol station in Huntington

The silver Holden was seen heading east on the Moorooduc freeway, before heading south

The car was last seen heading east on the Moorooduc freeway, before heading south with a chopper and six police cars in pursuit.

The driver is being described as a 'nut job' and a 'clown' on, and the chase was 'dramatic', according to witnesses.
An Anglican priest facing child pornography charges has been given a green light by a Melbourne magistrate to continue using a messaging app to chat with friends.

Philip John Murphy, 52, allegedly transmitted child pornography five times between December last year and February this year.

In the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday he successfully applied to vary bail conditions.

Philip John Murphy, 52, allegedly transmitted child pornography five times at between December last year and February this year

The previous conditions banned the use of social media and chat sites, so he could communicate with friends using messaging service WhatsApp.

A 12-month police investigation ended with the search of a church at suburban Sunshine and nearby residence on Thursday, when Murphy was arrested.

He was charged with transmitting the material and also five counts of causing offence.

His matter is due back in court on October 27.
Two drunk tourists who were visiting a waterfall in Amboli, India died after they jokingly climbed over safety barriers and accidentally fell 100ft feet down the gorge.

Imran Gardi, 25, and Prasad Rathod, 21, had gone missing from Kavalesad Point in Amboli on Monday, but this disturbing video shows them plunging to their death at the popular tourist resort.

The young men were from Gadinglaj in Maharashtra. They worked in a poultry farm at Gadinglaj and were visiting Amboli along with other colleagues, the New India Express reports.

Amboli is a hill station in south Maharashtra and sits at an altitude of 690 m. It is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa.

The incident which happened on Monday was captured on camera and went viral on social media on Thursday.

The video showed Gardi and Rathod crossing the iron railing into the danger zone while tourists shouted at them to stop.

Amboli is a hill station in south Maharashtra and sits at an altitude of 690 m the area is renowned for its waterfalls, high rainfall and cloud cover

Amboli is a hill station in south Maharashtra and sits at an altitude of 690 m. It is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa

Rathod lost balance and fell in the valley along with Gardi, who had caught his hand.

Although tourists saw the incident they did not try to physically stop the men from crossing the safety barrier because they said the men were intoxicated.

The deceased's colleagues, who were unaware of the incident, thought that they were missing and Dayanand Patil, the owner of the poultry farm in which they worked, filed a missing complaint with Amboli police on Monday.

Imran Gardi, 25, and Prasad Rathod, 21, could be seen drinking and acting as if they were intoxicated near the waterfall at Kavalesad Point in Amboli, India

The barrier separated the two men from a 100ft drop down a precipitous gorge but they climbed over it despite unheeded calls from other tourists not to cross into the danger zone

The lush hills of Amboli in south Maharashtra are a popular destination for tourists who are attracted to the areas verdant beauty, wildlife and waterfalls
A British hacker is set to appear in a Las Vegas court today accused of creating malicious software used to raid bank accounts - but family, friends and supporters claim it is a set up.

Marcus Hutchins, 23, was arrested by the FBI in a first class airport lounge and now faces a maximum of 40 years in jail if convicted.

He is the hero who saved the NHS after finding the 'kill switch' that paralysed the WannaCry 'ransomware' that hit more than 300,000 computers in 150 countries in May.

Hutchins is now charged with six counts of making a 'Trojan' program that captures computer users' passwords and personal information and was sold online for 1,500 - but many believe federal officers have the wrong man.

His mother Janet Hutchins said it was 'hugely unlikely' that her son was involved because he has spent 'enormous amounts of time' combating such attacks.

Jake Williams, a respected US cybersecurity researcher, said they have worked on various projects, including training material, and the Briton always refused payment.

He said: 'He's a stand-up guy. I can't reconcile the charges with what I know about him. I don't doubt that some of his code found it's way into malware. He might have even helped criminals posing as researchers'.

Friend Andrew Mabbitt, a British digital security specialist who had been staying in a 5million rented Las Vegas mansion with Hutchins, said: 'I refuse to believe the charges. He spent his career stopping malware, not writing it'.

Marcus Hutchins, 23, had been partying at a hackers' convention in Las Vegas when he was arrested by the FBI

During his time in the US Mr Hutchins Tweeted that he rented this bright orange Lamborghini worth 200,000

He had also been 'partying' before his arrest and staying at a 1,950-a-night mansion rented with seven friends with Vegas' largest private pool

The 23-year-old filmed himself swimming in the largest private pool in Vegas and also decided to fire machine guns at a Nevada range

Court documents accuse him of being responsible for creating the Kronos banking Trojan - but this tweet from the time shows he asks for a sample, with his friends questioning why he would do that when he was supposed to have created it

Hutchins, 23, will appear in a Nevada court today and was held after a week partying at a hacking conference in Vegas where he took over a 5million mansion with the city's biggest private pool and rented a 200,000 Lamborghini Huracan to race around in.

The so-called malware, called Kronos, has reportedly been used to steal money from bank accounts in France and Hutchins is accused of writing the virus, known as malware, in 2014.

Britain's IT hero arrested for hacking in the US could face 40 years in American jail Marcus Hutchins now faces months battling the American courts and could be jailed for 40 years if found guilty of taking part in a hacking conspiracy to steal bank details. The Devon-born computer expert, who lives with his mum and dad, was held as he tried to leave the US on a first class Virgin Atlantic flight two days ago. Federal agents took him into custody and he appeared in the Las Vegas court on Thursday but the hearing was adjourned to be continued today. An indictment was issued by a grand jury impanelled by the US Attorney in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Gregory Haanstad. The federal prosecutor in Nevada is likely to ask federal judge Nancy Koppe to have Hutchins extradited to Milwaukee to be arraigned. He faces six hacking charges that each carry a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence meaning he could face decades in a US jail if convicted. Mr Hutchins is likely to have to pay a huge bail to be released and will not be able to leave America. His friends and supporters say that he has been set up. They have found tweets where he asks for samples of the malware he is accused of creating. Some have said that the way he killed off the WannaCry 'ransomware' that swept across the globe embarrassed America's own security services. NSA security researchers initially developed the tool to hack into the computers of suspected terrorists and spies, but it was taken on by criminals who then used it to take over computers and extort cash from victims if they wanted control back. Advertisement

Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com show that a second defendant, not yet named by the FBI, is accused of selling it on dark web marketplace AlphaBay, which was shut down by the US government last month, and creating a YouTube video showing how it worked.

The six charges Mr Hutchins faces relate to an alleged conspiracy between July 2014 and July 2015.

It is not known why his co-defendant's name has been redacted in court documents - it could be because he has not been arrested or is helping the FBI with their investigation.

Hutchins appeared in the Las Vegas court on Thursday but the hearing was adjourned and he will appear again at 3pm today.

An indictment for his arrest was issued in Wisconsin on July 12 - around ten days before his arrest in Las Vegas.

Federal officers were able to see he entered the country by matching his name and date of birth with flight rosters and were waiting for him as arrived to fly home from Nevada.

Marcus' supporters including his mother say Mr Hutchins, who is known online by the name MalwareTech, is innocent and claim a tweet from July 2014 proves he could not have written the software.

Janety Hutchins added that she is 'outraged' by the charges and has been 'frantically calling America' trying to contact her son from Devon.

Some are using the hashtag #freemalwaretech and say he was arrested in America to avoid extradition proceedings in the UK.

His work to end the WannaCry 'ransomware' crisis embarrassed America's own security services because they created it first but lost control and it was used by criminals to extort cash, friends say.

Andrew Mabbitt, a British digital security specialist who had been staying in Las Vegas with Hutchins, said he and his friends grew worried when they got 'radio silence' from Hutchins for hours.

The worries deepened when Hutchins' mother called to tell him the young researcher hadn't made his flight home.

Mabbitt said he eventually found Hutchins' name on a detention center website. News of his indictment Thursday left colleagues scrambling to understand what happened.

He also says that they were staying together in the 5million mansion and Hutchins' did not have to pay.

'We don't know the evidence the FBI has against him, however we do have some circumstantial evidence that he was involved in that community at the time,' said computer security expert Rob Graham.

Before his arrest Mr Hutchins had been in Las Vegas for Def Con, one of the largest hacking conventions in the world.

He had been 'partying' before his arrest and staying at a 1,950-a-night mansion worth 5million having rented it with seven friends.

Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com show that an indictment was issued on July 12 - weeks before his arrest - and claims that he was involved in a conspiracy that saw Kronos Malware he allegedly created then sold for up to $3,000 a pop. The final documents shows he is due back in court today at 3pm Las Vegas time

The Airbnb five minutes from 'The Strip' has the largest private pool in all of Las Vegas and Mr Hutchins used his iPhone 7 to film himself swimming around it.

According to the website 'it is the epitome of modern luxury real estate, offering all the amenities of a five-star luxury hotel with the privacy and security of a private estate.'

On the drive was Marcus rented bright orange Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 Spyder, which cost at 200,000 to buy.

He posted a picture of the car online and wrote: 'Is there any tracks or anything in Vegas where we can drive this car properly without being arrested?'

According to The Outline he wasn't even planning to attend the the DEF CON hacking conference and instead partied at a nightclub where his wallet was stolen.

Other delegates asked him to pose for pictures calling him the 'WannaCrySlayer' and he also tweeted about getting drunk and eating lobster.

Describing one event he said: 'They pick you up in a bus and take you to an undisclosed location with activities and loads of free food trucks'.

And in another message about visiting the Grand Canyon he said: 'Apparently I can get a 5 person helicopter tour for $1600 and we get to land at the bottom of the canyon'.

The 23-year-old also went to a shooting range and fired a range of weapons including a number of machine guns, which he filmed.

Marcus stayed on in Vegas for a few days after the conference but was then stopped by the FBI in Virgin's Upper Class lounger as he was about to board a flight back to the UK on Wednesday when he was arrested.

The IT star was grabbed by the FBI in a first class airport lounge and stopped from flying back to the UK where he lives with his parents in Devon (pictured)

Marcus' trip was played out on Twitter where he lived and partied like a star before his arrest

This police inmate information screen shows that Mr Hutchins was arrested at 4.42pm on August 2 and is in custody

Hutchins discovered a 'kill-switch' for the virus after it paralysed thousands of NHS computers and claimed hundreds of thousands of victims around the world - including US courier service FedEx and German rail company Deutsche Bahn - in May.

What is the Kronos virus Marcus Hutchins is accused of creating in his bedroom? Marcus Hutchins is accused of creating the malware known as the Kronos banking Trojan, according to the federal court indictment. It infects web browsers, then captures usernames and passwords when an unsuspecting user visits a bank or other trusted location, enabling cybertheft. Kronos first appeared for sale on a Russian cybercrime forum in 2014 for a $7,000. For that money you get the software and a developer to help you update and improve it. The malware appears on a victim's desktop as a harmless programme while grabbing sensitive details including usernames, passwords and other details from banking websites. Advertisement

According to tech website Motherboard, which broke the news of the arrest, an eight-page federal complaint was filed against Mr Hutchins on July 12 in a US District Court in Wisconsin.

It accuses him of being responsible for creating the Kronos banking Trojan, which was then sold online by an unnamed co-defendant.

The software is a malicious program that infects a computer if the user inadvertently clicks on an email attachment.

It then sits on the computer to monitor for banking passwords and personal information, which it sends to the hackers.

Mr Hutchins' mother Janet said she was trying to find out what had happened to her son. She said: 'I think I'm going to be rather busy tonight.'

Her son's supporters said on social media that his activities could have been 'white hat' hacking in which hackers expose security flaws for good ends.

Mr Hutchins' friend Andrew Mabbit said he was 'in the Las Vegas FBI field office' and appealed for lawyers to help him.

He said on Twitter that he refused to believe the charges. 'He spent his career stopping malware, not writing it,' said Mr Mabbit.

Hutchins was being held at the Henderson Detention Center after being arrested at Las Vagas's McCarran International Airport but has since been moved to another facility, a friend told Motherboard.

The friend, who also works in the cyber security industry, was attending the Def Con event in the Nevada city with Hutchins.

He said: 'He checked into his flight and I think he was sitting in the Virgin upper class lounge.

'He was escorted out of the airport and never made his flight.'

The mansion he rented with friends is described as 'the epitome of modern luxury real estate'

The computer expert rented one of the most luxurious properties in Vegas, which has ten bedrooms like this

The giant pool is in an acre of land the owner says is a 'south-of-France meets-Las Vegas getaway'

Pictured: An example of a phishing email (with an attachment containing malware) used to transmit the Kronos banking Trojan

The cyber community expressed their concern over his arrest with Naomi Colvin, from civil liberties campaign group Courage, praising him for his earlier work.

Pictured: Hacker hero Marcus Hutchins

She said: 'In May this year, WannaCry malware closed hospitals in the UK, becoming the first ransomware attack to represent an actual threat to life.

'In halting the spread of WannaCry before the US woke up, MalwareTech did the world an enormous service - and to American businesses in particular.'

Ms Colvin said he had been detained for 24 hours before information was released about his arrest and said he has still not been allowed to contact his family or lawyers.

'The US treats hackers far worse than other countries do, with much longer prison sentences, a dearth of vital health care and rampant solitary confinement,' she said.

The anonymous friend added: 'We still don't know why Marcus has been arrested and now we have no idea where in the US he's been taken to and we're extremely concerned for his welfare.'

The National Crime Agency confirmed Hutchins had been detained but said 'it is a matter for the authorities in the US'.

The Foreign Office said it is supporting Hutchins' family and is in contact with authorities in Las Vegas.

Marcus Hutchins prevented more than 100,000 computers across the globe from being infected with the WannaCry virus (pictured) in May

Mr Hutchins was praised in May for stopping the WannaCry attack on the NHS. At its peak the virus attacked 47 health trusts, which were forced to delay operations and turn away patients.

It spread worldwide, affecting 300,000 computers in 150 countries. It froze screens, which the hackers then demanded up to 460 for users to get their unlocked data back.

Banks, government offices and power stations were also brought to their knees in what was described as the largest ransomware attack in history.

Mr Hutchins was arrested on the same day as more than 105,000 in digital currency Bitcoin paid by the victims of WannaCry was removed from the hackers' online wallets.

It is not clear if there was any relationship between the withdrawal and Mr Hutchins' arrest.

Hutchins, who works for Los Angeles-based firm Kryptos Logic, spent the weekend in May fighting off the ransomware attack - but stressed he is not a 'hero'.

After his intervention he began working with the government's National Cyber Security Centre to prevent a new strain of the malicious software emerging.

The security worker spent 8 registering the domain name the virus tried to connect with when it infected a new computer and pointed it at a 'sinkhole server' in Los Angeles.

It caused the malicious software to enact an 'emergency stop', immediately halting its spread - but at first the cyber expert feared he had actually made the virus epidemic worse.

He said: 'Essentially they relied on a domain not being registered and by registering it, we stopped their malware spreading.'

Speaking of the moment he stopped the virus, the anti-malware expert previously told MailOnline: 'It should have been really nice but someone had made a mistake and told me that our registering of the domain actually caused the infection.

'When I found out that it was actually the opposite it was more a relief.'
Ivanka Trump has shared an adorable picture of daughter Arabella with a bouquet she made in the White House flower shop for her teachers.

It comes just days after her father, US President Donald Trump, was reported to have called the residence 'a real dump' - a claim he denies.

'TBT [Throwback Thursday] to Arabella making the most beautiful bouquet for her teachers,' the First Daughter wrote alongside the picture she posted to her 3.8million Instagram followers.

She added: 'Thank you to the Chief Florist Hedieh in the White House Flower Shop. This may be Arabella's favorite thing to do when she visits Grandpa!'

President Trump is reported to have criticized the White House before a round of golf at his Bedminster club, in New Jersey.

Ivanka Trump has shared an adorable picture of daughter Arabella with a bouquet she made in the White House flower shop for her teachers

'TBT [Throwback Thursday] to Arabella making the most beautiful bouquet for her teachers,' the First Daughter wrote alongside the picture she posted to her 3.8million Instagram followers

Ivanka also shared this adorable picture of her children Arabella and Theodore to Instagram

'That White House is a real dump,' he was quoted as telling golf club members, according to Golf.com.

Trump denied the claims, saying: 'I love the White House, one of the most beautiful buildings (homes) I have ever seen. But Fake News said I called it a dump - TOTALLY UNTRUE.'

Doting mother Ivanka often posts pictures of her children Arabella, six, Joseph, three, and Theodore, one.

Last month she took to Instagram to share a delightful image Theodore with his face covered in yogurt after a messy breakfast alongside sister Arabella.

Both children were seen grinning happily at the camera. Arabella had donned a smart straw boater hat for the occasion, while her brother wore giraffe-print shades.

While things appear to be sunny at home, Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner is under fire over allegations he conspired with Russia in a bid to interfere with the US presidential election.

A grand jury has issued subpoenas in connection with a June 2016 meeting which included President Donald Trump's son, son-in-law Kushner and a Russian lawyer, sources have said.

One source said major Russian efforts to interfere in the election on Trump's behalf began shortly after the June meeting, making it a focus of Mueller's investigation.

While things appear to be sunny at home, Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner is under fire over allegations he conspired with Russia in a bid to interfere with the US presidential election

A grand jury has issued subpoenas in connection with a June 2016 meeting which included President Donald Trump's son, son-in-law Kushner (left) and a Russian lawyer

They claimed US Special Counsel Robert Mueller convened the grand jury investigation in Washington to help examine allegations of Russian interference in the vote. One of the sources said it was assembled in recent weeks.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to the president, said he was not aware that Mueller had started using a new grand jury.

'Grand jury matters are typically secret,' Cobb said. 'The White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly. ... The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller.'

John Dowd, one of Trump's personal lawyers, said: 'With respect to the news of the grand jury, I can tell you President Trump is not under investigation.'

Moscow denies any meddling and Trump denies any collusion by his campaign, while regularly denouncing the investigations as political witch hunts.

Moscow denies any meddling and Trump denies any collusion by his campaign, while regularly denouncing the investigations as political witch hunts. Pictured: Ivanka Trump

At a rally in Huntington, West Virginia, on Thursday night, Trump said: 'Most people know there were no Russians in our campaign. ... We didn't win because of Russia. We won because of you.'

Mueller's use of a grand jury could give him expansive tools to pursue evidence, including issuing subpoenas and compelling witnesses to testify. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported a grand jury was impaneled.

A spokesman for Mueller declined comment.
A video has emerged of employees being forced to drink toilet water as punishment for under-performance at work in China.

A man and a woman were filmed drinking the toilet water with great hesitation at a photography studio in Guangan, a city in eastern Sichuan province.

In the stomach-turning video, a male employee first stoops down and very unenthusiastically scoops water from the toilet bowl into a cup before begrudgingly drinking the liquid.

The woman looks as if she is about to cry as she hesitates before putting another glass of toilet water to her lips and drinking it.

A female worker later complained that she suffered from diarrhea after the punishment and couldn't even eat rice without wanting to throw up, the Beijing News reports.

Police have now arrested an individual in connection with the incident.

The video was uploaded to the employees' WeChat group before it was leaked and quickly spread online.

A manager at the company claims that the video was not recorded at the company, but merely disseminated on the social media group as a way of "motivating" staff to work harder, The Shangaiist reports.

A man can be seen stooping down to scoop water from the toilet bowl into a cup before begrudgingly drinking the liquid before a woman also hesitates before downing toilet water
Brisbane commuters coming home from work on Friday afternoon are stuck in peak hour traffic on Queensland's M1 after a tanker laden with 15,000 litres of hydrochloric acid exploded.

One southbound lane has reopened but police warn it could be some time before conditions return to normal following Friday morning's incident, which initially forced the closure of the motorway at Loganlea, south of Brisbane, and triggered a one-kilometre-wide exclusion zone.

'Two lanes have sustained damage from the accident,' a police spokeswoman told AAP.

Police officially declared an 'emergency situation' after a gas tanker caught fire on Friday

It's expected engineers will inspect the road before it's given the all clear but police were unsure when that would happen.

All northbound lanes have been reopened.

Earlier on Friday Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Inspector Jed Crosby said it was a 'miracle' no one was hurt.

The driver has been praised for acting quickly and pulling off the motorway after noticing fire beneath the tanker.

Motorists stuck in the traffic jam are being warned not to cross to the wrong side of the road or do illegal U-turns.

Truck company owner Coogee Chemicals is working with emergency services to remove the vehicle.

Thick black smoke is billowing across the nearby area after a gas tanker burst into flames

Thick black smoke billowed from the site, with one local resident saying he heard loud 'bangs' that shook the windows in his house.

A scientific officer was sent to assess the risk posed by the chemical incident, with the truck reportedly carrying a 'volatile substance'.

The driver of the tanker escaped unharmed after extricating himself from the vehicle, Queensland Ambulance confirmed.

The truck was southbound on the Pacific Motorway, near the Logan Hyperdome, when it caught fire at 8.40am on Friday morning.
He died on June 12, leaving behind fiancee and their two-year-old son

Ekpayna was first Pearland police officer killed in nearly 40 years

principal at an elementary school, was jailed for intoxication manslaughter

Jailed: Stripper Amber Willemsen was sentenced to 32 years in prison

An exotic dancer who killed a police officer in a drunken crash has been jailed for 32 years.

Amber Willemsen, who was an assistant principal before she became a stripper, was on the wrong side of the road and two times over the legal limit when she drove into Officer Endy Ekpanya's patrol car.

The father-of-one, who was due to turn 31 two days later, died as a result of the collision.

Willemsen, 40, had previously completed two years' probation for another drink driving offence committed in 2014.

She was convicted for intoxication manslaughter yesterday. She had previously been an assistant principal at an elementary school in League City, Texas.

During her trial, jurors were shown footage of Willemsen drinking vodka during her shift at Houston strip club The Ritz.

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Endy Ekpayna (left) , who served on the Pearland Police Department in Texas, was killed when Willemsen struck his patrol car on June 12. He left behind fiance Lucy Lugo and son Julian Ekpayna (pictured right)

She was on her way home from work when the fatal collision happened.

Brazoria County District Attorney Jeri Yenne said, the Houston Chronicle reports: 'Endy Ekpanya took the hit for another citizen who was coming behind him. In his final act, he was protecting and serving.'

Addressing jurors during the case, KHOU reports, Willemsen said: 'Theres no excuse for the tragedy. Ive sat in jail and realized how completely selfish and reckless Ive been.'

And she added: 'There was a time in my life when I was successful and wanted to help kids and was a good person.'

Ekpayna was the first Pearland officer killed in the line of duty in nearly 40 years after the June 12 tragedy.

His family and friends paid emotional tributes to him at his funeral in June, when hundreds of mourners paid their respects.

The officer's fiancee Lucy Lugo is pictured clutching their two-year-old son Julian Ekpayna in front of his casket

Ekpayna's aunt also remembered her nephew as a man who lifted the spirits of those around him. She said: 'You could not have a sad moment while Endy was around' (pictured, his toddler son)

'You hear a lot of people talk about Endy's infectious smile, but one of the things that I'll always remember is that he was the most respectable man I will ever come across,' said Ekpayna's supervisor, Sergeant Adam Carroll.

Carroll said the police force was mourning the loss, but chose to share a laugh by telling a humorous anecdote.

When the officers were on duty after a light rain brought on minor flooding, Carroll said Ekpayna turned up in the 'biggest, ugliest pair of rubber knee high water boots' to the amusement of his coworkers.

Ekpayna's aunt also remembered her nephew as a man who lifted the spirits of those around him. She said: 'You could not have a sad moment while Endy was around.'

Ekpayna, who died just two days before his 31st birthday, was the first Pearland officer killed in the line of duty in nearly 40 years

Both the Pearland police chief and the mayor were in attendance at his funeral in June, among hundreds of others. Pictured left, fellow police officers hugging after the funeral, and right, a folded flag presented to his family members

Family members said Ekpayna, who had served on the police force for a year, was excited about fulfilling his dreams of becoming an officer.

His fiancee chose to speak from her heart instead of reciting a prepared speech.

She said: 'This is something you simply cannot prepare for.

'The day he was pinned was the day we closed on our home.'

Moving images from the ceremony show his fiancee hugging his two-year-old son in front of Ekpayna's casket, draped with an American flag.

The rookie officer was responding to a non-emergency call, and had to be extricated after the crash left his vehicle mangled.
Labour's divisions over Brexit have erupted again as MPs joined calls for free movement to be kept after we leave the EU.

Former frontbenchers Clive Lewis and David Lammy are among those backing demands for an open immigration system.

The push, being orchestrated by the newly-formed Labour Campaign for Free Movement, flies in the face of official party policy.

Jeremy Corbyn has insisted that free movement will end when we formally leave the EU - although he has repeatedly refused to say whether he thinks immigration numbers should come down.

Former frontbenchers Clive Lewis (left) and David Lammy are among those backing demands for an open immigration system

Union chiefs include Manuel Cortes, of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association have signed up to the campaign despite being normally considered allies of Mr Corbyn

But a large section of Labour support is in favour of maintaining the arrangements currently in place with the EU.

Union chiefs include Manuel Cortes, of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association have signed up to the campaign despite being normally considered allies of Mr Corbyn.

A statement released by the group said:'We fought the last general election arguing against such scapegoating, and celebrating the contributions of migrants to our society. That tone must now translate into policy.

'Migrants are not to blame for falling wages, insecurity, bad housing and overstretched public services.

'These are the product of decades of underinvestment, deregulation, privatisation, and the harshest anti-union laws in Europe.

'On the contrary, migrant workers have been on the front line of fighting for better pay and working conditions. Labour is the party of all working people  regardless of where they were born.

'A system of free movement is the best way to protect and advance the interests of all workers, by giving everyone the right to work legally, join a union and stand up to their boss without fear of deportation or destitution.

'Curtailing those rights, or limiting migrants' access to public services and benefits, will make it easier for unscrupulous employers to hyper-exploit migrant labour, which in turn undermines the rights and conditions of all workers.'

Meanwhile, company bosses have urged the Cabinet to end public arguing over the potential terms of a Brexit transition phase and come to a collective agreement as soon as possible.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) set out a range of options including membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) and extending the Article 50 negotiating timetable, which will currently see Britain quit the European Union by the end of March 2019.

Jeremy Corbyn has insisted that free movement will end when we formally leave the EU - although he has repeatedly refused to say whether he thinks immigration numbers should come down

It comes amid increasing Tory tensions over the Brexit process, with Cabinet ministers publicly disagreeing over a potential transition agreement.

Last week, Chancellor Philip Hammond signalled that free movement of EU citizens would continue for a three-year transition period in all but name, with an added element of migrants having to register in the UK.

But International Trade Secretary Liam Fox insisted unregulated free movement of labour after Brexit would not keep faith with the EU referendum result and that the Cabinet had not agreed a stance on immigration.

The IoD said prioritising an agreement to extend Brexit talks under Article 50 would be on paper the simplest solution, giving more time to negotiate a trading relationship.

But the institute acknowledged that option would be very politically challenging for both the EU and some Brexit-backing MPs.
Had she not been so very talented, Polish model Natalia Sikorska, 28, would have woken up this morning in a British prison cell.

Instead, she donned a pair of brightly coloured leggings and rose-tinted designer sunglasses to go for a late morning jog in Chelsea, MailOnline can reveal.

The model, who lives in a shoddy block of flats in the backstreets of exclusive Kensington, was let off with a conditional discharge yesterday after attempting to steal 1,000 of designer goods from Harrods.

In remarks that have caused widespread outrage, the judge said that he made the strikingly lenient ruling because of Sikorskas considerable talents.

Had she not been so very talented, Polish model Natalia Sikorska (pictured), 28, would have woken up this morning in a British prison cell

On the run: Sikorska spotted stretching for her morning run in an exclusive area of Kensington this morning, just a day after she appeared in court

This morning, Sikorska was chatting cheerfully to a friend on a top-of-the-range pink iPhone as she warmed down in the street after her workout, turning heads amongst passers-by.

Dressed in striking leggings, a crop top and sunglasses, she appeared not to have a care in the world.

The model, who is studying business management and economics at the University of Westminster and works as a business development manager for a drinks bottle manufacturer, was apprehended in the Knightsbridge shop on 5 July with a haul worth 959.59.

Her booty including a Markus Lupfer jacket, a pair of Claudie Pierlot shoes, a Pinko handbag and a silver knife.

After she admitted theft in court, Westminster magistrate Grant McCrostie gave her a conditional discharge for 12 months. He said: You are obviously a woman of considerable talents. You are obviously intelligent.

'Taking goods from any store, including Harrods, is wrong. Because of the fact that you pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and you do have a potentially bright future, we will deal with this more leniently than we should have.

The describes herself as size eight, 5"7 tall with blonde hair and green eyes. She appeared in a music video by artist Jacko called Working Man in 2016

After she admitted theft Westminster Magistrate Grant McCrostie gave her a conditional discharge for 12 months

The 28-year-old has said she works as a model for 'Elite London Model' on her Facebook page

The Polish model and actress is currently studying business management and economics at the University of Westminster

The day before she appeared in court Sikorksa had posted a picture of herself in white lingerie to Instagram alongside the caption, 'Let me be beautiful for you'.

The image, which was posted on Wednesday before the court case, gathered more than 100 likes on the social networking platform.

After admitting the theft yesterday, Westminster magistrate Grant McCrostie gave the Polish model and actress, who has recently moved to Britain, a conditional discharge for 12 months.

He said: 'You are a newcomer to this country, you are a student with a place at university.

'You are obviously a woman of considerable talents, you are obviously intelligent.

Mr McCrostie said if Sikorska, who is currently studying business management and economics at the University of Westminster, stays out of trouble for that period she will not face any further punishment.

Continuing he sentencing, he added: 'Taking goods from any store, including Harrods is wrong.

'Your future has been put at risk by these actions.

'Because of the fact that you pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and you do have a potentially bright future, we will deal with this more leniently than we should have.

She attempted to make off with a Markus Lupfer jacket, a pair of Claudie Pierlot shoes, a Pinko handbag and the silver knife on 5 July

On her online website, the 28-year-old describes herself as a model and actress writing: 'I used to play in Literature Theatre in Warsaw. I have also an experience as a presenter for business news and played few roles for music videos.'

The describes herself as size eight, 5"7 tall with blonde hair and green eyes. She appeared in a music video by artist Jacko called Working Man in 2016.

WHAT SHE STOLE Sikorska, 28, attempted to make off with a Markus Lupfer jacket, a pair of Claudie Pierlot shoes, a Pinko handbag and a silver knife on July 5. She was stopped before she left the Knightsbridge store with the haul worth 959.59. Advertisement

She thanked the magistrate after he told her she would only be handed a condition discharge of 12 months for the crime.

He said: 'You have been given another opportunity do not abuse the opportunity we have given you, stay out of trouble,' he said.

Sikorska replied: 'Thank you so much.'

The defendant began studying business management at the University of Westminster in 2015, a year after she first moved to London to work as a receptionist.

She is currently employed as a business development manager for drinks bottle manufacturers Aquatiser and as an interpreter.

Before moving to England, she previously studied psychology at the University of Warsaw and has worked as a sales associate with variety of luxurious brands such as Saint Laurent Paris, Globe Trotter and Hugo Boss.

Sikorska, of Chelsea, West London, was given a conditional discharge, ordered to pay 85 costs and a 20 victim surcharge.

As well as being a model, actor, business development manager and student Sikorska works as an interpreter and studied psychology at the University of Warsaw.

Sikorska, of Chelsea, admitted attempted theft from a shop. She was given a conditional discharge, ordered to pay 85 costs and a 20 victim surcharge

Sikorska, 28, attempted to make off with a Markus Lupfer jacket, a pair of Claudie Pierlot shoes, a Pinko handbag and a silver knife on July 5

SENTENCING GUIDELINES FOR SIKORSKA'S THEFT As magistrate Grant McCrostie admitted, he dealt with the model 'more leniently than we should have.' Sentencing guidelines for sets the benchmark between 'Category 1' and 'Category 2' at 1,000. Because Sikorska's haul came to 40.41 under that threshold, she just missed being in the more severe Category 1. The sentencing guidelines for this level of theft range depending on the level of pre-planning and violence that went into the theft, coupled with any mental disabilities or if they were forced into it by others. As Sikorska showed no signs of either, it is likely that she would fall into the 2C category - the least serious of Category 2 theft. But, due to the high value of the items stolen, the sentencing guidelines recommend that judges or magistrates should issue the defendant with a fine, and not a discharge. It should be noted, though, that these are merely guidelines and not steadfast rules - magistrates have the power to deal on a case-by-case basis as they see fit. Advertisement

The model was let off with a conditional discharge after a judge said she was a woman of 'considerable talents'

The 28-year-old model was stopped before she left the Knightsbridge store with the haul worth 959.59
A former NME music writer has died, aged 70, at Dignitas after filming his final week battling Parkinson's in a heart-wrenching videoblog that calls for assisted dying to be legalised in Britain.

Andrew Tyler, who was suffering from the terminal illness, travelled to Switzerland for a 'dignified death' after pleading for the British government to change the laws for those in his position.

In recordings leading up to his death, he said: 'People should be allowed and helped to go in a more civilised manner.

Andrew Tyler, who was suffering from the terminal illness, travelled to Switzerland for a 'dignified death' after pleading for the British government to change the laws for those in his position

Ex-NME writer Andrew Tyler was seen wiping away his tears as he recorded his final message

On April 28, he and his wife travelled to Switzerland and Mr Tyler took a dose of barbiturate. He lost consciousness in 15 minutes and was pronounced dead at 3.10pm

'I don't count it a noble or appropriate death - dribbling, can't think, can't speak, can't move, in pain, lots of drugs. I don't want that, I don't know anyone who does want that.

'Emotions are deferred. I don't feel number, I just don't feel emotional. I don't know if this is typical.

'Maybe once you get to the room and the moment you start sobbing or resisting or everything comes out. But at the moment it's not happening.

'In fact I was just trying to think of last words. I don't suppose people are that composed.'

Speaking after his death, Sara, 72, backed her husband's call for assisted dying to be legalised in the UK.

She told the Daily Mirror: 'The system in our country is totally barbaric.

Mr Tyler, from Tonbridge, had a successful career as a music writer and interviewed superstars including Steview Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon and Stevie Wonder

After being diagnosed with the incurable Parkinson's 10 years ago, his condition - more specifically his back pain - worsened and surgeons said there was nothing they could do to help

Mr Tyler, from Tonbridge, had a successful career as a music writer and interviewed superstars including Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon and Stevie Wonder (pictured)

'The only way you can end your life legally is to starve and dehydrate yourself to death. I can't think of anything more appalling.

'There is no humanity in that at all. The families of these people have to watch them die over days, weeks. Andrew was in the most appalling pain. I'm happy he isn't suffering any more.'

ANDREW TYLER'S FINAL MESSAGE Its my last big adventure - if it comes off Ill be absolutely delighted. Emotions are deferred. I don't feel number, I just don't feel emotional. I don't know if this is typical. Maybe once you get to the room and the moment you start sobbing or resisting or everything comes out. But at the moment it's not happening. In fact I was just trying to think of last words. I don't suppose people are that composed. Maybe shriek, or I was thinking perhaps 'the eagle has landed'. Or 'one small step for man', or something. Or perhaps I'll pick up my cup and taste it and it'll be disgusting and I'll say 'what are you trying to do, kill me with this stuff?' Advertisement

Mr Tyler, from Tonbridge, had a successful career as a music writer and interviewed superstars including Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon and Stevie Wonder.

In the 1980s and 90s he focused on social issues, before becoming a campaigner for Animal Aid.

After being diagnosed with the incurable Parkinson's 10 years ago, his condition - more specifically his back pain - worsened and surgeons said there was nothing they could do to help.

He was forced to retire from Animal Aid after 22 years, in September 2016 and decided he wanted to die at Dignitas.

It was then he began recording a video diary in the lead up to his death.

On April 28, he and his wife travelled to Switzerland and Mr Tyler took a dose of barbiturate. He lost consciousness in 15 minutes and was pronounced dead at 3.10pm.

Sara described his death as 'peaceful' and said that she held his hand the whole way through.

During his last seven months Andrew wrote his memoir My Life As an Animal. It is due to be published later this year.
Katy Bethel, 28, from Gillingham, pictured, was a passenger in the works vehicle driven by Aaron Harris carrying 12 Vietnamese illegal immigrants

A mother of four who allegedly tried to smuggle 12 Vietnamese nationals through the Channel Tunnel while pregnant told a court she had simply gone to France to buy alcohol to celebrate the impending birth of her fourth child.

Katy Bethel was stopped in Coquelles, France by UK border force agents who opened the back of her rented Mercedes Sprinter van to find a pair of jean-clad legs sticking out of a stack of tyres.

The 28-year-old was a passenger in the works vehicle driven by Aaron Harris, also 28.

He has pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration but Bethel denies she knew what he was doing.

She said in court: 'When I'm tired I don't take much notice of what is going on around me.'

Maidstone Crown Court heard he told the officer when stopped at the UK control zone in that everything in the van belonged to him except the tyres.

Prosecutor Michael Morris said: 'Upon opening the doors the officer saw what appeared to be jeans or jean legs within the tyres.

'He asked "What's that then?" and Aaron Harris replied "How did he get in?"

'There were 12 Vietnamese nationals concealed in that load of tyres. All were illegal entrants trying to get into the UK.'

Bethel, from Gillingham in Kent, denies assisting unlawful immigration on July 4, 2015.

Harris, also from Gillingham, initially claimed the tyres belonged to his boss but the jury was told at the start of Bethel's trial that he has since pleaded guilty to the same charge.

Mr Morris said the prosecution case was that Bethel 'knew or had reasonable cause for believing' she and Harris were carrying out a breach of immigration law.

Giving evidence yesterday Bethel became upset as she maintained she knew nothing about the Vietnamese people hidden just feet from her passenger seat.

Asked whether she had tried to smuggle them into the UK to 'make some money' for the birth of her child, she replied: 'I have never had any money. I always get by on what I can.'

The court heard Bethel told her lawyers that she and Harris travelled to France to buy alcohol for a party for her newborn baby.

But when asked during her trial why no booze was found in the vehicle, she said they never bought any because they 'kept getting lost'.

She also said she felt ill and did not pay attention to the numerous calls and texts being made by Harris.

The illegal immigrants were discovered when a UK border force official spotted a pair of jean-clad legs sticking out of a tyre stacked in the rear of the Mercedes Sprinter van (stock image)

'I felt sick, I was tired and obviously pregnant. When I'm tired I don't take much notice of what is going on around me,' she explained.

'At the time his phone went off all day, every day. It was just normal. I didn't think about it, I wasn't listening in on his conversations. I didn't do that.'

Bethel also told the court she and Harris had left the van to go for a walk for up to an hour-and-a-half but she did not know he had left the vehicle key behind for another man.

Following her arrest, Bethel's iPhone revealed numerous internet searches for van hire were made the day before they travelled.

When interviewed, she made no comment to most questions. She told the jury she was advised by a solicitor to do so as she was feeling ill and 'wasn't up for a conversation'.

She denied her account of what happened was 'nonsense' or that she was trying to 'wriggle out' of any blame.

The court heard Harris told officials when stopped that he and Bethel had been across the Channel for the first time on a day-trip.

He made no comment during his subsequent interview. The trial continues.
Londoners are known for being on the go but these three runners are taking it to the next level.

Video shows a race between three runners and their fastest competitor yet - the Tube.

The epic race begins at the Mansion House stop on the District and Circle line, ending at the next underground station Cannon Street.

The runners must exit the train at Mansion House, running outside in order to catch the same train at the Cannon Street stop.

It's a journey that takes approximately two minutes on the Tube.

The footage, which was taken on July, 30 at 11am, begins with the runners waiting for the train underground at Monument station.

Arriving at Mansion House, the runners take off - climbing up stairs, through the ticket barrier and then outdoors.

Man vs tube - three runners race the London underground starting at Mansion House, ending at Cannon Street. It's a journey that takes two minutes on the underground and begins as soon as they reach Mansion House, pictured

The epic race begins at the Mansion House stop on the District and Circle line, ending at the next underground station Cannon Street, pictured. It's a two minute journey on the underground

Man vs tube - three runners race the London underground starting at Mansion House, ending at Cannon Street. The epic journey sees the runners climbing up stairs, through the ticket barrier and dodging pedestrians outdoors, pictured

Now in the fresh air, the runners sprint toward Cannon Street, avoiding the few pedestrians that brave Central London over the weekend.

They make a turn to get on Cloak Lane, putting themselves in direct line of the Cannon Street station entrance.

Now in the fresh air, the runners sprint toward Cannon Street, avoiding the few pedestrians that brave Central London over the weekend. They then make a turn to get on Cloak Lane, pictured

Man vs tube - three runners race the London underground starting at Mansion House, ending at Cannon Street. The runners make a turn to get on Cloak Lane, putting themselves in direct line of the Cannon Street station entrance, pictured

Man vs tube - three runners race the London underground starting at Mansion House, ending at Cannon Street. The runners make a turn to get on Cloak Lane, putting themselves in direct line of the Cannon Street station entrance, pictured

At one minute and 25 seconds they arrive at the station's ticket barrier - racing down the stairs in anticipation of the train's arrival.

One of them appears to slip while going down the stairs, grasping onto the railing for balance.

Man vs tube - three runners race the London underground starting at Mansion House, ending at Cannon Street. It's a two minute journey for the Tube and one runner almost slips on his way to the finish line, pictured

They made it! The three runners, pictured, manage to catch the same train that they left at Mansion House, having raced it in a journey that takes approximately two minutes

When the train arrives at Cannon Street - at exactly two minutes - the three runners go flying into one of the cars, one of them collapsing with exhaustion.

It's high fives all around.
Derek Cosme, 15, died after accidentally shooting himself at a friend's home

A teenager has died after accidentally shooting himself while playing with a loaded gun at his friend's house.

Derek Cosme, who was 15, died after handling the weapon in the kitchen.

His family are now demanding to know how he was able to get his hands on the gun while there were no adults present.

Just moments before his death he had texted his mother, Luz Vasquez, asking her to pick him up.

She arrived at the Long Island home to learn of the tragedy.

Derek's aunt, Rosa Vasquez, told the New York Daily News: 'We need answers. As an adult, who leaves a gun out of a safe lock?

'From what I understand, there were no adults there. It was only kids.'

She said her nephew and his friend were 'good kids', and added: 'So I can't say nothing bad about them.'

The teenager had earlier texted his mother at 6.40pm asking her if she could pick him up at 8pm.

The teenager (second left) is survived by Luz and his four sisters, Tahessha, Shadarra, Kristal, and Jasmine

When she arrived, having sent two messages which he did not reply to, she and Derek's sister found police and ambulance workers at the scene.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay the cost of the 15-year-old's funeral.

The page, put up by Derek's sister Jasmine, said: 'He was very outgoing, friendly, smart and just loved by so many.

Police have said Derek was playing with a gun when it discharged, killing him at the scene

'No family should carry such a burden alone. We are asking for help to relieve our family of the stress of these expenses, for all who loved Derek and our family to come together to provide a beautiful ceremony that he deserves.

'There is no possible way to describe how my family and I are feeling but his memories will forever live through us and our hearts.'

Glen Cove Det Lt John Nagle told Newsday: 'Kids got access to a gun, playing games and this is what happened.

'Its not clear if they were playing any specific game or whether it was horseplay with the gun.'
Talented: Award-winning painter and printmaker Francesca Lowe pictured at her exhibition

An award-winning British artist was found dead in the bathroom by her husband after suffering from norovirus for two days while six months pregnant, an inquest has heard.

Painter and printmaker Francesca Lowe, 37, was found collapsed at home in Stoke Newington, north London, by her fellow artist husband Gavin Nolan in January.

After touching her cold skin, he pulled her out of the bathroom and gave her CPR in the hallway before calling an ambulance. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.

Today an inquest heard the artist died as a result of a degenerative heart disease which had affected her since the age of seven but was made worse by her pregnancy and norovirus.

Ms Lowe studied at the Royal Academy Schools and exhibited her work in London, New York and Beijing.

She represented the UK at the Beijing Biennale at the National Art Museum in 2008 and won the Red Mansion Prize in 2003 and the Deutsche Bank Pyramid Award for Fine Art the following year.

She had undergone a cardiogram for a heart murmur she lived with since childhood just weeks before she was found on January 23 this year, the inquest heard.

Devastated: Ms Lowe, 37, was found collapsed at home in Stoke Newington, north London, by her fellow artist husband Gavin Nolan (pictured)

In the two days before her death she had caught the winter vomiting bug norovirus.

Poplar Coroners Court heard an ambulance arrived within seven minutes of her husband finding her but she was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts to revive her.

In a short witness statement read to the court by the Coroner, Mr Nolan said: 'I woke up and went to the toilet and saw Francesca there.

There was vomit in the toilet. I touched her and she was cold

'There was vomit in the toilet. I touched her and she was cold.

'I pulled her out of the toilet into the hallway and I started with CPR before calling the ambulance.'

The inquest heard toxicology found no trace of drugs or alcohol in her system.

During her pregnancy she was referred to a cardiologist at Homerton Hospital in East London, as a precaution for a heart murmur.

During Ms Lowe's first pregnancy in 2012 she underwent an echocardiogram which found she had mitral valve prolapse in her heart, which was also detected in January this year

During her first pregnancy in 2012 she underwent an echocardiogram which found she had mitral valve prolapse in her heart, which was also detected in January this year.

Giving evidence at the inquest consultant Dr Hans Xiao, from the Homerton Hospital, said: 'There was a small amount of back flow in the valves.

Tragic: Painter and printmaker Francesca Lowe, 37

'It was congenital and some patients will feel heart palpitations. In some extreme cases it can lead to heart failure, but that is less common.'

He said the cardiograms in 2012 and this year showed the valve was 'not perfectly shut' meaning there was a small amount of back flow of blood.

At the examination on January 4, this year, the technician found the left atrium diameter in the heart was at 4.3cm, which is slightly above the normal size expected of 4cm.

However Mr Xiao said comparing the two sets of results, which were five years apart, 'there was nothing significant that has changed' and it would not have required medication.

The inquest heard as a result of the cardiogram results, the technician which carried out the test escalated the case to the cardiologist team which examined the results at a team meeting on January 11.

Giving his opinion based on the results, he said: 'There is a possibility she had a mild cardiac diseases but a echocardiogram would not detect it.'

Mr Xiao said it could be detected with a MRI scan however he said there may be difficulties with pregnant patient having a MRI scan which would not give a clear result.

Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, where the walls of the heart chambers have become stretched, thickened or stiff. This affects the heart's ability to pump blood around the body. Some types of cardiomyopathy are inherited and are seen in children and younger people. It can sometimes develop as a complication of pregnancy. Source: NHS Advertisement

He said there were no other signs of disease reported such as chest pain or breathlessness, and if any of the cardiologist team were concerned they would have referred Ms Lowe onto a cardiologist who works with patients in pregnancy.

The inquest also heard from pathologist Dr Ula Mahadeva who arranged for Ms Lowe's heart to be examined by an expert in cardiopathology.

Dr Mahadeva said: 'The expert pathologist found significant disease of the mitral valve and that she also found scarring in the left ventricular.'

'This pregnant lady died as a result of degenerative changes in the mitral valve.'

As a result the cause of death was given to cardiomyopathy, contributed to by the fact she was pregnant and had suffered from norovirus shortly before her death.

Assistant Coroner Edwin Buckett adjourned the inquest to a date in September, yet to be set, when more expert evidence is due to be heard.

An obituary from her family at the time read: 'A wonderful developing talent and an unfathomable loss to us all. Taken too soon. Rest in peace, Cescie.'
J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.
Young Sydney schoolgirls are being targeted by predators in a new Snapchat scam targeting their passwords and private images.

At least three girls are victims of the scam with fears more could have been impacted without knowing.

'Memories' and 'My Eyes Only' are two Snapchat features which store private photos and can be protected by passwords, but the features have been hacked by an unknown source.

Sydney school girls are being targeted in a new Snapchat hacking scandal (stock image)

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant (pictured) said three young girls were manipulated before their private images were distributed without the girls' consent

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant told 9News it appeared a group of young female friends were manipulated into sharing Snapchat passwords and PIN numbers where private images were distributed without the girls' consent.

'We received a complaint from a parent about the use of Snapchat among a group of friends at a school,' Ms Inman Grant said.

SCEGGS Darlinghurst girls school was one of the schools involved in the scam who released a statement saying teenage girls were 'particularly vulnerable' to the attacks including ones in their school community.

'In some instances this [password] request has appeared to come from a friend while in other situations the request has come from someone they have only encountered online,' SCEGGS Head of School Jenny Allum said in a statement.

'Revealing passwords and/or PINs for any social media account to another student puts every student at risk of having their private images distributed widely.'

Ms Inman Grant said hackers were acting as someone else so people could fall victim to their hacking attacks.

SCEGGS Darlinghurst (pictured) was one of the schools affected by the Snapchat hackers

The hackers are targeting Snapchat users passwords to gain access to private images

'It's a very big challenge we face with image based abuse, it's easy to share images but so difficult to identify who might have shared them without your consent and where they might be,' she said.

'Unfortunately it's a very sad, cautionary tale and one we're seeing far too much in this brave new online world.'
Sir Ken Knight was responsible for certifying cladding panels similar to those installed on the doomed west London high-rise

The head of the inquiry into the Grenfell Tower disaster has been accused of a conflict of interest.

It has emerged that Sir Ken Knight was responsible for certifying cladding panels similar to those installed on the doomed west London high-rise.

The government's former fire chief served as a director for Warrington Certification for 13 years before taking up his new role as head of a Grenfell fire safety panel.

In his role at Warrington, Sir Ken certified dozens of building materials which were put forward by manufacturers, who paid to have their products tested.

According to The Times, he served as the Cheshire-based company's 'impartiality committee'.

Michael Smith wrote on Twitter: 'This is ludicrous. He should have never have been appointed and to deny conflict of interest is pathetic.'

Ronnie King, a former chief fire officer, told the newspaper: 'Anybody signing certificates of cladding and then chairing an independent expert panel made up of people involved in cladding has got to declare their interest and explain why they should be considered as independent.'

Sir Ken told The Times that the role was unpaid and involved approving the certification process as opposed to signing off specific products.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) told the MailOnline: 'Sir Ken Knight declared to DCLG that he was Chairman of Warrington Certification Impartiality Committee, and resigned from this position on taking up chairmanship of the Expert Advisory Panel.

'It was determined that this previous role did not prevent Sir Ken from being a member of the Expert Panel.

'The government has announced an independent review of building regulations and fire safety.

The government's former fire chief served as a director for Warrington Certification for 13 years before taking up his new role as head of a Grenfell fire safety panel

'The forward looking review will examine the regulatory system around the design, construction and on-going management of buildings in relation to fire safety as well as related compliance and enforcement issues.'

It comes as more than 100 buildings were revealed to have a cladding system that has failed the latest round of Government combustibility tests.

Some 111 high-rise blocks use a combination of material which failed the second of six new tests rolled out at the recommendation of an independent expert safety panel, the DCLG said.

It confirmed that a cladding system using aluminium composite material (ACM) panels with a polyethylene filler, and stone wool insulation 'does not meet current building regulation guidance'.

Sir Ken Knight has been approached by MailOnline for comment.
A German couple have been jailed for the rape and murder of a young Chinese woman so brutal that experts could not determine an cause of death.

Sebastian Flech and girlfriend Xenia Lang lured 25-year-old Yangjie Li into an empty apartment in May last year in Dessau, east Germany.

Flech, a 22-year-old policeman's son, and Lang, 21, then raped her multiple times, before Flech smashed her head on a wooden floor, strangled her and tried to drown her in a bucket.

Killers: Sebastian Flech, 22, and Lang, 21, lured their victim into a flat and raped her multiple times before murdering her

Yangjie Li was a brilliant architecture student who was destined for a glittering career before she fell prey to her killers.

She had so many injuries experts could not pinpoint the precise cause of her death.

Flech has now been jailed for life, and Lang has been sentenced to five years and six months for sexual assault.

The District Court of Dessau-Rosslau heard how the duo lured Li into the flat under the pretense of an emergency.

Victim: Architecture student Yangjie Li, 25, had so many injuries experts could not pinpoint the precise cause of her death

The indictment accused the couple of raping the student there several times with 'massive use of force.'

Presiding Judge Uda Schmidt spoke of an 'incomprehensible crime,' adding: 'The student had to die so that the defendants could live out their sexual fantasies.'

During their eight month long trial the accused remained silent and showed no emotion at their sentencing on Friday.

Psychiatrists said they were bonded by what the French term 'folie a deux' - the madness between two - whereby forbidden fantasies were fueled and acted upon by each other.
A refugee being held on Manus Island has described the anguish of feeling like 'I can be traded for anything' after reading the leaked transcript between Malcolm Turnbull and Donald Trump.

Imran Mohammad, who has been in offshore detention for almost four years, cried after reading the transcript of the two leaders discussing a people-swap deal during Mr Trump's first few days in the Oval Office.

Mr Mohammad said he felt like a 'product' after reading the conversation of the tense phone call over the U.S. accepting refugees from Manus Island and Nauru.

Imran Mohammad (pictured) cried after reading the transcript between Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and U.S. President Donald Trump

Refuges pictured inside the Oscar section in the Manus Island detention centre

Mr Mohammad said he felt like a 'product' after reading the leaked transcript of the two nations leaders over the U.S. accepting refugees

'I am just a human being and there is no need to play with my life. All I want is to respect and love others and be loved and respected in return,' he said on Friday in a statement released by the Human Rights Law Centre.

'All I need is a sense of belonging to a safe country so that I can live a life that every human deserves.'

During the January phone call, revealed in full by the Washington Post, the Mr Turnbull corralled Mr Trump into endorsing the refugee deal.

The agreement, hatched with the Obama administration, involved the US accepting up to 1250 refugees held on Manus Island and Nauru, in return for Australia taking asylum seekers from Central America.

U.S. President Donald Trump on the phone to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Donald Trump calling Malcolm Turnbull over the Obama administration's refugee deal

Refugees behind a fence in the Manus Island detention centre

Mr Turnbull assured the President he wasn't obliged to accept a single refugee under the deal, needing only to process them to hold up his end of the bargain.

The Prime Minister said Australia would rather take 'a not very attractive guy' than a Nobel Peace Prize winner who came by boat.

Mr Trump praised Mr Turnbull for being 'worse than I am' on rejecting refugees but bemoaned the 'disgusting' deal.

More than 1600 refugees have expressed interest in the US resettlement deal, which is expected to offer about 1200 places.
The Irish Prime Minister today hinted that he would delay Brexit trade talks unless progress is made on the Irish border question.

Leo Varadkar piled pressure on Britain by warning the 'clock is ticking' on the negotiations and in just two months he and other EU leaders will decide if they will move on to the next stage of talks.

Britain and the EU must make 'sufficient progress' on a trio of issues - EU citizens rights, the Irish border, and the Brexit divorce bill - before talks can move on.

Mr Varadkar - an outspoken critic of Brexit - described it as the 'challenge of our generation' and will need 'unique solutions'.

And he suggested there could be an EU-UK customs union deal to avoid heavy checks at the crossing.

His intervention comes amid ongoing concern about the future of the Irish border - one of the thorniest issues in the talks.

The Irish PM, pictured delivering his speech today in Belfast, warned that Brexit is the challenge of our generation and that progress must be made on the Irish border question must before talks can move on to trade

All sides agree they do not want to see a return to the era of checkpoints and armed guards, fearing this would reignite the sectarian violence if the Troubles.

Speaking on his first visit to Northern Ireland since being elected in June, Mr Varadkar compared the challenge of Brexit to the First World War.

And he warned that 'time is running out' on Brexit and he believes that 'no extra time will be allowed'.

Speaking at Queen's University in Belfast today, he said: 'In October - and it's not that far away - I will sit around the European Council table in Brussels with 26 other prime ministers and presidents.

'And we will decide together whether sufficient progress has been made on the three key issues to allow Brexit negotiations to go on to the next stage.

Leo Varadkar, pictured giving the speech, said there must not be a return to the armed security and checkpoints which characterised the border during the Troubles

'The three key issues are citizens' rights, the financial settlement and issues relating to Ireland.

'And it is going to be an historic meeting.

'It is my fervent hope that progress will have been made, but I do not underestimate the challenges we face.'

WHAT DOES BREXIT MEAN FOR THE IRISH BORDER? The Irish border question is one of the trickiest, and most pressing, in Brexit talks. After Britain leaves the EU its only land border with the bloc will be with the Republic of Ireland  raising the prospect of passport customs and customs check at the crossing. But there are fears a return to armed guards at checkpoints at the border could reignite the sectarian violence which blighted the area for decades. The UK and the EU both want to keep the 'soft' invisible border, but it is unclear how this can be done. Britain has suggested creating a 'virtual border' with goods crossing over electronically registered and tariffs paid in advance  wiping out the need for paperwork at the border. But the Irish PM Leo Varadkar believes the plan is unworkable. Instead, Dublin reportedly wants the border to be pushed back to the Irish Sea. But unionists in Northern Ireland have refused to entertain this plan fearing it would create a barrier between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Advertisement

His comments come after he infuriated Brexiteers last week by saying he 'hopes' the UK will stay in the EU despite the referendum vote.

The British government wants to keep the soft crossing by imposing high-tech surveillance which would create a 'virtual' border.

But Mr Varadkar is a critic of the proposal and has warned that he will not 'design a border for the Brexiteers', and has floated the idea of pushing border controls back to the coast.

In his speech today, he said that no one wants to 'go back' to the border checkpoints of the Troubles.

And he lashed out at those who want a 'hard Brexit' and demanded they come up with a solution to the border question.

He said: 'The challenge of our generation is Brexit.

'The Brexit negotiations are well under way in Brussels. And, to quote Michel Barnier, the clock is ticking.

'Every single aspect of life in Northern Ireland could be affected by the outcome, jobs and the economy, the border, the rights of EU citizens, cross border workers, travel, trade, agriculture, energy, fisheries, aviation, EU funding, tourism, public services, the list goes on.'

He said that Brussels might agree to Britain's demand that a post-Brexit body other than the European Court of Justice oversee future issues.

And he said that protecting the Good Friday Agreement - which brought peace to the region after decades of conflict - is his priority.

Mr Varadkar also stressed the pressing need for a return to powersharing in Northern Ireland, which has collapsed amid bitter political fighting.

Sinn Fein and the DUP have failed to thrash out an agreement to return government to Stormont having clashed on the issue of the Irish language and gay rights.

It means the region faces the prospect of returning to direct rule from Westminster for the first time in more than a decade.

Mr Varadkar is due to meet with the main political parties on his visit in a bid to help restart talks to get Stormont back up and running.

David Davis, pictured meeting Michel Barnier for Brexit talks in Brussels last month. Mr Varadkar repeated Mr Barnier's warning that the 'clock is ticking' on the two-year negotiations

Urging the parties to resolve their differences, he said: 'Today we need an answer to the question, of who do we - and others in Europe - talk to in Belfast?

'Who will speak for Northern Ireland and her 1.8 million people?

'Time is running out, and I fear there will be no extra time allowed.'

But relations between the Irish Government and the DUP, the region's biggest party, have been strained over Mr Varadkar's outspoken criticism of Brexit.

The DUP's Arlene Foster has described the comments as 'not helpful'.

Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams said his party will be telling Mr Varadkar that the Irish government has a responsibility to defend the Remain vote and to challenge any proposals that would see an economic border on the island of Ireland.

The issue of same-sex marriage may also be discussed as Mr Varadkar intends to participate in a gay pride event in Belfast on Saturday to promote the rights of the LGBT community.
Sharon Roberts (pictured) , a teacher in Brooklyn, was arraigned Thursday and formally charged

A special ed teacher has been accused of slamming a nine-year-old student's face into a radiator.

Sharon Roberts, a teacher in Brooklyn, was arraigned Thursday and formally charged with reckless endangerment of a child, assault, menacing and harassment.

Roberts, 40, was fired from Public School K369 in Bedford-Stuyvesant two days ago.

The teacher is accused of shouting, 'Who the f*** are you talking to?' before shoving the pupil's face into the radiator.

The pupil reported the alleged attack on Tuesday. Authorities are now assessing whether there are any other potential victims.

'These allegations are deeply disturbing and Ms. Roberts was terminated,' Education Department spokesman Michael Aciman told the New York Daily News.

'The incident is currently being investigated and appropriate follow up action will be swiftly taken.'

The teacher, who was released without bail, broke down in tears in court.

'Sharon Roberts is innocent, she did not engage in the conduct that is alleged,' said her attorney Donald Vogelman. 'She looks forward to her day in court.'

She had no previous disciplinary history.
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A little ship called Count Dracula is being resurrected in a 200,000 restoration thanks to the son of a soldier who was rescued by it.

Sgt William Wilson was one of 712 soldiers plucked from the beaches by the 50ft vessel during the Second World War evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940.

Seventy-seven years later the decrepit timber craft turned up at Wilson's of Hayling boat yard in Hayling Island, which is owned by the soldier's son David Wilson, who's keen to share its history.

David Wilson is determined to restore the ship that rescued his father to its former glory

Sgt William Wilson was one of 712 soldiers saved by the Count Dracula in the evacuation

'My father only spoke a few times about Dunkirk but he told me Count Dracula was the boat which rescued him.

'It is an amazing story and this boat has a remarkable history. Its incredible that it has now turned up in my boat yard after all this time.'

Mr Wilson, 79, is restoring the Count Dracula to her former glory for the 80th anniversary of the evacuation in 2020, when the little ships involved will return to Dunkirk.

Mr Wilson aboard the Count Dracula, which rescued his father from Dunkirk in the Second World War

Derek Abra is heading up the restoration at Mr Wilson's boat yard in Hayling Island

Built for the German navy in 1913, Count Dracula had a remarkable First World War career before Dunkirk.

Kaiser Wilhelm II gifted her to Admiral Franz von Hipper who used it as his launch boat on the SMS Hindenburg in the First World War. It was even at the Battle of Jutland.

And when the German fleet was scuppered at Scapa Flow in 1919, the boat was salvaged by the Royal Navy.

It became a private yacht and its London owner Carl Greiner gave it the name Count Dracula.

The little ship was used in Operation Dynamo, in which 330,000 people were rescued, including at Dunkirk

Mr Wilson, whose father was rescued by Count Dracula at Dunkirk is restoring the little ship in time for the 80th anniversary of the evacuation

In June 1940 he sent his son Alan to take her to Ramsgate, Kent, to be a part of the flotilla of little ships destined for Dunkirk.

With two 35ft lifeboats in tow, Count Dracula lifted 702 British and 10 Belgian soldiers in the evacuation, including a group of engineers and a mechanic left behind with Sgt Wilson to blow up a bridge.

Searching the coast looking for a means of escape, they found the boat and its crew washed up on a mud bank.

Sgt Wilson's mechanic managed to jury rig the gear box, allowing them to set off.

After the war, Count Dracula went back to the Greiner family who eventually sold her and she was then used as a houseboat before being abandoned on the Thames Estuary.

The boat was salvaged and owned by the same person for 30 years before he put it up for sale on eBay three years ago.

Kevin Kilkenney, whose great uncle was also evacuated at Dunkirk, bought the boat and helping restoration expert Derek Abra refurbish it at Mr Wilsons Hampshire boat yard.

The Count Dracula stored aboard the SMS Hindenberg during the First World War

Mr Wilson hopes generous online donors will help him restore the Dunkirk little ship

The trio have set up a crowdfunding page to help them raise the 200,000 for the project.

Mr Kilkenney, 48, a butcher from St Johns Wood, North London, said he's always been passionate about the evacuation.

'Ive had boats since the early 1990s and Ive always had an interest in the Dunkirk "little ships" because my great uncle was evacuated from Dunkirk.

A restoration project in a Hampshire boat yard is aiming to resurrect the Count Dracula

'When I saw the boat on eBay I had to be involved.

'The history of this boat which bridged two wars and fought on opposing sides is remarkable and unique.

'Virtually all the soldiers who were evacuated are now no longer with us so it is the artifacts like this boat which tell their story.

'This boat saved 712 men so there are 712 good reasons to keep it going.'

Mr Abra, of Wooden Boat Repairs and Dunkirk Little Ships Ltd, said the Count Dracula had a history unlike most wartime vessels.

Before it was named Count Dracula, the little ship served on the SMS Hindenberg before its scuttling in Scapa Flow at the end of the First World War

The SMS Hindenberg goes under in Scapa Flow toward the end of the First World War

'The Count Dracula was a German air force barge in the Battle of Jutland and was on the Hindenburg at Scapa Flow when the fleet was sunk.

'This is probably one of the few boats you can honestly say has been in both world wars on different sides so its pretty unique.'

Portsmouth-born Sgt Wilson was stationed with the Royal Engineers at airfields in Libya and Egypt for the rest of the war and then worked in the construction business.

He died aged 64 in 1979.

Operation Dynamo evacuated over 330,000 men from French beaches to escape the Germans between May 27 and June 4, 1940.

A total of 700 private boats sailed to Dunkirk to rescue the soldiers. The miraculous evacuation is the subject of Christopher Nolans blockbuster movie Dunkirk which is in the cinemas now.
A self-styled internet pastor who groped a woman during an audition told a court he was 'acting'.

Jerry Saint Florant told a Manhattan judge he was trying to play the 'bad guy' when he lifted a woman's dress, caressed her thighs and said: 'What if this was a rape scene?'

Florant, who preaches on his YouTube channel, burst into the audition room in Midtown and immediately jumped into character.

Jerry Saint Florant told a Manhattan judge he was trying to play the 'bad guy' when he lifted a woman's dress, caressed her thighs and said: 'What if this was a rape scene?'

'I thought the whole room was filled with people who were going to watch me act,' he was quoted as saying by the New York Post. 'I just winged it.'

'I can't act like a nice person because that's just who I am, so I had to come out of my character and prove I was an actor.'

He is reported to have yanked the woman's feet, forcing her to fall from a chair, when she tried to push him away.

Florant then threw another woman who was auditioning for an MTV reality show against a wall.

He finally stopped after a woman maced him, at which point he told her: 'What are you doing? I'm acting! I'm acting!'

'I was hoping they'd say, "Thanks, Jerry, wonderful, you got the part,' but instead I got pepper sprayed".'

Florant, who preaches on his YouTube channel, burst into the audition room in Midtown and immediately jumped into character.

Assistant District Attorney Danbee Kim argued 'everything the defendant testified to defies common sense'.

The judge found him guilty on all seven misdemeanor counts including attempted forcible touching, attempted assault, sex abuse and other charges.

He faces up to six months in prison.
China has conducted live-fire exercises in Tibet near India amid escalating military tension with its neighbour.

Footage of the mock battle, which reportedly took place 'in the past few days', was released by China Central Television Station (CCTV) today.

The release of the footage is thought to be an attempt to increase pressure on New Delhi as Beijing has warned that their 'restraint has its limits' during an border standoff since June.

China's state media claim Beijing has conducted a live-fire drill in Tibet in the past few days

In this image taken from a recent video footage run by China's CCTV on Friday, Aug 4, 2017, a target explodes during a live-fire drill by the Chinese army in a region that borders India

The live-fire drill in Tibet was held on at an altitude of 4,600 metres (15,091 feet).

The Chinese state media did not specify the exact location of the drill, but it has been suggested to be the Himalayas where China, India and Bhutan meet.

The drill, carried out by the artillery units of The Chinese People's Liberation Army, saw soldiers striking various targets, including tanks, rocket launch sites and a military command post, with howitzers and rocket artillery, reported CCTV.

The release of the footage is thought to be an attempt to increase pressure on New Delhi

Beijing has warned that its 'restraint has its limits' during an border standoff with India

Footage shows a commander sitting in a vehicle while shouting '3, 2, 1, fire!' into two telephones. A missile was then launched into the sky.

Troops were also shown loading and firing other artillery, some of which landed in fiery explosions.

The video, featuring heavy artillery guns, came three days after the state broadcaster posted another clip showing China's military drones striking targets during its first live-fire exercises.

The footage was posted on August 1 on YouTube by China Global Television Network, a part of CCTV group.

It's said to feature Attack-1, a scouting and attacking unmanned aerial vehicle.

The video shows the aircraft, which could spy on targets as well as destroy them, hitting a cross from heights.

Chinese media posted another clip this week showing China's military drones striking targets

The mock combat is said to be the first live-fire exercise carried out by China's military drones

China has warned that their 'restraint has its limits' during an ongoing border standoff with India.

Indian troops entered the Himalayan area of the Doklam Plateau in June after New Delhi's ally Bhutan complained a Chinese military construction party was building a road inside Bhutan's territory.

Beijing says Doklam is located in Tibet and that the border dispute between China and Bhutan has nothing to do with India. It has demanded that Indian troops withdraw before any talks.

The release of the military footage is believed to be Beijing's attempt to increase pressure on India, along with strongly worded statements this week from China's foreign and defense ministries, as well as in state media.

'China has made it clear that there is no room for negotiation and the only solution is the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of Indian troops for the region,' said a commentary Friday by the official Xinhua News Agency.

'If China backs down now, India may be emboldened to make more trouble in the future,' it added.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said Thursday that while Chinese armed forces had shown 'utmost goodwill' in the face of the Indian troops and a 'high level of restraint ... restraint has its limits.'

'No country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests,' Ren said in a statement.

Chinese and Indian soldiers stand guard at the Nathu La border crossing in India's northeastern Sikkim state, near the disputed Doklam territory

Indian troops entered the Doklam Plateau in June after New Delhi's ally Bhutan complained a Chinese military construction party was building a road inside Bhutan's territory. Beijing says Doklam is located in Tibet, which China claims sovereignty over

China and Bhutan have been holding talks over their border dispute since the 1980s and Bhutan feared the road construction would affect the process of drawing their boundary. India said its troops were attempting to urge the Chinese forces not to change the status quo and that any construction would have 'serious security implications for India.'

In New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told Parliament on Thursday that India was concerned about China's actions affecting the tri-junction boundary point between Bhutan, China and India as well as the India-China border.

She said India would 'keep engaging with China to resolve the dispute.'

'War is not a solution to anything,' Swaraj said. 'Patience, control on comments and diplomacy can resolve problems.'

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang (right) said Thursday that Chinese armed forces had shown 'utmost goodwill'; while in New Delhi, the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (left) said India was concerned about China's actions affecting the region

Experts in India say that by building the road, China may be able to gain access to a narrow strip of Indian land known as the Siliguri Corridor or Chicken's Neck. If China was able to block the corridor, it would isolate India's northeast from the rest of the country.

China's Foreign Ministry issued a document Wednesday setting out what it called 'the facts' about Indian troops 'trespassing' into Chinese territory, calling on India to immediately and unconditionally withdraw and saying Beijing would work with Bhutan to resolve the boundary issue.

The document says that as of the end of July, more than 40 Indian border troops remained, down from when more than 270 troops with weapons and two bulldozers advanced more than 100 meters (yards) into Chinese territory on June 16.

In editorials this week, the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily said Indian officials and media had 'concocted all kinds of groundless excuses' for the incursion.
Has Banksy struck again in familiar territory?

Two murals showing an oversized President Donald Trump appeared Friday on Israel's West Bank separation barrier, just yards from where the elusive artist decorated a hotel earlier this year.

The new drawings which resemble Banksy's earlier art popped up on the edge of Bethlehem, the Palestinian city where the barrier largely consists of a wall of towering slabs of concrete.

An artwork of Donald Trump wearing a skull cap has appeared on Israel's West Bank

In one scene, Trump is shown hugging and kissing a real Israeli army watchtower built into the wall, as his left arm reaches around the tower. Little pink hearts flutter from Trump's mouth.

In another drawing, Trump is depicted wearing a Jewish skullcap and placing a hand a wall - a scene taken from the U.S. president's May visit to Jerusalem's Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray.

A cartoon 'thought bubble' next to him says, 'I'm going to build you a brother,' a possible reference to Trump's plans to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

It's not clear if the new murals are indeed the work of Banksy.

The new graffiti is just a few meters (yards) from 'The Walled Off Hotel,' a Palestinian-run guest house that opened earlier this year and sarcastically bills itself as having the 'worst view in the world.'

The nine-room hotel was decorated with Banksy's trademark political murals, including one in 'Banksy's Room' that shows a masked Palestinian and a helmeted Israeli soldier in a pillow fight.

Banksy has made previous forays into the Palestinian territories.

A mural resembling the work of elusive artist Banksy depicts President Donald Trump kissing an Israeli army watchtower, part of Israel's West Bank separation barrier in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

In one secret visit, he drew a painting of a girl pulled upward by balloons on the barrier facing the hotel. Last year, he is believed to have sneaked into Gaza to draw four street murals, including one on a metal door that depicted the Greek goddess Niobe cowering against the rubble of a destroyed house.

The painting, titled 'Bomb Damage,' was drawn on the last remaining part of a two-story house that was destroyed in the 2014 war between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers.

Israel began building the barrier a decade ago, at the height of an armed Palestinian uprising, saying the divider is needed to keep suicide bombers and gunmen from entering Israel.

Palestinians say the barrier, which slices off about 10 percent of the West Bank, amounts to a land grab.

Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in 1967. Several U.S.-led Israeli-Palestinian attempts to negotiate the terms of a Palestinian state on these lands have failed.

Trump said early on in his term that he would try to broker a deal, but has not offered a way forward.
News / Africa

by Staff reporter

SOUTH Africa is the vehicle theft capital of Southern Africa, accounting for 96 percent of all vehicles acquired illegally in the region, according to Interpol.Between September 2015 and September 2016, South African police investigated 14 600 hijackings - an average 40 per day.But while South Africa - the regional economic hub - is bearing the brunt of vehicle crime, the crime scene is spread all over the region.Syndicates are stealing cars - especially Land Rovers and Toyota 4x4s - and within hours, the vehicles would have been driven out of the country for ready markets in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and the DRC.Last year in November, the Zimbabwe Republic Police intercepted a fleet of high end cars worth around US$400 000 in transit to Zambia and Tanzania.Two Land Rover Discovery 4's and three Toyota Fortuners already on the Interpol's radar were recovered at the Victoria Falls border post being driven by four South Africans - Willem Roets, Burges Clint Joseph, Bongani Bhengu, Gordon Raholane - and Philip Ngorima, a Zimbabwean.The five, believed to be members of a syndicate, have since appeared in court and were remanded in custody to December 1.Zimbabwean prosecutors say the men stole the cars, created false registration books and then forged police and export clearance papers which they used to drive the cars through the Beitbridge border post.The two Discovery 4s were traced back to Johannesburg while the three Fortuners originated from a car showroom in Vryheld.Car dealers and insurance companies are coy when it comes to revealing which brands are the most targeted by thieves.DataDot, a South African car tracking company whose technology was securing more than three million cars in 2015, said 60 percent of stolen cars were sold locally while 25 percent find their way to other African countries and only five percent leave the continent.Ten percent are stolen for spare parts."We're faced with a serious endemic. Most cars that are smuggled out of South Africa are off-road vehicles because Africa's terrain is generally rough," said Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, the spokesperson for the South African Police Service in Limpopo province, on the border with Zimbabwe.It has been reported that the Toyota Fortuner and the Toyota Hilux are a carjacker's hotcakes. There is an appetite for them across Africa.Toyota South Africa has been continuously upgrading their security systems, although these upgrades are charged as an extra.Last year, Interpol swooped on high ranking citizens and business people in Malawi in search of luxury cars stolen from South Africa.At last month's Sadc summit in Swaziland, member states called for a harmonised car registration system in the region."We would want to introduce some features on number plates such that when scanned, the number plate gives all the necessary information," said Mapule Mokoena of Lesotho, a member of the SADC secretariat's transport unit.
An arrested Venezuela opposition leader has been returned home by intelligence officers, days after he was dramatically hauled off to jail.

Antonio Ledezma was unexpectedly taken back to his home today, having been taken to prison on Tuesday, Ledezma's wife said via Twitter.

Ledezma and fellow opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, whom the opposition and many in the international community describe as political prisoners, were jailed after being accused of destabilising the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuelan opposition leader Antonio Ledezma was arrested on Tuesday and taken to prison

Ledezma was arrested at his home on Tuesday and taken to prison, accused of trying to destabilise the government

It was not immediately evident whether Lopez would also be returned to house arrest.

'Several minutes ago, Antonio was unexpectedly returned by the Sebin (intelligence agency) to our home,' wrote his wife Mitzy Capriles de Ledezma via Twitter.

'We thank the people of Venezuela and the international community for their concern and solidarity.'

Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was also arrested on Tuesday in a move which sparked worldwide condemnation

The two men had called in the run-up to Tuesday's raid for protests against the creation of a constituent assembly, which opposition leaders and governments around the world have described as an assault on basic freedoms in Venezuela.

The Vatican today called on Venezuela to suspend the inauguration of the new assembly.

Earlier this week US Vice President Mike Pence urged condemnation of Maduro's regime following the arrests.

Pence said on Wednesday during a visit to Montenegro that the US will 'hold Maduro personally responsible for the health and safety' of Lopez and Ledezma.

The two had been under house arrest but security force officers hustled them off to a military prison before dawn on Tuesday.

Pence said that 'in recent days we've seen completion of Venezuela's collapse into dictatorship.'

He added '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.'
A female driver smashed her white Chevrolet pick up truck through an elderly homeowner's fence before plunging into his swimming pool.

Neighbors rushed to help the woman after hearing the crash on South Woodland Street in Visalia, California, on Wednesday afternoon.

A UPS driver making deliveries nearby, who helped the woman out of the pool, said the woman admitted to being under the influence of alcohol.

A female driver smashed her white Chevrolet pick up truck through an elderly homeowner's fence before plunging into his swimming pool

He left to call the police and when he returned, the woman had gone.

The swimming pool was reportedly left with beer cans floating in the water.

The 95-year-old homeowner Garabed Kechloian, who was not home at the time, told Visalia Times-Delta: 'My neighbour called me and told me "There's a truck in your pool!"

'I'm happy my dog wasn't hurt,' he added.

Margarita Isasis, who lives in the house next door, said: 'We're lucky she didn't hit the house. She might not care about her life but I care about mine.'

Neighbors rushed to help the woman after hearing the crash on South Woodland Street in Visalia, California, on Wednesday afternoon

A spokesman for Visalia Police Department said: 'VPD responded to a single vehicle traffic collision in the area of Woodland and Harter at 1544 hours.

'The vehicle left the roadway, crashed through a fence into a pool.

'The female driver exited the vehicle and ran from the scene. The investigation is ongoing.'
A woman suffering from a rare form of tissue cancer has seen her neck and face swell to several times larger than that of the average person.

The unnamed Chinese woman, who is thought to be suffering from neuroblastoma, has reportedly been living in near isolation for several decades together with her elderly mother.

The cancer forms in certain nerve tissues and has caused her neck and face to bloat since an early age.

With no money to treat the condition, the lumps in her adrenal glands have been allowed to develop unchecked.

Footage released online by volunteers of a non-governmental organisation show a recent visit to the womans home, where they tried to understand how she has been surviving with neuroblastoma.

The disease could also have been inherited from one of her parents, studies show, but without a proper diagnosis the full scope of the womans condition remains unclear.

In the clip, the woman and her mother explain that they have been living off their local villages subsidies - and that she is still able to eat despite the serious swelling.

A tumour has caused the unnamed woman's face to swell severely. She contracted the illness as a child and has lived in near isolation with her mother for decades in China

The money, however, is nowhere near enough to get her treatment, which - depending on the severity of the illness - could include surgery or radiation.

Members of the NGO say she may need to receive treatment abroad if she is beyond the help of doctors in China.

Even if she does receive the necessary funding for treatment, the woman has not said explicitly that she would take up the option.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former chief of staff is set to give evidence against his old boss, prosecutors have announced.

Ari Harow has agree to be a state witness in two cases accusing Netanyahu of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, it has been reported.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports: 'Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former chief of staff Ari Harow has reached an agreement with the prosecution to turn state's witness in two corruption cases against Netanyahu.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures to the press in Jerusalem on January 14, 2016

And public radio stated: 'Former chief of staff Ari Harow signed today a state's witness agreement.'

There was no official comment on the reports and any leaked details of the case are banned from publication by court order.

US-born Israeli immigrant Harow worked for Netanyahu from 2009-10 and 2014-15, when he stepped down over allegations of corruption.

He has been under investigation for more than two years on suspicion of bribery, breach of trust, conflict of interest and fraud, the media said.

Haaretz said Harow has already 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 top-selling daily 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.
Soldiers wielding batons and whips have launched a 'ruthless' attack on police in Zimbabwe amid growing tensions under 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe.

Security forces said about 100 uniformed troops charged into a bus terminal in the capital Harare and beat up police officers, leaving many lying on the ground.

The violence on Tuesday, which underscores friction between the police and army, was reportedly triggered by police using spikes to deflate the tyres of a military vehicle after an alleged traffic offence.

One witness told the privately-owned Daily News that they saw soldiers 'beating police officers ruthlessly'.

Zimbabwe is set to hold elections next year when authoritarian leader Mugabe, who is increasingly frail, will likely hold onto power after ruling since independence in 1980.

Soldiers wielding batons and whips have launched a 'ruthless' attack on police in Zimbabwe amid growing tensions under 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe (file picture)

'We want to categorically condemn that incident and assure the nation that a joint team has been set up to conduct comprehensive investigations,' the police and defence forces said in a joint statement.

'We also want to reaffirm that as security forces we are fully united despite this incident,' said the statement read out by police spokeswoman Charity Charamba, who declined to take questions from reporters.

One witness told the privately-owned Daily News that they saw soldiers 'beating police officers ruthlessly'.

The People's Democratic Party, a small opposition party, said the clash was a 'sign of how dangerous our society has become.'

The military and police have played a key role in suppressing dissent during his reign.

Zimbabweans face a daily struggle to get cash, standing in line for hours outside banks that often limit withdrawals to just $20.

The economy has halved in size since 2000, with millions emigrating to seek work.

Traffic police in the country frequently clash with civilians over the use of spiked iron bars to stop vehicles at roadblocks that cause long delays.

Zimbabwe is set to hold elections next year when authoritarian leader Mugabe (pictured), who is increasingly frail, will likely hold onto power after ruling since independence in 1980

Drivers post videos on social media showing arguments with police officers, who often seek bribes.

One video that attracted many views last year showed a policeman using abusive language in an alteration at a roadblock with an airforce officer.

Last week Zimbabwe's first lady has urged her 93-year-old husband to name a successor, wading into a subject dictatorial President Robert Mugabe deems taboo.

Grace Mugabe, 52, told members of the ruling ZANU-PF party women's league that naming a successor 'will enable all members to rally behind one candidate'.

The world's oldest head of state, who has led Zimbabwe since 1980, has repeatedly refused to name a successor and says he will take part in next year's election.

His wife has previously said her husband could 'rule from the grave', adding: 'If God decides to take him then we would rather field him as a corpse'.

'President, don't be afraid,' Mrs Mugabe said. 'Tell us who is your choice, which horse we should back.

'If you tell us the horse to back, we will rise in our numbers and openly support that horse. Why should our horse be concealed?

'I live with this elder. He has wisdom. He is not talkative but he knows what he wants... Mark my words, his word will be final.'

It was the first time Mrs Mugabe has publicly urged her husband to name a successor, although she did not say whether her statements were aimed at next year's election.
A young worker at a Swedish 'predator park' has been mauled to death by a bear.

The man, who has not been named, was cleaning an empty animal enclosure around 10.30am on Friday when the bear is thought to have dug under a fence attacked.

Guests at the park, in the town of Orsa, reported hearing several gunshots before paramedics rushed to treat the young man, according to Expressen.

A young male worker at a 'predator park' in central Sweden was mauled to death by a bear on Friday after the animal dug its way into an enclosure he was cleaning and attacked

A helicopter was brought to fly the man to hospital, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two-year-old bear was shot dead, Anders Blomquist, CEO of Gronklittsgruppen, the company that owns the park, said.

Police are now investigating to see whether the park had all appropriate safety measures in place.

It is currently peak tourist season at the park, which was full of guests at the time of the attack.

The park has been partially closed and owners are now considering shuttering it for the rest of the day. They say no guests were at risk during the attack.

The park owners confirmed the two-year-old brown bear (file image) was shot dead following the attack. Police are investigating

It is not known exactly what type of bear was involved in the attack - the park says it keeps Kodiak, brown and polar bears on its website.

The site also lists 'bear fishing', where guests can watch the animals hunt like in the wild, as an activity scheduled for Friday at 2pm.

'Orsa Rovdjurspark is one of the few places that have permission for this, which allows the bears enjoy their natural behavior,' it says.
Tragic: Sam Billinge suddenly died

A young mother who always dreamed of having a baby has died of a mystery illness just weeks after giving birth to her son.

Sam Billinge, 29, gave birth to Jack at Warrington hospital with husband Chris by her side in June.

Three weeks later she started to complain of feeling ill. Then four weeks after that she suddenly collapsed at home and was rushed to hospital where she died.

Baffled doctors have no idea what caused her death.

Today Mrs Billinge's heartbroken childhood sweetheart has paid tribute to the Disney-obsessed mother, recalling how she died just 15 minutes after feeding their son.

Mr Billinge said: 'I'm going to miss her smile. All I want is her back for five minutes. Because it was so sudden I never got a proper chance to say "goodbye" and "I love you".

'Fifteen minutes earlier she was feeding Jack. It was so quick. I know it will come back but I can't hear her voice. I can't get that image out of my head of being in hospital with her.

'But I've got Jack and my cuddles with him are helping me to get through it. He's keeping me busy.'

At Disneyland: Sam Billinge, 29, gave birth to Jack at Warrington hospital with husband Chris by her side in June

The couple met when they both worked at Tesco but it took Mr Billinge years to pluck up the courage to ask her out.

In February 2015, he proposed outside the Tower of London and Mrs Billinge said 'yes' through tears of joy.

The couple tied the knot in March 2016 at Forest Hills Hotel, in Frodsham, Cheshire, in a Disney-themed wedding to reflect Sam's obsession with studio.

The couple's home was a testament to her love of Disney - filled with memorabilia from the many films she had watched.

Later that year, Sam discovered she was pregnant, which was her dream ever since she and Chris got together.

Three weeks after giving birth Mrs Billinge started to complain of feeling ill. Then four weeks after that she suddenly collapsed at home and was rushed to hospital where she died

Mr Billinge has paid tribute to the Disney-obsessed mother, recalling how she died just 15 minutes after feeding their son

He explained: 'When we first got together her dream was always to have a family. All she wanted was to be a mum and be loved and she got all that.

'We always wanted to have two children and it's difficult that we will never have that.'

The couple with their son at home

Mr Billinge added: 'Jack looks like his mum - it's just amazing.

'His smiles are getting me through it. He has just started to giggle and it's tough knowing his mum will never share these memories.

'She was ill for a number of weeks so she only really had three weeks with him.

'She couldn't hold him as she didn't have the strength but he was a mummy's boy.

'He was her pride and joy. Although he didn't cry much when he did cry all Sam had to do was look at him and he would smile.

'It took me ages to get a smile and I had to work hard to get it but Sam would just look at him.'

Following the tragic news of Sam's death, Mr Billinge's childhood friend Callum Murphy set up a fundraising page to help support the new father.

Since sharing the page on social media, Callum has been overwhelmed by the generosity of loved ones and strangers with more than 6,000 raised so far.

The kind-hearted efforts from the people of Warrington have left the family humbled by how many lives Sam has touched.

Mr Murphy said: 'We just wanted to help. It's just about letting Chris know how much she was loved and that all these hundreds of people are behind the family.'

You can donate to the family here

Following the tragic news of Sam's death, Mr Billinge's childhood friend Callum Murphy set up a fundraising page to help support the new father
Lance Gittens-Bernard is pictured outside Westminster Magistrates' Court having escaped a custodial sentence

A hoverboard tycoon who attacked his ex when she cut off his mobile phone then bit a police officer was spared jail.

Lance Gittens-Bernard - founder of TrapBoard Ltd - sunk his teeth into PC Oliver Taylor and held him in an arm-lock when he was restrained.

A second officer, PC Nicola Devlin, suffered severe bruising to her hips as she tried to help in the arrest.

The officers were called to the 29-year-old's home in Fulham, shortly after he assaulted ex-girlfriend Diane Amrieva at her address in White City.

He kicked in her door and shook her, accusing her of sabotaging his business after she cut off his EE phone network.

Miss Amrieva suffered scratches and bleeding on her left hand and immediately called the police as Gittens-Bernard stormed out of the property.

The pair had been in a relationship for around five months at the time of the incident.

Amrieva had tried to end the relationship one month beforehand.

Gittens-Bernard insisted he was the victim of a cover-up, but he was found guilty of two counts of assaulting a police officer and assaulting Ms Amrieva after a trial.

But he was spared jail, and was instead handed a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Gittens-Bernard founded both TrapBoard Ltd and the International Gliding Agency to 'fill the void in personal transportation devices'.

His companies supply 'TrapBoards', often called 'hoverboards' and 'Evo-e-bikes' to the UK which sell for over 500 each.

The court heard that he had no history of violence, but he has previously been convicted of fraud and a driving offence.

Prosecutor Kate Shilton said: 'He was kicking down the door and trying to gain entry.

The officers were called to the home of GItting-Bernard (pictured) in Fulham, shortly after he assaulted ex-girlfriend Diane Amrieva at her address in White City

'They arrived and the neighbours outside the address pointed to the complainants' address.

'Diane Amrieva was spoken to and suffered scratches on both arms and hands.

'The defendant attended her address and began kicking at the communal door, and she woke up and saw that he had gained entry to the property.

'Once the defendant got in, he was screaming about her blocking his phone. He grabbed her arms and started pushing her around.'

Miss Amrieva called the police and two officers were dispatched to Gittens-Bernard's home.

'Initially the defendant was welcoming and compliant, letting the officers into the house,' said Ms Shilton.

'He shoved PC Taylor by his arms and then pushed him to the door.

'The defendant was repeatedly kicking and dragging the officers across the hallway, and he attempted to bite the officers.

Gittens-Bernard, of Fulham, was handed a six-month suspended sentence and ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work

'They continued to struggle with him, before they found themselves on the floor outside of the property.

'The defendant tried to lock PC Taylor in an arm lock.

'PC Taylor pressed his emergency button. Other police arrived to help and he was put in a caged car where he was taken to a police station.'

Gittens-Bernard, who suffers with depression, was found in possession of cannabis when police attended his home address.

He insisted it was used for medicinal purposes as a muscle relaxant.

He is currently working as a consultant for a currency trading company and 'still contributes to our society', the court heard.

Magistrate Diane Lennon said: 'We consider this to be an extremely serious offence. The attack on the police officers was deliberate, causing more harm than was necessary and it was sustained'.

'As for the assault on your partner, that was a serious offence. You have gone around to her house, a place where she is supposed to feel safe.

'You do not have a history of violence, but neither did you plead guilty to any of these charges'.

Gittens-Bernard, of Fulham, was handed a six-month suspended sentence and ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work.

He must also undergo a rehabilitation requirement of 30 days, and a restraining order has been imposed which prevents him from contacting Miss Amrieva.

Gittens-Bernard was also ordered to pay 100 in compensation to both PC Devlin and Miss Amrieva. He must pay 50 to PC Taylor, a 50 fine for possessing cannabis and an additional 115 victim surcharge.
A foreign exchange doctor was charged with knowingly engaging in sexual contact with a minor after he groped a teen girl who was asleep on a United Airlines flight.

Vijakumar Krishnappa, 28, was sitting in a seat beside the 16-year-old girl en route to New Jersey July 23rd when she awoke to Krishnappa's hand placed on her thigh.

The man reportedly stopped what he was doing when she noticed, but after falling back asleep, the teen was awoken again Krishnappa trying to put his hand down her pants, according to the complaint.

The teen informed a flight attendant about the incident shortly after and requested to be transferred to a new area of the plane.

When the plane arrived to its destination at Newark Liberty International Airport, the girl called her parents in Washington state to advise them about the situation.

A man was charged with knowingly engaging in sexual contact with a minor after he groped a teen girl a United Airlines flight

Johnny McCray, an attorney for the family, told the Washington Post his client was able to easily spot out Krishnappa in a photo lineup of several suspects during the FBI investigation.

McCray told the Post of the 'horrific' incident: 'This is such a despicable act on his part. And for him to be a doctor  it's concerning.'

Furious family members of the minor also brought up a case against the airline for failing to kick the man off the flight sooner when the teen reported the sexual assault.

UNITED'S ROCKY YEAR IN REVIEW In April, an airport officer forcefully dragged a United passenger off of a flight after he refused to give up his sear, leaving him with severe head and nose injuries. In May, a woman who suffered from an overactive bladder on board at Mesa Airlines, a regional carrier of United Express, asked to use the restroom and was denied access then forced to urinate in a cup. In June, a video went viral showing a Houston-based airport employee shoving an elderly man to the ground over a plane ticket dispute. Ronald Tigner, sued United and two employees for more than $1 million, claiming negligence from the July 21, 2015 attack. In July, Hawaii mother Shirley Yamauchi and her child were forced to endure a three and a half hour flight sitting in the same seat after a hefty fee for the extra space was paid. The seat was given to a man flying standby for just $75. Advertisement

A spokesperson for United announced the company's plans to review and respond most appropriately to the allegations.

'The safety and security of our customers is our top priority. We take (this) very seriously and continue to work closely with the proper authorities as part of their review,' the spokesperson said in a statement.

Krishnappa, who was visiting New York City where he holds residency, has since denied the charges brought against him.

Then teen was on her way to Princeton University, where she planned to attend a leadership program.

The teen's family expressed concerns to authorities regarding the close vicinity between their daughter and Krishnappa while she was away from home and alone on the trip.

Since his release on bond, Krishnappa's whereabouts have been tracked though an electronic monitoring system.

The event was just one of many legal matters United Airlines was dealt in recent months and years.

On April 9, passenger David Dao, 69, was bloodied as he was violently thrown from a flight by Chicago Aviation Department officers after he refused to give up his seat on the plane.

Dao was left with a broken nose, sinus damage and a concussion from the assault.

The protest was in response to airport police officers physically removing passenger Dr. David Dao from his seat and dragging him off the airplane

Shortly after Dao's identity was revealed in the media, United's share price hit 'a low of $68.39 at 11.13am, after opening the day at $70.15,' leaving the airline at a decline of 'about 2.6 per cent.'

Following the backlash, the airline's CEO Oscar Munoz released a statement saying the unfortunate event was a result of Dao's belligerency and refusal to cooperate to staff orders.

'Our agents were left with no choice, but to call Chicago Aviation Security Officers to assist in removing the customer from the flight, he repeatedly decline to leave,' Munoz said.

Officers 'physically removed him from the flight as he continued to resist  running back onto the aircraft in defiance of both out crew and security officials.'

Just last month, a woman from Hawaii claimed United required her to forfeit a $1,000 seat she purchased for her 27-month-old son to sit in.

CEO Oscar Munoz released a statement following David Dao's physical assault April 9

Munoz said officers 'physically removed him from the flight as he continued to resist  running back onto the aircraft in defiance of both out crew and security officials.'

United Airline's share price declined about 2.6 per cent following the incident

'I told him that I bought both of these tickets and he tells me that he got the ticket on standby. Then he proceeds to sit in the center,' Shirley Yamauchi said.

'I had to move my son onto my lap. He's 25 pounds. He's half my height. I was very uncomfortable. My hand, my left arm was smashed up against the wall. I lost feeling in my legs and left arm,' she said.

United issued an public apology to Yamauchi five days after the episode.

'We deeply apologize to Ms. Yamauchi and her son for this experience. We are refunding her son's ticket and providing a travel voucher. We are also working with our gate staff to prevent this from happening again.'
A South London televangelist has been extradited to Kenya and charged with stealing children to present them as 'miracle babies' born due to prayer.

Gilbert Deya, who called himself the 'Archbishop of Peckham', denied five counts of stealing children and was remanded in custody in a Nairobi court, until August 10 when a bail hearing is scheduled.

The scandal first broke in 2004 as it emerged Deya and his wife Mary claimed their prayers could see infertile and post-menopausal women fall pregnant in four months, and without intercourse.

Gilbert Deya (pictured), who called himself the 'Archbishop of Peckham', denied five counts of stealing children and was remanded in custody in a Nairobi court, until August 10 when a bail hearing is scheduled

However the 'miracle babies' were allegedly stolen, mainly from Nairobi's Pumwani Maternity Hospital.

Kenyan prosecutors say they kidnapped at least five children under the age of 14 between 1999 and 2004.

Deya's extradition was first ordered in 2007 and his extradition Friday marked the end of his decade-long legal battle to remain in the UK.

Then-interior minister Theresa May instructed he be returned to Kenya in 2011. It is unclear why it took a further six years for him to be sent back.

The controversial preacher landed back in Nairobi before dawn, and investigators 'are preparing to take him to court', said inspector general of police Joseph Boinnet.

Deya has been running his Gilbert Deya Ministries operation from Peckham, south London. His church's website says it has a membership of more than 34,000 in Britain.

Gilbert Deya, 65, has been on the brink of being sent back to East Africa several times to stand trial for allegedly stealing five children but used human rights laws to beat the courts

He claims he was consecrated as an archbishop in the United States in 1992.

According to local media Deya was an evangelist in Kenya in the late eighties and early nineties, before he moved to the UK to set up his ministry.

He has been on the brink of being sent back to East Africa several times to stand trial for allegedly stealing five children.

But aided by human rights laws, the Kenyan self-proclaimed miracle worker has repeatedly come up with new ways to prevent his return.

These have included claims that he could face the death sentence, allegations that inmates are tortured in Kenyan prisons, and a host of other arguments that have ground the extradition process almost to a halt. All have been rejected by the courts.
News / Health

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe has managed to put one million people on antiretroviral (ART) treatment as it moves closer to universal access amid concern over a steady rate of new infections.Surveys this year have shown that new infections have remained steady at around 40 000 every year, worryingly with 16 000 of those being females who have never or are yet to get married. In his presentation at an editor's workshop recently, National Aids Council operations director Mr Raymond Yekeye said more needed to be done to manage the situation."Our incident (new infections) has dropped to 0,48 percent from 0,98 percent in 2011," he said."What we have planned as a country is to reduce our incident by half by 2018 and we have already done that in less than the period we were looking at."We have a fairly large treatment programme and our coverage is around 76 percent."We are celebrating this year that we have initiated the first one million people on antiretrovial treatment."At least 300 000 HIV positive people are yet to be initiated on antiretrovial treatment.Mr Yekeye said of major concern was the number of new infections that were occurring and NAC had increased the annual allocation for HIV to 21 percent from 15 percent to deal with the challenge.The new generation, he said, was growing up in an "era of complacency", which needed new approaches on behaviour change and prevention.Mr Yekeye said the country grappled with the negative impact of treatment, including drug resistance, new strains of HIV and non-communicable diseases such as cancer."It seems cancer is more acceptable as a cause of death than HIV, but we have seen that most people dying of cancers are on ART," he said."There is a very close relationship between the two."NAC monitoring and evaluation coordinator Mr Isaac Taramusi called for gender sensitive initiatives in relation to HIV."It seems the prevalence is lower for those who are married and in a stable relationship as compared to those who are widowed or divorced," said Mr Taramusi.
Presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway insisted Friday that a federal grand jury empaneled by special counsel Robert Mueller to probe allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia last year will turn up nothing.

'Let me remind everyone what the president has said about this: It's a witch-hunt. It's fake. Last night I believe he called it a fabrication,' she said on 'Fox & Friends.'

'These types of investigations become fishing expeditions, where you're just throwing Jell-o up against the wall and hoping something will stick,' Conway added. 'The fact is that this White House and everyone involved has said they would comply and share whatever information that they do have.'

You saw Jared Kushner do that just last week with House and Senate officials, and then he came right out here behind me at the White House and delivered a statement. You heard Don Jr. say that he would share information he has.'

Presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway said Friday morning that Robert Mueller's probe into Russia ties with the Trump campaign is a fishing expedition  like 'throwing Jell-o up against the wall and hoping something will stick'

President Donald Trump said Thursday night in West Virginia that the Mueller investigation is based on 'a fabrication'

Mueller, the special counsel investigating so-far unsubstantiated charges that Donald Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia to tilt the 2016 election, has empaneled a grand jury to hear testimony and examine evidence

The president said Thursday night during a West Virginia rally that 'the Russia story'  a premise that his campaign colluded with Moscow to tilt the November election  'is a total fabrication, an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of politics.'

'It makes them feel better when they have nothing else talk about. What the prosecutors should be looking at are Hillary Clinton's 33,000 deleted emails,' Trump said. 'We didn't win because of Russia, we won because of you.'

Subpoenas have reportedly been issued in relation to a 2016 Trump Tower meeting that included Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer who promised to disclose  but never delivered  dirt on Hillary Clinton.

Don Jr. set up the meeting after being contacted via email by music publicist Robert Goldstone, who also mentioned Russian government support for Donald Trump.

Trump Jr. immediately agreed to the meeting and subsequently invited Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort to join him.

The meeting was attended by Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, a leading proponent of an effort to roll back anti-Russia sanctions in the 2012 Magnitsky Act  a U.S. law deplored by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Subpoenas have reportedly been issued in relation to a 2016 Trump Tower meeting that included Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer who promised to disclose  but never delivered  dirt on Hillary Clinton.

Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya attended the 2016 meeting in Trump Tower which also included Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort

When the outlines of the meeting first came to light, Trump Jr. initially stated that it was mainly about Russia's prohibition on Americans adopting children from there, a ban that came about in response to U.S. sanctions.

President Trump 'weighed in' on that statement while it as being written, the White House later confirmed.

Trump Jr. himself released the email chain revealing the Clinton connection.

Conway defended Don Jr. on Friday, saying the meeting was a pointless exercise that had no bearing on the presidential campaign.

'What came of the meeting? No consequence. no follow-up. No smoking gun,' she said.

'It was brief. It was inconsequential. Jared texted an assistant and said, "This is a waste of my time. Please get me out of this meeting."

'Who does that if they are learning the secret sauce in how to defeat Hillary Clinton?' Conway asked.

Grand juries can allow prosecutors to subpoena documents, interview witnesses under oath, and obtain criminal indictments where the evidence warrants it.

Going that route signals that the probe is entering a new phase, and that Mueller believes he will need to demand documents and sworn testimony from a number of people.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the existence of the grand jury, which has been in session for weeks under the guidance of Mueller, himself a former director of the FBI.

Prosecutors are also probing Trump and Trump family members financial ties, according to CNN.
Robert Brown resigned from his job as RE teacher at the all-boys school due to 'personal reasons beyond our control' last November

A schoolteacher who amassed more than 1,000 child sex abuse pictures and made prostitutes wear school uniforms for sex has been spared jail.

Robert Browne, who was an RE teacher at St Anselm's College grammar school in Wirral, admitted to possessing 1,468 illegal photographs of children, plus 80 extreme porn images, showing people having sex with animals.

He also accepted downloading 38 Category A - the most serious category - plus 44 Category B and 1,386 Category C indecent images.

Judge Anil Murray said Browne, who also collected printed non-indecent photos of schoolgirls, confessed to being 'addicted'.

Today, the 45-year-old was given 12 months in jail, suspended for two years, and ordered to attend a 60-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement after Irish police found a USB containing indecent images which he left at a hostel.

Browne resigned from his job as RE teacher at the all-boys school due to 'personal reasons beyond our control' last November.

A pre-sentence report recommended Browne should be spared jail and Judge Murray told him his behaviour since his arrest suggested it was 'worth giving you a chance to mend your ways'.

Judge Murray ordered him to sign on the Sex Offenders Register and comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

Simon Duncan, for the prosecution, said Merseyside Police were tipped off about the USB find by Irish police, and then raided his Tranmere home in October 2016.

He said: 'Two laptops were seized, along with quantities of children's clothing, including school uniforms.'

'None of them involved particularly young children, perhaps in keeping with what the defendant said about his interests.

'It was consistent with his interest in particularly schoolgirls in uniform. He said he was interested in females aged eight to 17.

Mr Browne was an RE teacher at St Anselm's College, a grammar school in Wirral

'As regards the school uniform and clothing recovered from his arrest, he said he paid prostitutes to dress up in certain articles of clothing.

'This was so he could take part in sexual activities, thus it appears, acting out his fantasies. In relation to bestiality images, he explained he needed extreme material, as he had become somewhat desensitised.'

Police were unaware about any complaints of inappropriate behaviour from any of his formal pupils, Mr Duncan said.

David Woods, for the defence, said Mr Browne was not looking to minimise the severity of his crimes.

Mr Woods said: 'He accepts wholeheartedly that what he has done is wrong. He is ashamed of his behaviour.

'He was not a teacher for the purpose of facilitating interests, nor did he do anything that would take his deviant interests any further.

'He of course will no longer be able to teach any children, although he believed he was a good teacher.'

Mr Browne is said to be 'extremely remorseful' and has since given up drinking, according to Mr Woods.

The paedophile has also completed a 10-week sex offenders programme, which he paid for out of his own pocket, while also paying for a 12-step Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous course and to see a psychologist.
The White House's anger about leaks is growing, and the Trump administration is stepping up efforts to crack down on them.

The attorney general and the national intelligence director are set Friday to discuss what the Justice Department calls 'leaks of classified material threatening national security.'

'No one is entitled to surreptitiously fight to advance battles in the media by revealing sensitive government information,' Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Friday.

'This culture of leaking must stop,' he added.

A presidential adviser is raising the possibility of lie detector tests for the small number of people in the West Wing and elsewhere with access to transcripts of President Donald Trump's phone calls.

Scroll down for video

'No one is entitled to surreptitiously fight to advance battles in the media by revealing sensitive government information,' Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Friday

The White House has become a hotbed of leaks, and the Justice Department is considering using lie detector tests in the West Wing

The Washington Post has published transcripts of his conversations with the leaders of Mexico and Australia.

Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway told 'Fox & Friends' on Friday morning that 'the West Wing is a small place. Each of these agencies is relatively small. It's easier to figure out who's leaking than the leakers may realize.'

'But on this matter I want there to be bipartisan outrage because we need people to understand this imperils national security.'

And might lie detectors be used? She said: 'Well, they may, they may not.'

'What really should concern everyone,' Conway added, 'are these leaks that imperil national security. Leaking the phone calls between our president and other heads of state is nothing short of a national disgrace.

A polygraph machine is shown, of the type that's used by criminal investigators to determine if a suspect or witness is lying

'What really should concern everyone,' Kellyanne Conway said Friday 'are these leaks that imperil national security'

'And you know who agrees with that? Democratic senator from Virginia Mark Warner. He said so yesterday. He said governors, senators and indeed presidents of the United States need to have confidence that they can engage in conversations with other heads of state.'

Sessions and his deputy, Rod Rosenstein, are holding a news conference at the Justice Department. They'll be joined Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence, and William Evanina, the government's top counterintelligence executive.

Trump complained on Twitter last week that Sessions was 'weak' when it comes to cracking down on leaks of classified information.
It was only in the latter half of last year that grime got its own category on iTunes following a surge in the genre's popularity.

The urban sounds of London's underground had previously been confined to pirate radio stations, bedrooms and estates of the genre's budding artists.

Now grime is taking the world by storm  Stormzy to be precise, (real name Michael Omari) who has played all over the globe. Even Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he listens to grime.

The new posterboy of grime's rise to stardom and the success of other artists like Skepta, Dizzie Rascal and Lethal Bizzle, means a much wider audience is being exposed to the sounds and, crucially, slang of grime.

Stormzy performing on the Other Stage at the 2017 Glastonbury Festival. The urban sounds of London's underground had previously been confined to pirate radio stations, bedrooms and estates of the genre's budding artists

The new posterboy of grime's rise to stardom and the success of other artists like Skepta, Dizzie Rascal and Lethal Bizzle, means a much wider audience is being exposed to the sounds and, crucially, slang of grime

But there are certain words and phrases that make up the vibrant and dynamic lingo which can be confusing to some  particularly those not from London or overseas.

So, here's a quick guide that will help you be able tell a wasteman from a roadman.

The genre bases itself on energetic electronic music over which MCs rap about real things and experiences in their lives.

Get gassed for these awesome London slang words Where's your ends, bruv? Dizzie Rascal's was Bow, in East London where he grew up Road/Roadmen: While hip-hop is from the streets, grime comes from the road. If you know your area thoroughly, you're a roadman!

While hip-hop is from the streets, grime comes from the road. If you know your area thoroughly, you're a roadman! Wasteman: This is an insult. If you're referred to as a wasteman, you are essentially being called a waste of space, or useless

This is an insult. If you're referred to as a wasteman, you are essentially being called a waste of space, or useless Wagwan: An informal greeting taken from Jamaican patois, which means 'what's going on?'

An informal greeting taken from Jamaican patois, which means 'what's going on?' Fam: Family, friends.

Family, friends. Peng: Meaning attractive, good-looking

Meaning attractive, good-looking Creps: Trainers  not thin pancakes

Trainers  not thin pancakes Bait: Obvious...'dat's bait, fam'

Obvious...'dat's bait, fam' Mandem : Your friends or group of males

: Your friends or group of males P: Money

Money Ends: The area where you live

The area where you live Gassed: Very excited or rowdy. Can also be used to describe someone who is talking nonsense

Very excited or rowdy. Can also be used to describe someone who is talking nonsense Galdem: A group of girls. See also mandem (group of males)

A group of girls. See also mandem (group of males) Bare: A lot of something, or very...'Der were bare creps, bruv'

A lot of something, or very...'Der were bare creps, bruv' Beef: A disagreement that could culminate in violence

A disagreement that could culminate in violence Hench: Muscular

Muscular Jokes: Funny

Funny Whip: Car

Car Pagan: A two-face person, untrustworthy Advertisement

Origins and the Godfather of Grime

Wiley, considered the 'Godfather' of grime, was a pioneer on the scene who is still revered by the likes of Stormzy and other grime artists

It surfaced in the early 2000s as somewhat of a backlash to the UK garage scene, whose artists flaunted themselves in fancy clubs while wearing flashy clothes.

Wiley, considered the 'Godfather' of grime, was a pioneering artist who is revered by the likes of Stormzy and others.

The now 38-year-old had belonged to the garage scene and formed part of the group Pay As U Go, which gave him ample footing to pursue grime.

Since its conception grime has gradually crept more towards the mainstream and has been bolstered by the support of other established artists. Skepta is pictured performing onstage in 2010

Recognising its growing popularity, Kanye West invited Skepta (pictured left and right) and 30 of his mates to appear on stage wearing hoods at the Brits in 2015

He famously fell out with Dizzie Rascal in Aya Napa in 2003 and their bitterness towards one another resurfaced this year when Wiley heard Dizzie was working on a 'diss track'.

Wiley secured No 2 in 2008 with Wearing My Rolex but soon faded into the background before 2012 when he released Heatwave.

Dizzie made waves when he became the youngest winner if the Mercury music prize in 2003 for his debut angle, Boy in da Corner.

Dizzie made waves when he became the youngest winner if the Mercury music prize in 2003 for his debut angle, Boy in da Corner

Dizzie Rascal chose to embrace pop over grime, releasing Bonkers in 2009 and going on to collaborate with with likes of Calvin Harris and other big names of the pop world

However he chose to embrace pop over grime, collaborating with with likes of Calvin Harris and other big names.

The early days of grime paved the way for its introduction into the mainstream, with artists like JME and Lethal Bizzle making their mark on the genre.

Since its conception grime has gradually crept more towards the mainstream and has been bolstered by the support of other established artists.

Recognising its growing popularity, Kanye West invited Skepta and 30 of his mates to appear on stage wearing hoods at the Brits in 2015.

But none arguably can claim more of a success than Stormzy, whose popularity has soared in recent years

But none arguably can claim more of a success than Stormzy, whose popularity has soared in recent years.

The Croydon school dropout began rapping as a teenager and released his debut EP Dreamers Disease in 2014.

He would also go on to win best grime act at the Mobo Awards 2014.

His latest album, Gang Signs and Prayer received critical acclaim when it released in March selling 69,000 copies and becoming the first grime album in history to reach number one.
The latest episode of Game of Thrones has leaked online two days before it is due to air - but HBO deny it is linked to the massive hack of its systems earlier this week.

A low-quality version of Season 7's fourth episode - titled 'The Spoils of War' - appeared online Friday - and Star India, a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox have confirmed it was stolen from them.

The pay-TV distribution partner's logo appears as a watermark on the pirated copy, with text that says 'for internal viewing only'.

'We take this breach very seriously and have immediately initiated forensic investigations at our and the technology partner's end to swiftly determine the cause,' said a spokesperson for Star India to Variety.

'This is a grave issue and we are taking appropriate legal remedial action'.

Hackers stole 1.5 terabytes of information from HBO earlier this week and the network issued a statement on Friday denying this latest embarrassing leak was part of that cyber-attack.

'HBO can confirm that the leaked episode was not a part of the recent hack,' said a spokesperson for the network.

While in theory, this leak could have been carried out by the same people or persons who carried out the cyber-attack on HBO a few days ago, in the past whole episodes and details have been stolen or compromised from distributors such as Star India.

Season 7, Episode 4 of Game of Thrones was leaked online on Friday, two days before it's set to air on HBO. Above, a promotional image from Sunday's episode released by HBO on Wednesday

Earlier this week, hackers stole 1.5 terabytes of data from HBO and initially posted script outlines for the same episode of Game of Thrones that has now been leaked in its entirety.

If true, that would mean that the hack was six times bigger than the Sony hack, which involved just 0.2 terabytes of stolen data.

They also made off with unreleased episodes of Ballers, Room 104 and Insecure.

Perhaps sensing that hackers could release the episode, on Wednesday, HBO released a set of images from the upcoming episode - giving fans more hints than usual about the upcoming season.

It is still unclear how much the hackers stole, but in a memo to staff on Wednesday, CEO Richard Plepler said it appears that the hackers did not gain access to the company's email system, as happened in the 2014 Sony hack.

Plepler added that a 'forensic review' is still ongoing.

On Wednesday, HBO CEO Richard Plepler said that he doesn't believe the hackers gained access to the company's email servers

The show Barry, a comedy not set to hit screens until 2018, also had two episodes stolen.

It has now been reported the hackers who boasted about the attack went by the name 'little.finger66' - a reference to a sinister character in Game of Thrones.

Details published by Variety, indicate the hack could have gone much deeper than originally thought, and that information regarding a top HBO executive could have been be exposed.

Variety's report said that hackers published stolen information about the executive, including: 'information to dozens of online accounts, including paid newspaper subscriptions, online banking, and personal health services'.

The report then states: 'at least one of these accounts may also have given the hackers access to the executive's work email'.

Variety's report goes on to cite a 'image file published as part of the leaks', saying it backs up the hackers initial claims that they stole 1.5 terabytes of data from the company.

The report added a security firm brought in by HBO to scrub the internet of the stolen files believes the hackers took 'masses of copyrighted items including... images, videos and sound' and 'thousands of internal company documents'.

Episodes of the HBO show Ballers, starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, were also reportedly taken in the hack

That news, and the potential danger to a top executive, was not the only information about the hack published on Wednesday.

Another report, published by the Hollywood Reporter, went into alleged details regarding the sophistication of the attack.

THR cited industry insiders who claimed the hack was about 'targeting specific content and data housed in different locations', which would suggest there were 'multiple points of entry'.

The data stolen from HBO could be at least seven times more than was stolen from Sony in 2014. Pictured are then-Co-Chair of Sony Pictures Entertainment Amy Pascal and chief executive officer of Sony Entertainment Michael Lynton, both of whom had their emails released in the attack

The magazine claims in the update that the lack of any sort of ransom note or demands from the hackers is raising fears that: 'video footage, internal documents or even email correspondence could be leaked'.

Farsight Security CEO Paul Vixie told THR is the 1.5 terabyte figure is true, it could have taken the hackers multiple days to steal all the information.

'A traditional business-grade DSL link would take about two weeks at full blast to exfiltrate that much data,' Vixie told the magazine.

'If not for video and sound, a corporation the size of HBO might fit (entirely) in a terabyte, including all the email and spreadsheets ever written or stored.'

Ajay Arora, CEO of security firm Vera, was equally pessimistic when talking to the Reporter about what was potentially stolen.

'The entire Library of Congress is estimated to contain 10 terabytes of print content,' Arora said.

'As such, it's hard to believe that video and/or audio are not part of what was stolen. It will be interesting - and terrifying to HBO and their parent, Time Warner - to see what comes out.
A young inventor once praised by Sir Richard Branson for designing an air safety device has been jailed after battering his partner when she refused his sex demands.

Daryn Murray, 24, launched a vicious attack on Jade Graham, 22, at their home which left her with swelling and bruising on her face and eyes.

An argument began between the pair and a friend after Murray returned from a night out but she managed to calm him down and they went to bed while the friend left.

However, violence erupted as Murray became aggressive again and struck his girlfriend with a punch to her face before pulling her off the bed onto the floor.

Daryn Murray (pictured) launched a vicious attack on Jade Graham, 22, at their home which left her with swelling and bruising on her face and eyes

Murray, 24, attacked Jade Graham (left) at their home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, which left her with swelling and bruising on her face and eyes (right)

She managed to make her way to the hallway but the thug followed her and struck her head against a mirror.

In the living room, Murray punched her, threw her to the ground and then put his hands round her neck and began to throttle her.

Miss Graham eventually managed to get up and desperately tried to contact family members for help while he walked out of the house in Wishaw, Lanarkshire.

Police and paramedics were called and she was taken to Wishaw General Hospital for treatment and he was later arrested.

He has been jailed at Hamilton Sheriff Court after admitting the assault of April this year.

In 2005, a 12-year-old Murray made headlines when he developed a device that had airline bosses clamouring to meet him.

In 2005, a 12-year-old Murray made headlines when he developed a device that had airline bosses clamouring to meet him

His aircraft debris protector was designed to warn pilots of dangerous material lying on runways.

In a separate hearing four years ago for another charge, Murray's defence solicitor said Sir Richard Branson that 'asked to meet him'.

Recalling the attack, Miss Graham said: 'He came in from a night out and started calling me names.

'When I got into bed he was trying to sleep with me but I told him no. He said: "You don't love me anymore" and I said: "No wonder".

'After that he punched me and just kept on hitting me. When he had his hands around my neck I thought I was going to die.'

Imran Bashir, prosecuting, said: 'The complainer was not happy which made the accused angry and he struck her to the left of her face with his right fist.

'He followed her to the living room punching her to the side of her head and made her fall to the floor.

'He put his hands round her neck but the complainer fought against this however she has no clue if she lost consciousness.'

Miss Graham eventually managed to escape Murray and desperately tried to contact family members for help

Sheriff Ray Small said Murray posed a risk of re-offending and ordered him to be kept under supervision for nine months on his release.

He added: 'You pushed her to the ground, seized her by the neck and began throttling her almost to the point of unconsciousness.

'Given your previous record including high court offences no disposal other than custody is appropriate.

'To protect the public and future partners from harm you will also be under the supervision of the local authority upon your release from custody.'

Murray came up with the idea for his invention after a French Concorde crash in 2000 which was thought to have been caused by debris puncturing a tyre.

The British Airport Authority were also keen to develop the idea after spotting it at a Young Engineers for Britain event in Glasgow.

But in 2013, he was jailed for three years and nine months after admitting being involved in an armed robbery.

Murray and two accomplices held a grocery store in his hometown of East Kilbride at knifepoint while screaming vile racist abuse at two employees while telling them they were going to kill them.
An assistant police chief in a small Louisiana village has stepped down after sparking an uproar by posting a racist meme on his Facebook account.

The offensive image that resulted in the resignation of Estherwood Assistant Police Chief Wayne Welsh depicted a drawing of a white mother forcing a blond girl's head under water in a bathtub. The caption of the image read: When your daughters first crush is a little n***o boy.'

Welsh was roundly criticized by online users for sharing the racially charged image, but initially he defended himself, writing in a subsequent post that what he had done was not illegal.

Cop ousted: Estherwood Assistant Police Chief Wayne Welsh (left), from Louisiana, has resigned after sparking outrage by sharing a racist meme on Facebook (right)

'Its not against. The law if you share stuff on. Facebook. Its Social Media. Internet, he wrote on Monday.

A few hours later, the law enforcement official and father-of-three backtracked and posted a begrudging apology.

Well, I posted something on Facebook that made a lot of people mad, Welsh wrote. Well, Im sorry for what happen. Ya have a blessed day.

I shared somebody else's posts and everybody mad at me again. So Facebook police mad at me.'

Defiant stance: Welsh initially defended his actions, insisting that he had done nothing wrong by sharing a widely circulated image online

He concluded, however, on a defiant note, writing in another post: 'People always want to play the. Race card. They want you to think your [sic] the bad guy.'

Welshs Facebook account has since been deleted.

Despite that, a screenshot of Welsh's initial post that included the racist meme quickly went viral on Twitter, racking up tens of thousands of retweets.

Welsh's boss and longtime friend, Estherwood Police Chief Ernest Villejoin, told local media outlets he was shocked when he first learned about his assistant's Facebook faux pas.

When I found out about it, I couldn't believe I had to call him. I called him at work and asked him what the hell is going on,' Villejoin told KADN. He done it. He said it and he realized what he had done after he done it and he deleted it but it was too late.

But Villejoin also defended Welsh, insisting that his now-former subordinate did not post the image to purposefully offend anyone.

Unapologetic: Welsh pointed out that sharing 'stuff' on the Internet is not illegal

Doubling down: Wels then went on the offensive, accusing his critics of playing the 'race card'

The post at the heart of the controversy went up on Welsh's personal Facebook account on Saturday, and on Tuesday night he submitted his resignation.

Speaking to KADN, a seemingly peeved Welsh explained that he saw the meme on his Facebook wall and decided to share it because he did not think it was racist.

'I just dont feel like I should have to resign on this because there is not a policy saying I cant do this on Facebook,' said Welsh. 'To me, Im not racist and I knew it wasnt. It was picture that everybody shared and you can get on anybody and still see it. Its still there, but I was wrong for sharing it for being a police officer.'

Welsh insisted that this incident does not reflect how he conducts himself in his professional capacity as a police officer.

'I treat everybody the same and you can ask anybody in town, if you walk around. They all like me and I do my job right,' he said.

Estherwood is a village in Acadia Parish with an overwhelmingly white population of fewer than 1,000 people.

'I'm not racist': Welsh said he decided to share the meme because he did not think it was racist

According to reporting by KATC, Welsh's now-defunct Facebook account included multiple pro-gun posts, positive news items about President Donald Trump and messages paying tribute to fallen officers, among them African-Americans.

In the past, Welsh reportedly had shared a meme likening Muslim women dressed in black burkas to trash bags, poked fun at former First Lady Michelle Obama and other prominent female politicians, especially Democrats, and mocked women who receive child support.
President Donald Trump tweeted this morning that transgender service members will no longer be allowed to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military. Studies estimate there are as many as 15,000 transgender people already serving this country  and for those brave people fighting for our nation, Trumps early morning tweets must be devastating. I believe every American should be outraged by the disrespect shown to those people wearing our countrys uniform. Furthermore, this half-baked idea puts all of our service members in harms way. Does President Trump intend to just pull 15,000 people out of every critical position to which they are currently assigned? That would disrupt core military missions around the world and needlessly endanger our troops.

Transgender people have served this country honorably for decades. In fact, studies show that transgender people are more likely to enlist in the military than the general population  and its estimated there are approximately 134,000 transgender veterans in the U.S. today. Veterans who have made sacrifices for this country deserve all of the support we can give them, from thanking them for their service to ensuring they are treated with respect when they go to the Veterans Administration.

The Pentagon has been working for years on a policy that will ensure that transgender people can serve openly in the military with the full support of their leadership. It has been thoroughly reviewed and vetted by the best military and medical experts in the country. There is absolutely no reason to undo all that work because President Trump decided to send a few tweets this morning.

Additionally, allowing transgender people to serve in the military is not a new idea. Nineteen other countries have successfully integrated trans service members without any problems: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

Over the past two years I have met the most inspiring trans people, and I can testify to the trans communitys incredible resilience and perseverance in the face of enormous discrimination and hate. We are strong, we are beautiful, and we will win. The President must ask himself which side of history he will be on  and reverse his position immediately.

My father, William Jenner, landed on Omaha Beach in WWII, and his bravery and service to his country has always inspired me and helped make me the person I am today. Americas 15,000 trans service members and 134,000 veterans are much braver than you, Mr. Trump; my allegiance is with them and our country, not you.
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Pictured: Hayley Brown, 26, who had to flee the blazing tower

A British pilates teacher has said she didn't know if she was going to make it out alive as she fled down 57 flights of stairs while her Dubai tower block home burned in the night.

Hayley Brown, 26, from Cumbernauld in Scotland, said she had a 'terrifying' and 'horrendous' experience during the blaze, spending 20 desperate minutes fleeing to safety.

But once the former Scottish Rockettes dance troupe member had got to the bottom of the 1,100ft, 86-storey Torch Tower, she had to dodge burning debris that was falling from the sky and smashing into cars below.

She told the Daily Record: 'I feel lucky to be alive. It was 20 minutes to get downstairs and I honestly didn't know if I would make it out on time - it was horrendous.'

The same building was devastated by fire in 2015 and its flammable cladding, which was similar to that used in Grenfell Tower, was blamed for fuelling the flames.

Hayley, who has lived in the United Arab Emirates for a year and eight months, believes the fire actually started just three floors above her own flat on the 57th floor.

She said she 'didn't think anything' of the fire alarm when it first went off at 1am because its sounding is a common occurrence following a blaze in the same building in 2015.

But when it became obvious it was not a drill, Hayley promptly left her flat - joined by a host of residents who were 'in a panic'.

She added: 'One woman in particular looked like she was going to pass out.'

When she reached the bottom of the block - one of the tallest residential buildings in the world - she witnessed two cars set alight by falling material.

Former Scottish Rockettes dancer Hayley Brown (pictured left and right) said it was a 'terrifying' and 'horendous' experience to escape flames

But once safely on the ground, she started to think about the belongings she had left behind in her flight.

She said: 'I left everything behind. I have a pair of shorts and T-shirt on and flip flops - and that is it. No car keys, no money, no clothes.' She added: 'By the looks of it it's all ruined but we don't know yet.'

Other residents of Dubai's Torch Tower were texted, phoned and emailed when the blaze broke out this morning, giving them time to pack and evacuate in just 10 minutes  unlike victims of London's Grenfell disaster who were told to stay put.

Footage shows people in the 1,100ft, 86-storey skyscraper calmly wheeling their suitcases along a corridor and a member of staff directing them to the exit as a fire ravaged the tower's exterior.

Keeping calm: Wealthy residents of Dubai Torch Tower were texted, phoned and emailed when a blaze broke out this morning, giving them time to pack and evacuate in just 10 minutes  unlike victims of London's Grenfell disaster who were told to stay put

Unlike the Grenfell Tower inferno in West London in June, in which at least 80 died, residents of the Torch were able to escape unharmed with only a few people treated for smoke inhalation

Fire crews quickly descended on the scene to put the flames out. People in the 1,100ft, 86-storey skyscraper were seen calmly wheeling their suitcases as a member of staff directed them along a corridor as a fire ravaged the tower's exterior

Unlike the inferno in West London in June, in which at least 80 died, residents of the Torch were able to escape unharmed with only a few people treated for smoke inhalation.

Residents of the Torch were woken at about 1 am by internal fire alarms and building management who sent workers knocking on doors to ensure people got out safely. Witnesses said people walked in an 'orderly fashion' down fire escape stairs.

In contrast, Grenfell residents reported not hearing an alarm. Firefighter also told people to remain in their flats, believing that they could contain the fire.

Samia Badani, chairman of the residents association at Bramley House, next to Grenfell Tower, said of the Dubai fire: 'They clearly took their duty to protect the safety of residents seriously and were organised.'

She told MailOnline that the fire evacuation plan at Grenfell was, by comparison, 'inadequate'.

Emergency: Footage shows flames climbing up the 86-storey Torch Tower, a residential building in Dubai Marina in the early hours of this morning

She added: 'At Grenfell they didn't think the building was unsafe so they didn't make proper plans. The Local Authority was nowhere and it was left to the fire service and police to try to save people. [At Grenfell] firefighters had to ask residents for details about the building.'

She said she believed Grenfell residents were let down because of their social status and because they were poor and that local authorities were only interested in making the building look nice from the outside rather than being safe for those living inside.

In Dubai last night, fire 'spread rapidly' through one of the world's tallest residential towers sparking panic among terrified residents - including dozens of Britons - after a day when temperatures in the city climbed to 45C (113F).

Alarming footage showed flames climbing up the outside of the skyscraper, a building popular with expats in the United Arab Emirates tourism hotspot.

The fire is believed to have broken out on around the 63rd floor of the building at about 1am with flames then spreading across 40 storeys

Burning debris could be seen crashing down to the ground below as tearful residents fled and firefighters desperately tackled the blaze.

Residents this morning described how they woke to screaming and fire alarms after a blaze broke out on the 63rd floor. It is understood to have spread across 40-storeys of the 676-flat building, where apartments start at 381,000. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Parts of the building were still undergoing restoration work following the 2015 blaze when the second fire broke out overnight. In both incidents, it appears fire alarms alerted residents and building staff knocked on doors to ensure a quick evacuation.

Dubai residents and tourists shared photos and videos of the flaming debris falling from the building.

Yorkshire-born resident Lucy, 27, said she was woken by fire alarms going off just before 1am and had to descend 40 floors from her apartment to safety.

She said although no sprinklers had started before she left the building, the tower's security team had triggered a system which gave an automated call, email and text to all residents within minutes of the fire starting.

Inferno: Burning debris could be seen spiralling down to the ground below as firefighters desperately attempt to tackle the blaze

Flames could be seen shooting out from the sides of the building and glass and debris rained down from the skyscraper (left). This morning, pictures emerged showing the charred exterior of the high-rise property

She said: 'I woke up straight away. It was not until I got outside and saw people pouring out that I realised how serious it was. I don't know how long it took me to come down, I was in a daze. My friend who lives on the 22nd floor called when I reached the 20th floor and said: 'Get out now' and it only sank in then that this was a real emergency.

'When I got outside, I saw fire all down one side of the building. It had obviously started on a high floor but burning debris was falling onto the ground and setting fire to cars below. My flat is on the other side of the building so I am hoping it will be okay.

'I was in pyjamas and slippers and had just grabbed my phone as I was leaving. There was a lady in front of my carrying a baby. It was hard enough going down 40 floors as it was without having to carry a child.'

She said that the Torch 'apparently has a similar type of cladding to Grenfell Tower but the response was very different.

'The quality of buildings here in Dubai worries me but I could not fault the way they dealt with it. They knew exactly what to do.

'I drove past Grenfell recently and it is just a black shell.

'Here they had an automated system and all the security staff were not getting out themselves, they were helping others out.

'I don't know whether no one died simply because they managed to get this fire under control [or whether that's the reason].'

Lucy added she was staying with a friend until residents are allowed back into the building, which could be as early as tomorrow.

The blaze was so intense it spread to rows of cars parked nearby. Firefighters said they had brought the blaze under control by 4am today

Parts of the building were still undergoing restoration work following the 2015 blaze when the second fire broke out overnight. In both incidents, it appears fire alarms alerted residents and building staff knocked on doors to ensure a quick evacuation

Kingfield Owner Association Management Services, which manages the maintenance of Torch tower, bussed out hundreds of residents in the early hours to different hotels across the city, where their overnight stays will be covered by insurance.

Evacuated residents are staying in different hotels across Dubai or with friends.

The neighbouring Princess Tower opened its 97th floor lounge to any stranded residents last night, who camped on makeshift beds made of plastic-covered mattresses and sheets on the floor.

Moustafa Touson, 36, an Egyptian hotel services manager living in Torch, slept on a sofa in the lounge and was huddled under a blanket all day after being left stranded with no money or credit cards.

All his possessions were abandoned in his 30th floor flat and car parked on the second floor, neither of which he has been able to access.

He said: 'I heard the alarm go off at about midnight. I tried to go back to sleep as I did not realise it was an emergency but when I looked out of the window, I saw pieces of burning debris falling from upper floors.

'The lifts were out of action so I took the stairs and went to the assembly point outside, where there were a lot of people gathered.

'It wasn't too hard going down 30 floors but there were women there in high heels who were struggling. I was okay but I did wonder how an old person would be able to make it down from a top floor.

Fire 'spread rapidly' through one of the world's tallest residential towers sparking panic among terrified residents - including dozens of Britons - after a day when temperatures in the city climbed to 45C (113F)

Horrified residents this morning described how they woke to screaming and fire alarms after a blaze broke out on the 63rd floor. It is understood to have spread across 40-storeys of the 676-flat building, where apartments start at 381,000. The cause of the fire is not yet known

Burning debris could be seen crashing down to the ground below as tearful residents fled and firefighters desperately tackled the blaze

Emergency services descended on the scene within minutes and residents are said to have left the building in an 'orderly fashion'

Aftermath: This morning, debris lay on the ground at the bottom of the building (right) while images showed the charred exterior (left)

This morning, Dubai's civil defence authorities said firefighting squads put out the blaze around 4am and were cooling the building

'My parents would not have made it if they had been living here. Everyone stayed calm - no one was really panicking until we got outside, where a few people were crying.

'The fire brigade was giving instructions to the security guys on the ground floor but no one was running or pushing. 'There was no crush coming down the stairs.

'There were a lot of drunk people around as it was the start of the weekend. Once we were outside, they told us all to get back as there were pieces of burning metal coming down and it was dangerous.

'I work in a hotel so we often have safety briefings and I wasn't worried. I'm just wondering how I will manage without food, money or credit cards. They have not said when we can go back in yet.'

He added the Torch fire could not be compared to Grenfell as they were on a different scale.

He said: 'It could happen anywhere. It's not a question of technology or materials, it is just down to luck. We were just lucky.'

A resident who gave his name as George told Reuters: 'We were sleeping and we woke up to the fire alarm and people screaming. We ran down the stairs and it took us about 10 minutes to reach from the 50th floor.

'It was very bad. The fire was very strong at that time, about 1 am. Then it started calming down over the next two hours,' he added.

Watford-born Danny Harper, a bar manager who lives on the 68th floor, said his flat had been destroyed in the fire, along with his possessions and his passport.

He was spending the morning trying to find out how to replace his documents and said: 'Thankfully I work nights and I am safe. My flat, however, is not and my passport is gone.'

Cambridge University graduate Effy Chengyu Wang, a management consultant from China, said she had grabbed her passport and wallet as she ran for her life but said: 'I am alive but I lost everything.'

The fire broke out on the southwest corner of the building, on the opposite corner to the previous fire.

Today there was still hoarding covering the damage from the 2015 blaze while an acrid smell of burning filled the air and bits of charred debris were still falling onto surrounding land.

Sabine Abu Sabaa tweeted a photo of the burning building and wrote: 'Fire further spreading, reaching the parked cars'



The Dubai Media Office confirmed the Civil Defence was tackling the fire. Twitter user Ernesto Che Guevara said: 'If you are in there get out! It's spreading rapidly up the building'

Dubai Police Commander in Chief and Dubai Civil Defence Director General at the scene of the Torch Tower fire

Horrified Dubai residents and tourists shared photos and videos of the flaming debris falling from the building

Damage: Flames from the inferno eventually spread to a row of cars parked near to the giant Dubai skyscraper this morning

By 4am the exterior of the building showed no sign of fire as residents and onlookers stood around staring up at the building, according to witnesses

Horrified Dubai residents and tourists shared photos and videos of the flaming debris falling from the building

Dozens of police officers and civil defence officers surrounded the building, preventing onlookers from taking pictures. There were no reported casualties, according to Wam, the official government news agency.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said fire alarms first went off just before 1am. He said residents had filed out via the stairs in an 'orderly' fashion.

The fire was put out within three hours and an evacuation centre set up nearby.

Simon Bach, a New Zealander who lives in a high-rise across the street, told The Associated Press he saw a few policemen as well as Emiratis in traditional white robes helping people get out. About 10 to 12 firetrucks arrived quickly on the scene, he said.

He said just as the firefighters had seemed to bring the blaze under control, falling debris ignited a part of the building further down.

'It seemed really out of control,' he said. 'People were streaming out of the car parks of the building.'

The Torch Tower is the fifth tallest residential building in the world and stands at more than 330 metres (1,105 ft). Footage shows flames climbing up the 79-storey Torch Tower, a residential building in the United Arab Emirates tourism hotspot

This morning, Dubai's civil defence authorities said firefighting squads put out the blaze around 4am and were cooling the building.

Firefighters and police sealed off surrounding streets, which were partially covered by dust and debris.

By 4am the exterior of the building showed no sign of fire as residents and onlookers stood around staring up at the building, according to witnesses.

Another resident, whose gave his name as Mohammed and lives on the 12th floor, said the top part of the tower caught fire first and then lower levels followed as debris fell.

The government said it was working on providing shelter for those affected by the fire.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but civil defence officials said they had 'successfully evacuated' the building and were investigating.

Emergency vehicles are pictured near the scene of the fire that broke out at Dubai's Torch Tower

After a series of recent fires, Dubai is introducing a new code for skyscrapers this year, insisting that full-scale mockups of the facade are fire-tested rather than just the individual materials

The Torch Tower is the fifth tallest residential building in the world and stands at more than 330 metres (1,105 ft).

It became the tallest residential building in the world in 2011 but lost the record the following year to the neighbouring Princess Tower.

In 2014, a luxury 6,500 sq ft penthouse apartment - accessible by exclusive lift access - with four en suite bedrooms and views across the towering Dubai Marina skyline went on the market for the equivalent of about 2.8million.

The tower's facilities include a gym, spa and outdoor pool with decking and upmarket furniture for its users.

Dubai authorities have previously said that some 30,000 properties across the United Arab Emirates had cladding or panelling that safety officials have said accelerates the rapid spread of fires.

HOW CLADDING CAME UNDER THE MICROSCOPE AFTER 2015 TORCH TOWER BLAZE In February 2015 Britons told of their terror as hundreds of residents were evacuated from Torch Tower when a fire broke out (pictured) In February 2015 Britons told of their terror as hundreds of residents were evacuated from one of the world's tallest residential buildings after it was engulfed in flames in the early hours of the morning. Pictures and video footage showed the large blaze rip through multiple floors of the Marina Torch tower in the expat-heavy Marina district of the city. More than a dozen fire were called on to extinguish after the fire alarm went off around 2am local time. One witness said flames shot out from two sides of the building as glass and metal rained down from near the summit of the skyscraper. Major General Rashid Al Matroushi said around 100 officers from nine civil defence stations took part in putting out the blaze. Two residents of the Torch, who were evacuated from the building, were told the fire started on the 52nd floor. They said the flaming material fell and set lower parts of the building ablaze. As daylight broke in Dubai the next morning, the external cladding on the corners of the Marina Torch building were mangled and charred black. In November 2012, experts blamed the same external coating for the inferno that engulfed another luxury Dubai development known as the Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT). The blaze at the 34-storey Tamweel Tower forced a mass evacuation of residents who lost all their worldly belongings. According to Gulf Business , some experts blamed faulty air-conditioning caused the accident while others have said sub-standard cladding material caused the blaze. 'As is evident from the videos, the fire started at the roof of building, and that might have been due to a short-circuit or over heating of any of the equipments installed on the roof,' Noman Qamar, project manager at fire protection company Aldes, told Gulf Business. The same skyscraper was devastated by fire in 2015 (pictured left and right) and the building's flammable cladding, which was similar to that used in Grenfell Tower, was blamed for fuelling the flames He added: 'The fire spread rapidly to other parts of the building mainly due to falling debris of the flammable cladding that was used on the tower, which is similar to other incidences that occurred in other residential towers.' The tower's cladding burned downwards in the early hours of Sunday morning, making hundreds of residents homeless, The National reported at the time. The Dubai Police forensic department has released its findings on the fire, which burnt half the building. According to the report, the fire started at the back of the building on the ground floor where the waste material was left by the labourers working on a shop in the building. The waste material contained papers, tapes and woods which fuelled the fire. It is not clear what material was used during repairs to the building. Advertisement

Crucial differences that saved lives FIRE DOORS Grenfell residents were legally responsible for their front doors. Only a random sample were ever tested for fire resistance by block managers. In the Dubai Torch Tower, building officials ensured each flats front door was fireproof. STAIRWELL The single stairwell at Grenfell swiftly filled with black smoke, stopping many residents from escaping. The Torch has twin stairwells, giving an alternative route out. SPRINKLERS There were none at Grenfell as the 200,000 cost was deemed too expensive. At the Torch, a state-of-the-art system restricted the spread of fire internally, keeping stairwells safe. EVACUATION POLICY Residents at Grenfell were told to stay put. In the Torch Tower, they were alerted by bangs on the door, phone calls, texts and emails. FIRE ALARMS There was no central fire alarm in Grenfell but a loud alarm woke residents in the Torch Tower. CLADDING Flammable cladding is blamed for turning Grenfell into an inferno. In Dubai, officials will probe if similar cladding was a factor in the spread of its blaze. Aluminium panels with a flammable plastic core adorn many of Dubais 250 high-rises. New rules mean they require fire-retardant panels every three floors and external sprinklers. Advertisement

The incident may revive questions about the safety of materials used on the exteriors of tall buildings across the wealthy Gulf region and beyond.

An investigation by the management of the Torch after its 2015 fire found that most of the damage was to the cladding, exterior panelling used for decoration or insulation.

That blaze ripped through multiple floors of the new building, in the expat-heavy Marina district of the city. Flames shot out from two sides of the building and glass and metal rained down from the skyscraper.

Police in Britain have said they believe the system of insulation and cladding panels added during a refurbishment of London's Grenfell Tower may have contributed to the rapid spread of a fire there in June in which 80 people died.

Experts in the UK have previously voiced concerns that building regulations are unclear on the use of combustible cladding, which paved the way to their use by contractors.

Unlike Grenfell, residents of the Torch were able to escape unharmed. Internal fire alarms and building management sent workers knocking on doors to ensure residents got out.

In contrast, Grenfell residents reported not hearing an alarm. Firefighter also told people to remain in their flats, believing that they could contain the fire.

The UAE revised its building safety code in 2013 to require cladding on all new buildings over 50 feet tall be fire-resistant, but older buildings are exempt. External sprinklers are also being encouraged for new buildings.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but civil defence officials said they had 'successfully evacuated' the building

Unlike Grenfell (pictured), residents of the Torch were able to escape unharmed. Internal fire alarms and building management sent workers knocking on doors to ensure residents got out

Most of Dubai's approximately 250 high-rise buildings use cladding panels with thermoplastic cores, UAE media have reported. Panels can consist of plastic or polyurethane fillings sandwiched between aluminium sheets.

Such cladding is not necessarily hazardous, but it can be flammable under certain circumstances and, depending on a skyscraper's design, may channel fires through windows into the interiors of buildings.

Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the UAE, where several residential compounds and hotels have been hit by fire in recent years. In some of those cases, experts said the flames may have been encouraged to spread by exterior cladding.

In August 2016 a fire swept through a 28-storey building under construction in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, injuring 13 people, including 10 emergency service personnel.

Earlier that same month, a fire damaged part of a multi-storey building under construction in Dubai and in July 2016 a fire broke out in Dubai's residential 75-storey Sulafa Tower.
A controversial episode of Law & Order: SVU reportedly inspired by Donald Trump's sexual assault allegations will never air, according to NBC bosses.

The episode, called Unstoppable, was written and filmed in September 2016, before Trump won an expected victory in the presidential election.

Now NBC chairman Robert Greenblatt has said the episode will likely never be aired, in part because it's no longer 'timely.'

A controversial episode of Law & Order: SVU reportedly inspired by Donald Trump's sexual assault allegations will never air, according to NBC bosses

'It's now really anachronistic,' Greenblatt said, according to the Telegraph.

He added: 'An episode about an election a year after an election just seems kind of pointless to air.'

In the unaired episode, actor Gary Cole, 60, played a Trump-inspired politician whose campaign goes off the tracks when a number of women come forward with damaging accusations.

The episode - which was originally scheduled to air October 26 last year - also featured Currie Graham, Meredith Travers, Bianca Amato along with Peter Gallagher.

In the unaired episode, actor Gary Cole (pictured), 60, played a Trump-inspired politician whose campaign goes off the tracks when a number of women come forward with damaging accusations

The episode (pictured) - which was originally scheduled to air October 26 last year - also featured Currie Graham, Meredith Travers, Bianca Amato along with Peter Gallagher

Trump, 70, was at the center of controversy throughout his campaign.

The firestorm erupted to dizzying heights after a 2005 video surfaced in which the then-Republican candidate made several lewd comments about women.

Trump was heard bragging to then-Access Hollywood interviewer Billy Bush how he went after the married Nancy O'Dell and took her furniture shopping only to have his advances rejected.

He also boasted of groping women without their permission.

The SVU storyline also seems to have been inspired by a civil lawsuit against Trump by a woman who alleges he raped her when she was 13 years old in the mid-1990s.

Don't mess: Mariska Hargitay flashes the badge in NBC's long-running hit show

Trump's lawyers strenuously denied the allegations and the woman ultimately dropped her lawsuit.

The controversy surrounding the unaired NBC episode even inspired a story-line in CBS's new drama The Good Fight - a spin-off of The Good Wife.

The episode on CBS's streaming service, starring Christine Baranski and Rose Leslie, imagined a court battle between the writer of the episode and the TV network after the writer leaked the show online.

Coincidentally, the episode of the CBS show also featured Gary Cole in the role of Baranski's husband.
News / National

by Staff reporter

About six top Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) managers are currently under the microscope as the taxman intensifies lifestyle audits to weed out corrupt elements in its systems.The identities of the officials under investigation could not be established by the time of going to print. Zimra board chairperson Mrs Willia Bonyongwe confirmed that a lifestyle audit for some managers was underway but declined to reveal the number and when the process would be completed."Right now we have managers who are being audited. I am not sure (of the number and when it would end) and we really don't say until one has a case to answer," said Mrs Bonyongwe.The intensification of lifestyle audits, especially for Zimra employees, comes at a time when junior staffers have broken ranks with the board, claiming it is deliberately targeting "small fish" while "tigers" go scot free.Zimra Trade Union's secretary general Mr Lovemore Ngwarati recently said employees will soon speak out about the imbalance in the conduct of lifestyle audits, adding that the employer is infringing on their rights."We are forced to begin to find several ways to circumvent the ongoing lifestyle audits as they do not have any sound justification." However, Mrs Bonyongwe said the policy on lifestyle audits does not target anyone and has already been extended to several senior managers, some of whom are on suspension.Mrs Bonyongwe said she was not in position to "talk about specific cases" of senior managers whose lifestyles have already been audited. Employees and their representatives have been called upon to support Zimra's battle against the vice of corruption as it was depriving Government of revenue."You are aware that at one time, revenue collection was always below target to the extent that Government was struggling to pay salaries. Now with these measures, of which lifestyle audits are but one, revenue is coming up despite the economic environment."I know employees who have failed to explain how they got four or five houses in four years and several cars on top. I also know cases where employees who have been audited were found to be clean and have been exonerated. There are allegations that no manager has been subjected to lifestyle audits; that's not true."Almost the entire executive was suspended because of this fight against corruption and were sent for hearings and have cases before the courts," said Mrs Bonyongwe. Workers who feel they have been victimised during the process of lifestyle audits have been implored to approach the Board for redress.Said Mrs Bonyongwe: "We have always had an open door policy with our workers. If they have information we should know they can come to us. Lifestyle audits are policy the world over and in Zimra that policy does not discriminate."Mrs Bonyongwe says there is always room to improve the way the audits are done. Lifestyle audits are carried out with particular attention on income received by an individual, and involves ascertaining personal expenditure patterns to determine if they are consistent with their declared taxable income to Zimra.The lifestyle audits  which are primed to increase revenue generation for the country  are carried out to verify compliance of individual taxpayers in terms of the statutes administered by Zimra which include Income Tax Act (Chapter 23:06); Capital Gains Act (Chapter 23:01); Value Added Tax Act (Chapter 23:12) and Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02).
Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz says she kept an IT staffer who was under investigation on the payroll anyway because of 'grave concerns' he was being subject to 'ethnic profiling.'

Imran Awan got arrested at a Virginia airport las week and charged with bank fraud. He was attempting to fly to Pakistan, where his wife had already flown, after having wired hundreds of thousands of dollars there earlier this year.

The feds charged him with fraudulently obtaining a home improvement loan on a rental property. He had already been under investigation for property theft, but Wasserman Schultz says she kept him on staff because the charges were unproven.

'I had grave concerns about his due process rights being violated,' she told the Florida Sun Suntinal.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz told a Florida paper 'there were racial and ethnic profiling concerns that I had' when investigators told her they were looking at an IT staffer doing work for her

'When their investigation was reviewed with me, I was presented with no evidence of anything that they were being investigated for. And so that, in me, gave me great concern that his due process rights were being violated  that there were racial and ethnic profiling concerns that I had,' she said.

Other lawmakers who had Irman as a shared employee fired him after they were informed of the charges and he lost his access to the House information system.

Wasserman Schultz kept him on anyway. Her actions have drawn scrutiny  including a retweet from President Trump  because of her role as chair of the Democratic National Committee when it got hacked. She relinquished her post after the breech.

'I believe that I did the right thing, and I would do it again,' Wasserman Schultz said. 'There are times when you can't be afraid to stand alone, and you have to stand up for what's right.'

Wasserman Schultz stepped down as DNC chair last year after the Committee's email systems were hacked

'It would have been easier for me to just fire him,' she said.

Imran Awan, 37, was arrested by the FBI at Dulles International Airport in Virginia on Monday as he attempted to fly to Qatar then Pakistan.

Authorities had been watching him for months as part of an investigation into information and equipment theft.

His wife, Hina Alvi, and two other relatives, Jamal and Abid Awan, were fired as a result of the probe in March but Imran was kept on by Wasserman Schultz.

On Monday, he was arrested on suspicion of banking fraud for allegedly taking out a $165,000 loan with his wife on a house that they did not live in and sending the money back to Pakistan.

Wasserman Schultz, who tangled with the Capitol Police chief at a hearing over a laptop, said she wasn't trying to hide anything and has agreed to let police look at a laptop that Imran lost that was later recovered.

Arwan was a staffer for former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. In May, she was filmed telling US Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa (above) to 'expect consequences' if he did not promptly return a laptop that was part of the investigation

Imran Arwan (above with Bill Clinton) was arrested trying to board a flight to Qatar at Virginia's Dulles Airport on Tuesday

'This was not my laptop. I have never seen that laptop. I don't know what's on the laptop,' she said.

She went after Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa at a May hearing about the laptop.

'If a Member loses equipment and it is found by your staff and identified as that member's equipment and the member is not associated with any case, it is supposed to be returned. Yes or no?' she asked, the Daily Caller reported. 'My understanding is the the Capitol Police is not able to confiscate Members' equipment when the Member is not under investigation,' she said.

And she stressed his roots in the U.S.

'He is from Pakistan.  He's an American, a naturalized American citizen. His children are natural born citizens. His wife is a naturalized American citizen. And I mean when you're trying to flee, you don't fill out a form with your employer and go on unpaid leave,' she said.
Duldina Kurtovic was given this teddy bear by Pete Millns when he was serving in the Bosnian War

A British soldier who gifted a teddy bear to a schoolgirl he befriended while fighting in the Bosnian War almost 25 years ago has reunited with his old pal on social media.

Pete Millns, 48, was serving in the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment when he met Duldina Kurtovic, then aged 12, on the streets of Kladenj, central Bosnia, in March 1993.

Ms Kurtovic, now 36, held onto the bear through her adult life and, has finally been able to thank the man who gave it to her.

The elementary school principal remembers the war every March on Facebook by posting pictures from the conflict and said reconnecting with Mr Millns on the social media platform evoked powerful memories.

'I met Peter and the other soldiers in March 1993, and every March I post a photo from that period.

'This March one of the other soldiers saw it and got in contact, and after that Peter added me on Facebook and we started chatting.

'I remembered him and all of them very well. I asked him "do you still have

blue eyes?".

'He said "yes, I am older now, but they are still blue!".

Pete Milns served in the British Army for 12 years and arranged for presents to be brought to Bosnia for its children suffering in the war

'It was very emotional to speak to him again after so long - I did not have

any information about him before now. It was very special and it brought

back many memories.'

At the time, the war, which would last another two years, had been raging for over a year and the people of the town were suffering death, destruction and severe food shortages.

Mr Milns, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, remembers meeting Bosnian children while helping to direct convoys to the capital Sarajevo.

'We used to meet up with the convoys before they went into Sarajevo.

'Part of the culture and the religion there was for people to offer strangers coffee and invite them into their homes.

'I was the driver, so I had to wait outside to keep and eye on the vehicle, which meant I was always outside with all the kids.

'They were very interested in us, and we built up some friendships.'

Mr Millns was given drawings by the Bosnian children who wanted to repay his kindness

He and the other soldiers in his battalion had things sent from home for the children, including sweets, chocolate, paper, toys and teddy bears.

The schoolchildren would thank soldiers with drawings inspired by their surroundings.

The pair lost contact after he left Bosnia and in 1999 he was discharged from the Army after 12 years of service.

But she never forgot the kindness of the British soldiers she met, and 25

years later the pair reconnected through Facebook.

But Ms Kurdovic, who still lives in Kladenj, says the Army changed their lives for the better.

Ms Kurdovic said the British soldiers improved the lives of children in Kladenj in Bosnia

'In Kladenj, where she is a principal of an elementary school, says the soldiers made a big difference to the lives of her and her friends.

'Before we met the soldiers we did not really have a childhood.

'It was very dark everywhere and we spent a lot of time in the shelters.

'After they arrived we would wait outside for them to come and speak to us.

It was a very happy time for us, to have friends and someone who cared. It

meant a lot.

'It is not just my story, it is the story of every child who had the same experience.'

A message of peace for Mr Millns, who said reconnecting after 25 years helped him deal with the tragedies of war

Mr Millns, who runs the Stockport Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club at

the Salisbury Club in Brinnington, said speaking to Ms Kurtovic on Skype had helped heal mental scars.

'It had been 25 years since we last saw each other. Getting back

in touch was brilliant, I had a total mix of emotions, and she talked about

the difference we made to their lives.

'Knowing that she was alive and well was amazing - I saw so much death and

destruction there, and so many of the people killed were kids.'

Ms Kurtovic said her memories of the war have not faded, despite the changes to her hometown.

'Sometimes when I close my eyes I think I can still hear the sounds.

'It is something I will never forget.'
A New York man is behind bars after he allegedly smothered an 11-year-old relative while raping her at his home.

James Brower, 36, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jacelyn O'Connor. He is being held without bail.

Jacelyn is the half-sister of Brower's two sons, her family has revealed.

James Brower, 36, (left) allegedly smothered Jacelyn O'Connor (right) to death while raping her at his home

State police troopers discovered Jacelyn dead in Brower's Norwich home early Sunday morning, according to WBNG.

They were responding to a report of a child suffering from cardiac arrest.

But after the investigation, Jacelyn's death was ruled a homicide.

Brower was arrested on Tuesday.

An autopsy revealed that Jacelyn died of asphyxiation, according to Spectrum News.

Brower appeared at Chenango County Court on Thursday, where he was shackled by the arms and feet.

He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and was ordered held without bail.

Brower could face life in prison without parole if convicted.

Brower pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and was ordered held without bail. He could face life in prison without parole if convicted

State police troopers discovered Jacelyn dead in Brower's Norwich home (pictured) Sunday

Brower is due back in court on Tuesday.

The Morris Central School paid tribute to Jacelyn, calling her a 'bright, spunky loved student'.

'We are all deeply saddened by this loss,' the statement read. 'It is a tragedy that is difficult to comprehend for us all.'

'We ask that you respect the privacy of our school community while we cope with the loss of Jacelyn.'

Brower appeared at Chenango County Court on Thursday (left) as tributes poured in for Jacelyn from her teachers at Morris Central School

The school said that counselors would be on campus to help students and a candlelight vigil would be held for Jacelyn on Monday.

Erin O'Brian Moussa, one of Jacelyn's teachers, also paid tribute to her on Facebook.

'I taught this beautiful little girl. I loved this beautiful little girl. Even three years later, my hearts and thoughts have always remained with this beautiful girl,' it read.

'This is the way I choose to remember Jacelyn O'Connor.'
A former solider has been found guilty of murdering his ex-partner with a kitchen knife after he saw a photo of her with a new man.

Dane Andrew Pilcher killed Corinne Henderson, 32, at her Townsville apartment in September 2015 by stabbing her in the face and neck with a knife 21 times.

Chilling audio was played in court during the two week trail revealing the triple-0 call Pilcher made the night of the stabbing.

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Former solider Dane Pilcher (pictured) was found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend in 2015

Corinne Henderson, 32, (pictured) was stabbed 21 times in neck by Pilcher with kitchen knife

'I killed my partner, my ex-partner,' Pilcher told the operator.

'I'm pretty sure she's dead yeah, yep she's not moving at all.

'There's blood everywhere, everywhere ... it's everywhere ... oh jesus.

'I can't believe this has happened. So much blood everywhere. I'm so sorry

'There's blood every f***ing where.'

Pilcher told court he broke into Ms Henderson's apartment by kicking through the kitchen window after seeing photos on social media of her with a new man, Dwayne Wickham.

The former solider pleaded not guilty but a two week trial found Pilcher guilty of murder

Pilcher killed Ms Henderson, a smart business woman, after he saw photo of her with new man

Pilcher pleaded not guilty at Townsville Supreme Court and claimed he acted in self defence.

Police body cam footage shown in court reveals the distressing moment Queensland Police found Ms Henderson's body on the floor of the bedroom.

Queensland Police could be heard saying they were having trouble find a pulse while Mr Wickham was locked in the bathroom nearby.

The police body cam footage shows police handcuffing Mr Wickham who said Pilcher had 'f***ing come in here after [him]'.

The footage later shows Pilcher in custody where an officer asked the former solider what happened which he responded with 'it's a long story mate'.

'Bad news mate. Long convoluted story that I'll bore some other poor c*** with at some point,' Pilcher said.

The smart businesswoman had worked in the mining industry, where she met Pilcher in 2013, for more than a decade and was ready to start a new life.

Ms Henderson's friend Sally Jupp told ABC News the verdict was a 'bittersweet victory'.

'Corinne was an amazing person ... even in her last moments had no other thoughts but to help other people,' Ms Jupp said.

Prosecutor Michael Cowen QC said the case was of 'sexual jealousy' reported ABC News.

'If I can't have you, nobody will [is] what this case is about - sexual jealousy,' he said.

Pilcher has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced later this month.
The UN has issued an ethnic cleansing warning after it recorded more than 250 'extrajudicial or targeted killings' of civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including dozens of children.

Victims face being chopped up, disembowelled or burned alive in the conflict-hit Kasai region, according to refugees who had fled to neighbouring Angola.

The Kasai conflict erupted last September after the death in clashes of a tribal chieftain, known as the Kamwina Nsapu, who rebelled against the authority of President Joseph Kabila's regime in Kinshasa and its local representatives.

The UN has issued an ethnic cleansing warnings after it recorded more than 250 'extrajudicial or targeted killings' of civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Pictured, victims display their scars and missing limbs as a result of the conflict

The killing sparked violence that has escalated, including gross alleged violations such as rapes, torture and the use of child soldiers.

The refugees gave harrowing accounts of the violence in the central region, which the UN warned had taken on 'an increasing and disturbing ethnic dimension.'

Victims recounted mutilations, including of a seven-year-old boy whose fingers were cut off, and an attack on a hospital in the village of Cinq where 90 people were killed, some because they were too injured to escape a raging fire.

Aside from government troops, the UN blamed a reportedly state-backed militia called the Bana Mura as well as the anti-government Kamuina Nsapu militia for a range of atrocities.

Victims face being chopped up, disembowelled or burned alive in the conflict-hit Kasai region, according to refugees who had fled to neighbouring Angola. Pictured, a wounded child displaying a scar on her back

'Survivors have spoken of hearing the screams of people being burned alive, of seeing loved ones chased and cut down, of themselves fleeing in terror', the United Nations human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement.

HORRIFIC TALES OF ABUSE IN DRC The UN report said the Bana Mura militia were often accompanied by Congolese soldiers, who were responsible for atrocities including firing rockets into a church in the village of Djiboko on 10 June, killing 60-90 people attending a religious service. In one attack on a village, the Bana Mura shot, chopped up and disembowelled people. Many were beheaded or burned alive, including the patients in a health centre, the report said. A woman still bleeding from childbirth was raped with the barrel of a rifle, it said. After a Bana Mura attack on another village, one witness claimed to have buried 45 decapitated bodies. Advertisement

A team of investigators has confirmed 251 executions between March 12 and June 19, the UN report said.

'These included 62 children, of which 30 were aged under eight'.

Regarding the children murdered, the UN explained that seven were killed by members of the army or the national intelligence service, while six died at the hands of the rebel group Kamuina Nsapu.

The Bana Mura militia members were blamed for the deaths of 49 minors.

Scott Campbell, the head of the western and central Africa division at the rights office, said the new UN report was merely 'a snapshot' of the wider conflict and atrocities had likely continued over the past six weeks.

The violence in the Kasai region 'could amount to crimes against humanity', Campbell added, underscoring growing concern that the conflict was 'tipping towards to ethnic cleansing'.

In less than a year, the violence has claimed more than 3,300 lives, according to a tally by the influential Roman Catholic Church, and displaced 1.4 million people.

People stand next to an empty boat as the traffic on the Kasai river has been slowed down due to insecurity in Democratic Republic of Congo (pictured in July)

Around 80 mass graves have been uncovered in the region.

The president's mandate expired last December but under a transition deal, he was allowed to remain in office until elections that are supposed to be held in late 2017.

Kabila has so far failed to set a date for the polls, heightening tensions across the country.

The UN rights chief has blasted Kabila's government for not mounting serious investigations into the Kasai crisis.

He successfully lobbied the Human Rights Council to set up an international investigation, although it is not clear if Congolese authorities will grant the probe access to the Kasai region.

The UN rights chief has blasted Kabila's government for not mounting serious investigations into the Kasai crisis. Pictured, people stand near the Kasai river

The report said that one militia group, the Kamuina Nsapu, has been fighting Congo's government for a year, and has summarily executed at least 79 people.

'A great majority of the Kamuina Nsapu elements are children (girls and boys), some as young as seven,' it said.

The refugees were convinced that the Kamuina Nsapu had magical powers, and militia members believed their magic - including young girls drinking the blood of decapitated victims - would make them invincible, the report said.

Around 80 mass graves have been uncovered in the region. Pictured, people walk across the Kasai Bridge linking the two sides of Tshikapa, Democratic Republic of Congo

'This generalised belief about the powers of Kamuina Nsapu and the fear it triggers among segments of the population in the Kasais may partly explain why a poorly-armed militia, composed to a large extent of children, has been able to resist offensives by a trained national army for over a year.'

There were no corroborated cases of Kamuina Nsapu committing large-scale killings based on ethnic identity, the report said.

Typically its members would execute a government official and decapitate them, removing the head to put it in 'sacred fire'.
Plea deal reached: Volkswagen executive Oliver Schmidt, 48, pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy and fraud charges in Detroit in a scheme to cheat emission rules on nearly 600,000 diesel vehicles

A German Volkswagen executive pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy and fraud charges in Detroit in a scheme to cheat emission rules on nearly 600,000 diesel vehicles.

Shackled at the wrists and ankles and wearing red prison garb, Oliver Schmidt appeared before US District Judge Sean Cox as part of the US government's case involving the automaker, which has admitted to using software to get around US emission standards.

Schmidt, 48, is a former manager of a VW engineering office in suburban Detroit who was arrested in January while on vacation in Miami.

He faces up to five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the US, wire fraud and violation of the Clean Air Act. A second count of giving false statement under the Clean Air Act carries a possible sentence of up to two years in prison.

He remains jailed and is scheduled to be sentenced December 6. Schmidt also faces a fine of between $40,000 and $400,000 and could be deported back to Germany.

Schmidt is accused of telling regulators technical problems were to blame for the difference in emissions in road and lab tests.

'Dieselgate': VW has admitted to defrauding the US government by using software to get around US emission standards

'Schmidt participated in a fraudulent VW scam that prioritized corporate sales at the expense of the honesty of emissions tests and trust of the American purchasers,' Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams, who is in the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division, said in a news release following Friday's plea.

Schmidt was initially charged with 11 felony counts carrying a maximum of up to 169 years in prison. His attorney declined to comment after the plea hearing.

VW pleaded guilty in March to defrauding the US government and agreed to pay $4.3billion in penalties, on top of billions more to buy back cars. Most of the VW employees charged in a scheme are in Germany and out of reach of US authorities.

James Liang, a VW employee who pleaded guilty to misleading regulators, is cooperating with prosecutors and will be sentenced on August 25.

US authorities had been pressing Volkswagen over emissions test discrepancies and the cheating had been going for several years. In 2015, news emerged in the US of Volkswagen's use of software that turned off emissions controls.

The software detected when cars were being tested and turned the emission controls off during normal driving. The result was the cars emitted more than 40 times the US limit for the pollutant nitrogen oxide.

Schmidt told Cox on Friday that VW management directed him in 2015 not to discuss the software.

Diesel Volkswagen and Audi vehicles that VW bought back from consumersin the wake of the emissions cheating scandal sit in the parking lot of the Pontiac Silverdome on Friday in Pontiac, Michigan

Some 11 million cars worldwide were equipped with the software. Meeting US emissions standards were part of the company's 'clean diesel' marketing strategy.

'You knew these representations made to US consumers were false,' Cox told Schmidt.

VW reached a $15billion civil settlement in the US with environmental authorities and car owners.

Volkswagen said on Friday it 'continues to cooperate with investigations by the Department of Justice into the conduct of individuals. It would not be appropriate to comment on any ongoing investigations or to discuss personnel matters.'

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One of America's oldest craft beer breweries is being told to the company behind Japan's oldest beer brand.

San Francisco's Anchor Brewing, founded in 1896, is being acquired by Sapporo Holdings Ltd., the makers of Sapporo beer, said to be the No. 1 Asian beer brand in the US.

The deal between the historic American craft brewing company and Sapporo took one year to put together was revealed on Thursday.

Anchor Brewing, one of America's oldest craft beer breweries, has been sold to Japan's Sapporo Holdings Ltd., which operates the macrobrewery behind Sapporo beer

Anchor Brewery (shown here in it's original Russian Hill location in 1906) has been brewed in San Francisco since 1896

Business Insider reported that Sapporo paid $85million for the brewery, which sold 1.75million cases of beer last year to generate $33million in revenue.

Anchor's sale is just the latest in a string of small brewery's being acquired by major companies.

In recent years, Victor, New York's Constellation bought Ballast Point and AB InBev, makers of Budweiser, took over Goose Island and other popular craft brews, while Laguinitas went to Netherlands' Heineken.

Anchor Brewing's sale to the Japanese firm does not signal that the brand will be moving off shores, company representatives told SF Gate, while confirming that a new public taproom across the street from the brewery is in the works.

In fact, quite the opposite, as Anchor Brewing president and CEO Keith Greggor said that Sapporo, who's own brewery started operating in 1876, was highly attuned to both Anchor Brewing's storied ties to its home city, which include having survived the catastrophic 1906 earthquake, and the beloved California-style flavor of its beers.

Anchor Brewing representatives said that their beer will continue to be produced at the company's San Francisco headquarters (seen here) and no changes will be made to recipes

Sapporo Brewery, was established in 1876 in Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo is the oldest beer brand in Japan. It is the No. 1 Asian beer in the US market

'Of all the people we spoke to, (Sapporo) respected Anchor the most,' Greggor told SF Gate, while company representatives said that Anchor beer would continue to be brewed at its headquarters in Potrero Hills  an apparent deal sticking point  and that there would be no changes to the brew recipes.

Greggor said that Sapporo will continue to allow Anchor to brew the Potrero Hill HQ 'until we exceed capacity of that brewery, but I have no idea when that would be.' He estimates that they're currently at 55 to 60 per cent capacity.

In addition, Sapporo will help Anchor with updating its production and packaging by investing in improved canning equipment among other things.

Over the summer, the Brewers Association updated requirements for its 'independent craft' designation. To quality, barrel sales are now capped at 6million and only 25 per cent of the company can be owned by a conglomerate. As a result of acquisitions by macrobreweries, 14 popular craft breweries, including Goose Island, Kona and Breckenridge, had to give up the designation.

Anchor Brewing will likely have to give up the designation as well.

Greggor said that he is not worried about that, citing Anchor's distinguished history as well as the fact that the beers are 'more handcrafted than any of the craft beer out there today.'

Even if they have to give up the Brewers Association 'independent craft' designation seal, Greggor is confident that 'we'll always be the original, and we'll still be handcrafted in San Francisco.'

SF Gate reported that Anchor Distilling  a distillery and spirits importer known for craft spirits like Junipero Gin, Old Potrero whiskey and Mansinthe by Marilyn Manson  will be spun off into a separate company from the brewery and is not part of the Sapporo deal.
Girls as young as 11 could have access to the contraceptive pill without their parents consent under a new school program.

Doctors in Secondary Schools program have updated their guidelines meaning parental consent was not a legal requirement which could mean teachers are able to override a parent's decision for their children not to see a doctor during school hours.

Providing treatment for physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health, the $44 million program involves GP clinics operating once a week in 100 Victorian secondary schools, according to The Australian.

Children as young as 11 could get access to contraceptive pill without their parents knowing (stock image)

Doctors in Secondary Schools program have updated their guidelines meaning parental consent was not a legal requirement and children could get access to the pill (pictured)

The program is aiming to balance the rights of young people and parental involvement where young people in Victoria are able to give their own consent to their own treatments if a doctor considers them to be a 'mature minor'.

Education Minister James Merlino told the publication the program does not change the current legal requirements in the medical industry.

'Rules around consent are treated in exactly the same way as it would in our community. This gives reassurance to parents and the school that health service being provided is in line with their expectations,' Mr Merlino said.

However, if children are under 14 and listed on their parent's Medicare cards, their parents can access appointment information.

Opposition education spokesman Nick Wakeling told The Australian parents should be included in decision making about their own children and it was concerning schools could override parent's consent.
The Australian parents of a baby stranded in Vietnam with a deadly heart disease have launched a desperate bid to get the family back home.

Six-month-old Caroline was diagnosed with a rare life-threatening disorder known as DiGeorge syndrome which has left her with a hole in her heart.

Her parents Tim Maclatchy and his partner Tram Doan are battling to raise the $60,000 needed for a medivac flight and life-saving surgery.

Six-month-old Caroline was diagnosed with a rare life-threatening disorder known as DiGeorge syndrome

The life-threatening disorder has caused a hole in her heart and she urgently needs surgery

'It's been pretty terrible, but it's amazing what you can adjust to. At the start we were going in every three hours to feed her,' Mr Maclatchy told The Age.

Mr Maclatchy, who works as a teacher in Ho Chi Minh City, said Caroline has an Australian passport but no Medicare or health insurance.

'We've been talking to the Royal Children's Hospital and we just want to get her to Australia because the hospital service here  they haven't had much experience.'

Caroline can't breathe without a ventilator because her trachea urgently needs surgery.

Mr Maclatchy said returning to his hometown of Melbourne is Caroline's best hope of survival.

'We really need help. If she's in Australia she'll have more of a chance because our country is a developing country.'

You can donate to the family here

Tim Maclatchy said returning to his hometown of Melbourne is Caroline's best hope of survival

He and his partner Tram Doan are battling to raise the $60,000 needed for a medivac flight and life-saving operations
Derick Dillard has once again gone after TLC star Jazz Jennings on Twitter, launching his second unprovoked attack on the transgender high school student in just 36 hours.

The husband of Jill Duggar was defending himself against claims he was bullying Jazz when he wrote on Friday: 'People are not my enemy; I fight against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.'

The 'present darkness' in this case is gender fluidity according to Derick, who believes that 'spiritual forces of evil' are to blame for the existence of transgender persons like Jazz.

Meanwhile, Jazz finally addressed the comments made by the married father-of-two on Thursday night in a concise, powerful and moving statement that did not mention or acknowledge Derick, who at 28 is almost twice the age of his 16-year-old target.

'Every day I experience cyber-bullying, but I keep sharing my story,' wrote Jazz.

'Today was no different.'

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Gender police: Derick Dillard (left) attacked Jazz Jennings (right) and the transgender community as a whole on Twitter Friday morning

In the book: The 'present darkness' in this case is gender fluidity says Derick, who believes that 'spiritual forces of evil' are to blame for the existence of trans persons

Retort: Jazz responded to Derick's attack by tweeting: 'Every day I experience cyber-bullying, but I keep sharing my story. Today was no different'

This is now the second tweet about gender fluidity and Jazz that carry no meaning beyond Derick's own disdain for the teenager's lifestyle that the reality star has posted this week.

One young woman responded to Derick's tweet on Friday by writing: 'There's more pressing 'darkness' than what a teenage girl does with her body. Something which has nothing to do with you anyway.'

She then followed that up with a second tweet, adding: 'Also how can u say people arent ur problem when u made a personal attack on a 16 yr old? Don't try and justify your hate.'

The incident all began with an innocuous tweet from TLC on Wednesday night that let their followers know a new episode of the program 'I Am Jazz' was about to begin and urging them to watch.

Derick quickly retweeted TLC, commenting: 'What an oxymoron... a "reality" show which follows a non-reality. "Transgender" is a myth. Gender is not fluid; it's ordained by God.'

He was widely admonished in the wake of that tweet by both his religious and non-religious followers, and TLC was eventually forced to comment on the situation after refusing to speak about the subject throughout the day.

'Derick Dillards personal statement does not represent the views of TLC,' said the network.

Now that there is a second statement however, it could be argued that these transphobic opinions have become something more concerning: hate speech.

Derick is also choosing to target a group of people that are more likely to consider suicide due to their struggle for acceptance, with over 40 percent of transgender persons having attempted to take their own life at some point.

The percentage of transgender women who are murdered in the US also exceeds that of every other minority group, and most are women of color.

Almost as soon as Derick had posted his comment on Wednesday, a Twitter follower wrote: 'Is it necessary for a grown man to throw shade at a teenage girl?'

Derick then defended his actions, replying: 'I want to be clear. I have nothing against him. I only have issue with the words and definitions being propagated here.'

Backing away: 'Derick Dillards personal statement does not represent the views of TLC,' said the network in a statement on Thursday

Hate speech: This is now the second tweet about gender fluidity and Jazz that carry no meaning beyond Derick's own disdain for the teenager's lifestyle

Clap back: One young woman responded to Derick's tweet on Friday by writing: 'There's more pressing 'darkness' than what a teenage girl does with her body' (above)

Another Twitter user wrote: 'Very hypocritical of your family to profit from a network which airs content against your beliefs. Don't like it? Don't associate with it.'

There were also a number of comments demanding that TLC take the reality show off the air.

'ARE YOU SERIOUSLY OK WITH THIS??? YOU'RE GONNA ALLOW A GROWN MAN CHILD TO BULLY A CHILD ON YOUR WATCH???,' wrote one woman.

'Time to get rid of the Duggars for good!!!!' added another.

Derick meanwhile was targeted by another Twitter user, who wrote: 'I think you should consider transitioning into a real man. #CountingOn'

And a young woman also questioned Derick's initial tweet by suggesting he had not right to determine what foes on the air given the fact that their show continued despite an actual scandal.

'Bet y'all won't leave your show. Y'all like that money way too much. Your "reality" show skips around your bro in law touching his sisters,' wrote that woman, referencing Josh Duggar's molestation of four of his five sisters when they were minors.

That scandal led to TLC pulling the Duggar's original reality show, '19 Kids and Counting' off the air back in 2015, and replacing it with 'I Am Jazz.'

The program follows the Jennings family and their daughter Jazz, a transgender teenager, as she navigated her teenage years while transitioning.

On the current season of the show, which ended just this week, Jazz has been discussing gender reassignment surgery with her doctors and got asked out on her first date.

Family affair: 'I Am Jazz' (cast above) replaced the Duggar family's reality show when it was taken off the air in 2016 following Josh's molestation scandal

Jazz was diagnosed with gender identity disorder at the age of 4 and began making appearances on national programs two years later to discuss her life and bring awareness to trans issues.

She has always been a remarkably poised and collected young woman, refusing to stay silent when attacked.

'What is it with calling transgender people FREAKS?! We just happen to be humans too, so I think it's ABOUT time we get treated equally...' wrote Jazz last week after President Trump announced a ban on transgender men and women serving in the armed forces.

The Duggars meanwhile have long spoken out against transgender individuals.

Michelle Duggar previously campaigned against transgender individuals and their rights by narrating a robocall to local voters in 2014 over a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

In that call she compared transgender individuals to 'child predators.'

Derick seemed to sum up the family's view on why their statements are acceotable when he tweeted on Friday: 'Everyday, I seek to be less like the natural spiritual state I was born with and more like my lord whom I confess, Jesus Christ.'
Opinion / Columnist

What I find interesting is the evidence that Joshua Nkomo seriously considered a military solution and went to implore South Africa to be neutral. Obviously South Africa would not have been neutral as it was part of the Gukurahundi orchestrators that included England.South Africa was never going to allow ZIPRA and uMkhonto We Sizwe ally to be victorious right at its doorstep. At the same time it must be made know that Mugabe had gone to Zambia to make sure that Kaunda was not going to give base to ZIPRA. Remember 1980 independence was rushed because Kaunda did not want ZIPRA anymore(understandable) the people of Zambia had suffered a lot even from smart sanctions.Another thing, it must not be forgotten Cuba was already working with the winners of the rigged 1980 elections. Add to that in 1982 in Russia, ZIPRA's key ally Brezhnev died and Yuri Andropov succeeded him. Yuri faced his own problems in Russia to be concerned about African liberation movements. To make matters worse he died within a year. But, not only that every other African if not every other black person was not concerned about the Matebeleland cries as they are not today.They thought everything was Honky Dory save for 3 key groups.1. Kaunda knew what was to happen and the involvement of the West and South Africa and told Nkomo about the futility of fighting as it was a trap to decimate his people once and for all. After all there was no other nation in history that had done so much damage to the English than the Matebele whether its Pupu, Gadade or the Viscount. To make matters worse they were blood brothers with the Zulus who defeated them at Isandlwana. (By the way I am writing this sitting at the London Hotel where Mtshede and Babayane slept before they went to meet the cancelled meeting with the cowardly Queen-and I am facing a Casino which is where King Cetshwayo boarded a train towards Porstmouth after alighting from the docks which are an eyesight away from where I am).2. The second group is Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Isilo who sent buses to fetch 'their' people but the apartheid government which was working very closely with Mugabe, the West and Mnangagwa would not allow that.3. The third group was the Egyptian intelligence. Remember in Egypt in 1961 it was Abdel Nasser who asked Nkomo if he was Ndebele or Shona. Nkomo replied that he was Ndebele and Nasser told him to rush back because the CIA were forming ZANU a Shona Party under his nose. Remember Egypt's intelligence was the best probably in the world after the Suez Crisis etc. By the way under the auspices of the CIA Saddam Hussein also did his High School in Egypt.It must be clear to all sundry that Matebeleland you are on your own. Remember the CIA formation of ZANU was an open secret to all African leaders such that all countries refused to host their guerilla movement until Machel who never trusted them until the end including Mugabe hesitantly hosted them after strictly offering bases to ZIPRA. Even the ANC whom your fought for and with does not care about you anymore.I will be unfair and firm. Stop being childish. When after all these sufferings you are expected to be eating meat but you are still on milk, reflected by your tantrums of fighting each other. Your challenges are huge. Wake up from your dogmatic slumber. Yours is a fight to be human. Those who police you and are of you must know they are fighting a losing battle and isibhaxo siyokhala ekhaya kuqala if need be. At times culling the herd can be a solution. Kodwa as Ladysmith Black Mambazo sings, ngiyavuma "Nginethemba bantu bakithi ukuthi namhlanje nonke senibonile, ukuthi lokhu ukuzondana kwenu nodwa angeke kwanisa ndawo, ngempela lokhu ukuzondana kwenu nodwa kufaka izitha phakathi kwenu, ngokungenani mtakababa asihlale phansi sikhulume kunokuba sihlekwe yizizwe nezizwe".Injobo enhle ithungelwa ebandla. Angeke baniqede in all your diversity (Tonga, Sotho, Tswana, Nambya, Kalanga, Khoisan, Xhosa, Zulu, Swati, Chewa, Venda and others). What binds you together is way way more than what separates you. Away with Sanbalatism Mthwakazi you are on your own. Therefore "Come let us reason together". On CIA briefs, I am only trying to shed light on what you are fighting. It is the CIA that might choose the next leader of that country and hold fast to your principles and fight.Do not be blown away by any wind because the CIA and the West have crimes against you and do not want you but they are not God. That might explain why the ANC has some form of amnesia with regards to you. Looking at its own battles today, there is so much evidence to that the organisation is CIA infested itself with a lot of Askaris. Remember Mthwakazi, your fight is not only an African fight, it is a fight for all the marginalised people of the world. It is a Godly fight.A will to live.
Paedophiles are targeting affluent beachside suburbs to prey on children as young as eight years old, police have revealed.

NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad boss Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett told the Saturday Telegraph that predators often approached children at outdoor locations like parks and playgrounds.

The NSW Bureau of Crime and Statistics found that Manly and Sutherland Shire have emerged as the two suburbs with the highest number of child kidnappings in a 100,000 population area.

Paedophiles are targeting well-healed suburbs for their victims, police revealed (stock image)

Ms Howlett said the number of incidents were rife especially during the winter school holidays.

'We always see a slight increase in school holidays because of the number of children out and about by themselves without adult supervision,' Superintendent Linda told the publication.

'They tend to go to the park and the shops more.'

She said Sutherland shire had a total of five incidents reported this year while Manly had four.

Canterbury, Sydney, Blacktown, Fairfield and Liverpool had also experienced similar incidents in the past.

There was also a bout of kidnappings reported Darling Harbour, Glebe, Leichhardt, Summer Hill and Liverpools Macquarie St Mall earlier in the year.

Despite this, she said the overall number of kidnappings involving minors in NSW was still low.

Kids aged from eight to 13 are approached paedophiles at outdoor locations (stock image)




An Oxford University employee wanted for murder drove 85 miles and donated $1,000 to a public library in the victim's name after the killing, police say.

Oxford University's Andrew Warren, 56, and Northwestern University's Wyndham Lathem, 42, are both accused of stabbing Chicago hairdresser Trenton Cornell-Duranleau, 26, to death.

Chicago Police Department's chief spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed that money had been donated in Mr Cornell-Duranleau's name shortly after he is thought to have been killed.

Mr Guglielmi told USA Today: 'Shortly after the murder, Professor Lathem and Mr Warren drove to a library in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where they made a $1,000 donation in the victims name.

'Armed and dangerous': Police in Chicago are looking for two murder suspects, Northwestern University professor Wyndam Lathem (right) and Oxford University worker Andrew Warren (left)

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)

'Detectives have been working on a timeline and retracing the pair's movements in an effort to try and understand what could have prompted the murder and where they went.'

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

Mr Guglielmi said investigators were not sure why they picked the library, which is around 85 miles northwest of Chicago, where Mr Cornell-Duranleau was found on July 27.

Neither suspect had any known connection to the library in Lake Geneva and investigators are speculating it may have been donated out of remorse.

The victim is believed to be in a relationship with Mr Lathem, an associate professor of microbiology-immunology, and also knew Mr Warren, a senior treasury assistant at Oxford University.

No motive for the crime has been given. Officers say they were dispatched to the scene after receiving a call from a worker on Mr Lathem's apartment complex, who received an anonymous tip-off that a crime had been reported in the University worker's flat.

Mr Cornell-Duranleau was found dead with multiple stab wounds.

Thames Valley Police spokesman confirmed Mr Warren was reported missing on July 25 and found out that he left Britain on July 24, three days before the alleged murder.

Mr Warren worked as a senior treasury assistant in charge of pensions and payroll at Oxford University's Somerville College, but has now had his name and photograph deleted from the college's online site.

Northwestern University has since placed Mr Lathem on administrative leave and banned him from entering the school's premise.

Chicago Police said they have an 'idea' on the whereabouts of the alleged perpetrators as a national manhunt is underway to find them.
A paternity test has revealed that a California man is the father of his 13-year-old niece's child.

Rigoberto Castro, 42, could face life in prison after he was accused of impregnating the teen, who gave birth in May.

Castro was charged with seven felony counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, oral copulation with a person under 18, and continuous sexual abuse of a child.

Prosecutors said Castro had numerous sexual encounters with his niece between September 2016 and February 2017.

Rigoberto Castro, 42, is being held at the Wasco State Prison (pictured) after he was arrested for allegedly impregnating his 13-year-old niece. His paternity was proven by DNA testing

He was reported to police after the girl's mother found out she was pregnant during a visit to the doctor in April, according to the Daily Journal.

A DNA test proved that Castro was the father of the child, but his defense attorney Ruben Munoz said they plan to request a new test done by their own DNA expert.

'Right now, what I can tell you is that he intends to fight this. I believe he's not guilty,' Munoz told Mercury News.

Castro appeared in San Mateo County Superior Court on Thursday but did not enter a plea. He has been ordered not to make contact with the victim.

Munoz has asked for additional time to review police reports and Castro will return to court on August 10.

He is being held in custody on $3.5 million bail.
Tegan Kendal said she cuddled her son during the attack so he would not see what his father was doing when he beat her

A brave young mother who was beaten and bruised by the 'love of her life' while she cradled their 10-month-old son has spoken about her attack to help inspire victims of domestic violence.

Tegan Lowrey was just 18 when Jordan Michael Lowther unleashed a savage attack upon her which left horrific bruises and bitemarks.

But after Lowther broke his restraining order, Ms Lowrey released pictures of her wounds in a bid to inspire other victims of violence to speak out and report domestic abuse.

Ms Lowey, from Kendal, said she was looking forward to celebrating their first Christmas together in 2015 when Lowther, 21, smashed her phone, which contained irreplaceable photos of their son, before leaving the house.

In the early hours of the morning, Lowther was found on the sofa in a drunk state by Ms Lowrey.

After he was asked to leave the house, Lowther set upon the young mum by shouting abuse at her and grabbing her hair, before biting her legs a number of times.

Ms Lowrey, who works as a part-time care assistant said: 'All I can remember is cuddling my little boy into my chest so he couldn't see what his daddy was doing to his mummy.



'Someone I loved with all my heart, someone I would have done anything for, turned on me.

Happier times: Ms Lowrey said she 'would have done anything' for her former partner

'He was my best friend; I thought the world of him. How could he do this to me, the mother of his child?'

Police were called to the scene after Ms Lowrey's friend Machaulay Hughes appeared.

Lowther was then convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily and was given a five-year restraining order at Carlisle Crown Court in June 2016, with child contact to be arranged through a third party.

Lowther, of Kendal, was found guilty of breaching that restraining order at Furness Magistrates' Court in Barrow yesterday after he went to see Ms Lowrey and demanded to see their child on June 7.

The 18-year-old victim said she has released the new set of pictures to help bring awareness to domestic violence

The young mum claims now that the physical marks have faded, she has been left with emotional scars

The 21-year-old has denied the offence and is due to be sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court later this month.

Ms Lowrey said the physical scars she ensured from the attack are nothing compared to the emotional trauma her beating has left her with.

She said: 'My message to other victims, especially those who have children, and whether they're suffering from mental or physical abuse is: 'Don't let anyone put you down, get out and think of the children; if not think about yourself and your happiness, you can do it.'
Aspiring model Resham Khan, 21, suffered 'life-changing' injuries after being attacked with acid in June

Thugs carrying acid face four years in jail while those who throw it could get life behind bars as prosecutors announce a major new crackdown following a spate of attacks.

The Crown Prosecution Service has today unveiled plans to charge offenders caught with dangerous materials with possession of an offensive weapon, which carries a four-year prison term.

A spokesman told MailOnline they hoped it would act as a deterrent after the Government and CPS noticed a worrying trend in attacks.

He said: 'From our side there is certainly a trend of these attacks becoming more prevalent and hopefully by publishing this information it is a useful exercise in show how the Crown will be dealing with offenders.'

This means judges and magistrates will be able to deliver tougher sentences when attackers end up in court.

The guidelines have been published today, two weeks after the Home Secretary Amber Rudd called for tougher punishment following a spate of horrific attacks.

Aspiring model Resham Khan, 21, and her cousin Jameel Muhktar, 37, both suffered 'life-changing' burns in the attack in Beckton, East London in June.

Then the following month, five victims were subjected to separate acid attacks across London after a moped gang struck.

Miss Khan has said she wants to ensure 'no one ever goes through the living nightmare I have endured' after being left with horrific face and neck injuries and launched an online campaign for harsher sentences.

Miss Khan has said she wants to ensure 'no one ever goes through the living nightmare I have endured' after being left with horrific face and neck injuries after the incident

Jabed Hussain says he was lucky not to be more seriously injured after he was the first victim of a gang who sprayed acid in the faces of delivery drivers on moped

It appears her persistence has paid off as the CPS announced new plans today.

In the new guidance, the CPS urges prosecutors to consider include the crimes of possession of an offensive weapon on school premises and threatening with an offensive weapon in a school or public place.

WHAT THE LAW CHANGES MEAN Anyone caught carrying acid will now be charged with carrying an offensive weapon - the same charge used to convict people unlawfully carrying a knife or a gun. This gives the courts the power to sentence defendants up to four years in prison - even if the acid hasn't been thrown or used as a part of a crime. The changes mean anyone now arrested for throwing acid deliberately - even if not intended to harm - could be sentenced to life imprisonment. The Crown Prosecution Service has tweaked the guidelines to give the judges and magistrates more power to sentence defendants to longer prison terms. Advertisement

The CPS states if 'the offence is widespread in the area where it was committed' and that a 'culture of carrying weapons encourages violence' that 'may lead to more serious criminal behaviour'.

Another factor in favour of charging is that prosecution will have a 'positive impact' on community confidence.

The guidance also describes how acid and corrosive substances can be used 'in connection with hate crime, so-called honour based violence, domestic abuse, and by gangs in retribution.'

It adds: 'Acid and corrosive substance attacks have a devastating effect on victims and when thrown on to the victim's body  usually their face  cause the skin and flesh to melt, sometimes exposing and dissolving the bones below.

'The long-term consequences .. may include blindness, permanent scarring of the face and body, and social and psychological difficulties.

'Acid and other corrosive substances are becoming a preferred weapon of offenders carrying out criminal activity, due to it being easy to obtain, cheap and difficult to trace back to the perpetrator.'

Miss Khan's cousin Jameel Muhktar also suffered 'life-changing' burns in the attack on June 21

The CPS currently has 14 acid prosecutions for offences in London underway after a spate of muggings, revenge and hate attacks carried out with corrosive substances.

Official figures have revealed that more than 400 acid or corrosive substance attacks were carried out in the six months up to April 2017 across England and Wales.

Bleach, ammonia and acid were the most commonly used substances. Home Secretary Amber Rudd has responded by promising stricter rules on acid sales and a review of law enforcement measures that can be taken against the problem.

Last month UberEats and Deliveroo drivers were specifically targeted for their mopeds in a spate of horrific acid attacks across east London, with police arresting two teenagers aged 15 and 16 over the incident.

One rider was attacked and robbed while another man was heard 'screaming in agony' after suffering catastrophic injuries when doused with flesh-burning liquid.

Another victim who also had his moped stolen was filmed having litres of water poured over his face by police to wash acid from his eyes by the side of the road in Hackney.

Andreas Christopheros has called for tougher punishments for acid attacks after he was seriously injured when a corrosive substance was thrown in his face

Left: Mr Christopheros before the attack. His attacker David Phillips (right) had his life sentence overturned on appeal and will now be able to apply for parole after eight years

The two-man gang went on a rampage across east London as they sprayed five men between 10.25pm and 11.37pm in Stoke Newington, Hackney and Islington.

One of the drivers was confirmed to work for Deliveroo, while another was a father-of-one UberEats driver who said he was 'saved by his moped helmet'.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested at an address in Stoke Newington on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and robbery, after a 16-year-old was detained.

And just weeks ago a burglar inflicted 24 per cent burns on a 69-year-old woman by spraying a liquid on her after breaking into her home in Ilford, Essex.

Offenders who miss their target or fail to inflict injury because the victim is protecting themselves will risk an alternative charge of throwing acid or a similar corrosive substance with 'intent to maim, disfigure or disable' a person. It too carries a maximum life sentence.

The shocking incident follows a growing trend for attacks with acid. In 2014 Andreas Christopheros, from Truro, was assaulted at his home by David Phillips, a man he had never seen before, in what is believed to have been a case of mistaken identity.

After pleading guilty, Phillips was initially handed a life sentence - but that was cut on appeal to a 16-year term, with a possibility of parole after eight.
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Transvestites, girls bathing in tubs of beer and drunk actors, this is the dark side of the Chinese dance clubs that few get to see.

Sergey Melnitchenko, a 26-year-old dancer from Ukraine, used his camera to capture the wild and rarely exposed world of Chinese nightlife in a photo series, called 'Behind the Scene'.

Mr Melnitchenko took the intriguing photos in 2016 at the backstage of a club in Chengdu, a metropolis of some 14 million people in south-west China where he lives and works.

Club workers line up as they prepare to perform a dance show. Sergey Melnitchenko said he saw these woman and asked them to look at his camera. 'That's how I've got one of the most powerful photos in the series. It's like a fate'

The photographer said he loved this photo as the girls reminded him of flamingos in the zoo and the black one was the leader

Sergey Melnitchenko , a 26-year-old from Ukraine, used his camera to capture the rarely exposed world of Chinese nightlife

Female dancers would drag visitors from their tables and try to dance on them on the stage at the club in Chengdu, China

This picture from 'Behind the Scene' project shows a dance show in which the guests could see only the shadows of the girls

The Ukrainian dancer was given his first digital camera in 2009 by his grandmother because he agreed to remove his tongue piercing.

Eight years later, he has used the Canon PowerShot SX100 to reveal the 'reverseand 'invisible side' of clubs in China.

The former English teacher in Ukraine said he moved to Chengdu in the spring of 2015 to look for jobs.

He worked with an agent, who placed him in different clubs to perform dance shows.

The intriguing photos were taken in 2016 at the backstage of a club in Chengdu, where Mr Melnitchenko lives and works

The club was like a huge bar with a stage, according to the photographer, where troupe of performers to entertain guests

He stressed that sex for money was strictly off the table, but one could clearly feel the sexual atmosphere in the popular club

Mr Melnitchenko said when he first started taking pictures, the club workers were shy, but later on they became more relaxed

Mr Melnitchenko called the woman 'one of the craziest girls in club because 'she could do everything she wanted'

There were a lot of funny moments in the dressing room, said the photographer, because the girls just wanted to have fun

Mr Melnitchenko said he was fascinated by the woman's look on herself in the mirror. 'Face, look at this face,' he said

The set of titillating pictures were taken at the back stage of the first club Mr Melnitchenko worked for. He said the club was like a huge bar with a stage, where troupe of performers to entertain 'simple' and 'rich' customers.

One of the man's most memorable moments was when a showgirl performed an acrobatic erotic show inside a large glass tank and asked guests to fill the tank with their beer.

The photographer also said the club had everything one could imagine: 'Transvestites, girls bathing in tubs of beer, drunk actors and even more drunk visitors.'

He said to please the customers, the club workers danced, drank and played games with them.

'It looks a little bit sexy and awkwardly at the same time for me, but what I like the most is the red colour everywhere.'

In this shot, one of the most beautiful girls is playing with another girls, her colleagues, said the photographer

This is one of the photographer's favourite shots because he had never seen such cupping marks before he came to China

One of the last photos in the series. The girl is cleaning her armpits after the show and before going back home

He stressed that sex for money was strictly off the table, but one could clearly feel the sexual atmosphere in the popular club.

In summarising Chengdu's club scene, Mr Melnitchenko said it was 'strange', but he stressed that Westerners were very popular at the clubs.

Although Mr Melnitchenko doesn't work in that club any more, he said he missed it and its atmosphere.
A barrister and his partner were brutally beaten outside their flat 'for wearing orange shoes' by a gang who circled them 'like hyenas' in a suspected homophobic attack.

Julian Smith, 53, and Andrew Leonard, 49, were set upon outside their apartment in Waterloo after a night of clubbing in central London.

The pair said they were verbally abused about their sexuality and about Mr Leonard's orange shoes by a group of at least four male drinkers in their mid-twenties before one of the drinkers 'karate-kicked' Mr Leonard to the floor, causing him to lose four teeth and suffer a possible fracture to his cheek bone.

Singled out: Julian Smith (left), 53, and Andrew Leonard (right), 49, were set upon outside their apartment in Waterloo after a night of clubbing in central London

Mr Smith, who is a Unitarian minister as well as a barrister, said he may face cosmetic surgery to his lip after he was also knocked to the ground.

Mr Smith told the Evening Standard: 'As we approached the block, we could hear these barking noises, really aggressive, so we were reticent as we got in. When we walked through I think we spooked them a little bit because they were drinking.

'Then they started calling us poofs and saying, "Is this your boyfriend?" and "F*****g hell, what are you wearing?" I haven't heard poof for a while, it was quite old fashioned.'

The Metropolitan Police, who are investigating, say they are treating the attack - which happened at around 12.30am on Sunday- as a suspected hate crime.

Mr Smith added: 'I'm trying to protect Andrew and they are circling around like hyenas. They were vicious little s****. We could have had a fatality quite easily.

Targeted: The pair said they were verbally abused about their sexuality and about Mr Leonard's orange shoes (pictured)

'Ive got a really mashed lip, its not just cut it is pulverised, its like jelly. I might have to have some cosmetic work if I can afford it.'

A Met spokesman said: 'The incident is being treated as a suspected hate crime. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.'

The news comes just months after a man was blinded in a 'homophobic' attack in a Melbourne nightclub.

Elliott Harvey, a 26-year-old scientist from Rosebud, near Melbourne, was enjoying a live gig at The Phoenix nightclub in late May before he was singled out and attacked by three men.

'I think they particularly disliked my hair cut, having my hair up in a fountain,' Mr Harvey told Fairfax Media.

'All the things they said to me were pretty trivial, just homophobic insults.'

Police allege the trio pushed Mr Harvey over before setting upon him as he lay on the ground, punching him so hard the attack caused him to lose sight in his right eye.

One in six lesbian, gay and bisexual people have experienced a homophobic or biphobic hate crime or incident between 2010 and 2013, according to the LGBT charity, Stonewall. Two-thirds of those experiencing a hate crime or incident did not report it to anyone.
Ashley Leigh Lewis Weber, 31, has been charged with having consensual sex with her 16-year-old student

A married high school history teacher allegedly had sex with her 16-year-old student, police have revealed.

Ashley Leigh Lewis Weber, 31, has been charged with having consensual sex with a child 15 years or older and using a communication device to propose sex.

The Freeman High School teacher, of Henrico, Virginia, turned herself into police on Tuesday night.

Authorities first learned of the possibility Weber had an inappropriate relationship with a student on June 12, according to the WTVR .

Henrico police were called to the school on a suspicious situation report.

Weber appeared in Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on Wednesday.

Weber, a teacher at Freeman High School (pictured) in Henrico, Virginia, turned herself into police on Tuesday night

She was granted $5,000 bond on the three charges and said she will be staying with her mother while on bond.

Courtroom testimony revealed that police allowed Weber to go to the hospital for an examination before she was taken to jail.

Weber has been employed with the Henrico County Public Schools system since 2009, according to spokesman Andy Jenks.

'Ms Weber is not a year-round employee, and we have few details about the allegations other than what has been publicly reported,' he told the station.

Jenks said it would be 'inappropriate' to comment further on Weber's charges and did not reveal whether she will return to the school when classes begin in the fall.

Weber is due to appear in court again on October 6.
Matthew lost his life after he was involved in a three-person crash on Route 78 in Bernards on his way to work in May. One other driver died at the scene

Matthew Tarentino was a well-liked police officer who instructed the DARE program for local schools in the New Jersey area

The Summit Police Department announced the exciting news in an Instagram post, writing 'Born at Overlook Medical Center, mom and baby are doing great!'

Vickie and her two sons, Robbie and Ray, welcomed newborn baby girl Anastasia Catherine into the family Thursday

Vicki Tarentino, wife to the late New Jersey cop Matthew Tarentino, has given birth to the couple's third child

Wife of the late New Jersey police officer, Matthew Tarentino, has given birth to the couple's baby girl, almost two months after her husband's passing.

Vickie and her two sons, Robbie and Ray, welcomed newborn Anastasia Catherine into their family Thursday.

The Summit Police Department announced the heartwarming news through an Instagram post, which included photos from the hospital.

'On behalf of the Tarentino Family, the Summit Police Department is proud to announce the recent birth of the late Det. Matthew Tarentino and his wife Victoria's beautiful baby girl, Anastasia Catherine,' the post read.

Vickie (left holding her child) gave birth to baby girl Anastasia Catherine Thursday just two months after her husband, Matthew Tarentino (right) passed away in a car accident

The Summit Police Department announced the news through an Instagram post and shared in her bittersweet news

Tarentino worked as an adviser for DARE and schools in the community

'Born at Overlook Medical Center, mom and baby are doing great! Proud big brothers Robbie and Ray are eager for their little sister to start playing with them! Congratulations Vickie, Robbie and Ray-- and welcome to the world little one!'

Tarentino, 29, was an admired father and adviser for DARE, an educational program that works in schools across the nation in efforts to prevent the use of drugs, gang associations and violent behavior.

Tarentino lost his life when he was involved in a three-person crash on Route 78 in Bernards on his commute to work on the morning of May 30th.

Tarentino and another driver at the scene died, while the third suffered non life-threatening injuries.

Tarentino died in a three-person crash on his commute to work May 30th

One other driver died at the scene, while the third suffered non life-threatening injuries.

THe fatal crash happened on Route 78 in Bernards

Community members remebered Tarentino as a 'unique officer' who was a 'gentlemen'

'Matt was a unique officer, he was a gentleman. He always had a smile and he spent a lot of time focusing on his community,' Nora Radest, the city governor in Summit, said in an interview with NBC New York.

'He was always so bright and happy and he wanted to answer each question,' a fifth grader who knew Tarentino, Pavel Yurkov, added.

'He was always really nice and really helpful. And he taught us a lot about making the right choice and resisting drugs.'

Jodi Sargeant, a resident of Summit, said the loss of Tarentino left the entire community heartbroken, especially the young children who looked up to him as a role model.

'I'm devastated, everyone in town is,' Donna Puzella said. 'And my heart is broken for his life being cut so short, especially for his wife and young children.'

More than 1,000 community members, police officers and loved ones attended Tarentino's funeral, where wife Vicki gave a moving tribute to her late husband and father to her now three children.

'While we are so sad knowing what they've lost and won't ever have back, they and this little baby are the luckiest for who they get to say is their father,' she said.

'Robbie and Ray, he poured himself into those two boys. Ray, our two-year-old, said unprompted the other day that 'Daddy is holding Jesus' hand.'

Gov. Chris Christie ordered the flags on all state buildings to be lowered in honor of Tarentino.
Relatives of a dying 69-year-old woman have been arrested after they dropped her off at a funeral parlour - even though she was still alive.

Carmen Pilar spent the night on a table, covered by a shroud, in the mortuary in the Bolivian capital city of La Paz.

Funeral parlour workers were preparing to inject her with formaldehyde when two grieving friends of the woman heard her begin to cry.

Relatives of 69-year-old Carmen Pilar (pictured) woman have been arrested after they dropped her off at a funeral parlour - even though she was still alive

Carmen Pilar spent the night on a table, covered by a shroud, in the mortuary in the Bolivian capital city of La Paz. Pictured: her family being arrested

Funeral parlour workers were preparing to inject Carmen (pictured being attended to by medics) with formaldehyde when two grieving friends of the woman heard her begin to cry

The women, who had come to the mortuary to say their final farewells, contacted her family but they allegedly still refused to take her home.

They then alerted police who have arrested the woman's daughter, son-in-law and cousin over the bizarre incident.

Mrs Pilar's family took her to the funeral parlour after she was released from the city's Torax Hospital.

Doctors who had been treating her for a brain tumour had told them there was nothing more that could be done for her.

Police believe that they expected her to die imminently and did not think it worth taking her home.

Mrs Pilar is still alive and has been admitted to another hospital where she is now being treated in intensive care, officers revealed.

Mrs Pilar's family (pictured) took her to the funeral parlour after she was released from the city's Torax Hospital

Funeral parlour workers were preparing to inject PIlar with formaldehyde when two grieving friends of the woman heard her begin to cry

La Paz Departmental Prosecutor, Edwin Blanco, told local media that Mrs Pilar's relatives would be charged over the incident.

The owner of the funeral parlour also faces charges for accepting the woman without medical confirmation of her death.

La Paz, in western Bolivia, is the highest capital city in the world, standing about 3,650 metres (11,975 feet) above sea level.
Opinion / Columnist

Recent developments within the mainstream MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai, which point to the reality that the party is broke, is sad news.Sad news because, as the biggest opposition political party in the country that has "consumed" other small parties to form a grand coalition, everyone would have thought the MDC had mobilised enough campaign resources ahead of the 2018 elections. Equally and sadly, these small parties also do not have money.And there is no time left for the MDC to hit the ground and put up a spirited and sound campaign because running a successful campaign is expensive.The campaigns need money for logistics that include fuel, the transport itself for campaigners who have to cover the whole country; the MDC needs to print flyers, campaign posters and as we approach 2018, they need to flight adverts in newspapers and the electronic media.It is unfortunate therefore that the MDC has reportedly hit hard times, failing to pay its workers, an untenable situation that saw the party's furniture being seized over a $108 000 debt to ex-workers as it also owes current workers thousands of dollars.While the MDC is crying foul that it is owed in excess of $2 million which should come from the Political Parties (Finance) Act  a development which they should have foreseen  we hope they had plan B, hence assembling a well-coordinated fund raising team to source funds.There should be good fundraising consultants in Zimbabwe who could have been engaged by the opposition party and since it is said to be financially broke, these could take a percentage of what they could have raised  this is world-wide practice.Like most things, the right resources can make all the difference.As for Tsvangirai, as the preferred candidate, fundraising is and should be his priority at the beginning, middle, and end of his campaign.Has Tsvangirai been fundraising, if so, how much has he raised, how much has his party raised?While the US elections and those held locally are different in all aspects, last year the Donald Trump campaign raised $334,8 million while $543,4 million was raised by his party and joint fundraising committees. Similarly, Hillary Clinton's campaign raised $623,1 million while $598,2 million was raised by his party and joint fundraising committees.How much has the MDC raised?Tsvangirai should have been the best person to have been doing the asking and having face-to-face "sit downs" with potential donors as this personal engagement could be extremely compelling.In an election campaign, there is no consolation for being a runner-up. Winning is everything.And Tsvangirai should have assembled an election campaign strategy team that includes polling experts, statisticians and social scientists who would guide him and his party.The MDC should be reminded that access to resources determines whether a candidate will run and already we have seen signals in which the opposition party is trying to limit electoral campaign expenses by cancelling primary elections.Democracy in any political party entails that there is fair contestation of positions and this decree by MDC to forego primary elections means there will be imposition of candidates, which is dangerous.We have witnessed past incidents where candidates have been imposed on the people and the results have been disastrous. Let the masses choose who they want and not the MDC to choose their preferred candidates for the people.The MDC is a people's party; hence it has to consult widely before reaching such decisions which will split the party entirely.Tsvangirai should mobilise enough funds to hold primaries because imposing candidates, particularly sitting legislators, will backfire because some of them have not been performing to the expectation of the electorate.
Amanda Knox is offering her support to a Massachusetts woman convicted of manslaughter for encouraging her suicidal boyfriend to kill himself.

In an op-ed piece published in the Los Angeles Times, Knox wrote that Michelle Carter deserves sympathy and help, not a jail sentence.

Carter on Thursday was sentenced to 15 months in jail for the 2014 death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III. Carter was 17 then and is now 20.

The 30-year-old Knox is no stranger to sensational trials drawing global media coverage. The American exchange student from Seattle was convicted along with her Italian boyfriend in the 2007 killing of Knox's roommate, British student Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Italy. Knox spent four years in jail but was exonerated by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015.

Amanda Knox (left, in 2011) wrote an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times on Friday, in support of Michelle Carter (right, on Thursday)

In the op-ed, Knox says that the media has villainized Carter in a way that reminded her of her own trial.

When I was on trial for murder in Italy, the media tried to paint me as a 'femme fatale'. So it was with a sickening sense of deja vu that I watched the prosecution attempt the same trick with Carter, whom they said coldly and calculatingly insinuated herself into Roys vulnerable consciousness. Amanda Knox

'When I was on trial for murder in Italy, the media tried to paint me as a femme fatale. So it was with a sickening sense of deja vu that I watched the prosecution attempt the same trick with Carter, whom they said coldly and calculatingly insinuated herself into Roys vulnerable consciousness,' she writes.

Since being released from prison, Knox has become an advocate for the wrongly convicted. And it's her opinion that the crimes Carter was charged with do not align to her actions.

Carter's boyfriend, Conrad Roy III, committed suicide by filling his truck with poisonous carbon monoxide gas in July 2014. A central point of Carter's case was a text message she sent Roy after he got scared and got out of the truck, in which she urged him to get back in to die.

Since being released from prison, Knox (pictured in an Instagram post) has become an advocate for the wrongly convicted. And it's her opinion that the crimes Carter was charged with do not align to her actions

Prosecutors argued that the text made Carter culpable in Roy's death, and charged her with involuntary manslaughter.

While Knox says Carter's actions might qualify as incitement of a lawless action (since suicide is illegal) or conspiracy to commit a crime, she isn't guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

'Involuntary manslaughter is when a drunk driver crashes into another vehicle...Encouraging your boyfriend to follow through with his own death wish should not qualify. Carter may not be innocent in a moral or philosophical sense, but she was wrongfully convicted. Amanda Knox

'Involuntary manslaughter is when a drunk driver crashes into another vehicle, when a gunman shoots at tin cans in his suburban backyard, when a carnival ride operator fails to ensure that all passengers are strapped in, and as a result an innocent person dies.

'Encouraging your boyfriend to follow through with his own death wish should not qualify. Carter may not be innocent in a moral or philosophical sense, but she was wrongfully convicted,' Knox says.

Text messages show Carter urged Roy (pictured) to get back in his car that he was filling with carbon monoxide to kill himself

The idea that Carter 'coerced' her boyfriend to commit suicide isn't true, Knox says.

She points out the fact that Carter counseled her boyfriend to get help in the months before his suicide, but ultimately 'bought into it' because she was 'ill-equipped to manage her own social anxiety...much less Roys depression and tortured obsession with ending his own life.'

While Knox says Carter's sentencing of 2.5 years is 'relatively lenient' for an involuntary manslaughter conviction, she still thinks it's 'too much' for what Carter did.

'Each served as catalyst to the others mental illness, yes, but without calculation, without cruelty,' she writes.

Ultimately, it was Roy's decision to get back in the truck, and that makes him his own murderer, she says.

By punishing Carter for the tragic incident, Knox says 'we increase the tally of victims in this case' because it will likely encourage Carter to hurt herself.

'I should know. For months after my own wrongful conviction, I fell into a depression as I realized that my innocence did not guarantee my freedom. I fantasized about the various ways I could kill myself,' Knox revealed.

'Most often, I pictured myself sitting on the floor of the shower, wrists slit, bleeding out under the warmth and privacy of hot water and steam. I felt the power of those thoughts, the comfort in knowing that no matter how bad things got, no matter how seemingly desperate and inescapable a situation, there was always an escape.

'But I never took it, in part because I was repulsed by the idea of actually killing myself. Probably more than anything else, it was this healthy visceral impulse that kept me alive,' she says.

While she admits that it's hard 'to feel sympathy for Michelle Carter,' she says that trying to understand the young woman and get her help is the 'just' thing to do - one that will hopefully prevent her from succumbing to a similar fate as her boyfriend.

In the wake of Thursday's sentencing, Roy's family have voiced their outrage that Carter wasn't given a longer sentence and that she's being allowed to remain free on probation until her appeal.

 For confidential help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or click here

 For confidential support on suicide matters in the UK, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here
The new Bruce Willis trailer for the remake of the 1974 flick, Death Wish, has been released and people are outraged over the violent vigilantism and rampant gun use.

The ultra dark and hyper-violent tone of the trailer has Willis' character Paul Kersey, whose family is shattered when his wife killed and his daughter viciously raped and paralyzed after a home burglary.

He takes his revenge to the streets with an enormous arsenal of weapons. Movie critics and social media users commented on the tone deaf film. 'Pretty sure the NRA just found their next ad,' wrote one Twitter user.

'Death Wish shouldn't promote such behavior. In real life, a delusional racist with a gun might believe they're a heroic vigilante.' said another user.

Bruce Willis' character violently executes residents of Chicago in Death Wish

Willis repeatedly kills various criminals while wearing a hoodie

In broad daylight: Willis' character guns down a criminal

'Angry, old white man becomes an armed vigilante against Chicago civilians. That's a dangerous message. Is Death Wish alt-right fan fiction?' Twitter user Adam Best shared

Die Hard with a Death Wish: He soon takes out his anger on street criminals

'Fair or not, I can't think of a more tone-deaf idea in this political/social environment than white filmmakers remaking #DEATHWISH,' tweeted Forbes critic Scott Mendelson.

Some were quick to point out the movie was alright for 1974, when Charles Bronson was cast in the role Willis now plays, but considering the current political climate, they felt it not appropriate for present day America.

'Angry, old white man becomes an armed vigilante against Chicago civilians. That's a dangerous message. Is Death Wish alt-right fan fiction?' Twitter user Adam Best shared.

Film editor Alan Zilberman also took issue with the trailer calling it alt-right

Twitter user Chuck Wending noted the 'angry white dude... lots of guns' theme of the trailer

A good day to Die Hard: Bruce Willis decides to take the law into his own hands in the forthcoming Death Wish remake

Pushed over the edge: His life is turned upside down when his wife is murdered and daughter raped and left comatose durin a burglary

The original motion picture depicted inner city New York, whereas the re-make is supposed to be inner-city Chicago, yet it was filmed in New York City.

The trailer starts off darkly, showing how the character Paul Kersey had been brought to his breaking point and begins to take matters into his own hands by way of hunting down criminals, however the tone changes.

ACDC' Back in Black starts blaring. Willis' character gets snarky. Speaking to his therapist, she tells him he looks better, presumably as a result of killing criminals.

She says 'Whatever you're doing keep it up.' He chuckles and says 'I will.'

'Where's my mom': His character Paul Kersey has some awkward questions to answer

The local police say there is nothing they can do

Anger therapy: He is shown blowing away criminals following her probing

Classic moment: At one point he is shown pointing his fingers at some potential criminals

Charles Bronson played Paul Kersey in the original version of Death Wish in 1974

While Willis' character seems to be acting at random, he is also trying to avenge his wife, with one scene showing him brutally torturing then murdering a man he thinks has information on the original crime.

Bruce's character says: 'I love my family, but when they needed me the most I failed to protect them.'

He is disappointed when his attempts to have the perpetrators punished by the law fall flat, he decides to take the law into his own hands, this time on the streets of crime-ridden Chicago.

Death Wish hits theaters on Nov. 22.
Security footage from a local nightclub and a college dormitory has cleared a University of California student of rape.

Arman Premjee, 20, was accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old fellow student in her dorm room after meeting at Banditos Taco & Tequila in Los Angeles on April 1.

However, the security footage showed her kissing Premjee, leading him out of the nightclub and making obscene sexual gestures.

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Security footage from a local nightclub and a college dorm has cleared University of California student of rape, Arman Premjee (pictured) of rape

Premjee, 20, was accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old fellow student in her dorm room after meeting at Banditos Taco & Tequila in Los Angeles on April 1 (circled)

Security video from inside the nightclub shows the woman taking Premjee's hand and leading him outside

Premjee, who had maintained his innocence since being accused, said the woman, who has not been named, wanted to leave the club where they met and have sex with him.

'She put her arms around my neck, she started kissing me,' he told Inside Edition.

Security video from inside the nightclub shows the woman taking Premjee's hand and leading him outside.

She then makes a sexual gesture to a friend - poking a finger through a circle made with her hand - behind his back.

Furthermore, security footage from her dormitory caught her signing him in.

Premjee was charged in May with rape by use of drugs and sexual penetration by a foreign object. Prosecutors said the woman was too drunk to give consent.

Outside the nightclub, the woman (left) is seen making a sexual gesture to a friend - poking a finger through a circle made with her hand - behind Premjee's (center) back

Furthermore, security footage from the woman's dormitory caught her signing him in (above)

Premjee (left) was charged in May with rape by use of drugs and sexual penetration by a foreign object. Prosecutors said the woman (right) was too drunk to give consent

After seeing the video, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed the case on Tuesday saying: 'I believe there was consent. There is a very strong indication that the alleged victim in this case was the initiator' (Pictured, Banditos Tacos & Tequila)

The woman told detectives when questioned that she didn't remember anything from that night.

'She knew what she was doing. She was able to stand on her own two feet. She led the way,' Premjee said.

After seeing the video, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed the case on Tuesday saying: 'I believe there was consent. There is a very strong indication that the alleged victim in this case was the initiator.'

USC is reportedly conducting its own investigation and Premjee could still be expelled.
Ten people have been sickened in an IRS building after coming into contact with a suspicious package.

The IRS employees complained of nausea and vomiting following contact with a package smelling of ammonia in the mailroom of the Kansas City, Missouri facility on Friday morning.

At least two were hospitalized but both had been released in good condition by Friday afternoon.

An ambulance pulls away after a suspicious package in the mailroom sickened people at the sprawling IRS building in downtown Kansas City on Friday

The building, a sprawling 1.14million square foot facility, was placed on lockdown as fire crews and hazmat teams responded, but was not evacuated, officials said.

The package did not show any evidence of a powder but did smell of ammonia, Kansas City Fire Department spokesman James Garrett told Fox4.

'We have the box isolated, so we have the box away from everybody else. It's in a room where it's isolated. We have that part of it done. We haven't gotten to exactly what the substance is yet,' Garrett said.

The building, a sprawling 1.14million square foot facility seen in this file photo, was placed on lockdown as fire crews and hazmat teams responded, but was not evacuated, officials said

Local officials have turned the investigation over to federal authorities, including the Federal Protective Service and FBI.

Unhinged taxpayers have targeted IRS facilities in the past.

The worst attack, in 2010, came when a man under audit flew a small plane into an IRS building in Austin, Texas, killing himself and one IRS employee, and injuring 13 others.
A St. Louis, Missouri lawyer was killed after her SUV got stuck on train tracks and the car was struck by an oncoming Amtrak train.

According to authorities, Melanie Adams-Swearengen, 35, had driven off the road and near train tracks in Brighton, Illinois, on Wednesday evening. She then got stuck on the tracks while trying to cross them.

An approaching Amtrak train, traveling from Chicago to St. Louis, hit the car at about 10pm, Illinois State Police said. During the collision, Adams-Swearengen was ejected from her car.

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Melanie Adams-Swearengen, 35 (pictured here with her daughter), was killed after the SUV she was driving got stuck on train tracks and an oncoming Amtrak train hit the car before she was able to escape or drive away

Adams-Swearengen's husband, Shaun Swearengen, said that she was driving home and she was on the phone with him when the SUV got stuck. She hung up before the collision

She was declared dead at the scene, reports KSDK.

Authorities did not provide an immediate explanation for why Adams-Swearengen was trying to cross the train tracks in an area that is not an established train crossing place.

The section of the tracks where the collision occurred is under construction.

Adams-Swearengen's husband, Shaun Swearengen, told FOX2 Now that she had been on the phone with her when she got stuck on the train tracks that night.

He said that Adams-Swearengen recently started a new job located in the area near where the collision occurred and was returning from dropping off a friend. He and his wife were talking, when her GPS apparently alerted her that there was no route for her to return home.

Adams-Swearengen, who has a young daughter, then apparently told her husband that she was going to turn the car around and that's when she got stuck on the tracks.

Before the call ended, Swearengen said he heard the car's engine rev as his wife attempted to move the car. She then told him that she was going to call AAA and call him back.

She never had the chance to do so.

Adams-Swearengen was hit by an Amtrak train bound for St. Louis, Missouri at about 10pm

Passengers reported the train car filled with smoke and they heard what sounded like the train derailing, but was probably the train pushing the car along the tracks

Amtrak officials said there were 44 passengers on the train at the time and that one required transport to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries

Amtrak officials said that there were 44 passengers on the train when the crash occurred.

Passenger Kurt Kaufmann told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that there was 'a noticeable jerk, then a smaller one' when the train and car collided. The train car in front of him then filled with smoke. He added that Amtrak employees told the passengers that the train had struck an unoccupied vehicle.

Another passenger, Gary Bolen, told KMOV that he had been sleeping when the collision took place. He reported feeling 'some very violent moving around and vibration sounded like the train derailed but I guess it was just pushing the car' along the tracks.

Authorities said one train passenger was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The other 43 passengers were transferred to another train four hours after the incident and continued their journey, arriving in St. Louis at around 6am, according to Amtrak. Four trains were delayed by the crash.

Illinois State Police are investigating the incident. The Macoupin County Coroner is waiting for the results of a toxicology test before stating cause of death, according to RiverBender.

Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the company would be reviewing camera footage from aboard the train as part of its standard crash procedures.

Magliari stated that, 'These kinds of incidents are always avoidable by drivers or pedestrians if they heed the warnings from the approaching train.'

He also said that, 'These incidents are not only tragic for the driver, but also for the crew members.'
Charged: Andrew William Bosch, 42, of Orlando, was arrested on July 27 and lodged in Seminole County Jail on federal charges stemming from the alleged years-long sexual abuse of his underage ward adopted from the Philippines

A married Florida businessman is facing both federal and state charges for allegedly adopting a 12-year-old girl from the Philippines for the purpose of sex.

Andrew William Bosch, 42, of Orlando, was arrested on July 27 and lodged in Seminole County Jail on federal charges stemming from the alleged years-long sexual abuse of a minor.

Bosch also faces an additional count of interfering with custody of a child in Osceola County.

Bosch, who for the past three years has been running a successful tax preparation business called Bosch Business Group, is accused of enticing the teenage victim to the United States and later taking her out of the foster care system, as the station WFTV first reported.

According the Florida Department of Children and Families, Bosch's now former wife, Melody Bosch, illegally adopted the girl, who is a distant relative of hers, and brought her to Florida to raise as her own.

The victim arrived in the US at age 12. She is now 17 years old and is back in foster care.

According to a report by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while Andrew and Melody Bosch were still married, the wife grew upset that her husband and their underage ward 'were developing feelings for one another outside the approved sexual arrangements.'

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This screenshot shows Bosch's home in Orlando, with four cars parked in the driveway after his arrest

Law enforcement officials removed the girl from the Boschs household and placed her in a foster home in March of last year.

But according to investigators, Andy Bosch and the teen kept in touch and would meet in person at various locations, including church, to exchange handwritten notes.

In October 2016, the underage girl was reported missing by her foster family. Her foster sisters told detectives Andy Bosch made them feel uncomfortable and 'seemed creepy.'

Four months after the girls disappearance, US Marshalls joined in the search and began wiretapping Bosch and his then-wife.

In one recorded phone conversation, Bosch allegedly told Melody: 'Now that they know that she isnt in the Philippines, they will be looking harder here.'

When US Marshalls arrested Bosch in mid-February, he directed them to an apartment in Tampa, paid for by the suspect, where they ultimately found the missing girl hiding in a closet.

So far, Melody Bosch has not been charged with any crime, but investigators believe she was aware of her ex-husbands sexual relationship with the minor.
Patrick Thies and his British wife Gillain (pictured) are being forced to stay on opposite sides of the Atlantic

An American surgeon may be forced to quit his NHS job because Britain won't allow his young children into the country.

Patrick Thies and his British wife Gillian are being forced to stay on opposite sides of the Atlantic.

The orthopaedic surgeon, from Oregon, may now have to quit his job in Birmingham, despite the NHS spending 20,000 and the best part of a year recruiting him for the role.

Mrs Thies, a trained chemist, started preparing her sons Philip, nine, and Benjamin and Edward, aged 10 and 12, who are adopted, for the move when her husband accepted the job in January, reports the Guardian.

She told the paper she was unsure about how to obtain permanent visas for her adopted children and got advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in America.

She said she was told that because the boys were adopted they were treated differently under immigration proceedings but could enter Britain on visit visas.

However, when the family arrived at Heathrow in March last year, Benjamin and Edward were denied entry because they intended to remain in the country and had their passports confiscated.

The children were then issued one-way tickets to New York, leaving three days later.

Mrs Thies told the Guardian: 'The officials were seriously insisting that these young children should be separated from their family and put on an airplane which would land in a strange city in the evening where we knew no one.

'We're intelligent, educated people who aren't trying to deceive anyone and we could just not get it right.'

A family lawyer managed to release the children from detention at the airport and they were given temporary leave to remain in Britain.

The family filled out a form registering the two boys as tier 2 skilled worker dependent children, which cost their parents 1,800.

The orthopaedic surgeon, from Oregon, may now have to quit his job in Birmingham, despite the NHS spending 20,000 and the best part of a year recruiting him for the role

But the application was rejected because the form cannot be submitted while the applicants are in the UK.

The family appealed to the Home Office, stating the children's right to a family and private life under article 8 of the European convention on human rights.

The family waited 10 months, during which time they could not register with a GP, apply for a mortgage or get a driving licence, only for the application to be turned down.

Immigration specialist Andre Minnaar, who was hired by the family, told the Guardian that the Home Office turned them down because one parent could have returned to the US with the boys and stayed in touch with the family in the UK 'through email and Skype'.

Mr Minnaar described the decision as 'extraordinary' and 'unlawful'.

The Home Office gave the couple the option to appeal, which would have cost 2,500 and taken around 18 months.

Mr Thies was forced to take open-ended leave from his job in the NHS and went back to the U.S with Benjamin and Edward. His wife stayed in the UK with their other son.

He has now applied for permanent status for the boys from the U.S at a cost of almost $4,000.

The couple have been told the visas will take about 12 weeks to process.
Police in Europe have launched a novel campaign in a bid to catch the continent's most-wanted criminals.

Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, has sent 21 of the fugitives personalised messages on elaborate postcards.

In a statement, the organisation explained: 'While most of us are enjoying a well-deserved summer break, criminals are not taking time off from crime.

'Holiday destinations have proven to be popular hiding places for criminals on the run from law enforcement. They might even have chosen the same destination as you'

'While most of us are enjoying a well-deserved summer break, criminals are not taking time off from crime.' Pictured: David Daniel Hayes, wanted over sexual offences

Pictured: A postcard sent to 42-year-old Finn Jaakko Ilari Nurminen, who is wanted for aggravated fraud

That's why, Europol added, they are 'crowdsourcing' the hunt for the fugitives.

Their website, launched early last year, has so far attracted more than 2.5 million unique visitors and 36 criminals posted there have been arrested - with four of them turning themselves after saying their mugs online.

In one of the postcards, titled 'Greetings from the United Kingdom', 'The Police' write to David Daniel Hayes to say they have been 'trying to get hold' of him because 'there is still so much to discuss'.

Welshman Hayes is accused of systematic sexual abuse of two children and has been charged with nine serious sexual offences.

Europol explains that the suspects 'are believed to be hiding in a different country to where the crime was committed'. Pictured: Ivaylo Mitev from Bulgaria

Pictured: The postcard to Croat Marko Nikolic. It begins: 'The waters of the Adriatic are missing'

He has been wanted since December 2015 and was last spotted in Amsterdam.

In another, to 42-year-old Finn Jaakko Ilari Nurminen, who is wanted for aggravated fraud, a cartoon of Santa Claus holds a sign reading 'Come back!'

The message explains: 'We know you are a master of forgery, but there is only one real Santa... and he wants you back...'

Europol further explains that the suspects 'are believed to be hiding in a different country to where the crime was committed'.

'By sharing these postcards and providing information, you can help us complete that last piece of the puzzle so that we can ultimately reach the fugitives,' the agency adds.
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Chloe Green and her 'hot felon' lover Jeremy Meeks have been pictured frolicking in the ocean as they begin a romantic break in Barbados.

The loved-up couple were seen jumping into the water hand-in-hand before emerging from the depths locked in a passionate embrace.

And they soaked up the rays with friends on a dock emblazoned with the words: 'Hot guests only'.

The getaway is the latest of several for Chloe, 26, who was pictured with her boyfriend in Turkey last month.

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Topshop heiress Chloe Green and her lover Jeremy Meeks gaze lovingly into each other's eyes as they take a dip in the ocean

Hand-in-hand: The couple jump into the Caribbean Sea as they begin a romantic holiday together

Exclusive escape: The couple soak up the rays on a raft emblazoned with the words 'Hot guests only'

The daughter of billionaire businessman Sir Philip Green proved she was feeling proud of her budding romance as the pair put on a very public display of affection

Meeks and Chloe have been publicly parading their blossoming relationship in the spotlight

'Hot felon' Meek takes a shower after the couple's dip, left, and right, Chloe sizzles in a white bikini

The model appeared to be feeling the heat after publicly parading his romance to the Topshop heiress

Both Chloe and Meek looked in great spirits as they frolicked in the Caribbean Sea

The pair were pictured kissing earlier as they arrived at Barbados's Grantley Adams airport.

The Topshop heiress has faced a backlash over her relationship with Meeks, 33 - who is still married to wife of eight years, Melissa.

But the daughter of billionaire businessman Sir Philip Green proved she was feeling proud of their budding romance as she shared a sweet selfie with the 'hot felon' enjoying a day out in the sunshine on Friday.

With the couple scantily-clad and cosied up to one another, they looked in great spirits as they smiled for the camera.

With Chloe displaying her decolletage, and Jeremy shirtless in the snap, the pair turned up the heat as they continued to parade their controversial romance.

The Topshop heiress captioned the snap: 'Life is to short not to laugh and smile and that's all we do... @jmeeks official. #nohatejustlove #everyonedeservestobehappy [sic].'

Meek's popularity was evident at the airport as he posed for pictures with delighted fans.

Meanwhile, Jeremy's estranged wife Melissa, who was left heartbroken when his infidelity was exposed, seemed to be feeling in good spirits herself as she shared a selfie of her own.

Chloe Green and Jeremy Meeks pictured arriving at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados

The pair appeared loved-up as they kissed outside the airport at the start of another romantic getaway

Chloe and Meek, who is still married to his wife Melissa, have faced a backlash online of their relationship

Chloe, 26, proved she was feeling proud of their budding romance as she shared a sweet selfie with the 'hot felon' enjoying a day out in the sunshine on Friday

Chloe's post came after Jeremy switched off the comment section on his own Instagram page- leaving fans to only interact with his snaps by 'liking' it.

The model appeared to be feeling the heat after publicly parading his romance to the Topshop heiress.

Meeks and Chloe were pictured sharing an intimate kiss last month and snuggling up together as they waited to be taken back to their 112,000-a-week yacht in Bodrum.

Chloe was soon forced to delete her Instagram following the shocking images, after followers trolled a gloating post she shared as she snuggled up to married Jeremy.

However she has since returned to the social media site, changing her settings to private.

And while Meeks also edited his account at the time, deleting all photographs of him and estranged wife Melissa, he has now gone one step further by giving other Instagram users the inability to comment under his snaps.

Meeks's popularity was evident in Barbados as a group of fans approached him at the airport

The fans looked delighted to get the chance of a photograph of themselves with the 33-year-old 'hot felon'

Jeremy and Chloe have been publicly parading their blossoming relationship in the spotlight, despite his eight year marriage to estranged wife Melissa Meeks ending just weeks ago

Meeks first came to prominence after his arrest in 2014 during a gang sweep called Operation Ceasefire

Moving on: Jeremy's estranged wife Melissa, who was left heartbroken when his infidelity was exposed, seemed to be feeling in good spirits herself as she shared a selfie of her own

Too much to handle? Jeremy, 33, switched off his Instagram comments after receiving a barrage of online abuse due to his new romance with Chloe, who he left wife Melissa for

Not listening to the haters: His Topshop heiress girlfriend was forced to delete her Instagram after their romance came to light - but has since returned, switching her profile to private

This comes after his fans turned the tide following his rise to stardom after he was labelled the 'hot felon' thanks to his 2014 arrest mugshot.

The photogenic hunk was left with hoards of negative comments under his Instagram snaps, slamming him for leaving his wife Melissa for the British heiress and undoubtedly led to him disabling the comments function.

This comes as Jeremy and Chloe have been publicly parading their blossoming relationship in the spotlight, despite his eight year marriage to estranged wife Melissa Meeks ending just weeks ago.

The duo have made no attempt at keeping their new-found love low-key, with Jeremy posing at Topshop's LA shop window at The Grove on Friday before being pictured on a string of public dates over the last week.

Viral: The California native shot to fame in 2014 when the Stockton Police Department posted his mugshot (left) on their website, following his arrest for gang activity and a misdemeanour charge of resisting/obstructing justice

Flaunting their romance: This comes as Jeremy and Chloe have been publicly parading their blossoming relationship in the spotlight, despite his eight year marriage to estranged wife Melissa Meeks ending just weeks ago

Jeremy sent shock waves across the internet when pictures emerged of him kissing Chloe on a yacht in Turkey last month.

Last week Jeremy filed for legal separation from mother-of-three Melissa, who he shares her youngest son with and stayed with him through his eight year prison stint.

He was married to the nurse, who stayed with him throughout his stint in prison, for eight years.

His heartbroken estranged wife Melissa, mother to his seven-year-old son, removed reference to him on her social media bio.

She later told the Mail of her devastation, admitting that her husband had been seduced by the glamour of his newfound modelling career.

New flame: Jeremy sent shock waves across the internet when pictures emerged of him kissing Chloe on a yacht in Turkey last month

I know it takes two to tango but she knew he was married. To me, thats unforgivable. My whole world has been torn apart by this. What do I tell our children? My heart is broken.

What sort of woman would do something like this to another woman? My marriage wasnt perfect but I thought it could be saved, until this happened.

Of course Im angry at her. What she did is unforgivable. And Im angry at him too. What they did destroyed my entire world.

Did either of them think about the children and how this will affect them? Theyre the innocent victims in this. And so am I.

Melissa is mother to his biological child Jeremy Jr, seven, and Robert, 11, Melissas son from a previous relationship. She also has a daughter, 16-year-old Ellie, and says both stepchildren consider Meeks a father figure.




Steve Mnuchin, 54, kicked off his much anticipated overseas trip to Scotland on Thursday, where he is celebrating his honeymoon with 36-year-old bride Louise Linton.

The United States Secretary of the Treasury was photographed exiting Edinburgh Airport shortly before noon accompanied by his decked-out wife, who stepped off the plane dressed to impress.

It was the first chance the two have had to celebrate their nuptials, with the pair electing to delay their honeymoon until August despite tying the knot back in June.

They are expected to tour through Europe for the next three weeks as they celebrate their union, the second for Linton and the third for Mnuchin.

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This old thing: Steven Mnuchin, 54, and his new bride Louise Linton (above) arrived in Edinburgh on Thursday to kick off their honeymoon

Melania can never know: They picked Linton's native country as their first stop ona tour of Europe, and both made quite the entrance as they arrived dressed in head-to-toe Tom Ford

Barometric battle: Linton also carried her $11,500 Hermes Birkin bag (above) and a $5,000 Goyard cloth bag as the two departed the airport

Scotish squat: The pair made their way to the Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel (above outside the hotel) after departing the airport

Scotland failed to pout on her best face however for the newlyweds, who got a bit of a chilly reception upon their arrival, with temperatures hovering around 50 degress early in the morning.

Scottish-native Linton managed to cut through the gloomy weather however in a $3450 white wool coat which she draped over a $1290 long-sleeved v-neck top and $890 black slacks, with a pair of $735 stiletto pumps rounding out the look.

That entire look was courtesy of Tom Ford, with Linton perhaps taking advantage of the ocean separating her from new friend Melania Trump to pull out the luxurious threads given the contentious relationship between the designer and the First Lady.

For bit of label contrast, the Hollywood producer also accessorized the look with an $11,500 black Hermes Birkin bag and $700 over-sized Chanel sunglasses.

She finished off her entrance look with an unexpected bit of color thanks to her $5,000 Goyard cloth bag, which likely had her change of clothes for the couple's next outing.

That brought the price tag of that look to $23,565, a whooping sum that dos not even include the bracelets Linton has piled on her wrists or her massive engagement ring.

Tommy boy: Mnuchin appeared to have on a pair of $690 jeans, the $3800 Blue O'Connor Slim-Fit Wool Suit Jacket and a $585 slim-fit blue shirt all by Tim Ford

Melania-approved: Linton went with a grab bag of designers for her lunchtime look, with a $975 hydrangea print pussybow blouse by Dolce & Gabbana (above) taking center stage

Chell no: She also wore trousers from The Row and a $6,000 Chanel bag (above)

Unprovoked attack: Linton's blowout suffered an all out assault earlier in the day, with photos showing the wind and barometric pressure wreaking havoc on her blond tresses as she mugged for the cameras

Louise made stops outside the airport and the pair's hotel for waiting photographer's before she and Mnuchin headed into their hotel.

The pair were quickly in and out of the Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel however, with Mnuchin reappearing in the same outfit as earlier that day.

And like his wife, it looked to be a mostly Tom Ford ensemble, with Mnuchin appearing to have on a pair of $690 jeans, the $3800 Blue O'Connor Slim-Fit Wool Suit Jacket and a $585 slim-fit blue shirt by the designer.

Linton was feeling a different vibe by midday however, managing to undergo a quick change inside inside the couple's hotel.

She went with a grab bag of designers for her lunchtime look, with a $975 hydrangea print pussybow blouse by Dolce & Gabbana taking center stage over a pair of $2000 black trousers from The Row.

Sister, sister: Mnuchin and Linton were joined by Linton's sister Suzanne for their midday meal at the nearby eatery Gusto

Tale as old as time: Linton and Mnuchin pose with the Trumps and Pences after saying 'I do' back in June

Capital Hil: Society doyenne Hillary Geary Ross holds court with Mnuchin, Linton and her buddy Wilbur over the weekend at the White House (above)

Lax bros: Mnuchin and Anthony Scaramucci fight the rays in some shades last week in DC

Linton also wisely prepared for the weather with a sweater from Ralph Lauren which she wore over her shoulders and by pinning her hair up at the back.

Her blowout suffered an all out assault earlier in the day, with photos showing the wind and barometric pressure wreaking havoc on her blond tresses as she mugged for the cameras.

To top off her lunch look, Linton kept the Tom Ford stilettos but swapped out her Birkin for an over-sized Chanel, opting for the label's $6,000 large classic handbag in black.

That ensemble put that look at well over $10,000, a number that again does not account for the jewelry worn by the diamond-loving actress.

The pair were joined by Linton's sister Suzanne for their midday meal at the nearby eatery Gusto.

It was then back to the Caledonian, with another outfit change no doubt in the works for Linton.
Mohammed Nawaz (pictured), 68, owned a string of buildings throughout Britain which he allowed drug dealers to convert into money-spinning cannabis factories

A millionaire businessman was jailed today after an empty suburban leisure centre was turned into a giant 1.6m cannabis plantation by a crime gang.

Property tycoon Mohammed Nawaz, 68, owned a string of buildings throughout Britain which he allowed drug dealers to convert into money-spinning cannabis factories.

A court heard Nawaz, from Middlesex, leased property to Abdul Manuf, 46, who worked under the cover of being a taxi driver to ferry drug dealers between the properties.

One was the Underwood Leisure Centre in Newport, South Wales, which was closed in council cutbacks - and sold for 82,000 at auction.

Police found more than 2,600 plants in the former gym and badminton hall when they raided it in August 2014.

The drugs were being grown at an 'industrial scale' with a yield of 132kg.

Police found more than 2,600 plants in the the Underwood Leisure Centre (pictured) in Newport, South Wales when they raided it in August 2014

Pictured: Equipment found in the former gym and badminton hall

Cardiff Crown Court heard that when Nawaz became aware that police wanted to search the properties he notified them himself to try and cover up his involvement.

A court heard Nawaz, from Middlesex, leased property to Abdul Manuf, 46 (pictured), who drove drug dealers between the properties

But Manuf denied knowing that the properties were being used to grow cannabis.

Nawaz, from Middlesex, denied conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of class B but was found guilty after trial. Manuf, from Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, admitted the same charge.

Nawaz was jailed for seven years and Manuf for three years and one month.

Judge Neil Bidder QC said: 'Greed was a strong motivation for you and you allowed criminals to use your premises to grow cannabis.'

After the case Iwan Jenkins, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'These two men were involved in the illegal drugs business, whether they actually grew the plants or not, and have now been dealt with for their criminal activities.'

A court heard when Nawaz became aware that police wanted to search the properties (pictured, Underwood Leisure Centre) he told them himself to try and cover up his involvement

Drugs were being grown at an 'industrial scale' at the centre (pictured) with a yield of 132kg
A married couple from Mississippi have been arrested after authorities say they had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy.

Cory Skalla, 40, and his wife, 26-year-old Ariel Skalla, of Ocean Springs, were arrested on Monday and charged with several offenses, including two counts of touching a child for lustful purposes.

Ocean Springs police Capt. William Jackson said Wednesday that Gautier police were investigating related allegations and contacted them about possible illegal sexual activity in Ocean Springs.

Molestation case: Cory Skalla (left), 40, and his wife, 26-year-old Ariel Skalla (right) have been arrested after authorities say they had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy

The Skallas live in Mississippi and have a six-year-old daughter together (pictured as a family)

Gautier police arrested Cory Skalla on a charge of sexual oriented materials Monday.

After the case was turned over the Ocean Springs Police Department, the 40-year-old husband and father-of-one was slapped with an additional six counts of sexual battery of a child and two counts of lustful touching of a child, reported The Sun-Herald.

Skalla remains jailed on $10,000 bond at the Jackson County Adult Detention Center.

His wife Ariel, who has a young daughter with him, has been arrested on two counts of lustful touching of a child.

Cory has been charged with six counts of sexual battery of a child and two counts of lustful touching of a child. Wife Ariel has been arrested on two counts of lustful touching of a child

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are likely.

According to her Facebook page, Ariel Skalla studied graphic design at South Dakota State University and has been working as a substitute teacher.

She and Cory Skalla have been married for seven years and have a six-year-old daughter together.
Jamie Tull was found alive Friday morning, 17 days after she crashed her car in a country field and went missing

A bi-polar kindergarten teacher was found alive Friday morning, 17 days after she crashed her car in a country field east of Planada, California.

Two ranchers and a volunteer search-and-rescuer found 33-year-old Jamie Tull wandering in a grazing field about a half-mile from where she abandoned her car on July 17.

She told her rescuers to leave food and water and to 'go away,' according to Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke.

'Evidentally, she's got some issues emotionally as to why she didn't want to be found,' Van Warnke said. 'We'll let the family work through that.'

Tull was found malnourished and suffering from sunburns. She was taken to the burn until at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno for treatment.

She told officers that she survived her more than two weeks hiding from search teams by eating two grasshoppers and a fly. Her personal belongings were found in a water tank.

The 33-year-old kindergarten teacher crashed her car in his country field east of Planada, California. She was found about a half-mile away by two ranchers and a volunteer search-and-rescuer Friday morning

Tull's husband Apollo (left) was the last to hear from her. He was on the phone when she crashed her car, telling him: 'I'm not going to see you again'

Warnke said that the area where Tull was found is private property without any paved roads, and that coyotes and mountain lions are common in the area.

Tull's husband Apollo was the last one to hear from her. He was on the phone with her on July 17 when she crashed her car through a country lane fence, telling him: 'Im not going to see you again.'

When she disappeared, Tull's family revealed that she suffers from bi-polar disorder, and had stopped taking medication about six months ago, which had caused her to start acting manic in the past two months.

Tull's family said she suffers from bi-polar disorder and went off her medication six months ago. Her father Jim Devenport on the left and mother on the right

Her dad, Jim Devenport, told Fox 40 that it was a pastor his daughter met who convinced her to get off medication, telling her pills would lead her to the devil.

'The position is that pills - any pills, no distinction, but drugs - are a pathway for demons to enter her body and her brain,' Mr Devenport said.

Tull's family had planned to hold an intervention, but she disappeared before they could have the confrontation.

After her disappearance, they plastered the area with her missing poster and offered a $100,000 reward for her return

Tull taught kindergarten at Woodrow Elementary School in Modesto, but planned to transfer to Crossroads Elementary School for the upcoming school year.
A father, who drowned trying to rescue his daughter from strong sea currents, told her to 'hold my hand' with his final words.

Businessman Simon Pearson, 47, lost his strength and died as he battled to hold 10-year-old Lily up above the waves.

He had been swimming with her and his father-in-law Anthony McGregor at Lido Bosco Verde in Ostuni, southern Italy, where the family was on holiday when they got into trouble.

Mr McGregor managed to alert Simon's wife Emma to the danger before clinging to a buoy to survive.

Businessman Simon Pearson, 47, died saving his daughter Lily from strong sea currents

However, a rescuer who reached Simon and Lily was only able to rescue the girl.

Italian beach worker Martino Maggi, 49, also died trying to save the family..

An inquest concluded that the former public schoolboy Simon, from Old Church Stoke, Powys, died as a result of drowning in the incident on July 18.

His family did not attend the hearing at Shirehall in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, but a statement from his wife was read out in the court.

Emma Pearson, 43, wrote: 'Lily told me that the whole time the only word Simon uttered was "hold my hand". She said "he was working so hard to try and save me" but then her dad lost his strength.

'Simon was a dearly loved husband, son and father and we will never forget how hard Simon worked to save his daughter.'

Coroner's Officer Julie Hartridge told the hearing that Simon, the managing director of building firm Jesmonite, was a 'healthy man' and an experienced swimmer.

Simon, Emma, their two children Lily, 10, and Monty, six, along with Emma's parents Yolanda and Anthony McGregor settled at the beach at 9.30am, just minutes before the tragedy.

They had been visiting the resort for 15 years and were familiar with the area.

There had been a storm two days prior to the incident and people had been warned not to enter the water the day before.

However, in her statement, Emma said there was no warning given on July 18 and the water seemed 'gentle'.

She wrote: 'The Lido Bosco Verdi is a resort that we know very well and have been visiting it for 15 years. The 15 years that we have visited we were never aware of a dangerous tide and the water also seemed safe.

'My father has been a lifelong member of the Lifeboat Institute. He told me that the red flags meant that swimmers should exercise caution.

Mr Pearson's wife Emma said her husband used his final words to tell Lily to 'hold my hand'

'On July 17 we were advised by the staff not to enter the water and no such warning was given on July 18.'

Emma told her father to be careful and not to swim too far into the sea because of the red flags.

Shortly after he entered the water, Simon and Lily followed him.

However, Emma quickly noticed that something was wrong because of her father's erratic swimming.

She heard his cries for help and immediately ran to a lifeboat station, before attempting to launch a rescue boat herself.

Emma wrote: 'My attention was drawn from Simon and Lily to my father. He was swimming and stopping which was odd. I wondered why he was not coming back to shore. He told me after that he was trying to get my attention to warn others not to come into the water because of the strong current.

'I was shouting to him to get back. I heard him shout 'Emma help me'. I went to a lifeboat station and I was shouting for help.

'A man entered the water and started going towards Simon and Lily. I tried to get the boat out, but I couldn't manage it. A second and a third man came I was still shouting for help.

'I saw Simon holding Lily above the water. The other man was struggling.'

The inquest heard that two men, Martino Maggi and another man known as Ibrahim, swam towards Simon and Lily to save them.

Simon Alessandro Pearson and a beach worker both died after rushing to the girl's aid at the Bosco Verde beach (pictured) in Ostuni, in the Puglia region of southern Italy

Ibrahim managed to reach the pair and faced a choice of who to save. He took Lily and managed to get her back to shore. Maggi himself got into difficulty and drowned.

Emma said: 'Ibrahim managed to reach Lily and got her back to shore. He told me afterwards he had to make a choice between Simon and Lily and he couldn't get both back.

'By this time a number of people formed a human chain to get to Simon. I looked and saw my father still holding on to the buoy.

'I realised that Simon was dead. I realised that Martino had not returned. I could see him floating I knew he was dead.

'As I walked past Martino I touched his chest and told him I was sorry and I know he tried to help Simon.'

The inquest was told doctors in Italy found Simon's lungs full of water.

Shropshire Coroner Mr John Ellery recorded a conclusion that Simon's death was caused by drowning.

Mr Ellery said: 'It was clearly an accident. This was a double tragedy and our condolences to both the Pearson family and Martino's family in Italy.'

Martino Maggi, 49, (pictured) managed to bring both the girl and her grandfather back to dry land but died after going back into the water to rescue her father

Following the deaths Giuseppe Chiarelli of Brindisi Port Authority said the stretch of coastline 'unfortunately isn't new to this kind of tragedy'. As recently as July 14 four lifeguards rescued three Russian tourists and an Italian who were unable to return to the shore of a nearby beach.

Simon was named as an 'export champion' in March - one of 28 top Midland's businessmen picked to promote the region's firms around the world.

Jesmonite makes mouldings to look like stone, marble, china or other materials and in recent years produced nearly 6,000 pieces of decorative artwork for P&O's new 473 million cruise ship Britannia.

Alongside Jesmonite, he also ran design firm Feathercast with Emma.
Victims: Cliff Bradley and his wife Paris

It would probably have been reasonable for Cliff Bradley to suspect that his cleaner was up to no good when she came to work in his wifes make-up and false eyelashes.

But it was only when a picture appeared on the airline captains Facebook page showing Maxine Ferran in his wifes gold earrings that he realised she was a thief.

Believing she was behind the disappearance of other items from his 2million home, he set a trap to catch her after she tried to sell a family heirloom to a jeweller.

Mr Bradley, 57, and his 42-year-old dentist wife, Paris, had been baffled when 800 Versace handbags, large amounts of cash, mobile phones, jewellery and even their eight-year-old sons savings started disappearing.

They never suspected Ferran, 47, who they had paid 50 a week for two years to clean their four-bedroom property in Warwickshire.

Ferran had been trying to sell two gold coins dating back to around 200BC that were worn on a chain by Mr Bradley's great-grandfather as a good-luck charm during the First World War

Mr Bradley even mistakenly blamed his son Alex when a missing porcelain figurine was found in his toy box after Ferran was quizzed.

But when Mr Bradley saw the cleaner in Facebooks people you may know column, he was appalled to see she was wearing his wifes gold earrings.

I clicked on her photo and nearly spat out my coffee, he said. And it wasnt just the 150 earrings I recognised. Her make-up was almost identical to my wifes as well  the lipstick, the false eyelashes, even the slight red lowlights in her hair.

'I had noticed she was wearing similar make-up to Paris when she came to clean but I had assumed she was going on a date after work.

Mr Bradley then toured local jewellers and pawn shops and discovered Ferran had been trying to sell two gold coins dating back to around 200BC that were worn on a chain by his great-grandfather as a good-luck charm during the First World War.

A jeweller, tipped off by Mr Bradley, asked Ferran to return on a later date while he investigated the value of the rare coins, which she brazenly admitted she had found cleaning.

The Bradleys had been baffled when 800 Versace handbags, large amounts of cash, mobile phones, jewellery and even their eight-year-old sons savings started disappearing

Ferran failed to show up after being alarmed by a police vehicle waiting outside the shop. Warwickshire Police later arrested her but she refused to admit her crimes.

Instead, she phoned her daughter, an officer in the neighbouring West Midlands force, whose foul-mouthed rant about her mothers arrest was recorded by the investigating officers.

Police then found an Aladdins cave of stolen goods at Ferrans home, which she claimed were gifts from her generous employers.

She was convicted at Warwickshire magistrates court of stealing at least 10,000 worth of goods.

Online: Maxine Ferran had been paid 50 a week for two years to clean their four-bedroom property in Warwickshire

Mr Bradley said: I didnt know what was going on at first. We thought we had misplaced things  my wife has a large wardrobe.

When she discovered things were going missing, I never suspected Maxine  she seemed a lovely lady. I always made her a cup of tea and when she started coming to clean wearing false eyelashes I said how nice she looked  I didnt realise it was my wifes make-up.

At one stage she disappeared on holiday to America and my wife didnt realise that $800 in the back of her passport had disappeared.

He added: When we discovered it was Maxine, my wife convinced me we had a duty to catch her to stop her doing it to others. It has affected us really badly.

The Porsche-driving millionaire believes Ferran raided his sons savings of 1,000 after Alex gave her 5 from his piggy bank to say thank you for not disturbing his Lego when she cleaned his room. To steal a childs life savings shows just how diabolical this person is, Mr Bradley said.

Ferran, from Birmingham, also took toys, video games and even Alexs Disney luggage to carry jewellery, designer shoes and handbags stolen from the family.

A number of the stolen items have never been recovered, including the ancient coins, for which Mr Bradley is offering a reward.

Warwickshire Police complained about the behaviour of Ferrans daughter to West Midlands Police, but she was later cleared of misconduct.

Ferran faces jail when she is sentenced at Leamington Spa Crown Court on August 18.
August is traditionally a quiet month for the Royal Family. The Queen is at Craigowan Lodge, a modest seven-bedroom property on the Balmoral Estate, while the Big House prepares for her arrival next week.

The Duke of Edinburgh will join her within days after holding a house party at Wood Farm at Sandringham, as will their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at various times over the summer.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visited the yacht of shipping magnate Theodore Angelopoulos. Later, they will go to Birkhall, their Highland bolthole, for the rest of August, where they will join the Queen for walks and barbeques.

So far, so normal a Royal summer. Yet this has been one of the most seismic weeks for the monarchy in some time.

Pictured: Prince William and Prince Harry

For the public, the most noteworthy event has been Prince Philips last official appearance at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday  his 22,219th public engagement  before his retirement aged 96. Household staff wiped away tears as he quit the public stage after seven decades of service with a wave of his bowler hat and hardly a backward glance.

Behind the scenes, it is the unexpected decision by Sir Christopher Geidt, the Queens private secretary, to step down after ten years that rings alarm bells.

Buckingham Palaces announcement on Monday was accompanied by a flurry of warm words and a pointed suggestion that it was business as usual. But Sir Christophers imminent departure isnt the only one.

For the Mail can reveal today that last week the Queen was also rocked by the resignation of her assistant private secretary Samantha Cohen, in an apparent gesture of solidarity with Sir Christopher.

Royal watchers claim that these events are rooted in continuing divisions between the three royal households: Buckingham Palace; Clarence House, where Prince Charless team is situated; and William, Kate and Harrys base at Kensington Palace. And Sir Christophers departure is, one way or another, inextricably linked to the schisms.

There are three senior posts in the Queens private office  the team who enable Her Majesty to do her job as Head of State  her private secretary, her deputy private secretary and her assistant private secretary.

The unexpected decision by Sir Christopher Geidt (pictured), the Queens private secretary, to step down after ten years rings alarm bells

To lose two of the three members of this team, in an office where firings are rare and stability is vital, is unprecedented.

Mutterings about a shake-up of senior royal staff have swirled around for some time, but it seems that Prince Philips decision to step back from royal life  with the whole-hearted support of his wife  forced matters to a head.

The rest of her family now have an opportunity to do more to support the Queen  in particular the Prince of Wales and his sons, whose appeal to the young, it is hoped, will drive the monarchy on for decades to come.

News this week that the Duchess of Cambridge has appointed a new private secretary is seen as part of a plan to professionalise the set-up at Kensington Palace as William and Kate return to London from Norfolk to become full-time working Royals.

Catherine Quinn, 58  who has held senior positions at Oxford University and the Wellcome Trust, will join in October.

It had been expected that Sir Christopher would be a key figure in the running of this new Team Windsor, as they call themselves.

As the main channel of communication between the Queen and Downing Street, he has long been one of the most influential people in the land. He certainly knows his way around the Palace shark-pool. Yet something has gone awry.

Mutterings about a shake-up of senior royal staff have swirled around for some time, but it seems that Prince Philips decision to step back from royal life  with the whole-hearted support of his wife  forced matters to a head. Pictured: Philip and the Queen at Ascot

Sources say Sir Christophers decision to leave comes after failed attempts to unify the rival royal households. This included a disastrous plan in 2014 to merge the press offices into one hub at Buckingham Palace so the Royal Family could sing with one voice, a strategy championed by Sir Christopher and Mrs Cohen.

But each press team was used to working autonomously for very different principals  the Queen, Charles, and his sons  all of whom have their own agendas in terms of the engagements they want to undertake and what they want to achieve from them.

Within weeks, staff from Clarence House and Kensington Palace were arriving to work at Buckingham Palace, leaving their coats on chairs but then sloping back to their old offices.

By the autumn, Palace officials were forced to admit that the scheme was being shelved.

Tensions were clear again when Prince Philips retirement was announced and Sir Christopher summoned staff from all three households to Buckingham Palace to make an extraordinary plea for them to pull together to support the Queen.

The Mail can reveal today that last week the Queen was rocked by the resignation of her assistant private secretary Samantha Cohen (pictured)

Much of the bickering has been over the roles and reach of senior staff. Other disputes have centred on the approach taken by senior Royals in their official duties and how their publicity is handled.

Well-placed sources say there is still no love lost between senior officials in Charless household and the Queens staff.

It is understood that there has lately been growing concern among some courtiers about the young Royals management of their affairs. Some consider William and Harrys recent soul-baring in newspaper and television interviews to be unwise, fearing this openness will make it harder to protect their privacy in future.

Prince Harrys unprecedented plea for Press restraint over his relationship with U.S. actress Meghan Markle last year caused astonishment in royal circles.

Few courtiers knew he was about to do it and it knocked an important tour of the Middle East by his father and stepmother off the front pages.

Now, despite Sir Christophers best efforts to unite the factions, it appears his time is up.

The co-ordination of the households has suffered under Christopher, who doesnt always see eye to eye with some of the senior courtiers, particularly at Clarence House, one insider said.

The feeling is that he has fallen on his sword, so to speak, with the Queens blessing, for the integration of the royal households to go on under new management.

Another source insists that Christophers good work to ensure every member of the Royal Family is being deployed to support the Queen is continuing.

Whether Sir Christopher jumped or was pushed, his departure has resulted in the unexpected resignation of Mrs Cohen, the Queens very able No. 3. Officials have tried desperately to keep this secret, but Im told she handed in her notice last week.

Mrs Cohen, 48, was promoted to the private office in 2010. The Queen seemingly liked her approach and she was seen as a modern breed of royal executive.

Sam worked hand in hand with Sir Christopher and her resignation is being seen as a sign that his departure is not as straightforward as has been made out to be, said one source. It is not clear whether she is actually going to leave. The Queen likes her, and to lose two of her most senior members of staff in a week does not look good under any circumstances.

But her resignation is on the table and is probably going to be accepted.

Palace officials  who declined to comment when contacted by the Mail  say Sir Christopher will stay until October. In reality, with the Queen in Scotland for the next two months, he will be gone in a matter of weeks.

He is a man with a great sense of duty and real integrity. He is a loss, said one.

He will leave behind his deputy Edward Young, a former Barclays executive who arrived at the Palace 13 years ago. Young is well liked and is considered to be a safe pair of hands. Whether they are steady enough to bring together the most dysfunctional family in Britain in the twilight years of the Queens reign remains to be seen.
Christina Resek, 30, has been sentenced to 30 days in jail after having sex with a 17-year-old student

An Ohio teacher's aide has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student.

Christina Resek, 30, must also serve two years of community service and register as a sex offender.

Another student tried to blackmail Resek over the relationship, asking for $500 in return for staying quiet.

Resek gave investigators a letter from the student, who wrote: 'I know what's going on between you and [redacted]'.

'So my question to you is how important is your job to you?' the letter continues.

Another student tried to blackmail Resek over the relationship, asking for $500 in return for staying quiet. She turned in their extortion letter to investigators

'I'm not asking for a lot, all I want is $500 and your secret's safe with me.'

Resek, who worked for an alternative education program at Mahoning County High School in Youngstown, was arrested in June 2016.

A staff member reported Resek after a student told her the teacher had been having sex with another student at the school since November, according to WKBN.

The student turned 18 in February, but it remained illegal in Ohio as teachers are not allowed to have sex with any students - no matter their age.

Detectives said they believe Resek and the student engaged in sex acts in a parking lot.

Resek was immediately suspended after the allegations came to light.
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The cot was lined with cuddly toys, the bedroom curtains pulled half-way to allow the gentlest of rays to spill pools of sunlight on the carpet.

Now and then, a smattering of squally summer rain hit the window  the only sound to interrupt the silence within.

Inside the cot lay a beautiful baby boy. Dressed in a pastel-blue sleepsuit, his hair combed and his chubby face bath-time fresh, this was Charlie Gard, finally at home, where his parents, Connie and Chris, fought so hard for him to be.

Of course, this represents no victory for anyone.

Charlie, who had passed away days earlier, was lying in a specially chilled cuddle cot, allowing his family to spend more time with him before he was taken to a funeral parlour.

A gentle goodbye: Chalie with Mum and Dad holding his hands, Charlies tender last moments before his ventilator is withdrawn

The little boy actually took his last breath at 3.12 pm last Friday. A private moment with only his parents at his side. His respirator was withdrawn and he slipped away 12 minutes later.

A quiet end to a life that had become so public.

Once home, it was lovely to sit and watch him, lying there like any other baby, says Connie. Not surrounded by equipment and machinery, without anything obscuring his lovely face. To just see our Charlie, at home, sleeping in his cot where he should be.

Charlie, the baby whose name is recognised around the world, whose plight engaged  and divided  religious and political leaders, was once more the chubby baby so loved and wanted by the parents who fought so fiercely for him.

Had he lived, Charlie would have turned one yesterday.

His life  and his illness  drew us all in, from the Pope and the President of the United States to the man and woman in the street.

Why? Because the controversies surrounding Charlies life  and ultimate death  encapsulated a dilemma we all find almost impossible to face: who should choose when to end a life?

Blissfully unaware of the battle to come: A treasured and previously unpublished picture of Charlie, aged just six weeks

His plight raised profound questions about the rights of parents, the right to life and the greatest question of all: should the opinion of doctors always override the instincts of parents who strongly believe their child has a chance of a good life  no matter how limited that might actually be?

There has been anger, and accusations of exploitation. There have been vicious hate campaigns waged against hospital staff and lawyers  and against even the parents themselves.

There were interventions from American anti-abortion evangelists. And there were tears. So many tears. Its easy to forget sometimes that Charlie started out as a much-loved baby boy born to ordinary, working-class parents from South-West London, who wanted only for their son to grow up like any other child.

To learn to ride a bike, to read and write, to go to school, to make friends  to fall in love one day and maybe enjoy his first pint with his dad.

But poor Charlie never even got to take his first steps.

Aged three months, he was found to have an incredibly rare genetic condition called mitochondrial depletion syndrome, which gradually starved his vital organs and muscles of energy.

So rare is his strain of the disease that he is believed to have been only the 16th sufferer in the world.

Nestled next to his monkey toys, a touching moment between father and son just before leaving Great Ormond Street

Rarer still were the chances of both his parents being carriers of the gene, and actually meeting, falling in love and choosing to have a baby together. Had they met anyone else, they probably still wouldnt know of the terrible assassin hiding in their DNA.

Charlie had been hospitalised at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) since last October, when he first fell gravely ill. His plight only came to public attention in March, when Chris Gard and Connie Yates challenged Great Ormond Streets wishes to withdraw his life support and allow him to die with dignity.

His parents wanted to take him to America to undergo experimental treatment they believed could save his life, if not cure him.

The stalemate threw into sharp focus how morally tangled and ultimately fragile are the rights of parents over the fate of their children when pitched against the might of the State.

In their first interview since Charlies death, the couple describe that David and Goliath struggle as truly terrifying.

I visualised Great Ormond Street as a big fish and Charlie, myself and Chris as tiny little fish, says Connie.

Connie Yates with her son on March 2017

It was terribly intimidating and stressful to find ourselves up against such a powerful hospital and one which, in many peoples eyes, can do no wrong. Its equally terrifying to realise just how easily the rights of parents can be snatched away.

What ensued was a bitter, months-long legal campaign: two High Court hearings, one Court of Appeal hearing, another at the Supreme Court and yet another at the European Court of Human Rights.

It all ended abruptly at the High Court in London two weeks ago, when evidence from recent MRI muscle scans of Charlies body were presented which stated, conclusively, he was beyond all help.

This was the moment that all hope, which had carried the parents through so many traumatic days and nights, was lost. Connie, 31, and Chris, 33, finally gave up the fight.

It was truly terrible, says Connie. Chris and I were crying, our legal team were crying, because we knew this was the end.

Chris says: We rushed back to the hospital and, when we saw Charlie in his bed, his little toy monkeys in his hands, our hearts broke. We sobbed at the hopelessness of it all.

But the fight wasnt over. A day later, with Chris remaining at Charlies bedside, Connie returned to the High Court in a bid to fulfil their final wish: that Charlie go home to die.

We simply wanted a few days of tranquillity with him, she says. After everything, we didnt think it would be too much to ask.

Sadly, it wasnt to be. After Great Ormond Street claimed intensive care equipment wouldnt fit through the door of the parents ground-floor flat, Chris and Connie reluctantly agreed to allow Charlie to die in a hospice.

With a transfer to the hospice booked for 7am on Friday, Connie and Chris had less than 24 hours to say goodbye to their son.

We pushed another bed against his bed and Chris and I lay either side of him, says Connie. We didnt want to sleep because we wanted to savour every moment with him.

We cuddled him and told him how much we loved him. We took photos of his hands, feet, fingers and toes. Every second with him was precious. We never wanted to forget how beautiful he was.

In the early hours of Friday morning and panic-stricken that Charlie had just hours to live, Connie emailed the judge.

I begged for more time  even a little. I cannot begin to describe the feelings you have as a mother knowing your child is about to die. I hoped for some compassion, but he emailed back saying it simply wasnt possible because GOSH didnt agree.

At 6.35am, hospice staff arrived to take Charlie away.

Leaving the intensive care unit where wed lived for nine-and-a-half months felt surreal, says Connie.

Connie & Chris seen taking Charlie for a walk in hospice park shortly before he died

The photos of Charlie, the days and nights wed spent there at his bedside, the rushing back to see him from the hearings. It held so many memories. On the one hand, I longed to leave the hospital: we didnt want Charlie to die there. And yet, a huge part of our lives was coming to an end in such a tragic way.

We longed to be in the ambulance with Charlie but, instead, flanked by security guards, we had to follow in a car.

We were so broken  too upset in our own individual world of grief  to protest or even speak to each other.

After a 45-minute drive, Charlie was transferred to a room at the hospice. The couple had five hours before he had to die.

Chris says: We took Charlie out for a walk in a pushchair in the hospice park. We had little plaster of Paris moulds taken of his feet and hands with ours.

Connie recalls: We dressed him in a Babygro with stars on it. He looked so beautiful and innocent. The hospice staff popped in. Those last five hours had flashed by. A woman said the moment we dreaded would happen in the next five minutes.

Chris and I were both crying. We laid on the bed with Charlie between us, each of us holding a hand. We were both telling him we were there, we loved him, how proud we were of him.

A staff member disconnected the ventilator so that the tube was still in Charlies nose, but it wasnt working.

Charlie opened his eyes and looked at us one last time and closed them before he passed away. We were warned it might take five or six minutes for him to die. But it took 12 minutes until his heart stopped beating.

Chris, who had laid his head on his sons chest so he could hear his very last heartbeats, adds: It was typical of our little fighter, our warrior, to keep fighting until the very end.

Charlie's parents, Connie and Chris, 33, fought a lengthy and emotional legal battle to take their severely ill baby son to the US for treatment

A nurse removed the tube and sticky tapes that had kept it in his nose.

I held him in my arms. It was amazing to see him without the ventilator. Through sobs, Chris and I marvelled at how beautiful our son was.

A member of staff asked if they would like to take Charlie home in a temperature assisted cuddle cot, which would allow them to have their son home with them for a few days. Before, Id always thought maybe taking your child home in such a cot would be rather odd.

But ultimately, it felt perfectly natural to leave the hospice with Charlie and take him with us.

The last time theyd seen their flat was in October last year when he became ill and Connie had rushed him to hospital. Once their son was transferred to GOSH, they never went home. Relatives picked up clothes and they stayed in special accommodation close to the hospital.

Charlie was still warm as we carried him through our front door, recalls Connie. The moment was very emotional.

We had got our last wish to bring him home, but Charlie was no longer alive.

While relatives had tidied up hastily abandoned coffee cups, everything else in their flat remained as it had been since last October.

Precious moment: A previously unseen picture of Charlie Gard shows the then healthy newborn sleeping next to his napping mother Connie Yates, 31, just hours after his birth on August 4 last year

The Congratulations On Your Baby Boy cards still lining the front room made us weep, says Chris. Everywhere we looked were remnants of those happy times with a newborn Charlie. His clothes, toys, bottles . . .

Although it was so upsetting, at least he was home  finally back where he belonged. It felt like he was ours again. For a few days, Charlie laid in a cot next to their bed with three monkeys  Chris, Connie and Charlie each have one  and his tiny bear, called Norbert.

Soon, it will be time for Charlie to make his final journey, says Connie, explaining that she and Chris are still finalising funeral arrangements for his burial.

In those precious days, he looked even more beautiful without the tapes on his face. He looked like a perfect, sleeping baby.

While the guns in this most epic of battles have finally been silenced, a deep unease remains in the quiet left behind.

Mercifully, few parents will ever experience what Connie and Chris did: to discover how ultimately flimsy the rights of parents are. To realise they are going to have to fight tooth and nail for what most of us take for granted.

Few people cannot have helped but wonder  witnessing the wan, tear-stained faces of the parents climbing the steps to the High Court every day to face the might of the cleverest legal and medical minds in the world  how facing up to that vulnerability actually feels.

Yet, despite the bitter outbursts in court, the volley of words and paperwork, both Connie and Chris say they are incredibly grateful to all the staff at Great Ormond Street for keeping their son alive and giving him such excellent intensive care.

Connie is adamant that, on a daily basis, there were no issues between them and staff, despite the ongoing court cases.

Mr Gard poignantly brought one of his sons two toy monkeys to each court appearance during their battle

Charlie was the most stable child in intensive care, she says. There was no evidence he was in pain or suffering, so he hardly needed to see a doctor. That was part of the problem  being told by doctors who rarely saw Charlie that he didnt respond when we knew he did respond to us.

But nursing staff were wonderful. There was no feeling of us and them. For example, nurses and a doctor at GOSH even volunteered to care for Charlie when we were trying to get some extra time with him before saying goodbye.

Many decisions with hospital chiefs simply went ahead without us being there. She points out that it was GOSH who took them to court, when they refused to agree to Charlies life support being withdrawn.

After telling us they would allow us to go to the States, we were sitting at Charlies bedside when we were served a court summons in a brown envelope. Anyone would be upset by that. It was so intimidating, standing up to such a big, powerful hospital. We now know hospitals retain lawyers in-house who are incredibly experienced in winning these sort of cases. They do it all the time.

The difference is usually it is behind closed doors, with life support literally being switched off the next day.

That said, our own legal team became emotionally involved. Often, we were all in tears at the cold way we were treated. They represented us for free because they strongly believed in our case.

We were incredibly fortunate. Had we had to fund all of this ourselves, it could have cost 1 million. What ordinary person has that sort of funds?

Nor do they regret going to the media, which prompted the GoFundMe online campaign and raised 1.3 million to send Charlie to the United States. We had already spent five months trying to mediate with GOSH. We only went public when we were served court papers. We were absolutely desperate, and the media was our only option.

We lost a lot of our privacy and have coped with the nastiest online abuse [the couple were accused of being attention-seekers and of prolonging the suffering of their son for glory] so that we could raise valuable issues  and not just for us.

Should we lose parental responsibility when we take our children into hospital? Should a hospital be allowed to prevent you seeking treatment or a second opinion elsewhere?

Surely these are issues which could affect any parent that we should be discussing. We, as parents, should not be criticised or ashamed for raising them.

Charlie, who is only the 16th person in the world to have his rare form of the genetic condition mitochondrial depletion syndrome, spent most of his short life in hospital

A particular low point was when GOSH put out a statement saying doctors had received death threats over the case. It went out the day after Chris and Connie had made the heart-wrenching, but not yet public, decision to let Charlie go.

They say they have never spoken badly of GOSH themselves; that their plight was hijacked by some to push their own agenda.

Of Michio Hirano, the American doctor who gave them hope, and whose ethics were questioned in court by Katie Gollop QC, representing the hospital, they still will not hear a bad word.

Connie and Chris point out that Hirano denied claims by Gosh that he had financial interest in some of the medication offered, which has been used on 18 people with another form of mitochondrial depletion syndrome.

They remain convinced he had their best interests at heart.

He is one of the best doctors in the world, says Connie. He had been trying to help us since December, and it is shocking how he was vilified by GOSH.

He was never invited to examine Charlie. Had he been, then he would have done  and we believe Charlie would now be in the U.S. having treatment. His views were backed by six other doctors who all specialise in mitochondrial depletion syndrome.

The couple are already looking to the future. They are setting up The Charlie Gard Foundation, which aims to help any parents who find themselves in a position where they have to switch off their childs life support.

The 1.3 million raised will go to the foundation, which is set to be registered as a charity. As to the future, the couple see it very much together. They havent ruled out having another baby.

Charlie Gard, who died on Friday after his parents heart-breaking battle to keep him alive, will be buried with his favourite cuddly toys

However, any child conceived naturally would have a one in four chance of suffering the same plight as Charlie.

We would need to have a type of IVF called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, known as PGD, where embryos are screened for the condition, explains Connie.

Charlie brought such joy and love into our lives that we cant possibly imagine not having a family in future. We both feel going through this together has made us closer.

First, though, they admit they need to recover from what has been a deeply stressful time.

Chris is likely to return to work as a postman and Connie, a carer, plans to put her energies into The Charlie Gard Foundation.

Sadly, the what ifs will haunt them for ever. We can only hope hospitals learn from our case. We believe Charlie was sent to us for a reason. And we will ensure that his death wasnt in vain.
British tourists faced fresh misery last night after staff at one of Europes busiest airports tried to exploit the EU passport chaos to win an industrial dispute.

There were delays of up to three hours in Barcelona as protesting border staff deliberately took up to ten minutes to process each passenger.

It led to huge queues for UK holidaymakers at passport control  following a week of disruption across Europe as the EU introduced new border checks.

The cynical plot by staff at Barcelona airport was exposed after one of those involved in the row over pay and conditions was caught boasting on tape by Spanish media.

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Mayhem: Holidaymakers queue to check in for their flights yesterday, as Barcelona staff stage a series of walkouts in a row over pay

New rules: New EU regulations for non-Schengen nationals - namely Brits and Irish - has led to back-ups at borders across Europe

Genoveva Sierra, of the workers committee at security firm Eulen  which runs the airports passport control  was recorded saying: If there are no queues everything is lost. If there are queues, everything is won  We call the shots.

Border staff also held hour-long strikes throughout the day which will be repeated tomorrow, next Friday and the following Sunday.

Jenny Drury, from Manchester, wrote on Twitter yesterday: Finally arrived back in England 8 hours later after hideous delays in Barcelona airport. Hannah Roome tweeted: Security mayhem at Barcelona airport. How can it get so bad!

And Twitter user @rainforestflour posted: Ryanair Hey! 22 people were not allowed on flight home from Barcelona airport yesterday afternoon. Plane left almost empty [by] security queue.

Wait: A man at passport control

It follows chaos at EU airports after more time-consuming border checks for travellers from outside the Schengen zone led to huge queues. EU countries have been criticised for failing to recruit extra border guards for the change.

The situation is expected to worsen this weekend, one of the busiest of the year, with around ten million people due to fly in and out of Europe. EasyJet and BA have texted customers returning from Europe warning them to turn up earlier than usual. Ryanair is advising passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure.

However, some Spanish passport control officers were accused of giving up as they waved through hundreds of passengers without checking their passports properly.

Travellers who had braced themselves for delays at Palma airport in Majorca and Malaga yesterday said they passed through border control alarmingly quickly.

Phil Jones, 34, of St Albans, Hertfordshire, flew into Palma yesterday. We handed our three passports over and he just looked at them, he said. He didnt even scan them. The EU rules had caused hour-long queues there during the week when guards took up to five minutes on each passenger.

The cynical plot by staff at Barcelona airport was exposed after one of those involved in the row over pay and conditions was caught boasting on tape by Spanish media

Mayhem: Staff at Barcelona airport are have gone on strike to purposely worsen the situation

Colin and Jacqui Picton, 60, flew to Palma from Manchester. It was absolutely chaotic when we arrived here last Sunday, Mr Picton, from St Helens, said. I dont know what security have been doing different today but we sped through.

Arrivals in Malaga were stunned when they were waved through by a solitary guard. A flight from Gatwick saw around 210 let through without handing over passports.

Ryanair stewardess Vanessa Berroti, 30, said: Because of the new rules they are supposed to check every persons passport but sometimes it can get very busy and they choose to just let people through.

Lynn Austin, 49, of Southend, said an officer did not check her photo, adding: I could have been anybody. Another tourist said passport staff gave up completely and stopped imposing checks when he flew into Malaga this week.

This image, taken by MailOnline reporter Darren Boyle, show the long wait for travellers at El Prat airport, where staff are locked in an industrial dispute with their employers

Shots fired: A note put up by striking staff at the space where bag trolleys would be found explains that they have been locked away as part of the dispute

Aage Duenhaupt of Airlines for Europe, which represents BA, Ryanair and Gatwick, said: We are still expecting huge queues if there are not more border control officers or authorities do not find another way to process passengers quickly.

Brussels officials accused the UK of inappropriately complaining. A European Commission spokesman said: You cant have a joint request to have more checks  to increase security and at the same time complain about longer waiting times.

It emerged Theresa May, as home secretary, pushed for systematic checks despite attempts by some EU countries to make them more targeted to avoid big delays.
Pounce: A quick-thinking pedestrian manages to hold on to his phone as brazen muggers on a scooter mount the pavement in north London

The law must be changed so police can chase violent moped gangs without fear of prosecution, police chiefs, MPs and victims said yesterday.

Increasing numbers of moped muggers are stalking the streets, snatching mobile phones and throwing acid at members of the public and emergency services.

But masked suspects often remove their helmets so that when they ride off at speed, police dont give chase in case theres an accident and they are blamed.

Police drivers are allowed to break the speed limit and run red lights while in pursuit, but they are not exempt from prosecution if someone is hurt as a result.

In recent months, attacks by moped thugs have become more daring and violent, and in some cases fatal, because the yobs have come to believe they are untouchable.

Snatch: Footage shows the moment riders armed with hammer grab a 60,000 watch from a businessman outside his north London home

But the Police Federation, politicians and victims have called for greater protection for officers so they are no longer afraid to risk their career to catch moped robbers.

The Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, wants to change the law, which does not exempt officers from prosecution for careless or dangerous driving in pursuits.

It is also calling for police chiefs to publicly back those who chase offenders and for investigations by the police watchdog into collisions during chases to be speedier.

National guidelines, which state police need permission from a senior officer for every pursuit and must consider all risks to suspects who remove their helmets, are forcing many police to let riders get away.

Muggers struck as I raced to 999 call Angry: Katherine McKenna A cycle paramedic was mugged by moped riders as she responded to an emergency call. Katherine McKenna, who works for London Ambulance Service, was on her way to treat an elderly man who had fallen down the stairs when three attackers pounced. The muggers  all wearing black helmets  mounted the pavement on two mopeds and snatched her mobile phone from her hand. I was really shocked. I could not believe that it happened and I was angry I couldnt respond to the patient who needed my help, said the 32-year-old. Miss McKenna was not hurt in the attack, which happened in central London on July 25, but she has treated several victims seriously injured by muggers. They are hurting people  they are putting other people in danger on the roads and pavements but they are also a danger to themselves, she added. Advertisement

Terror: Gang threatens shoppers with hammers in Londons West End in May

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: Recently they have all started taking their helmets off as theyve cottoned on to the fact we are not going to bother with them.

Colleagues are saying it is not worth my career to pursue and they know they wont get any backing if they crash.

Police leaders should be supporting officers that pursue mopeds, even when they drive recklessly. We need to tackle this. We want to see clear guidelines saying no action will be taken against an officer who pursues someone who is not wearing a crash helmet.

If we do not tackle this modern-day highway robbery, this is going to spread beyond a pandemic in London to the rest of the country.

Hold-up: Porsche driver is robbed at knifepoint in London last month

Acid attackers hit me at traffic lights Burns: Jabed Hussain Food delivery driver Jabed Hussain was heading home last month when he was the victim of an acid attack. He was waiting at traffic lights in Hackney, east London, when two youths drew up beside him on a moped and flicked a corrosive liquid at his face. Luckily the visor on his crash helmet was pulled down so he was saved from more serious injury. But the liquid was so strong it burned through parts of it. Immediately after the assault, police took bottles of water from a nearby Co-op and doused him. He still suffered burns to his face and lips and needed treatment at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. I cannot believe what those two young men did to me, said Mr Hussain, 32. I am just a working man and their actions terrified me. He says parts of north and east London are no-go zones with drivers refusing to deliver orders after 8pm because they are scared. Advertisement

In December 2014, Henry Hicks, an 18-year-old carpenter from Islington, north London, died when his moped crashed while police chased it. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) decided four officers should face gross misconduct charges because they had conducted a pursuit without authorisation from a senior officer.

It also said they failed to consider the risks to Henry of the pursuit or make any consideration as to whether he may have been a juvenile. After the case, Scotland Yard issued a reminder to officers about the hazards of pursuits. Fresh guidance was issued to all forces in June this year, reminding police drivers to stay within the law.

Failed: Would-be thieves flee after being thwarted by bystanders

Crimes involving mopeds have exploded in London, and threaten to spread to other cities. In the 12 months to June, the Metropolitan Police recorded 16,158 thefts by people using mopeds  more than three times as many as the 5,145 reported between July 2015 and June 2016.

Thefts of scooters and mopeds by gangs to carry out street muggings have also doubled in the capital since 2013.

Research by Catch 22, a charity that works with former gang members, suggests moped muggers can make 300 in a minutes from snatching a phone. Some yobs carry out ten muggings an hour. Police in Merseyside and Greater Manchester have also set up teams to fight illegal and anti-social use of off-road bikes.

Yesterday, Labour policing spokesman Louise Haigh said: We need confidence that the police will enforce the law.

The police need to have confidence that the law itself allows them to do so.

Tory MP Chris Philp said police should be assured that they will only be prosecuted in extreme circumstances.

He added: It is ridiculous the police dont pursue criminals on mopeds. As soon as word gets around, it encourages that behaviour. They should recommence pursuit immediately, whether or not they are wearing a helmet.

Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron added: Police officers are in an impossible position.

They mounted kerb to grab my phone Shock: Katharina Frosig Katharina Frosig had her phone stolen by moped muggers who robbed a second woman moments later. The 28-year-old, a creative solutions manager for a media company, was on her way home when the thieves mounted the pavement on their bike. Miss Frosig, who was holding her iPhone in her hand as she chatted to her mother using headphones, said she was so busy talking she wasnt paying attention to anything around me. She said: My first reaction was pure shock, but I could see there was a girl in front of me. I started screaming and shouting, Stop! and running after them. The attack took place outside a school in the street where Miss Frosig lives in Islington, north London. She received an email from police the next day saying they had found her phone after tracking another handset in the robbers haul. Speaking about the attack in August last year, she added: Now my phones in my bag at all times. Advertisement

This week, a moped gang armed with hammers, knives and a gun were jailed for stealing phones and tablets worth 1million in 17 smash-and-grab raids.

In other cases, a paramedic had her phone snatched by moped thieves while on an emergency, and an MP was attacked with a brick after challenging two thugs on motorcycles for their anti-social behaviour.

Last month, five people were sprayed with acid, including a food delivery rider, Jabed Hussain, whose scooter was stolen.

Mr Hussain, who is president of the Workers Union London group, representing some 2,500 Deliveroo, Uber and UberEats drivers, said: I would back any campaign that would see the police chase after these people  whether they are wearing a helmet or not.

The National Police Chiefs Council said: As far as pursuits are concerned, drivers are highly likely to fall outside the law as it is currently drafted.
Kremlin-linked lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya is continuing her media tour, telling a Russian program her Trump Tower meeting had 'nothing to do' with Hillary Clinton or the election.

The meeting's disclosure set off a political bombshell last month, after Donald Trump Jr. acknowledged it occurred and the names of other participants came out. Emails released by Trump Jr. revealed it got set up under the premise of getting dirt on Clinton.

But the meeting had nothing to do with [Trumps] rivals or the presidential election, Vesilnitksaya told Rossia-24 channels Vesti news program. That never happened. Thats not true.

It was a private meeting, Veselnitskaya said. I asked for help. Help to spread a story that I had come across in my professional capacity, the Moscow Times reported.

Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya attended the 2016 meeting in Trump Tower which also included Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort

She said she sought the meeting on behalf of her client, Denis Katsyv, who has been accused of money laundering and who is the owner of Prevezon holdings. She has been identified as the prime operator behind an effort to roll back the 2012 Magnitsky Act, which imposed sanctions on Russians following the death of a whistleblower who helped uncover an alleged fraud.

The U.S. government settled a fraud case with Katsyv in May where he agreed to pay out $6 million, following accusations a group laundered funds from a $230 million fraud.

Donald Trump Jr. set up the meeting after being contacted via email by music publicist Robert Goldstone, who promised dirt on Clinton and mentioned Russian government support for Donald Trump.

Trump Jr. immediately agreed to the meeting and subsequently invited Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort to join him.

When the outlines of the meeting first came to light, Trump Jr. initially stated that it was mainly about Russia's prohibition on Americans adopting children from there, a ban that came about in response to U.S. sanctions.

Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating so-far unsubstantiated charges that Donald Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia to tilt the 2016 election, has empaneled a grand jury to hear testimony and examine evidence

President Trump 'weighed in' on that statement while it as being written, the White House later confirmed.

Trump Jr. ultimately released the email chain revealing the Clinton connection.

Veselnitskaya characterized the meeting as an effort to get back at Hermitage Capital head William Browder, who helped uncover the alleged fraud, and who testified in Congress last month about Veselnitskaya and her Kremlin connections.

The request to Trump Jr. 'was a completely normal request to everyone who could provide any kind of support in U.S. Congress, so that the Congressmen would know what really happened in our country with Browder,' she said.

Lawyer Natalya Veselnitskaya during the interview on November 8, 2016 in Moscow, Russia

Denis Katsyv, pictured, the businessman son of a senior Moscow official, spearheaded the lobbying campaign against the U.S. 'Magnitsky Act' that has hurt his financial interests. At the time he was charged with $230million in money-laundering offenses. But days before the case was due to come to trial in New York in May of this year, it was settled for just $6million

Donald Trump, Jr., son of US President Donald Trump, attends the 139th White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, April 17, 2017

Browder told the Senate Judiciary Committee Veselnitskaya and other Russians were essentially representing Russian President Vladimir Putin and trying to cultivate the Trump campaign.

The Russian government and Vladimir Putin were in effect coming to this meeting, Browder said, the Washington Times reported.

On Thursday it was revealed that the Justice Department's special counsel Robert Mueller has empaneled a grand jury in the nation's capital to hear evidence that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. elections, and to investigate whether President Donald Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow to tilt the White House race in his direction.
Police in California discovered more than 1,000 animals lodged inside a rented industrial building as they were making an arrest Friday.

Officers arrived to the scene in Montclair, near Los Angeles, where they performed a search warrant for a separate matter involving the tenant.

Staff members of the Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA were along for the search to help watch over the man's dogs.

When the troop entered the building, they were horrified by what they saw.

Workers of other businesses in the industrial complex try to get a closer look at as Inland Valley Humane Society workers remove animals some alive and dead, from a warehouse

Inland Valley Humane Society workers remove animals some alive and dead, from a warehouse

This photo shows one of the dead birds still in a cage inside the 'deplorable' building

The building was 'crammed with more than 1,000 snakes, parrots, chickens and other animals  many of them dead' and the building reportedly reeked of ammonia, according to humane society operations manager, James Edward.

Edward said the building was an unlivable environment for both humans and animals.

'Unfortunately there were numerous deceased chickens and snakes,' Edward said, while adding that trash was thrown around and the animals were left with no food or water to survive on.

The notice to vacate is posted on the front door of Unit G-11 and G-12

Inland Valley Humane Society worker J. Hernandez carries a bag of trash from Unit G-11 and 12 as workers removed the animals

The man, who has not yet been identified by police, was given a notice on the front door to vacate the property at the request of the Inland Valley Humane Society workers.

Edward said the reasoning behind the animals being held hostage in the disastrous conditions is unknown.

Further investigation is currently underway.
Here are a series of texts between Michelle Carter and Conrad Roy that were shown to the court. They appear here chronologically:

June 19, 2014:

Carter: 'But the mental hospital would help you. I know you don't think it would but I'm telling you, if you give them a chance, they can save your life'

Carter: 'Part of me wants you to try something and fail just so you can go get help'

Roy: 'It doesn't help. Trust me'

Carter: 'So what are you gonna do then? Keep being all talk and no action and everyday go thru saying how badly you wanna kill yourself? Or are you gonna try to get better?'

Roy: 'I can't get better I already made my decision.'

June 23, 2014:

Carter: 'How do you want to harm yourself'

Roy: 'Something idkk yet'

Carter: 'Please don't'

Roy: 'I hate myself I'll always hate myself, I'm never gonna view myself as good I'm so far behind'

Carter: 'What is harming yourself gonna do!? Nothing! It will make it worse!'

Roy: 'Make the pain go away like you said'

Carter: 'It will make the pain go away temporarily, but when you're done, you'll just regret it and feel even worse!'

July 7, 2014:

Roy: 'If you were in my position. honestly what would you do'

Carter: 'I would get help. That's just me tho. When I have a serious problem like that my first instinct is to get help because I know I can't do it on my own'

Later that day, they talk about how he could make carbon monoxide (CO) in order to suffocate to death

Carter: 'Well there's more ways to make CO. Google ways to make it. . . '

Roy: 'Omg'

Carter: 'What'

Roy: 'portable generator that's it'

July 8, 2014:

Carter: 'So are you sure you don't wanna [kill yourself] tonight?'

Roy: 'What do you mean am I sure?'

Carter: 'Like, are you definitely not doing it tonight?'

Roy: 'Idk yet I'll let you know'

Carter: 'Because I'll stay up with you if you wanna do it tonight'

Roy: 'Another day wouldn't hurt'

Carter: 'You can't keep pushing it off, tho, that's all you keep doing'

July 11, 2014:

After Roy suggests putting a generator in the truck to make CO rather than a water pump:

Carter: '...Well in my opinion, I think u should do the generator because I don't know much about the pump and with a generator u can't fail'

July 4-12, 2014:

The following was sent over a nine-day span. The *** symbols show a gap in communications between the two.

Carter: 'You're gonna have to prove me wrong because I just don't think you really want this. You just keeps pushing it off to another night and say you'll do it but you never do'

***

Carter: 'SEE THAT'S WHAT I MEAN. YOU KEEP PUSHING IT OFF! You just said you were gonna do it tonight and now you're saying eventually...'

***

Carter: 'But I bet you're gonna be like 'oh, it didn't work because I didn't tape the tube right or something like that' . . . I bet you're gonna say an excuse like that'

***

Carter: 'Do you have the generator?'

Roy: 'not yet lol'

Carter: 'WELL WHEN ARE YOU GETTING IT'

***

Carter: 'You better not be bulls***ing me and saying you're gonna do this and then purposely get caught'

July 11-12, 2014:

Again, *** shows a gap in communications

Roy: 'I'm just to sensitive. I want my family to know there was nothing they could do. I am entrapped in my own thoughts'

Roy: 'like no I would be happy if they had no guilt about it. because I have a bad feeling tht this is going to create a lot of depression between my parents/sisters'

Roy: 'i'm overthinking everything. . f**k. I gotta stop and just do it'

Carter: 'I think your parents know you're in a really bad place. Im not saying they want you to do it, but I honestly feel like they can accept it. They know there's nothing they can do, they've tried helping, everyone's tried. But there's a point that comes where there isn't anything anyone can do to save you, not even yourself, and you've hit that point and I think your parents know you've hit that point. You said you're mom saw a suicide thing on your computer and she didn't say anything. I think she knows it's on your mind and she's prepared for it'

Carter: 'Everyone will be sad for a while, but they will get over it and move on. They won't be in depression I won't let that happen. They know how sad you are and they know that you're doing this to be happy, and I think they will understand and accept it. They'll always carry u in their hearts'

***

Roy: 'i don't want anyone hurt in the process though'

Roy: 'I meant when they open the door, all the carbon monoxide is gonna come out they can't see it or smell it. whoever opens the door'

Carter: 'They will see the generator and know that you died of CO. . . .'

***

Roy: 'hey can you do me a favor'

Carter: 'Yes of course'

Roy: 'just be there for my family :)'

Carter: 'Conrad, of course I will be there for your family. I will help them as much as I can to get thru this, ill tell them about how amazing their son/brother truly was'

***

Roy: 'Idk I'm freaking out again'

Roy: I'm overthinking'

Carter: 'I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and you're ready, you just need to do it! You can't keep living this way. You just need to do it like you did last time and not think about it and just do it babe. You can't keep doing this every day'

Roy: 'I do want to. but like I'm freaking for my family. I guess'

Roy: 'idkkk'

Carter: 'Conrad. I told you I'll take care of them. Everyone will take care of them to make sure they won't be alone and people will help them get thru it. We talked about this, they will be okay and accept it. People who commit suicide don't think this much and they just do it'

July 12, 2014:

In these exchanges on the day before his body was found, Roy expresses more hesitation about his plan.

Carter: 'So I guess you aren't gonna do it then, all that for nothing'

Carter: 'I'm just confused like you were so ready and determined'

Roy: 'I am gonna eventually'

Roy: 'I really don't know what I'm waiting for. . but I have everything lined up'

Carter: 'No, you're not, Conrad. Last night was it. You keep pushing it off and you say you'll do it but u never do. Its always gonna be that way if u don't take action'

Carter: 'You're just making it harder on yourself by pushing it off, you just have to do it'

Carter: 'Do u wanna do it now?'

Roy: 'Is it too late?'

Roy: 'Idkk it's already light outside'

Roy: I'm gonna go back to sleep, love you I'll text you tomorrow'

Carter: 'No? Its probably the best time now because everyone's sleeping. Just go somewhere in your truck. And no one's really out right now because it's an awkward time'

Carter: 'If u don't do it now you're never gonna do it'

Carter: 'And u can say you'll do it tomorrow but you probably won't'

***

Carter: 'You just need to do it Conrad or I'm gonna get you help'

Carter: 'You can't keep doing this everyday'

Roy: 'Okay I'm gonna do it today'

Carter: 'Do you promise'

Roy: 'I promise babe'

Roy: 'I have to now'

Carter: 'Like right now?'

Roy: 'where do I go? :('

Carter: 'And u can't break a promise. And just go in a quiet parking lot or something.'
The Senate's most cantankerous Republican is planning to return to Washington following treatment for brain cancer. And then he wants to remake America's immigration system from the ground up.

Sen. John McCain of Arizona has already spoken with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, about collaborating on an legislative package.

The two senators were part of a 'Gang of Eight' who tried to pass what the Obama administration called 'comprehensive' immigration reform in 2013, only to see their attempt fizzle.

'Immigration reform is one of the issues I'd like to see resolved,' McCain told The Arizona Republic. 'I've got to talk to him [Schumer] about when would be the best time. I think there are all kinds of deals to be made out there. I really do.'

Conservatives in the House of Representatives refused to advance the Gang of Eight's plan largely because the senators aimed to establish a path to citizenship or other legal status for illegal immigrants.

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Sen. John McCain told The Arizona Republic in an interview published Friday that he plans to come back to Washington following brain cancer treatment so he can remake America's immigration laws

McCain (right) and Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (left) are two of the 'Gang of eight' who tried to pass comprehensive immigration reform in 2013 but failed because House Republicans refused to support a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants

That idea, long rumored to be on McCain's pre-retirement bucket list, is not likely to pass muster under a Trump administration.

But the president's ambitious plan to erect an impenetrable barrier between the U.S. and Mexico, McCain believes, could be the bargaining chip he needs since Congress must agree to fund the wall's construction.

Trump believes the wall is needed to stem the flow of drugs and people into the U.S. from the south.

McCain told the Republic's editorial board that the Gang of Eight bill could be reintroduced with a few additions.

'Basically it's what we passed last time, brought up to date with the new challenges, like opioids,' the 80-year-old Arizonan said.

McCain said President Trump's new focus on offering visas to high-tech workers instead of low-end laborers is dicey because there are many jobs Americans don't want to do

'It's still there. We got 68 votes, I think, the last time. I don't think that's going to be any different next time.'

The House, however, could stymie the effort again. But appropriators could also hold Trump's wall hostage to a grander bargain.

McCain said he doesn't yet know if anyone could persuade Trump to sign a bill that includes both a focus on border security and a pathway to legalizing illegal immigrants.

But if veto-proof majorities could be organized in both chambers of Congress, he mused, the president wouldn't hasve a choice. That happened last week with a bill slapping new sanctions on Russia.

'If we could pass it through the House and Senate the way we passed it through the Senate last time,' McCain said, 'it's like this Russia bill. It doesn't matter

'Do you think he signed it because he liked it?'

McCain said he's not against the idea of a border wall, but resists the idea of funding miles of new wall where natural barriers already exist.

He also suggested that any deal with the White House would have to focus on modern technological means of securing the border  not just a massive physical structure.

'I'm not against a border wall, OK, but go to China and you'll see a border wall there,' McCain said.

'We need technology, we need drones, we need surveillance capabilities and we need rapid-reaction capabilities. ... But to think that a wall is going to stop illegal immigration or drugs is crazy.'

Trump this week backed a proposal in the Senate aimed at changing the way visas are awarded to foreigners  shifting from lotteries and country-specific quotas to a merit review for each applicant.

That new system would shift the focus from manual laborers and other low-skilled workers to people who bring high-tech and other skills America needs more of.

McCain said he worries that immigrant lettuce-pickers are occupying space in the labor market that Americans don't want to fill.

'I think you have to consider that we do want high-tech people, but we also need low-skilled people who will do work that Americans won't do,' McCain said.

'I wouldn't do it. Even in my misspent youth, I wouldn't do it.'

The aging senator told the Republic that he's hopeful chemotherapy for his brain cancer will go well and he'll be back in the Senate soon.

'We'll know in a few weeks,' he said.

'I hate the use the word "beat it," because it's not a matter of beating. You either get cured or you don't get cured.'
One town in Indiana was apparently left in a pretty smelly situation after thousands of gallons of human waste spilled into a creek.

A bridge collapsed underneath a septic tank truck causing 3,000 gallons of waste to spill into a Holly Creek in Indianapolis, RTV6 reported.

The accident happened on Thursday around noon near Westfield Boulevard and 80th Street on the city's north side.

A bridge collapsed underneath a septic tank truck causing 3,000 gallons of waste to spill into a Holly Creek in Indianapolis (above)

The accident happened on Thursday around noon near Westfield Boulevard and 80th Street on the city's north side.

The septic company had just emptied a private tank at a residence nearby as part of a Citizens Energy Group septic tank elimination project in the area. As the tanker fell through the bridge, the valve on the back of the truck broke allowing the sewage to gush out and into the creek

The septic company had just emptied a private tank at a residence nearby as part of a Citizens Energy Group septic tank elimination project in the area.

As the tanker fell through the bridge, the valve on the back of the truck broke allowing the sewage to gush out and into the creek.

'Holly Creek eventually flows into White River about a quarter mile south of that spill site,' Adam Rickert with the Marion County Health Department told Fox59.

Indianapolis Fire Department Battalion Chief Rita Reith said the Indiana Board of Health was called in to investigate the crash and oversee the cleanup

Citizens spokesman Dan Considine said that there is no fish kill and no smell from the spill, but the water in the creek did appear somewhat black, according to the Indy Star.

Indianapolis Fire Department Battalion Chief Rita Reith said the Indiana Board of Health was called in to investigate the crash and oversee the cleanup, RTV6 reported.

Authorities advised anyone living in the area to stay out of the creek until it has been cleared and tests are safe.
Joel Dauncey (Pictured), 34, was placed under arrest after a teenaged minor accused him of biting her breast

A drunk Canadian man was arrested after a 14-year-old girl accused him of biting her on the breast during a Green Day concert in Oregon.

Portland authorities said that 34-year-old Joel Dauncey was in custody after the teenager complained to police that she was inappropriately touched by the suspect, The Oregonian reported.

According to an affidavit, the victim said she was dancing with her mother who was standing on her left side during the concert and Dauncey to the right.

The young girl, court records show, then 'turned to her mother and said, "he bit me on my boob.'"

Dauncey had traveled that day from Vancouver, Canada for the Green Day concert held at the Moda Center and Rose Quarter in downtown Portland.

A staff member working at the arena also reported seeing Dauncey 'lean and bite' the child on the breast.

Staff members were monitoring Dauncey after he was cut off from drinking alcohol due to his previous behavior.

Dauncey at first acknowledged why he was being arrested following the complaint, but later changed his account and 'denied doing such a thing,' a court affidavit said.

Dauncey was arraigned on allegations of third-degree sexual abuse and harassment during court proceedings on Thursday.

The incident occurred at the Moda Center and Rose Quarter in Portland, Oregon on Wednesday during a Green Day concert

Dauncey is being held on a $5,000 bond and remains at the Multnomah County Detention Center.

The court ordered Dauncey to stay away from the the 14-year-old girl and said it will reconvene proceedings later this month.

Third-degree sexual abuse is punishable by up to one year in prison and up to $6,250 in fines.

Management for The Moda Center and Rose Quarter facility said in a statement following the incident: 'The safety of all Rose Quarter guests is our highest priority.'

'Every effort is made to monitor the behavior of our guests in and around our venues.'

'In this instance,' the statement continues, 'the behavior of a guest escalated to the level of involving law enforcement.'

'This matter is now in the hands of those authorities,' the statement added.
A British hacker hailed as a hero for helping shut down a global cyber attack has admitted in a police interview that he created the code of a malware that harvests bank details, a prosecutor said in a Las Vegas court.

Marcus Hutchins, 23, was arrested by the FBI in a first class airport lounge and now faces a maximum of 40 years in jail if convicted.

Hutchins, from Ilfracombe, Devon, plans to plead not guilty to all six counts of creating and distributing the Kronos malware, his lawyer said after his hearing in Las Vegas on Friday.

The 23-year-old, who found a 'kill-switch' that derailed the attack that crippled the NHS in May, was granted bail under strict conditions that he pay 30,000 dollars (23,000) and remain in the US.

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Marcus Hutchins, 23, had been partying at a hackers' convention in Las Vegas when he was arrested by the FBI

During his time in the US Mr Hutchins Tweeted that he rented this bright orange Lamborghini worth 200,000

He had also been 'partying' before his arrest and staying at a 1,950-a-night mansion rented with seven friends with Vegas' largest private pool

Hutchins is charged with six counts of making a 'Trojan' program that captures computer users' passwords and personal information and was sold online for 1,500 - but many believe federal officers have the wrong man.

A Las Vegas federal judge has set bail of $30,000 for 23-year-old Hutchins.

The judge said Marcus is not a danger to the community and has sufficient community support to not be a flight risk.

Hutchins was arrested Wednesday while returning home from the Def Con convention for computer security professionals. A grand jury indictment charged Hutchins him with creating and distributing malware known as the Kronos banking Trojan.

The indictment was filed in Wisconsin federal court last month.

Yesterday, his mother Janet Hutchins said it was 'hugely unlikely' that her son was involved because he has spent 'enormous amounts of time' combating such attacks.

Jake Williams, a respected US cybersecurity researcher, said they have worked on various projects, including training material, and the Briton always refused payment.

He said: 'He's a stand-up guy. I can't reconcile the charges with what I know about him. I don't doubt that some of his code found it's way into malware. He might have even helped criminals posing as researchers.'

Friend Andrew Mabbitt, a British digital security specialist who had been staying in a 5million rented Las Vegas mansion with Hutchins, said: 'I refuse to believe the charges. He spent his career stopping malware, not writing it.'

The 23-year-old filmed himself swimming in the largest private pool in Vegas and also decided to fire machine guns at a Nevada range

Court documents accuse him of being responsible for creating the Kronos banking Trojan - but this tweet from the time shows he asks for a sample, with his friends questioning why he would do that when he was supposed to have created it

Hutchins was held after a week partying at a hacking conference in Vegas where he took over a 5million mansion with the city's biggest private pool and rented a 200,000 Lamborghini Huracan to race around in.

The so-called malware, called Kronos, has reportedly been used to steal money from bank accounts in France and Hutchins is accused of writing the virus, known as malware, in 2014.

Britain's IT hero arrested for hacking in the US could face 40 years in American jail Marcus Hutchins now faces months battling the American courts and could be jailed for 40 years if found guilty of taking part in a hacking conspiracy to steal bank details. The Devon-born computer expert, who lives with his mum and dad, was held as he tried to leave the US on a first class Virgin Atlantic flight two days ago. Federal agents took him into custody and he appeared in the Las Vegas court on Thursday but the hearing was adjourned to be continued today. An indictment was issued by a grand jury impanelled by the US Attorney in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Gregory Haanstad. The federal prosecutor in Nevada is likely to ask federal judge Nancy Koppe to have Hutchins extradited to Milwaukee to be arraigned. He faces six hacking charges that each carry a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence meaning he could face decades in a US jail if convicted. Mr Hutchins is likely to have to pay a huge bail to be released and will not be able to leave America. His friends and supporters say that he has been set up. They have found tweets where he asks for samples of the malware he is accused of creating. Some have said that the way he killed off the WannaCry 'ransomware' that swept across the globe embarrassed America's own security services. NSA security researchers initially developed the tool to hack into the computers of suspected terrorists and spies, but it was taken on by criminals who then used it to take over computers and extort cash from victims if they wanted control back. Advertisement

Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com show that a second defendant, not yet named by the FBI, is accused of selling it on dark web marketplace AlphaBay, which was shut down by the US government last month, and creating a YouTube video showing how it worked.

The six charges Mr Hutchins faces relate to an alleged conspiracy between July 2014 and July 2015.

It is not known why his co-defendant's name has been redacted in court documents - it could be because he has not been arrested or is helping the FBI with their investigation.

Federal officers were able to see he entered the country by matching his name and date of birth with flight rosters and were waiting for him as arrived to fly home from Nevada.

Marcus' supporters including his mother say Mr Hutchins, who is known online by the name MalwareTech, is innocent and claim a tweet from July 2014 proves he could not have written the software.

Janety Hutchins added that she is 'outraged' by the charges and has been 'frantically calling America' trying to contact her son from Devon.

Some are using the hashtag #freemalwaretech and say he was arrested in America to avoid extradition proceedings in the UK.

His work to end the WannaCry 'ransomware' crisis embarrassed America's own security services because they created it first but lost control and it was used by criminals to extort cash, friends say.

Andrew Mabbitt, a British digital security specialist who had been staying in Las Vegas with Hutchins, said he and his friends grew worried when they got 'radio silence' from Hutchins for hours.

The worries deepened when Hutchins' mother called to tell him the young researcher hadn't made his flight home.

Mabbitt said he eventually found Hutchins' name on a detention center website. News of his indictment Thursday left colleagues scrambling to understand what happened.

He also says that they were staying together in the 5million mansion and Hutchins' did not have to pay.

'We don't know the evidence the FBI has against him, however we do have some circumstantial evidence that he was involved in that community at the time,' said computer security expert Rob Graham.

Before his arrest Mr Hutchins had been in Las Vegas for Def Con, one of the largest hacking conventions in the world.

He had been 'partying' before his arrest and staying at a 1,950-a-night mansion worth 5million having rented it with seven friends.

Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com show that an indictment was issued on July 12 - weeks before his arrest - and claims that he was involved in a conspiracy that saw Kronos Malware he allegedly created then sold for up to $3,000 a pop. The final documents shows he is due back in court today at 3pm Las Vegas time

The Airbnb five minutes from 'The Strip' has the largest private pool in all of Las Vegas and Mr Hutchins used his iPhone 7 to film himself swimming around it.

According to the website 'it is the epitome of modern luxury real estate, offering all the amenities of a five-star luxury hotel with the privacy and security of a private estate.'

On the drive was Marcus rented bright orange Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 Spyder, which cost at 200,000 to buy.

He posted a picture of the car online and wrote: 'Is there any tracks or anything in Vegas where we can drive this car properly without being arrested?'

According to The Outline he wasn't even planning to attend the the DEF CON hacking conference and instead partied at a nightclub where his wallet was stolen.

Other delegates asked him to pose for pictures calling him the 'WannaCrySlayer' and he also tweeted about getting drunk and eating lobster.

Describing one event he said: 'They pick you up in a bus and take you to an undisclosed location with activities and loads of free food trucks'.

And in another message about visiting the Grand Canyon he said: 'Apparently I can get a 5 person helicopter tour for $1600 and we get to land at the bottom of the canyon'.

The 23-year-old also went to a shooting range and fired a range of weapons including a number of machine guns, which he filmed.

Marcus stayed on in Vegas for a few days after the conference but was then stopped by the FBI in Virgin's Upper Class lounger as he was about to board a flight back to the UK on Wednesday when he was arrested.

The IT star was grabbed by the FBI in a first class airport lounge and stopped from flying back to the UK where he lives with his parents in Devon (pictured)

Marcus' trip was played out on Twitter where he lived and partied like a star before his arrest

This police inmate information screen shows that Mr Hutchins was arrested at 4.42pm on August 2 and is in custody

Hutchins discovered a 'kill-switch' for the virus after it paralysed thousands of NHS computers and claimed hundreds of thousands of victims around the world - including US courier service FedEx and German rail company Deutsche Bahn - in May.

What is the Kronos virus Marcus Hutchins is accused of creating in his bedroom? Marcus Hutchins is accused of creating the malware known as the Kronos banking Trojan, according to the federal court indictment. It infects web browsers, then captures usernames and passwords when an unsuspecting user visits a bank or other trusted location, enabling cybertheft. Kronos first appeared for sale on a Russian cybercrime forum in 2014 for a $7,000. For that money you get the software and a developer to help you update and improve it. The malware appears on a victim's desktop as a harmless programme while grabbing sensitive details including usernames, passwords and other details from banking websites. Advertisement

According to tech website Motherboard, which broke the news of the arrest, an eight-page federal complaint was filed against Mr Hutchins on July 12 in a US District Court in Wisconsin.

It accuses him of being responsible for creating the Kronos banking Trojan, which was then sold online by an unnamed co-defendant.

The software is a malicious program that infects a computer if the user inadvertently clicks on an email attachment.

It then sits on the computer to monitor for banking passwords and personal information, which it sends to the hackers.

Mr Hutchins' mother Janet said she was trying to find out what had happened to her son. She said: 'I think I'm going to be rather busy tonight.'

Her son's supporters said on social media that his activities could have been 'white hat' hacking in which hackers expose security flaws for good ends.

Mr Hutchins' friend Andrew Mabbit said he was 'in the Las Vegas FBI field office' and appealed for lawyers to help him.

He said on Twitter that he refused to believe the charges. 'He spent his career stopping malware, not writing it,' said Mr Mabbit.

Hutchins was being held at the Henderson Detention Center after being arrested at Las Vagas's McCarran International Airport but has since been moved to another facility, a friend told Motherboard.

The friend, who also works in the cyber security industry, was attending the Def Con event in the Nevada city with Hutchins.

He said: 'He checked into his flight and I think he was sitting in the Virgin upper class lounge.

'He was escorted out of the airport and never made his flight.'

The mansion he rented with friends is described as 'the epitome of modern luxury real estate'

The computer expert rented one of the most luxurious properties in Vegas, which has ten bedrooms like this

The giant pool is in an acre of land the owner says is a 'south-of-France meets-Las Vegas getaway'

Pictured: An example of a phishing email (with an attachment containing malware) used to transmit the Kronos banking Trojan

The cyber community expressed their concern over his arrest with Naomi Colvin, from civil liberties campaign group Courage, praising him for his earlier work.

Pictured: Hacker hero Marcus Hutchins

She said: 'In May this year, WannaCry malware closed hospitals in the UK, becoming the first ransomware attack to represent an actual threat to life.

'In halting the spread of WannaCry before the US woke up, MalwareTech did the world an enormous service - and to American businesses in particular.'

Ms Colvin said he had been detained for 24 hours before information was released about his arrest and said he has still not been allowed to contact his family or lawyers.

'The US treats hackers far worse than other countries do, with much longer prison sentences, a dearth of vital health care and rampant solitary confinement,' she said.

The anonymous friend added: 'We still don't know why Marcus has been arrested and now we have no idea where in the US he's been taken to and we're extremely concerned for his welfare.'

The National Crime Agency confirmed Hutchins had been detained but said 'it is a matter for the authorities in the US'.

The Foreign Office said it is supporting Hutchins' family and is in contact with authorities in Las Vegas.

Marcus Hutchins prevented more than 100,000 computers across the globe from being infected with the WannaCry virus (pictured) in May

Mr Hutchins was praised in May for stopping the WannaCry attack on the NHS. At its peak the virus attacked 47 health trusts, which were forced to delay operations and turn away patients.

It spread worldwide, affecting 300,000 computers in 150 countries. It froze screens, which the hackers then demanded up to 460 for users to get their unlocked data back.

Banks, government offices and power stations were also brought to their knees in what was described as the largest ransomware attack in history.

Mr Hutchins was arrested on the same day as more than 105,000 in digital currency Bitcoin paid by the victims of WannaCry was removed from the hackers' online wallets.

It is not clear if there was any relationship between the withdrawal and Mr Hutchins' arrest.

Hutchins, who works for Los Angeles-based firm Kryptos Logic, spent the weekend in May fighting off the ransomware attack - but stressed he is not a 'hero'.

After his intervention he began working with the government's National Cyber Security Centre to prevent a new strain of the malicious software emerging.

The security worker spent 8 registering the domain name the virus tried to connect with when it infected a new computer and pointed it at a 'sinkhole server' in Los Angeles.

It caused the malicious software to enact an 'emergency stop', immediately halting its spread - but at first the cyber expert feared he had actually made the virus epidemic worse.

He said: 'Essentially they relied on a domain not being registered and by registering it, we stopped their malware spreading.'

Speaking of the moment he stopped the virus, the anti-malware expert previously told MailOnline: 'It should have been really nice but someone had made a mistake and told me that our registering of the domain actually caused the infection.

'When I found out that it was actually the opposite it was more a relief.'
The largest space telescope ever built has passed more milestone tests ahead of its 2018 launch.

The James Webb Telescope, nicknamed 'Super Hubble', is the most advanced space observatory in the world and will allow astronomers to peer 13.5 billion years back in time.

It is designed to unravel some of the greatest mysteries of the universe, from discovering the first stars and galaxies that formed after the big bang to studying the atmospheres of planets around other stars.

Now, Nasa has completed its first end-to-end communication between the telescope and its mission operations centre.

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Nasa's James Webb Telescope has completed its first end-to-end communication between the telescope and its mission operations centre (artist's impression pictured)

THE JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE The James Webb telescope has been described as a 'time machine' that could help unravel the secrets of our universe. The telescope will be used to look back to the first galaxies born in the early universe more than 13.5 billion years ago, and observe the sources of stars, exoplanets, and even the moons and planets of our solar system. The telescope is be 100 times more potent than its predecessor, Hubble, and three times larger. For this reason, it has been nicknamed 'Super Hubble'. When it is launched in 2018, it will be the world's biggest and most powerful telescope, capable of peering back 200 million years after the Big Bang. Advertisement

The team verified the telescope was recording and transmitting properly to the spacecraft bus, which is currently located at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in Redondo Beach, California.

These communications are required to support its launch and then operate it once it's in orbit.

The telescope is 100 times more potent than its predecessor, Hubble, and three times larger.

For this reason, it has been nicknamed 'Super Hubble'.

Alan Johns, operations manager for the Webb telescope at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Centre, said: 'This was the first time all the different parts worked together at the same time, and this was the first time it was tested against the actual spacecraft flight hardware.'

Scott Willoughby, Northrop Grumman vice president and program manager for the Webb telescope, added: 'This is a great milestone not only for the telescope but for the industry team, who worked seamlessly together from coast to coast to successfully complete the GSEG-1.

'This test puts us one step closer in preparing the Webb telescope for launch.'

Nasa describes the telescope as a 'powerful time machine with infrared vision that will peer back over 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies forming out of the darkness of the early universe.'

The ground segment test consisted of two partsthe Space Network (SN) portion and the Deep Space Network (DSN) portion.

Nasa describes the telescope as a 'powerful time machine with infrared vision that will peer back over 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies forming out of the darkness of the early universe'

The DSN comprises three ground stations, located about 120 longitudinal degrees apart from each other on Earth - one each in Canberra, Madrid, and Goldstone.

The placement of these guarantees the Webb telescope will be able to contact at least one station at all times, to remain in constant communication with Earth.

For this test, the telescope communicated with a specially designed trailer that mimics these ground stations, rather than the ground stations themselves.

The Deep Space Network comprises three ground stations located about 120 degrees apart on Earth. This photo shows an antenna at the DSN site in California which will keep track of the telescope when it launches at the end of 2018

The James Webb Space Telescope which has a vast golden mirror (pictured) is the largest space telescope ever constructed. When it is launched into space it will be able to peer back in time 13.5 billion years, teaching us more than ever before about the start of the universe

Another communications test will take place at the telescope's planned launch site in Kourou, French Guiana, about a month before launch in late 2018.

This test will demonstrate the expected connectivity with the telescope at first contact with it, which will occur approximately three-and-a-half minutes after launch.

At the end of March, the telescope was mounted on a system known as a shaker table, to simulate the vibration that will happen during launch on the Ariane V rocket.

In March the telescope completed critical acoustic and vibration tests in a major step toward readying the craft for spaceflight. These tests at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center simulated the shaking and 'ear-splitting noise' the telescope will experience during launch

WE COULD FIND ALIEN LIFE IN THE NEXT 10-20 YEARS There at least 200 billion Earth-like planets in our galaxy  and now Nasa officials claim we could be on the verge of finding life on one of them. During a talk in Washington earlier this year, the space agency announced that humanity is likely to encounter extra-terrestrials within a decade. 'I believe we are going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth in the next decade and definitive evidence in the next 10 to 20 years,' Ellen Stofan, chief scientist for Nasa, said. 'We know where to look, we know how to look, and in most cases we have the technology.' Jeffery Newmark, interim director of heliophysics at the agency, added: 'It's definitely not an if, it's a when.' 'We are not talking about little green men,' said Stofan. 'We are talking about little microbes.' The announcement has been prompted by the recent discovery of water by Nasa in surprising places. Jim Green, director of planetary science at Nasa, noted that a recent study of the Martian atmosphere found 50 per cent of the planet's northern hemisphere once had oceans a mile deep. Advertisement

In the test, it was subjected to vibrations ranging from 5 to 100 times per second.

Then, in the acoustic test, the researchers wrapped it in a clean tent and pushed it into the Acoustic Test Chamber, which is closed off by insulated steel doors that are nearly a foot thick.

Once in the chamber, it was exposed to ear-splitting noise and resulting vibration.

Eventually, it will be sent to Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in California for final assembly and testing prior to launch, which is set to take place from French Guiana in 2018.
Dictionary.com is under fire after updating its its free and premium apps to 'spy' on user's phones.

The new permissions authorize the apps to access your exact location, retrieve running apps, pair with wifi and Bluetooth devices as well as read your phone status and ID.

It appears the company first disguised the update as 'bug fixes' before eventually being truthful about the updates, which it is believed will help to company sell ads and data about users.

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The new permissions authorize the apps to access your exact location, retrieve running apps, pair with wifi and Bluetooth devices ad well as read your phone status and ID

DICTIONARY.COM IS SPYING ON YOUR PHONE The new permissions authorize the apps to: -access your exact location via GPS -retrieve running apps -pair with wifi and Bluetooth devices -Read your phone status and ID Advertisement

A Reddit user first spotted the issue, and now users are looking to delete the app.

In a discussion in the site's Android subreddit, users speculated why the apps would need to access things like location and bluetooth devices.

They assumed the company is collecting data to sell to advertisers, which was especially concerning to users of the premium version who don't believe they should have to forfeit privacy to use an app they paid for.

A Dictionary.com spokesperson noted this is indeed a part of the ad program, telling The Daily Mail: 'Knowing our users location allows us to enhance certain features, such as our mapping capability, which allows users to see popular lookups from others nearby, in addition to playing a role in improving the ad experience supporting our free apps.'

The company's full statement is below.

Many users are looking for alternative dictionary apps, saying having this one isn't worth giving so much access.

'I only use it for word of the day... Anyone have an alternative they prefer?' wrote one user looking to delete.

'I'd rather use a web site for stuff like this, or a search engine - I don't need offline support enough to use an app that requires way too many permissions,' wrote another.

In a quest to replace Dictionary.com, one user compared all the recommended apps and determined Meriam Webster to be the next best thing.

In a quest to replace Dictionary.com, one user compared all the recommended apps and determined Meriam Webster to be the next best thing

In May, Google banned an army of Android apps for spying.

They were using ultrasonic sounds to spy on users without their knowledge.

The ban was after researchers revealed that hundreds of Android applications are embedded with ultrasonic cross-device tracking technology that pick up inaudible 'beacons' emitted from advertisements.

This allowed marketers to create personalized ads based on your interests, as they are able to determine your location and what activities you may be engaged in.

Google has banned an army of Android apps that use ultrasonic sounds to spy on users without their knowledge (stock image of the Galaxy S8 smartphone)

HOW YOUR DEVICES COULD BE SPYING ON YOU Inaudible signals could be tracking your TV and web surfing habits more closely than ever before. Researchers revealed that hundreds of Android apps are embedded with ultrasonic cross-device tracking technology that pick up inaudible 'beacons' emitted from advertisements. This allows marketers to create personalised ads based on your interests, as they are able to determine your location and what activities you may be engaged in. These signals can be picked up by a range of devices, including phones and TVs. Signals are sent without the user's permission or knowledge. Advertisement

'A recent practice embeds ultrasonic beacons in audio and tracks them using the microphone on mobile devices,' reads a study from Braunschweig University of Technology, Germany.

'This side channel allows an adversary to identify a user's current location, spy on her TV viewing happens or link together her different mobile devices'.

While conducting their investigation, the team found 234 Android apps were made using the publicly available tracking software.

And these apps were found to listen 'in the background without the user's knowledge'.

The researchers from Braunschweig University of Technology found many of the apps that contain the code were developed for large companies such as McDonald's and Krispy Kreme.

The app ShopKick, which rewards users with discounts, was found to be one of the spy apps that monitors the user's location.

Instead of tracking the user with the smartphone's GPS it uses the audio beacon emitted from the loudspeakers positioned at the entrance of a store to determine whether the consumer had walked into the store.

Game apps were also found to partake in this 'threat to privacy'.

ZDNET reported that games, such as Pino Henyo, are designed to open a user's smartphone microphone without them knowing and listen for ultrasonic tones.

But Google has now announced that all the apps discovered in the study have been either suspended or updated to meet privacy policies, according to CBS News.

They added that apps must now ask users' permission in order to use ultrasonic beacons.

REPORT FINDS 99.9% OF MALWARE TARGETS ANDROIDS A shocking 99.9% of malware targets Android devices over Apple phones, a new report has found. The Internet Society of China and National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Center (CNCERT) discovered there has been a 39 per cent increase in malware this year. And the vast majority of computer bugs are aimed at Android devices. Experts said Android devices are easier to target as security measures are fragmented and vary from company to company. In comparison, just 4.9 per cent of Android devices run the latest protective software. 'Up-to-date versions of Google Android can be considered secure,' Maik Morgenstern, CEO of antivirus rating organization AV-Test, told Digital Trends. 'But especially in many older Android versions, more and more vulnerabilities are surfacing and many vendors don't supply updates for their devices. 'Currently, over 800 vulnerabilities are known.' Advertisement

The full statement from Dictionary.com:

'Dictionary.com updated its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy on July 24, and provided in-app notification 15 days in advance and 15 days following to all users upon opening the app. The updates are designed to help us make Dictionary.com an even better experience. Knowing our users location allows us to enhance certain features, such as our mapping capability, which allows users to see popular lookups from others nearby, in addition to playing a role in improving the ad experience supporting our free apps. Other permissions are tied to features such as the ability to look up words from other apps or while offline. We are committed to providing the best possible Dictionary.com experience through our app, which has been downloaded more than 100M times, and that includes following best practices and clearly communicating changes to our users.'
Fire risks in Uber vehicles caused by an electrical fault were known about by the company when it rented them to drivers, it has been claimed.

Uber is reported to have knowingly leased a fleet of more than 1,000 defective to its workers in Singapore.

The ride-hailing firm said it moved to fix the problem after a blaze started in one of the Vezel sport-utility vehicles.

Manufacturer Honda had already recalled the cars due to safety concerns when the California-based company made the purchase.

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Fire risks in Uber vehicles caused by an electrical fault were known about by the company when it rented them to drivers, it has been claimed. More than 1,000 defective Honda Vezel sport-utility vehicles (pictured) were leased to its workers in Singapore

ONGOING PROBLEMS The Wall Street Journal report is the latest blow to hit Uber. Authorities in Asia, including Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, have questioned the legality of its apps, which pit private car owners against licensed taxi drivers. The firm has had to suspend operations on several occasions, as in Macau last month. In the US, Uber is the subject of a federal inquiry into software that helped drivers avoid authorities in areas within which it did not have official permission to operate. It is also involved in an intellectual property lawsuit filed by the self-driving car unit of Google parent Alphabet Inc. The global ride-sharing giant has also been rocked by reports of harassment and discrimination. Chief executive Travis Kalanick resigned in June, yielding to pressure from investors seeking to clean up a toxic corporate culture. Advertisement

Managers in Singapore knew the model had been recalled in April 2016 but did not made any repairs to address the problem, according to reports in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) today.

The Vezel was flagged by Honda due to concerns about an electrical component that could overheat and catch fire said the paper, citing internal Uber documents and interviews with people familiar with Uber's operations.

In January this year a fire broke out in one of the rented Vezels after an Uber driver dropped off a passenger, melting the interior and leaving a hole in the windscreen.

The driver was unhurt.

In a statement to MailOnline, a spokesman for Uber said: 'As soon as we learned of a Honda Vezel from the Lion City Rental fleet catching fire, we took swift action to fix the problem, in close coordination with Singapore's Land Transport Authority as well as technical experts.

'But we acknowledge we could have done more, and we have done so.

'We've introduced robust protocols and hired three dedicated experts in-house at LCR whose sole job is to ensure we are fully responsive to safety recalls.

'Since the beginning of the year, we've proactively responded to six vehicle recalls and will continue to do so to protect the safety of everyone who uses Uber.'

Lion City Rentals is affiliated to Uber and rents out vehicles for its drivers in Singapore, where the cost of owning a car is among the highest in the world.

The WSJ also reported that Uber's lawyers had assessed potential legal liabilities including possibly violating driver contracts.

'There is clearly a large safety/responsible actor/brand integrity/PR issue,' for Uber, an internal report read.

Uber, which has pulled out of massive markets China and Russia, used Singapore as a springboard to grow in populous Southeast Asia.

The region is dominated by Grab, which says it has a 95 percent market share in third-party taxi-hailing and 71 percent in private vehicle hailing.

Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick resigned in June after pressure from investors seeking to clean up a toxic corporate culture

The local incumbent last month said it had raised 1.9 billion ($2.5 billion) to fund further growth.

Grab on Friday said its drivers do not use the Vezel model that was subject to recall.

'(This incident) will receive some attention and may dissuade some people from using Uber, but I don't see it as having a major impact,' said Dane Anderson, a vice president at researcher Forrester.

'The government is very pragmatic and has been friendly to services like this and to business in general. I think it will continue to do what it has always done, which is continue to take a balanced, measured, pragmatic view,' Anderson said.
It really is as simple as just add water, and could soon prove a godsend for delivery drivers and householders alike.

A university student has developed a plastic component that reduces the weight of washing machines by a third - and its a wonder nobody has thought of doing it before.

Dylan Knight, 22, designed a hollow plastic counterweight to replace the concrete blocks found in the top and bottom of most washing machines to stop them vibrating during spin cycles.

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Dylan Knight (RIGHT), 22, designed a hollow plastic counterweight to replace the concrete blocks found in the top and bottom of most washing machines to stop them vibrating during spin cycles. The invention reduces the weight of washing machines by a third

HOW WOULD THIS CUT EMISSIONS? If the plastic reservoir became standard, it would cut the weight of trucks carrying the machines which would in turn cut emissions. It could also reduce the risk of physical injury when lifting and installing the product in the home. Research suggests that reducing the weight of a truck carrying washing machines by 100kg (220lb) could save approximately 8.5g (0.3oz) of CO2 and 0.35 litres of fuel per 100km (62miles) in transportation distance. Around 3.5 million washing machines are sold annually in the UK. If each was fitted with the new lightweight device, the carbon savings would equate to around 44,625 tonnes (49,190 tons) of CO2 and a reduced fuel consumption of 183,750 litres over a 31-mile (50km) delivery route. Advertisement

Once in situ in the home, the 3.5kg (7.7lb) plastic container is filled with water to provide the same function.

It saves on fuel, carbon emissions, and maybe even back injuries, thanks to the reduction in weight.

The ingenious device is now in the process of being patented, and manufacturers are in discussions to incorporate the simple technology into future designs.

Mr Knight came up with the weight-saving solution as part of a final-year project for his degree in intelligent engineering systems at Nottingham Trent University.

A normal washing machine is weighted by 25kg (55lb) of concrete to stop it moving while on a spin cycle.

But when Mr Knight, supervised by Professor Amin Al-Habaibeh, swapped the upper ballast block for his plastic design - which weighs less than 3kg (6.6lb) when unfilled - vibration sensors in the drum found it was just as effective.

The new design would make machines easier and cheaper to transport.

Mr Knight, from Grove Park, West London, said: Concrete is actually quite bad for the environment due to the CO2 released when its produced.

The use of concrete is also the reason why washing machines are normally very heavy to move.

Once in situ in the home, the 3.5kg (7.7lb) plastic container (right) is filled with water to provide the same function as a normal concrete block (left). It saves on fuel, carbon emissions, and maybe even back injuries, thanks to the reduction in weight

The hollow container is left unfilled until the appliance is installed.

'We found it worked as good as a concrete counterweight, stopping the spinning drum from heavily vibrating the machine.

Everyone thinks the idea must have been thought of before - no one can really believe it - but I promise you it definitely works.

Mr Knight was given the live brief to design a replacement for the concrete ballast after a new product design company, Tochi Tech Ltd, approached the university with the idea of replacing concrete counterweights with water.

The firm, based in Keyworth, Nottingham, has applied for a patent for the counterweight, having come up with the basic idea.

Samer Hamadeh, its managing director, was yesterday abroad exploring commercial possibilities with manufacturers to utilise the design.

He said he was unable to comment any further.

If the plastic reservoir became standard, it would cut the weight of trucks carrying the machines which would in turn cut emissions.

It could also reduce the risk of physical injury when lifting and installing the product in the home.

Research suggests that reducing the weight of a truck carrying washing machines by 100kg (220lb) could save approximately 8.5g (0.3oz) of CO2 and 0.35 litres of fuel per 100km (62miles) in transportation distance.

Around 3.5 million washing machines are sold annually in the UK.

THE PLASTIC COUNTERWEIGHT Mr Knight came up with the weight-saving solution as part of a final-year project for his degree in intelligent engineering systems at Nottingham Trent University. A normal washing machine is weighted by 25kg (55lb) of concrete to stop it moving while on a spin cycle. But when Mr Knight, supervised by Professor Amin Al-Habaibeh, swapped the upper ballast block for his plastic design - which weighs less than 3kg (6.6lb) when unfilled - vibration sensors in the drum found it was just as effective. The new design would make machines easier and cheaper to transport. The ingenious device is now in the process of being patented, and manufacturers are in discussions to incorporate the simple technology into future designs. Advertisement

If each was fitted with the new lightweight device, the carbon savings would equate to around 44,625 tonnes (49,190 tons) of CO2 and a reduced fuel consumption of 183,750 litres over a 31-mile (50km) delivery route.

As concrete is heavier than water, the containers need to be bigger than the blocks, to make up the weight difference.

Higher-end appliances often use the more expensive, but denser, cast iron for ballast.

Cast iron is also stronger than concrete, making it more resistant to impact and strains and less prone to fatigue from stresses generated by repeated spin cycles.

Some machines use complex damping systems in lieu of any sort of ballast.

Professor Al-Habaibeh said that only the top concrete ballast was replaced by a plastic alternative for the university project because of the cost implications of manually producing the vacuum formed reservoir.

But he said that the product could be produced differently on a mass scale, and there was no reason why the lower block of concrete couldnt be replaced by washing machine manufacturers.

The professor in intelligent engineering systems, added: This sustainable solution not only reduces cost and energy needed for transportation, but also provides ergonomic and health and safety benefits to those physically handling washing machines.

He said there was no issue with Tochi Tech patenting the design as the basic concept was their idea, adding: The purpose of a university is to educate and advance technology and society where we can.

That is what we have done here and we are always happy to work with companies in this aim.

'Im delighted Dylan proved the concept.

He said 90 per cent of the machines they looked at during the project used concrete as a counterweight.
From the pyramids of Giza to the tombs of Luxor, Egypt's ancient monuments have held on to mysteries for thousands of years.

Experts now believe they are on the brink of finding a hidden 'recess' in the Great Pyramid of Giza.

A project called ScanPyramids is using infrared thermography among other techniques to find out the secrets of this hidden chamber and date artefacts.

Also known as Khufu Pyramid, it stands at 479 feet (146 metres) high and was the world's tallest man-made structure for nearly 4,000 years.

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A project called ScanPyramids is using infrared thermography among other techniques to find out the secrets of this hidden chamber and date artefacts.

ScanPyramids is among the most ambitious of the projects to demystify the Khufu Pyramid near Cairo, which was completed in about 2560 BC.

'All the devices we put in place are designed to find where the cavity is located. We know there is one, but we're trying to find out where,' said Mehdi Tayoubi, president of the HIP Institute heading the ScanPyramids project.

It is the only surviving monument from the ancient Seven Wonders of the World.

The 3D graphic shows the known structures inside the Khufu pyramid. The pyramid stands at 479 feet (146 metres) high and was the world's tallest man-made structure for nearly 4,000 years

HOW ARE SCIENTISTS PEERING INSIDE THE PYRAMIDS Infrared thermography - Infrared detects infrared energy emitted from object, converts it to temperature, and displays an image of its temperature distribution to reveal objects that may be hidden. 3D scans with lasers - Lasers bounce narrow pulses of light off the interiors of a structure to map it in detail. Once the scanning is complete, the data can be combined into a highly detailed 3-D model. Cosmic-ray detectors - This detects muons that are created when cosmic rays hit the atmosphere. Muons pass harmlessly through people and buildings. Muons traveling through rock or other dense material will slow and eventually stop. The idea is to catch the muons after theyve passed through an pyramid and measure their energies and trajectories. Researchers can then compile a 3D image that reveals hidden chambers. Advertisement

Chemical testing still requires small samples, but advanced techniques coming into use are meant to be non-invasive so as not to damage the ancient relics.

Researchers are also using muography which looks for charged particles to help date artefacts.

Experts now believe they are on the brink of finding a hidden 'recess' in the Great Pyramid of Giza (stock image)

A 3D graphic shows what the Khufu pyramid would have looked like when it was constructed 4,500 years ago

THE PYRAMID OF GIZA For more than 4,500 years, Egypt's pyramids have kept their secrets hidden deep within the labyrinth of passages and chambers that lie inside their towering stone structures. But the long-running row over whether the Great Pyramid of Giza is hiding a network of previously undiscovered tunnels behind its stone walls has now been answered. The researchers confirmed the find using cosmic particles known as muons to scan the Great Pyramid of Giza. They used the scans to create maps to reveal the internal structure of the 479 feet (146m) high pyramid. Last year thermal scanning identified a major anomaly in the Great Pyramid, the largest and oldest of the pyramids at Giza and one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Those scans identified three adjacent stones at its base which registered higher temperatures than others. Those scans identified three adjacent stones at its base which registered higher temperatures than others. This led to theories that they may be hiding a secret chamber that had yet to be discovered. A team of experts then set up the ScanPyramid's project to use muons, tiny subatomic particle that are typically produced by cosmic rays smash into atoms on Earth, to peer through the Pyramid's huge stone blocks, some of which weight up to 15 tons. Dr Hawass has in the past been sceptical of the usefulness of conducting such scans. He recently clashed publicly with British Egyptologists over their theory that a secret burial chamber may be hidden behind the walls of Tutankhamun's tomb in his pyramid in the Valley of the Kings. Advertisement

The results are then compared with infrared and 3D images.

Some archaeologists have pinned hopes on using the sophisticated technology to locate the burial place of the legendary queen Nefertiti.

The wife of King Akhenaten, who initiated a monotheistic cult in ancient Egypt, queen Nefertiti remains an enigma, best known for a bust depicting her that is now on exhibition in Berlin's Neues Museum.

A British Egyptologist, Nicholas Reeves, believed her remains were hidden in a secret chamber in the tomb of Tutankhamun, in the southern Valley of the Kings.

In 2015, archaeologists scanned the tomb with radar hoping to find clues.

Both Reeves's theory and the inconclusive results have been dismissed by other Egyptologists.

ScanPyramid's project to uses muons, tiny subatomic particle that are typically produced by cosmic rays smashing into atoms on Earth, to peer through the Pyramid's huge stone blocks, some of which weigh up to 15 tons (artist's impression)

In infrared thermography scans (pictured), experts detect infrared energy emitted from objects, converts it to a temperature, and then displays an image of its temperature distribution to reveal objects that may be hidden

One of them, former antiquities minister Zahi Hawass, said that an adept of the sun god Aton would never have been allowed to be buried in the Valley of the Kings.

The excitement over the possible discovery has died down since the inconclusive results, but a team from Politecnico University in Turin, Italy, intends to give it another shot.

This time they will employ tomography - a method used in medical scans - and magnetometry, which measures magnetic fields.

Neither the Politecnico team nor the antiquities ministry has been inclined to discuss the fresh attempt, possibly put off by the anticlimactic media frenzy over the previous bid.

Elsewhere, Egyptologists are undertaking a project to nail down the chronology of Egypt's ancient dynasties more precisely.

The French Institute of Eastern Archaeology (IFAO) in Cairo has a dating laboratory that the researchers are putting to use for the project.

Some archaeologists have pinned hopes on the sophisticated technology to locate the burial place of the legendary queen Nefertiti (pictured)

This graphic shows the inside of the Bent Pyramid, which contains hidden tunnels. ScanPyramids is using the same techniques to study its interior

'The chronology of ancient Egypt is not clearly defined. We use a relative chronology,' said Anita Quiles, head of research at the IFAO.

'We refer to reigns and dynasties but we do not know exactly the dates,' she said.

The investigation, which involves chemical testing, is expected to take several years.

But Egyptologists say that science cannot replace archaeologists and their work on the ground.

'It is important to have science in archaeology,' said Hawass.

'But it is very important not to let scientists announce any details about what they found unless it has been seen by Egyptologists.'
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While many of Juno's images have focused on the planet's mysterious giant red spot, its little brother has also been revealed in incredible detail by the probe.

The latest images show the dynamic storm at the southern edge of Jupiters northern polar region.

Officially known as the North North Temperate Little Red Spot 1 (NN-LRS-1); it has been tracked at least since 1993, and may be older still, according to NASA.

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Citizen scientists Gerald Eichstadt and Sean Doran processed this image using data from the JunoCam imager. It was taken on July 10, 2017 at 6:42 p.m. PDT (9:42 p.m. EDT), as the Juno spacecraft performed its seventh close flyby of Jupiter, and shows the North North Temperate Little Red Spot 1, the third largest anticyclonic oval on the planet which is typically around 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometers) long

HOW IT WAS TAKEN The image was taken on July 10, 2017 at 6:42 p.m. PDT (9:42 p.m. EDT), as the Juno spacecraft performed its seventh close flyby of Jupiter. At the time the image was taken, the spacecraft was about 7,111 miles (11,444 kilometers) from the tops of the clouds of the planet at a latitude of 44.5 degrees. Advertisement

The long-lived anticyclonic oval is the third largest anticyclonic oval on the planet, typically around 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometers) long.

The color varies between red and off-white (as it is now), but this JunoCam image shows that it still has a pale reddish core within the radius of maximum wind speeds.

An anticyclone is a weather phenomenon where winds around the storm flow in the direction opposite to that of the flow around a region of low pressure.

Citizen scientists Gerald Eichstadt and Sean Doran processed this image using data from the JunoCam imager.

The image has been rotated so that the top of the image is actually the equatorial regions while the bottom of the image is of the northern polar regions of the planet.

Although the storm is huge, it is tiny compared to its 'big brother', t he so-called 'Great Red Spot'.

This violent storm, which in the late 1800s was estimated to be about 25,000 miles (about 40,000 km) in diameter  wide enough for three Earths to fit side by side.

The biggest storm in the solar system, it appears as a deep red orb surrounded by layers of pale yellow, orange and white.

Previous NASA releases have focused on Jupiters tumultuous Great Red Spot has revealed what it might be like to glimpse the biggest storm in our solar system up close.

The image shows a natural colour rendition of the massive storm, based on data from the Juno spacecrafts seventh close flyby of the planet, simulating how it would be seen by the human eye.

Juno captured the view from about 8,648 miles (13,917 kilometers) above the cloud tops using its JunoCam imager.

A stunning new image of Jupiters tumultuous Great Red Spot has revealed what it might be like to glimpse the biggest storm in our solar system up close. The image shows a natural colour rendition of the massive storm

WHAT IS THE GREAT RED SPOT? The so-called 'Great Red Spot' is a violent storm, which in the late 1800s was estimated to be about 25,000 miles (about 40,000 km) in diameter  wide enough for three Earths to fit side by side. The biggest in the solar system, it appears as a deep red orb surrounded by layers of pale yellow, orange and white. Winds inside the storm have been measured at several hundreds of miles per hour, Nasa astronomers said. Advertisement

The new image was processed by citizen scientist Bjorn Jonsson, according to NASA, using data from Junos July 10 close approach.

This true-color image offers a natural color rendition of what the Great Red Spot and surrounding areas would look like to human eyes from Junos position, NASA explains.

The tumultuous atmospheric zones in and around the Great Red Spot are clearly visible.

Just weeks ago, the space agency released the first images from the probe's historic flyby of the 'Great Red Spot.'

The probe, which has been monitoring Jupiter's surface for just over a year, passed about 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometres) above the Great Red Spot.

The first three unprocessed 'raw' images were revealed by NASA as a taste of the images to come, and space enthusiasts soon tweaked them to produce stunning images.

This is an early processed version of an image created by Gerald Eichstadt, using NASA's raw data. It gives an unprecedented glimpse into the gigantic red spot of Jupiter

Another of Jason Major's processed images, showing the cloud detail inside the gigantic storm (right)

'Raw images from the Juno spacecraft's flyby of Jupiters Great Red Spot are back on Earth,' NASA said as it revealed the images.

'We invite the public to act as a virtual imaging team, from identifying features of interest to sharing the finished images online.'

NASA is currently processing the images itself, and more are expected to be unveiled over the coming days.

'After JunoCam data arrives on Earth, members of the public can process the images to create color pictures,' it said.

'The public also helps determine which points on the planet will be photographed.'

Experts have predict that the views of the storm will be breathtaking.

The data collection of the Great Red Spot is part of Juno's sixth flyby over Jupiter's mysterious cloud tops.

Tom Momary posted this version of the image, titled 'Peering into the Great Red Spot...color enhancements and vibrance, to bring out detail'

Perijove (the point at which an orbit comes closest to Jupiter's center) was this morning at 02:55 BST (21:55 EDT yesterday evening).

At the time of perijove, Juno was about 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) above the planet's cloud tops.

Eleven minutes and 33 seconds later, Juno covered another 24,713 miles (39,771 kilometers) and was directly above the Great Red Spot.

The spacecraft passed about 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometers) above the Giant Red Spot clouds.

All eight of the spacecraft's instruments as well as its imager, JunoCam, were on during the flyby.

'My latest Jupiter flyby is complete!' said a post on the @NASAJuno Twitter account.

'All science instruments and JunoCam were operating to collect data.'

'Raw images will be posted in (the) coming days,' the space agency said.

Juno launched on August 5, 2011, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and has been orbiting Jupiter for just over one year.

Although NASA posted the 'raw' files online (see below) internet users soon enhanced them. This image was posted by Jason Major, who tweeted 'They're here! My first processed raw map-projected image of #Jupiter's Great Red Spot from @NASAJuno's P7 flyover on July 10-11 #GRSflyover'

The data collection of the Great Red Spot was part of Juno's sixth flyby over Jupiter's mysterious cloud tops.

Perijove (the point at which an orbit comes closest to Jupiter's centre) was this morning at 02:55 BST (21:55 EDT yesterday evening).

At the time of perijove, Juno was about 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) above the planet's cloud tops.

HOW JUNO SNAPS A STORM 1.8 BILLION MILES AWAY Juno reached Jupiter last year after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile journey from Earth The Juno probe reached Jupiter last year after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile journey from Earth. Following a successful braking manoeuvre, it has now entered into a long polar orbit flying to within 3,100 miles (5,000 km) of the planet's swirling cloud tops. The probe will skim to within just 4,200 km of the planet's clouds once a fortnight - too close to provide global coverage in a single image. No previous spacecraft has orbited so close to Jupiter, although two others have been sent plunging to their destruction through its atmosphere. Juno's main camera, JunoCam, captured images of the Great Red Spot, and will send them back to Earth by July 14, according to Scott Bolton, a planetary scientist at the Southwest Research Institute and the Juno mission's leader. Mr Bolton said: 'Juno and her cloud-penetrating science instruments will dive in to see how deep the roots of this storm go, and help us understand how this giant storm works and what makes it so special.' But taking images of the Great Red Spot isn't as simple as pointing and shooting. To capture the storm in detail, Juno must fly close to the storm - around 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometers) above the Giant Red Spot clouds. Juno also flies at staggering speeds of 34 miles/second making taking steady photos a challenge. Advertisement

Eleven minutes and 33 seconds later, Juno covered another 24,713 miles (39,771 kilometers) and was directly above the Great Red Spot.

The spacecraft passed about 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometers) above the Giant Red Spot clouds.

All eight of the spacecraft's instruments as well as its imager, JunoCam, were on during the flyby.

The three raw images posted by NASA. It said it was hoping the public would 'act as a virtual imaging team, from identifying features of interest'. The so-called 'Great Red Spot' is a violent storm, which in the late 1800s was estimated to be about 25,000 miles (about 40,000 km) in diameter  wide enough for three Earths to fit side by side. The biggest in the solar system, it appears as a deep red orb surrounded by layers of pale yellow, orange and white. Winds inside the storm have been measured at several hundreds of miles per hour, NASA astronomers said.

The fly-by comes just days after Juno celebrated its first anniversary in Jupiter's orbit.

'Jupiter's mysterious Great Red Spot is probably the best-known feature of Jupiter,' said Scott Bolton, principal investigator of Juno from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio.

'This monumental storm has raged on the solar system's biggest planet for centuries.

'Now, Juno and her cloud-penetrating science instruments will dive in to see how deep the roots of this storm go, and help us understand how this giant storm works and what makes it so special.'

Trapped between two jet streams, the Great Red Spot is an anticyclone swirling around a centre of high atmospheric pressure that makes it rotate in the opposite sense of hurricanes on Earth. Nasa's Juno spacecraft passed about 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometers) above the Giant Red Spot clouds

On July 4, Juno logged exactly one year in Jupiter orbit, and has chalked up about 71 million miles (114.5 million kilometers) in orbit around the giant planet.

'The success of science collection at Jupiter is a testament to the dedication, creativity and technical abilities of the Nasa-Juno team,' said Rick Nybakken, project manager for Juno from Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

'Each new orbit brings us closer to the heart of Jupiter's radiation belt, but so far the spacecraft has weathered the storm of electrons surrounding Jupiter better than we could have ever imagined.'

During its mission of exploration, Juno soars low over the planet's cloud tops - as close as about 2,100 miles (3,400 kilometers).

During these flybys, Juno is probing beneath the obscuring cloud cover of Jupiter and studying its auroras to learn more about the planet's origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere.

Early results from Nasa's Juno mission portray the largest planet in our solar system as a turbulent world, with an intriguingly complex interior structure, energetic polar aurora, and huge polar cyclones.

The image of a crescent Jupiter and the iconic Great Red Spot was created by a citizen scientist (Roman Tkachenko) using data from Juno's JunoCam instrument, Nasa said.

The image was taken on December 11, 2016 as the Juno spacecraft performed its third close flyby of Jupiter.

At the time the image was taken, the spacecraft was about 285,100 miles (458,800 kilometers) from the planet.

Astronomers recently revealed that Jupiter's 'red spot' storm, the biggest in the solar system, is shrinking.

The so-called 'Great Red Spot' is a violent storm, which in the late 1800s was estimated to be about 25,000 miles (about 40,000 km) in diameter  wide enough for three Earths to fit side by side.

The biggest in the solar system, it appears as a deep red orb surrounded by layers of pale yellow, orange and white.

Winds inside the storm have been measured at several hundreds of miles per hour, Nasa astronomers said.

Nasa revealed the find alongside stunning new maps of the planet which are the first in an annual series of 'weather maps' designed to spot changes.

Already, the Jupiter images have revealed a rare wave just north of the planet's equator and a unique filamentary feature in the core of the Great Red Spot not seen previously.

'Every time we look at Jupiter, we get tantalizing hints that something really exciting is going on,' said Amy Simon, a planetary scientist at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

'This time is no exception.'

Collecting these yearly images will help current and future scientists see how these giant worlds change over time.

This sequence of enhanced-color images shows how quickly the viewing geometry changes for Nasa's Juno spacecraft as it swoops by Jupiter. The images were obtained by JunoCam. Once every 53 days the Juno spacecraft swings close to Jupiter, speeding over its clouds

The observations are designed to capture a broad range of features, including winds, clouds, storms and atmospheric chemistry.

Ms Simon and her colleagues produced two global maps of Jupiter from observations made using Hubble's high-performance Wide Field Camera 3.

The two maps represent nearly back-to-back rotations of the planet, making it possible to determine the speeds of Jupiter's winds.

The new images confirm that the Great Red Spot continues to shrink and become more circular, as it has been doing for years.

The long axis of this characteristic storm is about 150 miles (240 kilometers) shorter now than it was in 2014.

Recently, the storm had been shrinking at a faster-than-usual rate, but the latest change is consistent with the long-term trend.

The Great Red Spot remains more orange than red these days, and its core, which typically has more intense color, is less distinct than it used to be.

An unusual wispy filament is seen, spanning almost the entire width of the vortex.

This filamentary streamer rotates and twists throughout the 10-hour span of the Great Red Spot image sequence, getting distorted by winds blowing at 330 miles per hour (150 meters per second) or even greater speeds.

In Jupiter's North Equatorial Belt, the researchers found an elusive wave that had been spotted on the planet only once before, decades earlier, by Voyager 2.

In those images, the wave is barely visible, and nothing like it was seen again, until the current wave was found traveling at about 16 degrees north latitude, in a region dotted with cyclones and anticyclones.

Similar waves  called baroclinic waves  sometimes appear in Earth's atmosphere where cyclones are forming.

'Until now, we thought the wave seen by Voyager 2 might have been a fluke,' said co-author Glenn Orton of Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

'As it turns out, it's just rare!'

The wave may originate in a clear layer beneath the clouds, only becoming visible when it propagates up into the cloud deck, according to the researchers.
Samsung Display is set to fully operate seven of its OLED screen production lines this month to make displays for Apple's iPhone 8, set to be released this fall.

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) screens emit light, so they don't need a back light and as such are much thinner and more efficient than LCD displays.

The iPhone 8 will be the first iPhone to use OLED technology, and it's expected to have an edge-to-edge, 5.8-inch display.

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Samsung Display is set to fully operate seven of its OLED screen production lines this month to make displays for Apple's iPhone 8, set to be released this fall. Pictured are images of what the iPhone 8 may look like

THE LATEST 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

According to Apple Insider, a section of the iPhone 8' screen will have a 'virtual' home button.

Samsung is set to be Apple's only OLED provider, as it is the only company to currently produce OLED screens for smartphones on a mass scale.

Samsung has been using curved OLED screen on its phones since the 2014 Galaxy Note Edge.

While The Apple Watch has an OLED screen, it's small size means it's cheaper and easier to manufacture.

It is not yet clear if Apple also plans to introduce OLED screen to its Ipads and Macs.

This is just one of the rumors circulating around the iPhone 8.

New details suggest that the iPhone 8 will record 4K video at 60 frames per second (fps).

Uncovered by Brazilian website iHelp BR, the code in Apple's leaked HomePod firmware suggests the front and back cameras will record in higher definition than ever before.

Samsung is set to be Apple's only OLED provider, as it is the only company to currently produce OLED screens for smartphones on a mass scale. Samsung has been using curved OLED screen on its phones since the 2014 Galaxy Note Edge (pictured)

This leak follows on from one earlier this week which suggested a new 'SmartCam' scene selection feature 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.
It's a glimpse of life on the solar surface - and the stunning intensity of our star.

NASA has revealed an incredible timelapse charting the life of a sunspot as it rotated into view in July.

It shows AR2665 a 75,000-mile-wide active region, an area of intense and complex magnetic fields, as it produced several solar flares, a coronal mass ejection and a solar energetic particle event.

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NASA has revealed an incredible timelapse charting the life of a sunspot as it rotated into view in July.Space weather centers, such as NOAAs Space Weather Prediction Center, monitor these spots to provide advance warning, if needed, of the radiation bursts being sent toward Earth, which can impact our satellites and radio communications

13 DAYS ON THE SUN During its 13-day trip across the face of the Sun, the active region  dubbed AR12665  put on a show for NASAs Sun-watching satellites, producing: Several solar flares

A Coronal mass ejection

A solar energetic particle event Advertisement

The story begins on July 5, 2017, as NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory watched an active region rotate into view on the Sun.

The satellite continued to track the region as it grew and eventually rotated across the Sun and out of view on July 17.

Sunspots are a common occurrence on the Sun, although less frequent at the moment, as the Sun is moving steadily toward a period of lower solar activity called solar minimum  a regular occurrence during its approximately 11-year cycle.

Sunspots are darker, cooler areas on the surface of the sun, caused by interactions with the sun's magnetic field.

They tend to appear in regions of intense magnetic activity, and when that energy is released, solar flares and huge storms erupt from sunspots.

Such a storm could create stunning auroras around the world, as well as play havoc with power grids, potentially causing blackouts in some areas.

Space weather centers, such as NOAAs Space Weather Prediction Center, monitor these spots to provide advance warning, if needed, of the radiation bursts being sent toward Earth, which can impact our satellites and radio communications.

After a large sunspot rotated out of Earths view on July 17, 2017, NASA instruments could still track its effects on the far side of the star. This imagery from NASAs Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory on July 23, 2017, captures an eruption of solar material  a coronal mass ejection  from that same active region.

On July 9, a medium-sized flare burst from the sunspot, peaking at 11:18 a.m. EDT. Solar flares are explosions on the Sun that send energy, light and high-speed particles out into space  much like how earthquakes have a Richter scale to describe their strength, solar flares are also categorized according to their intensity.

This flare was categorized as an M1.

M-class flares are a tenth the size of the most intense flares, the X-class flares.

NASAs Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO, saw the CME at 9:36 a.m. EDT leaving the Sun at speeds of 620 miles per second and eventually slowing to 466 miles per second

SUNSPOTS Sunspots are cooler areas on the sun, caused by interactions with the sun's magnetic field. They tend to appear in regions of intense magnetic activity, and when that energy is released, solar flares and huge storms erupt from sunspots. Such a storm could create stunning auroras around the world, as well as play havoc with power grids, potentially causing blackouts in some areas. Advertisement

The number provides more information about its strength: An M2 is twice as intense as an M1, an M3 is three times as intense and so on.

Days later, on July 14, a second medium-sized, M2 flare erupted from the Sun.

The second flare was long-lived, peaking at 10:09 a.m. EDT and lasting over two hours.

This was accompanied by another kind of solar explosion called a coronal mass ejection, or CME.

Solar flares are often associated with CMEs  giant clouds of solar material and energy. NASAs Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO, saw the CME at 9:36 a.m. EDT leaving the Sun at speeds of 620 miles per second and eventually slowing to 466 miles per second.

Following the CME, the turbulent active region also emitted a flurry of high-speed protons, known as a solar energetic particle event, at 12:45 p.m. EDT.

The story begins on July 5, 2017, as NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory watched an active region rotate into view on the Sun.

HOW DID IT AFFECT EARTH? Solar flares can damage satellites and have an enormous financial cost. Astronauts are not in immediate danger because of the relatively low orbit of this manned mission. They do have to be concerned about cumulative exposure during space walks. The charged particles can also threaten airlines by disturbing the Earth's magnetic field. Very large flares can even create currents within electricity grids and knock out energy supplies. Advertisement

Research scientists at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center  located at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland  used these spacecraft observations as input for their simulations of space weather throughout the solar system.

Using a model called ENLIL, they are able to map out and predict whether the solar storm will impact our instruments and spacecraft, and send alerts to NASA mission operators if necessary.

By the time the CME made contact with Earths magnetic field on July 16, the sunspots journey across the Sun was almost complete.

As for the solar storm, it took this massive cloud of solar material two days to travel 93 million miles to Earth, where it caused charged particles to stream down Earths magnetic poles, sparking enhanced aurora.
German researchers have made sunglasses with colored, semitransparent solar cells on the lenses that can recharge a phone.

The solar cells supply a microprocessor and two displays with electric power, displaying the solar illumination intensity and ambient temperature - and the glasses can even use some of the energy to power devices such as a phone.

The researchers say the technology could pave the way for other future applications, such as the integration of organic solar cells into windows or overhead glazing.

The 'smart' Solar Glasses (pictured) are self-powered to measure and display the degree of solar illumination and the temperature, and they also work in indoor environments under illuminations as low as 500 Lux - the usual illumination level of an office or living area

ORGANIC SOLAR VERSUS SILICON SOLAR CELLS Organic solar cells - which use energy from the sun to generate electricity - are unique in that they're transparent and light-weight, and can be manufactured in different shapes and colors. As such, they can be used for a wide range of applications that can't be done with conventional silicon solar cells, for example power generation through glass. Silicon cells are are heavier and more rigid, and are used in things such as solar panels. Advertisement

Organic solar cells - which use energy from the sun to generate electricity - are unique in that they're transparent and light-weight, and can be manufactured in different shapes and colors.

They can be used for a wide range of applications that can't be done with conventional silicon solar cells, which are heavier and more rigid.

The glasses, made by researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, were designed as a case study demonstrating how organic solar cells can be used.

'We bring solar power to places where other solar technologies fail,' says Dr Alexander Colsmann, Head of Organic Photovoltaics Group at KIT's Light Technology.

The 'smart' Solar Glasses are self-powered to measure and display the degree of solar illumination and the temperature, and they also work in indoor environments under illuminations as low as 500 Lux - the usual illumination level of an office or living area.

Even under indoor conditions, the lenses are capable of each generating 200 microwatt's of electric power - enough to operate devices such as a hearing aid or a step counter.

The solar cell lenses were fitted to a commercial frame and have a thickness of about 1.6 millimeters (0.06 inches) and weigh six grams (0.2 ounces), similar to the lenses of traditional sunglasses.

The microprocessor and the two displays are integrated into the temples of the Solar Glasses, showing the illumination intensity and ambient temperature as bar graphs.

'The Solar Glasses we developed are an example of how organic solar cells may be employed in applications that would not be feasible with conventional photovoltaics,' said PhD student Dominik Landerer, who helped develop the solar glasses.

These organic solar cells are exciting because of their mechanical flexibility, and their ability to adapt their color, transparency, shape and size to specific applications.

According to Dr Colsmann, another application for the solar cells is their integration into buildings.

In 2013, a team of MIT researchers announced that they were making transparent solar cells that could turn product such as windows into power generators. Pictured are researchers Dr Vladimir Bulovic and Dr Miles Barr holding the solar cell glass

Since the glass facades of high-rise buildings regularly require shading, the option of using organic solar cells for transforming the light into electric power was obvious to the researchers.

MIT researchers have already made steps towards achieving this - in 2013, a team of researchers with MIT's Microsystems Technology Laboratories announced that they were making transparent solar cells that could turn product such as windows and electronics into power generators.

A future vision for the engineer, who works on the basic understanding of organic solar cell and semiconductor components at the Material Research Center for Energy Systems, is to coat large surfaces with organic solar cells using reel-to-reel technology.
The US Air Force is planning to develop 'variable nukes' that can be dialed up or down in destructive power to target everything from a small neighbourhood to an entire city.

Current bombs already have or can be set to low yields of 20 kilotons, meaning an explosion wouldn't even touch an area a mile or so from the location of the detonation.

The new 'mini nukes' would offer the President 'a new option' military bosses say.

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The bombs would either have or could be set to low yields of 20 kilotons, meaning an explosion wouldn't even touch an area a mile or so from the location of the detonation

THE MINI NUKES The Air Force is looking to develop 'mini nukes' that can target and blow up a specific neighborhood. The bombs would either have or could be set to low yields of 20 kilotons, meaning an explosion wouldn't even touch an area a mile or so from the location of the detonation. Some of the military's current bombs could be converted into this type of weapon. The idea is to be able to respond to attacks without causing widespread damage. Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the U.S. needs to be able to launch a nuclear attack without ending the world or causing massive 'indiscriminate' casualties. Advertisement

Some of the military's current bombs could be converted into this type of weapon, according to Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists.

He added that it might be building more from scratch as well.

While the Cold War led to the motto of 'the bigger, the better,' U.S. defense officials now believe the future of nuclear weapons is smaller ones that would actually be used.

'If the only options we have are to go with high-yield weapons that create a level of indiscriminate killing that the President can't accept, then we haven't presented him with an option to respond to a nuclear attack in kind,' Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday at a Mitchell Institute event in Washington D.C. according to Defense One

He said the U.S. needs to be able to launch a nuclear attack without ending the world or causing massive 'indiscriminate' casualties.

'If all you have is high-yield weapons to answer a low-yield attack, it's still a nuclear attack,' he said.

'Answering that with a conventional weapon is likely not going to have the kind of deterrent value as saying.'

'If all you have is high-yield weapons to answer a low-yield attack, it's still a nuclear attack,' Air Force Gen. Paul Selva said. 'Answering that with a conventional weapon is likely not going to have the kind of deterrent value as saying.'

The move to develop 'mini nukes' is part of the modernization of the military's nuclear arsenal.

Last year, the Defense Science Board urged the Pentagon to incorporate more low-yield weapons and vehicles.

Selva said the Air Force has not reached a decision on that, but it is working to define new requirements for a intercontinental ballistic missile.

'Whether we do it with a ballistic missile or re-entry vehicle or other tool in the arsenal, it's important to have variable-yield nukes,' he said.

The plan to focus on smaller nuclear weapons, however, has been scrutinized by some members of Congress who feel the move would attract scrutiny.

Russia - which holds the largest nuke ever, the 1000,000 kiloton Tzar Bomba - has also experimented with smaller, more tactical versions

'I have no doubt the proposal to research low-yield nuclear weapons is just the first step to actually building them,' Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif, told Roll Call in February.

'I've fought against such reckless efforts in the past and will do so again, with every tool at my disposal.'

She added: 'There's no such thing as limited nuclear war, and for the Pentagon's advisory board to even suggest such a thing is deeply troubling.'

Kirsetensen is skeptical too.

'The still-unanswered question is why there would be a need for a low-yield warhead on ballistic missiles,' he said.

'What are the strikes that existing warheads can't do, where would the President be self-deterred because of too big yield, where has the intelligence community concluded that adversaries would get an advantage and deterrence (or war fighting) would fail if we didn't have low-yield, and why can existing capabilities not adequately hold at risk the same targets? Many questions, few answers.'

Russia - which holds the largest nuke ever, the 1000,000 kiloton Tzar Bomba - has also experimented with smaller, more tactical versions.

North Korea claimed to have tested a similar bomb, but clocking in at only 10 kilotons, it was considered to be more like a typical fission bomb.

But the Air Force's commitment to smaller nukes doesn't mean the military is forgoing big weapons.

In March, is was revealed the U.S. Army has considered arming itself with a 'devastating' weapon, called the Kinetic Energy Projectile (KEP), in a bid to counteract Russia's nuclear technology.

The tungsten-based warhead is capable of moving three times the speed of sound, while destroying everything in its path.

Once launched, the missile bursts into flaming metal fragments that can pierce through most armor - such as that used in tanks.

The US Army could arm itself with a 'devastating' weapon in a bid to counteract Russia's nuclear technology. Called Kinetic Energy Projectile (KEP), this tungsten-based warhead is capable of moving three times the speed of sound, while destroying everything in its path

KEP'S FEATURES The Kinetic Energy Projectile (KEP) is a tungsten-based warhead is capable of moving three times the speed of sound, while destroying everything in its path. Once launched, the missile bursts into flaming metal fragments that can pierce through most armor such as that used in tanks. During the warhead's first test run in 2013, the sled train it was attached to exceeded 3,500 feet-per-second - speeds of Mach 3 to Mach 6. Officials said 'not much can survive' once KEP is released. Advertisement

Reports have noted that the Russian president is hording weapons four times more powerful than the US's `Mother Of All Bombs that killed 36 ISIS militants in Afghanistan last week.

With this knowledge, the Army on the hunt to find its own 'super-weapon' - which has lead them to KEP.

'Think of it as a big shotgun shell,' Major General William Hix, the Army's director of strategy, plans & policy, said at the Booz Allen Hamilton Direct Energy Summit, Patrick Tucker with DefenseOne reports.

However unlike a shell, Hix said, the KEP travels at unbelievable speeds of 'Mach 3 to Mach 6.'

During the warhead's first test run in 2013, the sled train it was attached to exceeded 3,500 feet-per-second - three times the speed of sound.

Hix also revealed details to DefenseOne regarding the level of devastation this weapon would cause.

'Not much can survive it. If you are in a main battle tank, if you're a crew member, you might survive but the vehicle will be non-mission capable, and everything below that will level of protection will be dead,' he said.

The Army has suggested attaching the KEP to its existing launch platforms, as they are able to take the brunt when the weapon is fired.

Once launched, the missile bursts into flaming metal fragments that can pierce through most armor such as that used in tanks. The Army has suggested attaching the KEP to its existing launch platforms, as they are able to take the brunt when the weapon is fired

The warhead was first tested in 2013 at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, which the Defense Department deemed a success.

During an interview with American Forces Press Service following the testing, Susan Hurd, special assistant to the director of strategic warfare, called the test a significant technology development advancement.

'The successful execution of this high-speed sled test of a Kinetic Energy Projectile warhead was a necessary step in the progression to a conventional prompt strike capability,' she said.

The warhead was first tested in 2013 at Holloman Air Force Base (pictured) in New Mexico, which the Defense Department deemed a success

'Now that we've demonstrated that the warhead functions in a flight representative environment we're one important step closer to that goal.'

'High performance computer modeling and simulation as well as a series of small scale and static tests have already been done on this warhead.'

'But in order to assess its performance in flight conditions you have to do the dynamic test  you have to do the sled test.

RUSSIA'S FATHER OF ALL BOMBS The Russian version of the US's 'Mother Of All Bombs' (MOAB)- called the Father Of All Bombs - weighs just 15,560lbs and is packed with the equivalent to 44 tons of explosive TNT. This is four times more than the US' model which obliterates anything in its blast zone, which is twice that of the MOAB. Putin's monster explosive is known officially as the Aviation Thermobaric Bomb of Increased Power and is reportedly four times bigger than MOAB. It carries 44 tons of TNT and explodes in the same way as its American counterpart, obliterating anything within the blast zone, collapsing buildings and producing huge blasts and aftershocks. Although - like the MOAB - it is not nuclear, the aftermath of the bomb could be comparable to a nuke being deployed. It was test-fired by the Russians in 2007 where the temperature produced by the blast was also twice as high as that in the MOAB. The Russian FOAB's blast zone has been predicted as twice that of the US bomb and even though it is smaller in size, because of the temperature it explodes at and the fact there are four times more explosives crammed inside, it is much more powerful. Although the figures relating to the FOAB have been widely circulated by the Russians, there are no public pictures of it, which has led US Defense analysts to question the claims of its power and size. Advertisement

Hurd emphasized this test was 'critical' in order to subject the warhead to the 'dynamic environment it would see in flight.'

'The sled test was designed to be representative of conditions of flight and target engagement for the warhead.'

Currently, the KEP is still in the conceptual phase, as the US military has yet to take over the project, a U.S. Army spokesperson told Newsweek.
A seven-year-old boy realised his ambition of becoming a plane pilot in what his mother described as 'the best moment of his life'.

William Kottos, from Chicago, who suffers from a congenital heart defect, fulfilled his dream of attending flight school after intervention by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The global charity arranged for the aviation fanatic to spent three days with American Airlines, who offered both formal training and flying experience.

Moving: William Kottos was surprised with the gesture by Captain Jim Palmersheim

One of the carrier's captains, Jim Palmersheim, personally spearheaded the adventure, which began with William being surprised at his home.

His mother Kathy remarked: 'He's been through so much and this was the probably the best moment of his life'.

From there, he and his family were flown in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the American Airlines headquarters in Dallas.

Upon arrival, he was presented with a tailor-made American Airlines pilot's uniform - not a costume, but a genuine outfit customized to William which included a hat, bag and aviator sunglasses - before undergoing the same training as genuine pilots at the corporate offices.

The big moment: William and his brother are stunned when the pilot tells them his plans

Too cute: The boy and his family were flown in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the American Airlines headquarters in Dallas

Delight: The joy in the boy's face was clearly visible as he realised his long-held dream

Moving: The young boy hugs his hero friend as they embark on the journey to Dallas

He then upheld the tradition of ringing a bell to welcome a new pilot to the company, before being 'promoted' to chief pilot.

The second day included a visit to Human Resources, ground school, time in the flight simulator, a check ride and emergency training (including putting out a fire).

The final day of Williams wish took him to Air Traffic Control, the controller tower (where he had a view from 300 feet above the ground), a visit to the hangar, an inspection of a 787, being named honorary fire chief and a pizza party with the firefighters. He also drove a tug to move a 787.

William, who was born without a right heart ventricle, in effect giving him half of a working heart, had wanted to be a pilot since he was three years old.

'William had always dreamed of flying an American Airlines plane and when Make-A-Wish heard of his wish to become a pilot the organisation worked quickly to make it happen,' said Make-A-Wish on its site.

Proud boy: William, who was born without a right heart ventricle, in effect giving him half of a working heart, had wanted to be a pilot since he was three-years-old

He made it! Upon arrival, he was presented with a tailor-made American Airlines pilot's uniform before undergoing the same training as genuine pilots at the corporate offices

On-board adventure: William was allowed access into the cockpit and got to explore the plane

Walk of honour: Officials at the American Airlines HQ welcomed William with a formal salute

Salute: The youngster responds in kind as he finishes his three days of formal training

Speaking of his experience, Captain Palmersheim counts his three days with William as the 'the coolest thing I've done in my 26 years at American Airlines.'

He added that there were times when he wondered who was truly getting the most out of his wish  William or the American Airlines employees.

'I think about William every day,' he says. 'When you have an opportunity to grant someones wish, you end up learning a lot about yourself. That was a great gift that I never expected.'

Cool dude: Learning how to fly on a flight simulator was also part of the experience
He's one of Hollywood's resident funnymen, well known for his work on comedy series Workaholics and most recently on Pitch Perfect.

And now, Adam DeVine is set to bring his comedy show, Weird Life, to Australia in 2018.

The 33-year-old shared the news via Instagram on Thursday.

Aussie treat: Pitch Perfect star Adam DeVine, 33, will bring his Weird Life comedy tour to Australia in January

'Weird Life tour is going world wide! Australia I'll be seeing you in January!' the actor wrote alongside a poster of his tour dates.

It will be the first comedy show for the star to bring Down Under, with him set to perform in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney at the start of 2018.

Adam was in Sydney last year with Zac Efron to promote Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.

Back for more: Adam was in Sydney last year with Zac Efron to promote Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

And it seems the city left a positive impression on the comedian.

'We have the best time, so much fun,' he said during his 2016 visit.

The Workaholics actor is used to working with Australians, currently filming Rebel Wilson's upcoming comedy, Isn't It Romantic?, alongside Liam Hemsworth.

Australian debut: It will be the first comedy show for the star to bring Down Under, with him set to perform in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney at the start of 2018

His show will open in Perth at The Astor Theatre on January 27, then head to Brisbane where he will perform at The Tivoli on January 29.

Melbourne's Antheneaum Theatre will host his third show on February 1, before his final show at the Sydney Opera House on February 3.

Fans will be able to secure their tickets from 10am on Monday at Live Nation, with the cheapest selling for around $80.
The Bachelor couple's long-distance relationship has been at the centre of split rumours in recent months.

And after Richie Strahan 'refused to shut down speculation' of a split with Alex Nation on Thursday, the single mother shared a cryptic post on social media.

While at the hairdressers, the 25-year-old uploaded a heartbreak song to her hidden Instagram stories wit the caption: 'My heart.'

'I wished you the best of all this world could give': The Bachelor's Alex Nation posts cryptic break-up song on Thursday after beau Richie Strahan refused to shut down speculation of a split in an interview with The Daily Telegraph

'My heart': Alex chose to display a sombre black screen while playing the 'heart-breaking ballad' track Jealous by Labrinth

MTV once described the 2014 song Jealous by Labrinth as a 'heart-breaking ballad.'

Alex chose to display a sombre black screen while playing a part of the track (performed as a cover by a female artist) to her 104k followers.

The lyrics 'cause I wished you the best of all this world could give and I told you...' could be heard.

Interestingly, the next few lines of the song go on to reveal: '... and I told you when you left me, there's nothing to forgive, but I always thought you'd come back, tell me all you found was heartbreak and misery. It's hard for me to say, I'm jealous of the way you're happy without me.'

That sounds sad! Interestingly, the next few lines of the song go on to reveal: 'when you left me...I always thought you'd come back. I'm jealous of the way you're happy without me'

Mood: Only moment prior, she posted some mirror selfies in what appeared to be high spirits

The song also includes the phrases: 'I'm jealous of the nights that I don't spend with you. I'm wondering who you lay next to', 'As I sink in the sand, watch you slip through my hands' and 'all I do is cry behind this smile.'

Alex last shared an update with her beau to social media in April, with Richie's last picture posted in May.

Richie and Alex have also not made a public appearance together since the Logie Awards in April.

Could this be the end? It has been 10-and-a-half months since Richie and Alex found love on the reality mtachmaking series

In April, New Idea claimed they were struggling with the long-distance relationship, with Alex residing in Mornington Peninsula while Richie lives in Perth.

And with rumours that their relationship is on the rocks, The Daily Telegraph's Confidential did little to quieten speculation of a split, on Thursday.

'A downcast Strahan danced around the issue and refused to shut down speculation,' the publication stated.

'Richie refused to shut down speculation': The Daily Telegraph's Confidential hinted on Thursday that Alex, 25, and Richie, 32, have split, just 10-and-a-half months after finding love on the reality series

Having approached Richie, 32, for comment on Wednesday night, Confidential hinted at the possibility of the rumours of a split being true.

'A downcast Strahan danced around the issue and refused to shut down speculation that the couple had broken up.'

The news source also went on to say that Alex, 25, failed to return their calls, while the couple's management, Chadwick Celebrity, stated that they would not be commenting on the pair's 'personal lives'.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Richie and Alex for comment.

Any truth? Having approached Richie for comment on Wednesday night, Confidential hinted at the possibility of the rumours of a split being true: 'A downcast Strahan danced around the issue and refused to shut down speculation that the couple had broken up'

Staying silent: The news source also went on to say that Alex failed to return their calls, while the couple's management, Chadwick Celebrity, stated that they would not be commenting on the pair's 'personal lives'

Last sighting: The pair's last public appearance was at this year's Logie Awards in April

Connected: Richie and Alex had been renowned for posting intimate and affectionate snaps with one another

Alex has also been photographed wearing her diamond 'promise ring', which Richie gave her in the show's finale episode 10-and-a-half months ago, sporadically.

In February, Alex and Richie were pictured looking tense on a Perth street, and the mother-of-one appeared to have been crying.

Despite Alex looking distressed, Richie did not appear to offer any comfort to his partner, instead choosing to walk ahead of her.

NW reported the couple had a 'huge fight' in public and a witness had allegedly claimed Alex's eyes were 'red raw from crying'.
On Thursday she attended a screening in New York City for her new movie Kidnap.

But Halle Berry was seen returning home in a second outfit later in the afternoon - each one equally as leggy.

The 50-year-old Oscar winner's initial appearance in a tattered grey frock flattered her shapely gams, while the lack of sleeves showed off her toned arms.

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Leggy: Halle Berry showcases her sensational pins in TWO leggy ensembles as she makes a quick change from a dystopian rag dress to an off-the-shoulder wrap to attend events in NYC

Multitalented? Halle Berry donned a strange tattered grey dress for a screening in NYC, adding a pair of Aquatalia heels

The hem however, appeared to be ripped haphazardly, while the pattern seemed to be a muddle of grey that looked vaguely like elephant skin.

The dress was secured on either side with a line of buttons.

The 5ft5in beauty rounded out her ensemble with a pair of strappy black heels.

A duo of gold hoop earrings added some bling to the otherwise drab look.

While outside, she protected her eyes from the summer rays with a pair of oversize violet-tinted shades.

Quick change: Halle swapped her darker ensemble for a wrap-around white and grey striped number, which tied at the side

Flashing some flesh: The 50-year-old Oscar winner's frock did at least flatter her shapely gams, while the lack of sleeves showed off her toned arms

Halle swapped her darker ensemble for a wrap-around white and grey striped number, which tied at the side.

The high-hemmed number was matched by a pair of black and white striped heels, which were in animal print.

The dress was off-the-shoulder and showed off her sleek frame further.

Inspiration? Halle's dress would've been right at home among Kanye's dystopian fashion line

Coincidence?? The hem however, appeared to be ripped haphazardly, while the pattern seemed to be a muddle of grey that looked vaguely like elephant skin

Her brunette tresses were scraped back into a high bun, while some pale rose lipstick and subtle blush highlighted her youthful visage.

The Catwoman actress looked to be in good spirits, and even took a moment to meet with famed cameo-maker Radio Man.

Radio Man, who at one point was homeless, has appeared in over 100 television and movie projects.

Perfect: Her brunette tresses were scraped back into a high bun, while some pale rose lipstick and subtle blush highlighted her youthful visage

Yesterday, she talked about her new movie Kidnap while visiting Good Morning America.

'It's every mom, every parent's worst nightmare,' said the mother-of-two, 'So it's real. It's real for all of us.'

'What would you do if you saw your child snatched before your eyes - close enough to see but too far to do anything about it? What would you really do?'

Safety first: While outside, she protected her eyes from the summer rays with a pair of oversize violet-tinted shades

Halle explained that her role as Karla Dyson, a mother who will stop at nothing to find her son, was 'visceral.'

'I think like my character, every mom would go far,' the star confessed.

She revealed that she almost lost her daughter Nahla when she was little; The star told Entertainment Tonight that she was 'looking at a tag' and 'she was there, I looked around, and she was not there.'

She found her 'like a foot under me under the turnstile.'

Kidnap comes out Friday August 4.
Rachael Stirling is joining Martin Freeman and Sarah Lancashire in one of the most highly anticipated plays of the year  Labour Of Love, the new political drama by award winner James Graham.

The actress told me she will be playing Elizabeth, wife of Freeman's character, Labour leader David Lyons. And playwright Graham revealed there would be a 'touch' of Cherie Blair in tough professional Elizabeth, who is nobody's fool.

Stirling said of Elizabeth: 'She is not necessarily the power behind the throne, though she herself takes no prisoners.'

Rachael Stirling is joining Martin Freeman and Sarah Lancashire in one of the most highly anticipated plays of the year  Labour Of Love

Lancashire will play Lyons's constituency agent Jean Whittaker, a woman who keeps a firm grip on the north Nottinghamshire party office  and leader Lyons, too.

But Mrs Lyons is formidable in her own right. 'Elizabeth may have trained at the Bar, along the vein of Cherie (Blair),' Stirling hinted.

Graham was at pains to stress that 'it's not a direct comparison' with Mrs Blair, but said David Lyons was married to 'that kind of professional woman, with her own career away from his constituency'.

He added that Elizabeth is a little younger than Mrs Blair.

The play  a comedy  will discuss the Labour Party and its evolution from 'Blair to now', according to Michael Grandage, whose MG Theatre Company will produce Labour Of Love at the Noel Coward Theatre from September 15, with Jeremy Herrin of Headlong Theatre in the director's seat - they are also co-producing.

Stirling said there was strict security surrounding the script. 'We've just had a re-write hot off the press and we're all prepared to keep learning lines up until the first night,' she told me  because Graham keeps adding topical flourishes. 'It's all top secret,' she added, joking: 'Scripts are delivered by theatrical dwarves, by hand. No email.'

Stirling is back after having a baby boy

The play opens in the middle of party conference season and it's likely many serving politicians will be drawn to the Noel Coward theatre.

There is now a huge appetite for Graham's work, and not just from MPs. Audiences lapped up his award-winning This House, and have been storming the Almeida to see Ink (which will move next month to the Duke of York's, just round the corner from Wyndham's, for its own West End run).

Labour Of Love will also feature Dickon Tyrrell as a Labour Party worker, Susan Wokoma as a constituent and Kwong Loke as a Chinese investor.

The play marks Stirling's return to the theatre following the birth of son Jack with husband Guy Garvey, the Elbow frontman.

Stirling said director Herrin told her it would be a very baby-friendly theatre, 'so I may be bringing my young boy with me'.

She added that returning to work with her 'sprog' was exciting, but also 'trepidatious'. But she praised Herrin for making the experience 'a plus and not a minus'.

Will the Stones get satisfaction?

You cant always get what you want.

The producers of a stage show called Some Girls, featuring the music of The Rolling Stones, have been stymied because of problems with access to the mega groups early hits, including numbers like Honky Tonk Women and Jumpin Jack Flash.

Mick Jagger and his fellow band members do not have control of their Sixties hits because they signed away the rights in a contract negotiation with the notorious Allen Klein before they understand the importance of maintaining ownership.

The Stones don't have the rights to some of their early stuff as they didn't know they would be successful

Half a century ago, the Stones had no clue that their early successes would be worth millions today.

Some Girls has had development and workshop sessions in New York and London, involving producers in NY and director Daniel Evans at this end; thought last night Evans, via a spokesperson, refused to discuss whether or not hes still connected with the project.

Representatives of the production company in the US did not respond to messages.

Jagger and Keith Richards did not attend the workshops but sent an associate, who reported back.

The Stones will not sanction such a show unless it meets all manner of standards  and even then might refuse to give it their blessing.

Acquiring rights is a painstaking and expensive business; and if it becomes too tricky Some Girls could wind up with just the hits the group themselves own.

Catalogue shows have been evolving of late. The Girl From The North Country at the Old Vic has a beautiful ramshackle quality about it  plus a genuine connection to Bob Dylans music, because of the book by playwright Conor McPherson.

Of course, the grandmother of them all is Mamma Mia!, which has a script of sheer steel written by Catherine Johnson. Thats why it has run so long.
Liam Gallagher, 44, has performed perhaps his shortest show in history.

The former Oasis rocker left the stage after 19 minutes in which he delivered only three and a half songs, fans at Thursday night's Lollapalooza gig in Chicago claim.

Videos captured by angry audience members heard the crowd chanting 'f*** you, Liam' and booing before they taunted the rocker with his famous rock rival brother Noel's name.

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Not up to par: Liam Gallagher walked off stage before finishing his gig at Lollapalooza in Chicago on Thursday night.

He took to Twitter afterwards to say: 'Sorry to the people who turned up for the gig in Chicago lollapalooza had a difficult gig last night which f***ed my voice. I'm gutted LG x'

Stage hands can also be seen dismantling the stage just moments after they realised the frontman would not be returning.

According to Globo news website, Liam was in the middle of his fourth song, Greedy Soul, a forthcoming release, when he exited the stage.

Pulling out: Liam said he felt 'gutted' not to be able to complete the gig

Disappointed: Fan heard just three and a songs from his repertoire after waiting to see him perform

The abrupt finish is no doubt especially bitter for US fans as it marked only his fourth as a solo artist.

Liam's first ever solo gig in the US took place in secret in New York at the weekend, but the rocker complained that he had 'f***ed his voice' this week.

He is known to have performed a secret gig at the McKittrick Hotel. Here, he'd delighted fans with a hit-packed 13 song setlist.

Angry: Liam was followed offstage by fellow musicians when they realised he was not returning

Sticking to a smaller crowd once again, Liam played at a free gig at Rough Trade NYC in Brooklyn later in the week.

On Wednesday night, supported by Blossoms, Liam put on an intimate show at Park West for the Official Lollapalooza Aftershow.

The musician is due back on stage on Friday night for the Osheaga Music & Arts 2017 festival in Montreal, Canada.

Liam's first solo album As You Were is due out later this year, accompanied by a North American tour that begins in November.

Bitter: The Twitter reaction was largely negative, with some brazenly using Noel Gallagher's name to taunt Liam

Lost his voice: Liam had blamed his incomplete performance on a bad gig the previous evening
She's been spending quite a bit of time in Greece lately.

And Lindsay Lohan, 31, looked like she was having a great time as she stopped to take selfies with fans on Wednesday.

In video obtained by Dailymail.com The Parent Trap star smiled broadly as a young fan took a photo at a restaurant.

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Having fun! Lindsay Lohan, 31, looked like she was having a great time as she stopped to take selfies with fans on Wednesday

She was later mobbed by a large group of people who all wanted a photo with the star.

The pretty red head graciously obliged and took a large group selfie.

She looked gorgeous in a black dress with two tiny straps crossed at the back.

She wore her long hair down around her shoulder and kept her gold aviator sunglasses on for the photos.

She was later mobbed by a large group of friendly tourist who all wanted a photo with the star

The star happily obliged and smiled as multiple people took photos with their phones

She was surrounded by buff men who stood beside her for the shot and was nice enough to allow multiple people in the group to take shots from their cell phones.

It appeared Lindsay had a brief chat with the fans who all smiled and looked happy to be there.

Lindsay, whose birthday fell on July 2, celebrated it on the Greek island and got a bit of a laugh on Twitter when she extended a birthday invitation to Britney Spears, Beyonce and Paris Hilton to join in on the festivities, which were also featured on her personal website, https://preemium.com/a/lindsaylohan.

Friendly: She also looked like she had a bit of a conversation with some of the fans who stopped her to take the photo

But speaking with the MailOnline, a source close to the former child star - who has spent her summers for the past six years in Mykonos - revealed she was wished a happy birthday by many A-list stars.

Among them was Oprah, who contacted her while she enjoyed a 'low-key' bash with 15 of her close friends at the Santa Marina resort.
She's the Australian funnywoman who filmed an on-screen kiss with Liam Hemsworth this week.

And Rebel Wilson, 37, was back on set shooting scenes for her upcoming film Isn't it Romantic in New York on Wednesday, but it was a coffee that kept the bubbly actress company instead of her hunky countryman.

Rebel was spotted filming crowd scenes for the forthcoming romantic comedy, doing her best to blend in to the throng of extras.

Pick-me-up: After filming a kiss with Liam Hemsworth this week, Rebel Wilson had a coffee to keep her company as she continued to shoot for her upcoming romantic comedy Isn't It Romantic in New York

In good company: Rebel was spotted filming crowd scenes for the forthcoming romantic comedy, doing her best to blend in to the throng of extras

The Pitch Perfect actress clutched a large coffee as she strolled through the city, possibly to keep Rebel alert during filming.

Rebel cut a casual figure for the shoot, wearing a simple black top and matching black pants.

She finished the ensemble with a light grey cardigan and a pair of black flats, while she had a large black handbag slung over her left shoulder and at one point, she also donned a pair of tinted cat-eye style sunglasses.

City chic: Rebel cut a casual figure for the shoot, wearing a simple black top and matching black pants

Casual: She finished the ensemble with a light grey cardigan and a pair of black flats, while she had a large black handbag slung over her left shoulder and at one point, she also donned a pair of tinted cats-eye style sunglasses

Blonde ambition: Rebel's long flaxen locks were tied in a loose bun at the top while she let long loose curls flow freely in the city breeze

Rebel's long flaxen locks were tied in a loose bun at the top while she let long loose curls flow freely in the city breeze.

As she walked along the street, Rebel appeared to get lost in the crowd of extras who milled around the Fat Pizza star.

Isn't It Romantic follows Rebel's character Natalie - a woman who has become jaded about love , but finds herself trapped in a romantic comedy.

Where is she? As she walked along the street, Rebel appeared to get lost in the crowd of extras who milled around the Fat Pizza star

She becomes involved in a love triangle with Liam Hemsworth, the object of her affections, and Adam Divine.

Along with Liam and Adam, the film will also star Priyanka Chopra and Betty Gilpin.

Directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, the film is expected to be released on Valentine's Day 2019.
Kyle Sandilands has made some shocking statements in the past but his latest quip may be his boldest yet.

The shock jock claims that Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston, 48, was 'keen' on him.

Speaking on the Kyle and Jackie O show on Friday, the 46-year-old told his co-host, 'Jen Aniston she was keen on me... remember that?'

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Keen? Kyle Sandilands claims that Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston, 48, was 'keen' on him

His cohort Jackie 'O' Henderson replied: 'I don't remember! I wasn't there! I was in London at the time.'

She went on to wonder out loud, 'I think you did that with (former co-host) Sophie Monk? Or did you do that on your own?'

Even Kyle said he 'didn't remember' when the alleged flirtation occurred, and gave no further details.

Kyle has interviewed the former Friends actress a number of times, including for her film We're the Millers during a 2013 'Breakfast With The Stars' segment.

Do you recall? Speaking on the Kyle and Jackie O show on Friday, the 46-year-old told his co-host, 'Jen Aniston she was keen on me... remember that?'

Hot to trot: Kyle has interviewed the former Friends actress a number of times, including for her film We're the Millers during a 2013 'Breakfast With The Stars' segment

He liked it: During that interview, the radio host complimented Jen's stripping scene in the romantic comedy

During that interview, the radio host complimented Jen's stripping scene in the romantic comedy.

Referring to Jennifer's strip tease Kyle stated excitedly: 'Have you checked out her body?'

He added that he would watch the scene on repeat to which the embarrassed actress replied that the scene was uncomfortable to shoot.

Referring to Jennifer's strip tease Kyle stated excitedly: 'Have you checked out her body?'

Kyle quipped: 'If I had that body I would be watching it over and over and over again'.

The radio host is dating fashion designer Imogen Anthony, who at 26 is 20 years Kyle's junior.
She coined the term 'smize', which means smiling with your eyes, on America's Next Top Model.

And though she's retired from the catwalk, Tyra Banks proved she still has all of her supermodel moves as she walked the red carpet on Thursday.

Banks, 43, wore a blush pink dress to the NBC Television Critics Association event where she was on hand to discuss her role as host on America's Got Talent.

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Amazing lace: Tyra Banks wowed on the red carpet in a blush pink dress with silver heels at the NBC Television Critics Association event on Wednesday in Pasadena, California

The figure-hugging garment showed off her amazing assets with a slit in the front of it's chiffon top that revealed a glimpse of her Victoria's Secret-famous bust.

In addition to her AGT hosting duties, she is returning to front America's Next Top Model, which Rita Ora hosted for a season before Banks took her role back.

Banks is also a mother to seventeen-month-old son York.

Smiling with her eyes: The 43-year-old coined the term 'smize' on America's Next Top Model

Tyra's talent: Though she's retired from the catwalk, Banks is still an expert red carpet walker

The Stanford University educator welcomed her son via surrogate in January of last year.

The America's Got Talent host shares her son with Erik Asla, a Norwegian photographer who is also the father of three other children.

The couple have been together since 2013, having first met on set of Norway's Next Top Model.

Back and front: She was sure to show off every inch of the figure-hugging lace garment

Over the shoulder: The supermodel came prepared with plenty of poses for her Thursday strut

Banks revealed that, following the birth of her son, she took time off from her piled-high work load.

'I definitely focused on him. I didn't do any work at all for months,' she told USA Today.

The New York Times best-selling author receives assistance from a nanny; and has a nursery on set of AGT.

Busy: Tyra is the mother to seventeen-month-old son York and current host of America's Got Talent

Host with the most: She is also returning to host America's Next Top Model and producing a sequel to her 2000 movie Life Size

She is now continuing on with her high-volume work load, announcing that she will executive produce the sequel to her 2000 movie Life Size.

In the original, Tyra plays a doll, owned by Lindsay Lohan, who comes to life.

Banks has reached out to Lindsay about appearing in the next installment, to which Lohan has yet to reply.

Surrounded: This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman (bottom, third from left) sat for a panel with several of the show's cast at the TCA Summer Press Tour in Los Angeles on Thursday

Flower power! Nicole Richie looked sexy in a floral pattern dress as she joins her Great News co-stars as Summer TCAs on Thursday

Red hot! Heather Graham proved that she can stun with any type of tresses on Thursday where she showed off her red locks in a slinky cobalt-colored jumpsuit

The band is back together! Star Debra Messing seemingly can't wait to get back to work as she looked quite energetic during a TCA Tour Panel discussion on Thursday

Gorgeous: America Ferrera, 33, was pretty as a petal in a floral-themed number at the NBC TCA Summer Press Tour in Los Angeles on Thursday
She said she believed her marriage to Oliver Curtis was over when she 'made a mistake' and was photographed kissing ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal in April.

And after opening up about that moment in an interview with news.com.au on Thursday, Roxy Jacenko was seen doting on her adorable son Hunter, two.

The 37-year-old shared a photo of the pair to her Instagram on Thursday night, where she cuddled up with the toddler in bed.

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Bonding: After opening up about 'that kiss' in an interview with news.com.au on Thursday, Roxy Jacenko was seen doting on her adorable son Hunter, two

The blonde-haired duo indulged in some quality time together as they struck identical poses while viewing footage on Hunter's portable device.

'Learning about cows,' Roxy wrote in the snap's caption.

'Important stuff when you live in an apartment,' she continued, making a joke in reference to the family's plush North Bondi unit.

Tense: The 37-year-old said she believed her marriage to Oliver Curtis was over when she 'made a mistake' and was photographed kissing ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal in April

Earlier that day, Roxy gave a candid interview where the PR queen revealed her and Nabil were 'drunk and stupid and mucking around' when they locked lips at a party.

Claiming her marriage wasn't 'intact' at the time, she divulged she 'spoke to a lawyer about divorce' while Oliver was serving a 12-month jail sentence for insider trading.

'My marriage in my eyes had come to an end ... it had been a seriously tough 12 months ... (we were) drunk and stupid and mucking around,' she explained.

Better days: The lovebirds have seemingly overcome their previous issues, with Oliver proposing to Roxy for the second time last month

She also described having problems with Oliver long before his time in court, describing their five year marriage as 'challenging'.

The lovebirds have seemingly overcome their previous issues, with Oliver proposing to Roxy for the second time last month.

They share two children together - five-year-old Pixie and three-year-old Hunter.
Apologia (Trafalgar Studios, London)

Verdict: A radical reinvention

Rating:

Good grief, what has Stockard Channing done to her face? The septuagenarian American has arrived at London's Trafalgar Studios for a four-month starring role in a play about an embittered old Sixties radical.

The show has its lively moments, but for much of the first few minutes I was so astonished by Miss Channing's startled-peke appearance, I could barely clock the plot.

Let us be positive and accept she was 'in character' as Kristin, a U.S. art historian who moved to Britain years ago and is about to celebrate her birthday with her two sons, their girlfriends and her gay friend Hugh (Desmond Barrit, camping it up  groan  like something from a Fifties radio show).

The action takes place in Kristin's cluttered kitchen. A sloping glass ceiling on Soutra Gilmour's accomplished set allows us to see what time of day it is and how much it is raining outside.

Apologia has its lively moments, but for much of the first few minutes I was so astonished by Stockard Channing's startled-peke appearance, I could barely clock the plot, writes QUENTIN LETTS

As we may glean from the fact that Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee has written an essay for the show's programme, Kristin symbolises the antiquated Left. She was a pioneer peacenik and bra burner back in the incendiary days of the Vietnam War and Woodstock.

Softie Hugh nostalgically recalls how they threw eggs at the U.S. embassy in London. He tells Kristin's banker son Peter that she was magnificent in her prime.

Yet Peter and his damaged brother Simon (both parts played well by Joseph Millson) feel aggrieved that 'the old commie' neglected them.

Writer Alexi Kaye Campbell certainly takes us on to refreshingly different ground. The first-half dialogue crackles as the more Right-wing youngsters confront comically acidic Kristin.

What a miserable prune she is, eaten away by scepticism and appalled when Peter and his American fiancee Trudi (Laura Carmichael) say that they met at a church prayer group.

She is incapable of seeing that today's churchgoers may be just as bold as were those hippies in the age of LBJ.

Freema Agyeman, Laura Carmichael, Joseph Millson, Desmond Baritt, Stockard Channing in Apologia

Te show focuses around Kristin, a U.S. art historian who moved to Britain years ago and is about to celebrate her birthday with her two sons, their girlfriends and her gay friend Hugh

Miss Carmichael gives a tidy performance as trite Trudi, whose maddening cliches slowly abate to reveal a more likeable figure.

With Freema Agyeman arriving as the soap-actress girlfriend of poor Simon, there is initially plenty of watchable give-and-take as the characters argue about values: are today's thirty-somethings too selfish, too politically disengaged?

It is bad luck on Campbell and his producers that recent British election results suggest the opposite.

Energy levels and the urgency of the writing drop in a second half dominated by an implausible story about how Simon was abandoned as a boy. The show ends more in a dribble than a bang.

Though I was quite taken by the play's more polemical moments, I feel I should issue two warnings: there is much bad language, with one joke in particular depending on a graphic sexual reference; and the Trafalgar Studios must surely be the most hideously uncomfortable theatre in London.

As for Miss Channing, when it comes to playing sad, slightly shaky ladies who look as though they have done too many rounds with Joe Bugner  all tunnel stares and lips like chlorine-washed chicken fillets  she is surely any casting director's go-to woman.
Evita (Phoenix Theatre, London)

Verdict: Though she be but little, she is fierce

Rating:

Forty years on, Evita still provokes a tear or two. Cancer-stricken Eva Peron, wife of the Argentine president, implores her country not to cry for her.

Tight, white spotlight, a few solitary notes, her voice is initially frail but soon soars and swoops as the musical director waves his baton as though mixing a fruit cake.

Once again the alchemy of Andrew Lloyd Webber's melody and Tim Rice's words and, in this case, the wren-like figure of Emma Hatton singing the lead, proves irresistible.

The alchemy of Andrew Lloyd Webber's melody and Tim Rice's words and, in this case, the wren-like figure of Emma Hatton singing the lead, proves irresistible, writes Quentin Letts

Bill Kenwright's production, which is at the compact Phoenix for 12 weeks after touring, is not quite the full meat and two veg. But thanks to Miss Hatton it is worthy of its West End run Pictured above, Emma Hatton as Eva Pern in Evita

Bill Kenwright's production, which is at the compact Phoenix for 12 weeks after touring, is not quite the full meat and two veg.

The amplification at Tuesday's last preview was overdone and the orchestration includes canned violins.

But thanks to Miss Hatton it is worthy of its West End run. #

She may be small, but she has a powerful voice and conveys the insistent personality of a woman who rose from nothing to be 'Santa Evita', the powerhouse political spouse of Argentina's Forties president Juan Peron.

Without live violins, the nine-piece band's guitars come to the fore. On stage, Gian Marco Schiaretti's Che (the sceptical narrator) struts handsomely, flashing his biceps

Without live violins, the nine-piece band's guitars come to the fore. On stage, Gian Marco Schiaretti's Che (the sceptical narrator) struts handsomely, flashing his biceps.

Kevin Stephen-Jones's Peron labours heroically under a dreadful wig, ultra-neat and polished black like a Guardsman's toecaps. It makes the poor fellow look like a nerd off Star Trek.

The young cast may not quite have mastered a Latin smoulder, but they dance tidily. However, the evening is all about Miss Hatton, who has plunged herself completely into the role. She is worth catching.
This Blog is a digital journal for two cute pooches, Casey (A White Color Shih Tzu Dog Mix) & Peanut (A Brown Dachshund Dog Mix) who are both two complete opposites who have nothing in common except this blog and same owners.
America Ferrera was pretty as a petal at the NBC TCA Summer Press Tour in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The actress, 33, was at the event to promote her TV sitcom Superstore.

The former Ugly Betty star looked picture perfect in the short-sleeved black frock dotted with red flowers.

Gorgeous: America Ferrera, 33, was pretty as a petal in a floral-themed number at the NBC TCA Summer Press Tour in Los Angeles on Thursday

The dress had a high neck and was gathered at the waist before falling in a full skirt to just above her ankles.

She added red sandal heels to complete the ensemble.

America wore her dyed honey blonde hair styled in gentle waves and tucked behind one ear.

She rimmed her eyes with black liner and mascara and sported matte dark pink lip color.

Made up: The actress wore her dyed honey blonde hair styled in gentle waves and tucked behind one ear. She rimmed her eyes with black liner and sported matte dark pink lip color

Coordinated ensemble: The former Ugly Betty star looked picture perfect in the short-sleeved black frock dotted with red flowers and she added red sandal heels to complete the ensemble

America, who also serves as a producer on Superstore, stars as an associate at a fictional big box store in St. Louis, Missouri, who's worked her way up to management, and hwo hates anyone knowing her real name.

The third season of the comedy is slated to debut next month on the Peacock network.

She was joined at the TCA event by her co-star Ben Feldman, 37, who rocked a patterned tee under a blue tailored jacket paired with dark gray pants and black trainers.
She's the Australian-born actor whose star continues to rise in Hollywood.

And Danielle Macdonald has landed the lead role in the upcoming film white Girl Problems with the actress revealing that she has never actually worked in Australia.

Confidential revealed on Thursday that the 25-year-old actress would star in the film that is based on the book by Babe Walker.

Rising star: Danielle Macdonald has landed the lead role in the upcoming film White Girl Problems with the actress revealing that she has never actually worked in Australia

Set to be produced by actress Elizabeth Banks and Max Handleman, the film follows a woman who is constantly striving for material perfection and finds herself in shopping rehab.

Danielle, who struggled to find work in her native Australia, relocated to the US in 2009.

Speaking to the publication in June, Danielle revealed that she had never acted in her home country - something that she would dearly love to change.

Plum role: Set to be produced by actress Elizabeth Banks and Max Handleman, the film follows a woman who is constantly striving for material perfection and finds herself in shopping rehab

'I wanted to act, wherever that was I was happy. It just happened to be in America for me,' she said.

'I've never actually played and Australian or worked in Australia. I really want to change that. I really want to work here - that would be great.'

It seems the gamble has paid off with the actress already nabbing roles in such fare as American Horror Story, 2 Broke Girls and the breakout indie comedy Patty Cake$.

Stateside success: Speaking to Confiedential in June, Danielle revealed that she had never acted in her home country - something that she would dearly love to change

Danielle's turn in Patty Cake$ in which she plays aspiring rapper Patricia Dombrowski made people sit up and take notice.

So much so that Danielle is also set to star alongside Jennifer Aniston in the comedy-drama Dumplin'.

Speaking to news.com.au in June, the star revealed that she struggled to book an audition in Australia.

'I had an agent for three years in Australia and I never had one audition! I had to move to America because I wasnt getting the same opportunities back home,' she said.
Sam Faiers marked an end to her second trimester with an adorable baby bump snap on Thursday.

Posting a picture of her growing shape on Instagram, the beauty celebrated a landmark six months into her pregnancy and teased fans about the gender.

She was dressed in a bump hugging nude dress and gleefully looking down at her tummy.

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Pregnancy snap: Sam Faiers shared a sweet update with fans on Thursday to show that she was just over six months gone

The beauty also proved that maternity dressing is all too easy, when she followed the sweet picture with a fashion post.

Dressed in the same dress in three colours, the blonde teased her new wardrobe to her followers.

The dress featured a pleated hem and sleeves but came in navy, nude and black for all occasions.

Thrice as nice: She proved that she's taking maternity style in her stride too

Too cute: She has been finding amusement in the things her son Paul likes to sit in, sharing sweet pictures via her Instagram

Sam's son Paul, who is soon to be a big brother, has also been entertaining her Instagram followers.

The former TOWIE star has been updating her feed with adorable pictures of Paul trying to squeeze himself into household items.

On Thursday, she wrote: Today Paul wanted to go in the small shopping trolley... what will be next?'

Room to grow: Paul and Sam are already parents to adorable son Paul Tony

After all, little Paul finds himself in all-new surroundings after Sam dropped the bombshell that she and partner Paul had finally settled on a 2.9million home just north of London.

She shared an insight into what the plush Hertfordshire pad might look like earlier this week.

The expectant former TOWIE star teased a video via Instagram on Sunday from inside the glamorous new 'orangery'.

First look: Sam Faiers shared an insight into the look of her new Hertfordshire home on Sunday, sharing internal pictures to Instagram

'Always my dream to have an orangery,' she wrote, beside a picture of floor-to-ceiling windows and a vast and empty tiled-floor room.

'So excited... New home. New beginnings,' she captioned another shot of the fireplace.

Already, the exquisite home looks like the perfect blanc canvas for the three-piece family, who are expecting a fourth addition by the end of the year.

MailOnline exclusively has learned that the happy couple moved into the new place last week.

Moving on: Sam and her family have already moved into the plush 2.9million home

A source explained: 'Samantha and Paul have been looking for the perfect property for some time and theyve now found a property they believe is perfect to bring up their family.'

The source went on to say: 'The property is located in a privately gated road and boasts its own swimming pool along with several acres of land.'

It was previously reported that Sam and Paul were renting the home of One Direction star Niall Horan on a temporary basis while they house hunted.

New family home: Sam and partner Paul Knightly (left) have spent the summer looking for the perfect spot

Expanding the family: Sam has baby son Paul with partner Paul but they're now expecting their second child and need somewhere bigger to live

The move from native Essex was reportedly prompted by her desire to ditch the TOWIE [The Only Way Is Essex] association.

In the last series of The Mummy Diaries, a series which follows Sam and her family through early family life, fans saw Sam and Paul exploring the idea of life in Los Angeles.

But properties in Venice Beach were not quite up to Samantha's standards, like they were in Beverly Hills.

One on the way: The couple announced their happy baby news three weeks ago and Sam is almost five months gone

The former TOWIE star viewed a stunning detached property, which was on the market for $2.3 million, but decided that the 'quirky' area was not right.

The fitness entrepreneur even enquired about the California version of Brentwood, stating that she is from the UK version - but was again disappointed that her and Paul would not get 'more bang for their buck' in the equally prestigious location.

'For that price tag, you'd expect a gate, a swimming pool, two or three floors... this had none of that,' she said, disappointed.

The Mummy Diaries has recently been acquired for three more series, which will see the show continue to air until at least 2019.

Searching abroad: Previously, the couple had been looking at homes in Los Angeles
Summer is in full swing.

And on Thursday, Melissa Gorga took advantage of the season with a mini photo shoot session at her New Jersey home.

The reality star enlisted her husband -and a pair of sky-high heels - to help achieve her look.

Snap away! On Thursday, Melissa Gorga, 38, took advantage of summer with a mini photo shoot session at her New Jersey home

The 38-year-old chose a black, one-piece swimsuit decorated with a gold pineapple on the front.

The Italian beauty styled her hair down and in loose wave, complete with a french braid at her crown.

Melissa accessorized with bangles and hoop earrings, and, for make-up, chose a dark eye and pale lip.

Passion for fruit: The reality star chose a black, one-piece swimsuit decorated with a gold pineapple on the front

Husband Joe, 37, stepped in as fashion photographer.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star held up an iPhone in hopes to get the perfect shot of his wife blowing kisses to the camera.

Later, Joe brought a smile to his wife's face as he scooped her up carried her over his shoulder.

Career switch? Husband Joe, 37, stepped in as fashion photographer. The Real Housewives of New Jersey star held up an iPhone in hopes to get the perfect shot of his wife blowing kisses to the camera

Husband and wife fun: Later, Joe brought a smile to his wife's face as he scooped her up carried her over his shoulder

When the parents-of-three aren't enjoying time at home, they're busy running their Italian restaurant, Gorga's Homemade Pasta and Pizza.

The duo opened the new eater in East Hanover, New Jersey in May of this year.

Additionally, the couple will appear in The Real Housewives franchise in the fall, which will see previous stars such as Danielle Staub and Siggy Fickler return.
It was the vigilante thriller that turned Charles Bronson into an action superstar.

And Bruce Willis looks set to bring his own brand of justice to the streets if the first trailer for the new Death Wish reboot is any guide.

But while the classic 1974 Michael Winner film was made on a tight budget, the remake appears to have been furnished with far more generous funding.

A good day to Die Hard: Bruce Willis decides to take the law into his own hands in the forthcoming Death Wish remake

In addition it seems to take on a hyperviolent, darkly comic tone, with the AC/DC tune Back In Black providing an upbeat feel to the grim portrayal of the main character's brutal slaying of petty criminals.

As in the first incarnation, the trailer once again shows the main character Paul Kersey as being a dedicated family man whose life is ripped apart by the callous act of criminals.

In the process of burgling his home, his wife, who is played by Karate Kid star Elisabeth Shue, is killed and their daughter viciously raped.

Pushed over the edge: His life is turned upside down when his wife is murdered and daughter raped and left comatose durin a burglary

'Where's my mom': His character Paul Kersey has some awkward questions to answer

This would never happen to John McClane: He confesses that 'when they needed me the most I failed to protect them'

Shue beauty: His wife is briefly played by Karate Kid legend Elisabeth

Typical: The local police say there is nothing they can do

Bruce's character says: 'I love my family, but when they needed me the most I failed to protect them.'

He is disappointed when his attempts to have the perpetrators punished by the law fall flat, he decides to take the law into his own hands, this time on the streets of crime-ridden Chicago rather than New York.

He soon becomes a folk hero who is the talk of the town, and in this age of social media he is even shown carrying out his acts of vengeance in cellphone footage that makes the news.

After he foils one attempted rape, a detective exclaims, 'They call him a guardian angel.'

Die Hard with a Death Wish: He soon takes out his anger on street criminals

No Great Escape for him: Bruce's character finishes off the thug

Classic moment: At one point he is shown pointing his fingers at some hoods

Callback: In much the same way Hollywood legend Charles Bronson did in the 1974 original

And one of his benefactors is shown telling officers, 'He saved my life.'

But while he seems to be acting at random, he is also trying to avenge his wife, with one scene showing him brutally torturing then murdering a thug he thinks has information on the original crime.

But there is still time for one final comedic vignette, with Bruce's character enjoying a session with his psychologist.

She asks him, 'You're looking much better. You getting out socialising?

When he replies, 'Not so much,' a short montage shows him carrying out a series of slayings.

Causing a raspberry ripple: He is shown targetting a crook known as the 'ice cream man'

Hero: One of his benefactors is shown telling officers, 'He saved my life.'

It wasn't like this in the 70s: In the updated film his character is an internet sensation

The shrink then adds the punchline, telling him, 'Well whatever you're doing keep it up.'

While the original was one of the rare successes for famed hack Michael Winner, the remake is being directed by Eli Roth, whose previous work includes such gems as 2015's Knock Knock and 2013 horror film The Green Inferno.

And it seemed both films celebrate the concept of vigilantism, while the Brian Garfield novel on which they are based actually attempted to denounce it.

The new Death Wish is slated for release on November 22.

'You getting out socialising?: Paul Kersey has even more awkward questions to answer when his saucy psychologist compliments his new demeanour

Anger therapy: He is shown blowing away criminals following her probing

Wrong prescription: Unfortunately for the crooks the shrink tells him 'whatever you're doing keep it up'
Whoever said FM radio was a dying medium needs to check-in with radio star Andy Lee.

After a week in New York, the Hamish & Andy star, 36, and his stunning girlfriend Rebecca Harding, 25, headed west Thursday, arriving at the luxurious London Hotel in West Hollywood.

Sporting a stunning gingham bikini, Rebecca shared a snap from the rooftop pool at the Sunset Strip-adjacent digs, which features a $15,000 per night Penthouse suite.

VERY good morning! Radio star Andy Lee and his girlfriend Rebecca Harding are currently staying at the luxurious London Hotel in West Hollywood, with Rebecca announcing the news by sharing a stunning bikini snap from luxury digs

Sky-high! After a week in New York with Andy, 36, Rebecca, 25, shared a snap from the rooftop pool at the Sunset Strip-adjacent digs, which features a $15,000 per night Penthouse suite

She was seen wearing a pair of statement tinted glasses with angled lenses, flaunting cleavage as she reclined by the pool.

In a mirror-selfie from the bathroom, it appeared that her beau may not have splashed out on the penthouse suite, with a nightly price in the realm of $1,000 more likely.

The couple are enjoying a stay at the eight-story high-rise, popular with VIP guests and celebrities.

Each of the 200 suites features luxury Italian linens on King Beds, over-sized bathrooms with mosaic tiles and a private deck for views of the Sunset Strip.

Not bad! In a mirror-selfie from the bathroom, it appeared that her beau may not have splashed out on the penthouse suite, with a nightly price in the realm of $1,000 more likely

Enjoy! The couple are enjoying a stay at the eight-story high-rise, popular with VIP guests and celebrities

Life is suite! Each of the 200 suites features luxury Italian linens on King Beds, over-sized bathrooms with mosaic tiles and a private deck for views of the Sunset Strip

Jealous? A shot of one of the tubs from the establishments over-sized bathroom

When the True Stories star and his girlfriend rolled into the lobby, they were greeted with a marbled-clad room with velvet-lined couches and a muted colour palette.

It's the work of London interior design mastermind David Collins, who rose to fame after styling the likes of Hell's Kitchen Chef Marco Pierre White's 'Harvey's' restaurant.

In their suite, the lovers would have stumbled upon decor drenched in elegance and a calming colour palette of gold, cream and sage cream furnishings.

Roll-up! When the True Stories star and his girlfriend rolled into the lobby, they were greeted with a marbled-clad room with velvet-lined couches and a muted colour palette

Mastermind! It's the work of London interior design mastermind David Collins, who rose to fame after styling the likes of Hell's Kitchen Chef Marco Pierre White's 'Harvey's' restaurant

Decor to die for! In their suite, the lovers would have stumbled upon decor drenched in elegance and a calming colour palette of gold, cream and sage cream furnishings

Truly the best way to see the Sunset! Another snap shared by Rebecca showed her reclining on one of the rootop pool's deck chairs, which sit on an classy Astro turf surface

Famous! In the distance the hotel's iconic Palm Trees were seen bordering the infamous Hollywood Hills

Another snap shared by Rebecca showed her reclining on one of the rootop pool's deck chairs, which sit on an classy Astro turf surface.

In the distance the hotel's iconic Palm Trees were seen bordering the infamous Hollywood Hills.

Since re-uniting this year after a 2016 separation, the couple have been the subject of engagement rumours, routinely seen putting on loved-up public displays.
She's the Bachelor 'villain' making headlines after racy photos of her working as a topless waitress surfaced.

And Leah Costa appeared to have a lot on her mind on Wednesday, looking stressed on a Melbourne street.

It comes as photos of the 24-year-old working as a topless waitress surfaced, showing Leah whipping a man's bare buttocks and with lines of white powder on her bottom.

Is the stress taking its toll? Makeup free Bachelor contestant Leah Costa looks strained as she steps out after controversial pictures are exposed

Glammed up: Leah is seen glammed up in a strapless dress in one of the promo shots for The Bachelor

The architectural design student sported a makeup free complexion, carrying a black leather folder and phone.

Leah went casual in a pair of skinny jeans and a black sweater, wearing her long blonde locks out over her shoulders.

The Bachelor contestant appeared strained and lost in thought as she made her way along the Melbourne street.

Makeup free: The architectural design student sported a makeup free complexion, carrying a black leather folder and phone

Last week, video surfaced of a topless Leah whipping a mystery man's bare buttocks, believed to have been filmed at a buck's party last December.

On Wednesday, Daily Mail Australia published images of Leah with lines of white powder on her bottom as she worked at a wild birthday party.

In a statement, Leah said she had previously worked as a topless and lingerie entertainer to support herself while studying.

Something on her mind: The Bachelor contestant appeared strained and lost in thought as she made her way along the Melbourne street

'My past job is not something that I am ashamed of, nor does it affect my aim to find love,' she said.

Friends of the controversial Bachelor also told Daily Mail Australia Leah found the work empowering.

'She is comfortable in her own skin and she never felt disrespected - they are just boobs!' A source close to Leah said.

Meanwhile Lisa has also been making waves on The Bachelor as one of this season's villains.

The uni student has been slammed by fans for her biting criticisms of other contestants and for boasting that she had been 'practicing' her tears in order to score precious alone time with Matty Johnson.
She spends almost 365 days of the year in swimsuits as part of her job as a bikini blogger.

But Natasha Oakley shows off her curves in lingerie as face of the 'Mash Up Campaign' for the new Bonds Hipster range.

The 26-year-old busty babe stuns in the shoot, modelling a number of mismatched underwear sets.

Bonds babe! Busty Natasha Oakley shows off her curves in lacy lingerie as she becomes face of new campaign for Australian underwear brand

The social media sensation is racy in a lace bra teamed with floral hipster briefs in one of the colourful images.

She also shows her sporty side in a mint crop top teamed with black underwear while she drapes a white sweater around her shoulders.

Tash also shows off her cleavage in a plunging white bra and briefs teamed with a fun floral bomber.

In another image, the blonde beauty's tan is accentuated by a rainbow coloured bra and blue briefs, and throughout the shoot she wears minimal makeup to reveal her stunning complexion.

Sporty: She also sports a mint crop top and black underwear in the shoot

All the colours in the rainbow: The blonde beauty's tan is accentuated by a rainbow coloured bra and blue briefs

Tash rose to stardom in 2012, after she and business partner Devin Brugman launched the popular blog A Bikini A Day blog.

Earlier this week she attributed her success to the positive body standards she believes her scantily-clad snaps set for others.

'I am a curvaceous woman,' she told Stellar, claiming that her decision to proudly flaunt her frame has helped fans with their own self-confidence.

'I think a lot of people have had new-found confidence within themselves from seeing what we do,' Natasha told the publication, who corroborated her claim.

'One of the reasons they have struck a chord with their audience is that they avoid showcasing rail-thin models in their work,' Stellar explained.

Everything is all white! Tash showed off her cleavage in a plunging white bra and briefs teamed with a fun floral bomber
The Bachelor returned to screens this week as a new gaggle of contestants took the stage in their quest for love.

And while most of the show's contestants came onto the show from relative obscurity, many of them bare a striking resemblance to some of the world's biggest superstars.

From Margot Robbie to Anna Faris- this year's cast features more than a few doppelgangers that will make you look twice.

What a coincidence! We take a look at the best celebrity lookalike comparisons from this season, starting off with fan-favourite Laura Byrne, who bares a striking resemblance to the woman who broke Matty's heart in the first place- former Bachelorette Georgia Love

We take a look at the best celebrity lookalike comparisons from this season, starting off with fan-favourite Laura Byrne, who has been rumoured to win Matty Johnson's heart on The Bachelor thanks to a series of social media slip-ups.

It is therefore decidedly ironic that the jewellery designer bares a striking resemblance to the woman who broke Matty's heart in the first place- former Bachelorette Georgia Love.

The blue-eyed duo share similar colouring and even sport similar-looking lips and jaw-lines.

Double take! Meanwhile, raven-haired contestant Jen Hawke also bares a striking resemblance to American actress Eliza Dushku

Meanwhile, raven-haired contestant Jen Hawke also bares a striking resemblance to American actress Eliza Dushku.

The twosome both sport a fair complexion, rich brown hair, full lips and similarly-dimpled smiles.

Firecracker Jen also shares personality traits with many of Eliza's on-screen characters, including the feisty antagonist Faith on Jos Whedon's Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Twinning! There are also marked physical similarities between Cobie Frost and her celebrity doppelganger Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell)

There are also marked physical similarities between Cobie Frost and her celebrity doppelganger Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell).

Timid love hopeful Cobie Frost works for large mining company BHP Billiton in Brisbane.

Meanwhile, Jesinta is known as a former pageant queen and David Jones ambassador.

Seeing double! There are also uncanny similarities between contestant Lisa Carlton and Australian pageant queen Tegan Martin

They could be sisters! Both blonde glamazons sport slender physiques, teethy smiles, sparkling blue eyes and a prominent, flat eyebrow shape

While Cobie is on the hunt for love, Jesinta has already settled down with her prince charming, AFL star Buddy Franklin.

There are also uncanny similarities between contestant Lisa Carlton and Australian pageant queen Tegan Martin.

Both blonde glamazons sport slender physiques, teethy smiles, sparkling blue eyes and a prominent, flat eyebrow shape.

Goop 2.0! Melbourne model Leah Costa is known the Bachelor's token antagonist this season, but she may also be recognised for her uncanny resemblance to Holllywood star Gwyneth Paltrow

Doubling up: Safety administrator Stephanie looks remarkably like fellow blonde bombshell Iggy Azalea, with the pair sharing rectangular face-shapes, petite noses and pouted lips

Both blondes also work as professional models and both have attempted to gain reality TV stardom, with Lisa appearing on The Bachelor and Tegan appearing on a slew of shows including I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Melbourne model Leah Costa is known the Bachelor's token antagonist this season, but she may also be recognised for her uncanny resemblance to Holllywood star Gwyneth Paltrow.

The couple share similar face shapes, facial features and colouring.

Goddesses: Meanwhile, fans may have noticed that Tahitian beauty Elora Murger bares a resemblance to actress Salma Hayek

They also share in interest in the world of reality television, with Gwyneth announcing her new reality show Planet of the Apps earlier this month.

Safety administrator Stephanie looks remarkably like fellow blonde bombshell Iggy Azalea, with the pair sharing rectangular face-shapes, petite noses and pouted lips.

Meanwhile, fans may have noticed that Tahitian beauty Elora Murger bares a resemblance to actress Salma Hayek.

Two peas in a pod! While contestant Elizabeth has been ruffling feathers in the Bachelor house this season, some viewers have noticed a similarity between the property executive and the former glamour model wife of David Warner, Candice

Remarkable! Florence and her celebrity lookalike, Australian actress Margot Robbie both have high-arched eyebrows, wide blue eyes, moderately-squared face-shapes and full lips

The pair share similar complexions and sculpted facial features, including high cheek-bones, modest-sized lips and arched eyebrows.

While contestant Elizabeth has been ruffling feathers in the Bachelor house this season, some viewers have noticed a similarity between the property executive and the former glamour model wife of David Warner, Candice.

The duo both sport prominent jaw-lines, slender noses, ash-blonde hair and dark eyebrows.

Like looking in a mirror! Contestant Tara Pavlovic's celebrity twin is comedian Anna Faris, with the pair sharing similarly-shaped petite faces, pointed law-lines, modestly-sized lips and prominent, almond eyes

The same can be said about contestant Florence and her celebrity lookalike, Australian actress Margot Robbie.

Florence and Margo both have high-arched eyebrows, wide blue eyes, moderately-squared face-shapes and full lips.

Contestant Tara Pavlovic's celebrity twin is comedian Anna Faris, with the pair sharing similarly-shaped petite faces, pointed law-lines, modestly-sized lips and prominent, almond eyes.

Meanwhile, Simone Ormesher shares remarkable similarities to Hollywood veteran Renee Zellweger.

And our list would not be complete without a nod to the Bachelor himself, Matty Johnson, whose sparkling eyes, elvish grin and pointed ears make him the perfect match for Lord Of The Rings star, Elijah Wood.

Similar look: Meanwhile, Simone Ormesher shares remarkable similarities to Hollywood veteran Renee Zellweger
She was supporting her husband Channing Tatum at the premiere of his new comedy series, Comrade Detective.

But Jenna Dewan Tatum was the real star as she rocked the red carpet in Los Angeles on Thursday in hot pink Marchesa dress complete with an elaborate, feathered neckline.

The 36-year-old star put her svelte, dancing physique on show as she posed proudly in the clingy and bright frock.

If you've got it! Jenna Dewan Tatum outshone her husband Channing Tatum as she rocked the red carpet in Los Angeles on Thursday night in hot pink Marchesa dress complete with an elaborate, feathered neckline

Jenna's bold and tight dress clung to her slim waistline, showing off her perfectly toned physique to full effect.

The Step Up star had her glossy brunette tresses scraped back into a messy yet sexy 'do.

And she polished off her blemish-free complexion with blush on her dewy cheeks, bold fuchsia lipstick, and mascara to bring out her bright hazel eyes.

The star's look was topped off with a pair of classic black heels.

Ruffling feathers! Jenna's bold and tight dress clung to her slim waistline, showing off her perfectly toned physique to full effect

Man of style! Jenna's husband, Channing, looked incredibly debonair in his slick blue suit, tie, and black leather shoes

Hey there! Dewan waved as she made her vibrant appearance

Jenna's husband, Channing, looked incredibly debonair in his slick blue suit, tie, and black leather shoes.

Channing and Jenna have been married since 2009 and have daughter Everly, four, together.

The couple met while playing each other's love interests in the hit 2006 dance themed film, Step Up.

Well heeled! The star topped off the look with a pair of classic black heels

So in love: Channing and Jenna have been married since 2009 and have daughter Everly, four, together

Flower power! Jenna Slate rocked a sheer floral print top and bold blue heels

Since starring in Step Up, Jenna has gone on to appear in The Playboy Club, Witches Of East End, Supergirl, and more recently, Man With A Plan.

Channing, meanwhile, stars in the upcoming Amazon Prime series Comrade Detective.

The series also stars Florin Piersic Jr., Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jenny Slate, Olivia Nita, and Corneliu Ulici.

Comrade Detective is set to premiere on Friday, August 4.

Suits him! Joseph Gordon-Levitt cut a dashing figure in his sharp suit

Action packed: The Cold War era series also stars Corneliu Ulici, Olivia Nita, and Florin Piersic Jr.
TUESDAY, AUG. 8Hixson Community Coffee8:00-9:00 a.m.Donald Kane, State Farm: 5506 Hwy. 153. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9midTown Council Meeting11:45-1:00 p.m.Family Justice Center: 5705 Uptain RdMeeting cost $10.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .THURSDAY, AUG. 10Southside Council Meeting12:00-1:00 p.m.green|spaces: 63 E Main StreetSpeaker: Dr. Mounir MinkaraTopic: East Lake Park MakeoverMeetings cost $10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FRIDAY, AUG. 11East Brainerd Council Coffee8:30-9:30 a.m.Bright Star Care: 6016B Shallowford Rd #1300Join our East Brainerd Council for their monthly coffee on the second Friday of every month.Ribbon Cutting for Open Arms Care10:00-10:30 a.m.Open Arms Care: 7817 Gamble Rd, 37336Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting event for Open Arms CareRibbon Cutting for Palmetto Place Apartments4:00-4:30 p.m.Palmetto Place Apartments: 910 E 8th St, 37403Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting event for Palmetto Place Apartments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Entrepreneurial Alliance EventsMONDAY, AUGUST 7NEWtrepreneur Bookkeeping? 10 Mistakes to Avoid12:00 - 1:00 p.m.INCubator: 100 Cherokee Blvd. (Park across the street in the Renaissance paid parking lot)Are you an entrepreneur, small business owner or considering starting your own business? It's important to keep your finances tidy! Topics include: how to classify workers, receipt requirements, meal expenses and more. Bring your questions! This course is part of our Complimentary Entry Level seminars.Speaker: Lynn Talbott, MBA, President of HRBiz and Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisorRegister: https://clients.tsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=30360189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TUESDAY, AUG. 8Etsy SEO Workshop10:30-12 noonLearn to optimize your Etsy SEO (Search Engine Optimization) with tools like Marmalead and creative keyword research. During this class, Rachel will share how she increased her Etsy shop revenue by 800% in one year using keyword strategies. Other topics include: Streamline your listing process ? Thinking outside the box with research keywords ? Overview of Marmalead ? Creating Marmalead account and connect it to your Etsy store.It is preferable that attendees either have an Etsy shop, or have a product they are considering selling on Etsy, and that they are at least familiar with the process of setting up listings on Etsy. Computers aren't required, but are welcome.Rachel Bode Tucker, Indigo Tangerine and BrightBridge Women's Business CenterLocated at 535 Chestnut Street, Suite 161, Chattanooga, TN 37402No charge. To reserve your seat visit: https://www.brightbridgewbc.org/event/etsy/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9Create a Facebook Business Page11-12 noonWhen you leave class, you will have a Facebook business page created.Training will cover the basics of a creating a Facebook business page.Required: laptop computer and personal Facebook page(if you need a laptop let us know at least 3 days in advance)This is a workshop developed and delivered by an e-commerce seller; not a Facebook employee.As such the views or opinions expressed are those of the instructor.Emily Pilkington with BrightBridge Women's Business CenterLocated at 535 Chestnut Street, Suite 161, Chattanooga, TN 37402No charge. To reserve your seat visit: https://www.brightbridgewbc.org/event/createFB8-9/ China Business Experts Roundtable11:30 - 1:00 p.m.INCubator: 100 Cherokee Blvd. (Park across the street in the Renaissance paid parking lot)At our China Business Experts Roundtable, China business experts from Tennessee, Georgia, and China will be on hand to answer your questions and share their experiences in a casual environment. Our experts include:- Steven Gu, Director of US China Business Advisory Services at PYA- Lei Fang, Partner at Jin & Fang law firm- Jim Ebel, CEO of CenterBrain Partners brand consultancy- Evian Qiu, Global Operations Associate at CenterBrain Partners- Jenny Li, Sourcing Consultant at AsiaSource Company- Raymond Liu, International Business Development Specialist at McKee FoodsTickets: $25 for TN-China Network (discount code was emailed) or Georgia China Alliance members; $35 for non-membersThank you to our event partner and event sponsors Tennessee Small Business Development Center, PYA, and the City of Chattanooga Office of Multicultural Affairs, for helping make this event possible!Register on the TN China Network's website: http://tnchinanetwork.org/event/china-business-experts-roundtable/ Facebook Marketing Strategies ($25)- Intermediate3:30 - 5:00 p.m.INCubator: 100 Cherokee Blvd. (Park across the street in the Renaissance paid parking lot)You have a Facebook page for your business, now what? Discover Facebook best practices including content strategy tips, increasing website traffic, understanding analytics, and an overview of Facebook's Business Manager, Ad Manager and Power Editor tools.Speaker: Lisa Brown, CEO of 3E SocialRegister: https://clients.tsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=30360229 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .THURSDAY, AUG. 10Small Business Orientation- Complimentary Morning Course11:30 am - 1:00 p.m.INCubator: 100 Cherokee Blvd. (Park across the street in the Renaissance paid parking lot)This seminar will address key topics of interest for individuals considering starting a business. Topics such as business entity options and tax registration, the importance of business planning, financing options, and the extensive network of resources through the TSBDC. Participants receive a Start Up packet containing vital phone numbers and addresses for getting established within State and Federal regulations.Register: https://clients.tsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=30360137 Small Business Orientation- Complimentary Evening Course5:30 - 7:00 p.m.INCubator: 100 Cherokee Blvd. (Park across the street in the Renaissance paid parking lot)This seminar will address key topics of interest for individuals considering starting a business. Topics such as business entity options and tax registration, the importance of business planning, financing options, and the extensive network of resources through the TSBDC. Participants receive a Start Up packet containing vital phone numbers and addresses for getting established within State and Federal regulations.Register: https://clients.tsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=30360166 BYOB: Build Your Own Business Plan5:30-8:30 p.m .The goal of this training is for each participant to learn the components of a business plan. Then they will use this knowledge to draft their unique business plan outline. This will include an outline of company description, market research, product/service line and marketing and sales strategies. Financial projections will also be discussed.Linda Murray Bullard, LSMB Business Solutions and BrightBridge Women's Business CenterLocated at 535 Chestnut Street, Suite 161, Chattanooga, TN 37402No charge. To reserve your seat visit: https://www.brightbridgewbc.org/event/byob-8-10/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In 2003, Adrien Brody grabbed her after she announced he won an Oscar for Best Actor.

And 14 years later, Halle Berry addressed that memorable moment during her appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.

The Kidnap actress, 50, revealed during the Thursday show that her first thought when he started kissing her was 'what the f**k is happening right now!'

Candid: Halle Berry spoke about Adrien Brody kissing her during the 2003 Oscar Awards while on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen

Halle also talked about the throwback picture Bravo reality star Bethenny Frankel shared of her from a 1985 beauty pageant.

The star quipped to Andy: 'I was not competing against her. I have the crown on.'

Last October, Bethenny shared a picture to her Instagram from the Miss Teem Long Island pageant; Halle sported a crown after winning Miss Teen All American.

One of the most memorable Oscar moments occurred when Adrien grabbed Halle - who was a presenter - and kissed her on the lips.

Cheers: Halle also talked about the throwback picture Bravo reality star Bethenny Frankel shared of her from a 1985 beauty pageant

Throwing shade: Halle also talked about the throwback picture Bravo reality star Bethenny Frankel shared of her from a 1985 beauty pageant; Halle top left and Bethenny top right

She revealed on the show that it 'was not planned' and 'I was like, what the f**k is happening.'

Halle added that she doesn't remember what she thought of his kissing skills: 'I just f****n went with it. I don't know, I was too focused on what the f**k is going on.'

One viewer asked Halle if she's spoken with either Sarah Palin or Aretha Franklin - since she's related to them both.

Surprise! One of the most memorable Oscar moments occurred when Adrien grabbed Halle - who was a presenter - and kissed her on the lips; it happened in 2003; seen after the kiss

While Halle confirmed she's a distant relative to Palin, she revealed that she is not in fact related to Franklin.

However, she noted that she is related to the DC Sniper, adding 'it's not my proudest moment.'

The DC Sniper - John Allen Muhammad - killed 17 people in 2002 in sniper attacks around the Washington DC area.

Honest: While Halle confirmed she's a distant relative to Palin, she revealed that she is not in fact related to Franklin; pictured with Andy and fellow guest Toni Collete

During a game of Plead The Fifth, Andy asked her about her X-Men co-stars - Hugh Jackman, Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart - who she would Shag, Marry or Kill; she played Storm in the superhero franchise.

Halle said she would shag Hugh but then told Andy she's going to plead the fifth because she didn't 'want to kill either' Ian or Patrick.

The second question was about artist Trey Songz and what he wrote to her when he slid into her direct messages on Instagram.

Can't stop laughing: During a game of Plead The Fifth, Andy asked her of her X-Men co-stars - Hugh Jackman, Sir Ian McKellen or Patrick Stewart - who would she Shag, Marry or Kill; she played Storm in the superhero franchise

She revealed that he just complimented her on one of her posts about meditating and she then liked his comment.

When Andy seemed surprised that she checks her messages, Halle said 'well when the whole world is telling you to check' - she had to check.

The whole situation started when Trey Songz announced on Twitter that he 'just slid in @halleberry dm's for the culture, but really just for me. Pray to God she respond.'

The Academy Award winner also explained the pose she did on the red carpet at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in early June; she had both hands cradling her stomach.

The pose brought about pregnancy rumors, which she quickly shot down on her social media.

Gorgeous: The Academy Award winner also explained the pose she did on the red carpet at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in early June; she had both hands cradling her stomach; seen on June 3

Halle said it was mid-pose and that she 'was not holding my stomach. I put my hands on my hips.'

The star said she slid her hands from her stomach to her hips to pose on the red carpet and it looked like she was holding her stomach in that particular frame of the posing.

Halle mentioned that she 'had a poof' because she had eaten a burger with fries before the event.

She even demonstrated to Andy and Toni, adding 'That was not a moment. It was a transition.'

Clarifying: Halle said that she 'was not holding my stomach. I put my hands on my hips'

Transition: The star said she slid her hands from her stomach to her hips to pose on the red carpet and it looked like she was holding her stomach in that particular photo

Showing what she did! She even demonstrated to Andy and Toni, adding 'that was not a moment. It was a transition'

Halle spoke about Malia Obama as well, who served as a PA on the set of one of her films.

She said the former First Daughter was 'fantastic' and is a 'smart, beautiful young woman.'

The actress joked that she asked her, 'Can we call your dad or mom?,' referring to Barack and Michelle Obama.

The ageless screen siren also revealed a beauty secret; she name dropped the Red Carpet Facial from the Kinara Skin Care Clinic and Spa in Los Angeles as her must have product.

She said she uses the boxed mask twice a week and swears by it.

Halle's new film Kidnap is set to be released on Friday.

Wow: Later in the day, Halle was spotted in NYC out and about in a camouflage number, adding Lucky Brand ripped denim
He's one of the world's most in-demand models.

And Jordan Barrett looked every bit the male supermodel on Thursday as he shot an editorial in London.

But the 20-year-old made sure to take some time to himself during the photoshoot, pausing to bask in the sun shirtless in between photos.

Shirtless wonder! Male supermodel Jordan Barrett basks in the sun while shooting editorial piece in London

Jordan was shooting a yet-to-be revealed editorial in London after filming scenes Carte Blanche movie in Los Angeles.

The model appeared tired as he changed outfits and displayed his very slender frame during the shoot.

Jordan also seemed pensive as he made a phone call, closing his eyes and putting his fingers to his temple.

Call: Jordan also seemed pensive as he made a phone call, closing his eyes and putting his fingers on his temple

Working: Jordan was shooting a yet-to-be revealed fashion editorial in London

Take five: Other photos show Jordan decked out in designer clothes, enjoying a coffee break at a nearby cafe

Other photos show Jordan decked out in designer clothes, enjoying a coffee break at a nearby cafe.

But the genetically-blessed model was soon seen putting his good looks to work, offering his best blue steel impressions to the camera.

He also stood by dutifully as a stylist carefully primped his hair, with his locks styled in a messy look.

Successful: Discovered at the age of 14, Jordan has gone on to model for some of the biggest names in the business such as Balmain, Tom Ford and Vogue

Friends in high places: He has also been linked to some of the world's most beautiful women such as Bella Hadid and Lara Stone

Busy: Jordan was in London after filming scenes Carte Blanche movie in Los Angeles

Discovered at the age of 14, Jordan has gone on to model for some of the biggest names in the business such as Balmain, Tom Ford and Vogue.

He has also been linked to some of the world's most beautiful women, with his rumoured paramours including Bella Hadid, Lara Stone and Paris Hilton.

Jordan returned to Australia for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in May, where he was reportedly paid $100,000 to walk down the runway once in the Justin Cassin fashion show.

Ready for his close-up: The genetically-blessed model was soon seen putting his good looks to work, offering his best blue steel impressions to the camera

Hefty paycheck: Jordan returned to Australia for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in May, where he was reportedly paid $100,000 to walk down the runway once
She's the Australian funnywoman currently starring in the upcoming comedy Isn't It Romantic.

And on Thursday, Rebel Wilson was spotted shooting scenes with resident hunk Liam Hemsworth, 27.

Filming in New York's Battery Park, the 37-year-old wore an identical dress to the one seen on Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

Stunner! On Thursday, Rebel Wilson was spotted shooting scenes with resident hunk Liam Hemsworth, 27

Rebel wore a floor-length red gown with a plunging neckline, which emphasised her ample cleavage.

The off-the-shoulder dress also featured a slight sweet heart neck and cinched up at her breasts.

Rebel teamed her frock with black pointed toe kitten heels.

Filming in New York's Battery Park during the night, the 37-year-old was wearing an identical dress to the one seen on Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman in 1990

Night shoot: Rebel's blonde locks were styled in loose waves with her fringe effortlessly swept to one side

The stunner accessorised her look with a gold clutch that was identical to the one seen on Julia's character Vivian in the 1990 hit film.

Rebel's blonde locks were styled in loose waves with her fringe effortlessly swept to one side.

Dressed in a white shirt, suit pants and a tie, Liam was looking dapper as always.

Dressed to the nines: Dressed in a white shirt, suit pants and a tie, Liam was looking dapper as always

Clean cut: The partner of Miley Cyrus completed his look with black socks and perfectly shined shoes

The partner of Miley Cyrus completed his look with black socks and perfectly shined shoes.

The Richard Gere Millennial also had his hair side swept and sported a tidily groomed beard.

In one scene, Liam was looking rather exhausted, leaning up against a set of stairs in the parkland.

Heart throb: The Richard Gere Millennial also had his hair side swept and sported a tidily groomed beard

Romantic: Earlier in the week, Rebel took to Instagram to show a behind the scenes shot of herself and her on-screen love interest embracing in a romantic kiss

Earlier in the week, Rebel took to Instagram to show a behind the scenes shot of herself and her on-screen love interest embracing in a romantic kiss.

Dipping Rebel, the stars performed their passionate pash in front of a green screen whilst fabricated rain poured down over them.

The movie sees Rebel's character Natalie, a love cynic, find herself trapped in her own romantic comedy.
She's in the midst of a legal battle with her former boss Mel B, in the aftermath of the star's shock split from her husband Stephen Belafonte earlier this year.

But Lorraine Gilles, who had previously served as a nanny for the former couple, appeared to only have eyes for her husband Michael LeBleau, as she locked lips with him during a leisurely day of sun worshipping in Malibu, California, recently.

Putting on a breathtaking display in a cream crocheted halterneck bikini with drawstrings on either side of her bottoms, the blonde beauty enjoyed a splash in the Pacific Ocean before relaxing on the sand with her other half.

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Itsy bitsy: Lorraine Gilles put on a breathtaking display in a cream halterneck bikini as she enjoyed a day out at the beach in Malibu, California, recently

And the 26-year-old arrived at the glitzy oceanside enclave well prepared for a day of relaxing, as she and her husband packed a large blue cooler of goodies.

With her platinum tresses tied into a sleek bun, the German stunner lovingly kissed her husband, who whore a black surfing top with matching striped shorts.

Lorraine's 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.

DIsplay of affection: The blonde beauty locked lips with her husband husband Michael LeBleau

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.

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.'

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

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.

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.

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

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.

'Mel has told the judge her accusations about Lorraine were no smear campaign as she did not act in reckless disregard'.

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'

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'.

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

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'

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
As the granddaughter of Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, it would be fair to say that little Sophia Rutland enjoys quite the charmed life.

And this week, the adorable three-year-old had something of a real-life My Little Pony experience as she met a Shetland pony dressed as a unicorn during a photoshoot for her mother Tamara's Ecclestone's children's brand Fifi & Friends.

Sophia donned a hooded leopard-themed dress as she was introduced to her new four-legged friend at a London studio, while her her doting mother looked on.

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Ready for their close-up! Tamara Ecclestone took daughter Sophia Rutland to a London studio earlier this week for a photoshoot for her children's brand Fifi & Friends

The tot, who features heavily on the Fifi & Friends website, teamed her cute dress with a pair of glittering silver trainers, while her blonde hair rested on her shoulders.

Tamara, 33, stepped out in her usual glamorous style, wearing a long black flowing dress under tasselled camouflage jacket, while standing tall in beaded strappy heels.

With her chestnut brown tresses rested about her shoulders in bombshell waves, Tamara kept a close eye on her sole offspring - who she shares with husband Jay Rutland - as they prepared to go before cameras.

Unicorn: The tot was introduced to a Shetland pony dressed as a unicorn ahead of the shoot

Fashionable: The adorable three-year-old looked stylish in a hooded leopard-themed dress

Doting mother: Formula One heiress Tamara kept a close eye on her offspring during their day

Tamara recently opened up about her attachment to her child in an interview with Happiful.

Talking about her mental health revelation, which refers to excessive fear or anxiety about separation from a child - Tamara admitted that it is becoming a daily struggle while she worries that her daughter is in constant danger.

She said: 'Ive had more anxiety since I became a mum, and its something I need to work on and deal with. I was never an anxious person before I had Sophia, but now I have serious anxiety about anything happening to my daughter.

'Ive just got to get my head around the fact that Im not going to be there to pick her up every time she falls over, and thats the brutal reality.'

Stylish: Tamara, 33, stepped out in her usual glamorous style, wearing a long black flowing dress under tasselled camouflage jacket, while standing tall in beaded strappy heels

Waves: Her glossy brown tresses rested about her shoulders in bombshell waves for the shoot

Discussing her daughter's first day at nursery in January, the socialite revealed that she was left crying in her car for three hours after she left her for fear something might have happened to her.

'I sat outside in the car for three hours, crying my eyes out and Jay was telling me that I was a lunatic. I was watching my phone, thinking: The nursery staff are going to need me to come back."

'But they didnt. I feel like Im always worried. Is she going to fall over? Have I forgotten something? Is her smock clean for school? Everyone has a certain level of anxiety. Nobodys life is perfect.

Continuing: 'Ive just got to get my head around the fact that Im not going to be there to pick her up every time she falls over, and thats the brutal reality.'

Proud parent: Tamara and Sophia recently posed for this cute family snap for Happiful magazine, to whom the heiress opened up about her parental separation anxiety

While she added that the thought of Sophia experiencing any pain or 'bullying' is 'heartbreaking.'

Discussing the impact her anxiety, claustrophobia and ornithophobia - an irrational fear of birds - has on her marriage to her Essex-born property developer, she admitted that they haven't spent a single night in bed alone in the past two-and-a-half years.

Never apart: Tamara, on the cover of Happiful with daughter Sophia, also suffers from anxiety, claustrophobia and ornithophobia

Her candid admission comes after Tamara hit back at critics who said she should no longer be breastfeeding Sophia.

With the likes of model Jodie Kidd recently weighing in on the debate, Tamara said she believes only a mother knows what is best for her children.

Speaking on This Morning in June, she revealed: 'Everything comes with its critics. As a mum we want to do whats best for your kids.

'People are focused about breastfeeding  yet no one worries when people are going to take dummies or comforters away from kids. My intention was not to breastfeed till past three but I know one day shell be done.'

The star also revealed that she lets Sophia decide when she is 'ready' for big life changes, vowing to apply the same rule to breastfeeding.

She said: 'I potty trained until when I thought she was ready. She only went to nursery when she showed signs she was ready. That day I sat in the car for three hours with Jay. I was part happy and proud and part sad.

'I feel like shes never craved for attention so she knows Im always going be there.'
They recently escaped for a romantic break in the Spanish sun.

But Jessica Shears and Dominic Lever were back on the British party circuit by Thursday as the pair were pictured heading to Neighbourhood nightclub in Manchester.

The Love Island lovebirds looked head over heels for one another as they sauntered into the hotspot hand-in-hand, before gazing lustfully into one another's eyes.

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Smitten kittens: Jessica Shears and Dominic Lever were back on the British party circuit by Thursday as the pair were pictured heading to Neighbourhood nightclub in Manchester

Pulling out all the stops for their night on the town, Jess took the plunge in a low-cut black blouse.

The gorgeous reality star paired the revealing number with ripped skinny jeans, which fit her enviable curves like a second skin.

The statuesque stunner elongated her svelte pins with black stilettos and banished the evening chill with a chic leather jacket.

Besotted: The Love Island lovebirds looked head over heels for one another as they sauntered into the hotspot hand-in-hand, before gazing lustfully into one another's eyes

Sizzling: Pulling out all the stops for their night on the town, Jess took the plunge in a low-cut black blouse and ripped jeans that clung to her like a second skin

Her brunette tresses cascaded around her face in preened loose waves, while her stunning face modelled a glamorous make-up look.

Dom cut an equally stylish figure in a white T-shirt, which he teamed with ankle grazer black jeans and a beige denim jacket.

While the couple's romance continues to go from strength to strength, it's no secret that things got off to a rocky start between the duo, after Jess 'stole' the hunk from Montana Brown when she made a late arrival in the Love Island villa.

Trendy: Dom cut an equally stylish figure in a white T-shirt, which he teamed with ankle grazer black jeans and a beige denim jacket

Date nights all round! Ex on the Beach lovebirds Chet Johnson and Helen Briggs put on a loved-up display as they entered the club linking arms

Pucker up! Chet was pictured leaning in for a kiss as they made their way into the venue

But, despite insisting was keen to pursue something with Montana, it wasn't long before Jess' feelings for the 27-year-old Mancunian were reciprocated as they went on to strike up a passionate relationship.

Their romance was hit by a major blow following Jess' shock elimination from the villa however, as reports claimed that she had enjoyed a sexual encounter with co-star Mike Thalassitis - an accusation that both have vehemently denied.

Choosing to ignore the claims, Dom and Jess wasted no time picking up where they left off when his time to exit the show arose, and it seems the pair haven't looked back.

Simply the bust! Helen flashed major cleavage in a very revealing jumpsuit

Finishing touches: The reality star paired her risque look with barely-there stilettos and a reptile print handbag

But the loved-up duo weren't the only stars who rang in the approaching weekend at at Manchester's Neighbourhood last night, as a flurry of Ex on the Beach and Big Brother alumni were also pictured partying it up at the venue.

Ex on the Beach lovebirds Chet Johnson and Helen Briggs put on a loved-up display as they entered the club linking arms.

They were shortly followed by controversial Big Brother star Lotan Carter and finalist Tom Barber.

Look who it is! They were shortly followed by controversial Big Brother star Lotan Carter
She's the Sydney PR queen who's known for her impeccable style.

But on Thursday, it was a different story for Roxy Jacenko, who shared a bizarre Instagram selfie - in which she flashed her bra and covered her head with a bag.

The 37-year-old posed in a nude bra and grey sweat shorts as one of her Sweaty Betty employees snapped a photo.

Out of character: Roxy Jacenko, 37, wore a bag on her head and a nude bra in an unusual photo shared to her Instagram story on Thursday

'Thanks @hollyasser for always getting my good side,' she wrote, followed by a laughing emoji face.

Roxy told Daily Mail Australia on Friday that the bag was used to prevent makeup from marking her clothing.

'Holly was helping me and found it hysterical I put a bag over my head all in aid of avoiding foundation on the frocks,' she said.

New gig! Roxy was recently announced as a digital influencer for Birkenhead Point

With her arms flung out to the side, it looked like Roxy was in the midst of an elaborate upper body dance.

Roxy's slender waist was highlighted with her shorts pulled up to her belly button, while her bust appeared particularly full.

The unusual photo was a far cry from Roxy's post on Friday, with her looking glamorous dressed head-to-toe in Dolce and Gabbana for a photo shoot at Sydney's new Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre.

Excited: 'Thrilled to be the August digital influencer for @birkenheadpoint brand new premium outlets,' she wrote on Instagram

The blonde publicist announced the reason behind the shoot, which she said was held on Thursday.

'Thrilled to be the August digital influencer for @birkenheadpoint brand new premium outlets,' she wrote alongside the elegant shot.
She turned her Instagram profile private amid the backlash over her relationship with Jeremy Meeks - who is still married to wife of eight years, Melissa Meeks.

But Chloe Green, 26, proved she was feeling proud of their budding romance as she shared a sweet selfie with the 'hot felon', 33, enjoying a day out in the sunshine on Friday.

With the couple scantily-clad and cosied up to one another, they looked in great spirits as they smiled for the camera.

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Loved-up: t Chloe Green, 26, proved she was feeling proud of their budding romance as she shared a sweet selfie with the 'hot felon', 33, enjoying a day out in the sunshine on Friday

With Chloe displaying her decotellage, and Jeremy shirtless in the snap, the pair turned up the heat as they continued to parade their controversial romance.

The Topshop heiress captioned the snap: 'Life is to short not to laugh and smile and that's all we do... @jmeeks official. #nohatejustlove #everyonedeservestobehappy [sic].'

Meanwhile, Jeremy's estranged wife Melissa, who was left heartbroken when his infidelity was exposed, seemed to be feeling in good spirits herself as she shared a selfie of her own.

Moving on: Jeremy's estranged wife Melissa, who was left heartbroken when his infidelity was exposed, seemed to be feeling in good spirits herself as she shared a selfie of her own

Chloe's post came after Jeremy switched off the comment section on his own Instagram page- leaving fans to only interact with his snaps by 'liking' it.

The model appeared to be feeling the heat after publicly parading his romance to the Topshop heiress.

Meeks and Chloe, who is heir to her father Sir Philip's billions, were pictured sharing an intimate kiss last month and snuggling up together as they waited to be taken back to their 112,000-a-week yacht in Bodrum.

Too much to handle? Jeremy, 33, switched off his Instagram comments after receiving a barrage of online abuse due to his new romance with Chloe, who he left wife Melissa for

Chloe was soon forced to delete her Instagram following the shocking images, after followers trolled a gloating post she shared as she snuggled up to married Jeremy.

However she has since returned to the social media site, changing her settings to private.

And while Meek also edited his account at the time, deleting all photographs of him and estranged wife Melissa, he has now gone one step further by giving other Instagram users the inability to comment under his snaps.

Not listening to the haters: His Topshop heiress girlfriend was forced to delete her Instagram after their romance came to light - but has since returned, switching her profile to private

Pressure: The model - who was pictured sharing a kiss with retail billionaire Sir Phillip Green's daughter on a luxury yacht in Turkey last month - has now switched off the comment section under his smouldering pictures - leaving fans to only interact with his picture by 'liking' it

Leaving her behind: Following his new romance to Chloe, Meeks deleted all photographs of him and estranged wife Melissa (pictured) he has now gone one step further by giving other Instagram users the inability to comment on his snaps

This comes after his fans turned the tide following his rise to stardom after he was labelled the 'hot felon' thanks to his 2014 arrest mugshot.

The photogenic hunk was left with hoards of negative comments under his Instagram snaps, slamming him for leaving his wife Melissa for the British heiress and undoubtedly led to him disabling the comments function.

This comes as Jeremy and Chloe have been publicly parading their blossoming relationship in the spotlight, despite his eight year marriage to estranged wife Melissa Meeks ending just weeks ago.

The duo have made no attempt at keeping their new-found love low-key, with Jeremy posing at Topshop's LA shop window at The Grove on Friday before being pictured on a string of public dates over the last week.

The tide has turned: The photogenic hunk was left with hoards of negative comments under his Instagram snaps, slamming him for leaving his wife Melissa for the British heiress and undoubtedly led to him disabling the comments function

Flaunting their romance: This comes as Jeremy and Chloe have been publicly parading their blossoming relationship in the spotlight, despite his eight year marriage to estranged wife Melissa Meeks ending just weeks ago

Jeremy sent shock waves across the internet when pictures emerged of him kissing Chloe on a yacht in Turkey last month.

Last week Jeremy filed for legal separation from mother-of-three Melissa, who he shares her youngest son with and stayed with him through his eight year prison stint.

He was married to the nurse, who stayed with him throughout his stint in prison, for eight years.

His heartbroken estranged wife Melissa, mother to his seven-year-old son, removed reference to him on her social media bio.

She later told the Mail of her devastation, admitting that her husband had been seduced by the glamour of his newfound modelling career.

New flame: Jeremy sent shock waves across the internet when pictures emerged of him kissing Chloe on a yacht in Turkey last month

Split: Last week Jeremy filed for legal separation from mother-of-three Melissa, who he shares her youngest son with and stayed with him through his eight year prison stint

I know it takes two to tango but she knew he was married. To me, thats unforgivable. My whole world has been torn apart by this. What do I tell our children? My heart is broken.

What sort of woman would do something like this to another woman? My marriage wasnt perfect but I thought it could be saved, until this happened.

Of course Im angry at her. What she did is unforgivable. And Im angry at him too. What they did destroyed my entire world.

Did either of them think about the children and how this will affect them? Theyre the innocent victims in this. And so am I.

Melissa is mother to his biological child Jeremy Jr, seven, and Robert, 11, Melissas son from a previous relationship. She also has a daughter, 16-year-old Ellie, and says both stepchildren consider Meeks a father figure.

'My world has been torn apart': She later told the Mail of her devastation, admitting that her husband had been seduced by the glamour of his newfound modelling career

Viral: The California native shot to fame in 2014 when the Stockton Police Department posted his mugshot on their website, following his arrest for gang activity and a misdemeanour charge of resisting/obstructing justice




She's known for remaining poised in front of the camera while hosting The Voice Australia and co-hosting Today Extra.

And Sonia Kruger revealed her glamorous side during a recent photo shoot with Stellar magazine.

The 51-year-old looked youthful as she displayed her shapely pins in a series of elegant ensembles for the publication's July 30 edition.

Youthful glow: Sonia Kruger, 51, revealed her glamorous side during a recent photo shoot with Stellar magazine

Sonia stunned as she posed in multiple gowns in what appeared to be an abandoned room.

The TV personality sat on the windowsill for one shot, wearing a full-length gold satin dress which was pulled up to expose the lower halves of her legs.

Sonia's sculpted biceps were highlighted in the elegant off-the-shoulder design, which featured a black bow at the top of her shoulder.

Statement piece: Sonia stunned in an oversized unbuttoned white shirt on the cover of Stella magazine for its July 30 edition

She showed off her slender frame on the magazine's cover, glowing in nothing but a white over-sized shirt.

In the same shirt, she sat casually with her elbow rested on her raised knee, flashing one of her signature smiles as her blond tresses blew out to the side.

The lower half of her shirt was left unbuttoned, offering a generous glimpse of her bronzed legs.

Glowing: Sonia put on a relaxed display as she sprawled out on the floor in an embellished sheer gown

Another shot captured the blonde beauty in a sequin embellished sheer maroon gown.

Sonia put on a relaxed display as she sprawled out on the floor and laughed in an off-camera direction.

She was also pictured flaunting her ageless beauty in a navy blue and black blouse, as well as a pair of long silver chain earrings.

Stunner: She was also pictured flaunting her ageless beauty in a navy blue and black blouse, as well as a pair of long silver chain earrings
She's been a mainstay on runways for more than a decade, following her dream-come-true discovery while shopping at budget retailer Primark when she was just 15.

And Jourdan Dunn showed exactly why she now stands effortlessly among some of the world's most coveted supermodel as she stepped out in a stunning patterned yellow bikini during a yacht trip to Barbados on Thursday.

The mother-of-one, who was aboard the luxury sea vessel celebrating her 27th birthday with a group of pals, commanded attention as she mingled with the intimate group of well-wishers while basking in the glorious Caribbean sunshine.

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Yacht: Jourdan Dunn was spotted on a yacht with pals off the shores of Barbados on Thursday

Jourdan, whose actual birthday fell on Wednesday, looked breathtaking as she sauntered around the deck in her swimwear, which featured bright ethnic prints.

Her long wavy hair fell beyond her shoulders and down her back as she chatted with her friends and hugged one of the muscle-bound men who were a part of the group.

She added a touch of glamour to her flattering yet simple ensemble by wearing a pair of oversized gold hoop earrings, which served as her only accessories.

Birthday girl: The stunning supermodel made the luxury trip to celebrate her 27th birthday

Mellow yellow: She showed off her supermodel physique in a patterned bright yellow bikini

In my arms: She relaxed with her arm around one of the muscle-bound men in her group

Bikini-clad pals: A large group of bikini-clad pals joined her for her leisurely summer excursion

The supermodel was discovered by a scout in a branch of budget high street store Primark in west London at the age of just 15.

She has since appeared on countless covers of fashion bible Vogue and featured in campaigns for the likes of Burberry, Balmain, Calvin Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, DKNY, John Galliano and Tommy Hilfiger.

The model welcomed her son Riley with ex-boyfriend Jordan Cummings, who was sentenced to a drugs-related prison sentence shortly after his birth, when she was just 19.

Pose: The mother-of-one posed for a series of selfies with her pals as she soaked up the sun

Print's charming: Her stunning swimwear was given an extra stylish touch with ethnic prints

Commanding attention: Runway favourite Jourdan was the centre of attention as she celebrated her birthday, which fell on Wednesday

View: She enjoyed a view of the palm-tree lined shoreline as she frolicked with her friends

Jourdan modelled until she was six months pregnant and couldn't fit into clothes - and returned to the catwalk just 10 weeks after the birth.

Speaking to FASHION magazine earlier this year, Jourdan admitted it was a huge shock discovering she was pregnant at such a young age.

She said: 'I asked myself "Can I be responsible for another human being? Like, what the hell!" I was lucky I had my mum to guide me, but at the same time she let me learn to trust my own instincts,' she admitted.

Celebrate: The intimate group appeared to be having the time of their lives as they celebrated

Tresses: Her wavy hair fell down her back in mounds of curls as she soaked up the sunshine

Hoops: She kept her look simple yet glamorous with the addition of oversized hoop earrings

Setting the right tone: Her enviably toned body was on full display in her barely-there wear

Jourdan has praised her mother for helping her to cope with balancing parenting Riley - who suffers from sickle cell anaemia, an inherited condition that affects the red blood cells - with her international career as a jet-setting supermodel.

In an interview with MailOnline recently, she said: 'I'm very fortunate to have the amazing support system. I have like my mum and my agent.

'My mum said to me, when I go back to work she'll be here to help me every step of the way. She put herself out there and she truly helped me and put my mind at ease.'

Always the professional: She displayed her modelling prowess as she posed for more snaps

Lean back: The group reclined together as they worked on the perfect angles for their shots

Dream: Jourdan was discovered while shopping at budget retailer Primark when she was 15
Ariel Winter was spotted in Los Angeles on Thursday wearing a slinky black outfit.

The 19-year-old actress had on a mini dress and over-the-knee boots as she was seen getting out of her car.

This comes just as the raven-haired actress revealed she is back at work on Modern Family, which is in its ninth season.

On the move: Ariel Winter was spotted in Los Angeles on Thursday wearing a slinky black outfit, including a half-sleeved mini-dress with a high hem

She's been one of multiple Modern Family cast members - others being Julie Bowen and Jesse Tyler Ferguson - who've posted social media updates this week indicating that the show's upcoming ninth season had begun being made.

In a post captioned: 'Back to work,' with an emoji of an arrow-pierced heart, Ariel appears in a selfie, giving the typical social media pout through her grin.

She seems to be in a white-walled trailer, and has tagged hairstylist Jessica Elbaum Shanahan and makeup artist Allan Avendano in the picture she's uploaded.

Out of her eyes: The 19-year-old actress, who's been starring as the acerbic and bookish Alex Dunphy on Modern Family since 2009, had slicked her hair back into a ponytail

Ariel, who lives with boyfriend Levi Meaden, told Imagista that absent a showbiz career, 'I think I would be a full time college student.'

Said she to the summer 2017 issue: 'I think I would be working towards becoming a prosecutor. I can relate to my character on Modern Family and I love that she is super studious I think it is something important for us to be promoting nowadays.'

When it comes to the career, 'I think the hardest part is when you finally get a few jobs and people start to recognize you. It is amazing, but it is really hard with paparazzi and media stories and I think that is really difficult,' said she.

'Back to work': She's been one of multiple Modern Family cast members who've posted social media updates this week indicating they'd begun shooting the sitcom's ninth season

'Feeling like you have no privacy is probably the hardest part of being an actress. Although I dont have that privacy, I still really appreciate what I do,' she's held.

Ariel's admitted, however, that 'It is just hard when you are young and going through all the mistakes young people go through with millions of people watching.'

As Variety have reported, Ariel's recently slung her 3,200 square foot Sherman Oaks four-bedroom onto the property market with a current asking price of $1.65 million.
Jenna Dewan Tatum sure likes to get comfortable.

After a night on the town on Thursday, the 36-year-old beauty got into bed to enjoy a bowl of French fries.

The wife of actor Channing Tatum still in her sexy one-shoulder dress and black stilettos. The siren captioned the Instagram image: 'French fries and night night.'

Now that's living! Jenna Dewan Tatum sure likes to get comfortable. After a night on the town on Thursday, the 36-year-old beauty got into bed to enjoy a bowl of French fries

In a hotel: The wife of actor Channin Tatum still on her sexy one-shoulder dress and black stilettos. The siren captioned the Instagram image: 'French fries and night night'

On Thursday evening she went with her husband Channing to the Comrade Detective premiere in LA. The beauty had on the same dress with feathered accents.

On Thursday morning she cut a chic figure in a black-bowed pink dress as she stepped out - the day she guest-co-hostessed Live With Kelly And Ryan.

The pinup had a wide smile on her face - and it's possible that what happened while she was steering the show with Ryan Seacrest had something to do with it.

Guest Halle Berry got Jenna to down a glass of whiskey in one go, as revenge for when Jenna's husband Channing got Halle to do so at San Diego Comic-Con.

Done up: On Thursday evening she went with her husband Channing to the Comrade Detective premiere in LA. The beauty had on the same dress with feathered accents

Pink lady: She cut a chic figure in a black-bowed pink dress as she stepped out in New York City on Thursday, the day she guest-co-hostessed Live With Kelly And Ryan

At San Diego Comic-Con last month, Channing and Halle had been on a panel together to promote their forthcoming action film Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

A bottle of whiskey was passed down the panel, with other members of it being poured shots - but Channing poured Halle a massive portion into a water-glass.

As video posted to YouTube by the Associated Press shows, Halle eventually wound up chugging down the whole glass, audience members chanting her name.

Gleeful: The 36-year-old had a wide smile on her face - and it's possible that what happened during her stint on the show may have had something to do with her joyful expression

Guest-co-hostess Halle Berry got Jenna to down a glass of whiskey in one go, as revenge for when Jenna's husband Channing got Halle to do so at Comic-Con

The BBC have pointed out that the erstwhile Bond girl drank the whiskey after a fan asked her whether Kingsman or James Bond was more British, and she responded that emptying her glass would be preferable to having to make a selection.

Jonathan Ross, who was running the panel, then got her to have the drink - with the help of crowd chanting - though he then reminded the audience to 'drink responsibly,' quipping apropos Halle's feat: 'She's a professional, she can hand it.'

Once Jenna wound up with 50-year-old Halle, Halle brought up the incident, to which Jenna replied: 'I would say I'm surprised, but I'm not that surprised, but you did it, which makes you so awesome, that you did it!'

Hello, gorgeous: Jenna's dress Thursday was a lacy number that draped about her dancer's figure and had been hemmed at around mid-calf, and she'd slid on black ankle-strap stilettos

Jenna perhaps got a bit more than she bargained for when she said to Halle: 'Tell me you did something back!' inasmuch as Halle then turned the tables on Jenna.

'Guess what? You're gonna do it too,' said Halle, lifting an olive green cloth to reveal a glass of whiskey perched on the small table between her own chair and Jenna's.

Jenna joked: 'I love this. This is typical of our - I'm getting his payback right now,' and before the chug, got a laugh by saying: 'You guys, nothing like a 9am whiskey-chug.'

Portion control: At San Diego Comic-Con last month, Channing and Halle had been on a panel together and, while others had shots of whiskey, he poured her a massive drink in a water-glass

Degree of separation: After Halle informed Jenna this Thursday that 'You're gonna do it too,' Jenna quipped that 'This is typical of our - I'm getting his payback right now'

The studio audience went wild and Halle applauded as Jenna drained her glass, managing to go a split second afterward before the inevitable grimace came on.

Jenna's dress Thursday was a lacy number that draped about her dancer's figure and had been hemmed at around mid-calf, and she'd slid on black ankle-strap stilettos.

Channing and Jenna, who met filming the 2006 dance film Step Up, married each other in 2009 and have now got a four-year-old daughter they've called Everly.
The British food writer and critic previously appeared as a judge on Channel Nine's cooking reality show, The Hotplate, in 2015.

And Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has announced his return to Australia for another food-based series.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph this week, the 42-year-old revealed he's been busy filming a new show, Family Food Fight, in Melbourne: 'Its a joy to be back.'

'Its a joy to be back': Duchess of Cornwalls food critic son Tom Parker Bowles set to judge new Australian cooking show Family Food Fight on Channel Nine, according to The Daily Telegraph

Tom joins former MasterChef star Hayden Quinn, chef and restaurateur Matt Moran and award-winning pastry chef Anna Polyviou, with the sole purpose of finding Australias ultimate foodie family.

'Its a joy to be back. I felt like I was here another life ago. And Ive come back for the Chicken Twisties. The other things, like Tim Tams, you can get in the UK. But not Chicken Twisties,' Tom joked.

The esteemed UK restaurant critic said the family element drew him to the show, but admitted if his famous royal family competed, 'we would argue'.

'Mum, shes a good cook, but we would argue, especially in the kitchen': The esteemed UK restaurant critic said the family element drew him to the show, but admitted it wouldn't end well if his famous royal family competed

'Food goes beyond class and money': Tom, who raves about Chicken Twisties and Tim Tams, joins former MasterChef star Hayden Quinn, chef and restaurateur Matt Moran and award-winning pastry chef Anna Polyviou, with the sole purpose of finding Australias ultimate foodie family

Speaking of his mother, Camilla, Tom said: 'Mum, shes a good cook, but we would argue, especially in the kitchen. I have my way of doing things and she has her way of doing things and never the two shall meet.'

Tom, who has authored five cookbooks, has two children of his own with his fashion editor wife Sara Parker Bowles in England.

As a family-oriented man, he even told the publication he flew back to the UK during filming for the show to celebrate his mothers 70th birthday.

How sweet! As a family-oriented man, Tom told the publication he flew back to the UK during filming for the show to celebrate his mothers 70th birthday (Pictured with wife Sara Parker Bowles)

'I was born lucky and Ive had every opportunity, however food goes beyond class and money,' he said.

Channel Nine describes the new show online as: 'Diverse and multi-generational Australian families will go head-to-head in high-pressure cooking challenges to not only win the experience of a lifetime but also take home the title of Australias Greatest Food Family.'

Channel Nine's Family Food Fight is due to premiere later in the year
She revealed her stint on The Block had given her a new perspective on life.

And now swimsuit model Elyse Knowles has her sights on helping impoverished communities.

Speaking with news.com this week, the 24-year-old revealed she would be flying to East Timor in a few days time as an ambassador for WaterAid.

New mission: Elyse Knowles, 24, will travel to East Timor to provide support in poverty-stricken areas as an ambassador for WaterAid

Elyse compared her experience using portable bathrooms on the renovation series to the daily struggle of poverty-stricken communities.

'On the first few episodes of The Block, it shows we are using portable showers and toilets full of mud and grot,' she told the publication.

'This is actually considered luxury in some areas of the world.'

Changed perspective: Elyse compared her experience using portable bathrooms on the renovation series to the daily struggle of poverty-stricken communities

Elyse is set to witness first-hand what life is like in a community that has no access to clean water or toilets.

She will visit a malaria and dengue fever- plagued region in the Liquica District.

The stunning blonde said she considered it 'unacceptable' that one in three people lived without a decent toilet, and more than 800 people lived without clean water.

'Sometimes we need to stop and think about others and how unfortunate their circumstances are.'

Ambassador: The 24-year-old revealed she would be flying to Timor in a few days time as an ambassador for WaterAid

'Most people dont even think about turning on a tap or flushing the toilet. These actions are taken for granted and I think we need to appreciate the country we live in and how fortunate we are.'

Elyse previously confessed she was often consumed by social media during her day-to-day life, but The Block had been instrumental in her change of perspective.

The model said it was easy to slip into stressing over 'small things' but her focus was now on helping provide support to people who lacked access to 'basic essentials'.
She was the star of Groundhog Day.

And time and again, Andie MacDowell dazzles on the red carpet - and Thursday was no exception.

The 59-year-old defied her age - looking sensational in figure-hugging sheer lace as she attended Remus Lifestyle Night, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Stunning: Andie MacDowell looked sensational in figure-hugging sheer lace as she attended Remus Lifestyle Night, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain on Thursday

The model and actress showcased her fantastic physique, in a plunging grey gown which clung in all the right places.

She revealed her legs in the sheer skirt, which reached the floor.

Keeping the Spanish island vibe, the 5ft 8in beauty added beaded thong-style flat sandals.

Youthful: The 59-year-old defied her age as she showcased her fantastic physique, in a plunging grey gown which clung in all the right places

The Four Weddings and a Funeral beauty kept her look simple and elegant by accessorising only with a matching clutch bag.

Andie wore her signature brunette long hair blown out in voluminous ringlets that cascaded down around her shoulders.

She lined her dark eyes with black kohl and mascara, dusted her striking cheekbones with rosy blush and completed her look with soft cappucino lip color.

Curls: Andie wore her signature brunette long hair blown out in voluminous ringlets that cascaded down around her shoulders

Sheer delight! She revealed her legs in the lace skirt, which reached the floor

Elegant: The Four Weddings and a Funeral beauty kept her look simple by accessorising only with a matching clutch bag

Relaxed: Keeping the Spanish island vibe, the 5ft 8in beauty added beaded thong-style flat sandals

The model and actress has been a spokesperson for L'Oreal since 1986.

She is starring in indie movie Love After Love alongside Chris O'Dowd, and drama Only The Brave, which is due out in October this year.

The beauty also guest starred in NBC's comedic legal mockumentary Trial & Error.
They may be a new couple, but Bella Thorne and Black Bear are already sharing closets.

On Thursday the 19-year-old was spotted stepping out in the same top the rapper had sported in Los Angeles earlier that day.

Bella - who was linked in June to Scott Disick - cut a casual figure in her boyfriend-inspired look, just days after she and her new boo adopted a pair of puppies together.

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His and hers! Bella Thorne and her new squeeze rapper Black Bear are already sharing closets, with the starlet seen sporting a shirt belonging to her new flame while out in LA Wednesday

Bella was in a no-frills mood, stepping out in a white jersey bearing 'worldwide' and a 'zero' on front and jeans while covering her magenta locks with an orange beanie.

The Shake It Up starlet's shirt was the same garment that boyfriend Black Bear (given name Matthew Musto) was seen sporting at the actress's LA home earlier in the day.

It also appeared like the You Get Me lead was also repping her relationship with her accessories, carrying a yellow purse with a bejeweled panda upon it while smiling brightly at her phone.

Team spirit! The same white jersey was seen on the starlet's beau Black Bear earlier in the day

Bear necessities! It also appeared like the You Get Me lead was also repping her relationship with her accessories, carrying a yellow purse with a bejeweled panda upon it

Getting a good text? Bella was all smiles as she kept her eyes glued to her phone

Bella and Black Bear were first seen out together July 9 and made things 'Instagram official' on Wednesday, when the Slide Thru rapper posted a photo of he and his new flame locked in a passionate kiss captioned 'were [sic] hot.'

And the couple continued to prove that they're the real deal, adopting a pair of puppies named Grumps and Pocky together and sharing their very own Instagram account @better2geth3r Wednesday.

Wednesday night on Twitter the Florida born actress told fans that she was on the brink of homelessness before she got a job with the Disney Channel.

She began her career with the cable network, starring in Shake It Up! opposite Zendaya in the early 2010's.

Sealed with a kiss! Bella and Black Bear made things 'Instagram official' on Wednesday when BB posted a photo of the pair locked in kiss and captioned 'we're hot'

Puppy love! Further sealing the deal, Bella and beau appear to have adopted a puppy named Pocky together, first posting the canine on social Tuesday (above in a Friday Snapchat)

When one Twitter user wrote to the star saying, 'If ur plan is to be edgy and controversial then maybe you shouldn't have started ur career on Disney channel ??? (sic).'

Bella hit back, 'You're right when I was about to live on the streets with no money and a whole family I shoulda turned down the offer #besmarter (sic)'

Bella has been in the spotlight as of late after she was spotted getting up close and personal with Kourtney Kardashian's ex-partner Scott Disick.

Saved by Mickey: The Florida born actress told fans that she was on the brink of homelessness before she got a job with the Disney Channel after a fan critiqued her early career choices

Friends or more? Bella has been in the spotlight as of late after she was spotted getting up close and personal with Kourtney Kardashian's ex-partner Scott Disick (above together in May) but the wild child insisted she was 'never with him sexually'

However, the auburn haired beauty has always insisted she was never 'sexually' involved with Scott.

She said: 'I was never with him sexually.'

And speaking about her friendship with the Kardashians and Jenners, she added: 'I'm very friendly with Kylie and Kendall, Kylie and I used to be really close. As far as I know, they're super chill. I didn't have any problem.

Not buying it: While talking about her platonic relationship with Disick, the actress claimed she's 'never seen 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Above the star goofs around on Snapchat

'With any reality show, they want the drama. They want the stuff that sells.

'I've never seen Keeping Up with the Kardashians. I've seen one episode when I started talking to Scott.

'And then some people were like 'You gotta see who he is...' and then I saw it and I was like, it's really unfortunate that there's somebody that people always pick on ... There's always "that character."'
Roxy Jacenko recently confirmed her marriage to Oliver Curtis is still going strong despite photos of the PR queen locking lips with ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal in April.

And now, representatives from both parties have revealed how the reported romance between Roxy and Nabil ended just weeks prior to Oliver's jail release.

Sources close to Nabil told The Sydney Morning Herald's Private Sydney on Saturday that he broke it off with Roxy as 'he wanted out', but Roxy's insiders claim she was the one to call it quits.

'It was too much for him': Nabil Gazal flees to London amid rumours he 'wanted out', but Roxy Jacenko insiders claim she broke it off days before husband Oliver Curtis was released from jail, according to reports in The Sydney Morning Herald's Private Sydney on Saturday

THAT kiss! Rumours of a split between Roxy and Oliver began circling after she was spotted locking lips with ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal in April (pictured)

It's suggested Nabil, who according to the publication is now in London, split with the mother-of-two weeks before Oliver's release.

'It was too much for him, he felt like he was suffocating... he wanted out,' the anonymous source revealed.

The publication goes on to suggest Roxy and Nabil had discussed starting a life together during Oliver's sentence for insider trading,

However, closer to his release date, Roxy returned a $50,000 eternity ring to Nabil.

Gone: The report stated that close to Oliver's release date, Roxy returned a $50,000 eternity ring (pictured) to Nabil

'He felt like he was suffocating... he wanted out': It's suggested Nabil, who according to the publication is now in London, split with the mother-of-two weeks before Oliver's release

Claims: The publication goes on to suggest Roxy and Nabil had discussed starting a life together during Oliver's sentence for insider trading, but closer to his release date Roxy returned a $50,000 eternity ring gifted to her by Nabil

Calling it quits? Private Sydney claimed insiders close to Roxy insist the married woman told a different story, suggesting she was the one to end things with the millionaire property developer

Meanwhile, Private Sydney claimed insiders close to Roxy insist the married woman was the one to end things with the millionaire property developer.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Roxy Jacenko for comment.

Only two days ago, Roxy admitted to News.com.au that she had 'spoken to a lawyer about divorce' during Oliver's imprisonment and their marriage was not 'intact' at the time of kissing Nabil.

She said she thought her marriage was over when she 'made a mistake' to lock lips with her former flame at a party, adding the pair were 'drunk and stupid and mucking around'.

Strained: Roxy admitted to News.com.au that she had 'spoken to a lawyer about divorce' during Oliver's imprisonment and their marriage was not 'intact' at the time of kissing Nabil

Returning home: Oliver and Roxy were reunited after his release from Cooma Correctional Facility in late June

Despite admitting she had 'made a mistake' reigniting her romance with Nabil, Roxy also acknowledged her ex-boyfriend had helped her through 'a very difficult time'.

Mere weeks after Oliver's imprisonment in June, Roxy was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing a 'partial removal' of one of her breasts and radiation treatment.

Roxy also claimed that her and Oliver's problems had started long before his time in court, describing their five year marriage as 'challenging'.

'Marry me? Again': Within weeks of Oliver's release from prison, he prepared a surprise romantic gesture to propose to his wife for a second time

She said YES! Roxy has confirmed the pair will renew their vows in a second wedding ceremony and has been recently spotted going for dress fittings

Oliver and Roxy were reunited after his release from Cooma Correctional Facility in late June and within weeks he prepared a surprise romantic gesture of proposing to his wife for a second time.

After accepting Oliver's proposal, Roxy has confirmed the pair will renew their vows in a second wedding ceremony and has been recently spotted going for dress fittings.

Roxy and Oliver, who married in 2012, share two children together - five-year-old Pixie and three-year-old Hunter.
Sofia Vergara showed off her sexy side as she writhed around a bed during a photo shoot for new furniture store partnership with Rooms To Go.

The 45-year-old actress posted images from the shoot to her Instagram account on Wednesday. The Modern Family actress smiled and laughed for the cameras in a sequined little black dress on the staged furniture set.

This comes after the Colombian siren posed nude for Women's Health.

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Room for more? Sofia Vergara shared images from a furniture photo shoot to her Instagram account on Wednesday

Laying on top of a plush purple bed with golden pillows, the Emoji Movie star kicked up her feet for a photo.

Her long, tan legs were accentuated by a pair of tall black pumps with a shiny golden platform.

Vergara's arms rested on her waist as she found the perfect angle perched against the dark wooden headboard.

Dive in: The 45-year-old actress wore a sequined little black dress on the staged furniture set

Couch potato: Her long, tan legs were accentuated by a pair of tall black pumps with a shiny golden platform

Sofia was seen diving onto a red velvet couch in one of the Instagram photos shared to her 13 million followers.

The stage was set with a shaggy grey rug, clear coffee table and a modern floral arrangement.

Black and white patterned pillows accented the bright red couch Vergara sprawled across.

In another image, the Wild Car star arched her back in the sequined number while sitting at a large white table.

Camera ready: Sofia posted this Instagram image on Wednesday with the caption, '@roomstogo shoot today!!'

Smouldering: Two years before her rise to fame in Modern Family, Sofia Vergara, 45, donned a very sexy outfit for her appearance in Dirty Sexy Money, shown in newly unearthed stills from the popular TV show

A man wearing headphones and dressed in a navy suit looked adoringly at the actress.She captioned the Instagram photo, '@roomstogo shoot today!!'

Sofia's sexy past was brought to light recently with images from her appearance in Dirty Sexy Money, nearly two years before her rise to Modern Family fame.

The Colombian-born beauty known for her jaw-dropping figure, poured her hourglass curves into an ebony corset which showed off her pert assets and slender waist.

Silver siren: Sofia has been married to actor Joe Manganiello, 40, since November 2015
Former couple Montana Brown and Alex Beattie have taken their first potentially lucrative steps away from Love Island, just days after announcing their abrupt split.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, Montana confirmed her new role as UK ambassador for online retailer PrettyLittleThing, while hunky Alex revealed a six-figure deal with Boohoo.

The pair will now focus on their individual careers, with Montana expected to fly to the United States ahead of her first project with the female fashion brand.

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New role: Montana Brown has taken her first potentially lucrative steps away from Love Island after being named as UK brand ambassador for online retailer PrettyLittleThing

She told The Sun: Im going to LA next week with PLT for something special so watch this space. This is a dream collaboration and Im really still shocked. I actually do wear PLT all the time so me this is perfect.

Im so honoured to be the first UK brand ambassador; I never thought this would happen. Im just so grateful to the brand for wanting to partner with me.

Taking centre stage at her official unveiling outside London's Soho Brasserie on Friday, Montana stunned in thigh-skimming patterned minidress as she posed for a series of photos.

Lucrative: Meanwhile ex-boyfriend Alex Beattie is said to be delighted after signing up with Boohoo as he looks to establish himself as a successful male model

Busy girl: The pair will now focus on their individual careers, with Montana expected to fly to the United States ahead of her first project with the female fashion brand

On the move: Im going to LA next week with PLT for something special so watch this space. This is a dream collaboration and Im really still shocked. I actually do wear PLT all the time so me this is perfect,' she told The Sun

Meanwhile Alex is said to be delighted after signing up with Boohoo as he looks to establish himself as a successful male model.

Alex is thrilled to sign with Boohoo men  hes always wanted to model and this opportunity couldnt have come at a better time, an insider revealed.

Montana added that she was over the moon with Alex's new role.

'Im really proud of him with his new modelling contract,' she told The Sun. 'Modelling something important to him and hes always had a passion for it, it just comes really naturally to him.

'I mean have you seen his pictures, hes doing great and he looks great in the shots.'

Delighted: Im so honoured to be the first UK brand ambassador; I never thought this would happen. Im just so grateful to the brand for wanting to partner with me,' she added

Big news: Montana made her debut appearance on behalf of the brand outside Soho Brasserie in London on Friday

Looking good: The dusky reality TV personality looked stunning in a thigh-skimming patterned minidress as she posed for a promotional photoshoot

The news comes after Love Island winner Amber Davies scooped a 500k fashion deal with British brand Motel Rocks.

To add to the family's joy, Amber's big sister Jade is also celebrating, following the news that she has been cast in Phantom Of The Opera in London's West End.

A source told OK! Online: Amber is a perfect ambassador for the Motel brand, shes young, fun and has brave personal style.

Get it girl: Amber Davies has signed a 500k deal with fashion brand Motel Rocks, according to new reports

She was a fan of Motel long before she became famous and it was a no-brainier to have her on board with us.

Amber was scouted after spending her whole summer in sassy swimwear and the news comes in the same week that boyfriend Kem Cetinay reached 'the final stages' of a lucrative deal with online fashion brand boohooMAN.

Meanwhile, her musical theatre performer Jade will star in the Andrew Lloyd Webber production from September - and proud Amber was the first congratulate her.

Good news all round! It comes as sister Jade (right, with Amber, left) has landed another West End role

Doubling the prize money: It's expected to earn her well beyond the Love Island prize money, while Kem Cetinay is also expected to pocket a large sum for a deal with boohooMAN

Revealing the news on Twitter, Amber gushed: 'Massive congratulations to my incredible big Sister. Another year in the West End! So proud of you.'

Amber retweeted an announcement from WhatsOnStage about the Olivier award winning show, which is now in its 32nd year.

A representative for Jade Davies has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

Sharing the news: Amber broke the news of her sister's new part in The Phantom Of The Opera on Wednesday

Though her role has not been named, Jade has previously starred in shows including Les Miserables, Sister Act, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

But the gorgeous brunette, who bares a striking resemblance to Amber, has also stepped into the popular culture spotlight recently, thanks to her little sister.

During Amber's stint on ITV2 reality show Love Island, Jade went on morning television to talk about her sibling's chances of winning.

Star is rising: Jade Davies is a performer, who has starred in Les Miserables, Sister Act and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Unaware of her sister's popularity, the performer told This Morning at the time: 'Amber doesnt have her eyes on the prize.She genuinely went in for love. 100% she told me she went in there for it.'

And love is what she found and what she has to take for her new 50k prize pot, which Kem agreed to share with the beauty in a dramatic last minute twist in the Series 3 plot, two weeks ago.

Jade had couldn't wait to meet the hunk, enthusing: 'I cant wait to meet him. I think hes a lovely guy.'

Hinting that their relationship was the real deal, she went on: 'If you find the one, you find the one!'
She recently defended their controversial romance by insisting that 'everyone deserves to be happy' in a defiant Instagram post.

And Chloe Green, 26, and Jeremy Meeks, 33, seemed unfazed by the public scrutiny shrouding their relationship on Friday, as they shared a passionate kiss.

The billionaire Topshop heiress and the world's 'hottest felon' - who is still married to wife of eight years, Melissa Meeks - embraced tightly as they arrived at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados.

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Pucker up: Chloe Green, 26, and Jeremy Meeks, 33, seemed unfazed by the public scrutiny shrouding their relationship as they shared a passionate kiss on Friday

The brunette beauty looked casual for the low-key outing, rocking a pair of ripped blue stonewash jeans and Balenciaga cut-out biker boots.

Sticking to a monochrome palette, she rocked a black vest and carried a blue monogrammed Louis Vuitton holdall as well as a grey Chanel backpack.

Father-of-one Jeremy matched her casual vibe in the sartorial stakes, wearing a black T-shirt and jeans teamed with a baseball cap.

Wrapping his arms around Chloe, the convict seemed smitten with her as they leaned in for a kiss.

The couple are in Barbados to attend the raucous Crop Over festival - which is much-loved by A-listers like Rihanna - where Jeremy is making a public appearance.

Going from strength to strength: The couple didn't seem to care who was watching as they packed on the PDA

Happy couple: The millionaire Topshop heiress and the 'world's hottest felon' - who is still married to wife of eight years, Melissa Meeks - embraced tightly as they arrived at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados

Packing on the PDA: Wrapping his arms around Chloe, the convict seemed smitten with her as he nuzzled her neck

Their PDA comes just a day after Chloe proved she was feeling proud of their budding romance as she shared a sweet selfie with the 'hot felon', 33, enjoying a day out in the sunshine on Friday.

With the couple scantily-clad and cosied up to one another, they looked in great spirits as they smiled for the camera.

The Topshop heiress captioned the snap: 'Life is to short not to laugh and smile and that's all we do... @jmeeks official. #nohatejustlove #everyonedeservestobehappy [sic].'

Flying under the radar: The brunette beauty looked casual for the low-key outing, rocking a pair of ripped blue stonewash jeans and Balenciaga cut-out biker boots

Smitten: Despite Jeremy disabling comments on his Instagram account and Chloe deleting hers altogether due to the public backlash, the couple still happily paraded their romance

Only have eyes for each other: The couple sent shock waves across the internet when pictures emerged of them on a yacht in Turkey last month

Meanwhile, Jeremy's estranged wife Melissa, who was left heartbroken when his infidelity was exposed, seemed to be feeling in good spirits herself as she shared a selfie of her own.

Chloe's post came after Jeremy switched off the comment section on his own Instagram page- leaving fans to only interact with his snaps by 'liking' it.

The model appeared to be feeling the heat after publicly parading his romance to the Topshop heiress.

Personal baggage: The couple looked set to enjoy another holiday as they left the airport with several valises in tow

Keeping it cool: Father-of-one Jeremy matched Chloe's casual vibe in the sartorial stakes, wearing a black T-shirt and jeans teamed with a baseball cap

Having a whale of a time: The couple seemed to be in high spirits as they arrived on the idyllic Caribbean island

Meeks and Chloe, who is heir to her father Sir Philip's billions, were pictured sharing an intimate kiss last month and snuggling up together as they waited to be taken back to their 112,000-a-week yacht in Bodrum.

Chloe was soon forced to delete her Instagram following the shocking images, after followers trolled a gloating post she shared as she snuggled up to married Jeremy.

She then returned to the social media site, changing her settings to private - but has since deleted the account.

And while Meek also edited his account at the time, deleting all photographs of him and estranged wife Melissa, he has now gone one step further by giving other Instagram users the inability to comment under his snaps.

Exciting times: Jeremy is in Barbados to attend the raucous Crop Over festival, which is much-loved by A-listers like Rihanna

Looking good: Jeremy opted for comfort in his clothing for the long-haul flight with some joggers and black and white trainers

Man of the people: He was mobbed by excited fans, who no doubt recognised him after he shot to fame as the 'hot felon' in 2014

Snap-happy: The model happily obliged the group and put his around one of the girls as he posed for a photo

Jeremy sent shock waves across the internet when pictures emerged of him kissing Chloe on a yacht in Turkey last month.

Last week Jeremy filed for legal separation from mother-of-three Melissa, who he shares her youngest son with and stayed with him through his eight year prison stint.

He was married to the nurse, who stayed with him throughout his stint in prison, for eight years.

His heartbroken estranged wife Melissa, mother to his seven-year-old son, removed reference to him on her social media bio.

Loved-up: Chloe Green, 26, proved she was feeling proud of their budding romance as she shared a sweet selfie with the 'hot felon', 33, enjoying a day out in the sunshine on Friday

Leaving her behind: Following his new romance to Chloe, Meeks deleted all photographs of him and estranged wife Melissa (pictured) he has now gone one step further by giving other Instagram users the inability to comment on his snaps

She later told the Mail of her devastation, admitting that her husband had been seduced by the glamour of his newfound modelling career.

I know it takes two to tango but she knew he was married. To me, thats unforgivable. My whole world has been torn apart by this. What do I tell our children? My heart is broken.

What sort of woman would do something like this to another woman? My marriage wasnt perfect but I thought it could be saved, until this happened.

Of course Im angry at her. What she did is unforgivable. And Im angry at him too. What they did destroyed my entire world.

Did either of them think about the children and how this will affect them? Theyre the innocent victims in this. And so am I.

Melissa is mother to his biological child Jeremy Jr, seven, and Robert, 11, Melissas son from a previous relationship. She also has a daughter, 16-year-old Ellie, and says both stepchildren consider Meeks a father figure.

Moving on: Jeremy's estranged wife Melissa, who was left heartbroken when his infidelity was exposed, seemed to be feeling in good spirits herself as she shared a selfie of her own

Viral: The California native shot to fame in 2014 when the Stockton Police Department posted his mugshot on their website, following his arrest for gang activity and a misdemeanour charge of resisting/obstructing justice




They were branded 'pathetic' and 'cringy' by viewers, who accused them of trying to recreate a Love Island-style bromance like Kem Cetinay and Chris Hughes.

And Sam Thompson and Jordan Davies came under fire inside the Celebrity Big Brother house too on Friday night, as Youtube star Trisha Paytas called them 'immature a**holes'.

After a brief clash during a challenge, the former stripper, 29, complained that the double act behaved as if they were '15' as she burst into tears and threatened to leave the house in an epic meltdown.

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Not impressed: Youtube star Trisha Paytas, 29, called Sam Thompson and Jordan Davies 'immature a**holes' during a tearful meltdown

The drama began during a Champagne Bar task, in which they were covered in yellow gunge if they answered the questions incorrectly.

During the challenge, she clashed with Jordan and Sam yet again, as she told them to be listen to Big Brother's instructions and be quiet.

Turning around, she snapped at them: 'Remain silent, like it's not that hard!'

As Brandi tried to intervene, she added: 'I can say what I want. I say one thing and I can't even say it. F**k me for even talking!'

Oh dear: After a brief clash during a challenge, the former stripper, 29, burst into tears and threatened to leave the house in an epic meltdown as she complained that the double act behaved as if they were '15'

Breakdown: 'He [Sam] knows he's being an a**. They're f**king get scared of me. I'd rather not associate,' she said, crying to Paul Danan

Overwhelmed: 'I get laughed at and mocked. You act like you're 18. I'm trying to avoid you guys all day. I don't care for you guys, it's better to just be separate' she added to Sam and Jordan

Jordan, meanwhile, riled her up further by yelling: 'Remain silent! Remain silent!'

'I can't talk so I'm literally just going to sit here,' Trisha said, to which Jordan again screeched: 'Remain silent! It's not that hard!'

Clearly not over the fact that Brandi stepped in, Trisha later complained: 'She has a f**king boner for them when they're f**king idiots! They're dumb - they're so f**king stupid.'

And it seems the emotion got too much for her, as she then burst into tears when Paul Danan asked her what was wrong.

Feeling guilty: Sam approached her tentatively, saying; 'Trish are you alright? I'm sorry if I've done anything, I thought it was all fun and games'

Not apologetic: Sighing, Jordan muttered: 'She does my head in' as he left the room after the row

Backlash: Sam and Jordan were branded 'pathetic' and 'cringy' by viewers, who accused them of trying to recreate a Love Island-style bromance like Kem Cetinay and Chris Hughes

'He [Sam] knows he's being an a**. They're f**king get scared of me. I'd rather not associate,' she said, crying.

Sam approached her tentatively, saying; 'Trish are you alright? I'm sorry if I've done anything, I thought it was all fun and games.'

Trisha replied: 'It's fine. You don't need to be immature a**holes. You think you're the cool ones in the house, you don't need to laugh when I tell you to be quiet.

'I get laughed at and mocked. You act like you're 18. I'm trying to avoid you guys all day. I don't care for you guys, it's better to just be separate.

Meltdown: Later in the Diary Room, she threatened to leave as she branded Ibiza Weekender star Jordan and Made In Chelsea's Sam 'disgusting' and 'gross'

Overcome with emotion: 'Those boys are f**king a**holes, they're disgusting, they're gross. They're immature people' she said, weeping

'They're 25, they're not f**king 15, you know what I mean.'

Sighing, Jordan muttered: 'She does my head in' as he left the room after the row.

Later in the Diary Room, she threatened to leave as she branded Ibiza Weekender star Jordan and Made In Chelsea's Sam 'disgusting' and 'gross'.

'If I left right now, do I get no money or do I get two days pay?' she asked furiously.

'Those boys are f**king a**holes, they're disgusting, they're gross. They're immature people.'

She continued: 'I have a really good life. I don't need to be around this. Maybe I'm being oversensitive. It's such a high school mentality in here and I hate it, it really brings me back to that, I really don't like it.

Hysterics: The social media star then started to complain about the lack of washcloths in the house as she writhed in the foetal position in the Diary Room chair

Right then: 'You guys don't even have wash cloths!' she screeched through tears. 'I can't even scrub my butt, I can't even wash my body because I don't have a wash cloth!'

'I think it's deeper than that': Meanwhile, a perceptive Paul seemed to think there was more going on behind closed doors to explain why she broke down so dramatically

'Why is everyone such a f**king c**t in this house. I make so much money, I don't need the money, I came in for the experience.'

Seeming to fully dissolve into hysterics, the social media star then started to complain about the lack of washcloths in the house as she writhed in the foetal position in the Diary Room chair.

'You guys don't even have wash cloths!' she screeched through tears.

'I can't even scrub my butt, I can't even wash my body because I don't have a wash cloth!'

Meanwhile, a perceptive Paul seemed to think there was more going on behind closed doors to explain why she broke down so dramatically.

'I don't know why she's got such a beef, but I think it's deeper than that. I think maybe because she's Miss Social Media, it bothers her. There's more to it,' he guessed.

Big spender: Another question posed by Big Brother was which celebrity 'was paid 70,000 to spend the night with an NBA player', which was guessed as YouTube star Trisha Paytas

Sultry past: Trisha has already been vocal about her past escapades working in the erotic industry

Speaking in the Diary Room, Sam said: 'She doesn't really get my humour. It's fun to wind her up. You don't want to go too far. I feel like there is maybe a bit of tension.'

Meanwhile, some viewers seemed to share Trisha's irritation towards Sam and Jordan and branded their bromance 'forced'.

'Jordan and sam are trying to hard to be like chris and kem with their 'bromance' and it's making me cringe,', one wrote on Twitter.

'How f**king cringeworthy is it watching Jordan and Sam copy every single thing Chris and Kem have done? #littlebitleaveit,' another added.

'Jordan and Sam are the Tesco Value Chris and Kem,' a third wrote.

A fourth viewer claimed: 'Sam and Jordan trying to force a bromance in #CBB ...think someone has watched... #LoveIsland.'




She's the star of one of the worst movie franchises of all time, but owes the renaissance of her career to its cult status.

And Tara Reid has high hopes for the sixth instalment of Sharknado, telling The Daily Telegraph's BW Magazine she wants Oscar winner Meryl Streep to have a role.

The celebrated actress would join the likes of Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson, Chloe Lattanzi and Olivia Newton-John, who all have cameos in Sharknado 5: Global Swarming.

Oscar bait? Tara Reid calls for multi-award winning actress Meryl Streep to star in next instalment of Sharknado

Speaking to News Corp, Tara revealed her dream co-star for the next instalment of Sharknado would be the three-time Oscar winner.

'I think if Meryl Streep made an appearance in the next one that would be brilliant. To have the best actress in the world, just making a joke of it, that would be great,' Tara said.

In the meantime, Tara will have to content herself with the host of international stars making cameos in Sharknado 5 - including some familiar Australian faces.

'I think if Meryl Streep made an appearance in the next one that would be brilliant': Tara revealed her dream co-star for the next installment of Sharknado would be the three-time Oscar winner

Today's Karl and Lisa will play themselves, reporting on the shark tornado before their studio is destroyed by the storm.

Olivia Newton-John and daughter Chloe Lattanzi will play scientists who investigate the freak weather conditions.

Despite starring in five installments of the shark horror flicks, Tara told News Corp she wasn't put off swimming at beaches.

Acting debut: Today's Karl and Lisa will play themselves, reporting on the shark tornado before their studio is destroyed by the freak storm

Also have a cameo: Olivia Newton-John and daughter Chloe Lattanzi (pictured) will play scientists who investigate the freak weather conditions

'I'm not afraid of sharks,' she said.

Tara, who was paid just $50,000 to star in the first installment, attributed the telemovie franchise's success to its dramatic storylines.

'I think what makes Sharknado work is the more serious we play it, the funnier it becomes,' she said.
She blasted trolls who said she looked 'fat and pregnant' in a bikini last year, by proudly declaring that she is a 'real woman'.

And Rachel Fenton looked the epitome of body-confident on Friday, as she showcased her incredible figure in a tiny white bikini during a holiday in Ibiza.

The 24-year-old, who appeared on last year's Love Island, beamed as she shared a passionate kiss with her boyfriend from the show Rykard Jenkins, 26.

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Pucker up: Love Island star Rachel Fenton, 24, beamed as she shared a passionate kiss with her boyfriend from the show Rykard Jenkins, 26, on holiday in Ibiza

Rachel looked every inch the beach babe in her white two-piece, which featured a sartorial twist thanks to the bottoms monogrammed with her initials.

She wore her glossy long blonde hair in a sleek middle-parting and shielded her eyes behind a pair of oversized tortoiseshell shades.

Letting her statement swimwear do all the talking, the nurse accessorised simply with a pair of gold hoop earrings.

Personal trainer Rykard, meanwhile, showed off his muscled torso in a pair of black swimming trunks with a yellow logo.

Beach babe: She looked the epitome of body-confident on Friday, as she showcased her incredible figure in a tiny white bikini

Cute couple: The pair held hands as they made their way down the idyllic beach during their sizzling Spanish getaway

Packing on the PDA: The couple got slightly frisky as they larked around in the sea

The hunk, who dramatically decided to leave Love Island alongside Rachel after she was voted off last year, looked smitten with his girlfriend.

The pair held hands as they made their way down the idyllic beach during their sizzling Spanish getaway.

Clearly feeling playful, they later tried to recreate the infamous water lift scene from Dirty Dancing - and managed to pull it off after a few botched attempts.

Rachel's beachside outing comes after she found herself targeted by cruel taunts about her body image last year , when she was pictured on the beach in Cyprus with Rykard.

Going from strength to strength: The good looking pair have been dating for a year and live together

Turning heads: Rachel looked every inch the beach babe in her white two-piece, which featured a sartorial twist thanks to the bottoms monogrammed with her initials

Mane attraction: Rachel wore her glossy long blonde hair in a sleek middle-parting and shielded her eyes behind a pair of oversized tortoiseshell shades

Shaming the 'hurtful' commenters, the Love Island babe responded by insisting that she is a 'real woman' who will not be made to feel ashamed.

The nurse dedicated a lengthy message to body-shamers who 'feel I am not the right body shape' on Monday morning.

She wrote in her post: 'To those people who are trying to body shame me and say I look fat or pregnant in my recent Instagram picture, here's a quick message.

'I am not ashamed of my body, and you won't make me feel ashamed. I was on a beach with my boyfriend at the weekend and we were happy together.

Looking good: Letting her statement swimwear do all the talking, the nurse accessorised simply with a pair of gold hoop earrings

Bum's the word: Rykard couldn't resist getting a bit tactile with his girlfriend

We have lift-off! Clearly feeling playful, they later tried to recreate the infamous water lift scene from Dirty Dancing

'That's what this picture shows and that's why I posted it on Instagram.'

The reality star has remained defiant that she would not take down the post just because, 'You feel I am not the right body shape.'

'To those people who posted hurtful, insulting comments,' she continued. 'I suggest you go away and look at your lives and ask yourselves why you feel the need to make women feel bad about themselves.

'Because you are the ones with the problem and I genuinely feel sorry for you. I'm saying this on behalf of myself and all those girls who have ever been made to feel bad about their bodies.

'Because no one should ever be made to feel under pressure about their weight by others #teamrealwomen'.

Soaking up the sun: The couple looked blissfully happy as they made the most of their Spanish break

Bit of a flop? A series of outtakes showed how they struggled slightly on their path to Dirty Dancing glory

Arms in the air like you just don't care! Rachel flailed around in the air as they tried to perfect the lift

Rachel, who is a trauma and orthopaedic nurse, and Rykard famously prioritised their relationship over the show and potential prize money on Love Island in week three.

Rykard controversially gave up his place on the dating show to pursue his flourishing romance with Rachel, after she was voted off the programme.

The reality star fell for Rachel after she was brought in as a late arrival designed to shake up the show and the relationships between the Islanders.

The handsome star was originally paired with Olivia Buckland although they were adamant their 'coupling' was merely platonic as they had been left without partners themselves.

Sweet: Rykard, who dramatically decided to leave Love Island alongside Rachel after she was voted off last year, looked smitten with his girlfriend

Love over money: Rachel, who is a trauma and orthopaedic nurse, and Rykard famously prioritised their relationship over the show and potential prize money on Love Island in week three

Cute: Rykard controversially gave up his place on the dating show to pursue his flourishing romance with Rachel, after she was voted off the programme

Despite Rykard and Rachel beginning to fall for each other, the Kent-born personal trainer and Olivia slept together in a shock move, while Rachel slept just inches away from them.

Rachel admitted to putting the drama behind her as she and her boyfriend were not 'officially' an item at the time.

She told TalkRadio in February: 'Ive tried to forget about it now and move past it. What I always say is we werent together when that happened so I suppose he didnt cheat.

'We werent in a couple at the time when all of that stuff happened youre in a bubble it was an intense environment,' she continued.
Israeli soldier Elor Azaria (C), who shot dead a wounded Palestinian assailant in March 2016, is embraced by his mother Oshra (L) during a hearing at a military court in Tel Aviv, on July 30, 2017

An Israeli soldier convicted of the manslaughter of a prone Palestinian assailant said Thursday he had decided to go straight to prison and not further appeal his 18-month sentence.

A military court on Sunday rejected an appeal by Elor Azaria, leaving open the possibility that he would take his case to Israel's Supreme Court.

But in an online video statement, his first public address since the March 2016 shooting in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, he said he had resigned himself to accepting the judgement.

"I believe that I could have been found innocent, but my family and I have suffered terribly for the past year and a half," he said in Hebrew.

"The ordeal cost my parents their health. I want to return to routine as soon as possible."

"I shall go to prison to serve out the punishment I was given, and I shall not appeal to the Supreme Court," he said.

He is expected to report to a military prison south of the northern Israeli city of Haifa on August 9.

He will be hoping to earn the customary one-third remission for good conduct and perhaps win an even shorter spell behind bars.

"Earlier today, I appealed to the chief of staff asking that he reduce my sentence. I hope he responds positively," Azaria said.

Azaria was convicted in January and sentenced the following month.

The fatal shooting was caught on video by a rights group and spread widely online.

It showed Abdul Fatah al-Sharif, 21, lying wounded on the ground, shot along with another Palestinian after stabbing and wounding a soldier, according to the army.

Azaria then shot him in the head without any apparent provocation.

He said he feared Sharif was wearing an explosive belt and could blow himself up, a claim judges rejected.

He has since completed his mandatory three-year army service, but will serve his sentence in military prison as the offence was committed while he was still in uniform.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is seen arriving at the Dakar airport in 2008

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, wanted on genocide charges by the International Criminal Court, arrived in Morocco late Thursday for a "private" visit.

Bashir arrived at Tangiers airport, accompanied by ministers and other senior Sudanese officials, according to the Le360 news site, considered close to circles in Morocco's royal court.

Earlier in the day the official Sudanese news agency said the president was making a "private" visit of several days to Morocco, without giving details.

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for genocide and other crimes, charges he steadfastly denies.

He faces 10 charges, including three of genocide as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity and charges relating to the conflict in the western Darfur region.

Sudan's deadly conflict broke out in 2003 when ethnic minority groups took up arms against Bashir's Arab-dominated government, which launched a brutal counter-insurgency.

The UN Security Council asked the ICC in 2005 to investigate the crimes in Darfur, where at least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced, according to UN figures.

The long-time Sudanese president has denied the charges against him and continues to travel to various countries with impunity.

Last month war crimes judges ruled that South Africa had failed in its duties to the ICC in 2015 when it refused to arrest Bashir during a visit.

Later this month the Sudanese leader will travel to Moscow at President Vladimir Putin's request, according to Khartoum.

The Morocco trip, announced a week ago in the Sudanese press, has angered human rights defenders in Morocco who wrote to their government calling for the visit to be scrapped.

"The visit by someone with blood on their hands does no honour to our country," the 40 signatories said.

Morocco, which was not one of the 124 signatories of the Rome Statute which established the International Criminal Court, has hosted Bashir before.

Last November he attended an African summit in Marrakesh, on the margins of the COP22 international climate conference.
Toyota and Mazda are reportedly close to a deal on building a $1.6 billion auto assembly plant in the United States

Toyota said Friday it would discuss strengthening its partnership with Mazda as reports said they were close to a deal on a capital tie-up and building a $1.6 billion factory in the United States.

The move comes as the Japanese auto industry is facing uncertainty over President Donald Trump's drive to support US firms over foreign imports.

He had earlier strongly criticised Toyota over its ongoing project to build a new factory in Mexico, threatening it with painful tariffs.

Shares in Mazda, which has no US plant, soared more than five percent in Tokyo trade early Friday while Toyota was marginally lower.

Toyota said it would discuss its partnership with the Hiroshima-based company at a board meeting later in the day.

"In May 2015, Toyota and Mazda signed a memorandum of understanding to explore various areas of collaboration," Toyota said in a statement.

"We intend to submit a proposal to our board of directors today regarding the partnership with Mazda," it said while withholding further details.

Mazda issued a similar statement.

The Nikkei daily reported the two firms were closing in on a capital partnership to pave the way for the possible establishment of a joint-venture US auto plant and joint development of key electric vehicle technologies.

They were negotiating a deal in which Toyota would take a roughly five percent stake in Mazda, which in turn would invest in the other party as well, the leading business daily said.

Bloomberg News reported the two were considering a deal to have cross-shareholdings and build a $1.6 billion assembly plant in the United States.

The US plant would have the capacity to produce 300,000 vehicles a year and create 4,000 jobs, Bloomberg quoted people familiar with the matter as saying.

It would be operational by 2021, it said.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame is widely expected to win a third term in office in a race against little-known candidates

Rwandans vote in a presidential election Friday widely expected to return strongman Paul Kagame to office for a third seven-year term at the helm of the small east African nation.

Kagame, 59, is facing two little-known candidates who have made little impact in only three weeks of campaigning against the incumbent and his all-powerful Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).

Tens of thousands of cheering supporters, waving little red, white and blue flags, feted Kagame at his final rally Wednesday, praising the man who halted the 1994 genocide and has been de-facto leader of Rwanda ever since.

"I support President Kagame because he stopped the genocide and because he brought development to Rwanda," said supporter Ngendahimana Narcisse.

Another backer, Mukashimyirimiza Zainabu, said Kagame had "built schools, he's provided healthcare, roads, electricity so we're really behind him."

In contrast, only a few hundred people have attended the rallies of Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party -- the only permitted critical opposition party -- and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.

The opponents have complained about the limited time given to fundraise and campaign, which critics see as further evidence of Kagame's clampdown on the opposition.

These ranking show how Rwanda compares with other east African nations on questions like GDP and press freedom

"It is short, we would have liked at least two months. Towards the end of the campaign the number of people at our rallies increased a lot," said Jean-Claude Ntezimana, the executive secretary of the Green Party.

- Victory assured -

Habineza told AFP at a recent rally that putting up banners and posters had also been a challenge.

"They told us we cannot put our banners or flags where the RPF's things are, but unfortunately the RPF put theirs almost everywhere," he said.

Kagame's election is seen as assured 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 seek re-election twice more and remain in office until 2034.

Kagame, a lanky former guerrilla 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 stability 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," outspoken local journalist Robert Mugabe told AFP.
The U.S. Senate adjourned Thursday leaving Donald Trump deprived of any major legislative victory heading into summer break, as lawmakers also blocked the president from making so-called recess appointments during the rest period.

The move, by unanimous consent of the 100 senators, serves as a check on Trump as he mulls firing his Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Trump has considered replacing his embattled top law enforcement official amid broadening investigations into allegations that his aides coordinated with Russia to tilt last year's election in his favor.

The president has strongly criticized Sessions for recusing himself from the probe, and speculation swirled over whether Trump would ram through a replacement during the break, without Senate confirmation.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell got all 100 senators to agree to technically keep the Senate open during August break, meaning President Donald Trump can't make a 'recess appointment' and slip a new attorney general past the congressional goalie

Trump could have used the congressional 'recess' as a rationale for replacing Jeff Sessions (left) with someone willing to fire special counsel Robert Mueller

But that avenue closed Thursday when Senator Lisa Murkowski, adjourning the Senate for the day, locked in nine 'pro forma' sessions over the next month.

Such sessions typically last a minute or two, with no business conducted. Holding them keeps the Senate open during the vacation period, denying the president recess appointment opportunities.

The House of Representatives adjourned for its break last week.

As summer-bound US lawmakers exit Washington, the numbers are telling: with Trump in office seven months, and his Republican Party controlling all three branches of government, Congress has passed zero pieces of major legislation.

The Republicans' over-promised effort to repeal and replace Barack Obama's health care reforms collapsed in embarrassing shambles.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had hoped to triumph on a health bill last month, leaving time to accomplish other goals including raising the US debt ceiling and working on budget bills for fiscal year 2018.

Mueller, a former FBI director, was appointed by the Justice Department to probe whether anyone in the Trump presidential campaign colluded with Russia to tilt the 2016 election in the president's favor

But the health care fiasco sucked up weeks of debate time, and its cascading effect stalled other legislation.

Republicans do claim some victories, including confirming conservative judge Neil Gorsuch onto the Supreme Court, rescinding several Obama-era regulations and improving conditions for veterans.

One top accomplishment was the Russia sanctions bill that passed with overwhelming support, leading Trump to sign the measure into law despite not backing it.

And on Thursday Republicans got unanimous consent from the chamber to confirm more than 60 nominees, including US ambassadors to Britain and Canada and a new representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

But otherwise they now head home with few accomplishments, and likely to face conservatives angry at their failure to repeal Obamacare.

Number two Senate Republican John Cornyn signaled the health fight was not over.

'I can assure my colleagues that issue is not going away,' he said.

New presidents often expend political capital to get important early priorities through Congress.

In early 2009, Obama passed an $800 billion economic stimulus package and bolstered equal-pay protections. George W. Bush passed his first round of tax cuts eight years earlier.

McConnell and Republican leadership in the House have signaled that the next major legislative lift will be tax reform.

But when Congress returns to work on September 5, it faces other immediate hurdles. Lawmakers will have precious little time to forge agreement on a budget and on extending federal borrowing authority.

Failure on those counts by October 1 could plunge the government into shutdown or a potentially catastrophic default, respectively.
The French navy intercepted the yacht Afalina carrying 1.46 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated street value of US$256 million

A massive cocaine haul bound for Australia in the hull of a yacht has been intercepted by the French navy in the Pacific, officials said on Friday.

The 1.46 tonnes of the drug with an estimated street value of Aus$322 million (US$256 million) was seized in the South Pacific and four crew members, believed to be Lithuanian and Latvian nationals, arrested.

The vessel "Afalina", which set sail from South America, was towed to Noumea in New Caledonia, a French territory.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission said it was working with its international partners to probe "the Lithuanian syndicate" and pinpoint exactly where the drugs came from after the seizure last week.

"We are thankful for the actions taken by French authorities which has stopped a significant amount of drugs reaching the streets of Australia," said commission executive director of intelligence Col Blanch.

"This demonstrates the importance of international law enforcement and intelligence agencies working together to effectively target transnational criminal enterprises."

Largest cocaine busts

The drugs were destroyed Wednesday in the furnace of a Noumea nickel plant, a spokesman for the company said.

With its high street prices, Australia is an attractive destination for drug-smugglers. The country also has a growing problem with ice addiction.

Last month three men were charged for allegedly plotting to smuggle large amounts of ice from the United States to Australia in a light plane via the Pacific.
President Donald Trump has yet to announce a plan for Afghanistan, and delays in unveiling his strategy point to deep rifts in the White House on how to handle America's longest war.

Such is the uncertainty about what to do -- send thousands more troops into a nearly 16-year conflict, or take the opposite tack and pull out -- that Trump has reportedly even suggested firing the general in charge of the war effort.

"We aren't winning... we are losing," Trump complained to top officials while upbraiding his military advisors at a White House meeting last month, NBC News reported, citing senior officials.

Trump's generals have called the Afghan conflict a "stalemate," and even after years of intensive help from the US and other NATO nations, Afghanistan's security forces still are struggling to hold back an emboldened Taliban.

In an early move to address the situation, Trump gave his Pentagon chief, Jim Mattis, broad powers to set troop numbers in Afghanistan and elsewhere. But several months later the level remains stuck at about 8,400 US and about 5,000 NATO troops.

Mattis wants to wait until the White House has come up with a coherent strategy for not just Afghanistan but the broader region, notably Pakistan and how it deals with terror groups, before he commits to any adjustments.

Mattis told lawmakers on June 13 he would present a detailed Afghanistan plan by mid-July -- but that timeframe came and went with no announcements.

"This is hard work and so you got to get it right. And that's all there is to it. So, we're working to get it right," Mattis told Pentagon reporters July 21.

According to NBC, Trump a day earlier had told Mattis and General Joe Dunford, who is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, they should replace General John Nicholson, who heads up US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

The White House declined to comment, and Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said only: "Secretary Mattis has confidence in General Nicholson's leadership."

Several lawmakers spoke in Nicholson's defense Thursday and two weeks have passed since the meeting, with the general still in position.

Meanwhile the situation in Afghanistan is as deadly as ever, with more than 2,500 Afghan police and troops killed in from January 1 to May 8.

US forces -- who are supposed to be in a non-combat role -- are still dying too, with nine killed in action so far this year, including two in Kandahar on Wednesday. The tally for 2017 is now the same as for all of 2016.

- 'No strategy for success' -

In signs of broader divisions in the White House, Trump's National Security Advisor General HR McMaster -- who is helping lead the push for a new Afghanistan plan -- on Wednesday fired Ezra Cohen-Watnick, his senior intelligence director.

That comes on the heels of the departure of a contentious top Middle East advisor, Derek Harvey, who left in July.

And chief strategist Steve Bannon was himself ousted from his seat on the National Security Council, which decides issues of war and peace.

According to the New York Times, Bannon and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have pushed an idea to let private contractors conduct security work in Afghanistan instead of American soldiers.

Pentagon officials have said Mattis is weighing sending just shy of 4,000 troops to Afghanistan to operate in a non-combat role assisting local forces.

Military Times on Wednesday cited an Afghan government official as saying that Eric Prince, who was the former head of a controversial private military firm once known as Blackwater, had even offered to supply a private air force.

Senior Republican Senator John McCain, a longtime critic of the Obama administration's warfighting policies, this week expressed exasperation over Trump's lack of Afghanistan policy.

McCain said if a new plan hadn't been fleshed out by September, he would offer his own one -- based on the "advice of some our best military leaders" -- that he'd tack onto a massive military spending bill.

"There still is no strategy for success in Afghanistan," McCain said, though he provided no details on what his might be.

When Trump visited the Pentagon last month, a reporter asked him whether he would be sending more troops to Afghanistan.

"We'll see," he said, before changing the subject.
In northwest Shaanxi province's capital of Xi'an, home to such historic sites as the clay Terracotta Army and the 1,000-year-old Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a small studio and factory uses 3D printing technology to manufacture replicas of ancient art.

The small, ornate figurines look like relics of a bygone age: a serene Buddha's head from the Tang dynasty, or a collection of stone-faced soldiers from the Qin era.

The creation process, however, is decidedly modern.

In northwest Shaanxi province's capital of Xian, home to such historic sites as the clay Terracotta Army and the 1,000-year-old Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a small studio and factory uses 3D printing technology to replicate ancient art.

"All the intricate details of the original design are preserved in a 3D mould," Xi Xin, the president of the Xian Chizi Digital Technology company, told AFP.

"Human workers may not be able to produce everything we want in the design, but the printer can do it all."

The firm, whose products are sold at museum shops and to personal collectors, is among the businesses taking advantage of China's foray into 3D printing -- a rapidly-growing industry that has been incorporated into the country's national manufacturing strategy.

"In the last five years, 3D printing in China has grown from a one billion yuan ($149 million) industry to a more than 100 billion yuan ($14.9 billion) industry," Luo Jun, the head of the China 3D Printing Technology Industry Alliance, told AFP.

- Technological breakthrough -

3D printing came to China in the 90s, Luo said, after Tsinghua University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology professors brought the technology back from the United States.

Domestic development of the methods were slow at first, but the industry has gained momentum with government support.

The Chinese State Council's "Made in China 2025" industrial development plan lists the promotion of "new breakthroughs in 3D printing" as a priority for growth into the next decade, while the Ministry of Science and Technology counts 3D printing among its thirteen priority projects for technological innovation.

"Now the scale of China's 3D printing industry has surpassed those of Europe and the US," Luo said.

"In the last five years, 3D printing in China has grown from a one billion yuan ($149 million) industry to a more than 100 billion yuan ($14.9 billion) industry," Luo Jun, the head of the China 3D Printing Technology Industry Alliance, told AFP

The Xian Chizi Digital Technology company has developed its 3D design technology over the last ten years, using a stereolithography machine to print carefully constructed digital replicas of historic artifacts.

The design process can take between one to three months, while printing requires up to several weeks of time for the more elaborate pieces.

Once the prototype is complete, it will be mass-produced in a factory using the same material -- usually wood or copper -- as the relic it was modelled on.

"Our clients don't buy our products because of the 3D printing aspect, but it does make things easier," Xi said.

For instance, if a customer decides that she wants an 80-centimetre elephant instead of a 50-centimetre one, it's a simple matter of programming the 3D printer accordingly.

Xi's company also makes 3D printed moulds for sculptors who use them as models for their own handcrafted artworks.

The final products -- painted miniatures sold for between 20 yuan ($3) and 500 yuan ($74) -- are popular among the tourists who flock to Xian, known as the oldest of China's four great imperial capitals.

The figurines are now being sold at the mausoleum for Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, and his Terracotta Warriors.

There, at the burial place dating back to 200 B.C., visitors can hold the 3D "artifacts" of China's future in the palm of their hands.
The UN has detailed more than 250 "extrajudicial or targeted killings" in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai region

The UN on Friday detailed more than 250 "extrajudicial or targeted killings" in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai region from mid-March to mid-June, counting dozens of children among the dead.

The findings, based on interviews with refugees from Kasai who had fled to Angola, blamed state agents for the murders of seven children.

The refugees gave harrowing accounts of the violence in the region, which the UN warned had taken on "an increasing and disturbing ethnic dimension."

Victims recounted mutilations, including of a seven-year-old boy whose fingers were cut off, and an attack on a hospital in the village of Cinq where 90 people were killed, some because they were too injured to escape a raging fire.

Aside from government troops, the UN blamed a state-backed militia called the Bana Mura as well as the anti-government Kamuina Nsapu militia for a range of atrocities.

"Survivors have spoken of hearing the screams of people being burned alive, of seeing loved ones chased and cut down, of themselves fleeing in terror", the United Nations human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement.

A team of UN investigators "was able to confirm that between 12 March and 19 June some 251 people were the victims of extrajudicial and targeted killings", the report said.

"These included 62 children, of which 30 were aged under eight," it added.

Regarding the children murdered, the UN said seven were killed by members of the army (FARDC) or the national intelligence service, while six died at the hands of the rebel Kamuina Nsapu.

The Bana Mura militia members blamed for the deaths of 49 minors.

"Some of the violations and abuses committed in the Kasais may amount to crimes under international law," the UN said in a statement.

The violence in Kasai erupted last September after the death in clashes of a tribal chieftain, known as the Kamwina Nsapu, who rebelled against the authority of President Joseph Kabila's regime in Kinshasa and its local representatives.

The killing sparked violence that has escalated, including gross alleged violations of human rights such as extrajudicial killings, rapes, torture and the use of child soldiers.

In less than a year, the violence has claimed more than 3,300 lives, according to a tally by the influential Roman Catholic Church, and displaced 1.4 million people.

Around 80 mass graves have been uncovered in the region.

Kabila's reluctance to organise elections has heightened tensions across the country, while the UN rights office has blasted his government for not mounting serious investigations into the Kasai crisis.
A picture taken on August 2, 2017 shows children of Islamic State group fighters now living in the Libyan Red Crescent headquarters in Misrata, a town half-way between Sirte and Tripoli

Traumatised by war, their jihadist parents either killed or missing, 28 children have found solace in each other at a Red Crescent centre in Libya's third city Misrata.

Whether they're jumping up and down on mattresses or playing in the yard, the boys and girls stick together, like siblings, the older ones looking out for the little ones.

Last December, fighters loyal to Libya's UN-backed Government of National Accord, many of them from Misrata, prised the Mediterranean coastal city of Sirte out of the grasp of the Islamic State group after several months of battle.

Children of the defeated jihadists were left in a state of physical and psychological trauma, Red Crescent spokesman Ali al-Ghwell told AFP during a tour of their camp in Misrata, half-way between Sirte and the capital Tripoli.

They had survived months of food, water and medical shortages on top of constant bombardment that had left them jumpy at the slightest noise.

Some emerged with injuries to the head, stomach or limbs.

Mohamed, a slight boy of five, had to have his right arm amputated, compounding the misery and his sense of isolation and disorientation.

Ali Mohamed Ahmad, a Red Crescent volunteer, recalls how he had to win over the boy with patience and attention before a smile finally returned to his face.

"I tried all the time to communicate and play with him for him to learn to have confidence in me," said the volunteer in his early 20s.

Now, seven months on from the rescue of 52 children aged between five days and nine years from the ruins of Sirte, Mohamed was seen running and shouting with his new extended "family" before throwing himself into Mohamed's arms.

Those with at least one Libyan parent have been handed over to family members living in the country. For children of foreign jihadists, the situation is more complicated.

In June, eight Sudanese children, including a one-year-old baby, were repatriated to Khartoum.

A picture taken on August 2, 2017 shows Mohamed with his carer at a Libyan Red Crescent centre housing children of jihadists killed or missing after their ouster from the city of Sirte

Tunisia and Egypt have so far failed to respond to Libyan Red Crescent requests for assistance with around 15 children of their citizens left without guardians.

"I hope they'll be able to go back to their countries one day and reunite with family members," said Ahmad, the volunteer.

Until that time, the Red Crescent says it is doing its best to provide the children with an oasis of calm and stability, away from the chaos of Libya where rival authorities and a myriad of militias vie for dominance.

It provides the jihadists' offspring with professional medical and psychological care. And "we're doing our best to find a prosthetic arm for Mohamed", said his carer Ghwell.
Duterte has boasted repeatedly that US President Donald Trump praised the drug war, although he still frequently rails against the US State Department and American politicians who criticise the killings

The Philippines said Friday it would tell visiting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson his concerns over its drug war that has claimed thousands of lives were due to "exaggerated media reports".

Tillerson is due to meet President Rodrigo Duterte on the sidelines of a regional security forum that begins on the weekend, and both sides have flagged that the human rights debate over the drug war would be on the agenda.

"We welcome the opportunity to address their concerns and correct the perceptions they may have gleaned from exaggerated media reports," a Philippine foreign department statement said on Friday.

The statement was released after acting US assistant secretary of state Susan Thornton said in Washington that Tillerson would discuss human rights issues in Manila.

Duterte easily won presidential elections last year after promising an unprecented war on drugs in which tens of thousands of people would be killed.

Since he took office in the middle of last year, police have confirmed killing more than 3,400 people in anti-drug operations.

More than 2,000 other people have been killed in drug-related crimes and thousands more murdered in unexplained circumstances, according to police data.

Rights groups say many of those victims have been killed by vigilante death squads linked to the government.

Rights groups have said that Duterte, who has said he would be "happy to slaughter" three million drug addicts, may be overseeing a crime against humanity.

Former US president Barack Obama was among the many international critics of the drug war.

Duterte, who frequently uses coarse language against his critics, responded by branding Obama a "son of a whore" last year.

Duterte also used the criticism as justification for loosening the Philippines' decades-long alliance with the United States in favour of warmer ties with China.

Duterte has boasted repeatedly that US President Donald Trump praised the drug war, although he still frequently rails against the US State Department and American politicians who criticise the killings.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday confirmed Duterte and Tillerson would hold talks in Manila, and that the meeting would be a step towards improving bilateral relations.

"I expect the call to be frank, honest but to discuss also the way forward in our relationship and also to repair some twists and turns or some valleys in our relationship," Cayetano said.
President Paul Kagame, 59, is running against two little-known candidates seen as unlikely to pose any threat to his Rwandan Patriotic Front's (RPF) control

Rwandan President Paul Kagame sailed to a third term in office with a tally hovering around a whopping 98 percent of votes, partial results showed Saturday.

There had been little doubt that the 59-year-old would return to the helm of the east African nation which he has ruled with an iron fist since the end of the 1994 genocide.

With 80 percent of results counted, Kagame had secured some 5.4 million votes, far more than the 50 percent plus one required for him to win re-election.

"We think that at this level ... it will be the same result, no change after having counted 100 percent (of votes)," said national elections commission chairman Kalisa Mbanda. Full provisional results will come through later Saturday.

The commission estimates 97 percent of 6.9 million voters turned out to cast their ballots.

Of the results tallied, Kagame had 98.66 percent -- a figure which could still shift slightly -- while his two little-known rivals barely made a dent.

Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party -- the only permitted critical opposition party -- won 0.45 percent of votes and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana scored 0.72.

Around the country Rwandans gathered to hear the results, with some celebrating an early win for Kagame. At a gymnasium in the capital loud music blared and traditional dancers took to the floor to entertain several hundred people.

"We are celebrating the presidential election," said one young man as he danced. "We are celebrating Paul Kagame!" another yelled out next to him.

- Polarising leader -

Kagame has been the de-facto leader of Rwanda since, as a 36-year-old, his rebel army routed extremist Hutu forces who slaughtered an estimated 800,000 people -- mainly minority Tutsis -- and seized Kigali in 1994.

He was appointed president by lawmakers in 2000 before being elected in 2003 with 95 percent of votes and again in 2010 with 93 percent of votes.

The lanky former guerilla fighter is one of Africa's most divisive leaders, with some hailing him as a visionary while critics see a despot aiming to become one of the continent's presidents-for-life.

Rwanda

Kagame is credited with a remarkable turnaround in the shattered nation, which boasts annual economic growth of about seven percent, is safe, clean and does not tolerate corruption. Rwanda also has the highest number of female lawmakers in the world.

However rights groups accuse Kagame of ruling through fear, relying on systematic repression of the opposition, free speech and the media.

Kagame's critics have ended up jailed, forced into exile or assassinated. While few Rwandans would dare to openly speak against him.

- 'A winning team' -

Those who praise him, do so with adulation.

"He freed the country, he stabilised the country. Now we can walk anywhere day or night without problems," Jean Baptiste Rutayisire, a 54-year-old entrepreneur, said at a polling station in Kigali.

"He is an exceptional man. You don't change a winning team."

Like many other voters AFP spoke to, Rutayisire didn't know the names of the other candidates.

Rwanda is safe, clean and does not tolerate corruption. It also has the highest number of female lawmakers in the world

Despite facing an unwinnable battle against Kagame in which opponents had only three weeks to campaign, Habineza was upbeat after voting earlier.

"For the first time since 23 years an opposition party has been in the ballot," he told AFP. Previously only independents and parties allied with Kagame fielded candidates.

Kagame's win 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.
The kasai conflict erupted last September after the death in clashes of a tribal chieftain

The UN on Friday detailed more than 250 "extrajudicial or targeted killings" of civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai region from mid-March to mid-June, counting dozens of children among those massacred.

The findings, based on interviews with refugees from the conflict-hit Kasai who had fled to Angola, blamed state agents for the murders of seven children.

The refugees gave harrowing accounts of violence in the central region, which the UN warned had taken on "an increasing and disturbing ethnic dimension."

They recounted mutilations, including of a seven-year-old boy whose fingers were cut off, and an attack on a hospital in the village of Cinq where 90 people were killed, some because they were too injured to escape a raging fire.

Aside from government troops, the UN blamed a reportedly state-backed militia called the Bana Mura as well as the anti-government Kamuina Nsapu militia for a range of atrocities.

"Survivors have spoken of hearing the screams of people being burned alive, of seeing loved ones chased and cut down, of themselves fleeing in terror", the United Nations human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement.

- 'Lacking in credibility' -

Some 96 refugees were interviewed for the UN report.

A team of investigators has confirmed 251 executions between March 12 and June 19, it said.

"These included 62 children, of which 30 were aged under eight".

Regarding the children murdered, the UN explained that seven were killed by members of the army (FARDC) or the national intelligence service, while six died at the hands of the rebel group Kamuina Nsapu.

The Bana Mura militia members were blamed for the deaths of 49 minors.

The violence in the Kasai region "could amount to crimes against humanity", Scott Campbell, the head of the western and central Africa division at the UN human rights office, said

Scott Campbell, the head of the western and central Africa division at the rights office, said the new UN report was merely "a snapshot" of the wider conflict and atrocities had likely continued over the past six weeks.

The violence in the Kasai region "could amount to crimes against humanity", Campbell added, underscoring growing concern that the conflict was "tipping towards to ethnic cleansing".

The Congolese government however blasted the publication of the report as "premature and inappropriate" in a statement, saying the report was based "on testimony lacking in credibility" and "not verified".

Kinshasa also questioned the "impartiality" of the UN human rights council and accused "certain hostile foreign powers of wanting to use (the body) to destabilise Congolese institutions" -- though it did not name any names.

- 3,300 lives lost -

The Kasai conflict erupted last September after the death in clashes of a tribal chieftain, known as the Kamwina Nsapu, who rebelled against the authority of President Joseph Kabila's regime in Kinshasa and its local representatives.

The killing sparked violence that has escalated, including alleged rape, torture and the use of child soldiers.

The UN said the Bana Mura militia largely included members of the Tshokwe, Pende and Tetela ethnic groups, while the Luba and Lulua communities were seen as supporting the anti-government Kamuina Nsapu.

In less than a year, the violence has claimed more than 3,300 lives, according to a tally by the influential Roman Catholic Church, and displaced 1.4 million people.

Around 80 mass graves have been uncovered in the region.

In less than a year, the violence has claimed more than 3,300 lives, according to a tally by the influential Roman Catholic Church, and displaced 1.4 million people

The president's mandate expired last December but under a transition deal, he was allowed to remain in office until elections that are supposed to be held in late 2017.

Kabila has so far failed to set a date for the polls, heightening tensions across the country.

The UN rights chief has blasted Kabila's government for not mounting serious investigations into the Kasai crisis.

He successfully lobbied the Human Rights Council to set up an international investigation, although it is not clear if Congolese authorities will grant the probe access to the Kasai region.
A Thai boy carves floral patterns into a watermelon during a fruit and vegetable carving competition in Bangkok on August 4, 2017

It is a royal tradition that has proved bountiful through the ages and one that Thailand's fruit carvers are determined to keep alive -- even as young people peel away from the unique art form.

From beetroots carved into roses to fruity floats made from papayas and melons, the most important fruit carving competition in Thailand took place in Bangkok Friday.

But for competitor Piyanat Thiwato, carving is about more than just winning.

"Carving can improve our mind because it requires concentration and enhances our imagination, it's a way to relax," he said.

The tradition has been traced back to Thailand's royal Sukhothai dynasty, in the 14th century.

A Thai boy carves floral patterns into a watermelon during a fruit and vegetable carving competition in Bangkok on August 4, 2017

"The art of food carving started hundreds years ago. Thailand is rich with arts and crafts. It's like a very beautiful treasure that we have," said Araya Arunanondchai, the event's organiser.

"In the old days, it was done in the royal palaces for the royal family," she added.

Dozens of Thai artists competed in the famous fruit and vegetable carving competition, which was organized in honor of Queen Sirikit, who turns 85 on August 12.

More than 20 teams carved anything from owls to elephants or intricate Thai designs onto fruits including taros, melons, and papaya.

A carved watermelon is displayed during a fruit and vegetable carving competition in Bangkok on August 4, 2017

Fruit carving is still popular as an offering in temples or as a decoration for weddings. Fine arts students can still choose to learn it at university, as they would take painting lessons. But the tradition is fading away.

"Not so many young people are interested in it or the ones who studied it in art schools cannot make a living out of it", Manirat Svastiwat na Ayutthaya, food carving expert said.
Huang Jing, a US citizen who held a senior position at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, had engaged in "activities inimical to Singapore's national interests", said the city-state's Ministry of Home Affairs

Singapore said Friday it would expel a professor of Chinese descent working at a local university from the city-state, accusing him of acting as an "agent of influence" for a foreign government.

Huang Jing, a US citizen who held a senior position at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, had engaged in "activities inimical to Singapore's national interests", said the city-state's Ministry of Home Affairs.

His wife Shirley Yang Xiuping, who the ministry said knew he was acting as an agent for a foreign government, was also permanently banned from Singapore.

Authorities did not say which foreign government he was accused of working for.

But he has written extensively on China and contributed articles to state news agency Xinhua and the People's Daily, the official mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party, according to his biography on the Lee Kuan Yew School's website.

If authorities confirm that he was working for Beijing, the development could dent a relationship that has already faced turbulence in recent times.

"He has been identified as an agent of influence of a foreign country," said the ministry in a statement announcing the decision.

"He knowingly interacted with intelligence organisations and agents of the foreign country, and co-operated with them to influence the Singapore government's foreign policy and public opinion in Singapore."

It went on: "Huang's continued presence in Singapore, and that of his wife, are therefore undesirable. Both will be permanently banned from re-entering Singapore."

Their status as Singapore permanent residents was revoked. Anyone who has their permanent residency status cancelled has the right to appeal.

The statement said he had recruited others to aid his operations and passed supposedly "privileged information" to a senior member of the Lee Kuan Yew school for it to be passed on to the Singapore government.

It was conveyed to senior public officials who could have influenced Singapore's foreign policy but the officials did not act on the information, the statement said.

"Huang used his senior position in the (Lee Kuan Yew School) to deliberately and covertly advance the agenda of a foreign country at Singapore's expense," said the ministry.

"He did this in collaboration with foreign intelligence agents. This amounts to subversion and foreign interference in Singapore's domestic politics."

The National University of Singapore, of which the Lee Kuan Yew School is part, said it has suspended Huang. The US embassy in Singapore declined to comment.

While Beijing and Singapore have historically had good relations, there were tensions earlier this year when Hong Kong seized nine Singapore armoured troop carriers as they returned to the city-state after conducting military exercises in Taiwan.

Beijing considers self-ruling Taiwan a renegade province awaiting reunification. Following the seizure, China lodged a diplomatic protest to Singapore over its military cooperation with Taiwan.
South African President Jacob Zuma has come under increasing criticism from within his own party

South Africa's ruling ANC party warned its legislators on Friday that voting for a motion of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma next week would be a disaster for the country.

"Voting in favour of this motion will be tantamount to throwing a nuclear bomb," said a statement issued by African National Congress chief whip Jackson Mthembu ahead of the vote, brought by opposition parties, due on Tuesday.

"The removal of the President will have disastrous consequences that can only have a negative impact on the people of South Africa," he said.

"It will result in the entire cabinet having to resign which will lead to a collapse in government... It will plunge our country into complete political instability."

Mthembu's intervention comes as Zuma has been mired by growing criticism from within the party over allegations that he is corrupt and incompetent.

South Africa's economy slumped into a recession in the first quarter of the year while unemployment nears 26 percent.

Popular support for the ANC, which was swept to power in the first non-racial elections in 1994, slipped to 55 percent in last year's local polls -- its worst-ever election result.

- 'Fail regardless' -

"We are not blind to the grievances raised by our people including our partners," said the statement, referring to noisy criticism from the ANC's coalition allies.

It acknowledged the impact of a unpopular cabinet reshuffle at the end of March that saw respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan ousted and replaced with a Zuma loyalist.

The move led to a string of downgrades to South Africa's credit rating as well as causing the rand currency to tumble.

The statement also recognised the controversy raging around Zuma and his relationship with the Gupta business family, and a tranche of leaked emails that point to a corrupt relationship between the two sides.

It described allegations that state organs had been corrupted as "serious and legitimate concerns".

But the statement added: "We are raising these issues now to show the ANC has been responsive."

Gupta family member Atul recently told the BBC that the leaked emailed had "no authenticity".

Zuma, 75, is due to step down as head of the ANC party in December, and as president ahead of the 2019 general election.
The US trade gap in June fell to its lowest level in eight months, driven by a surge in exports, official figures showed

The US trade gap in June fell to its lowest level in eight months, driven by a surge in exports, official figures showed Friday.

Big jumps in international sales of crude oil and soy beans helped drive American exports to their highest level in nearly three years, the Commerce Department reported.

Meanwhile, imports fell slightly in tandem with a weakening US dollar.

The narrowing deficit could bode well for economic growth in the third quarter of the year, reducing drag on calculations of GDP.

The trade gap fell 5.9 percent for the month to $43.6 billion, the largest monthly decrease in four months, surpassing an analyst forecast which had called for only a 3.2 percent decrease.

Year-to-date, however, the deficit in US trade in goods and services was still up 10.7 percent over the same period last year.

The Trump administration has made shrinking overall US trade deficits a central goal of its economic agenda, including negotiating with countries individually to reduce bilateral deficits, an effort economists dismiss as pointless and potentially harmful.

Talks on renegotiating the landmark North American Free Trade Agreement are due to begin this month in Washington, but economists say using that process to reduce the trade deficit with Mexico could prove an elusive goal.

US exports of goods and services rose 1.2 percent to $194.4 billion in June, their highest level since December of 2014.

US goods exports also were at their highest level since April 2015, at $129.7 billion.

The goods deficit with China, the largest US trading partner, rose 3.1 percent for the month to $32.6 billion.

But deficits in goods trade fell with Mexico, decreasing $1.2 billion to $5.5 billion, and with Canada, where it shrank $1.2 billion to $1 billion.
Britain lifts ban on electronic devices in the cabin on Royal Jordanian flights from Amman's Queen Alia airport to the UK

Britain on Friday lifted a ban on personal electronic devices for flights from Amman's Queen Alia International Airport to the United Kingdom, the national carrier Royal Jordanian said.

"Effective August 4, 2017, Royal Jordanian passengers are allowed to carry these electronic devices in the cabin," the airline said in a statement referring to large phones, laptops and tablets.

The United States instituted the laptop ban in March for eight North African and Middle East countries based on intelligence that the Islamic State group was working to build a bomb into a tablet or laptop.

Britain followed suit and banned similar-sized electronics from being carried into cabins on direct flights from six countries -- Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.

A week ago, Britain lifted the ban for flights from Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen airport but had kept it for the other countries and other Turkish hubs.

In early July, Royal Jordanian said the US laptop ban had been lifted for all of its US-bound flights.

Both Washington and London had said the ban would be lifted for airlines that implement new safety measures.
The Vatican and China do not maintain diplomatic relations, but since becoming head of the Holy See in 2013 Pope Francis has tried to mend ties with Beijing in the hope of reconnecting with Catholics in China

A Vatican official visiting Beijing says the pontiff "loves China" -- a communist country which has yet to establish official diplomatic relations with the Holy See.

"Pope Francis loves China and loves the people of China, its history and population," Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, a chancellor of the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences, said Thursday, according to the state-run Global Times.

Sorondo, who is considered a close friend of Francis, confirmed to AFP Friday that he made these remarks.

The Vatican and China do not maintain diplomatic relations, but since becoming head of the Holy See in 2013 Pope Francis has tried to mend ties with Beijing in the hope of reconnecting with Catholics in China.

Negotiations between the two sides have been stymied by the issue of appointing bishops.

The country's roughly 12 million believers are divided between those loyal to Beijing, whose clergy are chosen by the Communist Party, and members of a so-called "underground" church which swears allegiance to the Vatican.

This June, Rome expressed "grave concerns" over the fate of a clandestine or underground church bishop who was detained mid-May.

Sorondo is in Beijing for an organ transplant conference, a topic the Vatican has previously engaged Chinese officials on despite criticism from ethics experts and human rights lawyers, who say the Asian giant still uses tissue from executed prisoners.

Beijing issued its first regulation banning the trade of organs in 2007, but trafficking remains common as the country suffers a drastic shortage of donated body parts.

The practice of using executed prisoners' organs for transplants was also banned in 2015, but there are fears prisoners may be being reclassified as voluntary donors to get around the rules.

"China is making efforts on the issue of organ trafficking," the bishop told AFP.
Polling stations open Saturday morning in Mauritania for a referendum which the opposition says is rigged

The head of a boycott movement opposed to a constitutional referendum in Mauritania accused the country's rulers on Friday of planning "massive fraud" on the eve of the vote, and warned of violence.

Saturday's referendum follows a tense campaign punctuated by massive protests that have been at times violently put down by the security forces.

Jemil Ould Mansour, head of the Islamic Tewassoul party spearheading the movement against the vote, said President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and his supporters had fixed "the electoral roll and voting materials to prepare fraud on a massive scale."

"Those in power are pushing people to violence by not allowing any kind of protest not in line with their own views," Mansour told reporters.

The boycott draws broad political support from religious conservatives and anti-slavery activists in the conservative west African nation, all of whom oppose measures including abolishing the Senate, suppressing several state bodies, and changing the national flag.

Around 1.4 million Mauritanians are eligible to vote, but the boycott coalition has declared the changes unconstitutional and is urging citizens to stay at home.

Violence "is not our choice", Mansour told journalists, but added Aziz and his supporters would be responsible if they continued to "force" the changes through.

Police and opposition activists clashed Thursday in Mauritania's capital on the final day of campaigning after the authorities refused to give the green light for protests in the capital and other regions of the Islamic republic.

Senators rejected the abolition of their own chamber in March, apparently to the government's surprise as a majority are from the ruling party, prompting Aziz to call the referendum.

Aziz accused the lawmakers of "betraying the nation" at his final rally, and called on the crowd to demand the dissolution of a chamber which, he said, "costs a lot, has no use and does nothing".

Several senators would soon be on trial, the president said, accusing them of corruption.

Polling stations open at 7am on Saturday while the nation's armed forces cast their ballots on Friday, according the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).

Results are due early next week.
A January 2016 prison photo released by Mexican authorities shows Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman who was captured after a prison break and six months spent on the run. He was extradited to the US in January 2017 and is awaiting trial in New York

Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, one of the world's most notorious criminals, is claiming his extradition to the United States was illegal and wants a US judge to dismiss his case.

The 60-year-old kingpin, accused of running the Sinaloa cartel -- one of the world's biggest drug empires -- was extradited to New York on January 19, and is being held in solitary confinement in Manhattan pending trial next April.

But in a new court filing, his public defender lawyers say his extradition violated the terms of Mexico's initial agreement to send Guzman to either Texas or California, and violated the Mexico-US extradition treaty.

They also allege that had Mexico known of "the extraordinarily harsh conditions" of his US confinement, it would never have signed off on his extradition.

"These conditions... are tantamount to torture. Had Mexico been advised of these conditions, it almost certainly would not have consented to Mr Guzman's detention and prosecution in this district," said the court papers.

His lawyers are also challenging the US government's desire to seize $14 billion in Guzman's purported drug profits, saying there was "no evidence" the United States sought permission from Mexico to pursue such a forfeiture.

Federal Judge Brian Cogan has yet to rule on the request.

Guzman faces a litany of firearms, drug trafficking and conspiracy charges in the US federal court in Brooklyn, New York. If convicted, he will likely spend the rest of his life in a maximum security US prison.

The defense repeatedly has challenged the conditions of his custody.

In May, Cogan agreed to relax only slightly just a handful of the conditions, allowing him to exchange pre-screened written messages with his wife but denying him family visits and phone calls.
US Attorney General Jeff Sessions says the number of leak investigations has tripled since the Trump administration took office

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Friday vowed a tough crackdown on people revealing classified or sensitive national security information, threatening to jail leakers and branding such illicit acts a betrayal to fellow Americans.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly fumed about "illegal leaks" and even lashed out publicly at Sessions last week for taking what he called a "very weak" position on the issue.

Under pressure, and with some saying his job could be on the line, Sessions responded.

"I strongly agree with the president and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks undermining the ability of our government to protect this country," Sessions told a press conference.

Four people have already been charged with "unlawfully disclosing" classified material or concealing contacts with federal officers, he said.

The number of active leak investigations this year has tripled compared with the tally before Trump took office, Sessions added.

"We are taking a stand. This culture of leaking must stop," he said.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, joining Sessions, issued his own tough warning to would-be leakers and described such revelations as "betraying" the American people.

"Understand this: If you improperly disclose classified information, we will find you," he said. "We will investigate you, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."

The announcement comes after six months of political intrigue and open feuding in the White House, which has manifested itself in a torrent of damaging revelations to the media.

It also follows a leak that was unusual even by the standards of this administration -- the publication by The Washington Post of the contents of private phone calls between Trump and foreign leaders.

The newspaper published the full transcripts Thursday of conversations the Republican billionaire leader held in January with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Sessions, while not addressing specifics of the transcripts, signalled his anger over the revelations which apparently came from inside the White House, saying "no government can be effective" when its leaders' discussions of sensitive matters are released.

The attorney general issued a not-so-veiled threat to the media, saying that while the administration has respect for the press, "it is not unlimited."

"They cannot place lives at risk with impunity," he added. "We must balance the press's role with protecting our national security."
The arrest of a security researcher by the FBI after the Def Con gathering of hackers has delivered a shock to the computer security community

Two months ago, Marcus Hutchins was an "accidental hero," a young computer whiz living with his parents in Britain who found the "kill switch" to the devastating WannaCry ransomware.

Today, the 23-year-old is in a US federal prison, charged with creating and distributing malicious software designed to attack the banking system.

His arrest this week stunned the computer security community and shines a light on the shadowy world of those who sometimes straddle the line between legal and illegal activities.

Hutchins' arrest following Def Con in Las Vegas, one of the world's largest gathering of hackers, delivered "an extreme shock," according to Gabriella Coleman, a McGill University professor who studies the hacker community.

"The community at Def Con would not admire a hacker who was doing hard-core criminal activity for profit or damage -- that is frowned upon," Coleman told AFP.

"But there are people who do security research... who understand that sometimes in order to improve security, you have to stick your nose in areas that may break the law. They don't want to hurt anyone but they are doing it for research."

Hackers are generally classified as "white hats" if they stay within the law and "black hats" if they cross the line.

At gatherings like Def Con, "you have people who dabble on both sides of the fence," said Rick Holland, vice president at the security firm Digital Shadows.

An indictment unsealed by US authorities charges Hutchins and a second individual -- whose name was redacted -- of making and distributing in 2014 and 2015 the Kronos "banking Trojan," a reference to malicious software designed to steal user names and passwords used at online banking sites.

- Hacker mindset -

James Scott, a senior fellow who follows cybersecurity at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology, said it is sometimes difficult to separate the white hats from the black hats.

The hacker mindset includes "an insatiable need to satisfy their intellectual curiosity," Scott said.

"Hackers have that thing, they can't sleep. It's persistent and it's constant and it can drive you nuts."

Scott said he did not know details of the Hutchins case but that it is possible he wrote code that someone else "weaponized."

Rob Graham of Errata Security said he came to a similar conclusion, that Hutchins "wrote some code, but everything else was done by the other guy... As a writer of code sometimes used in viruses, this worries me."

Friends and collaborators of Hutchins -- known by his online moniker "Malwaretech" -- said they found the allegations hard to believe.

"He worked with me on a project in 2014 he refused payment for," said a tweet from Jake Williams of Rendition InfoSec. "This is incongruous with a black hat writing code for money at the same time."

Security researcher Andrew Mabbitt tweeted that Hutchins "spent his career stopping malware, not writing it."

- 'More circumspect' -

Members of the hacker community may "dabble on both sides of the fence," one analyst says

Regardless of the outcome of the case, some security professionals said the arrest could erode trust between the hacker community and law enforcement.

Coleman said hackers and researchers already tread carefully in light of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, a law that makes it illegal to access a computer system without authorization and has been roundly criticized by some security professionals.

"The statute is very broad and it can be wielded as a tool against researchers," Coleman said.

She noted that many in the hacker community are still reeling over the 2013 suicide of activist Aaron Swartz, who was charged under the same law for illegally downloading academic journals.

Hutchins' arrest "might actually drive certain security researchers further underground," said John Dickson of Denim Group, a security consultancy.

"I know several security researchers from Europe, whom I consider on the 'white hat' side of the house, who will no longer travel to the US to be on the safe side."

Holland of Digital Shadows added that the news "could make people more circumspect about who they may collaborate with."

Scott said the arrest may be counterproductive for cybersecurity because hackers like Hutchins help expose security flaws in order to fix them.

"The establishment needs hackers more than hackers need the establishment," he said.

Scott added that Hutchins' obvious talents could make him an asset for national security instead of a liability.

"I wouldnt be surprised if a federal agency made him an offer he can't refuse," Scott said.

"A guy like that should be at Fort Meade," he added, referring to the headquarters of the National Security Agency.
Mourners carry the body of 17-year-old Mohammed Jawawdeh, who was killed when he attacked a security guard at the Israeli embassy compound in the Jordanian capital with a screwdriver, during his funeral on July 25, 2017, in Amman

Israeli police will conduct an "examination" into the fatal shooting of two Jordanians by an embassy guard that led to ties between the two states worsening, officials said on Friday.

On July 23, a security guard for the Israeli embassy in Amman shot dead a Jordanian worker who had come to an apartment to install furniture and who stabbed him in the back with a screwdriver, according to the Israeli foreign ministry.

A second Jordanian, the apartment landlord, was also killed -- apparently by accident.

"The State Attorney's Office, with the approval of the Attorney General, has requested the head of investigations and intelligence division of the Israeli police to conduct a police examination into the shooting incident in Jordan," a justice ministry statement relayed by the foreign ministry said on Friday.

Jordanian authorities might also be contacted "in order to request the transfer to the police of additional materials", it said.

The guard was briefly questioned by investigators in Jordan before returning to Israel along with the rest of the embassy staff, where he received a hero's welcome from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A Jordanian police report on the incident said an argument had broken out, with the Israeli complaining that the Jordanians were late in delivering the furniture.

Jordan said last week it would not allow the return of Israeli ambassador Einat Shlein and her staff until a "thorough investigation has been opened", with the Israeli foreign ministry saying in response it had launched a "verification procedure" into the shooting.

Friday's decision did not amount to an investigation, an Israeli justice ministry official told AFP.

The shootings took place as tensions in the region were high after Israel introduced new security measures at the highly sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, following an attack that killed two policemen.

The measures, including metal detectors and security cameras, were eventually removed.

Jordan is the official custodian of Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.

Jordan and Egypt are the only two Arab governments to have signed a peace treaty with Israel and established full diplomatic relations.
Sheka's Mai Mai militia are accused of the mass rape of hundreds of women in eastern DR Congo

A Congolese rebel warlord wanted for crimes against humanity including mass rape was handed over to the authorities in Kinshasa on Friday, a UN spokeswoman said.

Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka "has been handed over to the authorities at Kinshasa," Fabienne Pompey, spokeswoman for MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force in the country, told AFP.

Sheka turned himself in to UN peacekeepers in North Kivu, the east of the country on July 26 and was initially held in Goma, the regional capital.

The authorities issued the warrant for Sheka's arrest in January 2011 after an attack in which the militia under his command and two other groups allegedly raped nearly 400 people in 13 villages between July 30 and August 2, 2010.

His soldiers are also accused of razing almost 1,000 homes and businesses and leading about 100 people off into forced labour.

Due to the rape accusations and other acts that could constitute crimes against humanity, Sheka had been subject to UN sanctions including the freezing of his assets and a worldwide travel ban.

Rights group Human Rights Watch, while welcoming Sheka's surrender, called on both the Congolese authorities and the UN to guarantee Sheka's safety in custody.

Some of the worst attacks by Sheka's forces occurred between August 2012 and November 2013 in and around the town of Pinga.

His Mai Mai fighters abducted dozens of women and girls, many of whom are still being held hostage as sex slaves, HRW said.

In June 2015, MONUSCO forces launched military operations against his force after his men burned down several villages in the east of the country.
Supporters of Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr demonstrate in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on August 4, 2017

Influential Iraqi Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr on Friday called on the Baghdad government to dismantle the paramilitary Hashed al-Shaabi umbrella organisation dominated by Iran-backed Shiite militias.

Sadr was speaking to thousands of supporters in the Iraqi capital after a rare visit at the weekend to Sunni-ruled regional kingpin Saudi Arabia, a staunch rival of the Shiite-dominated Islamic republic of Iran.

In a speech broadcast on huge screens, Sadr urged Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to dismantle Hashed and "integrate into the army the disciplined members" of the paramilitary force, an AFP reporter said.

Supporters of Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr throng Baghdad's Tahrir Square on August 4, 2017, to demand electoral reform and measures against corruption

Sadr also called on the authorities to "seize the arsenal of all armed groups".

The Hashed al-Shaabi is nominally under Abadi's command, but some of its components have for years been sending fighters to support Damascus in its six-year-old conflict against various rebel factions.

The paramilitary force took part in the battle to retake Iraq's second city Mosul from the Islamic State group, and could join future operations aimed at routing the jihadists from areas of the country they still hold.

IS still controls swathes of western Iraq, including much of the desert province of Anbar. Rival forces, which largely cooperated against the jihadists in Mosul, are expected to compete for a share of the spoils.

Sadr led a militia that fought against the US occupation of Iraq.

He is now seen as a nationalist who has repeatedly called for protests against corruption in the Iraqi government, and his supporters have staged huge protests in Baghdad calling for electoral reform.

On Thursday, Sadr issued a new call for protests in Baghdad and other cities to denounce "corrupt politicians" and demand reforms.

A handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace on July 30, 2017 shows Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) receiving prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr in Jeddah

Last week he paid a visit to Saudi Arabia, with his office saying in a statement the trip was in response to an "official invitation".

The official Saudi Press Agency published pictures of Sadr with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, and said they discussed Saudi-Iraqi relations and "a number of issues of mutual interest".

The visit came with the Gulf embroiled in its worst crisis in years -- a row between Qatar and four Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia which severed ties with Doha, accusing it of funding extremism and fostering ties with Iran.
Northwestern Professor Wanted In Fatal Stabbing Made $1K Donation In Victim's Name

By Mae Rice in News on Aug 4, 2017 3:26PM



Grand Plaza apartments, in River North

Police are still searching for a Northwestern professor and another man in connection with a fatal stabbing in a River North apartment on July 27. Officials believe the duo have left the state and are "armed and extremely dangerous"and, as Michael Sneed at the Sun-Times first reported, that they made a donation to a Wisconsin library in the victim's name right after the murder.

Wyndham Lathem, 42, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Northwestern, and Andrew Warren, 56, a senior treasury assistant at Somerville college in Oxford, reportedly donated $1,000 to the library in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. They made their donation in the name of fatal stabbing victim: 26-year-old Trenton Cornell-Duranleau.

Police don't know why, the Tribune reports.

Wanted for Murder by CPD - Our search will only intensify. Prof Latham & Mr Warren, do the right thing & turn yourself in to any police dept pic.twitter.com/fwWkcfFfco  Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) August 2, 2017



The connections between the two suspects and the victim remain fuzzy, too. Lathem and Cornell-Duranleau had a relationship of some kind and "some type of falling out," Chicago police spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi told the Tribune. The two were friends on Facebook, the Daily Mail reports.

Warren, meanwhile, flew to the US on July 24 without sharing his travel plans with his sister, who he lived with, or his boyfriend. He was reported missing to the British police on July 25, and surveillance footage places him at the apartment building where the murder took place, in the 500 block of North State Street.
A Syrian man sits in his damaged house on July 25, 2017 following an air strike late the previous night on the rebel-held town of Arbin

The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria on Friday acknowledged another 21 civilian deaths in past air strikes, bringing the toll up to 624.

In its monthly findings, the coalition said it had completed investigations into 132 allegations of civilian casualties.

"To date, based on information available, (the coalition) assesses that, it is more likely than not, at least 624 civilians have been unintentionally killed by coalition strikes" since the anti-IS campaign began in late 2014, the coalition said Friday.

Aside from probing civilian death reports that come in from coalition pilots and through social media and other channels, military investigators also continued wading through a huge backlog of hundreds of allegations reported by the website Airwars.org.

The London-based collective of journalists and researchers has always had civilian death tolls that are wildly divergent from those acknowledged by the coalition.

According to the most recent Airwars tally, 4,734 civilians have been killed in coalition strikes.

Among the incidents the coalition said resulted in casualties was a May 12 strike near Raqa that targeted IS fighters but also killed 10 civilians in a nearby building.

"Although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties unfortunately occurred," the statement read.

As of the end of June, the military was still assessing 424 civilian casualty reports.
Martin Shkreli, who is best known for jacking up the price of HIV drug Daraprim from $13.50 a pill to $750 overnight in 2015, was found guilty on three of eight different counts against him following a month-long trial

A US jury returned a guilty verdict Friday on three out of eight counts in the securities fraud trial of former hedge fund manager and pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli, once dubbed "The Most Hated Man in America."

The 34-year-old was convicted of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and two counts of securities fraud by a 12-member jury who deliberated five days at a federal court in Brooklyn, New York.

But he was acquitted on more than half the charges, including the most serious crime of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in three alleged inter-related schemes to defraud investors and misappropriate assets.

Shkreli, who remains on bail at least until his sentencing, is best known for jacking up the price of HIV drug Daraprim from $13.50 a pill to $750 overnight in 2015. Although that incident had nothing to do with his trial, so great was his notoriety that it was initially difficult to find an impartial jury.

An upbeat Shkreli hailed the verdict.

"I'm delighted that the jury did their job," he told reporters outside court, dressed in a dark polo shirt and thanking his star defense attorney Ben Brafman, calling him the "greatest lawyer on the planet."

"This was a witch hunt of epic proportions. Maybe they found one or two broomsticks, but at the end of the day we've been acquitted of the most important charges in this case," he added.

Shkreli faced an eight-count indictment for allegedly stealing $11 million in stock from his first pharmaceutical company Retrophin to pay off investors who lost money in two of his hedge funds.

He had faced up to 20 years in prison. On Friday, Brafman -- whose famous clients have included disgraced IMF boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn -- suggested that Shkreli could even avoid jail time.

"It allows for a sentence that doesn't even have to include a period of incarceration and if it does, to be honest with you, a much, much lower period of incarceration than the government ever contemplated," he said.

- 'Lies upon lies' -

Wrapping up their month-long case, government prosecutors had told jurors the evidence against Shkreli was overwhelming, arguing that he told "lies upon lies" to investors for years in running a Ponzi-like scheme.

"Rest assured we will continue to investigate and prosecute those who engage in schemes to defraud such as this one," a senior prosecutor told reporters Friday after the verdict was returned.

But the defense maintained that Shkreli's wealthy investors ultimately made money rather than incurred losses.

Allegations otherwise were "rich people's BS," Brafman, one of the most celebrated criminal defense lawyers of his generation, told jurors last week.

Shkreli declined to testify and the defense called no witnesses.

Instead Brafman portrayed Shkreli as a troubled genius who camped out in his office in a sleeping bag for two years to build single handedly a successful pharmaceutical to ultimately repay wealthy investors.

Working at a super-human pace, he may have made mistakes but he was "not a Ponzi guy" who took other people's money to lead an extravagant lifestyle.

Instead he conceded that his client had "impossible" people skills and routinely aggravated associates.

He quoted one witness who compared Shkreli to the Dustin Hoffman character in Oscar-winning 1988 movie "Rain Man," and said he battled depression and anxiety.

The ex-boss of Turing Pharmaceuticals, Shkreli earned the label "most hated man in America" for his price hike of Daraprim.

He smirked through a congressional hearing that scrutinized his actions and has since earned a reputation for an extravagant, self-publicizing lifestyle.

He resigned from Turing shortly after his indictment in December 2015, after which he was released from prison on bond.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has been leading the charge at the UN Security Council for tougher sanctions against North Korea

The UN Security Council will vote Saturday on a US-drafted resolution toughening sanctions on North Korea, diplomats said Friday, a proposed ban on certain exports that could deprive Pyongyang of $1 billion in annual revenue.

After a month of negotiations, the United States reached a deal with China, North Korea's main trading partner and ally, on the measures aimed at ratcheting up pressure on Pyongyang to halt its missile and nuclear tests.

The Security Council was scheduled to vote at 3 pm (1900 GMT) Saturday on the new raft of sanctions, diplomats confirmed.

The draft resolution calls for a ban on all exports of coal, iron and iron ore, lead and lead ore, as well as fish and seafood by the cash-starved state, according to the text seen by AFP.

If implemented by all countries, the ban would strip Pyongyang of roughly a third of its export earnings estimated at $3 billion per year, according to a diplomat familiar with the negotiations.

The diplomat, who briefed reporters on the content of the draft, said he had "high confidence" that China and Russia would support the proposed sanctions.

Backed by its European allies, Japan and South Korea, the United States has been leading the push at the United Nations for tougher sanctions in response to North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4.

A second test on July 28 further raised alarm about Pyongyang's drive to develop a missile capable of hitting the US mainland.

The draft text would also prevent North Korea from increasing the number of workers it sends abroad, prohibit all new joint ventures and ban new investment in the current joint companies.

North Korea is blamed for a "massive diversion of its scarce resources" toward the development of "nuclear weapons and a number of expensive ballistic missile programs," the draft resolution said.

The new raft of measures would be the seventh set of UN sanctions imposed on North Korea since it first carried out a nuclear test in 2006, but these have failed to compel Pyongyang to change its behavior.

Two resolutions adopted last year however have introduced economic sanctions with more bite.

The United States has put heavy pressure on China, which accounts for 90 percent of trade with North Korea, to enforce the sanctions.

- No ban on oil -

The proposed resolution would add North Korea's Foreign Trade Bank, the primary foreign exchange bank, to a UN sanctions blacklist, which provides for an assets freeze.

It would also tighten trade restrictions on technology to prevent North Korea from acquiring items that could be used for its military programs.

Under the proposed measure, North Korean vessels caught violating UN resolutions would be banned from entering ports in all countries.

The draft resolution however does not provide for cuts to oil deliveries to North Korea -- a move that would have dealt a serious blow to the economy.

Russia, which like China is a veto-wielding council member, had warned that it would not support sanctions that would worsen North Korea's humanitarian crisis.

The United States and its allies have argued that tougher sanctions are needed to force North Korea to come to the negotiating table to discuss a halt to its military programs.

China and Russia have meanwhile insisted that sanctions alone will not change Pyongyang's behavior and that talks are needed to address the crisis.

As negotiations at the United Nations entered the final stretch, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared that Washington was not seeking regime change in North Korea and was willing to talk to Pyongyang.
An image grab taken from Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV on August 4, 2017 shows Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Lebanon's militant Shiite movement Hezbollah, giving a televised address from an undisclosed location in Lebanon and threatening to battle the Islamic State group

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said Friday he was ready to launch an offensive against the Islamic State group on the Lebanon-Syria border, days after forcing Al-Qaeda's former Syrian branch from the area.

In a televised speech broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television channel, Nasrallah also demanded news within days about the fate of nine Lebanese soldiers kidnapped by IS in 2014.

Nasrallah said "eliminating" IS from the mountainous area known as Jurud along the Lebanon-Syria border "is in the interests of both Lebanon and Syria".

According to Nasrallah the Lebanese army will decide when to launch an offensive on IS, adding that "from the other side the Syrian army and Hezbollah are ready".

Nasrallah said if the battle against IS is launched from both Syrian and Lebanese territory "that will lead to victory and be less costly for everyone".

"There is a final decision" to launch an offensive against IS, he said.

Addressing IS directly, he said: "The Lebanese and Syrians will come at you from all sides."

There was no immediate comment from the Lebanese army.

Nasrallah said that IS holds around 296 square kilometres (115 square miles) on both sides of the border, of which 141 sq km are in eastern Lebanon.

His Shiite movement is a key ally of the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad and has been battling alongside regime forces since the onset of the conflict in 2011.

Nasrallah's remarks come a day after nearly 8,000 Syrian refugees and jihadists from Al-Qaeda's former Syrian branch were bused back to Syria following a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah.

In exchange, the jihadists released five Hezbollah fighters they had seized during clashes in Syria.

The swap was part of a broader ceasefire deal announced last week between the two sides which ended six days of fighting in the mountainous Jurud Arsal region in the restive border area.

The Lebanese army did not take part in the fighting between Hezbollah and the former Al-Qaeda affiliate now known as Fateh al-Sham Front, but it reportedly coordinated with Hezbollah.

Nasrallah on Friday said negotiations that led to the ceasefire with the jihadist group were possible after being approved by both the Lebanese and Syrian leaderships.
Former Blackwater security guard Nick Slatten (C) had his murder conviction thrown out. Slatten, seen here at a 2009 court appearance, was convicted in 2014 for his involvement in a 2007 shooting in Baghdad that left 14 Iraqis dead

A US federal appeals court on Friday tossed out the murder conviction of a Blackwater security guard who was serving a life sentence for a 2007 shooting in Baghdad that left 14 Iraqis dead.

The court also ordered a resentencing for three other members of Blackwater who were involved in the killing of unarmed civilians, including women and children, in a Baghdad traffic circle.

They had each been serving sentences of 30 years in prison.

The four men, members of a Blackwater team named Raven 23 which was providing security to the US State Department, were responding to a security incident in the Iraqi capital on September 16, 2007 when the shooting occurred in Nisur Square.

It was claimed at their 2014 trial that they were acting in self-defense. But no credible evidence emerged that they came under fire and they were accused of opening fire indiscriminately.

The shooting left at least 14 Iraqi civilians dead and another 17 wounded and helped perpetuate the image of US security contractors run amok.

Nicholas Slatten, 33, was determined to have fired the first shots and was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

His conviction was tossed out on Friday by the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit on the grounds that he should not have been tried separately from the other three defendants.

Slatten is likely to be retried.

The other three Blackwater guards -- Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty and Paul Slough -- were convicted of voluntary manslaughter, attempted manslaughter and using a firearm to commit a violent crime.

The court ruled, however, that their mandatory 30-year sentences because of the firearm violation were "grossly disproportionate" and ordered a resentencing.

"In reaching this conclusion, we by no means intend to minimize the carnage attributable to Slough, Heard and Liberty's actions," the judges said.

"Their poor judgments resulted in the deaths of many innocent people," they said. "What happened in Nisur Square defies civilized description."

Blackwater, founded by Erik Prince, the brother of the current Education Secretary Betsy Devos, was renamed Xe in 2009 and became Academi two years later.
The youngster has been put in an incubator so vets can give first-time mum Huan Huan a helping hand

There was joy and pain for French zookeepers Friday as their female panda gave birth to twins, but one died soon afterwards.

Huan Huan, on loan to Beauval zoo in central France from China, delivered the first cub at 10:18 pm (2018 GMT) and the second at 10:32.

But soon after birth, the first, which weighed just 121 grams (4.2 ounces), began having problems breathing and died despite the best efforts of zoo staff.

"It was too weak to survive. The Chinese experts, who have experience of this, saw it straight away," zoo director Rodolphe Delord said.

"Our veterinary teams did everything they could to save it, but it was too small, too weak."

But he said the second twin, which weighed in at a healthier 142.4 grams, was in "perfect health".

The youngster has been put in an incubator so vets can give first-time mum Huan Huan a helping hand, zoo officials said.

Nine-year-old Huan Huan and her male partner Yuan Zi arrived at Beauval zoo in January 2012 on a 10-year loan from China after intense, high-level negotiations between Paris and Beijing -- was carrying a single cub.

Breeding pandas is notoriously difficult and this is the first time a cub has been born in France.

The female panda is only in heat once a year for about 48 hours. The gestation period for pandas is a mere 50 days.

Huan Huan (meaning "happy") and Yuan Zi ("chubby") are the only giant pandas living in France.

The pair were brought together in February, in the hope they would mate, but it didn't happen. In the end, the zoo performed an artificial insemination.

If all goes well with the birth, the surviving cub will leave Beauval in the next two to three years to be returned to China.
NEW YORK (AP) - The heat on Wells Fargo over its auto lending business has intensified, with customers filing at least three lawsuits, politicians calling for hearings and a bank regulator issuing a subpoena for records.

Wells Fargo, still trying to recover from a fake accounts scandal, said last week that roughly 570,000 customers were signed up for and billed for car insurance that they didn't need or necessarily know about. Many couldn't afford the extra costs and fell behind in their payments. In about 20,000 cases, cars were repossessed.

The bank has agreed to pay $80 million in refunds and account adjustments to customers, with checks starting to go out this month.

FILE - This April 11, 2017, photo shows a Wells Fargo bank in northeast Jackson, Miss. At least three lawsuits have now been filed against Wells Fargo from customers who say they were hurt by the bank's latest scandal, involving how it operated its auto lending business. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

But on Wednesday, the New York Department of Financial Services, a banking regulator with an outsized role in overseeing the industry because of the number of banks based in New York, sent a subpoena to Wells Fargo.

It wants to see copies of loan contracts with borrowers, agreements with its dealer network, and any outside vendors who may have played a role.

That follows two customer lawsuits filed in California and one in New York. One lawsuit said the bank's "abusive" practices caused "significant stress, hardship and financial losses" for customers.

Wells Fargo had been trying to repair its reputation after admitting last fall that employees opened as many as 2 million accounts without getting customers' permission to meet aggressive sales targets. It paid $185 million to regulators and settled a class-action suit for $142 million.

The bank, along with being one of the nation's largest retail banking chains, is also one of the largest auto loan companies with a network of 14,000 dealerships. Most people who get a Wells Fargo car loan did not go shopping specifically for it, but got one after applying for financing once they'd picked out a car or truck.

Like most auto loan companies, Wells Fargo required borrowers to have comprehensive and collision insurance.

However, Wells Fargo appears to have been unique in the sense that if a customer did not have comprehensive coverage, it would purchase insurance from its contractor National General for the customer and charge them for it. Representatives for JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America said their respective banks do not automatically buy policies on borrowers' vehicles if they appear to lack insurance. Santander Bank, another major auto lender, said they don't force place insurance.

Wells acknowledged that its systems signed up customers who already had insurance. Some were unable to afford the insurance, and that "may have contributed to a default that led to their vehicle's repossession," the bank said.

"We are very sorry for the inconvenience this caused impacted customers and we are in the process of notifying them and making things right," Wells Fargo said.

The bank declined to comment on the specific lawsuits filed against it. A spokeswoman for National General didn't respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

"If Wells Fargo truly valued its customers, it wouldn't be stealing from them in such a widespread and systemic manner," said Adam Levitt, a partner at DiCello Levitt & Casey, who is suing Wells Fargo and National General. Levitt has represented victims in other large, auto-related cases, like the $16 billion Volkswagen emissions settlement.

Politicians are also angry with Wells, with Democrats both in the House and the Senate calling for a Congressional investigation. The fake accounts scandal last fall drew bipartisan outrage.

Seven Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee wrote to Wells Fargo that they are "extremely concerned" about "the latest in a seemingly endless chronicle of Wells Fargo's fraudulent practices and widespread misconduct."

They called it "eerily familiar" to last year's sales practices scandal.

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Ken Sweet covers banks and consumer financial issues for The Associated Press. Follow him on Twitter at @kensweet.
BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's weather service warned Thursday that temperatures will increase next week in most parts of the country, with the highs expected to reach 51 degrees Celsius, or about 124 degrees Fahrenheit, adding to the daily woes of Iraqi citizens already facing a deteriorated security situation and lack of public services.

The country typically faces brutal heat in the summers and endemic electricity outages make life even harder when temperatures soar. Those who can, escape to cooler spots in neighboring countries, while those who can't afford a trip abroad stay indoors or go swimming in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

In some public places, showers and water spray cooling fans have been set up for those who want to cool down, and some street vendors and taxi drivers keep wet handkerchiefs on their heads. Carts for watermelon, ice cream and cold drinks are seen on almost every street corner.

In this photo taken on Friday, July 28, 2017, children swim in the Tigris River to beat the heat in Baghdad, Iraq. Iraq's weather service warned Thursday that temperatures will increase next week in most parts of the country, with the highs expected to reach 51 degrees Celsius, or about 124 degrees Fahrenheit, adding to the daily woes of Iraqi citizens already facing a deteriorated security situation and lack of public services.(AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Chief weather forecaster Haider Habib told The Associated Press that Thursday's temperature hit 50 degrees Celsius, or 122 Fahrenheit, in three areas in southern Iraq. The cities of Basra and Maysan saw the hottest temperatures in July, registering 52 degrees Celsius, or 125 Fahrenheit, last month.

Last year, temperatures reached 51 degrees Celsius (123.8 Fahrenheit) in Baghdad and as much as 53 degrees Celsius (127.4 Fahrenheit) in Basra, prompting the government to announce a two-day mandatory holiday.

Unlike other countries in the region, Iraq lacks tourism destinations where people can spend time to escape the sweltering heat, leaving the majority of Iraqis with limited options, such as traveling to the self-ruled northern Kurdish region or swimming in the rivers and irrigation canals or killing time inside air-conditioned shopping malls or staying inside the home.

Exacerbating their sufferings is the shabby electricity situation, which in past years has led to protests, with some turning bloody after security forced opened fire.

The unmerciful heat and humidity in Basra has slashed by more than half the income of Hussain Hazim, a photographer who roams the city's plazas and corniche.

"When summer comes, I stop roaming the streets even during the night," the 42-year old father of three said. "Instead, I visit public halls to offer services for wedding parties, but can't secure a steady income with that," he added.

Vacationers who can afford to travel abroad, have a variety of options, said Mustafa Jawad, the marketing manager at a leading travel and tourism agency in Baghdad. Mustafa's al-Merjan Agency offers group tours not only to neighboring countries, but also to destinations in Europe, Asia and the Maldives.

"Every summer, turnout is very high from those who want to escape the heat especially when temperatures exceed 50 degrees Celsius," Jawad said. "The most popular destinations for Iraqis are Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russian and Belarus as they are not far and the costs affordable by the majority of Iraqis," he added.

Basra resident, Faiq Abdul-Karim is among those planning to flee Basra in the coming days for Turkey. But Abdul-Karim is not only escaping the scorching heat, but also the domination of the Islamic institution that has prevented alcohol and bars since 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

"Every year, I go to Turkey with my friends not only to enjoy their nice weather, but also to drink fine beer and have fun with women," Abdul-Karim, a 47-year old employee at a furniture company said. "We'll be back only when we spend the last penny in our pockets."

Even with the suffering, many Iraqis keep their sense of humor. In one cartoon published on social media, the map of Iraq is depicted being fried in a pan by the sun and another picture shows a man sleeping on the roof of his home while clutching an ice block to his chest.

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Associated Press writer Nabil al-Jurani contributed from Basra.

In this photo taken on Sunday, July 30, 2017, a bear gets a water spray shower to beat the heat in a private Zoo in Basra, 340 miles (550 kilometers) southeast of Baghdad, Iraq. Iraq's weather service warned Thursday that temperatures will increase next week in most parts of the country, with the highs expected to reach 51 degrees Celsius, or about 124 degrees Fahrenheit, adding to the daily woes of Iraqi citizens already facing a deteriorated security situation and lack of public services. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jurani)

In this photo taken on Saturday, July 29, 2017, people swim in the Shatt al-Arab waterway to beat the heat, near Basra, 340 miles (550 kilometers) southeast of Baghdad, Iraq. Iraq's weather service warned Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017 that temperatures will increase next week in most parts of the country, with the highs expected to reach 51 degrees Celsius, or about 124 degrees Fahrenheit, adding to the daily woes of Iraqi citizens already facing a deteriorated security situation and lack of public services. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jurani)

In this photo taken on Friday, July 28, 2017, Umm Ali gives her son a bath to beat the heat in the poor neighborhood of Fadhil in Baghdad, Iraq. Iraq's weather service warned Thursday that temperatures will increase next week in most parts of the country, with the highs expected to reach 51 degrees Celsius, or about 124 degrees Fahrenheit, adding to the daily woes of Iraqi citizens already facing a deteriorated security situation and lack of public services. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
LONDON (AP) - Three British men convicted of planning a knife and bomb attack on troops or police inspired by Islamic extremism were sentenced Thursday to at least 20 years in prison.

An accomplice received a minimum 15-year-term.

Naweed Ali, Khobaib Hussain, Mohibur Rahman and Tahir Aziz were convicted in a London court on Wednesday of preparing terrorist acts after a trial that was partly held in secret for national security reasons.

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, and later set up a group called the "Three Musketeers" on a messaging app.

The men were arrested in August 2016 after weapons were found in Ali's car, including a partial pipe bomb and a meat cleaver with "kaffir" - infidel in Arabic - on the blade. Prosecutors say they intended to attack police or military targets.

Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones said the defendants probably intended to use their cars as weapons in an attack, as well as knives and the pipe bomb.

Judge Henry Globe sentenced Ali, Hussain and Rahman to life with no chance of parole for 20 years. He said Aziz, a late recruit to the plot, must serve at least 15 years before being considered for parole.

The judge noted that Britain had experienced four deadly attacks during the four-and-a-half month trial. He said that had the "musketeers" gang not been caught, "there would have been not dissimilar terrorist acts in this country using at the very least the explosives and or one or more bladed weapons."

The defendants, from central England, denied the charges and accused police of planting evidence. Defense lawyers also criticized the decision to hear from two witnesses in secret as they discussed claims by the defendants that Britain's domestic spy agency had tried to recruit them.

Gareth Peirce, lawyer for Ali and Hussain, released a statement after sentencing expressing "profound concern that the jury in this case has got it wrong."
CHICAGO (AP) - The mother of a Chicago stabbing victim said Thursday that the family does not know the Northwestern University professor or the University of Oxford employee that police are searching for in the slaying, and she asked for privacy as relatives grieve.

Charlotte Cornell, the mother of Trenton Cornell-Duranleau, issued a statement to The Associated Press as police said the search for Wyndham Lathem, 42, and Andrew Warren, 56, in the slaying had narrowed. Police have not released a possible motive or said how they linked the suspects to the killing.

Cornell's statement said: "Our Family is deeply saddened by the death of our son. It is our hope that the person or persons responsible for his death are brought to justice. We are asking that you allow our family to process and grieve this tragedy privately. We are asking all media outlets to not contact our family, friends or associates. When we have had sufficient time to mourn our child's passing, we will release a more in depth statement if we believe it is appropriate to do so."

This undated photo released by the Chicago Police Department shows Wyndham Lathem, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Northwestern University. An arrest warrant was issued Monday, July 31, 2017, for Lathem and another man in connection to the stabbing death of a Chicago man on July 27. (Chicago Police Department via AP)

In a brief telephone interview, Cornell said the family in Michigan - where Cornell-Duranleau was born and raised before moving to Chicago - doesn't know the suspects. She declined to say whether she or other family members had ever heard of them before her son was killed because the two suspects "are at large and there's an ongoing investigation."

She said she hoped her written statement would provide some relief for relatives who have been inundated with calls from reporters around the world.

"Maybe this (statement) can calm things down for my kids, our parents," she said. "We are asking that we have a little space during this time."

Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Thursday that investigators believe they know where Lathem and Warren are or are heading, but he declined to elaborate.

"The search has intensified and has narrowed," he said.

A judge issued first-degree murder warrants for the two men on Monday, four days after Cornell-Duranleau was found stabbed to death inside an apartment where Lathem lives in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Guglielmi said surveillance video shows the two men leaving the building the night of the slaying.
Democratic Socialists Are Hosting Their Largest Convention Ever This Weekend, At UIC

By aaroncynic in News on Aug 4, 2017 3:50PM



Democratic Socialists of America (Chicago Chapter) / Facebook

More than 1,000 members of the Democratic Socialists of America are assembling this weekend at the University of Illinois Chicago for their largest ever national convention.

What we're seeing today is historic: the largest gathering of democratic socialists in an era, said DSA National Director Maria Svart. In the early 1900s, Eugene Debs and the Socialist Party rose in a grassroots movement against the forces of nationalism, oligarchy and authoritarianism. One hundred years later, todays democratic socialists stand in that same tradition, at a time no less perilous.

The DSA, which supported Bernie Sanders during the 2016 presidential primary elections, has seen an explosive growth in membershipquadrupling in size since the electionnow claiming some 25,000 members that are part of 177 local groups in 49 states and Washington, D.C. The group operates as a 501(C)4 non-profit political and activist organization, rather than a traditional party, with its board directly elected by members at its convention, but chapters operate autonomously.

Several DSA members have been elected to local offices, including Dylan Parker, an alderman in Rock Island, and Chicagos 35th Ward alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. In addition, the group says it has participated in coalitions and direct actions for single-payer healthcare and against cuts to social programs. In May, members of the DSAs South Side chapter joined striking AT&T workers on a picket line in Chatham, after some 35,000 workers across the country staged a weekend-long strike for a long-term contract.

In part, the DSAs incredible growth since the 2016 election can be attributed to the Trump presidency, though its attempting to position itself as more than just another organization based on resisting the real-estate-mogul-turned-president's agenda.

People were looking for ways to best resist the Trump administration and its policies, David Duhalde, National Deputy Director, told Chicagoist. Because DSA neither backed Clinton or a third party we avoided the baggage other groups had... Theres been lots of groups created who exist solely to stop Trump or are focused on policies to slow the administration down. Were doing those things, but also advocating a world beyond capitalism.

While the DSA has a lengthy agenda to hash out, which includes both electing national leadership and voting on at least 54 pages of resolutions, its autonomous bottom-up structure is quite different from the current administration. Whereas Trump seems to prefer to rule by edict and the resistance from mainstream Democrats has been panned by its critics as both weak and top-down, the DSA is trying to run a platform that sticks to ideals, rather than compromise with opponents that arent interested in crossing the aisle.

Since the election, tens of thousands of democratic socialists have come together to build a future for this country in which everyone has the right to a decent job, a good home, a free college education for their children, and healthcare for their family, said Svart. For years, we've been sold hope and promised change by Wall Street politiciansnow we're taking matters into our own hands.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A Senate committee approved legislation Thursday that would suspend U.S. financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority until it ends what lawmakers said is a long-standing practice of rewarding Palestinians who kill Americans and Israelis.

Members of the Republican-led Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 17-4 to pass the measure, sponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and the committee chairman, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.

Corker said the Palestinian Authority has "enshrined in law" a system that creates a monetary incentive for acts of terrorism by paying monthly stipends of as much as $3,500 to Palestinians who commit acts of violence and to their families. The amount of the payment depends on the length of the jail sentence they receive for the crime, he said.

"This is sick," Corker said.

Husam Zomlot, chief representative of the Palestinian General Delegation to the U.S., called the legislation "misinformed and counterproductive." He disputed Corker's assessment of what he described as a 52-year old program "to support families who lost their breadwinners to the atrocities of the occupation, the vast majority of whom are unduly arrested or killed by Israel."

Palestinians have argued that ending Israel's occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem - lands Palestinians seek for their state - is key to defeating terrorism.

"The program has served a social and security need to provide for our people, guarantee a better future for the children and protect the needy from the many radical groups around us," Zomlot said in an emailed statement.

The bill is named for Taylor Force, an MBA student at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and a West Point graduate who was visiting Israel in March 2016 when he was stabbed to death by a Palestinian. Force was from Lubbock, Texas. His parents live in South Carolina.

Graham said the Palestinian Authority praised Force's killer as a "heroic martyr" and he's termed the payments "pay to slay." He estimated that the Palestinian Authority has made $144 million in what he described as "martyr payments."

"So if you're a young Palestinian the best thing maybe you can do for your family in terms of income streams is to be terrorist," Graham said. "That's inconsistent with peace."

The Trump administration's budget request for fiscal 2018 includes roughly $260 million for economic development and law enforcement programs in the West Bank and Gaza. The internationally backed Palestinian Authority has tightened its grip in the West Bank since losing control of the Gaza Strip to the Islamic militant group Hamas a decade ago.

"Assistance in the West Bank and Gaza remains critical to advancing the United States' long-standing national security priority of achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace," according to a State Department budget documents.

A December report by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service said that since the mid-1990s the U.S. has committed more than $5 billion in economic and nonlethal security assistance to the Palestinians. The United States has, since 2015, cut foreign aid to the Palestinians by the same amount its government has spent on the payments for acts of terrorism.

But the legislation cleared by the committee would go a step further, a move that concerned several Democrats. They said they agreed with the intent of the bill, but feared withholding critically needed foreign aid would accelerate the problems in the West Bank and Gaza.

"There's poverty, there are a lot of checkpoints, there's hopelessness," said Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.

Before foreign aid can resume, the State Department would be required to certify to Congress that the Palestinian Authority has terminated the payments for acts of terrorism and has revoked any law or decree that allows a compensation system for imprisoned Palestinians, according to the bill.

The committee agreed to adjust the legislation so that the aid payments would go into an escrow account that could be accessed once the laws establishing the prisoner payments are revoked. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., had argued the Palestinian Authority would have greater motivation to change if it knew the money had not been cut off completely.

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Contact Richard Lardner on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rplardner
MOSCOW (AP) - Officials in Georgia's breakaway province of Abkhazia say two people have been killed by explosions that ripped through a munitions depot.

Abkhazian officials said the bodies of two Russian tourists from St. Petersburg were found Thursday. The two women were killed while they were taking a horse ride in the area near the depot in the village of Primorskoye where munitions exploded on Wednesday.

Tamaz Tsakhnakia, the top health official in Abkhazia, said 64 people were hospitalized with injuries, according to the Interfax news agency.

Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s as the Soviet Union collapsed. Moscow has tightened its control over the lush Black Sea province and a second breakaway Georgian region, South Ossetia, after a brief war with Georgia in 2008.
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP) - A former official at an American Red Cross chapter in Connecticut has been sentenced to eight years in prison for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the organization.

Diane Williams, of East Hartford, was sentenced on Tuesday after being charged with embezzling more than $482,000 from the Middletown-based chapter from 2003 to 2010.

Prosecutors say the former finance director used the money to inflate her paychecks.

A judge declared a mistrial in February 2016 after hundreds of pages of emails were belatedly disclosed. A jury found her guilty of first-degree larceny in May.

Williams' lawyer says she maintains her innocence.

The Journal Inquirer (http://bit.ly/2hs39ea ) reports that Red Cross regional CEO Mario Bruno writes in a letter Williams' sentencing is "vitally important" to the Red Cross.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump's choice to be the Energy Department's No. 2 official.

Dan Brouillette of Texas - an executive at USAA insurance company - was approved by a 79-17 vote on Thursday.

Back in June, Brouilette won the endorsement of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. But his confirmation was held up by Republican Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada.

Heller, Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and other Nevada lawmakers oppose the Trump administration's plans to revive the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository outside Las Vegas.

Heller and Cortez Masto voted against Brouilette's confirmation.

Brouillette has lobbied for Ford Motor Co. and was staff director of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He worked at the Energy Department under President George W. Bush.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Thousands of revelers are marching in Jerusalem's gay pride parade amid tight security.

Israel police blocked roads in central Jerusalem Thursday and detained 12 people, including one in possession of a knife, on suspicion they would attempt to disrupt the parade.

A far right group held a protest nearby against the parade.

Jerusalem holds a modest parade annually in contrast to festivities in nearby liberal Tel Aviv, which drew over 200,000 people to its parade this year.

Many of Jerusalem's residents are observant Jews, Muslims or Christians, communities that often frown on homosexuality. But violent attacks on gay people are rare.

A radical ultra-Orthodox Jew stabbed a 16-year-old girl, Shira Banki, to death at Jerusalem's parade in 2015.

The attack was widely condemned and the killer was convicted for murder.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have demanded documents, research and monitoring data from a state agency as they investigate a Fortune 500 company's release of a little-studied chemical into a river that supplies drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people, officials said Thursday.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality received a subpoena last week from U.S. attorneys seeking records involving discharge of the unregulated chemical GenX into the Cape Fear River. The river is the main source of the water utility serving about 200,000 people in and around Wilmington, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) downstream of the Chemours plant near Fayetteville.

The state environmental agency said it would turn over documents dating back to 2011 within three weeks to a grand jury reviewing evidence in Wilmington.

Chemours employs nearly 1,000 workers at its Bladen County plant.

"We continue to work closely with local, state and federal officials to determine the appropriate next steps," the chemical company's spokesman Gary Cambre wrote in an email.

The subpoena demanded records including "all documents purporting to authorize Chemours to discharge GenX, GenX byproducts or other fluorinated chemicals into navigable waters of the United States."

Fluorinated chemicals are used to add strength and durability to a variety of products from textiles to Teflon and police body armor. They include the chemical PFOA, a suspected carcinogen that GenX was developed to replace.

GenX has been used since 2009 to make Teflon and other non-stick products. There are no federal health standards and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies it as an "emerging contaminant" to be studied. Chemours has spent weeks rerouting GenX-laced wastewater from the river onto tankers which transport the water away for incineration.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has also demanded documents from Chemours related to the chemical's safety and how it compares to PFOA. Gov. Roy Cooper last week directed state criminal investigators to see if the company's plant violated any permits.

DuPont spun off Chemours two years ago. In February, DuPont and Chemours agreed to pay nearly $671 million to settle 3,500 lawsuits related to the release of PFOA from a Parkersburg, West Virginia, plant more than a decade ago. That was two months after a federal jury determined DuPont should pay $2 million to an Ohio man who says he got testicular cancer because of the company's negligence over PFOA.

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Follow Emery P. Dalesio on Twitter at http://twitter.com/emerydalesio. His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/emery%20dalesio

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Information from: The StarNews, http://starnewsonline.com
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A measure headed to President Donald Trump's desk could help World War II veterans exposed to mustard gas by the military, Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill said Thursday.

The measure, which the Senate passed as part of another bill to expand college aid for military veterans, would require the Veterans Affairs Department to reconsider disability benefits denied to those who claimed the testing caused health problems.

McCaskill said the military tested the effects of mustard gas and the blister agent lewisite on about 60,000 veterans by the end of World War II. Her office estimates a couple hundred participants could still be alive, including 90-year-old Missouri resident Arla Harrell, for whom the bill was named.

"It says to Arla Harrell, 'We believe you,'" McCaskill said. "And that is a very important thing to say to Arla and other men like him who were willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for their country."

A Department of Veterans Affairs spokesman didn't immediately comment Thursday.

Harrell's daughter, Beverly Howe, says he had mustard agents dabbed on his skin and was placed in a gas chamber without protections in southwestern Missouri's Camp Crowder after he enlisted in the Army in 1945. He's since had lung issues and skin cancer, but has been denied benefits. He and other veterans were sworn to secrecy until 1991, complicating efforts to get benefits.

"When these men were released from this vow of secrecy, our country did not stand up at that point and say, 'We got it. We've got your back,'" Howe said. "That's where I find the moral ground for me."

If signed by Trump, the legislation will require the Veterans Affairs Department to assume those who served at sites where McCaskill's office says testing occurred and are trying again to get benefits are telling the truth and would need to prove otherwise. Other provisions would require investigations by the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments.

McCaskill says the policy change is estimated to cost about $9 million over the next 10 years.
ABERDEEN, Md. (AP) - Investigators hope an updated sketch will help them catch the person who abducted Cal Ripken Jr.'s mother five years ago.

Vi Ripken was kidnapped at gunpoint from her home outside Baltimore on July 24, 2012. She was blindfolded and driven around for nearly 24 hours before the then-74-year-old was returned unharmed.

At that time, police released a sketch, photographs and a surveillance video that were believed to show a potential suspect. This week, Aberdeen police released an age-progression composite sketch showing what the suspect might look like now. Lt. William Reiber says they hope someone will recognize him.

This artist's sketch provided by the Aberdeen Police Department shows the original sketch, left and updated, at right, of the person who abducted Cal Ripken Jr.'s mother, Vi Ripken, at gunpoint from her home outside Baltimore on July 24, 2012. Investigators hope an updated sketch will help them catch the person. (Aberdeen Police Department via AP)

Cal Ripken Jr. played with the Baltimore Orioles from 1981-2001. He set a major league record by playing in 2,632 consecutive games and was a first-ballot entrant into the Hall of Fame.
CATAWBA, Wis. (AP) - Federal investigators say there were no thunderstorms in the area when a small plane crashed in northern Wisconsin and killed six people on board.

A preliminary report released Tuesday by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the Cessna 421C broke apart before crashing nose-first into the ground. It happened about 2 a.m. on July 1.

Most of the wreckage was discovered in a heavily wooded area near Catawba, about 150 miles (241.39 kilometers) from Duluth, Minnesota.

The report says the plane was flying at about 10,000 feet when the pilot asked an air-traffic controller about nearby weather conditions. Radio contact was lost a short time later with no distress calls.

The plane was headed for an airport in Minnesota as part of a Canadian fishing trip.

The cause of the crash has not been determined.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, is revealing a brief advisory role with a firm related to a controversial data analysis company that aided the Trump campaign, The Associated Press has learned.

The disclosure of Flynn's link to Cambridge Analytica will come in an amended public financial filing in which the retired U.S. Army lieutenant general also discloses income that includes payments from the Trump transition team, according to a person close to Flynn who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity Thursday to describe details of the filing to be made to the White House.

The amended disclosure shows that just before the end of the campaign, Flynn entered into a consulting agreement with SCL Group, a Virginia-based company related to Cambridge Analytica, the data mining and analysis firm that worked with Trump's campaign.

FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2017 file photo, then-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn speaks during the daily news briefing at the White House, in Washington. Flynn is detailing previously undisclosed paid speaking engagements, business positions and income from the presidential transition that he left off his public financial disclosure. A person close to Flynn tells The Associated Press that the filing shows Flynn entered into a consulting agreement with the British parent company of data firm Cambridge Analytica, which aided the Trump campaign. The person says Flynn didn't perform work or accept payment under the agreement. He terminated it after Trump's election victory. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

The person said Flynn didn't perform work or accept payment as part of the agreement with SCL Group. The details of Flynn's role with SCL weren't specified, the person said, noting that Flynn terminated his involvement shortly after Trump won the presidency.

Cambridge Analytica was heavily funded by the family of Robert Mercer, a hedge fund manager who also backed the campaign and other conservative candidates and causes. Cambridge Analytica also worked for the successful pro-Brexit campaign in 2016 to pull Britain out of the European Union. Trump administration chief strategist Steve Bannon was a vice president of Cambridge Analytica before he joined the Trump campaign.

Democratic lawmakers and Trump critics have seized on Cambridge Analytica's role as they've pushed congressional investigators to scrutinize the Trump campaign's data operation as part of probes into Russia's interference in the 2016 election.

Flynn's previous filing, submitted to the White House and Office of Government Ethics in March, listed some $1.3 million in earnings, including between $50,000 and $100,000 from his consulting company, Flynn Intel Group Inc.

Flynn's amended filing comes some six months after he was ousted from the White House for misleading the vice president about conversations he had with the former Russian ambassador to the U.S. It also comes as Special Counsel Robert Mueller and congressional committees are scrutinizing Flynn's business deals and foreign connections.

The person close to Flynn said he is disclosing the information in an amended filing to make sure the "public record is accurate and transparent." The person noted that Flynn and his legal team have spent months piecing together the information necessary for the filing without the assistance of the White House counsel's office or the Office of Government Ethics.

In the filing, Flynn reports earning about $28,000 from the Trump presidential transition and more than $5,000 as a consultant to an aborted plan to build nuclear power plants across the Middle East. The consulting connection with a group of companies involved in the power plant proposal had been disclosed in Flynn's previous filing, but it had not indicated that he had received payment.

Flynn's new filing also provided more details about his consulting work for NJK Holding Corporation, a firm headed by Iranian-American multi-millionaire Nasser Kazeminy. The filing shows that Flynn was paid more than $140,000 for his roles as adviser and consultant to Minneapolis-based NJK.

Flynn also served as vice chairman at GreenZone Systems, a tech firm funded by NJK and headed by Bijan Kian, who was Flynn's business partner in Flynn Intel Group, a consulting firm that was active last year but is now defunct. Flynn Intel is now under scrutiny by federal authorities and congressional investigators for its role in research and lobbying work for a Turkish businessman tied to the government of Turkey.

In a statement to the AP, NJK said Flynn "played an advisory role to NJK Holding relative to its investment interests in security." The firm added that in his roles with NJK and GreenZone, Flynn "provided his counsel and guidance on public sector business opportunities for secure communications technology within the U.S. Department of Defense" and with other agencies.

NJK said Kian has no current involvement with NJK or GreenZone.

Earlier Thursday, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, asked Kian for documents detailing Flynn's foreign business contacts and travel. Flynn listed Kian as a personal reference in 2016 during his effort to renew his military security clearance. Kian told military investigators that Flynn had several foreign business contacts, but Flynn did not provide any of those contacts to investigators, Cummings said.

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Follow Chad Day on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChadSDay
The central government released a guideline on Thursday to encourage and regulate the booming bike-sharing industry, such as requiring real-name registration and barring services to children under 12.

Shared bikes are seen on a street in the Haidian District, Beijing, on February 27, 2017. [Photo by Li Jingrong/China.org.cn]



The guideline was issued by 10 government departments including the Ministry of Transport, Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China and the Ministry of Public Security.

Shared bikes play a positive role in meeting the public's need for "last mile" transportation, lessening urban transportation pressure and establishing a low-carbon transport network, according to the guideline.

Problems include improper parking and poor operations. It aims to improve service as part of regulating the market, the guideline said.

A draft was issued in May to solicit public input, and 780 opinions were collected.

Shared bicycles, from companies like Mobike, Ofo and Bluegogo, have popped up in cities since last year. Users can rent a bike at low cost, usually 1 yuan (15 US cents) an hour.

The services target mostly short-distance travel, such as between a subway station and work, or from home to the grocery store. They usually require a deposit for registration.

By July, China had nearly 70 companies running shared bike businesses, with a total of more than 160 million shared bikes on the street. Users' bike registrations surpassed 130 million, the Ministry of Transport said on Thursday.

A rainbow of shared bikes distinguished by company colors line many city streets, but in some cases, a lack of proper regulation has caused problems.

An 11-year-old boy riding a shared bike in Shanghai was killed in a traffic accident in March, prompting discussions on how to keep children from using the bikes.

Companies should take more responsibility for managing the industry in many ways, including being responsible for riders' safety and for the safety of users' personal information and deposits, said Yang Xinzheng, director of the China Urban Sustainable Transport Research Center under the China Academy of Transportation Sciences.

According to the Ministry of Transport, traffic safety regulations ban children under 12 from riding bikes on the street. Most of the companies' newly released bikes have a notice affixed about the age limit.

To solve the parking problem, municipal governments are required to improve the bike network, setting up parking areas for bikes and carrying out severe punishment.

Mobike, a leading company, has set up more than 4,000 smart parking areas. Xia Yiping, the company's chief technology officer, said users who park the company's bikes in those areas will receive coupons to encourage proper parking.
DENVER (AP) - Two Colorado teenagers who were found dead along a rural road were forced into an "execution position" and shot at close range after a feud over a stolen purse, according to documents released Thursday.

Gustavo Marquez, 19, told investigators that Natalie Cano-Partida, 16, and Derek Greer, 15, were kidnapped March 11 and shot multiple times by two other men, according to his arrest affidavit. Marquez and four others have been charged with first-degree murder.

A passing driver spotted the bodies the following day about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Colorado Springs in an area dotted with cattle ranches.

FILE - In this March 19, 2017, file booking photo provided by the El Paso County, Colo., Sheriffs Department, suspect Gustavo Marquez is shown in Colorado Springs, Colo. Two Colorado teenagers who were found dead along a rural road were forced into an "execution position" and shot at close range after a feud over a stolen purse, according to documents released Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017. Marquez told investigators that Natalie Cano-Partida, 16, and Derek Greer, 15, were kidnapped March 11 and shot multiple times by two other men, according to his arrest affidavit. (El Paso County, Colo., Sheriffs Department via AP, File)

Marquez told investigators that a co-defendant, Diego Chacon, killed Cano-Partida and then handed his gun to another co-defendant, Marco Antonio Garcia-Bravo, who killed Greer moments later.

According to the affidavit, Marquez said Garcia-Bravo offered the girl a chance to say goodbye to her family through Facebook, but when she did not immediately log in to her account, Garcia-Bravo took the phone back and told her she had lost her chance.

Another witness said one of the suspects told her that he was going to kill one of the teens over a purse that went missing during a party, police said.

Authorities found Marquez walking on a median and falling into traffic about a week after the slayings, and he told an officer he had information about the teens.

Marquez's mug shot shows a tattoo across his face that says "Santa Muerte" - "Holy Death" in Spanish - a skeleton folk saint often associated with violence and drug trafficking but also has a following among a variety of people, including the poor, artists and immigrant small-business owners.

Booking documents do not indicate if Marquez, Garcia-Bravo and Chacon have hired attorneys. A call to the El Paso County courts clerk was not immediately returned Thursday.
SYDNEY (AP) - Two men facing terrorism charges in Australia were involved in an aborted attempt to place an improvised explosive device on an Etihad Airways flight out of Sydney last month in a plot directed by the Islamic State group, police said Friday.

One of the men, a 49-year-old from Sydney, brought the device to Sydney airport on July 15 in a piece of luggage that he had asked his brother to take with him on the flight - without telling the brother that the bag contained explosives, Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan told reporters. But for reasons still unclear, the bag never got past the check-in counter. Instead, Phelan said, the man left the airport with the bag, and his brother continued onto the flight without it.

"This is one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil," Phelan said. "If it hadn't been for the great work of our intelligence agencies and law enforcement over a very quick period of time, then we could well have a catastrophic event in this country."

Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan, right, and New South Wales state Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson discuss details of the charging of two men with terrorism offenses in Sydney, Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. The men, ages 49 and 32, were each charged with two counts of planning a terrorist act in connection with an alleged plot to bring down an airplane, police said. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

The details Phelan provided on Friday are the first that officials have released since four men were arrested in a series of raids in Sydney last weekend. Khaled Khayat, 49, and Mahmoud Khayat, 32, have been charged with two counts of planning a terrorist act. A third man remains in custody, while a fourth was released without charge. Khaled Khayat's brother has not been charged in connection with the plot, because police believe he had no idea the bag contained explosives, Phelan said.

Lawyer Michael Coroneos appeared on behalf of Khaled and Mahmoud Khayat at a brief court hearing on Friday. They were refused bail and the case was adjourned until Nov. 14. Police have not detailed the men's relationship.

"They're entitled to the presumption of innocence," Coroneos said outside court, declining to answer any other questions.

The components for the device, including what Phelan described as a "military-grade explosive," were sent by a senior Islamic State member to the men in Sydney via air cargo from Turkey. An Islamic State commander then instructed the two men who have been charged on how to assemble the device, which police have since recovered, Phelan said.

After the July 15 bid failed, the men changed tactics and were in the early stages of devising a chemical dispersion device, which they hoped could release highly toxic hydrogen sulfide, Phelan said. No specific targets had been chosen, though an Islamic State member overseas had given the men suggestions about where such devices could be placed, such as crowded areas or on public transport.

"Hydrogen sulfide is very difficult to make, so I want to make it quite clear that while it may be a hypothetical plot, we were a long way from having a functional device," Phelan said. "There were precursor chemicals that had been produced, but we were a long way from having a functioning (device)."

Police had no idea either of the plans were in the works until they received a tip through intelligence agencies on July 26, Phelan said. They arrested the men on July 29.

The allegation that the Islamic State was able to ship explosives to Australia undetected was troubling, Phelan acknowledged.

"All the security agencies and those responsible for security of cargo and so on have put in place extra measures since that time," Phelan said. "It is a concern that it got through, yes, it's hard to deny that."

Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the immigration minister had ordered extra security of air cargo.

"You would appreciate it is a very big job to screen, and Australia is a very open economy - there is an enormous number of packages moving both inward and outward on any given day," Keenan told reporters. "But we've taken measures to improve screening."

Phelan said police still don't know precisely why the bag containing the explosives never made it past the check-in counter. Some theories are that it was too heavy, or that Khaled Khayat simply chickened out. After learning of the plot, Phelan said police made a similar mock IED and ran it through the airport's luggage system, and it was detected by security.

One of the men charged was put in touch with the Islamic State commander police believe directed the plot in April, Phelan said. He declined to release the Islamic State commander's name.

If convicted, the men could face a sentence of life in prison.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) - The Latest on West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice switching parties to join Republicans (all times local):

8 p.m.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice says he's switching parties to join the Republicans as President Donald Trump visited the increasingly conservative state.

Justice told about 9,000 Trump supporters at a rally in Huntington on Thursday night that he will be changing his registration Friday.

He says that he recently visited the White House twice with proposals on manufacturing and coal, that neither he nor Trump are politicians and they both ran to get something done.

Justice says Trump is his friend, a good man with real ideas who cares about West Virginians.

Trump says they spoke a few weeks ago about working together to open coal mines and create jobs in furniture manufacturing and other forms of manufacturing.

He says Justice showed the country their agenda "rises above left or right."

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4:30 p.m.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is switching parties to join Republicans as President Donald Trump plans a visit to the increasingly conservative state.

Justice's plans were confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday by a Democratic Party official with knowledge of his plans. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the decision before the announcement.

The governor is expected to publicly announce his decision Thursday evening at a campaign rally with the president.

Justice was elected in November with just 49 percent of the vote, 20 percentage points behind Trump's total in the presidential contest in the state. Trump won 77 percent of West Virginia's Republican primary voters in May.

Justice's defection leaves Democrats with just 15 governors among 50 states.
PHOENIX (AP) - A former bishop who led the Roman Catholic church in metro Phoenix during a worldwide child sexual abuse scandal has been accused of molesting a young boy 35 years ago.

Retired Bishop Thomas O'Brien is accused in a lawsuit of sexually abusing the boy on several occasions at parishes in Phoenix and Goodyear from 1977 to 1982. The Diocese of Phoenix says O'Brien denies the allegation.

O'Brien, now 81, led the diocese in Phoenix as it became embroiled in a global scandal that rocked the Catholic church after allegations surfaced in Boston about pedophile priests going unpunished.

FILE - In this March 26, 2004, file pool photo, Bishop Thomas O'Brien, center, is flanked by attorneys, Melissa Berren, left, and Tom Henze, right, as they stand before Judge Stephen Gerst in a courtroom in Phoenix. O'Brien, a former bishop who led the Roman Catholic church in metro Phoenix during a worldwide child sexual abuse scandal, has been accused of molesting a young boy 35 years ago. O'Brien is accused in a lawsuit of sexually abusing the boy on several occasions at parishes in Phoenix and Goodyear from 1977 to 1982. The Diocese of Phoenix says O'Brien denies the allegation. (AP Photo/Mark Henle, Pool, File)

The bishop acknowledged in a 2003 immunity deal that he let church employees accused of sex abuse continue to have contact with children. Weeks after the deal, O'Brien resigned as bishop after he was arrested in the hit-and-run death of a pedestrian.

O'Brien's accuser says the clergyman sexually abused him when he was a child and he had suppressed his memories of it, said Tim Hale, his lawyer.

The accuser, who is now 47 and lives in the Tucson area, started having flashbacks of the abuse in September 2014 when preparing for his son's baptism into the Catholic church, Hale said.

"It has turned his life upside down," Hale said, explaining that his client has suffered profound emotional distress.

Hale said his client's allegation is being investigated by the Phoenix Police Department, which refused to comment.

The diocese issued a statement saying O'Brien denies the accusation and that he was never assigned to the schools and parishes where the abuse is alleged to have occurred. The statement also said the diocese informed prosecutors about the allegation immediately after learning of it in September 2016.

O'Brien's 2003 immunity agreement said a grand jury investigating church sex abuse allegations at the time didn't find evidence that the bishop had engaged in sexual misconduct.

Amanda Jacinto, a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, said the immunity deal will remain in place, meaning the bishop could not be prosecuted for letting church employees suspected of sex abuse be around children.

But Jacinto said the agreement would not prevent prosecutors from bringing a case against O'Brien if there's evidence that he sexually abused a child.

O'Brien, who served as Phoenix's bishop for 21 years, resigned in June 2003 after being accused of striking and killing 43-year-old Jim Reed with his car.

The bishop didn't stop to help Reed or report the accident to police but told investigators that he didn't realize he had hit a person.

He said he thought he had hit a dog or cat or that someone had thrown a rock at his car. Prosecutors said O'Brien tried to have his windshield fixed.

He was sentenced to probation and 1,000 hours of community service after being convicted of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

John C. Kelly, an attorney representing the Diocese of Phoenix, declined to comment on the lawsuit and the allegations against O'Brien.

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Follow Jacques Billeaud at twitter.com/jacquesbilleaud. His work can be found at https://www.apnews.com/search/jacques%20billeaud .
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump says he intends to nominate campaign donor Duke Buchan III to be the U.S. ambassador to Spain.

Buchan will also serve at the same time and without additional pay as ambassador to Andorra, a small, independent principality located between France and Spain.

Buchan is the founder and CEO of Hunter Global Investors, a private investment management firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump owns a private club in Palm Beach.

The White House says Buchan speaks Spanish and has a working knowledge of Catalan, the official language of Andorra.

Buchan received a bachelor's degree in economics and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also studied at universities in Spain.

The nominee needs to be confirmed by the Senate.
BEIJING (AP) - Beijing is intensifying its warnings to Indian troops to get out of a contested region high in the Himalayas where China, India and Bhutan meet, saying China's "restraint has its limits" and publicizing live-fire drills in Tibet.

Indian troops entered the area in the Doklam Plateau in June after New Delhi's ally, Bhutan, complained a Chinese military construction party was building a road inside Bhutan's territory.

Beijing says Doklam is located in Tibet and that the border dispute between China and Bhutan has nothing to do with India. It has demanded that Indian troops withdraw before any talks.

In this image taken from a recent video footage run by China's CCTV on Friday, Aug 4, 2017, a target explodes during a live-fire drill by the Chinese army in China's Tibet Autonomous Region that border India. Beijing is intensifying its warnings to Indian troops to get out of a contested region high in the Himalayas where China, India and Bhutan meet, saying China has been restrained but "restraint has its limits." Chinese characters in yellow reads "Artillery soldiers high altitude live fire drills". (CCTV via AP)

On Friday, China Central Television broadcast video it said showed an army unit in an unidentified part of Tibet carrying out live-fire firing exercises in the past few days.

A commander sitting in a vehicle shouted "3, 2, 1, fire!" into two telephones and a missile was launched into the sky. Troops were shown loading and firing other missiles, some of which landed in fiery explosions.

The report, which was also carried in other state media, didn't mention the dispute with India, and said the unit has been training for three months.

It appeared to be an attempt to increase pressure on India, however, along with strongly worded statements this week from China's foreign and defense ministries, as well as in state media.

"China has made it clear that there is no room for negotiation and the only solution is the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from the region," said a commentary Friday by the official Xinhua News Agency.

"If China backs down now, India may be emboldened to make more trouble in the future," it added.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said Thursday that while Chinese armed forces had shown "utmost goodwill" and a "high level of restraint" in the face of the Indian troops, "restraint has its limits."

"No country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests," Ren said in a statement.

China and Bhutan have been holding talks over their border dispute since the 1980s and Bhutan feared the road construction would affect the process of drawing their boundary. India said its troops were attempting to urge the Chinese forces not to change the status quo and that any construction would have "serious security implications for India."

In New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told Parliament on Thursday that India was concerned about China's actions affecting the tri-junction boundary point between Bhutan, China and India as well as the India-China border.

She said India would "keep engaging with China to resolve the dispute."

"War is not a solution to anything," Swaraj said. "Patience, control on comments and diplomacy can resolve problems."

Experts in India say that by building the road, China may be able to gain access to a narrow strip of Indian land known as the Siliguri Corridor or Chicken's Neck. If China was able to block the corridor, it would isolate India's northeast from the rest of the country.

China's Foreign Ministry issued a document Wednesday setting out what it called "the facts" about Indian troops "trespassing" in Chinese territory, calling on India to immediately and unconditionally withdraw and saying Beijing would work with Bhutan to resolve the boundary issue.

The document says that as of the end of July, more than 40 Indian border troops remained, down from more than 270 with weapons and two bulldozers who advanced more than 100 meters (yards) into Chinese territory on June 16.

In editorials this week, the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily said Indian officials and media had "concocted all kinds of groundless excuses" for the incursion.

If the dispute drags on into September, it would hang awkwardly over a meeting of the BRICS major emerging economies, including China and India, to be held in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

"India thought wrongly that China would tolerate its actions because the meeting is going to be held soon," said Chu Yin, a researcher at the Center for China and Globalization, a Beijing think tank.

"If India retreats now, China will save it from further embarrassment."

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Associated Press writer Nirmala George in New Delhi contributed to this report.

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Follow Louise Watt on Twitter at twitter.com/louise_watt
WASHINGTON (AP) - Transcripts of President Donald Trump's conversations with the leaders of Mexico and Australia in January offer new details on how the president parried with the leaders over the politics of the border wall and refugee policy - with random asides on such subjects as drug abuse in New Hampshire.

The president's exchanges with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull just a week after the inauguration were widely reported upon at the time. But transcripts published Friday by The Washington Post offer new detail on the new president's blunt exchanges with the U.S. allies. The White House said Thursday that the release of the transcripts is a disservice to Trump.

"I'm not going to comment on leaked calls," White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said. "It's a national security matter when phone call transcripts are being leaked out. It prevents the president from being able to do what he does best, negotiate with foreign leaders."

In this photo taken Jan. 28, 2017, President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Transcripts of President Donald Trump's conversations with the leaders of Mexico and Australia in January offer new details on how the president parried with the leaders over the politics of the border wall and refugee policy, with random asides on subjects including drug abuse in New Hampshire. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In his conversation with Pena Nieto, Trump urges the Mexican president to stop saying his country won't pay for the wall along the southern U.S. border, and the two agree to stop talking about the subject in public.

In the Turnbull conversation, the two leaders discuss a 2016 refugee deal between their nations, under which the Obama administration agreed to accept asylum seekers who had been trying to get to Australia. Turnbull insists to Trump that the deal is still on. Trump complains that the deal makes him look bad and says he had a more pleasant conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Highlights from the conversations:

POLITICS OF THE WALL

Trump acknowledges that talk about building a wall at the US-Mexico border is more about image management than economic policy.

"Believe it or not, this is the least important thing that we are talking about, but politically this might be the most important talk about," he said. "But in terms of dollars - or pesos - it is the least important thing."

He acknowledges both leaders are "in a little bit of a political bind" because each has vowed not to pay for the wall.

"If you are going to say that Mexico is not going to pay for the wall, then I do not want to meet with you guys anymore because I cannot live with that," he adds.

Pena Nieto tells Trump: "Let us stop talking about the wall. ... But my position has been and will continue to be very firm saying that Mexico cannot pay for that wall."

NEW HAMPSHIRE SLAM

Trump says he won New Hampshire "because New Hampshire is a drug-infested den."

Trump won the GOP primary in New Hampshire. Democrat Hillary Clinton won the state in the general election.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu on Thursday bristled at Trump's description.

"The president is wrong," Sununu said in a statement, adding that overdoses and drug-related deaths are declining in key parts of the state. "It's disappointing his mischaracterization of this epidemic ignores the great things this state has to offer."

THE REFUGEE DEAL_BAD OPTICS

In the Turnbull call, Trump complains about being saddled with an Obama administration agreement to help resettle some refugees who attempted to reach Australia by boat, particularly as Trump is rolling out his travel ban.

"Boy, that will make us look awfully bad," Trump says. "Here I am calling for a ban where I am not letting anybody in and we take 2,000 people. Really it looks like 2,000 people that Australia does not want, and I do not blame you by the way, but the United States has become like a dumping ground."

Turnbull counters that "this is a big deal, and I think we should respect deals."

Trump returns: "This is going to kill me. I am the world's greatest person that does not want to let people into the country. And now I am agreeing to take 2,000 people, and I agree I can vet them, but that puts me in a bad position."

DEALMAKING AND DIPOLOMACY

Turnbull, in pressing for the refugee deal to be honored, repeatedly appeals to Trump's background as a dealmaker.

"There is nothing more important in business or politics than a deal is a deal," he says.

Trump tells the Australian leader: "You have brokered many a stupid deal in business, and I respect you, but I guarantee that you broke many a stupid deal. This is a stupid deal. This deal will make me look terrible...I am going to get killed on this thing. "

He adds: "I will be seen as a weak and ineffective leader in my first week by these people. This is a killer."

Turnbull offers some advice: "You can certainly say that it was not a deal that you would have done, but you are going to stick with it."

PLEASANTRIES?

Trump is blunt in sizing up his exchange with Turnbull, telling him: "This was my most unpleasant call, because I will be honest with you. I hate taking these people. I guarantee you, they are bad. That is why they are in prison right now. They are not going to be wonderful people who go on to work for the local milk people."

He adds: "That is enough, Malcolm. I have had it. I have been making these calls all day, and this is the most unpleasant call all day. Putin was a pleasant call."

Turnbull tries a more diplomatic tack, telling the president: "Thank you for your commitment. It is very important to us."

He pledges to "be there again and again" for the U.S. The call ends with them thanking each other.

Despite the heated exchange, Trump later tweets: "Thank you to Prime Minister of Australia for telling the truth about our very civil conversation that FAKE NEWS media lied about. Very nice!"

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Follow Kellman on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/APLaurieKellman

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Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this story from Air Force One.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Since becoming an adult, the eldest son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly drawn media criticism for what has been portrayed as a life of privilege at taxpayers' expense.

Yair Netanyahu, 26, has been described as someone who hobnobs with world leaders and enjoys a state-funded bodyguard, while living at the prime minister's official residence.

But his recent behavior, including a crude social media post, has now drawn public rebuke from the children of a former Israeli leader, along with threats of a libel suit. It has also revived criticism of the Netanyahu family's perceived hedonism and sense of entitlement, at a time when the prime minister faces multiple corruption allegations.

FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2013 file photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, prays with his sons Yair, background, and Avner, right, at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem's Old City.Netanyahu's 26-year-old son Yair has been saddled with the image of undeserved privilege since becoming an adult _ someone who hobnobs with world leaders, has received extravagant gifts from a billionaire and enjoys a state-funded driver and bodyguard. But recent crude behavior has now drawn public rebuke from a former Israeli leader's children, along with a defamation lawsuit threat, and has fueled criticism of the Netanyahu family's perceived sense of entitlement. (AP Photo/Uriel Sinai, Pool, File)

Israeli police on Thursday disclosed that Netanyahu is suspected of fraud, breach of trust and bribes in a pair of cases, just as his son was being pilloried in the press.

The younger Netanyahu hit the tabloids last weekend when a neighbor posted an account of how he refused to pick up after the Netanyahu family dog at a public park and then, when confronted, gave the neighbor the finger.

Yair Netanyahu then lashed out on Facebook at a website run by a liberal think tank that detailed what it said was his lavish lifestyle at taxpayers' expense.

In the post, Netanyahu alleged the site is funded by what he claimed are foreign interests, referring indirectly to the dovish New Israel Fund, which he renamed the "Israel Destruction Fund." He signed the post with emojis of a middle finger and a pile of excrement.

Avner Inbar, the chairman of the Molad organization that runs the site, said they had served the younger Netanyahu with a notice of intent to sue if he does not retract his comments. He said Molad stopped receiving money from the NIF last year and that the posts "had no iota of truth to them."

He also said their item on Yair Netanyahu was the most viral in their four years online and viewed by 1.25 million Israelis.

"It's probably because his antics have just irked so many Israelis," said Inbar. "It's not just that he lives off the taxpayers in an unprecedented fashion but that he thinks he belongs to the royal family and is therefore immune from criticism. He thinks he is above the people."

The New Israel Fund noted that Yair Netanyahu posted the comments on Tisha B'Av, the day Jews mourn the destruction of their biblical Temples, brought upon by internal divisions and hatred.

"On this day ... it would be appropriate for the prime minister to educate his son to spread the love of Israel," the fund said in a statement.

But perhaps the harshest reactions came from some of the other targets of his post, in which he claimed the children of former Israeli leaders Shimon Peres, Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert did not come under such scrutiny.

It included an insinuation that one of Olmert's sons had an "interesting relationship with a Palestinian man" that affected national security.

Olmert's son Ariel fired back on Facebook, denying he was gay, dismissing the claims as a fabrication and accusing the younger Netanyahu of "racism and homophobia."

"I've ignored that until now, maybe because in my opinion there's nothing negative about being either gay or Palestinian," he wrote. "Your attempts to drag me into your twisted reality are doomed to fail."

Ariel Olmert added that he works for a living, never slept in the prime minister's residence and "on principle, try to pick up my dog's doody."

His older brother Shaul then chimed in, calling Yair Netanyahu a fascist thug.

Their sister Dana Olmert declined comment when contacted by The Associated Press.

The online exchanges highlighted Yair Netanyahu's pronounced presence of late around his father.

In May, he was on hand to welcome President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the official Netanyahu residence and was heard telling Mrs. Trump how he related to their youngest son Barron's struggle with the spotlight.

He has also reportedly taken a leading role in his father's social media platform.

Yair Netanyahu has also been questioned - though not as a suspect - about a corruption scandal in which his father was asked by police "under caution" about ties to executives in media, international business and Hollywood.

Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are said to have received more than $100,000 worth of cigars and liquor from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan, who reportedly asked Netanyahu to press the U.S. secretary of state in a visa matter.

Australian billionaire James Packer has reportedly lavished Yair with gifts that included extended stays at luxury hotels in Tel Aviv, New York and Aspen, Colorado, as well as the use of his private jet and dozens of tickets for concerts by Packer's former fiancee, Mariah Carey.

Police are trying to determine whether these constitute bribes, since Packer is reportedly seeking Israeli residency status for tax purposes.

The prime minister has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, portraying the accusations as a witch hunt against him and his family by a hostile media.

His office declined comment Thursday on the latest affair.

David Bitan, the coalition whip from Netanyahu's Likud party, said Netanyahu's son was not involved in policy and dismissed the chatter as kid's stuff on Facebook.

"He's a private person and that is how it should be treated," he told Israel's Army Radio.

Others disagreed.

Columnist Sima Kadmon wrote in a front-page piece in the Yediot Ahronot daily Thursday that the prime minister's plea to the media to leave his family alone had no merit once his son had written "one of the nastiest and most vile posts ever."

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Follow Heller on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aronhellerap
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - Officials in Cambodia say they have arrested 175 Chinese citizens in an internet phone scam after a tipoff from Chinese police.

The Interior Ministry's immigration investigation chief, Gen. Ouk Haiseila, said Friday that the suspects were arrested in the western town of Poipet on the Thai border.

The arrests, made Wednesday, are the latest in a regional crackdown on Chinese gangs that use phone calls made over the internet to extort or trick people into transferring money to them.

There have been similar cases in the past few weeks in Thailand and Indonesia. Most of the targets appear to be fellow Chinese, and suspects are generally deported to China.
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Chinese defense ministry has urged India to immediately pull back the trespassing troops to the Indian side of the boundary.

Ren Guoqiang, a spokesperson of the ministry, made the remarks in a statement released by the ministry's website late Thursday night.

Ren called on the Indian side to swiftly address the situation in a proper manner to restore peace and tranquility in the border region.

Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. Chinese armed forces have also shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability, said Ren.

However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line, said Ren.

Ren urged the Indian side to give up the illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Chinese armed forces will resolutely protect the country's territorial sovereignty and security interests, said Ren.

Indian border troops illegally crossed the border into Chinese territory on June 18, and obstructed China's road construction work on the Chinese side.

As of Thursday, there are still Indian border troops illegally staying in the Chinese territory.

On Wednesday, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued 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."
PARIS (AP) - Neymar opened a new extravagant chapter in soccer history Friday as the game's costliest player by fending off questions about his financial motivations as deftly as he repels opponents on the pitch.

Paris Saint-Germain's 222 million euro ($262 million) recruit was sticking to the script at his presentation in the French capital. Leaving the prestige of Barcelona for the less exalted surroundings of PSG was about seizing the chance to raise the status of an ambitious club, rather than about the size of an annual salary reported to be 30 million euros.

"I was never motivated by money," Neymar told a crowded news conference at the Parc des Princes home of PSG. "What I think about is happiness. If I was following the money I would maybe be in some other country."

Brazilian soccer star Neymar controls the ball following a press conference in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar arrived in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

It is, however, Qatari cash that has fueled the rise of PSG over the last six years, making Neymar's world-record transfer feasible.

So while the last thing Neymar wanted to do was talk about money on his first full day as a PSG player, the man alongside him had little choice. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was keen to justify the outlay for the 25-year-old Brazilian, touting the financial uplift that the club expects to follow with one of the game's superstars on its squad.

If Neymar's transfer fee seems lavish now, Al-Khelaifi was insistent that his value would soon "double."

The value of the club too has soared overnight from 1 billion euros before the transfer, according to Al-Khelaifi.

"Now it is worth 1.5 billion," said the Qatari face of a club linked to the energy-rich Gulf nation's ruling family.

European soccer regulations prevent unrestricted spending. PSG was fined and forced to reduce its squad size in 2014 by the UEFA governing body for spending far more than it generates in a bid to catch up with the soccer elite.

PSG has done its sums, Al-Khelaifi said, and Neymar can be afforded without breaching Financial Fair Play rules again. The value of the transfer can be spread on the annual accounts across the five-year length of the contract.

"For people worrying about FFP, go and have a coffee," Al-Khelaifi said. "There are no problems."

PSG will have to squeeze every euro - and Brazilian real - out of Neymar's appearance on the pitch through sponsorship, merchandise and jersey sales.

The club shop on the Champs-Elysees has already been transformed to make it clear PSG is now about one man. Posters of the forward - accompanied by the words "Welcome to Paris Neymar Jr 10" - were unveiled on Friday morning to cheers in central Paris where fans had waited hours to get their hands on jerseys emblazoned with his name from 10:30 a.m.

"When we look at Neymar as brand with PSG I don't think it is expensive," Al-Khelaifi said, "as I am sure we are going to make more money than we paid. Definitely."

The pressure for Neymar to deliver won't just be on the pitch.

"The fact I am the most expensive player is not a burden," Neymar said through a translator. "I am 69 kilograms (152 pounds)."

The boxes he packed up in Spain will also be weighed down by medals. Among Neymar's honors during four seasons at the Camp Nou there were triumphs in the Champions League and Club World Cup along with two Spanish league titles and three Copa del Rey successes.

Neymar is arriving at a 47-year-old team that has won four of the last five French titles but is yet to win the biggest competitions outside of France, having failed to progress further than the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

"It was one of most difficult decisions that I made in my life, being well adapted in a city and in a big club like Barcelona," Neymar said. "It wasn't easy, it was a moment of extreme tension, of thinking what to do with my life and of course I left friends there.

"I am very happy with that because football goes away very fast, our life goes away very fast ... and I felt it was the moment to leave, looking for new air, having a different challenge."

The transfer could also elevate the 25-year-old forward to new personal heights as he escapes the Barcelona shadow of Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players of all time.

"He was my role model," Neymar said. "I learned so much off him in four years together."

It was unclear if Neymar would make his debut when PSG opens its league season Saturday at home against Amiens, a team making its top-flight debut. But Neymar said he is "always hungry for football, and I think I can play."

Regardless, the stadium is still likely to be packed with fans wearing the swiftly produced PSG jerseys emblazoned with Neymar's name.

Philippe Chembon, a fan, flaunted a receipt outside the club store showing he spent 623.50 euros ($740) on four Neymar jerseys.

"This is a very big moment for PSG," said the 63-year-old Chembon, who is older than the club.

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AP Sports Writer Samuel Petrequin contributed to this report.

Brazilian soccer star Neymar looks down at a soccer ball following a press conference in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar arrived in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Brazilian soccer star Neymar walks away with the chairman of Paris Saint-Germain Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, following a press conference in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar arrived in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million). (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Brazilian soccer star Neymar holds his team shirt following a press conference in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar arrived in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million). (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Brazilian soccer star Neymar controls the ball following a press conference in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar arrived in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Brazilian soccer star Neymar speaks during a press conference in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar arrived in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Brazilian soccer star Neymar poses for a photo following a press conference in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar arrived in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

A sign welcoming Brazilian soccer star Neymar is set up outside the Paris Saint Germain shop in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar was set to arrive in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

A man views a soccer shirt bearing the name of Brazilian soccer star Neymar in the Paris Saint Germain store in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar was set to arrive in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

PSG fans react after the arrival of Brazilian soccer star Neymar who was attending a press conference at the Parc des Princes in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar arrived in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

PSG supporters gather after the arrival of Brazilian soccer star Neymar who was attending a press conference at the Parc des Princes in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar arrived in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Brazilian soccer star Neymar controls the ball following a press conference in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar arrived in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

A sign welcoming Brazilian soccer star Neymar is set up outside the Paris Saint Germain shop in Paris Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Neymar was set to arrive in Paris on Friday the day after he became the most expensive player in soccer history when completing his blockbuster transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($262 million).(AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Convicted 'Pharma Bro' has an image problem, lawyer concedes

NEW YORK (AP) - Martin Shkreli, the eccentric former pharmaceutical CEO notorious for a price-gouging scandal and for his snide "Pharma Bro" persona on social media, was convicted Friday on federal charges he deceived investors in a pair of failed hedge funds.

A Brooklyn jury deliberated five days before finding Shkreli guilty on three of eight counts. He had been charged with securities fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Shkreli, upbeat and defiant outside the Brooklyn courthouse afterward, called his prosecution "a witch hunt of epic proportions" but conceded that maybe the government had found "one or two broomsticks."

Asked about his client's social-media antics, attorney Ben Brafman said it was something they would be working on.

"There is an image issue that Martin and I are going to be discussing in the next few days," he said, adding that while Shkreli was a brilliant mind, sometimes his "people skills" need work. As he spoke, Shkreli smiled and cocked his head quizzically in mock confusion.

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Sessions vows crackdown on leaks of classified information

WASHINGTON (AP) - Attorney General Jeff Sessions pledged on Friday to rein in government leaks that he said undermine American security, taking an aggressive public stand after being called weak on the matter by President Donald Trump.

The nation's top law enforcement official cited no current investigations in which disclosures of information had jeopardized the country, but said the number of criminal leak probes had dramatically increased in the early months of the Trump administration. Justice Department officials also said they were reviewing guidelines meant to make it difficult for the government to subpoena journalists about their sources, and would not rule out the possibility that a reporter could be prosecuted.

"No one is entitled to surreptitiously fight to advance their battles in the media by revealing sensitive government information," Sessions said in an announcement that followed a series of news reports this year on the Trump campaign and White House that have relied on classified information. "No government can be effective when its leaders cannot discuss sensitive matters in confidence or talk freely in confidence with foreign leaders."

Media advocacy organizations condemned the announcement, with Bruce Brown, the executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, saying the decision to review existing guidelines was "deeply troubling."

Meanwhile, a White House adviser raised the possibility of lie detector tests for the small number of people in the West Wing and elsewhere with access to transcripts of President Donald Trump's phone calls. The Washington Post on Thursday published transcripts of his conversations with the leaders of Mexico and Australia.

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US court upends murder conviction of Blackwater contractor

WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal appeals court on Friday overturned the first-degree murder conviction of a former Blackwater security contractor, ordering a new trial for the man prosecutors say fired the first shots in the 2007 slayings of 14 Iraqi civilians at a crowded traffic circle in Baghdad.

In a split opinion, the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia Circuit ruled a lower court erred by not allowing Nicholas Slatten to be tried separately from his three co-defendants in 2014. The 33-year-old contractor from Tennessee is serving a life sentence for his role in the killings, which strained international relations and drew intense scrutiny of the role of American contractors in the Iraq War.

The court also ordered new sentences for the three other contractors, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard. They were each found guilty of manslaughter and firearms charges carrying mandatory 30-year terms.

The judges determined those sentences violated the constitutional prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment because prosecutors charged them with using military firearms while committing another felony. That statute, typically employed against gang members or bank robbers, had never before been used against overseas security contractors working for the U.S. government.

A spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Washington said prosecutors were still reviewing the decision and had no immediate comment.

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Huff, puff, pass? AG's pot fury not echoed by task force

WASHINGTON (AP) - The betting was that law-and-order Attorney General Jeff Sessions would come out against the legalized marijuana industry with guns blazing. But the task force Sessions assembled to find the best legal strategy is giving him no ammunition, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety, a group of prosecutors and federal law enforcement officials, has come up with no new policy recommendations to advance the attorney general's aggressively anti-marijuana views. The group's report largely reiterates the current Justice Department policy on marijuana.

It encourages officials to keep studying whether to change or rescind the Obama administration's more hands-off approach to enforcement - a stance that has allowed the nation's experiment with legal pot to flourish. The report was not slated to be released publicly, but portions were obtained by the AP.

Sessions, who has assailed marijuana as comparable to heroin and blamed it for spikes in violence, has been promising to reconsider existing pot policy since he took office six months ago. His statements have sparked both support and worry across the political spectrum as a growing number of states have worked to legalize the drug.

Threats of a federal crackdown have united liberals, who object to the human costs of a war on pot, and some conservatives, who see it as a states' rights issue. Some advocates and members of Congress had feared the task force's recommendations would give Sessions the green light to begin dismantling what has become a sophisticated, multimillion-dollar pot industry that helps fund schools, educational programs and law enforcement.

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For homeless on heroin, treatment can be elusive with no ID

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Nearly two decades of using heroin and a year of living on the streets of Philadelphia had led Steven Kemp to a simple conclusion: It was time to get sober. But when he staggered into a detox facility on a recent Friday night, his head brimming with the thought that suicide would end the pain, he was told he couldn't be admitted because he didn't have a photo ID.

Kemp said he was turned away from the hospital and spent the night stealing enough small items to trade for a handful of Xanax. He swallowed the pills, cooked up some heroin and injected the drug into his arm with the intention of killing himself.

"If somebody goes in and says 'I need help,' they should get it," said Kemp, 35. "I understand people have to get paid but you're supposed to be a health professional, you took an oath."

As the nation's heroin and painkiller epidemic rages, small but vulnerable populations of homeless people are sometimes turned away from the nation's already-threadbare system of drug treatment centers because they do not have valid photo identification.

Transient lifestyles are not conducive to keeping the identifying documents that are often necessary during the screening processes for drug treatment facilities. To reapply for the documents can sometimes take months, especially if a person doesn't have a stable address, birth certificate or Social Security card.

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Flynn files new financial form reporting ties to data firm

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, disclosed a brief advisory role with a firm related to a controversial data analysis company that aided the Trump campaign, according to a filing Flynn submitted to the White House.

The disclosure of Flynn's link to Cambridge Analytica came in an amended public financial filing in which the retired U.S. Army lieutenant general also discloses income that includes payments from the Trump transition team. The filing was made public by the White House on Friday in response to an Associated Press reporter's request.

The amended disclosure lists Flynn as an adviser to SCL Group, a Virginia-based company related to Cambridge Analytica, the data mining and analysis firm that worked with Trump's campaign.

A person close to Flynn told the AP that just before the end of the campaign, Flynn agreed to do consulting for the firm, but he never performed any work or accepted any payment as part of the agreement with SCL Group. The person spoke to AP on condition of anonymity Thursday to describe details of the filing made to the White House.

The details of Flynn's role with SCL weren't fully laid out, the person said, noting that Flynn terminated his involvement shortly after Trump won the presidency.

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Amanda Knox: Woman in texting suicide case deserves sympathy

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Amanda Knox, the American exchange student convicted and later cleared of a murder in Italy, is offering her support to a Massachusetts woman convicted of manslaughter for encouraging her suicidal boyfriend to kill himself.

In an op-ed published Thursday in the Los Angeles Times, Knox wrote that Michelle Carter deserves sympathy and help, not a jail sentence.

Carter on Thursday was sentenced to 15 months in jail for the 2014 death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III. Carter was then 17 and is now 20. A judge agreed to her request to remain free on bail while her state appeal is pending.

The 30-year-old Knox is no stranger to sensational trials drawing global media coverage.

The student from Seattle was convicted along with her Italian boyfriend in the 2007 killing of Knox's roommate, British student Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Italy. Knox spent four years in jail but was exonerated by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015.

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All-powerful Venezuelan assembly opens amid protests

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Defying criticism from Washington to the Vatican, Venezuela's ruling party on Friday installed a new super assembly that supporters promise will pacify the country and critics fear will be a tool for imposing dictatorship.

The constitutional assembly's first order of business was selecting its head - former Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, a loyal follower of President Nicolas Maduro.

The nomination was approved unanimously by the 545 delegates, who marched to the neo-classical legislative palace led by socialist party leader Diosdado Cabello and first lady Cilia Flores and accompanied by hundreds of red-shirted government supporters carrying roses and portraits of the late Hugo Chavez, Maduro's predecessor and mentor.

Some shouted, "He's returned!" as a jab at the opposition, which had ordered images of Chavez removed from an adjacent building when it won control of congress in 2015.

The assembly was scheduled to meet again Saturday, and Rodriguez pledged it would be taking action against Maduro's political opponents.

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Taylor Swift, ex-radio host head to court over groping claim

DENVER (AP) - Taylor Swift and her support team didn't call police after she said she had been groped by a Denver radio host during a photo session before a concert.

Instead, they called his boss, and David Mueller lost his job. The disc jockey later sued the singer-songwriter, saying he had been falsely accused and wanted $3 million in damages.

Swift countersued, claiming sexual assault, setting up a civil trial set to begin Monday in federal court in Denver that will largely turn on who the eight-member jury believes.

Swift is scheduled to testify. Both sides say no settlement is in the works.

The lawsuits provide differing accounts of backstage events before Swift performed at a 2013 concert at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

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Neymar says move not cash-driven; PSG expects financial lift

PARIS (AP) - Neymar opened a new extravagant chapter in soccer history Friday as the game's costliest player by fending off questions about his financial motivations as deftly as he repels opponents on the pitch.

Paris Saint-Germain's 222 million euro ($262 million) recruit was sticking to the script at his presentation in the French capital. Leaving the prestige of Barcelona for the less exalted surroundings of PSG was about seizing the chance to raise the status of an ambitious club, rather than about the size of an annual salary reported to be 30 million euros.

"I was never motivated by money," Neymar told a crowded news conference at the Parc des Princes home of PSG. "What I think about is happiness. If I was following the money I would maybe be in some other country."

It is, however, Qatari cash that has fueled the rise of PSG over the last six years, making Neymar's world-record transfer feasible.

So while the last thing Neymar wanted to do was talk about money on his first full day as a PSG player, the man alongside him had little choice. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was keen to justify the outlay for the 25-year-old Brazilian, touting the financial uplift that the club expects to follow with one of the game's superstars on its squad.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to speak at an event hosted by a group backed by the conservative Koch (kohk) brothers.

A statement from Americans for Prosperity, the flagship organization of the political network backed by industrialist billionaires Charles and David Koch, announced Friday that Pence will speak to a group of "grassroots volunteers" on Aug. 19 in Richmond, Virginia.

The Kochs never engaged in the 2016 presidential race, instead spending millions on advertising in Senate races.

This week, they had their first event with Trump administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin (mih-NOO'-shin) and Legislative Affairs Director Marc Short, touting a theme of tax reform.

Other speakers include Virginia House Speaker-Designee Kirk Cox, former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie and Federal Communications Commissioner Chairman Ajit Pai.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - Two senior Hamas members are making a rare visit to Iran, in an apparent good will mission - even as top leaders of the Islamic militant group court Egypt, which is allied with Tehran's regional rivals.

The center of decision making in Hamas shifted earlier this year from the diaspora to the Gaza Strip, a territory the group has ruled for a decade. In recent weeks, the Gaza-based leaders have talked with Egypt about lifting the territory's border blockade.

Meanwhile, two diaspora-based members of Hamas' top politburo arrived in Tehran on Friday, ahead of the swearing-in of President Hassan Rouhani.

Iran was once Hamas' key political and financial backer. Ties unraveled in 2012 over Iran's support of President Bashar Assad in the Syrian civil war. Sporadic low level meetings continued.
MEXICO CITY (AP) - The memes and mockery abound, but "Sharknado," which has conquered audiences, netted dozens of celebrity cameos such as George R.R. Martin, Ne-Yo and Kelly Osbourne, and has turned into an annual event. The fifth installment of the TV movie series about airborne sharks arrives Sunday with new celebrities and international settings.

"As a viewer I appreciate it because it's fun, it's escapism, it's pure entertainment. But how do you explain it? I don't know," said series star Ian Ziering, who along with Tara Reid fights a tornado of sharks with a chain saw. "Major motion picture studios spend hundreds of millions of dollars trying to capture some of whatever it is that makes our little 'Sharknado' movie globally popular."

"It's kind of like the secret sauce: No one really knows for sure. I wish I knew, I would be making my own movie," he said with a laugh.

FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2017 file photo, cast members Ian Ziering, left, and Tara Reid participate in the BUILD Speaker Series to discuss "Sharknado 5: Global Swarming" at AOL Studios in New York. The film premieres Sunday on Syfy. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

"Sharknado: Global Swarming" premieres Sunday on Syfy. It finds Ziering's Fin Shepard an expert in "sharknados" who is called upon by governments around the world to fight the crazy phenomenon.

Filming took the cast and crew to Europe, Asia and Australia. This year's cameos include Olivia Newton-John, Bret Michaels, Clay Aiken, Charo and Mexican weather girl Yanet Garcia.

"Now that we've become a global movie it's not just people who want to be in the movie, there's countries who have solicited," Ziering said.

"I think the craziest place that we shot that was, (where) they were looking at us like we were out of our mind would be Tokyo when we were running in the streets at night, like screaming. They don't understand the language, and they're looking at us and this crazy hair, and he's got this in his hand, People were like, 'What the hell is going on?'" Reid said.

The plot has been nonsensical from the beginning and has created many memes on the web. Even Ziering found it ridiculous at the beginning.

"When I read the first 'Sharknado' movie I thought It was terrible, I told my wife that I couldn't do this movie, that it would be the end of my career," said the actor, who starred in the popular '90s TV series "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Melrose Place."

"I am an actor, but my most important job is provider of my family. I didn't have very much confidence in the movie, but I did it anyway to provide for my family."

The love of the fans has led to a yearly installment since 2013, all of them directed by Anthony C. Ferrante.

For Ziering, the biggest challenge has been "keeping it all together."

"We're saying things that are so ridiculous that sometimes you really want to laugh really hard," he said. "But you have to take all of this really seriously, because in the context of this movie these are very serious scenarios."

At this point the only way he would stop being part of "Sharknado" would be "if Fin Shepard ever got eaten and is not able to chain saw his way out of the shark."

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This story has corrected Tara Reid's name in the second paragraph and the film's title in the fourth paragraph.

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Associated Press Writer John Carucci contributed to this report from New York.

FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2017 file photo, cast members Ian Ziering participates in the BUILD Speaker Series to discuss "Sharknado 5: Global Swarming" at AOL Studios in New York. The film premieres Sunday on Syfy. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Tara Reid participates in the BUILD Speaker Series to discuss "Sharknado 5: Global Swarming" at AOL Studios on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)
WINSLOW TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) - Authorities say two people have been charged with killing a woman at her family's blueberry farm in New Jersey.

The Camden County prosecutor's office says 20-year-old Tyler Dralle, of Vineland, and a 17-year-old from New Castle, Delaware, were charged in the June 25 shooting of 45-year-old Deanna Scordo.

Dralle's attorney said in court Friday that he denies any involvement in the burglary or killing.

Scordo ran a rehabilitation company and lived on her family's blueberry farm in Winslow Township. Her father called police after the shooting to report two males wearing black hoods broke into the house and shot her during a robbery.

Dralle was arrested by the U.S. Marshals on Tuesday. The teenager, who was arrested Wednesday, has not been identified.
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greek authorities say a man has died after the roof of a derelict harbor building, used as a makeshift shelter by Roma, collapsed in the western city of Patras.

The identity of the dead man was not immediately known. The fire brigade said rescuers were searching the ruins with the help of a sniffer dog for other victims or trapped survivors.

The building that collapsed Friday had been declared unsafe and was scheduled for demolition. It was in the city's old harbor, which no longer handles ferry traffic.

Patras is Greece's busiest ferry gateway to the west.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - The husband of Denmark's Queen Margrethe is causing a stir in one of the world's oldest monarchies.

Prince Henrik has announced he won't be buried next to Margrethe in the Roskilde cathedral, where Danish royals have been buried since 1559. She has had a specially designed sarcophagus made for the couple there.

"Traditions are important to all monarchies so this is felt pretty violently," said Lars Hovbakke Soerensen, an expert in Danish history.

FILE - Danish Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik arriving to Aarhus Harbour aboard the Royal Yacht Dannebrog in this file photo dated June 23, 2017. Prince Henrik announced Thursday Aug. 3, 2017, he won't be buried next to Margrethe in the specially designed sarcophagus made for them in Roskilde cathedral, where Danish royals have been buried since 1559, without giving any reason for his decision. (Mikkel Berg Pedersen/Ritzau FILE via AP)

Lene Balleby, the spokeswoman for Denmark's royal house, told Danish tabloid newspaper BT that the France-born Henrik has "for years been dissatisfied with his role and the title."

Margrethe acceded to the throne in 1972 and became Denmark's first female monarch in centuries. The 83-year-old prince has long complained that he didn't become king instead.

"The decision not to be buried beside the queen is the natural consequence of not having been treated equally in relation to his spouse," Balleby was quoted as saying.

"Any man who is not equal to his spouse is not worthy to be buried in the same grave," Henrik said Friday, according to the Ekstra Bladet tabloid.

A change to the Danish Constitution in 1953 allowed female succession, paving the way for Margrethe to become the monarch. Even before that, Henrik wouldn't have become king.

"This is the culmination of his grumbling in the past...a way to say to Danes and Denmark, 'Thanks, but no thanks,'" Hovbakke Soerensen said.

The palace said Thursday that Margrethe, 77, has accepted Henrik's decision, adding it didn't change her burial plans.

Henrik, who retired from public life last year, said through the royal household that he wanted to be buried in Denmark, but didn't say where.

Born Henri Marie Jean Andre de Laborde de Monpezat, he met Margrethe in London when he was a diplomat with the French Embassy. He changed his name to Henrik, converted to Denmark's state Lutheran Church and became prince consort. The couple has two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.
BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union has slapped sanctions on three Russians including top energy officials and three companies accused of involvement in the transfer of gas turbines to Crimea.

The EU imposed sanctions on Russia three years ago after it annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and refuses to recognize Moscow's authority there.

It said in a statement Friday that the turbines were sold to Russia by German electricity giant Siemens for use on Russian territory. Moving them to Crimea breaches conditions of sale.

Among the Russians are a vice minister for energy and an Energy Ministry head of department.

The EU measures involve a freeze on their assets and travel bans. The move means that a total of 153 people and 40 entities like companies have been sanctioned over Russia's destabilization of Ukraine.
SINGAPORE (AP) - Singapore's government on Friday declared a scholar of Chinese studies with a prestigious appointment at a local think tank persona non grata, alleging that he has been identified as an agent of influence of a foreign country.

An announcement by the Home Affairs Ministry did not identify the country, but said that Huang Jing, a U.S. citizen, knowingly worked with intelligence organizations and agents of that country to attempt to influence Singapore's foreign policy and public opinion.

It charged that from his position at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, he tried to influence opinion in favor of the unnamed country and recruited others to help him.

The ministry said the permanent resident status of Huang and his wife, Yang Xiuping, has been canceled and they are banned from re-entering Singapore.

Hong Kong's South China Morning Post newspaper reported that it spoke to Huang in Singapore and he denied the allegations.

"It's nonsense to identify me as 'an agent of influence' for a foreign country," he said, according to the newspaper. "And why didn't they identify which foreign country they're referring to? Is it the U.S. or China?"

It cited him as saying he would seek help from his lawyer and the U.S. Embassy in Singapore.

"If they have evidence, they should take me to court," it quoted him as saying.

The newspaper said Huang "is known for his Beijing-friendly stance in regular articles for international and mainland Chinese publications."

The Home Ministry announcement said Huang "engaged prominent and influential Singaporeans and gave them what he claimed was 'privileged information' about the foreign country, so as to influence their opinions in favor of that country." It did not explain the nature of the information.

It said that when Huang gave such information to a senior member of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, it was forwarded to senior members of Singapore's government with the intention of changing the country's foreign policy.

"However, the Singapore government declined to act on the 'privileged information,'" the statement said.

Huang held two positions at the Lee Kuan Yew School: director of the Centre on Asia and Globalisation and Lee Foundation Professor on U.S.-China relations. He also chaired projects studying China-India relations and the energy policies of China, Japan and the United States.

The Straits Times, a Singaporean newspaper close to the government, said Huang holds a 1995 PhD in government from Harvard University, where he also lectured in 2013-14, and had been a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington, D.C.

The newspaper said Huang served on the board of several organizations in Singapore, including the company Keppel Land, part of one of the country's major conglomerates.
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A total of 58 suspects in a cross-border telecom scam were brought back to Chengdu in southwest China from Indonesia by air Thursday.

Suspects in a cross-border scam are brought back to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, from Indonesia by air on August 3, 2017. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

Victims in Meishan city, Sichuan Province were swindled out of over 6 million yuan (900,000 U.S. dollars) by a series of phone and wire frauds on May 24.

On June 23, police arrested seven suspects making fake phone cards and credit cards in Chengdu and southeast China's Xiamen, and seized over 1.3 million yuan.

Interrogation led police to a gang of accomplices in Indonesia. Two teams of police officers went to Indonesia in June and July.

With the support of the local police, 68 suspects of two groups were rounded up in Bali and Surabaya, of whom 58 were brought back to China Thursday.

On July 27, an unrelated group of 17 telecom fraud suspects in a separate case were brought back from Cambodia.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Amanda Knox, the American exchange student convicted and later cleared of a murder in Italy, is offering her support to a Massachusetts woman convicted of manslaughter for encouraging her suicidal boyfriend to kill himself.

In an op-ed published Thursday in the Los Angeles Times, Knox wrote that Michelle Carter deserves sympathy and help, not a jail sentence.

Carter on Thursday was sentenced to 15 months in jail for the 2014 death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III. Carter was then 17 and is now 20. A judge agreed to her request to remain free on bail while her state appeal is pending.

Michelle Carter awaits her sentencing in a courtroom in Taunton, Mass., Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, for involuntary manslaughter for encouraging Conrad Roy III to kill himself in July 2014. Carter was sentenced Thursday to 15 months in jail for involuntary manslaughter.(Matt West/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

The 30-year-old Knox is no stranger to sensational trials drawing global media coverage.

The student from Seattle was convicted along with her Italian boyfriend in the 2007 killing of Knox's roommate, British student Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Italy. Knox spent four years in jail but was exonerated by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015.

Knox said she felt a "sickening sense of deja vu" as she watched prosecutors try to depict Carter as a "femme fatale," the way she said the media tried to portray her during her trial.

Knox noted that it's difficult to feel sympathy for Carter, who sent Roy dozens of text messages urging him to follow through on his plan to kill himself and then told him to "get back in" his truck after he became frightened as it filled with carbon monoxide and briefly got out of the vehicle.

But Knox pointed out that for months leading up to Roy's suicide, Carter had tried to talk Roy out of it and urged him to seek mental health counseling. She also wrote that Carter - who struggled with depression, bulimia and anorexia - was "ill-equipped" to help Roy, who also suffered from depression.

"By holding her accountable for Roy's death, we increase the tally of victims in this case, we ignore the mental health factors that lead to suicide, and we learn nothing about how to prevent it," Knox wrote.

"Conrad Roy III needed our sympathy and our help and didn't get it in time," she wrote.

"Michelle Carter deserves the same sympathy and help now."

Roy's mother, Lynn Roy, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Carter. The lawsuit was filed last month on behalf of her son's estate. It seeks $4.2 million in lost future wages.

With her defense attorney Joseph Cataldo at left, Michelle Carter listens to her sentencing for involuntary manslaughter for encouraging 18-year-old Conrad Roy III to kill himself in July 2014. Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017. She was sentenced Thursday to 15 months in jail for involuntary manslaughter. (Matt West/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

Followed by her parents, Michelle Carter arrives for her sentencing at a courtroom in Taunton, Mass., Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, for involuntary manslaughter for encouraging Conrad Roy III to kill himself in July 2014. (Matt West/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)
RIVER FOREST, Ill. (AP) - Leonard Lavin, who built a small beauty supply firm into the billion-dollar Alberto Culver company and owned a successful horse breeding, training and racing farm, has died. He was 97.

Lavin died Wednesday evening at a family home in the Chicago suburb of River Forest from complications from pneumonia, family spokesman Dan Stone said Friday.

Lavin created Alberto Culver Co. after borrowing money in 1955 to purchase a beauty supply company that sold Alberto VO5 hairdressing product, according to a family obituary. Lavin expanded the company to include other well-known hair care lines such as Nexxus and TRESemme. Alberto Culver also owned Sally Beauty Supply, which became its own company in 2006.

Alberto Culver was sold to Unilever PLC in 2011. At the time it had sales of $1.5 billion, employed 3,500 people and sold products in more than 100 countries, the family obituary said.

Lavin also saw success in thoroughbred racing with his Glen Hill Farm in Ocala, Florida, which has produced several stakes winners, including the 1994 Breeders' Cup Distaff winner the filly One Dreamer. The farm was twice named Florida Breeder of the Year.

Lavin was born in Chicago in 1919. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, participating in numerous Pacific landings, his family said. He earned and received many honors, including the Order of Lincoln Medallion, the highest honor given by the state of Illinois.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former chief of staff and onetime close confidant has agreed to testify in two ongoing corruption cases against him, Israeli police said Friday.

Police have been investigating Netanyahu for several months over the cases but have released sparse details. On Thursday night it revealed that the cases involving Netanyahu deal with bribery, fraud and breach of trust crimes.

Netanyahu's office has repeatedly denied wrongdoing over the investigations, portraying the accusations as a witch hunt against him and his family by a hostile media opposed to his hard-line political views.

The police statement Friday says that Ari Harrow will serve six months of community service and pay a fine of 700,000 Shekels (about $193,000) for his involvement in a separate corruption case, apparently a lighter-than-expected sentence in exchange for his testimony.

One investigation involving Netanyahu dubbed by police as "File 1000," reportedly concerns claims he improperly accepted lavish gifts from wealthy supporters, including Australian billionaire James Packer and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan.

The second investigation, "File 2000," reportedly concerns Netanyahu's alleged attempts to strike a deal with publisher Arnon Mozes of the Yediot Ahronot newspaper group to promote legislation to weaken Yediot's main competitor in exchange for more favorable coverage of Netanyahu by Yediot.

The U.S.-born Harrow has been under investigation for the past 2 years for fraud and other crimes regarding the sale of his consulting company while working as chief of staff, media reports.

Police reportedly have a copy of a recording made by Harrow of a 2014 conversation between Netanyahu and the publisher.

After eight years in office, in addition to an earlier term in the 1990s, Netanyahu has garnered an image as a cigar-puffing, cognac-drinking socialite who is as comfortable rubbing shoulders with international celebrities as he is making deals in parliament.

Scandals have long dogged the couple over their lavish tastes and opponents have portrayed both as being out of touch with the struggles of average Israelis.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Saudi Arabia's government, facing mounting criticism for the planned execution of 14 Shiite Muslims, has issued a rare statement defending its judicial system.

Ministry of Justice spokesman Mansour al-Qafari says all defendants facing trial in Saudi Arabia receive due process.

In a statement published Friday in the Saudi Press Agency, al-Qafari says terrorism-related cases and death penalty verdicts are reviewed by an appeals court and the supreme court, with a total of 13 judges reviewing the case before an execution is carried out.

The 14 face execution for protests and violence against security forces. Rights group Reprieve says the initial judgment came from a "secretive" counterterrorism court.

Ultraconservative Sunni clerics in Saudi Arabia have in the past referred to Shiites as apostates, and Shiite protesters have been accused of being allied with the kingdom's rival, Iran.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal appeals court on Friday overturned the first-degree murder conviction of a former Blackwater security contractor, ordering a new trial for the man prosecutors say fired the first shots in the 2007 slayings of 14 Iraqi civilians at a crowded traffic circle in Baghdad.

In a split opinion, the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia Circuit ruled a lower court erred by not allowing Nicholas Slatten to be tried separately from his three co-defendants in 2014. The 33-year-old contractor from Tennessee is serving a life sentence for his role in the killings, which strained international relations and drew intense scrutiny of the role of American contractors in the Iraq War.

The court also ordered new sentences for the three other contractors, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard. They were each found guilty of manslaughter and firearms charges carrying mandatory 30-year terms.

FILE - In this June 11, 2014 file photo, former Blackwater Worldwide guard Nicholas Slatten leaves federal court in Washington. A federal appeals court on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, overturned the first-degree murder conviction of a Slatten, ordering a new trial for the man prosecutors say fired the first shots in the 2007 slayings of 14 Iraqi civilians at a crowded traffic circle in Baghdad. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)

The judges determined those sentences violated the constitutional prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment because prosecutors charged them with using military firearms while committing another felony. That statute, typically employed against gang members or bank robbers, had never before been used against overseas security contractors working for the U.S. government.

A spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Washington said prosecutors were still reviewing the decision and had no immediate comment.

Bill Coffield, a lawyer for Liberty, said he planned to meet with Liberty to review their options. "Obviously we're pleased with the court's decision in terms of the unconstitutionality of the sentence," he said.

David Schertler, a lawyer for Heard, said in a statement that though he believed his client was entitled to a new trial, "we are gratified that the court recognized the gross injustice of the 30 year mandatory minimum sentences imposed in the unique war zone circumstances of this case."

It's not clear that any new sentences for the defendants will be significantly different than the ones originally imposed. At the April 2015 sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth said he was "very satisfied with a 30-year sentence."

At the weekslong trial held in 2014, federal prosecutors and defense lawyer presented very different versions of what triggered the September 2007 massacre in Nisour Square.

The government described the killings as a one-sided ambush of unarmed civilians, while the defense said the guards opened fire only after a white Kia sedan seen as a potential suicide car bomb began moving quickly toward their convoy. After the shooting stopped, no evidence of a bomb found.

In issuing their ruling benefiting the defendants, the judges said they were in no way excusing the horror of events they said "defies civilized description."

"In reaching this conclusion, we by no means intend to minimize the carnage attributable to Slough, Heard and Liberty's actions," said U.S. Circuit Judge Karen L. Henderson, writing for the court. "Their poor judgments resulted in the deaths of many innocent people."

___

Follow Associated Press environmental writer Michael Biesecker at http://Twitter.com/mbieseck

Associated Press writer Eric Tucker contributed to this report.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah state panel has voted to recommend retaining the name of Utah's Negro Bill Canyon after receiving conflicting opinions about whether it is offensive.

The Utah Committee on Geographic Names said Friday that a lack of consensus from minority groups led to its 8-2 vote Thursday about a canyon that is home to a popular hiking spot in the eastern city of Moab, the gateway to stunning massive red rock formations.

The commission's recommendation next goes to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which is expected to make a final decision on canyon's name later this year.

FILE - This undated file photo shows a sign at the entrance of the Negro Bill Canyon Trailhead in Moab, Utah. A Utah state commission is recommending preserving the name of Utah's Negro Bill Canyon despite concerns that it's offensive. (John Hollenhorst/The Deseret News via AP, File)

The local and national branches of the NAACP told the commission the name is not offensive and preserves the history of a canyon named for black rancher and prospector William Grandstaff, whose cattle grazed there in the 1870s.

Jeanetta Williams, president of NAACP's tri-state conference area of Idaho-Utah-Nevada, said the word "negro" may make some people feel uncomfortable but that there's nothing wrong with it. Other groups still use "negro" in their names, she said, citing the National Council of Negro Women, she said.

"To sanitize it destroys the history and the background of what it is," Williams said. "It's a word we often use in history, it's in titles...It's no more uncomfortable saying the word negro than it is saying African-American or black."

But the decision drew strong rebuke from a member of the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, which sent a letter proposing a name change to "relegate such blatant racism to the annals of history."

"It is inexplicable to me that today in the 21st century that reasonably intelligent people who I know have kindness in their hearts found it acceptable to allows this name to continue to exist," said Jasen Lee, who said he was speaking for himself and not the entire commission.

The canyon southeast of Salt Lake City and the unique red-rock landscapes in nearby national parks lure tourist from around the world.

The Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Commission said in its letter that the word negro is a "racially offensive descriptor" and that it was time to finally make the change and "relegate such blatant racism to the annals of history."

"To remove the racially offensive descriptor from the official title of the popular geographic feature would express to the world that Utah has progressed to a place where such flagrant insensitivity is no longer tolerated or acceptable in our community," they wrote.

After the decision was issued, the commission said in a statement that it's disappointed in the decision.

The canyon's name has long been debated and a proposed name change in 1999 failed at the state and federal levels after receiving no support from Utah counties and state and federal land management agencies, the state geographic names committee said in a statement.

Spurred by complaints from tourists, the Grand County Council voted in January to change the canyon's name after refusing to do so in 2013 and 2015, said council member Mary McGann.

Last September, the federal Bureau of Land Management administratively changed the signs at the "Negro Bill" trailhead to read instead "Grandstaff Trailhead."

The decisions by the county council and the land management prompted the geographic names committee to take up the name change issue. It was difficult for the panel to reach a decision because of the conflicting opinions, said member Dina Blaes.

"It's really not the committee's job to pick winners and losers, it's not our job to decide 'Oh, you're more credible or you're less credible,'" said Blaes, the CEO of the Exoro Group, a public affairs firm and also chair of the State History Board. "We did not come to this decision easily."

Lee, a reporter for the Deseret News and KSL-TV in Salt Lake City, called the lack of consensus justification a lame excuse. He said he remembers when he was a boy in the 1970s and people stopped calling black people negroes. He thinks that should stay in the past.

"You can't name something using that descriptor today," said Lee, 51. "It's hurtful to people like myself who are of a certain age that they know what this means. It speaks poorly of our state, of which I'm a proud resident."

___

Information from: Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say a Pennsylvania nurse has pleaded guilty to secretly filming unclothed female patients as they underwent medical procedures.

Bucks County prosecutors say 45-year-old James Close admitted Friday that he videotaped the women, including a 17-year-old girl, during dermatology treatments at Penn Medicine in Yardley.

A lawyer representing some of the victims says police searched Close's phone and found 18 videos of seven women.

The attorney says Close was caught when the 17-year-old girl noticed his phone filming her during a procedure. He says the oldest victim was in her 60s.

Penn Medicine officials said in a statement that they are appalled by the ex-employee's actions and that they fully cooperated with the investigation.

A voicemail message left at a phone number listed for Close's attorney was not immediately returned.
SILVERTON, Colo. (AP) - The Latest on the leader of the EPA visiting an old Colorado mine that spilled wastewater into rivers in three states (all times local):

2:50 p.m.

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency is touring the site of an old Colorado gold mine where the agency inadvertently triggered a spill of 3 million gallons of tainted wastewater.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt had promised to visit the site during his confirmation hearing. He came to see the mine Friday along with Colorado lawmakers on the eve of the second anniversary of the disaster.

The spill sent 3 million gallons of tainted wastewater into rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, causing an estimated $420 million in economic damage.

Pruitt said he would consider paying for the damage and has sent letters to farmers, business owners, residents and others whose claims were rejected by the previous EPA administration.

He says the EPA should be held to the same standard as those it regulates.

____

12:55 p.m.

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency says he will consider paying for economic damages from a 2015 mine waste spill triggered by agency crews.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt told The Denver Post on Friday that he's asked farmers, business owners and residents whose claims were previously rejected to submit them again.

His comments came as he joined Colorado's governor and congressional members on a tour of the mine on the eve of the disaster's second anniversary.

The spill sent 3 million gallons of tainted wastewater into rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, causing an estimated $420 million in damage.

Under the Obama administration, the EPA said federal law prevented it from paying claims because of sovereign immunity, which prohibits most lawsuits against the government.

___

2:15 a.m.

Colorado officials expect the head of the Environmental Protection Agency to join them on a tour of an old gold mine where the EPA inadvertently triggered a spill of 3 million gallons of tainted wastewater.

The tour is Friday at the Gold King Mine in southwestern Colorado.

Jacque Montgomery, a spokeswoman for Gov. John Hickenlooper, said state officials expect EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to be present. The EPA refused to say whether Pruitt would attend.

Pruitt was in the Denver area Thursday.

Hickenlooper, U.S. Sens. Michael Bennett and Cory Gardner and U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton are scheduled be at the mine.

The EPA designated the Gold King and 47 other sites in the area a Superfund district last year.

The August 2015 release at the Gold King tainted rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A suspicious package that smelled like ammonia sickened several people at an IRS building in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, federal authorities said.

Local officials said about 10 people reported being ill, including vomiting and nausea, after the package arrived at the sprawling building's mailroom Friday morning.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Lucy Martinez said some people reported feeling ill with "watery eyes," and several people were evaluated and treated at hospitals. Two people were treated at nearby St. Luke's Hospital, where they were in good condition, spokeswoman Laurel Gifford said.

Martinez said the package was an envelope that smelled like ammonia, though no other details were released about the envelope's contents or where it may have originated.

She said the investigation has been taken over by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, a division in the IRS that investigates fraud.

The Federal Protective Services, which responds to terrorism and criminal acts against U.S. government infrastructure, also is involved in the investigation. The agency responded to the incident along with local officials.

Kansas City Fire Department spokesman James Garrett said a hazardous materials team checked the package for gasses and fumes but didn't find anything before it was turned over to federal authorities.

The IRS building wasn't evacuated during the incident. Business returned to normal about two hours after the incident began.
Boxer Dereck Chisora will no longer face an assault charge over an alleged fracas at a nightclub, a court has been told.

The 6ft 1.5in boxer, who has previously held heavyweight European, Commonwealth and British titles, stood outside the dock during the minute-long hearing as a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm was dropped.

Prosecutor Henry Fitch told Londons Westminster Magistrates Court: There is one charge of ABH. The Crown withdraws the charge.

Chisora, 33, of Hampstead, north west London, did not speak.

The charge against Dereck Chisora was dropped (Yui Mok/PA)

No applications for costs were made and nothing else was said in court.

The alleged incident happened at Tramp nightclub in west London in April.

The boxer quietly left court with his lawyer.

Chisora was scheduled to fight Robert Helenius on May 27 but that has been postponed owing to what his promoter Nisse Sauerland described as a number of contributing factors.
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Wang Min, former Communist Party of China chief of northeast China's Liaoning Province and senior national legislator, was given a life sentence Friday for embezzlement, accepting bribes and dereliction of duty.

The sentence was handed down by the Intermediate People's Court of Luoyang City in central China's Henan Province.

Wang was also deprived of his political rights for life, with all his personal assets confiscated.
Donald Trump downplayed the economic importance of his promised border wall to the Mexican president, according to a leaked transcript of their conversation.

The US president also pleaded with Enrique Pena Nieto not to state publicly that his country would not pay for a border wall.

The transcript of their conversation held on January 27 was leaked to the Washington Post on Thursday.

The proposed wall was a huge point for Mr Trump in the election campaign during which he repeatedly vowed that Mexico would pay for it.

Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto (Dan Kitwood/PA)

But during the conversation, he said: From an economic issue, it is the least important thing we were talking about, but psychologically, it means something so let us just say, We will work it out.'

He conceded in the conversation held shortly after he took office that he is in a political bind over who will pay for its construction.

My people stand up and say, Mexico will pay for the wall and your people probably say something in a similar but slightly different language, he said.

But the fact is we are both in a little bit of a political bind because I have to have Mexico pay for the wall - I have to.

The conversation was on the same day Theresa May visited the White House (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

I am willing to say that we will work it out, but that means it will come out in the wash and that is okay.

The conversation, on the same day Prime Minister Theresa May visited Mr Trump at the White House, lays bare how keen Mr Trump is to be portrayed favourably by the press despite his regular tirades against the media.

Mr Nieto said: But my position has been and will continue to be very firm saying that Mexico cannot pay for that wall.

Mr Trump replied: But you cannot say that to the press. The press is going to go with that and I cannot live with that.

Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull (Niklas Hallen/PA)

The Post also leaked his conversation the following day with Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

A White House statement on the phone call made it seem to be a more cordial affair but the transcript shows Mr Trumps anger over a refugee agreement with Australia.

As far as I am concerned that is enough Malcom (sic). I have had it. I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day. Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous, Mr Trump said.
The Community Shield is often the place for expectant supporters to see new faces given their first real chance to shine.

Premier League champions Chelsea face London rivals and FA Cup winners Arsenal in the curtain-raiser at Wembley on Sunday, with both teams likely to include a number of summer signings.

Here, we take a look at five arrivals who could make an impact as their new club seeks to lift the first silverware of the 2017-18 season.

Chelsea and Arsenal players

Chelsea

Signed from - Roma

Fee  29million

Position - Defence

A tough-tackling defender, 24-year-old Germany international Rudiger will be looked upon to fill the void left by the departure of Chelseas long-time captain John Terry.

Having left Borussia Dortmunds youth set-up to play for Stuttgart, Rudiger moved to Roma - initially on loan - where he developed into a defender who would attract the attention of some of Europes biggest clubs.

After speaking out about the racial abuse he received in Italy, Rudiger made a summer switch to Stamford Bridge where he will look to establish himself in the defence of the reigning champions.

Signed from - Monaco

Fee  34million

Position - Midfield

Bakayoko excelled in the Monaco side which clinched the Ligue 1 title over his home-town club Paris St Germain last season.

The combative 22-year-old midfielder has one France cap to his name but is expected to develop into a key player for Les Bleus in the coming years.

Bakayoko comes in at a time when Chelsea opted to sell Nemanja Matic to rivals Manchester United and he will be looking to fill the sizeable boots of the Serbian in west London.

Couldn't wait to meet you...  Que ganas tenia de conocerte... pic.twitter.com/2moUonRixs  Alvaro Morata (@AlvaroMorata) July 31, 2017

Signed from - Real Madrid

Fee  58million

Position - Forward

With Diego Costa falling out of favour with manager Antonio Conte and told he is free to leave, Chelsea needed another out-and-out goalscorer to launch their bid at retaining their Premier League crown.

It was widely anticipated that Romelu Lukaku would rejoin the club from Everton, only for the Belgium international to instead move to Manchester United.

United themselves had long been linked with Morata but, having made their move, it meant Chelsea could seal a deal to sign the 24-year-old hot-shot from Real Madrid.

Arsenal

Training session at Emirates Stadium with the next generation  #AFCMEMBERSDAY #SeoKol pic.twitter.com/zk0GiSVn7s  Sead Kolasinac (@seadk6) August 3, 2017

Signed from - Schalke

Fee - Free

Position - Defence

Bosnia-Herzegovina international Kolasinac was a sought-after name as his contract in Gelsenkirchen ran down.

The 24-year-old was named in the Bundesliga team of the year last season despite Schalke only finishing 10th.

Big and powerful, Kolasinac can operate as a centre-back or out at left wing-back in manager Arsene Wengers current set-up.

Happy To score my 1stGoal in the Emirates Stadium 

Heureux d'avoir Marque mon 1er but a l'Emirates Stadium #AFCvSEV #Laca9 #EmiratesCup  pic.twitter.com/z9gnxPoUNH  Alexandre Lacazette (@LacazetteAlex) July 30, 2017

Signed from - Lyon

Fee  45million

Position - Forward

With the futures of both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil still very much up in the air, Wenger needed to make a statement of intent in the market and he did so by breaking the clubs transfer record to sign France striker Lacazette from Lyon.

Lacazette, 26, hit 37 goals in 45 games last season and has bagged at least 20 Ligue 1 goals in each of the last three years.

His obvious goal threat is something the Gunners lacked at times last season and if he can settle into Premier League life quickly, he could soon start paying back that record fee.
Everton will play Hajduk Split in the Europa League play-off round.

Ronald Koemans team were paired with the Croatian club during UEFAs draw in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.

Everton were seeded for the draw after overcoming Slovakian side Ruzomberok 2-0 on aggregate in the previous qualifying round.

Everton drawn with Hajduk Split in Europa League qualifying

The Toffees, in European competition for the first time in three years, were not at their best in either leg against MFK Ruzomberok.

Leighton Baines deflected shot gave them a 1-0 win at Goodison Park before Dominic Calvert-Lewins goal on Thursday night provided the same scoreline in the away leg.

 | We have been drawn to face Hajduk Split in the @europaleague Play-Off stage. More details to follow. #EFC pic.twitter.com/x3qYYunnF2  Everton (@Everton) August 4, 2017

Hajduk Split have beaten Levski Sofia and Brondby to get to this stage and have lost in the final play-off round in each of the past three seasons.

The last Premier League club to play them was Stoke in 2011 and Tony Pulis team won each leg to advance 2-0 on aggregate.
The Trump administration is stepping up efforts to crack down on leaks amid growing anger in the White House.

The attorney general and the national intelligence director are set to discuss what the Justice Department calls leaks of classified material threatening national security.

A presidential adviser has raised the possibility of lie detector tests for the small number of people in the West Wing and elsewhere with access to transcripts of President Donald Trumps phone calls.

The Washington Post has published written accounts of his conversations with the leaders of Mexico and Australia.

Kellyanne Conway

Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway told Fox & Friends: Its easier to figure out whos leaking than the leakers may realise.

Asked if lie detectors might be used, she said: Well, they may, they may not.

Attorney general Jeff Sessions and his deputy, Rod Rosenstein, are holding a news conference at the Justice Department with Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence, and William Evanina, the governments top counter-intelligence executive.

Mr Trump complained on Twitter last week that Mr Sessions was weak when it comes to cracking down on leaks of classified information.
Fernando has left Manchester City for Galatasaray on a three-year contract.

The Brazil midfielder joined City from Porto in 2014 and made 101 appearances across three seasons.

Its been a pleasure to play for Manchester City, he told the clubs official website.

Fernando

OFFICIAL: #Galatasaray completes the signing of @Fernando_Reges, who is arriving from @ManCity, on a three year deal. Welcome to #CimBom!   Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) August 4, 2017

The club has looked after me incredibly well throughout my time here and I have enjoyed the challenge of playing for a top team in probably the worlds toughest league.

The League Cup success of 2016 was a highlight for me and something I will never forget.
ESNA, Egypt, Aug 4 (Reuters) - A policeman and a civilian were killed and three people wounded in an attack late on Thursday on a patrol in Esna, south of Luxor, the Interior Ministry said.

The police patrol had stopped a vehicle and when stopped, two gunmen fired on the patrol, the ministry said in a statement.

One of the perpetrators were arrested while the other fled, the ministry said, adding that the wounded have been transferred to hospital.

Attacks on security forces have been common in Egypt since the army, led by general-turned-President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, ousted Muslim Brotherhood President Mohamed Mursi in 2013 following mass protests against his rule.

In recent months, attacks have expanded to target Egypt's Coptic Christians, the country's largest minority. (Reporting by Ali Abdelaty, writing by Arwa Gaballa, editing by G Crosse)
By Yuka Obayashi

TOKYO, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Japanese trading company Itochu Corp said on Friday its first-quarter net profit rose 48 percent to a record level, citing higher coal and iron ore prices and healthy earnings from food businesses.

Itochu, Japan's third-biggest trading house by assets, said net profit for April-June was 108.2 billion yen ($983 million), up from 73.1 billion yen in the same period a year earlier.

"We were off to a fairly good start," Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tsuyoshi Hachimura told a news conference.

"Our mid- and small-sized units have made solid profits. Plus, we were able to benefit from higher resource prices."

Non-resource business segments such as food, textile and machinery each reported growth of over 20 percent, while its metals profit jumped by 2-1/2 times.

"Profits from our units whose annual earnings come below 2 billion yen ($18 million) account for 75 percent of our group profit, underlining low vulnerability to economic or commodity downturns," Hachimura said.

For the full year through March, Itochu maintained its forecast for record annual net profit of 400 billion yen, up 13.6 percent from last year and in line with a mean estimate of 398 billion yen from nine analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Hachimura said the firm was maintaining its earlier assumption that natural resource prices such as iron ore and coking coal will weaken later this year, despite a recent rally.

"Iron ore supply will likely increase and ... it would be too optimistic to think the current high level of crude steel output in China will continue given the government's effort to tackle overcapacity," Hachimura said. He declined to give specific price forecasts for the key steel-making ingredients.

Hachimura also said Itochu wanted to slightly increase its interests in oil and gas assets, making fresh energy investment on its own or with Chinese partner CITIC. ($1 = 110.0700 yen) (Reporting by Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell and Joseph Radford)
By Aaron Maasho

ADDIS ABABA, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Ethiopia on Friday lifted a state of emergency imposed last October following months of protests that killed hundreds of people.

More than 29,000 people were arrested during the period and nearly 8,000 of them are on trial for taking part in the violence, Defence Minister Siraj Fegessa said.

The unrest was provoked by a development scheme for the capital Addis Ababa and turned into broader anti-government demonstrations over politics and human rights abuses. It included attacks on businesses, many of them foreign-owned, including farms growing flowers for export.

"The country's stability is in far better shape. In some areas where security issues remain, local security forces have the capacity to restore order," Fegessa said in a report read in parliament.

Siraj said nearly 29,000 people were arrested in the provinces of Oromiya, Amhara and SNNP, as well as Addis Ababa during the period.

"7,737 of them are currently on trial over charges of taking part in violent and terrorist acts during the unrest," he said.

Measures initially imposed under the declaration included granting powers to security services to stop and search suspects and to search homes without court authorization.

Another rule barred diplomats from travelling beyond a 40 km (25 miles) radius of the capital without permission. There was also a dusk-to-dawn curfew on access to economic installations, some infrastructure and factories for unauthorized people.

Those restrictions were eased in March but Addis Ababa maintained a ban that stopped citizens from having any contact with opposition groups branded as terrorist movements.

Ethiopia has designated five groups, including two armed secessionist groups, as terrorist organizations.

Another directive barring the "preparation, distribution and exhibition of material that could incite chaos" was also retained in March.

The violence in Oromiya, the largest and most populous region which surrounds Addis Ababa, and to a lesser extent in the Amhara province north of Addis Ababa, put a shadow over a nation where a state-led industrial drive has created one of Africa's fastest growing economies.

The government also often faces international criticism and opposition to its authoritarian approach to development.

In April, a government-sanctioned investigation said 669 people had been killed in the violence.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein has called on Ethiopia to allow his agency to investigate abuse claims. (Reporting by Aaron Maasho; Editing by Elias Biryabarema and Angus MacSwan)
Aug 4 (Reuters) - Oilfield services company Petrofac Ltd said its 50:50 joint venture with Samsung Engineering was awarded a $2 billion contract from Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries in Oman.

The 47-month project includes engineering, procurement, construction, training and start-up operations for all utilities at Duqm, the Middle East-focused company said on Friday.

The refinery, which is part of Duqm Special Economic Zone, is being developed over 2,000 acres and is expected to have a capacity of 230,000 barrels of oil per day when completed.

(Reporting by Sanjeeban Sarkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)
By Kane Wu and Sumeet Chatterjee

HONG KONG, Aug 4 (Reuters) - China plans to further tighten the screws on overseas acquisitions by Chinese companies and borrowing to fund those transactions, and has started closely scrutinising the commercial aspects of the deals, three people familiar with the move said.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) are now reviewing deal agreements in minute detail, said the people, who work with various regulatory bodies and Chinese companies on their acquisition plans.

The two bodies are asking companies looking to buy assets overseas to justify terms, including target valuations, deal premiums and financing arrangements, they said.

This was particularly the case with companies not seen by the Chinese government as "strategic," they said.

The tightened measures have been issued as informal guidance by Chinese regulators and have not been made official yet, said two of the people.

The tightening of regulatory oversight for outbound purchases comes as Beijing is cracking down on some large domestic conglomerates for their debt-fuelled acquisitions abroad of assets ranging from hotels to movie studios.

The regulatory measures, if in place for an extended period, could deter some companies from making overseas acquisitions, and could also weigh on outbound deal volumes in China.

China's outbound M&A volumes nearly halved in the first six months of this year to $64.2 billion following a crackdown on capital outflows, after Chinese companies spent a record $221 billion on assets overseas in 2016, according to Thomson Reuters data.

On top of tightened scrutiny of deal terms, the country's foreign exchange and banking regulators are also looking to step up their monitoring of loans made by the overseas branches of Chinese banks, two of the people said.

Those two regulators - the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) and the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) - also plan to make it tougher for companies to borrow overseas by pledging some assets in China, the people said.

Borrowing funds from foreign banks and overseas branches of Chinese banks by pledging real estate and other assets in the mainland with local banks has been a common practice for some companies looking to fund foreign acquisitions.

But some industry officials have questioned the quality of those pledged assets, and whether the lenders would be able to raise money against those in case borrowers defaulted on their repayment obligations.

SAFE said in a written reply to questions from Reuters that it would strengthen China's financial market regulations along with other financial supervisory authorities to ward off overseas investment risks while promoting trade and investment.

It said it would guide financial institutions to strengthen their compliance and risk management with regards to foreign loans backed by domestic guarantees. "We will strictly crack down on fake and malicious guarantees, to promote overseas investment in a healthy and orderly way."

The foreign exchange regulator also said it would encourage domestic companies with the capability of investing overseas to pursue "authentic and legitimate foreign deals, and encourage domestic banks to exercise prudence when offering financing services."

The three people familiar with the decision to scrutinise deals more closely declined to be identified as they were not authorised to discuss regulatory matters in public. Officials at the banking regulator, the commerce ministry, and the NDRC did not immediately respond to faxed requests for comment.

IMPORTANT FOCUS

China started tightening capital outflows in the second half of last year. In June this year, the regulators ordered a group of lenders to assess exposure to some of China's more aggressive dealmakers, including HNA, the property-to-film conglomerate Dalian Wanda and Anbang Insurance Group.

Beijing's stepped up deleveraging campaign, as part of efforts to control debt risk to the broader financial system and to maintain economic stability, comes ahead of a key party meeting later this year.

While submitting share purchase agreements for overseas deals with the NDRC is a long established practice for Chinese companies, previously the regulator did not pay close attention to pricing and funding details, two of the people said.

"The level of inquiry has gone a lot deeper than the past - who you are as a buyer and what you are buying are of important focus," one of them said, referring to the NDRC scrutiny of the deal proposals.

Much of these new regulatory measures, however, would not be applicable for overseas acquisitions related to Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature foreign policy, the Belt and Road initiative, the people said.

Last year, China's acquisitions in the Belt and Road regions, which span vast regions from China to Europe and Africa, totalled about $10 billion, according to a research report by Thomson Reuters and Chinese institutions published last month. SAFE also said it would back domestic companies participation in the initiative.

"The regulators want to ensure that capital now would not be that easily available to those deals that are neither strategic for the country nor for the company," said one of the people in Beijing who advises Chinese companies on M&A transactions.

"The are looking to plug the regulatory arbitrage that some companies took advantage of." (Reporting by Kane Wu and Sumeet Chatterjee. Additional reporting by Shu Zhang in Beijing and Jasper Ng in Hong Kong; Editing by Philip McClellan)
In a new measure to stabilize the housing market, Beijing is planning to introduce homes with joint property rights shared between the government and buyers.

According to a document published by local authorities Thursday to solicit public opinions, individual buyers will be able to buy a share of a house but still have the full "right of use."

Chen Zhi, secretary general of Beijing real estate association, said the new homes were part of the city's long-term housing controls, making the system fairer by allowing more people to buy their own homes.

The policy has several restrictions. Buyers and their families cannot already own homes in their name. Single people making purchases must be at least 30 years old. And a family can only apply for one home.

"The new housing policy clearly targets households that have difficulties in purchasing a home," said Liu Weimin, researcher with the State Council development research center.

Deng Liang, a Beijing-based lawyer, said the new homes could better satisfy housing demand while curbing speculation. The government offers support in areas such as land prices and policy, while holding a share of the property rights, and buyers must pay a share of the price according to their share of the property rights.

Five years after purchase, owners can sell their shares based on the market price, but the government or its assigned management agencies have first-refusal to buy-back.

Zhao Xiuchi, professor with Capital University of Economics and Business, said that although it was more economical to rent considering the current high prices, people still preferred to buy.

The new policy will also help ease traffic in Beijing as people with local Hukou (residence permits) or those that work within a certain district would enjoy priority to buy new homes within their particular district, according to Zhao.

Liu Weimin said the policy was key to Beijing's plan to create a world-class, harmonious and livable metropolis, as it stipulated that at least 30 percent of the homes would be offered to "new Beijingers," referring to people without a Beijing Hukou but with stable jobs in Beijing.

China has recently taken a set of measure to stabilize the housing market and curb speculation.

On July 17, authorities in the southern city of Guangzhou decided to give tenants and homeowners equal rights to local education resources.

In many Chinese cities, the right to attend schools is limited to the children of homeowners rather than tenants. Guangzhou is the first top-tier Chinese city to grant such rights to tenants.

On July 20, a notice was issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and other government departments saying that measures would be taken in cities with net population inflows, including increasing rental housing supplies and setting up a government-backed home rental service platform.

Pilot projects will first start in 12 cities, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing and Hangzhou.

In the future, cities such as Wuhan, Shenyang and Wuxi will announce plans to grant more rights to tenants.

China's property market has shown signs of cooling as prices have faltered in major cities amid tough government curbs.
JOHANNESBURG, Aug 4 (Reuters) - The U.S. military has opened an inquiry into allegations of torture and murder of suspected Boko Haram militants at a Cameroonian army base used extensively by American troops, a spokesman said on Friday.

Rights group Amnesty International said last month it had documented 101 cases of arbitrary arrest and torture by Cameroonian troops charged with fighting the Nigeria-based jihadist group between 2013 and 2017.

Eighty of the cases occurred at the elite Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) headquarters at Salak, in Cameroon's Far North region, which has been hit hard by spillover from the eight-year insurgency in neighbouring Nigeria.

French and U.S. troops have been operating out of Salak for several years, with Amnesty saying it had video evidence proving "regular presence of U.S. personnel in numerous locations across the base".

Mark Cheadle, a spokesman for the U.S. military's Germany-based Africa Command, said a "commander's inquiry" had been set up, although he was unable to provide details of its progress.

Boko Haram attacks have killed more than 20,000 people and displaced 2.7 million in northeast Nigeria and adjacent areas of Chad, Niger and Cameroon. (Reporting by Ed Cropley Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
By Clement Uwiringiyimana

KIGALI, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Rwanda began counting votes on Friday in a presidential election widely expected to hand incumbent Paul Kagame a third term in office, extending his 17 years in power.

Kagame has won international plaudits for presiding over a peaceful and rapid economic recovery in the Central African nation since the 1994 genocide, when an estimated 800,000 people Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed.

But he has also faced mounting censure for what critics and rights groups say are widespread human rights abuses, a muzzling of independent media and suppression of political opposition.

Turnout was expected to top 90 percent in the East African country of 12 million citizens once full details emerged, Rwanda's electoral board said, in elections that fielded only a single opposition candidate, Frank Habineza, and an independent.

"Generally the process went well. The process was peaceful and calm," Charles Munyaneza, the board's executive secretary, told Reuters after polls closed at 3 pm (1400 GMT). Provisional results were expected around 10 pm (2100 GMT).

Under Kagame's rule, some dissidents were killed after they fled abroad, in cases that remain unsolved. The government denies any involvement and the cases appear to have done little to blunt Kagame's domestic standing among Rwandans.

"Even if I am poor, I voted for Kagame for restoring peace and security," said 45-year-old farmer Appolinaire Karangwa, who cast his ballot in the capital Kigali.

Kagame, a commander who led Tutsi rebel forces into Rwanda to end the 1994 genocide, banned the use of tribal terms after becoming president.

He won the last election in 2010 with 93 percent of the vote and during this campaign for a further seven-year term, said he expected an outright victory.

Kagame cast his vote in Kigali's Rugunga polling station earlier on Friday but declined to speak to reporters.

The deputy head of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party expressed confidence of a win and said he did not see any reasons why Kagame would not stand for re-election in seven years time.

"If the people of Rwanda wishes it like that then what is the problem?" Christophe Bazivamo told reporters in the same polling station.

"If the population wants the president to remain at the time after this coming seven years and the president is okay, I dont see any inconvenience."

Habineza, Kagame's main opponent, voted early on Friday at Kimironko, a polling station in the capital.

He told reporters that his campaign had been hobbled because it could not compete with the machinery of the state.

"All state structures belong to his party. It is not very easy but we are also strong," he said.

If elected, Habineza has promised to set up a tribunal to retry dissidents whose convictions by Rwandan courts have been criticised as politically motivated.

Another would-be opponent, Diane Rwigara, was disqualified by the election board despite her insistence that she met all the requirements to run.

(Additional reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Writing by Aaron Maasho)
BERLIN, Aug 5 (Reuters) - German techno band Scooter faces significant legal consequences for performing at a festival in the Crimea region of Ukraine that was annexed by Russia in 2014, the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany said an interview published Saturday.

Andrij Melnyk, Ukraine's envoy to Germany, told the Funke Mediengruppe newspaper chain that the band's decision to enter the Crimea region "illegally" on Thursday was "not only a scandal, but also a crime with serious legal consequences."

Melnyk said Ukrainian prosecutors had already begun legal proceedings against the band.

"This isn't some minor infraction, but a serious crime that will be punished," he told the newspaper group.

The band was due to appear at the ZBFest rock festival in Balaklava on Friday.

Scooter front man H.P. Baxxter told German media last month the band was going to Crimea to perform music, not engage in politics.

No comment was immediately available from the band. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by James Dalgleish)
WASHINGTON, Aug 4 (Reuters) - About 2,000 Islamic State fighters are estimated to remain in the Syrian city of Raqqa, fighting for their survival in the face of an offensive by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, a senior U.S. official said on Friday.

Brett McGurk, U.S. special envoy for the coalition against Islamic State, said the SDF had cleared about 45 percent of Raqqa since launching an attack in early June to seize Islamic State's stronghold in northern Syria.

"Today in Raqqa ISIS is fighting for every last block ... and fighting for their own survival" McGurk told reporters.

Some 2,000 ISIS fighters are left in the city and "most likely will die in Raqqa," he said.

The assault on Raqqa coincided with the final stages of a campaign to drive Islamic State from the Iraqi city of Mosul, where the Islamist militants were defeated last month.

McGurk said Islamic State has lost 27,000 square miles (70,000 sq km) of the territory it once held in the two countries - 78 percent of what they had seized in Iraq and 58 percent of what they held in Syria.

Before every military operation, coalition forces surround the area targeted to make sure Islamic State's foreign fighters cannot escape and make their way out of Iraq and Syria, he said.

With the close cooperation of Turkish forces, the entire Syrian-Turkish border was sealed and Islamic State can no longer send militants trained in Syria for attacks in Europe and elsewhere, McGurk said.

The coalition has compiled a database of almost 19,000 names of Islamic State fighters gathered from cellphones, address books and other documents found on battlefields which it is sharing with the international police agency Interpol, he said.

Islamic State is also fighting the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is backed by Russian air power and Iranian-backed militias.

McGurk said "deconfliction" arrangements the U.S. and Russian militaries have made to avoid accidents as they operate separately in Syria were working well despite deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday the U.S.-Russian relationship was at "an all-time and very dangerous low," and Russia said new sanctions imposed by Washington meant an end to hopes for better ties with the Trump administration.

"So far we have not seen an effect on our engagement with the Russians when it comes to Syria," McGurk said. (Reporting by Washington Newsroom; Editing by Eric Beech and Tom Brown)
Thirty five MDRT members from AIA Sri Lanka participated in the recently held MDRT Annual Meeting held in Orlando, Florida, USA.



The meeting brings together financial professionals from around the world to share and learn best practices.



MDRT is internationally recognised as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. Its members are required to generate a higher level of production and demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service.

Notably, AIA Sri Lanka has the highest number of MDRT members from Sri Lanka, currently amounting to 110 members.
The five-day protest march launched by the SAITM Virodi Sisu-Jana Vyaaparaya demanding that the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) be abolished, reached Colombo today.

About 4000 protestors participated in the march which started from Kandy on Monday.

Concluding the march in front of the Colombo Fort Railway Station, Medical Student's Action Committee (MSAC) Convener Ryan Jayalath said they would take crucial decisions with regard to the SAITM issue if the government continued with its suppression on anti-SAITM forces.

We are forced to take tough action in the future. Our struggle gets more strong with the suppression of the government. The government is conspiring to legalize SAITM with the Second Phase of the 77s Revolution, he added.

He said that they would continue their struggle until they succeed in their mission and added that trade unions including the doctors were forced to take trade union action due to such steps taken by the government.

Addressing the gathering, Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said that the SAITM should be immediately abolished and there should be no other interim solutions.

The SAITM will be definitely abolished and we will not step back from this struggle against the SAITM until we will reach the final destination, he added.

Meanwhile, Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) Leader Prof. Tissa Vitharana said he was pleased to see the university students, trade unions and peoples attempting to abolish the SAITM.

The government is always attempting to privatize or sell national assets. This could not merely be considered as a struggle against the SAITM, but a struggle to stand against the state policies, he added.

Several trade unions representing health care services, teachers, university lectures and representatives of several political parties were also participated in this protest march. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)
Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Faizer Musthapha said he met elections monitoring watchdogs PAFFREL, CaFFE, CMEV and the Transparency International and they consented to conduct Provincial Council elections in a single day departing from the policy adopted by the previous regime to hold PC polls on a scattered basis for political advantage.

Minister Musthapha added that the cabinet approval has been granted to introduce amendments to the Provincial Councils Election Act no. 2 of 1998 enabling elections to all 9 PCs to be conducted on a single day citing the holding of PC polls on a scattered basis was a waste of state public money and the negative effect it has on democracy.

Addressing the SLFP weekly news briefing at the party office yesterday Minister Musthapha said the Parliament would decide on the date on which the PC polls could be conducted once the amendments were passed in a two thirds majority. The Steering Committee on Constitutional Reforms had also agreed to hold PC polls in a single day

The term of office of 9 provinces is scheduled to expire in four stages which is Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and North-Central in September / October period, Central, Wayamba and Northern in October 2018, Central, Southern and Western in April 2019 and Uva in October 2019.

Commenting on the amendments to the Local Government Electoral (Amendments) Act no. 12 of 2012, Minister Musthapha said the amendments had been gazetted and tabled in the Order Book of Parliament. Under the proposed new amendments the ratio of local government members elected under the first past the post system will be reduced to 60% from earlier 70% and the number of representatives chosen under the PR system will be increased to 40% from 30%. The women representation will be 25%.

If party leaders can come to a compromise, amendments can be passed in the next session of Parliament and local government polls can be conducted in three months after that, Minister Musthapha stressed.

Minister Musthapha said his Ministry had completed its task of drafting and gazeting of 56 amendments that delayed the conducting of local government polls and as such party leaders must decide how soon they want to pass the amendments in Parliament paying the way for early local government polls.

I have written to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to expedite the process to pass the amendments as early as possible and also appraised President Maithripala Sirisena on the matter, Minister Muthapha said.

Minister Musthapha lamented that before the submission of the De-limitation committee report and the drafting of the amendments, the joint opposition criticized him and his ministry unfairly for the delay to conduct polls. Now that, the de-limitation report and amendments proposed by it had been gazetted no one is interested in passing the amendments.

Minister Mustapha said the government had no intention to postpone the Local Government election for any reason but to hold the polls as early as possible. Therefore, the government expects the cooperation of all political parties and the joint opposition in particular to pass the amendments paving way for early elections. Pics by Samantha Perera.

Responding to a journalist, Minister Murhapha said the 66th anniversary of the SLFP was scheduled to be celebrated with at massive rally the Campbell Park on September 2nd and appealed all SLFP members of the joint oppositionot to do the mistake done by past SLFPers who betrayed the party and had to repent for their sin later on.

In Sri Lanka, we have only two major parties that can form a government which are the UNP and the SLFP. Many disgruntled senior members of the two parties in the past left the party but perished. Some others came back and took a back seat and another few retired from politics. So I appealed all of the disappointed SLFPers to rethink formingh of new parties and come back to the SLFP if you want to remain in active politics, Minister Musthapha said. (Sandun A Jayasekera)
DAILY MAIL, 4 AUGUST, 2017 - Bangladeshs new anti-graft hotline has been overwhelmed with tens of thousands of calls about acts of corruption in its first week, an official said Thursday.



Hotline number 106 was launched last Thursday by state authorities in an effort to crack down on graft in Bangladesh, which has been listed by a global watchdog as one of the worlds most corrupt nations.

Since July 27 around 75,000 people called our hotline, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) spokesman Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya told AFP.



The commission is empowered to investigate bribes in government offices and agencies, misappropriation of state assets or money, embezzlement of state funds, amassing of wealth through illegal means, money laundering and bank fraud. Local English daily The New Age said most complaints were against land record offices, followed by utility services, state-run hospitals,

government-run schools and railway and road transport authorities.
The Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (FIU-Sri Lanka) entered into Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the China AML Monitoring and Analysis Centre and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Kingdom of Bhutan at the 20th Annual Meeting of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), held in Colombo recently, to share financial information in facilitating investigation and prosecution of persons suspected of being involved in Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (ML and TF).



Dr. H. Amarathunga, Director FIU-Sri Lanka signed the MOU with Luo Yubing, Director General, China AML Monitoring and Analysis Centre and Phajo Dorjee, Deputy Governor/Head of FIU, Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan on behalf of the respective institutions.



These MOUs have been entered into, in terms of the provisions of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, No. 6 of 2006.



China became a member of the APG in 2001 and joined the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as a fully fledged member in 2007.



The FIU-Bhutan which was formally established in October, 2010 within the Royal Monetary Authority, obtained its membership of the APG in 2011.



The FIUs across the world, adopt MOUs to co-operate with each other through the exchange of information, in order to combat ML and TF which are more often internationally connected and emanating from global criminal activities. In view of this, greater coordination among Financial Intelligence Authorities is facilitated through MOUs which provide a legal framework adaptable to each country. This has been introduced by the Egmont Group, the association of FIUs worldwide.

With the signing of the above two MOUs, the total number of MOUs entered into by the FIU-Sri Lanka, has increased to 35.
The Colombo Fort Magistrates Court today ordered those who are protesting against the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) to refrain from entering any state institution or cause inconvenience to the public.

The five-day protest march carried out by the SAITM Virodi Sisu-Jana Vyaparaya demanding the SAITM be abolished will reach Colombo this afternoon, the Medical Student's Action Committee (MSAC) said.

MSCA Convener Ryan Jayalath told the Daily Mirror that close to 4000 protestors will arrive in Colombo around 3.30 pm today and that they were in Kiribathgoda at the moment.

The final destination of the protest march has not been confirmed yet, he added.

The protest march commenced from Kandy on Monday (July 31). (Kalathma Jayawardhane)
It has become nothing but humdrum when it comes to warning the general public in taking precautions against dengue. Something that we all know, despite every measure being taken, is that the disease cant be eradicated overnight. This has to be said in the backdrop of the inevitable number of citizens falling victim to dengue everyday. So the situation has now aggravated and more attention is being paid to dengue cures and treatments. What has become really important is to find light at the end of the tunnel and that amounts to a medically curative method.

The good news is that the worlds first licensed dengue vaccine, approved by the World Health Organization, is available and now in use as a treatment for dengue. The

vaccine is currently been used in 18 countries. Its also available in Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand apart from being used in other continents. The licensed dengue vaccine is a live attenuated recombinant tetravalent vaccine which is given on a 3 dose series on a 0, 6 and 12 month basis. The vaccine is recommended for people in the age range of 9 - 45 years in dengue endemic countries.

Perspective of Medical Personas

According to Professor in Medicine Arjuna De Silva, attached to the Faculty of Medicine in Ragama, the dengue vaccine seemingly is an effective method to help control dengue in the country. The vaccine is WHO approved. The vaccine has an overall effect against all four dengue serotypes. This seems to have highly probable positive effects to help treat dengue patients and so far has been reported safe. Also 7 of the Asian countries have implemented the vaccine, Professor De Silva said.

While a vaccine for dengue seems so essential for a country like Sri Lanka-which is now battling a dengue crisis-declaring the use of this vaccine has not been simple, hence the delay in it being used in medical practice in the country. For the record around 300 dengue related deaths have been reported.

A dengue patient receives treatment at a government hospital

When the reasons for the delay in the dengue vaccine were inquired from the GMOA Secretary, Dr. Haritha Aluthge, he stated that the vaccine is yet to be studied and trial tested. Aluthge said that it is only then that it can be approved for medical use in the country. He said that such trials and tests are essentianl as a possible risk entails the implementation of a new vaccine. Before the vaccine can be used on patients, a trial test has to be done to ensure safety. We should also refer to the trial tests done in other countries. The vaccine has to be studied and trial tested before it can be used medically. There is a procedure to follow with regard to the National Medical Regulatory Authority (NMRA) of the country before approving a vaccine. The vaccines should be affirmed in terms of cost effectiveness as well. We should also consider the success rate of the vaccine in other countries. Generally the procedure to introduce a new vaccine to a country is something that takes time. We cant use Sri Lankan patients as guinea pigs, he warned.



Reports reveal that Sri Lankans have flown to Singapore on various occasions to get the vaccine. While opulent citizens may be able to get vaccinated, the less affluent have been left without such an opportunity in obtaining the vaccination. These happenings have led to the questioning about the delay in the use of the vaccine in Sri Lanka given that its already being used in a country like Singapore.



But according to Dr. Aluthge, the results of the vaccine can change from country to country. That is why trial tests are necessarily. The dengue vaccine is a new vaccine which hasnt been used on patients for a long time. The vaccine doesnt have a history of being used in medical practice for more than 20 or 30 years. So its a risk. There are instances where medicine that works for one country hasnt proven successful in another. So a trial test has to be done on a scientific basis before officially introducing the vaccine to a country. It has to be decided whether the trial is going to be performed islandwide or in a selected province. There is an advisory committee with regard to national vaccines. The decision to be made with regard to this vaccine is up to this committee. Rather than talking about this topic while being in the dark, its better to obtain approval for the vaccine through a methodical manner, he said.



On behalf of the GMOA, what I can say is, if the vaccine is to be implemented, it has to be done using a scientific basis with respect to the laws of the country and it has to be done without unnecessary delay. The vaccine has to be passed as a national policy following the act of the NMRA with its approval, he further said.



Straight from the Source

The approached Sanofi Pasteur, to obtain details of the vaccine. Sanofi Pasteur is the vaccines division of the French multinational pharmaceutical company, Sanofi , deemed as one of 4 companies that produces the vaccine for yellow fever globally.



Spokesperson for Sanofi Pasteur referred to background details of the vaccine which include the countries that have used the vaccine. The overall effectiveness of the vaccine in treating the dengue disease was specified. Sanofi Pasteur dengue vaccine is the culmination of over two decades of scientific innovation and collaboration, as well as 25 clinical studies in 15 countries, involving 40,000 volunteers, around the world. Currently approved in 18 countries including Brazil, Mexico, Australia and Singapore, the dengue vaccine has been proven to be efficacious against all four serotypes that cause the disease. Pooled Phase III clinical study results among at-risk populations of 9 + years old, over a 25-month period, showed that the vaccine can prevent 8 out of 10 hospitalizations, 9 out of 10 of severe dengue cases and has an overall efficacy of 65.6%, the spokesperson said.





The vaccine has an overall effect against all four dengue serotypes. This vaccine so far has been reported safe Professor

Arjuna De Silva

When the company spokesperson was asked about their approach with the vaccine to Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan response to the vaccine proposal, the spokesperson stated that the company had submitted an application to the NMRA for approval in June last year. The NMRA in response had informed the necessity of the assessment of surveillance data during a time period of one year from countries where the vaccine was implemented before it (vaccine) can be approved. We submitted an application to obtain marketing approval to the Sri Lankan regulatory authorities in June 2016. In March 2017, the NMRA informed us that they would like to assess post-marketing surveillance data from countries in which the vaccine has been used for a period of 1 year before making a decision on approval of the vaccine. Sanofi Pasteur responded to the queries of NMRA in a letter dated April 4th, 2017 and provided long-term safety and efficacy data from clinical trials involving over 35,000 subjects and post-marketing safety surveillance. Since then, we have been closely engaged with the NMRA and await their decision on approval of the vaccine for use in Sri Lanka, the spokesperson further said.

Generally the procedure to introduce a new vaccine is something that takes time. We cant use Sri Lankan patients as guinea pigs GMOA Secretary, Dr. Haritha Aluthge

The spokesperson stressed on the vaccines performance and effectiveness accentuating its safety and high efficacy. We have long-term data on the safety of our vaccine for 6 years post vaccination from a Phase IIB efficacy study involving 4002 subjects and for 5 and 4 years respectively from two phase III studies conducted in 10 dengue-endemic countries inAsia and Latin America involving more than 31,000 subjects. The results consistently showed a continued reduction of hospitalized dengue cases. In addition, 2 Periodic Benefit-Risk Evaluation Reports have been published in between a 6-months interval since the post-marketing approval. These include safety data collected by Sanofi Pasteur from worldwide sources, since the vaccines approval in December 2015 till 07 December 2016, and do not warrant any significant Regulatory Authority actions.(e.g., restrictions in approved indications, suspensions or withdrawal of a marketing authorization, new contraindications for use, new or strengthened warnings), the spokesperson said.



The company believes that the vaccine will help make a difference in the dengue situation in the country, all the while assuring its safety and efficacy. The long-term data on our vaccine and the post-marketing safety surveillance reassure us of the long-term efficacy and safety of the vaccine.

This new tool will have a significant impact on our fight against dengue, when used along with other dengue control measures.Sanofi Pasteur stands ready to provide the vaccine to Sri Lanka and believes that this vaccine, coupled with other preventive measures, can make a difference in Sri Lanka in fighting this terrible disease, the spokesperson added.



A much provoked inquiry

The question of the delay with regard to the implementation of the vaccine in Sri Lanka is a much provoked inquiry in many a mind. But in actuality this query must be rephrased to questioning the suitability of the vaccine to be used on Sri Lankans. The question, Are we ready for the dengue vaccine to be used in Sri Lanka? was addressed in the Weekly Epidemiological Report issued by the Epidemiology Unit for March 18- 24 2017 It accentuated the necessity to approach the implementation of a vaccine program using a scientific approach. The report stressed that the current disease surveillance system in Sri Lanka is inadequate to assess dengue transmission dynamics at a national and sub national level. The current surveillance system doesnt capture morbidity data from out-patient departments, laboratories and the community. Therefore the patients who dont get admitted to hospitals, particularly those with mild symptoms or clinically unapparent infections are unlikely to be reported and arent reflected in the morbidity figures. From the inpatients too, a proportion of cases may be missed from hospitals in different parts of the country. Consequently, under reporting is a significant problem with the routine surveillance mechanism currently in place, the report reveals.



The importance of an assessment to evaluate the vulnerable ages and the serological extent of dengue transmission has also been highlighted in the epidemiology report, in attempts to recognize the state of the dengue burden. It is important that we have an understanding of the sero-prevalence of dengue in the country or at least in the high- risk areas like western province or in the Colombo district. In this back drop, a community based descriptive study of dengue sero-epidemiology in the Colombo district is being carried out by the epidemiology unit. Age-specific dengue sero-prevalence in the metropolitan, urban and rural populations in the Colombo district will be assessed in this study, the report states. The study will prove helpful as age-stratified sero-surveys are currently deemed as the best way to select populations suitable for vaccination. When this is directed at a sub national level, it will help guide vaccine decision making. The Epidemiology Report stated that this knowledge is acclaimed important for evidence based effective control and as preventive strategies for future introduction of the vaccine. The outcome of this study is said to be important in accurately sizing up the dengue dilemma and preventing it from wreaking havoc in the country.

Vaccine Technicality

Referring to the Weekly Epidemiology Report (Vol.44, No.12) issued by the Epidemiology Unit for the time period between March 18-24, 2017, one dengue vaccine has been registered in several countries while there are several other vaccines for dengue being developed at the moment.

When it came to effectiveness of the vaccine in the trials, it has varied from each individual and also the country. Vaccine efficacy varied from country to country in the studies, ranging from 31.3% in Mexico to 79% in Malaysia, the report states. It was also further explained in the report that age and various scientific reasons such as sero-prevalence affected the effectiveness of the vaccine. Age and sero-positivity have depicted a higher correlation in the trials.



It was further reported that during vaccine studies, an instance of an increased risk of hospitalization for dengue was seen particularly in the age group of 2-5 year olds. There have been several hypotheses to suggest the cause with regards to medical science, but nothing has been confirmed. This result led to the decision of vaccinating patients starting from the age of 9 years. The sero-positivity or sero-negativity of a dengue patient seems to have an effect on an individuals response to the dengue vaccine. Vaccination may be ineffective or may theoretically even increase the future risk of dengue illness in those who are sero-negative at the time of first vaccination regardless of age. If this is the case, even in high transmission settings there may be an increased risk among sero-negative persons despite a reduction in dengue illness at the population level, the report further states. A different report revealed that vaccine efficacy was high against dengue types 3(71.6%) and 4 (76.9%) in comparison to dengue types 1 (54.7%) and 2 (43%). Vaccine efficacy was observed to be high in sero-positive individuals in comparison to sero-negative individuals. In the Asian trial of the vaccine, the efficacy for sero-positive individuals was 74.3% whereas the efficacy was 35.5% for sero-negative individuals. The Latin American trail begged to differ with higher efficacies with sero-positive acquiring 83.7% and sero-negative efficacy being 43.2%.

The current surveillance system doesnt capture morbidity data from out-patient departments, laboratories and the community

The Weekly Epidemiological Report also stated that mathematical models have been developed under various assumptions to predict the impact of dengue vaccines when administered in a routine immunization programme. The cost-effectiveness of the vaccines were also considered at in the modelling comparison. As the cost of vaccine procurement and delivery was unknown, the analyses were presented as costs per fully vaccinated person. One DALY averted was valued at around US$ 2000 based on benchmarking the costs against alternative interventional strategies being carried out to prevent dengue. Against this benchmark, in settings with sero-prevalence in the range of 50%90% at age 9 years, vaccination was predicted to be cost effective if the total cost of fully vaccinating one person were less than US$1540 in the public health perspective. It should be noted, however, that the modelling comparison results were based on regional indicators and should be used as a substitute for country-specific analyses to effect local decision-making.



WHO has specified on the target groups for the vaccines. In defining populations to be targeted for vaccination, prior infection with dengue virus of serotype, as measured by sero-prevalence, should be approximately 70% greater, in the age group targeted for vaccination, in order to maximize public health impact and cost effectiveness. A different report stated that vaccination of populations in between the recommended age groups with sero-prevalence in the range between 50-70% is acceptable, but the impact may be lower than the desired level while the vaccination of populations with sero-prevalence below 50% is not recommended.



The Weekly Epidemiological Report further stressed that positive effects cant be expected from the vaccine alone and that it should be considered part of a dengue control mechanism. Dengue vaccination introduction should be carried out as a part of comprehensive dengue control strategy, including well-executed and sustained vector control, evidence based best practices for clinical care for all patients with dengue illness, and strong dengue surveillance, the report stresses.

However it was also noted that though the dengue vaccination may be introduced as part of an overall dengue control strategy, its not expected to make a significant impact in the wake of an outbreak.

The debate regarding the vaccine was taken to the streets when the Dailymirror made inquiries from the public to note down their opinions. This was mainly because we think that ultimately its the general public that must be the beneficiaries of a medical scheme thats put to use. Citizens expressed a rainbow of views that included a dislike for the vaccine as well as those who supported it. Some opined that the implementation of a vaccine for dengue would be a good step while others harboured fears regarding the safety of the vaccine.

I completely agree with the implementation of a dengue vaccine. But I also think that the vaccine should be reinforced along with medical recommendations of a doctor,

said Wathsala.



I am all for the implementation of a dengue vaccine under safety assurances. I think it will prove beneficial as a treatment for dengue which is a dreadful disease,

said Manosha Fernando

No, I dont agree with a vaccine. Implementation of a vaccine isnt childs play. It could lead to dangerous consequences. Rather than approaching a vaccine, I think that there are many other actions that must be taken to suppress the dengue condition in the country. Though these vaccines are said to be used in countries like Singapore, we cant ignore the fact that they are developed countries unlike Sri Lanka. So the success of the vaccine here is questionable. But if the vaccine is approved by doctors, then it could be a considerable step,

said Christaline Fernando

The fact that the vaccine is being used in other countries is assuring. After all, most of the medicines used in Sri Lanka are from other countries as well. In any case, the vaccine would be a good thing. It would be good for the children,

said Ishan Perera

As a mother of two daughters, I am concerned for their safety, so I dont agree with a vaccine if it isnt approved by the Health Ministry and medical professionals. My daughters just recovered from dengue and I know the severity of the disease, but even so I wont opt for a vaccine unless its approved medically in Sri Lanka,

said Niranjala
From left: CIM Sri Lanka Membership Development Manager Sanjay Hettiarachchi; CIM Sri Lanka Chairman Brian Selvanayagam; Emerald International (Pvt.) Ltd General Manager Fazni Amanulla and Emerald International (Pvt.) Ltd Marketing and Business Development Senior Head Kisani Dahanayake

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka entered into its second year of corporate partnership with Emerald International (Pvt.) Limited, one of the leading menswear brands in Sri Lanka, to further strengthen the knowledge and expertise of marketing in mens fashion.



The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between CIM Sri Lanka and Emerald International (Pvt.) Limited will also further strengthen their respective brand identities in the market.



Commenting on the partnership, Emerald International (Pvt.) Limited Marketing and Business Development Senior Head Kisani Dahanayakesaid: We at Emerald are delighted to further strengthen our relationship and extend our support as a sponsor of a renowned professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing Sri Lanka. It will be an ideal opportunity to sharpen our knowledge and skills as professionals in the industry in our unwavering commitment towards delivering the best to our consumers.



CIM Sri Lanka Chairman Brian Selvanayagam said: We are proud to extend our partnership with Emerald and grateful to their continued support to help promote CIM and its activities in Sri Lanka.

Fazni Amanulla who signed the MOU on behalf of Emerald and CIM Sri Lanka Membership Development Manager Sanjay Hettiarachchi were also present at the event.

CIM Sri Lanka is the first international branch of CIM UK and is the largest membership outside the UK. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, CIM Sri Lanka has always campaigned for high professional standards, greater recognition for the profession and marketing excellence in Sri Lanka through education, training and development.



The Emerald Brand has continuously achieved substantial growth and brand leadership milestones through the years and proudly celebrates over 60 years of expertise in the industry. Continuing their leadership into the future, Emerald also offers their customers the convenience of shopping onlineand have their favourite fashion labels delivered to their doorstep. Customers also have the option of choosing between paying by credit/debit card online or with cash on delivery.
The Sri Lanka Navy yesterday facilitated the repatriation of 77 Indian fishermen, who were released from Sri Lankan custody after detaining them for poaching within the islands territorial waters.

It was reported that these fishermen were apprehended on separate occasions by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard in the northern seas for illegally venturing into Sri Lankan waters and engaging in bottom trawling, a destructive fishing method.

The Sri Lanka Navy reported that the Indian fishermen were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarang yesterday, at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) north of Kankasanthurai. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)
The No-Confidence Motion against Foreign Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake should be taken seriously not only by Parliament but also by the government and the people of the country, Joint Opposition Leader MP Dinesh Gunawardane said.

After submitting the motion to the Secretary General of Parliament, the MP told Daily Mirror that it should be included in the order book following Speakers approval.

The party leaders will then have to decide a date on which to take up the motion for a debate followed by a vote, he said.

He said the motion was handed over to Parliament yesterday on the basis that Minister Karunanayake was no longer fit to hold a ministerial portfolio. We seek his resignation, he said.

The motion was signed by 32 MPs of the joint opposition. (By Lahiru Pothmulla)
Responding to the request made by Perpetual Treasuries Ltd. Lawyer, the Presidential Commission of Inquiry yesterday said that it would continue with the proceedings of the inquiry without having a vacation during the month of August.

Presidents Counsel Nihal Fernando yesterday told the Commission that PTLs evidence would start from next Tuesday (August 8) and it would last for the entire next week.

Therefore, he asked the Commission to provide a short period of a vacation before the cross examination of his evidence began.

However, Commissioner Justice K.T. Chithrasiri said that he was supposed to travel to Nepal as a trainer for a training programme for Judges but had to cancel it since concluding the inquiry was more important at the moment.

Commissioner, Justice Prasanna Jayawardena also said that they were concerned about finishing the proceedings as soon as possible because they had to get back to the Supreme Court as well.

Thereby, the Commission ascertained that it would not take any break this time and would continue to hear the proceedings. (Shehan Chamika Silva)
Sampath Bankfurther extended its growth momentum in the 2nd quarter of the year and recorded apost-tax profit of Rs 5.7 Bn for the six months ended 30th June 2017.This registered an impressive 35.1% YoY growth in comparison tothe Profit AfterTax (PAT) of Rs4.2Bnrecorded for the six months ended 30th June 2016.Profit BeforeTax (PBT) too grew by36.6% YoY and reached Rs 7.8 Bn by 30th June 2017.

The Sampath Group, which comprises of Sampath Bank and four fully owned subsidiary companies, alsoposteda growth of 36.8% and 35.0% at PBT and PAT levels respectively.

Fund Based Income (FBI)

Net Interest Income (NII), which is the main source of income representing almost 70% of the total operating income of the Bank, recorded an increase of Rs 3.0 Bn (29.0%) during the period under review. Accordingly, the Bank recordedRs 13.1Bn as NII for the 1st half of 2017, as against Rs 10.2Bn recorded for the corresponding period in 2016.

The above achievement was made possible due to the robust growth recorded in the Banks fund base, as indicated by 11% (annualized 22%) growth in deposits and 12%(annualized 24%) growth in advances.The timely re-pricing of asset and liability productsand other fundmanagement strategies adopted by the Bank too played a pivotal role in achieving the 29% growth in NII.

Non Fund Based Income (NFBI)

Net fee and commission income, which largely comprises of credit, trade, card and electronic channel related fees increased to Rs3.8Bnduring the period under review, as opposed to Rs 3.0Bn recorded during the corresponding period in 2016. This income source too has posted animpressiveYoY growth of 26.3% largely due tothe robust growth recorded in advances, expansion of credit card operations and the successful launching of innovative value additions through electronic channel offerings.

The Bank's other operating income, net trading income and gains from financial investmentstoo recorded anincrease of 43%during the period under review.Increase in realized exchange income anddividend income from financial assets have contributed to the saidincrease in other operating income. Consequently, other operating incomefor the 1st half of 2017 stood at Rs 2.0 Bn, as opposed to Rs1.4Bn reportedduring thecorresponding period in 2016.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses of the Bank which stood at Rs7.2Bnduring the 1st half of 2016, increased to Rs 7.9 Bn during the period under review, reflecting anYoY increase of 9.5%. This increase was mainly due to increase in personnel expenses triggered by annual salary increments.Other overhead expensestoo increased due to general price hikes andindirect tax increases. However, the Cost to Income ratio excluding VAT & NBT on financial services improved to 41.6% in the first half of the year from 49.3% reported in the same period in 2016. This recordsan improvement of770 basis points,which is a significant achievementparticularly in view ofSampath Bank having one of the youngest branch networks compared to its closest competitors.

Impairment Chargeson Loans and Receivables

Impairment charges amounting to Rs1.35Bn recorded forthe first half of2017 showed an increase of Rs 794 Mn over the comparative periods charge of Rs 561 Mn. Impairment provision of already impaired individually significant customers was further increased during the firsthalf of 2017 after considering the current status of the recovery process. Consequently, impairment charge on account of individually significant loans increased by 39% during the period under review. On the other hand, collective impairment charge increased by Rs 545 Mnpredominantly due tothe growth in the loan portfolio. Marginal increase in NPA ratio from 1.61% in December 2016 to 1.77% in June 2017 too has contributed to the above increase in collective impairment. However, the Banks NPA is still the lowest among industry peers and stands well below its closest competitors. This provides an indication of the quality of the loan book and the unique and efficient recovery measures implemented by the Bank.

Business Growth

Sampath Banks total asset base surpassed Rs 700 Bn mark in 2017. Asset base grew by 10.1% (annualized 20.2%) during thefirst half of 2017 to reach Rs 725.3 Bn against Rs 658.5 Bn reported as at 31st December 2016.Gross loans andreceivables grew by 12% (annualized 24%) during the periodand moved up to Rs 524.6 Bn (up by Rs 56 Bn) as at 30th June 2017. Total deposit base too increased by Rs 57.7Bn, recording a growth of 11% (annualized 22%) during this period and stood at Rs 574.0 Bn as at the reporting date. However, the CASA ratio (36.3%) decreased slightly compared to 31stDecember 2016 (38.4%).

Performance Ratios

ROE (after tax) marginally increased from 23.47% as at 31stDecember 2016 to 24.29% as at 30th June 2017. ROA (before tax) too has increasedto 2.27% from 2.14% as at 31st December 2016. The Basic Earnings PerShare for the firsthalf of 2017 has improved significantly and stood at Rs30.64as against Rs 22.68recorded during the corresponding period in the previous year. This was an impressive YoY growth of 35.1%. Statutory Liquid Asset Ratio (SLAR) as at 30th June 2017stood at 22.40% which is well above the mandatory requirement of 20%.

Capital Adequacy

The Core Capital (Tier I) and Total Capital (Tier I + Tier II) Adequacy ratios which stood at 8.31% and 12.87% respectively as at 31st December 2016 have shown a marginal drop during the period, mainly due to increase in risk weighted assets triggered by growth in the advances portfolio. Decrease in capital due to payment of cash dividends for the year ended 31st December 2016 toocontributed to the drop in capital adequacy ratios of the Bank. Accordingly, Core Capital and Total Capital Adequacy ratios as at 30th June 2017 stood at 8.21% and 12.17% respectively. Despite the slight drop, both ratios were maintained well above the minimum regulatory requirement of 5% and 10% for Core Capital and Total Capital respectively.

Other Information

2017 is an important year for Sampath Bank, where the Bank celebrates its 30th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1987, the Bank has progressively developed in all spheres of its operations and today, is positioned as the 3rdlargest private sector commercial bank in Sri Lanka. The Bank is renowned for its innovative banking solutions and excellent customer service during the past three decades.

Once again, Sampath Bank was awarded the Best Bank in Sri Lanka - 2017, a recognition given to top performing financial institutions, by the prestigious Business Magazine "The Euromoney". The Bank hasnow been endowed with this prestigious title for four years; 2017, 2016, 2014 and 2013.
Sri Lankas cream of singing voices gathered from leading Christian school choirs and sang in unison of Gods wonder in the presence of over 1,500 at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour for a worthy cause-the Education Fund for the less privileged children.



Raising their voices, feeling the presence of Jesus Christ with feel of the Holy Spirit, feel for one another, feel of compassion, feel of spiritual love and the feel of oneness, the youngsters and the not so young, poured out of their hearts to the wondrous conducting of the popular De Lanerolle brother, who spared no pain to make it a success.



They were joined by Organists Dr. Jonathan Clarke (London) Neranjan de Silva (Sri Lanka) and Battista Prada (Italy) as Orchestra Conductor.



In between the programme, the Vicar of the Cathedral, Ven. Perry Brohier made a brief appearance to thank and praise the magnanimity of all who thronged to make the event a great success. He thanked all for their dedication and commitment.



After the heavenly strains died down and a sense of spirituality prevailed, the Lord Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Delo Canagasaby wound up the evenings praise to the Lord, when everyone sat to listen in

pin-drop silence.



In his usual style delivered with simplicity and clarity, the Bishop emphasised on the unfinished Word of God.



Step by step he led us on the unfinished journey towards its spiritual meaning and when ready to complete his mission, he said:-



This church represents the symbol of God and therein lies His deliverance, His word. This is where he abides until he is ready for our ultimate salvation and when the time is right, it will be wholesome. No danger, no fear within but as strong as his word: Beautiful Home he has prepared for all his followers, all Christians: As his children we have to have faith in his word.



Many times when I worshipped at the Cathedral, my eyes strayed around the massive structure of the church, so imposing in all grandeur and architecture. Strong and steadfast but not complete and why the church is not putting to right where it matters: The dripping and dried cement flow from its columns, the need of plaster in many places, the dome half opened to the sky and many more

unfinished work.



The more I looked at them, the more puzzled I became, but forgot the issue when I Left the church. Did the church have no money to complete it? And the Bishop had the answer.



Then it dawned on me as I listened to our shepherd when he spoke of the unfinished work of God like our church, the walls though strong, have to wait. They represent and remind us of our long wait for salvation until He is ready.



That evening I got the answer of the incomplete church that had puzzled me. Bishop Canagasaby is the Father, the gentle and genial shepherd to all Christians no matter to what Christian sect one belongs as he look upon one and all with infinite, undivided love for all as well as for non- Christians in trouble, who seek compassion and strong and sturdy as his , this towering Cathedral where God abides.

How great Thou Art

De Lanerolle Brothers

O Lord my God , when I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the worlds thy hand have made,

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed:



Choir 

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee

How great thou art,

Great thou art

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee

How great thou art,

How great thou art.

(GH)
AFP: Japanese auto giant Toyota and smaller rival Mazda said yesterday they agreed a capital tie-up to focus on joint development of electric vehicles, while building a US$1.6 billion factory in the United States which will create up to 4,000 jobs.



The move comes as the automotive industry is faced with a major shift towards greener transport and greater use of information technology.



Now we face a battle with new rivals mainly in emerging markets and also a battle with IT companies such as Apple and Google, Toyota president Akio Toyoda said at a press conference.



I think an unprecedented battle without a map has begun, he said.



Japanese carmakers are also facing uncertainty over US President Donald Trumps drive to support domestic firms over foreign imports.



He has strongly criticised Toyota over its ongoing project to build a new factory in Mexico, threatening it with tariffs. Hiroshima-based Mazda has no plants in the US.



But Trump welcomed the announcement of the new US factory on Twitter.



A great investment in American manufacturing!, he tweeted.



In 2015, Toyota and Mazda signed a memorandum of understanding to explore collaboration.

Toyota and Mazda said yesterday that they would combine forces on key next-generation technology.

The pair will invest US$1.6 billion to build a factory in the US to produce cross-over models and Toyotas Corolla sedan starting from 2021.



The US plant will have the capacity to produce approximately 300,000 vehicles a year and create up to 4,000 jobs.



As they enhance collaboration, Toyota will take a roughly five percent stake in Mazda, which in turn would invest in Toyota.



Toyota has sold more than 10 million hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles globally, including the Prius, since 1997.



But it is struggling to develop electric vehicles as several countries announce plans to clamp down on petrol and diesel cars.



France and Britain have both said they will end sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040.



Also yesterday, Toyota -- which lost its crown as the worlds top-selling automaker in 2016 to German giant Volkswagen -- said its latest quarterly net profit jumped 11 percent to US$5.6 billion with vehicle sales up in Japan and the US, while it also lifted its annual earnings forecast.
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Among the most-wanted terrorists who survived in Kashmir for nearly seven years, with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his name, Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Abu Dujana from Pakistan-occupied Kashmirs Gilgit-Baltistan was recently killed following a joint operation in the Valley. He was responsible for the death of more than 20 army personnel, including two officers.

He was the latest in the list of the most-wanted terrorists. His elimination sends many signals about the current state of the Valley and the future of terrorism in the region.

For the Indian Army, Dujanas death was a major success. He had evaded cordons on many occasions. Once trapped, he knew that this time there was no getting away. A militant becomes confident with the passage of time and invariably begins to commit errors, eventually coming under the scanner.

Once this happens, intelligence agencies begin mapping the militants movements and when the situation is ripe, trap him/her. This is exactly what happened. In the end, prior to the final encounter, the officer leading the operation spoke to Abu Dujana on the phone, asking him to surrender.

The audio of their conversation, released by the Army once Dujanas elimination was imminent, showed a different side to the armed forces.

It showed the compassion and courage of the officer as he asked Dujana to surrender, before launching the final operation.

The audio of Dujana's conversation with an Indian Army personnel showed a different side to the armed forces.

The Lashkar chief refused the offer stating that this was not possible as his handlers would never let it happen. During his conversation, Dujana conceded that he was from Pakistan. Later, when India asked the Pakistan High commission to accept the body, they refused. This action of Pakistan is not new  the Islamabad government refuses to accept bodies of dead soldiers, and Dujana was just cannon fodder.

He also stated that it was Pakistan that was playing games in the Valley and taking local Kashmiris for a ride.

For the youth from Pakistan being enticed to join the militancy, the message is clear: entry to the Valley is on a one-way ticket. You can never go back and even if you die, it will not matter  your family will never know where your remains are.

Those being culled at the border, as they seek to infiltrate, remain nameless as do the scores killed during surgical strikes.

Whether you are paid or not, you just have to survive for as long as you can. This message should be part of psychological operations that Indian intelligence agencies should launch.

For the youth, including locals who have joined the rung of militancy, the message is: those who pick the gun, die by it.

You may hide for a few days or even months, ultimately you will meet your maker. Redeem and surrender, at least you will witness another sunrise. Every militant makes mistakes and the security forces need them to make just one, which would signal his/her elimination.

The youth who support militants and seek to protect them from security forces, should realise that no action of theirs can prevent their elimination. They lose lives seeking to protect those who have decided to become cannon fodder. It is of no use as the militants may be saved once or twice, but ultimately, they will be culled.

The security forces are too powerful to be cowed down by stone throwing and other distractions. They avoid civilian casualties, but if essential, would risk it to achieve their aim.

The last few months have borne witness to this fact.

Indians across the nation should listen to Dujanas conversation with the officer to understand the compassion shown by the Army when the officer spoke to a terrorist, requesting him to surrender.

During the call, the officer also asked Abu Dujana to speak about Pakistans intentions and help end the bloodshed in the Valley. This was genuine concern for the local Kashmiris, which flowed from the officer as against anger shown by misguided youth towards them.

It indicated no malice towards those who remain misguided. It was only to avoid bloodshed that Major Leetul Gogoi acted the way he did and he was castigated by human rights activists.

I wonder what they say now. India, the Army you trust is proving to you that despite casualties, it is turning the tide and bringing in normalcy at a rapid pace.

For Pakistan, send in whomever you wish, they would all be culled. It is a matter of time. Most cannot enter, the few who do, can never return and would be eliminated; hence normalcy is on its way in the Valley.

Rhetoric apart, terror groups based in Pakistan supported by the deep state are now losing control in Kashmir, as also witnessing the militants they dispatch being eliminated.

Dujanas death was also a message that the situation is fast returning to normal and the Centre and the state should now be ready to get their act together to implement their plans for resolving the Kashmir crisis  to usher in development and employment, the two most essential ingredients to remove anger.
 Flash

China on Thursday voiced appreciation of Turkey's decision to list the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) as a terrorist organization.

During a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, the two sides agreed that anti-terrorism cooperation and common security are in their fundamental interests and the core of political mutual trust.

China firmly supports Turkey's defence of its national sovereignty, security and stability, said Wang.

Cavusoglu said Turkey regards China's security as its own and will never allow any activities in Turkish territory that jeopardize China's sovereignty and security.

The two sides agreed to improve cooperation and alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Turkey's Middle Corridor plan, according to Wang.

Stressing Turkey's geographic importance to the Belt and Road initiative, Wang said China will work with Turkey to expand areas of cooperation in the process of promoting the Belt and Road construction.

The two sides also discussed the Palestine-Israel issue, with Wang saying the only way out is peace talks.

During Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' visit to China in July, President Xi Jinping made a four-point proposal on the issue and China has taken measures to implement Xi's ideas, said Wang.

He said China would like to work with Turkey, which has a unique role to play, and other parties to make unremitting efforts to fundamentally solve the issue.

Cavusoglu is paying an official visit to China from Wednesday to Thursday. During the visit, he and Wang co-hosted the second meeting of the China-Turkey foreign ministers' consultation mechanism.
 Flash

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe apologized on Thursday for the recent scandals implicating him and some of his close allies with a new cabinet in place, while opposition parties called for a deeper probe into the scandals, saying that a cabinet reshuffle won't erase the misconducts.

"I would like to express deep regret and apologize for creating strong distrust among the public over the scandals," Abe said at a press conference following the inauguration of his new cabinet.

Abe has been accused of using his influence to facilitate a government decision to approve the heavily-subsidized opening of a veterinary school at an university run by his friend.

To make the situation worse, Abe's close ally and protege Tomomi Inada stepped down last week as defense minister for being involved in covering up information about risks faced by Japanese peacekeeping troops in South Sudan.

Abe apologized for causing public distrust over the scandals and stressed that the new cabinet would put the economy first, saying that there were much to do.

As for his long-time goal of revising the pacifist constitution, Abe said that he wants to deepen the discussion on the subject inside his party and among the people but the debate "is not dependent on any schedule."

He also said nothing has been decided on whether to dissolve the lower house before its members' terms expire in December 2018.

Abe reshuffled his cabinet earlier in the day in a bid to restore public faith in a scandal-mired government, the fourth such attempt since he retook office in 2012.

Opposition party lawmakers, however, slammed the reshuffle as an attempt to cover up the scandals and called for a deeper probe into the issues.

Renho, the outgoing leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, pointed out that the cabinet reshuffle wouldn't make the scandals just disappear.

"Even if the ministers are changed, we will not end our pursuit of the allegations," she said.

She also demanded former defense minister Inada to speak at the parliament on the coverup scandal, saying that the new defense chief won't be able to explain the situation.

Seiji Mataichi, Secretary General of the Social Democratic Party, said that the prime minister should be held accountable for appointing problematic ministers.

Ichiro Matsui, head of Nippon Ishin no Kai, said that the "skeleton" of the cabinet is not changed and the reshuffle will cause little impact. To restore public trust, what the prime minister should do is to fulfill his duty of making sufficient explanations to the people, he said.

Ichiro Ozawa, coleader of the Liberal Party, said that there was no point in replacing the cabinet "since the top of the government is already corrupt," adding that what should be replaced is the prime minister.
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The Consulate General of China in San Francisco confirmed Thursday the death of a Chinese national at Yosemite National Park in northern California, a state on the U.S. West Coast.

An official told Xinhua that the consulate was notified late last week about the death of a female Chinese citizen in the park, which covers an area of 747,956 acres, or more than 3,000 square kilometers, and reaches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

While a park spokesman provided some additional information, including name and age of the deceased, the consulate opted to withhold identity information.

The Chinese consulate official said family members of the deceased, who was apparently touring alone in Yosemite, had arrived in the United States and were in contact with U.S. authorities.

The circumstance around the incident is yet to be cleared, noted the official.
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Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that he will work to implement China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and personally supervise the speedy completion of all the projects under the CPEC.

"Beyond CPEC, our economic cooperation will further enhance," said Abbasi at a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong on Thursday night.

During the meeting, the Chinese ambassador conveyed the congratulatory message of the Chinese leader to Abbasi on his election as the prime minister of Pakistan.

He said that the Chinese leadership is happy to see the smooth transition in Pakistan and will continue to support the government of Pakistan in the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi thanked the ambassador and conveyed his good wishes for the Chinese leadership.

The Chinese ambassador said that during the last four years, the bilateral relationship between China and Pakistan has attained new heights and he expressed belief that such ties will further strengthen under the leadership of Abbasi.
Several activists and authors of the Muslim-majority Malaysia reacted negatively on Tuesday, August 1, after authorities banned a Muslim book.

The authorities have reportedly banned the book over the concerns of growing conservatism in the country. The book, entitled "Breaking The Silence: Voices of Moderation - Islam In A Constitutional Democracy," is a collection of essays whose publication was organized by prominent groups of Muslim Malaysians. They are pushing for a more tolerant form of Islam in the country.

The Muslim book ban was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said that possessing and printing that book was most "likely to be prejudicial to public order" and "likely to alarm public opinion".

It can be noted that anyone who breaches this ban can be jailed up to three years.

Malaysia is known to routinely ban movies, songs and books which may contain sensitive topics regarding sex and religion. But critics reportedly said that the government has been clamping down harder in these recent times.

"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," one of the authors named Chandra Muzaffar said about the ban, adding that the government has extended its authoritarian approach to the religion.

A right activist and daughter of former premier Mahathir Mohamad said that the move was to silence the critics of the government. She added: "It is about silencing anybody who has a different view."

Critics reportedly say that the authorities were clamping down anything that are not Islamic as Prime Minister Najib Razak's party seeks to appeal to the Muslim people in Malaysia.
ELK MOUND  To gather opinions on the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill and how to increase rural prosperity, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has embarked on a five-state RV journey he calls the Back to Our Roots listening tour. On Friday, that tour swung by Jim Holtes farm in Elk Mound.

Waiting for the secretarys RV to arrive at his southern Dunn County farm on Friday, Holte, who is Wisconsin Farm Bureaus president, said that foremost on mind was how dairy, trade and immigration will be dealt with in the new Farm Bill.

I think its fitting to talk about these issues on a farm, Holte said. It tells me something about the secretary that he wants to meet the people that are impacted directly by these programs and policies.

The event was attended by area Farm Bureau members and other farm-related producers. Emerging from the RV with Perdue were Wisconsin Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wausau).

Introducing Perdue before a brat-and-burger lunch, Holte noted, As a former governor of Georgia, Sonny has a close relationship with the staff of Farm Bureau...4-H and FFA. He is truly a member of the agriculture community.

Holte listed a few of the diverse agricultural products in which Wisconsin ranks first in the nation including cheese, cranberries, ginseng, milk, mink pelts and, of course, dairy.

He reminded Perdue: We made international news when (Wisconsin) dairy farmers were left without processors (after a decision by the Canadian dairy industry on ultrafiltered milk). It was a scary time of uncertainly for our states dairy farmers, and it weighed heavily on them. This shows the importance of trade and the relationship we have with other countries. So dairy and trade, specifically NAFTA, are very big concerns for all of us in Wisconsin as well as immigration, in the 2018 Farm Bill.

Before getting into the lunch line, Perdue told the invited guests, What you say is important. I dont want you to think that were here to talk; were here to listen.

However, the 45-minute listening session was closed to non-invited members of the public and the media. But Perdue did field questions from reporters after the session was done.

Were coming back to our roots because the people in that barn today are the roots of American society...the great farmers and producers, he said. Thats the heartbeat of how this country started  great innovators, great risk takers, great American spirit in there.

About the issues that were discussed, Perdue said, We need more trade. The good news is were so blessed as a nation. We can produce more than we can consume. That means we need to sell it all over the world and thats what were doing.

He acknowledged the difficulties Wisconsin farmers face when it comes to finding workers.

Theres a need for farm labor and a farm labor program for immigrant guest workers where we can make sure our cows get milked and our crops get harvested and do that on an ongoing basis, Perdue said.

The regulations surrounding agriculture, he added, have proved burdensome as well: Senator Johnson and Congressman Duffy know that weve been in an extreme, frustrating, over-regulatory environment for the past eight years. We want to unwind that. In Washington, you dont unwind things easily. Theres a process to go through, peeling back like an onion and getting to where farmers can farm again.

Asked how actively involved he and his department will be in the upcoming North American Free Trade Agreement talks, Perdue said, Were going to be in the right ear of our U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer...Hes going to look to us for consultation when it comes to ag. He has a whole portfolio of trade, but when it comes to ag, he knows the USDA are experts.

To provide further reassurance, Perdue added, Every time we break up a Cabinet meeting or small trade meeting, they say, We not going to hurt the farmers....Were speaking up loudly, unashamedly advocating for American agriculture because its a huge contribution to our trade surplus. They know that, they know we do it better than anybody in the world. And I want to make sure that they dont ever forget it at the trade negotiation tables.

Despite the difficulties farmers face, Perdue said there is much to be thankful for in America: I know there are a lot of challenges out there, a lot of challenges on the farm...(But) between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico  we live in the best neighborhood on the planet.
Once a massive electronics manufacturing campus in southeastern Wisconsin is fully staffed and running, its payroll could hit $800 million annually, a top state official said Thursday.

Department of Administration Secretary Scott Neitzel cited that figure during an Assembly hearing Thursday on Gov. Scott Walkers bill to give Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn a $3 billion incentive package and roll back environmental regulations for the plant.

Foxconn wants to build a 15-building, 20-million-square-foot manufacturing campus in southeastern Wisconsin. It would employ 3,000 people initially  and up to 13,000 eventually  building liquid-crystal display, or LCD, panels for electronic devices.

The hearing Thursday, which went into the evening, was the first time lawmakers heard official testimony about the project, and the first time the public was invited to share thoughts. A contract must be in place by the end of September, according to an agreement between Walker and Foxconn chairman Terry Gou.

The Foxconn payroll  when fully up to speed  will be up to $800 million a year, Neitzel said. We cannot let this opportunity pass us by.

Testifying in support of the bill before the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy were Neitzel, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.CEO Mark Hogan and Walkers budget director, Waylon Hurlburt, among many others. Meanwhile, several Democrats said more information was needed about the impact of the project on the states finances and environment.

Hogan said Thursday the starting salary for the majority of Foxconn employees in Wisconsin would be $20 an hour, or $41,600 annually based on a 40-hour workweek. Officials say the average salary would be about $53,000.

Foxconn chose Wisconsin over a number of other states offering the company a larger incentive package, Walker said last week, and wants the new plant to be operational by 2020.

To see how everyone in this state pulled together was simply fantastic and I think that made a great impression on them, Neitzel said about why Wisconsin was chosen by the company.

Foxconn officials were not at the hearing to testify or answer questions from lawmakers on the committee, but committee chairman Rep. Adam Neylon, R-Pewaukee, read a prepared statement from Gou.

Gou said the plant would be the largest and most advanced LCD display factory in the world, and that it would be the first U.S. plant that could manufacture whole televisions at one plant.

Rep. Amanda Stuck, D-Appleton, took issue with Foxconn officials absence at the hearing.

If they expect taxpayers to shell out $3 billion, why dont they have anybody here? she asked.

Democratic lawmakers on the committee also grilled Neitzel and Hogan about whether enough protections were in place if the deal fell through, or if Foxconn did not end up creating the number of jobs the company is promising.

Hogan said the contracts terms cannot change much.

The thrust of what we want to achieve here has to stay intact, he said.

Rep. Tod Ohnstad, D-Kenosha, who represents an area that could include potential workers for the plant, said hes looking forward to jobs coming to the area, but needs more information before voting. Foxconn is choosing between two southeastern sites: one in Kenosha County and one in Racine County.

My enthusiasm for creating new jobs and strengthening the economy is tempered by many unanswered questions, Ohnstad said.

The company also is looking at sites in the Dane County area for a separate facility.

Rep. David Crowley, D-Milwaukee, said a nonpartisan analysis of the fiscal impact of the bill from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau is needed.

Its kind of hard to be for or against this when you dont have more information related to this deal, Crowley said.

Walker introduced the bill last week and Assembly Republicans want to have a floor vote on the bill by mid-August. But Senate Republicans want lawmakers to pass a 2017-19 state budget, now more than a month overdue, first.

Meanwhile, the director of a free-market advocacy group, Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin, said the group could not get behind the $3 billion in refundable income tax credits included in the incentive package.

As free-market activists who staunchly oppose government tax incentives, we cannot support the expensive refundable tax credits in this package, which are not available to every other business in our state, AFP director Eric Bott said in a statement.

Hurlburt said the next state budget would be minimally affected by the Foxconn project, though Hogan said if the company hires staff quickly, tax credits would be available before the start of the next state spending plan. And Neitzel said the number of suppliers needed to support the Foxconn project would help small businesses and create more of them to fill the Foxconn supply chain.

Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, said he generally doesnt like incentive packages but that the one being considered by lawmakers would deliver a broad return for the state  particularly in the effect of billions of dollars in construction, new jobs with suppliers for Foxconn and in income taxes paid in the future.

University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross also told lawmakers he believes the Foxconn project would be transformative for the state and would catapult the state university system into a position of global prominence.

He said he would not be supportive of his budget being cut in the future to accommodate Foxconn, but believed any stress the budget experiences because of adding staff, research, partnerships or other work the states universities would provide Foxconn would result in a positive effect on the states economy.

Obviously it puts stress on any organization but it also over time will expand other opportunities and those opportunities will be beneficial in many, many ways  including economically, Cross said.

Cross said he wanted lawmakers to consider adding money for the UW System in the bill or in the 2017-19 state budget to accommodate the hiring of new faculty the system anticipates it would need to produce engineers for Foxconn.
Wisconsin wineries will go toe-to-toe in a competition Monday on the campus of UW-Madison.

The universitys Department of Food Science is hosting an inaugural Wine is Wisconsin competition that will include 85 wines from 18 wineries throughout the state. The alcoholic beverages will be judged by eight food writers, restaurateurs, wine experts and retailers.

Honey and fruit wines, such as from cherries and cranberries, will accompany their traditional grape-made counterparts in the competition.

The wines are sourced from at least 75 percent Wisconsin products.

Judging kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at room B141 in Babcock Hall, 1605 Linden Drive, and final determinations will be made at 1 p.m.

There are over 100 wineries throughout the Badger State, according to the Wisconsin Winery Association.
The funds are invested in stocks, bonds and money market instruments, among others.

New Delhi: The mutual fund (MF) industry's asset base has touched a record high of nearly Rs 20 lakh crore at the July-end, mainly driven by fresh inflows in equity and debt segments.

The assets under management (AUM) of mutual fund industry rose from Rs 18.96 lakh crore at the end of June from Rs 19.97 lakh crore by the July-end, as per the data of Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi).

Asset base of the industry, comprising 42 players, had crossed the milestone of Rs 10 lakh crore for the first time in May 2014 and in a short span of less than three years, the AUM size almost doubled to touch Rs 19 lakh crore last month.

Industry experts attributed the monthly rise in asset base to inflows in income and equity categories. Besides, buoyant investor sentiment and phenomenal growth in systematic investment plans (SIPs) helped in the growth of assets under management.

Overall inflow in MF schemes stood at Rs 63,504 crore last month. Of this, income funds which invest in a combination of government securities saw inflow of more than Rs 60,000 crore. Further, equity and equity-linked saving scheme (ELSS) saw an infusion of Rs 12,727 crore.

However, the liquid funds or money market category -- with investments in cash assets such as treasury bills, certificates of deposit and commercial paper for shorter horizon -- witnessed a pullout of over Rs 19,500 crore.

"Indian MF industry is going through a very exciting growth phase and advertising campaigns started by Sebi and Amfi have helped in increasing penetration of mutual funds," Vidya Bala, Head of MF Research at Fundsindia.com said.

She further said that SIPs have been the preferred route for many investors to invest in mutual funds. Mutual funds are investment vehicles made up of a pool of funds collected from a large number of investors. The funds are invested in stocks, bonds and money market instruments, among others.
Mumbai: Market regulator the Securities and Exchange Board of India has completed its investigation into the allegations levlled by Cyrus Mistry against Ratan Tata and Tata Group and has given clean chit to the $103 billion tea-to-telecom conglomerate.

A report in Mint says Sebi after conducting a thorough probe the regulator has not found any governance lapses and mismanagement and occurrence of insider trading. The probe has also concluded that there were no violations of Sebi rulesat Tata's listed companies.

A day after he was sacked as Tata Sons chairman on October 24 last year, Mistry had wrote to board of directors throwing various allegations against Tata Group. He had claimed that Tata Group had overlooked minority shareholders' rights and oppressed them.

Mistry had also said that there was a monetary irregularity in Group's aviation venture with a foreign carrier based in a South East Asian nation. The charges mase by Mistry drew Sebi attention which decided to conduct an inquiry.

The market regulator had in January this year said that Tata Group sharing company information with chairman emeritus Ratan Tata did not amount to violation of insider trading norms.

Report published by Mint cited two people familiar with the development that market regulator has also concluded that "the allegations aired by Mistry were not lapses in compliance but commercial decisions taken by the companies".
Mumbai: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday announced a new Exchange Traded Fund under the name Bharat-22. Jaitley said that Bharat-22 will have Central Public Sector Enterprises, public sector banks and strategic holding SUUTI. The funds will cover six sectors, he added. The finance minister unveiled this new policy decision at a media briefing in new Delhi on Friday.

#WATCH: Union Minister Arun Jaitley addresses media in Delhi. https://t.co/ThtCdfVVuw  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

Addressing the media, Jaitley said earlier there were five successful ETF launches the government. "So far we have realised Rs 9,300 crore from strategic sale or divestment of some of the public sector undertakings," he said.

The government has set a target of raising Rs 72,500 crore from disinvestment in the year 2017-18 which was announced in the the Union Budget 2017 speech by Jaitley himself.

The Cochin Shipyard IPO was highly successful and was subscribed over 76 times. "It has been one of the most successful IPOs in stock market history," he added. According to Jaitley, there are 4 trillion assets under management in the world at present.
The government on Friday said money has not been restored to the investors in as many as 233 cases related to ponzi, chit fund and multi-level marketing activities.

New Delhi: The government on Friday said money has not been restored to the investors in as many as 233 cases related to ponzi, chit fund and multi-level marketing activities.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said the ministry ordered investigation by SFIO in 233 cases between 2012-13 and 2017-18 (till July).

The cases were related to ponzi, chit fund and multi-level marketing activities.

"No money in these cases has been restored back to the investors," the minister said.

The ministry ordered probe by Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) on complaints of serious nature involving companies which have defaulted after raising money from the public.

Of these 233 matters, cases pertaining to West Bengal are 152, followed by Odisha (31); Uttar Pradesh (11); 10 each by Assam and Delhi and Maharashtra (8).
New Delhi: There are no regulations governing virtual currencies, including bitcoins, in India at present and the RBI has not given any licence to any entity/company to operate such schemes, Parliament was informed on Friday.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley further said there is evidence that crypto currency/bitcoins are being used in the country and the bitcoin market in India has seen notable growth over the last few years.

"At present, there are no regulations governing VCs including Bitcoin (BTC) in India. Further, RBI has advised that it has not given any licence to any entity/company to operate such schemes or deal with Bitcoin or any virtual currency," Jaitley said.

The minister further said that taking cognisance of concerns raised at various fora from time to time on increasing use of virtual currencies (VCs) and the regulatory challenges, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) constituted a committee with representations from DEA, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), RBI, Niti Aayog and SBI.

"The objective(s) of committee were to take stock of the present status of virtual currencies both in India and globally, examine the existing global regulatory and legal structures governing virtual currencies," Jaitley said.

Recently, Jaitley had held an inter-ministerial meeting to examine risks related to VCs like bitcoins. Bitcoins were in news recently after a massive global ransomware attack 'WannaCry' hit systems in over 100 countries. The cyber criminals demanded a fee of about USD 300 in crypto-currencies like bitcoin for unlocking affected devices.

Recently, a domestic app-based bitcoin exchange Zebpay said it has five lakh downloads on the Android operating system and was adding more than 2,500 users every day.
New Delhi: Notes in circulation as on July 21 were nearly 86 per cent of the pre-demonetisation level and RBI has made arrangements for supply of adequate banknotes in various denominations, Parliament was informed on Friday.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal said specific banknotes received are to be reconciled to obviate reporting errors and processed for numerical accuracy and authenticity through machines.

"Remonetisation is taking place ceaselessly at a fast pace and RBI has made arrangements for supply of adequate quantity of banknotes in various denominations. Notes in Circulation (NIC) as on July 21, 2017 are nearly 86 per cent of NIC as on November 4, 2016," Meghwal said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 had announced ban on Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes in a major assault on black money, fake currency and corruption. New Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes were then brought into circulation.
Low internet speed and poor connectivity across the country is bringing down the smart TVs experience for Indians, according to a top official of OTT enabler Apalya.

Hyderabad: Low internet speed and poor connectivity across the country is bringing down the smart TVs experience for Indians, according to a top official of OTT enabler Apalya. Speaking to this newspaper, Vamshi Reddy, CEO of Apalya, said, Smart TVs in India are yet be, truly, smart as low internet speed and poor connectivity has brought the experience down. Its hardly any different from a normal TV.

The Hyderabad-based company, which provides the technology behind OTT content for clients such as Vodafone and SunTV, believes that recent disruption by Reliance Jio and future technologies such as 5G and high-speed broadband will help Indians get the true experience of Smart TVs Mr Reddy said, Recent disruptions and future technology such as 5G networks will obviously help improve the smart TV experience.

When asked how the company plans to take advantage of people consuming content over the internet, he said, Nowadays, people are consuming a lot of content over the internet, which wasnt the case earlier but we find creating our own original content to be too expensive. Thus, back in 2015 we decided to pivot and provide the technological support for OTT content developers. We want our technology to become the first choice for such developers.
Akshay Kumar and UP CM Yogi Adityanath discuss a point at a press conference in Lucknow (Pic courtesy: Twitter/ @akshaykumar).

Mumbai: The lead actors of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, a satire on the rampant issue of open defecation in IndiaAkshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekarare currently in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) to promote their film.

On Friday, the duo met the Chief Minister of the state Yogi Adityanath to extend their support to his cleanliness drive by taking up brooms and sweeping a school in Lucknow.

Thank you Hon. chief minister @myogiadityanath ji for your effort towards making india open defecation free @akshaykumar #NoOpenDefecation pic.twitter.com/s22YOEfET4  bhumi pednekar (@psbhumi) August 4, 2017

Soon after, the CM ordered to make this social drama tax-free in Uttar Pradesh, reports suggest.

An elated Akshay took to Twitter to share a picture of him discussing the importance of cleanliness and sanitation with the CM. He wrote: Honored to be part of Hon. Chief Minister of U.P. @myogiadityanath cleanliness drive in Lucknow today

Honored to be part of Hon. Chief Minister of U.P. @myogiadityanath cleanliness drive in Lucknow today  pic.twitter.com/E5OakFqvDH  Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) August 4, 2017

Interestingly, the films new song- Toilet Ka Jugaad- has also been released in Lucknow.

It has also been reported that Adityanath and the rest of his Cabinet members are going to watch Toilet: Ek Prem Katha with Akshay and Bhumi.

After wrapping up Lucknow promotions, the actors headed to Agra. We came across this clip uploaded by one of Akshay Kumar's fan accounts where he is seen speaking about the importance of building toilets, sitting outside the marvelous Taj Mahal.
Mumbai: Vicky Kaushal who has just begun shooting for Meghna Gulzar's 'Raazi' with Alia bhatt shared a childhood photo of him and his brother with Hrithik Roshan on social media.

Just like everyone else, even Vicky is a die-hard fan of Hrithik. He found this photo and wrote about how he met Hrithik for first time on the film set of 'Fiza.'

He was keen on meeting Hrithik since the time 'Kaho Na Pyaar Hai' had released. He was also fooled on to the the deal that Hrithik only meets kids who can dance on 'Ek pal ka jeena.

He was then 10 years old to believe this and so he rehearsed and practiced dancing on the song for 3 days before meeting him. Back then and even now, Vicky finds Hrithik an inspiration and refers to him as the sweetest person ever.

Hrithik replied on Vickys post saying, "Thanks Vicky for bringing back some heartwarming memories! You have grown into such an outstanding actor. All the best for your future and looking forward to seeing you in more great projects!"
Shah Rukh took utmost care of the actress on the sets and thus proved that he is a thorough gentleman!

Mumbai: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan who is on a non-stop promotional spree, is leaving no stone unturned to promote his film Jab Harry Met Sejal, which already hit theatres on Friday.

Recently, films director Imtiaz Ali narrated the incident when he first met Shah Rukh. He said that hes seen him managing a crazy drunk female fan with utmost composure, and everyone in the industry is aware of his courteous mannerism.

The actor, as a part of his films promotion is visiting the sets of television serials, and landed to one of the most-loved set of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma.

Actress Disha Vakani, who is adored by the entire nation for her infamous character of Dayaben from the show, is pregnant with her first child and is continuing shooting, as its the initial days of her pregnancy. The news of the king of romance visiting the sets got her very excited.

Shah Rukh took utmost care of the actress on the sets and thus proved that he is a thorough gentleman!

A source told Tellychakkar.com, When SRK visited the sets and got to know about Dishas pregnancy, he went all out to take care of her so that Disha felt comfortable shooting. Like a man of honour, SRK made sure Disha got a place to sit, the moment she finished her enactment in front of the camera. This kind act of the superstar floored Disha and she was totally overwhelmed by his gesture. Not only Disha but also the entire team of Taarak was on cloud nine shooting with Mr Khan.

The charmer won hearts of the entire cast and crew of every show he visited.

Here is a video of the actor doing garba with Daya and the entire team:

A post shared by Gujarati garba (@gujarati_garba) on Jul 23, 2017 at 1:29am PDT

Owing to Dishas pregnancy, there were rumours of the makers replacing her character, but she is such an integral part of the show that replacing her would cost them too much, as convincing the audience to believe in another character as Daya would be a tedious task. Quashing these rumours, a source told Tellychakkar.com, The makers did not want to replace Disha as she is an integral part of the show. So instead of doing any such thing, they have decided to give Disha an extended leave. They are utilizing her availability by taking close-up shots for the episodes.
New Delhi: The toddler adopted by actor Sunny Leone last month had been turned down by 11 prospective parents before she could find a family, says adoption agency CARA.

While adoptive parents are often very picky about who they bring into their homes and have a lot to say about a child's physical appearance, skin colour as well as medical history, the tinsel town diva and her husband Daniel Weber were not interested in any of it.

"Without looking at colour, background and health status, Sunny Leone happily took the child in adoption. We respect that they didn't try to bend the rules and stood in the queue like all the other parents," Child Adoption Resource Agency (CARA) CEO Lt Col Deepak Kumar told PTI.

Leone applied for adoption on the web portal of CARA, the apex body for adoption, on September 30 last year and was referred a child on June 21. Leone gave her assent the following day as parents are given 48 hours to accept the child.

On completing all the formalities, the actor was allowed to take the child from Latur in Maharashtra into pre-adoption foster care and is now awaiting a court order which will declare the couple the legal parents of the nearly two-year-old Nisha Kaur Weber.

Leone is an overseas citizen of India (OCI) and for such category of parents, the adoption process can be quite arduous as a child is first referred to Indian nationals. Only if the child is not adopted for two months does he or she get referred to overseas applicants.

That 60 per cent of the children referred to foreign nationals are special needs children and 90 per cent are those older than two years reflects the fact that such children find less acceptability among domestic applicants, Kumar explained.

In fact, concerned about parents delaying the adoption process, the central adoption body had in May this year revised its rules and said it would only refer one child at a time to prospective parents instead of three in one go.

"Since we changed our rules we have been able to place double the number of children and ensure that children spend less time in orphanages and find new homes faster," Kumar said.

PTI got in touch with Weber who said the family would not like to comment as a court order on the adoption was pending.
Aanand Bhairav speaks with the innocence of a child. Like most budding talents, he too has a struggling past  days when he ran out of money and was rejected during auditions. But he doesnt hide that. Instead, he proudly says those days instilled in him the courage to work hard. Now, he has acted as one among the five male leads in the recent movie Team 5 and has three other projects in the pipeline. An engineering graduate, Aanands story is like this. I was born and brought up in Idukki, he begins the conversation. Modeling and cinema have been my passions since childhood. But I was afraid to pursue that or talk about that to my friends and family. In a high range area like ours, cinema wouldnt be anyones priority. For them, it was all about studying hard and getting a secure job. Also, I had no contacts in the industry, adds Aanand.

Aanand got to ignite his passion when he moved to Thiruvananthapuram for engineering studies. The situation hadnt changed much but he could meet more people and go for auditions. There was a financial crunch. I put aside small amounts of my pocket money to travel for auditions. I may have attended close to 80 auditions, but failed. The only advantage was that I could make a lot of contacts, which helped me in my journey, says Aanand. After graduation, he ventured into modelling and did a few advertisements and short films. But, the profession couldnt fetch him a stable income. He was compelled to fly to Dubai in search of greener pastures. But the financial depression came during that time, thwarting his dreams. Aanand was back to his track. He continued his stride and got into Team 5 unexpectedly.

The director called me to get a contact of someone who does bike stunts. I expressed my desire to act in movies and he told me to send photos. Some days later, he said he got riders and it doused my expectations. To my surprise, he offered me a role later, that too of one of the lead characters, says Aanand, who had a great time with the team. Now, two of his Malayalam movies  Trikona and Oru Thekkan Kaavyam  are on the anvil. A Tamil Movie  Siva Sathi has just been wrapped up. In Siva Sathi, I play a villain, who is a Malayali. The preview of the movie has just got over, says Aanand. His family was present for the preview. Aanand is happy that he could prove his mettle. They knew my passion but were not in a position to support me completely. Now, my brother got employed and things have changed. I can concentrate on cinema, says Aanand, who currently lives in Kochi.
Rating:

Cast: Akshay Oberoi, Pankaj Tripathi, Aamir Bashir, Ragini Khanna, Shalini Vatsa, Arjun Singh Faujdar, Ashish Verma, Mukul Chaddha, Yogi Singha, Anna Adon, Srinivas Sunderajan

Director: Shanker Raman



Several films have been made on Gurgaon, but none explores and explains the estranged relationship and indelible bond of the citys original inhabitants with their own land like Shanker Ramans noir thriller Gurgaon does. Born of and set in new Gurgaon  Cyber City thats simultaneously bustling, busy, growing, and rotting at its core  the film opens with a disconnect thats all too apparent and common. The expensive, large house of Kehri Singh (Pankaj Tripathi), owner of Preet Estate, has a row of palm trees decorating its entrance. A car from the airport brings Preet (Ragini Khanna), and her friend Sophie home. Inside men are celebrating Kehri Singhs victory in the Rotary Club election. Kehri Singhs elder son Nikki Singh (Akshay Oberoi), younger son Chintu (Ashish Verma), their friend Rajvir (Arjun Fauzdar) are taking the ice bucket challenge.

Everything Kehri Singh owns belongs to Preet  his adopted daughter. His own son, Nikki, he says, is manhoos, no good. He failed in everything hes done  school, business, and thats why his plan to build Power House Gym is dismissed rudely. Kehri Singh has kept that land for Preets office. A foreign-trained architect, she will take over the business and her first assignment is Preet Nagar, a Rs 25,000 crore township that will have a Shanghai, Dubai-waali feel. In this world, where women are the most dispensable items, where the pursuit of power and money and perennial, Preet owes her special status to a dark twist of fate and a gurujis pronouncement. Nikki, hurting from the insult and loss of power, sets in motion a chain of events by placing a huge bet on Virendra Sehwags century. Gurgaons plot is simple, linear.

A lost bet requires a plan to get money. It involves a kidnapping, satta boss Vikki, Rajvir and his Mamajis house, an innocent bystander Anand Murthy (Srinivas Sunderrajan) and, eventually, the special skills of Kehri Singhs brother Bhupi (Aamir Bashir). But the idiot plan and its inept execution ensure that its a tumble to a disaster, tragedy. Bhupi brings with him flashbacks to a life before Gurgaon was handed over, one plot at a time, to builders. The lines on his face tell the story of a city that demanded unspeakable sacrifices, which often began at home. But today the violence  whether over `27 at a toll booth, or a perceived slight  is often for reaffirmation of their macho power, and the victims are often people who have intruded into their land, innocent bystanders whose very existence is taken as a taunt. Gurgaon grabs you instantly with its moody cinematography (Vivek Shah) and thrilling background score (Naren Chandavarkar, Benedict Taylor, sound design by Mohandas V.P.).

The film draws its power from the unpredictability of what its simmering characters may do, and from situations that may at any time go out of their control. The film diligently follows the themes, style of noir  neon lights, urban landscape, corruption, squalor and glamour living cheek-by-jowl  and even draws some bits from genre predecessors, like the murder in the car. The sites writer-director Raman picks  from the toll booth to the garbage dump, from the empty posh bar, to the hotel with a jacuzzi bath  are all rich with meaning. Home  thats one of the many fascinating themes of Gurgaon. These are spaces where there are strong familial bonds, places where business is conducted and from where every member draws power. Yet the families, living with debilitating guilt and secrets, are dysfunctional. The upholstered, plush living rooms and manicured lawns have a haunted look thats disturbing.

The films script, screenplay  by Shanker Raman, Sourabh R, Vipin Bhatti, Yogi Singha  and dialogue soaked in the flavour of the city and its ethos. The language we hear  violent, abusive, is born of a world thats long gone  a world of farm lands, cow, milk and water. Gurgaon has an exceptional cast of actors. Pankaj Tripathi, as the always drunk Kehri Singh, speaks little, but controls the film. His grip over it loosening a bit when Aamir Bashir arrives. OMG!! Where has he been all this while? He invests Bhupi with a menacing mix of a dark past and a sharp focus on the task at hand. Akshay Oberois Nikki Singh is like a double-edge sword. A man so desperate and disturbed that the only way he can feel he is alive is by watching someone writhing in pain. Dont miss it.
Shes yet to have a release, but Megha Akashs avant garde looks caught the eye of Hanu Raghavapudi, the director of her forthcoming release LIE, starring Nithiin. She was quickly on board as the films leading lady.

Talking about her role, she reveals, Its a vibrant role and full of energy, but in real life, I am quite reserved and shy. While I was my usual self in my earlier films, this film needs me to be lively, so I need to unlearn several things for the role.

When asked if mouthing Telugu dialogues was difficult for her, the actress replies, I am relatively new to the language, but director Hanu Raghavapudi helped me with my lines. He also gave me freedom and time to understand my character better. She adds, The film is a slick action-drama and has a fresh way of looking at life and its problems.

So how does she feel being an actress?

Every profession has its own pros and cons, so I am enjoying myself and getting used to the life of an actress. I also learnt that sometimes, we need to unlearn a few things, Megha expresses, adding, I have been part of a couple of films in Tamil, and now, the Telugu industry is also offering me interesting projects, so Im quite lucky.

Megha has once again been paired opposite Nithiin in her forthcoming film, produced by Pawan Kalyan. I like the script and my role, so I signed up for it, she says.
Lakshmi Manchu is taking up a new challenge. The actress, who earlier ventured into production, is set to star in a web series soon.

She is very excited about the new venture. She had been discussing about it with her team for a while now, but things fell into place only recently. She has finally zeroed in on a script of her choice, shares a source, adding that the series would be new for the web space.

The source adds, So far, no well known actors have moved into the web world alongside their films. But Lakshmi is keen to see how it goes. This script is something new when compared to the existing web series and so, she decided to go ahead.

While details about the rest of the cast and crew along with the director of the project are unknown, buzz is that she will make the announcement soon.
CHENNAI: Dengue cases have soared high in north Chennai with government hospitals reporting eight new cases in the past one week. Hospital authorities say that around 100 cases of suspicious fever have been reported from North Chennai, especially Vyasarpadi, Washermanpet, Royapuram and Mannadi daily.

Despite the efforts of civic authorities to prevent vector-borne diseases in the state, the number of people infected by dengue are surging with Tamil Nadu recording an additional 629 cases last month alone, according to National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme.

Though Krishnagiri, Salem, Theni, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Virudhunagar, and Erode are the ones most affected, government hospital sources say that dengue cases have been on the rise in North Chennai comparatively.

Though State Government has been monitoring dengue cases, most of the cases appear from North Chennai. As five new cases have been reported this week, we have alerted the Health department about it and are providing a daily report on their treatment. We get around 100 cases of fever every day and around five of them turn positive for dengue almost every day, said Dr Ponnumbala Namasivayam, Dean, Government Stanley Medical College Hospital.

Doctors have expressed concern about the prevalence of dengue in children with 12 kids testing positive at Kilpauk Medical College, three at Stanley Government Medical College and two at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.

Workers at the RGGGH fog the hospital premises as a patient is moved around on a stretcher. (Photo: DC)

Doctors attribute the surge in cases to water scarcity that has led to improper storage of water, stagnation, unhygienic conditions and monsoon infections.

When contacted, corporation zonal officers, who admitting the rise in the number of cases in North Chennai, said, Officials are coordinating cleanliness campaigns in the locality to avoid conditions that provide breeding ground for mosquitoes. Source reduction and vector identification are being done regularly after a case of dengue is reported by the government hospitals.

To monitor the treatment given to the patients, health minister had visited the government hospitals and met them, he added.

4 hospitalised cops discharged, three others admitted

Four policemen attached to the city police admitted to government hospital on suspicion of being affected by dengue were discharged from the hospital on Thursday, police said. The policemen- Parthiban (27) of Armed Reserve, Shibu (35), a head constable with the Anti vice squad, Sakthivel (28) with the Tamil Nadu Special Police (TSP) battalion and Yogaraj (27) of Armed Reserve were admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) last Friday (July 29) triggering fear of dengue among the city police. The city police issued a statement saying that the two policemen are under medical supervision and only after the test results, would the cause of their illness be known. Meanwhile, after five days of treatment at the special ward- ward no.226, the policemen were discharged from the hospital on Thursday, police said.

Staff at the special ward for dengue at RGGGH wears a safety mask while cleaning the room. (Photo: DC)

However, three other uniformed personnel, Pradhan (28) and Lokeshwara Rao (36)-both attached to a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) unit and a police woman, Arulmani (36) attached to the TSP batallion were admitted to government hospitals after complaints of high fever, police sources said.

Platelets demand rises with dengue

With a surge in the number of dengue cases, demand for platelets have increased at the blood banks. Though government hospitals are organising special blood donation camps to meet the needs of human blood components, blood banks are feared to lack the supply of adequate platelets.

Doctors say that dengue virus damages platelets soon after it affects the person, which decreases the platelet counts by a considerable amount. It usually requires at least four to five persons to donate enough blood to increase the platelet count to the desired level if it goes down by 20,000-30,000.

Platelets from one unit of blood raises the count by 5,000-10,000 and the desired rise in the count of a patient is 50,000. In order to increase the platelet count, we carry out blood transfusion of around two or three units. The demand is to further increase if dengue cases continue to rise, says K. Vasanthamani, dean, Kilpauk Medical College Hospital.

Increased blood collection to meet platelets needed might lead to wastage of other blood components that includes RBCs and plasma. Therefore, Government hospital blood banks are using special machines using the process of hemapheresis for segregation of blood components to meet the high demands of platelets among dengue patients. The donor of platelets alone can donate twice a week, whereas the whole blood donor has to wait for three months.

We are able to meet the demand for platelets in Stanley Medical College. If the need arises, we are providing it to other hospitals depending on demand. Medical officers and health workers are organising blood donation camps in colleges and offices to meet the demands of blood constituents, said Dr Ponnumbala Namasivayam, dean, Government Stanley Medical College Hospital.
Men not crying has nothing to do with societal expectations but has a lot more to do with male hormones (Photo: Pixabay)

We have all heard growing up that real men do not cry. And while it seems like a societal attitude, which perhaps we need to get rid off, it turns out that there is an actual physical reason why men tend to cry less than women.

And, as it turns out, it has nothing to do with societal expectations that men should be rough and tough but indeed has a lot more to do with male hormones.

A researcher in Holland, Professor Ad Vingerhoets decided to conduct a study to better understand human tears.

According to his findings women cry between 30 and 64 times a year, and men only cry between six and 17 times each year.

So what could be the reason?

Speaking to a leading English portal, psychologist Georgia Ray said that there are clear sociological and physiological reasons for men crying less than women.

According to her, men have significantly lower levels of prolactin (hormone related to emotional tears) as compared to women.

The cultural reason, according to her is that societal stereotypes discourage men to weep.

According to her, men do have less of the hormone that enables humans to cry emotional tears, and when men do, society judges them.

Interestingly, while human tears come from a myriad of reasons, scientists are still baffled about why crying is a useful human phenomenon.
MaryKay Carlson, the Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in New Delhi is facing a tough challenge. It's so hard she decided to turn to social media for others to decide.

Carlson cannot choose between some stunning sarees to wear to celebrate India's 70th Independence Day.

Using the hashtag #SareeSearch, Carlson has been putting on a show for Twitter users displaying the beautiful sarees in photos and videos.

It was hard to narrow down my #SareeSearch to only four. Watch the video to see my choices. #WeWearCulture @minmsme @ChairmanKvic pic.twitter.com/hj7AWXO6Br  MaryKay Loss Carlson (@USAmbIndia) August 4, 2017

She's managed to narrow her choices to four types which are Jamdani, Dupion, Kanjeevaram and Tussar.

It's easy to see why she was having trouble; the colour's on each saree look great on her.

She wants you to vote on the final selection for August 15. Which one do you think she should go for?
Chennai: Police on Friday arrested a 27-year-old man who stole a car as a favour for a woman acquaintance he made through Facebook. The woman, daughter of a businessman from Kodambakkam, had sought the help of the accused, P. Chandru, to steal her fathers car and sell it to meet her expenses, police sources said.

The accused, a resident of Kalyanapuram in Vyasarpadi, works as a medical representative and this is his first involvement in a crime, police said.

Last week, the businessman, Shanmugarjan (47) had approached the Kodambakkam police with a complaint alleging that his Mahindra Xylo with registration number-TN09 BP 1080 has been stolen.

A police team traced the car to a godown in Vyasarpadi where it was kept by Chandru. Investigations revealed that the woman became friends with the accused through Facebook months ago. As she was in need of money and her parents had cut her pocket money, she decided to steal and sell her fathers car with accuseds help.

The woman had helped the accused, by giving him a duplicate key of the car and the accused stole it overnight last week, said a police officer. The car was secured before he could sell it. The accused was produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody.
Knights of Columbus Recognize Local Units at Supreme Convention

Six councils recognized for charitable works

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 4, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- Local Knights of Columbus councils were honored with international service awards for outstanding achievements during an awards ceremony at the Knights' 135th annual international convention in St. Louis.

"Our international awards honor the year's most exemplary service projects at the local level," said Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "The efforts of each award winner help underscore the great good that can be done when faith brings us together for a common cause."

The award categories and this year's recipients include:

Community Activities: Ascension of Our Lord Council 9623 of LaPlace, Louisiana

Culture of Life Activities: Western Batangas Council 4668 of Balayan, Batangas, Luzon South, Philippines

Youth Activities: Our Lady of Czestochowa Queen of Poland Council 14004 of Radom, Poland

Council Activities: St. Isidore Council 5898 of Leopold, Missouri

Family Activities: St. Joseph Council 8872 of Colbert, Washington

Church Activities: Winnipeg St. John Brebeuf Council 1107 of Winnipeg, Manitoba



Community Activities: Aiding Flood Victims

When flooding in southern Louisiana left thousands displaced, Council 9623 was one of the first groups to respond. The council immediately assisted with the urgent rescue of families struggling to reach safety. Across the region, members prepared and served more than 5,300 hot meals for families. They helped fill sand bags to deter the backflow from swelling rivers, removed damaged items from homes, and installed wheelchair ramps for the disabled. The council provided food baskets at Thanksgiving and truckloads of toys and household items for Christmas. The council members collected monetary donations totaling $30,187.

Culture of Life Activities: Care Packages for Expectant Mothers

Recognizing the lack of support for pregnant women in their community, Council 4668 organized Expectant Mother's Day. They named the project after the care packages they assembled and distributed, each containing seven items of use to pregnant women in need of support. Council members worked with vendors and doctors in the local community, including a pro-life gynecologist who agreed to provide free ultrasound examinations and consultations as well as medical care and advice throughout each pregnancy. In addition, knowing that many of the expectant mothers were in dangerous, violent situations, Council 4668 arranged for a police officer and a registered nurse to discuss their legal and medical rights, and those of their children.

Youth Activities: Sponsoring Pilgrims for World Youth Day

Council 14004 helped the youth from the war-torn Zaporizhia region of Ukraine to attend World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland. The young people had the opportunity to hear Pope Francis and to make pilgrimages to Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish and the Divine Mercy Shrine. In order to cover travel expenses, the council organized fundraisers  which included four concerts and auctions featuring gifts donated by celebrities  and garnered support from the local parishes and community. The council donated 50,000 Polish zoty (the Polish monetary unit) and organized over 170 Knights to volunteer for the pilgrimage.

Council Activities: Fundraisers and Prayers for a Sick Brother Knight

When a member of Council 5898, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, his brother Knights came together to conduct a variety of activities to raise funds for him. Weekly organizational meetings were attended by 30-50 people apiece, and each gathering began with a prayer for the man's health. The council worked with community members to hold 12 fundraising activities, including a softball tournament, a benefit dinner, auctions, and a raffle for an automobile. At the end of the two-month campaign, the council was able to present a donation of $81,508 to the sick member and his wife.

Family Activities: Helping a Young Boy with Cancer

When 12-year-old altar server, Gregory Morrow, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, his mother quit her job to care for him. She planned on selling their house to cover medical expenses, but it was damaged and needed repairs before it could be sold. The Knights of Council 8872 made the repairs, replacing floors and windows, painting rooms and siding, and making other cosmetic improvements to the home to increase its value by $75,000. The Knights also hosted a pig roast that produced enough funds to cover the cost of the home repairs, and provide Gregory's family with an additional $16,000.

Church Activities: Keeping Christ in Christmas through Nativity Float

For the past five years, Winnipeg St. John Brebeuf Council 1107 has led the effort to design and construct a unique Christ-centered float for the local Santa Claus Parade. Each year, a council member opens his farm's heated shop where Knights from local councils and assemblies, in addition to local families, work together for hundreds of hours. This year, they constructed an illuminated Nativity float which was led in the parade by a contingent of 35 Knights. The council won the prize for best float in the parade.
Hyderabad: In a bizarre incident, house burglars left a God bless you note for the owners before scooting off with gold and cash worth Rs 85,000 from a businessmans house in Nandivada, Nizamabad district, on Thursday.

We are stealing gold and cash from your house. Dont be sad for the act. God will bless you with more wealth, wait and see, read the cheeky note the robbers left behind.

The burglars broke in when the residents had gone to a relatives house on Wednesday. The house is owned by Surakutla Bhaskar, a businessman. His father had just died and the cremation and other rituals were being carried out at a relatives house on Wednesday.

Burglars decamp with 8 tolas gold

When the businessman returned on Thursday, he found his house ransacked, valuables missing, and the explanatory note from the burglars.

The thieves sneaked in and took eight tolas gold and cash, totally worth Rs 85,000,said sub-inspector of Town III police, G. Venkataiah. They entered the house by breaking the lock on the front door. They also broke the almirah, which contained the valuables, and decamped with the booty, he added. A case has been booked under section 457 and 380 of the Indian Penal Code.
YSR) Congress chief Jaganmohan Reddy has accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of involvement in several scams. (Photos: PTI)

Amaravati: During his campaign at Nandyal, Yuvajana Shramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party president Jagan Mohan Reddy spewed an absolute shocker when he said people like Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu should be shot in public.

Jagan Mohan said Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Naidu has not delivered on his promises made to the people of Andhra. He alleged that the chief minister was involved in several scams amassed a wealth of Rs 3.5 lakh crore, according to reports.

Addressing a crowd in Nandyal town ahead of the bye-elections, Jagan Mohan said, "A person like Chandrababu Naidu should be shot in public for his double speak and unending deeds of corruption."

The provocative remark has enraged the TDP leaders, including Mallela Rajshekhar, who has filed a police complaint against Jagan Mohan for threatening to kill the chief minister.

Nandyal is a constituency in the state's Rayalaseema area that has been witnessing a political void ever since the death of its sitting MLA Bhuma Nagi Reddy from a heart attack on March 12 this year.

While TDP has named Bhuma Brahmananda Reddy as its candidate, the YSRCP has named Silpa Mohan Reddy as its nominee. Other parties, including the Congress, are also planning to field candidates.

The Election Commission announced that the election will be held on August 23.

The last date of nomination is August 5. Inspection of nomination will be done on August 7 and last date of withdrawal of candidates is August 9.

The counting of votes will be held on August 28.
New Delhi: Following reports that Hafiz Saeed is looking to launch his own political party in Pakistan, India on Friday said that Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief and the mastermind of Mumbai terrorist attack is trying to hide his blood stained hands behind ballot ink.

Speaking about reports of Saeed deciding to launch his own political party in Pakistan by renaming his terror outfit JuD as Milli Muslim League Pakistan, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay on Friday said, "regarding the aspect of political parties it appears that a person whose hand is stained with blood of innocent lives is perhaps both ironical and consorting to notice that such an individual is perhaps wanting to hide his blood stained hands behind the ballot ink."

"The person who has traded in bullets to take innocent lives is trying to hide behind the ballot that's a matter of concern," he added.

Emphasizing that Saeed is an internationally designated terrorist under the UN 1267 provisions, Baglay said that his organisation, whether it is Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or JuD, is one of the same thing, and they have been carrying out terrorist activities not only against India but also against others in the region.

He said Saeed is a matter of concern not only for India but the entire region and beyond.

"We hear from media reports that he is under some sort of house arrest in Pakistan but it is very well known that his organisation and his other collegeus have enjoyed freedom in Pakistan to conduct terrorist activities against India and others," he said.

Baglay further said that it is Pakistan's obligation to make sure that such individuals and organisations are not enjoying freedom to conduct terrorist activities.

He added that it is also Pakistan's international obligation to enforce international sanctions on these individuals and organisations.

According to reports, Saeed would be registering his political party with the Election Commission of Pakistan.

He is likely to launch his political outfit on Pakistan's Independence Day at a function in Lahore.

This is being seen as a major happening as Pakistan recently elected its new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi after Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court over the Panama Papers scandal.

He is also said to have close relations with the Pakistani Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Recently the government of Pakistan's Punjab province extended the house arrest Saeed and his four aides for 60 more days for their activities that were "detrimental to peace and security", The Express Tribune reported.

Saeed is a wanted terrorist by India and the United States for his alleged role in masterminding the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai that claimed 166 lives.

He even carries a bounty of 10 million USD (approx. Rs 66 crore) on his head for his role in the attack.

He is an internationally designated terrorist but continues to be an influential person in Pakistan's certain religious groups.

Pakistan claims to have banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), but following the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2002, it re-emerged as Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD). The United States has designated the JuD as a front for the LeT.
The once iconic sarai rest houses now lie in shambles, craving for attention (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad: The heritage sarais  rest houses belonging to the Asaf Jahi period  crave for attention. The buildings were constructed keeping in view the needs of travellers to the city.

The biggest among them is the Nampally sarai constructed near the Hyderabad Deccan railway station in 1919 during the era of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan. The sarai was a memorial for the the First World War and was also called Sulah Sarai. Sulah means reconciliation in Urdu.

Spread over 5,000 square yards, the building was built at a cost of Rs1 lakh and has 54 rooms. It was the official guest house of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Over a period of time, the sarai rest houses has developed cracks and no one stays there. People who came by train used to stay at the rest house for the night. The next morning, after a customs department check, they left for the city which then was beyond Afzalgunj, said Mr M.A. Qayyum, historian.

He said that there was a tonga stand nearby from where the people hired horse-drawn carriages and left for the city. The stay at the rest house was free.

Ms P. Anuradha Reddy, heritage activist, feels that the sarai should be restored to its pristine state.

As of now it is in a very dilapidated condition and needs some repairs. If urgent attention is not given it could collapse, she said.

While the Nampally sarai rest houses belongs to the Asaf Jah era, there are several others dating back to the Qutb Shahi period. The Aliabad Saria in the Old City. It has around 44 rooms which are mostly occupied by shopkeepers.

It stood alongside the Aliabad Darwaza and is similar to the Puranpul Sarai located near the Mian Mishk mosque  a 17th century construction  near the Puranapul Bridge.

At Afzalgunj Jamia Masjid, there was a rest house which gradually got converted into a commercial market with shops coming up in the rooms.

A few more rest houses are still in place at Hayathnagar, Amberpet, Hakeempet, Shaikpet and Maisaram.

These stand as examples to the people of the friendly policies of the then rulers. Now travellers have no rest houses in the city. The government should restore these rest houses to acknowledge the administration of Asaf Jahi and the Qutb Shahi rulers, feels Ms Anuradha Reddy.

The department of archaeology and museums officials say that they will soon take up the survey of the Sarai and prepare a project report.

When contacted, Mr R. Sreedhar, superintendent engineer (projects), city municipal corporation, said that the Nampally Sarai was handed over to the Hyderabad Metro Rail Project.
Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma chided the lawyer for his remark and later allowed the ED's plea for extension by six days for separatist Shabir Shah's custodial interrogation in a decade-old money laundering case. (Photo: ANI/File)

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Thursday snubbed an overenthusiastic prosecutor for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for asking Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah to chant 'Bharat Mata ki jai' to prove his patriotism, saying it was not a television studio.

Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma chided the lawyer for his remark and later allowed the ED's plea for extension by six days for sixty-four-year-old Shah's custodial interrogation in a decade-old money laundering case.

The ED's counsel Rajeev Awasthi alleged that Shah was ruining the country by using money to fund terror and breached the line by daring the separatist leader to chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' to prove his patriotism.

However, an anguished judge stopped him, warning that the courtroom was not a "television studio."

"Argue on the merits of the case," said the judge.

During the proceedings, the ED submitted that foreign funds were used for terror activities including stone pelting on the security agencies in the Valley. The agency told the court that the source of funding of properties of Shah, worth hundreds of crores of rupees, had to be unearthed.

The prosecutor told the court that Shah, arrested on July 25 in the money laundering, was "totally non-cooperative" during his questioning by the ED.

Advocate M S Khan, appearing for Shah, however, alleged that his client was being pressured and compelled to give various statements during his custody by ED officials. He opposed the submission made by the agency, saying that it was not revealing the complete facts before the court.

The agency said there was a need to probe a lot of cash transactions which were used for terror activities and stone pelting causing huge inconvenience in the Valley.

The ED said it was ascertaining Shah's role in "anti- national activities" as well as the terror funding through 'hawala' channels from countries like Pakistan, the UAE and the UK. It told the court that the separatist leader was in continuous contact with anti-national elements, besides terrorists in Pakistan, and received money for "disrupting the peace of Jammu and Kashmir".

It also said that Shah's associates were to be confronted with him and the "international ramification" of financial involvement was to be unearthed.

The ED's application, seeking seven days' custody, also said that during interrogation Shah revealed that he was obtaining donations for the Kashmir issue in cash for which he was not filing any income tax returns.

The records relating to the donations were to be recovered and the accused had to be confronted with them, the agency said.

Shah was arrested by the ED a day after several Hurriyat leaders were taken into custody of the National Investigating Agency (NIA) in a case of alleged terror funding in the Valley to fuel unrest.

He was taken into custody in the August 2005 case in which the Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Mohammed Aslam Wani (35), an alleged hawala dealer, claiming that Rs 63 lakh was recovered from Wani out of which Rs 52 lakh was allegedly to be delivered to Shah.

The agency had earlier issued summonses to Shah in the case, the prosecution had said, adding that Wani had claimed that he had given Rs 2.25 crore to Shah.

Investigating agencies like the NIA have cracked down on Hurriyat leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law -- Altaf Ahmed Shah, also known as Altaf Fantoosh -- and six other Kashmiri separatists.
Hyderabad: It may be the National Bird and a beautiful sight to behold, but the peacock and the peahen are an unmitigated nuisance for farmers in Telangana.

According to the Vertebrate Pest Management Division at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University in Rajendranagar, peafowl causes major crop damage in Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh during sowing and ripening seasons, second only to monkeys and wild boars.

The government had issued culling orders for wild boars, but the peacock being the national bird cannot be officially declared a pest and cullied. Principal Scientist V Vasudeva Rao, who heads the All Indian Network Project on Vertebrate Pest Management, said that conservation measures in the two Telugu states have led to an explosion in the peafowl population.

They are coming out of their natural habitats and living in agricultural landscapes. They are causing enormous damage to crops such as maize, groundnut, bajra and sorghum, and paddy, sunflower and vegetables during maturity, Mr Rao said. He said the birds do more damage at the crop sprouting stage (around 42-70 per cent), than at the crop ripening stage (15-35 per cent) in infested areas. He said regular complaints are coming from rain-fed areas in Telangana where there is multi- crop diversity.

The Vertebrate Pest Management Division has developed a simple method to deter the peafowl from damaging the crop. Use of physical barriers made of jute or coconut ropes reduces peafowl damage. During the sprouting of the crop, jute ropes are fixed around the crop with the help of pegs at one or two metre intervals. The rope is tied 30 cm above the ground in a chequered pattern, forming squares of 1x1m to prevent entry of peafowl into the fields, Mr Rao said.

This method has been tested with different crops at various locations and has proved effective, reducing damage by 80 to 95 per cent. The process costs around Rs 1000 per acre (Rs 700 for the jute rope and Rs 300 for labour).
A man threw stones at Rahul Gandhi's car, breaking its rear glass when he on his way from Lal Chowk to the helipad in Dhanera, Gujarat. (Photos: ANI Twitter/PTI)

Dhanera: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's car was pelted with stones on Friday during his visit to this flood-affected town but he escaped unhurt, police said.

Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Neeraj Badgujar said a man threw stones at Gandhi's car, breaking its rear glass when he on his way from Lal Chowk to the helipad in Dhanera.

Gandhi escaped unhurt, he added.

"We have detained the person who threw stones on the vehicle of Rahul Gandhi," Badgujar said.

Earlier, Rahul was heckled by protesters at an event. He left the stage in a huff after making a brief speech in Lal Chowk area of the town in Banaskantha district after protesters showed black flags to him.

Some of the people gathered at the spot also raised slogans hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notably, the Congress MLA from the area is in Bengaluru as part of the party legislators who have been flown to the southern city apparently to avoid being "poached" by the BJP ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha polls.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi accused the BJP "goons" of carrying out the "dastardly" attack.

He said that several cars in the convoy were damaged, their window panes smashed and an SPG man suffered minor injury.

"All this because, the Congress Vice President went to a flood affected area," he said.
The company was into the money circulation business and had rolled out several schemes like cash down payment down and instalment payment plan .

Hyderabad: More than 5 crore investors of Pearl Agrotech Corporation Limited (PACL), spread across the country, including Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, have little chance of getting their hard-earned money back. While the investors from other parts of the country are set to lose Rs 50,000 crore, their counterparts in Telangana will be deprived of Rs 800 crore.

PACL had raised money from the public in 12 states to the tune of Rs 50, 000 crore in the name of agriculture and real estate projects for 18 years. The RM Lodha committee, appointed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as directed by the Supreme Court, had identified properties of PACL in 192 districts in eight states, including Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, worth Rs 8,000 crore. However, there were few takers when auctions were conducted for them. Though a few companies came forward to bag these properties for Rs 600 crore, their proposals were rejected by the committee.

Subsequently, the SEBI informed the TS government that since there were few takers to buy the properties, it will be difficult for investors to get back their hard earned money.

PACL was set up in 1996 with presence in all major cities in the country. The company was into the money circulation business and had rolled out several fancy schemes like cash down payment down (CDPP) and instalment payment plan (IPP). Under these money-doubling schemes, the company was offering incentives and gifts to customers through its agents. Thus, the company managed to rope in 5,15,01,036 customers throughout India and collected `60,000 crore from them. This scrupulous money-making activity was conducted by the company for 18 years, the SEBI informed the government.

Following complaints from customers in December 2015, the SEBI ordered attachment of all assets and properties of PACL and its nine promoters and directors. On its part, PACL moved the Supreme Court against SEBI. The apex court, however, directed the SEBI to constitute a committee under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha to identify the properties of PACL and to put them for auction. Accordingly, the Lodha committee was formed in 2016.

The committee faced many hurdles in identifying the properties of PACL. The committee noted that in the absence of proper titles, buyers were sulking to buy these properties. When the properties were put for auction, the committee received objections. Thus, the committee decided not to auction those properties on which objections were raised.

However, the committee decided to go ahead with the auction of 1,560 of properties where more than one Expression of Interest (EOI) was received. Surprisingly, the properties were unsold, leaving the hapless investors of PACL in a lurch.
Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha that the Centre issued demarches to both Pak, China citing the constructions are in violation of Indian sovereignty. (Photo: File/Representational)

New Delhi: Pakistan is constructing six dams on the Indus river in PoK with China's assistance, Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Government has issued demarches to both Islamabad and Beijing over the constructions stating that it is in violation of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Rajya Sabha was informed.

"India has a clear and consistent position that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that any collaborative activity there is in violation of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," VK Singh said.

"Accordingly, we have made demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying the position. The government will continue to maintain this position," Singh added.
The list seized from separatist Shahid Ul Islam includes names of 82 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, 64 Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, 10 from Jaish-e-Mohammed and 2 from Al-Badr. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Leaders of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) receives funds for its operations in the Kashmir valley not only from Pakistan, but from outfits in London and Dubai too, a separatist arrested in July has told the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

NDTV, quoting a top government official, reported that separatist Shahid Ul Islam, who was a close aide of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and also the Hurriyat networks spokesman, made the revelations during interrogation following his arrest in July.

Investigators are still trying to find out the channels that the separatists used to receive money from, a senior police personnel told NDTV.

The NIA also seized a list, containing names of 150 terrorists active in the Valley, from Shahid.

The anti-terror probe agency, in a bid to foil funding for Hurriyat leaders, arrested Shahid along with six other separatists earlier in July. Shahid crossed into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in early 1990s and thus had overseen some terror launch pads.

Shahid was spotted with Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, in old photographs that the security agency found in course of its searches. In another picture, he is seen with an AK-47 standing alongside other armed men, who the NIA says, could be terrorists.

The list of 150 terrorists disclosed that the gulf between separatists and terrorists is not as wide or deep as it was previously thought to be.

"We have some credible leads to work on... It is a wide investigation and will take some time, the government official said.

The list includes names of 82 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, 64 Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, 10 from Jaish-e-Mohammed and 2 from Al-Badr.

The NIA at a previous meeting had informed a Delhi court that they had been able to track funds received by separatist leaders to organisers of stone throwers in Kashmir.

We have analysed a lot of phone calls; we have ample technical and documentary evidence against people we have arrested and are questioning, the official said to elaborate on how it is validating its case.

Shahid will be produced in court on Friday, along with 6 other arrested separatists.

The NIA, after sharing results of its investigation will be seeking more time to interrogate Shahid in order to fill the missing links.

Government officials have further agreed that statements made during custodial examination hold little value during trial for they could have been made under pressure but are indeed invaluable for gathering evidence to strengthen its case.
Banaskantha: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi visited flood-affected areas in Gujarat on Friday where he was also shown black flags by a group of protesters and his car was attacked allegedly by BJP "goons".

Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Neeraj Badgujar said a man threw stones at Gandhi's car, breaking its rear glass when he on his way from Lal Chowk to the helipad in Dhanera. Gandhi escaped unhurt, he added.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi accused the BJP "goons" of carrying out the "dastardly" attack.

"Slogans of Narendra Modi ji, black flags and stones will not discourage us...We will put in all our might into the service of people," Rahul tweeted after the attack.

     ,            ,            Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) August 4, 2017

Earlier, Rahul was heckled by protesters at an event. He left the stage in a huff after making a brief speech in Lal Chowk area of the town in Banaskantha district after protesters showed black flags to him.

Addressing the villagers and the media, Rahul Gandhi said that he was in Assam the other day, Rajasthan on Friday and now in Gujarat.

Amidst his speech, few people waved black flags to which he asked the guards to let them in, and saying, "I don't care."

"It's a difficult and grievous time for all of you and so I wanted to come among you all," he said addressing the crowd.

He added that many people lost their loved ones and homes due to floods and so he wanted to meet them to tell them that the Congress Party is standing with the people of Gujarat.

"It is not our government in Delhi or Gujarat, but we are standing here with you, I am standing here with you and we won't back down due to a few black flags," he said.

The Congress vice-president also visited Rajasthan flood affected areas on Friday morning and said that Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje-led Rajasthan Government is not taking adequate steps to provide relief to people of the state who have been affected by floods.

Gandhi, who was Jalore to take stock of the situation, said he received poor response from people of the state as no rehabilitation work is being done, while adding that his party is trying to facilitate masses to the maximum extent it can.

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.

Earlier on Thursday Rahul Gandhi visited flood affected areas at Lakhimpur in Assam and said thatCongress Party will pick up the issue and discuss about the flood situation in the Parliament.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) says that 11,93,458 people have in 1,795 villages of 24 districts have been affected by the floods.

As many as 79 people have lost their lives in the devastating floods, eight of them from Guwahati.

Assam has been dealing with heavy floods since mid-July.
Bengaluru: Stressing on the greater role that India will play in the future, foreign secretary S. Jaishankar said that today the international relations demands much more nimbler and multi-dimensional foreign policy with an ability to take a call depending upon the situations.

In the last 70 years, on the positive side we have secured our national integrity and the relationship with the NATO powers are substantive and balanced. The world expects us to play a greater role in international negotiations and the Indian diaspora is greatly respected, Jaishankar said at the K Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture at National Institute of Advanced Studies.

Explaining the kind of change of India underwent from the era of Subrahmanyam, when the country was yet to overcome the aftereffects of partition and improve scientific capabilities which were still in the nascent stage, Jaishankar pointed out that without factoring the turbulent period of the conflicts of 1960s, it was difficult to understand Subrahmanyams generation.

Sharply reacting to a question that India despite spending millions of dollars in Afghanistan hardly did anything to on our border when compared with China which improved railway network from Beijing to Lhasa, Jaishankar said, There is no country other than India which has a better reputation in Afghans eyes. The Afghan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) is the biggest sign that people gave up guns and took to farming. The money by the Indian Government was effectively spent.

He cited the opportune use of WTO (World Trade Organisation) window behind Chinas growth, which expanded its economic influence. At a time when the US was absorbed in Afghanistan and Iraq, China built new relationships at this time. They even had the ability to respond to 2008 global crisis which many Western Nations did not have, Jaishankar said.

Appreciating Chinas expansion in infrastructure and technology as a professional, Jaishankar stressed that it had exceeded expectations. Though the foreign secretary implied that 90 per cent of the challenges of India are domestic, awareness must be build up within the country to let people know of the expectations the world has with India. He also added that there is still room for infrastructural improvement at the border region.
Hyderabad: A public interest litigation was moved before the Hyderabad High Court challenging GO 13, which facilitates managements of private engineering and pharmacy colleges to verify the paying capacity of students seeking seats in the management quota.

Mr M. Lakshma Reddy, president of Association for Strengthening of Private Initiative in Rural Education (ASPIRE), who moved the PIL, told the court that the GO, issued on August 14, 2014, was contrary to the judgement of the Supreme Court.

He said the government had given an option to college managements to ask students to appear in person for interview to substantiate their credibility and financial capability. The GO had allowed managements to reject selected candidates and communicate the reasons to the competent authority.

He told the court that GO envisaged that college managements could make admissions into B category seats on their own.

Some colleges appeared to have formed a consortium and planned to conduct admissions on the same day, thereby making it impossible for a student to be present at more than one place at the same time, he said.

The petitioner said the net consequence of the GO was that poor but bright students, particularly those from remote rural areas, were unable to apply for B category seats.

This made it an unequal battle with people from rich urban families who can pay lakhs of rupees as capitation fee.

He urged the court to declare the GO as illegal and direct the government to make online admission. About 20,000 students would apply for B category seats if the system was placed online.
Chennai: The popular reality show, Bigg Boss, hosted by actor Kamal Haasan in a Tamil television must be stopped immediately, according to a petition filed in the Madras high court.

Saravanan alias cine Saravanan, in a PIL, has alleged that the show has been hurting the sentiments of downtrodden people and women participants in the show were portrayed in vulgar and obscene manner and it plays with emotions and behaviours of women contestants.



The show commenced more than a month ago, in which 15 women and men contestants were asked to reside in a secluded residence without cellphone and television and connection with the outside world. Even though the programme rating said to be soaring, many critics are up in arms against it, saying that the show denigrating Tamil culture and women.

The film actor Oviya - one of the contestants - has become a phenomenon in popularity that her likely eviction has made the army of supporters jittery.

Saravanan said, The dress code and behaviour of female contestants are very obscene and it makes my family members and myself uncomfortable to watch it.

He said references like - Cheri (slum) behaviour  were made by a participant to describe the behaviour of another contestant and it greatly hurt the downtrodden people

Insisting that the show must be subject to censorship before the telecast, Saravanan said, The show plays with mental emotions of 15 contestants and it must be restricted as soon as possible. He said according to the channel over three crore people were watching the programme and this is absolutely false.

He sent a representation to the channel on July 29. As they have failed to respond, he filed the petition seeking direction to halt the show immediately.

The PIL, which has been given a provisional number by the high court registry, is expected to be taken up for hearing on Monday.
Chennai: Just a couple of days ago when Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu was wondering who could be the country's next Vice-President, BJP chief Amit Shah asked him why couldnt he hold the second highest political but ceremonial post in the country.

A perplexed Venkaiah stood in consternation. Before he could put his mind to the proposal by the BJP President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broached the topic with him, reflecting the seriousness with which the powerful duo of the contemporary Indian politics was considering his name for the crucial post.

Venkaiahs experience as an aggressive Parliamentary Affairs Minister and his constant habit of putting the Opposition on the mat on several issues, highly placed sources say, were the key factors that weighed on the minds of Modi and Shah for the post of Vice President, who would also be the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, where the BJP still does not enjoy majority.

Being a South Indian also weighed in favour of Venkaiah as the BJP tries to make inroads into south of Vindhyas.

The BJP top brass, the sources pointed out, had been consistent from the beginning that the Vice-President pick should be a "consummate politician" who could handle the Opposition in the Upper House. Even in 2002, the then Prime Minister A. B. Vajpayee had chosen Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who was then a three-time Chief Minister from Rajasthan.

Outspoken both inside and outside the party forum, Venkaiah, the sources said, put forth his perspective about the proposal and that he would want to continue serving people continuing in active politics. "I have been in active politics for the past 40 years since being attracted to Jan Sangh during my student days," Venkaiah is understood to have told both the Prime Minister and the BJP president.

But, having worked with the powerful duo for a very long time, Venkaiah knew that their decision was final and it was he who should be taking the call now.

"The discussions between Venkaiah and party seniors have been going for the past four-five days and a final decision was taken only on Monday," the sources told Deccan Chronicle.

Venkaiah, the sources said, also made it clear during the discussions that he would also toe the party line and would never go against the wishes of the leadership. Modi has been quite vocal in his effusive praise about Venkaiah's role as Parliamentary Affairs Minister from May 2014 to July 2016 and had kept him in loop on all crucial decisions taken by the government, though he was holding relatively low-profile portfolio of Urban Development.

EPS, OPS to back BJP candidate

EPS and OPS factions of the AIADMK on Monday announced their support for NDA's vice president candidate M Venkaiah Naidu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and former chief minister O Pannerselvam separately and sought their support.

Vice President of India is elected by MPs of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and the polls will be held on August 5. Mr Panneerselvam commands support of 13 MPs. BJP sources said the PM also spoke to chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami in the evening and sought the support. But there was no official word on the conversation, though it is believed the EPS faction will also throw its weight behind Mr Naidu.
KOZHIKODE: The KSRTC is undergoing a transformation under the leadership of Mr M.G. Rajamanickam, managing director and chairman, who has been entrusted with the task of reviving the ailing corporation. The trade unionism that once ruled the roost in KSRTC is a thing of the past. Steps like massive changes in working patterns by cutting down many privileges of employees, reducing work force by expelling contract employees, redeploying the work force and mass transfer to silence the defiant have shaken the employees. Old timers say that a section of union leaders had played a key role in converting the KSRTC into a cash-strapped entity. Some leaders had received kickbacks in the purchase of buses and spareparts. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had agreed to give a free hand to 'MGR' to breathe fresh life into the sinking corporation. Whenever the TUs oppose a move of 'MGR,' the CM himself ensures him freedom.

According to a preliminary report submitted by Prof Sushil Khanna in 2016, the IIM expert from Kolkata roped in by the KSRTC for a revival package, the corporation with its 39,000-odd staff including 9,800 contract staff (m-panel), has 6,000 excess employees. Over 600 persons from mechanical section alone were sacked in the recent past. Union leaders say that m-panel employees are sacked without any orders. The employee is informed through the notice board that his/her job is over. Regional workshops at Thiruvananthapuram, Aluva, Edappal and Kozhikode were dismantled. There will not be any bus body-making in these workshops. Sources said that moves were on to hand over a few workshops to companies like Scania that run superluxury services. Instead of buying buses, the KSRTC would hire the vehicles with drivers and their repair would be undertaken by the mechanics of the same company.

The administration is being restructured. All the executive directors heading departments like finance, mechanical, administration and law would be replaced this month with 11 professionals armed with post- graduation in management, M Tech, law and other streams along with experience. Orders were already issued to end the system of countless Assistant Transport Officers and 28 District Transport Officers appointed in districts causing a drain to the kitty. Instead, 15 officials who had undergone administrative training at the 'Central Institute of Road Transport' will take over reins. In between, more than 2,000 ticket examiners have been redeployed to ensure maximum output. The most important in the series of changes was the rescheduling of work pattern for conductors and drivers who were enjoying the benefits of double duty which ensured sufficient resting time for them. Earlier, a full day duty (16 hours) ensured them one day off. From this decision, the KSRTC saved 5,000 duties per day, claims the management.

Striking staff slapped with transfer orders

The KSRTC management on Thursday transferred the members of the AITUC-affiliated KSRT Employees Union (KSRTEU) and BMS-affiliated Kerala State Transport Employees Sangh (KSTES), who observed a strike on Wednesday against the new work pattern and the failure to disburse salaries. A total of 137 drivers and 129 conductors of Ernakulam, Kottarakara and Karunagapally depots and the vehicle supervisor of the Karunagapally depot were transferred.

The strike did not have a major impact as the CITU and INTUC unions, which have majority in the KSRTC, did not take part in the strike. KSRTEU general secretary M.G. Rahul told Deccan Chronicle that the general body of the union on Friday would take a final decision on the further course of action. The union planned an indefinite strike against the anti-democratic approach of the management, Mr Rahul said. The management argued that there was an unwritten understanding with the employees that they would not go on strike still the finances of the KSRTC improved. However, the unions have alleged that the transfer was victimisation by the KSRTC management as they had given prior notice for the strike.

Employees flay autocratic rule

The reforms in the KSRTC have triggered protests with a few trade unions alleging that an autocratic rule has been imposed on the corporation. Interestingly, the KSRTC Employees' Association affiliated to the CITU, the TU arm of CPM, which holds the membership of 48 per cent of employees, and INTUC-controlled Transport Democratic Federation (27 percent) of the Congress, are supporting the reforms. The Transport Employees Union affiliated to AITUC, the TU arm of the CPI, is heading the voices of dissent along with other splinter groups.

Rather than the reforms, the workers are worried more about the mass transfers. Recently 39 drivers from the northern zone based at Kozhikode were transferred to Parassala, the extreme tip of the state in Thiruvananthapuram district. Among the drivers, 13 were from Kasargod and nine from Kannur districts. The same number of employees from Thiruvananthapruam also was transferred to north zone. The transfer orders are issued at odd hours and land on Fridays ahead of a second Saturday to prevent the employees from seeking any legal remedies, allege TU leaders.

If the targeted employee belongs to the m-panel category, he is not even served an individual intimation, but the order removing him from the employee list or transferring him from the unit would be pasted on the common notice board. Transport Employees' Union (AITUC) state general-secretary Rahul M.G. told DC that many of the m-panel employees were serving the corporation for more than a decade. "They had sacrificed the best time of their life for the corporation hoping that one day they would be regularized. But now not only the m-panel employees but also the regular employees are under fear of losing their jobs," he added. The employees lamented that they were working in pitiable condition in workshops sans any modern hydraulic equipment. "Our equipment are mere scraps. A modern tyre changer and other basic equipment are yet to be purchased. With these crude instruments we were forced to work on ultra-modern buses like Scania. Then they complain that we lack apt workmanship," said an employee.
HYDERABAD: The students alleged that the mess at Osmania University hostel is remaining closed even after academic sessions started on Thursday. The students said that they had come from their homes believing that the hostel mess is operational. D. Naresh, a students union leader, said, Most of the students in the hostel belong to the low-income group. They have no extra money to buy food from outside. We have asked the university administration to open the mess at the earliest.

First year students, who joined the university recently, are also suffering due to this. When we approached the administration they asked us to wait till August 10, he added. Gopal Reddy, registrar of OU, said, Due to the ongoing repair works we have not been able to operate the mess. The students had appro-ached me and I have told them that the facility will be available to them after August 10.
The session, mainly convened for legislative business, will also take up Kerala Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill. (Photo: PTI)

Thiruvananthapuram: A 13-day-long session of Kerala Assembly, beginning on August 7, is expected to be stormy with the Opposition UDF gearing up to attack the LDF government on a host of issues, including the surge of political violence in the state.

The arrest of Congress MLA M Vincent, on charges of rape and stalking of a woman, and the summoning of Chief Minister and DGP by Governor Justice P Sathasivam in the wake of the recent murder of an RSS functionary in Thiruvananthapuram are expected to be taken up by the Opposition.

Congress-led UDF has maintained that the case against Vincent, who represents Kovalam constituency, was politically motivated.

The continuing fever deaths and the alleged failure of the state Health Department to contain the spread of them are also likely to make the session noisy.

The session, mainly convened for legislative business, will also take up Kerala Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Assembly Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan said the brief session was exclusively meant for legislative business.

Of the 13 days, ten days will be exclusively devoted for legislative business, two days for the business of private members and the remaining one day for demands for grants for various departments, he said.

The Kerala Medical Education Bill 2017, aimed at regulating private colleges, and Kerala Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill would be presented on August 7, he said.

The GST Bill and the Kerala Motor Vehicles Taxation (Amendment) would be taken up on the second day.

A seminar on GST and its impact on the state economy would also be organised at the Assembly complex on the first day of the session, the Speaker said.

State Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac and experts from and outside the state would participate in the programme, he said.

Amendment bills relating to higher education, public service commission, Panchyati Raj and Maritime Board are among those to be presented in the upcoming session.
CHENNAI: Throwing a challenge at Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, AIADMK deputy general secretary T. T. V. Dhinakaran on Friday announced new set of office bearers bringing in most of his loyalists and declared that he would undertake a state-wide tour from August 14 to mobilise party cadre in his favour.

Addressing a press conference on a day of fast developments, Dhinakaran said he would visit the party headquarters on Avvai Shanmugam Salai whenever he wished and nobody, including the police, had any right to prevent him from entering the premises which is like my home.

He also said he kept quiet for the past two months only to pave way for the merger of the EPS and OPS factions of the AIADMK and since the unification did not happen, he has now announced the tour plan as planned earlier. Insisting that he alone was capable of unifying the AIADMK, he announced appointment of additional office bearers to prepare the party for a sweep in the 2019 parliament elections, which is my aim.

Through the 30-minute press conference, Dhinakaran asserted he was still the boss and everyone would fall in line eventually since we are the only people who can unite the AIADMK.

I will continue to lead the party in the absence of general secretary Chinamma even if the merger takes place. Everyone should understand that the only person who has the right to expel anyone from the party is the general secretary and in her absence, only I can expel. And no one can expel us, Dhinakaran said.

Answering a volley of questions on the Chief Minister and the Ministers distancing themselves from the family, he said only few ministers, including Finance Minister D Jayakumar, had said they (Sasikala and he) should be kept away from the party.

I have been maintaining that these ministers were speaking out of fear. And now I pity their situation because they ditched us thinking that the King (BJP) would protect them. But, now they are left nowhere, he said, in what appears declaring war against the BJP as well.

The AIADMK leader also reminded CM Palaniswami and his cabinet colleagues that it was Sasikala who had installed their government after the Supreme Court in the DA case convicted her in February 2015. If she (Sasikala) had left the place (Koovathur resort without announcing the CM's name), they would have known (their real situation). It was Chinamma who installed this government and everyone should realise that, Dhinakaran said.

There was only some misunderstanding and no big fight between the two AIADMK factions and even that could be cleared very soon, said Dhinakaran, adding ominously, Taking action against anyone would not take even a minute, but that's not the right thing to do. He said his main goal was to unite the two factions and he was already working on it.

Before addressing the press conference, Dhinakaran released two press statements in a gap of just an hour  first about the statewide trip he would launch from Melur in Madurai district and the second one about appointing the new set of office bearers to prepare the party for the Parliament polls.

People who have worked for the party have been rewarded. My only aim is to ensure that the party sweeps the LS polls, Dhinakaran said.

Dhinakarans message: whoever switches his side will be rewarded

Of the 60 new office-bearers announced by Dhinakaran, 20 are MLAs and ten are former ministers. Significantly, 22 of them have not figured in the list of his hardcore supporters in the party; which could mean that he might have resorted to a clever strategy for stretching his support base from an identified 40-odd seniors to a little over 60 by dangling party positions to these 22 as carrots to win them over and also send a clear message to the others that those who crossed over to his side would be similarly rewarded.

There is a second loud message in TTV's media meet on Friday. When he said that the position of the ministers who opposed Chinnamma and him was pitiable because they trusted in Arasan (King, BJP) who only ditched them, he was biting his thumb at the Centre even amidst reports insisting he could be arrested again in some other cases-he is out on bail in a case of alleged attempt to bribe Election Commission officials for getting the party's two-leave symbol for Chinnamma and there is a FERA case progressing in the court.

TTV has announced tour programme covering all the state, except Lloyds Road (AIADMK headquarters), said a former minister in the EPS camp. Obviously, be does not want a clear showdown. Also he is only posturing he is in control of the party, but he does not attempt to destabilize the government as he has not announced taking away any minister's party post, he said requesting anonymity.

Said another party senior: Suppose CM Edappadi expands cabinet now giving minister posts to a few prominent men in TTV's list? There will be a stampede of people running out from there, right?
On January 24, 2014 and subsequently again on January 27, the Election Commission issued an administrative direction that the None of the Above (Nota) provision would be made applicable for elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) also. It clarified the process of voting by another clarificatory directive on November 12, 2015. Somehow this administrative direction escaped the attention of lawmakers until it got flagged during the run-up to the election in Gujarat scheduled for August 8, 2017. Though the Supreme Court has refused to stay the use of Nota in the Gujarat Rajya Sabha elections, it has nonetheless agreed to examine the constitutional validity of the Election Commissions administrative diktat. To put things in perspective, the Supreme Court in PUCL v. Union of India 2013 (10) SCC 1 directed the use of Nota in the context of direct elections to the Lok Sabha and the respective state Assemblies. The judgment delineated that in a direct election a voters must be given an option to choose None of the above to express their dissatisfaction with all the candidates/ political parties on the ballot. In this judgment the court observed: Universal adult suffrage conferred on the citizens of India by the Constitution has made it possible for these millions of individual voters to go to the polls and thus participate in the governance of our country. Accordingly, the court directed the EC to provide necessary provision in the ballot papers/EVMs for providing the Nota button. Subsequently, necessary amendments were made in the respective statutes to give effect to the orders of the court.

On the other hand, when it comes to electing members to the Rajya Sabha, Article 80(4) of the Constitution provides for indirect election by the members of the legislative Assembly of a state in accordance with the system of proportional representation by a single transferable vote. Further, Section 59 of the Representation of the People Act 1951 provides for the manner of election and reads as follows: Manner of voting at elections i) At every election where a poll is taken, votes shall be given by ballot in such manner as may be prescribed, (and, save as expressly provided by this Act, no votes shall be received by proxy) (Provided that the votes at every election to fill a seat or seats in the Council of States shall be given by open ballot.) The use of Nota in indirect elections is thus, in direct conflict with and militates against the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote envisaged by the Constitution, the Act and the Rules. The use of Nota cannot be sanctioned by way of a circular dated January 24, 2014, which in any event cannot override the provisions of Article 80(4), the provisions of the Act and the Rules. In any event, the use of Nota cannot be made applicable without the necessary amendments in the Act and Rules. It is fairly evident therefore, that the system of Nota makes the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote meaningless, cannot be made applicable in Rajya Sabha elections.

In matters of election to the Rajya Sabha, MLAs are also duty bound to support the candidate put up by the political party to which they are affiliated. In Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) 7 SCC 1; a Constitution bench of the Supreme Court categorically observed that the declarations under Form 2-B read with 2-C binds the MLAs to vote for the candidate set up by the political party to which they are affiliated. The court further emphasised the rationale behind proportional representation and the need for maintaining the sanctity of members of the political party by ensuring party discipline. The ruling held: It cannot be forgotten that the existence of political parties is an essential feature of our parliamentary democracy and that it can be a matter of concern for Parliament if it finds that electors were resorting to cross-voting under the garb of conscience voting, flouting party discipline in the name of secrecy of voting. This would weaken party discipline over errant legislators. Political parties are the sine qua non of parliamentary democracy in our country and the protection of party discipline can be introduced as an essential feature of the purity of elections in case of indirect elections. Parliamentary democracy and a multi-party system are an inherent part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution

While upholding the validity of an open ballot, the court categorically observed: owing to the impugned amendment a voter has to disclose the way he has cast the vote to the representative of his party. The court also deprecated the practice of cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections and held that it is the duty of Parliament to take cognisance of the misbehaviour and misconduct and legislate remedial measures for the same. Breach of discipline of political parties for collateral and corrupt considerations removes the faith of the people in a multi-party democracy. In view of the categorical observations of the court in the Kuldip Nayar case rendered in the context of Rajya Sabha elections, no direction ought to have been given by the commission to introduce Nota, which has the effect of not only upsetting and destroying the nature of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote but also will have the effect of breaching party discipline by virtually amending the 10th Schedule of the Constitution of India (anti-defection law) through an administrative order thereby diminishing the importance of political parties which the court has held to be a part of the basic feature of the Constitution.
Karachi: Over the past few weeks, I have come across two powerful new words. Coincidentally, both are related in a certain way. The first, kakistocracy refers to government by the worst people. (Understandably, PML-N sympathisers want to insert an h after the first k). The second word, tenderpreneurs hasnt made it to the dictionary as yet, but it should. It has been coined by Raila Odinga, the Kenyan opposition leader, to refer to the money being made by the Kenyan President and his coterie via commissions from public works tenders. Misuse of public funds, using a public office for private gain, stashing ill-gotten wealth in offshore tax havens etc., have all been around since people first stepped forward to serve others. The scale and scope is, unfortunately, much larger now, with allegations of mega corruption no longer the preserve of African dictators like Mobutu Sese Seko, Sani Abacha et al., or of presidents Marcos, Duvalier and Suharto. Of recent, grand corruption scandals have broken out under democratically elected governments in Malaysia, Turkey, South Africa, Spain, France, Italy, Brazil, Russia, Argentina, South Korea among others. Of course, corruption is not the exclusive domain of civilians. Many of the corrupt African dictators were generals. In Pakistans case, the first major corruption scandal in Benazir Bhuttos tenure involved the serving naval chief at the time (in the Agosta submarine case). Under Gen. Musharraf several high-profile cases of irregularities came to light.

Much of the corruption and looting of a Pakistans wealth comes from the plunder of its natural resources. For countries that are not resource-rich, a major avenue is the public investment programme. A 1997 IMF Working Paper co-authored by Vito Tanzi concludes that: (sic) corruption lowers growth. The evidence shows that corruption increases public investment while reducing its productivity. An implication is that economists should be more restrained in their praise of high public-sector investment, especially in countries with corruption. Considerable work has been done in the last decade on the costs of large-scale corruption. One of the more comprehensive ones is a 2006 study by the World Economic Forum, which found that even a slight improvement in governance results in a threefold increase in income per capita. That can spell the difference between poverty and prosperity for a nation. So when a Third World leader facing allegations of mega corruption gets ensnared by the countrys top court for failing to account for millions of dollars of unexplained wealth amassed over a period coinciding with his tenure in public office, shouldnt the citizens of that poor country be celebrating? While large numbers of Pakistanis are jubilant, a sliver of its elite are mourning the victory for rule of law.

Driven by a visceral bias against the military, or by virtue of being connected insiders to governments, these members of the elite have based their bemoaning of the SC verdict based on three counts: one, why was the Sharif family targeted while other corrupt figures have not faced the courts; two, this was an Army-engineered conspiracy; and three, the verdict is based on technicality. These arguments are flimsy. The law is directed towards those who have been caught. With ample evidence of a web of complex global transfer of funds spread over two decades and no explanation for the sources of income, the court ruling was entirely inescapable. The military conspiracy argument ignores the elephant in the room  the presence of unexplained assets whose ownership the ruling family accepted in court. While the military is likely to have watched this episode gleefully, the Sharifs have been caught out by their massive unexplained assets. Pakistan has traversed a fair distance in terms of entrenchment of the rule of law since the lawyers movement of 2007. While there have been setbacks, the July 28 ruling by the Supreme Court is a huge step forward. We need to build on this by strengthening judicial processes and ensuring accountability. This cause is not helped, however, by exhibiting intellectual dishonesty and not being able to call out a wrong that has been so evidently committed. The worst thing is that we live in a contaminated moral environment. We feel morally ill because we became used to saying something different from what we thought.  Vaclav Havel.

By arrangement with Dawn
I wonder if the weed knows

It grows

In the bed of the rose

Or even why

Lacking its neighbours fragrance

It must die?

From Kami Kazi The Useless Judge by Bachchoo

Oh dark, dark, dark, they all go into the dark, the interstellar spaces, wrote T.S. Eliot, mourning the human condition. Lofty celebrations of death come to mind. Poetry doesnt reconcile, though it strives to appreciate the enormity and, on perhaps tiny occasions, to commemorate, appreciate or contribute to a choir of remembrance so let it be with the posts I have read from the talented voices of Ranjit Hoskote and Arundhati Subramaniam, who mark in verse the passing of my friend the poet Eunice DSouza. I knew her on and off through her life. Her childhood was associated with Poona (now Pune), my hometown, and we shared memories of it and of people there. She lived for a time in London with my late wife Mala Sen and me in our tiny flat in Cathles Road and we talked and argued and fought and reconciled and cooked meals and went to theatres and pubs together. Yes, we talked about our love lives and Eunice was as insightful and vituperative as her poems about her relationships testify.

Stories about her teaching, her severity, compassion and inspiring insights are, at least in Mumbai circles, legion. Pupils, acolytes, very many of them poets, have contributed poems to her memory  to the newspapers and to the ether media. So what does a non-poet like myself with only a secondary instinct for cheap doggerel (see above!) say? Yes, I mourn Eunices passing  she should have died hereafter  but it puts me in mind of the Indian poets I have known and feel compelled to recall  much as Juvenal in his satires called forth the spirits of departed Emperors and commented on their greatness. I count myself fortunate to have known Eunice. Her poems are now, on her departure, quoted on the Internet. Her measured disillusion with men is legendary and probably the most striking and lasting part of her work for some  but let that be interred with her bones. The verse I remember vividly was the very brief one about her Catholic aunt examining a stone yoni in an antique shop and asking the shopkeeper if it was an ashtray and receiving the reply No madam, that is our God! A Goan Catholic ladys alienation from the Hinduism her ancestors were converted from by the Portuguese colonialists? Or just a joke? Light touch, heavy historical implication!

And with Eunice, a founding contributor to the canon of contemporary Indian poetry in English, one must remember Dom Moraes, the first poet of the genre that I heard of and read. There he was, winning prizes for his verse at Oxford and writing books about his alienation from India. I met him in London and later we became peripheral friends  and how he changed! His story is that of the baba log, almost Kiplingesque in their engendering, who transmogrified into an authentic voice of the exploration of several of the infinite dimensions of Indianness. Let me then recall Arun Kolhatkar, as impressive in Marathi (which I understand and sort of speak being a Punya tsa mulga) as in English. I met him regularly in Mumbai in the house of my lifelong friend, the poet Adil Jussawalla, and celebrated his drinking days. I knew him later when he had taken the teetotal vow and used to sit at the Wayside Inn at Kala Ghoda in Mumbai and write his undying verse about what he saw from that street perspective. So many, I had not known death had undone so many So to Lawrence Bantleman, the Kolkota poet, who passed through London and lived in our basement flat for a few months. His lines, probably ones he wouldnt have recalled writing, remain with me:

The friars cut the fish and warn

Against the spikey centre bone

A soul may choke on should it scorn

Obeisance to God alone

How lonely must be God alone!

He fled Britain and died, I heard, in Canada. Eunices death makes me realise that I knew and luckily know a number, a small number, of Indian poets writing in English. Ive mentioned the dead ones with whom I was personally acquainted, but of course, in defiance of all superstition, will mention those that should live forever. Ive invoked Adil, but then theres Jeet and theres Keki and Arvind KM who belong in this ramble because they, with the poets who have passed, and who we must celebrate rather than mourn, have contributed something unique and necessary to post-Independence and contemporary Indian culture. Obviously, poetry in English is, to understate the scale, not the most popular art form in India. Yeah, yeah, yeah, the Bollywood song-lyric is! The Bollywood song lyric has, with a few exceptions such as some of the compositions of Javed Akhtar, at first pandered to the new, if unobservant myth of our India:

Jahan hoton pey sachchai hoti hain

Jahan dil mey safai hoti hain,

Hum us desh ke vaasi hain

Jis desh mein Ganga behti hain

The geography is accurate, the rest is err umm Indians always tell the truth? err... and have clean consciences umm... have you ever talked to an Indian capitalist...? And then of course the Bollywood lyric takes us to imitation American Rap  a lungi dance with imitation Michael Jackson choreography? (Mazaa ka naatch, leykin Amrikan nakli cheez yaar!  fd) So its mythology or false, imitative, aspirational rubbish! Indian poetry in English is exploring the concerns, confessions, insights and preoccupations with regaining the myriad identities of todays life that remain unexpressed. It is, as with poetry in other Indian languages, compelled to speak through individual experience. One day some poet will take this personal anguish to the magnificent pronouncement of the universal, even political  as Yeats did with Ireland or Blake with humanity.
My friend from Bihars grand alliance days Pavan K. Varma  in his inimitable style  has tried to justify the unparalleled and unfortunate robbery of the mandate of the poor and downtrodden by Nitish Kumar (Nitish rejoining BJP is not a betrayal, July 30). The event dubbed by Mr Varma as tectonic changes in Bihar shocked many all over India. This includes even those who have never appreciated the politics of Lalu Prasad Yadav and the RJD, who believe that what happened in Bihar in a span of 33 minutes was a well-rehearsed drama based on the script of the top leadership of the BJP and RSS. The dramatis personae are coming out into the open to claim the role they played in robbing the character of the mandate which was decisively against the Narendra Modi brand of politics and policies. This is one issue that shall haunt Mr Kumar for the remaining part of his public life. Opposition unity is a crucial and, by definition, a collective matter. You cannot simply blame the Congress, as Mr Kumar has done, for not doing enough and get away with this feeble argument. I have said earlier on behalf of my party that politics is a serious vocation, and in the time of right-wing authoritarianism it has to be all the more earnest. This required that our engagement with the people and the issues affecting their lives cannot be a sporadic phenomenon, going into active mode only after the declaration of poll dates by the Election Commission.

We are all witness to the threats over core ideas of India  freedom, liberty, social and economic justice and secularism  by dangerous outfits with explicit approval and sanction of the government in Delhi. Did the Indian National Congress stop us from converting these concerns into a massive movement to convey the peoples anger? When Rohith Vemula, a dalit student, committed suicide, did we do anything substantial, apart from symbolic marches, and that too organised by civil society or student bodies, and not by us? When the police fired on farmers in Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh), resulting in the killing of six, was it the Congress that told us not to mobilise people against such callous insensitivity? These questions need to have been pondered over by Nitishji and his party before he declared that not enough was being done for Opposition unity. The challenge before political parties is to be attentive to issues and concerns of the masses and then become a dynamic medium to convey the message to the right quarters. The failure to do so cannot perpetually be attributed to the Congress. Nitishjis self-righteous claims that he called for Opposition unity again and again, and ruing that it did not materialise, appear contrived in light of his conferral of invincibility upon Narendra Modi in 2019. This is nothing but an admission that invincibility matters to him above everything else in political alliances.

We all are aware how and why this grand alliance was stitched, the beginning of which could be traced to the Rajya Sabha elections when the RJD went on to support the candidates of the JD(U), whereby Mr Varma and Gulam Hussain Barelvi were elected to the Upper House. The RJD, keen to cement a larger Opposition narrative, also extended support to Nitishji after the fiasco of Jeetan Ram Manjhi. If Mr Lalu Yadav had chosen to be the prisoner of his bitter experience with Nitishji in the past and acted accordingly, Sushashan Babu would have been history by now. It was Lalu Prasad Yadav who decided to set aside everything that Nitishji and his trusted team had done against him for the last 20 years and went on to become the fulcrum of the grand alliance. The RJD and the Congress also extended crucial support to Nitishji when he parted ways with the BJP and, in spite of his offer, declined to join the government because both the parties felt that the mandate of 2010 was not to be part of the government. This is how peoples mandate is respected unlike the BJP, that has been inducted into the government through the backdoor. Somebody has rightly said that the Modiji-Amit Shah-led BJP forms governments where it wins the mandate, but also forms governments in states where the mandate is not in its favour.

Coming back to Nitishjis somersault, can he deny that the Bihar Assembly election 2015 mandate had a distinct subaltern fervour, wherein the people and the communities on the margins strongly spoke against the RSS bunch of thoughts? The mandate was also against the views of Mr Mohan Bhagwat, who had openly declared that reservations in jobs be done away with. It was one of the first mandates of its kind in the last 20 years wherein the dalits-mahadalits, backward and extremely backward, minorities and progressive sections of the upper castes joined hands to write a new script for Bihar at a time when a large section of the media was going ga ga over the Modi magic and the PMs invincibility. Did Mr Nitish Kumar have the right to play a fraud on the nature and character of such a mandate? As for the so-called avalanche of information about alleged benami properties of Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family, we tried to convey to Nitishji and others to understand that whenever the political churning for Opposition unity gains momentum, the BJP machinery asks its new alliance partners, viz. CBI/IT/ED, to virulently chase the leaders of Opposition parties and malign them. The story of Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, P. Chidambaram, Mayawati together with Laluji tells you that this is the newest strategy developed by the BJP in dealing with strong political Opposition.

We urged the then chief minister of the grand alliance not to trust the narrative of 11, Ashoka Road, which is nothing but a new avatar of politics of vendetta that does not bode well for our democratic political culture. During this entire scripted phase of discomfiture about an FIR on Tejashwi Yadav, the deputy CM, Nitishji has himself admitted that he never sought his resignation. When the deputy CM met the CM shortly before the infamous somersault, the CM was resounding in saying that he should not resign simply to justify the BJPs agenda run with a section of the media. If Nitishji honestly listens to his antaratma ki awaz (the call of conscience), he would know that the investigations going on against several leaders of the Opposition are largely based on false and malicious accusations, and imagined quid pro quo and are not likely to stand in the subsequent judicial process. But that was not the part of the script Nitishji was keen to read and act upon because he was probably working on the mysterious deal to dent efforts for larger Opposition unity. For Nitishji and his brand of political opportunism, I can only quote Mark Antony in Julius Caeser This was the most unkindest cut of all.
Kaspersky DDoS Protection combines Kaspersky Labs extensive expertise in combating cyber threats and the companys unique in-house developments. The solution protects against all types of DDoS attacks regardless of their complexity, strength or duration.

The second quarter of 2017 was proof that long-lasting DDoS attacks are back in business. The longest attack in the quarter was active for 277 hours (more than 11 days)  which is a 131 per cent increase compared to Q1. This is so far a record for the year, says the Q2 2017 botnet DDoS report from Kaspersky Lab experts.

Duration was not the only distinctive feature of the DDoS attacks between April and June. The geography of incidents has also seen a dramatic change with organizations with online resources located in 86 countries targeted in the second quarter (compared to 72 in Q1). The top 10 most affected countries were China, South Korea, USA, Hong Kong, UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada and France  with Italy and the Netherlands replacing Vietnam and Denmark that were among the top targets in Q1.

Targets of DDoS attacks included one of the largest news agencies, Al Jazeera, Le Monde and Figaro newspaper websites and, reportedly, Skype servers. In the second quarter of 2017, an increase in cryptocurrencies rates also led to cybercriminals trying to manipulate prices through DDoS. Bitfinex, the largest Bitcoin trading exchange, was attacked simultaneously with the launch of trading in a new cryptocurrency called IOTA token. Earlier, the BTC-E exchange reported a slowdown due to a powerful DDoS attack.

The interest of DDoS attack organizers in cash goes beyond manipulating cryptocurrency rates. Using this type of attack to extort money can be beneficial as trends in Ransom DDoS or RDoS demonstrate. Cybercriminals usually send a message to the victim demanding a ransom that ranges from 5 to 200 bitcoins. If the company refuses to pay, attackers threaten to organize a DDoS attack on a critically important online victim resource. Such messages can be accompanied by short-term DDoS attacks to confirm the threats are very real. At the end of June, a large-scale RDoS attempt was made by the group called Armada Collective, who demanded about $ 315,000 from seven South Korean banks.

However, there is always another way which has become more popular in the last quarter  Ransom DDoS with no DDoS at all. Fraudsters send out threatening messages to a large number of companies in the hope that someone will decide to be better safe than sorry. Demonstrations of attacks may never happen, but if just one company decides to pay, that brings profit with minimal effort from the cybercriminals.

Kaspersky Lab experts warn that if a victim company decides to pay, it may bring long-term damage in addition to instant monetary loses. A payer reputation spreads fast through the networks and may provoke further attacks from other cybercriminals.

Kaspersky DDoS Protection combines Kaspersky Labs extensive expertise in combating cyber threats and the companys unique in-house developments. The solution protects against all types of DDoS attacks regardless of their complexity, strength or duration.

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While it doesnt have the drama that the Galaxy S8 manages to achieve with its curved screen and a fancy user interface, it manages to tick all the things that a user looks for in a perfect smartphone.

Rating:

When HTC launched the Dream back in 2008, it quietly started a revolution in the world of mobile phones. It provided the perfect platform to debut the Android OS and provide a tough competition to the iPhone. As years rolled by, HTC evolved into a recognisable name in the world of smartphones, claiming one of the best Android phones in history to their name  HTC One M7. (However, the HTC Desire was also one of the best, unforgettable smartphones where developers would swear by it.)

Times have moved on since the HTC One M7 and other players have taken HTCs mantle of bringing in better and innovative Android smartphones. And now, in a world dominated by Samsungs piece-de-resistance Galaxy S-series and the budget-heroes from OnePlus, the Taiwanese smartphone giant hopes to make a comeback with their latest offering  the HTC U11. During its launch, HTC marked the U11 aside from the competition with their new Edge Sense feature along with a great camera sensor. So, is it just another revamped version of its predecessors or worthy of its title  quietly brilliant? Lets find out.

In 2017, if you have to design a flagship smartphone, you have to follow the trend of incorporating slim-bezels, better displays and great looking designs on your best offering. HTC has instead opted to stay classic  retain the old-school smartphone look. But that doesnt mean the U11 is boring to look at.

HTC has gone to great depths for designing the rear panel on the U11 with a glass made from Optical Spectrum Hybrid Deposition. This is the same glass used on the U Ultra launched earlier this year.

However, the rear panel looks better than the former, especially with the ridge around the camera. The unit we had was Amazing Silver (it's actually light blue), which showed various tints of light blue under different lighting conditions. This though depends on an individuals taste  some will like the highly reflective finish of the rear panel whereas others could find it pretty loud. We liked this reflective glass finish on the U11 as it makes the phone distinct in a sea of understated glass-body smartphones out there in the market.

HTC's craftsmanship is also visible on the sides, especially with the uniquely-shaped speaker grille and the cleverly placed antenna bands. And the buttons have a high tactility too.

However, the best bit about the U11s build is its waterproofing  it gets IP67 certification, which means taking out this baby in the rains is no more a matter of worry. The only thing you would find missing is the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is soon becoming a norm in this category.

To compliment the rear panels presence, HTC has crammed in an equally impressive display  a 5.5-inch Super LCD5 display with 1440 x 2560 pixels packed with a density of 534ppi, and protected by a 3D Gorilla Glass 5 adding to the overall looks. The display produces crisp images with high contrasts and natural colours. It also has wide viewing angles, which is convenient while watching content in a group.

However, in a world where smartphones are working towards reducing the display bezels, the U11 feels like a smartphone from 2014s. There are smartphones with bezels (like the one on the OnePlus 5) that dont look boring. The U11 does look a tad boring, but isn't as bad either  it surely is a good looking smartphone, but doesnt fit in with its rivals in the aesthetics department.

The fingerprint sensor, which doubles as the home button, is placed conveniently  you can never hit it accidentally while using an app. Thanks to the distant placement away from the bottom of the display and into the chin.

Since the U11 was meant to compete with the big boys, HTC has accumulated the best hardware it could find in the market for the U11. Theres the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 beast powering the U11 and is supported by a massive 6GB of RAM along with 128 GB of storage. One can expand the storage up to 256GB via a hybrid microSD card slot  we still wonder who will fill it to its brim!

With a custom UI (Sense , based on Android's Nougat 7.1.1), the U11 sails through almost any task it is given. Even though HTCs Sense UI has a noticeable amount of bloatware, theres no hint of the smartphone struggling to keep up with the activities. Not only does the phone provide a quick app-launch experience and slick animations, but multitasking is a breeze too  all thanks to the 6GB RAM onboard. Additionally, the new Sense UI's user interface is pretty close to stock Android. However, if you like customising the phone to your taste, HTC has provided its own theme store to overhaul the menus, icons, wallpapers and fonts.

The U11 also excels in the gaming department. Asphalt 8: Airborne, Need For Speed: No Limits, Modern Combat 5  these are some of the high-end games that the U11 can handle without breaking a sweat. However, housing a powerful engine underneath the hood means that the smartphone heats up under stress. It doesnt get unbearably hot but is surely uncomfortable after extended gaming sessions.

When it comes to photography, the U11 has an ace up its sleeves  a 12MP sensor with an aperture of f/1.7. And probably we can say thanks to the Google Pixel, which carried a similar camera and was brought up in the same stables. We have to say that camera is capable of taking some really good photographs. Images have a good contrast and produce natural colours while retaining sufficient details.

The camera is a real joy to use during the night; however, grainy distortions are visible only when used in absolutely dark environments. The colours are not as accurate as those taken during the day and image contrast takes a hit during low-light shots. However, where other smartphones usually struggle in low-light, the U11's camera manages to record loads of details. No wonder the HTC U11 earned a score of 90 on the DxOMark scale. Check out some shots taken by the HTC U11's primary camera in different lighting conditions below.

There's hardly any loss of details in low light conditions, thanks to the f/1.7 aperture.

In daylight, the images turn out to be lively.

During the night, images tend to lose out on natural colours. The streetlight in the photo has an orange tint but turns yellowish in the image. However, sharpness still stays put.

Contrast management is top-notch even with multiple bright sources in the frame.

The U11 feels happy during low light photography.

The front 16MP camera with f/2.0 aperture is also commendable  it captures details and colours pretty well.

HTC markets the U11 as a 'squeezable' smartphone with its unique Edge Sense feature. There are a set of four pressure-sensitive sensors on each side of the phone's edge that can be turned ON or OFF when not required. For now, two gestures with the Edge Sense  a quick squeeze for one app or shortcut and a long squeeze for another app or shortcut, are all that you can use them for. You can also change the level of pressure that the sensors need to detect in order to perform the desired activity. In time, developers will implement this new feature into various apps, and find more use for it. Presently, you can only take photos, assign a few shortcuts or pull up Google's Assistant by squeezing the edges.

Initially, it seems more of a gimmick than being useful. However, once you spend some time on the U11, you will get accustomed to the Edge Sense and will eventually prefer squeezing your U11 to open your favourite apps.

As mentioned earlier, the 3.5mm headphone jack is missing here. While this could be an issue for a few audiophiles with a range of existing audio accessories, the 3.5mm jacks trade-off has given way to really good audio quality. If you use the bundled U-Sonic earphones, you will get to witness the benefits of the high-quality digital audio it produces. The sound is crisp and clear and perfectly tuned for bass a great audio experience altogether.

The headphones also feature active-noise cancellation  so say goodbye to all the unwanted ambient sounds around you. Even though HTC provides a Type-C-to-3.5mm adapter within the box, we recommend you to stick with the supplied earphones for the best audio experience, since conventional headphones might not be able to match the audio quality pumped out from this device. The headphones contain its own DAC chip to improvise on the audio performance.

The U11 also hasa very good onboard speaker setup  and it's stereo too. The speaker on the bottom produces the bass, while the earpiece takes care of the highs and mids. This makes for an overall satisfying audio experience, especially while listening to casual audio or watching your favourite flicks.

Despite being driven by a powerful chipset, handled by Edge Sense and sporting an array of microphones, the U11 has an appreciable optimisation that does not strain the battery life. An entire day can be obtained easily from the 3000mAh reservoir, despite intense texting, calling, video streaming, light camera usage or listening to music. The battery charges up pretty fast too  thanks to Qualcomms Quick Charge 3.0. You can easily top-up the battery from zero to 100 within an hour and a half.

The HTC U11 is no doubt one of the best smartphones we have seen till date. Unlike Samsung's gaga over their unique designs or OnePlus' constant beating about the best camera performance, the HTC U11 stays under the rock but is still visible to the genuine performance smartphone hunter.

A great future-ready 2K display, a commendable rear camera, satisfying performance, a premium build and an amazing audio quality are all that's needed for a flagship smartphone, and the HTC U11 has them all. At Rs 51,990, it may seem a bit pricey, but the internals and the features manage to justify the price tag. The HTC U11 would be a tough decision for those seeking a stylish flagship smartphone, especially with heavy competition from its rival Galaxy S8, which has similar performance and features but differs in aesthetics. But, the U11 edges out with a cheaper price tag and a familiar as well as comfortable old-school design, which could seal the deal in HTC's favour.

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Samsung is scheduled to announce the Galaxy Note 8 smartphone at an Unpacked event in New York City on August 23, disclosing all the relevant details about the model, including what will sport under the hood. However, days before its official launch, well-known tipster Evan Blass has revealed final specs of the smartphone.

According to the leaked information, Galaxy Note 8, as widely reported, will feature a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display, barely larger than Samsungs last flagship smartphone Galaxy S8 Plus. The phone will be powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 SoC for the US market, and by Samsungs own Exynoss 8895 processor for the rest of the regions, coupled with 6GB of RAM and 64GB internal storage. The smartphone will also support expandable storage via microSD card slot.

In terms of camera, Galaxy Note 8 will come equipped with dual-camera setup  12MP sensor each. The primary wide-angle lens will have an f/1.7 aperture and dual-pixel autofocus, while the second is a telephoto lens with f/2.4 and which will enable a 2x optical zoom. On the other hand, the front camera will have an 8MP sensor and f/1.7 autofocus lens.

It will pack a 3300mAh battery, which can be recharged via the USB-C port or wirelessly, and measures 162.5mm x 74.6mm x 8.5 mm in dimensions. The smartphone will reportedly be available in four colour variants  Midnight Black, Maple Gold, Orchid Grey and Deep Sea Blue at a price of around 999 (or approx Rs 75,749), making it Samsungs most expensive smartphone ever.

Fans can watch the live streaming of the Galaxy Note 8 event here.

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Johannesburg: Jailed Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was discharged from hospital on Friday after being kept in overnight under observation, an official said, after local media reported he was suffering chest pains.

"He has been discharged and is back in the facility," Logan Maistry, spokesman for the department of correctional services, told AFP.

Pistorius, 30, is serving a six-year jail term for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, in his Pretoria house in 2013.

The "Blade Runner", as he was known, has always maintained that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he fired four high-calibre bullets through a locked toilet cubicle.

Maistry said on Friday the department would not release details on Pistorius's medical condition.

The News24 website had reported that Pistorius was taken from Atteridgeville prison in Pretoria to hospital in an ambulance on Thursday after complaining of chest pains.

The year before he killed Steenkamp, Pistorius became the first double-amputee to race at Olympic level when he competed at the London 2012 games.
The US has carried out a handful of airstrikes since Trump's expansion of military efforts. (Photo: Representational/ File)

Mogadishu (Somalia): The US military on Friday confirmed it killed a high-level commander of the al-Shabab extremist group with an airstrike in Somalia over the weekend, targeting a man blamed for planning deadly attacks in the capital of the Horn of Africa nation.

President Donald Trump earlier this year approved expanded military operations against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, including more aggressive airstrikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities. Al-Shabab is the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.

A US Africa Command statement said the strike on July 30 killed Ali Mohamed Hussein, also known as Ali Jabal. The statement said he was "was responsible for leading al-Shabab forces operating in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks against the capital of Mogadishu."

Ali also had served as the extremist group's shadow governor for Mogadishu and had been one of al-Shabab's most outspoken officials.

The statement said the airstrike occurred near Tortoroow, an al-Shabab stronghold in Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia "as a direct response to al-Shabab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces." It said no civilians were killed in the strike.

The US Africa Command has told The Associated Press it was a drone strike. Al-Shabab often carries out deadly attacks on high-profile targets in Mogadishu, including Somali military and African Union checkpoints and facilities, hotels and the area around the presidential palace.

The killing of Ali "disrupts al-Shabab's ability to plan and conduct attacks in Mogadishu and coordinate efforts between Al-Shabab regional commanders," the US statement said.

The US has carried out a handful of airstrikes since Trump's expansion of military efforts. The US military in early July said it carried out an airstrike against al-Shabab in Somalia and was assessing the results, with few details. The airstrike followed one in June that the US said killed eight extremists at a rebel command and logistics camp in the south.

The Somalia-based al-Shabab recently mocked Trump in a video that called him a "brainless billionaire." The extremist group also has vowed to step up attacks in Somalia after the president elected in February declared a new offensive against al-Shabab.

The extremist group also has carried out deadly attacks in neighboring countries, notably Kenya, calling it retribution for sending troops to Somalia to fight it.
The leaks of the presidential conversation has been condemned by even Trump's critics. (Photo: File)

Washington: The leak of transcripts of telephonic conversations between US President Donald Trump and the leaders of Mexico and Australia is a national security matter, the White House has said.

It was referring to the Thursday's incident of a leading American daily posting highly classified transcripts of Trump's conversations with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. "It's a national security matter when phone call transcripts are being leaked out.

It prevents the president from being able to do what he does best, and negotiate with foreign leaders," White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters told reporters on Thursday abroad Air Force One travelling with Trump to West Virginia.

The White House officials, however, refused to comment on the specific leaks of the conversation, which was posted by The Washington Post on its website.

"What I can tell you regarding the border wall is that the president spoke about this on the campaign, continues to echo it now, and having a secure border is something that he had promised his supporters and has continued to focus on making sure that we have a secure border," she said.

The leaks of the presidential conversation has been condemned by even Trump's critics. "This is beyond the pale and will have a chilling effect going forward on the ability of the commander-in-chief to have candid discussions with his counterparts," Ned Price, a former National Security Council official under President Barack Obama, told The Hill.

"Granted, the White House contributed to this atmosphere by welcoming the free-for-all environment, where anonymous leaks are commonplace. But we must draw the line somewhere," Price was quoted as saying. "I would've lost my mind if transcripts of Obama's calls to foreign leaders leaked. He wouldn't have sounded so dumb, but it's still absurd," said Tommy Vietor, another former spokesman of the National Security Council under the Obama Administration.

David Frum, a speech writer to the former US President George W Bush said that the president's opponents do a "lasting damage" to American security when they violate norms to undermine him. "Leaking the transcript of a presidential call to a foreign leader is unprecedented, shocking, and dangerous.

It is vitally important that a president be able to speak confidentially, and perhaps even more important that foreign leaders understand that they can reply in confidence," he wrote in The Atlantic magazine.

Frum said that the leak will reverberate around the world. "No leader will again speak candidly on the phone to Washington, DC at least for the duration of this presidency, and perhaps for longer," he said.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions along with his top intelligence officials are scheduled to have a press conference on leaks today.

The presser was however scheduled before The Washington Post released the transcripts of the presidential conversation. Democratic Senator Mark Warner, who is Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed apprehensions that the leak may be "reflective of a chaotic White House" and demanded that the president should investigate the leaks.

"While the leak may be reflective of a chaotic White House, it still constituted a massive breach of norms and was serious enough to merit a congressional inquiry. Whether that is Intel or Judicial (committees) looking into it, somebody ought to," Warner told The Daily Beast in an interview.
Maduro faces accusations at home and abroad of trampling on democracy with the election last weekend of the assembly. (Photo: AFP)

Carascas: Venezuela is headed for a fresh showdown as President Nicolas Maduro prepares to inaugurate a powerful new "Constituent Assembly" on Friday, with his opponents vowing massive protests and state prosecutors seeking to block him in court.

Maduro faces accusations at home and abroad of trampling on democracy with the election last weekend of the assembly in a vote boycotted by the opposition and allegedly marred by fraud.

Attorney General Luisa Ortega's office said on Twitter that state prosecutors had filed a case to block Friday's inauguration, "based on suspected crimes committed" during the election.

Ortega, one of Maduro's most vocal critics, has ordered an investigation into "scandalous" electoral fraud, after a British-based technology firm contracted for the vote, Smartmatic, said Maduro had exaggerated the turnout.

Since all candidates for the assembly were Maduro allies, turnout was the key gauge of public support. The 545-member assembly whose members include Maduro's wife and son will have sweeping powers to dissolve the opposition-majority congress, pass laws and write a new constitution. It was initially due to start work Thursday against a backdrop of opposition protests.

But Maduro rescheduled the inauguration to Friday, vowing the assembly would open "in peace and calm." His opponents responded by pushing back their protest, calling on Venezuelans to "defend the constitution."

For four months Venezuela has been in the grip of violent protests that have left more than 125 people dead as opposition demonstrators battle security forces and armed motorcycle gangs of Maduro supporters.

On Thursday, two people on motorbikes threw Molotov cocktails at the Spanish embassy in Caracas, causing no casualties. Prosecutors did not link the attack to the political tensions, though Madrid is a fierce critic of Maduro's moves in recent days.

Maduro insists the new assembly is the solution to a drawn-out economic and political crisis gripping Venezuela, whose 18-year-old, oil-fueled socialist economic model has been driven to the brink of collapse by a plunge in global crude prices.

The United States imposed direct sanctions on Maduro, calling him a "dictator," while the European Union joined the United States, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina in saying it would not recognize the new assembly.

Maduro has denied the accusation of an inflated turnout figure, dismissing it as a "reaction by the international enemy." Venezuela's pro-government electoral authority had claimed more than eight million voters took part 40 percent of the electorate.

The opposition says turnout was closer to 3.5 million, mostly state employees fearful for their jobs. More than 70 percent of Venezuelans oppose the new assembly, according to polling firm Datanalisis.

Maduro moved swiftly to consolidate his authority after the election. Two prominent opposition leaders were hustled off to jail in the middle of the night by armed members of the Venezuelan intelligence services.

Security forces and pro-government motorbike gangs actively stamped out public signs of dissent. Delcy Rodriguez, a former foreign minister who is now part of the new body, said the Constituent Assembly will kick the lawmakers out of the chamber they occupy in the legislative palace, take it over and "never leave."

Faced with mounting international outcry, Maduro on Wednesday named a new foreign minister to fill the newly elected Rodriguez's shoes: former vice president Jorge Arreaza.

Arreaza is married to the eldest daughter of late president Hugo Chavez Maduro's mentor, the father of Venezuela's socialist "revolution," and the architect of the 1999 constitution the new assembly will rewrite.

Several major Latin American nations have underlined their wariness over the direction they believed Venezuela was heading. On Thursday, Argentina called on its citizens to not take non-essential trips to Venezuela.

The Argentina foreign ministry said "cases of insecurity and violence perpetrated by governmental forces and confrontations with the civilian population" prompted its appeal.

Chile, meanwhile, said six Venezuelan opposition figures were taking refuge in its embassy in Caracas. Four of them were judges named by the opposition to sit on a parallel supreme court, to counter the high tribunal stacked with pro-Maduro magistrates.

The six were seeking diplomatic protection but no requests for asylum had been received, according to Chilean officials.
Washington: Special counsel Robert Mueller has convened a grand jury to investigate the alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, US media reports said, suggesting that his probe was expanding to focus on financial crimes. The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news, said this was a sign that Mr Muellers inquiry was growing in intensity and entering a new phase. A CNN report said that the investigation has now widened to focus on possible financial crimes.

Mr Mueller, a former FBI director, was appointed in May  after James Comey was abruptly fired as the chief of the investigating agency  to probe the alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. The impanelling of the grand jury means that Mr Mueller could be expected to hear from witnesses and demand documents in the coming weeks, American media reports said. The Russian meddling allegations have weighed in on the Trump administration, putting the US President in a difficult position hindering his efforts to improve ties with Moscow.

The development came as Mr Trump signed a law authorising new sanctions on Russia on Wednesday. A week before that, the US Congress had overwhelmingly voted in support of the legislation, curtailing room for Mr Trump to modify or lift the sanctions without congressional approval. Ty Cobb, special counsel to Mr Trump, said he was not aware that Mr Mueller had started using a new grand jury. Grand jury matters are typically secret, he said.

He added that Mr Comey had said three times Mr Trump was not under investigation and we have no reason to believe that has changed. Meanwhile, Mr Trump said he hopes for a truly honest outcome from the Russia investigation. At a boisterous rally in Trump-friendly West Virginia he slammed the investigation as a fake story that is demeaning to all of us and most of all demeaning to our country and demeaning to our Constitution.
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, addresses a Security Council meeting of the United Nations. (Photo: AP)

Washington: The United States has reaffirmed its support for India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council (UNSC).

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, said, ""I believe US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is going to raise the issue at the United Nations."

Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States as a wonderful experience, Nauert said, "US had a lovely visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was certainly wonderful to have him here in the United States. I know the President enjoyed hosting him, as did the Secretary as well."

Nauert, a former Fox News host, said "US is certainly aware of the elections that India will hold in 2019."

During Prime Minister Modi's visit to United States in June, President Trump reaffirmed the support of the United States for India's permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council and in other multilateral institutions like the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"As global non-proliferation partners, the United States expressed strong support for India's early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group," the India-US joint statement said.

India has been making diplomatic efforts to ensure the expansion of the permanent as well as non-permanent membership of the UNSC and membership bid in the NSG, a 48-member elite group which controls the nuclear trade.
Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan and New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson leave a press conference after addressing the media in Sydney. (Photo: AFP)

Sydney: An Australian man sent his unsuspecting brother to Sydney airport to catch an Etihad Airways flight carrying a home-made bomb disguised as a meat-mincer built at the direction of a senior Islamic State commander, police said on Friday.

Detailing one of Australia's "most sophisticated" militant plots, police said two men, who have been charged with terror-related offences, also planned to build a device to release poisonous gas in a public area.

High-grade military explosives used to build the bomb were sent by air cargo from Turkey as part of a plot "inspired and directed" by the militant Islamic State group, police Deputy Commissioner National Security Michael Phelan said.

The plot targeted an Etihad Airways flight on July 15 but the bomb never made it past airport security, he said.

"This is one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil," Phelan said.

Police allege that one of the two men charged late on Thursday had been introduced to Islamic State by his brother, who they said was a senior member of the group in Syria.

Communication between the accused man and Islamic State began around April, police said. Under the instruction of the unidentified Islamic State commander, the men built a "fully functioning IED" (improvised explosive device).

One of the brothers was unaware that he was carrying a bomb, disguised as a commercial meat mincer, in his luggage, and tried to check it in at the airport, police said.

"We'll be alleging that the person who was to carry the IED on the plane had no idea they were going to be carrying an IED," Phelan said.

Such a device would work like a large grenade, exploding with enough force to blow a hole in an airplane, even if it went off in the cargo hold, said Professor Greg Barton, a security expert at Deakin University in Melbourne.

"I think the logic would be that you pack your explosives in and seal it up, and if someone does a quick physical inspection it just looks like what it is, a meat grinder, because it's not electrical or electronic, it's less likely to be suspicious."

Police said there was "a little bit of conjecture" about what happened next, but it appeared one of the accused then left the airport, taking the luggage with him. The man's brother boarded the plane and has not since returned to Australia.

"I want to make it quite clear it never got near screening. I don't want anyone to suggest that it penetrated airport security layers because it did not. It didn't go anywhere near it," Phelan said.

Etihad said in a statement on Friday it had been working closely with the Australian investigation.

Gas plot also uncovered: Police arrested four men last weekend in raids across Sydney, Australia's biggest city. One man has been released, while another is still being held without charge under special counter-terror laws.

The two who have been charged are Khaled Khayat and Mahmoud Khayat, who each face two counts of planning a terrorist act. The charges carry a maximum punishment of life in prison.

The men did not apply for bail at a court hearing on Friday, a spokeswoman for New South Wales Courts said, and bail was formally denied. Their next scheduled court appearance is on Nov. 14.

Police also said they had uncovered the early stages of a plot to build an "improvised chemical dispersion device" designed to release hydrogen sulphide gas. Precursor chemicals and other components were found but the accused were "a long way" from making a functioning device.

Foul-smelling hydrogen sulphide, or "rotten egg gas", is deadly in high concentrations.

Police said "preliminary and hypothetical" discussions between the accused and Islamic State suggested a plan to deploy it in a crowded place, such as public transport.

Australia, a staunch US ally that has sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq, has been on heightened alert since 2014 for attacks by home-grown militants returning from fighting in the Middle East, or their supporters.

While there have been several "lone wolf" attacks, officials say 13 significant plots have been foiled in that time.

A gunman in a 2014 Sydney cafe siege boasted about links with Islamic State militants, although no direct ties with the group were established. The gunman and two other people were killed in the siege.

Since police revealed details of the scheme, security experts said it exposed weaknesses in air cargo screening, particularly in Turkey, where intelligence agencies have been weakened by a government purge in the wake of last year's failed coup.

"Islamic State is now positioned in Turkey such that it can send military-grade explosive via cargo flights out of Turkey around the world," said Deakin University's Barton. "Now presumably Sydney is not a one-off and they are going to try this elsewhere and that's a level of risk that we hadn't thought of before."
The killing sparked violence that has escalated, including gross alleged violations such as rapes, torture and the use of child soldiers. (Photo: Representational/AFP)

Geneva: The UN on Friday detailed more than 250 "extrajudicial or targeted killings" of civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai region from mid-March to mid-June, counting dozens of children among those massacred.

The findings, based on interviews with 96 refugees from the conflict-hit Kasai who had fled to Angola, blamed state agents for the murders of seven children.

The refugees gave harrowing accounts of the violence in the central region, which the UN warned had taken on "an increasing and disturbing ethnic dimension."

Victims recounted mutilations, including of a seven-year-old boy whose fingers were cut off, and an attack on a hospital in the village of Cinq where 90 people were killed, some because they were too injured to escape a raging fire.

Aside from government troops, the UN blamed a reportedly state-backed militia called the Bana Mura as well as the anti-government Kamuina Nsapu militia for a range of atrocities.

"Survivors have spoken of hearing the screams of people being burned alive, of seeing loved ones chased and cut down, of themselves fleeing in terror", the United Nations human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement.

A team of investigators has confirmed 251 executions between March 12 and June 19, the UN report said. "These included 62 children, of which 30 were aged under eight".

Regarding the children murdered, the UN explained that seven were killed by members of the army (FARDC) or the national intelligence service, while six died at the hands of the rebel group Kamuina Nsapu.

The Bana Mura militia members were blamed for the deaths of 49 minors. Scott Campbell, the head of the western and central Africa division at the rights office, said the new UN report was merely "a snapshot" of the wider conflict and atrocities had likely continued over the past six weeks.

The violence in the Kasai region "could amount to crimes against humanity", Campbell added, underscoring growing concern that the conflict was "tipping towards to ethnic cleansing".

The Kasai conflict erupted last September after the death in clashes of a tribal chieftain, known as the Kamwina Nsapu, who rebelled against the authority of President Joseph Kabila's regime in Kinshasa and its local representatives.

The killing sparked violence that has escalated, including gross alleged violations such as rapes, torture and the use of child soldiers.

The UN said the Bana Mura militia largely included members of the Tshokwe, Pende and Tetela ethnic groups, while the Luba and Lulua communities were seen as supporting the anti-government Kamuina Nsapu.

In less than a year, the violence has claimed more than 3,300 lives, according to a tally by the influential Roman Catholic Church, and displaced 1.4 million people. Around 80 mass graves have been uncovered in the region.

The president's mandate expired last December but under a transition deal, he was allowed to remain in office until elections that are supposed to be held in late 2017. Kabila has so far failed to set a date for the polls, heightening tensions across the country.

The UN rights chief has blasted Kabila's government for not mounting serious investigations into the Kasai crisis.

He successfully lobbied the Human Rights Council to set up an international investigation, although it is not clear if Congolese authorities will grant the probe access to the Kasai region.
Civilians were also reported to have been wounded in the nighttime attack. (Photo: Representational/AFP)

Kabul: A Taliban suicide bomber attacked a convoy of foreign forces in Afghanistan late Thursday, killing one NATO soldier and wounding six other personnel, the coalition said.

"The patrol was conducting a partnered mission with the Afghan National Army when a personnel-borne IED (improvised explosive device) detonated," in Qarabagh district in Kabul province," NATO said in a statement.

The Taliban quickly claimed the attack on social media and in Whatsapp messages to journalists. Qarabagh district is located 50 kilometres north of the capital Kabul and is near Bagram Airbase, the largest American base in Afghanistan.

"One Resolute Support Soldier was killed and six personnel (five troops and one interpreter) were wounded Thursday evening when their patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber," Nato said referring to the name of its Afghan mission.

"The RS personnel who were wounded are being treated at the US military hospital at Bagram Airfield. All of the wounded are listed in stable condition," it added. The nationality of the dead soldier and injured was not immediately known.

Civilians were also reported to have been wounded in the nighttime attack.

"#Afghanistan explosion in Qarabagh district, 12 wounded brought to our #Kabul hospital so far," tweeted an Italian-run hospital in the capital which specialises in dealing with victims of bombings.

The attack came a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed two US soldiers in Afghanistan's restive southern province of Kandahar when he rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into a convoy of foreign forces.
Pakistans newly-elected Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is likely to continue as premier for the remaining 10-month tenure of PML-N as the party chief Nawaz Sharif has hinted retaining his younger brother Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the key province.

Former PM Mr Sharif, who was disqualified by Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case on July 28, had nominated Shahbaz to succeed him after winning a by-election on his vacant seat in Lahore.

Mr Abbasi, 58, was endorsed by Mr Sharif to hold the post for interim arrangement of 45 days (till mid-September) till Shahbaz makes to Islamabad.

Sharif is holding a high-level huddle of PML-N senior leaders on Thursday in Murree to review his earlier decision to elevate Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to the Centre or not, a PML-N senior leader said.

After Mr Abbasi was elected Prime Minister last Tuesday, he said many in the Mr Nawaz camp suggested that the former retain the position for the remaining term of the PML-N government as Punjab is very important for the party and cannot be left to an inexperienced hand.

In the meanwhile, Mr Abbasi held a meeting with Nawaz Sharif in Murrees Changla Gali area at Shahbaz Sharifs residence.

Democracy, dictatorship same

Former Pakistan military ruler Pervez Musharraf has said that the army brings the country on track but the civilian governments derail it.

In an interview with BBC Urdu, Mr Musharraf asserted that democracy or dictatorship made no difference to the people as they only wanted employment, prosperity, and security.
In what comes as a shocker, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has sought a report from the Maharashtra government's chief secretary on the allegations of assets disproportionate to known sources of income of Radheyshyam Mopalwar, a 1995-batch IAS officer.



Mopalwar was currently the vice chairman and managing director of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and was handling several key projects including the Nagpur-Mumbai Super Communication Expressway, the dream project of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.



As the opposition Congress-NCP cornered the BJP-Shiv Sena saffron alliance government on the alleged dealings of Mopalwar, Fadnavis on Thursday said that he has been divested of the porfolio. "Mopalwar will not be in the post till the probe is over," Fadnavis said in identical statements in the Assembly and the Council.



However, he said that the allegations of corruption of Mopalwar does not pertains to his tenure and was in fact when the erstwhile Congress-NCP Democratic Front government was in power. "It was during your tenure that he got plum posts," the chief minister told the Opposition benches.



On Thursday, the chief minister had announced a one-month time frame for the probe - after audio clips of Mopalwar purportedly demanding money could be heard.



The opposition also kept on demanding the resignation of housing minister Prakash Mehta, whose name has figured in different scams.



"Mehta stands exposed....he has made notings on files even without consulting the chief minister," leader of opposition in Assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil of the Congress said. "We want that Mehta resigns or be made to resign and Mopalwar be suspended," he said.



"Why there are two yardsticks....on one hand while (the the revenue minister) Eknath Khadse was asked to resign, Mehta is still in office," former deputy chief minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar said.



Finance and planning minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, however, intervened and said that Khadse resigned on his own. "He himself tendered his resignation," he said.



The oppostion also displayed a letter of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Greviances and Pensions, to chief secretary. The letter, addresed by an under secretary, stated: "I am directed to enclose herewith a copy of a complaint dated 15 January, 2017, against Radheshyam Mopalwar received through Prime Minister's Office from (BJP MLA) Anil Gote on allegations of having disproportionate assets of more than Rs 800 crore."



It directed the Maharashtra government to examine the matter and furnish a report.



"It is shocking.....the letter has been addressed by a BJP MLA. The prime minister (Narendra Modi) promises of a transparent administration...why is the chief minister trying to save him.....you make him (Mopalwar) the chief secretary...we have no issues, but remove him as the needle of suspicion points towards him," said former finance minister Jayant Patil of the NCP.



Fadnavis, however, turned tables and targetted the Opposition benches. "He got plum posts under the erstwhile Congress-NCP Democratic Front regime," the chief minister said. It may be recalled that the name of Mopalwar, who in late nineties headed the Stamps department, had figured in th fake stamppaper scandal masterminded by Abdul Karim Telgi. Mopalwar had, however, always claimed that he was in fact, the whistle-blower.



Meanwhile, the Treasury bench legislators and ministers of the BJP-Sena government, returned to attend the proceedings.


External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday dismissed Beijing's claim that Sino-India boundary in Sikkim Sector had been delimited by the 1890 convention between the UK and China.



Sushma articulated New Delhis position on the current face-off between Indian Army and Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in western Bhutan while replying to a discussion on Indias external engagements in the Rajya Sabha. She said that the 1890 convention between the UK and China had provided the basis for settling the Sino-India boundary in Sikkim Sector, but New Delhi and Beijing still had steps to take before finalising the border on that stretch.



War is not a solution to anything. Even after war, there has to be a dialogue. So, have dialogue without a war... Patience, control on comments and diplomacy can resolve problems, said Sushma on India's approach to resolve the stand-off.



Ever since the current face-off in Doklam Plateau started, Beijing has been repeatedly invoking the 1890 Convention between Great Britain and China relating to Tibet and Sikkim. A 15-page document brought out by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China on the stand-off on Wednesday too stated that China-India boundary in the Sikkim Sector had already been delimited by the 1890 convention.



There is mutual agreement on the basis of the alignment of the India China boundary in the Sikkim Sector as provided by the convention between China and Great Britain relating to Tibet and Sikkim signed in 1890, Swaraj on Thursday quoted the Common Understanding reached by Special Representatives appointed by New Delhi and Beijing for negotiation to settle the boundary dispute.



She also quoted from the non-paper Beijing provided to New Delhi during the eighth round of talks between Special Representatives of India and China in June 2006. The non-paper had proposed that both sides might, based on the 1890 Convention, verify and determine the specific alignment of the Sikkim Sector and produce a common record.



On this basis as the initial result of the boundary settlement both sides may negotiate a final agreement on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector to replace the historical treaty, said the External Affairs Minister.



No firm boundary



Subsequently, she added, in the Special Representatives meeting the Chinese side has made the proposal for finalising the boundary in Sikkim sector terming it as an early harvest of the SR process, thus clearly confirming that the boundary in the Sikkim sector is not yet finalised.



Otherwise, they would not have used this term early harvest as we say low hanging fruit.

She also noted that Point 13 of the 2012 Common Understanding reached by the Special Representatives of New Delhi and Beijing stated that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries would be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries.



Since 2012, we have not held any discussion on the tri-junction with Bhutan. The Chinese action in the Doklam area is therefore of concern, said Swaraj.


Students of PSSB Learning Leadership Academy (PSSB LLA), Bengaluru, bagged the first place in the regional round of the annual TCS IT Wiz quiz, organised by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), on Thursday.



The competition was open to students from Classes VIII to XII and over 1,150 students took part in the event.



This year, the quiz rounds focused on technological trends of the future such as Automation, Contextual Knowledge, Machine Learning, and Agile. There was also an exclusive round on TCS. The quiz was hosted by quiz master Giri Pickbrain Balasubramaniam.



Aryan Patel and Pranav Prabhu from PSBB LLA school won the title. They received a gift voucher of Rs 60,000. The runners-up, Muktaka Joshipura and Rohan Kapoor from National Public School Indiranagar received gift vouchers of Rs 40,000. The winning team will take part in the national finals in Mumbai.




The department of Health and Family Welfare has terminated its 10-year contract with GVK-EMRI (Emergency Management and Research Institute), which provides emergency response service 108 Arogya Kavacha.



The order was issued on July 14 by the government when there was more than one year left for the contract to end, in October 2018. The decision was taken by the commissioner of Health and Family Welfare department, citing certain shortcomings from GVK-EMRI group such as delay in providing services, shortage in manpower and not addressing employees grievances.



We received complaints from the people, the media among others. The quality of their services went down. There were complaints from MLAs, said R Narayan, nodal officer for the emergency services.



The government had entered into an agreement with GVK-EMRI in 2008, which was to end 2018. Over the years, the department has served the organisation several notices for its poor performance.



GVK-EMRI has been currently served with a three-month notice and will provide emergency services for the said period. We have called for tenders for agreement with a new organisation, said Subodh Yadav, commissioner, Health & Family Welfare department.



The government has 827 ambulances and GVK EMRI has 701, which will be combined to hand them over to the organisation which will replace GVK-EMRI. When contacted, Abhinav Jayaram, state chief of GVK EMRI, refused to comment on the issue.




The Supreme Court on Monday castigated the Karnataka government for raising a bill of about Rs 15 lakh for police escort, that will accompany Kerala's Peoples Democratic Party leader Abdul Nazeer Maudany, an accused in serial blasts in Bengaluru, on his visit to his home state for attending his sons marriage.



Maudany (51) was granted permission by the apex court on July 31 to attend various functions to be held in Thalassery, Ernakulam and Kollam and to visit his ailing mother too between August 2 and 14.



Is this the way you carry out the orders of the Supreme Court? Don't scuttle it. We expect some seriousness on the part of the state, a bench of Justices S A Bobde and L Nageswara Rao told Karnataka standing counsel Joseph Aristotle. Why do you want to make it impossible, the bench further asked the state.



Advocates Prashant Bhushan and Haris Beeran, representing Maudany, submitted that the apex courts order was sought to be frustrated by the state government by raising a demand of Rs 15 lakh from Maudany. They said, last time, when he visited Kerala for his daughter's wedding, he was asked to pay just Rs 18,000 and when he visited his mother, there was no charge levied on him.



How can he pay such an absurd amount, Bhushan asked. They also questioned the huge posse of policemen, 19 in number, in the escort.



Karnataka counsel, for his part, maintained that the amount charged on Maudany was computed as per a 1991 circular. He contended that the state had already spent Rs 6 crore on Maudany.



The court, however, pointed out these policemen were otherwise being paid salary. The state can only charge to the extent of TA/DA.



The bench asked the state counsel to take fresh instructions by Friday. A letter issued by the Office of Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru, to Maudanys counsel stated the escort charges in respect of officers, including two ACPs, and vehicle expenses would come to about Rs 14,79,876. The total amount also included 18% GST.



During the hearing, the court also came down heavily on the Kerala government as it counsel G Prakash said Maudany was a state citizen so the state was ready to provide security to Maudany during his stay. You dont have anything to do with it. He is in custody of Karnataka police," the bench told him.



Maudany, facing trial in the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts case, challenged the city court's order of July 24, declining him permission to attend sons marriage functions. Though the trial court allowed him to visit his ailing mother between August 1 and 7, it refused the permission to attend the marriage function scheduled for August 9.


At least 97 rescued star tortoises will soon return to their habitat in Koppal from Singapore.



These animals were smuggled to Singapore around six months ago. Customs officials in Singapore, however, seized and sent these endangered species to Animal Concerns and Research Education Society (Acres) there.



Wildlife SOS and the Karnataka Forest Department are now making efforts to bring these quarantined animals back to their habitat. P Annur Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife), former PCCF B K Singh and Kartick Satyanarayan, Wildlife SOS Co-Founder, visited Singapore last week to check the health of these tortoises.



The forest department has sent a request to the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) seeking clearance from the Singapore government to send the Indian star tortoises back to India. Director General of Foreign Trade has also been requested to look into the matter.



We hope Cites will give its clearance at the earliest. By the end of this month, Singapore is likely to send the star tortoises back to India. On their return, these tortoises will be sent to Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) for at least six months to get acclimatised to the Indian environment. Their health and stress will be closely monitored. After clearance from the veterinarians, they will be released in their natural habitat in Koppal, said a Wildlife SOS volunteer.



Reddy said that of the 97 rescued tortoises, 85 will come in the first batch immediately and the rest are undergoing treatment and will be repatriated once they recover. 
Former Union minister V Dhananjay Kumar on Thursday formally joined the Congress in the presence of KPCC president G Parameshwara.



Yeddyurappa (BJP state president) had said he would never ever go back to the BJP in his lifetime. But then, he went back. Im not like him, Kumar said, taking a dig at the BJP strongman.



Kumar was once a staunch loyalist of Yeddyurappa. In December 2012, when Yeddyurappa left the BJP to form the Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP), Kumar followed suit. Though the KJP was later merged with the BJP and Yeddyurapped returned to the party fold, Kumar did not re-join the saffron party.



He, instead, joined the JD(S). He also unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Parliamentary polls from Udupi-Chikkamagalur constituency. Kumar was Union Minister for Civil Aviation in the 13-day A B Vajpayee government. He was Union minister of state for Finance as well as Textiles in the subsequent NDA government. He is a former MP and MLA from Mangaluru.




Drivers and cooks have long held secrets of the masters they serve. And, Income Tax sleuths know that the key to unravelling Karnataka Energy Minister D K Shivakumars alleged money trail and investments are his drivers, assistants and cooks.



The tax sleuths, who have been raiding the residences of Shivakumar in Delhi since Wednesday morning, continued to grill Anjaneya, a clerk working in Karnataka Bhavan, Bangalore Rural MP and ministers younger brother D K Sureshs personal assistant Jacob and their cooks and drivers. Anjaneya is from Bengaluru and has been assisting the minister for the past several years during his Delhi visits.



Other than trying to find clues on Shivakumars suspected investments in real estate and other businesses, the I-T officials tried to find out where Shivakumar used to go when he was in Delhi and who had called on him.



An official from the I-T department said that they were going through the huge piles of documents on his investments and correspondence to find out any illegality. They have also come across a cheque carrying a figure that runs into more than a crore which is also being examined with extra vigil.



Tax officials completed the searches at his two flats in upmarket Safdarjung Enclave here on Thursday evening. With the recovery of huge cash from his two Safdarjung Enclave houses, the I-T officials wanted to know from Anjaneya whether he was aware where the money came from.



The taxmen did not allow the family members of Anjaneya to venture out of their house at Karnataka Government Employees Residential Quarters at Sector 6 of R K Puram since Wednesday morning when the raids started, sources said. Anjaneyas wife and two school-going children were even barred from either receiving or making phone calls.



The officials are said to have taken Anjaneya to undisclosed locations in the national capital, apparently to explore Shivakumars contacts.




Energy Minister D K Shivakumar saw it coming a few months ago when Income Tax sleuths started raids on his close aides, business associates and firms where he has financial investments.



Sources close to the minister told DH that Shivakumar had been making frequent trips to Delhi in the past five months when he sensed the I-T department casting its net wide around people and firms close to him.

He is also said to have used his proximity with a top BJP functionary in the state and a former national party functionary in Delhi to escape the I-T net.



In fact, raids on the ministers associates started in January 2016 when I-T sleuths, who were probing irregularities in electrical contracts for electricity supply companies (Escoms), raided a businessmans flat in Malleswaram.



The businessman, Uday, with interests in casinos in India and Sri Lanka, is a close associate of Shivakumar and has business interests in real estate. Again, Shivakumar came under the I-T scanner after demonetisation in November 2016. There were several raids on his associates and associate business firms including a well-known jewellery chain and a real estate company where Shivakumar is said to had made investments.



The raids became more evident when one of his school administrators Lepakshas house was targeted by I-T sleuths. Later, it was followed by a raid on one of his close aides in January this year.



Sources said that after these two raids, Shivakumar was very worried and wanted to come out clean. He is said to have pulled all his resources and relations in the BJP to wriggle out of the situation. It is said that at one point in time, the minister was even grilled by the Enforcement Directorate but nothing came out of it.



I will make the choice



Meanwhile, according to the grapevine in the BJP, a few senior leaders in the Congress would be coerced to join their ranks in the coming days. When one of Shivakumars men asked him about this soon after the recent Cabinet meeting, the minister is said to have told him that there was pressure on him for the past two months. But, I will make my choice on what to do, he is said to have told his associate.


Congress leaders on Thursday protested against the Centre, accusing it of targeting only Congress leaders by misusing the Income Tax and the Enforcement Directorate for political reasons.



Ministers Ramalinga Reddy and K J George, KPCC working president Dinesh Gundu Rao and MLCs V S Ugrappa and Ivan D'Souza led the protest at Maurya Circle and criticised the NDA government for targetting Energy Minister D K Shivakumar.



They said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are plotting the defeat of the Congress president Sonia Gandhis political secretary Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat.



The I-T raids on Shivakumars residences and offices are an assault on federalism and democracy. People had faith in the I-T department and ED, but these two agencies have become the play tools of the BJP, Rao said. Ugrappa said the NDA government was using the I-T department and ED as political weapons.



The Central government hasnt implemented welfare measures, while PM Modi is busy delivering speeches.



The Congress fought against the British imperialism. The party has a long history of fighting against dictatorship. Congress leaders are not afraid of searches by the I-T department and the ED, George said.

Reddy said the BJP toppled the JD(U)-RJD alliance and acquired power illegally in Bihar. It came to power through illegal means in Jammu and Kashmir.



The leaders said the Centre ignored the interests of Karnataka and Kannadigas by imposing Hindi. They threatened to intensify the protest against the Centre.
A petition was filed on Thursday before the director, Enforcement Directorate, New Delhi, and joint director, Bengaluru by Guruprasad, a resident of Bidadi in Ramanagaram district, seeking investigation into alleged money laundering by Energy Minister D K Shivakumar and his associates.



The petitioner has named Sachin Narayan, businessman and owner, Ashok Hotel, Hassan; Dwarakanath, astrologer and hawala dealer, R T Nagar; Puttaswamy Gowda, electrical contractor, Asian Fabtech; G V Balaram, MD, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd and Sridhar, private secretary to Energy Minister, as the ministers associates.



According to the petition, Shivakumar and Sachin Narayan gave Rs 2 lakh to each individual in the ministers constituency in Kanakapura for the exchange of new notes after demonetisation. The minister exchanged currency notes worth Rs 2,000 crore with the help of Sachin Narayan, who is on bail in criminal offences.



It states that Shivakumar travelled over 60 times to Dubai and European countries for parking black money. He sent black money to Dubai through hawala channels.



The petitioner has sought investigation under Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Foreign Exchange Management Act.



He stated that he would soon furnish documents for his claims.
Two former prison officials have been sentenced to five years imprisonment and fined Rs 50,000 each for helping Abdul Karim Telgi run the multi-crore stamp paper scam behind bars.



The High Court of Karnataka has convicted Superintendent P N Jayasimha and Assistant Superintendent Nanjappa for helping Telgi in the Bengaluru Central Prison at Parappana Agrahara in 2001-2002. The former officials have already served three years in jail.



A division bench of Justices Ravi Malimath and John Michael Cunha convicted them on an appeal filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). CBI counsel P Prasanna Kumar argued that the former officials had provided Telgi with first-class prisoner facilities though he was just an undertrial. He was given a separate room, and two undertrials were assigned as his assistants. He was also allowed a wooden door and curtains on his windows. Whats more, Telgi was allowed to use several mobile phones and meet his co-accused in the prison officials chambers without any entry being made in the visitors register. All these were clear violations of the prison manual, Kumar asserted.
China has said that it has shown "utmost goodwill" over the prolonged military standoff with India in the Sikkim sector but warned that its "restraint" has a "bottom line".



The reaction from the Chinese defence ministry late last night came a day after the Indian External Affairs Ministry in a statement said that the peace and tranquillity of the India-China boundary constitutes the important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations.



External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month made clear India's position on the over-a-month-long standoff in the Doklam area, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution.



The standoff began on June 16 after Chinese troops began constructing a road near the trijunction with Bhutan, which India says was a unilateral action by Beijing to change the status quo in the area.



New Delhi fears the construction of the road would allow China to cut off India's access to its northeastern states.



Ren Guoqiang, a spokesperson of the Chinese defence ministry, in a statement called on the Indian side to swiftly address the situation in a proper manner to restore peace and tranquillity in the border region.



"Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. Chinese armed forces have also shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability," Ren said, according to report in the state-run Xinhua news agency.



"However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line," Ren added.



The spokesperson urged the Indian side to give up the "illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests".



Ren said the Chinese armed forces will resolutely protect the country's territorial sovereignty and security interests.



His comments also come after Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of a BRICS summit of NSAs from the member countries.


The ruling NDA, which has a majority in the Lok Sabha, will find it easy to place its candidate as the next vice president.



The opposition has fielded Gopal Krishna Gandhi against Naidu.



The BJD and the JD(U) which had supported NDA nominee Ramnath Kovind for the post of president, have decided to back opposition nominee Gandhi.



Though the JD(U) has broken ties with 'mahagathbandhan' and joined hands with the BJP to form a new government in Bihar, it has decided to vote for Gandhi, a former governor of West Bengal.



Members of Parliament will use special pens for marking their choice in the election to be held between 10 am and 5 pm tomorrow.



The counting of votes will commence after polling and the results will be declared by 7.00 pm, Election Commission officials said quoting precedents.



No whip can be issued by political parties as the election is through a secret ballot.



The term of the present incumbent Hamid Ansari, who has held the post for two consecutive terms, is coming to an end on August 10.



The electoral college which elects the vice president, who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, consists of elected and nominated members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.



The total strength of the two Houses is 790, but there are two vacancies in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha. BJP MP in Lok Sabha Chhedi Paswan is barred from casting vote following a judicial pronouncement.



In the 545-member Lok Sabha, the BJP has 281 members. The NDA led by BJP, has 338 members.



In the 243-member Rajya Sabha, the BJP as of now has 56 members, while the Congress with 59 is the single largest party. With its recent wins in the recent assembly polls, the BJP is set to emerge as the single largest party in the Rajya Sabha too next year and the NDA's tally would be close to 100. It would, however, still be short of a majority in the upper house.



The one who bags 50 per cent plus one vote of the total valid votes cast will win the poll.



Ruling NDA's candidate M Venkaiah Naidu is tipped to be India's next vice president as members of Parliament gear up to cast their ballot tomorrow.The name of the next vice president of India will be known tomorrow evening after members of Parliament cast their ballot during the day in Parliament House.


Shukla said while replying to the debate on foreign policy in Rajya Sabha yesterday, Swaraj had criticised him for supporting CPEC.



"I had not talked of CPEC during my speech," he said, adding the minister "does not take notes and then stands up to criticise" him.



He said he had never advocated in favour of India allowing CPEC.



Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said he will go through the records and take necessary steps.



To Naresh Agarwal (SP) giving privilege notice against the publication of an article in a Hindi daily having critical references to the Upper House of Parliament, Kurien said his notice has been received and it is being dealt with.



"Chairman is allowing (the notice)," he said.



Agarwal said he had given the notice after the Chair had directed to move a relevant notice, rather than raise it through a point of order.



Congress leader Rajeev Shukla today took objection to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's statement calling him a supporter of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying he had never advocated India giving a go-ahead to that plan.
Ban of electronic cigarettes in India will increase smuggling of such products, which have no assurance of source and quality standard, according to Tobacco Institute of India (TII).



TII, which represents leading cigarette manufacturers such as ITC, Godfrey Phillips and VST, also said prohibition of e-cigarettes would put India at "an enormous structural disadvantage versus countries that have espoused a balanced regulatory policy approach on the category".



The ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems), commonly known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes have witnessed increasing consumer acceptance in India as is globally, it said in a statement.



"A ban on legal business in ENDS will pose a serious threat of illicit trade and large scale smuggling of these products in the country with no assurance of source and quality standard," TII said.



Prohibition would benefit illegal trade operators and promote foreign products owned by overseas entities in the absence of any domestic competition to challenge the illegal trade in these products, it added.



TII further said if a ban were to be imposed on ENDS, the domestic industry would stop all research and innovation in this area.



It would put India at a disadvantage against countries which would have not prohibited ENDS, it added.



"Therefore, all latent and emerging consumer demand for the product in the country would be met through the illicit route," TII claimed.



Citing WHO data, TII said the global market for ENDS in 2015 was around USD 10 billion and as per Euromonitor International, it is projected to cross USD 60 billion by 2030.



The health ministry is considering a ban on ENDS, of which e-cigarette is a prototype, after a technical committee evaluated recent research that said e-cigarettes were potentially lethal.



An e-cigarette is a battery-operated device that uses liquid nicotine, propylene glycol, water, glycerin and flavour to give the user the sense of smoking a real cigarette.




The NIA had claimed that it recovered account books, Rs two crore in cash and letterheads of banned terror groups, including of the LeT and the HM, during the raids.



The NIA custody of four Kashmiri separatists, including the son-in-law of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, was today extended by 10 more days by a Delhi court in a terror funding case.Special Judge O P Saini, however, sent three other separatist leaders to judicial custody for a month after the National Investigation Agency did not seek their custody.Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah and other six accused Ayaz Akbar, Peer Saifullah, Shahid-ul-Islam, Mehrajuddin Kalwal, Nayeem Khan and Farooq Ahmed Dar were arrested on July 24 in the case of alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley.The agency had earlier sought their custody, saying they had to be taken to various places for the purpose of investigation.Shah, the son-in-law of hardline separatist leader Geelani, was in the custody of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who had put him under preventive detention immediately after the festival of Eid last month.Geelani's close aides Tehreek-e-Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar and Peer Saifullah were arrested by the NIA from the Valley.Shahid-ul-Islam is the spokesman of the moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq.Hafeez Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of the Jamaat-ul Dawah, the front of the banned Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), has been named in the FIR as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference (factions led by Geelani and Mirwaiz Farooq), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Dukhtaran-e-Milat.The houses of those arrested had been earlier raided by NIA sleuths as a part of the agency's efforts at clamping down on separatist groups allegedly receiving funds for subversive activities in the Valley.
Bihar Legislative Council has rejected the request of RJD to appoint Rabri Devi as the leader of opposition in the upper house, stating that the party did not have the required number of MLCs needed for the post.



"A strength of 9 MLCs is required for the post of leader of opposition in the upper house but RJD at present has only 7 MLCs. Hence their application was not in conformity with the rules," Deputy Chairman of Bihar State Legislative Council Harun Rashid told PTI today.



"A letter citing existing rules has been sent to RJD Bihar President Ramchandra Purbe who had sent a request for appointing Rabri Devi as leader of opposition in the state's Upper House," Rashid said.



Sushil Kumar Modi was the leader of opposition (LoP) in the 75-member upper house during Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance ministry.



Rabri Devi was chosen as member of Legislative council for the second time in 2012 and her tenure will end in 2018.



Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also a member of Legislative Council at present.



Purbe told PTI that the Council authority could have used "discretionary" power to appoint Rabri Devi as opposition leader despite the party falling short of requisite numbers.



Criticising RJD, JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar said, "For RJD, all the qualification for a constitutional post lies only to a member of Lalu Prasad family".



The post of chairman of Bihar Legislative Council is also lying vacant after end of the term of BJP's Awdesh Narayan Singh recently.



Although Singh had been re-elected to the Upper house again from Gaya graduate constituency in the bypoll in June, but nobody was appointed as the Chairman so far.



RJD chief Lalu Prasad had on July 26 last had said after a meeting of RJD legislature party that while Rabri Devi will lead them in Legislative council, his son Tejaswi Prasad Yadav will be the leader of the opposition in state Assembly.
Infosys Ltd has declined a request from its most high-profile founder N R Narayana Murthy to make public the report of an external consultant appointed to look into the charges of misgovernance.



Murthy, who was chairman of the company till 2014 and still holds 3.44 per cent stake (along with family members), had asked the full report by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher to be made public.



Infosys had claimed in June that the external expert had cleared the management of charges of wrongdoing, as was alleged by an anonymous complaint, after a detailed and extensive investigation.



"The company does not plan to make the report public," Infosys said in a statement.



The law firm had been mandated to probe the whistleblower allegations of CEO Vishal Sikka being paid excessive compensation in relation to the Panaya acquisition.



"The summary finding statement of this investigation is also available on our website," Infosys said.



The company explained that the investigation involved interviews of over 50 witnesses in India, the US and elsewhere, the review of company policies, Board minutes, public filings and internal documents.



It also entailed investigation of "many thousands of internal emails and attachments" and used forensic accounting experts to analyse technical and financial information, the company said.



Infosys had ordered the probe following two anonymous letters in February that alleged wrongdoing in some of Infosys' acquisitions, improper contracting and CEO compensation as well as expenditures.



In a statement issued on June 23, Infosys had said the probe had found no evidence of any kickbacks, inappropriate contracting or unreasonable expenses incurred on Sikka.



Over the past few months, Infosys has drawn flak from some of the co-founders, including Murthy, on a number of occasions alleging corporate governance lapses at the firm.



They had also raised questions about the severance package offered to two former Infosys executives.



Infosys had also attached a copy of the letter that Gibson Dunn had written to its audit committee on findings of the investigation.



In February 2015, Infosys had announced buying Israeli automation firm, Panaya for USD 200 million (Rs 1,250 crore) in cash.
As the two-month deadline set by jailed V K Sasikala's nephew and "sidelined" TTV Dhinakaran for the merger of two warring factions ended on Friday, all eyes will be on ruling AIADMK camp on Saturday for more developments.



Despite opposition by ruling AIADMK led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Dhinakaran is likely to visit party headquarters and meet his supporters to decide the future course of action.



Dhinakaran said that he would also undertake a state-wide tour to strengthen the party and prepare it for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.



Heavy police force was deployed near the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai after Dhinakaran supporters on Friday said no one could stop him from entering the party office and that he continues to lead the party.



However, minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan said that no invitation has been sent to their faction about any meeting at the party office on Saturday by Dhinakaran.



Meanwhile, a day after charging the ruling AIADMK as corrupt, the rebel leader and former chief minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) suddenly announced that a protest demonstration across Tamil Nadu on August 10 against the government for not solving various issues including NEET and drinking water crisis in the State.






South Korean auto major Hyundai may cancel plans to introduce hybrid vehicles in India due to lack of government support, according to a top official of the company's subsidiary here.



Hyundai Motors India Ltd (HMIL), the company's arm, had earlier this year said that it planned to launch its hybrid model Ioniq at the Auto Expo 2018, besides unveiling mild-hybrid compact cars and SUVs.



It has now cancelled plans to showcase the Ioniq at the auto expo next year. Instead, it has started focusing on electric vehicles.



"There is no support for hybrid...I think we might postpone and cancel hybrid products in Indian market," HMIL Managing Director & CEO YK Koo told reporters here.



Under the GST regime, hybrid vehicles have been taxed the same as big petrol and diesel luxury cars attracting 28 per cent rate with a cess of 15 per cent.



The tax incidence on hybrid vehicles have gone up to 43 per cent from the previous effective tax rate of 30.3 per cent. The government has hinted that it would not review the new rate.



In the earlier tax system, hybrid vehicles had attracted excise duty of 12.5 per cent, similar to entry-level small cars such as Tata Nano or Maruti Alto.



Stating that the focus for HMIL is now on electric vehicles, Koo said a plan is already under consideration on which electric vehicles models are to be brought, and not hybrids, to India.



"We have electric and hybrid. We have all kinds of technologies. So, we are planning to consider electric vehicles," he said.



Koo further said: "We have cancelled Ioniq showcase, which was to happen during the next year's auto show." Commenting on plans for the company's mid-range SUV Tucson, he said there is a plan to introduce a four-wheel drive variant of the vehicle in August or September. On the planned compact SUV, Koo said the launch is expected to happen in the first quarter of 2020.



The company today unveiled its all-new mid-sized sedan Verna, which is slated to be launched later this month in the domestic market. Koo said HMIL is targetting to sell up to 5,000 units a month of the new Verna. Sales of the existing version of the model has dropped to around 700 units a month.



The company will also export the new Verna in small numbers initially this year and scale up significantly from next year, he added.
In what may improve the accuracy of Indian missiles or navigation of fighter aircraft, Indian Space Research Organisation on Friday inked an agreement with National Physical Laboratory, here to use very precise Indian Standard Time-based signals in the desi GPS that would be used for such missions in the future.



The desi or indigenous GPS (global positioning system) refers to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System that seeks to improve the navigational accuracy in the strategically significant Indian Ocean region without the aid of the GPS, which is being controlled by the US government.



With the IRNSS being readied for operational use, ISRO would now use IST maintained by the NPL  the national time-keeping laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research  to insulate the Indian system from the fear of an indirect US influence on Indian strategic missions.



Under the agreement signed in the presence of the Union Science Minister Harsh Vardhan and the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh, ISRO would pay CSIR close to Rs one crore for accessing the Indian time signals in order to ensure accurate and hassle-free strategic missions even in a conflict situation.



A home grown GPS system like IRNSS could serve as a strategic asset of tremendous significance, especially during wartime to counter the possibility of international navigation satellite service providers denying access to the Indian armed forces.



Dedicated navigation satellites have become an indispensable tool for the aircraft, warships and ground based forces to get a head start in the battlefield and derive tactical advantages to take the adversary by surprise.



With its constellation of seven satellites, IRNSS currently has a footprint of 1500 km from Indian boundary. A replacement satellite for the first satellite (1A) would be launched later this month.



IRNSS will have four more satellite within the next two years to further improve its footprint area and navigational accuracy, an ISRO scientist told DH.



Currently, the accuracy of IRNSS system is about 10 mt for 95% of the time and 5 mt for 67% of the time.



While such accuracy is not good for civilian applications, sources said Defence Research and Development Organisation in the process of making ground instruments to use IRNSS signals in future missile launches.



The GPS data, currently being used by the Indian space and security establishment, is linked to the US Naval Observatory. While the Standard Positioning Service of the GPS system is open to all, India doesn't have access to the restricted GPS service  controlled by the US Department of Defence  required for precise applications like missile launches.




In a tragic incident, an 11- year old boy died while trying to repeat a fire eating act which was telecast in a reality show on a Hindi channel. The boy, Rapelli Kasi Viswanath, of Manthani town of Peddapalli district in Telangana on Tuesday poured kerosene in his mouth and lit it but could not complete the feat of taking it out, which cost him his life.



Manthani police said that the fire started by the boy went deep inside his intestines and burnt them as his family members were away and he was alone at his home. His parents returned home after some time only to find the boy lying unconscious. They rushed him to a local hospital where doctors declared him brought dead. Viswanath was studying class VI in a local school in Peddapalli. He had come to his grandparent's place for two days holiday.



Meanwhile the Child rights protection body, Balal hakkula Sangham demanded a ban on reality shows terming them more dangerous than drugs. Its president Achyutha Rao dashed a letter to the Indian Broadcasting Foundation seeking action on producers of reality shows and Rs 1cr compensation to the victims family and also to each family of the child who died imitating reality shows. Reality shows are more dangerous than drugs, the drugs will only effect the health and it is reversible but reality shows are taking the life of innocent children, he said in a statement.








"Secrecy has to be maintained when the case is of sensitive nature for gathering solid evidence," the official said.



Last year, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee even wrote to Home Minister Rajnath Singh calling the decision to deploy CRPF personnel for providing security to Income Tax officials for operations in West Bengal as blatantly unconstitutional, illegal and against all principles of conservative federalism.

Income-Tax officials called in central forces to accompany them to conduct raids in Karnataka because of previous instances where they had been subjected to "intimidation and attacks," top officials said."We have had instances where the IT raid parties have been subjected to physical attacks and intimidation to abandon their operation and even cases filed against them by some local people," an official said.Deployment of Central forces to provide security to Income Tax officials during search operations in Karnataka was not the first instance. It had been done in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu too last year when raids were conducted on "powerful people" close to ruling dispensation, he said.Normally, the IT authorities took the help of local police. But if the situation "warranted," they were authorised to requisition Central forces who would not be involved in any raid as such. But they will provide security for the search team."Public servants, who work for the government of India, can seek security from the central forces for the discharge of their public duty," another official said.Whenever any officer conducts searches and he or she thinks that the local police are not available in sufficient number or should not be involved, they can always request for Central forces, said the official.Just as Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has protested now against the deployment of central forces in aid of the income tax officials probing the assets of State minister D K Shivakumar, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee too had objected to the use of CRPF during raids on her party leaders last year.There were protests from the AIADMK leaders too when a team of I-T officials searched the residences of former Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary P. Rama Mohan Rao and those close to the ruling party in Chennai last December.As in the case of Karnataka, the Centre wanted to ensure "utmost secrecy" for the IT operations in in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal where the state governments were in the dark till the raids happened.
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL), which operates Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), here in collaboration with CISF, has become the first airport in India to provide pre-embarkation security check right at the terminals entry gate. This will serve as Express Security Check facility for domestic passengers travelling without any check-in baggage.



Mr OP Singh, IPS, Director General, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) inaugurated this facility on Friday. The Airport has earmarked a dedicated space at the terminal entry point of departure level for the new Express Security Check facility. The domestic passengers, after printing their boarding pass from the newly installed self-service kiosks located conveniently at the departures forecourt area outside the terminal building, can now enter the Express Security Check lane without getting into the check-in area and head straight towards the boarding area.



At present RGIA handles more than 18,000 domestic departure passengers on daily basis, of which close to 40% travel without any checked-in baggage, and carry at most only hand baggage. Passengers, particularly frequent flyers will immensely benefit from the Express Security Check facility, as this will save their precious time before boarding the aircraft.



The new process will also benefit the airlines by reducing the queues at the check-in counters and improving their on-time performance (OTP). Further, the facility will also help in reducing the anxiety levels of passengers travelling through a busy airport.



Recently Airports Council International (ACI) has rated the security of Indian airports better than that of major international airports in a survey conducted across 50 countries and covering almost 200 airports worldwide. Also, the World Quality Congress has recognized the professionalism and thoroughness of CISF in aviation security and awarded CISF for providing impeccably qualitative services, OP Singh said.








A list of terrorists operating in Kashmir is claimed to have been recovered from a Hurriyat leader arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir.



Sources claimed that the list recovered from one of the arrested Shahid-ul-Islam had around 160 names of terrorists operating in the Kashmir Valley, including around 80 from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and around 65 from Hizbul Mujahideen.



A photo of Islam with Hizb chief Syed Salahuddin has also been recovered, they said.



Islam and six others including Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah were produced before Special NIA court on Friday after their ten-day remand was ending.



Shah, Peer Saifullah, Mehrajuddin Kalwal and Nayeem Khan were sent to NIA custody for another 10 days while Islam, Farooq Ahmed Dar and Mohamad Akbar Khanday were sent to the judicial custody till September 1.



The police custody of Shah and others came as the NIA told Special Judge O P Saini that they were to be taken to far-off places in Kashmir. The trio was not required for further interrogation and they were sent to judicial custody.



The NIA has arrested seven persons, including Shah, in connection with funding anti-India protesters and terrorists in the valley. The arrests came after scrutiny of mobile and internet activities of around 50 Kashmiri youth, who were repeatedly spotted at stone-pelting protests.






The Karnataka government today told the Supreme Court that it will cost Rs 1.18 lakh to escort PDP leader Abdul Nazir Maudany, an accused in the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts case, when he visit his home state Kerala to attend his son's wedding.



The apex court had yesterday slammed the Karnataka government for demanding Rs 14.8 lakh as security expenses from Maudany for his visit to Kerala following which the state government had agreed to present the revised bill.



The apex court also modified its earlier order by which it had allowed Maundany to visit his son's wedding from August 7 to August 14 and said that now People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader would visit from August 6 to August 19.



"We accordingly direct that the petitioner shall be allowed to visit Kerala from August 6, 2017 to August 19, 2017 for the purposes already indicated in our earlier order dated July 31,2017," a bench comprising Justices S A Bobde and L N Rao said today.



During the hearing, advocate Joseph Aristotle appearing for Karnataka placed before the bench a letter issued by the Police Commissioner of Bengaluru City which said that Rs 1.18 lakh expense would be incurred in escorting Maudany during his visit.



The amount was accepted by advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing for Maudany but he said that during his earlier visit to the state for his daughter's wedding the cost was Rs 18,000 only.



"At that time they have provided only four police officials to escort and this time they have provided 19 policemen to escort him," he said.



To this, the bench said that this means that the accused would be virtually in police custody. It said that during his visit, he will attend his son's wedding and would also see his ailing mother.



On July 31, the top court had allowed him to visit his home state Kerala. Maudany (51) has challenged the trial court's order of July 24 declining him permission to attend his son's wedding functions between August 8 and August 20.



The trial court had allowed him to visit his ailing mother from August 1 to August 7, but had declined him the permission to attend his son's wedding on August 9. In his plea, Maudany said he was granted bail in July 2014 on a condition that he would not leave Bengaluru without permission.
A war of words broke out between the Congress and the BJP over attack on Rahul Gandhi's car in Gujarat's Banaskantha district.



Condemnation of the attack poured in from across the country with former prime minister Manmohan Singh asserting that political violence has no place in a functioning democracy.



This is being deliberately done by the BJP to create an atmosphere of fear in Gujarat just before the assembly elections, Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said in a statement here.



The BJP hit back at the Congress wondering whether the opposition party had stage-managed the attack. We don't know whether the attack was real or orchestrated, BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said.



BJP spokesman Sambit Patra said it was incorrect for the Congress to claim that the attack was carried out by goons.



For God's sake, don't call people goons. Don't call public of this country as rowdy elements, people who are suffering from floods, people who are tired of this kind of politics that Rahul Gandhi and his party are doing. Let's respect people's emotions, Patra told reporters.



AICC spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said this attack has to be condemned and seen for what it is an authoritarian, dictatorial regime which brooks no dissent.



Do they think that by doing this absolute dramatics, this undemocratic act of violence they are able to cow down or intimidate anybody, Singhvi asked.



Violence and physical attack have become BJP's culture. Congress and Rahulji get more determined to raise people's voice after every attack, Randeep Singh Surjewala, AICC chief spokesman, said.



Singhvi said Rahul's convoy was attacked with cement bricks when he was surveying flood-hit region of Dhanera in Banaskantha district.
India on Friday declined to make public the number of soldiers it had deployed at Doklam Plateau in western Bhutan to stop the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army personnel from building a road.

Gopal Baglay, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, declined to respond to the assertion by Liu Jinsong, Deputy Chief of Mission of Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, that India at present had 48 soldiers at the scene of the face-off.



Baglay, however, dismissed Beijings allegation that Thimphu had not asked India to send troops to Doklam Plateau to stop the Chinese PLA from building a road along the disputed China-Bhutan boundary.

He reiterated that soldiers of the Indian Army had gone to Doklam in coordination with the Bhutanese government.



Details not to be public



Responding to journalists query about the number of Indian Army personnel on the scene of the face-off with Chinese PLA soldiers at Doklam, Baglay said that he would not make operational details public.

The Indian Army had initially deployed nearly 400 soldiers at the scene.



But a note brought out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Chinese government in Beijing on Wednesday said that over 40 Indian soldiers and a bulldozer were illegally staying in the territory of the communist country, as of end of July.



Lesser soldiers



Beijings note indicated that India had substantially brought down the number of soldiers it had initially deployed to stop Chinese PLA personnel from building a road in Doklam Plateau along the disputed China-Bhutan boundary.



Sources in the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi, however, told journalists on Wednesday that India had not brought down its troop strength and maintained it at the same level as it had been in the early days of the face-off in Doklam.



Chinese initiative in PoK irks India



The government said that New Delhi had issued demarches to Beijing and Islamabad, protesting against Chinas financial support to Pakistan for building six dams in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, DHNS reports from New Delhi. New Delhi has since long been closely monitoring Beijings role in supporting Islamabad in building infrastructure in areas illegally occupied by Pakistan in J&K.








At a time when Indo-Pak relations are at its lowest ebb, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Friday stressed on the need for opening more routes along the Line of Control (LoC) in the State to facilitate peoples movement.



Interacting with a visiting delegation from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) capital Muzaffarabad and adjoining areas which called on her here, Mehbooba said dialogue, reconciliation and economic development in the whole region would bring an end to violence, acrimony and most of all miseries of people in the State.



The opening of all historic routes across LoC can get the State to the threshold of prosperity and economic affluence besides sending the message of peace, coexistence and amity between India and Pakistan, she said.



The cross LoC Uri-Muzaffarabad trade route was closed on July 21 after police confiscated consignment of heroin worth Rs 300 crore from a truck coming from PoK. The police have arrested a driver from PoK and a local trader in the incident.



The Chief Minister said it was unfortunate that violence and acrimony have taken over the discourse between India and Pakistan due to which act on these positive ideas has slowed down. She stressed on frequent cultural exchanges between youth, institutions, groups and communities on the two sides of LoC adding that cultural exchanges have proved instrumental in bringing people and societies closer.



Mehbooba, whose PDP runs an alliance government with the right wing BJP in the state, said she would like the new generation to take a lead in this. If we open up educational institutes for each others students where they can benefit from the facilities and advancements made so far, it would help a great deal, she said. Besides, she flagged areas like tourism, disaster management, agriculture, climate change etc where expertise and difficulties can be exchanged to achieve better results.



Mehbooba informed the visiting delegation that Shardha Peeth, on the other side of LoC, is not only a sacred place for Kashmiri Pandits but represents collective ethos and pluralistic society of the State. She favoured visits to the place by members of Kashmiri Pandit community, thereby opening a new chapter of pilgrimage tourism among the two people across the LoC.



The delegation shared with the Chief Minister their observations about the opening of routes across LoC and the consequent facilitation it has brought to travellers, particular members of divided families living on the two sides of the divide.
US Attorney General Jeff Sessions today vowed a tough crackdown on people revealing classified or sensitive national security information, threatening to jail leakers and branding such illicit acts a betrayal to fellow Americans.



President Donald Trump has repeatedly fumed about "illegal leaks" and even lashed out publicly at Sessions last week for taking what he called a "very weak" position on the issue.



Under pressure, and with some saying his job could be on the line, Sessions responded.

"I strongly agree with the president and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks undermining the ability of our government to protect this country," Sessions told a press conference.



Four people have already been charged with "unlawfully disclosing" classified material or concealing contacts with federal officers, he said.



The number of active leak investigations this year has tripled compared with the tally before Trump took office, Sessions added.



"We are taking a stand. This culture of leaking must stop," he said.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, joining Sessions, issued his own tough warning to would-be leakers and described such revelations as "betraying" the American people.



"Understand this: If you improperly disclose classified information, we will find you," he said. "We will investigate you, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."



The announcement comes after six months of political intrigue and open feuding in the White House, which has manifested itself in a torrent of damaging revelations to the media.



It also follows a leak that was unusual even by the standards of this administration -- the publication by The Washington Post of the contents of private phone calls between Trump and foreign leaders.



The newspaper published the full transcripts Thursday of conversations the Republican billionaire leader held in January with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Sessions, while not addressing specifics of the transcripts, signalled his anger over the revelations which apparently came from inside the White House, saying "no government can be effective" when its leaders' discussions of sensitive matters are released.



The attorney general issued a not-so-veiled threat to the media, saying that while the administration has respect for the press, "it is not unlimited."



"They cannot place lives at risk with impunity," he added. "We must balance the press's role with protecting our national security."
With no parties arriving on a consensus, the district administration on Friday decided to form a committee to vet the claims over renaming of the Light House Hill Road that has stirred a hornets nest.



St Aloysius College authorities have been vocifreously opposing the plan of Vijaya Bank Workers Organisation to name the road after their former chairman Mulki Sunder Ram Shetty against St Aloysius College Road.



Deputy Commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesha said that the committee includes additional deputy commissioner representing district administration, MCC commissioner, registrar and professor in history from Mangaluru University. They will vet the various documents related to different claims that have emerged in the recent past, the deputy commissioner said in the presence of district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai who presided over the meeting.



Resolution by fans



Mulki Karunakara Shetty and others, representing the bank, reminded the minister of a resolution taken during the recent convention of Mulki Sunder Ram Shetty Fans Association at Town Hall, to impress upon the authorities to name the stretch of Light House Hill Road from Catholic Club Junction to Dr B R Ambedkar Circle (Jyoti Circle) after Shetty.



He insisted the authorities to abide by the ruling of MCC council, as the representatives of the organisation had run from pillar to post without seeking help of any netas to name any road in the city after Shetty.



Any road



Karunakara Shetty also clarified the authorities that they had requested MCC to name any road in the city after Shetty.



When the MCC itself suggested a stretch of Light House Hill Road and also validated the decision with its resolution after fulfiling due procedures, its impossible to go back on the same, he said.



St Aloysius claim



St Aloysius College Registrar Prof A M Narahari, quoting the documents in his possession, claimed that the municipality, headed by Blasius M DSouza, had named the stretch of road after St Aloysius College way back in 1976. It is also evident with the stone engraved plaque on the compound of a building on the same stretch of road, the genuinity of which can be checked.



Most importantly, the document of Mangalore Catholic Cooperative Bank Limited with its address bearing St Aloysius College Road sums it all, added Narahari seeking time to produce more documents in support of his claims.



Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Chairman Jeevan Saldanha suggested to name the stretch of road between Jyoti and Bunts Hostel Circle, as the headquarters of Vijaya Bank existed near the hostel junction earlier. The trade and commerce is already affected over such issues, he bemoaned.



Eidgah Road



Meanwhile, fomer mayor K Ashraf, president of United Muslim Organisation, demanded to name the Light House Hill Road as Eidgah Road considering the historical significance of Eidgah located on the same stretch, that dates back to 250 years ago, older than Aloysius.



Another prominent citizen voiced for naming it as Baavutagudde as a due honour for the martyrs who lost their lives in their struggle for independence during 1837. A memorial should also be set up, he demanded.



MCC blamed for mess



Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment B Ramanath Rai on Friday said that Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) should be careful while dealing with sensitive issues.



This follows a volley of allegations levelled by the representatives of various organisations, who held the callous attitude of MCC officials for the simmering issue that has cropped up over the decision to rename the stretch of Light House Hill Road after Mulki Sunder Ram Shetty. Sumit Rao, an industrialist and alumni of St Aloysius College, held MCC responsible for the controversy surrounding the issue. Karunakara Shetty, who stopped short of blaming MCC for the mess, however said, they had asked for naming any stretch of road or park after Sunder Ram Shetty, as decided during the centenary birth anniversary celebrations of the latter who as a chairman of Vijaya Bank gave job to many.
Mahatma Gandhi Government Model Higher Primary School, popularly known as Main Shale and one of the most precious assets of the bygone era of Udupi district, is now on the verge of becoming merely a memory.



The district administration has decided to shift the students and teachers of the school with a history of 132 years.



The school, which was already in dilapidated condition, has been shut down and the teachers and students are shifted to North School near the Corporation Bank branch in the heart of the town. The school has put a strong foundation since many years for the future of countless children, but is now being wiped out from the history of the temple town.



Speaking to DH, Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis said that the school is being shifted as it has been completely ruined and the walls are under the threat of collapse. The decision was taken in order to safeguard the interest of the students. The land would be under the Department of Public Instruction. The decision to repair the existing building would be taken shortly, the officer added.



She said that the new school has a playground and better facilities when compared to the old Mahatma Gandhi Government Model Higher Primary School. Students interest is the priority and the plans would also be chalked out to decide renovation of the old school, the officer said.



The land that accommodated the school was donated in 1885 by the philanthropist Haji Abdullah, who also built the school. The school stood for more than 100 years but never saw any sort of makeover. The building was used to accommodate children from first standard to seventh standard. On July 16, however, one side of the wall was damaged following rainfall and collapsed.



The deputy commissioner who visited the area decided that the students should be immediately shifted owing to the impending threat. The school was shut down. The 50 students and four teachers joined the North School. Almost all students are the children of the migratory labourers.



The North School already had 63 students, but has to now accommodate additional 50 students, the number hiking to 113. The number of teachers has also been increased, with the school already having three appointed teachers and four new being brought in from Mahatma Gandhi Government

Model Higher Primary School.



The RTE Act, however, specifically mentions that a school should have five teachers in proportion to 113 students. Venkatesh Naik, the DDPI in-charge, said the decision to shift the students and teachers immediately was indeed necessary. However, a decision will also be taken on providing the teachers proportionately, he added.



According to sources, the underlying threat in the shifting of the school seems to be that the state government plans to hand over the land to an under-construction super specialty hospital which is in the adjacent owned by BRS Ventures. An additional 20 cents land is already leased out to the BRS Ventures but the fact remains unrevealed.



Tallur Shivram Shetty, an alumnus of the school, also expressed the suspicion and added that there are all possibilities of the authorities handing over the land to BRS Ventures.




Two unidentified men robbed a woman of her 30-gram gold chain on Thursday night. The incident occurred around 11.45 pm when Veena (55), a resident of Papareddypalya, off Nagarabhavi, was walking outside her house after dinner. The culprits followed her on a bike, snatched her chain and sped away, said the police.



In another incident in Gururaj Layout near Vidyapeeta Circle in south Bengaluru, two men tried to rob a woman of her gold her chain.



The incident occurred around 10.15 am when Leelavathi, a resident of Gururaj Layout, was standing in front of her house.She raised an alarm as one of the culprits tried to snatch her chain. On seeing some local residents, the duo sped on their bike. The victim did not lose the chain as she held on to it tightly, said the police.



Businessman held



The CCB sleuths arrested a businessman on charges of selling fake electronic gadgets and leather goods. The suspect, Rajesh Kumar (40), is a resident of Srirampuram. On a tip-off, the police raided Kumars store at Gandhinagar and seized fake gadgets and leather materials worth Rs 2.28 lakh. He was selling the fake materials for the last one year, said the police. A case has been registered with the Upparpet police.
The increasing use of smartphones and social media by students at home is becoming a matter of concern for schools in the city which are now advising parents to keep a check on gadget use.



Delhi Public School, North, has issued a circular to parents, asking them to restrict their own WhatsApp use and lead by example. The circular says that WhatsApp and social media are affecting their language and reducing verbal communication.



Students spend a lot of time on their phones which takes away study time. We used to share assignments with senior students using WhatsApp. However, as it leads to other unnecessary discussions, we have discontinued that practice, said principal Manju Balasubramanyam.



In Little Flower Public School, Banashankari Third Stage, parents are reminded in every orientation programme to not allow their children to use their smartphones or social media excessively. Parents find it convenient to allow their children to be distracted by games and social media when they need free time for themselves. If they think their child needs to have a phone to communicate with them, why not buy them a basic handset instead of a smartphone? asked B Gayatri Devi, principal of the school.



Associated Managements of Private Unaided English-medium Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) is advising member-schools to tell parents to keep a check on how their children use smartphones. General secretary, Shashi Kumar D, said, We have observed that students are becoming distracted from their studies. There are a lot of changes in their moods and even attention span is affected.



Dr Manoj Sharma, coordinator at the Service for Healthy Use of Technology (SHUT), a clinic in Nimhans for managing technology addiction, said children increasingly prefer the virtual world to the real world. When parents try to get them out of the virtual world by not allowing them to use their phones or the internet, children show withdrawal symptoms.



They become angry and even have tendencies to cause self-harm, he said. Boredom, stress and loneliness could be the causes for excessive use of technology. It works the other way around, too. Excessive use can lead to stress and depression. Parents should exercise control from the very beginning and should educate the child. If the child is too distracted by mobile phones, instead of blaming him or her, parents should try to understand the cause for it, Dr Sharma said.



Concern over game



After reports that a 14-year-old boy in Mumbai committed suicide because of a game which encourages children to harm themselves, parents are concerned about their children getting access to it.



However, schools are not aware of such a game or of students in the city using it. We have not come across this game and it may not be widespread in India. Nevertheless, it is scary to hear such reports. We are thinking of posting an advisory about such violent games after we get more information about it, said Shashi Kumar, general secretary of KAMS.




Unperturbed by the comments of founder promoters, Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka has asked employees to focus on innovation and promised top ten teams $10,000 for their innovation.



In a letter to employees on completion of three years as head of the company, Sikka said the world is going through a profound and disruptive change, largely driven by technology. We have a unique opportunity to help our clients by bringing Automation on the one hand and Innovation on the other, both in areas where they are renewing core businesses, he said.



Infosys chief said great innovative thinking has to be rewarded, and the company has been doing so for a while now with Zero Distance (ZD) quarterly incentives and the client testimonial contests.



But its time to take it up a notch. We will be rewarding the top ten most innovative teams $10,000 each, every quarter, to recognise the best. These teams live ZD, and are amazing examples of what we can achieve, together. More on this is coming soon too. So keep innovating, and keep improving, he stated in the letter.



He also pointed out that Infosys must do this on the foundation of learning and entrepreneurship, in which the company engages with clients to find and solve their most strategic, most challenging, business problems.



We need to massively embrace automation in the commoditising parts of our core business, and bring grassroots innovation into everything we work on; software, wherever possible our software, must amplify our services in an increasingly software-defined world, and we must elevate our relationships with clients to be strategic ones, not ones at the receiving ends of choices made by others, Sikka said.



He pointed out that doing so requires to reach back within and to learn, to exercise learnability. Learn about AI and automation, learn about new technologies, but most importantly learn to learn, to innovate, to build creative confidence, he said.


The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Kerala-based father of a Hindu girl, who got married to a Muslim man after converting to Islam, to produce material to support his claim that his daughter fell victim to a well-oiled radicalisation and conversion campaign.



A bench of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud described the facts of the case as serious and sensitive as the husband of the 24-year-old girl challenged a Kerala High Court (HC) judgement that had nullified his marriage and described it as a case of Love Jihad.



These are very sensitive issues. It is a serious matter, the bench said as senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Indira Jaising, representing petitioner-husband Safin Jahan, questioned how the HC could quash the marriage of an adult girl and ignore the inquiry report by the police. They claimed the police did not find anything against the man.



The court issued notice to the Kerala government and the National Investigation Agency and sought production of all relevant material before it on August 16, the next date of hearing. Advocate Madhvi Divan, representing Ashokan K M, father of the girl, sought a weeks time to produce the material in the case.

However, Sibal and Jaising insisted on producing the girl, who has been sent to the custody of her father since May 24, to ascertain facts of the case by talking to her. The girl, pursuing BHMS course, got married in December.



Citing the case as an example of Stockholm syndrome (a condition where hostage develops affection or trust towards captors), Madhvi said, Give me time to show how very well-oiled radicalisation and conversion campaign was going on there.



The counsel claimed the real protagonists were extremist organisations, working behind the scenes to influence innocent women and convert them forcibly.



This is a serious fact. We will examine records, the bench said, rejecting the plea for production of the girl. Madhvi, for her part, agreed to produce the girl on the next date of hearing if the court desired.

The court directed that all the parties in the case must be notified by Saturday itself.



Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh accepted the notice on behalf of the NIA.

After declaring the marriage null and void in May, the HC ordered the Director General of Police of the state to conduct comprehensive investigation into cases of Love Jihad and the incidents of forcible conversion.



The HC had acted on a plea by the girls father, who alleged the role of extremist organisations in influencing his daughter.
India on Friday expressed concerns over reports that Hafiz Saeed,the mastermind of the 2008 terror Mumbai attacks, had planned to turn his outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa to a political party into Pakistan.



It is ironic and disconcerting that Hafiz Saeed is trying to cover his blood-stained hands with ballot ink. We are concerned about this, Gopal Baglay, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, said.



Saeed lives in Lahore in Pakistan and heads the Jamat-ud-Dawa, which is believed to be a front of the outlawed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Toiba. He is suspected to be the brain behind the LeTs November 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai. The media reports indicated that the JuD chief would soon turn his organisation into a political party  Milli Muslim League  and register it.



After killing with bullets, does he want to hide behind the ballot? questioned the MEA spokesperson when a journalist sought New Delhis reaction to reports about Saeed his outfit registered as a political party.



The US designated Saeed as a terrorist with links to international terror networks back in May 2008, just a few months before the LeT terrorists carried out the November 26-28, 2008 terror strikes in Mumbai, killing over 170 people and injuring many others.



He was also designated as a terrorist by the United Nations in December 2008 and brought under international sanctions. The US also declared a bounty of $10 million on the radical cleric in April 2012.

However, Saeed has been living free in Pakistan. Islamabad has been citing lack of evidence as a reason for not taking any action against him, despite repeated pleas by New Delhi.



It was only in February this year that Pakistan government put Saeed under house arrest.

On China again stalling Indias move to place another Pakistan-based terrorist leader Masood Azhar under United Nations sanction, Baglay said: We can only hope that all these countries which share our concerns regarding the menace of international terrorism will cooperate in fighting all forms of terrorism.
Boeing and flydubai celebrated the delivery of the airlines first 737 MAX 8, making the Dubai-based low-cost carrier the first in the Middle East to operate the American company's newest single-aisle aircraft.



The delivery marks the first of 76 737 MAX aircraft the airline will be adding to its all-Boeing fleet of next-generation 737s.



We are delighted to receive our first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from our order made at the Dubai Airshow in 2013," said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, adding, With this new chapter, we are looking forward to continuing our work with Boeing as we benefit from increased efficiency and are able to offer an enhanced customer experience."



The airline currently operates a fleet of 58 next-gen 737-800s and has built a network of more than 95 destinations in 44 countries, from Russia in the North, Czech Republic in the West, Thailand in the East and Tanzania in the South.



Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister said, This delivery marks another significant milestone in our partnership. We are confident that the market-leading efficiency and reliability of the 737 MAX will play a key role in flydubais continued success and complement its current Boeing fleet.



The 737 MAX family has been designed to offer customers exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range that will open up new destinations in the single-aisle market.


A day after his mother accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of letting down her son Energy Minister D K Shivakumar, her younger son and MP D K Suresh on Friday sought to downplay her comments. Siddaramaiah however chose not to react.



She is an illiterate. She has not been able to differentiate between the central and the state governments. She is under the impression that the state police has conducted the raids...The chief minister has extended full support to us, Suresh told reporters, who sought his reaction to his mother Gowrammas comments.



Gowrammas comments had raised eyebrows in the state political circles. Speaking to a private Kannada news channel on Thursday, she had accused Siddaramaiah of being responsible for the raids on her son. The I-T department had also searched her house in Kanakapura taluk.



She had said Shivakumar had a lot of enemies in politics. His adversaries had not been able to digest his success in politics. Though Siddaramaiah had made use of her son for his political growth, he has repeatedly let him down, she added.



Speaking to reporters at his official residence Cauvery, Siddaramaiah hit back at the BJP for demanding the resignation of Shivakumar in the wake of raids. Even Ananth Kumar (Union Minister) and Yeddyurappa (BJP state president) are facing many charges...They (BJP leaders) dont have moral right to demand anybodys resignation, he said defending his Cabinet colleague.


The Congress leadership has convinced its Gujarat MLAs to stay at a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru till the eve of the Rajya Sabha polls on August 8.



According to sources, the MLAs who have been confined to the resort were longing to go back. The raids at the resort on Wednesday have also shaken the MLAs.



As many as 43 Gujarat legislators have been housed at the resort since Saturday to protect them from being poached by the BJP ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls.



Speculation is rife that I-T officials were already present inside the resort, disguised as guests, when the raids took place. CCTV camera footage showing the I-T sleuths entering the resort and walking straight to the room of Energy Minister D K Shivakumar without making any enquiry with the staff has raised this suspicion. Shivakumar, who was looking after logistics of the accommodation of the legislators, has been confined to his residence following the raids.



Sensing the mood at the resort on Friday, KPCC chief G Parameshwara sent word to the legislators that they will be safe at the resort. It is just a matter of three more days and it is the responsibility of the state Congress to look after them. They are likely to be flown to Gandhinagar on the evening of August 7.



Gujarat Congress MLA Gyasuddin Shaikh said, We are all united. Parameshwara has convinced us to continue our stay. Late in the evening, seven JD(S) rebel MLAs, led by Zameer Ahmad Khan visited the resort and interacted with the Gujarat legislators.
Income Tax officials called in central forces to accompany them to conduct raids in Karnataka because of previous instances where they had been subjected to intimidation and attacks, top officials said.



We have had instances where the I-T raid parties have been subjected to physical attacks and intimidation to abandon their operation and even cases filed against them by some local people, an official said. Deployment of central forces to provide security to I-T officials during search operations in Karnataka was not the first instance. It had been done in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu too last year when raids were conducted on powerful people close to ruling dispensation, he said.



Normally, the I-T authorities take the help of local police. But, if the situation warranted, they are authorised to requisition central forces which would not be involved in any raid as such but will provide security for the search team. Public servants, who work for the government of India, can seek security from the central forces for discharge of their public duty, another official said.



Whenever any officer conducts searches and he or she thinks that the local police are not available in sufficient number or should not be involved, they can always request Central forces, said the official.



Just as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has protested the deployment of central forces during the I-T raids on Energy Minister D K Shivakumar, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too had objected to the use of CRPF during raids on her party leaders last year.



There were protests from the AIADMK leaders when a team of I-T officials searched the residences of former Tamil Nadu chief secretary P Rama Mohan Rao and those close to the ruling party in Chennai last December.



As in the case of Karnataka, the Centre wanted to ensure utmost secrecy for the I-T operations in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal where the state governments were in the dark till the raids happened.






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The A30 has been closed this morning after a serious crash at the Daisymount roundabout in Ottery St Mary.

The road was closed westbound just before 6am.

Updates as we have them.

Police on scene. Expect local travel disruption.

Traffic services report: "One lane closed due to accident on A30 Westbound between A35 Exeter Road (Honiton) and M5 J29 (Exeter / Honiton, Exeter). Traffic is coping well.Lane one (of two) is closed."
Beer drinkers of Devon rejoice as a new craft ale bar could be coming to the county very soon.

The Scottish brewery BrewDog is eyeing up Devon's capital for a new bar stating it is currently on their 'hit list'.

The company has bars across the world but none in Devon.

It has hopes of opening in Oxford, York, Manchester, Cambridge, St. Andrews, Portsmouth, London, Exeter, Stirling and Plymouth.

The company has put out an appeal to the people of Exeter to help them find the perfect location for their bar. The company said that they offer a finders' fee and anyone with a suggestion should contact the via their website.

A representative said: " "If you want to get involved, for a bar we need a site that ideally is 2,500  5,000 square feet, with the majority of that space at ground level. External areas are an added bonus! Corner units are even better  we do love corner units  but by no means a requirement. The best way is often to keep eyes peeled for To Let/For Sale boards, or keep your ears peeled for any local gossip about sites becoming available."

"In terms of consents etc, ideally the site would have A4 class use and a Premises Licence for bar use. These are by no means essential, but existing consents definitely make getting the bar open easier, and means we can be in and serving amazing beer in that city in as little time as possible. One other thing to bear in mind is the BrewDog style  we prefer our bars to be off-pitch; so don't worry if the sites aren't slap bang in a city centre."

"But it's not just bars  we are also keen to look for new sites for potential BottleDogs, following on from King's Cross and our planned BottleDog Edinburgh. The site specifications for these are a little different  we are after a unit of 500  1,000 square feet, ground-floor preferred, with consent for A1 or A3 class use. For BottleDog, Off-licence in place is a big bonus, obviously!"

Visit www.brewdog.com for more.
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A charity has called for 'child sex dolls' to be free on prescription for paedophiles - but have been accused of normalising paedophilia.

The chairman of StopSo's said that child sex dolls' being free on prescription could help an individual "remain law abiding".

But children's charities have condemned the idea and the National Crime Agency has called for the dolls to be criminalised.

Juliet Grayson, chairman of Chepstow-based charity Stopso, provoked the criticism by saying the dolls should be made available on prescription.

She said: "If someone comes forward and says, 'I am attracted to young children, and I want help to ensure that I never act on that attraction, so that I never harm a child,' then maybe society should consider the use of dolls in a carefully regulated way.

"Perhaps a 'prescription' for the use of a child sex doll could be given, alongside therapy, mentoring and supervision, could help the individual remain law abiding and fully accountable for their behaviour."

She added: "This carefully regulated use of child sex dolls might be one way to keepchildren safe. It feels like dangerous territory, but is certainly worthy of consideration."

"Society needs to reach a point where a teenager can say to his mum, 'I am a paedophile,' and she will get him the right kind of help to manage his behaviours in pro-social ways."

It comes after a Plymouth man was hauled before the courts for sentencing after possessing indecent images of children and for importing a child-like sex doll.

The dolls, with the appearance, weight and anatomy of a child, had been bought online from sites like eBay, Amazon and Alibaba.com , Wales Online reports.

Brian Hopkins, of Seymour Road, Mannamead appeared at Plymouth Magistrates; Court on July 6 where he faced a total of eight charges.

The remarks from StopSo, which bills itself as a "specialist treatment organisation for the prevention of sexual offending", come after more than 100 of the silicon mannequins were intercepted by the authorities on their way into the country.

The NCA said it had intercepted 123 of the dolls since March and that the seizures had led them to 120 alleged offenders including seven men who are now facing charges and all but one of whom was in possession of indecent images of children

A judge in Kent has also convicted a 72-year-old man of importing an "obscene" item , which illegal under the 1979 Customs and Excise Management Act.

The former church warden, David Turner of Ramsgate, Kent, was arrested when Border Force officials intercepted a 3ft-tall doll he was trying to bring in from China.
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The Blue Cross has issued advice to keep children safe and dogs happy this summer.

A survey commissioned by national pet charity revealed more than 70 per cent of UK dog owners will be minding young relatives or the children of friends more than usual over the summer school holidays, most of whom are under ten years old. Younger children are nearly twice as likely to need hospital treatment for a dog strike or bite than those aged over ten.

Not all owners can spot the subtle behaviours dogs show them that show that their pet might be stressed or uncomfortable in given situation. Dogs can sometimes feel trapped, and many do not enjoy being hugged, especially by strangers. Some dogs may also be confused by young children who can be awkward on their feet, fall on them and make erratic movements. This can be even more confusing to dogs who only interact with children when they visit to be looked after by a relative or family friend. Blue Cross knows children will be looked after by relatives and childminders over the summer holidays, which is why they have released this timely advice.

More than half the dog owners questioned said they did not know where to get help if they had concerns about the dog around children so Blue Cross has published special online advice for childminders, including signs to look out for that a dog is feeling stressed and when owners need to let the dog have their own space - visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Claire Stallard, Blue Cross Animal Behaviourist said: Visiting relatives and friends who have a dog can be great fun for kids and they often form strong bonds, becoming the best of pals. However, it is vital that there are actions in place to make sure play stays safe. Dogs need to have space to themselves, especially during mealtimes, when they are resting or when children are running around together having fun.

Dogs are as individual as the children in the family and can get over-excited and have good and bad days too, that is why we want to share how to look after pets and children safely this summer.

When Theresa and Jim Foley adopted Jack, a young Jack Russell terrier, from the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Tiverton, they were looking forward to introducing him to their grandchildren - Molly, six, Archie, four and Isabella 18 months. Unfortunately, the meetings did not go well.

Theresa said: As soon as he saw the children Jack wanted to jump up at them showing his teeth. We thought perhaps it would just be that once, but he did it every time they met. We were so worried he would harm them we made the heartbreaking decision to give him back to Blue Cross. We were devastated.

However, when Blue Cross behaviourists stepped in, they realised that Jack was simply over excited at seeing the children and with some simple tips to make sure Jack was calm when he said hello to the children they were able to happily play together.

Theresa added: We are so happy we were able to keep Jack after all. He has now been with us for seven years, and he means the world to us. We are so glad we sought help instead of letting him go. I cannot imagine life without him.

Blue Cross tips for safe play:

 Never leave a child alone with a dog

 Keep children away from dogs who are eating, sleeping, in their bed, hiding place or trying to get away

 Always ask the owner before a child pets a dog they do not know

 Separate regularly, especially if the children are excited or highly active, use baby gates to help

 Do not let a child hug, squeeze or prod your dog

 Learn to spot signs that your dog is feeling stressed

To see more advice about keeping children safe around dogs, to see pets needing a new home or to make a donation towards their care visit www.bluecross.org.uk/safeplay
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A cleaner has been sent of a sex offender treatment programme after being found with more than 100 child abuse images on his computer.

Ruslan Ulybin downloaded the material when he was bored and looking for adult images but was traced by police through his IP address.

He was ordered to work with probation on a course which will help him appreciate the suffering of the children who were abused to create the images.

Russian citizen Ulybin, aged 24, of Elmsleigh Road, Torquay, admitted possessing indecent images of children and ordered to undergo 40 days rehabilitation activities by Judge Graham Cottle at Exeter Crown Court.

He was also ordered to do 150 hours unpaid community work, pay 200 costs, and was put onto the sex offenders' register for five years.

The judge told him:"Police who executed a search warrant found a large number of indecent images, all of which save one had been deleted.

"It is clear from the probation report that at the time you did not understand how these young children are victims of crime because all these images involve them in this activity.

"That is the reason why these offences are so serious and you need to acquire a clear and proper understanding of that."

Rachel Drake, prosecuting, said 12 images were recovered which were in the worst category A, which shows serious child abuse, and 106 more in the two lower categories.

Ulybin admitted downloading them to police and said he had come across them while pursuing an interest in adult pornography.

Lee Bremridge, defending, said Ulybin has an English father and Russian mother and has been in this country for four years.

He said he committed the offences out of boredom but now occupies his time more fruitfully by holding down two cleaning jobs.

He said he has been assessed as suitable for a one to one treatment programme with the probation service but his language skills are not good enough to enable him to do group work.
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The Devon computer expert who helped shut down a world-wide cyber attack that crippled the NHS will appear in a US court on Friday charged with creating software that harvested banking details.

Marcus Hutchins, from Ilfracombe, Devon, will face a judge in Las Vegas accused of six counts of creating and distributing the malware known as Kronos.

Officials said after the 23-year-old's arrest by the FBI on Wednesday that he was indicted by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Wisconsin in relation to charges in the year leading up to July 2015.

Hutchins, also known as MalwareTech, was hailed a hero in May this year when he found a "kill-switch" that slowed the effects of the WannaCry "ransomware" virus that hit more than 300,000 computers in 150 countries.

The investigation predates that attack and is completely unrelated, officials said.

The indictment says Hutchins created the Kronos malware before conspiring with another defendant, whose name has been redacted, to advertise and sell it on internet forums.

In August 2014 the unnamed defendant sold the software for 2,000 dollars (1,522) in a digital currency in June 2015, the legal document adds.

Hutchins' mother, Janet Hutchins, said it was "hugely unlikely" that her son was involved because he has spent "enormous amounts of time and even his free time" combating such attacks.

She said she is "outraged" by the charges and has been "frantically calling America" trying to contact her son.

A friend from the IT security industry, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Hutchins was arrested in McCarran International Airport after he tried to fly back from the Def Con hacking conference.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a San Francisco-based digital rights group, said it is "deeply concerned" and has reached out to Hutchins.

Naomi Colvin, from civil liberties campaign group Courage, echoed the foundation and praised Hutchins' earlier work.

She said: "In May this year, WannaCry malware closed hospitals in the UK, becoming the first ransomware attack to represent an actual threat to life.

"In halting the spread of WannaCry before the US woke up, MalwareTech did the world an enormous service - and to American businesses in particular."

Ms Colvin said he had been detained for 24 hours before information was released about his arrest and said he has still not been allowed to contact his family or lawyers.

"The US treats hackers far worse than other countries do, with much longer prison sentences, a dearth of vital health care and rampant solitary confinement," she said.

The Foreign Office said it is supporting Hutchins' family and is in contact with authorities in Las Vegas while the National Cyber Security Centre also said it was "aware of the situation".

Hutchins appeared in the Las Vegas court on Thursday but the hearing was adjourned to be continued the following day.
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A 40-year-old Devon man has appeared in court after he was stopped by Border Control trying to import a child sex doll into Britain,

Brian Hopkins, 40, was stopped by Border Control as he tried to import the sick 'toy' into Britain. Police then investigated him and discovered hundreds of indecent images of children on his computer.



Hopkins, of Plymouth, Devon, pleaded guilty to a total of eight charges. He appeared in court yesterday where sentencing was adjourned until a date in September for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.





One of the charges relates to Hopkins intending to evade a prohibition under Customs legislation regarding the importation of a "child sex doll, which was an indecent or obscene article".





Officers brought the sex doll to court but Judge Paul Darlow said he didn't need to see it.



He described it as 1.2 metres high with three orifices and said it was not modelled on any child's face.



Judge Darlow was told the 'doll' also weighs the same as a child.



Hopkins was described by his defence team as a man of "limited intellect" who has no previous convictions.



Of the near 600 abuse images he admitted making, almost half were classed as Category A - the 'most severe' images.



Hopkins also admitted possessing extreme pornographic images portraying a person performing intercourse with an Alsatian dog, another involving a large dog, and one which portrayed an act which would be likely to result in serious injury to a person's intimate anatomy.



He was released on bail after the short hearing at Plymouth Crown Court.
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The A3072 in Devon has been closed after an accident just before 6.30am.

The road has been closed at Stockleigh Pomeroy in both directions.

Traffic services report the road is closed due to accident and recovery work between Scratchface Lane (Stockleigh Pomeroy) and A396 Exeter Road (Bickleigh).

Traffic is coping well, but it is affecting traffic between Credition and Bickleigh. The accident has happened on the bend.

Diversions are in place via local routes.

Updates as we have them.
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An Exeter man has been jailed for 13 years for his part in a national drugs gang which was trying to flood the streets with dangerously pure cocaine - which they referred to as pizza.

The gang, operating out of Nottingham and Liverpool, was ferrying drugs to Devon, the Midlands and London.

Ameer Singh, 28, of Mayfield Avenue, Exeter, was found guilty of conspitacy to supply cocaine at a trial last week. He received 13 years on this charge and one year consecutive for breaching a suspended prison sentence.

The Nottingham leader of a drugs gang was jailed for more than 12 years. Lorenc Hoxha, 37, of Mansfield Road, Nottingham, was behind every delivery.

Albanian national Hoxha was sentenced with Ameer Singh and three other men, two from Nottingham, whose prison terms added up to more than 45 years.

Some of the defendants admitted their involvement part-way through a trial, and others were found guilty by a jury, reports The Nottingham Post .

The drugs involved were believed to be worth 1m - and Hoxha often referred to cocaine as "pizza" in text messages to cover his tracks.

Judge Timothy Spencer QC highlighted the spending of Nottingham man Hardeepak Singh, 28, of The Point, who had "enjoyed the trappings of drug dealing".

"You had access to an expensive car," he said. "You paid for an expensive birthday party, which you couldn't afford, other than your involvement in drug dealing".

The innocent word "pizza" was used to conceal the secret movements of massive quantities of cocaine to customers across the country.

When police uncovered the text messages used by defendant Lorenc Hoxha, they discovered the takeaway meal was code.

Messages included Hoxha, the Nottingham-based ringleader of the conspiracy to supply cocaine, texting a customer in April last year asking how is new pizza?.

Hoxha was also said to be chasing further sales with a separate text message in July to the same man saying when u cuming notts for a frsh pizza.

Later the same month Albanian national Hoxha text the same customer asking him where he wanted the cocaine dropping off with where do u want pizza to drop off mate.

Nottingham Crown Court heard Hoxha and four other men were involved in connection with conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Judge Timothy Spencer QC gave them more than 45 years in total for their individual roles as he sentenced them at Nottingham Crown Court.

Hoxha, 37, of Mansfield Road, received 12 years and three months concurrently on two charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Judge Timothy Spencer QC said he was "at the heart of all the elements of the network of cocaine supply in this case".

"He was the hub," he said. "I am not convinced he is the head of operations.

"He is involved with each and every consignment. He has control over and directs supplies to other defendants and others who are not in the dock. He organises the sourcing of cocaine from a West Midlands contact and laterally from Sheffield. In my view Sheffield was one stage down from importation".

Steve Ramsell, mitigating for Hoxha, who had indefinite leave to remain in the UK, said: "Plainly someone is bringing this product into this country. That someone is not before this court".

Albanian refugee Klinsi Rexha, 18, also of Mansfield Road, was described by prosecutor Adrian Langdale as Hoxha's "right hand man".

He went to live with his cousin Hexa in May last year.

His barrister, Philip Bown, said his client originally flew from Italy or Greece to Sweden. From there he came to the UK and claimed political asylum.

The judge said he did "whatever Hoxha's bidding was".

His role was to cut the drugs.

The judge gave him six-and-half years in youth custody. He pleaded guilty to being involved in both conspiracies.

Co-accused Grant Deane, 37, of Dunbar Street, Liverpool, received six years in prison on just one conspiracy between March 31 and August 21 last year.

He was handed 18 months concurrently for possessing ketamine with intent to supply on August 18.

The judge said he was in direct contact with Hoxha on many occasions. He collected high purity cocaine and moved it on to "ultimately go down the supply chain," added the judge.

Ameer Singh, 28, of Mayfield Avenue, Exeter, was found guilty on the first cocaine conspiracy at the trial last week. He received 13 years on this charge and one year consecutive for breaching a suspended prison sentence.

Hardeepak Singh, 28, of The Point, Nottingham, was also found guilty on the first conspiracy between February 28 and September 27 last year.

He was given seven years and eight months.

The judge said he had an operational function in the chain.

"He was the go-between between Hoxa and brother-in-law Ameer Singh".

The drugs ring was smashed by East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), supported by Nottinghamshire Police.

Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pearson said: Hoxha kept his criminal associates close and his supply under tight control. He insisted on doing a lot of the leg work himself, further strengthening his close-knit criminal enterprise but dirtying his hands in the process.

The drugs seized under this operation were of a very high purity, worth tens of thousands of pounds if sold on the street. Based on our findings over an eight-month period Hoxha arranged to sell these drugs up and down the country, leaving untold harm to our communities in their wake.

Todays sentencing reflects how seriously the court views drug trafficking and represents a concerted effort by police, working with a number of other agencies, to dismantle such damaging criminal networks.
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A serial conman from Torquay has been jailed for leaving at least one victim homeless by advertising the same city flat for rent seven times over  and then lying to a judge about his dead child.

Christopher Wilson, 26, pocketed deposits from people who gave up their homes to move into the property - but he never even owned the flat.

Some of the potential tenants turned up on the same day ready to move in, Plymouth Crown Court was told.

Wilson then told the court that he was stricken at the time by the death of his child. But the infant had died some time before

Jailing him for a year, a judge told Wilson he had lied to try and stay out of prison, the Plymouth Herald reports.

He added: "You shamelessly tried to lie your way into a position where a court would suspend your sentence.

"You are despicably dishonest. It is hard to imagine how much deeper into a pit you could possibly descend."

Wilson advertised the flat he was renting himself on the website Gumtree after he fell into arrears with the real owners.

Wilson, now living in Rathmore Road, Torquay, had admitted dishonestly advertising a flat in Clifton Street, Greenbank, for rent, intending to make a gain, on seven occasions in January.

He also had pleaded guilty before city magistrates to pulling the same trick over a caravan in Newquay.

Wilson also asked for five other similar offence to be taken into consideration, relating to the caravan and an X-Box he fraudulently tried to sell.

The court heard that overall Wilson pocketed an estimated 4,999 from all offences.

Some tenants gave up their homes so they could move in  with some turning up on the same day.

Ed Bailey, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "One man was left homeless for two nights in the rain."

Mr Bailey said Wilson had eight previous convictions including several frauds.

He took out a loan in the name of an ex-girlfriend and used his mother's bank card to withdraw her money.

Judge Lawrie said his record was "appalling" and he had a poor track record of complying with community orders.

Ali Rafati, for Wilson, admitted his client had a gambling addiction in the past but his old habit was not behind his latest spree of offences.

He said the defendant knew that his lie would be discovered when he signed a consent form for a probation officer to check family medical records.

He added the defendant had been "idiotic" because he was desperate to receive a suspended prison sentence.

Mr Rafati said Wilson's partner had learning difficulties and they had a small child with another one on the way.

He said the defendant knew that his lie would be discovered when he signed a consent form for a probation officer to check family medical records.

He added the defendant had been "idiotic" because he was desperate to receive a suspended prison sentence.

Mr Rafati said Wilson's partner had learning difficulties and they had a small child with another one on the way.

The barrister added that the defendant was in full time employment at a fish and chip shop.

He added that the defendant had been through emotional trauma after a family illness and his partner had autism.

Mr Rafati said the father-of-one had his own mental health difficulties but was working in a fish and chip shop in Torbay.
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Work on a new 5.7 million junction off the A361 near Tiverton is due to start in September.

Roads Minister Jesse Norman carried out a ceremonial turf cutting at the site earlier this week to mark the announcement, as part of a whistle-stop tour of road schemes in the county.

The access junction will allow the rest of the highway network to be constructed and unlock the first phase of development of homes, a primary school and employment land to the east of Tiverton, which is earmarked in Mid Devons Local Plan.

The scheme is planned to be built in phases, as the full junction will not be needed until 1,000 homes are occupied on the nearby development site. The land has been earmarked in Mid Devon's Local Plan for 2,000 homes, a primary school and employment.

It follows the announcement earlier in the week that the North Devon Link Road is set to undergo a major 5 million upgrade of its road surface and drainage.

Devon will receive 4.25 million from the Department for Transport to improve the road surface on parts of the North Devon Link Road. The remainder of the scheme funding is from Devon County Council and developer contributions.

Low noise surface will used on the link road and the new junction which will be constructed to access developments to the east of Tiverton.

Roads Minister Jesse Norman, said: I was delighted to be at the turf cutting for this important project. Devon County Council should be congratulated for getting this scheme shovel-ready and successfully bidding for funds. Across the country, we are taking big decisions for Britains future, by investing in the infrastructure this country needs, so that people have the well-maintained roads they deserve.

Cllr Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Development and Waste, said: Were pleased the Minister could join us to help announce the start of work. This is an important new junction off the Link Road and will open up access to future developments, which will help continue economic growth in the county.

The scheme is being funded by NPIF (National Productivity Infrastructure Fund), Devon County Council, Mid Devon District Council and developer contributions, and is part of the package of proposals for Heart of the South West LEP Growth Deal funding.





Steve Hindley CBE DL, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP said: We welcome the governments announcement to improve the road network in and around the Heart of the South West area, in particular, work to improve the North Devon Link Road, which is a crucial route to enable growth. Connectivity is a key success factor for growth in prosperity, and remains one of the LEPs top priorities.

This funding is an investment of the governments confidence in the South West as a business location with great potential. It shows that the Great South West and the #BackTheSouthWest campaigns are raising the profile of the region.

Cllr Colin Slade, County Councillor for Tiverton East and Mid Devon District Councillor for the Lowman ward, said: Im delighted to see the first stage of this long awaited work. The whole future of the Tiverton EUE depends on the construction of the new junction which will give the developers and contractors the access they need to start the building out of the new houses and other infrastructure. I hope the work goes smoothly and completes on time.

Site clearance was carried out at the junction site earlier this year in preparation for the start of work which will be carried out by Alun Griffiths Contracting Ltd.

Earlier this week, DevonLive.com launched a campaign which urges the Government to fast-track improvements to the "killer" North Devon Link Road following the tragic death of a woman and her two children on the Link Road on Monday

The campaign calls for a timetable to be put together so North Devon residents can have confidence in the programme of delivery of 250m improvements
American scientists believe they may have found a way to repair nerve damage in people with diabetes.

Researchers from the Case Western Reserve Universitys School of Medicine say their findings could lead to the creation of new therapies that could treat diabetic neuropathy (nerve disease).

Their findings detail a new understanding of the role of a type of molecule called cytokines, which enable cells to communicate with each other.

It is these cytokines which researchers believe could spark the recovery process for people with diabetic neuropathy, a condition caused by prolonged high blood glucose levels which results in poor circulation and nerve damage.

The research team found that mice with type 1 diabetes could not mend damaged nerve cells because of decreased levels of a certain type of cytokines known as the gp130 family. They claim that replacing these molecules could ease the symptoms of diabetic nerve damage.

Professor Richard Zigmond, who led the study, said: Our results indicate that targeting this cytokine pathway might alleviate some of the neural complications from diabetes.

Zigmond is now leading new research to explore this possibility in animals. He added: Our findings are exciting because they show not only deficits of major gp130 cytokines in diabetic nerve tissue, but they also show changes in their downstream signalling pathways, namely the induction of certain regeneration-associated genes.

Before this study scientists were unaware why this collection of cytokines helped improve the outlook for people with nerve damage as a result of diabetes.

These results provide a rationale for findings by others that gp130 cytokines can enhance peripheral nerve regeneration in animal models of diabetes, added Zigmond.

The study team is also exploring diabetic nerve damage in type 2 diabetes and whether the same findings apply to the condition.

The results have been published in the journal Experimental Neurology.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be induced following the transmission of a misfolded type of protein, according to new research.

US researchers have reported a type of pancreatic protein is capable of inducing lost beta cell function and elevated blood glucose levels, both symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

The study also found some similarities to a form of diseases known as prion diseases, which include Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (mad cow disease) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Until now, this concept has not been considered, said study author Claudio Soto, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Soto stressed, however, that there is no strong evidence to suggest type 2 diabetes is an infectious condition.

Over 90 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes have abnormal protein deposits in their insulin-producing pancreatic islets. These deposits mainly consist of aggregates of a particular protein: islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP).

While type 2 diabetes is linked to genetic, environmental and lifestyle risk factors, its cause is not wholly understood. Similarly, the precise role of IAPP in type 2 diabetes is unclear.

The researchers hypothesise that IAPP kills pancreatic islets in a similar way to diseases caused by other misfolded protein aggregates, such as Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons. When a protein becomes misfolded its structure changes which prevents it from functioning as expected.

Soto and colleagues found that injecting small amounts of misfolded IAPP aggregated the formation of protein deposits in the pancreases of mice. Within weeks these mice developed type 2 diabetes symptoms.

They believe small amounts of misfolded IAPP could induce similar levels of deposits of protein aggregates in pancreatic islets isolated from healthy human donors.

However, the research does not show that type 2 diabetes can be transmitted between individuals. Soto said: Considering the experimental nature of the models and conditions utilized in this study, the results should not be extrapolated to conclude that type 2 diabetes is a transmissible disease in humans without additional studies.

The findings appear in The Journal of Experimental Medicine.
COLUMBUS  A 32-year-old Columbus man was arrested for fourth-offense driving under the influence Wednesday night after being spotted driving erratically along Lost Creek Parkway.

Platte County Court Judge Frank Skorupa set bond for Heath Sieh at $25,000, 10 percent allowed for release.

Sieh, who has not been formally charged by the county attorneys office, is scheduled for an Aug. 16 felony first appearance.

He was arrested on charges of aggravated DUI (three prior convictions), failure to stay in a traffic lane, possession of an open alcohol container, no operators license and not using a seat belt.

According to court documents, Sieh got the attention of Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Kayla Reicks about 8:50 p.m. Wednesday while traveling east on the parkway near the intersection with 41st Avenue.

Reicks wrote in her probable cause arrest statement that she noticed the vehicle ahead of her was swerving and crossed the line along the shoulder two times. Multiple field sobriety tests indicated the driver was impaired, she wrote.

A preliminary breath test revealed Siehs blood alcohol content was .274, more than three times the states legal limit of 0.08 for driving.

Sieh was previously convicted of DUI in December 2004, November 2007 and April 2010.
The Nokia 2 is expected to be powered by a quad-core Qualcomm processor and may come with 1GB of RAM.

Images of an alleged Nokia 2 smartphone have leaked online. While the device in the two leaked images does not have any Nokia branding, the phone looks similar to the previously leaked Nokia 2 renders. The images are not very clear, but one can make out that the rear camera setup does look similar to the one on the Nokia 3. The leakster has linked the images back to the FCC's page, carrying the product code TA-1029. This also suggests that the phone has already received FCC approval and might be awaiting an official launch. Some rumours suggest that HMD Global may unveil the device on August 16, alongside the Nokia 8.

The Nokia 2 is expected to be cater to the entry level market, under the Nokia 3. The rumored phone was earlier spotted in a Geekbench listing, scoring 422 points on the single core benchmark and 1146 points on multi-core tests. The listing suggested that the device could be be powered by a 1.27GHz quad-core processor, comprising of ARM cores made by Qualcomm. If the listing is right, the alleged Nokia 2 device may be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 or 212 platform. The listing also suggested that the phone may have just 1GB of RAM and may run on Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

While we are still uncertain about the Nokia 2s full specifications and exact launch dates, we are looking forward to Nokias upcoming flagship, the Nokia 8, which is rumored to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, and is slated to be announced on August 16 in London. The phone is expected to have a 5.3 inch QHD display, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It will compete with the likes of the OnePlus 5 and Samsung Galaxy S8 in the premium segment. The phone may also offer a dual camera setup, with two Carl Zeiss lenses.
The company may choose to offer its upcoming smartphone, the Lenovo K8 Note, with a near-stock Android UI instead of the Vibe Pure UI it used on previous devices

It seems like Lenovo is all set to ship its upcoming smartphones with a nearly stock Android UI. According to a report by Gadgets 360, it will be abandoning its Vibe Pure UI, which ran atop all its smartphones. This will commence with the companys upcoming offering, the Lenovo K8 Note. The phone is expected to be the first smartphone from the company to ship with Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

Anuj Sharma, Head of Product Marketing, Smartphones, Lenovo MBG India told the website, What we have done in last 11 months is, we looked at what we had in terms of software perspective. We have been close to the consumers and we saw what they were asking for. There was a certain trend and we have now decided to cut the Vibe Pure UI off from our phones. So you will now get the stock Android which consumers have been asking for. He further added that Vibe Pure UI is officially dropped and they are moving to a complete stock Android for all their future Lenovo phones.

The companys devices will still contain a few enhancements to take advantage of features such as Dolby Atmos and TheaterMax. Except for those two, it will be a complete Android stock-like experience. Being on stock Android probably means a faster and more cleaner experience for users. Further, it will ensure that users receive Android updates faster.

Lenovo has been selling smartphones in India since 2013, and Android smartphones ran atop Vibe UI, which was gradually improved over time. With the launch of the Lenovo K6 Power last year, Vibe UI was rebranded as Vibe Pure UI. This was possibly done as an attempt highlight the reduced bloatware. Heeding customers feedback, the company has now decided to move to stock Android. Sharma also talked about how stock Android uses far less resources as compared to a custom-layered UI.

Lenovo also confirmed that all the smartphones launched this year under the 'K series' will receive the Android O update. Sharma, however, explained that the timelines will vary depending upon chip manufacturer support, internal development and testing requirements. The Lenovo K8 Note is set to launch on August 9. It is rumoured to be powered by a deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 chipset clocked at 1.38Ghz with 4GB of RAM.
Nokia 8 has been spotted running Android 8.0.0 on GeekBench benchmarking platform. The handset could become the first smartphone to ship with Google's latest mobile operating system.

Nokia 8, the flagship smartphone from HMD Global, will be finally announced on August 16. The company has started sending media invites for an event in London where it is expected to showcase the flagship Nokia 8 alongside the entry-level Nokia 2 smartphone.

Ahead of its official announcement, the smartphone has been spotted running Android 8.0.0 on the GeekBench benchmark. The listing shows a Nokia smartphone with codename "Unknown Heart" powered by the Snapdragon 835 and offering 4GB RAM. The handset has appeared on benchmarks in the past as well, but this is the first time the device has been spotted running Android 8.0.0.

This new benchmark listing indicates that Android 8.0.0 will be finalised by the time HMD launches its flagship product. Google recently pushed out Android O Developer Preview 4, the final release before the official rollout. The final version of Android O, likely to launch next week as Android 8.0.0 is expected to start hitting Google's Pixel and Nexus devices next week.

While the benchmark listing doesn't necessarily mean that the Nokia 8 will launch with Android 8.0.0, it does indicate that HMD Global has already begun testing the operating system. There is a possibility that the Nokia 8 could debut as the first smartphone running Android 8.0.0. Last year, the LG V20 was the first smartphone to launch with Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box.

Back in June, HMD Global confirmed that all of its smartphones will be upgraded to Android O when it becomes available from Google. The company has been trying to set itself apart from other Android OEMs in terms of its premium design and timely software updates. If the Nokia 8 debuts with Android 8.0.0, HMD Global could have a serious competitor against other phones, most of which still run an year-old operating system in Nougat.
Xiaomi shipped 3.7 million wearables in the second quarter and now has 17 percent market share. The company's Mi Band continues to be the most popular wearable device in the industry.

Xiaomi has overtaken Apple as the largest wearable device vendor in the second quarter of 2017. According to Strategy Analytics, the global wearables shipments came in at 22 million units in the second quarter, due to strong demand for low-cost fitness trackers in China and premium smartwatches across the United States.

In the second quarter, Xiaomi shipped 3.7 million wearables to capture 17 percent overall market share. The Chinese hardware start-up recorded a sequential growth of 9 percent in wearable shipments and its Mi Bands continue to remain popular among buyers in its home market. "Xiaomi's Mi Band fitness trackers are wildly popular in China, due to their highly competitive pricing and rich features, such as heart-rate monitors, step-counters and calendar alerts," Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics said in a statement.

Apple, which became the leading wearable brand last quarter had to concede its position not only to Xiaomi, but also Fitbit. Fitbit, which has been struggling to regain its lost momentum, managed to rebuild its once dominant position with shipments coming in at 3.4 million units. It now controls 15.7 percent of the global wearable business, but continues to be lower than last year's shipments. "Fitbit is at risk of being trapped in a pincer movement between the low-end fitness bands sold by Xiaomi and the fitness-led, high-end smartwatches sold by Apple," adds Mawston.

On the other hand, Apple shipped 2.8 million units in the second quarter to gain 13 percent market share. The company registered a growth of 56 percent in shipments over the same period last year, but it was sequentially down by a huge margin. Apple is estimated to have shipped 3.5 million wearables in the last quarter. "Apple has for now lost its wearables leadership to Xiaomi, due to a lack of presence in the sizeable fitness band sub category. However, the rumoured upcoming Watch Series 3 launch with enhanced health tracking could prove to be a popular smartwatch model and enable Apple to reclaim the top wearables spot later this year," said Cliff Raskind, Director at Strategy Analytics.

Fitbit has confirmed its plans to launch its much-rumored smartwatch ahead of holiday time. The smartwatch is said to be the most comprehensive wearable yet and is expected to help the company regain its top position in the wearable industry.
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Never mind April in Paris, autumn in Provence is perfect

By SALLY CARPENTER HALE

Associated Press

AP Photo/Sally Carpenter Hale [enlarge] By September the hordes of tourists are gone, the weather is mostly sunny with highs in the 70s, and the grape harvest is in full swing.

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France  You can keep Paris in April. For me, the allure is Provence in September.

Sure, the lavender fields are past their bloom. But the flowers are freshly dried and ready for you to take home in bundles or sachets.

The hordes of tourists are gone, and the weather is glorious, mostly sunny with highs in the 70s F (20s C).

The ubiquitous open-air markets are brimming with local produce and herbs, and the wine grape harvest is in full swing. Tractors pulling trailers piled with grapes creep from vineyard to winery, where you can watch the crushing begin as the first step in transforming grape to rose wines.

My husband Rick and I flew to Paris, then took the TGV train south to Aix-en-Provence, about a 3  -hour trip. There we met our traveling companions, Janice Miller and Tom Belden, for a cab ride into town.

We stayed in old town at a three-bedroom flat we found online. We didn't expect the three flights of steps leading up to our flat, but the location was perfect for exploring Vieil Aix, which dates back to Roman times. The narrow streets are lined with boutiques, restaurants, medieval churches, fountains and piazzas.

The majestic Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur, which dates to the sixth century, stands atop a hill that reportedly once was the site of a pagan temple. Admission to the Roman Catholic cathedral is free and it is open daily from 9 a.m.-noon and 2 p.m.-6 p.m. (Be sure to cover your shoulders when visiting the church.)

Cours Mirabeau, a boulevard through the heart of Aix, has wide sidewalks for strolling past cafes and grand old houses with wrought-iron balconies and intricate stonework, and is home to a large open-air clothing market.

We found the street markets were open most days except for Sunday. Some specialize in clothing, linens and crafts; others offer meats, cheeses, produce, dried fruit, flowers and, of course, lavender products.

Post-impressionist artist Paul Cezanne made his home in Aix, and we took an Uber to his studio, Atelier Cezanne, where the objects he used for his still lifes are on display and where he made his famous painting of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, which rises above the city.

The highlight of our trip was a wine-tasting tour with Michael Ippolito, a native New Yorker who married a French woman and now owns Wine in Provence Tours. He drove us through the picturesque Provencal countryside to small family-owned wineries we never would have found on our own, all of which produce spectacular dry roses, as well as excellent whites and reds. Prices were reasonable, generally less than 20 euros per bottle.

We had such a great time that we hired Mike again the next day to take us to Cassis and Bandol, on the Mediterranean coast. We had a lovely beachside lunch and stopped at more wineries on the way back.

Dining in Aix runs the gamut from small cafes to upscale restaurants. In addition to traditional French fare, Aix is full of Italian restaurants. And we saw a couple of cafes advertising the puzzling hand burgers.

We especially liked Le Poivre d'Ane, where the food was delicious and service impeccable. (The staff thoughtfully provided lap blankets for cool evenings on the square.) Le Petit Verdot is a cozy restaurant that creates wonderful meals with locally sourced ingredients. Reservations are strongly recommended at both restaurants.

After 10 days, it was time to go home. But how to fit seven bottles of wine in our luggage? (Adults can bring one liter of alcohol from Europe back to the United States duty free. Additional bottles are allowed, but are subject to duty and federal taxes.)

We packed and repacked, dividing the bottles between our two suitcases. When we arrived at the Paris airport hotel, we were relieved to find a luggage scale. We just made it under the 50-pound (22 kg) limit per suitcase and didn't have to pay an extra charge.

Fortunately, all that lavender didn't weigh much.




External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said that war cannot be a solution to the disputes with China or any other country and that the government will keep engaging with China to resolve the dispute. While she described the Chinese action at the Doklam border and the troop stand-off that as a "matter of concern," she said India, however, has shown enough restraint in the use of language. "Our stand is that we maintain restraint in language and keep patience and engage in diplomacy. No solution will be gained out of war because even after war, talks are required. A solution cannot be derived out of war," she said. Replying to a discussion on "India's foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners", Swaraj expressed confidence that a mutually- acceptable solution would be found through talks to the various problems, not just border issue, but other issues where countries have differences. India, she said, is engaged with China to resolve differences, not only on the stand-off at Doklam but all matters related to the border, Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the blocking of UN sanctions against Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit chief Masood Azhar. In this regard, she recalled the agreement reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their recent meeting in the Kazakhstan capital Astana that differences should not be allowed to be converted into disputes. "Patience is key to resolving problems" because if patience is lost, there can be provocation on the other side," Swaraj said while addressing the Rajya Sabha. "We will keep patience to resolve the issue," she said. "We will continue to engage with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution on the basis of the Astana consensus between our leaders. I note the sense of the House is supportive," the minister added. Replying to questions on the country's military preparedness, she said, any country will be aware of the need for military readiness and India also knows well that the military is meant to fight wars. "But war cannot resolve problems. So wisdom is to resolve diplomatically," the external affairs minister asserted. Chinese and Indian troops have been engaged in a standoff in the Doklam area near the Bhutan tri-junction since June after a Chinese army construction group attempted to build a road in Bhutan's territory. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Doklam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. 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. Swaraj also took a swipe at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for meeting Chinese envoy Luo Zhaohui amid the military stand-off between India and China over the Doklam row. She said it was sad state of affairs for a leader of the principal opposition party to meet the Chinese envoy to know the facts, instead of talking to the government. On Pakistan, she said, it was the Pakistani government that derailed the bilateral dialogue by continuing its support to terrorism and meddling in Kashmir. India will start dialogue with Pakistan the day it stops promoting terrorism against this country, she added.








Gardai in Donegal are warning householders and businesses to be vigilant after five burglaries in one Garda district in the last five days.

Two homes in Letterkenny and one in Ballybofey were targeted, as well as two commercial premises.

The burglaries at the three homes all were carried out on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

In all cases doors were forced open to gain entry and cash was taken.

Inspector Goretti Sheridan appealed for the public to be vigilant and security conscious ahead of and over the bank holiday weekend.

People may be in holiday mode but they need to security conscious and make sure doors and windows are locked and the alarm is on. People, need to be vigilant.

Commercial business should also ensure that their CCTV is working and and that they take security measures when locking up.
The Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI have issued a joint call this Bank Holiday weekend urging people to take care on the water and along the coastline.

Their statement comes as both organisations note that August was the busiest month for coastal recreational incidents last year. Irish lifeboat crews last August alone responded 217 times to emergencies at sea.

This Bank Holiday weekend, the organisations are urging people to be vigilant and take heed of water safety advice.

Shane Smyth of Bundoran RNLI said they are expecting a large crowd in Bundoran over the Bank Holiday weekend, which will lead to a lot of extra water users.

The Bundoran Lifeboat will, as always, be on standby 24/7 and ready to spring into action, Shane said. We would remind bathers to swim on Main Beach, which is supervised by lifeguards, and to always seek advice if you are unsure about swimming or surfing in a particular area.

He reminded the public, If you see someone in danger on the coast, ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Survival skills

As part of its drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, the RNLI is calling on the public to help save more lives during this busy period by remembering and sharing key survival skills.

Kevin Rahill, RNLI community safety partner said, "We want to start a national conversation that encourages people to fight their instincts around water, so we are asking people to remember and share two skills.

The first is, if you see someone else in trouble, dont go into the water yourself as you may also end up in serious danger. Instead, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. If you want to help, find something that floats and throw it to them, or shout instructions on how to float until the rescue services arrive.

Kevin said, "The second is, if you fall into cold water, fight your instincts to swim hard or thrash about as this could lead to drowning.

Instead, relax and float on your back, keeping your airway clear, for around 60-90 seconds. This will allow the effects of cold water shock to pass so you can regain control of your breathing and then swim to safety or call for help," he said.

Just remembering these two simple points could help save your life, or someone elses, this Bank Holiday weekend, Kevin said.

In addition, Gerard OFlynn, Irish Coast Guard operations manager, said, "While it is important that everyone going afloat wears a lifejacket, it is equally important that every user ensures their lifejackets are regularly serviced.

He added, "Away from the sea,we want everyone to exercise caution when walking on exposed cliffs. Pets should be always kept on a leash and walkers should avoid areas which they are not familiar with. Our message is to stay back, stay high, stay dry'."

Safety advice is also available from www.respectthewater.com, Shane said.
ELBA  The Coffee County Board of Education approved a funding agreement with Regions Bank Thursday, further paving the way for construction of a full-service kitchen at New Brockton Elementary School.

Earlier this year, the Alabama State Department of Education approved a Qualified Zone Academy Bond for the Coffee County School System. In order to accept it, the board had to find an institution to accept the bond, worth $1.245 million, at no interest.

During the June regular board meeting, legal representation James Tarbox said financial institutions only earn tax write-offs (the value of interest normally earned on a loan) but noted Regions Bank had expressed interest in working with the CCBoE.

The board voted to allow Coffee County Schools superintendent Terry Weeks and attorneys to negotiate with Regions on the terms on June 1. The negotiations completed recently and went smoothly, board attorney Dale Marsh said.

We are fortunate to work with Regions Bank, he said. It has a department that is dedicated to these types of loans.

Marsh noted the board must use all the money for the purposes outlined in the agreement: a full-service kitchen at New Brockton Elementary School, security system upgrades throughout the system and roofing projects at all four system schools.

Since its creation 38 years ago, New Brockton Elementary has not had a full-service kitchen. Cafeteria personnel prepared food at nearby New Brockton High School and shipped it to the elementary school.

In July, the board approved a request to seek bids for the construction project.

In other action, the board:

* Awarded the Child Nutrition Program produce bid to Four Seasons for about $37,000.

* Approved the sale of surplus items, such as cafeteria tables and lockers, to the highest bidders for $4,551.

* Approved the hire of Britney Keene as a history teacher at Zion Chapel High School and the resignation of Tammy Stevens, a special education teacher at Zion Chapel High School.

Weeks also notified the board that for the eight consecutive year, the system has received a grant to provide fresh fruit as snacks for students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grades. The grants value is more than $72,000.
In the almost 200 years since it was settled, southeast Alabamas oldest continuously existing town  Columbia, on the Chattahoochee River -- has had its share of challenges and controversies. Once the county seat of Henry County, it was the central settlement in the largest county of Alabama, and was a vibrant port city with three steamboat landings. Its most significant challenge followed a decision by the railroad to choose Dothan over Columbia, when the town saw its star begin to wane.

And yet, Columbia survived.

One January morning in 1958, three brothers from Donalsonville, Georgia, walked into the Bank of Columbia and robbed the establishment of about $19,000. They were caught, tried, convicted and sent to prison in less than a month. And in 1962, two of the brothers and a third man escaped from Alcatraz prison, thought to be Americas most secure lock-up.

A 1963 book and 1979 movie of the same name, Escape from Alcatraz, added to Columbias storied history.

The towns most recent controversy wont rise to those heights. Earlier this year, a representative from Southeast Alabama Regional Commission on Aging visited the Columbia Senior Center to look into irregularities concerning a government-funded food program. More meals were going to the center than there were seniors to eat them, and a closer look revealed what SARCOA officials say were forged names on the enrollment. The center director, whose husband was the mayor, resigned. This week, the mayor, Lanny Lancaster, also resigned.

And yet, we expect Columbia will survive. On Tuesday, former mayor pro tem Rhonda Freeman became acting mayor, and in 60 days could be approved by the council to complete Lancasters term.

We wish Mayor Freeman well in her interim term, and urge her and her fellow elected officials to first take steps to make the necessary amends to continue the food service program for the elderly residents of Columbia for whom it is intended, and then work toward better serving the people of our part of the states oldest continuously existing town.
AMG is taking its next step towards being a stand-alone brand by opening its first bespoke dealership.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed that the Sydney Airport Express dealership is being converted into the first AMG-only showroom in Australia. It will be part of a roll-out of up to six AMG only dealers as the German performance brand continues to grow its sales.

The dealership up the road has an AMG floor, other dealers have dedicated areas, but as a stand-alone dealership its the first one, confirmed Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman, David McCarthy.

He explained that the growth of AMG, which sold more than 5200 cars in 2016, means it is now big enough to stand on its own without being housed within existing Mercedes-Benz dealerships.

You need to have the market size to justify it but also the dealership itself. Its a big investment, McCarthy added. AMG as a brand... there are luxury brands that dont sell as many cars as AMG and they have a dealer network.

While Sydney is set to open by the end of 2017, McCarthy confirmed that two more AMG dealerships will open by the end of 2018, most likely in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Its a hugely important brand for us, he said.

Well probably end up with half a dozen or so.

Unrelated to the AMG standalone showrooms, the German luxury brand will also open a new concept store under its Mercedes me brand, located at the Rialto Towers in Melbourne.

The concept blurs the line between cafe, event space and car showroom, hosting talks and other events throughout the year with only one or two Mercedes models on display.

People want a different experience, McCarthy said. Mercedes me isnt a showroom, its an events space. Its an opportunity to have events there, an opportunity to showcase the brand, but were not selling cars from there.

The Mercedes me dealership is due to open in November and will only be the eighth of its kind in the world, joining similar ones in Milan, Munich and Hong Kong.

- For all the latest information visit our Mercedes-Benz showroom
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Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson said Wednesday his attendance at a meeting last month sponsored by a controversial Christian legal advocacy group was by invitation and not paid for with state money.

Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian nonprofit organization, has the stated goal of advocating, training and funding on the issues of religious freedom, sanctity of life, and marriage and family. It has been criticized for taking aggressive stands against gay marriage and LGBTQ rights.

People in left-leaning organizations have said the group's endgame is to have the law and the culture reflect its religious views, including weakening the separation of church and state.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke at the July meeting Peterson attended, but news organizations were not allowed to attend his talk or initially get a written version of his speech.

It was published several days later, however, on a conservative media outlet, thefederalist.com. In the speech, Sessions talked about religious freedom, saying the "inside-the-beltway crowd has no idea how much good is being done in this country everyday by our faith communities. ... But the cultural climate has become less hospitable to people of faith and to religious belief."

Sessions said: "Under this administration, religious Americans will be treated neither as an afterthought nor as a problem to be managed."

Peterson said he was asked to serve on a panel on federalism to talk about how specific cases affect states. The panel was moderated by attorney Hugh Hewitt, a conservative and Catholic MSNBC talk show host who comments on society, politics and media bias.

State money was not used to pay for his attendance at the meeting in California, Peterson said. His travel and lodging were paid for by the organization, and an honorarium he received will be donated to charity.

Peterson said the Alliance Defending Freedom has been one of the most-respected advocacy organizations for more than 20 years, with success in the U.S. Supreme Court.

"These (attorneys) are some of the best at what they do," he said.

The recent attempt by the Southern Poverty Law Center to label the organization a hate group, Peterson said, is totally unwarranted. No weight should be given to the Southern Poverty Law Center assigning labels to groups that disagree with its beliefs, he said. That squelches public debate.

"They cause people to be fearful of being called a hater," he said. "And when that happens, our country suffers."

The Alliance Defending Freedom does more to protect the Constitution than groups that scare people from expressing their own sincerely held religious beliefs, because they may be mocked or ostracized, Peterson said.

"It reminds me of McCarthyism," he said.

A person that has a sincerely held religious belief that marriage is between a man and a woman are not doing hateful things, he said. "In fact, they may be doing very loving things."

But in this cultural debate, people think they have to humiliate and intimidate the opposition, he said. That's dangerous and a contradiction of the Constitution.

"I think we're at a very important time where we need to stand up for full and free debate," he said, including on university campuses.

Most of the meetings and conferences he attends are sponsored by attorneys general organizations, rather than by advocacy groups, he said. But he also would love to be on a panel at an ACLU conference.

"Because I love the free flow of debate," he said.

Thoughtful, respectful debate on a variety of important issues is the essence of what university settings are all about. And Alliance Defending Freedom has been trying to protect that, he said.

Peterson has said his faith is important to him. And some of his appointments to his staff have reflected that.

He hired Dave Bydalek as his chief deputy attorney general. Bydalek was policy director for Nebraska Family Alliance, which has goals including protecting the sanctity of life; defending religious liberty for students, health care professionals, business owners and churches; defining marriage as between a man and a woman; and advancing a culture of prayer in the state.

His chief of staff is attorney Josh Shasserre, who has served as executive director of the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Lincoln.

Peterson said his personal views and feelings are not important, but rather upholding the rule of law with case law and facts.

"My actions as attorney general are what's important," he said.

With that said, "there could be a case ... where the facts and the law gave me such a personal moral conflict I would have to resign from office," he said. "I don't see that coming, but the fact of the matter is that would be a matter of conscience."




1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.

2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.

7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.

10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.

38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand.

39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems.

43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.

44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
Youve filed your leave at work, got an on-call Yaya to take care of your family and house while youre gone. You are so ready to go visit Baguio again and then a storm is up! What do you do? Do you cancel your trip or go.

Typhoon Gorio was up in the country affecting Visayas and Luzon with an ample amount of rain and wind. Baguio is located way up North, high in the mountains. The road to reach the place is no joke, its a zigzag road , it gets really slippery when wet, plus the fact that the way up is prone to landslides. We pushed through our trip anyway. We left Manila at 2:15am riding a Joy Bus (the express premium commuter bus to Baguio with no stop over). We were in Baguio at 5:15am. Whoa that was really fast ride! I didnt notice because as soon as we left the terminal I was out to lalaland.

It was fortunate for us to be staying at Azalea Residences Baguio. I believe this is the best hotel to stay at when in Baguio. Rooms are spacious, well maintained, very clean, nice view and complete kitchen and dining amenities in case you want to stay in and cook your own food. Or indulge in the delectable dishes and desserts prepared at Tradisyon, Azalea Baguios in-house restaurant that serves the best pastries, hot chocolate, and buffet lunch, breakfast and dinner spreads, definitely #YourHolidayHaven

Aside from that , one of the best things Azalea Residences Baguio can offer you, your friends or family and loved ones is a travel concierge service where they can arrange all your Baguio tour requirements for you and you just pay them a very reasonable amount. You dont need to worry about your transportation, tour bookings, where to go and what to do, where to eat. Just tell them what would you like to see and do and they will present you with an itinerary (upon your approval).

We met some new foreign friends on our visit, Sean and Emily from California USA, who availed of the travel concierge service at Azalea. They were so grateful to have met us , as they were able to conveniently visit places they want to see inspite of the nasty rain #BagyoinBaguio.

Heres a video summary of our 3D/2N Rainy Day weekend visit in Baguio that Azalea Baguio arranged for us:

Now, what Azalea Baguio Can Arrange for You to Do/See in Baguio on a Rainy Day Visit, let me count the ways

Baguio Museum

This was our first stop on our first day arrival . I have been to Baguioi several times already but I have never been to this museum. I am glad we went. This is where can find artifacts of inhabitants of the 6 provinces in the Cordillera region. You will learn their culture, see the clothes the Igorots (inhabitants of the mountains) wear and get fashion inspiration. The highlight and most priced possession of the Museum is the one and only mummy, mummified Igorot that can be seen outside a cave. The cadaver mummy is still fresh and its real not a dummy. Photos not allowed . The tour is very educational . It was so nice to see 6 different ethnic costumes and tribes. Very pretty, intricate and ethnic.

General Emilio Aguinaldo Museum

I was not expecting much in this historical museum tour until we reached the end of tour. I got really emotional and nationalistic upon knowing that I was in the presence of the first and the only Philippine flag raised in 1898 to signify the Philippine Independence. I was elated with the though that this flag was the one raised in the presence of Jose Rizal, Manuel Quezon, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Gregorio del Pilar and all our Philippine heroes, we just read in our history textbooks. The museum tour was a great brush-up course on Philippine history . It also made me realized how significant the Philippines was with regards to the World War 2, and the Philippine relation with America as well. I learned some details I did not even mind knowing before.

Easter Weaving

Its always a stop for tourist, especially if you would like to get hold of authentic Igorot weaved fabric designs and ethnic fashion items and wood carved souvenirs. You can buy it all here and even get a chance to see weavers weave their way to a fabric.

Videoke Night

We were supposed to go to Rabbit Hole but slippers and shorts is not allowed in there so we just went to Verve instead where we got to sing a few songs only because the place is packed! Boohoo.

Locked In

Because it was a rainy day all we can enjoy are indoor activities. We were suppose to go to Mt.Ulap but the venue was closed because of the nasty weather. It was not my first time to do an escape room adventure and I really enjoy it. This is the first and ondju love how everyone was challenged to test their bravery and smarts. They have three rooms available, where you can experience being chased by a cannibal, be a mental patient or a ghost buster. We were divided to three groups for the three different rooms. My team (Me, Rain, Alex and JP) ran out of time but we were almost there solving a mystery and testing our acting skills. One group made it (composed of Jeman, Ed, Gabriel, McRichard,l Denis, Lou, and Nherz) and we did not expect it haha! Almost is not enough for Adrian and Paus team. I leave everything else to your imagination.

Bayanihan Block

Baguio is very famous for second hand goods and shopping aka Ukay-Ukay where you have to dig in a lump of items to find a treasure haha. Go empty your pockets and go shopping for second hand goods (clothes, shoes, bags , toys, gadgets, accessories, jewelries and everything you can think of!) We were able to snag a mini-gorilla pod for Php60 and the regular gorilla pod for Php300 at Bayanihan.

Overrunners!

I didnt know this thing exist in Baguio. This is the place for the authentic overruns  from outlet stores of branded stuff. Unfortunately for us there were no new items and the place is almost wiped out. Luckily some of us were able to snag some good stuff, real good deals for Php30 per piece! I was mind blown! And yeah I got a fleece vest and a formal vest in very good condition.

Slaughter House

A trip in Baguio will never ever be complete unless you made a stop and pig out at Slaughter House Balajadia Kitchenette to try out their scrumptious meals. They are popular for their Bulalo, Pinapaitan, Grilled Pork with Blood Sauce, Soup #5 (BNB hehe) and that amazing huge grilled ribs with corn. Just go. I cant tell you more you have to try it!

Baguio Central Market

A one stop shop for all your pasalubong, kitchen, household and everything else needs. Market is divided to dry and wet goods, native delicacies and souvenirs and everything else. Look for 5 Star for the best Ube Jam, Strawberry Jam (with whole bits of strawberry), and Choco Flakes. Look for Tamtancos for the best Lengua de Gato, I agree it is better than Tartland.

Baguio Cathedral

Catholics or non-Catholics would want to visit the Baguio Cathedral for its historical and architectural . The structure was built in the 1800s and was a big part of the Japanese invasion in the Philippines and Pearl Harbor. Visit it at 9am on a Sunday and you will hear a pure Ilocano dialect mass. Visit on a nighttime and it is a good place to find lost spirits and ghost from the WW2.

Food Trip at Tradisyon the in-house restaurant of Azalea Residences Baguio.

I gained 10 pounds from this weekend and its Azalea Baguios fault! Their breakfast, lunch, dinner buffet are satisfying and varying, dishes are good as well. But my best pick from Tradisyon are their, Hot Chocolate, Tres leches cake, Tres kesos pizza, tres choco cake, Hot Pot, monggo soup, Tiramisu, Adobong chicken and pork. They have a Pizza, Pasta, Salad Bufet dinner every Wedenesday for Php300 only! OMG! I wish theyre closer to Manila so I can pig out on Wednesdays haha!

Azalea Residences Baguio has good looking and friendly staff as well, there all easy on the eyes and very warm you need not look further. They can be your travel companions in Baguio too if you avail of their travel concierge service.

In sum, my #BagyoinBaguio trip was warm, cozy, fun, crazy, spooky, adventurous, and educational. awesome! In short, No amount of rain and wind can douse the summer capital reputation of Baguio, come rain or shine. We may have changed our itinerary a couple of times because of the weather, it all worked out well for the best of us. With that said there are more reasons to come back to Baguio and stay at Azalea Residences #AzaleaBaguio #YourHolidayHaven.

How about you, have you been to the places I mentioned above? How was your experience?

Stay gorgeous everyone!

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There is an option to get yourself immersed in the mystery of Baguio and learn more about their ghost stories and maybe encounter one. However, Azalea Baguio doesnt make arrangements for that. You could however go to the Baguio Tourism office and get a Department of Tourism Baguio accredited tourism officer to take you around the mysterious / spiritual sites of Baguio City. Places you will visit in the tour with a DOT guide are Diplomat Hotel Baguio with full access all the way to the rooftop where the famed white lady was said to be seen jumping. Laokan Road where a hitchhiker would hail cars where the driver later on finds out his hitcher was a ghost. American Cemetery where another white lady was seen roaming around the graves of the fallen American Soldiers from World War 2. Baguio Cathedral where a lot of people died during the Japanese invasion including the parish priest of the church during that time. Other sites you can visit with this tour are Camp John Hay, Teachers Camp, Burnham Park , the Japanese Tunnel, and the Philippine Military Academy. We could have visited all venues mentioned but the rain was too nasty to tolerate a tour.
A jointly-authored article from Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and State Superintendent of Schools Brian Whiston appeared recently in The Detroit News. The article was supposed to be a defense of the states school reform agendawhich has been, shall we sayunderwhelmingin terms of actuallyyou knowuhreforming our states schools.

The overarching theme of the article, such as it was, was that greater accountability was the solution to all of the states education problems. Never mind that we are currently in the throes of the most metrics-obsessed, data-driven, test-it-if-it-moves accountapalooza of an accountability era in education history. The current ed reform mantra in Michigan appears to be if some accountability is good (depends on what kind of accountability, how its designed, who its administered to, how many times per year, how the results are used), then more accountability is better (hardly ever). And yet, after a solid decade of No Child Left Untested in our state, the results do not show that the reform agenda has been successfulif anything, just the opposite. Student graduations rates are down, teacher education admissions are down, test scores are down, state spending on education is down, teacher morale is down. Its almost as if the only thing thats not accountable in the state are the school reform initiatives themselves, and the persons and organizations behind them (Im looking at you, Betsy DeVos and the Great Lakes Education Project).

Among the questionable assertions made by Gov. Snyder and Superintendent Whiston in this article was this gem:

As we wrestled with how to best improve the academic achievement of students, we found that each schools case was different and unique.

Sometimes people tell you things that they dont think they are telling you. In this case, Gov. Snyder and Mr. Whiston are revealing just how much they dont know about how education works. And why our states education policies have been so spectacularly unsuccessful. In fact, whats truly surprising is how good Michigans schools really are, given that the states education policies are so stunningly bad.

While Im glad that Snyder and Whiston have wrestled with the thorny problem of improving student test scores, Id remind them that those test scores are a pretty poor proxy for real academic achievement. For one thing, they only measure achievement in two subjectsmath and reading. For another, these kinds of test scores are really, really poor indicators of learning, even in math and reading. Also, the test results are not used to help students improve their learning, or to help teachers improve their teachingthey are mostly used to rank and sort schools that are then targeted by the state for assistance. Heres how Snyder and Whiston put it:

The Michigan Department of Educations Partnership Model is built to improve student academic achievement by identifying schools in need of additional support and drawing up a partnership agreement with the school and community partners to generate a plan for success.

In practice, what this additional support and these plans for success have really meant is that low scores get your school placed on the states naughty list, and enter you into a fun-filled raffle resulting in massive teacher turnover and school closings.

The other use for these test scores is equally heinousto decide which teachers get fired. And we do this even though we know that using student test scores for this purpose is invalid, unreliable, and just flat out wrong. Its almost as though Michigans school reform efforts are impervious to research, careful thought, and common sense.

So, heres my research-informed, carefully thought-out, and common-sensical response to Gov. Snyder and Superintendent Whistons claim that each schools case was different and unique:

Really? Who could have known that schools in Detroit could be so different than schools in Grosse Pointe? Who could have known that trying to build a modelto improve student academic achievement by placing schools on a school closing list, or convert them to charter schools, could be so counter-productive and discriminatory? If each schools case was different and unique, then why are all schools being evaluated in the same way? If each schools case was different and unique, then why are all teachersregardless of what, or who, or where, they teachbeing evaluated in the same way? If each schools case was different and unique, then why are all studentsregardless of where they live, or how much money their parents make, or their specific learning needs or challengesbeing evaluated in the same way?

With all due respect to the governor and state superintendent, neither of whom has ever worked as a teacher for a single day, or ever taught anyone anything, why these two men are making education policy for our state, instead of asking questions and listening to teachers, parents, and students across Michigan, is simply beyond me.

Heres a research-informed, carefully thought-out, and common-sensical suggestion for Snyder and Whiston: leave the improvement of student learning to the professionals, and use your power to work to improve the learning conditions for our states students, teachers, and schools.

Instead of slashing budgets for schools, colleges, and universities in your state, make sure that appropriations are adequate and reasonable.

Instead of targeting 38 schools at risk of closure, all located in majority African American schools with 25 in Detroit, ask why those students deserve less than your children, who attended schools with safe, clean, and well-maintained facilities, and rich curriculums including music, art, physical education, libraries, school counselors and nurses.

Instead of ratcheting up the rhetoric that demonizes teachers, attacks teacher unions, and abolishes teacher pensions, show your support for these individuals by implementing policies that treat them like professionals, and respect the work they do with our states children.

All of the citizens in Michigan are united in wanting our schools to meet the needs of our children. The difference is that those making the policies that govern our educational system dont know what they dont know. If Gov. Snyder and Superintendent Whiston are truly interested in finding out how to improve our schools, they should start by asking the expertsthe people that spend every day working in those schoolsour children and our teachers.

Im pretty sure our states education policies would look very different if they did.
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Every public school principal in Victoria will soon be given health checks as part of a State Government initiative to identify trends and intervene.

The voluntary and anonymous medical check-ups will assess and monitor principals physical health. Principals will also be given confidential reports outlining the medical assessments as well as potential future health risks.

The Victorian Education Department estimates that up to 30% of the states 3,117 public school principals and assistant principals will participate in the health checks every year.

The most recent survey into principal health and well-being shows that increasing reports of stress due to the mental health issues of students and staff are taking a heavy toll on principals.



However, principals say that despite the professions repeated calls over the years for burgeoning administrative workloads to be reduced, little has been done.

Berwick Lodge Primary School principal, Henry Grossek, told The Educator that following the release of the Price and the Privilege Report commissioned by the DET, Victoria in 2004, principal well-being was identified as a major concern.

To widespread dismay  and even angst amongst principals  the DET's response then was to offer principals a $500 voucher for a free medical check-up. No substantive changes to their workload or conditions were made, he said.

Thirteen years later and we have the same ineffective strategy being recycled. It's enough to almost drive one into depression.

Grossek said that as welcome as the health checks are, they are simply treating the symptoms.

Constructive measures in the way of addressing workload issues and the increasingly intolerable pressures of the job are urgently required, Grossek said.

Health checks are already available to principals  many doctors still offer them via the free bulk billing service.

Philip Riley, an associate professor at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) who conducts the annual principal health and well-being survey, called the health checks a defensive legal strategy to prevent principals from suing the Department.

The issues is the amount of work that the Department is making principals do, so pushing it out to say lets look at the health and well-being data is clearly misguided, he told The Educator.

They should be looking at their own processes and how the impact this is having on principals.

Riley said the latest initiative was a knee-jerk reaction by the Department, which he said had been non-communicative with regards to collaborating with him on ways to address the core issues that principals face.

The South Australian Education Department invited me to their office for two days last week to look at their policies and examine ways to tackle the big issues for principals, he said.

Thats a serious and proactive attempt at doing something about these issues. Theyre clearly aiming at trying to fix the problem in a real way for a sustainable improvement  not a knee-jerk reaction, which has been the Victorian approach.



The Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals has been contacted for comment.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
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On a dark Mozambique night just over a year ago, sleeping villagers were brutally attacked in their homes. It was coordinated, targeted violence against men who work to stop the poaching of some of the planets few remaining rhinos. In the past, rhinos numbered in the millions and lived across vast stretches of Asia and Africa. But today a rhino is killed ever eight hours, and estimates indicate there are a mere 30,000 in the wild.

Family members also were victims as assailants looted homes, destroying personal property and equipment essential for anti-poaching workdonated bikes, cell phones and radios. The vicious assault left one man with critical injuries after he was abducted, tortured and dumped roadside. This is just one story among many of the dangers park rangers face in their critical work to save Earths endangered and threatened wildlife and other biodiversity.,

Today, serving as a ranger in a park, preserve or sanctuary is among the most challenging jobs in the world. In the last ten years, hundreds of rangers have been killed in the line of duty. Some have lost their lives in tribal or boundary disputes, and at the hands of illegal loggers, terrorists and poachers. In many places, the dangerous employment is often poorly compensated, with rangers working away from their homes and family for long periods of time.,

Even in the United States, there are many risks that rangers face. As NPR reported, U.S. rangers cover wide spaces and remote locales, often with little backup. As the law enforcement for public lands, park rangers deal with varied crimes from sexual assaults and stabbings to weapons and drugs scenarios (meth labs to marijuana growing on public lands).

One ranger noted that the issues of the broader society are reflected in our supposed protected wild spaces. That includes, globally, a dramatic increase in wildlife and plant trafficking, illicit trade valued at an estimated $70 billion to $213 billion annually. So as long as this rape of the planet remains at crisis levels for too many speciesthreatening extinction of bears, elephants, tigers, rhinos and a multitude of other wildlife in too many parts of the worldrangers will continue to be threatened by the often well-organized and well-armed criminals and rebel groups,behind this grim business.

Please give pause for the brave men and women who protect our wild creatures and wild spaces. As well, do what you can to support these rangers and those families who have lost their loved ones in the line of serviceevery three days, a park ranger loses his life in the line of duty. Organizations including the Thin Green Line Foundation and the International Ranger Federation offer support to the tens of thousands of rangers working in parks globally and build awareness of their valuable contributions.

And in Mozambique, last years brutal attack on those holding the thin green line to protect wild rhino did not go unchallenged. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation immediately launched a campaign to assist the rangers. IAPF operates on the front lines of the world wildlife wars to protect some of the most endangered animals, including the rhino, by using military principles in training rangers to be the first and last line of defense for nature.

Working with the governments of South Africa and Mozambique, IAPFs efforts along the South Africa-Mozambique border of, Kruger National Park, home to 40 percent of the worlds remaining rhino, have reduced losses dramatically, and arrests of poachers are up. At the same time, an additional 130,000 acres in Mozambique have been protected. Too, for the first time since rhino were declared extinct in Mozambique in 2013, a resident population of approximately 25 rhinos has re-established itself in the country.

Little wonder poachers are hopping mad. Keep up the good effort, rangers!

A Senior Fellow with CAPS, Maria Fotopoulos writes from Los Angeles about the connection between human overpopulation, wildlife loss and the environment. Email her at @TurboDog50.
Government proposes to set up 14 new AIIMS hospitals under PMSSY

Published: August 4, 2017

The Union Government has proposed to establish an additional 14 new AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science) under various phases of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) in different parts of the country.

It was announced by Union Health Minister JP Nadda while replying to supplementaries in Lok Sabha on AIIMS and related healthcare system in India.

Besides, Lok Sabha was also informed that under the national programme for prevention and control of cancer, diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and strokes, Government is going to the establish 20 state cancer institutes and 50 tertiary care cancer centres in different parts of the country.

About Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) was announced in 2003. Its objectives are correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/reliable tertiary healthcare services and augment facilities for quality medical education in the country. It establishes AIIMS in various regions of India apart from different government colleges. It is funded from different centrally sponsored schemes relating to creating infrastructure on health.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2017

Topics: AIIMS  Government Schemes  National  Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana  Pubic Health  Tertiary Healthcare

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Kazakhstan, who has joined OPEC and non-OPEC countries to curb oil output with the aim to prop up oil prices, has recently resented the remarks of Russian Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak, who called on oil producers to commit more to adhering to the output freeze deal. Kazakhstan is in a more difficult situation that other oil producing countries since it has been an avid Russian ally since the dismantlement of the USSR. However, the Caucasian country is also trying to solidify its political and commercial links with the European Union.

Since the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, Kazakhstan has been facing more internal divisions as the allusions about the Kremlin seizing north of the country have shifted from a rather unlikely to a somewhat plausible medium-threat. In 1989, Kazakhstan was 39% ethnic Kazakh, while now it is almost 70% due to higher birth rates among the Kazakhs and many Russians leaving. Yet, ethnic Russians still make up about 25% of the countrys population and Astana needs to increasingly take into account the influences posed by having such a large ethnic Russian minority in the country. Given Kazakhstans rich ethnic make-up, Astana has always been trying to strike a delicate balance between Russia and the West.

Moscows call to Astana to decrease the oil production is another in a series of signs that Russia is exerting pressure on Kazakhstan. However, despite the moves to integrate the Kazakh economy with that of Russia, the EU remains to be Kazakhstans main economic and trade partner. Over the past 15 years, the EU has become the destination for 40% of its Kazakh exports while the Caucasian country has positioned itself as a major energy supplier to the bloc. Brussels also supported Kazakhstans membership in the World Trade Organization.


Colgate-Palmolive registered their first quarter earnings for the financial year 2017-2018. Due to destocking in the trade channel ahead of the implementation of GST the company reported a drop of 3 per cent in their net sales year on year registering sales of Rs 1109.9 crore as compared to the same period last year. Volume declined 5% during the quarter.



Reported Net profit after tax for the quarter was Rs. 136.4 crore, an increase of 8% vs Q1 of the current financial year. In both the Toothpaste and Toothbrush categories, with volume market shares at 54.3% and 45.0%respectively in Q1 2017-18 the company seems to have been keeping a stronghold in the segment.



Issam Bachaalani, Managing Director at Colgate-Palmolive (India), said, In the run up to the implementation of GST, we did expect many challenges including an impact on trade pipeline inventory. Colgate has been long preparing for this and in anticipation took necessary steps to minimise business disruption. We are pleased to inform that the required changeover in our systems and processes has been smoothly accomplished. Despite the transition challenges leading to softness in sales, we are pleased to report an 8% increase in profits, margin expansion of 50 bps and EBITDA by 150 bps. GST has enabled us to pass on the benefits to our consumers leading to a reduction in MRPs by 8 to 9% for our key categories of Toothpastes and Toothbrushes .We continue to focus on our priorities of strengthening the core of our business and driving competitive and profitable growth while staying committed to our values and sustainability initiatives.



The FMCG brand has spent lesser this quarter in its advertising expenses. Last year in the same period, Colgate-Palmolive had spent 155.6 crore as compared to 143.35 crore this year.



Comparing revenue, net sales and profits of Q1 2016 to Q1 2017:



The net sales in Q1 2016 was reported at 1141.5 crore which was higher than this years figures however, the net profit was lower in Q1 last year at 125.7 crore as compared to this years 136.4 crore. There has been a marginal rise in current taxes from the previous quarter, Colgate-Palmolive paid Rs 59.1 crore in current taxes this year as compared to Rs 57.7 crore last year.



At the 76th Annual General Meeting of Colgate-Palmolive held in Mumbai yesterday, Vinod Nambiar, Chairman, Colgate-Palmolive, applauded the inclusion of GST by the government saying, The Goods & Services Tax (GST), the indirect-tax reform in India, is a bold step in the right direction in the longer term view. As always, Colgate has complied with the laws of the land and has implemented the transition to GST in an orderly manner.

Read more news about (marketing news, latest marketing news,internet marketing, marketing India, digital marketing India, media marketing India, advertising news)
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The US Energy Information Administration reported a 1.5 million barrels drawdown in crude inventories for the week ended July 28, which was below market expectation of a 3.5 million barrels decline.

However, the markets were encouraged with a fall of 2.5 million barrels in gasoline inventories that beat analysts expectation of a 500,000-barrel drop. The refinery capacity utilization rose to 95.4%, while the analysts were expecting it to fall to 94.1%.

Higher gasoline demand and a sustained drop in the US crude oil inventories have improved the sentiment in oil in the short-term.

"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," said David Thompson, executive vice president at Powerhouse, an energy-specialized commodities broker in Washington, reports CNBC.

Nevertheless, the longer-term picture is not as rosy according to Energy consultancy firm Douglas Westwood.

"Oversupply will actually return in 2018, and last until 2021. 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.

RBCs Croft expects the Venezuelan crisis to boost oil prices

RBC Capital Markets' commodity analyst Helima Croft, however, believes that the turmoil in Venezuela can lift oil prices to as high as $70 to $80 per barrel by fall.

"I think that's going to be the biggest geopolitical story to watch in the oil markets," said Croft, who's the firm's global head of commodity strategy, to CNBC. "The question is how fast does Venezuela fail?"

"The national oil company owes $3.5 billion due in October-November. They are unlikely to make those payments," Croft added. "Venezuela has less than $10 billion now in reserves, and then have $5 billion in debt payments coming due this year. ... We really do think a disorderly default is on the cards for Venezuela."
colchar said: So not a single place you have worked can provide you with that? Click to expand...

I have for one place ( Third party certificates + Experience Certificate + Duties and responsibilities letter )The other two places ( Third party certificates + Experience Certificate ) , for these I have only Affidavit in Australia Common Wealth format described on it my duties and responsibilitiesSo, can I use this Affidavit for CIC process ? or what shall I do in that case ?
Hello Guys,



Can Surrender value certificate of a Life Insurance Corporations be considered as a Proof of Funds. My policy is 5years old and have all 5 years premium paid having receipt too for the respective years.



Please note that surrender value certificate is the amount I have in current, not claiming for future.



Your reply is important and precious.



Thanks
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San Antonio-based refiner Valero Energy Corp. announced Thursday a long-term deal to export refined fuels to Mexico.

The deal with IEnova, a Mexico-subsidiary of San Diego, California-based energy services company Sempra Energy, will utilize a new $155 million, 1.4 million barrel refined product storage facility located in the Gulf of Mexico port of Veracruz.

The facility  which has a 20-year concession agreement with the Port Authority of Veracruz  will hold gasoline, diesel and jet fuel and will be completed by the end of 2018, according to an IEnova news release.

IEnova will build two more storage terminals for $120 million, the company announced Thursday. A 500,000 barrel facility will be built near Puebla, southeast of Mexico City, and an 800,000 barrel facility will be built in Mexico City by 2020, the company said. Products will be transported from Veracruz to the inland storage terminals by rail, and will be distributed by truck.

Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas declined to provide further details, including the length of the deal, cost of the deal with IEnova or the amount of daily exports Valero would make to Mexico.

With the recent Constitutional reform, it is now possible for Valero to import refined products directly into Mexico for further distribution, including branded sales, Joe Gorder, Valeros president and CEO, said in a news release. This transaction will enable us to extend our supply chain to efficiently supply gasoline, diesel and jet fuel to the growing Mexican market.

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.

Once commercial operations have begun and regulatory approvals have been granted Valero will have the option to purchase 50 percent of the equity in the assets, IEnovas nerws release said.

rdruzin@express-news.net

@druz_journo
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Executives of several major U.S. companies, including Uber, PayPal and Neiman Marcus, are joining local business leaders in publicly condemning the Texas transgender bathroom bill in two separate letters sent to Gov. Greg Abbott Thursday.

More than 40 San Antonio executives and business leaders  including Republican fundraiser Dennis Nixon of IBC Bank, Paula Gold-Williams of CPS Energy, Graham Weston of Weston Urban  have joined in the fight to block the legislation currently under consideration in Austin.

Visit San Antonio, Centro San Antonio and three local chambers of commerce have already gathered more than 40 signatures from local executives on a letter they plan to send to Texas Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus and that blasts the legislation as discriminatory and a detriment to recruiting workers.

We believe our economy is stronger when Texas is open for business to everyone, the letter reads.

More Information Bathroom bill opposition San Antonio tourism and business leaders have gathered more than 40 signatures from local executives condemning the Texas bathroom bill, including: Dennis Nixon of IBC Bank Paula Gold-Williams of CPS Energy Graham Weston of Weston Urban Jim Goudge of Broadway Bank Joe Eazor of Rackspace Leo Gomez of Brooks City Base Trip Pilgrim of Tenet Healthcare Corp. Rick Archer of Overland Partners Maryanne Guido of Guido Construction Mike Beldon of Beldon Roofing David Zachry of Zachry Hospitality Bartell Zachry of Zachry Interests Inc. Danny Anderson of Trinity University Jamie Smith of Dykema Cox Smith Hope Andrade of Andrade Van de Putte Marty Wender of Wender REI Alfonso Chiscano of the San Antonio Tricentennial Commission Janet Holliday of The CE Group Mike Novak of Novak Group LLC Arthur Coulombe of JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa Charles Poole of Allbrite Construction Julissa Carielo of Tejas Premiere Building Contractor Inc. Jorge Herrera of the Herrera Law Firm JJ Gorena of The Trey Group Wes Baerga of VuePoint Creative Denise Hernandez of True Flavors Michelle Rojas Casillas of Casillas Law Firm Erika Gonzalez-Reyes of Stamp Allergy and Research Jim Fullerton and Lisa Fullerton of Auntie Anne's See More Collapse

The Texas Association of Business, which is also fighting the legislation, sent a separate letter Thursday signed by Lyft CEO Logan Green, Neiman Marcus CEO Karen Katz and executives from nine other major U.S. corporations also urging Abbott to reconsider his support for the legislation.

The proposed legislation prohibits transgender men and women from using bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. It passed the Texas Senate last month and awaits a committee hearing in the state House of Representatives where it faces steep opposition from Straus, a San Antonio Republican.

The fact is that no industry will remain untouched by the unnecessary harm that discriminatory laws will do to our competitiveness, to our ability to attract talent and to our employees and their families, reads the letter from the Texas Association of Business that was also signed by Vivek Sankaran, president and chief operating officer of Frito-Lay North America-PepsiCo, Inc.

We support all efforts to maintain a world-class state brand and a strong state economy, the letter reads. We know that when Texas thrives economically, our public schools can thrive, our infrastructure can be strengthened and millions of Texas families can see a brighter future for themselves right here in the Lone Star State.

They are the latest in a growing coalition of business leaders and Fortune 500 companies to publicly come out against the bill. Abbott has called on lawmakers to take up the matter in a special legislative session this summer.

The chiefs of several San Antonio-area chambers of commerce and business groups slammed the legislation in their own letter sent to Abbott, Straus and Patrick on Monday.

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.

More than a dozen San Antonio chief executives  including Sam Dawson of Pape-Dawson Engineers Inc. and Bill Greehey of NuStar Energy  previously called the legislation a detriment to the pro-business environment in Texas in a letter to Straus in July.

On Monday, more than 50 Houston-area executives from Dow Chemical Co., ConocoPhillips and Halliburton, among others, told Abbott that bathroom legislation would inhibit our growth and continued success and ultimately the success of our great state by putting a damper on talent recruitment.

A group of 14 Dallas-based CEOs  including Doug Parker of American Airlines and Randall Stephenson of AT&T  bashed the bill in a letter to Abbott, Patrick and Straus last month.

This article was updated to correct inaccurate information provided to the Express-News regarding the number of executives that signed the letter.

JFechter@express-news.net

Twitter: @JFreports
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Executives of several major U.S. companies, including Uber, PayPal and Neiman Marcus, are joining local business leaders in publicly condemning the Texas transgender bathroom bill in two separate letters sent to Gov. Greg Abbott Thursday.

About 30 San Antonio executives and business leaders  including Republican fundraiser Dennis Nixon of IBC Bank, Paula Gold-Williams of CPS Energy, Graham Weston of Weston Urban  have joined in the fight to block the legislation currently under consideration in Austin.

Visit San Antonio, Centro San Antonio and the three local chambers of commerce have already gathered more than 30 signatures from local executives on a letter they plan to send to Texas Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus and that blasts the legislation as discriminatory and a detriment to recruiting workers.

We believe our economy is stronger when Texas is open for business to everyone, the letter reads.

More Information Bathroom bill opposition San Antonio tourism and business leaders have gathered more than 40 signatures from local executives condemning the Texas bathroom bill, including: Dennis Nixon of IBC Bank Paula Gold-Williams of CPS Energy Graham Weston of Weston Urban Jim Goudge of Broadway Bank Joe Eazor of Rackspace Leo Gomez of Brooks City Base Trip Pilgrim of Tenet Healthcare Corp. Rick Archer of Overland Partners Maryanne Guido of Guido Construction Mike Beldon of Beldon Roofing David Zachry of Zachry Hospitality Bartell Zachry of Zachry Interests Inc. Danny Anderson of Trinity University Jamie Smith of Dykema Cox Smith Hope Andrade of Andrade Van de Putte Marty Wender of Wender REI Alfonso Chiscano of the San Antonio Tricentennial Commission Janet Holliday of The CE Group Mike Novak of Novak Group LLC Arthur Coulombe of JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa Charles Poole of Allbrite Construction Julissa Carielo of Tejas Premiere Building Contractor Inc. Jorge Herrera of the Herrera Law Firm JJ Gorena of The Trey Group Wes Baerga of VuePoint Creative Denise Hernandez of True Flavors Michelle Rojas Casillas of Casillas Law Firm Erika Gonzalez-Reyes of Stamp Allergy and Research Jim Fullerton and Lisa Fullerton of Auntie Anne's See More Collapse

The Texas Association of Business, which is also fighting the legislation, sent a separate letter Thursday signed by Lyft CEO Logan Green, Neiman Marcus CEO Karen Katz and executives from nine other major U.S. corporations also urging Abbott to reconsider his support for the legislation.

The proposed legislation prohibits transgender men and women from using bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. It passed the Texas Senate last month and awaits a committee hearing in the state House of Representatives where it faces steep opposition from Straus, a San Antonio Republican.

The fact is that no industry will remain untouched by the unnecessary harm that discriminatory laws will do to our competitiveness, to our ability to attract talent and to our employees and their families, reads the letter from the Texas Association of Business that was also signed by Vivek Sankaran, president and chief operating officer of Frito-Lay North America-PepsiCo, Inc.

We support all efforts to maintain a world-class state brand and a strong state economy, the letter reads. We know that when Texas thrives economically, our public schools can thrive, our infrastructure can be strengthened and millions of Texas families can see a brighter future for themselves right here in the Lone Star State.

They are the latest in a growing coalition of business leaders and Fortune 500 companies to publicly come out against the bill. Abbott has called on lawmakers to take up the matter in a special legislative session this summer.

The chiefs of several San Antonio-area chambers of commerce and business groups slammed the legislation in their own letter sent to Abbott, Straus and Patrick on Monday.

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.

More than a dozen San Antonio chief executives  including Sam Dawson of Pape-Dawson Engineers Inc. and Bill Greehey of NuStar Energy  previously called the legislation a detriment to the pro-business environment in Texas in a letter to Straus in July.

On Monday, more than 50 Houston-area executives from Dow Chemical Co., ConocoPhillips and Halliburton, among others, told Abbott that bathroom legislation would inhibit our growth and continued success and ultimately the success of our great state by putting a damper on talent recruitment.

A group of 14 Dallas-based CEOs  including Doug Parker of American Airlines and Randall Stephenson of AT&T  bashed the bill in a letter to Abbott, Patrick and Straus last month.

This article was updated to correct inaccurate information provided to the Express-News regarding the number of executives that signed on to the letter.

JFechter@express-news.net

Twitter: @JFreports
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Stan Bates, who was indicted in May with state Sen. Carlos Uresti on allegations he defrauded investors in his bankrupt oil field service firm, is embroiled in another legal problem  this time with a client thats accusing his new company of fraud and theft.

Bates founded San Antonio-based Bates Energy Oil & Gas shortly after his previous business, FourWinds Logistics, collapsed in 2015 amid a tangle of litigation and debt.The new company does the exact same thing as his previous one  it buys and sells the frac sand used by oil companies in fracking.

Complete Oil Field Services sued Bates Energy on Wednesday for failing on numerous occasions to deliver sand to the Utah company, saying Bates Energy exhibited a pattern of lying, fraud and blatant misrepresentations while attempting to steal money  by demanding payment when it knew no sand would be delivered.

The alleged scheme unfolded around the time Bates, 45, was arrested for his role in FourWinds, the suit adds. Some FourWinds investors contend they were defrauded, something Bates has denied.

Complete Oil says in its lawsuit that Bates Energy succeeded in absconding with approximately $40,000 of escrow funds without delivering any sand.

Bates, CEO and president of the company, on Friday declined to comment on the case. But he then accused Complete Oil of dragging his criminal case into its complaint in an attempt to diminish my character. The criminal case against Bates and Uresti is scheduled for trial Oct. 23.

Complete Oil and principal Sam Taylor filed their claim two weeks after Bates Energy sued them. The San Antonio company accused them of rejecting attempted deliveries on 40,000 tons of sand and refusing to approve the disbursement of funds from escrow accounts to cover Bates Energys costs for buying the sand.

Bates Energy, in its lawsuit, says it sustained about $500,000 in costs fulfilling its contract with Complete Oil.

Court records show that a Bexar County district judge issued Bates Energy a temporary restraining order preventing Complete Oil from making withdrawals from two escrow accounts holding almost $4 million altogether.

After about six hours testimony on Thursday and Friday, state District Judge Norma Gonzales ruled against Bates Energy, lifting the restraining order and allowing Complete Oil to access the escrow accounts.

Following FourWinds demise in 2015, some investors accused Stan Bates of wasting their money on personal expenses, expensive cars, exotic car rentals and a wild lifestyle that included flying women to meet him, according to a court filing. Those investors claim he lured them in, in part, by presenting allegedly forged bank documents and financial statements that vastly inflated the companys cash holdings and receivables.

Lamont Jefferson, attorney for Complete Oil, told Gonzales that Bates is just running another scam.

Mr. Bates has been indicted for this very thing, Jefferson said during an opening statement. There is a federal court indictment about Mr. Bates using his prior company, FourWinds, which was a frac sand company just like his current company, to rip people off.

Tiffanie Clausewitz, who represents Bates Energy, objected, saying Jefferson was misrepresenting the indictment. She said the charges against Bates have nothing to do with frac sand contracts. Gonzales overruled the objection.

The same year FourWinds descended into bankruptcy, some of Bates creditors forced him into personal bankruptcy. During a trial in the case, Bates invoked his Fifth Amendment right to not incriminate himself 73 times over two days of testimony. In an order the following month, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Craig Gargotta said Bates was evasive, exhibited a lack of honesty about his financial affairs and often tried to cover his tracks.

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.

Bates was on the witness stand again Thursday in an effort to obtain the temporary injunction against Complete Oil. But he never once took the Fifth and even addressed the charges against him.

Im being held accountable for an entire market crashing and thousands of companies filing bankruptcy, he said.

Bates testified that without the temporary injunction, Bates Energy would face irreparable damage because Complete Oil will take the money in escrow, and hell never see them again.

Im demonized, he said. It took a lot to establish rapport and trust with the guys I used to do business with and delivered sand for and to. This is my only source of income. This is my only field of expertise.

But Bates later said he receives no income from Bates Energy. He estimated its net worth at $500,000, give or take.

Asked how Bates Energy was capitalized, Bates replied, sweat.

I spent 18 months on the ground, sweating, 16 hours days, six days a week, to re-establish who I was and what I could do, he said.

pdanner@express-news.net
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A meat butcher and a man from central Mexico are among the latest immigrants to be released from San Antonio hospitals into federal custody, where prosecutors plan to use their testimony against the truck driver who was allegedly hauling them in a sweltering trailer where the 39 migrants were found on July 23.

Concepcion Ibarra Cardenas and German Hernandez Chavez appeared in federal court on Thursday on a federal affidavit that allows the U.S. government to detain them before taking their testimony against truck driver James Matthew Bradley Jr.

Their court appearance came the same week federal prosecutors obtained a search warrant that allows them to glean information from a cell phone registered to Bradley, who is charged with transporting undocumented immigrants for financial gain, resulting in death. The warrant, whose affidavit is sealed, seeks historical cell site location information, according to public records reviewed by the San Antonio Express-News.

Bradley, 61, of Kentucky and Florida, was arrested July 23 when San Antonio police were called to a Southwest Side Walmart and found 39 immigrants in or near the trailer of his semi. Most suffered health issues from being trapped in the unairconditioned trailer that left Laredo the night before. According to court records, as many as 200 people may have been in the trailer, though several fled or were picked up before police arrived.

Of the 39, 10 have since died. The remainder were hospitalized, though one left a local hospital and has since been arrested in Louisiana.

At Thursdays hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad informed Ibarra and Hernandez that they are not charged with a crime, but are being held until they are deposed Sept. 6.

After that, they will be transferred from U.S. marshals custody to the custody of immigration officials, who will decide whether to deport them, the judge told them.

Mexican media reports said Ibarra is a butcher by trade from a coastal town in Mexicos Michoacan state, and that Hernandez is from central Zacatecas state. After court, Ibarra looked weak and leaned on a cane as he and Hernandez were escorted to a jail van for transfer to a downtown lockup  where 18 other immigrants who also had been in the trailer are held, along with Bradley.

That the material witnesses are being held in the same facility as Bradley troubled the witnesses appointed lawyer, Mike McCrum.

McCrum said two of the witnesses spent a couple of hours last week in the same holding cell as Bradley while they were in federal court. The U.S. Marshals Service runs the cells.

Theyve been traumatized enough, and now theyre  put through that, McCrum said. We gotta remember, these are people who have suffered a lot, not just bodies that you shuffle around.

As of Thursday, four of the 39 immigrants remained in local hospitals, and two of them are in critical condition at University Hospital. Four juveniles have been released from area hospitals into immigration custody for processing, officials said.

On Friday, immigration agents tracked down one of the immigrants who had also been in the trailer, but fled from a San Antonio hospital after refusing treatment the day they were found. That immigrant was arrested in Louisiana on administrative immigration charges, and is awaiting transfer here, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.
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A recently filed bill that would prohibit cities from relocating, altering or removing historic monuments on public property is yet another attempt by the state to usurp local control, critics said Thursday.

A city like San Antonio should have symbolism that is representative of our diverse community, said Councilman William Cruz Shaw, who is seeking to relocate a 45-foot-tall granite obelisk depicting a Confederate soldier that now stands in downtown Travis Park. One size does not fit all in situations such as this.

Republican Sen. Brandon Creighton of Conroe, who filed the bill after the plan by Shaw and fellow Councilman Roberto Trevino to move the century-old monument, argued that Texans shouldnt erase our history.

We should not delete evidence of our past to comply with current political correctness, Creighton said.

Filed during the special session, which comes to a close in roughly two weeks, Senate Bill 112 has yet to be referred to a committee or scheduled for a hearing. The bill falls outside the 20-item agenda laid out by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, and its not clear whether lawmakers have the appetite to tackle rules surrounding monument removal.

Creightons bill would bar cities from relocating or altering memorials that have stood on public land for more than 40 years. Newer monuments could be moved only if voters approve, and even then, the relocated memorials would have to be placed in a prominent location.

It is not by accident that the language protects monuments and memorials that were erected during a time when the few held so much power and others were still regarded as second-class citizens, Trevino said.

A push to remove confederate symbols, which many relate to slavery, swept the nation several years ago, with cities and colleges taking down monuments and flags and renaming buildings with ties to the Confederacy after deadly, racially driven attacks. Texas was no different; the University of Texas removed a statue of Jefferson Davis from a place of prominence on the UT-Austin campus in August 2015. A month earlier, Bexar County had removed two plaques that had the Confederate battle flag.

Under the Trevino-Shaw proposal, the statue that has stood in the downtown park for 118 years would be preserved and moved to a new location where it can be integrated into an educational context. A new site would be selected by a committee made up of community members and city officials.

We know there is a lot of opportunity to make it a more welcoming, inclusive space, Trevino said this week about the park, named for Alamo commander and slave owner William Barrett Travis. The proposal could come before the citys Governance Committee as early as next week.

Creightons bill is one of several that lawmakers are considering during the special session that take aim at local control. However, the state would not be exempt from this proposal. Monuments that have stood on state land for more than 40 years couldnt be relocated. Newer ones could be moved only if the Legislature signs off doing so.
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WASHINGTON  Texas Sen. John Cornyn injected his voice Thursday into Congress troubled dealings over border security with legislation that authorizes spending $15 billion over four years for a broad new enforcement strategy.

Spending on the wall that President Donald Trump vows to build has dominated debates on Capitol Hill, threatening to derail any progress toward comprehensive reforms.

A $1.6 billion outlay for the wall approved by the House last week stands little chance of winning the supermajority needed in the Senate given rock-hard Democratic opposition.

Cornyn, the No. 2 Senate Republican, insists the problem lies in the lack of an overall security plan, which he said has diminished public confidence and triggered skirmishes on Capitol Hill that show no sign of abating.

His proposed Building Americas Trust Act, which he intends to advance next month, avoids ordering wall construction and instead calls for a multilayered tactical plan that also could include fencing, levees, technology or other physical barriers.

We dont know how that $1.6 billion fits into an overall plan for the entire Southern border. Doing this on a piecemeal basis, I think, is really not the most efficient and most practical and most effective way to do it, Cornyn said at a news conference.

Cornyn's massive legislation  462 pages in length  requires the Homeland Security Department to work with localities to determine solutions related to barriers and general security.

The bill has provisions aimed at faster and more efficient entry at ports and also addresses the problem of unaccompanied minors arriving at the border by requiring swifter screening by immigration judges.

The legislation includes authorization for thousands of new Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. This week, homeland securitys inspector general cast doubt on the agencys capacity to incorporate the 15,000 new agents sought by Trump, citing hiring standards and the absence of a deployment strategy.

Cornyns legislation encompasses proposals that already have found favor with other segments of Congress. They include Kates Law, named after a San Francisco woman murdered two years ago by an undocumented immigrant, which would impose mandatory stiff prison terms for people re-entering the country after being deported for serious crimes; and provisions that aim to withhold federal funds from so-called sanctuary cities.

blambrecht@express-news.net
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More than 100 people joined pastors on the steps of the Texas Capitol on Thursday to rally for the so-called bathroom bill and demand the House vote on the measure, which critics warn discriminates against transgender people.

Men should not have access to the showers, locker rooms, changing rooms of women and girls. Its not safe, its not decent and it does not make sense, Pastor Ericka McCrutcheon of Houston said at the event arranged by the U.S. Pastor Council.

Faith leaders are among several groups wading into the high-profile debate over restrooms that is playing out during the special legislative session, though the spiritual community is fiercely divided over the bill.

Thursdays event came just days after a separate group, representing Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, rallied against the bill.

The reality is faith traditions across the spectrum, from the level of little old lady in the pews to the level of the bishop at the national level, oppose this legislation, said Bee Moorhead, executive director of Texas Impact.

The Senate-approved bill would require people in schools and government buildings to use public restrooms, changing rooms and locker rooms that match the sex on their birth certificates.

Supporters say the bill is needed to protect womens privacy and safety, though critics argue that there have been no incidents caused by transgender people in restrooms. The bill faces a tough path in the House, where it is opposed by Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio.

Throughout the rally, crowd members erupted into chants of Let the House vote! and waved signs that said privacy over predators.

Pastor Bill Owens marched 60 years ago for civil rights. In addressing the crowd at Thursdays rally, he said he was disgusted with politicians using the issue of civil rights to oppose the bill.

I marched to be able to go to the school of my choice, to get a job I was qualified for, said Owens, who lives in Las Vegas but is moving to Houston. I did not march one foot, one yard, one mile for men to go in womens restrooms.

Opponents of Senate Bill 3 say it discriminates against transgender people, who would be required to use facilities that dont match their gender identity. The bill also bars local ordinances and school policies that let transgender people use bathrooms that align with their gender identity.

The business community has come out against the proposal, saying the bill could hamper the states ability to compete and could lead to boycotts such as those seen after North Carolina adopted a similar measure.

SB 3s sponsor, Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said after the rally that she hasnt spoken to Straus about when or whether the chamber will take up the measure.

AMorris@express-news.net
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A horrific sight greeted San Antonio police officers who forced their way through a barricaded door into a home north of downtown Thursday.

Two women inside the residence were found covered in blood after being critically wounded by a man who attacked them with a machete, police said.

The injuries were very, very severe, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said.

That gruesome scene soon turned more bizarre when the womens alleged attacker led police on a car chase and eventually returned to the neighborhood, speeding past the victims home as police, paramedics and reporters gathered outside. Loud rock music blared from the mans van windows during the pursuit, one witness said.

I guess he was wired up or something, said Matt Silva, a Jordan Foster Construction employee who was sitting in his utility vehicle on Euclid Avenue when the suspect and pursuing officers roared past him. He went out with a bang.

The man lost control of his van and crashed into a pole near Euclid and Wilmington avenues. He was arrested at the crash site after struggling briefly with officers.

Police recovered a machete that he had with him.

The victims, whose names were not released by police, were carried out of the house on gurneys and appeared to have wounds to their faces and arms. Both later underwent surgery at San Antonio Military Medical Center. Their conditions were unavailable Thursday evening.

The man was in custody and was expected to be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His name also was not released.

One of the victims had been dating him, police said. What specifically prompted the attack remained unknown Thursday evening.

The macabre series of events began around 7 a.m. when a neighbor informed police he saw a man walking around with a machete in the 200 block of Army Boulevard, said Officer Doug Greene, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department.

The man wielding that weapon apparently drove away, but police got a description of his Chevrolet Astro van. Officers soon found the vehicle between U.S. 281 and Broadway, and tried to stop him, but he refused and the chase began, with the driver heading north on U.S. 281.

With police cars and a police helicopter on his tail, the driver turned the van around near Jones Maltsberger Road and headed south on U.S. 281.

Meanwhile, officers found the front door to the victims home had been barricaded. Police burst inside and discovered the two women gravely injured by multiple cuts. One of the victims was dressed only in her undergarments.

As the paramedics tended to the wounded victims inside the home, one of the pilots of the police helicopter alerted other officers that the fleeing man had exited U.S. 281 at Mulberry Avenue.

Hes coming back, a crime scene investigator told reporters gathered outside the victims home.

Minutes later, loud tire screeches were heard down the street and a white van came barreling down Army Boulevard. The man drove up the street with at least four squad cars and the helicopter in close pursuit. Officers and onlookers took cover behind police cars.

After swerving to avoid a construction worker, the man lost control and crashed his van, according to police and witness reports.

Before he was arrested, the shirtless man raised his hands and screamed at officers, witnesses said. Police wrestled him to the ground and put handcuffs on him.

Officers did follow policy, and they did a great job of staying with this guy, McManus said. Obviously, hes a very dangerous individual.

The victims suffered life-threatening injuries. One appeared to be in her 50s, while the other appeared to be in their 30s. Their relationship was not known.

A man living in a nearby apartment said he tried to avoid the man taken into custody at all times. That neighbor declined to give his full name.

He claimed he had warned one of the victims that the suspect was a bad influence.

I told her, Get rid of him, he said.

The man recalled seeing one of the victims using a machete to do yardwork last month. He said he had asked her to store the tool because he thought the man arrested Thursday might use it at some point.

Another neighbor, Irene Marrero, said she would take one of the victims to church and also helped her get food. The victim shared the collected food with others living at the property.

She has a big heart, Marrero said. She was a good person.

That victim recently told Marrero she was moving to Oklahoma with her sister because she wanted to leave the man accused in the attack.

The arrested man was taken to University Hospital to be examined, Greene said.

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns

Staff Writer Jacob Beltran contributed to this report.
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AUSTIN  The Texas House, which has yet to pass much of Gov. Greg Abbotts special session agenda, voted unanimously Thursday for a bill thats not on his to-do list that aims to help children with disabilities.

This is the most important issue that I see right now, said Rep. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, in presenting the bill to her colleagues. Were talking about children that have to learn how to swallow.

House Bill 25 would restore cuts that were made to a Medicaid therapy program after a state report indicated that rates were too high. Davis said it since has become clear that the report is in error and that children with profound disabilities have not been able to receive the services that they need.

The House under Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, pushed in the regular session to restore funding to the program. But in negotiations with the Senate, only part of the money was reinstated.

Abbott, who controls the agenda of the special session, didnt put the issue before lawmakers. That and the Senates past position on the issue make the bills prospects dim.

Asked whether the House is going rogue with the action, Straus told the San Antonio Express-News Thursday, Of course not. Were expressing our priorities and our strong views that that program needs to be funded to help these most vulnerable kids who are in need of the services.

Straus, who met with Abbott on Thursday, said they talked about his agenda as hes laid it out.  Our discussion probably should remain private.

Abbott spokesman John Wittman said the two had a good and productive meeting.

The 138-0 House vote to restore the money to the therapy program came with a strong bipartisan push and passionate support from lawmakers including Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth, a member of the tea-party-affiliated Texas Freedom Caucus in the House and a joint author of the bill.

Krause won approval of an amendment that would change the way the proposal would be funded. As filed, it would have taken money from the rainy day fund, a politically difficult vote because a number of conservatives say the savings account must only be spent for one-time expenditures.

Under Krauses amendment, the bill would tap about $70 million in disaster funds overseen by the governor, using it instead to pay for the therapy program.

The disaster funds program also is paid for with money from rainy day fund in the upcoming budget. But that allocation already has been approved by lawmakers, so switching its use would allow them to avoid freshly tapping into the savings account. Its a distinction that Krause said he wanted in order to muster the strongest possible House vote.

Krause said the move was absolutely not a shot at the governor.

The governor is the one who has to put this on the call at the end of the day to get into law. So you dont want to do anything that looks like youre attacking him or pushing against him, Krause said. But I think one thing that we all see  we see those little kids that are having trouble walking and talking and breathing and swallowing  and said this is enough of an emergency and a crisis that we have to act on this.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman John Zerwas, R-Richmond, voted against the funding method because it affects agreements made for the budget that takes effect Sept. 1. But he voted for the bill.

There are a lot of issues that members of the House felt should be addressed, Zerwas said. Thats always the risk you take when you call a special session. People can file anything, and they can talk about anything unless somebody calls it down.

Lawmakers can consider bills that arent officially on the call unless someone calls a point of order to stop them.

This bill is not germane to the governors call, Wittman said. Once the House and the Senate pass the other 20 items on the governors agenda, hell be happy to consider adding other items to the call.

It appears unlikely that all 20 items on the governors call will be approved by lawmakers. The Senate has passed 18 of them, but Abbotts agenda is facing a tougher road in the House.

Still, the House vote heartened advocates for children.

This is a big day for Texas kids with autism, speech delays, Down syndrome and other disabilities, Stephanie Rubin, CEO of Texans Care for Children, said in a statement. Its great to see how legislators from across the political spectrum are coming together to make this a priority. Now we need the Senate and governor to offer their support.

Besides the measure addressing childrens therapy cuts, the House voted Thursday for water bills by Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, that were vetoed by Abbott or stalled in the Senate during the regular session.

Water isnt on the agenda of the special session, but some of Larsons legislation could be construed to fall under the issue of permitting, which Abbott has put before lawmakers.

The measures require another House vote before being sent for consideration to the Senate, which is presided over by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. His office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment, but Patrick is on the same page as Abbott with regard to the special session, and it appears unlikely that he would move bills through the Senate without Abbotts OK.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac
Texas prison officials will relocate 1,000 heat-sensitive inmates from the Wallace Pack Unit northwest of Houston to several air-conditioned facilities as part of a court-ordered plan to address stifling indoor temperatures that have caused multiple deaths.

To make room for the Pack Unit inmates, the state plans to transfer hundreds of inmates out of the air-conditioned facilities, according to documents filed late Thursday in federal court by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Other options were considered but determined not to be practical or their effectiveness could not be guaranteed, said Jason Clark, TDCJ spokesman. The agency believes reconfiguring already air-conditioned areas of the prison to accommodate the identified offenders poses security concerns and would not be logistically feasible.

Prison officials said transfers and other accommodations for the heat are short-term solutions and should be completed by late August.

The plan comes the same week that another family sued the state over the death of a prisoner during a 2015 heat wave. TDCJ has already identified 23 inmates who have died from heat stroke since 1998.

The improvements at the Pack Unit follow a July order from U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison in Houston for the state to find cooler living quarters for hundreds of inmates who take medication or have health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that make them vulnerable to heat. Details of the plan are set to be finalized at a court hearing before Ellison on Tuesday.

The judge issued the injunction in a federal civil rights case brought by a group of Pack inmates in 2014, following the heat-related deaths of multiple inmates at facilities across the state. The ruling came after a lengthy injunction hearing in June in which inmates testified about fainting and vomiting from unmitigated heat inside the dormitories.

Ellison ruled the state had impeded remedies and showed deliberate indifference to the dangers inmates faced, in violation of the Eighth Amendments protection against cruel and unusual punishment.

He told prison officials they also should provide easier access to respite areas and develop a plan for dealing with a heat wave.

Attorneys for the inmates praised the plan but said it is clearly not a long-term solution.

We are pleased that TDCJ is going to take serious steps to protect our clients at the Pack Unit for the remainder of the summer, said attorney Scott Medlock. These are people who are very vulnerable to heat-related illness, and it is frankly unbelievable that TDCJ was housing them in these dangerously hot conditions in the first place.

Attorney Jeff Edwards, who also represents the Pack inmates said the plan does not go far enough.

It misses the mark on the evolving standards of decency portion of the case, Edwards said. At the core of his order is the fact that you need to treat people humanely and not expose them to dangerous conditions on a day-to-day basis.

He said he is also concerned that the transfers wont be completed quickly enough to avoid the hottest days of summer.

TDCJ has said it plans to appeal the judges finding. But in the meantime, the state has identified immediate changes that will alleviate the swampy indoor climate.

The plan unveiled Thursday involves moving 500 heat-sensitive inmates to Diboll Correctional Center in Diboll near Lufkin and another 425 inmates to the Travis State Jail in Austin. Both facilities are air-conditioned.

Other inmates at the Pack Unit with more significant medical needs will be moved to the Stiles Unit in Beaumont, which can accommodate CPAP machines and other specialized medical devices.

Inmates who are displaced from those units will be moved to the Connally Unit near Victoria, Dalhart Unit north of Amarillo or the Smith Unit south of Lubbock.

The transfers will happen as soon as the judge signs off on the order, according to court documents.

The prison system also plans to revise its respite program, making available most of the air-conditioned sections of the Pack Unit  such as the library and hallways  for inmates seeking relief from the heat.

The new plan also includes revised signage encouraging inmates to seek respite any time, regardless of whether they feel ill, and encourages guards to let inmates seek relief when they ask for it.

A new heat wave policy requires special consideration once the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning, with temperatures at least 105 degrees or a heat index of 113 degrees or higher. When temperatures reach that level, additional precautionary measures will be taken, including giving inmates access to respite areas around the clock, according to the plan.

Mesh screens will be installed to keep bugs from coming in through windows left open for ventilation, according to the plan.

About 80 percent of Texas inmates live in prison units where no air conditioning is provided, even during heat waves, according to TDCJ officials.

The lawsuit by the Pack inmates is among 10 federal complaints filed in Ellisons court by attorneys from Edwards law firm in Austin and the Texas Civil Rights Project. Eight families of inmates who died of heatstroke are pursuing wrongful death suits and another inmate who survived a heat stroke has also sued TDCJ.

This week, the family of a 36-year-old man who died at the McConnell Unit in Beeville north of Corpus Christi sued TDCJ, saying officials showed willful and wanton indifference to undeniable dangers of heat at the facility.

Quintero Devale Jones died during a heat wave in July 2015 as the result of an asthma attack, according to court records. Guards had previously confiscated his inhaler during a shakedown in the morning and he died after an asthma attack that same afternoon, the suit says.

Heat was a contributing factor in his death, according to the suit.

Its unknown why they would not return to a prisoner an emergency breather that said keep on person and they wouldnt give it back, said the familys lawyer John Schulman of Dallas.

Schulman said parents Alice and Roy Jones are deeply distressed by what happened at McConnell the day their son died and how prison officials handled his asthma attack.

I believe they clearly have a duty  not to provide him a comfortable and cushy experience, but certainly to protect his life, Schulman said.

The lawsuit notes that the McConnell Unit already had dealt with three other inmate deaths from heatstroke, one in 2004 and two in 2011.

A TDCJ official declined to comment on the Jones familys wrongful death complaint because the matter is pending.

The family is suing for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the due process and equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution.
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WASHINGTON  The Senate on Thursday confirmed former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas as U.S. ambassador to NATO.

Hutchison, 73, represented Texas in the Senate for 20 years, sitting on both the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees. She retired in 2012.

On her return to Washington, she was greeted warmly on both sides of the aisle. Her confirmation, which was expected, was decided by an unrecorded voice vote.

Kay has always been known for tireless advocacy on behalf of Texans and her ability to work across the aisle to get things done, said Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. She has the experience, determination and poise to strengthen our relationships on the world stage, and Im confident shell make Texas  and our country  proud.

The Senate also approved San Antonio lobbyist Dan Brouillette as the deputy to Energy Secretary Rick Perry, a former Texas governor.

An executive at USAA, the insurance and financial company that exclusively caters to members of the military and their families, Brouillette was confirmed by a vote of 79-17, according to the Associated Press.

Brouillette moved easily through the confirmation process at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in June. But a vote on the Senate floor was held up, as Sens. Dean Heller and Catherine Cortez Masto, both from Nevada, protested the Trump administrations plans to revive the development of a nuclear waste facility named Yucca Mountain.

Brouillette is a veteran of Capitol Hill, having previously served on the staff of powerful former Louisiana Congressman Billy Tauzin.
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WASHINGTON  President Donald Trumps marquee campaign promise to build a border wall didnt always have the support of the two Texans currently being considered to be his next homeland security secretary.

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Trumps energy secretary, said in 2011 that a 2,000-mile fence doesnt make sense.

Texas Congressman Michael McCaul, in a 2015 interview, called it kind of simplistic.

Like a lot of Texas Republicans, Perry and McCaul long have advocated securing the border in other ways, and only recently in their careers have come to embrace Trumps vision of a wall.

McCaul rolled out a $10 billion border bill in the House last week.

We must have physical barriers  including a wall, where necessary, said McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.

But McCauls emphasis on technology and law enforcement  mirroring Perrys policies as governor  doesnt match Trumps vision for a 2,000-mile border wall paid for by Mexico.

The two Texans also have run afoul of border and immigration hawks in other ways.

Positions they have taken on foreign worker visas and legal migrant labor  issues important to Texas farmers  have earned them low grades from NumbersUSA, a group that supports Trumps America First policies and advocates for reductions in all forms of immigration.

Neither one of them has shown a real consciousness that immigration policy is not just about security, but heavily about how it influences the labor market, said Roy Beck, founder and president of NumbersUSA. Its not just about physical security. Its about economic security.

The next homeland security secretary will be taking over an immigration system that is under fire from all sides.

In Texas, produce farmers like Bernie Phiel, 66, of Lubbock, are watching nervously as Mexican farmworkers granted amnesty by the U.S. government during the 1980s are getting to an age where theyll soon be retiring.

Farmers are hoping Congress will pass legislation allowing easier access for temporary farm workers from Mexico, but with the heated politics around immigration, passing such a bill likely would be an uphill climb.

Theres no one to take their place, Phiel said of the retiring workers. People need to wake up. We have a severe, severe labor shortage in the vegetable fields.

But its the fraught politics of the wall that likely will occupy the new homeland security secretary when Congress returns in September to iron out spending bills for the next year, including a recent House-passed measure allocating $1.6 billion for Trumps wall.

Even as the Trump administration has begun to acknowledge that a $20 billion-plus border-length wall never will become a reality, there are signs that Trump has been saddled by its significance as a political symbol.

Trump reportedly described the wall as the least important thing we are talking about, but politically this might be the most important.

Thats according to a transcript obtained by the Washington Post and released Thursday of a call between Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in January.

Trump appeared to be pressing the Mexican government privately to end its public defiance on paying for the wall.

While their positions on the wall havent always aligned with Trump, both Perry and McCaul have been vetted by the administration already.

McCaul was considered for the homeland security post last fall, before losing out to former Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly, who took over this week as White House chief of staff.

Perry already has gone through the Senate confirmation process as Trumps pick to head the Energy Department. His selection, however, would create another Cabinet opening for the Trump administration.

But for both Perry and McCaul, its been a long journey to meet Trump on the issue of the border.

Perry had to make amends with Trump since their days as rivals in the Republican presidential primaries, when Trump attacked him in a tweet for an absolutely horrible job of securing the border. He declared then that the Texan should be ashamed of himself.

Asked about Trumps attacks during summer 2015, Perry said in a television interview: Well, I dont think he understands the challenge, obviously. I was the governor of Texas for 14 years. The governor of that state with the 1,200-mile Mexican border.

Despite Perrys record as a border state governor, the issue dogged him in the 2012 presidential campaign as well. He was bludgeoned by opponents as soft on illegal immigration. In one exchange with candidate Rick Santorum, of Pennsylvania, Perry even questioned the logic of building a wall on the U.S. Mexico border.

The idea that you are going to build a wall, a fence for 1,200 miles, and then go 800 miles more to Tijuana, does not make sense. You put the boots on the ground, Perry said.

Perrys first presidential campaign eventually collapsed after he accused his Republican opponents of not having a heart about immigrants.

Raised on a cotton farm outside Abilene, Perry long maintained the more relaxed attitudes toward illegal immigration commonplace among the Texas farmers, who rely on migrant workers to get their crops to market.

During his first year as governor, Perry helped advance legislation that let undocumented children of immigrants pay in-state tuition for college, a policy called the Texas DREAM Act, for which he received much conservative blowback.

But after dropping out of the 2012 presidential race, Perry returned to Austin with a new plan.

He ordered officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety to begin cracking down on illegal immigrants.

Soon, officers began setting up checkpoints along the roads and even stopping people walking along the sidewalks to check their immigration status, said John Michael Torres, a spokesman for the South Texas immigrant advocacy group La Union del Pueblo Entero.

DPS went from a law enforcement agency patrolling, giving out tickets to the face of immigration enforcement, he said. Perry did have that compassionate approach, but there was a certain point he saw an opportunity to shift his image, especially after his 2012 GOP campaign.

McCaul has more recently come into alignment with Trump on the wall.

In a 2015 television interview, he called it kind of simplistic and a knee-jerk response. But in a Fox News op-ed after Trumps election, he vowed to stand side-by-side with Trump on immigration and, notably, the wall.

We are going to build the wall, he wrote. Period.

Despite the turnaround, McCaul has yet to convince some hard-liners.

Mark Krikorian, executive director of the conservative Center for Immigration Studies, wrote in a tweet: House Homeland Chairman McCaul was angling for the (homeland security) job last time, but his reputation as No Wall McCaul should be a deal-killer.

Whether it is remains to be seen. Having carved out an expertise in border security, immigration, and cybersecurity as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee since 2013, McCaul brings a deep knowledge of the terrain.

Sen. John Cornyn, who hired McCaul when he was Texas attorney general, praised his qualifications Thursday, along with those of Perry.

There are few people in America that know more about the border than our former governor of Texas, he said.

As for their past differences, Beck said they are hardly unique to Washington.

Politics has plenty of room for people to make statements in the heat of a campaign that somehow or another get by it, he said. If you ban that kind of hypocrisy, youre going to have a lot of very short political careers.
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Texans have tried for decades to secure the return from Mexico of a silk banner long associated with the 1836 siege and Battle of the Alamo.

But little is typically said of the Mexican battalion flags that flew in Texas in 1836, including at least two carried at the Alamo siege and now in the states custody, having been seized at San Jacinto as trophies of war.

When discussing efforts to negotiate a temporary or permanent return of the New Orleans Greys flag, traditionally believed to have been the only banner flown by defenders of the Alamo still in existence, some have suggested the Mexican flags should be offered in a mutual exchange agreement.

The latest effort to bring home the 4-by-3-foot New Orleans Greys banner comes from U.S. Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, who announced in July that he included language in a foreign relations bill that urges the U.S. State Department to renew talks with Mexico for the Alamo flags return.

Texas is a state with a rich history of bravery and triumph, and this flag represents part of our heritage, Culberson said in a statement reported by the Houston Chronicle.

Although Texans have known since the 1930s that the flag is in Mexico, many have said it is likely that other flags flew at the Alamo in 1836.

Some have suggested the New Orleans Greys flag could have been seized later, at Goliad, before Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna had it sent to Mexico as proof of American influence in the 1835-1836 Texas Revolution.

The flag, bearing the words First Company of Texan Volunteers! and From New Orleans, was made by Texans and given to one of two companies of soldiers wearing gray uniforms who had been assembled in New Orleans in October 1835.

In his famous Victory or Death letter, urging the people of Texas and all Americans in the world to aid his cause, besieged Alamo commander William Barret Travis noted, Our flag still waves proudly from the walls of the mission-fortress, even though his garrison of about 200 men was surrounded and badly outnumbered. Travis did not give a detailed description of the flag.

Walter Lord, in his 1961 book, A Time to Stand: The Epic of the Alamo, explored the possible appearance of the dominant flag of the Alamo defenders, including a variation of the green, white and red Mexican tricolor, possibly with 1824 in the center white field to represent the Mexican Constitution of 1824, or two blue or gold stars symbolic of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.

Lord also mentioned the Greys banner and a five-dollar flag, for which no description remained, that Travis regular troops had brought to San Antonio.

In Lords account, Mexican Lt. Jose Maria Torres is said to have captured the Greys flag from the roof of the long barracks and hoisted a tricolor of Central Mexico, with an angry eagle in the white field, just before he was killed.

All Texian and Tejano defenders were killed or executed, and 300-400 Mexican soldiers died or were wounded.

In his 1996 book, Texian Iliad, author Stephen L. Hardin noted that the Greys flag attracted Santa Annas special attention.

The presence of the New Orleans Greys served to bolster the despots belief that most of the problems in Texas were caused by Anglo-Americans who had entered Texas illegally, Hardin wrote.

Because Santa Anna sent the Greys flag to Mexico, it is the one most associated with the battle. Scholars have said other flags at the fort were likely destroyed. Since the Greys banner apparently survived without extensive bloodstains or bullet holes, some have said it may have been found tucked away inside the Alamo or recovered a few weeks later in Goliad.

Since the 1930s, when the banner was found in storage in Mexico, Texas governors, state legislators, members of Congress and others have tried to seek the flags return, although some have disagreed whether it should be sent to Texas for a temporary display or be sent here permanently.

Claude DUnger, an oil industry consultant who helped try to have the flag returned in 1986 for the Texas sesquicentennial, told the Express-News in 2011 that members of Congress sought to have it displayed at the Institute of Texan Cultures after Mexican officials raised concern that an Alamo exhibition would spawn demonstrations or rioting in Mexico.

Last year, the Bullock Texas State History Museum brought together five historic flags that had flown at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto, in which Santa Annas capture secured independence for Texas about six weeks after the Alamo fell.

One of them, the Newport Rifles Company battle flag, was carried at San Jacinto by volunteers from Kentucky and is also known as the San Jacinto Battle Flag. Two others, flags of Mexicos Matamoros and Toluca battalions, were present at the Alamo siege and battle, then captured at San Jacinto. Those two banners are in the care of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Two other Mexican flags that were at San Jacinto are in the custody of the commission or the Dallas Historical Society.

In recent years, the New Orleans Greys flag has been displayed or stored at the Museo Nacional de Historia, in Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. Linda Gray, a sixth-generation Texan who was born in Mexico, said she saw the flag there in 1983, exhibited in a glass case.

Gray, a lateral descendant of George Washington Cottle and Thomas Jackson, two of the Immortal 32 from Gonzales who died at the Alamo, said the flag was not in good shape but obviously considered a treasured item. It since has been restored.

There was one room everyone wanted to go to, and it was under armed guard, recalled Gray, who was a high school senior at the time.

We were so stunned. We were literally shocked to see the famous flag, she said.

Under President Harry S. Truman, with the approval of Congress, the United States returned more than 70 flags to Mexico in 1947 and 1950 that had been seized about 100 years earlier during the U.S.-Mexican War. Despite recent tensions between the two nations and President Donald Trumps proposal to build a wall along the Rio Grande, to be funded by Mexico, Gray said she believes exchanging the 1830s flags on both sides of the border, through a mutual act of repatriation, would foster reconciliation and goodwill, and promote national pride in both countries.

I think enough time has gone by that we should give the flags back, Gray said.

shuddleston@express-news.net

Twitter: @shuddlestonSA

COMING SATURDAY: The early days of cybersecurity in San Antonio.
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The Survey of Local Food Marketing Practices found U.S. producers utilized online marketplaces to sell $171,728,337 dollars of local food and value-added products in 2015. Climbing consumer demand for locally produced food and a preference for convenience fuels the future of online farmers markets.

Online farmers markets showcase fresh food and food products from multiple farms within a defined geographic region, such as a single county or tri-county area. The close proximity of participating farms eases aggregation and distribution of orders. Producers nearness to one another also creates a competitive advantage of marketing products as locally produced. This competitive advantage distinguishes online farmers markets from grocery stores that sell food online.

How online farmers markets benefit shoppers

Online farmers markets bring together growers, producers and value-added vendors to sell on an e-commerce website. Shoppers enjoy a one-stop-shop for a wide variety of locally produced farm fresh food.

Unlike a community supported agriculture (CSA) model in which subscribers receive a share of whatever is in season, online farmers markets give customers free choice to purchase products that appeal to their tastes. Online farmers markets host a menu of currently available fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy, maple syrup, honey, preserves and baked goods. Shoppers add products to their cart, pay online and pick-up their order all within a week.

How online farmers markets benefit farmers

Local foods sales grossed $6.1 billion dollars in 2012, according to a report from the USDA Economic Research Service. The majority of farms that sell direct-to-consumers and intermediated buyers are small to mid-size.

A cooperative is a business that is owned and operated by its members. Farmers cooperatives exist to fill a mutual need, such as selling local food in an online marketplace. Co-ops are especially helpful for small and mid-size farms who wish to pool product to achieve larger volumes, offer a wider selection and establish a consistent supply flow. Cooperatives streamline the marketing, selling, packaging and delivery of farm products. E-commerce solutions handle invoicing, payments and create sales reports for member farms. Online farmers markets save farmers time, money and effort through cooperative sales on the web.

Buckeye Harvest Market was formed in 2016 when several small and mid-size farms in northeast and northcentral Ohio came together to form a farmers cooperative. Pooling product from diversified member farms creates a wide selection of local foods and a dependable supply flow. Buckeye Harvest customers place orders online at https://bharvestmkt.com, from Friday through Tuesday. Orders are available for pick up on Thursday, at one of four pick-up locations.

Monroe Farmers Market is an online cooperative marketplace featuring products from several small and mid-size farms. The co-op allows members to access larger wholesale markets like schools and restaurants. Shoppers in Greater Kanawha Valley and the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia place orders Sunday through Tuesday at http://www.monroefarmmarket.com. Customers pick up orders on Thursday at one of four convenient locations.

Resources

2015 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey. U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. Retrieved July 5, 2017 from https://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2012/Online_Resources/Local_Food/index.php Trends in U.S. Local and Regional Food Systems. Jan 2015. U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic

Research Service. Administrative Publication Number 068.
The vote was made on the eve of explosive comments made by Meat and Livestock Australia managing director Richard Norton who accused AWI of failing to advance on footrot and Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD) investment projects, as well as mitigating mulesing threats to the industry.
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Idris Elba thinks Daniel Craig was "very clever" holding out for $150 million to play James Bond again.

Idris Elba

The 'Dark Tower' star was one of the actors linked to the role when it looked as though the 49-year-old star might hang up his tuxedo, but Idris believes the hunk was shrewd in distancing himself from the part before accepting a huge offer to portray the suave spy again.

Speaking on Australian radio show 'The Kyle and Jackie O Show', he said: "Daniel Craig is a great Bond.

"I think honestly he and his business team are very clever, 'No I won't do it. $150million? Yes, I will do it.' "

Daniel has reportedly been offered $150 million take on the part a further two times.

In 2015, the actor was asked if he'd be back in the iconic role again after finishing a difficult 'Spectre' shoot and replied: "I'd rather ... slash my wrists. No, not at the moment. Not at all. That's fine. I'm over it at the moment. We're done. All I want to do is move on."

The star - who played 007 in 'Casino Royale', 'Quantum of Solace', 'Skyfall' and 'Spectre' - openly admitted the only reason he would portray the character for a fifth time would be for a lot of money.

He said at the time: "I don't know what the next step is. I've no idea. Not because I'm trying to be cagey. Who the f**k knows? At the moment, we've done it.

"I'm not in discussion with anybody about anything. If I did another Bond movie, it would only be for the money."

Idris, 44, was thought to be among the frontrunners to take on the role, alongside the likes of Tom Hiddleston, Aidan Turner, Tom Hardy, and Damian Lewis.

The next Bond film will be released in 2019, a tweet on the film franchise's official Twitter account recently confirmed.

It read: "James Bond will return to US cinemas on November 8, 2019 with a traditional earlier release in the UK and the rest of the world."
Pierce Brosnan has paid tribute to the late Robin Williams, one week before the anniversary of his death.

Pierce Brosnan (c) Instagram

The 64-year-old actor portrayed Stuart 'Stu' Dunmeyer in the 1993 comedy movie alongside Robin and in remembrance of the late movie legend, who tragically committed suicide in 2014 aged 63, Pierce has shared the fond memories he holds of his time working with the talented actor just days before the three year anniversary of his passing.

The dark-haired hunk shared a photograph of a scene from the movie, which captures him holding the drinks whilst Robin, who is dressed as the female titular character, sits at the bar.

Pierce captioned the post: "... I remember this day like it was yesterday ...it was a San Francisco morning on the set of 'Mrs Doubtfire' ...a drive by fruiting...I thought we would be there all morning trying to get the shot, Robin nailed it on the second take. (sic)."

And the 'The World is Not Enough' star feels "proud" he was given the opportunity to have known the 'Jumanji' icon.

He continued: "I am so proud to have been part of that movie and to have known the great Robin Williams. (sic)."

Meanwhile, Robin's wife, Susan Schneider, has previously hailed her late spouse as a hardworking actor who put all of his energy into his performances and was more reserved and "contemplative" at behind the scenes.

Speaking previously about the father of three - who had 28-year-old daughter Zelda, Cody, 25, and 31-year-old son Zachary, 31, from his previous relationships - Susan said: "Robin was a quiet, intellectual man, sometimes playful. But primarily what moved him was the fact that he was an observational genius," she said. "And if you can imagine the energy that he would bring to the stage -- no one can do that full-time. And I think the brilliance behind that impact of energy he would bring was because in his time off, he was someone who was contemplative and an observational genius."

Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor, film producer, and activist.
Sophie Turner was told to lose weight by Hollywood bosses.

Sophie Turner

The 'Game of Thrones' star says it is "f***ed up" that she has been told to ditch the pounds even when her role didn't require it.

She said: "There are often times when I have done jobs and they've told me that I have to lose weight, even when it has nothing to do with the character. It is so f***ed up.'"

And growing up in the spotlight was tough for the 21-year-old actress because she had to change her approach to social media.

She added to Porter magazine: "It was so gradual that I still treated my life and my social media like I wasn't in the public eye. I was a 15-year-old girl writing rash political stuff that would get a negative reaction and my team would tell me to take it down. Now I am learning to keep my mouth shut."

Meanwhile, Sophie previously admitted it was "tricky" to grow up in the spotlight.

She said: "That's definitely been tricky to deal with -- you're growing up, and hormones and puberty and everything's kind of hitting you all at once."

And the actress feels fame has forced her to "grow up faster".

She explained: "I definitely felt I had to grow up faster than I would have done. I'm very driven in terms of work, but I'm almost more playful and silly than my friends. I cling onto childhood.

"Having a cynical perspective is best; in this industry, there's just a lot of rejection. We all have that mentality, where we know we're expendable. We all just thought, this is a job. Try not to get fired."

by Charlotte Hough for www.femalefirst.co.uk


Stella McCartney was told she wouldn't have a successful accessories line.

Stella McCartney

The 45-year-old fashion designer, who launched her eponymous fashion house in 2001, has revealed "many years ago" she was warned not to create any handbags, or jewellery, but the mogul ignored the advice and took on the challenge.

Speaking about her label to South China Morning Post website, Stella - who avoids using animal products in her creations - said: "I was told many years ago that I wouldn't have a business in accessories."

However, the star ignored the naysayers and was determined to prove people wrong.

She said: "I take it as a good challenge. If you can find that aesthetic in design and construct [the bags] in a way that's mindful, responsible and conscious, then magic happens. Many conventional fashion houses kill animals for leather bags, but they still don't have that success in design."

And the creative mastermind - who is the daughter of music legend Sir Paul McCartney - strives to design clothes, cosmetic products and accessories that are "effortless" for both her male and female customers but do not "compromise on style, design or quality."

She explained: "[My clothes] are subtle and chic but, at the same time, they make a good statement. I want to find that balance and make things effortless and easier for men and women, but also with a point of view.

"We're providing these [sustainable fashion] solutions for mindful and responsible women consumers that are also modern and chic. So we need to provide that for our male consumers too. Nobody is delivering that in a luxurious way and that's one thing that really inspires me to do menswear.

"First and foremost, we are a luxury fashion house so we don't compromise on style, design or quality. We make desirable, beautiful modern products ... I approach the business in a way that I feel is morally correct and modern. It doesn't mean that [style and luxury] need to be sacrificed."
Dame Helen Mirren thinks she's "too old" to be a female James Bond.

Dame Helen Mirren

The 72-year-old actress has admitted she would have relished the role in her younger years, but she no longer considers herself to be suited to the part of 007.

Dame Helen said: "I'm too old. In my youth, that would have been great of course.

"But that time was different; we could never even have imagined a woman playing that role."

The Academy Award-winning actress has enjoyed a career full of major successes.

But Dame Helen believes she should have really been a "struggling artist", given her modest upbringing.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, she explained: "Of course, it's wonderful to have success, and the thing I love most about it is economic freedom.

"Coming from a background where there was no money - and if you didn't work, there was nothing to live on - to have bought my own house and to have never been in debt or on welfare is something I feel proud of.

"But there's a part of me that thinks I should have been a struggling artist."

This comes shortly after former Bond girl Halle Berry said that the iconic secret agent is "steeped in history" and should always be played by a man.

The 50-year-old star - who appeared in 'Die Another Day' in 2002 - reflected: "I want women to be tough but I don't know if Bond should be a woman. I mean, that series is steeped in history, you know from Ian Fleming's stories. I don't think you can change Bond to a woman.

"We can create a new Bond character that's a woman, and give her a new name, based on that theory, but I don't know if Bond should be a woman."
Manic Street Preachers and Sleaford Mods' Post Q Awards gig has sold-out in less than 24 hours.

Manic Street Preachers

The 'Motorcycle Emptiness' group and the indie duo - comprised of Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn - will play London's Camden Roundhouse immediately after the annual music ceremony on October 18 and fans are clearly hyped about their performances as tickets were snapped up in record time.

What's more, nearly 100,000 people have already voted across the seven categories on the longlist compiled by the staff at Q magazine of acts they've supported throughout the year.

Music fans have until Monday August 31 with the awards nominees shortlist announced on September 7.

This year sees Ed Sheeran, 26, left out of the Best Album category for his chart-smashing album 'Divide', however, he's listed for Best Act in the World Today, Best Track for 'Shape of You', Best Solo Artist and Best Live Act.

Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, 44, will go head-to-head with the biggest bands in the business for Best Track for 'Wall of Glass' and he's also up for Best Live Act and Best Solo Act.

Speaking about the awards, Q editor Ted Kessler said: "From returning rock'n'roll icons to grime's mainstream breakthrough and Ed Sheeran's continued conquering of the pop landscape, it has been a brilliant year for music. This year's Q Awards are a reflection of that and it's shaping up to be one of the events of the year. The newly-created longlists mean that voters will play a crucial role in helping to shape our shortlists, and live performances on the night from Sleaford Mods, one of the UK's most exciting live bands, and Manic Street Preachers, who have a long and illustrious history with Q, will cap off what promises to be another outstanding Q Awards."

Absolute Radio's Christian O'Connell will host the evening for the fourth consecutive year.

Speaking about his return, O'Connell said: "It's an honour to host the Q awards again this year and it's great to see Liam Gallagher back and going head to head with the biggest bands in the industry. This could be the liveliest awards in years."

The longlist for 27th Q Awards is as follows:

Q Breakthrough Act Presented by Red Stripe

Rag'n'Bone Man

HMLTD

Shame

Stefflon Don

The Big moon

Pumarosa

Girl Ray

Formation

The Moonlandingz

Sampha

Q Best Track Presented by Flare Audio

Royal Blood - 'Lights Out'

Kendrick Lamar - 'Humble'

Lorde - 'Green Light'

The Killers - 'The Man'

Gorillaz - 'We Got The Power'

Kasabian - 'You're In Love With A Psycho'

The xx - 'On Hold'

Ed Sheeran - 'Shape Of You'

Stormzy - 'Big For Your Boots'

Liam Gallagher - 'Wall of Glass'

Q Best Album Presented by Absolute Radio

The xx - 'I See You'

Kendrick Lamar - 'DAMN'

Stormzy - 'Gang Signs & Prayer'

Sleaford Mods - 'English Tapas'

Paul Weller - 'A Kind Revolution'

Gorillaz - 'Humanz'

A Tribe Called Quest - 'We Got It From Here... Thank You 4 Your Service'

Laura Marling - 'Semper Femina'

Sampha - 'Process'

Jay-Z - '4:44'

Q Best Live Act Presented by The Cavern Club

Ed Sheeran

Liam Gallagher

Depeche Mode

Lorde

Father John Misty

The xx

Radiohead

The Killers

PJ Harvey

Stormzy

Q Best Solo Artist Presented by Help Musicians UK

Lana Del Rey

Ed Sheeran

Lorde

Liam Gallagher

Paul Weller

Jay-Z

Wiley

Stormzy

Kendrick Lamar

St. Vincent

Q Best Act in the World Today Presented by Buster + Punch

Lorde

The 1975

Ed Sheeran

Adele

Radiohead

Queens Of The Stone Age

The Killers

Stormzy

Depeche Mode

Kendrick Lamar

Q Best Film Presented by Pretty Green

Bunch of Kunst (Sleaford Mods)

The Inertia Variations (The The)

Eagles Of Death Metal: Nos Amis (Our Friends)

The Rolling Stones - Havana Moon

American Valhalla (Iggy Pop & Josh Homme)
Meghan Markle is celebrating her 36th birthday today (04.08.17).

Meghan Markle

The 'Suits' actress has become one of the most photographed women in the world ever since her relationship with Prince Harry first became public and she is today celebrating her big day.

Meghan and Prince Harry have been dating since mid-2016, and their burgeoning romance remains a constant source of interest for the public.

And actress Kathryn Drysdale recently admitted she thinks Prince Harry will propose to Meghan "soon".

The 'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps' star portrays the brunette beauty in the comedy soap opera 'The Windsors' and has admitted she doesn't think it will be long before the flame-haired royal pops the question to his partner.

She said: "I hear Prince Harry's going to propose - how exciting for her if that happens! I think Meghan has got her sights set on becoming a humanitarian and possibly a royal.

"She's been thrust into the limelight, but I think she's very well equipped. She may be sweet and charming but she's probably got nerves of steel. I think she can handle it. That's the impression I get."

However, Kathryn thinks Meghan knew what she was getting herself into before her relationship with the British royal took off last year.

She explained: "You don't get into something with a member of the Royal Family lightly. And especially someone who's mixed race.

"Being not only a commoner but an American also being part African-American is a deal. You don't get into something like that without planning ahead."
Princess Anne has visited the Isle of Wight Carriage Driving for the Disabled group.

Princess Anne

The 66-year-old royal - who serves as the President of Riding for the Disabled Association - watched a number of driving displays and met a number of drivers and volunteers at the specially-organised event.

What's more, she also presented them with rosettes to mark their achievements with the group.

The Royal Family's official Twitter account explained: "[email protected] is a charity that provides opportunities for disabled adults & children to ride, carriage drive, vault and showjump. (sic)"

During her trip, the British royal also visited the planning offices of Lendy Cowes Week, the world's oldest and largest sailing regatta of its kind.

Princess Anne even started the racing on day four of the regatta.

The Royal Twitter page said: "[email protected]_week is the world's oldest and largest sailing regatta that brings together over 8,500 competitors and 100,000 spectators. (sic)"

Last month, Princess Anne celebrated the 100th anniversary of the RAF's 101 Squadron.

The royal visited RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England, to commend the work of the group known as the "most famous unknown squadron" in the UK's Royal Air force.

She said: "It's extraordinary to be able to celebrate this centenary on the same day this squadron was formed in July 1917 - another squadron older than the RAF to celebrate its formation.

"It is appropriate on this day we shall remember what the squadron's history contains - or some of what it contains, otherwise we could be here for some time."
Japanese investors can now set up readymade garment units in a special economic zone (SEZ) dedicated to Japan, Bangladesh commerce minister Tofail Ahmed has said. The statement came after his recent meeting with Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh Masato Watanabe in Dhaka. Japan has promised to invest around $6 billion in Bangladesh, Ahmed said.

Japanese investors can now set up readymade garment units in a special economic zone (SEZ) dedicated to Japan, Bangladesh commerce minister Tofail Ahmed has said. The statement came after his recent meeting with Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh Masato Watanabe in Dhaka. Japan has promised to invest around $6 billion in Bangladesh, Ahmed said.#

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is working closely with Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) for the dedicated SEZ, which will be set up soon, Watanabe said. Commerce secretary Shubhashish Bose and senior officials of the ministry were present at the meeting, according to Bangladesh media reports.

Japanese investors can now set up readymade garment units in a special economic zone (SEZ) dedicated to Japan, Bangladesh commerce minister Tofail Ahmed has said. The statement came after his recent meeting with Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh Masato Watanabe in Dhaka. Japan has promised to invest around $6 billion in Bangladesh, Ahmed said.#

The number of Japanese firms investing in Bangladesh witnessed a ten-fold rise from 35 ten years ago to around 350 now, Ahmed said.

Japanese investors can now set up readymade garment units in a special economic zone (SEZ) dedicated to Japan, Bangladesh commerce minister Tofail Ahmed has said. The statement came after his recent meeting with Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh Masato Watanabe in Dhaka. Japan has promised to invest around $6 billion in Bangladesh, Ahmed said.#

Bangladesh is developing 100 SEZs across the country. About 350 Japanese firms, including RMG and backward-linkage factories, are operating at present in the various export processing zones. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
HanesBrands, a leading global marketer of everyday basic apparel under world-class brands, has posted net sales of $1.65 billion, up 12 per cent for the second quarter of 2017. Organic sales trends improved sequentially for the second consecutive quarter, and the company continues to expect organic sales to turn positive in the second half.

Second quarter sales in the online channel globally increased approximately 25 per cent and represented approximately 9 per cent of total sales. On a GAAP basis, second quarter operating profit of $229 million increased 3 per cent and diluted EPS of $0.47 increased 38 per cent.

"We continued our strong start to 2017 in the second quarter, consistent with our guidance," said Hanes chief executive officer Gerald W Evans Jr. "Organic sales trends continued to improve sequentially, acquisitions are contributing value as expected, and our cash-flow efforts, including disciplined inventory management, are generating strong results."

HanesBrands, a leading global marketer of everyday basic apparel under world-class brands, has posted net sales of $1.65 billion, up 12 per cent for the second quarter of 2017. Organic sales trends improved sequentially for the second consecutive quarter, and the company continues to expect organic sales to turn positive in the second half.#

"Our team is doing a great job executing our Sell More, Spend Less, Generate Cash strategies and laying the foundation for taking our performance to the next level in the years to come through our Project Booster initiative. We are planning for the future while executing in the present," added Evans Jr.

The company expects total net sales of approximately $1.80 billion in the third quarter of 2017, an increase of approximately 2.5 per cent compared with the third quarter 2016. More back-to-school shipments are expected to fall in the third quarter than a year ago as retailers time orders closer to sales events.

For fiscal 2017, the company expects net sales of $6.45 to $6.55 billion, GAAP operating profit of $845 to $895 million, adjusted operating profit excluding actions of $935 to $975 million, GAAP EPS for continuing operations of $1.70 to $1.82, adjusted EPS for continuing operations excluding actions of $1.93 to $2.03, and record net cash from operations of $625 to $725 million. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdevs Patanjali Ayurved Ltd is gearing up to launch an indigenous line of apparel, including denims, for men, women and children. The apparel line will be available across 250 exclusive retail outlets by April 2018 with an initial annual sales target of Rs 5,000 crore, his spokesman SK Tijarawala told a popular Indian business daily.

Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved Ltd is gearing up to launch an indigenous line of apparel, including denims, for men, women and children. The apparel line will be available across 250 exclusive retail outlets by April 2018 with an initial annual sales target of Rs 5,000 crore, his spokesman SK Tijarawala told a popular Indian business daily.#

The company, which will offer apparel products catering to customers of varying economic strata, will start with woven clothes, knitwear and machine-made apparel, including denims, said Tijarawala. A suitable brand name aligned with its swadeshi agenda is being worked out, but Paridhan (Hindi for apparel) is an option, he said. The company may even opt for multiple brands.

Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved Ltd is gearing up to launch an indigenous line of apparel, including denims, for men, women and children. The apparel line will be available across 250 exclusive retail outlets by April 2018 with an initial annual sales target of Rs 5,000 crore, his spokesman SK Tijarawala told a popular Indian business daily.#

The products will be sold at Patanjali stores as well as other apparel retailing outlets across India, including the Big Bazaar chain, with which the company already has an alliance. It may also explore the possibility of selling the line through retail outlets of government-managed Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved Ltd is gearing up to launch an indigenous line of apparel, including denims, for men, women and children. The apparel line will be available across 250 exclusive retail outlets by April 2018 with an initial annual sales target of Rs 5,000 crore, his spokesman SK Tijarawala told a popular Indian business daily.#

Patanjali has already teamed up with a few hundred handloom weavers in northern India and plans to set up its own manufacturing units, said Tijarawala.

Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved Ltd is gearing up to launch an indigenous line of apparel, including denims, for men, women and children. The apparel line will be available across 250 exclusive retail outlets by April 2018 with an initial annual sales target of Rs 5,000 crore, his spokesman SK Tijarawala told a popular Indian business daily.#

Patanjali Ayurved started off selling herbal medicines in 2006 and later forayed into selling a wide variety of FMCG products, ranging from hair oil, shampoos and skin creams to juice and noodles. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The Tamil Nadu government would soon frame a new textile policy keeping in view demands and suggestions from textile industry representatives to boost growth, the state handlooms and textile minister OS Manian has said. Declining to offer a timeframe for the policy announcement, he said he would take up the issue with chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.

The Tamil Nadu government would soon frame a new textile policy keeping in view demands and suggestions from textile industry representatives to boost growth, the state handlooms and textile minister OS Manian has said. Declining to offer a timeframe for the policy announcement, he said he would take up the issue with chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.#

Finance minister D Jayakumar would raise the problems faced by the sector in the goods and services tax (GST) council meeting scheduled on August 5 as the textile industry in Tiruppur and Coimbatore had been hit after GST implementation, Manian told reporters after attending a meeting in Coimbatore recently.

The Tamil Nadu government would soon frame a new textile policy keeping in view demands and suggestions from textile industry representatives to boost growth, the state handlooms and textile minister OS Manian has said. Declining to offer a timeframe for the policy announcement, he said he would take up the issue with chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.#

Tiruppur textile unit owners have been demanding a GST rate reduction from 18 per cent to 5 per cent for job working units and to 12 per cent for man-made fibre textile products. The Tiruppur Exporters' Association (TEA), in a representation made to the chief minister in July, had urged the state government to announce a new textile policy that enhances growth and investment.

The Tamil Nadu government would soon frame a new textile policy keeping in view demands and suggestions from textile industry representatives to boost growth, the state handlooms and textile minister OS Manian has said. Declining to offer a timeframe for the policy announcement, he said he would take up the issue with chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.#

The new policy should provide 8 per cent interest subsidy and 10 per cent capital subsidy to modernise or expand garment units, the TEA urged in its representation. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have already announced new textile policies.

The Tamil Nadu government would soon frame a new textile policy keeping in view demands and suggestions from textile industry representatives to boost growth, the state handlooms and textile minister OS Manian has said. Declining to offer a timeframe for the policy announcement, he said he would take up the issue with chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.#

Meanwhile, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations has requested the minister to set up a textiles export promotion board, a technical textile park and an integrated textiles park, and offer marketing support for the industry.

The Tamil Nadu government would soon frame a new textile policy keeping in view demands and suggestions from textile industry representatives to boost growth, the state handlooms and textile minister OS Manian has said. Declining to offer a timeframe for the policy announcement, he said he would take up the issue with chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.#

The Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF) had also urged the Tamil Nadu government in April this year to introduce a three-year textile policy to support the industry. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles, and composite materials, has announced the appointment of Rodrigo Siza to the role of regional director of Spain and Portugal. Rodrigo will develop new regional synergies to support local fashion and automotive businesses.Based in Porto, Portugal, Rodrigo Siza will focus on nurturing new regional collaborations to benefit the needs of Lectras customers, and facilitate their success in the Industry 4.0 era. Rodrigo will rely on Lectras highly experienced teams located in the region.

Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles, and composite materials, has announced the appointment of Rodrigo Siza to the role of regional director of Spain and Portugal. Rodrigo will develop new regional synergies to support local fashion and automotive businesses.#

Rodrigo started his career at Tradetex, a trading company of textiles for clothing, as a textile designer. From 1991 to 1999, he was an associate of V-Sistemas Informatica, specialised in the development and distribution of technical solutions for the textile industry. In 2000, he joined Lectra Portugal as a design and merchandising manager, and then evolved into the position of international consultant in 2004. He left Lectra in 2005 to take the position of sales director of RPB Texteis e Vestuario, a company that makes clothes, before returning to Lectra in 2007 to take over the management of the Portuguese subsidiary. Rodrigo has a masters in marketing from Minho University and a degree in design and communication from Porto University, both located in Portugal.Daniel Harari, Lectra chairman and CEO said, Rodrigo has very effectively established long-term partnerships with our fashion and apparel, automotive and furniture customers in Portugal. He has helped our customers to emerge stronger from the world crisis which heavily impacted them. After ten successful years as head of Lectra Portgual, Rodrigo is now also in charge of meeting the expectations of our Spanish customers. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
HON PM BAINIMARAMA AT THE HANDOVER OF THE FIJI PINE LEASE SECURITY BONUS PAYMENTS AT DRASA MILL COMPLEX, VAKABULI VILLAGE ROAD, LAUTOKA





Turaga Na Tui Macuata,

Turaga Na Talatala,Turaga Na Tui Vitogo,Turaga Na Tui Yakete,Turaga Na Tui Nalolo,Turaga Na Tui Vatu,Turaga Na Tui Sesevia,The Executive Chairman of the Fiji Pine Group of CompaniesBoard Members,Landowners,Staff and Management of the Fiji Pine Group,Ladies and Gentlemen and children.Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.Im very glad to be here as we gather to again acknowledge the excellent work of the Fiji Pine Group and celebrate yet another successful year achieved by your staff and management team.Today, I have the pleasure of distributing 1.5 Million Dollars in lease security bonus payments to our landowners  matching the record setting payment that was distributed last year. Its hard to believe that our first lease bonus payment in 2013 stood at 350,000 Dollars, and today  only five years later  this payment stands at more than four times that amount, as we celebrate another big win for Fiji Pine, our landowners and the entire Fijian economy.Fiji Pine is currently in the midst of a massive capital construction programme to upgrade their major infrastructure and bring modern, state-of-the-art factory facilities to service our Pine Industry. And Im very proud to see that even while carrying out such a capital-intensive agenda, youve still kept faith with our landowners through this 1.5 Million Dollar bonus payment.Since 2011, every year, weve seen the Fiji Pine Group surpass its performance and strengthen its relationship with our landowners to turn this Industry into an unqualified success story. As my Government has brought a record eight straight years of growth to the Fijian economy, Fiji Pine has ridden that same wave of success, and that has set you up to fund the critical upgrades you need to keep this Industry on its rapid path of development in the years to come.As part of that effort, Im delighted to be here this morning to also officially open a brand new 3.6 Million Dollar water treatment plant. And with this opening, we will now have successfully upgraded 85 per cent of Fiji Pines infrastructure assets that were in dire need of repair.As was the case for the entire upgrade of the Drasa factory, including the new sawmill, kiln, planner mill and power generation plant  not one cent was borrowed to complete this project. It was entirely funded through the Companys reserve cash flow saved over the past few years. So its safe to say, the days of verging on bankruptcy are well behind us.That hasnt come about simply by chance. That has happened because of leadership  bold and visionary leadership  from my Government and the dedicated management of the Fiji Pine Group. That has happened because, six years ago, my Government took a long, hard look at the state of this Industry and decided that business as usual wasnt good business for anybody.Ive spoken many times about the years of mismanagement that brought this Industry to its knees, and I know many of you here today lived through those years yourselves and saw first-hand just how close this Industry came to catastrophe.Those were the days of high debts, insolvency, neglect and rapidly depleting forestry resources. Those were the days of poor returns, rampant corruption, exploitation and abuse. And in those days, there were deep gaps in trust between our landowners and the company. And I know that because our landowners told me so themselves.I went to them  six years ago  to hear them out and understand their concerns so we could remake the Fiji Pine Group into an organisation they could trust. It was their ideas and their experiences that shaped the comprehensive reform my Government launched for this Industry.Since then, weve rebuilt that trust by proving to our landowners that weve brought in the right management and right strategic vision to produce consistently high returns for our Pine Industry  and there is no better proof of that than this fifth consecutive lease bonus payment being distributed today.Back in 2011, no lease had been renewed with Fiji Pine for nearly a decade. And that goes to show just how much faith had been lost in this Industry. But that was then and this is now.Over the last six years, weve renewed nearly 23,500 hectares of expiring leases. That hasnt happened because our landowners were forced to do so. That has happened because our landowners believe in this Industry and they have faith in where its headed.My fellow Fijians, this Industry is making real progress. The Fiji Pine Group is recording real achievement. And our landowners are realising real opportunities. Those are the facts. And in case they miss my remarks this morning, I would ask that someone please inform the members of the Opposition of just how well this Industry is doing  because they badly need to be told.Maybe if they had some idea of what weve achieved theyd stop spreading so many lies within our iTaukei community. But then again, even if they did understand the facts, theyd probably still find it hard to tell the truth. Because, unfortunately for them, the truth is completely at odds with every doomsday prediction theyve had for this Industry, and every one of their attempts to deceive the Fijian people.Time and time again weve heard them claim that iTaukei land in Fiji is at-risk  that our landowners arent secure. But the facts on that are clear. Not one inch of iTaukei land has been lost under my Government. The fact is, we have a Constitution that enshrines the ownership and protection of iTaukei land. They claimed my Government was going to take land away from landowners if they didnt renew their leases. But the facts are clear there as well. And our landowners are renewing their leases because they are choosing to do so, because they see the potential in this industry that we are all working to realise.The fact is, we havent taken anyones land by force, and we never will. We are empowering our landowners so they can get the most out of their land and from their lands resources.And now they are trying to discourage some of our landowners from renewing their leases by lying again about this Industrys prospects. But the facts, again, are clear. And no landowner is better off sitting on the side-lines while this Industry continues to do exceptionally well. To dissuade them from being a part of this progress is irresponsible and is an insult to the intelligence of the landowners. Indeed some of these people who are going around telling landowners who have pine leases not to renew the leases and in the process making all sorts of false promises, are the very people who did exactly that with sugar cane leases which led to the shrinking of the Sugar Cane Industry.Beware of these individuals. They dont genuinely care about you or the Industry or your future generations or our country. They only care about their political fortunes.The Opposition has dug themselves into a very deep hole with the lies theyve already told. But instead of coming to terms with reality, theyve chosen to keep digging. Theyve chosen to keep playing politics and keep spinning lies and, unfortunately, they are doing it at the expense of our landowners. They are doing it at the expense of our country.So while my Government is busy working to improve the lives of ordinary people by bringing as many Fijians as possible into the fold of our economic prosperity, they are doing the exact opposite. They are negative. They dont have any original ideas. They want to divide us. And they dont genuinely believe in nation building. They are unpatriotic.They dont want our landowners to take part in real progress, because they know that every time any of our landowners does well, their entire ideology becomes less relevant. And their vision for a divided and backwards Fiji becomes even more distant.So to all 20,000 Fijians in our landowning communities who depend on our Pine Industry, whether you lease two hectares or 2,000, I assure you our commitment to your success is unwavering. This Industry isnt just surviving, it is doing extremely well, and we want each of you to play an equal part in its continuing success.But this Industry cant only rely on financial stability alone. We have to take the sustainability of our forestry resources just as seriously. If we dont make an equal effort to replant and reclaim what we take from our forests, the development of our entire Pine Industry will come to a screeching halt.When it comes to putting this Industry on a more sustainable trajectory, we have a lot of lost ground to make up. Because, prior to 2012, our forests suffered from nearly a decade of almost no replanting at all. Since 2012, our replanting programmes have begun in earnest, and Fiji Pine has set aside another 2.3 Million Dollars this year to replant land and lay down a foundation for a more secure and sustainable future for this Industry.So we are making headway. But we need everyone working in our Pine Industry to remain committed over the long-term to protect our forests from disasters, such as fires, and replant our forests so that our sons and daughters, and our grandchildren, can inherit the same bounty that our forests provide us with today.Thank you again to Faiz Khan, the Executive Chair and the Board Members of the Fiji Pine Group for your energy, dedication and commitment to turning this Industry around. Keep up the great work, and keep showing us what is possible when effective management, sound planning and worthwhile investment come together to work for the Fijian people.May God Bless our people and our Pine Industry. And may God Bless our beloved Fiji.Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.
NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon") (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ) today announced the results of itsfive separate offers to purchase for cash (the "Offers") any and all of the outstanding series of notes listed in the table below (collectively, the "Notes"), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated October 16, 2017 (the "Offer to Purchase" and, together with the accompanying notice of guaranteed delivery, the "Tender Offer Documents"). Capitalized terms used herein, but not otherwise defined herein, shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Offer to Purchase.

The Offers expired at4:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 9:00 a.m. British Summer Time on October 24, 2017 (the "Expiration Date").

Verizon was advised by Lucid Issuer Services Limited, as the Information Agent and the Tender Agent, that as of the Expiration Date, the aggregate principal amounts of the Notes specified in the table below were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn.The table below provides the aggregate principal amount of each series of Notes that Verizon accepted on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Tender Offer Documents:

Euro Offer

ISIN Issuer Title of Security Principal Amount

Outstanding Principal Amount

Tendered Principal Amount

Accepted Aggregate Total

Consideration

and Accrued

and Unpaid

Interest Financing

Condition

Euro

Acceptance

Priority Level XS1030900168 Verizon Communications Inc. 2.375% Notes due 2022 1,750,000,000 814,653,000 814,653,000 904,588,459.47 1 XS1405767275 Verizon Communications Inc. 0.500% Notes due 2022 1,000,000,000 546,037,000 546,037,000 552,738,893.70 2 XS1146282634 Verizon Communications Inc. 1.625% Notes due 2024 1,400,000,000 715,173,000 715,173,000 762,563,889.83 3

GBP Offer

ISIN Issuer Title of Security Principal Amount

Outstanding Principal Amount

Tendered Principal Amount

Accepted Aggregate Total

Consideration

and Accrued

and Unpaid

Interest Financing

Condition

GBP

Acceptance

Priority Level XS1030900325 Verizon Communications Inc. 4.750% Notes due 2034 850,000,000 393,376,000 393,376,000 481,124,228.72 1 XS1579033819 Verizon Communications Inc. 4.073% Notes due 2024 694,804,000 282,270,000 282,270,000 323,240,972.41 2

Verizon's obligation to accept any series of Notes tendered in the Offers was subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions applicable to the Offer for such series of Notes described in the Tender Offer Documents, including the Euro Financing Condition and the GBP Financing Condition. On October 23, 2017, Verizon priced (i) 3,500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of New Euro Notes, comprising its issuance of 1,250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 1.375% Notes due 2026, 750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 1.875% Notes due 2029 and 1,500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2.875% Notes due 2038 and (ii) 1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its New GBP Notes, comprising its issuance of 1,000,0000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 3.375% Notes due 2036.

Each of the Financing Conditions and the other conditions to the Offers have been satisfied, and Verizon accepted for payment all Notes of each series validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Expiration Date.

The "Settlement Date" with respect to the Offers will be promptly following the Expiration Date and is expected to be the third business day following the Expiration Date (which would be October 27, 2017). In addition to the applicable Total Consideration, Holders whose Notes are accepted for purchase will receive a cash payment equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes, from and including the immediately preceding interest payment date for such Notes to, but excluding, the applicable Settlement Date (the "Accrued Coupon Payment").The Accrued Coupon Payment in respect of Notes accepted for purchase will be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Notes and will be paid in cash. The aggregate amount of Total Consideration and accrued and unpaid interest payable for each series of Notes is set forth in the table above.Interest will cease to accrue on the Settlement Date for all Notes accepted. Under no circumstances will any interest be payable because of any delay in the transmission of funds to Holders by Euroclear or Clearstream.

Verizon has retained Barclays Bank PLC, Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited and Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, to act as the dealer managers for the Offers. Questions regarding terms and conditions of the Offers should be directed to Barclays Bank PLC, at +44 (0)20 3134-8515 (London) or (800) 438-3242 (U.S. toll-free) or (212) 528-7581 (collect), Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited at +44 (0)20 7883-8763 (London) or (800) 820-1653 (U.S. toll-free) or (212) 325-2476 (collect) or Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch at +44 (0)20 7545-8011 (London) or (866) 627-0391 (U.S. toll-free) or (212) 250-2955 (collect).

Lucid Issuer Services Limited is acting as the Information Agent and the Tender Agent for the Offers.Questions or requests for assistance related to the Offers or for additional copies of the Tender Offer Documents may be directed to Lucid Issuer Services Limited at +44 (0)20 7704-0880. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offers.

This announcement is for informational purposes only.This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any Notes.

This communication has not been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the "FSMA"). Accordingly, this communication is not being distributed to and must not be passed on to, persons within the United Kingdom save in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply.

In particular, this communication is only addressed to and directed at: (A) in any Member State of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (as defined below), qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive and (B) (i) persons that are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Financial Promotion Order")) or within Article 43 of the Financial Promotion Order, or to other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated by virtue of an exemption to Section 21(1) of the FSMA or otherwise in circumstance where it does not apply (such persons together being "relevant persons"). Any New Euro Offering or New GBP Offering may only be made available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire any New Euro Notes or New GBP Notes will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on any preliminary prospectus supplement for the New Euro Offering or the New GBP Offering or any of its contents. For purposes of the foregoing, the "Prospectus Directive" means the Prospectus Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended, including pursuant to Directive 2010/73/EU.

Cautionary StatementRegarding Forward-Looking Statements

In this communication we have made forward-looking statements.These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as "will," "may," "should," "continue," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "plan," "appear," "project," "estimate," "intend," or other words or phrases of similar import.Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements.These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.Factors that could materially affect these forward-looking statements can be found in our periodic reports filed with the SEC.Eligible Holders are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events might or might not occur.We cannot assure you that projected results or events will be achieved.

Media contact:

Bob Varettoni

908-559-6388

robert.a.varettoni@verizon.com

Related Links

http://www.verizon.com/

https://www.verizonwireless.com/

http://www.verizonenterprise.com/

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CAMARILLO, California, August 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

BNK Petroleum Inc. (the "Company") (TSX:BKX) is pleased to announce the completion of the fracture stimulation of the Hartgraves 1-6H well (100% working interest) which is located in BNK's Tishiminogo field, in the SCOOP region of Oklahoma.

The fracture stimulation was successful, with 13 million pounds of proppant, or over 2,550 pounds per foot placed, on time and under budget.

The next step is to drill out the plugs and then begin the flowback of the well. The Company expects to have stabilized rates in September.

Commenting on the announcement, Wolf Regener, President and CEO, said "We are very proud of our operations team which has delivered our longest completed Caney lateral with the highest pounds per foot of proppant we have ever placed. We anticipate that this will lead to a highly productive well. The fracture stimulation provider is scheduled to return to complete the Brock 9-2H well in approximately the second week of September."

About BNK Petroleum Inc.

BNK Petroleum Inc. is an international oil and gas exploration and production company focused on finding and exploiting large, predominately unconventional oil and gas resource plays. Through its subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates shale oil and gas properties in the United States. Additionally, the Company is utilizing its technical and operational expertise to identify and acquire additional unconventional projects. The Company's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol BKX and on the OTCQB under the stock symbol BNKPF.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the timing of and expected results from planned Caney wells development. Forward-looking information is based on plans and estimates of management and interpretations of data by the Company's technical team at the date the data is provided and is subject to several factors and assumptions of management, including that that indications of early results are reasonably accurate predictors of the prospectiveness of the shale intervals, that required regulatory approvals will be available when required, that no unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions, equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes are encountered, that the development plans of the Company and its co-venturers will not change, that the offset operator's operations will proceed as expected by management, that the demand for oil and gas will be sustained, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient capital through financings, farm-ins or other participation arrangements to maintain its projects, and that global economic conditions will not deteriorate in a manner that has an adverse impact on the Company's business, its ability to advance its business strategy and the industry as a whole. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions on which such forward looking information is based vary or prove to be invalid, including that the Company or its subsidiaries is not able for any reason to obtain and provide the information necessary to secure required approvals or that required regulatory approvals are otherwise not available when required, that unexpected geological results are encountered, that equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes or shortages are encountered, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration and development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions), that the offset operator's operations have unexpected adverse effects on the Company's operations, that completion techniques require further optimization, that production rates do not match the Company's assumptions, that very low or no production rates are achieved, that the Company is unable to access required capital, that occurrences such as those that are assumed will not occur, do in fact occur, and those conditions that are assumed will continue or improve, do not continue or improve, and the other risks and uncertainties applicable to exploration and development activities and the Company's business as set forth in the Company's management discussion and analysis and its annual information form, both of which are available for viewing under the Company's profile at http://www.sedar.com, any of which could result in delays, cessation in planned work or loss of one or more concessions and have an adverse effect on the Company and its financial condition. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

Wolf E. Regener, +1 (805) 484-3613, Email: investorrelations@bnkpetroleum.com , Website: http://www.bnkpetroleum.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/04/17 -- Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp. (TSX VENTURE: CBW) ("Cannabis Wheaton" or "CW") is pleased to announce the appointment of Manon Grand-Maitre to the Advisory Board of Cannabis Wheaton.

Ms. Grand-Maitre is a corporate commercial and regulatory lawyer with over 13 years of experience providing domestic and international advice to companies operating in the highly regulated tobacco and pharmaceutical industries.

She has advised extensively in commercial areas relating to the manufacture, importation, taxation, packaging, distribution, sale, promotion and consumption of tobacco products. In addition, she is knowledgeable in matters pertaining to product liability, anti-illicit trade and government relations. As counsel for British American Tobacco based in London, UK, she advised global teams on multijurisdictional compliance, marketing and distribution initiatives. She played a pivotal role in developing regulatory strategies which minimized the impact on businesses of changing legislative regimes.

Most recently, Manon has advised clients operating in the pharmaceutical and consumer health industries in areas including advertising, reimbursement and pricing, health care compliance, product safety, clinical trials, anti-spam, access to information, and various other federal and provincial regulatory matters.

Manon obtained her BA and her JD from the University of Ottawa from which she graduated with honors.

Manon stated "I am passionate about the evolving cannabis industry, and keen to leverage my experience in the tobacco and pharma industries to support Cannabis Wheaton and it's team in the achievement of their strategic objectives."

Chuck Rifici, Chief Executive Officer of Cannabis Wheaton, commented "We believe there are many parallels between the cannabis, tobacco and pharmaceutical industries and although future recreational cannabis regulations are still in flux, Manon's previous experience will be invaluable to Cannabis Wheaton. We look forward to adding Manon's expertise to our team of industry leaders and look forward to her strategic guidance."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Chuck Rifici, Chairman & CEO

About Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp. (TSX VENTURE: 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.

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:

Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp.

(604) 687-7130

Mario@skanderbegcapital.com

www.skanderbegcapital.com



Media:

Natali Tofiloski

(416) 655-1070

natali@themintagency.com




JACKSONVILLE, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 08/04/17 --International Star, Inc. (OTC PINK: ILST) announced today that Mr. Michael Shea, ILST's President and Chief Executive Officer, has resigned, effective immediately. Michael Shea and the Corporation have determined that it would be mutually beneficial for Michael Shea to resign as an Officer and Director of the Corporation. Mr. Howard Metzler, has also resigned from his position as Director and Vice President of Operations. Mr. Metzler indicated that his resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, polices or practices.

Ms. Donnell J. Vigil, majority owner of the Series A Preferred Shares of ILST, has been elected by the Board of Directors to serve as CEO and President of the Corporation. Ms. Vigil graduated from Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado with a Bachelor of Science Degree and attended graduate school at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas in its Organization Development master's program. Ms. Vigil has worked in the corporate arena for twenty (20) years. She has served as an officer and director for two (2) other publicly traded corporations, seven (7) profit corporations and one (1) non-profit organization. Vigil has directly handled all SEC, OTC, DTCC, FINRA and Secretary of State Filings for numerous publicly traded corporations. She was directly involved and responsible for entering into international and domestic contracts, raising capital, negotiating acquisitions, mergers, investor relations, compliance, executing business plans and closing long term agreements. Ms. Vigil utilizes her behavioral science knowledge to the planned development and reinforcement of organizational strategies, structures and processes for improving an organization's effectiveness.

"I'd like to thank Mr. Shea and Mr. Metzler for their contributions to the Board over the last few years and wish them well in their new endeavors," said Ms. Vigil. "Now that ILST is at an inflection point, we seek to replace their seats with business leaders and entrepreneurs with industry experience more relevant to ILST's business going forward. We are excited to be moving forward with getting ILST current and headed in the right direction."

About International Star: (www.ilstholdings.com)

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and International Star, Inc. under take no obligation to update such statements.

For more information:

Donnell J. Vigil

International Star, Inc.

Email: dvigil@ilstholdings.com

Tel: 520 577-4833

Website: www.ilstholdings.com




VOF becomes a major shareholder in Tasco, a leading toll road operator and real estate developer in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, 4 August 2017 -VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund (VOF), (LSE: VOF), the flagship fund of VinaCapital, announces that it has become a significant investor in Tasco JSC (HNX: HUT), a leading toll road operator and real estate development company in northern Vietnam, via a private placement.

Tasco's private placement raised USD23 million by issuing 21% of post-investment common shares to several investors including company management, with the largest acquirer being VOF, which invested USD11 million. Tasco will use proceeds of the private placement to help finance future infrastructure and real estate projects.

Andy Ho, Chief Investment Officer of VinaCapital and Managing Director of VOF, said, "The private placement gave us the opportunity to acquire a meaningful stake at an attractive price in a company that has a long track record of results and a strong pipeline. This investment is consistent with our philosophy of investing in companies that are focused on the growth of the local economy, and infrastructure improvement is a critical element in Vietnam's ongoing development."

About Tasco JSC

Founded in 1971 under the name Nam Ha Bridge, the Company later changed its name to Tasco JSC and listed on the Hanoi Stock Exchange under the ticker "HUT" in 2008. Tasco's main businesses include infrastructure construction and development, and real estate development. Since its inception, Tasco has completed many infrastructure projects under the build-transfer ("BT") and build-operate-transfer ("BOT") schemes. The Company currently has four toll-road projects in operation, and expect to bring another project into operation in 2017. By number of projects owned, Tasco is one of the largest BOT and BT developers in northern Vietnam. The total value of these projects is USD220 million. Under the BT framework, Tasco can receive land in desirable locations in exchange for the value of the infrastructure it builds, and as a result, it has significant holdings in prime locations in and around Hanoi.

Tasco revenue reached USD124 million and net profit USD18 million in 2016. Revenue expanded at a CAGR of 16% between 2013-2016 while net profit showed an impressive CAGR of 219% during the same period, mainly driven by profit from real estate projects, which were well received by property buyers in the Hanoi market. Tasco's stock price grew 20% in the first seven months of 2017. VOF is entering the private placement at a price of VND10,500 per share (or a price/earnings ratio of 6.3x) versus the current market price of VND11,800; Tasco's market capitalisation at the current market price is USD124 million.

Market consensus is that the Company will recognise growth rates of 32% year-over-year (yoy) in revenue and 15% yoy in net profit during 2017. Apart from the stable revenue stream from toll fees (which will account for 19-20% of revenue), real estate will continue to be the main growth driver, accounting for 60% of total revenue, with the planned launch of numerous projects in the next few years.

# # #

About VinaCapital

Founded in 2003, VinaCapital is a leading investment and asset management firm headquartered in Vietnam, with a diversified portfolio of USD1.8 billion in assets under management. The firm has three closed-ended funds that trade on the London Stock Exchange: VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Limited, which trades on the Main Market, as well as VinaLand Limited and Vietnam Infrastructure Limited, which trade on the AIM. VinaCapital also manages the Forum One - VCG Partners Vietnam Fund, one of Vietnam's largest open-ended UCITS-compliant funds, numerous segregated accounts, and two domestic funds. VinaCapital also has joint ventures with Draper Fisher Jurvetson in venture capital, and Warburg Pincus in hospitality and lodging. VinaCapital's expertise spans a full range of asset classes including capital markets, private equity, real estate, venture capital, and fixed income.

For more information about VinaCapital, please visit www.vinacapital.com .

Enquiries:

For VinaCapital :

Jonathan Viet Luu

Joel Weiden Investor Relations Communications +84 28 3821 9930 +84 28 3821 9930 jonathan.luu@vinacapital.com joel.weiden@vinacapital.com

Camarco, Public Relations (London) :

Edward Gascoigne-Pees

+44 20 3757 4980

ed.gascoigne-pees@camarco.co.uk

Numis Securities, Broker :

David Benda / Hugh Jonathan

+44 20 7260 1000

funds@numis.com
B.S.D CROWN Ltd (LSE:BSD)

(the "Company")

Ramat Gan, Israel, 7 December 2017

Company updates

The Company hereby announces that it filed a request to the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") to restore the listing of its shares under LR 5.4.3, which were suspended at the Company's own request in 29 April 2016.

The Company will continue to update its shareholders in due course

Enquiries:

Joseph Williger, Active Chairman Yossi@ydekel.co.il


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar weakened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday, after data showed that the nation's retail sales and trade balance missed economists' expectation in July.



Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that the total value of retail sales in Australia came in roughly unchanged in July on a seasonally adjusted basis, standing at A$26.113 billion.



That was shy of expectations for an increase of 0.2 percent following the downwardly revised 0.2 percent gain in June.



Also, the ABS said that Australia posted a seasonally adjusted merchandise trade surplus of A$460 million in July, down 48 percent on month. That missed forecasts for a surplus of A$1.000 billion following the upwardly revised A$888 million surplus in June.



Exports were down 2.0 percent on month to A$321.071 billion, while imports sank 1.0 percent to A$30.611 billion.



In the Asian trading, the Australian dollar fell to 1.4936 against the euro and 87.07 against the yen, from yesterday's closing of 1.4891 and 87.33, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.51 against the euro and 85.00 against the yen.



Against the U.S. and the Canadian dollars, the aussie dropped to 0.7984 and 0.9764 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7998 and 0.9778, respectively. The aussie may test support near 0.77 against the greenback and 0.95 against the loonie.



The aussie edged down to 1.1070 against the NZ dollar, from an early 2-day high of 1.1125. On the downside, 1.09 is seen as the next support level for the kiwi.



Looking ahead, U.K. Halifax HPI for August and Eurozone GDP data for the second quarter are due to be released later in the day.



At 7.45 am ET, the ECB announces the outcome of its governing council meeting. The bank is expected to keep its refi rate at zero percent and the deposit rate at -0.4 percent.



The announcement will be followed by a press conference at 8.30 am ET. ECB Chief Mario Draghi is expected to design the groundwork for tapering.



In the New York session, U.S. weekly jobless claims for the week ended for September 2, Canada building permits for July, Canada Ivey PMI for August, and U.S. crude oil inventory data are slated for release.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
LONDON, August 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Business Worldwide Magazine Executive of the Year - Education Industry (Australia) is Emilia Fields, of Whitefriars College, in Melbourne.

Heading up the Carmelite-run Catholic College's International Student Program (WISP), Fields is responsible for the recruitment of both boys and 'Homestay' families for the initiative. Such is its success that the program is now in its third decade.

Fields believes that with a rapidly changing global economy and technological advances, it's more important than ever for education to have an international focus.

Thanking all those who nominated her for the Business Worldwide Magazine award, she added:

"Economic power is shifting from West to East. There is continued technological innovation as well as new structures of society and increased social mobility to contend with. Aspirations too are changing, to the extent global populations have never been more educated or skilled."

As well as her many roles with Whitefriars' WISP, Fields undertakes a number of voluntary roles, such as President of Vision International (an association of Victorian secondary schools) and as the Representative Non-Government Schools at the Ministerial Roundtable (a Victorian State Government initiative). She is also a life member of the Australian College of Educators.

A spokesman for BWM offered his congratulations to Fields for winning the Award and added:

"Our awards do not focus on a company's success, but rather the skills and outlook of individuals who make those corporations tick. We think this particular award to Emilia Fields is extremely well deserved and hope her example will inspire others to similar success in their chosen fields."

Fields is insistent in her crusade that an international education leads to an international outlook. A 'global citizen' will recognise and accept differences in people of different races and cultures, she says, while at the same time they will prove more sensitive to this 'otherness.' The latter is due to an emotional maturity gained from having grown up in a globally-diverse peer group, she says.

Education, she notes, is changing. Much of this is due to the ability of students to undertake projects online, especially those in subjects related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). This too enables connection to a wider and more diverse community.

Fields says she is keen to foster a particular set of values in the WISP. These are compassion, empathy, justice, honesty, integrity, and a gentleness of spirit. She also believes that academically strong schools aren't necessarily the most successful.

"No student should go unnoticed in the sense that high achievers should be extended, and lower achievers supported," she says. "The best schools are those which empower students to make the greatest progress in learning. We should aim for each student to have made at least a year's worth of progress every year."

Find out more about the WISP at Whitefriars and the College's overall philosophy at the website www.whitefriars.vic.edu.au

An article on the company can also be found on BWM website http://www.bwmonline.com/2017/05/02/educating-in-a-globalised-world/

For more details on Business Worldwide Magazine Awards 2017, go tohttp://www.bwmonline.com/awards/

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

Contact

David Jones

Awards Department

E:david.jones@bwmonline.com



W:http://www.bwmonline.com
Kinetics Drive Solutions (Kinetics), has been selected as a subcontractor to Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) to enter into the Production and Deployment Phase of the U.S. Marine Corps' Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) Survivability Upgrade (SU) program. SAIC was awarded an initial Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) option to provide the Marine Corps with additional AAV SU vehicles, which will be the first combat vehicle equipped with Kinetics' state-of-the-art infinitely variable transmission.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171018005162/en/

InfiniDrive HMX3000 Transmission with MD500 Marine Drive PTO (Photo: Business Wire)

Through this collaboration with SAIC, Kinetics' specially designed MD500 marine drive power-take-off and the InfiniDrive HMX3000 transmissions will provide the Marine Corps with a mobility solution that greatly improves both land and water mobility of the better-protected AAV SU vehicle. The infinitely variable nature of the transmission allows the track speed to be optimized independent of engine speed a superior feature for transition from water to land. When in water, the transmission is disconnected enabling the MD500 to provide the AAV SU with the maximum power at the water jets for fast ship-to-shore operation.

At the heart of the HMX3000 is Kinetics' proprietary integrated pump motors (IPM) and transmission control system which provides a highly efficient and power-dense transmission. Kinetics' intelligent transmission controls is also matched to the engine's operating curve to yield optimal efficiency across the entire speed range of the vehicle. The electronic control and by-wire operation of the transmission further offers the Marine Corps a choice to easily upgrade the AAV SU for remote controlled or autonomous operations a unique feature for forward looking capabilities.

"We are extremely pleased that SAIC chose to continue to work with us on this solution for the Marine Corps. We are proud of this collaboration and the trust in our HMX3000 product the latest in our HMX range of transmissions for the defence market. It boosts our confidence in Kinetics to work with and support vehicle integrators and OEMs worldwide to deliver reliable and cost-effective solutions to their customers," said Kinetics CEO Jason Lim.

About Kinetics

Kinetics Drive Solutions Inc., is a multi-disciplinary engineering company providing intelligent drive systems and control solutions for mobile applications. Kinetics' engineering team has produced custom drive solutions for world-class equipment manufacturers, defense contractors and component manufacturers. Kinetics is part of the land systems business of integrated engineering group ST Engineering. For more information please visit www.KineticsDrive.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171018005162/en/

Contacts:

Kinetics Drive Solutions

Media Contact:

Kyle Jackson, +1 604 607 8877

Manager, Sales and Marketing

KyleJ@KineticsDrive.com
Service Image



NTT DOCOMO International PR Public Relations Department Tel: +81-3-5156-1366 Fax: +81-3-5501-3408 URL: www.nttdocomo.com Contact: https://nes.nttdocomo.co.jp/PINQ01/showinquiry.do

TOKYO, Dec 26, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today its Japan Welcome SIMTM series will introduce Plan 0 to allow overseas visitors in Japan to access the Internet for free via the DOCOMO mobile network, from December 26. The free service will initially be available in Hokkaido and Niigata prefectures, after which other areas will be added sequentially.Along with the addition of Plan 0, Japan Welcome SIM's Plan 1000 and Plan 1700 will be renamed as Plan S and Plan M respectively, and a Plan L will be newly added for large-volume users of high-speed data communications. These changes will also apply from December 26.DOCOMO has launched various fee-based plans for Japan Welcome SIM since July, but Plan 0 is the first free plan in the series. Customers can qualify for the free service by viewing designated advertisements in their home countries before visiting Japan. Plan 0 is being offered in collaboration with local governments and business partners that are interested in targeting specific foreign visitors through advertisements and by setting various conditions for service usage, such as application periods, SIM pick-up periods, SIM handover locations, total SIMs to be offered, and more.Service Imagehttp://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_DOCOMOServiceImage.jpgJapan Welcome SIM is provided as a 3-in-1 SIM card compatible with regular, micro and nano formats. Access to the DOCOMO network is provided for 15 days under various plans -- Plan 0, Plan S, Plan M and Plan L. Plan 0 offers free Internet in exchange for viewing a certain number of video ads and completing a survey prior to arriving in Japan. Ad-free access at 128 Kbps is available for Yen 1,080 (Plan S), or high-speed (max. 788 Mbps(1)) 4G access is available with Plan M (Yen 1,836 for 600 MB) and Plan L (Yen 2,376 for 1.2 GB). Users can continue to enjoy the high-speed service by topping up their SIMs for Yen 216 (100 MB), Yen 756 (500 MB) or Yen 1,296 (1 GB). Alternatively, the SIMs can be topped up with free high-speed data through methods such as watching video ads or completing surveys. Even after purchased high-speed data amounts have been used up, access to the network is still available at 128 Kbps for the remainder of the 15-day period.Japan Welcome SIM applications are accepted in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai at New windowhttps://docomo.prepaid-sim.jp/lp (credit card registration required).(1) The data rate shown is the theoretical maximum downlink speed available in certain locations throughout Japan. Access is provided on a best-effort basis and actual speeds May vary depending on the transmission environment, network traffic, and type of device used.For information on compatible devices and other conditions of use, please visit New windowhttps://docomo.prepaid-sim.jp/faq/lp and refer to the applicable FAQ section.Prices shown include tax.DOCOMO makes stays in Japan more convenient and enjoyable by offering visiting tourists and businesspeople data communication options and a translation service that leverages artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. DOCOMO also supports the stimulation and revitalization of regional economies through its "+d" initiatives for the creation of new value through collaboration with various partners.About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO provides innovative, convenient and secure mobile services that enable smarter living for each customer. The company serves over 65 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world's first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ for more information.Source: NTT DOCOMOContact:Copyright 2017 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
TOYOTA CITY (dpa-AFX) - Der japanische Autobauer Toyota Motor hat dank steigender Verkaufe Umsatz und Gewinn im ersten Quartal gesteigert und zeigt sich fur das laufende Geschaftsjahr optimistischer. Zudem kundigte das Unternehmen am Freitag eine weitreichende Kooperation mit dem japanischen Konkurrenten Mazda an.

Toyota und Mazda werden sich dazu Aktien des jeweils anderen kaufen, wie die Unternehmen mitteilten. Die Anteile seien jeweils 50 Milliarden Japanische Yen (rund 38 Mio Euro) wert. Toyota erhalte so einen Anteil von knapp 5,1 Prozent an Mazda, Mazda halte danach etwa 0,25 Prozent an Toyota. Die beiden Autohersteller wollen zusammen ein 1,6 Milliarden US-Dollar teures Werk in den USA bauen, die Investitionen wurden geteilt. Das Werk soll bis 2021 in Betrieb gehen und 4000 Stellen schaffen. Zudem wollten die beiden Partner bei der Entwicklung von Technologie fur Elektroautos zusammenarbeiten.

Toyota legte zuvor gute Zahlen fur das am 30. Juni beendete Geschaftsquartal vor. So erhohten sich die Umsatze um 7 Prozent auf rund 7 Billionen Japanische Yen (rund 53,5 Milliarden Euro). Das operative Ergebnis wurde zwar von hoheren Marketingkosten und anderen Ausgaben sowie negativen Wechselkursen belastet. Unter dem Strich verdiente Toyota mit 613 Milliarden Yen jedoch 11 Prozent mehr.

Insgesamt verkaufte der Volkswagen -Konkurrent 2,2 Millionen Fahrzeuge, 42 452 mehr als im Vorjahr. Im laufenden Geschaftsjahr 2017/18 lie Toyota die Absatzprognose von 10,2 Millionen Fahrzeugen unverandert, zeigte sich aber fur die anderen Kennziffern zuversichtlicher. Der Umsatz soll 28,5 Billionen Yen erreichen, nach 27,6 Billionen Yen im Vorjahr. Hier hatte das Unternehmen zunachst mit einer Stagnation gerechnet.

Der Gewinn soll mit erwarteten 1,75 Billionen Yen rund 250 Milliarden besser ausfallen, als zunachst prognostiziert. Dabei profitiert der Autobauer von einem sich abschwachenden Yen sowie einer steigenden Nachfrage aus den USA, hie es. Dennoch wurde dies im Vergleich zum Vorjahr immer noch einen Ruckgang bedeuten. 2016/17 hatte Toyota noch 1,8 Billionen Yen Gewinn erzielt./nas/she/fbr

ISIN DE0007664039 JP3633400001 JP3868400007

AXC0078 2017-08-04/10:03
PUNE, India, August 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The report"Spunbond Nonwoven Market by Function (Disposable, Non-disposable), Material Type (PP, PE, Polyester), End Use (Personal Care & Hygiene, Medical, Agriculture, Packaging, Automotive), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022", published by MarketsandMarkets', the market is expected to be valued at USD 10.73 Billion in 2017 and is likely to reach USD 16.00 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2017 to 2022.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )



Browse183 Market Data Tables and54 Figures spread through198 Pages and in-depth TOC on" Spunbond Nonwoven Market"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/spunbond-nonwoven-market-49898240.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report

Growing preference for spunbond nonwoven, increasing use of spunbond nonwoven in the medical sector, and high demand for polypropylene spunbond nonwoven are the key factors driving the growth of the spunbond nonwoven market.

Disposable spunbond nonwoven is the fastest-growing function segment of the spunbond nonwoven market.

Based on function, the disposable segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. Disposable spunbond nonwoven is widely utilized by various end-use industries, major ones being personal care & hygiene and medical. There is a high demand for disposable spunbond nonwoven in these segments as it is an affordable alternative to traditional textiles and can be disposed-off after each use.

Download PDF Brochure @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=49898240

Polypropylene is the fastest-growing material type in the spunbond nonwoven market.

Based on material type, the polypropylene spunbond nonwoven segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. Polypropylene spunbond nonwoven is the preferred material type by the key end-use segments such as personal care & hygiene and medical, along with agriculture to some extent. The increasing awareness regarding the benefits of this material has resulted in the high demand globally.

Personal care & hygiene is the fastest-growing end use segment of the spunbond nonwoven market.

Based on end-use segment, the personal care & hygiene segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2022. Spunbond nonwoven have specific properties such as absorbency, liquid repellency, resilience, stretch, softness, strength, washability, cushioning, bacterial barrier, and sterility that allow them to deliver high-performance, which is mainly required in the personal care & hygiene sector. Thus, there is a high demand for spunbond nonwoven by this segment.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional segment of the spunbond nonwoven market.

The Spunbond Nonwoven Market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are the key countries contributing to the high demand for spunbond nonwoven in the Asia Pacific region. Availability of cheap labor and raw materials has resulted in Asia Pacific to be the preferred region for expansion by various leading manufacturers across the globe, thus making the region to be fastest-growing spunbond nonwoven market.

Make an Inquiry @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=49898240

Some of the leading players operating in the spunbond nonwoven market include Schouw & Co. (Denmark), Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Japan), Johns Manville Corporation (US), Fitesa S.A. (Brazil), RadiciGroup SpA (Italy), Avgol Nonwovens (Israel), Kimberly-Clark Corporation (US), Berry Plastics Group, Inc. (US), Toray Industries, Inc. (Japan), Asahi Kasei Corporation (Japan), Pegas Nonwovens SA (Luxembourg), Kuraray Co., Ltd. (Japan), Kolon Industries, Inc. (South Korea), E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (US), and Mogul (Turkey), among others.

Subscribe Reports from Chemicals & Materials Domain: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp

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MarketsandMarkets' provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets' for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets' are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets' now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets' is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

MarketsandMarkets' 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.

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DUBLIN (dpa-AFX) - Ireland's industrial production declined markedly in June, after rising in the previous three months, preliminary figures from the Central Statistics Office showed Friday. Industrial production plunged a seasonally adjusted 8.0 percent month-over-month in June, reversing a 3.1 percent rise in May. On an annual basis, industrial production fell 8.3 percent in June, in contrast to a 6.9 percent growth in the preceding month. Data also revealed that industrial turnover tumbled 16.8 percent annually and by 12.5 percent monthly in June. 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.
CALGARY, ALBERTA and HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/04/17 -- Reference is made to the notice of the special general meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") of Sunshine Oilsands Ltd. (the "Corporation") (HKSE: 2012) dated July 7, 2017 (the "Notice").

Unless the context requires otherwise, terms used herein shall have the same meanings as those defined in the Corporation's circular dated July 7, 2017 (the "Circular").

The board of directors of the Corporation (the "Board") is pleased to announce that the resolution, as set out in the Notice was duly passed by the shareholders of the Corporation (the "Shareholders") by way of poll at the Meeting held on August 4, 2017 (Hong Kong time) / August 3, 2017 (Calgary time). Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, the Hong Kong share registrar of the Corporation, was appointed as the scrutineer for the vote-taking at the Meeting.

The poll results in respect of the resolution proposed at the Meeting is set out below:

(i)For identification purposes only

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ordinary Resolution Number of Votes (%) Total Voting Rights Present at the Meeting ----------------------------------------- For Against ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To approve, confirm and ratify the 499,738,408 3,275,000 503,013,408 Subscription Agreement entered (99.35%) (0.65%) into between the Corporation and the Subscriber (details of which are set out in the Circular) and the transactions contemplated thereunder (including the grant of the specific mandate in connection with the allotment and issue of an aggregate 455,074,788 new class "A" common voting shares of the Corporation pursuant to the Subscription Agreement) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The resolution was duly passed as an ordinary resolution. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please refer to the Circular for the full text of the above resolution.

As at August 4, 2017 (Hong Kong time) / August 3, 2017 (Calgary time) the total number of shares of the Corporation was 5,558,336,358 Shares, which was the total number of shares entitling the holders thereof to attend and vote for or against the resolution proposed at the Meeting.

In accordance with Chapter 14A of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Listing Rules") and as stated in the Circular, the Subscriber and its associates were required to abstain from voting on the resolution. Their total shareholding as at the date of the Meeting was 1,277,202,500 Shares. Accordingly, the total number of Shares entitling the Shareholders to attend and vote on the ordinary resolution was 4,281,133,858 Shares.

Save as disclosed above, there were no restrictions on the holders of the Shares to attend and vote for or against the resolution proposed at the Meeting. There were no Shares entitling the Shareholders to attend and abstain from voting in favour of the proposed resolution at the Meeting as set out the Listing Rules. No Shareholder was required under the Listing Rules to abstain from voting for approving the resolutions proposed at the Meeting. No parties were indicated in the Circular that they intended to vote against or to abstain from voting on the resolution at the Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Sunshine Oilsands Ltd.

Sun Kwok Pinp, Executive Chairman

Hong Kong, August 4, 2017

Calgary, August 4, 2017

As at the date of this announcement, the Board consists of Mr. Kwok Ping Sun, Mr. Hong Luo, Mr. Qiping Men and Ms. Gloria Pui Yun Ho as executive directors; Mr. Michael John Hibberd, Ms. Linna Liu and Ms. Xijuan Jiang as non-executive directors; and Mr. Raymond Shengti Fong, Mr. Jeff Jingfeng Liu, Ms. Joanne Yan and Mr. Yi He as independent non-executive directors.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement.

(a corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act of the Province of Alberta, Canada with limited liability)

Contacts:

Sunshine Oilsands Ltd.

Mr. Hong Luo

Chief Executive Officer

(1) 403-984-1450

investorrelations@sunshineoilsands.com

www.sunshineoilsands.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.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - TechnipFMC plc (FTI), together with Samsung Engineering and Tecnicas Reunidas, Monday said it received a $4.2 billion contract from Bahrain Petroleum Company, or Bapco, for the Bapco Modernization Program or the BMP. The project, which is located on Bahrain's Eastern coast, will be executed on engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) lump sum turnkey basis and is slated for completion in 2022. The project also includes the expansion of the capacity of the existing Sitra oil refinery, improvization of energy efficiency and valorization of the heavy part of the crude oil barrel, enhancing products slate and meeting environmental compliance. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - August 04, 2017) - Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. ("GLH" or the "Company") (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF), a leading cannabis oil solutions company built around recognized brands, announced today that its Chief Executive Officer, William Simpson, will present at Canaccord Genuity's 37th Annual Growth Conference on Wednesday, August 9th at 4:30 PM Eastern Time in the Hong Kong Room at the Intercontinental Boston Hotel.

The Corporate Presentation will be webcast at http://wsw.com/webcast/canaccord26/glh and will also be archived for 90 days following the event on the Investor Presentations section of the Company's website.

To be added to the Golden Leaf email distribution list, please email goldenleaf@kcsa.com with "Golden Leaf" in the subject line.

About the Canaccord Genuity Annual Growth Conference

For the 37th year, Canaccord Genuity will be bringing together some of the world's most innovative companies and institutional investors at its Growth Conference. For two highly productive days, leaders in the growth universe will come together to share knowledge, discuss emerging trends, build relationships, identify opportunities and ignite global ideas for growth.

About Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd.:

Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. is one of the largest cannabis oil and solution providers in North America. It's a leading cannabis products company in Oregon built around recognized brands. GLH leverages a strong management team with cannabis and food industry experience to complement its expertise in extracting, refining and selling cannabis oil.

For further information, please contact:



Investor Relations - U.S.A.

Phil Carlson / Steve Silver

KCSA Strategic Communications

212-896-1233 / 212-896-1220

goldenleaf@kcsa.com



Investor Relations - Canada

Paul Searle

Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd.

778-240-7724

psearle@goldenleafholdings.com



Eugene Hill

Chief Financial Officer

Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd.

ghill@goldenleafholdings.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/04/17 -- Columbus Gold Corp. (TSX: CGT)(OTCQX: CBGDF) announces that Blaine Monaghan has been appointed as Vice President, Corporate Development.

Mr. Monaghan has over 15 years of experience working with mineral exploration and development companies, including True Gold Mining Inc., acquired by Endeavour Mining Corp., Canplats Resources Corp., acquired by Goldcorp Inc., Western Prospector Group Ltd., acquired by a subsidiary of China Nuclear National Corp., and Wheaton River Minerals Ltd., which merged with Goldcorp in 2005.

"We are very pleased to welcome Blaine Monaghan to the management team of Columbus as Vice-President, Corporate Development," said Robert Giustra, Chairman and CEO of Columbus. "Blaine has a track record of creating shareholder value and his experience will prove invaluable as we continue advancing Montagne d'Or and launch Allegiant Gold Ltd."

Mr. Monaghan holds a MBA from Royal Roads University, a bachelor of arts degree from Simon Fraser University, and a diploma in public relations from the Public Relations Institute of Ireland.

ABOUT COLUMBUS GOLD

Columbus is a leading gold exploration and development company operating in French Guiana, France, and in Nevada. Columbus holds a major interest in the Montagne d'Or project in French Guiana, which hosts a world-class gold deposit with a recently completed Feasibility Study. Columbus is presently evaluating a number of mine construction financing options. In Nevada, Columbus is advancing its Eastside gold discovery. Eastside has outstanding infrastructure for mining and processing, and metallurgical testing indicates that gold and silver at Eastside are amenable to cyanide leaching, whether oxide or sulphide. Columbus recently announced plans to spin out its US property portfolio, including Eastside, into a new company called Allegiant Gold Ltd.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

Robert F. Giustra

Chairman & CEO

This release contains forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law including without limitation Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("forward-looking statements"), respecting Columbus' plans to spin-out its American assets into a separate publicly traded company called Allegiant Gold Ltd., to undertake a private placement in connection with a spin-out, and to undertake drilling programs at its projects in the United States in 2017 and 2018 Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: that the spin-out may not be completed as planned due to failure to obtain shareholder or regulatory approval, that the private placement may not be completed in full or at all due to market malaise, that drilling programs may not be completed as planned; factors include the ability to acquire any necessary permits and third party authorizations; environmental compliance; cost increases; availability of qualified workers and drill equipment; risks associated with exploration projects including, without limitation, the accuracy of interpretations; mineral reserve and resource estimates (including the risk of assumption and methodology errors and inability to complete the intended drilling program); dependence on third parties for services; non-performance by contractual counterparties; title risks; and general economic conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including, without limitation, assumptions about: market prices, exploitation and exploration success; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; general business and economic conditions; the timing and receipt of required approvals; continued availability of capital and financing; power prices; the ability to procure equipment and supplies including, without limitation, drill rigs; and ongoing relations with employees, partners, optionees and joint venturers. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and Columbus undertakes no obligation to update any of the foregoing except as required by law.

Contacts:

Investor Relations

(604) 634-0970 or 1-888-818-1364

info@columbusgold.com




Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - August 30, 2017) - Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. (CSE: PKK) ("Peak" or the "Company") today announced that its subsidiary, Asia Synergy Data Solutions ("ASDS"), has recorded the first transactions on the Cubeler fintech platform related to the recently launched GoldLegal service.

GoldLegal (http://goldlegal.cubeler.cn) is an all-inclusive legal service offering exclusive to Cubeler platform lenders. It automates the process of producing a set of carefully-crafted legal documents and contracts to be executed between lenders and borrowers. The service also provides somewhat of an insurance policy against potential loan defaults for lenders by covering the cost of any future lawsuit related to a loan default in exchange for a monthly fee. GoldLegal standardizes and expedites the litigation process and allows for a legal judgement to be pronounced in 3 months or less against a defaulting borrower.

Cubeler registered platform lender Jiu Dong (www.chinajiudong.com) recently used the GoldLegal service in connections with 10 loans originating from its Shanghai office, for which Jiu Dong will pay ASDS 150 RMB (about $30) per month per loan over the terms of the loans. Jiu Dong's Shanghai office processes 65 to 70 loans per month, all for which Jiu Dong is expected to use the GoldLegal service from this point forward.

About the Cubeler Platform:

Cubeler is a commercial lending platform that matches any business looking for credit with a variety of lenders. Cubeler periodically reads financial data coming from the registered businesses' accounting software, analyses several data points and calculates a series of financial ratios to determine how well the business is performing. Those data points and ratios are then compared to Cubeler's registered lenders' lending criterial and the resulting matches are shown to the lenders and the businesses, much like the way a dating website would show its members their compatible matches.

About Peak Positioning Technologies Inc.:

Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. is an IT portfolio management company whose mission is to assemble, finance and manage a portfolio of high-growth-potential companies and assets in some of the fastest growing tech sectors in China, including Fintech, e-commerce and cloud-computing. Peak provides its shareholders with exceptional growth potential by giving them access to the fastest growing sectors of the world's fastest growing economy. For more information: http://www.peakpositioning.com

Contact information:

Cathy Hume

CEO

CHF Investor Relations

Phone: 416-868-1079 ext.: 231

Email: cathy@chfir.com

Or

Johnson Joseph

President and CEO

Peak Positioning Technologies Inc.

Phone: 514-340-7775 ext.: 501

Email: investors@peakpositioning.com

Forward-Looking Statements / Information:

This news release may include certain forward-looking information, including statements relating to business and operating strategies, plans and prospects for revenue growth, using words including "anticipate", "believe", "could", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "potential", "project", "seek", "should", "will", "would" and similar expressions, which are intended to identify a number of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information reflects current views with respect to current events and is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as may be required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating any forward-looking information.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/04/17 -- Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (TSX: PTM)(NYSE American: PLG)(NYSE MKT: PLG) ("Platinum Group" or the "Company") announces that the transfer of all Waterberg Prospecting Rights held by the Company to a dedicated joint venture corporation, Waterberg JV Resources (Pty) Ltd, has been approved by the South African Department of Mineral Resources ("DMR"). Platinum Group Metals RSA Pty Ltd (100% owned by the Company) owns a 45.65% direct interest in the Waterberg Project. The Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation ("JOGMEC") holds a 28.35% direct interest in the project and BEE partner Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd ("Mnombo") holds a direct 26.0% interest. The Company currently holds a 49.0% interest in Mnombo.

The Waterberg Project is one of the few large palladium dominant deposits in the world. The Company believes that as a result of its shallow depth, good grades and a fully mechanized mining approach, the Waterberg Project has the opportunity to be a safe mine within the lowest quartile of the industry cost curve. The project resources consist of 60% palladium and the Independent Pre-Feasibility Study on the Waterberg Project estimates that Waterberg will produce 472,000 ounces of palladium annually ... about 6% of the world's palladium production in 2015. Producing approximately 744,000 4E ounces per year, Waterberg would be one of the largest platinum group metals mine complexes in South Africa. Please refer to the Independent Technical Report on the Waterberg Project Including Mineral Resource Update and Pre-Feasibility Study dated October 17, 2016 and filed at www.sedar.com for additional information.

JOGMEC has now completed their USD $20 million funding commitment to the project and their interest can be vested in the joint venture company.

R. Michael Jones, CEO of Platinum Group Metals Ltd said, "We are very pleased that the DMR has approved the transfer of the ownership structure to our dedicated joint venture company at this time. The transfer allows us to prepare to file a mining right application and work on specific financing alternatives and strategic transactions. Interest in the Northern Limb and palladium have increased recently."

The Company has active interest in its Waterberg Project from multiple parties in South Africa and internationally, with discussions ongoing. Interest in Waterberg is driven by the strategic nature of the Waterberg deposit as one of the only significant primary platinum and palladium assets globally with a thick, low cost, fully mechanized mine plan. The deposit is in contrast to narrow, high cost, deep level platinum mining. The Company regards Waterberg as an important core asset with industry strategic value.

About Platinum Group Metals Ltd.

Platinum Group, based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Vancouver, Canada, has a successful track record with more than 20 years of experience in exploration, mine discovery, mine construction and mining operations.

Formed in 2002, Platinum Group holds significant mineral rights and large-scale reserves of platinum and palladium in the Bushveld Igneous Complex of South Africa, which is host to over 70% of the world's primary platinum production. The Company is currently focused on ramping up the Maseve Mine, its first near-surface platinum mine, to commercial production. Ramp-up plans at Maseve indicate the need for additional working capital as previously announced.

Platinum Group has delineated new low-cost, near-surface reserves on the North Limb of the Bushveld Complex on the Waterberg Project. Waterberg represents a new bulk type of large-scale, shallow low-cost platinum, palladium and gold deposit. Waterberg is one of the only large-scale dominantly palladium deposits in the world.

Qualified Person

R. Michael Jones, P.Eng., the Company's President, Chief Executive Officer and a significant shareholder of the Company, is a non-independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and is responsible for preparing the technical information contained in this news release. He has verified the data by reviewing the detailed information of the geological and engineering staff and the Independent Qualified Person reports as well as visiting the site regularly.

On behalf of the Board of Platinum Group Metals Ltd.

Disclosure

The Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE MKT LLC have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this news release, which has been prepared by management.

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding anticipated or potential developments at the Waterberg Project, including drilling and the potential results thereof, the potential for increasing confidence in mineral resources and upgrading categories of mineral resources, mine planning, potential water sources, work on the definitive feasibility study including engineering and design work to reduce and improve underground development at Waterberg and to optimize the project scale and return, and the filing of a mining right; working capital requirements; potential sales of assets, debt or equity; the Company's ability to obtain further funding; corporate and asset level strategic alternatives; the potential economics of the Waterberg Project, if developed; ramp-up and potential achievement of commercial production at the Maseve Mine; the Company's key objectives; and the Company's plans and estimates regarding exploration, studies, development, construction, production, cash flows and other activities and developments. Statements of mineral resources and mineral reserves also constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they represent estimates of mineralization that will be encountered on a property and/or estimates regarding future costs, revenues and other matters.

Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including risks related to indebtedness; the Company's capital requirements may exceed its current expectations; the uncertainty of cost, operational and economic projections; the ability of the Company to negotiate and complete future funding transactions; variations in market conditions; the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located; metal prices; other prices and costs; currency exchange rates; the Company's ability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities; the Company's ability to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; risks related to contractor performance and labor disruptions; and other risk factors described in the Company's Form 40-F annual report, annual information form and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com, respectively. Proposed changes in the mineral law in South Africa if implemented as proposed would have a material adverse effect on the Company business and potential interest in projects.

Cautionary Note to U.S. and other Investors

Estimates of mineralization and other technical information included or referenced in this press release have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. The definitions of proven and probable reserves used in NI 43-101 differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash-flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or the report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. As a result, the reserves reported by the Company in accordance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as "reserves" under SEC standards. In addition, the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and normally are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves; "inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Additionally, disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian securities laws; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measurements. Accordingly, information contained or referenced in this press release containing descriptions of the Company's mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Contacts:

Platinum Group Metals Ltd.

R. Michael Jones

President

(604) 899-5450 / Toll Free: (866) 899-5450



Platinum Group Metals Ltd.

Kris Begic

VP, Corporate Development

(604) 899-5450 / Toll Free: (866) 899-5450

www.platinumgroupmetals.net




NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 08/04/17 -- HighCom Global Security, Inc. (OTC: HCGS), a leading provider of equipment and services for the security and defense industries, officially announces its name change from BlastGard International, Inc. The trading symbol has also been changed to ensure brand continuity. Both the name and symbol change took effect with FINRA's approval on August 2, 2017.

Rebranding to better capitalize on future opportunities was the result of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 28, 2017. The new management team of HighCom Global is committed to building a diversified physical security platform through multiple acquisitions and organic growth.

Going forward, HighCom Global is focused on acquiring, managing and building industry leading businesses which provide specialized, mission-critical solutions that address the needs of our target market. Our businesses continuously develop innovative solutions that enable customers to achieve their objectives. With an experience team and a proven track record of solid growth, we're establishing a broad portfolio of security businesses to provide our customers and shareholders with exceptional returns.

Craig Campbell, CEO of HighCom Global, stated, "The rebranding better reflects the platform we've created for continued growth and market expansion. A large part of our mission going forward is to provide a permanent home for high-quality security businesses and their entrepreneurs. Once a qualified opportunity is identified, we will provide capital and management expertise to help bring innovative products to market. Our five-year goal for capital deployment and profitability is to minimize shareholder dilution, while maximizing opportunity through diversification."

About HighCom Global

HighCom Global is an acquirer of domestic and international companies that play vital roles in defense, intelligence and civil and corporate security. Our companies include: HighCom Armor Solutions, Inc., which designs, develops, tests, manufacturers, and distributes body armor and personal protective equipment including more than two dozen NIJ compliant hard and soft armor products; and BlastGard Technologies Inc., which manufactures and markets proprietary blast mitigation materials.

For more information, visit https://www.highcomglobal.com

HighCom Armor has been able to provide some of the largest soft armor manufacturers with private label/OEM hard armor solutions for end use by military and law enforcement agencies globally. For the last decade, the company has built their reputation on innovative technology, exceptional customer service and superior quality performance.

For more information, visit https://highcomarmor.com

BlastGard's flagship BlastWrap technology effectively mitigates blast effects and suppresses post-blast fires. This unique technology can be used to create new, finished products or be used to retrofit to existing products. BlastGard's core market focus is on blast effects mitigation for the commercial sector, military, law enforcement and government agencies.

For more information, visit http://blastgardtech.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Media Contact:



NetworkNewsWire (NNW)

New York, New York

www.NetworkNewsWire.com

212.418.1217 Office

Email Contact




LONGEUIL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 08/04/17 -- (TSX: HRX)

OPEN TO: Analysts, investors and all interested parties DATE: Monday, August 7, 2017 TIME: 11:30 AM Eastern Time CALL: 1-877-223-4471 (FOR ALL NORTH AMERICAN CALLS) 647-788-4922 (FOR ALL OVERSEAS PARTICIPANTS)

THE PRESS RELEASE WILL BE PUBLISHED BEFORE MARKET OPENS THE DAY OF THE CONFERENCE CALL, THROUGH MARKETWIRED.

Please dial-in 15 minutes before the conference call begins.

If you are unable to call-in at this time, you may access a recording of the meeting by calling 1-800-585-8367 and entering the passcode 48999071 on your phone. This recording will be available on Monday, August 7, 2017 as of 2:30 PM until 11:59 PM on Monday, August 14, 2017.

Complete unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion & Analysis will be available on Heroux-Devtek's website: www.herouxdevtek.com.

Please note that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on the same day at 10:00 AM in the Salon Pierre de Coubertin of the Omni Mont-Royal Hotel (1050 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec).

MEDIA WISHING TO QUOTE AN ANALYST SHOULD CONTACT THE ANALYST PERSONALLY FOR PERMISSION.

NOTE TO FIRST-TIME ANALYSTS: Please contact MaisonBrison at (514) 731-0000 prior to the day of the conference call.

Interested parties may also listen live at:

http://www.herouxdevtek.com/investor-relations/events or http://www.gowebcasting.com/8553

Contacts:

Martin Goulet

MaisonBrison

(514) 731-0000




ST. JOHNS, Antigua and Barbuda, August 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda congratulates Mr Calvin Ayre on the resolution of the criminal case brought against him in the United States.

The dismissal of all felony charges against Mr. Ayre, in a matter that dragged on for over 5 years, vindicates him entirely.

Mr. Ayre took up permanent residence in Antigua and Barbuda in 2007 after acquiring an existing gaming company. At all material times, his company was licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) to carry on gaming activities and complied with the stringent laws and regulations governing Internet Gaming.

In February 2012, Mr. Ayre was indicted by the US Attorney for Maryland on charges of illegal gambling, despite a legally-binding ruling by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in March 2004 that the US government, by outlawing access of cross-border gaming, violated its treaty obligations to Antigua and Barbuda, under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.

In 2005, a WTO Arbitration panel dismissed an appeal brought by the United States. Two years later in 2007, the WTO instructed that Antigua and Barbuda has suffered harm to the tune of US$21 million annually, and the country may seek authorization from the WTO to sell US intellectual property, without the payment of fees and royalties, in order to recover the trade losses to its economy.

Over the past 10 years successive governments of Antigua and Barbuda have engaged the United States government, at the latter's request, to settle the matter in a fair manner. To date, these efforts have failed despite reasonable proposals by Antigua and Barbuda.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is continuing its efforts to reach a fair and amicable settlement with the US, but will reinvigorate the issue at the WTO at the next meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body this year if there is no appropriate action by the US.

In light of the WTO ruling in Antigua and Barbuda's favour, prosecutions by the United States of licensed gaming entities and their principals in Antigua and Barbuda, such as Calvin Ayre, are completely contrary to binding international agreements. In this context, Calvin Ayre and all other Antigua and Barbuda licensed gaming operators, who were indicted in the United States on Internet Gaming charges, are victims not culprits.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda welcomes Mr. Ayre's investments in the economy of Antigua and Barbuda. The construction of the US$25 million multi-story office complex off Friar's Hill Road and the expansion of his business locally, with the resultant increase in employment, are applauded. His philanthropic work, including assistance to needy and abandoned children and empowerment of young people through education, is also laudable.

The Government acknowledges that Mr. Ayre has been an upstanding part of the Antigua and Barbuda society, and looks forward to his continued involvement in the socio-economic development of the country and its people.
OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Statistics Canada will release Canada jobs data for July and trade data for June at 8:30 am ET Friday. Ahead of these data, the loonie recovered from its early lows against its major rivals. The loonie was valued at 1.2567 against the greenback, 87.61 against the yen, 1.4913 against the euro and 1.0013 against the aussie as of 8:25 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.


MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - Special counsel Robert Mueller, who is overseeing the federal investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during presidential election, has reportedly tapped a Washington grand jury to examine evidence of the allegations.



The use of Grand jury is a standard prosecution tool in criminal investigations to issue subpoenas to compel people to testify.



The move, regarded as a more aggressive approach by Mueller on Russia probe, irked the President.



Trump poured scorn on the inquiry while addressing thousands of die-hard supporters in Huntington, West Virginia.



'They're trying to cheat you out of the leadership that you want with a fake story,' Trump told the people who gave him massive mandate last year.



He has been critical of Mueller's investigation of alleged Russian meddling in the presidential election.



Recent reports had claimed that Trump's legal team is looking for ways to discredit the probe by Mueller, searching for conflicts of interest.



Reuters reported Thursday that Mueller has already issued Grand Jury subpoenas linked to Donald Trump Jr.'s June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer who promised to provide information helpful to the Republican presidential campaign.



Mueller has also replaced most of the prosecutors originally on the case with more than a dozen investigators, including current and former justice department prosecutors experienced in international bribery, organized crime and financial fraud.



Thursday, he received strong Congressional support with two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee introducing legislation designed to protect the Special Counsel from being fired by the President.



The bill mandates that only the Attorney General or the most senior Justice Department official in charge of the matter would have the power to remove the special counsel.



Additionally, the special counsel would be allowed to challenge his or her removal in court under the legislation.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
JEFFERSON, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 08/04/17 --Innocap, Inc (OTCQB: INNO) Paul Tidwell, Innocap's President, has devoted the past several years identifying and researching potential salvage projects for Innocap to pursue. Mr. Tidwell has more than 25 years of experience in this area including, prior to joining Innocap, having met with and negotiated salvage contracts with officials of many countries, including Oman, the People's Republic of China, Japan, and Guyana. He has been involved in many recoveries including the deepest known recovery dive to date.

Prior to getting involved in a salvage project, Mr. Tidwell does extensive due diligence and research procedures studying all available material. His plans always include recovery of historical artifacts as well as potential treasures as well as determining the best likely repositories for recovered treasures.

Mr. Tidwell is also intensely motivated to bring the full historical story of the people involved in the original mishap that brought about a treasure being lost to the sea. His undertakings have been documented by various trusted authorities, including National Geographic Magazine, NBC television and the Guinness Book of World Records 2000 Millennium Edition. National Geographic articles that include discussions about Mr. Tidwell have been translated into five different languages. Television specials have appeared on NBC in the United States and on NHK in Japan. Other sources that have covered or referred to Mr. Tidwell's exploits include:

The hardcover book, Silent Killers: Submarines and Underwater Warfare, by James P. Delgado and Clive Cussler, Battleground Atlantic by Richard Billings, The Universe Below, by two-time Pulitzer prize winner, William J. Broad, and Sunrise Cartel by Robert Wernli.

The New York Times has written two articles about Tidwell (in 1995 and 1999), Washington Post did an article (1995), and the German magazine, Der Spiegel, has done an article.

Other articles have appeared in the Japan Times, the Yomiuri Shimbun (which has the largest circulation in the world), Time, Newsweek, Discover, Naval History, US News and World Report.

Some of his experiences include:

The salvage of the SS John Barry, which successfully recovered 1.5 million silver coins at a depth of 8,500 feet.

The uncovering of a little-known military engagement that is now known by millions of people around the world, The discovery of the WW II Japanese submarine I-52, at a water depth of 17,500 feet...a mile deeper than the HMS Titanic.

He has made presentations in distinguished halls of higher learning and been referred to in television documentaries, social media videos and even video games. He has given lectures and press conferences in several countries which include the US, Japan, United Kingdom and the Navy Aviators at the US Naval Academy.

For these reasons, Mr. Tidwell is often called the "Diver of the Past!"

Now Mr. Tidwell has decided to use his research from the past several years to plan specific projects and has commenced negotiations that are necessary to gain approval and funding for these planned projects. These negotiations will start in Indonesia and may extend to Singapore and the Philippines. Innocap cannot predict the likelihood of these negotiations being successful.

Certain information in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking information. The Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings identify many such risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by the risks and uncertainties described in such Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Media Contacts:



Ten Associates

Tom Nelson

480-326-8577

tenassociates33@gmail.com




CLEARWATER, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 08/04/17 -- Ecom Products Group Director and CEO Keith Holloway provided the following operational update:

I am happy to provide an update on behalf of the company for the 2nd quarter. As I did in our 1st quarter update, I would like to re-emphasize EPG's strategy of building-out international e-commerce services, solutions and platforms that allow brands to connect, communicate and transact with consumers in new and cross-border markets.

Our five-year plan is to become a market leader in this high-growth e-commerce sector through building-out a dedicated e-commerce services offering; from social media to sales and fulfillment, as well as allowing these services to be incorporated into dedicated sector-solutions and social-based e-commerce platforms that we wish to develop. Our Board of Directors has approved an advisory board to underpin the growth strategy of our brand. We will have several appointments to our team announced over the next several weeks.

It was an exciting second quarter under the EPG brand and e-com services model. We continued to expand and build out EPG's Ecom services across several markets. I am pleased to say that after our recent Asian and China acquisitions, we are now positioned to offer our Ecom services across the globe. Within the 3rd quarter, we will complete the formal share transfers in China and are positioned to service our clients, allowing them to enter and expand into new markets from the US, U.K., China, Asia and even Australia. We can offer our clients everything including marketing, Ecom and direct sales all the way through to fulfillment services.

Our recent service acquisitions, solutions and platforms are now integrated and operating under the Ecom Products Group banner. As promised in the last update, we have initiated an aggressive business development plan in our key markets of Europe, USA and Asia at the beginning of our business-planning year, which is July 1st.

Report Highlights

1. We have launched new IBD shopping destinations "Shop Florida," "Shop San Francisco" "Shop Vegas" and "Shop D.C."

2. We have fully completed the China Retail Services acquisition and integration as of July 1st.

3. We have conducted our initial "E-commerce as an entry strategy to China" seminars for U.S. retailers with several more planned in the U.S. and UK for Q3.

4. We have launched EPG's social media and e-commerce services and solutions for both U.S. retailers looking to enter European markets and European brands wanting to enter the U.S. market

5. EPG is now fully-operational in the UK, U.S., China and Asia

6. Redesign and launch completed of our corporate website www.ShopEPG.com

7. We have launched our IBD WeChat store

8. We have launched a dedicated, high-profile menswear blogger in China

The company is operating under three core offerings:

EPG

E-com services -- E-com solutions -- E-com platforms

----------------------------------------------------------------

U.S.A. -- London -- China -- Asia

"EPG is a service-provider and partner for leading brands and platforms that want to expand into new markets via e-commerce"

Business update by sector (future reports will also include geographical location updates):

EPG's Services

EPG services offers stand-alone marketing sales and fulfillment e-com services and are now fully integrated. We continue discussions with several European companies who want to enter the U.S. via e-commerce. In the next quarterly update, we will announce several U.S.A. and U.K. based companies contracted to enter or expand into China and Asia.

We have begun to aggressively market our services to US and UK companies targeting select European markets through our USA and UK offices. With our next update, we will announce several clients added to our portfolio.

EPG's Solutions

This is the portion of our business where we bundle our services and sector knowledge to offer a stand-alone solution. EPG solutions is currently focused on the multi product channel services like department stores and specialty consumer e-com platforms. EPG has signed several known department stores and consumer e-commerce platforms and will continue to update on this progress. EPG can either operate as a service partner or a solutions provider with the client under a profit share model. At present, we expect to continue to announce several key contracts over the next few quarters.

EPG's E-com Platforms

Our plan, over the next 3 to 5 years, is to use our group services and sector knowledge, as well as cross border reach, to build out several Ecom consumer-based platforms that are socially focused. With the shift from brick and mortar retailers, we believe people will shop more online. Based on social affiliations across the globe, EPG will be at the forefront of this evolving trend.

Our Platforms:

IBDShop.com

IBDDestinations.com

BrandBoxShop.com

EPG's International Brands Direct (IBDShop.com), a consumer platform focused on high-end fashion purchases. Their website is brand promotions and sales based and allows European brands to market to USA and Chinese consumers. We also offer USA based brands to market to Chinese and European consumers.

Our travel site (IBDDestinations.com), has released its New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Florida, D.C., Las Vegas and London shopping directories. We have signed iconic destinations such as Bloomingdales, Macy's, Century 21, Westfield's and Saks. EPG's Ecom platforms are also creating an app and a direct sales platform for general lifestyle and consumer brands along with products that want to expand into new high-growth markets. More will be announced in the next quarter on EPG's Ecom platforms.

Finally, our product driven platform The Brand Box (BrandBoxShop.com) has been launched with dozens of exciting products already available. We are currently in discussions with several well-known domestic and international brands, along with some very exciting new product lines, that we will be announcing in our next quarterly update.

Summary

As stated before, I will give our investors and shareholders a business update each quarter and am excited about this report. For the 3rd Quarter of 2017, I will provide updates on new clients for our services and solutions platform. In my opinion, this is the best part of business, allowing clients to take advantage of the incredible market opportunities through our corporate resources. I truly believe that there is not one Ecommerce business that we cannot help.

As previously reported, in the future, we will look to raise expansion capital. Currently, the company, through the recent transaction with FCP and due to our low overhead requirements, generates sufficient cash flow to meet current expansion. Our future intent is to raise capital to meet expansion opportunities, in Q4 of 2017. I believe this approach maximizes shareholder value as we grow the business.

Key Clients Added This Year

Bloomingdale's

Macy's

Saks

Century 21

Westfield's

Robert Graham

Unified Leather

J Wingfield

BlankNYC.

What to Expect in Our 3rd Quarter Update:

I will also provide financial results, as well as guidance, for the balance of 2017 as well as our 3 to 5 year projections. We will have additional appointments to our Board of Directors as well as our Advisory Board in the next few months as we enhance our team. Our client list is growing each week and we expect exciting announcements on that front as more clients come on-board. I will also update our shareholders on our progress of launching our different services, solutions and platforms in the next several months.

Other Important information:

Our business planning and sales forecast will run from July 1st to June 30

The company will add to its board of directors that add value to our corporate governance and provide expertise in markets or services that will underpin the company's growth

The company will only raise expansion capital as needed to maximize shareholder value.

EPG's plan is to have the stock up-listed from the current pink sheets (OTC) to NASDAQ, to enhance investor value

We have begun several market seminars across the USA on e-commerce as an entry strategy to China to build out our presence here

We will also conduct these seminars in Europe for companies wanting to enter the US as well as China

For more information, please visit our website at www.ShopEPG.com

Our Mission:

Ecom Products Group is an e-commerce service provider and partner for consumer brands seeking to expand into new markets and sectors. We utilize the following tools to assist expansion of their current market or new growth markets:

Social media management and marketing

Omni-channel Sales

Full logistics and fulfillment

Construction of social based commerce platforms

Partnership with strategic brands

EPG can be a service-provider, solutions-creator or platform-owner, with the ability to also act as a full e-commerce partner for leading brands and platforms.

With a dynamic, multicultural team in the US, UK, China and Australia, EPG is positioned to serve the needs of our clients both at home and cross border. We provide our team with unparalleled tools to succeed and fully support each member's personal development.

I am happy to share these exciting updates with you. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions at Keith@ShopEPG.com.

Regards,

Keith Holloway

CEO, Director

Ecom Products Group

Keith@ShopEPG.com




Watch Gang is Used by Celebrities like Jamie Foxx

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 4, 2017 / Matthew Gallagher, the founder and owner of the watch membership service Watch Gang, is pleased to announce that his 9-month-old company has just reached an impressive milestone. In July, 2017, the company shipped out its 100,000th watch.

To learn more about Watch Gang and how it is changing the $20 billion dollar watch industry, please check out https://signup.watchgang.com/.

As a company spokesperson noted, in the 9 short months that Watch Gang has been in existence, it has created quite a positive buzz with the huge number of satisfied customers who are excited to purchase premium watches at wholesale prices.

Watch Gang first made the news when the start up began surprising a random member with a Rolex every Friday. As the spokesperson noted, Gallagher is planning to launch a Tuesday TAG Heuer time piece giveaway in the near future.

Watch Gang also received positive accolades when a member posted on the company's Facebook Group that he had lost his watch collection in a fire. Over 15,000 members who read the post quickly responded, pooling together donations to help out the member and offering watches from their own collections.

The watch membership service, which is being used by celebrities like Jamie Foxx, offers three levels of membership: Original, Black and Platinum. The cost for the Original membership is just $25 a month and members receive and keep a watch that is worth up to $150 every 30 days. Platinum members receive watches worth up to $1,500 for $275 per month, the spokesperson added.

"The watches from Watch Gang are guaranteed to appraise for up to five times the cost of membership," the spokesperson noted, adding that members also have access to great flash sales as well as to the Watch Gang Exchange group and more.

"We partner with multiple watch brands every month to ensure you always get a new and interesting timepiece. From fashion watches to premium luxury Swiss brands, Watch Gang is changing the way people discover watches at a price never before offered."

To learn more about Watch Gang and how they can afford to give away a Rolex watch every week, please check out the short video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crmVIzI8Sjo&feature=youtu.be.

About Watch Gang:

Watch Gang is a watch membership service that offers its members an amazing watch worth up to $500 each month. Memberships start as low as $25, and members also get access to flash sales, a Rolex giveaway every Friday, the Watch Gang Exchange Group and many other perks. For more information, please visit https://signup.watchgang.com/.

Contact:

Emely Matus

E@Relyy.com

1-312-869-4495

SOURCE: Watch Gang
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Following the release of a Labor Department report showing strong monthly job growth, President Donald Trump touted the numbers as a sign of progress under his administration. 'Excellent Jobs Numbers just released - and I have only just begun. Many job stifling regulations continue to fall. Movement back to USA!' Trump said in a post on Twitter on Friday. The tweet from Trump came after the Labor Department said non-farm payroll employment surged up by 209,000 jobs in July after spiking by an upwardly revised 231,000 jobs in June. Economists had expected employment to climb by 183,000 jobs. With the stronger than expected job growth, the unemployment rate edged down to 4.3 percent in July from 4.4 percent in June. The modest decrease matched economist estimates. Earlier in the day, Trump highlighted plans by Toyota and Mazda to build a $1.6 billion plant in the U.S. and create 4,000 new jobs. Trump called the plans to construct a new plant in the U.S. a 'great investment in American manufacturing' in a post on Twitter. 'And don't forget that Foxconn will be spending up to 10 billion dollars on a top of the line plant/plants in Wisconsin,' he added. Trump predicted that there would be much more regulation 'busting' to come and said he is working hard on tax reform. (Photo: Marc Nozell) 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 U.S. dollar advanced against its major opponents in the European session on Friday, as U.S. economy created more jobs than forecast in July and trade deficit narrowed in June, raising expectations for the possibility of a Fed rate hike by year end.



Data from the Labor Department showed that non-farm payroll employment surged up by 209,000 jobs in July after spiking by an upwardly revised 231,000 jobs in June.



Economists had expected employment to climb by 183,000 jobs compared to the addition of 222,000 jobs originally reported for the previous month.



With the stronger than expected job growth, the unemployment rate edged down to 4.3 percent in July from 4.4 percent in June. The modest decrease matched economist estimates.



Data from the Commerce Department showed that the U.S. trade deficit narrowed more than expected in the month of June, reflecting an increase in exports and a decrease in imports.



The report said the trade deficit narrowed to $43.6 billion in June from $46.4 billion in May. Economists had expected the deficit to narrow to $45.0 billion.



The greenback held steady against its major rivals in the Asian session, with the exception of the yen.



The greenback strengthened to weekly highs of 0.9723 against the franc and 1.3084 against the pound, off its early lows of 0.9672 and 1.3164, respectively. Continuation of the greenback's uptrend may see it challenging resistance around 1.00 against the franc and 1.28 against the pound.



The greenback, having fallen to near a 2-month low of 109.84 against the yen at 7:45 pm ET, reversed direction and climbed to 110.77. The greenback is poised to locate resistance around the 112.00 region.



Preliminary data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare showed that Japan's total labor cash earnings decreased for the first time in thirteen months in June, defying economists' forecast for a further rise.



Gross earnings dropped 0.4 percent year-over-year in June, reversing 0.6 percent rise in May, which was revised down from a 0.7 percent gain reported earlier. Meanwhile, it was expected to increase by 0.5 percent.



The greenback appreciated 0.5 percent to a 2-day high of 1.1825 against the euro, after having fallen to 1.1889 at 3:00 am ET. The next likely resistance for the greenback is seen around the 1.15 level.



Data from Destatis showed that Germany's factory orders increased more than expected in June driven by domestic demand.



Orders grew 1 percent in June from May, when they increased by revised 1.1 percent. Orders were forecast to grow moderately by 0.5 percent.



The greenback spiked up to a new 2-week high of 1.2638 versus the loonie and a 9-day high of 0.7912 against the aussie, from its early low of 1.2556 and a 2-day low of 0.7980, respectively. The greenback is seen finding resistance around 1.28 against the loonie and 0.77 against the aussie.



Reversing from an early 2-day low of 0.7455 against the kiwi, the greenback bounced off to 0.7413. On the upside, 0.72 is likely seen as the next resistance level for the greenback.



Looking ahead, Canada Ivey PMI for July is due shortly.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - A Senate committee has approved legislation aimed at cutting US financial aid to the Palestinian Authority until it eschews a policy of rewarding terrorism.



The Taylor Force Act would restrict U.S. economic aid to the West Bank and Gaza until the Palestinian Authority stops paying terrorists guilty of violence against Israelis and Americans. The bill is named after an American University student, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv last year.



The legislation, introduced by Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and Bob Corker, received bipartisan support in the Republican-led Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and was approved by a 17-4 vote Thursday.



The legislation now moves to the full Senate for consideration.



The committee agreed to an amendment to create the Palestinian Authority Accountability Fund. This escrow account will hold the assistance funds that directly benefit the Palestinian Authority as a positive inducement to accelerate the end of the prisoner payment system.



The East Jerusalem Hospital Network has been exempted from the suspension of aid.



Members of the Senate Committee alleged that the Palestinian Government allots monthly stipends of as much as $3,500 to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails for acts of terrorism, as well as the families of deceased terrorists.



They sent a letter to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, urging her to raise the problem of PA payments for acts of terrorism at the UN Security Council.



Corker, the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the United States cannot accept a policy that rewards acts of terrorism like the one that tragically took the life of Taylor Force.



Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Committee, said the measure is intended to send an unambiguous signal to the Palestinian Authority that it must stop incentivizing terror. 'U.S. assistance that directly benefits the Palestinian Authority cannot continue until the abhorrent prisoner payment system ends'.



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ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwired - August 04, 2017) - Maria G. Bradford, a long-time St. Louis area nonprofit executive, joined the St. Louis Community Foundation as the director of community engagement, foundation officials announced today. In her new role, Bradford will represent the Community Foundation and its donors at community and nonprofit initiatives throughout the St. Louis area.

"Maria's deep background in nonprofit management, development, and communications will be vital as we continue to nurture and broaden our work with community organizations to amplify our donors' philanthropic impact," said Amelia Bond, president and CEO of the St. Louis Community Foundation. "Because our donor base continues to grow, her skill set and years of community experience will be instrumental as we bring our donors, community organizations, and local leaders together to shape and deliver exceptional outcomes."

In a nonprofit career that spans more than 25 years, Bradford most recently worked for the Saint Louis Zoo as a major gifts development officer. Before joining the Zoo, Maria served as development manager at the Center for Plant Conservation, managing director of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, program specialist for the Minority Arts Program, and public information specialist at the Missouri Arts Council. She has also worked in varying capacities for the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Boys and Girls Club and Grand Center Inc.

Bradford earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Performance Studies at Northwestern University in Chicago, and her Master of Arts in Arts Administration and her MBA at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and is a member of the St. Louis chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

On the heels of its second best fiscal year ever (ended Dec. 31, 2016), donor interest and contributions to the St. Louis Community Foundation remain strong, Bond added.

"Word is traveling fast about the giving flexibility and tax benefits of a locally managed donor advised fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation, making us one of the fastest growing in the nation," Bond said. "Our donors love the personalized attention as well as the local knowledge and expertise of our staff."

About the St. Louis Community Foundation

Since its founding in 1915 as one of the nation's first community foundations, the goal of the St. Louis Community Foundation has been to increase charitable giving within the St. Louis region and expand the impact charitable dollars have on improving the quality of life in our area and beyond.

The St. Louis Community Foundation is a nonprofit foundation composed of more than 600 charitable funds with total assets of approximately $375 million. Each fund represents a unique charitable-giving partnership between an individual, family, or business and designated nonprofit recipients. Since 1990, more than $382 million in grants have been distributed, with approximately 85 percent remaining in the St. Louis region. For more information about the St. Louis Community Foundation, please visit stlgives.org.

For more information, contact:

Margaret Welch

314-703-1215

Email contact




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Friday announced a series of steps the Justice Department is taking to crack down on leaks of sensitive government information.



Sessions said the efforts to combat leaks from the Trump administration will include a review of policies affecting media subpoenas.



'We respect the important role that the press plays and will give them respect, but it is not unlimited,' Sessions said. 'They cannot place lives at risk with impunity.'



He added, 'We must balance their role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in our intelligence community, the armed forces, and all law abiding Americans.'



The comments from Sessions come as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have criticized the leaking of transcripts of conversations between President Donald Trump and world leaders.



The Washington Post on Thursday published transcripts of calls between Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.



Sessions argued that governments cannot be effective when their leaders cannot discuss sensitive matters or talk freely in confidence with foreign leaders.



'No one is entitled to surreptitiously fight their battles in the media by revealing sensitive government information,' Sessions said.



The attorney general noted that the Justice Department received nearly as many criminal referrals involving unauthorized disclosures of classified information in the first six months of the Trump administration as it received in the last three years combined.



Sessions said the Justice Department has subsequently more than tripled the number of active leak investigations compared to the number pending at the end of the Obama administration.



'And I have this warning for would-be leakers: Don't do it,' Sessions said. 'For the past several months, we have already made changes and are seriously ramping up our efforts.'



In addition to reviewing media subpoena policies, Sessions said he has directed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray to oversee all classified leak investigations and actively monitor the progress of each and every case.



Sessions said he has also directed the National Security Division and U.S. Attorneys to prioritize cases involving unauthorized disclosures.



Reflecting the jump in the number of active leak investigations, Sessions the FBI has also increased the resources devoted to leak cases and created a new counterintelligence unit to manage the cases.



In a tweet responding to Sessions, NBC's 'Meet the Press' moderator Chuck Todd said, 'If DoJ media source threat is real (I assume it's not; just a show presser to please WH) then I look forward to ignoring that subpoena.'



'I'll say it again: the best way to prevent leaks for ANY org? Be a leader that inspires loyalty and cut out the staff infighting,' he added. 'The worst way to stop leaks: threats.'



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Technavio's latest market research report on the global molecular cytogenetics marketprovides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technaviodefines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170804005349/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global molecular cytogenetics market from 2017-2021. (Photo: Business Wire)

The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 11% during the forecast period. Molecular cytogenetic techniques are used for the diagnosis of several diseases such as leukemia, cancer, chronic diseases, and certain genetic disorders. Previously, conventional cytogenetics were only used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in arrangements. However, with the advent of FISH test and CGH, it has become possible to detect both numerical and structural cytogenetic changes.

This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing

Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free

The top three emerging market trends driving the global molecular cytogenetics marketaccording to Technavio research analysts are:

Increased focus on targeted cancer treatment

Rising demand in emerging markets

Transition from FISH to array-based technique

Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

Increased focus on targeted cancer treatment

The growing prevalence of cancer among men and women is driving the constant development of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is an important part of cancer treatment. However, several patients cannot sustain chemotherapy. The molecular cytogenetic technique is gaining popularity owing to the elimination of chemotherapy.

Molecular cytogenetics enables researchers and clinicians decide the best testing strategy to identify the affected cell without any complexity. Modern cytogenetic techniques such as array CGH and FISH tests provide an overview of all molecular activities in tumor samples, facilitating the discovery of totally unexpected functional roles of genes. These techniques also enable researchers to identify the key biomarkers of various cancers, which is necessary for targeted cancer treatment.

"These advantages of molecular cytogenetics will enhance the detection and treatment of cancer. Hence, clinicians and researchers use such techniques. This technique is likely to reduce the complexity of treatment. Thus, the demand for this technique will increase in the upcoming years, thus increasing the demand for FISH and CGH instruments and reagents," says Amber Chourasia, a lead analyst at Technavio for lab equipment research.

Rising demand in emerging markets

APAC is the fastest growing region in the global molecular cytogenetics market. China, India, Singapore, and Japan are the leading countries that contribute to the increased demand for molecular cytogenetics. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and increase in the number of hospitals and diagnostic centers in the region have increased the demand for molecular cytogenetics for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer.

The number of research laboratories has also increased in APAC. In several countries such as Singapore, China, and South Korea, the governments have taken steps to ensure investments in research, especially in biomedical, over the next five years. Singapore is already considered as the regional hub for biomedical R&D. Thus, the increase in the number of research laboratories and the development of incentive plans for investments in R&D will increase the demand for molecular cytogenetics.

"The increase in investments in R&D in some countries of APAC encourages the migration of major players to these countries. New companies are also attracted to these countries. Countries in MEA and South America such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Brazil, and Mexico are also potential markets for growth," says Amber.

Transition from FISH to array-based technique

The limitations of FISH and CGH have encouraged the development of modern technologies for chromosome analysis and genetic testing. Array CGH which is a is a modification of CGH has proven to be effective as it provides a complete assessment of the chromosomal constitution of preimplantation embryos. It was developed to overcome the drawbacks of FISH and conventional CGH. The demand for array CGH is growing. However, it is still under development. Due to the several advantages offered by array CGH, the demand for the same is expected to increase during the forecast period.

Browse Related Reports:

Global Biopreservation Market 2017-2021

Global Medical Gas Equipment Market 2017-2021

Global Hospital-Acquired Infection Control Market 2017-2021

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170804005349/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
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: 4 August 2017 Number of Shares purchased: 28,667 Shares Highest price paid per Share: 1,111 pence 14.48 USD Lowest price paid per Share: 1,095 pence 14.28 USD Average price paid per Share: 1,107.33 pence 14.44 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 238,524,662 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/20170804005580/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Maitland

James Devas, +44 20 7379 5151

Media-pershingsquareholdings@maitland.co.uk
NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- (Marketwired) -- 08/04/17 -- Brookfield Global Listed Infrastructure Income Fund Inc. (NYSE: INF) and Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. (NYSE: RA) (each, a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds") today announced that their Boards of Directors declared their monthly distributions.

Brookfield Global Listed Infrastructure Income Fund Inc. declared a monthly distribution of $0.0817 per share, payable on August 24, 2017 to stockholders of record on August 17, 2017. The ex-distribution date is August 15, 2017. Based on the NYSE closing price of $13.72 on August 3, 2017, the Fund's annualized distribution rate was 7.15%.

Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. declared a monthly distribution of $0.1990 per share, payable on August 24, 2017 to stockholders of record on August 17, 2017. The ex-distribution date is August 15, 2017. Based on the NYSE closing price of $23.86 on August 3, 2017, the Fund's annualized distribution rate was 10.01%.

Shares purchased on or after the ex-distribution date will not receive the distribution discussed above. Please contact your financial advisor with any questions. Distributions may include net investment income, capital gains and/or return of capital. The distribution rate referenced above is calculated as the annualized amount of the most recent monthly distribution declared divided by the stated stock price. Any portion of the Fund's distributions that is a return of capital does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income." The tax status of distributions will be determined at the end of the taxable year.

Brookfield Investment Management Inc. (the "Firm") is an SEC-registered investment adviser and represents the Public Securities platform of Brookfield Asset Management. The Firm provides global listed real assets strategies including real estate equities, infrastructure equities, real asset debt and diversified real assets. With more than $15 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2017, the Firm manages separate accounts, registered funds and opportunistic strategies for institutional and individual clients, including financial institutions, public and private pension plans, insurance companies, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds and high net worth investors. The Firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $250 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2017. For more information, go to www.brookfield.com.

Brookfield Global Listed Infrastructure Income Fund Inc. and Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. are managed by Brookfield Investment Management Inc. The Funds use their website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding the Funds are routinely posted on and accessible at www.brookfield.com.

Contacts:

Brookfield Global Listed Infrastructure Income Fund Inc.

Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc.



Brookfield Place

250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10281-1023

(855) 777-8001

funds@brookfield.com




A blog about life under, and resisting, a dictatorship
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2017) - Gunpowder Capital Corp., (CSE: GPC), (CSE: GPC.PR.A), (OTCQB: GNPWF), (FSE: YS6N), ("Gunpowder" or the "Corporation"), released today a summary of its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30th, 2017. Key highlights include:

The Corporation posted its first ever quarterly profit which amounted to $128,132 CDN. This result was heavily driven by the successful completion of one of our go public mandates and while we continue to build out recurring revenues these large gains tied to go public work are expected to continue and add large quarterly spikes in revenue and profit when completed.

Q3 2017 Revenues increased to $680,501 from $ 45,336 in Q3 2016, representing a 1,401% increase.

Q3 2017 Revenues increased to $680,501 from $255,184 in Q2 2017, representing a 167% increase for the three month period.

First nine months (YTD) 2017 Revenues were $1,029,876 vs. $79,725 for the first nine months (YTD) 2016 representing an 1,192% increase.

Q3 2017 Fully Diluted EPS improved to $0.00 vs. ($0.03) Fully Diluted EPS loss recorded for the same time period last year.

Total Assets increased to $7,739,972 in Q3 2017 from $2,838,587 As At Dec 31st 2016 representing 173% increase.

The Corporation's Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 have been posted both on the Corporation's SEDAR profile page which can be viewed by visiting www.sedar.com and on the Corporation's website which can be viewed by visiting www.gunpowdercapitalcorp.com.

Mr. Paul Haber stated: "Our business model has both demonstrated and as shown continued momentum in Q3 2017, and we expect the momentum in our business to continue. Despite the fact that our business model is still in its infancy, the Corporation recorded year to date revenues of $1,029,876 which is a corporate record. Furthermore, I am very pleased that the Corporation posted its first ever quarterly profit. I, and the rest of the business development team, remain focused in sourcing revenue generating assets to acquire and seeking out profitable business deals that the Corporation can enter into."

Mr. Frank Kordy stated: "I'm extremely pleased by the very strong performance that occurred in Q3. As I previously stated at our AGM, since making key operational and structural changes to the Corporation, we have gained substantial momentum in our business model throughout fiscal 2016 and thus far, throughout fiscal 2017. This momentum is reflected in the dramatic increase in the Corporation's 'Total Assets' ledger and can easily be seen by the Corporation's rapidly increasing revenue streams. The Management team will continue to work hard in advancing the Corporation forward and we will remain focused on increasing the Corporation's asset pool and incoming revenue streams."

About Gunpowder Capital Corp.

Gunpowder Capital Corp., is a merchant bank and advisory services firm based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Gunpowder invests in both publicly traded and private businesses that have successful management teams and attractive economic models. Gunpowder partners with these businesses to support their growth initiatives with its proven methodology of appropriate financing and structured exits. Gunpowder offers debt financing, including mezzanine and bridge loans, equity financing and advisory services. Gunpowder is also building a portfolio of companies in which it takes a long term position and view. For more information please visit www.gunpowdercapitalcorp.com.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Frank Kordy

CEO & Director

Gunpowder Capital Corp.

T: (647) 466-4037

E: frank.kordy@gunpowdercapitalcorp.com



Mr. Paul Haber

CFO

Gunpowder Capital Corp.

T: (416) 363-3833

E: paul.haber@gunpowdercapitalcorp.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although Management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Chickapea Pasta, a Calgary, Canada-based producer of healthy pasta, received an investment from District Ventures Capital, the Venture Capital fund established by Dragons Den star Arlene Dickinson.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

Led by Shelby Taylor, founder and CEO, Chickapea Pasta has developed organic pasta made from two ingredients, chickpeas and lentil flour, non-GMO Project Verified, certified organic and vegan, and offering a 23 g of protein.

The companys line of healthy pastas has gained traction with independent, regional and national grocers across Canada and the United States.

The company will use the funds to introduce its second product line, a Macaroni & Cheese, which will launch in the fall.

FinSMEs

04/08/2017
LiveSafe, an Arlington, VA-based mobile safety communications platform, received a credit facility from Square 1 Bank, a division of Pacific Western Bank.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The proceeds will support sales-related initiatives and expansion.

Led by Carolyn Parent, chief executive officer, LiveSafe provides an actionable crowd-sourced intelligence gathering platform for security officials of major corporations and educational institutions, to help keep employees and students safe and informed. The software opens real-time, two-way communication between individuals and security and facilities teams allowing users to report incidents or suspicious activity through text, videos and pictures.

FinSMEs

04/08/2017
NewSchools Venture Fund, an Oakland, Calif.-based education focused venture capital firm, is to offer up to $8m in new funding.

Led by Stacey Childress, CEO, NewSchools finds, funds and supports teams of educators and entrepreneurs working to achieve outstanding results for the schools and students they serve.

The fund is to offer the funding across all three of its investment areas:

 Creating innovative district and charter schools (funding ranging from $50k  $200k)

 Building technology tools to better support student learning and ($50k-$150k)

 Cultivating pipelines of diverse leaders in education ($75k-$150).

Funding will also be supplemented with management assistance and collaboration within a cohort of other organizations that also receive funding.

Read all the info in the press release below:

NewSchools Announces Up to $8 Million in New Funding Opportunities

Entrepreneurs and educators: Looking to reimagine learning? Then were looking for you!

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/  NewSchools Venture Fund may have the opportunity of a lifetime for teams of educators and entrepreneurs with bold ideas for reimagining PreK-12 learning. Dreaming of opening a new school? Perhaps youre building an ed tech tool for early learners, or maybe you have a passion for increasing the number of Black and Latino leaders in the education sector. If any of these scenarios sound like you or someone you know, NewSchools may be able to make that dream a reality.

NewSchools finds, funds and supports teams of educators and entrepreneurs working to achieve outstanding results for the schools and students they serve. All told, NewSchools will offer up to $8 million in funding across all three of our investment areas:

Creating innovative district and charter schools;

Building technology tools to better support student learning; and

Cultivating pipelines of diverse leaders in education.

With this investment opportunity, we are looking for bold ideas for how to reimagine learning. We believe all young people should finish high school with a wide range of options and the freedom to pursue them, said Stacey Childress, CEO, NewSchools Venture Fund. Thats why our investments are aimed at ensuring students develop a strong academic foundation and the mindsets, skills and habits they need for success in todays world.

To achieve this goal, NewSchools invests in three areas: innovative schools designed to meet the needs of every student; tools and services students and teachers in such schools need; and more diverse education leaders who will create more effective and sustainable innovations. Each NewSchools investment area will launch new funding opportunities on August 1. Funding will also be supplemented with management assistance and collaboration within a cohort of other organizations that also receive funding.

For more information about the three specific funding opportunities, please visit the NewSchools website and see below.

Innovative Schools  We invest in new and redesigned PreK-12 public schools all over the country, in districts and charter networks. Were looking for schools that prepare students  regardless of the future they might want to pursue  with everything they need to be successful in college, career and life. NewSchools is seeking teams of educators who begin with a clear definition of student success as their guide, and can design a school that meets the full range of their students needs. These schools are implementing new approaches to ensure students learning experiences are more personalized  tailored to their individual needs, skill levels, and interests. Investments include new schools, redesigned schools, and partnerships with model providers. However, this particular funding opportunity will focus only on teams planning to launch a new school in the next 1-3 years.

Young people need a strong academic foundation, but they also need a wider range of skills to reach their fullest potential, said Scott Benson, managing partner at NewSchools Venture Fund. And weve seen this in action, which is why we invest in schools that also help students build mindsets, skills and habits like self-awareness, perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and growth mindset.

Using a rigorous due diligence process, NewSchools will select the most promising teams of educators for investments in their planning phase. Funding can range from $50,000  $200,000 and includes participation in a cohort experience to help teams refine their designs and prepare for launch within the next one to two years. Initial submissions are due by January 2018 and ventures will be selected later in the spring.

Tools & Services  We identify the most promising companies and nonprofits creating innovative ed tech products and services, and provides them with the risk capital and support they need to make those concepts a reality. While the ed tech markets have grown rapidly in certain areas, there are still significant gaps in some critical areas of student need. Tools for early learning is one of those areas, and the current funding challenge will specifically focus on that market gap. Previous grant challenges to date have focused on science learning, middle and high school math, English Language Learners and students with disabilities.

The foundation of learning is built in the early years of school, and for many students the setbacks or advantages obtained from PreK to second grade will stay with them throughout their academic lives, said Tonika Cheek Clayton, managing partner, NewSchools Venture Fund. Personal interaction with teachers and parents is essential for early learners, and we have a particular interest in technology that supports this crucial developmental need. Ed tech can also support learning with tools that support social development, reading, language acquisition and early math concepts, while creating excitement and a love of learning. We are hopeful about the possibilities.

For the Early Education Challenge  PreK-2nd Grade, NewSchools is seeking a diverse set of entrepreneurs to create exceptional tools and services to support early learning, with submissions due by August 31, 2017. Funding is in the range of $50,000-$150,000, and ventures will be announced in November.

Diverse Leaders  NewSchools provides funding and management assistance to organizations that are strengthening the pipelines of Black and Latino leaders in education. NewSchools invests in ventures focused on diversifying the education sector at all levels of leadership. We also support entrepreneurs who strengthen capacity for education leaders and organizations to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. The Diverse Leaders team has set a goal of having Black and Latino leaders represent at least 40 percent of all education leadership by 2020.

Over the past year we have learned even more about this work, including helping to lead an effort to understand the state of diversity in the education sector, said Frances Messano, managing partner, NewSchools Venture Fund. There is much discussion about the need for greater diversity in education leadership, but this groundbreaking study, Unrealized Impact, makes it concrete. We can clearly see the impact, potential and need for greater diversity in education leadership. NewSchools is committed to growing the number of Black and Latino leaders in education.

This funding opportunity is open to entrepreneurs with ambitious ideas focused on advancing Black and Latino leadership in education. Ideas may include efforts to attract, recruit, develop, retain, and/or place diverse leaders. Funding is in the range of $75,000-$150,000, and submissions are due by September 15, 2017. Decisions will be made in December 2017.

About NewSchools Venture Fund

NewSchools Venture Fund is a national nonprofit that supports and invests in promising entrepreneurs and teams of educators who want to reimagine learning. We help them accomplish their missions to achieve outstanding results for the schools, students, and educators they serve. We are committed to helping students graduate high school prepared and inspired to achieve their most ambitious dreams and plans. Through our investments, management assistance, network building, and thought leadership, NewSchools helps to reimagine PreK-12 education.

FinSMEs

04/08/2017
Car major Hyundai Motor India Ltd will ship out its new and high strength Verna sedan model starting later this year, an official said on Friday.

"We are targeting to sell around 4,500 units per month in the domestic market. We are confident of achieving the target. We will also start exporting the new Verna to Middle East, Europe, Latin America and other Asian markets," Y.K. Koo, Managing Director, told reporters here.

He said the company planned to export around 60,000 Verna units per year and the plant had the necessary capacity to achieve that.

The company showcased here its new and high strength Verna developed at an outlay of Rs 1,040 crore.

According to Koo, pre-booking for the new Verna started on Friday and will go on till 21 August.

He said the next generation Verna has super body structure built out of 50 percent advanced high strength steel (AHSS).

The model comes in petrol and diesel versions. The company also offers manual and automatic transmission options.

Koo said the company would deliver 10,000 units to customers before Diwali.

Queried about the car's price, Koo said it was yet to be finalised and may be less than Rs 10 lakh.

According to him, the industry size for Verna segment is around 12,000 units per month.

Asked about his confidence to sell 4,500 units per month when its current Verna sells around 700 units per month, Koo said a new model will spur sales.

A company official told IANS that prior to the launch of an upgraded model, production of existing model will be scaled down.

He also said HMIL would invest around Rs 5,000 crore to roll out eight new models over the next four years.

Koo said the company would touch a sales volume of around 6.7 lakh units this year and around 7 lakh units the next year.

Koo also ruled out any mild hybrid models from HMIL's stables.

He said HMIL was 21 years in India and the third largest market for parent company Hyundai.
New Delhi: The initial share sale offer of Cochin Shipyard garnered strong demand from investors with the issue getting oversubscribed 76.12 times on the last day of the bidding on Thursday.

The IPO, to raise up to Rs 1,468 crore, received bids for over 258 crore shares against the total issue size of 3,39,84,000 shares, data available with the NSE till 1930 hours on Thursday showed.

The category reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) was oversubscribed 63.52 times, non-institutional investors 288.87 times and retail investors 8.28 times. Till close of bidding on Wednesday, the IPO was oversubscribed 3.16 times.

The IPO of public sector unit Cochin Shipyard is in a price band of Rs 424-432.

SBI Capital Markets, Edelweiss Financial Services and JM Financial Institutional Securities are the book running lead managers to the issue.

The proceeds of the offer for sale will be received by the largest shareholder - The Government of India, while the company will not receive any proceeds from the offer for sale. Through this IPO, Government of India is offloading 25 percent stake in Cochin Shipyard. and post the public issue, government's shareholding in the company will come down to 75 percent.

Cochin Shipyard's current shipbuilding order book includes Phase-II of the IAC for the Indian Navy, two 500 passenger cum 150 ton cargo vessels and two 1,200 passenger cum 1,000 ton cargo vessels for the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and a vessel for one of the Government of India's projects, Moneycontrol report said.

The company has recorded consecutive profits in last five fiscal years. Its total income has increased from Rs 1,660.45 crore and Rs 69.28 crore, respectively, during the fiscal year ending 2015 to Rs 2,208.50 crore and Rs 312.18 crore, respectively, in fiscal 2017 at a CAGR of 15.33 percent and 112.27 percent, respectively, the report said.
The ongoing India-China military stand-off at Doka La may or may not escalate to an armed confrontation depending on the course of psychological warfare. But, for sure, a trade war is on between the two major economies. While the trade war wouldnt augur well for economies of either side, China has evidently more to lose. Experts on Chinese side have already warned their government of an economic backlash if India becomes an enemy.

It is hard to miss the signs. Chinese dailies are already playing up the news that India has initiated 12 investigations against Chinese products in the first half of this year (read a report here ), even more than the 11 cases the US is pursuing against Chinese imported goods. The Chinese government is highly concerned about New Delhis decision last week to investigate the Chinese products for dumping, the report quoted Wang Hejun, the director general of the Chinese commerce ministrys trade relief bureau.

Another report quoted the Global Times, a state-controlled daily in China, as saying the list of Chinese products covered by India's trade remedy investigations is getting ever longer, expanding from garments, glass, minerals and other low-end items to advanced products such as new materials and machinery.

Not just higher scrutiny, India is already taking steps to reduce dependence on Chinese imports to even critical segments, such as drug imports. A report in the Hindu Business Line (read here), says the Centre is working to reduce the Indian pharmaceutical industrys dependence on Chinese raw material imports. India has also put on hold the $1.3-billion deal under which Chinese company Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceuticals was to take over Hyderabad-based Gland Pharma.

These instances tell us a trade war is already on between India and China  both claim to be the nerve centres of manufacturing in the region. The downside of the trade relations will hit India. This isnt an easy decision for India. As the Business Line report points out, China is the major supplier of raw materials for active pharmaceutical ingredients to India and in some cases, including life-savings drugs, the dependence is as high as 90 percent. It isnt easy to stop these imports unless there is a mechanism in place.

But, looking at a larger picture, the economic impact of dwindling trade will not be too big for India as it doesnt have much exposure to China except in certain specific segments. But China has much to lose. There are a few reasons for this:

First, China has been enjoying a thriving trade relation with India over the years. India has about $ 52 billion trade deficit with China. Last year, India exported about $9 billion worth of goods to China while China exported $60 billion to India. Chinese presence is evident in almost all sectors ranging from electronic items to pharmaceutical products. Chinese companies would not want to spoil the business opportunities the Indian market offers to them.

Second, an even bigger impact for China will be on the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative. Antagonizing India could stall the progress of this ambitious Chinese project. China is well aware of this likely backlash. China has already invested heavily in this project. As noted in an earlier Firstpost piece, China is in the midst of expanding its economic reach in South Asia through its much-hyped China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is critical to its OBOR plan.

A significant chunk of investments (at least $ 50 billion so far) have already gone into this project by Chinese companies. India has already expressed its displeasure to China on CPEC plan layout since it crosses through the contentious part of Kashmir, which is occupied by Pakistan and claimed by India. Some of its neighbors like Sri Lanka too have spoken in favour of India on this issue saying it is difficult for India to accept the CPEC since it passes through the 'heart of Indian interests'. China will further risk the fate of CPEC and OBOR if it escalates tensions as India can pave hurdles on the progress of OBOR.

Third, Chinese experts have already cautioned their government about the negative impact China will face in the Indian Ocean, where India has a dominant position. As this article in South China Morning Post notes, China is heavily reliant on imported fuel and more than 80 percent of its oil imports travel via the Indian Ocean or Strait of Malacca. India is strategically located at the heart of Chinas energy lifeline and the Belt and Road Initiative, and offending India will only push it into the rival camp, which [Beijing believes] is scheming to contain China by blocking the Malacca Strait and the Indian Ocean, the article quoted Macau-based military expert Antony Wong Dong as saying.

Fourth, India has much stronger diplomatic ties with US, Japan and a host of other countries than ever before. Making India an enemy would push China in the opposite camp and it will erode the gains it has been making as a peace-loving, matured country that aspires to become a world leader. Beijing wouldnt want to gamble its hard-won image by prolonging the military stand-off with India. Also, it is set to host the 2017 BRICS meet in September where India is a member along with Brazil, Russia and South Africa. It will be a big embarrassment for the Chinese leaders to face an Indian delegation to talk on strengthening BRICS at a time when both countries are engaged in a trade war and likely military conflict.

Perhaps, China has even more reasons to put an end to this uneasy phase at the earliest than India has, the main among them, of course being the fate of its ambitious OBOR initiative.
New Delhi: The first tax returns under the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime can be filed from Saturday and the facility will remain open till 20 August, GST Network Chairman Navin Kumar said on Thursday.

Businesses can start filing their first GST returns and pay taxes for July on the portal of GST Network -- the IT infrastructure provider for the new indirect tax regime, beginning August 5, he told PTI here.

To make compliance easy for businesses, the GST Council has allowed businesses to initially file their returns on self-assessment basis in the first two months of the GST rollout. So, the GST returns for July and August will be filed on the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) portal by filling up GSTR 3B form.

"We will start the facility of filing interim return form GSTR 3B by August 5 and any registered entity who has transacted business in July will have to file the return by August 20," Kumar said.

GSTN has tied up with 25 agency banks authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to collect taxes, he said.

"We have tied up with all major banks, both private and public. The facility for tax payment is already on and Integrated GST is being collected. Along with filing of returns by August 20, payments for central and state GST will also come in," said Kumar, in-charge of the biggest technology backbone created for the new indirect tax regime.

Over 71.30 lakh excise, service tax and VAT payers have migrated to the GSTN portal with 13 lakh fresh registrations.

The final GST returns for July will have to be filed by these businesses by 5 September instead of 10 August.

Companies will have to file sale invoice for August with GST Network by 20 September instead of 10 September earlier.

The sales returns for September will have to be filed by 10 October.
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Doka La standoff has kicked off a trade war between India and China.

There are many instances that prove the trade war is currently on. China is concerned about India's investigation against 12 Chinese products over the last six months, while India is stonewalling the acquisition of an Indian company by a Chinese firm. As Dinesh Unnikrishnan of Firstpost writes, these instances are more than enough for us to conclude that a trade war is already on between the neighbours. It may not be an all-out battle yet, but it has begun.

And this is not good news, for a trade war is as bad as an armed confrontation. A trade war affects the economy, its people's financial security. While Chinese economy is facing rough weather, India is also not in the pink of health. There are widespread job losses. While the informal sector has been hit hard by demonetisation and GST implementation, the formal sectors such as IT industry are hit by protectionism in the western markets and technological advancement.

This probably is the reason why external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday told Rajya Sabha that the solution to the Doka La standoff with China should be solved through diplomatic talks and trade rather than going to war.

She also expressed confidence that India's attempts at diplomatic talks would lead to a peaceful solution.

Clearly, peace at the border matters a lot. For only that can bring more trade.

Here's a look at how trade between two the countries have evolved over the last 10 years:

Over the past 10 years, India's merchandise exports to China have been volatile. It ranged between $9 billion and $18 billion. The peak was $18 billion recorded in 2011-12. In 2015-16, however, it fell to a nine-year low of $9 billion in 2015-16. In the last financial year, the exports witnessed an improvement to $10.2 billion. Commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman said recently in the Lok Sabha that efforts are being made to increase overall exports to the country by diversifying the trade basket with emphasis on manufactured goods, services, resolution of market access issues and other non-trade barriers.

In 2007-08, India's merchandise exports to China saw a record 30.6 percent rise on year. In the three fiscals from 2009-10 to 2011-12 the growth was consistently above 20 percent. However, the exports declined drastically in 2012-13 by 25.1 percent due to base effect. There was a similar decline of 24.5 percent in 2015-16.

However, exports to China as a percent of total exports by India is on a declining trend in the recent years. The figure peaked at 6.7 percent in 2007-08. In 2009-10, also the share was higher at 6.5 percent. But after that it started declining gradually and stood at 3.7 percent in 2016-17.

Over the past 10 years, India's merchandise imports from China have seen an exponential increase of 251 percent from $17.48 billion in 2006-07 to $61.29 billion in 2016-17. In comparison, India's exports to China has risen a meagre 22.5 percent during the same period.

In 2007-08, India's merchandise imports from China rose a record 55.3 percent on year. In comparison, India's total imports that year rose by 35.5 percent. The second biggest rise was in 2010-11 when the growth was 41.1 percent. Over the past 10 years, Chinese imports witnessed decline, that too marginal, only four times -- in the range of 5.5 percent to 0.7 percent.

Imports of Chinese goods as a percent of total imports by India have grown from 10.8 percent in 2007-08 to 16 percent in 2015-16 and 2016-17. Until 2013-14, the share remained in the 10-11 percent range. It increased to 13.5 percent in 2014-15 and then to 16 percent the next two years.

Over the past 10 years, India's merchandise trade (exports and imports together) with China soared 177 percent from $25.8 billion in 2006-07 to $71.48 billion in 2016.17. The highest amount of trade happened in 2011-12 when the aggregate figure stood at $73.39 billion. In the 10-year period, China was No. 2 trading partner for India for five years after the United Arab Emirates and No.1 for the balance five years.

The percentage growth in India's merchandise trade with China fell from peak of 47.4 percent in 2007-08 to just 1.1 percent in 2016-17. It has to be noted that the percent growth in India's total trade with all countries had slipped from 32.9 percent to meagre 2.7 percent during the same period.

Over the past 10 years, trade with China as a percent of India's total trade has more or less remained steady. It moved in a narrow range of 9.2 percent in 2007-08 to 10.8 percent in 2016.17.

India's trade deficit with China has shown a tremendous rise of 458 percent from $9.15 billion in 2006-07 to $51.09 billion in 2016-17. It had the highest growth of 77.8 percent in 2007-08. In 2016-17 the trade deficit declined marginally by 3 percent. The wide deficit is because India's imports from China is five times more than its exports to that country.

(With inputs from Rajesh Pandathil)
NR Narayana Murthy has sparked a fresh row asking Infosys to make public an audit report it had commissioned on the acquisition of Israeli firm Panaya and other allegations about corporate governance at the country's second largest software exporter, according to a report in the Business Standard.

However, the company has rejected the demand, the report said. The internal audit was conducted by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, a global consultancy firm. Infosys has made public only the summary of the findings.

Murthy, according to the report, has written to the Infosys board asking why did senior executives such as Ritika Suri quit the company soon after the report gave a clean chit. Suri, who led the acquisition of Israeli automation technology firm Panaya for Infosys, was based out of the US. She quit the company on by mid-July.

A former executive at SAP, Suri was brought into Infosys by CEO Vishal Sikka in September 2014. She was later elevated as the EVP (Corporate Development and Ventures).

Infosys announced buying the Israeli automation technology company for $200 million or Rs 1,250 crore in cash in February 2015.

Apart from Suri, Anirban Dey (global head and chief business officer of Edge products) and Yusuf Bashir (MD of Infosys Innovation Fund) also quit the company over the last few months.

Panaya deal history

The deal became controversial after two anonymous letters in February 2017 alleged wrongdoing in some of Infosys' acquisitions, including Panaya. The letters had also raised issues such as improper contracting and CEO compensation as well as expenditures.

After the allegations, the company had instituted an independent forensic investigation by US law firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher. The results of the probe that came out last month, gave a clean chit to Suri on the deal.

On the acquisition, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher had said it did not find any evidence of "inappropriate contracting" or that the mergers and acquisitions team failed to obtain appropriate approvals.

"Gibson Dunn and Control Risks have now completed their detailed and extensive Independent Investigation and as they have described in the attached document, they did not find any evidence whatsoever of wrongdoing," Infosys had said in a statement.

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, in its report, said it had found no evidence to support allegations regarding wrongdoing by the company or its directors and employees.

It added that there were no conflicts of interest or kickbacks and the approvals required for the acquisitions were obtained with regard to the Panaya acquisition.

"...Thorough due diligence was conducted, the valuations of the target companies done by an outside financial advisor were reasonable, and the purchase prices were within the range of values determined by that advisor," it had said.

It also said it had found no evidence that Sikka had received excessive variable compensation or incurred unreasonable expenses for security, travel and the Palo Alto office.

With inputs from PTI
After making its presence felt in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) space and making MNCs firmly entrenched in India for years to change some of their products to herbal variant, Patanjali Ayurved is planning to come out with a 'swadeshi' clothing line in April 2018.

Curiously, this time around the companys claim is that the clothes will not only offer value-for-money for the masses but also that the apparel will have a snob value for the classes, according to a report in the Mint. And the aim is to hit Rs 5,000 crore sales in the first year of operation. Experts and industry players are divided on the 'grand entry' planned by Patanjali into the apparel sector.

For the uninitiated, the Indian textiles industry currently estimated at around $120 billion is expected to reach $230 billion by 2020. The apparel market in India is estimated to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 11.8 percent to reach $180 billion by 2025, according to Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).

Rutu Kumar, the first lady of Indian fashion, says that it is nice to know that clothes made by an Indian brand is aiming at a snob value. So far, cotton and khadi fabrics were at the bottom of the pyramid and to have elitism associated with handlooms and Indian fabrics is very good. I welcome the move, she said.

Kumar felt that it was encouraging to have a brand willing to make products from the point of view of the Indian quotient and work towards the culture of the country. Too long have we looked at the ramps of Paris for inspiration which does not work in the country at all. We have the largest number of craftspeople  16 million  who work in the textile industry. If they were to find work in the new brand, it would be good."

Baba Ramdev or any other official of Patanjali has not yet mentioned anything about handlooms. His spokesperson SK Tijarawala said in the Mint report, We will start with woven clothes, knitwear and machine-made apparel, including denims.

In September 2016, the orange-robe clad bearded yoga guru Baba Ramdev had announced his intention of coming out with Paridhan, an Indian label that would focus not just on traditional wear but also modern clothes like desi jeans (read the interview in The Telegraph here). Products like clothing, which we will design and brand, can be outsourced. There are many good manufacturers in Ludhiana and other textile centres for that work," he had said.

The number of local brands in apparels is still far less compared with the west. There wont be enough Indian brands to fill the shelves of a very large mall, said Kumar Rajagopalan, Retailers Association of India. From that point of view, another indigenous label in the retail space was welcome, he said.

Fashion factor

The question that is uppermost in peoples minds is, what is the differentiation that Patanjali will be offering in apparel with the Paridhan brand?

So far, Patanjali has sold itself and appealed to customers with its indigenous claim. The image that has permeated with the brand is that of healthcare and Ayurveda.

India has many local, regional and national brands and they are available at almost every price points in the branded and unbranded category. There are many analysts and industry experts who are skeptical about the ambitious plans of Patanjali with its new brand though they welcome its entry into the apparel market.

Almost all who Firstpost spoke with were categorical that Baba Ramdevs brand equity was not transferable to the Paridhan brand. Baba Ramdevs brand is that of yoga, health and fitness. I dont see how it can be extended to clothes, said Arvind Singhal, chairman and managing director of Technopak Advisors, a retail industry consulting firm.

The brand, Paridhan, seeks to be distinct from Patanjali but that wont make it different. It will still be associated with the Patanjali brand, said Siddharth Shekhar Singh, associate professor of marketing at the Indian School of Business. However, it will also depend on the market that the brand has targeted, he said.

It is a fallacy that international brands have a major role to play in the apparel sector in the country. They are known because the media celebrates them and write about their store openings, says Rakesh Biyani, joint managing director, Future Retail Ltd. Foreign brands contribute only 0.02 percent of the apparel brand market in India, he said. However, Biyani said since Baba Ramdev and the Patanjali brand have a distinctive brand recall, he was looking forward to the groups interpretation of fashion.

Swadeshi cannot be a brand, said a sector analyst. The market for apparel goes by styling and fashion and you cannot explain fashion with an ideology. Thats something no one will buy into, he said.

Patanjali has deep pockets and anyone with resources at their disposal like it has can foray into another sector easily. "But funds alone cannot determine its success. If Paridhan can leverage the brand equity that Patanjali has, it may be able to protect the brand from negative association," said Singh of ISB. But he failed to see how Paridhan could build an identity independent of Patanjali.

Price vs affordability

What would distinguish the Paridhan brand may be its affordable tag, if that is an element, considering that has been one of Patanjali's winning points in the FMCG sector. If the brand is offering apparel at affordable rates, it will have to have to make a unique offering as apparel is available in almost every price points. There are so many brands in the country at present but the fact that Patanjali has decided to launch its own label is significant, said Singh of ISB.

Baba Ramdev and Patanjali are trying to extend their success quotient from food and consumer products to clothing, which is the second largest consumer spend in the country. If his ambition to expand the product portfolio to 10x succeeds, then he is on the right path, say analysts. If he were to make yoga mats, clothing for yoga practitioners, for instance, that would still sync in with the image of Baba Ramdev and the brand, analysts point out.

However, that's not the case. Baba Ramdev had earlier said 'desi' jeans is a category that Paridhan will be looking at. The term desi jeans itself is problematic. As leading fashion designer Narendra Kumar Ahmed pointed out in an interview with Firstpost earlier every pair of jeans in the world is made in India. The fabric is sourced here. India exports denim fabric to the world. Benetton, the worlds largest casual wear apparel firm, has a design studio in India. Making jeans in India is not a new concept, Ahmed had pointed out.

The fact that Patanjali has achieved brand recall in even smaller towns and cities in the country works in its favour though. That could be a good reason why jeans as a category may work in Patanjali's favour. Baba Ramdev has created a large base for himself with his other initiatives and he can use this base to drive consumers with his latest product, jeans, at a mass level. Swadeshi jeans is a great idea. The term also exudes self-confidence and there is a great essence of nationalism because of the government of the day. And this new initiative can be driven around it. There is a revival of textiles in India and it can be used for high fashion, too, says Ahmed.

However, there are serious doubts over the sales target pegged at Rs 5,000 crore. An analyst was amused by the audacity of that ambition. "Starting from zero in the apparel industry which is a new sector for Patanjali, to aim for Rs 5,000 crore in the first year is too much of a stretch," he remarked.

"It is too ambitious a target," said Arvind Pradhan, director-general, Indian Merchants Chamber. "Paridhan has no presence yet in the apparel market and no USP too. It cannot ride high on the fame of Baba Ramdev alone."

Until the Paridhan brand enters the market, the queries on the fashion, style and price factor will remain a puzzle. Will it hit the target like Patanjali did? That is too far-fetched an idea as of now, industry experts feel.
Mumbai: Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Thursday approved the launch of 85 additional derivatives in stock exchanges of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City International Financial Service Centre (GIFT City IFSC).

SEBI elaborated that approval has been granted to BSE's India INX (International Exchange) and NSE IFSC at the GIFT City IFSC to launch derivatives on additional 33 and 52 Indian stocks, respectively.

"SEBI had already operationalised two stock exchanges... and advised that all categories of exchange-traded products as available for trading in stock exchanges in FATF/IOSCO (Financial Action Task Force/ International Organisation of Securities Commissions) compliant jurisdictions shall be eligible for trading subject to prior approval of Sebi," the regulator said.

The approval now allows India INX and NSE IFSC to offer trade in a well-diversified range of products spanning various asset classes which include Indian index derivatives, derivatives on Indian stocks, derivatives on foreign stocks, currency derivatives and commodity futures on gold, silver and base metals.

According to Vikram Limaye, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, additional derivatives will encourage greater participation from foreign investors.

"This will enhance the offering of NSE IFSC for India based products and encourage much greater participation from foreign investors to give GIFT city a competitive edge among international IFSC's," Limaye said.

On its part, BSE's India INX said that 54 single stock derivatives will be offered for trade on its platform from Friday.

"Starting 4 August, 2017, a total of 54 single stock derivatives will be traded on BSE's India INX, clocking a market capitalisation of Rs 72,34,061.09 crore, which amounts to 55 per cent of Rs 1,31,77,196.54 crore on BSE," the stock exchange major said in a statement.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of India INX V. Balasubramaniam said: "We have sought more product approvals from the regulator and are looking forward to creating a robust ecosystem for our clients."
Kolkata: Tata Chemicals on Thursday said it has cancelled the transaction related to acquisition of Unnati Inorganics Private Ltd's precipitated silica operation due to "non-fulfilment of certain conditions".

The company, in May, had said that it signed a business transfer agreement with Unnati Inorganics located at Dahej in Gujarat, to acquire their undertaking of precipitated silica operation on a slump sale basis for a consideration of Rs 34.20 crore.

"In this regard, we wish to inform you that the company has cancelled the transaction in view of non-fulfilment of certain condition precedents set out in the agreement," Tata Chemicals said in a regulatory filing.

The cancelled acquisition was part of the Rs 295-crore investment approved by the Tata Chemicals board earlier in February 2017 for this business.

"The above (cancellation of transaction) decision does not affect the execution of the project with an investment of Rs 295 crore for manufacturing of precipitated highly dispersible silica as approved the Board of Directors... which is on track," the company added.
The nepotism debate in Bollywood has been brewing for several months now. What began on an episode of Karan Johar's show Koffee With Karan with Kangana Ranaut quickly escalated into an industry-wide issue on which every celebrity was expected to reveal their views. Some celebrities skirted questions, but Emraan Hashmi was not one of them. He recently acknowledged that it was his "inside connection" that landed him a role in his debut film Footpath (2003).

"Yes, nepotism exists in our industry, and I got a break because of it. If my uncle [Mahesh Bhatt], who is a producer and director hadnt been there, I wouldnt have been an actor," he said in an interview to Hindustan Times.

However, he added that he was not initially keen to take up acting. He said that there was no 'need' for him to get into movies, that he happened to become an actor after he finished college. He said the bias of filmmakers towards their family is obvious, adding that while he would not push his son into acting, it would be easier for him because his father is an actor and producer.

Speaking about the downside of an industry connection, he said that he fears that his son will be boxed into his own image, thereby destroying his individuality. He says his son will not be afforded the chance to start afresh like outsiders do.

Emraan Hashmi will be seen next in Baadshaho, where he stars with Ajay Devgn, Ileana D'Cruz, and Esha Gupta.
Jab Harry Met Sejal is not When Harry Met Sally. With its bow to one of the greatest Hollywood romances ever made, the title of Imtiaz Alis new release seemed to suggest that his film would be not a mere romance but a conversation on the very meaning of love, attraction and the whole shebang that goes with it.

Maybe instead Ali should have opted for the name Much Ado About Harry and Sejal. Because, with due apologies to Bill Shakespeare, barring the chemistry between the lead stars, this is precisely what the film amounts to: nothing. The nothing about which much ado was made in one of Shakespeares most famous works.

Shah Rukh Khan here plays Harry a.k.a. Harindar Singh Nehra, a Punjab-born, Canadian passport-holding tour guide in Europe who is forced to accompany Sejal Zhaveri (Anushka Sharma) on a trans-continental search for her lost engagement ring. Harry had been assigned to her group  consisting of her family and friends  as they travelled across Europe for a month, when her boyfriend Rupen proposed marriage to her, and slipped that ring on her finger. She promptly misplaced it. Rupen sees her carelessness as an indicator of her lack of commitment, so she decides to stay back, find it in the haystack that is Europe and prove to him how much she loves him.

Obviously, this gives Ali the opportunity to combine his two favourite cinematic genres, the road movie and the romance. The locations (Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Lisbon and Frankfurt) are picturesque, of course, and cinematographer KU Mohanan delivers on the visuals. The same cannot be said of Alis writing of his characters motivations.

Jab Harry Met Sejal is a lost cause from the word go. Sejals reasons for staying on in Europe, her pile-on behaviour, Harrys back story, her carelessness as she wanders lonely streets and darkened nightclubs in alien lands  none of it is credible and frankly, neither Sharma nor Khan appears convinced of why Sejal and Harry do what they do.

Sejal keeps insisting she is devoted to Rupen yet also keeps pushing Harry to admit that she is f**kable (the euphemism she uses is laayak, the Hindi word for worthy, I kid you not). The pressing question that should have kept a film like this going is: do they get together in the end? The truth though is, that within about 30 minutes of Harry-Sejals running time, I did not give a damn.

It is hard to believe that the man who made such thinking entertainers as Jab We Met and Tamasha has created this boring film. Worse, through Sejals teasing ways, her stupidity and a troubling conversation she has with Harrys ex-girlfriend Clara in Frankfurt, Ali seems to be quietly making a rather disturbing point about the meaning of consent in sexual relations, women who  as the prejudice goes  ask for it, women who cry rape after asking for it and so on.

Perhaps this should not come as a surprise considering that, although some of his heroines have been strong women, the writer-director did, after all, come up with a very problematic man-woman relationship in Rockstar, and has casually featured rape jokes in both Rockstar and Jab We Met.

As Harry and Sejal wade through philosophical bullshit about finding oneself, finding the one you are meant to be with and so on, Jab Harry Met Sejal gets more exasperating with each passing minute. There is a fantastic Indian word for pretentious art of this kind: pakau.

I honestly wanted the film to end when just 45 minutes had passed

But it did not.

It lasted for 99 minutes thereafter.

Yes it did.

In the midst of all this pointlessness, SRK and Sharmas torrid chemistry is the only thing that kept me from falling off to sleep in the second half of Harry-Sejal. Although she is young enough to be his daughter (seriously SRK, why are you doing this?), in a scenario where male stars tend to want to act with women half their age, I would rather see these two together than Khan with any of the other 20- or 30-somethings in the industry.

He is getting hotter with age, she has infectious verve and the charisma to match him pop for pop, crackle for crackle, spark for spark. Harry-Sejals premise is beyond jaded, but the Sharma-Khan on-screen equation is so sizzling, that I cannot remember the last time I wanted to see a couple have sex in a film as much as I wanted to see this pair get down and dirty.

So do they? Well, if you are willing to subject yourself to Alis mind-numbing take on the definition of a soulmate (no doubt that is what Harry-Sejal fancies itself to be), then you will find the answer for yourself.

The only other positives I can think of in Jab Harry Met Sejal are Hitesh Soniks pretty background score and the pizzazz in Pritams songs, especially 'Main banoo teri Radha'. After a while though, even that is not enough and in fact, it feels like there are just too many numbers packed into the film.

Jab Harry Met Sejal is occasionally funny, but not half as funny or cute or ruminative as it clearly thinks it is. Hats off to Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma for managing to raise the Centigrades in this otherwise pakau disaster.
On Thursday, 3 August, the Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that it has withdrawn the appointment of a special public prosecutor in the case of the death of Bollywood actress Jiah Khan. The trail, which had been stayed in the lower court thus far, will now be resumed, reports The Hindu.

A petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the appointment of special public prosecutor Dinesh Tiwari in the case was heard by a single-judge bench consisting of Justice AK Menon. The reason given for the petition was that since the CBI is the investigating agency, the government should not appoint a prosecutor, and Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni informed the court that this withdrawal would take place.

The plea was dismissed and the court directed that the trial be resumed; it had been stayed due to the challenge. Currently, the lower court is in the process of framing charges against the accused Sooraj Pancholi.

On 25 February 2017, the High Court stayed the trial against Pancholi until it could take a decision regarding the CBI's plea against the appointment of a prosecutor. In May 2016, the state government asked that charges of rape and murder be levied upon Pancholi at the trial court.

On 15 February 2016, the actress' mother Rabia Khan moved the High Court against the CBI report which stated that Jiah Khan had committed suicide, stating that it was rather a case of homicide. This plea was dismissed in February 2017.

Jiah Khan was found dead on 3 June 2013 in her apartment, and Sooraj Pancholi was arrested on the charge of abetment of suicide on 10 June. He was granted bail on 2 July 2013 by the High Court.
That Akshay Kumar's upcoming film with Bhumi Pednekar, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, is not shy when it comes talking about open defecation and the lack of sanitation facilities is hardly a secret. But now, the makers of the film have taken this a step further with the latest song 'Toilet Ka Jugaad', where Kumar urges people to help him curb the problem by undertaking 'jugaad' and working towards ensuring that each house has an accessible toilet.

The tone of the song, sung by Akshay Kumar himself, is a lot like a public service announcement, but that hardly comes as a surprise, considering the film's publicity strategies and subject matter. The video opens with the line, "India leads the world in open defecation" and continues giving the viewer facts about this issue.

The basic idea of the song is that despite having made scientific and cultural progress, flying to the moon and creating 3D films, a majority of Indians still defecate in places other than toilets. We're told about the dangers that this situation poses to women, especially. Kumar even goes on to say that if people have gotten used to and are comfortable with this lack of privacy, they should also stop wearing dhotis.

In the video, we see Kumar's character Keshav visit the offices of several bureaucrats. There are also scattered shots of random men relieving themselves in the open, and you can hear Kumar asking how long they will continue to do this.

Directed by Shree Narayan Singh, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is slated to release on 11 August.

Watch the song here:


Actor Robert Hardy, a familiar face on British television who also played the minister of magic in the Harry Potter franchise, has died aged 91, his family announced on.

"It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Hardy CBE on 3 August announced his death, following a tremendous life: a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning more than 70 years," a statement from his children Emma, Justine and Paul said.

They added, "Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work."

The announcement further described Hardy as "a meticulous linguist, a fine artist, a lover of music and a champion of literature, as well a highly respected historian, and a leading specialist on the longbow".

Born in 1925, Hardy started his career at 24 in a stage adaptation of William Shakespeare's Coriolanus, the first of many theatre roles.

He was also part of several long-standing television shows, including the BBC's famed All Creatures Great and Small, which ran for 12 years.

The Bafta-nominated actor later appeared in the Harry Potter films as Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, beginning with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002. He reprised the role in 2004's Prisoner of Azkaban, 2005's Goblet of Fire, and 2007's Order of the Phoenix.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling tweeted expressing grief over Hardy's demise:

So very sad to hear about Robert Hardy. He was such a talented actor and everybody who worked with him on Potter loved him.  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 3, 2017

Hardy was awarded a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)  one of Britain's highest honours  in 1981 for his services to acting.

(With inputs from agencies)
Indu Sarkar is Madhur Bhandarkars cleverly titled film on the 1975-77 period when then prime minister Indira Gandhi got President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to declare a state of Emergency across the country, allowing her, in effect, to be a Constitutional dictator. It is one of the most dismal phases in Indias post-Independence history, marked by the imprisonment of all Indiras political opponents, a clamp-down on free speech and the press, and several human rights violations including, most famously, a programme of forced mass sterilisation of men across age groups.

With the Emergency in the foreground, Bhandarkar brings to us the story of the titular protagonist (played by Kirti Kulhari), an orphan in Delhi who has spent her entire life trying to overcome a congenital stammer. Teenaged and surnameless, Indu wants nothing more than to be a good wife to some man some day. On the eve of the Emergency, she meets a Bengali named Navin Sarkar (Tota Roy Choudhury), a government official whose star is rising due to his known proximity to a prominent Congress politician. Indu and Navin marry, and she lives out an opinionless existence as his servile spouse until one day during the Emergency, she happens to venture into Turkman Gate area in Delhi, where the police are engaged in a street battle with residents opposing the bulldozing of their houses by the sarkar (government).

Indu is fictional but the police firing on civilians during the Turkman Gate slum demolition is very much a part of recorded history. Our heroines life changes forever when she brings home two children whose parents go missing in the melee that day.

There is rich irony in the fact that some Muslims believe Turkman Gate exemplified Indiras son Sanjay Gandhis anti-Muslim agenda (read Turkman Gate relives Emergency horror, The Times of India, June 2015, and John Dayal and Ajoy Boses book For Reasons of State: Delhi Under the Emergency, excerpted on The Wire in June 2015). The irony comes from the fact that Congress has always positioned itself as a secular party, and is currently at loggerheads with the ruling BJP, which makes no bones about its majoritarian, anti-minority agenda.

Bhandarkar  a committed admirer of the BJP  is clearly conscious of the parallels, which should explain why he completely excludes Sanjays wife Maneka Gandhi from Indu Sarkar. No doubt, portraying Maneka in the film would have been most inconvenient, considering that she was reportedly constantly by Sanjays side through the Emergency, yet she is a Union Minister in the present BJP government and her son Feroz Varun Gandhi is also a BJP member.

If Bhandarkar had had the courage to reference Maneka in his film, he could have made a cutting statement on how, at least in the context of the Congress' attacks on minorities during the Emergency and the BJP's anti-minorityism since its inception in the 1980s, these parties are two sides of the same coin.

He does not. Instead, he chooses to appease the present establishment, erasing Maneka from the Emergency and showing Sanjay throughout the film in the company of other known figures from that period: prototypes of his real-life shadows Rukhsana Sultana, VC Shukla and Jagdish Tytler among others. (Sanjay, oddly enough, is named Chief and not Sanjay here, Sultanas surname is only mentioned in passing, the others are not named but each is styled to resemble the person they are obviously based on.)

The writer-directors lack of academic objectivity is his films Achilles heel. Still, Indu Sarkar is interesting in certain ways. The leading lady, for one, is a telling metaphor for the voiceless who find their voice when faced with extreme injustice. The talented and underrated Kulhari, who was brilliant in last years Pink, lends relatable sensitivity to Indu. Neil Nitin Mukesh manages to extract something out of his role, even though Sanjay Gandhi is written here with no nuance and no graph whatsoever. Mukeshs styling as Sanjay is remarkable. Seeing him on screen is almost like seeing the late politicians doppelganger.

With the benefit of a better-developed part, Tota Roy Choudhury is notable as Indus authoritarian husband, as is Satyajeet Sharma playing the Minister Om Nath. (Note: Choudhury's name is misspelt in the credits as "Totaroy Chaudhary").

These positives, however, are overshadowed by Indu Sarkars political iffiness and often shallow writing. For one, apart from Indu, Navin and Om Nath, the rest are all cardboard cutouts and hangers-on. In choosing to downplay the other Indu, namely Indira (and by that I mean not just her fleeting appearance in Indu Sarkar but also in what appears to be her limited role in the goings on), Bhandarkar unwittingly lays almost the entire blame for Emergency atrocities on Sanjay. The character played by Anupam Kher, leader of a group of non-violent, anti-Emergency activists, is clearly an allusion to Jayaprakash Narayan  in Indu Sarkar the great man is reduced to a one-line concept.

In failing to rein in his biases, the director has missed an opportunity with Indu Sarkar. The Case of the Missing Maneka is one of many questionable choices he makes here. By casually setting the films first mass sterilisation scene in a largely Muslim area, he appears to be wordlessly pandering to the prevailing Hum paanch, hamare pachchees (We five, our 25) prejudice against the Muslim community in the country.

Bhandarkar, who once made that lovely Chandni Bar (2001) with Tabu, has delivered a qualitative downslide post-Fashion in 2008. His Heroine (2012) was steeped in cliches, and 2015s Calendar Girls was both crass and regressive. To be fair, Indu Sarkars writing (story and screenplay by Anil Pandey and Bhandarkar, dialogues by Sanjay Chhel) is more mature than those last two films. We are certainly spared his by-now-predictable template (such as satellite scenes in which household help and others from less advantaged economic classes discuss their bosses, a stereotypical gay supporting character, etc), which is a huge relief.

However, better does not mean good. While Indu Sarkars narrative is more engaging than Bhandarkars recent works, it is still inadequate.

At one point, an important character in Indu Sarkar reminds a lawyer that she is anti-government, not anti-national, deshdrohi nahin, sarkar virodhi. It is a comment perfectly suited to the Emergency, while also mirroring present-day India where anyone who questions the ruling party, the prime minister or the government is labelled anti-national by their supporters, and where several commentators have spoken of the country being in a state of undeclared Emergency. Imagine how beautifully that statement could have been used to remind us that humanity repeats the mistakes of the past because we ignore our history. For that to happen though, Indu Sarkar required writing of greater depth and analysis, with less political selectiveness. As things stand, it is a matter-of-fact narration of certain events, with very little layering, elevated by good acting. We know the Emergency happened. Can you provide us with insights that go beyond mere facts? And if you cannot, what is the point?

To say that Indu Sarkar is better than Heroine and Calendar Girls is hardly a compliment to the man who made Chandni Bar and Page 3.
Actor Salman Khan has been a persistent visitor of the Jodhpur courts ever since the time he, along with some of his co-actors, was accused of poaching blackbucks on the night of 1 October, 1998 during the shooting of Hindi movie Hum Saath-Saath Hain. Along with this, he was also accused of carrying and using illegal arms (an unlicensed .22 rifle and a .32 revolver), after which a case under the Arms Act was registered against him.

The actor visited the court yet again on 4 August, 2017 to sign bail bonds over the 19-year old Arms Act case, reports The Indian Express.

The report said that the actor appeared before the court at around 12.45 pm, signed a bail bond of Rs 20,000 and immediately left after that. The next hearing for the case has been scheduled on 1 October, 2017.

Khan was acquitted by the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate on 18 January, 2017 under the Arms Act case on the grounds of benefit of doubt. In March, the Rajasthan government had also appealed against his acquittal, reports The Indian Express. He had also filed a bail bond in the higher court, that of the District and Sessions judge, in the case.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Khan's lawyer, Hastimal Saraswat, said, "At the last hearing, the court wanted Salman to appear before the court and sign the bail bond today, which he has done. Now for the next hearing which is on 5 October, Salman Khan is not required to be present for that hearing."

Khan was busy shooting for the upcoming Tiger Zinda Hai with Katrina Kaif in Morocco and he reportedly returned to Mumbai recently.
The Big Bang Theory is arguably one of the most popular comedy series ever. The physicists duo (Leonard and Sheldon), their scientist friends (Howard and Rajesh), and their neighbour (Penny) have been entertaining people since the past 10 years spread across 10 successful seasons.

But the TV's most watched comedy series in the demographic sample of "advertiser-coveted adults" aged between 18 to 49 is reportedly expected to come to an end with its 12th season, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

It was earlier reported that the series has been renewed for two more seasons, for a total of 48 episodes, thus making it CBS' long-running shows.

"We never really figured to be at year 11, let alone what's going to happen after 12. One could easily presume that would be the end of the series, but I'm just amazed we're here," Chuck Lorre, co-creator of the TV series told The Hollywood Reporter.

He was present at the press launch of Young Sheldon, the spin-off to The Big Bang Theory, at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour on 1 August. Young Sheldon, which will feature the voice of Parsons providing narration, tells the story of a 9-year-old Sheldon Cooper growing up in Texas. The show stars Big Little Lies' Iain Armitage as Sheldon Cooper, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Raegan Revord and Montana Jordan.

Recently, the cast of The Big Bang Theory was also in news when it was reported that the original cast, that includes Jim Parsons (Sheldon), Johnny Galecki (Leonard), Kaley Cuoco (Penny), Kunal Nayyar (Rajesh Koothrappali) and Simon Helberg (Howard), agreed to take pay cuts so that the relatively new cast Mayim Bialik (Amy) and Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) could get the salary parity that they had demanded for earlier, in the renewed season 11 and 12.

Steven Molaro, the executive producer and showrunner of the series has also stepped down from his post so that he can concentrate on Young Sheldon, while Steve Holland is all set take the flagship show forward from the upcoming 11th season.
Anantnag: A family from south Kashmir claimed that LeT terrorist Abu Dujana, killed by security forces, was their lost son Muzafar but beat a hasty retreat when asked to give their DNA samples, officials said on Friday.

The family from Kokernag, 64 km from Pulwama where Dujana was gunned down on Tuesday, reached on Friday with a few others. They approached local police saying he was their son who had gone missing in 1999 and wanted to claim his body.

Given that Dujana is believed to be from Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir police had said they would ask the Pakistan High Commission to take his body, this came as a surprise, officials said.

Narrating the incident, officials in the know said the visibly agitated group demanded to know where Dujana had been buried. They wanted to claim his body and offer fresh 'Namaz-e-Jinaza' (last prayers). They insisted on burying him afresh in their ancestral graveyard, officials said.

The 'family' claimed Dujana was actually Mohammed Muzafar Magrey, son of Ghulam Mohammed Magrey, from Checki Danibat locality of Kokernag. He had fled in 1999 and never returned. But the family was unable to provide any documentary proof to back their claim, the officials said.

Faced with what could be a tricky situation, the group was asked to sit down and ready for a DNA test. Faced with the ultimatum, the group quietened down and started leaving one by one.

They were not seen after that, officials said, adding that the DNA sample of Dujana, buried in north Kashmir, has been preserved.

Dujana was identified by the family where he was staying with in Pulwama. They had told police that Abu Dujana had claimed his family lived in Karachi.

Dujana, whose actual identity was not known, was killed in an encounter with a joint team of police, army and para-military forces on 2 August.
Guwahati: The government of Assam will constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to inquire into the brutal killing of All Bodo Minority Students Union (ABMSU) president Lafikul Islam, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.

The government is also planning to request the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the killing.

"The state government will write to CBI to investigate the case," the Assam Chief Minister said after holding a meeting with the representatives of ABMSU, All Assam Minorities Students Union (AAMSU) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) at Brahmaputra State Guest House in the city.

He announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the slain ABMSU leader.

An amount of Rs 50,000 would also be provided to Subhankar Chakraborty, who also received bullet injury in the incident and the state government would bear all his medical expenses, Sonowal stated.

The Chief Minister also said that he would take a detailed report regarding the killing of Lafikul Islam from DGP Mukesh Sahay, who rushed to Kokrajhar after the incident took place.

Condemning the murder of the ABMSU president, Sonowal said that the state government would not tolerate any such incident and appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony.

Reiterating the state government's commitment for ensuring safety and security of the people of Assam, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the government would leave no stone unturned to nab the culprits. He also sought cooperation from the people in this regard.
Mumbai: The Crime Branch of Mumbai police Friday opposed the bail applications of six prison officials arrested in connection with the alleged killing of Byculla Jail inmate Manjula Shetye.

In a reply filed before the sessions court through Public Prosecutor Shankar Yerende, the police said the accused were facing serious charges, and investigation was still on.

The police had direct, circumstantial as well as "electronic" evidence against them, and if released on bail, they "may hamper the investigation process", it said, also pointing out that these officials live in the jail premises.

The court is likely to hear the bail applications on 16 August. Six officials of Byculla women's prison here  Manisha Pokharkar, Wasima Shaikh, Shital Shegokar, Surekha Gulve, Aarti Shingne and Bindu Naikade  were arrested last month for allegedly assaulting Shetye and causing her death.

Shetye (45), serving life sentence, died in hospital on 23 June. It led to a violent protest by fellow inmates including Indrani Mukerjea, a prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, the next day.

The accused officials alleged in their bail pleas that Indrani and some other inmates were the "masterminds" behind the false case against them. These inmates bore personal grudges against the officials, they said.
Kolkata: Even as China once again stalled the move to designate JeM's Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, Chinese consul-general in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu on Friday said his country was ready to work with India and all other nations to fight terrorism.

"China's stand remains unchanged against all forms of terrorism. We support international cooperation on counter-terrorism. China stands ready to work with India and all other countries to fight terrorism," Zhanwu told reporters.

Asked as to why did China block the proposal to designate Azhar as a global terrorist if it was so committed to fighting terrorism, Zhanwu said, "Regarding this specific question, I think there are some technicalities involved and I have not followed the technical developments."

Zhanwu's comments come a day after China again extended by three months its technical hold on the US, France and UK-backed proposal to designate Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

In February, China had similarly blocked the US move to designate Azhar, the Pathankot terror attack mastermind.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's move to put a ban on the JeM leader under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council. JeM is already on the banned list.
Beijing: In an unusual move, a Chinese strategic analyst has questioned Beijing's "national obsession" with Arunachal Pradesh, saying that the state is only a "chicken rib" and hardly an "asset" for the country.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as "South Tibet" and in April Beijing had announced Chinese "standardised" names for six places in retaliation to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's visit there.

The Chinese state media had said the move to rename the places was aimed at reaffirming China's claim over the state.

But Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who accompanies the Dalai Lama to Arunachal, had made clear that the state is "an inseparable part of India".

The Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal was the seventh since he fled from Tibet through Tawang and sought refuge in India.

"Although China and India have been in a rocky relationship over the disputed territory for years, the disputed territory, which has been a national obsession, is hardly an asset to China," Wang Tao Tao said.

"In realistic terms the area is just a chicken rib for China," Wang wrote on the popular Chinese website zhihu.com  which is akin to Quora  mostly covers security matters.

Interestingly, the article came at a time when India and China have been engaged in a border standoff for more than a month after Chinese troops tried to construct a road in Doklam area in the Sikkim sector. India has protested the move saying it would allow China to cut India's access to its northeastern states.

Social media websites and blogs  like the zhihu.com  have become popular over the years in China, where millions access them on their mobile phones.

"The territorial dispute between China and India is essentially meaningless, because this disputed territory for India and China, not only difficult to development, but the moral, economic, political and management costs are extremely high," Wang said.

"In this case, it is hard for China to actually go to war with India for these chicken ribs as long as it does not hamper security interests," he said, suggesting that any contest over Arunachal will have adverse impact on rest of the Tibet potentially strengthen separatist forces.

"Objectively looking, the potential for separation in Tibet could become more powerful," he said.

Wang said China has failed to fully address Tibetan identity issues.

"While the land of southern Tibet is very different from the bitter cold in northern Tibet, agriculture is relatively developed, will also virtually strengthen the ability of Tibetans to support themselves," Wang said. Moreover, the area is vulnerable to attacks and cannot provide superior strategic depth and security interests for China's inland like the vast Tibetan plateau, he said.
Bhopal: In a novel initiative, a Class V student living in a slum in Bhopal has been encouraging other children to study and realise the importance of education by running a library from her make-shift house.

Muskan Ahirwar started the small library - 'Bal Pustakalaya' - with 25 educational books last year at her residence in Durga Nagar, a slum located barely a kilometre away from the state secretariat in Bhopal.

The 11-year-old girl's efforts have now been recognised by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who has offered her a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to set up a proper library.

Chouhan met the girl at his residence on Wednesday and handed her a cheque of Rs 2 lakh.

He promised Muskan to build a one-room library for her, an official of the public relations department said.

"The situation would soon change if girls like Muskan are extended support by the whole society. The government will extend all possible support," Chouhan said while handing over the cheque to the girl.

Muskan started the library with merely 25 books which, she says, has "now grown and accommodates around 1,000 books."

The girl lost hope of continuing the library after the death of her father, Manohar Ahirwar, on 7 July this year.

However, after receiving the financial assistance from the chief minister, the girl says now nothing can stop her and the other slum children from moving ahead.

"Papa used to say do something big, study hard," says Muskan, who wants to be a doctor.

Her library remains open between 5 pm and 7 pm every day.

"Nearly 20 to 25 children come to the library (every day). They have to sit on a mat. A few children take the books to their homes and return it later. In a bid to know if they read the books, I sometimes ask questions from it," she says.

Muskan says she also maintains a register of the library's accounts.
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.
New Delhi: The CPM on Friday demanded that the Centre step in to resolve the issues related to the Sardar Sarovar Dam in the interest of the project-affected people in Madhya Pradesh.

The Left party also appealed to activist Medha Patkar, who is on a fast demanding rehabilitation of the project-affected people first, to end her protest as it expressed concerns over her "deteriorating" health.

Patkar and some other project-affected people (PAP) have been protesting in the state for the past nine days against the alleged forced displacement of locals in view of closing of the gates of the dam in Gujarat.

The dam's submergence area falls also in Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra is the third beneficiary state of the project.

In a statement, the CPM said that lowering of gates will lead to submergence of 192 villages and eviction of 40,000 families in Madhya Pradesh.

The Left party alleged the gates were closed even before the locals were rehabilitated to some other place, "disregarding" the Supreme Court's 8 February 2017 order on the matter.

"The CPM condemns the attitude of the Madhya Pradesh government and demands that the central government intervene immediately to settle the issue in the interest of the PAP.

"The CPM also extends its support to the struggle of the people for their proper rehabilitation," the CPM politburo said in a statement.

Urging Patkar to end her fast, the politburo also said that a further course of action to carry forward the struggle can be worked out jointly.

The Centre though had informed the Rajya Sabha on 31 July that out of the total 18,063 families affected by the project in Madhya Pradesh, 6,724 continue to live in submergence area.

Of these, 884 project affected families (PAFs) were in the process of shifting, Minister of State for Water Resources Sanjeev Kumar Balyan had told the upper House.

The minister had also said that all the PAFs had been given resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) package as per the Narmada Water Dispute Tribunal (NWDT) award and the Supreme Court order.

There are no PAFs remaining in the submergence areas in Gujarat and Maharashtra, he had said.
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Thursday snubbed an overenthusiastic prosecutor for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for asking Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah to chant 'Bharat Mata ki jai' to prove his patriotism, saying it was not a television studio.

Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma chided the lawyer for his remark and later allowed the ED's plea for extension by six days sixty-four-year-old Shah's custodial interrogation in a decade-old money laundering case.

The ED's counsel Rajeev Awasthi alleged that Shah was ruining the country by using money to fund terror and breached the line by daring the separatist leader to chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' to prove his patriotism.

However, an anguished judge stopped him, warning that the courtroom was not a "television studio."

"Argue on the merits of the case", said the judge.

During the proceedings, the ED submitted that foreign funds were used for terror activities including stone pelting on the security agencies in the Valley.

The agency told the court that the source of funding of properties of Shah, worth hundreds of crores of rupees, had to be unearthed.

The prosecutor told the court that Shah, arrested on 25 July in the money laundering, was "totally non-cooperative" during his questioning by the ED.

Advocate MS Khan, appearing for Shah, however, alleged that his client was being pressured and compelled to give various statements during his custody by ED officials.

He opposed the submission made by the agency, saying that it was not revealing the complete facts before the court.

The agency said there was a need to probe a lot of cash transactions which were used for terror activities and stone pelting causing huge inconvenience in the Valley.

The ED said it was ascertaining Shah's role in "anti- national activities" as well as the terror funding through 'hawala' channels from countries like Pakistan, the UAE and the UK.

It told the court that the separatist leader was in continuous contact with anti-national elements, besides terrorists in Pakistan, and received money for "disrupting the peace of Jammu and Kashmir".

It also said that Shah's associates were to be confronted with him and the "international ramification" of financial involvement was to be unearthed.

The ED's application, seeking seven days' custody, also said that during interrogation Shah revealed that he was obtaining donations for the Kashmir issue in cash for which he was not filing any income tax returns.

The records relating to the donations were to be recovered and the accused had to be confronted with them, the agency said.

Shah was arrested by the ED a day after several Hurriyat leaders were taken into custody of the National Investigating Agency (NIA) in a case of alleged terror funding in the Valley to fuel unrest.

He was taken into custody in the August 2005 case in which the Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Mohammed Aslam Wani (35), an alleged hawala dealer, claiming that Rs 63 lakh was recovered from Wani out of which Rs 52 lakh was allegedly to be delivered to Shah.

The agency had earlier issued summonses to Shah in the case, the prosecution had said, adding that Wani had claimed that he had given Rs 2.25 crore to Shah.

Investigating agencies like the NIA have cracked down on Hurriyat leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah, also known as Altaf Fantoosh  and six other Kashmiri separatists.
More than 10 million non-resident Indians (NRIs) will soon be able to vote for their preferred candidates even if they are not in their constituencies on polling day, if a recent proposal approved by the Union cabinet gets translated into law.

The government has opted for the method of proxy voting for NRIs over the more secure e-postal ballots favoured by the Election Commission. Former chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi, in his last interaction with the media, had said that the Election Commission had informed the government that it was ready to introduce e-postal ballots for non-resident Indians within three months of the law being introduced.

The NDA government is going ahead with providing the facility to NRIs that is not available even to Indians living in India. Indian voters have to be present in their constituencies to cast their vote. Anyone not present in their home town on polling day as well as the lakhs of migrant workers who travel to other states for seasonal work lose their franchise when they are not present to cast their vote in person. However, overseas Indians will get the facility to have a proxy cast their votes.

The method of proxy voting has an inherent flaw, though. It is insecure and open to misuse since it depends on another person exercising the franchise for an absentee voter. Several political parties, including Congress party and Left parties have opposed proxy voting because of the possibility of misuse. Besides, it could also be used to influence voters. There are other implications of this provision too that need to be taken into account. For example, it would take Indian political activity overseas as political parties and individual politicians seek to gather support from the overseas electorate.

To look into that, the Election Commission had formed a committee to examine the options for voting by overseas electors. The committee held a series of consultations, including with political parties and civil society groups. It considered various options including the e-postal ballot. The e-ballot would entail an electronic transfer of the ballot paper to the registered voter to be marked by the voter and returned through post to a returning officer. The electronic transfer of the ballot paper would maintain the secrecy of the vote and avoid any manipulation or misrepresentation that could take place with a proxy.

The government, however, has to bring a bill to amend the Representation of the People Act to allow for proxy voting for NRIs.

NDA is not first at offering voting rights to NRIs

The demand for voting rights originally arose among Indians living in the Gulf countries. Indians in the Gulf were mainly on limited term work visas; they were more closely linked to politics and developments in their home states through regular trips to home and frequent political visitors. Later, the demand was taken up by NRIs in the US, Canada and several other countries.

Overseas Indians are well-off, they are wooed by successive governments in search for investments and get their demands heard and attended to without much effort. The Representation of People Act was amended in 2010 during the UPA government to allow NRIs to register for inclusion in the electoral rolls and vote in the elections. But the facility did not satisfy the non-resident community because of the need to be physically present to vote.

Few overseas Indians were ready to fly back to India merely to exercise their franchise.

Minister of State Ministry of External Affairs, General VK Singh in a statement in the Rajya Sabha said that 11,846 non-resident Indians had enrolled as overseas electors. And, about 12,000 overseas Indians actually voted in the 2014 General Elections to Lok Sabha.

An elector who takes the trouble to enroll as a voter and then personally marks the ballot makes a greater investment in the voting process than one who delegates it to a proxy. Neither is the proxy as deeply involved in the voters intent as the voter. On the other hand, overseas Indians are not familiar with the politics and developments in their constituencies and are likely to be influenced by their proxies. The ills of proxy voting have often been evident in corporate battles where proxy voting is allowed.

Some countries such as Canada allow proxy voting in a few provinces. The UK allows proxy voting for British expatriates and even for those going away for work or leisure. But in other countries such as Albinia and Algeria, it has been used to disenfranchise sections of voters, mainly women by using proxies to vote in their place.
Dr Bhalchandra Mungekar is a Rajya Sabha MP and the former vice chancellor (V-C) of the University of Mumbai. Recently, the university had been in the news for failing to deliver the results of over 400 examinations, held in March, by the 21 July deadline. The root cause of the delay was said to be the hasty digital transition of paper correction, which included on-screen marking of answer papers. Although the 160-year-old university intended to promote transparency with the move, it received flak for it's inability to identify its realities in advance.

On 26 July, Mungekar had expressed his disappointment at a press conference on the university's state of crisis. He asked for the current vice-chancellor Dr Sanjay Deshmukh's resignation and also demanded an enquiry in the evaluation process. The deadline, later extended to 5 August by Maharashtra governor, also the Chancellor of the university, CH Vidyasagar Rao, was one of his main concerns.

On Thursday, the former vice chancellor reached out to the governor to convey his thoughts on the situation.

Read the full text of the open letter here:

Shri C H Vidyasagar Rao,

Honble Governor of Maharashtra and The Chancellor of the University of Mumbai,

I am writing this letter to your good-self with extreme pain and anguish with a view to putting forth the voice of lakhs of students of the Mumbai University (MU) and their parents who have irreparably suffered due to the recent crisis that has held to the ransom their academic future.

Being privileged to be VC of this prestigious University (2000-04), following professional ethics, I assiduously avoided commenting on many unpleasant events in the University affairs thereafter. But I cannot remain a silent spectator to the ongoing unprecedented crisis and chaos of its own making that is jeopardizing not only the future of its students but the ethos of one of the most prestigious universities, unfortunately in its 160th year. In view of this, it is with utmost respect to your good-self as the Constitutional Head of the State of Maharashtra and the Chancellor of MU, that I am constrained to painfully submit the following for your careful consideration.

1) Since most details of agonies faced by MU on account of short-sighted, irrational, ill-prepared and irresponsible decision of online assessment taken by The VC, Sanjay Deshmukh, are in public domain, I dont think these need further substantiation to seek his immediate resignation. But the damage doesnt end there !

2) Your intervention on 4th of July to review the situation, which had already gone well out of control, was too late to plan any further remedial operations.

3) One finds extremely difficult to justify the deadline of 31st July given by your good-self, knowing that, by then, only less than 10% out of 18 Lacs answer-books were corrected. Further, the sanctity of the deadline renders meaningless when you gave another extension of 5 days to complete more than 60% of the target (i.e. 306 out of 477 examination results are still pending). I am sure, you would appreciate that the arbitrary fixation and extension of these deadlines have made a mockery of the whole process & its seriousness.

4) These deadlines have taken an irreparable toll on the quality of the assessment for sure. Has there been a prior approval taken by the VC before involving teachers from other universities (Pune, Nagpur, Shivaji) who donot teach MU syllabi, nor are they conversed with the MU examination patterns. Leaving the news of occasions where even the non-teaching staff was assigned the work of assessing the answer-books, this leads to an unprecedented violation of the examination rules and also propriety, hence the system is answerable.

5) Of late, it is evident that, on order to meet the target-date, MU has started declaring partial results with around 80% of answer-books checked, keeping the remaining results in abeyance or reserve. This defies comprehension. How is the VC emboldened to take such decision? Does this have your approval and do we expect this as a precedent for the future?

I must bring to your attention that this unprecedented chaos on account of ill-preparedness of MU in conducting online assessment is a resultant of the over-empowerment of the VC and his non accountability in the absence of systemic checks & balances over the last two years. Thus,

Why didnt you intervene when MU was running without Pro VC for more than 2 years (statutory provision after 250-300 affiliated colleges, and MU has more than 800 colleges), who holds primary responsibility of conducting examinations & declaring results in time? Why didnt you intervene when MU was running without full time controller of examination? Especially during the period when MU had taken a decision of this radical shift to online assessment? Why didnt you intervene when various academic bodies of the University such as the Management Council, Academic Council, Senate, Board of Studies, Board of Examinations formed as the Maharashtra State Universities Act, 1994 were unmindfully abolished by the state government after their term was completed and just ad-hoc bodies were constituted?

Last, but not the least, do you have any words to console students and their parents who have suffered in this unjustifiable and ignominious delay in declaring their results of the crucial degree examinations and possible forthcoming questions on the quality of assessments?

Its a time for a deep introspection to reinstate the confidence of students, teachers and people of this state in the institutions that are built over years.

This calls for your immediate action in this matter w. r. t. the following:

Immediate resignation of current VC and initiating the process of appointing a new VC; Appointment of an administrator to manage affairs of MU in the interim; Appointment of full-time Controller of Examinations; Initiating a process of forming Management council, Academic council, Senate, Board of Studies, Board of Examinations etc as per University Act; Appointment of high-level judicial committee under the chairpersonship of a retired High Court judge to comprehensively enquire into all issues relating to this unprecedented crisis

I have no ambiguity in my mind that your good-self would be extremely concerned to bring the sense of urgency in this matter & restore the confidence in the system. Else, the traces of the chaos would cross the Rajabhai Tower to the Rajbhavan.

With most respectful regards,

Yours sincerely,

Bhalchandra Mungekar
Srinagar: A newly recruited local militant of Hizbul Mujahideen was gunned down in an overnight encounter with security forces that also resulted in the death of an unidentified person in the ensuing crossfire in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, security officials said on Friday.

The encounter broke out late Thursday night at Kanibal in Bijbehara of Anantnag district, 55 kms from Srinagar, when the police along with army and CRPF cordoned off a village following an intelligence input about the presence of militants, they said.

During the encounter, which lasted for two hours, one militant identified as Yawar, hailing from Anantnag, was killed while two other militants managed to escape under the cover of darkness, they said, adding that an army jawan also sustained bullet injury but was stated to be stable.

Yawar, who was allegedly a "chronic stone pelter" of the area, had joined the militant outfit in the first week of last month, they said, adding that a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) looted earlier from a police guard was recovered from him.

During the encounter, one motorcycle-borne individual, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, was found dead with bullet injuries, the officials said, expressing apprehension that he might have died in the crossfire.

The number plate of the vehicle was damaged and no identity card of the deceased was found.

Two mobile phones were recovered from the deceased who was in multi-layered clothing. The telephone contacts in his handset could not immediately help to confirm his identified.

The local police have released his picture for identification.

According to the officials, the body of Yawar was handed over to his family for burial and restrictions were imposed in the town as a preventive measure.
The two most powerful warriors are patience and time, Leo Tolstoy said. So, it is reassuring to hear India's external affairs minister rule out war as an option and talk about diplomacy as the only solution for India's current standoff with China.

Diplomacy, in true Tolstoy-esque fashion, demands both patience and time. But what it achieves is much more than what a military conflict guarantees. "War cannot be a solution to any problem. Even after war, we need to talk to find a solution. Wisdom is to resolve issues diplomatically," Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha, advocating patience and eschewing aggressive language.

India and China, in spite of the muscle-flexing and war-mongering by its media, just cannot afford a military conflict. As a generic rule, military conflict is almost impossible between two countries with large stockpiles of nuclear weapons. The stated purpose of amassing nukes, as countries that have developed them argue, is to use them as deterrents to war. So, the logic of nuclearisation automatically minimises the chances of an India-China war.

Swaraj's other reason for keeping war off the table is also compelling. She told Parliament that China has invested around $160 billion in India and that we (India) "dont want to win our neighbours by military power but by being an economic superpower." With both countries having so much at stake, the cost of war is prohibitory.

Then, there are the unstated reasons. Politicians cannot go to war unless it guarantees more electoral gains and greater popularity. Unlike Pakistan, which is considered a less formidable adversary in spite of its nuclear weapons and has more to lose in a war, India knows a conflict with China can lead to incalculable harm to both the economy and the geography. With elections just a few months away, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government just cannot risk an escalation that can erode its popularity and lead to mass resentment because of the implications on the finances and the country's morale.

Swaraj clearly outlined India's long-term objectives. Apart from better bilateral relations with China, resolution of border disputes  not just the jousting over Doka La  and peace in the region, India also wants to retain its traditional friendship with Bhutan.

With India's other neighbours coming under the Dragon's influence, Pakistan becoming a virtual province of China, India needs to ensure that its traditional friend Bhutan does not see in any Indian action a sign of weakness and Delhi's inability to courageously address Bhutan's security concerns. If that happens, China would easily become the regional hegemon. Any sign of Indian weakness will make our neighbours believe that New Delhi doesn't have the diplomatic, military or financial muscle to deal with China.

Considering its constraints and objectives, patience and time are India's only warriors.

But, it would be irrational to believe China would allow India to play the Doka La game with its own interests in mind, according to New Delhi's timeline. Its counter to Swaraj's statement that if India wants peace, it should withdraw from Doka La with no strings attached shows Beijing is low on patience, or at least this is the impression it wants to create.

On Friday, its defence ministry spokesperson again warned India that the People's Liberation Army's restraint has its bottomline and goodwill has its principles. He asked India "to give up the illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests."

For India, the biggest challenge now is to balance its own reliance on diplomacy  and refusal to drum up a hysteria war  and China's sustained belligerence. What then could be India's options?

Two options have been outlined in detail in an article in The Indian Express. One of them is asking Bhutan's army to replace Indian soldiers at the Doka La tri-junction, thus partially accepting China's demand for withdrawal without delay. But, this strategic retreat, as security experts told The Indian Express, leaves Bhutan with the option of directly engaging China, a possibility India is uncomfortable with. The other option is to wait till November, when the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party will meet to re-elect its leader. Once domestic politics is out of the equation, the two countries can then silently work out a diplomatic solution.

Playing for time suits India's domestic compulsions too. In a few months, elections for the Gujarat assembly are due. Maintaining a strong strategic posture without risking escalation is important for the BJP to retain its nationalist appeal. Once the elections are over, Modi and his team can talk to China, without worrying about some of the concessions they may have to make to resolve the crisis and avoid a military conflict.

Tolstoy may be proved right yet again.
New Delhi: Pakistan has increased attempts to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir through the border but there is a high number of casualties on their side, defence minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday.

Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha that the Indian army has "domination and impact" along the western border and all steps have been taken to check infiltration from across the border.

"Pakistan has increased efforts of infiltration," he said during question hour.

Jaitely said due to the heightened vigil of the security forces, many infiltration attempts have been foiled and infiltration has been down.

"There is record high in the casualties on the other side," he said.

There have been 285 incidents of ceasefire violation so far this year through the LoC compared to 228 such incidents in the entire 2016 along the LoC in which eight people had lost their lives, Jaitley said.

He said there were 221 ceasefire violation along the International Border which is guarded by both the Border Security Force and the army.

Replying another question, the minister said the army has constructed an anti-infiltration obstacle system (AIOS) along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border in Jammu and Kashmir, under its operational control.

Radars, sensors and thermal imagers along with surveillance have been incorporated on this fence to detect and intercept infiltration by terrorists.

The AIOS is further strengthened by deployment of troops and construction of defence works based on threat perception for an effective multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid.

"Fortification of border is a continuous process. Anti-infiltration steps like obstacle systems, technical gadgets have been installed by the army and enough steps have been taken to check infiltration," he said.

Jaitely said the government regularly reviews the threat perception to secure the borders and protect national interests.

"Appropriate measures are taken from time-to-time to maintain and upgrade the country's defence preparedness along the border to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India," the Minister said.

Further, the areas along the borders are kept under surveillance by regular patrolling by troops and other aerial, optronic and electronic means.

"Appropriate retaliation to the ceasefire violations and other tactical incidents by Pakistan army, as required, is carried out by Indian army. All the forward posts are adequately strengthened to withstand enemy fire. Besides, there are well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to safeguard against enemy fire to minimise own casualties," Jaitley said.

He said the government is taking measures to ensure modernisation of Indian defence forces to keep them in a state of readiness to meet operational and security challenges.

"This is being achieved by inducting new equipment, technologically upgrading existing equipment and systems, training etc. It will not be in the national interests to divulge further details," he said.

In reply to another question, Jaitley said the government has enhanced special allowances given to defence personnel serving in difficult areas like Siachen.

He said recently the government has announced the special allowances for defence personnel which were more than what the 7th Pay Commission had recommended.
New Delhi: The Indian Railways will reduce its emission intensity to the extent of 32 percent by 2030 by taking a series of energy efficient initiatives, the government said on Friday.

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said the interim emission standards for diesel locomotives are proposed to be drafted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change soon.

"The Indian Railways has committed to reduce its emission intensity to the extent of 32 percent by 2030 by taking a series of energy efficiency initiatives," he said.

"It has also entrusted Rail India Techno Economic Service (RITES) for consultancy contract for study on emissions from diesel locomotives and setting up of emission standards," Gohain said.

The MoS further said that the ministry had taken several measures to ensure compliance of the standards, including use of biodiesel blends and conversion of diesel power car in dual fuel mode.

The process of development of standards is likely to be completed by March 2019, the minister said.
Dubai: Indian job-seekers should not come to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on visit visas and must authenticate their employment offers and entry permit visas before heading to the country, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has said.

The advisory follows high numbers of calls and visits by Indian workers who have been duped by agents or employers on a regular basis, the Gulf News reported.

In an interview with the daily, Vipul, Consul-General of India in Dubai, said the mission does not have a precise data on the number of such calls "because most such calls are complex and raise a variety of issues".

However, he said most calls about duping were related to workers who come for employment or searching for employment on visit visas.

"We have got several cases of people falling into trouble when they come for employment or for looking for employment on visit visas. There are also cases of women being forced to work as maids by dubious agents who get them to the UAE on visit visas as well as sending them to Oman and other countries," Vipul told the daily.

When serious duping cases come to the notice of the Consulate, Vipul said the mission tries to mediate with the employers to get the passports of workers back and facilitate their return to India.

The Consulate issued 225 air tickets in 2016 and 186 in the first half of 2017 to stranded workers, the report said.

Indian missions in the UAE were also fighting duplicate and fake visas.

"In the first six months of this year, several hundreds of fake visas were detected. Typically, these get detected because many people ask us about the genuineness of a job offer and the UAE visa."

Vipul said such cases are hard to detect in India.

"The workers would use the fake employment visas to board the flight from India and present their original visit visa on arrival here. When they gain entry, they realise that they don't have the offered job."

To tackle such visa frauds, the mission has issued an advisory to the Indian jobseekers, providing them useful links from the UAE government departments through which they can make preliminary verification of the authenticity of the employment offers and entry permits.
The Goods and Service Tax (GST) wave seems to have crippled countries across South Asia even as these countries try to understand and compute what it has in-stored for them, say media reports.

Factories in the commercial town of Bhutan, Phuentsholing, were unable to export for over a week as per the country's only financial newspaper, Business Bhutan. Hundreds of trucks remained stranded along India-Bhutan border as they failed to avail clearance.

This was mostly because land customs office at the border were not prepared and efficient to implement the online GST system. Another reason cited by the weekly was apprehension amongst traders that they will not get the refund for the tax imposed under the new system.

Talking to Business Bhutan, the manager of Bhutan's highest ferrosilicon exporter, Bhutan Ferro Alloys Limited (BFAL) said suppliers unwillingness to order as they were confused with how GST would impact Bhutan.

Meantime, The Bhutanese newspaper reported that Bhutan has requested the Indian government to make special concessions whereby India has asked for two months time for GST to be fully implemented and study how it has affected Bhutan.

Kathmandu Post also reported a plunge in third country imports and exports via India and delays as custom officials upgraded their systems to incorporate new taxes. There were also reports of third-country goods becoming costlier soon after it became effective.

Nepalese media house also wrote about possibilities that the bilateral Trade and Transit Treaty, traffic in transit' could exempt from customs duty and from all transit duties or other charges imposed in transit.

Nepals Ministry of Commerce has written to the Indian counterpart urging GST waiver on Nepal bound goods. A delegation was also supposed to visit New Delhi to discuss the issue after India sought a detailed report on the impact.

"GST should not undermine the spirit of the trade and transit treaty," said Nepalese ambassador to India, Hari Prasad Odari told Kathmandu Post adding if the issue is not discussed, it is likely to immensely affect traders in that country.

Earlier, India had done away with a 4.5 percent service tax on imports from that country after the Nepalese government raised objections that it violates the provision of trade and transit treaty.

Bangladesh was equally affected by the imposition of GST as similar issues occurred at the at Gojadanga and Mahadippur land port due to system-related hurdle added to the woes of the exporters.

Hindustan Times reported of how GST roll out impacted Bangladesh and how it lost over Rs 10,000 crore due to failure of timely up-gradation at Mahadipur port.

Although, there have been no reports of how the GST roll-out affected Maldives is still speculating the impact and except for the director of Maldives inland revenue, Mohamed Shahid claiming it could only affect Maldivian visiting India as tourists, students and for medical treatments.

Meantime, India is waiting for the 16 September deadline until GST is fully implemented and it can analyse how the tax reform has impacted its neighbours before it responds.

Firstpost has learnt India has conveyed its neighbours that it will bilaterally look into the concerns and address it without compromising on the GST bill.
Khajuraho (MP): A 17-year-old student was allegedly stabbed to death by his classmate in front of their school in Khajuraho, police said on Friday. The incident is suspected to be a fallout of a quarrel the two and a few other students had a few days ago, they said.

Three persons, including the attacker and another student, were apprehended in connection with the incident which took place yesterday afternoon in front of Government Higher Secondary School in Basti Chowraha area, Additional Superintendent of Police BKS Parihar said.

The victim, a Class 12 student, was attacked by his classmate with a knife after schools hours. He was grievously injured and rushed to a hospital where he died, Parihar said.

Besides the attacker, two others, one of them a minor student, were apprehended, he said.

These students had got into a heated argument over some issue a couple of days ago and this may have led to the stabbing, the police officer said.

Khajuraho Police Station in-charge KS Randhawa said the family members of the victim rushed him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

They got angry when they did not find any doctor at the hospital and damaged some equipment there, Randhawa said.

Police intervened and brought the situation under control, he said, adding the boy's body was handed over to his family members after post-mortem.

The last rites of the deceased were conducted this morning at village Bamnora, located on Khajuraho's outskirts.

"We are trying to ascertain the exact reason behind the attack," Randhawa said.
New Delhi: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Friday strongly condemned the attack on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat and said: "political violence has no place in a functioning democracy".

A cement brick was hurled at Gandhi's car by a man, suspected to be a BJP supporter, smashing a glass pane at the rear end, during a tour of flood-hit Banaskantha district of Gujarat, police said.

Gandhi, however, escaped unhurt and proceeded to the next place on his itinerary Runi village in Thara taluka where he asserted he would not get cowed down by such protests.

Singh strongly condemned the attack, the office of the former prime minister said in a statement.

"Political violence has no place in a functioning democracy," the statement quoted Singh as saying.

Superintendent of Police Neeraj Badgujar said the man who threw the brick at the Congress leader's car has been detained.
Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday announced four separate official enquiries into the activities of prolific RTI activist and government servant Kashinath Shetye, who over the last few years has filed 195 litigations against government agencies and officials over environment, corruption related issues and systemic failures in governance.

While a ruling BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral has already moved a privilege motion against Shetye, who works as a junior engineer with the state Electricity Department, Parrikar told the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislative assembly that Shetye's activities as a government servant and his assets would be probed by various agencies, including a specially set up team headed by an all India cadre officer from the IAS or IPS.

"195 cases in five years, 459 leave applications. I am wondering when was he working for the government," Parrikar said, in response to a question from Cabral.

Parrikar also said that Shetye's disproportionate assets case would be probed by the anti-corruption bureau, an enquiry would be initiated into how he obtained a gun licence, a vigilance department team would assist an IPS/IAS officer in another probe and another independent probe will verify whether Shetye has violated central civil service rules, during his tenure in government service.

"I will appoint a senior person, preferably from all India cadre," the chief minister said.

"I cannot tell many things because you have also moved a privilege motion against the person so some investigation is a part of privilege motion," Parrikar said.

The privilege motion was filed by Cabral, after Shetye uploaded a legislative assembly question submitted by Cabral to the Speaker's office, on his Facebook wall.

The MLA's question sought to know the details of Shetye's attendance and the number of litigations filed by the bureaucrat.

Shetye's litigations in local courts, Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court as well as the National Green Tribunal, over issues related to graft, environment and systemic failures in governance have been widely reported in the local media over the last few years.

His videos attacking corruption in government in his own unimitable style have also gone viral on social media.
New Delhi: There has been a total of 10 attacks on army establishments in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 38 soldiers, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said there were no attacks on army bases outside Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the reply, there were two attacks on army camps in the state in 2014, two in 2015, five in 2016, and one in 2017.

The highest number of casualties was in 2016 when 26 soldiers were killed. Nineteen personnel died in the Uri terror attack while seven others were killed in an attack in Nagrota in November.

In 2014, nine soldiers were killed in an attack on Army establishments, and this year, there have been three casualties.

The minister said "broad guidelines" were issued for security of defence installations, and the defence services have taken a "number of actions including risk categorisation of military bases; appraisal and upgradations of intelligence gathering capabilities; strengthening and streamlining of the response mechanism; unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); and periodic security audit of all military installations".

"All out efforts, in conjunction with other intelligence agencies, are made to gather maximum intelligence inputs which are expeditiously shared with the concerned formations and units," the Minister added.
Amidst the National Investigation Agency (NIA) crackdown on terror funding in Kashmir, The Deccan Chronicle reports that besides receiving funds from Pakistan, leaders of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) also received funds from outfits in London and Dubai. This information has been conveyed by Shahid-ul-Islam, a top aide of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, leader of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat, and one of the seven separatists arrested by NIA.

According to NDTV report, the NIA has seized a list of 150 terrorists in the Valley from Islam who also acted as the separatist conglomerate's spokesman, as reported by NDTV. In its first major crackdown on terror funding in Kashmir, the NIA arrested Islam in late July.

The agency said that during the searches, investigators found old photographs of Islam, including one with Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin. In another picture recovered, he is seen with other armed men, holding an AK-47 assault rifle. The NIA says that the other men could be terrorists.

According to The Hindu, the annual Haj pilgrimage could also be used to fund separatists. The newspaper reported that "the NIA is focussing on a hawala racket relating to the annual Haj pilgrimage".

Some travel agents who send Indians to the Haj pilgrimage seem to be hand-in-glove with the separatists' aides in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Money collected from these pilgrims is then diverted potentially for terror and separatist activities.

An NIA official was quoted by The Hindu: Some of these travel agents charge around Rs 2 lakh per pilgrim and purchase tickets as per the subsidy scheme of the government. Around Rs 1.5 lakh cash given by the pilgrims is pocketed by them and transferred to separatists. The pilgrims were taken care of during their pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia by associates of the separatists in Pakistan.

Earlier, quoting top government source, CNN-News18 reported that the separatists were also using benami properties to acquire funds via Pakistan.

According to the sources, six separatists were using benami properties and proxies to acquire funds, while leading the separatist movement in the Valley. A direct link has been established between Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hurriyat leaders in a dossier prepared by the NIA, as per CNN-News18. The dossier elaborates on how financial assistance is sought from across the border to fund terror and fuel unrest in Kashmir.

CNN-News18 further reported that "the NIA has questioned several separatist leaders for raising and transferring funds via hawala to fund terror activities in Kashmir." In this regard, PTI reported that houses of at least eight hawala dealers and traders from New Delhi were also raided. Further, two places in Sonepat were also being searched by the NIA teams in connection with this case.

Apart from Islam, the anti-terror probe agency had also arrested six other Kashmiri separatist leaders including Hurriyat (Geelani) chief Syed Ali Shah Geelanis son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah aka Altaf Funtoosh, Ayaz Akbar, Peer Saifullah, Mehraj Kalwal, Naeem Khan and Bitta Karate.

On 28 July, IANS reported that the NIA had arrested three separatist leaders in Kashmir. The leaders would be flown in to Delhi for further questioning.
New Delhi: Union minister Nitin Gadkari has sought to fast-track key infrastructure projects, including the Char Dham scheme, and reached out to all the stakeholders for quicker clearances.

He minced no words saying there will be zero tolerance to any delay.

Chairing a meeting of a group of ministers on infrastructure last night, Gadkari said 18 proposals relating to the ambitious Char Dham project were scuttled in absence of various clearances, pointing out that the decision to build the new project was taken after the Uttarakhand catastrophe.

"There should not be any delay in the Rs 12,000-crore project for developing 900 km of National Highways in Uttarakhand for improving connectivity to Char Dham pilgrimage centres," officials present at the meeting quoted Gadkari as saying.

The meeting was attended by coal and power minister Piyush Goyal, environment minister Harsh Vardhan, officials of various ministries, including railways and defence, as well as the Uttarakhand government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the project last year with an aim to improve connectivity to Char Dham pilgrimage centres -- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in the Himalayas.

During the meeting, the state officials flagged the notification issued by the environment ministry declaring 40 square km near river Bhagirathi as an eco-sensitive zone.

Gadkari urged his forest counterpart to look into the matter as this is not just holding up the project, but causing delays in Namami Gange and border road programmes as well, the officials said.

Asking the ministry to speed up clearances to 32 other highway projects, the road, highways and shipping minister has sought exemption of NHIDCL projects within 100 km of LoC or international boundaries from sending proposals to regional offices, as in the case of defence.

The issue of transfer of defence land to the National Highways Authority of India at various locations was also discussed at the meeting as five such cases are pending, the officials said.

Reaching out to railway officials for rail projects in Maharashtra, Gadkari said delays are causing socio-economic imbalances.

The railway ministry was also approached to provide 35 acres in Varanasi for an inter-modal station.

Other port projects, including those of JNPT, Kandla and Kamrajar, came up for discussion.
Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari's office has filed a police complaint against a person who has been projecting himself as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of the minister.

The complaint was filed by Jayant Dixit, who works as a public relations officer (PRO) of Gadkari, said a release issued by the minister's office on Friday. It said that one Jesus Waghade, a resident of Orange Blossoms, Manewada, Nagpur, was projecting himself as OSD of Gadkari, who is Minister of Road Transport, Highway and Shipping.

Dixit told PTI that the matter came to light after one of their employee had a chance to meet Waghade at Nagpur airport last evening. "The person introduced himself as OSD of Gadkari to our office employee who immediately informed us about the same. Subsequently, after verification a police complaint was lodged today," said Dixit.

The release added that the concerned person was fake and has no relations at all with the minister and that Gadkari is not responsible for any person dealing with the fake OSD.

Police inspector Pradeep Lande told PTI that the police have called the concerned person for questioning and after detailed inquiry future course of action will be taken.
Despite resentment among the experts, the Centres move to scrap no-detention policy has been welcomed by many in the teaching community. The move will allow schools to detain students till Class 8 if they fail in the year-end exam.

The move comes at a time when various states, including Delhi, raised serious objections against the no-detention policy, citing it as a reason of high failure and drop-outs in classes 9 and 10.

Earlier this month, IANS quoted Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of State for Human Resource Development Higher Education, as saying in Tripura, "No-detention policy will be removed from next academic session as almost all states have expressed their concern over the falling quality of education since the introduction of the policy under the Right to Education Act.

The agency also reported the minister as saying that there almost all states across the country have a unanimous view that the no-detention policy from the Right to Education Act should be removed.

Finally, the Centre scrapped the provision on Wednesday in a Cabinet meeting.

As per the decision, an enabling provision will be made in the Right of Children For Free and Compulsory Education Amendment Bill. However, the students will get a second chance to take another exam and pass. The bill will now be placed in the Parliament for approval.

The much-debated no-detention policy, which was an integral part of the Right To Education Act 2009, was implemented in the year 2010.

As per this policy, students in schools are promoted automatically to higher classes every year till the eighth grade.

Anurag Behar, who writes on ecology and education, interpreted the policy in Livemint, The essence of the policy is that children should not be 'failed' and detained up to Class 8. He further added that this also means there are no examinations in the narrow traditional sense of the word up to Class 8. Instead, the Act mandates a process of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) to assess and evaluate the students learning.

But in the last seven years of its implementation, the policy proved to be a major fiasco with jump in failure rates in classes 9 and 10.

One of the major setbacks of the policy was observed in Delhi where number of students who could read and write drastically decreased. Atishi Marlena, adviser to Delhi education minister, told Hardnews in an interview that nearly 74 percent of the students in Class 6 in Delhi government schools could not read their textbook, as per a government study in 2016.

This resulted in an increase in number of Class 9 failures in Delhi government schools.

Before the no-detention policy was implemented, more than 65 percent students passed in Class 9 exams. But now it has dipped to around 50 percent, said Shashi Kant Sinha, principal of a government co-ed school in Dwarka.

Ashok Agarwal, an activist and lawyer, obtained data through RTI which showed that only 52 percent students passed Class 9 in 2016-17.

Another teacher in a Delhi school, who did not wish to be named, told Firstpost that as per the no-detention policy, the students were not required to write any exam till Class 8 and they were passed, irrespective of how much they had learnt.

The certainty that they would pass without any hindrance brought in laxity among some students. The effort to learn and to attend schools also declined drastically, he said.

He added that some of the teachers too showed negligence towards teaching students on the pretext of the policy, which resulted in decline in learning.

The Delhi government too blamed the no-detention policy for this massive failure.

This policy is weakening the foundation of the students in Classes 6, 7, and 8," said Manish Sisodiya.

He also requested the Centre many times to do away with the no-detention policy as he saw the policy as the reason for the bad shape of education till Class 8.

The Delhi education department also introduced a new policy in 2016, called Chunauti-2018 to increase the pass percentage in class 10 in government schools in Delhi.

Not only the Delhi government but many other state governments also made the same complaints against the policy.

Barring five states, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telengana and Sikkim, that spoke in favour of continuing the no-detention policy, all other 25 states and union territories were against it, according to a survey by the National Council of Education Research and Training, reported The Wire.

The website also reported that these states believe that the policy is lowering the level of education in the country.

But experts believe that the entire move against no-detention policy is to absolve the government of the responsibility of enabling the students to learn.

Professor Janaki Rajan, a leading educationist of Jamia Milia Islamia University, told Firstpost that the Right to Education Act entrusts the government to ensure that the students learn.

But by scrapping the no-detention policy, the government is passing its responsibility to the child, she said.

She also said that there are misconceptions about the provision of no-detention policy, including the one that it discourages competitive environment.

There is no scientific basis to this idea. For nowhere has any study shown that failing a student increases competitiveness, she said.

Moreover, she added that the system of passing and failing in India was introduced by British in India.

They did not introduce it to educate all Indians but to screen enough Indians who can become clerks. Why as a free country do we need to follow the same system? she asked.

Professor Anita Rampal of the Delhi University also named the step to scrap no-detention policy as regressive.

When the government of India introduced the policy, Ministry of Human Resource Development categorically mentioned that the government has been unable to provide the student with the proper learning environment. So the child cannot be penalised for it, she said.

She added that it is not true that students showed laxity in learning due to certainty of passing provided by no-detention policy.

We know how our classrooms and teaching methods are. They are not at all motivating for the child. How can we even blame the child for our failures? she asked.

Ashok Agarwal said that all the complaints against no-detention policy are raised by government schools.

How come private schools do not show any decline in pass percentage or student attendance due to no detention policy? he asked.

He also said that the government machinery does not have any interest in educating the child and hence they are passing the buck to the child.
According to the latest statistics from Ministry of Human Resource Development, over 37 percent schools in the country did not have electricity till March 2017.

Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Upendra Kushwaha on Thursday, in a written reply to a question from Congress MP Sanjay Singh, citing the the data from Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), said that only 62.81 percent of schools have electricity connection in the country.

The National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) annually collects the data on various educational indicators including infrastructural facilities in schools through the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), said the minister.

Following are some of the states which score poor on state school electrification chart:

Arunachal Pradesh (39.54 percent), Assam (25.55 percent), Bihar (37.78 percent), Jharkhand (19.45 percent), Madhya Pradesh (28.80 percent), Meghalaya (28.54 percent), Tripura (29.77 percent)

Chandigarh, Dadara and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep and Puducherry, however, portray a promising picture with 100 percent schools having electricity.

The Centre, under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), provided support to state governments and Union Territories for electrification of elementary and secondary schools, Kushwaha said in his reply, according to The Times of India report.

"Under SSA, 1,87,248 elementary schools have been provided internal electrification upto 2016-17 and under RMSA, electricity have been provided in 12,930 secondary schools so far," Kushwaha said.

On 13 October last year, DNA had reported that every two in five elementary schools in India lacked playground and power connection.
caconservative said: Good for Trump. We are not the welfare department for Mexico. The days of excepting the people Mexico doesn't want to take care of is coming to an end. The sooner the better. Click to expand...

"Welfare department"?!NATO member nations may send some of their national security / military bills to the U.S.The problem is, we're foolish enough to pay it!What NATO member nation among the 28, spends as much on military as the U.S.?They slack off on military spending. They repair their own roads & bridges, run adequate healthcare programs,It is not now, and never was Mexico's job to keep illegal aliens out of the U.S.If the U.S. wants them out, it's up to the U.S. to keep them out.Pretending it's appropriate for Mexico to pay $Billions for it; robbing from the poor to give to the rich; it's beyond absurd!!Trump is trash-talking NY egomaniac. He never was presidential material.And even without Mueller's investigation, I have reasonable doubt about the Trumpster completing his 4 year term.
Nagapattinam: Seventy-seven Tamil Nadu fishermen, arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in separate incidents this year on charges of poaching, arrived at the Karaikal port near here early today after their release by the island nation.

Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, Handlooms Minister O S Manian and family members and relatives of the fishermen were among those who received them at the port, official sources said.

The fishermen belonged to Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts.

The Sri Lankan Government had on 28 July agreed to release the fishermen.

The Sri Lankan Navy handed over the fishermen to Indian authorities near the International Maritime Boundary Line yesterday.

Escorted by the Indian Coast Guard, the fishermen reached the Karaikal port early today, the sources said.

On 88 March, Sri Lanka and India had agreed to release fishermen held in each other's custody after a high-level discussion between the two sides in Colombo in a bid to defuse the tension following the killing of a 22-year-old fisherman belonging to Rameswaram allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The fisherman, Bridgo, was shot dead on 6 March while he was fishing in a mechanised boat at a short distance off Katchatheevu islet.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's car was pelted with stones on Friday while he was on his way to the helipad after meeting flood victims in Gujarat's Banaskantha, where he was touring flood-hit areas. While the Congress blamed the BJP for the attack, BJP has denied any involvement. "This is absolutely false. If any incident has happened, it is unfortunate. I don't think BJP is behind this," said BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.

However, Twitterati was in no mood to spare the BJP and #StonePelterBJP started trending just minutes after reports emerged that people waving black flags and shouting slogans in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attacked the convoy.

We sure hv an Undeclared Emergency; regardlss the educated 1s will alwys support @OfficeOfRG. Imp. point is #StonePelterBJP is afraid of him  Nizam Qureshi (@NizamQureshi88) August 4, 2017

#StonePelterBJP What more can you expect from BJP. They are living up to their culture and their heritage. Godse followers.  Nizam Qureshi (@NizamQureshi88) August 4, 2017

Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Ashok Gehlot accused the BJP of crossing all limits by attacking the Opposition and demanded a response from the prime minister.

#BJP is crossing all limits by threatening opposition leaders in most brazen manner. It is their tactic to hide their own failures. #Gujarat  Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 4, 2017

Rahulji is an SPG protectee. An attack under Gujarat BJP Govt's watch reflects not only serious lapse but tacit complicity. Will PM answer? pic.twitter.com/BYIctbUPqe  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 4, 2017

Another Congress leader termed the incident "politics at its lowest."

#StonePelterBJP Strongly condemn act of stone pelting by #BJPGoons on #RahulGandhi on his Gujarat visit. Politics at its low @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/WZEi3Ak7Vf  Amrita Dhawan (@AmritaDhawan1) August 4, 2017

Meanwhile, Rahul said that his party won't back down because of some black flags and stones. He said they will do anything in their power to help the people.

Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani condemned the attack on Rahul's convoy and tweeted that he has asked all officers to take strict action against those responsible.

I condemn the unfortunate attack on Rahul Gandhi's convoy. I have instructed officers to take strict action against those responsible.  Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) August 4, 2017

A Twitter user took the liberty of relating the incident with the ongoing Income Tax department's raid on Karnataka minister Shivakumar.

Congress men pelted on their own leaders & Say #StonePelterBJP They snub their leader #DKShivakumar thrgh IT raid & say murder of democracy  RX-ViNi (@Wenay_Aradhya) August 4, 2017

Another person tweeted that the land of Gandhi has transformed into the land of Godse.

Land of Gandhi has transformed into land of Godse. Evident from cowardly attack on @OfficeOfRG #StonePelterBJP  David S (@dsal821179) August 4, 2017

Like any other day, Rahul is being discussed extensively on Twitter. Some term the incident "murder of democracy" while others say that the Congress staged the attack. Let's have a look at some of the reactions.

Attack on @OfficeOfRG is again an example of some people trying to curb the spirit of democracy. Satyamev Jayate. @INCIndia #RahulGandhi  Sarveshwar Bhalotia (@sarveshbhalotia) August 4, 2017

#rahulgandhi guys now a days congres facing its worst day that's why doing all this drama . Seeing election time why BJP will harm itself  Karuna Tyagi (@i_am_karuna) August 4, 2017

#RahulGandhi is now new #ArvindKejriwal Nothing Else Drama, Lie, Self Attack, Barking all Talent Tansfer from Kejriwal to Pappu.  Abhishek Mishra (@Abhishe19620871) August 4, 2017
New Delhi: The Youth Congress staged a protest near the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, demanding "dismissal" of the Gujarat government over an alleged attack on Rahul Gandhi in the western state on Friday.

The protesters took out a torch procession from the Indian Youth Congress office to the Ashoka Road and were stopped close to the BJP headquarters by the police.

"Gujarat government has no right to remain in power if it can not protect a leader like Rahul Gandhi. The Centre should dismiss it," Youth Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja said.

Gandhi Friday faced protests in flood-hit Dhanera town of Banaskantha district in Gujarat where alleged BJP supporters hurled a cement brick at Gandhi's car and showed him black flags.

The Youth Congress activists, raising slogans against the Gujarat government, also demanded an apology from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister over the attack on the party vice president.

"The Prime Minister and the Home Minister should apologise for failing to protect Rahul Gandhi who is a prominent Opposition leader and whose father and grand mother were killed at the hands of terrorists," Raja said.

The Delhi unit of the Congress also "condemned" the attack on Gandhi, saying it will hold a protest outside the Guajrat Bhawan here tomorrow over the issue.
Kolkata: Over a hundred investors in the scam-tainted Rose valley Group's ponzi schemes on Thursday vandalised a premier property of the company protesting against non-refund of their deposits and the tardy pace of investigation by the central agencies.

The angry investors gathered before a hotel run by the group in south Kolkata's Minto Park and went berserk after the hotel authorities went back from their commitment to talk to them on payments, police said.

The investors forcibly entered the hotel, vandalised its cafeteria and reception room, broke glass panes with stones and ransacked the furniture.

According to police, the protesters shouted slogans against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) complaining against the delay in their probe into the multi-crore scandal.

Police rushed in and detained two of the protesters.

The ED has attached assets worth around Rs 1,950 crore of the group in its ongoing probe against the company for money laundering.

Group's sole proprietor and chairman Gautam Kundu, arrested over two years back, is still in judicial custody.

The ED investigation revealed that the Rose Valley Group of Companies collected over Rs 17,000 crore from the public throughout India by luring depositors with false promise of high returns or interest on their deposits.

In its first charge-sheet, the CBI indicted Kundu and other senior officials of the company for criminal conspiracy (Section 120B of IPC) and cheating (Section 420 of IPC), along with Section 4 and 6 of the Prize Chits Money Circulation Schemes Banning Act

Later, the CBI filed a supplementary charge-sheet against three of the accused, including the company chief and two Trinamool Congress MPs Sudip Bandopadhyay and Tapas Pal, who were arrested earlier.

Bandyopadhyay, a four-time Lok Sabha member and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cabinet between 2011 and 2012, was under arrest since January 3 when he was taken into custody by the CBI for his alleged links with the Rose Valley scam. He was granted bail in May.

Paul, the other Trinamool MP, was arrested on December 30 last year, and still continues to be in jail.

Thousands of people were allegedly cheated in West Bengal and Odisha through the ponzi schemes that allegedly promised astronomical returns to its depositors.
China has said that it has shown "utmost goodwill" over the prolonged military standoff with India in the Sikkim sector but warned that its "restraint" has a "bottom line".

The reaction from the Chinese defence ministry on Thursday night came a day after the Indian external affairs ministry in a statement said that the peace and tranquillity of the India-China boundary constitute the important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month made clear India's position on the over-a-month-long standoff in the Doka La area, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution.

The standoff began on 16 June after Chinese troops began constructing a road near the tri-junction with Bhutan, which India says was a unilateral action by Beijing to change the status quo in the area.

New Delhi fears the construction of the road would allow China to cut off India's access to its northeastern states. Ren Guoqiang, a spokesperson for the Chinese defence ministry, in a statement called on the Indian side to swiftly address the situation in a proper manner to restore peace and tranquillity in the border region.

"Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. Chinese armed forces have also shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability," Ren said, according to report in the state-run Xinhua news agency.

"However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line," Ren added. The spokesperson urged the Indian side to give up the "illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests".

Ren said the Chinese armed forces will resolutely protect the country's territorial sovereignty and security interests. His comments also come after Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of a BRICS summit of NSAs from the member countries.

Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday said that India has been building up troops and repairing roads along its side of the border amid an increasingly tense stand-off in a remote frontier region beside the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

"It has already been more than a month since the incident, and India is still not only illegally remaining on Chinese territory, it is also repairing roads in the rear, stocking up supplies, massing a large number of armed personnel," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"This is certainly not for peace."

India has denied any such military buildup and, in a statement to parliament on Thursday evening, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj urged dialogue based on a written common understanding regarding the border intersection reached in 2012.

"India always believes that peace and tranquillity in the India-China border is an important pre-requisite for the smooth development of our bilateral relations," Swaraj said, according to a transcript of her remarks released by her office.

"We will continue to engage with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution."

With Inputs from agencies
India today said it continues to engage with China diplomatically and has been coordinating with Bhutan to find a mutually-acceptable solution to the Doka La standoff.

"We continue to engage with China through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution," external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

Asked about China's claim of India reducing its troops from 400 to 40 in Doka La, he refused to give a direct reply, calling it an operational matter. Our objective is to achieve peace and tranquillity and it will be achieved through diplomacy, Baglay said.

He also said that India has been in continuous coordination and consultation with Bhutan on the Doka La issue.

We will continue to engage with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution: MEA on #Doklam issue pic.twitter.com/F08YCfytPz  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

Upset over China stalling the move to list JeM's (Jaish-e-Mohammad) Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the United Nations, Baglay hoped that countries sharing its concerns over international terrorism would cooperate in fighting all forms of terror. JeM chief Azhar had been involved in carrying out terror activities against India, and this was a well-known fact, said external affairs ministry spokesperson Baglay. On China's stand on Masood Azhar, he said: "Hope countries sharing our concerns on terrorism will cooperate in fighting all forms of terrorism." Azhar had been involved in carrying out terror activities against India, and this was a well-known fact, said Baglay. On China's stand on Azhar, he said: "Hope countries sharing our concerns on terrorism will cooperate in fighting all forms of terrorism."

Hope all those countries that share our concern of menace of international terrorism will cooperate in fighting all forms of terrorism: MEA pic.twitter.com/qgwjgKZ1HT  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

Baglay further stated that the Indian government is fully prepared to ensure the security of its citizens:

Govt remains prepared, it is the country's responsibility to ensure security of its citizen and its territory: MEA on #Doklam issue  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

On Thursday, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj spoke about the Doka La issue at Rajya Sabha. She said that "patience is key to resolving problems" because if patience is lost, there can be provocation from the other side.

"We will keep patience to resolve the issue," as quoted by CNN-News18. Swaraj was replying to a discussion on "Indias foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners" in which members voiced concern over the conflict in Sikkim and questioned India's policy.

Responding to questions, she said military readiness is existent as the military is meant to fight wars. "But war cannot resolve problems. So wisdom is to resolve diplomatically," the external affairs minister asserted, as reported by CNN-News18.

She further said: We are talking with China on everything, not just Doka lam. China has big investments in India. Also, you have to understand that both Russia and the United States are with us."

With inputs from PTI
Phagwara: Shiv Sena's Punjab unit on Friday urged the Centre to ban the sale of Chinese products in Indian markets in view of the country's continued "threatening" standoff over the Doka La border issue.

Talking to reporters in Phagwara, Sena's state vice-president Inderjit Karwal claimed that the public was already "wary of buying" China-made products and the central government should initiate measures to ban them to hit China's economy.

"On one hand, China is provoking Pakistan to foment trouble in India, while on the other hand, it was vetoing in the United Nations in the matter of declaring Masood Azhar a global terrorist. Now, it is having an evil eye on the India territory under its sinister expansionist designs and in indulging in intimidating tactics," he said.

Reminding the Narendra Modi-led Union government of "China's historical penchant for backstabbing India", the Shiv Sen said China and Pakistan "would never be friends with India".

"It was high time that China was taught a befitting lesson by banning its products and Pakistan too dealt with sternly", it added.
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will conduct the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier 1 exam on Saturday. Approximately 30 lakh candidates have applied for the Tier I exam, as reported by The Indian Express.

The SSC has four tiers of exams that include pen and paper tests and online exams. According to Career Power, the Tier I exam of the SSC will be conducted from 5 to 24 August. The Tier II exam will be held on 10 and 11 November. A total of 4733 vacancies is to be filled by the staff selection exams, as mentioned by Career Power.

According to Hindustan Times, the following points should be kept in mind prior to appearing for the exam:

1) Items such as bags, watches, books, pens, paper chits, magazines, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, head phones, pen or buttonhole cameras, scanner, calculator, storage devices cannot be carried to the centre.

2) A veil cannot be worn. Items containing metals such as rings, bracelet, earrings, nose-pin, chains, necklace, pendants, badge, brooch, hair pin, hair band, clothes with full sleeves or big buttons should not be carried.

3) Candidates are advised to wear footwear such as flip flops or floaters instead of closed shoes.

4) Always remember to carry admit card, and reach exam centre before alloted time.

The Tier I exam will be computer-based. It will carry 100 questions of total 200 marks, and candidates will have to complete it in one hour. The paper will be divided into four parts: A, B, C and D with 25 questions in each part, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Part A will have questions on general intelligence and reasoning; part B on general awareness; part C on quantitative aptitude; and part D on English comprehension. Every wrong answer will result in a negative marking of 0.50. The questions in Parts A, B, and D will be of graduation level and those in part C will be of Class 10 level.

The Indian Express reported that candidates will frisked during the exam. They might be asked to remove their shoes if they fail to follow the aforementioned conditions. Those applicants appearing for the exam more than once will be disqualified and debarred from all SSC exams for three years.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to consider suggestions, including making 27 corridors across the country for safe passage of elephants and other endangered animals, and directed it to "positively" file a response within three months.

A bench comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud told to Centre to consider the suggestions given by the petitioners after taking the help of experts.

Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand said the government would file a counter affidavit after consulting experts.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing ecologist Vidya Athreya and others, handed over the suggestions to Anand and said that the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) might consider identifying 27 corridors across the country for safe passage of elephants and other endangered animals.

"Take as much time as you (Centre) want, but positively file the counter affidavit within three months," the bench said.

The apex court had earlier sought the Centre's response on a PIL seeking measures, including framing of a national policy, to save endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard and the snow leopard.

The petitioners had told the court that species like Great Indian Bustards, snow leopards and wolves were on the verge of extinction and they needed to be conserved.

They had also referred to unnatural deaths of elephants on the highways and railway tracks and said that the areas earmarked for the largest mammal were not sufficient.

The PIL has said the railways and highway authorities should evolve mechanisms like constructing underpasses and fencing roads to ensure that elephants did not get killed.

It has referred to the issue of climate change and said that there should be safe corridors for allowing wild animals like elephants in moving from one place to another to beat extreme weather conditions and there should be a comprehensive policy to avoid man-animal conflict.
New Delhi: The Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) on Thursday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding creation of Garoland, to be carved out of tribal Garo inhabited areas in Meghalaya and Assam.

The GHSMC - a conglomeration of several Garo organisations, including the Garo National Council (GNC), a regional political party - said that their demand was on the linguistic lines of the States Reorganisations Act, 1956.

"Constitution has given a fundamental right under Article 29 (1) that those having a distinct language, script or culture can preserve the same," the committee stated in the memorandum, which was also submitted to President Ram Nath Kovind and home minister Rajnath Singh, among others.

Stating that Garo people were unanimously demanding creation of Garoland state, contiguous to state of Assam and Khasi Hills for Garo people, the GSHMC said, "We demand Garoland state to include original lands inhabiting by Garo people in Assam and Khasi Hills presently under Meghalaya."

Reminding the prime minister of promised "Acche Din" for "Aam Admi" under the driving theme of "Sabka Sath-Sabka Vikas", the committee said that they confidently looked forward to see "Garoland" state under Modi's "able leadership".

Meghalaya became an autonomous state in 1971 and a full-fledged state on 21 January, 1972.

The GNC, one of the oldest regional political parties, has been demanding creation of Garoland for over two decades. However, it does not have any representatives in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly. However, it has three members in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council.

On 18 March, 2014, the Meghalaya Assembly had rejected a resolution for the creation of a separate "Garoland" state in Garo Hills in the western part of the state.
The air quality in the mid-Willamette Valley worsened Thursday as smoke from a wildfire burning near Mount Jefferson, as well as smoke from more distant fires in British Columbia, continued to move into the region.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality rated the air quality Thursday afternoon in Corvallis and Albany as unhealthy. The environmental agency had rated the air quality in the area as moderate Wednesday, but the rating declined Thursday morning.

The wildfire near Mount Jefferson, known as the Whitewater fire, tripled in size in 24 hours, surging to 4,579 acres as of 11 a.m. Thursday, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire grew as a result of 100-degree temperatures and low humidity.

High temperatures and stagnant air are also causing increased levels of ozone in the atmosphere, which is contributing to the poor air quality, said Shawn Weagle, a meterologist with the National Weather Service in Portland.

The Department of Environmental Quality advised Oregon residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. People with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory ailments, or who are over 65, have a higher risk of illness from wildfire smoke, the agency said. Small children and pregnant women are also at increased risk.

The National Weather Service expects the air quality could improve in the region on Friday. Winds should push smoke from the Whitewater fire east, the Weather Service said.

But its unpredictable how much the fire will burn and how much smoke will be put out, Weagle said. Those are the wildcards.

Even if there is less smoke in the air, the hot, stagnant conditions will ensure poor air quality in the region, at least for a time, he said.

Its still going to be a little bit unhealthy for people until we get some light sea breezes, but that probably wont happen until next week, Weagle said.

Wednesday and Thursday brought triple-digit temperatures to the mid-Willamette Valley. The Weather Service reported high temperatures for Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, of 106 and 104 degrees at the Corvallis airport. Both were records for those dates.

The Hyslop weather station between Corvallis and Albany recorded a high of 104 on Wednesday, breaking the record of 101 set in 1939. But Tuesday's high at Hyslop was 99, short of the 102 record set in 2015. Hyslop temperatures typically are cooler than those recorded at the airport.

Temperatures are expected to cool some, but will still be in the 90s through early next week, Weagle said.

I think were done with the hottest part of it, he said.

Valley residents should continue limiting their exposure to the outdoors for the next few days, especially if theyre sensitive to smog and heat, Weagle said.

With all of these days in the 90s and even 100s, it sort of takes an accumulative toll on people, he said. People really need to take it easy and drink a lot of water. Before they know it well return back to typical Pacific Northwest weather.
We recently reported that ex-IITian and current Ola employee Abhinav Shrivastava was arrested on 3 August on the charge of illegally accessing the Aadhaar database.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the government agency responsible for Aadhaar, has issued a statement clarifying the situation and assuring citizens that the Aadhaar database was never breached.

Shrivastava developed an app that illegally routed Aadhaar database requests via a server used by the e-Hospital app. The latter app is authorised to access the Aadhaar database, Shrivastavas app wasnt.

UIDAI clarifies that while the Shrivastavas illegal app could be used to access the Aadhaar database, the access mechanism ensured that those who used the app could only access their own demographic data as stored in the Aadhaar database. The database itself was never compromised and no data leaked out.

Demographic data includes the name, address, gender and other such details of a person. Biometric data such as that pertaining to fingerprints and iris scans was never leaked nor was it accessible.

Residents were downloading their own demographic data such as name, address, gender, etc. through this App. Hence, alleged privacy violations reported in some section of media is not true as no one could not get data of any other person through this App, reads UIDAIs statement.

The authority clarifies that legal action against the owner of the app (Shrivastava) was taken under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.

In its statement, the UIDAI again reminds citizens to provide their Aadhaar numbers only to authorised agencies and that the UIDAI helpline can be contacted via telephone on 1947 and on help@uidai.gov.in at any time.
New Delhi: Veteran JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, who is "pained" by Nitish Kumar's decision to ally with the BJP, will tour Bihar for three days next week to seek a "way out of darkness".

"This has been my principle that I go to people in search of light whenever I find darkness around," the former JD(U) president, who has openly voiced his displeasure over the Bihar chief minister's decision, said.

The confidence of 11 crore people of Bihar has been "broken" due to Nitish Kumar's action, he said.

"Eleven crore people (of Bihar) had trusted us, reposed their confidence and faith. That has been broken. I am pained with this," the 70-year-old Rajya Sabha member said.

Yadav said he would take a decision about his political future after a meeting of intellectuals and leaders of opposition parties he has called to discuss India's "composite heritage" on 17 August in the national capital.

The veteran parliamentarian did not attack Kumar directly and refrained from spelling out clearly his next political step but gave indication that he will not follow Kumar into the NDA camp.

"We have to work together to save India's composite culture. If there is no sense of cooperation among people of different castes, communities and religions, then we cannot remain together. People have to understand this," he told PTI.

Yadav has in the past accused the BJP government of engaging in "communal politics" and called upon opposition parties to come together to form a secular alliance against it.

Sources close to him said he will disclose his next political move from the platform for 'sajhi virasat' (composite heritage), the 17 August conclave that he has called.

During his Bihar sojourn, he will extensively visit the Kosi-Mithilanchal region. Yadav represented Madhepura Lok Sabha seat several times but lost in the 2014 election when a Narendra Modi wave swept the state.
New Delhi: The BJP on Friday termed Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's visit to flood-hit Gujarat as an example of his "photo opportunity" politics and played down protests targeting him, saying the opposition party should "respect" people's emotions.

After the Congress alleged that "BJP goons" were behind the stone attack on Gandhi's car, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said the opposition party should not "abuse" people who are "angry" over the floods and "tired" of Rahul Gandhi's politics.

"For God's sake, don't call people goons. Don't call public of this country as rowdy elements, people who are suffering from floods, people who are tired of this kind of politics that Rahul Gandhi and his party are doing. Let's respect people's emotions," he told reporters.

While BJP MLAs in Gujarat are doing their best to help people, Congress MLAs are enjoying themselves in a resort in Bengaluru, he said.

People are looking for their representatives but the Congress lawmakers are having fun in Karnataka, he said.

The Congress has transported its Gujarat MLAs to the southern state ruled by it in a bid to keep its flock together ahead of crucial Rajya Sabha polls in the state. Six of its MLAs have left the party recently.

Hitting out at Gandhi, Patra said everybody knows that he practises politics of opportunism and believes in "fly by politics".
Overseas Indians were elated when the Manmohan Singh government conceded their long-standing demand for the right to vote in the elections in the country in 2010. But their jubilation faded when Election Commission subsequently made their physical presence mandatory in their respective constituencies at the time of the polls to cast their votes

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) ignored the call of Election Commission to enrol their names in the voters list online. Only 11,844 out of an estimated 100 million NRIs across the world registered their names at the time of 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Of these, very few travelled to the country to exercise their franchise.

NRIs could not use their long-fought right because it was not practical and affordable for them to make an exclusive visit to the country at the time of elections. The Narendra Modi government has sought to solve this problem by allowing NRIs to cast their votes from their overseas location through proxy.

However, expats from Kerala, who were one of the first to demand voting rights and the largest among overseas Indians to enrol their names in the voters list, are not enthused by the new voting method approved by the Union Cabinet on Thursday. A cross section of the Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) contacted by Firstpost has expressed apprehension that the facility could be misused.

I am living with my family in Dubai. If I appoint a distant relative or a friend as my proxy, what is the guarantee he or she will cast the vote according to my preference? The political parties back home can influence my proxy to vote for their candidate, said Siby Varghese, who works with a multinational company.

He said he could not appoint a proxy unless there is a mechanism to confirm that he will vote for the candidate of his choice. Siby said it was not possible to trust even family members as they have their own political leanings.

Anil Mathews, general secretary of Dammam-based Pathanamthitta Non-Residents Association of Malayalees, said that most of his association members also shared the same concern. He feels that the proxy voting would be risky in a state like Kerala where people are highly politicised.

KV Shamsudheen, chairman of the Sharjah-based Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust, a charitable organisation working for the welfare of NRIs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, questions the need for proxy voting in the technologically advanced era.

Technology is now available to make foolproof online voting. The government should use this and introduce online voting. Aadhaar card, which serves as the single identification, is now mandatory for all resident Indians. If the NRIs too are brought under this, they can vote online with biometric identification sitting anywhere in the world, he added.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) too has come out against proxy voting. It believes proxy voting might affect free and fair polls. Party general secretary and member of Rajya Sabha Sitaram Yechury has called for withdrawal of the decision. He has demanded voting for NRIs through Indian embassies and consulates.

KV Abdul Khader, party MLA in Kerala and general secretary of Pravasi Sangham, a CPM-sponsored body of Non-Resident Keralites and foreign returnees, said that the party had been opposing proxy voting from the very beginning as it firmly believed that it was vulnerable for misuse.

Majority of the Keralites living abroad are unskilled or semi-skilled workers in the Middle East. Most of these countries do not allow political activity. This means that the political parties may have to employ different tactics to canvas the NRI votes. We are afraid this could even pave way to vote trading, Khader told Firstpost.

Congress secretary Jyothikumar Chamakkala disagrees and dispels such fears. He told Firstpost that NRKs were more politically conscious than even many residents. They have strong views about the state. They are disillusioned with the current state of politics in the state. They want the politicians to shed their petty politics and focus on development of the state.

Jyothikumar feels that if the NRIs make use of their right, they may serve as the corrective force in the state. There are more than 2.5 million Keralites living abroad. The expats and their families constitute a good chunk of the electorate. If the NRIs use their votes judiciously, it will make a big difference in Kerala.

Curiously, the Congress too had opposed proxy voting at the national level when the Election Commission consulted political parties on the voting options to be given to the NRIs after Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to ensure NRI participation in the electoral process. However, the state leaders of the party are not averse to proxy voting.

Political observers feel that this may be because the Congress senses an advantage in the NRI voting. The party and its allies are in a better position to canvas NRI votes since they have greater presence in the GCC states, where 90 percent of Keralites reside, compared to its rivals in the state.

While the CPM has only six organisations to represent the party in the entire GCC region, the Overseas Indian Cultural Congress (OICC) and the Priyadarshini Cultural Centre, through which the Congress operates, has units in all GCC sates. Besides this, the party also has many constituency-wise organisations in most countries.

The partys second largest ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), also has huge presence in the region. Its front organisation, the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), is the largest outfit with the highest number of members and local units in the GCC states.

KMCC plays an active role during elections. It had chartered flights during the 2011 Assembly elections to send registered voters to Kerala for casting their votes. KMCC had also sent its leaders to Kerala to canvas votes of the families of its members.

NRI votes will have a big bearing on the electoral outcome in Kerala since the margin of victory in most constituencies is very narrow. The victory margin in 28 of the 140 constituencies in the state during the 2016 Assembly elections was less than 5,000 votes. Seventeen of these seats went in favour of CPM and its allies in the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

The victory margin was less than 1,000 in six constituencies. The margin was less than 100 in two seats and between 1,000 and 2,000 in seven constituencies. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which opened its account in the Assembly in this election with one seat, missed another seat by a margin of just 89 votes.

The low margin phenomenon is also evident in Lok Sabha elections. The victory margin in 8 of the 20 seats was less than 20,000 votes in the 2014 general elections. The margin was just 3,306 votes in one seat.

Twenty-five seats went below a margin of 2,700 votes in the 2006 Assembly elections, in which the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) captured power by a wafer-thin margin of just four seats. The margin in five constituencies then was less than 1,000 votes and in eight constituencies less than 2,000 votes.

A number of constituencies witness such close contests in every election in the state. The NRI votes will be crucial in such seats. Hence, political parties will do everything possible to woo the NRIs. This may take the poll campaign to Gulf countries, where political activity is now not allowed, and risk the future of expats.
People across the world are familiar with United States' Congress and Senate committees, as they have often featured in Hollywood movies or Netflix web series like House of Cards  as political scandals are disclosed and investigated through these committee hearings.

While the actual proceedings of these committees may not be quite as nail-biting as the Netflix producers would have us believe, the oversight role played by them is crucial to the DNA of a liberal democracy.

At the heart of democracy is a separation of powers between different institutions such as the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, as well as the checks and balances these institutions keep upon each other. This is what distinguishes democracies from the monarchies that preceded them, where the all-powerful monarch was the law-maker, the decision-maker and the supreme judge, with unquestioned authority sanctioned by him or her being the representative of God on Earth.

As democracies came into being, it was the 'will of the people'  not of the monarch  that came to occupy centre-stage in the political system. Each institution of the government had to be geared towards fulfilling this mandate, as well as keeping a check on all other institutions

Towards this end, the oldest democracy in the world, the United States, has developed a system of oversight of the Executive by the Senate and Congress Committees. These committees are important since they ensure that the Executive branch of the government is complying with legislative intent.

Given a large bureaucracy, it becomes essential to ensure that the 'will of the people', as put forth by their elected representatives, is actually implemented and doesn't only remain on paper. These committees are a way of ensuring checks and balances of the elected representatives, upon the president and the federal government.

While committee enquiries into high profile cases like the Watergate scandal have made international news, the Congress and Senate committees are looking into the implementation of bread-and-butter policy matters like health, education reform or the expenditure of different agencies, on a regular basis. These committees have ensured the accountability of the president and the federal bureaucracy.

An interesting phenomenon can be seen in India's national capital, where similar committees of Delhi Assembly have started becoming active in the last few months. They have been in the news as they have summoned government officials, been on the streets of Delhi to see whether the storm-water drains have been de-silted and inspected hospitals in the middle of the night to see whether free medicines are available 24X7.

An observer of Delhi's politics would be justified in asking why the process of legislative oversight has been brought into action more than two years after the current Legislative Assembly was elected. The cause for this lies in the peculiar situation in which the elected representatives of this city find themselves.

Delhi is a Union Territory with a legislature, which was brought into being by inserting Article 239AA into the Constitution. The leader of the single largest party is invited to form the government by the Lieutenant Governor (L-G), and the chief minister chooses his Council of Ministers.

The Council of Ministers is then supposed to execute the 'will of the people' via the bureaucracy. The Aam Aadmi Party came to power in February 2015 with a thumping majority, winning 67 out of the 70 seats in the Legislative Assembly. However, two things changed the way the Delhi Government had been functioning since 1991 (when it came into being): First, a home ministry notification of May 2015  which was upheld by the Delhi High Court in August 2016  took away 'Services' from the elected government and handed it over to the unelected L-G.

This meant that elected government now had very little control over the bureaucracy. Second, the high court verdict stated that the unelected L-G  and not the elected government  is the 'government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi'. While the Aam Aadmi Party government challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, a question remained before the elected representatives: how would they fulfil the 'will of the people', if the government was controlled by an unelected L-G and the bureaucrats were not accountable to them.

And herein lies the rationale behind the activation of Assembly Committees and the process of legislative oversight: that the legislators needed to ensure that the bureaucracy is working to fulfil the policy mandate for which these MLAs were elected by the people of Delhi. And this has brought the Assembly Committees out on the ground, to ensure an effective bureaucracy and functional government departments.

Anyone who has seen governments closely would know that their claims on paper are often in stark contrast to the actual reality on the ground, and this is the problem at the heart of a dysfunctional government system.

Delhi-ites experience water-logging every monsoon, yet government files show that comprehensive de-silting happens every year. To find the reasons behind this annual crisis, Delhi Assembly Petitions Committee spent days inspecting storm-water drains to see whether the de-silting claimed on files by government departments had actually happened. And the results were quite horrifying. In the report presented to the Delhi Assembly, the Committee showed photographic evidence of how the drains that were supposed to be 100 percent de-silted, were full of garbage and sediments. So much for the authenticity of bureaucratic claims.

While Assembly Committees make late night visits to hospitals to examine their effective functioning, go through tender documents of Delhi Jal Board to ensure no corruption took place in the awarding of contracts and recommend action against erring officials, it is important to realise that this experiment in legislative oversight goes beyond these bread-and-butter governance issues.

It is an experiment in ensuring the accountability of an unelected Executive and an unresponsive bureaucracy; it is an experiment in ensuring that the 'will of the people' is implemented through multiple institutions of our democracy.

(The author is a leader of Aam Aadmi Party and an advisor to the Government of NCT of Delhi. Views expressed are personal)
New Delhi: The opposition's vice-presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi says that he is deeply disturbed over increase in bigotry and suppression of dissent under the Modi government.

Gandhi, 72, who faces the ruling National Democratic Alliance's candidate M Venkaiah Naidu in the 5 August vice-presidential election, also feels that there is need to be vigilant against cow vigilantism.

"I am deeply disturbed over the increase in bigotry, intolerance and the direct and indirect suppression of dissent. This is not democratic. This is not republican," Gandhi said in an interview to IANS.

Answering a query on incidents of cow vigilantism, Gandhi said, "Be vigilant against vigilantism, our former President said. I believe that."

Gandhi said the objective of his contesting elections was to offer a choice to the electors worthy of their attention. "And to respond to the invitation from several parties to contest as an independent candidate standing for the values of our republican constitution."

Asked about his assessment of Venkaiah Naidu, who is seen to have a clear edge in the election in which MPs vote through secret ballot, Gandhi said: "He (Naidu) is a veteran political leader with vast experience of public affairs."

Gandhi, who is a former civil servant, diplomat and governor, said he had written to the NDA MPs saying that he was not asking for their votes but seeking their "kind attention" for his candidature.

"I have requested them to look upon me not as an adversary but a fellow citizen who believes in our country's diversity and pluralism and in the criticality of democratic rights," he said.

On his prospects in the vice-presidential election, Gandhi said: "Some contests are valuable in themselves, irrespective of winning or losing."

Asked about the role he sees for himself if does not win the election, Gandhi said: "Life is larger than elections."

Gandhi did not comment on his nephew Shrikrishna Kulkarni writing an open letter against his nomination as candidate of Congress and some other major opposition parties.

Asked about the prospects of the opposition in the 2019 general election, Gandhi said people will use the opportunity wisely and noted that every election conducted in freedom and with fairness is in itself a victory.

To a question about the possibility of Rahul Gandhi being the pivot of opposition unity in 2019 elections, Gandhi said the people were their own pivot.

Asked what "nationalism" meant to him, Gandhi said nationalism and patriotism were natural instincts and their manipulation was outrageous.

Gandhi also said he agreed with former president Pranab Mukherjee on his advice against taking the ordinance route repeatedly and against disruptions in the parliament.
Chandigarh: Two persons were arrested on Thursday for trying to break through the security cordon of BJP chief Amit Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Haryana, the police said.

Two persons, identified as Ashok and Rajinder of a village in Rohtak, allegedly tried to break the security cordon on the intervening night of 2 and 3 August at the Tilyar lake tourist complex in Rohtak, where the BJP leader is staying, the Rohtak Police said in a statement.

Both were in an inebriated condition. They tried to break through security and meet the BJP chief. However, the duo were arrested at the first tier of the multi-layer security cordon thrown around the place where the dignitary is putting up, Rohtak SP Pankaj Nain said in the evening.

The men were being questioned. A case has been registered against them under relevant provisions of the law at the Urban Estate police station. The car in which they travelled to the place has also been impounded, he said.

Nain said the police were fully alert and adequate security arrangements have been made in view of Shah's three- day stay at Rohtak.

"No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Those who break the law will be dealt with accordingly," he 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 Income Tax (I-T) department continued to raid the premises linked to Karnataka energy minister DK Shivakumar in Delhis Safdarjung area for the third consecutive day on Friday.

While Shivakumar's brother claimed that the cash recovered by the I-T department did not belong to their family, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dubbed the raids a "politically motivated" move on the part of the Centre.

Income Tax raids continue at the premises owned by Karnataka Minister DK Shivakumar in Delhi's Safdarjung area. pic.twitter.com/NTR5i76IdG  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

Late on Thursday, the I-T sleuths had also reached Congress leader Lakshmi Hebbalkar's door.

Bengaluru: IT officials have reached residence of Congress leader Lakshmi Hebbalkar(close aide of Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar)  ANI (@ANI_news) August 3, 2017

Asserting that the family was backed by Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka minister's brother DK Suresh said that he had spoken to their mother, who had been under pressure since the raids began, reported ANI. Their mother had earlier held Siddharamiah responsible for the raids. "Siddaramaiah has always been sharpening the knife against my son. He could be behind the I-T raids," The Times of India quoted Gowramma as saying in Kanakapura taluk,

The Lok Sabha member on Friday also said that his party colleagues had extended their support to the family since their's was a case of "political vendetta". However, speaking to ANI, he rejected that the money seized belonged to Shivakumar's family.

They have raided total 70 places. That all money doesn't belong to DK Shivakumar or family: DK Suresh, brother of DK Shivakumar pic.twitter.com/8c1MspJLUJ  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

Raking up the issue of I-T sleuths using CRPF during the searches, Siddaramaiah slammed the BJP for calling it a fight against corruption, saying most of its own leaders were facing graft charges.

"There are corruption charges against so many BJP leaders in Karnataka. Is Yeddyurappa (Karnataka party chief) not facing corruption charges?" he said.

During the searches with a case of alleged tax evasion, I-T officials said they have seized cash and jewellery worth over Rs 15 crore so far. "This is a politically motivated raid; the timing also clearly shows that it is politically motivated," Siddaramaiah told reporters in Bengaluru.

He said, "I'm not against the raid or search on any house, but the time that they have selected and the intention of the central government and the I-T department."

On Wednesday, Siddaramaiah in a statement had charged that the I-T department action was an attempt to silence the voice against BJP.

Asked whether he feels that Shivakumar will come out clean, the chief minister on Friday said, "We do not know what has happened, what they have found during the searches. But according to me, it is a politically motivated."

"He is a minister. Taking reserve police to his house and other places is not fair," he said.

Meanwhile, BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao launched a veiled attack against the chief minister on Twitter.

DK Shivakumar's mother says CM Siddaramaiah hates her son. Bengaluru buzz: Sidda is rejoicing raids on rival DK & may have leaked details. https://t.co/gCEHentnh2  GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) August 4, 2017

In a swoop down that has raised a political storm, I-T sleuths began its searches on Wednesday at various properties in Karnataka, Delhi and Chennai connected to Shivakumar. The Vokkaliga community leader, who is one of the wealthiest ministers in the country, is hosting 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs at a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The resort stay has been viewed as Congress' attempt to stall BJP from poaching their ministers ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls.

Already 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 of them joining the BJP.

With inputs from PTI
Chennai: A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court for a CBI probe into alleged electoral malpractices in the run up to 12 April by-election in RK Nagar Assembly constituency which was cancelled.

Advocate MP Vairakannan, who initially moved a petition for registration of an FIR as sought by the Election Commission into the malpractices, has filed an additional affidavit seeking a CBI probe.

Claiming that the names of some Tamil Nadu ministers were mentioned in an EC report related to the malpractices, the petitioner said state police cannot be expected to conduct a fair probe.

"I apprehend that if the investigation is conducted by the state police, the investigation will be in favour of the Tamil Nadu Ministers against whom the report was filed by the Election Commission of India," the affidavit said.

Vairakannan filed the petition seeking lodging of FIR after accessing the relevant information under the Right to Information Act.

During the previous hearing, the EC had informed the court on 19 June that an FIR had been registered in April itself based on its report on the electoral malpractices in the constituency, including distribution of huge sums of money to voters.

The FIR had been lodged against unnamed persons on a complaint by the returning officer for the constituency.

In the additional affidavit, the petitioner submitted that though the EC report had names of some ministers, these were not included in the FIR.

"This would show the investigation is being influenced by state ministers, including the chief minister," he alleged.

At the last hearing of the petition on 14 July, a bench comprising Justice M Sathyanarayanan and Justice N Seshasayee had directed the city Joint commissioner of Police (East) to monitor the case and file a status report on 23 August.

The bench, which sought to know why three names mentioned in the EC report were not in the FIR, had also asked the Election Commission counsel Nirajan Rajagopalan to file the poll panel's counter affidavit.
Lucknow: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Friday mounted an attack on the BJP for "ignoring the corruption of its own leaders, while making a concerted move to paint the opposition leaders as corrupt".

She also alleged that the saffron party's government at the Centre was "misusing" the state machinery for the purpose.

"There is a continuous move to prove that the leaders of the opposition parties are corrupt by misusing the official machinery like the CBI, ED, Income Tax department and police. But, despite proof of corruption by their own leaders and ministers, no action is being taken," Mayawati told a meeting of the BSP office-bearers in Lucknow.

"Why such a discriminatory and biased attitude.... Is this the anti-corruption campaign of the Modi government and BJP?," a party release quoted her as asking.

BSP leaders from Chhattisgarh, a state ruled by the BJP, tabled a report at the meeting about a senior minister in the Raman Singh cabinet allegedly taking control of several acres of forest and tribal land.

The report also alleged that a resort was being developed on the land by the family members of the minister.

"The people there (in Chhattisgarh) are questioning this tolerance of the BJP, despite corruption and illegal encroachment of land by its leader," the release quoted Mayawati as saying.

Citing the "very bad example" of the political developments in the run-up to the Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat, the BSP chief alleged that the Modi government, which had "failed on all fronts", was now "out to defame the opposition leaders to divert the attention of the people".

"It (the Modi government) is also going all-out to disturb the functioning of the states ruled by the opposition parties," she said.

Mayawati alleged that there was a move to "crush the opposition voice" even in Parliament and added that because of such a "suffocating atmosphere", she had to resign from the Rajya Sabha on 18 July.

"But, the BSP is not going to remain silent against such a discriminatory, biased, autocratic, undemocratic and anti-people attitude (of the government) and will be launching a programme in the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, to expose it," she said.

The former UP chief minister added that her party would start holding monthly mandal-level "maha-sammelans" (public meetings) in the state from next month and in other states from November, which would be attended by her as the chief guest.

At the meeting, reports on the efforts to strengthen the BSP were submitted to Mayawati, who issued necessary directives to the partymen in this regard.
New Delhi: The government is contemplating to bring a national policy on mountain hill region for its development, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said in the Rajya Sabha on Friday dismissing the need for a council for Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

He said establishing a council was not the solution for development and listed many schemes and programmes as well as projects in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttrakhand to prove his point.

Vardhan was replying to a debate on a private members' bill which provided for the creation of a Central Himalayan States Development Council.

He said a comparison of human development index data showed that despite 40 years of the creation of North Eastern Council, eight states  Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura lagged much behind as compared to Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

"Even without council, we are paying proper attention to the development of hilly states. If more need to be done, we will do it," the minister said.

He listed a number of schemes for the holistic development of the three states while mentioning that NITI Aaayog has also submitted a report on 12 states.

Pradeep Tamta of the Congress later withdrew his bill.

In his reply, the minister said these three states were, not only much ahead in human development index, but the government has announced several special packages for them that includes a Rs 80,000 crore package for Jammu & Kashmir.

He said that in terms of GDP too, Uttarakhand was far ahead.

Road and rail networks too were better in the three states for which a Council was being demanded.

Presenting a comparision, the minister said Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir have national highways network of 1,991 km, 1,208 km and 1,245 km, respectively, in comparison to barely a few hundred kms in North Eastern States.

Regarding the railway lines network, he said while Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal and Uttarakhand had networks of 96 kms, 269 kms and 356 kms, the North Eastern states barely had a few kms.

He said in 2015, a special package was announced for Jammu and Kashmir that includes Rs 42,611 crore for rail and highway network. Besides, a Rs 12,000 crore Char Dham project is being implemented in Uttarakhand for building 900 km of highways after Kedarnath tragedy in 2013.

The minister said Uttarakhand also figured among seven most developed states and that 119 research papers were awarded on these hill states.

Vardhan said he would also call a meeting of the members for their suggestions.

He said the country is providing leadership to the world on the climate change issue and members should rest assured.

Earlier, Jairam Ramesh (Cong) urged the government to review the policy of hydel projects in the upper regions of Ganga, Bahagirathi and other rivers.

"I urge you to relook at policy on hydel progamme", he said. Others who particiapted in the discussion included V Reddy (YSR Congress), BK Hariprasad (Congress), Mahendra Singh Mahra (Congress) and Subbarami Reddy.

The reply later saw frequent interruptions by the Congress members who urged the minister to cut short his reply, saying they were convinced and he should conclude.

Rajeev Shukla of Congress quipped that members would fall ill due to his long reply, triggering laughter in the House.

"The long reply is leading to development of fatigue," he added.

Pramod Tiwari of Congress then made another remark in a lighter vein directed at Vardhan. "You already prescribe allopathy. Now, please prescribe homoeopathy," Tiwari told Vardhan who is an ENT doctor.

The minister then promised to cut short his reply. "Because of the homoeopathy dose, I have to cut short my reply," he said.

Later, the House was adjourned till Tuesday as Monday will be a holiday on account of Raksha Bandhan.
In an attempt to popularise the legacy of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, the Yogi Adityanath cabinet in Uttar Pradesh has approved a proposal to rename the iconic Mughalsarai railway station near Varanasi after the Jan Sangh leader.

The move, though seemingly innocuous, betrays the ruling dispensation's desire to project Upadhyaya as its new national political icon. It is not an isolated incident.

The fact that Upadhyaya was mentioned alongside Mahatma Gandhi in President Ram Nath Kovind's recent speech on the floor of the House substantiates this claim further. Equating Upadhyaya with Gandhi, while ignoring Jawaharlal Nehru, irked the Congress.

Calling the move an insult to martyrs and freedom fighters, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told The Indian Express: "...equating Upadhyaya with Gandhiji is an insult to the nation and also an insult to Gandhiji, martyrs and freedom fighters of the country. How can you equate the leader of just a party  that too at that time he was the leader of a non-existent party the BJP  with Gandhiji. It is an insult. These things should not have happened in this (Kovind's) first address."

One of the most important leaders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the forerunner of the present day Bharatiya Janata Party, Upadhyaya's shadow looms large over the minds of the current BJP leaders. This, in addition to the fact that BJP has for always longed for an icon of its own.

As argued in Firstpost earlier, "The BJP's problem is that it doesn't know how to come to terms with Gandhi's legacy. In its politics of symbolism, it tries to subconsciously embrace his ideals  of course, without accepting it boldly  but it simultaneously holds a grudge against the Mahatma for representing some of the very ideals it detests."

"Its ideological fathers, Guru Golwalkar or KB Hedgewar, may be the ruling deities of the Sangh, but outside its haloed precincts in Nagpur, not many identify with their ideology or politics. Its other hero, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, is a controversial subject with his history of seeking clemency from the British and charges of involvement in the Mahatma's assassination."

Thus, BJP has left no stone unturned in promoting the architect of Bharatiya Jana Sangh:

- Last year in September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had constituted two committees for the commemoration of the centenary of Upadhyaya. Modi, while addressing the BJP National Council Meeting in Kozhikode, said: "Pandit Upadhyaya said do not reward Muslims, do not rebuke them, but purify them. Do not treat Muslims like vote ki mandi ka maal (vote banks) or ghrina ki vastu (object of hatred). Unhe apna samjho (regard them as your own)."

- In March, the Rajasthan government asked all secondary and senior secondary schools to purchase a collection of essays and speeches by Upadhyaya, a move which drew accusations of saffronisation of education.

- In April, it was announced that the Agra airport would be named after Upadhyaya.

- In May, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha launched a skill development scheme named after Upadhyaya that will train rural youth to maintain mobile towers, repair optical fibres and fix other communication technologies across India.

- In July, Modi launched the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana for power sector reforms in rural areas with a view to ensuring round the clock electricity supply to farmers and rural households.

- In July this year, the Haryana government decided that youth centres would be established in Upadhyaya's name in all districts of the state at a cost of about Rs 3 crore each.

- The BJP plans to organise a quiz on Upadhyaya, which will be held across Uttar Pradesh on 26 August for students in classes 9th and 10th. The quiz will be conducted by the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Janma Shatabdi Samaroh Samiti.

The Congress, meanwhile, accused the BJP of attempting to "distort" the glorious history of the country in the garb of the quiz. "The quiz is a deliberate attempt to distort the role played by our revered freedom fighters in the freedom struggle. People of the country will never forgive the BJP for their act," Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh said.

The Congress may crib but the reality is the BJP has found someone who it believes can be a match to the Mahatma, an icon it can call its own.

With inputs from PTI
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday told a group of BJP parliamentarians that they have to change their style of functioning to understand the changing face of Indian politics.

Modi met the BJP MPs from eight states at his residence and explained them the benefits of various government schemes such as Mudra, crop insurance and soil health card.

The prime minister also told the MPs that they have to change their working style to understand the changing face of Indian politics, an official statement quoted Modi as saying.

The MPs from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Telangana and Tamil Nadu were present in the meeting.

The recent attacks on BJP and RSS workers in the southern states were raised by the MPs at the meeting.

The parliamentarians from the ruling party also expressed concerns about cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and said there was a need for policy guidelines on it, the statement added.

The MPs also gave their suggestions on various welfares schemes such as Ujjwala and skill development.

The MPs from the northeastern states expressed their gratitude towards Modi for the speedy relief work during floods in the region.

It was Modi's ninth and the last meeting with BJP MPs at his residence during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament. These meetings were coordinated by parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar.
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According to sources, leaders of different political parties will move two privilege motions against Swaraj for allegedly "providing wrong information on the Bandung Asia Africa relations conference and about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lahore visit in 2015".

Opposition parties will on Friday move privilege motions against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the Rajya Sabha for allegedly misinforming the House on India's foreign policy.

He told the chair that with few days remaining in the Monsoon Session, it will not be possible for the Upper House to deliberate upon so many bills. Agarwal said that the MPs are not labourers ho would work till 10 pm to pass the bills. He said that the Monsoon Session should be extended for a week.

Parliamentary affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi placed several bills on the table of the Rajya Sabha, to which Samajwadi Party naresh Agrawal objected.

The BJP-led NDA, however, is still short of a decisive majority in the house but the joining of JD(U) to the ruling block has further boosted its numbers.

His election was necessitated by the death of Union Minster, Anil Madhav Dave. This is the first time that the saffron party has become the number one formation in the RS after the Narendra Modi government came to power in May 2014.

The BJP today overtook Congress to become the largest political party in the Rajya Sabha, where it now has 58 members against 57 of the main opposition party. BJP MP Sampatiya Uikey, who was elected to the Upper House following a bypoll in Madhya Pradesh took oath today.

"Since 1955, people belonging to the OBCs have been demanding constitutional recognition to the commission but due to the anti-OBC mindset of the Congress, the bill could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha."

"The BJP government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to the welfare of the backward classes and held out an assurance that a bill on according constitutional status to the OBC Commission will be passed in Parliament at any cost," Shah told the media in this Haryana town, 70 km from Delhi.

He accused the Congress of harbouring an "anti-OBC mindset" and said the bill was not passed due to the Congress opposition.

BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday squarely blamed the Congress for the non-passage in the Rajya Sabha of a bill that sought to give constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will visit the house of an RSS worker murdered by alleged CPM activists when he visits Kerala on Sunday, a BJP leader said on Thursday. Jaitley will also hold consultations with CPM MPs on the issue, CNN-News 18.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi objected to it, saying the opposition parties have no objection to Mughal names but cannot see the name of a great thinker.

The railway station came into being in 1862 when the East India Company linked Howrah to Delhi by rail. While Agarwal said the government was trying to change character of the country, his other party colleagues said the names of persons "who have made no contribution to the freedom struggle" are being given.

SP members trooped into the well of the House shouting slogans and disrupted taking up of listed business, forcing Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to adjourn the proceedings for 10 minutes.

As of now, none of the parties have any big name that is sure to be fielded for the by-election. While several aspirants in all three parties are vying to get the respective party tickets, the race will intensify after the poll panel announces the election date.

The Congress, fresh from its emphatic win in the Punjab assembly elections in March, cannot easily let the seat, which it held from 2009 to 2014, go back to the BJP easily. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will have a lot riding on this bypoll, especially after the Congress won the by-election in the neighbouring Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency, which Amarinder had quit in last November, in March.

The BJP, which is the party in power at the centre, has made the first move by announcing the appointment of poll in-charges for the nine assembly constituencies falling under the Gurdaspur parliamentary seat that Khanna held from 1998 to 2004 and then from 2014 till his demise.

With the Election Commission (EC) likely to announce anytime now the date for the by-election to the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat in Punjab, which fell vacant in April following the passing away of veteran actor Vinod Khanna due to cancer, it could be a tough fight between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state's ruling Congress -- with the AAP playing the spoiler.

He said there were 221 ceasefire violation along the International Border which is guarded by both the Border Security Force and the Army.

"There is record high in the casualties on the other side," he said. There have been 285 incidents of ceasefire violation so far this year through the LoC compared to 228 such incidents in the entire 2016 along the LoC in which eight people had lost their lives, Jaitley said.

"Pakistan has increased efforts of infiltration," he said during Question Hour. Jaitely said due to the heightened vigil of the security forces, many infiltration attempts have been foiled and infiltration has been down.

Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha that the Indian Army has "domination and impact" along the western border and all steps have been taken to check infiltration from across the border.

Pakistan has increased attempts to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir through the border but there is a high number of casualties on their side, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said today.

The ruling NDA, which has a majority in the Lok Sabha, will find it easy to place its candidate as the next vice president.

The name of the next vice president of India will be known tomorrow evening after members of Parliament cast their ballot during the day in Parliament House.

Ruling NDA's candidate M Venkaiah Naidu is tipped to be India's next vice president as members of Parliament gear up to cast their ballot tomorrow.

While discussing on the new research institution on petroleum, Opposition MPs have asked the government to focus on developing renewable energy too. Pappu Yadav also asked the NDA government to increase the number of institutions across the country, in order to boost research in India.

While making his concluding remaks over the bill, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, said that the US discovery of shale gas has changed the dynamics of the oil and gas economy across the world. He said that had the US not discovered shale gas, the situation in the Arab world  the centre of the oil economy  would have been much worse. Price of crude oil would have also been higher, he added.

Vice-presidential elections to be held tomorrow in Parliament House: Watch an explainer on how polling is done

The Lower House has been adjourned until 8 August i.e. Tuesday. Parliamentary session will not take place on Monday due to Raksha Bandhan. Tensions were rife as BJP and Congress sparred over bribery allegations, leading to the Lok Sabha getting adjourned.

While making his concluding remaks over the bill, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, said that the US discovery of shale gas has changed the dynamics of the oil and gas economy across the world. He said that had the US not discovered shale gas, the situation in the Arab world  the centre of the oil economy  would have been much worse. Price of crude oil would have also been higher, he added.

Vice-presidential elections to be held tomorrow in Parliament House: Watch an explainer on how polling is done

According to IANS, the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill will help establishing the institute that aims to provide high quality education and research focussing on the themes of petroleum, hydrocarbons and energy.

The Lok Sabha on Friday passed a bill to establish an Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy in the port city Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and declare it as an institution of national importance.

The all party meeting has decided to send the Motor Vehicles Bill to Rajya Sabhas select committee, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari said according to PTI. He added that the select committee will be appointed on Friday. The committee will submit its report on the first day of Winter Session of Parliament, he added.

The Lok Sabha on Friday paid tributes to the victims of the World War II atomic bomb attack on the Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, recalling the attack, said India has always believed in non-violence. She said the pledge to destroy weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) should be renewed.

The Lower House has been adjourned until 8 August i.e. Tuesday. Parliamentary session will not take place on Monday due to Raksha Bandhan. Tensions were rife as BJP and Congress sparred over bribery allegations, leading to the Lok Sabha getting adjourned.

The issue sparked an uproar and shouting from the benches as some Congress members sought to counter it Somaiya's submission was not fully audible amid the din. With the uproar continuing, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the proceedings for the day.

As the House was discussing matters of public interest, BJP MP Kirit Somaiya claimed that payments worth Rs 4 crore made by a hawala operator had allegedly reached the Congress, PTI reports.

Opposition parties are likely to move privilege motions against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the Rajya Sabha on Friday for allegedly misinforming the House on India's foreign policy.

According to sources, leaders of different political parties will move two privilege motions against Swaraj for allegedly "providing wrong information on the Bandung Asia Africa relations conference and about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lahore visit in 2015". The sources said that while Swaraj claimed that she had not delivered any speech in the Bandung conference, the opposition parties have downloaded a purported speech and will attach it as proof.

The second privilege is for allegedly "misinforming the House on Modi's 2015 Lahore visit, claiming that there was no terror incident after that". The opposition, however, seeks to differ saying the Pathankot terror attack happened immediately after Modi's visit and there were five other incidents after that too. Incidentally, the issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday with Congress leader Anand Sharma and Trinamool leader Derek O' Brien saying that Swaraj had delivered her speech at Bandung despite claims to the contrary.

Swaraj on Thursday participated in debate on foreign policy and the Doka La border stand-off with China. She slammed the Opposition for alleging that the foreign policy was faulty and vehemently rejected the charge that India was standing isolated at the world stage. A combative Swaraj asserted in the Rajya Sabha that the country's foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was so strong that India was setting the world agenda.

Replying to a discussion on 'India's foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners', she answered point-by-point the questions raised and concerns voiced by the Opposition parties, mainly targeting the Congress.

She said the "concerns" voiced by the Congress regarding Chinese involvement in construction of Gwadar port in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka were "born" during the previous UPA rule and the present government was settling these.

She also rejected the Opposition contention that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not taking her into consideration with regard to the foreign policy.

"You say that India stands alone. This is far from the truth... All countries are with India... What I am saying is with evidence," she told the opposition. Swaraj said it was due to the success of the new foreign policy that both the US and Russia are with India and so are Israel and Palestine as also Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

With inputs from agencies
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayans admonishment of the waiting news cameramen at the Mascot Hotel, a government-run establishment in the capital this week, asking them to 'get out' is portrayed by many as the result of a sudden spurt of anger from the Communist strongman. But scratch the surface and one will realise that there is more to Vijayans shouting than meets the eye.

The media had gathered to take the first visuals of a bilateral peace meeting between the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of the chief minister after the state governor had sent out a public statement urging Vijayan to broker such a truce.

But instead of ensuring that the message of peace goes out through the media, the Kerala chief minister chose to display anger. By gagging the media at the venue, Vijayan not only spoiled any chances of the warring factions of either parties cooling tempers on seeing the visuals of their leaders sitting across a table, but also seems to have sent out a message that free and independent press is a far fetched thought in Communist-ruled Kerala

"I dont see this as a one-off incident. Vijayan has always had differences as a political leader with the media and that has been reflected in his behaviour since he came to power. But as a chief minister, he has no right to curtail the freedom of the press or to stop them from doing their job. Any such attempts will be met with fierce opposition by journalists in Kerala," C Narayanan, general secretary, Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) told Firstpost.

Keralas journalists do have a reason to feel antagonised as what happened at the Mascot Hotel is not an anomaly. Barely had the furore over the incident died down that the general manager of the hotel  who is a government staffer  was summoned by the Chief Minister's Office demanding a written explanation on why the media was allowed inside the hotel. Senior journalists say this is an unprecedented situation as it is a well-recorded fact that the Mascot Hotel is a place that acts as a venue for many important government meetings and never in the past had the media been stopped from covering such events. It was natural for the camera crew to be around unless told not to be, in advance.

On Monday, not only was there no such advice, but the peace talks as well as the chief minister's impending public statement were also widely publicised as per the governors message and from the public information managers at the CMO. Vijayans reaction after all this has only baffled one and all.

This is a very dangerous trend which I am not sure many people even among the journalists have realised. Its not just about the high ideals of freedom of press alone. But here the government is making all efforts to completely banish the reporter and his camera from places of importance which will become a precedent that will censure news in all forms, warns senior journalist Sunnykutty Abraham based in Thiruvananthapuram.

By Tuesday, a day after the chief ministers tirade, the patterns were becoming clearly visible. The staff at the government guest house in Thiruvananthapuram denied entry to the media at another bilateral meeting, this time between the District leadership of the BJP-RSS combine and the CPM. With the staff telling the media off-record that they had orders from not just the government but also the district leadership of the CPM to stop media persons. It was becoming increasingly clear that what happened at the Mascot Hotel is a only a small chapter in a grand agenda and not just a momentary loss of civility by the Chief Minister.

There is a specific reason why Vijayan has picked on the media. Perhaps he just wants to erase the public perception that he is meeting the BJP leaders due to the pressure from the Governors office. The best way to do it is to pick on the media to show that he is still the all powerful leader. Since the medias credibility is being questioned nowadays he thinks he can get away with this. But this trend will be disastrous for a Left front government, added PA Pouran, a noted social activist.

Vijayans hatred for media

Vijayan, the politician's deep-rooted dislike for the media is a well-documented fact. But perhaps this is the time the media in Kerala is realising that Vijayan, the chief minister has not changed from his earlier stand.

Vijayan, the politician had reasons to feel annoyed with the media. After all more than one-and-a-half decade of his political life were spent in doldrums because of what he claims is a witch-hunt by the media in the name of the SNC Lavalin case.

With speculations taking form that Vijayan had taken crores of rupees as kickback from a Canadian company for modernisation of generators at three hydro electric projects in the state, a trial by media was only inevitable.

But adding fuel to fire, Vijayans nemesis VS Achuthanandan and his team used the media, especially the Malayalam vernacular dailies and prominent channels, to vitiate the case against Vijayan and paint him as tainted party secretary  a tag he had to live with from the early 2000s to 2013, till a CBI special court exonerated him.

It is also a well-known fact that during this period news about Vijayan was indeed planted and even written by paid columnists in vernacular dailies which were then translated and sent to Delhi to fight the case against him in the CPM polit bureau.

Vijayan still believes that these media reports indeed had a role to play in him being sidelined in 2006 Assembly polls which saw Achuthanandan becoming the chief minister.

Vijayan still feels very strongly that it was the media intervention that prevented him from tightening his control over the party in the early stages when he was the state secretary. His entire anger comes from this feeling of the media forming a syndicate and trying to fix him. This he still holds strong against the media, noted veteran journalist BRP Bhaskar told Firstpost.

But with 2016 elections the picture changed because by then Vijayan had taken total control over the party after having successfully proved himself right in the Lavalin case which turned the tables against Achuthanandan.

But even then the chief minister Vijayan was not ready to forgo his hatred for the media and that resulted in a series of attempts to ensure that news is censured and every attempt by the media to work independently is scuttled.

It all started when he announced that there will no more be cabinet briefings, a system which successive chief ministers in Kerala have always followed. Even EK Nayanar another iron-fisted communist from Kannur had never shied away from addressing the media after a cabinet meeting, when he was chief minister of the state.

Hence Vijayans decision was a shocker to many and when efforts were made ensure that the minutes of the cabinet stayed away from the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the writing was certainly on the wall.

There was an attempt to trivialise the work that the press is doing in Kerala and through it ensure that the right of people to know is scuttled. That is why at the outset itself Vijayan said you will know crucial decisions of the cabinet meeting through the PRD only, which means you will only selectively inform the people of our decisions, which is unbecoming of an elected government, added Narayanan.

When the media had a run-in with a section of lawyers last year, Vijayan made hogwash of an attempt at brokering peace between both. While a responsible government should have taken concrete efforts at ensuring that two pillars of democracy do not take to a fist fight, Vijayan trivialised the issue by telling media persons, It is better if you do not go to the courts to beat or get beaten. Such was Vijayans apathy towards a genuine issue faced by the media.

Central leadership steps in

The chief ministers angry spat at the Mascot Hotel on Monday, is now seeing reverberations in Delhi.

Sources say CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury minced no words in expressing his displeasure at Vijayans meaningless tirade and in days to come, an already strained relationship between the two leaders could further deteriorate.

Though no official word would ever emerge condemning his act, given the clout that Vijayan enjoys in party that is on a ventilator across the country except Kerala, Vijayans attitude towards not just the media but across the spectrum is certainly the subject of ridicule inside the party too.

There is a general feeling here in Delhi that whatever good work that the party has been able to do in Kerala is being lost by the terrible attitude that Vijayan has towards most things including the media. Senior leaders are worried that such perception disasters could prove dear for the party in the 2019 polls and ahead, says a senior journalist who covers the Left from the national capital.

For instance a few months ago when E Ahmed the former Union minister passed away a group of journalists were invited to the Kannur guest house to record an obituary message from the chief minister. Reporters now recollect that what happened at the Thiruvananthapuram was repeated at Kannur too just because the news crew had stood inside the guest house to avoid the hot sun, which was not to the liking of the chief minister.

Vijayans such PR disasters come at a time when the CPM is facing flak for once against igniting violent politics and this time at Thiruvananthapuram. Activists even claim that Vijayan's behaviour is only an extension of the tensions that the party wants to keep alive in Kerala.

See the CPM needs to keep its cadre active in Kerala if they have to sustain the party in the long run and that will be possible only if they are given a free run at violence. Hence if Vijayan or any of the CPM top brass is seen along with BJP state leadership it will prove counterproductive to what they are standing for at the moment. Media should understand and see through this game plan of the party, advices noted social activist CR Neelakanadan.
Patna: Bihar Legislative Council has rejected the request of RJD to appoint Rabri Devi as the Leader of Opposition in the upper house, stating that the party did not have the required number of MLCs needed for the post.

"A strength of nine MLCs is required for the post of Leader of Opposition in the upper house but RJD at present has only seven MLCs. Hence their application was not in conformity with the rules," Deputy Chairman of Bihar State Legislative Council Harun Rashid told PTI.

"A letter citing existing rules has been sent to RJD Bihar president Ramchandra Purbe who had sent a request for appointing Rabri Devi as Leader of Opposition in the state's Upper House," Rashid said.

Sushil Kumar Modi was the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the 75-member upper house during Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance ministry.

Rabri Devi was chosen as member of Legislative council for the second time in 2012 and her tenure will end in 2018. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also a member of Legislative Council at present.

Purbe told PTI that the Council authority could have used "discretionary" power to appoint Rabri Devi as Opposition leader despite the party falling short of requisite numbers.

Criticising RJD, JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar said, "For RJD, all the qualification for a constitutional post lies only to a member of Lalu Prasad family".

The post of chairman of Bihar Legislative Council is also lying vacant after end of the term of BJP's Awdesh Narayan Singh recently.

Although Singh had been re-elected to the Upper House again from Gaya graduate constituency in the bypoll in June, but nobody was appointed as the chairman so far.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad had on 26 July said that after a meeting of RJD legislature party, it was decided that Rabri Devi will lead them in Legislative council and his son Tejaswi Prasad Yadav will be the Leader of Opposition in state Assembly.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's car was attacked on Friday at Lal Chowk in the flood-affected Banaskantha district of Gujarat. AICC media in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted images of the car and claimed that BJP "goons" were involved. He also claimed that while Rahul escaped unhurt, his security staff received minor injuries.

BJP goons attack Cong VP Rahulji's car in Lal Chowk, Dhanera, Banaskanta, Gujarat. Disgusting & disgraceful. 1/n pic.twitter.com/2lkvtDHsOQ  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 4, 2017

Windowpanes of Cong VP's car broken in an organized attack by goons,security staff injured. BJP must know truth can't be silenced. 3/3 pic.twitter.com/Sswntiowf8  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 4, 2017

According to The Indian Express, Rahul was sitting in the front seat and the SPG commandos travelling with him were sitting at the back. Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Neeraj Badgujar confirmed that a stone was thrown at Rahul's car while he was on his way to the helipad after meeting flood victims at Dhanera.

Surjewala further said that there have been 218 deaths in Gujarat due to floods, and 61 have only been reported in Banaskantha. "The prime minister only does an aerial view of the affected areas while the chief minister takes five days to plan a visit. BJP only attacks Opposition," he said. According to reports, the windows of the car were broken by people waving black flags and shouting slogans in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi told reporters that Rahul was attacked with cement bricks by BJP goons and the incident should be condemned unequivocally. Congress also said that the attack is a reflection of the failure of the state government in maintaining law and order.

ANI reported that Rahul was greeted with black flags in the district, to which he replied, "let people wave black flags but it doesn't bother me because these people are scared."

Gujarat: Black flags shown to Congress VP Rahul Gandhi in Banaskantha. pic.twitter.com/qZ7aHdAU1D  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

Rahul tweeted that they won't back down despite Modi's black flags and stones. He also said that the Congress will do anything in its power to help the people.

     ,            ,            Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) August 4, 2017

The BJP, however said that it was an unfortunate incident and the party had no role to play. "This is absolutely false. If any incident has happened, it is unfortunate. I don't think BJP is behind this," said BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said, Rahul had refused a bullet-proof car for travelling and instead opted to travel in a private car.

Rahul is scheduled to interact with the flood victims and share their pain during his visit to Banaskantha, according to a party statement.

The Gujarat government has declared both Banaskantha and Patan districts as 'disaster-affected areas' following the floods due to torrential rains last week. The announcement was made by the state revenue department through a gazette notification issued on Tuesday.

With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: The government and opposition on engaged in a verbal duel in the Rajya Sabha over India's statement at the last Bandung Conference in Indonesia.

Senior Congress member Anand Sharma alleged that first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru's name had been omitted from the address delivered by Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh at the 60th anniversary of Bandung Conference. Sharma was supported by Derek O'Brien of Trinamool Conference.

Rejecting this charge, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said India did not address the Bandung Conference as only three heads of states spoke at Bandung.

She said speech which Sharma was referring to was delivered at another Afro-Asian Conference held separately.

Nehru was one of the founder members of the Bandung Conference founded in 1955.

Swaraj added that she had attended the Bandung Conference and saw large pictures of Nehru at the venue, which made her feel proud.

The external affairs minister also slammed the Congress for alleging that the Modi government had dumped the Palestine issue due to growing proxmity with Israel.

She said while the Congress has problems over India's growing ties with Israel, the Palestinians have no such complaints.

In fact, Palestinians are requesting India to use its good ties with Israel to resolve its dispute with the Jewish nation, she said.

The minister asserted that India will never let down the cause of Palestine. "It is our commitment," she said.

To the opposition's contention that India has become lackey of the US, Swaraj said it is only Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has got the guts to have plain speak with US president Donald Trump.

She was referring to Modi's strong statement after Trump had alleged that India was seeking billions and billions of dollars in the name of Paris climate change deal, from which the US walked out.

Modi had said that India's respect for climate was thousands of years old.

Swaraj also dismissed contention that number of H1B visas issued by the US have reduced under the Modi government. Citing data, she said, in turn, the quota of such visas had been decreased during the previous UPA government.
Following the killing of 34-year-old RSS worker Rajesh in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 29 July, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday held a press conference in New Delhi urging the CPM-led state government to open an investigation and end the 'state-sponsored violence'.

Addressing the media, RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale accused the Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPM) of intolerance and political killings in the state.

The RSS demanded a judicial probe into the "political killings" of its workers in Kerala, alleging that CPM cadre were involved in the violence which was aimed at checking its expanding base in the state.

We requested state govt to take strict action towards bringing this series of murders to an end: Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS Joint General Secy pic.twitter.com/nZ6saD3kw4  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

"The violence in Kerala is unending. Our worker, Rajesh, was attacked brutally. The gory details of bloodthirsty violence and gruesome murders makes our blood curdle," Hosabale said.

The RSS leader continued and said they had no grudge against the CPM. "What's happening isn't between just the RSS and CPM," he said. He went on to claim that the CPM has murdered Congress, Muslim League members in the state as well.

Hosabale lashed out against the state government and alleged "unionism" of marxists perpetuated even in the police department and did not allow free and fair investigation in any of these conspiracies. He said: "Will the Kerala government end this violence or not? The CPM use muscle power to force police officers to drop any charges against them," further claiming that CPM workers surround the police station to destroy records.

"Despite being at the receiving end, the RSS has always tried to get into a dialogue process, at least three times in the past. Each time, they responded by either ridiculing or backstabbing by killing another of our workers," he added.

The RSS leader also claimed that people from the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are frightened in Kerala.

He also said the RSS has written to the President and met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and "appealed to stop these killings".

Hosabale urged the Kerala government to change their attitude and start an investigation into the matter, "We condemn the incident but condemning it will not bring back the dead. We want this political violence to end. There should be a judicial inquiry by either a judge of High court or the Supreme Court in the murders of RSS workers in the state," Hosabale told reporters in New Delhi.

"Our workers are targeted as more commoners and poor people are joining the RSS which is not going well with the ruling CPM, which is why they are killing our workers," he further alleged.

He also alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who hails from Kannur, the epicentre of political violence, "was an accused in one of such political murders".

Meanwhile, the slain RSS worker Rajesh's mother held Pinarayi Vijayan responsible for her son's death. "Pinarayi Vijayan must explain how such a brutal killing took place without his consent?" CNN-News18 reported.

Political murders in Kerala in Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram and other districts have been prevalent since the first half of the 20th century. Between 2000 and 2016 alone, 69 political murders were reported in Kannur district, with RSS losing as many workers as CPM, according to The Hindustan Times.

Until 31 July, 11 arrests were made in connection with Rajesh's murder.

A gang led by a history sheeter had attacked 34-year-old RSS 'karyavahak' Rajesh and hacked him to death. His left arm was chopped off and there were several injuries all over his body.

With inputs from PTI
Lucknow: In another blow to Samajwadi Party, senior legislator Sarojini Agarwal quit the party on Friday and announced she is joining BJP.

An eminent gynaecologist of Meerut, Agarwal also resigned from the Upper House of the state Assembly. She is considered close to the Mulayam Singh Yadav-Shivpal Singh camp in the Samajwadi Party.

With the Samajwadi Party for a very long time, Agarwal was a member of the Legislative Council for a second time and her tenure was till 30 January, 2021.

Late last month, three senior Samajwadi Party MLCs had quit the party.

After her resignation, Agarwal said she was very upset with the way the party was treating its founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and had no reason to continue despite over three years of her tenure left.

She also announced that she was joining BJP. Agarwal's resignation and that of the three MLCs is likely to help in the entry of five Uttar Pradesh ministers, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma, Mohsin Raza and Swatantra Dev Singh into the House within the stipulated six month time.

The Opposition has alleged that BJP was engineering these resignations to ensure that its Chief Minister and others enter the House through the back gate as they did not have the guts to contest direct elections.
Phagwara: Shiv Sena Punjab unit on Friday urged the central government to ban the sale of Chinese products in the Indian markets in view of the country's continued "threatening" standoff over the Doka La border issue.

Talking to reporters in Phagwara, Sena's state vice president Inderjit Karwal claimed that the public was already "wary of buying" China-made products and the central government should initiate measures to ban them to hit China's economy.

"On one hand, China is provoking Pakistan to foment trouble in India, while on the other hand, it was vetoing in the UN in the matter of declaring Masood Azhar a global terrorist. Now it is having an evil eye on the Indian territory under its sinister expansionist designs and is indulging in intimidating tactics," he said.

Reminding Narendra Modi led Union government of "China's historical penchant for backstabbing India", the Shiv Sena said China and Pakistan "would never be friends with India".

"It was high time that China was taught a befitting lesson by banning its products and Pakistan too dealt with sternly", it added.
Amaravati: The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh suffered a major blow on Thursday, days ahead of the crucial by-election for the Nandyal Assembly seat, as party MLC Silpa Chakrapani Reddy quit the party to join the Opposition YSR Congress.

Reddy also resigned from the MLC post, to which he was elected just three months ago.

The Jaganmohan Reddy-led party has fielded Chakrapani's elder brother Mohan Reddy for the 23 August bypoll. The Reddy brothers had joined the TDP ahead of the 2014 elections after deserting the Congress.

Mohan, a former minister, was expected to be fielded for the by-election from TDP, but the party chose Brahmananda Reddy, a member of the Bhuma family. The Silpa and the Bhuma families have a running feud in the faction-ridden Kurnool district.

Piqued by this, Mohan quit the TDP and joined the YSRC last month, which fielded him for the bypoll.

Since his brother's exit from TDP, Chakrapani had been staying away from the party activities in Kurnool district, giving rise to speculation that he too was on his way out. He then faxed a letter to TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu announcing his exit.

Chakrapani faxed another letter to the Legislative Council (acting) Chairman, stating that he was resigning as the MLC. Mohan lost the 2014 Assembly elections as the TDP nominee to Bhuma Nagi Reddy of the YSRC.
To understand the reasons behind BJP's ascendancy and Opposition's predicament, we don't need to look beyond Thursday's proceedings at the Rajya Sabha. The Opposition launched a combined attack on the government's foreign policy but ended up scoring countless own goals. The gaps in their arguments and leaps of logic were easily picked by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who turned in one more bravura oratorical performance.

It isn't as if there are no valid grounds to criticise the government but in their current state of stupefied cluelessness, Opposition leaders are tilting at the windmills, resembling soldiers flailing at a battle tank with wooden broadswords. That their role is not limited to reactive agendas and blind criticisms of the government and also involves floating a counter-narrative seems a task beyond the capabilities of the current bunch.

Through their myopia and strange propensity to always appear on the wrong side of the nationalism debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rivals are shrinking the Opposition space further and doing a great disservice to India's democratic set-up. If the BJP, led by Modi and his trusted general Amit Shah is presiding over a period of extraordinary hegemony and a fearsome concentration of power, it has as much to do with the duo's political acumen and hunger as the Opposition's rank ineptitude.

It takes an extraordinary amount of daftness to suggest that India should have attended the Chinese jamboree in Beijing to launch the One Belt One Road (OBOR, also BRI) project when it trespasses over a territory claimed by India and is thus an issue of sovereignty. This is a stand no Indian government can take and yet the Congress went ahead to criticise the government's move to boycott the BRI conclave, inviting a stinging response from the external affairs minister.

"Do you know through where the OBOR passes? And you are asking these questions? It is a matter of national sentiment (for India). You are the main Opposition party, you should speak with responsibility," Swaraj said, according to a PTI report. She was promptly rebutted by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad who claimed that the remarks made by his party colleague Rajeev Shukla regarding OBOR were in his "individual" capacity and it wasn't the party's line.

This led to Swaraj asking sarcastically whether Congress's inner-party democracy involves each member speaking independently of the party line. The short exchange exemplifies Congress's pickle.

Even if there was no friction with China, attending the meeting would have been bad optics for India who claims territorial rights over Gilgit-Baltistan. It's not a question of benefiting economically from the project but tacitly legitimising Pakistan's claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It is inconceivable that Congress didn't see it through and allowed itself to be ambushed by BJP.

Which brings us to Rahul Gandhi, the Congress vice-president and president-in-waiting. After denying initially that Gandhi had met Chinese envoy Luo Zhaohui and calling it "fake news", Congress later admitted that such a meeting did take place and called it a "courtesy call." Gandhi sent a series of tweets justifying his move, one of which was:

It is my job to be informed on critical issues. I met the Chinese Ambassador, Ex-NSA, Congress leaders from NE & the Bhutanese Ambassador  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) July 10, 2017

The Gandhi dynast was correct in his argument that it is his job to stay "informed on critical issues" and that he did nothing wrong in meeting the Chinese envoy  a common protocol. But where he lost the debate was that he chose to meet Luo first to ostensibly discuss a sensitive issue that holds grave implications for India's sovereignty and security. Expectedly, Swaraj let it rip. She wasn't going to miss this full toss.

Speaking in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, while responding to Congress leader Anand Sharma's jibe about Jawaharlal Nehru calling a Parliament session in 1962, acting on a written request from Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Swaraj said: "It saddens me to say that leader of the largest Opposition party chose to meet the Chinese envoy to get information about the standoff rather than approach the Indian leadership", adding, "How I wish the Opposition had done the same (request a session) now!"

This is not semantic puritanism or nitpicking but a treatise on how inch by inch the Congress, torchbearers of Indian nationalism with such an illustrious legacy to boast, is vacating its political space and letting BJP own it. These issues shape national consciousness and mould public opinion. It says little of Congress leadership that it does not recognise the adverse electoral effects of these repeated blunders.

Congress isn't alone at fault though. It is easy to blame Nitish Kumar and pile on derogatory adjectives for his "somersault". It is much harder to acknowledge the lacunae in Opposition strategy which the Bihar chief minister had been at pains to point out, repeatedly, before he decided to join the NDA camp.

"It's the duty of the Opposition to oppose the government... We should have alternative narratives (agendas) for the benefit of the country, more than relying only on reactive narratives," he had said shortly before joining cause with Modi.

The lack of a narrative has been compounded by an odd complacency. The BJP is in power in 18 states and soon we may have the prime minister, president and vice-president from the same party but it still appears insatiable in hunger to innovate, expand and dominate.

Conversely, the Opposition is afflicted with a strange ennui and appears trapped in the vicious cycle of reactivity. For instance, BJP faces strong anti-incumbency headwinds in Gujarat but it's the Congress which has found its leaders cross-voting in NDA's favour, lost its top state leader and has been forced to pack off remaining MLAs to a resort in Karnataka. It may cry "vendetta" but it's equally true that its actions reflect a lack of self-confidence. A message goes out to voters that Congress doesn't trust its own MLAs. It is also facing similar revolts in Goa and Bihar.

Some axiomatic truths define the power principle. Nothing is permanent. Ahmed Patel, once perhaps the most powerful figures in Congress ecosystem, is finding it out the hard way. Perhaps that is why instead of a pro-active policy to tap the massive discontent among farmers and jobless youths, Congress ministers are busy penning eloquent op-eds in English language newspapers and hoping for providence. But it's wise not to bet on it.
Hyderabad: The Congress on Thusday hit back at Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao who has alleged that the main Opposition party is behind dragging every initiative of the TRS government to courts.

Taking exception to Rao's attack on the Congress at a press conference on Wednesday, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly K Jana Reddy said his party never stalled development and that it has only exposed lapses on the part of the government.

Noting that the Congress has nothing to do with the issue of the cases filed in courts, he said those in the need of justice and those opposing illegalities have knocked the doors of judiciary.

Telangana Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy said Congress has nothing to do with the petitions filed against regularisation of services of contract employees of Energy department or about the issue of jobs for dependents in state-owned miner Singareni Collieries.

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Mohammed Ali Shabbir said in a release that Rao's language was "intemperate" and his attack on Congress "poisonous".

It was Congress which gave the political birth to Rao, he said. Rao had accused the Congress of 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 had 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," he said.

The Congress was behind filing court cases and obtaining stays on various works, including construction of irrigation projects, government job notifications, Mission Bhagiradha drinking water scheme, among others, he claimed.

"Is this behaviour expected of a national party? A PIL is filed for anything we do," the chief minister said. Telangana finance minister E Rajender attacked Congress on Thursday and defended his government.

"The three year rule (of TRS) gave a confidence to all people of Telangana. It created a feeling (among citizens) that our people are doing well. The Centre also feels that the Telangana government has a direction and commitment...Unable to digest these, the Congress party, which always hankers for power, is trying to affect the government's momentum (towards progress) by filing cases (in courts)," he said.
Does TTV Dinakaran (also spelt as Dhinakaran) fancy himself to be the Oviya army, marching in to take over the AIADMK headquarters? In a state that seems to be quite taken in by Bigg Boss, a political version of the show is waiting to be played out in Chennai. The high point could be the Saturday episode, when Dinakaran may march to Royapettah to show he remains the AIADMK 'Bigg Boss' by proxy. If he does so, it would be a way to avoid elimination from the power race.

In February, when O Panneerselvam revolted against VK Sasikala, before she was convicted in the disproportionate assets case, it seemed to be end game for the Mannargudi family. The family, however, managed to stay afloat by ensuring one of their own, Edappadi Palaniswamy, became the next chief minister. But since then, EPS has displayed more loyalty to the chair than to the kingmaker. The chief minister has tried to be in the good books of the BJP by sidelining Dinakaran; almost happy to nominate him for eviction from the AIADMK house.

By announcing that he will enter the AIADMK head office, Dinakaran is trying to tell the BJP that he is the one who matters. Or at least that they cannot afford to ignore him. The Dinakaran camp was piqued at the manner in which its support was not sought for the NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind in the presidential elections. Dinkaran also had to face the humiliation of announcing his support unilaterally.

Since the last week, there has been much speculation over the AIADMK joining the BJP-led NDA. While there is no basis for the rumour-mongering, Dinakaran wants to ensure that should anything materialise, it is his number that is on Delhi's speed dial, given his position as deputy general secretary, and not that of EPS.

Dinakaran is also taking a leaf out of party history. Old timers recall how in 1988, Jayalalithaa led a similar march to the AIADMK office with her small band of supporters to send a message to the AIADMK government led by Janaki Ramachandran, MGR's widow. That was Jayalalithaa's dramatic way of showing she is the one who mattered. In a party where sepia-toned flashbacks matter immensely, Chinnamma's nephew is trying to do an Amma.

EPS has been careful in his utterances, choosing to take on a Kamal Haasan, instead of his rivals within the party. He has spent the past six months consolidating his Gounder community base, that would now be less than willing to cede political space to the Thevar community to which both Dinakaran and OPS belong. EPS is also strategically going to be in Perambalur on Saturday, which will force the police to decide on how to handle Dinakaran's march on its own.

Having lost much ground due to a 40-day stint in Tihar Jail, Dinakaran needs to catch up. This is because OPS and EPS have been touring the state, in a bid to strengthen their hold over the cadre.

Dinakaran's hopes to be the king, however, will be a case of overestimating himself. There is considerable ill-will against the family on the ground and given that he has legal issues to take care of, the return of the native won't be so easy. To gain political legitimacy will be a herculean task for him, despite the minuscule support he enjoys in the AIADMK legislature party.

But at the same time, not everything is ranged against Dinakaran. He has been smart enough to not vent his frustration in public, giving the two factions of the AIADMK 60 days to sort out their differences and merge. However, it was obviously a non-starter given that the biggest impediment to a merger are Dinakaran and Sasikala themselves.

However, he has let his supporters like Perambur MLA Vetrivel speak. Vetrivel has warned that ministers who speak against Dinakaran and Sasikala will be shown the door.

The Mannargudi family came together for a condolence meeting last month at which both Dinakaran and Dhivakaran, Sasikala's brother, were present. The realisation has dawned on the clan that divisions between them will be exploited by the non-Mannargudi part of the AIADMK. Most believe the 60-day period that Dinakaran announced was more to sort out the differences within the family.

A not very vocal minority in the AIADMK feels that even if the taint of going to jail is on Dinakaran, it was for the cause of the party. They point out that the charge of bribery could not even be proven against Dinakaran, despite the might of the Union government against him.

This section is also not pleased with the manner in which OPS and EPS have allowed the BJP to control the AIADMK from the backseat. This, they point out, is quite a contrast from the Jayalalithaa era, when she would not brook any interference from Delhi in Tamil Nadu affairs.

Clearly, in the alphabet soup politics of the AIADMK, the final word on who among the EPS, TTV and OPS factions will have the final laugh, has not yet been said.
New Delhi: NDA candidate M Venkaiah Naidu is tipped to be India's next Vice-President as members of Parliament gear up to cast their ballot on Saturday.

The name of the next Vice-President of India will be known Saturday evening after members of Parliament cast their ballot during the day in Parliament House.

The ruling NDA, which has a majority in the Lok Sabha, will find it easy to place its candidate as the next vice president. The opposition has fielded Gopal Krishna Gandhi against Naidu.

The BJD and the JD(U) which had supported NDA nominee Ramnath Kovind for the post of president, have decided to back opposition nominee Gandhi. Though the JD(U) has broken ties with Mahagathbandhan and joined hands with the BJP to form a new government in Bihar, it has decided to vote for Gandhi, a former governor of West Bengal.

Members of Parliament will use special pens for marking their choice in the election to be held between 10 am and 5 pm. The counting of votes will commence after polling and the results will be declared by 7 pm, Election Commission officials said quoting precedents. No whip can be issued by political parties as the election is through a secret ballot.

The term of the present incumbent Hamid Ansari, who has held the post for two consecutive terms, is coming to an end on 10 August.

The electoral college which elects the vice-president, who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, consists of elected and nominated members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. The total strength of the two Houses is 790, but there are two vacancies in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha. BJP MP in Lok Sabha Chhedi Paswan is barred from casting vote following a judicial pronouncement.

In the 545-member Lok Sabha, the BJP has 281 members. The NDA led by BJP, has 338 members.

In the 243-member Rajya Sabha, the BJP as of now has 58 members, while the Congress with 57 is the second-largest party. With its recent wins in the recent assembly polls, the BJP is set to grow its number even more in the upper house.

The one who bags 50 per cent plus one vote of the total valid votes cast will win the poll.
The vice-presidential election will take place on Saturday and NDA candidate M Venkaiah Naidu is likely to defeat Opposition's candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi because most of the states have NDA governments apart from its majority in Lok Sabha.

Despite the expected outcome though, there is still a lot of politics involved in the vice-presidential polls. On one hand, is BJP leader and a key member of the cabinet Venkaiah Naidu and on the other hand, is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Gopalkrishna.

Here are the backgrounds of both the candidates and the political backing behind each of them:

M Venkaiah Naidu

The senior BJP leader, born on 1 July 1949, actually joined Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by accident when he chanced upon the shakha when he was playing during his childhood.

His political career started as a student leader in 1971 when he became the president of the student union in VR College.

Naidu was the president of the youth wing of the Janata Party in Andhra Pradesh from 1977 to 1980.

He was eventually jailed because of being involved in the JP movement during the Emergency of 1975-77.

After the Emergency, Naidu was elected to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly in 1978. After the BJP was formed in 1980, he became vice-president of its youth wing.

Naidu is a four-time Rajya Sabha member, being elected to the Upper House in 1998, 2004, 2010 and 2016.

It is not surprising that BJP chose Naidu as its vice-presidential candidate because the saffron party will achieve a regional balance with Naidu as President Ram Nath Kovind hails from Uttar Pradesh, this article in The Times of India had pointed out.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself praised Naidu on Twitter after his appointment.

A farmers son, @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu brings years of experience in public life and is admired across the political spectrum.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 17, 2017

PTI also reported that Naidu so far enjoys committed support of 485 of the 788 members of the electoral college that will choose the next vice-president on Saturday. Three non-NDA parties  the AIADMK, TRS and YSR Congress-have also announced their support to Naidu.

"Venkaiah Naidu was close to former (Tamil Nadu) chief minister J Jayalalithaa. He loves Tamil Nadu and its people and he is a south Indian. We are happy to offer our support to him ," Tamil Nadu chief minister had said.

The ruling TRS in Telangana made it clear that the party was supporting Naidu because "CM (TRS president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao) told us to support. He asked us to go and sign the papers."

YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy, after extending support to Naidu, had said, "Being a Telugu, we will extend our support to Venkaiah Naidu. Our party's stand has been that election to constitutional posts like the president, vice president and Lok Sabha speaker should be unopposed. So, we will fully support him."

Gopalkrishna Gandhi

Perhaps the most significant aspect about the vice-presidential nomination of Gandhi was that his name was first suggested by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who is now in alliance with the BJP in the state.

Despite leaving the Mahagathbandhan, JD(U) continues to support Gandhi.

There is much more to Gandhi than just being the grandson of the Mahatma though. He is an acclaimed civil servant, diplomat and former governor, who is a strong votary of secular ethos, and has clear and independent views, according to IANS. He is also an author and a columnist.

Gandhi's term as West Bengal Governor between 2004-09 coincided with the violent land struggles in Singur and Nandigram that contributed to the Left losing its dominance in the state and Trinamool Congress replacing it in power in the state.

As governor, Gandhi spoke his mind on the farmers' agitation that earned the ire of the then Left government. Now both Left parties and Trinamool Congress are supporting his candidature, reflecting his ability to effectively deal with contentious issues and draw cross-party support.

Gopalkrishna Gandhi was born on 22 April, 1945, to Mahatma Gandhi's son Devdas, and Lakshmi, daughter of C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India. He graduated with a Master's degree in Literature from St. Stephen's College in Delhi.

Gandhi joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1968 as a Tamil Nadu cadre officer and is credited with preparing the first district gazetteer for Pudukkottai.

He worked among the tea plantation labourers of Indian origin in Sri Lanka as first secretary in Indian High Commission's Kandy office.

He was secretary to the Vice President of India (1985-87) and joint secretary to the President of India (1987-1992).

In 1992, he took voluntary retirement from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and was appointed the Director of the Nehru Centre at the High Commission of India, London.

In 1996, he was appointed High Commissioner for India in South Africa and Lesotho.

Gandhi was also secretary to then president KR Narayanan.

He was appointed the High Commissioner for India in Sri Lanka in 2000. In 2002, he was made Ambassador of India to Norway and Iceland.

Gandhi at present is working as a professor of Political Science, History and Indian Civilizations at the Ashoka University, Sonepat (Haryana).

His name as the vice-presidential candidate has been endorsed by 18 parties. "The 18 opposition parties have unanimously agreed to field Gopalkrishna as their joint candidate for the vice presidential election. We spoke to him. He has agreed to be the joint opposition candidate," Congress chief Sonia Gandhi had said.

However, PTI had reported that a section of the CPM in West Bengal is not happy with the central leadership for backing Gandhi.

With inputs from agencies
tech2 News Staff

The Nokia 8, the latest smartphone expected to be launched by HMD Global on 16 August, could be the first phone with Android 8.0 onboard. Coincidentally, this is also being cited by some as the reason the device is named as such.

In a new GeekBench listing, the Nokia device, codenamed 'Unknown Heart' by Nokia, shows the operating system as Android 8.0.0. This is a first for the GeekBench benchmark and is the first time any device is showing this version of Android. Other details such as the 4 GB RAM and Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset seem to be in line with rumours we have come across in the past.

According to GSM Arena, the Android version could also be a test version to prepare the handset for a software update, and that the Nokia 8 may come out with Android 7.1.1 first. Or, if one goes by the trend last year, when the LG V20 became the first device to be shipped with Android 7.0 out of the box, the Nokia 8 will indeed be the first smartphone to ship with Android 8.0.

The decision to go with the 8 in the nomenclature is adding more fuel to this speculation.

In another update, the Nokia 2, an entry level Nokia device, has been leaked online by SlashLeaks. The photos show the front and the back of the device. The Nokia 2 is expected to come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210/212 chipset with 1 GB RAM and will be sporting a 5-inch 720p display. It is expected to sport an 8 MP rear and a 5 MP front camera.

Last month, an image shared by prolific tipster Evan Blass on his Twitter account was captioned with a hashtag 'teaser'. The image reveals a familiar design language seen previously on the Nokia 3, 5 and 6. The main highlight, however, was the primary camera module on the back which confirmed that Carl Zeiss and HMD Global were working together on upcoming Nokia flagship devices.
Reuters

A Chinese partner of global e-commerce firm Amazon.com Inc has told customers to stop using illegal virtual private networks (VPNs), which can circumvent internet censorship.

The instruction comes after Apple Inc removed VPN services from its Chinese App Store over the weekend, amid a government crackdown on their use to dodge restrictions on access to overseas websites.

In January, the government passed laws banning all VPNs not approved by regulators. Its stance is that rules governing cyberspace should mimic real-world border controls and that the internet should be subject to the same laws as sovereign states.

"If we discover (clients using unapproved VPNs), we will shut down services," said a member of staff at Beijing Sinnet Technology Co Ltd, which operates Amazon's cloud business, Amazon Web Services (AWS), in China.

"We have asked clients to check all illegal cross-border businesses," said the person, adding the company was acting on government instructions.

The person was not authorised to speak to the media and asked not to be identified. A member of staff at AWS, also on condition of anonymity, said directives had come from the government. The relevant government authority did not respond to requests for comment.

An Amazon Web Services spokesman said that to comply with Chinese laws and regulations, the firm had to operate in China through local partners such as Sinnet. Sinnet's notice was "intended to remind customers of their obligations," he said.

The government has shut down dozens of China-based VPN providers and has been targeting overseas services as it tightens control over the internet, ahead of a Communist Party congress later this year. It has also requested internet network providers to high-end hotel chains - rare locations where users could access otherwise blocked sites - to stop recommending and helping to install VPNs.

It has also requested internet network providers to high-end hotel chains - rare locations where users could access otherwise blocked sites - to stop recommending and helping to install VPNs.

Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, talking to analysts about removing VPNs from its China app store, said the iPhone maker was complying with Chinese laws irrespective of whether it agreed with them.

"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 on Tuesday. "We're hopeful that over time the restrictions we're seeing are lessened because innovation really requires freedom to collaborate and communicate."
IANS

If you are an Apple device user and want to dodge a potential hacking, you must download the new software update for iOS and MacOS that the Cupertino-based giant has released. According to a report in Fortune, for users of iPhones, iPads and Mac computers, downloading the patch is critical to secure the devices.

The update fixes a key vulnerability called Broadpwn that allows hackers to "execute arbitrary code" or take over your device via WiFi chips embedded in the device's main processor. Nitay Artenstein, a security researcher at US-based computer security service Exodus Intelligence, exposed the flaw and said a hacker can target these devices for as long as they are in range.

Apple users can follow these steps to avoid hacking. For iPhone or iPad users, go to the Settings menu and select General. From there, you press Software Update option and install iOS 10.3.3. If you are a Mac user, head to the App Store and select the Updates tab. A prompt for macOS Sierra 10.12.6 is available and you can download it. The same issue was detected in Android devices as well. Google patched the bug for the platform earlier this month, the report pointed out.
Firefighters quickly contained a venting propane tank fire Thursday afternoon in the detached shop of a home at 2635 Arlene Avenue in Lebanon.

According to a news release, the Lebanon Fire District received the call at around 12:34 p.m. Crews arrived on scene to find a 20-pound propane tank on fire inside the shop. A resident had been using the torch connected to the tank for some blacksmithing work, and when the torch came within the area of the tank, the tank erupted in fire.

Personnel entered the shop and used a hose stream to push the fire away while attempting to close the valve by hand. When propane is under pressure, a simple water stream often will not extinguish flames. A fog stream from a fire hose offers a protected space and allows firefighters to get close enough to the container to close the valve. In this case, however, the valve handle had already melted away, so crews couldn't shut off the gas supply.

Firefighters continued cooling the tank, allowing it to burn off fuel while controlling the flames with streams and watching for possible extension into the shop. After roughly 10 minutes, the tank's contents had vented enough that the flames could be extinguished.

Fire officials believe a leaking valve may be to blame.

One juvenile was evaluated on scene by paramedics for possible injuries. He did not require treatment.
IANS

While overall global smartphone shipments grew 3 percent Year-over-Year (YoY) reaching 365 million units in the second quarter of 2017, Chinese brands have emerged as the dominant force, making a dent in Apple's market share, a report said on 2 August.

According to the market research firm Counterpoint Research, Chinese smartphone brands marked a record 48 percent market share worldwide with India, South Asia and Africa remaining as key focus geographies.

Xiaomi (60 percent), Vivo (45 percent), Oppo (33 percent) and Huawei (20 percent) were the fastest growing brands with increasing overseas smartphones shipments (YoY).

"Chinese brands have been successful in not only cementing their positions in their home country but also managing to expand beyond mainland China at the same time," said Tarun Pathak, Associate Director, Counterpoint Research, in a statement.

"They have backed their channel strategies with aggressive marketing spend in both above-the-line and below-the-line campaigns," he added.

According to Counterpoint, these brands will continue to expand their reach beyond China during the second half of this year.

Samsung led the smartphone market by volume with a market share of 22 percent. However, its shipments recorded only a marginal growth of 4 per cent annually during the quarter.

Apple's global smartphone market share declined due to seasonality. On 1 August, Apple revealed third quarter results, saying iPhone sales were up 1.6 percent to 41.03 million. The Cupertino-based tech giant sold 40.4 million iPhones a year earlier.

"Demand for older generation iPhones remained strong in markets like Russia, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and other fast-growing markets," Pathak noted.

"Many users are likely to delay their purchase of a new iPhone in anticipation of the much awaited iPhone 10th anniversary edition which is expected to be a super-cycle for Apple - though supply-side challenges might limit the initial volumes available," he added.

Apple's decline in China continues as Oppo, Vivo and Huawei posted record Q2 2017 shipments in the country.
PTI

The Delhi High Court today asked for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) view on TRAIs recommendation to impose a Rs 950-crore penalty on Idea Cellular for not providing interconnection to Reliance Jio (RJIO).

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar asked for the DoTs view after the court was told that the recommendation of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was under consideration of the department. The matter was listed for hearing on 21 November. The DoT, represented by Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain and central government standing counsel Manish Mohan, said it was considering the initial recommendation of TRAI but also the reconsidered opinion given by the telecom regulator after the matter was remanded back to it.

The bench was hearing Ideas plea challenging the 21 October, 2016 recommendation of TRAI for imposing a penalty of Rs 50 crore per circle coming to Rs 950 crore for 19 circles in its case.

Telecom majors Airtel and Vodafone have also challenged the recommendation as it suggests imposing a similar penalty of Rs 50 crore per circle on them. For them the total amount comes to Rs 1,050 crore each for their 21 circles.

Idea has also moved an application for amending its plea to challenge the TRAIs reconsidered opinion of 24 May, 2017. It has claimed in its plea that it had complied with and met the requirements of providing points of interconnections (PoIs) to RJIO.

Idea has also said that as of January 19 this year, it had allocated 19,175 PoIs to RJIO and contended that congestion and call failures were a consequence of RJIOs gross underestimation of the volume and the duration of calls on its network due to its free voice calls and data offer. In its plea, Idea has contended there is inconsistency between TRAIs Interconnection Regulations and Quality of Service Regulations.

It has also alleged that the TRAI did not have the power to recommend imposition of penalty and can only recommend revocation of licence for breach of licence conditions. The regulatory authority was of the view that denial of interconnection by existing operators like Airtel, Idea and Vodafone to RJIO appears to be with the ulterior motive to stifle competition and is anti-consumer.

Disclaimer: Reliance Jio is owned by Reliance Industries, who also own Network18, the publisher of Firstpost and tech2
PTI

Google's India-born CEO Sundar Pichai has been appointed to the board of directors of Alphabet, the search giants parent company has said. "Sundar has been doing a great job as Google's CEO, driving strong growth, partnerships, and tremendous product innovation. I really enjoy working with him and I am excited that he is joining the Alphabet board," Larry Page, CEO of California-based US multinational conglomerate Alphabet, said in a statement yesterday.

A long-time Google employee, 45-year-old Pichai, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus born in Chennai, has been leading the company for the past two years. As Google's Chief Executive Officer, he is responsible for Google's product development and technology strategy, as well as the companys day-to-day-operations. Pichai joined Google in 2004 and helped lead the development of key consumer products which are now used by over a billion people.

In 2014, he took over product, engineering, and research efforts for all of Google's products and platforms. After years of working closely with Google's co-founders, Page and Sergey Brin, he became Google's CEO in August 2015. Under Pichai, Google has boosted sales from its core advertising and YouTube business, while also investing in machine learning, hardware and cloud computing.
tech2 News Staff

State Farm, a US insurance giant and Xai Thao, the co-complainant have filed a lawsuit of $75,000 against Apple Inc for damages from fire in the complainant's house.

State Farm had lodged a complaint with the US District Judge court. As per a report in Apple Insider, the complainant, Thao, a resident of New Richmond (a suburb in Wisconsin), had bought an iPhone 4s in 2014. The phone had 'failed' her as it had caused fire in the house. Moreover, the investigation carried by the insurance company, revealed that the device to be faulty.

As per their report, there was a 'a significant and localized heating event' near the battery along with internal shorting. Since even the plaintiff believed that there was no other source, which could have caused fire, it was concluded that only the phone could have caused the fire in the house.

The complainant also mentioned, that neither had she ever changed the battery and that it was still in a new condition.

Xai Thao, who had taken State Farm's property insurance policy, approached them for the damages incurred and to recover the cost of damages that was covered by her policy. As per the complaint, the insurance company has concluded that the device was in a defective state when it was sold to Thao and secondly, the company was negligent while designing, manufacturing, and circulating the device.
tech2 News Staff

Pre-registrations for the JioPhone have now been opened to businesses. The JioPhone, announced last month by Mukesh Ambani at the Reliance Industries Limited Annual General Meeting.

The device, a 4G feature phone that can be yours effectively for free if youre a Jio subscriber. As per the plans unveiled at the AGM, any interested party need only pay a refundable deposit of Rs 1,500 to get the device. The deposit will be refunded in full after a period of three years, but only if the user returns the device.

The JioPhone is said to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 platform and has a 2.4-inch display. The phone also supports FM Radio, the entire suite of Jio content apps including JioTV and JioMusic and also includes support for voice commands. An optional accessory will let you connect the device to your TV as well.

Ambani promised that purchasing the device and going for the Rs 153 a month plan would guarantee unlimited data and voice calling. If you want you use Jio content services, you will have to pay a little bit more, Rs 303, for the Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan plans. This plan will net you a TV adapter as well.

The device is scheduled to go into beta testing on 15 August, where it will be handed to select users for testing.

Users can pre-register for the device at the Jio website. An update to the registration page now means that business users can also pre-register for the JioPhone as well as the JioFi. Just like regular users, businesses can now sign up for the phone, but they can sign up for the JioFi as well. Businesses can also specify the number of devices that they need.

Disclosure: Reliance Industries Ltd is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd
tech2 News Staff

In what is likely the most serious data breach of its kind, Swedens entire vehicle and license register was uploaded to cloud servers and emailed in plain text to marketers. More horrifying is the fact that register contains information on police and military vehicles as well as information on individuals in witness protection programs.

Swedish media reported the breach, with some stating that the Swedish Transport Authority handed over the keys to the kingdom to, well, everyone. The database even includes information on the weight capacity of all the roads and bridges in Sweden. This is a serious security risk.

According to The Hacker News, the names, photos and addresses of all members of the air force, the police, special forces and members of Swedens witness relocation program have been leaked. The Type, model, weight, and any defects in all government and military vehicles, including their operator, was also leaked, adds the report.

The Local reports that the breach can be traced to Maria Agren, Director General of the Transport Agency, who was fired for undisclosed reasons in January this year. She was later fined 70,000 kronor (around Rs 5.5 lac) for being careless with secret information, which was the point at which media discovered and reported the data breach.

In a bid to cut down on expenditure, the Transport Authority, at Maria Agrens behest, apparently outsourced the management of the vehicle and license register to IBM in April 2015. The Authority was reportedly facing a severe cash crunch and was pressed for time; as a result, the contract was handed over to IBM without a proper security audit.

While the Swedish government has no issue with outsourcing IT security and data, it expects that a thorough security audit be done. In this case, an unknown number of Eastern European security professionals  including some in the Czech Republic -- who did not have the proper clearance apparently handed the data.

The data was also uploaded to IBMs cloud servers without a security audit of said servers. To top it off, The Hacker News reports that the Transport Authority itself mailed the entire database in plain text to marketers.

Sensitive databases are normally encrypted. In the event of a data breach, a hacker would still have to decrypt the database to extract useful data. For a properly secured database, this task should be virtually impossible. The fact that the database was emailed in plain text means that all the information contained in the database is readily accessible to anyone with access to the database.

Swedens security police unit Sapo is currently handling the investigation. The breach occurred in 2015, but wasnt discovered until 2016. Reports suggest that it wont be contained till later this year.

The extent of the Swedish data breach reveals the importance of securing all-encompassing databases like Aadhaar and even brings into questioning the necessity of maintaining a centralised database of this nature.

It takes just one misstep to compromise the privacy of an entire nation.
Tech2 News Staff

Microsoft has updated the Android version of its artificial intelligence assistant Cortana that is available on the Google Play Store in certain countries. According to a report on Android Headlines the company has redesigned the Settings screen and added some new features in the update.

The tech-giant refers to the update as "a major evolution" of the digital assistant. The updated version of the virtual assistant is expected to be more versatile and accessible.

The new Settings update eases navigation, provides 'hands on' control for reminders by allowing easy access to change content, date, time or delete the reminder. Reminders can also be pinned on the top right corner of the user interface of a device.

The new update also bring hands-free calling and texting abilities to devices.

A recent update allowed users to set Cortana as their default digital assistant on the compatible Android devices. Microsoft also promised to bring 'a broad range of new functionalities in the future' on mobile versions of the virtual assistance.

The software giant recently released a new 'Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 16251' update. The update allows Android users to test the new Phone-to-PC linking application. The new update will help users in sharing a link directly on their PC from their smartphone. But, the support has been not extended to iPhone users yet.
Reuters

Japan's Nintendo Co Ltd on Wednesday said it swung to a profit in the first quarter, beating analyst estimates, due to strong demand for its Switch console.

High hopes for the console has driven up Nintendo's stock price around 60 percent since its March debut. The firm has said it expects Switch to help more than double its annual operating profit and end an eight-year sales decline that dogged its previous offering Wii U.

The company swung to an operating profit of 16.21 billion yen ($144.95 million) for the three months through June, from a year-ago loss of 5.13 billion yen.

That compared with an 11.55 billion yen Thomson Reuters Starmine SmartEstimate, which gives greater weight to recent estimates by the more consistently accurate analysts.

The Kyoto-based company reiterated its 65 billion yen operating profit forecast for the year ending March, versus the 127.94 billion yen SmartEstimate of 21 analysts. It also kept its Switch sales forecast for the year at 10 million units.

Nintendo sold 1.97 million Switch consoles in the three months through June, bringing the cumulative total to 4.7 million units. Demand has been so strong that Nintendo has found it difficult to keep up as queues get longer outside stores. Devices have even been allocated by lottery in some cases.

The company has apologised for the shortage of Switch in Japan and pledged to raise production.

Nintendo is trying to make more use of its roster of popular characters, moving into new areas for the company including smartphone gaming and theme parks.

New mobile titles, such as Super Mario Run and Fire Emblem, drove first-quarter revenue from mobile gaming and related merchandise to 9 billion yen, from 1.6 billion yen a year ago.

Nintendo shares ended Wednesday 1.3 percent higher ahead of the earnings release, compared with a 0.5 percent rise in the Nikkei benchmark index.
tech2 News Staff

The specifications of the highly anticipated Nokia 9 smartphone were spotted on GFXBench, a popular benchmarking website. According to the listing on GFXBench, Nokia 9 will have three variants codenamed TA-1004, TA-1012 and TA-1052.

According to the listing, Nokia 9 is expected to sport a 5.3-inch Quad HD display with an effective resolution of 2560 x 1440. This is not the first time that Nokia 9 has been spotted in the wild. As previously reported, the device received an FCC certification along with a Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) certification.

The phone is likely to sport Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor clocked at 2.4 GHz along with Adreno 540 for all graphic intensive tasks. It is expected that the device will come with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage with expandable storage via a microSD slot.

In the camera department, the phone is expected to pack two 12 MP camera sensors, one on the back and one on the front. Both the camera sensors are likely to be capable of shooting 4K video. Similar to the current Nokia-branded smartphones in the market by HMD Global, Nokia 9 will be powered by the latest operating system, Android Nougat 7.1. The price of the phone is speculated to be around $699 which is roughly Rs 44,885 at the time of writing.

This comes weeks after a suspected Nokia smartphone with model number TA-1004 was spotted on a GeekBench benchmarking website. It is possible that the TA-1004 and TA-1012 could be variants of the Nokia 8. Nokia has not announced any officially and we can hope for more details at the official unveiling of the Nokia 8 on 16 August 2017. On the other hand, Nokia 9 is expected to be launched at the end of the third quarter.
Tech2 News Staff

The design of the upcoming flagship smartphone. the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has been leaked on the internet. Infamous Mobile reporter Evan Blass posted the press renders of the Note 8 on his Twitter. The press renders posted by Blass shows the front, back and sides of Note 8 in addition to the bundled S Pen.

The Note 8 looks strikingly similar to the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ with almost bezel-less screen and curved screen on both edges. This leak comes almost a month before the scheduled Samsung Unpacked event

One interesting thing to note here is that the Note 8 packs a dual camera sensor setup in contrast to the single camera setup on the Galaxy S8 and S8+. We are not sure about the type of dual camera setup on the device but we can expect it to be similar to the setup on the iPhone where both camera sensors come with different focal lengths. One camera sensor captures regular images while the second camera sensor captures photos with optical zoom.

When it rains etc. pic.twitter.com/D0lFR5Wn1B  Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 1, 2017

This is in line with a recent report by GSMArena where Samsung Electro-Mechanics leaked details on the camera sensor for the Note 8. According to the report, the smartphone is likely to sport a new feature called Super Night Shot in addition to 3X optical zoom and 3D Depth. Other features outlined in the report include Background Effect, and Perspective View.

Samsung Galaxy Note8 (in Midnight Black) pic.twitter.com/QZii9xFarQ  Evan Blass (@evleaks) July 31, 2017

The company has not removed the position of the fingerprint sensor on the back of the smartphone and it remains dangerously close to the dual camera setup on the back. We can expect the smartphone to come with two variants, the first one running Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 with 4 GB RAM while the second running Exynos 8895.
A fire destroyed a large piece of equipment Thursday afternoon at Bell Lumber & Pole, located at 275 Industrial Way in Lebanon.

Lebanon firefighters received the call at around 4:20 p.m. According to a report, three engines and a water tender, plus three chief officers, responded to the scene and despite a temperature of 102 degrees, had the fire under control in about an hour. A Rick Franklin Corp. excavator was used to remove a section of bark dust to ensure that the fire would not extend to further equipment.

The barker cab and mechanics were heavily damaged in the blaze, which remains under investigation.

No Bell employees or firefighters were injured in the incident.

Bell leases its property from Rick Franklin Corp. and is located near the rear of the compound on Industrial Way. The Minnesota-based company manufactures utility poles and ships them by rail across the country.

Anyone with information regarding this fire is encouraged to contact Lebanon Fire District Deputy Fire Marshal Ken Foster at 541-451-1901.
tech2 News Staff

Based on a report by market research firm Strategy Analytics, Korean tech giant Samsung has shipped over 20 million units of its Galaxy S8 and S8+ flagships as of July.

According to a report by The Investor citing the research firm, Samsung shipped an average of 278,800 units of the S8 series every day since releasing on 21 April. This translated to a total amounting to 19.8 million units within June.

Samsung's arch rivals Apple on the other hand also disclosed their third quarter earnings according to which 41 million iPhones were shipped between April and July. The data here, however, does not help draw a direct comparison in terms of flagships shipped since Apple's numbers account for all models of the iPhone.

The numbers are positive for Samsung as the Galaxy S8 shipments have gone on to double the numbers achieved by the company's 2016 flagship, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge in certain markets. As per a report by Android Authority, Samsung Mobile CEO DJ Koh had last month gone on to say that sales of the S8 and S8+ are 15 percent higher than those of last years, Galaxy S7 series.

The reports also revealed Samsung's operating profit in the second quarter, which stood at 4.06 trillion Won ($3.6 billion), surpassing its 4-trillion-Won threshold for reportedly the first time since the second quarter of 2016. What this essentially means is that the Korean giants have for the first time bettered its operating profit since its failure with the Galaxy Note 7.

Samsung is going to unveil the Galaxy Note 8 on 23 August in New York ahead of Apple's tenth-anniversary iPhone series which is expected to launch in September.
tech2 News Staff

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is expected to come with a 3x optical zoom feature. The report, first spotted on Chinese blogging site MyDrivers and reported by India Today, says that the phone will come with 12 MP and 13 MP dual cameras. The 13 MP sensor will feature a wide angle lens and the 12 MP sensor will feature a telephoto lens on the device.

Find out what it means to do bigger things on 08.23.2017. pic.twitter.com/xsbqdP0QBM  Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) July 20, 2017

Samsung recently tweeted saying "Find out what it means to do bigger things on 08.23.2017" suggesting the smartphone to be released on 23 August 2017. The website also mentioned that the company has started sending media invite for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 with a note "Do bigger things" on the invite.

The phone is expected to come with a massive 6.3-inch display and a S Pen for navigating on the screen. The display of the Samsung Note 8 will be similar to the recently launched Galaxy S8 by the company. The report also says that Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be released in two phases. US, UK and South Korea are the countries listed in the first phase. Rest of the market will receive the device in the second phase in October. Samsung is yet to confirm the features of the device.

Samsung has been reported of bringing a rugged version of Samsung Galaxy S8 called as Samsung Galaxy Active. The smartphone houses a 4,000 mAh battery (that is bigger than the S8+) while the body of the device is made of poly-carbonate with the sides protected by metal inserts around the corners. All of this addition insulation and protection makes the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active 1.5x thicker than standard Samsung Galaxy S8.
PTI

Telecom regulator TRAI today rejected industry body COAIs demand for another round of discussion before implementing changes in the existing rules on mobile call interconnection charges. "I dont think that is required now because we think we have had extensive consultation process," TRAI Chairman R S Sharma told reporters in response to query on COAIs demand.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) had requested TRAI to share model that it used to levy existing mobile call termination charges and discuss the model that it decides to use for making changes in present norms before implementing it.

In a communication to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, COAI has alleged that TRAI is "acting in undue haste to conclude the review of IUC (interconnection usage charges)". However, the industry body did not include views of Reliance Jio and Aircel in the letter. BSNL, MTNL, Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices are not the member of COAI. Telecom operators levy interconnection charge (IUC) on incoming calls from the network of other operator. These charges are passed on to mobile subscribers by service providers.

TRAI fixes IUC that comprises several components. Charges levied for interconnecting mobile calls dominate the IUC issue. A telecom operator charges 14 paise per minute for every incoming mobile call that it receives from other operators network. Incumbent operators -- Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular -- have sought doubling of mobile termination charge (MTC), a part of IUC, saying that terminating incoming calls on their networks costs 30-35 paise per minute.

While Reliance Jio, Reliance Communications, Aircel, MTNL have request abolition of mobile termination charges. Sharma said that telecom operators requested TRAI to conduct a workshop before open house discussion which he agreed and it was organised on July 18. "Normally, we complete work on a consultation paper in six months but for this consultation we are about to celebrate anniversary," Sharma said.

COAI Director General RS Mathews said operator should be given opportunity to review the model that TRAI plans to implement. "The question of haste is do with ability of operators to review the model which is fundamental and foundational to determining whether it (IUC) is 2 paise, half paise or 36 paise. How do you come to conclusion what that is? This is what we are trying to emphasise that if you want to conclude IUC review properly then give appropriate time frame to operators," Mathews said.

A Reliance Jio representative at the event said that demand for repeated discussions by COAI is a tactics to delay review of IUC from which incumbents are benefitting. The consultation paper was issued in August last year following a letter written by COAI objecting over application based call service announced by state-run telecom firm BSNL. BSNL launched calling app with concept to make even ISD call charges at par with calls made within India. However, due to objection raised by COAI the app service has been put on hold.

Disclaimer: Reliance Jio is owned by Reliance Industries, who also own Network18, the publisher of Firstpost and Tech2.
Reuters

Uber Technologies Inc knowingly rented its drivers' defective cars at risk of catching fire, the Wall Street Journal reported on 4 August, and the ride-hailing firm said it moved to fix the problem after one of the vehicles suffered a blaze.

The Journal cited internal emails and documents showing Uber's Singapore unit bought more than 1,000 Vezel sport-utility vehicles that maker Honda Motor Co Ltd had recalled due to an electrical fault.

It reported the Singapore management was aware of the recall, and that the cars Uber had bought and rented out had not been repaired. The Journal also said management pressed the car dealer for repairs whilst renting out the vehicles.

"As soon as we learned of a Honda Vezel from the Lion City Rental fleet catching fire, we took swift action to fix the problem, in close coordination with Singapore's Land Transport Authority," Uber said in a statement.

The Journal reported the vehicle caught fire in January. A spokesperson for Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in a statement that it had been "closely monitoring the recall and rectification progress for affected Honda Vezels".

The LTA spokesperson said its records, based on latest information provided by importers and dealers, showed that among the Honda Vezels owned by Lion City Rental Pte Ltd (LCR), 9 percent had been rectified.

"LTA is working with LCR and importers to update this figure and ensure all vehicles are rectified," the LTA spokesperson said.

An Uber spokesman in Singapore declined to elaborate on whether management knowingly rented out defective vehicles, directing Reuters to the company statement. The spokesman said all vehicles had now been repaired.

"We acknowledge we could have done more - and we have done so," Uber said in its statement. It said it had hired three experts "whose sole job is to ensure we are fully responsive to safety recalls."

The Journal reported that Uber's lawyers had assessed potential legal liabilities including possibly violating driver contracts.

"There is clearly a large safety/responsible actor/brand integrity/PR issue," for Uber, an internal report read, according to The Journal.

Uber, which has pulled out of massive markets China and Russia, used Singapore as a springboard to grow in populous Southeast Asia.

The region is dominated by Grab, which says it has a 95 percent market share in third-party taxi-hailing and 71 percent in private vehicle hailing. The local incumbent said last month said had raised $2.5 billion to fund further growth.

Grab said on 4 August its drivers do not use the Vezel model that was subject to recall. "(This incident) will receive some attention and may dissuade some people from using Uber, but I don't see it as having a major impact," said Dane Anderson, a vice president at researcher Forrester.

"The government is very pragmatic and has been friendly to services like this and to business in general. I think it will continue to do what it has always done, which is continue to take a balanced, measured, pragmatic view," Anderson said.

The Journal report is the latest blow to Uber in Asia. Authorities in places such as Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have questioned the legality of its apps, which connect private car owners with fare-paying passengers, pitting them against licensed taxi drivers. The firm has had to suspend operations on several occasions, as in Macau last month.

At home, Uber is the subject of a federal inquiry into software that helped drivers avoid authorities in areas within which it did not have official permission to operate. It is also involved in an intellectual property lawsuit filed by the self-driving car unit of Google parent Alphabet Inc.
IANS

To help the US Federal Agencies upgrade its digital infrastructure and embrace cloud computing, the White House has asked Apple, Amazon, Oracle and Qualcomm to offer their digital expertise.

According to a report in Recode on Thursday, top advisers to the president, including Jared Kushner, announced on a private call with major tech companies that the White House would form small "centres of excellences," to get federal agencies embrace cloud computing.

The White House intends to make more of their data available for private-sector use to boost the transparency. The 'centres of excellence' is believed to include engineers from tech companies, who would serve 'tours of duty' in cooperation with Kushner's Office of American Innovation.

Apart from tech upgradation at the White House, the tech majors were told by Trump's top tech aide Reed Cordish that the White House would continue its efforts to boost computer science education.

When Trump hosted the top tech honchos of Silicon Valley in June, Apple CEO Tim Cook raised the issue of computer science with the US President and floated coding education as a requirement in schools.

According to the report, the administration is investigating ways to expand the president's executive order regarding apprenticeship programmes.
If youre looking for a flagship smartphone, your requirements are very simple and very clear. You just want the best smartphone there is. There will be some leeway in this requirement of course; you might prefer Android to iOS, for example, but the fact that you want the best device is unquestionable.

What you want is a phone with no compromise, a phone with exceptional build quality, a great camera, a great display and, admit it, something extra to brag about.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Apple iPhone 7 are unquestionably flagship smartphones. Theyre the very best smartphones available in the world today. With the G6, LG is attempting to muscle its way into this select group. Unfortunately, I dont think its quite managed to do that yet. Heres why.

Build and design: 7/10

In terms of materials used, the G6 is very sturdy. The front and back are covered in glass and sandwiched between the two sheets is a metal frame. Many manufacturers do this, and its nothing new, but it's the finish that matters in the end.

On an iPhone or an S8, the screen seamlessly merges into the frame. On the G6, the flat display sits within the frame and you can actually feel the sharp edges of the metal frame. This is not very nice.

Hold an S8 in your hand and you feel like youre holding an elegant, meticulously crafted gadget. The LG G6 just feels like its all edges.

The lack of refinement extends to the display and buttons as well. The corners of the display, for example, look like theyve been cut with a pair of scissors rather than some sort of precision CNC machine. The curves of the actual display panel don't line up with the frame.

It's a small thing to complain about, but such things add up.

The buttons are a bit mushy as well. Again, the buttons on a flagship like the S8 or iPhone 7 feel tactile and clicky. I was expecting the same from the G6.

The design itself is nothing remarkable. Pull this phone out of your pocket and nobody will look at it twice. The unusual aspect ratio of 18:9 makes the phone longer than a phone with a similar screen size, which is one nice thing with this device.

The power button doubles as the fingerprint sensor and its placed on the back of the device. The back of the device is glass, but the mild matte finish of the sensors surface means that its not hard to miss.

The star feature of this phone is its dual camera on the rear. This unit sits flush with the back. But its not seamlessly integrated into the back. Theres a discrete glass panel covering the camera unit and I assume it was chosen to offer more protection and to not interfere with the cameras optics.

The plastic inserts for the antenna bands can be found around the frame of the device. A minor irritant for me, personally, is the fact that the bands arent balanced. Maybe I have OCD, but I find it quite irritating that theres a single, off-centre plastic strip at the bottom while everywhere else its balanced out with two strips. But thats just me.

To be perfectly honest, I dont think the G6 is in the same league as the iPhone or the Galaxy S8. The quality of the materials used in the G6 is undoubtedly good, but the finish leaves something to be desired.

Compared to a device like the OnePlus 3/3T, I think I can make the argument that the G6 feels better built, but its definitely not better designed.

The G5 was a design disaster, the G6 is an understandable back-to-basics type design. But, if anything, its a bit too basic and unimaginative, for my taste anyway. Your mileage may vary.

Features: 8/10

Despite running on slightly older hardware, the LG G6 is a powerful device. Its powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 platform that youll find in the OnePlus 3T and the Google Pixel. This is backed by 4 GB of RAM, 32 GB or 64 GB of internal storage and a 3,300 mAh battery.

As expected with flagships this past year, the phone is rated as IP68 for dust and water resistance.

The usual assortment of connectivity options, including Bluetooth 4.2, 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and more, are available.

Bonus features include support for Qualcomms aptX technology for high-fidelity wireless audio playback and support for USB 3.1 over a Type-C connector. Fast charging support is also included.

The standout features include a dual-camera setup on the rear, a pseudo dual-camera setup on the front and a Dolby Vision and HDR-10 certified display in an unusual, 18:9 aspect ratio.

These features sound very nice when you rattle them off like this, but as youll find out in more detail further on, theyre not compelling.

The network speed supported is LTE Cat 12, which is rated at a downlink speed of 600 Mbps. This is lower than the 1 Gbps CAT16 rated Galaxy S8, but the speed difference is irrelevant in India at the moment.

Display: 7/10

With an 18:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2880x1440, the display size and resolution is almost identical to that of the Galaxy S8. The S8 boasts of a slightly taller aspect ratio of 18.5:9.

Thats where the similarity to the S8s display ends, however. The G6 packs in an IPS LCD screen as opposed to the Super AMOLED screen on the S8. Given that the G6 uses a standard RGB layout for its pixels, the G6 display is sharper on paper. Given that the S8 has a PPI of over 500, this doesnt matter.

The S8s AMOLED display should have an edge in contrast ratio, blacks on OLED are truly black, after all, but the G6s display is exceptional and black levels are virtually indistinguishable in normal lighting conditions.

My biggest problem with the display is that it seems perpetually dull, as if theres some kind of filter placed over the screen. When compared side-by-side with various smartphones, the problem is very apparent: The LG G6 display has a noticeable blue tint to it. To add to this, the automatic brightness setting maintains a very low brightness, making the screen seem even duller than it actually is.

Manually setting a higher brightness value is always an option, but even at its maximum value it seems duller than an iPhone 6s Plus display.

I attempted to measure the brightness by measuring the exposure using a digital camera (by looking at shutter speed at a fixed ISO and aperture value), and the detected brightness appeared to be on par with the iPhone. Now Im certainly not saying this was a very scientific measurement, but clearly, the blue tint is doing the display no favours.

As on the G5 before it, the G6 gives you an always-on display, an unusual choice for an LCD screen. However, LGs power management tools and display design mean that the power draw of the display unit in always-on mode is minimal. In airplane mode with the always-on display turned on, the phone barely lost 2 percent charge overnight. The always-on display is not as bright as that on the S8, however.

Coming to colour accuracy, I feel that the display on the S8 seems a bit oversaturated and I prefer the more natural colours of an iPhone LCD screen. The G6s display is not bad. The colour accuracy is decent and if it wasnt for the blue tint, I think it would have been very good.

The brightness in direct sunlight was good enough to keep text legible.

LG claims that the display is Dolby Vision ready, but it's not actually an HDR display (high dynamic range). A regular LCD panel has been tuned with an HDR panel for reference. The availability of HDR content is also very limited and neither Netflix nor Amazon Prime Video, both of which have shows that are Dolby Vision compatible, managed to run in HDR mode. The only HDR videos we could view had to be downloaded via an LG app.

Software: 7.5/10

On the software front, the phone is running Android 7.0 Nougat with the LG UX 6.0 skin on top. In terms of design, UX 6.0 is a minor bump to that on the G5. The icons are a tad more colourful and some of the fonts have been changed.

Overall, the UI isnt bad.

As with the display, its in the details and finish that LG falls short.

In some apps, the software buttons turn transparent, in others, theyre left as a black bar. In the camera app, the on-screen buttons disappear and you have to swipe up from the bottom to reach them. In other words, the response is inconsistent. The S8 also has the option of 3D touch to activate the home button, the G6 has no such option.

On the S8, it's easy to resize an app for the unusual aspect ratio  most phones employ a ratio of 16:9, the G6 and S8 use ratios of 18:9 and 18.5:9 respectively. The G6 requires you to dive into the Settings menu to scale apps. The S8 only requires you to tap on the multitasking button and another button after that. Apps like YouTube can't be scaled and videos will have vertical black bars on either side.

There are also a number of performance bugs that I think come down to bad coding than actual performance issues. Theres a swipe-down to search gesture for example, as on iOS, but the phone takes half a second to respond to the gesture and another half-second to start searching when you start typing.

The calling app also displays some lag at times and might take half a second to respond. Its small issues like this that make the G6 irritating to use. Hopefully, these bugs will be ironed out in later updates.

Ive used the OnePlus 3T and the Google Pixel, both of which run on similar hardware, and the performance on those devices is more consistent and very fluid.

Performance: 7/10

As mentioned in the software section, the janky performance seems to be an issue with the software rather than hardware. When it works, everything is fast and fluid. Apps run perfectly and there was never any stutter.

Heavy games like Asphalt and Real Racing also ran beautifully.

Strangely enough, synthetic benchmarks peg the G6 as performing worse than the G5 and the similarly specced Google Pixel and OnePlus 3T, which was very odd.

The phone did tend to get warm very fast, and this leads me to assume that the device might be suffering from a slight heating issue, resulting in the poor performance that I saw in the tests.

All tests were run thrice while the phone was in airplane mode. No background apps were running either.

Camera: 7/10

The camera system on the G6 consists of dual, 13 MP rear cameras and a 5 MP front camera. One rear camera is a normal lens while the other is a wide-angle one. The normal lens features an aperture of f/1.8 with OIS (optical image stabilisation) and phase detection autofocus (PDAF).

Strangely enough, the wide angle camera has no AF and an aperture of f/2.4. The lack of AF is a big deal.

As you can see from the images here, the camera isnt half bad. The excessive processing and noise reduction has a tendency to smear textures and details to the point that some images look like paintings when cropped, but overall colour accuracy is actually decent. As long as you dont zoom into the image or intend to crop anything out, the camera is fine.

The wide-angle lens is a novelty and its nice to have in certain situations. However, the lack of sharpness in texture and details can get annoying. To top it off, the camera doesnt seem to include any fancy hybrid modes of the type weve seen on Huaweis Leica-branded dual-cameras or Apple dual-camera.

All things considered, the LG G6 still cant hold a candle to any of the current flagships, though. The Pixel, the iPhone 7 Plus and the Galaxy S8 offer measurably better image quality, particularly in low light.

Worse still, images taken on the OnePlus 3T actually seem sharper. I would only classify the G6s camera performance as adequate and its wide-angle camera as a novelty.

The front camera is no better. Its 5 MP sensor is decent and it includes a faux dual-camera mode. There is only one camera on the front, so what youre actually getting is a wide-angle selfie camera that pretends to be a dual camera. Image quality in either mode is decent enough, but its nothing special.

By default, the regular rear camera shoots in the 18:9 aspect ratio at 9.7 MP. Id strongly suggest you avoid that because a) few people have a phone with an 18:9 display, b) the 18:9 aspect ratio cuts down on the field of view c) youre losing precious megapixels.

Battery life: 8.5/10

With a 3,300 mAh battery and Android 7.0, I expected a great deal of battery life from the G6, and I got it. The phone would easily last me a full work day, which involves around two hours of video and music, hundreds of messages and dozens of calls.

Standby time was also impressive.

Surprisingly, our standardised battery benchmark, which involved PCMark 8s battery benchmark loop running on a device with a fixed brightness, no background apps and the device in airplane mode, rated the G6 at an abysmal 6.5 hours. This is shocking when you consider the fact that the Google Pixel comfortably crossed the 12-hour mark. I ran the battery benchmark twice and got the same result both times.

I dont know whats at fault here, because real world battery life was much better than the synthetic benchmark lets on. Standby time was also exceptional.

The phone charges very fast as well, going from zero to 100 percent in about two hours.

Verdict and price in India

I really wanted to like the G6. The concept videos and the initial leaks described a stunning phone. But LG was too late. LG made a grave mistake by launching this phone after the stunning Samsung Galaxy S8.

Weve had the S8 in our office for weeks now and instantly fell in love with its design and performance. After experiencing the star that is the S8, the G6 simply feels like an extra.

Compared to the S8, the G6 is justbland. If the phone had launched alongside the Pixel in November, it may have stood a chance, but even that is debatable.

Today, with a stunner like the S8 already in the market, I cannot think of any reason to recommend this phone over the S8. I mean, why would you? The S8 is more elegant, more refined in design, better built, offers much better performance, a much better camera, a better display, high-quality headphones, better battery life and is even worth bragging about.

The G6 is in a very awkward spot. Its not as budget-friendly as the OnePlus 3T, and it neednt be, but its also doesnt deserve to be called a flagship.

If you have over Rs 50,000, youll want the Galaxy S8, if you dont want to spend that much, youll take the OnePlus 3T. The G6 is in an awkward spot with neither price, performance nor even design doing it any favours.

The G6 isnt a bad phone, but its no flagship.

Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison.
Even as Pakistan extended the house arrest of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed by two months on Monday, reports have emerged about Saeed wanting to rebrand his terror outfit to launch it as a political party.

The 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind is all set to rename the new outfit as 'Milli Muslim League Pakistan' and register it with the Election Commission of Pakistan, according to a CNN-News18 report. He is also expected to launch his party on 14 August, Pakistan's Independence Day, in Lahore.

Saeed is said to have close relations with the Pakistani Army and the ISI. According to OneIndia, one of the posters for the rebranded outfit reads, "Hamari Siyasat, Khidmat Insaniyat (Our politics is for serving humanity)."

ISI sponsored terrorist, Hafiz Saeed formed another organization that is a political organization now.

A New Journey.... pic.twitter.com/b3sJy4yt12  Tanveer Arain (@tanvirarain) August 3, 2017

The development comes as Pakistan is grappling with political instability after the ouster of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The future of the PML-N run government is still uncertain. While initial reports stated that Sharif's brother Shehbaz Sharif will be made the prime minister after he is elected to the National Assembly, Wednesday's reports suggest that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is likely to continue till the 2018 elections.

Saeed has been under house arrest since 31 January, along with four of his close aides, after years of living freely in Pakistan. Despite being confined, he continues to be an influential person in some of Pakistan's religious groups.

However, every time he is placed under house arrest, the Pakistani courts rule in his favour. Courts say intelligence against him is not admissible as evidence in court, and thus keeping him under house arrest is 'unconstitutional', The Quint reported.

Outgoing Pakistani High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit had said, "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."

Pakistan claims to have banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), but following the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, it re-emerged as Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD). The United Nations has recognised JuD as a political front of Lashkar. Ministers have been seen at public rallies that he has held in Islamabad. Saeed's outfit continues to hold anti-India-US rallies in Pakistan openly.

Saeed is on the most-wanted list of India and the US. Washington even announced a bounty of $10 million for information leading to his arrest and conviction. JuD acting chief Abdul Rehman Makki has reportedly launched a "secret campaign" to collect arms to target the law enforcement personnel in Pakistan, according to a report by the Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab Police. Makki had also expressed his displeasure with the Pakistani government, saying the government is not fulfilling its duty on the Kashmir cause.

With inputs from agencies
A poem at the Statue of Liberty that is a national symbol for the country's embrace of immigrants became the topic of a rancorous exchange Wednesday at a White House news conference to announce President Donald Trump's push for immigration reform.

Senior White House aide Stephen Miller told reporters the poem written by Emma Lazarus about the "huddled masses" is not part of the original Statue of Liberty.

Miller said the statue is a "symbol of American liberty lighting the world" and suggested it had little to do with immigrants.

Miller's comment prompted ridicule on social media and angry responses from immigrant rights advocates.

Miller was responding to a question from CNN reporter Jim Acosta asking if the Trump administration's new merit-based green card proposal was keeping with US tradition.

The reporter read a line of the Lazarus sonnet, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses."

"The poem you were referring to was added later," Miller said. "It's not actually part of the originally Statue of Liberty."

The National Park Service says Lazarus' sonnet depicts the statue "as the 'Mother of Exiles:' a symbol of immigration and opportunity  symbols associated with the Statue of Liberty today."

The statue was a gift from France commemorating its alliance with the United States during the American Revolution. Edouard de Laboulaye, a French political thinker and abolitionist, proposed the idea of the statue and made sure broken shackle and chain were at the right foot of the statue.

Writers and authors later asked Emma Lazarus, a poet and descendant of Jewish immigrants, to write a sonnet to be sold at an auction to raise money for a pedestal to hold the Statue of Liberty.

She wrote "The New Colossus" on 2 November 1883, inspired by the plight of immigrants and refugees and her own experiences. The poem appeared in Joseph Pulitzer's New York World and The New York Times.

She died four years later and the poem eventually faded from public memory.

In 1901, a Lazarus friend, Georgina Schuyler, found a book containing the poem and started an effort to resurrect the work. Her words were eventually inscribed on a plaque and placed on the statue's pedestal.

The poem reads, "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore."

The Statue of Liberty and nearby Ellis Island have since become welcoming symbols for immigrants and refugees coming to the United States.

It draws thousands of visitors each day.
Washington: An announcement of President Donald Trump's trade action against China initially slated for Friday has been postponed, the media reported.

Sources told Politico news that Trump was scheduled to hold an event at the White House on Friday in which he would direct US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to open an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 over what the administration views as Chinese violations of American intellectual property rights and forced technology transfer.

The sources did not give an explanation for why the announcement was postponed, nor did they provide a date for when it would be rescheduled.

According to experts, the move would immediately ramp up tensions between Washington and Beijing and could lead to steep tariffs on Chinese goods.

Any Section 301 action by the administration against China would produce a lengthy probe that could extend into all aspects of Chinese industrial policies.

Unilateral US trade sanctions could be the ultimate result, Politico news quoted the experts as saying.

Section 301 allows the US to take unilateral action against countries that impose barriers to American exports that could take the form of increased import duties, but would likely violate World Trade Organisation rules.

US companies have complained they are often forced to share valuable technology with Chinese counterparts as a condition of doing business in the country.
Washington: Frustrated by his options, President Donald Trump is withholding approval of a long-delayed Afghanistan war strategy and even mulling a radical shakeup in his national security team as he searches for a "game changer" after 16 years of indecisive conflict.

In a recent Situation Room meeting that turned explosive, Trump raised the idea of firing General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, according to two officials with knowledge of the discussion. And he suggested installing his national security adviser, General HR McMaster, to oversee the mission, said the officials, who weren't authorised to talk publicly and requested anonymity.

The drastic suggestions point to the desperation shared by many in Washington as military and other leaders look for a blueprint for "winning" the Afghan conflict. Trump has been frustrated by what he views as a stalemate. He wants a plan that will allow American forces to pull out once and for all.

At a White House lunch with military brass last week, Trump publicly aired his misgivings, saying, "I want to find out why we've been there for 17 years."

The Pentagon wants to send almost 4,000 more American forces to expand training of Afghan military forces and beef up US counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda, a growing Islamic State affiliate and other extremist groups. But the troop deployment, which would augment an already existing US force of at least 8,400 troops, has been held up amid broader strategy questions, including how to engage regional powers in an effort to stabilise the fractured nation.

These powers include US friends and foes, from Pakistan and India to China, Russia and Iran. Pentagon plans aren't calling for a radical departure from the limited approach endorsed by former President Barack Obama, and several officials have credited Trump with rightly asking tough questions, such as how the prescribed approach might lead to success.

Trump hasn't welcomed the military's recommendations with "high-five enthusiasm," a senior White House official said. Several meetings involving Trump's National Security Council have been tense as the president demanded answers from top advisers about why American forces needed to be in Afghanistan.

Another US official with knowledge of the conversation reported Trump being less interested in hearing about how to restore Afghanistan to long-term stability, and more concerned about dealing a swift and definitive blow to militant groups in the country.

The White House has even offered its own, outside-the-box thinking. Officials said Trump's chief strategist, Steve Bannon, and his son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, have been pushing a plan to have contractors fight the war in Afghanistan instead of US troops.

Blackwater Worldwide founder Erik Prince, the brother of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, was approached by Trump's top advisers to develop proposals to gradually swap out US troops and put military contractors in their place, a military official said.
As president, Donald Trump was never going to be a saviour of immigrants.

A major reason for why he became popular was his promise of building a wall to keep out people trying to come into the US. Thus no one was really surprised when he announced his support for a legislation that would reduce the number of legal immigrants allowed into the US by half while moving to a "merit-based" system favouring English-speaking skilled workers for residency cards.

Now the idea obviously splits the people it affects into for and against camps. Anyone seeking to emigrate to the US is against it as it reduces their chances to do so. While American workers will tend to support it as conventional wisdom says that it will lead to more jobs and higher wages for them.

At its very core, the argument for restricting immigrants is exceedingly simple to make: Outsiders are coming in and they are taking our jobs. Or at the very least, they are increasing the supply of labour which causes wages to fall.

Immigration boosts the economy

Except, this is a very narrow view of the situation where a trend is being declared based on a minuscule amount of empirical date. Where people have actually made the effort and conducted studies (available here, here and here), the conclusion has invariably been that far from taking jobs from the natives, immigrants actually boost economic activity and raise opportunities and incomes for everyone.

This effect can also be explained through real-life examples, as given in The Atlantic. The first concept which explains how someone entering the economy helps natives is "complementarity". The example given for this is if you're an engineer and the immigrant is hired as a construction worker. While alone you might not be of much practical use, together you can build a building. On an individual level this increases the productivity of the native and immigrant. Similarly the immigrant household worker lets the parents put in more hours at work while the immigrant driver allows natives to utilise the time they would have spend in driving.

Now this is fine till the native is higher up on the economic ladder. But what about everyone else? Specifically what about those who are in the same jobs as the immigrants? The Atlantic report answers this by pointing to the fact that then these natives are then pushed into looking for better work. Work which pays better. Thus as more immigrants get jobs building things in a factory, more courier companies hire natives to deliver those things to customers and to manage the entire exercise. Immigrants thus push the natives higher up the economic ladder. Even apart for looking for better jobs after starting their careers, immigration also spurs natives towards better education.

The basic idea thus remains that as more and more workers enter the economy, it grows and other, better positions open up for the natives. Now, this will not be true for every case but by and large, the studies support this hypothesis.

The Bracero example

A very practical study (as summarised on Vox) conducted around the Bracero program explains this phenomenon very clearly. The Bracero program allowed the US to give out guest worker visas to Mexicans to work on the US farms. When the program ended, the number of immigrants dropped heavily. Theoretically, this should have led to an increase in the wages of the natives.

In practice, that did not happen. Employers did not fulfil their demand for labour by raising wages. Instead they started using more machinery and changed the crops they grew. The starkest example is California tomato picking, where the excluded braceros were mostly replaced by mass-adoption of mechanised harvesters within just one year, one of the authors of the study explained. In crops where technologies didnt exist for quick mechanisation  like asparagus and fresh strawberries  exclusion of bracero caused sharp declines in production.

Thus removing immigrants did not benefit natives. Had the immigrants stayed, the natives would have moved on to better jobs and stayed ahead of the curve. Instead, the quantity of crops dropped and the Mexicans went back to lives they were trying to get away from. All with no benefit to the natives.

How much do immigrants take away?

Let's also look at the other side of the equation. Apart from what they contribute, how much do immigrants take away from the country in which they land up in?

Looking at a study conducted about immigrants in the US as explained by Vox, the answer could be 97.8 percent. Not 97.8 percent of everything. But 97.8 percent of the increase in GDP that they caused. Thus they managed to be better off without making their adopted country worse off. And they in fact managed to contribute something. And that amount was not insignificant. In that study, immigrants boosted the economy by $1.6 trillion. They took 97.8 percent, but the US got 2.2 percent. That's close to $35 billion for just allowing people in and letting them work. Doesn't sound like too bad a deal.

The world is progressing at a rapid pace and the advent of machines means that merely decreasing competition will not boost wages and jobs. The unintended consequences of stopping immigrants from coming in are negative as has been seen in the studies mentioned above. Even apart from the sheer monetary benefits, the ideal must be to take in people seeking to build a better life for themselves. The countries where people want to immigrate to are those which have ample resources. They must try to build a better, more complete society with them, rather than exclude them and live in a world which tries to run away from the future.

Economics has long been a convenient veil behind which to hide one's xenophobia. But scores of studies have show that it does not make any sense to block out immigrants because they end up having a positive effect on the economy. Thus when Trump and his administration point to the economy when justifying their anti-immigrant actions, the people need to turn around and tell them to come up with something better.
Washington: Transcripts of President Donald Trump's conversations with the leaders of Mexico and Australia in January offer new details on how the president parried with the leaders over the politics of the border wall and refugee policy  with random asides on such subjects as drug abuse in New Hampshire.

The president's exchanges with Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull just a week after the inauguration were widely reported upon at the time. But transcripts published Friday by The Washington Post offer new detail on the new president's blunt exchanges with the US allies. The White House said Thursday that the release of the transcripts is a disservice to Trump.

"I'm not going to comment on leaked calls," White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said. "It's a national security matter when phone call transcripts are being leaked out. It prevents the president from being able to do what he does best, negotiate with foreign leaders."

In his conversation with Pena Nieto, Trump urges the Mexican president to stop saying his country won't pay for the wall along the southern US border, and the two agree to stop talking about the subject in public.

In the Turnbull conversation, the two leaders discuss a 2016 refugee deal between their nations, under which the Obama administration agreed to accept asylum seekers who had been trying to get to Australia. Turnbull insists to Trump that the deal is still on. Trump complains that the deal makes him look bad and says he had a more pleasant conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Here are some highlights from the conversations:

Politics of the wall

Trump acknowledges that talk about building a wall at the US-Mexico border is more about image management than economic policy.

"Believe it or not, this is the least important thing that we are talking about, but politically this might be the most important talk about," he said. "But in terms of dollars - or pesos - it is the least important thing."

He acknowledges both leaders are "in a little bit of a political bind" because each has vowed not to pay for the wall.

"If you are going to say that Mexico is not going to pay for the wall, then I do not want to meet with you guys anymore because I cannot live with that," he adds.

Pena Nieto tells Trump: "Let us stop talking about the wall. ... But my position has been and will continue to be very firm saying that Mexico cannot pay for that wall."

New Hampshire slam

Trump says he won New Hampshire "because New Hampshire is a drug-infested den."

Trump won the GOP primary in New Hampshire. Democrat Hillary Clinton won the state in the general election.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu on Thursday bristled at Trump's description.

"The president is wrong," Sununu said in a statement, adding that overdoses and drug-related deaths are declining in key parts of the state. "It's disappointing his mischaracterisation of this epidemic ignores the great things this state has to offer."

The refugee deal - bad idea

In the Turnbull call, Trump complains about being saddled with an Obama administration agreement to help resettle some refugees who attempted to reach Australia by boat, particularly as Trump is rolling out his travel ban.

"Boy, that will make us look awfully bad," Trump says. "Here I am calling for a ban where I am not letting anybody in and we take 2,000 people. Really it looks like 2,000 people that Australia does not want, and I do not blame you by the way, but the United States has become like a dumping ground."

Turnbull counters that "this is a big deal, and I think we should respect deals."

Trump returns: "This is going to kill me. I am the world's greatest person that does not want to let people into the country. And now I am agreeing to take 2,000 people, and I agree I can vet them, but that puts me in a bad position."

Dealmaking and diplomacy

Turnbull, in pressing for the refugee deal to be honored, repeatedly appeals to Trump's background as a dealmaker.

"There is nothing more important in business or politics than a deal is a deal," he says.

Trump tells the Australian leader: "You have brokered many a stupid deal in business, and I respect you, but I guarantee that you broke many a stupid deal. This is a stupid deal. This deal will make me look terrible...I am going to get killed on this thing. "

He adds: "I will be seen as a weak and ineffective leader in my first week by these people. This is a killer."

Turnbull offers some advice: "You can certainly say that it was not a deal that you would have done, but you are going to stick with it."

Pleasantries?

Trump is blunt in sizing up his exchange with Turnbull, telling him: "This was my most unpleasant call, because I will be honest with you. I hate taking these people. I guarantee you, they are bad. That is why they are in prison right now. They are not going to be wonderful people who go on to work for the local milk people."

He adds: "That is enough, Malcolm. I have had it. I have been making these calls all day, and this is the most unpleasant call all day. Putin was a pleasant call."

Turnbull tries a more diplomatic tack, telling the president: "Thank you for your commitment. It is very important to us."

He pledges to "be there again and again" for the US. The call ends with them thanking each other.

Despite the heated exchange, Trump later tweets: "Thank you to Prime Minister of Australia for telling the truth about our very civil conversation that FAKE NEWS media lied about. Very nice!"
San Francisco: At least one gunman opened fire Thursday at a popular San Francisco park packed with families and tourists, leaving three people wounded and sending dozens of panicked people running, witnesses and police said.

Police are looking for at least one gunman who fled the scene, San Francisco Police Officer Grace Gatpandan said.

San Francisco General Hospital spokesman Brent Andrew said one of the victims remained in critical condition Thursday evening. Another man was treated and released, he said. The third victim, also a male, is a minor and remains hospitalised but Andrew wouldn't provide any other details about him.

Nearby resident Antonia Juhasz said she was sitting in Dolores Park when she heard a burst of gunshots. "I saw a person with a gun in their hand running," she said. "I think there were a total of three shots."

Juhasz, 47, said she saw two people who had been shot. Both were bleeding as emergency workers carried them away on stretchers, she said.

San Francisco police advised people to stay away from Dolores Park right after the shooting but lifted that advisory two hours later. Dolores Park sits on a hill in the Mission District and is a popular destination for locals and tourists who come to sunbathe and take in city views. It's near a high school.

Juhasz, who has lived in the neighbourhood for more than 20 years, said the park was packed with families and tourists when the shots were fired.

"At first people didn't totally react because it sounded like fireworks," said Juhasz, a writer and freelance journalist. "I was yelling at people, 'It's actually a gun, it's actually a gun.'"

"It was terrifying, mostly because people weren't reacting," she added.

People began running after realising there had been gunshots, she said.
Sydney: A senior Islamic State commander directed a group of Australian men to build a bomb destined for an Etihad Airways flight out of Sydney, police alleged on Thursday.

The improvised explosive device was due to be smuggled onto the 15 July service, but the attempt was aborted before they reached security. Two men have been charged, with a third still being questioned.

"This advice was coming from a senior member of the Islamic State," Australian federal police deputy commissioner Michael Phelan said, referring to him as a "commander" based overseas.

Police also foiled a second alleged plot involving a "chemical dispersion device", designed to release highly toxic hydrogen sulphide, but this was in the early stages. "Not only have we stopped the IED that was believed to go on the plane but we have also completely disrupted the intended chemical dispersion device," said Phelan.

The IS leader sent components through international cargo to the men, then directed them on how to build a bomb, police claimed. "With assistance from the Islamic State commander, the accused assembled the IED into what we believe was a functioning IED to be placed on that flight," said Phelan.

"There is a little bit of conjecture as to why it didn't go ahead. It didn't get past the check-in." Phelen referred to it as "one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil".

Four men were arrested during raids in Sydney on Saturday.

Two of them  aged 32 and 49 and reportedly brothers  were each charged late on Thursday with two counts of "acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act" and are due in court on Friday.

One man has been released without charge and another is still being questioned.
Washington: US Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Friday vowed a tough crackdown on people revealing classified or sensitive national security information, threatening to jail leakers and branding such illicit acts a betrayal to fellow Americans.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly fumed about "illegal leaks" and even lashed out publicly at Sessions last week for taking what he called a "very weak" position on the issue.

Under pressure, and with some saying his job could be on the line, Sessions responded.

"I strongly agree with the president and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks undermining the ability of our government to protect this country," Sessions told a press conference.

Four people have already been charged with "unlawfully disclosing" classified material or concealing contacts with federal officers, he said.

The number of active leak investigations this year has tripled compared with the tally before Trump took office, Sessions added.

"We are taking a stand. This culture of leaking must stop," he said.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, joining Sessions, issued his own tough warning to would-be leakers and described such revelations as "betraying" the American people.

"Understand this: If you improperly disclose classified information, we will find you," he said. "We will investigate you, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."

The announcement comes after six months of political intrigue and open feuding in the White House, which has manifested itself in a torrent of damaging revelations to the media.

It also follows a leak that was unusual even by the standards of this administration - the publication by The Washington Post of the contents of private phone calls between Trump and foreign leaders.

The newspaper published the full transcripts on Thursday of conversations the Republican billionaire leader held in January with Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Sessions, while not addressing specifics of the transcripts, signalled his anger over the revelations which apparently came from inside the White House, saying "no government can be effective" when its leaders' discussions of sensitive matters are released.

The attorney general issued a not-so-veiled threat to the media, saying that while the administration has respect for the press, "it is not unlimited."

"They cannot place lives at risk with impunity," he added. "We must balance the press's role with protecting our national security."
Newly-appointed Pakistan prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has vowed to implement the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and personally supervise the speedy completion of all projects.

"Beyond CPEC, our economic cooperation will further enhance," said Abbasi at a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong on Thursday night.

The ambassador said that during the last four years, the bilateral relationship between China and Pakistan has attained new heights and he expressed belief that such ties will further strengthen under the leadership of Abbasi, reports Xinhua news agency.

During the meeting, Sun conveyed the congratulatory message of Chinese president Xi Jinping to Abbasi on his election.

He said that the Chinese leadership is happy to see the smooth transition in Pakistan and will continue to support the government for the development and prosperity of the country.

On Tuesday, Abbasi, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, was elected prime minister, after he won the National Assembly election with a majority vote, five days after the Supreme Court disqualified his predecessor, Nawaz Sharif.
Manila: Alarm over North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile tests, a germinal step to temper South China Sea disputes and unease over a disastrous siege by pro-Islamic State group militants will grab the spotlight in an annual gathering of Southeast Asia's top diplomats with their Asian and Western counterparts.

The 27 nations deploying their foreign ministers for three days of summitry and handshake photo-ops in Manila starting tomorrow include the main protagonists in long-tormenting conflicts led by the United States, Russia, China, Japan and South and North Korea.

The Philippines plays host as this year's chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN. It's an unwieldy 10-nation collective of democracies, monarchies and authoritarian regimes founded half a century ago in the Cold-War era, which prides itself for being a bulwark of diplomacy in a region scarred by a history of wars and interminable conflicts.

Chinese and ASEAN foreign ministers will endorse a two-page framework of a long-sought code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea when they meet on Saturday. The Philippines calls the development a major diplomatic progress in efforts to ease a potential flashpoint.

Critics say the agreed outline of key principles is lopsidedly in China's favor and suspect that Beijing may have consented to it to divert protests as it tries to complete land reclamations and fortify its man-made islands with a missile defense system.

While the framework carries hope for a diplomatic approach to the disputes, it noticeably failed to mention China's construction of new islands and an arbitration ruling last year that invalidated the historic basis of Beijing's claim to virtually the entire sea, a strategic waterway for commerce and defense. China has dismissed the arbitration ruling, which was put forward by the Philippines, as a sham.

Backed by its treaty ally the US, the Philippines was the most vocal critic of China's assertive actions in the contested region until President Rodrigo Duterte rose to power last year.

He swiftly moved to rekindle ties with Beijing in the hope of boosting trade and securing infrastructure funding while indefinitely sidelining efforts to secure Chinese compliance with the ruling.

Beijing's cozier ties with Manila under Duterte have calmed tensions and prompted China to allow Filipinos back to a disputed shoal, but arbitration proponents worry that Duterte was squandering an opportunity to harness the rule of law to restrain aggressive acts in the disputed region. A draft of a joint communique to be issued by the ASEAN ministers welcomes the conclusion of talks on the framework, but drops any mention of regional concerns over land reclamations and militarist moves in the South China Sea, which ASEAN members had agreed to include in their previous statements.
United Nations: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will pay his first visit since taking the UN helm to Israel and the Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip, at the end of the month, diplomats have said.

The UN chief will hold talks with Israeli leaders, travel to Ramallah to meet Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and to the Gaza Strip, where the United Nations runs a major Palestinian aid program, during the three-day visit beginning 28 August.

Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon said on Thursday the visit will allow Guterres to "build a relationship" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also hold meetings with the Israeli president and defence minister.

"We are very happy about this visit," Danon told AFP.

"It's a great opportunity for the secretary general to experience Israel, to meet the leaders of Israel and to understand the challenges that Israel faces day-in and day-out."

Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour described the upcoming visit as "very important," indicating that it signalled a stronger UN focus on the plight of Palestinians.

"The UN has been involved since its inception with the question of Palestine and will remain involved until the question is resolved in all its aspects on the basis of international law," he told AFP by email.

The visit comes as diplomatic efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks appear deadlocked.

Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, "is experienced. He has been to Israel in the past. He knows the complexity of the issues. He is not someone who comes to our region and has no clue about what is happening," said Danon.

The Israeli government will discuss strengthening the mission of the UN interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said Danon, following a series of skirmishes along the UN-monitored demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.

Relations between the United Nations and Israel have been tense over the expansion of Jewish settlements, which the world body has condemned as illegal.

Since taking over from Ban Ki-moon on 1 January, Guterres has been cautious in his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, partly in response to US accusations that the United Nations was biased against Israel.

In March, the UN chief demanded that a report by a UN body be withdrawn after it accused Israel of imposing an apartheid system on the Palestinians.

Guterres had initially distanced himself from the report, but the United States insisted that it be withdrawn altogether.

During the recent flareup of violence in Jerusalem, Guterres called for de-escalation and respect for the status quo at holy sites after Israel installed metal detectors at the Haram al-Sharif mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.
Moscow: US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov spoke and agreed to discuss bilateral ties in Manila at the weekend, the Russian ministry said.

The countries' top diplomats spoke on Thursday as US president Donald Trump warned that bilateral ties are at an all-time and "very dangerous" low.

Moscow said the Tillerson-Lavrov phone call took place on the US initiative.

The two men agreed to discuss topics including "the state of bilateral relations between Russia and the US at a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN regional forum on security from 6 to 8 August in Manila," the Russian foreign ministry statement said,

Lavrov and Tillerson also talked about how the United Nations Security Council should respond to North Korea's latest missile launch on 28 July and agreed to discuss this in more detail in Manila, Moscow said.

They "agreed to discuss in detail the prospects of mutual cooperation" on resolving the situation in Manila, Moscow added.
Washington: The US has congratulated Pakistan's newly-elected Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, saying it "looks forward" to working with him on areas of mutual cooperation.

"We want to congratulate Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi on his election by the National Assembly. We will certainly look forward to working with him on areas of mutual cooperation," state department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her biweekly news conference on Thursday.

"We have a very strong people-to-people ties with the government of Pakistan. We'll look forward to working with Pakistan, and we'll look forward to working with him as well," she said in response to a question on the election of Pakistan's new prime minister.

Meanwhile, Nauert said she is not aware of the claims by former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif that the then US president Bill Clinton had offered him $5 billion during Kargil war.

"I'm not aware of any of that money and what you're referring to from quite a few administrations ago," she said.

Abbasi is likely to continue as premier for the remaining 10-month tenure of PML-N as the party chief Nawaz Sharif has hinted retaining his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the key province.

Sharif, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case on 28 July, had nominated Shahbaz to succeed him after winning a by-election on his vacant seat in Lahore.

Abbasi, 58, was endorsed by Sharif to hold the post for interim arrangement of 45 days (till mid-September) till Shahbaz makes to Islamabad.
The Jefferson City Council, with a deadlocked 3-3 vote Thursday night, denied a 15-acre annexation that required further consideration because of an Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals case.

Mayor Cyndie Hightower and councilors Brad Cheney and Stan Neal voted against the annexation, which could bring about 60 homes to town, citing public safety concerns. Dave Beyerl, Michael Myers and Walt Perry voted in favor.

Before they were elected in November, Hightower, Cheney and Neal were members of Jeffersonians for Jefferson, the group that filed the LUBA appeal of the annexation.

The trio has since distanced themselves from that organization. All three live near the annexation areas borders.

During deliberations on Thursday, Cheney and Neal worried about trains blocking the south end of town and delaying fire and ambulance crews from quickly getting to the property in an emergency.

If one were concerned with that truly Why do you live on that side? Myers responded.

Neal said that most of the people on the other side werent initially aware the tracks could be blocked for an hour when they moved there.

He added that many residents were already frustrated with police service in Jefferson. Neal said there was no evidence that the Marion County Sheriffs Office could adequately provide coverage if the land was annexed.

David Coulombe, attorney for Jeffersonians for Jefferson, said he appreciated the councils consideration of the criteria, Especially the safety consideration.

Beyerl worried about the financial implications. I just think the decision set us up for more legal bills, he said.

Jefferson likely hasnt heard the last of the matter. Nancy Hamby said her family, who owns the land, will fight the decision.

If we have to sue the city, we will sue the city, she added.

The City Council could consider findings for denial to justify its decision at its Aug. 10 meeting. A final decision must be made by Aug. 17.

The annexation was initially approved by the council in August 2016. After the appeal, LUBA ruled that the city didnt properly justify its decision.

A public hearing on the LUBA remand was held in mid-July, and Hightowers husband, Nathan Hightower, was one of the representatives of Jeffersonians for Jefferson at that meeting.

During Thursdays meeting, Cheney and Neal declared potential conflicts of interest, as their homes are directly adjacent to the Hamby property.

Cheney and Neal also are listed as chief petitioners in a Marion County Circuit Court lawsuit against the city of Jefferson regarding the right to vote on annexations, and Cyndie Hightower was initially named as the treasurer of the Select Reform Committee for Jefferson, which filed the case.

All three have publicly distanced themselves from that group, as well.

A Marion County judge ruled in favor of the city, but that has been appealed.

A group of residents called Jefferson First has been circulating recall petitions for Hightower, Cheney and Neal since mid-July.
Washington: The US has said it will not recognise Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly, terming it as the "illegitimate product" of a "flawed" process.

"The United States will not recognise the National Constituent Assembly," state department spokesperson Heather Nauert, said in a statement.

She alleged that the process was rigged from the start, from the irregular manner in which the election was decreed to the government's refusal to permit voters to object to plans to rewrite the constitution.

"The United States considers the Venezuelan National Constituent Assembly the illegitimate product of a flawed process designed by the Maduro dictatorship to further its assault on democracy," Nauert said.

"The balloting itself was further designed to fill the national constituent assembly with Maduro loyalists. In a country suffering from malnutrition, the regime threatened that those who did not vote would lose access to food, pension, or employment benefits. Finally, the election lacked credible international observation," Nauert said.

Early this week, in an unprecedented move, the Trump administration announced sanctions against president Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, in retaliation of the latter's threat against his opposition leaders and the elections which has been denounced by the international community as illegitimate.

Notably, Maduro is only the fourth ever sitting head of state who have been subject to American sanctions.
Caracas: Two people on motorbikes threw Molotov cocktails at Spain's embassy in Caracas, but there were no casualties, the prosecutors' office in Venezuela said.

Witnesses said one of the homemade bombs  bottles filled with gasoline or other inflammable liquid, with a rag as a fuse  did not explode because heavy rain put its flame out.

An employee at embassy contacted by AFP said she was not authorised to comment on the incident.

The attack occurred in a tense security climate in Venezuela, heightened by protests against a new "Constituent Assembly" that is to start work today with sweeping powers.

Spain has been especially critical of the new body, whose election was orchestrated by Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. It and the rest of the European Union have said they will not recognise the assembly as legitimate.

According to Venezuela's prosecutors' office, the two attackers threw several Molotov cocktails at the Spanish embassy, located in the chic inner-eastern district of Chacao.

The district's mayor, Ramon Muchacho, sent photos to AFP, one showing a soda bottle filled with what appeared to be gasoline, with red cloth stuffed into it. Another showed a black mark that could have come from a small explosion.

Neither the prosecutors nor the mayor linked the attack to Venezuela's degraded political situation.
Vatican City: The Vatican on Friday urged Venezuela not to go ahead with installing a powerful new assembly sought by President Nicolas Maduro but challenged by his opponents.

It called in a statement on "all political actors, and in particular the government, to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the existing constitution".

And it urged them to "prevent or suspend ongoing initiatives such as the new Constituent Assembly which, instead of fostering reconciliation and peace, foment a climate of tension".

Maduro was due to install the new assembly of his allies on Friday, dismissing an international outcry and opposition protests saying he is burying democracy in his country.

The opposition has called a mass march in the capital over the body, elected last weekend in a vote marred by allegations of fraud. That has raised fears of violence that could add to a death toll of more than 125 over the past four months.

"The Holy See appeals firmly to all of society to avoid all forms of violence and invites, in particular, the security forces to refrain from excessive and disproportionate use of force," the Vatican said.

Forty countries have admonished Maduro for seeing through the creation of the new assembly, with the US hitting him with sanctions this week and US president Donald Trump branding him a dictator.
BlackBerry KEYone is the second Android smartphone from the company after the Priv to come with BlackBerrys signature physical QWERTY keyboard that you rarely see on Android smartphones these days. TCL Communication Technology (TCT) made the phone in some countries like the U.S. but the phone is made and sold by Optiemus in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. How good is the smartphone? Let us find out in the review.

Unboxing

We had unboxed the KEYone recently, check out the video below.

Box contents

BlackBerry KEYone in Black color

2-pin fast charger (5V-2A/9V-1.67A)

USB Type-C cable

In-ear headset with set of earbuds

SIM ejector tool

User manual

Display, Hardware and Design

The KEYone has a 4.5-inch display with a resolution of 1620 x 1080 pixels, pixel density of 433 PPI and aspect ratio of 3:2. The display is good offering vibrant color output and the sunlight visibility is good as well. This time BlackBerry has opted for a LCD screen compared to AMOLED screen on the Priv. The display is also small. After using phones with large displays of 5.5-inch or more, using this phone with a small display needs some time to get used to. Also, the phone is definitely not for media consumption since you get black bars when viewing YouTube videos, but when you play videos on the video player, you can stretch it to fill the screen.

The phone has a scratch-resistant glass protection, but the company doesnt say if its Corning Gorilla Glass.

On the top, there is an earpiece with notification LED on the right side of it and an 8-megapixel camera on the left side. On the far right, there are the usual set of proximity and ambient light sensors. The phone also has magnetic sensor (magnetometer) and gyroscope.

Below the screen there are the usual set of capacitive touch buttons for back, home and recents. These are backlit and offer haptic feedback when pressed. Wish it had on-screen keys so that the display size could have been increased.

The 4-row keyboard is comfortable to type and will be useful for business users who type a lot of emails. The keyboard also has gestures, like the BlackBerry Priv and Passport which comes in handy when scrolling through a long web page. The keys might be small if you have huge hands, but these are well-spaced for normal users so it is easy to type. It even offers prediction, which has improved a lot compared to Priv. There is a fingerprint sensor built into the space bar of the keyboard.

On the left side of the phone there is a power button, SIM slot and volume rockers are present on the right side along with the Convenience key. On the top, there is a 3.5mm audio jack along with a tiny secondary microphone hole. On the bottom, there is a USB Type-C port, loudspeaker on the right side of it and microphone on the left of it.

The phone has a brushed anodized aluminum frame that doesnt slip out of the hand easily. It is 9.4mm thick, same as the Priv. It is 149.3mm tall and 72.5mm wide, similar to most of the phones with a 5.5-inch screen, so it is easy to carry in your pocket.

The phone has a hybrid SIM slot that takes two nano SIMs or a nano SIM and a microSD card slot. Wish the company had gone with dedicated SIM slots, but this is better than the single SIM support on the Priv, also 64GB of storage is more than enough for a lot of apps and media.

The phone has a 12-megapixel camera on the back with dual-tone LED flash, plastic finish on the top and below that there it has textured finish. The BlackBerry logo is also present in the center part of the back. It has a 3505mAh built-in battery. The phone weighs 180 grams, slightly heavier than most of the phones due to the metal body. Overall the phone has a solid build quality.

Camera

It has a 12-megapixel rear camera with dual-tone LED Flash, Sony IMX378 sensor, the same , 1/2.3 sensor present in the Google Pixel with 1.55m pixel size, f/2.0 aperture and phase-detection auto-focus (PDAF). It has EIS but lacks OIS.

The camera UI is simple, has toggles for flash, front camera, timer, different modes (slow-mo video, video, photo and panorama), HDR and option lets you choose aspect ratio (4:3, 16:9, 1:1 and 3:2). It also has different effects. It also has manual camera mode that lets you adjust white balance, focus, exposure time (1/8000s to 1/2) and ISO (100 to 10500).

Coming to the image quality, daylight shots are pretty and the macro shots are good as well, but sometimes it is hard to focus even though the phone has PDAF. HDR shots are good as well. Low-light shots have noise as usual, but the images are not too bad. Images with flash are good. The dual-tone flash helps to bring natural tone and is not overpowering.

The phone has a 8-megapixel front-facing camera with 1.12m pixel size, f/2.2 aperture, which is good for selfies and video chats.

Check out some camera samples (Click the image to view full resolution sample.)

It can record videos at a maximum of 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution at 30 fps, 1080p full HD or 720p resolution at 60 fps and can also record slow motion 720p video at 30 fps. Video is good and doesnt miss out on details. Audio is crisp, thanks to the secondary microphone. Check out the video samples below.

Software, UI and Apps

It runs on Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), which is almost stock with several custom features added by BlackBerry. There is BlackBerry Device Search app that lets you search the device for files, apps, help, and more. You can also type an Instant Actions command in the search field to perform a task quickly.

The BlackBerry Productivity Tab provides quick access to upcoming events, new messages, tasks, and contacts. The tab is available on all device screens. By default, the tab is turned on and is centered on the right edge of the device screen. You can also turn off the tab, swipe

down from the top of the screen once using two fingers, or twice using one finger. It also has BlackBerry hub that shows text messages, email, Twitter and more in a single screen, which is useful.

The phone can perform a specific action when you press the Convenience key (the round key on the right side of the phone). The phone also has gestures. When its enabled from the settings, to quickly open the camera, you can press the power button twice.

Out of 4GB RAM, you get 3.6GB of usable RAM, out of which about 2.3GB of RAM is free when the default apps are running in the background. Out of 64GB of storage, you get 50GB of usable space. It doesnt have option to move apps to SD card.

Apart from the usual set of utility apps and Google apps, it has BBM, Content Transfer, DTEK, Notable, Password Keeper, Power Centre, Privacy Share and Tasks.

Fingerprint Sensor

Fingerprint sensor that is embedded in the space bar of the phones keyboard is quick to unlock the phone immediately when you place your finger on it which is surprising for such as small sensor. You can add up to 5 fingerprints. There are also LEDs on the sides of the fingerprint sensor that can be optimized.

Music Player and FM Radio

Google Play Music is the default music player. It also has equalizer, bass boost and also lets you enable surround sound when you insert earphones. The loudspeaker output is pretty good. Thanks to the placement on the bottom, audio doesnt get muffled when the phone is placed on a flat surface. Audio through bundled earphones is also good. It also has FM Radio, but it doesnt have recording option.

Calling and Messaging

It has stock dialer and the Google Messenger is the default messaging app. Since this is a dual SIM phone, you get option to select either SIMs when calling or sending text message. There are no call drops and the earpiece volume is good.

Connectivity

It has 4G LTE connectivity with support for several 4G bands, including support, including VoLTE support for Reliance Jio. Both the SIMs support 4G, but you can enable 4G only in one SIM at a time, while the other goes to 3G. Since this is a dual SIM phone, you can set preferred SIM for voice call, text and data. It has 802.11 ac (2.4 & 5 GHz) MIMO, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2 LE and NFC. It supports Android Pay in some countries where it is available.

Performance and Benchmarks

The phone is powered by a 2GHz Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 14nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 506 GPU. There are no lags and 4GB of RAM is enough to run several apps in the background. It gets a bit warm when using 4G and during intensive gaming, but it doesnt get too hot.

It has 50MHz Adreno 506 GPU. We tried few games, which were smooth and graphics were good too. Since this has a small screen, gaming experience is not great. Still for the price the Snapdragon 625 is a bit outdated. Wish the company had gone with the Snapdragon 820 or 821. Check out some synthetic benchmark scores.

AnTuTu Benchmark 6

It managed to score 60599 points in the AnTuTu Benchmark 6.

3D Mark Ice Storm Unlimited

It managed to score 13692 points in the 3D Mark Ice Storm Unlimited GPU benchmark. As you can see, most of the flagship phones with better SoCs are at the top of the chart while phones with Snadpdragon 625 and similar SoCs are at the bottom. This doesnt mean that the performance of the phone is bad. This is enough to power the small 4.5-inch screen in the phone.

Battery life

The smartphone has a 3505mAh built-in battery, which is pretty good, which lasts for the whole day even with heavy use and lasts for more than a day with average use. This is mainly due to the small 4.5-inch screen and the power-efficient Snapdragon 625. It has battery saver option that turns on automatically when you reach a certain threshold to extend the battery life.

There is also boost mode that optimizes charging time by minimizing the phones power usage when its plugged in.

It supports Qualcomms Quick Charge 3.0 for faster charging. BlackBerry says that it can be charged up to 50% in just 36 minutes, the phone gets charged fully in 1 hour and 46 minutes. It achieved a One Charge Rating of 16 hours and 53 minutes in our battery test, which is pretty good. Check out the complete set of battery life test results here.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry KEYone is targeted at the business users or those who loved physical keyboard on old BlackBerry phones and want to get the same experience on Android phones. In this segment there is no competition, still a price of Rs. 39,990 is a bit high. It is a good thing that India has got the Limited edition Black version with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, compared to 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage in the Silver version.

Overall, the KEYone offers good performance, has a really good camera, comes with a physical QWERTY keyboard and the battery life is good as well. If you can manage the small display, hybrid SIM and can spend the amount, go for it. It will be available exclusively on Amazon.in starting from August 8th. To summarize, here are the pros and cons of the smartphone.

Pros

QWERTY physical keyboard with gesture support is good

Good camera

Good build quality

Good battery life

Cons

Priced slightly on the higher side

4.5-inch 3:2 display might be small for some
In the first half of 2017 the value of wood products trade between China and Australia rose 17% to US$1,680 million from the same period of 2016, says ITTO in its latest report.

Of the total, the value of Chinas wood products imports from Australia increased by 23% to US$790 million. The value of log and waste paper imports rose 47% and 41% respectively.

The Chinese wood products exports to Australia increased by 12% in value terms, up to US$890 million. The value of Chinas plywood exports to Australia grew 36%.

More than 50% of Chinas wood product exports to Australia were of wooden furniture and seats and the value of Chinas wooden furniture and seat exports increased 11% to US$466 million.

China imported mainly woodchips and logs from Australia. In the first half of 2017 Chinas woodchips and log imports from Australia were 1.93 million tonnes and 2.25 million cubic metres respectively.

Chip imports grew 4% year on year and log imports were up 28% year on year in the first half of 2017. Chinas plywood imports from Australia grew 34% to 74,000 cubic metres. In addition, China imported fibreboard, waste paper, paper, paperboard and paper products.
The smoke and haze filling the mid-valley this week serve as a reminder that it's been some time since we've checked in on that proposal before Congress to change the way we pay for firefighting.

As you might recall, this has been an issue for years: As fire seasons across the nation start earlier and last longer and the intensity of the fires grows, so do the costs of firefighting. Frequently, that means agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management find that the money they have budgeted to fight fires runs out long before the end of the fire season.

What happens then is a process that Washington bureaucrats call "fire borrowing": The agencies pull funds for firefighting from other areas of their budgets. Many times, the agencies are forced to raid programs designed for maintenance on lands that really need the work.

You can guess the results: For one, the long backlog of deferred maintenance on our public lands grows longer for want of funding.

And remember that some of these maintenance projects are devoted to reducing undergrowth and thinning forests to eliminate some of the fuels that allow fires to burn with devastating intensity. Delaying these maintenance projects only serves to ensure that the next fire season burns hotter than the one before, which in turn requires more money to fight fires, and so the vicious cycle continues.

Since at least 2013, Sen. Ron Wyden, the Oregon Democrat, and Sen. Mike Crapo, a Republican from Idaho, have been floating one solution to try to break the cycle.

Under their proposal, money to battle the largest wildfires would come from a separate disaster account similar to one that's used to battle other natural disasters.

There's no dispute that the largest fires certainly qualify as natural disasters. And the Interior Department and the Forest Service estimate these fires  which make up about 1 percent of the total number of fires  consume 30 percent of firefighting budgets.

Using a separate account to help cover the costs of fighting the nation's largest fires should help preserve money that's currently earmarked for other programs. It's an approach that makes sense.

So it's not really a complete surprise that the approach never has gained the necessary traction in Congress.

In a letter Wyden and three other Western senators (including Oregon's Jeff Merkley) sent this week to leaders of the Senate Banking Committee, the senators noted that "year after year, fire season after fire season, the fires continue to worsen and any attempt at a fix gets snarled in Washington politics."

At this point, you may be asking: Why did this letter go to the Senate Banking Committee? What possible connection is there between banking and wildfires?

The answer tells you something about congressional politics: It's because the Banking Committee is currently considering a bill to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program  and the committee has included this wildfire provision as part of that bill.

There is a connection between fire and flooding, the letter notes, quoting an assessment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that "wildfires leave the ground charred, barren and unable to absorb water, creating conditions ripe for flash flooding and mudflow."

Even so, this connection seems like a bit of a stretch  but it still could be the legislative trick to get this fire funding solution off the ground, in part because Crapo, who has experience with the fire issue, is the chairman of the Banking Committee.

Maybe this is the year when Congress finally decides to take action on this long-running fire funding issue. It's action that's long overdue  as evidenced by the smoky conditions right outside your window today. (mm)
(Reuters) - Zion National Park in Utah, one of the premier outdoor attractions of the American West, is considering a first-ever admissions cap in a move supported by conservation advocates and veteran park employees to stem overcrowding at a time of record visitation.

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), a watchdog group representing U.S. park rangers, foresters and other land managers, endorsed setting visitation limits for Zion while urging similar restrictions for national parks across the board.

In a statement on Thursday, PEER credited Zion as one of the few national parks seeking to remedy "crippling overcrowding" but faulted the National Park Service as failing to widely heed a little-known mandate requiring "carrying capacities" to be established for all 108 of its major park units in the United States.

Zion, famed for its scenic canyons, steep red cliffs and river gorges in southwestern Utah, has seen record visitation during four of the past five years and a 60 percent increase in admissions over the past decade, according to a park newsletter.

More than 4.3 million tourists flocked to Zion last year.

The incredible increase in crowd size supports the need for developing a plan to proactively manage visitor levels to protect park resources and provide the exemplary experiences visitors expect, Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh wrote in the newsletter.

The public has until Aug. 14 to comment on options the park is considering, including an online reservation system limiting the number of tourists who would be permitted at any given time in the most heavily visited parts of the park.

PEER director Jeff Ruch said the Park Service has long resisted such restrictions due to extreme political sensitivity on the subject.

The National Park Service believes there can be no such thing as too much visitation and, as a result, no matter how bad the overcrowding gets and how much damage is done, their approach is: 'Dont worry, be happy,' Ruch told Reuters.

Park Service spokesman Thomas Crosson was not immediately available for comment.

A 2016 PEER report found just seven of the 108 national parks, preserves, reserves, recreation areas and seashores had established carrying capacities of any sort, and just one  Golden Gate National Recreation Area near San Francisco  had set a capacity limit covering the entire unit.

Luke and Dorrie Prange of Salmon, Idaho, who have visited roughly a dozen national parks, said their trip to Zion last year was not marred by large crowds but said they would support a reservation system.

Our national parks are world treasures that should be available for everyone who wants to see them but, at the same time, we have to minimize the impact of each individual, Luke Prange said.

(Reporting by Laura Zuckerman in Salmon, Idaho; Additional reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Steve Gorman)
In an appearance on the FOX Business Network on Friday, Former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta identified North Korea as one of the biggest threats to the United States.

Theres a number of flashpoints in the world, dangerous flash points in the world thats confronting our country and challenging our national security. Probably the most dangerous right now is North Korea because they are developing an ICBM and they are continuing to try to develop a miniaturized nuclear weapon. They are trying to develop a delivery system for those nuclear weapons, he told FOX Business Maria Bartiromo.

On handling the threat, Panetta said China needs to step up its efforts to slow down North Koreas nuclear program.

Every administration tries to hope that ultimately China will come to its senses and put pressure on North Korea to do the right thing. Frankly, China needs to know that theyve either got to be part of the team or ultimately there will be a regime change and it will happen regardless of what China does, so they are either with us or theyre against us, he said.
Martin Shkreli, the former pharmaceutical CEO who caught fire for hiking drug prices, was convicted Friday on three federal charges that he deceived investors in a pair of failed hedge funds.

The 34-year-old Shkreli faced eight charges of conspiracy and securities and wire fraud. He faces as much as 20 years in prison, although hes likely to serve much less.

Shkreli became a household name in 2015, when his company, Turing, purchased a life-saving drug used for AIDS and transplant patients and sharply increased the price by 5,000%. He was a lightning rod for criticism over the price hike, as well as his behavior during congressional hearings on drug prices. He became known as the "Pharma Bro" for his snide personality on social media.

Shkreli was arrested in late 2015 on securities charges. The case, heard in a federal court in New York, focused on allegations that he blew investors' money on bad stock picks before raiding his drug company of stock and cash to pay them back. Shkreli called the fraud charges "bogus."

But the case was tricky for the government because wealthy investors conceded that Shkreli's scheme actually succeeded in making them richer, in some cases doubling or even tripling their money.

A Brooklyn jury deliberated five days before finding Shkreli guilty on three of eight counts. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Gold and silver streaming companies Franco Nevada Corporation (NYSE: FNV) and Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE: WPM) have very similar business models. Where they differ most is in their dividend policies. My preference here is Franco Nevada, but Wheaton Precious Metals could be the right choice for you. Here's what you need to know.

A little about streaming

The first thing to understand about this pair of precious metals companies is that they are not miners. Franco Nevada and Wheaton Precious Metals are streaming companies. That means they provide miners with cash up front for the right to buy gold and silver in the future at reduced rates. This allows them to avoid the risks of operating mines and lets them lock in low prices and high margins through the cycle.

For example, Wheaton Precious Metals pays around $4 an ounce for silver and $400 an ounce for gold, well below the prices the metals fetch today on the spot market. And EBITDA margins at both Wheaton and Franco Nevada remained solidly in positive territory during the commodity downturn when precious metals miners were watching their margins dip deep into the red.

Miners agree to these deals for several reasons. The most important being that they get access to cash when other sources, like the capital markets and banks, are more expensive. The recent commodity downturn was a great time for this pair. In 2015 alone Wheaton inked $1.8 billion in new deals and Franco Nevada a $600 million deal. Both had record production in 2016.

Some subtle difference

That said, there are a couple of subtle differences here. The first is diversification. Wheaton's portfolio of investments contains 29 mines, eight of which are development properties. Franco Nevada is much more diversified with 46 producing mines, 41 development projects, and 172 exploration investments. Both are diversified, but Franco Nevada is notably more diversified.

Franco Nevada also has exposure to oil and natural gas, which Silver Wheaton does not. Franco Nevada's portfolio includes around 80 investment in oil and gas projects with these fuels making up about 5% of revenues. That number should grow over the near term, too, since the company is using the energy downturn as an opportunity to expand its reach in these commodities. So if you want a pure play metals company Wheaton is the better choice, even though gold and silver are the most important part of Franco Nevada's business.

The really big difference

All of that said, the biggest difference between these two companies is going to come down to your dividend preference. Franco Nevada has increased its dividend every year for 10 consecutive years, including 2017 in that tally. Wheaton Precious Metals' dividend is pegged at 20% of the average cash generated by operating activities in the previous four quarters.

WPM Dividend Per Share (Annual) data by YCharts

This difference is a big deal since precious metals prices will have a notable impact on the top and bottom lines of both companies. Franco Nevada's goal is clearly to provide a consistent stream of income. Wheaton's goal is to reward investors during the good years while asking them to share the pain during the bad years.

Don't instantly dismiss that as less desirable, however. Since gold and silver prices tend to go up when the broader market is going down, Wheaton's dividend is likely to be moving higher when your other investments are struggling and, perhaps, cutting their disbursements. Wheaton could be an interesting dividend portfolio diversification option.

In the end, I favor dividends that slowly grow over time. So when looking at this pair I lean toward Franco Nevada. If your goal is diversification Wheaton's variable dividend might actually work more to your advantage. You just have to understand the dynamics before you jump aboard.

10 stocks we like better than Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.When 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 Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

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Reuben Brewer has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
A year ago, CBS chief executive officer Les Moonves was considered by analysts as the impediment for his company from merging with Viacom after intense discussions between the two media giants. Now, one analyst is saying if Moonves attempts to stop a merger from happening again, he should be fired.

Richard Greenfield, media analyst at BTIG, told Fox Business in an exclusive interview that if Moonves gets in the way of completing a merger between CBS and Viacom again, National Amusements should remove him from his post.

I think Les was the reason it [Viacom-CBS merger] didnt happen the first time and if Les doesnt want this, he should be terminated. At the end of the day, its not about what Les Moonves wants, its about what National Amusements wants and how it can succeed moving forward, Greenfield said.

CBS and National Amusements declined to comment.

National Amusements is the parent company of both CBS and Viacom, which is run by media mogul Sumner Redstone and his daughter Shari Redstone.

Greenfields comments come after he published a research note insisting the companies need to restart negotiations immediately because of how much value it would create for National Amusements, including increased scale to pursue additional M&A within and outside the legacy media sector.

Viacoms stock price is also in need of assistance after its third quarter earnings report triggered an immediate selloff and finished the week down 13 percent.

While company executives announced that they beat expectations for the quarter, their future outlook is what spooked investors and analysts.

Brian Wieser, senior analyst at Pivotal Research, explained in his research note what he sees as potential issues for Viacom next quarter.

Management has indicated that ad revenues will be down again by -2% domestically (and presumably will be up only slightly globally) while affiliate fees are expected to fall by low single digits given the aforementioned shift of spending from the September quarter to the June quarter, Wieser said.

Viacom investors though should not expect any help from CBS anytime soon as Moonves told Fox Business exclusively at the Allen & Co. media conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, that they have no plans to move ahead with pursuing an acquisition.

"We're just always looking to expand our content, but we have no plans to make a move for a company at the moment," he said at the time.

The company has not changed its stance since and has no immediate intention to begin merger discussions with Viacom, according to those familiar with the matter.

The Redstones called off the merger in December after declaring it wasnt the right time for the two media subsidiaries to come together after all.

In December the Redstones called off the impending merger in a letter to the boards of the two media subsidiaries. Over the past few months, after careful assessment and meetings with the leadership of both companies, we have concluded that this is not the right time to merge the companies, the letter said.

The letter was signed by both Shari and Sumner Redstone.
I've been quick to point out when marketing hype doesn't match up with what's realistically possible from a technical standpoint. Unfortunately, in my opinion, there have been many such instances in the early stages of the industrial biotech industry.

That's why I've strongly argued that investors should temper expectations regarding the natural-gas-to-chemicals technology platform being developed by engineered biology conglomerate Intrexon (NYSE: XON).

But science is often about having an open mind. At the end of July, I traveled to the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology in Montreal, where I caught up with Intrexon Energy Senior Vice President Bob Walsh. We discussed the novel technology platform under development and why Intrexon thinks it's going to prove me wrong.

Science fiction or science friction?

I've made two simple arguments for why investors shouldn't get too excited about the potential for feeding genetically engineered bacteria methane (the main component in natural gas) and coaxing them to convert it into more valuable fuels and chemicals:

Timelines: Intrexon previously stated it wanted to begin commercializing the technology platform in 2018 by launching with isobutanol, a gasoline blendstock that smokes ethanol on most metrics. However, the timeline was a bit too ambitious, especially considering the company only began developing the platform at lab scale in 2013. Indeed, during the first quarter 2017 conference call, the company admitted isobutanol won't be arriving next year. Hurdles facing gas fermentation: gas fermentation isn't a new idea, but it has proven difficult to overcome issues in what engineers call mass transfer. In other words, getting enough methane to dissolve in the water in a bioreactor so that bacteria can consume it in the first place. Since this is a problem dictated by thermodynamics, there isn't a whole lot humans can do to attack it.

It may sound like science fiction -- and in some sense, it amounts to just that. But on paper, it is certainly possible to use bacteria as microscopic chemical factories. Whether or not it's possible to do so while turning a profit is the biggest question, in my mind.

So perhaps it's a case of science friction, or just developing the necessary technologies to make it a profitable venture.

Walsh was realistic about the state of the technology, noting there are technical hurdles to overcome (that's why isobutanol has been delayed). However, he was also optimistic that his team of 140 or so scientists is making progress that justifies Intrexon's investment and excitement in the area.

Walsh said that of the six molecules publicly announced to date that the pilot scale has achieved surprising results for 2,3-BDO in particular, which has allowed Intrexon to expedite development for the molecule. On the first quarter 2017 conference call, the company did mention that it began partnership discussions for one chemical product.

If that happens to be 2,3-BDO, then it's an intriguing molecule to launch with. It can be converted to butadiene (commonly used in synthetic rubber applications), which itself has a $22 billion market and sells for over $2,000 per metric ton.

For reference, Intrexon believes it can achieve production costs of under $1,000 per metric ton. Then again, industrial biotech investors have heard that magical threshold touted by many other (now failed) companies in the past.

Walsh also noted a few things that investors should find interesting:

Synthetic biology toolkit : One of the most difficult things about developing the technology platform is figuring out how to work with gas fermentation at the lab scale. Intrexon spent a lot of time developing completely new equipment to accomplish this, in addition to toolkits that allow it to engineer and test unique strains of its methane-munching microbe. That could prove quite valuable, even if products take longer than expected to commercialize.

: One of the most difficult things about developing the technology platform is figuring out how to work with gas fermentation at the lab scale. Intrexon spent a lot of time developing completely new equipment to accomplish this, in addition to toolkits that allow it to engineer and test unique strains of its methane-munching microbe. That could prove quite valuable, even if products take longer than expected to commercialize. New reactor design : the most successful gas fermentation technology developed to date was originally created by Statoil , and is now being built by Cargill and Calysta. It consists of a long tube that loops around an area about the size of a football field. That's how they chose to overcome the mass transfer issue, but Intrexon is betting on a new and more efficient design. In short, the company expects to utilize more traditional cylindrical bioreactors that bubble gas through the center, which will also mix the contents of the reactor. Could that chip away at manufacturing cost concerns?

: the most successful gas fermentation technology developed to date was originally created by , and is now being built by Cargill and Calysta. It consists of a long tube that loops around an area about the size of a football field. That's how they chose to overcome the mass transfer issue, but Intrexon is betting on a new and more efficient design. In short, the company expects to utilize more traditional cylindrical bioreactors that bubble gas through the center, which will also mix the contents of the reactor. Could that chip away at manufacturing cost concerns? More molecules : Intrexon has publicly announced proof-of-concept for six molecules to date, but has more in the wings that haven't been announced yet.

: Intrexon has publicly announced proof-of-concept for six molecules to date, but has more in the wings that haven't been announced yet. Direct update coming: Walsh said Intrexon will likely provide a more detailed update for investors in August alongside second-quarter 2017 earnings.

What does it mean for investors?

Our chat was very informative and provided a few more data points and considerations for me to jostle around in my head. I'm still concerned that Intrexon is making similar mistakes to previous industrial biotech companies, especially when it comes to extrapolating expected manufacturing costs from limited pilot scale operations. For instance, I've spoken to other entrepreneurs and scientists working on gas fermentation technology, and they're not convinced that comparing the carbon cost of methane to that of sugar on a "dollar per BTU" basis, as Intrexon does, is very meaningful.

That said, I actually do hope Intrexon proves me wrong. The United States has decades of cheap natural gas available that should be a huge economic advantage. If engineered biology can help to develop that into a manufacturing advantage -- and make money in the (bio)process -- then it would be huge win for the field. For now, nothing has changed for investors, but they should look forward to hearing more later this month.

10 stocks we like better than IntrexonWhen 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 Intrexon wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

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Maxx Chatsko has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Statoil. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
A Mexican federal court has made an unusual ruling that bans the import of U.S. potatoes on the grounds the imports violate Mexicans' right to food sovereignty and a healthy environment.

A group of Mexican potato growers had sought a constitutional injunction on the imports, claiming they threaten to spread agricultural diseases.

The court said Mexican agricultural authorities had failed to use methods like radiation treatment of imports to prevent diseases.

But because federal injunctions are intended only to protect constitutional rights, the ruling had to break some new ground.

The court ruled the ban must be implemented to preserve Mexicans' collective rights to "preserve food sovereignty and the health of Mexican crop fields."

The agriculture department had no immediate comment on the ruling.
A railroad spokesman says a propane fire caused when at least 32 freight cars derailed in a small Pennsylvania town has burned itself out overnight.

But CSX railroad spokesman Rob Doolittle says smaller sulfur fires continued burning Friday as crews worked to clean up the mess from Wednesday morning's derailment in Hyndman, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Pittsburgh.

Doolittle says the next priority is moving some rail cars so crews can better access and battle the sulfur fires. About 1,000 people remain evacuated, most staying in area hotels, because of the remaining fires.

Nobody was injured in the derailment. Doolittle says 17 cars were either put back on the rails or set to be removed overnight.

The American Red Cross and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency are helping evacuees.
Job creation among small businesses picked up in July as strong economic growth in the United States and abroad gave confidence to small business owners, a National Federation of Independent Business report showed on Thursday.

The percentage of U.S. small business owners saying they planned to add to payrolls in July exceeded those with plans to cut jobs by 19 percentage points on a seasonally adjusted basis, the NFIB data showed. That is a 4-point increase from June and the strongest reading since December 1999.

"Small business owners are investing their money in new jobs and we know small business is where the jobs are," said Juanita Duggan, president and chief executive officer of NFIB in a release.

Moreover, 60 percent of owners said they were hiring or trying to hire, a 6-point increase from June.

Although businesses were looking to expand, finding workers remains an issue. Fifty-two percent of respondents said they had few or no qualified applicants for the positions they wanted to fill, according to the report.

Business owners said that their biggest difficulties in finding qualified workers stem from a skills mismatch, weak work history or unrealistic wage expectations.

"The tight labor market is driving up costs for small employers," NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said in a statement. "More than a quarter of all owners reported raising wages in July, and the pressure was especially high in the construction industry."

Job openings were most frequently reported in construction, manufacturing and non-professional services.

Around 35 percent of business owners said they could not fill jobs in July, a 5-point increase from the previous month and a 43-year record high on a quarterly basis.

The report comes a day ahead of the closely watched monthly payrolls survey from the U.S. Department of Labor. That benchmark reading of the job market is expected to show U.S. employers added 183,000 jobs in July, according to a Reuters poll, down from 222,000 reported in June. The unemployment rate is seen dropping to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent.

(Reporting by Kimberly Chin; Editing by Dan Burns and James Dalgleish)
Japanese automakers Toyota (NYSE:TM) and Mazda announced on Friday a plan to build a $1.6 billion factory in the U.S., creating up to 4,000 new jobs.

The new plant, which would open for business in 2021, will make Toyota Corolla small sedans and a future Mazda crossover vehicle destined for North American markets. The companies say the plant will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles per year.

Toyota also said it will purchase a 5.05% stake in Mazda, a stake valued around $455 million. Mazda will buy a 0.25% stake in Toyota.

President Donald Trump has criticized Toyota, General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Ford (NYSE:F) for building vehicles in Mexico and shipping them to the U.S. Toyota originally intended on building Corollas at a plant currently under construction in Guanajuato, Mexico, but it changed its plans after evaluating current demand for small cars. The company now expects to build Tacoma pickup trucks at the Mexican factory.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda said Trumps views did not influence the automakers decision to build a new plant in the U.S.

Trump welcomed the announcement in a tweet: "Toyota & Mazda to build a new $1.6B plant here in the U.S.A. and create 4K new American jobs. A great investment in American manufacturing!"

Toyota wouldn't say where the plant would be built. But because the new plant will build the Corolla, chances are it will be located near Toyota's current Corolla plant in Mississippi to be close to parts supply companies.

Sales of small cars have slumped in the U.S. amid steadily low gas prices. Corolla sales fell 10% through July. But Toyota hopes the market will have shifted by 2021. If not, the plant will have the flexibility to shift to another model, according to spokesman Scott Vazin.

The U.S. factory is part of a broader joint venture that calls for Toyota and Mazda to collaborate on new technologies, including electric vehicles, connected cars and advanced safety features. The companies also said they will create more products that they can both use.

In the past, Toyota was not overly bullish on electric vehicles, which have a limited cruise range. But recent breakthroughs in batteries allow for longer travel per charge. Japanese rival Nissan Motor Co. is allied with Renault SA of France and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., and is the global leader in electric vehicles. Their alliance led world vehicles sales for the first time in the first half of this year.

Toyoda also noted the growing competition from newcomers in the auto industry like Google, Apple and Amazon, stressing he was worried about autos turning into commodities. He praised Mazda as a great partner in that effort.

Friday's announcement builds on an existing partnership. Toyota, which makes the Prius hybrid, Camry sedan and Lexus luxury models, already provides hybrid technology to Mazda, which makes compact cars for Toyota at its Mexico plant.

The sheer cost of the plant also makes a partnership logical, as it boosts cost-efficiency and economies of scale. Working together on green and other auto technology also makes sense as the segment becomes increasingly competitive due to concerns about global warming, the environment and safety.

"Given the massive level of competition in the industry, partnerships are no longer a surprise," said Akshay Anand, an executive analyst at Kelley Blue Book.

Politics are another incentive.

"The new presidential administration has made it clear investments in the U.S. are a top priority, and this plant may be another nod to that mindset," Anand said.

Mazda, based in Hiroshima, Japan, used to have a powerful partner in Dearborn-based Ford, which bought 25% of Mazda in 1979, and raised it to 33.4% in 1996. But Ford began cutting ties in 2008, and has shed its stake in Mazda.

Also Friday, Toyota reported its April-June profit was 613.0 billion yen ($5.6 billion), up 11% from 552.4 billion yen a year earlier. Quarterly sales rose 7% to 7.05 trillion yen ($64 billion), as vehicle sales improved around the world, including in the U.S., Europe and Japan.

Toyota stuck to its earlier projection for global vehicle sales for the fiscal year, ending in March 2018, at 10.25 million vehicles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Workers at Nissanas factory in Mississippi have until Friday evening to vote on representation by the United Auto Workers union, which is looking for a rare win in the South.

About 3,700 people who work in the Japanese automakeras Canton, Mississippi, assembly plant will decide by 7 p.m. ET on Friday whether the UAW will bargain for them. Nissan has campaigned against the effort, and most of the stateas political leaders have backed the company against the union. The UAW has yet to organize an entire foreign-owned automobile plant. Nissan has two other plants in Tennessee that arenat represented by the UAW.

The National Labor Relations Board is conducting the secret-ballot election in Canton after workers filed for UAW representation in July.

Pro-union workers say the UAW would protect them against arbitrary treatment, and bargain for better benefits and pay. Managers say the UAW would make the plant less economically competitive.

Albatross or protector?

Opponents have focused on claims that the UAW has been an albatross for Detroit automakers, implicitly or explicitly blaming the union for struggles at Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler. Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant posted a picture of a bombed-out industrial building Wednesday night on his Facebook page, stating, "I hope the employees at Nissan Canton understand what the UAW will do to your factory and town. Just ask Detroit. Vote no on the union."

That's part of a line of reasoning that suggests a unionized Nissan might lay off employees or even close the $3.3 billion plant it opened in 2003.

Union supporters, though, say it's unfair to blame them for the Detroit Three's troubles, saying managers made the decisions on what vehicles to produce and were slow to react to increased competition.

At least one Michigan congressman, Democratic U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, has taken offense at Bryant's characterization. He says GM has invested billions in his district, which includes Flint, in the past decade. "When workers have a voice, middle-class families win," Kildee said.

Organizing the transplants

The UAW has failed to organize foreign-owned auto assembly plants in the United States, reducing the union's bargaining power in the industry as Detroit automakers lose market share and close plants. This is the first time workers in Canton have voted on a union, but their Nissan counterparts in Smyrna, Tennessee, rejected the UAW in 1989 and 2001. The UAW also lost a 2014 vote among all workers at Volkswagen in 2014 before winning a second vote among 160 maintenance technicians.

The UAW has failed in its efforts to represent workers at plants operated by Honda (NYSE:HMC), Toyota (NYSE:TM), Mercedes and BMW. Since Mitsubishi closed its plant in Normal, Illinois, in 2016, no foreign-owned auto assembly plants employ workers broadly represented by the UAW.

Political overtones

Bryant and Kildee are far from the only political actors to weigh in on the Nissan vote.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez are among the union backers.

In a videoconference Tuesday, Sanders told UAW supporters that the company should: "Start treating your workers with the respect and the dignity that they deserve. Give your workers a seat at the bargaining table. Give your workers the freedom to join a union, so that as a nation we can stop the race to the bottom."

Those opposing the union include Americans for Prosperity, the political arm of the conservative Koch brothers' network. The Mississippi chapter sent 25,000 mailers to Jackson-area homes saying "tell UAW 'No Thanks,'" and has bought radio, billboard and internet ads. Business groups including Mississippi's chamber of commerce and the National Association Manufacturers have weighed in against the union.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Trumps Chief Economic Advisor Gary Cohn on Friday praised the July jobs report released by the Labor Department and said the U.S. economy is on a growth path.

We now have created well over a million jobs since the Trump administration [has] come into office and since the election. The economy continues to grow. We got a GDP number last week of 2.6% for the quarter, unemployment rate down to 4.3%, back down to a 16-year low. Things are on course for the economy, Cohn told FOX Business Stuart Varney.

The U.S. economy beat expectations in July, adding 209,000 net new jobs and increasing the labor force participation rate to 62.9% from 62.8%.

Cohn said the future growth of the economy will help pay for president Trumps tax cuts.

When you lower the corporate rate from 35% down to 15%, that 20% has an enormous multiplier effect in the U.S. economy. Of course we are going to get growth by lowering the business rate, he said.

The White House National Economic Council director told FOX Business that the Trump administration is pushing for comprehensive tax reform to get the lowest rate possible for all businesses.

We have agreed that rate is the number one factor that matters most in tax reform. We are going to do everything we can to get the rate on the businesses  and this is all businesses, not just corporate  down as low as we can.

Cohn also weighed in on the debt ceiling time frame as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urged Congress in a letter to raise the debt limit.

I think we are all aware of what the legislative calendar looks like. We know how important debt ceiling is, Secretary Mnuchin has been working tirelessly on making sure the debt ceiling gets through and gets through appropriately. We are all working on taxes. We understand the budget and the budget process and how thats going to play in and we feel confident that we can get it done this year, he said.
Former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta on Friday explained how Chief of Staff John Kelly can put a halt to the leaks coming out of the oval office.

The key to preventing leaks is to create a sense of teamwork within the White House, within the staff so that they feel loyalty to the president of the United States. Theyve got to feel loyalty, theyve got to feel like theyre part of a team. These leaks happen because people are disgruntled; they dont feel like their voice is being heard, he told FOX Business Maria Bartiromo.

Panetta, who was White House chief of staff from 1994 to 1997 for the Clinton administration, described how Kelly can convince White House staffers to be loyal to the president.

The best way to try to get people to be loyal to that administration is to know that there is merit to the job that they are doing, that they are accomplishing something thats worthwhile, that is recognized as important to the administration and important to the country. But to do that you have to have people in place, youve got to have supervision. Youve got to have people who are willing to control whats going on in the various departments and agencies, he said.

The former CIA director has faith that John Kelly can put the White House back in order.

I like John Kelly a lot. The best thing to know about John Kelly is he is first and foremost a Marine. Hes dedicated his life to public service, committed to whoever is commander in chief. Hes somebody who believes deeply in discipline and a strong chain of command and an orderly process for decision making and doesnt tolerate chaos, he said.
Former Bush 41 and Reagan White House Staffer Robert Charles said the media isnt solely responsible for White House leaks.

I think the media has to remember that they are also American and they need to have a degree of responsibility in this process. I really hold first accountable the government officials, Charles told FOX Business Stuart Varney.

In his opinion, a grand jury should be impaneled for White House leaks.

This has more to do with the fact that theres a breach of law and responsibility by government officials than by the media, although the media needs to be responsible in the context of the First Amendment, he said.

Charles, who is also a former Navy intelligence officer said leaked calls between President Trump and world leaders are a direct threat to national security.

Theres no reason these transcripts should have been out there. They compromise the ability of the president and frankly the confidence of foreign leaders in the United States. It looks like we are dysfunctional and we shouldnt be and technically and historically arent, he said.
Darcey is defending her decision to find love... with a younger man.

The single mom from Connecticut's journey to visit the man of her dreams, 24-year-old Jesse, in Amsterdam is chronicled in the new TLC show "90 Day Fiance: Before the Ring."

The show explores several Americans who have significant others overseas and their process of applying for a K-1 Visa.

The 42-year-old caught up with Fox News ahead of the series' debut Sunday night on TLC:

Fox News: Why did you decide to join an international dating app?

Darcey: Last summer, I was planning a trip to Milan for Fashion Week with my twin sister -- we have a fashion line together -- and I came across this international app, for dating [and] networking as well... I wasn't in the mindset for searching out [a relationship].

Fox News: Jesse is a lot younger than you. Was that ever a concern?

Darcey: I knew he was younger, it said that on his profile... but there was something about his profile I kept going back to... We just started communicating through messaging and there was a really good rapport there. And yes, there is a big age difference... he's dated older women before so it was nice for me to hear that I wasn't just some cougar... [I feel it] was meant to us to meet.

Fox News: On other '90 Day Fiance' shows, friends and family have concerns over a significant other expressing interest only to obtain a visa. Did you face that from any of your friends?

Darcey: I've never really had that thought in my head, me personally. I'm sure friends had some concerns and stuff like that like, 'Oh my gosh, he's so much younger!' But knowing Jesse, it's not even a thought that I've had. I can't help what other people think and feel.

Fox News: What do your kids think of their mom traveling across the world to meet a man she's never met before?

Darcey: It's been a while since I've been in a relationship. I've been divorced for a while now. The kids are happy to see mommy happy. I want to make sure it's the right person to introduce to my kids. I want my girls to be included and rest assured that mommy's in good hands... they come first.

Fox News: Why did you decide to go on reality TV?

Darcey: I wrote a letter to casting and they called us and here we are today. I just wanted to go on this journey along with [Jesse] and I thought it would be a cool experience to document our love.

Fox News: Are you worried viewers will critique your relationship?

Darcey: I know there's a big age difference... it's so hard to explain, but the love is so real. I hope people end up seeing that and feeling that. I know it's TV, but it's my journey, it's my life. We're doing the best that we can together and I'm just excited to embark on all of this.

Find out what happens when Darcey travels to Amsterdam to meet Jesse on the series debut of "90 Day Fiance: Before the Ring" on TLC on Sunday.
Steve Harvey is way ahead of all your jokes about his recently leaked memo. Speaking to reporters on Thursday to promote his upcoming talk show Steve, the comedian addressed the recent controversy with his typical humor.

In May, an angry memo the "Family Feud" host sent to his staff was leaked.

I learned two things from that email. One, I can't write. And two, I should never write," Harvey said laughing about the letter that demanded he not be approached by his staff -- especially while he is in his dressing room.

Harvey blamed the leak on a staffer who was allegedly upset about not being moved from Chicago to Los Angeles to work on the host's new show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Shane Farley said that the majority of the staff was not selected to make the move to L.A. -- roughly 10 out of 60 people were chosen.

"The email was out there," Harvey told the crowd at the Television Critics Association summer press tour. "It wasn't that big a deal to me... I'm not really a mean-spirited guy; I'm a real congenial guy, you know, people who know me."

Harvey host shows like ABCs Celebrity Family Feud, Funderdome and NBCs Little Big Shots spinoff Forever Young.

Harvey is getting ready to leave behind his successful syndicated talk show The Steve Harvey Show for a revamped version called Steve, that will put more of an emphasis on celebrity interviews.

Steve premieres September 5th on NBC.

Fox News' Blanche Johnson contributed to this report.
It was October 23, 1976 when 20-year-old Carl Denaro was enjoying a night out in Flushing, Queens with 18-year-old Rosemary Keenan before he would go off to join the Air Force  except the Son of Sam was also on the prowl and looking for his next victim.

The pair were sitting in Keenans car for just four minutes when the windows suddenly exploded.

I had glass all over me I really didnt know what happened. But I knew we were in trouble, now-61-year-old Denaro told Fox News. I yelled at her to start the car then I passed out for 10 seconds.

AMANDA KNOX, OJ SIMPSON, AND OUR FASCINATION WITH TRUE CRIME

Keenan frantically drove back to the bar where they originally hung out that evening to get help. And Denaro, with his long hair matted with blood and his shirt completely soaked, still had no idea what happened until he finally made it to Flushing Hospital. At 4 a.m., a police officer approached him and asked if he should call his parents.

I said, As long as Im home by seven, my mother will never know, recalled Denaro. Thats when he told me, Son, youve been shot in the head. Youre not going anywhere.'"

Denaro was shot with a .44 caliber revolver and doctors had to use a metal plate to replace a part of his skull. The injury disqualified him for service in the Air Force. And as he recovered in the hospital, his doctors and mother ultimately decided to ban all visitors so he could focus on healing.

For a week, [Rosemary] visited me a couple times, but after the shutdown, nobody was allowed to visit, said Denaro. That was pretty much the end of Rosemary and myself.

David Berkowitz, also known as the self-appointed Son of Sam, terrorized New York City in a string of attacks for more than a year, killing six people and wounding seven.

The 24-year-old postal employee said he believed demons were communicating to him through his neighbors dog and would taunt the city about where he would strike next. Because most of his victims had long, dark hair, many women flocked to salons to go shorter and blonde. He was arrested on August 10, 1977.

The now-64-year-old murderer is currently serving six consecutive 25-years-to-life sentences.

On the 40th anniversary of his capture, Investigation Discovery (ID) is premiering the documentary Son of Sam: The Hunt for a Killer, chronicling how police caught the murderer. However, Denaro has wondered over the years if it was Berkowitz who really shot him, or if he had been part of a satanic cult that may have carried out the shootings, along with him.

My first indication was at a civil hearing that I attended to figure out the percentages for each of the victims and their injuries, explained Denaro. One of the lawyers for two of the other victims kept telling the judge other people are involved. I turned to my lawyer and said, Whats he talking about? He said, Ah, theres some rumor going around that other people were involved. That was my first indication.

Denaro said six years later, he read journalist Maury Terrys book The Ultimate Evil, which claimed Berkowitz couldnt have acted alone. Berkowitz later gave prison interviews, insisting he was a member of a satanic cult before the killing spree began. However, many involved with the investigation have dismissed Berkowitzs claims, stating they were merely rants of a madman.



The theory continues to haunt Denaro.

From 1993 on, Ive been investigating and talking to law enforcement, anyone I could really to help me shed light on what happened, said Denaro. I was 100 percent, as I still am to this day, 100 percent sure other people were involved and David Berkowitz didnt shoot me.

"I dont think a week goes by where I dont get another piece of information that connects all the dots there that I already have. My hope, and even though its far-fetched, I hope someday to bring to justice the other people that were involved. I dont know if its going to happen, but until the day I die, Im going to keep trying.

Inside Edition reported Berkowitz converted to Christianity in 1987 and has been open about his newfound faith. Hes also expressed remorse for his crimes. However, Denaro doubts his credibility.



When he first made the big announcement, my first reaction was why not? explained Denaro. Hes in jail for the rest of his life. Hes gotta have a reason to live[But] How sincere is he? I really think hes actually convinced himself that he is.

"You cant go halfway being born again. God forgives everyone, but you cant just say 'Im sorry' and then you get absolution. You cant just say 'Im sorry' knowing full well youre sorry for other people. And until he does that, I just think hes a phony, baloney born-again. I dont think hes a true born-again.

Denaro added he even reached out to Berkowitz about 14 years ago in hopes of getting answers to his lingering questions. Berkowitz reportedly agreed to do an interview, but things didnt go according to plan.

About two week before it was going to happen, he backed out, claimed Denaro. Since then, he refuses to talk about Son of Sam at all. The only thing hell say is I did a very bad thing and Im really sorry, and I wish I could take it back, but Jesus has forgiven me.'

Still, Denaro hasnt given up hope.

Im actually in the process of trying to reach out to him, he said. You know, hes 65 now, and apparently he seems to be in pretty good shape. So he probably has another 20 years.

"Son of Sam: The Hunt for a Killer" airs August 5 at 9 p.m. on ID.
A jury reached a verdict in Taylor Swifts groping trial on Monday and after about three hours of deliberation, they ruled in favor of the pop singer, granting her a symbolic $1.

The decision by the six-woman, two-man jury was read Monday in U.S. court in Denver.

Per the ruling, the jury unanimously agreed that former radio DJ David Mueller was not entitled to compensation that he sought in his own lawsuit.

The trial was focused on a 2013 meet-and-greet in which Swift alleged that Mueller groped her during a photo opportunity by putting his hand up her skirt and on her bare backside.

After being fired from his radio station, Mueller sued Swift alleging that the pop star, her mother and her radio liaison purposely destroyed his career.

Swift then countersued for the $1.

"I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this," Swift said in a statement following the verdict. "My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organizations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves."

The judge had tossed out Mueller's case against Taylor Swift on Friday.

U.S. District Judge William Martinez determined that the pop star could not be held liable because Mueller failed to prove that she personally set out to have him fired.

TAYLOR SWIFT TRIAL: FINAL JURY INSTRUCTIONS

Swift testified in court last week that Mueller groped her backstage after a concert.

The singer took the witness stand in a Denver federal court and said, "it was a definite grab. A very long grab."

The incident allegedly happened after a June 2013 concert when Swift was 23. Mueller, who was a radio personality with 98.5 KYGO in Denver at the time, met Swift after the concert.

TAYLOR SWIFT TRIAL: VERDICT FORM

After posing with Swift for a photo, Swifts security team later accused him of inappropriately grabbing Swifts rear end and he was subsequently fired, Mueller said in a lawsuit he filed against the star.

Swift stated in her deposition, Right as the moment came for us to pose for the photo, he took his hand and put it up my dress and grabbed onto my ass cheek, and no matter how much I scooted over, it was still there. It was completely intentional. Ive never been so sure of anything in my life.

There is a photograph that allegedly shows the DJ groping her.

Mueller testified in court this week that he and Swift were trying to reach around one another for the photo and our hands touched and our arms touched. He added that he could have touched her rib cage, or rib or ribs.

Heres what you should know about the case:

Mueller sued Swift first

Mueller sued Swift in September 2015 after he said he was fired from his job and lost other business opportunities because of the allegations.

TAYLOR SWIFT WINS PRE-TRIAL VICTORY IN RADIO DJ ALLEGED GROPING CASE

He has said that his former boss, Eddie Haskell, was the one who allegedly groped Swift after the Pepsi Center concert, claiming that he heard Haskell bragging about it, according to Billboard.

The Denver Post reported that Mueller was making a base salary of $150,000 when he was fired  not including bonuses, product endorsement fees and other public appearance fees.

Swift countersued

Swift countersued Mueller in October 2015  and demanded a jury trial, People reported at the time.

Resolution of this counterclaim will demonstrate that Mueller alone was the perpetrator of the humiliating and wrongful conduct targeted against Ms. Swift, and will serve as an example to other women who may resist publicly reliving similar outrageous and humiliating acts, the countersuit stated.

TAYLOR SWIFT TRIAL: TESTIMONY DELAYED

Her countersuit claimed that Mueller was fired twice from other on-air radio jobs and hadnt worked as an on-air personality since May 2006.

Swift said that she would donate any money won in the trial to charitable organizations dedicated to protecting women from similar acts of sexual assault and personal disregard.

Swift already won a pre-trial victory

A federal judge sanctioned Mueller last month as he admitted to losing or destroying electronic devices that could have contained key evidence  including a recorded conversation between him and his boss the day before he was fired.

Martinez said the lost data was critical evidence in the case.

More trial details

The trial started last Monday. Swifts mother, Andrea Swift, testified and said she didnt call the police as she wanted to keep the matter private and not have it define her daughters life.

Mueller's lawyer, Gabriel McFarland, showed jurors the controversial photograph during his opening remarks. Two jurors stared at the photo on their computer monitors while a few others kept glancing at it as McFarland spoke.

"If you look at that photograph, his hand is not underneath Miss Swift's skirt, and her skirt is not rumpled in any fashion," McFarland said, noting that no one on Swift's concert team saw anything amiss.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An employee at a Dunkin Donuts in New York City is accused of denying service to two NYPD officers, saying I dont serve cops, according to the New York Post.

Detectives Endowment Association President Michael Palladino is calling the discrimination disgraceful, saying Thursday that it should not go unattended, the Post reports.

In reaction to the incident, Palladino is calling for a boycott of the chain.

I assume it is an isolated incident. Nevertheless, Dunkin Donuts corporate should issue an apology to the NYPD and until that happens, I have asked detectives and their families to refrain from patronizing the stores, he said.

He also believes the citys political leaders are partly to blame for the incident, saying that they have encouraged this type of behavior by constantly demonizing cops and pushing their decriminalization agenda. Its time for the same politicians to step up, take some responsibility and condemn what occurred.

BULLEIT BOURBON HEIRESS CLAIMS SHE WAS FIRED BECAUSE SHES GAY

Shortly after noon on Sunday, the two cops  plainclothes patrol officers assigned to the 73rd Precincts detective squad  entered Dunkin Donuts at 1993 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn to get Baskin-Robbins.

The officers, dressed in suit pants, shirts and ties, with badges and pistols on their belts, waited in line to order. When they got to the counter, the store clerk ignored them and asked the customer behind them what he wanted. When the customer said the cops were there before him, the clerk replied, Yeah, I know, but I dont serve cops, according to the Post.

A manager at the store is disputing the incident. He claims that, according to security footage, the officers were waiting at the wrong counter, where you pick up your order.

You can see on the security tape: they stand here for five minutes, while other customers were being served. One customer even ordered ice cream, and they mustve not liked that because they left the store, he told the Post.

The manager, who wouldnt give his name, did not allow the Post to view the video.

He said the store began receiving phone calls from other police, asking why they didnt serve the two officers. And I kept trying to explain that we serve everyone, we have nothing but respect for the police, and that they were standing at the wrong counter. It was busy at the time, and we were busy serving customers, he said.

On Thursday afternoon, a reporter at NBC News Radio sent out a tweet with a statement from Dunkin' Donuts on the incident.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

"Dunkin Donuts is aware of the recent situation at a franchise in Brooklyn and we continue to monitor this matter. The franchisee who owns and operates this restaurant informed us immediately upon learning of this situation earlier this week, he contacted one of the police officers involved to personally apologize for any negative experience he may have had in his store. Dunkin Donuts has a long history of supporting local law enforcement and all those who do so much to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods and our country, the statement reads.

Our franchisees are committed to serving each and every guest with respect and courtesy. The franchisee of the Brooklyn restaurant is meeting with the police officer he spoke to earlier this week in person to hopefully bring this to a satisfactory conclusion for all involved.
Martin Shkreli, the embattled pharmaceutical CEO, was sentenced to seven years in prison for securities fraud.

The so-called Pharma Bro was convicted last year on charges that he deceived investors through failed hedge funds. Weeks later, he had his $5 million bail revoked when he posted what was a considered a threat to Hillary Clinton.

The 34-year-old, who is probably best known for hiking up the price of a life-saving drug, was charged with securities fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud; a jury found him guilty on three of eight counts.

From his social media presence to his leadership of pharmaceutical companies, heres a look at Shkrelis life and controversies.

March 2018

A federal judge sentenced Shkreli to seven years in prison on March 9 for for defrauding investors in two failed hedge funds.

Shkreli, in a break from his usual assured persona, cried as he told U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto he made many mistakes and apologized to investors.

"I want the people who came here today to support me to understand one thing, the only person to blame for me being here today is me," he said. "I took down Martin Shkreli."

He was also fined $75,000 and received credit for the roughly six months he has been in prison.

September 2017

Shkrelis bail was revoked and he was sent to prison the night of Sept. 13 because of what was perceived as a threat to a former presidential nominee he posted on social media.

Shkreli offered on Facebook $5,000 to anyone who could grab Hillary Clintons hair while she was on her book tour. U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto said the post could be seen as a solicitation of an assault as she revoked his $5 million bail.

The Clinton Foundation is willing to KILL to protect its secrets. So on HRCs book tour, try to grab a hair from her. I must confirm the sequences I have. Will pay $5,000 per hair obtained from Hillary Clinton, his post said.

Shkrelis defense argued that the post was simply political satire, but the judge didnt buy it.

The government told the judge that the message alarmed the Secret Service detail that protects Clinton, a former Democratic presidential candidate and first lady. It also argued that it fit a pattern of veiled threats against female journalists who rebuffed Shkreli's social media advances and of taunts aimed at prosecutors in his case.

Shkreli will now await his sentencing at a federal jail in Brooklyn instead of his Manhattan apartment where he would often live stream parts of his day. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years.

August 2017

A Brooklyn jury found Shkreli guilty on three counts on August 4.

The jury deliberated for five days before reaching a verdict.

June 2017

Shkrelis trial began on June 26, and he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Several potential jurors told the New York judge they couldn't be fair toward Shkreli.

One woman said that she knew the former executive as "the most hated man in America" for his price gouging. The judge dismissed her and several other potential jurors after they made negative comments about Shkreli during jury selection.

Shkreli "travels to the beat of a very unique drummer."  Defense attorney Benjamin Brafman

Despite advice from his lawyers, Shkreli didnt lay low ahead of the trial. He was active on social media, particularly on YouTube and Facebook.

Shkreli "travels to the beat of a very unique drummer," his defense attorney said.

April 2017

Brooklyn U.S. District Court Judge Kiyo Matsumoto ruled that Shkreli and his former lawyer be granted separate trials.

Both Evan Greebel and Shkreli requested separate trials and both have pleaded not guilty. Greebel is charged with one count of conspiracy for allegedly helping Shkreli. He would later be found guilty of conspiring to commit securities fraud and wire fraud.

As Greebel has called Shkreli a serial liar, Matsumoto said trying the two men together would present a serious risk that Shkreli will not receive a constitutionally fair trial.

January 2017

After consistently harassing a female journalist on Twitter, Shkreli was eventually banned from the social media site.

Shkreli changed his Twitter page background to images of freelance journalist Lauren Duca and photo-shopped himself over her husband in one photo.

How is this allowed, Duca tweeted along with a screenshot of Shkrelis account.

However, Shkreli made additional accounts since his ban.

September 2016

After Hillary Clinton left a 9/11 memorial service due to illness, Shkreli tracked down the presidential candidate to shout at her a question.

Why are you so sick? Shkreli shouted at Clinton as she left her daughters apartment.

I enjoyed screaming 'why are you so sick' and 'go trump' at @HillaryClinton. Get well soon bae! he tweeted later.

This same month, Shkreli raffled off a chance to punch him in the face.

February 2016

Shkreli refused to testify in front of Congress  instead invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination while smirking at lawmakers who peppered him with questions about why he so drastically raised the price of Daraprim.

"It's not funny, Mr. Shkreli. People are dying and they're getting sicker and sicker."  Rep. Elijah Cummings

"Drug company executives are lining their pockets at the expense of some of the most vulnerable families in our nation," Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., said during the hearing. "It's not funny, Mr. Shkreli. People are dying and they're getting sicker and sicker."

Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., a pharmacist, said he was disgusted by price-hiking drug companies.

December 2015

Shkreli was arrested on securities fraud and wire fraud charges  unrelated to the rising drug price while he headed Turing Pharmaceuticals  in December 2015.

Prosecutors said when Shkreli ran a different pharmaceutical company, Retrophin, he would use the companys cash and stock to pay back hedge fund investors for money that Shkreli lost. These actions allegedly took place between 2009 and 2014, according to court documents.

Shkreli engaged in multiple schemes to ensnare investors through a web of lies and deceit, U.S. Attorney Robert Capers said at the time of Shkrelis arrest.

Shkreli was released on a $5 million bail.

The day of his arrest, KaloBios Pharmaceuticals terminated Shkreli as its CEO. The company announced that the young pharmaceutical executive also had resigned from its board of directors.

September 2015

Shkreli first became a contentious household name at the end of 2015 when he was chief executive of Turing Pharmaceuticals.

His company drastically jacked up the price of a potentially lifesaving drug, Daraprim, from $13.50 to $750 per pill. Turing acquired Daraprim in August 2015.

The drug is the only approved treatment for toxoplasmosis, an infection which is especially risky for pregnant women, people with AIDS and cancer patients.

Shkreli defended the price hike, saying it was necessary in order for his pharmaceutical company to make a profit, spend money on research and keep up with operational costs.

If there was a company that was selling an Aston Martin at the price of a bicycle, and we buy that company and we ask to charge Toyota prices, I dont think that should be a crime, Shkreli told CBS This Morning.

Then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton encouraged Shkreli to do the right thing and lower the cost of the drug to its original price.

Clinton also promised to hold accountable anyone who is price gouging American families and jacking up costs for no good reason.

Donald Trump, also a candidate at the time, called Shkreli a "spoiled brat."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, producers and writers of the HBO hit Game of Thrones, recently announced they would be taking on what has already become a controversial new HBO project: a series exploring what could have happened if the South had successfully seceded from the Union during the Civil War and slavery continued to exist in the Confederate states today.

When the pair announced the upcoming series  titled Confederate  neither they nor HBO foresaw or reacted well to the hysterical criticism it generated. Almost immediately, an online culture mob responded with the all-too-typical tripe and teeth-gnashing of venting and anger at any film, award show, or Netflix series that doesnt meet their self-proclaimed enlightened and august standards for the advancement of social justice.

Mind you, no one knows beyond a brief show synopsis what point of view Confederate will take (possibly an alternate history timeline like the shows Man in the High Castle or Fatherland). No one knows who is starring, or if there are even scripts. There are no performers cast, no sets built, no costumes. The show only exists at this moment as an idea in the heads of Benioff and Weiss.

That didnt stop the backlash online or in news outlets. The New York Times published an op-ed by author Roxane Gay headlined: I Dont Want to Watch Slavery Fan Fiction. The great news for Gay is that her television is not stuck on HBO and she is free to change the channel any time she wishes. Pretty simple stuff.

Media outlets legitimatizing this special brand of bored fascism of course only encouraged and emboldened the gang of laptop rioters furious at the mere concept of Confederate. This all came to a head this past Sunday night.

The Founding Fathers adopted the First Amendment to the Constitution to protect free expression from being smothered by critics from all sides. We do not live in a country that shuts down ideas of artists based simply on what some people think might be distasteful or even harmful.

Reuters reported: The hashtag #NoConfederate was a top-trending Twitter topic worldwide on Sunday after April Reign, the woman behind the #OscarsSoWhite campaign two years ago, urged people to send a message to HBO objecting to the show. Critics of the concept have deemed it both offensive and inappropriate, especially coming from two white male creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the creators of HBO's medieval fantasy series Game of Thrones. "

Reuters quoted Reign as saying: "We believe the time to speak up is now, before the show has been written or cast. Before @hbo invests too much money into #Confederate." Reign went on to say: While we are not currently calling for a boycott of 'Game of Thrones' or the cancellation of HBO subscriptions, we will not rest until 'Confederate' is scrapped."

HBO, for some inexplicable reason, released a statement Monday responding to the outrage but as of yet it is not willing to budge on Confederate going into production. While Reign says she is outraged that two white men would produce such a show depicting slavery, she cant tell you why.

By all accounts, HBO is a progressively minded premium cable and satellite network. It gives countless numbers of web interns clips of John Oliver every Monday morning to embed into their left-leaning sites. It boosted liberal feminist heroine Lena Dunham to stardom and into Hillary Clintons inner circle.

Now HBO has another budding hit on its hands with Insecure, a comedy-drama set in Los Angeles about the life of star and creator Issa Rae, similar to Larry Davids Curb Your Enthusiasm, which lampoons conservatives and Republicans as well. Game of Thrones featured George W. Bushs head on a pike in its early seasons.

The most likely scenario is that Confederate is going to draw parallels between fictional modern-day slavery on screen to claims of police brutality and so-called liberation movements like Black Lives Matter today.

If anything, the show will likely side with Reigns own point of view and her particular social causes on behalf of African-Americans. But again, this is just my speculation. No one knows what Confederate is going to be like.

And this is where Reigns modern mode of thought and action runs right up against the ideas of free speech and artistic expression. She advances the same ideas of censorship that we saw at the University of Missouri and throughout the Black Lives Matter movement, as protestors blocked traffic and stormed microphones of people who otherwise would be their sympathetic allies.

By advocating censorship, Reign wants to prevent the discussion of any idea, or piece of art or expression she may find objectionable. But just about every idea and work of art offends someone.

The Founding Fathers adopted the First Amendment to the Constitution to protect free expression from being smothered by critics from all sides. We do not live in a country that shuts down ideas of artists based simply on what some people think might be distasteful or even harmful.

Writer Geoff Throne put this more eloquently on Twitter than I can here, in a tweet storm during the #NoConfederate hashtag trend. Freedom of Expression requires that the expression be MADE. Once it's out there, that same freedom to express allows us to decry, deride, he tweeted. I encourage you to read the rest of his thoughts.

Furthermore, why does HBO feel the need to respond to online mobs at all? No answer the network gives the censorship advocates will placate their outrage. If anything, a response gives the protestors more to fuel and an extra day or week of rage.

From here this will most likely end in one of two ways.

First scenario: HBO, Benioff and Weiss will end up meeting in New York City with a group self-appointed leaders of the aggrieved Twitterati. HBO will Tweet out photos of the meeting to show it is sensitive, caring, politically correct and committed to altering Confederate to meet the criticism the project has received. Inevitably, this will compromise the integrity of the concept for the show and lower the programs quality. It will no longer stand as a unique piece of cinematic or artistic expression to be judged on the original intent of those that created it.

Second scenario: This one is more likely to happen. HBO kills Confederate before it can be shown. This would compromise how HBO created an alternative to TV mediocrity with series that challenged tired old formulas, such as The Sopranos and Sex in the City. Viewers turned to HBO in the first place because they could not see these sorts of innovative quality programs that push social boundaries on network television. HBO may satisfy a social justice mob in the short term. But long-term, its brand will be harmed.

HBOs only response to Reign and those promoting this kind of blatant censorship should be to tell them to go out and create their own art, film, or series to counter and respond to whatever Confederate turns out to be.

HBOs dominance gave way to original series on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon (which is already producing its own African-American alternate timeline series). More viewers will desert HBO if it gives in to the online outrage culture and becomes mundane and predictable.

HBO should understand that it holds all the cards here against an online outrage culture that is simply too bored with itself to care about real problems in the country. Put Confederate out there. The audience will decide if it succeeds or fails. Not the mob.
Imran Awan was arrested at Dulles International Airport July 24, while attempting to board a flight to Pakistan. For more than a decade the congressional staffer had worked under top House Democrats, and he had just been accused by the FBI of bank fraud.

It was a dramatic moment in a saga that started in February, when Capitol Police confirmed an investigation into Mr. Awan and his family on separate accusations of government theft. The details are tantalizing: The family all worked for top Democrats, were paid huge sums, and had access to sensitive congressional data, even while having ties to Pakistan.

Even if this never adds up to a spy thriller, it outranks most of the medias other obsessions.

The media largely has ignored the affair, the ho-hum coverage summed up by a New York Times piece suggesting it may be nothing more than an overblown Washington story, typical of midsummer. But even without evidence of espionage or blackmail, this ought to be an enormous scandal.

Because based on what we already know, the Awan story isat the very leasta tale of massive government incompetence that seemingly allowed a family of accused swindlers to bilk federal taxpayers out of millions and even put national secrets at risk. In a more accountable world, House Democrats would be forced to step down.

To continue reading Kimberley Strassel's column in the Wall Street Journal, click here.
As if the news out of North Korea wasnt bad enough, things might get a lot worse within the next 18 months. We should not be surprised if the Communist dictatorship develops a hydrogen bomb  the ultimate atomic weapon  with the potential to kill millions of people.

A Defense Department official I spoke to recently on the condition of not revealing his name told me it now appears the North Koreans are working to finish development of an H-bomb, and that they could succeed in as soon as six to 18 months. Such a bomb would be many times more powerful than the atomic bombs the United States dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan that led to the end of World War II.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un claimed early last year to have tested an H-bomb, but most experts debunked such claims, arguing that the North had developed what is called a boosted fission weapon  or in laymans terms, a more powerful atomic bomb. However, reports at the time coming out of South Korea claimed that North Korea was likely one level away from a hydrogen bomb.

If U.S. missile defenses failed to stop a North Korean H-bomb from landing in our nations capital it could kill roughly 500,000 people and injure another 900,000. If an H-bomb hit New York City, the death toll could reach over 1.7 million.

When North Korea test-launched a second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last Friday, it proved beyond doubt that it has the capability to hit much of the western half of our nation with such a missile.

Some experts even argued that the ICBM tested last week could go as far as Chicago, or with some tweaking, potentially New York City or even Washington, D.C. North Korea proved earlier that it has atomic bombs, by detonating them in tests.

Importantly, some would argue we dont have clear evidence that North Korea has developed an atomic bomb small enough to fit on a warhead atop an ICBM. And theres no evidence that North Korea has so far developed a far more powerful hydrogen bomb  let alone a miniaturized version that could travel on top of a missile to reach our shores.

There is also no clear evidence that North Korea has perfected a way to shield a nuclear warhead so it can reenter the atmosphere and hit its target upon reentry. Thats a big obstacle, but certainly not insurmountable. America solved the reentry puzzle in 1957 when we developed the first ICBMs, so its absurd to say North Korea couldnt possibly do the same 60 years later.

Hydrogen bombs are heavier than a standard atomic device, so Kim would potentially need a more advanced missile than what he has tested so far to carry a larger payload to hit the United States. But unfortunately for us, North Korea seems to be working on such a missile, known as the KN-08.

The three-stage KN-08 could have the capability to carry a hydrogen bomb over a long range, thanks to its more advanced configuration. Some have even argued this could be the next missile North Korea might test.

So just how dangerous would Pyongyang be with hydrogen bomb?

If U.S. missile defenses failed to stop a North Korean H-bomb from landing in our nations capital it could kill roughly 500,000 people and injure another 900,000, according to publicly available simulators on the internet developed by experts. My own office in Washington would likely be vaporized.

If an H-bomb hit New York City, the death toll could reach over 1.7 million.

Why think about such frightening scenarios? Because many politicians, defense officials, and experts talk as if such a threat is years away  as if we still have time to stop Kim from developing nuclear weapons.

The simple fact is this: we have run of out road. Yes, Pyongyang might have some technical riddles to solve, but we need to work under the premise that Kim now has nuclear weapons that can strike the U.S. homeland.

Considering how many times in the last year North Korea has shocked us  developing its deadly nuclear and missile arsenal faster than anyone expected  we simply have no choice but to carefully prepare for the possibility of being attacked by North Koreas atomic weapons.

Unfortunately, theres little chance we can turn back the clock and make North Korea a non-nuclear nation, but at minimum we must stop any further nuclear advances by the North.

Perhaps many people continue to deny what our eyes keep telling us about North Koreas nuclear and missile programs for a simple reason: our brains wont allow us to contemplate the frightening prospect.

Its understandable that we dont want to believe a regime so brutal to its own people  an outlaw state run by a despotic ruler who has death camps eerily similar to Nazi Germany  is now armed with weapons that can kill millions of Americans, taking its reign of terror global.

Now, to be fair, its hard to believe that Kim would be foolish enough to turn his repeated threats into action and attack the U.S. with atomic or hydrogen warheads mounted on ICBMS. Washington would launch a devastating counterattack that would wipe North Korea off the map. But our leaders would be irresponsible if they fail to take action to protect our nation from such a North Korean strike, no matter how unlikely it seems today.

We must abandon the stick-our-heads-in-the-sand mentality  the notion that Pyongyang simply couldnt build nuclear weapons or ICBMs  that got us in this mess in the first place.

Denial of what is right in front of us, especially when it comes to North Korea, is a dangerous game  one we must avoid. Denying the possibility of a North Korean nuclear attack on the United States until some day in the future only invites disaster.

A U.S. attack to knock out North Koreas missiles and nuclear forces would be a dangerous move. Since it already is armed with atomic weapons and a powerful arsenal of conventional weapons, North Korea could respond to a U.S. attack with a nuclear strike against South Korea, Japan or possibly even our own country.

Short of starting a second Korean War, the Trump administration simply has no choice but to spring into action and do all it can to stop or at least dramatically slow the North Korean nuclear threat. Our best shot at this would be to do everything we can to take away the financial resources that North Korea needs to develop, test and deploy hydrogen bombs and even more powerful ICBMs.

Considering the fact that the North Korean economy is one-third the size of Ethiopias, taking away any capital the regime needs would make a nuclear program harder and harder to fund. North Koreas population is already starving, as Kim spends huge sums on weapons instead of meeting the needs of his own people.

The best way to weaken North Koreas economy further, as I have said before, is to go after any entities that are helping the rogue regime evade international sanctions and raise capital illegally. We should also go after those who might be directly or indirectly providing aid to Pyongyangs missile and nuclear programs. And that means China will be in the Trump administrations crosshairs, as it should be.

If we can end our denial of what North Koreas military machine can accomplish, we might have a real chance of dramatically slowing down or stopping Kim Jong Un from developing the most dangerous of all nuclear weapons. But pretending it cant happen is not only a bad idea  it guarantees it will happen.
Lets assume President Trump decides the Iran Deal is not a good thing for the United States, which is becoming clearer every day, and he wants to exit. What can he actually do? The answer is: Pretty much anything he wants. Because President Obama flagrantly refused to treat this treaty as a treaty, it has very little legal standing. If he is willing to take the political and diplomatic heat, President Trump could take it out onto the West Lawn at the White House, douse it with lighter fluid and burn it.

If he chooses a more conventional method, he has several options and requirements both domestically and at the UN, where President Obama expanded the Joint Coordinated Plan of Action (JCPOA) into a UN Security Council resolution.

One option is to declare that an agreement this important deserved to be done in accordance with the Constitution. He can submit it to the Senate for their advice and consent and then see if 67 Senators want to sign on. They wont, because they know this deal is a debacle. They punted via filibuster and didnt even vote when it came up under the Corker-Cardin act which was designed to give a fig leaf of Congressional oversight.

This option has two major pluses: it remedies a bad piece of executive overreach by President Obama in pretending an obvious treaty was not one to avoid a Senate vote; and it also involves Congress in the decision to withdraw from the deal. Since this will be a provocative and in some ways dangerous move, it would be important to have as much U.S. cohesion as possible to show a strong front to the world.

It will be dangerous to withdraw from the deal. But failing to withdraw will leave the Iranians on a glide path to full nuclear capability and that is a much more dangerous prospect.

This or any other repudiation of the deal by President Trump would still leave the UN Security Council Resolution UNSCR 2231 intact. But there is a mechanism in the resolution that allows the U.S. to state Iran has not complied with the deal and then use our veto to stop any pushback against that claim. If we hold fast, then the sanctions on Iran that have only been suspended snap back into place.

A second option is to pressure Iran in ways that ultimately lead them to withdraw. Iran has been acting in bad faith all along. They got their reward in cash from the Obama administration and removal of sanctions, but never really meant to stop their goal of becoming a nuclear power. If the deal becomes inconvenient, theyll walk away themselves.

The Iranians seem to be starting down that road on their own. They just brought a list of their complaints about U.S. non-compliance to the JCPOA commission tasked with hearing disputes. It is a stunning act of chutzpah for Iran to be the onecomplaining, but it may offer a way for the president to let them talk themselves out of the deal. That would free us to put actual pressure on them.

The main impediment to President Trump acting on his promises and good instinct to get us out of this awful deal is the collective inertia of his cabinet to leave it in place. The State Department is heavily invested in it, and several other senior leaders have urged him not to withdraw. But the president rightly believes this deal is bad and dangerous, and told them he did not want to certify Iran as compliant again and assigned other advisers to work the issue.

It will be dangerous to withdraw from the deal, as Iran will almost certainly react in troubling ways. But failing to withdraw will leave the Iranians on a glide path to full nuclear capability and that is a much more dangerous prospect.
Over a half century ago, Democratic Governor George Wallace stood with state troopers barring the door to the University of Alabama, preventing black students from registering for classes there. Wallace relented only when President Kennedy threatened to call up the National Guard to defend the rights of the students.

Nine years earlier, President Eisenhower actually had to federalize the Arkansas Guard in order to protect the rights of first American citizens of color enrolled at Little Rock High School, against the intransigence of Democratic Governor Orval Faubus.

Sadly, this reprehensible tradition of Democratic governors and mayors continues to this day as the defenders of the so-called Sanctuary City movement evoke the ghost of Wallace and defy federal protections of our citizens in pursuit of their own narrow political agenda.

Portland, Oregon willfully ignored an ICE detainer for a known criminal illegal alien Sergio Martinez whod been deported an almost unbelievable 20 times previously. Instead of a new deportation, he was released into the community and was recently arrested for the brutal rape of a 65 year old woman there in her own home.

The anguish and pain that innocent woman endured lies squarely upon the liberal leaders of Portland who proved more concerned with political correctness than the protection of citizens, which should always be the bedrock foundation of government.

Supporters of Sanctuary Cities argue that aggressive deportations of dangerous illegal immigrants represents a racist policy. In fact, the opposite is true. Often the very victims of criminal illegals are themselves minorities, whether legal immigrants or native born citizens.

For example, in Louisville, an 8-time deported illegal alien named Miguel Villasenor-Saucedo killed a legal Hispanic immigrant from Cuba.

Similarly, in Los Angeles 5-time deported Estuardo Alvarado killed a young mother Sandra Duran, a Latina and American citizen. Her fiance Rodrigo Macias correctly warned the U.S. that the assailant had no right to be hereif this were not a sanctuary city, this would not have happened.

The real prejudice here lies in mayors like Rahm Emanuel, Bill de Blasio, and Eric Garcetti who place their personal agendas before the security of the very citizens they are supposed to serve, in direct contravention of clear federal statutes designed to protect our country from dangerous predators.

As an Hispanic and the son of a legal immigrant, I find their obstinacy insulting.

Despite the awful news regarding Sanctuary Cities, theres also wonderful news thanks to leadership of President Trump, whom I call President Promise Keeper, as illegal crossings have fallen over 70 percent year over year.

Once the border is fully secured and deportation of dangerous illegals accelerates, then we can finally address the pressing need for comprehensive immigration reform.

I believe some sort of status, though not citizenship, should be afforded to long-term, non-dangerous illegal immigrants. Many within Team Trump disagree with me on that issue. But we can only have that debate once weve proven to the people that our immigration system is under control and puts the well-being of American citizens first.

So while Democratic mayors and governors perpetuate the sad tradition of George Wallace, we see another path  one of safety, respect for legal immigrants, and sensible economic and national security.
An IT scandal involving perhaps dozens of Democrats in Congress is advancing so fast that it can be hard to keep up with the details  especially given that so much of the media is ignoring or downplaying the story.

The story exploded last week when congressional IT staffer Imran Awan was arrested at Dulles International Airport outside Washington as he was about to fly to Pakistan. Awan, who was employed by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz (D-Fla.), was charged with bank fraud and has pleaded not guilty. But the story only begins with alleged bank fraud.

Here are 10 shocking things we know right now about the scandal.

1. Awan was arrested after wiring $283,000 from the Congressional Federal Credit Union to Pakistan. Officials charged him with defrauding the credit union of $165,000 by lying on a home equity loan application.

2. Awan worked as an IT staffer for Wasserman Schultz, who is a former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Awans wife, Hina Alvi  who left for Pakistan earlier this year with their children was one of several Awan relatives who were on the payroll of Democrats as IT professionals in the House. Together, they were paid about $4 million in taxpayer funds since 2009.

3. Awan is a Pakistani-born U.S. citizen. He had access to emails and files of many Democrats in Congress. He even had the password to the iPad that Wasserman Schultz used for DNC business until she resigned from the DNC in July 2016.

4. In a public hearing in May, Wasserman Schultz actually badgered the chief of the U.S. Capitol Police about computer equipment scooped up in the investigation of Awan and his relatives. The Daily Caller reports that Wasserman Schultz told the chief: I think youre violating the rules for keeping the computer equipment as part of the Awan investigation. She also told the chief to expect there will be consequences for conduct[ing] your business that way. Still, Wasserman Schultz kept Awan on her staff until he was arrested  even though his access to the congressional computer system was revoked in February.

5. As the news broke of Awans arrest, the law firm representing him  Gowen Rhoades Winograd & Silva  criticized his accusers. One statement from the law firm says: The attacks on Mr. Awan and his family began as part of a frenzy of anti-Muslim bigotry in the literal heart of our democracy, the House of Representatives. For months we have had utterly unsupported, outlandish, and slanderous statements targeting Mr. Awan coming not just from the ultra-right-wing pizzagate media but from sitting members of congress. Now we have the Justice Department showing up with a complaint about disclosures on a modest real estate matter.

6. Wasserman Schultz has been avoiding the media, but her office responded to questions from the media with a statement: After details of the investigation were reviewed with us, my office was provided no evidence to indicate that laws had been broken, which over time, raised troubling concerns about due process, fair treatment and potential ethnic and religious profiling. Upon learning of his arrest, he was terminated.

7. Though both Wasserman Schultz and Awans attorneys are trying to disparage those chasing this story as being guilty of anti-Muslim bigotry, the FBI actually seized smashed hard drives from Awans home. Also, investigators say Awan and others might have stolen computer equipment from members offices and might have done illegal things on the House IT network.

8. Awan also allegedly funneled sensitive congressional data offsite in what some are calling a massive cyber-security breach.

9. This investigation has been ongoing since last February; however, even before Capitol Police began their investigation of Imran Awan and his relatives  including his brothers Abid and Jamal and their wives  there were a lot of red flags that should have alerted Capitol Police. Jamal Awan, for example, had an annual salary of $157,000, or about three times what the average IT staff member was paid in the House, according to InsideGov. Meanwhile, Abid Awan had a salary of $161,000 and Imran Awan was being paid $165,000.

10. Recently Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), who is member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, discussed the scandal on Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News. He asked: Why were these people paid what they were paid  $4 million over a number of years? He added that in my office we spend about $1,500 a month for IT support (from contactors). But then they had access to the files of members of Congress who were serving on key committees.

DeSantis also said: Congress needs to know how this happened and what damage has been done. We have a responsibility to protect the House. The possibility that sensitive congressional information was compromised requires Congress to examine this matter.
In January, Bellwether praised Dunkin Donuts for the efficient service and cheerful demeanor displayed by its employees at a franchise in Manhattan. Apparently the same attitude doesnt apply across the East River in Brooklyn. Thats too bad.

According to our sister newspaper, the New York Post, two New York City detectives went into a Dunkin Donuts store in Brooklyns Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood this week to buy ice cream. The employee behind the counter at first ignored them, then, when another customer objected, said, I dont serve cops.

Substitute any number of words for cops  blacks, gays, Asians, Latinos  and you know what the reaction would be. Hysteria. Condemnation. Calls for dismissals and apologies. But if the target is a cop, nada.

The head of the Detective Investigators Association, Michael Palladino, is encouraging his groups members to stay away from Dunkin Donuts until the company does the right thing and apologizes. Thats no small request. Asking cops and detectives to give up coffee and doughnuts is like telling a swimmer not to get wet.

Back in January, I talked with Scott Murphy, senior VP of operations for Dunkin Donuts U.S., about the positive attitude I had encountered at the store in Manhattan. He told me: We want that two- or three-minute transaction with a guest to be the best experience of their day before they go to work and get yelled at by their boss. Being insulted by a doughnut seller probably isnt the customer experience Murphy had in mind.

A spokesman for Dunkin says the franchise owner has apologized to the detectives. The company, however, has not. It should. New Yorkers have long memories.

It was only a month ago that Detective Miosotis Familia was gunned down in her patrol car for no other reason than being a cop. In December 2014, Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were shot to death by someone who just wanted to kill cops.

Mayor Bill DeBlasio has given the impression he thinks police are a bigger threat to this great city than criminals, for whom he has unlimited empathy. His attitude has been duly noted. When DeBlasio delivered a eulogy at Ramos funeral, uniformed police officers turned their backs on him.

The incident in Brooklyn, is, no doubt, an isolated one, but it needs to be addressed. What the employee said to those cops is grounds for making him an ex-employee. To its credit, Dunkin Brands actually requires new employees to attend courses on customer care. Maybe the course should be expanded to teach workers respect for the men and women who keep us safe.
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President Trump told a rally of supporters on Thursday night that he won the election not because of the Russians but because of the voters in places like West Virginia, trying to shoot down suspicion of any influence from Moscow.

We didnt win because of Russia, Trump said at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, W.Va. We won because of you. That I can tell you.

The president told the crowd he believes the Russia meddling probe that has hampered his administration is a total fabrication.

What the prosecutors should be looking at are Hillary Clintons 33,000 deleted emails, he said.

Trump handily defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in West Virginia in the presidential race, winning 68 percent of the vote to Clintons 26 percent. He argued he defeated Clinton by simply outworking the other side.

We won because millions of patriotic Americans voted to take back their country, he said. Have you seen any Russians in West Virginia, or Ohio, or Pennsylvania? Are there any Russians here tonight?

He painted the Russia investigation as a plot by his opponents to delegitimize his presidency.

They cant beat us at the voting booths so theyre trying to cheat you out of the future and the future that you won, Trump said. Theyre trying to cheat you out of the leadership you won, with a fake story that is demeaning to all of us.

The rally took place just hours after fresh news broke about special counsel Robert Muellers investigation. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Mueller has impaneled a grand jury, a sign the probe is heating up. Reuters also reported that grand jury subpoenas have also been issued in relation to the infamous meeting Donald Trump Jr. and other top campaign officials had with a Russian lawyer.

MUELLER REPORTEDLY IMPANELS GRAND JURY IN RUSSIA PROBE

I just the hope the final determination is a truly honest one, which is what the millions of people who gave us our big win in November deserve, he said in apparent reference to Mueller's probe.

During the rally, Trump also celebrated the announcement from West Virginias Democratic governor, Jim Justice, that he is changing parties to become a Republican.

I want to thank your great governor, Trump said. Having Big Jim as a Republican is such an honor, I will tell you. Such an honor. A fantastic man, a fantastic guy. And thank you Jim.

Justice took the podium and said: Like it or not like it, but the Democrats walked away from me. He praised Trump and spoke of spending time with the presidents family.

I cant help you anymore being a Democratic governor, Justice said. So tomorrow, I will be changing my registration to Republican.

The governor also dismissed the Russian investigation.

Have we not heard enough about the Russians? Justice said.
West Virginia Democratic Gov. Jim Justice announced at a rally Thursday evening with President Trump that he is changing his political affiliation to the Republican party.

At Thursday's rally in West Virginia, Justice said he no longer could help West Virginians anymore as a Democratic governor, adding that the "Democrats walked away from me."

Justice added that he suspects both of his parents, who were "staunch Republicans," are in Heaven right now saying, "Jimmy, it's about damn time you came to your senses."

TRUMP GETS ROCK-STAR WELCOME IN W. VIRGINIA AHEAD OF 'VERY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT'

Following the announcement, the Republican National Committee released a statement, stating that Justice's political party switch is "another blow" to the Democrats.

"Governor Justice's party switch is another blow to a Democratic Party that would rather obstruct than work to make our country great again," said RNC Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel. "Across America, voters have put their faith in the Republican Party because we are the Party fighting to give every individual the opportunity to achieve the American Dream."

"With only 15 governorships and control of the fewest state legislatures in history, Governor Justice's announcement is just the latest rejection of a party that is leaderless from top to bottom and unable to find a positive, unifying message," the statement continued. "While Democrats continue to put politics before the American people, Republicans are working with President Trump to lead America towards a future with fewer burdensome regulations, greater economic stability, and stronger national security. Governor Justice, welcome back to the Republican Party."

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said he was "disappointed" following Justice's announcement.

"I have been and always will be a proud West Virginia Democrat. I am disappointed by Governor Justice's decision to switch parties. While I do not agree with his decision, I have always said that I will work with anyone, no matter their political affiliation, to do what is best for the people of West Virginia."

Trump had teased earlier in the day that he had a "very big announcement" for tonight's rally.

The state is a Trump stronghold, and even as the president faces record-low approval ratings nationally, his popularity has largely held in West Virginia.

At least 1,000 supporters lined the streets ahead of the presidents expected appearance, wearing Make America Great Again hats and chanting USA! USA!

The New York Times first reported that Justice planned to announce his party change.
Clinton family confidant Sidney Blumenthal on Friday lashed out at a top Republican senator for invoking his name at a high-profile hearing last week, accusing the senator of lying about his supposed ties to a foreign political party.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, had mentioned Blumenthal during a Russia-related hearing last Wednesday. Suggesting a double standard was at play, he questioned why President Trump's associates were taking heat for foreign ties but Blumenthal did not register as a foreign agent while working as an off-the-books intelligence resource for then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Grassley specifically cited "news articles" saying he sent materials to Clinton on behalf of a political party in the country of Georgia.

You owe me an apology for lying about me, Blumenthal countered, in a letter sent Friday to Grassley. You made a public statement about me that was completely false in every particular.

Last week's hearing was technically on the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), which Grassley cited in reference to his questions about Blumenthal.

Blumenthal, initially, did not respond to Fox News' request for comment for a report last week.

Blumenthal on Friday, however, sent Fox News a copy of his letter to Grassley. Blumenthal also copied the entire minority staff of the Judiciary Committee.

Blumenthal suggested his name was brought up as a means to "distract" from the Russia-Trump controversy. He challenged Grassley's opening statement in which he cited news articles saying Blumenthal transmitted documentation to Secretary Clinton on behalf of the Georgian Dream, a political party in the country of Georgia.

There can be no news without facts, Blumenthal wrote. Whatever you may have read could only have been baseless smears.

Blumenthal wrote in the letter that he never had any contact with Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili, or his political party Georgia Dream, and made no agreement with anyone, ever, to represent him or his party. Blumenthal added he has received no payment or benefit from the Georgia Dream or any other foreign entity for representation or rendering of services covered by the Foreign Agent Registration Act.

In light of current events, it appears to have been instigated as a means to distract and diminish the public attention from Russian intervention in the presidential election of 2016, Blumenthal wrote. I request that you therefore investigate the sources of the false information to determine whether they have been engaged in an attempt to mislead the Congress and obstruct the ongoing investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

In response to questions of the letter, Grassleys office told Fox News the news articles the chairman cited in his opening statement were part of a joint publication by Gawker and ProPublica in March of 2015.

Grassleys office cited an article written by Gawker, which was published on March 30, 2015. The article alleged Blumenthal was "secretly lobbying the secretary of state on behalf of a billionaire in the former Soviet state of Georgia who was seeking closer ties with Putin's Russia."

The article cited a memo he had forwarded from attorney John Kornblum, who was said to be "working with the political party in Georgia opposing Saakashvili." The same article suggested Kornblum was advising Georgian Dream.

In last weeks hearing, Grassley pointed to a letter he penned in 2015 to then-Attorney General Eric Holder, questioning Blumenthals efforts to influence U.S. policy by leveraging his close relationship with Secretary Clinton.

FARA requires individuals to register with the Justice Department if they act, even through an intermediary, as an agent, representative, employee or servant or in any other capacity at the behest of a foreign actor to engage with a U.S. official.

The Justice Department never explained why it failed to require Mr. Blumenthal and his partner, John Kornblum, to register under FARA, Grassley said.

But Blumenthal said Kornblum, who served as U.S. ambassador to Germany from 1997 to 2001, was never his partner and denied ever having any business or financial relationship of any kind with him. Blumenthal noted in his letter that he met Kornblum when working as a reporter for the Washington Post in 1986.

I forwarded to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Ambassador Kornblums personal observations on the 2012 Georgian election and a letter from Mr. Ivanishvili that Ambassador Kornblum informed me he had already sent to Secretary Clinton, Blumenthal wrote. I made a point of writing Secretary Clinton that I was sending them to her 'without comment.'

Blumenthal added that he neither expected a response from Clinton, nor received one.

There is not a scintilla of evidence for your statement. Nor would it ever be possible to have such evidence because there is none, Blumenthal wrote. Whoever provided you with this false information was harming you and your reputation as well as intending to harm me.

Grassley's office did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for comment.
Republican lawmakers in Congress are heading home for summer break without following through on a major campaign promise  repealing and replacing ObamaCare.

Its not due to a lack of effort, just coming up just one vote short on a so-called skinny repeal bill in the Senate.

Republican Conference Vice Chair Roy Blunt told Fox News in an interview that senators cannot stop working  noting it is the biggest domestic spending issue they are facing.

We have to figure out how to make this work and sustainable where people have more access to health care rather than just more access to an insurance policy, he said.

While the votes fell short, lawmakers vow to keep fighting for a health care overhaul.

When lawmakers return the week of September 5, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, led by Republican Lamar Alexander and Democrat Patty Murray, is expected to hold bipartisan hearings to look at steps that can be taken to bolster insurance markets.

President Trump is also threatening to stop making subsidy payments designed to help low-income Americans afford their premiums. The president has called them a bailout, and is pressing Congress to send him a health care bill he can sign.

That has gotten the attention of top Democrats on Capitol Hill.

We have enough problems in the world right now without President Trump creating entirely new ones out of political spite and a petty vindictiveness, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warned this week on the Senate floor. When you lose politically, you don't take it out on the American people. That's not presidential. That's just small.

Other Republicans are still trying to sell their ideas on health care reform.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham is pushing a proposal to block grant health care money to the states. Under ObamaCare, four states get 40 percent of the money: New York, California, Massachusetts, and Maryland, Graham told Fox News. My block grant approach takes the money that we spend here in Washington, sends it back to the states in a more equitable fashion.

Blunt said lawmakers would take notice if governors say they back Grahams proposal.

"If all 35 of them (34 Republicans, 1 independent) come to the Senate and say: We want the Graham-Cassidy plan, that would be the best thing that could happen for the Graham-Cassidy plan, he said. Even better if a few Democrat governors would join them.
The Wall Street Journal story went off like a neutron bomb.

Once it hit in mid-afternoon, the cable networks were on fire, the web was ablaze, and the Russia investigation was the only issue.

By reporting that special counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury in Washington, the Journal created a psychological shift. The paper called it a sign that his inquiry is growing in intensity.

Perhaps. But theres less here than meets the eye.

As an old Justice Department reporter, I can tell you this is utterly routine. Prosecutors regularly convene grand juries to question witnesses and gather evidence. Its what they do. The shocker would have been if Mueller completed his investigation without bringing in a grand jury.

In fact, as the Journal story notes, there already was a grand jury, across the river in Alexandria, that the FBI was using in this case before Mueller was appointed.

But in the public mind, grand jury is associated with indictment. And notwithstanding the old adage that a prosecutor can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich, the former FBI director could conclude that nothing in the case rises to an indictable offenseat least as far as the president and his inner circle.

We have no way of knowing that, and neither does Mueller.

The Washington Post reports that the development is a sign that investigators continue to aggressively gather evidence in the case.

True. Did anyone expect anything less?

USA Today says the move would give Mueller, a former FBI director, enormous power to subpoena documents and compel witnesses to testify under oath.

Yep. Which he already had.

Ty Cobb, the presidents lawyer, told the Post: This is news to me but its welcome news to the extent it suggests that it may accelerate the resolution of Mr. Muellers work.

That makes sense, because grand jury proceedings are supposed to be secret. Except that it leaked, like everything else related to this White House doesincluding the Washington Post publishing the transcripts of Trumps January calls to the leaders of Mexico and Australia, fleshing out earlier leaks of those conversations.

I dont want to minimize the importance of the Mueller move. The grand jury could eventually pose a serious threat to the White House.

But right now, its existence has mainly created an orgy of media speculation.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions and other top administration officials lashed out Friday against illegal leaks and issued a stern warning that offenders will be held accountable, announcing new efforts to hunt them down.

No government can be effective when its members cannot speak in confidence with other government leaders, Sessions said, referring specifically to the bombshell leak a day earlier of President Trump's conversations with foreign leaders.

He said referrals of classified leaks from U.S. intelligence agencies have exploded this year.

We are taking a stand, the attorney general said. This culture of leaks must stop.

Session said criminals who have leaked classified information are being investigated and will be prosecuted. He added that four people have already been charged with leaking classified material and related counts, and investigations have tripled.

Sessions said he has directed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and new FBI Director Christopher Wray to oversee all classified leak investigations and actively monitor the progress.

He said a new counterintelligence unit has been created to manage cases, and he has directed the National Security Division and U.S. attorneys to prioritize cases involving unauthorized disclosures.

The department will not hesitate to bring lawful and appropriate criminal charges against those who abuse the nations trust, he said.

Sessions also had some sharp words for the media, saying he would order a review of the current subpoena policy regarding leaks of classified information and called the publication of such materials as something that places lives "at risk."

David Boardman, chairman of the Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press, fired back.

"What the attorney general is suggesting is a dangerous threat to the freedom of the American people to know and understand what their leaders are doing, and why," Boardman said in a statement.

Leak cases have traditionally been difficult to prove and prosecute. In 2015, Attorney General Eric Holder issued new guidelines on obtaining information from members of the media. Sessions said Friday that hes reviewing the DOJs policy on issuing subpoenas to reporters.

Under the Obama administration, federal prosecutors brought charges in nine cases  more than all previous administrations combined.

Still, it was clear by Sessions comments that the Trump administration would go after any leakers of sensitive information.

Last month, a report written by Republicans on the Senates homeland security panel warned that the Trump administration faced an alarming amount of media leaks that posed a potential threat to national security. The 24-page report, titled State Secrets: How and Avalanche of Media Leaks is Harming National Security, estimated the Trump administration has had about one leak per day.

The authors of the report urged the Justice Department to step up its investigations into the leaks.

On Thursday, a new leak hit the White House hard.

The Washington Post released complete transcripts from Trumps telephone conversations with Enrique Pena Nieto, the president of Mexico, and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The documents provided an unfiltered glimpse into Trumps diplomacy during his first few days on the job. It also unveiled some not-so-nice comments he made in which he called New Hampshire a drug infested den and pleaded with Nieto to stay quiet about the controversial border wall Trump repeatedly promised hed build.

Leaking the phone calls between our president and other heads of state is nothing short of a national disgrace, Kellyanne Conway, White House counselor, told Fox & Friends on Friday. I want there to be bipartisan outrage.

She noted the West Wing is a small place and finding the leakers might be easier than some realize.

Former federal prosecutors told Fox News that the leak likely constitutes a federal crime. And lawmakers have voiced concern about how that material got out and the security implications.

Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Bob Corker of Tennessee lashed out at the person behind the leak, with Graham calling it a disservice to the president and Corker saying he hopes Trumps new chief of staff will fire every single person who is behind leaking sensitive information from within the White House.

Though Fridays announcement has been in the works for some time, it comes during a rocky period between Trump and Sessions. Trump has taken the former Alabama senator to task over the past few weeks and has stated his disappointment with the countrys top law enforcement official via tweets, interviews and press conferences.

Trump slammed Sessions for not being tougher on leaks from the intelligence community.

"I want the attorney general to be much tougher," Trump said last week. "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.

Fox News' Doug McKelway contributed to this report.
Andrew Turner suffers from partial paralysis in his dominant hand, the legacy of an injury to his right arm while on active duty in the Navy  which is why, according to court papers, the Maryland resident needs a semiautomatic gun to defend himself.

The states 2013 Firearm Safety Act, however, bars the sale of semiautomatic rifles like the popular AR-15 and AK-47, and sets a 10-round limit on magazines. The law could be at the center of the next big precedent-setting gun case if the Supreme Court takes up a challenge from Turner and others.

We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will reverse this egregious decision, Chris W. Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement.

The Maryland law is one of a host of gun control measures passed in the wake of the 2012 Newtown, Conn., elementary school massacre  and, if taken up, the case could have sweeping implications for like-minded states in the gun control debate.

Jay Porter, an attorney for the plaintiffs, complained about a patchwork of rulings in the wake of the landmark 2008 Heller decision upholding the individuals right to own a gun. He called on the Supreme Court to clear up the confusion.

CALIF. STRUGGLES TO IMPLEMENT NEW GUN CONTROL MEASURES

We would like to see a reversal in the trend of the lower courts, Porter said. At best, there is a lot of confusion in the lower courts about the Second Amendment. At worst, lower courts are ignoring and resisting the Heller decision because they didnt like the outcome. That resistance needs to be mediated.

In response to Newtown, 21 states passed some type of new gun control laws in 2013, according to a joint report by the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence and the Brady Campaign. Most didnt deal directly with buying or owning a firearm, but rather with background checks, record-keeping rules for gun dealers and other factors.

However, four statesCalifornia, Connecticut, Maryland and New Yorkpassed or strengthened bans on semiautomatic weapons in 2013. Those same four states, as well as Colorado, passed or strengthened bans on high-capacity ammunition magazines.

They were able to do so, in spite of the Heller decision, because of an interpretation that the 2008 ruling dealt largely with handguns, giving them leeway to restrict what critics call assault rifles.

Until a court rules otherwise, this might be the last type of existing legal gun ban.

ETHICS PANEL CLEARS DEM IN GUN SIT-IN

But Turner, of Hyattsville, and lead plaintiff Stephen Kolbe of Towson, Md., along with gun stores and gun-rights groups, are suing to overturn the Maryland law. They are specifically disputing a lower court ruling that said the Second Amendment doesnt apply to these guns.

Maryland has banned the most popular semiautomatic rifles and magazinesarms that are indisputably in common use for self-defensefrom the homes of its law-abiding citizens, the plaintiffs petition said.

Marylands law was upheld in federal district court. Then a three-judge panel of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond ruled 2-1 the law wasnt constitutional.

When Maryland appealed the decision to the full appeals court, a 10-4 majority determined, [W]e have no power to extend Second Amendment protection to the weapons of war that the Heller decision explicitly excluded from such coverage.

The opinion went on to state, At the same time, according to the states evidence, the FSA-banned assault weapons have been used disproportionately to their ownership in mass shootings and the murders of law enforcement officers.

In July, the plaintiffs appealed their case to the Supreme Court.

Their petition noted that a 1989 report by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, described semiautomatic rifles as suitable for self-defense.

Heller struck down a prohibition on the firearms most commonly chosen for self-defensehandgunseven though handguns are arguably more dangerous than other firearms, and even though firearms other than handguns remained available for use in self-defense, the petition continued. This court recognized and protected the principle at the heart of the interests enshrined by the Second Amendment: The individual  and not the government  retains the right to choose from among common arms those that they believe will best protect their person, family, and home.

For his part, Kolbe, a small business owner, first bought a semiautomatic handgun after an employees boyfriend threatened to kill her at work and police did not respond for 30 minutes, according to court documents.

Maryland Attorney General Brian Froshs office declined to weigh in on whether the Supreme Court would accept the case. The court has not even decided to take the case at this point and our office does not want to get into speculation on consequences, particularly since this is ongoing litigation, Frosh spokeswoman Raquel Coombs told Fox News in an email.

After the 4th Circuit upheld the law in February, Frosh heralded the ruling.

It is unthinkable that these weapons of war, weapons that caused the carnage in Newtown and in other communities across the country, would be protected by the Second Amendment, Frosh said in a February statement.

Other states are watching the case closely.

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming all filed amicus briefs on behalf of the plaintiffs. Meanwhile, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Oregon, New York and the District of Columbia filed briefs on behalf of Maryland.

The NRA also is backing the legal effort.

Lower courts have been making up their own rules when it comes to the Second Amendment for too long, and the Kolbe decision crossed yet another line, Cox said in a statement.
A leading lawmaker on the House oversight committee is urging the Trump administration to pursue a court order freezing recent wire transfers to Pakistan made by Democratic IT staffers who are accused of stealing computer equipment from House lawmakers' offices and penetrating internal congressional networks, the Washington Free Beacon has learned.

Rep. Ron DeSantis (R., Fla.), an oversight committee member and chair of its national security subcommittee, petitioned Attorney General Jeff Sessions to disclose if federal investigators are moving to freeze recent wire transfers of nearly $300,000 by Imran Awan, a top IT staffer for Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D., Fla.) and scores of other Democrats who was recently arrested on charges of bank fraud.

Awan and several of his family members are believed to have stolen computer equipment used by Congress and penetrated sensitive networks linked to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and other networks.

Awan and others allegedly involved in the scandal remained on the congressional payroll for months after their activity became public, prompting calls by senior lawmakers for an independent investigation in Wasserman Schultz's handling of the situation.

Awan is also believed to have defrauded the House of Representatives by using taxpayer funds to buy computer equipment that is now missing.

Click for more from The Washington Free Beacon.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has broken her silence in the controversy over a former IT aide whom she kept on the payroll for months despite a criminal probe.

While Republicans are calling for a deeper investigation, Wasserman Schultz defended her handling of the matter in an interview published Thursday in the Sun Sentinel. She blamed the right-wing media circus fringe for the attention on former aide Imran Awan.

The former head of the Democratic National Committee suggested it's all part of an effort to distract from the investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 campaign and possible ties to President Trump's team.

Any opportunity they can to pull peoples eyes and ears away from that they take, Wasserman Schultz told the newspaper. The right-wing media circus fringe has immediately focused not on this run-of-the-mill investigation just reporting the facts, but jumped to outrageous egregious conclusions that they were trying to, that they have ties to terrorists and that they were stealing data.

Her colleagues in Congress, though, say there are serious security implications in her former staffer's case. One Republican is urging the Justice Department to probe the aides ties to Pakistan, amid calls for Wasserman Schultz to testify as well.

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ UNDER PRESSURE TO TESTIFY ON EX-IT AIDE; COMPLAINT FILED

We have to investigate how our systems may have been compromised, and that may involve putting people in the [witness] chair, Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., told Fox & Friends earlier this week.

Awan and other IT aides for House Democrats have been on investigators radar for months over concerns of possible double-billing, alleged equipment theft, and access to sensitive computer systems. Most lawmakers fired Awan in February, but Schultz kept him on, though he was barred from the House IT network.

Wasserman Schultz, until now, had issued written statements explaining her decisions.

In her new interview, Wasserman Schultz maintained she "did the right thing" and "would do it again." She said they developed a job description to allow [Awan] to continue to do work ... until such time as there were other charges brought or we had some evidence that there was something that was produced and warranted further action.

She added: It would have been easier for me to just fire him.

Awan was arrested at Dulles International Airport last week as he tried to travel to Pakistan. Awan and his wife are accused of defrauding the Congressional Federal Credit Union by obtaining a $165,000 home equity loan for a rental property they did not own. The funds were then, allegedly, included as part of a large $283,000 wire transfer to two individuals in Pakistan.

Wasserman Schultz fired Awan after his arrest. But in the interview with the Sun Sentinel, she said she believes Awan has come under such scrutiny due to his Muslim faith, and she had racial and ethnic profiling concerns.

She said Awan had filed a form to take an unpaid leave of absence with her office, and any conclusions that he was trying to flee the country are absurd.

He is from Pakistan, Wasserman Schultz said. When youre trying to flee, you dont fill out a form with your employer and go on unpaid leave.

DeSantis, who has been outspoken on the case, penned a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday pointing to the alarming amount of funds that were wired to Pakistan.

The wire transfer to Pakistan is particularly alarming as Pakistan is home to numerous terrorist organizations, DeSantis wrote to Sessions.

Is the Department of Justice investigating whether any funds generated from the sale of stolen property of the House of Representatives were included as part of the wire transfer to Faisalbad, Pakistan? DeSantis wrote, continuing to question whether there would be a court order to freeze the proceeds of the real estate transaction or from the possible sale of technological equipment.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for comment on Sessions' response to DeSantis' letter.

DeSantis is not alone, as The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), run by former U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Whitaker, also filed a complaint to the Office of Congressional Ethics on Monday, urging an investigation into why Wasserman Schultz kept paying Awan after he was barred from the House computer system.

But Wasserman Schulzs spokesman David Damron told Fox News that their office worked with the House Chief Administrative Officer to arrange for the employee to keep providing valuable services without access to the House network.

FEDS ARREST IT STAFFER FOR WASSERMAN SCHULTZ TRYING TO LEAVE COUNTRY

Those services included consulting on a variety of office needs, such as on our website and printers, trouble-shooting, and other issues, he said, describing the complaint as entirely baseless and the work of a right-wing group going after one of Donald Trumps fiercest critics.

Awan, 37, of Virginia, pleaded not guilty last Tuesday to the single count of bank fraud.

Attorney Christopher Gowen told Fox News last week that federal authorities have no evidence of misconduct by Awan relating to his IT duties.
What has eight legs and wants to cook?

A tarantula on a kitchen cabinet.

A Scripps Ranch family was shocked to see a tarantula on their kitchen cabinet on August 1.

All I wanted was a snack," 19-year-old Hannah Dafferner told Fox 5 San Diego. Dafferner first spotted the the spider, but didn't think it was real initially. It didnt move at first. I thought my sister put a Halloween decoration there or something. Then it moved its leg. I screamed bloody murder."

SHARK CAUGHT IN 'FISH TORANDO': PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURES STUNNING PICS

The tarantula is described as being a three to four inch male.

After the initial shock, Hannah's father came to the rescue, using a pitcher to capture the spider.

It really cooperated. I think it was afraid of all the screaming, her dad said.

The eight-legged story spread around the neighborhood after the Dafferner family posted pictures to Facebook. They then received a message from a 9-year-old girl in the neighborhood asking if she could have the giant arachnid.

The private message was can we have it? Who am I to say no?" Hannah's mom, Alli Dafferner said to Fox 5 San Diego. "Happily.

Tarantulas are known to live in San Diego County and throughout Southern California.

TONGUE-TIED: GENE SIMMONS LOOK-ALIKE CALF BORN IN TEXAS

Males can require between 7 and 10 years to reach maturity, but only live a few months after reaching maturity. Conversely, females can live up to 25 years.
A fort that is more than 1,000 years old, dating back to the time of Alfred the Great, has been unearthed in Scotland, more than 200 years after it was thought to have been completely destroyed.

The ancient fort was built by the Picts, a loose confederation of tribes who lived in what is now Scotland during the Dark Ages. The fort was likely a major source of power for the Pictish kingdom between A.D. 500 and 1000. In the 1800s, a town was built over the ancient stronghold, known as Burghead Fort, and most archaeologists thought the last remaining traces of the fort were destroyed at that time.

However, new archaeological excavations are revealing major structures hidden beneath the town, including a rare coin that dates to the period of English king Alfred the Great. [Photos: The Search for Alfred the Great's Grave]

"Beneath the 19th century debris, we have started to find significant Pictish remains," Gordon Noble, head of archaeology at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, said in a statement. "We appear to have found a Pictish longhouse. This is important because Burghead is likely to have been one of the key royal centers of Northern Pictland."

Enigmatic tribes

Almost nothing survives of the mysterious Pictish culture, including the name they called themselves. The Romans first mentioned the Picts, which means "painted people," likely because of their distinctive tattoos and war paint. However, relatively few Pictish writings survive, and much of what historians know about the Picts' early history comes from the accounts of Roman speechwriters such as Eumenius.

Burghead Fort was known since medieval times, but in the 1800s, the town of Lossiemouth was built atop its ruins, and the fort was thought to have been largely destroyed. In 2015, researchers from the University of Aberdeen set out to discover whether any of the ancient kingdom's remains were left. They found ruins from an ancient longhouse with a stone-built hearth. Inside the remains of the building was a coin emblazoned with the image of Alfred the Great, an English king who fended off the Vikings during the heyday of their raids in the late 800s. The coin helps date the structure's occupancy to the later part of the Pictish period, the researchers said.

"Burghead Fort has long been recognized as being an important seat of power during the early medieval period, and is known as the largest fort of its type in Scotland," Bruce Mann, an archaeologist with the Aberdeenshire Council Archaeology Service, said in the statement. "Its significance has just increased again, though, with this discovery. The fact that we have surviving buildings and floor levels from this date is just incredible."

Originally published on Live Science .
DNA research is shedding new light on the mysterious ancient Minoan civilization on the island of Crete and their counterparts on the Greek mainland, the Mycenaeans.

The civilizations were Europes first literate societies and were the cultural ancestors of later Classical Greece. The Minoan civilization existed from around 2600 to 1100 B.C. and the Mycenaeans existed from around 1700 to 1050 B.C.

The Minoans have long puzzled historians. The civilization created the first European writing system and built vast palace complexes with vibrant art, but seemed to spring up in isolation, experts said.

DNA DISCOVERY IDENTIFIES LIVING DESCENDANTS OF BIBLICAL CANAANITES

Clues as to their origins have proved hard to come by. While the ancient palace of Knossos on Crete offers some insight into their society, and the Minoans feature prominently in Greek mythology, their main script, known as Linear A, hasnt been deciphered.

Now researchers from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History and Harvard Medical School have drilled down into ancient DNA to find answers.

There is this assortment of hard archaeology, linguistics, and legends that give us some idea about what was going on in Crete during the Minoan period, which has led to many theories about where the Minoans came from, Dr. Iosif Lazaridis, postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School and the studys lead author, told Fox News via email. But, no hard facts, because the language was unique and unknown and it's not clear who the relatives of the Minoans were outside Crete.

EXPERTS HUNT FOR BIBLICAL TABERNACLE THAT HOUSED THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

Researchers analyzed genomic data from 19 individuals, including Minoans, Mycenaeans, a Neolithic individual from ancient Greece, and Bronze Age individuals from southwestern Anatolia, which is in modern day Turkey. By comparing the information generated with previously published data from nearly 3,000 other people, both ancient and modern, the researchers were able to work out the relationships between the groups.

The results show that the Minoans were genetically very similar to the Mycenaeans. Individuals in both civilizations shared more than 75 percent of their ancestry with farming people that lived in Greece and western Turkey thousands of years earlier during the Neolithic period.

This is quite remarkable  it was genetic continuity with the first farmers of Europe  they settled the region about 4,000 years prior to the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures, Dr. Alissa Mittnik, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, told Fox News.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNEARTH 2,700-YEAR OLD RESERVOIR IN ISRAEL

This is very surprising because the Mycenaeans were in many ways culturally different than the Minoans: their tombs and art are replete with weapons, they had horses, chariots, and were very hierarchical because they buried their chieftains with copious amounts of gold and built their Cyclopean citadels with huge limestone blocks, added Lazaridis. The later Mycenaeans are usually identified with the Achaeans of Homer's Iliad, who were the people that sacked Troy.

Lazaridis explained that the remainder of the Minoans and Mycenaeans ancestry came from Armenia, Georgia and Iran. The latter civilizations ancestry can also be traced back to Eastern Europe and Siberia, according to the researcher, who noted that modern Greeks are quite genetically similar to the Mycenaeans.

We may be removing some of the mystique surrounding these people by showing that they weren't that different from the people that came before or after them, Lazaridis told Fox News. The Minoans and Mycenaeans didn't have any special ancestry: they were made of the same basic stuff as other people from Europe and the Middle East. So we can't answer the question of why these civilizations flourished thousands of years ago, but we can at least cast some light on who they were and where they came from.

The findings are published in the journal Nature.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
A protest will be held on Saturday calling for the ouster of the CEO and staff at the Florida museum where Snooty, the oldest manatee in captivity, recently drowned.

The 69-year-old manatee died last month after becoming trapped in a maintenance tube at the South Florida Museums Parker Manatee Aquarium.

The Justice for Snooty protest will be held Saturday afternoon outside the museum in Bradenton, The Ledger reports. The protest is hosted by animal rights group Florida Voices for Animals, which alleges that negligence led to Snootys death. We are demanding for the museum (and staff) to be held accountable for their negligence, the group wrote, on its Facebook page. The public demands accountability for those who attributed to our beloved Snooty's terrifying (drowning), preventable, needless, and premature death.

SNOOTY, WORLD'S OLDEST KNOWN MANATEE, DIES ONE DAY AFTER CELEBRATING BIRTHDAY

Snooty died July 23, just a day after a huge party to celebrate his 69th birthday. The 1,000 pound manatee was found in an underwater area used only to access plumbing for his exhibit. A 30-inch by 30-inch panel in Snootys tank had become dislodged, museum officials confirmed, allowing Snooty to enter the compartment, where he became trapped.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that manatees, which cannot swim backwards, can stay underwater for 20 minutes.

The museum says that a review, which includes outside experts, is underway to collect all the facts surrounding Snootys death.

MEET SNOOTY: THE WORLDS OLDEST MANATEE LIVING IN CAPTIVITY

Without facts, it is not appropriate to speculate or make any allegations, the museum said, in a statement emailed to Fox News. When the review is complete and action steps are determined, the Museum is committed to sharing the information publicly.

The animal rights group that says it plans to protest at the Museum on Saturday is not honoring Snooty or the significance of his life as an ambassador for his species, it added.

Snooty was born in 1948 at the Miami Aquarium and Tackle Company, in what has been described as the first recorded birth of a manatee in human care. He moved to Bradenton in 1949, greeting more than a million visitors in his lifetime.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
People may risk serious eye damage if they look at the partial phases of the upcoming total solar eclipse without proper protection.

The only time its safe to look directly at the event is during totality, when the sun is blocked in its entirety by the moon, Dr. Ralph Chou, an eclipse watcher and professor emeritus at the School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, told Fox News.

Not everyone will be able to see the total solar eclipse, though many people may be able to see a partial eclipse.

HOW CAN I SEE THE SOLAR ECLIPSE?

Chou emphasized that if youre in an area where only a partial eclipse can be viewed, theres never a safe time to look straight-on at the sun.

Eclipse blindness

Eclipse blindness describes the injury that occurs when a person looks at the sun without a protective filter during the eclipse, Chou said.

If someone watches the sun without protection, light hits the fovea -- a part of the retina which helps humans with fine detail and color vision -- and overwhelms with the sheer volume of light coming in, he said. Chou likened the intense amount of light hitting photoreceptors to ocular force-feeding.

SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017: NASA ISSUES SAFETY WARNING

Structures that respond to the light break down, and they begin to release oxidizing chemicals like peroxide that will attack whats left of the cell, in whats known as a photochemical injury, Chou said. If enough damage is accumulated, the cells function will be impaired and it may eventually die.

There can also be serious cases which result in thermal injuries. When there's so much light in the eye, some of the light is absorbed by a layer of cells behind the retina, Chou explained. If that layer is hit by a huge volume of light, pigment there reacts by absorbing the light and turning it into heat, which can start cooking cells in back of the eye, he said.

Noticing whats wrong

People may not immediately figure out something is wrong because theres a delayed response period of about 12 hours -- and there are no pain receptors in the back of the eye which could indicate theres a problem, according to Chou.

'GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE' 2017: WHAT IT IS, WHEN IT'S

HAPPENING AND WHY YOU HAVE TO SEE IT

For example, Chou said that if someone is out around noon, itll take until about midnight for the retina to realize that its dying. Someone could wake up in the morning and have trouble looking at their reflection, a newspaper, or a smartphone screen.

Path to recovery

Most people who have this problem recover their vision to what it was before the injury in weeks or months, with extreme cases taking about a year, Chou said.

An unlucky few will have permanent problems, where they are not entirely blind, but they may have blindness or blurriness with their central vision.

HOW NASA JETS WILL CHASE THE SOLAR ECLIPSE ACROSS AMERICA

You could lose your drivers license or be considered legally blind, he said.

Think youre suffering from eclipse blindness?

Get checked immediately, Chou advises. Though there isnt much that can be done with treatment, an eyecare provider will be able to at least give advice on how to deal with it, such as lifestyle changes during recovery.
A researcher who played a role in halting the spread of the WannaCry ransomware has been indicted by US authorities for allegedly creating the Kronos malware with another individual.

As Motherboard reports, UK-based researcher Marcus Hutchins, known online as MalwareTech, was arrested in Las Vegas this week, where he was attending the Black Hat and Defcon security conferences.

The indictment, filed on July 11 in Wisconsin District Court, says that "Defendant Marcus Hutchins created the Kronos malware," alongside another person, whose name has been redacted from the filing. Between July 2014 and July 2015, the two "intentionally cause[d] damage without authorization to 10 or more protected computers," it says.

A spokeswoman for the FBI's Nevada office referred PCMag to the Department of Justice, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hutchins made headlines in May when he stopped the spread of the WannaCry by accident. He noticed the ransomware "queried an unregistered domain, which I promptly registered." But WannaCry looks to connect to that unregistered domain. If it can't connect, "it ransoms the system," MalwareTech explained. If it connects to the domain, though, "the malware exits" and the system is not compromised. After the registration, WannaCry connected to the domain and was stopped in its tracks.

According to the indictment, Hutchins's alleged co-conspirator posted a video that demonstrated how the Kronos malware worked on July 13, 2014. The person then offered to sell the Kronos banking trojan for $3,000 "on an internet forum."

Hutchins reportedly helped this person update the Kronos malware in February 2015, after which it was advertised for sale on the (now-defunct) AlphaBay dark web forum. In June 2015, it sold for about $20,000 in digital currency, the indictment says.

As some have pointed out online, Hutchins requested a Kronos sample on the day the video in question went up.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
The highly-anticipated iPhone 8 is rumored to break a lot of ground for Apple, including a much-improved Retina display.

As August is fully entrenched on the calendar, rumors of the next iPhone, likely slated for September, are flying fast and free. But by now, Apple typically has battened down the design and rumors tend to gain more credibility and accuracy.

Here are five of the hottest expected features for Apple's latest iPhone slate.

Amping up Apples Retina display

The Retina display was introduced back in 2010 on the iPhone 4 and its claim to fame was that it made images extremely crisp, rendering individual pixels invisible to the naked eye.

But since then, rivals like Samsung's Galaxy phones have gone far beyond Apples Retina resolution.

IS THIS APPLE'S NEXT BIG PRODUCT?

Now, rumors indicate the iPhone 8 could close much of that gap and redefine the Retina display with a resolution much higher than anything Apple has done to date.

Edgy overhauled front

Apple may have inadvertently spilled the beans on the new iPhone.

Software developers did some digging around on Apples HomePod smart speaker and have purportedly found code representing the new design of the iPhone. (The HomePod runs iOS like the iPhone.)

If accurate, it represents a dramatic overhaul of the iPhone with an edge-to-edge display  except for a small notch at the top  and no home button.

Guilherme Rambo, an iOS developer at Peixe Urbano, large Brazilian e-commerce company, told Fox News that he found the code when he unpacked the HomePods firmware.

APPLE'S BIGGEST ANNOUNCEMENT SINCE 2007? ALL EYES ON 'IPHONE 8'

Face ID?

Though this is more iffy at the moment, Rambo also came across code that may indicate that Apple will go with face identification for the next iPhone or he described as face authentication.

Face ID is already popular on recent Windows 10 laptops and tablets and can be as fast, or faster, than fingerprint-based touch ID.

That might account for the lack of a physical home button for Touch ID. Though Apple could still come up with a virtual home button.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality melds virtual objects with the real world. AR is important for Apple because its an area where the company could potentially lead.

THREE GREAT SMARTPHONE BUYS FOR THE SUMMER

Apple typically doesnt implement new technology until it has stabilized, then improves upon it. But rumors suggest Apple could be planning big things for AR on the new iPhone that puts it ahead of the curve.

Four colors plus reflective mirror option

On a more mundane front, Apple may go with a boutique color option for the new high-end iPhone and a "mirror-like" reflective version, according to MacRumors.


Lena Dunham took to Twitter on Thursday to complain about two American Airlines employees she claimed to have overheard engaging in "transphobic talk  but the airline has since stated that they are unable to substantiate Dunhams version of events.

We always look into complaints from customers, but at this time, we are unable to substantiate these allegations, American Airlines tells Fox News.

UNITED PASSENGER ACCUSED OF GROPING TEEN GIRL WHILE SHE SLEPT

Dunham first tweeted about the incident early on Thursday morning, while she said she was waiting for her delayed flight to depart from JFK International Airport in New York.

Not gonna call out the airline who delayed cuz s[---] happens BUT I did just overhear 2 @AmericanAir attendants having a transphobic talk, wrote the Girls creator at 2:51 a.m.

Shortly afterward, she followed up with a tweet that described the incident as the worst part of a night that already included a several-hour delay, to which American responded with concern.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

In screenshots of their subsequent direct-messaging conversation, Dunham revealed that she heard the AA attendants say trans kids are a trend[,] theyd never accept a trans kid and transness is gross.

She also told AA she wasnt scheduled to fly with the airline, but merely overheard the attendants conversation on the way from Gate B30 at JFK.

Its unclear if American was able to identify where the conversation allegedly occurred, but Dunhams explanation that it was between the arrivals area and Gate B30 would place her at JFKs Terminal 4. ABC News reported that Dunhams Instagram story appeared to show her flying on Delta Air Lines, which does in fact operate out of Terminal 4. American Airlines, meanwhile, operates out of JFKs Terminal 8.

NAKED PASSENGER DELAYS SPIRIT FLIGHT LEAVING FROM LAS VEGAS

American Airlines has confirmed to Fox News that they are investigating the complaint, but stressed that they celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

From the team members we hire to the customers we serve, inclusion and diversity is a way of life at American Airlines, the airline wrote in a statement obtained by Fox News. Every day, our team members work to make American a place where people of all generations, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious affiliations and backgrounds feel welcome and valued.

Meanwhile, dozens of Dunham's critics are taking her to task over the allegations, some of whom are even calling her account into question.

"Someone that really cared would've addressed it directly to the people doing it instead of just dm'ing and tweeting about it," read one of the comments on her initial tweet. Another contained sarcastic warning: "If you walk by Lena in public silence all private side convos about personal opinions, thoughts, beliefs. She might turn you in."

An unconvinced Twitter user also asked, "Did you tape this convo or do we just have to take your word this happened?"

Dunhams publicist was not immediately available to speak with Fox News, but a representative for Dunham told ABC that she had no further comments.
A clogged toilet is to blame for a stinky situation that trickled through the Nashville airport on Wednesday morning.

Airport officials at the Nashville International Airport were forced to hastily remove approximately 380 pieces of luggage from Southwests baggage-handling area after sewage-tinged water began dripping from the ceiling onto the checked bags, reports WRKN.

However, despite their efforts, up to 200 of those bags may have been contaminated, a representative for Southwest Airlines told Fox News.

AMERICAN AIRLINES DENIES FLATULENCE ISSUE AT RALEIGH-DURHAM AIRPORT

Cleaning crews reportedly traced the source of the overflow to a ladies restroom in C concourse, near Gate C5. According to airport officials, someone had stuffed or tried to flush paper towels down the toilet, which caused the drainage system to back up and overflow.

Eventually, the water began dripping down onto the a baggage-handling room, where the 200 bags were "potentially affected, the Southwest spokesperson confirmed.

The airline also said the bags were cleaned, and in some cases replaced.

"We appreciate our Nashville Employees efforts to contact our Customers, process the bags, and reunite our customers with their luggage," Southwest wrote in a statement. "We estimate about 200 bags were potentially affected, and they were sanitized, and in some cases, replacement bags offered.

"There were no flight delays attributed to this, and the issue was resolved by 1 p.m."

THE WEEK IN PHOTOS

Southwest passenger Kate Riley, however, told WRKN that her flight from Nashville to Florida was in fact delayed. She further claimed that passengers werent initially notified of the problem, but rather told that issues with the luggage were delaying the flight. She explained that she was only notified of the sewage issue upon landing in Florida.

Riley also confirmed to WRKN that she was offered $100 per day as compensation for her baggage, which airport officials held for cleaning purposes.

The Airport Authority regrets the mishap with the plumbing and we apologize to all who may have been inconvenienced, said a representative for the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority in a statement to Fox News.

We also salute all who responded so quickly to remedy the situation and return luggage to passengers.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Airport officials further stated that they will be making structural changes to the airports drainage system, as a similar incident occurred on June 1, reports WRKN.
A Detroit man has been charged in the shooting that killed a Wayne State University police officer late last year.

Raymond Durham, 60, was charged with first-degree murder Thursday after he was accused of fatally shooting Officer Collin Rose in the head in November. The judge also ordered a mental evaluation for Durham.

Rose was investigating possible thefts of navigation systems from cars when he was shot. He went through surgery but died the next day, Fox 2 reported.

DNA LINKS MAN TO TWO POLICE SHOOTINGS IN MICHIGAN

Police Chief James Craig had said DNA evidence linked Durham to the shooting of Rose.

Durham was named as the prime suspect in the case after two Detroit officers were wounded during a confrontation in March. He was charged with attempted murder in the March shootings, but in May he was found incompetent to stand trial.

Click for more from Fox 2.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A former bishop who led the Roman Catholic church in metro Phoenix during a worldwide child sexual abuse scandal has been accused of molesting a young boy 35 years ago.

Retired Bishop Thomas O'Brien is accused in a lawsuit of sexually abusing the boy on several occasions at parishes in Phoenix and Goodyear from 1977 to 1982. The Diocese of Phoenix says O'Brien denies the allegation.

O'Brien, now 81, led the diocese in Phoenix as it became embroiled in a global scandal that rocked the Catholic church after allegations surfaced in Boston about pedophile priests going unpunished.

The bishop acknowledged in a 2003 immunity deal that he let church employees accused of sex abuse continue to have contact with children. Weeks after the deal, O'Brien resigned as bishop after he was arrested in the hit-and-run death of a pedestrian.

O'Brien's accuser says the clergyman sexually abused him when he was a child and he had suppressed his memories of it, said Tim Hale, his lawyer.

The accuser, who is now 47 and lives in the Tucson area, started having flashbacks of the abuse in September 2014 when preparing for his son's baptism into the Catholic church, Hale said.

"It has turned his life upside down," Hale said, explaining that his client has suffered profound emotional distress.

Hale said his client's allegation is being investigated by the Phoenix Police Department, which refused to comment.

The diocese issued a statement saying O'Brien denies the accusation and that he was never assigned to the schools and parishes where the abuse is alleged to have occurred. The statement also said the diocese informed prosecutors about the allegation immediately after learning of it in September 2016.

O'Brien's 2003 immunity agreement said a grand jury investigating church sex abuse allegations at the time didn't find evidence that the bishop had engaged in sexual misconduct.

Amanda Jacinto, a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, said the immunity deal will remain in place, meaning the bishop could not be prosecuted for letting church employees suspected of sex abuse be around children.

But Jacinto said the agreement would not prevent prosecutors from bringing a case against O'Brien if there's evidence that he sexually abused a child.

O'Brien, who served as Phoenix's bishop for 21 years, resigned in June 2003 after being accused of striking and killing 43-year-old Jim Reed with his car.

The bishop didn't stop to help Reed or report the accident to police but told investigators that he didn't realize he had hit a person.

He said he thought he had hit a dog or cat or that someone had thrown a rock at his car. Prosecutors said O'Brien tried to have his windshield fixed.

He was sentenced to probation and 1,000 hours of community service after being convicted of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

John C. Kelly, an attorney representing the Diocese of Phoenix, declined to comment on the lawsuit and the allegations against O'Brien.

___

Follow Jacques Billeaud at twitter.com/jacquesbilleaud. His work can be found at https://www.apnews.com/search/jacques%20billeaud .
At the heart of White House Senior Policy Adviser Stephen Millers heated exchange with a reporter over proposed changes to U.S. immigration policy is a decades-old act of Congress that had consequences its framers claimed they never intended.

The 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act changed the way America accepts immigrants from a quota system where they were chosen based on their race and ancestry to one that focused especially on uniting families.

In the White House press briefing on Wednesday, Miller said, we're proposing to limit family- based migration to spouses and minor children and establishing a new entry system thats points based.

Im delighted to see it, said Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS). The RAISE Act is an attempt to rebalance the portion of skilled versus family in the immigration flow. On Wednesday, Trump endorsed the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy Act, first introduced last February.

After CNNs Jim Acosta asked whether the U.S. is just going to bring in people from Britain, Miller said the question shows a cosmopolitan bias to a shocking degree  the notion this bill is racist is insulting. The foreign-born population has quadrupled since 1970.

Far from a return to the old ways, the White House said the proposed policy changes under the RAISE Act are intended to correct a system that was filled with broken promises and falsehoods from its start, with unintended economic and cultural consequences.

As he signed the 1965 act into law, President Lyndon Baines Johnson said it was not a revolutionary bill. It does not affect the lives of millions. It will not restructure the shape of our daily lives.

The unanticipated result was one of the most massive influxes of immigrants in the nations history. More than 38 million legal immigrants have come to America since the laws passage fifty years ago, more than triple the number admitted during the previous 50 years.

And the new immigrants were more likely to stay, rather than return home at the time, than those who came in the early 1900s, said a report by the right-leaning CIS.

During congressional debate in 1964, some Democrats complained the act would change the racial complexion of the land. It shifts the mainstream of immigration from western and northern Europe, the principal source of our present population, to Africa, Asia, and the Orient, said Rep. Ovie Fisher, D-Texas.

But then-Secretary of State Dean Rusk echoed the president when he said he did not see signs of a world situation where everybody is just straining to move to the United States.

LBJ argued the changes would favor immigrants with skills, regardless of race or ancestry. A nation that was built by immigrants of all lands can ask those who now seek admission: What can you do for our country? he said, But we should not be asking: In what country were you born?

According to reporting at the time, Asian immigrants were virtually banned from the United States due to both domestic and foreign policies beginning with the Chinese Exclusion Law of 1882. Japan still barred immigration to the U.S. in 1965, 20 years after the end of World War II.

Southern Europeans had problems of their own with existing policies. An Italian-American couldnt squeeze his father into Italys small quota, said a report in the American Legion Magazine in 1966, but could ponder the fact that if he were only an English-American he could bring over his mother, father, sister, friend, cousins and six servants.

If an American hospital wanted a noted Turkish brain surgeon, according to the report, Turkeys small quota would put him on a waiting list for years. Were he only born in Germany he might come next week.

While LBJ emphasized the bills provisions for skilled workers, what actually happened, according to historians, is those very provisions got watered down to overcome skepticism by the Democratic partys Scotch-Irish industrial worker base.

Rep. Michael Feighan, an Ohio Democrat, managed to change the priority, according to Tom Gjelten, a correspondent for National Public Radio and author of A Nation of Nations: Americas Great Immigration Story.

Gjelten wrote in the left-leaning Atlantic magazine that Feighans changes gave visa preferences instead to foreigners who were seeking to join their families in the United States.

Feighan sold the idea to his constituents by claiming the family-unification preference would favor immigration from northern Europe.

There will not be, comparatively, many Asians or Africans entering this country, said Rep. Emanuel Cellar a New York Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill, Since the people of Africa and Asia have very few relatives here, comparatively few could immigrate from those countries because they have no family ties in the U.S."

"The bill will not flood our cities with immigrants, said Senate immigration subcommittee Chairman Ted Kennedy, D-Mass. It will not upset the ethnic mix of our society. It will not relax the standards of admission. It will not cause American workers to lose their jobs.

I dont think Ted Kennedy was lying, Krikorian told Fox News, Its just that he was foolish to believe it.

Feighan and others were wrong, Gjelten wrote in Atlantic magazine, The heightened emphasis on family unification, rather than replicating the existing ethnic structure of the American population, led to the phenomenon of chain migration.

And thats where we are today. A single worker from Africa, Asia or Latin America can sponsor any of his or her relatives, who can in turn sponsor any of theirs.

Within a few decades, family unification had become the driving force in U.S. immigration, and it favored exactly those nationalities the critics of the 1965 Act had hoped to keep out, because those were the people most determined to move, said Gjelten in the Atlantic.

Miller said the effect of switching to a skills-based system and ending chain migration would, over time, cut net migration in half, which polling shows is supported by the American people.

Krikorian does not want to see a return to race-based quotas, and he said that the RAISE Act doesnt, either. Getting rid of national origin quotas was actually an admirable goal, he said.

This is a major promise (by President Trump) to the American people, said Miller, to push for merit-based reform that protects workers, taxpayers, and the economy.
A super PAC supporting Sen. Luther Strange is keeping the heat on his Republican rivals in the Alabama Senate race to fill Attorney General Jeff Sessions' former seat.

The Senate Leadership Fund this week launched a television ad highlighting the compensation that former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and his wife received from the Christian charity and legal organization he founded. The Senate primary has erupted into a GOP civil war as Strange seeks to beat back a slate of firebrand challengers such as Moore in the Aug. 15 primary.

Moore is expected to be a favorite among some religious right voters after twice being stripped of his judicial duties for defying federal courts on gay marriage and a Ten Commandments display.

The ad says Moore and his wife received $1 million over nine years from the Foundation for Moral Law, a nonprofit legal group that has filed briefs in cases ranging from abortion to religious displays. Tax forms submitted by the group show both at times have served as president of the group and Roy Moore was paid up to a $138,000 annual salary when he was as president of the group.

"Roy Moore wanted more so Roy and his wife took over a million dollars from a charity they ran," the narrator says after noting that Moore, as chief justice, was one of the highest paid state judges in the country.

Moore campaign chairman Bill Armistead said the ad was "blatantly false and misleading" and said Moore's work for the group was legitimate as it fought legal battles against liberal legal groups.

"The ad is desperate and heavy with the stench of the Washington establishment," Armistead said.

A lawyer for the foundation sent a letter to the committee asking it to the pull the ad, saying it wrongly implied Moore took a salary from the group while he was chief justice. Attorney Matthew J. Clark said Moore was not paid by the foundation when he was chief justice and that Kayla Moore was only paid a $65,000 salary as president.

The ad is the latest in a high-dollar campaign on behalf of Strange by the super PAC with ties to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Republicans led by McConnell have worked aggressively to defeat fringe candidates in GOP Senate primaries ever since a series of messy primaries led to losing general election Senate races in 2010 and 2012.

The group had previously launched attacks against Rep. Mo Brooks, spotlighting the House Freedom Caucus member's past criticisms of President Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential race. Trump remains popular among Republican voters in the deeply conservative state.

Strange was appointed to the position earlier this year by the state's governor. Other candidates in the crowded primary include state Sen. Trip Pittman and Christian Coalition leader Randy Brinson.
Police were still searching Thursday night for suspects linked to an afternoon shooting in San Francisco's popular Dolores Park that left three people injured, including one man who was in critical condition.

At least one gunman opened fire in the park, which was full of families and tourists around 3:05 p.m., police said. Several suspects, wearing bandannas, were seen fleeing the area, but it was uncertain how many had fired shots, reports said.

Paramedics rushed the three injured people to a hospital, with one suffering life-threatening injuries, Fox 2 reported. At least one of the victims was later released, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Several witnesses told the Chronicle that the gunfire happened after several men started "shouting and acting threateningly" on a bridge leading into the park.

Antonia Juhasz, who lives nearby, said she heard a total of three shots, and that she saw someone running with a gun in their hand.

Juhasz said she saw two people who had been shot. Both were bleeding as emergency workers carried them away on stretchers, she said.

"At first people didn't totally react because it sounded like fireworks," said Juhasz, a writer and freelance journalist. "I was yelling at people, `It's actually a gun, it's actually a gun.'"

"It was terrifying, mostly because people weren't reacting," she added.

People began running after realizing there had been gunshots, she said.

Dolores Park sits on a hill in the Mission District and is a popular destination for locals and tourists who come to sunbathe and take in city views. It's also near a high school.

Click for more from Fox 2.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A federal appeals court Friday overturned a former Blackwater security contractor's first-degree murder conviction in connection with a 2007 shooting in Baghdad that killed 14 Iraqi civilians and injured 17 others.

In a split decision, the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia Circuit ruled a lower court erred by not allowing Nicholas Slatten to be tried separately from his three co-defendants in 2014.

Slatten, 33, had been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the shooting, in which prosecutors claimed he had fired the first shots.

The court also ordered new sentences for the three other contractors  Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Herd  who were each found guilty of manslaughter and firearms charges carrying mandatory 30-year terms.

The judges determined those sentences were "grossly disproportionate to their culpability for using government-issued weapons in a war-zone." Prosecutors had charged the men with using military firearms while committing another felony. That statute, typically employed against gang members or bank robbers, had never before been used against overseas security contractors working for the U.S. government.

It was not immediately clear whether prosecutors planned to try Slatten again for murder.

"The U.S. Attorneys Office is reviewing the opinion and has no further comment at this time," spokesman William Miller told Fox News

At the weekslong trial three years ago, federal prosecutors and defense lawyers presented very different versions of what triggered the September 2007 massacre in Nisour Square.

The government described the killings as a one-sided ambush of unarmed civilians, while the defense said the guards opened fire only after a white Kia sedan seen as a potential suicide car bomb began moving quickly toward their convoy. After the shooting stopped, no evidence of a bomb was found.

In issuing their ruling benefiting the defendants, the judges said they were in no way excusing the horror of events they said "defies civilized description."

"In reaching this conclusion, we by no means intend to minimize the carnage attributable to Slough, Heard and Liberty's actions," said U.S. Circuit Judge Karen L. Henderson, writing for the court. "Their poor judgments resulted in the deaths of many innocent people."

Fox News' Jake Gibson and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
A grandfather's effort to deter drug sales in his Ohio neighborhood is drawing support from local residents.

The Hamilton-Middletown Journal-News reports a rally to show solidarity against drug activity and support for 69-year-old Dennis Matheny's efforts is set for Saturday in Hamilton, north of Cincinnati.

Matheny has been posting a sign that say "No Drugs Today" on his street.

Matheny's granddaughter, 27-year-old Sarah Houston, says local pizza shops have offered food and sign companies are offering to make custom signs with Matheny's slogan. Houston says her grandfather plans to meet with police next week about the city's drug problem.

Hamilton's police chief has commended residents for standing up against drug use and their willingness to work with police to address the problem.

___

Information from: MIDDLETOWN: Hamilton-Middletown Journal News , http://www.journal-news.com
An Ohio teachers aide, who was blackmailed by a student that found out about the teacher's extracurricular activities with another pupil, was sentenced on Thursday to 30 days in jail.

Christina Resek, 30, of Boardman, was also sentenced to two years of community service and has to register as a sex offender.

According to WKBN, Resek was a teachers aide at P.A.C.E, an alternative education program at Mahoning County High School in Youngstown.

In June 2016, a school staff member reported that another student had told her that Resek was engaging in a sexual relationship with a student who is now over the age of 18. In Ohio, it is illegal for teachers to have sex with any student, even if they are older than 18.

Detectives believe she engaged in sex acts with the student in a parking lot.

Investigators said Resek turned in a letter reportedly from a student who attempted to blackmail her. In the letter, the unnamed student attempted to extort $500 from Resek in exchange for keeping the alleged relationship a secret.

I know whats going on between you and [redacted]. So my question to you is how important is your job to you? Im not asking for a lot, all I want is $500 and your secrets safe with me, the letter said, according to court documents.

Resek was immediately suspended after the school learned of the allegations.
In a grisly discovery, more than 1,000 dead animals were found in an industrial complex in Southern California on Friday.

Reptiles, birds and fish were among the dead animals found after officers responded to a commercial building, Montclair Police Department Sgt. Minook told KTLA 5. Montclair is about 33 miles east of Los Angeles.

There was little ventilation provided, the Inland Valley Humane Society and S.P.C.A. said on Facebook. Rescue Officers could not find any food or water for the birds. The warehouse was covered in feces and filled with trash.

CALIFORNIA COUPLE PLEADS GUILTY AFTER MORE THAN 170 DOGS FOUND IN FILTHY HOME

Around 2,000 live parakeets, chickens and others birds  including a few exotic species  were rescued from the site. Dozens of exotic fish were also saved, the Inland Humane Society said.

The owner of the birds had been arrested on unrelated offenses earlier in the week. The owner, whose name wasnt immediately released, is now facing felony animal cruelty charges.

The investigation into the complex started on Thursday, Fox News has learned.

The Humane Society and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Montclair police and the Department of Health are all working together in the animal cruelty probe, authorities told KTLA 5.

"All of the birds are part of an ongoing investigation," the Inland Humane Society said. "Their adoption availability is pending at this time because of the investigation."
The Senate approved nearly 70 of President Trumps job appointees in one fell swoop Thursday, just before it headed to its August recess. However, the Senate also unanimously agreed to block Trump from making more appointments while the Senate is on summer break. This could signal trouble for the president if he intends on trying to replace Attorney General Jeff Sessions or special counsel Robert Mueller. The Senate's move sidelines the president until September.

$1.6B TOYOTA-MAZDA PLANT COULD MEAN 4,000 US JOBS

Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda are expected to announce plans Friday to build a $1.6 billion assembly plant in the U.S. The joint venture would employ as many as 4,000 people, and answer President Trumps call for more U.S. production by foreign automakers. Toyota announced earlier that it would invest $10 billion in U.S. operations over the next five years.

CHINA TARGETS HARMFUL WEBSITES IN 'DRILL' FOR INTERNET PROVIDERS

China ordered internet service providers to participate in a drill Thursday to practice taking down websites deemed harmful by the government. The three-hour drill was the latest attempt by China to tighten censor controls on internet data centers and cloud companies, which host website servers.

HARVARDS INCOMING FRESHMEN TO HAVE NONWHITE MAJORITY

For the first time in its long history, Harvard University will have an incoming freshman class that is predominately made up of minorities. The Ivy League school released a statement confirming that its class of 2021 will be 50.8 percent nonwhite. The new class will consist of students from diverse backgrounds including Hispanics, African-Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans and Native Hawaiians.

FOX BUSINESS COVERAGE

STRONG U.S. JOBS REPORT SEEN IN JULY; WAGES LIKELY ROSE

U.S. JOBS COME WITH PALTRY PAY GROWTH

DUNKIN WITHOUT THE DONUTS? MAYBE IN THE NAME

COMING UP ON FBN

9:40 a.m. ET  Gary Cohn, Chief Economic Adviser to President Donald Trump, will be on Varney & Company.
Nearly 3,800 assembly and maintenance workers at a Nissan assembly plant in Canton, Miss. were voting Friday to decide whether to unionize their workforce under the representation of the United Auto Workers.



The National Labor Relations Board expects the secret-ballot election at the Canton Nissan Motor Company assembly complex to conclude at 7 p.m. tonight. This comes after workers filed for UAW representation in July.



Twina Scott has worked at the Nissan plant in Canton for 14 years. She voted for the union after she became concerned about company benefits.

The reason I feel so strongly to vote 'yes' is simply because we need to have a collective bargain so we will be able to sit down at the table with Nissan and negotiate on everything, Scott told Fox News outside the factory.

Scott added she was hopeful a union could work for a better health plan, pension and help employees keep other benefits, including a leased car program.

But Nissan spokesman Brian Brockman said he does not believe employees will benefit from UAW representation.

The latest UAW corruption scandal in Detroit and the history of layoffs, strikes and plant closures at represented plants, along with the many false claims and promises madeduring this campaign are among the many reasons we do not believe that UAW representation is in the best interest of the employees of Nissan Canton, Brockman said, adding employees at the plant enjoy good, stable, safe jobs with some of the best wages and benefits in Mississippi.



In 2015, skilled-trades workers at a Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, Tenn. voted to be represented by UAW. The year before, the union was defeated at the same plant in an election involving all hourly employees.



UAW has more than 400,000 active members in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
Cops believe they're closing in on two murder suspects -- a Northwestern University professor and University of Oxford staffer -- who allegedly stabbed a Chicago man so hard, the blade of the knife broke off.

The hunt for Wyndham Lathem -- a microbiologist who gives speeches about the pneumonic and bubonic plague -- and Andrew Warren has "intensified and narrows" and investigators think they know where the men are or where they're going, Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

Warren -- who was visiting Chicago from England -- and Lathem are wanted on first-degree murder charges in last weeks brutal murder of 26-year-old Trenton Cornell-Duranleau.

Another police spokesman, Frank Giancamilli, characterized the June 27 attack at Lathems apartment as domestic in nature, but authorities would not discuss the possible motive in further detail.

Investigators are trying to determine how the men knew one another. They wouldnt say if they believe Warren and Lathem knew each other before Warren traveled to Chicago from England. Lathem and Cornell-Duranleau did cross paths, at least electronically: They are Facebook friends.

Lathem, a 42-year-old associate professor at Northwestern, has been published in top scientific journals.

Hes been very competitive in terms of getting NIH (National Institutes of Health) funding for his work ... and is respected for high quality research, said Bill Goldman, a professor and chair of microbiology and immunology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Goldman has known Lathem since Lathem worked in his laboratory at Washington University before Lathem left for Northwestern in 2007.

Warren, who is British, is in charge of pensions and payroll at the University of Oxfords Somerville College, though his name and photograph have been removed from the schools online directory.

Cornell-Duranleau moved to Chicago from the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area after he received his cosmetology license and worked as a hair stylist. It is unclear from his Facebook page where he was working at the time of his death.

Timber Baun-Crooks, the mayor pro-tem of Trenton, Michigan, who gave Cornell-Duranleau a job at a hair salon four years ago, described him as a great kid. But she said, he wanted to be something so bad, though I dont know what that was or if he ever found his niche in life.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Apparently children as young as 4 are not too young to be told that gender and sex are different and that their genitals don't indicate their gender, according to new Planned Parenthood guidelines for parents.

On a page of its website titled How do I talk with my preschooler about their body? the abortion provider says if a child inquires why boys and girls have different bodies, a parent should introduce the concept of transgender identity.

While the most simple answer is that girls have vulvas and boys have penises/testicles, that answer isnt true for every boy and girl, the organization says. Boy, girl, man and woman are words that describe gender identity, and some people with the gender identities boy or man have vulvas, and some with the gender identity girl or woman have penises/testicles. Your genitals dont make you a boy or a girl.

Parents should then point out to their child, the page continues, that genitals do not definitively establish gender, and that their children can make that decision based on your values and how you plan to talk with your kid about gender as they grow up.

Critics, mainly from conservative ranks, say Planned Parenthoods encouragement of parents to discuss gender identity with children who barely can string a sentence together and havent yet learned the alphabet is preposterous.

Some people with the gender identities 'boy' or 'man' have vulvas, and some with the gender identity 'girl' or 'woman' have penises/testicles. You genitals don't make you a boy or a girl.  Planned Parenthood's new guidelines on discussing the body with preschoolers

Gender is not fluid, either you have a penis or you dont, said Tim Wildmon, president of American Family Association, a Mississippi-based group that promotes conservative values. What Planned Parenthood is promoting here is just stupidity masked as sensitivity. If youre an adult and trying to talk to a child about whether theyre really a boy or girl, youre at risk of harming them psychologically.

Unless a boy or girl is exhibiting behavior or says that theyre messed up about what they are, theres no reason to bring something like that up at such a young age, he said.

What Planned Parenthood is promoting here is just stupidity masked as sensitivity.  Ted Wildmon, president, American Family Association

Efforts to obtain a comment from Planned Parenthood were unsuccessful.

Critics also say that Planned Parenthoods suggested talking points are misleading.

Of all the things it is  absurd, irresponsible, pretentious  one thing it definitely is not is scientific, New York Daily News columnist S.E. Cupp wrote about the guidelines. If you do need help talking to your kids about gender and gender identity  and theres no shame in that  please, use real science as a guideline, and not garbage propaganda.

The truth is, sex is more complicated today. But the conversations youll more likely need to have with your kids will center on technology  the dangers lurking on the internet, sexting, revenge porn  and not anatomy.
The Miami-Dade School Board has been sued over allegations it turned a blind eye to high school teacher Jason Edward Meyers, who was accused of having sex with multiple students over the course of 14 years -- spending so much time with some underage women they were referred to as "Jason's girls."

Meyers was arrested last year and faces charges for sexual battery on a minor. His criminal case is ongoing and he has been on house arrest. He was fired by the district soon after his arrest.

The suit, first reported by The Miami Herald, accuses the district of transferring Meyers from one school to another even though it knew about his inappropriate behavior with underage students. Meyers, a creative writing teacher, taught at Dr. Michael M. Krop High School, where he was accused of having sex with students, and in 2011 he was moved to Miami Palmetto High, the suit alleges.

JAIL FOR TEACHER'S AIDE, 30, WHO WAS BLACKMAILED OVER 'PARKING LOT SEX' WITH TEEN BOY STUDENT

The suit says Meyers had sex with at least one student in the classroom and engaged in inappropriate relations with several of them.

He also encouraged his students to write sexually charged content, the suit says.

The lawsuit was filed by a former student who claims that in November 2004, when she was 17 years old, Meyers sexually abused and molested her, forcing her to engage in oral sex on multiple occasions. She claimed he groomed her by urging her to write sexually-charged journals and poetry.

Plaintiff is one of many underage female students that Meyers recruited, groomed, and exploited in a systematic fashion during his near decade-long tenure as a known sexual predator, the suit says.

But the egregious part of the case, the suit says, is that the school board knew about his alleged predatory behavior and did nothing about it.

FEMALE TEACHERS HAVING SEX WITH STUDENTS: DOUBLE STANDARDS, LACK OF AWARENESS

The victim said she filed a complaint with the school and the district in 2008, yet Meyers was transferred to another school where he had unfettered access to female students, the suit alleges.

It also claims that he spent so much time with a group of girls at the school, walking them to his car and bringing them into the classroom with the doors locked, that they were all known as Jasons girls.

The school board has not commented on the lawsuit. Meyers defense attorney, Marcos Beaton, did not return a phone call from Fox News seeking comment.




A strong storm system over southern Canada is forcing much cooler air from the Midwest to collide with warm, humid air over the northeastern United States.

Locally violent thunderstorms erupting from the Ohio Valley to the eastern Great Lakes region and central Appalachians will pose risks to lives and property into Friday night.

"In addition to the potential for damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding, a few tornadoes can be spawned in this severe weather event," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

Thousands of customers across the northeastern U.S. are dealing with power outages as severe storms continue to impact the region.



As of 3:50 p.m. EDT Friday, 911 call centers and law enforcement have reported several downed trees in parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York, blocking some roads, causing damage and knocking down power lines. Officials are urging drivers to take caution.



Waterspouts have been spotted over the Great Lakes region as severe storms move through the northeastern US and southern Canada early Friday afternoon. A resident of Crystal Beach, Ontario, filmed a waterspout over Lake Erie, about 6 miles from Buffalo, New York.



(YouTube video/deniskreze)
A suspect in a large-scale Jamaican lottery scam accused of bilking mostly elderly Americans out of millions of dollars has pleaded not guilty in a U.S. federal court.

Gregory Gooden was arrested in Jamaica on June 6 and brought to the U.S. last week to face charges of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering. Court documents show he entered his not guilty plea on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in North Dakota, where the case is being prosecuted.

Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to include Gooden with a group of suspects scheduled for trial in January.

Authorities say at least 90 mostly elderly Americans lost a total of more than $5.7 million to the scam. It began to unravel when a woman in the North Dakota town of Harvey lost her life savings of more than $300,000 in 2011. Federal authorities began investigating in 2012, and later charged 15 suspects.

The man who authorities say masterminded the scheme  Lavrick Willocks  pleaded guilty to conspiracy late last month in a deal with prosecutors. About the same time, another suspect, Alrick McLeod, reached a similar agreement with the government. McLeod is expected to change his April not guilty plea during a hearing in October.

Eight other suspects who also have been extradited to North Dakota and have pleaded not guilty are still scheduled for trial in January, though Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Hochhalter has said plea deal talks are in the works with many of them.

Another suspect is still in Jamaica awaiting extradition, and three others remain fugitives.

Authorities have dubbed the case "Operation Hard Copy," a reference to lists of prospective victims' contact information used by scammers.

___

Follow Blake Nicholson on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/NicholsonBlake
A Texas school district police officer is facing child pornography charges after several thousand graphic images were discovered in his home, authorities said.

Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman told KHOU the home of 48-year-old Jeffrey Warren Clark was searched Tuesday as part of an investigation that began when he applied for a job with the department.

Officers said they found several thousand child pornography and child exploitation images in Clarks home, located outside of Houston.

Clark, who worked as a police officer with the Humble Independent School District, said he admitted to viewing sexually explicit images of minors, according to Herman.

He has been charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography, but is not currently in custody.

"Nighttime patrol officers do not interact with students on a regular basis," the school district said in a statement released Friday, according to Click 2 Houston. "He was hired in July 2015 and on August 2, 2017 he was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Humble ISD will continue to work with Precinct 4 in this matter."

Click for more from KHOU.


A dispute over rent has forced the Secret Service out of Trump Tower in New York City and onto the street.

The federal law-enforcement agency vacated its command post inside the Manhattan skyscraper that houses the presidents primary personal residence following a dispute between the government and the Trump Organization over the terms of a rental agreement, the Washington Post reported.

The Secret Service -- which is tasked with protecting the president, his family and their home -- had previously stationed its command post in a unit one floor below the Trump familys apartment. But since late last month, the post was moved to a trailer 50 floors below, on Fifth Avenue.

On Thursday, a spokeswoman for the Trump Organization said the government should look for another location for its command hub.

After much consideration, it was mutually determined that it would be more cost effective and logistically practical for the Secret Service to lease space elsewhere, spokeswoman Amanda Miller wrote in an email to the Washington Post.

After much consideration, it was mutually determined that it would be more cost effective and logistically practical for the Secret Service to lease space elsewhere.  Amanda Miller, Secret Service spokeswoman

Secret Service officials told the newspaper they were still hoping to rent space in Trump Tower, saying that they were working, to obtain permanent work space in an appropriate location.

Secret Service spokeswoman Catherine Milhoan added, Throughout this process, there has been no impact to the security plan developed by the Secret Service.

Trump has not visited Trump Tower since his inauguration and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and their son Barron, relocated to Washington in early June. (Trump did, however, return to Manhattan on May 4 for an event aboard the USS Intrepid, as Fox News reported.)

Still, the Secret Service treats Trump Tower as the presidents permanent home, which requires a full-time detail.

The Secret Service will have a presence inside the building if Trump or his family members visit, as their personal security details would remain in close proximity.

In July, Fox News first reported on the Pentagon forking over $130,000 per month to rent an apartment within Trump Tower for its White House Military Unit.

The military agreed to pay $180,000 for the last 20 days of April and the new rent every month thereafter, according to the contract, which was released by the General Services Administration (GSA). The leasing rate for the space is far above the going rate for a similar space in Manhattan, making it among the most expensive rentals in the Big Apple.

The rental amount only covered the cost for the Department of Defense. Other agencies, such as the Secret Service, which requested an additional $25.7 million for its 2018 budget to cover expenses toward securing Trump Tower and the presidents protective footprint in New York City.
It was a bad day to be named Martin Shkreli.

Just before Martin Shkreli, known on the Internet as Pharma Bro, was found guilty of federal fraud charges, an older Martin Shkreli was officially arraigned in the same Brooklyn federal court on money laundering charges Friday, the New York Daily News reported.

He stood in front of the same judge in the same courthouse as the younger Shkreli.

The less-internet-famous Shkreli, 59, was one of eight men busted in an alleged arms-trafficking scheme, according to the Daily News. They were caught after one sold weaponry to an undercover agent, prosecutors said.

The elder Shkreli and his partners are accused of laundering about $800,000 in drug money.

The two Martin Shkrelis are not related, according to the Washington Post, although the name is apparently common in Albania, where the younger Shkrelis parents are from.

When asked by reporters if he used Twitter, the older Shkreli said he didnt need that kind of fame, according to the New York Posts Emily Saul.

The older Shkreli also told reporters that while he had heard of the 34-year-old who shared his name, he hadnt met the other man. But when his trial was over  after which he was released on a $200,000 bond  he met briefly with the former biotech CEOs father, the Washington Post reported.

The younger Shkreli  infamously known for drastically hiking the price of a lifesaving drug  was convicted on federal charges he deceived investors in a pair of failed hedge funds.
A Utah state commission is recommending preserving the name of Utah's Negro Bill Canyon after receiving conflicting information over whether the name is offensive.

The Utah Committee on Geographic Names said Friday that lack of consensus from minority groups led to its 8-2 vote Thursday.

The commission's recommendation goes to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which is expected to make a decision on canyon's name later this year.

The local and national branches of the NAACP told the commission the name is not offensive and preserves the history of a canyon named for a black cowboy whose cattle grazed there in the 1870s.

The Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Commission was among groups that wanted the name changed. It said the word negro is a "racially offensive descriptor."

___

Information from: Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com
For the first time in its 380 years of operation, Harvard University will have an incoming freshman class where the majority of students are minorities.

The Ivy League institution confirmed in a statement provided to the Boston Globe on Thursday that 50.8 percent of its class of 2021 are nonwhite. That university has been making concerted efforts in recent years to become a more diverse bastion of higher learning.

To become leaders in our diverse society, students must have the ability to work with people from different backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives. Harvard remains committed to enrolling diverse classes of students, Harvard spokeswoman Rachael Dane said in the statement.

Harvards admissions process considers each applicant as a whole person, and we review many factors, consistent with the legal standards established by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Among the incoming freshman class going to Harvard this fall, nearly 51 percent are from minority groups including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, Native Americans and Native Hawaiians.

Its a significant increase from last years incoming freshmen class, which was 47.3 percent nonwhite.

The school told the newspaper that recruiters fanned out across the country and met with students, parents and high school counselors across 150 different communities.

The news comes just a few months after Harvard made other headlines when students raised $27,000 for a Black Commencement 2017 graduation ceremony, honoring the effort of black students at the school.

Organizers of the Black Commencement said it was the first university-wide graduation ceremony for black students and was designed to celebrate their achievements and struggles at an elite institution with historic ties to slavery.

Click here for more from The Boston Globe
The two U.S. Army soldiers who were killed Wednesday during an attack in Afghanistans Kandahar Province have been identified.

Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter, 23, of Columbus, Indiana, and Spc. Christopher Michael Harris, 25, of Jackson Springs, North Carolina, were killed when an explosive device detonated near their convoy, officials announced Thursday.

Both soldiers were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

2 US SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN ATTACK

Col. Toby Magsig, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat team, said the "Devil" Brigade is "deeply saddened" by the loss of Hunter and Harris.

"Spc. Christopher Harris was an extraordinary young man and a phenomenal Paratrooper," Col. Magsig continued. "He regularly displayed the type of courage, discipline, and empathy that the Nation expects from its warriors."

"Sgt. Jonathon Hunter was the leader we all want to work for - strong, decisive, compassionate, and courageous. He was revered by his Paratroopers and respected throughout his unit," the colonel added.

"Chris and Jon lived and died as warriors," Magsig said. "They will always be a part of the legacy of the Devil Brigade and their memory lives on in the hearts and minds of their fellow Paratroopers. Our thoughts and prayers are centered on the families and loved ones of these two great Americans."

US SPECIAL OPS HELP UAE FORCES IN YEMEN ANTI-TERROR OPERATION

The soldiers deaths bring the total number of U.S. service members killed this year in Afghanistan to nine.

There are more than 8,400 troops currently deployed in Afghanistan.

News of their deaths come as the Trump administration decides whether to send around 4,000 or more U.S. soldiers to the country in an attempt to stem Taliban gains.

Harris joined the Army in Oct. 2013, while Hunter joined in April 2014. This was their first deployment.

The Pentagon is investigating the incident.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
Firefighters have extinguished a blaze that tore through a tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- one of the tallest residential buildings in the world.

Authorities said the fire in the 86-story tower, which started Thursday evening local time, was finally extinguished by 4 a.m. Friday, with no injuries reported.

An eyewitness told Fox News that scores of panicked residents could be seen in their pajamas seated on the pavement watching as flames engulfed the building on the side facing the water. Many of the tower's residents are European expats.

"We were sleeping and we woke up to the fire alarm and people screaming. We ran down the stairs and it took us about 10 minutes to reach from the 50th floor," said another resident, who identified hmself only as George.

"The fire was very strong at that time, about 1 a.m. Then it started calming down over the next two hours. It started on the 67th floor. That's what we were told," he said.

Video showed flames shooting up the Torch tower in Dubai's popular Marina neighborhood, with debris falling to the ground. Screaming and commotion could be heard in the background.

The cause of the fire was unclear. Government officials said they were working to find shelter for those affected.

It was the second fire to hit the tower in two years, the BBC reported. No serious injuries were reported in the 2015 fire.

Fires have affected several skyscrapers in the United Arab Emirates, including a towering inferno that engulfed a 63-story luxury hotel in Dubai on New Year's Eve in 2016.

Building and safety experts have cited a popular type of cladding covering the buildings that can be highly flammable.

A devastating tower fire in London in June killed at least 80 people and prompted Britain to order more thorough testing on the cladding systems of its towers.

Fox News' Hollie McKay and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
A NATO soldier was killed and six personnel were wounded Thursday evening in Afghanistan when their convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber, according to a coalition statement.

The injured, five troops and one interpreter, are being treated at a U.S. military hospital at Bagram Airfield. All are listed to be in stable condition.

A U.S. defense official said no U.S. troops were involved.

2 US SOLDIERS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN IDENTIFIED

The incident, which occurred in Qarabagh District in the Kabul Province, comes one day after two U.S. Army soldiers were killed in Kandahar in a suicide attack.

The coalition is comprised of 13,000 troops from 39 countries in order to assist Afghan troops.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
U.S. special operations forces are assisting Yemeni and United Arab Emirates forces in a major operation in Yemen against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), long seen as the biggest threat to the United States through its development of non-metallic bombs designed to slip through security and bring down commercial airliners.

UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba announced the operation in a statement released by the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. Earlier today, Yemeni government armed forces launched a major operation against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) militants in the Shabwah Governorate of Yemen. The operation is being closely supported by a combined UAE and US enabling force.

The statement continued, The UAE is participating in this operation as part of a broader Arab coalition. Todays action continues the coalitions sustained counterterrorism mission in Yemen against AQAP, in order to disrupt the terrorist organizations network and degrade its ability to conduct future attacks.

A senior defense official tells Fox News the U.S. special operations forces are acting in a supporting role in what the official described as a multi-day clearing operation in Yemen against AQAP.

This is not a one-day thing, the official said describing the mission.

Meantime, Yemen's ambassador to the U.S., Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, told Fox News Yemen welcomed political and logistical support from the U.S. -- but not ground troops.

YEMEN AMBASSADOR TO U.S.: NO AMERICAN GROUND TROOPS NEEDED

U.S. special operations forces are assisting Yemeni and UAE forces in an advisory capacity but could engage in direct combat if needed. However, UAE is primarily in the lead, according to the official.

U.S. Navy SEALs have participated in these types of operations since President Trump took office.

The U.S. military typically supports these types of operations by providing transport aircraft, refueling planes and -- if needed -- a ready medical team to evacuate any wounded. A quick reaction force held in reserve off shore would be on alert to go in as necessary, but its not immediately clear how many U.S. assets are being used. The official declined to comment on this aspect of the operation.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will travel Friday to Dam Neck, Virginia, home to SEAL Team Six, and will receive an update on the operation, according to officials.

There have been more than 80 U.S. airstrikes in Yemen since President Trump took office, double the average over the past five years.

Days after Trump took office, Navy SEAL Ryan Owens was killed in a raid in Yemen against AQAP. A rescue aircraft, MV-22 Osprey, was dispatched from a Navy warship offshore landing near the battle. A crash-landing of the aircraft injured three crewmembers attempting to rescue three SEALs wounded in the firefight.

A total of 14 fighters from Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula were killed in the assault, and U.S. service members captured "information that will likely provide insight into the planning of future terror plots," the military said at the time.

In addition to the rescue operation, Marine Corps Harrier jets and helicopter gunships from USS Makin Island, a Navy amphibious assault ship, bombed the Al Qaeda stronghold.

The U.S.-backed Yemen operation comes on heels of the Qatari ambassador to the United States' visit to U.S. Central Command based in Tampa, Florida, responsible for all U.S. military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Its possible Qatars ambassador, Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, wanted attention to this current operation to counter or compete with the message of solidarity the visit showed.

Yemen was the home of Anwar al-Awlaki, the American Islamic terror cleric linked to a chain of attacks targeting the United States. A drone strike killed him in 2011, according to the Pentagon.

In 2009, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian recruit to Al Qaedas Yemen branch, tried and failed to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day with explosives in his underwear. Investigators say he trained under al-Awlaki.

The previous month, Nidal Malik Hasan, a U.S. Army Medical Corps psychiatrist, killed 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas. Hasan launched the attack three weeks before he was due to deploy to Afghanistan. He had previously sent emails to al-Awlaki, investigators said.

Saudi Arabia along with other Gulf nations, including UAE, have severed diplomatic ties and imposed a boycott against Qatar since early June, claiming the tiny Gulf nation supports and terrorist groups including the Taliban and Hamas. In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Al-Thani said he wanted to convey to the commanding general of U.S. Central Command, Army Gen. Joseph Votel, the commitment between Qatar and the U.S. It is not only political and economic, but most importantly military. Qatar is a long-standing ally of the U.S. in difficult times and good times.

In February 2015, the State Department ordered an evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Yemen. U.S. Marine guards were forced to leave behind some their weapons and vehicles in order to evacuate on a civilian chartered airline from the capital city of Sanaa.

Iran-backed Houthi forces swept into the capital, joining forces loyal to the former president Ali Abdullah Saleh and have fought a bitter civil war against the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, based in Aden. A Saudi-led coalition which has received support from the United States has been battling the Houthis since 2015.

Fox News' James Rosen, Nick Kalman and Hollie McKay contributed to this report.
More details emerged Friday about an alleged terror plot thwarted by authorities in Australia, including the troubling revelation that an Islamic State operative was able to ship components for an explosive into the country undetected.

Two men now facing terrorism charges were involved in an aborted attempt to place an improvised explosive device (IED) on an Etihad Airways flight out of Sydney last month in a plot directed by the Islamic State group, Australian Federal Police said.

One of the men, a 49-year-old from Sydney, brought the device to Sydney's airport July 15 in a piece of luggage that he had asked his brother to take with him on the flight  without telling the brother that the bag contained an explosive, Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan told reporters.

But for reasons still unclear, the bag never got past the check-in counter. Instead, Phelan said, the man left the airport with the bag, and his brother boarded the flight without it.

"This is one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil," Phelan said. "If it hadn't been for the great work of our intelligence agencies and law enforcement over a very quick period of time, then we could well have a catastrophic event in this country."

Details that Phelan provided Friday were the first that officials have released since four men were arrested in a series of raids in Sydney last weekend. Khaled Khayat, 49, and Mahmoud Khayat, 32, have been charged with two counts of planning a terrorist act. A third man remains in custody, while a fourth was released without charge.

Khaled Khayat's brother has not been charged in connection with the plot, because police believe he had no idea the bag contained explosives, Phelan said.

"We will be alleging the person who was to carry the IED on the plane had no idea they were going to be carrying an IED. We believe he had no idea," said Phelan said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. He added that Khaled Khayat was with his brother at the time in a likely attempt to make sure the plan was executed.

Meanwhile, attorney Michael Coroneos represented Khaled and Mahmoud Khayat at a brief court hearing Friday, and the case was adjourned until Nov. 14. Police have not detailed the men's relationship.

"They're entitled to the presumption of innocence," Coroneos said outside court, declining to answer further questions.

The components for the device, including what Phelan described as a "military-grade explosive," were sent by a senior Islamic State member to the men in Sydney via air cargo from Turkey. An Islamic State commander then instructed the two detained suspects on how to assemble the device, which police have since recovered, Phelan said.

After the July 15 bid failed, the men changed tactics and were in the early stages of devising a chemical dispersion device, which they hoped could release highly toxic hydrogen sulfide, Phelan said.

No specific targets had been chosen, though an Islamic State member overseas had given the men suggestions about where such devices could be placed, such as crowded areas or on public transport.

"Hydrogen sulfide is very difficult to make, so I want to make it quite clear that while it may be a hypothetical plot, we were a long way from having a functional device," Phelan said. "There were precursor chemicals that had been produced, but we were a long way from having a functioning (device)."

Police had no idea either of the plans were in the works until they received a tip through intelligence agencies on July 26, Phelan said. They arrested the men July 29.

The allegation that the Islamic State was able to ship explosives to Australia undetected was troubling, Phelan acknowledged.

"All the security agencies and those responsible for security of cargo and so on have put in place extra measures since that time," Phelan said. "It is a concern that it got through, yes, it's hard to deny that."

Phelan said police still don't know precisely why the bag containing the explosives never made it past the check-in counter. Some theories are that it was too heavy, or that Khaled Khayat simply chickened out. After learning of the plot, Phelan said police made a similar mock IED and ran it through the airport's luggage system, and it was detected by security.

One of the men charged was put in touch with the Islamic State commander whom police believe directed the plot in April, Phelan said. He declined to release the Islamic State commander's name.

If convicted, the men could face a sentence of life in prison.

Australian Justice Minister Michael Keenan said that while law-enforcement agencies are confident that aviation security was never compromised, they are taking very seriously the suggestion that the Islamic State was able to send bomb materials to Australia with ease.

In response to these particular allegations, the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [Peter Dutton] has instructed that there will be extra screening through air cargo, Keenan said, according to the Australian.

You would appreciate it is a very big job to screen, and Australia is a very open economy, there is an enormous number of packages moving both inward and outward on any given day, but weve taken measures to improve screening, and Minister Dutton will continue to assess what we learned from this particular plot, and what other measures we might need to take to ensure the security of the air cargo system.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Swedish police say a man has been seriously injured by a bear in one of Europe's largest predator parks in northern Sweden.

Police say the man was cleaning an enclosure at the Orsa Rovdjurspark when he was attacked by a brown bear that had dug its way under the fence. The employee, who was not identified, was rushed to the hospital by helicopter.

Police said Friday the man had been seriously injured but didn't give details.

Park manager Anders Blomquist told Aftonbladet tabloid that a group of visitors who were inside the enclosure and witnessed the attack were shocked but unharmed.

The Orsa Rovdjurspark, 330 kilometers (205 miles) north of Stockholm, has predators including different species of bears, leopards, lynxes and wolves.

Blomquist told Aftonbladet the 2-year-old animal would be put to sleep.
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French authorities have ferried firefighters and trucks from the mainland to Corsica to help battle a forest fire that has been raging for three days.

The regional authority for southern Corsica warned Friday that the fire has spread north and it could take several days to extinguish the blaze on the Mediterranean island.

Some 70 new firefighters and 15 vehicles were sent Friday from the mainland, but the regional authority said rough terrain and exceptionally hot, dry weather is complicating efforts.

The fire broke out Wednesday in the Palneca forest, forced evacuations on a celebrated hiking route and threatened nearby towns at the height of vacation season. No one has been hurt.

Fires in recent days have also threatened a seaside town south of Athens in Greece, and in southern Albania.
ISIS shipped high-grade military explosives from Turkey, and Islamic State leaders in Syria personally directed one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil, authorities said Friday, giving a unique window into an Islamist plot that nearly worked.

The ISIS plan would have used an unsuspecting Australian man boarding a flight at Sydney airport and carrying a bomb disguised as a meat mincer, Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan said at a news conference.

Two men  Khaled Khayat and Mahmoud Khayat  were charged late Thursday in the disrupted plan to blow up an Etihad Airways flight on July 15, Reuters reported.

Police said an ISIS commander in Syria gave the men instructions on how to build a fully functioning IED, sent explosives via air cargo from Turkey, and one of the men then gave the camouflaged bomb to his unsuspecting brother to take aboard a flight. But officials said the device never penetrated airport security or even got near the screening area.

We'll be alleging that the person who was to carry the IED on the plane had no idea they were going to be carrying an IED, Phelan said.

Though they were still gathering details, authorities believe one of the accused men left the airport and the unsuspecting brother boarded his plane. That man hasnt returned to Australia yet.

The terrorists responsible for the plot also wanted to build a device that would release poisonous hydrogen sulfide gas in a public area, authorities said. Chemicals were allegedly recovered, but a device was not near completion.

Police initially arrested four men in the plot, one of whom has since been released and another who was being held without charge under counter-terror laws, Reuters reported.
In early March of 2016, the bodies of eight electrical company employees and three farmers were found hacked-up and bullet-riddled near a desolate field in El Salvadors San Juan Opico municipality.

The wanton force involved  the killers used machetes and machine guns  bore all the hallmarks of MS-13, or Mara Salavtrucha, the uber-violent street gang that started in California but has since spread like a plague throughout Central America.

These two gangs have turned the Central American northern triangle into the area with the highest homicide rate in the world."  Justice Department report

Authorities in El Salvador were quick to fix blame on the gang and President Salvador Sanchez Ceren swiftly implemented a package of "extraordinary measures" to crack down on violent crime.

The only problem was that it wasnt MS-13 that carried out the massacre. It was a gang known as Barrio 18.

While authorities can be forgiven for mixing up the two  both have members covered in head-to-toe tattoos, are well known for their murderous tactics and originated in some of the same Los Angeles neighborhoods  MS-13 and Barrio 18 are bitter rivals whose ongoing feud is responsible for the deaths of thousands across the U.S., Mexico and Central America.

These two gangs have turned the Central American northern triangle into the area with the highest homicide rate in the world, a 2013 Justice Department report on gang violence noted.

While some trace the gangs origins as far back as the 1950s, Barrio 18 truly came into being in the 1980s when it broke away from one of Californias oldest Hispanic gangs, Clanton 14.

Barrio 18 originally was composed of Mexican immigrants or people of Mexican descent, but soon began incorporating other Latino nationalities as Los Angeles immigrant community diversified.

In the late 1990s, through a series of raids the FBI and local law enforcement were able to arrest a number of Barrio 18s leaders. These raids were meant to cause the gangs demise, but the detention of its capos gave Barrio 18 a new base for recruitment: the U.S. prison system.

Coinciding with the gangs rise to power in U.S. prisons was its spread southward through Mexico and Central America as U.S. immigration officials increased the number of criminal offenses that could lead to deportation.

The high numbers of gang members being deported paired with relatively weak governments in Central America helped Barrio 18 and MS-13 become potent criminal forces in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

Both gangs make their livings through kidnapping, small-time drug trafficking, running brothels, money laundering and contract killings.

Like its better known rival, [MS-13], the Barrio 18 has cells operating from Central America to Canada, including the United States, the organized-crime investigative nonprofit Insight Crime noted. With thousands of members across hundreds of kilometers, and interests in a number of different illicit activities, Barrio 18 is one of the more significant emerging criminal threats in the region.

In 2012, the violence between the two gangs hit endemic levels and El Salvador  a country about the size of Massachusetts -- was averaging 14 murders per day. To quell the bloodshed, the Catholic Church and the government stepped in and were able to mediate a shaky truce between MS-13 and Barrio 18.

The truce, however, fell apart in 2014 and violent crime in the country continued to swell until another pact in April of last year  bolstered by Sanchez Cerens security crackdown  saw homicide rates start to drop.

The gangs still make El Salvador one of the most dangerous countries in the world, as the Opico massacre shows, and the security crackdown has caused many gang members to move to neighboring Guatemala and Honduras.

In the U.S., the tensions between Barrio 18 and MS-13 may not be leaving as long a trail of dead bodies as in Central America, but both gangs have made their presence known in almost every state and major metropolitan region.

Barrio 18 is believed to operate in around 120 cities in 30 states, but has made its presence most felt in its home state of California. Much of the street crime in Los Angeles County is believed to be related to the gang and federal law enforcement said that while street-level drug dealing is Barrio 18s main income source, the group has been linked to murders, assaults, arson, copyright infringement, extortion, human trafficking, illegal immigration, kidnapping, prostitution, robbery and weapons trafficking.

In one of Barrio 18s most gruesome and highly publicized crimes on American soil, Catarino Gonzalez  a then-23-year-old gang member, was sentenced in 2001 to life in prison for shooting an LA police officer in the head while he sat in a patrol car.
The Navy has ended its search for a sailor who went missing earlier this week in the South China Sea, a U.S. defense official told Fox News.

The sailor, whose name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification, was reported missing about 9 a.m. Tuesday from the USS Stethem approximately 140 miles west of Subic Bay in the Philippines.

An official said at the time that the missing officer had checked in aboard the ship a short time before his mysterious disappearance.

The disappearance was first reported by Defense News. An investigation is underway.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our lost shipmate, their family and the officers and crew of USS Stethem, Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander of Task Force 70, said in a statement, according to Stars and Stripes. I appreciate greatly the dedication and professionalism shown by all who participated in the search efforts.

Approximately 10,000 square nautical miles of ocean were searched over 79 hours. However, when the sailor was not found after more than three days, the effort was called off at 4 p.m. Friday Japan time.

This is the second time this summer the Navy has carried out a major search-and-rescue operation in the Pacific. In June, a missing sailor on the USS Shiloh was presumed lost at sea. He was found hiding in the ships engine room.

The sailor, Petty Officer 3rd Class Peter Mims, was later charged with dereliction of duty.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
Venezuelas controversial pro-government assembly got to work Friday on rewriting the countrys constitution, as a top opposition leader was released from prison.

The assembly selected a crony of leftist President Nicholas Maduro as its leader. Former Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez led a cadre of close Maduro allies who resigned top posts to run for the constituent assembly, which will have sweeping powers to upend institutions and go after the government's opponents.

The assemblys 545 delegates approved the selection in a unanimous vote.

Hours earlier, opposition leader Antonio Ledezma returned home to house arrest after his release from prison.

He and fellow opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez had been placed under house arrest but were hauled off to prison Tuesday after encouraging protests against the new assembly, Reuters reported.

In a pre-dawn tweet, Ledezma's wife said that her husband had just been brought to his residence, according to Reuters.

"Several minutes ago, Antonio was unexpectedly returned by the Sebin (intelligence agency) to our home," Mitzy Capriles de Ledezma tweeted. "We thank the people of Venezuela and the international community for their concern and solidarity."

It was not clear if Lopez would also be returned from jail to house arrest, Reuters reported.

The Vatican issued a statement asking that Friday's planned installation of the assembly be suspended, Reuters reported. The Vatican also urged Venezuela's security forces to avoid "excessive and disproportionate use of force" in dealing with protesters.

More than 120 people have meanwhile died in anti-Maduro protests over the last four months, according to the news wire service.

Assembly delegates marched to the neo-classical legislative palace accompanied by hundreds of red-shirted government supporters. Some were carrying roses and large portraits of the late Hugo Chavez, predecessor and mentor to President Nicolas Maduro.

Some shouted, "He's returned," as a jab at the opposition, which ordered images of Chavez removed from an adjacent building when it won control of congress in 2015.

Leading the procession was first lady Cilia Flores and socialist party leader Diosdado Cabello.

The assembly is charged with rewriting Chavez's 1999 constitution and has been given sweeping powers over other branches of government.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Two U.S. service members were wounded Thursday night in a suicide attack that left one Georgian soldier dead and three Georgians and an Afghan interpreter wounded in Qarabagh District, in Kabul Province.

The wounded were all in stable condition at the Bagram Airfield military hospital.

"Our prayers today are with the almost 900 Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan who are mourning their fallen comrade," said U.S. Army Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, known as the Resolute Support Mission. "The commitment of Georgia as our largest non-NATO contributor is vital to our mission and we are honored to stand beside them under these difficult circumstances."

Additionally, two Afghan civilians were killed and seven were wounded in the attack.

"The Afghan people want peace. Time and again, the Taliban prove that they have no regard for civilians and non-combatants," Nicholson said. "The Taliban are the enemy of the Afghan people. Resolute Support is firmly committed to supporting the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces as they stabilize Afghanistan."

Identities of the victims were not immediately available.

It was the second deadly attack this week against U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

On Wednesday an attack in Kandahar killed two U.S. Army soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division. They were identified as Sgt. Jonathon Hunter, 23, of Columbus, Indiana, and Spc. Christopher Harris, 25, of Jackson Spring, North Carolina.

Four other U.S. Army soldiers were wounded in the same blast.

Earlier in the week a U.S. Army helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan due to a mechanical problem, wounding two U.S. soldiers.
August 2

Mark Biggers, 58, of Elko was arrested 1790 Idaho St. for trespassing not amounting to burglary. Bail: $195



Dustin L. Christian, 29, of Las Vegas was arrested at 483 Railroad St. for false statement to obstruct a public officer. Bail: $1,140



Cindy R. Enders, 35, of Elko was arrested on a warrant on South Eighth Street two counts of failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor crime. Bail: $2,500



Ray A. Johannsen, 38, of Spring Creek was arrested on Interstate 80 for five counts of intent to utter a fictitious bill, note or check; conspiracy to commit criminal contempt; and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail: $28,140



Tamra K. Johannsen, 53, of Elko was arrested on Interstate 80 for five counts of intent to utter fictitious bill, note or check; conspiracy to commit criminal contempt; utter or possession with intent to utter bill or note; and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail: $33,140



Bryson R. John, 24, of Battle Mountain for was arrested at Interstate 80 for buying, possessing or receiving stolen property; possession of burglary tools; possession, manufacturing or disposing of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun; DUI; driving with a suspended license; failure to give appropriate signal when required; and failure to yield at a stop or yield sign. Bail: $29,225



Darrin A. Kang, 54, of Sherwood, Oregon was arrested at the Elko County Jail on a warrant for failure to appear after bail on a felony and failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor. Bail: $12,380



William C. Mellos, 34, of Elko was arrested at the probation and parole office for failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor. Bail: $1,140



Carlos A. Nunez, 24, of Elko was arrested at 175 Fifth St. for violation of probation or condition of suspended sentence. No bail listed.



Andrea C. Rivera-Obrien, 18, of Elko was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor. Bail: $1,165
U.S. forces in Somalia recently conducted a strike that killed Ali Muhammad Hussein, the al-Shabaab terrorist known as Ali Jabal, the U.S. military has confirmed.

The strike occurred about 3 p.m. local time July 30 near Tortoroow, in southern Somalia. There were no civilian casualties related to the operation, military officials said.

The U.S. conducted the mission in coordination with its regional partners as a direct response to al-Shabaab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces.

Ali Jabal, considered a senior al-Shabaab terrorist, was responsible for leading forces operating in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks against the capital of Mogadishu.

He used the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, a known al-Shabaab safe haven, as a hub for these activities, officials said.

In recent months, al-Shabaab militants were known to have conducted suicide car bombings and assassinations targeting police, governmental and military leaders in the capital.

Al-Shabaab militants were also known to have conducted numerous attacks against the Somali National Army and African Union Mission in Somalia members in the region.

His removal disrupts al-Shabaab's ability to plan and conduct attacks in Mogadishu and coordinate efforts between Al-Shabaab regional commanders.

The strike was conducted within the parameters of the proposal approved by President Trump in March, which allows the U.S. Department of Defense to conduct lethal action against al-Shabaab within a geographically defined area of active hostilities in support of partner forces in Somalia.
A South Wales man wanted for an alleged assault spotted his mugshot on the local polices Facebook page and deemed it so unflattering he wanted it taken down. He turned himself in Thursday and got his wish.

Wayne Esmonde, 35, had his face put on the South Wales Polices page earlier this week as cops appealed to the community to be on the lookout for him. He was wanted in connection with an assault on July 18 in Fforestfash, Swansea.

The picture shows a head-shaven Esmonde looking wide-eyes and staring intently at the camera.

However, when he spotted it, Esmonde quickly responded asking the police department to take the post down, the BBC reported.

I am him. Not a very flattering mugshot, he wrote, followed by, Id appreciate it if youd take this post down. Innocent until proven guilty and all that.

He added: Ive spoken to my solicitor and they will advise me what to do next. Thanks.

On Thursday, Esmonde turned himself in.

The South Wales Police have taken down the original post and replaced it with one saying that Esmonde had been apprehended.
Contractors are struggling to find people who can operate the heavy machinery needed to build roads, lay pipe and clear land for subdivisions.

Its awful. There are no applicants, said Dickie Sisson, owner of Sisson Excavating in Stafford County. People are not coming into the field.

The Northern Virginia area, including Fredericksburg and Stafford, is facing a shortfall of 2,000 to 2,500 construction workers, including heavy-equipment operators. Even more will be needed to work on such projects as the HOT lanes on Interstate 95 and the widening of I66, said Kenneth Garrison Jr., executive director of the Heavy Construction Contractors Association in Manassas.

Lord Fairfax Community College, at his organizations urging, will soon help to fill the gap. It will become the first community college in Virginia to offer statewide industry credential programs for heavy equipment operators thanks to a $453,686 Workforce Capacity Building grant from the Virginia Community College System. Northern Virginia Community College is looking into offering something similar.

Several dozen people have shown an interest on our website, and were still working through the fine details as to when to start, said Guy E. Curtis III, director of marketing, business and industry training for Lord Fairfaxs Office of Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education. It looks like it will be the first week in December.

Students will be able to take the classes either two nights a week for three months or on weekends for a month and a half at Lord Fairfaxs Vint Hill site. The cost will be roughly $2,500 for Level I and for Level II, with the grant covering two-thirds of that. Students needing additional assistance for the remaining one-third may be eligible to receive Financial Aid for Noncredit Training Leading to Industry Credentials, or FANTIC, funds.

The heavy equipment operators classes will use the National Center for Construction Education and Researchs curriculum and national industry credentialing, and students will be trained using state-of-the-art Vortext simulation equipment.

The simulation equipment will allow our students to gain hands-on training on multiple types of heavy construction equipment that will replicate real-life operating scenarios through rotating-motion platforms and high-resolution 3D displays, said LFCC Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education Vice President Jeanian Clark in a news release.

A number of HCCA members have indicated that they are interested in interviewing and potentially hiring students who go through the program, Curtis said.

Among them is William A. Hazel Inc., the largest site construction company and owner of one of the largest private fleets of heavy equipment in Northern Virginia.

Weve done a number of job fairs, but thats not been a great success, said Danny Funderburk, learning and development specialist for the Chantilly-based company that does some work in the Fredericksburg area. The best recruitment is word of mouth, employees saying whats available. This will open up another avenue of people who have expressed interest in getting into this industry and are a target market for us.

He said that the program will also give the company a better idea of the level of experience graduates have so it can start them off at the appropriate pay grade.

One of the biggest things we run into, and where this will be of assistance, is applicants will tell us, Yes, I have the experience, but we dont have a way to verify it, Funderburk said. It creates a dilemma for us. Do we start them at the bottom and then have to move them up and redo the paperwork, or do we pay them what they say theyre capable of and then, when they dont have that level of qualification, have to move them back down in pay?

Finding people interested in a career as a heavy equipment operator wasnt nearly as hard when the late William A. Hazel launched the company in 1964, Funderburk said. The construction industry was considered a great career opportunity at that time for high school graduates who didnt intend to pursue a college degree.

It also offered a chance at a second career for those displaced as family farms merged, manufacturing plants downsized and mining operations shut down in the 1970s and 1980s.

Today, fewer and fewer people are interested in a career in construction, even at a time when that industry has recovered from the recession, the state has boosted funding for transportation projects and many people in the field are nearing retirement age.

Sisson blamed the education system for emphasizing college at the expense of vocational training. He said classes for heavy-equipment operators such as the ones Lord Fairfax will offer can help raise awareness of the job and its earning potential.

You mean Johnny could run a bulldozer for $60,000 a year? Im going to go over and try that, he said. Anybody can learn this business if youre smart and hard working.

Sisson said an entry-level position at his company pays $15 an hour, and employees can advance as they become more proficient. His top guy started out at the bottom more than 30 years ago now makes more than $100,000 a year.

Another advantage [of a heavy equipment operator job] is that its local, and will remain local. You cant outsource this, said HCCAs Garrison.

Theres room for advancement to foreman, superintendent. You can make $50,000 a year running a machine, $80,000 as a superintendent, he said. For people that are running large parts of these companies, you can make six figures. You can go into business for yourself.
THE DARK TOWER (PG-13)

2 STARS

Barely adequate is not the term a movie studio wants describing a new film they hope will launch a new franchise.

Yet thats the best description this reviewer can come up with for this stark, joyless treatment of the popular science fiction book and series from author Stephen King.

Those whove read the book about the cosmic conflict between a good guy, the last Gunslinger, and a bad guy, the Man in Black, may enjoy the tale because it hews closely enough to the action in the book.

But Kings works have often had difficulty being transferred to film, much of their appeal resting in the authors ability to connect readers with the characters in the often chilling and odd stories.

That character-driven approach to storytelling can lose a lot when converted to films with only so much time for character development.

Thats part of the problem here, as weve barely met the players in this multilayered universe of worlds in conflict when the action starts and bullets start flying.

There are three main players: the long-suffering Gunslinger (Idris Elba), the evil wizard Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey) and a troubled young Earth boy Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor) who doesnt understand that his visions and nightmares are indicators of special mental powers.

We quickly learn that the Man in Black is trying to destroy the Dark Tower, which protects many worlds from an evil that he wants to see brought back.

The Gunslinger, now the last of his kind, is locked in battle with the evil sorcerer, something that the young Chambers manages to sense in his dreams.

Soon enough, the boy is sought by the Man in Blacks henchmen, and finds himself transported to the world where the evil sorcerer and the Gunslinger are.

Scenes of gun battles and other confrontations are choreographed well enough, and the films pace moves things forward at a fair clip.

But its all dry, joyless and eventually dull, missing that special spark films like this need to be something special.

The best action and sci-fi films find a way to inject humor, heroism or exceedingly strong characters into the mix in a way that energizes the whole film.

Theres none of that here, with Taylor outshining both Elba and McConaughey. Both of the strong actors seem to have been restrained here, told that the unfolding action is more important than either of their characters.

Its especially problematic from McConaughey, who could have been the bright light the film sorely lacks, making the Man in Black a deliciously evil sort.

Instead, he plays the black-clad wizard low key, the motivation seemingly that he doesnt need to speak loudly or emphatically because hes oozing so much evil power.

Elba is a bit better, but his character's caught up too much in self-doubt and bitterness.

Taylors childlike fear and fervor works much better, as hes really the only sympathetic character we have to connect with.

The action here is generic and spotty, with only a few cool moments when Elbas Gunslinger delivers some really cool handgun acrobatics.

Instead, the film is largely flat and uninspired, an epic story boiled down to a run of the mill chase movie.

All in all, it feels more like a big opportunity missed than a unique story shared.

Rated PG-13 for thematic material including sequences of gun violence and action. Playing locally at Marquee Southpoint 9 and Paragon Village 12. 95 min.
A 23-year-old man was shot in his legs Thursday night during an altercation in the Princess Anne Trailer Park in King George County, police said.

Sheriffs spokeswoman Kecia Wharton said deputies and others responded about 9:30 p.m., after the Sheriffs Office received multiple calls about shots being fired. Police found the victim with multiple injuries to his legs.

He was taken to Mary Washington Hospital. Police searched the area and found multiple spent shell casings.

Wharton said there were a number of people present when police arrived, but many were uncooperative with law enforcement.

No arrest had been made as of Friday, but King George detectives are continuing the investigation.

Sheriff Steve Dempsey said the shooter fired shots into a crowd of people.

It is a blessing that there were no fatalities and only one person sustained non-life-threatening injuries, Dempsey said.

Virginia State Police and the Virginia Conservation Police K-9 team assisted King George authorities at the housing complex.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriffs Office at 540/775-2049.
The Alexandria man accused of shooting and killing his manager at the Warrenton CVS on July 26 appeared Thursday morning in court for a formal reading of the charges against him.

Bernard C. Duse, Jr., 76, is charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, first offense, in the death of Rex Olsen, 64, of Reva. Both worked at the CVS on Blackwell Road where Olsen was Duses manager.

The Reva man was found dead around 10:36 p.m. near a dumpster outside the drug store. Duse was arrested early Tuesday at his home and was not scheduled to work on the night of the murder, according to the Fauquier Times.

In Fauquier County General District Court Thursday, Judge J. Gregory Ashwell set the case for preliminary hearing on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. at which time evidence will heard in the reported homicide. Duse will continue to be held in jail without bail eligibility upon the request of Fauquier County Commonwealths Attorney James Fisher.

Fisher told the judge Thursday that as many as 20 pieces of evidence have been or will be sent to the state laboratory for analysis, noting that the Dept. of Forensic Science was experiencing a case backlog.

We are hoping for a prompt, yet thorough scientific analysis of these items, he said.

Officials have not officially commented on motive in Olsens death, but according to the Fauquier Times, citing court records, the slain manager was reportedly conducting an internal company investigation into complaints made against Duse. Olsen had also reportedly testified about Duse in a civil case the employee had previously filed, according to reports.
AS UNFORTUNATE as it may be for any affected workers, the Navy will do what it wants to do with operations and personnel at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. For as many as 150 skilled workers at the important CBR Defense Division, that appears to mean a transfer from the King George facility to the base at Indian Head, Md.

Though the move is not quite yet a done deal, the proposal is said to be on an admiral's desk awaiting his signature, thereby making it so. The CBR Division's mission is to develop defenses against chemical, biological and radiological warfare attacks on Navy ships and their crews.

Quite a few people are asking the Navy to hold on a minute since they had not been apprised of the its plans until the move proposal was well along in the approval process.

One official who appears to be caught off guard by the move, and certainly should have been thoroughly briefed beforehand, is First District Rep. Rob Wittman, in whose district Dahlgren is located. He also happens to be chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.

Wittman's spokesman said the congressman is looking for answers about the impact of the move on workers who live in Virginia and whether the Navy intends to make up for the loss of jobs in Virginia.

The spokesman, Gregory Lemon, said Wittman's primary concern is that Dahlgren "remain a viable and effective naval weapons center and an integral part of the Navys overall mission.

Given that the 150 workers potentially affected by the move constitute about 1.4 percent of Dahlgren's nearly 11,000-person workforce, it's probably safe to say that its key role in the Navy's mission will be maintained.

Nevertheless, the affected workers, such as those who commute 45 minutes or more from their homes in the Fredericksburg area, will face a commute that's twice as long, taking them across the Harry Nice Memorial Bridge over the Potomac and well into Charles County, Md.

Though change itself should not come as a shock to civilians who work for the military, such upheaval can require advance planning for families who have settled into their communities. The Navy says it will offer incentives to help smooth the relocation process.

In any event, the personnel affected by this change may have figured they were at Dahlgren for the long term. Just five years ago the Navy built new facilities at Dahlgren as part of its plans to consolidate and streamline its CBR operations, even transferring such workers here from the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indiana.

We have to think construction of such specialized accommodations doesn't come cheap, though we expect the Navy would move as much of the associated apparatus and materials as feasible to Indian Head.

The move is described as saving the Navy money during a time of "significant belt-tightening," according to one Navy official. The Trump administration is seeking to increase defense spending for fiscal 2018, and Congress is looking to add even more, but budget negotiations remain a work in progress.

The Navy has its reasons for playing it close to the vest with plans to move operations, but clearly local officials would prefer to be informed earlier in the process. Even 47-year Dahlgren veteran Jim Howard, a member of the King George Board of Supervisors, figured the CBR Division's unique mission and the construction of new facilities meant it was at Dahlgren for the long haul.

Moreover, local communities and the military installations they host generally agree to share certain logistical information so the localities don't, for example, plan for personnel growth that won't happen or build something that would interfere with the base's mission. Neither should want to surprise the other.

Yes, the Navy will do what it feels is best for the Navy, but at the same time the communities, organizations and individuals affected by such moves deserve a timely flow of information.
Fighting stigma

Another equally daunting barrier is unique to HIV, according to Dr. Greg Wilson, the AMP studys lead scientist at the Vanderbilt site.

Its the stigma still associated with HIV  not wanting individuals in your family to know youre positive, not having a circle of friends you can talk to, he said. Family and church are large issues for African-Americans. You may know that you need to go to a doctor to determine if you have HIV, but theres a lot of baggage thats associated with that knowledge and consequences that may come with other people knowing about it  rejection, not only from family but from your church community, which may be your major source of support.

Barbara Gunn Lartey, the director of community engagement for the Nashville Human Relations Commission and a longtime advocate for people with HIV, agrees that stigma and fear make HIV a taboo topic in many African-American households.

You still have families who require you to eat on paper plates at Thanksgiving, Lartey said.

The stigma and shame go deeper than fear of infection.

For people of color in particular, its an issue of your salvation, she said. You have voices from the pulpit saying that HIV is punishment for whatever  for being gay, for being promiscuous, for using drugs, for participating in risky behavior. In many cases, the pastors perspective can outweigh a parents. You feel like youre being condemned to hell.

Which brings us back to why Vic Sorrell was at a small African-American church in East Nashville on a Sunday afternoon talking about the AMP study. How he got there is a longer story.

Music City dreams

Sorrells path to the pulpit of HIV outreach was not a straight one. He was nicknamed Baby Country when he moved to Nashville at age 17 from a small town in Virginia, determined to be a country music star. The cherubic-faced crooner had been performing on stage since he was 6. He had wanted to be Dolly Parton for at least that long  OK, maybe not to be Dolly herself, but to have her talent, her light, her presence.

He enrolled in Nashvilles Belmont University and got a degree in music management and marketing for his parents sake. But he also got a band and was well on his way to signing a recording contract when something happened that upended his dream: He fell in love with a man.

The surprise was how unequivocal it felt. There were no longer doubts, no telling himself it was a phase he would outgrow. And it forced a decision.

The reality of the conservative nature of the country music industry smacked me in the face, and it was made very clear that I needed to decide what I wanted, Sorrell said. Did I want to be gay, or did I want to be a country star? For me, being something in the public eye that was not real and was not true was not an option.

And just like that, the dream he had held since he was 6 disappeared.

He stayed in the music business by working in marketing but spiraled into a personal crisis. He found his way out through Marianne Williamsons best-selling books on spirituality and decided: I want my gifts to serve, and Im willing to have that happen however the opportunities present themselves.

In the 2008 Great Recession, his fallback marketing job disappeared, but a new opportunity presented itself. A friend who knew his drive to do good mentioned a job opening for an HIV prevention educator at Nashville Cares, the largest HIV services agency in the region.

As a gay man, Sorrell definitely had HIV on his radar, but he had no idea that such a job existed, much less that he could do it. He got an interview. Then he got the job.

Sorrell said the work  by which he means the people hes met and the partnerships hes formed at Nashville Cares and later at the Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program  has made him who he is today. And who he is today, many argue, is a big part of why the Nashville AMP study is shaping up so successfully.
The question is, why? Beronja said. What is the plasticity, what is the tolerance mechanism that allows normal tissue, fully functional tissue, to carry on with mutations [and not form tumors]? If there are active mechanisms promoting this plasticity and this tolerance, maybe if we learn more about it we can try to reactivate those mechanisms in the context of cancer.

The team studied how skin maintains its normal state in the context of two different cancer-driving mutations (activation of the the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway and activation of Ras) and in two types of skin cells (hair follicle stem cells and skin stem cells located between hair follicles). Using a specialized method Beronja had developed as a postdoctoral researcher, the scientists were able to control when and where they activated Ras or Wnt/-catenin in the skin. Then, they tracked in real time how normal and mutated cells grew within the living tissues.

Unlike most scientists examining the effects of cancer-causing mutations, who focus on the tumors that do develop, the team looked at what happened when skin avoided forming tumors.

When they activated either Wnt or Ras signaling in hair follicle stem cells, the scientists found that indeed, it perturbs the tissue in the way you would expect: It increases proliferation, it deforms the tissue, it results in formation of these cyst-like structures  but only temporarily, Beronja said.

The normal, unmutated cells, it turned out, actively worked to resolve the tissue deformations by enclosing the overgrown clumps and forcing them out. Within four weeks, a large number of these structures that you expect would lead to cyst formation and, potentially, eventually cancer fully resolved, he said. When they activated oncogenic pathways in stem cells between hair follicles, the deformed tissue was often resolved by converting into normal oil-producing glands or new hair follicles.

Physically damaging the bulb region of hair follicles yielded similar results, suggesting that instead of deploying specific strategies based on mutation, skin uses general strategies to overcome damage and literally nip cancerous growths in the bud.

It makes sense that the skin has developed mechanisms to deal with continual attempts by mutated cells to spark tumors, said Beronja, a member of Fred Hutch's Human Biology Division.

Its a really high turnover tissue.  Every single progenitor cell divides every two or three days over your lifetime. If [this process] stops, the tissue fails, and if the tissue fails, you die, he explained. It makes sense if the skin does get assaulted by constant DNA damage that it does not crumple in the face of that.

He and his team are currently comparing other high-turnover tissues, such as the mucosal cells that line the mouth, and low-turnover tissues, such as mammary cells that line milk ducts, to see whether cancer-fighting mechanisms that maintain a normal tissue state associate more with cell-turnover characteristics than with the cell type of origin. They are also digging deeper into the specific signals involved in these mechanisms  how they work and how they go wrong and allow tumors to grow.

The study opens up a lot of investigation into the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms [of the cancer-preventing phenomenon], said Beronja, who hopes to interest his Hutch peers in collaborations designed to answer both fundamental and translational research questions springing from the work. How broadly relevant is it? What other tissues should we expect to have a similar ability? Ultimately, Beronja hopes to produce insights that lead to new ways of treating cancer.

 Sabrina Richards / Fred Hutch News Service
First-term Irmo Mayor Barry Walker announced Sept. 26 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. The mayors wife, Susan, also got COVD-19, Walker said on social media. As you know Im a kidney patient and require weekly dialysis, Walker wrote. This virus compromises my immune syste Read moreWhat You Missed: Irmo Mayor Barry Walker gets COVID-19
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SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  Ozone levels in northern Utahs murky air have reached their worst levels in nearly 10 years this summer.

Hot temperatures brought on by high-pressure systems have spiked the ozone levels, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Bo Call, who oversees air-quality monitoring for the Utah Division of Air Quality, said the last time the Wasatch Front saw levels this high was in 2008.

If you dont have sun, you dont have so much ozone, Call said. And this year, there arent a whole lot of late afternoon clouds. In the last several years, weve had quite a few late afternoon thunder boomers. You might get a drop of rain, you might get nothing, but that cloud cover blocks the sun and turns off the ozone production.

Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning its not emitted directly by one source or another. It forms in the atmosphere when sunlight causes other chemicals to react with one another.

Ozone burns lung tissue when inhaled.

Bryce Bird, director of the Utah Division of Air Quality, said air monitors in northern Utah have exceeded the Environmental Protection Agencys standard for ozone 13-14 times this summer.

The state, however, has not yet begun work on a plan for reducing ozone pollution, Bird said. He said thats because the Environmental Protection Agency has delayed declaring new nonattainment areas. Prior to that delay, multiple Utah counties were on track to become nonattainment areas due to elevated ozone concentrations.

Because of the poor air conditions this year, Utah will likely be required to develop a strict implementation plan when nonattainment declarations are made in 2018, Bird said.
The nail-biting race between Democratic U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Republican challenger Adam Laxalt remained too early to call after polls closed across Nevada Tuesday night. Laxalt and Cortez Masto have been locked in a tight race for weeks, both hitting hard on national party talking points. Laxalt has blamed inflation and illegal immigration on Democratic policies. Cortez Masto has promised to block GOP-led attempts at a nationwide abortion ban and said she will fight for a pathway to permanent citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children. Both candidates told supporters late Tuesday night that they expected to come out ahead once all the votes were counted.
Story Highlights Percentage experiencing worry dropped 1.6 points since mid-February

Still, it remains 2.5 points higher than the month before the election

Democrats' worry declines most since inauguration

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After rising following Donald Trump's election and inauguration, the percentage of Americans who frequently worry has receded, although it has not yet returned to its pre-election level. On average, over the past five months, 31.7% of Americans reported experiencing worry "a lot of the day yesterday." This was down from 33.3% during Trump's first month in office, but still above the 29.2% recorded the month before the Nov. 7 election.

The 4.1-percentage-point increase in Americans experiencing significant worry on any given day occurred gradually between the election and the month following the inauguration. It was the largest increase in worry that Gallup and Sharecare have recorded over a four-month period since the Great Recession in 2008, and far larger than 0.9-point rise in worry measured after Barack Obama was elected in 2008.

While down since Trump's first month in office, the percentage worried has receded to the level found during the pre-inaugural period, from Jan. 2-19, but is still 2.5 points higher than before Trump was elected.

The large sample sizes involved in these averages means that even one-point differences in the percentage worried are statistically significant. The most recent results are based on nearly 75,000 interviews with U.S. adults from Feb. 17-July 17, 2017, as part of the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index.

Gallup and Sharecare ask U.S. adults, "Did you experience worry a lot of the day yesterday?" The survey does not prime respondents to think about worry in political terms, because it does not contain political questions or mention the election or Trump specifically.

Gallup and Sharecare analyzed Americans' daily reports of worry during five periods: the month leading up to the Nov. 8 election (Oct. 1-Nov. 7), the month following the election (Nov. 9-30), before the inauguration (Jan. 2-19), the month after the inauguration (Jan. 21-Feb. 16), and months two through six of Trump's presidency (Feb. 17-July 17).

Democrats' Worry Drops Most Since Inauguration, but Still Leads the Pack

After the Nov. 8 election, changes in worry followed expected partisan patterns. Democrats' worry spiked, independents' stayed about the same and Republicans' worry dropped.

Following Trump's inauguration, Democrats' worry rose sharply, while independents' edged up slightly and Republicans' stayed about the same.

Over the next five months, worry declined among all party groups -- back to where it was when Trump was inaugurated-- with the sharpest drop among Democrats.

The percentage of Democrats worried is 4.2 points higher now than before the election, while the percentage of independents worried is 2.2 points higher. Republicans are no more worried now than they were before the election.

Bottom Line

Americans are less worried now than after President Trump first took office. While many studies documented a rise in anxiety after the election, this analysis is among the first to find that these negative emotions seem to be subsiding.

Trump's more controversial actions -- including implementing the travel ban, withdrawing from the Paris climate change agreement, trying to repeal Obamacare and pursing a border wall -- have not resulted in a sustained increase in daily worry among Democrats and independents. In fact, the rise in worry after the election and inauguration seems to be dissipating, with Democrats and independents moving back toward their emotional status quo.

Still, worry remains higher now than before Trump was elected, based on elevated levels among Democrats and independents. This increase in worry could affect their work, relationships and mental and physical health. In addition to individuals seeking professional help, workplaces, schools and community groups can foster the strong social and community bonds that help make people feel secure during uncertain times.

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There currently are 93 Fisher Houses in the United States and in Europe with plans for more.
U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio took a break from going around in circles in the nation's capital this week to go around in circles on Albany's downtown carousel.

The Democrat, Oregon's most senior member of Congress, was in the mid-valley Thursday to hold town hall meetings in Albany and Corvallis, where he answered questions and shared his thoughts on health care, sanctuary cities and the nation's infrastructure.

But before that, he took a brief tour of the Historic Carousel & Museum, revisiting his favorite steed, the dragon known as Igknighter, and taking a spin on Chinook, a leaping salmon. "I never caught a fish this big," he joked.

A literal circus atmosphere, even for just a short time, was preferable to the circus that has been Washington, D.C., in recent days, DeFazio said.

The U.S. representative for Oregon's 4th congressional district, DeFazio has served since 1987 and said he can't compare this particular session  from the seesawing positions of the presidential administration to ongoing Congressional attempts to repeal or retool the Affordable Care Act  to anything in his previous experience.

"Every day, it's kind of like  who knows?" he said. "There are days when people on either side of the aisle are totally shocked by one thing or another."

In contrast to Washington stalemates, however, DeFazio said he felt Thursday's town hall in Albany moved forward with a number of issues, at least in terms of presenting information. Close to 150 people crowded the community room at the main branch of the Albany Public Library for the meeting.

DeFazio stressed his support for rebuilding roads and bridges, which he would fund through bills to increase the per-user fee on airports and through a 1.5-cent increase in the gas tax, which has not gone up since 1993. He also opposes privatization of the nation's roads.

He addressed a number of question on health care, including marijuana (he supports removing it from the restrictions of the federal Class C schedule) backlogs at Veterans Administration hospitals (he supports creation of an internal group to advocate specifically for patient rights) and attempts to reduce Medicaid coverage (DeFazio's district has the fifth largest number of people in the nation who rely on expanded Medicaid to cover their health care costs).

"If Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes went away, a lot of people would find Grandma and Grandpa coming home to live in the basement," DeFazio said. "No one can afford a nursing home."

DeFazio took exception to a question from a man who called him a socialist and wanted to know why he voted for so-called "sanctuary" cities.

First, the lawmaker said, he didn't: he voted no on a measure that would have penalized states with sanctuary laws. Part of the reason was lack of clarity, he said: "Sanctuary laws are in the eye of the beholder."

And, he added, he's a progressive populist Democrat rather than a socialist.

In response to questions about whether and how Washington's current partisan gridlock might ease, DeFazio said he has hope but sees little possibility of getting corporate interests out of the mix.

"We've got the best government money can buy," he quipped wryly. "Can it survive this flood of money? I don't know. The system's pretty broken. Very broken. And it's putting our democracy at risk."
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clarajancita at 4-08-2017 01:09 PM (5 years ago) (f)

A notorious car robber has been apprehended and beaten mercilessly by residents after he was caught trying to steal a car. A notorious car thief who specializes in robbing vehicles of unsuspecting victims has found himself in serious trouble after he was caught yesterday at Omegatron Phone shop on Airport Road, Benin City, Edo state.



It was gathered that the notorious car thief was apprehended by passersby after breaking a man's car glass while trying to steal it. Luck ran out on him as his gang members escaped leaving him behind.

A notorious car robber has been apprehended and beaten mercilessly by residents after he was caught trying to steal a car. A notorious car thief who specializes in robbing vehicles of unsuspecting victims has found himself in serious trouble after he was caught yesterday at Omegatron Phone shop on Airport Road, Benin City, Edo state.It was gathered that the notorious car thief was apprehended by passersby after breaking a man's car glass while trying to steal it. Luck ran out on him as his gang members escaped leaving him behind. He was beaten mercilessly by his captors before he was handed over to security men.

He was beaten mercilessly by his captors before he was handed over to security men.

Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 4-08-2017 01:09 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
clarajancita at 4-08-2017 03:02 PM (5 years ago) (f)

Victims of ethnic cleansing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have narrated gory experiences of maiming, r*ping and killing taking place in the country. Violence in the Kasai provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo appears to be taking on an increasing and disturbing ethnic dimension, a report by the UN Human Rights Office has warned. Information gathered by a team of UN human rights investigators* suggests that some of the violations and abuses committed in the Kasais may amount to crimes under international law.

Victims of ethnic cleansing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have narrated gory experiences of maiming, r*ping and killing taking place in the country. Violence in the Kasai provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo appears to be taking on an increasing and disturbing ethnic dimension, a report by the UN Human Rights Office has warned. Information gathered by a team of UN human rights investigators* suggests that some of the violations and abuses committed in the Kasais may amount to crimes under international law.

The report is based on interviews with 96 people who had fled to neighbouring Angola to escape the violence in Kamonia territory in Kasai. The UN team was able to confirm that between 12 March and 19 June some 251 people were the victims of extrajudicial and targeted killings. These included 62 children, of which 30 were aged under eight. Interviewees indicated that local security forces and other officials actively fomented, fuelled, and occasionally led, attacks on the basis of ethnicity. The UN Mission in the DRC has identified at least 80 mass graves in the Kasais.

The team saw people who had been seriously injured or mutilated, including a seven-year-old boy who had had several fingers cut off and his face totally disfigured. A woman whose arm had been chopped off recounted how she managed to escape, hiding for several days in the forest before reaching the Angolan border and being airlifted to hospital. Some of the refugees pleaded with the UN team to be heard, and two of the people they interviewed died shortly afterwards from their injuries.



The report is based on interviews with 96 people who had fled to neighbouring Angola to escape the violence in Kamonia territory in Kasai. The UN team was able to confirm that between 12 March and 19 June some 251 people were the victims of extrajudicial and targeted killings. These included 62 children, of which 30 were aged under eight. Interviewees indicated that local security forces and other officials actively fomented, fuelled, and occasionally led, attacks on the basis of ethnicity. The UN Mission in the DRC has identified at least 80 mass graves in the Kasais.The team saw people who had been seriously injured or mutilated, including a seven-year-old boy who had had several fingers cut off and his face totally disfigured. A woman whose arm had been chopped off recounted how she managed to escape, hiding for several days in the forest before reaching the Angolan border and being airlifted to hospital. Some of the refugees pleaded with the UN team to be heard, and two of the people they interviewed died shortly afterwards from their injuries. Quote Survivors have spoken of hearing the screams of people being burned alive, of seeing loved ones chased and cut down, of themselves fleeing in terror. Such bloodletting is all the more horrifying because we found indications that people are increasingly being targeted because of their ethnic group, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein. Their accounts should serve as a grave warning to the Government of the DRC to act now to prevent such violence from tipping into wider ethnic cleansing.

I call on the Government to take all necessary measures to fulfil its primary obligation to protect people from all ethnic backgrounds in the greater Kasai area,  he added.



The fighting began in August 2016 between the Kamuina Nsapu militia and the Government. The UN team was able to confirm that another militia, called the Bana Mura, was formed around March/April 2017 by individuals from the Tshokwe, Pende and Tetela ethnic groups. It was allegedly armed and supported by local traditional leaders and security officials, including from the army and the police, to attack the Luba and Lulua communities who are accused of being accomplices of the Kamuina Nsapu.



According to the report,  he added.The fighting began in August 2016 between the Kamuina Nsapu militia and the Government. The UN team was able to confirm that another militia, called the Bana Mura, was formed around March/April 2017 by individuals from the Tshokwe, Pende and Tetela ethnic groups. It was allegedly armed and supported by local traditional leaders and security officials, including from the army and the police, to attack the Luba and Lulua communities who are accused of being accomplices of the Kamuina Nsapu.According to the report, Quote the Bana Mura allegedly undertook a campaign aimed at eliminating the entire Luba and Lulua populations in the villages they attacked. In many of the incidents reported to the team, FARDC soldiers were seen leading groups of Bana Mura militia during attacks on villages.

The Governments responsibility includes ensuring that those who organised, recruited and armed the Bana Mura or other militias are identified and prosecuted, the High Commissioner stressed.



Many Luba and Lulua witnesses and victims said that the Bana Mura militia carried out what appeared to be well-planned attacks on several villages in Kamonia territory in April and May. Wearing white bandanas made from mosquito nets and bracelets of leaves, the Bana Mura attacked Luba and Lulua inhabitants, beheading, mutilating and shooting victims; in some cases burning them alive in their homes.



In one of the most shocking attacks, in the village of Cinq, 90 patients, colleagues and people who had sought refuge in a health centre were killed, including patients who could not escape when the surgical ward was set on fire.



Victims accounts included a woman who told the team how the militia killed her husband, attacked her daughter with machetes, and shot her and her 22-month-old son, who later had to have his leg amputated at a hospital in Angola. The team also heard accounts of rape and other forms of segxwal and gender-based violence. People also told the UN team that the Kamuina Nsapu militia carried out targeted killings, including against the military, police, and public officials.

In all incidents documented by the team, the Kamuina Nsapu were reported to have used boys and girls, many aged between seven and 13, as fighters. Witnesses also said groups of girls called Lamama accompanied the militia, shaking their straw skirts and drinking victims blood as part of a magic ritual that was supposed to render the group invincible. All the refugees interviewed by the team said they were convinced of the magical powers of the Kamuina Nsapu.

the High Commissioner stressed.Many Luba and Lulua witnesses and victims said that the Bana Mura militia carried out what appeared to be well-planned attacks on several villages in Kamonia territory in April and May. Wearing white bandanas made from mosquito nets and bracelets of leaves, the Bana Mura attacked Luba and Lulua inhabitants, beheading, mutilating and shooting victims; in some cases burning them alive in their homes.In one of the most shocking attacks, in the village of Cinq, 90 patients, colleagues and people who had sought refuge in a health centre were killed, including patients who could not escape when the surgical ward was set on fire.Victims accounts included a woman who told the team how the militia killed her husband, attacked her daughter with machetes, and shot her and her 22-month-old son, who later had to have his leg amputated at a hospital in Angola. The team also heard accounts of rape and other forms of segxwal and gender-based violence. People also told the UN team that the Kamuina Nsapu militia carried out targeted killings, including against the military, police, and public officials.In all incidents documented by the team, the Kamuina Nsapu were reported to have used boys and girls, many aged between seven and 13, as fighters. Witnesses also said groups of girls calledaccompanied the militia, shaking their straw skirts and drinking victims blood as part of a magic ritual that was supposed to render the group invincible. All the refugees interviewed by the team said they were convinced of the magical powers of the Kamuina Nsapu. Quote This generalised belief, and resulting fear, by segments of the population in the Kasais may partly explain why a poorly armed militia, composed to a large extent of children, has been able to resist offensives by a national army for over a year, the report says.

Given the situation in the Kasais, the report highlights the need for the team of international experts on the situation in the Kasais, established in June by the UN Human Rights Council, to be granted safe and unrestricted access to information, sites and individuals deemed necessary for their work.

This report will be put at the disposal of the international experts, as well as any other judicial institution addressing the human rights situation in the Kasais, in an effort to advance accountability efforts in this regard. the report says.Given the situation in the Kasais, the report highlights the need for the team of international experts on the situation in the Kasais, established in June by the UN Human Rights Council, to be granted safe and unrestricted access to information, sites and individuals deemed necessary for their work.This report will be put at the disposal of the international experts, as well as any other judicial institution addressing the human rights situation in the Kasais, in an effort to advance accountability efforts in this regard.

Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 4-08-2017 03:02 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
Probe Confirms S Korean Intel Service Meddled in 2011, 2012 General Elections

Sputnik News

19:03 03.08.2017

The South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) was involved in influencing the results of parliamentary elections in the country in 2011 and 2012, an investigation found, as reported by local media Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The investigation also confirmed that the NIS was involved in influencing the results of the 2012 presidential election, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing the special task force established on the request of recently elected President Moon Jae-in.

NIS created up to 30 "extra-departmental teams" for such activities, the probe showed.

The task force said Won Sei-hoon, who ruled the NIS in 2009  2013, was responsible for the election abuses. In 2015 he was already sentenced to three years in jail over the NIS meddling into the 2012 presidential campaign by posting mass messages critical of Moon, who lost the election having ceded to Park Geun-hye.

The task force also confirmed that the NIS put some major opposition politicians under secret surveillance.

The investigation team is also probing a dozen of other cases of NIS abuses.

 Sputnik

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Germany Claims Vietnam Kidnapped Asylum-Seeker Wanted By Hanoi

By Ha Nguyen, Trung Nguyen August 03, 2017

The German government has condemned Vietnam's "unprecedented and blatant violation" of German and international law by kidnapping a Vietnamese citizen seeking asylum in Berlin and returning him to Hanoi to face criminal charges.

The German foreign ministry expelled a Vietnamese intelligence officer and summoned Vietnam's ambassador to hear a complaint that the incident "has the potential to have a massive negative impact on relations between Germany and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam."

A statement issued in Berlin Wednesday said senior German officials have "no reasonable doubt" that Vietnamese security services and embassy staff carried out the kidnapping last week of Trinh Xuan Thanh, 51, an executive of the state-owned energy company PetroVietnam, which has been the target of recent corruption investigations that have ensnared government and business leaders. Thanh is accused of responsibility for nearly $150 million in losses by a division of PetroVietnam at a time when he headed that group.

Seized by armed men

A Vietnamese-language newspaper and German media reported that armed men accosted and seized Thanh in Berlin's Tiergarten, a large forested park in the German capital, July 23, the day before he was to appear for a hearing on his request for political asylum in Germany.

Thanh, a former high-ranking member Vietnam's Communist Party, turned up in Hanoi this past Monday. Police in the Vietnamese capital claimed he decided to turn himself in, 10 months after an international warrant was issued seeking his arrest.

The Hanoi police did not explain how Thanh made his way from Berlin or why he returned home. No pictures of him have been published and family members were said to have been unaware that he was back in Vietnam.

The German foreign ministry said Chancellor Angela Merkel's government was demanding that Thanh be allowed to travel back to Germany immediately, so authorities there could examine both his asylum application and Vietnam's request for his extradition. In addition, a spokesman for the German foreign ministry, Martin Schaefer, told reporters: "We reserve the right to draw further consequences, if necessary, at a political, economic and development policy level."

In Hanoi, no comment

VOA asked the Vietnamese foreign ministry to comment on the case but received no response. Media reports in Germany said the Vietnamese embassy in Berlin was not responding to any inquiries.

Vietnam's current anti-corruption drive marks a period of change and maneuvering within the country's Communist Party.

"Massive corruption has been like rust eating away at the authority of the legitimacy of the Communist Party of Vietnam," Professor Carl Thayer told VOA from Australia.

Thayer, an emeritus professor of the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defense Force Academy, explained: "This has been openly acknowledged by top party officials for well over a decade. Each major corruption case is judged not only on the financial loss to the state, but also on its impact on political stability.

"I liken anti-corruption campaigns to campaigns to end prostitution," Thayer continued. "They are never-ending, because human greed is involved and officials will take risks."

Quick promotions for Thanh

Thanh, a Hanoi native, graduated from the Hanoi University of Architecture in 1990 and then worked until 1995 in Germany, which currently is Vietnam's largest trading partner in the European Union.

After returning to Vietnam, he advanced rapidly through a series of executive positions of increasing responsibility, at a state-owned technology and economic development company, a state-owned civil and industrial construction company and, in 2007, PetroVietnam Construction Joint Stock Corporation. He was chairman from 2009-2013, and was awarded a Laborers' Hero in the Renovation Era medal in 2011.

Thanh moved into the government realm in September 2013 as deputy chief of office and head of the representative office of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in the central province of Da Nang.

In early June last year, Thanh landed in the spotlight after a photograph of him driving a privately owned car bearing government number plates was posted online.

Tripped up by privilege

An uproar ensued as people questioned why Thanh, then a deputy chairman of the southern province of Hau Giang, was assigned a government plate. After review by authorized agencies, the province's leaders admitted they had made a mistake.

However, the outcry caught the attention of the head of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, who on June 9, 2016, called for an investigation of Thanh's activities. That scrutiny uncovered losses of $147 million at PetroVietnam during Thanh's tenure.

In July 2016, Thanh requested annual leave. The following month, he requested sick leave for medical treatment overseas, and then disappeared.

By mid-September, Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security had charged Thanh, along with four others, with mismanagement at a subsidiary of the national oil and gas giant PetroVietnam, had removed him as a member of the Communist Party, and had issued an international warrant for his arrest.

The resulting worldwide manhunt for Thanh appeared to be fruitless until the recent events in Berlin.

One report this week indicated the two governments involved had discussed the Thanh case before he was abducted in Berlin.

The Associated Press said Germany's foreign ministry spokesman, Martin Schaefer, confirmed that German and Vietnamese officials discussed Hanoi's request for Thanh's extradition during a meeting in Hamburg July 7-8, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit.

This report originated on VOA Vietnamese.

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In South Sudan, UN peacekeeping chief says regional engagement 'good thing' for peace process

2 August 2017  The United Nations peacekeeping chief said today the involvement of eastern African countries in revitalizing the peace process in South Sudan was among the main topics he discussed with that nation's President, describing such regional engagement "a good thing."

"We discussed the initiative of IGAD towards the revitalization of the peace process," said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, in the South Sudanese capital, Juba, following a meeting with President Salva Kiir.

Mr. Lacroix, on his first official visit to South Sudan, added there was a convergence of opinion that it was "a good thing" that the countries forming the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are more engaged in helping South Sudan and its people.

These countries are Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda.

The conflict in South Sudan began in December 2013 as a result of political face-off between President Salva Kiir and then First Vice-President Riek Machar. Despite the August 2015 peace agreement, violence has continued. To date, the crisis has left more than 5.5 million people in need of aid and some 1.7 million refugees have also fled to neighbouring countries.

Last month, the IGAD agreed to set up a high-level forum to work across the region to get the South Sudanese peace process back on track.

According to the UN Mission, known as UNMISS, South Sudan's Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Lomuro told the press that "the President sent very clear message on what he would like the UN to do," noting that the President would like the IGAD, UNMISS or the UN to "reach out to those rebels who are holding citizens hostages and to engage them and to bring them to the table to talk to one another in order to bring peace."

Mr. Lacroix met with senior Government officials including the First Vice-President Taban Deng, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deng Alor.

The peacekeeping chief said that there was a "shared understanding" with the government that "actions and initiatives to advance peace are important" and that they have to be put in place "to accelerate the implementation of the Peace Agreement and bring sustainable peace" to the world's youngest nation.

Mr. Lacroix underlined that the peace process could not move forward if fighting continued. He pledged the continued support of the UN towards providing aid for the most vulnerable people in South Sudan.

"UN humanitarian agencies are doing their best to help South Sudanese and we look forward to further cooperation with the Government so that we can access populations in distress wherever the needs are."

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Coalition-Backed Syrian Forces Close in on Raqqa Despite ISIS Tactics, Official Says

By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2017  Syrian Democratic Forces continue to progress every day in their fight to retake Raqqa, Syria, from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria control despite the enemy's fierce and suicidal tactics, the spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve told reporters at the Pentagon today.

"Fighting in Raqqa continues to be intense as fanatical ISIS dead-enders and foreign terrorist fighters left to die use the dense urban environment to try to cling to territory," Army Col. Ryan Dillon said from Baghdad by teleconference.

ISIS continues to use the closely spaced buildings and tight streets of the city to hide large improvised explosive devices, attempting to slow the advances of the SDF, which is clawing away at remaining hiding places, the spokesman said. More than 80 percent of the ISIS attacks against the SDF stem from hidden IEDs, he added.

Small Gap Between Two Axes

The SDF is advancing from three axes from the east, the west and south of the Euphrates River, Dillon said, adding that as of this morning, a 250-meter gap, about 820 feet, remains between the east and west axes.

"That can be covered by fire, but it's only a short amount of time before there's an actual, physical linkup there," he added.

In cleared sections of the city, the volunteer Raqqa internal security forces are making sure terrorists neither escape from nor return to Raqqa, Dillon said. The force is about 800 strong, with 230 newly trained members added this week, he noted.

Mosul Clearing Continues

In Iraq, the coalition continues to support Iraqi security forces as they clear Mosul and prepare for offensive operations in Tal Afar, the spokesman said. "[The] Iraqi Army Emergency Response Division and Counter Terrorism Service will transition security to hold forces in West Mosul here shortly," he added. "The [Iraqi forces] are firmly in control of Mosul."

As areas in Mosul become more secure, the colonel noted, humanitarian aid and multiple projects can get underway in the hardest-hit neighborhoods following the collapse of ISIS control.

"There was a surge this week of engineers that assessed some 200 schools, 20 electrical substations, seven sewage treatment plants, two hospitals and several police stations in West Mosul," Dillon said.

Schools have reopened in cleared parts of the city, and electricity has been connected to a water treatment facility that is expected to soon provide clean drinking water to several hundred thousand Moslawis in West Mosul, he noted. "And these are just a few of the many projects decided by local governments to return to life after ISIS," he added.

The enemy poses a global threat because of its commitment to plot, direct and incite terror attacks and its ability to recruit, move and finance the terrorists who commit those attacks, Dillon said.

"The coalition will not stop targeting ISIS terrorists in Iraq and Syria until this threat is removed, the region is secure, and our homelands are safe," he told reporters.

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End of dark presence of al-Nusra Front in Lebanon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Beirut, Aug 3, IRNA -- By departure of the last bus carrying forces of Al-Nusra and their families from Arsal Heights in Lebanon the dark presence of this Takfiri terrorist group ended in Lebanon after 3 years.

The departure process for 7,777 persons from Arsal Heights for Idlib city in Syria started on Wednesday by 116 buses and 17 ambulances.

The departure process began Following agreement on Thursday July 27 and after six days of war between Lebanese Resistance Forces against Al-Nusra Front.

According to the agreement, Al-Nusra forces, their families and a number of refugees resided in Arsal Heights camps, which were eager to return to Syria, are to transfer to Syria in full security.

Al-Nusra is to release 8 captives of Hezbollah forces upon agreement.

Three captives were released on Wednesday evening and the rest of five are to be released after completion of departing process of al-Nusra forces from Lebanon.

Last week military operation by resistance forces with support of Lebanese armed forces and people could achieve liberation of around 100 square kilometers of Lebanon territory and was an important step in fight against terrorism.

Parts of Lebanon territory are still in occupation of Daesh terrorist group and liberation operation is to be begun soon.

1391**2050

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PLA Daily calls for withdrawal of trespassing Indian border troops

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 17:20, August 03, 2017

The People's Liberation Army's (PLA) flagship newspaper Thursday called for the immediate withdrawal of Indian border troops trespassing in China, warning India not to harbor any illusions about the Chinese military's resolve to defend its territory.

"The Chinese government will make no concession on territorial sovereignty, and any country should not underestimate our resolve to uphold territorial sovereignty," said a commentary in the PLA Daily.

Over 270 Indian troops crossed the Sikkim section of the China-India border and obstructed Chinese road works in the Dong Lang area (Doklam) on June 18. As of the end of July, over 40 members of the Indian military and one bulldozer remained in Chinese territory.

Chinese border troops have taken initial counter measures at the area and will step up targeted measures, according to the commentary.

"The Chinese military does not demand a single inch of other's land and it won't give an inch of its own territory to others," it said.

The newspaper also said that the PLA would always be a strong and elite force, which was capable of winning battles at the command of the Communist Party of China.

"The Chinese people love peace," it said. "We have no intention of aggression or expansion, however, we have confidence in defeating all aggression."

"China 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," the commentary said.

Peace and development have become the theme of this era, it said.

The commentary urged India to acquire a clear understanding of the general trend of the world and contribute more to regional and world peace and development, instead of acting in reverse.

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China warns India of 'serious consequences' over border

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 6:36PM

China has accused neighboring India of adding troops and constructing roads along its side of the border amid increasing tensions over a standoff in a remote frontier region in the Himalayas.

The standoff broke out on June 18 when New Delhi's military forces moved into Doklam, a remote plateau in the Himalayas, which is also claimed by India's ally, Bhutan.

India claims it is legally obliged to aid Bhutan against what it calls China's advances into the disputed territory, amid reports that Chinese forces are building a road there.

On Thursday, Chinese officials urged Indian troops to withdraw immediately, warning of "serious consequences" if they did not.

"It has already been more than a month since the incident, and India is still not only illegally remaining on Chinese territory, it is also repairing roads in the rear, stocking up supplies, massing a large number of armed personnel," China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"This is certainly not for peace," it warned. "If India really cherishes peace, it ought to immediately withdraw its personnel who have illegally crossed the border into the Indian side."

Chinese Deputy Chief of Mission Liu Jinsong said, "The crossing of the boundary line by Indian troops into the territory of China using the pretext of security concerns for a third party [Bhutan] is illegal."

On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry published a 15-page statement protesting to India.

China says despite its numerous diplomatic representations, India has not only not withdrawn its troops but has also been making "unreasonable demands."

Last month, China's Defense Ministry warned India "not to harbor any illusions about the the disputed territory."

"Do not push your luck and cling to any fantasies," ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a press conference on July 24.

Chinese media have warned India of a fate worse than the defeat it suffered in a brief border war in 1962 in which China emerged victorious.

The nuclear-armed powers share a 3,500-kilometer border, much of it disputed between the two neighbors.

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Lebanon's Hezbollah formally announces end to Arsal operation

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 3:20PM

Hezbollah has formally announced an end to a security operation aimed at clearing the Lebanese town of Arsal on the border with Syria of al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front terrorists.

In a statement on Thursday, the Lebanese resistance movement said its fighters had regained control over all areas in Arsal, which lies 124km northeast of Beirut, and flushed all militants out of the region.

Media reports earlier confirmed that fighters from Hezbollah were seen manning positions around the Syrian town of Flita, near the Lebanese border.

The announcement comes days after Hezbollah and the Syrian army launched an offensive to drive out militants from their last stronghold in the border area between the two countries.

Hezbollah fighters have now moved into the areas after terrorists of Nusra Front, now known as Fateh al-Sham Front, withdrew following a series of consecutive defeats, which forced them to agree to a ceasefire.

Under the deal, Syrian government will shuttle the militants and their families to Idlib Province and some other areas. About 7,000 militants and members of their families left Arsal on Wednesday.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said their convoy had arrived in the Hama countryside in Syria and that preparations had begun to transfer them to another area.

Hezbollah chief, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, said last week that the liberation of the border region, known for its harsh geographical features, by Hezbollah forces and their allies in the Lebanese and Syrian armies was indeed a great achievement.

Nasrallah also hailed the sacrifices made by the Lebanese military in the fight against terrorists, saying the army proved that it was a real partner for the resistance.

He said Lebanon's military and security officials played a major role in the operation and facilitated victories against the Nusra Front terrorists.

Nasrallah said the operation to recapture the border area was almost complete and nearly 100 percent of the territories that were under the control of Takfiri terrorists were liberated.

Hezbollah launched a major push in mid-July to clear both sides of Lebanon's border with Syria of armed terrorists.

In August 2014, Fateh al-Sham Front and Daesh terrorists overran Arsal, killing a number of Lebanese soldiers and taking 30 others hostage, most of whom have now been released.

Since then, Hezbollah and the Lebanese military have been defending Lebanon on the country's northeastern frontier against foreign-backed terrorist groups from neighboring Syria.

Hezbollah fighters have fended off several Daesh attacks inside Lebanon. They have also been providing assistance to Syrian army forces to counter the ongoing foreign-sponsored militancy.

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Trump wants Afghan commander fired because US 'losing' war

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 6:27AM

US President Donald Trump has said in a recent meeting with his national security team that the United States is "losing" in Afghanistan, according to a new report.

During the July 19 meeting in the White House Situation Room, Trump wanted to fire Army General John Nicholson, commander of US forces in Afghanistan, over his failure to improve security situation in the country where the United States sent forces about 16 years ago to defeat the Taliban but the militant group is still fully operative.

Trump asked Defense Secretary James Mattis and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford, a Marine general, to consider firing General Nicholson for not winning the war, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"We aren't winning," Trump complained, the officials told the news network. "We are losing."

General Nicholson has been the commander of US forces in Afghanistan since March 2016. Trump's military advisers reportedly offered to arrange a meeting between the president and the general in order to help ease concerns, but Trump did not meet him.

In February, Nicholson was the first to call the war a stalemate and said that several thousand troops should be added to around 10,000 troops already stationed in the war-ravaged country to support the Afghan security forces against Taliban militants.

The United States -- under Republican George W. Bush's presidency -- and its allies invaded Afghanistan on October 7, 2001 as part of Washington's so-called war on terror.

Washington claims that the massive military presence in Afghanistan is only aimed at maintaining security across the country until Afghan military forces are ready to take over the responsibility.

However, according to Professor Dennis Etler, Afghanistan serves as an essential staging ground for the US imperialism to destabilize the heart of Eurasia and disrupt its integration into Russia's Eurasian Economic Union and China's One Belt, One Road initiative.

Etler, an American political analyst who has a decades-long interest in international affairs, told Press TV that the United States is not interested in establishing peace in Afghanistan.

"They will always try to use it as a staging ground for intervention throughout the region and as a card to play in its geo-political deckUS forces will try to remain in Afghanistan in perpetuity," the scholar said.

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Maduro dismisses vote rigging charge, delays launch of new assembly

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 5:42AM

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has rejected an allegation that the recent vote on the powerful national assembly was rigged, calling the claim a "reaction by the international enemy."

"Nothing can stain this process, because it's transparent," said the Venezuelan leader at a meeting with the delegates elected to the new Constituent Assembly on Wednesday.

According to the official figures released after Sunday's vote, some eight million legitimate voters cast their ballots to elect a 545-seat assembly, which will be capable of rewriting the country's constitution and dissolving the current opposition-led legislature.

However, the UK-based Smartmatic Group, a multinational electronic voting company that provided nearly 24,000 voting machines for Venezuelans to cast their votes electronically, claimed Wednesday that the turnout figures had been "tampered with."

"We estimate the difference between the actual participation and the one announced by authorities is at least one million votes," further said Smartmatic CEO Antonio Mugica at a news briefing in London.

Maduro, however, accused the international software firm of bowing to US pressure to cast doubt over the assembly, vowing that the electoral authorities would carry out a "100 percent audit."

The Venezuelan leader not only defended the official count of over 8 million votes cast, but said another additional 2 million people would have participated in the election if they had not been blocked by anti-government protesters.

The assembly was initially scheduled to commence work on Thursday, but Maduro postponed the launch to Friday in the face of opposition plans for widespread protests.

"It has been proposed that the installation of the National Constituent Assembly, instead of being held tomorrow, be organized in peace and calm, with all necessary protocol, on Friday at 11:00 a.m. (1500 GMT)," he said.

The National Electoral Council (CNE), considered by the opposition as Maduro's mouthpiece, for its part, criticized the vote-tampering accusation in a statement, calling it "an irresponsible contention based on estimates with no grounding in the data."

On Monday, Venezuelan Attorney General Luisa Ortega, a vocal dissenter in Maduro's government, also said she would not recognize the newly-elected assembly, calling it an expression of "dictatorial ambition."

The opposition legislators in the National Assembly have already announced that they would not recognize "the fraudulent and illegitimate" Constituent Assembly.

The election was held amid a wave of deadly clashes and violence, with protesters attacking polling stations and barricading streets.

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.

While Venezuela's old allies, Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Russia, supported the Sunday vote for the formation of the new 545-member body, the United States, the European Union, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Canada and Peru denounced the vote, saying the Constituent Assembly can destroy the Venezuelan democracy and institutionalize autocracy there.

Venezuela, an impoverished but oil-rich country, has been suffering from a persistent economic crisis in recent years, which in turn, has created a widening political crisis. Maduro blames the crisis on the US, saying Washington has incited the opposition.

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Trump Proposed Firing U.S. Army Commander In Afghanistan: Reports

RFE/RL August 03, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump recently proposed firing the top U.S. Army commander in Afghanistan out of frustration that the war against the Taliban there remains stalemated, media reports said on August 2.

Trump reportedly fumed about the lack of progress during a meeting last month with advisers and demanded to know what the end game would be in a war that has lasted 16 year so far, according to AP, NBC News, Reuters, and other media reports, citing anonymous U.S. officials.

The meeting got stormy when Trump said Defense Secretary James Mattis and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford should consider firing Army General John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, because he was not winning the war.

Reuters reported that Trump also argued that the United States should demand a share of Afghanistan's estimated $1 trillion in mineral wealth in exchange for U.S. assistance to the Afghan government.

Reuters said Trump complained that the Chinese are profiting from mining operations in Afghanistan while the United States bears the cost of the war.

The meeting took place the day after Trump invited a group of Afghan war veterans to lunch at the White House to brainstorm for ideas on how to win the war.

"I'm going to be talking to you about Afghanistan, what you think, your views," Trump said to the group, telling reporters, "These are people on the ground  know it probably better than anybody."

"We've been there for now close to 17 years," Trump said, "and I want to find out why we've been there for 17 years, how it's going, and what we should do in terms of additional ideas. I've heard plenty of ideas from a lot of people, but I want to hear it from the people on the ground."

The Pentagon has been preparing a new strategy for Afghanistan, and word has leaked that Mattis is recommending an increase in U.S. troops of about 4,000 to the current NATO coalition force of 8,400. But nothing has as yet been approved by Trump.

Another meeting of top Trump advisers is scheduled for August 4, Reuters said.

With reporting by AP, NBC New, and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-proposed-firing -us-army-commander-afghanistan-nicholson- media-reports/28656109.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Explosions At Munitions Depot In Abkhazia Kill Two Russians

August 03, 2017

Two Russian citizens were killed by explosions that ripped through a munitions depot in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia on August 2.

Abkhazia's de facto interior minister, Aslan Kobakhia, said on August 3 that at least 64 people, including 35 Russian tourists, were injured by the explosions at a military arsenal in the village of Primorskoye near the Black Sea.

Mizan Lomia, spokesman of Abkhazia's de facto Emergencies Ministry, said on August 3 that three women from Russia were riding horses near the depot when the explosions took place.

Two of the women, Yelena Panakova, 47, and Yelena Timofeyeva, 55, were killed by the blasts.

Kobakhia said that 27 people, including two children, were hospitalized.

Abkhazia declared its independence from Georgia in the early 1990s as the Soviet Union collapsed. Moscow effectively gained control over the 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 and keeps thousands of troops there.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence during a visit to Tbilisi this week denounced what he described as "Russia's occupation on Georgian soil."

Based on reporting by apsny.ge, Interfax, TASS, AP, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/explosions-munitions- depot-abkhazia-black-sea-injure-dozens -russian-tourists/28656025.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Karimov's Last Supper

Bruce Pannier August 03, 2017

On the evening of July 27, the high and mighty of Uzbekistan gathered for a dinner in Tashkent to honor the memory of the country's first president, Islam Karimov, who died last year.

The choice of date itself was interesting because, in accordance with Uzbek custom, it appeared to mark 11 months since Karimov's death. This would seem to indicate he died on August 27, the day he had his stroke, and not September 2, when his death was officially announced.

In any case, President Shavkat Mirziyoev; the head of the security service, Rustam Inoyatov; Prime Minister Abdullo Aripov; and others, including leading religious figures, assembled in Tashkent to offer one last round of praise to the man to whom many of them owed their careers and their success.

The next day, they started to tear Karimov's legacy apart.

The first salvo came at the weakest link in Karimov's family: his eldest daughter, Gulnara Karimova.

The would-be international socialite had fallen from grace several years before, as her connections to illegal business deals started to become public.

Apparently too dangerous and embarrassing to be allowed to roam free, Gulnara was detained and placed under house arrest in Uzbekistan in 2014. Early photographs showing her incarceration at home were the last images ever seen of her.

The Uzbek Prosecutor-General's Office officially placed her under arrest only recently, on July 28, and for the first time it became known that Gulnara had been under investigation in Uzbekistan since late 2013 and had been convicted in August 2015 and sentenced to five years of "limited freedom" -- meaning, in this case, house arrest.

A statement from the Prosecutor-General's Office said Gulnara's illegal activities had cost Uzbekistan some $2 billion and that investigations were still "ongoing to track down other assets belonging to [Gulnara's] criminal group ensuring their return to Uzbekistan."

OK, most people in Uzbekistan knew about Gulnara. In one of the cables posted by WikiLeaks, a U.S. diplomat purportedly described her as "the most hated person in Uzbekistan." Demonizing Gulnara is easy for Uzbek authorities.

But on July 30, Uzbekistan's new round-the-clock television channel -- Uzbekistan 24 -- aired a program that essentially praised President Mirziyoev but mentioned that he was battling difficulties he had inherited.

The program never mentioned Karimov by name but contained phrases such as: "The announcement, from the first hours of [Mirziyoev's] rule, that relations with close neighbors were not a battle for dominance, but on the contrary, sincerity and trust for one another..."

Uzbekistan's ties with its immediate neighbors were strained, to say the least, when Karimov was president.

Great credit should go Mirziyoev for the progress his government has made in less than one year in its relations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. The program on Uzbekistan 24 mentioned that "problems...were resolved not by asserting claims, emphasizing superiority, and acting like a gamecock, but by a single kind word and unceasing work..."

Uzbekistan's economy is having a hard time and is reflected in the black-market rate, which is now about twice the official rate, of around 4,000 Uzbek soms to one U.S. dollar.

The program noted this also, describing the economic policy as "disgraceful" and saying: "All the criticisms toward Uzbekistan from leading economic organizations, all the accusations of unprofessionalism by all specialists, were voiced only because of the hard-currency policy."

And again, according to the program, "all these problems are gradually being resolved thanks to the reforms started by [Mirziyoev]."

Uzbekistan certainly does have problems, and it is true these problems originated during Karimov's time in power.

Since Mirziyoev took over as Uzbekistan's leader, many authorities on Central Asia have been watching to see how much Uzbekistan's second president would resemble Turkmenistan's second president, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov.

Berdymukhammedov started out with fair words and some efforts at improvement, but after a year or two he settled into the style of rule his predecessor, Saparmurat Niyazov, had practiced -- one characterized by the notion of an infallible, omnipotent leader.

One big difference here is that Berdymukhammedov came to power when Turkmenistan was becoming richer from its gas sales, which in turn were helped by higher world prices and the appearance of China as a gas customer.

There was a knock-on effect on the standard of living in Turkmenistan.

Berdymukhammedov had no need for a scapegoat.

Mirziyoev came to power at a time when Uzbekistan was facing a serious economic crisis. Inevitably, he needed to find something, or someone, to blame for the poor situation in his country.

He has found someone, and the case of Gulnara and veiled criticisms of Uzbekistan's first president are probably only the start of a campaign that portrays Mirziyoev as bringing Uzbekistan to its feet after his predecessor brought the country to its knees.

RFE/RL Uzbek Service Director Alisher Sidik and Sirojiddin Tolibov of the Uzbek Service contributed to this report.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan- karimov-mirziyoev-gulnara-criticism- crisis-scapegoats/28657328.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Going Under? Indonesia Gets First New Attack Submarines Since 1980s

Sputnik News

22:00 03.08.2017(updated 22:51 03.08.2017)

This week the Indonesian Navy commissioned its first attack submarine in 34 years, as the country seeks to expand its abilities in underwater warfare. The commissioning ceremony was held at the southeast Okpo shipyard on Geoje Island, and was attended by Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu.

On Wednesday, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME), a South Korean defense contractor, handed over the first of three Type 209/1400 Chang Bogo-class diesel-electric attack submarines ordered by Jakarta.

Indonesia has not received new submarines since three German Type 209/1300 Cakraclass, diesel-electric attack submarines were delivered in the 1980s.

The Diplomat reports that South Korea will also build the second sub in this class, though the third will be constructed by PT PAL, an Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder based in the port city of Surabaya and with the assistance of DSME.

The vessels were commissioned under a 2011 deal between South Korea and Indonesia worth $1.1 billion for the three Nagapasa-class diesel-electric submarines.

IHS Jane's Navy International reports that the new submarine will be homeported at Watusampu in Central Sulawesi province and that it was given the name KRI Nagapasa with the pennant number 403.

The Nagapasa was inducted into the Tentara Nasional Indonesia  Angkatan Laut (Indonesian Navy) the same day it was handed over.

There are also plans for Indonesia to build a new submarine base on the largest island in the South China Sea's Natuna Islands archipelago, Natuna Island. The vessel underwent extensive sea and builder trials off the Korean coast, and was originally to be delivered in March but was held up four months for reasons that are not clear.

With an operational range of approximately 10,000 nautical miles, the 1,400-ton multi-purpose vessels are capable of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, along with Special Forces missions. They will be operated by 40 crew members, feature 533mm tubes for guided missiles and torpedoes, and are expected to be in service for at least 30 years.

South Korea is now the fifth country in the world to have exported a submarine, joining the ranks of France, Germany, the UK and Russia.

 Sputnik

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New Aftergrowth in India, China Doklam Dispute

Sputnik News

10:47 03.08.2017

In documents released by the Chinese foreign ministry and the Chinese Embassy in India, Beijing has claimed that a number of Indian troops at Doklam have come down to 40 plus from 400 at one point.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  India said the Chinese claims about troop withdrawal from the Doklam are not true. Indian defense sources said the forces stand as they had previously against the Chinese troops.

"As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory," the report named, 'Facts and China's Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops' Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory', claimed.

In the report, China has mentioned several photographs and comments from former leaders and conventions to justify its claim on the Doklam standoff area. In one photograph, it is being seen that dozens of troops along with two military vehicles trespassed and are trying to stop road ongoing construction works by China.

It has also quoted two letters written by former Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru to Chinese Premier Chou En-Lai in 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," the letter read.

China has also added a new reference of May 10, 2006, besides the 1890 convention and the 1959-60 letters which say, "Both sides agree on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim Sector." Also for the first time, China publicly claims that it "notified" India about the road building as a "goodwill" gesture.

"China did not cross the boundary in its road building, and it notified India in advance in full reflection of China's goodwill. The Indian border troops have flagrantly crossed the mutually-recognized boundary to intrude into the Chinese territory and violated China's territorial sovereignty," it says.

It is alleged that 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.

 Sputnik

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Abkhazia Depot Blast Kills Two Russian Nationals - Emergencies Ministry

Sputnik News

10:23 03.08.2017(updated 10:39 03.08.2017)

Two Russian nationals were found dead in Abkhazia depot after a blast injured scores of people, the Abkhazian Emergencies Ministry told Sputnik on Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Bodies of two Russian nationals were found in the near the munitions depot in Abkhazia where a blast injured scores of people, the Abkhazian Emergencies Ministry told Sputnik on Thursday.

"We were looking for three people  We found two bodies, of Yelena Polyakova, born in 1970 and Yelena Timofeeva, born in 1962. They were both from St Petersburg," a ministerial spokesman said.

The explosion tore through the depot in the village of Primorskoye on Wednesday afternoon. The blaze was put out late at night and detonations stopped.

A blast at a munitions depot in Abkhazia, a former Georgian territory, has injured 60 people, some of them gravely, a Health Ministry spokesman told Sputnik.

 Sputnik

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NATO Chief Condemns Deadly Attack on NATO Convoy in Afghanistan

Sputnik News

10:30 03.08.2017(updated 13:02 03.08.2017)

NATO Secretary General condemned on Thursday the attack on a NATO convoy in Afghanistan which claimed lives of two US soldiers.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned on Thursday the attack on a NATO convoy in Afghanistan which claimed lives of two US soldiers.

"I strongly condemn yesterday's attack on a NATO convoy in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan, which left two US soldiers dead and four more wounded  This cowardly and brutal attack will not deter us in our mission to help the Afghan security forces stabilise their country, and prevent it from ever again becoming a safe haven for international terrorism," Stoltenberg said in a statement.

The secretary general offered his condolences to the families of the killed servicemen and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.

On Wednesday, media reports emerged that an explosion took place in Kandahar, with the attacker targeting a security forces convoy carrying international troops. According to the TOLOnews broadcaster, the troops were heading for an airport when the attack occurred. The explosion reportedly damaged one of the vehicles in the convoy. Earlier in the day, the NATO Resolute Support Mission public affairs office confirmed this information, reporting that two NATO soldiers were killed and another four wounded.

The United States launched an anti-terrorist military operation in Afghanistan in 2001, with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) contingent later deployed in the country after the UN Security Council authorized the move. The US-ISAF anti-terrorist coalition was engaged in fighting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda extremist groups, both of which are outlawed in Russia.

NATO withdrew its military contingent from Afghanistan in 2014, replacing it with a non-military Resolute Support mission. Its objective is to train, advise and assist Afghan National Defense and Security Forces in preserving peace and stability in the country. However, in 2015, Islamic State terrorist group (IS, outlawed in Russia) expanded its presence in Afghanistan, destabilizing the situation there.

 Sputnik

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Philippine President Asks Lawmakers to Fund Increase in Troops by 20,000 People

Sputnik News

05:14 03.08.2017(updated 07:30 03.08.2017)

Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon said that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called on the country's Senate and House of Representatives to support budgetary funding for additional 20,000 soldiers in the military.

MOSCOW(Sputnik)  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called on the country's Senate and House of Representatives to support budgetary funding for additional 20,000 soldiers in the military in order to combat the terrorist threat, posed by the Islamic State terrorist group (Daesh) on the southern island of Mindanao, Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon said Wednesday.

According to the CNN Philippines broadcaster, Duterte held a meeting with the lawmakers on Tuesday evening, informing them about the terrorist threat and the IS plans to carry out the attacks in Mindanao. The broadcaster added, citing Drilon, that the president urged lawmakers to agree on increase in troops by 20,000 new soldiers.

"He informed us of that renewed threat because the secretary of national defense has requested for additional manpower, and, therefore, that would require budgetary allocation," Drilon said, as quoted by the broadcaster.

The martial law was declared in Mindanao in May after the outbreak of the conflict between the Philippine security forces and the Islamic extremists, affiliated with Daesh, including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf jihadist groups. In May, the Mauete group attempted to storm the city of Marawi on the Mindanao island and the clashes has already led to the deaths of 100 people. On July 22, the Philippine lawmakers approved the extension of the martial law in the southern Mindanao region until December 31, 2017, as requested earlier by Duterte.

 Sputnik

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Last al-Nusra Front Militants in Lebanese Camps Cross Back Into Syria

Sputnik News

03:37 03.08.2017

Sources with Lebanon's Hezbollah movement reported that buses with Syrian militants and their families who were staying in Lebanese refugee camps crossed back into Syria late on Wednesday.

BEIRUT (Sputnik)  Buses with Syrian militants and their families who were staying in Lebanese refugee camps crossed back into Syria late on Wednesday, sources with Lebanon's Hezbollah movement told Sputnik.

Members of Jabhat Fatah al Sham terror group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front were granted safe passage to Syria through the mountainous Aarsal region on the Lebanese-Syrian border as part of a pact to free Hezbollah prisoners.

"The expulsion of Nusra militants, their relatives and those willing to follow them is over. A total of 116 buses have departed," the source said, adding this number included vehicles with health aid workers.

A source in the Lebanese militant movement told Sputnik earlier that a total of 7,777 people  fighters and others  were to leave Lebanese territory under the arrangement.

The withdrawal followed Hezbollah's recent gains in fighting against Syrian militants in Aarsal, a major arms and gunmen smuggling hub. Islamists have also been using Syrian refugee camps there as hideouts and recruitment grounds.

 Sputnik

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UN Standing Police Capacity fills critical need in peace operations, underscores outgoing chief

3 August 2017  Over the past 10 years, the United Nations Standing Police Capacity has filled a critical need in global peace operations by providing them with readily available police expertise, according to the outgoing head of the unit, who says she is proud to have played a part in putting the SPC "on the map," while also highlighting the need to recruit more women officers to carry out this important work.

After the Security Council gives the green light to establish a new peace operation, the staff members serving with the SPC provide start-up capability for the police components within those missions. They also assist existing missions with a wide range of expertise, including in transnational organized crime, community-oriented policing and gender advisory services.

The experts serving with the SPC "assist the mission when there is a gap, maybe a key function that needs to be filled," explained Maria Appelblom, who has served for three years as the Chief of the SPC and is one of the most senior police women in the Organization.

Tasks performed by the unit include helping to start up missions to assisting with elections. Ms. Appelblom noted, for example, that one of her team leaders filled the position of Police Commissioner of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) for seven months.

Women in Demand

Female police officers serving with the UN serve as role models for the local population and are vital for helping women in host communities feel secure, Ms. Appelblom stated, while underscoring the need for the Organization to recruit more women for these critical functions.

A strong gender advocate, Ms. Appelblom noted that after a woman has been raped she may not feel comfortable talking to another man. "And in some cultures, it is very difficult for a woman to talk to a man in general," she added. This is one reason why female police officers are so important within UN peace operations.

"One of the global efforts that the [UN] Police Division is working on is to have an increase in female officers. The aim is 20 per cent by 2020," she noted.

While some people might say there is too much focus on the numbers, Ms. Appelblom feels that it is important "that we focus on the figures as well as other mainstreaming initiatives because there needs to be a critical mass of women in order to actually influence the situation."

The Swedish national, who completes her assignment with the UN on 4 August, said she intends to remain involved with efforts to encourage the participation of women in peace operations.

"We have a wide range of initiatives in the pipeline where I am still going to be engaged, where we are going to do further research into the obstacles for female officers to join the UN, both on the national and the UN level," she stated, alluding to the possibility of piloting a mentorship programme.

She added that she wants to push countries, including her own, to send qualified police officers, especially women, to the UN.

Looking back, moving forward

The SPC has helped missions to implement their mandates by working on a host of issues. Ms. Appelblom recalled that the unit has helped with the establishment of police units at the national and local levels to tackle sexual and gender-based violence, and assisted with the recruitment of national police officers, just to name a few of its achievements.

She said she was proud to have her motto realized: "Putting SPC on the map."

"My greatest achievement is that I've been able to enhance the deployments, doing a lot of outreach, making the SPC known," she said, adding that the requests for the unit's services are constantly increasing.

Looking toward the future, she hopes that SPC can be a part of the mission "in all of its different phases," such as peace negotiations, mission start-up, the transition, the drawdown and also working with the country team once the mission has departed.

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Mauritania: UN rights office voices concern about unrest ahead of constitutional referendum

3 August 2017  The United Nations human rights office today expressed concern about the ongoing unrest in Mauritania, ahead of the constitutional referendum scheduled for Saturday, particularly the apparent suppression of dissenting voices and the reported use of excessive force by the authorities against protest leaders.

"Protests have been taking place daily since 21 July, led by opposition politicians calling for a boycott of the vote," said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in a statement.

"The authorities reportedly did not respond to the majority of requests for authorization for the protests and actively dispersed gatherings. In several cases, protest leaders were reportedly beaten up and a number of them were arrested," she added.

An amendment to Mauritania's constitution, which would abolish the Senate and change the national flag, is put to a vote in the referendum.

Mass protests are planned this afternoon in Nouakchott and reports suggest that the Senate building has been cordoned off by the police and the gendarmerie.

OHCHR urged the Government to ensure that its response to the protests is line with its obligations under international human rights law and to ensure that the rights to peaceful assembly, to freedom of opinion and expression are fully respected.

"These rights are particularly precious in a pre-electoral context," she said, calling on all sides to refrain from the use of violence and to take measures to prevent the situation from escalating.

The Government has a responsibility to ensure that the elections are held in conformity with the international human rights obligations of Mauritania, and should take all necessary measures to ensure free, transparent and credible elections, she stressed.

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Deadly Attack on US Troops Prompts Rare Condemnation by Pakistan's Army Chief

By Ayaz Gul August 03, 2017

In a rare move, Pakistan's military chief Thursday condemned as terrorism a Taliban attack in neighboring Afghanistan in which two U.S. troops were killed and four others wounded.

The denunciation by General Qamar Javed Bajwa came on a day when the U.S. special envoy for the region, Alice Wells, began a two-day official visit to Islamabad to discuss ways to end the armed Afghan conflict, among other issues.

"We fully understand the loss and pain of victims' families as Pakistan is undergoing a similar trail of blood in the fight against a common threat of terrorism," a Pakistani army statement quoted Bajwa as saying.

The general offered "heartfelt" condolences on the death of the two U.S. soldiers.

The Islamist Taliban swiftly took credit for Wednesday's attack in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, saying one of its suicide bombers drove his explosives-packed car into the convoy.

A Taliban spokesman says 15 soldiers belonging to "foreign occupation forces," including two "high-ranking" officers, were killed. The insurgent group refers to the U.S.-led NATO military mission in Afghanistan as occupation forces.

The Taliban routinely exaggerates casualty figures when making such claims.

U.S. and Afghan officials have long alleged the Pakistani military covertly supports and shelters Taliban leaders and members of the Haqqani network plotting deadly attacks against local and international forces in the country.

Islamabad rejects the charges and maintains it is making all possible efforts to secure the largely porous border with Afghanistan and promote peace and reconciliation among the warring Afghan sides.

Alleged insurgent sanctuaries on Pakistani soil are a major irritant in Islamabad's relations with Washington.

The visiting U.S. delegation headed by Wells met with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, during which the Pakistani side shared its perspectives on challenges confronting the region, including the security situation in Afghanistan, an official announcement said Thursday.

"The foreign secretary hoped that the ongoing U.S. review [of Afghan policy] would result in a comprehensive political strategy to promote reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan and the region," the statement added.

The U.S. envoy acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, it added.

"Ambassador Wells agreed on the importance of a strong partnership between the United States and Pakistan and gave the U.S.' perspective on how to move forward this relationship in the coming years," according to the Foreign Ministry statement.

Local media reported the American delegation is also expected to meet General Bajwa on Friday.

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Mueller Seats Grand Jury in Russia Probe, Wall Street Journal Reports

By VOA News August 03, 2017

Special Counsel Robert Mueller has seated a grand jury, The Wall Street Journal reports, meaning his probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election is growing.

Investigators and prosecutors use grand juries to examine evidence, grill witnesses and subpoena documents to determine if a crime has been committed. It is a serious step in any investigation.

The Journal says the panel began its work in recent weeks and will likely continue for months.

Mueller and his team of lawyers are looking into possible collusion between Russia and the Trump presidential campaign.

Reuters reports the grand jury has already issued subpoenas in connection with the June 2016 meeting a Russian lawyer and others held with Donald Trump Jr. and other top campaign officials.

Reports indicate the younger Trump jumped at the idea of a meeting when the the lawyer told him, through an intermediary, that she had incriminating evidence against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

President Donald Trump has cast doubt on whether the Russians tried to interfere in the election, despite intelligence reports that the Kremlin sought to manipulate the election in Trump's favor.

Trump has consistently denied any collusion. He called Mueller's probe "a witch hunt" and reports around Washington have said the president may try to fire him.

Subpoena power

Now that a grand jury has reportedly been seated, it could seek to subpoena Trump family financial records. The president has warned Mueller to stay away from his finances.

Mueller's office has not commented on the Wall Street Journal report.

Trump special counsel Ty Cobb said that he is unaware of a grand jury probe but says "the White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly ... the White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller."

Mueller, a former FBI director took over the Russia probe after Trump fired his own FBI director James Comey in May when Comey apparently refused Trump's request to back down from the investigation.

Bill to Protect Special Counsel

Also Thursday, two U.S. senators introduced a bill to make it hard to fire a special counsel.

The proposal by Democrat Chris Coons and Republican Thom Tillis would put into law that a president can only fire the investigator for misconduct, conflict of interest, severe illness or other good cause.

A three-judge panel would determine if the firing was justified.

The law is apparently an effort to protect Mueller from any attempt that Trump would fire him.

But some analysts say if the president wants to fire Mueller, the proposed legislation may prompt him to do it before the Senate has a chance to vote on the new law.

The bill would apply retroactively to May 17, 2017  the day Mueller was appointed by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to investigate allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible ties between Russia and Trump's presidential campaign.

"This is something that lives long beyond this'' situation involving Mueller, Tillis told reporters. "And I think it's also something that begins to re-establish the reputation for independence in the Department of Justice.''

Tillis was among many GOP senators who defended Attorney General Jeff Sessions after Trump criticized him for recusing himself from the Justice Department's investigation into suspected Russian interference in the election. Trump has threatened to fire Sessions, a former Alabama senator.

Some information for this report from AP.

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Trump Sparred with Mexican, Australian Leaders in Contentious Phone Calls

By Ken Bredemeier August 03, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump sparred with the leaders of Mexico and Australia in contentious phone calls shortly after he assumed power in January, newly leaked transcripts show.

According to the documents, Trump demanded that Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto stop saying that Mexico would not pay for a wall that Trump wants built along the U.S.-Mexico border to thwart illegal immigration into the United States. During his months-long run for the White House, Trump vowed that he would make Mexico foot the bill.

In a transcript of the January 27 call, published Thursday by The Washington Post, Trump told Pena Nieto, "If you are going to say that Mexico is not going to pay for the wall, then I do not want to meet with you guys anymore because I cannot live with that."

At one point, Trump said, "I have to have Mexico pay for the wall  I have to. I have been talking about it for a two-year period."

But Pena Nieto resisted, saying, "My position has been and will continue to be very firm, saying that Mexico cannot pay for the wall."

Trump objected: "But you cannot say that to the press. The press is going to go with that, and I cannot live with that."

In the end, Pena Nieto said that Trump's wall proposal "is an issue related to the dignity of Mexico and goes to the national pride of my country," but agreed to "stop talking about the wall."

Trump said recently that he still "absolutely" intends to try to make Mexico pay for the $21 billion wall, but in the meantime has asked Congress for funds to start construction. The fate of the proposal, however, is uncertain, with Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans opposed to it.

Discussion with Australian PM

In another even more acrimonious call in January, Trump, who has moved quickly to curb immigration into the U.S., erupted at Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as they discussed a deal former U.S. President Barack Obama made with Australia to accept 1,250 refugees into the U.S.

"This is going to kill me," Trump told Turnbull. "I am the world's greatest person that does not want to let people into the country. And now I am agreeing to take 2,000 people."

As they argued about the refugee plan, Trump told the Australian leader, "I have had it. I have been making these calls all day, and this is the most unpleasant call all day."

Before the call ended abruptly, Trump told Turnbull that at least one of his calls to world leaders had gone better. "Putin was a pleasant call," Trump said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "This is ridiculous."

The White House has not commented about the transcripts. Trump has since met with both Pena Nieto and Turnbull at world gatherings and had seemingly less contentious conversations with the two U.S. allies.

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US to Give Additional $169 Million in Aid to Ethiopia, Kenya

By VOA News August 03, 2017

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday it will provide an additional $169 million in humanitarian aid to the drought-stricken African countries of Ethiopia and Kenya.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said the funds, over $136 million for Ethiopia and almost $33 million for Kenya, would be used for emergency food aid, nutrition supplies and health services.

USAID said nearly 8 million Ethiopians are in need of urgent humanitarian aid. Without it, the agency said "food insecurity could reach catastrophic levels for some families in the worst-affected areas" and result in "the displacement of affected populations."

In Kenya, USAID said some 2.6 million people are "acutely food-insecure" as drought conditions continue.

The latest round of humanitarian aid increases to $458 million the amount of assistance the U.S. has provided to Ethiopia and Kenya this fiscal year.

Last month, the U.S. pledged nearly $640 million in urgent food assistance to Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen.

In addition to drought-caused food shortages, the countries have had to grapple with armed conflicts and economic turmoil that caused reductions in medical care, shelter and safety and sanitation services.

The United Nations previously warned of mass starvation in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. Last month it said many people in South Sudan continue to suffer from hunger, but that famine conditions in parts of the country had eased.

The United Nations reports 795 million people are undernourished throughout the world, primarily in developing countries.

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Kagame, Weakened Opposition Face Off in Rwanda Elections

By Zack Baddorf August 03, 2017

Rwandans head to the polls Friday with President Paul Kagame widely expected to win a third term despite allegations of political repression.

Nine of the 11 registered political parties have endorsed the incumbent but a few candidates of other parties are still challenging Kagame.

More than 200,000 people attended Kagame's final pre-election rally on Wednesday near Kigali. Supporters drove for hours to the massive hilltop venue. They sang, danced and cheered while waiting for their candidate to arrive. They waved the red, white and blue flag of the ruling party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front.

Supporter Martha Kaiesu said Rwandans love Paul Kagame.

"He's a freedom fighter," said the 25-year-old Rwandan. "He has brought us peace, unity and reconciliation."

While dancing, supporter Fabrice Gafunguzo said Kagame is a "man of his word" who has delivered development and peace to the country.

Green Party candidate Frank Habineza held a much more low-key rally on the side of a road on the outskirts of Kigali earlier this week, attracting about 500 people. Motorcycle taxi drivers and chickens passed by, uninterested in the small gathering.

The low turnout was blamed on a government order forcing a change in location. Habineza founded the Green Party as an alternative to Kagame's rule. He has been hesitant to publicly criticize the president.

"We look at government policies," he explained. "If something is not going right, we criticize it, but also we give an alternative to that problem, the policy, but not individuals because individuals come and go. But government stays and the people stay."

Kagame has been in power for 17 years. A 2015 constitutional referendum, approved by 98 percent of voters, potentially allows him to remain in power until 2034.

In 2010, he won 93 percent of the vote.

Nevertheless, Habineza said he expects to win the election with at least 65 percent of the country's vote. At one of the last events of his campaign, nearly half the crowd at his rally stood across the street. Away from the camera and prying ears, some Rwandans told VOA they are afraid of what could happen to them if they publicly support the opposition.

Habineza supporter Charles Ndamage said he is treated like an "enemy of the country."

"Many people are afraid of expressing what they think," he said at the rally. "So even here as we are standing here maybe there are people that you can say are spies. Spies  they are everywhere."

But there are some calling for change.

Inside a gated house, with curtains drawn and doors shut, about 15 members of the People Salvation Movement discussed the future of their newly-formed organization on Tuesday.

Thirty-five-year-old accountant Diane Rwigara leads the group. She said she submitted more than double the required signatures to become a presidential candidate, but the National Election Commission rejected her candidacy.

In the small living room with her fellow activists, she speaks next to a portrait of her father, Assinapol Rwigara, who died in a 2015 car accident that she says was an assassination. Assinapol Rwigara used to be one of Kagame's major donors in the 1990s until the party allegedly made demands regarding Rwigara's businesses.

Living in fear

Since the People Salvation Movement is not a registered party, Rwigara says they only meet in private. She says it is risky for anyone to speak against the government.

"The main issue in country is fear," she explained. "It's beyond fear  it's terror. Fear of the ruling party. Fear of the state, where people get mistreated by government, by the people in power."

Kagame and his government claim the environment is free and open. "We have a lot of associations, be it political associations, parties or civil society. Everything is open here," said Wellers Gasamagera, the spokesperson for Kagame's political party.

Gasamagera told VOA Kagame's opponents use arguments about human rights as an excuse for their lack of popular support.

International human rights groups have alleged kidnappings, and politically motivated jailing of dissidents.

A new government policy this year required presidential candidates to have their social media messages pre-approved by the electoral commission. The policy was reversed following international criticism.

Boniface Twagirimana, the vice president of the opposition group United Democratic Forces of Rwanda, claims civilian-clothed intelligence operatives attempted to kidnap and strangle him in Kigali in December 2015. He says there's a chance the population will turn to civil violence.

"Maybe imagine there will be an explosion where they cannot continue being persecuted, being intimidated, being killed, being imprisoned when you react," he said. "Maybe anytime, the population will take other measures."

Twagirimana says he's putting his life on the line by conducting peaceful political advocacy for change. The chairperson of the United Democratic Forces of Rwanda, Victoire Ingabire, is serving a 15-year prison sentence on a conviction related to charges of terrorism and threatening national security, after running for president in 2010.

Polls open at 7 a.m. on Friday and results are expected by the end of the weekend.

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UN resolution calls on members to block access of terrorists to arms

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 9:22AM

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a resolution that calls on all countries to stop the supply of weapons to "terrorists" and extremist groups.

The Council on Wednesday "strongly condemned" the continued flow of weapons, military equipment, drones and improvised explosive devices to the Daesh and al-Qaeda Takfiri terror groups and their affiliates as well as illegal armed groups and criminals.

The 15-member body urged the UN's 193 member states "to prevent and disrupt procurement networks for such weapons," also calling on all countries "to act cooperatively to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons" via the Internet or social networks.

"This is one of the first resolutions aiming to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons," said Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta, the Egyptian ambassador to the UN and current Security Council president. "Arming of terrorists and terrorist groups ... is a crime that is no less heinous than the terrorist act itself."

He also noted that the "destabilizing accumulation and misuse" of weapons "continue to pose threats to international peace and security and cause significant loss of life."

Additionally, the UN member states were urged to strengthen their judicial, law enforcement and border-control capacities in order to ensure the ability to take appropriate legal actions against those knowingly engaged in providing arms and ammunition to terrorists.

Daesh, notorious for its heinous atrocities and sacrilegious acts, has been committing gross human rights violations and war crimes in the areas it has overrun, particularly in Syria and Iraq.

The Takfiri group has also perpetrated a host of crimes and terrorist, including car-ramming, bombing and stabbing attacks, in other parts of the world.

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Republican Senators Seek to Ramp Up US Border Security

By Michael Bowman August 03, 2017

One day after President Donald Trump endorsed a plan to reduce and reshape legal immigration to the United States, Republican lawmakers unveiled border security legislation to stem the flow of illegal immigration.

Senator John Cornyn of Texas said Thursday during a news conference at the Capitol that U.S. border agents should have "100 percent situational awareness" and "100 percent operational control" of America's border with Mexico.

"Since 9/11, we've seen how important it is for us to know who is coming into our country and what their intentions are," said Cornyn, whose state encompasses more than a thousand-kilometer stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Cornyn's bill, Building America's Trust Act, would authorize billions of dollars to boost the number of border patrol agents, increase high-tech monitoring capabilities, and augment walls and other physical barriers to deter illegal crossings.

It also would withhold certain types of federal funding to localities that do not cooperate with federal immigration officials in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants  so-called "sanctuary cities"  and make it harder for undocumented minors apprehended at the border to be released to family members residing in the United States.

"This is not a pretend border security bill. This is a tough border security and interior enforcement bill," Cornyn said.

Ending illegal immigration was one of Trump's core promises to voters during last year's campaign, and many Republican lawmakers have long supported tougher border enforcement, as well as compelling municipalities to work cooperatively with federal immigration agents.

Hurdles ahead

The bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, however, where Republicans control 52 of 100 seats. Eight Democrats would have to back the legislation to reach the three-fifths majority needed to begin floor debate.

Many Democrats say they would support additional resources for border enforcement as part of a broader package that provides a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. A comprehensive immigration reform bill passed the Senate in 2013, when Democrats controlled the chamber, but was never put to a vote in the Republican-led House of Representatives.

"Should there be more enforcement? Yes," Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia told VOA. "But just doing the crackdown on both legal and illegal [immigration] with no visa reform, no other kinds of reform  that doesn't really speak to what I'm hearing form Virginians [constituents]."

As for withholding federal funds from sanctuary cities, Kaine, a former mayor of Richmond, Virginia, added, "I don't like bills that punish cities."

Cornyn sees the issue as one of compliance with the law.

"It is the responsibility of every city and every citizen to cooperate with law enforcement, and that's what we're demanding," the Texas Republican said. "If they don't, this [bill] has provisions that will withhold federal funds."

Rights groups

Immigrant rights groups argue that erecting walls and other barriers along the border is both offensive and unnecessary.

"The undocumented population is staying steady. In fact, net migration from Mexico has decreased," said Carlos Guevara of Unidos US. "We already spend an enormous amount of resources on the border."

Some Republicans counter that heightened vigilance at the border would save lives.

"Think about the more than 10,000 people who have died crossing the border by smugglers who have left them for dead," said Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina. "We want to keep them alive."

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Seoul to Deploy Extra THAAD Units Amid Environment Impact Test - Ministry

Sputnik News

13:12 03.08.2017(updated 14:06 03.08.2017)

South Korea plans to install additional THAAD system units despite the current environmental impact assessment, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  South Korea plans to install additional units of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system despite the fact that an environmental impact assessment is currently being conducted on the site of its deployment, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

"The conclusion of the small-scale environmental effect assessment and the initiation of temporary deployment are not in a cause-and-effect relationship. They will go separately," Moon Sang-gyun, a spokesman of the ministry, was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.

The installation of four additional THAAD units will be implemented after consultations with the United States, the ministerial spokesman added.

In July 2016, following five months of negotiations, Seoul and Washington agreed on the deployment of THAAD units that might, where necessary, intercept ballistic missiles from North Korea. THAAD is designed to shoot down short, medium, and intermediate range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase.

On July 28, North Korea conducted its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test. South Korean President Moon Jae-in stated that in response, South Korea would install additional THAAD launchers at a US military base in South Korea.

 Sputnik

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U.S. causes confusion with mixed messages on North Korea in the run up to ASEAN forum

Updated: 2017-08-03 20:02:16 KST

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has said that Washington will not be looking to hold direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in order to denuclearize the regime and that the right strategy doesn't involve "engaging North Korea directly."

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, he said he favoured economic and diplomatic pressure, particularly through trying to push China to use its influence on Pyongyang.

He added that "all options are on the table," including military action.

This rather flies in the face of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's comments the day previously.

At a State Department press briefing on Tuesday, he said the first appropriate thing to do was to seek "peaceful pressure" on the regime and have them "develop a willingness to sit and talk", while under the understanding that they had to give up their nuclear arsenal.

He said, "We are not your enemy" and that Washington does not seek regime change or have any intention to invade North Korea's borders.

This soft tone again contradicts what President Donald Trump is reported to have said.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, in an interview with NBC on Tuesday, quotes Trump as saying that he would not allow Pyongyang to develop a nuclear missile capable of hitting the U.S. and that there would be a war with North Korea if it did.

But Trump has also in the past championed opening dialogue, and even said that he would be "honoured" to meet with Kim Jong-un, under the appropriate circumstances.

In the midst of this confused rhetoric, Tillerson will be heading to Manila over the weekend for the ASEAN Regional Forum.

Also in attendance will be North Korean foreign minister Ri Yong-ho, and although they will likely cross paths, the State Department has confirmed that they will not be sitting down for talks.

Instead, the State Department said Tillerson would be seeking greater cooperation from other nations there in isolating North Korea further over its missile and nuclear weapons programs.

That includes China's foreign minister Wang Yi, with whom they said they are likely to hold a bilateral meeting.

Kwon Jang-ho, Arirang News.



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China welcomes Washington's peaceful approach to N Korea

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 12:36PM

China has expressed a positive response to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's assurance that Washington does not seek to topple the North Korean government and is looking forward to resolve standing issues with Pyongyang through dialog.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing "attached great importance" to Tillerson's assurance, saying Beijing had always supported resolving dispute via dialog.

Wang said in their talks the sides need to "meet each other half way to find a fundamental plan to resolve the security concerns of the parties through equal dialog."

"While (Washington) exerts pressure on North Korea, it should leave some alternatives for Pyongyang and make it believe that abandoning its nuclear and missile programs will do more good than insisting on this path," Wang pointed out.

"Regarding North Korea's recent missile launch, once again in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, China has already clearly expressed our opposition," Wang said.

"At the same time, we also call on all parties not to take any actions that will lead to an escalation in tensions," He emphasized.

Tillerson assured that Washington pursued a peaceful solution.

The United States does not seek regime change, the collapse of the regime, an accelerated reunification of the peninsula or an excuse to send the US military into North Korea, Tillerson assured.

However, Tillerson reiterated that Washington seeks to exert peaceful pressure on Pyonyang to encourage the country to give up its missile and nuclear weapons program.

Prior to Tillerson's comments, US President Donald Trump had held China responsible for the escalation of tensions on the Korean Pennisula by nurturing 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," Trump 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!"

China says it shouldn't be held responsible for resolving the North Korean nuclear standoff alone and has said other countries are shirking their responsibilities in the effort to reduce tensions.

On Saturday, Pyongyang said it had conducted a fresh test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the second in a month.

North Korea's nuclear and missile tests have met with international condemnation.

The United Nations has slapped harsh sanctions on the country over its numerous tests.

North Korea, however, says its nuclear and missile development programs act as a deterrent against US aggression and expansionist policies in the region.

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US issues ban on traveling to North Korea

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 8:19AM

The United States has issued a ban prohibiting its citizens traveling to North Korea, following the death of an American national who was imprisoned in the Asian country over espionage charges.

The measure was introduced on Wednesday after American officials said the risk of arrest by North Korean officials presented an "imminent danger to the physical safety" of US citizens. The ban will come into effect on September 1.

"All United States passports are declared invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] unless specially validated for such travel," read the restriction in the US government's Federal Register.

Strict warnings against traveling to North Korea were already in place before the ban was first revealed last month following the death of university student Otto Frederick Warmbier who died after falling into a coma in a North Korean prison.

Warmbier, 22, spent 17 months in a North Korean jail over spying charges and was released to his family back in the US after falling into a coma due to a "severe neurological injury." He died on June 19.

North Korea has detained at least 17 American citizens over the past decade and three of them remain imprisoned there, according to official reports.

The US says it is concerned by the North Korea's nuclear and missile tests. Pyongyang, in response, accuses Washington of plotting with regional allies to topple its government.

North Korea has so far conducted a total of five nuclear tests, in 2006, 2009, 2013 and twice in 2016, and numerous missile test-launches.

Pyongyang has defied sanctions and international pressure, saying it will continue to strengthen its military capability to protect itself from the threat posed by the presence of US forces in the region.

North Korea says it will not give up on its nuclear deterrence unless Washington ends its hostile policy toward Pyongyang and dissolves the US-led UN command in South Korea.

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EU says Iran deal sound, all parties stick to terms

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 1:52PM

The European Union, which supervises the implementation of the landmark July 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, says all parties to the agreement remain committed to its implementation.

Catherine Ray, a spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said on Thursday that the EU was on the opinion that all the seven parties to the agreement had implemented their commitments and would do so in the future.

"So far we consider that all parties have been implementing their commitments under the deal," said Ray during a press briefing in Brussels, adding, "We expect their continued adherence."

The official made the remarks when asked to comment on Iran's statements that Washington had effectively violated the deal by imposing fresh sanctions on the country.

Iran maintains that the United States and five other parties to the deal should refrain from renewing or imposing sanctions on Iran during the time of the agreement which spans for more than 10 years. The six world powers, namely the US, Russia, China, Britain, Germany and France, have promised under the deal to ease pressure on Iran in return for the country to scale back its nuclear program.

On Wednesday, US president Donald Trump officially signed the bill that imposes new sanctions on Iran allegedly over the country's missile program. The controversial package of measures, already adopted in the US Congress, also imposes tough bans on Russia and North Korea.

Ray said the EU's conclusion that Iran deal remained sound was based on the results of a meeting on July 21 in Vienna, where parties to the deal discussed its implementation. She said the meeting chaired by Mogherini also allowed a discussion on the effects of US sanctions on the implementation of the nuclear agreement, adding that the Iranian view was also heard in the meeting.

Mogherini's office said at the time in a statement that participants in the meeting confirmed their continued adherence to the deal and "stressed the need to ensure its full and effective implementation in a constructive atmosphere."

Mogherini will travel to Tehran on Saturday to attend a ceremony marking the beginning of the second term of President Hassan Rouhani. Iranian officials, who have unanimously designated the US sanctions as a violation of the nuclear agreement, are expected to raise the issue during their meetings with the top EU diplomat.

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Iran says won't be silent on US breach of nuclear deal

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 10:11AM

Iran has condemned fresh sanctions imposed by the US on the Islamic Republic, stressing that Tehran will not stand silent in the face of Washington's violation of the 2015 multilateral nuclear agreement.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed into law the bill that targets Iran with new bans over its national missile program. The new legislation had already passed both the US House of Representatives and Senate with overwhelming support.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Thursday that the sanctions' approval was a "retrogressive, illegitimate, illogical move, which runs contrary to all human rights principles and international regulations."

This is the latest example of "hostility towards the civilized Iranian people and an insult to all freedom-seeking people in the world," Qassemi pointed out. The "hawks, extremist elements and ill-wishers" ruling the US had once again demonstrated their "unilateralism and illogical enmity" towards Iran, he said.

Touching on the recent session of the Iranian committee for monitoring the implementation of the nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Qassemi said, Iran "won't remain silent in the face of the JCPOA violation and will soon announce a range of countermeasures by the Majlis (parliament) and Iran's administration."

Iran is determined to keep up its fight against terrorism as well as its efforts to restore stability and calm to the region, Qassemi said, adding that the Islamic Republic will never allow others to advance their "expansionist and destabilizing policies" in the region.

The Islamic Republic "reserves the right to respond to the US government's anti-Iran moves" and, will take the necessary countermeasures in due time "in line with people's interests and national security."

The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman further advised American officials to stay focused on resolving their country's domestic crises instead of spreading Iranophobia.

Separately, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araghchi described Trumps' approval of the new anti-Iran sanctions as an attempt to destroy the nuclear deal, saying "We will react very intelligently to these measures."

The JCPOA was inked between Iran and the P5+1 countries  namely the US, Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany  in July 2015 and took effect in January 2016.

Under the deal, which was later endorsed by a United Nations Security Council resolution, limits were put on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the removal of all nuclear-related bans imposed on the Islamic Republic, among other things.

The UN nuclear watchdog has invariably certified Iran's commitment to its obligations under the accord.

On the contrary, the Trump administration, which took over in January 2017, one year after the JCPOA came into force, has taken a hostile stance toward the deal, repeatedly threatening to tear it up.

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Supreme Leader of Iran Formally Endorses Rouhani After Re-Election as President

Sputnik News

12:10 03.08.2017

Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei formally approved the re-election of country's President Hassan Rouhani for his second term at a ceremony held in Tehran.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The ceremony, broadcast by the IRIB broadcaster, was opened by Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, who presented a report on the presidential election held in May. After reading out the decree, Khamenei personally handed it to Rouhani.

"I comply with the choice of the Iranian people, approve the results of the vote and appoint Hassan Rouhani the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Khamenei's decree said, as read out by his Chief of Staff Mohammadi Golpayegani.

Rouhani received 57 percent of the vote at the May 19 election. His main rival, cleric Ebrahim Raisi, received 38 percent of the vote.

The inauguration of an Iranian president consists of two parts: the first involves Khamenei's formal endorsement, and the second is the oath-taking ceremony at the country's parliament.

Within two weeks following the official appointment, the president has to submit a proposed list of ministers to parliament for approval. The parliament will then have 10 days to approve or reject the proposals.

 Sputnik

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6 killed in fresh clashes in Myanmar's Rakhine

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 4:44PM

At least six people have been killed in a fresh outbreak of violence in the Muslim-populated state of Rakhine in northwest Myanmar.

The government and residents in Kaing Gyi village said Thursday that three men and three women were killed after a gufire broke out in the village around 10:00 am (0330 GMT).

Police blamed the violence on terrorists, a term used to distinguish members of the self-styled Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which claims to be defending the Muslim minority Rohingya against a government crackdown in Rakhine.

"Security forces are hunting extremist terrorists after the bodies of six villagers from Kaing Gyi were found and two went missing," said a statement from the state counselor's office.

A village leader said all the dead were from the Myo ethnic group living in the area and no Muslims were targeted. Sein Hla Maung said a man and a woman were still missing and that the attackers used guns and knives to target the villagers.

Rakhine has been the scene of a brutal crackdown against Rohingya Muslims since October last year when the government blamed an attack police posts on members of the community. More than 70,000 have fled to the neighboring Bangladesh as security forces still holds the area under a lockdown.

UN estimates suggest hundreds have been killed in what it believes may amount to ethnic cleansing. The government of the Buddhist-dominated nation has refused to allow in a UN fact-finding mission to investigate while it maintains that security forces should be able to continue carrying out their valid "clearance operations". There are almost daily reports in state media showing that villagers continue to be murdered and abducted by masked assassins.

Buddhists in Myanmar designate Rohingya Muslims as intruders from Bangladesh. Rohingyas reject the claims, citing evidences of their ancestors who have lived in Rakhine border regions for generations.

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First submarine export as S. Korea hands over vessel to Indonesia

Updated: 2017-08-03 09:57:59 KST

A Korean-built submarine rolls out to sea. Next stop: Indonesia.

This submarine, named 'Nagapasa' , is ready for a handover to Indonesia's Ministry of Defense at a shipyard in Geoje , a city in Gyeongsangnam-do province.

Nagapasa can travel for 19,kilometers, a round trip between Korea and Los Angeles, without making any stop at a port, and is also equipped with eight offensive torpedo tubes, along with other cutting-edge weaponry.

Indonesian Defense Minister, Ryamizard Ryacudu ( ) said he is pleased with the submarine.

(INDONESIA)

"I am expecting that this 1,400-ton submarine will act as a key strategic weapon for our maritime security in Indonesia."

As Daewoo Shipbuilding & Engineering delivers this submarine to Indonesia, it marks the first submarine export by a Korean company. Daewoo took on a one.one-billion U.S. dollar contract in 2011 to provide Indonesia with three submarines, the other two of which are currently under construction.

(KOREAN)

"We believe that we can guarantee the cost of the technology we have invested in. We hope our technology can contribute to the Korean navy as well as continuing our partnership with the Indonesian navy."

The handover of the vessel is regarded as a Korean success in commercializing the technology which the country first received from Germany in 1988. In the space of just 30 years, Korea has developed its submarine industry to the extent that it is now a submarine exporting nation.

With the sale of these three vessels, Korea, joins an elite group of submarine exporting countries, including the U.K., France, Russia and Germany.

Won Jung-hwan, Arirang News.

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Trump says ties with Russia at 'very dangerous low,' blames Congress sanctions

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 2:59PM

US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington's ties with Moscow are at a "very dangerous low," and blamed Congress for the situation, a day after he reluctantly signed into law a sanctions bill against Russia.

"Our relationship with Russia is at an all-time & very dangerous low," Trump said in a Twitter post on Thursday. "You can thank Congress."

Congress passed the new sanctions package last week against Russia, Iran and North Korea. The bill was passed with overwhelming margins, eliminating the prospect of a presidential veto.

Trump signed the bill on Wednesday but strongly criticized it, calling the legislation "significantly flawed" with "unconstitutional provisions."

Trump also complained that the law, which prevents him from easing sanctions on Russia, infringed on presidential powers to devise foreign policy.

The president had privately opposed the measures and his aides had lobbied against them. Trump has long expressed a desire for better ties with Russia.

The bill imposes tough additional sanctions on Russia over Moscow's alleged meddling in last year's US presidential election and Crimea's reunification with Russia in 2014.

The legislation targets the Russian energy sector, allowing the US to sanction companies involved in developing Russian oil and gas pipelines, and placing restrictions on some Russian arms exporters.

Russia responded by saying the sanctions amounted to a full-scale trade war and an end to hopes for better ties with the Trump administration.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered 755 US diplomats to leave the country after Congress passed the bill.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned Sunday that more retaliatory moves would come if the bill was signed into law.

Trump's desire for better ties with Moscow has been hampered by accusations from US intelligence agencies that Russia operated a series of high-profile cyber attacks to change the outcome of the November 8 presidential election in favor of Trump.

A special counsel as well as several congressional committees are investigating whether the Russian government coordinated with Trump's associates during the 2016 campaign and transition.

Trump denies any collusion by his campaign and Moscow denies any meddling.

The US bill also includes new sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program and "continued support for terrorism."

The anti-Iran sanctions come following two sets of sanctions that were rolled out in February and May by the US Treasury Department over Iran's missile program.

Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the sanctions on Thursday, saying that Tehran "reserves the right to respond to the US government's anti-Iran moves" and, will take the necessary countermeasures in due time "in line with people's interests and national security."

The sanctions' approval was a "retrogressive, illegitimate, illogical move, which runs contrary to all human rights principles and international regulations," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said.

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Pence: Russia's behavior 'not acceptable'

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 9:24AM

US President Donald Trump's signing of the recent anti-Russia sanctions bill shows that Washington does not accept Moscow's "destabilizing behaviors."

On Wednesday, Trump signed into law a piece of legislation by Congress that imposes new sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea.

The bill conspicuously limits Trump's ability to waive the penalties, a sign of mistrust by the Republican controlled Congress which remains concerned by Trump's friendly words for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"President Trump believes that whatever frustration that we feel for Congress limiting his authority to conduct foreign affairs that unbalance this legislation reaffirmed the president's strong commitment to ongoing sanctions with Russia, to make it clear that their destabilizing behaviors are not acceptable to the United States," Pence said in an interview on Fox News in Montenegro, during his ongoing tour Eastern Europe.

The bill imposes tough additional sanctions on Russia over Moscow's alleged meddling in last year's US presidential election and Crimea's reunification with Russia in 2014.

The new bans target the Russian energy sector, allowing the US to sanction companies involved in developing Russian oil pipelines, and placing restrictions on some Russian arms exporters.

Trump's reluctance to sign the bill was clearly evident in a signing statement, in which he called the legislation "significantly flawed" with "unconstitutional provisions."

"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," new Republican president said, noting that he only signed the bill for the sake of "national unity."

The FBI and a number of congressional committees have been running an investigation into Trump's possible "collusion" with Russia during the presidential campaign, a claim that Russia has repeatedly rejected.

In anticipation of Trump's signing of the bill, the Russian foreign ministry announced last week that Moscow had urged Washington to cut its diplomatic staff in to 455. This means hat over 755 US diplomats must leave the country.

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Russia: Fresh sanctions remove hope of better relations with the US

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 2:4AM

Russia has said the fresh US sanctions imposed against Moscow are tantamount to a "full-scale trade war" and destroy prospects for better relations with Washington.

"The hope that our relations with the new American administration would improve is finished," said Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday.

He also said the new sanctions show that the administration of US President Donald Trump is completely powerless.

"The US President's signing of the package of new sanctions against Russia will have a few consequences. First, it ends hope for improving our relations with the new US administration. Second, it is a declaration of a full-fledged economic war on Russia. Third, the Trump administration has shown its total weakness by handing over executive power to Congress in the most humiliating way. This changes the power balance in US political circles," he said in a Facebook post.

Medvedev made the remarks shortly after Trump signed into law a bill by Congress that imposes new sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Russia may impose counter-measures

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement, saying Moscow will take counter-measures in response to the new US bans, which it described as short-sighted and a risk to global stability.

"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," it read.

Russia 'won't bend or break'

Also on Wednesday, Russia's permanent representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, announced that Moscow does not have any plans to alter its policies despite the new sanctions.

"If those who invented this bill were thinking that they might change our policy, they were wrong, as history many times proved. They should have known better that we do not bend and do not break," he added.

"Some of the US officials were saying that this is a bill that might encourage Russia to cooperate... This is a strange form of encouragement. But it is not our habit to be resentful children," added the diplomat, who promised that Moscow would "not relent on finding means and ways" in the face of sanctions.

The recently signed bill imposes tough additional sanctions on Russia over Moscow's alleged meddling in last year's US presidential election and Crimea's reunification with Russia in 2014.

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Saudi regime forces kill civilian in Awamiyah as clashes continue

Iran Press TV

Wed Aug 2, 2017 10:57PM

Saudi police forces have killed a civilian during their latest raid on the besieged Shia-majority town of Awamiyah.

The man died on Wednesday as the Saudis opened fire on a bus transporting people who were trying to flee the town located in the restive Eastern Province.

Flared-up clashes between the kingdom's forces and activists over the past few days have forced many of the town's inhabitants to seek refuge in the neighboring towns of Damman and Qatif.

Awamiyah has witnessed renewed deadly clashes between the military and residents since May, when Saudi forces began razing the town's old quarter, known as al-Mosawara.

Saudi authorities claim that Mosawara's narrow streets have become a hideout for militants suspected of being behind attacks on security forces in Eastern Province.

The UN, however, said Saudi Arabia was erasing cultural heritage and violating human rights through Mosawara's demolition.

Since February 2011, Saudi Arabia has stepped up security measures in the Shia-dominated Eastern Province, which has been rocked by anti-regime demonstrations, with protesters demanding free speech, the release of political prisoners, and an end to economic and religious discrimination.

The protests have been met with a heavy-handed crackdown by the Saudi regime. Over the past years, Riyadh has also redefined its anti-terrorism law so as to repress pro-democracy movements.

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Russia announces deal on safe zone in Syria's Homs

Iran Press TV

Thu Aug 3, 2017 10:26AM

The Russian army says it has reached a deal with foreign-backed militants in Syria to create a new de-escalation zone in the country's northern parts of Homs province.

Russian military spokesman Igor Konashenkov made the announcement on Thursday, saying that new safe zone will span 84 towns and villages populated by more than 147,000 people in Homs.

The official noted that a ceasefire was to take effect in the area at 12:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) on Thursday.

The zone is the third to be established in Syria under a Russian-led initiative aimed at halting clashes in four key conflict zones between Syrian government forces and anti-Damascus militants.

Last Saturday, the warring sides agreed on a deal declaring Eastern Ghouta as a de-escalation zone.

Russia, along with Iran and Turkey, brokered the deal for establishing four de-escalation zones in mainly militant-held areas of Syria during ceasefire talks in the Kazakh capital city of Astana in May.

The plan, which came into effect at midnight on May 5, calls for the cessation of hostilities between militant groups and Syrian government forces.

It covers the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, northeastern areas of the western coastal province of Latakia, western areas of Aleppo province and northern parts of Hama province.

The parties to the Astana talks are now working on the details of the deal.

Syria has been fighting different foreign-sponsored militant and terrorist groups since March 2011. UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimated last August that more than 400,000 people had been killed in the crisis until then.

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Russia Says New Safe Zone Agreed In Syria

August 03, 2017

Russia's Defense Ministry says it has agreed with Syria's opposition to create a new safe zone north of the city of Homs.

Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on August 3 that a cease-fire was set to take effect in the area at 12 p.m. local time.

The so-called de-escalation zone is populated by more than 147,000 people, he added.

The northern parts of Homs Province had recently been shelled by Syrian forces as well as hit by air strikes by Syrian and Russian warplanes.

The area is one of four proposed de-escalation zones under a Russia-led initiative. Two others -- in southwestern Syria and near Damascus -- are "already operating successfully," according to Konashenkov.

Under a plan forged by Russia, Turkey, and Iran at peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, a fourth safe zone is to be set up in the northwestern Idlib region. But disagreements from Turkey over various boundaries have kept the cease-fire from being established.

Russia has been aiding and fighting with Syrian forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad since 2015. Iran is also backing Assad in his fight against various opposition forces, several of which are backed by Turkey.

Ankara has insisted that Assad be replaced as Syria's leader.

The war in Syria has killed hundreds of thousands of people since it began in early 2011. Millions of others have been forced to flee their homes.

Based on reporting by Interfax, TASS, and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-syria-safe -zone-homs/28656956.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russia Reached Deal With Syria Opposition on 3rd Syria Safe Zone - MoD

Sputnik News

10:49 03.08.2017(updated 11:47 03.08.2017)

Russian Defense Ministry and moderate Syrian opposition reached an agreement on operations of the third de-escalation zone in Syria, Russian MoD spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Representatives of the Russian Defense Ministry and moderate Syrian opposition reached an agreement during their meeting in Cairo on operations of the third de-escalation zone in Syria, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Thursday.

"On July 31, Cairo hosted regular negotiations between representatives of the Russian Defense Ministry and moderate Syrian opposition. Agreements on the functioning of the third de-escalation zone in Syria, north of Homs, were reached at the meeting," Konashenkov said.

The spokesman added that 84 settlements with a population of more than 147,000 people were in the zone.

Konashenkov stressed that the ceasefire regime in the Homs zone, as in the other two zones, did not cover the militants of the Jabhat Fatah al Sham, formerly known as Nusra Front and Islamic State (both terrorist groups are banned in Russia). The spokesman added that in accordance with the reached agreements, the moderate opposition took a commitment to push out from the zone all the units that have joined the above mentioned terrorist groups.

On July 24, Col. Gen. Sergei Rudskoy, the chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate, said that borders of de-escalation zones north of the Syrian city of Homs and in the eastern Ghouta region were agreed upon during the fifth round of international meetings in Astana in early July, while consultations on another zone in the Idlib province continued.

Moreover, moderate Syrian opposition and the Syrian army are fully ceasing fire in the Homs de-escalation zone from midday [09:00 GMT] on Thursday, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said.

"According to the agreements, today, on August 3 at noon local time the units of military opposition and divisions of the Syrian government troops are fully ceasing fire from all types of weapons," Konashenkov said.

Besides, Russian military police will set up on August 4 two border checkpoints and three observation posts in Syria's Homs de-escalation zone, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said on Thursday.

"Starting on August 4, the Russian military police will set up two border checkpoints  and three observation posts  in areas of line of contact of sides of the Homs de-escalation zone," Konashenkov said.

The Defense Ministry representative said that the Russian military police would be tasked with ensuring that the opposing sides stay apart, monitoring the ceasefire, ensuring humanitarian aid and transport of the injured and the sick.

Konashenkov stressed that the opposition would unblock the stretch of the highway between Homs and Hama, which lies in the de-escalation zone.

"The decisions on everyday civilian issues in the de-escalation zone will be made by local council made up of the areas' residents," the Defense Ministry spokesman said.

According to Konashenkov, the Committee of National Justice, including representatives of opposition and major ethnic, political and religious groups, will be set up in the Homs de-escalation zone to ensure its effectiveness.

In May, the participants of the Astana talks on Syrian settlement agreed on establishing four safe zones in Syria as part of the de-escalation process. The first one, in the north of the country, covers the province of Idlib and neighboring districts of Latakia, Aleppo and Homs. The second is in the north of the province of Homs. The third is located in the south of Syria, in the Quneitra and Daraa provinces, while the fourth one is in the Eastern Ghouta.

Russia, Turkey, Iran as well as the Syrian government representatives and the country's opposition participate in the negotiation process in Astana. The United States

 Sputnik

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Security drill will not simulate attack on president: MND

ROC Central News Agency

2017/08/03 20:40:09

Taipei, Aug. 3 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Thursday denied an earlier report that an upcoming national security drill will simulate an attack on a motorcade carrying the country's president and vice president.

There will be no such scenario during the drill, which is scheduled for Aug. 4-6, said MND spokesman Maj. Gen. Chen Chung-chi ().

Chen was responding to news reports earlier in the day that said the drill would simulate an attack on a presidential motorcade and a rescue by the Republic of China (Taiwan) Marine Corps.

The drill, which will be held by the National Security Council (NSC), will focus on protection of the country's key infrastructure and handling of national security emergencies, the MND said.

It confirmed that personnel from some 20 government ministries and agencies, including the Executive Yuan, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and the Central Bank of the Republic of China, are expected to take part in the exercise.

Earlier in the day, sources familiar with the drill plan had told CNA that a simulated attack on a presidential motorcade would also be part of the drill.

(By Lu Hsin-hui and Ko Lin)

Enditem/pc

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In a reverse decision from the previous month, the Danville School Board approved an additional assistant principal position at Johnson Elementary School after administration pointed out nearby crimes and a high turnover rate for faculty.

Im firmly convinced that Johnson Elementary School needs any assistance that we can possibly provide, board member Ed Polhamus said at Thursday nights meeting.

In July, the measure to add the position failed by a close 4-3 decision. After central office administration brought the issue before the board again Thursday, board members approved the additional principal in a unanimous vote.

In a presentation to board members, Chief Academic Officer Sandra Andrews showed a map of crime in the city of Danville, and Johnsons closeness to many of the crimes. She also noted the high turnover rates at the school.

Johnson has been a revolving door for the last three years, Andrews said. We have lost some really good teachers at this school.

Johnson Elementary School Principal Thomas Takacs said a third administrator would help keep students out of the front office for minor discipline issues.

Weve got to start somewhere, Takacs said. Were not going to be able to keep the students in the classrooms alone.

However, Polhamus expressed frustration that the issue was not brought forward during the budget meetings in the spring. Board member Steven Gould also expressed his frustration at the time frame issue.

This is not the way that we need to be doing business, Gould said.

In public comments, Danville clergy member and former special education teacher Cecil Bridgeforth urged the school system to continue to support students who fall through the cracks.

Even though they do have an IEP (individualized education program), some of them are not meeting the academic standards that have been prescribed by the state, Bridgeforth said.

Bridgeforth added that many of the young men involved in crime in the city came from special education backgrounds.

 In other action, Board members also heard a report by Chief Operational Officer Kathy Osborne on the energy performance contracting audit to replace fluorescent lighting at schools with energy efficient LED lighting. Funding options for the project could include asking Danville City Council for funding, borrowing the money through a loan or the Virginia SAVES program  a state program designed to help fund the project.

Board members also approved several recommendations of the Triennial School Safety Audit Committee. The recommendations include covered walkway repairs, surveillance camera upgrades, numbered exterior doors and a two way communication system in Galileo Magnet High School, among other upgrades.

The Danville Fire Department also gave a presentation of its Fill a Fire Truck school supplies program, bringing several boxes of pencils, school bags, tissue papers and other supplies to the meeting.

Danville Fire Marshall Shelby Irving said the department had one additional week of supply gathering.

Were really excited about what were doing, and we would like to make it an annual project, Irving said. Were going to spend some money for you.
In August 2015, the death of Jamycheal Mitchell, who was incarcerated in the Hampton Roads Regional Jail, made national and international news.

The 24-year-old, mentally ill man had shoplifted a Mountain Dew, a Snickers bar and a Zebra cake  about five bucks worth of junk food  from a local convenience store. He was arrested when store personnel called the police. In his first court appearance, a judge ordered that he be taken to a state mental facility for evaluation as it was clear he was not in his right mind. But the hitch came when a bed wasnt available, then when jail personnel misplaced and/or forgot about the judges order.

For 101 days, Mitchell sat in his cell, supposedly being checked regularly by jail staff. But on Aug. 19, 2015, jailers found Mitchell dead. He had wasted away to less than 100 pounds, and the walls of his cell had been smeared with feces. Hed descended into the depths of his bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and starved himself to death.

Needless to say, his family and the news media, led by The Virginian-Pilot and the Richmond Times-Dispatch, wanted to know what had happened to him. The more investigative reporters dug, the more they uncovered: the judges commitment order, a security camera video of Mitchells cell that purportedly had been recorded over and then was mysteriously rediscovered, the failure to take Mitchell to a state mental facility.

But the ability of the state to step in and conduct a full investigation of Mitchells horrific death was stymied by Virginia law itself.

You see, Mitchell was an inmate at a regional jail, not a state prison. Local and regional jails, operated either by a local sheriff or a board of directors in the case of a multi-jurisdictional regional facility, exist outside the purview of the state Board of Corrections. In other words, the state is unable to exercise its full investigative powers in cases such as this.

So responsibility for the initial investigation fell to the local officials in charge of the Hampton Roads Regional Jail. For reporters digging into the story there was one roadblock after another thrown in their paths by officials who were not eager for the details of Mitchells death to emerge.

Thanks, though, to a new state law that took effect last month, now the states Board of Corrections and its staff have full investigative powers when inmates of local and regional jails die under questionable circumstances. The General Assembly also directed that the boards membership include more law enforcement and mental health professionals who would be able to provide on-the-ground knowledge of how local jail facilities operate. Unfortunately, the legislature failed to provide $4.2 million requested by Gov. Terry McAuliffe for mental health screening and assessments of jail inmates upon their intake.

We truly hope this new level of scrutiny of the penal system in Virginia introduces a new level of accountability. Regardless of the offense, it is our responsibility to provide for the welfare and safety of those in the corrections system. Swiping five bucks of junk food should never be a death sentence.
The front door is draped in mourning black, as are all of the mirrors in the Sutherlin Mansion this month as the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History marks its biennial celebration of the life of Maj. William T. Sutherlin.

Sutherlin  who had the Italian villa-style mansion built in 1857-58  was one of the leaders in Danville in the years leading up to the Civil War. Heath problems prevented Sutherlin from fighting, but he did serve as quartermaster of Confederate forces.

The house also sheltered Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet during one week of the final days of the Confederacy. It was there that Davis learned General Robert E. Lee had surrendered and where Davis issued his final proclamation.

Sutherlin died on July 22, 1893 and the museum marks this time with a month-long tribute, complete with lowered lighting, black drapes and a casket in the parlor so visitors can learn what the customs of the day were.

Typical mourning outfits are on display, with long dresses, elaborate hats and other signs of Victorian opulence  one outfit was left behind at a Richmond-area funeral by Lady Astor, who was Danville-born Nancy Witcher Langhorne.

Langhorne married Waldorf Astor and became not only a viscountess, but the first woman member of British Parliament as well.

The lighting in the museum will be left burning low during the month. Paired with blacks fabrics and the casket in the sitting room, the building is dressed up to show its respects for the man who not only offered refuge during the final days of the Confederacy, but was well know as a local businessman. He made his fortune in tobacco, textiles, railroad development, real estate and banking, but also served as mayor of Danville, an alderman and other political positions, according to Jane Murray, past president of the museums board of directors.

In those days, there were no phones or other easy ways of communicating a death in the family, CB Maddox, the museums visitor services coordinator, said.

Black draped over the outside door let acquaintances know its not an appropriate time to come and visit, Maddox said.

In this years display is a rosewood casket provided by the Simpson Funeral Museum in Chatham, which was delivered to the museum by Townes Funeral Home in Danville, Maddox said.

The casket has a similar glass from for viewing the deceased, as was the custom in the day  the only thing missing is the ice that used to keep bodies cool up until the time of burial.

Volunteers at the mansion were scrambling last week to get the displays done.

Judy Strausser said she has been a volunteer for various events at the museum for 10 years, giving tours to visitors, while Helen Cheyney started as a once-a-week docents about 15 years ago.

We had a whole bunch of people here yesterday fixing the museum up, Strausser said July 25, while Cheyney complimented all of the volunteers for the effort they made.

Tom Duren is a long-time board member who is currently the acting director of the museum.

This display gets better every year, Duren said.

The museum holds the funeral memorial every other year. On alternating years, tours of the Green Hill Cemetery, where Sutherlin was buried.

Sutherlins death garnered attention from newspapers across the state, including the local Danville Daily Register, which wrote, For more than half a century he has been prominent as a public spirited citizen, a promoter of good, and a patriotic lover of his country and his people.

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is located at 975 Main St. It is open Tuesday through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors 62 and older, $4 for children 7 through college; and free for children 6 and under, as well as for members of the museum, the Anne Eliza Johns Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and active military.

For more information, call the museum at (434) 793-5644.

Thibodeau reports for the Danville Register & Bee.
Distilleries are now allowed in the city.

Danville City Council voted 7-0 to create a definition for distilleries  and to allow them  in the city at its regular Thursday night meeting.

The decision was the citys first move to permit distilleries following the states easing of regulations on them.

Councils vote also amended the definition of a bed-and-breakfast to allow private parties  including banquets, weddings and other events  on its property as an accessory use.

Community Development Director Ken Gillie, who oversees planning and zoning, said last week that someone requested a change to city code permitting distilleries.

Dry Fork Fruit Distillery  located in Meadows of Dan  was listed as the applicant for the code change to allow distilleries. The distillery makes fruit, corn, and rye whiskies. A partner with the distillery declined to comment on the application until the outcome of councils vote.

The decision allows distilleries to be permitted as a use by right in the central business commercial district  downtown  and the tobacco warehouse commercial district. It also allows distilleries with a special-use permit in other districts including neighborhood commercial, highway retail commercial and planned shopping center commercial.

Gillie told City Council Thursday night that a use-by-right was applied to distilleries hoping to locate downtown because it would be similar to uses there now, including Ballad Brewing.

The Danville Planning Commission voted 5-0 during its meeting July 10 to recommend City Council approval of the request.

Danville amended its code in 2012 to allow microbreweries and micro-wineries. The city has 2 Witches Winery and Brewing Co. and Ballad Brewing, which opened in June.

The new definition of a distillery in the citys code will be a facility for the production, bottling, packaging, and sale of high alcohol content beverages produced on site for distribution, retail or wholesale, on or off premises sales and which meets all Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control laws and regulations.

Danville City Manager Ken Larking said there had been an inquiry but no announced distillery project. City officials saw that the code did not allow for it and that they needed to address it.

We wanted to be proactive, Larking said.
New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone.
TORONTO, Aug. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SnipGold Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seabridge Gold Inc. (TSX:SEA) (NYSE:SA) (Seabridge), announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Colorado Resources Ltd. (Colorado) whereby Colorado has agreed to purchase SnipGolds 49% interest in the KSP Project. The transaction will result in Colorado owning a 100% interest in the KSP Project upon payment to Seabridge of $1,000,000 in cash, 2,000,000 Colorado common shares and a 2% NSR on the property (half of which can be repurchased at any time for $2,000,000). Closing of the transaction is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.



KSP adjoins Seabridges 100%-owned Iskut Project in northwestern British Columbia, Canada where Seabridge is currently conducting a multi-million dollar drill program exploring for high grade gold deposits.

Seabridge obtained a 100% interest in the KSP Project as part of its acquisition of 100% of SnipGold Corp. in June, 2016. At the time of the SnipGold acquisition, the KSP Project was subject to an exploration earn-in agreement in favour of Colorado as operator. In May, 2017, Colorado announced that it had earned a 51% interest in KSP and outlined the 2017 exploration spending that would vest a further 29% interest.

Seabridge Chairman and CEO Rudi Fronk said the sale of SnipGolds residual interest in KSP is part of Seabridges ongoing program of divesting non-core assets in order to focus on projects in which it is sole owner and operator. Our corporate objectives are better served by taking a passive interest in KSP and allocating our resources to exploration programs now in progress at KSM and Iskut. We wish Colorado every success at KSP and we hope to profit from their work as a shareholder and royalty holder in the project.

Seabridge Gold holds a 100% interest in several North American gold resource projects. The Companys principal assets are the KSM and Iskut properties located near Stewart, British Columbia, Canada and the Courageous Lake gold project located in Canadas Northwest Territories. For a breakdown of Seabridges mineral reserves and resources by project and category please visit the Companys website at http://www.seabridgegold.net/resources.php.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, nor their Regulation Services Providers accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All reserve and resource estimates reported by the Corporation were calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding mineral reserves and resources of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include regulatory issues, market prices, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Rudi Fronk"

Chairman & C.E.O.



For further information, please contact:



Rudi P. Fronk, Chairman and C.E.O.

Tel: (416) 367-9292  Fax: (416) 367-2711

Email: info@seabridgegold.net


Matt Salo, director of the bipartisan National Association of Medicaid Directors

Linda Blumberg, senior fellow of health policy at the liberal Urban Institute

States could set up a reinsurance mechanism [a reimbursement system that protects insurers from very high claims and lowers premiums]. They would have to fund it, and while thats certainly possible, they would need that revenue stream up front. [The Trump administration recently agreed to help fund Alaska's reinsurance program.] Work on enrollment and outreach efforts. Its a relatively cheap but important piece to stabilize the marketplaces. [Trump recently pulled ACA enrollment and outreach funding for 18 cities.] I know Massachusetts has an individual mandate on the books. If the federal one goes away, you could make sure your state has a law on the books.

Tom Miller, resident fellow in health-care policy at the conservative American Enterprise Institute

Tim Jost, emeritus professor of health-care law at Washington and Lee University

Kelly Whitener, associate professor at Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families

With a dramatic thumbs down from U.S. Sen. John McCain late last month, the effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), President Obama's signature achievement, appears to be over -- at least for now.Since President Trump took office in January, Republican members of Congress have put forth one proposal after another to make good on their promise to repeal Obamacare. After months of failed attempts and McCain's call for bipartisanship, Republicans in the House and Senate have signaled they will work with Democrats to fix problems with the health-care law.But what do actual health policy experts want to see going forward?spoke to five across the ideological spectrum about what they hope comes out of these talks and what states should do about health care in the meantime.A universal wish from all five experts is for the Trump administration to keep funding cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), which pay for the insurance subsidies that lower the cost of premiums on the marketplace. Trump, however, tweeted last week that he will stop funding CSRs -- which he referred to as "BAILOUTS for Insurance Companies" -- if Congress doesn't repeal Obamacare "quickly."The following interviews have been edited for clarity and length.Id like to see states have more authority and autonomy with the Medicaid drug benefit. Let's take Hepatitis C for example: Its a fairly priced drug for a pretty serious condition. So someone gets a 12-week drug regimen, and at the end of the process, theyre thought to be cured. But some of our concerns are: What if a beneficiary is an active IV drug user [which would put them at a higher risk of contracting the disease again]?What if they dont have a fixed address? In the current state of affairs, thats all federal Medicaids responsibility. But states want to be able to contract with someone -- either a pharmacy, community health worker, or home health organization -- to make sure that were not just paying for the drug, were paying to get someone cured.Id also like to empower states to think about how we pay for federally-qualified health centers a little differently. The direction that Medicaid is going is toward value-based pricing. In other words, paying people more for doing the right thing. If youre a provider stuck in the dark ages, quite frankly we should pay you less. But right now, federally-qualified health centers are mandated to be paid at a certain level. If they improve, we can pay them more -- but we cant pay them less.If theres anything true about the reforms happening now, it's that they're difficult. Essentially we're telling people that what theyve been doing -- in this case, fee-for-service payment -- has failed and we need a new business model. It takes a lot of change and a lot of change management.Its worth noting that when you ask people who are frustrated about health care, its almost universally about the marketplace or private insurance. Youre not really hearing them complain about Medicaid. There are real challenges with the ACA, and let's address them. But taking $800 billion out of the Medicaid budget [ Trump's budget proposed doing so ] is not the way to do that.Something like getting rid of the employer mandate. I know the right doesnt like it and the left should be willing to trade off on it.In certain geographic areas, premiums are quite high. It tends to be in places where population density is low and in areas with one or two insurers. So an ideato lower other out-of-pocket costscould be borrowed from the Medicare program: Under Medicare advantage plans, if you go to a doctor outside of your network, theres a cap on what those payments can be. The insurer pays the traditional Medicare rate, but the provider cant charge whatever they want. If theres a cap, at least they wont have patients over a barrell. It also makes it easier for other providers to come into the market because if you know theres a maximum to make, its easier to gain marketshare.We hear from a lot of governors and state legislators that they just dont believe in this notion that they should allow people who arent super poor into Medicaid. So if Congress allowed states to expand up to just 100 percent of the federal poverty line [instead of 138 percent of the federal poverty line that the ACA mandates], that could bring in other holdout states, and they could enroll those populations on the private marketplaces [ a model of Medicaid expansion that's popular among GOP states] . Also, those populations would have more financial assistance on the marketplace, so the more likely theyd enroll. So youre also strengthening the marketplace by doing that.Getting rid of the individual mandate is somewhat practical, but it does open up other questions. My proposal is to bite the bullet -- get rid of the mandate -- and if people dont at least get minimal insurance, let insurers make them pay more for coverage down the line when they do enroll. That incentivizes continuous coverage.Weve spent so many years arguing, but we need to straighten out the delivery system and get people healthy. Everything else is just noise. We have to recognize the limits there, prioritizing who gets more help and who gets less help. But its not supportable to say everyone gets a taste.Until people know what something costs, theyll never ask if it's worth it. Once they realize what things cost, theyll recognize the cost-benefit analysis. Ohio is trying to implement a price transparency law, but it's facing major oppositionfrom state medical groups, which has been interesting to watch.Well every bill we saw included stabilization funding for the marketplaces. I think everyone agrees thats a good idea.Enforcing the individual mandate is necessary until someone comes up with a better idea.Jim Capretta [a health policy analyst with AEI] talks about auto-enrollment. I think thats an interesting idea, and Im open to that.But right now, let's enforce the law.Work on enrollment. Talk to insurers to keep them in the market, and ask them what they need. States should be putting in money to get people enrolled because the federal government wont. It isnt a huge budget item, and its a good thing to do.Expand Medicaid. I think well see some traction there in Kansas, North Carolina and Virginia. Once that happens, I think more states will pursue it.Weve done a lot to get kids enrolled, and we want to continue in that direction by thinking about the gaps we want to fill. Theres a million kids in the marketplace, how can we make those marketplace plans better for them?Also, were still seeing a lot of kids not getting regular cleanings, so we'd like an expansion of dental coverage.In theory, states can do a lot. But in practice, if I were running a state Medicaid program, I think itd be hard to make changes. But there are demonstrations around home health care and medical homes that states can try, although you need quite a bit of bandwidth to pull that off.New York has done a lot of work around value-based purchasing that helps kids, so I would want more states to take a look at that.
in upscale restaurants in Boston and New York City. In an industry notorious for low wages and zero benefits, he did something very unusual: He opened a retirement savings account for himself. Birong admits that if his parents hadnt insisted he do so, he likely would have skipped the process. Even then, the notion of setting up an investment plan on his own would have been overwhelming if he didnt have a trusted friend in the financial services industry to walk him through it.Now, as owner and head chef of 3 Squares Cafe south of Burlington, Vt., Birong wishes he could do the same thing for his employees. He already offers other unusual perks for the industry to attract quality and loyal workers, such as paid time off after one year of service. But setting up a retirement savings program for his roughly 15 employees? Ive got my head under a sink making sure the waters not leaking on the tenants downstairs, he says. I just dont have the time; its not that I dont want to.Birongs situation is similar to that of many small-business owners across the country and is a big reason why half of private-sector workers dont have an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Of those 57 million people, only a small percentage have saved on their own and those savings are generally paltry. According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, the median retirement account balance is $3,000 for all working-age households and $12,000 for near-retirement households.Some states want to change that. This July, Oregon became the first to offer a retirement plan to full- and part-time private-sector workers who dont have access to one through their employer. Eight other states -- California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont and Washington -- are implementing similar plans that should reach full rollout within the next five years. In general, the programs will run independently from the state and will be paid for through retirement account fees. When the nine state plans are up and running, they will serve roughly one-quarter of private-sector workers across the country. In California alone, the plans will cover nearly 7 million people.This effort to close what many feel is a retirement security gap among working Americans has been batted around for more than a decade, first at the federal level and then by states. During President Barack Obamas first term, he proposed a national retirement savings program that would automatically enroll workers with an option to opt out. The effort stalled in Congress, so in 2015 the administration launched its myRA program, a voluntary retirement program for workers who could afford only small monthly contributions. By then, states were pushing hard to offer their own retirement plans. California in 2012 and Connecticut in 2014 set up feasibility studies for a state-run retirement plan for private workers. Illinois in 2015 became the first state to pass legislation approving such a program. And last year, California and Connecticut released the findings from their studies, which helped spur adoption of retirement programs in those states and in a handful of others.But just as the momentum seemed to be building for the programs, Congress delivered a blow to the concept. Earlier this year, it reversed an Obama administration rule that exempted state-run individual retirement account (IRA) plans from some aspects of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), thus calling into question states legal authority to sponsor private-sector retirement programs. The move, which was a surprise to many, was spurred by financial groups that opposed these programs. But that isnt stopping the nine states from moving forward with their plans -- and several more may join them. This determination to push on suggests that states are willing to solve the national retirement crisis without federal help and despite federal roadblocks.Theres certainly good reason to see the retirement crisis as a state problem: Research shows that it is states that will be footing the bill for Americans who arent financially prepared to enter their golden years. Nothing has happened at the federal level, says Rocky Joyner, vice president and actuary at the financial firm Segal Consulting. State officials are saying, These people are retiring in my community, in my state.That reality is one reason why Segal Consulting conducted an analysis looking at what would happen if all full-time workers gained access to retirement plans. The findings, released earlier this year, show that states could save big on future Medicaid costs: a collective $5 billion in the first decade. These savings would be a result of potentially vulnerable households being removed from the poverty rolls by the time they retire. More specifically, the Segal study found that in the first 10 years after a retirement savings plan is introduced, 15 states would save more than $100 million each in Medicaid payments; California and New York alone would combine to save more than $1.1 billion.The study has validated what experts have long warned -- that states will ultimately pay for poor retirees. That notion has helped fuel bipartisan support in an era of constrained finances. This is an approach where we can save taxpayer dollars, says Sarah Gill, senior legislative representative for AARP. This is not a red or blue state issue. In fact, the idea of having a government-sponsored, automatic-enrollment IRA plan actually came from a 2006 paper co-authored by researchers from the moderate-left Brookings Institution and the conservative-leaning Heritage Foundation.But while Republican-dominated states such as Arkansas and Utah are looking at establishing retirement savings programs, the issue has gained the most traction in states with Democratic leadership. That difference likely has to do with the policys two biggest opponents: businesses and the insurance and financial industry -- traditionally conservative groups that feel the programs are either too burdensome or in some other way meddle with the private sector.The ERISA Industry Committee, which lobbies on behalf of large employers that generally already sponsor retirement savings programs, has pushed back against any policy that they believe might be burdensome for their members. For example, Oregon is one of six states that requires employers to participate in the state program if they dont already offer their own retirement plan. In that state, the committee successfully lobbied to simplify what businesses providing a savings plan have to do to be exempt from participating in OregonSaves. Meanwhile, the insurance and financial industry has protested the programs on the grounds that they are government overreach and arent necessary. Anyone can walk into any of our offices today and come out a couple hours later with a retirement plan that fits their individual needs, says Gary Sanders, a lobbyist for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.When asked why people dont already do so, Sanders says the disconnect is due to a lack of financial education and desire to save. He points to the relatively low enrollment (about 20,000) in Obamas myRA since launching in late 2015. Sanders also says the mandate for employers to participate in state plans and facilitate the payroll deduction is a burden. And he disputes the idea that state-sponsored retirement programs would create more business for his members. Even when states choose a private-sector company to run the programs, Sanders says, you have [businesses that are] winners and losers.Advocates for state-run programs have scoffed at such claims. The myRA program, they say, puts the onus on savers to seek it out and sign up. State programs, on the other hand, auto-enroll employees -- a feature that research has shown makes people 15 times more likely to save for retirement. Besides, advocates argue, research by the Pew Charitable Trusts has found that small-business owners view sponsoring their own retirement savings program as overwhelming and expensive. The retirement industry just didnt want competition, says Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs.This past January the opposition to state-run retirement plans found a sympathetic ear in Congress. House Republicans moved to block states and localities efforts to establish these plans by passing a resolution overturning a Department of Labor rule last year that reaffirmed governments legal right to sponsor private-sector savings programs for small businesses. Referred to as the safe harbor rule, it specifically exempted state and potential city savings plans from ERISA, which governs private retirement plans and requires certain legal and financial protections for plan enrollees. The measure easily passed in the House, and after more than a month of stalling, the Senate narrowly approved the resolution despite a bipartisan outcry from state and local officials and AARP.The effort played upon one of the central weaknesses of a state-sponsored retirement plan: While the vast majority of small-business owners support the idea of offering auto-IRAs to their employees, most oppose the plans being sponsored and administered by the state or the federal government, according to a survey conducted by Pew. Seemingly, the negative news regarding many governments growing public pension liabilities has cast a cloud over states getting involved in any kind of new retirement plan -- even one where the state has no liability. Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read says he still has to dispel the myth that OregonSaves is a pension plan.But many feel this perception problem can be fixed. At a retirement conference in Washington, D.C., this winter, John Scott, who directs the retirement savings project at Pew, noted the survey also found that small employers are more comfortable with mutual fund and insurance companies taking the helm as an auto-IRA sponsor. He said that respondents likely thought that government sponsorship meant that taxpayers would be liable for the plans. If we had explained that sponsorship means partnering with a financial services company, he said, we most likely would have seen a higher level of support.all states that had already approved a retirement savings program are moving ahead to implement it. There is widespread sense that this is the most beneficial road to take -- for the state as well as low-income workers. There are dire consequences to individuals -- to communities -- when you have people who dont have a secure life and long-term stability, says California State Treasurer John Chiang.The plans -- often called Secure Choice -- mainly follow one of two structures. In New Jersey and Washington, for example, the plans are offered through a marketplace. Businesses participation is voluntary, but if they opt in they can decide to work with private entities to create their own plan or they can choose a plan through the state to auto-enroll their workers. This approach has met the least amount of resistance from the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, as it allows financial service companies to compete against each other for clients.The more common course employed by states, however, is a program where a service provider is selected by the state to run and administer the retirement program. Workers are auto-enrolled into an IRA retirement plan in places where the employer doesnt offer one. Each plan that follows this structure still has its own unique components. Maryland, for example, is waiving the annual business license fee for businesses that already offer a retirement plan and for businesses that eventually will through the state.Vermonts plan is a multiple employer plan, and it is voluntary for employers. Those who opt in will auto-enroll employees into the Green Mountain Secure Retirement Plan. It is ERISA-compliant, and so is largely unaffected by the congressional action. Massachusetts passed a similar plan in 2012 for nonprofits. So far, however, the state has been unsuccessful at passing an auto-IRA plan for all workplaces.In every case, the programs are phased in. Oregon, for example, first rolled out OregonSaves as a pilot program to 11 businesses covering about 150 employees. The state plans to initiate a second pilot program in October and use what it learns from the pilots to fully launch in January, with larger employers going first.Despite Congress repeal of the safe harbor rule, state officials say they are still on solid legal ground: The 2016 rule simply clarified that employers wouldnt have to comply with ERISA under a government-sponsored retirement plan. In other words, there is no rule or law that says governments have to comply with ERISA. Some state treasurers have sought out legal opinions to back up their beliefs. Others think the issue will ultimately be decided by the courts.Sanders, the lobbyist, says his group isnt planning on filing any lawsuits but notes that former Labor Secretary Tom Perez had said that the safe harbor rule was issued to help reduce the risk of ERISA exposure. Its a really complicated law and subject, he says. I dont think its a certainty either way and I think there is the possibility of a lawsuit.But those who have pushed states to adopt these plans believe that the fight this past spring will ultimately help propel them forward. More of them may adopt a marketplace approach or even a multiple employer plan like Vermont. But at a minimum, states have not shied away from talking about securing a savings plan for workers. In addition to Arkansas and Utah, programs are being debated in New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wisconsin. The [ERISA rule] repeal was certainly something they took seriously, says AARPs Gill. But the [general] reaction of states has been to double down.Thats good news for small employers like Birong, who says offering retirement benefits is another way for his business to stand out and encourage employee loyalty. He also believes political resistance elsewhere will eventually weaken in the face of real results in early adoption states. Financial firms are not going to chase a business with 15 people like mine, he says. But you throw 1,500 in a pool? Thats a huge account.
Government Cyberattacks

Challenges Ahead

For three years, a team of highly trained volunteers from the public and private sector has been standing by in Michigan, ready to spring into action and provide technical assistance if the state gets hit by a massive cyberattack.But despite a steady stream of smaller-scale breaches, the Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps, MiC3, has yet to be deployed. Now, as states grapple with a growing threat of sophisticated hacks and struggle to hold on to cybersecurity experts, Michigan lawmakers are considering a measure that would make it easier to call on the corps and would expand its reach so it can help state and local governments, nonprofits and businesses across the state.Michigan officials say they hope their volunteer corps of cybersecurity experts from government, education and private industry, believed to be the first such group in the U.S., can serve as a national model. They liken it to volunteer firefighters.These are the guys who come in while the house is burning, said Paul Groll, Michigans deputy chief security officer who oversees the team. They can help stop the damage and try to find out what the bad guys are doing and kick them out as soon as possible and set up the victim for a successful recovery.And other states are taking notice. Officials in Michigan say they have been contacted by more than a dozen of them. Hawaii is thinking of setting up a team, and sent a staffer to visit the program earlier this year. Montana is planning on doing the same this fall. Washington state considered launching a corps like Michigans but decided instead to set up a team of existing trained staff to assist state and local government agencies during a major cyberattack.But the Michigan corps has its limitations. While it is managed by the state Department of Technology, Management and Budget, it is not part of the agency so its volunteers dont have the same legal protections as state employees.And it has yet to be deployed because it can be activated only if the governor declares a state of cyber emergency, which hasnt happened. When hackers targeted the states main website last year, knocking it briefly offline to draw attention to the Flint water crisis, for example, the governor didnt consider it an emergency so the corps wasnt activated.State officials are hoping the Legislature will pass the bill to broaden the teams reach and establish it in statute. The House passed the measure overwhelmingly last month, and it is now in a Senate committee.Information technology experts say this could help boost cyber defenses not only for state government, but for cities, counties, school boards, police departments and small businesses that may be victimized in lower-level or non-emergency incidents.These smaller organizations need help, said Dan Lohrmann, chief security officer for Security Mentor, a national security training firm that works with states. And this can help younger cyber pros get hands-on experience and grow the overall pool of cyber talent in Michigan.Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, came up with the idea for the corps in 2013 as a way to boost the states ability to rapidly respond to large-scale cyberattacks, such as those striking the electric grid or transportation networks. The following year, the states technology department, working with the Michigan State Police and the Michigan National Guard, launched the program with 33 volunteer recruits. Today, that number has grown to 59.This year, the department allocated $300,000 for the corps out of its $20 million cybersecurity budget. Some of it pays for a project manager and program coordinator, both part-time, but most is spent on training, Groll said.Corps members come from a variety of industries, including energy, defense and transportation, but all of them are vetted thoroughly. They must be Michigan residents with at least two years of professional cybersecurity experience and be certified by a global certification organization. They are required to pass a series of tests to demonstrate their knowledge and forensics skills and must provide a letter from their employer allowing them to participate and authorizing them to devote up to 10 days a year to the volunteer job.Its a very innovative approach, said Doug Robinson, executive director of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). This is different than saying we need volunteers to fill sandbags. They are tapping into the expertise of people who can help protect our critical infrastructure as cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated.In recent years, hackers and cybercriminals have been relentless in targeting state and local government networks, which contain information such as Social Security, bank account and credit card numbers on millions of people and businesses.Fraudsters and online activists have obtained personal information, hijacked government computer systems, defaced websites and hacked into data or email and released it online.State IT offices, who are increasingly concerned about sophisticated efforts to breach their systems, in 2016 ranked cybersecurity as their top priority for the third year in a row, according to NASCIO and the consulting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP.And its not just state officials who are affected. Nearly a third of local government chief information officers reported increased cyberattacks during the past 12 months, according to a 2016 survey by the International City/County Management Association.The bad guys are constantly looking for new data sets or government systems to take down, said Timothy Blute, a program director of the National Governors Associations homeland security division. Its no longer a simple IT problem. More and more citizen services are being moved to the internet. Every time that happens, they become a target.At the same time, Blute said the public sector is struggling with a shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. And states are facing serious problems hiring and retaining IT staff, especially cybercrime experts. Salaries generally cant match those in private industry, and its often hard to move up the ladder in state government. Creating a civilian cyber team like Michigans can help states beef up that expertise, Blute said.Last month, the state logged 6 billion cybersecurity events, including probes by would-be intruders and attempted attacks, according to Groll. That was double the number from a year ago.Paul Dumbleton, security engineering manager at Perrigo, a manufacturer of generic over-the-counter medicine, said he joined the corps nearly three years ago, partly to give back to the community.But, he said, its also been beneficial for himself and for his company. He has networked with cybersecurity professionals in other industries and improved his skills through training and mentoring. And he has used that knowledge to offer cybersecurity presentations at his church and a local Boy Scouts troop meeting.NASCIOs Robinson said public-private partnerships like Michigans can benefit both sectors.Financial institutions have some of the best IT security people. They can bring new ideas and innovation to the states, he said. And it can be an eye-opening experience for companies, which dont have the broad scope of responsibility that states have, everything from transportation to human services.Michigan officials admit its a challenge keeping all their cyber volunteers on board, considering they havent actually been deployed. They try to engage them by requiring them to undergo intense training and exercises, attend quarterly meetings around the state, and participate in a monthly conference call.Another sticking point is that corps members dont have protection from lawsuits if they give advice or make a decision that inadvertently causes harm. The proposed legislation addresses that by including a good Samaritan clause that would provide the volunteers with civil immunity.Dumbleton, the corps volunteer, said adding such protection is important for the team.Wed be going into an organization where we have no idea how their network is set up or what type of information they have, he said. If we find something and suggest they make a change and it breaks something within their network, if were held responsible or liable for that, well lose a lot of members because were volunteers.State Rep. Brandt Iden, a Republican and sponsor of the Michigan bill, said offering immunity and broadening the corps scope would help not only with retention but with recruitment. He said the legislation also would allow local government agencies, nonprofits and small businesses to tap into expertise they may not already have.School district officials who think their network may have been hacked, for example, could contact the state technology department, which could dispatch corps volunteers for up to a week to assess the threat and recommend a plan of action. The volunteers would supplement, not supplant, the private IT security contractors often hired to fix such problems, he said.By expanding the corps reach beyond just emergencies, Iden said, it will give these people an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get in there and make a difference.
Municipal elections in Minneapolis were seen as a triumph for fresh faces and diversity back in 2013, with mayoral winner Betsy Hodges leading a parade of new talent into city hall. Her victory was counted as a defeat for the party machine that had long dominated city politics.That was then. As she seeks re-election this year, Hodges faces numerous challengers who complain that she hasnt been progressive enough. Some of our most marginalized and vulnerable populations have been neglected by the city government, including our mayor, says Nekima Levy-Pounds, a former NAACP official running against Hodges.The field also includes Jacob Frey, a member of the city council, state Rep. Raymond Dehn and businessman Tom Hoch. With the exception of Hoch, Hodges main challengers are all running to her left. Youve got this progressive mayor with a booming city, says Lawrence Jacobs, a political scientist at the University of Minnesota, and shes vulnerable.Hodges is not alone. The city council is made up of 12 Democrats and one member of the Green Party. It would be considered a highly progressive body nearly anywhere else. Yet several city council members -- including some associated with Paul Wellstone, the late U.S. senator who was a liberal icon in the 1990s -- are also being challenged. They are definitely coming from the left, says John Quincy, a Hodges ally on the city council.Antipathy toward President Trump has energized Democrats, who are sending money to new activist groups that, in turn, are promoting more ardently progressive candidates. The Trump dystopia is clearly motivating people to do something, writescolumnist Jon Tevlin, and at the local level that means running for office, even against your own party.Alida Tieberg, Hodges campaign spokeswoman, notes that the mayor pushed through Minnesotas first paid sick leave requirement and has promoted reforms in police practices, such as implicit bias and de-escalation training. Hodges was also on board with a $15-an-hour-minimum-wage requirement that passed this summer.But none of this is enough to mollify the mayors critics, who say shes shifted positions on the minimum wage and failed to support a proposal to require employers to give workers more notice about schedule changes. Hodges oversight of the police has also been widely criticized, especially after a high-profile shooting in 2015 that led to an 18-day occupation of a precinct house. And her opponents say she isnt visible or engaged enough. Hodges predecessor, R.T. Rybak, was the sort of mayor who seemed to show up at every fire at 2 a.m. with a box of doughnuts. Hodges cuts much less of a visible figure around the city.Her missteps -- and a general sense of dissatisfaction among progressives -- mean the mayor could be defeated at a time when her city is thriving. Among her friends, theres a concern that theres blood in the water, Jacobs says. Shes vulnerable, and its a question of whos going to beat her.
Since 2006, the nations largest police departments have fired at least 1,881 officers for misconduct that betrayed the publics trust, from cheating on overtime to unjustified shootings. But The Washington Post has found that departments have been forced to reinstate more than 450 officers after appeals required by union contracts.Most of the officers regained their jobs when police chiefs were overruled by arbitrators, typically lawyers hired to review the process. In many cases, the underlying misconduct was undisputed, but arbitrators often concluded that the firings were unjustified because departments had been too harsh, missed deadlines, lacked sufficient evidence or failed to interview witnesses.A San Antonio police officer caught on a dash cam challenging a handcuffed man to fight him for the chance to be released was reinstated in February. In the District, an officer convicted of sexually abusing a young woman in his patrol car was ordered returned to the force in 2015. And in Boston, an officer was returned to work in 2012 despite being accused of lying, drunkenness and driving a suspected gunman from the scene of a nightclub killing.The chiefs say the appeals process leaves little margin for error. Yet police agencies sometimes sabotage their own attempts to shed troubled officers by making procedural mistakes. The result is that police chiefs have booted hundreds of officers they have deemed unfit to be in their ranks, only to be compelled to take them back and return them to the streets with guns and badges.Its demoralizing, but not just to the chief, said Charles H. Ramsey, former police commissioner in Philadelphia and chief in the District. Philadelphia and the District together have had to rehire 80 fired officers since 2006, three of them twice.Its demoralizing to the rank and file who really dont want to have those kinds of people in their ranks, Ramsey said. It causes a tremendous amount of anxiety in the public. Our credibility is shot whenever these things happen.The Posts findings illustrate the obstacles local police agencies face in holding their own accountable at a critical moment for policing: President Trumps administration has indicated that the federal government will curtail the strategy of federal intervention in departments confronted with allegations of systemic officer misconduct, even as controversial police shootings continue to undermine public confidence.
Ban the Box

License to Work

Erasing the Past

Food Stamp Bans

Reducing Court Fees

To ease prison crowding and rein in corrections spending, state legislatures are trying to help ex-offenders re-enter society with the goal of ensuring they dont return to prison.People exiting prison often struggle to find work and housing, and many legislators say the law continues to punish them as they are hit with court debt and barred from entering certain professions and, in some places, from getting public assistance.With the exception of people that get sentenced to life, everybody that goes to prison is going to get out eventually, said Utah state Sen. Daniel Thatcher, a Republican who sponsored a new law that makes it easier for ex-offenders to clear their criminal records. When they go to reintegrate we see how incredibly difficult it is for people to meet these standards that we are setting.Utah was one of at least three states that enacted legislation this year making it easier to expunge a criminal record. States also moved to make it easier for ex-offenders to get professional licenses and to limit the penalties ex-offenders and others face for not paying court fines and fees.Several states enacted so-called ban the box laws that bar employers from asking about a persons criminal history on a job application, and some eliminated restrictions that keep those with a felony drug charge from getting food stamps. Arkansas, Kentucky and Louisiana passed broad criminal justice reform packages that included similar provisions.For years, states have tried to reduce prison costs by shortening sentences and diverting people to programs outside prison. The idea behind the push to help ex-offenders re-enter society is that fewer barriers to getting work and adjusting to a new life will keep people from going back to prison.We have an incredibly high recidivism rate, said Louisiana state Rep. Walt Leger, a Democrat and one of the sponsors of the states new criminal justice reform package. One of the biggest challenges we have is successful re-entry.This year Utah and Nevada passed legislation barring public employers from asking about a job applicants criminal history before an interview, bringing to 28 the number of states with ban the box laws.Supporters say asking applicants to check a box if they have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime discourages those with a record from applying. Banning the box gives applicants with a record the chance to make their pitch and explain a conviction before a potential employer checks their criminal history.It doesnt prevent anyone from running a background check, its just about when you run the background check, said Beth Avery with the National Employment Law Project, an advocacy group that supports ban the box policies. Its just about making sure people get the consideration they deserve.But only nine of the 28 states extend their ban the box laws to private businesses  a much tougher sell to legislators who say they dont want the government to get so involved in business practices.In June, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, signed an executive order banning the box on executive branch job applications. But in April he signed a law barring local governments from passing ban the box ordinances that would apply to private businesses.Indiana state Sen. Philip Boots, a Republican who sponsored that law, said, I dont want to encourage local governments telling private employers how to conduct their interviews and hiring practices.In Washington state, a bill that would have required ban the box for all public and private employers across the state was voted down after disagreements over a portion of the measure that would have invalidated local ordinances and prohibited new ones.State Sen. Michael Baumgartner, a Republican and one of the bills sponsors, said businesses need consistency and the state is in a better position than local governments to enforce ban the box laws.Many states, including Louisiana, loosened restrictions that kept people with criminal records from getting a variety of professional licenses.Kentucky targeted occupational licensing boards that were preventing people with criminal records from getting licensed to cut hair or work in health care.We always want to talk about forgiveness, but if you get some of these offenses, theres no forgiveness, said Kentucky state Rep. Darryl Owens, a Democrat who has sponsored similar measures in previous sessions. The offense ends up being a lifetime sentence.Under the new law, professional boards can turn down applicants based on their criminal records only if there is a clear connection between the ex-offenders crime and the profession.Republican Sen. Whitney Westerfield, a former prosecutor and sponsor of the new law, said it should prevent licensing boards from denying ex-offenders outright. Nevertheless, Westerfield worries that a board member who really wants to be a curmudgeon could deny a license by claiming a tenuous connection between a past crime and the profession.Arizona enacted a similar law in May but coupled it with a requirement that boards publicly report how often license applications are being denied and why.Its kind of a shaming mechanism, said Greg Glod with Right on Crime, a national conservative group promoting criminal justice reform in the state. Making the information public, he said, could prompt people to ask, Why are you not licensing people to be barbers because they had a drug sentence?Some states have sought to improve the job prospects of ex-offenders by sealing criminal records, so that they can only be viewed by law enforcement, or destroying them entirely through expungement.Nevada, Tennessee and Utah expanded the types of crimes, and the number of crimes, that may be hidden from the public. Tennessees expungement law, previously limited mostly to those convicted of misdemeanors, now allows some people with low-level felonies to have charges removed from their record.Tennessee state Sen. Steve Dickerson, a Republican who sponsored the law, said most lawmakers wanted to make it easier for people with records to find work, but some worried that future legislatures might expand the law too far.If someone commits murder, they shouldnt be able to get that expunged, Dickerson said. [But] if a young person is caught with a small bag of marijuana, we dont want that to haunt someone and prevent them from getting job at 30. Somewhere in between those two extremes is a happy place.Many states have opted out of a 1996 federal law that allows them to withhold welfare, including food stamps, from drug felons. This year Louisiana scrapped its law requiring those ex-offenders to wait a year before applying for food stamps, and Arkansas lifted its ban on food stamps for that population.Violent offenders and sex offenders could access public assistance, but those who committed drug offenses couldnt get it for a year, said Leger in Louisiana. People thought, That doesnt make sense. Why carve out those people and put another barrier to re-entry? But in Nevada, a proposal to no longer require drug felons to undergo drug treatment in order to get food stamps was vetoed in May by Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval, who said the change would have removed important tools and incentives for drug offenders to receive necessary treatment for addiction and rebuild their lives.States are also reevaluating the court fees that can leave people coming out of prison with thousands of dollars in debt and, in some states, a revoked drivers license if they fail to make payments.Virginia enacted a law in April that creates more payment options and imposes limits on the down payments that judges can demand, in an effort to reduce the number of drivers licenses that are revoked.Louisiana will now allow judges to offer alternatives to paying court debt, such as community service, or waive debt entirely, rather than revoking a license or putting people in jail for nonpayment. The Louisiana law also sets new guidelines for payment plans, requiring that debtors pay one days wages each month for a year or half the length of their supervision, whichever is longer, and forgives the remaining debt of those who follow the payment plan.Judges and clerks sometimes oppose such laws because they fear they will not collect enough in fees to keep courthouses running.A new law in Tennessee makes it easier for ex-offenders to avoid the suspension of their drivers licenses for failing to pay court debts. Now, in addition to being able to drive to work, ex-offenders with court debt can get a hardship license to drive to school, religious services and court.Tennessee suspended more than 146,000 drivers licenses for failure to pay court fees between 2012 and 2016, but only 7 percent were reinstated, according to a lawsuit filed against the state that said the practice unfairly discriminates against poor people.The state pushed to have the suit dismissed, arguing it had a legitimate interest in putting the burden for payment directly on the people whose conduct caused such costs to be incurred instead of on the backs of taxpayers.Dickerson, who sponsored the new law, said revoking the licenses was making it harder for people to pay off their debt.You have people at a vulnerable time in life, they just left prison and theyre trying to get job, and many have to drive to get to a job, he said. So this was putting up further impediments.
In another move to pressure cities into cooperating with immigration enforcement, the U.S. Department of Justice threatened Thursday to withhold crime-fighting help from four cities if they refuse to help federal agents target jail inmates suspected of being in the country illegally.But the decision to publicly question San Bernardino, Calif., Stockton, Calif., Baltimore and Albuquerque, N.M., appeared poorly thought out. Perplexed officials in all four cities said they do not operate any jails. In two, officials said they have no sanctuary policies."The city of San Bernardino is not a sanctuary city," Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said in an interview. Asked why he thought the city had been singled out by the Department of Justice, Burguan replied, "You would have to ask DOJ."In a publicly released letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry pushed back, highlighting the agreement his Police Department has with immigration officials to screen people who are arrested.A Justice spokesman did not reply to questions regarding why the cities were selected.Each of the cities has been hit hard by surges in violent crime and expressed interest in joining a program that puts federal law enforcement manpower and resources in cities struggling with violent crime.The letters are the latest threat by the Trump administration to crack down on so-called sanctuary cities _ a label for cities that decline to assist immigration officers in various ways. Despite repeated threats, the federal government has not cut funding to any of the affected communities.The letters asked each city about its "commitment to reducing violent crime stemming from illegal immigration" and for proof that it helps immigration officers take custody of people who are being held in local jails and suspected of living in the country illegally. A Justice Department spokesman said the new questions are "considerations, not requirements."Even though Thursday's threats do not extend to stripping cities of existing funds, the stakes are nonetheless high for cities struggling to find ways to lift themselves out of spiraling crime.San Bernardino has long been among the most violent cities in California, and its problems with crime have been compounded by deep financial struggles. Just this year, the city emerged from nearly five years of bankruptcy during which its Police Department suffered significant cuts. Last year, the city recorded its highest homicide total in two decades.As the Police Department works to rebuild, it has sought help from the federal government to offset its limited resources. Late last year, city officials touted a $2.8 million grant from the Department of Justice to help fund 11 new officers.The new assistance program the city wants to join, the National Public Safety Partnership, would help the department learn how other communities around the nation have successfully dealt with high violent crime rates, Burguan said.Though the city has made some progress on its own, "I'm certainly in no position that I want to turn it down," Burguan said of the sought-after help.Similarly, homicides in Baltimore climbed into the triple digits through the first four months of 2017, the city's highest murder rate per capita in recorded history, according to city officials. Violent crime was up 23 percent as of May 1 compared with the same time frame last year, with homicides, shootings and robberies all increasing by double digits.Last week, the Justice Department announced that cooperation with immigration enforcement _ specifically, agreements to let agents into jails to pick up people suspected of being in the country illegally _ would be a condition for local police departments to receive a host of law enforcement-related grants totaling about $380 million for next year.Significantly, in the letters sent this week, the department for the first time is asking whether cities are willing to comply with detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The detainers ask police to hold people for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released from custody in order to give ICE agents time to take them into federal custody. Some appeals courts have held that such requests, without warrants, are illegal. In light of the legal rulings, none of the county sheriffs in California _ many of whom support a hard-line stance on immigration _ honor detainer requests.As in other immigration initiatives, the Trump administration's sanctuary city crackdown has been frustrated by federal courts. A judge in San Francisco blocked an executive order from Trump that would have denied all federal funding to municipalities that refuse to assist on immigration enforcement. That case is still ongoing, along with other challenges to the order.There is no clear agreement on what constitutes a sanctuary city. That confusion, along with gaffes by the Justice and Homeland Security departments along the way, have hamstrung the campaign.In April, Homeland Security officials publicly released an online database of immigrants in detention that was supposed to help the public search for potential criminals, only to discover that children as young as 3 and 4 were included. Department officials said a filter was not properly applied to the data made available on the website.And several months ago, immigration officials began publishing error-plagued reports on jurisdictions they said were releasing immigrants from jail or after arrest despite detainer requests. In some cases, ICE mixed up names, such as confusing Franklin counties in Iowa, New York and Pennsylvania. In other cases, the detainees had already been picked up by ICE or had never been released.But Sessions, a strong proponent of lower immigration rates, has continued to push the cause aggressively, highlighting cases in which people in the country illegally have committed violent crimes and condemning sanctuary cities as havens for these criminals."By taking simple, common-sense considerations into account, we are encouraging every jurisdiction in this country to cooperate with federal law enforcement," Sessions said in a statement that accompanied the letters Thursday. "That will ultimately make all of us safer _ especially law enforcement on our streets."The letters sent this week presented a litmus test to the four cities. The police chiefs were given until Aug. 18 to show they have policies in place that call for jailers to honor the detainer requests, grant immigration officers access to their jails and provide notice before releasing an inmate ICE agents have said they want to take into custody.Because they run no jails, officials in San Bernardino, Baltimore and Albuquerque presumably will be able to argue the policy questions are irrelevant to them. In at least some of the cities, people who are arrested can be briefly detained in holding cells _ rarely long enough for immigration agents to issue a detainer request. Then the inmates are sent to county and state facilities.Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said he was disappointed by the Department of Justice's decision to use the program for political leverage."For us, it's all about reducing violent crime. That's what the PSP is about. It's unfortunate when things like this become politicized," he said.The chief added that he does not see a connection between illegal immigration and violent crime in Stockton. While the city struggles with gang violence, most of those factions are "generational gangs that do not come from outside the country," he said.Despite years of increasing violence, violent crime is down 2 percent in Stockton so far this year, Jones said.Twelve cities are already enrolled in the Public Safety Partnership, which enlists federal agents, analysts and technology to help communities find solutions to crime. The group includes Houston, which is challenging a state law that would compel cities to turn over immigrants.Sergio Luna, an organizer with Inland Congregations United for Change _ a coalition of religious groups and others that has for years pushed San Bernardino to do more to address its violence problems _ said that by tying funding for crime reduction to immigration efforts, the federal government does a disservice to a community in real need of help."It's unfortunate that the administration is basically telling its own citizens, 'We'll deny you funding for something you're obviously in desperate need of just to advance our own agenda of cracking down on immigrants,'" he said. "I think it's a bad situation for the entire population of San Bernardino and completely unfair for the immigrant community that is not even the root cause of the urban gun violence that takes place."
All city police officers soon will be equipped with an antidote that can block the effect of opioid overdoses.Following a pilot project in south St. Louis, each officer will eventually carry Narcan, known clinically as naloxone, said SLMPD spokeswoman Schron Jackson.Narcan, which can be administered intravenously or through a nasal spray, already is stocked in city ambulances, allowing emergency responders to revive scores of opioid addicts. Last year, the St. Louis Fire Department used it 1,900 times.St. Louis County officers and other area police departments already have begun carrying the antidote."We are going through Narcan faster than we can put it in cars," St. Charles county police chief David Todd told the Post-Dispatch in February.The Post-Dispatch has documented just how dangerous -- and accessible -- the drugs are becoming. Heroin prices have plummeted to $5 to $10 a dose, and a new, synthetic opioid has flooded the market. Fentanyl may be cheap, but it's also 50 times stronger than the real thing.Former Gov. Jay Nixon signed a bill in 2014 allowing first responders to carry the drug in Missouri. Last month, Gov. Eric Greitens called opioids "a modern plague" and signed an executive order giving first responders greater access to the antidote and expanding the training on how to use it.It's one of a number of measures state and local officials are hoping will stem the opioid epidemic devastating the Show-Me state and the nation .But Narcan isn't a cure. Its lifesaving effect wanes, but it buys roughly 30 to 45 minutes for the overdose victim to receive additional medical attention.Police departments throughout the country have begun supplying officers with the drug, but it can be expensive, and multiple doses must sometimes be administered given the potency of opioids like Fentanyl.Jackson said the department has an initial supply of Narcan in stock, and current and future supplies of the antidote are paid for by a federal grant.Additionally, the department has assigned a detective solely to investigate opioid deaths, she said.There were more than 700 overdoses in the St. Louis region in 2016, a record that is expected to be surpassed in 2017.
On Thursday, in the morning, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC departed Brisbane for an official visit to the Gold Coast.

Following, at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, the Governor presided at a meeting of the Executive Council of Queensland, and then returned to Brisbane.

Following, at Government House, the Governor greeted members of the public visiting for a guided tour of the House.

In the evening, at Waterfront Place, Brisbane, the Governor officially opened the new Queensland premises of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, where His Excellency addressed guests.
Socrata is facing a lawsuit in Michigan after the open data company allegedly under-bid its own partner on a response to a state contract worth $2.5 million.Munetrix, a government data and analytics firm, filed a complaint July 19 in Oakland County Circuit Court alleging that Socrata went back on a 2015 agreement to partner on a joint bid to develop a financial data dashboard for local governments and schools across the state. According to Munetrixs complaint, Socrata and Munetrix entered into an agreement that explicitly stated neither party could submit independently for the bid  Socrata did so anyway.According to the document, Tyler Masterson, Socratas eastern region director and Munetrixs point of contact on the Michigan project, didnt let on that the company was bidding separately until very late in the process.Masterson repeatedly orally affirmed to [Munitrix Co-Founder Bob] Kittle [that] Socratas intention to work exclusively with, and not compete against, Munetrix on the Michigan RFP, the complaint states. Munetrix relied on those affirmations in preparing to submit a joint response to the Michigan RFP.Further, according to the court document, Socratas team on the project actually took information they learned from the partnership and used it to make their bid more attractive. Specifically, they undercut the price of the joint bid.The complaint also alleges that in a job interview with open data and budgeting company OpenGov, Masterson told that companys chief executive officer that he had screwed Munetrix out of winning in Michigan. Munetrixs bid was one of three finalists, and the company believes it would have won if not for the Socrata bid.In the end, Socrata won the Michigan contract, though the complaint says that Socrata has since submitted requests to the state of Michigan to change the price. Contract documents on the state website show that the original contract was worth $50,000 up front, or $103,964 if the state decided to buy additional items. But the contract has changed six times; each time new features and users are added, and the life of the system is extended past the initial one-year term. After those changes, the contracts value is $2.5 million.Socrata representatives declined to answer questions, provide comment or referto an attorney with knowledge of the case for this story.Its unclear that Socrata ever officially signed the teaming agreement that laid out the terms of its partnership with Munetrix  according to the complaint, Munetrix sent the agreement to Socrata but cant find a signed version of it.Probably the most accurate thing I can say is we dont have a copy we might be able to find in discovery a signed copy, but we were unable to locate [it], said Roger Meyers, a Michigan attorney representing Munetrix in the case.Regardless, Meyers said, Socrata entered into verbal agreement with Munetrix to submit for the bid together. Courts generally enforce non-written agreements similarly to contracts.Meyers said Munetrix doesnt blame any Michigan officials for the turn of events.This lawsuit is not in anyway a criticism of the state of Michigan, he said. This is a criticism of the way Socrata chose to do business.
(TNS)  Gov. Paul LePage and his finance department said Wednesday that a state agency has been defunded due to a budget mistake, though Senate President Mike Thibodeau said its not clear any mistake was made and that the agency can survive under existing resources.The Maine Office of Geographic Information Systems and the Library of Geographic Information are responsible for mapping activities that support a range of state services and web portals. LePage attempted in his biennial budget proposal to have the agency absorbed into a new Department of Information Technology, but the Legislature rejected that proposal.Part of the change would have moved the agencys funding source from an account that collects service fees paid to state agencies to the General Fund, which supports the majority of government operations. When LePages proposal was rejected, the funding source was not corrected, according to David Heidrich Jr., spokesman for the Department of Administrative and Financial Services.In an email to an analyst for House Speaker Sara Gideon, Heidrich wrote that to accommodate LePages proposal, state departments removed their contributions to GIS from their budget requests.The problem lies in the fact that the budget did not then include the previously eliminated one for the agencies to pay for GIS services, wrote Heidrich. Since the budget passed, GIS has been operating on funds that were carried forward from the previous fiscal year.Sen. James Hamper, R-Oxford, who co-chairs the Legislatures Appropriations Committee, declined to comment but Thibodeau, a Republican from Winterport, said we continue to research this issue.While its unclear that there is a shortfall, the administration certainly has the authority to fund this program within existing resources through January 2018, said Thibodeau in a written statement to the Bangor Daily News. If any clarifying language is appropriate, it could be addressed in a supplemental budget.LePage referenced the issue Thursday morning a radio interview on WGAN.I just found out this morning that they made a mistake, said LePage of the Legislature. When they crafted the budget, they left out OIT. So, if they dont come back and fix it, were going to be shutting down.OIT apparently referred to LePages rejected proposal for the new information technology department.Jon Giles, chairman of the Maine Library of Geographic Information, expressed a similar concern in a July 28 mass email to interested parties and asked them to contact their legislators.What does this mean? he wrote. Simply that many of the GIS services, data acquisition projects and data catalog resources we have all come to use and rely upon may not be there in the very near future.The conflict again highlights the sparring that has gone on between LePage, Democrats and Senate Republicans over budget priorities and the roles that the legislative and executive branches should play in governing Maine.The Republican governor has frequently criticized lawmakers for not reading the fine print of proposed legislation, including the budget bill. Hes regularly belittled Thibodeau for failing to support his conservative agenda and being too willing to compromise in the name of legislative process.Conversely, Thibodeau has opposed some of LePages interpretations of executive authority  most notably at the end of the 2015 legislative session, when the Maine Supreme Judicial Court unanimously sided with the Senate president and others who argued that LePage had incorrectly interpreted state law as it relates to the timeline to issue vetoes.This latest failure to communicate has left funding for critical state data collection and management services in limbo.
(TNS) -- Youve probably seen IBMs Watson talking supercomputer on TV commercials, but Montgomery County, Ohio, is part of pilot project that would put the lightning-fast cognitive computing into the hands of judges across the country.Judge Anthony Capizzi said juvenile court cases now are more complicated by drugs and dysfunction within households. Getting the most out of technology is one way courts can get ahead of the opioid epidemic and the other crises that disrupt young lives, he said.As a judge you get so much information from so many different groups: probation officers, behavioral health providers, police departments, educators, Capizzi said. I envision using the Watson system to give me more information in a more concise way to allow me to better treat the children and the families I serve.The solution beats sifting through anywhere from 30 to 300 pages of paperwork in the five to seven minutes he may have for each of 30-35 juveniles seen during a typical treatment court docket, said Capizzi, with the court since 2004.Montgomery County was the first to pilot the technology in a U.S. specialty juvenile court, said Eric Fichtel, director of Care Management for Watson Health.We signed him up as a design partner and literally had our development and design team sit through his court, Fichtel said. He was basically the first client for this particular use.Beginning last fall, Capizzi and his Montgomery County colleagues helped IBM develop the digital case file by blending the local courts experience handling tough childrens cases with the capability of Watsons cognitive technology. The resulting system displays a dashboard of cloud-based information that can be updated in real-time by any court officer, whether down the hall or in the field, Capizzi said.The dashboard focuses on the areas Capizzi said are essential: A summary of a childs situation, the most recent and past few drug screens, their current educational situation and living arrangement. It also shows incentives or sanctions given the child by the court, as well as any behavioral diagnosis, counseling, therapy or treatment. If a youth is employed  which Capizzi requires of anyone 16 and older  that information is displayed.The Watson Care system gives me the ability to truly spend almost all the time on the child and familys needs, he said.Im not on the bench shuffling through paperwork.If required, a court officer can navigate deeper into the system to retrieve all the information within a case, he said.IBM debuted the system last year, gaining users of a previous version first among healthcare providers. In addition to Montgomery Countys juvenile treatment court, a few other specialty courts  ones focusing on adults, veterans and parolee re-entry  also now use the technology, Fichtel said. Use is priced per person under care by the month, he said.As a development partner, the local court is currently using the new Watson system at no charge. However, an Ohio Supreme Court grant of $80,000 was used to help integrate its existing computers with the IBM system.If adopted statewide, the Watson system would help standardize best practices, which are not currently uniform throughout Ohios 88 counties, Capizzi said. And the longer the system is used, the more useful it will become in helping guide decisions, he said.Watson accumulates information, and the more information it gets, the more it learns. Then it can give you feedback, Capizzi said. The concept is that as we feed into Watson more scenarios, it will be able to give back to me in a year or 18 months suggested solutions to a problem.
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(TNS) -- WATERTOWN  U.S. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Willsboro, joined local officials in a roundtable discussion at the Dulles State Office Building Aug. 3 to talk about the state of broadband internet in the north country.Broadband is an economic development issue, its a jobs issue, its an agricultural issue in this district, and it really is important to make sure the north country is connected to the 21st century economy, Ms. Stefanik said. Its something that small businesses want, what students want.During the discussion, Robert Durantini, director of network facilities for the Development Authority of the North Country, spoke at length about DANCs efforts to spur broadband implementation across the region.DANC has constructed an extensive telecommunications network over the last several years throughout Northern and Central New York, laying more than 1,300 miles of fiber optic cable to connect municipalities to the internet. Central offices in each of these municipalities power the network.Mr. Durantini said local internet services, including Westelcom, can connect to DANCs fiber optic network, and he encouraged additional municipalities to work with DANC to build new central offices.Additionally, Mr. Durantini said wireless internet use in the north country is increasing, and existing radio antennas can be fitted to provide wireless service.Jefferson County Legislator Jeremiah J. Maxon said Jefferson County will consider selling space for wireless internet connectivity on a new series of radio towers being built to power the countys upgraded emergency communications system, which is scheduled to go online next year.Ms. Stefanik has also made efforts of her own since her election.Westelcom, a major internet provider, needs a rural area designation by the Federal Communications Commission to receive the federal funding needed to stay in business, and she has worked with U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand to reverse the FCCs urban designation for the Watertown area.She also introduced the Precision Farming Act of 2016, which offers financial incentives for broadband providers and farms. Service providers would receive a one-time $15,000 reimbursement for each line installed for a qualifying precision farming operation.Speaking on other topics prior to the roundtable, Ms. Stefanik said she has not decided whether she would support U.S. Rep. Christopher C. Collinss bill that would void components of the states SAFE Act. If enacted, the bill would remove SAFE Act restrictions on semiautomatic rifles and shotguns. The bill, however, does not address handgun restrictions. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has threatened to sue the federal government if it gets signed into law.Ms. Stefanik, who is against the SAFE Act, said she will review the bill before making a decision in September.At first glance, I would support it, but I want to take the time to read the technical bill and the language, she said.On health care reform, Ms. Stefanik said she was disappointed the Senate GOPs healthcare bill was voted down last month but is looking forward to a more bipartisan effort to fix the Affordable Care Act when lawmakers return to Washington, D.C. in September.In September youre going to start seeing a coalition come together to go in a bipartisan direction because Democrats understand that this law is not working, that its collapsing on itself, and I just think we need to move the process forward, she said.
(TNS)  Headaches, nausea, loss of consciousness and a rollover crash are some of the aftermath people and police departments say have been caused by exhaust odors and carbon monoxide inside Ford Explorers.The issue, which is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has garnered a total of 791 complaints to the agency.After an Auburn, Mass., police officer passed out behind the wheel Wednesday, and following the removal of 400 Ford police vehicles in Austin, Texas, the issue has gained national attention among police departments and the public.According to a national highway safety report, there have been 41 injuries due to air quality concerns in the Ford SUVs, which includes the Police Interceptor models.The investigation began in July 2016 after the NHTSA received 154 reports of exhaust odors inside the cars, including one low-speed crash. As the investigation continued, more reports were discovered and the number of complaints increased to 791, according to the report.The complaints are for Ford Explorers with model years 2011 to 2017. Of the instances, 13 involve Police Interceptor vehicles.Injuries recorded because of the issue range from unspecified to loss of consciousness, with the majority indicating nausea, headaches or light headedness, the report reads. One incident claims a person suffered "a physiological injury" from carbon monoxide exposure.There were also two crashes with injuries, one of which was a rollover, per the report."To date, no substantive data or actual evidence (such as a carboxyhemoglobin measurement) has been obtained supporting a claim that any of the alleged injury or crash allegations were the result of carbon monoxide poisoning, the alleged hazard," the report reads.However, there is preliminary testing that suggests carbon monoxide levels may be elevated in certain driving scenarios, although the significance and effect of those levels remains under evaluation, the report reads."We are working with the Auburn Police Department and have a team in Massachusetts today to inspect their vehicles," Ford wrote in a statement."Also, it's premature to draw conclusions from what happened (Wednesday) in Auburn after reports of carbon monoxide at levels of 13 parts per million in the vehicle," the statement continued. "According to the Massachusetts Environmental Affairs, 'most people do not begin to feel the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning until they have been exposed to levels of at least 200 parts per million for several hours or more.' Given this discrepancy, more investigating is required."2017 MassLive.com, Springfield, Mass.Visit MassLive.com, Springfield, Mass. at www.masslive.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS) - 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.2017 the Midland Daily News (Midland, Mich.)Visit the Midland Daily News (Midland, Mich.) at www.ourmidland.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Social  quality of life. Does the city implement technology to optimize opportunity, such as green roofs, green facades, bike lanes, healthy food markets, efficient health-care facilities and biophilic design? Economic  quality jobs. Does the city attract and retain top tier talent and attract high-tech industries and investments? Environmental  quality air and water. Does the city have adequate amounts of green space to improve air quality and the right green infrastructure to manage storm water runoff? How does the city utilize technology for more efficient water and energy usage? Technology  ease of communication. Does the city utilize technology to speed up the flow of information?

Boston  Engaging its citizens through crowdsourced mobile technology to enable smart government.

 Engaging its citizens through crowdsourced mobile technology to enable smart government. Chicago  Leveraging data to make cities healthier, more efficient and more livable.

 Leveraging data to make cities healthier, more efficient and more livable. Los Angeles  Leveraging big data, mobile and cloud based technologies to save energy and improve efficiency.

 Leveraging big data, mobile and cloud based technologies to save energy and improve efficiency. New York  Maximizing real-time traffic information to reduce congestion, improve the flow of traffic and decrease carbon emissions.

 Maximizing real-time traffic information to reduce congestion, improve the flow of traffic and decrease carbon emissions. Orlando  Recognized for its approach to smart operation of transportation, security and emergency management and energy waste reduction programs.

 Recognized for its approach to smart operation of transportation, security and emergency management and energy waste reduction programs. Portland, Ore.  Investing in IoT sensor networks and leveraging smart agriculture applications and big data to benefit the local region.

 Investing in IoT sensor networks and leveraging smart agriculture applications and big data to benefit the local region. San Diego  Adopting the Climate Action Plan, which will improve public health and air quality, conserve water, and use current resources more efficiently.

 Adopting the Climate Action Plan, which will improve public health and air quality, conserve water, and use current resources more efficiently. San Francisco  Multiple initiatives including waste reduction, electric car charging and building performance optimization.

 Multiple initiatives including waste reduction, electric car charging and building performance optimization. Seattle  A pioneer and leader for establishing and increasing the adoption of green standards.

 A pioneer and leader for establishing and increasing the adoption of green standards. Washington, D.C.  A leader in smart mobility and for its ratio of park acres to citizens.

Its not enough for the countrys most advanced and sophisticated cities to be at the forefront of technological innovation with smart parking meters or informational kiosks. They also need to be sustainable and show an ability to preserve natural areas, according to Anil Ahuja, an engineering professional regarded as the Smart Cities Guru and author of the 2016 bookAhuja has compiled the Top Ten U.S. Cities Integrating Nature & Technology report to highlight which cities are leaders at balancing new technology with good nature policies.A smart city doesnt just provide technology or economic solutions, he said in a statement. The smartest cities in the world are integrating nature to create a truly sustainable city. I have identified a number of cities in the United States that are excellent examples for other smart cities to model themselves after.The cities were selected based on four factors key to a thriving, vibrant city, according to a press release:Ahuja's list includes Boston, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020, and to be carbon-neutral by 2050. The city also uses its residents as sensors; apps such as Street Bump allow motorists to collect road conditions while they drive, while the Citizens Connect app allows Boston residents to report public issues directly from their smartphones into the citys work order management system, which routes it immediately to the right person in City Hall to fix the problem.And in Seattle, which was called out for being a pioneer and leader in establishing and increasing the adoption of green standards, the city has numerous programs to improve energy efficiency, largely through green development policies and building standards.The Green Building Sustainable Communities Program, for example, creates projects that meet sustainable outcomes. The city also provides tax breaks, loans and other incentives to businesses and residences that utilize green practices.In 2016, Seattle eliminated departmental silos and consolidated technology professionals from 15 departments into one, which has led to better collaboration and improved efficiencies. The city developed its Next Generation Data Center, which in part, brought together servers from disparate locations.Through IT consolidation we focused on how we could share infrastructure to reduce costs and operate more efficiently, Seattle Chief Technology Officer Michael Mattmiller told. As a result, the project came in more than $2 million under budget and we were able to effectively introduce new technologies like hyper-converged infrastructure and cloud solutions that help our staff deploy solutions more quickly.And Orlando, Fla., was recognized for its approach to smart operation of transportation, security and emergency management, and energy waste reduction programs. More specifically, it has retrofitted 28 public buildings to enable real-time energy consumption tracking which has led to an average 31 percent reduction in annual utility costs.Many of the retrofits included advanced controls that enable facility managers to track energy consumption in real time and to receive notifications when large systems like chillers or condensing units are using abnormal amounts of energy, allowing facility staff to quickly address problems, according to the report.Portland, Ore., promotes energy efficiency through a number of residential, commercial and government initiatives. It was the first city to create a local action plan to reduce carbon emissions. Portland aims to reduce emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050.Ahuja's top cities for integrating nature and technology listed alphabetically are:Ahuja did not respond to's interview requests.
Governors are not traditionally known for their vast knowledge of IT systems or the importance of cybersecurity, but that stereotype seems to be giving way and leading to progressive discussions and leadership opportunities.Last year, the National Governors Association (NGA) turned its collective attention to fighting the nationwide opioid epidemic and outlining some best practices and next steps. This year, they focused their attention to a different challenge: comprehensive state cybersecurity.At the annual meeting of NGA in mid-July, 39 governors signed a compact  dubbed the Compact to Improve State Cybersecurity  aimed at better positioning their respective states around cybersecurity. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who had served as the associations chair until the meeting, had spearheaded the Meet the Threat: States Confront the Cyber Challenge initiative, which culminated in a multistate agreement to continue their cybersecurity endeavors.Timothy Blute, program director for the NGAs Homeland Security and Public Safety Division, said the signing of the compact is by no means the end of the overarching effort to better secure states through best practices; rather, it's a jumping off point for continued commitment on the part of state leaders.Last summer, at the NGA summer meeting, we released a compact on opioid abuse, and what we found was that it was a great way to sort of garner governor-level attention on the topic and really have governors commit to, a) recognizing the problem and b) implementing best practices, he said.The agreement calls for the adherence to three main tenants: building cybersecurity governance, which includes creating a formal structure, statewide strategy and conducting risk assessments; preparing and defending against cyber events, which includes creating a disruption plan, information sharing and coordination with the National Guard and the public; and growing the nations cybersecurity workforce, which includes reclassifying state jobs to better align with the private sector, placing veterans in cyber positions and partnerships with colleges and universities.Over the next year, obviously in our continuing work, we are going to track what the states are doing and then hopefully report out to the governors next July, Blute explained.For Alabama, Gov. Kay Iveys signature was a strong signal of support for the action state cybersecurity and IT professionals were already moving ahead with.Acting Secretary of IT Jim Purcell toldthat many of the steps put on paper were already underway in his state, but that the buy-in from the states executive was very welcome.Our governor was one of the ones that signed it, and we said, Man, thats fantastic because we already, in the Office of Information Technology, had a focus on this, he said.In keeping with the main guidelines of the compact, Purcell said his team is down the road with the formation of a council and trying to centralize his office as the main cybersecurity resource for Alabama agencies.The cybersecurity compact, Purcell said, draws the focus from the one-off efforts many states engage in and gives it a more holistic and cooperative national approach.And out West, Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced on July 31 that his state also joined the compact, saying that the top priority of any governor is the publics welfare and safety, which now includes protecting citizens from cyberthreats.Cybersecurity experts at all levels of government say that collaboration with jurisdictions  above, below and lateral  is key to staving off the ever-present threat of a massive breach, poised by phishing, ransomware and hacktivism.Hawaii has already taken proactive steps toward the compact's goals, said state CIO Todd Nacapuy in the press release . These include establishing a state chief information security officer, reclassifying IT security positions to align with modern industry best practices, offering cyber internship opportunities, and supporting programs such as SANS Institutes CyberStart program that encourages high school and college students to explore careers in cybersecurity.And in Minnesota, IT Services Commissioner Tom Baden lauded Gov. Mark Daytons decision to join the multistate agreement saying in a press release dated July 14 that the state has "a tremendous responsibility to protect the private data of 5.5 million Minnesotans, and this data is increasingly at risk for sophisticated cyberattacks. Committing to the NGAs compact to improve state cybersecurity paves the path forward to work collaboratively with our legislature, cities, counties and federal partners to enhance our defenses against these threats.Though McAuliffe has returned to his pre-chairman duties, making way for Nevada Gov. Brian Sandovals term, Blute said the association isnt done with the cybersecurity fight just yet. The association plans on continuing its research in this area and gathering resources for state leaders.With some states obviously missing from the compact, Blute said the absence of their signatures was more based on maintaining flexibility in the evolving cybersecurity program landscape.The feedback we received from a number of states was just that right now they are still exploring the policies that they want to implement on cyber and they didnt want to sign onto a compact and then choose to go in a different direction he explained.
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh city Peoples Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong receives Austrian Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Loidl. (Photo: hcmcpv.org.vn)

During the reception, Chairman Phong congratulated Ambassador Thomas Loidl for a successful term in Vietnam, and highlighted his role in building the good cooperative relations between Austria and Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh city.

Showing his happiness at activities marking the 45th anniversary of the Austria  Vietnam diplomatic relationship to be held this year in Ho Chi Minh city, Chairman Phong said that this will be an opportunity for the two sides to increase cooperation for development. Adding that Austria has strength in healthcare, education, information and technology, Chairman Phong said he hoped Ho Chi Minh city will receive cooperation from Austria in building a smart city.

Austrian Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Loidl thanked the Vietnamese as well as Ho Chi Minh citys leaders for making conditions for his successful term in Vietnam, expressing his pleasure with the cooperation between Vietnam and Austria, including Austrias trade and investment activities in Ho Chi Minh city.

He added that he hoped his successor would continue to be a bridge in maintaining and developing the Vietnam  Austria relationship, especially when Ho Chi Minh city, in the future, will witness diverse investment projects from Austria in terms of biological technology, information technology and food safety./.
Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Le Thi Thu Hang (Source: VNA)



According to the Ministry of Public Security and the media, Trinh Xuan Thanh turned himself in to police in Vietnam on July 31st and relevant authorities of Vietnam are investigating the case, the spokesperson said.

Vietnam always treasures, and wants to maintain and develop strategic partnership with Germany, Hang said.

Trinh Xuan Thanh, former Chairman of the PetroVietnam Construction Corporation (PVC) had fled Vietnam after he was found to have violated State regulations on economic management resulting in losses of nearly VND3.3 trillion (USD142 million) for the PVC during his leadership.

On September 16th, 2016, the Ministry of Public Securitys Investigation Police Agency launched criminal proceedings against Thanh.

He was expelled from the Party./.
The German Aerospace Centre (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) has opened the new DLR Institute of Software Methods in Dresden. In Dresden, DLR will focus on product virtualization in the aircraft manufacturing sector. Before an aircraft can take to the skies, much expensive development work and lengthy tests are required. These processes can be made faster, cheaper and safer when first conducted on a virtual aircraft that behaves just like its real counterpart. In future, therefore, DLR will increasingly concentrate on the challenges posed by the entire process chain, from initial digital design to simulated decommissioning.

The entire aircraft life cyclefrom development and production, through operation and ultimately decommissioningis undergoing drastic transformations, as all areas are gradually being digitalized. The new DLR institute in Dresden will therefore gather the relevant software research skills and pave the way for the first complete virtual flight in the long term. It will therefore act as a centre for software methods and product virtualization in close cooperation with other DLR institutes and industrial and research partners. Rolf Henke, Executive Board Member of DLR

The use of high-performance computers is key to realizing the virtual aircraft. The experts at the new institute will therefore lay the technical software foundations, so that current and future generations of high-performance computers can be efficiently used for complex simulations. They will also develop multi-disciplinary software platforms that will comprehensively analyse and optimize the virtual aircraft.

DLR researchers at the newly founded institute will pursue new approaches and methods for the analysis and management of large amounts of data as well as simulation-based certification that significantly reduce the development and approval costs of new products. These should also be made available to other transport and business sectors.

The institute has three departments, which initially plan to employ around 70 people: the High-Performance Computing Department will research and develop new algorithms, and programming, data and memory models, especially with regard to future high-performance computer architectures. These models will then be made available to the respective DLR specialized institutes for specific research. The Simulation Environments Department is designed to reliably archive the extremely heterogeneous and very large data sets generated during high-performance computing and make these available for the multi-disciplinary analysis and optimisation of the virtual product. In addition, the Software Methods Department will research how the information required to test, qualify and ultimately even certify the virtual product in terms of all its properties can be efficiently extracted from the large amounts of data produced. Data and software must also be reliably protected against erroneous modification or random manipulation.

The new Dresden institute will receive annual funding of 8.3 million (US $9.8 million) from the Federal Government and the Free State of Saxony, with the German government contributing 90% of the total. During the construction phase from 2017 until 2020, the Free State will also provide annual funding of up to 4.2 million for the institutes infrastructure and accommodation.
General Motors and its joint ventures in China set a July record for deliveries. Retail sales increased 6.3% from a year earlier to 287,581 vehicles. The Buick, Cadillac and Baojun brands reached all-time highs for July sales, while Chevrolet posted growth of 24% on an annual basis. GMs performance was strong across segments, with SUVs remaining the biggest risergenerating growth of 50% year over year.

In July, GM surpassed 2 million deliveries in China for 2017. Sales in the first seven months totaled 2,053,409 units.

Cadillac. Cadillac sales totaled 12,006 unitsan increase of 37% year on year, making July the brands 17th consecutive month of double-digit growth. Demand for the XT5 luxury SUV continued to be strong, with deliveries exceeding 4,000 units. Sales of the ATS-L, Cadillacs most popular model in July, surged 66%. Deliveries of the CT6 prestige sedan increased 181% from the previous July.

Buick. Buick sales of 93,347 units were up 4.4% on an annual basis. Sales of the GL8 MPV family increased 55% from a year earlier, as the new-generation GL8 and GL8 Avenir remained highly popular. The Envision posted sales of 13,000 units, strengthening its foothold in the competitive global midsize SUV segment. LaCrosse premium sedan sales increased 77% to nearly 7,000 units. Excelle GT sedan deliveries rose 19% to over 37,000 units.

Chevrolet. Chevrolet sales in July totaled 37,501 units. Deliveries of the Malibu family, Chevrolets flagship sedan, more than doubled from a year earlier. It accounted for one-fourth of the brands sales. Cavalier sedan sales neared 10,000 units in its first July on the market in China. Deliveries of the Equinox global SUV topped 3,500 units in its third full month on the market.

Baojun. Baojun deliveries surged 61% year over year to 71,433 units in July. The Baojun 510 SUV sold more than 27,000 units, cementing its leadership position in Baojuns portfolio for the fourth consecutive month. The Baojun 310, with 6,500 units delivered in July, was joined by the Baojun 310 wagon, which sold more than 6,100 units in its first month on the market. The Baojun E100 was launched in Liuzhou, Guangxi, in late July, giving the brand its first fully electric vehicle.

Wuling. Wuling deliveries totaled 73,294 units in July. Wulings best-selling nameplate, the Hong Guang, sold more than 30,000 units. Wulings first SUV will join the Hong Guang lineup later this year to extend its presence in Chinas passenger car market.
The LIG-based electrodes exhibit high performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with excellent long-term stability. The overpotential reaches 100 mA/cm 2 for HER and OER is as low as 214 and 380 mV with relatively low Tafel slopes of 54 and 49 mV/dec, respectively. (One decade (symbol dec) is a factor of 10 difference between two numbers measured on a log scale.)

Researchers in the Rice University lab of chemist James Tour have produced dual-surface laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes on opposing faces of a plastic sheet that split water into hydrogen on one side and oxygen on the other side. The high porosity and electrical conductivity of LIG facilitates the efficient contact and charge transfer with the requisite electrolyte. A paper on the work is published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces .



A two-sided electrocatalyst developed at Rice University splits water into hydrogen on one side and oxygen on the other. The hydrogen side seen in electron microscope images features platinum particles (the dark dots at right) evenly dispersed in laser-induced graphene (left). Courtesy of the Tour Group. Click to enlarge.

By serial connecting of the electrodes with a power source in an O-ring setup, H 2 and O 2 are simultaneously generated on either side of the plastic sheet at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 at 1.66 V and can thereby be selectively captured.

The team said that said their demonstration provides a promising route to simple, efficient and complete water splitting, and that the inexpensive material may be a practical component in generating the hydrogen for use in future fuel cells.

 the sluggish kinetics of hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER, respectively) in water splitting requires catalysts to increase the efficiencies. Apart from the noble metal materials such as Pt, RuO 2 and IrO 2 , numerous noble-metal-free catalysts have been developed. For example, transition-metal carbides, phosphides and sulfides have shown favorable performance in HER. The oxides/hydroxides of cobalt, nickel, manganese and iron also have proven to be efficient catalysts for OER. However, for the scalable production of H 2 and O 2 , the catalytic electrodes should be easily fabricated to minimize their overall cost. It is therefore desirable to couple the HER and OER processes into a single simple package.

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a 3D porous graphene material fused to a flexible substrate that is prepared by a one-step laser scribing process on commercial polyimide  While LIG has been used for direct patterning applications in microsupercapacitors and related devices, in this study we exploit the LIG process to fabricate efficient catalytic electrodes for splitting water to H 2 and O 2 starting from a single sheet of plastic. Zhang et al.

LIG is produced by treating the surface of a sheet of polyimide, an inexpensive plastic, with a laser. Rather than a flat sheet of hexagonal carbon atoms, LIG is a foam of graphene sheets with one edge attached to the underlying surface and chemically active edges exposed to the air.



Illustration of the integration of catalytic LIG electrodes as a full water electrolyzer. (a) Schematic drawing of an integrated LIG device. (b) LSV curve of the electrolyzer in 1 M KOH with 95% iR compensation. (c) A photograph of the electrolyzer working at 50 mA/cm2. Bubbles are the generated H 2 (left side) and O 2 (right side) as depicted. Credit: ACS, Zhang et al.Click to enlarge.

LIG itself is inert, so turning it into a water splitter involves a few more steps. First, the lab impregnated the side of the plastic destined to pull hydrogen from water with platinum particles; then the lab used a laser to heat the surface and make LIG. The Rice material uses only a quarter of the platinum found in commercial catalysts, said Jibo Zhang, a Rice graduate student and lead author of the paper.

The other side, for oxygen evolution, was first turned into LIG and then enhanced with nickel and iron through electrochemical deposition. Both sides showed low onset potentials (the voltage needed to start a reaction) and strong performance over 1,000 cycles.

The lab came up with another variation: making the polyimide into an LIG catalyst with cobalt and phosphorus that could replace either the platinum or nickel-iron sides to produce hydrogen or oxygen. While the low-cost material benefits by eliminating expensive noble metals, it sacrifices some efficiency in hydrogen generation, Tour said.

When configured with cobalt-phosphorus for hydrogen evolution and nickel-iron for oxygen, the catalyst delivered a current density of 10 milliamps per square centimeter at 1.66 volts. It could be increased to 400 milliamps per square centimeter at 1.9 volts without degrading the material. The current density governs the rate of the chemical reaction.

Tour said enhanced LIG offers water-splitting performance thats comparable and often better than many current systems, with an advantage in its inherent separator between oxygen and hydrogen products. He noted it may find great value as a way to chemically store energy from remote solar or wind power plants that would otherwise be lost in transmission.

The material might also serve as the basis for efficient electrocatalysis platforms for carbon dioxide or oxygen reduction, he said.

Co-authors are graduate students Chenhao Zhang, Huilong Fei, Yilun Li and Junwei Sha. Sha is also a student at Tianjin University and the Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin, China. Tour is the T.T. and W.F. Chao Chair in Chemistry as well as a professor of computer science and of materials science and nanoengineering at Rice.

The research was supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the National Science Foundation-funded and Rice-based Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment Engineering Research Center and the Chinese Scholarship Council.

Resources
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
GREENSBORO  Actor Ken Jeong and his hometown are showing each other a lot of love these days.

Jeong  famous for his comedic roles in The Hangover film trilogy and as televisions Dr. Ken  welcomes visitors via video to the Greensboro History Museums exhibition, Second Generation: Asian American.

Told from the viewpoint of city residents of Asian heritage, the exhibition displays a clip, a script, photos and costumes from ABCs Dr. Ken sitcom.

Jeong actually is a physician by training. Born in Detroit 48 years ago to Korean immigrants D.K. and Young Jeong, he grew up in Greensboro and attended Page High School, where he played violin in the orchestra. He graduated from Duke University and then from medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill.

But fame came with his appearances on the big and small screen. Now he will lend those talents to the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra.

Come September, Jeong will appear via film in a groundbreaking concert by the orchestra.

To open its 2017-18 season, the symphony will bring a revolutionary hybrid film/concert experience to the Carolina Theatre.

The performances on Sept. 28 and 30 will mark the world orchestral premiere of Not So Classical, an approach created by a Cincinnati-based filmmaker to attract broader and younger audiences.

It will put Greensboro on the map for the orchestra community in a huge way, said Daniel Crupi, the orchestras chief operating officer.

Its a unique concert format, an opportunity to work with a renowned producer and a big celebrity, Crupi added. But its also an investment in our future, to position us well to succeed in the digital market.

The concerts will intersperse live classical music with filmed interviews that talk about the city and its orchestra, and how music impacts different stages of life.

Interviews feature symphony Music Director Dmitry Sitkovetsky, community leaders, board members, musicians and members of its young professionals group, Vivace.

And of course, Jeong and his father. D.K. Jeong, retired N.C. A&T economics professor, is a symphony board member.

Crupi said he hopes that Jeong will attend the premiere, although its too early to tell. Although Dr. Ken ended in the spring, Jeong has been filming other movies.

In a soon-to-be-released trailer promoting Not So Classical, Jeong talks about the influence of music in his life and career.

He started piano lessons at age 6. I think the musical gene came from my mom, and my dad has a deep appreciation for classical music, he says.

When I think of my own acting, and when I think of being on a movie set or being on a TV set, I think in terms of music, I think in terms of flow, Jeong adds. Theres a rhythm, theres a music, theres a cadence to it, and whether I know it or not, you are always looking for that flow artistically. I think that comes back from my music background.

To create the program, the symphony has worked with filmmaker David Donnelly.

Donnelly is best known for his 2015 documentary film, Maestro. It follows conductor Paavo Jarvi with other music superstars around the globe, chronicling the ups and downs of the life of a classical musician.

Donnelly and his production company, Culture Monster, focus on helping classical music re-brand itself.

There is a missing opportunity to connect with a broader audience, with a younger audience, Donnelly said from Cincinnati. There are still plenty of people of all ages that, if properly introduced, would really fall in love with it.

With his Not So Classical approach of interspersing classical music with film, Donnelly so far has featured two soloists, saxophonist Amy Dickson and violinist Tatiana Berman.

Greensboro marks the first time that he has taken it to an orchestra.

He came to know the city through the manager of Sitkovetsky, a renowned London-based violinist and conductor who performs and conducts around the globe.

He understands that there have to be risks taken by orchestras if they want to be competitive, Donnelly said.

The program opens with a short film. It puts you in a certain mood and primes you for a piece of music that you are about to hear, Donnelly said.

The symphony then will perform a classical work, followed by a short film, a classical piece and so forth.

The program will feature Haydns Overture to the opera Lo speziale, Chopins Prelude No. 15 for string orchestra, Borodins Symphony No. 2 and Mozarts Violin Concerto, on which Sitkovetsky will solo with the orchestra.

The music is still classical, but we present it in a way thats different, said Donnelly, who will return in early September to finish filming. Everything from the lighting to the entire experience is somewhat designed.

Donnelly said he discovered while filming Maestro that orchestras struggle for attendance in part because concerts are too long.

The entire Not So Classical program will run about 90 minutes with no intermission.

Ideally people will be left wanting more, Donnelly said.

The symphony opted to move the concerts downtown to the Carolina Theatre from its regular venue of Dana Auditorium at Guilford College.

The Carolina has a rich history as a grand old movie house, as well as more advanced film technology. And the symphony wanted to appeal to Millennials.

We are treating like red carpet premiere and wanted that kind of vibe for this event, Crupi said.

The concerts will cost about $138,000, which includes an extra $40,000 to cover film production.

The Cemala Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Foundation through ArtsGreensboro, Greensboro Are Convention & Visitors Bureau and Downtown Greensboro Inc. have helped cover the extra costs. The CVB grant will hire a New York public relations firm to bring the project national attention.

When the orchestra takes chances like this, they really need the support of the community, Donnelly said. We want to get people coming to this who have never been to a concert before... Maybe theyll come back for other concerts, if they hear a composer that they like.

Jeong adds his comic touch to the trailers pitch.
A North Carolina restaurant has made a made the 50 finalists for Bon Appetit magazine's The Hot 10: America's Best New Restaurants 2017.

Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh is among the finalists.

The restaurant, owned and operated by sister and brother duo Vanvisa and Vansana Nolintha, is a four-in-one concept with dim sum, a brewery, a bookstore and floral shop.

The duo also operate Bida Manda Laotian restaurant next door.

"These are the tastiest, most exciting places we ate at over the last 12 months," said deputy editor Andrew Knowlton.

He and special projects editor Julia Kramer traveled 35,000 miles, eating more than 1,000 meals in 40 U.S. cities and small towns in search of the countrys best.

Bon Appetit has published its picks for Americas Best New Restaurants since 1993

See the list of 50 finalists at bonappetit.com/top50.

The winners will be posted on bonappetit.com on Aug. 15 and published in the September edition of the magazine.
On the very last day of her very last hour of the school year of 2016-2017, Judy Mays continued to teach.

She flitted from student to student sitting at a computer, having them work on an assignment that was so her. She wanted them to write three things that they are going to do this summer to make the world a better place and spread joy to others.

By the time her class ended, her students didnt scoot to begin their summer. They stayed inside Room 303 at Mendenhall Middle School. It wasnt for the butterscotch candy. It was for a hug. They wanted to hug Mays one more time because they all knew the inevitable.

Mays wasnt coming back.

Judy Mays legacy

Mays will turn 70 in September, and she felt it was time to retire. It had been a long time.

Mays and other Guilford County School retirees will be honored at a private reception this month.

Mays has taught at Mendenhall since 1969  a distinction that made her the longest serving teacher in Guilford County at the same school in recent memory.

Shes calls herself a country girl, a tomboy from Randolph County. She loved to read and fix things with her dad, a man known as Hoot. She began her career with Greensboro City Schools and ends it with Guilford County Schools, one of the largest school districts in the state.

Forty-eight years. Think about that for a minute.

She has taught three generations of Greensboro. She has taught the grandchildren of her first students. Shell recognize faces in and around Greensboro, see someone come up to her and ask, Do you remember me? Do you remember how bad I was?

No, shell respond. I remember how sweet you were.

Mays started at Mendenhall the second year it opened, back when the school was surrounded by countryside, not houses. She started the year of Woodstock, the first moon landing and the invention of a computer microprocessor that eventually changed modern life.

Mays came when Mendenhall had only manual typewriters. Computers came into the school in the early 1980s, and May began to teach students about them. Matter of fact, her course in Room 303 had this fancy title: Business Technology and Computer Applications.

But she taught more than computers during her time at Mendenhall. She taught everything at Mendenhall except music and foreign language. Ask her why. She knows.

You dont want to hear me sing, she says with the wave of her hand.

Maybe. But people do love to see her teach.

And on the last day of her last hour on a Monday in June, she hugged the last few students shell ever see as a full-time teacher for Guilford County Schools and headed toward the buses.

She had bottled water for the drivers. She wanted them to know once again she appreciated what they do. Thats nothing new. Every year for decades, Mays has given bus drivers a bag of treats at Christmas and at the end of school to let them know that at Mendenhall they count.

But her last day, as she speed-walked from bus to bus, cradling a cardboard tray of bottled water, she got stopped every few feet. Students and teachers, parents and bus drivers wanted to say good-bye. They wanted her to know they appreciated her, too.

Theyll miss her. They told her that. They arent alone.

Roots of a teacher

To understand Mays as a teacher, first start with the students.

They see her, in their words, as real cool. They tell their parents and anyone who asks that shes understanding, helpful and calm. She doesnt yell, they say, and she makes a class that could be as dull as dirt incredibly interesting because of her energy.

But ask the parents and her fellow teachers, and they go big. Parents see her as a second mother at school, and teachers past and present say she is a cornerstone of dedication and commitment and a walking example of character education.

But to understand where all that comes from, go back to Archdale and a time when a bicycle took Mays everywhere and the woods held imaginary cities that came alive in her mind.

There, Mays learned the importance of being grateful.

Mays mother gave her up for adoption when she was a few months old. That one decision changed her daughters life forever.

Mays was adopted by her great aunt and her great uncle, Iris and John Hoot Gibson. She called them Mom and Dad. Still does. Iris and John Gibson raised Mays like one of their own, and they saw her grow into an inquisitive girl, full of curiosity.

Shed ride her bike toward the woods where she and her friends created make-believe cities out of old quilts, cardboard boxes and lines in the dirt.

Shed pick a stack of books from the bookmobile that came to her neighborhood, and she liked nothing better than riding around with her dad in his truck as he did his work for the telephone company.

Mays grew up around love and family. She played outside, played board games, ate biscuits and drank sweet tea on porches and learned about the importance of morals at Archdale Methodist Church.

Mays learned about heartache early. Iris Gibson died of cancer when Mays was 10. Hoot remarried, and a bookkeeper named Velna became her stepmother. But love never changed in her house. Neither did her love for education.

She looked up to her teachers starting with Archdale School, and during a time when women didnt have many career choices, Mays knew she wanted to be a teacher because she admired what her teachers did for her.

Mays went to Appalachian State and graduated in May 1969 with a degree in business and home economics. In August, she married her college sweetheart, Bob Mays,two and half years her senior and a teacher himself.

That same month, she began teaching at Mendenhall. She liked the personal touch of Greensboro City Schools, particularly with Page High Schools principal Bob Clendenin, who came to ASU in 1969 to recruit new teachers.

Her husband taught electronics at Grimsley High School. He and Judy lived across from Grimsley in a small apartment, and her drive to Mendenhall would be an easy commute.

Youll probably like junior high school, Bob told her.

She did.

I felt at home here, she says today. I grew up in an old farmhouse, and this school was new, and I saw this as a new beginning. And oh my goodness yes, I was nervous.

These were city kids, and I knew what I had learned in college and I had done my student teaching at West Lincoln High (in Lincolnton), and I just wanted the kids to have the best. But I kept wondering, Am I was doing the right thing? Can I do all that?

She could. And more.

The lessons

of a teacher

Chris Snead teaches marketing and entrepreneurship at Dudley High School. He was Mays student teacher in 2013.

One scene in particular will always stick with him.

He was having a hard time with an eighth-grade boy who seemed disinterested in school. They were, in Sneads words, butting heads.

Thats when Mays pulled him outside their class and gave him some advice.

You can keep banging heads with him, or you can find out whats going on in his life, Mays told him. There is something in his personal life that you have to drill down to understand. Remember, sometimes you have to give a piece of yourself to get something back.

Snead followed Mays advice, and it worked. The eighth-grader opened up and told Snead about his family problems, about how his dad was having trouble with the police and that was getting him down. Meanwhile, the eighth-grader apologized for his actions.

Thats all it took.

You have all these teachers who are deliverers of information, and they make sure you sit down and shut up to learn, but Judy is not like that, Snead says. Shes like, Lets get started and lets talk about what were going to talk about.

See, she comes across as a mentor, and its not just for guys like me. Its for the 12- and 13-year-olds. And shes not teaching them just the subject matter. Shes teaching them about ethics and morals and when right is right and wrong is wrong.

And in an education system that is often all about numbers, she is teaching these soft skills, and shes been doing that for 50 years.

As a Dudley High teacher, Snead has come over to Mendenhall every chance he could get. He came to see his nephew, a student at the school. But he also came to see Mays. He remembers her for her laugh and the wave of her hand, a body-language accent to what she says.

But he also came to ask for advice about teaching as well as life.

In January, when he heard Mays was retiring, one question ping-ponged in his mind.

What are they doing? he asked. Tearing down the school?

See, Mendenhall is Mays. And Mays is Mendenhall. Always will be.

Saying goodbye,

starting anew

Teachers have a name for the section of the school where Room 303 sits.

The Mays Annex.

Makes sense to them. Makes sense to many. Mays has been through eight principals and taught in six different classrooms at Mendenhall. She has taught in Room 303 since 1998.

During her time at Mendenhall, she and Bob have raised two sons, celebrated the birth of their grandson, Jaylan, and watched him grow into an adolescent living in Charlotte. Bob and Judy both call Jaylan Little Big Man.

Bob and Judy also have celebrated Judy becoming a member of ASUs Rhododendron Society, a big-time honor for ASU grads who make big-time contributions in the field of education.

Society members first saw Bob as an inductee. He had taught for 29 years. But he told society members his wife would be a better choice and started a letter-writing campaign to make that happen.

It did in 2008.

What she had done, and the way she went about doing it, she deserved it, Bob says.

At Mendenhall, she liked to be behind the scenes, taking tickets at games. She chaperoned Mendenhall dances and acted as an adviser to such clubs as Young Innovators, the Computer Club and the Career Explorations Clubs of North Carolina.

And of course, every year, she handed out treats and bottled water to bus drivers.

Thats what she always did. But dont expect her to remain a memory at Mendenhall. After six months, the state mandate a retired teacher has to remain out of a school, Mays plans to come back and volunteer at Mendenhall and help with clubs like Young Innovators.

She doesnt go around playing her own violin so to speak, Bob says. Shes all about playing the violin of other people. Thats right.

Two days after the end of school in June, Mays did just that. At a ceremony in her honor, she talked about others  teachers and kids. She calls the kids her blessings.

But others talked about her. She got a proclamation from Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan, who recognized Mays for her outstanding career of teaching and for making Greensboro a better place in which to live.

Then came comments. That included comments from her son, Robbie.

Hes 41, her oldest son, and he works in Atlanta for Young Life, a Christian organization. He drove six hours just to be there for his mom. Her son, John, Jaylans dad, couldnt make it because of his new job in Charlottes banking industry.

She was the best kind of teacher for us, Robbie told the crowd around the tables. She helped us understand what school meant and what school needs to mean. Im looking forward to see what you do next. I love you, and Im so proud to be your son.

Mays teared up. But she knows why.

These kinds of comments make her scrunch up her face. It makes her remember her remember her life of wonder in Archdale and how an act of kindness and love saved her from a foster home and set her on a life where opportunity flourished for her.

She flourished because people believed in her. So, she believes in her students. Every one of them. For 48 years. It makes her think of the sign that hangs above her white board in her classroom for every student to see.

The sign reads: Count Your Blessings.

She has.
AUG. 5

Linda Thore and Friends, 7 p.m., The Fellowship, 1601 Barnes St. Reidsville. office@fellowshipreidsville.org.

Food Distribution, 10 a.m., Hope Academy/Florida Street Baptist, 1403 W. Florida St., Greensboro. With Greater Greensboro Youth For Christ and City Life. Five hundred boxes of food to be distributed. Food, monetary donations and volunteers needed. 336-274-9641 or vyork@ggyfc.net.

AUG. 6

Community Fun Day and Car Show, 3-5 p.m. Shiloh United Methodist Church, 7394 Shiloh Road, Liberty. Cars, inflatables, games, concessions, etc. Bring canned goods for local food pantries to vote for favorite car. 336-317-4017.

Vacation Bible School, 5:30-8 p.m., also Aug. 7-10, Rehobeth United Methodist Church, 4475 Rehobeth Church Road, Greensboro. Theme: Hero Central. 336-292-3360 or www.rehobeth.org.

Organ Recital, 5 p.m., Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 310 S. Tremont Drive, Greensboro. Free. With organist Adam Ward. 336-272-5321.

Malaria Program, 4 p.m., Jerusalem United Holy Church, 633 Prince Williams St., Reidsville. Speaker Lannie Robertson, pastor of Monument of Faith Eden.

AUG. 8

Annual Womens Conference, 7:30 p.m., also Aug. 9-10 and 11 a.m. Aug. 13, Temple of Prayer, Praise and Deliverance Ministries, 1830 Eastchester Drive, High Point. Aug. 8: Elder Oretta McNeill of Friendship Baptist Church in High Point. Aug. 9: Pastor Cynthia David of Vision of Hope Family Worship Center in Archdale. Aug. 10: Jacki London of Fire Worship Center International in New Bern. Aug. 13, annual Womens Day Service, with Pastor Turlyn Betterson of Victory Temple Deliverance Center in Beverly, N.J.

AUG. 9

Presentation on the Fall Feasts of Israel by Stephen Arnold of Chosen People Ministries, 6:30 p.m., Dillon Road Baptist Church, 3136 Dillon Road, JT. Free. Love offering accepted. Explore Jewish roots of the Christian faith. 336-307-4696.

AUG. 10

NC Disciples of Christ Womens Ministries Statewide Conference, also Aug. 11-13, First Christian Church, Winston-Salem. Early bird registration ends, June 30. Special speakers and music, human trafficking walk and picnic, workshops, dramatic presentations and more. Register. 336-339-8417 or j_williams44@bellsouth.net.

Community Event, 6 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. program begins, also Aug. 11-12, Cathedral of His Glory, 4501 Lake Jeanette Road, Greensboro. Free. Nightly giveaways of school supplies. With Richard and Ronda Moore of Voice of Revival Ministries and Pastor Dennis Willis of Cathedral of His Glory. 336-312-5067.

AUG. 11

Free Community Dinner, 5-7 p.m., Hopewell United Methodist Church, 4540 Hopewell Church Road, Trinity. Meatloaf, creamed potatoes, green peas, rolls, homemade desserts, beverage. Take-outs available. 336-431-9507.

AUG. 12

Hot Dog Sale, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Moriah United Methodist Church, 3611 Liberty Road, Greensboro. 336-273-1006.

AUG. 13

43rd Annual Homecoming/Church Anniversary, 3 p.m., Eternal Life Christian Church, 160 Shady Grove Road, Eden. With Rev. Billy Smith and the Gospel Road Choir. 336-623-9900.

Revival, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., also 7 p.m. Aug. 14-16, New Goshen United Methodist Church, 3300 Randleman Road, Greensboro. Lunch follows service on Aug. 13. Various ministers. 336-274-6751.

Vacation Bible School, 5:30-8 p.m., also Aug. 14-16, First United Methodist Church, 1630 Westbrook Ave., Elon. Ages 3 (toilet trained) through rising sixth-graders. Meal for the entire family will be served from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Theme: Abundance Orchard. Register. 336-584-5263 or check the Elon FUMC Facebook page.

Evangelistic Service, 5 p.m., Jerusalem United Holy Church, 633 Prince Williams St., Reidsville. Speaker Jimmy Lockley; the male choir will sing.

AUG. 19

Community Farmers Markets & Arts/Crafts Fairs, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mount Hope United Church of Christ, 2400 Mount Hope Church Road, Whitsett. Local artists, bakers, craftsmen and farmers. Rain or shine. Hot dogs, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Caring By Sharing Clothing Giveaway, Friendly Ave Church of Christ, 5101 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Church is accepting gently used clothing for men, women and children for distribution.Tricia Parker, 336-420-2924.

Back 2 School Bash, 3-6 p.m., 485 Brightwood Church Road, Gibsonville. Childrens activities, free hair cuts for children, 100 backpacks filled with school supplies distributed. www.faithwalkumc.org.

Country Breakfast Buffet, 7-10 a.m., Hopewell United Methodist Church, 4540 Hopewell Church Road, Trinity. Adults, $8; children, $3. Free to ages 5 and younger. Benefits building fund. 336-431-9507.

Back to School Community Carnival, sponsored by the local United Methodist Churches Missional Network, 10 a.m.-1 pm., Mission First, 1520 S. Scales Street, Reidsville on. Free games, music, community informat booths and food. 349-6017 or 349-8773

AUG. 20

Breakfast Supper to Benefit Disaster Relief Truck, 5 p.m., Mitchells Grove United Methodist Church, 3511 Martin Luther King Drive, High Point. Adult, $8; child, $4. 336-882-6657.

AUG. 27

Mass Choir Anniversary, 3 p.m., Fairgrove Missionary Baptist Church, 7912 Summerfield Road, Summerfield.

The Churchmen in Concert, 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Eden, 582 Southwood Dr., Eden (behind Walmart). Join in for a Sunday evening of worship, fellowship and music. An offering will be received to support the churchs ministries. 336-623-3962.

AUG. 30

Vertigo, 5:30-6:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church, 3600 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Learn about vertigo, including the causes and management of vertigo. Register. 336-832-8000 or conehealth.com/classes.

SEPT. 1

Legacy Ladies In Training, 10 a.m.-noon Sept. 19, Maximizing Life Family Worship Center, 500 Banner Ave., Greensboro. For girls, ages 3-17. Linda Stone touches on Daughters of the King. Free. Register by Sept. 1. Brandi Rojas, dymondfyreglobal@gmail.com.

SEPT. 16

Community Farmers Markets & Arts/Crafts Fairs, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. also Oct. 21, Mount Hope United Church of Christ, 2400 Mount Hope Church Road, Whitsett. Local artists, bakers, craftsmen and farmers. Rain or shine. Hot dogs, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

OCT. 21

Community Farmers Markets & Arts/Crafts Fairs, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mount Hope United Church of Christ, 2400 Mount Hope Church Road, Whitsett. Local artists, bakers, craftsmen and farmers. Rain or shine. Hot dogs, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

ONGOING

Bible Study, Noon Wednesdays, True Vine Baptist Church, 1404 Summit Ave., Greensboro. 336-273-1800.

Bible Study, 1:30 p.m. Mondays, Christ Lutheran Church, 3600 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro 336-288-4482.Bible Study, 5:30 p.m., zumba class ($2, $1 for child under 18) 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Shalom Community Christian Church, 2227 Pinecroft Road, Greensboro. 336-272-4463.

Bible Study, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, New Beginnings Community Outreach Church, 201 Lawrence St., Greensboro. 336-271-2044. Bible Study, 8 p.m. Wednesdays, New Jerusalem Tabernacle, 5419 Davis Mill Road, Greensboro. 336-897-0068

Bible Study, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Rescue Temple #1 Church of God in Christ, 601 Franklin Blvd., Greensboro. 336-273-7615.

Bible Study, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 1701 E. Market St., Greensboro. 336-275-4658.

Cancer Care, Westover Church, 505 Muirs Chapel Road, Greensboro. A group for those journeying with cancer and/or their caregivers. Experience genuine understanding, meaningful prayer, and an applicable Biblical study and discussion. choosinghope@westoverchurch.com

Celebrate Recovery, 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Grace Church, 1141 Enterprise Drive, High Point. Rick Warrens faith-based recovery program for those wanting to address their hurts, hang-ups and habits. Deb, 610-762-0754; or Doug, 336-253-4148.

Chair Yoga Classes, 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1100 Curtis St., Greensboro. A free Lunch and Learn meal and class will follow the yoga class on the third Wednesday of each month. Sharon Muckenfuss, 336-802-6819.

Christian Twelve Step Meeting, 11 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, 4800 W. Friendly Avenue (enter through the rear parking lot off Westridge), Greensboro. The Group, a weekly meeting that combines the powerful resources of the wisdom contained in the Twelve Steps with the spiritual truths of the Holy Bible and using Christ Jesus as our higher power. 336-708-1518.

Community Prayer Group, 9:30 a.m. second Wednesday of every month, Mount Tabor United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 2431 U.S. Highway 220, four miles south of Madison. Coffee, donuts, light breakfast snacks, solos and gospel singing. There is also a short devotion. Noreen or Don, 336-427-5851

Divorce Care, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, or 9:30 a.m. Sundays, Westover Church, 505 Muirs Chapel Road, Greensboro. westoverchurch.com/careandsupport

Free Community Breakfast, 8-10 a.m., last Saturday of each month, Fellowship Hall (Boren Building), Muirs Chapel United Methodist Church, 314 Muirs Chapel Road, Greensboro. 336-299-1913.

Free Community Breakfast, 8-10 a.m., first Saturday of the month, St. Andrews Methodist Church, 1900 W. Vandalia Road, Greensboro.

Free Hot Breakfast, 9 a.m., The Fellowship, 1601 Barnes St., Reidsville. Free continental breakfast served every third Sunday. 336-932-1494.

Free Hot Meal and Healthcare Message, 3 p.m. Sundays, St. James Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., 820 Ross Avenue, Greensboro. 336-273-6658.

Free Lunch, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every second Wednesday, St. Stephen United Church of Christ, 1000 Gorrell St., Greensboro.

Free suppers and addiction recovery meetings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Pentecostal Church of Jesus, 752 Davis St., Eden (off Park St., near traffic circle). For anyone with an addiction, or have a friend or loved one dealing with an addiction. Information and transportation: 336-970-3492, or 336-280-9925.

Free Math Tutoring, 5-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Manasseh Baptist Church, 804 Franklin Blvd., Greensboro.

Genealogy Research, 12:30-4 p.m. Tuesdays, 12:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Family History Center, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4751 N.C. 14, Eden. Consultants/genealogist available to assist in researching family histories. Free. Copies 10 cents per page. Appointments available other times. Information: 336-623-7154.

GriefShare, 10:30 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, 4800 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. A Christ-centered and Bible-based support group for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one to help them cope with the feelings and loneliness of that loss. A free lunch is provided. To register: Doris Henderson, 336-292-3567, Ext. 312.

GriefShare, 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church, 110 S. Franklin St., Madison. 336-548-6112.

Holy Infant Catholic Church Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, RCIA, 9:30 a.m. (following 9 a.m. Mass) Saturdays, Holy Infant Catholic Church, 1042 Freeway Drive, Reidsville. Classes are designed for people who would like to know more about the Catholic faith. To register: 336-342-1448.

InSpire Meditation,

noon on Tuesdays, Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 501 W. Mendenhall St., Greensboro.

Monday Night Live, free meal at 5:30 p.m. followed by a casual worship service at 6:30 p.m. Mission First, 1520 S. Scales St., Reidsville. 336-349-6017.

Monday Night Live, 6-8 p.m., Lees Chapel United Methodist Church, 2303 Lees Chapel Road, Greensboro. Free dinner and music for families, and free tutoring for children grades K-middle school. Volunteer teacher needed for fifth grade. Pastor Joseph Kim, (404) 543-7624.

Moriah United Methodist Church (Helping Hands Circle) Hot Dog Sale, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., second Saturday of every month, 3611 Liberty Road, Greensboro. Homemade chili and slaw and great desserts. Proceeds for missions in and around our community.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors 9-11 a.m. every Thursday, Family Life Center, 1804 East Market St., Greensboro. The food distribution program is sponsored by East Market St. Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Open Prayer, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 1701 E. Market St., Greensboro. The sanctuary will be open. 336-275-4658.

Pastor Dines Free on Sundays, Kabuto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, with group of 10 or more. Pastor dines free on Wednesdays with group of four or more. Call for reservations. 336-852-5550.

Seekers Together, 6 p.m. Saturdays, Community Lutheran Church, 4960 U.S. 220 North, Summerfield. A contemporary worship service for people who want to ask the hard questions. Open-ended question and answer discussions, shared table of communion, uplifting contemporary music, and a welcoming community.

S.H.E. Share. Heal. Engage. Young Womens Ministry, 7-8 p.m. every Thursday. Prince of Peace, 1100 Curtis St., Greensboro. For women 18-35. Bridget Hall, bridget.hall@greensboro.edu or 336-525-5025.

InSpire Meditation,

noon on Tuesdays, Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 501 W. Mendenhall St., Greensboro.

Summer Camps, First Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Music Camp, Kids Disciple Club, Maker Fun Factory Vacation Bible School. fpcgreensboro.org/summercamps.

Sunday Seminar, 10 a.m. Sundays, First Baptist Church, 110 S. Franklin, Madison. A revolving topic class with sessions lasting six-eight weeks. No previous Bible experience required. 336-548-6112.

Telephone Prayer Conference, 6-6:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, New Beginnings Community Outreach Church, Powerhouse of Deliverance Cathedral, 201 Lawrence St., Greensboro. Start your day off with prayer. Call 605-475-6700, access code 405-2210.

The End-Time Bible Prophecy Class, noon-3 p.m. Saturdays, Pathways For Life Training Center, 8025 N. Point Blvd., Suite 256, Winston-Salem. With Minister Kathy Grant, Blessed Assurance Ministries. Free. Open to the public. 336-340-8956.

Thursday Night Fellowship, The Salvation Army, 704 Barnes St., Reidsville. Family devotions at 5:30 p.m., followed by a free community meal at 5:45 p.m. Men and womens fellowship activities follow the meal. 336-349-4923.

Weekly Study of Pirkay Avot, 6-6:20 p.m., Saturdays, Beth David Synagogue, 804 Winview Drive, Greensboro.
GREENSBORO  A N.C. A&T sophomore has been arrested in the April 20 shooting death of a man.

Samad Rahim Dawson, 20, a mechanical engineering major, was taken in to custody at his home in Philadelphia on Friday morning by U.S. marshals, according to a police news release. He has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 27-year-old Kimeko Dejuan James.

Tips provided through Crime Stoppers and information from the public helped police develop enough evidence to connect Dawson to the shooting, according to the release.

Police said Dawson's connection to James is unclear, and they do not have a motive in the killing.

Campus police found James with life-threatening injuries in a vehicle near Pride Hall on North Benbow Road about 11:30 p.m. on April 20. He was taken to Moses Cone Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Dawson's extradition to North Carolina is pending.
GREENSBORO  Guilford County commissioners support a bill that would move public notices from newspapers to county websites.

The Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved a resolution supporting N.C. House Bill 205, which seeks to allow legal notices to be posted on county-run websites instead of, or along with, being published in a newspaper.

The governor vetoed the bill, but it could still become law if legislators override the veto.

State Sen. Trudy Wade (R-Guilford) championed the bill, saying it modernizes the distribution of legal notices for a variety of public actions, hearings and court cases.

Critics, including News & Record publisher Daniel Finnegan, have said the bill would diminish the medias watchdog role by granting government officials complete control over the issuance and dissemination of public information.

Commissioners approved the resolution 4-3 along party lines. Commissioners Alan Perdue and Carlvena Foster were absent.
RALEIGH  North Carolina lawmakers postponed decisions Thursday on whether to override Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes but they stayed around the Legislative Building to vote on sending him several more bills held up from earlier this summer.

And faced with a federal court order this week to redraw General Assembly district maps by Sept. 1, Republican legislators reworked their schedule for the rest of the year to reconvene in just two weeks to start approving new boundaries.

The GOP-controlled legislature first met Thursday morning for its constitutionally-mandated duty of receiving the four vetoes the Democratic governor issued from the 100-plus approved bills that legislators left behind when they left town June 30.

But legislators were under no obligation to vote immediately on overrides, and with about 20 of the 169 current lawmakers absent from Raleigh for various reasons, Speaker Tim Moore sent those vetoed bills  all originating in the House  to a committee, where they're now expected to emerge later this month. Within 45 minutes, the session called by Cooper was over.

The legislators, however, already had called their own session for later Thursday and gave final approval to several wide-ranging bills on regulatory, environmental and tax matters  some arcane and technical, but others making substantial changes. The House and Senate had passed competing measures on these topics before the year's annual work session ended June 30 but the chambers had failed to negotiate their differences. Thursday offered them the chance to shore up the differences and vote on the final product.

Republicans were still meeting privately Thursday evening to consider floor votes on a couple more measures before adjourning.

"These were things that were on the cusp of being passed at the end of the regular session and this additional time that we've had off has given an opportunity for the stakeholders to sit down," Moore told reporters. "We wanted to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money and actually do some work and we've actually passed ... some pretty weighty bills."

The bills that now go to Cooper include a provision allowing income tax filers to remit a part of their refunds to go toward breast and cervical cancer screening for low-income women.

Despite some opposition, lawmakers approved a regulatory overhaul measure containing language that would allow local landfills with lengthy state permits to continue to take trash even if their local permits expire.

Another approved measure would let legislative leaders appoint two members of the North Carolina Medical Board, taking that appointment power away from Cooper. GOP lawmakers and the new governor have been fighting in court over recent laws that erode this powers.

GOP leaders also decided that the General Assembly would next convene Aug. 18  not Sept. 6 as planned earlier  to comply with Monday's order from three federal judges that new House and Senate district boundaries be approved by Sept. 1. Legislators could jump through more legal hurdles to extend the deadline to Sept. 15, but Republicans have decided they won't do that.

Federal courts threw out 28 General Assembly districts, declaring them illegal gerrymanders due to racial bias. The first votes on redrawn maps probably won't occur until Aug. 24, said Rep. David Lewis, chairman of the House Redistricting Committee. House and Senate committee members scheduled a meeting Friday to talk public comment about what the criteria should be in drawing the maps.
We cant always protect our children from bullying, child abuse or from those deranged people who go into schools with guns. We can protect them from contagious and deadly diseases by getting them vaccinated.

Im not sure when many of these vaccines were perfected or became available. When my daughter was born in 1949, her doctor gave her those that were required when she was just a toddler. I dont remember there being any vaccinations when I started to school in the 1930s. Those diseases were rarely heard of.

Now we have had outbreaks of measles because many children are not receiving their vaccinations. Recently it was whooping cough. Next year it could be polio. Most of these could be prevented.

In 1948, North Carolina had a polio epidemic. There were 2,516 confirmed cases. My youngest sister died April 30 of that year at age 17 after a two-day illness. The doctor believed she had flu. After the epidemic that summer in Rockingham County, doctors determined she had died of the most deadly form: spinal bulbar polio. I believe she was probably the first person in the county to come down with and die of polio that year.

Most of those who survived this type of polio spent their lives in an iron lung that helped them breathe. This disease affected adults and children. Some who survived were left paralyzed, with braces or withered limbs.

A polio vaccine was perfected in the 1950s by Dr. Salk and Dr. Sabin. This came too late for those in 1948. The company I worked for made that vaccine available for all employees and also the flu vaccine when it was first offered. I still get my flu vaccine every year.

I think children and adults should get their vaccinations. I dont believe they cause any harm, and diseases that were once eradicated are coming back.

My great-grandchildren, ages 10, 7 and 5, get their flu vaccines along with all the others that doctors recommend.
I heard heaven last night  as I have several times before  at the Eastern Music Festival. If the world ever discovered this experience, repeated every summer for 57 years (!) here in Greensboro, this city would be flooded by pilgrims such as attend the Boston Symphonys Tanglewood programs.

For 45 years, I have had season tickets to the performances of the Philadelphia Symphony, but I have never experienced such rapture as I have known in listening to the faculty symphony at EMF.

Is it just Dana Auditorium? Or is it Gerard Schwarz, who has the soul and the hands of a master conductor? Or is it the sensitivity and artistry of the instrumentalists, which surely cannot be exceeded anywhere? I would guess it is all of this.

And to meet and hear the students from all over this country and those from foreign countries has been a heartwarming and exciting experience.

If our world could only hear this music, they might discern what commitment to beauty, listening to each other, and cooperative love and committed talent can create, our world could be reborn!

From a musician, thank you, thank you to those who make this all possible.

Grace Brame

Colfax
A week after his inauguration, President Donald Trump told his Mexican counterpart in a phone call that the border wall was the least important thing we are talking about, but politically this might be the most important.

The transcript of the conversation was leaked to The Washington Post. It shows Trump pressing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to stop denying Mexico would pay for Trumps promised wall. If you are going to say that Mexico is not going to pay for the wall, then I do not want to meet with you guys anymore because I cannot live with that, Trump said.

The wall was a popular campaign line for Trump. When he said hed make Mexico pay for it, the crowds cheered. It became a regular feature of his rallies.

Then he was elected and had to confront the reality that Mexico would not pay for a U.S. wall. He decided the less said about that, the better.

All politicians promise more than they can deliver. They all have agenda items that, from a policy standpoint, arent a top priority but, politically, are very important.

Trumps presidency isnt going well. He isnt checking off a policy to-do list, as repeal-and-replace failed, tax reform will take a long time and infrastructure investments are doubtful. So hes trying to appease his core supporters with more political promises.

He stood at the White House Wednesday with two Republican senators, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia, to back their bill to cut legal immigration in half. The measure would create a scorecard awarding more points toward an immigrant visa to foreigners with notable skills and achievements and who could speak English.

It makes sense to admit scientists, mathematicians, artists, athletes and other talented immigrants. Its foolish to exclude those very people if their English is lacking. They can learn over time. Many immigrants made invaluable contributions to our country without speaking English well at the time they arrived. Albert Einstein comes to mind. Yet, whether immigrants speak English, and how quickly they should learn if they dont, has become a hot-button issue among many in Trumps base of support. They will applaud this approach.

Cotton and Perdue say less immigration will put more Americans to work. Theres not much evidence for that. In fact, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes reductions in legal immigration. Its belief, and that of many economists, is that more workers are needed to boost growth as the countrys native population ages. But, again, politicians since the 19th century have won followings by denouncing immigrants. Trump aims to exploit the same fears and resentments now and distract attention from other troubles, even though there is no valid reason to curtail legal immigration, which always has been a key feature of American greatness and prosperity.

Finally, Trumps Justice Department signaled it will push back against affirmative action admission policies at universities and colleges.

Keep in mind that the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld reasonable race-conscious practices that seek to create diverse student bodies on college campuses. This isnt discriminating against whites, as Trump would have his supporters believe. Rather, it is recognizing the value of bringing together people from many different places and backgrounds to form stimulating learning communities. Affirmative action programs also recognize that some people have to overcome built-in disadvantages to achieve higher education and deserve the same opportunities as more privileged peers.

If Trump would deny that, he is pushing the wrong brand of politics.
The North Carolina State Bar suspended the law license of former Rockingham County District Attorney Craig Blitzer on Thursday  more fallout from an SBI probe that led to his resignation and had him recently pleading guilty to what essentially amounted to misconduct.

Blitzer  who still faces sentencing  is accused of scheming with former Person/Caswell County District Attorney Wallace Bradsher to employ Blitzers wife, Cindy, and pay her $48,000 in unearned salary while she took nursing classes at South University in High Point.

Blitzer and the state bars Disciplinary Hearing Commission agreed to the suspension until after disciplinary proceedings can be held.

This isnt the first time Blitzer has faced a disciplinary hearing by the state bar.

In August 2004, he was reprimanded for charging a client a $25,000 retainer and refusing to refund the money after being let go from the case in the very early stages. Blitzer ended up refunding the client $15,000 after the N.C. State Bar's involvement. He had paid $5,000 to another attorney who assisted on the case.

Meanwhile, Bradsher is in a holding pattern. He appeared in Wake County Superior Court on Thursday afternoon and announced he had parted ways with his attorney and would represent himself.

If convicted, both men could face a maximum of 120 days in jail, but thats highly unlikely considering this is their first offense.
Stew Leonard's is one of Connecticut's most celebrated businesses. Currently there are locations in Norwalk, Danbury, Newington and Yonkers, NY  and Stew's is in the process of expanding in New York and New Jersey.

So what makes Stew's different from other grocery stores (aside from the singing cartons of milk, the guy dressed as a cow and the little animal farm outside)? Click through to find out some things you may not know about Stew Leonard's.
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A $1.4 billion hedge fund in Fairfield is winding down after its founder  deemed a legend in oil-trading circles  failed to foresee a boom in production that held oil prices lower the past few years, according to Bloomberg.

Andrew Hall lives in Westport with his Astenbeck Capital Management having its main office at 200 Pequot Ave. in the Southport section of Fairfield, and the firm employing about 25 people at last report. Hall previously led the Phibro commodities trading firm based today in Stamford, with Hall having honed his reputation at Phibro in the 1980s with a string of big bets on oil prices that paid off.

Bloomberg reported Thursday the planned dissolution of Astenbeck, while noting Halls reputation in the oil trading industry had some calling him God until the past few years when Hall predicated Astenbecks trading strategy on OPEC being able to raise prices by reining in production.

That did not occur and the Astenbeck Master Commodities Fund II is down almost 30 percent in the first half of the year, according to Bloomberg.

Astenbeck had drawn no shortage of deep-pocketed investors since its launch in 2009, to include the state of New Jersey, which placed $100 million at Astenbecks disposal in 2011; and the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust pension fund that listed an $80 million investment as of 2016.

Equity hedge funds focused on the energy sector were down 6.7 percent on average between January and June, according to HFR, versus a 3.6 percent gain over the same stretch for hedge funds of all types included in a weighted composite index published by the Chicago-based analyst firm.

In the second quarter for the first time in nearly two years, HFR determined, investor allocations outweighed redemptions, or money paid back to investors in cashing out their positions. As of June, hedge funds managed $3.1 trillion in capital globally, according to HFR.

As a major center in the hedge fund industry, lower Fairfield County has seen its fair share of funds running aground, dating back to 1998 with John Meriwethers Long Term Capital Management in Greenwich. The fund succumbed after financial crises in Thailand and Russia, prompting a U.S. government bailout and a federal study into the macroeconomic risks of hedge funds controlling or influencing mammoth pools of capital.

Greenwich was also home to Amaranth Advisors, which managed assets of $9 billion before collapsing in 2006 after a trader based in Canada made disastrous bets on natural gas futures. In Westport, Pequot Capital would close its doors in 2010 after paying a $28 million fine to the Securities and Exchange Commission for insider trading by an employee nearly a decade before.

And in 2013, Stamford-based SAC Capital paid $1.2 billion in settlements following a U.S. Department of Justice investigation of insider trading in the hedge fund industry. SAC founder Steve Cohen would continue his trading operation as a family office called Point72 Asset Management to invest his own fortune, and has emerged as a major philanthropist even as he reportedly ramps up to begin managing other investors money upon the expiration next year of an SEC order restricting him from doing so.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; www.twitter.com/casoulman
GREENWICH  Republican Board of Education member Peter Bernstein filed an application for an injunction Wednesday to stop fellow Republicans Jason Auerbach, Randall Smith and Peter Sherr from what he claims are attempts to hinder his efforts to petition onto the ballot for re-election in November.

Bernstein also sought an extension of his Aug. 9 deadline for collecting enough signatures to get on the ballot.

A Superior Court judge promptly denied the requests for immediate action Wednesday afternoon, but set a date of Aug. 21 for the matter to be heard. As that date is almost two weeks after the deadline, the matter would be moot if Bernstein does not succeed in moving the hearing forward.

This was absolutely necessary to protect my free-speech rights as these individuals and their supporters continue interfering with us as we interact with voters, said Bernstein.

Bernsteins attorney Robert Russo said they have contacted the court to request the hearing date be moved up.

We are confident that we will be able to get the court to address this in a more timely manner, Russo said.

The Secretary of the States office does not have the power to change the Aug. 9 deadline date, which is determined by statute, according to interim press secretary Pina Prakash.

The judge could order it, Prakash said. We will have to wait and see what the judge decides to do.

Russo said the purpose of the injunction was to bring an end to Jason Auerbachs and Randall Smiths efforts to interfere with Peter Bernsteins efforts to petition onto the November ballot as a Republican candidate for the Board of Education.

The Republican Town Committee last week endorsed Auerbach over Bernstein for school board election in November. Smith is a member of the RTC. Since the nomination, Auerbach, Smith and a group of supporters been out collecting signatures for a petition that they say is intended to demonstrate public support for a charter change proposal to revamp the election rules for the Board of Education.

The complaint is filled with numerous falsehoods, said Auerbach. This is a sad day for Greenwich when an elected public official uses his status as an attorney to bully a private citizen who is running in their first ever competitive election.

The injunction also names Board of Education Chair Peter Sherr as a defendant. He was endorsed by the RTC for re-election and has participated in the charter change petition drive.

Im focusing on the current business of the Board of Education which is about improving outcomes for kids in Greenwich, Sherr said Wednesday. I have no comment about this suit.

After he was denied the nomination, Bernstein announced he would seek signatures to petition his way onto the ballot.

Defendents Sherr, Auerbach and Smith, both personally and by and through their agents, representatives and surrogates, began a systematic and malicious campaign to publicly undermine, hinder and otherwise improperly interfere with Plaintiffs efforts to secure signatures for his petition for candidacy, Bernsteins complaint filed with the court states.

Bernstein says Auerbach, Sherr and Smith and their fellow petitioners engaged in physically intimidating and otherwise harassing behavior directed toward him, his campaign volunteers and the voters with whom they were interacting.

Smith dismissed the allegations on Wednesday.

This is a level of confrontation and litigation that Ive never seen in town politics, Smith said. These allegations are ridiculous and detached from reality.

Bernsteins filing states that Auerbach, with his son in tow, followed Bernstein up and down the beach at Tods Point Friday night, and interjected himself into conversations Bernstein was having with voters.

On Saturday, Bernstein and his volunteers went to the Holly Hill transfer station to collect signatures from voters. His filing states that Auerbach, Sherr and Smith arrived and interjected themselves or otherwise interfered with various interactions and conversations that Bernstein and his volunteers were having. The complaint references signs brought to the dump by the charter change group that said Republicans support Republicans, Democrats support Bernstein and Support School Democracy.

Photos of these signs have been shared with the Greenwich Time.

On Sunday, Bernstein returned to Tods Point and before he was able to unfold his beach chair, the filing states, he was told by the beachs caretaker that he was prohibited from collecting signatures. The caretaker said several beachgoers had complained about the petitioning, according to the court document.

Bernstein had published his intent to go to Tods Point to petition in a campaign schedule shared publicly. Auerbach arrived at the beach at the same time and instructed his children to hold up signs saying Support real choice not fake choice and Bernstein now?! Hes for choice?! Bernsteins complaint states.

Photos of Auerbachs children holding the signs, accompanied by Auerbach, were shared with the Greenwich Time and circulated on social media.

They continue to cause confusion with their false petition and signs unrelated to charter change but instead directed at me personally, Bernstein said.

On Monday morning, Bernstein went to Riverside train station where he says Smith and Auerbach arrived minutes after him. Smith and Auerbach took direct action to physically block Bernstein and his volunteers from accessing the commuters coming to the station, the claim states.

Greenwich Time interviewed Auerbach and Bernstein at Riverside station at about 8 a.m. Monday; Smith was not present at the station at the time. Auerbach maintained he was at the station because it was conveniently located near his Riverside home. He said his intent was to talk to voters about charter change and introduce himself to voters, not to interfere with Bernsteins campaign.

Bernsteins application for a temporary injunction said Auerbach, Sherr and Smiths actions infringe on his constitutional right to the freedom of speech, as well as those of Greenwich voters.

Aurbach, a member of the Representative Town Meeting, was one of the original proponents of charter change, long a source of controversy and debate in town. The proposed change, which is not on the fall ballot as a referendum, would would alter Board of Education election rules so top vote-getters in each election would win seats, regardless of party, doing away with current policy that prevents a party from holding a majority on the board.

Sherr is one of two current members who supports the charter change proposal. The majority of the board, including Bernstein, voted against it in a sense-of the-meeting vote taken earlier this year.

Bernstein has to collect 637 signatures from registered Republicans in Greenwich if he wants to appear on the ballot in November.

Fred DeCaro III, the towns Republican register of voters, said he had not seen anything like the request for an injunction in his eight years in office.

Based upon other situations where other people had asked for voting hours to be extended, that has never been something the town or the secretary of the state would grant, DeCaro said. It had to be granted by a court.

On the overall matter, DeCaro said he felt both sides should be able to make use of the towns petition process.

I support the right of anyone to petition as a candidate and for anyone to petition about a subject dear to them, DeCaro said.

emunson@greenwichtime.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson
I came across an interesting list of great achievements that were done by men and women at an advanced age. Here are 20 examples (in reverse chronological order):

1. At 100, Grandma Moses was painting.

2. At 94, Bertrand Russell was active in international peace drives.

3. At 93, George Bernard Shaw wrote the play Farfetched Fables.

4. At 91, Eamon de Valera served as president of Ireland.

5. At 91, Adolph Zukon was chairman of Paramount Pictures.

6. At 90, Pablo Picasso was producing drawings and engravings.

7. At 89, Mary Baker Eddy was directing the Christian Science Church.

8. At 89, Arthur Rubinstein gave one of his greatest recitals in New York's Carnegie Hall.

9. At 89, Albert Schweitzer headed a hospital in Africa.

10. At 88, Pablo Casals was giving cello concerts.

11. At 88, Michaelangelo did architectural plans for the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

12. At 88, Konrad Adenauer was chancellor of Germany.

13. At 85, Coco Chanel was the head of a fashion design firm.

14. At 84, Somerset Maugham wrote Points of View.

15. At 83, Aleksandr Kerensky wrote Russia and History's Turning Point.

16. At 82, Winston Churchill wrote a History of English Speaking People.

17. At 82, Leo Tolstoy wrote I Cannot Be Silent.

18. At 81, Benjamin Franklin affected the compromise that led to the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.

19. At 81, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe finished Faust.

20. At 80, George Bums won an Academy Award for his performance in The Sunshine Boys.

After a certain age, many of us begin to worry a bit about turning a year older.

But within our Judaism, we are told that each day is a gift and we should try to constantly strive to discover new ways to bring meaning to our own lives and to the lives of others.

Roseanne and I recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. In a few weeks I celebrate my 52nd birthday, and then a few weeks later our youngest daughter will enter her last year of high school.

As Rabbi for our congregation, I will soon lead my 22nd year of High Holiday Services for Temple Sholom.

Lately time feels like its passing more quickly, and yet the truth is that each day is the same length as the others. The only question that should be asked by me is what shall I try to make of this gift of a new day?

My own goal will be to try and redouble my efforts to continue exploring new ways to present the eternal values and teachings of our beautiful Jewish heritage. And to continue my own rabbinic mission to find new ways by which I can help meaningfully engage the members of our congregation to join me in our sacred mission.

I hope at an advanced age, I'll be named on a list by which I could be cited as someone who helped provide encouragement to another so that they more richly embraced their own treasures of Jewish heritage and found a temple community that helped their fellow members embrace and care about each other in love.

In the poem "Rabbi Ben Ezra," poet Robert Browning writes: "Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be..."

I pray that this should be the privilege we should all be able to continue to enjoy together in happiness, health and peace for many, many years to come.

Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz is Senior Rabbi Temple Sholom of Greenwich, co-founder of the Sholom Center for Interfaith Learning and Fellowship and a past president of the Greenwich Fellowship of Clergy For an archive of past Greenwich Citizen columns, please visit www.templesholom.com
J: So you were born in Hartford?

L: No, I was born in East Douglass, Mass., moved to Hartford when I was 3 years old, went to St. Josephs Cathedral School  I dont know if you know what that is. That is the Archdiocese of Hartford. Very expensive private school.

J: How was it?

L: I hated it. It was a Catholic School, I'm an atheist, you figure it out.

J: Right, but when you were younger, did you know you were an atheist already?

L: I found it out when I was about 10. I started asking questions: Who is God? What is God? Who has ever seen him? What do we really know about him? What do we know about Abraham? What do we know about Moses? ... There were a few other things that happened.

J: Oh my gosh.

L: When I got out of St. Josephs and went to Hartford High, I found out how stupid I was. All they taught me was: God, God. Religion, religion, religion, morning noon and night  I was not prepared for the world. I did not know my algebra, I did not know my English. But that all changed ... I went into World War II in 1944, I served on Okinawa  the Battle of Okinawa  and I survived it, got out and went to Columbia.

J: When you were in high school then, you said you realized you were behind the other students. What did you do to catch up?

L: I educated myself. A lot of reading, especially about religions  every type of religion. I know Catholicism, I know Judaism, I know Christianity and I know Buddhism  but Buddhism is not a religion its a philosophy.

J: So you went to Columbia University ... you studied architecture?

L: Not at Columbia ... when I moved there, my wife got a job there as the assistant dean. So what I did, I did the old-fashioned way. Its called using the grandfather clause: You go out and work in the field for three years, take the test in Connecticut and you got it.

J: That's great.

L: I'm an architect. It worked. And then I went to New York State and said, Im a Connecticut architect. And they said, OK, heres your license. And I went to California and the same thing. Heres your license. I worked for a firm, we did buildings all over the world. I did nuclear power plants  you know the nuclear power plants in Japan? I worked on them. The one that blew up? I worked on that one. But just the building not the mechanics ... You know you have the building and then you have the nuclear power; its completely separate.

J: And you studied architecture after you went to war, right?

L: Yes, I got the G.I. bill to get me through college. I didnt even finish high school ... March 22 ... I got my notice ... On Feb. 15 my brother Andy was killed in New Guinea so I was all, I'm gonna get those bastards! And I did.

J: What was he doing in New Guinea?

L: Shooting Japanese (with the U.S. Air Force), so they shot him down. He disappeared and we never saw him again ... I had another brother, Johnny, in Iwo Jima... Andy was oldest, Johnny was next and I was next ... There were 13 of us; I was number seven. After me I had: Jackie, Betty, Tommy, Joey and Mary. When you get to have 10, 15 kids, you get the older sisters to be like surrogate mothers. So I at the point became a surrogate mother; I had to take care of five. So when it came my time to have kids 

J: You didnt have children.

L: No. I didnt want any. Well I had one, a daughter later on. My father was a midwife; he delivered all of us. I'm from the old school. I'm ancient. And my age shows you that, 91. (So when I was) in the Navy, by the time they got to Okinawa they ran out of Marines  250,000 were dead. So they said ... Hey Lou, you're no longer in the Navy. You're in the Marine Corps. Best thing they ever did for me.

J: And those are both very rigorous training, right?

L: Yes, but very different ... the Marines taught me how to fight. They taught me: Fear no man. I was 5-foot-6 then  hes 6-foot-2? Makes no difference to me. How to kill with your bare hands ... One, two, three: Its over.

J: It didnt scare you or make you worried?

L: When I was a child, I grew up with gang wars and knives. Why should I be scared of anybody ... my physical reaction to violence is quick. Ive always been like lightning. I still am at 91. So I have no fear. I'm not bragging Im just telling you what I do.

J: I believe you.

L: You have to learn to live in life without fear. I never had problems. My daughter? She has all kinds of problems today because of her choices of mates, boyfriends, husbands  one particular one ... he was a known killer in Greenwich when he was a teenager. My daughter wanted to marry him; I said no. She defied me and married him  my daughter is disabled now. Totally disabled.

J: Wow.

L: Yes. Her lifes ended so to speak. Shes just day to day. She could die any day because her heart just doesnt even work right anymore. I'm 91. Ive never been sick in my life  Ive been to the hospital just once, stupidly. July 4, 1976, I got on the roof to do some painting. I fell off. I broke two vertebrae in my back and I went to the hospital there for three days, and said, Doc, can you do anything about it? He said, No, you can only rest. I said, Get me the (expletive) out of here! And I walked out.

J: So another question I have for you: What advice do you have for people today who are growing up, trying to make a name for themselves? People who are wondering what the future holds, after everything youve seen?

L: My philosophy: Take no (expletive) from no one. Stand up for yourself. Believe in yourself. Its very simple. Don't let anybody use you or abuse you ... That's about it.

J: Well seriously, thank you very much Louis for sharing so much of your story with me.

E: JTuriano@greenwichtime.com; T: @jturianoGT; IG: @greenwichgreen
Microsoft conducted a widely publicized study a few years ago that concluded the average Americans attention span is only 8 seconds -- less than a goldfish.

This idea that no one can focus anymore has made its way into all areas of business and life, from 140 character tweets to the idea that no one will read long-copy sales letters or watch a video on their computer longer than five minutes.

I call BS on all of it. The problem isnt attention span; the problem is we have an infinite number of options to choose from.

Back when TV first came out, people had just a handful of channels to watch. If you didnt like what was on, you had two additional choices. Now, you have 200 choices, plus whatever is on DVR, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube or elsewhere.

If I have options and you bore me, it is easy to simply change the channel. Odds are I can find something that will amuse me, which means you have a very short period of time to entertain me or Im off to the next option.

Related: The Secret to a Strong Branding Message? Focus.

Because of infinite channels, marketing has changed as well. 15 years ago, if you didnt get a good response with your first marketing pieces, any additional follow-up was unlikely to yield any additional results. Today, because it is so difficult to grab someones attention, you may not get any response unless you follow up. It requires a much larger and more complicated campaign to break through the noise.

For example, I developed a five-step direct mail campaign designed to get new patients for dental offices. Since the campaign started six years ago, steps four and five combined have gotten a greater number of new patients than steps one, two and three combined. All the steps have similar copy, and although I think the last two steps look cooler, there isnt an increase in the offer or some other huge reason they should get such a drastic increase in response. They just do.

My best guess is the increase in steps four and five happen in part because of procrastination caused by infinite channels on the dial. When the prospect gets the fourth letter, they realize it is the fourth time theyve meant to call and make an appointment. So they finally actually call.

Related: How to Stay Focused: Train Your Brain

How to capture a person's attention

Let's start with this: If you start talking about the latest whiz-bang scientific report, youre done. Boring never works.

A combination of offline and online marketing works the best. If we generate a lead online, we want to bring them offline ASAP. If that lead is generated offline, we want to connect and bring them online immediately. We want the prospect to get our message across platforms.

An associate of mine, Perry Belcher, once said that today we live in the single most difficult time to get someone to make a first-time purchase from you. Thats the bad news. The good news is we live in the single easiest time to get someone to make their second purchase with you.

Getting someone to buy from you the first time is one of the single most expensive things any business does. But once someone decides to trust you -- once they determine that if they give you their hard-earned money, you will not rip them off -- it is so much easier to get them to simply continue to shop with you over and over again. All you have to do is do what you say youre going to do and remind them who you are, what you do and that youre still in business.

Related: 3 Tips for Branding Your Growing Business

Costco is the perfect example of this. It was not easy to convince me that I should pay them to shop in their stores, but they got me to join with good pricing, exclusive deals, a nearly unlimited return policy and a risk-free guarantee on the membership. Now, I get a magazine from them once per month (in the mail) with articles and items I may want to buy. This magazine serves to entertain, educate, and sell me on new products or services they offer.

The more time a person gives you, your media and your products or services, the greater influence you have with them. If you want to sell more tomorrow, remember that consumers have an infinite number of channels to choose from. It is your job to entertain them, educate them and capture their attention long enough to sell to them.

Related:

10 tips para tener mas seguidores en Instagram

The Myth of the 8-Second Attention Span

8 Customer-Rich Platforms Your Marketing Efforts May Be Overlooking



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Getting that wide opening in the fence may be a trick. Photo: BrewDog

Scottish beer-maker BrewDog loves a good publicity stunt  it has offered paid leave to newborn-puppy owners, is building a craft-beer hotel, and once put 55 percentalcohol beer in a taxidermy squirrel. In other words, we shouldve seen this coming: The brewery has announced plans to build a bar that literally straddles the U.S.Mexico border. While its unclear how it expects to pull this off (check out the logistical nightmare of this home thats half in Vermont, half in Canada), the one thing you can say about BrewDogs gimmicks is, theyre usually not empty threats.

Co-founder James Watt sounds totally unworried about the details anyhow. In a press release, he says theyll simply request official permission from the local authorities and make sure to adhere to any red tape stuff. (So easy!) The bars catchphrase is Make beer, not walls, in case its fuzzy whether this is largely a statement about President Trumps border strategy. As Watt notes, it would be more difficult to build a wall if theres a BrewDog bar in the way.

BrewDog proposes using old shipping containers for the construction, so that the bar  dubbed the Bar on the Edge  is considered a temporary mobile building. It will theoretically serve Mexican beers on the U.S. side, and U.S. beers on the Mexican side (fortuitously for BrewDog, its beers will be available to thirsty patrons in both countries). The brewery argues that the bar is a testament to collaboration and inclusivity, which have always been a cornerstone of the craft brewers identity, and also to its desire to spread BrewDog beer to the farthest reaches of the United States, as the location is apparently very remote.

The specifics on where are still top secret, but half will be in Texas, and the other half in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It sounds semi-permanent, too, because BrewDog says the plan is just to leave it there until someone tells us to move it.
Gaby Gulielmettis now making this Dutch baby at Rivertown Lodge. Photo: Liz Clayman

Bonfiglio & Bread was the kind of bakery that made you want to buy a caftan and a Jeep and move upstate. Located in Hudson, New York, roughly a two-hour drive from Manhattan, it was the ideal small-town cafe, offering homemade bread, simple dishes that highlighted local produce, and strong coffee. It earned many, many fans  accomplishing the feat of winning over both locals in Hudson and weekenders coming in from the city. Then, in May, after five years in business, Bonfiglio suddenly closed. The good news is that chef Gaby Gulielmetti and his partner, Rachel Sanzone, are actually going to be cooking more than ever.

Our landlord wasnt considering renewing our lease, Gulielmetti says matter-of-factly. But were starting fresh. Theyre moving Bonfiglio to nearby Athens, where they were already thinking of adding a second location. The real surprise, though, is that Gulielmetti has taken over the kitchen at Rivertown Lodge, the modern hotel in Hudson thats located right across the street from the original Bonfiglio. Hes not only making brunch; for the first time, hes cooking a dinner menu that includes a smoked sweet potato with anchovy butter, clams in turmeric broth, pappardelle with carrot-top pesto, and head-on prawns with harissa.

Theres definitely a coastal, Mediterranean aspect to everything I cook, but I love the flavors of North Africa and Morocco, and heavily spiced, acidic food thats fresh and bright, the chef says of his style, which of course relies heavily on local ingredients. Its about constantly seeing whats available to us, and just trying to bring in sharp, fresh notes, but, you know, punchy flavors. Were not trying to be delicate here.

Meanwhile, Sanzone (Gulielmettis fiancee and business partner) is overseeing Bonfiglio in Athens, set to open soon, and she and Gulielmetti are already baking bread there. Itll feel a lot like the original, with wood-fired pizzas and some of the original greatest-hits menu items, but will be more of a full-service operation, with a larder (smoked chickens, grain salads, things of that nature) and, eventually, dinner service.

Gulielmetti is conscious of making Rivertown Tavern a neighborhood hangout, and not just a destination restaurant inside a chic hotel. Ambitious chefs upstate dont always toe that line  take Zak Pelaccios Fish & Game, which won a James Beard award but is definitely a special-occasion spot, complete with a tasting-menu option. We want food thats affordable to as many people as possible, Gulielmetti notes. A place that you can come more than once a week, if you choose. Obviously, we want to make money here, but were not trying to pull from everyones pockets. Our steak is a perfect example of that  an eight-ounce, grass-fed steak with broccoli rabe and black-garlic sauce costs $22. Everywhere else, thats a $35 steak.

In the five years since Gulielmetti and Sanzone opened Bonfiglio, theyve seen Hudson become increasingly attractive to New Yorkers. As with any gentrifying area, this isnt always met with enthusiasm, but Gulielmetti welcomes the change. Theres obviously an aspect of the city here that wasnt here in 2012, he says. There were always city people here, but I dont think it was necessarily city-driven at that point. We can make really good food, and the landscape now allows for it. I feel like its okay to provide food at a certain cost; not everything has to be $3. There are more restaurants. We dont see it as competition, we see it as a benefit to the city itself  that you have options.

Kuku sabzi with pistachio labneh and local greens. Photo: Liz Clayman

Dutch baby with house-made ricotta and local maple syrup. Photo: Liz Clayman

Grilled head-on prawns with harissa and fermented garlic honey. Photo: Liz Clayman

Zaatar farinata with charred eggplant, herb salad, smoked cashew, and pickles. Photo: Liz Clayman

Tavern steak with grilled broccoli rabe. Photo: Liz Clayman

A strong dinner spread. Photo: Liz Clayman

Theres plenty of Bonfiglios famed bread. Photo: Liz Clayman

Gulielmetti. Photo: Liz Clayman

The space is small and cozy. Photo: Liz Clayman

Add this to your Hudson Pinterest board. Photo: Liz Clayman

Brunch [PDF]

Dinner [PDF]

Rivertown Tavern, 731 Warren St., (518) 512-0954




Haiti - Social : Mass arrival of Haitian migrants, Chile preoccupied





Tuesday, Carlos Appelgren, the Director General of Consular and Immigration Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, who answered questions from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies about the Haitian migration and the obligation of a visa for the Haitians that the Government is studying, to enter Chile revealed that between January 1 and July 26, 2017, 44,289 Haitians entered the Chilean territory (source: Chilean judicial police).



For the 12 months of 2016, this number stood at 43,898, an increase of almost 75% this year (in linear projection).



Appelgren told deputies that because of the very large increase in the migration of Haitian nationals, better control is needed for those who claim to be tourists when they arrive, while they intend to stay and work in Haiti. Chile, recalling that if their intention is to work in Chile, there is a visa to this effect.



In addition, Appelgren indicated that, according to investrigations carried out in Haiti, networks of traffickers encourage Haitians to migrate to Chile and scam them several thousand US dollars to bring them to Chile... As soon as they arrive, these Haitians are often victims of thefts by accomplices of these traffickers, before realizing that they were deceived and paid dearly for false documents or unnecessary documents.



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politic : Toward the reconstruction of the PAP town hall with the help of China





The Town hall of Port-au-Prince, reports that the Mayor Ralph Youri Chevry had several meetings in the capital with members of a delegation of the People's Republic of China, whose mission in Haiti for eight days ended on Wednesday 2 August.



These meetings focused on the reconstruction of the main building of the Town Hall and the construction of several public markets n the territory of the commune of Port-au-Prince.



At the end of his mission, the Chinese delegation agreed on the continuation of the discussions leading to a timetable for the implementation of the projects proposed by Mayor Chevry, confirmed the Port-au-Prince Municipal Administration.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Social : 7th edition of the Bikini Festival





On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August, the Public Beach of Montrouis will host the 7th edition of the Bikini Festival organized by Gabo Production, RTVC and Team champion, hoping to attract more than 40,000 festival-goers during the two days.



Organizers announce the participation in the Festival of several artists, DJs and music groups including : Izolan, Baky Popile, TonyMix, DJ Jack, DJ Queen, Brothers Posse, Klass, Maestro, Dre,Mass Konpa, Sweet Micky, T-Vice, Vyab, Djakout #1 that will ensure the atmosphere of the Festival and parades of girls in bikini.



For accommodation, Francois Judson, Director General of Production Gabo explained that festival goers have the option to use their tents or to stay in hotels on the coast of the Arcadins who are encouraged to offer affordable prices for the duration of the Festival.



Concerning security, the organizers said that arrangements had been made with the National Police of Haiti and a security agency as well as lifeguards in order to avoid excesses during the Festival and ensure the safety of the festival-goers.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Waves of Haitian refugees unprecedented in Quebec





Thursday in a press conference in Montreal, Kathleen Weil, Quebec's Minister of Immigration, confirmed that the number of asylum seekers in Quebec had tripled in the past two weeks. She said that between July 1 and 19, some 50 applicants arrived in Quebec every day, "now it's an average of 150..."



She indicated that since January 1 of this year until the end of June, Quebec had already received more than 6,500 asylum seekers, exceeding in 6 months the total number of asylum applications in each of the two previous years (2,920 in 2015, and 5,505 in 2016), pointing out that "if the trend continues, this number could reach 12,000 by the end of the year."



The entry of these waves of refugees at the border, mostly Haitians, forced the authorities to find a solution on the accommodation side. So far housed in university residences, reception centers (army of salvation, YMCA, etc.) or hotels, asylum seekers are now so numerous that part of the Olympic Stadium is transformed into a refuge for asylum seekers. Approximately 150 beds were installed in the West Hall of the stadium (capacity 300), where the Fast Food concessions are usually used during events. Stephane Handfield, a lawyer specializing in immigration says "In 25 years of practice, I have never seen this. It is clearly not ideal for families, but it is better that to leave these people under the bridge." Asylum seekers could stay for about a month until they receive their first social insurance checks.



According to Jean-Pierre Fortin, the President of the Customs and Immigration Union, nearly 500 asylum seekers illegally crossed the border on Monday alone near the Lacolle customs post, 90% of whom were Haitians, which feared as nearly 60,000 of their compatriots in the United States to lose their TPS Temporary Protection Status in the United States https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21037-haiti-flash-extension-of-tps-procedures-to-follow.html and to be expelled to Haiti, their country of origin "This is an unprecedented situation. It happens by wave of 200, 250, 300 and Monday I think this is the first time we crossed the 500 mark of refugees. So imagine if this trend is maintained and all the logistics that this represents to feed, shelter and accompany these people [...]"



At the Federal Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness denied the figure of 500 put forward by the chairman of the Customs Union, evoking 200 instead. However, he was still unable to give exact figures on arrivals during the month of July.



For its part, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that it intercepted in Quebec, from January to June, 3,350 refugees...



According to Denis Coderre, the Mayor of Montreal, 2,500 Haitian refugees crossed the land border in July. He said that Montreal would help those newcomers who were afraid of being deported from the United States and refused to return to Haiti, saying "The City of Montreal welcomes the Haitian refugees. You can count on our full cooperation."



La Maison d'Haiti in Montreal that helps immigrants settle, is overwhelmed for two weeks at the number of requests for assistance it receives. Every day at least twenty families who flee the United States come to its premises, in addition to the many phone calls...



The Consulate General of Haiti in Montreal informs the Haitian Community that the Haitian Ambassador to Canada, Frantz Liautaud and the acting Head of Post of the Consulate, Mrs. Laury Lamothe, met on Thursday August 3 at the Consulate, the staff of the Mission concerning our compatriots who arrive every day in Montreal.



The purpose of the meeting was to analyze the situation of the newcomers and to consider the extent to which the two Missions can collaborate with the local authorities to help them.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21037-haiti-flash-extension-of-tps-procedures-to-follow.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Clerk's Strike, suspended

Since Thursday the clerks and the ushers observe a fragile truce of two weeks in their strike movement. An agreement was reached with the ad hoc Committee of the Ministry of Justice https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21708-haiti-news-zapping.html



Next appointment of the General Staff

Lucien Jura, residency's communications adviser, said that the Head of State will apply the constitution concerning the remobilization of the army, announcing soon the appointment of the General Staff of the new public force.



Gang chief arrested in Port-de-Paix

Commissioner Jackson Hilaire, the Departmental Director of the Haitian National Police (PNH) in the northwest, revealed that during an operation earlier this week, Antoine Mackenson Tervil, aka "Lol", a gang leader operating in the commune of Port-de-Paix was arrested.



Army : Michele Bennett Duvalier wonders

"The subject of the army arouses passions. Would it be necessary to redefine the role of the army in Haiti today ? Should we not first pay the pension arrears to former soldiers ? No details on the financing of this new army. Recruitment began without even having a senior staff. Yes, I am in favor of the re-establishment of our army, but this must be done according to the rules of the art. There are fewer than 16,000 members of the PNH for a population of nearly 12 million. Should we not strengthen and increase the number of police officers ? Would it be necessary to have a real border task force to control and eradicate smuggling that undermines customs resources ?" wonders Michele Bennett Duvalier, widow of Preisdent JC Duvalier.



Meeting of the two Ministry of Defense of the island

Herve Denis, the Minister of Defense and his Dominican counterpart Lieutenant General Ruben Dario Paulino Sem are expected to meet next week in Santo Domingo. The purpose of this meeting is to plan a post-Minustah agenda.



Moise launches his Caravan in the commune of Baraderes

Thursday Jovenel Moise, accompanied, notably by the deputy Patrick Norzeus, launched in the commune of Baraderes (Department of the Nippes), the Caravan of change...



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2017/08/03 | Source

Han Ga-in made a surprise voice appearance on "Life Bar".

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Yeon Jung-hoon was a guest on the tvN drama "Life Bar".

Han Ga-in prepared a fruit box for him on this day. Yeon Jung-hoon called his wife and MC Shin Dong-yup told her what a dullard he is about his wife. Han Ga-in said, "I tell him not to do that but he does anyway".

Then the voice of their daughter came on speaker. Han Ga-in asked her, whose daughter she was and she replied, "Daddy's daughter".
Published on 2017/08/04 | Source

Song Kang-ho won best actor at Montreal's Fantasia International Film Festival for "A Taxi Driver" on Thursday.

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It was his second win after "The Show Must Go on" 10 years ago.

"A Taxi Driver" looks at the horrors of the military crackdown on the Gwangju democratic uprising in May 1980.

Song plays a taxi driver who takes a German journalist to the center of the protests, unaware of the impending danger.

The film passed the 1 million viewer mark on Thursday, the second day of its run.
Published on 2017/08/04 | Source

Added episode 19 captures for the Korean drama "Queen for 7 Days" (2017)

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Directed by Lee Jung-seob

Written by Choi Jin-yeong

Network : KBS

With Park Min-young, Yeon Woo-jin, Lee Dong-gun, Jang Hyun-sung, Kang Shin-il, Son Eun-seo,...

20 episodes - Wed, Thu 22:00

Synopsis

A period drama about Queen Dangyeong who was on the throne for 7 days before she was disposed.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2017/05/31

More
The week that was

By Jo Gilbert

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Top Stories: Some shocking news from the southern Rhone this week where Frances biggest bulk operator is accused of passing off table wine as being from Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Elsewhere Doug Wregg of artisan importer Les Caves de Pyrene brought us his report from Oregon Pinot Camp 2017, and Vagabond Wines announced a new venture in London.

Country Reports: Every month, we bring you reports from the worlds wine producing regions, everything from cornerstones of the industry to those areas which are either emerging, or coming back into, vogue.

Here are some of our tops picks from the last few weeks.

Analysis and Insights: This week we brought you exclusive research into Italian wine in the UK market from Bellavita to coincide with its recent London Expo.

Addressing Italian wine styles and food trends in the UK, the report tracks the evolution of the UK food and restaurant scene.
Touchpoint Media is facing the Federal Circuit Court for allegedly underpaying 23 young journalists a total of $305,780 between January 2015 and June 2016.



The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the company that operates news websites covering regional Queensland, and it company director Laurence Bernard Ward.



FWO inspectors commenced an investigation of Touchpoint Media after employees lodged requests for assistance.



Some of the employees were recruited straight out of university and in their early 20s.



It is alleged inspectors found the company had frequently underpaid or failed to pay journalists for work which appeared on several regionally aligned news websites owned by another company related to Ward.



The websites covered the regional Queensland areas of Charters Towers, Charleville, Goondiwindi, Longreach, Maranoa, Redland and Whitsundays.



The workers variously performed a range of duties associated with generating online stories and other content and promoting the websites.



It is alleged that four of the journalists were underpaid more than $30,000 each, with the largest alleged underpayment of an individual journalist being $48,217.



Touchpoint Media and Ward allegedly also contravened workplace laws during the investigation by knowingly providing false PAYG records to FWO inspectors that significantly over-stated the amounts employees had been paid.



Touchpoint Media Pty Ltd faces penalties of up to $54,000 per contravention, while Ward faces penalties of up to $10,800 per contravention.



The FWO is seeking a Court Order for the company and Ward to be jointly liable for back-paying the workers in full.



Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said a decision was made to commence legal action because of the alleged blatant underpayment of young workers, which had not been rectified.



"Allegations regarding inexperienced young workers who are committed to working hard to build careers is extremely disappointing and cannot be tolerated," said James.



"Employers should be aware that we treat exploitation of young workers very seriously because they can be more vulnerable in the workplace. Young workers are often less aware of their rights or are often reluctant to complain if they think something is wrong."






Sina Mostafavi, Senior Associate at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA), explains the importance of requesting medical evidence to support the reason for the absence.



The scenario is very common: an employee is presented with a letter of allegations, or a show cause letter, inviting them to attend a disciplinary hearing, and they go off sick, claiming stress or otherwise. What can you do as the employer?



The most important general principle to note is that an employee being on sick leave (in the form of personal leave) does not in and of itself necessarily preclude an employer from continuing with a disciplinary process.



The appropriate steps to follow are:



1. Request medical evidence to support the reason for the absence, if it has not already been provided



What kind of medical evidence has the employee provided to support their absence from work?



Whether or not you have a policy that requires an employee to provide a medical certificate, it is open to you as the employer to require the employee to provide evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person that the personal leave is being taken due to a personal illness or personal injury affecting the employee.



If an employee fails to comply with a direction to this effect, that can in and of itself constitute a separate disciplinary matter.



2. Review the medical evidence



The most common scenario here is that the employer will be presented with a medical certificate which simply states that the employee is unfit for work.



While arguably a certificate of this kind will (while it is in effect) preclude an employee from attending a disciplinary hearing in the form of a meeting, it does not necessarily follow that the employee in question cannot, in the alternative, provide written answers to questions put to them that would have been dealt with in that disciplinary hearing, given that doing so does not constitute work as such.



3. Invite the employee to provide a written response



If you are satisfied that the employee cannot personally attend a scheduled disciplinary hearing, then you should write to them:



 providing them with all relevant details of the matters that they would have been required to respond to in the context of that hearing; and

 inviting them to provide a written response by a particular cut-off date.



The letter should provide the employee with a reasonable period to respond.



The letter should also make clear to the employee that any response they provide up to and including the cut-off date will be considered before any final decision is made in relation to the matters set out in the letter, and that in the absence of any such input the business will make a decision without the benefit of their input.



By including a guillotine provision of this kind, it will help assist avoid a scenario where a disciplinary/investigation process is continually derailed by a persons rolling medical absences from work, particularly where such conduct may in part be motivated by a desire to run out any accrued personal leave before a likely dismissal.



4. Make a decision based on any response provided, and proceed with caution (but not too much)



Once the cut-off date has come and gone, you can make a decision as to next steps, taking into consideration any response provided by the employee to date.



If the employee has (as is common) claimed that their medical absence has precluded them from providing any written response, then you should take this into consideration before taking any further step, including whether the medical evidence reasonably supports this position, and whether any extensions of time may be warranted.



Sina Mostafavi is a Senior Associate at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA). Serving business and only business, this legal and advisory firm trusted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is the leading voice for industry in the Fair Work Commission. Contact Sina on 1300 565 846 or [email protected].au if you have any questions raised in this article.




(Bloomberg) Boston-area hedge fund manager Raymond Montoya, who led the RMA Strategic Opportunity Fund LLC, was arrested and charged by federal prosecutors with running a Ponzi scheme. The federal charges on Wednesday followed a civil lawsuit in June in which the Massachusetts Securities Division claimed Montoya committed securities fraud when he told investors that he had $5 billion of assets in his fund in 2015. In sworn testimony, he said the funds high-water mark was about $20 million.

To read this article:
The governmental committee has rejected a financial plan of public joint-stock company Ukrtransgaz over the provisions which the Cabinet of Ministers earlier approved for the financial plan of national joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy, Chief Commercial Director of Naftogaz Yuriy Vitrenko has said.

"The government approves the financial plan of Naftogaz Ukrainy with a transaction on the sale of buffer gas, while it does not approve the financial plan for Ukrtransgaz, as it reflects the transaction to buy this buffer gas This is a bright example of why the supervisory board, not the Cabinet, must approve the financial plan  a consolidated plan, not financial plans of separate enterprises of the Naftogaz group," he wrote on his Facebook page.

Vitrenko explained that around 5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas is used as buffer gas in underground storage facilities of Ukrtransgaz. This volume cannot be supplied to consumers, and from the point of financial reporting standards, it must be taken into account as fixed assets, not as a commodity. The sale and purchase transaction from Naftogaz to Ukrtransgaz was the reason why the financial plan of the operator of the Ukrainian gas transport system was rejected by the government.
His detention hearing has consequently been postponed until further notice.

The 51-year-old man who ran over six people in Helsinki on Friday, 28 July, has been referred from the custody of law enforcement authorities to that of health care authorities, according to a press release from the Helsinki Police Department .

Helsingin Sanomat on Monday reported that the man has a history of both run-ins with the law and mental illness.

He was found guilty, but not criminally responsible, of setting the home of his father on fire after soaking it with petrol in Imatra in 2003. The father and his young son managed to flee the home before the fire.

The man admitted to the criminal charges in court, revealing that it had been his intention to burn down what he believed was an empty house, but was exempt from criminal liability on grounds of his mental illness. The District Court of Imatra instead issued the defendant a compulsory treatment order.

He has also been fined for causing a serious traffic hazard after driving 40 kilometres over the speed limit in downtown Helsinki in May, 2013, according to Helsingin Sanomat.

The man is currently suspected of one manslaughter, five attempted manslaughters, driving while intoxicated and causing a serious traffic hazard for hitting six people on a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Mannerheimintie and Lonnrotinkatu in Helsinki on Friday, 28 July, 2017.

Teemu Kruskopf, the detective inspector in charge of the pre-trial investigation, says in the press release the interrogations and other investigative techniques have allowed the investigators to confirm their initial conclusions about the course of events.

The suspect drove well over the speed limit from Aleksanterinkatu to Mannerheimintie and thereon to Lonnrotinkatu, where he purposefully hit six people, he says.

The investigators will continue to interview eyewitnesses and look into the events preceding the fatal incident, according to the Helsinki Police Department. The results of the toxicology test performed on the suspect after the incident have yet to come in.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Martti Kainulainen  Lehtikuva
The candidates went head-to-head in the first presidential debate of the SDP in Helsinki on Thursday.

The Social Democratic Partys presidential nominee hopefuls  Maarit Feldt-Ranta, Tuula Haatainen and Sirpa Paatero  have distanced themselves from the asylum policy position of President Sauli Niinisto.

The debate demonstrated that the candidates agree on most major issues, including their disapproval of the migrant and asylum seeker-related statements of the man they hope to succeed in January, 2018.

Haatainen estimated that the president was guilty of scaremongering in his speech at the opening ceremony of the parliamentary session in February, 2016.

President Niinistos way to address the asylum issue confused many of us. I commented at the time that he couldve chosen his words better. I think a presidents poise and leadership are put to test especially at a time of crisis, as citizens are growing concerned and fears are being whipped up. Thats when leaders must stay calm and call attention to other points of view, find a balance instead of joining in [on the scaremongering], she said.

I demand that all political leaders tackle this issue responsibly also in the upcoming presidential elections.

Niinisto warned in his speech that Europe may not be able to withstand uncontrolled migration for much longer and estimated that currently anyone who knows how to pronounce the word asylum can enter Europe and Finland.

Haatainen reminded that Finland has an obligation to help those in need but acknowledged that the country has recently also attracted people who are not in need of international protection.

Thats what were wrestling with: who should be returned and who shouldnt. But Finland has pursued a relatively dreary and strict policy, and I personally wouldve hoped for a different approach, she stated.

Paatero similarly took issue with the statements of President Niinisto. Niinisto, she argued, should have in his speech drawn more attention to the international treaties, the obligations arising from them and their significance for Finland.

I wouldve hoped that the president had stated more explicitly that Finland will carry out and continue to stand by these commitments, instead of  as he did in the speech  indulging in an assessment of whether the treaties will be relevant in the future or should be reconsidered she lamented.

Paatero also said she is reluctant to use the word migrant crisis to describe the situation in Finland.

I doubt that Finland found itself in a crisis following the arrival of 32,500 people, most of whom have already returned. Theres certainly room for temporary visitors among the five million people in Finland, told Paatero.

Feldt-Ranta, in turn, said she would have hoped for a different approach to two issues: President Niinisto should have expressed his opposition to the cuts in spending on development assistance and international co-operation, and chosen his words more carefully in speaking about the two extremes.

He possibly and unintentionally also branded those who want to help asylum seekers as one of the extremes, she analysed. It wasnt a successful statement.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Mikko Stig  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has drawn up recommendations regarding the reform of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine after joint work from July 19 through August 1, the Finance Ministry of Ukraine has reported on its website.

"The IMF in cooperation with the Finance Ministry and the State Fiscal Service have drawn up a plan of priority tasks, on which the country should focus in coming 18 months and further steps," the ministry said.

The ministry said that the State Fiscal Service will be reorganized into a legal entity, the staff of the agency will be reshuffled and reduced, and tax administration will be made automated. The new staff should be professionals with higher salaries and have no relation to corruption.

The IMF pointed out the progress in the reform of the State Fiscal Service, in particular, in VAT refunding, but corruption is hindering the exhaustive reform, the ministry said.

As reported, the Finance Ministry announced the launch of an exhaustive reform of the State Fiscal Service late June 2017.

The three-tier project has the supervisory board as a first tier. The board consists of representatives of western governmental structures, international institutions and foundations: the U.S. Department of Commerce, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Department of Finance of Canada, the Finance Ministry of Germany, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and representatives of the European Union. The supervisory board coordinates the project.

The first level of the three-level project of the implementation of the reform envisages formation of a supervisory board, which will include representatives of Western government structures, international organizations and foundations.

The second level envisages a management committee, which includes the finance minister and the secretary of state, the head of the SFS and their deputy and the project manager.

The third level includes the reform implementation group comprised of representatives of the Finance Ministry, the State Fiscal Service, the IMF, the reform support team under the Finance Ministry and the SFS, international consultants. This group should work on practical implementation of the changes.
The sister of Jason Corbett has revealed her brother was homesick and lonely in the US and wanted to move back to Ireland in time for his son's secondary school education.

Tracey Lynch told a North Carolina murder trial he had mentioned moving back to Ireland as early as 2014, just three years after his relocation to the US and more than 12 months before his death.

Thomas Martens (67) and his daughter Molly Martens (33) deny the second-degree murder of Mr Corbett on August 2, 2015.

Mr Corbett's wife and father-in-law argued they acted in self-defence at the Panther Creek property and claimed Mr Corbett had attacked Ms Martens and threatened to kill her.

The Limerick packaging industry executive died from catastrophic skull injuries inflicted by at least 12 blows in the bedroom of his home.

One of the injuries was inflicted after Mr Corbett had stopped breathing.

Surprised

Both the father and daughter were found to be uninjured at the scene by police and paramedics.

Mrs Lynch said she was surprised when Ms Martens messaged her in 2015 to ask her about the date for the 80th birthday of Mr Corbett's father.

"I was surprised she was asking me and not asking Jason," she said.

Mrs Lynch said her brother had not mentioned to her about Ms Martens returning to Ireland with him.

"He was homesick and lonely. He had good friends [in North Carolina] and he appreciated them.

"He planned to move back to Ireland before Jack [his son]started secondary school."

Mrs Lynch said her brother planned to be in Ireland for his father's 80th birthday party, but had not mentioned to his sister that his wife would be travelling with him.

"Jason never told me Molly was returning for the birthday. Jason said it was himself and the children," she added.

Mrs Lynch is now bringing up her brother's two children, Jack and Sarah.

She also recalled to the Davidson County Superior Court how her brother had desperately fought to save his first wife and mother of his two children, Margaret 'Mags' Fitzpatrick, when she suffered a severe asthma attack in 2006.

"She couldn't breathe," she said. "Jason rang 999 and put her in the car to drive her to hospital. On the way she stopped breathing. He wanted to cut the distance [to the approaching ambulance].

"Jason then stopped the car and started cardiac pulmonary resuscitation. He brought her back."

Tragically, Mrs Corbett later died on her way to hospital in an ambulance.

Mrs Lynch said she helped, with her husband David, to care for her brother's two children, Jack and Sarah, before he advertised for an au pair/nanny to help him.

She said she was out of Ireland when her brother hired Ms Martens and met her for the first time in 2008.

A relationship developed between her brother and Ms Martens and they married in Tennessee in 2011. Her brother then got employment in North Carolina the same year with the firm he worked for in Ireland.

She said they remained in very close contact - she would visit North Carolina with her husband and children while Jason would travel to Ireland with his family to reciprocate every year.

Mrs Lynch confirmed that her brother had intended to visit Limerick in the days before their father's 80th birthday on September 2, 2015.

Earlier, Mr Martens was asked by Judge David Lee to confirm that he understood the potential implications of him not objecting to the full statement made by his daughter to the Davidson County Sheriff's Department on August 2, 2015, just hours after her husband's death, being introduced into evidence.

Judge Lee asked Mr Martens whether he understood that second-degree murder carried, on conviction in North Carolina, a potential sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

"Yes, your honour. Yes, sir," Mr Martens said.

He also told Judge Lee he understood the possibility that elements of "the statement may incriminate" him.

"Yes, your honour. Yes," Mr Martens said. The defendant, who is a retired FBI agent, confirmed he was also a qualified lawyer. The Davidson County Sheriff's department officer who led the investigation, Lt Det Wanda Thompson, also testified that Ms Martens agreed to give a written statement to police about what happened at the Panther Creek property after talking with the detective for an hour.

Lt Det Thompson confirmed that both the oral interview with Ms Martens and her subsequent written statement were both subject to audio-visual recording at the police station.

Lt Det Thompson gave evidence despite strenuous objections by defence counsels, David Freedman and Walter Holton, who both asked Judge Lee to impeach her and disallow her testimony on the basis of issues over the Davidson County Sheriff's Office investigation.

The lawyers for the two defendants pointed out that they, and the Davidson County District Attorney's Office, had received detailed documentation pertaining to contacts between an investigating officer and an insurance company official on July 19, two days into the murder trial.

Further, they argued that an examination of these recordings had underlined several alleged discrepancies.

Refused

Mr Holton claimed the insurance official was told his client, Ms Martens, had both refused to make a statement at Davidson County Sheriff's Office and had demanded to see a lawyer on August 2, 2015.

Mr Holton pointed out that, in fact, she had both made a statement and not requested the presence of an attorney.

He also said the insurance official, who is based outside North Carolina, indicated in conversations with a police official that they had cited a $600,000 (505,000) insurance policy in relation to the Corbetts rather than the actual $200,000 (168,000) amount.

Mr Holton said he accepted that the District Attorney's Office had acted properly at all times.

He added that it had passed the relevant information to them immediately they received it themselves.

Mr Holton said the insurance official had now refused to be interviewed by the defence teams and has refused to attend the trial.

He said the defence had not had sufficient time to issue a subpoena in the state where the official is based.

The trial continues.
Grain harvest in Ukraine in 2017 could reach 60.2-63 million tonnes, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food forecasts.

"According to preliminary data from the regions, the forecast of a gross grain harvest in Ukraine in the 2017/2018 marketing year, depending on weather conditions, is expected to reach 60.2-63 million tonnes," the ministry said in a press release.

According to the report, on August 4, 2017 the ministry under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister Olena Kovaliova held a meeting of the working group on the grain market functioning.

"The demand for food grain, feed grain and grain for processing industry in Ukraine has been fully met. The volume of exports will exceed the volume of domestic consumption," the deputy minister said.

Head of the Ukrainian Grain Association Mykola Horbachev predicts grain harvest in Ukraine in 2017 at a level of 63.7 million tonnes, while the ratio of wheat of grades 1-3 to grades 4-6 is 60:40.

Participants in the meeting also discussed current issues, in particular, checks by the State Fiscal Service for VAT refunds.
Russian militants have opened fire on positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces 21 times over the past day, no injured servicemen have been reported, the press center of the ATO headquarters said.

"The enemy attacked Ukrainian army positions 21 times during the day. They used mortars thrice, grenade launchers 14 times, and infantry combat vehicle weapons once, the ATO staff said on Facebook.

In the Donetsk sector, the enemy shelled the Ukrainian defenders of Butivka coal mine for almost two hours from grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, and IFV (infantry fighting vehicle) weapons. Strongholds on the southern outskirts of Avdiyivka and outside the village of Luhanske were shelled from rocket-propelled grenade launchers twice.

In the Luhansk sector in the evening, the armed gangs used small arms and grenade launchers outside Novo-Oleksandrivka, Stanytsia Luhanska, and Novotoshkivske.

In the sector of Mariupol, the enemy fired from the large-caliber machine guns and grenade launchers on the Ukrainian fortified positions in Vodiane.
Maryland cross country: Hubs' Stine, Leopards girls each finish second

North Hagerstown sophomore Lauren Stine had the top performance by a Washington County athlete, placing second in the Class 3A girls race.
One soldier has been killed, another five injured as a result of the rupture of artillery ammunition at one of the military ranges of the Kyiv region, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"Today, on August 4, at about 11:00, one serviceman has been killed, another five received injuries of varying severity at one of the military ranges of the Kyiv region during the military shooting as a result of the rupture of artillery ammunition," the General Staff said on Facebook on Friday.
As many as 59 civilians have been killed in Donbas since the beginning of this year, Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission Alexander Hug said.

Civilian casualties have been on the rise, and the OSCE SMM has confirmed 341 civilian casualties since the beginning of this year, including 59 killed and 282 injured, Hug said.
The main military prosecutor's office of Ukraine under the decision of the Kyiv Pechersky District Court has transferred to Ukrzaliznytsia 1,000 of arrested railway high-sided wagons owned by the company affiliated with the former Minister of Income and Taxes, Oleksandr Klymenko, Chief Military Prosecutor of Ukraine Anatoliy Matios has said.

"The main military prosecutor's office under the decision of the Pechersky District Court passed 1,000 high-sided wagons arrested and detained by the State Border Service and the customs bodies of Ukraine to Ukrzaliznytsia," he said at a joint briefing with Ukrzaliznytsia Chairman Wojciech Balczun in Kyiv.

Matios noted these cars before confiscation belonged to Unison Group LLC, which is related to former Minister of Income and Taxes Oleksandr Klymenko.
First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Iryna Gerashchenko has said that Ukraine must take all necessary steps to secure the release of Ukrainian citizen Volodymyr Balukh, who was convicted by a court in temporarily occupied Crimea.

"We must fight to return our territory and our people. Not all who are located in occupied territories are collaborators, as some political forces, who yell about relinquishing occupied areas, would have the public believe. There are people there who stamped on the Ukrainian flag, but there also remain thousands of Ukrainians, patriots and heroes. It's not the same to yell, "Glory to Ukraine!" in Lviv and Kyiv and wear vyshyvanka [embroidered Ukrainian] folk shirts as it is to write, "Glory to Ukraine" on a wall in occupied Donetsk and wave a Ukrainian flag in Crimea, which today overflows with Russian security agents. Volodymyr Balukh is a simple tractor driver, a true Ukrainian citizen, a real Ukrainian. We must bring him back," Gerashchenko said on her Facebook page on Friday.

Gerashchenko added that Ukraine is waiting for a statement from Council of Europe and other international organizations and leaders that condemns what happens "when Ukrainians are convicted in court for waving the Ukrainian flag."
NEW YORK (JTA)-Since it came out in 2013, the "Pew study"-a landmark survey of American Jewish demographics, beliefs and practices-has been at the center of American Jewish scrutiny and handwringing.

Now it's American Muslims' turn.

On Wednesday, the Pew Research Center released a survey of American Muslims focusing not only on numbers and their way of life, but also on how the community has responded to the election of President Donald Trump.

Comparing the two studies shows a Muslim sector in America that is more religious, growing faster and feels more embattled than American Jews. But both groups voted for Hillary Clinton.

Here's how the Jews and Muslims of the United States stack up.

There are more Jews than Muslims in America, but the Muslim population is growing faster.

Pew found that there are about 3.3 million Muslims in the United States, a little more than 1 percent of the population. U.S. Jews, by contrast, stand at 6.3 million-around 2 percent of all Americans, including a little more than 5 million "Jews by religion."

But Muslims, Pew found, skew younger and have higher birth rates. More than a third of U.S. Muslims are under 30, only 14 percent are over 55 and their birth rate is 2.4, slightly higher than the national average. Most American Jews are over 50 and their birth rate is 1.9. While the median age of U.S. Muslims is 35, the median age of U.S. Jews is 50. Americans in general have a median age of 47.

These numbers explain why a 2015 Pew study found that by 2050, American Muslims will outnumber American Jews. While the Jewish population is expected to stagnate at about 5.4 million, Pew predicts that in a little more than three decades, there will be 8 million Muslims in America.

The respective studies also included some data unique to each religion. While there are sharp internal divides between Shia and Sunni Muslims, Pew did not address the question of "who is a Muslim" as it did with Jewish Americans.

The study reported demographic data that may contradict popular American stereotypes of Muslims. Only 14 percent of Muslim immigrants are from the Middle East, while one-fifth are from South Asia. And the plurality of American Muslims-four in 10-are white.

Only 13 percent of American Muslims are intermarried.

When Pew released its study of the Jews in 2013, American Jewish leaders began fretting about an intermarriage rate of 58 percent since 2000-and they haven't stopped. By that measure, American Muslim leaders can rest easy.

Unlike the majority of American Jews, only 13 percent of American Muslims are intermarried. And the number has declined in recent years: In 2011, the number was 16 percent. The numbers are so low that the word "intermarriage" doesn't even appear in the survey.

But another statistic shows that American Muslims may be following their Jewish neighbors. Among Muslims born in the U.S., the intermarriage rate is nearly 20 percent.

Most Jews say they don't face discrimination. Most Muslims say they do.

Another reason for the difference in intermarriage rates could be the discrimination that Jews and Muslims each face in America. Jews, who are more likely to marry outside their group, are also more accepted in America than Muslims.

In an age when Trump the candidate called for a ban on Muslim immigration, the Muslim study focused heavily on Muslim feelings of discrimination and belonging in America. Questions were asked about Islamophobia, anti-Muslim violence, the president, terrorism, extremism and how Muslims feel about being Muslim and American.

In brief, the study found that nearly half of Muslims have faced discrimination in the past year, and 75 percent feel Muslims face a great deal discrimination in America. But nine in 10 feel proud to be American. Three-quarters of American Muslims say violence against civilians can never be justified, as opposed to 59 percent of Americans in general.

In 2013, most Jews said that Jews do not face a lot of discrimination in America, and only 15 percent personally faced discrimination in the year before the survey.

But Pew's Jewish study was published three years before the spike in anti-Semitism that accompanied the 2016 election. A poll by the Anti-Defamation League published in April revealed starkly different numbers, showing that most Americans were concerned about violence against Jews.

Jews graduate college at higher rates than Muslims and earn more.

The graduation rates and household incomes of American Muslims track with the rest of the country. Like Americans in general, 31 percent of Muslim Americans have graduated college. And a quarter of Muslim Americans earn more than $100,000, similar to the national average. But 40 percent of Muslim households earn less than $30,000-eight points higher than Americans in general.

Nearly six in 10 American Jews, meanwhile, have graduated college. And 42 percent have household incomes higher than $100,000, while only 20 percent earn less than $30,000.

Muslims are far more religious than Jews, but both say social justice is central.

American Jews and Muslims are particularly different when it comes to religion. While nearly two-thirds of American Muslims say religion is very important to them, only a quarter of Jews do. A third of Jews believe in God, compared to 85 percent of Muslims who said belief in God is essential to being a Muslim. Nearly six in 10 American Muslims say following the Quran is essential to being a Muslim, compared to less than a quarter of American Jews who say the same about Jewish law.

Four in 10 American Muslims attend mosque at least once a week and eight in 10 observe the monthlong fast of Ramadan. By contrast, two-thirds of American Jews attend synagogue less than once a month and only about half fasted on Yom Kippur.

But there are some commonalities, too. Nearly all American Jews and Muslims say they are proud to be Jewish and Muslim, respectively. And both groups prioritize social justice. Solid majorities of Jews (60 percent) and Muslims (69 percent) see "working for justice and equality" as an essential part of their religious identity.

Jews are more liberal than Muslims, but a higher percentage voted for Trump.

American Muslims responded to Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric on the campaign trail by voting for Clinton. Nearly 80 percent of American Muslims voted for the Democrat, while only 8 percent backed Trump. By contrast, Clinton earned 70 percent of the Jewish vote, with Trump garnering 25 percent.

But proportionally more American Jews identify as liberal than do American Muslims. While nearly half of American Jews call themselves liberal, only 30 percent of American Muslims do-close to the national average.

But Muslims are trending liberal on at least one issue: A majority believe homosexuality should be accepted in society, compared to just 27 percent who felt that way a decade ago. Four-fifths of American Jews agree.
NEW YORK (JTA)For many Jews, Tisha bAv is centered around mourning the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. But that interpretation misses out on an important lesson that is made more relevant by recent events, Rabbi David Seidenberg argues.

With the release of a new translation of the Book of Lamentations, the main text read on the annual fast day, the Massachusetts-based rabbi argues that Tisha bAv, which began this year on the evening of July 31, provides a powerful way to connect to the refugee experience.

Heres his translation of chapter 1, verse 3, which depicts a personified Jerusalem in exile:

She, Judah, was exiled,

by poverty, and by (so) much hard labor

. She sat among the nations,

not finding any rest;

All her pursuers caught up with her

between the confined places.

Seidenberg, who runs the website NeoHasid and is the author of the book Kabbalah and Ecology, released a partial translation of the Book of Lamentations in 2007, but the 2017 version is his first complete translation of the text. He was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, the late founder of the Jewish Renewal movement.

JTA spoke with Seidenberg about his translation, available for download here, and his thoughts on Tisha bAv.

JTA: You write that Tisha bAv is not primarily about mourning, but about becoming refugees.

Seidenberg: Jerusalem was a war zone [in 70 C.E.]. People were being killed in the streets. There was a siege, there was famine. Pretty much everyone was turned into a refugee, even the people that were left in Jerusalem, who werent exactly refugees, were still in the middle of a war zone and in the middle of violence.

The observances we have on Tisha bAv, people think of as mourning customs. Of course we are mourning part of what it means to witness death and destruction, but the customs encompass a deeper, broader experience than just simple mourning, and thats reflected in not washing, not sitting in a chair, which is both a symbol and the experience of not having a place of rest.

There are two ways to approach the whole experience of Tisha bAv: One is to be empathizing with the nation, in a particularistic way, what happened to the Jews, and thats an important part of our experience. And of course the other side is to empathize with the experience of what was happening, which is this experience of being refugees, being in a war zone. That would call on us to empathize with a lot of people who are not Jewish and a lot of people who are suffering in the world right now.

How can we reconcile these two perspectivesfocusing both on the Jewish and the universal experiences?

The way we can empathize with an experience that is universal to human history of sufferingthe consequences of war and exile and being refugeesis by going into our historical experience as Jews. In fact, you cant really do one without the other.

You can be a liberal middle-class Jew who thinks that they care about refugees and has ideas and values that motivate you to act, but without going into the particularism of what the Jewish people have experienced, you also have a limitation. People have other ways of going into that experiencepeople go and work at refugee camps, thats obviously a more direct experience. But for most Jews that arent experiencing that directly, one of the most powerful ways to get into that universal experience deeper on a gut level is to go through the particular experiences of the Jewish people in history.

Was the focus on refugees inspired by recent events?

Ive thought about Tisha bAv in this way for a good 20 years, but the past few years have really brought it into very stark reality because we see so many images of refugees. The refugee crisis isnt just affecting us because we hear news, but it has also poisoned our political process, the rhetoric against refugees, not just in the United States but in many European countries. Were living in this reality where if we dont empathize with this experience, which is a human experience, people tend to go to opposite sides and dehumanize people who are in this crisis, and to reject them.

Now that Jews have the State of Israel and can visit a rebuilt Jerusalem, what is the relevance of Tisha bAv?

If we accept the rabbinic understanding of what Tisha bAv is, its not that a foreign power conquered Jerusalem, its that Jerusalem undermined itself, hollowed itself out, by violating basic moral principles of what it means to have a good, fair society, so that it was already destroyed from within before it was destroyed from without. According to tradition, the First Temple was destroyed because of idolatry and murder, and the Second Temple was destroyed because of people hating each other in their hearts, sinat hinam, which is a much subtler way of thinking of how a society gets undermined.

If we want to nominate any society in which sinat hinam is an endemic, deep problem, particularly with the polarization of right and left, Israel would be at the top of a list of nominees. I dont wish to be partisan, but I think sometimes you cant help it. The right-wing parties that are in control of Israels government have put a lot of energy into anathematizing, into demonizing, people on the left. And I think theres hatred in many directions in Israel, but also the hatred against Jews from some quarters of Palestinian society and the hatred against Arabs and Palestinians from some quarters in Israeli Jewish society is lethal.

Whats different in this translation?

Theres a general idea of how to translate called idiomatic translation, which says that when you translate something from one language to another, when it goes from Hebrew to English, it should sound like idiomatic English, it shouldnt sound weird or funny, it shouldnt be in the word order or syntax of Hebrew, and thats what the [Jewish Publication Societys], which is the most common translation, is based on.

What that misses is the texture of the Hebrew, and so much of the feeling and emotional depth is in the texture, not just in the words, and so much of it is in the relationship between different words, because every biblical text is commentary on other biblical texts, and when a word uses the same root theres a connection between those sources. Rabbinic Judaism is based on this midrashic idea that all of the Bible is commentary on the other parts of it.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
LOS ANGELES (JTA)-A famous photo of Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue at a photographer and signed by the renowned scientist has been sold for $125,000.

The Nate D. Sanders auction house in announcing the sale Thursday evening did not reveal the buyer's identity.

The Hebrew University stands to benefit from the latest sale, since Einstein bequeathed his estate, including the use of his image, to the Jerusalem institution.

United Press International photographer Arthur Sasse took the picture on March 14, 1951, while covering Einstein's 72nd birthday party given by his colleagues at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Einstein had tired of smiling for photographers at the party, and when Sasse renewed the request, the scientist instead stuck out his tongue.

UPI editors initially hesitated to publish the irreverent photo, but when they did Einstein was so amused, he ordered nine prints to give to close friends.

The $125,000 selling price, which equaled the minimum bid level set by the Los Angeles auction house, reflected the value placed on a photo bearing Einstein's signature. While the photo is generally shown cropped with only Einstein in the picture, the auctioned version represents the original, with Einstein seated between his hosts, Dr. Frank Aydelotte, head of the Institute for Advanced Study, and his wife.

The 7-by-10-inch photo was on the market in 2009, when it was sold at auction for $74,324.

Einstein's March 14 birthday continues to be celebrated in Princeton as Pi Day because the 3/14 date corresponds to 3.14, the first three digits of the mathematical constant pi.

Einstein, who died in 1955, assisted numerous Jewish institutions and organizations during his lifetime, including the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. In the 1930s and '40s, he helped to raise money for the global wire service, was photographed inspecting its printing press and carried on a correspondence with JTA founder Jacob Landau.

Einstein's name has retained its universal recognition as a synonym for supreme intelligence. The National Geographic television channel has just concluded airing a miniseries titled "Genius," with Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Flynn as the older and younger Einstein, respectively.
The Star of David that JTA's Uriel Heilman found outside the University of Jordan's law department in 2006 was there so visitors could step all over the Jewish and Israeli symbol on their way to class.

(JTA)-"Drop your pants"

The order came curt and clipped, and it caught me by surprise.

What?!

"Drop your pants," he repeated sternly.

I had been subject to the indignities of Israeli security before, but never this.

I was in a holding area of the Israeli Embassy in Amman, Jordan, on my way to a meeting with a senior Israeli official in the building. I had been thoroughly vetted: They knew I was a journalist, I had an appointment with a senior embassy official to talk about Israeli-Jordanian relations and the meeting had been facilitated by a high-level contact of mine at the Israeli Defense Ministry.

So why was this guard now telling me he needed to look inside my underpants?

I was reminded of my experience this week when I heard the news on Sunday that an assailant in Jordan, who had been hired to move furniture, stabbed an Israeli Embassy guard with a screwdriver before being shot dead by the guard.

My visit to Jordan took place more than a decade ago, in 2006, during a relatively quiet time in the Middle East. I was in the Hashemite Kingdom to write a series of stories for JTA, and I had been making the rounds in Amman.

The day before, I had visited the University of Jordan, where I was surprised to find a Star of David spray-painted on the steps leading to the school's Department of Shariah Islamic Law. Only later that evening did I realize that the star was there so that visitors could stomp on the Jewish and Israeli symbol every time they entered the building.

It was a busy trip. I met with government officials and political scientists, toured gritty streets in Palestinian refugee camps and had a secret rendezvous with a Muslim Brotherhood official in a hotel lobby.

I had come to the country on my own, entering Jordan overland from Israel at the Allenby Bridge crossing in the West Bank. Traversing the border had taken much longer than I had anticipated, and by the time I got through I was late to a meeting at the Jordanian Defense Ministry. So I took a cab straight there, showing up for my meeting nearly an hour late and wheeling the large suitcase I had brought for my trip.

The ministry staff waved me right through with a smile, nobody giving my suitcase-or its contents-a second thought.

But the Israeli Embassy, located in an upscale Amman neighborhood, was more like a fortress. Guards had shouted at me angrily as I tried to approach the building, and let me enter only when I explained in fluent Hebrew who I was. I had encountered nervousness among security staff at Israeli embassies before-just six months earlier I had experienced similar skittishness outside the Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and security staff at the Israeli Mission to the United Nations in New York once inexplicably confiscated my lunch-but that was nothing compared to Amman.

In the holding area, guards rifled through the contents of my bag, turning on and off my camera and closely examining my audio recorder-this was in the pre-smartphone era. They opened my wallet and removed its contents, examining the credit cards and cash as if they could have been laced with anthrax. They told me I couldn't bring any of my equipment into the meeting except my pen and a notebook.

Then they told me to drop my pants.

At first I angrily refused, face flushed, voice rising. From my experience, outrage often works in Israel, especially with authority figures. In America, the opposite is true: Losing your cool with someone in a position of authority, like airport security or police, can land you in big trouble.

But in Israel yelling is part of the national culture and an acceptable part of negotiation-a symbol that you're no "frier," or sucker. It's often met with grudging respect and some kind of compromise.

Not this time.

So after some back and forth I finally dropped my pants. Then they told me they needed to look inside my underpants.

I got real hot under the collar-except by this time my shirt was off, too.

"Is this really necessary?" I said furiously, my heart pumping like mad. In the back of my mind, I was thinking: Why today, of all days, did I choose to wear my tighty-whities?

The security officers were calm. If you don't let us look, you can't go in, they told me.

I hesitated. Then, clenching my teeth and looking at the ceiling, I pulled out the waistband.

A moment later my pants were back on and I was led into a cozy office where I had a leisurely off-the-record chat with my interlocutor at the embassy. He offered me tea and sympathy, and we talked not just about Israeli-Jordanian strategic ties, but the personal challenges of an embassy posting in a country where security protocol bars you from going out at night or even taking a walk around the block. Israeli Embassy staffers in Amman are prisoners in their own embassy, which has a residential complex on site so staffers never have to leave the building.

Given the occasional paroxysms of violence against Israelis in places like this-recall the mob who stormed and ransacked Israel's embassy in Egypt in September 2011, the Jordanian soldier who opened fire and killed seven Israeli schoolgirls in 1997, a 2000 episode where an Israeli Embassy official was shot in Amman, or this week's screwdriver attack-those security concerns seem justified. You can certainly understand the atmosphere of high alert behind Sunday's incident.

And given the indignities others have to endure at the hands of authorities-not least, minorities and immigrants in my own United States-my little episode at the embassy in Amman should be easily forgotten.

But did they really need to look inside my underpants?
Lester Mandell, a leader and pacesetter in the Jewish community, died on Thursday, July 27, 2017. He was 96 years old. Mr. Mandell, with contemporaries Hy Lake, Lester Zimmerman and John Lowndes, is a household name in both the construction industry and the Jewish community. In fact, Mandell has worked in the construction business for more than 80 years-starting out in Miami building houses for 37 cents an hour.

He and his wife, the former Sonia Margolis, met each other in Miami at a "No Names" group meeting in 1947. Within six months, they married. She was the love of his life and he was her knight in shining armor. Together they have been instrumental in the success of many projects in the Jewish community.

The couple moved here in 1958 and along with Hy Lake (who moved here from Miami as well) started his construction business in Central Florida with the Sky Lake subdivision off of Sand Lake Road in south Orlando. Their friendship went back to World War II when they served together as tech sergeants.

Joined by Zimmerman, Lowndes and Jack Lazar, Mandell launched the Greater Construction Company in 1965. State Roads 436 and 434 are dotted with communities Mandell had a hand in creating-Somerset, Sausalito Shores, Carriage Hill, Wekiva Hunt Club, The Woodlands, Peppermill and many other subdivisions.

The business' success enabled Mandell to give generously to the Jewish community and also allowed Sonia to become very active in various areas within the Jewish community. Together, the couple garnered many awards including the JNF Tree of Life award, JFGO's Giborim Award, and State of Israel Bonds honorees.

Personal friend U.S. Senator Bill Nelson told the Orlando Sentinel, "Lester was... one of Central Florida's pioneer homebuilders who did so much for his community. He leaves a great legacy of integrity in business and loyalty and love for his family and friends."

The best description of Mr. Mandell's life is written in his favorite song, Frank Sinatra's "My Way":

I've lived a life that's full; I've traveled each and every highway. But more, much more than this, I did it my way.

Lester Mandell was a great storyteller, and he has left to his wife, Sonia; sons, Robert and Richard; daughters, Alison Knapp and Aimee Lewis; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and extended family, many wonderful stories of his life "all wrapped up in a bow," as one daughter expressed at his funeral service.

Lester Mandell's funeral was held last Sunday at Congregation Ohev Shalom. It was livestreamed and can still be seen at ohevshalom.org.
Gary Wasserman (l) strolls through a corridor on the Georgetown campus in Qatar with his students in 2012.

WASHINGTON (JTA)-Near the end of his first year teaching American studies at the Georgetown University campus in Qatar, Gary Wasserman introduced a dozen Israelis to a dozen undergraduates from across the Middle East.

Then he left the room so the students could have an unfiltered discussion.

The one-hour meeting was part of what Wasserman calls his "liberal quest" to overcome biases-grounded, he said, in part by his Jewish upbringing.

But the encounter wasn't exactly a success. Afterward, a Lebanese student came to his room, tears in her eyes. An Israeli had asked her during the encounter, "You hate us, don't you?"

Wasserman in his forthcoming book "The Doha Experiment," about his gig directing the Georgetown American studies program in Qatar from 2006 to 2014, uses the incident to identify a duality that was typical of his time on campus: the quest for connections outside of one's comfort zone, on the one hand, combined with intense fears of people raised in radically different cultures.

"We were part of a university that provided a place to think and talk," Wasserman said he told the Lebanese student, who had been trapped at her aunt's house during the 2006 Lebanon War. "And while this didn't seem like much now, it was really all we had to offer. I felt inadequate and sad."

Wasserman's initial mission-shared by Georgetown and the Qatari government-was to bring an American-style free exchange of thought to the deeply traditionalist Gulf state.

But that expectation soon tamped down into a more limited one: that young people get a decent education and get along with folks from vastly different political cultures.

"There's a liberal, missionary impulse that you are bringing pluralism, globalization and tolerance to a part of the world that needs it," Wasserman, who is now retired, told JTA this week.

Within months, Wasserman wrote, his original idealism hatd abated-but then, so had his own fears about being a Jew in Qatar.

"I began my journey both apprehensive and idealistic," he wrote. "I ended it less apprehensive and also less idealistic."

About the apprehension: Wasserman, the author of a popular political science textbook who had taught at Columbia and Georgetown, appalled friends and family when he decided to go to Qatar. With the memory of the 9/11 terrorist attacks still fresh, many in his circle questioned the rationality of a Jew moving to what seemed like the belly of the beast at the time.

Their pleadings had an effect, and he consulted with a psychologist who happened to be a European Jew about how to deal with his anxieties. His sessions had a surprising denouement.

"You're not crazy to be scared," Wasserman quoted the psychologist as saying in their final session. "You're crazy to go. Haven't you been watching the news? These people hate Jews. They're anti-Semites. I've dealt with these f'kakta Nazis all my life. Stay away from them. They'll never change."

"This went on for a while," Wasserman wrote. "(He was being paid by the hour.)"

Nonetheless, in Qatar, Wasserman encountered barely any personal animosity because of his Jewishness. In one poignant passage, he described his concerns after his identity became common knowledge on campus-a staffer had let it slip.

"It was too easy to imagine their unspoken responses: 'Y'know, he's Jewish.' 'Yeah, I could tell.' Or, 'So that's what those horns are.' Or, 'No wonder he flunked me,'" Wasserman wrote. "I might have over thought this. One student later said to me, after she had graduated, that the only student discussion she recalls about my religion was the worry that I might feel isolated and out of place."

Instead, the hostility toward Jews and Israel was expressed in more generalized settings, particularly the conspiracy theories that proliferate in Arab countries.

Wasserman said his favorite anecdote in the book is the student who told him that another teacher had said that "the Mossad was behind 9/11, and also that 9/11 was not a bad idea."

He asked the student how both ideas could coexist in one person's head. The student "looked at me for a moment, resigned that yet another naive foreigner failed to appreciate how holding two contradictory opinions at the same time was consistent with the political views permeating the region," Wasserman wrote.

Another student, Ella, graduated at the top of the class. Shortly after, Wasserman saw an interview with Ella in a local newspaper in which she was asked for her impressions of the 2012 U.S. election. Her "depressing" answer, as he put it: "It really didn't matter because the Zionists controlled the banks, the media, and both political parties and wouldn't let anything change in America."

Perhaps Wasserman's most foolhardy quest was to teach the students about how the pro-Israel lobby functioned as a curative to the overly expansive description of its influence in the 2007 book by John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt, "The Israel Lobby." (Disclosure: This reporter and Wasserman collaborated for a period in the late 2000s on a book on the pro-Israel lobby. It found no buyers.)

"In my lecture, I tried to leave the class with a simple point: the power of the pro-Israel lobby had been inflated by supporters and opponents alike for their own reasons," he wrote. "Although clearly a powerful player in foreign policy, AIPAC was only narrowly influential and constrained by other public and political interests."

Did the students get the message? Not quite. Later in the book, Wasserman related that he often found that the students bought into myths of Jewish influence-but with admiration, not contempt.

Wasserman, alongside other faculty on campus, came to accept that they were not the vanguard of progressive values in Qatar. Instead, they set more modest ambitions, such as one-to-one opportunities to lend a hand to those seeking a way out of a society that was stifling, especially to women.

He wrote about a student wearing an abaya-the robe-like dress worn by some women in parts of the Muslim world-entering his office and asking him to write a letter recommending her for graduate studies in England. He was happy to-she had good grades-but she could not articulate what exactly she wanted to study, making it a challenge for him to tailor the letter to specifics that would help her.

"I don't really want to go to graduate school," she told him, "but if I stay in Doha, my family will make me get married. Going to London for grad school is acceptable to them. For me, it means I can put off getting married and not have to confront my parents."

It was encounters like these that left Wasserman hopeful about bridging divides, he told JTA.

"The problem is you don't want encounters conducted on the basis of Jew and Muslim, Christian and Buddhist, because it isolates one identity and sets up a polarity," he said.

Bring Israelis over for a semester, not just an afternoon, he said, so they would have the time to find other commonalities with their Arab and Muslim counterparts.

"They will share things like a harsh father or questions about devotion or career goals," he said.
Palestinians and Arab Members of Knesset declared "victory" as Israel reversed security measures at the Temple Mount, adding that their struggle for control over the compound also extends to the Western Wall.

MK Taleb Abu Arar (Joint List) stressed that "Jews have no rights at al-Aqsa Mosque" and that the Muslims' fight against Israel will continue, regardless of the cabinet decision to remove metal detectors from the entrances to the Temple Mount compound.

"This is a proven fact, [even if] some people are trying to rewrite history in order to strengthen their mistaken claim to legitimacy over al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as to the occupied al-Buraq Wall (theWestern Wall), which Muslims demand to be returned to our sovereignty."

MK Masud Ganaim (Joint List) said the decision to remove the metal detectors, placed at the site following the murder of two policemen on July 14, was a "victory for the Palestinian public's struggle and the demonstrations."

"It was a victory for the steadfast religious leadership and a victory for the political leadership in Jerusalem," Ganaim stated.

Arabic social media buzzing with 'Triumph'

Ganaim's declaration of victory closely matched views on the street in Palestinian cities in Judea and Samaria. One resident of a refugee camp south of Jerusalem told Tazpit Press Service (TPS) that Arabic-language traditional and social media were abuzz with the "triumph" over Israel.

"In general, and as I see in the Palestinian news and social media, Palestinians consider it as a triumph," said the individual, who spoke to TPS on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals for "collaborating" by speaking to an Israeli media outlet. "The Israeli government changed its mind about the magnetometers and metal detectors after a huge popular pressure represented by the refusal of using them to get into al-Aqsa."

Another source, from a different region of Judea and Samaria, added that many Palestinians were angry at Jordan for agreeing to negotiate with Israel following what he called "the killing of the Jordanian man at the Israeli embassy." He also said that Palestinian society has been rife with conspiracy theories over the metal detectors since the crisis first surfaced.

Muslims will not share Temple Mount with Jews

"People saw the magnetometers as the beginning of Jewish dominance of al-Aqsa," said the second source, who also spoke on condition of anonymity. They also spread rumors about the cameras themselves, saying they would show the Muslims as fully naked and that Jews would then see Muslim women nude.

"Unfortunately," said the first man, who added that he enjoys close relationships with Israelis, including residents of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, "the Israeli message to Israeli society over all this is to understand the bitter truth: The Palestinians, the Arabs and Muslims will not accept the concept of sharing the Temple Mount between both Muslims and Jews.
Twice-monthly Shabbat afternoons have recently turned into monthly Shabbat lunches at Brookdale Lake Orienta. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Brookdale for working diligently with the Jewish Pavilion staff and volunteers to recognize changing needs. The 4 p.m. afternoon Shabbats had been a staple event at this community for many years. But recent changes in the Jewish consensus, as well as the late afternoon attendance being less attended, created a restructure of the program.

Pictured are Jewish Pavilion volunteers Pat Rubenstein (fourth from right) and Phil Brown (third from right) sharing this first delicious Shabbat lunch in July with the happy residents.
Registration has begun for the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlandos Aug. 27 Annual Meeting, which this year has a few summer twists.

The gathering on the Maitland Jewish Community Campus, billed as the 2017 Annual Meeting & Family Fun Day, will be part indoor meeting, part outdoor family celebration, culminating in the dedication of 24 new trees that will beautify the Maitland campus for generations to come.

Emcees Jeannie Leavitt and Yeosh Bendayan will kick off the official proceedings at 11 a.m. on the 27th. The agenda for the formal meeting includes:

 A report on Federations 2017 accomplishments and a look ahead to JFGOs strategic vision for 2018 and beyond;

 Election/installation of new JFGO board members and officers;

 Presentation of the Heritage Florida Jewish News Human Service Award; and

 The Mensch Hall of Fame tribute.

At noon, everyone will head outside for a kosher lunch at The Roth Family JCC pavilion. The JCC pool will be open throughout the event for attendees who want to cool off and soak up some summer sun after lunch.

At 1 p.m., the adults and older kids will be invited to be part of the dedication of the Campus 2020 Tree Grove on campus. The grove will feature two dozen treesLive Oaks, Southern Magnolias and Crape Myrtlesthat will be planted and named for top donors to the Campus 2020 Debt Retirement Campaign that kicked off last year. When the grove is completed, a plaque bearing a donors name will accompany each tree.

During the tree grove dedication, the younger kids in attendance will be busy with their own Wishing Tree activityas well as a few other fun surprises.

The 2017 Annual Meeting & Family Fun Day will be held rain or shine. Federation has contingency plans in place in the event of bad weather.

Admission is free, but advance registration is requested so that JFGO can ensure plenty of food and supplies are on hand.

Sign up online at http://www.jfgo.org/FunDay or call Federation Office Manager Marisa West 407-645-5933, ext. 236.
Wojciech Balczun, head of the board of the public JSC Ukrzaliznytsia, has said that he has not decided yet whether the time has come for him to leave his post, but stresses that he can has nothing to be ashamed of as regards his work.

"The contract is still in force, and either side can terminate it at any time, I can calmly look at myself in the mirror, the results of my work are evident. According to Ukrainian legislation, I am still working, and this can change only when the appropriate decision is made," he told reporters after a briefing at the Prosecutor General's Office in Kyiv on Friday.

At the same time, the railway administration head noted that there comes a moment in the work of any manager when they make a decision to leave.

"But whether the time has already come, I cannot yet say," Balczun added.

Earlier, Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelian announced that the leadership of Ukrzaliznytsia failed to meet the needs of Ukraine, and therefore it should be dismissed. According to him, personnel reshuffles in the administration need to be held by the Cabinet of Ministers to solve the problems of Ukrzaliznytsia.

Meanwhile, back in January 2017, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman supported Head of Ukrzaliznytsia Balczun in the conflict with Omelian. "Wash your dirty linen at home," he said and called for constructive work in the field of infrastructure and transport.

In April, the prime minister also said that the decision on whether to extend the contract with Ukrzaliznytsia Head Balczun will be taken based on the report on his performances over a year. However, there has been no such report yet.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in discussions with the U.S. administration, has agreed to land swaps with the Palestinian Authority, Channel 2 reported Thursday.

The conversations were reportedly held before the current Temple Mount crisis, which began nearly two weeks ago and has led to massive confrontation, violence and deadly terror attacks.

Netanyahu's suggestions, made during meetings with Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, senior advisers to President Donald Trump, include the incorporation of towns surrounding Jerusalem into the Israeli capital in exchange for the Wadi Ara area in the north, which is mostly populated by Arabs.

A White House official stressed that the ideas were raised only within the context of a final peace accord.

"This may have been one of many ideas discussed several weeks ago in the context of a peace agreement and not in the context of a separate annexation," the official stated to the media.

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has made similar recommendations in the past.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu stated support for the Greater Jerusalem Law, proposed by Member of Knesset (MK) Yoav Kisch, which would include Givat Ze'ev to the northwest of Jerusalem as well Beitar Illit and the Etzion bloc of communities, which are situated southwest of Jerusalem, and Ma'aleh Adumim, to Jerusalem's municipal boundaries-thus creating a greater metropolitan area and, in effect, annexing those Israel communities, which serve as home to some 150,000 Israelis.

The bill also proposes turning Arab villages in the area that lie outside the security barrier into an independent municipality within Greater Jerusalem.
Upcoming education forum topics and dates at The Holocaust Education and Resource Center include the following:

Thursday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m. The Tuskegee Airmen: Fighting for the Right to Fight

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-Americans to fly in combat positions in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Their heroic service played a significant role in the eventual ending of segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m.The Wave: Theories about conformity and the Holocaust

The Wave was a classroom experiment carried out in a high school classroom in California in 1967. Its goal was to explore how the power of conformity made the crimes of Nazism possible. The story of The Wave: has endured for decades and has been retold in several films and plays. This program will examine the original event as well as its impact on our understanding of the Holocaust.

Nov. 9, 6 p.m.Voices from Kristallnacht

While Kristallnacht wasnt the beginning of the Nazis Final Solution, it was a crucial turning point in the development of the Holocaust. This program will examine why the events of Nov. 9-10, 1938, were important, how people understood them at that time, and why they still resonate on the occasion of their 79th anniversary.

Dec. 7, 6 p.m. Pearl Harbor and the Final Solution: What is the Connection?

The attack on Pearl Harbor is usually understood as the event that brought the U.S. into World War II. This is true, but it also had a shaping influence on the development of Nazi Germanys anti-Jewish policies in Europe. This program will explore the connection between the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the development of the Final Solution.

There will also be four education forums in the 2018 spring semester. The dates are tentatively set for Jan 25, March 1, April 19 and May 17.

School field trips to The Holocaust Center

The Holocaust Center hosts field trip groups throughout the school year for groups up to 150 students. Field trips are tailored to meet the needs of individual classes and last approximately two hours. If a field trip is not feasible for your group, the Holocaust Center also offers in-class presentations at schools, pending availability. The Holocaust Center offers field trips at no charge, although donations are greatly appreciated. School groups wishing to schedule a field trip, may reserve a date by calling the resource teacher, Mitch Bloomer at 407-628-0555.
(JTA)The White House lauded Israel for dismantling metal detectors near the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that had spurred violent clashes between Muslims and Israeli police, but Palestinian officials called for sustained protests.

The United States applauds the efforts of Israel to maintain security while reducing tensions in the region, press secretary Sean Spicer said Tuesday after Israels actions earlier in the day.

The metal detectors were removed amid an escalation of violent protests in the West Bank and of anti-Israel rhetoric across the Muslim world. At least five Palestinians were killed in clashes. They had been installed two weeks ago earlier following the slaying of two police officers by three Arab-Israeli terrorists.

The White House hailed the decision despite the demonstrated need to enhance security at the Temple Mount/Haram al Sharif in the wake of the murder of two Israeli police officers at the site on July 14, Spicer said.

Meanwhile, in a statement Tuesday, the Fatah movement of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on Palestinians to increase resistance and show up in vast masses for popular resistance on Friday, the Amad news site reported Wednesday.

Fatahs Central Committee deputy secretary, Sabri Sidem, added that the Central Committee confirms the commitment to the position of religious authorities not to retreat.

The security devices were taken away hours after the initiation of talks on ending a diplomatic crisis between Israel and Jordan started by the shooting death of a 17-year-old at the Israeli Embassy in Amman after he stabbed an Israeli security guard. A Jordanian bystander also was killed, by a stray shot. The teen had been delivering furniture to the embassy; Jordan said he and the guard got into an argument before the stabbing.

Jordan had demanded the officer be detained and questioned, but Israel invoked his diplomatic immunity. Israel has agreed to pay damages to the family of the slain bystander, according to the Israel Broadcasting Corp.

The guard was among 30 Israeli embassy staffers who were holed up inside the embassy building Monday following the incident but have since returned to Israel.
Chaya Salomon was murdered at a Sabbath dinner with her family. The 46-year-old Jewish woman was stabbed to death alongside her 70-year-old father Yosef and her 36-year-old brother Elad.

Photos show the kitchen of the Salomon house in the Israeli village of Neve Tsuf covered in blood. The youngest Salomon daughter had given birth to a new member of the family. The bottle of Glenfiddich on the table was never opened. Instead an Islamic terrorist burst in and stabbed the new grandfather. Tova, the new grandmother was badly wounded. Elads wife rushed the children to a safe room.

The smiling terrorist was taken away. He had come armed with a Koran and a knife. I know that with Allah my dreams will come true, he had posted on Facebook. I will go to heaven.

His dreams coming true have more to do with the Palestinian Authority and American taxpayers. Like all terrorists who kill Israelis, he will be receiving a salary from the PA. And the PA is funded by you and me.

Abbas, the terrorist leader who is Israels peace partner in the two-state solution, touched off this atrocity. Fatah, the organization behind the Palestinian Authority, has repeatedly called for violence. The terrorists Facebook message included this plea, Put in my grave Arafats Keffiyah and the ribbon of the Al-Aqsa Brigades. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade is the military wing of Abbas Fatah movement.

Another terrorist attack. More funerals. More calls for restraint by both sides.

There are the formal condemnations before everyone moves on to the business of being pro-Israel. The term pro-Israel doesnt mean much. Anyone and everyone can be pro-Israel.

AIPAC isnt backing the Taylor Force Act which would cut off taxpayer money to the Palestinian Authority until it stops funding these attacks. J Street, the anti-Israel group which claims to be pro-Israel and also claimed to be appalled by the Salomon murders, is lobbying against the Taylor Force Act.

What did this fake pro-Israel posturing amount to when Chaya was being murdered in her own home?

In previous weeks, liberal Jewish clergy fulminated angrily at their more conservative counterparts in Israel over a religious controversy. Daniel Gordis, who makes an excellent living writing pro-Israel books, put forward his own version of BDS. Netanyahu and Israels consuls-general in the US should be shunned and disinvited. Americans should fly Delta and United instead of El-Al. Meetings with hospitals fund-raisers should be canceled. The hospitals did nothing wrong, but when they start running out of money, Israelis will start to care.

No doubt.

I dont write to take a position on this issue. Only to note that some pro-Israel figures can dig into more reserves of anger when fighting the Jewish right than over the murder of Israeli Jews.

Its easier for even professionally pro-Israel figures to rage at Israel than at the murderers of Jews. If only they could feel a fraction of the same anger when looking at the Salomons bloody kitchen floor.

Where is Gordis call to watch Muslims die in hospitals in Ramallah to make them care? It would be deemed monstrous. Un-Jewish. Anyone proposing it would be shunned in pro-Israel circles.

If Gordis has a position on cutting off aid to the PA after its murders of Israelis, I have yet to find it.

So much of pro-Israel advocacy consists of meaningless lip service. Israel is an abstraction for many of them. Chaya Salomon was a real person. She bled out on a white kitchen floor on Shabbat.

And so I offer a counterproposal. Instead of being pro-Israel, lets be pro-Chaya.

Pro-Israel is a meaningless metric. Obama claimed to be pro-Israel while funding the terrorist murder of Jews from the West Bank to Iran. I am 100 percent pro-Israel, Bernie Sanders insisted after pushing for an anti-Israel platform, falsely accusing Israel of killing 10,000 innocent people in Gaza and putting a BDS activist in charge of his Jewish outreach. If thats pro-Israel, what exactly is anti-Israel?

Its easier to understand what it is to be pro-Chaya than to be pro-Israel. If you want to be pro-Chaya, dont fund her killers. And not just pro-Chaya, but pro-Hallel. Hallel-Yaffa Ariel was a 13-year-old girl who came home from a dance recital and was stabbed to death by a Muslim terrorist in her bedroom. Or pro-Michael. Rabbi Michael Mark was driving home with his wife and children when he was murdered. Or Pro-Taylor. Taylor Force was a veteran of two wars who was stabbed to death in Tel Aviv.

The Taylor Force Act that would cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority if it continues funding terrorism is named after him.

Pro-Israel can cover a multitude of sins. It devolves easily into abstractions. And then we are told that giving money to Islamic terrorists is the pro-Israel position because Israeli security depends on the terrorists keeping the peace. For decades, we have been told that the two-state solution which creates a terrorist state inside Israel is actually pro-Israel. And therefore the destruction of Israel is pro-Israel.

The left is adept at such Orwellian insults to reality. In the same way that bringing Muslim terrorists to America is hailed as patriotic, funding Islamic terrorists and Irans nukes become vital to Israels security.

And so lets take a step back from the hall of mirrors. Lets consider instead what is pro-Sarah.

Sarah will be the next victim of Islamic terrorism. Somewhere she is getting on a bus or cooking dinner for her family. And the next Muslim terrorist, lets call him Mohammed, is plotting to kill her.

Mohammed has been listening to the calls by Fatah to kill Jews. He has seen crowds cheer the murderer of Chaya, Yosef and Elad. He has been told by the preacher on Palestinian Authority television that if he kills a Jew, he will go to heaven. He sees Fatahs Facebook message, If I fall I will not be the first to die, and not the last to die #Rage! And he knows that he will receive $2,000 a month if he succeeds.

What is the pro-Sarah policy?

Is it to pour millions more into the war chest of the terrorists so that they can pay Mohammed for her murder? Is it the continuing championing of the Palestinian Islamic State that Mohammed is killing for?

Let us break through the intellectual abstractions because Sarah and Mohammed are real. In a week or two from now, Sarah will be bleeding out on the living room floor while her children scream. Or she will lie dying on the back seat of her car with blood and broken glass surrounding her head. Its happened before and it will go on happening until the pro-Israel position becomes the pro-Sarah position.

Everyone or almost everyone is pro-Israel in theory. As long as pro-Israel encompasses both opposing and supporting the murder of Jews, both opposition to BDS and support for BDS, both opposition to terrorists and support for terrorists, then anyone can join and its meaningless.

Israel is not an abstract idea. It is a nation of millions of individuals. And these individuals are being killed, one by one, by the genocidal imperative of Islamic Supremacism. If Israel, its geopolitical role, its complex political and religious institutions, its history of thousands of years, its relationship to the Jews of the diaspora is too much to take in, it may be easier to focus on the lives of those individuals.

There is a booming pro-Israel industry. Much of this industry accomplishes very little. It celebrates boosterism and eschews controversy. It seeks a meaningless middle ground. It believes that Israel is morally superior because it continues to strive for peace even at the expense of Israeli terror victims.

There is no pro-Sarah industry. But maybe there ought to be one. And in the future, if we want to determine whether someone is truly pro-Israel, we should ask whether they are pro-Sarah.

Are they for doing whatever it takes to stop her from being murdered tomorrow?

Because you cant be pro-Israel if you arent pro-Sarah. You cant be pro-Israel if you support funding the murderers of Israelis. You cant support both Israel and her enemies or support Sarah and her killer.

Then well know who is and isnt pro-Israel. Because pro-Israel will finally mean something.

Daniel Greenfield, a Shillman Journalism Fellow at the Freedom Center, is a New York writer focusing on radical Islam.
The monthly salary of approximately $3,000 that the Palestinian Authority will pay to terrorist Omar al-Abed could be a powerful spur to a pending U.S. legislative bill that would slash aid to the PA over its martyr payments policy, a leading Middle East expert told The Algemeiner on Tuesday.

This is definitely going to put wind in the sails of the Taylor Force Act, said Jonathan Schanzer, an expert on Palestinian politics at the Washington, DC-based Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) think tank.

Named in memory of former U.S. Army officer Taylor Force, who was murdered in a Palestinian terrorist attack in Tel Aviv in March 2016, the act, if passed, will place severe restrictions on American aid money to the PA until it ends both incitement to terrorism and the martyr payments policy.

Al-Abedwho murdered three members of the Salomon family in the West Bank community of Halamish in a knife attack on Friday night, before being shot and wounded in the midst of his stabbing frenzy by an off-duty IDF soldieris now in Israeli custody. Assuming he receives the maximum sentence for his crime, he can expect up to $3,500 every month from the PAwhich calculates how much each terrorist receives by using a sliding scale that rewards the most severe acts of terror.

In addition, if any of al-Abeds relatives are jailed alongside him, or if the Israeli authorities destroy the family home, the family can expect further payments from the PAs Martyr Fundwhose existence dates back to the founding of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1964.

The funds monthly paymentstotaling at least $300 million annuallyfar exceed the average monthly wage earned by Palestinian professionals, including PA civil servants.

Schanzer said that supporters of the Taylor Force Act have been looking for additional momentum, in terms of cutting funds to the PA over terrorism.

This only reinforces what theyve been saying for months, he added.

Schanzer observed that while the payments to al-Abed are unlikely to win additional friends in Washington, DC for PA President Mahmoud Abbas, providing financial support for terrorists is wildly popular in the West Bank.

On the wider question of whether the PA will ever abandon the martyr payments policy, Schanzer said that some compromise was still theoretically possible. For example, the PA could transfer the responsibility for the payments to the PLO, which could certainly afford the sum, he said.

That is potentially a better move, Schanzer continued. The US taxpayer would no longer be funding salaries and stipends to terrorists, and it will shift focus back to the PLO as an actor that supports terrorism.

Another potential advantage for the PA, Schanzer said, is Israels reluctance to see it collapsean outcome that could force the Jewish state to resume direct administration of the West Bank. In the same vein , he added, while Israelis are outraged by the martyr payments, expediency means that Israel turns a blind eye to some of the PAs more unpalatable practices.

However, Israel may not be so indulgent if Abbas maintains the freeze on security cooperation between the PA and the Israeli authorities that he announced on Friday, Schanzer said.

If the ban holds, the Israelis may need to reconsider the arrangement, he said. All these decisions are for Abbas to make, because he leads both the PA and the PLO.

There was little sign of a conciliatory mood on Tuesday, as Abbass Fatah faction took to social media to demand the thwarting of the Zionist plans on Jerusalems Temple Mounta reference to the placing of security cameras there, following Israels decision to remove the metal detectors installed at the entrances to the holy site earlier this month.

Both Fatah and the PA have very publicly incited Palestinian violence in Jerusalem over the last week, despite Abbas pledge to US President Donald Trump in May that Palestinian children are being raised in a culture of peace.

Itamar Marcusthe executive director of Israeli research organization Palestinian Media Watch (PMW)told The Algemeiner he had noticed a sharp increase in the volume of posts, speeches and videos preaching incitement since the latest Palestinian campaign began.

The volume is definitely much, much higher. Marcus said. We find it difficult to even decide which posts to translate, there are so many.

On Tuesday, Abbas renewed a call to the Islamist Hamas organizationwhich rules Gaza and is committed to the physical elimination of Israelto work toward unifying the Palestinian people and turn the struggle toward Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Palestinian news agency Maan reported.

Hamas responded that Abbas severing of relations with Israel was meaningless without the lifting of the restrictions on Gaza, stopping security coordination (with Israel), and an end to reining in the resistance to the occupation.
He drew a circle that shut me outHeretic, a rebel, a thing to flout.

But Love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle that took him in!

Edwin Markham

According to the Bipartisanship Policy Center, our countrys history of working across the aisle can be traced back to as early as 1787. Our founding fathers, struggling with congressional representation regarding the populations of the colonies, reached what later was know as the Great Compromise. It was decided that our new government would exist with a proportional House of Representatives and a Senate with equal representation. Once adopted, both sides felt vindicated.

At their best, and despite their differences, presidents and parties have work together to use compromise for the common good of our country. Lincoln created his team of rivals because he believed that he had no right to deprive the country of its strongest minds simply because they sometimes disagreed with him. In the last 60 years, the Civil Rights Act (1964); putting man on the moon (1977); the Endangered Species Act (1973); the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990); welfare reform (1996), and No Child Left Behind (2001) all were put into effect because of compromise.

New Civil War?

In the current political climate, compromise appears to be all but impossible. Lines have been drawn in the sand, pitting the Republican majority against the Democratic minority with unprecedented rancor. Nuclear options, closed door sessions, and a proliferation of what is regarded as fake, exaggerated, and even inflammatory news have torn our country apart in ways that many of usfrom gifted historians to concerned citizencannot remember.

The battle has spilled over to our personal lives, dividing family and friends. The situation has become so flammable that recommendations on how to get along with family and friends with differing political views have become hot topics on everything from television to newspaper articles to Miss Manners. How do we deal with its aftermath when where one standswhether to the left, to the right, or in the middlewhen politics become personal?

Us versus Them mentality

I myself had become caught up in the us versus them mentality. In the months before the election, I had spent hours watching television, listening to podcasts, and reading articlesusually with left leaning perspectives. Sharing all this news became my first priority, either through social media or animated, face-to-face conversations.

And it hurt me. I had cut off contact with a relative after a Facebook fight about the election last fall, reconciling only after four months of protracted tension. One of my new neighbors, knowing how I felt about the Nov. 8th outcome, had purposely avoided me with little more than a smile and hello. Friends invited me to their get-togethers but suggested I leave my politics at the door. As a result, I decided that I could still do what I need to dostay informed, call my legislators, volunteer to work during the next election cycle. However, as Miss Manners suggested in her June 25, 2017, column, I was no longer going discuss politics in social situations without mutual consent to do so.

Troubling Inquiry

While organizing a small dinner party, I realized how difficult the situation had become. One of the guests, whose leanings were unreservedly to the left, called to see if I was inviting a couple known for their strong Republican views. When I asked him the reason for his request, he told me that he recently had had a heated exchange with the couple regarding politics. He and his wife would feel uncomfortable attending if they were going to be there.

Even though the Republicans were not on the guest list for that evening, his request troubled me. Since the elections, I had heard similar comments from other friends who had questioned my continued friendship with any of those people who didnt vote the way they had. I also observed many friends drawing lines in the sand. I came to the realization that enough was enough.

Respecting The Other

I didnt have a good response for my dinner guests during that phone call, but I do now. When the issue comes up, I tell people, I will be friends with whom I want. Politics will NOT be a decision in my friendship.

In his book, Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked, Chris Matthews, the former chief of staff for House Speaker Tip ONeill and MSNBC journalist, reported that the political battles between the House Speaker and President Ronald Reagan were legendary, but they respected and even liked one another. Reagan often had both Republicans and Democratsincluding ONeillover for cocktails. After six, ONeill would insist, we are all friends.

The only difference with me, the avowed liberal Democrat, and Tip ONeill is that I wont limit my friendships to after six oclock. As Thomas Jefferson so wisely said over two hundred years ago, I never considered a difference in opinion on politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause enough in withdrawing from a friend.

So I will continue to have friends for dinner, no matter our political affiliations. We will break bread. We will drink wine. We will laugh and enjoy each others company. And maybe, just maybe, once in a while we will reach across the aisle. We will discuss politics, learn what divides and unites us, and, if necessary, agree to disagree. I only wish the same for our president and the members of our United States Senate and House of Representatives.

Marilyn Shapiro, formerly of Clifton Park, N.Y., is now a resident of Kissimmee, Fla. She is a columnist for jewishworldnews.com in Schenectady, N.Y.
An article by a former Israeli Ambassador to Greece details the breakdown in peace talks meant to reunite the Island of Cyprus, and suggests a parallel to frustrations at brokering a peace between Israel and Palestinians.

In both Cyprus and Israel, the status quo is neither war nor formal peace. There remain unresolved issues of property ownership, and families who left, and cannot return to what they used to call home. Movement between the two sections, whether on Cyprus or Israel-West Bank has at times been easier for foreign tourists than residents of either section. The Israel-Palestinian conflict is complicated by something like half of the Palestinian territory (i.e., Gaza) being closed to all but a few able to obtain permits.

Violence is more of an issue for Israel and Palestinians than for Cypriots. Various writings indicate that Greek-Turkish violence has not been an issue for some years on Cyprus. One commentary on the problems of reaching a formal peace is headlined, Beyond Violence. Another is The Cyprus problem: Why solve a comfortable conflict?

While those headlines arent as suitable for Israel and Palestinians, they arent all that different from what could be described.

All this will be tested by what may be a game changer, i.e., a terror attack close to the Temple Mount, and Israels initial response in closing the Temple Mount to Friday prayers and shutting all the gates to the Old City.

Cyprus does not only resemble Israel in its political-social context. Its also the closest country that Israeli Jews can visit without looking over their shoulder, as in Jordan or Egypt.

The island is only a half-hour flight from Tel Aviv, once passengers go through security and the plane gets in the air.

Many choose a Cyprus marriage (not all of them in Cyprus, per se), meaning a secular ceremony in a city hall for those Jews and others who cannot, or who do not want a religious ceremony with an Orthodox rabbi.

Israelis visit resorts in both Greek and Turkish sectors of Cyprus, and cross over in Nicosea from a southern European ambiance to one that is scuzzier and more Middle Eastern.

Its a great place to visit, if you know how to drive on the left.

The worthies wanting a more complete arrangement for us, with a formal signing and declared end of conflict, are no closer than the Turks and Greeks of Cyprus, and the various outsiders seeking to resolve their disputes.

Israelis are aware of Donald Trumps interest in solving the problems with the Palestinians, but the issue is not on the front burner.

We hear that Trump will declare the onset of negotiations programmed to last for two years, but so far there is no starting date or other details. Critics are chiding the American administration for sending highly placed son-in-law, lacking diplomatic experience, to deal with the issue. They are also noting thatagainst what are said to be Trumps personal demandsPalestinians refuse to stop funding the families of terrorists killed or jailed by Israel, and the Palestinians refusal to welcome the pro-settler US Ambassador to their capital in Ramallah.

We can wonder if Trumps presidency will last long enough to declare the onset of his peace process, or another two years if the process begins.

The end of Netanyahus tenure might also affect things.

Both the Cyprus story and the Israel-Palestinian story are buffered by outsiders whose own interests get in the way of accommodation. West Bank Palestinians are threatened by the Gaza-based Hamas, as well as a number of militant Islamic groups throughout the Muslim world for whom Israel is the symbol of all that is evil. Moderate Arab governments that cooperate with Israel quietly occasionally join the fray, and express their unbending support for Palestine in all of what existed before 1967.

Its not only the massive pressure of foreign populations that limit what Palestinians are likely to accept from those seeking a deal with Israel. At a much lower level are individual Palestinians and Israeli Arabs who work to scuttle any possibility of a deal. They include those in Isaweea who burned down an Israeli branch post office, the mass of Jerusalem Arabs who do not vote in municipal elections, and activists in Israeli Arab towns who object to their municipality receiving money from the Israeli government.

Its not hard to find observers who lament the lack of progress, assign blame to both Israelis and Palestinians, and demand reconciliation.

Lovely idea, but elusive among Israelis and Palestinians, as well as many Greeks and Turks living on Cyprus, along with overseas Greeks and Turks cheering on the side they have chosen in Cyprus.

Perhaps the answer is somewhere in the history of Germany and France. They have gotten along since World War II.

Could the answer be as simple as the massive destruction of lives and property associated with several periods of intense warfare? Or could it have more to do with the centrality of western Europe and the efforts of the United States as well as Europeans to overcome the tendency to warfare and revenge in an area crucial to civilization as they view it?

By these measures, both Cyprus and Israel and the Palestinians are small change. They have not experienced the level of destruction of France or Germany, and they are not important enough to create great efforts to impose agreement against those opposed.

The ideal that seems feasible lies in the realm of detailed accommodations. Were seeing more regular delivery of electricity and water in the West Bank, as well as proposals to increase the permits to work in Israel (along with the removal of permits from family members of Palestinians involved in violence), and proposals to extend the benefit of working in Israel to Gazans. Theres also been Israeli cooperation with the expansion of a West Bank city (Qalqilya) said to be relatively free of violence.

None of these proposals or accomplished steps assure Israels security. Many are certain that a mass of Arabs will massacre and plunder if given the opportunity. Individual attacks and the praise of those who sacrifice themselves for the sake of Palestinealong with incessant threats from Iran and Hezbollahare all that is needed to justify continued suspicion of Muslim intents, along with high outlays on security and mandatory service.

Israeli officials responded to the terror attack alongside the Temple Mount by taking some unusual steps, but also expressed their intention not to make things worse. With the tinder smoldering, the Prime Minister said that he would honor status quo agreements with Jordan and Muslim religious authorities. We could assume that there were Palestinians itching to escalate. Jordanian officials expressed criticism of Israels temporary closing of the Temple Mount, but within the parameters expected from a Muslim monarchy having a restive population.

A day after the incident, Israeli media returned to focus on escalating police investigations getting closer to the Prime Minister.

We might ask, if Israeli efforts at accommodation do not assure security, why bother?

Advocates argue that they increase the probability of relative peace, admittedly for a future that is indefinite and may be short.

And when, they might insist, has the situation of Jews been assured?

Comments welcome. Irashark@gmail.com.
Dear Editor:

Jewish identity is one of the most important qualities we can help our young to develop. Study after study shows that as Jewish identity slips because of intermarriage, the Jewish community in the United States suffers. So too does the connection between young Americans and the state of Israel. If we hope to see a continued Jewish future including continued support of Israel, we must take positive steps to assure it.

Significant research on the American Jewish community shows that Jewish day schools, (in Orlando that would be the Jewish Academy) contribute positively toward strengthening Jewish identity and assuring the transmission of Jewish values. These values include the concepts of tikkun olammaking this world better for all, tzdakahacts of righteousness, and ahavat Yisraellove for the Jewish peoplehood.

These reasons alone should suffice to have the JAO bursting at the seams with children, but sadly, that is not the case. Perhaps parents also need to consider the other advantages to a comprehensive Jewish education. These include the critical thinking skills children develop through the study of Torah while examining ancient texts and stories in critical ways to learn what they impart to us for our daily lives. Perhaps it is the intensive leadership skills that are ingrained in students as they involve themselves in communal activities, Jewish and secular. Or perhaps it is the enhanced brain development that comes from foreign language acquisition during a childs formative years, a benefit of learning a Tier III language such as Hebrew.

Over the past several years I have had the pleasure of watching the JAO enhance its educational offerings, both secular and Judaic. It is impressive to see children who are eager to learn and thrive in this Jewish educational environment. These gains are due to the dedication of Alan Rusonik, head of school of the JAO, whose clarity and vision are making a difference and to the highly professional staff of teachers who bring love and warmth along with their expertise to the JAO students. Much credit also goes to the officers and board members who have continued to support the school despite the financial obstacles the school has faced.

As a former director (1981-84) of what was then the Hebrew Day School, I am thrilled to see the accomplishments and progress the school has made in the past and continues to make on a regular basis. I most strongly encourage our Jewish community to ensure the JAOs continuation by enrolling pupils in this most deserving institution.

Rabbi Maurice S. Kaprow

Winter Springs

Editors Note: There are two other Jewish day schools in Central Florida not mentioned in this article, but worthy of noting: The Orlando Jewish Day School, and The Orlando Torah Academy, both located in Southwest Orlando.
The pressure has begun.

The State Departments evenhanded statement regarding the Temple Mount. The U.S.-backed Middle East Quartets call for restraint. The announcement that President Donald Trumps international negotiations representative is going to the region to mediate between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). It all adds up to one thing: American pressure on Israel to make concessions to the Palestinians.

The July 14 terror attack that killed two Israeli policemen at the Temple Mount is a clear-cut case of Palestinian aggression, if ever there was oneand the Trump administration should have been clearly on Israels side from the beginning.

Security cameras videotaped a terrorist bringing a backpack full of guns and knives into the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Since there were no metal detectors, he strolled right in without the slightest interference from the Islamic Waqf officials who administer the site. The security camera footage then showed the heavily armed terrorists coming out of the mosque, and beginning their murderous rampage.

Once the introduction of metal detectors was announcedeven before the two slain Israeli policemen were buriedthe Palestinians launched a campaign of wild incitement. Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, PA-salaried Muslim preachers and other PA officials openly called on Arabs to launch days of rage.

The Arab mobs have been through this drill a thousand times before. They knew what to do. And they did it. In and around Jerusalem last Friday, they tried to stone and burn Israeli police officers and soldiers to death.

The Trump administration should have been the first to speak out against the PAs blatant incitement to violence. After all, if we are to believe news reports, an angry Trump yelled at Abbas over the issue during their May 23 meeting in Bethlehem, saying that the Palestinian leader tricked him in an earlier meeting in Washington, D.C. You talked there about your commitment to peace, but the Israelis showed me your involvement in incitement, Trump allegedly said, according to Israels Channel 2.

Well, the shock must have worn off pretty quickly, because here we aretwo months laterand Abbas and company are openly inciting the mobs while Trump says nothing.

In fact, his silence is worse than nothing. Heather Nauert, the spokesperson for Trumps State Department, declared, We support the status quo and we welcome all sides continuing their commitment to maintaining the status quo. We are encouraging both sides to not take any actions that would potentially escalate tensions.

Every part of that statement is wrong. The U.S. should not support the status quo. The status quo had no metal detectors. That was the whole problemthe reason the terrorist was able to bring those weapons into the mosque, the reason two Israeli policemen are lying in their graves today, is precisely because the status quo was enabling terrorism.

Upholding the status quo at this point is the same as saying that Israel should remove the detectors and permit terrorists to bring in weapons.

The second part of Nauerts statement is just as bad. Calling on both sides to not take any actions that would potentially escalate tensions is to treat the aggressors and the victims as equivalent. The PA is the side guilty of escalating tensions; it is the PA that Trump should be condemning and pressuring.

Then it got worse. The Middle East Quartet, which had faded into obscurity, suddenly reared its ugly head. The Quartet consists of the United Nations, the European Union, Russia and the U.S. It cannot issue a statement without the cooperation and approval of the Trump administration. The Quartets statement regarding the Temple Mount was to say it was very concerned about tensions, and to call for a solution that assures public safety and the security of the site and maintains the status quo.

No acknowledgement of Palestinian aggression. No condemnation of PA incitement. And, once again, a call for the status quo. This is even worse than the State Departments comments, because the U.S. is in effect collaborating with the UN, EU and Russia in pressuring Israel.

Now comes the announcement that Jason Greenblatt, Trumps international negotiations representative, is rushing to the Middle East to seek a mutually acceptable solution to the Temple Mount controversy. You dont seek a mutually acceptable solution between a cop and a robber. You dont seek a mutually acceptable solution between a terrorist and his victims.

The solution should not need to be acceptable to the PA, because the PA is the guilty party. Instead of remaining silent about the Palestinian riots, the Trump administration should be reading Abbas the riot act. The U.S. should be making it clear that it supports metal detectors on the Temple Mount, just as it supports the metal detectors that are in place at the Western Wall, at the Vatican, at leading mosques around the world and in every American airport.

The Obama administration was notorious for its evenhanded calls for restraint on both sides, which was always a code word for pressure on Israel to make concessions that would appease the Palestinians. But appeasement only encouraged and emboldened Palestinian terrorism. The new administration should not repeat this mistake.

Stephen M. Flatow, a vice president of the Religious Zionists of America, is an attorney in New Jersey. He is the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in an Iranian-sponsored Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995.
On Monday, August 7, at 12.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "Dirty tricks of Russian special services in Ukrainian politics." The participants will include chairman of the human rights organization Syndicate Yevhen Chepeliansky; activist of the Syndicate organization, ATO member Borys Portny, who will talk about the ways the Russian special services tried to use them as unwitting agents: the tricks that are used during the recruiting in social networks, criminal schemes, features of work and proposed fees (8/5a Reitarska Street). Admission requires press accreditation.
The Justice Department apparently wants to revisit the perennial issue of affirmative action in university and college admissions - remarkable news for many reasons, not the least of which is: President Donald Trump was the first Republican since the civil rights revolution to reach the White House without campaigning against "quotas."

Trump went out of his way to inflame racial and ethnic sore spots - but not this one.

"Affirmative action: Should we keep it? Yes or no?" NBC's Chuck Todd asked Trump on the Aug. 16, 2015, edition of "Meet the Press."

"I'm fine with affirmative action," Trump replied. "We've lived with it for a long time."

On "Fox News Sunday" two months later, Chris Wallace asked Trump how that reply squared with conservative doctrine.

"You know, it has served its place, and it served its time," he equivocated. "Some people have loved it, and some people don't like it at all." Though still "fine with" affirmative action personally, Trump allowed it "would be a wonderful thing" if its necessity someday faded.

When Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia commented, during December 2015 oral arguments on race-conscious university admissions, that some African-Americans might be better off at "less-advanced schools," Trump joined those denouncing the conservative icon. "Very tough to the African-American community," he scolded.

Jeb Bush is the one who boasted during the Republican primaries that he abolished race-conscious admissions in Florida's state universities while governor.

If Trump's intuition told him that voters generally, and whites specifically, aren't that riled up about "reverse discrimination" in higher ed anymore, his intuition was probably right.

In heavily populated California, Florida and Michigan, race-conscious admissions in state universities have been banned for years. More than a quarter of the U.S. population lives inthe eightstates with no affirmative action in public higher ed.

Trump's core constituency is the white workingclass - usually defined as those without a college degree. And it's far from clear that blacks getting into college ahead of whites ranks at, or even near, the top of this group's grievances.

To be sure, some 52 percent of white working-class voters believe discrimination against whites is as bad as, or worse than, discrimination against African-Americans and other minorities, according to a study by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI).

Yet 54 percent of them think investing in a college education is "a gamble," suggesting admission is not the prize they eye. And 56 percent disagree that "efforts to increase diversity almost always come at the expense of whites."

Furthermore, the belief that whites are victims of discrimination did not statistically predict support for Trump in 2016, according to the PRRI survey; deporting illegal immigrants and general fear of "cultural displacement" did.

There's little evidence that the broader U.S. public wants more higher-ed affirmative-action wars of the kind that equivocal but supportive Supreme Court decisions have tried to defuse - including the June 2016 4-to-3 ruling in favor of the University of Texas program that so exercised Scalia.

Significantly, Trump, then the presumptive Republican nominee, had no comment on that ruling, pro or con.

Americans are ambivalent about this genuinely difficult issue, with 70 percent of the public telling Gallup last year that only "merit" should affect college admissions and 63 percent telling the Pew Research Center in 2014 that it's "a good thing" for colleges to have programs designed to boost minority enrollment.

Candidate Trump's views on affirmative action channeled those contradictions. He was indeed not far from restating, crudely, the pragmatic position Justice Sandra Day O'Connor expressed on behalf of the Supreme Court majority in a 2003 case that upheld race- conscious admissions to assure diversity on campus.

"Governmental use of race must have a logical end point. . . . We expect that 25 years from now, the use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary to further the interest approved today," she wrote.

Late Wednesday, a Justice Department spokeswoman denied there's a broad attack on race-conscious admissions brewing, just a review of a complaint against Harvard University filed by Asian-Americans who believe that school's efforts to ensure "diversity" in admissions result in a de facto cap on their admissions.

Of course, that would hardly diminish the potential impact, because similar issues are being raised by Asian-American plaintiffs in lawsuits, backed by conservative activists, against Harvard and the University of North Carolina. Those cases could undo the settlement O'Connor established, or tried to, apropos cases brought by white plaintiffs.

With 11 years left before O'Connor's target date, someone at the Justice Department seems drawn to an old conservative crusade in which the president himself has heretofore shown little interest. Whoever that is must really believe in the cause, because the political upside is not necessarily that big - as Donald Trump, of all people, has demonstrated.
About

Hinduism Today Magazine is a nonprofit educational activity of Himalayan Academy with the following purposes: 1. To foster Hindu solidarity as a unity in diversity among all sects and lineages; 2. To inform and inspire Hindus worldwide and people interested in Hinduism; 3. To dispel myths, illusions and misinformation about Hinduism; 4. To protect, preserve and promote the sacred Vedas and the Hindu religion; 5. To nurture and monitor the ongoing spiritual Hindu renaissance; 6. To publish a resource for Hindu leaders and educators who promote Sanatana Dharma.
As the countrys 70th independence day comes closer, a special exhibition has been organized at the India International Centre, Gandhis Vision: Freedom and Beyond, which focuses on the Mahatmas dream of a free India. Along with it is another exhibition that  through photographs and documents  presents the countrys freedom movement. The exhibitions have been curated by former History professor Dr Aparna Basu, who is now the chairperson of the National Gandhi Museum.

The exhibition showing Gandhis leadership of the freedom struggle sweeps from his arrival in India right up to 1947, covering all the mass movements, from the Non-Cooperation movement of 1920 to the Dandi March of 1930 and the Quit India movement of 1942. There is a prelude which revolves around India before Gandhi  the 19th century social reforms, the formation of the Congress in 1885 and the Swadeshi movement.

Do you know these facts about the National Anthem? The Song Jana Gana Mana was first published in January, 1912, in Tattvabohini Patrika edited by Gurudev Tagore. The poet himself translated it into English in 1919 under the title The Morning Song of India.

The Jana Gana Mana tune slightly varied, had been adopted as a National Anthem by the INA (Indian National Army) of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The first time this National Anthem was played with full orchestra accompaniment during the opening ceremony of Indo-German Cultural Society in Hamburg on 11th September, 1942.

The tape recorded on the occasion was available with N G Ganpuly, a close associate of Netaji in Germany and it was brought to the public by Chitra Narain, then Chief Producer of AIR.

All India Radio broadcast a forty minute documentary feature titled A National Anthem Born in Exile on Netajis birthday on 3rd January, 1980.

The National Gandhi Museum is going to play this historic National Anthem during the exhibition.

The India of My Dreams exhibition depicts Gandhis views on myriad issues, from caste to the environment. All the panels have evocative black-and-white archival photographs along with selected quotes of Gandhis and other relevant text. In the panel Religious Harmony: All Men Are Brothers, there is a quote, which could well apply to the times we live in: Let us respect other religions even as we respect our own. Mere tolerance thereof is not enough.

Before the exhibition goes up at the India International Centre, you can also catch it at the National Gandhi Museum at Rajghat.

Mahatma Gandhis wife Kasturba Gandhi with freedom fighter Kamla Devi Chattopadhyay. (Photo credit/National Gandhi Museum. )

Mass protest during salt satyagraha. (Photo credit/National Gandhi Museum. )

Mahatma Gandhi during a discussion with Jawaharlal Nehru at an All India Congress Committee meet in Bombay. (Photo credit/National Gandhi Museum)

Women demonstration during Quit India movement. The movement was launched on 8 August at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee by Gandhi, who gave the famous call of Do or Die. Almost the entire leadership of the Congress was imprisoned immediately afterwards. (Photo credit/National Gandhi Museum)

Human wall by the satyagrahi. . Non-violence was the cornerstone of Gandhis philosophy in the fight against British colonial rule. (Photo credit/National Gandhi Museum)

What: Gandhis Vision: Freedom and Beyond

Where: Art Gallery, Kamaladevi Complex, India International Centre, 40 Max Mueller Marg

Timings: 11am to 7pm

(Inauguration on 10 August at 5pm with Mahatma Gandhis favourite bhajans and hymns)

Nearest metro station: Jor Bagh

Before that, you can see the exhibition at:

National Gandhi Museum, Rajghat

Timings: 10am to 5.30pm

Closed on: Monday

Nearest metro station: ITO
Over 17,400 quintals of onion has gone missing in Bhopal, prompting the administration to institute an inquiry into the matter. The alleged scam came to notice during a routine checking of records of two mandis in Bhopal by food and civil supply corporation.

Bhopal collector Sudam Khade told HT that this year 27,000 metric tonnes of onion had been procured in Bhopal by the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited.

In the preliminary findings regarding procurement, distribution selling and disposal of the onions at Bhopals Karondh mandi, it was found that 17,400 quintals of onion was not accounted for. So to trace the missing onions, I constituted a five-member inquiry committee headed by additional district magistrate that will look into the matter and submit its report within a week or so, he said.

Khade said that Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited and food and civil supplies corporation have been asked to provide all details and documents related to procurement, storage, disposal and selling of the onions.

Amid farmer unrest in the state and crashing onion prices, the state government in June decided to buy onion at 8 per kg and sell it through fair price shops at Rs 2 per kg.

Brajesh Dwivedi, manager (marketing) at Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited, said the issue of missing onions will be clear only when all the details and documents from both the agencies are checked thoroughly by the inquiry committee. At the moment we cant say anything beyond this, he said.

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Bollywood star Akshay Kumar wielded a broom along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday to make people aware of how cleanliness around one affects their health. At an event at a city school, Akshay along with Bhoomi Pedenkar, his co-star in the upcoming film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha also administered an oath of cleanliness to the students. The film releases on August 11.

After Lucknow, the stars will be going to Agra to promote both cleanliness and the film, a member of the crew told IANS.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already praised the concept of the film. Adityanath on his part has been promoting the Swachh Bharat mission as the chief executive of the state and had wielded a broom on an earlier occasion also.
On Wednesday, August 9, at 11.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "Festival of Ideas of 2017 as First Event on Nationwide Scale Aimed at Nation's Development." The participants will include representatives of the Organizing Committee of the Festival of Ideas 2017  'The Future of Communities' Denys Poltavets and Oleksandr Slavsky, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine (March 2015  March 2016) Oleh Derevianko, Director General of 'Expocenter of Ukraine' National Complex Yevhen Mushkin (8/5a Reitarska Street). Admission requires press accreditation. More information by phone: (093) 462 4602
Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma are receiving wishes for their film that releases on Friday - Jab Harry Met Sejal and among the various stars tweeting about it, is Aamir Khan.

Actor Aamir Khan along with his wife Kiran Rao, actress Zaira Wasim and director Advait Chandan. (IANS)

The Dangal star took to Twitter to say that he is sure the film will rock. Shahrukh, Anushka, Imitiaz, all the very best for your release tomorrow! Im sure it will rock!! Looking forward, he wrote.

Shahrukh, Anushka, Imitiaz, all the very best for your release tomorrow! I'm sure it will rock!! Looking forward !!! Love. a.  Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) August 3, 2017

SRK was quick to respond and replied, This means so much yaar. & as I mentioned ur trailer Secret Superstar is sooo endearing. Let me know when u can watch JHMS.

This so much yaar. & as I mentioned ur trailer Secret Superstar is sooo endearing. Let me know when u can watch JHMS https://t.co/2At5jJ7gpi  Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 3, 2017

Earlier, during the trailer launch of his upcoming film Secret Superstar, Aamir talked about the other two superstars SRK and Salman. He said, Salman and Shah Rukh are both huge stars. They are megastars. I am a fan of their work. I dont really compare like this. Each one is unique and different.

The two actors have been spending a lot of time with each other lately. The Raees star was one of the guests who visited Aamirs home at his 52nd birthday.

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Imtiaz Ali has made a name for himself in Bollywood as one of the most sought after rom-com directors. All his films deal with the theme of soul searching and realising that love and compassion drive the world more than anything else. There is a distinct feel to his brand of cinema. From music to a certain shot-taking technique, his fans would identify his films even before they see the credits.

We tried to figure out what exactly makes his films appear a certain way. Here are the five key points we observed.

Journey/Road: If its not a road movie like Highway then it will definitely feature journey as the recurring theme. Remember how Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor meet on a railway station in Jab We Met. Its like broadly bracketing his work, but his films actually involves a lot of travelling. Love Aaj kal, Rockstar, Tamasha, all these films keep moving from one location to another. Sometimes its Punjab, sometimes its Kashmir and sometimes its Corsica, but a journey has to take place.

Chirpy characters balanced by silent ones: Geet from jab We Met immediately comes to our mind, but she isnt the only one. Jordan from Rockstar and Veera from Highway also fall in the similar category, but their co-travellers will be mostly silent. Its this contrast which makes his films stand out.

Self discovery: Another unique feature of Imtiaz Alis films is the simultaneous soul-searching of two characters. Sometimes the focus might be only on the flamboyant one, but the others are also leading to a culmination point. If Aditya helps Geet get back to her previous self in Jab We Met, then Tara also does the same for Ved in Tamasha. Its like realising the true worth of your life with somebody else.

Expressing over impressing: Under the blanket of the melodious tunes and exotic locations, Imtiaz Ali always tries to leave his impression as the director. It could be a painting in the background or a song playing on a radio or just a couple crossing the road, his recurring theme of love keeps crossing our paths. His characters invariably go silent to display anger or anxiety unlike most other films where actors prefer to scream in similar situations.

Influence of theatre: Because of his background in theatre, we witness his lead characters trying their hands in performing arts. Ved in Tamasha is a great example of this. Rockstar also features similar situations. Human formations during the songs can also be seen in his films. Actors also project their voice a la street plays quite frequently.

Apart from all these, who can miss Irshad Kamils heart-wrenching lyrics and Pritam or AR Rahamans music.

Now when we will be coming out with the review of Jab Harry Met Sejal, we will be trying to figure out how many of these points have got validated by Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma.
Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharmas latest release, Jab Harry Met Sejal, got a delayed start in UAE and its neighbouring countries on Thursday. Films release a day before in these countries but the Imtiaz Ali directorial came out only in the evening. Jab Harry Met Sejal had no morning and afternoon shows.

According to Bollywood Hungama, there was a lot of confusion regarding films release date in UAE. Last week there were rumours that the film would not release on Thursday in Dubai and UAE. Shah Rukh tweeted to reassure his fans in the Middle East that the film would indeed release on time. However the film did not show up in Dubai and UAE theatres until Thursday evening. This is how Shah Rukhs company Red Chillies planned the release. No shows at all before Friday, says a report on the website.

It seems it was a strategy used by SRKs production house to ensure that the film works on word-of-mouth and there is no fear of piracy before the release.

While the film is posting a good response in that market, it has seen a 40 per cent occupancy in multiplexes in India on Friday morning. Single screens saw about 25 per cent occupancy.

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Subsidy worth Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated for the handloom sector, which does not fall under the purview of the GST regime, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Friday.

Replying to questions, Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta said during the Question Hour that the Handloom weavers do not come under the GST regime as their total turnover is below Rs 20 lakh.

Maintaining that the government was concerned over the welfare of handloom weavers, he said in order to encourage the setting up of solar power handloom units, the government provides a subsidy of 90 per cent to scheduled tribe weavers, 75 per cent to scheduled caste weavers and 50 per cent to the general category weavers.

Tamta said on August 7, the government will also hold an all-India handloom programme for weavers in Guwahati to create awareness about various programmes initiated to promote the handloom sector.

To a question on providing special rebates on handloom products, the minister clarified that there is no proposal to offer 20 per cent year-long rebate on the handloom products. But, the government may consider this suggestion, he added.

In her written reply, Textile Minister Smriti Irani said the government has launched the India Handloom Brand (IHB) for branding of high quality handloom products and as of June 30, a total sale of Rs 159 crore has been reported on account of IHB products.

She said IHB has partnered with various retail stores to showcase and sell its exclusive products and a total of Rs 3.65 crore has been reported so far through these stores.

20 e-commerce entities have also been engaged for online marketing of handloom products and as of June 30, a total sale of Rs 10.62 crore has been generated from online portal on account of online marketing handloom products, she said in her written reply.
Italian cheeses such as Parmesan and Mozzarella are known and eaten around the world. But how many people know these cheeses are alive today mostly because of Punjabi Sikhs? It sounds bizarre but its absolutely true.

This is a story not just of migration and globalisation but also how it impacts us in unexpected ways. Over the last 20 years, thousands of Indian Sikhs have migrated to Italy for work. Most found jobs in Italys dairy farm industry, which was already facing a big shortage of workers since younger Italians were not as interested in farming. The influx of Punjabis saved the Italian dairy and cheese industry and even helped it grow.

If you go to almost any dairy farm round here, youll find Sikhs working in the cow sheds, dairy farmer Maurizio Novelli told the BBC recently. He was referring to the region of Reggio Emilia, the only place that Parmesan cheese can be made under EU rules.

Sikhs have become a success story in Italy. Thousands have stayed and built families in villages and towns across the country. There is even a huge gurdwara near the city of Milan, the Sri Guru Kalgidhar Sahib, which opened in 2011. Up to 150,000 now live there, making it the largest Sikh community in Europe after the one in Britain. (Though the number of Hindus in Italy is thought to be larger, they keep a lower profile).

Italian Indians are like the economic cousins of Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims who settled in Britain, like my parents, and North America. They are building a new life in a new country while keeping alive their heritage and culture.

But they now face a formidable challenge. Just a few months ago an Italian court ruled that Sikhs were not legally allowed to wear kirpans (the Sikh dagger), even for religious reasons. The court stated: Attachment to values which violate the laws of the host country is intolerable, even if they are lawful in the country of origin.

But Italian law already makes exceptions in matters of religion: for example, the Vatican Church is uniquely exempted from property taxes and gets a lot of money from the government every year. If Catholics can get special dispensation then why not Sikhs?

You might think that as a Catholic country, Italy should have the right to give them special preference. But this would be a mistake. In giving preference to one religion over others, Italy is saying that Hindus and Sikhs there are second-class citizens. It creates disharmony.

The Italians think that allowing Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims the freedom to practise their religion will make them less Italian. But other western countries have proven this wrong.

Sikhs in Britain and North America fought for and won the right to wear kirpans because these countries allow more freedom to practise religion. Allowing them that freedom has made Sikhs even more proud to be British or Americans, not less. They are glad they live in a country that recognises and respects their beliefs, not treats them as a problem.

Italian Sikhs are now desperately trying to resolve their predicament. Last month they presented the Akal Takht, the highest temporal Sikh body (in Amritsar), with an alternative version of the kirpan. It was harmless, symbolic and approved by the Italian government.

But last week the Akal Takht rejected the modified kirpan, saying it went against the Sikh tenets. That leaves Sikhs in Italy in an unfortunate stalemate.

This is where the Indian government can help. Its not for the centre to interfere in Sikh affairs, but the Prime Minister can certainly make the Sikh case to the Italian government.

Allowing people the freedom to practise their religion doesnt hurt integration or the national character. In fact it strengthens it. Across the West, Sikhs Hindus and Muslims have demonstrated loyalty to their country while enjoying religious freedom. Italians need to understand the strength that comes from diversity, not dismiss it.

Sunny Hundal is a writer and lecturer on digital journalism. Follow the author

The views expressed are personal

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DEHRADUN: Incessant rains that lashed Uttarakhand in the last 24 hours killed at least 10 people, officials said

on Friday.

Pauri Garhwal alone accounted for six deaths. Two bikers were drowned in the Mahakali river in Pithoragarh

after debris hit their bike, while a school student slipped into the Tehri lake. A rivulet swept away a child in Bagheswar.

According to the meteorological department, rain will continue on Saturday and Sunday. The average rainfall on Thursday was 20.9 mm in the state. Dehradun received 143 mm of rain, Rishikesh 138 mm, Haldwani 97mm and Haridwar 95 mm. Kotdwar recorded the highest at 245mm. Rain ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm is considered very heavy rain as per the India Meteorological Centre (IMD) standards, while anything between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm is considered heavy rainfall.

While major rivers are flowing close to the danger mark, the water level at Tehri dam reached 800 metre. Dam officials have alerted officials of adjoining districts as the sluice gates would be opened to release water.

The heavy deluge at Kotdwar and nearby areas of Dwarikhal block claimed six lives and left widespread devastation. Due to heavy rain on Thursday night, the Paniyali Gadhera (a rain-fed channel) at Kotdwar

in Pauri swelled and flowed dangerously towards a refugee colony.

According to the district control room, Lakshya Arora, 25, was caught in strong current and drowned, while Jyoti Devi,40, was buried alive under debris. In the adjoining village of Manpur in Kotdwar, 60-year-old Shanti Devi died when a wall of her house collapsed. Ajay Kumar, 40, of Manpur is feared to have drowned in strong current.

The heavy downpour continued throughout the Thursday night and relented only by Friday morning but not before it had turned the roads and streets of Kotdwar into streams. The streets and roads of Govind Nagar, Station Road, Jhandachowk, Badrinath Road, Malgodam Road and Gadighat were inundated.

Water entered many houses . Widespread damage is reported from the fields of Simmalchaur and Nimbuchaur area, while the swollen Paniyali Gadhera devastated Jounpur, Shivpur, Manpur, Sitabpur and Kaudiya areas of Kotdwar.

Muskan Bano, 16, of village Ramagaon of Kotdwar Tehsil was buried under the debris when one of the walls of her house collapsed. Pauri district magistrate Sushil Kumar has left for Kotdwar to oversee rescue work.

People rescued in Haldwani

On Friday morning, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the police rescued 19 people stuck at the banks of the swollen Nandhauri river near Chorgaliya. These people from Amkheda village had gone for a cremation on the banks of the nearby Kailash river.

At that time, the water level was low in the Nandhaur river, but it went up menacingly. The group was forced to remain on the river bank even as darkness crept in.

Nainital district magistrate Deependra Chaudhary decided not to take any risk in the dark and strong water currents. It was only after the water level came down around 3 AM that the SDRF and the police used a raft and ropes to rescue the stranded group. Nainital SSP Janmejay Khanduri said rescue teams waited for the water level to go down as there could have been serious problems in the swift currents .

Kumaon region also received heavy rains. Two bike borne men were killed in Pithoragarh when a boulder fell on their two-wheeler.

(With inputs from Arvind Moudgil in Pauri and Abhinav Madhwal in Haldwani)
Amid the prevailing tension between India and Pakistan, humanity once again came to the rescue of a Pakistani child who was recently treated at a Noida hospital for a heart ailment.

Three-year-old Mohammad Bilal underwent a surgery for a congenital heart disease in July. He was discharged last week and he flew back with his family to his home in Lahore.

Bilals father Mohammad Azhar (38) thanked the Indian government and the doctors at Jaypee Hospital in Noida sector 128 who saved his sons life.

I am really happy I took a call to visit India for my childs treatment. I used to have sleepless nights thinking about my baby. I am really thankful to doctors who have given a second life to Bilal, said Azhar.

Due to the tension between the two neighbours, acquiring a visa for Pakistani citizens to travel to India had become difficult. But the Indian government had been soft on toddlers who require immediate medical attention.

Bilals surgery comes on the heels of another successful operation of a four-month-old from Lahore -- Rohaan -- who had multiple holes in his heart and was suffering from pneumonia. Rohaans parents had difficulty getting a medical visa to India. But external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj intervened after which the Lahore-based family could come to India.

According to doctors, Bilal was suffering from a heart condition called UHLs anomaly, which causes improper flow of blood in the heart.

There are two chambers on both sides of the human heart, which are of the same size. But in Bilals case, the muscles of his right chamber became weak and got enlarged. Due to this, pressure was built up on the left chamber. As a result, the childs heart was not functioning properly and the pumped blood was unable to reach the childs lungs, said Dr Rajesh Sharma, director, paediatric cardiac surgery.

Sharma said Bilal was treated in a five-hour operation that required precision and perseverance.

This disease was treated with the Fontan procedure and right ventricle exclusion from circulation method. Under this procedure, the entire blue blood of the childs body was pumped directly into his lungs through a tube and the right chamber of the heart is removed. The surgery took about 5 hours.

Due to prolonged illness, Bilal had become weak and was kept on ventilator for four days after the surgery.
Two men, who had planned the kidnapping of a Delhi doctor last month, were arrested by a joint team of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh police on Friday.

The men, both siblings, were arrested after a brief shoot-out in the wee hours of Friday at a village in Meerut. Police said one of the men Sushil, the alleged main conspirator who had taken the job of a driver with Ola, had kidnapped the doctor. Four other men involved in the kidnapping were earlier arrested by the police. Their interrogation led police to Sushil.

The two were part of the gang that kidnapped the Metro hospital doctor, A Srikanth Goud, by posing as an Ola cab driver and keeping him in captivity for at least 14 days until his rescue by the joint police team last month. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of Rs 4 crore from Ola and threatened to kill the doctor if they informed police or failed to pay the money.

The arrested duo confessed that they were confident of receiving the ransom and believed that Ola would ensure their companys image is not tarnished. Sushil had also used forged license, bank paper and other identity cars to get a job in Ola.

On July 6, the doctor was kidnapped while returning to his East Delhi home in a cab. Sushil and Anuj are both residents of Daurala in Meerut.

DCP (east) Omvir Singh said that after Gouds rescue on July 19, police were tracing the whereabouts of all the men who were involved in the kidnapping.

On Thursday, a tip-off was received about the main accused persons near Meerut, Roorkee and Muzaffarnagar. At around 5.30-5:45am, a police team spotted the two accused near Nangli Gate. Sensing police presence, both the accused opened fire at the cops from country made pistols of .315 bore, said DCP Singh.

DCP Singh said that the police team ducked and managed to evade being shot fortunately. The two were later overpowered by the police team, while they were trying to load a their pistols.

The police team, which rescued Goud, had posed as representatives of Ola and negotiated with the kidnappers. Until his rescue on July 19, Goud was held captive in places such as Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Baghpat, Hapur, Meerut, Bijnor, Muzzafarnagar and Haridwar.

Sushil and his gang members also took photographs and videos of the doctor begging for water and sent them to his family to scare them into paying up quickly.

While in hiding, the gang had posed as kanwariyas, so ensure that nobody suspected them.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned the governments of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on Friday that it would stop salaries of government officials if the authorities fail to come up with an action plan to prevent stubble burning, which triggers heavy pollution in Delhi-NCR, within a week.

This is your final and last opportunity. If within a week you dont come up with an action plan on how to prevent stubble burning in at least one district in your state, we would be compelled to attach your treasury and bank account. You wont get salary, a bench comprising NGT chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar said on Friday.

The NGT had in November 2015 banned crop residue burning in five states  Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The Delhi High Court had also directed the states to ensure the ban is enforced.

But after NASA imageries cited fresh cases of stubble burning in May, the NGT directed the state to come up with action plans on how to prevent the menace.

We cannot subject everybody to ill-health just because you dont work. You had more than one year to implement it. This is the fourth time we are telling you to come up with action plan, the bench observed.

Pollution levels in Delhi shoot up in September-October primarily because of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.

The NGT on Friday directed the state governments to come up with an action plan for at least one district with the name of an officer who could be held accountable.

The plan should contain the name of one district officer who would implement the plan, what is to be done with the stubble, how much compensation would the farmers receive, who would procure the stubble and what would be done with stubble.

Which farmer would not accept money and give away the stubbles if he knows that burning of stubbles would not just harm his child but also the soil. Did you tell the farmers that the emissions could kill their children? the bench asked when the counsel appearing on behalf of Punjab government claimed that awareness camps have been organised.
Forty-two months after his family members declared him dead and obtained his death certificate from municipal office in Haryanas Jhajjar, a 31-year-old man was arrested on Thursday by the Delhi Police crime branch for allegedly being part of an organised cheating syndicate involved in duping insurance companies.

Senior police officers said the arrested man, Dinesh Gupta, declared himself dead on papers to claim an insurance claim of Rs 30 lakh against a term insurance policy he had taken from a leading private insurance company in 2014.

An application seeking death benefits to the beneficiaries of the insured person, in this case it was Gupta, was already moved to the insurance company.

But before the insured money and other benefits could be provided to the family members of Gupta, an assistant sub-inspector in crime branch was tipped off about this conspiracy and Gupta was arrested after the information was found true. Gupta was into the business of manufacturing handcrafted Rakhis.

Investigators said Gupta had been living in Delhi itself, but at a different residential address, ever since he was declared dead due to Tuberculosis in February 2014. He was leading a normal life and pursuing his case with the insurance company through his family members and other racketeers of the syndicate.

Delhi Police crime branch teams are now looking for the kingpin and other members of the racket that has been active in Delhi-NCR for the past few years. The alleged gang has duped several private insurance companies to the tune of crores of rupees. The racketeers used to claim the insurance money and other benefits after submitting the death certificates and other requisite documents related to the insured persons.

Madhur Verma, deputy commissioner of police (crime), said Gupta has revealed the names of the mastermind of the racket and his other partners in the crime.

Our teams are conducting raids in Delhi-NCR to nab the other accused. We are close to busting the entire syndicate, he said, adding they have identified some more cheating cases in which this racket was involved. The syndicate was being operated from commercial space in east Delhis Laxmi Nagar.

About the modus operandi, an investigator said that the members of the syndicate roam around hospitals impersonating themselves as insurance company agents. The agents target family members of patients admitted to the hospitals in critical condition.

They first strike a conversation with the patients relative by asking them if the patient is covered under any life or medical insurance policy. After convincing the relative about the benefits of an insurance policy, the racketeer would ask the person to open an insurance policy for himself.

If the person refuses, the racketeer would entice him with their plan wherein insurance claims and other benefits can be claimed from the insurance company by submitting a fake death certificate and other documents of the insured person, the officer said.

In the deal, the person is promised half the share of the claimed insurance amount. The racketeers promise to take care of all the investments and efforts made to obtain the insurance claim.

Investigators said that they will probe the role of the staff in Jhajjars municipal office from where Guptas death certificate was issued. We will question the municipal office staff to know how and under what circumstances Guptas death certificate was prepared and issued even when he was very much alive, the officer added.
Concerned over the rise in alleged braid-chopping cases over the past few days, UP police has issued an advisory asking residents immediately inform the police about such incidents and not to take the law into their own hands.

Anand Kumar, additional director general (law & order), said there was no organised gang behind these incidents and these were all just rumours.

These (braid-chopping) rumours are being spread by anti-social elements. In the event of any incident such as the one that took place in Agra (an elderly Dalit woman being allegedly lynched over rumours), police will take strict legal action. Apart from this, people are being apprised through communication, Kumar told reporters.

The police have asked rural committees, peace committees and special police officers to engage citizens and spread awareness. They have asked the district officials to denounce such messages and engage citizens on social media against such rumours.

The ADG directed officials at the district level, police stations and police posts to hold meetings and engage youth and digital volunteers to take up campaigns against such rumours.

In Agra, a 60-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly lynched two days ago after villagers thought she was out to cut the hair of sleeping women.

During the past fortnight there have been number of alleged cases that have come to light in Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, UP and Madhya Pradesh, primarily in rural segments.

Such rumours have come to light earlier too. These are spread by some anti-social elements to highlight the deteriorating law and order and cause fear among people, especially those who live in rural areas and belong to lower strata of the society. In some cases, such rumours are also spread by people engaged in occult practices to instill a fear among the illiterate masses, said Rajendra Tyagi, a veteran councillor.

In Ghaziabad too, at least three incidents have been reported from Loni town, involving a 24-year-old woman, a 34-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl.

Two other teenaged girls also reported their hair being chopped off at Misalgarhi under Masuri police station area. One incident was also reported from Acheja village in Greater Noida after the tresses of an 18- year-old woman were found chopped off early Thursday morning.

We have asked officials to create awareness among people and to subvert spread of such rumors. Our personnel will hold meetings with masses and make them aware about staying away from such rumors, said HN Singh, senior superintendent of police, Ghaziabad.

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Slamming the Jawaharlal Nehru University authorities request for a tank and the building of a war gallery on campus, retired JNU professor and Sahitya Akademi Award winner Chaman Lal likened the universitys vice chancellor to Hitler and Mussolini.

The war gallery is a blot on JNU. No university anywhere in the world has a war gallery. Not even Pakistan. They have peace galleries... A war gallery can only be the idea of someone like Hitler, Mussolini or our V-C. No educated person would come up with this, said Lal.

He was addressing a public meeting organised by the JNU students union on Friday where speakers, including former JNU faculty member and historian Harbans Mukhia, economist Prabhat Patnaik and ex-student and journalist Urmilesh spoke on The idea of a university: democracy, resistance and future challenges.

Lal went on to allege that the authorities were using tanks to attack ideologies.

JNU is a symbol of thought, and they want to crush it... They are trying to fight thoughts and ideas with tanks. Thoughts can only be fought with other thoughts. If you bring swords to this, it shows that your thought doesnt have merit, he said.

Patnaik said, It is a very depressing experience coming to universities these days and seeing the animosity between the students and the administration to the point that one cannot hold meetings here...The attempt to import vigilantism and lumpenism that we see outside is not acceptable.

Lal also alleged that both Patnaik and himself have received emails from the registrars office asking them to not participate in the meeting.

We were also served hard copies of the order while we were seated for the meeting, he told HT.

In what was termed as further attempts to impede the meeting, the lights outside the administrative block, where the meeting was held, were also switched off, leaving the students and speakers to interact in the darkness after sunset.

Discussions and public meetings have been a part of JNU since probably its foundation... (The switching off of the lights) is the maximum they can do. This just shows the pettiness of their minds, said Mukhia.

Questioning is essential to the advancement of knowledge, not just of others but yourself and that is the role assigned by society to university, especially in an environment when we are told that questioning is unpatriotic, said Mukhia

Terming the switching off of the lights as an attempt to silence the meeting, Urmilesh also alleged that there was an attempt to destroy JNU as we know it.

The administration is in coalition with the government, and they are trying to destroy the university, he said.

Echoing Urmilesh and others, Lal also suggested that the students form a Save JNU Committee soon, as it was once considered one of the model universities in India alongwith the University of Hyderabad and it was now under threat. You will need it. Get previous presidents of the JNUSU, like Prakash Karat (and others) involved, so that your voices resonate through the Parliament too.

HTs attempts to contact the JNU V-C went unanswered.
Twentieth century German poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht had asked, In the dark times, will there also be singing? Answering his own question, he went on to say, Yes, there will also be singing. About the dark times.

This was the slogan that rang through the poetry procession organized by members of the All India Students Association (AISA), at the Delhi University on Friday. Some 100 odd students, associated with the left wing students association took out a march, with the theme Harmony Shall Win, through campus visiting Ramjas College, Hindu College and Kirori Mal College, protesting against the allegedly growing number of violent incidents on campus.

At Ramjas College, some students protested the march being taken to the college grounds. Slogans of AISA campus chodo and Deshdrohi naare lagane walon, wapas jao were heard here.

Kawalpreet Kaur, the DU head of AISA, alleged that the students were members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and that they had been expecting such a reaction. Everybody has a right to protest. They do too. We are just glad they did not pelt stones at us this time, she said.

Saket Bahuguna, the ABVP spokesperson, however, said the resisting students were not ABVP members, but more probably Ramjas students. There is a tension within the student community there. The name of Ramjas College was maligned in their centennial year by left wing students. Of course, there may be some resentment towards them because of that, he said.

Clashes had broken out between members of the two parties at Ramjas College earlier this year.

At Hindu College too, the students were not allowed to enter the premises, and instead they registered their protest by singing songs and reading poetry outside the college gates.

Hindu College principal Anju Srivastav, however, said she had been busy at the time, and was not even aware of the protest at the college gates or that they were denied entry.

We wanted to break the silence, that is borne out of fear amongst many. In the light of what has happened in Ramjas, SRCC, and other DU colleges, we wanted to convey a message that violence on campus cannot be normalized, said Kaur speaking of the inspiration behind the protest.

Students from different DU colleges came out in solidarity with the protest, armed with banners, hand drums, and poetry to protect democratic spaces on and off campuses.

Aameen, a second year History Honours student at SGTB Khalsa college, probably summed up the sentiments of the protesters in his poem that he performed during the protest.

Bharat Mata ko sawaalon se khatra nahin hain. Bharat Mata ko khamoshi se khatra hain... Virodh Bharat Mata ke khilaaf nahin hain. Virodh Bharat Mata ke dalalo ke khilaaf hain.

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A young Delhi University student received 38 stitches on her waist after she was attacked with a sharp object by an unidentified youth in north Delhis Timarpur on Thursday afternoon.

Jatin Narwal, DCP (north), said initial suspicion that a stalker could be behind the attack was ruled out after the probe that involved speaking to the victim in detail. It appears to be the work of a thief who may have tried to slash her bag to rob it, said the officer.

The 18-year-old woman told Hindustan Times that she remembered seeing the suspect with some other youths in her neighbourhood twice or thrice in the last few days but his activities never aroused suspicion.

The woman lives with her parents in north Delhis Timarpur and is a first year student at DUs Zakir Hussain Delhi College. On her way to college around 3 pm, the woman was walking along a lake in Nehru Vihar when the attack happened.

A youth in his early 20s approached me from behind and attacked my waist with a sharp object. He ran away immediately after that, the woman said. On seeing her bleed, some passersby called the police. But when a team reached the spot, the woman had already been moved to a hospital.

I received a long cut on my waist and was given 38 stitches. But now I am recovering, said the woman who has returned home from the hospital. Police said the wound appeared to be inflicted by a blade.

The DCP used the description of the weapon to assess that the most likely sequence of events was that the suspect was trying to cut the bag the woman was carrying but ended up missing the mark and injuring the victim. We have string clues about his identity and hope to arrest him soon, Narwal said.
Humanity is creating a post-natural future for itself, but giving only minimal thought to what that will mean. A joint team of United States, Chinese and Korean scientists this week succeeded in repairing a genetic mutation in dozens of human embryos. If these embryos had normally become babies, they would have been born with a genetic heart ailment. After the genetic editing done by the scientists, the resulting babies would have not only been free of this heart problem it would also no longer exist in their descendants. This work builds on earlier, less sophisticated, work done in other countries like China. These embryos were not allowed to become babies and much more experimentation, including clinical trials, will be required before a gene edited baby is be allowed to crawl the earth.

However, it is now clear that gene edited humans are probably only a generation away. The medical benefits of such technology are obvious. Over 30,000 single and multiple gene disorders could be eliminated forever. Many diseases like diabetes and cancer which are partly genetic in background would be easier to prevent. But this only scratches the surface. The human genome is the physical blueprint of a person and helps determine, among other things, intelligence, height, external features like skin and eye colour, and possibly longevity. Mankind is now on the verge of being able to predetermine these at the embryonic level.

Strangely, though this technology is now several years old and accelerating rapidly, there has been little or no attempt to begin a social or political debate about its future. The United Nations General Assembly and various international fora have sought to create a framework for genetic technology and its applications. These have all failed largely because of the total apathy among the governments concerned. Scientists have been holding regular meetings on the issue, but have found little public interest in their actions.

India is not at the forefront of this science but it could take the lead in starting an international discussion about access to gene editing technology. Domestically, the government should consider asking Indian scientists to both develop capabilities in this field and consider how it can benefit Indians medically but in an economically inclusive manner. The genetic era is on us and requires us to look well beyond our present concerns.
Come August 9 and you will be able to order NCERT books online, just as in Flipkart or Amazon, and get it by post.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is launching a portal that will allow parents and schools across the country to place textbook orders directly with the body.

The move will help parents save money spent on sourcing expensive books from private publishers, often due to non-availability of the NCERT books.

Sources said the NCERT is also exploring the option of having Flipkart and Amazon host its books and deliver them too, to streamline the process further. Talks are on and a final decision will be taken soon, said a source.

E-commerce sites, which deliver general books free of cost, levy steep delivery charges on NCERT books.

HT had first reported about the NCERT online portal on June 11.

The portal will be launched on August 9 and schools as well as individuals will be able to place order for books online and it will be delivered to them, NCERT director Hrushikesh Senapathy told HT.

The portal will have tracking of deliver and online payment facilities for individuals.

Schools can place the order first and pay later. They will have the option of getting the books delivered through authorised vendors or collect it from authorised centres.

We are hoping that schools will give us the estimate of the number of books that are required for next year so that they are available much before time, said a senior HRD official.

Sources said schools will be given at least a months time to upload their requirement.

NCERT publishes 364 textbook titles in Hindi, English and Urdu annually. It prints books are delivered through 680 authorised vendors across the country. Officials said they are increasing the number of vendors and printers too.

Sources said approximately 42.5 million books are used by CBSE affiliated schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, and the number could go up to 130 million.

The portal will also help NCERT assess the total number of books it needs to publish.

Parents have in the past complained to the human resource development (HRD) ministry about schools forcing expensive books on them.

The price of private publishers books, often recommended by schools due to the shortage of NCERT books, is four to five times higher than the NCERT textbooks officials said.

Officials also said that so far NCERT used to do the exercise on its own rather than ask schools to provide them the information.

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An alleged leopard sighting triggered panic among residents of Manesar on Friday. Villagers claimed that they saw a leopard crossing the Gurgaon-Manesar road in the early morning hours.

The wildlife department was informed about the incident, after which a team was sent to the location to investigate the matter. Some passersby had spotted a leopard crossing the road, officials were told.

Our team inspected the area and found no pug marks. However, we cannot rule out the presence of a leopard in the region as earlier too, there were instances of wildlife sighting in the area, said Shyam Sunder Kaushik, divisional forest officer, Gurgaon.

In September, 2008, a three-year-old male leopard, crossing NH-48 near Manesar village, was killed in road accident.

In February 2009, a leopard and her two cubs were injured by a speeding vehicle on NH-48 near Manesar. Similarly, in November 2014, a twelve-year-old male leopard was killed in a road accident in Manesar.

All of these cases were reported from the same area and the wildlife department act swiftly on any report of leopard sighting.

On November 24, a two-and-half-year-old male leopard was beaten to death by villagers of Mandawar after it strayed into the village, 40 km from Gurgaon.

Wildlife officials who reached the spot were not equipped to tranquillise or capture the animal.

Spotting a leopard is a good sign for wildlife. The area needs protection and a wildlife corridor. The government is yet to decide on a proposal to build such a corridor, said Vivek Kamboj, environmentalist.

The proposal for radio collaring leopards in the region is also on hold. We submitted the proposal last year but the government is yet to approve it, said MD Sinha, conservator of forest, South Haryana.

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In the wake of four swine flu cases being reported from the city on Friday, doctors have advised people to take home-made precautions to avoid contracting the disease.

Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 flu, is highly contagious and many deaths have been reported in the region from the virus recently.

Doctors said that swine flu virus is transmitted from pigs to human beings. To avoid spreading of the virus, doctors have asked people to wash their hands regularly and to avoid eating and drinking food from outside.

People can take remedies and precaution that same as they do for a normal flu. They should avoid crowded places. After remaining dormant for two years, the virus has resurfaced in the city. The disease makes a comeback when it has the required atmosphere to flourish, said Dr BK Rajora, chief medical officer, Civil Hospital, Gurgaon.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Dr Ram Prakash, in-charge of the epidemic department, Civil Hospital, said, Residents can take tulsi (holy basil) leaves, garlic cloves and milk with turmeric to boost their immunity. The disease usually starts with a cold and cough. So people should take the usual home remedies, which they take for the common cold.

Doctors have advised residents to cover their mouth and nose while sneezing. Doctors said, normally, the virus makes an appearance between October and December. However, a large outbreak of swine flu occurs when the virus mutates, changing its genetic pattern.

Also read: Gurgaon: Hospitals on alert after suspected swine flu cases reported

Dr Rajesh Kumar, senior consultant, internal medicine, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, said, This year, we are witnessing more instances of swine flu cases four cases have already been reported from our hospital. Children below two years, people above 65 years, pregnant women, patients suffering from diabetes, cancer, renal failure, heart conditions and immune compromised failure need special care and urgent treatment for suspected swine flu infection.

India had 8,648 cases and 345 swine flu deaths till May 7 this year, compared to 1,786 cases and 265 deaths in 2016, reveals data from the ministry of health and family welfare.

Tamil Nadu alone recorded 2,798 cases till May 7, which is more than the total tally of 2016.

Maharashtra has the highest death toll, with 181 people succumbing to H1N1 complications till May 7.

India witnessed worst outbreak of the Swine flu, renamed the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus by the World Health Organistion (WHO), in the pandemic years of 2009-10 when the disease affected close to 50,000 people and killed more than 2,700 across the country.

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Private hospitals in India are recording a quantum jump in caesarian or C-section deliveries, triggering fears of commercial exploitation of the surgery that the World Health Organization recommends only for emergencies.

Union health minister JP Nadda said in the Lok Sabha on Friday that during 2016-17 one in two babies were delivered through the C-section in private hospitals that has signed up with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

Of 31,296 deliveries since last year, 17,450 were C-section. That means 55.75% of newborns were surgically brought to this world from their mothers womb.

The recent data reflect a grim trend. We know the numbers are high but it is a multi-factorial problem. We were looking at the global scenario and realised that the numbers are quite high in developed countries, said Dinesh Chandra Joshi, the director of CGHS in the health ministry.

The figures dont mirror the entire picture as many private hospitals are not bound contractually with the scheme, which provides medical care to central government employees, pensioners and their dependents.

The available data put Chandigarh as the caesarian hotspot with 98.35% surgical deliveries in the past year. It is followed by Kanpur and Nagpur with 75.98% and 71.84%.

New Delhi ranks fifth with 67.83% C-section deliveries.

In the past decade, C-section deliveries in private hospitals spiraled from 27.7% in 2005-06 to 40.9% in 2015-16, the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 shows.

But government hospitals account for 11.9%, which is within the WHO guideline.

The WHO says C-sections should not be more than 10% to 15% of total deliveries and must be performed only in emergency cases.

According to Joshi, the rich and affluent are said to prefer surgery as such deliveries can be planned and they save time and cut labour pain.

But there is also a prominent commercial angle to the problem. It is more profitable to have a C-section done than to perform a normal delivery, the CGHS director said.

Gynaecologists in private hospitals denied turning C-section into a business.

I would say 20% of pregnant women requested for a surgery because they wanted the delivery to happen on a particular date and time, said Anuradha Kapur, the head of obstetrics and gynaecology in south Delhis Max Hospital.

In fact, mothers request is seen as the fifth common indication for caesarean section after foetal distress, non-progressive labour, excessive bleeding and the baby having pooped inside.

The citys Moolchand Hospital charges the same amount for both types of deliveries, according to Bandana Sodhi, the senior consultant with its department of gynaecology and obstetrics.

So the question of doing caesareans to inflate bills doesnt arise, she said.

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As many as 16 MPs cast invalid vote in a dummy poll that the BJP organised for the parliamentarians ahead of tomorrow vote for the post of Vice President. NDAs M Venkaiah Naidu is pitted against UPAs Gopal Krishna Gandhi for the post of Vice President.

The BJP had organised the dummy vote on Friday to avoid a repeat of July 17 presidential election, wherein 21 MPs had cast invalid votes. Before the dummy vote, BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav had briefed MPs on the procedure and method of voting.

An angry BJP chief Amit Shah asked MPs not to repeat the mistake and cast their vote properly.

Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the NDA MPs, saying it was for the first time in countrys history that president, Vice President and lok Sabha speaker come from the same family. PM Modi also asked them to work towards restoring the dignity of Indian parliament.

Congress was always like an umbrella organisation representing different (ideological) families, Modi told a meeting of NDA MPs here on Friday. We are different. We represent the same family.

Modi asked MPs to be mindful of their conduct and approach towards people holding constitutional office. The way behaviour of a daughter changes the moment she becomes daughter in law, we have to be mindful how we conduct ourselves, Modi said. In a lighter vein, he quipped that NDAs vice presidential candidate Venkaiah Naidu was already behaving like a daughter in law.

The PM said that dignity of the upper house should be restored, as the constituent assembly had envisaged a greater and more responsible role for the Rajya Sabha.

Unlike the presidential election, which involves a complex voting methodology with votes having different values, the vice president is elected only by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha MPs.

The electoral college for the vice presidential election comprises 790 members. The BJP is confident of the support of the NDA allies, whose total strength in the two houses stands at 422. Some other parties outside the NDA, such as the AIADMK and the YSR Congress, too have pledged support and the BJP leaders expect that Venkaiahs final tally may cross 500 votes. The AIADMK, the TRS and the YSRCP have together 50 and 17 MPs in the two respective Houses.

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Its been a month since the communal flare-up in Basirhat, and the local administration is doing its best to bridge the trust deficit that led to the violent showdown between its Hindu and Muslim communities.

For a start, it plans to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day with greater fervour than ever before.

The Basirhat civic body has joined hands with local MLA Dipendu Biswas to put up a number of banners urging residents to celebrate Raksha Bandhan as an occasion of communal harmony on August 7.

The Basirhat municipality has always celebrated Raksha Bandhan, but this time it will be a big event focusing on localities with a mixed population. I will organise a similar event as well, said Biswas.

Local Muslim leaders will also celebrate Independence Day with much fanfare to promote love for the nation among community members.

A man was killed and properties worth lakhs were either burnt or vandalised between July 2 and 5, after a Class 11 student put up a blasphemous Facebook post. The violence originated in Baduria, and soon spread to Basirhat. Muslims constitute over 65% of the population in both the places.

Things are normal now, but we all know how destructive the clashes were. This is why local officials, politicians and community leaders are working together to ensure that neither Muslims nor Hindus resort to violence even when there are provocations, said Abu Ishaq Ghazi, a Congress councillor from the Basirhat municipality.

Forces deployed in Basirhat after violence in the area in July. (Samir Jana/HT file)

On July 29, over 200 Muslim leaders gathered at the residence of Pirzada Sarful Amin  a local community head  for charting ways to prevent such flare-ups in the future. It was decided at the meeting that if community leaders were to learn about any troubling matter, they should take it to administrative officials instead of the easily angered public.

A meeting of local Hindu priests and religious leaders has also been planned.

However, despite his optimistic outlook, Baduria civic chief Tushar Singha has not been able to dispel apprehensions of the upcoming Eid, Durga Puja and Muharram festivals turning restive.

The mutual trust we Hindus and Muslims once enjoyed has taken a beating. Restoring it will not be easy, especially since tell-tale signs of the clashes are still visible. The damaged shutters of shops and broken windowpanes around us constantly remind us of what happened last month, said Abdul Matin, head of the All India Sunnat al Jamaat. The administration must ensure the involvement of both the communities in restoring the damaged property and issuing compensation, he added.

Tarun Mukherjee, who owns a grocery store in Basirhat, believes the damage is not as physical as its psychological.

Things may look alright from the outside, but the people who faced violence during the riots still harbour many grievances against members of the other community, he told HT. Rebuilding mutual trust may take time, but the government can help heal some of the wounds by compensating those affected by the violence.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China to attend a BRICS summit early September, with the possibility of an ongoing military standoff between the Asian giants overshadowing the crucial meeting of the five-nation grouping.

The meeting of the heads of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) also comes against the backdrop of a slide in ties between the two countries  mainly over the Communist nation blocking Indias entry into the nuclear suppliers group, Beijings continued refusal to tag Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a terrorist and New Delhi boycotting President Xi Jingpings signature One Belt One Road project (OBOR).

The standoff at Doklam, at the India-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction, has already entered the second month, the longest face-off between the neighbours who are used to border skirmishes.

The last time Modi and Xi met, at Astana in June on the sidelines of a multi-lateral summit, they had agreed not to let differences become disputes. But as they meet again, the two leaders will need more than a reiteration of this turn of phrase to take the ties back on track.

Though both countries are engaged in negotiations, none is putting a deadline to sort out the dispute at Doklam, which erupted on June 16 after China accused Indian troops of entering its territory.

Also there is no indication from China whether it would support Indias bid to bring Azhar under the United Nations sanctions list, something the NDA government gives top priority to and egging China on for long.

We will keep patience to resolve the (Doklam) issue. We will keep engaging with China to resolve the dispute, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, a day after Beijing issued a 15-page document which it termed a fact sheet of the face-off.

Though the Chinese statement was a firm and forceful reiteration of what Bejing has been saying, it gives space for finding a solution through talks. But the lessons from the standoff show why Modi would have to look at a new template in dealing with China.

Firstly, China has been more assertive over Doklam standoff than they had been in recent times. Second, and more importantly, Beijing has challenged Indias special relationship with Bhutan.

For New Delhi, the dispute is on Bhutan territory and Indian troops went in under an understanding with the Himalayan kingdom, to stop China from constructing a road. That is the reason for Indias measured statements compared to the shrill rhetoric from China  from withdraw troops and talk to veiled threats of a war.

The Chinese notably didnt take note of an argument India made as to why it is concerned about the standoff. Under a 2012 understanding between India and China on border issues, changing the status quo of tri-junctions require consent of third countries involved. In this case, the third country is Bhutan and what bolsters the Indian argument is that Bhutan lodged a diplomatic protest with China.

Instead, China has quoted liberally from the 1890 treaty between Great Britain and China to buttress its claim. The Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday mentioned a non-paper provided by the Indian side during a meeting of the special representatives on the boundary issue on May 10, 2006. According to Beijing, the two sides had agreed to the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector under the 1890 treaty.

At the heart of this entire standoff is Beijing challenging Indias special relationship with Bhutan. A Chinese foreign ministry statement on Thursday puts emphasis that Beijing and Thimphu conducted joint surveys in the border area and have reached a basic consensus on the actual state of the border area and the alignment of their boundary.

Which, in other words, mean they are close to actual delimitation of the border, a result of 24-rounds of China-Bhutan boundary talks.

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 Chinese foreign ministry said.

That is opening another front, a sensitive one for India. After an initial protest, Bhutan hasnt made any statement on the standoff. And any move to alter Indo-Bhutan ties would be of great challenge to New Delhi.
A Samajwadi Party lawmaker of the Uttar Pradesh legislative council quit on Friday and became the fourth opposition member from the upper house to join the ruling BJP within a fortnight.

Sarojini Agarwal is the third SP MLC to quit the legislative council since July 29 when two others resigned citing differences with the party leadership.

A Bahujan Samaj Patry (BSP) member also quit the same day, when BJP president Amit Shah was in Lucknow for a party programme.

All three joined the BJP within a couple of days.

Sarojini Agarwal, whose tenure was due to end in 2022, said decided to quit as Mulayam Singh Yadav, the founder of SP was no longer in the organisation, hinting she was unhappy with former chief minister minister Akhilesh Yadav, who is leading the party. She also hinted at joining the BJP, which stormed to power this year.

Agarwals resignation created one more vacancy needed for chief minister Yogi Adityanath and four of his ministers to become members of either houses of UPs bicameral legislature.

Yogi and his four ministers have less than two months for this but they can become MLCs without contesting elections.

Previous chief ministers Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati had opted for this route to enter the upper house.

There are four vacancies in the upper house, the Vidhan Parishad.

Besides Adityanath, the other ministers inlcude deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma and two ministers, Swatantra Dev Singh and Mohsin Raza.

Adityanath is an MP from Gorakhpur.

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Bollywood superstar Salman Khan appeared in a local court in Rajasthans Jodhpur on Friday in connection with an 18-year-old case in which he was charged with possessing and using unlicensed weapons and was acquitted in January this year.

Khan furnished a bail bond of Rs 20,000 with the additional district and session court, which on April 21 ordered him to appear for personal verification.

Chief judicial magistrate Dalpat Singh Rajpurohit acquitted the 51-year-old actor on January 18, saying the prosecution had failed to prove the charges against him. The Rajasthan government appealed to the district and session court against the Tiger actors acquittal in March.

Khans counsel Hastimal Saraswat said after the appeal of the state government, they presented the bail bond.

The next date of hearing in the case has been fixed for October 5.

The police filed the case against the actor in October 1998 for possessing and using unlicensed .22 rifle and .32 US-made revolver and using them for allegedly poaching two black bucks in Jodhpurs Kankani village earlier that year. He was shooting for Sooraj Barjatyas Hum Saath Saath Hain.

The Rajasthan high court in July last year acquitted him in the case pertaining to the poaching of two chinkaras. The blackbuck case is in the final stages of the trial.
A Bengaluru-based software developer was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly accessing the Aadhaar database through a mobile application he had developed, city police commissioner T Suneel Kumar told mediapersons on Thursday.

A snapshot of the press release issued by the Bengaluru police. (HT photo)

Abhinav Shrivastav (31), an alumnus of IIT-Kharagpur, hails from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The app used for the alleged cybercrime was identified as Aadhaar E-KYC Verification, downloadable on Google Play. It was deactivated last month.

Police said that the techie, whose start-up Qarth Technologies was bought by Ola, had accessed the Aadhaar database through the e-Hospital application of the National Informatics Centre  an authentication user agency. The Unique Identification Authority of India had filed a complaint accusing Shrivastav of illegally accessing the Aadhaar database on June 26.

The cyber crime police said Shrivastav has developed five mobile phone applications, including the one under investigation, until now. The Aadhaar E-KYC Verification app was downloaded 50,000 times, and the accused had made Rs 40,000 through ad revenue.

A computer CPU, four laptops, four mobile phones, six pen drives and other items worth Rs 2.25 lakh were seized from Shrivastavs possession.

Police are also investigating the role of potential insiders in the case.

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The Bihar government is planning to move the Supreme Court against the acquittal by the Patna high court of Kameshwar Yadav, earlier sentenced to serve a life term after being convicted for his alleged role in the 1989 communal riots that claimed over 1,000 lives in Bihars Bhagalpur district.

The Patna high court had acquitted Yadav on June 29 after he served10 years of his life imprisonment. The bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Singh observed in its 39 page judgment that there was no concrete evidence in the police investigation that proved the involvement of Yadav in the riots.

On July 4, 2017 Yadav walked free.

According to highly placed sources, senior officials from Bhagalpur are already camping in Delhi to prepare a statement of facts for filing the appeal in the apex court.

Bhagalpur Kotwali police station case (no. 83/90), in which Yadav was convicted in 2007, was one of the 27 riot cases in which the accused had earlier escaped conviction for want of evidence over 27-years ago. He could be convicted only because these cases were reopened by the Nitish Kumar government in 2006.

On November 28, 2007, the court of ADJ-VII Shambhu Nath Mishra, awarded Kameshwar life term under Section 364/149 (abduction for the purpose of murder), seven years' imprisonment under Section 201 (tampering with evidence) and three years' jail each under Section 148 (possessing lethal weapons) of the IPC and 27 Arms Act.

The then special public prosecutor Mohammad Salauddin had said that Yadav was the lone accused in the case lodged by Bibi Waleema, who accused him of killing her son, Mohammad Munna.

Later, in 2009, another court , that of ADJ Arvind Madhav, found Yadav guilty of shooting dead Mohammad Qayyum, a shopkeeper, and sentenced him. Yadav was charged with firing upon Qayyum while leading a mob of rioters, on October 24, 1989.

According to sources Yadav had appealed against the judgment of conviction and order of sentence, which was passed by the trial judges against him in 2007 and 2009. The double bench of Justice Dharnidhar Jha and Ahsanuddin Amanullah on September 3, 2015, however, came out with a split verdict.

Yadavs counsel Subodh Kumar Jha told HT that following the split verdict, the then chief justice of Patna high court had referred the matter to another judge,Justice Ashwani Kumar Singh, who passed the acquittal order on June 29 this year.

Jha said Justice Singh noted in his order that Yadav has been made accused on February 7, 1990 after four months of the incident.

According to Jha, one of the informant Mohammad Nasiruddin suspected that the rioters had disposed of the dead body of his son Mohammad Qayyum. He further stated that he had identified at least 10 persons by their face, but did not know their names and knew this appellant only from before because he was a resident of his village and was also a notorious fellow of the locality.

Jha further stated that Yadav a resident of Parbatti in Bhagalpur lost his wife Geeta Yadav (2004) and his son Sanjay Yadav (2002)

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If you thought parliamentary proceedings are as dull as ditchwater, you are wrong. Things are bound to get exciting when one has nearly 800 politicians hobnobbing  and, at times, squabbling  under the same roof. Four snippets that give you glimpse of whats life like for elected representatives of the worlds largest democracy.

Whipped but amused

The three-line whips issued on Thursday by the Congress and the BJP, making it compulsory for lawmakers to attend the short-duration discussion on foreign policy, have left them both perplexed and amused. Whips are usually issued to ensure the passage of important bills  or, in the Oppositions case, obstruct them  besides other important occasions. As a short-duration discussion does not come under any of these categories, members of both the parties were left scratching their heads. The BJPs whip comes in the backdrop of the governments loss of face in the Rajya Sabha earlier this week, when the Opposition forced an amendment in a bill concerning the backward commission because 17 BJP MPs and ministers absented themselves from the House. As it is, both parties want to ensure enough vocal strength in the event of a showdown on issues such as the Doklam standoff.

Yogi: Still a man of the house

As Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath is yet to tender his resignation, he continues to represent the BJP from Gorakhpur in Parliament. Hence, his two private-member bills were slated for discussion in the Lok Sabha on Friday but Yogi was obviously not there to move them. While the first one seeks the establishment of a permanent bench of the Allahabad high court at Gorakhpur, the second seeks to insert a new article in the Constitution to ban forced religious conversions across India.

To be or not to be, thats the quandary

Although his party rejoined the NDAs ranks last month, Kaushalendra Kumar  one of the two Janata Dal (United) members from Bihar in the Lok Sabha  continues to sit with the Opposition. Moreover, he speaks with caution during discussions on various issues in the Lok Sabha. It is still unclear whether Kaushalendra supports Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars decision to renew his partys ties with the BJP or backs Janata Dal (United) founder Sharad Yadavs rigid stance against the new alliance.

The best seat in the upper house?

When CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury recently bumped into vice-presidential nominee Venkaiah Naidu in Parliament, he quipped that the BJP leader can finally stop worrying about being elected to the upper house from different states. You are getting a permanent seat in the Rajya Sabha for the next five years, Yechury remarked, indicating Naidus possible win in the vice-presidential election on Saturday. Ironically, the CPI(M) has refused to give Yechury a fresh nomination after the expiry of his term.
Pakistan has tried to significantly increase infiltration attempts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir this year and as a result the number of casualties on its side have been record high, Defence minister Arun Jaitley told the Lok Sabha on Friday morning.

Jaitley also said 2017 has also seen a sharp increase in ceasefire violations at the LoC by Pakistan. Till August 1, there had been 285 such violations by the Pakistan Army while in 2016, the number was significantly less at 228 for the entire year. Last year, eight Army personnel were killed in the ceasefire violations. The minister did not share the casualty figures for 2017.

Jaitley was responding to queries to members during Question Hour on strengthening the lines of defence.

Last year, on September 29, the Indian Army announced that it had conducted surgical strikes at several terrorist launch pads along the LoC to pre-empt infiltration by terrorists.

Appropriate retaliation to the ceasefire violations and other tactical incidents by Pakistan Army, as required, is carried out by Indian Army, Jaitley said in response to BJP MP Bhairon Prasad Mishras question. All the forward posts are adequately strengthened to withstand enemy fire. Besides, there are well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to safeguard against enemy fire to minimize own casualties, he added in the statement tabled in the House.

Read more: Three militants killed as army foils infiltration bid in Gurez

Securing the borders is a continuous process, Jaitley said adding that measures like augmenting border fencing and upgrading the anti-infiltration obstacle system are ongoing. Our Army dominates the western border, Jaitley said while declining to divulge the details of the equipment and technology deployed to secure the border in national interest.

He said both at the LoC and the international border, radars, sensors and all the equipment needed and the arrangements are increasing.

Success in stopping infiltration has gone up, Jaitley said.

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Social media platforms in China are abuzz over official statements, including the one issued by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) late on Thursday night, demanding India withdraw its troops from the Donglang (Doklam) near the Sikkim border to end the ongoing military impasse.

Many Chinese on such platforms have interpreted the salvo of ministerial and media statements as part of a last warning to India though none of the statements explicitly say so.

The brief PLA statement, for one, has been reproduced in leading newspapers and official media and has been reposted, commented, and liked thousands of times.

Indian and Chinese soldiers are locked in a standoff since June 16, with Beijing accusing New Delhi of trespassing and preventing its soldiers from building a road in disputed region of Doklam. Bhutan and India maintain that Doklam, or Donglang as the Chinese call it, is a Bhutanese territory. The road, if built, would have serious implication for Indias security.

The Chinese have taken an aggressive stand on the border impasse and has even warned of a war.

What has added to the online buzz over the standoff in the last 24 hours is the coordinated effort by the foreign and defence ministries and leading official media outlets to widely publicise latest the government statements that rejected Indias arguments and demanded the immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from Chinese soil.

On August 2, the ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) issued a 15-page fact statement on the standoff, which was widely read, circulated, and published in both Chinese and Indian media. It followed it up with another scathing and acerbic statement the next day, saying India talks about peace along the border but is not working towards defusing the situation.

Within hours, official news agency Xinhua, PLA daily, the ministry of defence (MOD) and the Peoples Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China (CPC), released statements and editorials denouncing Indias trespass and invasion.

All major newspapers, news websites, and social media platforms have articles and comment pieces criticising, warning, and demanding that New Delhi pull back its troops for talks.

The media onslaught isnt restricted to China.

In New Delhi, a senior Chinese diplomat briefed selected Indian journalists and said India must immediately and unconditionally withdraw from the Donglang region.

But the PLA statement, released in Chinese on Thursday night, caught the attention of Chinese online media users. It said Chinas goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line.

Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. Chinese armed forces have also shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability, Ren Guoqiang, a ministry spokesperson, said.

Ren called on the Indian side to swiftly address the situation in a proper manner to restore peace and tranquillity in the border region.

He also urged the Indian side to give up the illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

Chinese armed forces will resolutely protect the countrys territorial sovereignty and security interests, said Ren.

Experts said the Chinese defence ministry was a serious statement and sounded like a warning.

The defence ministry does not issue statements recklessly, Hu Shisheng, director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceanian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said.

The most alarming aspect (of the situation) is that both (China and India) sides have totally different views, which could lead to more confrontation... The statements from MFA and MOD are aimed at exerting pressure on India to withdraw (troops), start a talk, and calm the situation, Hu added.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday war was not a solution to the border standoff with China and India would resolve the issue through dialogue. Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha it was not possible to resolve every issue through war and solutions could be found through talks.

India was negotiating with China not only on Doklam but issues relating to the overall bilateral relationship, she said.
The Congress on Friday gave a notice to move a privilege motion in the Rajya Sabha against external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj alleging that she misled the House on August 3 while replying to a debate on Indias foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners.

Congress members Ambika Soni, Vivek Tankha, Pratap Bajwa, Rajen Gohain, Rajeev Gowda and others alleged that in her reply to a short-duration discussion, Swaraj denied that any speech or statement was made by any representative of the government at 60th anniversary of Bandung conference.

She also informed the House that none of the members of the Indian delegation was given an opportunity to deliver a speech on the occasion, which the Congress members are objecting to dubbing it as false.

We hereby give notice of our intention to move a privilege motion under Rule 188 of the Rules and Procedures and Conduct of Business on false and misleading statement given by Sushma Swaraj, minister for external affairs on August 3, 2017 during reply to Short Duration Discussion on Indias Foreign Policy and Engagement with Strategic Partners, the notice said.

We are shocked at the blatantly false and misleading statement given by the minister for external affairs on the floor of the House wherein the matter was discussed after giving due notice of short duration discussion which the minister was also very keen to discuss and reply to.

It is also a matter of shame that during the reply, the minister said that Bangdung Conference is different from Asian African Conference whereas the fact is that Asian African Conference is popularly known as Bangdung Conference, the privilege motion filed before RS Secretary General said.

During the debate on Thursday, Anand Sharma pointed out to Swaraj in the House that minister of state for external affairs VK Singh had given a speech in Bangdung on the 60th anniversary but she completely denied that.

TMC MP Derek OBrien then stated that speeches were made by the minister of external affairs and the MoS on the occasion but she again denied stating that the speeches were delivered at some other conference a day before but not at the 60th anniversary event.

Swarajs speech at 60th Asian African Conference (also known as Bangdung Conference) is available on the ministry of external affairs website and the Congress has attached the same in its notice.
Congress leader Rajeev Shukla on Friday took objection to external affairs minister Sushma Swarajs statement calling him a supporter of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying he had never advocated India giving a go-ahead to that plan.

Shukla said that while replying to the debate on foreign policy in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Swaraj had criticised him for supporting the CPEC.

I had not talked of CPEC during my speech, he said, adding that the minister does not take notes and then stands up to criticise him.

He said he had never advocated in favour of India allowing CPEC.

Deputy chairman PJ Kurien said he will go through the records and take necessary steps.

To Naresh Agarwal (Samajwadi Party) giving privilege notice against the publication of an article in a Hindi daily having critical references to the upper house of Parliament, Kurien said his notice has been received and it is being dealt with. Chairman is allowing (the notice), he said.

Agarwal said he had given the notice after the Chair had directed to move a relevant notice, rather than raise it through a point of order.
Protesting against the suspension of assembly proceeding on Thursday, five days ahead of schedule that scuttled the oppositions attempt to discuss the alleged corruption of ministers and the Panama papers, Congress leaders met the governor late night to complain against the governments step.

The Congress had brought a stop work motion and wanted a discussion on chief minister Raman Singh address and the name of his son Abhishek Singh about undisclosed offshore accounts which surfaced in the Panama Papers.

This is death of democracy, claimed Bhupesh Baghel, state chief of Congress after the assembly was suspended.

On Thursday , three Opposition MLAs, including Amit Jogi were evicted by marshals from the assembly after staging an 11-hour dharna in the Well of the House, demanding that resumption of the session.

After sitting for about 11 hours in the Well, we were forcefully removed from the House by the marshals (at around 10.45 pm). Despite parliamentary affairs minister Ajay Chandrakar assuring that no force would be used against us, this action was taken, Jogi told reporters.

They dont want to discuss the Panama paper because CM and his son are under scanner and hence all this is going on. When the government realised that the situation was getting tense and people from different parts of the state were coming out in our support, we were forcefully evicted, he said.

We will continue our protest and as a part of it, we will gherao the chief ministers residence here on August 11 seeking his answer on several issues, Jogi added.

Read more: Ready for any inquiry: Chhattisgarh minister on his wife acquiring forest land

On Thursday, as many as 35 opposition MLAs were suspended after they trooped into the well of the state assembly raising slogans against the government. Amid uproar, Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal adjourned the House sine die, which was slated to end on August 11, after passing the supplementary budget and as many as 10 bills.

Soon after the question hour when the legislators were being given supplementary business list for Friday, senior Congress MLA Satyanarayan Sharma raised objection over it saying that it seemed the state government was in hurry to conclude the session fearing discussion in the House.

Baghel said at a time when the opposition was making revelations regarding corruptions allegedly committed by chief minister and its cabinet colleagues in the House, the government was trying to escape from a discussion.

Countering their allegations, revenue minister Premprakash Pandey said that this was for the first time in the assembly that the opposition was protesting against the directions of the Speaker.

The Chhattisgarh assemblys monsoon session, which began on 1 August, was slated to conclude on 11 August with eight sittings. However, it was ended on Thursday in just three days.
Jharkhand chief minister Rahubar Das has ordered a CID probe into alleged police harassment that led to the suicide on Thursday of a suspected conman who masqueraded as an assistant central intelligence officer (ACIO).

Shiv Saroj Kumar (27) allegedly hanged himself from a tree after sending emails to the Prime Ministers Office and several other officials accusing the police of treating him and his father, a retired government official, like criminals when they went to lodge his abduction report.

The chief minister directed removal of one of the accused police officers from his present post and report to the police line. I want the entire issue probed within 24 hours and action initiated against the guilty police officers, Das said Thursday evening.

Additional director general of police (ADG), CID, Ajay Kumar Singh is leading the probe mainly against two police officers, one posted as officer-in-charge of Chutia police station and the other a DSP.

The purported email, which is being treated as his suicide note, alleges how the police officers misbehaved with him and his 61-year-old father, mentally harassed and tortured them for three days, for bringing his abduction to their notice.

Police claim that preliminary investigation has revealed that Saroj was a thug who had been cheating his family and when he stood exposed by the police in the presence of his father, he resorted to the extreme step.

In his email, Saroj said he had come to Ranchi on Saturday for re-verification of his passport as his job in the intelligence department would require him to travel out of the country. But he claimed he was drugged and abducted by unidentified goons in a car who also looted all his belongings. When he woke up, he found himself in the boot of a car.

He said while in the boot, he called up his brother-in-law and the police control room for help. Saroj claimed his abductors then snatched his phone and threw him in a pond.

He said he somehow walked out of the pond and got admitted to a hospital when his father also came from Dhanbad. After discharge from hospital, the duo went to the Chutia police station to lodge an FIR on the abduction and loot. We were victims, but police treated us like criminals. They grilled us for hours and kept us at the police station overnight without any reason. They misbehaved with my father, who is a retired BCCL office, and held his collar on several occasions. This was the first time we had been a police station and the experience was shocking. I cannot take the humiliation of my father and myself any longer and have hence decided to end my life, the email sent to the PMO, Union home minister Rajnath Singh besides several other senior police officers said.

He also said that police also harassed them after they returned to their hotel from the police station.

A senior police officer, who preferred anonymity, expressed his condolences to the bereaved family but refuted all charges levelled by Saroj.

He had apparently made false claims about his job at the central intelligence department to his family. But when our officers grilled him thoroughly, his fraud started coming to the fore before his father. Disgraced by the exposure he seems to have ended his life. But the probe is still on and we would be able to unearth and reveal the sequence of his alleged abduction and reasons for his suicide within two days, he said.

Police have in their possession Sarojs fake ACIO identity card, an official letter from the office of chief, director of intelligence, which also turned out to be fake.

The top police officer said he has video clippings of his interrogation at the Chutia police station where the police have not been too rude to him. We verified with the passport office and found Saroj didnt apply for re-verification of his passport, he said.

The bereaved father, Suresh Kumar said, his son insisted that he was an IT officer but police took that as IB officer and began a probe. He too held police responsible for his sons death.
Four months after the UP assembly election debacle and continued tensions within the party, SP president Akhilesh Yadav is finally getting battle-ready.

Leading from the front, Akhilesh has blown the bugle to attack the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh by launching a state wide campaign Desh Bachao, Desh Banao.

Akhilesh will launch the campaign on the historic August Kranti Diwas (August 9) from the temple town of Ayodhya. On August 9, 1942, Quit India Movement was launched with the aim to end the British rule in India.

After a crushing defeat at the hands of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in UP assembly election, Akhilesh was in a passive mode and the SP did not organise any campaign against the new government.

Leaving behind the defeat and sidestepping prickings from the rival camp within the party led by his uncle and SP MLA Shivpal Yadav, Akhilesh is set to hold the first national convention of the party in September-end.

Akhilesh, who is set to be elected the national president of the party for five years, is looking forward to make the party campaign a prologue to the convention.

The campaign will focus on the rising crime graph, unemployment, price hike and corruption in the BJP government.

Akhilesh will kick off the campaign by holding a rally in Ayodhya in which he will unveil a statue of freedom fighter and socialist leader Raj Bali Yadav on the occasion of his death anniversary.

Party leaders have been asked to galvanise workers and stage demonstration to highlight the state governments failure on all fronts, said an office-bearer of the party.

Taking pot shots at the SPs agitation plan, BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said: It is good that Akhilesh Yadav finally remembered Lord Ram in whichever way it is.

The SP has already extended support to the ongoing agitation by BTC (basic training certificate) teachers and shiksha mitras after the Supreme Court struck down their appointment.

SP spokesperson Rajendra Chowdhary on Wednesday condemned the police lathi-charge on agitating students of Lucknow University and Allahabad University. He said it was an example of how the state government was trying to suppress dissenting voices.

The SP will also send a five-member delegation to Pratapgarh to meet the family of the victims of police violence. The panel has been asked to submit a report to the party president on August 5.

Plan for grand convention

National convention of the Samajwadi Party will set the ball rolling for re-organisation and consolidation of the party after it elected Akhilesh as the national president replacing Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Akhilesh has already purged the party of most of the Shivpal loyalists and is letting some senior ones leave on their own.

An emergency convention of the party was called on January 1 this year when Akhilesh was elected the SP president. The convention to be held in September with be the regular one.

Since its inception in 1992, the SP had been electing the president for three years but under Akhilesh, the party amended its constitution making it a five-year term.

There has been heightened tension between the Akhilesh-led SP and the Shivpal-Mulayam faction since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced Ram Nath Kovind as its candidate for the post of the president. While the SP officially supported UPAs presidential candidate Meira Kumar, the Shivpal faction supported Kovind.

Akhilesh has stopped making counter-attacks on Shivpal faction. Instead of blaming Shivpal, Akhilesh held the BJP responsible for the resignation of two of its MLCs who subsequently joined the saffron fold.

Akhilesh ji knows how to struggle. He emerged victorious in the family feud and is now focused on the re-organisation of the party, said an Akhilesh aide.

The party has already completed its one-and-a-half month long membership drive on June 30.

By October 7, the party will have to submit its organisational structure to the Election Commission of India.

Will Akhilesh be the Oppositions rallying point?

After the convention, the Samajwadi Party (SP) will reposition Akhilesh as the rallying point for the entire opposition in the state.

The Congress is already a friend. After the convention, the SP will begin a new journey with renewed vigour. Akhilesh ji has been warning the ruling party to imagine what would happen if SP, Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) unite, an SP leader said.

Despite opposition from Mulayam, Akhilesh struck an alliance with the Congress and in the recent presidential polls, SP, BSP and Congress supported UPAs candidate Meira Kumar.
India on Friday termed as a matter of concern the freedom enjoyed by Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JUD) chief Hafiz Saeed and his organisations in Pakistan to conduct terror acts against India and others, and said Islamabad must ensure that international sanctions against such individuals are enforced 100%.

Reacting to reports that Saeed is rebranding the JUD and launching a political outfit, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, It appears that a person whose hands are stained with blood of innocent lives... such an individual is wanting to hide his blood stained hands behind the ballot ink. The person who traded in bullets to take lives, is he trying to hide behind ballot?

Saeed is an internationally designated terrorist by the UN, Baglay said.

He noted that Saeeds organisation - whether it is called Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or JUD - has been carrying out terror activities not only against India but against other countries as well.

Its been a matter of concern not only for us but for the entire region and beyond. We have hear from the media report that he is in some sort of a house arrest in Pakistan. It is very well known that he and his organisations enjoy freedom in Pakistan to conduct terrorist activities against India and others. It is a matter of concern, Baglay said.

He further said that It is Pakistans obligation to make sure that such individuals and organisations are not able to enjoy freedom to conduct terror activities with the kind of international obligation Pakistan has. Pakistan must ensure that international sanction on these individuals and organisations are enforced 100%.
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj made a forceful speech at the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, asserting that war was not a solution to the military standoff with China along the Sikkim border.

Here are four points Swaraj made on Thursday during a four-and-a-half-hour discussion on Indias foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners.

On Doklam standoff

Patience and bhasha saiyam (restraint on statements) are very important to resolve the issue. If there is no restraint, it provokes the other side...Countries have armies to stay prepared for war. But war is not a solution to anything. Even after war, there has to be a dialogue. So have dialogue without a war.

On Pakistan

Terror and talks cannot go together. The day they stop promoting terror, we will start the talks...You are asking what is our Pakistan road map? We had declared it even before the swearing-in...The story changed after (the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander) Burhan Wani when they (Pakistan) declared him as a martyr.

On Congress

You should have first sought details from the government and then confronted the Chinese envoy (a reference to Rahul Gandhi meeting the Chinese ambassador)...Do you know through where the OBOR passes?...It is a matter of national sentiment (for India). You are the main Opposition party, You should speak with responsibility.

On Indias diplomacy

You say that India stands alone. This is far from the truth...You are say during 1971, the US was with Pakistan, and Russia was supporting India. Today both Russia and the US are supporting India. This reflects the success of our foreign policy.

Watch Sushma Swarajs full speech in Parliament:
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will on Friday afternoon visit flood-hit villages in north Gujarat, which have been declared disaster-affected by the state government.

Rahul is first expected to go to Rajasthan, which was also lashed by torrential rain last week, before touring some of the worst affected areas in Gujarats Banaskantha and Patan districts.

Hi visit comes at a time when the Congress has shifted 44 of its Gujarat MLAs to a resort in Bengaluru fearing poaching by the BJP ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha elections.

With most of its MLAs away, party heavyweight and RS polls candidate Ahmed Patel along with Gujarat Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki have already visited the otherwise drought-prone region.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been camping in the region for the last few days, overseeing relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations.

Read more: Heavy overnight rains cripple life in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, relief ops hit in flooded districts

The state revenue department through a gazette notification has declared Banaskantha and Patan districts where close to 70 people have died as disaster-affected areas. Flood and rain have left 220 people dead across the state this monsoon.

According to the notification, these districts were declared as flood-affected areas as per the provisions of Gujarat State Disaster Management Act of 2003. These districts will remain in the category of disaster-affected areas till August 15. All the tehsils in the two districts were affected by heavy rain and flood.

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Pakistani high school student Noman Afzal knows traitorous Hindus are to blame for the bloodshed that erupted when British India split into two nations 70 years ago. His history textbook tells him so.

Students across the border in India are taught a starkly different version of events, the result of a decades-long effort by the nuclear-armed rivals to shape and control history to their own nationalistic narrative.

The official unwillingness to confront the bitter legacy of Partition -- and the skewed portrayals being peddled in classrooms from New Delhi to Karachi -- is hindering any hope of reconciliation between the arch-rivals, experts say.

August marks 70 years since the subcontinent was divided into two independent states -- Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan -- and millions were uprooted in one of the largest mass migrations in history.

An untold number of people -- some estimates say up two million -- died in the savage violence that followed, as Hindus and Muslims fleeing for their new homelands turned on one another, raping and butchering in genocidal retribution.

The carnage sowed the seeds for the acrimony that prevails today between India and Pakistan, and generations later this defining moment in the subcontinents history is still polarised by nationalism and rancour.

In a government-approved grade five history textbook used in schools in Pakistans Baluchistan province, Hindus are described as thugs who massacred Muslims, confiscated their property, and forced them to leave India.

They looked down upon us, that is why we created Pakistan, said 17-year-old Afzal from Pakistans Punjab province, reeling off a stock answer from his history textbook.

On the other side of the border, Mumbai schoolboy Triaksh Mitra learned how Mahatma Gandhi fought for a unified India free from British subjugation while the Muslim League -- the political party led by Pakistans founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah -- sided with the colonial rulers to carve out their own nation.

But what they hadnt really told us was the Muslim side of it, the 15-year-old said of his Partition studies.

History kept hidden

The chapters on Gandhi are a striking example of the gap between how Partition is portrayed on either side of the border. In Pakistan, his contribution to the struggle for independence is hardly mentioned, whereas in India he is hailed as an one-man army.

History teacher Aashish Dhakaan, who works in a high school in Indias Gujarat, acknowledged that the creation of the Muslim League was popularly upheld as self reliance and liberty in Pakistan, and the folly of gullible Muslims in India.

In our history we won the war, and in their history textbooks, they won the war, said Dhakaan.

While the government-sanctioned curriculums on both sides of the border appear largely ossified to their version of history, one Pakistan-based group has been using games and popular culture to challenge students to think critically about their past.

Qasim Aslams History Project runs sessions in schools in India and Pakistan, inviting students to compare how Partition accounts are presented in the two countries textbooks.

By the time they are 20, it is solidified and stays with them all their lives, Aslam said of the one-sided history lessons proffered in schools.

Mumbai-based student Mitra attended one of these sessions in April.

It helped me to take a different viewpoint into account and to form a more balanced notion, Mitra said.

If I know only one part, then its not the complete truth.

Islamabad-based Pakistan studies professor Tariq Rehman said that correcting bias in the official syllabi would take a change in foreign policy between the two countries.

Authorities (in Pakistan) dont seem to be interested in making changes and question the antagonism against India, he added.

But there are small signs of progress. The latest revision of the state history textbook in India includes graphic first-hand accounts of atrocities committed by Hindus, and asks students if the violence could be considered a holocaust.

A book of testimonies titled The Other Side of Silence by Indian writer and Partition historian Urvashi Butalia is now also part of the high school syllabus in India.

Butalia said she is pleased that more people are trying to understand Partition beyond a nationalistic prism.

It would have been impossible 20 years ago, she said.

But outside the classroom, Butalia says there is little appetite for confronting hard truths about the past.

The author discovered a series of police reports of rapes and murders from 1947 that had been kept hidden because authorities feared opening up a can of worms if the horrifying accounts went public.

She also points to Humayans Tomb and Purana Qila -- two ancient monuments in New Delhi -- where thousands of Partition refugees sought sanctuary as the capital descended into chaos, noting there is no plaque at either site to remind the public of this troubled legacy.

I do not say that silence is broken, she added. We could learn so much, basically learn never to repeat that history, but we dont memorialise it in any way, she warned.
An IIT post-graduate has been arrested for accessing UIDAI server illegally by developing a mobile app which provides for Aadhaar e-KYC verification without authorisation.

According to the police, 31-year-old Abhinav Srivastava, who lives in Bengaluru and hails from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on August 1 based on a complaint from the deputy director of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

The post-graduate from IIT-Kharagpur had developed a mobile application for Aadhaar e-KYC verification and hosted it on Google play store. To support the mobile app, Aadhaar related information, housed by the NIC server, was illegally accessed, the police said.

The UIDAI data was accessed through the e-Hospital application and its server, they said.

Srivastava was the co-founder of mobile payments firm Qarth Technologies Pvt Ltd, which was acquired by cab aggregator Ola in 2016. He was currently employed with Ola as a software development engineer.

Accusing Srivastava of committing a very serious crime by exposing the private information of citizens, police said the city crime branch along with cyber crime sleuths arrested him.

The police said a CPU, four laptops, a tablet, four mobile phones, six pen drives and other materials worth Rs 2.25 lakh were seized from him and further investigation was on.
After Rajasthan and Haryana, multiple cases of mysterious hair chopping have been reported in Delhi too. Women in at least four Delhi villages have complained that their braids were cut by someone without their knowledge.

There have been reports of at least 90 cases from Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab since June this year. Though rumours have it that something supernatural is causing the braids to be snipped off, psychology experts blame mass hysteria.

As the hair chopping takes the status of an urban legend, heres a list of other unexplained incidents in India that tested peoples faith, spread scare in cities and even led to deaths in some cases.

The Monkey Man

In 2001, dozens of Delhi residents reported being terrorized by a black monkey-man who would allegedly bite and scratch people before disappearing. The belief in the monkey man was so strong that two men had even died after jumping from balconies to escape the creature. The creature disappeared into legend as the sightings slowly reduced. Dilli 6, a 2009 film by Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, has a subplot on the same monkey man.

Muhnochwa (Face Scratcher)

In 2002, people in eastern Uttar Pradesh reported spotting a light-emitting flying object that would attack them at night and scratch their face. Many referred to it as the muhnochwa, a Bhojpuri word that loosely translates to face scratcher. At the height of the panic, people went off streets after sundown. Scientists from IIT Kanpur were roped in to investigate the event, and they ruled out the existence of any such creature. The closest explanation, they said, could have been sightings of ball lightening, a rare meteorological phenomenon.

The Milk Miracle

In 1995, the unexplained phenomenon of Ganesha idols consuming milk originated in Delhi. A man offering milk to a Ganesha idol in a temple in south Delhi was the first to claim that the milk disappeared from his bowl. As the news spread across the world, many people claimed to have experienced the same miracle. In Delhi, meanwhile, the sale of milk shot up and traffic jams were reported outside many temples as people queued up to offer milk to idols.

Wolves of Pavagada

In 1983, a quiet small village Pavagada in Karnataka hit the headlines after the mysterious death of five young girls. Some alleged that it was a wolf-like animal that took away the children at night when everyone was sleeping. Others suspected it to be a case of ritualistic sacrifice by a tantrik. According to news reports, all the children who went missing were girls.

The Stoneman of Kolkata

In the summer of 1989, 13 people were murdered over six months in Kolkata and all of the victims were hit on their heads with a heavy stone. The victims were homeless, pavement dwellers and were killed while they were sleeping in dimly lit areas.

It was not clear if the murders were done by one person or a group of people but the events led to people calling the alleged killer by the name of Stone-man. None of the victims could be identified as no one came forward to claim their bodies. Most of the killings were in central Kolkata, adjoining the Howrah Bridge.

Hammerman in Delhi

Residents of Baljeet Nagar and Ranjeet Nagar in west Delhi found themselves living in fear of a hammerman for over two years. Residents reported cases of women being attacked in the early hours by the mysterious hammerman even though police had denied the rumors. Other incidents of attacks and murders in the slum cluster over the past two years made many people believe there was a psychopath killer in their midst.

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A free-coin campaign initiated by a Guangzhou-based technology company has become an overnight hit and warmed the hearts of many Chinese in cities around China.

Coin boxes popped up near the subway entrances of some ten cities, including Guangzhou and Chengdu.

Each box has 500 coins and a paperboard that reads: If you need some change, please take. (No more than five coins), Chengdu Commercial and Hefei Evening newspapers reported on Aug. 1.

A hidden camera near a Guangzhou subway entrance recorded the response of passersby. The results were surprising, as no one acted immorally or selfishly in this street test, according to a report by Yangcheng Evening News on Jul. 30.

This eye-catching act of kindness was planned by Zhangshang Hudong Technology Co. Ltd., a mobile interaction company in Guangzhou, and by its branches in other cities.

The coin box started as a convenience for the companys employees. Then they tried placing coin boxes near the subway stations in other cities, Cao Yi, an employee of the company and also a planner of the activity, told Yangcheng Evening News in an interview, adding that the response has been really touching.
A Class 12 student in Jharkhands Dhanbad district jumped from the building of her school after she was allegedly caught cheating in an examination on Thursday, police said on Friday.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 10.30am on Thursday at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Shyamdih, Katras Bazar. The girl was writing her physics paper when a teacher found her allegedly copying from a sheet of paper. She was, however, allowed to finish the exam.

After the completion of the exam, the girl, whose identity has been kept secret, went to the roof of the building and jumped. School principal Sachidanand Singh said he was in his office when he heard a loud sound followed by screams. As he came out, he found the girl lying on the ground bleeding profusely.

School authorities rushed to her rescue and immediately sent her to Nichitpur Nursing Home. The police, as well as her parents, were informed about the incident.

The student, who sustained multiple injuries in the incident, was referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) in state capital Ranchi after the nursing home doctors found her condition critical on Friday morning. She has fractured both her hands and legs.

Though the school principal denied the girl was caught cheating in the term exam, inspector of Katras police station, Sushma Kumari, said the student in her statement to police said she was caught cheating by a teacher and that out of fear and taboo she took the drastic step.

The police also interrogated the school principal and teachers regarding the incident. However, the teacher and students of her class refused to speak about the incident.

The nursing home doctors informed the police they found small chits of papers in her socks during treatment.

The girls father Rajkumar Mahto, who is an employee of a private company engaged in coal production, said he has three daughters and one son.

I dont know why she took such a step. She left home for school in a cheerful mood like any other day, he said.

At RIMS, doctors stated her condition to be critical.
A family from south Kashmir claimed that LeT militant Abu Dujana, killed by security forces this week, was their lost son Muzafar but beat a hasty retreat when asked to give their DNA samples, officials said on Friday.

The family from Kokernag, 64 km from Pulwama where Dujana was gunned down on Tuesday, reached here on Thursday with a few others. They approached local police saying he was their son who had gone missing in 1999 and wanted to claim his body.

Given that Dujana is believed to be from Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir police had said they would ask the Pakistan High Commission to take his body, this came as a surprise, officials said.

Narrating the incident, officials in the know said the visibly agitated group demanded to know where Dujana had been buried. They wanted to claim his body and offer fresh Namaz-e-Jinaza (last prayers). They insisted on burying him afresh in their ancestral graveyard, officials said.

The family claimed Dujana was actually Mohammed Muzafar Magrey, son of Ghulam Mohammed Magrey, from Checki Danibat locality of Kokernag. He had fled in 1999 and never returned. But the family was unable to provide any documentary proof to back their claim, the officials said.

Faced with what could be a tricky situation, the group was asked to sit down and ready for a DNA test. Faced with the ultimatum, the group quietened down and started leaving one by one.

They were not seen after that, officials said, adding that the DNA sample of Dujana, buried in north Kashmir, has been preserved.

Dujana was identified by the family where he was staying with in Pulwama. They had told police that Abu Dujana had claimed his family lived in Karachi.

Dujana, whose actual identity was not known, was killed in an encounter with a joint team of police, army and para- military forces on August 2.
A National Investigation Agency team raided a Kerala engineers home near Alappuzha while pursuing a terror trail with Islamic State (IS) links, a top intelligence official said on Friday.

Speaking to IANS on condition of anonymity, the official said the NIA team arrived on Thursday night at the house the engineer (24).

He was brought from Kochi and according to our information, they have been able to take possession of mobile phones and laptops, the official said.

After the raid, he was taken back to Kochi and his parents have been asked to appear before the NIA team, he said.

The NIA is following a lead based on a case registered in March against eight IS supporters who held a secret meeting in Kanakamala near Kannur. All except one have been arrested.

The NIA also questioned two people in Coimbatore for allegedly supporting the Islamic State on social media, the police said.

Based on posts on some social media platforms, NIA officials zeroed in on the duo in the city and were carrying out an inquiry, they said.

The two allegedly posted content on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter, supporting the activities of the IS.

The questioning was going on at the residence of one of the two persons in Coimbatore on Thursday, police said, adding adequate police personnel were deployed in the area.
Once an avid bird hunter, a 40-year-old tribal from Madhya Pradesh has become a conservationist and compiled comprehensive data to help the forest department protect different feathered species.

Mogia tribal Ganpat Chouhan never went to college but has a 40-page booklet on the Francolins and Quails  commonly known as Teetar and Bater  to his credit.

Before he followed the path of conservation, Ganpat was a bird hunter like most of his fellow Mogia tribals residing in Ujjains Surajpura village.

But even when I hunted Teetars and Baters, I was always against those who slaughtered them just for fun. I believed one should only hunt according to his need.

Ganpat altered his path in 2004 when he chastised one of his fellow tribal for killing excessive number of birds and was asked why he had not given up hunting himself.

It was then that I decided to stop hunting and practice what I preached, he said.

I started studying the habits of these birds and noting them down in my diary. Soon, I came in contact with forest officials who were impressed by my knowledge and the then CCF Ujjain, PC Dubey, asked for my data to be compiled in a systematic manner, he said.

Ganpats booklet, which he compiled over a year, also contains the three common ways that are used to trap Teetar and Bater species.

This, in turn, helped the forest department curb poaching.

We were aware that Teetars and Baters were found in this region, but did not know much about their habitat . Ganpats pioneering study has helped us get a better understanding, said Dubey, now the additional principal chief conservator of forest.

Indore based ornithologist Ajay Gadikar, who assisted Ganpat in compiling and collating the data, said the tribals work was creditable.

His work is genuine and reinforces what is already known about these birds, Gadikar said.

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Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday night strongly condemned the attack on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat and said political violence has no place in a functioning democracy.

A cement brick was hurled at Gandhis car by a man, suspected to be a BJP supporter, smashing a glass-pane at the rear end, during a tour of flood-hit Banaskantha district of Gujarat, police said.

Gandhi, however, escaped unhurt and proceeded to the next place on his itinerary--Runi village in Thara taluka--where he asserted he would not get cowed down by such protests.

Singh strongly condemned the attack, the office of the former prime minister said in a statement.

Political violence has no place in a functioning democracy, the statement quoted Singh as saying.

Superintendent of Police Neeraj Badgujar said the man who threw the brick at the Congress leaders car has been detained.
From Fidel Castro in Cuba to Prafulla K Mahanta in Assam, the young have invariably fuelled history-changing movements. But in Tripura, a calm octogenarian is the source of energy for a statehood stir.

The struggle for Tipraland  a state envisaged for the indigenous tribes  has been irregular since 1978, peaking almost a decade ago only to bottom out in a few months. The bid of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to end the Left Fronts 24-year rule in Tripura has given the movement a fresh lease of life.

And the man behind this revival is 80-year-old Narendra Chandra Debbarma.

The frail, mild-mannered Debbarma is poles apart from the firebrand Bimal Gurung of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha spearheading the Gorkhaland demand in West Bengal. But it is his communication skills acquired from working with the state-run All India Radio (AIR) for 27 years that is drawing the tribal youth toward the Tipraland movement.

He revived the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) in 2009, seven years after retiring as the director of AIRs Tripura centre. A different set of leaders formed the IPFT in 1997, but it faded away in 2001.

We had only about 200 people when we started out. The youth began joining us in 2012. Now, thousands of youth are ready to sacrifice their lives for Tiprland, Debbarma told the Hindustan Times at his residence in state capital Agartala.

The IPFT has organised a series of protests in Tripura and New Delhi during the past few years to press for their statehood demand.

Their indefinite blockade of railway and National Highway 8 since July 10 attracted the attention of the BJP, which appealed for a joint movement to eject the Manik Sarkar-led Left Front government in Tripura in the 2018 assembly polls.

Son of poor jhum or slash-and-burn farmers from Maharanipur village in Khowai district, Debbarma pushed for statehood in 2009 but the movement then was short-lived because of the inability of mainstream parties to break the communist stranglehold in Tripura.

This time, the IPFT sees in the BJPs strategy of using tribal votes to dislodge the Left Front an opportunity to make Tipraland a reality. The BJP wants IPFT on its side to take on the Marxists but wants the tribal party to shelve its statehood demand.

A third of Tripuras 60-seat assembly is reserved for the tribes, who form 30.95% of the states total population of 3,673,917 according to the 2011 census.

Statehood is IPFTs main agenda and we will continue our movement till we breathe in Tipraland, Debbarma said, adding that the BJP-led government at the Centre might hold talks with IPFT on the statehood issue.

Long-drawn movement

Much of present-day Tripura and beyond was ruled by the states tribal Manikya dynasty. The kingdom lost the plains of erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) after Indias partition but gained non-tribal refugees from across the border.

The influx saw the tribal population dip from 52.89% in 1901 to 28.44% in 1981. Alarmed, communist leader and former chief minister Dasarath Deb sought reservation for indigenous peoples in 1952.

In 1978, when the communist reign began, an extremist group headed by Bijoy Hrangkhawl first raised the voice for Swadhin Tripura (Liberated Tripura). Hrangkhawl is now the chief of Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT), which was formed in 2002 after the merger of IPFT and Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti.

An ideological conflict within the INPT made a section of leaders leave to help Debbarma revive 1PFT in 2009. Debbarma, who worked in the state food and civil supplies department before moving to AIR, joined INPT soon after his retirement in 2002.

Debbarma put his communication skills to test by associating with the Tripura Upajati Karmachari Samiti to fight for the rights of indigenous employees.

Migration from East Pakistan had led to the deprivation of the indigenous community on their own soil. Creation of a new state comprising the Tribal Autonomous District Council areas has become a necessity for the survival of around 12.5 lakh indigenous people, he said.
Over 300,000 Indians could find jobs in the wind and solar industry over the next five years if the country works towards its 2022 target of 160 GW.

Currently, wind and solar together account for almost 14% of Indias installed power capacity.

Over the next three years alone, the sector can generate jobs for about 80,000 Indians.

The industry employed over 21,000 people in India in 2016-2017 and is expected to employ an estimated 25,000 people more in 2017-18, according to an analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), a not-for-profit research organisation based in New Delhi, and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a nonprofit.

About 64% of Indias population is expected to be in the working age-group of 15-59 years by 2026, according to Ernst and Young, a professional services consultancy. It is also likely to have the worlds largest workforce in the world by 2025. The green sector, with its employment potential, could absorb a significant chunk.

India, one among top four job markets in renewables sector

In 2016, India accounted for 5% of the worlds renewable-energy capacity, and invested $9.7 billion (Rs 64,990 crore) in the sector, according to the Renewables Global Status Report 2017, released by REN 21, an international non-profit working on renewable energy.

Direct and indirect jobs in renewables (excluding large hydropower) reached 8.3 million in 2016, with China, Brazil, the United States, India, Japan and Germany being the leading job markets.

Jobs continued to shift towards Asian countries, which together accounted for 62% of jobs in 2016, compared to 50% in 2013, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a global intergovernmental organisation.

In India, estimated renewable jobs (direct and indirect) in 2016 were 385,000, 4.6% of the global total. Jobs in large hydropower projects (over 10 megawatt), which were estimated to be 236,000, are excluded.

Rooftop solar industry is most labour-intensive

Of the more than 300,000 workers identified in the CEEW-NRDC analysis, 237,980, or about two-thirds, are likely to work in rooftop solar and the rest in ground-mounted solar and wind industries.

Rooftop solar was found to be more labour-intensive than other renewables, providing 24.72 job-years per megawatt (MW, a unit of power). Ground-mounted solar projects can provide 3.45 job-years per MW and wind power 1.27 job-years per MW. One job-year implies full-time employment for one person for a year.

However, capacity addition in rooftop solar has been slow to take off, IndiaSpend reportedin January 2017.

Patchy implementation of net metering (a two-way billing system that credits solar system owners for the electricity they add to the grid, charging them for net consumption) is one of the major reasons for low consumer uptake of rooftop solar in India, according to a 2016 analysis by Bridge to India, a consultancy and knowledge service provider. This and the absence of policy reforms to ensure efficient net metering is a dampener for the sector.

The government has shown a very strong desire to drive growth in this (rooftop solar) sector. It is already offering a generous mix of capital subsidies, tax incentives and cheaper debt financing schemes for the sectorAll these efforts will fail to produce the desired results unless net-metering policy framework is urgently reformed. International examples show that effective net-metering implementation can increase rooftop solar adoption by as much as 50%, the analysis said.

Land availability, power evacuation infrastructure, and Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) compliance are other major challenges in meeting solar targets, as IndiaSpend reported on March 27, 2017. As yearly targets and deployment increase, labour shortage might add to the problem.

An existing gap and ongoing challenge within Indias workforce is the lack of employees trained with the skills needed to construct and operate solar plants. This skill gap is increasingly recognized as a barrier to realising the countrys renewable energy target, a 2015 report by CEEW and NRDC said.

Domestic solar module manufacturing could create 45,000 jobs

The CEEW-NRDC study also estimated that 45,000 additional jobs could be created through solar module manufacturing if the country meets its demand for the product domestically.

However, in 2016, local manufacturers struggled in the face of cheap imports while Chinese firms supplied an estimated 80% of the total requirement. Indian firms accounted for no more than 13% of supply, according to a 2017 report by IRENA.

In July 2017, India began an investigation into the dumping of solar cells and modules from China, Taiwan and Malaysia. Dumping is when a country exports goods at prices cheaper than domestic rates.

How To Generate Green Sector Jobs Encourage reporting of employment generation from renewable energy companies Provide greater impetus to rooftop solar to create renewable energy jobs Support development of localised training centres led by the private sector to source construction jobs locally, since solar jobs are well distributed among states Develop wind power training centres on the basis of state-specific wind targets in 8 states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Promote a strong domestic solar module manufacturing industry (Recommendations of Greening Indias Workforce report (2017))

The Indian Solar Manufacturers Association has also asked the Directorate General of Safeguards to consider a safeguard duty on solar cells and modules, according to a report by Bridge to India.

However, the report did not advocate safeguard duties. There is little upside to imposition of anti-dumping or safeguard duties on solar cells and modules. There is no evidence from other countries of such duties resulting in any long-lasting benefits for domestic manufacturers. At the same time, any duties raise the risk of side-tracking Indias solar capacity addition target affecting more than 10,000 MW of project pipeline, it said.

(Patil is an analyst with IndiaSpend.)

(Indiaspend.org is a data-driven, public-interest journalism non-profit/FactChecker.in is fact-checking initiative, scrutinising for veracity and context statements made by individuals and organisations in public life.)
The US, which has announced its backing for Indias membership of the UN Security Council, will raise the issue at the UN where Nikki Haley is Americas ambassador, the State Department has said.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, in answer to a question if UN ambassador and Indian American Haley would be raising the issue of Indias membership at the United Nations, answered in the affirmative.

I believe she is. I would have to double-check with her office. I can certainly do that and get back with you, said Nauert.

The spokesperson also added that the Washington visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was lovely.

I know we had a lovely visit with Mr Modi. It was certainly wonderful to have him here in the United States. I know the President enjoyed hosting him, as did the Secretary as well, she said.

The India-US joint statement issued after Prime Minister Modis meeting with US President Donald Trump in June specifically mentioned the US support for Indias bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Pakistan on Friday said it was committed to peacefully resolving the Kashmir issue and will extend its political and diplomatic support to the people of the Valley.

Pakistans foreign office, in a statement, accused the Indian security forces of using live ammunition and pellet guns against Kashmiris.

It said the deteriorating human rights situation in the Valley had serious implications for the regional peace and security.

Pakistan remains committed to peacefully resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the UN security council and will continue to extend its moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it said amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC).

It called upon the international community to take notice of the grave human rights crisis in the Valley.
A direct air service between Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Colombo in Sri Lanka was launched on Friday, less than two months after Prime Minister Narendra Modis announcement about connecting the two places of Buddhist pilgrimage.

An 180-seater Air India aircraft ferried 101 passengers in the inaugural flight that was flagged off at 12.35 pm from the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at Babatpur here in the Lok Sabha constituency of the prime minister.

For its return journey, 179 passengers have already made advance booking, said Air India spokesperson Dhanjay Kumar in Varanasi.

The Airbus 320 aircraft was flagged off by Air India chairman and managing director Ashwani Lohani.

The all-economy class flight will make two trips a week - on Fridays and Sundays, the spokesperson said.

The prime minister, during his visit to Sri Lanka in May, had announced the decision to launch direct flight between Varanasi and Colombo to connect the Buddhist pilgrimage sites between the two countries.

Addressing the UN International Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo in May, Modi had said that Air India will operate direct flights between Colombo and Varansi in August to honour and deepen the links of Buddhist heritage.

The direct flight service will be beneficial for the Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka to visit Sarnath and Kushinagar along with Gaya.

Sarnath, one of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites where Lord Buddha had given his first sermon, also falls under Modis Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi.

On the occasion, Lohani presented a free ticket to a CISF official who made Rangoli at the Air India corner.
The inaugural flight of Air China departed from Beijing landed in Havana, Dec.27, 2015.

China's flagship airline, Air China, opened on Thursday a commercial office in Cuba to boost tourism cooperation between the two nations and the Caribbean area.

In a ceremony chaired by China's ambassador to Cuba Chen Xi and Air China's general manager in Cuba Zhang Xin, the office opened to facilitate travel between the Cuban capital and Beijing through the direct flight which has been operating since the end of 2015.

"The Air China brand has been increasingly popular in Cuba and the Caribbean countries. From today on, we will offer better services to all passengers with this office," Zhang said.

He introduced that since the inaugural flight of Air China to Cuba about 24,000 travelers of different nationalities have chosen to take this airline.

"There have been 156 flights between Beijing and Havana and we have maintained regularity, safety and comfort in all its trips," he said.

For his part, Ambassador Chen said the opening of this office, together with the existing regular flights, will promote cooperation in the tourism and air transport sectors.

"This direct flight has played an important role in facilitating personal exchanges between China and Cuba as well as Latin America. In addition, it has greatly contributed to the development of cooperation in different areas," Chen said.

The diplomat stated that Sino-Cuban relations are at their best after more than half a century of ties and without a doubt this direct link will help promote the visit of Chinese tourists to the island.

"Cuba has very attractive natural resources for Chinese tourists, very warm people, as well as a picturesque landscape, blue seas and fine beaches," he said.

Chen said that cooperation in tourism and air transport will have great potential and good prospects due to the interest of Chinese travelers to know Cuba and different Caribbean nations.

With a duration of almost 20 hours of flight and a technical stop in Montreal, Canada, Air China's flight to Cuba is the only direct link between China and the Caribbean region.
A man from a hostile crowd attacked Congress vice president Rahul Gandhis car with a stone and broke a window on Friday during his visit to northern Gujarats flood-hit Banaskantha district.

Political barbs flew after the attack in Dhanera town. Gandhi said he wont be cowed down by the heckling and stones thrown at him, while the ruling BJP responded by calling his tour a photo-op.

We are not going to step back because of Narendra Modi slogans, black flags and stone pelting. We will do our best to help people, the Congress leader tweeted.

The stone attack is a serious breach of security as Gandhi is guarded by the Special Protection Group (SPG), an elite unit that protects eight dignitaries, including Prime Minister Modi.

Gandhi flew to Dhanera from flood-affected areas in Rajasthan and spoke to people at Manotra village and surrounding areas before proceeding to the towns farm produce marketing yard, where he met farmers and traders.

Thereafter, he travelled to Lal Chowk in Dhanera on the way to the helipad around 2pm. He was to address people there, but the crowd waved black flags, shouted slogans for Prime Minister Modi and against him, and threw water pouches at his convoy.

A man then threw a big stone at his car and it shattered the left window pane of the rear seat. A security man from his team was slightly wounded.

Gandhi was in the front seat, the partys media coordinator, Manoj Tyagi, told reporters.

The car was taken to a police station and Gandhi left for Thara village in a helicopter.

When I tried to confront those holding black flags, they ran away, Gandhi said.

We are neither in power at the Centre nor in the state. But I and the party workers are here with you. Two-three black flags cannot bog us down.

The Congress demanded to know how stones could be thrown when police were around.

This is called an attack happening under protected environment, said party leader Arjun Modhwadia, who was accompanying Gandhi.

For its part, the BJP questioned Gandhis decision to travel in a party workers car instead of the bulletproof assigned to him by the state government in accordance with protocol.

We condemn the incident. There are ways to protest, but this is certainly not, deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said. Gandhi opted for the vehicle of one of the party workers, he added.

Chief minister Vijay Rupani too condemned the attack and ordered an investigation.

According to Banaskantha police superintendent Neeraj Badgujar, a man was detained for throwing stones at Gandhis car.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi alleged that BJP goons carried out the dastardly attack. Party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted: BJP goons broke Congress VPs car with heavy stones on his way to the helipad after meeting flood victims at Dhanera.

The BJP was quick in its response. Party leader Sambit Patra said the attackers were not goons but people angry and tired of politicians trying to politicize natural calamities.

Chief minister Rupani, who is camping in the region since Sunday, said Gandhi and the Congress should be devoting time to relief work in flooded areas, instead of doing another photo-op.

The perpetual tourist, Shri Rahul Gandhi came to Gujarat but the people of Gujarat are asking- where are our INC MLAs in this crucial time? he tweeted.

In another tweet, he said: Rahul Gandhis leadership style is working wonders in his party. Following him, Congress MLAs are also in vacation mode!

The Congress accused the BJP of bribing and coercing the MLAs to defect before the election in which party president Sonia Gandhis political secretary, Ahmed Patel, is contesting. The BJP has denied the charges.

His barbs are against 42 Congress MLAs staying in a resort outside Bengaluru, where they were shepherded away after six party lawmakers resigned ahead of a crucial Rajya Sabha election on August 8. Among those flow to the Karnataka capital, six are from Banaskantha.

Gandhi toured Banaskantha and Patan districts that are reeling under the worst floods in 70 years. Northern Gujarat is otherwise a drought-prone region.

The state government has declared a Rs1,500-crore package in addition to the Rs 500 crore interim relief announced by the Prime Minister, who surveyed the region before in a helicopter.

(with agency inputs)

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After all these years, when Pranab Mukherjee called him Venkaiah ji in their last meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan, M Venkaiah Naidu was surprised.

Naidu, set to contest polls for Indias next vice-president, told Mukherjee, Pranab da, you have always fondly called me as Venkaiah. Even if I am on a new journey, please dont call me anything else.

Naidu and his wife Usha had plans to go back to Andhra Pradesh, their native land, after 2019. But on July 17, the NDA named him as the candidate for the vice-presidential polls, pitting the veteran against Oppositions Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

I love all challenges, Naidu said. As vice-president, he will also be the chairman of the Rajya Sabha where the ruling dispensation is in a minority and often faces severe resistance from a united Opposition. Its a tough job for Naidu.

In contrast with the time that lies ahead, the past few days have been pretty ominous he said.

During his early days in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a busy Naidu could get time to change dresses only at airports and train stations. I remember in 24 hours, he covered rallies in four states, BJP spokesman Nalin Kohli said about his mentor.

Naidus new book, titled Tireless voice, relentless Journey, also reflects that hectic life.

30, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, his residence for 18 years is decorated simply but beautifully by Rangolis. It too, underlines the story about Naidus guts. Nobody wanted to come here. P Chidambaram lost elections while staying here. I liked this place which is otherwise considered inauspicious, Naidu said. The house has a movie hall and a badminton court.

I play every day with my cook, driver and personal assistant, quipped Naidu.

Naidu loved his days in Parliament as well, especially as the Parliamentary affairs minister. Once I gave a long speech on Hindutva. It went viral. I emphasised that Hindutva is not a narrow, religious identity, he said.

Naidu remembers what is considered by many as the golden rule of Parliamentary process: Let the government propose, Opposition oppose and House dispose.

The former union minister is known for his witty one-liners like Modi stands for Making of Developed India.

Would his wit dry up in the Constitutional position? Lets see, Naidu smiles.

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RJD member and former chief minister Rabri Devi, on Friday, could not get the status of leader of opposition in the Bihar legislative council, which could have given her the seat bang opposite chief minister Nitish Kumar in the House.

Now, the seat earmarked for the leader of opposition, facing the leader of the House, will remain vacant.

This may be deemed as another setback for the RJD, after its status as the largest partner in Bihars ruling grand alliance was reversed to becoming the principal opposition party, last week, when the GA government fell on resignation of chief minister Nitish Kumar, who then formed a new government with the BJP.

Kumar had resigned after the then deputy CM, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav of the RJD, apparently failed to clear the air on the CBI FIR against him, in which he has been accused of being a beneficiary of land in Patna given allegedly in lieu for railways hotels leased out to a private party when his father, Lalu Prasad was railways minister (2004-09).

The RJD had recommended Devis name for the post of leader of the opposition, enjoyed till last month by BJPs Sushil Kumar Modi, who has since become deputy CM. However, the chairman rejected the RJD claim, as the party did not have the required strength in the 75 member upper House of the bicameral Bihar legislature.

For leader of opposition status, a party must have a minimum of 10 members in the council, while the RJD has got just seven. Had it got even nine members, it could have been considered, with the chairman also having one vote. But with just seven members, it is not possible, said Md Haroon Rashid, deputy chairman of the council.

The council does not have a chairman since the end of five-year term of the previous incumbent Awdhesh Narayan Singh, on May 9 last. The RJD was at one stage claiming the chairmans post in the face of reports that chief minister Nitish Kumar wanted Singh to continue.

However, the fall of the grand alliance government last week, in which the RJD was a partner and the formation of the successor JD (U)-BJP-LJP government, also headed as CM by Nitish Kumar, has upset the RJD plan for house chairmanship.

Rasheed said that with nine members, Ghulam Ghaus had been made the leader of the opposition in the past, but there was no scope of the post going to a party with just seven members.

In the assembly, however, RJD leader and former deputy CM Tejaswhi Prasad Yadav has got the status of leader of the opposition. With 80 members, the RJD is the largest single party in the assembly.

The leader of the opposition gets a cabinet ministers rank and enjoys certain privileges, including a chamber, vehicle and support staff. Though she is entitled to the privileges as a former CM, the status of leader of opposition will not rest with Devi.

RJD national spokesman Manoj Jha reacted to the development, saying it was in accordance with the standard operating procedure of the BJP, which was calling the shots in Bihar now.

This is how they denied leader of the opposition status to Mallikarjun Kharge in the 16th Lok Sabha. Chief minister Nitish Kumar will never speak on this, he added.

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Following stiff opposition by pro-Jammu parties, the PDP-BJP government on Thursday adopted a reconciliatory approach and came out with a government order reserving 49 seats for Dogri and 25 seats for Punjabi languages for the posts of assistant professors in the higher education department.

The higher education department recently came out with a government order seeking applications for 492 vacancies of assistant professors.

However, the government courted a serious controversy when it reserved 49 seats for Kashmiri language, that too, in degree colleges of Jammu province where people largely speak Dogri, Punjabi, followed by Gojri, Pahari, Sheena, Giddi and Sippi languages.

While BJP maintained a criminal silence on the obnoxious move by the state government, several political and social outfits in Jammu sensed the sinister design of imposing Kashmiri language in a largely non-Kashmiri speaking Jammu region.

On Thursday, the higher education department came out with an order which read, Subject: Conversion of vacancies for assistant professors (Dogri) and (Punjabi) in higher education department. In continuation to government order number 399-HE of 2017 dated 04-07-2017, 49 posts out of existing 492 vacancies of assistant professors are hereby reserved for Dogri and 25 posts for Punjabi.

The order was issued by principal secretary to government, higher education department, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon.

According to a government order (number 448-HE of 2017, dated 01-08-2017), the government accorded sanction to the introduction of Kashmiri subject in Government Degree College, Surankote in Poonch district of Jammu region from academic session 2017-18.

This order reads, Principal GDC Surankote shall take up the matter with concerned university for affiliation and is also authorised to engage academic arrangement candidates till regular faculty is arranged.

The government move to introduce Kashmiri language across Jammu is being seen as an attempt to erode Dogri and other languages of the region.

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Rajya Sabha proceedings were on Friday briefly adjourned after opposition Samajwadi Party and BSP created a furore over the renaming of the historic Mughalsarai railway station in Uttar Pradesh after Deen Dayal Upadhayay.

SP members trooped into the well of the House shouting slogans, disrupting listed business and forcing deputy chairman PJ Kurien to adjourn the proceedings for 10 minutes.

The issue was raised by Naresh Agarwal (SP), who had given notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of business to take up discussion on the issue. But Kurien disallowed it saying the subject can be raised in some other form like a zero hour notice.

However, the parties from Uttar Pradesh continued to protest.

The railway station was constructed in 1862 when the East India Company linked Howrah to Delhi by rail.

While Agarwal said the government was trying to change character of the country, his other party colleagues said the names of persons who have made no contribution to the freedom struggle are being given.

Minister of state for parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi objected to it, saying the opposition parties have no objection to Mughal names but cannot see the name of a great thinker.

When SP members said no railway station in the country has been named after any personality, Naqvi said the Victoria Terminus in Mumbai was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

Kurien pleaded with members to return to their places and allow the Zero Hour to function. But the slogan shouting continued.

To break the impasse, he called Chhaya Verma (Cong) to speak. Kurien had earlier not allowed her to raise the issue of the agriculture forest land scam in Chhattisgarh, saying she could give a Zero Hour notice to raise the issue.

Amid slogan shouting, Verma alleged that a minister in the BJP government in Chhattisgarh had acquired state forest land to build a resort and demanded a CBI probe into it.

Ruling party members protested against Verma being allowed to raise the issue, with Naqvi saying how can a state issue be raised in Parliament.

As the ruckus continued, Kurien adjourned the proceedings for 10 minutes.

Earlier, soon after the House met for the day, Kurien disallowed notices under rule 267 given by PL Punia and Verma to raise the Chhattisgarh issue.

You can give Zero Hour notice, he said. Raise it in some other form. I am not allowing it.

As the Congress members pleaded for allowing Verma two minutes to make her submission, Kurien said, dont pressurise me.

He said this was not matter that warranted suspension of business to take up the matter. Therefore I am asking her to give Zero Hour notice.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the killings of its workers in Kerala, and slammed the ruling CPI(M) for the present spate of violence against its cadre.

RSS also alleged that political violence had spiked in the state with the return of the CPI(M) at the helm and even chief minister Pinyari Vijayan was an accused in one such case of murder.

The RSS response came after 34-year-old RSS worker was attacked, his hands chopped off and stabbed 84 times in state capital Thiruvananthapuram last Saturday. Finance minister Arun Jaitley is travelling to Kerala on Sunday to meet the family of the victims.

RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said, The Kerala government should fulfil its constitutional responsibilities and check this political violence. There should be a judicial inquiry by either a judge of High court or the Supreme Court in the murders of RSS workers in the state.

The RSS functionary said his workers were being are targeted as more common and poor people are joining the RSS which is not going well with the ruling CPI(M). That is why they are killing our workers, he alleged. These are not just murders but political killings.

Replying to a question on the need for imposing the presidents rule in the state, the RSS leader said the people felt so as the violence in Kerala was state-sponsored. Hosabale said he was pleased that home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Vijayan after the Saturday murder, and he expected the central government to look into the matter.

Despite being at the receiving end, the RSS has always tried to get into a dialogue process, at least three times in the past. Each time, they responded by either ridiculing or backstabbing by killing another of our workers, he added.
The Karnataka government on Friday told the Supreme Court that it will cost Rs 1.18 lakh to escort PDP leader Abdul Nazir Maudany, an accused in the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts case, when he visit his home state Kerala to attend his sons wedding.

The apex court had on Thursday slammed the Karnataka government for demanding Rs 14.8 lakh as security expenses from Maudany for his visit to Kerala following which the state government had agreed to present the revised bill.

The apex court also modified its earlier order by which it had allowed Maundany to visit his sons wedding from August 7 to August 14 and said that now Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader would visit from August 6 to August 19.

We accordingly direct that the petitioner shall be allowed to visit Kerala from August 6, 2017 to August 19, 2017 for the purposes already indicated in our earlier order dated July 31,2017, a bench comprising Justices S A Bobde and L N Rao said on Friday.

During the hearing, advocate Joseph Aristotle appearing for Karnataka placed before the bench a letter issued by the Police Commissioner of Bengaluru City which said that Rs 1.18 lakh expense would be incurred in escorting Maudany during his visit.

The amount was accepted by advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing for Maudany but he said that during his earlier visit to the state for his daughters wedding the cost was Rs 18,000 only.

At that time they have provided only four police officials to escort and this time they have provided 19 policemen to escort him, he said.

To this, the bench said that this means that the accused would be virtually in police custody.

It said that during his visit, he will attend his sons wedding and would also see his ailing mother.

On July 31, the top court had allowed him to visit his home state Kerala.

Maudany (51) has challenged the trial courts order of July 24 declining him permission to attend his sons wedding functions between August 8 and August 20.

The trial court had allowed him to visit his ailing mother from August 1 to August 7, but had declined him the permission to attend his sons wedding on August 9.

In his plea, Maudany said he was granted bail in July 2014 on a condition that he would not leave Bengaluru without permission.
The district magistrate of Araria in northeast Bihar has ordered the freezing of 150 bank accounts of about 15 brokers following detection of irregularities in acquisition of land for a road project along India-Nepal border.

The accounts are with various banks at Forbesganj, 293 km northeast of state capital Patna.

We have detected serious irregularities and all those involved in it will be brought to book, Araria district magistrate Himanshu Sharma said. The district administration is looking into papers of the land acquired for the border road, being constructed jointly by Union and state governments, he added.

The bank accounts of erring land brokers had been freezed and more than Rs 5 crore had been recovered from them, he added.

Sharma did not rule out the connivance of the Forbesganj registry office employees in the alleged irregularities. We have so far detected that 40 acres of agricultural land, identified for acquisition, were bought by brokers and shown as residential plots on paper to extract more compensation from the government, Sharma said.

The 557-km two-lane strategic border road from Gobarhia village on Bihar-UP border to Galgalia on BiharWest Bengal border is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore, to be equally shared by the Centre and the Bihar government. The cost of land acquisition and maintenance of the road is to be borne by the state government.

Sharma said the wrongdoings came to the fore when a villager lodged a complaint with the circle officer, alleging that his land had been sold on paper without his consent.

I was told that my land was being acquired for the construction of the strategic border road. When I went to the Forbesganj registry office to enquire about compensation, I was shocked to learn that my land had already been sold, Parmanand Mehta, a farmer of Sonapur village in the district, said.

Mehtas is not the isolated case. Mohammad Mikail, Mohammad Israel and Bibi Nebula Khatun of Chakorva village also have similar story to narrate.

A senior officer of Araria said if a proper inquiry was conducted, such irregularities could also be found in other districts from where the border road would pass. The scam may run into over Rs100 crore in Araria, where 104-km stretch of the border road is being constructed, the officer, who did not wished to be quoted, said.

Apart from Araria, the ambitious road project is spread over East Champaran (74.29 km), West Champaran (110.35 km), Sitamarhi (89.50 km), Madhubani (40.15 km), Supaul (40.99 km) and Kishanganj (98.05 km) districts.

All the 191 outposts of Sashatra Seema Bal (SSB) in Bihar will be linked with the road, construction of which began in 2012.
In an apparent climbdown from his defiant position , as reported in the past few days, senior JD (U) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Yadav has denied any attempt on his part to float a new party, saying, I was,am and will remain in JD (U).

Yadav said on Friday he was eager to attend the partys national executive in Patna on August 19, provided he was invited. JD (U)s national spokesperson K C Tyagi told HT that Yadav had been sent an invite, on Friday, to attend the national executive. He is partys senior leader and we are expecting him, he said.

Yadav was unhappy with Nitish Kumars move to dump the grand alliance and form a government with the BJP, last week. Whatever happened is very unfortunate, the mandate by the people was not for this, he had said outside Parliament.

Kumar broke away from the mahagahtbandhan (grand alliance) of three parties  JD (U), RJD and Congress -- on July 26 to form a government with the BJPs participation, saying he felt suffocated in the alliance, while pointing to Lalu Prasads son Tejashwis refusal to resign as his deputy despite corruption charges.

There was 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 of Kerala-- making their displeasure public.

A trusted aide of Sharad Yadav, Vijay Verma, went on to comment that Yadav was pondering over the option of forming a new party. 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.

Yadav denied this outright. I am sad with Bihar developments. But, I am with JD (U) and remain in the party. I am a founder member of the party. From where does this talk of me forming a new party has come?, he wondered, soon after a meeting with some RJD leaders, including former union minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh.

Yadav minced no words in saying that the mandate of Bihar was for grand alliance. I will put forth my views at the party forum and discuss things in detail, he said.

Sources said that Yadav had to drop the idea of forming a new party after he failed to get the support of party MLAs from Bihar, who stood behind Nitish Kumar. Two of the dissenting voices were included in Nitishs cabinet.

Kumar and Yadav, party sources said, had not enjoyed the best of relations, particularly after the tacit backing Yadav provided to Jitan Ram Manjhi, who became CM in May 2014 when Nitish resigned owning responsibility for JD (U) defeat in the Lok Sabha poll.

Although he became CM with Nitishs approval, Manjhi refused to step down when Nitish wanted to reclaim the position. Yadavs tacit backing was among the factors cited for Manjhis defiance.

Tyagi, an old associate of Sharad Yadav was confident that he would never join hands with Lalu Prasad.

He had parted ways with Lalu Prasad on the issue of corruption...How can he go with Lalu now? he asked.

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The Delhi high court on Friday issued a notice to Republic TV and Arnab Goswami on Congress leader Shashi Tharoors plea seeking its direction to restrain the channel and the journalist from misreporting the case of his wife Sunanda Pushkars death.

Tharoor on Thursday alleged that despite an assurance given in the court on May 29 by the counsel for Goswami and the news channel, they were engaged in defaming and maligning him.

If he (Republic TV) wants to investigate the case, we cant stop it. The only matter is he should not call you (Tharoor) names, the high court said adding that Tharoors right to silence has to be respected.

The high court did not give any interim order on Tharoors plea to restrain Republic TV from making defamatory publications against him. It said there was no urgency as the main case, in which Tharoor has filed a Rs 2 crore defamation case against Republic TV, is coming up for hearing on August 16.

Senior advocate Salman Khurshid, appearing for Tharoor, said Republic TV was making a complete mockery of court proceeding. Khurshid contended the news channel was pre-empting the investigation by calling Pushkars death as a case of murder.

To this, the judge said, To say its a case of murder which needs to be investigated, I dont think it should be a problem...

In May this year, the high court said the news channel can air stories by stating the facts related to the investigation into the death of Pushkar, but cannot call the Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram a criminal.

Tharoor said in his application the expression murder of Sunanda Pushkar should not be used as it is yet to be established by a competent court of law that her death was murder to ensure the trial was not prejudiced.

Numerous shows, debates, interviews etc are being broadcasted repeatedly on the news channel of the defendants, wherein innuendos are being used to portray that the plaintiff was complicit in the unfortunate death of the deceased, Tharoor said in the application. There have also been instances when the plaintiff has been categorically called to be the killer of the deceased, it added.

Pushkar was found dead in a suite of a five-star hotel in south Delhi on January 17, 2014. The matter is still under investigation.

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Approximately 530,000 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia in the first half of 2017, representing an increase of 40 percent compared with the same period last year, according to a Tourism Ministry report on Friday.

Chinese holidaymakers accounted for 20 percent of the foreign tourists visiting Cambodia during the six-month period, the report said.

Some 2.66 million international tourists traveled to Cambodia in the first six months of this year, up 12.8 percent year-on-year, it said, adding that China topped the chart among the top 10 arrivals to Cambodia, followed by Vietnam and Laos.

Kong Sopheareak, director of the Tourism Ministry's statistics and planning department, told Xinhua that the excellent ties between Cambodia and China, Cambodia's attractive tourism sites and direct flights between the two countries are the key factors attracting more and more Chinese tourists and business people to Cambodia.

He said 12 airlines are operating about 120 flights per week between Cambodian and Chinese cities.

"It is expected that Chinese tourists to Cambodia will reach one million in 2017," he said.

Last year, Cambodia launched a "China Ready" strategy with the aim of attracting 2 million Chinese tourists annually to Cambodia by 2020.

The strategy listed steps to be taken by tourism authorities to facilitate visits by Chinese tourists, such as providing Chinese signage and documents for visa processing, encouraging local use of the Chinese currency and the Chinese language, and ensuring that food and accommodation facilities are suited to Chinese tastes.

Cambodia is famous for the Angkor world heritage site in its northwestern Siem Reap province.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting the Cambodian economy. The Southeast Asian nation received 5 million foreign tourists including 830,000 Chinese in 2016, earning gross revenue of 3.4 billion U.S. dollars, according to the Tourism Ministry.
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea of Congress leader Jairam Ramesh challenging the constitutional validity of some provisions of the Finance Act, 2017 on the ground that these would destroy the independent functioning of the NGT and 18 other tribunals.

A bench of chief justice JS Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud said it will tag the plea with a similar pending petition filed by NGO Social Action for Forest and Environment (SAFE).

Senior advocate Mohan Parasaran, appearing for Ramesh, submitted that the power of judiciary has been compromised by the provisions of the new law.

The Finance Act, which came into effect from April 1, led to framing of the Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal and other Authorities (Qualifications, Experience and other Conditions of Service of Members) Rules, 2017 and these allegedly gave unbridled powers to the Executive to decide the qualification of the members, their appointment and removal among other issues.

The Congress leader sought declaration of various section of the Act as unconstitutional, null and void and the rules as ultra vires of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act, 2010 and the Constitution.

In the earlier plea, the NGO had sought quashing of Part 14 of the Finance Act and Rules framed under it.

The bench, which had asked the ministries of law and justice and finance to respond to the plea, however, had refused to stay the operation of the provisions of the Act and the rules.

The petition has said the changes brought about by the Act would weaken functioning of tribunals including the NGT and curtail their powers.

It has said the tribunal rules gave primacy to the Executive in the appointment and removal process of the chairperson or president and judicial members of the statutory tribunals and authorities and it amounted to attempting to usurp judicial appointment powers and influence the administration of justice.
The Supreme Court asked the Centre on Friday to clarify whether it had placed the controversial rules pertaining to a ban on sale of cattle before the Parliament or not.

A bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar asked additional solicitor general PS Narasimhan to find out from the authority concerned if the rules were put before the House after one of the petitioners assailing the notification said the rules were inoperative since they were never placed before the Parliament.

Advocate VK Biju told the court that it was mandatory to place the rules before Parliament. They have not complied with this provision, he said, showing an RTI reply to substantiate his submission.

The rules, notified in May to prevent cattle smuggling, came under criticism with buffalo traders raising concern that they will jeopardize their meat export business as the supply chain of the spent buffaloes will be disrupted. The government has already informed SC that the rules will be amended keeping in mind the protests.
The alleged torture of eight people belonging to the weaker sections, including three Dalits, in police custody in Rajanna Siricilla district of Telangana is snowballing into a major political controversy.

Penta Banaiah, Gandham Gopal, Chepyala Bala Raju, Kola Harish, Pasula Eshwar Kumar, Cheekoti Srinivas, Korukanti Ganesh, and Bathula Mahesh were arrested on the charges of burning sand-laden trucks at Nerella village late on July 3.

They were produced in a court on July 8 and were released on conditional bail on August 2.

Though the incident was initially passed off as a routine crime, it attracted media attention only after the families of the arrested raised a hue and cry over the alleged inhuman treatment meted out to them by the police in the custody.

Since all the victims belonged to weaker sections, including Scheduled Caste, the issue gained political colour with opposition parties making a beeline to Nerella to call on the families of victims.

On July 31, former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar visited Nerella and met some of the arrested lodged in Karimnagar jail to get first-hand information. She demanded that all guilty policemen must be booked under Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The Telugu Desam Party called for a Chalo Nerella rally on Friday to protest against the brutal attacks on Dalits and OBCs.

The villagers have alleged that a strong lobby of sand mafia operating in the area is behind the incident.

Though the Telangana government had given permission for restricted sand mining in the Mid-Manair project area, illegal sand mining has been going on in the area. Every day, hundreds of sand-laden trucks pass by our village located on Siricilla-Hyderabad road at a very high speed causing accidents, Chandraiah, an agricultural labourer, told this correspondent, who visited Nerella on Wednesday.

Three of our villagers were crushed to death by these trucks in a span of 15 days, he added.

A sand-laden lorry rammed into a two-wheeler killing a person called Bhumaiah on the spot on the outskirts of Nerella village late on July 2. Hundreds of enraged people from Nerella and neighbouring Jillella and Ramachandrapuram villages gathered at the accident site, stopped three trucks, and set them on fire. They also clashed with the police, who tried to control the mob.

Madhavi said her husband Balaraju and seven others were picked up from the village by some policemen in plain clothes late on July 3.

For the next four days, nobody knew where they were. It was only after they were produced in the court did we realise that they were arrested in connection with the lorry burning incident, she added.

The condition of the accused was so horrible that they were not in a position even to walk or sit for some time, the arrested men and the villagers alleged.

The police subjected to us with third-degree torture  beating us indiscriminately, pouring hot water on our private parts, gave us electric shocks and administered sedatives. They threatened to kill us in encounters, Kola Harish, a Dalit, told the media after his release from jail.

My husband was not in a position to lift his hand or look straight. He was writhing in pain when he was being produced in the court. When we questioned the police as to why they tortured him so much, they threatened that they would frame me in a prostitution case, Renuka, wife of Ganesh, said.

The police, however, have denied of torturing the arrested men.

We went only as per the rules. We did not violate any law, Siricilla superintendent of police Vishwajit Kampati told National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) member K Ramulu, who visited the village last week.

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With India, the US and China forming a very combustible mixture right now, the fate of the ongoing Doklam standoff would largely depend upon events in the South China Sea, noted commentator on international affairs, Meghnad Desai said.

If a war is to break out in the two theatres, which he predicted will begin very soon, it will see the US and India on one side and China on the other.

I cannot say what day or date but I think at this time it is very likely that we will be in a state of full-scale war with China very soon. And mind you, on several fronts, not just Doklam. It is just one frontier, they will start from all places, across the northern Himalayas, Desai said.

Desai, a Labour Peer in the British House of Lords, did not consider the Doklam standoff a mere India-China issue but rather equated it to the geo-political tensions across the globe, primarily in the South China Sea.

Even today, nobody is contemplating that the whole Doklam thing could break anytime. We could be in a full scale war with China within a month. At that stage it will not be controllable. It may come as a surprise, but that is when the defence co-operation of India (with various countries) will bear fruit, Desai told IANS in an interview.

But is a war really likely to break out?

I am not a jyotisi (astrologer). I cannot say what day or date but I think at this time it is very likely that we will be in a state of full-scale war with China very soon. And mind you, on several fronts, not just Doklam. It is just one frontier, they will start from all places, across the northern Himalayas, Desai, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Indias third highest civilian honour, claimed.

He said that India and the US have an implicit defence relationship and that the two countries can safely rely on each other. When asked specifically on the expected reaction of the United States in case there is a war between India and China and whether Washington would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with India, Desai responded: Absolutely.

Ultimately, you have to understand that India cannot stand up to China without American help and support. America cannot stand up to China without Indian help. That is the symmetry in this relationship, he elaborated.

Desai maintained that China is the central problem in the way the American vision is constructed. When asked about the possibility of any backchannel discussions with the US on the Doklam standoff, Desai said that there were not just backchannel negotiations in play but it was being dealt with at the highest level by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who talk directly to each other.

I am sure we are not told everything that is going on. But my worry is even though India will not openly become militaristic but have we got the preparedness for it? Desai said.

All things that follow now will have a lot to do with what happens in the South China Sea. The US has sent out enough signals. If there is war, it will be a US-China war, with India on the US side, in the South China Sea and in the Himalayas. This trio is a very combustible mixture right now, he contended.

He said that it is important to understand the Chinese thought process because they are much more nationalistic, militaristic and aggressive this time.

I am sure we are not told everything that is going on. But my worry is even though India will not openly become militaristic but have we got the preparedness for it? We may have things in place. I just wish and hope that we are prepared for a very tough war which may last for a long time, he predicted.

Desai also suggested that India should not make the mistake of equating the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) with the Pakistani Army.

I think, from past experience, we always assume that we are well prepared but you will be fighting one of the finest armies in the world. It is a very powerful army and I think they also have (much) training in mountain warfare. So, according to me, it will be a very tough fight for India. Dont be mistaken that this will be easy. It is not Pakistan. The Pakistani Army is the same set of people. They come from the same army traditions and they have the same thinking but the Chinese are very different, he reiterated.

Desai also expressed his disappointment over the lack of talent on the top of the ruling NDA government. Arun Jaitley is a very good friend of mine but you cant have a person handling both the finance and the defence ministries, he said and suggested that it is perhaps high time that the defence ministry was again made an exclusive portfolio, so that the concerned minister could focus entirely on it.

The Doklam stand-off began in mid-June near the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan when Indian troops moved in to prevent China from constructing a road on Bhutanese territory on the Doklam plateau. China claims the Doklam plateau is a part of South Tibet.

Earlier this week, China claimed India had partially withdrawn its troops, which New Delhi firmly denied.
Accusing a special CBI judge, who is hearing two fodder scam cases, of being rude to a defence witness, RJD chief Lalu Prasad sought the transfer of the cases on Friday.

Prasads lawyer Prabhat Kumar said judge Shivpal Singh had on Thursday sought to know the caste of defence witness Sunil Kumar, a DGP-rank officer posted as chief managing director of the Bihar Police Building Construction Corporation (BPBCC).

On being told that he belonged to the SC community, the judge tore off the paper on which he was recording the officers statements, Prabhat said.

The judge then refused to record Sunil Kumars testimony, saying he was produced a week before the fixed date of August 10, he said, adding that Prasad became apprehensive of getting a fair and impartial trial.

We would move the Jharkhand high court seeking an order to transfer the trial of the two cases from the court of special judge Shivpal Singh to another court, Prabhat said.

Prasad has also sought four weeks adjournment of the trial in the two cases which pertain to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 90 lakh and Rs 3.31 crore from Deoghar and Dumka treasuries.

Calling the judges behaviour rude, Prabhat also noted that Singh had ousted Prasads attendant Bhola Yadav from the court room.

(Lalu) Prasad, who underwent a heart surgery last year, requires water and medicines at regular intervals. Bhola accompanies him as an attendant, he said.

Judge Singh has ordered to record their petition, Prabhat said.

Prasad on Friday made personal appearances in four fodder scam cases which are at different stages of trial in Ranchis special CBI courts.

Besides the aforesaid cases, two other cases, related to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 38 crore and Rs 139.39 crore from Chaibasa and Ranchis Doranda treasuries respectively, are being tried by two different courts presided over by different judges.

On September 30, 2013, a trial court in Ranchi had held him guilty in the first of six fodder scam cases against him, sentencing him to five years in jail, which ensued in his disqualification from Parliament and a ban on contesting elections. He was given bail by the SC in December that year.

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Ruling NDAs candidate M Venkaiah Naidu is tipped to be Indias next vice-president as members of Parliament gear up to cast their ballot on Saturday.

The name of the next vice-president of India will be known on Saturday evening after members of Parliament cast their ballot during the day in Parliament House.

The ruling NDA, which has a majority in the Lok Sabha, will find it easy to place its candidate as the next vice-president.

The opposition has fielded Gopal Krishna Gandhi against Naidu.

The BJD and the JD(U) which had supported NDA nominee Ramnath Kovind for the post of president, have decided to back opposition nominee Gandhi.

Though the JD(U) has broken ties with mahagathbandhan and joined hands with the BJP to form a new government in Bihar, it has decided to vote for Gandhi, a former governor of West Bengal.

Members of Parliament will use special pens for marking their choice in the election to be held between 10 am and 5 pm on Saturday.

The counting of votes will commence after polling and the results will be declared by 7.00pm, Election Commission officials said quoting precedents.

No whip can be issued by political parties as the election is through a secret ballot.

The term of the present incumbent Hamid Ansari, who has held the post for two consecutive terms, is coming to an end on August 10.

The electoral college which elects the vice-president, who is also the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha, consists of elected and nominated members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

The total strength of the two Houses is 790, but there are two vacancies in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha. BJP MP in Lok Sabha Chhedi Paswan is barred from casting vote following a judicial pronouncement.

In the 545-member Lok Sabha, the BJP has 281 members. The NDA led by BJP, has 338 members.

In the 243-member Rajya Sabha, the BJP as of now has 56 members, while the Congress with 59 is the single largest party. With its recent wins in the recent assembly polls, the BJP is set to emerge as the single largest party in the Rajya Sabha too next year and the NDAs tally would be close to 100. It would, however, still be short of a majority in the upper house.

The one who bags 50% plus one vote of the total valid votes cast will win the poll.
Bollywood star Salman Khan is likely to appear before the district and sessions court at Jodhpur on Friday in connection with an Arms Act case.

Although the chief judicial magistrates court had cited insufficient evidence to acquit the actor on January 18, the prosecution appealed against the decision. The appeal is likely to be heard on Friday.

In October 1998, Khan was charged with possessing an unlicensed .22 rifle and a .32 revolver and using them to poach two black bucks at Jodhpurs Kankani village. The 51-year-old actor was required to present himself before the district and session judge to present a bail bond of Rs 20,000 as per an April 21 order, defence counsel Hastimal Saraswat said.

The Rajasthan high court had acquitted Khan last year in a case pertaining to the poaching of two chinkaras. The black buck trial is now nearing completion.
A late night shootout, which took place outside one of the biggest hospitals in the city, has raised serious questions about the law and order situation in Jaipur.

Around 1.30 am on Friday, a person lost his life. The police said that both the victim and the assailants had prior criminal records.

According to the police, a group of people were sitting at a tea stall in front of the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital at the time of the incident. The men arrived in three cars, which were parked nearby.

While the men were drinking tea, an altercation broke out between two people and one of them shot the other with a country-made pistol. We suspect that the men were also inebriated at the time of the incident, said Dharam Veer Singh, station house officer, Sanganer Sadar police station.

The police said that the injured man has been admitted to the hospital but died later.

The man who was shot dead has been identified as Gaurav Singh alias Goldy, a resident of Shyam Nagar in Jaipur. Singh had a few cases of assault and other offences registered against him at the Shyam Nagar police station, said the SHO.

The police said that the man, who shot Singh, has been identified as Kalwinder Gurjar alias Kallu, a man from Bharatpur.

Gurjar has three cases of attempt to murder registered against him and is a seasoned criminal. We have learnt that both Singh and Gurjar were part of a gang that mediated between people involved in financial transaction and loan repayment, said the police.

The police further added that the brother of Gurjar is a student leader in Bharatpur. The accused, along with the other men escaped in three cars shortly after the shooting, said officials.

Fortunately, no one else was injured in the firing, said an official. The police have registered a case of murder against Gurjar and a search is on for him.

This incident is the latest example of deteriorating law and order situation in the city.

Last month, within a span of just two days, robberies took place at a bank in Adarsh Nagar along with a finance company in Mansarovar, with the police failing to solve either of them till date.
Huge accumulated debt and funds crunch that have become a bane for the Bengal government will soon turn into a boon for upper and lower division clerks retiring from service.

The Mamata Banerjee government is neither going to let old clerks leave, nor offer their chairs to young people looking for jobs. Rather, the state will let these aged people continue on contractual basis. Instead of regular salary they will get a fixed monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 and enjoy regular retirement benefits at the same time.

Retired clerks will be reappointed for a maximum tenure of four years. They cannot be more than 64 years old and have to be mentally sound and physically fit. A lower or upper division clerk retiring at 60 can continue for four more years, said a senior official of the personnel and administrative reforms department. The department, incidentally, is headed by chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

At present, the number of lower division clerks working as full-time employees is 840 and there are 833 upper division clerks. Around 400 positions are lying vacant.

For chief minister Mamata Banerjee, employment generation and cash crunch have been the biggest problems ever since she came to power in 2011. (Samir Jana/HT Photo)

Explaining the logic behind reappointing retired employees instead of employing young people, the official said: If we recruit new people we will have to offer them salary at government scale. That involves huge expenditure.

By offering contractual service to a retiring clerk we will spend only a third of what we pay a clerk at the entry level. Moreover, we will have the same experienced workforce with us, the officer added.

The total outstanding debt of West Bengal is slated to jump to Rs 3.66 lakh crore by March 31, 2018. It stood at Rs 3.06 lakh crore on March 31, 2017, officials said.

Read: Reduction in savings rates might encourage chit funds again, cautions Mamata

Considering the projected expenditure on loan repayment, salary, pension and retirement benefits in 2017-18, the government has no option but to go for contractual recruitment of retired staff, said an officer at Nabanna, the state secretariat. He admitted that most government employees are already in the upper age bracket. Only 14% clerks are aged below 30. While only 9% is aged between 31 and 40, a huge 41% is aged between 41 and 50 and 36% is in the highest age bracket: 51 - 60.

We have so few young clerks because there has been no recruitment in six years although many retired during this period, said an official.

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A day after a 60-year old Dalit woman was allegedly lynched here as villagers thought she was out to cut the hair of sleeping women, dozens of other such cases of hair cutting poured in from the Braj region in what appears to be turning into a case of mass hysteria.

Police said more than 35 hair cutting cases have been reported in Braj area and Aligarh in the last three days.

FROM MONKEY MAN TO UFOs In 2001, people in Delhi said they had spotted a mysterious monkey-like creature that appeared in the night and attacked people. A year later, people in eastern Uttar Pradesh reported spotting a light-emitting flying object that would attack them at night and scratch their face. Many referred to it as the muhnochwa, a Bhojpuri amalgam that loosely translates to face scratcher. Years earlier, in 1995, a more innocuous mass delusion took place when people across the country reported seeing idols of the Hindu god Ganesha drinking milk.

The police are yet to arrest the accused in the lynching of Maan Devi, who was beaten to death in Mutani village of Agra district. The two accused, who belong to the Baghel (backward) community, are on the run.

Deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Fatehabad, Dr Tej Veer Singh said, A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the SC/ST Act. We are maintaining a vigil in the area where the woman was killed.

The DSP, however, said: The post-mortem report of Maan Devi indicates she died of cardiac arrest and not due to beating.

Meanwhile, despite appeal by senior police officials not to believe in rumours, dozens of women of Agra, Mathura and Firozabad and Aligarh reported that their hair was cut by some ghost barber while they were asleep. Some such cases were reported from Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh too.

Munni Devi, 50, a resident of Dayalbagh in Agra city, complained that someone chopped her hair while she was asleep.

In rural parts of Agra, people are making hand impressions of henna and turmeric at the entrance of their houses, while others are putting up lemon and chillies to ward off the evil barber.

A girl and two women from Tappal and Jattari areas in Aligarh claimed their braids were cut by someone but failed to elaborate the sequence of events.

Rajni, a resident of Madak village in Jattari, said she was cleaning her house on Thursday. When I bowed down part of my hair fell on the floor, she said.

Read more: 60-year-old woman lynched in Agra after rumours she was chopping peoples hair

Vimlesh, a neighbour of Rajni, claimed she was washing her hands on Wednesday when she suddenly saw her braid on the ground.

In another case, Sajida of Narwari village in Tappal area said someone chopped her hair while she was asleep. Sajida claimed she saw a black cat before the incident.

District magistrate, Aligarh, Rishikesh Bhaskar said it was the handiwork of anti-social elements. People should not pay heed to rumours, he said.

Inspector general (IG), Agra range, Ashok Mutha Jain appealed to residents not to believe in rumours and keep calm. Police are trying to verify the truth of the complaints, he said.

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While Biking Queens, the group of 48 women bikers, have already covered over 5,000 kilometres spanning six states, one stop where they would like to come again is Varanasi.

Kashi has been an awesome experience. The fact that it is represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes it all the more significant, says Bhavi Gheewala, one of the bikers.

On Thursday, the group visited Nagepur and Kakrahiya, the adopted villages of Prime Minister.

They also interacted with anganvadi workers and made them aware about importance of education.

In the evening, they attended Ganga Arti and were all praise for the iconic ghats.

Since biking represents strength, we chose the medium to spread the message. (Ht Photo)

The group which comprises of IAS aspirant, housewives, doctors, engineers, students and psychologists move and live like a family during the expedition.

We are taking up the cause to spread awareness on schemes such as Sashakt Nari Sashakt Bharat and Beti Bachao, Beti padao introduced by the PM, says Gheewala.

Government has introduced many schemes which have yielded results up to some extents in urban pockets but there is no significant impact in rural pockets, says Nancy Patiwala, who wants to work for women empowerment and women education in rural pockets.

Since biking represents strength, we chose the medium to spread the message, says Sona, youngest member of the group.

It all began when Dr Sarika Mehta, the group leader, met PM Modi in New Delhi last year.

On August 15, we will be hoisting the tricolor on Indias highest motorable road, Khardung La, in Jammu and Kashmir, says Dr Mehta.

The group plans to cover over 5,000 kilometre in next 12 days.

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Setting an example, state minister for minority affairs Mohsin Raza got his marriage registered on Thursday.

Razas move came two days after the Uttar Pradesh cabinet gave its nod to the UP Marriage Registration Guidelines (2017) that makes registration mandatory for marriages in all religions.

Hailing the Yogi Adityanath governments move of making marriage registrations mandatory, Raza said the decision was in the interest of the country.

Raza, the lone Muslim minister in the BJP government, reached the District Magistrates office with his wife Fauzia Sarwar Fatima and parents to get his marriage registered. Raza was married to Fatima 16 years ago.

The registration was done at the office of the additional district magistrate (ADM), civil supplies.

Those who are opposing the governments decision will continue to do so as they dont have anything else to do. I appeal to the people to get their marriages registered to secure their future, he said.

Clerics and Muslim bodies have also supported the decision.

President of the All-India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Shaista Amber said the move would not only minimise the cases of fraud but would also add social security to the people.

I have come across several cases of fraud where men married more than one woman. The decision will put a check on such cases, Amber said.

Read more: Eleven years after SC ruling, UP govt makes registration of marriages compulsory

She said the marriage certificate would provide social security not only to women but also to men and children. Marriage registration certificate will help people in fighting legal battles and claiming legal rights, she said.

The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) also supported the decision but said unregistered marriage should not be be considered null and void.

We are not against the governments move but we have come to know that unregistered marriages would be considered as null and void which is not acceptable, said Imam-e-Eidgah and a member of All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali.
Several Muslim scholars and religious leaders have disapproved the state governments decision to make registration of marriages for all mandatory in the state.

The first reaction came from the Islamic seminary of Darul Uloom of Deobands Mohatmim (vice chancellor) Maulana Mufti Abul Kasim Nomani who said the forceful implementation for all is against peoples religious liberty. He explained that marriages are religious matter and clarified that they are not against registration, but disapprove the idea of its forceful implementation.

Read more: Minister Mohsin Raza gets marriage registered, hails Yogi governments decision

Qari Shafeeq, city president of Milli Council, termed the decision of Yogi government as interference in peoples religious liberty and apprehended that it could be the first step of the government in interfering with the religious matters. He said we support the opinion of Daruls Mohatmim and demanded that it should not be made mandatory for all.

Qazi Zainur Rasheedin, nayab shahar qazi, Muslim community follows traditional way of registration of every nikah. Bride and groom both sign on the nikah register along with two eyewitnesses and other relevant persons and that record registers are kept in safe place. He said, There was no need for Muslims to register their nikah in government offices because the community has a traditional and authentic way of registration. He, however, advised the government to recognise nikah registers as authentic document for registration of marriages.

Read more: Eleven years after SC ruling, UP govt makes registration of marriages compulsory

Medical practitioner Dr Soofia Aami, however, says that it depends on the wishes of an individual whether he or she wants to get their marriage registered in government offices or not. State government should also give people liberty instead of making it mandatory for all, she said.
The rebellion of close aide Indrajit Saroj and defection of Thakur Jaiveer Singh is likely to hit the plan of BSP president Mayawati to gear up the party cadre for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

To galvanise the organisation for electoral battle, Mayawati had earlier decided to hold meetings of workers across the state from September 18. She had planned to cash in on her resignation from the Rajya Sabha to mobilise Dalits.

The party leaders had been asked to launch a drive to raise funds in 403 assembly constituencies before the workers conference. In a meeting held on July 8, Mayawati had set the target for each assembly constituency.

The revolt of Saroj and defection of Singh is likely to puncture the fund raising drive and dampen Mayawatis plan to garner support from Pasi and Thakur communities.

We are facing tough resistance from workers at the ground level. In some districts the fund raising drive has been suspended, a senior BSP leader told HT.

After Saroj rose in rebellion, a large number of leaders and workers have resigned from the BSP, he said.

Local leaders and workers are not ready to donate to the party fund. They said behenji is aware that party members mobilised resources in the 2017 assembly election. The humiliating defeat has shattered them and the hope of return to power is remote, he said.

Indrajit Saroj had claimed that he was asked to donate Rs 15 lakh to the party fund and when he refused, the BSP president relieved him of all the responsibilities of the organisation.

Mayawati had announced that the BSP would contest urban local bodies election on party symbol and had planned workers meetings accordingly.

As a damage control exercise, Mayawati has convened a meeting of party leaders in Lucknow on August 10.

A year and a half is left in Lok Sabha election but Mayawati has not made her stand clear on joining the grand alliance, said SK Singh, a political observer.

The Congress leadership as well as RJDs Lalu Yadav have sent feelers to her as well as SP chief Akhilesh Yadav to join the alliance. She has been invited to the August 27 rally organised by Lalu. The alliance leader has also offered her to contest the by-poll on Phulpur Lok Sabha seat which is likely to be vacated by deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya. Mayawati is yet to open her cards, he said.

She is sending conflicting signals as she supported the UPA candidate Meira Kumar in the presidential election but decided to contest urban local bodies polls on his own strength. She has also started selecting candidates for Lok Sabha elections, Singh said.

He said desertion by senior leaders had weakened the BSP and the opposition leaders were hopeful that she might join the alliance to counter the saffron brigade.

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A woman delivered a baby boy by the roadside on Thursday morning after lying in pain for hours as her family members received no response from the states ambulance services or passersby in a village in Uttar Pradeshs Allahabad district.

Azia, resident of Attrauya village in Uttaraon Saidabad, was later admitted to a private hospital in Saidabad where her condition is said to be stable.

As per reports, Azia, who is in her late twenties, had labour pains late on Wednesday night.

Her family members called 108 and 102 ambulance but the call got disconnected after the first ring. Azias mother-in-law Gulabi Devi said they did not receive any call from the service after that.

Family members also called an Asha worker for help, but she too did not turn up.

After waiting for hours, Azias mother-in-law, sister-in-law Guddi and other women from the neighbourhood decided to take her to the nearest road, hoping to get a lift from a passing vehicle to a hospital. They waited for about three hours, but couldnt stop any vehicle till 5 am on Thursday.

Azia then delivered a baby boy by the road with the help of the women accompanying her.

Later, she was taken to a hospital after she suffered from complications.

When contacted, chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Alok Verma said he inquired into the matter and also sent a doctors team to conduct a check-up of the woman and her newborn baby.

All calls related to 108 and 102 ambulance services are received by a call centre in Lucknow.

This call was also received by the call centre but was not forwarded to Allahabad due to which the ambulances failed to reach the place, he said.

I have issued a notice to the district coordinator of 108 and 102 ambulance services in Allahabad as well as Lucknow to provide all the details of the time, date and number from which Azias family members made a call.

Even if the centre had not received the call or it got disconnected, then call details must be registered on their computer. We will be taking out the details so that action can be taken against the person for neglecting this call, Dr Verma said.
Jab Harry Met Sejal

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma

Director: Imtiaz Ali

Rating: 2/5

There is a montage in Imtiaz Alis earlier film Love Aaj Kal in which Saif Ali Khan keeps crossing the same path, but his smile looks more forced everytime. Despite a career that is looking up, his inner frustration gets the better of him and eventually he begins to merge into the crowd. This was Imtiaz Alis way of showing the importance of love and the right partner in life.

Watch: Our Facebook Live discussion on Jab Harry Met Sejal

Well, Shah Rukh Khans Harinder Singh aka Harry starts where Jai leaves. The frustration that this tour guide in Amsterdam carries within him is palpable but never truly explored. Frequently in and out of relationships, he isnt someone who wants to be taken seriously. There are ample hints that he is running away from something.

Sejal Jhaveri (Anushka Sharma) is one of his clients who stays behind her tour group to find her lost engagement ring. A talkative Gujarati girl, she has probably lived a sheltered existence that has restricted her from really living, like Heer from Rockstar. Slowly and steadily, she finds her Jordan in Harry, whom she calls Hairy. Apparently, this is how highly educated Gujarati girls from well-to-do families talk.

Sejal has confidence issues and they can get problematic. For example, she thinks its fine if a goon kidnaps her and tries to take advantage of her, for such a person will find her worthy of his attention. She actually says, Unko toh at least waisi lagungi naa main. By waisi she means hot.

Sejals immaturity attracts Harry, who, then and there, decides to be her protector. He says, Tum us type ki ladki ho hi nahi. Nobody cares to explain the other type as if thats the most understood term in Imtiaz Ali-Shah Rukh Khan universe.

The slow build-up provides Shah Rukh Khan sufficient time to showcase his typical loverboy skills. He keeps on switching his expressions between I am angry till you say something cute and Tum nahi jaanti Sejal, kuch kuch hota hai.

Theres a back-story too, but thats as irrelevant as trying to find depth in this film. A rehash of Imtiaz Alis past films, Jab Harry Met Sejal forces scenes and dialogues in so that a song could follow. Why not directly play the song? After all, its the music that offers some respite from this drag-fest.

On second thoughts, its not even a typical Imtiaz Ali film. Where is that self realisation of the characters who want to run away from the burden of love? At most, its a stretched out meet-cute that then melds into a search for a goddamn ring. From the title to its climax, everything screams been there, done that.

And there is a terrible angle involving Chandan Roy Sanyal and his gang of unfunny migrants. Dont want to spoil your fun, but this twist will also remind you of Love Aaj Kal.

Shah Rukh Khan gets our hopes high in the beginning when we witness dimensions of his character, but that eventful moment doesnt last long and he gets back to playing to the gallery. He makes sure nobody misses those folded hands and slightly slanted forehead. Talk about the burden of being a superstar!

Anushka Sharma, on the other hand, is even more clueless. She desperately tries to look cutely silly whenever she is not mouthing dialogues like Main waisi ladki nahi hoon jo apni engagement tod degi.

At one point, she actually says, Lonely feel nahi karna hai, and thank god for that. Otherwise how would we understand her subtle signs!

That was a joke. Nothing is subtle here.

Jab Harry Met Sejal is absolutely banal with some hummable tunes. Its a big disappointment to see Shah Rukh Khan returning to his comfort zone and yet not performing at the top of his powers.

Pritams songs can do some patchwork, but nothing can rescue this 143-minute of lethargic storytelling.

I havent found what I was seeking, looks like you wont either.

Interact with Rohit vats at Twitter/@nawabjha

ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop

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Onion prices in the wholesale and retail markets have more than doubled in the past two weeks owing to a demand-supply gap.

It comes after tomatoe prices touched Rs100 a kg.

Onions were sold at Rs20-Rs26 a kg in the wholesale market of Vashi-Turbhe APMC on Friday, compared to Rs10-Rs12 a kg a fortnight ago.

The retail market too has witnessed a spurt with the price rising from Rs15-Rs20 a kg on July 21 to Rs35-Rs40 a kg on Friday.

Ashok Walunj, former APMC director and a leading onion trader, said, The Uttar Pradesh government purchased onions from farmers. During the monsoon, onions got wet and rotted in various state warehouses.

Another reason for the spurt was that farmers in Madhya Pradesh had sown less onions this time and this had put pressure on Maharashtra, he said.

Maharashtra was exporting onions to other states for a better price, which had worsened the situation, he said.

According to another trader, the upward spiral would continue at least until the end of August.

First, tomato prices shot up and now onions are pinching our pocket. How is the middle class expected to manage? despaired Shanti Das, a housemaker.

READ

Farmers strike ends, veggie prices in Mumbai suburbs markets to return to normal by Monday

Maharashtra farmers strike: Prices of vegetables come down in Mumbai
Armed with a megaphone, electric torches, mosquito repellent and water bottles, four forest officers are on patrol at Mumbais Aarey Milk Colony, waiting for the leopard suspected to have attacked five people and killed one. Officials plan to entice the big cat with a live goat, then trap it in a cage. They started their vigil last Saturday.

The attacks, which started in March, have spread panic among residents of this wooded area south of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which has around 35 free-roaming leopards. A 5-km stretch has been cordoned off, with restrictions on outdoor shoots in the nearby Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari area  Film City.

The 5-km stretch inside Film City, Goregaon (East) that has been sealed off by the forest department. (Satish Bate/HT)

Tribals and slum-dwellers living near Aarey have been asked to watch out for leopards after dark. As many as 15 forest officers have been working in three shifts, waiting near two trap cages installed 2.5km from each other, along a hilly path between the gate at Bapu Gram Naka and the Aarey helipad. Each have a goat tied inside. They are being fed regularly.

This zone will remain sealed till August 7. We are aware of the big cats movements and know it wont attack adults. However, children are vulnerable as they are at the leopards eye level, said Pradeep Mali from the Thane forest range and a member of the team.

After examining trap images and comparing them to the leopards spots, forest officials realised it was a single cat behind the attacks. The animal has probably inspected the traps, however, it refuses to take the bait. Our reports suggest that the leopard has visited the spot, moved around the cage, but did not attack the goat. We will continue patrolling the area till the animal is trapped, said Santosh Kank, range forest officer, Mumbai.

The trap cage has been covered with leaves to camouflage it. (Satish Bate/HT)

The idea is to let the leopard become familiar with the trap cage. We will wait since it is humans who have entered their habitat, said said Mangesh Bakkar, an officer with Thane forest range.

The leopard has been active around the areas eight tribal settlements, each of which houses close to 200 people. The forest officials have given the villagers and Film City staff instructions on how to avoid an encounter with a leopard.

We set out daily, in groups of four, to the cordoned-off areas where attacks have taken place. Using a megaphone, we inform the tribals to ensure that their children are not outside during the evening, said Santosh Bhagne, an officer who led the rescue team.

So far there has been no sign of the animal. There have neither been camera images nor pug marks in the wet soil. However, forest department officials said cages were the best way to trap the cat, no matter how long it may take. There are 15 camera traps installed across the area, but the forest guards do not have dart guns or sticks to protect themselves. Only trained officers from Sanjay Gandhi National Park have been given dart guns,  said Mali.

Senior forest officials said the guards were not handicapped by the lack of advanced equipment. We are always open to suggestions and can provide them with bamboo sticks. But, we have given them the freedom to come up with their own strategy for trapping the animal as they have been trained to tackle such situations, said Jitendra Ramgaokar, deputy conservator of forest, Thane.

Forest department officials using a megaphone to warn people about the impending danger on Thursday. (Satish Bate/HT)

While trap cages are basic, long-established means of trapping leopards according to the Union environment ministrys guidelines, using darts with anesthesia is common in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. said wildlife experts.

There is a need to monitor the leopards activity for a week to 10 days. Only then will the forest guards understand how it moves. They can then think about using other techniques, said Tito Joseph, programme coordinator, Wildlife Protection Society of India.

In the US, UK and Sweden, foot loop traps are used to trap killer leopards. They are adjusted such that they do not hurt the animal. The snare clamps the animals foot, after which foresters use darts to anaesthetise it. Snares or foot loop traps are completely banned in protected forest areas to avoid poaching, said Joseph. However, in forests near cities, it can be considered only if the animal is a man-eater, he said.

How are animals trapped around the world?

CAGE TRAPPING

Advantages:

 They are easy to set up and can be placed at the exact location of the attack

 Animals can be trapped and released without having to be anaesthetised

 Large chunks of meat can be used as bait

Disadvantages:

 Cages are big, intrusive structures. Leopards can be wary of this, especially if they are hunted

 It takes a lot of manpower to set up each cage. Thus, they can only be set up next to roads and are not easily moved

 They are expensive

 They are ineffective and take long to trap an animal

FREE DARTING

Problematic animals can be darted on foot or from a vehicle

Advantages:

 Can control an aggressive animal, without killing it

Disadvantages:

 Selective, only leopards can be darted

 They can hurt the animal. A darted cat may fall off a tree. This can be avoided by using drugs to calm a leopard who is feeding.

 The capture team may be in danger if a darted animal run offs, particularly if the tranquilliser has only partially been injected.

 The darted leopard may be vulnerable to attacks from other animals.

 It is not easy to dart a leopard during night

 It is time-consuming as darting can only start when the leopard starts to feed on bait.

FOOT-LOOP TRAPS/SOFT CATCH TRAPS

Not to be confused with conventional crude wire snares set illegally to catch bush meat, it is a modified snare used to trap large carnivores for several decades. In Africa, large carnivore researchers have switched from using cage traps to foot loop traps over the past decade. These are leg-hold traps that clamp the animals legs while it is feeding. It can then be darted by foresters. It is however, not used in India at all.

Advantages:

 They are safe for the animals

 They are easy to carry

 No more than two people are required to set traps

 They are cheap

Disadvantages:

 They can hurt the animals leg while it is running

 The person setting up traps needs to be well-trained

 The public views these negatively, owing to the word snare in the title

(Source: Wildlife Protection Society of India, University of Pretoria Centre for Wildlife Mangament)

Who has the leopard attacked?

July 28: 13-year-old Aarey Milk Colony resident Aniket Dileep Page was attacked near the pump house around 3.30pm.

July 22: Two-year-old Vihaan Nilesh Garuda, son of an SGNP staff member, was attacked and killed near Maroshipada, a hamlet near Film City.

May 29: A four-year-old boy, who lived at Royal Palms, Goregaon, was attacked

March 17: A three-year-old boy was attacked near Khadakpada, a tribal hamlet. The boy escaped with injuries on his chest and throat after residents scared the leopard away.

May 21: A three-year-old boy was saved by his mother, who snatched him away from the claws of a leopard that had pounced on him in Chafyachapada, Aarey. The boy suffered minor injuries.

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Following HTs #BESTBachao campaign, the citys prominent citizens, including transport experts and civic activists, have written an open letter to CM Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to take immediate steps to save the bus service, which is in the midst of its worst crisis.

State industries minister Subhash Desai, who is also guardian minister of Mumbai, also called an urgent meeting of officials from BEST and its parent body, the BMC to discuss the bailout plan on Friday.

Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, too, called for another meeting of BESTs group leaders to discuss the problems on Friday evening. Mumbai BJP chief and city legislator Ashish Shelar said he has raised the issue in the state Assembly and his party is in favour of revival of the BEST in the interest of Mumbaikars.

In a four-part series that began on August 1, HT has been highlighting the crisis at BEST, which is Mumbais second largest mass transport system after suburban trains, and why it needs to be saved and possible solutions for its revival.

Following the HT series, a group of prominent citizens, including transport experts Ashok Datar, AK Shenoy, Trupti Amritwar Vaitla and prominent citizens from various walks of life Darryl DMonte ,Vidyadhar Date, Gaurang Damani, GR Vora, Dr Sonali Kelkar and urban planner Sulakshana Mahajan signed an open letter to Fadnavis urging him to step in to support BEST and move focus to public transport in the city. (Full text of the letter on Page 2).

We have urged Fadnavis, who also heads urban development department, to intervene. Serious and immediate action needs to be taken by the state government and the BMC to work on BEST. Its management, too, needs to take steps,said transport expert A K Shenoy, one of the signatories to the letter.

In a related development, Desai has convened meeting on the issue.

Guardian minister Subhash Desai has called an urgent meeting to discuss solutions and the immediate release of a bailout package for BEST, a merger of its transport wings budget with that of the BMC and conversion of loans given by BMC to BEST into grants, said Anil Kokil, BEST committee chairman. Both Desai and Kokil belong to the Shiv Sena, which is the ruling party in the BMC.

Mumbai municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta, BEST general manager Surendra Bagde and other officials will participate in the meeting called by Desai at his official residence, Kokil said.

Meanwhile, Shelar said the Mumbai BJP is in favour of immediate steps for saving BEST. It must survive as it is linked with the daily livelihood of the people. First let BMC decide on the bailout package, then ask the state government to step in, he said.

Experts said promoting public transport like BEST will also help reduce traffic congestion. Meanwhile, the unions of BEST workers on Thursday announced the staff will go on an indefinite strike from August 7 for their demands, which include timely payment of salaries.
The Bombay high court has said that it is not necessary for the priest to be present before a marriage registrar to get it registered.

The court on Tuesday struck down a circular issued by the registering authority of Jalgaon Municipal Corporation, mandating the presence of the priest to register a marriage.

Umesh Pujari, who presides over the rituals at Kalaram Temple in Nashik had approached court challenging the circular issued by the registering authority, saying that he performed many marriages in various temples and it was difficult for him to be present at the registrars office to register all of them, without affecting his livelihood.

He contended that Section 6 of the Maharashtra Regulation of Marriage Bureaus and Registration of Marriages Act, 1998, said that the bride, groom and three witnesses were required to appear in person before the registrar of marriages and there was no provision in the act that mandated the priests presence.

The bench accepted his contention saying that there was no such provision under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. It is, thus, clear that it is the matter of faith of the parties to the marriage to take the purohits assistance to solemnise their marriage, it said.

It further said that it was common knowledge that there were certain schools of thoughts and communities which do need a priest to preside over weddings. If that be so, it will be difficult for the followers of such people to ensure the presence of a priest to get the marriage registered, said the bench.
This years ImageNet, and possibly the last competition, ended with Chinese AI teams sweeping victory, yet again.

All the top performers were from China, and more than half of the 27 competing teams were Chinese-based universities or institutes. On the image classification challenge, the prize went to a team called WMW, which included two experts from Beijing-based startup Momenta and another one from Oxford University. Their error rate was 2.25 percent. Another team called DBAT won the title in the object detection challenge, with an accuracy rate at 73.1 percent. DBAT consisted of eight experts from Nanjing University and two from Imperial College London.

Since its launch in 2010, the ImageNet Large Scale Visual Recognition Challenge has become a benchmark AI competition in object category classification and detection on hundreds of object categories and millions of images.

(Photo/bigsnarf.wordpress)

Chinese scientists began to outshine others in 2015. In 2016, Trimps-Soushen, a team supported by the Ministry of Public Security, won in object recognition and detection, while researchers from Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology won in the video identification task.

This is reportedly the last ImageNet challenge after seven years, as image-based recognition has seen drastic improvement over the years and there is less need for the challenge now.

It is believed that the WebVision challenge, jointly-organized by Google Research, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, and Carnegie Mellon University, will replace ImageNet. The new challenge will be even more challenging, with emphasis on indentifying uncategorized pictures and even wrong ones. The AI winners of WebVision will hopefully move the field of AI even further forward.
If youve just bought a new phone, you might want to be extra cautious while travelling by Mumbais local trains. Heres why:

1. The most common way thieves steal phones is by extracting them from backpacks and pack pockets. More than 6 lakh people commute by train daily, 90% of whom carry hand bags, purses or backpacks. Several commuters have approached the police with complaints of their backpack and purses zips being opened stealthily, and their phones being stolen. As trains are often heavily crowded, commuters do not realise their phone is missing until it is too late.

We caught 12 to 15 robbers red-handed. They were trying to slide their hands into commuters bags. They have been arrested, said Prasad Pandhre, senior inspector of Andheri GRP.

2. Thieves also snatch phones stashed away inside your shirt pockets, revealed the government railway police (GRP).

What you can do Save the railway emergency number on your phone Check whether there is a guard in the ladies compartment at night if you are travelling. Call the control room of you spot an unattended bag. Check if your bag has been zipped up. Inform the police if you spot someone acting suspiciously. Do not stand on the footboard if you are talking on your phone. Do not hang your bag on your shoulder while standing on the footboard. Do not travel on the footboard. Do not cross the railway tracks. Do not leave your bag or purse unattended.

3. Police have also advised commuters not to stand on the footboard as thieves who travel on the rooftops will hit their hand with a stick so their phone falls on the tracks and is picked up later.

Police said there has been an alarming rise in cases of mobile phone theft on the western railway, with 3,450 cases registered between January to July this year. By contrast, only 939 such cases were registered between Churchgate and Dahanu Road during the corresponding period last year.

Though the police usually register such cases under section 392 (robbery) of the Indian Penal Code, they say commuters often hesitate to complain as they do not expect to get back their phones.

Police said a majority of mobile thefts are committed by people between the ages of 16 and 25. Several come from well-off families. We can track beggars and vagabonds, but teenage boys from reputable families are a source of worry, said inspector Pravin Kad, from the Borivli GRP.

The GRP have begun a public awareness programme to alert commuters against thefts. They plan to draw commuters attention to the issue via portable loudspeakers placed on platforms across the city. They are also instructing commuters to keep a close eye on their belongings.
A case of cruelty was registered against the watchman of a Gorai housing society after a stray dog that was adopted by some children of the building went missing.

Residents of BSES Cooperative Housing Society said that the CCTV footage showed that the dog - called Chimu by the children - being tied to the gate in the rain and later being taken away in a vehicle.

Sunish Subramanian, animal welfare officer at the Animal Welfare Board of India, filed the complaint on Friday.

Subramanuam said that the children, who used to take care of Chimu had immunised and sterilised her, but other residents objected to the dog in the buildings compound.

The children formed a group called MS Party Buddies and procured a license from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to keep Chimu in the society, said Subramanian.

However, some residents, including the managing committee members, were not happy about this and she was kept tied to the gate by the watchman even in the rain. The dog fell ill and needed medical treatment. She went missing on July 23. When the children asked about her sudden disappearance, the watchman responded in an aggressive manner, said Dr Nandini Kulkarni, animal activist.

A complaint under Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code - for animal cruelty - and provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Bombay Police Act was filed at MHB police station .
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) cancelled the licence of a SpiceJet commander for consuming alcohol before reporting to duty thrice. A DGCA officer said, The captain was tested positive in a breath analyser test the third time when he was to fly from Mumbai to Delhi on July 11.

He added that the senior pilots Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) was cancelled under clause 24 of the aircraft rules, which restrict the crew from consumption of alcohol 12 hours before the flight.

SpiceJets reply is awaited.
Veteran Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Lilavati Hospital with kidney-related complications on Thursday, said a source close to the family. Earlier, he received medication through an intravenous drip.

His creatinine level has gone up, leading to urinary complications. But he is stable. He was brought to the hospital because of dehydration and kidney problems, said a doctor at the hospital. High creatinine levels are associated with impaired kidneys.

He is completely stable and the only major issue was dehydration. As dehydration also affects the kidneys and other organs briefly, he suffered minor urinary issues, otherwise there is no major complications, said Dr Ravishankar, chief executive of the hospital.

The 94-year-old actor has been facing medical complications in recent years. In April last year, he was hospitalised with fever and nausea. In December, he was admitted to Lilavati Hospital to treat a swelling in his right leg.

Kumar acted in more than 65 films over six decades and is known for his iconic roles in movies such as Devdas (1955), Naya Daur (1957), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Ganga Jamuna (1961), Kranti (1981), and Karma (1986).

He was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 1991, Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 and Indias second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 2015. Pakistan honoured him with its highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, in 1997.
Fabrik, an exhibition Where: The four large works are distributed across Gallery MMB at Max Muller Bhavan, Kala Ghoda and Chemould Prescott Road, Fort When: August 4 to 26, 11 am to 7 pm. Both spaces are closed on Sundays Call: 2202-7710 Entry is free

First things first, the word Fabrik in the title Fabrik: On the Circulation of Data, Goods and People doesnt mean cloth. It means factory, in German.

Four large, conceptually layered works, spread across two venues, broadly talk of the hidden and unhidden, the discussed and not discussed, and shared and not shared data, news and communication in todays wired age.

Fabrik was part of the Germany pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale in 2015. The show attempts to illustrate how this glut of data influences our real, non-virtual lives, without us realising it. How it to some degree makes us factory-made people, consuming the same kind of information without questioning it.

Today, data is travelling without nearly any border, says curator Florian Ebner, via e-mail. A big number of Western companies fabricate their products in southern Europe and Asia. Their goods travel on big ships to the north, the money flows in the same direction. But, you never see the workers producing these things on crusades around the world. You meet many of them hidden on small boats trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

Tobias Zielonys installation, The Citizen, is about the stories of migrants and manufacturers. The new digital world and the Internet promised us more participation, but this is an illusion, says curator Florian Ebner.

Artist Tobias Zielonys installation, The Citizen, is about the stories of these migrants and manufacturers. The new digital world and the Internet promised us more participation, but this is an illusion, says Ebner.

Hito Steylers much-talked-about work, Factory of the Sun, is a long video that is part movie and part video game. It taunts us about the culture of reaching out, making the world ones home through the internet, but ignoring many people and their stories, almost making them invisible.

With Out on the Street and Draw it Like, Cairo-based German artists and filmmakers Jasmina Metwaly and Philip Rizk use film, sound and sculpture, to take a stance take against neoliberal processes in Egypt.

This exhibition also marks the rare occasion of a Venice Biennale pavilion exhibition going on tour. It has already been show in Beirut and Lebanon and after Mumbai will head to Krasnoyark in Russia.
Fewer than one lakh seats are available for the final round of admissions to first year junior college (FYJC), which will begin on Sunday. Education officials and principals have advised students to choose colleges wisely in the fourth round as only a handful of seats are vacant in coveted colleges.

Of the 2.3 lakh applicants, more than 1.37 lakh took admission in the three previous rounds, while the rest are awaiting a seat in the upcoming round. But the race will be intense as only 93,000 seats are available in the general category. There are an additional 23,000 quota seats minority, management, and in-house  but they will be filled at the college level.

City principals fear that the cut-offs for arts will shoot up in the fourth round as only a couple of unfilled seats remain in sought-after colleges. The cut-off mark for commerce are likely to stay the same, but that of science will fall further, they predicted.

At St Xaviers College, Fort, there is only one seat in arts, while there are 21 seats in science. Ramniwas Ruia College, Matunga, has two and six vacant seat in arts (English medium) and science. All seats in arts (Marathi) have been filled. Similarly, Jai Hind College, Churchgate, has eight vacant seats each in arts and commerce and 26 in science.

Art stream appears to be very popular this year, even more than commerce in many colleges, said Ashok Wadia, principal, Jai Hind.

But Wadia expressed concerns over the large number of students yet to secure admission.

Many of the kids did not take colleges allotted to them as they were not their first choice, they are waiting to get seats in their most preferred college, but they are playing a risky game, said Wadia.

He pointed out that several students are unaware of the new admission rules and are still counting on colleges opening offline admissions at the end of the round, although all admissions will be strictly done online this year. The education department needs to counsel such students and brief them on the new rules.

Education officials advised students not to wait for offline admissions.

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Questioning the Mumbai Universitys unpreparedness for online assessment of exam answer sheets, the Bombay high court on Thursday asked why the university implemented the system if it did not have the necessary infrastructure.

You [teachers and the University] should have prepared in advance to meet the deadline. This is like demonetisation, said a bench of justice BR Gavai and justice Riyaz Chagla.

The bench also directed the University to file within two weeks, its affidavit in response to a petition filed by a teachers association challenging the new On-Screen-Marking (OSM) system for assessing papers online.

The Bombay University and College Teachers Union (BUCTU) had approached the high court earlier this week over the inordinate delay in declaring the results of several undergraduate courses. The petition also raised concerns over the slapdash manner in which the OSM system was implemented by the university.

According to the petition, the system was introduced without providing essential infrastructure like the adequate number of computers and regular internet connections.

The respondents (Mumbai University and other authorities) implemented the OSM system without making available infrastructure required for it, which led to a delay in declaring results, affecting thousands of students and their future career, the petition reads.

The petitioners also said the university had decided in February this year to assess answer papers of final-year Arts, Commerce, Science and Law faculties by the OSM system and in April, the University awarded contract to two companies to provide infrastructure.

The OSM system majorly depends on a good internet connection and computers of decent specifications, both of which are in scarcity coupled with poor administration, registration and overseeing of the entire system by the authorities, the petition reads.

While the university was to complete assessments of its exams by July 31 this year, over 2.7 lakh answer papers are still pending evaluation.
Slamming the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for not repairing roads and filling up potholes that are a constant cause of accidents in the city, the Bombay high court asked the civic body on Thursday how many more people did it want to eliminate before it fixed the roads?

We read that because of potholes across the citys roads, more than 25 people have died this monsoon. How many will you eliminate before the next monsoon? The condition of the roads here is bad. We are not at all satisfied with your work, said Chief Justice Manjula Chellur.

The observations came while the bench headed by the chief justice was hearing a suo moto PIL on the poor condition of roads across Mumbai, and the BMCs failure to prevent and repair potholes every monsoon.

The bench also ordered the state to set up a nodal agency to look into all complaints relating to potholes and road repair work from across the state. The bench said the agency will forward the complaints to the municipal corporations and councils concerned across the state. The bench also appointed the member secretaries of Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority from each district as nodal officers for receiving such complaints.

The BMC, however, told the court that a similar committee to address all complaints made by the citys residents regarding potholes and bad roads already existed. The corporations counsel Anil Sakhre said the BMC had also begun a toll free phone line for the public to call and inform about potholes.

Sakhre submitted a status report on the repair work carried out by the BMC so far. He said this year, the corporation had addressed more than 500 complaints regarding potholes.

The bench however, said it was not concerned merely with the number of complaints.

Since the committee has been formed, how many people have died due to potholes and bad roads? It is a shame that we are at a stage where we have to supervise such committee, Justice Chellur said. From tomorrow onwards, I will personally note down how many potholes are there on the route that I travel on daily. If everyone starts doing it, then entire Mumbai will be covered and then the corporation will know of all roads that have potholes, she said.

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Senior BJP leader and state housing minister Prakash Mehta, who is facing a series of allegations of corruption, says he is ready to leave the housing department if CM Devendra Fadnavis asks him to. Mehta, who is accused of favouring builders in two slum rehabilitation projects, says the allegations are a conspiracy by those who were hurt by his decision to cleanse the slum rehabilitation department.

What do you have to say about the allegations against you?

I can guarantee that no decision taken by me as a housing minister was illegal or violates any rules and regulations. I do feel that some people whose interests were hurt after I started cleansing the slum rehabilitation department are behind these allegations. The developers who were not executing pending SRA projects since long were removed and the people were asked to appoint new ones. People were made responsible

So you meant to say there is a conspiracy against you?

I am sure it is a political conspiracy. Moreover, it looks like a fight between 2 senior Congress leaders  Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil (leader of opposition) and Prithviraj Chavan (former CM) who are haggling over leadership of Congress in the assembly. So they are trying to show they can attack the government.

Didnt you indicate that someone from your party was behind these allegations?

Not at all. We in the BJP dont follow such practice. In the past 40 years of my political life, we have been working together as a family. There is no chance of involvement of any BJP leader (in these allegations against me).

With serious allegations of corruption against you, are you going to resign?

Fadnavis is closely monitoring the matter. He is competent enough to take a decision. If he tells me to leave the housing department until the probe is completed, I am okay. Other than the BJP, no one has a right to decide my future. The Opposition has reached a new low in making baseless allegations.

Why have you decided to convert the cancelled project at Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar into one under the SRA scheme?

In 1999, the then housing minister Suresh Jain had allotted the project to Nirmal Properties and Holding Company Private Limited for redeveloping a MHADA transit camp along with some slum pockets under Gharkul housing scheme, which couldnt be executed. We only decided to expand its scope by clubbing 10-12 slum pockets on the adjoining plots. This was done to make the project feasible. Neither us nor the slum-dwellers have appointed any developer for the project. The government doesnt have such rights to appoint a developer as it is a slum rehabilitation scheme. In this case, the allegations are wrong. If the slum-dwellers agree, Mhada will be asked to execute the project.

How come a government resolution was issued the same day you held a meeting to club the redevelopment with the slum project?

The case was pending for 17 years. I took a public meeting and not of the slum-dwellers. Further, the civic body elections were also impending. My intention was not wrong.

What do you want to say about MP Mill compound case?

The CM has already cancelled the order allowing the developer to utilise the floor space index (FSI) meant for expansion of existing rehabilitation tenements of the slum-dwellers ,to build tenements for project-affected people. I further believe that awarding additional FSI to a structure when it was already constructed was wrong. The then CM Ashok Chavan had taken the decision. Whatever wrong happened in the Tardeo SRA project was done during 2009-10. We have decided to probe that. No benefit was given to the developer by us.

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Residents of Tisgaon village in Kalyan (East) will have to look for another lake to immerse Ganesha idols this year.

The reason: the mandal which holds immersions at Tisgaon talao has pulled out, citing last years incident in which four of its members allegedly beat up a police officer.

Devotees had been performing immersions in the lake behind Tisai Devi temple for the past 20 years.

The four men of Jarimari Seva Mandal were booked for attempt to murder. The video of the incident had gone viral and adversely affected the goodwill of the mandal.

One of our members is still in police custody. We dont want to carry out immersion in the lake after the last years incident. He was charged for murder. In fact, the officer was trying to drown our men, said Nana Suryavanshi , secretary of the mandal.

This lake is a private one and is looked after by the mandal, which plans to beautify it this month. However, organisers wont allow immersion.

We will beautify the lake. But we wont immerse Ganesh idols in it. All members of the mandal have agreed on this, added Suryavanshi. There are around 50 members of the mandal.

The lake used to see thousands of immersion every year. The mandal would make all arrangements required for the immersion.

There has never been a complaint against our members in the past 20 years. Last years incident occurred owing to that policeman, added Suryavanshi.

Meanwhile, the mandal plans to prepare an artificial pond in the village for immersion.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has allegedly postponed a speech targeting Chinese intellectual property and trade practice after his attempt was denounced by Chinese authorities.

According to CNBC, Trumps speech, which was scheduled to be made at the White House on Friday, Aug. 4, has been postponed with no explanation given and no reschedule date provided. Earlier this week, CNBC cited senior White House officials, noting that the president was set to criticize Chinas trade practices and sign a memo asking U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to look into the matter.

The postponement comes on the heel of Chinese authorities response to the issue on Thursday, Aug.3. Chinese Commerce Ministry Spokesperson Gao Feng denied the allegations that Chinese authorities have not done enough to protect intellectual property, reiterating that all disputes should be solved under the supervision of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Though the reason for the postponement remains unclear, many experts have expressed concern over Trumps consideration of using section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974---a trade weapon that put a dent in Japanese steel and other imports in the 1980sto tackle Chinas growing economic power.

Section 301 is a rarity since the WTO was initiated in 1995, but many Trump administration officials have expressed discontent with the organization. Lighthizer, for instance, might support Trump targeting China. When he served as deputy U.S. trade representative in the 1980s, section 301 was used extensively to deal a blow to Japanese trade, said Zhang Chenling, a Beijing-based expert in international relations.

Section 301, if initiated, will allow Trump to unilaterally take all appropriate actions, including retaliation, to obtain the removal of any act or practice of the Chinese government that is deemed unfair.
To ensure commuters safety in Dombivli, a group of 25 residents have started a campaign in which they are asking locals to say no to fourth seat while travelling in share autos.

It is important not to allow the auto drivers from taking in a fourth passenger. When we are paying for three seats, said Pramod Kane, spokesperson for Protest Against Autowale group.

He said the initiative was started citing the rising number of molestation cases in moving autos.

The group has installed banners across Dombivli, asking passengers to refuse autorickshaw drivers from plying the fourth passenger.

While the Regional Transport Authority (RTO) and the traffic police were busy taking action against errant auto drivers outside Dombivli station, the group members were appealing the passengers to say no to fourth seat.

If we do not allow auto drivers from filling in the fourth seat, the practice will eventually come to an end, said Kane.

Group members said they have observed that many a time auto drivers pick up their friends and relatives on the way, despite ferrying passengers.

The members said this could prove risky for the commuters, especially women.

To prove their point, the group conducted an online survey and submitted a report to the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Transport (KDMT), RTO and Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) authorities saying that most participants were against the fourth seat practice.

About 1,600 people took the survey. Fed up of the errant auto drivers, residents have also asked the KDMT to introduce more buses to ease crowd in autorickhaws.

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The buses are bad, the services poor and BEST is facing a crippling financial crisis.

But we know that. What does BEST need to get back on its feet?

HTs four-day campaign on Mumbais iconic bus service dying a slow, silent death has got authorities and experts talking. And, BEST is taking note too. The focus, its general manager told HT, will now be on putting more buses on popular routes and finding ways use its finances efficiently.

Dr Surendra Kumar Bagde, the BEST general manager, said he was positive BEST can be revived.

With the help of the civic bodies , we can work out ways to cut the losses, he said.

In this series, HT spoke to experts to find out why it was important to revive the BEST buses. Simply put, an efficient, comfortable bus network is the least expensive way to unclog the citys crowded roads. But for this, BEST needs funds, which it does not have. BEST has not paid more than 40,000 of its employees salary on time since April this year.

The transport body is facing losses of more than Rs2,100 crore. It has no funds to maintain its buses or expand services.

READ: Better buses, BEST solution: How to revive Mumbais bus network

But Bagde said BEST was looking at ways to overhaul its fleet and get back on its feet. Increasing the focus on commuters by providing the latest technologies in BEST buses and making buses more passenger-friendly is something we need to do immediately, Bagde said. We want to introduce smaller buses, and in the long-term, make our operations more efficient, he said.

On Thursday, political leaders also spoke up for immediate measures to save BEST, the second-largest mass transport system in Mumbai after the railways.

State industries minister Subhash Desai, who is also the guardian minister of Mumbai, called for an urgent meeting of BMC and BEST officials on Friday morning to discuss the issue. BEST must survive as it is linked with the daily livelihood of the people, said city BJP chief Ashish Shelar.

He said the mismanagement by the BEST administration was to blame for the financial crisis. The good news is, BEST is making an effort. It has started using some innovative ways to get people talking about the bus network and start using them again.

READ: How can Mumbais BEST buses be revived? With a bit of hard work

The buses have for decades been Mumbais wheels, popular with the working-class Mumbaiite for being cheap and covering nearly every corner of the city. But experts pointed out that the networks poor shape has rapidly caused it to lose popularity rapidly. To undo this damage, the BEST management has started posting staff at tourist attractions at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Churchgate station, Crawford market, Kurla, Andheri, Vadala, Govandi and Dadar to announce on loudspeakers the fare of the buses and how they are more affordable than share-autorickshaws and taxis.

Ever since we started this, the ridership from these points has increased and this is helping BEST. We are also looking at putting in place more such measures to help increase commuters, Bagde said. Reviving BEST is not impossible. But the fate of the public transport mode that was once Mumbais pride lies with the BMC and the state government.

And, they need to act quickly.
Under-fire housing minister Prakash Mehta, who is facing allegations of having favoured a builder in a Ghatkopar transit camp project, had gone out of his way to expand the scope of the project and convert it into a larger slum redevelopment scheme.

Had the decision been implemented, it would have resulted in a windfall of around Rs1,000 crore for the developer, claimed Dhananjay Munde, the opposition in the Legislative council.

Mehta, a legislator from Ghatkopar, who was handpicked by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in 2014, could soon either become the second minister from the Maharashtra cabinet to be ousted over graft charges, or may be demoted during the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. While the verdict is still out on Mehtas fate, the final decision will be taken by the partys top brass in Delhi.

What may, however, save Mehta is his political significance. He belongs to the Gujarati community in Mumbai, which has stood firmly behind the BJP over the past few years.

While Mehta is already facing allegations of corruption in a slum rehabilitation project at Tardeos MP Mill Compound, the minister had planned to convert a transit camp redevelopment project, which was cancelled in 2012 by the previous government, into a larger slum rehabilitation project by clubbing adjoining six slum pockets can bring windfall to the selected developer. Ghatkopar is one of the prime real estate areas in the eastern suburbs.

Mehta, however, has already rubbished the allegations. The allegations dont have an iota of substance. I am ready to face any inquiry and not scared of any probe, he said. I have done nothing wrong and unethical and there is no question of my resignation. The opposition has no right to ask for my resignation. My party leadership in the state and chief of cabinet Devendra Fadnavis will take the decision.

Read: After SRA scam, Maharashta housing minister Prakash Mehta in fresh trouble

The Opposition has accused Mehta of re-allotting a Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) plot in Pantnagar (Ghatkopar) to a developer, whose allotment had been cancelled in 2012 for failing to deliver the requisite tenements. But, it has now emerged that Mehta had in a meeting held on January 6 this year asked housing department officials to revive this project as a slum rehabilitation scheme.

In an unusually quick action, the department issued a government resolution (GR) on the same day, clubbing six slum pockets of the adjoining plots with the transit camp project, to convert it into a mega Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme. The GR, however, does not mention awarding the project to a particular developer.

The Opposition, however, has alleged that the SRA project was intended to benefit the developer, who had initially got the rights to develop the transit camp.

Surprisingly, the GR issued in January has still not made its way to the government website  a mandatory norm. (A copy of the GR is with Hindustan Times)

Under the SRA scheme, a developer is cross-subsidised for building homes for slum dwellers and lower income groups in exchange of incentive Floor Space Index (FSI).

FSI is the ratio of the permissible built-up area to the total size of the plot. It typically indicates how high a builder can construct on a given plot of land. In case such as the Ghatkopar one, the developer could have got a FSI of 3 over a much larger area  spread across six slum societies  besides the transit camp plot. If the tenement density is more than 650 per hectare, the developer can even get a FSI of 4, said officials.

Read: SRA scam: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis orders probe, housing minister under scanner

The higher FSI ensures that developers can build more houses, which can be sold in the open market to make profit.

In 1999, the MHADA-owned 18,902 square metre plot was allotted to Nirmal Holding Private Limited (NHPL) to construct a transit camp by utilising the FSI of 1.25 and using the remaining FSI of 1.25 for commercial purposes. NHPL was to construct 672 tenements, but they were never constructed. The Opposition alleged that as a local MLA, Mehta intervened in 2006, when Mhada suggested that the allotment be revoked as the developer had failed to take the project ahead. In 2008, Mhada again said that if it developed the plot on its own, 1,448 tenements in the transit camp would be built besides another 205 flats. The allotment was finally revoked in 2012.

Despite repeated calls and text messages to NHPL, the developer remained unavailable for a comment.

Sachin Ahir, former minister of state for housing, slammed Mehta. The decision taken by the housing minister is wrong. During our tenure, the Congress-NCP government had taken a policy decision that such redevelopment on MHADA land should be undertaken by them only. This is how we could create affordable houses at Pratisksha Nagar, Sion and Mulund. With the fresh move, the government will not be able to create affordable houses, Ahir told HT. With such a decision, there will be little land available for building affordable homes.

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An audio clip of IAS officer Radheshyam Mopalwar allegedly talking about bribes and which saw him removed from his post as managing director of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) on Thursday, pending inquiry, is just one of the 150 calls recorded between 2014 and 2016 by his former aide and private detective, Satish Mangale. Mopalwar was heading chief minister Devendra Fadnavis Mumbai-Nagpur expressway project.

While HT has not verified the authenticity of the 35 tapes of phone conversations made public, these conversations, mostly between Mangale and Mopalwar, if proved genuine, could land several senior officials, developers and even politicians in trouble. (A CD of these calls is with HT).

Mopalwar said these tapes were doctored. He did not respond to HTs query over Mangales claims of having worked for him. Mangale, who has been in hiding since last August after his fallout with Mopalwar and his alleged kidnapping, told HT the decision to release the clips was taken after he got no response from the state government despite various complaints.

I transcribed 35 out of the 150-odd telephonic conversations between Mopalwar and me and some with his family. I had sent these 35 clips to all authorities for a probe into his assets. But for more than six months, the state has been sitting on the investigation. These tapes have been verified by a state-recognised agency, claimed Mangale. Mangale told HT, I was hired by him to handle his divorce settlement with his second wife, which included Rs 35 crore in cash and Rs65 crore in property. This was completed in two years and I was paid a fee.

The former aide said he worked for the bureaucrat for nearly five years before his fallout with him in 2016. Mopalwar has rubbished the claims made by Mangale.

These forged and doctored audio clips have been made viral by individuals who have a background of procuring call data records illegally. This individual is on bail in such CDR crimes as well as in a case of attempted extortion and in a rape case,Mopalwar said on Thursday. He said the truth of the tapes and the case would be revealed in the state inquiry.

The audio clip, which went viral, had led to demands of Mopalwars resignation in the legislature, resulting in his removal. The clip allegedly has Mopalwar asking for a bribe and talking about rates, not less than Rs 1crore to be paid in Mantralaya for getting possession of a 15,000 sq m plot in Borivli. The other conversations revolve around organising money to be paid to Mopalwars wife and indiscreet references to money to be received from certain developers, black money, land deals, settling matters in exchange for money and purchase of properties.

Mopalwar, who was posted as MSRDC vice-chairman by Fadnavis government, had also enjoyed plum postings earlier, including the chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board , collector of land revenue management with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. Mangale had submitted complaint letters along with two CDs  one of 35 audio clips and one of Mopalwars assets  to various authorities, including the state general administration and home department headed by the chief minister. The complaint submitted to the PMs office in December 2016 had also been forwarded to the additional chief secretary of GAD, independently in April this year. Despite calls and text messages, there was no response from the CMO or GAD on these complaints.

Read

Maharashtra CM removes IAS officer accused of corruption after uproar in assembly

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A dispute with a private detective whose help he had sought while he was divorcing his second wife could be behind the leak of the voice tapes that have landed senior bureaucrat Radheshyam Mopalwar in trouble.

On the tapes that went viral on social media  Hindustan Times could not independently verify their authenticity -- Mopalwar is heard, among other things, asking for a bribe.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis moved swiftly on Thursday to relieve Mopalwar, who was a complainant-turned-accused in the Telgi stamp paper scam case in 2009, of the responsibility of executing his pet project  the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway.

Fadnavis said Mopalwar, who was vice-chairman of the MSRDC, would hold no post until the inquiry into the allegations was completed. Mopalwar said these audio clips were doctored and denied all allegations against him.

There are as many as 32 unverified audio clips of telephone conversations mostly between Mopalwar and a former aide, Satish Mangale. One audio clip that has gone viral allegedly has Mopalwar talking about rates and money to be given in Mantralaya to clear file for a developer. The other conversations also have indiscreet references to black money, settling matters in exchange for money, and giving huge sums of money  Rs5 crore and Rs 12 crore -- to his kin.

These forged and doctored audio clips have been made viral by individuals, who have a background of procuring call data records illegally. This individual is on bail in such CDR crimes as well as in a case of attempted extortion and in a rape case, said Mopalwar.

He refused to comment on the nature of his relationship with Mangale.

However, the Mangales tell a different story. While Satish was unavailable for comment, his wife Shraddha said, My husband Satish Mangale, who ran a detective agency until 2012, was hired by Mr Mopalwar to handle a personal matter, a divorce case with his second wife. After the two parties reached a certain monetary settlement, Satish was asked to handle this as well. Satish has reportedly been in hiding since August last year when he was kidnapped for two days. The Mangale family filed a police complaint in this case in September last year in Satara.

Shradha said her husband had recorded calls made to Mopalwar and his family as part of due diligence.

The Mopalwar-Mangale association ended in 2015, but things went awry later after a former associate of Satishs told Mopalwar about the recorded calls, claims Shraddha. She also claimed that all police cases against her husband and her were false and filed after they filed an FIR of attempted kidnapping.

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Restaurants top the list of establishments that have been accused of overcharging customers under the garb of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the first month after the new tax regime came into effect.

Of the 68 consumer complaints received by the state Legal Metrology Department (LMD) from across the state in the last one month since GST was implemented on July 1, over 90 per cent pertain to overcharging of food bills by restaurants. The LMD is a consumer watchdog that is authorized to act against short delivery, excess demand and over pricing by unscrupulous businessmen or establishments.

LMD sources told HT on Thursday that a majority of the complaints against reckless billing by eateries had been received from Mumbai, followed by Pune, Aurangabad and Nashik, respectively. These are the main urban hubs in the state which have a culture of eating out. It is natural that the exorbitant increase on food bill following GST is pinching the consumer more than the price rise on other items, sources said, explaining the deluge of complaints against restaurants.

In a majority of complaints, customers alleged that while restaurants were earlier charging table charge along with Value Added Tax (VAT), service tax and service charge, the taxation has increased following the implementation of GST. Now along with 18 per cent GST on food bill, some restaurants are also accused of including service charge and cooling charge (on chilled mineral water bottles and other aerated drinks), an officer with the LMD said.

The cooling charge never existed before. Restaurants have been accused of charging anything between Rs3-5 over the MRP on a bottle of mineral water served from a fridge, the official added.

Some other complaints pertain to discrepancies in price of food items mentioned in the menu card and the composite tax levied afterwards.

As per their (consumers) demand, the price of food items mentioned in the menu card should have included GST, the official said, mentioning a consumer complaint.

President of the Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association, Adarsh Shetty meanwhile, said that the restaurants have no option but stick to the GST (over food bill) as per the requirement of the legislation.

However, keeping in view the burden on the customers following GST, restaurants should avoid charging service charge. We have made an appeal to our members not to levy service charge. Some have adhered to our request, while some have not. We can only make an appeal, he said. When asked about cooling charge, Shetty said, I have never heard of it before. No one can levy such charge above MRP.

Meanwhile, Controller, LMD, Amitabh Gupta said that the department would hold discussions with the GST commissioner for clarifications on the tax entitlements by restaurants before acting on the complaints.

But one thing is clear, no one can charge anything over MRP, he stated.

Meanwhile, the LMD is all set to initiate action against a super market in Thane which charged Rs3 over the MRP for one and half litres of packed milk as the customer bought it in the afternoon. She(complainant) was allegedly told by the super market manager that she could have got the pack at MRP had she made the purchase in the morning. The Rs3 extra was for keeping the packet/s in the refrigerator.

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation plans to get rid of all illegal religious structures in public places of the city by August 31 after the Bombay high court gave it a deadline of November 16.

Deputy municipal commissioner for removal of encroachments Ranjit Dhakne said, "A total of 272 have been taken down so far, 210 remains. I have asked all ward offices to finish work by August 31."

Andheri (West) ward, that had 42 shrines listed as category B structures, has either demolished or relocated 39 so far. K/West assistant municipal commissioner Prashant Gaikwad said that there were stay orders on two of the them.

"Because of festivities coming up, BMC wanted to finish the work early," said Gaikwad.

Civic officials of Bandra (west) ward said that 19 of the 38 shrines in category B had been taken down. There are stay orders on demolition of two crosses in Bandra. "Some were demolished, some taken down by the owners. What remains will be razed soon after we get the go-ahead," said an official.

Only 482 structures identified under category B can be demolished or shifted as they are encroaching on public spaces and are in the way of development. The BMC identified 221 category A shrines in Mumbai that have to be regularised.
A 58-year-old nurse was allegedly duped by a cybercriminal posing as a bank employee, by telling her that her bank account and debit card would get blocked, as she did not furnish her aadhaar card details. The cybercriminal withdrew Rs23,520 from her account, leaving her with a balance of just Rs12.

According to the DN Nagar police, on July 20, the nurse received the fraudulent phone call at 4pm. The woman holds a bank account in a nationalised bank in Andheri (West).

The criminal knew her banks name. He told her he would help her unblock the card, and asked her for her aadhaar card number and debit card details. The woman also received a One Time Password (OTP) on her phone, which she also gave him.

On 29 July, she found out that she has only Rs12 left in her account. The woman then rushed to DN nagar police station, where a first information report (FIR) was filed under section 420 of Indian Penal code (IPC) and 66C of Information technology (IT) Act.
The Borivli police on Friday recovered the diamonds worth Rs24 lakh from the two policemen who were arrested with two others for cheating a jeweller. Four teams have been formed to trace the other accused.

The policemen, Chandrakant Gavare and Santosh Gavas, were arrested on Wednesday.

The incident came to light when the accused purchased the diamonds on Wednesday from the complainant. Investigating officials found that the complainants agent worked with the accused policemen.

We have arrested four accused and are trying to trace the rest, said Vikram Deshmane, deputy commissioner of police (Zone XI).

According to the police, the complainant was looking to buy diamonds and had contacted a Gujarat jeweller. On Wednesday, the jeweller and his agent arrived at the complainants office to meet and finalise the sale of the diamonds.

The complainant was accompanied by his agent, wo called himself Raj. After the sale, Gavare and Gavas came to his office and started inquiring about the sale. The duo identified themselves as policemen working at the Mumbai police headquarters at Crawford Market. One of them introduced himself as an officer, while other said he is a constable.

They told the complainant that he will have to accompany them to the police headquarters as they needed to make inquiries about the purchase. They seized the diamonds. However, upon reaching Borivli (east), they asked the complainant and his agent to get off the vehicle as they needed to make an urgent arrest in another case, said an officer.

Gavare and Gavas kept the diamonds with them and told the complainant to show up at the headquarters in the evening. The policemen also asked him to bring the necessary documents pertaining to the sale.

We have arrested the policemen along with a woman and another man who assisted them in the execution of the crime, said Gunaji Sawant, senior inspector at Borivli police station.

The other arrested accused were identified as Sujata Gaurkar and Pranay Shah. Officials said Gaurkar is an accomplice of Raj, who is at large.
Heres some bad news for Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport commuters.

The joint action committee of labour unions on Thursday threatened to go on indefinite strike from August 7, if the BEST and BMC fail to fulfil their demands, including timely payment of salaries, scrapping the software on work hours, ban on hiring of private buses, among others.

Around 30 lakh commuters will be inconvenienced if 36, 000 BEST employees go on strike.

The BEST Sanyukta Kamgar Kriti Samiti (BSKKS), a joint action committee formed by all major labour unions, including BEST Kamagar Sena, is on a chain hunger strike outside Wadala BEST depot since August 1.

Sources termed the announcement a tactic to build pressure on BEST and BMC administration for speedy decision on their demands.

We decided to go on strike as there is no sign of any decision on our demands, said Shashank Rao, leader of BEST Workers Union, adding they have given three days to the administration to take a decision.

Rao said they dont want to trouble people during the festive season, but the administration has left them with no option.

Anil Kokil, BEST committee chairman, said they will hold a meeting to resolve the issue soon.
(File photo)

A local branch of China Mobile has been fined 500,000 yuan after it denied access to a users call log despite a local court order, triggering public debate on jurisdiction over personal privacy.

The company in Lichuan, central Chinas Hubei province, was ordered to pay a penalty on Aug. 1, according to a public announcement. The court explained that it ordered the China Mobile branch to check a users call log, as it was considered an important proof in a case being heard at the court. The user, surnamed Sun, fell to his death at work, but his employer has insisted Sun was anxiously speaking on the phone when the accident occurred. The call log was needed to verify the story. But the request was repeatedly rejected by the local branch.

China Mobile Hubei on Aug. 2 explained in an interview with Thepaper.cn that there may be some legal misunderstanding.

Chinas Telecommunication Law protects civilians personal freedom and privacy in communications, except when state security is at risk or in a criminal case. Meanwhile, the Civil Procedure Law also requires that institutes and individuals cooperate with a court's investigation.

Lawyers are divided on the issue, especially since Sun had passed away before the investigation. Shanghai-based lawyer Ding Jinkun said a dead mans call log is no longer his legal right but his property right, Thepaper.cn reported.

However, there is so far no regulation or law on digital property rights in China, including telecommunications, blogs, and social media accounts, Ding noted, adding that related laws should be issued to prevent similar situations.
The Veermata Jijabai Udyan, which welcomed the Humboldt penguins in 2016, could soon be home to giraffes, zebras, ostrich, the African antelope, kangaroos and cheetahs.

After several delays in the second phase of the zoo revamp project, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has kick-started the project again.

Seven firms met senior civic officials on Thursday in connection with building 17 animal enclosures at the zoo. Once these enclosures are built, the zoo will have more space for the existing animals, and enough to accommodate the new ones.

After Thursdays meeting, the tenders for the Rs120-crore second phase revamp will be floated. Construction is likely to begin in the next three months, a BMC official said.

READ: You will have to shell out 50 to enter Mumbais Byculla zoo

The first phase of the revamp included building the penguin enclosure. For the second phase, municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta scrapped a previous batch of applications from contractors in June.

On examining the applications, he realised the firms did not have the requisite experience to construct animal enclosures. Mehta ordered the tenders be floated again.

Civic officials said they were happy with the response they received on Thursday. The director of the zoo, Dr Sanjay Tripathi said, We received a good response from bidders on Thursday; about 6-7 of them were present. All firms have the basic qualification of experience.
After a swine flu patient being treated at Parels KEM Hospital died, medical staff attending to him decided to medicate themselves. Nurses and ward boys at the hospitals surgery department who had come in contact with the patient desperately sought out medicines, even though none had developed swine flu symptoms.

Mumbai doctors, however, have said that this is not a good idea and have warned against the irrational use of preventive medication. They have strongly advised that people who do not develop symptoms of swine flu patient, should not take medicines such as Tamiflu. They said the irrational use of medicines could lead to drug resistance.

Symptoms of swine flu Symptoms include fever, chills, a sore throat and runny nose. As these are similar to symptoms of common flu, the illness often goes undiagnosed.

A senior doctor from the hospital, who did not wish to be identified, said swine flu has created a lot of panic among the hospital staff.

The nurses and ward boys got prescriptions for Tamiflu from their department doctor. But, they should not take the medicine if they dont show symptoms of swine flu within 10 days of contact with the patient, he said.

Dr Avinash Supe, dean, KEM Hospital said he did not know if his staff were self-medicating. Instead, he said nurses and wards boys were offered swine flu vaccinations, but many refrained from taking them. We cant force them to take the vaccines, he said.

Dr Anita Mathews, infectious disease expert at Lokmaniya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, Sion said prophylactic treatment was regularly offered to people during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. However, it is not offered anymore.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) does not recommend prophylactic treatment for swine flu, she said.

This year, swine flu claimed 322 lives in the state, including 25 in Mumbai. Dr Om Srivastava, a city-based infectious disease specialist, said it was important to get vaccinated. High-risk people such as diabetics, patients with cardiovascular diseases, pregnant women and hospital staff must take the vaccine, he said.
Two Mumbai policemen  Chandrakant Gavare and Santosh Gavas  attached with a local arms division and two others were arrested for robbing a Borivli jeweler of diamonds worth Rs24 lakh on Wednesday. Investigating officials found that the jewelers agent worked with the accused policemen.

The incident took place at the jewelers Borivli office after he had just bought the diamonds from a Gujarat jeweler. After the sale, Gavare and Gavas landed at his office and started inquiring about his latest sale.

They told the jeweler to accompany them to the police headquarters. They also seized the diamonds. Upon reaching Borivli, they asked the jeweler and his agent to get down to go make an urgent arrest in another case, said an officer. They told the jeweler to come to the headquarter later. We have arrested the cops along with a woman and another man who assisted them in the crime, said Gunaji Sawant, senior inspector at Borivli.

Gavare and Gavas, however, kept the diamonds and told the complainant to show up at the headquarters in the evening. The policemen also asked him to bring documents pertaining to the sale. We have arrested the cops along with a woman and another man who assisted them. They were booked on charges of dacoity, said Gunaji Sawant, senior inspector at Borivli police station.

The other accused were identified as Sujata Gaurkar and Pranay Shah. Officials said Gaurkar is an accomplice of Raj, who is at large.

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A consignment of 225 kilogram of hashish (cannabis) worth 55 lakh was recovered from a truck at Pari Chowk in Greater Noida early Friday. Police arrested four men, including a graduate from Delhi University, in connection with the haul.

The cannabis was concealed in small packets inside the truck to avoid detection. The truck was on its way to Delhi from Berhampur in Odisha. Apart from the driver, four other people were travelling in the truck. A police team that had already received inputs from their sources created a checkpoint at Pari Chowk and intercepted the truck around 4am.

Circle officer, Greater Noida-1, Amit Kishor Shrivastava, said, We were sure about the tipoff and our team started checking the truck. The truck was not laden with any goods in a bid to avoid suspicion. The police team checked cabin area and found hashish (cannabis) concealed in the dashboard and ceiling area.

Following the recovery, the four men were arrested by police and taken to Kasna police station for questioning. They were identified as Uday (27) of Bulandshahr, Sandeep (30) of Ghaziabad, Nitesh (31) and Raju (35), both residents of Gokulpuri area of Delhi.

During questioning, the police learnt that while Sandeep did his bachelors of arts (BA) from Delhi University, Uday and Nitesh studied up to class 10 and 12 respectively. The four men told police they had been smuggling cannabis from Odisha for the last three months and sold it to customers in Delhi and NCR region.

Shrivastava said that the four men were working for Gopal, a Delhi-based man in his mid-thirties who lives near Aggarwal Sweets in Uttam Nagar.

Gopal would get the hashish concealed in the truck and tail it in his Hyundai Creta. On reaching NCR, Gopal would tell the driver to stop the truck and hand over the packets to the customers, Shrivastava said.

Police said Sandeep and Nitesh had been working with Gopal for six months. The accused said for the last three months, their job involved travelling from Odisha to Delhi to smuggle consignments of the narcotic. They also told the police about four men at Berhampur in Odhisa from whom they huge quantities of cannabis.

They said Gopal sourced his consignments from Odisha thrice a month. They said they were paid handsomely for their job and all their expenses were borne by Gopal.

Shrivastava said, The four men told us Gopal was following them in the Creta. We suspect he saw the truck being intercepted by the police and fled. The teams are working to develop the sequence of events and nab the people involved in this chain.

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Led by Armans mother Swati, hundreds of residents from Vaishali, Indirapuram and other areas took out a candlelight march from his Sector 5 residence to GD Goenka School in Indirpauram, the school where he allegedly fell and died under unexplained circumstance on the morning of August 1.

His parents have already lodged an FIR against the school authorities, but there has been no action by the police as yet.

Braving heavy rain that lashed Ghaziabad city on Friday evening, residents turned up in large numbers in a bid to rally support for their cause, Justice for Arman. The incident has now spawned a legal battle between the school authorities and the aggrieved parents.

His death has made me stronger than ever. I feel more strength since he left us and I will not let the school authorities go unpunished. They will have to take the responsibility of the death inside the school premises. They are roaming openly and police have not made effort to arrest them . I am not satisfied with the investigation so far and demand a CBI probe into the case, Swati Sehgal, Armans mother, said.

Armans brother will be ready to go to school next year. However, I am wary of sending him to school now. I will consider sending him to a government school and not some show-off school, Swati said.

Also read: Ghaziabad student death: Infant sibling searches for best pal, family mourns loss

The candle march was organised on the day of Chautha, four days after Armans death. His parents have filed an FIR against the school authorities for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and destruction of evidence.

After getting a call about Arman, we rushed to the hospital and found that his ECG report showed no signs of life. This clearly suggests that he died in the school itself. Back in April, Arman told me that he often finds it difficult to climb to the second floor of a classroom with a heavy bag on his shoulder. I visited the school and told officials to shift his class elsewhere. But they did not listen, Swati added.

The candlelight march was attended by nearly a thousand residents supporting the case. They featured members of parents associations, political leaders and residents who wished to express solidarity with the Sehgals.

It is a matter which should concern every parent. Justice for Arman has to be ensured at any cost. Schools where such incidents take place cannot shy away from their responsibilities. They charge exorbitant fees and dont allow any delay in payment, Seema Tyagi, a protester, said.

The schools have become a money minting machine and they have no emotions left. Justice for Arman will mean a lot for parents who send their children to school in the hope that they will be safe. The police and administration has to act now, Sachin Soni, a member of all school parents association, said.

On Friday morning, the Sehgals also met HN Singh, senior superintendent of police and demanded immediate arrest of the school officials. They voiced anger over the alleged police laxity in probing the case. The SSP assured them of a fair probe and action by Monday.

SSP has assured action by Monday. But I am still not hopeful. I request CM Yogi Adityanath to intervene in the matter and ensure justice for our son. The police are still collecting evidence, which was destroyed soon after the incident, Gulshan Sehgal, Armans father, said.

The corridor where Arman allegedly fell had no CCTV coverage. His parents alleged that the schools housekeeping staff did not mop the corridor properly and left some water on it that led to the fall.

He (Arman) just fell over the floor while he was walking 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. The floor had no water as alleged, as there was no nearby source of water near the spot where the incident took place, Dr Kavita Sharma, the schools principal, said.

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Unaware of the tragic death of his elder sibling at GD Goenka School, two-and-a-half-year-old Ahaan has questions in his eyes. Searching for his brother Arman, who was his best pal, he has questions for his parents and visitors. Though Ahaan hasnt started speaking yet, he asks in his own language about his Da..Da.

Armans last rites were performed by his parents at Haridwar but Ahaan does not know what happened to his elder brother, who used to be his best buddy.

He is restless and picks up bat and ball and searches relentlessly for Arman. They both played together. He has questions for everyone who visited our house after Armans death. We are pained to see Ahaan alone...tears cant stop rolling from our eyes. We have no answers to his queries, said Swati Sehgal, Armans mother.

Ahaan is searching for Arman everywhere... be it in the balcony, rooms or even at places where they used to play together. He has gone repeatedly to every place he can. They were perfect pals and Arman used to take care of Ahaan. It brings shivers to me, how will I explain and console Ahaan about what happened to his big brother? I really doubt if I will be able to explain him as he is too young and continues to search for his brother, she added.

On August 1, the Sehgal family received a call about the tragic incident. Arman was declared brought dead at Shanti Gopal Hospital where he was taken after his fall. Later his parents lodged an FIR against the school.

The two kids are our world. With Arman gone, the entire family is shattered. He was a smart and brilliant kid and loved speed. He wanted to become a fighter pilot or a car racer. We encouraged him to pursue his ambition. Our happy family now stands shattered. I still cant believe my son is no more, said Swati.

She said Arman was religiously inclined and performed Puja everyday. On July 29, on his insistence, his parents took him to a temple where he offered prayers.

Armans father, Gulshan Sehgal, said destiny took his son away. The family of four had returned from an outing late night on July 31 and went to bed a bit late.

His bus reached the stop at 7.15am but Arman got a bit late and missed it. A night before we all had gone out and slept late. But on his mothers insistence, he got ready and I dropped him to school in my car. His mother insisted he must go to school as he had prepared well for the unit test. Nearly half an hour later, we got the call... Sehgal said.

According to the postmortem report, Arman suffered internal head injuries and succumbed soon before his treatment could begin at the hospital.

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The Super Specialty Child PGI Hospital has been provided with a state-of-the-art operation theatre, intensive care unit and a dialysis unit to ensure better health care for children in Noida.

The three units were inaugurated on Friday by minister for medical education Ashutosh Tandon. Gautam Budh Nagar MP and Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma and Noida MLA Pankaj Singh were also present on the occasion.

Eight operations theatres have been made functional. The ICU will have 41 beds.

The state government has been making a tireless effort to improve health care in Uttar Pradesh. I am optimistic that with the introduction of ICU, OT complex and the dialysis unit, the medical facilities and the quality of services at the Child PGI Hospital will improve, Tandon said.

Eight operation theatres at the Super Specialty Child PGI Hospital were made functional on Friday. The intensive care unit will have 41 beds. (Virendra Singh Gosain/HT PHOTO)

The three units were constructed by the Noida Authority over the past three months as per the instructions of the state health department. Recently, the Yogi cabinet approved expansion of the Child PGI Hospital along with other medical institutes of the state.

Singh, son of Union home minister Rajnath Singh, said, The state government is committed to providing state-of-the-art medical facilities in Uttar Pradesh. This government made several announcements on upgrading health care facilities and dispensing quality medical treatment to residents in its first budget. Funds to the tune of 15 crore was also allocated for purchasing equipment for the Child PGI Hospital.

Dr AK Bhatt, director of Super Specialty Child PGI Hospital, said that these newly added units will surely go a long way in boosting services at the hospital.

I am certain that after being equipped with these units, patients flocking to our hospital will get better treatment. The parents, too, will not have to turn to Delhi or elsewhere in the city when it comes to specialised medical care of their children, Bhatt said.

According to hospital authorities, the three facilities were put in place recently under an initiative announced on the occasion of 100 days of the Yogi government.

Recently, additional chief secretary Anita Bhatnagar Jain inspected the hospital to take stock of progress on projects initiated by the Yogi government. The hospital had announced setting up of eight modular operation theatres, addition of beds in surgical ICU and cardiac ICU and live telecast of integrated Modular OTs for better training of medical students.

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Nearly all modern medicines sold in India were discovered in the West. Globally when a new drug is approved, it goes through a series of clinical trials  first on animals and then on humans  to determine its efficacy and safety.

It is known that ethnic and genetic variations play an important role in the metabolism of drugs. For instance, carbamazepine, which is used for treating epilepsy can cause severe allergic reactions in about 15% of Tamilian patients. Similarly, risk of life threatening muscle injury is far higher when cholesterol busting agent simvastatin is administered to Indians. There are scores of other examples.

The effect of ethnic variations on the metabolism of drugs can be determined by conducting large scale clinical trials on various races in local communities. Drugs discovered in western countries undergo trials in their local populations, mainly Caucasians. Hence the effect on Indian ethnic groups is not known. Keeping this in view the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules in India require that results of local clinical trials must be submitted for approval of new medicines in the country.

The Parliamentary Committee on Health in 2012 had suggested that enrolment in such local trials should be substantially increased and made more broad based to cover all major ethnic groups living in India such as Indo-Aryans, Dravidians, Mongoloids, Tribals etc.

Ignoring the scientifically sound suggestions of the parliamentary panel, the ministry of health and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has done exactly the opposite.

First, the number of subjects (at least 100 in three-four centres) in the rules was watered down by removal of minimum numbers. Second, more recently a proposal to permit new drugs without local clinical trials has been floated if the drug was in use for two years or more without any major adverse effect in one of the six specified countries, namely United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, European Union or Japan.

It has been argued that such a rule will facilitate quick entry of new drugs into India. What is not stated is that the proposed rule, if implemented, will save multinational drug corporations (MNCs) millions of dollars in expense, efforts and possibility of rejection of new drug if serious side effects are discovered. Thus Indian patients will be exposed to hitherto unknown side effects. These foreign will also get an additional bonanza: the post-marketing data from huge population of India free of charge. They will use this to promote their patented products in other countries with similar ethnic populations such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji etc.

In 2016, a survey done on approval of new drugs in the US and European Union (EU) found that 19 drugs approved in the former were not approved in EU while a similar number approved in EU failed to get approval in US. Thus there is no uniformity in the approval process. It is irrational to club the US with the EU or for that matter other countries.

It is also wrong to merely rely on EU while ignoring approval by national drug regulators of its 28 member states. A recent analysis has shown that while centralised EU regulator received 100 applications, national regulators of member states got 1,400 applications for permission to market various drugs.

The selection of six specified countries and exclusion of others is arbitrary and without any scientific data. A review of reports on hitherto unknown side effects of drugs from November 2014 to October 2015 submitted to World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the US due to its policy of voluntary reporting with 0.065 side effects per million population is far behind New Zealand with 1.3 reported side effects per million of population thanks to its compulsory reporting.

Yet New Zealand is excluded. Significantly India was at the rock bottom with not even one side effect reported to WHO.

The clause on two-year use abroad without any major side effect is also faulty, if not whimsical. Let us look at the gap between permission to market some drugs and discovery of serious side effects: Sibutramine used in the treatment of obesity was banned after remaining in the market for 13 years; anti-bacterial Gatifloxacin was banned after 12 years; pain killer Rofecoxib was withdrawn after five years of use. In all these cases the damage, if any, done to ethnic populations of India remains unknown. Conclusion: The two-year clause is merely an eye wash meant to hoodwink the public.

It appears the pro-industry tilt in the mindset of those who run the health ministry and CDSCO has not changed. In its written submission to the parliamentary committee on health in 2012, the ministry stated that the mission of CDSCO was to meet the aspirations. demands, and requirements of the pharmaceutical industry.

Actually, like other drug regulators the world over, it was established to safeguard the interest of the people at large. The panel took strong exception to the ministrys submission and advised it to change its priorities and mindset. Unfortunately, this has not happened.

Chandra M. Gulhati is editor, Monthly Index of Medical Specialties

The views expressed are personal
The glitter appears to be wearing off with unusual speed. Frances 39-year-old wunderkind president, Emmanuel Macron, is slipping in the popularity charts with an astonishing 10-point slump last month.

That such a slide should occur during the first 100 days of grace is unprecedented for any president in the history of the French Fifth Republic. Only 54% say they are happy with their president. Descriptions of his character and personality range from imperious, arrogant, hasty, autocratic and ambitious to inexperienced, callow, headstrong, over-confident and disappointing  hubris, in short. Clearly the complaints appear to have more to do with style than substance.

Only recently Macron appeared to have the magic touch, getting everything right, especially in matters of foreign policy. His bone crusher handshake with United States President Donald Trump went viral, and he chalked up a succession of diplomatic triumphs that included his riposte to Trumps decision to pull out of the climate treaty.

Swift, smart and typically self-assured was how The Guardian described Macrons Make our planet great again slogan against Trump. Then came the invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin and a sumptuous reception at Versailles, followed closely by Trump in Paris for the Bastille Day Parade on July 14. The Guardian called the young presidents debut near faultless.

Since then, an emboldened Macron has been making mistakes. Part of that might be due to the very nature of the French presidency and the almost limitless powers invested in the head of state, with fewer constitutional checks and balances than in the US. Macron might have begun overplaying his hand.

Recently, he attempted another solitary diplomatic coup by bringing warring Libyan factions to the negotiating table. Macron personally got the two principal Libyan protagonists talking and they promised to hold presidential and legislative elections next year.

Neither the European Union nor Italy were either consulted or included in the talks. The reaction in Rome was one of unrestrained fury. After all, the majority of migrants coming to Europe set sail from Libya and Italy has long called for international help in dealing with search, rescue and resettlement operations, receiving only lip service from the international community. Macron suggested setting up hotspots in Libya as forward immigration posts this summer. The proposal was greeted by howls of protest and the president quickly retreated.

In his dealings with Italy, Macron has appeared to take the high-handed, somewhat condescending manner that characterises Frances historic attitude towards its transalpine neighbour.

At the G20 summit last month the French president came under fire both at home but particularly abroad for suggesting Africas challenges were civilisational and that providing financial aid would be pointless when there are countries where women are having seven or eight children.

To add to Italian ire, Macron took the snap decision to nationalise (albeit temporarily) STX, the giant shipyard that makes the worlds biggest ocean liners, to prevent it from falling into Italian hands, going back on a deal that had the benediction of an earlier French government.

Macron caught the popular French imagination and coasted to victory defeating the extreme Right candidate Marine Le Pen. Subsequently, his political movement, Republique En Marche won an absolute majority in parliament giving him almost absolute powers to move ahead with his agenda which is a mix a market-friendly labour reforms with a dose of old fashioned welfarism.

But critics now say that Macron has betrayed his campaign promises with a slew of budget cuts that will affect students and the poor, whereas cuts in wealth tax will favour the wealthiest 10% in France. He also proposed deep cuts to military budgets that drew an angry response from the chief of the armed services that led to a nasty public showdown terminating in the army chiefs resignation.

These incidents have sown a certain malaise about how Macron views his presidential function. Monarchical rather than Presidential, was how one newspaper described Macrons understanding his office. He has said he would prefer to govern through decree than lengthy parliamentary debate, a proposition certainly not to everyones taste.

The French have a strange relationship with their president. They seem unsure as to what they really want him to be. They disliked the humility and normality of Hollande as much as they disliked the brash, bling-bling showiness of Sarkozy. Their ideal remains General de Gaulle who managed to combine all the desired qualities: Powerful as a king, but democratic; strong, but not autocratic; self-assured, but not over the top; intellectual but not a show off, stately and not cheap.

Its a difficult balancing act. As Macron with the party that bears his initials (En Marche) is beginning to find out.

Vaiju Naravane is a senior journalist

The views expressed are personal
A female patient has accused All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Patna (AIIMS-P) authorities of giving her improper medication, leading to severe health complications.

According to a complaint lodged by 23-year-old Juhi Rani at the institute early last month, a physician at the institutes outdoor patient department (OPD) had prescribed a drug called Lumerax-80 to cure her malarial symptoms on June 28. However, as the writing on the prescription was illegible, the private drug store on the first floor of the institute provided her with Luramax-80  a drug meant to address psychiatric concerns  leading to severe medical complications. Rani said she subsequently suffered a paralytic attack, and had to be admitted to a private hospital.

While the AIIMS-P administration issued a show-cause notice to the chemist on July 15, it allegedly didnt note if the physician had erred. The chemist is yet to furnish his response.

The stores contract with the AIIMS has since expired.

The Centre had amended the Indian Medical Council Regulations-2002 to ensure that prescriptions issued by doctors spell drugs with generic names in legible, upper case letters. In this case, the AIIMS-P physician had clearly not followed the directive.

All the documentary evidence in the case  including copies of physicians prescriptions, the patients complaint and cash memo from the private drug store  is in HTs possession. Incidentally, the mix-up was pointed out by a consultant at AIIMS-P when Rani, who is pursuing her post-graduate degree in commerce, returned to its OPD for a follow-up.

AIIMS-P superintendent Dr Umesh Bhadani admitted to the mistake. We have issued a show-cause notice to the chemist, and action will be taken soon, he told HT on Friday.

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)  with as many as 60,000 beneficiaries in Patna  has already put in place a system for generating computerised prescriptions in upper-case letters. Drugs meant to be purchased locally through an empanelled private chemist, or those supplied through its formulary, are routed internally through the CGHS computerised network  leaving no scope for confusion or tampering.

However, the institute  which is visited by nearly 2,000 patients every day  is yet to evolve such a mechanism.

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Amidst reports about family of 10-year-old rape survivor refusing to take compensation and that of the State Legal Service Authoritys (SLSA) inability to provide any such relief until the trial begins, it has emerged that the UT Child Protection Society (CPS) is also deprived of funds to be in a position to provide any form of compensations to more than 33 week pregnant girl and her family.

An account meant exclusively for cases pertaining to Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act was created on July 3 under the domain of the UT CPS. However, exactly one month after, the account hasnt been executed and no funds were sent to the organisation to address such cases.

CCPCR chairperson writes to UT home secretary

Sources said the social welfare department officials addressed this concern to the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) and the child rights body chairperson Harjinder Kaur has written to UT home secretary requesting him to immediately ensure release and execution of funds for JJ to the Child Protection Society.

It is the least the UT can do at its level to ensure the family is taken care of at this time. I have been getting regular updates from the Child Welfare Committee, the helplines but this particular issue regarding compensation for the victim remains to be resolved, Kaur told HT. Despite repeated efforts, social welfare department director Nishu Singhal could not be contacted. The CPS officials also didnt take calls.

CCPCR recommends child-friendly stations to hospitals

Taking note of the 10-year-olds treatment, Harjinder Kaur has written to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 16 and Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, to have one-stop child friendly stations for treatment in such cases. I had written to the authorities two months ago as well, however, it wasnt addressed and this episode made me realise the dire need for these. PGI already has such stations.

The girl was allegedly raped over a seven month period. Her parents got to know of the incident when they took her to a doctor. The Supreme Court rejected a plea to abort her foetus last Friday.

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Beleaguered RJD chief Lalu Prasad dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday to order raids on Bollywood stars, Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, and 422 other Indians named in Panama papers for alleged tax evasion.

Prasad, whose RJD was ousted from the Bihar coalition government following raids at his properties in connection with alleged graft cases, said the Centre did not muster enough courage to take punitive actions against influential people, and is instead victimising innocent and gullible people, including him and his family.

Speaking to a select group of media personnel in Ranchi where he had come to face trial in the fodder scam, Prasad said the raids at his properties were intended to terrorise him, but I am not the one to get cowed down at any cost.

There is a state of undeclared emergency in the country, with opposition party leaders being singled out and targeted. The Centres dictatorship has gradually spread to nearly 75% of the nation, he said.

There are innumerable dacoits and alligators moving freely but no action is being initiated against them. Opposition leaders are the investigating agencies soft targets.

While speaking, he fished out papers from a file and read out a few names featured in the Panama papers.

We would like to know why the government is silent on Amitabh, Aishwarya, Vinod Adani, DLF owners, Anurag Kejriwal, OS Kanwal, Anil Vasudev, Mohan Lal Lohia, Ratan Chadda, Abdul Rashid Mir, Nallick Srinivasan, Juberi Poonawala and others named in Panama papers, Lalu questioned.

Why do Modi and Shah not dare to direct authorities to raid their homes and properties? What stops them? he asked, categorically taking names of the two Bollywood icons.

Bachchan and Rais names appeared in the secret documents of Mossack Fonseca, a law firm based in tax haven Panama, that were leaked in 2015 and came to be known as Panama papers.

The documents showed that Bachchan served as director of four offshore shipping companies between 1993 and 1997.

His daughter-in-law, Aishwarya, was director and shareholder of an offshore company along with members of her family, before it was thought to have been wound up in 2008.

Both the stars have rubbished the allegations as totally untrue and baseless.
Some actors become inseparable from particular characters they play. For Prabhas, that role has to be Baahubali. Arguably Indias biggest blockbuster franchise, the Baahubali films have catapulted Prabhas from regional cinema fame to the national centre stage. And with that comes a huge female fan following  for Baahubali is the perfect man, and the actor who plays him so convincingly acquires the same aura.

Therefore, reports of his impending marriage broke hearts around the country. It was reasonable to assume that Prabhas would turn his mind towards marriage now, because SS Rajamouli, the director of Baahubali , wanted his complete dedication and the two films took nearly five years to make. As the phenomenon of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion swept through the country, rumours of Prabhas romance with co-star Anushka Shetty, who plays princess Devasena in the film, gained ground. But for the legions of his female fans, here is some good news: Prabhas is not getting hitched anytime soon.

At present, my [female] fans dont need to worry, quips Prabhas. Im not doing any such thing (getting married) now. Im not even thinking about it, he says, laughing softly, and adds, I feel lucky that so many people admire me.

Talking about Prabhas marriage, the one thing that comes to mind is the hilarious Wanted: Bride for Baahubali matrimonial ad put up by Rana Daggubati, who plays the villainous king Bhallaladeva in Baahubali, early last year on his Twitter page. It was quite amusing the way the ad highlighted Prabhas skills and the kind of bride who will be suitable for him. Asked about it, Prabhas laughs it off. Did [Rana] say I am getting married? he says, laughing again.

Anushka Shetty, or princess Devasena of Baahubali, was rumoured to be dating Prabhas.

Prabhas is also being romantically linked with his co-actor Anushka Shetty. But the actor denies any such thing between them. He says that people spread such rumours when a male actor is cast opposite a particular female actor more than once. And Prabhas played the lead with Anushka in four films: Billa (2009), Mirchi (2013), and both the parts of Baahubali.

Baahubali and his Queens #baahubaliteam #JioMAMI2016 #MovieMela #prabhas #tamannaah #anushkashetty #baahubali2 #mumbai #22thoctober #2016 A post shared by Prabhas Raju Uppalapati (@prabhas_raju) on Oct 26, 2016 at 4:37am PDT

Such stories are common, says Prabhas. I was, in fact, expecting this. If you work with one [female] actor in more than two films, then people tend to start spreading such rumours. Its normal for me now. Earlier, I used to feel bad and say, How could they write this? But now, such stories dont bother me. I am okay with them.

According to what Prabhas says, whats really making his pulse race right now is not a girlfriend but a new film. The actor, who is shooting for Sujeeths Saaho, a tri-lingual action drama, is very excited to work on the film.

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Kamal Haasan has done it again -- taken on the AIADMK government. On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu government removed the statue of legendary Tamil actor Sivaji Ganesan from Marina Beach and reinstalled it at the Adyar Mani Mandapam.

Haasan was quite unhappy with the decision. He took to Twitter to vent his feelings: Sivaji left a strong impression in the hearts of aspiring Tamil actors and fans. Lets make another statue and protect it forever, my dad Sivaji is above the Government.

       .            Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) August 3, 2017

According to a report in Times of India, the Madras high court had instructed the state government to remove the structure from the beach as it was a hindrance to transportation. It was only after the court directive that the government took the step.

The actor has been attacking the government on a number of issues, the latest being the condition of eggs in the state.

The actor on Tuesday had claimed his fans had exposed the supply of rotten eggs to daycare centres in Perambalur district in Tamil Nadu.

Haasans claim came 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, the national award-winning actor had tweeted.

Perambaloor expose' of rotten eggs given to children deserves praise. Pls consult our in house lawyers be4 exposing crime Dont break laws.  Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) August 1, 2017

The actors fans had in July reportedly made visits to some anganwadi centres and found rotten eggs being supplied there.

Meanwhile, the district administration said an inquiry would be conducted into the matter.

District collector V Santha said 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.

Sivaji Ganesan statue removed from marina beach https://t.co/WGHq63MiOP pic.twitter.com/iaVl4Npp7a  Deccan Abroad (@DeccanAbroad) August 3, 2017

Jayakumar, a senior leader in the AIADMK (Amma) camp, had on July 30 sought to know what welfare activities the actor had taken 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.

(With PTI inputs)

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The much awaited audio of launch of superstar Vijays Mersal, which has music by AR Rahman, will take place in Chennais Nehru stadium on August 20. The event is going to be organized in a big way and it is believed Rahman will perform at the function, according to reliable sources from the films unit. If Rahman indeed performs at the event, it will be the biggest highlight of the audio launch.

In Mersal, Vijay plays triple roles. According to reliable sources, he will be seen as a panchayat head, a doctor and a magician. The actors comic timing will be brought forth on screen through the magicians role. His portions are intended to evoke laughter and lighten up the mood. In the films first poster, released recently, Vijay can be seen as the panchayat head, sporting a twirled mustache, and this role will be seen in the period portion. There is Jallikattu reference in this poster and it could be perceived that the film may address the recent Jallikattu row in Tamil Nadu. Vijay is seen as a magician in the second poster and although it wasnt as well received as the first, fans still celebrated both the posters.

Bankrolled by Sri Thenandal Studios, the film stars Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Nithya Menen as Vijays love interests. Actor-filmmaker SJ Suryah is playing the antagonist and since his terrific performance in last years Iraivi, audiences are keenly looking forward to see him lock horns with Vijay. The film, directed by Atlee, is gearing up for grand release this Diwali.

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Director Krishna Vamsi says he originally considered actor Sanjay Dutt for a crucial role in his forthcoming Telugu action-drama Nakshatram, which throws the spotlight on the lives of a bunch of policemen.

Sanjay was considered for the character played by Sai Dharam Tej in the film.

Sais role originally was a middle-aged character. In the script, I had written it as a 20-minute role. I had plans to rope in Sanjay Dutt, and he was supposed to play the DSP. As we started the process of approaching him with the offer, I met Sai in a party and we hit it off, said Vamsi.

In that meeting, he decided to offer the role to Sai.

I have known him for over a decade. When I met him last year, we spoke for about two hours and I started imagining him in the role. I knew if a youngster played the role, I could show the character even more dynamically. Sai was more than happy to accept the role, he said.

Sai, for his 30-minute role, didnt take remuneration.

He worked for free. He told me he always wanted to work with me, Vamsi added.

The film also stars Sundeep Kishan, Regina Cassandra and Pragya Jaiswal.

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Actor Rana Daggubati, who is proud of forthcoming Telugu political drama Nene Raju Nene Manthri, wishes his grandfather and legendary producer D Ramanaidu was still around to see the film.

At the pre-release event of Nene Raju Nene Manthri on Wednesday, Rana expressed regret over not working with his grandfather even in a single film.

Im very proud of Nene Raju Nene Manthri. The only regret is that my grandfather couldnt see the film. Wish he was still around. I regret not having worked with him even in one film.

Kajal Aggarwal plays a character called Radha. (Facebook)

Since his passing, a lot of positive things happened and I know he is blessing me from above, an emotional Rana said here.

Directed by Teja, the film marks Ranas first time collaboration with his father D Suresh Babu, a popular producer who currently heads the home banner Suresh Productions.

I have worked with my dad for this first time in this film. We always talk about films at home but to finally join hands for this project was special. It was one of the finest experiences of my life, he said.

Rana plays a politician in the film, due for release on August 11. It also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Navdeep, Catherine Tresa and Ashutosh Rana.

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 that the film is not based on the life of MGR, Rana had said earlier.

Many things about the film are a tribute to actor and late Tamil Nadu chief minister MG Ramachandran (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 films Tamil title Naan Aanaiyitaal, a line borrowed from the yesteryear actors hit film Enga Veetu Pillai.

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Wildlife is perhaps one of natures most precious gifts to humankind. Although, there are lots of places globally that are known for their exotic range of wildlife, India is home to some of the most magnificent creatures and plant life in the world. While there are several popular wildlife sanctuaries like Corbett National Park, Gir Forest National Park and Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, among others, there are some natural reserves yet to be explored. Explore those lesser known wildlife destinations as listed by Jayanth Sharma, co-founder and CEO at Toehold:

* Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary:Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful gem bordered by the Aravalli range in the Pali, Udaipur, and Rajsamand district in the state of Rajasthan. The reserve is home to some of the most endangered species in India, such as leopards, wolves, nilgai, chinkara and sloth bear. It also houses various species of birds like peacocks and doves. The sanctuary takes its name from the nearby Kumbhalgarh fort, which offers a spectacular view of the wildlife reserve. The reserve has been selected for the Asiatic lion reintroduction project by the Indian government.

How to go: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 85 km from Udaipur airport. The nearest railway station is Falna.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is covered in tropical and semi-evergreen forests and protects a host of different species of flora and fauna. (Shutterstock)

* Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the northernmost part of Kerala in Thalassery, Kannur, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is an important natural reserve in India. Established back in 1984, the sanctuary is spread across 55 sq km of forested highland along the famous slopes of the Western Ghats. The reserve is covered in tropical and semi-evergreen forests and protects a host of different species of flora and fauna. Some of the native wildlife species that Aralam features are spotted deer, elephants, gaur, langurs, and the Malabar giant squirrel.

How to go: Thalassery railway station is 55 km from the reserve. You can also reach there via flight to Calicut International Airport, which is situated around 96 km from the town of Thalassery.

* Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary:Another gem of the Western Ghats, the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known attraction in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. The sanctuary is mostly visited for its Barapede caves, which is the only recorded breeding area of the Wroughtons free-tailed bat  a species of the nocturnal mammal that is on the verge of becoming extinct. Officially listed as a wildlife sanctuary in 2011, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary abounds in tropical and subtropical, moist broadleaf forests as well as several species of medicinal plants. Park officials organise adventure camps for people of all ages, making it an ideal destination for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts.

How to go: The park is about 35 km from the city of Belgaum, and is accessible by road.

You can spot nilgai at the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. (Shutterstock)

* Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary: The Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is a protected area situated at a distance of 60 km from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The reserve spans across 64,399 acres, and is made up of grasslands and southern tropical dry deciduous forest cover. The wildlife reserve is home to several animals like the wanderoo (langur), leopards, wild boar, and barking deer, and over 240 species of birds, such as storks, cranes, quail, and partridges. It is also a great place to spot reptiles like cobra, python, and monitor lizard.

How to go: Aurangabad airport and railway station are the nearest points to reach Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary.

Apart from the parks and reserves mentioned above, other wildlife destinations include Mollem National Park, Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Khangchendzonga National Park, and Namdapha National Park.

* Indravati National Park: Indravati National Park in Chattisgarh is a must-visit as it is home to the rare wild buffalo. It is a project tiger site too. Located in Bijapur district, the reserve is named after the Indravati River, which flows nearby. The National Park is spread across 2,799 sq km of undulated hilly terrain, and is made up of mixed deciduous and southern-moist mixed deciduous forests.

How to go: Indravati National Park is well-connected by road from major cities. The nearest railway station is Jagdalpur railway station, which is 170 km from the site.

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It is the kind of big break that is catching on among parents. We are talking about the babymoon destinations trending in India and abroad. Couples go on what is called their second honeymoon before the arrival of the newborn. This break gives them an opportunity to relax and reconnect before getting busy with the newborn. Celebrities such as Shahid Kapur as well as Shilpa Shetty have popularised the trend. Travel during pregnancy is safest during the second trimester. Keep in mind your getaway should help you savour and celebrate each moment before the stork arrives. Kapil Goswamy, CMD, BigBreaks, provides travel tips for a romantic getaway that will help the parents make memories:

* While choosing a babymoon destination, ensure the place is safe and has adequate medical support. If you are keen on privacy, book yourself into an ocean/sea-facing resort or luxury suite in an island destination where there will be plenty of staff at your beck and call.

* If you are in for a calm weekend, head to Kerala, where you and your spouse can soak in the beaches, stay in at exotic boathouses or check into resorts with tree-houses.

Soak in the beaches of Kerala and stay in at exotic boathouses. (Shutterstock)

* Calmness prevails in Pondicherry. What you will enjoy is a smorgasbord of French heritage and culture complete with beautiful beaches and French cuisine.

* Up north, head to Jaipur, a stones throw away from Gurgaon. The best time to visit is between August and October. Get set for some royal pampering in the citys heritage hotels and resorts.

* Udaipur is another destination where properties like the Leela Palace will offer you a pre- and post-natal treatment designed to relax the body and tone the skin of pregnant mommies.

* If you are ready to hit foreign shores, Mexico could be your best bet. A 7-star spa resort will get you a spa massage and a maternity photo shoot.

Bath in the United Kingdom is known for its hot spa waters and Roman-style baths. (Shutterstock)

* How about Bath if you are London-bound? It is just an hour by train from Londons Paddington Station and happens to be so called for its natural hot springs that served as ancient Roman baths 2,000 years ago. Bath is the only spot in the United Kingdom where you can bathe in naturally occurring hot spa waters and Roman-style baths. The town is overflowing with quaint Georgian architecture and also has numerous historical and cultural sites.

* Bollywood celebrities have been known to keep aside their busy work schedules and spend quality time with their better halves. While Shahid Kapur and Mira Rajput took off for the Maldives, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra zipped off to Switzerland, and Rani Mukherji and Aditya Chopra went all over Europe. Incidentally, Rani even went in for a pre-natal massage at a London spa.

Whether you choose a beach destination or a nature trail, opt for properties that are not isolated yet not overly touristy. Your choice of destination should promise moderate sightseeing and low-intensity activities.

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A plumber working on the sets of Bigg Boss Tamil, hosted by Kamal Haasan, died of a seizure on Tuesday, a report says.

According to Times of India report, the 28-year-old Ibrahim Shaik, who hails from Mumbai, collapsed on the sets of the show. He was given emergency medical aid before being taken to Kilpauk Medical College (KMC), where he was declared brought dead.

A group of workers was stationed at the sets of the show, based on the popular Big Brother format, in which common folk, or celebrities, are locked inside a house for several months without access to the outside world.

Shaik complained of uneasiness to his co-workers, who noted that he was sweating profusely. Shortly after that, he collapsed. The Nazarethpet police have registered a case and further investigations are on, the report says.

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Who would have thought that Kamal Haasan will host Bigg Boss Tamil and not be its most popular entity! The multifaceted actor has competition from a contestant in terms of popularity and her name is Oviya. However, it is hardly a competition because from what we have seen so far, the Bigg Boss Tamil host is also favourably inclined towards the actor.

But who is Oviya and why does she have hashtags and merchandise in her name? Here are all the answers. An actor, Oviya started her innings with Malayalam film Kangaroo in 2007. She went on to attain popularity with Tamil film Kalavani and many other projects.

However, her true ticket to fame has been the first season of Bigg Boss in Tamil. Known for her frank and no-nonsense attitude, she is getting a lot of support from fans and has a fan group, Oviyas Army, already named after her.

The show is a little over a month old and Oviya has emerged as its most popular contestant. She got attention early enough when she fobbed off contestant Ganja Karuppu with, Neenga Shutup Pannunga (With due respect, please shut up). The response became something of a slogan and is now featured on tees and other merchandise.

Doesn't matter whether #Oviya stays or leaves #BiggBossTamil but she's giving back everything what housemates did 2 her & barani. Semma   Shiva (@shankishiva) August 3, 2017

Do u still watch #BigBossTamil

If #Oviya is eliminated or quitted

RT if NO

FAV if YES  Robo Sankar (@IamRoboShankar) August 4, 2017

She stayed away from people trying to manipulate others on the show, handled schemers well and refused to bow down to bullies. The one who stood against her were Gayathri, Namitha and Juliana. Gayathri even admonished her for wearing modern clothes and swearing. Namitha, meanwhile, tried to turn the housemates against Oviya.

But seen as the underdog in the house, audience was all for Oviya. Her attitude of not caring about anything appealed to the viewers. But to people who are in the house with her, not so much.

Things came to a head when Julie fainted in the house and others branded it a drama. Oviya was the only one who lent her a shoulder to cry. Julie, however, returned the kindness by plotting against Oviya. It was then that host Haasan came to her aid. He played videos that proved Julie was blatantly lying and at an occasion even told Julie: It is not manipulation Julie; it is hallucination.

However, the tide has been turning for Oviya. Her love interest in the house, Aarav, is indifferent to her and openly talking about her unreasonable behaviour. She seems to be in the mood to leave the house. But given her popularity, will that happen? The Oviya project is on at Bigg Boss Tamil.

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Provocative commentator Tarek Fatah was at the center of a controversy on Friday as a speech he was to deliver on the campus of a major Canadian university was cancelled by the administration without assigning any reason.

Fatah, who is of Pakistani origin, was scheduled to speak at Ryerson University in Toronto on August 10, an event that was part of the Canada India Foundation (CIF) Speaker Series.

However, CIF was informed by the university that the venue was no longer available for the lecture.

CIFs executive director Vipul Jani was taken aback by the move: We had booked nearly a month ago. I had checked and re-checked. They cancelled at the last minute without providing any reason. That puts us in a very difficult position.

Jani contended the cancellation meant free speech was being stifled by Ryerson University.

This is about a speech by a well-known Canadian figure. If were not allowed to organise such a speech, that does not speak very well about freedom of expression or about the environment on Canadian campuses which should encourage free speech and free debate,  he said.

The organisers were expecting a full house at the lecture theatre to hear Fatah, he added.

Fatah did not respond to requests for comment from Hindustan Times.

Jani received a message from a Ryerson official which only stated that, according to its rules and regulations, the university may revoke or cancel the permit at any time with or without cause.

Fatahs views, particularly relating to Islamist ideology, have often been considered controversial, though Ryerson has not stated that was the cause behind the cancellation.

Johanna VanderMaas, a spokesperson for the University, did not respond to an email and a voice mail left on her cellphone seeking comment on the matter.

The Toronto Sun quoted VanderMaas as saying, Unfortunately, Ryerson was unable to accommodate the Canada-India Foundations room booking request for August 10; we have expressed our apologies to Mr. Jani and CIF. The university is not aware of any concerns or plans to disrupt Mr Fatahs keynote address.

Jani said the event will be held on the same day but at a different venue and CIF is intimating those who had registered for it about the change. But he was perturbed by Ryersons decision, as he said, This is not really a very good sign, this is supposed to be a free society.
Firefighters have extinguished a blaze that swept through one of the worlds tallest residential buildings in Dubai early on Friday, forcing occupants to flee their homes as burning debris showered down the sides of the 79-storey tower.

Dubais civil defence authorities said firefighting squads put out the blaze by around 4.00 am (0000 GMT) and were cooling the 1,105 foot (337 metre) tall Torch tower.

The tower was evacuated and no injuries were reported, authorities said.

Flames shot up the sides of the building in the citys upscale Marina district in the second blaze at the structure since 2015.

Firefighters and police sealed off surrounding streets, which were partially covered by dust and debris.

In pics: Blaze rips through Dubai skyscraper The Torch

By 4.00 a.m. the exterior of the building showed no sign of fire as residents and onlookers stood around staring up at the building, according to a Reuters witness.

We were sleeping and we woke up to the fire alarm and people screaming. We ran down the stairs and it took us about 10 minutes to reach from the 50th floor, a resident who gave his name as George, said.

The fire was very strong at that time, about 1 a.m. Then it started calming down over the next two hours. It started on the 67th floor, thats what we were told, he added.

Another resident, whose name was Mohammed and lives on the 12th floor, said the top part caught fire first and then lower levels followed as debris fell.

The government said it is working on providing shelter for the ones affected by the fire.

Residents and eyewitnesses have been posting images and photos of the 79-story skyscraper on fire on social media.

Hundreds of people were evacuated in 2015 from the same building when a massive fire swept through the tower.

Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a Gulf Arab trade and investment hub.
At least one gunman opened fire at a popular San Francisco park packed with families and tourists on Thursday, leaving three persons wounded and sending dozens of panicked people running for cover, witnesses and police said.

Police are looking for at least one gunman who fled the scene at Dolores Park, San Francisco police officer Grace Gatpandan said.

San Francisco General Hospital spokesman Brent Andrew said one of the victims remained in critical condition on Thursday evening.

Another man was treated and released, he said. The third victim, also a male, is a minor and remains hospitalised but Andrew wouldnt provide any other details about him.

A man who witnessed a shooting said it happened after about half a dozen men who covered all but their eyes started shouting and acting threateningly on a parks bridge.

The man, who identified himself to the San Francisco Chronicle only as Hatter, said several park regulars confronted the group and that he approached them to make sure everything was okay.

As he got close someone shouted that the group had guns and that a second later one of the men pulled out a handgun and fired at least six rounds, Hatter said.

Two people directly behind him were struck by bullets. He escaped with only an injury, possibly from shrapnel, to his leg, he said.

I normally can handle (myself) well in these situations, but I was pretty sure I had just lost my life, Hatter said.

Nearby resident Antonia Juhasz said she was sitting in Dolores Park when she heard a burst of gunshots.

I saw a person with a gun in their hand running, she said. I think there were a total of three shots.

Juhasz, 47, said she saw two people who had been shot. Both were bleeding as emergency workers carried them away on stretchers, she said.

San Francisco police advised people to stay away from Dolores Park right after the shooting but lifted that advisory two hours later.

Dolores Park sits on a hill in the Mission District and is a popular destination for locals and tourists who come to sunbathe and take in city views. Its near a high school.

Juhasz, who has lived in the neighbourhood for more than 20 years, said the park was packed with families and tourists when the shots were fired.

At first people didnt totally react because it sounded like fireworks, said Juhasz, a writer and freelance journalist. I was yelling at people, Its actually a gun, its actually a gun.

It was terrifying, mostly because people werent reacting, she added.

People began running after realizing there had been gunshots, she said.
A woman recently sent a wedding invitation to the former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, and she received a congratulatory card signed by both of them.

Liz Whitlow, from Texas, invited the Obamas to her daughter Brooke Allens wedding in March and received the response on July 31.

Congratulations on your wedding. We hope that your marriage is blessed with love, laughter, and happiness and that your bond grows stronger with each passing year. This occasion marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership, and as you embark on this journey, know you have our very best for the many joys and adventures that lie ahead, their letter read.

When Allen found out about Obamas message, she took to Twitter to share her excitement.

MY MOM DEADASS SENT THE OBAMAS A WEDDING INVITATION BACK IN MARCH AND JUST RECEIVED THIS IN THE MAIL. IM HOLLERING, she wrote.

MY MOM DEADASS SENT THE OBAMAS A WEDDING INVITATION BACK IN MARCH AND JUST RECEIVED THIS IN THE MAIL. IM HOLLERING pic.twitter.com/cUiRRAfrvD  brooke. (@96_brooke) July 31, 2017

Her tweet immediately caught the attention of the fans of the former first couple and received more than 45,000 retweets and 200,000 likes within a few days.

Allen even shared a screenshot of her conversation with her mother where she says she didnt invite the current President Donald Trump.

Many came forward to share the letters they received from the Obamas.

I sent them one of my high school graduation announcements and I got this back a month later  I love the Obama family  pic.twitter.com/oN9w7iQAYS  Aubs (@strawbreeee) August 2, 2017

Did this when our daughter was born back in October! I felt like I had to hurry up and get one before Obama left office lol pic.twitter.com/SPTBlfoEXs  Rae (@1Rae_XO) August 2, 2017

I sent him one of my grad announcements when I graduated and I got this back, nothin but respect for MY president :') pic.twitter.com/ECT1LVV7ix  stay c (@staceylinkk) August 2, 2017

During Obamas tenure, the White House received around 20,000 messages addressed to him each day, according to the BBC. Although he is no longer in service, it seems the Obamas continue to stay in touch with their fans with their sweet gestures.
The Kremlin on Friday said it agreed with US President Donald Trumps assessment that US-Russian ties were at an all-time and very dangerous low.

We fully share this opinion, President Vladimir Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists over Trumps view, expressed on Twitter on Thursday.

Peskov said the danger facing the countries may lie in a lack of mutual collaboration and cooperation over the topics that are vitally important for both our countries and their people.

Trump, writing after he reluctantly signed a bill approved by Congress for strengthening sanctions against Russia, tweeted: Our relationship with Russia is at an all-time & very dangerous low.

You can thank Congress, the same people that cant even give us HCare!, Trump said, referring to the Republican-dominated legislatures failure to implement a campaign pledge to change the US healthcare system.

Moscow has reacted furiously to the sanctions.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday said they amounted to a full-fledged economic war and demonstrated Trumps total weakness by handing over executive power to Congress in the most humiliating way.

The Kremlin spokesman on Friday also slammed the ongoing investigation into Trumps alleged collusion with Russia during the election campaign, calling this Russiagate, a reference to the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of Richard Nixon.

We have many times talked about the complete absurdity and lack of basis for so-called Russiagate, Peskov said.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov is set to meet US secretary of state Rex Tillerson in Manila at the weekend to discuss bilateral ties, the Russian foreign ministry confirmed Thursday after the diplomatic chiefs spoke by phone.
At first glance, it seems a story straight out of a 90s Bollywood potboiler. A billionaire father disapproves of the man his daughter wants to marry. Daughter gives up her stake in the family fortune to marry for love, souring her relationship with her father permanently.

But there are more twists and turns in the story of Angeline Francis Khoo, 34, fashion designer and daughter of Malaysian tycoon Khoo Kay Peng and former Miss Malayasia, Pauline Chai. Kay Peng the chairman of Malaysian United Industries, and has a stake in British lifestyle and design brand Laura Ashley as well as the Corus group of luxury hotels. Forbes estimates his net worth at $300 million.

In 2008, Angeline walked away from her inheritance to marry Caribbean-born data scientist Jedidiah Francis, while she was at Oxford University. Her father bitterly disapproved of the match, and Angeline knew it meant giving up her inheritance. In an interview to Daily Mail, Angeline opened up about her decision. I believed Dads stance was wrong, so there was no question about what was right, she told Mails interviewer. Ive been fortunate to have that perspective: you can have money and its a blessing; it allows you to do things and gives you options, but there are also things that come with it, such as control. Money amplifies negative characteristics and that can cause problems. To walk away from that was actually very easy. I didnt even consider it.

Four years later, Angeline, who is the fourth of her parents five children, was dragged into the bitter, 64 million settlement divorce proceedings between her parents. Angeline sided with her mother, who she says brought up the children while her father was always working. But she told the interviewer that she hopes for an eventual reconciliation and cordial relationship with her father. He had everything: a loyal, beautiful, smart wife, and children who love him regardless of whether he has money or not. I feel that at his age hes vulnerable.When you dont have that much longer ahead of you, you shouldnt spend your days being angry and resentful, she said.

After Angelines tell-all interview to the Mail was picked up by Malaysian daily, The Star Online, she received a lot of comments on Facebook about her decision to give up her wealth for love.

Some of the commentators criticised her decision, asking her if she was aware of her fathers net worth. One Facebook user questioned why she defended her mother during the divorce proceedings and if some deal was struck. Angeline responded to the negative comments saying, I was disowned 9 years ago when I first got married and mum and dad started divorce proceedings 4 years later. Unfortunately, in circumstances involving family court, children are sometimes compelled to testify by the court. It was interesting that your first thought was that perhaps a deal was struck; that doesnt seem like a very normal parent/children relationship to me, but perhaps weve had different life experience which have shaped our world view.

But there was a wealth of support from other commentators as well, who commended her decision and wisher her well. Well, Lord Buddha had mentioned We only live once.. So, if you gave up inheritance in willingness to marry someone whom you love, that is contentment~ You have my fullest support! Money can pass down generations, but not love, wrote one Facebook user.
The cabinet of Pakistans new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was sworn in on Friday, with veteran PML-N leader Khawaja Asif set to be the first full-time foreign minister since the party came to power in 2013.

Khurram Dastgir Khan, who was labour minister during former premier Nawaz Sharifs tenure, is to be defence minister while Ahsan Iqbal, a Sharif loyalist, is set to be the interior minister.

President Mamnoon Hussain administered the oath to the ministers during a ceremony at the President House in Islamabad a week after Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court for dishonesty in declaring his assets.

Ishaq Dar, the finance minister under Sharif, returned in the same role despite a criminal investigation ordered against him by the top court. Darshan Lal became the first Hindu minister in more than two decades, with Abbasi appointing him to lead coordination between the four provinces.

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, the powerful former interior minister, resigned earlier this month over disagreements with Sharf and refused to join the new cabinet.

The cabinet retained many allies of Sharif though there was a major reshuffle of portfolios aimed at bolstering support ahead of the general election due next year. It has 43 members, including 27 federal ministers and 16 ministers of state.

The members and their portfolios were finalised by Abbasi during a six-hour meeting on Thursday with Sharif and his brother, Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif, in the resort town of Murree.

There was no formal announcement on the portfolios, but news channels widely reported the ministries allocated to the cabinet members. The portfolios of several ministers from the previous dispensation were changed.

Khawaja Asif, 67, a staunch Sharif ally and former banker, earlier held the defence and power ministries. Last September, he had warned Pakistan would use its nuclear weapons to annihilate India if the countrys survival is threatened.

Sharif retained the foreign affairs portfolio and Pakistan was without a full-time foreign minister for the past four years. The job was handled by Sartaj Aziz, who was adviser on foreign affairs.

Ahsan Iqbal, 58, began his political career in the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami and has an MBA from Wharton. He is considered a surprise choice for the interior ministry as has focussed on development and earlier led a commission overseeing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Khurram Dastigir Khan, 47, one of the younger generation of PML-N leaders, was the surprise pick for the defence portfolio. He studied electrical engineering at the California Institute of Technology and is considered a Sharif loyalist.

But no decision has apparently been made by the PML-N on whether Abbasi, 58, will stay as premier or step aside after about two months to make way for Shehbaz.

Since Abbasis election, the PML-N leadership no longer seems sure about that plan, as some fear Shehbazs departure from Punjab could weaken the partys grip on its core base.

Abbasi has indicated key decisions will flow from Sharif, cementing the view of the toppled leader as the power behind the throne.

(With inputs from agencies)
In what was supposed to be a routine test to check the endurance level of the new Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 TEN engine, the test pilots of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner took a creative path to break the monotony.

During the extended operations or ETOPS testing of 787s Trent engine, the pilots flew the plane 39,000 feet above the United States and did not just fly around in a straight path but traced a route in the shape of the Dreamliner.

It took the pilots, who started on Wednesday, over 18 hours to draw the shape of the plane across 22 states using a GPS tracker.

The nose of the Dreamliner is pointing at the Puget Sound region, home to Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The wings stretch from northern Michigan near the Canadian border to southern Texas. The tail touches Huntsville, Alabama, Boeing spokesperson Doug Alder, Jr, said in an email to The Washington Post.

The Post reported Boeing has got creative on mandatory test flights for new planes before. Earlier this year, pilots testing a new Boeing 737 MAX plane flew more than 3,400 miles to write MAX over Washington state and Montana.

The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine will power Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the test was done to check whether the plane can safely operate on one engine for an extended period of time.

ETOPS regulations allow airlines to operate extended flights over remote areas that were not previously possible.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday slammed the United States for issuing a travel ban on the country, adding that U.S. visitors "of good will" are welcome to the country, state-run media reported.

"Regardless of any government's policy towards the DPRK, we encourage various forms of exchanges and contacts including visits by people from all over the world," a Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted by the Korean Central News Agency as saying.

"We will always leave our door wide open to any U.S. citizen who would like to visit our country out of good will and to see the realities with their own eyes," he said.

The spokesman stressed that the DPRK is safe enough for foreign visitors where foreigners will feel no threat at all because of its "stable and strong state system."

As for a few U.S citizens punished for their hostile acts against the DPRK, the spokesman said "there is no country in the world that will ignore the foreigners who committed hostile acts within its territory." He added that "it is a legitimate right of a sovereign state to punish criminals as required by law."

The spokesman also slammed the travel ban as a "childish" and "vile" measure to limit the people-to-to people contact. He said its purpose is to prevent U.S. citizens from seeing "the true picture of the DPRK that has achieved victory after victory."

"It is also a reflection of the U.S. administration's perception which regards the DPRK as an enemy," said the spokesman.

The spokesman called on the Donald Trump administration to abandon its hostile policy towards the DPRK.

On Aug. 2, the U.S. Department of State announced a travel to the DPRK, which will come into effect next month.
Soon after the devastating Bhopal gas leak in December 1984, then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi asked the armed forces to prepare to deal with possible nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) attacks by terrorists at a time of heightened tensions in India.

India was keen to send its personnel for training in an NBC environment to the UK, but British officials expressed their inability to accommodate 12 of them in one course and suggested alternatives, newly declassified documents released by National Archives show.

Military relations between the two countries at the time were described as "poor".

According to the Foreign Office documents, the assessment in London was that Indian Forces are not equipped at present to operate in an NBC environment. But they are increasingly concerned by the threat NBC warfare poses and, as a result see the need for adequate defensive measures and training.

On May 17, 1985, British official DJ Bowen wrote: The Bhopal disaster has heightened awareness of the potential capabilities of CW (chemical warfare) and the vulnerability of those who are inadequately protected against itVery recently the Indian Army has set up a central cell to look seriously at what training and equipment is required.

Bowen added, More recently still there is evidence that the Indian Prime Minister himself has told the Armed Forces that they must equip themselves for this eventuality (not least in case terrorists should want to precipitate a Bhopal-like disaster for political ends).

The document notes that as a result of Gandhis concerns, he had dispatched at very short notice" the defence ministrys scientific adviser and the vice-chiefs of staff of the three services on a tour of the UK, Sweden, France and Holland to assess equipment and training needs.

There were concerns in London about sharing security training films with India because of the presence of Soviet advisers in New Delhi, but there was also eagerness to sell equipment to deal with NBC situations.

Bowen wrote: The importance of offering the Indians the NBC training they want lies in the fact that our positive response could have a quite dramatic effect on determining the NBC equipment that the Indians buy. 50M as an initial outlay is not inconsiderable, and there would clearly be a requirement for further purchases.

PRG Williams, a colonel, pushed for a more positive response to Indian demands in the defence sector following a decision to give New Delhi a copy of a film on biological warfare but not on riot control agents.

He wrote on March 16, 1985 that he took a took this view because India remains the most populous democracy in the world, with an army rooted in the British tradition, and with very considerable influence and in the longer term sales potential.

Williams added: Furthermore, relations in general and military links in particular are presently poor, and while we recognise that the presence of Soviet advisers is a security constraint, we shall never be able to achieve any influence if we are seen to turn Indian requests away.

At present there are sufficient projects under discussion for us to be able to slip at least a toe in the door at long last, and it would seem sensible to take as positive a line as possible on all of them. After all, the shoulder then might follow the toe.

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The European Union on Friday imposed sanctions on three more Russians, including deputy energy minister Andrei Cherezov, and three Russian companies over the delivery of Siemens turbines to Moscow-annexed Crimea.

Moscow criticised the EUs decision as an unfriendly and groundless act and said it reserved the right to take retaliatory steps.

The EU first introduced sanctions on Russia after the 2014 military takeover of the Black Sea peninsula from Kiev, and stepped them up repeatedly as Moscow then backed separatist unrest in the east of Ukraine.

The new tightening came in response to the delivery of Siemens gas turbines to Crimea in violation of EU sanctions, which bar doing business there since Russias annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine, a move which has not been internationally recognised.

Siemens says it has evidence that all four turbines it delivered for a project in southern Russia had been illegally moved to Crimea.

The responsibility for this decision, including possible expenses for Siemens and other German and European companies working in Russia, lies entirely with the EUs side and the German government, Russias foreign ministry said in a statement.

Russia reaffirmed its interest in developing economic cooperation with the bloc and remained committed to all previously assumed obligations, the ministry added.

The EU also said the blacklisted companies include Siemens two Russian contractors that moved the turbines.

EUs 28 states must be unanimous to go ahead with sanctions and diplomatic sources said Italys opposition meant a fourth name had to be dropped from the initial German proposal.

Diplomats in Brussels said the Russian energy ministry official is involved in bilateral cooperation with Italy and has since escaped being sanctioned. The Italian representation in Brussels did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Other EU sanctions on Russia target its energy, financial and arms sectors. The latest additions complement a blacklist that already contains 150 people and 37 entities subject to an asset freeze and a travel ban over the turmoil in Ukraine.

More than three years of coordinated EU and U.S. sanctions, however, have not forced a change of hand in Moscow, which vows to never give back Crimea and still supports the armed conflict in east Ukraine which has killed more than 10,000 people.
A Saudi man was shot dead helping evacuate residents the town of Awamiya, where fighting between security forces and armed Shia Muslims have displaced thousands of people, private media and residents reported on Thursday.

Security forces have been trying for 2-1/2 months to flush out gunmen behind attacks on police in Awamiya, a small Shia town of around 30,000 that has been the centre of protests by minority Shias against the Sunni government.

Fighting has intensified since last week when elite forces entered the town where authorities in May began a campaign to tear down the old quarter, known as al-Musawara, to prevent gunmen using the narrow streets to evade capture.

Government-licensed media and activists gave conflicting accounts of how the man was killed on Wednesday.

News website sabq.org said gunmen opened fire on a bus run by a local charity which was evacuating people from Awamiya, killing one person and wounding another.

But local activists said the man, identified as Mohammed al-Ruhaymani, was shot by Saudi forces while helping some citizens leave the town. They posted a photograph of a middle-aged man wearing a white head dress, and a picture of another man in a hospital bed who they said was wounded in the incident.

Authorities have disclosed little information on the situation in Awamiya. Residents and local activists have posted photos and videos suggesting it has become a war zone, with buildings punctured by shellfire and streets strewn with rubble.

Residents estimate that up to 20,000 people have fled to safer towns and villages nearby. Up to 12 people have been killed in the past week: three policemen, and nine civilians, residents say.

The area, in oil-producing Qatif province where many of Saudi Arabias Shiite minority live, has seen unrest and occasional armed attacks on security forces since 2011 Arab Spring-style protests. Residents complain of unfair treatment by the Sunni-led government, something Riyadh denies.
US Special Counsel Robert Mueller has started using a grand jury in Washington DC in his investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election in a sign the probe was gathering momentum and had entered a new phase.

The empanelling of a grand jury in itself may not mean an indictment was imminent, not was it an endorsement of allegations that Russia did meddle or that there was collusion by Trump campaign aides or family members.

Mueller, a former director of the FBI, started using the grand jury some weeks ago, at first one that was based in the adjoining state of Virginia and now one in DC. His office has declined to comment on the development.

Ty Cobb, a lawyer for President Donald Trump, has said he was not aware of the empanelling of the grand jury, saying they are typically secret, but added the White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly.The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mueller.

A grand jury, which could have up to 23 members, does operate in secrecy unlike the other kind of standard juries and has both investigative and charging functions. It summons witnesses, without their counsel, and issues subpoena and, finally, determines if prosecutors have a case  an indictment  fit enough for a trial.

Its a standard procedure, but one which, given the context, caused considerable excitement after it was first reporter by The Wall Street Journal on Thursday.

Experts and commentators said the development meant the special counsels probe was serious and possibly broader and wider than understood earlier.

And, at the least, it was a sign the probe was not winding down, and may last a while. Not sure why all the hyperventilating re: Russia grand jury. Mueller hired 16 prosecutors. Of course there would be GJ. This will take time, tweeted Preet Bharara, the Indian-origin former US attorney fired by Trump.

The president himself has been extremely critical of Trump, frequently accusing him of pursuing a witch hunt against him and has, according to reports citing unidentified White House aides, considered firing him or precipitating his exit.

His public remarks about Mueller have been a cause of concern and two senators, a Republican and a Democrat, plan to introduce a legislation that will empower justice department special counsels such as Mueller, to challenge their removal in a court of law.

Trump will still be free to fire the special counsel, whose probe into the Russia meddling allegations have since expanded to include Trump and his familys business dealings, a red line, according to the president and his lawyers, who have warned him not to go there and restrict his probe to the elections.

Mueller has a broad mandate to not only investigate the meddling but also any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation, which, in the nature of such investigations, can lead to the discovery of unintended and sometimes completely unforeseen outcomes.

The special counsel has already started issuing subpoena, according to reports, in the investigation of Trumps first National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and into a June 2016 meeting the president eldest son Donald Trump Jr with a Russian lawyer considered close to Kremlin and who had promised damaging information on Hillary Clinton.
The Trump administration moved on Thursday to make permanent a new questionnaire that asks some US visa applicants to provide their social media handles and detailed biographical and travel history, according to a public notice.

The questionnaire was rolled out in May as part of an effort to tighten vetting of would-be visitors to the United States, and asks for all prior passport numbers, five years worth of social media handles, email addresses and phone numbers and 15 years of biographical information including addresses, employment and travel history.

A State Department official declined to provide data on how many times the form had been used or which nationalities had been asked to fill it out since May, only stating that it estimates 65,000 visa applicants per year will present a threat profile that warrants the extra screening.

President Donald Trump ran for office in 2016 pledging to crack down on illegal immigration for security reasons, and has called for extreme vetting of foreigners entering the United States. On Wednesday, he threw his support behind a bill that would cut legal immigration to the United States by 50 percent over 10 years.

The Office of Management and Budget, which must approve most new federal requests of information from the public, initially approved the form on an emergency basis, which allowed its use for six months rather than the usual three years.

The State Department published a notice in the Federal Register on Thursday seeking to use the form for the next three years. The public has 60 days to comment on the request.

The questions are meant to more rigorously evaluate applicants for terrorism, national security-related, or other visa ineligibilities, the notice said.

While the questions are voluntary, the form says failure to provide the information may delay or prevent the processing of a visa application.

Trump ordered a temporary travel ban in March on citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. After months of legal wrangling, the Supreme Court in June allowed the travel ban to go forward with a limited scope.

The form does not target any particular nationality.

Seyed Ali Sepehr, who runs an immigration consultancy in California serving Iranian clients applying for U.S. visas, said that since late June, all of his clients who have been referred for extra security checks have also been asked to fill out the new form.

Kiyanoush Razaghi, an immigration attorney based in Maryland, said he knows of Iraqis, Libyans and Iranians who have been asked to fill out the form.

Immigration attorney Steve Pattison said one of his clients, who is not from one of the six travel ban countries, had been asked to fill out the new form when applying for a visitor visa, indicating that consular officers are using it broadly.

It could be that everyone is missing another consequence of the use of the form  its deployment in a far wider sense to cover all sorts of individuals, Pattison said.
US President Donald Trump told his Mexican counterpart Enrique Pena Nieto to stop publicly criticising the border wall, and clashed with him over border tariffs and trade deficits, the transcript of their telephonic conversation has revealed.

Their January 27 exchange took place a day after Trump tweeted that Mexico would pay for the wall, leading to Pena Nieto cancelling a January 31 trip to the US, the Washington Post, which published the transcript, reported.

Throughout their almost hour-long conversation, Pena Nieto referred to Trump as Mr President more than 20 times. However, Trump did not return the favour  he referred to his Mexican counterpart only once as Mr President, and called him by his first name 13 times in their exchange.

Pena Nieto said it was completely unacceptable that Mexico pay for the wall, calling for Trump and his team to find a solution for the same in order for ties between the two countries to move forward. He also seemed taken aback by Trumps mention of border tariffs to fix the trade deficit between the two nations, saying it a completely new proposal.

However, Trump interrupted Pena Nieto, saying, This is what I have been saying for a year and a half on the campaign trail.

Pena Nieto appealed to Trump that the conversation was not being constructive.

We can still build a very fair agreement so that we can increase and strengthen competitiveness between our two nations...I am sure we can have the dialogue and the agreement that is the best route to build a more robust and fairer agreement between both nations.

Let me tell you that the best virtual wall that I think we can build between our two countries is to make sure that both countries have economic development, he said.

Donald Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto holding a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg on July 7, 2017. (AFP)

However, the appeal seemed to fall on deaf ears  Trump said the reason he proposed the wall was because we do not want people to come across the border. He also claimed that drug lords in Mexico were sending drugs to Chicago, Los Angeles, and to New York (and) New Hampshire.

Later in the conversation, Trump appealed to Pena Nieto to stop criticising the wall.

My people stand up and say, Mexico will pay for the wall and your people probably say something in a similar but slightly different language. But the fact is we are both in a little bit of a political bind because I have to have Mexico pay for the wall  I have to.

I am willing to say that we will work it out, but that means it will come out in the wash and that is okay. But you cannot say anymore that the United States is going to pay for the wall, he said.

He also brought up Israel, claiming that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told him that wall works, referring to a portion of the Israeli barrier with Palestinian territories, which is a 25-foot-tall concrete wall. However, the wall between Israel and Palestine is only 33 miles long  the rest of the border is a six-foot-high electronic fence.

Pena Nieto later proposed both parties stop talking about the wall, which alarmed Trump.

But you cannot say that to the press. The press is going to go with that and I cannot live with that. You cannot say that to the press because I cannot negotiate under those circumstances, he said.

The US president, also rather bizarrely, told Pena Nieto that it is you and I against the world.

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After US President Donald Trump spoke to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on January 28, the White House announced their conversation emphasised the enduring strength and closeness of the two nations.

However, the transcript of their telephone exchange, released by Washington Post, reveals a completely different narrative. The two leaders repeatedly clashed over a deal signed by Trumps predecessor Barack Obama, under which the US would agree to settle refugees on Nauru and Manus Island  Australian policy dictates that they do not accept refugees who arrive by boat, in an attempt to check human smuggling and drowning at sea.

Trump claimed the deal would make the US look bad.

I just called for a total ban on Syria and from many different countries from where there is terror, and extreme vetting for everyone else...It looks like 2,000 people that Australia does not want and I do not blame you by the way, but the United States has become like a dumping ground, he said.

Turnbull tried to explain that the deal required the US to vet and take only those refugees that it chooses. He also told Trump that the refugees were not from conflict zones and were fleeing poverty.

Donald Trump meets Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull aboard the USS Intrepid, a decommissioned aircraft carrier docked in the Hudson River in New York, on May 4, 2017. (AP)

However, Trump seemed fixated on why Australia had not let them in.

Look at what has happened in Germany. Look at what is happening in these countries. These people are crazy to let this happen. I spoke to (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel today, and believe me, she wishes she did not do it. Germany is a mess because of what happened, he said.

Turnbull kept explaining that the deal meant that US taking in the refugees was at its own discretion. Trump, instead, went on a completely different tangent.

I am the worlds greatest person that does not want to let people into the country. And now I am agreeing to take 2,000 people and I agree I can vet them, but that puts me in a bad position. It makes me look so bad and I have only been here a week, he said.

Turnbull patiently explained the number of refugees was actually quite lower  it was 1,250.

But Trump said, I hate taking these people. I guarantee you they are bad. That is why they are in prison right now. They are not going to be wonderful people who go on to work for the local milk people.

He also called the deal stupid which would make me look terrible. He also repeatedly brought up Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev  the Boston bombers  till Turnbull was forced to interrupt and point out that the brothers were from Russia.

However, Trumps response was, They were from wherever they were.

Trump also kept going back to why Australia was not accepting refugees off boats, despite Turnbull explaining to him time and again. At one point, the transcript says Trump said this is crazy and called it the most unpleasant call of the day.

In the end, a thoroughly irritated Turnbull signed off thanking Trump and saying that he could count on him.

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Frustrated by his options, President Donald Trump is withholding approval of a long-delayed Afghanistan war strategy and even mulling a radical shakeup in his national security team as he searches for a game changer after 16 years of indecisive conflict.

In a recent Situation Room meeting that turned explosive, Trump raised the idea of firing Army Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, according to two officials with knowledge of the discussion. And he suggested installing his national security adviser, Gen. H.R. McMaster, to oversee the mission, said the officials, who werent authorized to talk publicly and requested anonymity.

The drastic suggestions point to the desperation shared by many in Washington as military and other leaders look for a blueprint for winning the Afghan conflict. Trump has been frustrated by what he views as a stalemate. He wants a plan that will allow American forces to pull out once and for all.

At a White House lunch with military brass last week, Trump publicly aired his misgivings, saying, I want to find out why weve been there for 17 years.

The Pentagon wants to send almost 4,000 more American forces to expand training of Afghan military forces and beef up U.S. counterterrorism operations against al-Qaida, a growing Islamic State affiliate and other extremist groups. But the troop deployment, which would augment an already existing U.S. force of at least 8,400 troops, has been held up amid broader strategy questions, including how to engage regional powers in an effort to stabilize the fractured nation.

These powers include U.S. friends and foes, from Pakistan and India to China, Russia and Iran. Pentagon plans arent calling for a radical departure from the limited approach endorsed by former President Barack Obama, and several officials have credited Trump with rightly asking tough questions, such as how the prescribed approach might lead to success.

Trump hasnt welcomed the militarys recommendations with high-five enthusiasm, a senior White House official said. Several meetings involving Trumps National Security Council have been tense as the president demanded answers from top advisers about why American forces needed to be in Afghanistan.

Another U.S. official with knowledge of the conversation reported Trump being less interested in hearing about how to restore Afghanistan to long-term stability, and more concerned about dealing a swift and definitive blow to militant groups in the country.

The White House has even offered its own, outside-the-box thinking.

Officials said Trumps chief strategist, Steve Bannon, and his son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, have been pushing a plan to have contractors fight the war in Afghanistan instead of U.S. troops. Blackwater Worldwide founder Erik Prince, the brother of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, was approached by Trumps top advisers to develop proposals to gradually swap out U.S. troops and put military contractors in their place, a military official said.

The military has frowned on such proposals. It believes boosting troop levels will accelerate progress in training Afghan troops and its air force, and help counterterrorism teams pursue targets even more aggressively. They point to improvements among Afghan forces and in anti-corruption efforts. Military leaders  including McMaster, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph Dunford, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman  are all said to be on the same page, as is Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Military officials also have defended Nicholson, saying any punishment of him would be unfair because he hasnt been given the forces he says he needs. His possible firing was first reported by NBC News.

The White House, which declined multiple requests to comment, may shift itself on Afghanistan now that retired Marine Gen. John Kelly is Trumps new chief of staff. Kelly hasnt spoken about Afghanistan, however, since his appointment this week.

Lawmakers are growing weary. In June, Mattis faced tough questions from Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, who told him, It makes it hard for us to support you when we dont have a strategy. Mattis conceded, We are not winning in Afghanistan right now and vowed to correct this as soon as possible.

Doing so requires the president on board. While Trump has been keen to give military officials carte blanche on troop levels and other military affairs, his approach to Afghanistan has grown increasingly assertive. In some ways, his scrutiny of military plans has evoked that of Obama, whom Trump derided as a candidate for not heeding his generals advice.

Republican lawmakers Thursday urged Trump to listen to his national security advisers on Afghanistan.

Every soldier over there is an insurance policy against our homeland being attacked, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a leading hawk, told reporters. My biggest fear is that if you dont listen to the generals and you try to make this up as you go like Obama and Biden did, youre going to wind up losing Afghanistan like you did Iraq and the consequences to America are worse.

U.S. indecision is causing Afghanistans neighbors to hedge their bets, Sen. Bob Corker, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, said.

As long as they believe Washington is six months away from stepping out, six months away from giving up, they will continue to do so, Corker said.
The UN on Friday detailed more than 250 extrajudicial or targeted killings of civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congos Kasai region from mid-March to mid-June, counting dozens of children among those massacred.

The findings, based on interviews with 96 refugees from the conflict-hit Kasai who had fled to Angola, blamed state agents for the murders of seven children.

The refugees gave harrowing accounts of the violence in the central region, which the UN warned had taken on an increasing and disturbing ethnic dimension.

Victims recounted mutilations, including of a seven- year-old boy whose fingers were cut off, and an attack on a hospital in the village of Cinq where 90 people were killed, some because they were too injured to escape a raging fire.

Aside from government troops, the UN blamed a reportedly state-backed militia called the Bana Mura as well as the anti-government Kamuina Nsapu militia for a range of atrocities.

Survivors have spoken of hearing the screams of people being burned alive, of seeing loved ones chased and cut down, of themselves fleeing in terror, the United Nations human rights chief Zeid Raad Al Hussein said in a statement.

Map showing the location of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai region, where 251 people including 62 children were murdered between March and June, a UN report says. (AFP)

A team of investigators has confirmed 251 executions between March 12 and June 19, the UN report said.

These included 62 children, of which 30 were aged under eight.

Regarding the children murdered, the UN explained that seven were killed by members of the army (FARDC) or the national intelligence service, while six died at the hands of the rebel group Kamuina Nsapu.

The Bana Mura militia members were blamed for the deaths of 49 minors. Scott Campbell, the head of the western and central Africa division at the rights office, said the new UN report was merely a snapshot of the wider conflict and atrocities had likely continued over the past six weeks.

The violence in the Kasai region could amount to crimes against humanity, Campbell added, underscoring growing concern that the conflict was tipping towards to ethnic cleansing.

The Kasai conflict erupted last September after the death in clashes of a tribal chieftain, known as the Kamwina Nsapu, who rebelled against the authority of President Joseph Kabilas regime in Kinshasa and its local representatives.

The killing sparked violence that has escalated, including gross alleged violations such as rapes, torture and the use of child soldiers.

The UN said the Bana Mura militia largely included members of the Tshokwe, Pende and Tetela ethnic groups, while the Luba and Lulua communities were seen as supporting the anti-government Kamuina Nsapu.

In less than a year, the violence has claimed more than 3,300 lives, according to a tally by the influential Roman Catholic Church, and displaced 1.4 million people.

Around 80 mass graves have been uncovered in the region.

The presidents mandate expired last December but under a transition deal, he was allowed to remain in office until elections that are supposed to be held in late 2017.

Kabila has so far failed to set a date for the polls, heightening tensions across the country.

The UN rights chief has blasted Kabilas government for not mounting serious investigations into the Kasai crisis.

He successfully lobbied the Human Rights Council to set up an international investigation, although it is not clear if Congolese authorities will grant the probe access to the Kasai region.
The US state department has approved the sale of US warplanes to Nigeria to aid its fight against Boko Haram militants, ending a suspension of weapons sales that followed a deadly Nigerian military strike on a refugee camp.

The state department informed Congress late on Wednesday it had approved the $593 million sale of 12 Super Tucano A-29 ground attack aircraft, a deal that includes supplying the Nigerian armed forces with ammunition, training and aircraft maintenance, a US official said.

The US Air Force last year supplied such aircraft - bought from Brazilian plane manufacturer Embraer - to the Afghan military to help it fight the Taliban.

These aircraft offer improved targeting capabilities, allowing Nigeria to more effectively lead the fight against Boko Haram and the ISIS West Africa branch, while also potentially reducing risks of collateral damage and civilian casualties, said the US official, who asked not to be identified.

The training that the US intends to provide to Nigerian pilots would help build the skills and procedures to effectively and responsibly operate the aircraft in accordance with international human rights law and the law of armed conflict, the official said.

The sale was initially unveiled in May 2016 but the Democratic administration of former president Barack Obama froze the deal just before handing over the reins of power to President Donald Trump in January, after the Nigerian military accidentally bombed a camp for people displaced by the conflict in the northeast, killing 112 civilians.

Congress now has 30 days to decide on whether to approve the deal. If no opposition is voiced, the administration can go ahead with the arms sale.

Boko Haram, which has allied itself with the Islamic State, has been leading a bloody jihadist insurrection in Nigeria since 2009 that has left at least 20,000 people dead and forced another 2.6 million people from their homes.

Thousands of women and girls have been kidnapped and forced into marriage with Islamist insurgents or made to carry out suicide bomb attacks.

Last week, the military was ordered to strengthen its response to Boko Haram after 69 people were killed in an ambush.
The U.S. military on Friday confirmed it killed a high-level commander of the al-Shabab extremist group with an airstrike in Somalia over the weekend, targeting a man blamed for planning deadly attacks in the capital of the Horn of Africa nation.

President Donald Trump earlier this year approved expanded military operations against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, including more aggressive airstrikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities. Al-Shabab is the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.

A U.S. Africa Command statement said the strike on July 30 killed Ali Mohamed Hussein, also known as Ali Jabal. The statement said he was was responsible for leading al-Shabab forces operating in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks against the capital of Mogadishu.

Ali also had served as the extremist groups shadow governor for Mogadishu and had been one of al-Shababs most outspoken officials.

The statement said the airstrike occurred near Tortoroow, an al-Shabab stronghold in Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia as a direct response to al-Shabab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces. It said no civilians were killed in the strike.

The U.S. Africa Command has told The Associated Press it was a drone strike.

Al-Shabab often carries out deadly attacks on high-profile targets in Mogadishu, including Somali military and African Union checkpoints and facilities, hotels and the area around the presidential palace.

The killing of Ali disrupts al-Shababs ability to plan and conduct attacks in Mogadishu and coordinate efforts between Al-Shabab regional commanders, the U.S. statement said.

The U.S. has carried out a handful of airstrikes since Trumps expansion of military efforts. The U.S. military in early July said it carried out an airstrike against al-Shabab in Somalia and was assessing the results, with few details. The airstrike followed one in June that the U.S. said killed eight extremists at a rebel command and logistics camp in the south.

The Somalia-based al-Shabab recently mocked Trump in a video that called him a brainless billionaire. The extremist group also has vowed to step up attacks in Somalia after the president elected in February declared a new offensive against al-Shabab.

The extremist group also has carried out deadly attacks in neighboring countries, notably Kenya, calling it retribution for sending troops to Somalia to fight it.
A sharp-eyed airline passenger spotted another passenger texting about sexually assaulting children, leading officers in California and Washington state to arrest two people and find two young victims, authorities said Thursday.

San Jose police said they arrested Michael Kellar, 56, in the citys airport Monday night after a flight from Seattle. Kellars texts led officers to arrest Gail Burnworth, 50, in her Tacoma home. Kellar also lives in that city.

It appears two children, ages 5 and 7, were sexually assaulted, investigators said. Authorities say Burnworth had access to children as a baby-sitter and that Kellar was getting to the victims through her.

Seattle and San Jose police declined to discuss the childrens relationship to the suspects and how Kellar and Burnworth knew each other.

The plane passenger told authorities that Kellar was sitting in front of her and texting about the abuse with a large font on a large smartphone. The font and screen were so big that the passenger was able to take photos of Kellars text conversation, police said.

The passenger, who police didnt identify, alerted the flight crew. A flight attendant notified an officer stationed at the airport, and Kellar was arrested.

He is accused of attempted child molestation and solicitation of a sex crime. Burnworth was arrested on suspicion of child rape and sexual exploitation of children.

Kellar and Burnworth are in jail Wednesday, and its was not known if they have lawyers to speak on their behalf.
Militants hoped the bombing of Iraqs al-Askari shrine would inflame a sectarian civil war between the nations Sunni and Shiite Muslimsand they got their wish.

Though bloodless, the Feb. 22, 2006, bombing of the al-Askari shrine in Samarra, Iraq, sparked sectarian warfare nationwide, particularly 60 miles south in Baghdad, where residents streamed from their neighborhoods seeking either reprisals or refuge. The violence quickly spread, claiming hundreds of civilian casualties in the first week alone. As intended, the explosion had shattered the relative peace between Iraqs contentious Sunni and Shiite sects, sparking a civil war that has yet to end.

The al-Askari shrinecommonly called the Golden Mosque, in reference to the gold sheathing installed on its dome more than a century agois one of the oldest and most revered sites in Shiite Islam. Built during the 9th century, it contains the entombed remains of two of the sects most important figuresimams Ali al-Hadi and his son Hasan al-Askari, the namesake of the shrine. Al-Hadi and al-Askari were the 10th and 11th of the Twelve Imams, the spiritual and political successors of Muhammad, the 7th century founder of Islam.

Though members of both al-Qaida and various Shiite militia groups were known to have infiltrated Iraqs security forces, the lapses that had allowed the bombing of the mosque were clear indications of just how compromised the fragmented nations military and law enforcement agencies had become. Moreover, the incident blew up into a crisis for U.S-led coalition forces in Iraq. Though no one was killed, the partial destruction of the famed golden dome outraged Shiites, and militia forces ranging from the Mahdi army to Hezbollah considered the act tantamount to a declaration of holy war.

On the heels of the U.S.-led invasion three years earlier Muqtada al-Sadr had founded the Mahdi army, which grew into a network of Shiite militias with significant representation in the Iraqi parliament. The militia leaders father and father-in-law, both Shiite clerics, had been killed on the orders of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Regardless, he called the bombing a plan by the occupation to spark a sectarian war and specifically blamed the United States and Israel. While patently untruethe attack conflicting with the regional interests of both nationsal-Sadrs words further inflamed Iraqi Shiites, who already saw themselves as second-class citizens. Before the invasion Saddams minority Sunnis had dominated Iraq. Indeed, one of the few points of favor coalition troops found among the majority Shiite population was that they had toppled the dictatorship and liberated the long-oppressed sect. After the bombing, al-Sadr played a key role in changing that positive perception, and the Mahdi army became an even more intractable enemy to the U.S.-led occupation.

President George W. Bush immediately spoke out against the bombing. The United States condemns this cowardly act in the strongest possible terms, he wrote in a statement from the White House. I ask all Iraqis to exercise restraint in the wake of this tragedy and to pursue justice in accordance with the laws and constitution of Iraq. Coalition forces had been seeking to curb deaths among the civilian population using counterinsurgency tactics. The bombing hampered such efforts.

In a televised appearance Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, a Shiite, called for a three-day mourning period. In a counterproductive public statement of his own Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraqs most senior Shiite cleric, insisted, If the governments security forces cannot provide the necessary protection, the believers will do it.

Ultimately, Sunni insurgents inspired by Jordanian-born al-Qaida adherent Abu Musab al-Zarqawi claimed responsibility for the attack. Knowing they could not defeat the U.S.-backed majority Shiite government on the battlefield, they wanted to incite a civil war between Shiites and Sunnis, a chaotic conflict from which Zarqawi and his followers hoped to emerge triumphant.

The blowback from his ruthless strategy was severe, as within a day of the bombing Shiite militiamen killed or kidnapped two dozen Sunni clerics and targeted dozens of the sects mosques across Iraq with drive-by shootings and rocket attacks. The militiamen also roamed Sunni neighborhoods, kidnapping and executing civilians at will. In reprisal attacks al-Qaida targeted Shiite market places, cafes and even funerals with suicide car bombings, killing and injuring scores. According to the Iraqi government 3,438 civilians died violently in July 2006 alone, making the month one of the deadliest for civilians during the Iraq War. Indeed, the bloodshed was so terrible that al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden himself reportedly told Iraqi supporters the slaughter gave a bad name to the entire organization.

Regardless, Sunni militants must have perceived the carnage and political instability that followed the bombing of the Golden Mosque as productive, as they bombed the edifice a second time. That attack, on June 13, 2007, toppled the twin 10-story minarets that had survived the 2006 assault. It also poured yet more fuel on Iraqs already blazing Sunni-Shiite civil war.

In a 2007 interview General David Petraeus, architect of the surge strategy employed earlier that year to stabilize the country, responded to the attack in hopeful tones. This is a serious blow, he began, but frankly, it is our hope that this can galvanize the Iraqi leaders to unite against this form of extremism. As youll recall, this is a continuation of some attacks that took place a couple of weeks ago as well against some Sunni mosques. And, in fact, so far all Iraqi leaders have united, have joined, have linked arms in condemning this action.

Petraeus then made an indirect appeal to al-Sadr: There have been different messages that have come out of Muqtada al-Sadr in the past week or so. Interestingly, some of those have been a bit more pragmatic and accommodating.

But al-Sadr had no intention of making peace with the United States. Indeed, his rhetoric strategically and routinely blamed U.S. forces for atrocities with which they had nothing to do.

The Mahdi army remained a fearsome organization that targeted coalition forces and the poorly trained and equipped Iraqi government troops, as well as civilians and the infrastructure in Iraq. Its attempts to engage U.S. forces in open combat generally ended in disaster with heavy casualties. But when the Mahdi army switched to guerrilla tactics and gained material support from Iranwhich supplied it with improvised explosive devices that could penetrate armored vehiclesits insurgent forces became a real threat to coalition troops.

In the end the Iraq War was less a clash between insurgents and coalition troopswho had initially thought of themselves as liberatorsthan a sectarian civil war that happened to embroil U.S.-led forces. The al-Askari shrine remains a flash point of the continuing conflict in Iraq and the surrounding region. As recently as 2014 Sunni militants of the Islamic State, or ISIL, launched mortar shells at the site, wounding nine Iraqis. Their motives were the same as those of the attackers before themto cause so much internecine fighting that the country would collapse and they could rule as kings over the rubble. MH

Stephen Carlson served two tours in Afghanistan as an infantryman with the 10th Mountain Division and is now employed by United Press International.
Half Moon Bay, CA (94019)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 43F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 43F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
A Chinese official has invited overseas media to cover the upcoming 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress.

Jiang Jianguo, head of the State Council Information Office, made the announcement Thursday during an informal meeting with representatives of overseas media outlets in Beijing.

The national congresses, normally held every five years, are major events for the CPC and China with increasing international influence, said Jiang.

The 70th anniversary of the CPC as the ruling party is in 2019 and the CPC's centenary is just four years away.

Jiang spoke about CPC Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech at a workshop for provincial and ministerial officials last Wednesday. The workshop was held to lay the ideological, theoretical and political foundations for the 19th CPC National Congress, said Jiang.

"Xi has earned the utmost trust and respect from Party members and the Chinese people," said Jiang.

This year's congress is expected to seek solutions to a series of issues concerning the short-term and long-term development of the country, according to Jiang.

Attendees of the meeting include representatives of AFP, AP, Asahi Shimbun, Bloomberg, Kyodo, Reuters, TASS and the Wall Street Journal.
News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits.

Tuesday, October 25, 4:30  7 p.m.

Orr Area EMS Open House

Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798.

Orr Fire Hall

4540 Lake St., Orr

Tuesday, October 25, 12  6 p.m.

Essentia Health Job Fair

Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org.

901 9th St. N., Virginia
Who is Lil Tay-K?

Tay-K 47 is a seventeen-year old, Long Beach-born, but East Arlington-based rapper. His presence has been growing heavily online for the past couple of weeks, thanks to his song The Race taking off on Soundcloud (currently #2 on Soundclouds top 50 chart, only under Cardi Bs Bodak Yellow). He is getting equal exposure due to his involvement in a number of murders, amongst other crimes, including robbery. Hes currently being held at Fort Worth, Texas.

His Come Up

Prior to his initial arrest, Tay-K was a member of a rap crew called the Daytona Boyz alongside members Santana Sage and Pimpyz, both of which are dealing with their own separate murder charges. As a collective, they would perform at various parties in order to build their presence within the local rap scene.

Lil Tay-K has been steadily putting up numbers on Soundcloud since 2015, from his earliest songs Sly Cooper and BIFF XANNEN, to the most popular song on his page Murder She Wrote. While The Race is his biggest song to date, all of his songs have over 100,000 views on his Soundcloud.



Origin Story

During an interview with Say Cheese TV, Tay-K stated that before moving to Texas, he lived with his parents in Long Beach, California. During that same interview he recalled being heavily influenced by his mother, a Baby Insane Crip, while stating that his relationship with his father, who is a Compton native, is not the best. He rated his overall relationship with his parents as a 6/10, and claimed that growing up, his parents did not give him much, leaving him to fend for himself.

Insofar as musical influence, Tay-K revealed that he got a lot of his flows from Chief Keef, before calling Soulja Boy his favorite rapper.



The Case

Tay-Ks issues with the law began following a house robbery on July 26th ,2016, in Mansfield, Texas. This altercation, which ended with twenty-one year old, Ethan Walker being murdered, led to Tay-K being placed on house arrest. At 10:59, March 26th ,2017 Tay-K posted this tweet, after which he proceeded to cut off his ankle monitor.

This all culminated in him releasing The Race on Youtube, but was later arrested in New Jersey on Friday, June 30th, 2017, on the very same day. Following his most recent arrest, he had been identified as a suspect in a number of crimes, one of which occurred after his self-liberation from house arrest. These crimes were a robbery of a sixty-five year old man in Arlington Craven Park, which occurred on May 25th, 2017, and his involvement in another murder in San Antonio, TX following a performance with the Daytona Boyz, at a New Years Bash, on December 31st, 2015.

Why did he go viral?

His notorious track The Race, which was released on the day of his arrest, has since become a viral hit. Within the song, he stated that if he killed someone and he got caught, he would run. The fact that Tay-K was involved in so many crimes helped propel a narrative that the internet simply couldnt resist.

Since his rise to fame, hes received a number of shoutouts from artists ranging from XXXtentacion, Lil Bibby, and Lil Yachty. Numerous artists have dropped their own versions of The Race, including Rico Recklezz, Trill Sammy, and Lil Yachty.

Tay-K
China is an architect of world peace, a stalwart of global development, and a staunch upholder of the international order, President Xi Jinping told a rally marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Tuesday.

On Army Day, China, once again, chose to highlight peace, an eternal theme of mankind, and reaffirmed that the nation will never seek to expand beyond its established borders.

Deeds speak louder than words. Of all permanent members of the UN Security Council, none has done more than China, with 35,000 personnel dispatched across the globe to defend basic human rights. In the line of this sacred duty, 13 Chinese peacekeepers have lost their lives.

With their passion and with their blood, China's military has actively fulfilled the nation's commitment to its own peaceful development and to a peaceful world.

Since 2008, over 80 vessels of the PLA Navy have patrolled the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia, ensuring the safety of more than 6,000 domestic and foreign ships.

Chinese servicemen and women led the search for missing flight MH370. Chinese forces stood their ground in the fight to contain the Ebola virus. The water crisis in Male, capital of the Maldives, was resolved with the help of the PLA.

China's contribution to world peace has been widely applauded by the international community, said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN under-secretary-general for peacekeeping operations.

Peaceful development is neither an expediency nor diplomatic rhetoric, but a choice China has made on analysis of historical facts, the present reality and future opportunities. China's interests are inextricably intertwined with the interests of the planet.

From the Opium War of 1840 until the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, China suffered at the hand of the Western powers. Through that, respect for independence and peace have become what the Chinese people cherish most.

"Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you," the foundation of Confucianism, means the Chinese will never inflict on others the agony we have gone through ourselves.

Confucius also said that the virtuous always find friends -- wisdom that should guide international relations as much as it does interpersonal interactions.

Since the 1960s, through negotiation and consultation, China has delimited 20,000 kilometers of land boundary and is in complete accord with 12 out of its 14 land neighbors. A sincere good neighbor, China's commitment to mutual benefit has been a concrete contribution to stability in Asia and beyond.

Of the wars fought in the seven decades since the founding of the PRC, China has never made the first move. Not once has China been the aggressor.

The path of peaceful development means China will never be the one to stir up trouble or invade other sovereign states.

"A belligerent nation is doomed to perish," goes an ancient Chinese saying. The iron law of history is that countries which expanded by invading others are doomed to failure.

Our epoch must be one of win-win cooperation and shared development.

"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 away from the country at any time, in any form," Xi said.

Peace is bliss for the people. Protecting peace is the duty of the people's army. To fulfill that timeless duty, China's armed forces must be a world-class military, ready to fight if it must, and ready to win. The country will never compromise on its sovereignty.

The latest military reform focuses on structural reforms, aiming to build forces true to the Party, with exemplary conduct. Should the PLA ever be forced into a fight, it will fight to win.

Xi announced cuts of 300,000 troops in 2015, a process which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, according to the Ministry of National Defense. This is a sincere commitment to world peace and prosperity.

With 90 years of service behind them, the common pursuit of peaceful development, benefiting all people from all countries, is the PLA's sincere hope for the next 90 years and beyond.
Fiori tot mai reci si in sectorul tehnologic: prima companie care a reusit sa piarda 1.000 de miliarde de dolari din valoare in doar cateva luni
New laws are urgently required to address the growing concern about the lack of regulation of battery powered rickshaws in Dublin City Centre, says Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Dublin, John Lahart TD.

The Deputy was commenting following the launch of a public consultation process by the National Transport Authority (NTA) into establishing new laws for regulating the operation of rickshaws.

It is estimated that several hundred rickshaws operate in the Dublin city area on any given weekend. They have proved a popular alternative to taxis as most rickshaw drivers negotiate prices on an arbitrary basis,  the TD told Hot Press.

Despite their growing presence and raising concern over the unsafe practices being employed by some rickshaw operators in the city centre, there are currently no regulations in place to provide for the management of rickshaws.

For the past 12 months or more, my party colleagues and I have been raising the pressing need to develop regulatory policy with the National Transport Authority around rickshaw licensing, insurance, user safety and other matters.

Under current legislation small public service vehicles are defined as either being pedal powered or mechanically propelled. However, this does not cover rickshaws as they are often battery powered.

A number of amendments to the Road Traffic Bill 2016 which will regulate for the use of rickshaws have been put forward by Fianna Fail. These common sense proposals will mean that rickshaws will have to be licenced and drivers can be subject to background checks. The condition and roadworthiness of rickshaws themselves will also be inspected.

In the same way that motorists, taxi drivers and public transport operators are standardised, Deputy Lahart concludes, we must legislate to help protect the public from unscrupulous rickshaw drivers or operators.
Join Paul Howard, multi-award-winning journalist, author, playwright and comedy writer, and the man behind the eternally popular Ross OCarroll-Kelly series, for a special evening at Saint Patricks Cathedral as part of the 2017 Jonathan Swift Festival.

Described by the Irish Independent as one of the worlds funniest writers, Paul Howard is a four-time Irish Book Award winner, collecting the Best Popular Fiction prize for Should Have Got Off at Sydney Parade in 2007, The Oh My God Delusion in 2010, and Downturn Abbey in 2013.

The seventeenth book in the series, Operation Trumpsformation, will be published in September 2017.

Paul Howards use of Ross OCarroll-Kelly, a fictional Irish rugby jock, reflects Swifts own work featuring invented characters to critique the events of his time. Dont miss this opportunity to hear from one of Irelands preeminent satirists and cultural critics on fiction, satire, and Ireland today.

Honouring Swift on the anniversary of his 350th Birthday, the Jonathan Swift Festival takes place from 23-26 November, and celebrates his legacy as a writer, satirist, poet, and Dubliner of note.

As a champion in his time for Irish rights, Swifts actions on behalf of the people earned him the Freedom of the City of Dublin. Swifts best-known work of fiction, Gullivers Travels, has never been out of print since it was first published in 1726, and has been adapted for screen, radio, and television across decades and throughout the world.

Animating the area around Saint Patricks Cathedral, the Festival will be packed with surprising, unique experiences, including special walking tours of Swifts Dublin guided by Pat Liddy, unmissable concerts in the stunning setting of St Patricks Cathedral, talks, animations, workshops and amazing special events including the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to eat a 17th century inspired candlelit dinner in Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

Few Irish authors can claim as close a connection to Dublin city as Swift. Born in Hoeys Court and buried in Saint Patricks Cathedral, Swift spent his most productive years in the environs around Dublin 8.

Another big name to perform at this festival is Glen Hansard. He will perform in the stunning setting of St Patricks Cathedral on Saturday 25th November, as one of the highlights of the inaugural Jonathan Swift Festival.

The concert will be a rare chance to hear Glen and his stripped down band of five musicians perform in the beautiful acoustical Cathedral venue.

Tickets for the gig are priced at 40, with all profits going to a number of Irish charities  NALA project, Crosscare Teen Counselling Service, Little Flower Penny Dinners, The Alice Leahy Trust and St Patricks Cathedral Swift Series community initiatives. Support act to be announced.

Honouring Swift on the anniversary of his 350th Birthday, the Jonathan Swift Festival takes place from 23-26 November, and celebrates his legacy as a writer, satirist, poet, and Dubliner of note.

As a champion in his time for Irish rights, Swifts actions on behalf of the people earned him the Freedom of the City of Dublin. Swifts best-known work of fiction, Gullivers Travels, has never been out of print since it was first published in 1726, and has been adapted for screen, radio, and television across decades and throughout the world.

The festival organisers promise that it will be "packed with surprising, unique experiences", including special walking tours of Swifts Dublin guided by Pat Liddy, unmissable concerts in the stunning setting of St Patricks Cathedral, talks, animations, workshops and amazing special events including the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to eat a 17th century inspired candlelit dinner in Saint Patrick's Cathedral.



Few Irish authors can claim as close a connection to Dublin city as Swift. Born in Hoeys Court and buried in Saint Patricks Cathedral, Swifts life is book ended by the environs around Dublin 8 and the institutions of significance in his time including Trinity College, the Bank of Ireland (Parliament House) and Dublin Castle.

The Jonathan Swift Festival is run by Saint Patricks Cathedral, Dublin. It is supported by both Failte Ireland and Dublin City Council and collaborates with a number of cultural institutions across the city with a historic or thematic link to Jonathan Swifts life and work, including Marshs Library, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, The Science Gallery, The Irish Writers Centre, Epic Ireland and St Patricks Mental Health Services.

For further information for log onto www.jonathanswiftfestival.ie r check them out on Facebook: facebook.com/JonathanSwiftFestival/ @swift_festival


The economic headlines this week look great for President Donald Trump.

More than 1 million jobs have been added since Trump took office. The stock market is at record highs. The Dow crossed 22,000 for the first time ever. Trump took a victory lap Friday, dubbing it an "excellent" economy.

Every president talks up the economy. It's part of a president's job to be America's cheerleader-in-chief. But half a year into Trump's presidency, the reality is the economy is solid. It's not booming. And there's no "Trump bump" -- yet.

"On balance, it's hard to see a Trump bump," says Doug Holtz-Eakin, head of the right-leaning American Action Forum and an economic adviser to many Republicans. "The economy is solid. It's not spectacular."

To see how the Trump economy is really doing, look at growth, jobs, wages and business spending. All of those factors are showing no change since the days of President Barack Obama.

Yes, more and more Americans are getting jobs. Hiring in July was stronger than experts expected, with a net gain of 209,000 jobs. That's good news, but the pace of hiring is a tad worse than under President Obama. The economy has added 1,074,000 jobs since Trump took office. During the same stretch last year, the economy gained 1,246,000 jobs under Obama. The fastest growing job category last month was low-paying retail jobs. Trump used to slam Obama for only creating low-quality jobs. Now that's part of the Trump story, too.

"On the jobs metric, there's no Trump bump," says Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG bank in New York. "It's pretty consistent with the final year of Obama's administration."

As for stocks: The market is going up. It gained more than 20 percent since Trump won the election. But Wall Street is not Main Street, and about half of America has $0 in the market. Numerous studies have shown that better stock returns don't mean a turbocharged economy is on the way with more growth and higher wages for the middle class.

The stock market may be going up, but wages are not. On the campaign trail, Trump frequently decried how middle class incomes were lower now than in 2000. He promised to change that, yet the jobs report that Trump called "excellent" showed that wages only increased 2.5 percent in the past year. That's below America's historic average and the same pace that Obama achieved.

Even some of the president's allies in Congress say it's too early to celebrate. Republican Rep. Kevin Brady, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee called the latest jobs report "solid." "This report shows too many Americans are still having a hard time finding good-paying jobs, getting a raise, and providing for their families," Brady said in a statement.

The White House has also been giving itself a pat on the back for increasing growth. Trump and his top advisers have promised growth of at least 3 percent a year, which would be a full percentage point higher than the average under Obama.

In the second quarter of this year, the period between April and June, GDP was 2.6 percent. Trump celebrated it as "so much better than anticipated." It sounds good, except for the fact that it's smack in line with second quarter growth for the past four years. It's also only one quarter. Obama had plenty of quarters where growth was better than 3 percent. He just never had a YEAR when growth was that high. Trump still has a long way to go to get there, too.

A big problem for Trump is his "MAGA-nomics" agenda has stalled in Congress. Just about every measure of consumer and business sentiment surged after Trump was elected. CEOs and business leaders cheered because they thought tax cuts were coming, along with more infrastructure spending and an easier regulatory environment. Now sentiment is starting to fade, as it looks less and less likely that Trump will achieve his full agenda. Even on tax reform, CEOs are dialing back their expectation for how big the cuts will be and when they will come.

The one tangible area Trump has been able to make real change is on regulations. He scaled back some, for example on the coal industry, and he's chosen not to enforce some other rules, especially on the environment.

"I think that the market pundits and many economists have wildly underestimated the degree to which the regulatory rollback is a positive for the economy," says Tim Anderson, managing director of MND Partners, based on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Anderson says there may not be much evidence of a bump yet, but there's reason to believe it will come as CEOs adjust to the new situation.

The key for Trump is to get businesses and consumers spending more. So far, it's not happening. People may say they are feeling better about the economy, but that hasn't translated into opening their wallets. The other missing factor is higher productivity growth, a fancy way of saying that workers need to produce more per hour than they currently do. That usually happens when technology improves because businesses did more spending to improve their factory floors and offices.

"You can't declare victory on the economy until you see that productivity number shift," says Holtz-Eakin. He calls it the "Achilles heel" of this recovery. His recommendation to Congress? Get moving on tax reform. "I think a serious pro-growth tax reform could be the single biggest impact on growth, maybe as big as 0.5 percent higher GDP."

For Trump, the good news is the economy is doing all right. Few expect a recession any time soon. But expectations of a bump are also fading.
Houston's Pacific Drilling said Thursday it's considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as the company teeters on the edge of defaulting on loan agreements at the end of September.

The deepwater driller has struggled throughout the oil bust as the offshore industry remains mired in a prolonged funk, despite the rebound onshore at U.S. shale fields.

Longtime Pacific chief executive officer Chris Beckett resigned this week. Pacific promoted its chief financial officer, Paul Reese, to the CEO role.

With a potential default looming, Pacific said it's considering different ways to relieve its $3 billion debt, with bankruptcy an option if agreements to extend loans are not reached.

Although the company still has "solid operational performance," Reese warned that the "very challenging market" has hit revenue hard. Pacific's second-quarter revenue fell 66 percent to $67 million. Pacific lost $138 million in the second quarter.

Praveen Narra, energy analyst at the financial services company Raymond James, said in an analyst note that the company needs to restructure, whether through Chapter 11 or some other means, to "battle its debt load."

Pacific employs about 800, down from 1,200 at the end of 2014. It is far from the only deepwater driller to consider bankruptcy. Houston-based Hercules Offshore filed twice. Houston's Paragon Offshore emerged from bankruptcy last month, while Vantage Drilling, also of Houston, exited bankruptcy last year. Seadrill is considering bankruptcy.

And big players are consolidating. Ensco is in the process of acquiring Houston's Atwood Oceanics, which has cut its workforce by about 60 percent in two years, from nearly 2,000 workers to just more than 800.

Although Pacific's corporate offices are in Houston, it's formally domiciled in Luxembourg for tax purposes. The company was founded in 2006 with the financial backing of Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and his Quantum Pacific Group, from which the Pacific Drilling name originated.

Pacific doubled its Houston office space with a move to the Energy Corridor in 2014 right before the oil bust kicked in. Pacific's stock has traded for less than $2 a share since the beginning of April, closing Thursday at $1.35 a share, down 5 cents.
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Capt. Tom Goodwin stood on the bridge of an oil tanker and looked upon the familiar Bayport Container Terminal. But instead of peering out a vessel's front windows, he was in a high-tech simulator gazing intently at 13 monitors.

The Houston Pilots, tasked with guiding ships in and out of the port, don't currently allow tankers like the one in the simulation to go down that section of the Houston Ship Channel. It was the first time a pilot was asked to bring any ship that size, 900 feet long and 164 feet wide, through Bayport.

The expanded Panama Canal opened just more than a year ago, providing larger passage for ships traveling between Asia and the Gulf Coast. Companies along the Houston Ship Channel have since sought to bring in larger ships.

"I've probably had three or four requests already this year," said Capt. Robert Shearon, presiding officer for the Houston Pilots. "Whereas before the canal opened, they were less frequent."

While some of these larger vessels are already in Houston, others are trickling in more slowly. Pilots, Port Houston officials and others continue making the necessary preparations to welcome these behemoths.

That's how Goodwin and two experienced tugboat captains found themselves in simulators Wednesday at the San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center. They were helping an energy company determine if a new dock could accommodate large oil tankers. They were also assessing if it could be done safely.

RELATED: Supersized Panama Canal could increase Houston's direct trade with Asia

A June 26 news release from the Panama Canal Authority says more than 1,500 "neopanamax" vessels have transited the expanded canal. These vessels are loosely defined as ships too big to fit in the canal's old locks but not so massive that they won't fit in the canal's new locks.

The new locks can handle ships carrying up to 14,000 TEUs, a standard industry measurement for a container ship's capacity that refers to the equivalent of 20-foot containers. The Panama Canal reported a record-sized vessel passed through on May 24 that was capable of carrying 13,926 TEUs. It was roughly 1,200 feet long and 160 feet wide.

Overall, 15 of the 29 liner services using the Panama Canal have neopanamax vessels. But most of these shipping companies connect ports in Asia with America's East Coast ports, according to the Panama Canal's June news release on the expansion's one-year anniversary.

Larger ships are going to trickle down to the Gulf Coast, said Jim Kruse, director of the Center for Ports and Waterways at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Shipping companies will first buy behemoths for specific transoceanic routes between ports with high-volume trade. Then ships that were calling on those ports will be redirected to ports like Houston.

These ships will be larger than those currently visiting Houston, but they will never be the world's biggest ships carrying some 20,000 TEUs. These don't fit in the Panama Canal and tend to travel between Asia and the U.S. West Coast, where a canal isn't needed, or between Asia and Europe using the Suez Canal.

"We won't get those in the Gulf," Kruse said. "We just won't."

The largest container ship to call on Port Houston has been capable of carrying 8,200 TEUs, though it did not come through the Panama Canal, said Ricky Kunz, Port Houston's chief commercial officer. Port Houston recently set a record by lifting 4,198 containers on or off the COSCO Boston at Barbours Cut Container Terminal.

The Houston Pilots permit ships that are up to 1,100 feet long and 143 feet wide in certain sections of the channel. Bigger ships will be permitted as various channel improvements are made and the pilots gain more experience with these vessels, Shearon said.

Both the pilots and Port Houston are working to accommodate the largest ships that can go through the Panama Canal. Port Houston has spent hundreds of millions of dollars since the early 2000s in preparation.

When more of these ships call on Houston, Kunz said, depends on when shipping companies upgrade to larger vessels. But he expects they will come. The Texas population keeps growing, requiring more consumer goods to be imported, and the Port of Houston's petrochemical boom will ramp up exports.

"We need to continue to prepare for the growing amount of cargo, the increase in cargo, that we have coming across the dock," Kunz said. "It just allows us to be more efficient."

Port Houston owns, operates, manages or leases eight public terminals, including the general cargo terminal at the Turning Basin and the Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals. It's also the local sponsor for the Houston Ship Channel, meaning it pays the non-federal cost of the channel, helps maintain dredge placement areas and marshes, and helps coordinate dredging alongside docks in the channel.

It recently spent $33.5 million on three cranes that stand 270 feet tall from dock to apex and can unload ships wide enough to carry 22 rows of containers. The cranes departed China on July 23 and began the 2-month journey to Barbours Cut Container Terminal.

Once delivered, Barbours Cut will have seven cranes capable of loading and unloading neopanamax ships. It will also have five older cranes capable of reaching across ships that are 16 containers wide.

Bayport Container Terminal has six cranes that can unload ships 18 containers wide, though these cranes can be expanded for ships 22 containers wide. The terminal also has three cranes currently working that can reach across 22 containers, and it will receive three more of the larger cranes next year.

Kruse said these types of investments will help the port stay competitive. As ships get larger, they will call on fewer ports due to the amount of time it takes to enter them and the money ships lose while docked. Ports capable of handling the bigger ships quickly and efficiently will be the ones positioned to get the business.

"The size of the ships is going to grow, and that's going to make the competitive nature of the ports even more severe than it was in the past," he said.

Ports are no longer just competing within their geographic region, Kruse said. They're also competing with ports on other coasts.

RELATED: Ship Channel pilot encourages kids to follow in her wake

In the simulator, Capt. Goodwin guided the oil tanker past container ships holding 13,000 TEUs. There was a northwest wind with speeds of 20 knots. While ships often go a little faster to fight windy conditions, the size of this virtual oil tanker and the narrowness of the channel meant Goodwin couldn't direct the helmsman to go faster.

There were just 89 feet between the tanker and the edge of the channel, and 158 feet between the tanker and the container ships it was passing.

The simulation proved the tanker could make it past the container ships and to the new dock with those specific conditions and tugboats.

Ultimately, Shearon doesn't expect the ship channel's current depth to affect shipping companies' decision to call on Houston. The Houston Ship Channel can accommodate vessels with a 45-foot draft.

"I don't think the Port of Houston loses any business because we're only at 45 feet," he said. "Freeport may be at 50 feet, but the business is here in Houston."
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Anyone involved in the oil business better batten down the hatches because storm clouds are gathering to bring volatility back to the markets.

OPEC oil ministers can't get their stories straight, oil companies are doing more with less, Venezuela's president has set his country on fire and President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on both Venezuela and Russia, two major sources of oil. That's a recipe for wild swings in oil prices even without an unforeseen shock to the system.

Offering a preview of things to come, oil prices spiked 8.7 percent the week before last, then dropped 3 percentage points in 24 hours last week.

Driving the gyrations is an OPEC deal made last year with Russia and a few other countries to take 1.5 million barrels off the market, and the agreement has kept oil prices above $40 a barrel this year. Admittedly, it was a bit of a scam because OPEC members had recently added 1.5 million barrels to the market, but the pledge gave traders a reason to believe prices would higher, perhaps to OPEC's goal of $60 a barrel.

Six months later, prices have struggled to remain over $50 a barrel and the deal is falling apart. Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih complained last month that members are not keeping their promises.

"Some countries continue to lag, which is a concern we must address head on," Falih said. He said OPEC officials has won renewed pledges to cut output.

The United Arab Emirates, though, complained publicly that contracts with private companies make it difficult to make the cuts. OPEC member Ecuador simply dropped out of the agreement.

"We need funds for the fiscal treasury and for that reason we've taken the decision to gradually increase production, although not to the country's full potential," said Carlos Perez, Ecuador's oil minister.

Ecuador is not alone in needing more oil revenue to make ends meet. Almost every OPEC member relies on international oil sales to pay for government spending, and every member is dipping into savings or borrowing money.

By some accounts, seven of the 11 OPEC members committed to making cuts are not adhering to their quotas. If members don't see higher prices soon, the agreement could fall apart before it expires in March 2018, unleashing a tsunami of crude.

Even if the deal holds, the CEOs of almost every major international oil company told investors last week they can make money at $50 a barrel. Independent oil companies, barred from colluding on price, have sold futures contracts, raised capital, hired more rigs and pumped more oil. That's kept inventory levels above the five-year average.

"Global supply will increase by 1.9 million barrels a day next year without an extension of the OPEC agreement to cut production beyond March 2018. We forecast demand growth at 1.2 million barrels a day," said Simon Flowers, chief analyst at energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie. "There will be oversupply and sustained downward pressure on prices."

Flowers believes OPEC will extend the quotas to keep prices from dropping, but other factors could also drive prices higher.

Saudi Arabia knows traders are watching U.S. inventory levels for cues, so to create a narrative that supplies are tightening, the nation has cut exports to the United States by about 200,000 barrels a day compared to last year, according to S&P Global Platts, which tracks energy data.

Venezuela's political and economic crisis has led to lower production there, with exports to the U.S. dropping 32 percent in June to a 13-year low. Venezuela is diverting oil away from the United States to Russia's state-owned Rosneft to make payments on $4 billion in loans, according to the Reuters news agency.

The U.S. relies on Venezuela for a critical heavy grade of crude needed by Gulf Coast refineries, particularly at Citgo facilities in Corpus Christi and Lake Charles.

Venezuela's political and economic crisis is worsening, with President Nicolas Maduro jailing opposition leaders and suspending the opposition-controlled National Assembly. The United States, the European Union and others are imposing sanctions that will make it more difficult for Venezuela's oil company to maintain current production.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has also promised to prop up crude prices by maintaining production cuts even if OPEC doesn't.

Trump imposed limited sanctions on Russia's oil industry last week under pressure from Congress, limiting investment in Russian oil fields. The strained relationship between the U.S. and Russia introduces instability to all markets, but especially to oil.

These competing price pressures will bring greater volatility as one or another makes headlines and sends traders scrambling to buy or sell. Volatility is where commodities traders make money, but it's bad news for oil companies, service companies or airlines trying to devise long-term strategies.

Ever since oil prices started dropping in 2014, supply and demand have ruled. But with major producers colluding and geopolitical tensions rising, we're moving into a period where external factors are more important. These are uncertain times.
Suburban land developer Friendswood Development Co. is planning an urban residential project in the near northside, its latest move into Houston's increasingly crowded urban housing market.

In the last year alone, Friendswood has purchased three close-in sites as it expands toward the inner city.

"We realized some of these other big builders were in the market and performing well and that it was a place we needed to be," senior land analyst Kayla Stewart said.

The company's first urban project was in Spring Branch, an early suburban area starting to have a more urban style. It's where other traditionally suburban-focused builders like Pulte and KB have found success in building small communities of homes on small lots. Many of the homes are in the $300,000 price range and are targeted to millennials who want to be near the city center but can't afford Heights and Montrose prices.

Friendwood's near-northside site is 3.4 acres at the intersection of Fulton and Cavalcade next to a light-rail stop.

"You can see there's some major developments taking place," said Adrian Ramirez, a real estate broker with Waterman Steele Real Estate Advisors who represented the land owner in the Fulton Street sale.

One of the area's biggest changes is expected to come north of Cavalcade just west of Interstate 45, where investors have purchased the Airline Drive farmers market and plan to turn it into a higher-end culinary destination.

Friendswood hopes its Fulton Station project will appeal to buyers wanting to commute via light rail. Houstonians who work downtown, Stewart said, can be at their offices in 15 minutes.

Lennar, which builds homes in Friendswood's land developments, will fill the site with duplexes with 20-foot driveways and 10-foot backyards. The homes will have first-floor living, which buyers have expressed more interest in, Stewart said.

The homes are expected to have prices in the mid-$300,000s.

In addition to its near-northside endeavor, Friendswood has a second project under way in Spring Branch and two on the northern fringes of Oak Forest.

Construction is underway at one of the sites off Shepherd at Lehman Street south of Pinemont.

Two weeks ago, the company purchased 1.6 acres just north of the Lehman site for a future project. The property formerly housed the White Dove Wedding Chapel.
Aerosol Artist Gonzo to recreate one of Houston's iconic murals Part 1: Aerosol artist Gonzo to re-create one of Houston's iconic murals

Aerosol Artist Gonzo to recreate one of Houston's iconic murals Part 1: Aerosol artist Gonzo to re-create one of Houston's iconic murals

Growing up in Houston's East End, Mario Enrique Figueroa Jr. loved Leo Tanguma's mural "The Rebirth of Our Nationality" with the passion of a young boy.

Born the year Tanguma started the piece at 5900 Canal Street, Figueroa was too young to understand then what it meant  how Tanguma gave Mexican-Americans a reason to hold their heads high, with an epic reminder of the oppression their ancestors had been dealt over centuries, and proof that their cultural history and identity mattered.

The young Figueroa would look at the mural from the back seat of his parents' car as the family drove to Sunday mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or gatherings at his grandmother's house. He was most awed by the sheer size of the painting that consumed a facade of the Continental Can Company factory.

He wondered how anyone would start making something that big and colorful, much less how someone like him could become an artist.

Now, Figuero - better known as the aerosol artist Gonzo247 and widely lauded for his cheerful "Houston is Inspired" mural downtown - is tasked with repainting Tanguma's masterpiece.

Gonzo is turning 45 on Monday, and tackling the most significant wall of his life. The curious thing about it is that, if all goes well, in a few years no one will know he did it. He is just going to be Tanguma's "hands," he said.

Houston artist Mario Figueroa, Jr., also known as "Gonzo247," poses for a portrait at the Harris County Records Building, at 5900 Canal St., Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, in Houston. In 1973, artist Leo Tanguma painted a large mural titled, "The Rebirth of Our Nationality," on the exterior wall of the building. After years of deterioration, the original mural was whitewashed, and Figueroa was chosen to repaint the it. ( Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston artist Mario Figueroa, Jr., also known as "Gonzo247," poses for a portrait at the Harris County Records Building, at 5900 Canal St., Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, in Houston. In 1973, artist Leo Tanguma ... more Photo: Jon Shapley, Staff Photo: Jon Shapley, Staff Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close Rebirth of a mural 1 / 13 Back to Gallery

That is not typically an urban artist's M.O.

Nor is the figurative style with which Tanguma painted "The Rebirth of Our Nationality." It depicted a struggling parade of people, leaning as if they were wind-blown, toward a central couple who emerge like Adam and Eve from a red flower.

Part 2 Leo Tanguma painted a massive mural on Canal Street in 1974, "The Rebirth of Our Nationality," that became a landmark of the Chicano art movement. But little else of the artist's years in Houston remains. For the second part of this series, we visit Tanguma in his Denver area studio to tell the dramatic story of his youth in Beeville, how he came to Houston, why he left and what he's doing now. Read Part 2 here.

Tanguma's original mural was significant for many reasons - and not just because that central image of the flower is oft-copied. He was a favorite student of the legendary muralist John Biggers, who introduced him to Mexican masters. Most importantly, the mural has been a powerful symbol of identity to generations of Houstonians of Mexican-American heritage.

But in recent decades, the mural had faded into something that looked more like an ancient, crumbling archeological find. The original was deemed unsalvageable some time ago by a museum conservator because it was deteriorating from the inside, Gonzo said. He has been involved with community efforts to restore the mural for about 20 years.

Harris County bought the Canal Street property in 2013 and has spent $8 million to convert the building to a records storage facility and the Precinct 6 constable's station. County officials dedicated $70,000 to recreating the mural, which County Engineer John Blount said will be the "crowning achievement" of the whole project.

The county wanted Tanguma to execute it.

The artist was thrilled with the idea, but he left Houston years ago. Tanguma has lived near Denver for decades; and at 75, he finds it hard to climb towering scaffolds and scissor lifts. Still, he signed on to the project with the condition that someone else would recreate the painting, with his guidance.

***

Gonzo loved to draw but as a child he only had access to pencils and paper. In grade school and junior high, he learned about the kind of art in museums - classical Grecian urns or Renaissance European paintings of grapes and landscapes that had nothing to do with his life, made by people who didn't look like him.

A different world opened up in the early 1980s, the early days of hip-hop.

Figueroa was 11 or 12 when he began hearing the then-new wave of hip-hop music and discovered its full culture, including the visual language of graffiti.

"When I saw kids that looked like me, that were my age, that were painting masterpieces on the side of subway trains in full, in-your-face color, that's the first time I realized, wow, I could do that," he said. "That's when I was motivated to do something with art."

Soon, the young tagger was venturing into the plentiful lay-ups - the massive railyards of his heavily industrial neighborhood - to write his signature on trains. All the better if they were moving, and he had to jump on while he sprayed.

PART 2: Leo Tanguma, the muralist Houston forgot

"It's amazing that I'm still alive," Gonzo said.

By his 30s, he was leading the Houston charge to make his style of art more acceptable and legal. His commissions include major public works such as the huge mural in the Houston Public Library's underground parking garage (a wall slightly larger than Tanguma's); and he's had considerable success with commercial branding projects for international companies, including Sony. Gonzo recently co-founded a non-profit organization, the Graffiti & Street Art Museum of Texas, which he hopes will someday have a permanent home and exhibitions.

He also looks every bit the savvy entrepreneur that he is, a smart dresser whose only concession to art - assuming one doesn't notice the small bits of paint on his hands, and his fingernails - is the necklaces he wears. He has made them since 1990, binding aerosol can spray nozzles with string, and tries hard not to sell them. They have a soul, he says: They're his personal talisman, a weighty reminder to be grateful for all he has achieved.

***

Even as an adolescent, Gonzo did his homework. He spent time in libraries, reading about graffiti legends in New York and elsewhere, and he sent letters to those he admired.

He learned about Tanguma when he volunteered with an earlier community effort to restore the "Rebirth" mural, and he flew to Colorado on his own dime to meet the elder artist.

They clicked immediately.

"He speaks Spanish, and he's a real decent and honest guy," Tanguma said.

He's also impressed with Gonzo's use of traditional mural-recreation techniques. Gonzo documented every inch of Tanguma's original with photographs, then created a 1-inch-by-1-foot grid so he could redraw the imagery on an 18-by-240-inch paper study.

Soon, Gonzo and his staff will transfer the grid to the primed wall, paint the lines of the figures and then, finally, fill in the color. The process will take several months, weather depending. Safety is a priority, Gonzo said; they won't work when the heat index hovers around 100.

Gonzo knows the community will be watching.

Some area residents were alarmed last week when Tanguma's original disappeared under several coats of whitewash and primer. They apparently had not been informed about the repainting process.

Latino art consultant Ralph Garcia, who had hoped to work on the project, was livid.

"We restore art of the Egyptians, the Mayans," he said. "How could we not have restored this?"

Aside from that issue, Gonzo's own brash and often sunshiney palette looks nothing like the fading mural the most recent generations of East End residents loved.

But Gonzo and Taguma say they agree on color.

"If you look at Leo's other work, everything he does is so full of color. The only reason this wasn't is because he didn't have the materials," Gonzo said. "His color palette is really the same as mine."

Tanguma concurred.

He created the mural during a year and a half, using 100 gallons of donated house paint and whatever else he could find under the kitchen sink. He didn't get to choose what colors he was given. And with a mile of wall to fill, he made the background by mixing the blue, gray and white paints he had in abundance.

"It's almost like he's getting a second chance," Gonzo said. "In the best-case scenario, how would he have gone through this process? That's some of the conversations we're having."

Gonzo said he is still in awe that the Tanguma project is happening.

"I'm excited that the community is going to get their mural back. That's my driving force, that Leo gets to see this mural in its full glory once again."
Most writers use words like bricks: uniform and utilitarian, meant to be assembled into something larger than itself. The playwright Lauren Yee treats them more like colors on a canvas, mixing them, swirling them together, letting them bleed into each other and into different timelines. The results are often poignant, funny and surprising.

To Yee, it's no coincidence a word can take many shapes, the same way memories can shift over time and blue and red can blend into purple. Her play, "In a Word," at Mildred's Umbrella through Aug. 12, is about a mother's grief and guilt after her son goes missing, though the adorable boy in that fading yearbook picture isn't the only thing absent.

Fiona (Miranda Herbert), the protagonist, has lost her ability to comprehend language in a conventional way. Because she is so deep in her well of obsession and self-denial, words often become triggers for the past, launching her into flashbacks that feel more like dreams than recollections.

Fiona is married to Guy (Alex Garza). Their son, Tristan, is 7 and "difficult," says Fiona, though the teachers use the term "special." One day after school, Tristan is abducted, and two years later the investigation is still open, Fiona still an open wound, and Guy still less traumatized by the incident than either he admits or she prefers.

More Information 'In a Word' When: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Aug. 10-12 Where: Mildred's Umbrella, Studio 101, 1824 Spring Information: $13-$23; 832-463-0409, mildredsumbrella.com See More Collapse

Like her contemporaries Annie Baker and Sarah Ruhl, Yee loves the poetic versatility of a single word or sentence. "What's brown and sticky?" Is the first question of the play. The answer: "A stick." Except the phrase will return, again and again, like a musical motif. A screaming son, a mother's guilty hand - these can also be brown and sticky. And a stick is part of a tree, which is the literal manifestation of a "leaf of absence" Fiona is forced to take. Here, the tree is a real object, planted in a backyard, that functions as both parable and backstory.

It's hard to fully describe how all this punny business is at all related to a story about motherhood. But the play makes it clear right away that losing a child can lead to losing your words.

Take, for example, the common practice in grief therapy, in which participants write words on slips of paper and deposit them into a glass jar. It's an exercise that shows how powerful adjectives and nouns can be when they're attached to memories of a loved one. Fiona has a similar activity in the play, asking Guy to hand over his ugly words - "retarded," "difficult" - and put them in her jar. After he empties his shoes of several slips of paper, Fiona asks him what else he has to say about Tristan. "I'm all out of words," he replies.

What humor, what tragedy. Fiona appears at first to be going crazy. After all, she's making up stories about seeing the supposed kidnapper at the store, and she gets confused over whether she's talking to the principal, the detective or to Tristan. In a brilliant theatrical move, Rhett Martinez (who is stellar) plays all of those men, and therefore we see the world from Fiona's point of view. We are discombobulated at first. But then we realize that for all of the absurdism and magical realism of "In a Word," it's in fact a precise, logical story.

There is a pattern to how Tristan's absence has warped Fiona's perspective. Where Guy is scientific, almost coldly so, when it comes to moving on, Fiona's eerie machinations prove the more empathetic portrayal of parental struggle. What does she really want? She tells us that she wants to "get justice," but Guy just wants to get dinner, or get better, or get on with it.

The best line, though, arrives when Fiona tells us how she feels about her son. "I need him like I need a hole in the head, like I need a mouth to breath," she says. See how Yee pivots her words like a figure skater spinning in the air, how she creates multiple images and interpretations in one sentence?

I expect there are many reviewers of this play who can't help but quote it, partly out of deference for Yee's Kendrick Lamar-esque mastery over the English language.

Yee does more than put the play in playfulness. "I need him like I need a hole in the head, like I need a mouth to breath" - the first half of the sentence is rote, sarcastic and empty, the way most people think of puns. Then, after the comma, that "hole" transforms into an image of desperate vitality, of an essential component of our humanity being taken away from us. We didn't expect Fiona to hit us with this image. The linguistics started off stylish, and now we see they're also hard on the heart, and so much more than wordplay.
Part of Yellow Sea to seal off for military purposes for 2nd time

China's navy will temporarily seal off a part of the Yellow Sea for approximately four days to maritime traffic for "large-scale" military purposes, authorities announced for the second time in the past two weeks.

The area, which stretches from Qingdao, Shandong Province to Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province - two major shipping ports, will be closed to all vessels from 6 am on Saturday until 6 pm on Tuesday, qingdaonews.com, a local news site in Shandong reported on Friday.

A map illustrating the restricted area - which covers approximately 57,000 square kilometers - was included in the report, which was attributed to a PLA troop codenamed 91208, the Shandong Maritime Safety Administration, the Jiangsu Maritime Safety Administration and armed police authorities of Shandongs Qingdao, Rizhao and Jiangsus Lianyungang.

This is the second time in the past two weeks the authorities have planned to seal off the region in the Yellow Sea, with both claiming it is for "large-scale" military purposes.

Restriction was previously imposed on activities in the area for three days, from July 27 to 29.

No further details on the "large scale military operation" were released in the report.
The Rev. Dr. Matthew Russell pulls out his small, white reading glasses and props them on his nose. He glances down at his notes and the Bible he brings to the altar of St. Paul's United Methodist Church every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. Then he looks out into the pews.

In front of him, his congregation finishes singing their hymn. In his words, they're "a ragtag bunch" of about 100 people, clad in everything from Prada purses to Payless shoes. And today, a new member, Brian, is joining.

"He came here one time and said, 'Is this the kind of church I'd be welcome in?' And I said, 'I don't know. Why don't you just keep coming, and let me know,' " Russell tells his congregation.

He kept coming back.

"And so, this is the kind of church that Brian feels welcome in, because you've loved him. And you've stood beside him in your own doubt, whether you know it or not. In your own powerlessness, whether you know it or not. And you've loved him, and he's loved you back," Russell says.

That kind of validation of outsiders made to feel welcome is Russell's lifeblood.

He has living proof that he's created a culture of acceptance. And he has more diplomas than he could ever need - pieces of paper inked in Texas, California and Cambridge, England, certifying him as an expert in his field. And, yet, Russell is filled with doubt.

"I feel like it's both amazing, and I feel absolutely inadequate every 9:45 service I have to stand up and speak," he'll say later.

But right now, at the lectern, Russell opens his Bible to John's 20th chapter and begins to read about St. Thomas, the man who doubted Jesus.

***

Growing up in suburban Dallas, Russell's family always attended church on Sunday.

"I grew up in a quite fundamentalist, evangelical upbringing, where the church had God, and if you wanted God, you came to church," he says. "There was a whole ritual way of doing that, and it was wrapped around belief systems. And you got all this good stuff that was on the other side of this rope called belief."

He liked the sound of that promise of "good stuff." So did his parents and siblings; they all volunteered together at downtown halfway houses each Saturday, in an effort to live their faith.

But they weren't immune to bad stuff.

When Russell was 13, his mother's doctor diagnosed the root cause for a series of seizures his mother suffered: brain cancer.

"The church had some things to say about that. That she had an unconfessed sin," he says. "I knew it was wrong, but then again, it was the belief system I'd been taught, and it makes sense if you're in the middle of it - because why would a person like my mom get cancer?"

His church's perspective proposed an answer to an otherwise uncomfortable question. There was order in it - cause and effect - and something about that offered reassurance. Still, he knew his mother's cancer had nothing to do with sin. His seed of doubt was planted.

***

When he works outside the church, Russell often blends in with the crowd.

"A lot of kids don't know that Matt's a pastor, and when they find out, it blows their minds," says Marlon Lizama, who works alongside Russell in Iconoclast, a poetry program for at-risk students around Houston.

But when he's in church, clad in his long black robe and bathed in the morning sunlight glowing through the historical church's stained glass windows, there's something otherworldly about his presence.

Winding his way through the book of John, Russell's voice booms and softens again, and he rocks back and forth on his heels as he reads. Russell often reminds people that "Jesus was not a white, metrosexual surfer." But that's exactly what Russell looks like, with a tan face and long brown hair lightened by the sun in some places. (Until he cut it, recently, shrugging, "I lost a bet to my 14-year-old.")

Standing in the center of the church's altar, Russell describes to his parishioners the moment when the one disciple who has not yet seen Jesus risen, Thomas, says, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my fingers in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

It's a perfect moment to preach about faith. Leaps of faith. Blind faith. All its glory and all its dangers.

"There has always been something about Thomas that has kept me in the story of Jesus," Russell says. "This man who asks awkward questions ... there's kind of a patron saint of St. Thomas I feel connected to. This person who just questions. Whose faith isn't born out of certainty."

He pauses. Then he puts himself in Thomas' shoes, through another of the disciple's stories.

"One time, Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for this very day, when he's going to be gone. And he says to them, to his disciples, 'You know the way that I am going.' And all the disciples are like, 'Yeah, we know the way.' And Thomas is looking around with the face I have in every math class I've ever taken. Like, huh? And everyone's like 'We got this,' and I'm thinking, 'I don't got this.' "

An out-of-sync chorus of laughter erupts from the pews.

"And so Thomas raises his hand in the midst of all the assurances and says, 'Actually, I'm kind of clueless, I have no idea where you're going and what you're talking about,' " Russell continues. "So instead of setting up this kind of five-point plan of religious security, Jesus says, 'I'm the way. I'm the truth. I'm the light.' "

***

As a teenager, Russell continued to struggle with his faith. He struggled with pain, too, as he watched his mother recover from a brain surgery that, in his opinion, went too far and left her irreparably altered. Soon, he struggled with ways to numb that pain. Pills. Alcohol. Whatever he could find.

When it came time for college, Russell enrolled at Texas Tech, and took his time declaring a major.

"I didn't know what I wanted to do. I was just a college kid trying to figure out what I wanted to do. There was no way I was going to pursue theology," he says. "I was really into philosophy."

Anyone who has attended one of Russell's sermons, which often feel more like a collegiate lecture in anthropology or philosophy than a church service, can see how philosophy makes sense to his Socratic brain, allowing him to ask more questions than he has answers to. Philosophy celebrates doubt - reveres it, even. But still, he couldn't commit to it as a major. At the age of 20, he wasn't ready to commit to much.

That is, until he and a group of friends went on a spring break trip to Mexico, and he witnessed acts that deconstructed and rebuilt his entire worldview.

In Mexico City, Russell volunteered with a group of nuns from the Sisters of Mercy, helping them in an orphanage located next to a trash dump.

"Every morning, the nuns would walk to the trash dump, pulling abandoned babies or children out of the trash dump - they'd been left there overnight," he says.

The children mostly had special needs. Many families felt their only choice "was to put them in the trash dump, or abandon them," Russell says. The nuns' work called into question everything Russell had been taught to believe. To them, the children's plight wasn't the result of sin; it was a call to love.

"I was confronted with a type of love that I could not explain," he says. "The best way I can understand it today is I was given a type of God that ascended. That made you better. ... And I didn't know what to do. I was 19 or 20 at the time. I was really confused. My mom was dying. This suburban theology and religion I was raised with in Texas was not working. I was with these nuns who are pulling kids out of the dump that were not asking the problem of 'Why this suffering happened,' as if they could step back from it. They were moving toward the suffering as a way of bearing witness to it. Holding it. So their response was not this kind of cognitive dissonance. It was a movement towards. And that (screwed) me up."

Russell left school and dedicated himself to helping the nuns full time.

***

"What if Thomas was actually the bravest disciple?" Russell asks his congregation.

"Vocalizing all the thoughts that you and I are afraid to say," he continues. "What if certainty is blinding, where doubt opens up new vistas and new paths for us? What if faith and doubt were not opposites, like we're told. But rather, they're twins?"

Heads nod in every pew. Parishioners murmur "Mmmms" and "yeahs."

"Let me say this, very plainly: Doubt and faith are not antithetical. They are not opposite," he says. "For some of us in this room, and I am a part of this category, the way of faith is the way of doubt."

This thought has, in many ways, set Russell free. And he isn't the only one. Cleve Tinsley, an ordained Baptist minister and theologian in residence at St. John's United Methodist Church-Downtown, can talk for hours about the way that Russell's insistence on critical questioning has opened up new vistas for him.

"I think I was highly skeptical, but I'd become very cynical about the world, and about religion and Christianity and how it affects this stuff," Tinsley says. "And if it were not for him, I would have been left saying, 'I have no use for this.' But he's forced me to rethink through these things and say, 'Hey, it's not all that bad. In fact, it's intended to be good.' "

***

Russell found God in the trash dumps of Mexico. But He looked - and acted - different than the one Russell had been searching for.

"You start with an abstract concept of God. He's all powerful, and you come to a place where the power of God doesn't do (anything), and you have to create a whole system of belief where it's like 'This is why your mother doesn't feel well.' 'This is why kids are born with Down syndrome and left here to die.' You have to create a monster and call that God, in order to keep that omnipotence intact," Russell said. "But I began to wonder: What if God's love is his power?"

It took going to the bottom to find his version of God. "And it was at the bottom that I understood Jesus descends into Hell. So Hell is not a godforsaken place," he says. "There's no such thing as a godforsaken place."

After a year with the nuns, Russell returned to school. Not only had he found God; he knew where to look if he ever had trouble finding Him again.

"God will always be found in the margins," he says. "If you want to know where God is, always look to the margins."

Matthew Russell, center, smiles after a graduation ceremony for Middle College High School. He was the spring 2017 commencement speaker, after building a relationship with staff and students through his Iconoclast poetry program. less Matthew Russell, center, smiles after a graduation ceremony for Middle College High School. He was the spring 2017 commencement speaker, after building a relationship with staff and students through his ... more Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 21 Caption Close Pastor Matt's Doubt 1 / 21 Back to Gallery

***

Christ tells Thomas to touch His wounds, Russell reminds his congregation. "Reach out your hand and put it in my side," Jesus says.

It's a moment Russell comes back to often.

"Maybe the very living Christ is in touching the wounds of others. Making friends with our own wounds," he posits from the lectern. Maybe, he says, that's where anyone can find God.

"Where love is done in faith. Where God is showing up in the midst of despair. In the midst of pain. That makes sense to me."

He begins rocking from heel to toe, back to front again, as he leans into the message of his sermon.

"As a recovering addict, that makes sense to me. As one who has stood the dark night of the soul, in my own mental frailty of anxiety, that makes sense to me," he says. "A power greater than myself, coming to my side, begging me to join the wounds of the world. That makes sense.

"What if that's the grand invitation of all of us? What if you were to spend this next season making friends with the wounds of your own heart? Some of those wounds have words: Sexual abuse; anxiety; bipolar disorder; alcoholism. I don't know what your wounds are. But we all have them."

There are more nods throughout the church.

"And what if the invitation from God this morning was to befriend your wounds, to make friends with them," he continues. "And we might even say with Thomas, 'My Lord, my God,' with a faith not born of a child but born of the very furnace of doubt."

***

In 1997, Russell landed his first associate pastor role at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston. His first task there was to interview parishioners who'd left, in an effort to diagnose the church's shortcomings and work toward a solution. Over a period of about nine months, he interviewed 70 people. And he saw a theme emerge: Many had left church and found a vibrant spirituality elsewhere - often, in Alcoholics Anonymous.

"In some ways, it was a self-authenticating experience," he says. "These folks I was interviewing had left the church and found God. And I began to understand that the name of Jesus had become a barrier to the person of Jesus. In many ways, the name of Jesus, what the church had done is it said 'Jesus loves you if ... if you clean your stuff up, Jesus will love you.' "

On a weekday morning during an interview with a gravel-voiced tough guy named John, Russell broke down in tears.

The details of John's struggle with addiction were different than those Russell was still sweeping under rugs. But the emotional DNA was the same.

"I just lost it - like a baby, lost it. Because I had held this stuff in for so long, thinking if I was good enough, God would heal my mom; if I was good enough, God would take this from me; if I was good enough, my mom would not have cancer in the first place. Still. That belief system was so deep inside me that I didn't know what to do with it," he says.

Russell cried so hard, John had to bring him outside to his car. That Saturday, John took Russell to a meeting of his 12-step program, and Russell began the rocky road to recovery.

He went to his senior pastor with a written resignation. He couldn't be a pastor, he decided. Not when he was an addict. How could he stand in front of a congregation every week, in a spot reserved for a man who knows all the answers?

His senior pastor reached out for the resignation. Then he wadded it up and threw it away.

In the years since, Russell founded Mercy Street, a congregation within Chapelwood that offered a safe space for those who had previously felt unwelcome in church. Here, he took cues from AA, encouraging parishioners to stand and say, "I'm a day sober, and I'm trying," and others would tell them to keep coming back.

He stayed there for a dozen years. But he found that the longer he lived, the more questions he had. And he kept asking them. He returned to school to earn his doctorate, and his dissertation, "Women's Counternarratives of Redemption," garnered such wide acclaim that he earned a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cambridge in England.

Russell returned to Houston, and founded nonprofits like the poetry program, and built a community at St. Paul's where new members feel welcomed without judgment.

But he still has questions. And he still has doubts. That's where he finds his greatest strength.

Maggie Gordon is a Houston Chronicle features reporter. She can be reached by e-mail at Maggie.Gordon@chron.com or by Twitter: @MagEGordon
"Do you want to hear the most beautiful sound in the world?" asks Morten, my guide. He uses his ax to scrape pieces of gleaming ice from the glacier, then lets them tumble down a deep blue crevasse, the end of which is not in sight.

When the ice gently drops into the glacial water, it sounds like delicate chimes, almost like a fantastical Arctic version of fairy dust.

Blues and whites and grays blend together in a starkly breathtaking palette atop the Nordenskiold Glacier that, like a giant brush stroke, sweeps up from Billefjorden in the southwest of Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean halfway between Norway (which holds sovereignty over the islands) and the North Pole. The only sounds here in the wilderness are elemental: the whistling wind, the crack of the glacier, the roar of calving ice into the frigid water.

At a little more than 78 degrees north, I'm within the Arctic Circle. The remote frontier at the very edge of the planet was first used as a whaling base in the 17th and 18th centuries, then home to trappers and coal miners. Today, it lures adventure travelers looking to explore the wilder side of life.

More Information If you go GETTING THERE Flights from Houston to Svalbard can take 18 to 30 hours, with connections. Once in Svalbard, the town bus costs about $9 to travel to Longyearbyen and takes about 10 minutes to get to town. WHERE TO STAY Basecamp Explorer Hotel: Vei 223.6, Longyearbyen; basecampexplorer.com. Conveniently located in the heart of town, this lodge is decorated in authentic trapper style, with walls covered with driftwood, sealskins, maps, pictures and objects that illustrate past and present life in the Arctic. Room rates start at about $138 per night and include breakfast. Mary-Ann's Polarrigg: Vei 601.20, Longyearbyen; polarriggen.com. A former dormitory for coal miners, this funky hotel includes a "winter garden" restaurant, which is filled with green plants. Room rates start at about $138 per night. WHERE TO EAT Kroa: Hilmar Rekstens vei, Longyearbyen; kroa-svalbard.no. Dine on local cuisine, like cured Arctic char, smoked minke whale, pepper steak and moose burger, or pick from a handful of tasty pizzas. Dinner prices range from about $15-$32. Huset: Vei 300.6, Longyearbyen; huset.com. Set in a historic building that's served as a cafe, bridge room, school, post office and terminal building for the airport, this restaurant has a Nordic tasting menu that places it among the best restaurants in town. Tasting menu ranges from about $108 to $132. The bistro features an a la carte menu. Gruvelageret: Vei 300.4, Longyearbyen; gruvelageret.no/en. Located in a former warehouse for the mining company, Gruvelageret offers a seasonal arctic menu, including dishes like Atlantic Ocean salmon and reindeer filet. Four-course menu: $108 per person. WHAT TO DO Basecamp Explorer: Vei 223.6, Longyearbyen; basecampexplorer.com. After time in town, head out to the Nordenskiold Glacier with Basecamp Explorer's Adventure Week package, which includes rustic accommodations (with a sauna) and adventures from hiking to kayaking to glacier walking. Package from $2,032 per person. Shorter day-trip offerings are also available. Svalbard Museum: Vei 231.1, Longyearbyen; svalbardmuseum.no. This natural and cultural history museum tells the story of Svalbard's history and the arctic relationship between land and sea. Entry: $11 per adult; $1.80 for children 7 and over. Svalbard Bryggeri: Vei 612.7, Longyearbyen; svalbardbryggeri.com/en. The tour itself takes only about a minute, but the good news is that leaves more time for the important part - tasting five of this brewery's beers. Tour: $42 per person. Polar Permaculture Solutions: Vei 100, 6-7, Longyearbyen; polarpermaculture.com. Get a look at the future of arctic living with a tour of this polar greenhouse and basement lab. Tour: $35 per person. INFORMATION Visit Norway: visitnorway.com Visit Svalbard: visitsvalbard.com Tasting the unexpected Few tourists travel to Norway for the food, and yet the country has some memorable culinary traditions you shouldn't miss in between hiking its glacier-topped mountains and gazing at its fjords. Scandinavia is famous for its herring and smoked salmon, but Norway has by far the biggest coastline among the neighbors, so of course seafood is a big draw. That includes some unusual stuff such as cod tongues and whale meat - Norway is one of the few places in the world where its consumption is allowed. Most vegetables are imported, but the country makes up for that, in part, with its wild mushrooms and berries. Five foods to taste in Norway: Brown cheese (brunost): Though not for everyone, this sweet-savory cheese dominates Norwegian breakfast and lunch tables and pairs particularly well with sour rye bread. It's made with whey left over from cheesemaking - traditionally goat's milk but also cow's milk today - cooked down until caramelized and then sold in blocks. Wild berries: Lingonberries (tyttebr), strawberries (jordbr) and black currants (solbr) are just a few of the forest treasures Norwegians seek out summer to fall. Cloudberries (multer), a mild, tart and pale version of raspberries, grow above the Arctic Circle and star in the dessert multekrem, where the crunchy berries are suspended in sweetened whipped cream. Reindeer (reinkjtt): Scandinavia's indigenous Sami people still herd reindeer over Norway's northern regions, following them to their feeding grounds until slaughter in the fall. The venison is served in a creamy stew or roasted and paired with gravy and lingonberries on special occasions. Stockfish (Trrfisk): Dried cod is one of Norway's biggest exports, and not just for your grandpa's Christmas lutefisk. Cod is also salted and dried to make salt cod, and stockfish is picturesquely hung to air dry on wooden racks throughout the northern Lofoten Islands. Waffles (vafler): You'll see Norway's thin, heart-shaped waffles everywhere, stacked on cafe counters to accompany coffee throughout the day. Served with jam and sour cream or brunost, they were traditionally made in cast-iron molds over the fire. Tara Duggan See More Collapse

This spot in the High Arctic is the kind of place where beauty is found in the sound of ice and the sight of snow-draped mountains, and where there's always a chance of running into a polar bear if you're not paying attention.

B B B

This far north at the height of summer, the sun dominates the sky around the clock, and when steely clouds part, rays of sunlight splash across the ice as my group of nine slowly files across the glacier, roped together for safety. We zigzag our way ever higher, pause for chocolate breaks and admire how the landscape subtly changes as our vantage point rises.

Across the ice, at the edges of the glacier and a rocky beach, sits our cabin, the Nordenskiold Lodge. Strapped to its foundation against the forces of the howling winds, it offers a cozy and rustic shelter with candlelight and glacier water for the few intrepid adventurers who want a temporary chance at experiencing Arctic silence.

"One hundred years ago, the glacier stretched a mile and a half farther that way, past the cabin," Morten says. It seems a short time for such a drastic change, even in a place where drastic describes the weather, seasons, geography and even living conditions.

To get here, a little more than 37 miles from Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement in the world (with an annual population of approximately 2,500 people), visitors have to take a boat in summer or snowmobile in winter - if conditions allow. It makes reaching the destination a more treasured experience, and small luxuries seem grand.

After a day on the glacier, we climb down past snow bridges and sapphire-blue ice tunnels, back to the tiny cabin at the edge of the fjord, where smoke from the sauna chimney curls into the slate-gray sky. After a few minutes in the wood-fired heat, any residual glacial chill is gone. Not yet satisfied with the day's allotment of adventure, we flee the sauna with towels and wool blankets and plunge (briefly) into the fjord, amid chunks of glacial ice.

B B B

Strolling past the coal-miner statue on Longyearbyen's pedestrian thoroughfare, I count three Svalbard reindeer grazing among the patches of summertime grass between buildings. This smallest reindeer species pays no attention to the humans only a few feet away. They seem to nibble faster, getting in all they can before the snow comes.

Longyearbyen was established as a mining town, and as I walk from the waterfront through "downtown" and to the farthest edges of the settlement, remnants of the industry appear - from old Mine 2B on the hillside to the wooden towers of the aerial tramway. At Gruvelageret, a restaurant in a former mining storage building, a table made from the original floorboards has permanent footprints of coal dust.

A frontier spirit lingers here, even after the heyday of mining and trapping. The Basecamp Explorer Hotel is fashioned of driftwood and slate, in true trapper style. Two museums highlight the area's wildlife and history, as well as Svalbard's importance as a base for expeditions to the North Pole. Signs at the edges of the settlement remind people that "all over Svalbard," polar bears outnumber humans, and it's the law that if two-legged folks travel away from town, they must go armed, just in case. In town, buildings and cars remain unlocked - as shelter from bears.

But modern touches mix with the remoteness - restaurants that feature reindeer stew also offer beer from the local brewery, Wi-Fi is a basic amenity in hotels, tax-free stores stock stylish and functional outdoor gear and polar bear souvenirs, and a chef in search of "the freshest food" sells homegrown microgreens to restaurants.

Almost everything in Longyearbyen is the "northernmost" something. I sip beer from the northernmost brewery, eat chocolate from the northernmost chocolate maker, view artwork in the northernmost art gallery, shop for snacks at the northernmost grocery store and catch a polar circle boat out to the Nordenskiold Glacier from the northernmost harbor to stay at the northernmost commercially available cabin out in the Arctic wild.

B B B

The cabin's two-canine alarm system against sneaky polar bear visitors, Putin (his brother is named Bush) and Kuling (Norwegian for "gale wind"), howl a farewell to us as we depart on a hiking excursion. Around the edges of the glacier, mountains of moraine divide streams of glacial runoff from loose boulders and boggy patches of moss and mud.

"This part up here is a little loose," warns Rakel, another guide and co-host of the expedition lodge, along with Morten.

The terrain, with changing weather and the melting of glaciers and permafrost, is best described as unstable. But the silent allure of the land calls, and as we hike among tiny alpine flowers, mosses and lichen, we reach above the glacier for a greater understanding of its enormous span.

In Svalbard, the lifestyle of the trapper is revered, and solitude is respected. Despite sharing the cabin with a handful of other visitors, there's something about the vastness and the silence that makes me feel alone with the beauty of the Arctic.

I walk carefully around the nest of a purple sandpiper filled with four green eggs flecked with brown. The cold breeze ruffles my hair. The rumble of the glacier heaves like a not-so-distant thunderstorm.

The sauna is ready for weary hikers at the day's end, and we take turns baking in the heat and plunging into the icy fjord. What looks like white waves just beyond the beach becomes a pod of belugas, headed past the cabin and toward the glacier, as blue chunks of ice slide off its edge and into the water.

My ears tuned to the sounds of ice and wind, I clutch two small pieces of iceberg and walk back to the cabin. The sound of the glacier in my evening cocktail may not be as striking as the Arctic silence, but it's as close as a human can get to re-creating the most beautiful sound in the world.
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It's official: Alfred Angelo no longer has the means to deliver dresses to waiting customers.

The Florida-based bridal retailer posted a notice on its website alerting customers that it will not fulfill any outstanding orders. The company abruptly closed more than 60 boutiques nationwide last month, leaving many brides in Houston and elsewhere hustling to find new dresses.

"To the extent any order has not been fully delivered to a customer, it shall have to remain unfilled," the statement said.

The company, which had locations in uptown Houston, Willowbrook and Baybrook, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy with the intent to liquidate. Its lengthy list of creditors included hundreds of Houston-area customers.

HoustonChronicle.com: Something blue: Alfred Angelo closure leaves brides-to-be desperate for dresses

Monica Carroll paid nearly $2,500 for a crystal-beaded gown she planned to wear during her November wedding. It remains locked inside the store on Post Oak Boulevard, and she didn't receive any information about her order prior to the company's latest announcement.

The hassle prompted her to reschedule her wedding for a date next year so that she and her fiance will have more time to plan. Knowing she'll never receive her dress, she plans to begin the hunt for a substitute.

"Here we go again," she said.

In federal bankruptcy court in West Palm Beach, Alfred Angelo acknowledged its attempts to fulfill orders after the store closures. An attorney for the company coordinated several efforts to rescue dresses for brides with weddings last month.

But the statement on the website said the company no longer has the means to continue deliveries. It encouraged customers to file a claim in bankruptcy court.

"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," it read.

Click through the gallery to see some affordable dress options on the market.
Immigrants to Houston once came by boat. They stepped off the muddy bayou banks. Buildings and bridges sprung from the soil like crops that follow a fertilizing flood. Most of the earliest buildings are gone, lost to flood and fire, to bigger ambitions and higher uses.

Houston can seem like a city without a history, burying the past to climb higher on the horizon. But an effort to remake a landmark at the city's birthplace marks a change in that pattern.

Since the early 1900s, the Sunset Coffee Building (then called the International Coffee Co. Building) has overlooked the city's most historic site: the confluence of Buffalo and White Oak bayous north of downtown where, in 1836, the Allen family founded Houston and established its most important port for the next 75 years.

After more than a decade of planning and two and a half years of construction, the Sunset Coffee Building will soon offer Houstonians an unparalleled chance to reflect on our city's history.

It is too soon to tell to what extent the Sunset Coffee Building will be embraced by the broader public. Called the most significant aspect of an extensive bayou revitalization plan, it is the result of a complex and necessarily heavy-handed renovation led, in part, by Lake|Flato, among Texas' most celebrated architectural firms.

But the renovated building is not remarkable as a singular work of architecture. Rather, its rebirth is significant because it is part of a major shift for the city. The renovation is a turning point.

The building is the fulcrum for a monumental pivot in the patterns of this region's development. From turning our backs to embracing the bayous. From purging to preserving complex histories. From car-dominated dispersal to multimodal nodes.

It is an invitation to think about the currents of our history and a breakwater for future development. The building is positioned to be more than a pause on an extended bayou promenade. It could be a point of pilgrimage.

SEATED ATOP a weathered concrete retaining wall at the water's edge, the building was for decades a quiet partner in the city's economic and cultural development. It appeared during Houston's initial economic boom, participated in its mid-century countercultural movements and became part of a struggle over how Houston will handle its historic buildings.

When Buffalo Bayou Partnership purchased the abandoned Building in 2003, consultants described it as the most significant part of the 20-year master plan for the bayou  "the lynchpin," according to Buffalo Bayou Partnership President Anne Olson.

Fearing that the building could be demolished by other owners and the character of Allen's Landing altered by new development, the Partnership acquired the property in what's been described as a defensive move and part of the organization's long-term commitment to the most historically significant portion of the bayou. "We felt whoever bought it would probably tear it down and build a high rise. It being Houston's most historic site, we felt we were saving the site as much as we were saving the building," said Olson.

Cite Magazine

Impressed by the firm's modern style inflected by Texas vernacular and its experience with adaptive reuse, the Partnership selected Lake|Flato, teamed with BNIM, as the architects. While other bayou projects were being completed, a decade of public and private fundraising developed along with multiple design iterations. After a half-million-dollar federal grant and close to $1 million from the downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, Houston First contributed the final major sum of money ($2.5 million) to move the project forward.

Houston First committed to buying the 12,700-square-foot building and operating a first-floor cafe and rooftop event space. Buffalo Bayou Partnership will enter a lease agreement to keep their offices on the upper floor. They will also facilitate kayak and bike rental at the plaza level. The Partnership offices have been housed in the building for roughly a year now, with the final purchase of the building and the cafe construction scheduled for the next 4-5 months. The office walls are lined with local artwork, and cubicles sit on the original slab over a Rorschach-patterned patina. Century-old concrete columns combine with newly introduced steel reinforcements.

STOCKY AND utilitarian, the building was first constructed in 1910 as a processing and distribution center for the adjacent W.D. Cleveland & Sons grocery supply and cotton trading building along Commerce Street. Sunset Coffee was a blend they produced. The Cleveland building gone, now nothing stands between the building and Commerce except a wide empty plaza, eventually expected to be populated by patrons of the cafe.

BNIM

The profile of the bayou has changed through the years, and the surface of the soil is only a skin that has grown over what has been left behind. During the Coffee Building's extensive renovation and site work, voids beneath the plaza caved under the weight of construction equipment, revealing remnants of the Cleveland building that had rested undisturbed for decades.

The Coffee Building had been abandoned for years when it was purchased by the Partnership. Vines clung to its exterior. Small sprigs reached out from windows. It was covered in graffiti and chipped, mossy green paint (an early design scheme kept the building green, but the idea was ultimately abandoned). In April 2006, responding to a federal immigration bill, tens of thousands of protestors marched to the site, invoking our shared history as a city of immigrants in what was possibly the largest rally in the city's history, but most days it was a gathering place for the homeless.

Inside the building were artifacts of its past lives. Psychedelic drawings lined several walls. An orange deer watching the viewer over its shoulder, leaping across the bricks. Toulouse-Lautrec-styled cabaret dancers mid-kick, hair tousled and eyes closed sensually, rendered in powdery pinks and absinthe greens.

The art appears to be a relic of the Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine, an experimental rock club owned by local sculptor David Adickes that occupied the top floor in the late 1960s. The building briefly served as the hub of Houston's counterculture music scene.

Special Collections, University of Houston

Before that, it stood through decades of cultural changes across the city. The desegregation of lunch counters and downtown hotels amid orchestrated media blackouts. The waters flowed past its footings on a night in 1917, seven years after the building was constructed, when barely a mile up the bayou black soldiers and white policemen killed each other in the streets of Houston's Fourth Ward.

OVER THE years as the city swelled, it rose around the site. Commerce was originally level with the Cleveland building. Without the Cleveland building alongside it, the Coffee Building is noticeably separate from the edge of downtown development, stair-stepped down from the street. The bayou and the street open the edges of the site to the sky.

Fannin and N. Main cut across the waterway and provide a visage backdropped by Houston's skyscrapers. For more than a century the building has seen the passage of people moving toward economic exchange, first down the bayou, now over bridges by the thousands.

The building's most successful moments are at its boundaries in its interaction with public space. "It revolves around exterior spaces and connection to the outside," said Joe Benjamin, an associate partner at Lake|Flato who served as project manager and design architect for the building. The prime pedestrian approach is from Commerce. A wide galvanized walkway passes over the pale crushed granite of the plaza and links to the sun-shaded southern facade.

Due to the grants that funded the project, the team was required to follow guidelines from the Texas Historical Commission, including maintaining the existing openings on the north, east and west facades. However, the Commission didn't object to increased glass on the southern street frontage that had been originally obscured by the Cleveland building. The transparency of the southern elevation offers a friendlier face to the street.

The walkway extends past mature trees on the western part of the plaza  Buffalo Bayou Partnership's windows look out into their canopies, a rare view for downtown office space. At first the walkway seems to drop off past the building or curl out of sight, but it ends in an overlook jutted across the north lawn. It feels farther extended than it is, like an outstretched arm that comes up just short. Looking up from the bayou below, the walkway reads like an industrial armature, a mechanism unfolding out from the building whose hinge is unseen.

During floods, the platform is suspended over rippled waters rising up the bank. The building and the plaza are designed to receive water during major rain events, as well. Most days, the tides gently push against the slow freshwater flow from the two bayous until  perhaps once in a decade, more frequently in recent years  they rise furiously, flowing through the once-blighted building, now staining its new burnished blocks. Perforated roll-up doors allow it to fill the lower level where kayaks and bikes will ultimately be stored. The plaza south of the building becomes a short inlet. Drains are integrated into the earth of the plaza. The elevator stops one floor short of the lowest level.

Linbeck

A new exterior stair touches down in the plaza and zigzags its way up alongside a multistory corrugated steel cistern used for rainwater storage, a fingerprint on many Lake|Flato projects. The tank stands on a platform against the building, in front of several windows and accompanied by utility equipment that needed to be lifted out of the reach of floodwaters. It feeds a long red hose that will eventually be used to wash down kayaks and bicycles when they return from the bayou and its trails.

A covered porch overlooks the water under an overhang on the north side of the building  an industrial alley of concrete, brick and steel looking onto a short slope of grass leading to the bayou's paved edge. Following the porch and crossing under the walkway leads to the west side of the plaza, which is hugged by galvanized guardrails and pleasantly shaded by oaks. It feels complete without any of the outdoor seating that may be introduced once the lower levels of the building are occupied.

THE COFFEE Building is not a period restoration, nor a straightforward example of preservation and adaptive reuse.

But it offers lessons for retaining a connection to history, original materials, program and scale, despite numerous challenges. When construction began, the project team intended to save as much of the existing building as possible. Early hopes to salvage the exterior brick and structural clay tile dissipated when the mortar crumbled and critical damage was discovered. Portions of the clay tile were retained and left exposed on the building's interior, and the new brick was carefully selected to match the old.

The concrete structure had to be heavily reinforced and the ground floor slab repoured. Some windows were salvaged, along with historic pavers that were dug up and relocated at the southern base of the building. Heavy metal bollards that once protected the original structure hug the corners of the building, rusted and buried in the concrete and brick.

"Every time they drilled down they hit something," said Olson about the challenges the team had in dealing with poor soil conditions and the existing structure. Ian Rosenberg of INFILL, who served as project manager for Buffalo Bayou Partnership, said of the construction process: "Any challenge you can run into doing a 100-year-old building that had been vacant for 20-30 years on a challenging site, we experienced. We're very proud of the outcome, but it was incredibly challenging."

Through different owners and uses, the building somehow survived the most troubled times for historic buildings in Houston. "The 1970s and 80s were the really dark times for preservation for the city," said David Bush, acting executive director of Preservation Houston. "In the 70s, the north end of downtown was dense with historic buildings. Preservationists would be working to get them on the national registry, and owners would knock them down. Just the possibility of preservation would cause people in this town to demolish buildings."

If successful, the Coffee Building could reinforce a changing public perception about the value of historic buildings. It has opened just as other high-profile restorations are underway  the new American Institute of Architects headquarters, located a short walk down Commerce, and the controversial and long-awaited Astrodome renovation.

Buildings are eligible for historical designation after 50 years, so an entire crop of structures from Houston's mid-to-late century oil and gas booms are due. "Young people look at buildings very differently than generations before them," said Bush. "They're much more concerned with the historic fabric of the city. That is going to have an impact on the way we look at preservation in the future."

Paul Hester

A small glassed-in display room at the ground floor of the Coffee Building contains memorabilia acquired, in part, from Houstonians who have come forward during the project's construction. A corroded Sunset Coffee canister. A small silver advertising token. A brick claimed to have been made from the clay banks of Buffalo Bayou.

THE COFFEE Building's rooftop terrace inspires reflection on the patterns that have made the site significant. The constant passage of water carving out the banks, the rhythm of the tides pushing gently against the outward flow where the bayous meet the sea, the trickle of cyclists and runners on the trails, the intermittent freight train rumblings, the five- to 10-minute cycles of the Metro rail.

The skyline has its own visual rhythm. The massings of skyscrapers, the University of Houston's downtown campus, the hulking county jail with its dark, false windows.

The terrace is likely to become one of the most sought-after small event spaces in downtown. It is bordered by the same galvanized steel guardrail as the west plaza, angled inwards above terra cotta coping. The terra cotta tiles are interspersed between newly installed and those the team were able to save  the color difference is noticeable and adds a touch of visual interest to the parapet.

A portion of the roof is populated by native vegetation and intriguing large spherical lamps. Some are softly perched on top of the grass, like white balloons that lost their lift or bubbles waiting to pop. Others are nested in the grass like eggs.

Paul Hester

The terrace will overlook the trails leading from Buffalo Bayou Park, the connections coming from the Heights and eventually paths extending east to Highway 59, passing under and through currently abandoned buildings along the bayou.

Significant efforts have been spent in the last decade on reviving downtown's east end, including Discovery Green, which stands as a model for transformative public space in Houston. But the Coffee Building could spark a shift back to the bayou. Guy Hagstette, director of parks and civic projects for the Kinder Foundation, is a former Buffalo Bayou Partnership consultant with one of the most extensive resumes related to urban design in Houston, including serving as director of Discovery Green. He describes the Coffee Building as potentially as significant as Discovery Green, though for different reasons.

"It establishes a beachhead," Hagstette said of the Coffee Building. "People who haven't been there before are always struck with the magic of the location. I think it's going to increase the profile of Buffalo Bayou in the eyes of Houstonians. Downtown needs more paces that offer a connection between the downtown experience and adjacent neighborhoods or natural features like the bayou. It's going to be one of those places that Houstonians seek out reasons to go to."

Looking out over the water from the terrace, it's possible to imagine the flow of kayaks, rented miles to the west from the Dunlavy building at Lost Lake or arriving via White Oak from the Heights. It would be a return of the city's first highway, leading to the foot of the Sunset Coffee Building, its red brick now accented by tectonic steel attachments.

People will again step from the murky water onto the bayou banks, only now over pavement, but still heading toward the clattering of cash registers and the smell of coffee.

Colley Hodges is an architect and former journalist. He currently serves on Kirksey Architecture's EcoServices team. This story originally appeared on OffCite, a publication of the Rice Design Alliance, a community engagement program of the Rice School of Architecture.





Bookmark Gray Matters. It features Toulouse-Lautrec-styled cabaret dancers mid-kick, hair tousled and eyes closed sensually, rendered in powdery pinks and absinthe greens.


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A 23 year-old Bacliff man is in jail on manslaughter charges after he accidentally shot and killed his 18-year-old girlfriend, Galveston County Sheriff Department investigators report.

The victim, identified as Kaitlyn Trammell of Galveston, was reportedly shot Sunday night around 6:30 p.m. She was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston where she was pronounced dead on Tuesday.

According to Galveston County Sheriff's Office spokesman Maj. Douglas Hudson, the victim was watching a movie with her boyfriend, Orlando Martinez, at his home in the 4700 block of 6th Street in Bacliff Sunday evening at the time of the accident.

ASSAULT: Texas man allegedly set 'evil' girlfriend on fire

"A scene came on the movie that showed a gun and Martinez reportedly said 'Oh, I have a gun' and proceeded to take out the gun and show a Smith and Wesson 9-mm gun to the victim," Hudson said. "Martinez removed the clip from the gun, not realizing there was still a live round in the chamber."

The firearm was accidentally discharged and Trammell suffered a single gunshot wound to the head, Hudson said.

The brother and a friend of the defendant were present at the time of the shooting but were in another part of the house. After the accident, a witness reported seeing two men running from the home. Investigators later located and questioned the two men and eventually filed charges against 23 year-old Jared Koehler from Sante Fe for tampering with evidence, after he reportedly confessed that he removed the gun and other items from the scene.

Based on information provided by Koehler, divers from the Galveston County Sheriff's Department were able to retrieve the gun believed to have been used in the shooting from a creek in the Sante Fe area on Wednesday.

Martinez was arrested by Galveston County Sheriff Deputies on Wednesday, Aug. 2 and remains in custody on an $80,000 bond. Koehler is also being held at the Galveston County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

Investigators say the accident remains under investigation.
THEFT

Two wallets reportedly were stolen July 26 at Stevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, police said. The victims, who had been playing volleyball, reported seeing a Hispanic man and woman in their 20s loitering around their belongings. The victims confronted the couple and found one wallet in the man's pocket, authorities said. They reportedly called police after releasing the couple.

A member of 24 Hour Fitness, 130 W. Parkwood, reported a theft June 26 after he returned home from the gym and discovered his wallet missing from his duffel bag, police said. He retraced his steps and returned to 24 Hour Fitness, where he realized someone had tampered with his combination lock.

Plywood roof decking sheets were stolen from a home under construction July 27 in the 800 block of Galloway Mist Lane, police said.

FRAUD

A Friendswood man reported an unauthorized attempt to open a credit card account in his name July 25, police said. When the bank called to confirm the new account, the victim closed the account and placed a fraud alert on his credit report. Later, he discovered someone had directed the U.S. Postal Service to forward his mail to a new address. The post office is investigating the incident, police said.

A Friendswood man checking his credit report discovered an unauthorized attempt to open credit cards with clothing companies using his identity, according to a July 25 police report. When he contacted the companies, they told him his information was used with a different phone number and address, police said.

ASSAULT

A Friendswood woman, 49, reportedly assaulted her husband July 29 in the 800 block of West Edgewood Drive, police said.

A 42-year-old Friendswood man reportedly assaulted his wife July 30 in the 16800 block of Hibiscus Lane, police said.

NARCOTICS

Police charged a Pearland man, 21, with marijuana possession and unlawfully carrying weapons after a traffic stop for a defective brake light July 26 in the 100 block of Clearview Avenue. The man reportedly handed the officer a container of marijuana during the stop. He also told the officer he had more marijuana hidden in his underclothing, police said. As the man exited the vehicle, the officer reportedly noticed several high-capacity gun magazines. The officer also found several knives, two handguns, two scales, several small bags, a pipe and ballistic body armor during a search of the vehicle, police said.

An Alvin man, 41, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after reportedly asking an H-E-B parking lot attendant if he wanted to buy some marijuana July 27 in the 700 block of West Parkwood Avenue, police said. An officer checked the suspect for weapons and reportedly found marijuana in his pocket.

Police charged a Friendswood man, 32, with possession of drug paraphernalia after an officer reportedly observed him rolling through a stop sign July 29 in the 3600 block of Friendswood Link Road. The officer found a backpack containing a jar of marijuana, several anti-odor bags, electronic scales and Zig-Zag rolling papers during a search, police said.

Police charged a League City man and a Houston man, both 18, with possession of a controlled substance after a witness reported suspected drug activity July 30 behind Dunn Brothers Coffee, 201 S. Friendswood Drive. An officer reportedly found marijuana shake on the floorboards of the Houston suspect's truck as well as a backpack in the back seat containing several THC products-including chocolate bars. The same type of chocolate bars also were found in the League City man's truck, police said. The two men already had been released to the custody of their parents after an earlier witness report that they were drinking alcohol on the store's patio.

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED

A 27-year-old Livingston woman was charged with DWI after a rollover accident July 27 in the 1700 block of Sunmeadow Drive, police said. She reportedly told police she was on her phone and not paying attention when she hit a mailbox. She also failed a field sobriety test, police said.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION

Police took a Houston man, 18, into custody for public intoxication and minor consuming alcohol after a witness, his mother, reported she had been involved in a verbal disturbance with him July 27 in the 700 block of Oak Drive. When police arrived, the man reportedly was walking on the wrong side of the roadway in the 2400 block of Airline Drive.

TRAFFIC

The driver of a vehicle stopped for defective brake lamps July 24 in the 200 block of East Parkwood Avenue told police he was transporting his son, 18, to the emergency room for an adverse reaction to a drug he ingested, authorities said. The son reportedly had eaten gummy candies given to him. His mother turned two of the remaining gummy candies over to police for laboratory testing.

Police took a Webster man, 52, into custody for outstanding warrants after he reportedly showed up at his ex-wife's place of employment and attempted to coerce her into his vehicle July 25 in the 200 block of West Parkwood Avenue. Officers initially were told the man had a weapon, but they found him unarmed and transferred him to the Webster Police Department for the warrants, police said.

A 20-year-old La Porte man was charged with driving while license invalid and possession of drug paraphernalia after an officer noticed a passenger in the vehicle not wearing a seatbelt July 27 in the 500 block of East Parkwood Avenue, police said. The driver also had outstanding warrants in La Porte. During a vehicle search, the officer reportedly found a small bag of marijuana under the ashtray.

A Fresno man, 30, was charged with driving while license invalid and possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop for an equipment violation July 28 in the 1300 block of West Parkwood Avenue, police said. A vehicle search reportedly yielded a partially smoked marijuana cigarette in the ashtray and a marijuana grinder in the driver's side door pocket.

Police charged an Alvin woman, 32, with driving while license invalid and marijuana possession after a traffic stop for expired registration and insurance July 28 in the 2400 block of West Parkwood Avenue. The officer reportedly found several beer cans on the rear floorboard and a bag of marijuana underneath a cup holder during a vehicle search.

OTHER

Police are investigating a woman's report that an armed man showed up at her residence looking for one of her family members July 30 in the 3100 block of Red Maple Drive. She told officers she heard a knock at the door and opened it to find two men-a white male with tattoos, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 220 pounds, and a short, heavyset black male wearing all black. She said she believes one man pulled out a gun when she told him the relative was not home. She immediately shut and locked the door and told another resident to call the police, authorities said. She was unable to provide a vehicle description.
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Friday that the Justice Department has more than tripled the number of leak investigations compared with the number that were ongoing at the end of the last administration, offering the first public confirmation of the breadth of the department's efforts to crack down on unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information.

The announcement seemed designed both to reassure the president, who has criticized the attorney general of being "weak" on leak investigations, and to scare government officials away from talking to reporters about sensitive matters.

Sessions said he was devoting more resources to stamping out unauthorized disclosures, directing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray to actively monitor every investigation, instructing the department's national security division and U.S. attorneys to prioritize such cases, and creating a new counterintelligence unit in the FBI to manage the work.

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Sessions also said he was reviewing the Justice Department's policy on issuing subpoenas to reporters.

"This culture of leaking must stop," Sessions said.

President Donald Trump has complained vociferously about unauthorized disclosures of information, particularly when the leaks result in stories that are unflattering to the administration. Many Republicans have argued that the issue deserves as much attention as the investigation into whether Trump's campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to influence the 2016 election.

Sessions, too, has said previously that illegal leaks are "extraordinarily damaging to the United States' security" and confirmed that such disclosures were already resulting in investigations. Last week, though, Trump wrote on Twitter that his attorney general had "taken a VERY weak position" on "Intel leakers."

The attorney general did not specify the raw numbers by which leak probes had tripled. The Obama administration initially pursued such cases in historic numbers but grew more averse over time. Officials have said that since the start of the Trump administration, authorities have approved more than half a dozen leak probes and more are expected.

Rosenstein refused to rule out the possibility that journalists would be prosecuted, saying, "I'm not going to comment on any hypotheticals."

It has long been Justice Department practice in leak probes to try to avoid investigating journalists directly to find their sources. In 2014, then-Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. said that as long as he was heading the Justice Department, "no reporter is going to go to jail for doing his or her job."

The policy instead has been for investigators to first focus on government employees who may be responsible for leaking. In some cases, when the scrutiny of employees has been exhausted, senior Justice Department officials may authorize investigations of journalists, possibly by examining their phone records.

As a result, leak investigations are often slow moving, and many never lead to charges. Within the FBI and the Justice Department, agents and prosecutors who handle leak cases have long argued that if they could investigate journalists earlier and more aggressively, they could be more successful in prosecuting leak cases.

"We are reviewing the entire process of how we conduct media leak investigations by responding to issues that have been raised by our career prosecutors and agents," Rosenstein said. "We're taking basically a fresh look at it. . . . We don't know yet what, if any, changes we want to make, but we are taking a fresh look."

Sessions said that the Justice Department must "balance the press's role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in the intelligence community, the armed services and all law-abiding Americans."

Prosecutors in the Obama era brought nine leak cases, more than during all previous administrations combined, and in the process called a reporter a criminal "co-conspirator" and secretly went after journalists' phone records in a bid to identify reporters' sources. Prosecutors also sought to compel a reporter to testify and identify a source, though they ultimately backed down from that effort.

Holder issued updates in 2015 to the department's policy on obtaining information from members of the news media, after his Justice Department came under fire for the tactics prosecutors used in bringing such cases.

Sessions made his announcement Friday in the Justice Department's seventh-floor conference room with Rosenstein, Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, and National Counterintelligence and Security Center Director William Evanina. Conspicuously absent were representatives from the FBI, which generally investigates leaks. Rosenstein said that was probably because Wray had just started his job as director of the bureau this week.

Coats said the hunt for reporters' sources would go well beyond the intelligence agencies. "These national security breaches do not just originate in the intelligence community. They come from a wide range of sources within the government, including the executive branch and including the Congress," he said.

Sessions said that in the first six months of this year, the Justice Department received nearly as many criminal referrals involving unauthorized disclosures of classified information as it had received in the past three years combined. Though he did not say if it had resulted in a criminal referral, Sessions cited in particular a recent disclosure to The Washington Post of transcripts of Trump conversations with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Sessions said prosecutors had charged four people with making unauthorized disclosures of classified information or concealing contacts with foreign officers. Most of the cases did not involve journalists.

So far, the Justice Department under Sessions has publicly announced charges in just one leak case related to the media. Reality Leigh Winner, a 25-year-old government contractor, was charged in June with mishandling classified information after authorities said she gave a top-secret National Security Agency document to a news organization.

A Justice Department spokesman said that when Sessions mentioned four people who had been charged, he was referring to Winner; Candace Marie Claiborne, a State Department employee charged with concealing her contacts with foreign intelligence agents; Kevin Patrick Mallory, a former CIA officer accused of selling information to China; and Harold Martin III, a federal contractor suspected of stealing a massive amount of classified information. Martin was arrested during the Obama administration, though he was indicted in February.

Several prominent conservatives lauded Sessions's announcement, while open-government and free press groups said it was worrisome. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press said it would "strongly oppose" revising department guidelines on issuing subpoenas to reporters, and Danielle Brian, executive director at the Project on Government Oversight, said leak investigations might inappropriately target well-intentioned whistleblowers.

"Whistleblowers are the nation's first line of defense against fraud, waste, abuse, and illegality within the federal government, the last thing this administration wants to do is to deter whistleblowing in an effort to stymie leaks," Brian said in a statement.

Leak cases are difficult to prove and prosecute, and they almost always come with political controversy - especially when the leaks involve providing information to reporters that is arguably in the public interest.

Trump's presidency has been dogged by a steady stream of information given to reporters by anonymous sources, though not all of those disclosures have involved classified information and many were probably not illegal.

Trump, for example, has complained that former FBI director James Comey's decision to engineer a leak about a conversation he had with the president was illegal, when legal analysts say that is probably not the case.

Comey has conceded that he told a friend to give a reporter information about a request from the president that Comey shut down the bureau's probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. But he said he did not share classified material.

Prosecutors can bring charges against people for sharing information with the public only when classified or other national security material is at issue. Material cannot be classified to conceal legal violations or prevent embarrassment, according to an executive order from President Barack Obama.
WASHINGTON - Special Counsel Robert Mueller began using a grand jury in federal court in Washington several weeks ago as part of his investigation of possible coordination between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign, according to two people familiar with the inquiry.

The development is a sign that investigators continue to aggressively gather evidence in the case, and that Mueller is taking full control of a probe that predated him.

In recent weeks and months, Mueller has been expanding the legal team working on the matter, and recently added Greg Andres, a longtime white-collar lawyer specializing in foreign bribery who previously worked in the Justice Department's criminal division.

Mueller's investigation now includes a look at whether President Donald Trump obstructed justice by firing FBI Director James Comey, as well as deep dives into financial and other dealings of former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

Federal prosecutors had previously been using a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia, and even before Mueller was appointed, had increased their activity, issuing subpoenas and taking other investigative steps.

The Wall Street Journal on Thursday first reported the existence of the Washington grand jury.

A White House adviser said the president and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, had not received subpoenas, nor had the White House. Members of the president's legal team met with Mueller three weeks ago to express their desire to work with his investigators.

A spokesman for Mueller declined to comment for this article.

Ty Cobb, whom Trump appointed as White House special counsel, said of the grand jury: "This is news to me, but it's welcome news to the extent it suggests that it may accelerate the resolution of Mr. Mueller's work. The White House has every interest in bringing this to a prompt and fair conclusion. As we've said in the past, we're committed to cooperating fully with Mr. Mueller."

Mueller has largely removed the original prosecutors from the case, replacing them with a formidable collection of legal talent and expertise in prosecuting national security, fraud and public corruption cases, arguing matters before the Supreme Court and assessing complicated legal questions.

In federal cases, a grand jury is not necessarily an indication that an indictment is imminent or even likely. Instead, it is a powerful investigative tool that prosecutors use to compel witnesses to testify or force people or companies to turn over documents.

It's unclear why Mueller chose to use a panel in the District, although there are practical reasons to do so. The special counsel's office is located in southwest D.C. - much closer to the federal courthouse in the city than the one in Alexandria, Virginia. Mueller also had previously worked in the U.S. attorney's office in D.C., giving him some familiarity with the courthouse and the judges.

Experts said that Washington would be the appropriate place to convene a grand jury to examine actions taken by Trump since he became president and took up residence at the White House. Many of the potential crimes Mueller's team is investigating would have occurred in the District, such as allegations that Trump aides or advisers made false statements in disclosure records or lied to federal agents. The Post has previously reported that Mueller is investigating whether the president tried to obstruct justice leading up to his firing of Comey.

Others said the choice could reflect Mueller's reputation for planning ahead and gaming out a possible trial. He could have better chances convicting aides to Trump in a city in which 90 percent of voters supported Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The special counsel team took over the investigation when Mueller was appointed in May, and prosecutors from the Eastern District of Virginia were largely taken off the case.

The only prosecutor known to have stayed was Brandon Van Grack, a national security division prosecutor whose name was on the subpoena connected to Flynn. Mueller's team also absorbed an investigation of Manafort that was attempting to trace his sources of income and possible connections to the Russia case.

The grand jury in Virginia had issued a subpoena related to Flynn's business, the Flynn Intel Group, which was paid more than $500,000 by a company owned by a Turkish American businessman close to top Turkish officials, said people familiar with the matter. A subpoena related to Manafort also was issued from Alexandria.

- - -

The Washington Post's Rosalind S. Helderman, Spencer Hsu, Devlin Barrett and Tom Hamburger contributed to this report.
The commercial-grade dumpsters surrounding Fort Bend ISD's Willowridge High School are piled to the brim with desks. File cabinets, book shelves, chairs and other furniture are scattered around the back of the school outside the boarded-up back doors.

It's all contaminated.

Inside, environmental specialists have been working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to try to save the nearly 40-year-old school from an aggressive infestation of mold that has forced the school district to dish out at least $2 million for the cleanup. Administrators, meanwhile, are scrambling for an alternative location to house Willowridge's 1,300 students when school starts in less than three weeks.

The mold took over about 80 percent of the building while the air conditioning was shut off for several days during planned construction in late June. The increased humidity triggered the rapid spread of the Penicillium spores, a common indoor mold, district officials said.

The decision to leave the building without air conditioning is one that went against common practice in construction management.

"Once a building is dried in, air is usually conditioned to prevent mold," said Russell Hamley, president of Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston, a construction industry trade association. "Contractors are very aware of the problems that mold can develop and take caution to avoid mold on their projects."

Dealing with mold

A district official said Thursday that Fort Bend ISD follows a standard protocol when shutting down the heating and air conditioning system in any school and noted that the district shut down more than 20 schools this summer without any issues.

"Our primary focus is the academic achievement of our students," said Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Charles Dupre in a press release. "We want to make sure they are in classrooms and ready to learn on the first day of school, even if they will be learning in a different location."

News of Willowridge's mold contamination has upset parents and students gearing up for the excitement of a coming school year.

"This is a tragedy that has happened, especially at this time of year," said Krystal Allen, president of the Willowridge Parent Teacher Organization. One of her daughters graduated from Willowridge this spring, and her other daughter will be a sophomore this year.

"They're both sad but at the same time just want to help in whatever way possible," Allen said.

Mold is an issue in schools throughout the humid Houston area.

In August 2015, several staff members of Humble ISD's Hidden Hollow Elementary complained of congestion and a musty smell, according to maintenance work order logs reviewed by the Chronicle, asking custodians to check the front offices for mold or mildew. That same month, Shadow Forest Elementary employees reported moldy cafeteria tables, walls, doors, physical education tumbling mats, and cabinets to Humble ISD officials. Musical instruments molded one year in Galena Park Middle School, according to Galena Park ISD records.

Facing a major setback

In Houston ISD, at least 15 maintenance work orders were requested for mold-related issues in schools before the 2016-17 school year began, including in Eliot Elementary, Welch Middle School, Northline Elementary, Bellaire High School, Dowling Middle School and Clifton Middle School. The mold was especially bad in Northline Elementary and Clifton Middle, where employees identified several areas that required attention, according to the logs.

Still, none have compared to the titanic mold problem facing Willowridge.

When the project manager discovered the growth in the band hall offices the first week of July, the school's principal, Thomas Graham, took "immediate action," according to a letter to parents, but the mold had already claimed nearly all of the furniture, school supplies, band equipment, teachers' personal items and even the flooring.

The infestation is a major setback for a struggling school in a district that recently reported a $12 million budget shortfall.

Willowridge High School, which sits on the edge of Missouri City, reports a student population that is more than 60 percent economically disadvantaged and was ranked 1,225th out of 1,376 high schools in Texas by Children At Risk, a Houston-based advocacy nonprofit.

Community members rallied around the school this week, expressing sympathy for teachers who lost personal mementos and years' worth of professional work that was left in the classrooms over the summer.

Matt and Katrina Lyons, both local educators, started a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $2,700 in two days. The account was shut down to shift fundraising directly to the school.

"If I were not able to go back to my classroom, I would lose my entire professional library," said Katrina, who teaches at Fort Bend ISD's Kempner High School. She estimates that the teaching materials she's collected over her 25 years in education are worth more than $1,000.

She and Matt hope the funds help ease some of the strain on Willowridge teachers as they start the school year in a new location.

Taking donations

Because of the lack of storage space and because the district plans to replace all supplies, Principal Graham released a statement asking concerned community members to donate teacher "care packages" including basic school supplies and notes of encouragement. School staff is still working on identifying a donation drop-off location.

The district created a page on its website, fortbendisd.com, to keep the community updated on the mold remediation process and is finalizing plans for housing Willowridge students and staff until the cleanup effort is complete.

And when might that be?

For now, the district's only answer is whenever they can ensure the health of the students and staff.

"We will not act in haste," Dupre said in a letter to the Willowridge community. "We are going to do this right."

Shelby Webb contributed to this report.
A spokeswoman at Yosemite National Park in northern California, a state on the U.S. West Coast, said Thursday an investigation is underway on the death of a Chinese national in the park.

Jamie Richards told Xinhua that authorities for the time being do not deem the death as suspicious.

She noted that "whenever there is an injury or fatality (at the park), there is an investigation" to determine the cause.

Information provided by the park suggested that the cause of the death could be drowning. The Yosemite park covers an area of 747,956 acres, or more than 3,000 square kilometers, and reaches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

While a park spokesman provided some additional details of the Chinese female, including name and age of the deceased, who was apparently touring alone in the area, the Consulate General of China in San Francisco opted to withhold identity information.

Spokeswoman Richards said results of the probe at Yosemite, about 195 miles or 314 kilometers east of San Francisco, are expected to come out next week.
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TEXAS CITY - From an out-of-towner's perspective, the petrochemical plants near this city's port are an incomprehensible jumble of pipes, tanks, fences and smokestacks. A mural depicting birds and dolphins provides a splash of color in a dull gray landscape.

Yet these plants -- the facilities themselves, the companies that own them and the families that have worked in them for generations -- are woven deeply into the fabric of the community.

"Texas City has a long, complicated history of being at both the mercy and benefit of its industrial base," said Bill Minutaglio, the author of "City on Fire," a book about the 1947 explosion at the Texas City port that's considered the worst industrial disaster in U.S. history.

Today the Valero Energy Corp. refinery stands on the site where Texas City's first petrochemical plant opened in 1908. And Valero, according to Mayor Matt Doyle, is betraying the city and its schools, breaking an unwritten agreement that has enabled the community and its industries to coexist for more than a century.

"What they've done to the children of Texas City is horrible, and they should be ashamed of themselves," Doyle told the Galveston County Daily News. "They're taking close to $9 million from the students of Texas City and La Marque. They're robbing $9 million from their education."

The mayor was referring to the latest development in a yearslong dispute over the property tax appraisals of the industrial plants. Doyle, along with city and school district officials in other affected communities, says the companies are exploiting a provision in state tax law that was intended to protect homeowners from unfair appraisals.

Because of the companies' success in reducing the appraised value of their plants, Doyle told the newspaper, the city's tax roll decreased from $4.9 billion in 2016 to $4.3 billion in 2017. He said city leaders would have to raise taxes to avoid laying off police officers or other employees.

Tests relationship

Doyle, a lifelong Texas City resident and its mayor for 14 years, explained the relationship to me in a phone conversation this week: The city benefits from good-paying jobs supplied by the plants. In return, local government provides a business-friendly environment, and citizens put up with the consequences of living next to facilities that process volatile chemicals and spew nasty stuff into the air.

Students in Texas City schools regularly participate in shelter-in-place drills to prepare for a possible disaster. Their parents and grandparents remember deadly explosions in 2005 and 1978; the 1947 event is memorialized in exhibits at the Texas City Museum.

In addition, emissions from the plants increase residents' risks of asthma, cancer and premature death, says consumer advocate Adrian Shelley, who organized environmental campaigns in industry-heavy towns as the former head of Air Alliance Houston.

The sense of a partnership has persisted in spite of these issues. But the appraisal dispute, which began almost a decade ago, represents a different kind of test of the relationship.

While other companies have successfully challenged their appraisals, Doyle said, Valero has been the most aggressive by far. The company "disputes every property ever year, as a business practice," he said.

Valero did not reply to my calls seeking comment. In the past, Valero has said it simply seeks to pay only as much tax as the law requires.

Valero and other industries have challenged appraisals based on what Doyle called "an obscure tax law" that provides for using values of similar properties rather than fair market value. The strategy has worked: Juries have compelled the city, Texas City ISD and a community college to repay millions of dollars in tax revenues.

No remedy ahead

An effort to change the relevant law failed in the 2015 state legislative session. Doyle said he does not expect a legislative remedy.

"There's no way Texas City can fight Valero and its lobbyists," Doyle said. "Really, what we've got to do is ask everybody to be good neighbors."

Minutaglio, the author, said he found Doyle's comments "really startling." Historically, he said, Texas City's leaders have pushed back against criticism of industry.

"He's making a bit of history by raking the companies across the coals," Minutaglio said.

For now, Doyle is struggling to balance his city's budget and maintain services. He worries about the long-term effects of the lost revenue.

"We'll have a great industrial base," he says, "with a dilapidated city around it."
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A former Cypress-Fairbanks math teacher was sentenced Friday to eight years in prison, almost a week after admitting to having sex with a 16-year-old student in his class.

Alfredo Campos, 31, 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, and elected to have a jury decide his punishment, which could have ranged from probation to 20 years in prison.

After the verdict was handed down late Friday, the teenage girl took the witness stand for a victim impact statement.

MORE CHARGES: Police say ex-teacher had sex with four special ed students

"This guy is the scum of the earth," she shouted at Campos. "He used his power to manipulate students and young girls for sex."

Story continues below ...

During the statement, a handful of former students who continue to support Campos wept on one side of the courtroom.

The victim testified earlier in the week that he pressured her into having sex after driving her to Bear Creek Park during her junior year in the fall of 2015.

Campos pleaded guilty and testified in his own defense. He told jurors that the teen was "always in control" of their relationship and painted a picture of a lovelorn teen who seduced the "cool teacher."

Defense attorneys Don Nguyen and James Kan pointed out during the trial that the teen stayed close to Campos after the encounters ended, enrolling in another semester of classes with him and continuing to sit next to him during lunchtime tutorials. She also messaged the teacher after the encounters ended.

"I would have liked to see a more lenient verdict," Kan said. "Was justice done? It depends on who you ask, but close."

TEEN TAKES STAND: She tells her side of the case

Prosecutor Ashley Guice was quick to note Campos picked the girl up from her parents home and drove her to Bear Creek Park in northwest Houston where they had sex at least twice.

She noted that several students testified that Campos was well-known at the school for rubbing student's shoulders, sitting "too close" to the female students and messaging students on social media.

She also said the jury heard that the married teacher told the teen he was having problems with his wife and that he claimed he was suicidal to manipulate her emotions.

"It's just another facet of why we viewed him as a danger to society," Guice said after the verdict. "It just shows the deep level of manipulation that this defendant used on these young, impressionable individuals."

Jurors returned their verdict for the two charges after deliberating more than three hours. In one case, they sentenced him to eight years in prison. In the second case, they sentenced him to 10 years probation, with the intent that he stay under the court's supervision for a decade after he gets out.

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. Campos was arrested days later after he admitted to the sex and said it was consensual.

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Texas prison officials will relocate 1,000 heat-sensitive inmates from the Wallace Pack Unit northwest of Houston to several air-conditioned facilities as part of a court-ordered plan to address stifling indoor temperatures that have caused multiple deaths in past years.

To make room for the Pack Unit inmates, the state plans to transfer hundreds of inmates out of the air-conditioned facilities, according to documents filed late Thursday in federal court by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

"Other options were considered but determined not to be practical or their effectiveness could not be guaranteed," said Jason Clark, TDCJ spokesman. "The agency believes reconfiguring already air-conditioned areas of the prison to accommodate the identified offenders poses security concerns and would not be logistically feasible."

Prison officials said transfers and other accommodations for the heat are short-term solutions and should be completed by late August.

The plan comes the same week that another family sued the state over the death of a prisoner during a 2015 heat wave. TDCJ has already identified 23 inmates who have died from heat stroke since 1998.

More for you Houston federal judge must decide: How hot is too hot for...

The improvements at the Pack Unit follow a July order from U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison in Houston for the state to find cooler living quarters for hundreds of inmates who take medication or have health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that make them vulnerable to heat. Details of the plan are set to be finalized at a court hearing before Ellison on Tuesday.

The judge issued the injunction in a federal civil rights case brought by a group of Pack inmates in 2014, following the heat-related deaths of multiple inmates at facilities across the state. The ruling came after a lengthy injunction hearing in June in which inmates testified about fainting and vomiting from unmitigated heat inside the dormitories.

Ellison ruled the state had impeded remedies and showed "deliberate indifference" to the dangers inmates faced, in violation of the Eighth Amendment's protection against "cruel and unusual punishment."

He told prison officials they also should provide easier access to respite areas and develop a plan for dealing with a heat wave.

Attorneys for the inmates praised the plan but said it is clearly not a long-term solution.

"We are pleased that TDCJ is going to take serious steps to protect our clients at the Pack Unit for the remainder of the summer," said attorney Scott Medlock. "These are people who are very vulnerable to heat-related illness, and it is frankly unbelievable that TDCJ was housing them in these dangerously hot conditions in the first place."

'Misses the mark'

Attorney Jeff Edwards, who also represents the Pack inmates, said the plan does not go far enough.

"It misses the mark on the evolving 'standards of decency' portion of the case," Edwards said. "At the core of his order is the fact that you need to treat people humanely and not expose them to dangerous conditions on a day-to-day basis."

He said he is also concerned that the transfers won't be completed quickly enough to avoid the hottest days of summer.

TDCJ has said it plans to appeal the judge's finding. But in the meantime, the state has identified immediate changes that will alleviate the swampy indoor climate.

The Pack Unit has about 1,400 inmates. The plan unveiled Thursday involves moving 500 heat-sensitive inmates to Diboll Correctional Center in Diboll near Lufkin and another 425 inmates to the Travis State Jail in Austin. Both facilities are air-conditioned.

Other inmates at the Pack Unit with more significant medical needs will be moved to the Stiles Unit in Beaumont, which can accommodate CPAP machines and other specialized medical devices.

Inmates who are displaced from those units will be moved to the Connally Unit near Victoria, Dalhart Unit north of Amarillo or the Smith Unit south of Lubbock.

The transfers will happen as soon as the judge signs off on the order, according to court documents.

The prison system also plans to revise its respite program, making available most of the air-conditioned sections of the Pack Unit - such as the library and hallways - for the remaining inmates who may seek relief from the heat.

The new plan also includes revised signage encouraging inmates to seek respite any time, regardless of whether they feel ill, and encourages guards to let inmates seek relief when they ask for it.

Additional measures

A new heat wave policy requires special consideration once the National Weather Service issues an "excessive heat warning," with temperatures at least 105 degrees or a heat index of 113 degrees or higher. When temperatures reach that level, additional precautionary measures will be taken, including giving inmates access to respite areas around the clock, according to the plan.

Mesh screens will be installed to keep bugs from coming in through windows left open for ventilation, according to the plan.

About 80 percent of Texas inmates live in prison units where no air conditioning is provided, even during heat waves, according to TDCJ officials.

The lawsuit by the Pack inmates is among 10 federal complaints filed in Ellison's court by attorneys from Edwards' law firm in Austin and the Texas Civil Rights Project. Eight families of inmates who died of heatstroke are pursuing wrongful death suits, and another inmate who survived a heat stroke has also sued TDCJ.

This week, the family of a 36-year-old man who died at the McConnell Unit in Beeville north of Corpus Christi sued TDCJ, saying officials showed "willful and wanton indifference to undeniable dangers" of heat at the facility.

Quintero Devale Jones died during a heat wave in July 2015 as the result of an asthma attack, according to court records. Guards had previously confiscated his inhaler during a "shakedown" in the morning, and he died after an asthma attack that same afternoon, the suit says.

Heat was a contributing factor in his death, according to the suit.

"It's unknown why they would not return to a prisoner an emergency breather that said 'keep on person,' and they wouldn't give it back," said the family's lawyer, John Schulman of Dallas.

Prisons 'have a duty'

Schulman said parents Alice and Roy Jones are deeply distressed by what happened at McConnell the day their son died and how prison officials handled his asthma attack.

"I believe they clearly have a duty - not to provide him a comfortable and cushy experience but certainly to protect his life," Schulman said.

The lawsuit notes that the McConnell Unit already had dealt three other inmate deaths from heatstroke, one in 2004 and two in 2011.

A TDCJ official declined to comment on the Jones family's wrongful death complaint because the matter is pending.

The family is suing for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the due process and equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution.
Gov. Greg Abbott called on a federal judge to drop a case considering court supervision of Texas' beleaguered child protection system; he argued the four pieces of foster care reform legislation he signed into law in May would fix chronic problems.

But representatives from the advocacy group Children at Risk disagree, arguing at a news conference Thursday that significant gaps in the foster care system are yet to be addressed by the state Legislature.

"Unfortunately what we've seen is a Band-Aid put on foster care, and a lot more needs to be done," said Robert Sanborn, president and CEO of the nonprofit.

He called the solutions passed by the Legislature "shortsighted" and "really not enough."

The nonprofit compared the bills that lawmakers passed last session, which addressed the state's foster care system, with four dozen recommendations from federal courts on improvements needed in the system.

Sanborn highlighted three specific issues that were not addressed by the Legislature, including improvements needed in the child abuse hotline, in the tracking of child-on-child abuse among foster children and in the caseload management system.

The courts recommended the creation and promotion of an anonymous hotline for children to report abuse or neglect in a foster home or facility, though no such hotline has been created, Sanborn said.

The courts also found that caseloads were unsustainable, with workers juggling up to 30 cases at a time, burning out nearly 1 in 5 workers every year. Legislation was passed to study the issue and to create a caseload management system, though no limits were placed on the number of cases a worker can have at one time.

The recommendations arose from a 2011 lawsuit alleging that the Texas foster care system violated children's constitutional rights by keeping them in unsafe care, moving them around repeatedly and failing to provide sufficient oversight.

U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack ruled that the system was "broken" in 2015 in a 255-page ruling and demanded that the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services overhaul how it oversees foster services for thousands of children in long-term care.

Jack found that "rape, abuse, psychotropic medication and instability are the norm," that child-on-child abuse in licensed foster care placements is common but not tracked, and that children who rape other children continue to do it as they relocate to new homes.

In one instance, 4-year-old Leiliana Wright, of Grand Prairie, died in April 2016 after having been choked, force-fed, bound in a closet and bruised "from head to toe" for drinking her brother's juice. Her caseworker assigned to protect her had a caseload of 70, according to The Dallas Morning News.

In November 2016, two court-appointed special masters issued recommendations to fix the problems, though the state objected to all of them. The court rebuked the objections and ordered Texas to implement the recommendations.

A total of 88 bills aimed at addressing issues with the foster system were introduced, with 21 passing, leading to more than 270 changes in language of Texas statutes.

Despite criticism, some measures passed received praise from Children at Risk for improving the system.

The Legislature bolstered resources to youth aging out of the foster care system, providing a career development and education program, a summer internship pilot program, and education vouchers, among other resources.

The state also increased financial support to families caring for abused or neglected children who are related to them.

"Overall, the Legislature took this very seriously, and they did a very good job; however, a lot needed to be done, and there are some gaps remaining," said Jamey Caruthers, senior staff attorney at Children at Risk.

State Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, who sponsored two CPS-related bills, though only one passed, said legislation is important, but the main barrier to reform is getting Austin to provide increased funding.

"Child Protective Services is a very large and very complex system, and it needs to be overhauled," Wu said. "A lot of what the system needs is money, and we couldn't give them as much as we wanted to last session."

Paul Yetter, a Houston lawyer representing the foster children in the court case, said he welcomes the legislation, but there is still a long way to go in creating institutional changes in the system.

"The legislation from the last session is a step in the right direction," Yetter said. "But money is not enough - the system needs strong leadership, better policies and reliable monitoring."
AUSTIN - Rep. Sarah Davis insists reforming the state's ethics laws is urgent enough for Gov. Greg Abbott to add to Legislature's to-do list this special session, although she bottled up at least one key Senate "good government" bill during the regular session as chair of the ethics committee.

Davis, a Republican from West University Place, said she held back passage of a Senate bill that would have eliminated the so-called "revolving door" that allows ex-lawmakers to immediately begin lobbying for interest groups after leaving office partly as political retribution.

"Almost all of my bills died in the Senate," said Davis, who chairs the General Investigating and Ethics Committee in the House. "That is probably part of the reason why some of the Senate ethics bills didn't move, because my bills weren't moving. But you go home, you take a deep breath, and some of those things are good policy. I'm happy to advance them."

She filed five of six ethics reform bills this week, all of which soared through her committee Thursday. One of those bills attempts to close the revolving door in state law by requiring former lawmakers take a one-session cooling-off period after leaving office before taking a paid lobbying job that would tap their influence, relationships and contacts at the state capitol.

Other bills include banning campaign contributions during a special session, requiring more state officials and vendors to disclose their conflicts of interest, giving more power to the Texas Ethics Commission to watchdog government and banning people who give more than $2,500 in gubernatorial campaign contributions from winning appointments.

While Davis is championing the revolving door bill, a similar Senate bill that was assigned to her committee during the regular session languished without a vote for more than two months before it received a hearing and a vote in mid-May. It passed out of her committee less than two weeks before the Legislature adjourned, with little time to advance to the floor. The bill, Senate Bill 504, died in the Calendar Committee.

Davis said she "absolutely" wished the bill had become law but blamed the bill's demise on the Calendar Committee which schedules bills.

Some lawmakers have been reticent to pass ethics bills that would tie their hands. The House version of the bill trying to close the revolving door, House Bill 504, was watered down by Fort Worth Republican Charlie Geren, who said at the time that lawmakers rejected the idea that the Legislature could tell them what they could do when they left office. He rewrote his bill to make it a crime for former lawmakers to "misuse" information they obtained in office for two years, a provision ethics advocates said was unenforceable.

"I called it the lobotomy bill at that point. It's like, how else are you going to enforce that. They're going to have to forget it, and all I could think was lobotomy," said Carol Birch, legislative council for Public Citizen, a national non-profit advocacy group with an office in Austin. "The guys in charge of making laws telling Texans what they can and cannot do don't want to be told what to do? Really?"

Prioritizing ethics

Abbott has twice asked lawmakers to prioritize passing ethics reform, designating it as an "emergency item" for the Legislature in the 2015 and 2017 legislative sessions. Neither session produced much in the way of reform; however, the governor left the issue off his 20-item special session agenda for lawmakers to tackle during an up-to-30-day period that began July 18.

Davis has played hardball with the governor and his agenda during the special session.

This week she pushed the governor to add ethics reforms to the call, quoting Abbott's past comments that "the faith that people have in their democracy is linked to the trust they have in their elected officials."

Last week she chided his agenda for prioritizing social issues instead of restoring cuts to a program that provides therapy to children with disabilities, saying, "If the governor is going to bring us back here to talk about what bathrooms people can use or what we can do with our trees, then surely the disabled kids should take priority, and hopefully we add this to the call."

Reversing rate cuts

Abbott has so far refused to add anything to the call since issuing his special session agenda July 20. His spokesman this week accused Davis of "showboating" and said the governor would add issues to the call "once the House and the Senate pass all 20 items on the governor's agenda."

While the Senate has all but finished passing bills on the governor's agenda, the House has bucked the governor's agenda and will likely let several of his bills die in committee. Davis and several of House Speaker Joe Straus' committee chairmen have refused to sign on in support of most bills on the governor's agenda.

Although outside the governor's call, Davis convinced the House on Thursday to vote unanimously on House Bill 25 to spend $70 million out of the governor's disaster relief grants to restore funding cuts to the state's Early Childhood Intervention program. The body voted 138-0, a tally Davis said sends a message to the governor that now is the time to reverse the rate cuts. She said 1,192 children are now on a wait list in Houston to receive the therapy, which includes providing therapy for babies and toddlers with developmental disabilities, such as speech delays, down syndrome and autism.

Lawmakers also passed a bill that would increase reporting requirements on abortions that involve a fetal abnormality in the third trimester and on how minors obtain abortions. Critics said the bills tries to create unnecessary regulations for abortion providers. House Bill 215 passed the House 92-48 but not before Davis weighed in on the floor.

"I am still kind of confused about what the point of the bill is," she said.
Carvis Turner's food truck was the most important thing in his life and now it's been destroyed.

After returning home from a vacation in New Orleans with his partner Brandy Autrey, the 27-year-old discovered his food truck, The Bird Food Truck, was stolen from his backyard Wednesday.

"I don't know how they took the truck and that next morning I went outside to do the trash and didn't see the truck. I thought someone towed the truck," Turner told Chron.com.

CHOW DOWN: Food truck park expansion rolls across northwest Houston

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Turner called numerous Houston tow truck companies to no avail. He eventually called the police who ended up finding the truck Thursday in Brays Bayou burned up. The only thing that had been stolen from the truck was a TV, Turner said.

Turner started his food truck business in 2014 while he was finishing his associate's degree in culinary arts. The inspiration to start the business came from cooking tamales with his grandmother, who once owned two restaurants, Turner said. The truck, which sold fried chicken, grilled chicken wraps, and waffle fried nachos at locations all around Houston, helped Turner earn enough money these past few years to buy a home.

EAT UP: See who was seen at the Food Truck Festival

Turner is working with his insurance company to see what he can get for the destroyed Chevy Grumman truck. The Harris County Sheriff's Department confirmed that the truck was reported stolen early Thursday morning and are still investigating to find the person or persons responsible. Right now Turner is unsure if he'll purchase another truck.

"Cooking was one of those things that got me on track," Turner said. "The truck was everything. It's the only reason I was able to do the stuff I was able to do."
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The attorney for Chauna Thompson, the 45-year-old former Harris County sheriff's deputy charged with murder after a man died following a fight with the deputy's husband outside a Denny's restaurant, said she is appealing the sheriff's decision to fire her.

Thompson arrived to the restaurant late on May 28 to find her husband had pinned to the ground John Hernandez, 24, who he said was urinating in public.

Public outrage erupted after a bystander's cellphone video showed the deputy's 41-year-old husband, Terry Thompson, holding the smaller man in an extended headlock.

The medical examiner's office on June 6 ruled Hernandez's death a homicide by strangulation. Two days later, a grand jury indicted both Thompsons on murder charges.

The sheriff's office removed Chauna Thompson from patrol duties by June 7. After an internal investigation, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez fired her July 21. The sheriff's office also disciplined four other deputies who were involved in the initial investigation.

The former deputy's attorney said on Friday that she has started the process to appeal her firing.

The lawyer, Greg Cagle, shared with the Houston Chronicle the letter he sent the sheriff on July 21, the same day as the dismissal.

"Deputy Thompson did not 'fail to take proper police action,'" Cagle wrote in the letter, contesting the sheriff's justification for her firing. "The indictment was obviously politically motivated and done without an investigation or even an autopsy."

The attorney explained that the letter is the first step in what can often be a drawn-out appeals process. After such a letter, the sheriff usually sets up a meeting, Cagle said. If the sheriff stands by the firing, then the former deputy can appeal to the independent Civil Service Commission.

Cagle said he contests the idea of firing someone for not doing something, as opposed to doing something wrong.

"They said that she basically should have recognized that this guy was in distress and ordered her husband off," he said.

The lawyer also asserted that his client did try to intervene: "Watching the video, there's clearly a point in time where she saw something and said to get off."

He added that she performed CPR on Hernandez once she realized he was unresponsive.
Li Wenxing was found dead in a puddle in Jinghai District, north China's Tianjin Municipality on July 14. The young man is believed to have been lured by a pyramid scheme which posed as an IT company on a recruitment platform.

When Li's story emerged, so did such questions as if he was murdered or a desperate Li took his own life.

Mystery is still shrouding the young man's death as investigation into the case seeks answers to a host of questions, including the reliability of online job markets, which are considered as a crucial lifeline for talented yet unemployed youth.

A glimpse of hope after successive failures

Li majored resource exploration engineering at the Northeastern University, but it came out that he never liked his major.

Hoping to find his career path in China's booming IT industry, he signed up for coding courses in Beijing last July, with the tuition fees estimated at 16,000 yuan (2,380 US dollars), a big burden on his family in the rural outskirts of the city of Dezhou, in eastern Shandong Province.

Since March, Li started looking for a new job through a phone application called Boss Hiring (Zhipin.com), Hu Ze, Lis roommate told the Beijing News. He managed to secure interviews at 10 different occasions, but was not hired" by any of the companies, he said.

But the string of misfortunate events was about to take a turn for the better, or so Li thought.

On May 15, a person who identified himself as Xue Tingting contacted Li through the online platform, asking if he would like to join a project in Tianjin run by a company called Kelan.

The project will last for two months, Xue told Li. You will be sent back to our headquarters in Beijing afterwards.

An interview call took place on May 18. The next day, Li received an employment acceptance email from Kelan Company.

Li set off to Tianjin two days later.

On the afternoon of May 20, he texted his roommate Hu, telling him he is safe and sound in Jinghai District in Tianjing. However, Lis sister received two messages from him on the same day, in which he informed her he is in Binhai District.

He was then out of reach for five days. He asked me if I could lend him 500 yuan (74 US dollars), Hu told the Beijing News.

Without any friendly greetings, he asked for another 500 yuan on June 8.

Lis high school classmate Wang Sheng also told Tianjin police that Li borrowed money from him -- on June 8, as well.

He told me he had left Tianjin and he was now employed in Shijiazhuang (in northern Hebei Province) as he had relatives there, Wang said.

Lis family denied later on having any close relatives in Shijiazhuang.

I wanted to visit him in Tianjin, but he told me he is traveling between Tianjin and Shijiazhuang, so I nixed the plan, Li Wenyue, Lis younger sister, told the Beijing News.

We did sense he was being weird.

The last call took place on July 8, when Li phoned his family warning them not to trust anyone who contacts them for money.

"Do not believe anyone who calls you for money," Li's mother quoted her son as saying.

The body, the notes and the vague circumstances

On July 14, a body was pulled from a puddle in Jinghai District, with no signs of physical injuries.

The ID card found in one pocket showed it was the body of Li Wenxing.

Pages of notes were also retrieved, showing that Li might have been involved in a pyramid scheme, according to an investigation statement issued by local police on Wednesday.

A pyramid scheme works by asking members of an organization to sell goods or services through other participants rather than directly to clients. Previous victims recalled being brainwashed through classes about the product or the service, and at times detained.

The Jinghai District, where Li was working, is reportedly the largest hub for such illegal practices, though outlawed in 2009.

Li seemed to have suspected the company in Tianjin a fake firm connected to illicit and fraudulent activities as he had told a friend of such concerns.

Even before his departure to Tianjin, he found that the online account of the company that recruited him was deleted.

However, that did not deter him from taking a leap of faith, unknowing that it will lead to his demise.

Four years earlier, the bright young man, who scored 630 points on the national college entrance exam, rejected a university offer as his family could barely afford the tuition fees.

The blame game

If the suspected company was fictional and not registered, how could its representative, Xu Tingting, passed the qualification procedures on the online platform?

According to the Beijing News, dozens of college graduates have received questionable job offers through the platform with many encouraged to travel Tianjin.

One unnamed student from east Chinas Jiangsu Province said he received an offer with an unexpected high pay, but his recruiter asked him to move to Xiqing District in Tianjin. He conducted research online and found accounts of similar experiences that turned out to be cases of fraud, so the prospective employee turned down the position.

Boss Hiring was launched in July 2014, offering a platform for direct communication between job seekers and senior executives of companies. By July 2016, a total of 9.16 million job seekers and 1.54 million company managers had registered on the platform.

Boss Hiring admitted negligence on Thursday in the vetting of potential employers, Global Times reported.

"It is our fault that we failed to update our rules. The incident taught us a painful lesson. We have been vetting all employers on our platform before posting job openings starting August 3."

A reporter from the Beijing News attempted to register as a company manager on Boss Hiring and succeeded, exposing the weakness of measures the company has in place to verify the identity of individuals or entities looking to register.

The reporter received over 150 job applications within three hours, without any inquiries being placed.

Many netizens expressed their anger on Chinas Twitter-like Weibo.

One of my colleagues was trapped in a similar organization but he managed to seek help. He badly cried when he saw his father. Pyramid schemes can destroy families, said user @Neal_Hickory_Li.

I used the same application before. I got a slew of job offers right after registering. I deleted it straight away. I knew it was fake, noted @MaosantangtangWWW.
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WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's marquee campaign promise to build a border wall is getting a tepid push in Congress, but it did not always have the support of the two Texans currently being considered to be his next Homeland Security secretary.

Former Gov. Rick Perry, Trump's energy secretary, said in 2011 that a 2,000-mile fence "doesn't make sense."

Congressman Michael McCaul, in a 2015 interview, called it "kind of simplistic."

Like a lot of Texas Republicans, Perry and McCaul have long advocated for beefing up the border in other ways, and have only recently in their careers come to embrace Trump's vision of a wall.

It is their more holistic approach - and not Trump's - that took form Thursday in a $15 billion border security bill introduced by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn that would add layers of infrastructure, technology and "boots on the ground" on the Mexican border.

"Infrastructure, wall systems, are an important piece of the story," Cornyn said. "But they're not the whole story."

McCaul made the same point last week when he rolled out the House version of the border bill, a similar, $15 billion plan. "We must have physical barriers - including a wall, where necessary," said McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.

But McCaul's emphasis on technology and law enforcement - mirroring Perry's policies as governor - does not match Trump's vision for a 2,000-mile border wall paid for by Mexico.

The two Texans also have run afoul of border and immigration hawks in other ways. Positions they have taken on foreign worker visas and legal migrant labor - issues important to Texas farmers - have earned them low grades from NumbersUSA, a group that supports Trump's "America First" policies and advocates for reductions in all forms of immigration.

"Neither one of them has shown a real consciousness that immigration policy is not just about security, but heavily about how it influences the labor market," said Roy Beck, founder and president of NumbersUSA. "It's not just about physical security. It's about economic security."

A political symbol

The next Homeland Security secretary will be taking over an immigration system that is under fire from all sides.

In Texas, produce farmers like Bernie Phiel, 66, of Lubbock, are watching nervously as Mexican farmworkers granted amnesty by the U.S. government during the 1980s are getting to an age where they will soon be retiring. Farmers are hoping Congress will pass legislation allowing easier access for temporary farm workers from Mexico, but with the heated politics around immigration passing such a bill would likely be an uphill climb.

"There's no one to take their place," Phiel said of the retiring workers. "People need to wake up. We have a severe, severe labor shortage in the vegetable fields."

But it's the fraught politics of the wall that will likely occupy the new Homeland Security Secretary when Congress returns in September to iron out spending bills for the next year, including a recent House-passed measure allocating $1.6 billion for Trump's wall.

Even as the Trump administration has begun to acknowledge that a $20 billion-plus border-length wall will never become a reality, there are signs that Trump has been saddled by its significance as a political symbol.

Trump reportedly described the wall as "the least important thing we are talking about, but politically this might be the most important." That is according to a transcript obtained by the Washington Post and released Thursday of a call between Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto last January. Trump appeared to be pressing the Mexican government privately to end its public defiance on paying for the wall.

While their positions on the wall have not always aligned with Trump, both Perry and McCaul have been vetted by the administration already.

McCaul was considered for the Homeland Security post last fall, before losing out to former Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly, who took over this week as White House chief of staff.

Perry has already gone through the Senate confirmation process as Trump's pick to head the Energy Department. His selection, however, would create another cabinet opening for the Trump administration.

But for both Perry and McCaul, it's been a long journey to meet Trump on the issue of the border.

Perry had to make amends with Trump since their days as rivals in the Republican presidential primaries, when Trump attacked him in a tweet for "an absolutely horrible job of securing the border." He declared then that the Texan should be "ashamed of himself."

Asked about Trump's attacks during the summer of 2015, Perry said in a television interview: "Well, I don't think he understands the challenge, obviously. I was the governor of Texas for 14 years. The governor of that state with the 1,200-mile Mexican border."

Despite Perry's record as a border state governor, the issue dogged him in the 2012 presidential campaign as well. He was bludgeoned by opponents as "soft on illegal immigration." In one exchange with candidate Rick Santorum, of Pennsylvania, Perry even questioned the logic of building a wall on the U.S. Mexico border.

"The idea that you are going to build a wall, a fence for 1,200 miles, and then go 800 miles more to Tijuana, does not make sense. You put the boots on the ground," Perry said.

Perry's first presidential campaign eventually collapsed after he accused his Republican opponents of not having a "heart" about immigrants.

Jacquelyn Martin/STF

Raised on a cotton farm outside Abilene, Perry long maintained the more relaxed attitudes toward illegal immigration commonplace among the Texas farmers, who rely on migrant workers to get their crops to market.

During his first year as governor, Perry helped advance legislation that let children in the country illegally pay in-state tuition for college, a policy called the Texas DREAM Act, for which he received much conservative blowback.

But after dropping out of the 2012 presidential race, Perry returned to Austin with a new plan.

He ordered officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety to begin cracking down on immigrants. Soon officers began setting up checkpoints along the roads and even stopping people walking along the sidewalks to check their immigration status, said John Michael Torres, a spokesman for the South Texas immigrant advocacy group La Union del Pueblo Entero.

"DPS went from a law enforcement agency patrolling, giving out tickets to the face of immigration enforcement," he said. "Perry did have that compassionate approach [earlier in his career] but there was a certain point he saw an opportunity to shift his image, especially after his 2012 GOP campaign."

Hard-liners not convinced

McCaul has more recently come into alignment with Trump on the wall.

In a 2015 television interview, he called it "kind of simplistic" and a "knee jerk response." But in a Fox News op-ed after Trump's election, he vowed to "stand side-by-side" with Trump on immigration and, notably, the wall. "We are going to build the wall," he wrote. "Period."

Despite the turnaround, McCaul has yet to convince some hard-liners.

Mark Krikorian, executive director of the conservative Center for Immigration Studies, wrote in a tweet: "House Homeland Chairman McCaul was angling for the DHS job last time, but his reputation as 'No Wall McCaul' should be a deal-killer."

Whether it is remains to be seen. Having carved out an expertise in border security, immigration, and cyber-security as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee since 2013, McCaul brings a deep knowledge of the terrain.

Cornyn, who hired McCaul when he was Texas Attorney General, praised his qualifications Thursday, along with those of Perry.

"There are few people in America that know more about the border than our former governor of Texas," he said.

As for their past differences, Beck they are hardly unique to Washington. "Politics has plenty of room for people to make statements in the heat of a campaign that somehow or another get by it," he said. "If you band that kind of hypocrisy, you're going to have a lot of very short political careers."
Federal prosecutors are investigating Kushner Cos., the real estate firm owned by the family of Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and senior adviser, over its use of a program that grants visas to wealthy overseas investors.

The authorities, in part, are looking into the role of Kushner's sister, Nicole Meyer, according to a person familiar with the matter who confirmed the inquiry.

The investigation centers on the real estate company's use of the so-called EB-5 program, which offers visas to foreigners in exchange for a $500,000 investment. Critics say the program has weak oversight and lax rules.

At a marketing event in May, Meyer promoted the company's connections to the Trump administration as she courted Chinese investors for a pair of luxury apartment towers being built by Kushner Cos. in New Jersey. The project "means a lot to me and my entire family," she told prospective investors at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Beijing.

Kushner gave up his role running the family company in January. He still owns a significant piece of the business.

In a statement, Kushner Cos.' general counsel, Emily Wolf, said the company was cooperating with the authorities.

"EB-5 is a long-standing federal program that is frequently used by many large developers to raise funds and help create jobs," Wolf said. "Kushner Cos. utilized the program, fully complied with its rules and regulations and did nothing improper."

She added: "Neither Kushner Cos. nor Nicole Meyer have done anything wrong in connection with the EB-5 program, and any suggestion to the contrary is simply false. The company and Meyer are cooperating with all legal requests in order to show that they did everything properly and clear up any questions."

The investigation was reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal, which said Kushner Cos. had received a subpoena. The focus of the investigation is unclear.

The Kushners are seeking $150 million in EB-5 money for a pair of high-rise apartment buildings in Jersey City, known as One Journal Square. In May, Meyer marketed the development at events in Beijing and in Shanghai.

At the Beijing event, Meyer mentioned her brother's former role at the family company, saying he left to serve in the Trump administration. The two events were hosted by Qiaowai, a Beijing immigration company that promised good returns and "guaranteed" green cards to investors in the Jersey City project.

Kushner has played an important role in U.S.-China relations, brokering meetings between President Donald Trump and top Chinese officials. About three-quarters of the roughly 10,000 investor visas issued last year went to applicants from China.

Meyer apologized for mentioning her brother and did not appear at later events on the trip.

This is not the first time Kushner Cos. has turned to the program. In 2013, it raised $50 million in EB-5 financing for a Trump-branded luxury high-rise apartment building in Jersey City, which opened late last year.

Created in 1990, the program was intended to provide financing for projects in areas with high unemployment. It has turned into a popular source of cheap financing for luxury developments.

The Government Accountability Office, the watchdog arm of Congress, has criticized the EB-5 program, citing lax safeguards against illicit sources of funds.
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One of the biggest icebergs ever recorded, a trillion-ton behemoth more than seven times the size of New York City, has broken off of Antarctica, triggering disagreement among scientists over whether global warming is to blame.

The event, captured by satellite, happened sometime in the past few days when the giant chunk snapped off an ice shelf.

While such "calving" of icebergs is not unusual, this is an especially big one. It covers an area of roughly 2,300 square miles, more than twice the size of Luxembourg. Its volume is twice that of Lake Erie, according to Project MIDAS, a research group based in Britain.

It broke loose from the Larsen C ice shelf, which scientists had been monitoring for months as they watched a crack grow more than 120 miles long.

Scientists say global warming has caused a thinning of such shelves, but they differ on whether the latest event can be blamed on climate change.

The iceberg is considered unlikely to pose any threat to shipping. And since the ice was already floating, the breakup won't raise sea levels in the short term, the project said.

But it removed more than 10 percent of the ice shelf, and if that eventually hastens the flow of glaciers behind it into the water, there could be a "very modest" rise in sea level, the project said.

Two other Antarctic ice shelves, farther north on the Antarctic Peninsula, collapsed in 1995 and 2002. That sped up the slide of glaciers, which contributed to sea-level rise, David Vaughan, director of science at the British Antarctic Survey, said in a statement.

Eric Rignot, a glaciologist at the University of California, Irvine, said the breaking off of the iceberg "is part of a long-term major loss of the ice shelves in the peninsula, progressing southbound and resulting from climate warming."

But Swansea University glaciologist Martin O'Leary, a member of the MIDAS project, called it "a natural event, and we're not aware of any link to human-induced climate change."

And a spokeswoman for the British Antarctic survey said there's not enough information to say whether the calving is an effect of climate change, though there's good evidence global warming has caused thinning of the ice shelf.
Houston firefighters are accusing Mayor Sylvester Turner of standing between them and a voter-approved pay raise by failing to ensure a petition they submitted last month is certified in time to appear on the November ballot.

Turner rejected any suggestion that he has involved himself in the City Secretary's effort to verify their petition, and his office on Thursday said an offer by the fire union to cover any staffing costs needed to count their signatures is being examined as a possible attempt to improperly influence a public official.

At issue is a petition that calls for firefighters to be given "parity" in pay with police officers of corresponding rank, which comes as the union is suing the city over stalled contract talks. Firefighters have been without a contract for three years, and have accused each of the last two mayors of negotiating in bad faith.

The task of validating citizen petitions falls to City Secretary Anna Russell, who has verified one petition this summer and is reviewing another. She has not begun to examine the firefighters' petition, which was submitted in mid-July. City Council must consider items for the November ballot by Aug. 21, leaving a vote on the firefighters' item in doubt.

Russell, who has served under a dozen mayors in her 65 years with the city, said she long has taken the approach of counting petitions in the order they are submitted unless the law dictates otherwise, and has no plans to change her approach this year. State law sets no deadline by which petitions to change the city charter must be validated.

Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341 president Marty Lancton accused the mayor of seeking to run out the clock, and said the speed with which firefighters gathered the required 20,000 signatures shows that voters want a say on the matter quickly.

"The mayor has the ability to provide Anna Russell with the resources with which to count this. He has not done it," said Lancton. "I'm simply trying to find a way to get these counted. Firefighters are just asking for fair treatment and for there to be a resolution."

The mayor dismissed the criticism.

"She's the one who's doing the counting, she verifies the signatures. That's the process," Turner said. "No one runs the city secretary's shop but the city secretary."

Turner's spokesman Alan Bernstein said city officials take a dim view of Lancton's Wednesday conversation with Russell.

"After Ms. Russell - whom the firefighters' union obviously hopes will render a decision they desire - received an offer of money from the union president, in-person, to pay salaries for her city staff, she reported it," he said. "The legal department is reviewing the 'offer' to determine whether it constitutes an improper attempt to influence a public official."

'I try to be fair'

Lancton, who reiterated the union's offer of financial help in a Thursday letter to the mayor and City Council, was incensed.

"This is just one more example of the reason that firefighters do not trust Sylvester Turner," he said. "It is one more example of the lies that continue to happen from the Turner administration."

Accusations aside, Turner said that he is proceeding as if the item will reach a November vote, and has worked to get his message out by appearing on radio programs and discussing the issue publicly. The annual cost of the proposal, he said, could be "well north of $60 million."

Russell, for her part, said neither the mayor nor anyone from his office has spoken to her about the matter. The process of verifying signatures, she said, must be completed in the spare minutes between her staff's daily tasks of preparing ordinances, motions, contracts and the council agenda.

As famous among City Hall observers for her aversion to publicity as for her sweet but steely drawl, Russell declined to predict when she would finish either pending petition count.

Call us: Texas mayors still waiting to hear back from Gov. Abbott

"I try to be fair and honest," she said. "I make an effort not to get involved in the political part of it. I try to treat everybody the same. The first one in is the first one out."

David Feldman, a former city attorney who is representing the fire union, said Russell should make an exception in this instance because he views the pension-related petition she now is reviewing as irrelevant.

That petition, which was submitted in April, calls for all city employees hired beginning next year to be given pensions similar to 401(k)s rather than traditional "defined benefit" pensions. Turner's pension reform bill that passed the Legislature this year, however, specified what pension new hires would receive, Feldman said, and state law trumps local charters.

"If, in fact, they have 20,000 signatures and she certifies it, it can't go on a ballot because it's an unlawful measure," Feldman said. "That's where the tipping of the scales comes into play. That communication can be made to her. It obviously has not been made to her."

No 'discretionary duties'

Bernstein said Feldman's reading is wrong. He pointed to a similar case out of Galveston in which the court ruled that a city secretary had a "ministerial duty" to validate a petition and forward it to the City Council, notwithstanding her view that its content conflicted with existing laws.

State law "does not give the City Secretary any discretionary duties," a state appellate court held in that case. "Any complaints about the proposed amendment's validity will be decided only if the voters approve the proposed charter amendment."

Brenham-based lawyer Andy Taylor, an election law expert, said he is litigating a similar case out of Plano that centers on the same questions, and said the issue is not settled law.

"What all can she consider and what all must she consider?" he said. "Is it strictly counting signatures and making sure those signatures are of registered voters and then reporting those findings? Or can she also consider things like, is that an appropriate subject matter for something to be on a petition or is it pre-empted by other law? Those are gray areas that courts have to decide."

Councilman Michael Kubosh, who has been involved in several petition drives, said the city should find a way to certify the firefighters' item by the August deadline.

"The mayor needs to make this a priority when people are bringing forth a petition," Kubosh said. "This could be anybody's petition about anything. I may not even be in favor of it - but I'm definitely in favor of the citizens' ability to petition government."

The petition that became ReBuild Houston and a petition to remove the city's red-light cameras both took about three weeks to be reviewed and certified in 2010.

A petition to override a city ordinance dictating when groups can feed the homeless on city land took two and a half years to tally before it was found to contain too few signatures, in part because charter elections can only be held every two years, and the measured was submitted too late to qualify for the 2012 ballot.
Johnny Hanson/Staff

AUSTIN  The Texas House voted overwhelmingly Friday to begin reforming the state's beleaguered school funding system, opting to inject $1.8 billion into public schools. Again.

Lawmakers voted 130-12 for House Bill 21 Friday, agreeing to inject $1.8 billion into public schools, including increasing the base amount of money assigned per pupil to $5,350 from $5,140. The bill proposes to spend more money on transportation, career and technical education and hardship grants for school districts phasing out of an outdated tax break, among other changes.
Mark Sanford figures it's more than just a matter of principle.

Sanford is a conservative congressman from South Carolina, a loyal Republican who voted for Donald Trump. But he's also an outspoken critic of the fact that the president still hasn't released his tax returns.

"There is a reason a banker wants to see tax returns in determining whether you are eligible for a mortgage," Sanford wrote in The New York Times. "You may talk a good game; tax returns don't."

So Sanford is co-sponsoring legislation that would require every president-elect to release his or her tax returns. The congressman thinks that putting this mandate on the president-elect would pressure candidates to expose the information while they're campaigning. That would be a step in the right direction, but Congress needs to go even further and explicitly require presidential candidates to release their returns before voters cast their ballots.

Nobody in Congress gave this issue much thought until last year, because nobody seriously thought a presidential candidate in this era could get away with refusing to release his tax records. This longstanding tradition has allowed American voters to scrutinize the financial backgrounds of the applicants for the most important elected position in the country. Tax returns have been an indispensable resource not only for journalists and campaign researchers, but also for average citizens seeking information on politicians running for the nation's highest office.

Without four decades of tax returns released by Bill and Hillary Clinton, voters wouldn't have known so much about the labyrinthine ways the former president and first lady have supported their lifestyles on the public stage. Without Trump's tax returns, we still don't the whole truth about his financial ties to Russia or how the operations of his business empire may conflict with his duties as president.

But what's at issue here involves more than just the presidency. Politicians running for offices up and down ballots across the nation now feel compelled to release their tax records because it's evolved into a fundamental requirement for anyone seeking certain elected offices. Rep. Sanford bluntly compared it to a colonoscopy, but he did it anyway when he ran for governor because it's an inviolable tradition in South Carolina politics. If presidents get away with keeping their tax returns secret, governors and other politicians across the country will certainly do the same thing. And voters will know less and less about the money behind the elected officials entrusted with spending taxpayer dollars.

Trump himself has spoken about the importance of this tradition, criticizing Mitt Romney for failing to release his returns earlier in his 2012 presidential campaign. Trump's own campaign team last year had his running mate, Vice President Mike Pence, release his tax documents. As a candidate, the president repeatedly said he would release his own returns after the IRS finished auditing him.

Alas, that bogus sidestep only avoided the issue until the election. A couple of days after the inauguration, a Trump spokesperson gave up the ruse and brazenly announced the president would break his campaign promise.

Something's wrong with this picture. Anybody who wants to apply for one of dozens of top level positions in the Treasury Department, the Social Security Administration or a number of other federal agencies is required to submit income tax returns to Senate investigators. But there's no such requirement for the presidency.

A bill introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., last year would have forced the release of tax returns for major party presidential candidates. If the candidates don't release their own returns, the IRS would do the job for them.

That's the kind of transparency law Congress needs to pass. It's the least voters should expect from somebody applying for the most important job in the world.
Assisting Venezuela

Regarding "Joint effort is needed to help save Venezuela" (Page A15, Thursday), what does it take for some people to learn a lesson? Have you ever heard about Syria?

Yes, Venezuela and its president, Nicolas Maduro, have problems. But should those become the problems of the U.S.? We have used our assets of finances and manpower across the globe by involving this country in regional problems and where we simply don't belong.

One major point in all of these undertakings is never mentioned: The United States is bankrupt by all known standards of measurement. Over 40 percent of all spending by the federal government is with borrowed money. We have a current debt that cannot be repaid. Yet we constantly hear about world problems that are put forward as needing our help. We simply don't have the assets to be able to take care of the rest of the world. Let's wish Venezuela well, but let's fix our own native problems here within the United States.

Jim Putnam, Cypress

Central America in need

Regarding "Crackdown on MS-13 is causing greater violence" (Page A19, Wednesday) as those who are informed well know, the real root cause for the problems of the undocumented in American is the unbelievable level of government corruption that exists in many of the countries from which they came. Mexico and countries in Central and South America are particularly guilty and have been so historically.

If not for this corruption, these countries could have prospered and provided the much-needed jobs for their people so that they would not have to endure the many hardships experienced by seeking employment in the U.S. as an undocumented worker.

Instead of all of the mea culpas, soul searching and misplaced foreign aid, our federal government should do much more to put pressure on these countries to reduce corruption, improve their own economies and provide jobs that pay a decent wage.

Ralph Tibiletti, Spring

Hope for Pakistan

Regarding "Pakistan's Sharif resigns after ruling, throwing nation into political disarray" (Page A12, July 29), one more casualty of the "Panama Papers" leaks is the prime minister of Pakistan, who was declared ineligible for office on the basis of corruption. I am hopeful that this is a chance for Pakistan, a country with a history of neglecting minority rights, to turn a new leaf.

As an Ahmadi Muslim, who emigrated from Pakistan and is living in the United States where I am afforded all freedoms of religion and expression, I sure hope and pray that Pakistan too gets a taste of these freedoms.

Alamzeb Khan, Montgomery

Education on guns

Regarding "Children handling gun" letters (Page A14, Thursday), I was raised exactly as one of the letter writers. Gun Safety for children should be taught to our children beginning in preschool because many parents have guns in their homes and cars and give their children little or no instructions on what to do if they see one.

With over 7 million privately owned guns in America, and who knows how many irresponsible parents, this could save many children. I belong to the NRA and have a handgun carry license.

Gus Pullen, Houston

Potty politics

Regarding "Big oil, Houston execs urge Abbott to flush bathroom bill" (Chron.com, Tuesday), Gov. Greg Abbott and anyone else strongly pushing the bathroom bill are making a play to irrational and unjust fear that people have. The problem is that appealing to fear is very effective.

It's already illegal to commit sexual assault. This bill is something that assumes that everyone who's transgender is going to commit a crime when they go into the public bathroom they associate with their gender. They've been going to the restroom already, and they're not doing anything illegal any more than regularly dressed men or women.

Clayton Elkins, posted via Facebook

Time to move on

As a former pediatric nurse I can affirm that sometimes God makes people who are not fully developed as male or female at birth. Go figure. Did God make a mistake?

I really like that I am seeing more gender-neutral bathrooms to put this issue to rest. In the meantime let's choose love and compassion and move on.

Teresa O'Donnell, posted via Facebook
On Aug. 5, 2012, a gunman walked into a Sikh gurdwara (house of worship) in Oak Creek, Wisc., and murdered six while injuring several more. To this day, it stands as one of the deadliest acts of violence in an American house of worship in our nation's history.

For Sikh Americans in Houston, we all remember exactly where we were when we heard the news. I was herding my children to a birthday party when the barrage of text messages and tearful phone calls started pouring in. I recall looking into my son's eyes and the patka (child's turban) that he proudly wears, and worrying about his safety and what the future might hold for our community.

As part of the rapid response, I began providing local interviews, saying the same things to anyone who would listen: Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the world; we are distinct because of our articles of faith; we believe in equality for all people; we fight injustice; we have been an integral part of the American fabric for generations.

Through each interview, it was clear to me that news outlets and the American public had no idea who Sikhs are, and within weeks our nation forgot about the shooting and the problems that drove it to happen in the first place.

Sadly, five years later, not a lot has changed. In March, a Sikh man was shot in a Seattle suburb driveway after being told to "go back to your own country." This is our country, and we all have a role to play to make sure that another Oak Creek doesn't happen again.

Our elected officials can start by eliminating political rhetoric that uses fear mongering and bigotry to divide people by immigration status, religion and sexuality. While it's healthy to have political differences, it's wrong and dangerous when our politicians promote stereotypes that demean and endanger entire groups of people. Politicians should promote diversity instead. In April, the city of Houston recognized the Sikh celebration of Vaisakhi by hosting a Sikh art exhibition at City Hall. We need more of these initiatives from our leaders at the local, state and federal levels.

Our educators also play a critical role in ensuring that the future generation recognizes that our differences are what make our nation great. According to Sikh Coalition research, Sikh students across the nation are at high risk of being bullied because of their appearance. Education is the best antidote to bullying. In 2010, Texas incorporated Sikhs into its school curricula to reflect our community's contributions to America. At the beginning of every school year, I accompany my son to school and show his fellow students how his patka is tied. We need more multicultural education in our schools to create a safe and healthy learning environment for all of our youth.

Lastly, we need to recognize the role each of us can play in our daily lives to find common ground with those around us. In my experience, one of the best ways to strengthen communities is through interfaith community service projects. For the fifth consecutive year, the local Sikh community will lead a seva (service) project to commemorate the Oak Creek anniversary. The Sikh community will pack hundreds of meals for needy Houston children in partnership with Pastor Jamail Johnson and the Word Church. Interfaith partnerships are possible, each of us has the power to participate in them, and they remain key to breaking down barriers between communities.

As I look at my son now, I vividly remember the way he looked at me on that tragic day five years ago. He still holds his head up high as he recites our religious hymns at our local gurdwara As a mother, I want him to grow up in a nation that allows him to be proud of his Sikh American heritage.

I will continue to do everything in my power to combat and prevent hate, but in order to prevent another tragedy like the one in Oak Creek, we all have to play our part.

Singh is a Houston trial attorney and mother, and is a board member for the Sikh Coalition - the largest Sikh civil rights organization in the United States.
Many groups, including some states' attorneys general, are angrily imploring U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos not to alter the Title IX sexual assault directive issued in President Obama's administration. But in the interest of treating both women and men fairly, the directive needs to be revised. College campuses often do not handle adjudication well. The college where I am a trustee is just a community college, but scores of elite universities could learn from us the fair way to adjudicate sexual assault cases.

Title IX sexual assault directives from the Office of Civil Rights are rife with flaws, of which I cite four:

One, the measure of "more likely than not" that the accused is guilty is not strong enough evidence to sentence the accused to a lifetime stain on reputation, especially for alleged rape.

Two, Title IX requires that schools designate a Title IX Coordinator, who can have the power to adjudicate Title IX assault complaints. This is too much power to a single school administrator. Never should one administrator control a student's destiny.

Three, the words "due process" do not appear in Title IX.

Four, Title IX is silent on recourses available to the accused. Accused students can file lawsuits if they believe their due process rights were violated during the discipline process - but this comes after the horse is out of the barn, and it's expensive for the filer.

At Lone Star College, we hand adjudication of all sexual assault cases to an outside retired federal judge and to a criminal attorney, seeking to make resolution as accurate and as fair as possible. We require written statements from the accuser, from the accused and from student services. Both the accuser and the accused then testify before the judge, independently if requested. This process enables a measure of due process absent from Title IX. Prior to the hearing, the accused gets a written copy of the complaint. An attorney can represent the accused in the hearing room. Both parties can bring evidence to the hearing, e.g., character references and the like.

To date this year, our outside retired federal judge and a criminal attorney have adjudicated seven sexual assault cases. They do so without pay. Of the seven cases, five found for the woman, one recommended that the man and woman cease all future contact, and the seventh case found for the man.

In these cases, the judge hears and carefully weighs the evidence on both sides. Such is not full due criminal process, which would enable rules of evidence, discovery, the right to effective counsel, subpoena power and sworn testimony, but it's at least some due administrative process and far fairer than present Title IX sexual assault directives.

Title IX's lack of due process was criticized by Harvard's law school faculty: 21 men and 7 women declared "strong objections to Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures" and asserted: "As teachers responsible for educating our students about the due process of law ... and the rule of law generally, we find the new sexual harassment policy inconsistent with many of the most basic principles we teach." They continue with this powerful, revealing and condemning statement: The policy and procedures "lack the most basic elements of fairness and due process (and) are overwhelmingly stacked against the accused."

Concurring with this observation of a stacked deck, attorney Andrew Miltenberg told The Daily Beast that around two years ago, he had only five or six cases involving male students suing their schools for being wrongfully expelled or suspended for sexual assault. "There was not," he says, "a daily flow of calls on this topic, and now there are." He says he has been approached by young men from over 100 different universities seeking his legal counsel. He concludes that the sexual assault process on campuses is a disservice to both the accuser and the accused. "There's something about the way the process is evolving that doesn't work for the accuser and the accused. ... The stench never leaves. The stigma attaches no matter how it resolves."

When given the opportunity to help an educational institution regarding a Title IX violation, I found it revitalizing to be able to listen to young people regarding an issue that could have a major influence upon their lives.

Many sexual assault cases in the country end up in court; all ours at Lone Star College begin with adjudication by a federal judge or criminal attorney. The focus is due process, as it should be.

Trowbridge is a trustee of the Lone Star College System.
CGTN photo

Located in northern China's Hebei Province, the Saihanba National Forest Park stretches across 185,000 acres of forest.

Saihanba was once a royal retreat thanks to its cool summer weather and hunting area, however, the region turned into a desert by the end of the Qing dynasty due to forest fires, deforestation and constant wars. Heavy northern winds from neighboring Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region worsened the situation.

Photo provided to CGTN by Saihanba National Forest Park

The expansion of the desert also led to Beijing grappling with decades of sandstorms, which seriously threatened the capitals environment.

Over 350 foresters were first sent to the region to fight the desertification as early as the 1960s. Their duty was to re-build a forest in Saihanba, but when they saw the extent of desertification in the region, nobody knew if the goal was realistic.

Photo provided to CGTN by Saihanba National Forest Park

It was not until they found a 200-year-old larch, swaying alone in the wind, that their hope in their mission was rekindled.

Chen Zhiqing, deputy director of Saihanba National Forest Park, said the lone tree proved there was a chance of building a canopy there.

Photo provided to CGTN by Saihanba National Forest Park

While Saihanba was a wasteland, the foresters had to build shelters and plant crops for themselves. They also had to endure the extremely cold winter there. Temperatures often dropped to minus 40 degrees Celsius.

Retired female forester ranger Zhao Huiqin said she still felt cold even when she was sitting right next to the stove.

After 55 years of efforts by three generations of experts, Saihanba has become the largest man-made forest park in the world. The canopies have also brought rich natural resources, such as carbon sequestration.

CGTN photo

The forest absorbs 747,000 tons of carbon dioxide a year, which can produce a total transaction volume of more than 30 million yuan according to current prices on the Beijing carbon emissions trading market.

The income will greatly help maintain the forest and improve north Chinas ecosystem.
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As Singapore forges ahead with its $4.5bn Industry Transformation Programme, the nations workforce grapples with the initiatives birthing pains.



During his May Day speech earlier this year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned of rising unemployment rates as the economy continues to undergo major restructuring in response to disruptive technological changes and rising global competition. While Singapore continues to fare well by international standards, many are still concerned for the economic collateral damage.



But the workforce does not grapple alone. Minister for Manpower Lim Swee Say asserted on Wednesday that his office, along with its affiliate organizations, remains committed to assisting affected firms and employees.



Lim cited the formulation of the Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) and Skills Frameworks as a collaborative effort to this end. These ITMs will act as roadmaps for the many firms that comprise Singapores 23 major economic sectors moving forward.



A number of maps have been launched since the projects announcement, including a comprehensive manpower plan for the HR industry unveiled last month.



To minimise mismatches in manpower supply and demand, we have identified and will continue to identify new skills needed for our people to remain employable, Lim said. In order to achieve this, MOM has spearheaded a number of services:
Around 70 workers from CTD Nesdale  a Foodstuffs distribution centre in South Auckland  officially launched strike action yesterday morning demanding improved employment conditions for temporary workers.

CTD Nesdale currently employs a labour hire company to provide contractors to support the business at certain times of the year. The contractors employment agreement is with the labour hire company which also manages their absenteeism.

Most temps are still working with no guarantee of hours and very few protections under employment law, claimed FIRST Union organiser Lisa Meto Fox.

Weve come across cases where temps were harassed simply for calling in sick, she added.

Allegations also arose today that employees had been threatened with dismissal if they spoke to their union  however, this claim is yet to be proven.
Note: this version was edited from its original.

Humane Society International/Latin America applauds the passing of the regulations for the Wildlife Conservation Law in Costa Rica. The new regulations allows Costa Ricas Ministry of Environment and Energy and its conservation agency, SINAC, to help establish important provisions to protect wildlife from trafficking and support wildlife rehabilitation programs. HSI/LA played an active role in drafting the regulations as part of the National Wildlife Commission.

The new regulations include necessary instruments to support the work of wildlife rescue centers, facilitate collaboration in the fight against illegal trafficking as well as implementing provisions for wild animals and plants. The regulations also establish the National Wildlife Commission as an advisory body to Costa Ricas environment and conservation agencies. Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis celebrated the regulations signing in Cano Negro during an event that also marked the inauguration of the new facilities of the Natural Wildlife Refuge of Cano Negro.

Andrea Borel, executive director of HSI/LA, who attended the ceremony, said: These regulations are not only an undisputed victory for wildlife, but also ratify Costa Ricas commitment to animal welfare. We will continue working together with MINAE, SINAC and other government institutions involved to achieve and implement the law, and ensure more humane treatment of wildlife throughout the country.

Sign the Dont Buy Wild Pledge.

Although the new statutes go a long way in ensuring animal protection under the law, HSI/LA also hopes it encourages Costa Ricans to show sensitivity, empathy and respect for wildlife, in alignment with the countrys respect for all forms of life.

HSI/LA congratulates President Solis and Minister of Environment and Energy, Edgar Gutierrez for signing the new regulation. The organization also praises the members of the National Commission of Wildlife for their work in the writing of the regulations.

Background

HSI/LA and SINAC signed a cooperation agreement this year to promote initiatives on the protection and conservation of wildlife in Costa Rica.

The illegal wildlife trade is one of the largest criminal trades in the world and is linked to violence, drugs and human trafficking. Wildlife trafficking threatens the survival of many species and results in the inhumane treatment of billions of animals each year worldwide.

Media contact: Raul Arce-Contreras: + 1-301-721-6440; rcontreras@humanesociety.org
I admit it. I have deep-rooted and ugly prejudices about native people in Canada. When I think of native people, I immediately think of alcoholic, jobless and homeless people who abuse themselves and others in every imaginable way. For all of my life I have seen these images and I continue to see native people this way.

Here's the catch: I'm native.

I grew up in a small native community. My home was stereotypically native: abusive relationships dominated my younger years and permeate every aspect of my life today. My family, friends, and community have seen, and continue to see, disproportionate levels of murder, suicide, violence, sexual abuse, prostitution, alcoholism, drug addiction, emotional abuse, homelessness, and poverty and the criminality that follows from all of this.

We feel the intergenerational effects of residential schools, dislocation, and many other policies designed to civilize and assimilate us at best, and to exterminate us at worst. Every native person I know has, to varying degrees, lost his or her language, traditional knowledge, and sense of identity and belonging as native people.

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I grew up in a town, province, and country that reinforced this as the dominant narrative about native people, except when we parade out a few traditional-looking natives to show off an integral part of the rich tapestry of the Canadian identity and imagination, and then congratulate ourselves for being so tolerant and multicultural.

When I moved to an urban centre to attend university, I noticed that the native people I saw in the city fit the stereotype: they were homeless, jobless, hopeless.

Not me.

I was healthy, studious, goal-oriented, ambitious, and eventually I achieved my goals. Successful, I guess you could say.

As a result, I denied to others and to myself that I was native. It was the only way that I could process the cognitive dissonance that arose when I contemplated my success as a native person and the thought that in order to be a real native, I had to be all of those ugly things.

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People around me reinforced that "success" and "native" were mutually exclusive concepts. Some said that despite my native heritage, I was a darn good student. A credit to my race! They were the well-meaning ones. The less sensitive people belittled me by making mean jokes about native people. In either case, they reinforced the idea that to be native, I could not be healthy, successful, and well-adjusted.

One of the hardest things for me to realize is that I have internalized these deeply-rooted prejudices about native people, and that I have to fight myself to shake them off. When I see a healthy, well-adjusted and successful native person, not only do I think that this is exceptional -- I find it hard to believe. Due to my internalized prejudices against my own people, I find it very difficult, and perhaps sometimes even impossible, to see excellence in native artists, academics, advocates, and even parents. One way to make sense of it is to conclude that these individuals are not "really" native. It's hard for me to realize and admit this.

However, the hardest thing for me to realize is how this goes beyond just me. I have spent the better part of a lifetime thinking about native identity. I am a native person who is "successful" by any measure you choose: I am physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally healthy. I have good relationships with family and friends, I have a rewarding career and financial stability, I contribute to my community, and I've been told that I am a role model to many. I have proven to myself, my family, and my community that I am just as capable of excellence as anyone else. But I can't quite make the connection that we native people are as worthy or capable as non-native Canadians.

I am not asking for your reassurance or pity. I am simply admitting that, despite my efforts to discard my damaging thought processes, I hold deeply-rooted prejudiced views about my own people, and indeed about myself. If I can admit this while being a person who embodies what it means to be a healthy and successful native person, then I wonder what the reality is in the minds of others, both native and non-native.

I know that there are healthy-minded Canadians who do not hold such prejudices about native people. But I know from experience that there are unfortunately many who hold the typical prejudices about us. Perhaps they have not turned their minds to this topic -- and who can blame them? Everyone has a limited supply of time and attention to devote to other peoples' problems. Maybe they haven't taken the time to speak to Elders, to listen to stories of trauma so typical of native people, or to read about the topic -- and who can blame them? Easy access to these resources might not be obvious unless actively searched out.

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Canadian-Indigenous relations are complex and difficult, to say the least. Both sides foster distrust, racism, and hatred. I doubt, though, that non-native Canadians end up distrusting, hating, and holding racist views of themselves as a result of this poisonous dynamic in our relationship. In my experience, some native people end up with this self-hatred. Some of us believe that we're not as worthy or capable of excellence, we're not as deserving of love, security, health, prosperity, equality. The result is predictable: suicide, abuse of one's self and others, and powerlessness. Just look at any statistics about the socio-economic conditions of native people in Canada.

In admitting this, I believe it will help me to recognize thought patterns which reinforce my prejudices so that I may change my thinking. I believe writing helps me heal from these thoughts. I am targeting thoughts that you may not want to admit you might have -- and perhaps you don't, I do not and cannot know your mind. I do not cast moral blameworthiness upon you, for I know how difficult it is to recognize and admit this. I write this in the hope that shining light on this ugly part of our reality will help us to grow together and to build a more loving, inclusive, and equal society.

Lou James is a pseudonym.
'Disruption' is one of those phrases, isn't it? An annoying buzzword that's already entered into cliche. A word that makes you want to switch off. But however grating the term, the big digital disruptors of the day are transforming how we live and work.

Shaking it all up

These 'new kids on the block' are shaking everything up. The world's largest taxi firm (Uber) owns no cars, the world's most popular media owner (Facebook) creates no content and the world's largest accommodation provider (AirBnB) owns no properties.

Simply put, these companies have taken a different view on how to do things and have used new technologies to turn their industries upside down.

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Take Brolly, a personal insurance concierge that uses AI to automate the advice a customer would traditionally receive from an insurance broker. By removing the broker from the process, Brolly has completely transformed the business model for insurance - one that is now founded on protecting the customer rather than the traditional transaction model of assumed 'shared risk'.

What people want

In one sense, disruptors don't do anything markedly different to other businesses. They find out what their customers want and they give it to them. But disruptors are strongly characterised by what they offer and the way they offer it. Instead of offering tangible assets (clothes, cars, breakfast cereals), they have shifted towards intangible asset value.

Fitbit's range of wearable fitness trackers, for example, may be tangible but the true value of (wellbeing, simplification, the motivation to do another 30 minutes when your body's telling you to lie in a darkened room) is not.

In other words, the essential principles of knowing a customer and keeping them at the heart of a business model have not changed. What has changed is how quickly customer demands grow and shift, the pace of technological advancement, the complexity of the customer journey and the speed at which new, disruptive brands can swoop in to respond.

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How to disrupt

Amaze conducted a study of some of the most well known and well established digital disrupters including Airbnb and Netflix.

To find out how they disrupted things so successfully, we reviewed each company's operational timeline, looking at data trends (in terms of search interest, paid and organic search visibility, upstream and downstream traffic and social media) surrounding key milestones such as website launches, relaunches, major investment announcements, acquisitions and partnerships. This is what we found:

Doing things differently

 Disruptors remove friction: We found a strong correlation between the company events of Netflix and Airbnb and search interest (brand awareness) over time. More specifically, events or actions that centred on the removal of friction - such as acquisitions to support expansion of services, improving the consistency of experiences, app launches and investments in digital experiences - led to the greatest spikes in search interest.

 Disruptors respond to negativity/adversity by the well-timed offering of something new: Our study showed that removing friction alone was not enough to guarantee success for the disruptor. The timing of actions was a key element. The most successful organisations were those that reacted to negative events with the launch of new products, services or initiatives that would remove friction for customers in the future.

 Disruptors save their customers time: Of the 30 elements of value identified by HBR mentioned above, time was one of the basic elements at the foot of the hierarchy. It's notable that, whatever else they deliver, the enhancements our disruptors make save their customers time.

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Spotting the opportunity

Our findings reveal that:

 Uber attacked wasted time by reducing effort getting in and out of a taxi

 Netflix saved customers time by moving from a DVD postal service to a streaming model

 Amazon saved customers time with unlimited next day delivery. As a result, Prime captured 40% of the US consumer market

 And Google's business model is centred around time, delivering search results in milliseconds, not seconds.

It's simple really

How do these characteristics manifest themselves? Take Carwow, an automotive disruptor flipping the new car buying process on its head. Founded in 2013, Carwow's 'dating website for car dealers' connects dealers and buyers and removes any complexity from the customer's search for a new car.

"Buying a car was a painful process and they [consumers] never knew if they were getting a good deal or not...people don't like to argue over money and they've simply got no idea where to start or whether the price they end up with is the best price they could have achieved" claims James Hind, Carwow's founder.

This really sums things up and based on our research we've distilled the characteristics of disruptors into a simple value equation: reducing time by removing value friction leads to an increase in value, in other words:

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GREATER SIMPLICITY = GREATER VALUE

For those brands that truly understand what their customers want and make getting it simple, the reward is high. In 2013, 41% of consumers stated that they were willing to pay more for simpler experiences. In 2016, this figure rose to 64% of consumers (source: Global Simplicity Index, 2016).

As with so many things, Apple leads the way here. First with music, then apps and games, now with health, wellbeing and payments, Apple is engineering experiences that are embedded across customers' everyday lives.

The challenge for everyone else is to do likewise.
The boom of summer tutoring programs has spread fiercely, consuming the time and money of parents and students.

A junior middle school student said in a live interview that he had nine hours of classes every day for his entire summer break. All my classmates are in summer tutoring classes,  he said.

Summer classes, including math, English, and art are considered necessary for students, while many parents see overseas study tours as good opportunities for their children to get ahead, filling their children's days with a wide range of programs, despite the high costs of around $4,000 to $6,000.

Some courses are organized by the students primary and middle schools, warned by the Ministry of Education on Wednesday. According to Sohu.com, the excessive pursuit of enrolment rates and school competition has led to the high number of summer programs, despite being prohibited.

A parent said she felt pressured by the current trend. I dont want my son to have pressure at such a young age, but if I dont do this hell fall behind his peers, she said. Its not just the students competing, but the parents too.

The Ministry of Education released new restrictions on Wednesday to reduce the workload of primary and middle school students during the summer vacation. A more reasonable and meaningful summer program was encouraged, such as participating in social activities, getting close to nature, and conducting observation and inquiry-based learning, rather than all kinds of tutorial courses, said a notice.

Experts say that not all education pays off. Parents should not follow bad trends but rather engage education in a more meaningful way.
Say the word 'disruption' and you'll most likely think of Silicon Valley; online businesses that are challenging old, established ways of doing business.

You're unlikely to think about adolescent girls living in poverty.

At Girl Effect, we're disrupting the traditional mindset to development challenges. Rather than viewing girls as part of the problem, we enable girls to be part of the solution. Evidence shows that when girls have access to services like education and healthcare, not only do they rise, but they lift the economic prospects of their whole community and the generations that follow. As such, every dollar invested in a girl has a multiplier effect.

But here's the rub: negative beliefs and belief systems.

I don't believe being a disruptor should be confined to the private sector. It's not just about the technology in itself, but an attitude: challenging old, established thinking and realising a new idea, at scale, in a short space of time.

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What can those tackling global poverty learn from private sector disruptors?

1. Challenge the status quo

Disruptors look sideways at a problem and ask: if we were starting from scratch, what would we do?

When it comes to development, 131 billion is spent on aid every year. Much of this investment goes on tangible initiatives, like schools, vaccination clinics, and safe spaces. All of which are vital, necessary and urgent.

However, our key insight is that you can't just supply services on the ground without unlocking demand for them within the communities you seek to serve.

For example, you can build a school, but girls might still drop out if the norm is for them to marry young and their education is deemed expensive and unnecessary. You can build a clinic, but girls might still not visit because of taboos associated with seeing a doctor. You can develop a training programme for girls to learn new skills, but they still might not sign up if social expectations confine her to the home.

The missing ingredient is this. You can't just build, we need to unleash demand - and not just from girls themselves. We need to change the hearts and minds of those around her too to actively champion her. Otherwise we're throwing seeds on to stony ground.

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2. Make the consumer the boss

Another thing disruptors have in common: they don't just know more about their consumer, they empower the consumer. They put technology into their hands and make them the boss.

This is a theme in all disruptor success stories - AirBnB, LinkedIn - you cut out the middle-(wo)man and put the power in the hands of your consumers.

So how can we apply this learning to tackling global poverty?

To do so, we need to understand the real barriers that hold girls back from their reality; their perspective. So what if we employed and trained girls living in poverty to become data gatherers in their communities, and gave them a voice to tell us and others about what they need to overcome the barriers they face?

Traditional analogue research methodologies can often be slow and expensive, with insights lost in translation or not really actionable.

Firstly, we learned from other tech pioneers to ensure TEGA technology is at the cutting-edge of research. Taking inspiration from Snapchat, all data is erased from the TEGA's device the moment the data is sent. And to ensure identity protection, we have borrowed the approach of online banking security - only the first three letters of a respondent's name are visible on the TEGA device.

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Just like disruptors, we've cut out the middle-(wo)man and put a cutting-edge mobile research app directly into girls' hands. We've trained girls living in poverty as digital data gatherers inside the communities that are hardest to reach, through surveys designed for low digital literacy - for example, interviewees can communicate with us and code the video responses with relevant emojis when they are undertaking interviews. They capture and upload insights in real-time, so that the data they gather is available to us and to our partners - such as Oxfam, DFID and Gates - in six weeks rather than 6 months.

As a result, we've surfaced the issues that girls face in some of the most dangerous places in the world and new, genuine and authentic insights into their realities, helping to ensure interventions designed for them are more effective. And we've developed skills and an income for these girls. It's a hand-up, not a hand-out.

3. Create impact at scale

Here's another hallmark of disruptors: they break down silos to create impact at scale.

Girl Effect is doing this with brands for social change like Yegna and Ni Nyampinga.

Yegna is a multi-platform youth brand in Ethiopia. It's about five girls who come together through their love of music to form a group. Using the formats that people love - radio drama, music, interactive platforms, apps and talk shows - Yegna surfaces real-life issues such as early forced marriage, violence and barriers to education.

Ni Nyampinga is Rwanda's first youth brand. Together, its magazine, radio show, safe spaces programme and app are reaching mass scale, with 79% of people in Rwanda aware of the brand. In the space of five short years, 60% of girls who are regular consumers of Ni Nyampinga are more likely to have high levels of self-efficacy and 67% of adults and boys have more positive attitudes towards gender equality.

These culture brands for social change are working: creating pathways to empowerment for girls and their communities as a whole. Yegna and Ni Nyampinga are not public information campaigns that talk at girls. They are mass engagement initiatives that resonate and create a ripple effect across the whole of society.

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Those working in technology, media and the creative industries may believe that "disruption" has become the buzzword in boardrooms of companies around the world.

But my challenge to you is this.

What would happen if we took the best knowledge from the private sector, the creative sector and the technology and media sectors and captured the deep development expertise to take a new look at the biggest global challenges facing our world?

We are a generation more empowered than any which has preceded us, with the tools and technology to create change at scale - to create new pathways to empowerment for the most disenfranchised on the planet.

We can't afford to spend another 100 years seeing the same old patterns keeping girls - and their countries - locked in an ecosystem of poverty.
While Theresa May toured the TV studios during the General Election campaigning promising to deliver a fairer society, her Health Ministers were hard at work drawing up a new hit list of fourteen areas across the country which will face a fresh round of NHS cuts.

You may not have heard of the Capped Expenditure Process (CEP), because Jeremy Hunt doesn't think that you need to know. But if you live in one of the fourteen areas that are being targeted, you could soon notice devastating impacts on local health services.

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The CEP aims to cap spending in particular areas of the country that NHS England claim have been overspending their 'fair share' of funding; a statement which assumes that current financial allocations are fair and achievable, something which hospital leaders, clinicians and patients across the country would dispute. Against a backdrop of seven years of underfunding of the NHS it is well known all sections of the Health service face huge cost pressures with many Trusts reporting deficits each year. However, there has so far been a complete lack of transparency about how significant the 'unfairness' has to be for an area to be selected and the Kings Fund has questioned whether one-off actions such as property sales or large charitable donations, which had an impact on the historical financial position of NHS Providers had been considered.

The secrecy does not just extend to patients. Even as the Shadow Health Minister, I have not been provided with any information about the process by the Government. An example of this is that just before Parliament broke up for the summer recess, the Health Minister, Philip Dunne MP refused to provide me with a list of areas affected, despite this information being in the public domain following leaks to the media by NHS whistle-blowers several weeks ago.

We now know that the areas to be impacted are: Bristol; South Gloucestershire and North Somerset; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Cheshire (Eastern, Vale Royal and South); Cornwall; Devon; Morecambe Bay; Northumberland; North Central London; North Lincolnshire; North West London; South East London; Staffordshire; Surrey and Sussex; Vale of York and Scarborough and Ryedale.

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From CEP's to STP's to ACS's, the number of acronyms proliferating in the NHS seems to grow. The common denominator amongst them though is a lack of accountability; we are all familiar with STP's now and the huge cuts they are meant to be delivering. But where is the meaningful engagement with the public, staff and patients about these proposals? The CEP process has the same agenda in terms of cutting services but also has a complete lack of transparency. For information on changes to to what services are delivered in the NHS to only reach the public through whistle-blowers is a damning indictment of the culture of secrecy currently prevailing.

Analysis by the British Medical Association paints a worrying picture of what could be in store if you are unfortunate enough to live in one of these areas. Potential implications include the closure or downgrading of hospitals, wards and services - including maternity and emergency departments. Patients with heart problems could be denied angiograms, knee operations could be rationed, access to hearing aids and IVF treatment could be restricted as could diagnostic procedures such as endoscopies which may affect patients who are suspected of having cancer.
An employment tribunal in Scotland has ruled that two foster carers must be recognised as employees. James and Christine Johnstone argued they were entitled to benefits as employees of Glasgow City Council, and the tribunal ruled in their favour.

Judge Ian McFatridge noted that his ruling was based on the particular type of fostering work that the Johnstones undertake, and stressed that it was not a wider judgment on the status of all foster carers.

Nonetheless, the outcome has been hailed as a landmark ruling, which other fostering providers will need to consider, and there is no question that the status of foster carers is an issue that must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

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There are different types of foster carers, and financial arrangements vary from provider to provider. But, as a rule, foster carers are usually self-employed. They receive an allowance for looking after children and young people in their own homes. But because they are not employees they are not entitled to benefits such as holiday pay and sick leave, and must make their own pension arrangements. They also have limited legal protection when things go wrong. A placement can end suddenly, without notice, and the allowance is discontinued immediately.

If this arrangement seems precarious, that is because it is. Despite this, there are more than 50,000 families in the UK willing to welcome children and young people into their homes, often for an unlimited time and usually at a moment's notice.

It is an arrangement that is coming under strain. There are many reasons for this, but a key issue is that fostering allowances have fallen in real terms, and often no longer cover the cost of providing homes to children. Other support for fostering families has been curtailed, as austerity has taken its toll. In addition, placements are becoming more complex and taking longer to resolve.

Will employment status address these concerns? My view is that it will not. Personally, I would not want to become an employee of our local authority, for whom we provide fostering services. Our allowances are paid by them, but the reality is that we work for the children in our care. We protect their interests, and nobody else's. We are free to challenge decisions that we believe are against their best interests, as we often do. We refuse placements that are not appropriate. In between placements we can take a break when we need it, and for as long as it takes to be ready to foster again.

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Our role as advocates would certainly be compromised as employees. The relationship with children would undoubtedly suffer, particularly with those old enough to understand the difference between a host family and just another council employee. We have never taken a holiday without our foster children (apart from the occasional overnight break). And like many foster carers, we came to this later in our lives, and the pension benefits we might accrue will be limited. There are better ways to save for our eventual retirement.

This does not mean that foster carers should be put at a disadvantage over other workers. There are steps that fostering providers can take to support carers in other ways, particularly local authorities. One would be to allow carers to 'bank' days based on the duration of a placement, so that when it ends they continue to receive an allowance for a number of days, in lieu of holiday pay. Another would be for all foster carers to be entitled to credits on payments they make to the local authority, such as council tax. Better access to respite care is essential.

Local authorities can do much more to secure discounts from local businesses from foster carers. After all, we spend taxpayer's money on everything from school uniforms to trips to the cinema. I feel no shame in asking corporate citizens to help bear some of the cost.

These are small but significant changes to help improve the narrative around foster care, sharing the financial burden while also integrating foster care, and foster carers, more closely into the community, instead of leaving us at the margin.
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The true age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is upon us. Take for instance the intelligent voice recognition app, Apple Siri. Or, you can also take the example of the AI powered Google search results. The search engine takes your browsing behavior into account and provides you with search suggestions that you would most likely be intending to search.

The uses of Artificial Intelligence technology are many. Basically, the technology has the ability to learn through different human and non-human behavior or patterns and evolve into a state when it can act like a real human. Or perhaps, it can make decisions like humans do.

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However, when you weigh the technology alongside parenting, you get a mixed review of emotions. For instance, a San Francisco seed investor, Hunter Walk, compares AI and kids behavior in his blog, saying that while Amazon Echo (AI) is a lovely technology, "it's also turning our daughter into a raging asshole." After all, the technology may bring convenience to our life but ordering a device to do things and without adding niceties like "Thank you" or "Please" diminish the value of "good manners."

Fair enough!

But, we cannot ignore the fair share of good things that can happen with the use of Artificial Intelligence. In the case of a Chinese family, it was the AI (Baidu AI) that helped a couple find their missing son after 27 years of his abduction.

Benefits of the AI in Parenting

Like any other technology, AI also needs a great amount of research and analysis so that we can unlock its true potential and implement it in different walks of life. Recently, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) conducted a study on the technology that presents its significance in parenting.

There are some highly valuable insights we can derive from the study to understand how AI is impacting the role, behavior or beliefs of the Millennial parents.

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AI Can Assist in Education

The IEEE study found that out of 600 parents, 74% said that they would prefer getting their child an AI tutor, while only 10% or even less refused the idea of an AI tutor. The study further reveals that 80% of the parents firmly believe that AI can help their children learn more efficiently than the parents did without the wondrous technology.

Even renowned tech influencers like, Adel De Meyer, advocates the significance of AI in education. When asked about how AI can assist in educating kids, she stated;

"Artificial intelligence could be used to provide children with one-to-one tutoring to improve their learning and monitor their well-being." "AI will likely not replace but will serve as an invaluable extension of the human expert, helping teachers to more effectively meet the needs of many students simultaneously," she further adds.

Education plays a major role in making a person sophisticated, civilized and skilled. Though children get their core education in schools, they need additional assistance outside their institute as well. Parents can't always give them enough time and help them with studies. After all, they have their own fair share of responsibilities.

Here, an AI can help kids with their education. In fact, many online platforms are harnessing the technology of machine learning to better cater to children with their studies.

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Talking about AI and education, Rose Luckin, a professor at University College London, says, "The potential for the use of AI to make education tractable and visible is huge."

AI Can Better Diagnose Diseases

When it comes to medical assistance or medical diagnosis, majority of the parents expressed "some level" of trust on AI, whereas 39% said they have "a great level" of trust.

Immediate medical assistance is something every parent would do anything to get. Say, for instance, your child suddenly gets sick late at night and you don't have any 24/7 healthcare facility around. Wouldn't you be worried? Here, medical assistance in any form would be something you would gladly go for.

Luckily, the healthcare industry is also showing great progress in implementing AI. Recently, a London based health company, Babylon Health, has raised millions of funds for their AI chatbot. The chatbot would help patients or others in need to get their medical conditions diagnosed immediately.

AI Can Help Teenage Drivers

In a US senate report on AI's significance and challenges, committee member Senator Gary Peters mentioned that human error causes 94% of 34,000 annual vehicular deaths.

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McKinsey reports a benefit of AI technology in relation to self-driving cars. According to the study, the implementation of AI will have a great impact as it is expected to save 300,000 lives per decade that are lost due to vehicular accidents.

When it comes to parenting and self-driving cars the IEEE's study shows that 31% parents express less concern if their child is behind an AI-powered (self-driven) car than regular cars.

The Other Side of the Same Coin

When it comes to spending parenting time with your children, 63% of the parents believe that the technology "diminishes the amount of quality time with the child."

When you kids are younger, you need to spend more time with them as it is the period where they learn social values, respect, and other important etiquettes from their parents. However, if they spend a good amount of their day with a technology rather than their parents, they don't get enough time to learn human values and relationships.
Between April and June, Google completed a major revision of its search engine that sharply curtails public access to Internet web sites that operate independently of the corporate and state-controlled media. Since the implementation of the changes, many left wing, anti-war and progressive web sites have experienced a sharp fall in traffic generated by Google searches. The World Socialist Web Site has seen, within just one month, a 70 percent drop in traffic from Google.

In a blog post published on April 25, Ben Gomes, Googles chief search engineer, rolled out the new censorship program in a statement bearing the Orwellian title, Our latest quality improvements for search. This statement has been virtually buried by the corporate media. Neither the New York Times nor the Wall Street Journal has reported the statement. The Washington Post limited its coverage of the statement to a single blog post.

Framed as a mere change to technical procedures, Gomess statement legitimizes Internet censorship as a necessary response to the phenomenon of fake news, where content on the web has contributed to the spread of blatantly misleading, low quality, offensive or downright false information.

The phenomenon of fake news is, itself, the principal fake news story of 2017. In its origins and propagation, it has all the well-known characteristics of what used to be called CIA misinformation campaigns, aimed at discrediting left-wing opponents of state and corporate interests.

Significantly, Gomes does not provide any clear definition, let alone concrete examples, of any of these loaded terms (fake news, blatantly misleading, low quality, offensive, and down right false information.)

The focus of Googles new censorship algorithm is political news and opinion sites that challenge official government and corporate narratives. Gomes writes: [I]ts become very apparent that a small set of queries in our daily traffic (around 0.25 percent), have been returning offensive or clearly misleading content, which is not what people are looking for.

Gomes revealed that Google has recruited some 10,000 evaluators to judge the quality of various web domains. The company has evaluatorsreal people who assess the quality of Googles search resultsgive us feedback on our experiments. The chief search engineer does not identify these evaluators nor explain the criteria that are used in their selection. However, using the latest developments in programming, Google can teach its search engines to think like the evaluators, i.e., translate their political preferences, prejudices, and dislikes into state and corporate sanctioned results.

Gomes asserts that these evaluators are to abide by the companys Search Quality Rater Guidelines, which provide more detailed examples of low-quality webpages for raters to appropriately flag, which can include misleading information, unexpected offensive results, hoaxes and unsupported conspiracy theories.

Once again, Gomes employs inflammatory rhetoric without explaining the objective basis upon which negative evaluations of web sites are based.

Using the input of these evaluators, Gomes declares that Google has improved our evaluation methods and made algorithmic updates to surface more authoritative content. He again asserts, further down, Weve adjusted our signals to help surface more authoritative pages and demote low-quality content.

What this means, concretely, is that Google decides not only what political views it wants censored, but also what sites are to be favored.

Gomes is clearly in love with the term authoritative, and a study of the words meaning explains the nature of his verbal infatuation. A definition given by the Oxford English Dictionary for the word authoritative is: Proceeding from an official source and requiring compliance or obedience.

The April 25 statement indicates that the censorship protocols will become increasingly restrictive. Gomes states that Google is making good progress in making its search results more restrictive. But in order to have long-term and impactful changes, more structural changes in Search are needed.

One can assume that Mr. Gomes is a competent programmer and software engineer. But one has good reason to doubt that he has any particular knowledge of, let alone concern for, freedom of speech.

Gomess statement is Google-speak for saying that the company does not want people to access anything besides the official narrative, worked out by the government, intelligence agencies, the main capitalist political parties, and transmitted to the population by the corporate-controlled media.

In the course of becoming a massive multi-billion dollar corporate juggernaut, Google has developed politically insidious and dangerous ties to powerful and repressive state agencies. It maintains this relationship not only with the American state, but also with governments overseas. Just a few weeks before implementing its new algorithm, in early April, Gomes met with high-ranking German officials in Berlin to discuss the new censorship protocols.

Google the search engine is now a major force for the imposition of state censorship.

Source: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2017/07/31/goog-j31.html
When people feel powerless, they sometimes push for change at any price, and in the absence of a guillotine reach for institutions instead. This makes some sense: at worst it feels good, and at best if you believe things can't get any worse, then what's to lose by shaking them up?





Calling the Floor

Normally potent members of ICANN's community  people and entities for whom the sensation of powerlessness is largely unfamiliar  are nonetheless feeling that way in respect of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). This imperfect and misshapen pollywog, half one thing and half another, born into a purposeful life but aging now into a grumpy adolescence, has a lot that's wrong about it: opaque, quixotic and inflexible governance, spasms of excessive partiality, a seemingly systemic inability to reform or face up to its own shortcomings (in this it behaves like most of us) A long list of grievances forces us to ask whether the IGF is now so incorrigible that we must, as a matter of good governance (or just plain mercy) call time on our hapless beast.

A World Without You

The Community should not decide the fate of the IGF in the way an impetuous majority of Britons chose to leave the European Union: without undertaking some scenario planning. Start with what we know: that celebrity funerals demand a good eulogy. The IGF would have at least two.

Version 1 would be written by the euthanisers themselves: the IGF served its purpose and was effective as long as it lasted. It proved that multistakeholderism was the right model, if one that has now been transposed onto more steady, structured, and predictable groups, the WSIS Forum not least among them. The IGF saw us through so much: early ICANN Inc, Net Mundial, the IANA transition, the Labors of Senator Cruz. RIP IGF, thank you for showing us the way.

Version 2 would be written differently, but the authors would not be so obvious: the IGF's failure proves the multistakeholder model failed in concept and execution. Its formlessness became such a risk to the stability of the Internet that even the last of the Old Believers, the business constituency, piled in with the fatal blow. But now we have heard the Community, and return the governance of this shared resource to where it belongs  along with other delicate matters such as climate change, whales, spectrum, the peaceful uses of outer space  to an intergovernmental body. Do not fear: in this process we learned that the Internet community must have a voice and be heard, and we will almost certainly pay lip service to this aspiration; for now, please form an orderly queue outside the room while the State Councillors consider your rights to petition (be patient).

Version 3

In this version, the IGF doesn't die. Rather, when the business constituency and other dissatisfied stalwarts cede the field, they are replaced by governments who, in their International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace or elsewhere, have already announced their intention to reform the IGF into a more structured thing. In combination with UNESCO, a newly constituted Dynamic Coalition on Appropriate Internet Content, a new Joint IGF-WIPO-ITU Policy Committee, the unruly cornerstone of the multistakeholder model would retain its pride of place. In its new form, it would turn out senior-level communiques and policy recommendations on the need for alternative governance arrangements, standards for the use of content, the proper and complete internationalization of ICANN, and robust system alternatives to ensure redundancy. These calls would echo, if not appear in advance of, the same demands made at the UNGA and ITU. Consensus would then be broad and deep across the multistakeholder landscape. Where would you go to disagree?

Keep the Baby and Make Other Plans for the Bathwater

There are a hundred ways to improve the effectiveness and the IGF, some of them even achievable (tolerate individual demands less, insist on matters of principal more, drive more structured engagement with the UN General Assembly's Second Committee, revert to the Tunis Agenda mandate, seek commitments to transparency from MAG members, expand the MAG, increase the scope and timelines for staging IGF events, identify more specific annual themes, put more resource into diversifying government participation). But exasperation is not the optimal point of departure for good policymaking. The Brexit referendum was an uninformed step the value of which was never challenged by much thought for what really would follow. The result looks to be more isolation and an intellectual vacuum filled by the very European countries England spent the past 500 years competing with. The ICANN Community knows how to recognize a bad example when it's in front of us, so in considering whether or not the IGF should be rescued, ask first what happens if we set it adrift.

By Gregory Francis, Managing Director at Access Partnership

Source: http://www.circleid.com/posts/20170731_igf_brexit_moment/
Two new laws in Russia jeopardize the privacy and security of internet users and aim to further control Russians freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch said today.

The legislation, signed into law by President Vladimir Putin on July 30, 2017, bans anonymous use of online messenger applications and prohibits the use of software to allow users to circumvent internet censorship. The new laws are part of Russias widespread crackdown on online expression, in violation of human rights law and democratic safeguards.

Anonymity protects the rights of internet users and freedom of expression online, said Yulia Gorbunova , Russia researcher at Human Rights Watch. These laws negatively affect the ability of tens of millions of Russians to freely access and exchange information online.

Law  276-FZ , which is scheduled to come into force in November, prohibits owners of virtual private network (VPN) services and internet anonymizers from providing access to websites banned in Russia. The law authorizes Roskomnadzor, Russias federal executive authority responsible for overseeing online and media content, to block sites that provide instructions on how to circumvent government blocking. It also authorizes Russias law enforcement agencies, including the Interior Ministry and the Federal Security Service, to identify violators, and tasks Roskomnadzor with creating a special registry of online resources and services prohibited in Russia.

VPNs are often used by journalists, human rights activists, students, and others to protect the privacy and security of their online activity, as well as to circumvent Internet censorship.

Irina Borogan, an investigative journalist and expert on internet freedom in Russia, told Human Rights Watch that the law is overly intrusive and creates unjustified obstacles to access to information. Russias internet ombudsman, Dmitry Marinichev, in a media interview called the new legislation madness, potentially amounting to persecution of citizens in their own country.

The second law  241-FZ , signed on July 30, prohibits companies registered in Russia as organizers of information dissemination, including online messaging applications, from allowing unidentified users. The law requires those companies to identify their users by their cell phone numbers, and tasks the government with elaborating the identification procedure. Under the law, mobile applications that fail to comply with requirements to restrict anonymous accounts will be blocked in Russia. The law is scheduled to come into force in January 2018.

Since 2014, Russian authorities have been putting increasing pressure on online messaging applications to comply with other new laws. In particular, these include a 2015 law that requires operators and service providers to store and process personal data of Russian citizens on servers located inside Russia, and a 2014 bloggers law that introduced the concept of organizers of information dissemination  any person or entity that provides service that enables its users to communicate with each other, including social media platforms and online messenger applications  and required them to register with Roskomnadzor.

In a positive move, law No.276-FZ annulled another provision of the 2014 law that had required bloggers with more than 3,000 unique visits per day to register in a special registry and imposed the same legal constraints and responsibilities on bloggers as on mass media outlets, without providing the same protections.

In April, Roskomnadzor blocked three online messaging apps  BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), LINE, and Imo.im  and a video chat, Vchat, for failing to share with the authorities data about their users, as well as to provide Roskomnadzor with information necessary to register the messengers as organizers of information dissemination.

In May, the authorities also blocked the Chinese messaging application WeChat, but lifted the restrictions after the company provided the information. Also in May, Roskomnadzor ordered the chat application Telegram, with six million users in Russia, to provide information for the registry of organizers of information dissemination. In June, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, agreed to provide the required information, but stated that the messenger would not share confidential user data with the authorities.

July 2017 Human Rights Watch report documents how in recent years the Russian government established tighter control over the internet through a raft of laws that provide government agencies with very wide powers to carry out unchecked surveillance and to censor information online. Human Rights Watch reported that the authorities have unjustifiably blocked thousands of websites and prosecuted dozens of internet users for expressing their views on sensitive topics, including LGBT issues, Russias intervention in Syria, and the armed conflict in Ukraine.

These laws are yet another step by the authorities to shrink the online space in Russia because they fear it is a platform for critical expression, Gorbunova said. The laws unjustifiably restrict access to information and jeopardize Russias internet users confidential information and communications.

Source: https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/08/01/russia-new-legislation-attacks-internet-anonymity




iciHaiti - Diaspora : Haiti mourns the departure of Professor Maximilien Laroche





Maximilien Laroche, a native of Cap-Haitien, living in Quebec since 1960, researcher and professor of comparative literature, died at the age of 80 in Quebec at the St-Sacrement Hospital.



Stephanie Auguste, the Minister of Haitians living Abroad, bowed to her mortal remains while welcoming her entry into the literary and artistic national pantheon.



"The regrettable disappearance of this eminent man of letters from the diaspora highlights a life of toil and success, a source of inspiration for Haitians from elsewhere and from here. Professor Laroche, who emigrated to Canada in 1960, had loved Haiti to the point of making it the principal identity and cultural reference of his brilliant career as a writer and professor at the University of Laval, Quebec.



The departure of Maximilien Laroche comes, and it is a shame, to darken a little more the sky of Haiti which watches, helplessly, eclipse lately, many of its most sparkling stars.



Minister Auguste, on behalf of the Government, expresses her condolences to all those affected by this disappearance."



The religious service will be celebrated on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 2 pm at St-Charles Garnier Church, 1215 Chanoine-Morel Avenue, Quebec City, Quebec G1S 4B1.



The family will receive condolences at the church from 1 pm (one hour before the ceremony). A reception will follow the ceremony.



The ashes will be placed in the columbarium of the Maison Gomin Funeral Complex, 2026, boul. Rene-Levesque West, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 2K8.



IH/ iciHaiti


















A murder suspect has been caught in northern China after having plastic surgery to evade police.

The suspect, surnamed Zhang, is suspected of killing five people 17 years ago following a debt dispute, police of Weichang county in Hebei Province said Friday.

Last month, Weichang police received information about Zhang's presence in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

Zhang was using the identity of a man surnamed Yu, despite the annulment of Yu's household registration, police said

Zhang was later caught in his home with the help of Heilongjiang police.

Police found scars on Zhang's face that indicated that he had gone through plastic surgery.

Zhang confessed that he killed five residents in his village and severely injured another in January 2000.

The investigation is ongoing.
Chinese defense ministry has urged India to immediately pull back the trespassing troops to the Indian side of the boundary.

Ren Guoqiang, a spokesperson of the ministry, made the remarks in a statement released by the ministry's website late Thursday night.

Ren called on the Indian side to swiftly address the situation in a proper manner to restore peace and tranquility in the border region.

Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. Chinese armed forces have also shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability, said Ren.

However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line, said Ren.

Ren urged the Indian side to give up the illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Chinese armed forces will resolutely protect the country's territorial sovereignty and security interests, said Ren.

Indian border troops illegally crossed the border into Chinese territory on June 18, and obstructed China's road construction work on the Chinese side.

As of Thursday, there are still Indian border troops illegally staying in the Chinese territory.

On Wednesday, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued 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."
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A historic event in its own right, Winning Icons will offer what is without a doubt amongst the most important Rolex watches to ever be offered on the market: the singular, one and only Rolex Paul Newman Cosmograph Daytona owned and worn by none other than Paul Newman. The event is taking place on 26 October 2017, in New York.

The iconic watch was purchased by his wife Joanne Woodward as the perfect gift for her husband - a watch designed specifically for motor sport, due to the fact that, outside of his artistic endeavors, Newman had long been passionate about speed. On the case back of the watch, Drive carefully me is the heartfelt and loving inscription Joanne chose to engrave for him, fearful of his need for speed.

The reference 6239 was the very first model of Rolexs iconic Cosmograph "Daytona" series - produced from approximately 1963 until 1970. It was the firm's first chronograph with a tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel, designed to instantly and clearly measure speed.

The horological event organised by Phillips will be auctioning off this particular reference 6239 that was worn daily by the legend himself, and was prominently featured in many photographs published in magazines and books for decades. The actor was seen wearing this very watch for many years, which contributed to the exotic dial becoming known as the Paul Newman Daytona.

 Douglas Kirkland Corbis via Getty Images

In her signed letter accompanying the watch, Pauls daughter Nell Newman recalls the story of this watch and how Paul gave it to her teenage love, named James. As Nell and James remain close friends, they have jointly decided to sell the watch, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Nell Newman Foundation.

Phillips is thrilled to put this watch on the market, as it can easily be considered the most storied and most important vintage Rolex of our time.

This top lot will be presented at the groundbreaking "Winning Icons" New York Auction with an estimated price in excess of one million US dollars.
A South Sinai criminal court sentenced on Thursday 50 low-ranking policemen to three years in high security prison for illegally striking and disrupting work, state-run MENA news agency reported.

The court also ordered that the defendants be fired and fined EGP 500 each in addition to EGP 6,000 collectively for damages.

The case dates back to January 2017, when the defendants were arrested after organising a strike inside police departments in South Sinai to protest against an interior ministry decision to reduce their vacation days and increase their work hours.

The defendants have the right to appeal the court verdict.

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The attack took place when police manning the checkpoint, located in the Esna area, attempted to stop a passing car

A policeman and a civilian were killed on Thursday night when gunmen in a vehicle opened fire at a security checkpoint in Upper Egypts Luxor governorate, a security source told state news agency MENA.

The attack started when police personnel manning the checkpoint, located in the Esna area, attempted to stop a passing car. Shots were then fired from within the car.

Security forces arrested one of the assailants and found weapons and explosives in his possession, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Three civilians who happened to be in the area when the attack took place were also injured.

Egypt is battling militant groups who often target police and army personnel.

Although concentrated in northern Sinai, attacks in the mainland are regular occurences.



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Are you wet in all the right places?, asks Johnny Kalsi with a cheeky grin, as he prepares to bang his huge Punjabi drum alongside the legendary Afro Celt Sound System.

As I peer through the heavy rain, I know Im soaked in several unwelcome places  but the electric presence of the reborn pioneers of cross-continental fusion is about to banish such dark thoughts.

Ive brought a young family of very unenthusiastic campers to a Wiltshire field to sow the seeds of a love of music and culture from across the globe, even in the challenge of the thickening mud.

The highlights come as thick and fast as the slime underfoot, including Japans Anchorsong, who definitely delivers on his billing as one-man electronica brilliance.

Masaaki Yoshida, his real name, succeeds in getting everyone dancing with a collection of uplifting and spellbinding sounds that outdo Rival Consoles  a better-known performer in the electronica field  24 hours later.

Then theres Maarja Nuut, a fiddler from Estonia, who, with Hendrik Kaljujarv on keyboards, creates mesmerising tunes backed with sinister, thumping synths  just perfect as the rain clouds gathered.

On some tracks, Maarjas provides the wailing vocals of someone about to lose their mind, perhaps on some journey doomed to end in disaster.

After dark, the mysterious Goat, a Swedish band performing in ornate regal headgear and scary facial coverings apparently snatched from the Dr Who props cupboard, send spirits soaring.

The bizarre disguises are not the appeal. Goat mix rock, funk and prog to glorious effect, creating a trance-inducing noise, particularly on the standout track Talk To God.

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

On the main stage, the Cuban-influenced Orkesta Mendoza win many friends  perhaps more than Malis Oumou Sangare, whose mighty voice delivers a set that is merely steady, not spectacular.

Another strong memory will be Mamadou Diabete and Percussion Mania, two brothers whose furious, double-handed bashing of the balafon, a West African xylophone, appears to deft the laws of physics.

However, for the biggest joy, let me take you back to the Afro Celts, who  with the bonus of Johnny and his Dhol Foundation  have thrillingly welded bhangra beats to their well-known mix of Ireland and West Africa.

Of course, its not all about the music. At Taste of the World, wide-eyed children are conjuring up vegetarian sushi, halloumi kebabs and herby summer salads, under expert eyes.

And the Hip Yak Poetry Shack is doing roaring business, including one man rhyming a tale of his tiny boyhood winkle, in comparison with his fathers appendage which he so admired  perhaps unwisely.

Who knew there were so many different types of massage available? Or that ones body could be stretched by inversion therapy  lying upside down on a rack? Or that there is such a thing as a gong bath?

Before we leave, I try to relax by sending the kids to learn some Brazilian dance moves, only to find myself twirling around with a bright orange bandana decorating my forehead. Its then I know the WOMAD vibe has truly won me over  even in the mud.
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Did someone forget to inform the Institute of Directors that common sense has taken a long holiday from Britain?

The IoD has become one of the more sensible business groups in recent years. Its latest missive continues the trend, spelling out options for transitional Brexit arrangements and urging the cabinet to get on with choosing something so its members can get to work doing what they do best.

You can feel the frustration coming through as you read the report, with the Conservative Party continuing its internal squabbling, all the while giving its traditional friends in business the finger, as a substitute for getting things done. The only business leaders that get a proper hearing these days are the proprietors of right wing newspapers. Everyone else, from wealth creating entrepreneurs, to Britains biggest and best companies, have been told to get knotted.

For what its worth, the IoD suggests extending the Article 50 deadline, which would be a good idea given how much time ministers have wasted on posturing and losing elections they didnt have to call, which could lead to continued membership of the European Economic Area, a transitional customs agreement and an agreement to accept the application of EU law for a time.

It is, in short, the sort of programme a country run by sensible people, with the best interests of its citizens at heart, would pay due regard to.

Following it would facilitate business planning, and investment, while minimising economic disruption. There would be no cliff edge scenario, which frightens the life out of more than just business leaders and would see Britain falling into the Atlantic while screaming lifeboat! lifeboat!.

It might even facilitate salvaging something from the wreckage of Londons financial centre, large parts of which are in the process of following common sense into the departure lounge.

Exit from the EU is a stupid and deeply damaging policy, but such arrangements would salvage something moderately sensible from it.

The trouble is the Governments Brexit agenda is still basically being dominated by a cancerous corps of swivel eyed ideological loons, who dont give two hoots about the economy, businesses, or the people who share the country with them, a big majority of whom want to be in the single market.

But kudos to the IoD for going into bat for its members. Its at least making an attempt.

It needs allies, however, in Westminster and beyond. That cliff edge is getting uncomfortably close and some of the consequences havent even been recognised, let alone planned for. This is what Ryanair boss Michael OLearys intervention earlier this week was all about. You may remember that he said there may be no flights to the continent if a deal is not done regarding airspace.

Unfortunately, hes a noted big mouth, while the IoD is a lobby group. More is still needed for there to be a realistic chance of waking the Government up. Perhaps one of those letters to the FT with multiple signatories, written in language that is more blunt than the business community usually likes to use.

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.

Its not clear whether even that would work, but its surely worth a try, given what British business, not to mention the rest of us, have to lose.

I suppose the one consolation from all this is that the Tory Partys loons do rather look set to destroy the partys undeserved reputation for economic competence.

But that may come as only slim comfort to those caught by the chill wind they are blowing over the nation.
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A decade of damaging uncertainty as a result of Brexit is putting the environment at risk, according to the outgoing chief of the National Trust.

Dame Helen Ghosh said that farmers are turning to environmentally damaging agricultural practices in the hope of short-term revenue, because they are unclear as to what the governments plans are post-Brexit.

As a result, she has urged the government to give farmers more information as to future plans, and assure farmers that there will be schemes of support for environmental action and they can confidently rely on that now for their planning.

We have already seen examples of short-term decision-making, where farmers  in response to uncertainty about the future and income  have chosen not to re-enter stewardship or have ploughed up pasture created with support from stewardship schemes back into arable to shore-up their immediate revenue streams, she told an audience at Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace.

She added this was very understandable but heart-breaking.

The government needed to give more clarity as to what would happen in the transition period after the UK leaves the EU in 2019, and with it the Common Agricultural Policy, she said, adding that farms are like any other business in needing to plan and invest for the future.

While the government has already committed to retaining the current EU farming framework until 2020 and 3bn worth of subsidies until 2022, Dame Helen said that the National Trust and other environmental charities are clear that 3bn a year still will be needed into the foreseeable future.

Despite the uncertainty it has caused, Dame Helen said that Brexit represented an opportunity to rethink how we spend public money on the countryside, adding that in all sorts of ways, the current EU subsidy system is broken.

She also praised Michael Gove, as well as organisations and businesses, for having recognised that public money should be spent on countryside projects that had some wider benefit to society, such as wildlife and landscapes.

This is not always the case under the Common Agricultural Policy, which for example disincentivises the planting of trees, Dame Helen said.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. 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Leaving the EU will also allow the UK to be more flexible with its 3bn of funding, Dame Helen added.

However, she also cautioned that the framework of environmental regulation that has been developed within the EU, including the overarching principles such as precaution and the polluter pays  should be transferred lock, stock and barrel in the post-Brexit world.

National Farmers Union Deputy President, Minette Batters, said: The National Trust correctly recognise the uncertainty currently facing the farming sector and the NFU continues to call on Government to provide longer-term clarity on future agriculture policy and stability in the short-term.

The National Trust rightly highlights the many environmental services farmers contribute to the countryside but the NFUs vision for the future goes much further than this. It includes measures to boost productivity and competitiveness, achieve fair returns from the supply chain, an ambitious trade deal with the EU and measures to manage volatility.
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Scientists have found a polluted dead zone of ocean that is larger than Wales and the biggest ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said that this years Gulf of Mexico dead zone consisted of 8,776 square miles of oxygen-starved sea, covering an area significantly bigger than the 8,020 square miles of Wales.

The dead zone forms annually, mainly because of farm fertiliser pollutants washing into the Atlantic from the Mississippi River, but this years affected area was the largest since recording began in 1985.

The environmental campaign group Mighty Earth has blamed the meat industry for the dead zone, claiming much of the nitrate and phosphorous pollution came from fertiliser used in producing vast quantities of corn and soy to feed meat animals.

It singled out the supply chain of Tyson Foods, Americas largest meat company, for particular criticism, but the firm hit back, with a spokeswoman disputing the claims and insisting the Arkansas-based multinational was committed to protecting the environment.

The spokeswoman added: Its true the livestock and poultry industry is a major buyer of grain for feed, however, [Mighty Earth] fails to note that a large percentage of corn raised in the US is used for biofuel and that a significant portion is used for human consumption.

Scientists believe the pollution affecting the Gulf of Mexico comes from fertiliser spread on fields in Americas Upper Midwest. Rain washes nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients from the fertiliser into nearby streams and rivers, which eventually feed into the Gulf of Mexico.

Once in the sea, the nutrients stimulate massive growths of microscopic algae called phytoplankton. These then die, sink to the seafloor, and decompose, stimulating a burst in bacterial growth.

These bacteria consume not just the algae, but also much of the oxygen in the sea. The resulting hypoxia  low oxygen  means that marine life forms that cant or dont move are at risk of suffocating.

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Don Scavia, a professor of environment and sustainability at the University of Michigan, who was one of the first to raise fears about the dead zone, described it as a hidden environmental disaster.

It's 8,000 square miles of no oxygen, he said, That can't be good!

"Fish that can swim will move out of the way. Organisms that are living on the bottom, that the fish feed on, can't move, and they often die."

In a statement about this years dead zone, the NOAA listed environmental and economic impacts that included: loss of fish habitat, decreased reproductive capabilities in fish species and a reduction in the average size of shrimp caught  which led to short-term economic ripples in the Gulf brown shrimp fishery.

This years dead zone was expected to be large because there had been unusually heavy rainfall in the Midwest, washing more pollutants into waterways.

Previously the largest Gulf of Mexico dead zone was 8,497 square miles, measured in 2002.

For the past five years the average size of the dead zone has been about 5,806 square miles  but this is still three times larger than the target of 1,900 square miles set by the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force, a group which includes US federal and state agencies.

As part the task forces "action plan" to reduce the size of the Gulf of Mexico dead zone, it is encouraging farmers to plant wide grassy strips alongside streams to block the path of fertiliser runoff before it can get into the waterways.

Dr Scavia, however, has said such voluntary measures are insufficient. He argued that the Gulf of Mexico should be covered by the same kind of legally-binding targets as those in force in the Chesapeake Bay area in Maryland and Virginia.

Chesapeake Bay had a similar dead zone problem, but in 2010  despite fierce opposition from the farming industry  the US national government imposed targets to limit the amount of pollutants entering the bay.

After state authorities spent billions of dollars on meeting the targets, pollution in Chesapeake Bay reduced and wildlife started to show signs of recovery.
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Talk to anyone who has visited Santorini and they will tell you what a magical place it is. The Mediterranean island is famous for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches and incredible beaches, which is why millions arrive at its sun-drenched shores every year. But there is much more to Santorini than gorgeous sunsets and volcanic vistas; there are a variety of cultural activities and a thriving food scene on the island that draw visitors back year after year.

If youre already familiar with the island and want to see the real Santorini, read on and discover its tucked-away villages and all the delicious local spots along the way.

Where to go sightseeing

La Ponta offers amazing views of the island as well as incredible musical performances inside the building

Everywhere you go in Santorini there are jaw-dropping views, historic buildings or incredible photo opportunities. See the island through the lens of the past and gain a newfound respect for its rich heritage.

Listen to traditional Santorini music

At La Ponta you can take a journey into the islands timeless musical tradition. As witness the bagpipe performances which combine history, mythology and tradition through songs and melodies. As an added bonus, you can enjoy amazing views and a tour of the 13-century Venetian castle.

Go horse riding in Akrotiri

If you are looking for a fun way to spend a few hours on the island, take a horse with Santo Horse Riding. Riders of all skill levels are welcome. Trotting around a farm or taking a tour of the nearby villages and beaches is memory-making in Kodachrome. With plenty of opportunities for photos, its a brilliantly analogue experience.

The variety of tomatoes grown on the island is totally unique

Check out the Tomato Industrial Museum

Cherry tomatoes have been growing on Santorini since the 19th century and are known for being deliciously small, thick-skinned and sweet  if you are yet to try one, you must! The volcanic soil gives them a very unique flavour and also allows them to grow without any irrigation. Instead, the tomatoes get everything they need form the soils natural humidity. This museum  located in Vlychada  will offer you a taste of the cultivation, processing and production of the islands famous triple-concentrated tomato paste (often named as the best in the world), blended with the local history and culture of the island.

Local flavours

Santorini is an island obsessed with tomatoes, but there are lots of other ingredients found on the island to excite the food lover. From olive oil to dishes unique to the island, you'll never go hungry in Santorini.

Enjoy a home-cooked Santorinian dinner at The Good Heart.

After you visit La Ponta, you can enjoy a nice traditional lunch away from the more crowded restaurants. The Good Heart is a local, family-owned Greek restaurant where everything on the menu is organic and grown on the island. Make sure to taste the Tomatokeftedes (tomato balls made with feta and red onion). They are a specialty of the island and the best ones are served at The Good Heart.

Dining there feels more like being a guest in someones house, rather than a customer at a restaurant. Dont forget to meet Anna and Michalis, the owners.

Trek to the monastery at the highest point of the island

Elevated 567 metres above sea level, this ridge offers a panoramic view of the island. Sitting on it is the Monastery of Prophet Elias and a small shop with items produced by the local monks, such as sun-dried tomatoes, caper leaves, samphire, honey, olive oil, different types of wine, liqueur, oregano and homemade pasta. It's such ingredients that make up the foundations of Santorini's traditional dishes, but if youre only going to try a few, the olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes are the highlights.

Top table: the Venetsanos winery offers good food, wine and spectacular views

Tuck into perfectly matched food and wine at Venetsanos Winery

Santorini is famous for the Assrytico and Vinsanto wine varieties, so you cannot leave without tasting them. But instead of the traditional wine-tasting, why not enjoy pairing local wines with traditional Greek food. At Venetsanos you will taste four wines (white, rose, red and dessert wine) paired with local delicacies and other specialties from around Greece such as fresh oregano, barley rusks, soft cheese and Greek prosciutto. You can also pair the wine with seafood if you like; we are on an island after all. The winery overlooks the caldera of the nearby volcano, so you can enjoy the view while tasting the local grapes.

Santorinis specialities

Street food, coffee, buttery pastries  the residents of Santorini certainly know how to eat and drink well. Dont leave the island until youve tasted every one of these.

Eat a gyros as you walk Santorinis streets

Gyros  pitta bread filled with chicken or pork along with lettuce, tomato, onions and chips  is a national treasure of Santorini. Pork usually goes with tzatziki and chicken goes with another type of sauce based on mayonnaise instead of yoghurt (no, this sauce does not have a name, we just call it sauce). Lamb gyros is not that popular in Greece, contrary to what most people think. After extensive research (conducted by myself of course) Yogis Gyros and Peinas Minas serve the best gyros on the island. When you get hungry, stopping by for a gyros (or two) will put a smile on your face.

It's a wrap: the popular pork or chicken gyros provides fuel for exploring island

Start the day right with a traditional Greek coffee in Emporio

Emporio is one of the more interesting villages on the island. The village itself is an example of medieval architecture with narrow labyrinthine streets leading to a castle at the top of a hill. On the way up, stop at To Kafenedaki tou Emboriou and get yourself a cup of Greek coffee or, if you are looking for something more refreshing, you can also try a frappe with homemade ice cream. Vasilis will take your order with what he calls a tablet, which is really a blackboard with a piece of chalk. It does not get more traditional than that.

Food and drink news Show all 35 1 /35 Food and drink news Food and drink news Healthy living makes us more inclined to binge, research suggests Gluten-free breads, dairy-free milks and other plant-based products have been some of the most favoured foods in British supermarkets this year. However, while were busy filling our shopping trolleys with gluten-free goodness, were also jamming it with junk food and alcohol, new research suggests Getty/iStock Food and drink news Growing list of Vegan celebs Making the switch to veganism is a major lifestyle choice, one that many claim can improve energy levels, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and clear up any skin issues. Beyonce, Natalie Portman and Jessica Chastain are among the growing list of Hollywood stars who have eschewed animal products from their diets in recent years. Theres also been an increasing number of professional athletes who have gone vegan, such as boxing champions Mike Tyson and David Haye, thus debunking the myth that following a plant-based diet will leave you feeling weak and malnourished. AFP/Getty/NARAS/iHeartMedia Food and drink news McDonald's has announced the launch of a new vegan burger on its menu in Germany This will mark the first time the German franchise of the fast food chain has offered a vegan burger to its customers. The Big Vegan TS burger consists of a patty made from soy and wheat. It is served in a classic sesame seed bun, and contains salad, tomato, pickles and red onion. McDonald's Germany Food and drink news Drinking too many protein shakes could lead to an increased risk of obesity and a reduced lifespan, a new study has claimed Researchers from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre carried out an investigation to determine the impact excessive consumption of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) has on the body. BCAA supplements are often consumed in the form of powder, which is then added to water to make a shake. Published in journal Nature Metabolism, the study found that while BCAAs help to build muscle, they can also negatively impact an individual's temperament, cause weight gain and lead to a shortened lifespan Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Britain consumes more chocolate than any other country Most people love chocolate but it turns out no one does more than the Brits  with the average Brit found to have consumed 8.4 kg of chocolate in 2017, according to new data. Chocolate consumption around the world is on the rise, according to Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), which found that in the past year alone, Easter chocolate production has risen by 23 per cent Food and drink news 'Easter eggs should be banned for children under four' Dr Becky Spelman, chief psychologist at Harley Streets Private Therapy Clinic, is calling for Easter eggs to be banned for consumption for children under the age of four, claiming that giving them the opportunity to binge on chocolate so young will give them an unhealthy relationship with food later on. "This is a nightmare situation for parents of this generation as they have no idea how to teach their children to delay their response to cravings, she said, explaining that too many young kids binge on these chocolates because their parents dont know how to stop them. "Once a child starts overeating behaviour at a young age its very hard to turn things around for them in terms of food and their eating habits moving forward, leading to obesity from at very young age," she added PA Food and drink news Pineapple overtakes avocado as the UK's fastest-selling fruit According to Tesco, pineapple has overtaken avocado as the UKs fastest-selling fruit, with sales increasing by 15 per cent in 2017. In comparison, avocado sales rose by just under 10 per cent last year. The popular supermarket says the surge in popularity comes as shoppers buying the versatile fruit are beginning to use it as a main ingredient in everything from curries and barbecues, to juices and cocktails Getty Food and drink news Marks & Spencers launches stoneless avocados Rather than the result of genetic modification, the avocados are formed by an unpollinated avocado blossom. The fruit develops without a seed which in turns stops the growth, creating a small, seedless fruit. Whats more, the skin is actually edible, unlike a regular avocado. The flesh is much like that of a normal avocado - smooth and creamy, pale in colour and rich in flavour M&S Food and drink news Office teabags contain 17 times more germs than a toilet seat, reveals study The average bacterial reading of an office teabag was 3,785, in comparison to only 220 for a toilet seat. Other pieces of kitchen equipment also stacked up highly in their findings, with the bacterial readings averaging at 2,483 on kettle handles, 1,746 on the rim of a used mug and 1,592 on a fridge door handle Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New study shows drinking more coffee leads to a longer life There is good news and a final hope for coffee addicts and lovers. You will now be able to drink coffee for longer as new study shows its can lead to a prolonged life. Scientists showed that those who drank between two and four cups of coffee a day had 18% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers. PA Food and drink news Coke Zero is replaced with Coke Zero Sugar Coca-Cola is pulling the plug on its Coke Zero. The much loved drink will be replaced with a new improved taste. The move, backed with a 10 million campaign, is said to come from Coca-Cola supporting people to reduce their sugar intake. Coca-Cola want people make this move while not sacrificing sugary taste of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola Food and drink news Starbucks introduce new avocado spread The avocado craze has grown from hipster brunch restaurants to Starbucks. Starbucks have introduced their new avocado spread earlier this year and it has the internet in debate. Some argue that it not a spread but guacamole while others question if there is any avocado in there at all. When buying the new spread you can also buy an optional toasted bagel. It is a must try for all avocado connoisseurs. Starbucks Food and drink news New Mars chocolate bar The iconic British chocolate bar is about to get its partner in crime. The new bar, named Goodness Knows, will replace the gooey caramel goodness of the mars bar with oats. It is said to be more like a Florentine biscuit with a thin dark chocolate bottom. While being moderately healthy Mars says that is has good intentions. One pack has 154 calories and will sell for about 90p. Mars Food and drink news Wine prices could increase because of Brexit Wine lovers across the UK might soon have to shell out close to a quarter more for their favourite tipple after Brexit, as a weaker pound and sluggish economy takes its toll, a new study shows Rex Food and drink news Chocolate may be good for the heart A new study, published in the British Medical Journal: Heart, found that moderate chocolate intake can be positively associated with lessening the risk of the heart arrhythmia condition Atrial Fibrillation Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Brits throw away 1.4 million bananas each year British families are throwing away 1.4 million bananas that are perfectly good to eat every day at cost of 80m a year, new figures have shown PA/Armin Weigel Food and drink news Rosemary sales spike over exam time There has been a surge a surge in sales of the herb rosemary after a recent study found it helps improve memory. According to high street health food chain Holland & Barrett, sales of the herb have increased by 187 per cent compared to the same time last year Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Gluten-free diets 'not recommended' for people without coeliac disease Avoiding wheat, barley and rye in the belief that a gluten-free diet brings health benefits may do more harm than good, according to a team of US nutrition and medicine experts Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Starbucks launches two new coffee-based drinks Starbucks is launching two new coffee-based drinks in the UK, as it strives to tap into consumers growing appetite for healthy beverages. The Cold Brew Vanilla sweet cream and the Cappuccino Freddo, will both be available in stores throughout the UK from the start of May Twitter/@SbuxCountyHall Food and drink news Cadburys Dairy Milk Tiffin is making a permanent comeback after 80 years The Cadbury Dairy Milk Tiffin, first produced in 1937, is making a permanent comeback to the UK. The raisin and biscuit-filled chocolate bar is being launched after a successful trial last summer saw 3 million chocolate treats  at the cost of 1.49 for each 95g bar- purchased by nostalgic customers Cadburys Food and drink news Pizza restaurant makes worlds cheesiest 'Scottie's Pizza Parlor' in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Facebook/Scottie's Pizza Parlor Food and drink news A pizza joint in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Why not eating before a workout could be better for your health A study published in the American Journal of Physiology by researchers at the University of Bath found you might be likely to burn more fat if you have not eaten first Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New York restaurant named best in the world A New York restaurant where an average meal for two will cost $700 has been named the best in the world. Eleven Madison Park won the accolade for the first time after debuting on the list at number 50 in 2010. The restaurant was praised for a fun sense of fine-dining, blurring the line between the kitchen and the dining room Getty Images Food and drink news Why you crave bad food when youre tired Researchers at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University in Chicago recently presented their results of a study looking into the effects of sleep deprivation upon high-calorific food consumption. Researchers found that those who were sleep-deprived had specifically enhanced brain activity to the food smells compared to when they had a good nights sleep Shutterstock Food and drink news Drinking wine engages more of your brain than solving maths problems Drinking wine is the ideal workout for your brain, engaging more parts of our grey matter than any other human behaviour, according to a leading neuroscientist. Dr Gordon Shepherd, from the Yale School of Medicine, said sniffing and analysing a wine before drinking it requires exquisite control of one of the biggest muscles in the body Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news British dessert eating surges after people ditch healthy eating in February : In heartening news for anyone feeling guilty about quitting their New Year diet, it seems lots of us have given in to our sweet tooths once again. New data from nationwide food-delivery service Deliveroo reveals there was a surge in Brits ordering desserts in February compared to the first month of 2017 Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news US congress debates definition of milk alternatives A new bill has been created that seeks to ban dairy alternatives from using the term milk. Titled the DAIRY PRIDE Act, the name is a tenuous acronym for defending against imitations and replacements of yogurt, milk, and cheese to promote regular intake of dairy every day. It argues that the dairy industry is struggling as a result of all the dairy-free alternatives on the market and the public are being duped too Getty Images Food and drink news Cadburys launches two new chocolate bars UK confectionary giant Cadbury has launched two new chocolate bars, hoping to lure those with a sweet tooth and perhaps help combat some of the challenges it faces from rising commodity prices and a post-Brexit slump in the value of the pound.The companys new products will be peanut butter and mint flavoured. They will be available in most major super markets as 120g bars, priced at 1.49, according to the company Cadburys Food and drink news You can now get a job as a professional chocolate eater The company responsible for some of your favourite chocolate brands  think Cadbury, Milks, Prince and Oreo  have officially announced an opening to join their team as a professional chocolate taster. The successful candidate will help them to test, perfect and launch new products all over the world. Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news MSG additive used in Chinese food is actually good for you, scientist claims For years, weve been told MSG (the sodium salt of glutamic acid) - often associated with cheap Chinese takeaways - is awful for our health and to be avoided at all costs. But one scientist argues it should be used as a supersalt and encourages adding it to food. Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Lettuce prices are rising Not only are lettuces becoming an increasingly rare commodity in supermarkets, but prices for the leafy vegetables seem to be rising too. According to the weekly report from the Governments Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a pair of Little Gem lettuces had an average market price of 0.86 in the week that ended on Friday, up from an average of 0.56 in the previous week  thats an almost 54 per cent increase. Getty Images Food and drink news Do-It-Yourself restaurant To encourage more people to cook and eat together, IKEA has launched The Dining Club in Shoreditch  a fully immersive Do-It-Yourself restaurant . Members of the public can book to host a brunch, lunch or dinner party for up to 20 friends and family. Supported by their very own sous chef and maitre de, the host and their guests will orchestrate an intimate dining experience where cooking together is celebrated and eating together is inspirational Mikael Buck / IKEA Food and drink news Ping Pong menu with a twist Gatwick Airport has teamed up with London dim sum restaurant Ping Pong to create a limited edition menu with a distinctly British twist; including a Full English Bao and Beef Wellington Puff, to celebrate the launch of the airports new route to Hong Kong Food and drink news Zizzi unveil the Maamgharita Unique pizza art has been created by Zizzi in celebration of the Queens 90th birthday. The pizza features the queen in an iconic pose illustrated with fresh and tasty Italian ingredients on a backdrop of the Union Jack Food and drink news Blue potatoes make a comeback Blue potatoes, once a staple part of British potato crops, are back on the menu thanks to a Cambridge scientist turned-organic farmer and Farmdrop, an online marketplace that lets people buy direct from local farms. Cambridge PhD graduate-turned farmer, Adrian Izzard has used traditional growing techniques at Wild Country Organics to produce the colourful spuds, packed with healthy cell-protecting anthocyanin, which had previously disappeared from UK plates when post-war farmers were pushed towards higher-yielding varieties

Try the spanakopita at Erotokritos Bakery

Erotokritos is by far the best bakery in Santorini with delicious options for anything from a light snack to a rich dessert. Everything inside is fresh-baked daily, and you will find sweet and savoury pastries including traditional options like spanakopita (a spinach and feta pie) or tyropita (a cheese and egg pastry) and a variety of sweets. If you have a sweet tooth, try the chocolate cake or the syrup-soaked baklava.

Still have time to spare?

ArtSpace combines the Greek traditions of wine, history and art in one location which includes a winery, museum and art gallery. The gallery is located in the chambers of a winery which dates back to 1861, while exploring the museum offers a close-up view of contemporary Greek art and a historic distillery. Once youve seen Santorini with your eyes, you can taste the incredible wines still made on-site amongst the atmospheric caves and aged barrels theyre made in.

To Kafenedaki tou Emboriou is the best place to enjoy a Greek coffee

Close to La Ponta and The Good Heart, you can easily take a short trip to the lighthouse. It is situated at the very southern tip of the island, so you can enjoy incredible views of Santorini (comparable to Oia, a small town famous for its views). This is a great spot to watch the sunset.

On the way to the cable car in Fira, you can stop in at the Melissotopose Bee Place. Here you will find different types of honey from around Greece, including honey made from thyme, fir, pines, eucalyptus, heather and cotton plants. Selected traditional products are sold here as well, including traditional spoon sweets and jams, herbs and tea. If you're looking for a gift for someone back home, then the natural cosmetics like soaps with olive oil and beeswax ointments both look and smell incredible, many of which can't be found anywhere else but Santorini. This is Greek produce at its very best.
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Supermarket chain Aldi has withdrawn eggs from its shelves in Germany after tests showed the possibility of insecticide contamination.

The discount store recalled millions of eggs following the discovery of fipronil, a chemical used as a pesticide to protect crops, in the Netherlands.

Reports suggest the insecticide may have originated from a barn in the Netherlands which used contaminated cleaning agents.

The contamination is thought to only affect thousands of Aldi stores in Germany.

A spokesperson from Aldi UK said eggs in the UK should not be affected by the scandal as all eggs sold in the UK by the store are 100 per cent British.

It stressed that Aldi UK operated independently from its German counterpart.

German grocery store Rewe said it had immediately stopped imports of eggs traced back to the Netherlands regardless of the condition of the eggs.

Dr. Klaus Mayer, Head of Quality Management at REWE Group, said: "The situation in Germany is not comparable to that in the Netherlands, and we closely monitor the development and exchange with the authorities".

Reports from German media suggest dozens of farms across the Netherlands have shut down following the discovery  a measure criticised by Dutch poultry farmers.

Eggs brought and sold across the European Union can be traced to their source as every egg is stamped with a unique number. German media have reportedly publicised all the numbers marking eggs with fipronil.

Fipronil is used to kill fleas, lice, ticks, and is not allowed to be near food productions chains in the EU.

The chemical is strong enough to kill honey bees and is believed to cause harm to human organs. Nausea, vomiting and eye irritation are just some of the symptoms said to occur should fipronil be absorbed in the skin.
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Donald Trump hailed an announcement by Toyota and Mazda that the two car companies would "explore" establishing a new plant as part of a joint venture that would produce vehicles in the United States, potentially creating 4,000 jobs.

The US President had previously attacked Toyota because it had planned to produce its Corolla model at a new plant in Mexico.

On Friday, Mr Trump tweeted: "Toyota & Mazda to build a new $1.6B plant here in the U.S.A. and create 4K new American jobs. A great investment in American manufacturing!"

The joint announcement from the two companies said they had agreed to enter a partnership but did not confirm that the proposed plant would be built, as the President's tweet suggested.

Toyota and Mazda said: "As part of the new alliance, Toyota and Mazda have agreed to explore establishing a joint venture plant in the US with equal funding contributions".

If the new facility were to be built it would have capacity to make around 300,000 cars a year.

Toyota and Mazda continued: "Pending approvals and authorisation by relevant government agencies, the companies will begin to examine detailed plans with the goal to starting operations of the new plant in 2021.

"The plant will require a total investment of approximately $1.6bn, and will create up to 4,000 jobs".

Toyota said it would not move Corolla production to its plant in Mexico, which is currently under construction, but it would instead make its Tacoma model there.

"There will be no substantial impact on Toyotas investment and employment plan there," the Japanese car manufacturer said.

The plan is likely to be hailed as a victory for the President's "America first" trade policy. He threatened car companies with a "big border tax" if they chose to build cars in Mexico instead of the US.

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.

Marking the agreement to enter a partnership with Mazda, Toyota president Akio Toyoda said: This is a partnership in which those who are passionate about cars will work together to make ever-better cars. It is also the realisation of our desire to never let cars become commodities.

Representing Mazda, president and chief executive Masamichi Kogai said: Nothing would please me more than if, through this alliance, we can help to energise the auto industry and create more car fans by bringing together two competitive spirits to spur each other on, leading to innovations and fostering talent and leaders.
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A new 5 coin has been launched to commemorate the retirement from royal duties by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Bearing the words not for self but country in Latin under an image of Prince Philip, the new coin will have an image of the Queen on the facing side.

The coin is said to have had the approval of the Dukes son, Prince Charles, as he struck the first coin during a visit to the Royal Mint in Wales.

The 96 year old announced his retirement from public duty in May. He completed his royal duties by meeting Royal Marines who had returned from a 1,664 mile trek, reportedly rounding up a total of 22,219 solo engagements for the prince since 1952.

Prince Philips commemorative coin signs off an association with the Royal Mint stretching 47 years. He served as the President of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee from 1952 up to 1999, approving every coin produced at the committee he chaired.

Adam Lawrence, Chief Executive of The Royal Mint, said: We are particularly delighted that he will be striking the very first of the coins that will celebrate the contribution that The Duke of Edinburgh has made to public life.

News of the commemorative coin follows a number of new coins and notes introduced over the previous 12 months.

The 12-sided 1 coin thought to be the most secure in the world was introduced in March, superseding old pound coins susceptible to counterfeits costing the taxpayer millions each year.

A polymer 5 note was put into circulation by the Bank of England in September 2016, the countrys first plastic note designed to last longer and more difficult to counterfeit. Controversy surrounded the new plastic note after the Bank of England confirmed its use of animal fat within the polymer note.
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Uber knowingly rented its drivers defective cars at risk of catching fire, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, and the ride-hailing firm said it moved to fix the problem after one of the vehicles suffered a fire.

The Journal cited internal emails and documents showing Uber's Singapore unit bought more than 1,000 Vezel sport-utility vehicles that carmaker Honda had recalled due to an electrical fault.

It reported the Singapore management was aware of the recall, and that the cars Uber had bought and rented out had not been repaired. The Journal also said management pressed the car dealer for repairs whilst renting out the vehicles.

"As soon as we learned of a Honda Vezel from the Lion City Rental fleet catching fire, we took swift action to fix the problem, in close coordination with Singapore's Land Transport Authority," Uber said in a statement.

The Journal reported the vehicle caught fire in January.

The Land Transport Authority in Singapore, when contacted by Reuters, said it had no immediate comment on the Journal report.

An Uber spokesman in Singapore declined to elaborate on whether management knowingly rented out defective vehicles, directing Reuters to the company statement. The spokesman said all vehicles have now been repaired.

"We acknowledge we could have done more - and we have done so," Uber said in its statement. It said it had hired three experts "whose sole job is to ensure we are fully responsive to safety recalls."
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An Isis recruiter who acted as an ambassador for the group in Britain and helped two jihadis who attempted to travel to Syria has been jailed for six years.

Awat Hamasalih, an Iraqi Kurd, came to the UK in 2002, became a British citizen in 2008 and then went on to launch an active and committed campaign for Isis from his home in Birmingham.

The 35-year-old helped the terror group through speeches, social media, crowdfunding and even tipped off an Isis commander in Iraq over an imminent attack.

Hamasalih was also found in possession of a military document containing information about the identities of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters resisting Isis expansion.

He was described as a committed advocate and ambassador for the pernicious terror group by Judge Richard Marks QC as he handed down the sentence at the Old Bailey.

Judge Marks said: I am bound to sentence you on the basis that, although there is no evidence that you were at any time involved in the planning of any particular act of terrorism, you nonetheless had an extremist mindset and a role in and commitment as an advocate and ambassador for Isis, and were a member of that deeply pernicious organisation, committed to pursuing and promoting its aims by the widest dissemination of its propaganda, which included images of its captives who had been beheaded.

Hamasalih has lived in the UK since 2002, and campaigned for Isis from his home in Birmingham (West Midlands Police)

Sitting in the dock Hamasalih, who wore a grey shirt and sported a shaved head and short beard, gave no reaction as the judge sentenced him to six years in prison.

He was handed a six-year sentence for Isis membership, and four years in jail with a one-year extension on licence for each count related to the possession of documents likely to be useful to the terror group. All the terms will run concurrently.

The judge also made a forfeiture order on items including phones and hard drives, and ordered a victim surcharge to be paid.

Giving evidence during his trial Hamasalih had admitted being a supporter of self-proclaimed Islamic State but said he was not a member and denounced the recent terror attacks in Manchester, Westminster and London Bridge.

But the jury found Hamasalih, of Finchley Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham, guilty by a majority of 10 to two.

Timeline: The emergence of Isis Show all 40 1 /40 Timeline: The emergence of Isis Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2000 Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (pictured here) forms an al-Qaeda splinter group in Iraq, al-Qaeda in Iraq. Its brutality from the beginning alienates Iraqis and many al-Qaeda leaders. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2006 Al-Zarqawi is killed in a U.S. strike. Al-Zarqawis successor, Abu Ayyub al-Masri, announces the creation of the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI). Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2009 Still al-Qaeda-linked ISI claims responsibility for suicide bombings that killed 155 in Baghdad, as well as attacks in August and October killing 240, as President Obama announces troop withdrawal from Iraq in March. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2010 Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi becomes head of ISI, at lowest ebb of Islamist militancy in Iraq, which sees last U.S. combat brigade depart. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2012 In Syria, protests (pictured here starting in Daree) have morphed into what president Assad labelled a real war with emergence of a coalition of forces opposed to Assads regime. Syria group Jabhat al-Nusra are among rebel groups who refuse to join, denouncing it as a conspiracy. Bombings targeting Shia areas, killing more than 500 people, spark fears of new sectarian conflict. Sunni Muslims stage protests across country against what they see as increasingly marginalisation by Shia-led government. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2013 Al-Baghdadi renames ISI as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or Isis, as the group absorbs Syrian al-Nusra, gaining a foothold in Syria. In response, al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri (Bin Ladens successor) concerned about Isis expansion orders that Isis be dissolved and ISI operations should be confined to Iraq. This order is rejected by al-Baghdadi. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - January Isis fighters capture the Iraqi cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, giving them base to launch slew of attacks further south. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis declares itself the Caliphate, calling itself Islamic State (IS). The group captures Mosul, Iraqs second largest city; Tal Afar, just 93 miles from Syrian border; and the central Iraqi city of Tikrit. These advances sent shockwaves around the world. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Around the same time Isis releases a video calling for western Muslims to join the Caliphate and fight, prompting new evaluations of extremists groups social media understanding. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis take Baiji oil fields in Iraq - giving them access to huge amounts of possible revenue. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August James Foley is executed by the group as concerns grow for second American prisoner, fellow reporter Steven Sotloff. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August Obama authorises U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, helping to stall Isis along with action by Kurdish forces following the deaths of hundreds of Yazidi people on Mount Sinjar. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release video showing Steven Sotloffs murder prompting Western speculation his executioner is same man who killed Mr Foley. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Obama tells us that America will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release a video appearing to show David Haines, who was captured by militants in Syria in 2013, wearing an orange jumpsuit and kneeling in the desert while he reads a pre-prepared script. It later shows what appears to be the aid worker's body. Rex Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Peshmerga fighters scrabble to hold positions in the Diyala province (a gateway to Baghdad) as Isis fighters continue to advance on Iraqi capital. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Aid worker Alan Henning is killed. Self-imposed media blackout refuses to show images of him in final moments, instead focuses upon humanitarian care. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Isis raise their flag in Kobani, which had been strongly defended by Kurdish troops. The victory goes against hopeful western analysis Isis had overextended itself, while alienating much of the Muslim population through the murder of Henning. Victory causes fresh waves of Kurdish refugees arriving in Turkey. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - November American hostage, who embarced values of Islam, Peter Kassig and 14 Syrian soldiers are shown meeting the same fate as other captives. But intelligence agencies will be poring over the apparently significant discrepancies between this and previous films. Seramedig.org.uk Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis has released a video revealing the murder by burning to death of a Jordanian pilot held by the group since the end of December 2014. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have released videos which appear to show the beheading of Japanese hostages Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February American aid worker, Kayla Mueller was the last American hostage known to be held by Isis. She died, according to her captors, in an airstrike by the Jordanian air force on the city of Raqqa in Syria, though US authorities disputed this. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have posted a gruesome video online in which they force 21 Egyptian Coptic Christian hostages to kneel on a beach in Libya before beheading them. Egypt vowed to avenge the beheading and launched air strikes on Isis positions. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February The British Isis militant suspected of appearing in videos showing the beheading of Western hostages has been named in reports as Mohammed Emwazi from London. Rex Features Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - March Isis triple suicide attack has killed more than 100 worshippers and hundreds of others were injured after the group members targeted two mosques in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Iraqi forces have claimed victory over Isis in battle for Tikrit and raised the flag in the city. EPA/STR Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis has claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan that killed at least 35 people queuing to collect their wages and injured 100 more. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis media arm released a 29-minute video purporting to show militants executing Ethiopian Christians captives. The footage bore the extremist groups al-Furqan media logo and showed the destruction of churches and desecration of religious symbols. A masked fighter made a statement threatening Christians who did not convert to Islam or pay a special tax. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Isis has been "incapacitated" by a spinal injuries sustained in a US air strike in Iraq. He is being treated in a hideout by two doctors from Isis stronghold of Mosul who are said to be "strong ideological supporters of the group". Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis has also claimed responsibility for killing 300 of Yazidi captives, including women, children and elderly people in Iraq AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis attack on Prophet Mohamed cartoon contest in Texas was its first action on US soil. Two gunmen were shot and killed after launching the attack at the exhibition. Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi have been named as the attackers at the Curtis Culwell Centre arena in Garland. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isiss deputy leader, Abu Alaa Afri, a former physics teacher who was thought to have taken charge of the deadly terrorist group, has been killed in a US-led coalition airstrike. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May US special forces have killed a senior Isis leader named as Abu Sayyaf in an operation aiming to capture him and his wife in Syria. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Iran-backed militias are sent to Ramadi by the Iraqi government to fight Isis militants who completed their capture of the city. Government soldiers and civilians were reportedly massacred by extremists as they took control and the army fled. Charred bodies were left littering the city streets as troops clung on to trucks speeding away from the city. Ramadi is the latest government stronghold to fall to the so-called Islamic State, despite air strikes by a US-led international coalition aiming to stop its advance in Iraq and Syria. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis rounded up civilians trapped in Palmyra and forced them to watch 20 people being executed in the historic citys ancient amphitheatre. The Unesco World Heritage site was overrun by militants, threatening the future of 2,000 year-old monuments and ruins. Thousands of Palmyras residents fled but many are still living within the city walls, while the UN human rights office in Geneva said it had received reports of Syrian government forces preventing people from leaving until they retreated from the city. Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May A group of Isis-affiliated fighters have captured a key airport in central Libya. The militants took control of the al-Qardabiya airbase in Sirte after a local militia tasked with defending the facility withdrew from their positions. Affiliates of Isis, already control large parts of Sirte, the birthplace of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and a former stronghold of his supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June The US Air Force has destroyed an Isis stronghold after an extremist let slip their location on social media. According the Air Force Times, General Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, said that Airmen at Hulburt Field, Florida, used images shared by jihadists to track the location of their headquarters before destroying it in an airstrike. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Kurdish forces captured a key military base in a significant victory in Raqqa as well as town of Tell Abyad. YPG fighters, backed by US-led airstrikes and other rebels, consolidated their gains, when they seized the key town on the Syria-Turkey border. They are now just 30 miles to the north of Raqqa and have cut off a major supply route deep inside Isis-held territory. Ahmet Silk/Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has released gruesome footage claiming to show the murder of more than a dozen men by drowning, decapitation and using a rocket-propelled grenade as it seeks to boost morale among its fanatical supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has begun carrying out its threat to destroy structures in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, blowing up at least two monuments at the Unesco-protected site as Syrian government troops made advances on the Islamists positions. AFP

West Midlands Police said he had communicated information on an attack in Mosul with an Isis commander, and had details of Peshmerga soldiers on a spreadsheet found in November.

Chief Superintendent Matt Ward, who heads the forces counter-terror unit (WMCTU), said: On social media, Hamasalih claimed to be an Isis recruiter and claimed he was able to help people with aspirations to travel to Syria.

WMCTU will continue to protect local communities by working with partners and the CPS to pursue and prosecute all those who show support for illegal organisations such as so-called Daesh [Isis] or who seek to spread hate and terror.

Jurors were told how he helped two would-be jihadis as they prepared to travel to Syria to fight, using the code word car wash when discussing the plan.

In May last year, Shivan Azeez Zangana was arrested at the al-Noor Mosque in Birmingham and Aras Hamid was detained en route to Dover after being found hiding in the back of a lorry.

In January, Hamid, 27, was jailed for seven years and Zangana, 21, was handed three years after they were convicted at Kingston Crown Court of preparing for acts of terrorism.

Additional reporting by Press Association
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Police say a New York man smothered an 11-year-old girl while trying to rape her at his rural home.

A felony complaint filed in Chenango County Court accuses 36-year-old James Brower of intentionally killing Jacelyn O'Connor early Sunday.

Brower was arraigned on a first-degree murder charge Thursday and sent to the county jail without bail. He asked for a public defender to represent him.

He's due back in court on Tuesday.

District Attorney Joseph McBride said Jacelyn was the half sister of Brower's two sons. She lived in Morris in neighboring Otsego County.

State police troopers found the child dead Sunday in Brower's home in Norwich. Brower was arrested Tuesday.

Morris Central School is holding a vigil for Jacelyn on Monday evening.

AP
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An "obviously intelligent" model and student will not face prison time after she was handed a conditional discharge for trying to steal allmost 1,000 worth of clothes from Harrods.

Natalia Sikorska was stopped on 5 July before she could leave the upmarket store with items including a Markus Lupfer jacket, a pair of Claudie Pierlot shoes and a Pinko handbag.

The total value of the goods was 959.59.

The 28-year-old avoided a custodial sentence after Westminster Magistrate Grant McCrostie, gave her a conditional discharge for 12 months after she pleaded guilty at "the earliest possible opportunity".

You are a newcomer to this country, you are a student with a place at university, he said, according to The Telegraph.

You are obviously a woman of considerable talents, you are obviously intelligent.

Under sentencing guidelines, thefts of items over 1,000 are considered "Category 1", while anything under that are considered under the less serious "Category 2".

The items taken by Sikorska were just 40.41 under the higher benchmark which may have incurred a more severe punishment.

Ms Sikorska been studying business management at the University of Westminster since 2015.

She also works as a business development manager for Aquatiser, a company producing fruit-infused water bottles, and has been a sales assistant for luxurious brands like Saint Laurent Paris, Globe Trotter, Hugo Boss and other brands.

Her Facebook profile states that she models with Elite London Models.

London Fashion Week Festival - in pictures Show all 6 1 /6 London Fashion Week Festival - in pictures London Fashion Week Festival - in pictures Fashion show at London Fashion Week Festival London Fashion Week Festival - in pictures Catwalk at London Fashion Week Festival London Fashion Week Festival - in pictures Fashion talk London Fashion Week Festival - in pictures London Fashion Week Festival London Fashion Week Festival - in pictures Catwalk London Fashion Week Festival - in pictures Fashion insider talk at London Fashion Week Festival

Ms Sikorska was ordered to pay 85 costs as well as a 20 victim surcharge.

"Taking goods from any store, including Harrods is wrong," the magistrate said.

He suggested she stay out of trouble, and warned: "Your future has been put at risk by these actions."
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Self-styled paedophile hunters have been urged to leave it to the professionals as police bolster covert efforts to tackle online grooming.

Senior officers said vigilante groups such as Dark Justice or The Hunted One could put child abuse investigations at risk.

The warning comes as the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, announced 20m funding to extend an initiative where undercover detectives operated in internet chat rooms and forums used by suspected offenders.

Forty-three people were arrested and 19 were charged as a result of the year-long pilot in eastern England, led by Norfolk Police, and officers believe they have safeguarded at least 25 children.

Detective Superintendent Steven Woollett, of the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate, said the Government's cash injection to extend the scheme to the rest of England and Wales would make a real difference in helping to identify suspects and protect children.

He declined to be drawn on how police work in an online realm that has increasingly seen members of the public take action to trap child abusers themselves.

A 'sting' streamed live on Facebook by vigilante group The Hunted One (Facebook/The Hunted One)

Tyneside-based duo Dark Justice claim on their website to have helped snare 104 sex crime suspects, leading to 50 convictions, while a sting operation by the group known as The Hunted One descended into violence as they ambushed a man who sent sexual messages to a decoy account.

Their target, Mirza Beg, 29, was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court this month for 40 months after he turned up with condoms at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe, near Dartford, Kent, believing he was meeting a 14-year-old girl.

Mr Woollett said offenders might become more evasive as a result of the groups' actions.

My personal view is, as much as they may be well intended, there is the potential to hinder police investigations, he said.

My message to them would be we are professional law enforcement - leave it to the professionals.

I would have to admit they've had some success - we need to balance that success against the potential harm by heightening the awareness of individuals.

I think with all strands of criminality, those people responsible become more aware and more cute around their business.

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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 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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 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But he added: I would not be able to say vigilante groups have increased that.

His message was echoed by National Police Chiefs Council lead for child protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey, who said police are arresting more than 400 offenders and protecting more than 500 children every month.

He said: This increase in our undercover capability will send a clear message to so-called paedophile hunters: if you have information about child abuse, tell the police.

Don't try to take it into your own hands, you could undermine police investigations creating more risk for the children we all want to protect.

The funding, through the Police Transformation Fund, will see police forces jointly monitor forums and share intelligence in collaboration with the National Crime Agency Child Exploitation and Online Protection command.

Ms Rudd said: Child sexual exploitation has a profoundly devastating impact on the lives of its victims, and it's a national policing priority to take on the threat it poses.

We believe this project has shown early promise in tackling these complex crimes through an innovative approach.

Press Association
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A woman has been left with a chemical burn on her face after being attacked with a corrosive substance in County Durham.

Local reports said the victim had gone into an alley because she heard the sound of a crying baby in the town of Newton Aycliffe when she encountered a gang of teenagers.

Durham Police said someone from the group of seven or eight girls and boys threw the liquid on her face before fleeing in the direction of the town centre at around 8.20pm on Monday.

The 21-year-old victim described the substance as being white and foam-like, and smelling of bleach.

Inspector Sarah Honeyman, from Newton Aycliffes neighbourhood police team, said: This was obviously a very concerning incident for the victim, which left her needing hospital treatment.

At this moment in time we dont know what the substance was, but officers are working to determine what it was that was thrown.

 Police release video of moped attack using 'liquid' in Knightsbridge

Wed like to reassure people that we believe this to be an isolated incident and would appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward.

These youths may well be talking about the incident, so we would also like to appeal to anyone who may have overheard them talking about it to get in touch.

One of the girls in the group was wearing a black puffer jacket and blue jeans, police said.

The incident was the first reported corrosive substance attack in Durham since a spate of similar assaults elsewhere in the UK.

London has so far been the epicentre of the attacks, including five attacks that were launched in 90 minutes last month, and several that have left people with life-changing injuries.

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

Many of the attackers have been riding mopeds and police say acid is being used as part of attempted robberies, to force victims to leave their vehicles or belongings so they can be stolen.

Concerns have been raised over a potential copycat effect from the recent increase in crimes, with campaigners warning that gang members now see acid attacks as a safer form of crime following crackdowns on guns and knives.

The Home Office has announced a new strategy to combat acid attacks, including a review of existing laws, sentencing powers and potential licencing to restrict the sale of harmful substances.

Anyone with information on the Newton Aycliffe incident is 101, quoting incident number 508 of 31 July.
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A rainbow Pride flag has been raised at a UK Government building at Stormont for the first time.

The flag was raised beside Stormont House on Friday morning to mark the citys Pride festival.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire gave the go-ahead for the symbolic move.

Recommended The best places to celebrate Pride 2017

It comes amid a long-running political dispute over the regions ban on same-sex marriage.

The issue is one of the sticking points preventing the return of a powersharing administration, with Sinn Fein demanding the Democratic Unionists stop blocking a law change.

While Mr Brokenshire stressed it was a matter for devolved ministers to resolve, he expressed hope a law change would materialise.

Im pleased to have authorised the flying of the Pride flag at Stormont House for the first time, he said.

Whilst policy on equal marriage is entirely a devolved matter for politicians within the Assembly, I voted in support of equal marriage in England and Wales and like the Prime Minister hope this can be extended to Northern Ireland in the future.

The building is Mr Brokenshires base within the grounds of the wider Stormont estate, which also hosts the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly at Parliament Buildings and the Executive at Stormont Castle.

PA
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Female ambulance staff were targeted by predators among NHS management who hounded them for sexual favours in return for promotion, according to a damning new report.

Women at South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (Secamb) spoke of being groped, of highly sexualised gazing in front of patients and of sexual predators who groomed students for sex.

Researchers were told that sexualised behaviour was endemic among those in positions of power, but some senior staff interviewed believed those responsible had left the trust.

Secamb commissioned the independent report following concerns raised in its staff survey and a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report last year.

More than 40 per cent of the 2,000 staff who took part said they had experienced bullying over the previous 12 months.

The researchers heard from several sources about overt and covert sexualised behaviour within Secamb, the report said.

This extended from beliefs held about former senior leaders through to frontline managers and the broader workforce.

Everyone the Government blames for the NHS crisis  except themselves Show all 6 1 /6 Everyone the Government blames for the NHS crisis  except themselves Everyone the Government blames for the NHS crisis  except themselves The elderly We acknowledge that there are pressures on the health service, there are always extra pressures on the NHS in the winter, but we have the added pressures of the ageing population and the growing complex needs of the population, Theresa May has said. Waits of over 12 hours in A&E among elderly people have more than doubled in two years, according to figures from NHS Digital. Getty Everyone the Government blames for the NHS crisis  except themselves Patients going to A&E instead of seeing their GPs Jeremy Hunt has called for a honest discussion with the public about the purpose of A&E departments, saying that around a third of A&E patients were in hospital unnecessarily. Mr Hunt told Radio 4s Today programme the NHS now had more doctors, nurses and funding than ever, but explained what he called very serious problems at some hospitals by suggesting pressures were increasing in part because people are going to A&Es when they should not. He urged patients to visit their GP for non-emergency illnesses, outlined plans to release time for family doctors to support urgent care work, and said the NHS will soon be able to deliver seven-day access to a GP from 8am to 8pm. But doctors struggling amid a GP recruitment crisis said Mr Hunts plans were unrealistic and demanded the Government commit to investing in all areas of the overstretched health service. Getty Everyone the Government blames for the NHS crisis  except themselves Simon Stevens, head of NHS England Reports that key members of Ms Mays team used internal meetings to accuse Simon Stevens, head of NHS England, of being unenthusiastic and unresponsive have been rejected by Downing Street. Mr Stevens had allegedly rejected claims made by Ms May that the NHS had been given more funding than required. Getty Everyone the Government blames for the NHS crisis  except themselves Previous health policy, not funding In an interview with Sky Newss Sophy Ridge, Ms May acknowledged the NHS faced pressures but said it was a problem that had been ducked by government over the years. She refuted the claim that hospitals were tackling a humanitarian crisis and said health funding was at record levels. We asked the NHS a while back to set out what it needed over the next five years in terms of its plan for the future and the funding that it would need, said the Prime Minister. They did that, we gave them that funding, in fact we gave them more funding than they required Funding is now at record levels for the NHS, more money has been going in. But doctors accused Ms May of being in denial about how the lack of additional funding provided for health and social care were behind a spiralling crisis in NHS hospitals. Getty Images Everyone the Government blames for the NHS crisis  except themselves Target to treat all A&E patients within four hours Mr Hunt was accused of watering down the flagship target to treat all A&E patients within four hours. The Health Secretary told MPs the promise  introduced by Tony Blairs government in 2000  should only be for those who actually need it. Amid jeers in the Commons, Mr Hunt said only four other countries pledged to treat all patients within a similar timeframe and all had less stringent rules. But Ms May has now said the Government will stand by the four-hour target for A&E, which says 95 per cent of patients must be dealt with within that time frame. Getty Images Everyone the Government blames for the NHS crisis  except themselves No one Mr Hunt was accused of hiding from the public eye following news of the Red Crosss comments and didnt make an official statement for two days. He was also filmed refusing to answer questions from journalists who pursued him down the street yesterday to ask whether he planned to scrap the four-hour A&E waiting time target. Sky News reporter Beth Rigby pressed the Health Secretary on his position on the matter, saying the public will want to know, Mr Hunt. Sorry Beth, Ive answered questions about this already, replied Mr Hunt. But you didnt answer questions on this. You said it was over-interpreted in the House of Commons and you didnt want to water it down. Is that what youre saying? said Ms Rigby. Its very difficult, because how are we going to explain to the public what your intention is, when you change your position and then wont answer the question, Mr Hunt. But the Health Secretary maintained his silence until he reached his car and got in. Getty

Some senior staff interviewed believed such a culture existed with those who had since left Secamb but the researchers were assured this was embedded in some parts of the organisation at management levels.

For example, female staff talked about sexual favours being sought in return for career progression whilst others were hounded by managers seeking sexual favours for personal reasons.

Several female staff felt that such behaviours were the norm, with some stating my arse was slapped regularly and others who felt they were demeaned by highly sexualised gazing in front of colleagues and even patients.

Some female respondents talked about sexual predators amongst male colleagues who groomed students for sexualised ends.

Some managers felt there was a history of comments being turned to lewd remarks but slowly these were being addressed.

Recommended Claims of bullying culture at biggest NHS mental health trust

The report, produced by Professor Duncan Lewis from Plymouth University, said researchers were shocked at the levels of staff reporting a range of poor behaviour and that it was a serious problem.

It said: The researchers were extremely distressed to hear of the experiences of several female Secamb employees.

The Trust may not of course be aware that such a culture exists as employees are often extremely fearful of speaking out against such practices.

However, as has been shown time after time, ignorance is no defence and too many British institutions have demonstrated failure to take matters seriously when it comes to sexual abuse.

This report now brings to the attention of the executive that further investigations will be necessary and action must be taken as an urgent priority to protect employees who are living in fear daily.

Secamb, which covers Kent, Surrey, Sussex and north east Hampshire, was put into special measures in September last year after the CQC ranked it inadequate.

Additional reporting by Press Association
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At least eight tower blocks have been found to pose a "substantial risk" to the lives of tenants, it has emerged, as fire safety provisions face growing public scrutiny in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

A catalogue of failings were identified at the towers located across the UK between 2012 and 2017, including no fire doors and faulty smoke alarms.

Hundreds of other high-rise blocks were also found to have major safety flaws, according to analysis of fire risk assessments by Inside Housing magazine.

Two of the buildings, which were judged at risk in 2012, sit just metres away from Great Ormond Street children's hospital.

It comes after "flammable" cladding fitted to Grenfell Tower raised serious questions surrounding fire safety provisions in the wake of the tragedy.

It was widely speculated materials fitted to the building during a 2016 refurbishment aided the rapid and "unprecedented" spread of the blaze that claimed at least 80 lives.

The disaster has renewed public focus on the state of Britain's social housing and whether building regulations are stringent enough to guarantee the safety of high rise tenants.

In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire

In January, Sturminster House in Southampton was found to be blighted by poor escape lighting, trip hazards in escape routes and a lack of smoke seals on some fire doors.

Southampton Council, which owns the building, said the risk assessment was "a snapshot of the risks that were present at the time" and "the most pressing issues were addressed immediately".

In 2012, risk assessors found that smokers living at Babington Court and Chancellors Court in Camden, north London, had been stubbing cigarettes out on flammable uPVC windows.

The probe, carried out by engineering firm, Hoare Lea, also uncovered non-fire resistant doors and vandalised smoke alarms and vents.

The two 14-storey towers contain 112 flats and are situated adjacent to the renowned children's hospital.

A spokesperson for Camden Council said problems had since been addressed and the buildings were given a normal rating in June.

The other towers found to pose a serious risk to the safety of tenants were Mount Court and Bishops Court in Guildford, Boyswell House in Wigan, Ratcliffe Towers in Stockport and Queensway House in Hatfield.

It comes as the Government announced an independent review of building regulations last week, which fire safety experts said was long overdue.

More than 100 buildings also failed combustibility testing ordered by a Government fire safety panel in the wake of the blaze.

Additional reporting by Press Association
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Young men who leave their homes to fight for terrorist groups in Syria mainly come from disadvantaged backgrounds, have low levels of education and lack any basic understanding of the true meaning of jihad or even the Islamic faith, according to a new report.

A study for the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism found that despite claiming to protect Muslims, most of the returned fighters were novices in their religion and some did not know how to pray properly.

Most saw their religion in terms of justice and injustice rather than in terms of piety and spirituality, said the authors of the report, which was based on interviews with 43 people from 12 countries.

They found that a typical fighter is most likely to be male, young and disadvantaged economically, educationally, and in terms of the labour market.

He is also more likely than not to come from a marginalised background, both socially and politically, the reported added.

Most were unemployed, or underemployed, and/or said that their life lacked meaning.

Three quarters of those interviewed reached Syria but subsequently decided to leave, while others were intercepted by authorities in their own country or stopped en route.

 Thousands of British Muslims gather to denounce Isis and call for 'peaceful caliphate'

Despite an appeal to all UN member states, the authors expressed regret that only seven countries agreed to participate in the study - three from the EU and four from the Middle East and North Africa.

Professor Hamed el-Said, of Manchester Metropolitan University, and terrorism expert Richard Barrett met most of the returnees in prison or under the watchful eye of security services.

The majority of interviewed fighters, who attempted to join groups including Isis, al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra and jihadi Ahrar al-Sham, came from large and dysfunctional families in deprived parts of cities where they were isolated from mainstream social, economic and political activity.

Religious belief seems to have played a minimal role in the motivation of this sample, the report found, saying economic factors had become more important as terrorist groups promised wages, homes and even wives.

The findings supported previous research using leaked Isis documents, which showed that most recruits profess to have only a basic knowledge of Sharia law, and warnings of a growing crime-terror nexus seeing violent criminals travel to Syria in the hope of redemption.

Following the declaration of the so-called Islamic State in 2014, the group produced a huge amount of propaganda seeking to attract Muslims with the promise of life free of supposed Western oppression, lived in comfort and peace.

Rose-tinted videos sought to present a utopian existence, showing smiling militants engaging in activities like bee-keeping, farming and even pizza-making as Western fighters used Twitter to broadcast images of palatial homes, swimming pools and expensive cars provided by the caliphate.

Timeline: The emergence of Isis Show all 40 1 /40 Timeline: The emergence of Isis Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2000 Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (pictured here) forms an al-Qaeda splinter group in Iraq, al-Qaeda in Iraq. Its brutality from the beginning alienates Iraqis and many al-Qaeda leaders. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2006 Al-Zarqawi is killed in a U.S. strike. Al-Zarqawis successor, Abu Ayyub al-Masri, announces the creation of the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI). Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2009 Still al-Qaeda-linked ISI claims responsibility for suicide bombings that killed 155 in Baghdad, as well as attacks in August and October killing 240, as President Obama announces troop withdrawal from Iraq in March. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2010 Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi becomes head of ISI, at lowest ebb of Islamist militancy in Iraq, which sees last U.S. combat brigade depart. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2012 In Syria, protests (pictured here starting in Daree) have morphed into what president Assad labelled a real war with emergence of a coalition of forces opposed to Assads regime. Syria group Jabhat al-Nusra are among rebel groups who refuse to join, denouncing it as a conspiracy. Bombings targeting Shia areas, killing more than 500 people, spark fears of new sectarian conflict. Sunni Muslims stage protests across country against what they see as increasingly marginalisation by Shia-led government. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2013 Al-Baghdadi renames ISI as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or Isis, as the group absorbs Syrian al-Nusra, gaining a foothold in Syria. In response, al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri (Bin Ladens successor) concerned about Isis expansion orders that Isis be dissolved and ISI operations should be confined to Iraq. This order is rejected by al-Baghdadi. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - January Isis fighters capture the Iraqi cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, giving them base to launch slew of attacks further south. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis declares itself the Caliphate, calling itself Islamic State (IS). The group captures Mosul, Iraqs second largest city; Tal Afar, just 93 miles from Syrian border; and the central Iraqi city of Tikrit. These advances sent shockwaves around the world. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Around the same time Isis releases a video calling for western Muslims to join the Caliphate and fight, prompting new evaluations of extremists groups social media understanding. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis take Baiji oil fields in Iraq - giving them access to huge amounts of possible revenue. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August James Foley is executed by the group as concerns grow for second American prisoner, fellow reporter Steven Sotloff. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August Obama authorises U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, helping to stall Isis along with action by Kurdish forces following the deaths of hundreds of Yazidi people on Mount Sinjar. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release video showing Steven Sotloffs murder prompting Western speculation his executioner is same man who killed Mr Foley. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Obama tells us that America will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release a video appearing to show David Haines, who was captured by militants in Syria in 2013, wearing an orange jumpsuit and kneeling in the desert while he reads a pre-prepared script. It later shows what appears to be the aid worker's body. Rex Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Peshmerga fighters scrabble to hold positions in the Diyala province (a gateway to Baghdad) as Isis fighters continue to advance on Iraqi capital. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Aid worker Alan Henning is killed. Self-imposed media blackout refuses to show images of him in final moments, instead focuses upon humanitarian care. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Isis raise their flag in Kobani, which had been strongly defended by Kurdish troops. The victory goes against hopeful western analysis Isis had overextended itself, while alienating much of the Muslim population through the murder of Henning. Victory causes fresh waves of Kurdish refugees arriving in Turkey. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - November American hostage, who embarced values of Islam, Peter Kassig and 14 Syrian soldiers are shown meeting the same fate as other captives. But intelligence agencies will be poring over the apparently significant discrepancies between this and previous films. Seramedig.org.uk Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis has released a video revealing the murder by burning to death of a Jordanian pilot held by the group since the end of December 2014. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have released videos which appear to show the beheading of Japanese hostages Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February American aid worker, Kayla Mueller was the last American hostage known to be held by Isis. She died, according to her captors, in an airstrike by the Jordanian air force on the city of Raqqa in Syria, though US authorities disputed this. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have posted a gruesome video online in which they force 21 Egyptian Coptic Christian hostages to kneel on a beach in Libya before beheading them. Egypt vowed to avenge the beheading and launched air strikes on Isis positions. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February The British Isis militant suspected of appearing in videos showing the beheading of Western hostages has been named in reports as Mohammed Emwazi from London. Rex Features Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - March Isis triple suicide attack has killed more than 100 worshippers and hundreds of others were injured after the group members targeted two mosques in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Iraqi forces have claimed victory over Isis in battle for Tikrit and raised the flag in the city. EPA/STR Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis has claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan that killed at least 35 people queuing to collect their wages and injured 100 more. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis media arm released a 29-minute video purporting to show militants executing Ethiopian Christians captives. The footage bore the extremist groups al-Furqan media logo and showed the destruction of churches and desecration of religious symbols. A masked fighter made a statement threatening Christians who did not convert to Islam or pay a special tax. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Isis has been "incapacitated" by a spinal injuries sustained in a US air strike in Iraq. He is being treated in a hideout by two doctors from Isis stronghold of Mosul who are said to be "strong ideological supporters of the group". Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis has also claimed responsibility for killing 300 of Yazidi captives, including women, children and elderly people in Iraq AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis attack on Prophet Mohamed cartoon contest in Texas was its first action on US soil. Two gunmen were shot and killed after launching the attack at the exhibition. Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi have been named as the attackers at the Curtis Culwell Centre arena in Garland. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isiss deputy leader, Abu Alaa Afri, a former physics teacher who was thought to have taken charge of the deadly terrorist group, has been killed in a US-led coalition airstrike. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May US special forces have killed a senior Isis leader named as Abu Sayyaf in an operation aiming to capture him and his wife in Syria. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Iran-backed militias are sent to Ramadi by the Iraqi government to fight Isis militants who completed their capture of the city. Government soldiers and civilians were reportedly massacred by extremists as they took control and the army fled. Charred bodies were left littering the city streets as troops clung on to trucks speeding away from the city. Ramadi is the latest government stronghold to fall to the so-called Islamic State, despite air strikes by a US-led international coalition aiming to stop its advance in Iraq and Syria. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis rounded up civilians trapped in Palmyra and forced them to watch 20 people being executed in the historic citys ancient amphitheatre. The Unesco World Heritage site was overrun by militants, threatening the future of 2,000 year-old monuments and ruins. Thousands of Palmyras residents fled but many are still living within the city walls, while the UN human rights office in Geneva said it had received reports of Syrian government forces preventing people from leaving until they retreated from the city. Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May A group of Isis-affiliated fighters have captured a key airport in central Libya. The militants took control of the al-Qardabiya airbase in Sirte after a local militia tasked with defending the facility withdrew from their positions. Affiliates of Isis, already control large parts of Sirte, the birthplace of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and a former stronghold of his supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June The US Air Force has destroyed an Isis stronghold after an extremist let slip their location on social media. According the Air Force Times, General Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, said that Airmen at Hulburt Field, Florida, used images shared by jihadists to track the location of their headquarters before destroying it in an airstrike. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Kurdish forces captured a key military base in a significant victory in Raqqa as well as town of Tell Abyad. YPG fighters, backed by US-led airstrikes and other rebels, consolidated their gains, when they seized the key town on the Syria-Turkey border. They are now just 30 miles to the north of Raqqa and have cut off a major supply route deep inside Isis-held territory. Ahmet Silk/Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has released gruesome footage claiming to show the murder of more than a dozen men by drowning, decapitation and using a rocket-propelled grenade as it seeks to boost morale among its fanatical supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has begun carrying out its threat to destroy structures in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, blowing up at least two monuments at the Unesco-protected site as Syrian government troops made advances on the Islamists positions. AFP

The UN report said the propaganda exerted a powerful pull on young men who feel they have little prospects at home, especially when combined with perceived grievances and a wish to protect Sunni Muslims in areas of Syria targeted by Bashar al-Assads government.

For some, this sense of brotherhood was reinforced by a sense of religious obligation, it said.

The respondents of this survey claimed they did not go to Syria with the intention of becoming a terrorist, nor did they return with that purpose in mind.

Despite the role of propaganda sparking a global crackdown on extremist online activity, the report found that among surveyed fighters, the internet played a far less significant role as an independent source of radicalisation than is generally assumed, and certainly a far less significant role than real life contact.

The authors found that would-be jihadis went online to confirm and strengthen ideas that were already taking root, adding: The internet then played a key role in reinforcing a decision that had in part been taken already.

Far more important was friendship circles and social networks formed around mosques, prisons, schools, universities, neighbourhoods or the workplace  a conclusion supported by the high number of known British militants who were part of radical networks or left the country with friends and relatives.

The UN report said identity politics played a key role in radicalisation, warning of significant policy implications" arising from perceived injustice and discrimination.

It added: Bad governance, especially disregard for the rule of law, discriminatory social policies, political exclusion of certain communitiesharassment by the security authorities, and confiscation of passports or other identity documents, all contribute to feelings of despair, resentment, and animosity towards the government and provide fertile ground for the terrorist recruiter.

Mehdi Hassan, also known as Abu Dujana, is one of many British fighters who joined Isis with friends - in his case the 'Britani Brigade Bangladeshi Bad Boys', who have all been killed (Twitter)

Although their accounts are highly unreliable, several imprisoned former Isis members have blamed the security services for their radicalisation.

Harry Sarfo, a German-born militant who grew up in the UK and joined Isis for three months in 2015, told The Independent his experience of police raids and harassment from the local community after he fell under suspicion as an extremist drove him to Syria.

My friend kept on telling me: This is what you get for being Muslim in the West, especially Germany. You are black and Muslim, your wife is covered, what do you expect? They think you are a bloody terrorist. You should go and live in the Islamic State, where every Muslims rights are protected. Life for you here is over, he recalled. At the time, everything he said made sense.

Similar concerns have been raised about the Governments controversial Prevent strategy, which is viewed by some to be divisive and discriminatory, while Isis itself has been attempting to capitalise on air strikes on its territory by publishing graphic images of dead children alongside calls for global terror attacks.

As Isis has been pushed back in Iraq and Syria, routes to its territories have shut down and the groups calls have largely switched from calling on supporters to travel to the caliphate, to inciting attacks in their home countries across the West.

Some analysts say the failure of Isis state project will dent its lure to potential recruits, although the fighters in the UNs sample found themselves disillusioned by the group even at its peak.

The report said they left Syria because of their genuine disappointment in and disenfranchisement by the terrorist organisation they joined, feeling alienated by the group and local Syrians, the deaths of friends or calls by loved ones to come home.

They authors hope the research will help countries around the world to improve counter-extremism programmes that prevent people from considering joining Isis and other terrorist groups, as well as safely reintegrating those returning from the groups shrinking territories.

Harry Sarfo is imprisoned in Germany, where he is under a new investigation for taking part in a mass execution

With an estimated 25,000 foreign fighters from more than 100 countries travelling to Syria, concern has been mounting over a potential influx of jihadis as Isis loses territory including its de-facto capital of Raqqa.

The city is completely sealed off and under heavy bombardment by the US-led coalition, and Isis is known to kill anyone caught attempting to defect, leading analysts to expect the number of recruits managing escape to be small.

Not all returnees present the same degree of threat, the UN report found, warning against treating all former fighters as high risk and thereby radicalising those who are low threat through unwarranted persecution.

Prof el-Said and Mr Barrett argued that some ex-terrorists could become powerful voices against the groups they once joined, adding: Governments will need to screen their returnees to identify the more dangerous among them as well as to select credible and trustworthy individuals who could counter recruitment narratives.

Isis is currently intensifying its efforts to discredit defectors and featured Sarfo in a recent propaganda magazine decrying fools who strayed and spread lies and falsehoods.

While returned foreign fighters have been among Europes deadliest terrorists, including the super cell that carried out the Paris and Brussels attacks  the threat from supporters of the group who have been prevented from realising their desire to travel to Syria is increasing.

London Bridge ringleader Khuram Butt, Normandy church attacker Abdel-Malik Petitjean and Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, who shot a Canadian soldier dead outside the countrys war memorial, are among failed foreign fighters who chose to launch attacks on home soil instead.

It is important at least not to underestimate the motivations and determination of those who failed to make it to Syria, the report concluded.

There is little room for complacency, but while the risk presented by returning foreign terrorist fighters is a real one, it should not be exaggerated.

A practical, effective and proportionate response should start from a sound understanding of the root causes of the problem.
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A man who requested that his unflattering mugshot be taken down from a police Facebook page has been arrested on suspicion of assault.

Wayne Esmonde, 35, who was sought in connection with an attack on 18 July, openly criticised South Wales Police for posting the photo online.

Mr Esmonde, from Fforestfach in Swansea, was shown looking wide-eyed and staring blankly into the camera in the offending photo. I am him. Not a very flattering mugshot, he wrote shortly after it was posted. Id appreciate it if youd take this post down. Innocent until proven guilty and all that.

Ive spoken to my solicitor and they will advise me what to do next. Thanks.

Mr Esmonde handed himself in at Swansea Central police station on Thursday, and the force updated their post with the mugshot removed from view.

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A helicopter must have spotted his eyeballs lighting up the night sky, one Facebook user said.

Last year, an Australian teenager who was on the run from police got in touch with a news channel asking them to use a more flattering photograph of her. Also last year, an Ohio fugitive who disliked his mugshot sent police a selfie adding: Here is a better photo that one is terrible. He was then arrested.
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Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar will consider holding the so-called abortion referendum in Ireland outside the summer months after student pro-choice campaigners protested over its timing.

The Taoiseach has said in recent weeks that the Irish government was planning on holding the controversial vote over the Eighth Amendment in May or June next year or later in 2018.

But a student equality group, wearing jumpers with the slogan Repeal, challenged him on the proposed dates after he gave a landmark Brexit speech in Queen's University, Belfast.

They pointed out that many students would be away travelling or working abroad in the summer months and would not be able to have their say if the referendum was held in June.

Mr Varadkar said: I definitely take the point and get the message that young people would like to have a referendum at a time that they are in the country so they can fully participate. So we will absolutely take that into account in setting a date.

Rachel Powell, vice president for equality and diversity officer with Queens Students Union, challenged the Taoiseach over the dates for the referendum which he said could be in May or June.

She told The Independent: Many students would be away on J1 visas (working in the U.S) and travelling and wouldnt be able to vote.

I said to him: The referendum on the 8th amendment is especially pertinent for students North and South of the border.

As we all know, a high percentage of students travel or work abroad over the summer. Do you agree with us that in order to fully engage students, this referendum should be held outside of the summer months?

She added: The Taoiseach said he would take that into consideration and we will be holding him to account on that.

Another of the student campaigners at Mr Varadkar's speech, Lucy Gault, posted a photo on Twitter of her and her fellow students wearing their Repeal jumpers at the event.

She wrote: Absolutely amazing to be with my team and send this clear, strong message #RepealThe8th.

The Irish PM has pledged to hold the referendum on changes to the Eight Amendment in the Republic  a controversial issue in the country that previous leaders have avoided addressing.

The ballot will give voters there the chance to shoot down that article in Irelands constitution that allows for the equal right to life to the mother and the unborn  which effectively outlaws abortion.

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A repeal would allow for terminations in cases of rape, incest or if any foetal problems were found.

Mr Varadkar himself is due to campaign himself tomorrow in Northern Ireland when he takes part in the Belfast Gay Pride breakfast to press for marriage equality across Ireland.

The Irish PM, who is the Republics first openly gay leader, took to the streets in Dublin in June 2015 after voters legalised same-sex marriage in a referendum.

The Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland has blocked any changes to the ban on gay marriage and instead promotes the traditional view of a marriage between a man and woman.
Four people were killed on Thursday night when a five-storey building collapsed in Egypts Mansoura governorate, state news agency MENA quoted the local undersecretary of the health ministry as saying.

The deceased include a 10-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl.

A search is currently underway for possible missing persons, estimated at two or three individuals, Health Undersecretary Saad Mecky added.

Head of the West Mansoura District Manal El-Ghandour told MENA that the building was old and the district issued a renovation decree in 2003, but the buildings inhabitants didnt implement the decision.

Building collapses have long been a problem in Egypt and are usually due to poor maintenance, violations of building codes, illegal extensions or lax construction.

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A woman who spotted a fellow plane passenger texting about sexually assaulting children has led police to arrest two people and rescue two potential victims, according to authorities.

Michael Kellar was arrested after arriving in Mineta San Jose International Airport airport on a flight from Seattle on Monday night, police said.

Officers also arrested 50-year-old Gail Burworth at her home in Tacoma, Washington.

It appears that two children, aged five and seven, were at risk of being sexually assaulted, according to investigators.

The plane passenger who reported 56-year-old Kellar told authorities she alerted a flight attendant after seeing a man sitting in front of her texting about child abuse.

She said he was texting in a large font, on a large smartphone.

The woman took photos of the texts with her own phone, to show the flight crew, according to Mercury News. Flight attendants then contacted officers on the ground.

Mercury News reports that, on arrest, the man "reportedly dismissed his text messages as nothing more than fantasy and role playing".

Kellar is now being held in jail on two counts of attempted child molestation and two counts of solicitation of a sex crime. Burnworth faces charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, rape of a child, and dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
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The UK has committed to spending an extra 100m as part of a final push to eradicate polio.

It is hoped the move, hailed as fantastic by Microsoft founder turned philanthropist Bill Gates, will completely wipe out the disease.

The fund will be used to help immunise up to 45 million children against polio each year until 2020  when it is hoped the world could be declared polio-free.

Mr Gates, who is also chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said: Its fantastic to see such a generous pledge from the UK to the global effort to eradicate polio.

With the steadfast commitment of key partners like the UK Government and dedicated health care workers around the world, we are very close to ending polio forever.

Thanks to the generosity of the British public, children everywhere can live healthier, more prosperous lives and thrive in a polio-free world.

Polio was eliminated in the UK in the 1980s and there are currently more than 100,000 British survivors of the disease.

Globally, the wild poliovirus still exists in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan, with eight new cases this year.

The UKs new funding is expected to vaccinate the equivalent of 80 children every minute, saving 65,000 children from paralysis each year.

Administered through the World Health Organisation, the support should help more than 15,000 polio workers reach every last child at risk, and save healthcare systems across the globe almost 2bn in treating polio victims.

The money will come via the UKs 12bn budget for foreign aid, through the Department for International Development (DfID).

DfID Secretary Priti Patel said: Polio has no place in the 21st century.

This devastating and highly infectious disease causes painful paralysis and is incurable  trapping the worlds poorest people in a cycle of grinding poverty.

The UK has been at the forefront of fighting global health threats, including polio, and our last push towards eradication by 2020 will save 45 million children from contracting this disease.

The world is closer than it ever has been to eradicating polio for good, but as long as just one case exists in the world, children everywhere are still at risk.

Now it is time for others to step up, follow Britains lead and make polio history.

The Government said there is still a funding shortfall of about 130m to achieve the 1.1bn global investment needed to end polio once and for all.

British paralympian and broadcaster Ade Adepitan, who contracted polio as a baby, said: The UK has always been a world leader  it can be part of our legacy to be at the forefront of the race to eradicate polio around the world.

Lets keep doing what we are doing and make the world a better place for future generations.

We are so close to eradicating polio. We need just one last push to make this disease history and change the world.
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Irelands prime minister has suggested that Britain could strike a Norway-style deal with the EU  forging a bespoke customs union with Europe and joining the European Free Trade Association (Efta).

In his first visit as Taoiseach to Belfast, Leo Varadkar hit out at the advocates of a hard Brexit and said their plans for border controls would throw up a trade border across Ireland.

He also said promoters of such a way forward had failed to come up with detailed proposals in the 14 months since the EU referendum last year  and that he believed they would never be able to do so.

The Efta includes Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein  and previously included Britain, before it joined the EUs predecessor, the EEC, in 1973.

Eftas members adopt nearly all EU legislation and standards so they can trade with the bloc, but with exceptions in certain areas, such as agriculture and fisheries. Downing Street has not yet ruled out Efta membership.

There are people who do want a border, a trade border between the United Kingdom and the European Union and therefore between Ireland and Britain and therefore across Ireland, Mr Varadkar said in a speech at Belfasts Queens University on the future relations of northern and southern Ireland.

These are the advocates of the so-called hard Brexit. I believe the onus is on them to come up with proposals for such a border and to convince us and convince you: citizens, students, academics, farmers, business people, civil society, that such a border is in your interest and that such a border would not be a barrier to trade and commerce.

They have already had 14 months to do so, which should have been ample time to come up with detailed proposals. If they cannot, and I believe they cannot, then we can start to talk meaningfully about solutions that might work for all of us.

Theresa May has said Britain will leave the single market and EU customs union (AP)

Turning to the subject of trade, he continued: If the United Kingdom doesnt want to stay in the Customs Union, perhaps there can be an EU-UK customs union instead. After all the EU has a customs union with Turkey, surely therefore its possible to have one with the United Kingdom?

If the United Kingdom doesnt want to stay in the single market perhaps it could enter into a deep free trade agreement with the European Union and rejoin Efta, of which it was a member prior to accession, or the European Economic Area.

The Irish PM, who took office in June, also suggested a long transition period where Britain remained in the single market so that future long-term arrangements could be worked out.

He said: If these things cannot be agreed now, then perhaps we can have a long transition period during which the United Kingdom stays in the single market and the customs union while we work all of these things out.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

Theresa May ruled out staying in the single market and EU customs union in her Lancaster House speech at the start of 2017.

Efta members, except Switzerland, are also all separately members of the European Economic Area, except Switzerland, which effectively participates in the area through a series of bespoke treaties.

All the Efta member states are members of the Schengen borderless area, except for four remote self-governing areas of Norway, including the arctic archipelago Svalbard.

Irelands ambassador to the EU revealed on Friday that a record 500,000 British people had applied for Irish passports in the first half of 2017 to safeguard their positions as EU citizens.
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British business chiefs have said Theresa May must consider delaying Brexit beyond March 2019, to avoid the chaos of an EU withdrawal for which the country is unprepared.

A report from one of the UKs foremost business organisations said extending the negotiation period would be the simplest solution, to avoiding a disorderly Brexit that could do untold damage to the economy.

The proposal from the Institute of Directors (IoD) directly contradicts the Prime Ministers goal of a clean break in two years, but was immediately backed by one of the countrys foremost business figures, Sir Martin Sorrell.

The IoD also proposed a string of other measures which fly in the face of Ms Mays plans, including a transition period in which the UK stays in the single market, remains under EU law and maintains existing customs arrangements.

It came as the Bank of England downgraded its forecasts for the British economy this year, as Governor Mark Carney warned GDP growth and take-home wages are being dragged down by fear of what will come after Brexit.

The IoDs report on how the Government should manage the move to new trading arrangements also follows reports of major Cabinet divisions over what kind of transition to have.

But even before any transition period begins, the IoDs report suggested extending the two-year period for negotiations set out in Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

While the organisation accepts it would be politically contentious for a Prime Minister who has promised to pull the UK out of Europe by March 2019, it added: This is the simplest way of allowing sufficient time for full negotiations to include a comprehensive free trade agreement, and ensuring one single period of adjustment/implementation for business, negotiators and government machinery to grapple with.

In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier listens at the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, delivers his speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for Brexit reacts during a meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Member of the European Parliament and former leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage wears socks with Union Jack flag at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Nigel Farage, United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) member and MEP, addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcoming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier gestures during speeches at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker (L) speaks with European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivers a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France Getty Images

The move would also mean that freedom of movement of EU citizens in the UK would continue beyond March 2019, which the Government has also ruled out.

WPP chief executive Sir Martin told The Independent he would be happy to endorse this to reduce the level of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, CEO of Dixons Carphone Sebastian James said: For me, there are a great many issues that seem to be very far from resolution, and these almost certainly need much more time to sort out, one way or another, than we have.

The IoD also proposed maintaining membership of the European Economic Area during a transition period leading up to a new free trade deal with Europe, something which could see the country stay in the single market as long as 2022.

The suggestion from a major business group piles pressure onto Ms May, who in September is set to face a cross-party push to make continued membership of the EEA a part of her Brexit plans.

Head of EU and Trade Policy at the IoD, Allie Renison, said: Prioritising interim arrangements and thereby mitigating the risks of EU exit means the eventual opportunities arent diminished by short-term chaotic cliff edges.

Maintaining customs arrangements similar to those currently in operation under the EUs customs union was another proposal, including the Common External Tariff and continuing to transpose EU customs and VAT legislation into British law.

The IoD also said the Government should consider prolonging the application of EU law, again contrary to Ms Mays plan to move the UK out of the European Court of Justices jurisdiction on the day of Brexit.

 Michel Barnier seeks clarification over key issues in Brexit talks

A Government spokesperson said: We have been clear that we believe an implementation period is in the interests of both the UK and the EU, providing certainty to businesses and citizens, and ensuring we avoid any cliff-edge as we move to our future partnership.

Since the referendum, the Government has engaged with businesses across the country, and we are now intensifying this process to ensure the voice of the British business community is being heard and reflected throughout our negotiations.

Over the summer, reports of cabinet splits on Brexit have pitched Chancellor Philip Hammond and Home Secretary Amber Rudd against International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Mr Hammond is said to prefer a longer transition period that retains some elements of the free movement and the customs union, while Dr Fox has indicated that a failure to fully control borders after March 2019 would be a betrayal of the referendum result.

 Tory minister suggests drop in overseas student numbers is down to 'uncertainty' with Brexit

The Bank of England downgraded its growth forecasts for the British economy this year, just days after EU statistics indicated the eurozone is growing at twice the rate of the British economy.

It now expects the economy to grow by 1.7 per cent this year, down from a previous forecast of 1.9 per cent. Meanwhile, growth is now tipped to slow to 1.6 per cent in 2018, down from a previous forecast of 1.7 per cent.

In a press conference on Thursday, Governor Mark Carney said the Bank is helpless to prevent the weaker real incomes accompanying Britains withdrawal from the European Union, and that households had cut back on spending and businesses on investment, slowing the economys growth.

Labour MP Darren Jones, a leading supporter of the Open Britain campaign group, said: British business is rightly fed up of ministers fighting like cats in a sack over the detail of transition, our future immigration policy, and other aspects of Brexit.

To protect UK jobs and investment, they need clarity from the Government about where we go from here, as well as a totally frictionless trading relationship between Britain and the European Union in future.

That can only mean continued membership of the single market and the customs union.
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Allies of Jeremy Corbyn have publicly urged the Labour leader to commit to retaining the free movement of workers between Britain and the European Union  as the partys Brexit stance comes under increasing scrutiny.

Senior figures on the left of the party have set up a new grouping, the Labour Campaign for Free Movement, and issued an ultimatum to the leadership that says Labour must be the party of all working people, regardless of where they were born.

Labour MPs and MEPs including Clive Lewis and David Lammy are backing the new group, as well as left-wing trade union chiefs and members of the partys ruling National Executive Committee.

Union general secretaries endorsing the new campaign include Manuel Cortes, of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, Sally Hunt of the University and College Union, and Ronnie Draper of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union  figures usually considered allies of Mr Corbyn. Journalists and campaigners such as Owen Jones, Dawn Foster and Neal Lawson have also signed a statement in support of the group.

The group says that Labour, like the UK in general, is at a crossroads in its relationship with the world and that the party should respond with clarity, humanity, and solidarity.

The latest intervention is significant because it mostly comes from the Corbyn-allied left of the Labour Party  in contrast to calls to remain in the single market, which have mostly, though not entirely, been championed by Labour centrists.

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However, the issue of the single market and free movement are broadly linked, with single market access effectively contingent on free movement.

Labours manifesto was vague on the issue of Brexit, stating that freedom of movement will end when Britain leaves the EU as if it were a matter of fact. However, many countries remain outside the EU but have free movement with the bloc, such as Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland.

The party has walked a delicate balancing act to neutralise immigration as an issue.

Theresa May has said she will end free movement but not given any concrete suggestions of what system might replace it.

We fought the last general election arguing against such scapegoating, and celebrating the contributions of migrants to our society. That tone must now translate into policy, the joint statement says.

 Michel Barnier seeks clarification over key issues in Brexit talks

Migrants are not to blame for falling wages, insecurity, bad housing and overstretched public services. These are the product of decades of underinvestment, deregulation, privatisation, and the harshest anti-union laws in Europe. On the contrary, migrant workers have been on the front line of fighting for better pay and working conditions. Labour is the party of all working people  regardless of where they were born.

A system of free movement is the best way to protect and advance the interests of all workers, by giving everyone the right to work legally, join a union and stand up to their boss without fear of deportation or destitution.

Clive Lewis is among MPs to have backed the new campaign (PA)

Curtailing those rights, or limiting migrants access to public services and benefits, will make it easier for unscrupulous employers to hyper-exploit migrant labour, which in turn undermines the rights and conditions of all workers.

Mr Corbyn said last month that he would not allow the wholesale importation of EU workers to undercut wages  a sharp contrast to the tone he took last year when he said he did not think there were too many EU migrants in Britain.

As with the Government, it is not clear what Labours actual post-Brexit policy on free movement would be  though barring an early general election the party is unlikely to actually be directly involved in creating a new system.

Brexit racism and the fightback Show all 9 1 /9 Brexit racism and the fightback Brexit racism and the fightback Demonstrators protest against an increase in post-ref racism at London's March for Europe in July 2016 PA Brexit racism and the fightback These cards were found near a school in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, the day after the EU referendum Twitter/@howgilb Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback Romford, Essex, June 25 @diamondgeezer Brexit racism and the fightback A worker at this Romanian food shop was asleep upstairs at the time of this arson attack in Norwich on July 8, but escaped unharmed. Hundreds later participated in a love bombing rally outside the shop to express their opposition to racism and their support of the shop owners. JustGiving/Helen Linehan Brexit racism and the fightback This neo-Nazi sticker was spotted in Glasgow on June 26 Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback But after news emerged of neo-Nazi stickers appearing in Glasgow, some in the city struck back with slogans of their own. Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback More signs began to appear in some parts of the UK, created by people who wanted to show their opposition to post-referendum racism Courtesy of Bernadette Russell

Michael Chessum, an organiser for the Labour Campaign for Free Movement, said: Labours immigration stance has for far too long been dominated by pandering to the idea that immigration is to blame for a fall in living standards. This isnt just factually wrong, its also self-defeating  because we need a narrative that is clear and honest about the fact that neoliberalism and exploitation are the real problem.

That has to be backed up with policy, not just sentiment. We beat the Tories when were principled and offer alternatives  thats the lesson of the general election.
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Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has posted a picture of herself running through a field of wheat, becoming the latest in a long line of people to openly mock Theresa May's claim that it was the naughtiest thing she had ever done.

The claims by the Prime Minister in an ITV interview with Julie Etchingham have been much derided, but rarely by powerful figures in her own party.

Ms Davidson posted the photo of herself on Twitter and wrote: I was encouraged to run through their field of wheat. Naughty.

Recommended Theresa May has done a lot worse than run through wheat fields

She made the joke during a visit to Edinburgh's Gorgie City Farm.

It was, to a great extent, Ms Davidson that saved the Prime Minister's political life during June's election, with the Conservatives taking twelve seats in Scotland, raising their total from one to thirteen.

During the election campaign, Ms May was asked by Julie Etchingham what the "naughtiest thing she ever did" was.

She visibly panicked and replied,: "Oh, goodness me.

"Well, I suppose gosh. Do you know, Im not quite sure. I cant think what the naughtiest thing.

"Well, nobody is ever perfectly behaved, are they? I mean, you know, there are times when I have to confess, when me and my friend, sort of, used to run through the fields of wheat, the farmers werent too pleased about that."

Last week Davidson was asked the same question and said: "My mother would not like to see it in print. Lets just say, I did inhale."
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Theresa May has been warned to avoid being labelled a milk snatcher like Margaret Thatcher by providing a cast-iron guarantee the Government will replace an EU milk subsidies scheme for school children after Brexit.

The little-known scheme, which the UK renewed its commitment to last year, will provide over 4m worth of milk subsides to children from the start of the school year in September.

While acting as a top-up to the already existing programme of providing milk in the UK, which has been steadily eroded since it was introduced in the post-war era, the EU scheme also acts to fund dedicated education programmes to teach pupils about the importance of good nutrition and lessons on how food is produced.

While the UK Government announced last year it would continue to participate in the scheme following the EU referendum it is not clear whether ministers will replace the money after Brexit.

Open Britain, the campaign group for a soft Brexit, is now calling on the Government to continue to match the level of funding provided by the EU in schools after Britain formally leaves the bloc in March 2019.

Of the 250 million of funding agreed for the 2017-18 school year around 100m will be allocated for milk, with Britain receiving 4.2m (3.8m). Although participation is optional all 28 member states are taking part in the initiative in the coming year. The UK, however, is one of only two member states not currently participating in the fruit and vegetable subsides.

It is estimated that in the previous school year around 20m children benefited from the EU milk subsidy scheme that was established in 1977.

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Labour MP Peter Kyle told The Independent that the Government must not take a leaf out of Maggie Thatchers book and turn into milk snatchers by using Brexit as an excuse to cut the funding for much needed milk in our primary schools.

He continued: A full fat Brexit, where we leave the Single Market and Customs Union, would damage our trade with the EU, put jobs at risk, and hammer the public finances. This would mean less money, not more, to spend on our schools.

Ministers need to give a cast-iron guarantee that they will match the current funding for milk in schools after Brexit.

When the new scheme was announced this week by the EU Commission, Phil Hogan, the commissioner for agriculture and rural development said the programme will provide valuable support to millions of European schoolchildren and thousands of farmers in every member state.

Ms Thatcher had earned the playground taunt of Thatcher, Thatcher, milk snatcher which haunted her throughout her political career while Education Secretary under Edward Heaths Government. As part of the Conservatives drive to reduce spending to meet election pledges, Ms Thatcher put forward her decision in 1971 to stop the provision of milk for junior schools pupils.

A Department for Exiting the European Union spokeswoman said: Under the nursery milk scheme, we already provide funding for milk for the under 5s in schools and nurseries.

Free milk is available to infants when served as part of their universal infant free school meals provision, and schools must also offer free milk to older pupils eligible for free school meals whenever it is served during the day. There are no plans to change this.
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Britains approach to Brexit looks so chaotic that some EU countries think it must be part of a cunning plan to trick them into thinking Theresa Mays government is more shambolic than it actually is, it has been claimed.

Some EU diplomats now allegedly think the Cabinet rifts, contradictions and confusion are too farcical to be true and must be part of an elaborate bluff, a cunning plan to pretend the UK has no plan.

One trade attache was reported as saying: I think its tactics: they are playing for time on purpose under the pretext of chaos in London.

In September theyre going to swamp us with [position] papers on the fault lines  exactly the issues where they know we [the other EU member countries] are divided.

Another attache, from a southern European country, appeared unable to believe that a country like Britain could really be so disorganised.

Do they have a strategy? the attache told Politico, Or are they playing a bluff with the European Union?  It could be a strategy because the British are always so organised.

The suspicion that Britain couldnt really be as shambolic as some recent reports might suggest was echoed by Joseph Muscat, the prime minister of Malta, the country which until last month held the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. He told the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant: I have lived in Britain, I know the British mentality.

People who say the Brits dont know what they are doing are wrong. A non-prepared British government official simply doesnt exist. The problem isnt that London is prepared badly, but that the EU is prepared extremely well.

Other EU diplomats dismissed the idea of a cunning British bluff, with one suggesting that if the apparent chaos really was a ruse to lull everyone else into a false sense of security, it was so extremely sophisticated it had fooled even UK negotiators.

 Boris Johnson didn't know about the major report into impact of Brexit

This official, who has reportedly been involved in Brexit talks, did however also add: The only ones who know the truth are the Brits themselves. Are they ready or are they trying to dance some very strange ballet that we dont fully get?

In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier listens at the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, delivers his speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for Brexit reacts during a meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Member of the European Parliament and former leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage wears socks with Union Jack flag at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Nigel Farage, United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) member and MEP, addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcoming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier gestures during speeches at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker (L) speaks with European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivers a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France Getty Images

Among incidents that may have suggested Britain wasnt fully prepared for Brexit was David Davis appearance in Brussels for talks last month, where he sat without any notes, grinning opposite European Commission negotiators armed with thick bundles of briefing papers.

UK officials insisted it had always been the plan for Mr Davis, the Brexit Secretary, to open the talks, engage in a photo opportunity, and then return to London, leaving his aides to thrash out details with their EU counterparts.

Mr Davis' appearance in Brussels, however, coincided with Dominic Cummings, the former campaign director of Vote Leave, describing him as thick as mince, lazy as a toad and vain as Narcissus.

After days of talks, UK negotiators insisted they had shown they were not ill-prepared, while some EU officials reportedly voiced continued concern that the British remained short on detail.

Apparent cabinet in-fighting over Brexit terms has also led Theresa Mays official spokesman to issue a statement that seemed to contradict Chancellor Philip Hammond, who had suggested there would be a transition strategy of retaining free movement of labour until 2022.

There were reports that neither the enthusiastically pro-Brexit International Trade Secretary Liam Fox nor Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson had been pre-briefed about Mr Hammonds comments.

In April, what the UK Government described as a useful working dinner for Theresa May and Jean-Claude Juncker was reported to have left the European Commission President with the impression the Prime Minister was poorly briefed and deluding herself over Brexit.

A senior UK government official denied that Britains Brexit stance was chaotic or confused, telling Politico: This idea that weve been sitting on our hands for the last year is just b*****ks. We have been working extremely hard. What you will start to see over the next couple of months is the government setting out in public what has been happening in private.
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The controversy over technical failings that have prevented parents claiming free childcare has intensified, with the new head of a powerful Commons committee demanding answers.

Under a flagship Government policy, promised two years ago, working parents are being offered 30 hours a week of free care for three and four-year-olds from next month.

But problems with the online registration system have left some parents unable to open an account to pay a nursery, playgroup, childminder or pre-school.

Some providers have also been unable to register, leaving them unable to fill places just weeks before the launch.

Ministers have downplayed the glitches, insisting the numbers successfully registering is on the rise and that the process is straightforward.

But Nicky Morgan, the Conservative chair of the Treasury Select Committee, has now intervened, demanding detailed information from the head of HM Revenue and Customs.

Its concerning that some parents have struggled to apply for childcare funding due to technical issues with the Governments childcare service website, she said.

To make matters worse, it appears that the childcare service helpline, for parents suffering problems with the website, is also experiencing technical difficulties.

I have written to Jon Thompson at HMRC, which runs the website, to ask for further information, such as the duration of outages, the number of complaints, and the number of people who have been unable to access their childcare service account.

The scheme went live as long ago as May to allow parents to open an online account that is then topped up by the Government and used to pay for registered childcare.

Then, from next month, mums and dads of three- and four-year-old children in England can apply for their 30 hours of free childcare, worth about 5,000-a-year per child.

But users have complained of multiple problems logging on, including the website logging them out when they went to search for the detailed information required.

Others have signed up, only to find they have no access to their accounts for days, leaving them unable to pay childrens fees.

Some applicants have been told they had applied for the free 30 hours, instead of the tax-free account. Because the scheme is entirely digital, no one can apply via post or over the telephone.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, representing 14,000 providers, described the problems as unacceptable.

Furthermore, some childcare providers have refused to offer the 30 hours, arguing they cannot afford to because the Government has failed to properly fund them.

However, answering questions from MPs last month, education minister Robert Goodwill, said 145,000 parents had successfully applied and announced an expansion to more under-fives.

I have recently had a walk-through of the service myself. It is straightforward, and the format will be very familiar to parents who have used other Government digital services, he said.

Increasing numbers of parents are successfully applying. It is great news that so many families will benefit from 30 hours in September.
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The UN says more than 250 people, including 62 children, have been killed in attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo that are taking on an increasing and disturbing ethnic dimension.

In a report based on interviews with almost 100 victims, the UNs Human Rights Office said it believed the DRC government to be complicit in the massacres in the south-western Kasai province.

At least 80 mass graves have been identified in the region, the UN said, and investigators believe the abuses in the most recent flare-up of violence could amount to crimes under international law.

Recommended Congolese police fire shots to disperse crowd as succession talks fail

Zeid bin Ra'ad al-Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: Survivors have spoken of hearing the screams of people being burned alive, of seeing loved ones chased and cut down, of themselves fleeing in terror.

Such bloodletting is all the more horrifying because we found indications that people are increasingly being targeted because of their ethnic group.

Their accounts should serve as a grave warning to the government of the DRC to act now to prevent such violence from tipping into wider ethnic cleansing.

Fighting started between the Kamwina Nsapu militia and the Kinshasa-based government in August 2016. In March of this year, a new militia called the Bana Mura was formed, the UN report says, with the apparent backing of the government.

Interviewees indicated that local security forces and other officials actively fomented, fuelled, and occasionally led, attacks on the basis of ethnicity, a UN statement said.

In many of the incidents reported to the team, FARDC [government] soldiers were seen leading groups of Bana Mura militia during attacks on villages.

Among the attacks detailed in the UN report is an assault on a health centre in the village of Cinq, where 90 people seeking refuge from the violence were slaughtered. The dead included patients who were trapped inside a surgical ward before the whole building was set on fire.

Of the 251 extrajudicial and ethnically targeted killings, the UN attributed 150 of them to the Bana Mura and 79 to the Kamwina Nsapu. Government forces were blamed for another 22.

But the UN figure is likely to be a considerable underestimation of the true scale of casualties in the violence, which was sparked last year when a regional leader, who was critical of President Joseph Kabila, was assassinated in a military operation.

The Catholic Church, which wields a great deal of political sway in the country, believes the number of dead in the recent conflict is closer to 3,400. In June, it accused security forces and militias together of destroying up to 20 whole villages in the Kasai province.

The regional violence comes on top of general political unrest in DRC. Rights groups say police arrested more than 100 people following a series of protests on Monday against Mr Kabila, who has refused to step down or hold fresh elections since his term as president ended in December last year.
Egypts permanent mission to the UN sent a memo on Thursday to the president of the UN Security Council rejecting claims by Qatar that Egypt is using its position on the Security Council to attack the Gulf state.

In the memo, published on the Egyptian foreign ministrys website on Friday, the Egyptian mission stated that Qatar had financially and ideologically supported terrorist groups in the Middle East and around the globe.

The letter added that Qatars record in supporting terrorism in Syria, Iraq and Libya was known to the world.

On 20 July, Qatars permanent mission to the UN wrote a letter to the head of the council accusing Egypt of using its position on the Security Council to turn the council against the Gulf state, rejecting Egypts allegations that it supports terrorist groups.

By request of the Qatari permanent mission, the president of the Security Council issued the letter as an official document, under the symbol S/2017/628.

In the Thursday memo, the Egyptian mission also said that the US-Qatari memorandum of understanding on banning terrorism funding, which was referred to in the Qatari letter to the council, was signed because Egypt and other Arab countries had exposed Qatars support for terrorism.

The Egyptian foreign ministry also released a letter from the president of the Security Council on 3 August stating that the Egyptian missions letter was officially issued as a council document under the filing symbol S/2017/670.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain cut of diplomatic relations with Qatar in June, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Also in June, Egyptian representatives at the Security Council accused Qatar of funding terrorists in Libya and demanded a UN inquiry into accusations that the Gulf nation paid millions of US dollars as a ransom to a militant group in Iraq to release members of the Qatari royal family.

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A survivor of male rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo has called for more survivors to come forward about the taboo.

Stephen Kigoma was raped during civil conflict in the central African nation but only sought medical help when he fled over the border to Uganda a week later.

"I hid that I was a male rape survivor. I couldn't open up - it's a taboo," he said in a BBC interview.

"As a man, I can't cry. People will tell you that you are a coward, you are weak, you are stupid."

The attack took place when men attacked Mr Kigomas home in Beni, a town in the north-east of the country.

"They killed my father. Three men raped me, and they said: 'You are a man, how are you going to say you were raped?'

"It's a weapon they use to make you silent."

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Even after fleeing to Uganda in 2011, Mr Kigoma only got help when a physiotherapist treating him for a back problem realised the full extent of his injuries.

He was taken to see a doctor treating survivors of sexual violence, at Mulago Hospital, Ugandas biggest referral hospital.

He says he was the only man in the ward being treated for sexual violence.

"I felt undermined. I was in a land I didn't belong to, having to explain to the doctor how it happened. That was my fear.

Mr Kigoma was only one of six men to receive counselling through the Refugee Law Project, a human rights charity in Kampala, Ugandas capital.

Dr Chris Dolan, head of the organisation, told the BBC about the legal challenges surrounding male rape.

"There's the problem of criminalisation of same-sex activity - it revolves around penetration of the male body, not around consent or lack of consent."

Uganda took in more refugees than any other country in the world last year.

But homosexual acts are illegal within the country, making it more difficult to report rape to the police.

"When I asked the police, they said that if it has anything to do with penetration between a man and a man, it is gay," Mr Kigoma said.

"If it happens to a woman, we listen to them, treat them, care and listen to them - give them a voice. But what happens to men?"

A collaborative study between Dr Chris Dolan and the Institute of Development Studies found that male survivors of conflict-related sexual violence could benefit from politically conscious collective action, and speaking out about their experiences.

At its core, sexual violence ruptures the victims understanding of their own gender identity, and of what it means to be men.

This rupture results in stigmatisation from the community, silencing and isolating men who have been raped.
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Amanda Knox, the American exchange student who was convicted and subsequently cleared of murdering her British roommate, has defended the young woman found guilty of encouraging her boyfriend to kill himself.

Michelle Carter was this week sentenced to 15 months in jail after she was convicted of the manslaughter of her teenage boyfriend, by sending him text messages in which she encouraged him to take his own life. At one point, she sent a message telling him to get back in a truck where he was poisoning himself with carbon monoxide fumes.

Ms Knox said that Carter, who remains free on bail while her appeal is pending, deserved sympathy and help, and not a jail sentence. Carter was 17 when she encouraged her 18-year-old boyfriend Conrad Roy III, to take his own life; she is now 20.

Defence lawyer Joseph Cataldo talks to his client, Michelle Carter, (AP) (Faith Ninivaggi/The Boston Herald/AP)

By holding her accountable for Roys death, we increase the tally of victims in this case, we ignore the mental health factors that lead to suicide, and we learn nothing about how to prevent it, Ms Knox wrote in an article in the Los Angeles Times.

Conrad Roy III needed our sympathy and our help and didnt get it in time. Michelle Carter deserves the same sympathy and help now.

 Knox cleared of murder

Ms Knox, 30, was convicted along with her Italian boyfriend in the 2007 killing of her roommate, British student Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Italy. Ms Knox spent four years in jail but was exonerated by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015.

The Associated Press said Ms Knox said she felt a sickening sense of deja vu as she watched prosecutors try to depict Carter as a femme fatale, the way she said the media tried to portray her during her trial.

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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

Ms Knox said it was difficult to feel sympathy for Carter, who sent Mr Roy dozens of text messages urging him to follow through on his plan to kill himself.

But Ms Knox pointed out that for months leading up to Mr Roys death, Carter had tried to talk the 18-year-old out of it and urged him to seek mental health counselling. She also wrote that Carter - who herself struggled with depression, bulimia and anorexia - was ill-equipped to help the young man, who also suffered from depression.

Relatives of Mr Roy have condemned the sentence handed to Carter and the decision to let her out on bail. The family is pursuing a civil action against Carter.

I was just sick, just sick to my stomach [over] the fact that she can be free, and my cousin, hes not here, Mr Roys cousin, Makenna ODonnell, told ABC News. She should be behind bars.
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An Indiana middle school plagued by bullies has found a VIP escort to school  from more than 50 local bikers.

Tammy Mick told the Washington Post that her son, Phil, was being bullied at school for his weight. He would come home at night with bruises, saying he had been hit, punched, and called names. The torment got so bad, Ms Mick said, that the 11-year-old had considered suicide.

At a Christmas charity last year, Ms Mick divulged the situation to Brent Warfield, the director of United Motorcycle Enthusiasts. The biker quickly offered to help.

Mr Warfield, who was picked on himself as a child, said he feels for the new generation of bullying victims.

These kids, they cant even get away from it with social media and all that, he told The Independent. To see and hear the stories of all these families who have lost kids to suicide from bullying is just awful.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Mr Warfield, who told Fox59 hes been organising charity rides for years, offered to rally some big-hearted bikers to help out. He posted a call on Facebook for bikers in the area to escort Phil to his first day of school.

That day, more than 50 Indiana bikers turned out  some from more than an hour away. They ate breakfast with Phil and his family at a local restaurant, and then drove with him to the doors of DeKalb Middle School.

He lit up; he glowed when he got his first ride, Mr Warfield told The Independent.

Now, Mr Warfield says the bikers are organising a suicide awareness and anti-bullying ride for September. They also hope to bring speakers into local schools to discuss suicide prevention.

Ask any biker, he said. [This is] just what we do.
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A convicted rapist has reportedly been found working as a security guard at a California rape counselling centre.

According to CBS47 Fresno, a tip led Fresno police officers to make contact with Damon Rodgers, who had been convicted of rape and attempted rape in 1998, who was arrested over possession of a firearm. He had been working as a security guard at Rape Counseling Services in Fresno.

Rape counselling services provides services for victims who have been sexually assaulted and then you have an individual who is a convicted sex offender for rape and attempted rape working at their facility. The optics on that are really bad, Fresno police spokesman Israel Reyes told CBS47.

As far as we know there were no victims who were ever disturbed by Rodgers, but again it's something where an individual like that should not be working at that centre, Mr Reyes added.

Officials said that Rodgers worked with an outside security company and the crisis centre had no prior knowledge of his past. Mr Reyes said that without the tip from the public, they may not have made the arrest as "all indications" pointed to Rodgers being "a compliant sex registrant".

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

According to Fresno Sheriff's Department records, Rodgers was booked into Fresno County Jail on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon. Bail was set at $386,000
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It wasn't until the media started asking questions that the White House's introduction of a law curtailing legal immigration got contentious. During the daily press briefing, CNN's Jim Acosta, himself a son of Cuban immigrants, challenged senior adviser Stephen Miller on a component of the proposed bill which would grant English-speakers more favor in gaining admission to the United States.

"Aren't you trying to change what it means to be an immigrant coming into this country if you're telling them you have to speak English?" Acosta asked. "Can't people learn how to speak English when they get here?"

The answer is, of course, that they can. As President Trump's grandfather did. As Stephen Miller's great-grandparents did. And as a member of Trump's own Cabinet did.

The policy, the Raise Act, would introduce a point-based system for new applicants to enter the U.S. In addition to speaking English, points would be awarded based on these other answers that Miller mentioned: "Can they support themselves and their families financially? Do they have a skill that will add to the U.S. economy? Are they being paid a high wage?

 Donald Trump encourages law enforcement officials to not be too nice when arresting suspects

Were that policy in place in 1885, Friedrich Trumpf would likely not have gained entry to the United States. The immigration record for his arrival that year indicates that he arrived without an identifiable "calling": The word "none" sits next to his name in that column.

A biographer of Trumpf - father of Fred Trump, who was the father of the president - told Deutsche Welle that Donald Trump's grandfather didn't speak English when he got here.

"He came to New York," Gwenda Blair said, "and, after he learnt English, he went to the West Coast, ran restaurants, amassed a nest egg, then went back to Kallstadt, married the girl next door and brought her to New York." It was on the West Coast that Trumpf (now just Trump) became a citizen and registered to vote in the 1892 election.

But: No skills, no English. Would he have gotten in?

Donald Trump's mother, Mary McLoed, would have had more luck. An immigrant from Scotland, she is listed on Census documents as speaking English, though a Politico profile of her from last year notes that "she spoke almost exclusively in Scots Gaelic before leaving for a new life in the United States at age 18."

Were Friedrich Trumpf barred entry, there might not be a President Trump. But if this law had been in effect a century ago, there also may not have been a senior adviser Stephen Miller.

Reporter Jennifer Mendelsohn tracked down Miller's genealogy. She discovered that Miller's father's father's mother - his great-grandmother, Sarah Miller - was identified in the 1910 Census as speaking only Yiddish.

What's more, the Los Angeles Times obituary for Miller's grandmother Freya makes special mention of how her parents, Nathan and Frannie Baker, "epitomized the American Dream."

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

"Teaching each other English, working together to build a nest egg, the two immigrants eventually bought a small grocery store," it reads. "The Baker Family lived upstairs and all the family worked in the store. Freya, and her two brothers, were educated in the superb public school system."

Other senior Trump officials have family trees that suggest ancestors who may have been barred entry at Ellis Island.

Kellyanne Conway's great-grandfather was named Pasquale Lombardo, and was born in Naples, Italy. A man of that name and the proper age is identified in the 1910 Census as living in Pennsylvania and working as a blast furnace laborer who spoke only Italian.

Stephen K. Bannon's great-great-grandfather was a man named Mattias Herr, who was born in Bavaria in 1836 before moving to Maryland. It's not clear whether he spoke English or knew a skilled trade.

Mike Pence - like most Americans - is also the grandchild of an immigrant. His mother's father, Richard Michael Crawley, immigrated from Ireland to work as a bus driver. He did speak English, though, and likely would have cleared admission under the Raise Act.

As mentioned above, though, at least one member of Trump's Cabinet didn't. Elaine Chao, Trump's secretary of transportation (and wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell), was born in Taiwan and came to the United States in 1961, when she was 8.

She described that transition in a CNN interview last month.

"I remember how tough it was to try to learn a new culture, a new language and just to adapt to, like, ordinary daily stuff like the food. Like, most Chinese don't eat meat between breads," she said. As she tried to learn the language, "the kids were mean to me," she said.

Her father, who spoke English, was already in the U.S. when Chao and her mother and sisters arrived, working in the maritime industry. Would that have been enough to warrant admission? To bring over his family?

This, it seems, was Acosta's point: Doesn't two centuries of experience show that people who arrive in America without the ability to speak English or a highly skilled trade can have a significant impact on the future of the country?

Washington Post
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There comes a point in every new relationship when your girlfriend wants to share a secret. Usually it's to do with sex  how many other partners she's had (with a few conveniently erased)  that sort of thing. Often, the secret changes the basis of the relationship; honesty comes with consequences. But what happens if your new girlfriend has a much darker and more sinister secret than having slept around a bit?

Sitting naked on the edge of the bed in a cheap, sweltering hotel room in the heart of a war-torn, drug-producing region of Colombia, I lit a cigarette and listened as the girl I had just made love with told me a secret dark enough to shake anyone from their postcoital bliss.

I had been in Colombia for a few months to learn how to become a photojournalist. Not by attending some theoretical university course, or taking portraits in a cosy studio, but by pitching myself in at the deep end.

Times of peace have been rare in the country's history. For the past 40 years or so, a Marxist-inspired rebel group known as the Farc (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) have been at war with the government, funding their growing army by kidnapping and extortion, and taxing the illegal cocaine trade. Right-wing death squads known as "self-defence forces" have sprung up as a response to the Farc's kidnapping of wealthy landowners and drug-lords. Under the umbrella of an organisation called the AUC (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia) these private militias, or paramilitaries (known locally as "paras"), are secretly supported by those high in the government and military, who back their dirty war against the Farc rebels.

This triangular conflict has exacted, and continues to exact, a hefty price from the Colombian people. During the past four decades, over 200,000 have lost their lives and more than three million have been forced from their homes by violence or intimidation. This week, following an incursion by government forces to kill Farc rebels in Ecuador, the conflict was at the centre of a diplomatic crisis involving both nations, together with Hugo Chavez's Venezuela.

To dismiss all this brutality as a simple war over drugs does the Colombian people a gross injustice. Its roots are buried in the economic and social imbalance that permeates the country, a huge working class living in poverty, lining the pockets of a tiny, wealthy upper class who own more than 90 per cent of the land, industry and business. My goal, therefore, was to meet and photograph members of each of the groups involved, and to attempt explain Latin America's 40-year conflict.

I began by travelling to a part of the country with a strong Farc presence, and, after much perseverance, persuaded the rebels to let me live in one of their camps. After documenting their daily lives and being alongside them in a firefight against government troops, it was time to go off in search of their sworn enemies, the paras.

I headed towards the Putumayo, one of the narco-trafficking centres and scene of ongoing skirmishes between Farc and the paras in southern Colombia on the border with Ecuador. It took a couple of days travelling on a local bus to get to the capital, Puerto Asis.

En route, I began talking with a fellow passenger, a beautiful Colombian girl called Marylin who told me she was returning from a clothes-buying trip in one of the big cities. I explained my purpose in visiting the region, and Marylin told me she had friends in both the paramilitaries and the military, so would be able to help. She invited me to stay with her family, who had a roadside store and bar on the outskirts of town. I was attracted to Marylin, but had no idea how close we would become and how our future would unfold.

I spent the next few weeks living with her family, making trips out into the countryside to photograph the coca fields and to meet the paramilitaries. Marylin and I spent long afternoons lying together in a hammock. We held hands and kissed occasionally, but it went no further. Eventually, my time and funds ran out and I had to return to England. As I said goodbye, I promised to do my best to return and Marylin told me I was now "part of the family".

Six months later, I was back, determined to explore this conflict fully, learn as much as I could and maybe publish a book. I made my way back to Puerto Asis with the intention of spending some time with Marylin and her family. But I was in for some surprises: Marylin told me that she had joined the AUC and had been active in combat in the nearby village of El Tigre. Another female friend who had been fighting at her side had been killed, along with 25 other paramilitary fighters and at least 15 rebels. When the combat ceased, the entire population of the village fled. Marylin's brother was now working on a coca plantation and carried a pistol that he slept with under his pillow. I didn't find it particularly shocking. This was, after all, a country torn apart by every type of violence. Only luck, or lack of it, dictated which side you were on.

Months passed. I travelled around the country developing my project. The results received positive attention, including a prize in an international competition, and it was suggested that I go to Iraq to document the war there. And so I did. But, after six months living with the daily car bombings and rocket attacks in Baghdad, I was hankering to return to Colombia.

A year after our first meeting, I arrived back at Marylin's home in a battered taxi. I sat and drank an ice-cold beer with her father while waiting for her to return from an "errand". I then walked hand-in-hand with her and her four-year-old daughter, Natalie, down the rutted cart track to a tree-shaded river behind her house. With her daughter splashing around near the bank we waded, arm in arm, into the deeper, cooler water. I felt there was a change in the atmosphere, but I couldn't exactly put my finger on what I was sensing.

I asked Marylin if things would be different between us if I stayed at a hotel in the town rather than with her family. She agreed that it might make it easier for us to be together, so I found myself a room. That evening, she came for dinner. We ate on the balcony and, as we shared a bottle of wine and listened to the chorus of insects, I began to think that the year of groundwork I had put in was about to pay off. Marylin stayed the night.

Puerto Asis, Marylin's home town sits a degree or two above the equator. Air-conditioning was an expensive extra and I was broke. The tiny hotel room was stifling, and, as we lay curled in the sweat-soaked sheets, with the shouts of street vendors and the rumble of early morning traffic drifting in though the balcony window, Marylin said she had something to tell me.

She then hit me with a confession that would both thrill and confuse me. She explained that in the months that I had been away in Iraq her role within the AUC had changed; she had joined the urban militia and become an assassin. Her job was now to eliminate informers and traitors. So far, she told me, she had killed at least 10 people in the area. I lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply, Marylin looked at me through the smoke as I exhaled, waiting to see how I would respond to what she had just told me.

Strangely, her confession did not have the impact one would expect; I did not recoil in horror. The months I had spent in Colombia and in Iraq surrounded by violence had altered my perspective. I don't think that I had become immune to death or suffering but I had certainly become less easily shocked. The difference between victim and victor, rebel and refugee, often felt like only a matter of perspective.

I had always enjoyed the company of the "doers", the rebels and the soldiers who were out risking their lives for causes I supposed they believed in. I was left cold by the wealthy, well-dressed beauty queens who inhabited the upmarket clubs of Bogota. Although I would later feel very differently, my initial reaction to Marylin's words were an acceptance that may even have bordered on approval. I guess I felt that as war-zone lovers go, she was pretty "cool".

In the beginning, her visits to my hotel room  usually armed with a pistol  did not disturb me greatly. At first, I don't think the real implications of what Marylin was doing had filtered through the surreal haze. I was young and living out a great adventure. This was surely the closest I would ever get to someone who was truly and totally involved and immersed in this conflict. The woman I had only recently begun sleeping with was a hired killer and there was a gun on my bedside table.

Watching her take the pistol from her belt, unbutton her jeans and slip into bed I somehow couldn't quite equate the woman in my arms with the bodies I had seen in the local morgue, their heads shattered by gunshots at close range, murders she confessed to having committed. High on a combination of the heady tropical climate, local rum, grade A cocaine and in the arms of nubile 22-year-old, fantasy and reality became blurred. It felt like I was living in a Quentin Tarantino movie.

One morning, Marylin told me that the previous night she had persuaded a friend to help her decapitate and dismember a woman she had been contracted to kill. This was no informer, but, rather, a friend of hers who paid her to kill her boyfriend's other girlfriend. She described so graphically what had happened, with so little feeling, that at last reality kicked in. I found my feelings about her changing. The romantic light started to fade fast. She no longer seemed to be a legitimate part of a civil conflict but had evolved into a freelance killer, taking life in exchange for money  no more, no less.

Although I still found her sexually attractive and wanted to be with her, something else was ricocheting around in my brain. Some of the thoughts that would have occurred to anyone else much earlier were, now, at last, beginning to filter through.

Over the past year, I had photographed her swimming in the river with her daughter and reading bedtime stories. Now, the images I was recording concentrated almost entirely on the other side of her life. I was, with thoughts of self-preservation in mind, reducing her to "subject".

I asked Marylin if she would be prepared to let me interview her about her life and what she had become involved in. Wearing a balaclava and brandishing a pistol, she permitted me to video our conversation.

I began by asking her how she had first become involved with the paramilitaries and why she decided to join them. How she had been persuaded to kill her first victim and how she felt about it. She started hesitantly, but gathered confidence as her story unfolded.

"When I killed the first person, I was afraid, I was scared. I killed the first person just to see if I could. But there is an obligation to kill. If you don't, they kill you. That's why the first was very hard, because the person I killed was kneeling down begging, crying and saying, 'Don't kill me. I have children.' That's why it was difficult and sad. But if you don't kill that person, someone else from the AUC will kill you. After the killing, you keep trembling. You can't eat or talk to anyone. I was at home, but I kept imagining the person begging not to be killed. I shut myself inside, but with time I forgot everything. The superiors always say, 'Don't worry, that was just the first time. When you kill the second one, it will all be OK.' But you keep trembling.

"The second time is only a bit easier, but as they say here, 'If you can kill one, you can kill many more.'

"You have to lose the fear. Now I am still killing and nothing happens. I feel normal. Before, I had an obligation to kill, I was sent to kill. But once I left the organisation, I was not obligated. I now only do the job for money.

"Yes [I killed one of my friends], because they were going to kill me. They told me to take care because they worked for the other side and had connections with the guerrillas. And so it was my life or theirs. So I asked permission to do it, which [the AUC] gave me. [The AUC] investigated and it came out positive that [my friends] worked for the guerrillas, so I killed them. It was very painful for me. I was at the burial and at the vigil. It hurt me to see his mother crying, knowing I was the one guilty of having caused that. But it's your life and you're taught in the [AUC] school: First you, then the others. In total, I have killed 23 people."

An incredible sadness washed over me as I listened to this intelligent young woman, who I had become so close to, talk of her life. Marylin was an extreme victim of circumstance. Her boredom and quest for excitement had brought her into contact with the paramilitaries, who had brainwashed her and left her with no respect for human life. Not her own, not even her family's.

But her excuses, or lack of them, riled me and I told her she represented everything that was wrong with the country. From my privileged and ultimately unqualified position as an outsider I found it impossible to identify with her, only to be angry, upset and judgemental.

Reducing her to a "subject" had not worked, I did not seem able to be detached and objective or able to put my own feelings aside. I had travelled too far beyond that point. While on one level I relished the intensity of what I was experiencing, there was a price to be paid for getting in so deep and it was high. I realised that the things I had seen and heard in the last couple of months were incredible. Through them, my passion for Colombia had grown and my understanding of what was happening in this much misunderstood country had broadened. But I felt that I had lost something and been damaged by them, too.

I returned to Iraq and then moved on to covering the war in Afghanistan. Over the course of a year, Marylin and I exchanged emails periodically. They mainly involved her asking me where I was and asking me not to forget her. She told me that the things I had said to her after her interview had had a big impact. No one had spoken to her like that, really questioned her about what she was doing with her life. She told me that she did want to make a new beginning, but that she knew the AUC do not let their members leave, at least not alive.

After a long period of silence, I began to fear something had happened. So I decided that I would return to Puerto Asis to learn the truth.

It took me some time to pluck up the courage to drive out to her home to see if she and her family were still around. I wondered if she had perhaps made the break and left to begin a new life or whether, more likely, her past had caught up with her. Given the dreadful things that I already knew she had been involved in, I was at least somewhat prepared for bad news. What I was not ready for was how confusing it was going to be to hear it.

Her family showed their normal surprise at finding me at their front door. All my fears were confirmed as her father, his eyes welling with tears, told me that Marylin was dead. She was 25 years and two months old when she was kidnapped from her home and stoned to death. Her abductors crushed her head with rocks and then shot her.

The next morning, her now six-year-old daughter, Natalie, awoke as an orphan, Marylin's parents had lost a third daughter and her brother so overcome with grief that he was unable to walk, talk, or even feed himself. Marylin was not killed by some local seeking revenge for one of the many deaths that had occurred at her hands during her time as an assassin. She was murdered by her own group in a symbolic stoning for being a sapo ("frog"), which is what Colombians call informers.

Her most recent boyfriend was a government soldier, convenient enough when the paramilitaries and the military were working side-by-side in their war to wrest control of the coca fields of Putumayo from the Farc, but enough to get her killed when that relationship soured and her pillow talk continued.

Marylin's death had a special significance for me, because I, too, had shared some of that pillow talk. We had been friends and then lovers. Our lives never had much in common; except that Colombia's dirty little war had both of us locked into its fatal grip. I found it difficult to speak; I wasn't actually sure what I was feeling.

Was I feeling sorry that a young woman, who had deliberately taken the lives of other human beings, had received the same kind of street-corner justice she had been responsible for handing out? Was I reliving the conversations we had about changing her life and the emails I received from her thanking me and saying she needed to talk more about how she could get out of the mess she was in? Was I wishing I had done more to help her? Was I feeling sorry for her parents and her beautiful daughter, who one day would want an explanation as to why her mother was killed and, maybe, discover the horrors that occurred while she was a sleeping baby? Was I remembering what it was like to kiss her in those days before I had any clue she was an assassin? Was I trying to imagine, or perhaps trying not to imagine, what she looked like after her head had been destroyed with stones and rocks?

In truth, I was thinking, feeling and imagining all of these things. At the same time, though, I knew that whatever pain her family was feeling, she had caused this same pain to others many times over.

Back in my hotel room I let out the longest of breaths, lit a cigarette and stared at the ceiling fan. The whirling blades churned together my memories of the wars I'd been in, my ex-girlfriend and my current situation.

Early next morning, together with Marylin's mother and Natalie, both wearing their best dresses and carrying flowers, I went to see where Marylin body had been laid to rest. Her coffin was in a concrete box, resting on top of the tomb of her sister, who had also been killed by the conflict. The number of bodies demanding burial had long ago outstripped the space available. Alongside lay a much smaller tomb; the remains of another of her sisters, who'd died of natural causes aged three months. I could not imagine how Marylin's mother felt holding the hand of her granddaughter, looking over the graves of all three of her daughters.

My plan for travelling deeper into Putumayo to photograph the paramilitaries no longer seemed such a good idea. Marylin had always pointed me in the right direction and warned me when pushing further was not a good idea. I wanted to learn more about her life and death, but didn't want to get killed for asking the wrong questions of the wrong people.

That night, eating dinner against a background of revving motorbikes and honking trucks, another local told me more of what had happened to Marylin. Between mouthfuls of soup, the woman told me that Marylin had been involved with the AUC a lot longer than she had admitted to me, and that it was commonly believed in the town that she was involved in the massacre of 26 villagers in El Tigre. Many of the victims were decapitated and disembowelled before being thrown into a river. I booked a seat on the next available flight out.

As I watched Puerto Asis disappear below me, the plane was enveloped by cloud. On my iPod, someone was singing "this city's made us crazy and we must get out".

As I sit typing this, nearly 9,000 miles away in a freezing, dark hotel room in Kabul, Afghanistan, covering yet another never-ending conflict, I wonder whether it could have ever ended any differently. Was Marylin really killed because she was an informer or because, as she indicated in her emails, she did really want to leave the AUC and start a new life?

This is what I want to believe. I want to believe that she had a change of heart. I want to believe that she wasn't the cold, heartless, evil killer she appeared to be. But who am I trying to fool?

This article was originally published in Arena magazine. Jason P Howe is the author of Colombia: Between the Lines, out later this year. To order a copy, contact books@conflictpics.com
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A jealous monster who admitted to ripping out his girlfriends intestines after she called out her estranged husbands name twice during sex, has been given life in prison with no chance of parole.

Fidel Lopez, 26, told police became enraged during intercourse in a closet with Maria Nemeth, 31, at her apartment in Sunrise, Florida.

She called me the name of the other F****** guy, he told investigators after the September 2015 murder. And she said it twice, and she was wrong and she was confusing me with him. At that point, I get mad. I get really, really mad.

Admitting that he became a monster, Lopez told officers that he flew into a rage and broke objects around the apartment before he launched his bloody attack on his girlfriend, who had passed out after drinking too much alcohol.

Recommended Man attacks and robs heavily pregnant woman while she is in labour

As the 31-year-old lay stricken, he shoved objects into Ms Nemeth's vagina and anus, including a beer bottle, a hair iron, and even his fist and arms up to his elbows, ripping out some of her intestinal tissue.

After he noticed she had stopped breathing, he tried and failed to resuscitate her by splashing water on her face, he said. Then he called the police.

Officers arrested Lopez after they turned up at the bloody scene in Ms Nemeths apartment.

He initially tried to pass off Ms Nemeth's horrific injuries as being the result of rough sex.

But last month he switched his plea from not guilty to guilty to escape the death penalty. He will now serve life in prison with no chance of parole.

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Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. 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

After he was sentenced, Lopez apologised to Ms Nemeths family at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, CBS Miami reported.

Today, I am happy to fulfill this conviction," he said. "I know that what I did has to be paid and I agree I will pay with my life for the life I took, he said. To Marias family, I ask forgiveness.

At the sentencing, Ms Nemeth's family said they were devastated over their loss.

If I had to summarise the life of Maria, it would be very difficult to express in a few lines, her uncle, Juan Cavezudo, said. I just want to tell you all that she was and will continue to be a model of affection, effort, perseverance and love of humanity.
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A federal jury has found Martin Shkreli guilty on multiple criminal securities fraud charges, and faces years in prison once he is sentenced.

Shkreli, who has been nicknamed "Pharma bro" and called "the most hated man in America", was sentenced in Brooklyn after a trial that lasted more than a month.

Altogether, Shkreli was found guilty on three of eight charges brought against him. That includes convictions on securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit both securities fraud and wire fraud.

Recommended Martin Shkreli accused of threatening family of former employee

Outside of the court house, Shkreli portrayed the decision as a victory for him: "This was a wtich hunt of epic proportions, and maybe thy found one or two broomsticks, but at the end of the day, we've been acquitted of the most important charges," he said.

Prosecutors in the trial said that a huge trove of evidence showed that Shkreli had duped multiple investors into investing millions of dollars into hedge funds he ran, MSMB Capital and MSMB Healthcare. He did so by falsely claiming to have an superb record of running those types of funds. He also told investors that his investment strategy was low risk.

He quickly lost much of that money after receiving it, prosecutors said, and said that he used a portion of the cash to capitalise his pharmaceutical company Retrophin. During that time of losses, he continued to send out financial statements to his investors saying that the hedge funds were receiving positive returns.

Shkreli brushed off investors who asked him for their money, sometimes for months at a time. In doing so, he kept inventing excuses and suggesting that he pay them back through alternative methods.

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 former pharmaceutical executive wound up looting the stock of Retrophin to pay back his investors he had ripped off.

The fraud charges are unrelated to the actions that made Shkreli something of a household name. Back in 2015, he raised the price of the anti-parasite drug Daraprim by more than 5,000 per cent while serving as the executive of the drug company Turing Pharmaceuticals. That raised the price from $13.50 a dose all the way up to $750 a dose for the drug that is used to treat infections from toxoplasmosis, a condition that can be fatal in patients suffering from AIDS. The price hike was cirticised by politicans and other pharmaceutical companies, leading Turing Pharmaceuticals to cut the cost per does to $375 for some hospitals.

That price hike focused quite a bit of attention on Shkreli, who responded to the criticism with low-grade trolling and an insouciant attitude. When a group of high school students were able to replicate the drug for $2 a dose as a part of an ordinary chemistry product, for instance, Shkreli tweeted that any pharmaceutical company could replicate drugs for less than market price.

Shkreli has since then appeared before Congress, further building up his image as a villain in the public's eye. Sitting on Capitol Hill, the former health care executive delivered testimony that was later referred to as containing almost only dramatic theatre as he shifted in his chair, sometimes smiling, and invoking his Fifth Amendment protections to not answer any questions the members of Congress asked.
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A special education teacher and married mother accused of having sex with her 18-year-old student may have slept with at least three other pupils, police in the US state of Connecticut allege.

Laura Ramos, 31, who has a young child, is standing trial accused of sexual assault but faces new charges after another student reportedly confessed to police the pair had slept together.

Police say a second student in the special education unit told them he had sex with her and investigators are now looking for other alleged victims.

Ms Ramos, from New Haven, Connecticut, turned herself in to police on Wednesday after the second student came forward.

Reports said police believed Ms Ramos had sex with at least four students, although she has only been formally charged in connection with two.

Ms Ramos resigned from Central High School in Bridgeport after the first sexual assault charges were brought against her.

Police claim she acknowledged several sexual encounters took place in her car with the first student between December and April.

Recommended Father of teenager who had sex with his teacher on a flight speaks out

According to the Connecticut Post, citing a police statement, the student claimed in April he had sex with Ms Ramos in her car after first having dinner at a local restaurant.

The paper reported police as saying that on another occasion in April, Ms Ramos had complained to the student that her husband didnt want to have sex with her before they had sex in the electrical room of a restaurant.

She has pleaded not guilty in that case and has been released on bail.

After her second arrest, Ms Ramos lawyer, Edward Gavin, said: My client voluntarily surrendered to police and we are awaiting the paperwork indicating the basis for the new charge.

Laura Ramos continues to maintain her innocence and we look forward to the progression of the case.

Judge William Holden has barred Ms Ramos from contacting her alleged victims.

Ms Ramos husband reportedly accompanied her to her first court appearance but was said to have appeared alone as she was given the new charges.

She is due back in court on 14 August.
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The special counsel appointed to investigate Donald Trump's links to Russia during the US presidential campaign has set up a grand jury to study the evidence.

Robert Mueller was appointed in May to look into whether the Kremlin had tried to meddle in the 2016 election and whether the Trump campaign colluded with them in doing so.

The grand jury began its work in recent weeks in a sign that Mr Mueller's inquiry is ramping up, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Russia has loomed large over the first six months of the Trump presidency, with US congressional panels also investigating the election interference that US intelligence agencies believe was meant to tilt the vote in the Republican billionaire's favour.

Moscow denies any meddling and Mr Trump has dismissed suggestions of collusion by his campaign, while regularly denouncing the investigations as political witch hunts.

A grand jury investigation is a precursor to a full trial in US criminal law. It a legal body which has the power to investigate whether there is substantial evidence that a crime has been committed and determine whether charges should be brought.

Although this does not mean that the case will proceed to a criminal trial or an impeachment, it is a clear sign that the investigation into the Presidents alleged links with Russia has entered a new, more serious, phase.

A grand jury, which which was also a feature of English and Welsh law until it fell out of use in the early 20th century, has significant powers including the right to issue subpoenas which compel witnesses to testify.

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

Ty Cobb, special counsel to the President, said he was not aware that Mr Mueller had started a grand jury.

He told the Journal: Grand jury matters are typically secret.

The White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly  The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr Mueller.

However, the President attacked his Attorney General Jeff Sessions repeatedly on Twitter last week for his perceived failures over the case.

It is believed that Mr Trump is frustrated that he cannot stop the Russia investigation altogether but is wary of firing Mr Sessions after sacking FBI director James Comey in May.

Mr Sessions recused himself from anything to do with the Russia investigation in March after it was revealed he misled the Senate over his meetings with the Russian ambassador twice before the election.

It comes after Mr Mueller appointed the 16th lawyer to his team, former US Justice Department official Greg Andres, on Tuesday.

Additional reporting by Reuters
A prominent association of Turkish doctors criticized the European Court of Human Rights on Thursday for rejecting a request from two teachers to be released from prison on health grounds after five months on hunger strike.

Nuriye Gulmen, a professor, and Semih Ozakca, a primary school teacher, had petitioned the Strasbourg-based court to order Ankara to release them, arguing imprisonment posed a risk to their lives.

But the court ruled on Wednesday the detention did not pose a "real and imminent risk of irreparable harm" to the two, who have been taking supplements and liquid to stay alive.

The Ankara Chamber of Medical Doctors disagreed with the court's assessment, saying the risk was potentially grave and the two should be placed in a medical facility.

"Prison conditions pose hazards for even healthy people. Remanding these two fragile people in jail carries lethal risks," Vedat Bulut, the group's chairman told a news conference.

"Their protein deficiency is severe and multiple organ failure is possible."

The teachers have said the hunger strike is to draw attention to the plight of the roughly 150,000 people suspended or sacked since last July's failed putsch, which President Tayyip Erdogan blames on followers of U.S.-based Muslim cleric.

Authorities detained the two after they went on the hunger strike, saying their protest was driven by DHKP-C, a militant leftist group deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey.

Human rights groups and some of Turkey's Western allies say Erdogan is using the crackdown to stifle dissent and persecute his opponents. The government says its measures are necessary given the gravity of the security threats it faces.

The court told Ankara to allow doctors to examine the two teachers, and inform it about any changes in their condition. It repeated its call that the teachers drop their hunger strike.

A lawyer for the two teachers said the court ruling was political, and they would apply to the U.N. Human Rights Committee against the judgment.

Doctors following their case said in June their conditions were approaching critical status.

Although not an EU member, Turkey, a candidate to join the bloc, is covered by the court as it has ratified the European Convention on Human Rights.

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Kellyanne Conway says that the White House hasnt ruled out using polygraph tests to try and weed out whoever has been leaking damaging information about the Donald Trump and his staff to the press.

Ms Conway, the senior counsellor to Donald Trump, said in an appearance on Fox & Friends that the West Wing hadnt ruled out lie detector tests, which have a relatively low accuracy rate at 65 per cent. The tough language comes as the Justice Department is reportedly gearing up a crack down on leaks.

Its easier to figure out whos leaking than the leakers may realise, Ms Conway said, speaking from the White House lawn.

Well, they may, they may not use lie detectors, she continued.

The White House has been in a fury after transcripts of conversations between Mr Trump and the leaders of Mexico and Australia were leaked to the Washington Post. Those transcripts showed Mr Trump engaging in contentious exchanges with those two leaders and allies.

During one call, he urged Mexican President Enrique Pena to quit saying that his country wouldnt build Mr Trumps promised border wall. In the other, he told Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull that his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin was more pleasant than the one with the Australian leader, even though Australia has traditionally been a much closer ally to the US than Russia.

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 for a White House that has been leaking like a sieve, however, critics said that the transcript leaks had gone too far.

This is beyond the pale and will have a chilling effect going forward on the ability of the commander in chief to have candid discussions with his counterparts, Ned Price, a former National Security Council official for President Barack Obama, told the Hill of the leaks.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions was reportedly planning on announcing a tough crackdown on illegal leaks, and had planned to announce details of investigations into leaks of classified information.

But it is unclear if lie detector tests would be useful in finding who the perpetrator of the leaks. While the American Polygraph Association claims that the machines have accuracy rates of over 90 per cent, critics peg that rate at 65 per cent  a figure that is just higher than the accuracy of simply flipping a coin.

There are several problems with the method, which measures nervous excitement. Individuals have been known to beat the test by managing their nervousness  either by becoming excited over base-line questions with clear answers, or by remaining calm when lying.

"Someone who lies without any sense of guilt can pass a lie detector with flying colours. And someone who takes simple countermeasures may defeat the test," Martin Levine, a professor at the University of Southern California and an expert on lie detectors told The Independent. "On the other hand, someone who fears he has been falsely accused of a specific action may flunk a lie detector test even though he is actually innocent."

The US Supreme Court has ruled against the use of lie detectors in court proceedings in some instances. In 1998, the court ruled that defendants in the military being court martially couldnt use polygraph tests to prove their innocence. At that time, lie detectors were being used with increased frequency both by defence attorneys hoping for plea bargains, as well as in the workplace by employers in interviews.
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The tech industry has largely spurned Donald Trumps immigration proposal, saying it failed to deal with the shortage of qualified foreign workers.

Mr Trump and his congressional allies framed the bill as a way to recruit more skilled workers and transition away from an immigration system that is focused on family unity.

The bill would curtail the annual allowance for refugees, do away with immigration preferences for extended family members and institute a system that prioritizes applicants for permanent residency, or green cards, with attributes that include English fluency and education.

It would not alter the annual number of H1-B visas, a key pipeline for skilled tech workers that has drawn criticism from some quarters for squeezing out American workers even as technology industry leaders have urged expanding the program.

Tech lobbying organizations disavowed Trumps proposal, saying it would not help them to recruit more skilled, foreign-born workers.

TechNet, whose leadership includes representatives of Apple, Microsoft and Oracle, said in a statement that the legislation failed to address the current shortage.

Arbitrarily and drastically cutting legal immigration is not the answer to fixing our immigration system, and neither is a government-dictated immigration approach to determining what kind of high-skilled worker U.S. companies need, the statement said.

Congress should instead prioritize efforts to reform our high-skilled immigration system to curb abuses and ensure that more green cards and visas are available to address the high-skilled labor shortage now facing the U.S. economy.

Dean Garfield, president of the Industry Technology Council, a tech trade group, echoed that tone, saying the proposal does not address the challenges tech companies face, injects more bureaucratic dysfunction, and removes employers as the best judge of the employee merits they need to succeed and grow the U.S. economy.

Executive director Scott Corley of Compete America, a business coalition that has pressed for immigration reform, praised the bills aim of expanding high-skilled immigrants but said it failed by slashing the overall number of visas and creating a points system decoupled from employer needs.

Theres a certain absurdity for Republicans in particular to say 'hey, we think the government is a better arbiter of who you need to hire,' Corley said in an interview, adding that by not expanding the number of visas available, the proposal is missing the fundamental point of necessary reform.

Similarly, Randy Johnson of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an organization with formidable clout in Washington that has backed overhauling immigration, lauded Mr Trump's effort to boost skills-based immigration but cautioned in a statement that dramatically reducing overall immigration levels wont raise the standard of living for Americans. In fact, it will likely accomplish the opposite, making it harder for businesses, communities, and our overall economy to grow, prosper, and create jobs for American workers.

Tech industry representatives have had an uneven relationship with Mr Trump, whose foundational belief in the need for tighter immigration controls has clashed with a globally oriented sector that is heavily populated with foreign workers. Disagreements go beyond immigration policy, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk removing himself from presidential advisory councils in response to Mr Trump pulling the United States from the Paris climate accord.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions says that the Department of Justice (DoJ) is reviewing policies for subpoenaing reporters during investigations of federal intelligence leaks, an indicator that the US government may consider more aggressive tactics to try and force journalists to identify their sources.

"One of the things we are doing is reviewing the policies affecting media subpoenas," Mr Sessions said, announcing his administration's crackdown on leaks during a press conference. "We respect the important role that the press plays, and we will give our support. But, it is not unlimited. They cannot place lives at risk with impunity."

Mr Sessions said that he had instructed his Justice Department to review its leak prosecution policies earlier this year, and that the results "concerned" him. There were too few referrals for prosecution over classified leaks, too few investigations, and an insufficient amount of resources dedicated to those investigations, he said.

Mr Sessions has since then instructed Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to oversee al classified leak investigations, and to monitor each case. The DoJ is tripling the number of active leak investigations as well, while the FBI is devoting more resources to cracking down on leaks. Four people, he said, had already been charged with unlawfully disclosing classified material, or for concealing contacts with federal officers, he said.

"We will not allow rogue anonymous sources with security clearances to sell out our country," Mr Sessions said. "These cases, to investigate and prosecute, are never easy. But cases will be made and leakers will be held accountable."

Mr Sessions then left without taking any questions from the media.

The announcement follows months of leaks from the White House, which officials there say are damaging to national security. Just recently, a transcript from conversations between Donald Trump and the leaders of Mexico and Australia were leaked to the Washington Post, detailing contentious contact between the US president and two ally leaders. Those leaks, while providing a rare glimpse into Mr Trump's management style as President, were widely criticised by Trump allies and foes alike.

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

"This is beyond the pale and will have a chilling effect going forward on the ability of the commander in chief to have candid discussions with his counterparts," Ned Price, a former National Security Official during the Obama administration, told the Hill of the transcript leaks.

The White House itself had already announced that they planned on finding whoever leaked those transcripts, and have frequently said that the leaks are damaging to national security. Hours before the Sessions announcement, White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway indicated that the West Wing may use polygraph tests in order to find the culprit.

"It's easier to figure out who's leaking than the leakers may realise," she said in an appearance on Fox & Friends.

"Well, they may, they may not" use lie detectors," she continued.

Should Mr Sessions' review of subpoena policies for journalists result in more reporters being compelled to disclose their protected sources, however, it is entirely likely that it will result in members of the media facing jail time for refusal to honour court subpoenas. A basic rule taught in journalism school sit to honour and protect sources who have been granted that privilege. That commitment by journalists is often necessary to form trust with sources who may provide important information relevant to the public interest, and to ensure that those whistle blowers do not risk losing their jobs and livelihood for providing that information.

"Attorney General Sessions recent comments about reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas represent a dangerous escalation of the administrations war against the press. The Department of Justice is explicitly threatening to haul journalists before grand juries and force them to testify about their confidential sources or face jail time," Peter Sterne, a senior reporter at the Freedom of the Press Foundation, said in a statement provided to The Independent. "Sessions suggestion that journalism is a threat to national security is particularly concerning. Journalists play a crucial role in our democracy, informing the public about the governments activities."

"Sessions comments seem intended to have a chilling effect on journalism, by making reporters and their sources think twice before publishing information that the government does not like. That will leave leave all Americans less informed about what the Trump administration is doing behind closed doors," Mr Sterne continued.

The Trump administration would not be the first to restrict the American press and attempt to deter would-be whistleblowers from leaking classified intelligence to journalists.

His predecessor, Barack Obama, oversaw more Espionage Act prosecutions than every administration before his combined. Of the 11 Espionage Act prosecutions dating back to 1945, seven occurred while Mr Obama was in the White House.

That led to an often-tense relationship between the Obama White House and media organisations, which charged that the administration was being needlessly aggressive and intrusive in cracking down on leakers. Those scenarios that the media said were over the top included subpeonas for the phone records of Associated Press staff after a 2012 story detailing a foiled bomb plot, and labeling a Fox News reporter a "co-conspirator" following a report on North Korea.

The Obama DoJ later revised its guidelines for leak investigations in 2015 to require additional approvals before reporters could be subpoenaed.
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The Vatican has urged Venezuelas president not to proceed with a controversial new assembly that his critics say would give him unprecedented power.

In a statement issued on the day Mr Maduro was set to install the new assembly - a vote for which last week was boycotted by the opposition parties and denounced as rigged - the Vatican called on all political actors, and in particular the government, to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the existing constitution.

The Holy See appeals firmly to all of society to avoid all forms of violence and invites, in particular, the security forces to refrain from excessive and disproportionate use of force, it said.

 Opposition protesters clash with security forces in Venezuela

The statement also it urged the government of Mr Maduro to prevent or suspend ongoing initiatives such as the new Constituent Assembly which, instead of fostering reconciliation and peace, foment a climate of tension.

Venezuela has been rocked by months of protests against the government of Mr Maduro, who was elected in 2013 following the death of Hugo Chavez, and there have been at least 125 deaths.

Many countries, among them the US, the UK, and Mexico, have denounced the move by Mr Maduro, claiming it is a move to seize additional power for his party at a time when his approval rating stands at just 20 per cent. The US has issued sanctions against Mr Maduro and 13 of his close advisors and threatened more.

On Friday, the 545-member assembly was formally opened. The assembly unanimously elected well-known Socialist Party leaders to its leadership, with former Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez to serve as the president, and former Vice President Aristobulo Isturiz as First Vice President.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Mr Maduro and his supporters have dismissed criticism of the assembly as merely the latest in Washingtons attempts to interfere in Venezuela and other Latin American countries. Many experts believe the US has been seeking a change of government in Caracas since Mr Chavez was elected in 2002.

Last month, the Director of the CIA, Mike Pompeo, suggested to participants of a security forum in Aspen, Colorado, that the agency was seeking a transition in Caracas and that it was working with regional allies, Colombia and Mexico, to make this happen.

Meanwhile, the people of Venezuela are struggling with food shortages, economic hardship and an inflation rate of around 600 per cent. If the US goes ahead with its threat to sanction the oil industry - Washington currently purchases 700,000 barrels a day from Venezuela - the situation would likely worsen considerably.

Many supporters of Mr Chavez appear to have lost faith in Mr Maduro, yet reports suggest some are still supporting him in fear of what might follow him.

The conservative opposition parties in Venezuela have long had ties to Washington, and some of their leaders were involved in a 2002 coup that briefly unseated Mr Chavez.

On Friday, it was also reported that Venezuelan intelligence agents have returned opposition leader Antonio Ledezma to his home, where he is serving house arrest, after taking him to prison early on Tuesday.

Several minutes ago, Antonio was unexpectedly returned by the Sebin (intelligence agency) to our home, his wife, Mitzy Capriles de Ledezma, said on Twitter.

We thank the people of Venezuela and the international community for their concern and solidarity.
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A Roman Catholic priest who was arrested with a 13-year-old girl in his car on the way to a motel, has been released on bail, police said.

Arnel Fuentes Lagarejos was arrested as part of a sting by officers in the Phillipine capital of Manila.

He allegedly pulled a gun as officers surrounded him, according to local media reports.

After he was charged with violating anti-trafficking laws, he was stripped of his duties as a parish priest of St John The Baptist Parish and president of Cainta Catholic College.

After he posted bail of P120,000 (1,825) to secure his release, Senior Superintendent Roger Quesada said they investigating allegations he had already met the girl twice, engaging in sexual intercourse on one occasion

The priest allegedly arranged via social media to meet the minor and a pimp outside a shopping mall, where he reportedly paid around 500 Philippine Pesos (7.49) to take the girl.

Retired Bishop Oscar Cruz, who is leading the church's investigation into the allegations, confirmed the meeting had been arranged by a pimp.

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 girls mother allegedly arranged a honeytrap operation with police after the girl opened up to social workers about the abuse.

The department accessed her social media accounts to find out who was selling her to men.

The pimp was a 16-year-old friend of the girl's, according to Rappler.

Recommended Child sex abuse and deportation were crimes of our time

Bishop Cruz said the findings of the church's investigation will be sent directly to the Vatican and Lagarejos could be kicked out of the church if found guilty.

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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

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A woman who wore a burkini to swim in a communal pool has reportedly been told to pay a considerable fine to fund cleaning costs at the facility.

The woman, named as Fadila, decided to go for a dip at the private residence renting with her family near Marseille in the south of France.

But after she entered the water a member of staff allegedly told everyone else to leave the pool. The owner later called her husband and asked him to stop her from swimming for the remainder of their stay.

 Video shows French women being ordered out of sea for wearing burkini

He is also alleged to have told the couple that they must foot the 490 (440) bill for the pool being emptied and cleaned and pay damages because it was out of use for two days.

The buildings syndicate also filed a report saying a woman wearing a burqa had entered the pool on 21 July and when someone asked her to get out she had refused.

I was stunned because no one stopped me or said anything at all, Fadila told the charity United Against Islamophobia in France (CCIF).I was disappointed, shocked, wounded by the fact that someone could be so hypocritical and wicked because of a burkini.

The couple refused to pay the bill, but the owner allegedly removed the fine from their account without producing an invoice.

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

CCIF said Fadilas burkini could not have caused a hygiene issue as the swimsuits are specifically adapted for swimming.

Last summer, fines were imposed on women wearing burkinis in the southern French town of Cannes.

Frances highest administrative court later ruled that burkini bans being enforced on the countrys beaches were illegal and a violation of fundamental liberties.

This week, two British women said they were left humiliated after being told to leave a private swimming pool in Portugal because they were both wearing burkinis.
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At least three people, including two teenagers have reportedly been killed after a plane crash landed at a summer camp in Switzerland.

The incident happened in the mountainous canton of Granbunden in the east of the country.

Those killed included two 14-year-olds at the camp and the adult pilot of the plane.

A third teenager is believed to have been seriously injured.

All three are believed to been in the small single-engine plane, identified as a Piper PA28, as a ride organised by a local flying club, area police spokesman Roman Ruegg reported.

He said a group of tourists who had taken a gondola ride to explore the regions peaks and witnessed the plane plummeting to the ground.

An investigation into the accident has begun.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

A police spokesman told Agence France Presse that the pilot was experienced and had taken up other teenagers in the plane earlier in the day.

A spokesman for the flying club, Aero Club, Yves Burkhardt told reporters his "world has collapsed".

Mr Burkhardt said the plane rides were supposed to cap off a week of activity at the youth summer camp which the club had been operating for 35 years.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former chief of staff has agreed to testify against his former boss as part of two ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption.

Ari Harow struck a deal to turn state's witness on Friday, which is widely being viewed as a potential turning point in police enquiries into the Israeli premier.

Mr Harow is under investigation himself for allegedly using his political connections to advance his own business interests. No formal charges have been filed against him, but lsraeli media reported that the ex-aide agreed to cooperate with the Attorney General in return for six months' community service and a 147,000 fine.

 Israeli minister attempts selfie with Trump to Netanyahu's dismay

Late on Thursday Israeli police explicitly said for the first time that the cases concerning the prime minister include charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust". A spokesperson for Mr Netanyahu's office said the allegations are "untrue" and politically motivated.

"We completely reject the unfounded claims made against the prime minister," a statement said. "The campaign to change the government is underway, but it is destined to fail, for a simple reason: there won't be anything because there was nothing."

Police first talked to Mr Netanyahu at his Jerusalem home on 1 January as part of a huge corruption sting involving more than 50 influential Israeli business leaders and other public figures.

Israel: From independence to intifada Show all 7 1 /7 Israel: From independence to intifada Israel: From independence to intifada 26973.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26974.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26975.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26976.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26977.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26985.bin Robert Capa/Magnum Israel: From independence to intifada 26986.bin Robert Capa/Magnum

It is alleged that he received lavish and inappropriate gifts from wealthy supporters such as cigars and champagne, and offered commercial favours to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper owner Arnon Mozes in return for positive coverage.

Recordings found on Mr Harow's phone of conversations between Mr Netanyahu and Mr Mozes are said to form the basis of the second investigation. He is expected to testify in both cases, having served as the premier's chief of staff during the time period covering both the proposed deal with Mr Mozes and the reception of thousands of pounds' worth of gifts.

The American-born political consultant and former aide worked closely with the prime minister and the Likud party between 2007 - 2015. He is believed to be very loyal to his former employer, leading Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit to spend months persuading him to testify.

Investigators have successfully secured a gagging order on both cases' details, which will remain in force until 17 September.
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Isis, steadily losing against US-backed Iraqi and Syrian forces, is forcibly enlisting young men in territory still under its control to fight for the so-called caliphate.

A statement distributed in villages and towns around Deir Ezzor province on Thursday, shared by local activists, called on able-bodied men aged between 20 and 30 to take up arms against approaching Syrian government forces.

They are expected to report for duty at mobilisation offices within a weeks time, the message said. The majority are expected to be rounded up after Friday prayers  which are compulsory under Isiss brutal and prescriptive laws.

 Liberated from Isis, women burn their burqas and men shave off their beards

Those who do not volunteer themselves will be questioned and punished.

Deir Ezzor city has been besieged by Isis since 2015, and the militants still control large parts of the surrounding province.

In recent weeks, the Syrian army and allied militias have been closing in on the city, which Isis has been unable to defend properly thanks to fighting on several other fronts.

As well as the US-backed Kurdish-Arab offensive on Raqqa and Syrian regime gains in Homs province, the groups capabilities have been greatly impeded by relentless air strikes.

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

Forcing grown civilians rather than child recruits to fight is a new strategy for Isis  which observers say shows how vulnerable the group is now.

There are no reliable population statistics available for the area  which has seen intense bombing from the US coalition, Russia and the Syrian government, as well as the mass displacement of people fleeing fighting. But before Syrias civil war broke out in 2011, Deir Ezzor province was home to 1.4 million people.

Isis lost control of its de facto Iraqi capital of Mosul last month, after sweeping across the border from neighbouring Syria in 2014.

The bloody nine-month offensive claimed thousands of civilian lives, and has left major parts of the city destroyed.

In Syria, Isis is struggling to retain its last urban stronghold of Raqqa; US-backed Kurdish-Arab coalition forces have already succeeded in seizing half of the city since Operation Euphrates Wrath began in June.

Following the loss of its territory, Isis will morph into an insurgency that will resemble al-Qaeda on steroids, a senior anti-terrorism official in Iraqi Kurdistan said last month.
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When Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on his first trip abroad as US President in May, officials in Riyadh made a spectacular effort to promote the idea of unity in the Muslim world, inviting more than 100 leaders of Muslim nations to attend the Arab Islamic American Summit with the new President.

Critics pointed out that the Saudi-led coalition contributing to the misery in Yemen put paid to that idea. Even closer to home, however, the Saudi government had just begun a war on a town in the countrys restive east  a battle that is still raging despite receiving very little media coverage both within the conservative Kingdom and outside it.

Traditionally Shia, Awamiyah  a 400-year-old district in the eastern Qatif province home to around 30,000 people  has been surrounded by siege barricades put up by the security services since attempts to evict residents turned violent on 10 May.

Since then, the situation has rapidly deteriorated. Locals report between 12 - 25 people have died in shelling and sniper fire, and pictures purportedly of streets covered in rubble and sewage look more like a scene from Syria than an oil-rich Gulf city.

Information from Awamiyah is difficult to verify; foreign media are not allowed near the area without government chaperones, which means the world is reliant on heavily-controlled Saudi state media, unreliable Shia-focussed news sites and social media from inside the city for even the smallest glimpse into what is going on.

Grisly photos of wounds inflicted by snipers and the destruction of homes and shops cannot be independently verified.

But the picture painted by several researchers and Saudis The Independent spoke to  including one armed protester inside the besieged city, and two peaceful pro-Awamiyah activists now living outside the country  is of an untenable humanitarian situation.

I was a peaceful protester, most of us in Awamiyah were, until the government decided to list us as wanted terrorists. All we did was maintain calls for reform. Because we were not afraid of the regime, they targeted the whole city, an armed anti-government activist said in a rare interview with Western media.

Government forces raided his house at the beginning of the siege, he said, beating his wife, pointing weapons at his five-year-old daughter and lifting his eight-month-old baby girl high and threatening to drop her.

They told my little girl, We will kill your father and throw his head between your legs.

We had no choice. Defending our lives and our women is a duty. Houses have been destroyed by bombs, heavy shooting, RPGs... everyone is a target.

 May denies suppressing report into Saudi Arabia's funding of extremism to protect arms deals

Awamiyah was sealed off with roadblocks three months ago after the local population refused to comply with security forces bringing in bulldozers and other construction equipment on orders to demolish and redevelop the ancient neighbourhood of al-Musawara.

The region has seen periodic bouts of unrest including car bombs and attacks on the security services since Arab Spring calls for an end to discrimination against minority Shia citizens began in 2011.

Riyadh, for its part, claims that the armed protesters in Awamiyah are terrorists intent on destabilising the country as a whole, and must be stopped from using the area's abandoned buildings and winding narrow streets as hideouts.

Journalists and rights watchdogs alike are having trouble identifying who the gunmen are, where their weapons come from, and how many they number. The armed source inside declined to comment on the size or origins of the fighting force, citing security reasons.

Other pro-Awamiyah activists were vague when pressed on the subject  but agree that the push to tear down the neighbourhood is motivated by a desire to crack down on dissent for good.

Ive documented conflict in Saudi Arabia before but nothing like this. Ive seen protests, but nothing this militarised, said Adam Coogle, a Middle East researcher for Human Rights Watch.

The details are thin on the ground but what is clear is there are heavy clashes going on between the state and its citizens in a Saudi city right now, and thats pretty unprecedented.

Many residents in Awamiyah are too afraid of shelling and snipers to leave their homes, despite the fact in many areas the water mains and electricity have been disconnected, leaving them without fresh water or air conditioning in the punishing summer heat.

People are so afraid that sometimes the bodies have been left in the streets for days, a US-based activist originally from the area said.

Ambulances and sanitation vehicles have had difficulty accessing the district after being held up at checkpoints, contributing to the unlivable conditions, several reports say.

Awamiyah was also the home of Nimr al-Nimr, an influential Shia cleric who was executed on trumped-up terrorism charges last year. His death led to demonstrations worldwide.

The current stand-off cannot be reduced to a sectarian issue, said Ali Adubasi, the Berlin-based director of activist group European Saudi Organisation of Human Rights, who himself fled the country in 2013 after being detained and tortured by the state several times.

When they killed Sheik Nimr, they also executed four Shia and 43 Sunnis, so there is more to the situation than that.

I think theyd crack down the same way on any opposition area. What they want is to empty the town of people full stop, to end the protests.

Last Friday, the Saudi authorities once again issued eviction notices for Awamiyahs residents, instructing them to leave through two designated roads and to wave white clothing as a signal of surrender as they did so.

The order was coupled with intensified fighting which Saudi media said killed at least seven people. Activists accuse the authorities of firing randomly at civilians, their homes and cars, claims Riyadh has denied.

The US-based activist said hundreds of people have since fled  by some counts up to 90 per cent of the local population, leaving around 3,000-5,000 people inside. While some accommodation in nearby towns has been provided, it has been criticised as not nearly enough to cope with the expected demand.

In April the UN condemned the redevelopment plans, accusing the authorities of attempting to forcibly remove residents from Awamiyah without offering adequate resettlement options in an operation which threatens the historical and cultural heritage of the town with irreparable harm.

The outside world, however, remains largely unaware of the turmoil consuming Saudi Arabias east.

This is a crisis. And no one is even aware, despite social media, despite the internet, Mr Adubasi continued. In Saudi Arabia if you want to repress human rights and you want to crack down on dissent it is still 100 per cent possible even in the 21st century.

Update: In a statement provided to The Independent on 8 August, a spokesperson for the Saudi government said the houses in the al-Musawara neighbourhood were "deserted and have been unsuitable for human habitation for a long time", with residents given a voluntary choice and compensation to move. Due to its narrow streets, the al-Musawara neighbourhood became a haven for terrorists and suspicious activities ranging from terrorism and kidnapping to selling drugs and weapons," the statement said.

"Security forces faced, and still face, resistance from these elements, while many security personnel, citizens and even residents have been killed by the terrorists."

Armed men continued to turn themselves in to the authorities, it said, adding that the situation was "completely under control of the security forces".
Influential Iraqi Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr on Friday called on the Baghdad government to dismantle the paramilitary Hashed al-Shaabi umbrella organisation dominated by Iran-backed Shia militias.

Sadr was speaking to thousands of supporters in the Iraqi capital after a rare visit at the weekend to Sunni-ruled regional kingpin Saudi Arabia, a staunch rival of the Shia-dominated Islamic republic of Iran.

In a speech broadcast on huge screens, Sadr urged Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to dismantle Hashed and "integrate into the army the disciplined members" of the paramilitary force, an AFP reporter said.

Sadr also called on the authorities to "seize the arsenal of all armed groups".

The Hashed al-Shaabi is nominally under Abadi's command, but some of its components have for years been sending fighters to support Damascus in its six-year-old conflict against various rebel factions.

The paramilitary force took part in the battle to retake Iraq's second city Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) militant group, and could join future operations aimed at routing the Islamist militants from areas of the country they still hold.

IS still controls swathes of western Iraq, including much of the desert province of Anbar. Rival forces, which largely cooperated against the Islamist militants in Mosul, are expected to compete for a share of the spoils.

Sadr led a militia that fought against the US occupation of Iraq.

He is now seen as a nationalist who has repeatedly called for protests against corruption in the Iraqi government, and his supporters have staged huge protests in Baghdad calling for electoral reform.

On Thursday, Sadr issued a new call for protests in Baghdad and other cities to denounce "corrupt politicians" and demand reforms.

Last week he paid a visit to Saudi Arabia, with his office saying in a statement the trip was in response to an "official invitation".

The official Saudi Press Agency published pictures of Sadr with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, and said they discussed Saudi-Iraqi relations and "a number of issues of mutual interest".

The visit came with the Gulf embroiled in its worst crisis in years -- a row between Qatar and four Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia which severed ties with Doha, accusing it of funding extremism and fostering ties with Iran.

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Witnesses have described screaming residents fleeing Dubais Torch Tower after a huge fire broke out at the skyscraper, one of the tallest in the world, on Thursday night.

Hundreds of occupants were evacuated from the 79-storey residential tower, authorities say, as burning debris showered down the sides of the 1,105 foot building.

It was not yet clear what started the fire but Dubai's civil defence authorities said firefighting squads were able to extinguish the blaze around 4am local time and were cooling the building.

Firefighters and police sealed off surrounding streets, which were partially covered by the dust and debris.

George, a resident of the tower, said: We were sleeping and we woke up to the fire alarm and people screaming. We ran down the stairs and it took us about 10 minutes to reach [the ground] from the 50th floor.

"It was very bad. The fire was very strong at that time, about 1am. Then it started calming down over the next two hours.

No injuries have been reported, and all of the tower's residents were believed to have escaped the burning building unharmed.

But the incident has drawn parallels with June's devastating blaze at Grenfell Tower, whose residents were less fortunate. At least 80 people died in the fire at the west London high-rise after residents became trapped in the burning building.

The fire is the second to hit the high-rise block since 2015, when flammable cladding similar to that fitted to Grenfell Tower was blamed for fuelling the spread of the flames.

The latest incident follows a string of fires across skyscrapers in the United Arab Emirates over the past three years and is likely to revive questions over the safety of building materials fitted to high rise buildings.

An investigation by Torch Tower's management found that most of the damage from the 2015 fire was to the cladding.

The UAE revised its building safety code in 2013 to require cladding on all new buildings over 50 feet tall be fire-resistant, but older buildings are exempt.

Most of Dubai's approximately 250 high-rise buildings use cladding panels with thermoplastic cores, UAE media have reported.

Such cladding is not necessarily hazardous, but it can be flammable under certain circumstances, and depending on a skyscraper's design, may channel fires through windows into the interiors of buildings.

The UK Government announced it would conduct an independent review into building regulations and fire safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, which fire safety experts hope will overhaul legislation they believe is no longer fit for purpose.

More than 100 buildings have failed combustibility testing in the UK in the wake of the fire.

In August 2016, a fire swept through a 28-storey building under construction in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, injuring 13 people, including 10 emergency service personnel.

Earlier that same month, a fire damaged part of a multi-storey building under construction in Dubai, and in July 2016 a fire broke out in Dubai's residential 75-storey Sulafa Tower. On New Year's Eve 2015, a blaze hit a Dubai hotel.

The government said it was working on providing shelter for those affected by the Tower Torch fire.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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I have always wanted to walk the Camino to Santiago de Compostela but, as a single woman of increasing age and girth  and decreasing time and funds  how would I do it?

I wanted the whole caboodle of the Camino, but with a few home comforts; a kind of pilgrimage lite if you will, with a proper bed, hot bath and quality, local cuisine thrown in for good measure.

Dublin-based travel agency Follow The Camino offered me a way to discover the famous walk without having to rough it.

The trip combines boutique hotels, quality restaurants, castles and churches without losing the essence of El Camino  the walking, the solitary contemplation and the ever-changing countryside. Better still, they whisked us through the less interesting sections by minibus and carried our luggage from place to place.

Camino usually translates as a path or road, but it can also mean a journey. This particular path leads to the tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the disciple were enshrined after his martyrdom in 44 AD. This pilgrimage way has been walked by thousands for centuries, and eight main routes to Santiago have developed.

We walked and drove along the entire length of the most popular route, the Camino Frances, which starts in France at St Jean Pied de Port, crosses the Pyrenees, passes along the north of Spain through the Basque country, Navarre, Rioja, Castilla y Leon and Galicia before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Normally, this route of 490 miles would take around 32 days to walk, averaging 15 miles a day. We did it all in one week.

As the Camino is about finding oneself and enjoying the silence and solitude, how would it be on a group trip?

May is the start of the Camino season and August is very sociable at the refugios. If you want to do it alone, winter is best, says Alberto Bosque, from the regional government of Castilla y Leon.

The best way to walk the Camino is alone, says Carolin our guide. However, the Camino is no longer a solitary, deserted path to enlightenment. Some 300,000 pilgrims walk it each year, usually on foot but also by bike, car and even horse.

The Camino is a time for quiet contemplation (Lucy Mallows)

We fly to Biarritz and then drive to the French town of St Jean Pied de Port, the traditional starting point for the Camino Frances. We collect our Pilgrim Passports, to be stamped at hostels, restaurants and churches along the way. Pilgrims must prove theyve walked at least 100km (62 miles) to qualify for the Compostela certificate on arriving at Santiago.

With cheery shouts of Buen Camino!  a phrase I hear hundreds of times during the week  we set off with the scallop shell symbol of the Camino dangling from our rucksacks.

The way passes through many different landscapes: the snow-capped Pyrenees, the Meseta (Spains central plateau), wild, deserted hills, dense eucalyptus forests and damp, green Galicia, which recalls Kent. The food and drink alters as we progress; we enjoy great hams in Navarre, beefy red wines in Rioja, pintxos in Logrono and octopus in Galicia.

There are many different reasons for walking the Camino. Seventy per cent of people dont do it for religious reasons, says Bosque. Many people do it and dont know why. They start with one idea about the Camino and then change along the way.

Pilgrims must walk at least 100km to qualify for a certificate (Lucy Mallows)

Pilgrims progress at varying speeds, too. Everyone is on their own personal journey. It doesnt matter how fast or slow you go, its not a race, says Elsa Veringa, a Dutch lady I meet at the lovely sandstone village of Castrojeriz. We climb up to the Sierra del Perdon on a 1,039m-high ridge, with an amazing view of the countryside below.

The Camino offers up many magnificent buildings; Im blown away by the awe-inducing yet delicate masonry of Burgos Catedral de Santa Maria, built in 1221 and the resting place of Castilian nobleman and military leader El Cid. Leon, meanwhile, boasts a stunning cathedral and Antoni Gaudis Casa de los Botines in the heart of the old town. Another lesser-known Gaudi building, the Episcopal Palace, can be found in Astorga.

In the mountains near Manjarin, the treeless hills are covered in purple heather and yellow gorse; I feel as if I am in the Scottish Highlands, although I can see the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance. We arrive at the Iron Cross (Cruz de Ferro) at the top of Monte Irago, the highest point on the Camino, at an elevation of 1,515m above sea level. Its traditional to throw a stone, brought from the starting point, with the pilgrims back to the cross, to symbolise the journey.

The Burgos Catedral de Santa Maria was built in 1221 (Lucy Mallows)

At Sarria in Galicia, 100km from Santiago, things start to get crowded  1,000 pilgrims a day pour through the town. Those who want the certificate can start from here and still qualify, something that Spanish students are keen to do to impress future employers. Three Spanish girls, dressed in bright red trousers and T-shirts, resemble a pop group on tour; they are dancing and singing, full of energy, while others at this stage limp along, propped up by their companions.

Mass at Santiago Cathedral is a moving experience, even for those who arent religious. I sit in the great Unesco World Heritage building, watching the 53kg botafumeiro (incense burner) smoking and swinging through the nave, and find tears are streaming down my cheeks.

A kind of fuzzy, warm glow hovers over the Camino, and all shopkeepers, waiters and bar tenders along the way are very friendly and kind. The Camino is the very first itinerary in the history of tourism, says Bosque.

I walked most of our sections of the Camino alone, and indeed had moments of revelation and awe. I am determined to walk it properly one day, and now I will know how, all thanks to my pilgrimage lite.

Travel essentials

Lucy travelled with followthecamino.com, which offers nine routes to Santiago with accommodation, transfers and maps included. Guided groups start from 750 (680) per week with self-guided from 430, not including flights.

The nearest airport to St Jean Pied de Port is Biarritz, 25 minutes drive away. Easyjet (easyjet.com), Ryanair (ryanair.com) and British Airways (ba.com) all offer direct flights from the UK.
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Schengen, as you know, is a village perched prettily beside the Moselle in south-east Luxembourg, where the French and German frontiers converge on the river.

As a symbol of unity, it was the ideal place for Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg to sign a treaty in 1985 on the free movement of people and goods within Europe. Today, the Schengen Area binds 22 European Union nations, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and plucky Liechtenstein.

I first visited the village in 1990 (yes, I was very young, thanks), as the Schengen Convention was signed: the treaty that abolished internal border checks.

I cycled along to the frontier post to meet the soon-to-be-ex-border guards, who welcomed me into their den where they kept the most cursory eye on the flow of traffic across the bridge.

Its difficult to measure the efficiency of anyone involved in deterrence, such as border officials, but they didnt give the impression of achieving superlative levels of productivity. Nevertheless, Id like to think some of those who lost their posts found gainful employment helping to create the Schengen Agreements own guidebook to the blocs external borders.

Recommended Why British holidaymakers are waiting for hours in passport queues

The Europe-without-frontiers project comes with a how to manual: the Practical Handbook for Border Guards. Its mission: to ensure the smooth crossing of the border by persons who represent the great majority of travellers (e.g., tourists, businessmen, students etc.), while at the same time always being vigilant in order to detect persons posing a risk.

And it proceeds to explain how to do just that. So next time you travel by train, boat or plane to Schengen (whether the small village or the Europe-wide area), assess how well the frontier officials comply.

Do not interrogate the traveller as a potential criminal or illegal immigrant, the book instructs. All the questions should be well-balanced and asked in a friendly way.

And if the traveller asks questions back, they should not be considered as intrusive, and should be answered in a factual and polite manner.

Well-balanced, friendly, factual and polite: at your next frontier encounter, award one point for each virtue.

But border guards must do more than adopt the demeanour of a country vicar. They are supposed to identify villains. And here the Practical Handbook strays towards the blindingly obvious.

When you take the travel document, always have a look at the face of the traveller, it instructs, helpfully. Try to remember as much as possible of the noticeable features of the travellers face; compare the features of the traveller with the photo. After these Sherlockian suggestions, it adds: This could help to eliminate impostors.

Officials are told that impostors and other undesirables may give away tell-tale signs: Observe the behaviour and reaction of the traveller (e.g. nervousness, an aggressive attitude, excessive willingness to cooperate).#

Beware of false positives, though; nerves or aggression could simply be as a result of waiting anxiously as time ticks away, while an excessive willingness to cooperate might result from less than well-balanced and friendly previous encounters with border guards.

The book reveals not all travellers are equal, wth some enjoying a lighter touch. Top of the tree are heads of State and members of their delegations, who escape all frontier formalities.

Members of international organisations carrying out their duties can expect preferential treatment during border checks. At airports, air crews take priority over mere passengers. And regular cross-border commuters who are well known to the border guards owing to their frequent crossing of the border can expect only the occasional spot check.

But the rest of us, as I reported on Monday, face queues of up to four hours to pass border controls.

Happily, I have a cunning plan to stop us Brits being constant Checkpoint Charlies. Even though the UK is heading for Brexit, there is no reason why we should not join the Schengen Area and enjoy frontier-free travel that will enable us to reach Schengen sehr schnell.

Perhaps we could have a referendum about it.

Click here to find hotes in Schengen
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There is a famous scene in Shakespeares Henry V on the night before the battle of Agincourt, when the French lords speak of the inevitability of their coming victory. Puffed up with arrogance, they deride the English: Do but behold yon poor and starved band. Of course, all this is to be exposed as bombast when the over-confident lords get their comeuppance the following day.

I was thinking about this scene when Donald Trump was elected President last year, contrary to the predictions of almost every commentator in the US. I thought about it again when pundits in Britain had their own St Crispins Day on 8 June, as Theresa May lost her majority in Parliament, dumbfounding expectations that Jeremy Corbyn was leading the Labour Party to calamitous defeat. A comical outcome of the general election was the way in which the commentariat, who has by and large lauded May as a mix of Queen Elizabeth I, Judi Dench and Margaret Thatcher, switched at high speed to seeing clear similarities between her and Inspector Clouseau.

It is always satisfactory to see anybody in the prediction business tripping over their feet and getting egg on their faces. Most commentators admitted error, noted that everybody else had also got the election wrong, but still managed to sound as if they knew what made the nation tick. It was particularly easy to move on the agenda in the week after the election because of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

The American political establishment  at the core of which is The New York Times and CNN  have been busily counterattacking Trump and his election victory as the outcome of a Russian plot. Evidence for this is scant.

Donald Trump says he hopes Russia probe finding will be "truly honest"

The anti-Trump forces may well be right in their strategy. Simple innocence is not going to do Trump a lot of good, and refuting vague and exaggerated charges can be difficult because of their very lack of substance. The Republicans should know this because they persecuted the Clintons for years by manufacturing scandals such as the Whitewater real estate deal, the murder of the US ambassador in Benghazi and Hillarys supposed mishandling of her private emails.

Current political battles are so intense that they mask crucial long-term developments: Britain and America both look much more unstable today than they have done at any time since the Second World War. Some weakening of Anglo-Saxon dominance on the world stage had been expected in the wake of the Iraq war in 2003 and the financial crisis in 2008, but suddenly both powers feel as if they are starting to implode.

The pros and cons of Brexit are furiously debated in Britain, usually with the point at issue being the ultimate political and economic outcome of leaving the EU. But two important negative consequences are already with us: Britain is far more divided than it used to be and the Government is entirely preoccupied with Brexit to the exclusion of anything else. Brexit is like the tremors of an earthquake that shake apart weak and vulnerable points in British society, state and nation.

 Matt Zarb-Cousins: The idea that young voters will turn on Corbyn over Brexit is pie in the sky

The British ruling class used to have a high international reputation for intelligence and realism in pursuit of its own interests. This may have been exaggerated, but latterly it seems to have lost its touch and to be happiest when sawing off the branch on which it is sitting. Privatisation and globalisation since Margaret Thatcher took power in 1979 were always going to weaken Britain because these exalted private gain over public and communal interests. The political selling point was the old saying that a rising tide raises all ships, but this turned out to depend on how big or small a ship you were sailing in and many of the latter were soon foundering. What the three political earthquakes in the Anglo-Saxon world  the Brexit referendum, the British general election and the US presidential election  have in common is that they showed that there are many more people unhappy with the status quo than anybody had suspected.

Loathing for Trump on the part of most of the US media is so intense as to make sensible commentary a rarity. They see Trump as a demonic conman who is ruining their country and they may well be right, but this makes it all the more necessary to ask what are the real grievances among voters that he was able to identify and exploit. Edward Luttwak, political scientist and historian, has a compelling article in the Times Literary Supplement pointing to an all-important but little regarded statistic for car affordability in the US which shows that almost half of American households have been impoverished to the point that they can no longer afford a new car. This is in a country where a car is a necessity to get to work or shop for food, but where wage stagnation and the rising price of vehicles makes it an increasing strain to buy one. Luttwak argues that Trump got the political economy right in a way that none of his opponents even tried to do and this made him invulnerable to attacks on his character that his opponents thought would destroy him.

The affordability of housing is to the British what the affordability of cars is to Americans: the prohibitive cost of buying and the extortionate cost of renting a place to live increasingly determines political choices. Ownership of property underpins the political chasm separating young from old voters, the dividing line being the advanced age of 47. Below this, the majority vote Labour and above it Conservative. Students are supposed to have been energised into voting Labour by the promise of abolishing tuition fees, but when I talked to them they were much more worried about paying high rents for miserable accommodation which, unlike tuition fees, they have to pay cash down.

The results of the Brexit vote, the US presidential election and the British general election were all so close that any factor can be highlighted as the one which made the difference. Conservatives tend to point to a poor and over-confident campaign on their part, emphasising marginal considerations such as Theresa Mays spectacular lack of the common touch. Less talked about by Conservatives was the surprising failure of the campaign of vilification directed against Jeremy Corbyn which not only failed to sink him but confirmed his status as the anti-establishment candidate.

Corbyn is a much better person than Trump, but both men benefit from the impossibility of putting somebody on permanent trial by the media without continually mentioning their name. Trump evidently calculates that it scarcely matters what he is accused of so long as he tops the media agenda. Corbyn likewise draws benefits from media hostility so unrelenting that it discredits itself and no longer inflicts real wounds. Political establishments are baffled by successful challenges from those they had dismissed and despised, unlike Shakespeares defeated French leader at Agincourt who says: Lets stab ourselves. Are these the wretches we played at dice for?
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The new face of Ireland showed itself at Queens University, Belfast. Young, pragmatic, modern, mixed heritage, gay, reforming, European in outlook  the Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, is about as far away from the old hidebound image of an Irish statesman as it is possible to get. He has also has an economic and political problem at least as substantial as any that have faced his predecessors: Brexit.

Once again the Irish government have voiced its concerns about Brexit, and especially the consequences for Northern Irelands economy and stumbling power-sharing executive. In fact Mr Varadkar and his colleagues are preaching to the converted, if thats not too religiose a phrase. Theresa May and every other British politician also says that they do not want a hard border between the two parts of Ireland, no matter the terms of Brexit. The Northern Ireland Executive, if it has a voice during its current absence, would say the same, Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionists united on that at least. Almost every citizen of whatever entity on the island of Ireland  including EU nationals from beyond the islands living and working there  would obviously concur. The European Union itself, and its chief negotiator Michel Barnier, has also pledged itself to put the Irish border question at the top of the agenda, and to resolve it swiftly. The Leave and Remain camps during the referendum and since, often so tribally divided, also agreed that the Irish border question should not and would not become a problem.

 EU's Michel Barnier warns of Brexit 'cost' in address to Ireland's parliament

And yet it is. That is because none of the permutations being openly discussed on all sides actually show much sign of being practical across a highly porous 350 mile border. Sometimes the analogy is made between the EUs other western land border, between EU member Sweden and non-member Norway. Yet Norway, as a member of the European Economic Area and in the EU Single Market, and Britain may not end up in that space. Norway is also a party to the Schengen Agreement on passport-free movement of people, something inconceivable for the UK (or Ireland for that matter). Neither do Sweden and Norway carry anything like the baggage of the Troubles to sour the political and cultural aspects of their relationship. The lorries trundling unhindered around Scandinavia, in other words, offer only a limited degree of hope for a solution to the Irish border issue. From the cross-border ShannonErne Waterway to the big agri-businesses there is no easy way to see how life in the new world will be easier than the old one.

Other proposals, such as a sea border, in effect a trade or customs border between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, have also been rejected on political grounds, and may not even be practical in any case. Registering workers and issuing identity cards in the UK might be one way to deal with the possibility that Dublin might constitute a back door for cross-border migration form the rest of the EU  but no one talked about that in the EU referendum, and the British move proved resistant to the incursions on their civil liberties the need to carry their papers would entail.

It may now be dawning on all the parties concerned that Brexit, in any form, and the current easy movement of people, goods and services between Ireland and the UK cannot be maintained. It is almost as if a room full of well-meaning people have all sat around a table and agreed that two and two must equal five  but of course no one is able to come up with a plan to mobilise the mathematical goodwill so that two and two dont make four, which is universally condemned as a disastrous idea.

Still, there is that goodwill and some hope. There is intensive work going on, despite the languid pose David Davis likes to strike, and imaginative solutions may yet emerge. The Taoiseach has asked for those fond of talking about technological answers to describe and explain them. If not, then the intractability and danger of this Irish question represents another fact of Brexit that was not fully understood at the referendum last year.

As with so much else, the case is thus made once again that the British people should have their final say on the terms of Brexit, and to give their consent to all its consequences, including those that may befall friends and neighbours on the other side of the Irish Sea.
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Today marks the end of the consultation period for the terms of reference for the Grenfell inquiry. My colleagues Jeremy Corbyn, David Lammy and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have all made submissions to Martin Moore-Bick, the retired judge leading the inquiry.

Labour has called for a two-stage inquiry  the first would examine the immediate causes of the fire with findings to be presented by the end of summer and the second would examine the deeper context of how in excess of 80 working class people could burn to death in their homes.

When the inquiry was first established Moore-Bick appeared uninterested in broadening its scope beyond the fires immediate causes. It took public pressure to force him to consult on the inquirys terms of reference; we now wait to see if he listens and broadens its scope.

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And yet we should remember that Moore-Bick is a man with a track record of uncritical views towards the establishment. On two occasions during his tenure at the Court of Appeal, he ruled in favour of controversial decisions that were later overturned in the Supreme Court. The first was when Moore-Bick approved of Westminster City Councils decision to rehouse a vulnerable single mother miles away from her home, the second was when he approved of disgraceful Tory legislation on Employment Tribunal Fees.

If we are confident about this process then we need only wait, perhaps till Christmas, perhaps longer. But if were not, we should keep talking. Those like me who have a healthy dose of scepticism should follow the lead of local residents and survivors and refuse to be silent.

However supportive of the process, my concern is that Moore-Bicks inquiry will not go far enough or quickly enough. Will an inquiry led by a retired pro-establishment judge examine the wider political context of this fire, one in which the ideology of private profit has systematically trumped the needs of public safety?

We cannot wait to find out. That is why, in the court of public opinion, its time we put neoliberalism on trial for Grenfell.

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, myself and colleagues named the culprit instantly: the Thatcherite ideology of privatisation, cuts and deregulation. Labour was accused of politicising this tragedy. Yet if, as Theresa May put it herself, we intend to leave no stone unturned in understanding what went wrong then lets not shy away from examining the underlying principles that have guided government for the past 30 years.

 Reasonable grounds to suspect corporate manslaughter, say Grenfell Tower police

In the mid-1980s, Thatchers government deregulated fire safety standards in homes, abandoning enforceable requirements for guidelines which the building industry could choose to follow, or not. Also complicit was the government led by Tony Blair, who, ideologically speaking, was the offspring of his Tory predecessors. Despite New Labours gains for working people, such as the minimum wage and Sure Start, behind the scenes the same principle of deregulation was at work.

Blairs government further blurred the lines of responsibility for fire safety enforcement by insisting that the role of a fire inspector should be to inform and educate rather than enforce. With a renewed emphasis on facilitating the private sector, the role of fire safety enforcement officers morphed into being that of business support, charged only with keeping buildings safe enough and not simply safe.

As for the principal of privatisation, it was again during the mid-80s when the imperatives of private profit began to trump the need for public safety. Prior to 1984, plans for new buildings or refurbishments had to be approved by local authority inspectors. Then with new legislation Thatchers government allowed private so-called Approved Inspectors to compete with local authorities over contracts to inspect plans for new building work.

The impact of competition was twofold. First, in a bid for competitiveness the new inspectors drove down costs which in turn drove down quality, particularly in the skills and training of officers and inspectors. Second, competition created incentives for inspectors to please their clients, the developers, who could shop around for leniency.

Finally, our fire service has seen some of the deepest cuts having lost 11,000 front-line firefighters since 2010. The Fire Brigades Union has also raised concerns that the service is under-resourced, in particular in regards to aerial ladders.

But the pursuit of cuts goes back further. Again, under Blair, modernisation of the fire and rescue service became a euphemism for cuts. As a result, fire and rescue authorities lost inspectors and so also lost the capacity to oversee fire risk assessments.

Recommended London residents warned of fire safety scams after Grenfell Tower

Whatever fault we are likely to find with the regulations, legislation on its own doesnt prevent the risk of fire, only an adequate number of well-trained enforcement officers can do that.

Deregulation, privatisation and cuts: the three pillars of neoliberalism. Yet an ideology as powerful and as widespread as this one in Britain today wont be dealt with through a handful of prison sentences. That is why a grieving society should learn the extent of the damage this pervasive idea has inflicted.

The survivors of Grenfell are not the only ones to suffer the violence of neoliberalism. Those who have experienced the sharp end of the free market know the truth of this event only too well: that neoliberalism is a threat to human life.

Chris Williamson is MP for Derby North and shadow minister for fire and emergency services
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After more than two decades of testing, North Korea finally has a missile that is powerful enough to deliver a nuclear warhead to US territory  that is, to Alaska and/or Hawaii, if estimates are to be believed. This is an extremely dangerous development, and if the Trump administration is to avoid spiralling into a nuclear confrontation with North Korea, it needs to understand what North Korea wants and why it behaves the way it does.

Fortunately for Trumps team, there is precedent here. In 1994, the Clinton administration and North Korea signed an agreed framework that froze Pyongyangs nuclear programme and aimed to normalise US-North Korean relations. The agreement targeted many of the issues that the two sides continue to grapple with  but it soon ran into problems, and ultimately broke down in 2002.

Now, the north is closer than ever to a full-blown nuclear missile capability, and that puts the Trump administration under enormous pressure. If the White House wants to get its North Korea policy right, it must try and understand why the USs last best chance to resolve this crisis ultimately didnt work out.

 North Korean missile 'can hit US mainland' says Kim Jong Un

Under the terms of the 1994 framework, North Korea agreed to freeze and ultimately dismantle its nuclear programme in exchange for the full normalisation of political and economic relations with the United States. This meant four things:

By 2003, a US-led consortium would build two light-water nuclear reactors in North Korea to compensate for the loss of nuclear power

Until then, the US would supply the north with 500,000 tons per year of heavy fuel

The US would lift sanctions, remove North Korea from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, and  perhaps most importantly  normalise the political relationship, which is still subject to the terms of the 1953 Korean War armistice

Finally, both sides would provide formal assurances against the threat or use of nuclear weapons

For a while, things seemed to be going well. In 1998, US officials involved in the implementation of the agreement testified to Congress that both the US and the international atomic energy agency were satisfied that there had been no fundamental violation of any aspect of the framework agreement by North Korea.

But on its own pledges, Washington failed to follow through.

Falling short

The light-water reactors were never built. The US-led consortium tasked with constructing them was in severe debt; senators accused Clinton of understating their cost while overstating how much US allies would contribute to funding them. Hawkish Republicans in Congress derided the framework for supposedly rewarding aggressive behaviour.

Heavy fuel shipments were often delayed. Rust Deming, assistant secretary of state, told Congress that to be frank, we have in past years not always met the fuel year deadline. Meanwhile, Robert Gallucci, a diplomat who had negotiated the framework, warned that it could fail unless the US did what it said it would do, which is to take responsibility for the delivery of the heavy fuel oil.

North Korea was not removed from the state departments list of state sponsors of terrorism until 2008, though it had long met the criteria for removal. A limited number of US sanctions were eased, but not until 2000  six years later than pledged in the agreed framework. According to Gallucci, Congressional scepticism about the deal led to the minimum interpretation of sanctions lifting. As he told a congressional committee: the North Koreans have always been disappointed that more has not been done by the US.

Most importantly, no action was taken to formally end the Korean War  which was never technically ended  by replacing the 1953 ceasefire with a peace treaty. The formal assurances that the US would not attack North Korea were not provided until six years after the framework was signed. In the meantime, the Clinton administration unhelpfully persisted in labelling North Korea a backlash or rogue state, and throughout the 1990s, US military planning was based on the concept of fighting a simultaneous two-front war against Iraq and North Korea.

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

This only worsened under Washingtons next regime: in 2002, the Bush administrations nuclear posture review listed North Korea as one country the US might have to use nuclear weapons against, while its 2002 national security strategy listed the north as a rogue regime against which the US should be prepared to use force. To this day, the US has 28,500 troops stationed across 11 US military bases in South Korea, and the two countries continue with their joint annual military exercises off the coast of the Korean Peninsula.

As abhorrent as the North Korean regime is, its not hard to see why the ruling clique might have concluded that Pyongyang remains in Washingtons crosshairs and that the US was never truly committed to the agreed framework. Still, as subsequent negotiations have shown, North Korea remains desperate for fuel, and its regime still exhibits a paranoid, self-serving obsession with security. Its past actions strongly suggest that the nuclear programme is a bargaining chip that Pyongyang is prepared to give up under the right circumstances.

The benefits of a new, more robust peace agreement are obvious: an end to the threat of nuclear war in East Asia, and a boost to the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. The story of the 1994 framework proves this is far from impossible, but also that it will demand both careful, determined diplomacy and a commitment to honouring any promises made. Sadly, the Trump administration so far seems capable of neither.

Maria Ryan is a lecturer in American history at the University of Nottingham. This piece originally appeared on The Conversation
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This is the first presidential scandal involving a foreign government interfering with our election process and possible collusion by the man who won the election.

Since George Washington, Americans have taken pride in electing honest presidents. Whether the chief executive is rated by historians as great, average, or failure, there has been general agreement that honest men have occupied the White House. But in the early morning hours of 17 June 1972, five burglars were arrested in democratic national committee headquarters in the Watergate complex. Since then, three scandals have battered the presidency resulting in an almost impeachment that would have occurred had the president not resigned, a possible impeachment that probably would have occurred had that path been chosen by the opposition party, and one actual impeachment. Since Watergate, it has become evident that presidential integrity should not be taken for granted.

Today, yet another presidential scandal is in the making, although we do not know the details or depth of a President Trump scandal and the outcome is anyones guess. As a way to discern guidance for witnessing a new presidential scandal and to assess future prospects, it would be beneficial to review the three recent scandals, namely Watergate, Iran-Contra, and Monica Lewinsky.

Donald Trump says he hopes Russia probe finding will be "truly honest"

The Watergate scandal involved a president who took extra-legal means to quiet dissent and stop the leaking of sensitive information to the press. For those purposes, the Nixon White House created a special investigative unit nicknamed the plumbers. The main operation of the plumbers was the break-in of Daniel Ellsbergs psychiatrists office. The reason for the burglary was to find information discrediting Ellsberg, the man who leaked the Pentagon Papers.

This illegal type of activity continued with President Nixons re-election committee. The campaign committee wiretapped telephones at the Democratic National Committee offices resulting in the arrest of burglars in the Watergate complex. Some of the burglars had been plumbers. Nixon chose to cover-up the crime by ordering his staff to claim it was all a CIA operation involving national security. He further directed the deliverance of money to those arrested hoping that would keep them from telling the truth. When Nixons crimes were exposed by subordinates led by White House counsel John Dean and corroborated by tapes, support for the President faded away causing his resignation before House impeachment and a Senate trial would have terminated his presidency.

In November 1986, a Lebanese newspaper reported that the US government had sold weapons to Iran although our official policy was to not deal with the Iranians. That was the beginning of the Iran-Contra scandal that came perilously close to destroying the Reagan presidency.

The story originated with the terrorist group Hezbollah having ties to Iran and holding seven Americans hostage in Lebanon. In an effort to free the hostages, the Reagan administration through its national security council made contact with the Iranians negotiating a sale of missiles in return for the Iranians using their influence to free the hostages. Security council staffer Oliver North engineered a scheme for the proceeds of the sale to go to the Contras fighting to overthrow the government of Nicaragua.

Reagan at first denied that it was an arms-for-hostages deal, but several months later under public pressure and multiple investigations including one by Congress and a presidential commission, Reagan admitted that it was in fact arms-for-hostages.

Laws had clearly been broken. In the period 1982-1984, Congress passed the Boland Amendments, one of which barred the US Government from giving military aid to the Contras. Furthermore, the investigations indicated that Reagan had allowed his national security council to go out of control.

The scandal caused Reagans popularity to take a severe but temporary beating. However, the Democratic majority in Congress chose not to impeach a 76-year-old president who could not remember whether he had committed illegal action or was even aware of illegal activities in his administration. Eleven of his subordinates were convicted of crimes, but Reagan would serve out his term of office as a tarnished president yet honoured by many Americans.

The third of the major presidential scandals of this era resulted in the first presidential impeachment in 130 years, but ironically, it had nothing to do with political or public life. It was about an extra-marital affair.

Monica Lewinsky served for two years as a White House intern while engaging in an affair with President Clinton. She was then transferred to the Pentagon where she became friends with Linda Tripp, a co-worker. Tripp secretly taped conversations she had with Lewinsky about the Clinton affair and then turned the tapes and a stained dress over to special prosecutor Kenneth Starr who was originally hired to investigate an Arkansas real estate matter called Whitewater. Starr however was now investigating sexual harassment charges against Clinton by Paula Jones, an Arkansas state employee. Both Clinton and Lewinsky were subpoenaed to testify before Starrs grand jury. They both denied the affair which led to charges of perjury and obstruction of justice against Clinton. The Republican controlled House of Representatives impeached Clinton on those charges, but the Senate fell way short of the necessary two-thirds to convict and remove him from office. Clinton served out his term damaged in the eyes of many Americans, although as the years passed, his presidency has been remembered more as a time of peace and prosperity with a budget surplus than as a time of scandal.

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

These recent scandals can serve as guidelines for assessing the events now unfolding in regard to President Trump. In Watergate and Iran-Contra, subordinates broke the law and each president defended himself by claiming ignorance. Both Nixon and Reagan descended into deep trouble by deploying that defence. In each case, especially Watergate, evidence mounted that each president must have been aware of the work done by his closest staff or he had been grossly incompetent. Nixons White House counsel John Dean testified that he had received presidential orders and approval to carry out a cover-up and that was eventually borne out by audio tapes. Reagans Secretary of Defence Casper Weinberger held notes from meetings indicating Reagan approved the arms sales to Iran.

Trump is following the same path as his scandal-ridden predecessors Nixon and Reagan. In his first press conference on February 6, 2017, Trump said, Nobody that I know of talked with Russians " That was just one of many denials made by Trump or his spokespeople. That position is hard for Trump to hold since emails prove that his son, son-in-law, and then campaign manager met with Russians of government influence while Trump sat in his office in the same building and that meeting was initiated by Russians promising dirt on Hillary Clinton.

Furthermore, scandals become more damaging to the president if the American people believe that they are being lied to by their president. Nixons popularity at first during Watergate remained high as he won 49 states in his re-election. But six months later as evidence poured out indicating that Nixon had been lying about his involvement, the presidents standing with the American people plummeted.

Reagan initially gave a televised speech denying an arms for hostages deal. But, six months later with his popularity dropping as evidence revealed the contrary. Reagan relented, admitting to the nation that there had indeed been an arms for hostages deal.

Clinton initially and famously said, I did not have sexual relations with that woman Miss Lewinsky. As evidence came out to the contrary, seven months later Clinton admitted to an inappropriate relationship. An immediate telling of the truth might have forestalled impeachment.

Here again Trump is following the same path declaring total innocence through ignorance and he is in a more tenuous position than his predecessors. Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton were all hit by scandal after handily winning re-election. They began with the good-will of a large portion of the American people. In Trumps election he did not even win a plurality of the popular vote and his reputation with a majority of Americans is that of man who is less than truthful to state it mildly. He begins a scandal with an already low approval level.

Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton all claimed that the crimes involved in their scandals were unimportant, inconsequential or even well-intended. Nixon and his supporters could claim that a wiretap changed no votes in his landslide victory. Reagan could claim that he and his subordinates performed a humanitarian duty attempting to free American hostages. Clinton supporters could claim that a presidents private life should remain just that  private. Nor, they claimed, did it meet the criteria of high crimes intended by the founding fathers who wrote the impeachment clause.

Again Trump is in a more tenuous position. This is the first presidential scandal involving a foreign government interfering with our election process and possible collusion by the man who won the election and is now president. So far, Trump supporters have remained loyal to their man. But that comprises a minority of the American people and convincing others that this does not meet impeachment standards would be an exceedingly steep climb.

In conclusion, facing a scandal, President Trump is doing some of the same things his scandal-plagued predecessors did such as claiming to be unaware of what happened, claiming total innocence, and claiming any crimes if committed are unimportant. But Trump begins his scandal in a position weaker than his predecessors were in given to his family ties, his reputation with the American people, and the nature of the crimes involved. Trumps prospects are not good so long as he continues making the same mistakes that Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton made.

Donne Levy is a retired college instructor in US Asian history and Western civilization. This piece originally appeared on History News Network
Forecourt retailer Applegreen has agreed to pay Carsley Group 21m (23m) for seven sites in the UK.

The sites, along the A1 between London and the north, include six service areas.

Applegreen CEO Bob Etchingham said the deal will accelerate the company's strategy to establish a major motorway service area presence in the UK market.

"The service area sites we are acquiring are well located on very busy roads with a number situated on the A1 which is a major arterial route," he added.

"The assets being acquired provide a set of large and strategically important sites that can accelerate Applegreen's growth in this key marketplace."

He added: "This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our existing estate in the UK and leveraging our expertise in operating high-quality service areas offerings with a strong food-to-go focus for the benefit of our customers."

In July, Applegreen sealed a $75m deal to buy a chain of 34 filling stations in South Carolina from the Brandi Group.

Eleven of the stations include Burger King outlets, while they also have other food offerings, such as Subway. The deal also includes the acquisition of eight stand-alone Burger King sites.

Applegreen is paying $5.4m for the trade and certain assets of Brandi Group, while a US institutional investor will buy property assets of the business for $70.1m.

In the UK, Applegreen is planning a new motorway service area in Yorkshire that will involve an investment by the group of between 40m and 50m (44m to 55m) and create about 300 jobs.

Applegreen posted adjusted pre-tax profits of 21m last year, an 18.6pc increase on 2015.
The Kremlin on Friday said it agreed with President Donald Trump that US-Russian ties were at an all-time and very dangerous low.

"We fully share this opinion," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists over Trump's view, expressed on Twitter on Thursday. "The danger may lie in a lack of mutual collaboration and cooperation over the topics that are vitally important for both our countries and their people," Peskov added.

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Loans from the Strategic Banking Corporation (SBCI) to small and medium size enterprises stood at 855m at the end of June, according to latest figures from the State-backe fund.

This represents an increase of 57pc on the 544m in SBCI-supported lending at the end of December 2016, the mid-year update revealed.

SBCI loans have now supported a total of 21,132 small and medium enterprises employing 106,728 people, an increase on the 12,593 small and medium enterprises it supported at December 31 2016.

The increase in loans this year has been driven by the SBCI Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme which launched in January.

The SBCI says this represents a significant milestone in its efforts to introduce risk-sharing products into the SME finance market.

The scheme, which aims to support farmers experiencing short-term financial pressure due to price and income volatility, accounted for 118m in loans by end June 2017 and supported over 3,500 agri-business small and medium enterprises employing over 5,000 people.

The average loan size taken out by businesses under the Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme was 32,084. "These figures demonstrate the SBCI's strong impact and the significant appetite among Irish small and medium enterprises, including farmers, for lower-cost funding that is more flexible and designed to suit their specific needs," Nick Ashmore, CEO of the SBCI, said.

The scheme has proved so popular that farmers last month called for provisions to be made in Budget 2018 for a new 500m Government-supported low-cost loan fund.

Other sectors which have received support from the SBCI include the wholesale and retail sector which has received 17pc of the loans issued by the SBCI, the accommodation and food sector which was received 13.3pc (on a percentage of loans by value basis), and the manufacturing services sector which has benefited from 7.9pc of funding.

On loans of less than 250,000, small and medium enterprises benefited by an average of 1.15pc on loans from the SBCI versus market rates for loans.

The southwest of Ireland had the most small and medium enterprises using SBCI loans with over 18pc of loan numbers by region, while Dublin accounted for 14.8pc, and the Mid West of Ireland accounted for a further 14.3pc of the loans.

The Midlands had the least number of SMEs using the loans, with companies in that area in receipt of only 6.3pc of the SBCI funded loans.

The State-backed SBCI, which has also received funding from the European Investment Bank and German development bank KfW, was set up to channel cheap funding to small and medium enterprises via lending partners.

So far it has provided funds to banks including AIB and non-bank lenders like Billy Kane's Finance Ireland. Other lenders on its platform include First Citizen Finance.

"In just over two years since it started lending, the SBCI has achieved a lot. The pace of SBCI loan drawdowns has grown steadily and small and medium enterprises are benefiting from a bigger range of loans and a bigger range of lending partners," Mr Ashmore said. The SBCI plans to announce new on-lending partners shortly, adding to its seven existing partners, three banks and four non-bank lenders.
Discount supermarket chain Aldi is withdrawing all eggs from sale at its more than 4,000 stores in Germany as a precaution, it said on Friday, as a scare over the possible contamination of eggs with insecticide spreads.

Traces of insecticide fipronil were found in eggs in Belgium and the Netherlands last month, which has led to the temporary shut-down of some poultry farms and to supermarkets halting the sale of Dutch eggs.

Investigators suspect the chemical may have gotten into eggs through contaminated detergent against mites that is used to clean barns.

The detergent was also supplied to farms in the northern German state of Lower Saxony, from where eggs are distributed across the country, Germany's food and agriculture ministry has said.

Aldi is the first major retailer to take all eggs, regardless of origin, off its shelves.

"As there have been reports from more and more (German) federal states about the discovery of fipronil in eggs, Aldi South and Aldi North have decided to remove all eggs from sale across the country," the two operators of Aldi supermarkets said in a joint statement on Friday.

"This is merely a precaution, there is no reason to assume there are any health risks," they added.

Fipronil is considered by the World Health Organization to be moderately toxic, with high doses leading to feelings of nausea and dizziness. Very large quantities can cause damage to the kidneys, liver and lymph glands.

Dutch food safety watchdog NVWA said this week that only a limited type of egg, recognizable by specific serial numbers, posed a risk.

Nonetheless, around 180 poultry companies in the Netherlands, the second-largest agricultural exporter after the United States, have been temporarily closed, and some firms have culled their flock.

Aldi said it would only accept eggs for the moment that have been tested for fipronil by a public agency or an accredited laboratory, adding there may be a shortage of eggs due to the move.
A new pilot training programme is set to attract jobseekers into the dairy sector in Kilkenny and Waterford.

The 'Dairy Operative Skills Programme' has been developed to tackle the acute skilled labour shortage in dairying.

"It is supported by the Department of Social Protection, Teagasc, the Irish Farmers' Association and Farm Relief Services with funding from Macra na Feirme Young Farmer Skillnet"

The organisations are currently working to highlight potential employment opportunities within the sector to people in receipt of social welfare and farm assist payments in the south-east region.

The four-week course will provide interested jobseekers with an opportunity to gain the skills to be in a position to be employed as dairy operatives.

"Jobseekers who participate in this part-time training course will retain their usual social welfare payment during the course, under part-time education option scheme rules," a spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said:

"All jobseekers who obtain employment subsequent to this or any other such training course will be subject to the same conditions as all other jobseekers. The usual means tests rules and scheme conditions will apply," he said.

Edmond Connolly, of the South East Regional Skills Forum, said: "There is an acute issue in dairying. The primary focus is milking skills to milk cows but there are some fairly good career opportunities there in the sector if people are properly trained."

The part-time pilot course will begin in September.

"Macra na Feirme National President James Healy said: "Addressing the shortage of skilled labour available to dairy farmers is a primary concern for Macra na Feirme and these courses on offer go a long way to tackling this issue. Thanks to the support of Skillnets and Teagasc I believe those who sign up for these courses will find them very beneficial in their careers."
Dairy herd size in grass-based milk production systems has increased significantly in the past five years.

This expansion has brought with it many unforeseen challenges.

Tax incentive to encourage long term leases have had a significant impact on the opportunity to increase dairy herd size. Frequently, this has meant the installation of underpasses through public roads. These cost approximately 45,000.

Walking distance for cows has increased and the risk of lameness has increased with distance walked. This also becomes an animal welfare issue.

One client with a 400 cow dairy herd noted that milk production stopped by 2.5 litres per day when cows had to walk two kilometres to the furthest paddock on the grazing platform. The cumulative stress reduces reproductive performance. The intensity and duration of heats decrease, later embryonic mortality increases.

An alternative to increasing walking distance has been the uptake of zero grazing.

This requires additional costs in machinery and time on a daily basis to harvest grass. A number of contractors now provide this service. However, zero grazing will increase the risk of stomach fluke infestation and neospora relative to cows grazing the same grass.

The availability of skilled labour is now the primary constraint on optimal management of dairy herds. The stockmanship skills required cannot be taught over a short time period. It is difficult to attract people into the industry.

Salaries and working conditions are not attractive relative to a rejuvenated building industry.

Unskilled staff can cover menial tasks but there could be significant financial losses if they are assigned tasks associated with animal welfare

I know of an example of a dairy farmer with 320 cows who needed additional help. He employed a man from Poland who had previously worked in the building industry. The owner showed him the basics of calving cows and devoted his time to office management.

Two weeks later the employee came to the office and told the boss that a serious problem had arisen with a cow: "Big problem, the calf has gone back into the cow".

The farmer went out to address the situation to find that the calf was coming backwards!

A structured training programme and a defined career path for stockmen is required.

Farm managers on large dairy units need stockmen with defined skillsets to optimise animal welfare and thereby the financial performance of the business.

Dairy health issues

Dairy health issues have increased as herd size increases. The risk of mastitis infection and measures to prevent same have placed an additional burden on milking routines and maintenance of milking parlour equipment.

As environmental stresses increase, the risk of IBR infections increase. The questions being debated on many farms regarding IBR are the choice between live and dead vaccines and the need for a second booster vaccine on a yearly basis to maintain antibody titres.

Stomach and liverfluke infections are causing significant problems on many dairy farms. Treatment requires milk withdrawal from the food chain for a defined period.

Farmers are reluctant to treat animals when milk sales are decimated. The industry needs to establish better guidelines in preventative health management for these diseases.

Finally, lung worm infections have caused a significant increase in later embryonic mortality this year. Lungworm infections are frequently confused with IBR.

Treatment can cause serious health setbacks where a heavy lung worm infection pertains. I have encountered cases of foetal death between 40 and 50 days following treatment for lungworm.

There is a greater use of stock bulls on large dairy units after a three to four week period of AI.

The bulls used are frequently too young and break down after a short period of use.

Fertility testing of bulls is only useful on the day of testing and is no guarantee that cows or heifers will go in calf. I have encountered several cases of infertile bulls this year which were previously classified as fertile using semen evaluation.

Finally, there are significant social issues associated with dairy expansion.

Rural depopulation and social isolation will increase as fewer people work on larger dairy units. Increased mental health problems cannot be an acceptable outcome to dairy herd expansion.

Dr Dan Ryan is a bovine reproductive physiologist and can be contacted at www.reprodoc.ie
Farmers could be offered free llamas as bodyguards to protect their sheep from wild lynx, which conservationists are hoping to reintroduce to Britain.

The Lynx Trust has applied to Natural England for permission to release Eurasian lynx into Kielder Forest in England and also want to rewild the animals in the Scottish Highlands.

But farmers are opposing the plans, claiming lynx will kill sheep and lambs.

However the Trust has pledged to establish a sheep welfare programme which will provide grants to build fencing, buy outbuildings for lambing and could even bring in llamas to guard flocks.

There are some really exciting ideas from other countries, such as guardian animals like llamas, said chief scientific advisor to the Trust, Dr Paul O'Donoghue.

We've seen these successfully used in the Scottish Highlands keeping off foxes, and in an American study they reduced sheep kills from dogs and coyotes by 66 per cent; half of those farms saw predation stop entirely.

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Those are astounding results, I'm amazed we don't already see them widely in use; we might be able to reduce all sheep predation by two thirds, just by providing farmers with llamas.

The Trust say that the threat to sheep from Eurasian lynx is minimal, with only one or two animals a year killed in France and Austria, where the large cats roam wild.

They have promised to pay for any sheep taken by the animals and say lynx will be a boost to local tourism, as sightseers attempt to catch a glimpse of the cats. They are planning to establish a visitor centre and also plan to track the released animals by satellite so they can monitor where the animals go, and check if they have killed wildlife.

If the lynx do kill any sheep then compensation must be paid, no question. said Steve Piper, the Trust's chief communications advisor.

An ongoing compensation program would be prioritised from the visitor centre income, and it's worth clarifying that Lynx populations grow very slowly, six of them cannot dramatically balloon in just five years, and the satellite tracking makes it possible to trap them all again at any point in a trial, we can always wind things back.

Farmers may not believe us, but we want this to work for them.

A sheep welfare grant program funded by lynx eco-tourism can help local farmers with things like building lambing shelters, effectively delivering vaccinations and other critical early-life care, maintaining fencing to reduce road kills.

Other conservation groups want to rewild wolf and even brown bears in Britain claiming it will help cut the burgeoning deer problem.

However the National Farmers Union said it was still concerned about the impact of introducing a new species.

NFU countryside adviser Claire Robinson said: Any species reintroduction, particularly if it hasnt been in this country for hundreds of years, can have a massive impact on the many benefits that the countryside delivers  local wildlife and biodiversity.

Our biggest concerns would be the impact on the animal welfare and safety of livestock. The Kielder Forest is a remote upland area dependent on sheep farming and our fear is that these predators would prey on lambs.

"We have not seen any evidence that there are adequate plans to mitigate this concern and there is no evidence that lynx will stay within woodland or forestry. The proposals to monitor Lynx impacts on sheep is not acceptable."

The National Sheep Association added: "The NSA does not accept the promise that lynx would add to eco-tourism, boosting the local economy in Kielder, nor does it accept a compensation system as a justification for a lynx introduction to go ahead.

"Aside from the challenges of guaranteeing indefinite financial support for the additional costs to sheep farmers, a compensation scheme would be complicated and controversial.

"NSA believes justifying the reintroduction of lynx by having a compensation system in place undermines the efforts that farmers go to in order to protect their flocks and maintain high welfare standards, as strived for by the farmer, required by legislation and demanded by the consumer.

Natural England is currently deciding whether to allow the reintroduction in Northumberland.
Its one of the most prestigious awards in the Irish agriculture sector.

Macra na Feirme has announced that the search has begun for the 2017 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.

Young farmers involved in sectors such as beef, dairy, sheep and others (including horticulture, pigs, poultry, tillage) are encouraged to enter and the winner of each sector will compete to be crowned the 2017 Macra na Feirme/FBD Young Farmer of the Year.

The winner of the 2017 Macra na Feirme/FBD Young Farmer of the Year will receive a travel bursary and the opportunity to experience farm practices abroad while developing their skills.

There will also be a new Future Farmer award this year for an emerging young farmer under the age of 23.

As in previous years, county winners will also receive an award. You can nominate a young farmer for Young Farmer of the Year or you can enter yourself by visiting macra.ie/youngfarmer.

The closing date for applications is September 1, 2017.

Macra na Feirme National President James Healy said, "The Young Farmer of the Year competition has gone from strength to strength since the inaugural competition in 1999 thanks in no small part to sponsors FBD and our partners, the IFA.

"The competition is a fantastic showcase of the enormous talent and potential that exists within the Irish agriculture sector. It also provides recognition and encouragement for young farmers at the beginning of their careers. I would encourage all our young farmers to put themselves forward for what will be a very rewarding and educational experience."

Last year a dairy farmer from Mayo was named the FBD Young Farmer of the Year.

Kevin Moran was declined a bank loan nine times before he succeeded in getting the finance to start milking cows on a rented farm just outside Tuam in Co Galway.

Four years later, the youngest of 11 children is milking 220 cows and added the prestigious title to his already impressive resume.

The 23-year-old was a former Teagasc student of the year, and a Nuffield scholar, which allowed him to travel around the world to study different ways in which farmers could access finance.
The European Union on Friday imposed sanctions on three more Russians, including Deputy Energy Minister Andrei Cherezov, and three Russian companies over the delivery of Siemens' turbines to Moscow-annexed Crimea.

Moscow criticized the EU's decision as an unfriendly and groundless act and said it reserved the right to take retaliatory steps.

The EU first introduced sanctions on Russia after the 2014 military takeover of the Black Sea peninsula from Kiev, and stepped them up repeatedly as Moscow then backed separatist unrest in the east of Ukraine.

The new tightening came in response to the delivery of Siemens' gas turbines to Crimea in violation of EU sanctions, which bar doing business there since Russia's annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine, a move which has not been internationally recognised.

Siemens says it has evidence that all four turbines it delivered for a project in southern Russia had been illegally moved to Crimea.

"The responsibility for this decision, including possible expenses for Siemens and other German and European companies working in Russia, lies entirely with the EU's side and the German government," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Russia reaffirmed its interest in developing economic cooperation with the bloc and remained committed to all previously assumed obligations, the ministry added.

The EU also said the blacklisted companies include Siemens' two Russian contractors that moved the turbines.

EU's 28 states must be unanimous to go ahead with sanctions and diplomatic sources said Italy's opposition meant a fourth name had to be dropped from the initial German proposal.

Diplomats in Brussels said the Russian energy ministry official is involved in bilateral cooperation with Italy and has since escaped being sanctioned. The Italian representation in Brussels did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Other EU sanctions on Russia target its energy, financial and arms sectors. The latest additions complement a blacklist that already contains 150 people and 37 entities subject to an asset freeze and a travel ban over the turmoil in Ukraine.

More than three years of coordinated EU and U.S. sanctions, however, have not forced a change of hand in Moscow, which vows to never give back Crimea and still supports the armed conflict in east Ukraine which has killed more than 10,000 people.

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Life and pensions company Irish Life has reported a rise in profits for the three months up to June.

It said profits rose 17pc, a development which meant it made a 42m contribution to the earnings of its Canadian parent, Great West Lifeco.

Chief executive of Irish Life Group David Harney noted that the successful business performance in the quarter was due in part to strong growth in investment management.

"Sales at Irish Life Investment Managers were 25pc ahead of budget at the end of the end of the second quarter," Mr Harney said.

Irish Life Investment Managers has almost 65bn of assets under management.

The integration of Irish Life Health neared completion in the second quarter, and this new entity in the private health insurance market has just reached its first anniversary, he added.

Mr Harney said he was delighted to see the health business experiencing customer growth with the most recent Health Insurance Authority report confirming Irish Life Health's market share at 21pc.

The Government bought Irish Life in 2011 from Irish Life & Permanent, for 1.3bn. It then sold Irish Life for the same amount in 2013 to Great Life Westco, which merged it with its exiting Irish unit, Canada Life.
The rate of job creation in the services sector has surged to a five-month high.

Stronger economic conditions supported a rise in activity last month, and companies are also optimistic that activity will continue to rise over the coming year.

That's according to the latest Purchasing Managers' Index for the sector.

Philip O'Sullivan, economist with specialist bank Investec, said the latest report paints a positive picture for the sector.

"All in all, [the] release reveals a bright start to the second half of the year for the overall services sector," he said.

The headline seasonally adjusted business activity index rose to 58.3 in July, from 57.6 in June.

New business from abroad rose at the sharpest pace in four months. Panellists reported higher new orders from a range of markets including the UK, the US and other European countries. Companies were generally optimistic that activity will continue to rise over the coming 12 months.

More than 47pc of panellists forecast output growth, but sentiment dipped to the lowest since last November.

"We note that the forward-looking expectations index weakened to an eight-month low in July, although it is important to highlight that more than nine times as many firms expect growth in activity over the coming 12 months compared to those who foresee a decline," Mr O'Sullivan added.

"Looking at the sub-sector data, the main area that saw a dip in optimism was the travel & leisure component.

"It is possible that speculation around Ireland's future (post-Brexit) trading relationship with the UK could be slightly dampening the mood here, as that component is more reliant on UK business than the other parts of the industry that are captured by our survey," Mr O'Sullivan said.
The Irish Brewer's Association say excise is a tax on jobs. Stock picture

The Irish Brewer's Association has renewed calls for the Government to reduce "the excise burden". Irish consumers pay one of the highest rates of excise on beer in Europe whilst also boasting the highest percentage of on trade versus off trade beer sales in the European Union.

"The Irish Brewers Association's 2016 report highlights the important role that the brewing sector has in supporting the Irish economy," said Jonathan McDade, head of the IBA.

"Beer exports continue to perform strongly, accounting for 20pc of total beverage exports while the sector continues to contribute enormously to the exchequer with domestic beer sales up marginally due to favourable tourism figures and population growth."

Forty per cent of beer produced in Ireland is exported, with beer exports accounting for 20pc of Ireland's total beverage exports.

"Excise is a tax on jobs, tourism and the hospitality sector and we call on the Government to reduce excise rates," said Mr McDade, ahead of International Beer Day which falls today.

"The real success story of the Irish brewing sector is that exports continue to thrive. Ireland already boasts production of some of the world's most iconic beer brands and it is encouraging that Irish beer remains so popular in other markets."
Drivers are calling for a major reduction in the cost of their motor cover, as insurance firms recorded a profit after years of hiking prices.

Premiums for motorists have risen by 70pc in the past three years, but now consumer groups have called for a "very serious review" of car premiums.

Home and motor insurer Aviva has seen its profits for the first half of the year rise by 12pc to 48m, after raising the cost of its cover.

Earlier this week, RSA said it returned to profit, with FBD expected to also have made profits in the first half of this year.

Together, the three insurers represent the lion's share of the motor cover market.

A recent report from the Department of Finance also noted that insurers had returned to making profits.

There have been falls in premiums in recent months, but many drivers are still being hit with hikes in the cost of cover.

The steep rises of the past three years continue to feed through the system.

Dermott Jewell, of the Consumers' Association lobby group, said it was time for major review of premium costs.

"This is a clear signal of the need for a very serious review of the outrageous prices of motor premiums," he said. "They must reduce the cost and burden on so many motorists who are struggling to afford cover."

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He said the Government should tell insurers it was time to give something back to drivers.

Aviva admitted that the rise in its profits was driven by an increase in net written premiums. It also cited initiatives in the company's claims handling that resulted in a lower claims ratio and pushed up profits. It said it had a policy of fighting all cases of fraud.

Aviva Ireland, which employs 1,150 people, said that the benign weather in the year to date also contributed to the increased profits.

But its chief executive John Quinlan said the motor market remained challenging.

He added: "We continue to invest significantly in our fraud prevention and detection systems and are relentless in fighting all suspected cases of fraud, often at considerable cost."

He said that one recent case it defended in the High Court and in the Court of Appeal would cost the company 350,000.

This is understood to be a case where a judge said an Englishman who sued a Kinsale hotel for 1.4m over injuries he claimed he sustained when he fell out a window was "relentlessly" dishonest.

Earlier this week, RSA saw its Irish division return to profit in the first half of the year. It comes after the Irish unit of the UK insurer was hit by a massive accounting scandal in 2013.

The insurer reported a profit of 2m (2.23m) over the interim period. This was up from a loss of 1m (1.1m) in the same period in 2016, the group said. It said it expected to be profitable for the 2017 full year.

Goodbody Stockbrokers expects FBD to report profits of 9m for the first half of the year.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has firmly ruled out any move to tax the sale of family homes. The proposals from Department of Finance officials had being greeted with a massive backlash.

Financial experts said the opposition to the suggestion of taxing home sales was so strong it would bring people on to the streets in a show of force not seen since the water protests.

But Mr Varadkar told the Irish Independent: "The Government has no plans or intentions to change the rules which exempt the proceeds of the sale of a family home from capital gains tax."

His officials were keen to stress the proposal comes from a discussion paper setting out options, and designed to generate debate ahead of October's Budget.

But there is no firm proposal to lift the exemption that means capital gains tax does not apply when a family sells its home while the owners are still alive.

Mr Varadkar's intervention comes after Age Action, the Irish Citizens Parliament, accountancy bodies, and a range of farmer representative groups voiced trenchant opposition to the proposal.

Fianna Fail's finance spokesman Michael McGrath also said his party would not be supporting any move to tax family homes when they are sold.

The Government depends on the support of Fianna Fail to remain in power.

If the proposal was to be implemented, it would mean a family moving to a larger home or elderly people downsizing would be hit with huge capital gains taxes.

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A family that originally bought a home for 300,000 years ago may now have a property valued at 500,000.

This would mean a gain of 200,000.

If that family decided to sell up to move to another home they would be forced to pay capital gains tax of 66,000 on the gain in value on their home.

This would mean less money to fund a new home.

For 'empty nesters' moving from a large home to a smaller one, the imposition of the tax would mean their savings for their old age would be damaged.

Chairman of the mortgage committee of the Irish Brokers Association Michael Dowling said people were enraged at the suggestion that the sale of the family home could be taxed.

"Taxing the sale of family homes will be very difficult. It will affect older people in particular," he said.

"People will take to the streets, as was the case for water charges and the move to take medical cards off the elderly."

Justin Moran, head of advocacy and communications at Age Action, said older people are furious at any suggestion that if they were to sell their home they will have more tax to pay. They are mostly on small fixed incomes, he said.
Dublin-headquartered aircraft lessor AerCap has beaten earnings expectations after posting net income of $282.9m (238.1m) in the second quarter of the year as it made big gains from jet sales.

The company, whose chief executive is Aengus Kelly, inset, said that its total revenue for the period edged 2pc higher, to $1.26bn (1.06bn). Basic lease revenue fell 5pc to $1.05bn.

"The decrease was primarily due to the sale of mid-life and older aircraft during 2016 and 2017, which reduced average lease assets," according to AerCap. The group had a 99.5pc fleet utilisation rate in the second quarter, when it also executed 108 aircraft transactions, including 25 widebody deals.

Analysts had pencilled in net income of $236m for the second quarter, but the lessor posted a $69.5m net gain on the sale of assets, which boosted the bottom line.

That compared to a $38.4m net gain on the sale of assets in the second quarter of 2016.

The latest figure was also way ahead of the $15m gain that had been predicted by Davy Stockbrokers. The second-quarter gain related to 24 aircraft sold and six aircraft reclassified to finance leases.

The second-quarter 2016 gain related to 32 aircraft sold and three aircraft reclassified to finance leases. AerCap repurchased 6.5m shares in the second quarter, at a cost of $293m, and has repurchased 14.2m shares in the first half of the year, at a cost of $639m.

Yesterday, the company said that it authorised an additional $250m share repurchase programme that will run to the end of the year.

Over the past two years, AerCap has forked out more than $2bn buying back almost a quarter of its own shares.

Mr Kelly welcomed what he said was a strong second quarter for AerCap, noting that it also recently completed a $1bn offering of 10-year senior notes. He said the debt issue further strengthens AerCap's financial position.

In June, AerCap placed an order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with an $8.1bn list price, in a move that will make it the biggest owner of the jet type.

Up to early 2017, AerCap had taken delivery of 55 787s, and the new order gave it a total order book of 67 of the aircraft.

Davy Stockbrokers said that AerCap's second quarter results provide "a strong reminder of the company's attractive investment proposition".

"The quarter itself was a significant beat versus estimates owing to net gains on sale of $70m at a margin of 17pc over book value," Davy added. "In contrast, the stock trades at an 8pc discount to book."
All of the Celebrity Big Brother housemates are to face a harsh and indefinite punishment after some of stars were caught breaking strict rules by discussing eviction nominations.

Friday nights episode will see all luxury food items removed from the house thanks to Sam Thompson, Jordan Davies and Brandi Glanville, who have already kicked off discussions about the subject after only a few days on the show.

Earlier in the day, Big Brother called everybody together and said: Housemates, as you know it is against the rules to discuss nominations with each other. This includes discussing or hinting at who you might nominate in the future.

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Yesterday, at 10.15am in a conversation with Jordan, Sam, you said: I think there is probably one person who will pick us. I dont even know if I would pick her.

Jordan, you said: Yes, you want people like that.

This morning, at 2.45am, Brandi, you said: If you guys come over here again tonight, you boys are going to be my first two nominations.

These two conversations are a clear breach of the Big Brother rules and, as a result, the house is to be punished.

The house has been stripped of all luxury food items, and you will live off basic rations until further notice.

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The CBB residents all groaned in disappointment as Made In Chelsea star Thompson said: Im so sorry, I really apologise.

Viewers of tonights episode on Channel 5 will also get an insight into the relationship between Sarah Harding and Cheryl, as Harding admits that she has not spoken to her former Girls Aloud bandmate in some time.

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Further drama will ensue as the residents play a drinking game with a twist, dividing into two teams to match shocking revelations stuck on champagne bottles to the correct housemate.

Celebrity Big Brother continues on Channel 5 at 9pm on Friday.
It looks like Miriam O'Callaghan is hoping to emulate the success of The Late Late Show Valentine's Special with an episode of her chat show dedicated to dating on Saturday.

Saturday Night with Miriam will take a look at old fashioned dating in the digital age with an interview with matchmaker Willy Daly of Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival fame. Willy will be joined in studio by his daughter Elsha.

In keeping with the dating theme Mairead Loughman, who runs dating service Table for Six will also be on the show and six singletons will take part in a Table for Six style date live on air.

Elsewhere on the show celebrity chef Rachel Allen will be joined by her son Lucca who, at 15, is the first Formula 4 driver to come from Ireland.

Returning to duet once more will be Tommy Fleming and Anne Herlihy. Anne had the chance to tick an item off her bucket list in the last series when she sang with Tommy. They'll be back to talk about the friendship that blossomed after the show.

Saturday Night with Miriam continues this Saturday night at 9:20pm on RTE One

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An Algerian migrant was killed Friday when the roof of an abandoned warehouse collapsed in Patras, a port in western Greece where many migrants live in squalid conditions, police said.

Two men were also injured at the disused warehouse -- until recently used as a coastguard detention centre -- which was due to be demolished in September.

There had been repeated warnings about its stability, officials said.

"Migrants would enter the building to charge their cellphones as the power had not been cut," a police source told AFP. "Three people were there today."

Greece's third-largest city, Patras is a gateway to Italy for migrants hoping to sneak on to trucks and ferries.

Greece is housing around 60,000 mainly Syrian and Afghan refugees and migrants in camps around the country.

Many have become desperate to be allowed to continue their journey after several EU states shut down their borders last year, while others fear they will be deported to Turkey.



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The High Court has refused to extradite an Irish national wanted in Greece on drugs importation charges due to fears over healthcare available in the prison system there.

Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly said Greek authorities had failed to provide assurances that adequate medical care would be provided to Richard Joseph Kinsella, who suffers from a syndrome which places him at increased risk of developing melanoma.

A European arrest warrant was issued for him last year by Greece, where he is wanted for seven drug trafficking offences.

These include participation in a criminal organisation and importing, exporting, transporting and possessing large quantities of narcotics.

However, lawyers for Mr Kinsella objected to his extradition, arguing he had serious health problems and that the level of care provided to inmates in Greece was "utterly inadequate".

A 2012 report from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture was put before the court, which highlighted poor provision of care in the Greek prison system.

Subsequent reports by the committee also noted inadequate staffing levels, and the ceding of control of accommodation areas to groups of prisoners in some jails. In one prison, Korydallos in Athens, conditions were described as filthy, with cells being infested with cockroaches and bedbugs.

Vulnerable

A report by the same committee last year said the situation had deteriorated to the point where vulnerable prisoners were not being cared for and, in some cases, allowed to die.

Mr Kinsella's legal team also relied on a report by Greek lawyer George Pyromallis, who said there was a real possibility he would be detained at Korydallos, as it is in Athens where his trial is scheduled to held.

Mr Kinsella's co-defendants are being held there.

A report by a consultant dermatologist and surgeon said Kinsella underwent an operation to excise a mole which was found to be a spreading malignant melanoma.

As part of a follow-up procedure he is seen every three months and has been advised to minimise exposure to sunshine.

Although some assurances were given by Greek authorities about the standard of medical care available, Ms Justice Donnelly requested further information. She noted a reply received from Greek authorities last month did not give the assurances the court required.

The judge said she believed there was a "real risk" Mr Kinsella would be subjected to "inhuman and degrading treatment".
Molly Martens Corbett arrives at the Davidson County Courthouse where she is on trial with her father Thomas Martens for the second degree murder of her husband Jason Corbett. Picture: Donnie Roberts/The Dispatch

The sister of Jason Corbett (39) revealed he was homesick and lonely in the United States and wanted to move back to Ireland in time for his son's secondary school education.

Tracey Lynch told a North Carolina murder trial her brother had mentioned moving back to Ireland as early as 2014, just three years after his relocation to the US and more than 12 months before his death.

Thomas Martens (67) and his daughter, Molly Martens-Corbett (33), deny the second degree murder of Mr Corbett on August 2, 2015.

Mr Corbett's wife and father-in-law argued they acted in self-defence at the Panther Creek property and claimed Mr Corbett had attacked Ms Martens-Corbett and threatened to kill her.

The Limerick packaging industry executive died from catastrophic skull injuries inflicted by at least 12 blows in the bedroom of his home.

One of the blows was inflicted after Mr Corbett had stopped breathing.

Both the father and daughter were found to be uninjured at the scene by police and paramedics.

Mrs Lynch said she was surprised when Ms Martens-Corbett messaged her in 2015 to ask her about the date for the 80th birthday of Mr Corbett's father.

"I was surprised she was asking me and not asking Jason," she said.

Mrs Lynch said her brother had not mentioned to her about Ms Martens-Corbett returning to Ireland with him.

"He was homesick and lonely. He had good friends (in North Carolina) and he appreciated them. He planned to move back to Ireland before Jack (his son) started secondary school."

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Mrs Lynch said her brother planned to be in Ireland for his father's 80th birthday party - but had not mentioned that his wife would be with him.

"Jason never told me Molly was returning for the birthday. Jason said it was himself and the children," she added.

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Mrs Lynch is now bringing up her brother's two children, Jack and Sarah.

She also told the Davidson County Superior Court how her brother had desperately fought to save his first wife and mother of his two children, Margaret 'Mags' Fitzpatrick, when she suffered a severe asthma attack in 2006.

"She couldn't breathe," she said. "Jason rang 911 (999) and put her in the car to drive her to hospital. On the way she stopped breathing.

"Jason then stopped the car and started cardiac pulmonary resuscitation. He brought her back."

Tragically, Mrs Corbett subsequently died on her way to hospital in an ambulance which reached the scene.

Mrs Lynch said she helped, with her husband David, to care for her brother's two children, Jack and Sarah, before he advertised for an au pair.

She said she was out of Ireland when her brother hired Ms Martens-Corbett - and met her for the first time in 2008.

A relationship developed and they married in Tennessee in 2011.

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Her brother then got a job in North Carolina in 2011 with the firm he worked for in Ireland.

She said they remained in very close contact - she would visit North Carolina with her husband and children while Jason would travel to Ireland with his family every year.

Mrs Lynch confirmed that her brother had intended to visit Limerick in the days before their father's 80th birthday on September 2, 2015.

Yesterday, a colleague of Mr Corbett said she saw no injury to his wife Ms Martens-Corbett when she arrived at his workplace two days after his death to collect his personal belongings.

Melanie Crook, an executive with Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS) at Lexington, said she was with Ms Martens-Corbett for 20 minutes on August 4, 2015, and spotted no injury to the young Tennessee woman.

Mr Corbett was plant manager at the time.

"We were told on the Monday morning of his death (August 3). But we had not heard much at that time."

Ms Crook said a phone call was received that Mr Corbett's wife wanted to collect his personal belongings.

She arrived at the plant with her mother, Sharon, and her uncle, on Tuesday, August 4 - 48 hours after her husband's death.

Ms Martens-Corbett was wearing a T-shirt, jeans, sandals and had her hair tied up.

The style of T-shirt allowed the MPS executive a clear view of Ms Martens-Corbett's neck and throat.

"We had a 20-minute chat," Ms Crook said. "I did give her a hug."

Ms Crook said all Mr Corbett's belongings were boxed and a list was provided for Ms Martens-Corbett which she was asked to sign for.

"I saw no injuries," she told the trial. "I didn't observe any scrapes, scratches, bruises or swellings."

A forensic expert at the trial said that blood spatters on the clothing of Thomas Martens and Molly Martens-Corbett indicate they were both in proximity to Jason Corbett while his head was struck close to the floor.

Blood pattern expert Dr Stuart James said impact spatters of the Irish businessman's blood on the inside hem of Mr Martens's boxer shorts and the lower leg portion of Ms Martens-Corbett's pyjama bottoms indicate both were close to him while he sustained a blow to his head at a time it was close to the floor of the bedroom of his North Carolina home.

Dr James said he believed Mr Corbett was struck multiple times by the brick.

"The presence of blood on all surfaces of the brick are not consistent with a single blow," he declared.

In the case of Mr Martens, Dr James told the second degree murder trial that the impact blood spatter pattern on the inside hem of the left front of a pair of his white patterned boxer shorts indicate the defendant was standing above Mr Corbett when his son-in-law's head was struck.

Today, Judge David Lee will rule on the admissibility of a statement from Thomas Martens, in which he claimed he was told by the father of Jason Corbett's first wife that he was responsible for her death.

He will also rule on whether statements from Mr Corbett's two children, Jack and Sarah, should be allowed into evidence.

In the first statement, Mr Martens said he was approached by Michael Fitzpatrick and told Jason was responsible for the tragic death of Margaret 'Mags' Fitzpatrick.

"(Mr Martens was) approached by Michael Fitzpatrick (since deceased), the father of Jason Corbett's first wife ... he believed that Jason had caused the death of his daughter."

David Freedman, for Mr Martens, stressed they were not suggesting that this was what had actually occurred, but that it reflected on the state of mind Mr Martens was in when he claimed he struck Mr Corbett in self-defence.

However, Ina Stanton, for the prosecution, objected to the statement being allowed on the basis it was both highly prejudicial and inflammatory.

Ms Stanton also pointed out that Mr Fitzpatrick, before his death, made a sworn statement to a solicitor denying that he had ever made such a remark.
An inquest into the deaths of an Irish family killed in a helicopter crash has opened.

Three brothers and two of their wives died in the crash in mountains in Snowdonia, north Wales, earlier this year.

Kevin (56) and Ruth (49) Burke, Donald (55) and Sharon (48) Burke, and Barry Burke (51) all died in the accident.

The family, who lived in the Milton Keynes area of the UK, were on their way to Dublin on March 29 for a party following the Confirmation of another young relative.

When their privately owned Twin Squirrel aircraft failed to land in Ireland, a major search was launched. Their bodies were later found with the wreckage of the helicopter in the remote Rhinog mountains near Trawsfynydd, north Wales.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is conducting an inquiry into the cause of the crash and will examine previous inquests involving aircraft accidents.

The inquest was later adjourned at Caernarfon Coroner's Court in North Wales.
The old Glass Bottle site in Sandymount was searched by gardai as part of the investigation. Photo: Damien Eagers

GARDAI are looking to have further charges brought against a 24-year-old man accused of rape and false imprisonment of a Spanish student in Dublin, a court has heard.

The young woman, aged 18, who had just come to Ireland in recent months to live with a host family had been in Dublin on July 15 when she was allegedly brought to waste-ground in the citys south-side and raped.

The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with rape, false imprisonment and threat to kill or cause serious harm to the woman at the Irish Glass Bottle site, in Ringsend in south Dublin.

The man, who was described by his lawyer as having a significant history of mental problems, made no bail application at his first hearing on July 21 last.

At that hearing Detective Garda Bryan Hunt had said in evidence that when the man was charged, He was cautioned after each charge and made no reply to each charge.

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has directed trial on indictment on all three matters, Det Garda Hunt had also said.

The accused faced his third hearing today when he appeared before Judge Kathryn Hutton at Cloverhill District Court.

Det Garda Hunt asked for the case to be adjourned for four weeks, for further charges and he added that a file is to be submitted to the DPP.

Defence barrister Aoife OHalloran took instructions from her client in court and then told the judge that there was consent to the four-week adjournment.

The man, who was wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke once during the hearing to confirm that he wanted to appear in person rather than via-videolink at his next hearing.

Judge Hutton was told that the man is in custody by consent.

At his first hearing last month, the court directed a psychiatric assessment and for psychiatric report to be obtained following a request by his solicitor.

The basis for the application was concerns raised by the defence for his mental well-being. His solicitor had said the man does have a significant history and he had medical reports on him.

The defence solicitor had said given the seriousness of the charge and the fact his client is in receipt of a social welfare payment he was making an application for legal aid, which was also granted.

The accused had been originally arrested on July 17, two days after the alleged rape but he was released without charge the following day.

However, he was re-arrested for the purpose of being charged on July 21 last and has been in custody on remand since then.
Would you be willing to bid on a stranger's suitcase, hoping there may be some worthwhile good inside?

iPhones, designer handbags and dirty laundry were just some of the items up for grabs at Ireland's first ever lost luggage sale which took place yesterday evening.

This is the first auction of its kind in Ireland and was held by Paul Cooke Auctions in Naas, Co Kildare.

Speaking before the auction, auctioneer Josh Haughton told Independent.ie that the auction was a "lucky" dip for buyers as they were only allowed a sneak peek inside tha case before they decide to purchase.

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"We'll open the lids of the suitcases, so you'll be able to see what's at the top of the case but you won't be allowed to touch what's inside or dig underneath. It's a lucky dip. There could be an iMac inside or there could be dirty laundry," he said.

Single items, such as iPhones, designer handbags, watches, kindles, jewelry and laptops will also be on sale.

Josh said that Paul Cooke Auctions were given the task of selling the luggage by a European airport which they cannot disclose the name of.

"All I can say is that it's a transatlantic airport in Europe. We were approached by them and they asked us would we be able help them out.

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Whatsapp iPhones, designer handbags and dirty laundry were just some of the items up for grabs at Ireland's first ever lost luggage sale

"After 90 days any unclaimed luggage becomes the property of the airport. It's a mix of lost luggage and luggage that was left in storage lockers and never collected."

The auction took place at Paul Cooke Auctions in Naas Industrial Estate and Josh said that they were expecting a "massive crowd" to attend the event.

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"It's the first and biggest auction of its kind to ever take place in Ireland," said Josh.

Money made from the auction goes back to the vendor, the airport. Paul Cooke Auctions receives a 5pc commission on it.
The editor of the Irish edition of 'The Sunday Times' has remained silent despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the newspaper's sacking of outspoken columnist Kevin Myers.

Frank Fitzgibbon issued a barrage of more than a dozen tweets on various subjects last Saturday in his capacity as editor.

But aside from making a statement in which he apologised and took "full responsibility for this error of judgment" hours after the furore over the now-infamous column erupted on Sunday, he has remained silent - both on Twitter and in the public domain.

Neither Mr Fitzgibbon nor other senior editorial executives at the newspaper have responded to requests from the Irish Independent for a comment on the controversy over what was initially an opinion piece on the gender pay gap in broadcasting here and in the UK.

However, it's understood that senior officials from News UK, which publishes both the Irish and UK editions of 'The Sunday Times', have launched an internal inquiry this week into how the column was published.

It comes after more than 50 complaints have been made to the Office of the Press Ombudsman over the piece, which Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and others have branded "anti-Semitic and misogynistic".

In the piece, Mr Myers referred to the Jewish faith of high-earning BBC presenters Claudia Winkleman and Vanessa Feltz, stating Jews are "not generally known for their insistence on selling their talent for the lowest-possible price," which both women said they found deeply offensive.

Mr Myers broke his silence on Tuesday on RTE Radio and "unconditionally" apologised to the presenters during an interview with the BBC on Wednesday. He said he was not an anti-Semite and had intended the reference as a compliment "for how Jewish people behave, to maximise your potential because nobody else will do it for you".

Meanwhile, Seth Barrett Tillman, a law lecturer at NUI Maynooth who is Jewish, told RTE Radio's Sean O'Rourke yesterday that he personally believed that Mr Myers had been "railroaded", adding he didn't believe the piece was anti-Semitic nor was it "intended to be hurtful".

"This is a man who has been crushed. It's merciless and it's wrong," he said of Mr Myers being subsequently dismissed.

"I think it's utterly disgraceful. I think that if he doesn't get his job back he will be remembered as the Irish Dreyfus." Alfred Dreyfus was a French Jew who was wrongly accused and convicted of treason in the 19th century.

Mr Tillman added in later correspondence: "Dreyfus was a victim of real anti-Semitism. Myers is a victim of purported anti-anti-Semitism, faux outrage, virtue signalling, and political correctness on stilts. This social media mob will kill this man, and that senior politicians have joined this mob passes the bounds of decency. Those who sit back and allow this to happen will one day see the McCarthyist mob turned on them."
US President Donald Trump backed a new Senate bill on Wednesday that would dramatically slash legal immigration levels.

Among the provisions of the Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act is a proposal to axe the controversial Diversity Visa Lottery, better known as the green card lottery.

The new immigration legislation faces an uphill battle. If it does become law, it will mark the end of a beleaguered but beloved programme that has brought more than a million people to America to become citizens.

The lottery's origin dates back to the mid-1980s, when America had an Irish problem. Hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants were flocking to the US, fleeing an economic crisis back home. They arrived too late to qualify for amnesty. Few had the family ties or job experience to qualify for green cards. And many were undocumented, coming as tourists and overstaying their visas.

Irish-American members of Congress came up with a solution. A green card lottery.

More than 30 years later, what was once openly pitched as a way to aid the Irish has now evolved into a global operation that each year brings up to 50,000 people to the US, mostly from Africa or eastern Europe.

At noon on May 2, millions of people around the world clicked on the State Department website to find out if they had won.

This year's lottery could be the last, however. Amid intense debate about immigration, at least two bills in Congress would eliminate the programme.

Now Trump, who has long called for a "merit-based" immigration system, has endorsed a bill that would kill the lottery.

Historians have mixed emotions about the idea of axing the green card lottery.

Anna Law, a political science professor at CUNY Brooklyn College, said she would shed no tears if the odd raffle comes to an end.

"It was about straight up, pork barrel politics," she said of the lottery's pro-Irish origins. "The start of it was very cynical."

The roots of the phenomenon can be traced back to the Immigration Act of 1965, which eliminated a quota system and instead prioritised reuniting families and attracting skilled labourers to the US.

The progressive act had an unanticipated effect on the mix of people coming to America, according to Ms Law. Asian and Latino immigration rose while immigration from Ireland, Italy and other western European countries dropped.

Previously, Ireland had been a "high quota country with a demand for immigration that was below the supply of visas", Ms Law wrote in a 2002 paper. "The procedure for non-preference immigrants to get a visa was fairly simple and pretty much any Irish man or woman who wanted to immigrate could just pick up and do so, with relative ease."

After 1965, however, the majority of the Irish who wanted to immigrate had only distant relatives in the US (cousins, aunts, uncles) and none close enough to petition for them. Those who had no relatives to petition for them could theoretically obtain a visa by qualifying through one of the employment preferences, but few of the Irish possessed the skills and education to qualify via an employment preference.

For a decade, Irish-American lawmakers offered different ways of increasing legal Irish immigration, but weren't able to pass them.

By the early 1980s, Ireland was undergoing an economic crisis that earned it the nickname "the sick man of Europe". Unable to immigrate legally, hundreds of thousands of Irish came to America as tourists and then overstayed their visas.

"About 150,000 Irish immigrants came to New York as students or tourists over the last six years and stayed on as undocumented aliens," the 'New York Times' reported in 1988.

In 1986, Republican Brian J Donnelly proposed an amendment to the Immigration Reform and Control Act that would provide 10,000 visas on a first-come, first-served basis for nationals of countries "adversely affected" by the 1965 changes. Senator Ted Kennedy filed similar legislation in the Senate. Then-speaker of the House, Tip O'Neill - yet another Irish-American from Massachusetts - ensured the amendment passed.

The Irish were well prepared. Undocumented Irish immigrants in the US applied en masse, submitting multiple applications, which was allowed at the time.

The Irish government even got involved, "chartering planes and literally depositing the applications in post office boxes on Capitol Hill", according to Ms Law.

"People still talk about Donnelly-visa parties, held in the US and in Ireland, where guests spent the early evening filling out hundreds of applications for the host," the 'Times' reported. "Some applicants were known to have sent as many as 500 forms."

As a result, the first green card lottery was very green indeed.

Donnelly's NP-5 programme was a one-off. But he and others in Congress fought for a permanent version of the green card lottery in the Immigration Act of 1990, cagily couching it as an issue of "diversity".

"That was the rhetoric they used," Ms Law said. "They couldn't call it the 'White-Europeans-who-don't-have-job-skills-American-employers-want-and-don't-have-ties-to-anyone-in-the-United-States-but-want-to-come-anyway' lottery."

The Diversity Visa Lottery - in which 50,000 winners are chosen randomly from around the world, with high-immigration countries like India, China and Mexico excluded - went into effect in the fiscal year of 1995. But the Immigration Act of 1990 also included a transitional programme that ran from 1991 to 1994.

Unsurprisingly, the Irish again dominated with 40pc - or 18,000 - of the 40,000 visas for fiscal years 1992-1994, according to Ms Law.

As the economy improved in Ireland in the late 1990s and 2000s, fewer and fewer Irish entered the green card lottery. (In fiscal year 2016, only 36 Irish received a diversity visa.) Instead, over time, the programme has primarily come to serve eastern Europe and Africa.

Despite its pro-Irish origins, the Diversity Visa Lottery now lives up to its name, Ms Law admitted.

"It's much more diverse now," she said. "You can't even make fun of it anymore."

Carly Goodman, a historian who has written a book about the Diversity Lottery, disagreed.

"This programme is pretty powerful public diplomacy for the US that signals its openness and generosity," she said, noting that many Africans she spoke to for her book viewed the lottery as aid or a gift from America to Africa. The lottery also pays for itself in visa application fees, she noted.

"Its elimination would be very short-sighted," she said.

Ms Law, who is ambivalent about the lottery, said America could miss out on a particular type of immigrant if it axes the programme.

"Put the funky, pork barrel politics aside. You could argue there is some value in bringing people to this country who, by their own gumption, are willing to leave everything behind - they have no ties here - and are willing to have a go at it."
Oberstown detention centre has failed to meet eight out of 10 national safety standards, according to a Hiqa report.

The publication came following an inspection at the Oberstown Children Detention Campus in Lusk, Co Dublin.

It found that some residents were forced to spend long periods of time separated from their peers, a method used by carers as a last resort.

Of the 10 standards assessed at the facility, only two were compliant and six were deemed as moderate non-compliant.

It also identified two major risks, relating to the management of medications. During the inspection, 35 males aged between 14 and 18 were present in Oberstown.

Commenting on the report, Pat Bergin, director of Oberstown, said an action plan was developed following the inspection.

"As the report highlights, Oberstown is going through a period of major change and challenges remain," he said.

"The action plan that has been developed will assist in meeting these and further build on the progress achieved at the campus as a single facility, over the last year."

The campus was already being reviewed by international experts following several incidents, including protests by staff members last year.

Last August, a fire broke out at the centre after a number of residents climbed onto the building's roof. In May, staff were assaulted before three youths escaped using an angle grinder to cut through a fence.

Incidents

Last month, Mr Bergin said there were two incidents involving residents, one of which required garda intervention.

Children's Minister Katherine Zappone told the Irish Independent she welcomes the "robust inspection" process of Hiqa in relation to Oberstown.

"I am pleased to see an action plan has been agreed to address any deficiencies in practice and I note many of these measures which will improve the day-to-day operations have already been put in place," she said.
Several bullet holes in the windscreen of a black Volvo car were visible last night as shocked locals milled around the scene Photo: Collins

The scene at Mill Close following a shooting in Stamullen Co.Meath. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins

The scene at Mill Close following a shooting in Stamullen Co.Meath. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins

The scene at Mill Close following a shooting in Stamullen Co.Meath. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins

A man was ambushed and shot up to four times in a gangland-style shooting in the driveway of his home last night.

The victim, who was named locally as Tony O'Connor, was shot by a lone gunman in the Mill Close estate in Stamullen, Co Meath.

It is understood the gunman was waiting for him when he returned yesterday at around 7pm. When the victim got out of a car the gunman opened fire at least seven times, hitting the victim up to four times in the upper body.

Mr O'Connor was rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where his condition is believed to be serious.

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Several bullet holes in the windscreen of a black Volvo car were visible last night as shocked locals milled around the scene.

Gardai are investigating the possible involvement of a notorious hitman, and that the attack may have been a case of mistaken identity.

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A 20-year-old local man said neighbours came to the victim's aid following the shooting.

"I ran over and I saw the man crunched over on his hands and knees. About four people were around him and it looked like they were putting pressure on his wounds," he said.

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A 34-year-old man who was in a house near the scene said "I heard four or five shots. The shots were in very quick succession."

He said gardai were very quick getting to the scene of the shooting.

"The ambulance was there. I saw the man being taken away on a stretcher.

"He was lying on his side on the stretcher and he was grimacing.

"I didn't see any blood."

He went on to say: "The garda Emergency Response Unit was here in their full gear and guns."

"People were standing around. Everyone was very shocked.

"It's not something you see every day," he said

There was local outrage that the lives of local children could have been put in danger by the fusillade of bullets.

A local mother grabbed her little child and carried the child into her home moments after the shooting.

"The children usually play with a little goalposts right at the spot where it happened," said a 47-year-old local man.

"It was very lucky that the children weren't there this evening," he said.

A 77-year-old woman said "A woman ran and grabbed her child off the street after it happened.

"The chap who was shot was lying on the ground.

"It's an absolute miracle that no children were hurt. Those people have no regard for the likes of children or anyone," she said.

It is believed Mr O'Connor is originally from north Dublin but has been living in Co Meath for some time. The victim is not known by gardai to be involved in organised crime.

This is the third gun attack in the area in recent times. Last September, shots were fired at a house in the Mill Close estate.

A single bullet hit the front door of a house when a gunman struck at around 1am. No one was injured in the incident.

It is believed there was another shooting in the area only three months ago.

Green Party councillor Tom Kelly said it was shocking that someone would target a residential area where children could be in danger.

"The people of Stamullen are saddened at such a vicious attack," he said. "Stamullen is a peaceful and quiet area and this shooting has caused upset to a lot of people. I'm very sad for the family of the victim and I hope he makes a full recovery."
Political parties around the world typically vie for public support based on their ideas and platforms, pitting left against right, conservatives against liberals, and partisans of globalisation against skeptics.

In Egypt, however, the real challenge for parties is not winning support versus competitors, but restoring credibility and standing to party politics itself.

In the wake of the 2011 January revolution, a flurry of new parties were born, but their role gradually declined until they came to have no real impact.

Today, no one but members and a few specialists follows their news or the statements they issue. Indeed, for much of the public, party politics are synonymous with a quest for the limelight and professionalizsed opposition and protest.

This is unfortunate. Parties have an important role to play in representing competing social interests, legally organising political participation, monitoring state performance, protecting the constitution and the law, and providing a space for legitimate competition for power.

Without parties, society loses its capacity for renewal and correction and its ability to take advantage of its diversity. Instead of being channeled into parties, the youth energy is directed to despair, a search for an alternative homeland, or involvement in underground organisations.

So why have party politics deteriorated in Egypt?

The easy answer is to blame a climate which suppresses freedoms, including the independent media, civil society, and political activity in general. This has undoubtedly contributed to the decline of party politics in Egypt.

But this explanation isnt sufficient or honest. Parties should not wait for a favorable climate, but have to grapple with existing conditions in order to change them and create their own space even if denied by the authorities.

It may also be argued that the multiplicity of parties and the failure of similarly aligned organisations to consolidate in one large party is the cause for such decline.

But this gets things backwards: the fragmentation is a result, not the cause, of weak parties, a small member base, and public indifference. If parties were strong, effective, and attractive to the public, they would naturally merge, join forces, or at least cooperate, under pressure from their supporters.

We need to cast a critical eye at our experience with party politics in recent years and be ready to admit mistakes so we can learn from them. The first admission should be that party politics did not speak to peoples feelings, fears, and ambitions. Our real failure in recent years was not been the loss of parliamentary seats or the closure of party headquarters; it was the inability to persuade the public of the importance of parties and the worth of partisan politics.

I think this resulted from a lack of interest and appreciation in local political leaders, as well as an overriding interest in hot political issues at the expense of socioeconomic issues, and an unwillingness to gradually build the party as an institution. I do not say as a neutral observer, but as someone who participated in party politics until very recently and saw its rise and then retreat as parties proved unable to connect and give voice to the public.

But this isnt the end of the road. Maybe the current retreat can mark a new beginning for another generation to try again, unencumbered by past failed experiments and old resentments that caused parties to lose their compass and, with it, peoples trust in party politics.

Egypt needs an active party life. It needs a ruling party to put forth and defend its policies and programmes and assume responsibility for them, and it needs opposition parties to offer alternatives, help find solutions, and defend civil rights, the rule of law, and the constitution.

To achieve this though, we need to reconsider past experiences and work to restore the publics trust in party work, instead of each party competing for an ever-shrinking part of the pie.

*The writer holds a PhD in financial law from the London School of Economics. He is former deputy prime minister, former chairman of the Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority and former chairman of the General Authority for Investment.

A version of this article was published in Arabic in Al-Shorouq newspaper on Monday 31 July.

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Gardai at the scene near Ballyboughal in north Co. Dublin where the remains of a man were discovered in a ditch at the side of the road. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Gardai at the scene near Ballyboughal in north Co. Dublin where the remains of a man were discovered in a ditch at the side of the road. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Gardai at the scene near Ballyboughal in north Co. Dublin where the remains of a man were discovered in a ditch at the side of the road. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Gardai at the scene near Ballyboughal in north Co. Dublin where the remains of a man were discovered in a ditch at the side of the road. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Supt Noel Carolan, Balbriggan Garda station, at the scene near Ballyboughal in north Co. Dublin where the remains of a man were discovered in a ditch at the side of the road. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Gardai at the scene near Ballyboughal in north Co. Dublin where the remains of a man were discovered in a ditch at the side of the road. Picture; Gerry Mooney

GARDAI investigating after a body was discovered on Friday have upgraded their inquiry to murder.

The grim discovery of the man's body was made in north Dublin at approximately 10.40am.

He is understood to have been stabbed up to 40 times.

Gardai do not believe that the murder is gang related.

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The man's remains were discovered in a laneway off the Ballyboughal to Oldtown Road (R129), approximately a kilometre outside Ballyboughal.

It is understood the body was found in or near a ditch.

Superintendent Noel Carolan from Balbriggan Garda station said at a media briefing this afternoon:

"We're appealing to anybody who might have been in the area [Friday morning or Thursday evening]. We're not entirely sure how far back this man's body actually came to the scene here.

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Whatsapp Supt Noel Carolan, Balbriggan Garda station, at the scene near Ballyboughal in north Co. Dublin where the remains of a man were discovered in a ditch at the side of the road. Picture; Gerry Mooney

"Anyone who was here over the last day or two who saw anything suspicious or unusual like vehicles or people in the area to get in contact with us at Balbriggan Garda station.

"We'd like anyone who was his family, his work colleagues, would be in a position to come forward and let us know when they last saw him."

He said investigating officers are satisfied the man met a violent end:

"We are satisfied it is a violent death, and we are at a stage where we have commenced a murder investigation.

"We don't have any reports of anyone missing in the area or locality.

"It looks as if he could have been there overnight or maybe even a couple of days before that."

They do not believe the area the body was recovered was where the stabbing took place:

"In all probability we are probably looking at a situation where the fatal injuries did not take place here.

"It probably means there is more than just one scene."

He confirmed they believe the victim is aged in his 30s and also believe he is not Irish.

Gardai wish to appeal for witnesses or to anyone with information to contact Balbriggan Garda Station on 01 8020510, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Gardai have launched a major investigation into a sickening sexual assault on a teenage woman in one of Dublin's most prestigious nightclubs.

The 19-year-old was allegedly raped by two men in The Wright Venue in north Co Dublin at 2am on Saturday.

It is understood that the alleged victim was attacked by the two men at the same time when she was "passed out" in a VIP section of the nightclub.

Coolock gardai on the city's northside were called after staff in the club observed the incident on CCTV and identified the suspects, before officers were contacted.

The suspects, who are aged 20 and 21 and from Navan, Co Meath, were arrested in the nightclub and detained at Coolock garda station before being released without charge early on Sunday.

A file is now being prepared for the DPP, but sources say that gardai are not looking for anyone else in relation to the horrific incident.

"The unconscious lady was the subject of a sustained attack by these two men. CCTV evidence shows the distressing ordeal," a source said.

The young woman was brought to the Sexual Assault Unit of the capital's Rotunda Hospital where she was treated.

She has made a statement to officers and the case is being treated as a "credible, serious sexual assault investigation".

A spokeswoman for the nightclub said that its management would not comment on the matter as it was the subject of an ongoing Garda investigation.

The arrested men were previously unknown to gardai.

This is the second high profile incident involving the alleged rape of a teenage girl in the capital in recent weeks.

In a completely separate incident, a Spanish student aged 18 was allegedly attacked after meeting a man on the city's quays.

On July 21 a man appeared in court charged with raping, imprisoning and threatening to kill the Spanish teenager.
THE SUNDAY Times is today expected to complete its investigation into why a column branded anti-Semitic and misogynistic was published by the newspaper last weekend.

The inquiry results are expected to first be circulated to anyone named in the report, including the author Kevin Myers, as well as senior management at the owners of the Sunday Times, Rupert Murdochs News UK company based in London.

A senior executive from the London headquarters travelled to Dublin earlier this week to interview Irish editor Frank Fitzgibbon and his deputy John Burns.

Mr Fitzgibbon, in his 60s, is well known for his waspish comments on social media. Mr Burns is also the papers media commentator, known for feverishly issuing online and print rebukes to other journalists, newspapers and broadcasters on a weekly basis.

Both are known for spending a lot of time on social media particularly at weekends when the Sunday Times goes to print.

Mr Fitzgibbon, well known in social circles, has remained unusually silent despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the newspaper's sacking of outspoken columnist Kevin Myers. He is often seen socialising with other media types in central Dublin.

Last Saturday night Mr Fitzgibbon issued a barrage of more than a dozen tweets on various subjects in his capacity as editor. Mr Myers column - widely-criticised as anti-Semitic and misogynistic - was published that evening and went on sale in newsstands the following morning.

Aside from making a statement in which he apologised and took "full responsibility for this error of judgment" hours after the furore over the now-infamous column erupted on Sunday, the editor has remained silent - both on Twitter and in the public domain.

Neither Mr Fitzgibbon nor other senior editorial executives at the newspaper have responded to media requests for a comment on the controversy over what was initially an opinion piece on the gender pay gap in broadcasting here and in the UK.

It is not known when senior officials from News UK, which publishes both the Irish and UK editions of 'The Sunday Times', will release the findings of their internal inquiry into how the column was published.

More than 50 complaints have been made to the Office of the Press Ombudsman over the piece, which Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and others have branded "anti-Semitic and misogynistic".

In the piece, Mr Myers referred to the Jewish faith of high-earning BBC presenters Claudia Winkleman and Vanessa Feltz, stating Jews are "not generally known for their insistence on selling their talent for the lowest-possible price," which both women said they found deeply offensive.

Mr Myers broke his silence on Tuesday on RTE Radio and "unconditionally" apologised to the presenters during an interview with the BBC on Wednesday. He said he was not an anti-Semite and had intended the reference as a compliment "for how Jewish people behave, to maximise your potential because nobody else will do it for you".

Meanwhile, Seth Barrett Tillman, a law lecturer at NUI Maynooth who is Jewish, told RTE Radio's Sean O'Rourke yesterday that he personally believed that Mr Myers had been "railroaded", adding he didn't believe the piece was anti-Semitic nor was it "intended to be hurtful".

"This is a man who has been crushed. It's merciless and it's wrong," he said of Mr Myers being subsequently dismissed.

"I think it's utterly disgraceful. I think that if he doesn't get his job back he will be remembered as the Irish Dreyfus." Alfred Dreyfus was a French Jew who was wrongly accused and convicted of treason in the 19th century.

Mr Tillman added in later correspondence: "Dreyfus was a victim of real anti-Semitism. Myers is a victim of purported anti-anti-Semitism, faux outrage, virtue signalling, and political correctness on stilts. This social media mob will kill this man, and that senior politicians have joined this mob passes the bounds of decency. Those who sit back and allow this to happen will one day see the McCarthyist mob turned on them."
RTE's assertion it cannot publish a list of employees on more than 100,000 is causing discontent among staff.

Employees are seeking more transparency at the station in the wake of the gender pay row.

Communications Minister Denis Naughten believes RTE should voluntarily publish salaries of presenters earning more than 100,000, but RTE insists this would be a beach of "privacy and data protection restrictions".

However, senior sources within the station have said citing privacy and data protection restrictions is a "cop-out" and a "fob-off to protect management".

There is now mounting pressure for RTE to publish the legal advice to back up its refusal to release further pay details beyond the top 10 presenters.

Last night, RTE declined to comment on whether it intends to publish the advice in the foreseeable future. Senior sources at the station believe that reluctance to publish details is to protect top-tier management.

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"It's complete rubbish ... It's a fob-off to protect management," said a source.

Morale at the station is believed to be low as staff await the details of the restructuring process.

At least 250 jobs will be lost through voluntary retirement and redundancy. Sources in RTE say there is a growing sense of unrest and uncertainty.

"Everyone is just waiting for bad news to arrive," one staff member told the Irish Independent.

"There is a huge sense of uncertainty and no one seems to know exactly what is going on.

"Everyone knows job losses are coming down the line and part of the lot is being sold off, but we all seem to be in the dark about detail," the source added.

Last night, RTE reiterated that it had no intention of publishing the annual salaries of its top talent on a yearly basis, despite calls from Government officials to do otherwise.

RTE defended the decision, saying a two-year gap "retains competitiveness" within Ireland's media industry.

A spokesperson said: "Unlike the BBC, RTE is a dual-funded organisation and is required to generate substantial commercial revenue to run services.

"The figures therefore have a commercial sensitivity, and the gap is to ensure RTE retains competitiveness."

Director general Dee Forbes said earlier in the week that "RTE has maintained its commitment to reduce these earnings by 30pc as compared to 2008 levels".

"This will continue to be an area of focus for me, as I look to reduce costs across the organisation," she said.

This week, RTE published a list of the top 10 earning presenters at the station, seven of whom were male.

RTE group commercial director Willie O'Reilly said disparity in wages could be down to a variety of factors, including variations in programme commitments, broadcast hours, and audience numbers.He stressed that all starting salaries at RTE are gender neutral but "once you go in front of the microphone - all that changes".

RTE is currently conducting a review of pay and gender equality across the organisation.

The broadcaster said that the fees for 2015 present a 34pc reduction compared with fees earned in 2008.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will today move to end the hostility between the Government and the DUP as he appeals to all parties in the North to bring the long-running political stalemate to an end.

Mr Varadkar will use his visit to Belfast to issue a direct appeal to both the DUP and Sinn Fein to put their differences aside and re-establish a power-sharing arrangement at Stormont.

In a keynote speech at Queen's University, Mr Varadkar will warn that "every single aspect of life" in the North - from the Border and aviation to public services and fisheries - is at stake in the Brexit divorce talks.

The Fine Gael leader will also refer to the "differences and diversity" of people north and south, which he says makes the island strong as a whole.

"Our differences make us stronger and our diversity is our strength. That remains my view today as Taoiseach," Mr Varadkar is expected to say.

"We need to hear the voice of the elected representatives here in the North. We need the Executive, the Assembly, the North-South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council up and running and acting in the interests of our people. We need that more than ever, and we need it now.

"The challenge in our generation is Brexit. The Brexit negotiations are well underway in Brussels. And, to quote Michel Barnier, 'the clock is ticking'.

"Every single aspect of life in Northern Ireland could be affected by the outcome - jobs and the economy, the Border, citizens rights, cross-Border workers, travel, trade, agriculture, energy, fisheries, aviation, EU funding, tourism, public services, the list goes on."

The diplomatic tone set to be used by the Taoiseach is in stark contrast with some of his remarks about the approach being taken by the DUP to the Brexit issue.

Mr Varadkar is believed to have infuriated DUP leader Arlene Foster after stating that he is now "hopeful" Brexit does not take place at all. The Dublin West TD ramped up tensions further after he said Ireland will not "design a Border for the Brexiteers".

He also risked antagonising Mrs Foster's party further after he confirmed that he will tomorrow attend a Gay Pride breakfast event in the city.

The DUP has to date been accused of blocking attempts by Sinn Fein and other parties to hold a referendum on marriage equality.

A senior Government source last night said Mr Varadkar is "unlikely" to raise the issue of marriage equality during his meeting with Mrs Foster and her DUP colleagues today.

But in his speech at Queen's, Mr Varadkar will refer to the upcoming European Council meeting in October, during which EU leaders will discuss whether the issue of the North has been adequately addressed during the Brexit talks.

"In October, I will sit around the European Council table with 26 other prime ministers and we will decide together whether sufficient progress has been made on three key issues to allow the Brexit negotiations to proceed to the next phase," Mr Varadkar will say.

"Those three key issues are citizens' rights, the financial settlement and issues relating to Ireland.

"It will be a historic meeting for this island. It is my fervent hope that progress will have been made, but I do not underestimate the challenges."
A vigil was held last night for a Cork student J1 who is fighting for his life following a tragic accident on his J-1 trip.

Philip Leahy (22) from Ballyhooly, Co. Cork suffered an apparent cardiac arrest on a beach in Ocean City, Maryland.

The young man was swimming with three friends at 6.30am on Wednesday morning when they got into trouble in the choppy waters.

One of the group managed to reach the shore and call the emergency services.

Philip was rescued from the sea by Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) before suffering a cardiac arrest on shore.

He is said to be in 'a serious condition'.

The OCFD said in a statement: "During the rescue, the fourth swimmer began suffering from an apparent cardiac arrest.

"The victim, a 22-year-old J-1 student from Ireland, was immediately given CPR and transported to Atlantic General Hospital in very serious condition.

"The Ocean City Fire Departments Rescue Swimmers urge beachgoers to swim only when the lifeguards are on duty.

"The beach patrol is on duty every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Remember, 'keep your feet in the sand, until a lifeguard is in the stand.'"

A representative from Ballyhooly GAA described the news as 'absolutely tragic'.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
Is it even a Bank Holiday weekend if you don't go out for brunch?

With drool-inducing menus and Insta-worthy locations, these 15 brunch spots in around the country are worth getting out of bed for.

1. Moloughney's, Clontarf, Dublin

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Head to Moloughney's for a quality full Irish breakfast and freshly squeezed orange juice before grabbing a coffee to go and strolling along the seafront. Moloughney's also caters to coeliacs and those with food intolerances, so there's something for everyone.

2. Bang Bang Cafe, Phibsboro, Dublin

Just a short walk from the Royal Canal, the legendary brunch burger at the Bang Bang Cafe will cure any hangover, and there are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians too.

3. Anderson's, Griffith Avenue, Dublin

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Anderson's has been a firm favourite with locals since it opened in 2003 - and for good reason. From the cosy atmosphere to the mouth-watering dishes, you'll want to stay there all day.

4. Urbanity Coffee, Smithfield, Dublin

Pop into Urbanity for a delicious cup of coffee and guilt-free acai bowl that will leave you feeling smug - and be sure to take a good Instagram too.

5. Angelina's, Percy Place, Dublin

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The interior at Angelina's is the perfect balance between cosy and luxurious and, with options ranging from sourdough toast to buttermilk pancakes, the menu doesn't disappoint.

6. Hatch and Sons, St Stephen's Green

Hatch and Sons, located by The Little Museum of Dublin, offers everything from beef and Guinness stew to salads and Waterford Blaa sandwiches. It's right beside St Stephen's Green, so you can pop in there for a post-food baby stroll.

7. Ard Bia, Spanish Arch, Galway

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If you're looking for brunch with a difference, this is your spot. You can opt for your classic fry, but can also choose from Middle Eastern, New Zealand, Lebanese and Indian dishes if you fancy.

8. Kai, Sea Road, Galway

Sometimes heading back to bed after an over-indulgent brunch isn't always an option. For days like these, head to Kai for organic, fresh food from local suppliers. The rustic interior makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

9. Cupan Tae, Quay Lane, Galway

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Adorable decor, quality food and delectable sweet treats make going to Cupan Tae a trip you won't forget.

10. Salt, Victoria Road, Cork

Breakfast taco or a brunch board, anyone? *drools*

11. The Buttery, Bedford Row, Limerick

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Forget normal pancakes, The Buttery offers buttermilk chicken pancakes with fresh berries on the side. Not to forget a 'clean Irish' option, if you're feeling healthy.

12. Hook and Ladder, Sarsfield St, Limerick

Hook and Ladder's menu will leave you wanting to order one of everything - and you'll still be tempted to buy a Chocapocalipse Cookie on the way out.

13. Noelle's Retro Cafe, Old Market Lane, Kerry

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Noelle's Retro Cafe is an absolute gem in the centre of Killarney, with cosy chairs, hearty dishes and plenty of cakes and lighter bites to choose from too.

14. The Hungry Monk Cafe, Abbey St Mayo

For a no-fuss, satisfying brunch, The Hungry Monk ticks all of the boxes. The selection of homemade tarts and crumbles make dessert an essential.

15. St George's Market, East Bridge St, Belfast

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Grab a bite to eat (or a few) in St George's Market before strolling through the endless stalls of arts, crafts and antiques.
With the recent announcements of the reduction and withdrawal of services by the banking sector in the regions, the decline of rural Ireland continues unabated.

With the introduction of reduced services and the closure of bank branches in rural towns like Ballymote, Tubbercurry, Ballyhaunis and Kiltimagh, the writing is on the wall for the rural way of life. With the closing down in recent years of so many shops, pubs, post offices, Garda stations, credit unions, co-op head offices, food-manufacturing units, and government departments in rural areas, the subsequent job losses have caused untold stress and hardship for families in the regions.

With billions of euro spent in bailing out our ailing banks, which are owned by the people, and paying our political masters in Europe during the recent recession, this is a bitter pill to swallow. The difficulties people will experience travelling to the nearest large town to speak face-to-face with a bank official, and do their business across the counter, instead of trying to locate their pin number to bring a machine to life, leave a lot to be desired. Whatever happened to the age-old maxim that 'the customer is always right'?

Isolating a large number of rural dwellers and bank customers of long-standing is not good business. Some might say this is progress and the way of the future, but somehow I wouldn't like to 'bank' on it.

Tom Towey

Cloonacool, Co Sligo

Old wounds open on unity

I read with alarm the talk surrounding Brexit. In Ireland, old wounds are resurfacing. It is almost like 1920 again. Ireland has come full circle. The semantics is almost the same. There is talk of Irish unity to break the deadlock over Brexit. Unity demands more than economic cohesion, it needs cultural expression as well. Unity between people is difficult and fraught.

In the 1930s my southern Protestant grandmother married my Catholic grandfather. This led to a deep schism in the wider family which was played out generation upon generation and was never resolved. It also involved physical distance in two jurisdictions.

If anything, recent discussion has convinced me that there is a psychological border between North and South where misunderstanding is rife.

N Kloss

Coolballow, Co Wexford

Trump's home truths on aliens

It looks like US President Donald Trump is trying to get rid of aliens. Is it because they are of a different colour - not orange - or because they speak a different language, English, or because he fears they might take him back to his home planet?

Dennis Fitzgerald

Box Hill, Victoria, Australia

Time to move on over Myers

The journalist Kevin Myers is presently under the cosh for writing an article deemed to caricature Jewish people. I haven't read the article, therefore I can't comment. RTE has devoted a considerable amount of time in picking over the bones of Mr Myers's misfortune.

On a comparing and contrasting basis, this is rich. For example, the gratuitous ridiculing of the sacraments of the Catholic Church has featured regularly in the contributions of many so-called "comedians" on the station. With no media outcry. As for the charges of misogyny, Hillary Clinton is lauded as a paragon of feminist values, yet for many years she has acted as defender of her husband's demeaning treatment of women.

So can we please leave Mr Myers alone. The man made a mistake. Presumably his detractors have never done so.

Eric Conway

Address with editor

Headlines leave them shaking

Does it really take an earthquake to get Donegal in the news?

Dr John Doherty

Gaoth Dobhair, Co Dhun na nGall

Stars should all be paid less

The recent fuss about 'gender equality' totally misses the point that all these people are totally overpaid. Equality for sure, but at much lower levels.

RTE is losing money and talking about licence fee hikes, yet is wasting money stupidly. We have lost the plot when average media staff, aka 'stars', can get paid more than our national leader or the US president. There is much to fix.

Pat Doyle

Lucan, Dublin

Words speak for themselves

It is not often that one elderly head of state gives a surprise utterance of "ah, ooh" in a long-over-due speech addressed to another, younger, second head of state. Then later on that same elderly head of state finds herself greeted in response with "wow" three times from the younger head of state.

But this original "ah, ooh" is what Queen Elizabeth, of the UK, was overheard to say to then-President of Ireland Mary McAleese on TV during a State dinner held in her honour in Dublin in 2011. The Queen immediately continued after saying her "ah, ooh" with the random English sounding words of "tar, on, August, ah, cord and da".

But what Queen Elizabeth was actually doing was addressing the Gaelic greeting of "A Uachtarain, agus a chairde" to the former President. These Gaelic words, which the Queen took the trouble to learn for her visit to Dublin that was about 100 years overdue, were probably learnt in the old fashioned way of learning by rote. An easier way would have been for her to listen for the sound of English words inside the Irish words of her speech. These English words would then have acted as a natural guide to the sound of Irish words.

Take for example the name of Dublin, whose Irish version - 'Baile Atha Cliath' - seems to sound like the common English words "ball, ah, awe, ha, key and ah". Take also again the name of the village of Baile Beag in which Brian Friel's historic play 'Translations' is set. It could be deemed to contain the three English words: ball, ah and bug. Thus these three English words become handy keys to the original pronunciation of the Gaelic place-name of Baile Beag.

Sean O'Brien

Kilrush, Co Clare

Families held in contempt

The fact the introduction of a capital gains tax on the family home is even being considered shows the contempt the powers that be have for the average tax-paying worker.

It is interesting the vulture funds have been given properties at knock-down prices for which there is no tax on the rental income, and they can be sold after five years without capital gains tax.

Are we, the Irish people, considered total idiots or are we unworthy to be given a fraction of the consideration given to foreign vulture funds. It is about time that we had another uprising and politicians are forced to realise they represent us in our so-called democracy rather than being the lackeys of vested interest.

Tony Curran

Bray, Co Wicklow
The daughter of one of the two men killed in the 1975 bombing of Kay's Tavern in Crowe Street was among dozens of families who were in the High Court in Belfast last Friday to hear a landmark ruling about their relatives' murders.

Margaret English, whose dad, Hugh Watters died along with Jack Rooney in the pub bombing on December 19 1975, told the Argus that it was a 'huge leap forward' for the families who have battled for the truth about their loves ones' murders for 40 years and more.

Mr Justice Seamus Treacy said the PSNI's failure to conduct an overarching examination of the extent of state collusion with the Glenanne Gang was 'inconsistent with its human rights obligations'.

The gang has been blamed for 130 sectarian murders during the 1970s and 1980s. The Historic Enquiries Team (HET) had almost completed an investigation into the gang before its work was stopped by PSNI commanders.

The HET had examined individual murders but had not undertaken an overarching thematic review of the collusion allegations. The PSNI's decision to stop the HET review was challenged by a judicial review. The judge said changes made by the PSNI to how it investigated historic cases were 'fundamentally inconsistent' with its obligations in the European Convention on Human Rights.

Margaret said: 'Friday was a huge leap forward for us. This particular issue was in court for two or three years. Before the judge gave his findings, I have to say I wasn't expecting anything. And even when he stopped talking, I had to look at our solicitors' faces to make sure I understood correctly what he had said'.

She said that while she had never given up in getting the truth about her father and Mr Rooney's deaths, she had 'nightmares about me trying to get people out of the pub in time' and felt so distressed that she 'eventually left it in the hands of God to help us along the road'.

Margaret said: 'My dad was 60 when he died. He had three girls and never saw a wedding, a grandchild. His brother died, aged 99, earlier this year and was asking me about our quest for the truth right up until he died'.

And she added that it had taken her 'a long, long time' to accept Northern security service involvement in a large number of murders and 'that the people whom I had trusted and were supposed to be protecting citizens, were involved in murdering them'. Margaret said: 'You could call it an emotional coma. When I first heard about the Glennane Gang, I thought it was crazy. And the shelving of the HET report rubbed salt into the wounds'.

But she has found acceptance over the past three years, completing her first 5k run aged 63 and finding solidarity with the other families who have suffered. And she thought about her friend, Maura McKeever, daughter of Mr Rooney, who died last year, part of the campaign for truth for more than 20 years.
Sli Gaeltacht Mhuscrai (Kealkill to Guagan) is one of the projects that will benefit from the funding

Cork is set to benefit to the tune of over 1.1million in funding for outdoor recreational facilities, a list which includes amenities in Avondhu, Blarney, Carrignavar, Macroom, Mallow, and Muscrai.

The announcement was made as part of an allocation of over 11million for projects nationwide by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring this week. The lions share of the Cork package, 1million, will go towards an extension of some five kilometres to the Cork Harbour Greenway from Passage West to Monkstown, thus completing a link from Pairc Ui Chaoimh to Crosshaven.

The Cork package covers a total of 14 projects and, excluding the Greenway extension, each will receive between 5,000 and 10,000.

Sli Gaeltacht Mhuscrai, a trail between Kealkill and Guagan Barra, will receive 10,000, while 8,500 will go towards the Blarney Walking Trails. Over 9,000 will go between the Killavullen Loop Upgrade, the Ballard Waterfall Trail Upgrade, and Blackwater Way marketing, with 10,000 allocated to Macroom Town Park. Almost 20,000 will also be allocated between projects in Mallow and Carrignavar.

This is a really exciting and significant announcement that has major impact and benefits for health and wellbeing, keeping fit and being active outdoors, as well as recreational tourism which is a huge growth area for Ireland, Minister Simon Coveney TD said in response to the announcements.

We want to see more people enjoying the many greenways, blueways and walking trails in our county and our country.

I am particularly excited about the investment of 1 million in the Cork Harbour Greenway Extension, as well as a number of small funding announcements for Glanmire, Blarney, Youghal, Whitegate, Bandon, Macroom, Mallow, Carrignavar, Carrigtwohill and Avondhu. This announcement represents funding that totals 1,109,520 for Cork, he added.
The County's Public Participation Network held a special meeting to discuss the content of the MacKinnon Report, concerning the redivision of the boundaries of Cork city and county, and the possible future implications for the county PPN, and the communities that they represent.

The initial reaction of the group was one of both shock and amazement at the size of the proposed extension to the city boundary and the implications for the towns, villages and communities of rural Cork arising from such an extension.

In a letter to county politicians, the PPN said that 'the network considered the report to be deeply flawed in both its thinking and direction, and considered that it would be wholly inappropriate to proceed with its implementation having undertaken no form of public consultation whatsoever.

'The proposals threaten the very heart of rural Cork and the communities that we represent.'

The group was very disappointed that the submission which the group made to the expert advisory group on February 27 last, appeared not to have been considered at all.

'Neither the submission nor the contents of same are referred to at any point in the entire document. One would ask the question why not?' said the PPN in a statement. 'It appears from our viewpoint that the report is politically driven from a city perspective at the expense of rural Cork and the communities we represent.'

Meanwhile, a meeting to discuss the proposed city boundary extension, to include Ballincollig, will be held in Oriel House Ballincollig this Thursday, August 3, at 8pm. People are invited along to have their say
Gardai investigating the disappearance of a Fermoy woman missing from her home in Youghal since late March are hoping that DNA tests will confirm whether or not suitcases found near a clothes bank belonged to the woman.

Gardai have sent a hairbrush belonging to Tina Satchwell (45) to the Forensic Science Ireland laboratory to build up a DNA profile and they hope to use this to see whether two suitcases found near a clothes bank at the Tesco car park in Youghal belonged to Ms Satchwell.

Ms Satchwell, originally Tina Dingivan from St Bernard's Place in Fermoy, has been missing from her home on Grattan Street in Youghal since March 20 when her husband, Richard, returned from a shopping trip to Dungarvan and found she had left the house.

Mr Satchwell reported her missing to gardai in Youghal four days later, on March 24, saying he waited a few days as he thought she may have needed to "get her head straight" after what he said were several months of anxiety.

Gardai have confirmed a TV3 report that approximately three weeks ago, around July 9, Mr Satchwell, who works for a tyre distribution company in Rathcormac, spotted two suitcases, one of which he thought may have belonged to wife, beside the clothes bank at Tesco in Youghal.

Mr Satchwell rang gardai and he waited at the clothes bank for two officers to arrive and remove the suitcases, and local garda technical experts have begun taking swabs from the suitcases to be sent for analysis in Dublin to see whether one or both may have belonged to Ms Satchwell.

Gardai have appealed to anyone who may have seen the suitcases at the clothes bank in the Tesco car park in Youghal or know anything about the suitcases to contact them in Midleton Garda Station on 021-4625510 as the clothes bank area is not covered by CCTV footage.

Privately, gardai admit to being perplexed by the disappearance of Ms Satchwell as she has no history of going missing and they describe her disappearance as "out of character" for the woman who was devoted to her two dogs and a parrot whom she left behind.

Ms Satchwell was not working and was not drawing social welfare at the time of her disappearance but Mr Satchwell told gardai she had taken some 26,000 in cash which the couple had kept in the house and which were the proceeds of the sale of their house in Fermoy two years ago.

Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the couple's three storey home at Grattan Street and the couple's car in early June but the examinations found nothing suspicious to suggest that Ms Satchwell had been the victim of foul play.

Gardai have examined CCTV cameras from around Youghal but could find no footage showing Ms Satchwell, who is 5 ft 6 in tall with blonde shoulder length hair, while internal CCTV footage from Bus Eireann buses servicing the town also yielded no sign of the missing woman.

Ms Satchwell, who left her mobile phone at her house, did not have a passport but gardai have checked ferry ports and airports to see if she may have travelled to the UK, where she first met Mr Satchwell when she lived in Leicester 26 years ago, but they have found no sighting of her anywhere.

Meanwhile, Mr Satchwell, who is in his early 50s and has done a number of media interviews over the last month, has issued an appeal for his wife to make contact with him or with the gardai just to let him know that she is safe and well.

"Tina, come home. There's nobody mad at you. My arms are open. The pets are missing you. I just can't go on not knowing. Even if you just ring the guards, let people know that you're alright," said Mr Satchwell in an RTE Crimecall appeal at the end of June.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of Golden Vale Food Products Limited, Charleville Heritage Society have organised a photographic exhibition of memorabilia entitled 'The People, the Plant, the Products,' recording Golden Vale through the years from 1947 until its takeover by Kerry Group in 2001, and as their contribution to National Heritage Week (August 19-26).

The exhibition will be on at the Provincial Heritage Museum at the Convent of Mercy, Main Street, Charleville (by kind permission) and will feature photographs depicting the people, the products and the plant at the Golden Vale dairy complex at Kilmallock Road, Charleville. It will be open over the last weekend of National Heritage Week from Friday to Sunday, August 24-27 and should be of interest to former employees of Golden Vale from the town and surrounding areas.

The first formal meeting under the chairmanship of Mr. P. D. Casey, who was manager of Newmarket Co-Op Creamery, to discuss the possibility of setting up a processed cheese factory took place at the Parochial Hall (now the community centre) Charleville in April 1946. The book 'Golden Vale Remembered', written by Peter Somers and Michael McGrath, recalls that the purpose of the meeting was to make a joint decision to erect a factory to process their cheese and to establish an organisation to market their product.

They formed the Irish Cheese Manufacturers Association and appointed former creamery manager and former Irish army captain D. J. Barry as secretary. This body was to oversee the planning and building of the country's second processed cheese factory.

Mr. Barry applied to the Department of Agriculture for a licence to erect a factory to manufacture processed cheese, which was granted with the help of Mr Sean Moylan TD, Kiskeam, who later became Minister for Agriculture.

The formation of the new company took place shortly afterwards and the decision was made to locate the new factory in Charleville. A suitable site was procured from the firm of John Morrissey & Sons Charleville at Kilmallock Road.

On November 10, 1947 the chairman and managers of the 11 societies gathered in the office of Owen Binchy, solicitor, at Main Street, Charleville and signed the draft rules of the new society, which they called Golden Vale Food Products Limited Charleville. The factory was built and was officially opened for production October 30, 1948 by Mr. James Dillon TD, the then Minister for Agriculture.

The exhibition will feature photographs of the factory as it was in 1947, the people who contributed to the progress and development of Golden Vale through the years, and of the iconic products manufactured at the Charleville and other plants acquired by Golden Vale.

The exhibition will open at the Provincial Heritage Centre at the Convent of Mercy Charleville on Friday, August 25 at 7.30pm. It is also open on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th from 2 to 5pm.
The local Order of Malta were on the ground helping to deliver water to those most in need throughout the water shortage crisis in town.

LOCAL company Coca Cola HBC donated more than 10,000 bottles of Water to the north east region to help alleviate some of the water challenges being faced in the local area.

The water was delivered to the Order of Malta Ambulance Corp's base at Laurence's Gate on Tuesday, July 25th and Wednesday 26th with the support of local Senator Ged Nash.

The 19 pallets were then distributed throughout the local area, with particularly emphasis on getting the bottles of water to the vulnerable in the community; elderly people unable to get to the local water stations doted around town, the sick and those with very young families.

A native of Monasterboice, Drogheda, Coca-Cola HBC'S regional manager Paul McDonnell said: 'Giving back to communities is part of how Coca-Cola does business, and as a proud employer across the country, we have invested in communities across the island of Ireland for many years.

'We already donate a significant amount water and other product to charity and community groups annually and with the recent water challenges across the North East, we were proud to be able to lend our support to the region with the donation of more than 10,000 bottles of our Deep RiverRock water.

'We hope this contribution helped with some of the challenges being experienced by the local community.'
Close to 60,000 people in Louth and East Meath were left without water for almost a week following a burst pipe close to the Staleen Water Treatment Plan.

Tankers of water were brought in to fill the local resevoirs and water was supplied to various parts of a the town and region on a rotating basis for a number of days.

On Wednesday, Louth County Council on behalf of Irish Water completed a complex repair on the uniquely high pressured water main.

Still, by last weekend, a number of areas were still reporting low water pressure.

Irish Water said it mobilised its Crisis Management team and worked consistently since in partnership with Louth and Meath Councils to address the technical issues while doing everything possible to get water to communities, particularly vulnerable customers and to provide accurate information as far as possible.

It said that at the height of the outage, there were 20 tankers refreshing reservoirs; seven stand pipes; 10 stationery tankers; 63 Bulk Water Containers; 13 tankers filling the Bulk Water Containers; and 9 bowsers providing water for those affected.

At all times, the critical supply to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and the town centre was prioritised and maintained at all times.

Speaking about the incident, Managing Director of Irish Water Jerry Grant said: 'It's clear from the significant level of disruption and hardship endured by so many customers as a result of the burst that the replacement of this pipe must be a priority for Irish Water.

'A detailed programme for complete replacement will take a number of weeks to finalise and we will need to undertake detailed planning and design work before we can be confident around the exact timeframe.

'However, a preliminary view suggests a timeframe of 18 months and a budget of 2-3m will be needed to complete the work.

'In addition the Staleen Water Treatment Plant is scheduled to commence a significant upgrade of the water treatment plant and pumping station in the coming months.'

They said they recognised the support they received from around the country.

'We are grateful for all of the support, and a special mention must go to voluntary organisations, community groups, local elected representatives and individuals who gave so freely of their time to assist the more vulnerable in their localities.

'None of this would have been possible without the professionalism, technical ability and commitment of the staff of the Louth and Meath County Councils who deserve great credit for the roles they played.'
As the water finally returned to Drogheda and the dust settled on a crisis which saw thousands of homes stranded without water, local politicians united to call for the establishment of an independent review into Irish Water's handling of the Drogheda water supply emergency.

Local TD Fergus O'Dowd has written in his capacity as chairperson of the joint Oireachtas committee on housing and local government asking that Irish Water and other potential witnesses are asked to attend the first available committee meeting in September to discuss the recent crisis in Drogheda, South Louth and East Meath following the burst watermain.

'I believe the seriousness of this failure of supply to over 70,000 people requires oireachtas scrutiny. The holding of such hearings will, I believe, help the public's understanding of how Irish water operates, including identifying the threats to our water supply elsewhere in the country , the need for proper emergency planning and local coordination of statutory and voluntary services in the event of any such future catastrophic failure.'

Local Senator Ged Nash has also written to the Minister for Housing and Local Government calling for the establishment of an independent review into Irish Water's handling of the emergency situation in the north east.

'As the water supply to Drogheda tentatively returns, Irish Water must be held to account on their handling of the response to a crisis that has cast the spotlight on the company's ability to respond to and manage emergencies of this scale.

'Why did it take Irish Water five days into the crisis to collectively brief local Oireachtas members and Councillors? Why did it take days to mobilise the Defence Forces and other agencies under State control? Why did it take several days to get water tankers to areas that were almost entirely cut off from the water supply?'

Meanwhile, independent Councillor Kevin Callan expressed his anger over what he described as the 'misleading' information provided to the public over the recent repair works.

'I am utterly disgusted that Irish Water waited until after they met with elected representatives and indeed until they had the pipe in the ground to suddenly stop using words like 'repair' and 'replace' to now identify the work they are doing as being a patch solution which in the coming weeks and months will now require further works and interruption to service,' he said.

The Drogheda Branch of People Before Profit branded Irish water and the Minister for the Environment as 'a disgrace' who had presided over one of the most incompetent events in recent Irish history.

'If it were not for a huge voluntary effort, there would be a serious risk to human life and health.'
Irish Red Cross volunteers distributed over 1,200 litres of drinking water at locations around Drogheda, including to vulnerable and house bound citizens.

They assisted in coordinating a response with the Local Authority, Louth Fire Service, Louth Civil Defence, Louth Family carers, Order of Malta, St Oliver Scouts and the HSE Community Nursing.

'I would like to thank the Irish Red Cross for all their assistance, they have made a significant contribution to helping people in Drogheda, a special thank you to Patrick McGahey, Irish Red Cross Branch Chairman,' Mayor Pio Smith stated.

'A special thank you to Alan and Paula Floyd, members of the Irish Red Cross Tullyallen Branch for allowing us to source water from their well,' a spokesperson added.

Pat Carey, Chairman of the Irish Red Cross, thanked the members for their commitment. "Events like this require an emergency response plan with the voluntary groups as the most effective way of meeting the needs of local communities".
When then Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced the formal recognition of Travellers as a distinct ethnic group, it was a real turning point for Travellers across County Wexford, as well as the whole country. It was regarded as a majorly positive step in acknowledging the uniqueness and inclusion of Traveller identity as part of Irish society, rather than being apart from it.

It was to celebrate this inclusion that Wexford Local Development hosted a special event at The Church Institute in Enniscorthy last week. The event was hosted as part of a series of Traveller Pride events in association with Wexford's Traveller Interagency Group supported by the Department of Justice and Equality. Other events taking place locally include planting projects in Bunclody and Drumgoold in association with the local Tidy Towns and Enniscorthy Municipal District.

At last week's event, a special social media campaign in celebration of Traveller ethnicity was launched, along with an open Traveller Cultural Awareness workshop, a cultural exhibition and a drop in coffee morning.

The event was attended by Travellers from right across the county along with elected representatives such as Cllrs John O'Rourke and Deirdre Wadding and James Browne TD.

The social media campaign, produced by local company Boom Media, features a number of short videos which feature local Travellers talking about their hopes for the future in the wake of this historic announcement. The videos are available for viewing on Wexford Local Development's website, Facebook and YouTube channels.

WLD has a wide engagement with the Traveller community across Wexford and runs a number of programmes and services. Over 120 Travellers availed of education, training and employment supports in 2016 and it is hoped that this year they will be able to provide assistance for even more people.
Family, friends, and neighbours gathered recently to mark a milestone in the life of a very special Ballycanew lady, Bridget Roche, who celebrated her 100th birthday.

Her fond friends Fr Joe Kavanagh and Fr Thomas Orr celebrated Mass for her in her Ballyshane home. A party followed, and Bridget sent her sincere appreciation to everyone who travelled long and short distances to be there, especially Dr Peter Harrington for being with her on her special occasion.

Born on July 20, 1917, in Coolamaine, near Oylegate, Bridget Kinsella, as she was then, was one of a family of seven. She went to the local school and helped out on the family farm, where she loved working outdoors with her father.

As she reached adulthood, she moved to Dublin where she worked for several years, before moving to London to be closer to the love of her life, Peter Roche from Blackwater, who was working in the limestone quarries of the Cotswolds. They married in 1949, and set up home in Winchcome, near Cheltenham.

Eleven years later, they sold up and returned home, settling with their six children in a farm at Raheenaskeagh, Oulart. Bridget later worked as a publican in Blackwater and first landlady, and later postmistress, in Ballycanew.

Bridget and Peter had three sons - Jim, Kevin (who died on November 9, 1974), and Peadar, and three daughters Alice, Christine and Joan. Bridget has 11 grandchildren and four great grand children. Her sole surviving sister Josie lives in Carlow. Peter died on July 21, 1989.

If you ask Bridget about the reason for her long life, she would probably reply 'hard work and malnutrition'.

Hard work and a good sense of humour are closer to the truth.
There's not too many businesses out there that can boast 135 years trading, but one of them is Dunbars in Ferns who celebrated reaching the milestone by raising funds for Our Lady's Children's Hospital.

The popular Ferns haunt has managed to last through six generations and is still going strong and they decided that a celebration was in order back last month as they marked the occasion.

While perhaps 135 years in business is enough of an excuse for a party, it was also decided that they would raise money for a great cause and a fundraising committee was set up among the customers to try and ensure as much money was raised from the event as possible. In the end, they were blown away with the result and were able to hand over a cheque for 3,357 to Crumlin Children's Hospital.

'It was a fantastic weekend here,' said owner Tom Dunbar. 'The weather was beautiful. It was like being in Spain or something! We had a big draw; we had buckets out and we even had a pig on a spit one of the nights. A grandchild of mine had some problems and was up in Crumlin at one stage, so we saw first hand the great work they do and that's why we wanted to give something back. We are absolutely delighted with the reaction we got and we'd like to thank everyone who contributed in any way.'

Tom particularly thanked Martin Murphy, Michael O'Brien, Seamus Redmond and the rest of the organising committee for all their hard work and hopes that the money can be put to good use to help children from right across the country.
Wexford brothers Brendan and John Staples are doing without the demon drink for the year to raise mental health awareness and funds for Pieta House.

The booze-free year is part of a 'Don't Bottle It' campaign which has included head and beard shaves, a darts night, a fancy dress car wash and on Saturday (August 5) the brothers are planning a 24-mile run wearing weighted vests, 'symbolic of the additional weight we carry on our shoulders when we suffer with mental health problems'.

'Our family has a history of problems with mental health so it has always been something I've wanted to help out with in some way,' said Brendan, a son of former Wexford Mayor Frank Staples, from Ballycogley.

'It's been amazing to see the level of support family and friends are willing to give when you put yourself out there and take part in something like this. There are some great people out there and thankfully they only live up the road,' said Brendan, who lives in Wellintonbridge.

'Myself and John gave up drinking any alcohol on new year's night at midnight and are staying sober until the end of the year.

'I think the social aspect of Irish society is far too dependent on alcohol. We wish our working days away so it can be the weekend. We get stressed at work, with our kids or with our partners and we can't wait for a pint or glass of wine at the end of the day. It's not healthy!' said personal trainer Brendan.

'Alcohol is the worst but food, cigarettes and even drugs are now a common crutch we lean on from day to day to cope with the stresses in our lives. It's important that we adjust our mindsets, we shouldn't struggle from weekend to weekend in a sad and depressed state.

'If we have problems with our job, our partner or our family then address the problem. Take action and find a solution. Then use alcohol or food or whatever it is as a treat every now and then,' said John.

John, who is planning to become a social care worker, said that since giving up drink, both he and Brendan, are 'new men'.

'Our Moods are much better, very few low days, much more energy and far more driven. Our physical and mental health has improved dramatically which makes me think that I may never drink again,' said Brendan. 'It does me good to know there are groups out there like Pieta House that give us an outlet for our problems. Pieta House isn't just for people with suicidal thoughts, it's for anyone who is feeling out of sorts or under pressure.' The run begins at the SuperValu car park in New Ross at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will follow the main road to Wexford town, finishing at the boardwalk on the Quays.

For more information, see the boys' facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Dont-bottle-it-My-mental-health-challenge-1742366449416347/#
Zoe Kazan and Kumail Nanjiani in The Big Sick

Just when it seemed that heartfelt romantic comedies might be in terminal decline and doomed to labour on life support, along comes director Michael Showalter's uplifting and bittersweet tale of cross-cultural love.

Based on the real-life courtship of Pakistani-American stand-up comedian Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V Gordon, who co-wrote the script, The Big Sick is a small, perfectly formed gem, which is polished to a dazzling glister by a superb ensemble cast.

Nanjiani plays himself to deadpan perfection and he catalyses molten screen chemistry with co-star Zoe Kazan as the luminous object of his awkward affections.

Their fledgling romance is sketched in delicate strokes and when this amour fou hits an almighty speed bump that compels Emily to tearfully confide 'You make me sad inside my heart,' we are devastated like her paramour.

The two-hour running time allows Nanjiani and Kazan to populate each unfussy frame with flawed, believable and endearing characters, who don't always know what to say to ease the pain of the people they adore.

Trickles of saltwater tears are mopped up with swathes of sincere, warm-hearted humour.

If laughter is the best medicine then a spoonful of Showalter's film is a tonic that leaves the sweetest feeling.

In 2006, Kumail (Nanjiani) hones his craft on the Chicago comedy scene with fellow stand-ups CJ (Bo Burnham), Mary (Aidy Bryant) and Chris (Kurt Braunohler).

To pay the rent, Kumail works as a taxi driver and he enjoys precious family time with his father Azmat (Anupam Kher), brother Naveed (Adeel Akhtar) and mother Sharmeen (Zenobia Shroff), who invites a different Pakistani Muslim woman to the dinner table each night as a potential love match.

After one comedy gig, Kumail meets spunky audience member Emily (Kazan) and there is a palpable spark of attraction.

Kumail keeps the relationship secret from his family, then Emily discovers a cigar box filled with photographs of women hand-picked by his mother.

'Are you judging Pakistan's next top model?' she inquires jokingly.

When Kumail nervously explains his parents' presumption of arranged marriage, Emily feels betrayed and tearfully asks 'Can you imagine a world in which we end up together?'

'I don't know,' he replies.

Soon after, Emily contracts a serious infection and doctors induce a medical coma.

It's left to Kumail to contact Emily's parents, Beth (Holly Hunter) and Terry (Ray Romano), and the trio bond awkwardly in the hospital waiting room and cafeteria.

The Big Sick wears its easily broken heart on its sleeve and elicits roaring belly laughs from the central duo's predicament.

The script generously distributes the best lines between the cast, including Hunter and Romano as delightfully protective parents with their own relationship woes.

Director Showalter nimbly sidesteps genre cliches, allowing the pithy and occasionally withering words to speak louder than his actions.
A Killorglin based musician has admitted taking part in an IRA attack on a British barracks in Germany 21-years-ago.

James Anthony Oliver Albert Corry (46), was arrested in Killorglin in October 2015 on foot of an 11-year-old European Warrant. He was subsequently extradited to stand trial for his part in a Provisional IRA attack on a British Army base at Osnabruek in June 1996.

Mr Corry appeared in court in Osnabruek last Wednesday where he admitted his part in the attack in which an IRA Active Service Unit fired three mortars at Quebec Barracks from an improvised launcher on the back of a small truck.

Two of the mortars failed to go off and the third hit the driveway of a nearby petrol station.

None of the 150 British soldiers in the barracks were hurt - a fact which the court heard was due "to sheer luck" - but a number of buildings and cars in the area were damaged.

In a statement read out by his lawyer in court, Mr Corry admitted that he had helped to install the mortar launcher.

In the statement Mr Corry said the aim was not to kill British soldiers but to show that they were not safe outside the UK.

He added that he is no longer involved with the IRA but he refused to name his accomplices.

Originally from Belfast Mr Corry, a father of seven, has lived in the Killorglin area for 20 years. A well-known traditional musician and former actor Mr Corry has no previous convictions.

German authorities have been harshly criticised over the fact that they failed to act on the arrest warrant for 11 years despite Gardai advising them of Mr Corry's location soon after the warrant was issued.

Mr Corry is due before the German courts again on Wednesday, August 2.
A driver who collided head-on into a car while on the wrong side of the road killing an 84-year-old man had fallen asleep, a Judge who gave him a suspended four year jail term said at his sentencing hearing at Sligo Circuit Court.

Gerry Higgins (57), of McGuinness Court, Aclare was also banned from driving for life. An elderly couple from Ballinamallard, County Fermanagh, Thomas (84) and Marie Flanagan (78) were on their way to their holiday home in Enniscrone when Higgins who was driving a Peugeot Partner Van came around a bend completely on his wrong side of the road and crashed into them at around 12.30pm at Lugnadeffa, Ballisodare on the main Sligo to Ballina road on St Patrick's Day 2017.

Higgins was slumped over in the passenger side of his van as he rounded the bend. The force of the impact pushed the Toyota Auris the Flanagans had been in over a wall and into a drain. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Flanagan who was a front seat passenger in his wife's car. A second count of dangerous driving was taken into account by the Judge.

Higgins whose erratic driving had been noted some minutes earlier when another collision was narrowly avoided told Gardai he had no explanation for the crash. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and a second charge of dangerous driving.

On Thursday last, Judge Johnson said it would seem most likely that Higgins was excessively tired and accordingly should have rested before proceeding on his journey that morning to Letterkenny to see his girlfriend, Margaret Boyce.

"The fact that the accused had a near accident a short time before the fatal crash should have alerted him to the fact he was excessively tired and therefore he should have pulled in, rested and possibly taken some sustenance. The accused has indicated he has absolutely no recollection of the two offences. This has to be a source of concern and it was for this reason that I determined at the sentencing hearing that he was not a fit person to hold a driving licence and therefore I imposed a lifetime disqualification on him," he said.

Judge Johnson said he was satisfied the accused was not searching for his phone at the time of accident having possibly dropped it while on a call to his girlfriend. He said Ms Boyce hadn't noticed anything untoward in respect of the call. The second possibility was that the accused had a medical emergency and blacked out but a medical report stated that type 11 diabetes of itself would not cause low blood sugars leading to a blackout.

The Judge pointed out that according to the RSA, driver fatigue was a contributory factor in one in five driver deaths in Ireland. The RSA also reported that tired-related collisions were three times more likely to be fatal or result in serious injury because of their high speed impact and lack of avoidance action.

"In this particular case there was evidence that the accused was driving at an excessive speed in the incident that was a near miss and that at the time of the fatal accident he took no evasive action," said Judge Johnson.

The Judge stressed that out of deference to the late Mr Flanagan and for the protection of the public at large, the message needed to go out loud and clear that if you feel tired or sleepy you should pull up, take a rest, have a snack and take a short walk before you get back into your car and recommence your journey.

"I appreciate that with the fast pace of modern life, people often find it difficult to slow down and moderate their activities. This accident illustrates in the most tragic way the consequences that can flow from a driver failing to heed their body;s natural demand for sleep," said Judge Johnson.

Earlier, he recalled how ten kms away at Rathurlisk, Templeboy shortly before the fatal collision, the accused had been observed narrowly missing an oncoming vehicle and which was the subject of the second count of dangerous driving.

The Judge said the Victim Impact Statement of Mrs Flanagan set out in graphic detail the harrowing and tragic effect the accident had on her and her family. Her husband of 57 years was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and she missed his company every day and she described him as being at the centre of the family.

"She quite rightly says that Thomas's death has left a void that cannot be filled," said Judge Johnson. He said that one could not be impressed at Mrs Flanagan's stoicism and bravery and he was also impressed that she never expressed any feelings of anger towards the accused. This showed remarkable forbearance, he said.

He said the aggravating factors in the case included the fact he couldn't but have been aware that he was not in a fit state to drive after the near miss which occurred shortly before the fatal crash and the fact there were two incidents of dangerous driving some 10 kms apart.

The consequences of the accident and the dangerous driving were an extremely aggravating factor fact. Mr Flanagan lost his life and his wife received very serious life changing injuries. In addition his family were devastated and the loss of their father and grandfather. The accused had one previous conviction for being drunk in charge which occurred in 2012 and was apparently the result of the accused falling asleep behind the wheel of a car on the hard shoulder, said the Judge. Outside of this he didn't have any previous convictions of any consequence.

The mitigating factors included the early guilty plea, his heartfelt remorse, the fact he sustained serious injuries himself and will need crutches for the rest of his life. An analysis of his blood and urine indicated there were no drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of the accident.

Judge Johnson said a lifetime ban was a significant punishment in itself and would clearly restrict the accused's ability to earn a living and indeed to look after himself. However, the ban was necessary not only to protect other road users but also the accused.

The Judge noted the accused was in custody for over a week which would have been difficult for him and was done to reflect the gravity of the offence rather than to punish him.

The Judge noted that in a Court of Appeal judgement from February 2017 the court suspended a two-year sentence imposed on a driver who fell asleep resulting in the death of a young mother. The court found that a two year jail term was unduly harsh and sufficient weight was not attached to the totality of the mitigating factors.

He said he was satisfied a four year sentence was appropriate and suspended for ten years with the accused entering a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for ten years.

He said the Flanagan family may feel the sentence is too lenient in that the accused will not suffer any additional time in prison but he firmly was of the view that further incarceration given the serious injuries he sustained will not serve the interests of justice.

"It is clear to me the accused has suffered considerable punishment as a result of the injuries he sustained together with the fact he has been deprived of his driving licence for the rest of his life. In addition , the accused is clearly remorseful for what he has done and knows that he has to live with that for the rest of his life.

"While I appreciate the punishment suffered by the accused pales into insignificance compared to the hurt and pain sustained by the Flanagan family, I am firmly of the view that the interests of justice would not be served were I to impose a sentence that sought to imposed a harsh punishment on the accused. I also believe from what I have seen in the Victim Impact Statement and what I have heard about the late Mr Flanagan that he was a man of reason, fairness and forgiveness. It is clear he was role model to the Flanagan family and it is clear Mrs Flanagan endorsed fully the values of which her late husband led his exemplary life. I don't believe the late Mr Flanagan would want any more suffering to be endured by any of the parties as a consequence of this sentence."
Illegal dumping in Ballycoog last week has raised the ire of locals who have appealed to those disposing of industrial waste to always verify that their collector has a valid permit.

A large amount of building waste, including windows, were dumped along a popular walkway in the woods in Ballycoog on Tuesday last, July 25.

Local man James Wolohan, who is one of the local PURE Mile volunteers and is involved in regular litter picks, took to the community Facebook page to appeal to the public to report those responsible.

'I came across the dumping last Tuesday and I don't think that they were there very long at that stage, a day at the most. It is very frustrating as this walkway is used by hikers and horseriders and is full of wildlife. There are often deer spotted along this track so it really is unacceptable that anyone would come along and back a truck onto the path and throw out a load of waste,' he told this newspaper.

Mr Wolohan reported the incident to the PURE Project and the group, which is responsible for monitoring dumping in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands as well as the PURE Mile projects throughout the county, ensured that the material was quickly removed.

'We hope that this can create some awareness and remind people that they are responsible for their waste and ensuring that it is properly disposed of,' said Mr Wolohan.

'Somebody, somewhere knows who is responsible for this. We have such great community spirit and we have been working very hard to keep the area litter-free and this hasn't gone unnoticed by locals and visitors alike,' he said.

Ian Davis of the PURE Project said that, fortunately, it appears that this was an isolated incident.

'Looking back on our data, there have been two large scale incidents of dumping in the area in the past eleven years so we are confident that it won't be repeated. However, it was important that this was removed quickly so that further dumping was not attracted to the site.

'The PURE truck had the area cleared by the following day and Wicklow County Council inspected it for evidence,' he said.

Mr Davis reiterated the message those those disposing of household or industrial waste to always verify that collectors have a permit.
Gardai in Wicklow town recovered over 37,000 worth of drugs during two separate incidents last weekend.

Cocaine and cannabis were discovered during a drug raid on a home, while cocaine with a street value of 10,000 was found in the possession of two youths travelling out of Wicklow in a taxi.

On Friday evening, July 22, gardai raided a premises on Bath Street, Wicklow town, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Cannabis worth 20,000 was recovered, along with cannabis resin valued at 6,000 and an amount of cocaine worth 600.

One male was arrested and brought to Wicklow Garda Station for questioning.

In a separate incident, two passengers were arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning after the taxi they were in was stopped at a routine checkpoint.

The incident occurred at 12.30 a.m. Gardai thought they could smell cannabis on the two passengers.

They were searched and 10,000 worth of cocaine was found on their person, as well as a small amount of cannabis.

The two male juveniles from Dublin were detained at Wicklow Garda Station.
Paris Jackson attends the 2017 MTV Movie And TV Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on May 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

Paris Jackson attends The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Paris Jackson Visits "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on March 20, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Honoree Paris Jackson attends the Daily Front Row's 3rd Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards at Sunset Tower Hotel on April 2, 2017 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Paris Jackson attends the "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images For Entertainment Weekly)

Actor Paris Jackson speaks onstage during the 28th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in LA at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 1, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for GLAAD)

Paris Jackson attends the 2017 MTV Movie And TV Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on May 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

Michael Jackson's daughter Paris has been left "so disappointed" by her introduction in a new magazine cover interview after the writer described her upbringing as "a little strange".

Aspiring model/actress Paris Jackson features on the cover of i-D magazine's autumn issue, and in the accompanying article, she discusses her views on a variety of topics, including feminism and the changing standards of beauty in the fashion world.

The interview was published online on Thursday, but Paris wasn't entirely happy with the piece's opening statements, in which reporter Tish Weinstock recalled her "out of the ordinary" upbringing at the King of Pop's Neverland ranch.

"Up until her father's tragic death in 2009, when she was just 11, Paris and her two brothers had lived a privileged - if sheltered and a little strange - existence," the introduction continued, before touching on her suicide attempts and her addiction issues following the Thriller icon's untimely passing.

Expand Close Paris Jackson attends The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for NARAS) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Paris Jackson attends The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for NARAS)

Paris, 19, took issue with the opening lines and has since made her feelings known in a post on Twitter.

"The intro is definitely NOT something i gave clearance on... so disappointed. #journalists," she wrote, before explaining why she was including a link to the full article.

"But my answers were LIT (on fire) so i'm sharing it anyway (sic)," she added.

In the chat itself, Paris acknowledges her body and image don't fit the beauty norms, but she has embraced what some may call flaws - and she hopes others do the same.

Expand Close Actor Paris Jackson speaks onstage during the 28th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in LA at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 1, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for GLAAD) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Actor Paris Jackson speaks onstage during the 28th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in LA at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 1, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for GLAAD)

"I'm not symmetrical, I'm not a size zero," she said of her figure. "I eat hella (sic) burgers and endless amounts of pizza. I can't fit into a runway sample size of designer clothes, I have scars and stretch marks and acne and I have cellulite. I'm human. Not a dress-up doll. The idea that we all have to fit one idea of beauty is outrageous and ridiculous because 'perfection' is just an opinion."

"Beauty is not measured by numbers, or symmetry, or shapes, or sizes, or colours, or anything like that," she continued. "Beauty, true beauty, should be measured by the soul, the character, integrity, intentions and mindset of a person, what comes out of their mouth. How they behave. Their heart."
Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Prince Vincent of Denmark, Prince Henrik of Denmark, Princess Josephine of Denmark, Prince Christian of Denmark, Princess Isabella of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark pose for photographers at the annual summer photo call for The Danish Royal Family at Grasten Castle on July 15, 2016 in Grasten, Denmark. (Photo by Luca Teuchmann/Getty Images)

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and her husband, Prince Henrik talk to journalist during their visit at Prambanan temple on October 24, 2015 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Danish Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik greet well-wishers from the balcony on the occasion of the Queen's 76th Birthday celebration at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen on April 16, 2016. / AFP / Scanpix Denmark / Marie Hald / Denmark

Prince Henrik of Denmark will be in eternal protest as he announced he refuses to be buried next to his wife because he never received the title of 'king'.

The 83-year-old has been married to Queen Margarethe (77) for 50 years, but will not be buried by her side in a specially designed sarcophagus at the Roskilde Cathedral in Denmark over the title.

After their 1967 wedding, Henrik was given the title of 'king consort', which is standard for someone in his position; for example, when Prince William ascends the British throne, Kate Middleton will become consort.

But Henrik isn't taking this lying down and will be protesting from beyond the grave at what he believes is gender discrimination.

Expand Close Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Prince Vincent of Denmark, Prince Henrik of Denmark, Princess Josephine of Denmark, Prince Christian of Denmark, Princess Isabella of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark pose for photographers at the annual summer photo call for The Danish Royal Family at Grasten Castle on July 15, 2016 in Grasten, Denmark. (Photo by Luca Teuchmann/Getty Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Prince Vincent of Denmark, Prince Henrik of Denmark, Princess Josephine of Denmark, Prince Christian of Denmark, Princess Isabella of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark pose for photographers at the annual summer photo call for The Danish Royal Family at Grasten Castle on July 15, 2016 in Grasten, Denmark. (Photo by Luca Teuchmann/Getty Images)

The family's director of communications told Danish newspaper B.T.: "It is no secret that the prince for many years has been unhappy with his role and the title he has been awarded in the Danish monarchy. For the prince, the decision not to be buried beside the queen is the natural consequence of not having been treated equally to his spouse - by not having the title and role he has desired."

"It makes me angry that I am subjected to discrimination. Denmark, which is otherwise known as an avid defender of gender equality, is apparently willing to consider husbands as worth less than their wives," he told Le Figaro, a French newspaper.

In Denmark, it's traditional for a princess to become a queen when her husband takes the throne, but not when the roles are reversed.

Margarethe ascended the throne in 1972. They have two children - Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.

Henrik retired from his royal duties in January 2016 and renounced his title.
Until last Saturday, Aoife Mac Cana's Galway races hat was a decorative fruit bowl in Debenhams.

The IT software project manager from Spiddal yesterday turned a 42 homewares bargain into a head-turning 10,000 prize-winning hat.

Aoife fought off stiff competition and scooped the g Hotel's Best Dressed Lady prize at Ballybrit yesterday.

The savvy hat maker asked special effects costumer, Julian Checkley, to transform the bowl into a matt chrome sculpture on a nifty headband.

To this she added a silk disc base blocked with two layers of buckram.

She arrived at the racecourse with blisters on her fingers from working on the unique hat.

Expand Close Lorraine Booth, from Kilkenny. Photo: PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Lorraine Booth, from Kilkenny. Photo: PA

Given the headpiece's architectural and structural appearance, Aoife contrasted it with a fluid, film noir-influenced, ice-blue satin dress from the Ghost label at Arnotts.

Talk about DIY zeal; she shortened the dress, which featured attractive geometric stitching on the shoulders and waist, and used that fabric for her hat base and to cover a clutch bag.

"I did a course over two evenings with Galway milliner, Michael Mullins, about 16 months ago and turned a hobby into a side career," she said proudly.

"I have my own website, Mac Cana Millinery and I now love making hats for people.

Video of the Day

"What I loved about this win today is that it proves that everything is absolutely achievable, at any age," said Aoife, who turns 45 in March.

"I think people have so many talents but fear holds them back."

Her prize was presented by Triona Barrett, of the five-star g Hotel.

As part of her prize, Aoife will enjoy a luxury stay in their penthouse, spa treatments, diamond jewellery and a trip to London.

Meanwhile, there was a touch of 'pioneering' magic about the Davina Lynch paper origami headpiece which won Oniesa Owens the coveted 'Best Hat' title and a 2,000 prize.

Davina and Oniesa met as teenagers in the Pioneer Association in Co Cavan and then linked up again on Facebook.

Oniesa, area manager for Tractamotors Tyres and now living in Granard, commissioned the hat from Davina's WhiteStar collection which is inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding. Building on the folding theme, her dress, bought at Gallery 9, in Naas, was from the Solace London brand which is known for its distinctive pleated fabrication. Cheering Oniesa on was her husband, country music record producer Jonathan Owens, who works with Nathan Carter, Declan Nerney and Derek Ryan.
Aoibhin Garrihy was one of the judges of the Best Dressed Lady competition at the Galway Races. Picture: Tony Gavin

Aoibhin Garrihy was one of the judges of the Best Dressed Lady competition at the Galway Races. Picture: Tony Gavin

Aoibhin Garrihy is doing Ladies Day style her own way.

Among a sea of fascinators and structured dresses, the actress (29) blazed a trail in an orange suit with flare detail trousers by FAO miillinery. She finished off her look with a straw brimmed hat and black strappy heels, raising the bar for Best Dressed Lady entrants at the the Galway Races today.

The Dancing With The Stars finalist was joined by tv presenter Baz Ashmawy and Irish Independent Fashion Editor Bairbre Power in her judging duties, eventually naming Aoife McCana as winner of the 10,000 prize.

McCana took home a prize including a pampering weekend at the five star g Hotel & Spa, a diamond pendant worth 2,500, a VIP trip to London with flights, accommodation and spending money and a hair makeover from Yourells Hair Group in Galway.

Expand Close Aoibhin Garrihy was one of the judges of the Best Dressed Lady competition at the Galway Races. Picture: Tony Gavin / Facebook

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Whatsapp Aoibhin Garrihy was one of the judges of the Best Dressed Lady competition at the Galway Races. Picture: Tony Gavin

As usual, Ladies Day was filled with familiar faces, including former Miss World Rosanna Davison, who opted for a floral dress by Ganni and a gold headpiece by Irish milliner Suzie Mahony.

Oniesa Owens was named runner up and winner of the Best Hat prize with a headpiece by Davina Lynch, scooping a prize worth 2,000, including a two night stay at the g Hotel, a spa gift hamper from the hotel's ESPA, a champagne afternoon tea and a 100 voucher for Yourells Salon.
Al-Shabab often carries out deadly bombings in Mogadishu (Farah Abdi Warsameh/AP)

The US military has confirmed it killed a high-level commander of the al-Shabab extremist group with an air strike in Somalia over the weekend.

The strike on July 30 killed Ali Mohamed Hussein, also known as Ali Jabal, the US Africa Command said in a statement.

The statement said he "was responsible for leading al-Shabab forces operating in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks against the capital of Mogadishu".

The air strike occurred near Tortoroow, an al-Shabab stronghold in the Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia, the statement added.

US President Donald Trump earlier this year approved expanded military operations against al-Shabab, including more aggressive air strikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities.

Al Qaida-linked al-Shabab is the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.

Ali has also served as the extremist group's shadow governor for Mogadishu and had been one of al-Shabab's most outspoken officials.

The statement said the air strike came "as a direct response to al-Shabab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces".

It said no civilians were killed in the strike.

The US Africa Command has told the Associated Press it was a drone strike.

Al-Shabab often carries out deadly attacks on high-profile targets in Mogadishu, including Somali military and African Union checkpoints and facilities, hotels and the area around the presidential palace.

The killing of Ali "disrupts al-Shabab's ability to plan and conduct attacks in Mogadishu and co-ordinate efforts between Al-Shabab regional commanders", the statement said.

The US has carried out a handful of air strikes since Mr Trump's expansion of military efforts.

The US military in early July said it carried out an air strike against al-Shabab in Somalia and was assessing the results, with few details.

The air strike followed one in June that the US said killed eight extremists at a rebel command and logistics camp in the south.

Somalia-based al-Shabab recently mocked Mr Trump in a video that called him a "brainless billionaire".

The extremist group has also vowed to step up attacks in Somalia after the president elected in February declared a new offensive against al-Shabab.

The extremist group has also carried out deadly attacks in neighbouring countries, notably Kenya, calling it retribution for sending troops to Somalia to fight against it.

AP
For dog people, cats can often seem cold, callous and unresponsive  but little Kodi is here to prove you wrong.

He is one of two cats owned by Rob, a Canadian YouTuber who creates fitness videos, and in his latest video its pretty clear Kodi is a pretty responsive cat. Whos a good boy?

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Rob said he made the film over a number of months, but that Kodis responsiveness isnt anything out of the ordinary.

This is definitely normal behaviour for him as hes a very love-motivated cat and always wants to be petted or cuddled, Rob, from Toronto, told the Press Association. I didnt train him at all, at least consciously.

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Despite Robs success on YouTube  he has almost 50,000 subscribers to his channel Muscle and Mat  its his two felines Shorty and Kodi who are the real stars, with more than 228,000 subscribers to their channel.

Why, you wonder? Well, Kodi has been quite the character ever since he was a kitten  if ever there was a cat for people into dogs, this is the one.

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Hes very playful and loving and is definitely contrary to the typical independent and aloof stereotype of cats, said Rob.

Before you go thinking weve forgotten about Kodis partner in crime Shorty though, who is a few years older than him, think again.

Shorty is quite the star herself  though admittedly with a little bit of a dark side

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So what does the future hold for Shorty, Kodi and Rob?

Im focusing on my fitness channel more right now but showing the cats more as people seem to get a kick out of seeing the kitties, said Rob.

But generally, my cat channel will continue to show that if you make sure your cats are loved, confident, and feel safe, their true personalities will come out, and theyre the most entertaining and lovable companions.

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Dogs? Who needs em.
US attorney general Jeff Sessions has pledged to rein in government leaks that he said undermine American security, taking an aggressive public stand after being called weak on the matter by President Donald Trump.

The nation's top law enforcement official cited no current investigations in which disclosures of information had jeopardised the country.

His announcement, made with other security officials at the Justice Department, followed a series of news reports involving the Trump campaign and White House that have relied on classified information.

In prepared remarks, Mr Sessions said: "No-one is entitled to surreptitiously fight their battles in the media by revealing sensitive government information.

"No government can be effective when its leaders cannot discuss sensitive matters in confidence or to talk freely in confidence with foreign leaders."

Meanwhile, a White House adviser raised the possibility of lie detector tests for the small number of people in the West Wing and elsewhere with access to transcripts of Mr Trump's phone calls.

The Washington Post has published transcripts of his conversations with the leaders of Mexico and Australia.

Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway told Fox & Friends that "it's easier to figure out who's leaking than the leakers may realise".

When asked if lie detectors might be used, she said: "Well, they may, they may not."

Mr Trump's outbursts against media organisations he derides as "fake news" have led to predictions that his administration will more aggressively try to root out leaks.

Mr Trump complained on Twitter last week that Mr Sessions was weak in cracking down on leaks, saying: "Sessions has taken a VERY weak position on Hillary Clinton crimes (where are E-mails & DNC server) & Intel leakers!"

Mr Sessions said in his remarks that his department has more than tripled the number of active leaks investigations compared with the number pending when President Barack Obama left office.

He said the department is reviewing guidelines related to subpoenas of journalists.

"This nation must end the culture of leaks. We will investigate and seek to bring criminals to justice. We will not allow rogue anonymous sources with security clearances to sell out our country any longer," Mr Sessions said in his remarks.

Media organisations also had an often-tense relationship with the Obama administration, whose Justice Department brought more leaks cases than all his predecessors combined and was criticised for manoeuvres seen as needlessly aggressive and intrusive.

AP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ex-chief of staff has reportedly agreed to give evidence in two corruption cases against his former boss.

Ari Harrow reached a deal with the prosecutors on Friday, according to media reports, including by the Haaretz daily and others.

Israeli police revealed on Thursday that Mr Netanyahu is suspected of crimes involving fraud, breach of trust and bribes.

Police have been questioning Mr Netanyahu over allegations that he improperly accepted lavish gifts from wealthy supporters and separately held talks with the publisher of a major Israeli newspaper for positive coverage in exchange for diminishing the impact of a free pro-Netanyahu daily.

Mr Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as a witch hunt.

Police reportedly have a copy of a recording made by Mr Harrow between Mr Netanyahu and the publisher.
Migrants wait to be rescued in the Mediterranean Sea, 30 nautical miles from Libya. Photo: Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP/Getty Images

The military strongman in charge of eastern Libya has threatened to confront Italian naval ships that are heading to the Libyan coast to help stop the flow of migrants and refugees across the Mediterranean.

Italy's parliament has authorised the country's navy to carry out the mission, but the presence of Italian ships in Libya's waters prompted angry reactions inside the north African country.

General Khalifa Haftar, who controls most of eastern Libya, threatened to use his own forces to repel the Italians if they came into Libyan sovereign waters.

Gen Haftar's forces are unlikely to open fire on the Italians and risk a confrontation with a major European country.

Threat

But the threat may complicate the already delicate Italian mission in Libya and strain relations between Gen Haftar and Libya's UN-backed government in Tripoli.

The warning also reflects broader anger in Libya over the intervention of Italy, a former colonial power that ruled Libya for the first half of the 20th century.

Italy's government said it was sending the two ships to try to curb the flow of migrants and refugees, which has seen 600,000 people arrive in Italy in the past four years.

Migration has become a major political issue in Italy, and the government is under pressure to cut the number of people arriving.

Italy said it was deploying the warships at the request of the UN-backed government in Tripoli and insisted it had no intention of violating Libyan sovereignty.

"There will be no harm done or slight given to Libyan sovereignty, because, if anything, our aim is to strengthen Libyan sovereignty," Roberta Pinotti, the Italian defence minister, told parliament.

But in widespread social media posts, Libyans protested against the Italian presence.

Many posted pictures of Omar al-Mukhtar, a Libyan national hero who fought Italian forces in the early 1900s. One Italian patrol boat has already reached Libyan waters and a second is due to arrive soon.

Torture

Human rights campaigners have criticised the Italian naval mission, saying that it would leave people languishing in detention centres in Libya, where they faced potential torture or even death.

"Italy, along with other EU member states, should be focusing on increasing its search and rescue operations," said Amnesty International. "Instead, it has chosen to shirk its responsibilities and endanger the very people it says it is trying to help."

Gen Haftar and the prime minister of the UN-backed government, Fayez al-Sarraj, agreed to a ceasefire deal last week after talks brokered by Emmanuel Macron, the president of France.

Analysts were sceptical that the agreement would end the political chaos in Libya.

The deal gave Gen Haftar permission to continue military operations for counter-terrorism reasons, and the general considers almost all his enemies to be terrorists.

The UN-backed government also has little control over a series of militias that are aligned with it, and may prove too weak to force its side to stop fighting. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
White House advisors Ivanka Trump and Kellyanne Conway with the wife of a US Marine, Victoria Morrow, during a listening session with military spouses in Washington. Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Republican and Democratic senators introduced two pieces of legislation yesterday seeking to block US President Donald Trump from firing the special counsel probing his ties to Russia, as Congress increasingly seeks to assert its authority on policy.

Members of Congress from both parties have expressed concern Mr Trump might dismiss Robert Mueller, the special counsel appointed to determine whether there was collusion between his 2016 presidential campaign and Moscow.

The Republican president, on May 9, fired FBI director James Comey, who was overseeing the investigation. He also recently criticised his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for recusing himself from the probe.

Intensifying

With signs that Mr Mueller's investigation is intensifying, members of Congress sought to protect the special counsel, who was appointed on May 17. Two sources familiar with the matter said Mr Mueller had convened a grand jury in Washington to investigate the allegations of Russian meddling.

The sources added that grand jury subpoenas had been issued in connection with a June 2016 meeting involving Mr Trump's son, his son-in-law and a Russian lawyer.

Expand Close President Donald Trump has disputed collusion allegations. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP Photo / Facebook

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Whatsapp President Donald Trump has disputed collusion allegations. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP Photo

News last month of the meeting between Donald Trump Jr and a Russian lawyer who he was told had damaging information about his father's presidential rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton, fueled questions about the campaign's dealings with Moscow.

The Republican president has defended his son's behavior, saying many people would have taken that meeting.

Trump's son-in-law and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort also attended the meeting.

Lawyers for Trump Jr and Kushner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

One source briefed on the matter said Mueller was investigating whether, either at the meeting or afterward, anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign encouraged the Russians to start releasing material they had been collecting on the Clinton campaign since March 2016.

Another source familiar with the inquiry said that while the president himself was not now under investigation, Mueller's investigation was seeking to determine whether he knew of the June 9 meeting in advance or was briefed on it afterward.

Moscow has denied any effort to influence the election, and Mr Trump has disputed any allegations of collusion between his associates and Russia.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who co-sponsored one of the bills to protect Mr Mueller's position, yesterday said: "Our bill allows judicial review of any decision to terminate a counsel to make sure it's done for the reasons cited in the regulations rather than political motivation."

A second, generally similar, measure was also introduced by Republican Senator Thom Tillis and Democratic Senator Chris Coons.

Mr Coons told reporters that he expected the two groups of senators would work together and seek more co-sponsors from both parties, to come up with a single bill.

He said they were in discussions with the leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the hope they would take up the bill, a step toward a vote in the full Senate.

The measures were introduced as the Senate prepared to leave Washington for its August recess. Lawmakers will return in early September.

Members of Congress, including some of Mr Trump's fellow Republicans, have recently been pursuing legislation seeking to increase Congress's influence on US policy.

Last week, lawmakers voted almost unanimously for a sweeping sanctions bill that gave Congress the right to review any Trump effort to ease or lift sanctions on Russia. Mr Trump signed that bill into law on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Mr Trump urged the president of Mexico to stop saying publicly that his country would not pay for a proposed border wall between the two countries.

The revelation came as a transcript of early phone calls between Mr Trump and Enrique Pena Nieto was leaked to the 'Washington Post'.

It was a cornerstone pledge of Mr Trump's campaign that a border wall would be built between the US and Mexico, and that Mexico would pay for it.

Addressing Mr Pena Nieto in a phone call on January 27, Mr Trump indicated that he knew the funding for the wall would have to come from elsewhere.

But he told the Mexican president: "You cannot say that to the press."

"If you are going to say that Mexico is not going to pay for the wall, then I do not want to meet with you guys anymore because I cannot live with that."
Robert Mueller is using a grand jury in Washington as part of an investigation into potential co-ordination between the Trump campaign and Russia (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Special counsel Robert Mueller is using a grand jury in Washington as part of an investigation into potential co-ordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.

The use of a grand jury, a standard prosecution tool in criminal investigations, suggests that Mr Mueller and his team of investigators are likely to hear from witnesses and demand documents in the coming weeks and months.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the use of a grand jury.

Grand juries are common vehicles to subpoena witnesses and records and to present evidence, though they do not suggest any criminal charges are near or will necessarily be sought.

It was not immediately clear how or whether the Washington grand jury was connected to the work of a separate one in Alexandria, Virginia. That panel has been used to gather information on Michael Flynn, Donald Trump's former national security adviser.

A spokesman for Mr Mueller's team did not return an email seeking comment.

Mr Mueller's reliance on a grand jury is the "logical next step in this investigation" given that it is the traditional method for prosecutors to gather evidence, said Washington defence lawyer Jacob Frenkel.

"The use of the grand jury neither escalates, nor establishes a timeline for, the investigation," he added.

Meanwhile, lawyers for Mr Trump said they were unaware of the existence of a grand jury and had no information to suggest the president himself was under federal investigation.

"With respect to the news of the federal grand jury, I have no reason to believe that the president is under investigation," defence lawyer John Dowd said.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to the president, said he was not aware Mr Mueller had started using a new grand jury.

"Grand jury matters are typically secret," Mr Cobb said.

"The White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly ... The White House is committed to fully co-operating with Mr. Mueller."

Mr Mueller was appointed special counsel in May by the justice department following the firing by Mr Trump of FBI director James Comey.

He has since assembled a team of more than a dozen investigators, including current and former justice department prosecutors with experience in international bribery, organised crime and financial fraud.

News of the grand jury came as senators introduced two bipartisan bills aimed at protecting Mr Mueller from being fired by Mr Trump, with both parties signalling resistance to any White House effort to derail the investigation into Russian meddling in last year's election.

Mr Trump's defence team has been looking into potential conflicts of interest among members of Mr Mueller's team, such as past political contributions to Democrats including Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump has warned that any effort by Mr Mueller to look into his finances would fall outside the scope of Mr Mueller's appointment.

Under the regulations, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is the government official empowered to fire Mr Mueller under limited circumstances, such as conflict of interest and dereliction of duty.

Mr Rosenstein, who appointed Mr Mueller, has publicly said he has seen no basis for firing him.

Mr Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow said: "The president is not thinking about firing Robert Mueller so the speculation that's out there is just incorrect."

He also downplayed the significance of the grand jury, calling it "a standard operating procedure when you've got a situation like this".

AP
Oliver Schmidt was arrested while on holiday in Miami (Broward County Sheriff's Office via AP)

A German Volkswagen executive has pleaded guilty in the US to conspiracy and fraud charges over a scheme to cheat emission rules on nearly 600,000 diesel vehicles.

Oliver Schmidt, shackled at the wrists and ankles and wearing red prison garb, appeared before District Judge Sean Cox as part of the US government's case involving the carmaker, which has admitted to using software to get around US emission standards.

Schmidt, 48, is a former manager of a VW engineering office in suburban Detroit who was arrested in January while on holiday in Miami.

He faces up to five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the US, wire fraud and violation of the Clean Air Act.

A second count of giving a false statement under the Clean Air Act carries a possible sentence of up to two years in prison.

Schmidt remains jailed and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6. He could also face deportation.

He is accused of telling regulators technical problems were to blame for the difference in emissions in road and lab tests.

VW pleaded guilty in March to defrauding the US government and agreed to pay 4.3 billion dollars (3.3 billion) in penalties, on top of billions more to buy back cars.

Most of the VW employees charged are in Germany and out of reach of US authorities.

US authorities had been pressing Volkswagen over emissions test discrepancies and the cheating had been going on for several years.

In 2015, news emerged in the US of Volkswagen's use of software that turned off emission controls.

The software detected when cars were being tested and turned the emission controls off during normal driving.

The result was the cars emitted more than 40 times the US limit for the pollutant nitrogen oxide.

Schmidt told Judge Cox on Friday that VW management directed him in 2015 not to discuss the software.

Some 11 million cars worldwide were equipped with the software.

Meeting US emissions standards was part of the company's "clean diesel" marketing strategy.

"You knew these representations made to US consumers were false," Judge Cox told Schmidt.

VW reached a 15 billion dollar (11.5 billion) civil settlement in the US with environmental authorities and car owners.

AP
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Neena Gupta has been making headlines since the last few days, thanks to her viral Instagram post. Just to jog your memory a little, Neena gained a lot of attraction on the social media last week after posting a picture on Instagram, where she asked people to give her work.

She wrote,"I live in Mumbai and working, am a good actor looking for good parts to play (sic)."

I live in mubai and working am a good actor looking fr good parts to play A post shared by Neena Gupta (@neena_gupta) on Jul 27, 2017 at 10:11pm PDT

The post went viral and people were startled. How can a national-award winner get no work? While people appreciated her approach and humility, we silently wish to see her make a comeback in films or TV. And now just a few days after the post, a TOI report claims that Gupta is already planning her comeback on TV and that too with her hit cult show from the 90s.

Star India

The report claims that she is all set to revive the popular show 'Saans', which was written, directed and produced by her.

Starring Shagufta Ali, Kanwaljit Singh and Kavita Kapoor in the lead roles, Neena has confirmed the news. She was quoted in the report saying,

Star India

"Talks are on, but I am not at liberty to divulge more. All I can say is that the story will revolve around three generations of women. I will try to retain as many actors from the original cast as possible, provided they fit in our budget. Kanwaljit will definitely be a part of the show."

While shows like Saans and Kora Kaagaz back then were progressive and way ahead of their time, shows today are considered regressive and absurd. Reacting to it, she added,

Star India

"I have never followed suit and will not do that even now. I will do what I feel like. Also, TV today is a reflection of our society. Where has our society progressed? It's still the same. I have seen young brides being ill-treated by their mothers-in-law. When I asked a girl why she was not retaliating against her mother-in-law's unreasonable behavior, her reply was, 'It's supposed to be like that'. Why wouldn't such shows work then?"

Considering the level of popularity that Saans had gained at that time, we are sure that the show will once again manage to make an instant connect with the audience. Also, this will give us a silent reassurance that Indian TV is not going down the drain.
For all those struggling to fight their own case against their doctor or family members to lift the restrictions on their consumption of alcohol on a daily basis; heres some good news that can help your cause.

maxim.com

A landmark 30-year study conducted by the University of California, San Diego concluded moderate-to-heavy drinkers are more likely to live till the age of 85 without Dementia or other cognitive impairments. More specifically drinkers were twice as likely to remain cognitively healthier than non-drinkers!

informe21.com

What does moderate or heavy drinking mean for gender and age-specific guidelines?

Moderate drinking involves drinking up to one alcoholic beverage a day for women of any age and men aged 65 or above, and up to two drinks a day for adult men under age 65. Heavy drinking is defined as having up to three alcoholic beverages per day for women of any adult age and men aged 65 or older, and up to four drinks a day for adult men under 65.

Drinking more than this is categorized as excessive and is not advisable!

portal.abczdrowie

"This study is unique because we considered men and women's cognitive health at late age and found that alcohol consumption is not only associated with reduced mortality, but with greater chances of remaining cognitively healthy into older age," said senior author Linda McEvoy, PhD, an associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

sciencedaily.com

"It is important to point out that there were very few individuals in our study who drank to excess, so our study does not show how excessive or binge-type drinking may affect longevity and cognitive health in ageing," adds McEvoy.

The study also doesnt suggest that drinking is responsible for an increase in longevity and cognitive health.
Seeking to make desi GPS - indigenous regional positioning system named as Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) - independent from the US clock system, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will on Friday sign an MoU with CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) for time and frequency traceability services.

The move will help the desi GPS get formally synchronised with the Indian Standard Time (IST) which is being maintained by the Delhi-based NPL - the timekeeper of India. Read more

1. 40,000 People Affected By Increasing Height Of Narmada Dam Seek Rehabilitation As Indefinite Fast Enters Eighth Day

Around 1000 families living around the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat are seeking rehabilitation after its gates were shut in June.

This was to increase the water capacity of its full height of 138.68 metres, a move which will displace around 40,000 people whose homes and lands will be submerged. Read more

2. 16,000 Kashmiri Youth To Be Recruited Into Armed Forces To Fight Militancy In Jammu And Kashmir

With an aim to fight militancy in Kashmir by encouraging local youth to join the Indian Armed forces the CRPF will form a new battalion in Kashmir.

The locally raised battalion which is modelled out of the Bastariya Battalion which comprises of tribals to fight Naxals in Bastar will have around 10,000 Kashmiri youth. Read more

3. India Lost 250 Spoken Languages In The Last 50 Years, Will Lose 400 More In The Coming Decades

According to The People's Linguistic Survey of India (PSLI) as many as 400 of the languages spoken in India could die soon.

"At least 400 Indian languages are at the risk of dying in coming 50 years," GN Devy, the chairman of PSLI, said. Read more

4. Stone-Pelter Who Joined Hizbul Mujahideen A Month Ago Killed In Encounter In Anantnag

According to officials, the slain terrorist has been identified as Yawar Nissar Shergujri, a new recruit of the HM. Two other terrorists who were also with Yawar have managed to flee the area. Read more

5. EX-IITian & Ola Engineer Arrested In Bengaluru For Stealing Data Of 40,000 Aadhaar Card Holders

Bengaluru Police have arrested a 31-year-old MSc graduate from IIT-Kharagpur and currently employed with Ola as a software development engineer for allegedly hacking and illegally accessing the server of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

Abhinav Srivastav, who, according to police, lives at Yeshwantpur in Bengaluru and hails from Kanpur in UP, is suspected to have stolen demographic data - details like address, mobile phone number, email address, age and sex - of at least 40,000 Aadhaar cardholders by hacking into the UIDAI database. Read more
Vaan Island, located some 12 km off Tuticorin coast in Tamil Nadu, shrunk from 16 hectares 1.5 hectares from the year 1986 to 2015. But thanks to a team of five researchers from IIT Madras, the island is being rediscovered.

With the help of artificial reefs, the island has grown mass by 7.6 per cent - since December 2015, it grew from 1.5284 hectares to 1.6454 hectares, reports The Indian Express.

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Vaan Island is one of the 21 uninhabited islands in the Gulf of Mannar that falls between India and Sri Lanka. 1/4th of the area had already submerged in water due to the removal of coral reefs. In 2014, the Tamil Nadu's Environment Department called upon IIT Madras to help find a solution to protect the disappearing island. They had one condition - to do so without using any engineering structures.

pti

The team from IIT Madras developed a "two-layer submerged reef breakwater system". The first phase was enforced in September 2015 at a cost of Rs 12 crore to install the first layer - where 9,000 units of concrete structures with holes were submerged and placed in a semi-circular manner.

The holes in these structures aided toward water circulation and the growth of marine corals.

The second phase is expected to start soon.
Police in Uttarakhand have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly having sex with a cow in Pauri district's Satpuli town.

afp/representational image

Police said swab samples are being tested in Pauri to confirm the incident. The news led to some tensions in the region after ABVP and Bajrang Dal activists hit the streets forcing a shutdown of Satpuli market.

Later the protesters gheraoed the Satpuli police station demanding action against the accused.

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A case under Section 377 (unnatural sexual offences) of the IPC has been registered against the accused and he has been sent to Pauri jail.

Last month, a man from Kopergaon in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra was arrested for having sex with a cow.
Dr. Tirej Brimo, a 27-year-old Syrian refugee who graduated in London, managed the feat 10 years after he first joined a medical school. He moved four countries and 21 homes since he left Syria and kept pursuing the course wherever he went.

evening standard

Brimo was congratulated by London's Mayor Sadiq Khan at St. George's, University of London. Brimo said that he was ready to start his role as a doctor and help other people's loved ones, reported Evening Standard.

Congratulations to Syrian refugee Dr Tirej Brimo. Londoners are proud you've graduated as a doctor here in our city. https://t.co/mLLHoV5Lvj  Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) August 2, 2017

Brimo enrolled himself for a 6-year course at a medical school in Aleppo, Syria. He was 17 at the time. However, after the crisis broke in 2011, Brimo was forced to flee his home just 10 months before completing his course.

Tirej Brimo/Facebook

After that, he went to the Middle East via Lebonan and spent time in Egypt where he tried to finish his studies twice but couldn't.

Four years ago when he reached London, he applied to numerous medical colleges but was rejected by most of them due to the differences in the courses he had taken. He was interviewed by St George's and was allowed to enroll in a five-year-course in the third year.

Tirej Brimo/Facebook

Brimo is now working as a junior doctor at County Hospital in Stafford. He hopes to one day specialise in either trauma surgery or emergency medicine.
There are all kinds of vending machines. You can get candy, soft drinks and even gold. But in France, you can now get fresh oysters too. French oyster farmers are following in the footsteps of other producers of fresh food who once manned stalls along roadsides for long hours but now uses machines.

The Ile de Re's refrigerated dispenser, one of the first and with glass panels so customers can see what they are buying, is broadly similar to those that offer snacks and drinks at railway stations and office buildings worldwide.

1. Aquaculturist Tony Berthelot arrives with oysters in front of l'huitriere de Re on France's Re Island. Berthelot's automatic dispenser of live oysters offers a range of quantities, types and sizes 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

reuters

reuters

3. Berthelot installs oysters in an automatic oyster vending machine.

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4. Berthelot, thirty years an oyster breeder, sees it as an extra source of revenue rather than an alternative to normal points of sale like food markets, fishmongers and supermarkets.

reuters

5. Customers use their bank card for access, opening the door of their choice from a range of carton sizes and oyster types.

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6. A worker prepares oysters for the automatic oyster vending machine.

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7. Oysters are pictured on the Re Island.

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8. Berthelot collects oysters for the automatic oyster vending machine.

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9. Oysters in the water on the Re Island.

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10. Customers leave with oysters from the vending machine.

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11. Berthelot collects oysters for the vending machine.

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12. Oysters in the water on the Re Island.

reuters
Tech giant Microsoft is tying up with the Telangana state government, using its artificial Intelligence-based platform to screen children for eye defects.

The two parties had signed an MoU in November last year, to use Microsofts cloud technology to drive citizen services and digital inclusion. This latest effort is a pilot project to better the health screening program of the National Health Mission.

MINE, the Microsoft Intelligent Network for Eyecare platform being used, is a global collaboration between eye care providers, researchers and academic institutions that trains AI to recognise scans of eyes that show fixable defects, as wells as to pick out markers for preventable future blindness. The AI is trained by teaching it what the ideal healthy eye looks like, as well as specifically training it to look for certain defects by the way they show up on lateral scans.

We are pleased to announce that Telangana will be the first state in India to bring AI in public health screening and we are excited about how technology has the potential to make great social impact.With the adoption of cloud-based advanced analytics, we see a huge potential for improving the healthcare of our young citizens, KT Rama Rao, Telanganas IT minister said.
loosening of capital controls in Greece is envisioned as of Sept. 1, as a relevant decision was published in the government gazette this week. The unprecedented measure of capital controls - as far as a Euro zone member-state is concerned - is a leftover from the shambolic negotiations by the Greek government with creditors in the first half of 2015.
An aspirant of the Anambra State Governorship election, Mr Oseloka Obaze, has called on the people of the state to shun the threat issued by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, saying there should be a boycott of Election.

Obaze, who made the call while speaking with newsmen after obtaining his nomination and expression of interest form at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat on Thursday in Abuja, said the people should not boycott the election.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, had warned that elections will be boycotted in the South East states, starting with the Anambra State gubernatorial elections.

The elections are scheduled for Nov. 18, if the Federal Government fails to hold a referendum for the realisation of the state of Biafra.

Obaze described the warning from Kanu as unfortunate, saying it is a negative narrative that needs to be addressed in order not to disenfranchise the people.

He said that the essence of democracy was the opportunity to hold elections every four years for the presidential, governorship, national and state House of Assemblies seats.

The challenge is that if we say we are not going to have election and people should stay at home and only 1000 people come out to vote on the election date, they will be the ones to elect the governor.

By law there will be an election and we are law abiding communities.

What I will advise anyone talking about sitting down at home is to elect those who have the experience to address the challenges in the community.

Trying to stop the election totally in one state will not solve the problem, assuming you stop it in one state, other states will elect theirs.

Obaze called for dialogue to address the issue, adding, I know that INEC will conduct the election and security agencies will deploy their personnel.

What we dont want is a situation that will lead to loss of lives and property.

On his chance of winning the partys ticket and the governorship election, Obase said that he considered himself the best candidate for the state governorship.

There are many aspirants and I am just one. It is up to people to look at the comparative advantage with others and look at my experience as a servant and as a leader.

There is always a mistake people make that coming into government will make you good, it should be the other way round. You should be good before young come into government.

I think am the most qualified in terms of my experience, exposure and understanding of policy to lead Anambra state.

You can also observe that we have not had local government elections in the state.

My commitment is to conduct local government elections and ensure that the needs of the people at the grassroots are met.

Source:( PM News )
First Lady, Federal republic of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has urged women across the country to foster friendship and unity among diverse ethnic groups in the country.

Mrs Buhari made the call on Thursday while speaking at the 2017 Imo State Annual August Women Meeting, held in Owerri.

The meeting has the theme: Women: Building Bridges of Friendship Across The Niger.

The annual event was organized by the wife of the Imo Governor, Mrs Nkechi Okorocha, to promote peace, unity as well as socio-cultural and economic development among women in the South-East of Nigeria.

Mrs. Buhari said that women, as mothers, had the enormous task of building solid bridges that would serve as the required platform for national unity irrespective of political, religious and tribal differences.

The wife of the President called on the nations leaders to encourage women to utilise their talents and maximise them toward a better Nigeria.

She assured women of her constant support to all programmes that would promote their well-being.

In a goodwill message, Gov Okorocha commended women for promoting oneness among Nigerians, and urged them to prevail on their husbands in leadership positions to strive toward getting the best from their women.

He lauded the women for choosing the topic Women: building bridges of friendship across the Niger, and described it as apt and most appropriate.

He said that friendship across all divides was crucial to national growth and advancement, and promised to encourage programmes that would make Nigerians accept each other as one.

In her speech, wife of the Governor, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha, advised women to inculcate the good virtues of unity and love in their children.

She said that women were important instruments in the promotion of unity and peaceful coexistence, and advised her colleagues to encourage more inter-tribal marriages so as to promote oneness.

Among dignitaries at the August meeting were the Chairman, Nigeria Governors forum, Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, as well as the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki.

Source: ( PM News )
Stephen McGowan, who hails from South Africa has been released by Al Qaeda after she was kidnapped in the Mali tourist town of Timbuktu in 2011, has been released and is back home, foreign minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said on Thursday.

Nkoana-Mashabane told a news conference that McGowan, who had been touring Mali on motorbikes with a German, a Swede and a Dutch national, was undergoing medical tests but had no major injuries, and no ransom was paid.

We would like to warmly welcome him back home and wish him good health, good fortune in his life as a free man. It is with sadness though, that his dear mother passed on in May 2017 without seeing her son back home, she said.

Swede Johan Gustafsson, who was kidnapped alongside McGowan from a Timbuktu restaurant, was freed in June.

The kidnappers had demanded five million dollars for his release, but the government rejected it, Swedish Radio said.

Their German friend was killed in the initial kidnapping, while Sjaak Rijke of the Netherlands was freed in 2015 in a raid by French special forces.

In a video that emerged a month ago, after Gustafssons release, a bearded McGowan did not appear to know his freedom might be imminent.

He said:Its a long time to be away.

Until when do you think this will come to an end? Now were making a new video, but I dont know what to say. Its all been said in the past. Its all been said in previous videos Ive made.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb began as a spin-off from an Islamist movement that fought Algerias government in the 1990s.

It was pushed into north Mali the following decade, where it pledged allegiance to Osama bin Ladens movement and build a network of fighters across the Sahara.

They have been responsible for dozens of kidnappings of Westerners and scores of attacks on security forces across West Africa.

It was one of several jihadist groups that took control of Malis north in 2012 before being ousted by a French-led military operation launched in January 2013.
As part of initiatives of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) at de-congesting the prisons, 100 inmates were released from the Kirikiri Medium Prison on Thursday.

This was confirmed by the Controller of Prisons in Lagos State, Mr Tunde Ladipo, told newsmen in Lagos that most of the affected inmates were arrested for minor offences ranging from street trading to wandering.

The prison boss said that a philanthropist, who pleaded anonymity, offered to settle the fines meted on the inmates.

The philanthropist wrote a letter to the NPS that he wants to provide food items to the inmates but I suggested to him that it is better to pay their fines to regain freedom since they were given an option of fine

Most of them were arrested on minor offences but because they cannot afford the fines they were remanded.

The prison is congested already and we needed to de-congest it, Ladipo said.

He advised the inmates to stay away from crime-prone areas and engage in legitimate jobs in order to stay out of prison.

Pastor Taiwo Olaoye, who represented the philanthropist, urged the inmates to be good ambassadors of their families and the country.

He assured that the beneficiaries would be trained in various vocations to make them self-reliant.

Source: ( PM News )
The Plateau Police Command have confirmed the arrest of three persons in connection with the alleged murder of a Catholic Priest, identified as Raphael Pankyes.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Plateau, Mr Tyopev Terna, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Pankshin.

Terna said the police arrested the three suspects in the course of their investigation.

We are on the trail of more suspects in connection with the incident, he said.

He gave the names of the suspects as Alex Bala, David Bala and Dasen Bala,

all of whom, he said, were not related in spite of their surnames.

On July 20, 2017 we received a report at our Pankshin Division from the family members of the deceased, who said that they had not seen him since July 14.

They claimed they had neither seen nor heard from him since that day, which necessitated a thorough search for him in all possible places,  the PPRO said.

According to him, the family members first went to Yiti Primary School, Fier, where the deceased also served as a classroom teacher, but that there was no trace of him there.

But when they visited his small house built on his farm, they found his lifeless body already badly decomposed, which prompted them to report the matter to us (Police).

We are not leaving any stone unturned until all those who have a hand in the killing of the clergy are found and punished in accordance with the law of the land.

`We are happy that these three suspects that we already have are giving us useful statements and with time we shall get to the root of the matter,  Terna said.

He urged members of the public to avail the police with any useful information that could lead to the arrest of the other suspects.

Family sources told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the 52-year-old Clergy was last seen on July 14 and was found murdered by some unknown persons on July 20.

The body of the priest was found on his farm at Fier village in Pankshin Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that because the corpse had already decomposed, members of his family promptly buried him on the day he was found.

Source: ( NAN )
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has confirmed that he will procure a surveillance aircraft and gunboats to tackle incessant kidnapping in the state.

This was made known by the governor spoke when the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris paid him a visit at the State House in Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

He also requested for two additional Police Area Commands from the IGP, saying that it would go a long way in tackling the nefarious activities of criminally minded persons once and for all.

Ambode said the additional Area Commands, if granted, would be set up in Ikorodu and Badagry, assuring that the state government was ready to provide the funds to set up the Commands.

Funding is key to security, but security also is fundamental to the growth of Lagos and the prosperity of Lagos, so we are ready and we are committed to support all our security agencies, the Navy, the Police to make sure that we have a safe city where we can be investor friendly and also grow the economy of Nigeria.

I am ready to fund additional area commands in Lagos, so I am requesting that we should do two additional commands in Lagos, one in Ikorodu and another one in Badagry. There is a need for us to pay more attention to the Ikorodu axis because of the kind of reports that we are getting from there, the governor said.

Alluding to the multi-billion dollar investments coming up in the Lekki corridor and the need to secure the area, the governor also requested that the Mobile Police Command in Ibeju Lekki be relocated to Epe.

We already have some kind of Command in Ibeju Lekki which is the Mobile Police, but I also request that because of the kind of economic activities that is coming up in the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the road expansion that we are doing in the Epe axis, we would like to request that the Mobile Command should be relocated to Epe itself, he said.

Ambode, while thanking the IGP and the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo for their interventions in securing the release of the six kidnapped Igbonla Model College students, said the incident clearly showed the need to beef up security in the riverine borders between Ondo, Ogun and Lagos States.

He said the South West Governors Forum in a recent meeting had resolved to set up a Joint Task Force on security to stop criminals using the waterways as an escape route, just as he sought the support of the IGP towards ensuring the success of the initiative.

While pledging the commitment of the state government to provide additional gun boats and equipment to safeguard the waterways, Ambode also revealed that his administration has already concluded plans to procure a surveillance aircraft with the capacity to deal with all forms of crimes on the waterways, assuring that the government would spare nothing to ensure that the State remains safe and secured for residents and investors.

In addition to that, we commit ourselves also to provide additional Hilux vehicles and personnel also so that with the joint task force, we can actually clean up our waterways. Ill like to also let you know that we are also in the process of procuring a surveillance aircraft that can actually deal with issues that relate to our waterways.

I am in total agreement with the IGP that there is a need for us to create a marine post along our waterways which you are already looking at, we must create some kind of outpost between Ondo, Ogun and Lagos so that these criminals cannot come into Lagos. The peace of Lagosians is of paramount to us so that we can checkmate them before they enter into Lagos we are also ready to fund that and then make sure that we train all our personnel and then seek the support of the Navy.

All these that I have requested, I know that it comes with additional personnel and it comes with additional financing, but I give my commitment; the safety of citizens of Lagos is paramount to me and I am ready to fund it, Ambode said.

The governor also commended the IGP for his efforts in improving security across the country, especially in Lagos, noting that since he came on board, security in the State has greatly improved.

Earlier, IGP Idris Ibrahim commended the governor for his tremendous support to the Police Command in the State especially in providing equipment and welfare for officers, saying that Lagos was leading the way in matters pertaining to security, especially through its innovative Security Trust Fund which had become a national model.

Lagos has been a pacesetter in various areas. You have been very dynamic. First you are the first government to introduce the Security Trust Fund and this is a concept we are trying to introduce nationally. We have the Police Trust Fund bill before the National Assembly, a public hearing has been heard on this bill and we believe it will be one of those instruments to change the face of policing in Nigeria, Ibrahim said.

He said the Police was working out modalities to enhance their activities in the State especially in the coastal areas, saying that about 10 additional gun boats would be procured, while the Nigeria Police Marine would be enhanced to man the boats along the waterways.

I believe with these enhancements and with the capacity to provide these gun boats, the Nigeria Police Force will effectively check these criminal activities and ensure security in Lagos and other areas, the IGP said.

On the request of the Governor to set up two additional Police Area Commands, the IGP said the plan was already ongoing to increase Area Commands across the country to improve security surveillance and adequately address crime.

Source: ( PM News )
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has explained the reason why the Senate had to reject the acting EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

Mr. Saraki said, while featuring on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja, that the screening of Mr. Magu, which led to his rejection, was transparently done.

According to him, Mr. Magus rejection was prompted by report from the Department of State Services, among other issues, and the screening was aired live on national television for all Nigerians to watch.

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, he said.

Mr. Saraki maintained that the decision of the Senate to reject the confirmation of Mr. Magu was in the interest of democracy.

He added that the decision was based on a test which he failed, adding that if the Senate had disregarded the DSS report and went ahead to confirm Magu, posterity would judge the members.

Source: ( NAN )
Former Barcelona Star, Neymar Jnr has arrived Paris on Friday following his world record transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, airport officials told AFP.

The superstar forward, who moved for 222 million euros ($264m), arrived at Le Bourget airport and was seen leaving a private jet and getting into a car which joined a motorcade heading towards the city centre, the sources said.

He is due to be presented at a press conference at the Parc des Princes at 1130 GMT.

Source: (AFP )


The Bayelsa State Police Command has been commended by the Supreme Council for Non-Indigenes in the State over the rescuing of Mrs Roselyn Okokingho, who was kidnapped in Brass Local Government Area.

Okokingho who is a nursing mother, who was freed on Tuesday, had spent two weeks in captivity.

The group said the Police Command in Bayelsa was responsive and showed commitment in fighting crime in recent times, resulting in a quick resolution of crime issues in the state.

The Public Relations Officer of the Council, Mr Bethel Nwankwo, said in a statement that members of the union were happy over the safe return of Okokigho to her family.

It noted that the command had continued to handle security issues with a professional touch, since the assumption of Police Commissioner, Asuquo Amba, in the state.

The body also commended the state government for investing greatly in security architecture, which it said, had positively impacted on crime fighting in the state.

Source:( PM News )
The decomposing, beheaded body of a youth in the Gbamaramatu kingdom in Delta state, Solomon Ikoto, who has been missing for some weeks, was reportedly discovered inside the Warri river in Delta state yesterday August 3rd.

According to Gbaramatu Voice, a cousin of the deceased, Peter Ebime, identified the beheaded body as that of 37 year old Solomon Ikoto who went missing since July 13th. Peter said that the outfit that was seen on the body of the deceased was the same outfit his deceased cousin wore when he left their house the night he went missing. He said the deceased and himself lived in the same house.

38-year-old Solomon and 37-year-old Samuel Monday were declared missing on July 13th after they were reportedly abducted while going about their businesses along the Ovwian/Aladja river in Delta State.

One of the leaders in Gbaramatu kingdom, Sheriff Mulade, accused the youths in a neighboring community, Aladja, of masterminding the abduction and killing of the deceased. He said despite this act, the youths in Gbaramatu community would not retaliate.

Gbaramatu people have no issue with Aladja neither Urhobo nation; Gbaramatu is not at war with any communities of Urhobo, neither is Gbaramatu is at war with Aladja. The Ijaw people are not at war with Uhrobo people, neither are Urhobo people with the Ijaws. For Aladja to go that extreme of abducting and beheading persons all in the name of communal crisis is highly condemnable! I condemned it in its entirety. he said

He noted that such an incident could have led to serious ethnic crisis if not that Gbaramatu people are peace loving and law abiding.

The decomposing body of the deceased has been taken to the morgue while the police have commenced investigation into the matter.
A little girl in Florida has died months after she was injured from drinking boiling water through a straw.

Kiari Pope, eight, of Boyton Beach, complained to her mothers boyfriend that she couldnt breath on Sunday night. Minutes later she was unresponsive.



Pope was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead at 12.15am.

Popes mother, Marquisia Bonner, says the little girl was dared to drink the boiling water by her cousin in March.

Kiari received a tracheotomy that left her deaf and with chronic respiratory problems according to the Palm Beach Post.

Florida Department of Children and Families records called her medically compromised.

State authorities investigated that March incident and at least nine other allegations of either abuse or neglect involving the girl since her birth.
A fake medical doctor has been arrested by the Nasarawa State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for allegedly infecting a six-year-old boy, Emmanuel Alaku, with HIV through un-screened blood transfusion has tested positive to the virus.

This was disclosed this to journalists by the Commandant in the state Lawan Bashir-Kano, in Lafia, he said the investigation into the case revealed that both the 30-year-old fake doctor Jonathan Ibrahim and his wife tested positive to the HIV virus.

He said the command had concluded investigation and the state government, through the Attorney-General, had commenced prosecution of the suspect. As we speak, the suspect has already been remanded at the Lafia prison following his arraignment at the Upper Area Court in Doma on Tuesday, August 1, he said.

He said the command is working to see how it can assist the boys family to ameliorate his plight. Bashir-Kano said the suspect, who operated a clinic at Iwashi village, was arrested following complaint about his activities from members of the public, including the parents of the boy recently infected with the virus.

The commandant said the suspect had confessed to running an illegal clinic and transfused unscreened blood to the boy in question, along with three other patients at his facility last year.

The mother of the child, Dorcas Alaku, said the boy was taken to the clinic when he had a fever associated with convulsion and remembered Ibrahim transfusing blood into him without taking any sample.

She said her sons health is deteriorating and hernia is also suspected, as his groin has swollen, pointing out that the person whose blood was transfused to her child now has HIV and chronic hernia.

Credit: ( Instablog9ja)
31 year old man with a hunch and 15 others have been detained by the Bayelsa police command for robbery and cult related activities.

According to Commissioner of Police, Mr. Asuquo Amba, 29 persons from the suspects were said to be arrested in connection with cultism and armed robbery, while two were arrested for kidnapping.

Different types of firearms, including nine locally-made pistols, were recovered during the operations.

Amba said,

On July 21, 2017, at about 10.30am, policemen from the Azikoro division responded to a distress call that cults were entering the Azikoro Community Secondary School.

Consequently, plain-clothes policemen were dispatched to the scene and arrested one James Loveday, an undergraduate of the Federal University, Otuoke, with a locally-made revolver pistol.

Amba also said that the gang member confessed to killing one Luke Inengite, a 30-year-old man from Agbura community, whose corpse was found in a pond in the community.

On July 24, 2017, one Joy Epidi, a housewife, was kidnapped along Imiringi Road. The kidnappers called the husband and demanded a ransom.

Consequently, police operatives swung into action and arrested one Timipre Moni. The suspect had earlier called a businessman, Doubra Komuko, threatening him to part with N5m or his family would be kidnapped, the commissioner added.

The 31 year old man named as Tatoh, said he is the leader of the gang.

He said,

I am a leader of the dreaded cult group, the Highlander.
After spending 7 days in captivity, Gulder ultimate search winner, Otto Canon has been released. His brother shared the good news online this morning. He wrote

The past 7 days have been the toughest and scariest days for me & my family.

My younger brother got kidnapped while traveling into Port Harcourt. He was driving on Emuoha road and suddenly a group of men ahead of him randomly opened fire on his car forcing him to stop and he was abducted and taken into the forest.

My number was the only number he remembered and he called me that night with a strange number sounding so depressed. Orondaam I am not fine. I have been kidnapped. Please do something to help me. As I asked him where he was I then hear a cracked voice on the background saying things I cant even write. At that point my skin literally went cold and my head felt heavy.

I was about to give a presentation at the US Department of State but I became speechless. The room went dark and I couldnt even say a word. It felt like my heart stopped working. ( God bless their amazing team & my RAB team for being supportive all through the past days )

I went back to my hotel and Minutes turned to hours, hours into days. My eyes became heavy cos I couldnt sleep. We called everyone we could call. My mum kept calling me severally at night crying and praying.

After 2 days of being quiet I told my MWF cohort, whom Im representing in the US and my Slum2School family who was planning a project and immediately the planning paused and both groups became praying centers.

Unfortunately the news found its way on several media blogs even when we never wanted it to and the kidnappers loved the media buzz and doubled the ransom with more threats.

But because we serve a Great God who governs, protects and oversees the earth, because He answers us when we call on Him, my brother was released last night unhurt and without a scratch after 7 days.

Thanks to everyone who had heard the news and reached out to us. Your support and show of love filled our hearts when they were empty and I cant thank you all enough.

Our prayers have been answered and God has done what He alone can do best. My younger brother @ottocanon is free and safe.

And I pray the same for our country.

Source: Linda Ikeji
A 44-year old woman alleged to be a lesbian has found herself in serious trouble after she was caught trying to r*pe a pregnant woman in Lagos State.

According to the report by PM Express, the lesbian woman reportedly inserted a native charm into the victims private part to terminate her pregnancy. The incident happened at Eniola Aderinlo close in Ipaja, Lagos where they reside.

The suspect identified as Olamide Joseph popularly called Ola has since been charged before a Lagos court for sexual assault and was remanded in prison custody. Explaining how it happened, a police source revealed that Ola lured the victim who was pregnant to her house and molested her sexually.

The suspect was said to have forced her to her bed, inserted her fingers into her private part and fondled her without the consent of the victim. The victim went to the police and reported the assault and the suspect was arrested and charged before Ogba Magistrates court for the alleged offence.

The police charged her for sexual assault by penetrating her vagina under the Criminal Code.

She pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Mr Danny Raphael did not object to her bail but asked the court to give her bail condition that will enable the suspect come for trial. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Davis Abegunde granted her bail in the sum of N500,000 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 14th of August, 2017.
The National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday confirmed the sealing of three shops in Borno over alleged circulation of unwholesome products.

This was made known by the agencys Zonal Director, Malam Nasiru Mato, in Maiduguri.

Mato alleged that the shop owners were selling contaminated cosmetics contrary to the agencys regulations.

He alleged that the shops were also selling harmful germicides, pesticides and herbicides.

We have sealed off three shops at Monday Market in the metropolis.

NAFDAC task force deployed to the market discovered that shop owners are processing harmful chemicals and selling them to the people.

The products are poisonous and not good for consumption.

The action contravened NAFDAC rules and regulations, he said.

According to him, preliminary investigations showed that the products such as creams, shampoo and jelly contained harmful chemicals that can cause skin cancer and other diseases.

Mato said that human body could be exposed to the harmful chemicals through hair spray, perfumes, face powder and lipstick.

A dioxins pollutant is sourced from petroleum chemicals and it is found in the cosmetics.

Mato warned residents to be wary of unwholesome chemicals, but patronise products certified by NAFDAC.

He said that the agency had adopted effective modalities to check circulation of unwholesome products in the state in compliance with extant regulations.

Source: ( PM News )
Niger Delta leaders have withdrawn the ultimatum they gave the Nigerian government to accede to their 16-point demand or face withdrawal from ongoing peace efforts.

The was announced by an elder statesman, Edwin Clark, shortly after he led the Pan Niger Delta Front, PANDEF, to a meeting with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the presidential villa Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents, Mr. Clark also said they had an excellent meeting with Mr. Osinbajo, adding the discussion was very honest, truthful and forthright. We are very very satisfied.

Mr. Clark, who had on Monday given the Federal Government up to November 1, 2017 to meet the 16-point demand made by PANDEF on November 1, 2016, said after the meeting that there is no more ultimatum. We agreed on many things. They came with their own address, the ministers all spoke, presented their cases and at the end, the Acting President rounded it up.

We saw his genuineness and forthrightness; he is a gentleman. We are satisfied. We have agreed to work together and the issue of dialogue must take place, he said.

Mr. Clark said the people of Niger Delta should know that their leaders were able to discuss the regions 16-point agenda as well as governments 20-point agenda and we are all satisfied. We all agreed that everyone should maintain peace.

The meeting was well attended with several leaders from the Niger Delta region and Mr. Clark told reporters that even members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, who were at the forefront of agitations from the region in recent years and who, disassociated themselves from PANDEF in a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo were part of the meeting.

MEND was in the meeting. Jomo Gbomo does not exist as a human being, he uses a ghost Name, a fake name. Other organizations were here. I am the leader of the Niger Delta and every leader you can think of from Cross River to Ondo State were all here today, Mr. Clark said.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, told reporters that the meeting discussed how far the government had gone in implementing the 16-point agenda of PANDEF.

Part of the 16 demands by PANDEF is the establishment of a maritime university, relocation of oil and gas companies to the Niger Delta, as well as allocation of oil blocs to people from area.

Mr. Kachikwu said  several issues relating to the universities, the development of the region, amnesty programme, NDDC operations in the Niger Delta were discussed. It was very exhaustive, we looked at the 16-point agenda, he said.

The petroleum minister said the atmosphere in the meeting was calm and friendly.

They did in fact pledge their loyalty and their willingness to continue to work with us, he said.

Source: ( Premium Times )
Four policemen who were involved in stealing domestic appliances and attire belonging to former president Goodluck Jonathan have been expelled by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Thursday.

Items stolen by the policemen were six television sets, fridges, air-conditioners, Ijaw attires and designer suits from Jonathans former residence in Gwarimpa which they sold to traders at the Pankera second-hand market in Gwarimpa, Abuja.

The police explained that the orderly room proceeding in respect of Insps. Lengs Satlakau and Usman Wuduki has been forwarded to Assistant Inspector-General, Zone 7 for further action.

In fulfilment of the promise by the FCT Police Command to make public its findings on the investigation of the case of theft at the Gwarimpa residence of former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, the command wishes to state that in line with first schedule of Police Act and regulation 370 Cap 19, the policemen guarding the house have been tried in an orderly room proceeding and found culpable of the offence.

Sequel to the outcome of the orderly room proceeding, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo has approved the immediate dismissal of the policemen from the Nigeria Police Force, the statement obtained by PUNCH said.

They culprits are Sgts. Musa Musa, John Nanpak, Ogah Audu and Gabriel Ugah,

The command said it would prosecute the main culprit, Sgt Musa.

Source: ( PM News )
A convicted rapist has been arrested after police say he was discovered working at a counselling service for rape victims in Fresno, California.

Investigators last week received a tip-off from a member of the public that Damon Rodgers, 40, was working as a security guard at Rape Counselling Services (RCS) in North Blackstone Avenue.

Police say when he was arrested last Thursday (27 July), he was carrying a firearm despite being banned due to his 1998 conviction for rape and attempted rape.

He was followed down the street and ultimately pulled over by ourselves and units from the Southwest Policing District. Mr. Rodgers was cooperative. He was removed from his vehicle and was in possession of a loaded firearm, Israel Reyes, of the Fresno Police Department, told Eyewitness News 47.

Reyes added: My first reaction was wow  and obviously our concern was obviously rape counseling services provides services for victims who have been sexually assaulted and then you have an individual who is a convicted sex offender for rape and attempted rape working at their facility.

The optics on that are really bad  As far as we know there were no victims who were ever disturbed by Mr. Rodgers, but again its something where an individual like that should not be working at that center.

Staff at RCS have yet to make a comment on the arrest but it is understood the centre used outside contractors to provide security and had no idea of Rodgers past.

Rodgers remains in jail charged with being a felon in possession of a gun. He is being held on a $386,000 bail.

Report courtesy ibtimes.co.uk
A 26- year-old man,identified as Okechukwu Mgbemgasa, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates Court for allegedly defiling his neighbours daughter

He is facing a one-count charge of defiling a nine-year-old girl.

The accused is an unemployed man and a resident at Ishashi town, a suburb of Lagos.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Raphael Donny, told the court that the offence was committed on July 21, at the residence of the accused.

Donny said that the accused saw the girl in the toilet and took advantage of the situation and defiled her.

It was the cry of the girl that alerted some neighbours who raced to the scene, and the accused was apprehended.

He said the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Folakemi Davies-Abegunde, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until Aug. 21, for mention.

Source: ( PM News )
Senator representing Kogi west in the house of assembly, Dino Melaye shared a photo from his vacation in London and since, his page has not rested.

Some Dino fans spotted a lady on the bed and a handbag beside her and then this happened! Comments below;

Source: ( PM News )
According to the Correctional Services department, jailed South African athlete, Oscar Pistorius has been taken to hospital after complaining of chest pain.

He was rushed to Kalafong, a public hospital in the capital Pretoria in South Africa today and has since been discharged after a medical examination and is expected back in prison later today.

The prison service confirmed he was treated for a possible heart condition in Kalafong hospital outside Pretoria. A spokesman said: We can state that offender Oscar Pistorius was taken to an outside hospital facility this morning for a medical examination, and is expected back in the facility later today.

In 2015 he was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and hes currently serving a 6-year jail term for the crime..

Source: Linda Ikejis blog
Finally confirming that she dates politicians, some believed to be Nigerians, Kenyan socialite Vera Sidika is of the opinion that sharing photos on social media of the wealthy people shes romantically involved with, is basically exposing her credit/debit card details and trying to mess up her constant cash flow. See more of her posts.

Source: Snapchat
As a self-storage owner with multiple facilities from South Louisiana to Texas, I strive to implement best practices and processes to streamline daily operations and maximize revenue. As a board member for the Louisiana Self Storage Association (LASSA), Ive lobbied for changes to our states lien laws. As a result of my experiences, I founded StorageAuctions.com to provide a solution to the hassle and disruption of live auctions.

For me, hosting live auctions was always the biggest pain of self-storage ownership, but lien sales are how the government allows us to cure past-due rents and abandoned units. I hated waiting until enough units were abandoned or in default to attract a good size crowd. On auction days, there are often issues with chaotic crowds and a lack of parking for tenants. In Louisiana, one of the biggest issues is contending with the weather. You may think youre having an outdoor auction in a week, but when a rain storm comes with a name like Katrina, shell change your mind.

To cut some of the costs associated with auctions and in an effort to maximize my bids, I even went to auctioneer school in Iowa to get certified. I was hopeful that talking fast would get me higher bids, but trust me, trying to get an old Southern boy to talk fast isnt an easy process.

Becoming personally involved in all aspects of our live auctionsfrom marketing to bid callingstill didnt erase all the problems with hosting these events. Eventually, I realized that if I scheduled auctions more frequently, my delinquencies went down and collections went up. Increasing auction frequency meant we had only one or two units up for bid at a time. With just a few units to bid on, it was difficult to draw a sizable crowd and left less revenue to recover abandoned units.

I first learned about online auctions when attending the Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas, but I didnt really believe theyd work well. Then, LASSA approached me to join its board and asked if Id help pursue state lien-law changes. Part of the proposed changes included language permitting online auctions. I was chosen to be the guinea pig to try auctioning my abandoned units online. For my first auction, the unit sold for $830 to a person who lived three hours away. Safe to say, I was no longer a skeptic.

The more I got into online auctions, the more I liked them. I could post an auction whenever a unit was abandoned and expose the sale to more people than I could reach through the local classifieds. Bidders were only limited to the distance they were willing to drive to pick up their winnings. This new process helped me get rid of abandoned units and their debt more quickly and with better monetary results.

Around this time, LASSA increased its efforts to change the state lien law. Since online auctions were still fairly new, many members of the general public were afraid to try them without clear legal language. As a LASSA board member, I was in charge of hiring a team of lobbyists and worked with the association president, industry leaders and attorneys to draft the lien-law updates. In August 2016, the updates were signed into law and have since helped people become more comfortable using the technology for online auctions. More than 30 other states have also included specifics about online storage auctions, and many facilities are beginning to adapt to the new technology now that its a proven best practice.

After testing the validity of online auctions and meeting with several owners, I decided to develop a website that would specifically help owners. I knew I needed reports and summaries of event data to help me understand what was going on with each of my auction events, and today Im proud to say StorageAuctions.com provides that reporting along with other helpful services.

Ive learned that some storage owners are hesitant to switch to online auctions because they dont think there have been any events in their immediate area. But as I like to say, If theres Facebook and Internet in your area, we have something for you. I encourage other self-storage owners to give online storage auctions a try to see how they can benefit your business.

Lonnie Bickford has developed and owned five Appletree Storage facilities in Greater Baton Rouge, La., and is the founder of StorageAuctions.com. As a board member of the Louisiana Self Storage Association, Lonnie has worked closely with the national Self Storage Association to usher multiple changes to Louisianas lien law. Launched in 2016, StorageAuctions.com assists storage owners and management teams maximize revenue by leveraging online auctions to drive collections.
Metro Storage LLC, which operates more than 120 self-storage locations in 12 states, has purchased a two-property portfolio in Montgomery, Ala., for $21.7. Though the facilities were branded and managed by self-storage real estate investment trust Extra Space Storage, they were owned and sold by SmartStop Asset Management LLC, a diversified real estate company. The properties at 6855 Vaughn Road and 310 Ray Thorington Road comprise 158,238 square feet of rentable storage space in 1,555 climate-controlled units.

SmartStop was represented in the transaction by Bill Barnhill and Stuart P. LaGroue Sr. of Omega Properties Inc., who are Arizona broker affiliates for the Argus Self Storage Sales Network. The Denver-based group of industry-specific real estate specialists, founded in 1994, includes 36 affiliates covering nearly 40 markets.

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Metro Storage operates the Metro Self Storage brand. The privately owned, fully integrated real estate specializes in the acquisition, development and management of self-storage facilities nationwide. Its facilities comprise more than 8.1 million square feet of storage space.

SmartStop manages 104 self-storage facilities in Canada and the United States. It has approximately $1 billion of real estate under management, and its self-storage portfolio comprises about 7.7 million rentable square feet. Its also the sponsor of Strategic Storage Growth Trust Inc., Strategic Storage Trust II Inc. and Strategic Storage Trust IV Inc., all public non-traded REITs focused on self-storage assets.
A global provider of insurance, reinsurance, and employee benefits-related advice and associated services has strengthened its corporate risk expertise with the appointment of a respected broker and industry leader to its team.Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group ( JLT ) has appointed Paul French as state executive for Queensland. He will commence in the role in October 2017. French will be responsible for supporting the continued success of the corporate risk team with a focus on the Far North Queensland business.I am looking forward to be part of a strong and continually growing organisation such as JLT, French said. Queensland is a dynamic business environment, with so many positives to be harnessed, and its these unique opportunities which will allow me to continue to build JLTs strong local foot print in this area. Im excited about the new opportunities ahead.French brings a wealth of industry experience to the firm, having worked at Willis Tower Watson, where he successfully managed the Willis Queensland business for the past 10 years. He also has experience working at RMI Australia and Aon Risk Solutions.Nick Harris, deputy CEO, Australia and New Zealand, said French's appointment adds to the high-calibre people who support the firm's journey to becoming a leading global specialty risk adviser and broker.We are delighted to welcome Paul on board. He is a strong business leader with an established track record of delivering outstanding client success, Harris said.
A prospective policyholder orders a predictive genetic test to find out his or her health risks  possibly gaining advantage over the insurance provider who is not given the information, since its not a diagnostic test that has to be disclosed. Insurers are granted access to results of predictive genetic testing, and they decide (unfairly, as feared by consumer groups) based on those results whether or not to provide cover for those with increased risk.

They say what you dont know wont hurt you. In insurance, what you dont know can potentially bite you.The Economist has reported on predictive genetic tests and said they could be a significant disruptor to the industry. Lets look at two scenarios:Thats where the dilemma lies  with predictive genetic testing poised to become more common, the question is whether there should be equal access to the information. What happens in either case?According to The Economist, insurance firms are worried about adverse selection while the insured are concerned about discrimination. Understandably, someone at increased risk of dying early might want to get life cover, just as an insurer is likely to think twice about a riskier potential client.The report cited a California-based company which has obtained regulatory approval to screen for risk factors connected to diseases and genetic conditions, with the tests easily ordered online  a potential precedent for more accessible tests.While regulations generally do not allow mandatory disclosure of predictive tests, the rules vary depending on where you are. The report said there are countries where life insurers may ask clients to disclose predictive genetic tests for policies valued above a certain amount.In the UK, a renewable blanket moratorium exists except in the case of Huntingtons chorea. Health insurers in America are prohibited from using predictive genetic information, but the same cant be said for other types of insurers.Where do you stand on the issue of insurers having access to genetic testing information? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.
The future of warfare is hybrid  and the future is now, expert says
Hartz Hotel has issued a warning to guests that an unauthorized party gained access to some customer account credentials.The hotel companys reservations provider, Sabre, informed Hartz on June 06 that a data breach had occurred. The cybercriminals involved managed to gain access to unencrypted payment card information and certain reservation information from Sabres SynXis Central Reservations System.Sabre worked with third-party forensic investigators to get to the bottom of the breach, and found that those responsible for the attack first obtained access to payment card information and other reservation data on August 10, 2016. The last unauthorized access to payment card information by the attackers was on March 09, 2017.In its release, Hartz noted that the unauthorized party was able to access payment card information for guests who made hotel reservations at The Roxy Hotel and the Soho Grand Hotel, both in New York.The affected hotels are mailing notice letters to those who may have been affected by the breach, and Sabre has informed law enforcement and the payment card brands about the illegal access. Sabre has also issued assurances that the threat has been contained and the unauthorized access revoked.
The inaugurallooks set to be an all-singing, all-dancing affair  with the announcement of TV personalityas host.An actor, dancer and TV host, Ribeiro shot to fame as Carlton Banks in hit sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, fronted gameshow Catch 21 and was recently crowned champion of the ABC reality show Dancing With The Stars. He is also the host of long-running series Americas Funniest Home Videos.In a ceremony held aton, Ribeiro will present the years biggest innovators and achievers from the insurance sector with awards in 23 separate categories, includingThe Insurance Business America Awards is proudly presented by Insurance Business, the industrys leading source for daily news, opinion and analysis.Industry professionals can show their support for colleagues and organizations by now . Deadline for nominations isFor further media inquiries, please contact Chris Davis at Key Media: [email protected] and +1 720 316 0152.
A Virginia man convicted of murdering his 15-month-old-son to collect on life insurance was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without parole.

Joaquin Rams of Manassas, Va., was convicted earlier this year in the 2012 death of his son Prince.

Rams had taken out more than $500,000 in life insurance on Prince in the months before his death. The boy died during an unsupervised visit ordered by a Maryland judge over the objections of Princes mother, who said she feared for her childs safety. Prince died on just the fourth unsupervised visit Rams had with his son.

Obtaining a conviction in Princes death was a challenge for prosecutors, and took several years of legal wrangling. The medical examiner who conducted the autopsy on Prince concluded that he drowned, but later the states chief medical examiner overruled that finding and changed the cause of death to undetermined.

That opened the door for defense lawyers to argue that Prince died of natural causes, citing a pattern of fever-induced seizures that had been documented during Princes short life. The murder trial became in large part a battle of medical experts as to whether febrile seizures could be fatal.

Judge Randy Bellows, who convicted Rams after he waived his right to a jury trial, wrote a meticulous 62-page opinion detailing why the defense argument that Prince died of natural causes made no sense in light of the specific circumstances of his death.

Rams, who maintains his innocence, filed a request seeking to avoid attending Tuesdays sentencing hearing. But Bellows ordered him to attend, giving Princes mother, Hera McLeod, and maternal grandparents the opportunity to give victim-impact statements in Rams presence.

McLeod said she cant help but think of Princes death.

I know it was painful. I know he was scared. I have to live with the fact that I was unable to protect him from this monster.

She then turned directly to Rams, who looked away, twitched and sighed as McLeod called him a pathetic excuse for a human.

I dont forgive you.

Rams remained silent when he was offered an opportunity to speak at Tuesdays hearing.

Rams was convicted of capital murder, but prosecutors agreed not to pursue a death penalty under an unusual exchange in which the defense waived its right to a jury trial. While Virginia law says a capital-murder conviction requires a sentence of life without parole, Rams lawyer, Christopher Leibig, asked the judge to suspend part of that sentence and provide some option for Rams to be released.

Bellows rejected that request, calling the murder cold, calculating and callous in its nature, and shattering in its impact.

His lawyers are planning to appeal.

Prosecutors also believe Rams is responsible for the deaths of his ex-girlfriend, Shawn Mason, and his mother, Alma Collins. In Masons death, prosecutors say Rams believed he would be the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. In Collins death, Rams did in fact collect on a life insurance policy.

It is unclear whether Rams will ever face charges in those two deaths. Commonwealths Attorney Paul Ebert said the cases remain open and he can pursue charges if needed.

Shawn Masons mother, Sheryl Mason, said after Tuesdays hearing that she is satisfied with the life sentence and is no longer pushing for a separate trial in Shawn Masons death.

I know who is responsible for Shawns death, she said after the hearing. For me, this is justice for Shawn as well.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Virginia
Evacuations remain in effect for residents of a small Pennsylvania town following a freight train derailment.

CSX says its unclear when residents will be able to return to their homes in Hyndman, Penn., about 100 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

The railroad company says at least 32 rail cars derailed around 5 a.m. Wednesday, some of which contain hazardous materials. The fire department evacuated everyone within about a mile of the derailment site and directed them to two community outreach centers for help with lodging and food.

CSX says hazardous materials specialists assessed the damage from a safe distance Wednesday afternoon and confirmed that several rail cars were still on fire.

It was not immediately known what caused the train to run off the rails.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Trucking Pennsylvania
A climate activist group is calling out a handful of European insurers for having significant holdings in fossil fuels despite pledges by the companies to be more climate friendly.

A report released today alleges that Allianz, Generali, Munich Re, Swiss Re and Zurich continue to hold at least $361 million of assets collectively in companies that are planning to develop 97,000 megawatts of new coal power plants.

Unfriend Coal, a coalition of climate activists, put out a sort of put your money where your mouth is report examining the climate and coal policies of the insurers ahead of half-year media reports due this month from Allianz (Aug. 4), Swiss Re (Aug. 4), Munich Re (Aug. 9) and Zurich (Aug. 10).

The release of the report is timed to put the information in the hands of financial journalists and analysts just ahead of when the carriers are reaching out to the media and public to talk about their financial results for the first half of the year, according to one of the authors of the report.

Coal investments and climate risk have financial implications for insurers, said Peter Bosshard, coordinator of the Unfriend Coal coalition and director of the finance program for the Sunrise Project. The Sunrise Project is an Australian group thats part of the coalition, which includes Friends of the Earth France, Greenpeace Switzerland, Re:Common (Italy) and Urgewald (Germany).

The report is part of a broad movement on myriad fronts to get the financial industry away from coal and fossil fuel investments.

The G20s Financial Stability Board last year issued recommendations for companies to disclose how they manage risks to their business from climate change and greenhouse gas emission cuts.

There are also efforts in the U.S. to get insurers to disclose their investments in coal from some state regulators, who say that coal and fossil fuels are at risk of being stranded due to regulatory trends and falling prices for alternative fuels. However, those efforts havent gone unchallenged.

The $361 million of investments highlighted in the report are in coal companies that are expanding their capacity  that figure does not include investments in coal companies that arent expanding, Bosshard said.

Only investments in expanding coal concerns were examined because investing in this expansion undermines the goal of the Paris agreement, which is to curtail greenhouse gases and reduce reliance on dirty fuels, he said.

The $361 million in assets held by Allianz, Generali, Munich Re, Swiss Re and Zurich in companies that are planning to capacity are in 20 countries, including China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Poland.

If completed these projects would make it impossible for the world to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, Unfriend Coal states in its report.

On its face, the report appears goes counter to the popular notion that European insurers are ahead of their counterparts when it comes to divesting in fossil fuels and environmentally conscious investing.

Others who have compiled reports on investments in fossil fuels have lauded European insurers for being more progressive on climate change than their U.S. counterparts. And unlike many European insurers, the U.S. PC industry mostly reacted with silence to President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw the country from the Paris climate change accord.

Bosshard said the report shouldnt be taken as an indication that European insurers are falling behind.

We see the European insurers as leaders in this field, Bosshard said. They have taken action, we recognize that. But their effort is not yet consistent. There are a lot of gaps and contradictions.

Ceres, a sustainability advocate that also produces reports on climate change and the insurance industry, applauded the authors of the report and encouraged further assessments that take into account both energy transition and physical impact risk of climate change.

Many of the worlds largest insurers remain potentially highly exposed to climate change risk, and its negative effects on companies assets and liabilities, said Cynthia McHale, director of the Ceres insurance program. Scenario analysis can be particularly helpful to companies when assessing climate change, as outcomes are highly uncertain and they will play out over a long period of time.

Many of the insurers being called out not only have significant investments in coal, but they continue to underwrite new coal power plants, according to the report.

While Allianz, Munich Re and Swiss Re are in the process of divesting their assets from the coal sector, so far only Frances AXA has also stopped underwriting coal companies in which it no longer invests. AXA is also the only carrier divesting third-party assets which it manages from the coal sector, according to the report.

The group couldnt offer specific underwriting data to expand on its allegations.

The report also calls out Zurich and Generali for taking little to no action to distance themselves from coal.

Zurich so far hasnt taken any active policy on coal, said Bosshard, who believes the carrier could divest easily since it has so little of its overall investment in coal.

Zurichs coal holdings make up less than 0.5 percent of its total bond portfolio, according to the report.

However small the percentage, the total of Zurich holdings in coal appear to be large. The company currently holds bonds of at least $164.7 million in coal companies, and its portfolio includes major exposure to coal mining and power companies with a bad environmental track record like Duke Energy, Glencore and BHP Billiton, according to the report.

A spokeswoman from Zurich offered the following emailed statement when asked for a comment for this article:

Zurichs exposure to coal is very limited both on the insurance business and investment sides. With regard to fossil fuels and the energy sector in general, we continue to act responsibly in both our investments and insurance for this sector. Rather than systematically exclude certain assets or business sectors, it is better to engage with customers to understand their business and operations, and work together to ensure responsible and sustainable business practices are in place.

The spokeswoman also noted that Zurich has nearly $2 billion invested in green bonds to date. In addition to its green bond investing practices, the carrier has also been called out for other environmentally friendly measures it has taken. That includes its new 783,800-square-foot corporate campus in a Chicago suburb, which has garnered high recognition for its environmental design and building sustainability.

Spokespersons for Munich Re, Swiss Re, Generali and Allianz were all reached out to for comment. Those queries were not immediately returned.

Allianz was a main focus of the report for continuing to manage large coal assets for third parties through its investment funds, making Allianz is the most active investor in the expansion of global coal capacity, according to authors of the report.

The report shows that Allianz is holding $241 million in equity and bonds of coal companies that are still expanding.

Bosshard acknowledged that Allianz has taken big steps to divest from coal, but he said the company still has large investments funds at play in the coal sector.

They take pride in having divested their own resources, but theyre really offering a platform to keep this industry alive, he said.

Swiss Re is another company that has taken great strides to rid itself of coal investments, but the company continues to invest in tar sands in Canada and in pipelines like Keystone, TransMountain and Dakota Access, according to the report.

Unfriend Coal is evidently not done with pressing the insurance industry to be more environmentally friendly.

The group is currently working on a scorecard on investing in and underwriting fossil fuels that will rank 25 of the worlds leading insurers, which it plans to publish in November, according to Bosshard.

Related:

Topics Carriers USA Europe Energy Oil Gas Climate Change Market Generali Life Assurance (Thailand) Plc. Allianz Swiss Re
Chubb announced the appointment of three new positions within its regional claims team.

Marc Scheidegger has been appointed as claims director, Continental Europe, and will be based in Paris. With 22 years of experience in the insurance industry, Scheidegger joined Chubb from Zurich where he served in a series of senior claims roles with international responsibilities  most recently as chief claims officer, Hong Kong General Insurance.

John Latter has been appointed as claims director, UK and Ireland, and is based in London. Latter has more than 30 years of insurance industry experience and also joins Chubb from Zurich, where he was director of Technical Centre, UK Claims. Prior to this, Latter held a number of senior claims roles with both UK and international responsibilities.

Both Scheidegger and Latter will report to Steve Parry, director of claims, Europe and Eurasia & Africa.

To further strengthen Chubbs regional claims team, Kevin Smith has been appointed as European claims service manager. Based in London, Smith will have responsibility for overall service delivery across Europe and will focus on major multinational accounts, as well as the development of Chubbs service proposition across the middle market and SME sectors. Smith first joined Chubb in 2003 as property claims adjuster in London. After occupying a number of external roles in the technical and claims management spheres, Smith returned in 2013 as assistant property claims manager, Europe. He also will report to Steve Parry.

Source: Chubb

Topics Claims Europe London Chubb
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of GPL Assurance Inc. (GPL), located in Montreal, Quebec. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1968, GPL is a retail insurance broker offering commercial property and casualty services to large corporations, middle-market and small business clients, as well as personal lines solutions for individuals, across the province of Quebec, Canada, said a statement from Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based Gallagher.

GPL specializes in developing tailored risk management and insurance programs for the construction, knowledge-economy and commercial/SME sectors, the company added.

President and CEO Louis-Thomas Labbe and his associates will continue to operate in their current locations in Montreal and Laval, Quebec, under the direction of Stephen Bryant, head of Gallaghers Canadian brokerage operations.

GPL has an excellent reputation for superior client service, niche expertise and risk-management-led programs, with a team-based culture and family values similar to Gallaghers, said J. Patrick Gallagher Jr., chairman, president and CEO.

Their strong geographic presence in Quebec will be an excellent complement to our existing Canadian operations in other provinces, he added.

Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies A.J. Gallagher Canada
H.W. Kaufman Financial Group announced that Daniel J. Kaufman will assume a broader leadership role as senior vice president of corporate growth at the company headquarters in Detroit, Mich.

Kaufman will continue to serve as managing director and lead the Chicago, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Minneapolis offices.

He will lead the sales and marketing function and work with the information technology team on initiatives related to corporate growth and development.

He returns to the companys Detroit headquarters after spending 10 years in Chicago, where he led the Burns & Wilcox Chicago office. Burns & Wilcox is a wholesale brokerage and member of H.W. Kaufman Financial Group.

Topics Michigan
MJ Insurance announced it has launched MJ Student-Run Insurance Company Ltd. at Butler University in Indianapolis.

Butlers Lacy School of Business originated the insurance company to provide students with real-world experience in all facets of running an insurance company and will prepare them for an industry that anticipates 400,000 job openings by 2020.

Students in the program will learn how to write insurance policies, explore coverage terms, how to finance the company and other business tactical items.

Colin MacNab, executive vice president of property/casualty at MJ Insurance who serves on the Davey Program board at the university, served as a mentor for students in the Risk Management & Insurance program at Butler.

The experience these undergrads will gain from this student-run operation are unparalleled, allowing students to have a hands-on learning experience. Students will gain technical experience that is normally acquired through an entry-level position. With this program, students will have mastered the knowledge and expertise required for a position that typically needs 1-3 years of real-world experience, he said in statement.

Michaela Neal, risk transfer specialist trainee and former intern at MJ Insurance, recently graduated from Butler University and served as a key participant in the student-run captive program. During this time, she was able to create and update insurance financial reports, implement loss control techniques and underwrite real loss exposures. MacNab said Neal has been able to advance quickly at MJ due to her experience at Butler.

In the companys announcement, Jon Loftin, president and COO of MJ Insurance, said: Were excited to partner with Butler on this experiential learning program where students will gain a deeper understanding of the industry and all of the career paths it may provide.

MJ Insurance is a property-casualty and employee benefits agency that, since 1964, has grown from a two-person start-up to an agency with more than 140 employees in both Phoenix and Indianapolis.

Source: MJ Insurance

Topics Carriers Education Universities
A Canadian company that owns a brewery in southern Wisconsin has filed a federal lawsuit alleging antitrust violations by two of the worlds largest brewing companies.

Mountain Crest says in the suit filed this week that AB InBev of Belgium and Molson Coors Brewing Co. in Denver had an arrangement with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario from 2000 to 2015 that restricted the sale of other U.S. beer in the Canadian province.

The suit says the companies violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by controlling the distribution and retail options in Ontario.

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 said.

The company said the agreement limited Mountain Crests growth and sales. The company seeks lost revenue and $200,000 in punitive damages.

The Alberta-based company owns Minhas Craft Brewery in Monroe, the Wisconsin State Journal reported .

The brewery produces Mountain Crest Classic Lager, Clear Creek Ice and Boxer. It exports much of its product to Canada.

ABI has more than 40 percent shares of the U.S. and Canadian beer markets. Its three global brands are Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois. ABI spokeswoman Gemma Hart wrote in an email that the company was aware that the lawsuit has been filed and intend to vigorously defend against it.

Molson Coors has nearly 30 percent of the U.S. beer market and almost 35 percent of the Canadian beer market. Its main brands are Carling, Coors, Miller and Molson Canadian. Molson Coors spokesman Colin Wheeler declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits USA Canada Wisconsin
As states institute opioid policies to address the opioid epidemic, a new study has found considerable decreases in the prevalence of longer-term dispensing of opioids to injured workers in a number of states studied.

The study, Longer-Term Dispensing of Opioids, 4th Edition, by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), examined trends of longer-term dispensing of opioids in 26 state workers compensation systems. It also documents how often the services such as drug testing, psychological evaluation and treatment recommended by treatment guidelines were used for managing chronic opioid therapy.

WCRI released this sample of the studys findings:

The frequency of claims that received opioids on a longer-term basis decreased more than four percentage points in Kentucky and New York. The same measure decreased two to three percentage points in several other states (Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota and Tennessee). Noticeable decreases in the longer-term dispensing of opioids were also seen in several other states, including California, Florida and Texas, with reductions of one to two percentage points.

Among claims with injuries in 2013 that were observed over a two-year time period ending March 2015, longer-term dispensing of opioids was most prevalent in Louisiana1 in 6 injured workers with opioid prescriptions were identified as receiving longer-term opioids. Compared with most study states, the number was also higher in California, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. By contrast, about 1 in 25 injured workers with opioid prescriptions received them on a longer-term basis in Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.

The study continued to find that fewer than expected injured workers who received opioids on a longer-term basis had certain services (i.e., drug testing, psychological evaluation and treatment, etc.) recommended by treatment guidelines for chronic opioid management. For example, in 19 out of 26 states, less than 10 percent of injured workers with longer-term opioids received psychological evaluations.

Research finds that high doses and prolonged use of opioids may lead to addiction, increased disability or work loss, and even death, said Ramona Tanabe, WCRIs executive vice president and counsel. The information in this report can help policymakers and other stakeholders compare the trend of longer-term dispensing of opioids in their state to other states, and learn what policy tools are available to reduce unnecessary opioid use.

This study used data comprising more than 400,000 nonsurgical workers compensation claims with more than seven days of lost time; more than two million prescriptions are associated with these claims from 26 states. These claims had injuries in 2010 and 2013 and received on average up to 24 months of medical treatment. The sample of claims in the study represents 3669 percent of workers compensation claims in each state.

The 26 states in the study are Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Cambridge, Mass. Its members include employers, insurers, governmental entities, managed care companies, health care providers, insurance regulators, state labor organizations and state administrative agencies in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Topics California Texas Claims Workers' Compensation Talent Kansas Drugs
Liberty Mutual Holding Co. Inc. reported net income $126 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of $111 million over the same period in 2016 thanks to improved investment returns.

The rise in net income offset a 1.3 point deterioration in the total combined ratio that rose to 102.7.

Net premiums written in the quarter grew 9.9 percent including the impact of the acquisition of specialty insurer Ironshore in May.

Liberty Mutual acquired a 100 percent ownership interest in Ironshore for approximately $3 billion. The company financed the acquisition primarily through short-term borrowings that it said will be repaid by the end of the third quarter using cash from operations.

David H, Long, chairman and chief executive officer, said the company believes Ironshore will be a significant contributor with lots of synergies in reinsurance purchasing in particular and overall brings valuable scale and capabilities in excess and surplus lines in the U.S. that the insurer has not had up until now.

The insurer is combining its Liberty International Underwriters U.S. business and Ironshores U.S. specialty lines business under the Ironshore brand, creating the sixth largest writer of excess and surplus lines in the U.S. based on 2016 direct written premium.

The acquisition and integration costs for the Ironshore acquisition for three months were $26 million.

Second Quarter Results

Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2017 was $126 million, an increase of $111 million over the same period in 2016.

Net written premium for the three months was $9.910 billion, an increase of $892 million or 9.9 percent over the same period in 2016.

Net operating income was $54 million, a decrease of $64 million or 54.2 percent from the same period in 2016.

The consolidated combined ratio before catastrophes was 93.8, an increase of 1.5 points over the same period in 2016. Including the impact of catastrophes, the combined ratio increased 1.3 points to 102.7.

Personal lines saw operating profit fall to $11 million from $60 million for the same quarter last year and the combined ratio rise to 101.4 from 100.2.

The U.S. auto business ended the quarter with a 101.4 combined ratio, up slightly from last period largely due to weather losses. The company has been increasing its rates to address auto loss trends and expects to see results in this line improve this year and into next year.

Total commercial lines new written premiums were $2.5 billion, up 6.5 percent from $2.4 billion. Commercial lines operating income fell to $31 million from $131 million. The commercial combined ratio was 108.5 (99.2 without catastrophes), compared to 103.5 in the second quarter last year. There was adverse development in commercial auto, which recorded a combined ratio of 113.

Six Months Results

Year-to-date net written premiums for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $19.144 billion, an increase of $1.354 billion or 7.6 percent over the same period in 2016. Consolidated net income for the six months was $478 million, an increase of $65 million or 15.7 percent over the same period in 2016.

The consolidated combined ratio for the six months was 93.9, an increase of 1.2 points over the same period in 2016. Including the impact of catastrophes, the combined ratio for the six months increased 3.2 points to 102.1.

Source: Liberty Mutual

Topics USA Profit Loss
While spring floods left many rice farmers with fewer acres of rice than they originally planned, theyre hopeful a rising market can offset at least some of the lost acreage.

We had 1,400 acres, and we were able to salvage 150 (acres), Lynn farmer Jerry Morgan said. The rest of it failed.

Morgan said when the levee in Pocahontas broke in May due to record floods, it sent water into the Lawrence County area, hurting the rice crop.

With all of the recent flooding, Morgan said there is no more room for error for farmers.

Pocahontas farmer Greg Baltz said hes down about 20 percent in acreage, but said hes got some early and late crops that are looking good.

The Jonesboro Sun reports that in 2016, farmers were hit by excess rain, in both May and August, but Morgan, along with other farmers, said the damage done wasnt enough to recoup losses through insurance coverage. This year, however, that changed, with insurance able to cover losses, though a profit remains almost impossible, Morgan said.

We lost enough (insurance) is going to pay us some, Morgan said, though the exact amount hell be able to recover isnt yet known.  Youre not going to make any money. It hurts. On top of last year, when we didnt get any relief, it makes it difficult.

While flooding makes work hard for farmers in Northeast Arkansas, the rice market as a whole is up, Morgan said, with the latest numbers in the $12 per hundredweight range.

It hasnt been there in a while, Morgan said.

If rice can wind up at about $6 per bushel, Sedgwick farmer Mitch Worlow said, that would be great.

When its down below $5, bankers tighten up, Worlow said.

While the market is up, Baltz said without a positive yield, the increased value of rice wont mean much.

Craighead County Extension Agent Branon Thiesse said rice is starting to head, so at this time, its hard to tell exactly how the market will look compared to previous years.

The recent hot temperatures also hurt the crop, Thiesse said.

As it goes through the flowering period, cooler temperatures will really help, Thiesse said.  Higher temperatures lead to pollination issues.

Worlow added that rice needs to not work as hard at night, and needs cooler temperatures to help it rest.

Morgan said the countrys recent deal with China to send American rice to the country for the first time in history has a chance to make a major difference.

If China bought every grain (of rice) that we grew, itd last them 13 days, Morgan said.  I really see potential for the rice market.

USA Rice, an industry association, confirmed Morgans assertion about how long the rice would last. China is the largest consumer, producer and importer of rice in the world, according to the association.

The new deal was announced July 20 by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

While challenges remain, Morgan is confident rice has a good future.

Im optimistic about rice, and have been, Morgan said.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Flood Agribusiness China Arkansas
A four-star Kentucky hotel has discovered a data breach threatening guests credit card information.

News outlets report The Galt House hotel in Louisville said last month that an internal investigation found malware had been stealing information from a payment card processing system. The hotel says guests who stayed at the hotel between Dec. 21, 2016, and April 11 could be affected.

The malware copied guest payment information, including names and account numbers, as well as credit card expiration dates and verification codes.

The hotel says it has resolved the issue and is working to strengthen its cybersecurity.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Cyber Kentucky
La Iuventa, nave della ong tedesca Jugend rettet, partita nella tarda sera di ieri da Lampedusa dopo essere stata posta sotto sequestro, e arrivata al porto di Trapani.

Linchiesta

I magistrati procedono a carico di ignoti per favoreggiamento dellimmigrazione clandestina. Per i pm, che hanno cominciato a indagare su input di due operatori di Save The Children, almeno in tre occasioni lequipaggio della Iuventa si sarebbe spinto a ridosso delle coste libiche per prendere a bordo profughi che non versavano in situazioni di pericolo. Linchiesta tratteggia un accordo tra Iuventa, diventata una sorta di taxi per i profughi, e scafisti a cui venivano persino restituite le imbarcazioni. Una condotta irregolare, punita dal codice penale, che, pero, hanno precisato i magistrati, non aveva scopi di lucro, ma era dettata da motivi umanitari.

A disposizione

Long Jugend Rettet su Twitter scrive: Per noi il salvataggio di vite umane e e sara la priorita e ci dispiace non poter operare nella zona di ricerca e salvataggio in questo momento. Non vogliamo fare alcuna ipotesi, per questo stiamo raccogliendo informazioni a tutti i livelli e solo dopo potremmo valutare le accuse. Speriamo di incontrare le autorita italiane prestissimo.

Battaglia legale

La strategia difensiva verra messa a punto nei prossimi giorni quando i vertici della ong verranno in Italia ad incontrare lavvocato Leonardo Marino, esperto di diritto dellimmigrazione. Di certo ai giudici del Riesame di Trapani verra chiesta la restituzione della Iuventa e del materiale sequestrato a bordo: pc e documenti. Lequipaggio, sentito dagli inquirenti, intanto e stato trasferito, con scorta della Guardia Costiera, in case private dellisola solitamente destinate allaffitto ai turisti.

Ue alla finestra

Il portavoce della Commissione europea Mina Andreeva ha commentato: Sappiamo dellincidente ma non abbiamo dettagli. Abbiamo fiducia nelle autorita italiane che stanno gestendo la cosa. Long tedesca, insieme a Msf, Sos Mediterranee e Sea-Watch, non ha firmato il codice di condotta per i soccorsi in mare predisposto dal Viminale. A sottoscrivere le regole del ministero dellInterno sono state, invece, Moas, Save the children, Proactiva Open Arms e Sea-Eye. Mi dispiace che alcune ong abbiano scelto di non firmare. Dobbiamo lavorare tutti assieme per smantellare il modello di business dei trafficanti ed evitare le morti dei migranti. Per questo chiedo di nuovo a tutte le organizzazioni di aderire alliniziativa, ha detto il commissario europeo a Migrazione e Affari interni Dimitris Avramopoulos.
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Amanda Knox is offering her support to a Massachusetts woman convicted of manslaughter for encouraging her suicidal boyfriend to kill himself.

Ms Knox, the American exchange student convicted and later cleared of a murder in Italy, wrote in an article published in the Los Angeles Times that Michelle Carter deserves sympathy and help, not a jail sentence.

Carter was sentenced on Thursday to 15 months in jail for the 2014 death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III. Carter was then 17 and is now 20. A judge agreed to her request to remain free on bail while her state appeal is pending.

Ms Knox, 30, is no stranger to sensational trials drawing global media coverage.

The student from Seattle was convicted along with her Italian boyfriend in the 2007 killing of Ms Knoxs roommate, British student Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Italy. Ms Knox spent four years in jail but was absolved by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015.

JUST IN: Michelle Carter, who sent texts urging boyfriend to commit suicide, sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. https://t.co/9r3yURvtF3 pic.twitter.com/goS7gv1MNN  ABC News (@ABC) August 3, 2017

Ms Knox said she felt a "sickening sense of deja vu" as she watched prosecutors try to depict Carter as a "femme fatale", the way she said the media tried to portray her during her trial.

Ms Knox said it was difficult to feel sympathy for Carter, who sent Mr Roy dozens of text messages urging him to follow through on his plan to kill himself and then told him to "get back in" his truck after he became frightened as it filled with carbon monoxide and briefly got out of the vehicle.

But Ms Knox pointed out that for months leading up to Mr Roys suicide, Carter had tried to talk him out of it and urged him to seek mental health counselling. She also wrote that Carter, who struggled with depression, bulimia and anorexia, was "ill-equipped" to help Mr Roy, who also suffered from depression.

"By holding her accountable for Roys death, we increase the tally of victims in this case, we ignore the mental health factors that lead to suicide, and we learn nothing about how to prevent it," Ms Knox wrote.

"Conrad Roy III needed our sympathy and our help and didnt get it in time," she wrote.

"Michelle Carter deserves the same sympathy and help now."

#MichelleCarter prosecutors say they're pleased w/ sentencing. "Conrad Roy was a victim of a homicide." @TodayShow https://t.co/TFTW0FXxbe  Morgan Radford (@MorganRadford) August 4, 2017

- AP
The ICSA wants a debate on breeding strategy to take place before November 1, the start date for a new 38c contribution on the sale of cattle tags, from approved tag suppliers, toward the funding of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has made an agreement with approved cattle tag supply companies to contribute 38c to ICBF on new tags from November 1.

He said this will help fund ICBFs breeding research, which has delivered over 500m of extra profit to the industry overall.

Mr Creed said: Economic Breeding Index has produced better milk solids and more fertile dairy herds. The Eurostars index has delivered improved both carcass weights and conformation to beef herds.

Farmers have been the main beneficiaries of the ICBFs work over the last 20 years. It is essential that farmers 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.

However, John Halley said it was unacceptable that the minister did not consult with ICSA on the decision to make this levy compulsory. He said a range of factors determine profitability in suckling, and said the focus on weight gain must be balanced against price/kg. Both factors must be balanced with cow calving interval and numbers of live calves weaned.

We need a debate to be able to question the new dogma in dairy breeding which completely devalues the beef merit of the calf in favour of a low maintenance small cow that calves within a six-week period and produces high fat and protein, said Mr Halley.

The strategy for dairy breeding is entirely in keeping with New Zealand farming models where the bull calves are killed at birth.

Mr Halley said the ICSA is excluded from decision- making at ICBF board level, while beef breed societies are also under-represented.

The development of intellectual property from the data supplied by farmers is looking like an increasingly important facet of the ICBF model and it is clear that how this is monetised is a matter for all farming representatives, not just some, said Mr Halley.

IFA president, Joe Healy, welcomed the departments agreement with ICBF and tag suppliers in relation to the funding of ICBF. He said the new 38c levy was a fair and proportional method of farmer funding for ICBF.

Mr Healy said that farmer involvement and ownership in the national breeding organisation ICBF is vital to drive strong independent breeding programmes which deliver the greatest possible genetic improvement for the commercial benefit of Irish farmers and also to maintain farmer control and ownership of the national data.

Meanwhile, Macra na Feirme has also welcomed the new 38c ICBF levy.

Macra president, James Healy, said: For many young farmers, they have never operated in a farming enterprise without having access to key ICBF data when making vital breeding decisions. This agreement will, therefore, offer them much reassurance.

ICBF has and will continue to play a pivotal role not only in the dairy and beef industry, but also in Irelands attempts to meet climate change targets.

Data produced by ICBF complements farm profitability, improves milk processing, benefits cattle confirmation and furthers climate change mitigation efforts. This secure source of funding will ensure the contribution ICBF has made to agricultural sector will continue for years to come.
The Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI have urged people to be vigilant and to take care on the water and along the coastline, noting that August was the busiest month for coastal recreational incidents last year.

Irish lifeboat crews last August alone responded 217 times to emergencies at sea.

We are now half way through the summer holidays and are approaching what is traditionally a busy Bank Holiday weekend around the coast and on our inland waters, Kevin Rahill, RNLI Community Safety Partner said.

While that hopefully signals an enjoyable time for many  it sadly also means that we can learn of tragedy or hear of people getting into serious danger, he said.

Those who spot anyone in trouble in the water are advised against diving in to save them.

If you want to help, find something that floats and throw it to them, or shout instructions on how to float until the rescue services arrive, Mr Rahill said.

Meanwhile, those travelling in and out of airports this weekend are advised to give themselves extra time to check-in, with a significant increase in passengers expected this weekend.

More than 400,000 passengers are expected to travel through Dublin Airport alone between Friday and Monday.

Sunday is set to be the busiest day of the weekend with more than 104,000 passengers expected to arrive and depart through both terminals.

The addition of 12 new services to our route network this year, coupled with extra frequencies on many existing routes has contributed to the increases that we are experiencing in passenger numbers, said Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison.

Passengers are advised to check which terminal their flight is departing from before leaving home and should plan to arrive in the terminal building at least 90 minutes before their flight departure time, irrespective of whether they are checking in on the web or at the airport.

Finally, the AA is calling on drivers to exercise additional caution while driving, given the increase in the number of cars on Irish roads expected over the coming days.

The AA also said that with weather conditions expected to remain largely dry over the weekend, it is likely that the numbers of cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists on the roads will also increase over the coming days.
The development follows some uncertainty among authorities and legal experts as to whether or not possession, or importation, of the dolls constituted a criminal offence under Irish laws.

The legal issue was the subject of a landmark court ruling in Britain earlier this week when it was ruled the child sex dolls are regarded as obscene objects under UK Customs laws.

Following further queries from the Irish Examiner yesterday, Revenue said the Customs Act 2015 gave officers the power to detain objects like child sex dolls and pass them over to gardai.

This legislation gives a Customs officer dealing with any goods at import or export, powers to detain and hand them over to the Garda Siochana, or to any other relevant investigative authority, if the officer has reasonable grounds to suspect the goods may be required as evidence in any criminal proceedings, a statement said.

On child sex dolls, Revenue also said in any case where a child sex doll or other material relating to paedophilia is found by Customs, its policy is to detain the goods under the provisions detailed above and deliver the goods to An Garda Siochana.

It said any investigation or prosecution would be a matter for gardai and that, if a prosecution was taken, it would be up to the courts to ultimately determine whether or not a criminal offence has been committed.

Gardai had told the Irish Examiner on Wednesday they believed the dolls, child-like in appearance, weight, and anatomy were covered by the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998.

Our legislation appears to be wide enough, said Chief Supt Michael Daly of the National Protective Services Bureau said. It does seem to fall within child pornography laws.

But he said he was referring the matter to the Garda Legal Section for advice and stressed the issue has not been tested in court.

Revenue Customs also, midweek, said prohibited items, including obscene material, may be seized by customs and added: Depending on the facts and circumstances, possession of dolls of the type referred to may constitute an offence under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act.

The Department of Justice said there were no current plans to amend the definition of child pornography further but that issues such as this are kept under continuing review.

Professor of law at the University of Limerick, Shane Kilcommins, said he believed any prosecution would be contested in court and it would be difficult to prove.

He said the 1998 Act was broad and child pornography was defined as any visual representation whose dominant characteristic is the depiction, for a sexual purpose, of the genital or anal region of a child.

He said this could arguably include 3D representations like child sex dolls, but added: The prosecution would have to prove that the dominant purpose of the doll is the depiction, for a sexual purpose, of the genital or anal region of a child.

A defendant might argue that the doll does not depict a child, or that a doll does not equate with a child for the purposes of the legislation.

Customs would not say if they had detained a child sex doll, to date, but Chief Supt Daly said gardai had not come across them yet.

He said there was no doubt they will come to Ireland and may already have been imported.
TDs and senators who have been campaigning on behalf of the undocumented Irish in America are worried by new restrictions announced by US President Donald Trump.

While Mr Trump has consistently campaigned against illegal immigration and has pledged to build a wall on the border with Mexico, he has now moved to restrict the number of legal immigrants.

The bill would cut legal immigration by half in the next 10 years and introduce a points-based system prioritising those who speak English, who are well educated, and who can financially support themselves and their families.

Fianna Fail TD Brendan Smith said a clampdown on legal migrants does not bode well for those already in the US looking to gain legal status.

Mr Smith, who chairs the Oireachtas foreign affairs committee, said: We understand that there are up to 50,000 undocumented Irish who want to have their status recognised. That situation will be even more difficult if President Trump introduces further restrictions around immigration.

Mr Smith said he and other politicians are continuously contacted by the families of those living in the US who are unable to travel home for celebrations, weddings, or funerals.

He pointed out that Barack Obama, Mr Trumps predecessor who had wanted to progress the rights of the undocumented, had failed during his term and campaigners are now fighting an uphill battle.

Labour senator Aodhan O Riordain said: I think we should be worried about this, not just what it means for the Irish but what it means for every nationality in the States.

We should be particularly concerned about the culture of fear it is causing. People have been left a little bit more uneasy and scared.

You dont know whether this has been genuinely thought through or if its just a distraction from other issues that he is having. Its always a question you have to ask with this administration.

Mr O Riordain said he had recently travelled to the US and met with a number of undocumented Irish. There is now a huge element of fear and of retreating into the shadows.

He aid the legislation would not impact Irish as much as other non-English speaking nationals, but added it was a worrying development overall.

Backing the legislation, which was introduced by two Republican senators, Mr Trump 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.

Theyre not going to come in and just immediately collect welfare.

Mr Trump said the new law would help US workers by reducing the number of low-paid, foreign workers and would raise wages.

Fianna Fail senator Mark Daly said: The atmosphere in the US does not appear conducive to getting rights for the undocumented.
The money to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) will provide aid in crisis areas like the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chad.

The Government has contributed 22m to the emergency fund so far in 2017.
Sean O Fearghail has conceded that Noirin OSullivan still has a lot of work to do to regain the confidence of the public.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, he said Ms OSullivan was treated robustly by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its investigation into bogus Garda breath tests.

She has been treated robustly, but I would think that anyone who assumes public office would have to accept that with that public office comes the likelihood of being challenged, confronted, and consistently asked to justify your performance, and I have no great problem with that, said Mr O Fearghail.

Ms OSullivan faced rigorous questioning from the committee last month, with its members accusing her of filibustering and damaging confidence in the gardai.

Ms OSullivan has taken extended holiday leave until the end of this month but faces challenges ahead with the Charleton tribunal, further inquiries by PAC into Garda audits, an internal report on penalty-point errors, and an appearance before the Policing Authority.

People need to be treated fairly not just by politicians but by the public, said Mr O Fearghail, speaking about previous concerns he has raised about groupthink in society

That is a point that is not solely attributable to the public attitude to the Garda commissioner. I think we have to be, in our approach to issues of public policy and public controversy, we have to be scrupulously fair, balanced and honest.

Therefore, I am frightened by situations, whatever the situation might be, in which an idea is put abroad that something is intrinsically good or intrinsically bad and everybody buys into that in an uncritical and unquestioning way.

That to me is groupthink and that to me is extremely dangerous and extremely damaging for democracy.

In March, Mr O Fearghail described Ms OSullivan as brave after she faced hours of questioning at an Oireachtas committee on the recording by gardai of 1m fake breath tests.

She has since faced calls for her resignation over the bogus tests scandal after a PAC report.

Mr O Fearghail said he believes the role of commissioner has not been diminished.

This and previous commissioners are well able to defend their performance, he said

Nonetheless, he said Ms OSullivan, who he openly admits is a friend and whose husband he went to school with, still had the task of restoring confidence in the force.

Have the public issues about the gardai? Quite clearly they have.

Analysis: 11
Despite criticisms about accommodation shortages, plans are only now being drawn up to seek proposals from providers.

The Department of Justice has asked the Office of Government Procurement to notify prospective tenderers of its intention to seek offers of accommodation and services for around 600 people. However, a notice issued this week only says that tenders are expected to be sought within the coming months.

The accommodation problem was flagged by department officials to Charlie Flanagan when he became Justice Minister in June. They said securing suitable sites was slowing the rate of bringing asylum- seekers from Greece to Ireland.

So far, 459 of the 1,089 asylum-seekers which the country is committed to relocating from Greece have arrived. Another 440 just received clearance two days ago to travel here, following security checks in Greece by gardai and representatives of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP).

It is unclear if they will be permitted to come here until further emergency reception and orientation centres have been established as initial locations for new arrivals. However, the Department of Justice said all those due from Greece are expected to arrive by years end.

Ireland made a commitment in 2015 to take in 3,800 refugees and asylum- seekers, over and above the normal rate of asylum applications, increasing to 4,000 last year when it was decided to accept 200 unaccompanied minors from Calais in France. The total includes a pledge to take 1,040 refugees by the end of 2017 from Lebanon and elsewhere, 785 of whom have already arrived.

As well as those due to be accepted from Greece, 623 are to be taken from Italy and 910 others from locations yet to be decided.

However, Ireland has not yet relocated anyone from Italy, a situation replicated in up to seven other EU countries. Efforts are continuing to resolve the difficulties which relate to Italys restrictions on gardai and international counterparts interviewing prospective transferees.

Around 500 of the 1,244 people already arrived here under the resettlement and relocation strands of the IRPP are being housed in emergency reception and orientation centres in counties Kildare, Roscommon and Waterford.

The prior information notice issued by the Office of Government Procurement said it will require accommodation and ancillary services for around 600 people. When tenders are sought, it will be looking for premises that can cater for at least 80 residents each, with about 35 bedrooms or more. A Department of Justice spokesperson was unable to say if this reflected the typical size required or if there is any preference for geographical spread of locations.

Any possible future location of an emergency reception and orientation centre would depend entirely on the response to the request for tenders, he said.
Tracey Lynch took the stand yesterday afternoon in the second-degree murder trial in the death of her brother, Jason Corbett, who was found bludgeoned to death two years ago. The second anniversary of his death was Wednesday.

Ms Lynchs testimony about her conversations with her brother about leaving for Ireland permanently with his two children, Jack and Sarah, was hotly contested, and Judge David Lee ultimately decided that she could not testify to those conversations in front of the jury.

Ms Lynch and her husband, David Lynch, have legal guardianship of Mr Corbetts two children, who live in Ireland. Guardianship was granted after a protracted child custody battle with his wife, Molly Martens.

Ms Martens, 33, and her father, Thomas Martens, 67, a former FBI agent, are now on trial for second-degree murder in Mr Corbetts death.

Prosecutors allege that the two beat Mr Corbett to death with a concrete paving brick and a 70cm Louisville Slugger baseball bat.

Both accused claim self-defence and the defence of others and say Mr Martens struck Mr Corbett with the baseball bat because Mr Corbett was choking and threatening to kill Ms Martens.

Outside the presence of the jury, Ms Lynch testified that Mr Corbett had expressed to her that he wanted to go back to Ireland. The initial conversation was in August 2014, she said.

He had good friends there and appreciated them, she said. He planned to go back there before Jack started secondary school.

However, David Freedman, attorney for Mr Martens, got her to acknowledge on cross-examination that Mr Corbett had not made any plane reservations or made any other arrangements to go back to Ireland on a permanent basis.

Assistant district attorney Ina Stanton noted that Mr Corbetts passport was found on a nightstand in the master bedroom where Mr Corbetts body was found.

Ms Lynch also recounted when Mr Corbetts first wife, Margaret Fitzpatrick Corbett, died in November 2006.

She said Mr Corbett had called 911 and had placed her in the car to drive to the hospital.

At some point, she stopped breathing.

Jason took her out of the car and started performing CPR, she said.

Ms Lynch said Mr Corbetts first wife was later put into an ambulance but it was too late. She died on the way, she said.

Ms Lynch also told the jury how Mr Corbett and Ms Martens met in 2008. Mr Corbett had hired Ms Martens as an au pair to take care of household duties and helped take care of the children. However, by 2011, they had married and moved to the US, Ms Lynch said.

A lead detective falsely told an insurance agent that Ms Martens refused to cooperate and answer questions about the death of her husband, an attorney for Ms Martens alleged in court.

The issue yesterday concerned reports from an insurance agent called Alice Huffman, whom Lieutenant Wanda Thompson had interviewed about the familys insurance policy.

Two days into the trial, we receive this report, Walter Holton, one of Ms Martenss attorneys, said outside the presence of the jury.

It is my information that this report was not available to the district attorney or our office until two days into the trial.

Ms Huffman, Mr Holton said, gave detailed accounts of her conversations with Ms Thompson. In one of those conversations, Ms Huffman says Ms Thompson told her Ms Martens refused to answer questions from investigators and that she requested to see an attorney.

Mr Holton said thats simply not true.

Molly Corbett never requested an attorney and never refused to co-operate, he said. Those documents from Ms Huffman would be used to impeach Ms Thompson, who is the next witness in the prosecutions case.

Ms Thompson supervises the detectives in the Davidson County Sheriffs Office, including the lead detectives in this case. Ms Thompson also wrote affidavits for a number of the search warrants in the case.

Mr Holton and Mr Freedman said defence attorneys would have a limited opportunity to impeach Ms Thompson on what Ms Huffman wrote in her documents. Thats because, Mr Holton said, Ms Huffman has refused to talk to defence attorneys and she lives in Maine. It would be difficult to get a court order during the trial to get Ms Huffman to Davidson County to testify, Mr Holton said.

We had no notice that this witness existed, he said.

Ms Stanton argued that defence attorneys will have a chance to cross-examine Ms Thompson and that prosecutors dont plan to ask Ms Thompson about her interviews with Ms Huffman.

Judge David Lee ruled that Ms Thompson could testify. Prosecutors never asked Ms Thompson about Ms Huffman and her reports.

However, another prosecution witness was prevented from testifying  a co-worker of Mr Corbett at Multi Packaging Solutions. Mr Stanton said the co-worker would testify that the two talked about Mr Corbetts concerns about his status with the company and that his marriage was on the rocks. Mr Freedman objected, saying the testimony is irrelevant.

Judge Lee agreed and ruled it could not come in at this point.
Records at the centre for young offenders suggest at least two children who were on single separation had no fresh air or outdoor exercise for seven or eight days.

The lack of robust oversight and monitoring by managers of incidents in which children spent prolonged periods in single separation, prompted Health Information and Quality Authority inspectors to find major non-compliance with care standards at Oberstown.

Irish Penal Reform Trust acting executive director Fiona Ni Chinneide said the revelations about children going days without access to fresh air were deeply concerning. She said use of single separation should be a measure of last resort and for the shortest time.

There were over 3,000 incidents of single separation last year, and eight different children were involved in the 148 cases across a four-month period for which Hiqa reviewed records.

The reasons for separating children were appropriate due to a high level of risk in the majority of cases, inspectors found.

Single separation can be used to manage violent or threatening behaviour, when a child has taken prohibited substances, damages property or is in conflict with their peers. In most cases, children were confined to their rooms, but a protection room was used in rare violent incidents, and periods of separation ranged from a few hours to over a week.

Poor records also made it unclear if the necessary approvals were given to extend periods of separation. The Hiqa report said the lack of childrens access to fresh air or outdoor exercise while in single separation, and the reasons for this, were also not clearly recorded.

For example, in the case of one child, the first record of the child getting out for fresh air in the yard was on day eight after initial separation, it said.

The first record of another child going to the yard for air or exercise was on their fifth day of separation. Access to the yard was not recorded until seven days after separation in another case.

Oberstown campus director Pat Bergin accepted the findings but said actions are being taken to address issues raised at a time of significant changes.

There are procedures in place around recording things effectively, there were deficiencies in that, he told RTE Radios News at One.

Despite many improvements, health and medical services were also in major non-compliance with Hiqa standards, largely due to past problems hiring nurses.

A fire caused extensive damage last year, when the centre was hit by riots and industrial action.
The Cork Mother Jones Committee chose Mr Fleming, who is the International Transport Workers Federations co-ordinator for Britain and Ireland, as well as a senior Siptu official, because of the work he has done since 2006 in ports, recouping millions of euro and fighting for proper working conditions for predominantly foreign fishermen.

Committee spokesman James Nolan said: Ken has bravely exposed the exploitative working practices in sections of the marine and fishing industries and he has sought to organise the migrant fishers.

He has repeatedly called on the relevant State agencies to enforce a recent permit system which would allow these fishers the right to protect themselves against exploitation.

He is a fearless, passionate, and a determined defender of workers who have been denied their rights and continually exposes and challenges a system which treats many of them as virtual slaves.

Mr Fleming, who started work as a bus driver and was back-to-back Irish formula 2 motorbike champion in 1980-81, worked his way through Siptu, which seconded him in 2006 to succeed the late Tony Ayton in the International Transport Workers Federation.

He said he had travelled a very long and hard road defending workers, but the award had electrified him.

The knowledge that a fully independent group not only recognise the work we have done but fully support the determination to stamp out the scandalous abuse of workers completely is inspiring, he said.

This award represents the most satisfying moment of my career. It places the work of the ITF amongst a very special group of people that have devoted a great part of their working lives to see justice done.

In accepting the award, Mr Fleming follows in the footsteps of the likes of Margaret Aspinall and Sue Roberts of the Hillsborough Family Support Group who fought for truth and justice for the families of the 96 people who died in the stadium disaster; Gareth Peirce who successfully defended the Guildford Four, who were acquitted and released from jail in 1989; homeless campaigner Fr Peter McVerry; and Dave Hopper, former general secretary of the Durham Miners Association.

Mary Harris aka Mother Jones was born in Cork in the 1830s. Her family emigrated to Canada soon after the Famine.

Later in the US, she was involved in the struggle for basic rights for workers and childrens rights. Her rallying cry was: Pray for the dead but fight like hell for the living.
Howre oo goin on? Herself is clearly doing a great job as press liaison officer for Dunmanway Pitch and Putt Club. If you doubt this, then consider the following. Didnt she get a phonecall from Washington DC last night, to inform her she is in the running to be communications director in the White House, after Trump got rid of your man who talks like Joe Pesci.

Anyway, were flying over Monday for a short interview. What do you think she should wear?  Joe Ger Joe Ger, head out towards Drinagh until you see a man practising his howdy, partner.

Judging by the way things are going in the White House, I think her best bet is to make it look like she went to Clown College.

This should be no problem for a woman from West Cork  just tell her dress like shes going to a wedding. Honestly, you should have seen the Bantry woman at my nephews bash last year  she looked like shed been attacked by a charity shop.

I was using Google Maps to snoop on my neighbours back garden yesterday, when who did I spot but my Reggie getting off with their cleaning lady?

He was devastated when I confronted him, as you can clearly see his bald spot. Im torn between sharing the photo with our friends or asking him to buy me a BMW I8 with all the extras. What do you reckon?  Marjorie, Blackrock, I always insist on leather seats.

Theyd be a nice match with your skin. Id share the photo if I were you. A well-kept blonde driving a 100-grand sports car down the Blackrock Road just screams, I caught my husband doing the dirt. (Bear that in mind the next time you see one.)

Infidelity can be tough though. My poor Conor was devastated when he found out I was working my way through the staff of our local pizzeria. He said, its very hard. I said there is no point in talking dirty, I have to head out and meet Carlo, or is it Marco? That made him even sadder.

Cmere girl, this one at work from Bishopstown has invited me to her wedding next weekend. I was just in the hotel shes using for the reception there and the price of booze do be brutal.

Do you think the nobby types from Bishopstown will look down at me if I smuggle in a bottle of vodka?  Geraldine, Ballyvolane, it does be costing me enough as it stands.

Sure, youre probably on your third barrel of fake tan. (Do Norries drink it or what, like?) The posh crowd in Bishopstown look down on everyone, which is hilarious, when you consider most of them still have a grandaunt in Macroom with only one tooth.

I had a great time when I smuggled a bottle of gin into a wedding last weekend. My Conor said one more of them and youll be under the table.

I said two more and Ill be under the best man. He laughed but I could see he didnt find it funny.

Bonjour. Myself and my wife arrive in Cork this weekend for a little break. Where would be a good place to see some local customs?  Jean Luc, Bordeaux, I should mention we have an open marriage.

I should mention Kinsale. They have a regatta there this weekend. Its where posh locals peer through binoculars on their yachts and say, Have the common types gone back to Ballyphehane yet, Gordon?

Meanwhile, back on shore they have traditional Kinsale games like the Greasy Pole and Swap the Wife. During last years regatta, I told my cousin in Belgooly I was heading down to Kinsale to see the Greasy Pole.

She said you mean the guy in work from Warsaw who could do with washing his hair. I said yes because you could be there all day trying to explain things to her. (No, Jenny, its a pole by the sea, covered in grease. I know Audrey. His name is Pawel.)

I LITERALLY CANNOT BELIEVE what is happening in my life right now!!! I was TOTALLY dating this guy from Ballincollig who was dead keen to show me off to his olds, because my pater owns half of Dalkey.

Anyhow, I arrived out there and started laughing because there was ANOTHER house stuck on the side of their house. Worse again, I pointed at the new Mercedes E450 parked outside their house and said, SORRY MAN, you hired that for the day just to impress me, and his old man went BRIGHT RED because it was TOTALLY TRUE.

Anyway, my boyfriend broke it off LITERALLY there and then. Can you like help?  Jenna, D4 and St Lukes, he said I was a nob end.

He doesnt mean it. He probably wanted to say youre a toxic nob end, but was in too much of a rush to get away. SOZ!!
When I read that hackers had taken over a terabyte of movies and other files from HBO, putting one of its most valuable properties, Game of Thrones, at risk, I wondered: How do you not notice that suddenly over a terabyte of data connected to highly confidential properties is being siphoned out of a company? Given the commentary from the hackers, Id bet money that this will eventually be traced to some summer intern (at least thats where Id start). After the Sony hack, firms like HBO were all supposed to put in file access controls and monitors like Varonis, put in aggressive network monitoring capability, and make sure that physical storage media isnt making it in and out of sites (granted, with SSD cards starting to get to terabyte capacity, this last is getting more difficult).

At HBO, many people are probably wondering if theyll have jobs at the end of the month, because it is doubtful the HBO board or executive staff is in much of a forgiving mood given the coverage.

Recalling the Sony Hack

Recall that the fallout of the Sony hack was the inability to release a movie, a CEO who had to step down, and a lot of relationship-damaging email getting out. This last created huge ongoing problems not only for the studio but for anyone who wrote one of those highly personal and embarrassing emails. In effect, the hack, allegedly done by North Korea, created the opportunity to blackmail many Sony executives and successfully blackmail the company in general. As a result, the true cost to the firm was likely billions more than anything that was reported because those emails probably uncovered internal affairs, illicit use of company property, improper expenses, and pictures folks dont want to see on the news. Not everything that was taken was probably ever released, but sits out there, either generating cash for those who took it, or keeping the folks who created it from sleeping soundly at night.

Email Lessons

One lesson we should learn is that if you dont want it in the news, dont put it in email. I used to do email audits and it still amazes me what people put in email. An impressive amount of it would get people fired, damage important relationships (including leading to divorce), and potentially end careers. Weve seen some incredible foolishness on Twitter and other social networks that end careers but these things likely dont hold a candle to what many who laugh at the social media mistakes put in email.

Email is not a secure mode of communications. It does create a document trail, your employer (and auditors) can look at it without telling you, and if you read the fine print from email providers and carriers, they pretty much have unfettered rights to anything you put in it.

So, if you dont want your kids to see it, if you dont want your pastor to see it, if you dont want your spouse to see it, and if you dont want it in your personnel file, dont put it in email. Then if someone hacks into your email repository, you dont have to suddenly start working on your resume or think about changing your Facebook status to suddenly single.

Crisis Management

Every firm should have a crisis management team that is ready to step in if there is a crisis. We have state-level hackers now, suggesting that if you are a major brand or have anything a foreign state wants, you are going to get hacked. Regulated industries like health care are going to get hacked, ransomware will make it into the firm and do damage, and someone will do something stupid and files will be stolen. This is on top of the typical list of idiotic things top executives get caught doing in public and large-scale product or service failures.

The faster an experienced team can step in and take control of the news cycle, the less likely it will spin out of control and do even more damage than the original crisis did.

Wrapping Up: Learn from HBO

This stuff generally happens because someone who owns the security budget thinks a major theft wont happen. This should be a reminder that it will and given the amount of black hat activity now, you can almost be certain it will happen to your shop. On top of the obvious security protections, particularly including an access control product (I still think the HBO breach was likely an intern), you need tight email policies and reminders, and a crisis management team.

Sony should have taken far more precautions. But for HBO, this breach is even more embarrassing because it was clearly warned. For us, like Game of Thrones, winter isnt coming, it is already here.

Rob Enderle is President and Principal Analyst of the Enderle Group, a forward-looking emerging technology advisory firm. With over 30 years experience in emerging technologies, he has provided regional and global companies with guidance in how to better target customer needs; create new business opportunities; anticipate technology changes; select vendors and products; and present their products in the best possible light. Rob covers the technology industry broadly. Before founding the Enderle Group, Rob was the Senior Research Fellow for Forrester Research and the Giga Information Group, and held senior positions at IBM and ROLM. Follow Rob on Twitter @enderle, on Facebook and on Google+
Image courtesy of Lovemore Kambudzi



Interview: Lovemore Kambudzi

Luca Curci talks with Lovemore Kambudzi Winner of GLOBAL VILLAGE AWARD of ITS LIQUID INTERNATIONAL CONTEST 4TH EDITION 2017.

Lovemore Kambudzi was born in Seke, Chitungwiza, just outside Harare in Zimbabwe, 1978. He grew up in Mbare, innercity of Harare where he excelled at arts at school. Lovemore attended the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) Visual Arts Studios (sponsored by the British  American Tobacco) in Mbare (1996  98) where twelve students a year were selected and studied art O-level and then A-level and then he was one of just two students selected to continue for a final year studying a course similar to a degree foundation course. While still a student in Mbare, Lovemores work was included in the Biennale Exhibition at NGZ and he was given an Award of Distinction as a young artist of promise. He was also discovered by Harares Gallery Delta, who have represented him from 1998. Lovemore developed a style of painting while breaking form realism, daubs of paint coalesce into large vibrant scenes bringing contemporary Zimbabwe to life. Oil on canvas is his most preferred medium. Lovemore has a reputation as a chronicler of the people  his solo exhibition in 2007 was entitled The Eye of The People an epithet that has stuck with him ever since. As a social critic through his art, Lovemore cannot help but enter a political commentary as the economic and political situation in Zimbabwe impacts on every sphere of life.

Image courtesy of Lovemore Kambudzi

Luca Curci  What do you think about the concept of this contest? What drove you to participate?

Lovemore Kambudzi  I think that the concept of this contest is eye opening as it gives artists from around the globe an equal opportunity to share their story with the rest of the world . This wonderful life changing opportunity of having my work in the Global Village travelling exhibition at an international level is what drove me to participate in this contest.

L.C.  What message is linked to your artworks?

L.K.  My paintings in different ways are a reflection of unresolved social and economic issues which have been trigered by a trail of human misery and degradation amoung other things that we are exposed to in Africa.

Image courtesy of Lovemore Kambudzi

L.C.  What is your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?

L.K.  I grew up in Mbare, Harare where l excelled at Arts at school. l attended the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) Visual Arts Studios (sponsored by British-American Tobacco) in Mbare 1996  1998 where twelve students a year were selected and studied O-Levelthen A-Level. I was one of just two students selected to continue for a final year studying a course similar to a degree foundation course. While still a student my work was included in the Biennale Exhibition at National Galllery of Zimabwe and l was given an award of distinction as a young artist of promise. That is my background over and above. After l left school in 1998, the situation in Zimbabwe suddenly became very tense and unstable  the farm invasions and the political atmosphere heralded a swift decline in the economy and the living standards of Zimbabweans in general. The regime became increasingly repressive and free speech was stifled.l found this environment very inspirational for me as an artist, and felt compelled to document these events through my work.

Image courtesy of Lovemore Kambudzi

L.C.  How is being an artist nowadays?

L.K.  Being an artist nowadays is hard. l have been accused of being political, but l paint what l see and the situation in Zimbabwe is all-pervasive, the poverty, the violence, the decline in service delivery fueled by corruption and the difficulties of day-today life. As a result, l have failed to show some of my work in Zimbabwe, others Galleries do not want to risk their permits withdrawn for showing my paintings. l am forced to paint the subjects that NGZ is welcome to exhibit because l also have to earn a living.

L.C.  What is art for you ?

L.K.  Art is my life!, or rather a way of life which is why l produce quality paintings even when customers are scarce.

Image courtesy of Lovemore Kambudzi



L.C.  What is your creative process like?

L.K.  l use pencil on paper first to make my sketches inspired by day to day life activities with people and places as l move around. Back in my studio, l draw my sketches on canvas where dauds of paint coalese into large vibrant scenes bringing contemporary Zimbabwe to life.

L.C.  Do you think ITS LIQUID Group can represent an apportunity for artists?

L.K.  Absolutely Yes ! ITS LIQUID Group pays hommage to my cultural background while it brings it to an universal disclose.
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Ellen J. MacKenzie, an expert on improving trauma care systems and policy and a nationally renowned researcher, veteran academic leader, and Johns Hopkins faculty member since 1979, will be the 11th dean of the universitys Bloomberg School of Public Health.

MacKenzie will assume her new role on Oct. 1. She was chair of the Bloomberg Schools Department of Health Policy and Management from 2005 until last year and was recently appointed the universitys 30thBloomberg Distinguished Professor.

I have been deeply impressed by Dr. MacKenzies appreciation for todays global and local public health challenges, and by her visionary understanding of the Bloomberg Schools role as a leader in confronting these challenges, said Ronald J. Daniels, president of the university. Her renowned scholarship, proven academic leadership, and tireless commitment to the mission of Johns Hopkins make her ideally suited to serve as the next Bloomberg School dean.

MacKenzie will lead the worlds first and largest school of public health, a global pioneer in addressing health problems at a community or population level rather than one patient at a time. She earned her Master of Science in biostatistics from the school in 1975 and completed her Ph.D. there in 1979. She then joined the faculty, rising to full professor in 1991.

My love for the field of public health and the school started as a graduate student in biostatistics and I have never looked back, MacKenzie said, noting that the school recently celebrated its centennial. To think I am now in the position to help guide us into the next 100 years of our history is incredibly humbling, but energizing at the same time. I look forward to working closely with faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends of the school in staying true to our mission and meeting the evolving challenges of public health both locally and globally.

MacKenzies career spent researching the short- and long-term consequences of traumatic injuries has been critical to improving the organization and performance of trauma care systems and to achieving better patient outcomes. She now heads a national research consortium that pairs more than 50 major U.S. trauma centers with top military medical facilities. The relationships allow the centers to share information and best practices, benefitting both wounded combat veterans and civilian trauma patients.

The Bloomberg School, founded in 1916 by Johns Hopkins physician William H. Welch and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, comprises 10 departments and more than 60 focused centers and institutes. Its nearly 1,400 faculty members are experts in fields ranging from basic sciences like molecular microbiology, to public health tools like biostatistics and epidemiology, to issues like international health, mental health, health-related behavior and environmental health. The Bloomberg School conducts research in more than 130 countries, and offers masters and doctoral degrees to more than 2,200 students from more than 75 nations.

MacKenzie says one of her top priorities will be to ensure success for the schools Bloomberg American Health Initiative. Its a broad $300 million effort  funded by Johns Hopkins alumnus, former New York mayor and philanthropist Michael R. Bloomberg  to mitigate five critical threats to U.S. health: drug addiction, obesity, gun violence, adolescent health problems, and environmental challenges.

Michael Bloomberg has given the school and the university an unprecedented opportunity to tackle some of the major public health problems of the 21st century, she says, and transform the way we think about public health and engage in our communities.

We need to succeed at this, MacKenzie adds. American lives depend on it.

MacKenzie will succeed Michael J. Klag, dean of the Bloomberg School since 2005 and the longest-serving of the universitys current school leaders. Klag, a world expert on the epidemiology of major chronic diseases, announced last October that he would step down to resume research and teaching.

Read the HUB Story

###

Media contacts for the Johns Hopkins University: Dennis OShea at 443-997-9912 (office), 410-499-7460 (cell), dro@jhu.edu or Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Susan Sperry at 410-955-6919 (office), 443-791-7945 (cell), ssperry1@jhu.edu.
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Former Fabians restaurant site sold

The former Fabians restaurant site at 1100 Reynolda Road has been purchased for $509,000 by BV Retail Investments LLC, according to Forsyth County Register of Deeds data.

The sale was completed July 26, with the sellers being Jefferson and Susan Woodall.

BV Retail is based at 1959 N. Peace Haven Road. It was formed May 15, according to the N.C. Secretary of State Offices website.

The property is 0.77 acres and has a property-tax value of $357,400, according to the countys GeoData Explorer website.

Fabians was listed as closed on March 9.

Officials with another tenant, Colony Urban Farm Store, said Thursday they are not certain of its future at the site.

If we are required to move, we will reopen at another location, Colonys Josh Pietrafeso said.

Richard Craver

Timberland testing specialty concept stores

Timberland, an outdoor lifestyle brand of Greensboro apparel marketer VF Corp., opened a specialty concept store on Thursday, The Timberland Tree Lab, in the mall at King of Prussia, Pa.

The lab will feature a gallery-style setting that will change completely every six weeks. It will debut with the theme of streetology, defined by Timberland as where versatile style for city streets meets hidden technology thats been tested and proven for long days (and nights) in the city.

The launch will feature the mens collection FlyRoam and products with the AeroCore and SensorFlext technology.

While testing the products in the concept store, guests age 21 and older can sample a local craft beer from Troegs Independent Brewing or drink from a bottle of water that one day may be recycled into Timberland linings or shoelaces.

Other planned concepts for the lab include SHEvolution in September, when the entire store is dedicated to womens boots and shoes, and a holiday-theme display in early November.

Timberland has plans for flex retail stores at Mall of America in Minneapolis on Sept. 1; in Stanford, Calif., on Aug. 18; and in Portland, Ore., on Sept. 1.

Richard Craver

Maine raises minimum age for tobacco sales to 21

On Wednesday, Maine became the fourth state to increase to 21 the minimum age for buying tobacco products, joining California, Hawaii and New Jersey. A similar law passed the Oregon Legislature in July.

The Maine Legislature voted to override Republican Gov. Paul LePages veto of the bill.

The law covers all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, and prohibits tobacco sales to anyone under 21. Legislators rejected proposals to exempt members of the military.

Besides the four states, age-21 tobacco restrictions have been put in place in 255 communities nationwide, including Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City, New York City and St. Louis.

Dollar Tree to lease space

in Midway shopping center

A Dollar Tree store is taking the place of a closed Walmart Express in Midway Commons Shopping Center, according to landlord Glenwood Development of Huntersville.

The store is leasing 10,000 square feet of space. It plans to open for business in late September. Dollar Tree will join CVS and Badcock Furniture and More as anchor tenants of the center, which is located at the intersection of U.S. 52 and Hickory Tree Road in Midway.
WASHINGTON -- John Kelly, President Trump's new chief of staff, is focused on ending chaos in the White House. Given that his boss is the self-disrupter in chief, good luck with that.

And Trump world's vicious backstabbing is not, in any event, the administration's most important problem. A devotion to lying is a far graver danger to this presidency, and military efficiency will not dispel it.

The Washington Post's report, essentially confirmed by the White House, that the president was the prime mover behind Donald Trump Jr.'s misleading statement about his meeting with a Russian lawyer peddling derogatory information about Hillary Clinton ratifies the pattern of deceit and misdirection on all matters Russian. Behaving as if you are guilty won't persuade others that you are innocent.

The president seems persuaded that he can survive whatever comes his way as long as he keeps his much celebrated political base with him. But this is not as easy as it sounds for either Trump or his party because his base is fundamentally divided.

Nothing illustrated this more dramatically than the health-care showdown. Trump's rhetoric about the Affordable Care Act during last year's campaign should have been a tipoff to the dilemma both he and conservative politicians confront now. On the one hand, he roundly denounced Obamacare, which made right-wing ideologues happy. But he also regularly promised an alternative that would be more, not less, generous in helping Americans of modest means.

His position was incoherent but very shrewd. To pull off his Electoral College victory in 2016, Trump needed the votes of traditional Republican conservatives, but he also had to add on non-ideological working-class voters, many of whom found Mitt Romney unappealing in 2012.

For clues about the political turmoil and coalition-management challenges the president and the GOP face, consult "The Five Types of Trump Voters" by Emily Ekins, the director of polling at the Cato Institute. The bottom line of her research is that Trump and his party can't win without the conservative faithful, but the conventional right alone cannot guarantee victory.

A narrow majority of Trump's voters, Ekins found, fell into two traditionally Republican groups, "Staunch Conservatives," who made up 31 percent of his backers, and "Free Marketeers," who constituted 25 percent. She also identifies a smaller, less loyally Republican faction, "The Disengaged," who amounted to 5 percent of his supporters.

But two other large Trump groups, whom Ekins labeled "American Preservationists" (20 percent of Trumpists) and "Anti-Elites" (19 percent), are quite different from regular conservatives. In particular, Ekins notes, both "lean economically progressive," which is why the health care issue is so problematic for Trump.

The preservationists might be seen as White House adviser Steve Bannon's people. They "have nativist immigration views, and a nativist and ethnocultural conception of American identity." The Anti-Elites are more moderate on these issues and the "most likely" of the Trump supporters "to favor political compromise." This group was never as strongly pro-Trump as the others, and seems most ripe for defection to the Democrats.

Trump is so hungry for "wins" that he is still pushing the Senate to pass any bill to repeal Obamacare. But enacting proposals along the lines of those that failed last week would be the worst possible outcome for Trump because they effectively break the promises he made to nearly 40 percent of his own sympathizers.

Senate Republicans who want to back away from repeal, at least for now, seem more attuned to how disruptive this issue is. But the looming battle over deep tax cuts tilted toward the wealthy will also split the alliance Trump is counting on for survival.

As Ekins concludes, Trump voters "hold different perceptions of justice in the political and economic systems."

Trump's coalition is by no means unique historically in bringing together constituencies with widely divergent views. Franklin D. Roosevelt, after all, won votes from Northern African-Americans and Southern white segregationists. On the other hand, the New Deal alignment was shattered when civil rights became a driving national issue.

Still, political leaders trying to hold diverse groups together need to demonstrate finesse and both the appearance and reality of successful governance. Finesse, needless to say, is not a Trump long suit. And every day that brings a new Trump revelation, new questions about Russia or sheer craziness (the Mooch interlude or the president's description of the White House as "a real dump") puts increased pressure on a rickety alliance that can only bear so much. When Trump most needs that base of his, it may no longer be there.

Twitter: @EJDionne.

The Washington Post
One day [Marine Theodore Wallace] saw an officer casually aim his rifle and try to shoot a Vietnamese boy in the distance.

Sir, what are you doing? hed asked.

Hes probably supplying the [North Vietnamese Army], the officer said. Whats he doing out here anyway?

Its his country! said Wallace.

 Mark Bowden, Hue 1968: A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam

WASHINGTON  As Vietnams 1968 Tet holiday approached, Gen. William Westmoreland, commander of U.S. forces there, cabled the Joint Chiefs in Washington that he had a plan. He would serenade, perhaps into dissolution, the communist forces that he was certain would concentrate on attacking U.S. forces based at Khe Sanh near the demilitarized zone:

The Vietnamese youth is quite sentimentally disposed toward his family, and Tet is a traditional time for intimate family gatherings. The Vietnamese PSY War [Psychological Warfare] people have recently written a highly sentimental Tet song which is recorded. The Vietnamese say it is a tear-jerker to the extent that they do not want it played to their troops during Tet for fear their desertion rate will skyrocket. This is one of the records we will play to the North Vietnamese soldiers in the Khe Sanh-Con Thien areas during Tet.

This surreal nugget is from Mark Bowdens magnificent and meticulous history, which tells, with excruciating detail, a story that is both inspiring and infuriating. His subtitle is an understatement. As the epicenter of North Vietnams Tet offensive throughout South Vietnam, the swift capture of Hue, the countrys third-largest city, by communist forces  and of the 24 days of ferocious fighting that expelled them  became a hinge of American history. A month later, President Lyndon Johnson announced he would not seek re-election in an America where opposition to the war and trust in the government were moving inversely.

After the battles first day, Jan. 31, Westmoreland told Washington that the enemy had about 500 men in Hues Citadel. He was, Bowden writes, off by a factor of 20. So it went with U.S. intelligence. A few months earlier, Walt Rostow, Johnsons national security adviser, had told a Hue-bound reporter on deep background that the war was essentially already won because a crop called IR8 rice was going to stymie the communists revolution with a green revolution. Rostows theory was slain by this fact: The Vietnamese disliked the taste of IR8 rice.

The communists arriving in Hue immediately began advancing the revolution by purging enemies of the people in what quickly became an orgy of violent score-settling. While Westmoreland remained fixated on Khe Sanh  Never, writes Bowden, had a general so effectively willed away the facts  a secret U.S. planning group met in Okinawa the day after the offensive began to consider a plan, code-named Fractured Jaw, involving tactical nuclear weapons. Westmoreland said these were not needed in the present situation.

Bowdens interviews, almost half a century on, with those who fought, on both sides, have produced unexampled descriptions of small-unit combat. The communists many months of large-scale infiltration and preparation were matched by their military skills. To a man, Bowden writes, the American veterans I interviewed told me they had faced a disciplined, highly motivated, skilled and determined enemy. To characterize them otherwise is to diminish the accomplishment of those who drove them out of Hue. In June 1968, Westmoreland was relieved of his command.

What Bowden calls one of the great shots in the annals of combat photography is of a U.S. tank in Hue draped with dead and wounded Marines. None were identified. Until, more than four decades later, Bowden found that the 18-year-old with a hole in his chest, who looked dead, or nearly so, was Alvin Bert Grantham from Mobile, Alabama, whose story Bowden tells.

During house-to-house fighting, Marine Eden Jimenez was clearing rooms  tossing in grenades, then spraying the room with bullets  in one of which he found a tall wardrobe that he had riddled. In it was a mortally wounded woman holding a rifle and a baby. Bowden writes: When he was an old man, living in Odessa, Texas, he still wondered almost every day about that woman and child. ... Who was she? How would he have felt if he had killed the baby, too?

Hue, like the war that pivoted there, continues to haunt some elderly men who live among us. And the wars legacy lives in Americans diminished trust in government. Since 1968, trust has not risen to pre-Vietnam levels.
VON B. HAMRICK, Winston-Salem

Special counsels investigation

Anyone remember I. Lewis Scooter Libby? He was the chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney and the victim of a special prosecutor who did not have a case.

In 2003, a controversy arose over the leaking of the name of Valerie Plame, a covert CIA agent. The Democrats accused the Bush administration and a special prosecutor, Patrick Fitzgerald, was appointed. Early in his investigation, it was learned that Richard Armitage at the United States Department of State was the leaker. This did not stop Fitzgerald, and Libby was charged with obstruction of justice, two counts of making false statements and two counts of perjury. He was not charged with revealing Plames CIA status. Granted, Libbys memory was notoriously bad for any fact checker. On March 6, 2007, he was convicted.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller finds himself in the exact same situation. He was appointed to investigate any collusion the Trump campaign had with Russia. Not one solid piece of evidence has been found on this.

Republicans beware. He will be looking to charge somebody with something.

***

JANET FULP, Winston-Salem

Being fair

In response to your July 23 story Residents still divided on Trump, a reader wrote to ask you to please be fair and carry more responses from conservatives, saying didnt more voters in Forsyth County go for President Trump? (Supporting Trump, July 31.)

No  53.6 percent of Forsyth County voters voted for Hillary Clinton. Does that mean that to be fair the coverage should be less conservative?

My answer would be no. The Journal does an excellent job of covering both sides. However, in this day of supposed fake news, I encourage everyone to read as much as possible, from conservative media outlets as well as liberal. It is only when reading opinions that challenge your own that you are able to get to the truth of the matter.

And research the facts when forming an opinion rather than relying on what someone tells you. It is what I try to do and what I would love to see my elected officials do.

***

NAOMI J. DAVIS, Winston-Salem

Concerned

I dont think I have ever been quite as pessimistic about our countrys future as I am right now. Im usually a little more upbeat than this.

One of the things that is bugging me most is President Trumps un-presidential tweeting. Another was the Republicans voter suppression, to get him elected, which in all fairness, has been used by both political parties, by rearranging their districts. Another thing is, after seven months in office, Trump still hasnt released his tax returns, which is very unusual for a president not to do.

The possibility of him privatizing public schools would also be devastating to education.

There are many other things, which others have mentioned over and over before, and he seems not to give a flip about any of them; not even the fact that his own family members have conflicting reports on their connections with Russia.

Perhaps the reason Im getting more concerned about these issues is because I have been on this earth since 1925, and I would like to see America Great Again before I move on to a different location.

Please submit letters online to Letters@wsjournal.com or mail letters to: The Readers Forum, P.O. Box 3159, Winston-Salem, NC 27102.
[JURIST] The Chilean Congress [official website, in Spanish] passed a bill late Wednesday night [press release, in Spanish] that would would allow abortions in instances of rape, threat to the mothers health, and fetal abnormality incompatible with life. The 70 to 45 vote was the result of a year-long struggle by pro-life Chilean senators. Currently, Chile is one of a few nations where abortion is illegal in all instances. The bill must now obtain approval from Chiles Constitutional Tribunal [official website, in Spanish] before going into effect. The Tribunal is expected to issue its ruling in the coming weeks.

Female access to equitable health care services has been a contentious and evolving battle throughout the world, especially with regards to reproductive and sexual health. In June the UN Human Rights Committee [official website] found [JURIST report] that Ireland must remedy harm done to a woman in 2010 after denying her an abortion. Under threat of President Trumps vow to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Delaware legislature [official website] approved a bill [JURIST report] that guarantees access to abortion. Last June the UN Working Group on Discrimination against Women in Law called on [JURIST report] the worlds governments to take quick, effective steps towards ensuring women are granted equal rights to health. The report refers to the instrumentalization of women in the healthcare system, in particular, the subjection of womens natural biological functions to a politicized patriarchal agenda. Earlier that month independent experts for the UN found [JURIST report] a woman faced inhumane treatment while seeking an abortion procedure in Northern Ireland. In the press release, the experts called upon countries to more effectively balance the rights of the fetus with the rights of the woman, viewing her as more than just a mechanism for child-bearing. In February, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon urged [JURIST report] all countries to eliminate the practice of female genital mutilation by 2030.
[JURIST] The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit [official website] on Wednesday remanded [order, PDF] transgender student Gavin Grimms case [JURIST news archive] against the Gloucester County School Board [official website] in order to determine whether the matter is now moot. Because Grimm graduated from Gloucester High School [official website] on June 10, the Board is now arguing that there is no longer an actual controversy, a requisite for all stages of judicial review, as the schools bathroom policy no longer applies to Grimm. The Fourth Circuit stated that they did not have enough factual information to hand down a ruling on the issue of mootness. The matter will now return to the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia [official website] where the court will examine the record and hear the arguments from both sides to determine whether Grimm may continue his suit.

Grimm, a high school student at a Gloucester County school who identifies as male, was granted an order [JURIST report] by the district court in June of 2016 allowing him to use the boys restroom while the court considered the legal issues of the case. This order came after a decision by the federal court in April 2016, which reversed a lower court decision in holding Grimms rights under Title IX [official website], which prohibits discrimination in schools, were violated by the school board refusing his use of the mens restroom. It was at that time the Gloucester County School Board first stated its intention to ask the US Supreme Court to review the Fourth Circuit decision. The Supreme Court vacated [JURIST article] the order and remanded Grimms matter back to the Fourth Circuit for further consideration in light of a move by the Trump administration to rescind guidelines [JURIST report] that school districts should allow students to use the bathroom of their choice.
[JURIST] A Bangkok court acquitted two former prime ministers and two police officers of abuse of power on Wednesday. Former prime ministers Somchai Wongsawat and Chavalit Yongchaiyudh were accused [AP report] of authorizing the police to use brutal force against an anti-government protest in 2008 when Somchai was prime minister and Chavalit was his deputy. More than 400 protesters were injured [Bangkok Post report], and two were killed. The court found that there was no conclusive evidence that police weapons caused the injuries and deaths. They also said that officials did not intend for the injuries and deaths to occur. Somchai and Chavalit could have served up to 10 years in prison if they had been found guilty.

Human rights groups worldwide have expressed growing concern over violations in Thailand. In June Thailands parliament approved [JURIST report] legislation giving the military political influence. In April the king signed a military-backed constitution [JURIST report] into law. In January Thailands National Reform Steering Committee proposed [JURIST report] a new law that Thai officials convicted of corruption involving more than 1 billion baht would be eligible for the death penalty. The Thailand Parliament unanimously approved [JURIST report] a controversial amendment to its Computer Crime Act of 2007 (CCA) in December, which rights groups fear will give the government unrestricted power to police the web and suppress criticism. In September Amnesty International released a report [JURIST report] detailing the prevalence of torture employed by Thai authorities and claiming the military government has led to a culture of torture.
Boca Raton, FL, USA, 08/04/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Higher temperatures decrease mental and physical performance so it should be no surprise our driving abilities hit a low when we hit year round temperature highs in Southern Florida. With hot temperatures tire failures are also more likely and can cause additional accidents. Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne says when August temperatures get super steamy be super careful when driving.

Though rain, snow, fog, wind, hail and ice are often discussed as risks to safe driving, the impact of heat on increasing the chances of an accident get less attention. Though higher temps are long known to cut our ability to perform physically and mentally a 2013 study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives looked at the relationship between high temperatures and traffic accident fatalities and injuries in the Catalonia section of Spain.

Researches stated there were a total of 118,489 vehicle crashes causing injuries or deaths that occurred between May 15 and October 15 each year from 2000 to 2011, an average of 64.1 crashes per day.

The chances of vehicle accidents significantly increased, by 2.9%, during heat waves and the connection was stronger when only accidents where driver performance issues were the problem, increasing the risk by 7.7%.

The risk injury causing fatal vehicle accidents increased by 1.1% for each 1C increase in maximum temperature.

Overall the chances of a serious accident sharply increased during heat waves, especially when distractions, driver error, fatigue or sleepiness were to blame for the collisions.

While other issues are a far greater threat (drivers have a 300% greater risk of an accident if theyre using a cell phone and driving) heat related driver performance problems still add up to a large number of accidents over the years.

In addition to the sleepy, distracted drivers behind the wheel on hotter days the roadway and tires can be safety problems too. Worn, older, improperly inflated tires travelling at highway speeds on hot pavement baking in the Florida sun for hours can literally explode because the tire weakens over time and use and pressure built up inside them. If a driver is negligent in the care of his or her tires and a blowout causes an accident which results in injuries or deaths, that driver may be held accountable for his or her carelessness.

Tire failures resulting from aging are more common in the summer, during daylight and while the vehicle is operating at highway speeds, according to a 2014 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, reports the Palm Beach Post. All tires breakdown with age and heat speeds up the aging process.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) suggests drivers should perform a number of vehicle checks when the weather heats up, including tires.

They should be looked at when the vehicle hasnt been driven for a while and be inflated to the air pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (not the pressure figure on the tire sidewall).

The manufacturers recommendations are normally found in the owners manual or on a tire information sticker on the drivers door jamb.

Tire treads should be looked at for adequate depth and signs of uneven wear and sidewalls with cracks or bulges are signs of trouble.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted or fatigued driver in the heat of the summer or its the result of a tire blowout, contact Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne at (561) 800-4011 or fill out this online contact form. You can discuss your case, how the law may apply and your best legal options to protect your rights and obtain compensation for your injuries.

Press Contact:

Joe Osborne personal injury lawyer

561-800-4011

source: http://www.oa-lawfirm.com/hot-weather-bad-drivers-no-coincidence-boca-car-accident-lawyer-joe-osborne/

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Airlines might start cancelling flights as early as six months before the end of Brexit negotiation period if no deal is reached.

Globalisation is a term used to describe growing interconnections and interdependencies of the world economy. The further it progresses, the harder it gets to untangle it all and return to a past of isolated and closed communities. The European Union is both the result of and an attempt to give a political answer to this ever more complicated and entangled global web.

Experts have tried to explain this to Brexit supporters many times over, but have failed to defeat a narrative of hatred, arrogance and defiance, co-created by the British tabloids. Even today, as the predicted costs of Brexit slowly become reality before our very eyes, many Leave voters stand defiantly against continued membership of the European Union. Will this stubbornness persist, once things taken for granted start to disappear?

The continuation of many rights and services relies on a post-breakup deal, which appears unlikelier by the day, judging by the UKs negotiating position or the lack thereof. Big deal, I hear the Brexiteers say. Well just do this the old-fashioned way. No deal is better than a bad deal. Except in some areas, no deal spells disaster.

No deal means no flights

Take the case of aviation. There are no WTO rules to govern aviation. Aviation is mostly governed privately, and in the EU its a responsibility of the European Single Sky and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Since our old bilateral agreements are so out of date, they do not provide for an adequate coverage of modern aviation technology and safety measures. Airlines and airports alike would simply not risk scheduling flights, without the necessary legal certainty.

Assuming there will be no deal, on day one of Brexit there will be no flights in or out of the UK from and to the EU27. The independence that the British strive for might result in a self-imposed isolation from the rest of Europe.

Obviously, this would be disastrous primarily for the British economy (and tourists), but it would also hurt Europe. Many of Europes regional airports currently direct their flights to or through London airports, like Stansted or Luton. In most cases, these airports already run a deficit. With their primary flight connections cut off, they might need to close down.

Ireland: Turbulence ahead

Ireland will be affected by this particularly hard. Its economy is still recovering from the harsh austerity that came with the 2008 financial crisis, which makes this situation especially tough for them. Last month, Kevin Toland from Dublin Airport asked members of the European Parliament to support Ireland in the harsh times ahead. 78% of air traffic to and from Ireland happens through the UK. 53.7% of overall EU traffic is between the UK and the EU27. Of that 39.2% is between the UK and Ireland.

Furthermore, the UKs GDP and the amount of air traffic closely correlate. Therefore, since the GDP will drop, air traffic is highly likely to drop as well, following Brexit. Tourism is key to the Irish economy. A decrease in UK flights will have a disastrous impact on the Irish economy. As we now know, the interdependence of the European economies is incredibly strong, putting yet another crisis on the horizon if Europes leaders do not pledge their full support to Ireland.

At that same hearing, Sean Kennedy, Vice President of Airlines for America, implored MEPs to stop Brexit or to at least work out a deal on aviation before it is too late. Most intercontinental flights between the US and the EU go through Heathrow Airport in London. These flights might also stop, should no deal be reached, cutting off not only Britain but the rest of Europe from the United States. Having invested a lot of money into Heathrow, American airlines are unwilling to give it up as a go-to destination for their flights into Europe. It might simply not be up to them.

Dublin to replace Heathrow as long-haul hub

This might provide a golden opportunity for the EU to finally put behind the dilapidated glory of the British Empire and establish itself as the centre hub of the globalised world.

It is now also the only English speaking country left in the EU. Routing intercontinental flights through Dublin airport rather than Heathrow might kill two birds with one stone. The EUs financial support of the necessary expansion of the airport would prop up Irelands economy and bring more tourism. And American airlines would have to accept the change if they want to continue flying into the European Union, just like traders will have to accept Paris and Frankfurt as their new destinations for Euro currency trading. It is likely that European airlines like Lufthansa wouldnt mind more direct flights between other European cities and US cities either.

Regional airports and budget airlines

Regional airports may also see happier days. Ryanairs CEO Michael OLeary, a staunch proponent of Britain remaining in the EU, has proclaimed that Ryanair will no longer be servicing the UK come Brexit day and will redirect all their current flights to Ireland and regional airports on the continent, providing new connections and cheap flight tickets to notoriously expensive airports. If true, this move too would potentially contribute to healing the rifts between capital cities and more peripheral regions created by globalisation across Europe.

Later that same week, Ryanairs biggest competitor easyJet announced the creation of a new European subsidiary in Vienna, Austria. While this move will allow easyJet to continue to operate flights in the EU, an aviation deal will be necessary for it to continue operating flights between the EU27 and the UK, where it is currently primarily based.

With a deal seeming incredibly unlikely at this point in time, airlines are warning both sides of the negotiation table that time is running out. If no deal is reached in time, holiday flights will start to be cancelled as early as September 2018.

It seems that aviation puts an additional strong bargaining chip into the hand of the Union, while the UK finds itself speeding up towards the nearing cliff edge.
Twelve inmates who were already incarcerated in the Washington County Jail have been indicted for participating in a riot that occurred at the jail.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the riot happened during the noon meal on June 17, 2017.

Officials say a jailer was retrieving food trays when he was rushed by the 12 inmates at their cell door. The inmates ignored commands given by the jailer and one inmate proceeded to shove the jailer in the chest.

Officials say the fire alarm was activated by an inmate which initiated a call to the fire department and multiple first responders.

Once things were under control, the inmates involved were asked about the incident and they said they were upset about their classification status and housing assignments.

The 12 inmates were indicted for riot participation on Tuesday, July 25. Their bond has been set at $150,000 due to each of them having prior criminal histories.

The names of the inmates involved are: Indicted for Riot Participation, a second degree felony, were: Christopher Deon Bazile, Keatron OBrian Bimage, Anthony Wayne Burns, Jr., Jevon Levelle Coleman, Michael Dixon, Kevin Wayne Ealey, Jr., Jordan Alexander Graves, Randell Lee Harvey, Jr., Trenton Dewayne Howard, Deperrion Dwayne Lott, Zachary Charles Moerbe, and Damien Rios.

All inmates remain in the Washington County Jail with the exception of Moerbe who has since been transferred to TDCJ on an unrelated conviction.
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FILE - This January 2017 file photo provided by the Broward County Sheriff's Office shows German Volkswagen executive Oliver Schmidt. Schmidt, a former manager of a VW engineering office in suburban Detroit, pleaded guilty Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, to conspiracy and fraud charges in Detroit in a scheme to cheat emission rules on nearly 600,000 diesel vehicles. (Broward County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)
Visitors and residents alike will be able to see the highlights of Seoul, as well as some of its lesser-known charms, while traveling aboard an open top double-decker bus from Friday courtesy of a new tour program.

The course will provide glimpses of everyday life in the capital while also promoting shopping, local culture, food and fashion at small open-air markets. For instance, at Gwangjang Market, visitors can stroll through an alleyway full of stores selling hanbok, or traditional Korean dress, and take in the unique atmosphere while sampling some of its specialty food stalls and other shopping items.
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A plaque is seen on the Bank of Montreal building, Thursday, August 3, 2017 in Montreal. Michael Rice, a Mohawk man, wants the Bank of Montreal and the City of Montreal to address a plaque attached to the bank's headquarters downtown that was written in honour of Paul de Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve, the founder of Montreal as the plaque is historically inaccurate. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Parents enjoy a day at Dolores Park with their children at the popular San Francisco park on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. The San Francisco park where three people were shot on a sunny Thursday afternoon underwent a $20 million renovation last year and immediately became one of the city's most popular destinations Ai and a magnet for drug use, gang activity and violence. (AP Photo/Linda Wang)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent an "urgent directive" to diplomats to "negotiate a peace treaty with the U.S.," Japan's Asahi Shimbun reported Wednesday.

Sources told the daily that Kim considers South Korean President Moon Jae-in's term in office a "golden opportunity" to sign the peace treaty. The paper said Kim sent the directive to the North's overseas diplomatic mission during the G20 Summit in Germany from July 7-8, apparently emboldened by the successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

"The Moon Jae-in administration is providing a golden opportunity for us. Before hostile forces cause a stir, we must realize our duty of reunification," it quoted the directive as saying.

The idea seems to be that Moon's desire for rapprochement offers North Korea a chance to drive a wedge between South Korea and the hardline Trump administration. That may be why the official Rodong Sinmun daily recently accused Moon of "succumbing" to the U.S. by maintaining sanctions against the North.

Seoul said it could not verify whether Kim had indeed sent the directive, but one government official said on condition of anonymity, "North Korea has demonstrated it has an ICBM capable of striking the U.S and could try to use the weapon as leverage to ease sanctions."

Meanwhile, the president's special security adviser, Moon Chung-in, admitted to Japan's Mainichi Shimbun that there is no room for South Korea as long as North Korea insists that the nuclear standoff involves only Pyongyang and Washington.

But Moon added that the South could "continue to exercise influence by recovering trust with North Korea" and "play a leading role in the resumption of stalled six-party talks."


Fire damage is shown on the Torch Tower at Marina district in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Firefighters have put out a blaze that broke out early Friday in one of the world's tallest residential towers in Dubai, engulfing part of the skyscraper and sending chunks of debris plummeting below, the city authorities said. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
Rwandan President Paul Kagame arrives to cast his ballot in Rwanda's capital Kigali Friday Aug. 4, 2017 for the presidential elections in which he is widely expected to win another term after the government disqualified all but three candidates. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
FILE - In this May 10, 2017 file photo, the logo of Toyota Motor Corp. is seen at its showroom in Tokyo. Toyota Motor Corp. reported Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 that its fiscal first quarter profit rose 11 percent as sales improved around the world, including in the U.S., Europe and Japan. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File)
Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan, right, and New South Wales state Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson discuss details of the charging of two men with terrorism offenses in Sydney, Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. The men, ages 49 and 32, were each charged with two counts of planning a terrorist act in connection with an alleged plot to bring down an airplane, police said. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2015 file photo, Panama's former President Ricardo Martinelli answers questions during an interview at a hotel in Guatemala City. A federal magistrate judge is hearing arguments Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, to determine whether 65-year-old Ricardo Martinelli can remain in the U.S. or must return to Panama for trial. Martinelli was Panama's president from 2009-2014. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo, File)
U.S. President Donald Trump sparred with the leaders of Mexico and Australia in contentious phone calls shortly after he assumed power in January, newly leaked transcripts show.

According to the documents, Trump demanded that Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto stop saying that Mexico would not pay for a wall that Trump wants built along the U.S.-Mexico border to thwart illegal immigration into the United States. During his months-long run for the White House, Trump vowed that he would make Mexico foot the bill.

In a transcript of the January 27 call, published Thursday by The Washington Post, Trump told Pena Nieto, "If you are going to say that Mexico is not going to pay for the wall, then I do not want to meet with you guys anymore because I cannot live with that."

At one point, Trump said, "I have to have Mexico pay for the wall -- I have to. I have been talking about it for a two-year period."

But Pena Nieto resisted, saying, "My position has been and will continue to be very firm, saying that Mexico cannot pay for the wall."

Trump objected: "But you cannot say that to the press. The press is going to go with that, and I cannot live with that."

In the end, Pena Nieto said that Trump's wall proposal "is an issue related to the dignity of Mexico and goes to the national pride of my country," but agreed to "stop talking about the wall."

Trump said recently that he still "absolutely" intends to try to make Mexico pay for the $21 billion wall, but in the meantime has asked Congress for funds to start construction. The fate of the proposal, however, is uncertain, with Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans opposed to it.
In this June 27, 2017, photo, Jerred Kiloh, owner of the Higher Path medical marijuana dispensary, prepares his monthly tax payment, $40,131.88 in cash in Los Angeles. For Kiloh, the cash is a daily hassle. It needs to be counted repeatedly to safeguard against loss. State and local taxes must be set aside and stored, sometimes for a month or more. When vendors show up, they get paid in cash, too. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The exact location of a massive proposed Foxconn Technology Group plant has not yet been released, but some Kenosha County landowners are already being contacted by developers.

A handful of property owners west of 128th Avenue, north of Highway K and east of Highway MB have already been peppered with requests to sell.

That area  in the town of Paris and near Interstate 94  is close to the giant Amazon Fulfillment Center and land owned by Uline.

Some of the farmers have been approached and theyre willing to  I guess  sell their property, said Town Chairman Virgil Gentz. Evidently, some of the farmers feel that maybe they would be interested.

Gentz, who said he is not privy to the details, said the village of Somers has also been considered.

As you know, in government, it goes cities, then villages and towns ... Were the bottom; were peons. But we work hardest for things, too, Gentz said, referring to Paris small population.

If a site in Paris is chosen, it would be annexed into the city of Kenosha, partly because of the need for water. Foxconn is seeking some 1,000 acres for its electronics manufacturing plant.

Developer asks

about land

A Paris landowner who wished to remain anonymous said he has been approached by a developer seeking his land.

I dont know that much about (Foxconn), but if theyre gonna provide decent paying jobs Im all for it, the man said.

Other area residents with large swaths of farmland said they would sell their land if the price was right.

Sure, said a Paris woman who declined to give her name. I think so.

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser was in Madison Thursday with Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian and Ed St. Peter, the citys water utility manager.

Kreuser said he is unable to comment on the exact location because of a confidentiality commitment.

Wherever this is located it will be good for Kenosha and Racine, Kreuser said.

Gentz, who has not been involved with the deal, said he has many concerns about the plant.

Thats a lot of cars, and lot of traffic and well have to see what the jobs pay, Gentz said. Im going to ask some serious questions when I find out more about it.

Announcement

imminent

In Madison, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary Mark Hogan told lawmakers Thursday that selection of the site was imminent and should be announced this month. Foxconn is eyeing sites in Kenosha and Racine counties.

Foxconn plans to invest $10 billion on the first liquid crystal display panel manufacturing plant located outside of Asia. It would employ 3,000 initially and up to 13,000 over six years.

Hogan said wages for entry-level jobs would be $20 an hour and the annual average salary nearly $54,000.

Foxconn has said it hopes to open the plant in 2020.

$3 billion incentive

Testimony from Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou was read at the beginning of a state Assembly committee hearing Thursday on the controversial $3 billion tax incentive package.

Construction of the plant is contingent upon the Republican-controlled Legislature passing the tax break bill.

Other parts of the bill include borrowing more than $250 million to rebuild Interstate 94 near where the plant would be and the waiving of numerous environmental permit requirements and regulations to speed construction.

According to Gous statement read by committee chairman Rep. Adam Neylon, R-Pewaukee, the project will transform the American electronics industry.

Opposition remains

However, minority Democrats and some conservatives have questioned whether Foxconn will follow through with the investment and rosy job-creation promises.

The Wisconsin chapter of the conservative group Americans for Prosperity is making a rare break with Republican Gov. Scott Walker and coming out against a $3 billion tax incentive package.

Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin director Eric Bott released a statement Thursday stating the group cannot support refundable tax credits offered under the deal signed by Walker. The national group is funded by the conservative billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch.

Bott said the group is a free market advocate and as such staunchly opposes government tax incentives.

Still, it is doubtful the groups opposition will stop the proposal that is moving quickly through the Republican-controlled state Legislature.

Madison mayor opposes

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said he has offered up a shuttered Oscar-Mayer plant as a potential site for Foxconn.

Soglin said Thursday that Madison Region Economic Partnership officials told him last week that Foxconn is interested in building a 600-job facility in Madison and was looking for open green space.

Soglin said he suggested the Oscar-Mayer plant, which on Madisons east side, as well as two other green fields. He acknowledged Foxconn is not looking for an existing urban facility but added that the Oscar-Mayer plant makes sense for the company.

Soglin, who is mulling a run for governor, also called Walkers $3 billion incentive package over the top. Soglin warned that Madison would not get into a race to the bottom in incentives and does not need to give away the farm for Foxconn.

(The AP contributed to this report)
Kenosha County residents who live along Highway 45 north of Highway 50 learned Thursday the state highway will be resurfaced rather than reconstructed due to lack of funding  which will require less acquisition of private property, but will lack some of the planned safety upgrades.

It really has been downscoped, state Department of Transportation project manager Jason Dahlgren told one resident at a meeting held at the Kenosha County Center. It will be let (to bid) in 2020.

The project originally called for Highway 45 to be reconstructed from Highway 50 north to Union Grove. It included widening of the highway and re-configurations to improve slopes and sight lines, drainage improvements, the addition of bypass lanes and intersection improvements.

It also initially included a roundabout at the intersection with Highway 142  a plan that was scrapped after objection from residents and town of Paris officials.

Now, the top 2.5 inches of the existing road surface will be removed and replaced with new asphalt. Acquisitions will only be required at the intersections with Highway N and NN, where bypass lanes will be added.

Improvements will include:

Right turn and bypass lanes at the intersections with Highway N and Highway NN.

Paving the existing shoulder for a bicycle lane.

Replacement of several aging box culverts to improve drainage.

Upgraded traffic signals and expansion of the northbound right turn lane at the Highway 50 intersection.

Dahlgren said the estimated cost of the project is about $6 million, far less than initially proposed. Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2021.

Residents at the meeting Thursday discussed with DOT officials locations with drainage problems that they believed should be addressed.

A couple of residents voiced concern that the project went from being too invasive to not doing enough to improve sight lines. For example, drivers complained of difficulty seeing the intersection with 9th Street when traveling south on Highway 45.

You come up over the hill and the road is right there, one resident said.

Paris Plan Commission Chairman John Holloway said the Paris Fire Chief confirmed there have not been a significant number of accidents along the eight-mile stretch of Highway 45.

Those who were not able to attend the meeting can provide feedback about the project by contacting Dahlgren at (262) 521-5349 or at Jason.Dahlgren@dot.wi.gov.
We are with you, we stand with you on behalf of freedom. Vice President Mike Pence spoke those words on July 30 in Estonia, the first stop on trip that includes Georgia and Montenegro. Given political turmoil and uncertainty in Washington, as well as Russias military assertiveness, the visit of Karen and Mike Pence to Eastern Europe is extremely important as well as timely.

The Balkan States of Latvia and Lithuania as well as Estonia were forcibly occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940. Exile groups from the Baltics become influential in the United States, and elsewhere. All three nations became NATO members in March 2004.

Montenegro became NATOs newest member in early June 2017. The tiny Baltic state had been campaigning for alliance membership for over a decade.

The rapid weakening and then collapse of the Soviet Union and communist regimes in Eastern Europe ended the Cold War, but also the relative stability of that era. President Vladimir Putin emphasizes nationalism, and has made military moves to expand Russias territorial control.

In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed the territory of Crimea. The overt invasion of Ukraine by Russias army, after months of covert aid to rebel forces, generated the most serious crisis in Europe since the Balkan wars of the 1990s  and perhaps since World War II.

In 2008, Russian troops invaded a portion of Georgia, following an attack by Georgian troops on South Ossetia. This territory as well as Abkhazia had declared independence from Georgia. Russia encouraged and supported these breakaway efforts, though the international community has clearly rejected them.

The end of the Cold War was a great victory for the policy of restraint and deterrence, termed Containment, supported by every United States president from Harry Truman when the Cold War commenced, to George H.W. Bush when the conflict ended.

NATO endures, for good reasons. Bureaucracies naturally seek self-perpetuation, but strategic realities provide persuasive justification. General war in Europe was avoided for a century between the final defeat of Napoleon and the outbreak of World War I. A Concert of European nations, brokered by Great Britain, helped keep the general peace.

NATO today arguably represents an approximate counterpart to the uncertain but generally effective Concert. The alliance has operated well beyond the nations of the North Atlantic region, including not only on the margins of Europe but in distant territory, including notably Afghanistan

Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that an attack on one member amounts to an attack on all. The al Qaeda strikes on New York and Washington D.C., and in the sky over Pennsylvania, triggered this clause, for the first time.

Todays alliance leaders in Europe are articulate and effective, including in particular German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Chancellor Merkel is spearheading expansion of Germanys roles in international humanitarian relief. She has also provided arms to Kurds fighting Islamic extremists in Iraq.

Another outstanding leaders is David Cameron, Britains Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016. He termed Russias aggression unacceptable and unjustified, and bluntly stated that any efforts to appease Putin would be a repetition of the same mistakes made by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in accommodating Adolf Hitler in 1938. Britain and Germany have highly effective militaries.

Since 2002, NATO has renewed practical efforts to develop rapid reaction military capabilities. The credibility of the alliance is essential. The Pences highly visible visit is a diplomatic complement to such efforts.

Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of After the Cold War. Contact acyr@carthage.edu
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.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un should not be sleeping easy at night after his latest provocation, White House National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said Wednesday.

McMaster told MSNBC in an interview, "I think he should not be [sleeping well] because he has the whole world against him... He's isolated on this."

He described North Korea's missiles as a "grave threat" but declined to confirm that the Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile the North tested recently can reach New York. "I'm not going to confirm it," McMaster said. "But as I mentioned, really, whether it could reach San Francisco or Pittsburgh or Washington -- how much does that matter, right? It's a grave threat."

He added it is intolerable for North Korea have nuclear weapons that could threaten the U.S., and all options including a military option should be on the table.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters the previous day that the U.S. is willing to hold talks with the regime and added, "We do not seek regime change."

But in an interview with the Wall Street Journal the same day, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence ruled out direct talks. The U.S.' strategy doesn't involve "engaging North Korea directly," he said.

The shambolic Trump administration has frequently made it difficult to discern any clear line in the fog of obfuscation and braggadocio that emerges from it.

McMaster, an Army lieutenant general, is seen by some in the U.S. mainstream media as the most rational in the national security team and is thought to stand his ground against President Donald Trump if necessary.


The number of users dropped from 251,000 in 2014 to 194,000 last year and stood at only 66,000 in the first five months of this year, or 437 a day. That means each bus carries only four or five passengers at a time, and foreigners account for a paltry 30 percent of the total.

The operators complain that their problem is a lack of funding. The Seoul Metropolitan Government subsidized them until 2011, but now they have to fend for themselves.

Seoul City Bus Tour is seeing fewer and fewer passengers as critics accuse the rides of failing to catch up with the interests of visitors. The rides started in 2000 catering mostly to foreign tourists visiting the capital, and two private operators run 21 buses on six different routes.

The operators fired tour guides to save costs, and some have barely adequate foreign-language services that are no better than those on public buses and subways. The drivers are not fluent enough in foreign languages to replace the tour guides.

One 21-year-old tourist from Singapore who took the tour last month, said, "There seems to be no particular benefit other than taking you to your destination." Many tourists complain about a lack of inter-connecting routes.

The fare ranges between W12,000 and W15,000 (US$1=W1,128). One staffer said, "We're suffering losses each year but have raised fares only once over the last 15 years because the city sets the fare."

In London, tourists pay a whopping 38.7 pounds (around W58,000) for a two-day ticket for a double-decker tour bus that comes with a tour guide and audio devices in 12 languages. Riders can hop on and off buses on three different routes.

The city tour bus in Paris costs 37 euros (around W49,000) for a two-day ticket that takes riders to more than 100 sites in the city. Tourists can hop on and off the buses regardless of route, while an audio device offers information in 10 languages.
Seven out of 10 South Koreans now support the full deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery here, a straw poll suggests.

Pollster Realmeter and traffic radio TBS polled 511 adults on Wednesday, and 71 percent of respondents backed the government's decision to deploy the complete set of THAAD missile interceptors. Only 18.4 percent opposed it and the rest declined to answer.

The government earlier this week said the U.S. can go ahead and deploy four more THAAD launchers that had sat in storage so far, in addition to the two that had already been set up, even though a procedural review is under way. The decision came after North Korea's latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, which may have swung public opinion here.

Among respondents who identified themselves as conservative 80.8 percent were for the government's decision, and the figure was 71.7 percent among self-described centrists and 66.6 percent among progressives.

In all parts of the country more than 60 percent of respondents backed the full deployment. In Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, where the THAAD is stationed, 85.1 percent were in favor, the biggest majority.
Song Kang-ho won best actor at Montreal's Fantasia International Film Festival for "A Taxi Driver" on Thursday.

It was his second win after "The Show Must Go on" 10 years ago.

"A Taxi Driver" looks at the horrors of the military crackdown on the Gwangju democratic uprising in May 1980.

Song plays a taxi driver who takes a German journalist to the center of the protests, unaware of the impending danger.

The film passed the 1 million viewer mark on Thursday, the second day of its run.


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Finding a way to leave a legacy to your loved ones without increasing their tax burden has always been a complicated matter.

And, unfortunately for those planning to use a sizable IRA or qualified-plan account as part of their estate plan, it may become even more difficult if the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2016 eventually becomes law. The proposed legislation, which the Senate Finance Committee passed in September 2016, calls for the elimination of the so-called stretch provisions (opens in new tab) currently afforded non-spouse beneficiaries of IRAs and 401(k)s.

As it is now, designated beneficiaries who inherit one of these accounts take minimum required distributions based on their own life expectancy (not that of the original account holder), and they can stretch out those payments for as long as they like  extending the tax-deferral period dramatically.

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If the legislation moves forward as written, however, most beneficiaries (there are some exceptions) will be required to empty inherited accounts of all but $450,000 within five years of the account holders death.

Everything else must go. And depending on a beneficiarys age and/or tax bracket, this would mean a significant change in tax liability.

Which is the point. Uncle Sam needs money, and he wants to get his hands on some of the cash that conscientious Baby Boomers have been stashing away in their qualified retirement plans (those funded with pretax dollars) for decades. Part of the bills appeal to legislators is that it would generate an estimated $3.18 billion in revenue from 2017 to 2026.

Its important to note that although the legislation sailed through the Senate Finance Committee, it still has a long way to go. Weve been down this road before with similar proposals, and none has become law. For example, the Highway Investment, Job Creation and Economic Growth Act of 2012 recommended a provision that would limit the use of so-called stretch IRAs unless those accounts were converted to a Roth. That provision, of course, did not come to fruition.

Still, if a stretch IRA is or might be a part of your estate plan, its probably a good idea to start looking at some alternative strategies just in case. Here are a few things you can do now:

Consider purchasing life insurance with your IRA money. If you have a large IRA balance, you could make withdrawals over time, pay any applicable taxes and use the rest to pay the premiums on a life insurance policy. Your beneficiaries will receive the death benefit payout free of federal income taxes. Talk to your financial adviser about a Roth IRA conversion. You can do small conversions from your traditional IRA to a Roth, which could save the beneficiaries who inherit that money when it comes to future taxes. But (here we go again, getting complicated) there are rules that apply, so you may want to run this option by your tax professional if you have questions about whether its a good fit for you. Review your beneficiary designations. If youre married, the best approach may be to name your spouse as the primary beneficiary on any IRAs, Roth IRAs and 401(k)s you have. Or name your children, but with that $450,000 limit in mind. Otherwise, make your children or grandchildren contingent or alternate beneficiaries. At your death, your spouse can decide  based on need and the current rules  what to do with your account.

Proposals such as this are another reason why its wise to work with a trusted advisory group on a comprehensive retirement plan. Its your financial professionals job to keep an eye on any changes that could affect your plan, and to be ready with suggestions that can help you hold onto your hard-earned savings.

Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.

SEE ALSO: A Good Game Plan on Roth IRAs Can Take the Bite Out of Tax Day

The appearances in Kiplinger were obtained through a PR program. The columnist received assistance from a public relations firm in preparing this piece for submission to Kiplinger.com. Kiplinger was not compensated in any way.
Information and networking were in the focus of the 13th Humboldt-Tag on July 27, 2017, organized by the International Scholars and Welcome Office (IScO) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Young scientists and future hosts at KIT met excellent international researchers from the Humboldt network as well experts for research, innovation, and researchers mobility.



KITs Service Units of Internationales (INTL), Research Office (FOR), and Innovation and Relations Management (IRM) as well as the Young Investigator Network (YIN) and the Humboldt Regional Group Karlsruhe-Pforzheim informed about their comprehensive scopes of services offered to internationally mobile researchers at KIT in presentations and personal conversations.



Since 1953, 788 Humboldtians have come to KIT



In his welcome address, KIT Vice President for Innovation and International Affairs, Professor Dr. Thomas Hirth, underlined the importance of mobility of researchers, exchange, and dialog in science and the high significance of the long-standing cooperation of KIT with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. In particular, he emphasized Karlsruhes long relationship to the Foundation. Since the Foundations establishment in 1953, 788 Humboldtians have come to KIT and its two predecessor institutions, the University of Karlsruhe and Karlsruhe Research Center.



Dr. Thomas Hesse, Deputy Secretary General of the Foundation, presented the funding instruments of the Humboldt Foundation for internationally mobile researchers and the worldwide network of Humboldtians.



During the Humboldt-Lightning Talks, seven Humboldt fellows highlighted their current research work at KIT in short five-minute presentations. The Lightning Talks were presented by Dipl.-Phys. Philipp Schrogel, who works in the area of science communication at the Institute for German Studies.



Professor Dr. Herbert Gleiter honored for exceptional commitment as a Humboldt host at KIT



The Humboldt-Insights covered reports of researchers about their personal experiences in international mobility. The Humboldt-Insights were presented by Professor Caroline Y. Robertson-von Trotha, Head of the ZAK | Center for Cultural and General Studies and member of the Karlsruhe-Pforzheim Humboldt Regional Group.



Professor Dr. Herbert Gleiters exceptional commitment as a Humboldt host at KIT was gratefully acknowledged. Since he started to work in Karlsruhe in 1994, Gleiter has hosted eight Humboldt fellows at the Institute of Nanotechnology (INT). With this, you have made an exceptional contribution to research and internationalization of KIT and its predecessor institutions, Vice President Hirth said. Professor Horst Hahn, Head of the Institute of Nanotechnology, recognized Gleiters merits as a host of Humboldt fellows in his laudatory speech.





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SHANGHAI, Aug 4 (Reuters) - China's Ministry of Finance auctioned 10 billion yuan ($1.49 billion) of 3-month bills in the interbank market on Friday at an average yield of 2.9239 percent, traders said.

The auction yield came in below Thursday's benchmark secondary market yield of 2.9574 percent .

For stories on Chinese debt issues, click on . ($1 = 6.7197 Chinese yuan)

(Reporting by the Shanghai Newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
Editor's Note: Kitco readers, have your say! Check out our newest feature  KITCO CHAT!  where you can share your comments and ask questions directly to us.

Image of the Dynasty Diamond Courtesy of Alrosa

(Kitco News) - A 51.38-carat diamond of unprecedented quality to ever come out of Russia will be sold off in an online auction scheduled for November, according to the Russian miner Alrosa.

The diamond, known as the Dynasty, is part of a larger collection that consists of five polished gems that were all created from a 179-carat rough diamond named Romanovs, which was recovered in 2015 from Alrosas diamond mine in Russia's far eastern Yakutia region, the company said in a press release.

It took more than a year and a half to create this rare collection, said Alrosa president Sergey Ivanov.

All five diamonds were manufactured from one rough diamond, which is an exceptional case . . . 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, he noted.

Alrosa, the world's largest producer of rough diamonds in carat terms, said that the Dynasty diamond could be the most expensive Russian diamond to ever be sold, largely due to its incredible quality.

It is unprecedented in the history of Russia, the company said.

Other diamonds in the collection are: the 16.67-carat round brilliant-cut diamond Sheremetevs, the 5.05-carat oval diamond Orlovs, the 1.73-carat pear-cut diamond Vorontsovs, and the 1.39-carat diamond Yusupovs.

The Collection of Five Gems

The mining company has dedicated the collection to Tsar Peter the Great, who built Saint Petersburg and established state supervision over the jewelry industry; and the Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia for 300 years.

Ivanov plans to sell the collection in one set, with the starting price not below $10 million, Reuters reported. There are plans to showcase the diamonds in Israel, Hong Kong, and the U.S. in the fall.
The ministry already advised businesses last year to refrain from calling, texting or otherwise contacting staff after hours.

A Labor Ministry official said, "Actual working hours are getting longer because bosses issue work orders after office hours, which is making it difficult for workers to leave their work behind."

The government has set its sights on preventing bosses from piling work on staff after hours via text message or social media. The Labor Ministry on Thursday said it will gather opinions from unions and businesses about the practice by the end of the year and commission a study to determine how widespread it is.

A study by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry last year found that 74 percent of office workers are loaded with assignments after work hours, and 60 percent reported this was causing them severe stress. But only 43.2 percent said the work their bosses pestered them about was urgent, and 30.3 percent said it was not urgent but their superiors simply loaded it on them because the technology allowed them to.

A separate study last year by the Korea Labor Institute showed that office workers spent 11.3 hours a week on average handling office work on their smartphones after work.

France last year introduced a "right to disconnect" that obliges businesses with more than 50 staff to negotiate standards allowing workers to switch off or ignore their mobile devices after work.

Lawmakers here have tabled similar regulations, and President Moon Jae-in pledged to enact those motions during his election campaign. But enforcement will not be easy. A Labor Ministry official said, "It is difficult to find legal precedents in countries other than France. The problem is that each industry presents different sets of working conditions and it's debatable which hours can be construed as official business hours."


HONG KONG, Aug 4 (IFR) - Asia's high-yield credits put up a mixed showing in secondary trading, with some issuers failing to take advantage of investor demand for higher returns.

Shandong Ruyi's B3/B- rated (Moody's/S&P) US$200m 5NC3s were four points down since being issued late June. The notes were spotted at a price of 92.625 to yield 8.831% on Friday afternoon, according to Thomson Reuters data.

AMTD Group's US$200m perpetual non-call three securities have also slipped from pricing at par on June 8, trading at a bid price of 92.50 to yield 10.7%.

Jingrui Holdings' US$400m three-year bonds, rated Caa1 (Moody's), have recovered steadily since the beginning of the month, having traded around 9.7% on July 3. The notes settled at 9.16% this afternoon.

Recent investment-grade issues were unchanged to a tad wider ahead of US jobs data out today. Non-farm payrolls were expected to have increased by 183,000 last month after surging by 222,000 in June, a Reuters survey of economists found.

A Singapore-based trader said he saw profit-taking after US Treasury yields tightened overnight.

The Asian IG iTraxx index was spotted at 80bp/81bp this afternoon, pulling back from Tuesday's level, which was the tightest year to date, according to Thomson Reuters data.

Canara Bank's US$400m five-year bonds tightened 2bp in the aftermarket.

(Reporting by Frances Yoon; Editing by Dharsan Singh)

Keywords: MARKETS ASIA DEBT/
* Average cash Brent-Dubai spread widens near $1/bbl in July

* Atlantic Basin spot premiums hit multi-month highs

* Brent-Dubai may narrow again, re-opening arbitrage

By Florence Tan

SINGAPORE, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Asia's spot market demand for Middle East and Russian crude oil could rise this month as a regional price shift pares shipments from the Atlantic Basin and the United States back from record highs, refining industry insiders and watchers said on Friday.

Dubai and Oman benchmarks for Middle East crude have touched multi-month highs on expectations of stronger demand and falling arbitrage supplies. Higher demand could soak up excess oil in the market, supporting premiums for Middle East and Russian oil when trade for October-loading cargoes kicks off next week, industry insiders said.

The average spread between dated Brent to Middle East marker Dubai widened nearly $1 a barrel in July, as strong demand from refiners in Asia and Europe and North Sea oilfield maintenance tightened supplies. "Refinery crude demand remains strong, notably in Europe on the back of healthy margins driven by light products," said Harry Tchillingurian, head of commodity strategy at BNP Paribas.

Crude produced in Angola, the North Sea and the Mediterranean have also become more expensive, making fewer arbitrage supplies economical to Asian buyers, a Singapore-based trader said.

"Hence, more Dubai-related crude will be looked at than before," he said.

For example, Kazakhstan's CPC Blend crude will land in North Asia in November at $1.50-$2 a barrel above dated Brent - expensive compared with Saudi's Arab Extra Light, a trader with a western firm said.

Meanwhile one North Asian refiner said he was likely to lift more sour crude directly from Middle East suppliers in October as sweet crude supplies have tightened. "Sweet crude for October delivery are sold out," he said.

BRENT-DUBAI MAY NARROW AGAIN

In London, an oil industry executive said traders tend to look at the 100-day moving average for North Sea arbitrage. If Brent-Dubai trades above $1 on a sustained basis, that might discourage flows, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorised to speak to media, like other officials interviewed by Reuters for this story.

Still, BNP Paribas' Tchillingurian expect Brent's premium to Dubai to stay under $1.50 a barrel with OPEC cuts supporting the Middle East benchmark, while Brent eases with higher output from North Sea and Libya.

This would allow arbitrage flow from the Atlantic Basin to Asia to continue, notably in heavier oil from Angola due to cuts by members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, he said. "We are not expecting Asian appetite for arbitraged crude to fall off in November as typically refinery runs rebound after planned refinery turnarounds in September-October."

Low freight rates also helped while U.S. crude shipments could continue making their way to Asia as refiners in the United States will carry out seasonal maintenance in October-November, freeing up crude supplies for exports, traders said.

Chinese demand is also unlikely to relent soon as Beijing has granted more quotas to independent refiners known as 'teapots', analysts said.

"Chinese teapots have got their quotas and they are buying at these price levels," said Adi Imsirovic, a member of the Surrey University Energy Economics Centre. "Margins are great and there is little not to like in the market at the moment."

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ GRAPHIC: Brent/Dubai crude oil price spread GRAPHIC: Crude oil price differentials ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Florence Tan; Additional reporting by Mark Tay in SINGAPORE, Amanda Cooper and Libby George in LONDON; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
(Updates to close)

Aug 4 (Reuters) - Australian shares ended in negative territory on Friday as bank stocks stumbled after the country's biggest mortgage lender was accused of money laundering by the government.

The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 14.52 points, or 0.3 percent, to 5,720.6 at the close of trade. It still finished the week 0.3 percent higher, after two straight weeks in the red.

The benchmark edged 0.2 percent lower on Thursday.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia fell over 4 percent before finishing down 3.9 percent, marking its biggest intraday fall in over a year, after financial intelligence agency AUSTRAC initiated civil penalty proceedings, accusing the bank of 53,700 breaches, in the biggest case of the kind against a major bank. Westpac Banking Corp and Australia and New Zealand Banking followed the downward trend, ending 0.5 percent and 0.3 percent lower, while National Australia Bank crossed over to the positive territory to end 0.2 percent higher.

Crown Resorts recorded its biggest one-day fall in five weeks as the casino giant reported a 16 percent drop in annual net profit. Depite the market's modest losses, the Reserve Bank of Australia forecast underscored that the nation's economy was in reasonably good health. The RBA expects the economy will grow "above potential" at around 3 percent over the next few years. New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 7.63 points, or 0.1 percent, to finish the session at 7,746.12. The index rose 1.4 percent this week.

The bourse was steady as gains in consumer discretionary stocks curtailed losses from other sectors. A2 Milk ended 3.6 percent higher, while retirement village operator Summerset Holdings led decliners.

(Reporting by Hanna Paul; Editing by Lisa Twaronite)
By Laura Benitez

LONDON, Aug 4 (IFR) - British American Tobacco will hold investor calls for a potential multi-tranche US dollar, euro-denominated and/or sterling-denominated senior unsecured transaction from Monday August 7.

BAT, rated Baa2/BBB+ (stable/stable) by Moody's and S&P, respectively, has mandated Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC for the potential issuance of a multi-tranche USD-denominated senior unsecured transaction.

It has appointed Deutsche Bank, ING, NatWest Markets, Santander, and Societe Generale for the potential issuance of a multi-tranche euro and/or sterling-denominated senior unsecured transaction.

The tenors of the euro and/or sterling-denominated offering will be four-years to 13-years, and tenors for the US dollar-denominated offering will be three-years to 30-years.

(Reporting By Laura Benitez)
MELBOURNE, Aug 4 (Reuters) - BHP Billiton is looking for ways to shore up power supply and bring down power costs at its Olympic Dam copper mine in Australia, as it plans to expand following a string of electrical outages, the mine's head said on Friday.

The mine has been badly hit by an energy crisis in Australia stoked by the rapid rise of wind power and closure of coal-fired power plants. This has destabilised the national grid and soaring natural gas prices have driven up power tariffs.

A blackout last year forced Olympic Dam to shut for two weeks, costing the company $105 million. Over the past year, rising power bills have added around $30 million to its costs.

Olympic Dam President Jacqui McGill said security of supply, price and system reliability are all challenges for the mine.

"Cheaper power - that's the key for me," she said at an American Chamber of Commerce event in the South Australian capital of Adelaide. Power prices need to drop 25 percent to make Olympic Dam copper more competitive globally, she said.

While the state of South Australia has taken steps, such as lining up 129 megawatt hours of battery capacity from Tesla Inc , to help avert power outages from next summer, more needs to be done, McGill said. Olympic Dam, South Australia's biggest power user, draws about 125 MW alone, around 8 percent of the state's demand.

"We've currently got a nationwide study underway to look at our options for power," she said.

Batteries would not help much, she said. "When you draw the amount of power that we do, options like that don't provide us with a lot of confidence."

BHP will need more power and cheaper prices to justify going ahead with plans to expand output from 218,000 tonnes this year to 280,000 tonnes by 2022. It plans eventually to more than double output using low-cost heap leach technology that the company is trialling in Adelaide.

McGill said tests to smelt material produced from the heap leach process have been successful, with "significant progress" made toward producing uranium and copper cathode. The trial is due to be completed in the 2019 financial year.

Heap leaching involves stacking crushed ore over a pad, pouring on acid and water and blowing air up through the pad to leach out metals.

(Reporting by Sonali Paul; Editing by Tom Hogue)
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.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Former drug company executive Martin Shkreli was convicted of fraud by jurors in a U.S. court in Brooklyn on Friday, after a highly publicized, monthlong trial.

Federal prosecutors had accused the 34-year-old of defrauding investors in his hedge funds and stealing from his old drug company, Retrophin Inc (RTRX.O), to pay them back.

Shkreli was convicted on two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy. He was found not guilty on five other counts.

Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Jonathan Oatis
By Liz Hampton and Devika Krishna Kumar

HOUSTON, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Fuel retailer Pilot Flying J is in talks to acquire Noble Petro, the U.S. refined products supply and wholesale distribution business of trader Noble Group , two sources familiar with the matter said this week.

Noble, once Asia's largest commodities trading shop, is divesting operations after two years of financial upheaval that knocked down its shares and pushed its credit rating to below investment grade.

Last week, Singapore-listed Noble said it had started a process to sell its oil liquids unit and announced plans for up to $1 billion of disposals over the next two years. It also disclosed a sale of its U.S. gas and power business to Swiss commodities trader Mercuria Energy Group for $248 million. The price Noble Petro might fetch was not immediately clear. One source said other companies have eyed the business, which distributes refined products across the U.S. Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent from storage facilities with access to major pipelines, including the Colonial Pipeline.

Representatives from Noble declined to comment. A spokeswoman for Pilot Flying J said the company did not "have any acquisition news to share at this time."

Noble Petro acquired assets of Northville Product Services in 2010, adding 3.7 million barrels of storage in Pasadena, Texas, and the Midwest, as well as supply contracts with key U.S. Gulf Coast refiners and a wholesale marketing system in the Magellan, Plantation and Teppco pipeline systems.

Noble, burdened by $3.3 billion in debt, estimated a second-quarter net loss of about $1.7 billion, citing liquidity worries that curbed its ability to seize trading opportunities.

Steven Hollerbach, formerly a managing director at Noble, recently moved to Pilot Flying J to run the company's light products business, three sources familiar with the matter said this week.

Hollerbach did not respond to a request for comment on LinkedIn.

Knoxville, Tennessee-based Pilot Flying J has more than 750 retail locations across 43 states, according to the company. The privately held company hired Carson Williams in December 2016 to handle crude supply and trading, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Large fuel retailers like Pilot Flying J have gotten a boost from selling U.S. biofuels credits earned by blending fuels including gasoline and diesel with renewables such as ethanol.

(Reporting by Liz Hampton; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
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) - A strong U.S. jobs report for July blunted some of the short-term enthusiasm for gold, but wasnt enough to make respondents in the weekly Kitco News gold survey bearish.

Wall Street Bullish Bearish Neutral VS Main Street Bullish Bearish Neutral

The largest bloc of voters in both the Wall Street and Main Street polls look for the yellow metal to rise again next week. In each survey, however, the bull camp was less than 50% of the total votes.

Gold is headed for a lower weekly finish, with most of the damage coming Friday as the U.S. government reported a stronger-than-expected rise of 209,000 in July employment. The stronger number means continued potential for another U.S. interest-rate hike this year, observers said.

Seventeen market professionals took part in a Kitco News Wall Street survey. Eight voters, or 48%, see gold prices rising by the end of next week. Seven, or 41%, said lower, while the other two, or 12%, see a sideways market.

The Kitco online Main Street poll resulted in 714 votes, with 342 participants, or 48%, calling for gold to climb over the next week. Another 272 voters, or 38%, said that gold will fall, while 100, or 14%, were neutral.

In last Friday's survey for the current week, 71% of Wall Street voters and 65% of Main Street called for gold to rise this week. As of 11:11 a.m. EDT, Comex December gold was down 1% the week to $1,263.10 an ounce.

So far in 2017, but not counting the current week, Wall Street forecasters collectively were right 19 of 29 times for a winning percentage of 66%. Main Street was right 18 of 28 times for 64%.

Sean Lusk, director of commercial hedging with Walsh Trading, suggested gold prices will bounce after initial weakness in the aftermath of the U.S. jobs report.

I think after this price break, youll see more buying come in, he said, suggesting the U.S. dollar may remain soft. Gold could briefly fall to the mid to low $1,250s area, he continued, but then may remain underpinned by more political chaos going forward. So Lusks bottom line: I wouldnt want to be short here. I think were in an environment where dips will be bought.

Bill Baruch, senior market analyst at iiTrader.com, is also upbeat on gold. He said that while the employment data was good, it also was not enough to reverse the impact of a previous string of disappointing economic reports. Further, he said the jobs report wasnt robust enough to increase expectations for more aggressive Federal Reserve monetary policy, and the absence of this will ultimately be positive for gold.

Meanwhile, Kevin Grady, president of Phoenix Futures and Options LLC, looks for the metal to slide some more after the jobs data.

It looks like those [jobs numbers] are positive for the economy, Grady said. Although it [the next expected U.S. interest-rate hike] is not going to be until December  it confirms that it will be in December. That is going to be a strong headwind for gold.

The market has been helped lately by strong buying from speculators on pullbacks, he said, with physical demand in India and other key buying nations reportedly soft. Still, I think there is going to be sellers of rallies. Im looking for around $1,275 to be good resistance for us.

Colin Cieszynski, senior market analyst at CMC Markets, said that he is bearish on gold as the market wasnt able to break above a technical trendline from the December low and the May low. He added that momentum indicators are also starting to roll over, highlighting the risk of lower prices. Ralph Preston, principal with Heritage West Financial, also said lower, since the market appears to be stalling after recent gains.

Fawad Razaqzada, technical analyst at City Index, is neutral on gold.

Right now, we are in the middle of its year-long trend and until we get a break out above $1,300 or below $1,200, everything in the middle is just noise.

Here is a sampling of thoughts from Kitco Main Street voters on Kitcos commenting Kitco Chat:
* NSE index down 0.16 pct, BSE index 0.31 pct lower

* Biocon drops up to 7.6 pct on U.S. FDA observations

* Nifty pharma index down as much as 2.5 pct

By Jessica Kuruthukulangara

Aug 4 (Reuters) - Indian shares fell on Friday, dragged down by Reliance Industries Ltd on profit-taking, while drugmakers declined after the U.S. health regulator found quality lapses at a facility of Biocon Ltd .

The findings of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mark another blow to the Indian pharmaceutical industry, which has faced regulatory sanctions and warnings over quality control to inadequate standards. "For healthcare companies, there are issues which are progressively getting resolved," said Rakesh Tarway, head of research at Reliance Securities.

However, there are growth issues because of the price erosion in the U.S. market, so healthcare companies will be under pressure for some time, he added.

The broader NSE index was down 0.16 percent at 9,997.25 as of 0523 GMT, while the benchmark BSE index was 0.31 percent lower at 32,139.32.

Both indexes were down for the week after posting four consecutive weekly gains.

Shares of Biocon fell as much as 7.6 percent, posting their biggest intraday fall in five months, after the U.S. FDA issued 10 observations pointing at aseptic practices following an inspection at the drugmaker's plant in Bengaluru. Almost all constituents of the Nifty pharma index , which shed as much as 2.5 percent in what could be its third straight session of decline, were in red.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd dropped as much as 4.5 percent, while Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd fell over 3 percent.

Reliance Industries, the top drag on the NSE index, fell as much as 2.1 percent after two consecutive sessions of gains as investors locked in profits. The stock hit a record high on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corp Ltd gained as much as 5.1 percent after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter profit on Thursday. (Reporting by Jessica Kuruthukulangara in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)
JAKARTA, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Japan Tobacco Inc said on Friday it has agreed to buy Indonesian cigarette maker PT Karyadibya Mahardhika and its distributor for $677 million. "This deal will give the JT Group immediate scale and presence on a nationwide level in the Indonesian kretek market," Japan Tobacco said in a statement, referring to clove cigarettes. Indonesia's cigarette market was the world's second-biggest after China with 316.1 billion sticks sold last year, data from Euromonitor International showed. (Reporting by Eveline Danubrata)

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.
China tells India to cease making excuses and withdraw its troops

From:Agencies | 2017-08-03 10:41

This photograph, released by Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, shows the Indian border troops continuing illegal trespass into Chinese territory.  Xinhua



CHINA yesterday accused India of concocting excuses over the illegal entry of its military into Chinese territory, adding that China had shown great restraint over the incident.

The stand-off on a plateau next to the mountainous Indian state of Sikkim, which borders China, has increased tensions between the neighbors, who share a frontier that is 3,500 kilometers long.

Early in June, Indian guards crossed into Chinas Doklam region and obstructed work on a road on the plateau.

The two sides troops then confronted each other close to a Chinese valley that separates India from its close ally Bhutan.

Chinas foreign ministry said in a statement that 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, it said.

The ministry reiterated that the border had been agreed in 1890 by the governments of China and Britain, Indias 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 have previously said that about 300 soldiers from either side are facing each other about 150 meters apart on the plateau.

Chinas foreign ministry said that at one point there were more than 400 Indians on Chinese territory, who had advanced over 180 meters into China.

As of late last month, there were still more than 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer on Chinese territory, it added.

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, the ministry said.

China released a position document on the incursion yesterday.

The document titled The Facts and Chinas Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory was in four parts with three appendices.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said 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 Chinas 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, more than 270 Indian border troops crossed the boundary in the Sikkim section of the China-India border, entering Chinese territory and obstructing road building by the Chinese side on June 18.
By Oludare Mayowa

LAGOS, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Nigeria's Forte Oil said on Friday it was in talks with a major refinery to form a strategic partnership for local refining of petroleum products in Africa's top oil exporter, its chief executive said.

Nigeria has been pushing to refurbish its decrepit refineries, as the country is still mainly dependent on exporting crude oil for imports of refined products.

It has also been seeking new investments to reduce reliance on imported oil products that consume a large portion of the OPEC member's scarce foreign currency reserves, especially with oil prices low.

CEO Akin Akinfemiwa said Forte Oil, majority owned by billionaire Femi Otedola, was exploring partnerships and joint ventures for local refining of petroleum products.

Nigeria's oil minister has said its existing, ageing refineries have a daily domestic refining capacity of 6 million litres, while the daily consumption stands at 35 million.

"We are aggressively pursuing M&A opportunities along the energy value chain," Akinfemiwa told investors in Lagos.

He said the company, with interests in fuel distribution and power, would diversify into the upstream sector through acquisition of marginal oilfields.

Shares in Forte rose 4.99 percent on Friday to 60.37 naira, giving it a market value of 78.6 billion naira ($216 million). Its shares have fallen 32 percent this year, adding to a 74 percent fall last year.

Nigeria's presidency said on Thursday it will legalise currently outlawed mini-refineries in its Niger-Delta oil hub by the end of the year and supply them with crude at reasonable price, a move which could boost local refining. In May, rival energy group Oando Plc said it was in talks to work with Italian energy company Eni to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt refinery, one of the West African nation's four refineries. Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote is building an $17 billion oil refinery with a capacity of around 650,000 barrels a day, planned to start operation by 2019.

Forte Oil this week reported an 11.3 percent rise in half-year pretax profit to 4.74 billion naira. ($1 = 364.68 naira)

(Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha, editing by David Evans)
Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Friday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours):

MEDIA

Polish ruling party Law and Justice is considering introducing a limit for foreign investors' ownership in media at 20 percent, Gazeta Wyborcza daily said.

EMIRATES NBD Two Polish companies Ailleron and Artegence delivered transaction services and video banking systems for Dubai-listed bank Emirates NBD, Puls Biznesu daily said.

FX LOANS

Getin Noble Bank will be the main victim of a presidential bill regarding creating a fund aimed at helping Swiss franc-denominated credit holders at lenders' expense, as its contribution to the fund would amount to 240 million zloty ($67.24 million) next year, Rzeczpospolita daily calculated.

BIALOWIEZA

Polish environment minister Jan Szyszko was quoted as saying that if the European Commission (EC) forces Poland to stop logging ancient forest Puszcza Bialowieska, the country would sue the EC or 2.5 billion euros ($2.97 billion), according to Polska The Times daily.

****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****

For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX ($1 = 0.8418 euros) ($1 = 3.5692 zlotys)

(Reporting by Warsaw Bureau; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath)
Aug 4 (Reuters) - OnTheMarket, the online property portal challenging Zoopla and Rightmove , is looking to raise about 50 million pounds ($66 million) via a listing on London's junior market, its parent company said.

Agents' Mutual, a company launched and backed by estate agents, said OnTheMarket would seek a valuation of between 200 million and 250 million pounds via an initial public offering on the Alternative Investment Market.

It plans to offer investors a minority stake and to use the proceeds to attract and retain more estate agents via a national media campaign.

The group's existing members will vote on September 6 on the potential conversion of their interest in the portal into shares, so that the IPO can proceed, Agents' Mutual said.

OnTheMarket, currently the third biggest player in the UK residential property portals market, was launched in 2015 to challenge Zoopla Property Group and Rightmove in the British online property search market.

It has about 2,700 estate and lettings agency firms as members, including Savills and Knight Frank.

($1 = 0.7612 pounds)

(Reporting by Esha Vaish in Bengaluru; editing by Jason Neely)
HANOI, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0432 GMT.

August 4 USD/VND mid-point 22,434 USD/VND interbank 22,734/22,736 USD/VND unofficial 22,750/22,780 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.20/36.40

Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.4-0.7

1 week 0.5-0.8

1 month 1.4-1.9

3 months 3.1-3.8

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016, the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Reporting by Mi Nguyen; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
ZURICH, Aug 4 (Reuters) - The Swiss blue-chip SMI was seen opening 0.2 percent lower at 9,121 points on Friday, according to premarket indications by bank Julius Baer .

The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks:

SWISS RE The world's second-largest reinsurer wrote 10 percent less business during the July property and casualty contract renewal season as rates continued to decline, albeit at a slowing pace. First-half net profit fell 35 percent to $1.2 billion, after claims from natural disasters such as Australia's Cyclone Debbie compounded the impact of falling prices and a resulting cutback in business the reinsurer was willing to write. Shares were seen opening down 4 percent in premarket indications at 0601 GMT.

For more news, click COMPANY STATEMENTS * Lonza said it has acquired Micro-Macinazione, a contract manufacturer providing micronization of active ingredients for the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries based in Monteggio, Switzerland. Micro-Macinazione had sales of around 20 million Swiss francs in 2016 and has 120 employees, Lonza said, without disclosing financial details of the deal. Lonza also announced the pricing of its multi-tranche "Schuldschein" loan (private placement) with a total size of EUR 700 million and USD 200 million. * Berner Kantonalbank posted first-half profit of 56.9 million Swiss francs. * Mobimo Holding AG said it generated first-half profit of 63.3 million Swiss francs, down from 89.8 million a year earlier. * Sunrise said it has completed the sale of Swiss Towers AG to a consortium led by Cellnex Telecom S.A. and including Swiss Life Asset Managers and Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners for a consideration of 500 million Swiss francs. * Interroll Holding said first-half net profit fell by 3.1 percent to 15.3 million Swiss francs. * Coltene Holding said net profit for the first six months of the year declined by 16 percent to 6 million Swiss francs. * Energiedienst Holding said first-half EBIT rose by 15.1 million euros to 22.6 million euros and that it sees its EBIT for 2017 at 40-50 million euros. ECONOMY * CPI data for July due at 0715 GMT.

(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/
BANGKOK, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Thailand's economy is expected to grow 3.5-3.6 percent this year, driven by investment in infrastructure projects, the finance minister said on Friday. Government projects will also help attract private investment, Apisak Tantivorawong said at a business event. Growth in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, which clocked at 3.2 percent in 2016, still lags regional peers.

(Reporting by Kitiphong Thaichareon; Writing by Orathai Sriring; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
(Adds details)

OTTAWA, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Canada's trade deficit widened far more than expected in June as a drop in shipments of metal and energy products pulled exports back from the previous month's record high, data from Statistics Canada showed on Friday.

Canada's trade gap with the world was C$3.60 billion ($2.86 billion), exceeding economists' forecasts of a C$1.35 billion deficit. The national statistics agency revised May figures to show a wider shortfall of C$1.36 billion than the initially reported gap of C$1.09 billion.

Exports tumbled 4.3 percent to C$46.51 billion, the largest decrease since February 2016 as both prices and volumes declined. Imports edged up 0.3 percent to C$50.12 billion, setting a record high.

Exports fell in nine out of 11 categories, led by a decrease in metal and other mineral products, as well as energy.

Exports of crude oil and bitumen tumbled 7.4 percent, the fourth consecutive monthly decline. The statistics agency said this was unusual for June, when crude oil exports normally increase.

The decrease in oil shipments led to a 4.5 percent decline in exports to the United States. The trade surplus with the United States, which accounted for 74 percent of Canadian exports in June, shrank to C$2.17 billion, the smallest since June 2016.

($1=$1.2573 Canadian)

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Graphic - Canada economic snapshot ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
* Foreign demand falls, with euro zone orders down

* Consumer and intermediate goods orders rise

* An economist warns growth climax reached

(Adds details, context, economist quotes)

By Michelle Martin

BERLIN, Aug 4 (Reuters) - German industrial orders rose twice as much as expected in June as a surge in domestic demand offset weaker foreign appetite, data showed on Friday, suggesting this sector of Europe's largest economy will gain traction in the coming months.

Factories posted a 1 percent increase in contracts in June after orders for German-made goods rose by an upwardly revised 1.1 percent in May, data from the Economy Ministry showed. That beat the Reuters forecast for a 0.5 percent rise.

"The order numbers are another mosaic tile in what is a very positive picture of the economy," said Nordea economist Holger Sandte.

A breakdown of the June data showed domestic demand increased by 5.1 percent while foreign orders dropped by 2 percent, with orders from the euro zone declining by 2.4 percent.

But foreign orders are generally outpacing domestic demand even though Friday's data showed the opposite, Sandte said.

"The stronger euro isn't likely to hamper this development much so the traffic lights for the economy are still glowing green," he added.

The orders data follows a flurry of upbeat figures that have underlined the strength of the German economy seven weeks before a national election in which Chancellor Angela Merkel is seeking a fourth term.

'CLIMAX REACHED'

Recent data has shown the number of Germans out of work falling, engineering orders increasing, the manufacturing sector growing and consumer morale rising, though private sector growth has slowed.

Merkel's conservatives, who have presided over a period of economic prosperity in Germany for much of the last 12 years, have made the country's rude economic health a pillar of their campaign, promising "a strong economy and secure jobs".

The Economy Ministry said order levels, combined with an excellent business climate, pointed to a continued slight upturn in industrial activity.

But Sal. Oppenheim economist Ulrike Kastens warned that while the economic upturn was likely to continue in Germany, it was unlikely to maintain current growth rates.

"The economic climax will probably have been reached in the second quarter," she said.

The government has forecast gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 1.5 percent this year -- below the 1.9 percent expansion seen in 2016, which was the strongest rate in five years. Factories making consumer goods and manufacturers of intermediate goods both registered strong order increases but bookings for capital goods declined as robust domestic demand was unable to offset a fall in foreign orders.

Quarterly data was also strong, with order levels in the April-June period coming in 0.8 percent above first-quarter levels as bookings climbed two months in a row after falling in April, the Economy Ministry said.

(additional reporting by Rene Wagner; Writing by Michelle Martin; Editing by Catherine Evans)
(Adds details)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Steinhoff International's African spin-off plans to buy a controlling interest in South Africa's Shoprite , in an all-share deal worth 35.5 billion rand ($2.6 billion), it said on Friday.

Steinhoff in February let go of plans to merge with Shoprite and has since established a single company - STAR - through which to list its African retail assets on the Johannesburg stock exchange. The company has entered into call option agreements with Titan Premier Investments, a company ultimately controlled by a family trust of Steinhoff and Shoprite chairman Christo Wiese, as well as the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and Lancaster Group, Steinhoff said in a statement.

"The exercise and implementation of the call options will not require STAR to extend a mandatory offer to the remaining Shoprite shareholders," Steinhoff said.

The consideration payable will be settled in STAR shares and will value the ordinary shares, deferred voting shares and cash at a combined 35.5 billion rand, the company said. ($1 = 13.4631 rand)

(Reporting by TJ Strydom; editing by Tiisetso Motsoeneng and David Clarke)
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10th Annual East Tennessee History Fair set for Saturday, August 19





East Tennessee History Fair has lots of activities for all ages. Image courtesy of East Tennessee History Center.





The 2017 East Tennessee History Fair will celebrate the regions history with reenactments, activities, and tours on Saturday, August 19. The event will be held in downtown Knoxville at Market Square & Krutch Park, Clinch and Gay Streets; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be:



 Antiques fair

 Historical characters

 Childrens activities

 Historic home tours

 Music

 Museum tours and walking tours

 Vintage films

 Food

 Book sale

 Historic crafts

 Dog costume contest

 Living history

 Celebration of Davy Crocketts Birthday



Presented by the East Tennessee Historical Society, along with dozens of businesses, historical organizations, museums, musicians, and individuals from across the region, the East Tennessee History Fair features fun and educational activities highlighting the people, places, stories, and events that comprise the shared history of our 35-county region. The event is free and open to the public. Special highlights include:



 Free admission to the Museum of East Tennessee History for the day, including Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee and Stories in Stitches exhibitions, plus the Streetscape with Streetcar 409 and Corner Drug Store, c. 1920-1930

 Antiques Fairdowntown Knoxvilles only antiques fair with vendors selling a wide variety of primitives, antiques, and tabletop items, sponsored by Case Antiques and Building Systems Technology, Inc.

 WDVX Music Stage featuring Russ and Becky Jeffers, Travelin Caudells, Good Thymes Ceilidh Band, Knox County Jug Stompers, Early Morning Stringdusters, and Seven Pine

 Living History Timeline  spanning the regions history from the Cherokee to Vietnam War

 Abraham Lincoln and wife Mary Todd, Mary Anna Custis Lee and Robert E. Lee, and many other historical characters will roam the crowd

 More than fifty historical and genealogical societies representing county, regional, and state organizations from across the region

 Old Fashioned Tennessee Checkers Skirmish sponsored by Mast General Store

 Book sales by Friends of the Knox County Library featuring Civil War, WWII, and other local and American history-themed books for children and adults



History Hound Dog Costume Contestguests are invited to bring their pets to Krutch Park dressed as their favorite historical character. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the contest begins at 10:15. Celebrity judges will award fabulous prizes from PetSafe for Best Costume and Most East Tennessee Spirit.



 Tours of Underground Gay Street

 Walking tour with Jack Neely on the history of the Worlds Fair Park

 Walking tour with Knoxville Walking Tours on Spies, Spooks, and Scoundrels

 Craft demonstrations -- spinning, quilting, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, raku pottery, woodworking, chair caning, basket making, natural fibers, clay work, lye soap making, primitive handmade items, and more

 Art Market Gallery will be celebrating being a part of Knoxville's history for 35 years! They will feature a special exhibition of works by gallery members entitled Original Art of East Tennessee's Spaces and Places, and give out Cherry Coke

 An enlarged childrens activity area with special crafts, games, and storytelling by the King of The Wild Frontier, Davy Crockett, along with a birthday party with cake for Davys 231st birthday

 Jump on the Big Love Bus for tours of downtowns historic homes, including Blount Mansion, James Whites Fort, Mabry Hazen House, and Bethel Cemetery

 Market Square Farmers Market

 Home style food, goodies, cool treats, kettle corn and barbeque!

 Vintage films by the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound at the Tennessee TheatreOpen House with free tours of the Tennessee Theatre



The 2017 East Tennessee History Fair is sponsored by Knoxville CBID, The Tennessee Arts Commission, Seven Islands Foundation, Mast General Store, City of Knoxville, WDVX, WBIR, WUOT, Comcast, LBMC, PC, Hyatt Place Knoxville/Downtown, Case Antiques, Building Systems Technology, Inc., PetSafe, and Food City.



Established in 1834, the East Tennessee Historical Society is one of the most active history organizations in the state and enjoys a national reputation for excellence in programming, teacher and student education, and exhibitions. For 183 years the East Tennessee Historical Society has been helping East Tennesseans hold on to our unique heritage -- recording the events, collecting the artifacts, and saving the stories that comprise the history we all share.



The historical society pursues its educational mission through publications, lectures, conferences, school programs, museum exhibits, and heritage programs such as the popular First Families of Tennessee and Civil War Families of Tennessee. The East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum are housed in the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, across from the Tennessee Theatre. Also located in the center are the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection and the Knox County Archives. Published August 3, 2017














Prominent Knoxville developer featured on hit TV series





Barn located on David Dewhirst property to be featured on Barnwood Builders. Image courtesy of Dewhirst.



KNOXVILLE  Knoxville developer David Dewhirst will be featured on this Sundays episode of Barnwood Builders. Mark Bowe, the leader of the Barnwood Builders, visited Dewhirst at his Knoxville home last spring to check out two remarkable barns on the property. Dewhirst is the founder of Dewhirst Properties in Knoxville. He purchased both antique barns several years ago and moved them here to Knoxville with his coworkers. It was a team building exercise, he explains. One barn incorporates reclaimed windows from an old factory in Knoxville. The other barn needed a few replacement logs, so Dewhirst himself hewed out a few logs by hand. The episode airs Sunday, August 6, at 9|8c on the DIY Network.



Barnwood Builders Mark Bowe visits with David Dewhirst. Image courtesy of Dewhirst.



Also in this episode, the Barnwood Builders build a memorial pavilion for the town of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The town, which suffered some of the worst devastation during last years flood, is now the epicenter of a community rebuilding effort.



About Barnwood Builders: Now in its fifth season, Barnwood Builders is one of the most successful shows ever on the DIY Network. Six good-natured West Virginians travel the country saving pioneer log cabins and building gorgeous modern homes with reclaimed lumber. The shows star, Mark Bowe, lives by the motto, work hard, be kind, take pride. This feel-good series celebrates old-fashioned values, old-world craftsmanship, and hometown pride.




Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group demand answers from Gatlinburg City Commission





GATLINBURG, TN -- The collective 440+ members of the Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group have submitted a public communications request to the Gatlinburg City Commission. The request demands answers to 80 questions concerning the wildfire of November 28, 2016.



We, as citizens of United States of America, object to any obligations requiring us to comply with Resolution 939 limiting our First Amendment rights to free speech.



Together, with other citizens, we intend to ask questions from the attached list submitted to the City of Gatlinburg with objection to Resolution 939 and in advance of the meeting.



We demand our civil rights to ask each question on the attached list, and will resume asking each question from this list when a prior speaker ends his or her 3 minutes.



We support free speech in the United States of America and request your support too.



Questions from the Community for the City of Gatlinburg:



1. On November 28, 2016, how were all of the communications on encrypted channels between the fire department, police department, and EMS recorded? Where are those recordings today? Why have those recordings not been released to the public?



2. If the City of Gatlinburg had issued an evacuation alert as early as 2:00 p.m to all residents and visitors, do you believe your evacuation alert may have saved lives?



3. The audio speakers in the City Commission meeting room do not work properly and, as such, limit the ability for all guests, including those who are hearing impaired, to participate in the meeting. Can the City of Gatlinburg please fix the audio problems in the meeting room so that all guests may participate?



4. Is there an Evacuation Plan now established for Ski Mountain? Baskins Creek / Loop Road? Roraring [sic] Fork? If not, why?



5. A report of high winds and the risk of a wildfire from Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreading at a rapid rate throughout the greater Gatlinburg community has just been announced and is expected to occur tomorrow beginning at 6:15 p.m. Describe all of the activities the City of Gatlinburg will engage in to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents.



6. Why has the City of Gatlinburg elected to not treat the Citys After-Action Report as punitive in nature? Do you believe no one is responsible for the deaths, injuries and destruction of property on November 28, 2016?



7. Why was there no boil alert for the City of Gatlinburg after the pipes ran dry on November 28th? If you allege an alert was issued, identify who issued the alert, when was the alert issued, and how did the City communicate the alert to all residents, business owners and visitors?



8. Hydroseeding along the roadsides and hillsides is either dying or is already dead? Does the dead hydroseeded grass provide fuel for another fire? Why did the City of Gatlinburg not water the hydroseeded areas?



9. Is the air and water being tested for pollution since the wildfire of November 28, 2016? How frequently is the water tested? Does the drinking water contain any new contaminants not previously seen in our drinking water supply before the November 28, 2016 wildfire?



10. When are evacuation or warning sirens going to be ready and tested? Why has the City not tested the system so that all residents and visitors can hear the alert? Prior to November 28, 2016, when was the last time the siren system was used? Prior to November 28, 2016, when was the last time the siren system was tested? If the siren system was inoperable or dysfunctional, when was the system failure first discovered and what efforts did the City of Gatlinburg take to remedy any known problem(s)?



11. Why has the City not engaged in practice drills or other exercises to prepare for an orderly evacuation of all visitors and residents?



12. (for Cindy Ogle) Did Fire Chief Miller advise you that he wished to call for an evacuation of all residents and visitors on November 28th? When did Chief Miller advise you of his request? Why was an evacuation not called for at that time? Who had the authority to call for an evacuation, you, Fire Chief Miller, or someone else (identify)?



13. Did the City of Gatlinburg prioritize its economy over the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors on November 28, 2016? Did the City of Gatlinburg delay the timely evacuation of all residents and visitors on November 28, 2016?



14. What is the name of the individual who issued an evacuation notice at 8:00 p.m. on November 28, 2016? Why was the evacuation notice issued so late?



15. (for Mayor Werner) At the last meeting, you said you would be willing to meet with all of us. When and where do you wish to meet? What is your agenda? What do you hope to achieve from the meeting? Why did you wait for more than eight months to offer a meeting to discuss your communitys concerns with residents and visitors?



16. What specifically are you going to do next time to keep Chalet Village North safe?



17. What protocols does the City of Gatlinburg utilize to evacuate the City during a City-wide emergency? Which communities are evacuated first, in what order, and describe fully the evacuation procedures used.



18. More than eight months have passed since the devastating wildfire of November 28, 2016. What have you done to make residents feel safe? How can you encourage residents to rebuild? What do you believe has changed today compared to November 27, 2016? Why should residents and visitors trust you with our safety and well-being?



19. Why did the City of Gatlinburg rush to reopen shortly after the curfew was lifted, when residents had not been given a reasonable opportunity to identify their own losses, to grieve, or to coordinate their own efforts to recover? Did you prioritize the communitys economy over its people?



20. Can the Memorial for the victims of the wildfire be placed at the Spur Welcome Center since most of the dead are from Chalet Village North?



21. Does the City of Gatlinburg condone city employees publishing their own personal opinions in various social media forums while also serving the community as public servants? Does the City perceive a conflict of interest when a police department dispatcher creates an online petition against a group of the Citys own residents?



How can all residents trust and rely upon the services of the Gatlinburg Police Department when one or more employees have willfully, intentionally and purposefully expressed their dissatisfaction(s) toward individuals or a group of individuals?



22. Why have you not invited the families of those who perished to participate in development of the memorial?



23. Amber Alerts to mobile devices have a particular alert sound. Can the City of Gatlinburg help create an alert sound specific for wildfires?



24. Have you purchased a mobilized cell phone tower to use for backup communications? When did you purchase this equipment? What did the equipment cost? How did the City pay for the equipment? When will the equipment be implemented and utilized?



25. Since visitors do not know about Sevier Countys Code Red system, how will you alert our visitors to an emergency in our community? Will your Code Red system work in remote areas where some people do not receive mobile phone service? How will you communicate emergency information to individuals who do not receive mobile phone service in their communities?



26. (for all Commissioners) Do you claim your wages earned for your service as Commissioners on your federal and/or state income tax returns? Do you receive a W-2, a 1099, or other form (identify) for your income received for your service as a Commissioner? Do Commissioners qualify to receive workers compensation insurance?



27. Why did the City of Gatlinburg willfully, intentionally and purposefully publish certain personal information, including individuals names and addresses, to other individuals receiving either solicited or unsolicited copies of the questions and your answers provided at the July 18, 2017 City Commission meeting?



28. Why did the City of Gatlinburg elect to distribute at the July 18, 2017 City Commission meeting personal information of certain individuals, namely, the name and address of those individuals who questioned the activities of the City of Gatlinburg and its leaders on November 28, 2016, and members of the Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group, but chose not publish or distribute the same personal information, such as the name and address, of other speakers, including Ryan DeSear and Dinah Bays, among others? Can you understand why some individuals perceive the City of Gatlinburgs act(s) as willful, intentional and purposeful to harm certain individuals who oppose you or do not share your opinions? Did you know on July 18, 2017, or do you now know, that certain individuals who oppose you or do not share your opinions have received death threats from other individuals both inside and outside of the community? If any harm is brought upon any individual or their family member(s) due to your willful, intentional and purposeful disclosure of their personal information, will you accept responsibility, on behalf of the City of Gatlinburg, for losses suffered as a result of your act(s)?



29. Why were certain individuals or group of individuals escorted and supervised by two City of Gatlinburg Police Officers when delivering their questions, under your rules. To city manager Cindy Cameron Ogles office before the July 18, 2017 City Commission meeting? Does the City of Gatlinburg condone this practice for all individuals who visit the city managers office? Has the city manager received any threats the community should be aware of? Do you acknowledge that the Citys request for a police escort of certain individuals who deliver communications to the city managers office is perceived as threatening, intimidating, harassing, manipulative or abuse of power and/or authority?



30. During the wildfire, National Park Service officials locked gates from Campbell Lead Road to the bypass, trapping evacuees who tried to escape from the wildfires. What will the City of Gatlinburg do to work together with the National Park Service to ensure no such failure in procedures ever occurs again?



31. We are here despite of you. We believe we survived the devastating wildfires of November 28, 2016 despite your failures which caused the deaths of more than fourteen people, the injuries of more than 200 people, and the destruction of more than $1 billion in commercial and residential property. Do you understand why so many people, including visitors worldwide, believe they are not safe when visiting Gatlinburg because you have done little to nothing to protect your residents and visitors? Why do you expect residents and visitors to feel safe in Gatlinburg?



32. Can the City of Gatlinburg issue emergency information to residents and visitors via weather alert radios? Please describe how emergency notices are transmitted via weather alert radios.



33. Has the City of Gatlinburg visited all commercial and residential properties affected by the wildfires of November 28, 2016 to inspect for contamination and hazardous material risks? Why or why not?



34. Did any employee of the City of Gatlinburg light a fire, backfire or controlled burn fire to control fire spread in any community? If so, please describe each fire lit, where the fire was lit, how the fire was controlled, the names of the individuals responsible for monitoring the fire, and whether or not winds carried fires lit by any City employee to other areas beyond the immediate controlled burn location.



35. Immediately after the wildfires, Commissioners refused to answer questions from the community, and attacked some community members when questions were asked. Since July 18, 2017, the Commission has requested all questions from the community must be presented in writing, and has only answered questions to the community in writing. Written responses to the communitys questions do not allow for engagement with your community, inhibits productive dialogue, and does not allow your community to resolve their concerns. Why has city manager Cindy Cameron Ogle, Mayor Mike Werner, and each of the Commissioners refused to discuss (verbal dialogue) the communitys concerns with those asking questions? Why did Mayor Werner attack Genie Brabham on June 20, 2017 for asking questions about his public interview? Why do Commissioners publicly attack members of our community for asking questions Commissioners do not like?



36. (for Commissioner Smith) In your answers to our questions submitted for the July 18th meeting, you said the question was personal in nature. What is personal about your public election?



37. We request a Town Hall meeting to address questions from the community regarding your actions and inactions on November 28, 2016, and to address our concerns for the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors to the City of Gatlinburg. Will you participate in a Town Hall meeting with us? Where? When?



38. How is the City of Gatlinburg working with other cities to identify opportunities for affordable housing?



39. What concerns, significant or otherwise, does the City have for its residents and visitors concerning any hazards relating to wildfire ash?



40. (for Fire Chief Miller) What directives did you provide to incoming out-of-area first responders to address fires in the city limits of Gatlinburg?



41. (for Fire Chief Miller) What directives did you provide to incoming out-of-area first responders to address fires in the community of Chalet Village North?



42. (for Fire Chief Miller) Were out-of-area first responders advised of black marks on top of fire hydrants and what they represented?



43. Does the City of Gatlinburg or its Commissioners condone the discrimination of any individuals by the business community?



44. Does the City of Gatlinburg or its Commissioners condone the discrimination of any individuals by other individuals in the community?



45. Does the City of Gatlinburg condemn the statements of businessman Davy Thomas expressed on July 28, 2017, in which a microphone recorded Mr. Thomas saying to a wildfire survivor, The owners dont want your kind here. and asked for the wildfire survivor and his group to leave their property?



46. Does city manager Cindy Cameron Ogle, Mayor Mike Werner, and/or the Commissioners deny asking friends, employees and associates to attend the July 18, 2017 City Commission meeting to fill seats and/or keep other individuals from attending the meeting?



47. (for Mayor Werner) Do you deny asking your son, Albert Werner, call his friends and to tell them to fill the City Commission meeting room on July 18, 2017 with their friends in order to fill seats and/or keep other individuals from attening the meeting?



48. How are certain individuals or groups of individuals affecting tourism? Describe in full, please. What do you suggest will remedy your concern(s) and end any future impact on tourism in Gatlinburg?



49. What concerns does the City of Gatlinburg have, if any, for wildfire ash and debris being dumped in the Sevier County landfill since the landfill is not certified to receive, process or handle this waste material?



50. Why has the City of Gatlinburg not enforced TDECs recommendations for the handling of wildfire structure ash, such as requirements to collect wildfire structure ash in dump trucks or containers lined with 6-mil thick plastic and sealed burrito style with duct tape?



51. Do you feel responsible for those who lost loved ones and pets because you did not evacuate people timely? 52. Has the City reached out to anyone who lost family members from the wildfire of November 28, 2016?



53. Has the City reached out to anyone who lost their homes from the wildfire of November 28, 2016?



54. How do each of you respond to public opinions that you are responsible for culpable negligence and/or manslaughter in the deaths of 14 or more people resulting from the wildfires of November 28, 2016? Please allow city manager Cindy Cameron Ogle, Mayor Mike Werner, and each City Commissioner to respond to this question by answering individually for themselves, not as a collective group.



55. How did the City of Gatlinburg ensure burned vehicles removed from the City were being disposed of properly Is this City aware that some burned vehicles were disposed of improperly in Cocke County?



56. Is the City of Gatlinburg concerned that more than eight months after the wildfire of November 28, 2016, some residents are still living in storage sheds, sheds on properties, and motel rooms? Regardless of any efforts demonstrated by Mountain Tough, what efforts is the City of Gatlinburg taking to help these individuals return to suitable housing?



57. (for Mayor Werner) Why did you choose to not recuse yourself from voting on item 7.a. on the July 18, 2017 City Commission meeting agenda? Do you regret casting your vote? Do you understand the communitys perception of impropriety relating to the issue you voted on? Do you benefit personally from the passage of agenda item 7.a.? Do you vote on issues involving matters which may benefit yourself or your business relationships?



58. How often do Commissioners vote on issues that may benefit themselves personally, their personal businesses or business interests, or their personal relationships with other individuals?



59. Have any pollution issues been identified from wildfire structure ash or waste? Has the City of Gatlinburg or the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation tested the drinking water since November 28, 2016? When? What were the results? Has the City of Gatlinburg or the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation tested and public or private property soil(s) since November 28, 2016? When? What were the results? Has the City of Gatlinburg or the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation tested the air quality since November 28, 2016? When? What were the results?



60. On November 28, 2016, provide the evacuation time(s) for each of the following communities within the City of Gatlinburg and surrounding community: Baskins Creek region; Rattlesnake Hollow region; Roaring Fork region; Downtown region; Ski Mountain Road region; Ski View Drive region; Chalet Village North region; Highway 321 region; Mynatt Park region; Parkway region (from the Spur to Ripleys Aquarium). How did you evacuate the community? What tools, equipment or resources did you use to evacuate? Who coordinated evacuation personnel?



61. Are you aware of any backburn or controlled burn fire(s) being set in the national park at Chimney Tops on or about November 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28, 2016?



62. Are you aware of any backburn or controlled burn fire(s) being set in the national park at the Sugarlands on or about November 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28, 2016?



63. Are you aware of any backburn or controlled burn fire(s) being set anywhere within the national park on or about November 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28, 2016? If yes, which areas of the national park? When were these fires set?



64. When weather alerts informing the public that winds may exceed 60+ mph were released, why were no evacuations called for at that time?



65. What time were the trolleys moved from their parking lot on East Parkway to the corner of East Parkway and Glades Road on November 28, 2016? Who was responsible for moving the trolleys to the corner of East Parkway and Glades Road (provide the names of each employee or other individual involved in the movement of trolleys on November 28, 2016).



66. Who decided not to use the trolleys to evacuate the workers, tourists and residents who have no other transportation?



67. Commissioners, if you say you have an open door policy and you welcome anyone to contact you at any time, why have you not responded to letters sent to you individually in the past year or more?



68. Individually, describe your relationship with Sevier County Commissioner Mary Dumas-Davis. Include all business interests and relationships you may have currently, or have had in the past, with Commissioner Davis. Please allow city manager Cindy Cameron Ogle, Mayor Mike Werner, and each City Commissioner to respond to this question by answering individually for themselves, not as a collective group.



69. If we met with you under your open door policy, will be escorted by police to meet with you?



70. Why were autopsy reports released to family members and then suddenly sealed again? What explanation has been provided to the City of Gatlinburg regarding the re-sealing of autopsy reports?



71. What assistance has city attorney Ron Sharp provided any of you in answering any of the questions we ask?



72. Does the City of Gatlinburg have any concerns for city employees who publish their personal opinions online while they are employed to serve the public?



73. When are city manager Cindy Cameron Ogles open door hours?



74. Will the City permit crosses to be placed in honor those who died in the location(s) where they died?



75. Does the city have any concerns for TEMA losing all incoming and outgoing recordings to the Emergency Operations Center? What are your concerns? What if those recordings indicated more people died?



76. Why has the City of Gatlinburg not released all of the 911 emergency calls placed on November 28, 2016? What has the City done to preserve all 911 emergency calls placed on November 28, 2016 from being lost or destroyed?



77. Do any of the Commissioners have a business relationship with Davy Thomas, Logan Coykendall, or Hospitality Solutions, Inc.? If yes, describe your business relationship in full and include how your business relationship does not affect your service to the community as our city manager, Mayor or Commissioner.



78. Knowing wind speeds would reach an excess of 60+ mph on November 28, 2016, why didnt the City of Gatlinburg communicate with the Sevier County Utility District to turn off the power grid and prevent electrical fires from fallen power lines and transformers throughout Gatlinburg?



79. What day and time did you activate the City of Gatlinburg Emergency Operations Center (EOC)? Who activated the EOC? When did you first contact the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) for any reason on or prior to November 28, 2016? How did you contact TEMA (i.e., telephone call, email, emergency alert, etc.)?



80. Will you kindly correct the false narrative Mayor Mike Werner, Cindy Cameron Ogle, City Commissioners, and Sevier County Commissioner Mary Davis have created of the Gatlinburg Wildfire Survivors Group as a protest group. The Group has conducted exactly zero protests since creation. On the six month anniversary of the November 28th catastrophe, the Group did, however, conduct a prayer vigil for those who lost their lives when no one else, including you, planned to honor them or their families. The protest group rumor and false label began when your colleague and board member, Logan Coykendall, desperately tried to repair the damaged image and reputation of his company, Hospitality Solutions, Inc., for threatening to have wildfire survivors arrested if they did not leave hotel property they paid to rent for a press conference the hotel was well-aware of (Note: Refunding or not processing a credit card for payment does not change the terms of a contract.). Since none of you were there on July 28, 2017, and as you will recall, none of you had any comment to the media on July 28th regarding TEMAs untimely announcement of having lost all of its November 28, 2016 recordings, none of you are first-person witnesses to the unfortunate event which transpired at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Gatlinburg hotel which has now evolved into anticipated litigation for substantial damages suffered by many, the damaged reputations of Mr. Coykendall, Davy Thomas, Hospitality Solutions, Inc. and their Sevier County hotel brands, and the efforts to remove Mr. Coykendall and his company from various board positions for conduct unbecoming of a business citizen in our community. Promulgating false rumors among your friends, peers and colleagues makes each of you look petty and immature, diminishes any respect for you or the positions you hold, and further divides our community from those few who support you, from the many who support us. We number more than 440 strong and, according to you, only a few of us have the power to affect the entire economic outlook of the City of Gatlinburg.



Lets change the narrative and find a cooperative way to work together. Remember the olive branch none of you have extended to any of us to meet and help us move forward, while you sit atop your high perch on the Commission bench and preach a false narrative no one buys but your congregation of friends, peers, business associates, and family members.



Published August 4, 2017
Pigeon Forge to hold public meeting about Firewise Communities Program





PIGEON FORGE, TN  The City of Pigeon Forge Fire Department (PFFD), wildfire safety experts from the National Fire Protection Associations (NFPA) Firewise Communities Program www.firewise.org and the Tennessee Division of Forestry are working together to assist Pigeon Forge residents and businesses in an effort to become nationally recognized as a Firewise community in 2017.



The Firewise USA program provides a number of proven tools and resources for homeowners and other community residents to help prepare for and reduce the risk of wildfire damage and loss. The City of Pigeon Forge has officially adopted the Firewise USA Program which will help to educate residents and business owners in preparation of wildfires that might affect the City.



More than 1,400 communities in the U.S. have dramatically lowered their risk of wildfire damage by participating in the Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program. For more information, visit www.firewise.org or contact the Pigeon Forge Fire Department.



Firewise prevention includes:

 Clearing leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks

 Removing fuel, in this case vegetation and man-made structures, within three to five feet of a homes foundation and out buildings, including garages and sheds. Any combustible should not touch a home

 Removing dead vegetation within 30 to 100 feet of a home

 Landscaping with native and less-flammable plants. State forestry or county extension agents have additional information on which plants are best.



A public meeting will be held on August 22 to get people involved. The event will be held at the LeConte Events Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Light food and beverages will be served.



Ideally, residents and business owners will be working side-by-side with firefighters and City planners to create defensible space in and around their neighborhoods. If you have ever wanted to volunteer to make a difference in your community, we want to talk with you. said Fire Chief Tony Watson.



The Fire Chief and the City Administration invite everyone to a public meeting to learn more about Firewise and how you can help make a positive impact within the City.



Representatives from the Fire Department and Tennessee Division of Forestry will be present to provide education and answer questions about the Firewise Program.



Published August 4, 2017










By Choi Yearn-hong





Cover of "Star*Guest" by Woo Ah-ji Poet Woo Ah-ji

Visiting Busan offered me a chance to meet new poets and writers in the area during the Sixth Busan Literature Festival on June 21-24. During the Festival program, I delivered a keynote speech on nostalgia, a source of my literature , and read five of my own poems, including "Flowers in the Borderland," in Korean and English, as a Korean-American poet.



Then, I met Woo Ah-ji. editor of City Literature, the official literary magazine of Busan Poets and Writers Association, who gave me a copy of her most recent poetry book, "Star*Guest," in kindness. I found that her poem "Lisbon" (page 70), goes well with my travel poem from Portugal, "Flowers in the Borderland." Here is "Lisbon" in my English translation, followed by "Flowers in the Borderland."

"Lisbon"

Sorrows, growing and spreading over the Atlantic Ocean,

During my observation of it at the end of the Continent

Afternoon walking in the narrow city street

Once most glorious history in background

The color of the deep sea in Amalio Rodgrigues' fado

Reminds me of my bygone days, suddenly

"Flowers in the Borderland"

Flowers in the borderland are beautiful as

any flower in the center of the continent ,

but not many people watch the flowers in the borderland.

That is sad.

The sailors returning from the other side of the ocean

know that the borderland flowers are equally beautiful

or more beautiful than any flowers on any port of call;

No flower is more beautiful than their wives or lovers at home.

The longer their separation is,

the more tearful their reunion will be.

The more tearful their reunion is,

the more beautiful love is blossomed in a flower.

Don't feel sad!

I am going to tell the world that

the flowers I saw on the cliffs in Portugal

are the most beautiful flowers, unforgettable.

The images of the two poems are Lisbon's glorious past over the current melancholic economic and political scenes. Woo Ah-ji is a "sijo" poetess, and I am a poet of free or prose poems, which are more revealing.

The first poem in her poetry book, "Star*Guest," is in stark contrast with the last poem, "Confession." In the opening poem, she lovingly waits and prepares a welcome dinner for a guest coming to her house, using all the ingredients she has and her heart. I placed myself in her poem as the star-like guest. However, the last poem is about sadness. However, I can place myself in her guest star and in her confession. She has accommodated me in a nice way in her poems. This is her magical power. Further, she created a word, "Star*Guest," in her poetry. I cannot find such a star in astronomy. She has a creative word power all her own. Here is "Confession," also in my translation.

"Confession"

Who cares a beautiful spring day

 You are far away from me

Who cares the cherry blossom

 In a few days, all flowers will fade away

Who cares you regret

 You will regret that regret soon

All her poems are lively and dignified as first-class sijo poems. However, she has modernized the traditional sijo poems for more modern audiences, even though she maintains the traditional form, which is basically short and regulated. Her sijo poems are condensed with proper poetic ambiguity and metaphors but can be easily read by anyone who loves poetry. Sophisticated poetry has lost readers in Korea and elsewhere recently. I believe in poetry's Renaissance with her style of sijo poems. We cannot go back to the times of Sowol and Chongrokpa poets, but we should be able to balance the tradition and modernity in poetry.

Woo Ah-ji is her pen name, and her legal name is Hyun-sook. I love her pen name, pure Korean word of young girl. She was called Ah-ji when she was a young bookworm in her hometown in Hamyang, South Gyeongsang Province, in the valley of Mount Jiri. She picked her pen name from her youth nickname. She is known also as an essayist.

In this modern age, Busan should be proud of its own local autonomy and should be able to present its own international literary festival with its own creative sea-bound programs that must be distinguishable from Seoul's central government-centered programs.

Dr. Choi is a Washington-based poet and writer.
Pyonyang seeks to estrange South Korea from US





By Kim Jae-kyoung



President Moon Jae-in must be anxious about North Korea's military provocations following his dialogue offer to defuse tension and reach a denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.



The North is yet to respond officially to Moon's outreach. It has said through the Rodong Sinmun, the mouthpiece of the ruling Workers' Party, that halting "anti-North Korean confrontations and hostile practices" is a prerequisite for improving inter-Korean relations.



The proposal for talks came shortly after Pyongyang succeeded in its first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that it said was capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.



Moon expressed his wish to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at any time. But instead of accepting talks with Moon, Kim carried out a second test of an ICBM, and is preparing to conduct another nuclear test.



What is North Korea's true intention of testing ICBMs while the South is offering peace gestures? What is behind the North's silence to the offer of talks?



Experts said the immediate purpose of Pyongyang's actions is to estrange South Korea from the U.S. and to have talks directly with Washington.



"North Korea's objective in launching ICBMs, as best we can ever understand what Pyongyang is thinking, is to separate the U.S. from South Korea," New York-based political analyst and Asia specialist Sean King told The Korea Times.



"In other words, to scare the U.S. enough that we'll enter into direct peace treaty talks with Pyongyang, thereby undermining our South Korean ally."



In mid-July, Seoul proposed separate talks on easing border tension and arranging reunions of families separated by the Korean War in a bid to engage the isolated country.



Despite Moon's repeated dialogue overtures, Pyongyang launched its second ICBM, July 28, an indication that the Kim regime has no intention of having talks with the Moon administration.



Even worse is that North Korea is likely to conduct another ICBM test and its sixth nuclear test anytime soon, according to the Ministry of National Defense.



"North Korea's intention is to quickly develop a nuclear capable ICBM and use that as leverage to get U.S. forces off the peninsula and break the U.S.-South Korea alliance," said Tara O, adjunct fellow at the Pacific Forum CSIS.



"The ultimate goal is to unify the Korean Peninsula under its own rule. Kim also wants to demonstrate technical prowess through developing nuclear weapons to bolster his legitimacy domestically."



Against this backdrop, it is crucial for Moon and his administration to understand what objective Pyongyang has and come up with a North Korea strategy accordingly.



What Pyongyang aims to do ultimately is to ensure the security of its regime and prove its military prowess through its nuclear capabilities.



"North Korea's intention (for ICBM launches) is to acquire what it believes is the only sufficient deterrent against the U.S.," said Balbina Hwang, a visiting professor at Georgetown University's Center for Security Studies.



"It also believes that nuclear weapons and their delivery systems not only ensure its security, but makes it relatively more powerful than South Korea."



Analysts said that North Korea is now at the most dangerous point in its entire 40-year nuclear weapons program, having asserted a willingness to attack the U.S. with nuclear weapons without actually having the capability yet.



"Many in Pyongyang probably wonder why we (the U.S.) don't finish them off before it is too late," said William Brown, adjunct professor at Georgetown School of Foreign Service.



"So they are in a mad rush to finish the job so they can stand back and feel safe with an ability to fight back should the U.S. or South Korea attack them."






By Park Jae-hyuk

The Korean government comes under criticism for reversing its previous stance on mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Friday that it has never considered atypical mad cow disease to be "safe to humans", in response to lawyer Song Ki-ho's requests to give the reason why the ministry has claimed the disease as "safe."

However, the ministry has said atypical mad cow disease, which was discovered last month in the United States, is "not dangerous," although it has never mentioned the word "safe."

"The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) considers atypical BSE to be less dangerous, because the disease naturally occurs among some aged cows, unlike typical BSE transmitted through contaminated feed," the ministry said in its press release published a day after the BSE outbreak in Alabama last month.

President Moon Jae-in also said in the Cabinet Meeting last week that "Although it is not dangerous to us, you should try your best to sincerely announce current situations and countermeasures of the government against BSE, so that citizens can feel relieved."

Such sentiments regarding safety are in line with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. National Cattlemen's Beef Association's claims that BSE is not contagious and the infected cow posed no risk to human health.

"The USDA confirmed that an 11-year-old cow that never entered slaughter channels and at no time presented any risk to the food supply was discovered through routine surveillance, testing positive for atypical BSE," NCBA's Cattle Health and Well-being Committee Chairman Jimmy Holliman was quoted as saying.

For these reasons, the Korean government has refused to ban imports of U.S. beef. Some news outlets also reported that atypical mad cow disease is "safe for humans," following the government's previous remarks.

"The government has officially admitted the risk of atypical mad cow disease in the latest response," Song said. "However, it still remains reluctant to announce the risk to the public."

US accused of sharing nothing

The head attorney of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society's committee for international trade issues also pointed out that Washington has seemingly refused to share details of the disease with Seoul.

The Korean government only received a copy of the USDA's press release after the BSE outbreak, according to the response from Korea's agriculture ministry. The press release was sent to the Korean embassy in the U.S., just an hour before the USDA unveiled the press release to reporters.

Also, the U.S. government did not disclose details of the problematic farm in Alabama and the reason why it estimated the age of the infected cow to be 11 years old, according to the lawyer.

Song claims that the U.S. is breaking the deal between the two countries, which says that Washington should immediately carry out an epidemiologic survey if there is an additional BSE outbreak and inform Seoul of the results.

"The Korean government took measures without any epidemiologic survey," Song said. "Until the U.S. government gives results of the survey, Korea should temporarily ban imports of the U.S. beef."
By Choi Ha-young





Taro Kono

When Japan named Taro Kono as its foreign minister, expectations of an improvement in soured diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan  mainly due to the comfort women dispute  grew because he is the son of Yohei Kono, a former official who announced an apology in 1993 for the wartime sexual slavery.

The expectation, however, turned to disappointment as he called on South Korea to abide by a verbal agreement made in December of 2015 "resolving" the issue, following the party line of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other rightist politicians. As Korean President Moon Jae-in vowed to review the deal, the stalled relations between the two nations are unlikely to be revived anytime soon.

Kono, who was officially appointed Thursday, said that he backed the deal declared by two nations' foreign ministers, under Abe and Moon's predecessor, Park Geun-hye. He said the deal needs to be implemented.

"The comfort women' issue has been resolved with Abe's statement to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the war and an agreement between Japan and South Korea," he said in an interview with Reuters.

The deal, reached without reflecting the victims' opinion here, has drawn enormous public anger for stipulating "a final and irreversible resolution" of the wartime crime.

Moon indicated he would review the deal during his presidential election campaign. "Most Koreans cannot accept the deal," Moon also told Abe during a phone call May 11, right after taking office.

The liberal leader reiterated the view in his first summit with Abe last month on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Germany. "Let's find a wise solution, admitting that the deal is a far cry from the public sentiment of South Koreans," he said.

However, Japanese officials have called on Korea to follow the agreement whenever they have met their counterparts.

In line with Moon's promises, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a taskforce Monday to review the agreement, aiming to come up with a conclusion by the end of the year. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha told the team to thoroughly look into the agreement from the perspective of the victims, according to the ministry.

The taskforce will inspect how the deal ended up with the controversial term "final and irreversible," and why the two sides have had different interpretations over the agreement concerning statues of a girl symbolizing the victims.

As the new Japanese foreign minister is unlikely to soften his stance toward the deal and the Korean government is reviewing it, the long-standing diplomatic feud between the two countries is unlikely to die down soon. "Whoever becomes foreign minister, it is difficult to improve relations under these circumstances," one of the taskforce members, Yang Kee-ho, professor of Japanese studies at Sungkonghoe University, told The Korea Times.

President Moon has touted a two-track strategy toward Japan, to seek economic and security cooperation regardless of the historical conflicts. "However, Japan is not willing to do so," Yang said. He expected the deal may not be scrapped but may require a revision and some complementary measures.
Lee Jong-chan, center, chairman of the Woodang Scholarship Foundation, poses with guests at the Seoul Museum of History in Seoul, Thursday, a day before the opening of an exhibition featuring six brothers who fought for Korean independence. The guests include Song In-ho, fourth from left, the director of the museum, and Lee Jong-gul, third from left, a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). / Courtesy of Woodang Scholarship Foundation



By You Soo-sun

An exhibition showcasing the lives of six brothers who fought for Korean independence during Japanese rule in Korea began Friday at the Seoul Museum of History in Jongno-gu, central Seoul. Born to a prosperous family, the six activists are best known for spending their entire family fortune to fight against the Japanese occupation.

The exhibition was organized by the Seoul Museum of History and the Woodang Museum as this year marks the 150th year since the birth of Lee Hoe-yeong (1867-1932) _ the most renowned among the brothers. A ceremony commemorating the opening of the exhibition was held Thursday in front of the exhibition hall.

Descendants of the brothers, including Rep. Lee Jong-gul of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) joined the event. Lee expressed his gratitude to the museum and related organizations, welcoming their efforts to publicize the acts of all six brothers.

Although Lee Hoe-yeong is the most widely known, his brothers also played influential roles in the independence movement. Their names, from eldest to youngest, were Lee Gun-yeong, Lee Seok-yeong, Lee Cheol-yeong, Lee Hoe-yeong and Lee Si-yeong.

Born in Seoul, the brothers fled Korea to China, where they established a foreign base for activists. They also established a school which nurtured 3,500 activists over 10 years, paving the way for Korea's independence.

Lee Si-yeong was the only one to have returned alive on the day of independence. He served as the first vice president of the liberated nation.

Lee told The Korea Times that he believes Korean society should reinterpret their anarchist ideology to align with their goals for the future.

"In the 21st century, a time of globalization, the new political vision may encompass a third path that overcomes both a socialist society without freedom and a capitalist society that is without equality."
By Jung Min-ho

Korea's falling birthrate is threatening teaching jobs in public schools, education offices' recruitment plans showed Thursday.

Education offices across the country are now seeking to hire far fewer teachers for their public elementary schools than last year as enrolment continues to decline.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education said it will hire 105 elementary school teachers this year, a major drop from 846 in 2016.

"The decision was inevitable because the number of students in Seoul keeps decreasing," an official said. "Many people are on a waiting list to be assigned positions even after passing the qualification test."

Meanwhile, in Gwangju, Korea's sixth-largest city, only five people will be hired as elementary school teachers  the lowest number ever  down from 20 last year.

Over the past few years, the number has dropped sharply. In 2013, it was 350, decreasing to 300 in 2014, then to 125 in 2015.












By Chang Je-woo





While Korean President Moon Jae-in is working toward his election campaign promise to close private autonomous schools in Korea, people are questioning whether the pledge is practical for students.

The schools have been offering curriculums not provided by public high schools. Examples include the Korea Minjok Leadership Academy in Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon Province, the Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies in Yongin, Gyeoinggi Province, and the Bugil Academy in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. They have been operating small classes that follow the curriculums of the Advancement Program and American schools to send students abroad.

President Moon's pledge hinges on simplifying the nation's complex high school system now wired to 10 different types  from private autonomous schools and foreign language high schools to international high schools.

Instead of private autonomous schools, President Moon promised to introduce to public schools a new credit-based high school system that benchmarks the credit system of universities.

That can be seen in his intention to introduce to Korea's over 1,500 public high schools the freedom of course selection, like private autonomous schools.

An experiment to adopt this system was done by Dobong High School in northern Seoul in 2010. The experiment  where each class holds 18 students compared with 30 to 35 like other schools  satisfied most of the students, according to Yonhap news agency in June.

But some students were concerned whether there would be enough teachers for all classes if every Korean high school employed this system.

The most important part of the credit system is that it should offer classes that satisfy students. One of the biggest problems in the Korean education system has been that most courses are mandatory and students have to take them whether they like them or not. In the credit system, in which students can select courses, it is crucial to ask them what they want to learn.

Another crucial point of the credit system is that each student should be graded based on the absolute grade system, not by the relative grade system now in operation.

Many students are avoiding classes that are too competitive because, under the relative grade system, no matter how hard they study, they are ranked in grade reports. It results in students losing the incentive to take harder and possibly more interesting courses because their grades might affect their university enrollment.

If the credit system adapts well to public schools, it will be a perfect policy to substitute for the current autonomous high schools. Schools should provide more courses that are student-oriented, focusing on the students' needs. In turn, students will be able to take competitive courses or courses they are interested in without being scared by pressure for grades.



Chang Je-woo is a third-grade student from the Bugil Academy in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province.
Students majoring in elementary education protest against a drastic cut in teacher recruitment in Seoul next year, in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, Friday. / Yonhap





By Kim Bo-eun

Seven hundred students majoring in elementary education gathered at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE), Friday, to demand the office guarantee them job security. The move follows the education office's announcement of a drastic cut in teacher recruitment for next year.

The office said Thursday it would recruit just 105 elementary school teachers for 2018, down from 846 for 2017, as part of a comprehensive nationwide teacher reduction policy reflecting the decrease in elementary school students due to the country's low birthrate. On the national level, 3,321 new teachers will be recruited, a 40.2 percent drop from 5,549 for this year.

"One hundred and five is not even a third of the students who are set to graduate," students of Seoul National University of Education (SNUE) said. "If the cut was needed and inevitable, it should have taken place gradually over a longer period with sufficient prior notice."

"We faced fierce competition in entering the elementary education department and prepared for four years to become teachers. We never thought we would face a situation such as this," students from Ewha Womans University's Elementary Education Department said in a statement. "It is extremely frustrating that students who have invested more than four years to become elementary school teachers face the consequences of the government's policy failure."

Teaching is one of the most coveted professions in Korea for its job security.

In the current market, there are also 3,817 graduates with certification who cannot find teaching jobs. This is because in the past the government purposely hired more than it needed; the point of criticism from the students who gathered Friday.

The low teacher recruitment is because of the continued decrease in new elementary school students _ the number stood at 2.73 million in 2014 and fell to 2.71 in 2015 and 2.67 in 2016.

The drop is also due to fewer teachers opting for voluntary early retirement due to the bad economy. This number was down from 6,898 in February 2015 to 3,652 in February this year.
By Kim Bo-eun



Attention is growing over a case in which a man murdered a female owner of a waxing parlor last month. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office indicted the man surnamed Bae, 30, on charges of murder, robbery and attempted rape on Monday.



The man visited the parlor on July 5, posing as a customer. After getting waxing treatment, he threatened the owner with a weapon, demanding money and attempting to rape her and then stabbed her to death.



The suspect, who reportedly had 6 million ($5,300) won in debt, stole the shop owner's debit card after stabbing her.



Prosecutors said the man testified to plotting the murder after watching a Youtube video taken at the parlor.



A male Youtube broadcaster in March posted the video he filmed while getting waxing treatment there.



In the video, the broadcaster mentioned the female owner ran the parlor by herself in a quiet residential area in southern Seoul.



According to reports, he also commented on the shop owner's beauty and that he was sexually aroused by the waxing treatment, which women's groups are claiming sexually objectified the shop owner.



After a controversy arose, the broadcaster apologized for "unintentionally exposing the vulnerable circumstances of the shop owner " and deleted the clip.



Feminist groups are claiming that the incident was based on misogyny, which is defined as "dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women."



They will hold a protest at Gangnam Station in southern Seoul, Sunday, to publicize the case as a"misogyny-based murder."



Gangnam Station has become a symbol of women's movements against misogyny. Protests have been held there, after a woman was murdered in a bathroom of a building nearby the station for no apparent reason in May last year.



Organizers of the upcoming rally have created an online community on the portal site Daum to promote the protest.



"Once again, a person was murdered simply for being female. We cannot sit and watch these misogyny-based crimes occur," they posted.



"We must take issue with the status-quo, in which people refuse to recognize these crimes as being based on misogyny."



Netizens have created the hashtag "waxingshopmisogynymurder" in Korean on social media.




By Lee Kyung-min

The Ministry of Labor and Employment said Thursday it is studying ways to improve workers' "right to disconnect" from technology as part of efforts to guarantee them full and uninterrupted rest after work.

The move reflects criticism that the "always-on" culture enabled and perpetuated by digital devices results in burnout, sleeplessness, exhaustion and depression.

The ministry said various measures are under review including banning the use of Kakao Talk, a popular chatting app, to assign employees work during their time off.

In particular, the ministry is reviewing a section of an employment law, under which companies with over 50 workers must negotiate with the employees about their right to ignore any communication attempts made by employers, including calls, text messages and emails.

The worker-friendly law was introduced by former French Labor Minister Myriam El Khomri, who commissioned a report in 2015 on the health impact of "info-obesity," which she said was the primary reason why many workers were suffering.

However, the ministry remains cautious about prompt and strict implementation of such a measure given the rigid hierarchical corporate structure in Korea.












Jang Young-ok



By Kim Se-jeong

Jang Young-ok is not an ordinary pharmacist.

In June, she posted an advertisement on Facebook looking for a part-time worker for her drugstore in Mapo district.

"We'll pay 10,000 won per hour," it said.

That drew 20 people to apply for the position. The final candidate is now receiving training and will get 10,000 won an hour from September.

"I voted for Moon Jae-in and I think it's a good policy," the pharmacist said as to why she offered 10,000 won an hour. "But I also saw strong opposition to his vision. I asked myself what to do to show that I support the minimum wage and Moon. I didn't want to just sit idle."

President Moon has pledged to raise the minimum wage to 10,000 won an hour by 2020.

But Jang's decision comes at a cost.

Her 16-year-old pharmacy has a growing number of competitors in the neighborhood. She also has two full-time employees and may have to negotiate their salaries because of her 10,000 won initiative.

"It will be less money for me," she said. "Business is not as it used to be."

This isn't the first time she has stood up for what she thinks is right.

As a humidifier disinfectant scandal engulfed the country last year, she joined a group of people to boycott Reckitt Benckiser's (RB) disinfectant products.

"I saw a victim's father protesting in front of Oxy's headquarters in London," Jang said. "I was sad and angry. It was a humiliation as a Korean. Then I heard the news about the Oxy boycott campaign. I was looking at my cabinets to see what I could do."

She was surprised by the immense support for her decision. "So many people liked' my posting," Jang said. "And newspapers and television began calling me."

Equally surprising, she said, was how many RB products she was selling.

"There were quite a lot," Jang said. "Hand sanitizers, depilatories and other products. The most popular was a drug treating reflux esophagitis. It was one of the best-selling items." She still has customers who look for it.

Yet her actions have set an example for many.

"I am happy to know people like Jang. She inspires me," one Facebook user wrote.

Jang said her attitude changed after the ferry Sewol sank on April 16, 2014.

"Before that, I was shy and had no interest in what was happening around me. But looking at the parents weeping over their missing children and learning that the government's failure to respond killed more was a big wake-up call for me. I thought I should not have been quiet."

Jang has become politically active.

She joined the Green Party and participated in candle-lit protests last fall against President Park Geun-hye and her government. On March 10, when the Constitutional Court removed Park from power, Jang was outside the court, weeping and hugging with others in joy.

"I now believe it's very important to speak up," she said.
By Mark Leonard



BERLIN _ Last week, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel interrupted his holiday on the North Sea to respond to Turkey's jailing of a German human-rights activist. Gabriel warned German tourists about the dangers of visiting Turkey, and advised German firms to think twice before investing in a country where the authorities' commitment to the rule of law is increasingly dubious.



This amounts to a new German policy toward Turkey, and it further confirms Germany's status as an economic great power. Gabriel's announcement sent shockwaves through the Turkish government, because it recalled Russian President Vladimir Putin's response to Turkey's downing of a Russian warplane in 2015. The sanctions that Russia imposed cost Turkey's already-struggling economy $15 billion, and eventually forced Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an to offer a groveling apology.



Putin's aggressive response came as no surprise. By contrast, Germany's decision to respond in a similar fashion marks a break from its generally more accommodating diplomatic style.



Retired German diplomat Volker Stanzel told me that Gabriel's latest move is in keeping with his personality and knack for political calculation. In anticipation of Germany's national election this September, Gabriel knows that his Social Democratic Party (SPD) has nothing to lose by standing up to Erdo?an, who has alienated Germans with his authoritarian personality, Islamist leanings, and flippant allusions to the Holocaust.



Stanzel also points out that Gabriel, who is influenced as much by the media as by other diplomats, wants to craft a more public-facing style of diplomacy for the twenty-first century. And, because his previous government post was in the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, it is natural that he would use economic pressure as a measure of first resort.



Still, Germany's changing global posture predates Gabriel, who is a relative newcomer at the foreign ministry. During the euro crisis, Germany deployed economic means for economic ends within Europe. But in its policies toward Russia, Turkey, China, and the United States, Germany has increasingly been using its economic strength to advance larger strategic goals.



After Putin annexed Crimea in March 2014, the West's response was led not by the US, but by Germany, which spearheaded diplomacy with Russia and Ukraine to de-escalate the conflict. Germany then persuaded the rest of the European Union to agree to unprecedentedly tough sanctions against Russia to deter further aggression.



Germany has maintained that united European front for three years, defying all expectations. And now that Russia-related scandals loom large over US President Donald Trump's administration, Europeans are increasingly looking to Germany to continue its leadership on this issue.



Germany also negotiated a deal with Turkey to reduce the flow of Middle East refugees to Europe, effectively recasting the EU-Turkish relationship. Rather than maintain the fiction that Turkey is still a viable candidate for EU accession, Germany has forged a more realistic strategic bilateral relationship. Europe can still work with Turkey to advance common interests, but it can also raise objections to Erdo?an's increasing authoritarianism.



Of course, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's willingness to confront Trump may be the most surprising foreign-policy change of all. Shortly after meeting with Trump at the G7 summit in Sicily this May, she delivered a speech calling on Europe to "take our fate into our own hands." That alone marks a departure from decades of German diplomacy.



So far, the rupture in German-US relations has been mostly rhetorical. But Merkel is also shoring up Germany's geopolitical position by diversifying its global partnerships, especially with China. According to Stanzel, who previously served as Germany's ambassador in Beijing, "Merkel has no illusions about China, but she sees it as a partner on climate, trade, and the politics of order."



Germany's new approach to great-power politics has evolved incrementally, and in response to seemingly unrelated events. But even if Germany isn't following a master plan, its core strengths have enabled it to leverage its economic power, use EU institutions and budgets as a force multiplier, and build international coalitions in pursuit of strategic goals. Moreover, Germany's changing diplomacy represents a continuation of the "normalization" process that began with German reunification in 1989, spawning major domestic debates about the use of military force and the importance of Germany's relationships with the US, Russia, and other European powers.



All of this suggests that Germany may finally be escaping from two "complexes" that have long constrained its strategic thinking. The first is its psycho-historical complex, which forces German leaders to bend over backward to reassure foreigners about their intentions. This explains why Germany has long insisted on "contributing, not leading" or "leading from the middle," and now embraces the idea of "servant leadership."



The second complex concerns the country's military posture. Germany still spends a modest 1.2% of its GDP on defense, and its internal debates about power tend to be driven by concerns about military budgets, troop deployments, and foreign interventions.



At the same time, the consensus within the German security establishment about the use of force is changing. Germany has been building bilateral military ties with countries ranging from Norway and the Netherlands to Japan. It has also begun taking a more active role in various theaters of operation, by deploying troops in Afghanistan and Mali, and providing support for Kurdish fighters in Syria and Iraq. And it has been leading an effort, alongside France, to create an EU defense fund.



These are all important developments. But they are nowhere near as important as Germany's decision to bring its massive economic power to bear on the world stage. Gabriel's recent response to Turkey is a step in that direction. Why send troops abroad when you can have a larger impact by keeping tourists and world-class companies at home?





Mark Leonard is director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate.




By Duncan Harrison





The benefits of diversity in the workforce have been well established and top-performing companies typically display high levels of gender diversity. However, women who have taken a break from their career represent an underutilized talent pool which has the potential to contribute to business growth and fill skills gaps faced by employers.



In Korea, the participation of women in the workforce has continued to grow, but it is still far lower than what will be needed to sustain and grow the economy. According to a July 2016 Korea Statistical Information Service (KOSIS) report, only 52.7 percent of working-aged Korean women participate in the workforce, and with a declining birth rate and aging society, the country will face a problem if companies do not maximize the potential contributions of highly educated women.



To date, working women in Korea are still struggling to find their place as cultural barriers hinder women seeking to re-enter the workforce. In fact, many female employees who return to work either during or after raising a child are limited to part-time engagements which ultimately stymie their contribution to the Korean economy.



The Korean government has gone a long way to rectify this and public policy is not necessarily the problem as the law mandates adequate levels of paid maternity and paternity leave. One of the main issues locally is a general reluctance to accept career women, and the inability of companies to attract and engage women returning to the workforce. In essence, talented female candidates are often overlooked in a working environment which is averse to change.



At Robert Walters, creating effective strategies for attracting women with a desire to return to work begins with understanding what motivates them to return, what they want from the job and what they are looking for from the employer after a pause in their career. To find out their experiences and expectations, we conducted a survey of over 1,000 women working in professional disciplines, and 48% noted they had taken a career break while 52 percent had not.



When asked about a return to the workforce, 74 percent of women indicated a plan to come back to the same employer, while just 24 percent actually did. In terms of work flexibility, 84 percent of professionals said they would like the option to work from home, while only 39% of employers offered it.



In terms of top priorities for returning to work, the findings indicated high salary/benefits, clear career progression, good well-being initiatives and greater flexibility as most important. In the end, it is essential for employers to understand what motivates women to re-join the workforce and there are a number of strategies to help firms attract, develop and retain respective talent.



First and foremost, it is essential to understand what women returning to work look for in a job and develop a flexible recruitment process to show women they are in demand after a break. Firms should build their brand as an employer and utilize new channels to reach women taking career breaks. Flexible working policies should be considered and childcare and family friendly policies and well-being initiatives need to be developed and implemented.



With Korea facing demographic challenges in the years ahead due to a low birth rate, firms taking the proper steps to attract and engage women returning to the workplace would be a positive measure in ensuring continuing economic growth and stability.





Duncan Harrison is the Country Manager of Robert Walters Korea, one of the world's leading specialist professional recruitment consultancies and outsourcing firms. Reach him at Duncan.harrison@robertwalters.co.kr.
Moon aide says US will talk to NK



The presidential office gave a press briefing about a video conference that top national security officers of Korea, the United States and Japan had Thursday.



In it, there was one discrepancy that contradicts what has been happening, raising a question about over-spin by Cheong Wa Dae.



Yoon Young-chan, chief press secretary for President Moon Jae-in _ now vacationing _ told reporters, "The three countries agreed that it is still possible to have dialogue with North Korea under the right conditions."



This doesn't jibe with what the United States has been saying through its key security officials. As a matter of fact H.R. McMaster, Trump's national security adviser who participated in the tripartite consultations, sent a stern warning to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un only hours ago over his missile and nuclear development programs.



U.S. Vice President Mike Pence left no room for doubt, when he said that there was no talking with the North. The only conciliatory message that hit the same note as the presidential office's was given by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who said a day earlier that Washington was still open to dialogue with Pyongyang.



But Tillerson's spokesmen went out to retract their boss's for-dialogue message. It was said that the former Exxon Mobil chairman was out of the loop and on his way out. Tillerson's message ran counter to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who said the day before that she wouldn't bother to ask China and Russia to cooperate in the U.N. and toughen sanctions against the North. The previous such attempt was thwarted by the two countries' rejection of the U.S. effort.



Also U.S. President Donald Trump just signed sanctions acts on three countries _ the North, Iran and Russia. Trump was said to have talked about going to war with the North. In other words, the U.S. has been adopting an ultra-hard line policy against the North.



So the possibilities are: 1) McMaster deviated from Trump policy 2) The U.S. allowed Seoul to play good cop, while assuming the role of bad cop 3) Cheong Wa Dae cherry-picked from the consultations and put in an extra positive spin.



Yoon used the usual qualifier "under the right conditions" in the briefing but still the mood has turned quite hawkish, reducing its contextual significance to a minimum.



Then, there was a strong domestic political motivation for the presidential office to keep the hopes of dialogue alive. President Moon's proposal for talks with the North has been battered by conservative media as Pyongyang keeps ignoring it. There are rising calls for Moon to drop what critics argue is a naive approach and join forces with the U.S.



His effort could be laudable, if untimely. For now, the President had better keep his dialogue initiative sheathed. And, his spin doctors should refrain from over-spinning.




President Moon Jae-in talks with visiting Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, left, at a naval base in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday, during his summer vacation. / Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae



Moon invites criticism over vacation promise

By Kim Rahn

President Moon Jae-in has drawn attention over his summer vacation this week because he promised to take all of his paid leave  21 days this year  to encourage people to use their leave fully for work-life balance.

Cheong Wa Dae officials said the President would do nothing but rest, go for walks with his wife and relax for a week, which gained a positive public response.

But what he is doing during the vacation seems quite different from what people imagined.

The resting plan probably went awry from the beginning due to North Korea's missile launch late Friday night, hours before Moon's vacation was initially set to begin.

To take necessary countermeasures, he began the holiday Sunday. But this still drew a backlash from opposition parties, which claimed the President was insensitive to security concerns and was irresponsible, saying he should have delayed his vacation amid "this serious situation."

Their criticism became stronger after Cheong Wa Dae said Monday Moon would have a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump about the North Korea issue after he returns from the vacation. Earlier that day, Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe already had a phone discussion on the same issue.

The delay was contrary to Cheong Wa Dae officials' earlier explanation that Moon would be able to deal with emerging security issues during the holiday because he would stay at a presidential retreat at a naval base in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province.

Regarding the row, a Cheong Wa Dae official said the two state leaders do not call each other at any time but only when the time and the topics are set.

Some speculate the decision to delay the phone call may reflect the President's strong will to keep his promise for vacation use to set an example of work-life balance. But other schedules during his vacation do not explain such speculation.

On the first day of the holiday, Moon visited the PyeongChang Winter Olympics facilities in Gangwon Province, an apparent move to promote the Olympic games scheduled for February.

He also met Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, who was visiting here for a ceremony, at the Jinhae retreat Wednesday.

As a result, the President is not properly resting but only getting criticism. If he was really determined to rest, he should not have had any work-related schedule during the vacation, such as the PyeongChang visit and the meeting with a foreign guest.

After all, Moon's holiday only reiterated a situation where workers cannot focus on resting during their vacations.
By Oh Young-jin





The U.S. Trump administration is in chaos. I am not talking about its internal power struggle but its North Korea policy. President Donald Trump has zigzagged, with his mantra being the end of strategic patience  the idle-minded policy of his predecessor President Barack Obama.

This means that who the next U.S. ambassador to Seoul will be is ever more important. He or she should be communicative with Koreans and have Trump's trust  giving a nudge when the president wobbles and making sure it gets noted. In that sense, Victor Cha, a former Bush operative and professor at Georgetown couldn't be a worse candidate, according to five people in the know.





Victor Cha / Korea Times file

Putting their suggestions together, the result is Cha, who would act as if he were Caesar the Conqueror, trying to get his way no matter what at the risk of a great deal of friction with the Moon Jae-in government. That would be possible and dangerous because he, if appointed, would exert influence at key junctures when his boss was distracted, and the North's asymmetric threat will peak. Some say that it is better now without a resident at Habib House in Seoul than Cha in it.

Cha appears to be the only who has made the short list.

A well-placed diplomatic source told The Korea Times that Cha, a Korean American professor, is the only name he has heard being floated around.

True, criticizing someone before being appointed for the job sounds absurd and maybe unfair. But it would be better than complaining after the appointment and damage is done. The five I interviewed were two scholars, two former senior national security-related officials and one recently retired general. Only one of them was positive about Cha.

Emanuel Yi Pastreich, a Korea expert and long-term resident in Korea, was the most vocal. He compared Cha with a political gun for hire.

"Cha has been promoting a North Korea threat that seems to be unrelated to reality that suggests he has stepped over the line from diplomacy to advocacy for a confrontation with North Korea, which every professional analyst thinks is a mistake and dangerous," he said.

"His book Impossible State does not belong in the non-fiction section at a book store," Pastreich told The Korea Times. "He advocates a choice that doesn't exist, when deep engagement is the only choice."

An acquaintance of Cha was not kind; either, but for a different reason.

The former bureaucrat who has known Cha for about 20 years said that it wouldn't necessarily be an appointment to welcome, if a Korean American was named as ambassador to Korea. "The basis by which one should be judged to be a good or bad ambassador for Korea is the level of access he has to a president or his key lieutenants in the decision-making process."

"If he can influence the process, it would likely be a good choice for Korea as well," he said, adding that Cha may not be the best candidate to fulfill that criterion.

His criticism reflects the recent lineage of lightweight U.S. ambassadors.

Mark Lippert endeared himself to Koreans for his engaging attitude, but was taken lightly for being the youngest to hold the job. His links with Barack Obama made up for it. Kathleen Stephens was also popular for her ability to speak Korean, but the former Peace Corps member failed to have notable achievements during her tour of duty. They and other recent ambassadors were seen as juniors in the age- and rank-conscious Korean society. Their heavyweight predecessors include Donald Gregg, Richard Walker and William Gleysteen.

The scholar who was educated in the U.S. was blunter about Cha, saying that he has built his reputation as a vendor of ideas to the media, but those ideas and analyses often proved poorly collaborated with facts. That past of Cha's was swept under the rug when he was chosen to work on Korea affairs in the George W. Bush White House.

"He only has maximum pressure but no engagement," he said, comparing Cha's unilateral tendency within the framework of Trump's not-so-well-defined North Korea policy.

"For a Korean American, the biggest strength lies in communicating with Koreans," he said. "Cha doesn't have it. Cha neither speaks Korean nor has an understanding about things Korean, he said. His inability to speak Korean was contradicted by the only person who was positive about Cha.

The former military officer in the pool remembered hearing from Koreans about their reluctance to have a Korean American ambassador. Korean American Sung Kim, now U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, had a tour of duty as the first Korean American ambassador to Seoul.

He speculated that Koreans feel Korean Americans are not connected to the core of power in the U.S. administration. Maybe, a former U.S. general, who served here, could be a better fit for the job, a la Trump's predilection for men in uniform or someone who has been in one.

Oh Young-jin is The Korea Times' chief editorial writer. Contact foolsdie5@ktimes.com and foolsdie@gmail.com.
Fast is the world's largest radio telescope and could help to expand scientists' understanding of the universe.



Only a handful of astronomers might be qualified to run the Fast facility in Guizhou  and the challenges of the job could be putting them off



By Stephen Chen





China is offering more than US$1.2 million to hire a foreign astronomer to run the world's largest radio telescope, but is struggling to find applicants.

Fast, the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, is looking for a chief scientist from overseas to oversee the daily operation of the 1.2-billion yuan (US$178 million) facility. Over the last few months, it encountered unexpected difficulties in finding a qualified, willing candidate as the job faces many challenges, according to people involved in the hiring process.

Whoever becomes Fast's director of scientific operation would receive a financial package consisting of eight million yuan research funding, a salary comparable with such a role in Western countries and numerous subsidiaries, such as free housing.

Such financial incentives have become common as many senior positions for scientists have opened up on the mainland and the nation steps up its efforts to attract high-quality candidates for its rapidly growing research sector.

Fast (the Five hundred-metre Aperture Spherical Telescope) is a giant dish hidden in the remote mountains of Guizhou, a province in southwest China. Guizhou has some of the nation's largest karst caves and limestone hills. These form depressions that naturally fit the shape of the dish  making it the ideal terrain for a giant telescope.

Its dish can pick up previously undetectable signals from the universe and provide new clues to a wide range of questions, ranging from mysterious pulsar outbursts to the existence of intelligent alien life.

"Fast is a portal to new discoveries. For an astronomer, running Fast could be the opportunity of a lifetime," said Wang Tinggui, professor of astrophysics at the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, Anhui.

The Arelibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, with a dish less than half the size of Fast's 500 metres, has made many milestone discoveries, including one that helped to win a Nobel Prize.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences, which owns the telescope, looked overseas for an operator-in-chief because no astronomer at home had the experience of running a facility of a similar scale and complexity.

"The post is currently open to scientists working outside China only. Candidates can be of any nationality, any race," said a human resources official at the academy's bureau of personnel, who was involved in the hiring process.

A hiring notice was put up on the academy's website in May. Advertisements were also placed on major international research job bulletins and senior scientists in research communities helped spread the message by word of mouth, according to the official.

"We cannot wait. We have also reached out to qualified scientists around the world through formal or private channels. These senior researchers do not browse job websites very often. We did everything possible to communicate to them our offer," said the official, who asked not to be named.

"What can be said at this stage is that we have encountered many challenges, and we are continuing with the efforts," the official added.

According to the job description, the scientific operations director would be responsible for setting up and organising various academic committees to decide the telescope's long-term scientific goals and distribute its observation time slots to different research teams at home and aboard. He or she would also be responsible for reporting major discoveries made by the telescope to the government every year, communicating with the general public about its work and overseeing its spending and budget.

The candidate must have at least 20 years' previous experience. He or she must have taken a leading role in large-scale radio telescope project and have plenty of managerial experience as well as holding a professorship  or equally senior position  in a world-leading research institute or university.

"These requirements are very high. It puts most astronomers out of the race. I may be able to count those qualified with my fingers," said Wang, who was director of the academy's laboratory of galaxy cosmology but is not involved in Fast's management.

Foreign astronomers of non-Chinese origin may face additional difficulties, he added.

Some Western researchers have plenty of experience running giant telescopes, but their expertise might not work in China due to language barriers and cultural difference.

Guanxi, or interpersonal relationships, could affect decisions such as the scheduling of observation slots.

"The fight to decide who gets observation time and who doesn't can turn the job into a walk on thin ice," Wang said.

The operator would also face many technical uncertainties. Though the construction of Fast was completed last year, key components such as the signal receiver and thousands of movable reflection panels on the dish still require extensive testing and calibration.

The challenging nature of the work might require the chief operator to work long and irregular hours and give up his or her own research. The job will also involve living and working in one of China's least developed areas, which might cause discomfort and inconvenience to their family.

"It is not a job for a scientist. It's for a superhero," Wang said.

Several scientists working at the Fast facility declined to comment due to the sensitivity of the issue. One of them said the decision to hire from overseas was made at the top and commenting on it could lead to political trouble.

A Beijing-based astronomer said if the headhunting process hit a wall overseas, the authorities should open the post to domestic competition.

"We built the telescope with people at home. Why can't we trust them to run it?" added the researcher, who asked not to be named.
Nigeria is adamant that the sailors should be tried in court. The charges against them will be slapped once they reach the country.
PRESS RELEASE

Congress Takes Aim at INF Treaty

Aug. 3, 2017 (EIRNS)The next phase of the treasonous Congressional attack on U.S.-Russia relations will be the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, based on the so far unproven claim that Russia is in violation of the treaty by testing and deploying a ground-launched cruise missile that falls within the prohibited range of 500 to 5,000 kilometers. The fiscal 2018 defense authorization bill, which has passed the House and is under consideration in the Senate, directs the Defense Department to initiate development of a land-based cruise missile that violates the treaty. It would require the president to make a determination whether or not Russia has engaged in noncompliant activities, and if such determination is made, it would provide that the U.S. is no longer bound by the limitations of the treaty. The White House already blasted that provision in the House bill in a July 12 statement because it "unhelpfully ties the Administration to a specific missile system, which would limit potential military response options," and it

"would also raise concerns among NATO allies and could deprive the Administration of the flexibility to make judgments about the timing and nature of invoking our legal remedies under the treaty."

The administration isnt the only source of concern about the INF treaty provisions, however.

"Now, as then, short and medium range nuclear missiles have no deterrent value, while making it more likely for miscalculations to lead to the unthinkable,"

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who voted for ratification of the treaty in 1988, told Politico in a statement. Other experts consulted by Politico pointed to its obvious unconstitutionality. "It exceeds the power of Congress," said Mallory Stewart, who served as deputy assistant secretary of State in the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance until earlier this year. "It is ignoring a division of power that has been recognized since the beginning of our Constitution." Gen. Paul Selva, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, otherwise a hawk on the question of Russian violations, questioned the military utility of such weapons during Congressional testimony in July. "Given the location of the specific missile and the deployment, they dont gain any advantage in Europe," Selva said. As for the lack of such a weapon in the U.S. arsenal, Selva argued that the U.S. military can hold at risk any targets it needs to with air- and ship-launched cruise missiles, which are not covered by the INF Treaty.
PRESS RELEASE

Russia Announces New De-Escalation Zone Agreement

Aug. 3, 2017 (EIRNS)Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov announced, this morning, that agreement was reached a third de-escalation zone in Homs province, reports Tass.

"On July 31, a new round of talks between representatives of the Russian Defense Ministry and the moderate Syrian opposition was held in Cairo,"

he said.

"The meetings participants reached an agreement concerning the functioning of the third de-escalation zone north of the city of Homs, which will include 84 settlements with a population of more than 147,000."

The cease fire was to have begun at noon today, local time. As with the other zones, ISIS and Al Nusra are specifically excluded, and the opposition groups signing on to the agreement are required to drive those groups out of the areas that they control.

Konashenkov said that Russian military police will have the task of separating the two sides, and will establish two checkpoints along the line of contact north of Homs as well as three observation posts.

"All the sick and wounded will be provided with an opportunity to undergo medical treatment either at the Russian military hospital or Syrian hospitals,"

Konashenkov said. "The opposition, in turn, will unblock the section of the Homs-Hama highway passing through the de-escalation zone."
PRESS RELEASE

Nunes Moving Against Obama Officials Who Violated U.S. Laws on Classified Information

August 3, 2017 (EIRNS)House Intelligence Committee chair Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) is on the warpath against senior Obama administration officials, who, in their zeal to crush the Trump campaign and Presidency, broke U.S. law in "unmasking" and then leaking to the press National Security Agency-gathered intelligence on U.S. citizens. (Unmasking is the name given to a formal request to identify Americans in an intelligence document.)

Nunes wrote National Intelligence Director Daniel Coats on July 27, requesting technical assistance in drafting legislation to reform procedures for the unmasking of U.S. citizens names in intelligence reports. What is explosive about the letter, available on the Committees website, is its description of how senior Obama administration officials were given "easy access to U.S. person information," which was then leaked to the media:

"For example, this Committee has learned that one official, whose position had no apparent intelligence related function, made hundreds of unmasking requests during the final year of the Obama administration"

emphasis in the originaland,

"of those requests, only one offered a justification that was not boilerplate, and articulated why that specific official required the personal information for the performance of his or her official duties,"

Nunes wrote.

The Hill reported, as did many media, that "sources familiar with the Nunes letter identified the official as then-U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power." Nuness letter elaborated:

"The Committee also understands that Obama-era officials sought the identities of Trump transition officials within intelligence reports. However, there was no meaningful explanation offered by these officials as to why they needed or how they would use this U.S. person information.... More pointedly, some of the requests for unminimized U.S. person information were followed by anonymous leaks of those names to the media."

This not a matter of minor misdemeanors. As Nuness letter notes:

"Unauthorized disclosures, whether the result of disgruntled employees or for the advancement of partisan political ideology are crimes... All leaks of classified information must be vigorously prosecuted."

On August 1, Nunes followed up with a letter to NSA chief Adm. Michael Rogers, requesting information on the total number of "unmasking" requests made by Ben Rhodes, Obamas Deputy National Security Advisor, in the 13 months preceding President Trumps inauguration. According to Fox News, Nuness letter asks for documents on Rhodes be sent by August 21.

The naming of Rhodes brings the number of top Obama officials under investigation by the House Intelligence Committee to four, with former National Security Advisor Susan Rice and CIA Director John Brennan, being the other two besides Rhodes and Power fingered as mass "unmaskers."
PRESS RELEASE

Rep. Rohrabacher Calls Attention to VIPS Memo Denying Russian Hacking

Aug. 3, 2017 (EIRNS)California Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher stepped forward today as the first member of the U.S. Congress to take up the memorandums issued by Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) exposing the British-pushed lie that "Russia hacked the U.S. elections."

Citing the VIPS, a press release issued by his office reports that

"Rep. Dana Rohrabacher today drew the attention of members of Congress to a report of major significance in the debate over Russias involvement in the last election. The report, drawn up by intelligence community veterans, concluded that the so-called hacking of the Democratic National Committee before last years elections could not have been done by Russians, but was instead an inside job made to look like Moscows handiwork."

Rep. Rohrabacher, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, is cited:

"The findings of these specialists destroy the credibility of the charges that Russia hacked the system, disclosed the emails, and thus greatly impacted the outcome of the last election. These bogus charges have done great damage to our ability to work with Russia and have distracted the American people from the real threat of radical Islamic terrorism. This phony campaign has been used to disrupt the right of our new President to accomplish his goals and set the policies approved by the American voters."

Rohrabachers release was quickly given national and international attention through a Sputnik news story headlined "U.S. Intel Report Destroys Credibility of Russia Hacking ChargesRohrabacher." Sputniks English-language had featured the July 24 VIPS Memo itself yesterday, embedding a link to the memo in its story, and made reference to it again in a story today covering McCains lunacy against Trumps signing statement on Russian sanctions.

Coverage of the explosive VIPS memo continues to build in the U.S. and internationally. The German blog Nachdenkseiten ran the full text of the memorandum in German, and in Italy, two blogs, Ilfattoquotidiano and antimafiaduemila, published an article on the memo written by Italian journalist and politician, Giuletto Chiese. In the U.S., Trump supporter Roger Stone posted the full VIPS memo today on his website, stonecoldtruth.com, while Canadian site "Global Research" published an article by one Mike Whitney, asking "Did Hillary Scapegoat Russia to Save Her Campaign?" which features including prominently the Lyndon LaRouche Political Action Committee's March 31, 2017 exclusive interview with VIPS founding member Ray McGovern on the fraud.
Geological tumult is all around us in the American West, in our vertiginous topography and in our heads  fear of the Big One. But a little over half a century ago there came what, befitting its magnitude and locale  in the Great Land of the Aleut  may be called the Great One. Henry Fountains The Great Quake is dedicated to the five terrifyingly convulsive minutes around dinnertime on March 27, 1964, when the forces of geological upheaval, normally beneath our threshold of perception, violently obtruded into human time, reconfiguring not only the landscape of south central Alaska but our understanding of earthquakes and the risk posed today by the Big One and Really Big One.

For an idea of its power, consider the 1994 temblor that shook Northridge, killing 57, lasted a brisk 30 seconds at most. The Alaskan earthquake registered 9.2 on the Richter Scale (many times stronger than the biggest quake predicted along the San Andreas fault), making it the most forceful tremor ever recorded in North America. Globally, its second only to the 9.5 Chilean earthquake of 1960. Had it struck any sort of population density, the loss of life would have been calamitous. As it was, 131 people died (including 16 in Oregon and California  swept away by tsunamis that inundated the West Coast and points south). Fountain locates part of his story in the two communities that bore the brunt  Chenega and Valdez. Theyre emblematic of a still-germinal Alaskan state (admitted to the Union in 1959): a native fishing village, population 75  mostly related to one another  and old gold rush boomtown numbering 841 souls sustained since then as a transportation hub.

The ground itself was starting to break into strange, angular blocks, some rotating up and others down. It was as if swarms of organisms were inside the soil.  Henry Fountain.

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Avoiding portentousness, Fountain, a veteran New York Times science reporter, paints a deft portrait of life in these remote outposts. In Chenega it revolves around subsistence fishing and hunting and  legacy of an earlier overlord  the Russian Orthodox Church. And in Valdez, also economically marginal, life centers around the arrival of supply ships from Seattle, the unloading of which afford not only a spectacle for a town otherwise short on diversions but extra income for its underemployed. As the zero-hour approaches, myriad micro-acts seal fates, such as the decision to greet a new arrival at Valdezs dock, which would collapse and pitch all on it into turbid ocean. Scenes of quotidian life trail off in ellipses: the sci-fi puppetry of Fireball XL5 plays on televisions in Anchorage, farther from the epicenter but still pummeled.

Fountain isnt a showy writer, but theres a fever-dream quality to his account of those five minutes that made the earth ring like a bell that captures the hallucinogenic oddness of a world off-kilter, out-of-joint, suddenly uncooperative. Combinations of words with no earthly business being together occur. [H]ouses seemed to dance in place, he writes. Elsewhere, Stairways wriggled and writhed. Later, the ground itself was starting to break into strange, angular blocks, some rotating up and others down. It was as if swarms of organisms were inside the soil, giving it life. Or, the rocks  began to bounce, like the ball in a game of jacks.

Trees and buildings whipsaw, solid ground behaves like liquid, land cleaves apart, a comic symphony of water and sewage strikes up from exposed plumbing, the rakish progress of furniture across an Anchorage room later cues scientists to the course of the tremor. Its a reminder of the puniness of our world when the earth shrugs.

Finally, theres the spooky latency as the tide recedes  to a distance of about a quarter of a mile and a depth of more than 120 feet at Chenega  the preface to tsunamis that would be the killing blow for most victims. Afterward, the ocean runs red with dead fish flushed from the depths by turbulence, possibly stricken by a variant of the bends that afflict deep-sea divers surfacing prematurely.

Its a reminder of the puniness of our world when the earth shrugs.

Dont infer from this, though, that The Great Quake is simply a superior form of disaster porn. Fountain has written a braided narrative about the dialectic between scientific theory and observation that situates the Alaskan earthquake amid a decades-long quest to understand how the landscape around us evolved.

Its an odyssey that begins with an oddball German polymath Alfred Wegener, who, gazing upon an atlas in 1911, notices the parallelism between the east coast of South America and west coast of Africa and posits that todays continents originated in a unitary landmass he names Pangea.

Wegener stumbles, however, in supplying a plausible engine for continental drift. Later scientists suggest one: magma disgorged from the Earth mid-ocean that, impelled by the circular motion of convection, spreads the seabed, driving continents apart (at the stately pace of half an inch a year), but this remains an unsubstantiated theory  one author calling it an essay in geopoetry.

Enter George Plafker, product of Yonkers Hebrew National Orphan Home and Brooklyn College and implacable old-school rockhound, tasked by the U.S. Geological Survey with assessing the quake-wrought destruction on the ground. Traversing Alaskas shattered coastline by barge and bush plane, he employs the field geologists tools  hammer, spirit level, compass, notepad and, to read the landscape, his eyes. He also applies the theoretical tool set furnished by Wegener and his heirs.

The analysis Plafker produces the following year in Science magazine describes the quake as the product of magma wedging the Pacific Ocean floor under North America, compacting the latter until it gave way. [W]hen the fault ruptured, Fountain writes, the continental crust rebounded like a spring, up and out. Plafker had laid out the dynamics of what is today called the megathrust earthquake, the type that decimated parts of Japan in 2011 and now imperils the Pacific Northwest. Hed also cemented acceptance of plate tectonics, the idea the Earth is fissured by grinding plates that, Fountain writes, supplies a master key for understanding not only earthquakes but all the geological features and processes that humans have wondered about for centuries.

Interleaving snapshots of a lost world, the primal power of nature and high science, The Great Quake is an outstanding work of nonfiction. Its also a reminder that the original agent of creative destruction resides not in the corporate boardroom, ivory tower or artists salon but beneath our feet.

Phillips is a writer in Portland, Ore. Hes written for the Atlantic, NPR, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Financial Times, Times Higher Education and the South China Morning Post, among other publications.

The Great Quake: How the Biggest Earthquake in North America Changed Our Understanding of the Planet

Henry Fountain

Crown: 288 pp., $28
Univision News anchor Maria Elena Salinas  one of the most recognizable and respected journalists in Spanish-language media  is stepping down.

Salinas told viewers Thursday night that she would leave Univision at the end of the year.

Her departure will mark the end of an era: For more than 30 years, millions of immigrants in the U.S. have faithfully turned to Salinas and co-anchor Jorge Ramos to learn the news of the day on Univision.

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Salinas serves as co-anchor of Noticiero Univision, the highly rated evening news broadcast on the nations largest Spanish-language network, and as co-host of the news magazine program Aqui y Ahora.

I was one of the students who looked up to her when I was young, watching her on TV, said Brandon Benavides, 36, president of the National Assn. of Hispanic Journalists and the executive producer of morning show Good Morning San Antonio, which runs on that citys ABC affiliate station.

Growing up, there were very few Latina and Latino journalists on TV, Benavides said. And both of my grandmothers  would watch her on Noticiero Univision.

The Los Angeles native, the daughter of working-class Mexican immigrants, began her career in 1981 at the Los Angeles station KMEX-TV Channel 34. Six years later, she became the co-anchor of the national newscast at a time when few women in TV news were taken seriously.

When CBS hired Katie Couric to be its evening news anchor amid much hype in 2006, Salinas just smiled politely. She had blazed a similar trail with much less fanfare nearly 20 years earlier. And Salinas has thrived in the role, connecting with viewers by delivering the news in a straightforward and rapid-fire style.

She has won many awards, including an Emmy and a Peabody Award. She has interviewed every U.S. president since Jimmy Carter, with the exception of Donald Trump.

Con este mensaje @MariaESalinas anuncia que dejara @Univision despues de 36 anos presentando el noticiero. pic.twitter.com/QbwvQgP7DQ  Univision Noticias (@UniNoticias) August 3, 2017

It was not clear what triggered Salinas decision, but Salinas, 62, said in a Facebook post that she wanted to start a new chapter in my career as an independent journalist and producer.

The company, in a statement, said it would announce a new co-anchor for its flagship news program in the coming months.

Salinas and co-anchor Ramos in May appeared before advertisers to defend the networks aggressive reporting on such issues as immigration reform. Unlike their English-language journalist counterparts, Salinas and Ramos have long viewed their roles not as dispassionate observers but as advocates to provide a strong voice for Univisions audience, including its immigrant viewers who struggle to speak English.

Salinas drew controversy  and loud boos  when she discussed Univisions coverage of Trump, who was then a candidate, during a commencement address last year at Cal State Fullerton. When she spoke briefly in Spanish, some in the crowd shouted for her to get off the stage. She later attributed the dust-up to political divisions in the country.

I am grateful for having had the privilege to inform and empower the Latino community through the work my colleagues and I do with such passion at Univision every day, Salinas said in a statement Thursday night. I thank our audience for their trust and loyalty through the years, and want them to know that as long as I have a voice, I will always use it to speak on their behalf.

Salinas was one of the founders of NAHJ, the journalist group, and she established a scholarship in her name to support young Latinos who wanted to pursue a career in news, Benavides said.

The news division, headquartered near Miami, is part of the nations largest Spanish-language media company, Univision Communications, which has been taking steps to boost prime-time ratings with edgier shows as the company prepares for a public offering of its shares, likely early next year.

But even as Univisions prime-time lineup struggled in the ratings, the evening newscast held its audience of about 2 million viewers each night, underscoring the influence and appeal of Salinas and Ramos.

She has been a trailblazer, Benavides said. She has touched a lot of people in the 36 years that she has been on Univision.

meg.james@latimes.com

@MegJamesLAT

UPDATES:

10:35 a.m. Aug. 4: This article was updated with comments from the president of the National Assn. of Hispanic Journalists.

7:50 p.m. Aug. 3: This article was updated with more information and a statement from Salinas.

This article was first published on Aug. 3 at 6:35 p.m.
Anchor Brewing has been a San Francisco staple since 1896, surviving earthquakes, prohibition and tech booms and busts. But on Thursday, the brewer announced it will be a San Francisco company no longer after a sale to Japans Sapporo Holdings Ltd.

Exact terms of the deal were not disclosed, but a spokesman for Sapporo said the price was approximately $85 million.



For the record: A previous version of this article said a spokesman for Anchor said the sale price was about $85 million. That figure came from a spokesman for Sapporo.

The deal marks the latest California brewery to be acquired by a larger beer maker. It comes amid rising competition among craft breweries  a sector of the beer industry that Anchor has been credited, by some, for helping inspire.

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We have been evaluating the future for some time and recognizing the challenges in craft breweries and the number of breweries that have come to the market, we felt we needed to have a stronger partner to achieve our long-term goals, said Anchor co-owner Keith Greggor.

Anchor will not lay off employees as part of the sale, and its beers will continue to be brewed at its headquarters in San Franciscos Potrero Hill neighborhood. The company plans to open a taproom across the street.

It took Greggor 18 months to find a buyer that met his criteria: respect for Anchors relationship to San Francisco and its history. Greggor said Sapporo  founded in 1876  has a commitment to tradition and wont change Anchors recipes or methods.

Sapporo President Masaki Oga said in a statement that both companies share a brewing philosophy backed by long histories.

Sapporo is the latest big brewer to purchase a California craft brewery. Earlier this year, Heineken completed its acquisition of Petalumas Lagunitas Brewing Co. In 2015, Constellation Brands, the company behind Corona, acquired San Diegos Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits for $1 billion.

As the market has slowed and has become more competitive, breweries are looking for partners or complete acquisitions, said Bart Watson, chief economist with the Brewers Assn.

Unlike Lagunitas and Ballast Point, which were founded in the 1990s and rose to prominence with their hoppy ales, Anchor is a century older and most famous for its Gold Rush-era steam-style beer, Anchor Steam.

Yet long before those younger breweries found success, breweries like Anchor and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. helped prove that a small brewer making flavorful ales could compete in a market dominated for decades by mass-produced light lagers.

As such, Anchor  and Anchor Steam in particular  are brands many beer drinkers know well, Watson said.

Anchor beers are a staple in Bay Area restaurants and bars. The beers popularity in California, a key market for brewers, could be another reason Sapporo might want in, Watson said.

Greggor and Tony Foglio bought Anchor in 2010 from Fritz Maytag, who acquired the company in 1965 as it was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Maytag was the first to bottle Anchor Steam and added a number of beers to Anchor Brewing, including Anchor Porter, Old Foghorn Barleywine Ale and Anchors Christmas ale.

San Francisco bar owner Nat Cutler doesnt foresee customers putting down the Anchor Steam now that its owned by a foreign corporation.

As long as they keep making good beer I think any backlash will go away, said Cutler, who owns the Monks Kettle in San Franciscos Mission District.

His bar will continue to pour Anchor.

It is an icon to San Francisco. They are the ones along with Sierra Nevada to really get craft beer going, Cutler said. It is very well-respected in the city and in the craft beer industry.

rachel.spacek@latimes.com

@rachelspacek

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Aerospace giant Boeing Co. has won a contract to sell the U.S. Air Force two commercial 747-8 jetliners that will be modified into the presidential aircraft known as Air Force One.

The Air Force said Friday that the modifications are expected to begin in 2019 and the planes should be ready by 2024. Upgrades will include a mission communications system, a medical facility, an executive interior and self-defense system.

The current Air Force One aircraft were ordered by President Reagan and have been used since President George H.W. Bushs administration in 1990.

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The Air Force said in a statement that the negotiated price paid for the aircraft, along with other related details would not be released because it was commercial-competition sensitive information.

In a statement, Darlene Costello, the principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, called the contract a significant step towards ensuring an overall affordable program.

Late last year, President Trump criticized the cost of the next generation of Air Force One, tweeting in December that the $4-billion price tag to build newly designed planes based on the 747-8 for presidential use was out of control.

Boeing spokeswoman Caroline Hutcheson said in a statement that the two commercial planes were sold to the Air Force at a substantial discount from the companys existing inventory.

In buying these readily available, U.S.-built new airplanes, the Air Force has taken advantage of a unique opportunity to get a great airplane at a great price for the American taxpayer, she said.

Trade publication Defense One reported earlier this week that the two Boeing jumbo jets were originally set for service with a now-defunct Russian airline. The planes were ordered in 2013 by Transaero, but the airline ceased operations two years later and never took ownership of the aircraft.

The jetliners 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.

A source close to the matter confirmed details of the Defense One story earlier this week.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

Twitter: @smasunaga

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Lisa Adams is the chief executive and designer at LA Closet Design, a full-service luxury closet design firm that she founded in 2007. Adams has worked with celebrities including Khloe Kardashian , Christina Aguilera and Reese Witherspoon.

Based in West Hollywood, LA Closet Design offers services worldwide. Adams estimates shes doing about 15 closets at a given time and 50 a year. For a custom walk-in closet, she charges an average of $60,000, though the prices range from around $35,000 to as high as $500,000.

Island life

Growing up in Honolulu, Adams said, she felt pressure from her parents to succeed. As second-generation Asian immigrants, they had a strong desire for their children to do better than they had, she said.

By second grade, I was already learning more than they knew, Adams said. Adams said being raised in Hawaii and being part of a diverse community taught her to treat people equally regardless of their differences.

Pursuing science

Adams excelled in math and science and went on to study chemistry at UC Berkeley; she thought the field was a perfect blend of math and science.

Adams said the transition from living on a small island to attending such a big school as Berkeley was a culture shock. As a small-town girl, she could not wait to graduate and return to Hawaii, she said.

Back in Honolulu, she worked in a private laboratory, testing food for yeast and mold. The lab helped food companies make sure their products complied with safety requirements.

After working in the lab for a few months, Adams thought, This isnt quite it. She desired more opportunities than Hawaii and the laboratory offered.

In this closet designed by Lisa Adams, shoes get lots of room to breathe. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Back to school

While attending business school at Pepperdine University, Adams landed a job working on the operations side at a design firm. The company worked primarily on kitchens and bathrooms, with the occasional call for a closet.

It was in that moment that I thought, What about closets? Who is doing closets? Maybe I should be doing closets, Adams said. Ever since then, I have not looked back.

More success stories from How I Made It 

Not only do I think my hands-on approach is the secret sauce, but I feel like that is the best part of it.  Lisa Adams

What about closets?

Adams asked herself why closets were no longer the 18th century dressing rooms they used to be. Adams realization came at a time when people were hiring designers for luxury kitchens in massive houses.

She got glimpses of the closets in some of the mansions where the company was installing kitchens, and she wasnt impressed.

People spend so much time and energy on clothing, shoes and accessories and their closets were an afterthought, Adams said

A three-story project

One of the largest closets Adams has ever done was a three-story closet in Bel-Air. It was almost like a Neiman Marcus department store, Adams said.

Each floor was about 1,500 square feet and had its own island. The main floor was a place for everyday clothing; the second was tailored clothing, shoes and accessories; the bottom level was seasonal clothing and a jewelry room.

This closet designed by Lisa Adams contains specialized storage for scarves. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Hands-on approach

Adams believes in a hands-on approach to her work and likes to be a part of every project her firm works on. She tries out new ideas in her home closet and gets style inspiration from retail stores and even restaurants.

Not only do I think my hands-on approach is the secret sauce, but I feel like that is the best part of it, she said. Going into every house and every closet is such a privilege.

Giving back

Six years ago, Adams reached out to Dress for Success Worldwide West, the Los Angeles affiliate of the New York nonprofit organization that provides disadvantaged women with professional workplace attire.

Adams sits on the advisory council and helped design its boutique space in L.A. Before that, the area was a simple room where women looked through bins for their suits. Today, women can get fitted and try on their business outfits in a more glamorous setting.

Even eyewear gets a drawer in this closet. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

In the future

Adams is discussing opening up an LA Closet Design in the Middle East  if she can find a way to be heavily involved from afar.

LA Closet Design is also in the first drafts of a coffee table closet book and plans to release a line of closet accessories, similar to the Container Store, but the products would be geared for luxury closets.
Both opponents and supporters of a proposal to turn over the nations air traffic control system to a private, nonprofit organization now have celebrity spokesmen to make their case.

The plan has been around for years, but it gained new momentum when it was included in a funding bill by the Trump administration.

Under the concept, the Federal Aviation Administration would turn control of the system over to a panel that would include representatives from airlines, pilot and flight attendants unions and local leaders. Fees from airlines and passengers would fund staffing, maintenance and upgrades.

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Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand have turned over day-to-day management of their systems to private businesses or independent agencies with at least partial government ownership.

The most recognized opponent of the idea is Chesley Sully Sullenberger, the US Airways pilot who landed a passenger jet on the Hudson River in 2009. The so-called Miracle on the Hudson was depicted in the 2016 movie Sully starring Tom Hanks.

Sullenberger recorded an anti-privatization ad, saying the proposal puts profits ahead of safety. We cant trust the people who made your seats smaller to run ATC, he says in the ad. ATC is short for air traffic control.

The celebrity champion of the privatization idea is millionaire Steve Forbes, the publishing executive and former presidential candidate, who said privatizing the air traffic control system would speed up the modernization of a dysfunctional system.

He wrote an article for Fox News last week, saying the move would rescue reform efforts from stifling FAA bureaucracy, federal procurement and personnel rules and partisan politics.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
President Trump has been party to nearly 4,100 lawsuits over the last three decades. About half the time he was the one doing the suing; the other half he was the one being sued.

But what makes Trump a complete hypocrite on this score  and aligns him with the business world  is that although hes never hesitated to use the legal system to protect his own interests, hes denied his employees and campaign workers the same right, requiring instead that they take any disputes to private arbitration.

This is worth noting in light of Corey Lewandowski, Trumps former campaign manager and current advisor, taking to the airwaves the other day to call on the presidents new chief of staff, John F. Kelly, to sack the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

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Lewandowski said on NBCs Meet the Press that CFPB Director Richard Cordray should be given the heave-ho because hes all but running for governor in the state of Ohio, and because youve got an unelected bureaucrat sitting in an office right now.

This is remarkable for two reasons. First, whatever Cordrays political ambitions, hes voiced no plans to run for office nor filed any such paperwork. When Lewandowski says Cordray is all but running, what he means is not running.

Second, Lewandowski wants Kelly, an unelected bureaucrat, to fire Cordray for being an unelected bureaucrat, which is nothing short of bizarre. All Cabinet members and agency heads are unelected bureaucrats.

Whats really going on here has more to do with Cordray having recently announced a rule that would make it easier for consumers to band together in class-action lawsuits against financial firms.

The rule is radioactive to banks, credit card companies and other lenders because, like Trump when he was running his businesses, these firms routinely include mandatory arbitration provisions in their contracts, forcing people to privately arbitrate rather than have a day in court.

Many businesses prefer arbitration because the process tends to be more favorable to companies than to consumers. Not coincidentally, businesses pay arbitrators fees to decide cases.

Also, no business is willing to give up its own right to sue, which belies companies argument that arbitration is more effective than litigation.

Although its likely the CFPBs new rule will be overturned by Republican lawmakers before it takes effect next month, Im seeing Lewandowskis outburst this week as a trial ballon floated on behalf of the president, who has made no secret of desiring a more business-friendly director overseeing the consumer agency.

Trump can only fire Cordray for cause before Cordrays term ends in July 2018, meaning there must be evidence of negligence or incompetence. Lewandowskis remarks  delivered out of left field  seem to be part of a campaign among Republican lawmakers and Trump associates to help make that case.

After Meet the Press host Chuck Todd noted that firing Cordray was sort of a random thing you just introduced there, Lewandowski pressed his case:

Two weeks ago, Richard Cordray through the CFPB passed a rule with the antithesis of, you know, its going to be about a trillion dollars worth of arbitration that the governments going to have to go through now, and hes an unelected official, hes announced  all but announced, Chuck  that hes running for governor of Ohio, and if he wants to run for governor of Ohio, go run for governor of Ohio, but dont do so while youre sitting in a federal office right now.

Loopy syntax aside, its not clear how Lewandowski reached that trillion-dollar figure, which represents almost a third of the entire federal budget, or why the government would have to go through private-sector disputes.

A spokeswoman for the CFPB declined to comment.

If Trump were half the populist he makes himself out to be, hed embrace the CFPBs rule, which says a mandatory arbitration clause cant be used to deny customers of financial firms their right to join class-actions.

However, Trump clearly has no interest in a level playing field.

The Associated Press got its hands last year on the confidentiality agreement Trump routinely forced on employees of his businesses and, subsequently, his political campaign.

The crux of the legally binding contract is that workers are prohibited from releasing any sensitive or disparaging information about Trump, his family or his companies.

The agreement also includes an arbitration provision that, according to the AP, ensures disputes are kept out of court and that potentially embarrassing information stays under wraps. The decision to arbitrate is the sole discretion of Trump and others protected by the agreement, the news agency said.

Theres no way of knowing how many times Trump has enforced this provision because, unlike the court system, the arbitration process is shrouded in secrecy.

I asked the Trump Organization, now run by Trumps sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, if arbitration provisions are still part of the companys employment contracts. No one got back to me.

Trump reportedly is frustrated that, as president, he cant make federal employees sign nondisclosure agreements and cant block them from suing  or from writing tell-all books, as former FBI Director James B. Comey is now doing.

The president undoubtedly is still smarting from having neglected to include an arbitration clause in contracts for his now-defunct Trump University. Failure to do so resulted in class-action lawsuits for alleged fraud that Trump settled out of court for $25 million shortly after his election.

It was a dumb oversight on Trumps part. Nearly all for-profit schools that receive federal financial aid make their students agree to mandatory arbitration, according to a report last year from the Century Foundation.

Trump University wasnt really a school  it was a money-making venture  and its students werent eligible for federal education subsidies. But as a business, there was nothing stopping it from imposing an arbitration clause on customers, which the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed in a 2011 ruling.

I had hoped to ask someone at the Trump Organization why Trump uncharacteristically had left himself open to litigation with the university. But, like I say, no one got back to me.

When Trump talks about defending the interests of the forgotten men and women of our country, hes obviously not talking about those who have been forgotten by the legal system.

If Trump, the self-styled populist billionaire, cared about the countrys forgotten people, he would congratulate the CFPB for looking after their interests. Since its establishment six years ago, the agency has returned more than $12 billion to aggrieved consumers.

Instead, Trump sends out lackeys such as Lewandowski to seek the directors head on a platter.

Trump also has been a keen advocate of overturning the federal law that created the CFPB and doing away with the watchdog agency entirely.

Thats not how a man of the people behaves.

But its certainly in keeping with a businessman who believes his own legal rights are more important than those of the people around him.

David Lazarus column runs Tuesdays and Fridays. He also can be seen daily on KTLA-TV Channel 5 and followed on Twitter @Davidlaz. Send your tips or feedback to david.lazarus@latimes.com.

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It was a little thing. Still, the more information explodes, the more we turn to understanding big events through the seemingly small. We follow, say, the progress of modern civilization through the development of the pencil, or we trace minuscule currents caused by smashing a gnat on Santa Monica Boulevard to the hot African winds currently plaguing Rome.

On Tuesday night, Vasily Petrenko walked onto the Hollywood Bowl stage and, as Ive never seen before at the Bowl, led the national anthem while standing among the Los Angeles Philharmonic players, before mounting the podium to begin the program. One way to read this appealing gesture was as Russian conductor showing cultural camaraderie with an American orchestra. Another might be as self-effacing effort to ease into a concert designed by Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, the originally scheduled conductor who canceled a day earlier. An unobtrusive performance of Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun followed.

When Petrenko returned to the Bowl on Thursday for his own scheduled evening with the L.A. Phil, he marched right up to the podium to conduct the anthem. This time he confidently launched into a dashing Don Juan, Strauss tone poem. It was sharply played, dramatically shaped.

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He had reason to be buoyed. The announcement earlier in the day of the Gramophone Awards shortlist included Petrenkos recording of Tchaikovskys Violin Concerto with Augustin Hadelich. Thursdays concert, moreover, was advertised in celebratory terms: Sound the Trumpet!

It featured the debut of 25-year-old Hungarian soloist Tamas Palfalvi in Hummels alluring Trumpet Concerto in E-flat. Twenty-five was the magic number. Strauss was 25 when he wrote Don Juan, as was Hummel when he wrote his concerto. Both pieces proudly proclaim: Here I come.

Palfalvis own proclamation came two years ago with his venturesome first recording, Agitato, in which he pairs Baroque music with striking contemporary pieces and reveals himself to be a young musician with an uncommon combination of elegance and daring.

I have no explanation why this did not, then, turn out to be an auspicious debut. Maybe the concerto, written around the time Beethoven was working on his Eroica Symphony but traffics instead on early 19th century pleasantries, was the wrong work for Palfalvi. And for Petrenko, who began the concerto without much muscle.

The solo playing was smooth and measured. Palfalvis breath control is such you could hardly tell he was breathing, watching him on the video monitors. But he failed to make the music breathe. A major missed opportunity was for a breathtaking encore. Agitato includes exactly the right one, the spellbinding six-minute trumpet solo, Kryl by Robert Erickson, the influential Southern California composer whose remarkable music has been inexplicably neglected in the two decades since his death. That alone is reason to get Agitato.

Brahms First Symphony, after intermission, benefited from some of the same Petrenko attributes as Don Juan. It was a finely chiseled reading with a rhythmic edge. Textures were kept clear. Phrases were well shaped. None of this added particular personality to the interpretation, but only so much can be expected when for most Bowl concerts there is rarely rehearsal time for anything more than a quick run-through of a program.

In other ways, though, the Bowl cooperated. The sound system keeps getting better, and on this night  possibly helped by heavy warm and humid air along with a considerable number of empty seats  the amplification produced a noticeable reverberation that tricked a listener into thinking the amphitheater a great acoustic space.

It has taken me a long time for me to make peace with the video screens, but they too proved invaluable for the Brahms. Focusing on individual players can be plenty annoying, the camera operators commanding your attention where they choose. But Im beginning to sense that video could be changing the character of the orchestra mostly for the good.

The musicians know they are being watched. They have to look like they care (which the New York Philharmonic musicians didnt have to do, and showed it, at an outdoor concert without video in Santa Barbara on Monday night). The screens encourage relating to the audience, and that can translate into performances that relate.

For some reason, Petrenko never quite got the propulsion he seemed to strive for, although close-ups showed him intent on molding expression with every gesture. Instead it was a performance highlighted by other  and little  things, a line here or there given a special emphasis by a player.

One who stood out was associate clarinetist Burt Hara. However nice the minor clarinet solos in the Brahms may be, they hardly make or break a performance of the symphony. Yet watching Hara in close-up, as he molds a line with his body in such a way that both physically and musically stands out while at the same time feels entirely integrated with the ensemble at large, can be an excellent way to draw a listener in.

The Bowls audiovisual business rarely works so well as it did here. All the elements have to be aligned on a summers night, and dont necessarily expect them to be the next time. Still, attention to details, to the little things, can make all the difference. And when it does, even Brahms  who we could be quite sure would have hated the Hollywood Bowl  might have puffed contentedly on his cigar Thursday during this performance were he allowed in with it.

mark.swed@latimes.com
Actor Robert Mitchum broke into Hollywood doing Hopalong Cassidy westerns in the early 1940s. He moved up quickly, appearing in war pictures such as Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo and The Story G.I. Joe, earning an Oscar nomination for the latter, his sole acknowledgment by the academy. Neither his own military service or an infamous 1948 marijuana bust could slow his trajectory. His sleepy eyes and boxers nose were a natural for film noir and he became one of the biggest postwar movie stars.

More cowboys, private eyes and military roles followed, not to mention insouciant charmers, homicidal preachers and other morally ambivalent types, and Times critics chronicled his progress across a five-decade career:

The Story of G.I. Joe

The actors are mostly unfamiliar, and it would be hard for me to pick and choose as to merit among Robert Mitchum, Freddie Steele, Wally Cassell and Jimmy Lloyd. They live their roles. Mitchum probably will gain the greatest popular advantage through the sympathy he exerts as the commanding officer who is ultimately killed. (Spoilers apparently werent a concern back then.)  Edwin Schallert, Aug. 9, 1945

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Out of the Past

The players acquit themselves histrionically if not morally. Mitchum, [Kirk] Douglas and the Misses [Jane] Greer and [Rhonda] Fleming are all commendable.  Philip K. Scheuer, Dec. 12, 1947

The Night of the Hunter

Robert Mitchum, in a casting even more offbeat than his surly rancher of Track of the Cat, plays Preacher Powell.  It is doubtful that you will ever hear the old hymn, Learning, again without recalling the gaunt, flapping figure of Preacher Powell as he lams it out in the dark night  to the terror of the listening youngsters. (Extra! Mitchum sings.)  Philip K. Scheuer, April 17, 1955

Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison

Splendidly acted by both Mitchum and Miss [Deborah] Kerr, who indubitably give performances in this picture that in many respects they have never before equaled.  Edwin Schallert, March 15, 1957

Thunder Road

Robert Mitchum portrays the rough ace whiskey runner Performances by principals are what is to be expected from good, reliable actors  Walter Wises scenario from a story by Mitchum was, barring a few soft spots, much better than average B.  Charles Stinson, June 5, 1958

El Dorado

Mitchum delivered one of the loveliest hangover sequences on record.  Kevin Thomas, Jan. 7, 1968

Ryans Daughter

Mitchums role is vastly different from the kind of belching semi-heroes he is customarily asked to play. He, too, reveals an impressive gentleness and a commendable earnestness, but Im afraid his undisguisable Yankeeness and the weight of everything else he has done prevents him from being totally successful as an undersexed pedagog.  Charles Champlin, Nov. 15, 1970

Farewell, My Lovely

Robert Mitchum is the newest Marlowe and visually he too seems exactly right, world-weary and despairing, every lousy case remembered by a crease on his face which always needs a shave.  In the dramatic scenes Mitchum comes off pretty well, too, finding the anger and the compassion and the cynicism.  Charles Champlin, Aug. 20, 1975

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As one of pops master satirist-humorists, its likely no surprise that for his first studio album in nine years, songwriter/composer Randy Newman has set his artistic crosshairs on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

After all, this is the artist who inspired anger and protests with Short People, his 1977 sendup of racism. Earlier, in a takedown of duplicitous foreign policy in Political Science, he sarcastically suggested that the United States drop the big one, and see what happens. Then theres I Love L.A., his paean to his native town that deftly wove in an allusion to this citys homeless problem.



For the record: An earlier edition of this post said Randy Newman has released new studio albums at a rate of about one every four years. The pace is one almost every five years for the 11 albums he has released beginning with his 1968 debut album. It also referred to the 40 years that had elapsed since that release. It is nearly 50 years.

And now Newman has gone topical again with Putin, a centerpiece of his new album, Dark Matter.

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Due to their relative scarcity, any new work from Randy Newman is an event. Since his 1968 debut, hes released just 10 studio collections  a rate of about one every five years. That pace has slowed in the last three decades, during which hes put out just four. Of course, theres also his composing work, as Newman has scored more than 20 films, including Disney/Pixars latest, Cars 3.

REVIEW: Randy Newmans Dark Matter shows why hes still his best interpreter 

Randy Newman is a national treasure, said Eagles co-founder and longtime friend Don Henley. Hes also probably the most misunderstood and underappreciated recording artist alive.

Hes one of the only living songwriters who can get ridicule and empathy into the same song. Sometimes, he works in the realm of irony; other times, hes a heart-on-his-sleeve romantic, he said. The combination of his lyrical genius and his deep ability as an orchestrator and composer is powerful stuff. Theres nobody quite like him.

I said when I inducted Randy into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame [in 2013], that what you hear in his music is America, in all its shame and all its glory. He mines so many rich veins of American musical culture and synthesizes them in a way that nobody else has done.

Newman is clearly thinking big once again on Dark Matter. The opening track, The Great Debate, is an 8 minute suite, a faceoff between science and religious faith that plays out cinematically, with a narrator interacting with several distinct other points of view expressed by varied characters who are fleshed out by a shifting musical mise-en-scene.

In the case of Putin, Newman proved to be a little prescient. The song was written long before reports of Russias interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election came to light, and well ahead of President Trumps admiration for the Russian leader were regularly being voiced.

I think he also wants to be Tom Cruise. He wants to be like a movie star  a superhero, a strongman.- Randy Newman on Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Alexsey Druginyn/ AFP/Getty Images)

Its really not that critical of him  thats what surprises me, Newman, 73, said recently, sitting at a shaded picnic table in the backyard of the Pacific Palisades home he has shared with his wife, Gretchen, and children for the last 20 years. The house, overlooking the skyline of Beverly Hills and Century City to the east, is in the same neighborhood where he spent much of his childhood.

Putin began a few years ago, but Newman was less interested in the leaders policies. Instead, Newman zeroed in on what he saw as a quest for fame, as inspiration struck when images of the shirtless ex-KGB officer riding a horse around the Russian countryside began to circulate on the Internet.

He can drive his giant tractor across the Trans-Siberian plain/ He can power a nuclear reactor with the left side of his brain, he sings.

I wondered at it: What does he need with that  why? Hes the richest man there is. Hes the most powerful. Whats he want? Newman said, also revealing the seemingly insatiable curiosity that compels him to keep writing and recording nearly 50 years after the release of his strikingly idiosyncratic debut album Randy Newman (subtitled Something New Under the Sun).

His conclusion about Putins public braggadocio: I think he also wants to be Tom Cruise. He wants to be like a movie star  a superhero, a strongman.

There are videos of him throwing bigger young men around, Newman said. It interested me, but it also worried me. Its an oddly baby-ish sort of behavior. And this was before I knew there was going to be this giant baby  this giant, evil baby  running our country.

So yes, as that statement would imply, Newman has written a song about Trump. But he has chosen to keep the full tune to himself, at least for now. As hes stated in a number of other interviews, he chose fairly vulgar language to capture the defining persona of someone he considers to be a vulgar public figure, as his song draws particular attention to the presidents private parts.

I just didnt want to add to the problem of how ugly the conversation were all having is, he recently told the U.K.s the Guardian.

Besides, such topical material can veer dangerously close to the realm of novelty.

I dont like writing songs that will just go away, he said. Someday the Putin song will go away. Someday A Few Words in Defense of Our Country will. I thought it was already gone, but it came back.

Hes referring to the song from his 2008 album Harps and Angels, in which he observed, Now the leaders we have/ While theyre the worst that weve had/ Are hardly the worst/ This poor world has seen.

That I wrote, he said, because I thought the [George W.] Bush administration was as bad as wed done, since [15th president James] Buchanan anyway, or ever would do. And man, now its not even close. I wish he were back. I can play that song now and audiences really react to it.

There was an article in some paper that said [Trump] is like a character in a Randy Newman song, he said. And he is. I mean, I dont think of those people as quite real.Thats why hes proving a problem in some ways for comedians in that its so much. With satire you want to [be able to] exaggerate a little bit.

Among the outlandish characters on Dark Matter? Randy Newman himself.

In The Great Debate, he calls out for the untrustworthy narrator  a device hes often employed throughout his career, which has netted him two Academy Awards, six Grammys and three Emmys, among other accolades.

In The Great Debate, a character called True Believer outright castigates the songs narrator: Sir, do you know what you are? Youre an idiot, youre a straw man, a fabrication. You see, the author of this little vignette, Mr. Newman, a self-described atheist and commonist, creates characters like you as objects of ridicule.

It adds a layer of richness to the tale, in which scientists debate religious folks over topics such as dark matter, evolution and global warming, all hot-button issues in todays world of divisive political discourse.

You start to think, Well, this guys got an open mind and then he just gets mowed down by the power of the stuff connected with religiosity, with faith, because its just mighty, said Newman, who does indeed consider himself an agnostic, if perhaps not a full-blown atheist.

I dont like writing songs that will just go away, says Randy Newman, shown on his 1977 album, Little Criminals, which included the hit single Short People. (Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images)

Newmans not-so-secret weapon in each of his songs is the music he supplies for the words of his narrators, a wealthy amalgam of pop and classical source material. Here, he taps the blues, gospel, folk, ragtime, chamber and symphonic music, referencing at various points Aaron Copland, Gustav Mahler, Dmitri Shostakovich, Alban Berg and film composers.

His biggest influence from the latter, he said, would be his uncle, Academy Award-winning Alfred Newman, probably the best known of his three composer-uncles, which also includes Emil and Lionel Newman.

He believes the canvas of pop music doesnt have to be limited, structurally, thematically or sonically  although albums as creatively expansive as Dark Matter dont often top sales charts.

You can do it, he said. When I first began writing this way, with characters in it, I always wondered why more people didnt do it. And I think maybe its because its not a great idea for the medium [of pop music]. Maybe its meant to be a direct I-love-you, you-love-me kind of medium.

But you can do this other stuff and it comes off, he said. And I have such an affection for comedy, that I like to laugh and I like to make people laugh, so I do it.

Some of his songs about the human race are as sharp-edged as any of Mark Twains darkest writings  case in point, 1972s Gods Song, in which the Lord tells his image-sharing two-legged creations that, Man means nothing, he means less to me, than the lowliest cactus flower.

Yet Newman insists that hes no misanthrope.

Im not cynical about the individual behavior, but Im shocked by how bad the mass behavior has been politically, he said. I dont think there are 40 million [jerks] in this country. Theyre not [jerks]. There are some nice people that voted for this really bad example of an American.

Yet the album concludes with the heart-rending ballad Wandering Boy, which he said was inspired by an 1877 song, Where Is My Wandering Boy To-Night. Its a song he sang at a private memorial last year for Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey.

Its from the perspective of a parent expressing love and concern for a child who has disappeared, perhaps become homeless, and it reveals the most heartfelt side of Newmans music.

It got me too, and it doesnt happen very often, he said. I had trouble playing it for people just after I wrote it. It must be something in my past that it resonates with.

Meanwhile, his I Love L.A. has become especially celebratory this year. The song, cued up after every Dodgers win at Dodger Stadium, has been blaring quite often during the squads run for the National League West title.

To be honest with you, for years I havent been a Dodger fan, despite the song, he said. I sort of root for the Angels because of Mike Trout.

But even this skeptic is ready to join the bandwagon.

Whats not to like? Theyve got a young team, theyve got a great team. Its unbelievable. Theyre really good.

randy.lewis@latimes.com

Follow @RandyLewis2 on Twitter.com

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California bullet train chief executive Jeff Morales announced in April that he would be leaving June 2, after five years running the nations largest infrastructure project.

But in the four months since, the high speed rail board has not taken any public action to replace him. In fact, Morales is still on the state payroll, and officials say he will be at the authority at least through Tuesday.

There were rumors as far back as November, denied by the authority at the time, that Morales would be making an exit  suggesting there was plenty of time to prepare.

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When asked this week about what was being done to replace Morales, longtime rail project chairman Dan Richard said the authority was in the process of hiring an executive recruitment firm  but that has taken time because of state procurement regulations. In addition, he said, the rail board has been attempting to network to find candidates.

A search firm is almost in place, Richard said, adding that the rail board did not feel a sense of urgency because the ship is in good shape. He said the process of replacing Morales likely would continue for a few months.

Morales stayed on past his announced exit date, Richard said, to assist with the transition, including working on environmental documents.

It appears that the rail authority has encountered more difficulty than it expected in finding a replacement for Morales, according to officials close to the project who spoke on condition of anonymity when discussing personnel matters.

A summer board meeting was canceled, and members who met in an earlier closed session to consider a replacement did not take any action.

They seemed near to having a replacement a couple times, and then nothing happened, one official said.

According to civil engineering experts, part of the problem in recruiting a top-notch manager might be that Gov. Jerry Brown will be leaving office in about 16 months. The next governor could want his own person in the job, or even restructure the troubled project.

The role of acting chief executive was taken over by Tom Fellenz, the chief counsel of the authority, who has been running the project with the help of several other senior rail officials. Richard said he has been impressed with how that team is performing.

Morales was feted at a going-away party at a Sacramento restaurant in June  when most of the staff had expected him to leave.

One executive at the authority, who requested anonymity when discussing state matters, said nobody has been able to figure out what Morales has been doing, although decisions by the new management team are being made more promptly since he stepped down.

There is more actual control of the project now, the official said.

Morales five-year tenure at the rail authority produced mixed results.

The project survived legal and political challenges. It awarded three key construction contracts and started building the first segment in Fresno  even though Morales had to deal with inadequate funding and deep opposition by Central Valley landowners.

On the other hand, the bullet train is an estimated seven years behind schedule and faces estimates of higher costs. Staff morale has sagged at the agency, based on internal employee surveys. And officials close to the project said some board members had lost confidence in Morales leadership.

Morales did not cite a reason for stepping down from the job, which paid nearly $400,000 a year.

ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedian

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A Beverly Hills man who was investigated but not charged in his wifes death failed Friday to reinstate a lawsuit against the police for allegedly concocting false evidence.

Gary Klein, whose wife, Rina Pakula Klein, 41, died in 2009, charged in a lawsuit that a former homicide investigator for the Beverly Hills police told judges lies to obtain three search warrants for his home.

A district judge ruled in favor of the police, and Klein appealed to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

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A three-judge 9th Circuit panel upheld the lower courts decision, finding that Klein failed to show that former Det. Daniel Chilson made deliberately or recklessly false statements, and that, but for his dishonesty, the warrants would not have been issued.

Many of Detective Chilsons statements were not deliberately or recklessly false, the panel said.

For example, the court said, Chilson correctly stated in an affidavit that Klein had opposed an autopsy of his wifes body.

Klein, a member of the Orthodox Jewish faith, said he resisted an autopsy until consulting with a rabbi and then agreed to a limited examination.

Klein had seizures in her kitchen during a visit with another woman and later died at a hospital. She had suffered from lupus and was taking several kinds of prescription medications, but had appeared in good health just days earlier.

A friend of Rinas family went to the Beverly Hills Police Department to express suspicions over her death, spurring an investigation that lasted years.

Court records showed that her family suspected Klein killed her. They told police that Rina was unhappy in her marriage and that Klein had told her he could kill her and get away with it.

Police interviewed Kleins children at school, the parents of his childrens friends, his neighbors and his relatives. Rina Kleins body was exhumed for a more complete autopsy, and the police hired an outside laboratory to investigate.

The cause of her death has been listed as undetermined, and court records show police eventually ended their investigation into the possibility that Rina had been poisoned.

They charged Klein instead with a felony count of hacking into an in-laws computer.

The affidavits Chilson wrote to obtain the search warrants contained ample evidence apart from any purported misrepresentations, the 9th Circuit said.

The court said the evidence included the following: that Kleins wife was seeking a divorce, her alleged comments three weeks before her death that Klein claimed he could get rid of her, his anger over the prospect of a full autopsy, a call he made to a probate lawyer less than 24 hours after her death and forged signatures on codicils to his wifes will.

Klein disputed those assertions.

Klein blamed his former in-laws for the investigation and said he sued the police to show his three sons he had nothing to do with his wifes death.

In a telephone interview from London, where he was traveling Friday with his sons, Klein said he would ask a larger panel of the 9th Circuit to review the decision.

I want the Beverly Hills police to say they made a mistake, he said.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolan

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More than 1,000 animals, many of them dead, were being removed from a Montclair industrial park Friday after authorities investigating reports of a rotten smell found the creatures in hoarder-like conditions, police said.

Despite the doors being closed, we could smell an odor of feces and decay. For lack of a better term, a chicken farm smell, said Montclair police Sgt. John Minook. This is probably the worst Ive seen in my career.

Though the animals were found late Thursday, authorities had to assemble enough resources to clear the place out as quickly as possible, Minook said.

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The city reached out to the Inland Valley Humane Society to take over the animal cruelty investigation while public works employees spent all day Friday carrying out containers filled with fish, birds and reptiles in all states of decomposition. Some animals were still alive, Minook said.

When he and two other officers first arrived at the building Thursday, they stepped through a doorway and walked into a wall of cages, Minook said.

It was just piled with cages and birds. There were 15 to 20 cages piled up, water and urine on the floor, animals on the floor. We had to walk sideways between industrial water tanks filled with fish, he said.

Officers had shown up at the building Thursday as part of an investigation into the man living there  a man who had been arrested on a warrant out of another county. During the investigation, police noticed a smell emanating from the building, Minook said. Code enforcement and police then followed up and went inside, he said.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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The moment was filled with political pomp and pageantry: Thousands of cheering supporters packed into an arena, a sea of poster-board signs and a big announcement.

The Democrats walked away from me, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, standing beside President Trump, told his constituents Thursday night. I cant help you any more being a Democrat.

So, Justice said, the time for change had arrived: Hell be joining the Republican Party  a statement that brought a wide smile to Trumps face.

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The move by Justice, who on Friday officially changed his political affiliation, continued a trend in recent years that has seen Republicans dominate gubernatorial offices and state legislatures across the country. During the Obama administration, Democrats invested millions of dollars in bolstering organizational efforts in field operations and technology. But so far, it hasnt translated into significant victories at the state level.

With Justices flip, Republicans now hold 34 governorships, matching the partys all-time high in 1922. Moreover, Republicans control both the state legislatures and the governors mansions in 26 states, compared with total Democratic control in six states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In the other 18 states, power is divided among Republicans and Democrats.

Having control at the state level is vitally important, said Nathan L. Gonzales, editor of Inside Elections, a nonpartisan group that handicaps congressional and gubernatorial races nationwide. Governors and state legislatures have a strong hand in things like redistricting, which have consequences.

While parties historically lose ground when in control of the White House, Obama, in his two terms, saw losses in gubernatorial and state-level races that outpaced setbacks of his predecessors. In total, Democrats lost 12 governors seats while Obama was in office, compared with nine each for Presidents Bush and Clinton, based on an analysis by the Atlantic. Obama significantly exceeded his predecessors in losing state legislative seats, as Democrats handed over a total of 918 nationwide between 2009 and 2016, the NCSL said.

In a push to make inroads at the state level, former Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., with the support of Obama, helped launch the National Democratic Redistricting Committee in January. The group, which consists of members of the Democratic Governors Assn. and Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, aims to help the party win state-level races and, in turn, have an impact on redistricting battles in 2020.

Presidential elections are obviously important, but we lost sight of the fact that if you want to have a representative in Congress, youve got to make sure that you have state legislatures that are drawing districts that will yield a representative in Congress, Holder said in January during a speech before the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning advocacy group based in Washington.

Rick Tyler, a longtime Republican political strategist who has worked on several state-level campaigns, said that for Trump  whose approval numbers hover near 37% and whose support among Republicans is undergoing a slow decline  it will be difficult to help his party maintain its advantages in state legislatures and governors offices.

In 2018, for example, Republicans will have to defend 27 of 38 governors seats, with several of those races in states that have a politically diverse electorate.

Its always difficult for the incumbent party that has the presidency to keep seats in state capitols and governors mansions, Tyler said Friday. Its especially difficult when you have a president who often bashes his own party.

In recent days, Trump has assailed Senate Republicans for failing to pass a measure to repeal the Affordable Care Act  a key pillar of Trumps presidential campaign last year. Hes also castigated members of his party for passing a bill that places additional sanctions on Russia (though he ultimately signed it).

When you need to rally the troops, that doesnt help, Tyler said. That creates divisions in the party that wont help next year.

On Thursday night, however, Trump lauded Justices flip and shied away from targeting members of his party.

Having Big Jim as a Republican is such an honor, Trump said to deafening applause from those in attendance.

Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, said Justices switch was another blow to the Democrats.

Gov. Justices announcement is just the latest rejection of a party that is leaderless from top to bottom and unable to find a positive, unifying message, she said in a statement.

In West Virginia, Justice, a grain farmer worth nearly $1.6 billion, had been a lifelong Republican. But in 2015, Justice jumped into the gubernatorial race as a Democrat. He bested two primary challengers, then went on to win the general election by 7 percentage points over Republican Bill Cole, a state senator. (He plans to run for reelection  this time as a Republican  in 2020.)

Last year, the Democratic Governors Assn. doled out $1.5 million to help Justices candidacy. This week, the group was far from pleased.

Jim Justice deceived the voters of West Virginia when he ran as a Democrat eight months ago, Executive Director Elisabeth Pearson said. West Virginians have learned that they simply cant trust Jim Justice.

kurtis.lee@latimes.com

Twitter: @kurtisalee

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Businessman Martin Shkreli, once dubbed the most hated man in America for raising prices for critical drugs, was found guilty Friday of two counts of securities fraud and one of conspiracy in a federal court in Brooklyn.

The baby-faced and gutter-mouthed 34-year-old, often known as Pharma Bro, had been charged with eight counts of securities fraud and conspiracy to commit both securities and wire fraud. He was acquitted of five of the charges, including the most serious, which allowed Shkreli and his defense team to claim victory.

Prosecutors claimed that Shkreli ran what was effectively a Ponzi scheme, defrauding investors by exaggerating his own credentials  for example, claiming that he attended Columbia University. He used their money to capitalize a new drug company, Retrophin, which he then looted to pay them back, they alleged.

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Shkreli was acquitted on the charges relating to Retrophin, but convicted of making fraudulent misrepresentations regarding two hedge funds he ran.

Dressed in a short-sleeved black polo shirt and khaki pants, Shkreli flashed his trademark grin as he and his attorneys held an impromptu news conference outside the courthouse.

This was a witch hunt of epic proportions. Maybe they found a few broomsticks, but at the end of the day weve been acquitted of the most important parts of this case, said Shkreli, who described himself as in many ways delighted.

Shkreli has contended from the outset that the government looked for charges against him because of the notoriety he gained in 2015 by hiking the price of the anti-parasite drug Daraprim by more than 5,000% while running another drug company, Turing Pharmaceuticals. Although the trial had nothing to do with the drug price controversy, lawyers had to question 300 potential jurors over three days before they were able to seat a panel.

Outside the courthouse, defense attorney Benjamin Brafman said that Shkrelis difficult personality complicated the case.

Martin is a brilliant young man but sometimes his people skills dont translate, said Brafman. He said he would press for a light sentence, and if Shkreli is not sent to prison, Youll be reading about Martin curing rare diseases in the future.

The charges carry up to a 20-year prison term.

During closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis said the four-week trial had exposed Shkreli for who he really is  a conman who stole millions of dollars.

Its time for Martin Shkreli to be held responsible for his choices, his choices to lie, deceive and steal, she said.

Testimony revealed an eccentric workaholic who spent nights in his office in a sleeping bag and rarely brushed his teeth. One investor said Shkreli reminded him of the Dustin Hoffman character in Rain Man. Investors urged him to improve his personal hygiene and to get off of Twitter, where he ultimately ended up being banned for trolling a journalist.

Shkreli said there was never any merit to the charges related to Retrophin.

They theorized that I robbed Peter to pay Paul and the jury has spoken conclusively about this, he said. My investors made three to five times their money.

Shkreli also told reporters he would continue his own lawsuit against Retrophin, saying his role as CEO there was terminated by some very bad actors, and that the company at the center of the securities fraud case would be writing me a very large check in the future.

Throughout the jury deliberations, Shkreli appeared largely confident and carefree, reading books and sometimes taking to social media to comment on the case.

Shkrelis case drew conflicted reactions in the business community.

Just seeing Shkrelis face gives many people the urge to punch him in the nose, wrote a columnist for Crains New York Business, in an article later posted by Shkreli on his Facebook page. However, he added, Upon scrutiny it is impossible to justify the Herculean, effort the U.S. attorneys office expended in this investigation and prosecution. Here, the feds lost sight of the simple reality that there was no victim worth the resources wasted.

Shkreli didnt take the stand in his own defense, instead pressing his case on social media  which has been both his platform and his undoing.

At one point, U.S. District Court Judge Kiyo Matsumoto imposed a gag order on him, but he continued to post prolifically  using a pseudonym because he was banned from Twitter. He even joked that with his famously off-color vocabulary, he was planning his next job  as White House communications director to replace the recently ousted Anthony Scaramucci.

barbara.demick@latimes.com

Twitter: @BarbaraDemick

UPDATES:

1:55 p.m.: The story was updated with comments from Shkreli and his lawyer, and additional background on the trial.

This story was originally published at 11:55 a.m.
For four years, Ira N. Forman served as the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism, a State Department post in which he advocated on behalf of Jewish communities at risk around the globe.

He resigned, as required for political appointees, on Jan. 20, the day President Trump took office. But six months later, Forman and his staff have not been replaced.

All the expertise has frittered away, Forman said.

His is one of scores of empty offices in a demoralized State Department, where critics say a shortage of diplomats, analysts and bureaucrats is weakening the foreign policy mission and hurting efforts to project American values abroad.

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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has embraced a White House proposal to slash the combined State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development budget by nearly a third next year, from $54.9 billion to $37.6 billion.

The final cuts wont be that severe. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called it a waste of time to even review the proposed budget because Congress would reject it.

Still, Tillerson has embarked on a wide-ranging operation to reorganize Foggy Bottom in ways that worry many foreign policy experts.

He has proposed scaling back U.S. support for United Nations peacekeeping missions, plus cutting back offices that deal with refugees, womens health and climate change.

There is apprehension every day. Are they going to fill these jobs or not?  Arsalan Suleman, who left the State Department in January after seven years

News reports have suggested other jobs may be eliminated, including the coordinator of cybersecurity and an office that investigates international war crimes.

Even Tillersons staff has taken a hit. He has appointed only one undersecretary, not the six who worked for his predecessor, John F. Kerry.

Of the top 130 State Department posts that require Senate confirmation, 44 had been nominated and 23 confirmed by late Thursday, when Congress went on a monthlong break, according to the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group that tracks government hiring.

At this point in President Obamas first term, 95 State Department officials had been nominated and 48 confirmed. Under President George W. Bush, it was 100 nominations and 77 confirmations, according to the Partnership for Public Service.

Current and former State Department officials say it appears that one goal in the current reorganization is to reduce staff by attrition, what one critic called death by a thousand cuts.

Tillerson has denied that his efforts at streamlining will have a debilitating effect on policy or morale.

The building is hardly hollowed out, he said at a news conference Tuesday at the State Department that was called to highlight his first six months in office.

Anytime you have a dramatic change in the administration, like we had six months ago, there are going to be individuals who struggle with that, he added.

Tillerson said he had hired an outside consulting company, Insigniam, to help survey the more than 70,000 State Department employees worldwide for input on how to make the department more efficient.

About half responded, some reportedly with scathing critiques. About 1,000 people were interviewed for additional perspective.

Five steering committees will make recommendations to the Office of Management and Budget on Sept. 15. But Tillerson has indicated the redesign of operations could take a year, leaving some policy priorities and programs adrift.

A senior State Department official, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution, said morale had plummeted. Diplomats and foreign service officers who can earn higher salaries in the private sector were leaving in droves, the official said.

There is a dearth of clear information  no sense of who is making decisions or how  no sense of dialogue or trust, the official said.

Even if the positions are filled in the coming years, it will require a long period of rebuilding relationships that diplomats count on to do their jobs, the official said.

Heather Nauert, the State Department spokeswoman, said that few decisions on personnel cuts had been made and that critics were overreacting. She became exasperated when reporters pressed her recently on reports of likely job and program cuts.

I know people are obsessed with, Are you shutting down this bureau? Are you shutting down that bureau? Are you shutting down the global office of whatever, whatever?  she said.

All of those functions will still remain here at the State Department. That is not changing. A different person may handle it. In some instances, it may get combined with an existing bureau. That doesnt mean that the priority goes away, and that doesnt mean that the functions of that job or its duties will go away, Nauert said.

She defended the reorganization underway, arguing that it was simply modernizing a department that was mired in tradition.

Well figure out best practices and how we should change things to alter the State Department, to keep it in line with the 21st century, she said.

Robert G. Berschinski, a deputy assistant secretary of State in the Obama administration, said it was completely appropriate for Tillerson to look for ways to streamline what many see as a bloated bureaucracy.

But by accepting drastic budget cuts before studying the problem, Berschinski said, Tillerson has alienated much of the staff.

It set everybody on their back foot and caused a compete erosion of trust, said Berschinski, now a vice president of the New York-based Human Rights First. It has been maximally counterproductive.

There are about 70 special envoys at the State Department. Eleven, including the special envoy on anti-Semitism, are mandated by Congress, so only lawmakers can eliminate them.

But many of the other positions are empty and could be on the chopping block under Tillersons reorganization.

There is apprehension every day. Are they going to fill these jobs or not? said Arsalan Suleman, who left the State Department in January after seven years, most recently as special envoy to the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland, ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concern about the lack of special envoys, saying that their work requires a point person at the State Department rather than an agenda item for other diplomats.

tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com

For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter

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8:40 a.m.: This article was updated with numbers from the Obama and Bush administrations.

This article was originally published at 3 a.m.
A former bishop who led the Roman Catholic Church in metro Phoenix during a worldwide child sexual abuse scandal has been accused of molesting a young boy 35 years ago.

Retired Bishop Thomas OBrien is accused in a lawsuit of sexually abusing the boy on several occasions at parishes in Phoenix and Goodyear from 1977 to 1982. The Diocese of Phoenix says OBrien denies the allegation.

OBrien, now 81, led the diocese in Phoenix as it became embroiled in a global scandal that rocked the Catholic Church after allegations surfaced in Boston about pedophile priests going unpunished.

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The bishop acknowledged in a 2003 immunity deal that he let church employees accused of sex abuse continue to have contact with children. Weeks after the deal, OBrien resigned as bishop after he was arrested in the hit-and-run death of a pedestrian.

OBriens accuser says the clergyman sexually abused him when he was a child and he had suppressed his memories of it, said Tim Hale, his lawyer.

The accuser, who is now 47 and lives in the Tucson area, started having flashbacks of the abuse in September 2014 when preparing for his sons baptism into the Catholic Church, Hale said.

It has turned his life upside down, Hale said, explaining that his client has suffered profound emotional distress.

Hale said his clients allegation is being investigated by the Phoenix Police Department, which refused to comment.

The diocese issued a statement saying that OBrien denies the accusation and that he was never assigned to the schools and parishes where the abuse is alleged to have occurred. The statement also said the diocese informed prosecutors about the allegation immediately after learning of it in September 2016.

OBriens 2003 immunity agreement said a grand jury investigating church sex abuse allegations at the time didnt find evidence that the bishop had engaged in sexual misconduct.

Amanda Jacinto, a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County Attorneys Office, said the immunity deal will remain in place, meaning the bishop could not be prosecuted for letting church employees suspected of sex abuse be around children.

But Jacinto said the agreement would not prevent prosecutors from bringing a case against OBrien if theres evidence he sexually abused a child.

OBrien, who served as Phoenixs bishop for 21 years, resigned in June 2003 after being accused of striking and killing 43-year-old Jim Reed with his car.

The bishop didnt stop to help Reed or report the accident to police but told investigators that he didnt realize he had hit a person.

He said he thought that he had hit a dog or cat or that someone had thrown a rock at his car. Prosecutors said OBrien tried to have his windshield fixed.

He was sentenced to probation and 1,000 hours of community service after being convicted of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

John C. Kelly, an attorney representing the Diocese of Phoenix, declined to comment on the lawsuit and the allegations against OBrien.

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A fire official says about 10 people were sickened by a suspicious package in the mailroom of a sprawling IRS building in downtown Kansas City, Mo.

The Kansas City Fire Departments James Garrett told WDAF-TV that the workers were in the mailroom when the package arrived shortly before 10 a.m. Friday. The victims complained of chest pains, vomiting and sweating. The television station reports that at least seven people were taken by ambulance to be treated.

Garrett said firefighters had the package isolated and quarantined from the public. He said the airborne substance in question has not been identified.

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The building was not evacuated.

Garrett says officials dont have reports of powder or anything like that, so whatever it was it was by smell and it was airborne.

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Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III has convened a criminal grand jury to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election and is focusing on Donald Trump Jr.s meeting last year with a Russian lawyer who promised damaging information about Democrats, according to a person familiar with the inquiry.

The impaneling of a new grand jury in Washington indicates that the investigation into alleged links between President Trumps campaign aides and Russian intelligence is entering a new stage that is likely to include calling witnesses to testify under oath, the person said.

Investigators working for Mueller, who was appointed in May, have contacted and received records from several of the eight people who attended a meeting at New Yorks Trump Tower on June 9, 2016.

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In addition to Trumps oldest son, the group included the presidents son-in-law and now senior advisor, Jared Kushner; Trumps campaign manager at the time, Paul Manafort; and a Russian lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya.

In a rally Thursday night in Huntington, W.Va., the president again denounced what he called the totally made-up Russia story.

He reiterated his charge that Democrats are stoking the Russia allegations as just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics.

What the prosecutors should be looking at are Hillary Clintons 33,000 deleted emails, the president said, provoking whoops and chants of Lock her up. He continued by saying prosecutors should also examine her paid speeches and financial interests.

The House and Senate intelligence committees are investigating Russias interference in the election and whether there was collusion with Trumps campaign.

Mueller believes there is a need to impanel a grand jury so he can readily issue subpoenas, gather testimony, and compel individuals to testify regarding what they know about Russian interference in the election, the Trump campaign, and likely a host of financial matters, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said late Thursday.

These are gravely serious issues, he added.

The Wall Street Journal first reported Thursday that Mueller had convened a grand jury. It wasnt immediately clear if it has taken over from a separate grand jury in northern Virginia that was known to be investigating contacts between Russia and Michael Flynn, who resigned as Trumps national security advisor in February.

Reuters subsequently reported that the new grand jury recently issued subpoenas in connection with Trump Tower meeting.

Convening a grand jury does not mean that Mueller is preparing criminal charges or is even close to doing so. It may indicate he believes it is the proper venue for an expanding investigation that is focusing on several members of Trumps family, as well as current and former aides.

It may also indicate that he believes the Democratic-leaning capital offered a more sympathetic jury pool if he ultimately opts to bring charges. Trump has repeatedly denounced the probe as a witch hunt and accused Mueller and his aides of partisan bias.

The presidents lawyer, Ty Cobb, said in a statement released by the White House that he was unaware of a new grand jury.

Grand jury matters are typically secret, Mr. Cobb said. The White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly.

He added, The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller.

Cobbs statement also said that former FBI Director James B. Comey, whom Trump fired in May, said three times that the president was not under investigation and we have no reason to believe that has changed.

Trump has made clear his anger that Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation in February after it was revealed he had met several times with Russias ambassador last year.

Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, then took charge of the inquiry. But shortly after Trump fired Comey for what the president later called this Russia thing, Rosenstein appointed Mueller to limit the ability of the White House to interfere with the investigation.

Cornell University law professor Jens David Ohlin said the convening of the grand jury indicated that Muellers inquiry was growing more serious.

This suggests the investigation will end with indictments, Ohlin said.

If there was any suggestion that Mueller was going to simply submit a report to Congress and allow the political process to digest his findings, that seems unlikely now, he added. This is a criminal investigation in the fullest sense of the term.

Prosecutors are seeking to talk to participants at the meeting that Trump Jr. convened after being told that Veselnitskaya was bringing material showing improper donations to the Democratic National Committee that could be useful against Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee.

According to emails released last month by Trump Jr., the meeting was proposed by Aras Agalarov, a billionaire Azerbaijani real estate developer living in Moscow. The derogatory information from Agalarov was part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump, according to an email released last month by Trump Jr.

Trump Jr. said that the material Veselnitskaya provided was not helpful and that nothing came of the meeting. But investigators may see the meeting as significant because of the suggestion that it was part of a coordinated effort by Moscow to help Trump.

Also at the meeting was Rinat Akhmetshin, a Washington lobbyist born in the former Soviet Union, who said he was attending at Veselnitskayas request, and Irakly Ike Kaveladze, a 52-year-old executive from Huntington Beach, who is an executive in Agalarovs real estate company.

Mueller appears to be exploring the relationship between the Trumps and the Agalarovs, who were partners on a project for a Trump hotel in Moscow that was never built.

Kaveladze has been contacted by prosecutors in Muellers office, said Scott Balber, Kaveladzes lawyer. Balber said his client was cooperating fully with investigators.

Manafort was Trumps campaign manager until last August. He resigned after investigators in Ukraine accused him of accepting $12.7 million in secret payments from Ukraines ousted former president through an offshore shell company.

Manafort has denied receiving undeclared payments and has not been charged with any crimes. The FBI said in August it was investigating possible U.S. ties to corruption allegations against former Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych, including Manaforts consulting work.

david.cloud@latimes.com

Twitter: @davidcloudLAT

UPDATES:

5:10 p.m.: Updated with new details including comments from President Trump and Sen. Jack Reed.

The article was originally published at 4:05 p.m.
Dwarfed by the tombs of celebrities and socialites, a cluster of graves in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery bears silent witness to a largely forgotten chapter in Californias history. There lie buried some 30 Confederate veterans from nearly every rebel state, along with a seven-foot granite monument commemorating their military service.

Recent high-profile fights over Confederate monuments have largely taken place in Dixie, in cities such as New Orleans and Richmond, Va. But Hollywoods Confederate memorial reminds us that the struggle over slavery was not confined to the American South. Here in Los Angeles, the Confederate rebellion found a welcome reception and a long afterlife.

Civil War-era California was a state divided against itself. The more populous northern counties sent thousands of troops into the Union army and ensured Californias loyalty during the war. But migrants from the slave states constituted a majority of Los Angeles Countys white population. And many of them sided with their native South.

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Andrew King, former undersheriff of Los Angeles, defiantly proclaimed, We have been and are yet secessionist.

In the early months of the war, hurrahs for the Confederate President Jefferson Davis rang out through L.A.s streets, as did popular tunes like Well Drive the Bloody Tyrant from Our Dear Native Soil. The citys main hotel, the Bella Union, displayed a large portrait of Confederate general P.G.T. Beauregard in its saloon, while secessionists conducted military drills in El Monte and San Bernardino.

Some secessionists stayed put, but more than 250 Southern Californians left the state to enlist in the Confederate army (versus just two Union volunteers from Los Angeles who went east). In May 1861, a secessionist company known as the Los Angeles Mounted Rifles made its way to Texas. It would become the only militia from a free state to fight under a Confederate banner. Local leaders such as Joseph Lancaster Brent, perhaps the most influential politician in Los Angeles, followed shortly thereafter. During the war, Brent rose to the rank of brigadier general.

Californias Union commanders waged an aggressive campaign against secessionist agitation. To both contain the rebels in their midst and guard against Confederate forces in Arizona, they established a military garrison south of Los Angeles known as Drum Barracks. It housed thousands of Union soldiers through the war, who occasionally clashed with nearby Confederate supporters. Several prominent Confederate sympathizers were arrested for treason and jailed on Alcatraz Island, including the editor of the citys leading newspaper, the Los Angeles Star, as well as the former state attorney general, E.J.C. Kewen. A street in Pasadena still bears Kewens name.

Despite the best efforts of some of these western rebels, California remained a Union state. But even after the Confederacys collapse in spring 1865, the spirit of rebellion lived on in Southern California. Later that year, Andrew King, former undersheriff of Los Angeles, defiantly proclaimed, We have been and are yet secessionist.

Elsewhere in the state, self-identified members of the Ku Klux Klan unleashed a small-scale reign of terror. Whereas Klansmen in the South terrorized newly emancipated African Americans, Californias KKK targeted a different nonwhite population they deemed a greater threat: Chinese immigrants. They assaulted these immigrant workers, threatened their white employers and burned down churches that served the Chinese community.

Black Californians didnt escape post-war persecution either. During Reconstruction, California was the only free state to reject both the 14th and 15th amendments  those that, respectively, guaranteed crucial civil rights and granted the franchise to black men. Even after black male suffrage became national law in 1870, a number of California clerks refused to register African American voters, while L.A. County courts upheld these clear violations of civil law. Thus California officials anticipated some of the exclusionary measures of the Jim Crow South.

That a number of Confederate veterans moved to Southern California in the decades after the war should come as no surprise, given the regions history and political sensibilities. In San Gabriel, they established the only Confederate veterans rest home outside Dixie. These are the veterans that now lie buried in Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Today, miniature American flags grace the graves of Hollywoods Confederate dead, which could perhaps be read as a gesture of reconciliation. Or it might be a profoundly ironic statement: The banner of the nation that these men rebelled against now stands guard over their final resting place.

Throughout the South, cries grow louder to remove monuments to a failed slaveholders rebellion. This western memorial, however, will likely endure  as well it should. It serves as a needed corrective to a self-congratulatory strain in the stories Californians tell about themselves. Angelenos might be tempted to view the current controversy over Confederate symbols, and the ugly racial politics they represent, as a distinctly Southern problem. But a visit to Hollywoods cemetery plot and some historical perspective teach us otherwise. Los Angeles was the westernmost outpost in a rebellion that spanned the continent.

Kevin Waite is an assistant professor of American history at Durham University in the United Kingdom. Hes writing a book on slavery and the Civil War in the American West.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook
This week Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced a sweeping bill that would not only legalize marijuana at the federal level, but would attempt to reverse the impact that the war on pot has had in poor and minority communities.

The Marijuana Justice Act would remove marijuana from the list of controlled substances, which would make it legal under federal law. Marijuana is currently listed as a Schedule 1 drug along with heroin and LSD, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical value. (Tell that to the 29 states that allow the use of medical marijuana.)

Booker isnt the first lawmaker to call for erasing marijuana from the list of controlled substances. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced a bill to do that in 2015. Earlier this year Reps. Tom Garrett (R-Va.) and Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) proposed it with a measure called the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act. So did Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) with his Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act.

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All of those measures would let states decide whether they want to legalize or not.

What makes Bookers bill different is that he would pressure states to legalize cannabis. Most of the people picked up for marijuana possession and use are arrested and jailed by local law enforcement operating under state laws. So the federal government alone cannot the end prohibition or eliminate the racial disparities in the enforcement of marijuana laws.

Under Bookers proposal, states that choose not to legalize marijuana would lose federal criminal justice funding if their enforcement has a disproportionate effect on poor and minority individuals. Most states would fail that test. An American Civil Liberties Union report found that blacks are nearly four times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as whites are, even though the groups use marijuana at the same rate.

The bill would allow individuals to sue the state over bias in marijuana enforcement, which could also push states toward legalization.

On college campuses, affluent communities, and even in Congress, Booker said, people brag and joke about their marijuana use.

You dont see kids coming home from frat parties being stopped and frisked, Booker said in a video announcing the bill. Poor, minority communities have arrest rates for marijuana use and possession that are tragically higher, he said. A drug conviction can have lifelong impact on a persons ability to get a job.

To that end, the bill would automatically expunge federal marijuana use and possession crimes, and it would allow individuals currently serving time in federal prison to petition a court for a resentencing. And it would create a fund that could pay for job training, reentry services and youth programs in communities most affected by the war on drugs.

The point, Booker said, is to not just legalize marijuana going forward but also to help low-income and minority communities recover from the unjust application of the law.

Its an ambitious bill that probably wont go anywhere. So far, Booker is the only sponsor  unlike the other marijuana legalization bills pending, some of which have bipartisan support. By pressuring states to end prohibition, he may alienate some potential allies among Republicans and moderate Democrats who support states right to decide. And hes facing a president and an attorney general who are skeptical, if not downright opposed to legalization.

Nevertheless, Booker is right to broaden the discussion beyond just if and when to legalize marijuana, and into how legalization can repair some of the damage wrought by the war on drugs.

For more opinions, follow me @kerrycavan
It was everyones guilty pleasure in Washington on Thursday: poring over the transcripts of President Trumps six-months-old telephone conversations with the president of Mexico and the prime minister of Australia, posted with annotations on the Washington Post website.

Mother Jones was pushing it when it headlined its report Trumps Calls with World Leaders Were Way More Bonkers Than Previously Reported. But there were plenty of odd utterances.

My favorite was this comment to Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto about Trumps famous border wall: On the wall, you and I both have a political problem. My people stand up and say, Mexico will pay for the wall, and your people probably say something in a similar but slightly different language. (Spanish?) There was also a line that reminded me of a Helen Reddy hit: It is you and I against the world, Enrique, do not forget.

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The transcripts also show that Trump was concerned about protecting his image. Again, referring to the wall and his campaign promise to make Mexico pay for it, he told Pena Nieto: This is the least important thing that we are talking about, but politically this might be the most important.

In complaining to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about a commitment Barack Obama had made to welcome 1,250 refugees to the United States, Trump said: This is going to kill me. I am the worlds greatest person that does not want to let people into the country.

It was hard to argue that the transcripts revealed state secrets or endangered the national security. Reporting at the time indicated that Trumps exchanges with the two leaders had been less than harmonious. Yet there was perhaps surprisingly bipartisan criticism Thursday of the leakers who supplied the transcripts to the Post, focused less on the details of the conversations than on the precedent.

Ned Price, who served on the staff of the National Security Council in the Obama administration, told The Hill: This is beyond the pale and will have a chilling effect going forward on the ability of the commander in chief to have candid discussions with his counterparts. On Twitter, Tommy Vietor, who was spokesman for the NSC under Obama, said, I wouldve lost my mind if transcripts of Obamas calls to foreign leaders leaked.

Finally, writing in the Atlantic, David Frum, a former speechwriter for George W. Bush, called the leak of the transcripts unprecedented, shocking, and dangerous. He added: It is vitally important that a president be able to speak confidentially  and perhaps even more important that foreign leaders understand that they can reply in confidence.

Frum suggested that the leak originated with senior national security professionals who regard Trump as something between (at best) a reckless incompetent doofus and (at worst) an outright Russian espionage asset. But he warned that the the less Trump can trust the regularly constituted government, the more justified he will feel in working irregularly.

Finally, the leak may have the effect of emboldening opponents of career professionals who are trying to moderate Trumps unruly impulses. Hours after the Post posted the transcripts, Americans for Limited Government, a conservative group committed to rolling back the tyranny of the administrative state, called for Trump to fire national security advisor H.R. McMaster because of the leak. McMaster was already under attack from some Trump loyalists for dismissing several aides associated with his predecessor, Michael Flynn.

Speaking of Trump appointees whose job security has been called into question, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions is expected to speak publicly Friday (along with Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats) about leaks of classified information. The presidents phone calls may get a mention.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Anybody who has visited Yosemite, Zion, or any of the other marquee national parks during peak tourism season knows what a frustrating experience it can be.

Over the past decade, visits to Yosemite grew from 3.2 million people a year to 4.3 million, and Zion went from 2.7 million to 4.3 million. In fact, the crush has gotten so bad at Zion that park administrators are considering a reservation system for park entry, or for specific park attractions.

As unappealing as that might be, it could be the best solution to a vexing problem that has been building for years.

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Preserving the nature of the parks themselves should be the top priority.

The national parks system dates to 1872 with the designation of Yellowstone; the National Park Service began in 1916. There currently are 417 national park sites, only 59 of which have National Park as part of the title, but 72 of which receive at least 1 million visitors a year.

Some sites can handle the flow  such as the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. But parks such as Zion, Yosemite, Yellowstone and others with limited infrastructure run into problems with traffic, overnight accommodations, wear-and-tear on facilities, and the trampling of the natural beauty that draws visitors in the first place.

The parks system has for years faced underfunding problems, with $11.3 billion in deferred maintenance projects in a department with a $3.4-billion annual budget  which president Trump wants to slash to $2.6 billion (hopefully, the Republicans controlling Congress appreciate the value of national parks, and the damage such a deep cut would cause). And the problems have increased with the increased traffic within the parks.

How best to reduce the overcrowding is the question. Theres a free-market argument to be made that increasing the admission price would thin the crowds, but such a move would seem to undercut the basic premise of the parks system as preserving space in the name of the people and for the use of the people. Setting up a pricing mechanism that would unduly burden low-income families is inherently unfair. And if need-based free passes were issued, the pricing pan would be less effective at reducing demand.

A reservation system makes sense, but it may need to be done by lottery to truly be fair. Otherwise, those with the time to sit on a computer as the reservations window opens get the advantage, a frustration familiar to anyone who has tried to reserve a cottage at Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County, where reservations can be made for six months in advance, but rentals are gone within minutes of opening up.

Whichever method the National Parks Service settles on, reducing the load on the most-used and most-overrun of the parks is necessary. Preserving the nature of the parks themselves should be the top priority, followed by allowing the most access possible  but without undercutting what makes places like Yosemite and Zion so popular in the first place.

Scott.Martelle@LATimes.com

Follow my posts and re-tweets at @smartelle 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.
Its not surprising to find an Arizona Republican smack in the middle of a poke-in-the-eye dust-up with the powerful. The only surprise these days is that the Republican in question isnt John McCain.

McCain is in a fight of his own, having cast the final blow against the healthcare plan crafted by his fellow Senate Republicans and President Trump. In his home state, references to that vote prompt a shoulder shrug and a common Arizona refrain: Just McCain being McCain.

The newest set-to, however, involves the states junior Republican senator, Jeff Flake, a first-termer who may have blasted a big hole in his reelection campaign next year by publishing a book.

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And not just any book. A book that swiped its name from one published a generation ago by Arizonas revered veteran Sen. Barry Goldwater: Conscience of a Conservative. A book that vented about the Republican Party and what he calls his colleagues abdication of their responsibility to stand up against the partys embattled president.

Republicans are in denial about Trumps erratic executive branch, Flake wrote, saying that the partys unnerving silence would be as if Noah had watched the flood rising and decided to focus on other things. At a certain point, if one is being honest, the flood becomes the thing that is most worthy of attention, he wrote. At a certain point, it might be time to build an ark.

For Arizonans, that has set up a question: Will the president, who famously punches back when hit, seek revenge on Flake by summoning a Senate challenger?

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders would not rule out that possibility when asked about it Wednesday.

Im not sure about any potential funding of a campaign, she said. But I think that Sen. Flake would serve his constituents much better if he was less focused on writing a book and attacking the president, and [more on] passing legislation.

In Arizona, Republican strategists believe that Trump has the power to engineer Flakes defeat, particularly if he were to clear the field to a single challenger and vouch for that person to his network of supporters.

If he did get involved, the money would not be an issue, said one Republican strategist. Like several others, he spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid being caught in a dicey internal party fight.

Typically, presidents back away from primary battles to focus on the opposing party. The entire mechanics of a political party are set up to protect its incumbents. Attempting to overthrow Flake would put the president at odds with the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which is working to preserve the partys narrow margin in the Senate.

But when the president is Trump, nothing is typical.

It would seem to be a break in form if the president, himself, did something like that, but he has certainly shown a willingness to buck certain positions, said Constantin Querard, a GOP consultant in Phoenix.

Were the president to put his imprimatur on a candidate, it would set up a roaring battle between the ascendant Trump wing of the Republican Party and a senator who has more or less been an establishment conservative, particularly when it comes to fiscal matters.

One problem for Flake is that hes not necessarily seen that way within the state party.

Flake has long been suspect among Trump Republicans for his membership in the Gang of 8, the group of senators who worked to craft an immigration reform bill in 2013 that included a path to citizenship for those in the country without proper papers. While McCain also has had moderate leanings on that topic, Arizona often has rewarded political figures who vehemently favor harsher strategies.

Flake drew further suspicion when he sided with President Obamas effort to liberalize relations with Cuba; Trump has since taken steps to partially reverse those policies. And Flake was open about his opposition to Trump during last years campaign.

Theres also the matter of Flakes demeanor, a softer approach that doesnt quite mesh with the rougher tones favored by Republicans in the era of Trump.

Jeff Flake is just not the street fighter that McCain is, said one Arizona strategist  to say nothing of Trump.

Flakes defenders note that he has voted to support Trumps positions 93.5% of the time, according to a calculation by FiveThirtyEight.com.

That reflects shared conservative views on a number of topics. But its not as strong as it might seem: By FiveThirtyEights accounting, Flake is 41st among the 52 Republican senators when it comes to voting Trumps way. Or, as some in Arizona put it, more or less a moderate by todays calculations.

Polling shows Flakes relative weakness in the state. A survey released in July by Morning Consult showed that Flake was underwater in Arizona compared to Trump.

Overall, 50% of Arizonans backed Trump, compared with 45% who did not. Only 36% favored Flake, while 42% did not. Among Republicans  the bulk of next Augusts primary voters  Trump was favored by 84%, and Flake by 51%.

But polls a year in advance of an election are notoriously iffy; McCain was thought to be endangered for part of his 2016 reelection campaign, but he won the primary by more than 12 points en route to reelection to his sixth term. Its also impossible to know Trumps trajectory between now and then; if his presidency remains highly troubled, Flakes criticism may be seen in a more charitable light.

For now, Arizonans are mulling the shape of the Senate field. McCains primary opponent, former state Sen. Kelli Ward, has announced she will challenge Flake. Two other Republicans, state Treasurer Jeff DeWit and former GOP chairman Robert Graham, also are considering the race.

Both have ties to Trump  DeWit served as the Trump campaigns chief operating officer  and they appear to have agreed that only one will run. But multiple challengers  say, Ward and one of those pondering the race, or unknown others  would shift the advantage to Flake by splitting the opposition vote.

McCains recent brain cancer diagnosis may further complicate the decision-making. While his seat normally would not be open until 2022, McCains illness has raised the odds of an earlier open seat that might strike some candidates as a better option.

All of that leaves Flakes fate  or at least the contours of his reelection campaign  uncomfortably in the hands of Trump, the president who Flake asserts in his confessional has made the government dysfunctional at the highest levels.

Arizona pollster Mike Noble said that if Ward remains Flakes only opponent, hell cruise to easy reelection.

A vendetta causes more harm than good, he said, adding that Trumps got bigger fish to fry: Russia, North Korea.

Whatever shape the conflict takes as the primary nears, it strikes some as pointless given Flakes conservative voting record.

If youre the Trump administration, you dont like Jeff Flake but you need to work with Jeff Flake, Querard said. All of the ingredients were there for some sort of peace treaty.

But then came the book, or, as Querard calls it, the effort to poke your opponent in the eye literally for the point of poking him in the eye.

One thing defeats Jeff Flake for certain, he said, and that is if Trumps team blesses a solid opponent. Hes really gone out of his way to encourage them to come and get him.

For more on politics from Cathleen Decker 

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker

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In Arizona, where the Great Recession cut a deep swath through home prices and shook all facets of the economy, voters are now increasingly buoyant about the fiscal future they envision for themselves and the nation.

Theyre saving their ire for politics and politicians.

More than two dozen voters gathered in Phoenix this week delivered a bipartisan broadside against President Trump, Republicans and Democrats, dismissing the political class as serving its wealthy benefactors and abandoning everyday Americans.

Their fiercest disappointment was aimed at Trump.

Arizona has been something of a desert mirage for Democrats in recent years; Hillary Clinton made a late stab at the state before Novembers presidential election, but Trump won easily.

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Eight months later, however, even many of his supporters have thrown up their hands at his presidency.

I loved him because he was different. I thought that he was really going to do a lot of change, good changes, said one Republican woman. I hated Obama, so I was ready for a change.

Now, she said, people are laughing at us.

Before I felt like he could do it all, and now I think just if somebody can control him a little bit.

She said she will not vote for Trump again unless he fulfills his campaign promises  specifically his pledge to provide better healthcare at a cheaper price. She noted that he had ultimately supported GOP healthcare plans that did the opposite.

The focus groups, organized by Priorities USA, a liberal advocacy group, were meant to probe voter views in advance of the 2018 midterm elections. Reporters were allowed to view six hours of questioning on the agreement that they not specifically identify the voters.

The questions largely revolved around views of Trump and Republican efforts to pass healthcare and tax reform measures. Yet in the process, participants voiced strikingly little support for Democrats nor any enthusiasm about using their vote to cast out Republicans next year.

Democrats are doing something badly wrong, said one Democratic-leaning voter, saying the party should have done a better job last year. Democrats are flailing.

I think the government is totally corrupt, said an independent voter who leaned toward Democrats in elections but disparaged both sides.

Jefrey Pollock, a Priorities pollster who conducted the focus groups, acknowledged that its not all roses for the Democrats.

The Democrats still have to put forward an economic vision that is persuasive, he said. The 2018 election isnt just all about being anti-Trump. Its not.

Although Republicans control both houses of Congress and the White House, he said, infighting between the parties and the absence of any successful and popular legislation has tarnished both sides.

The soup of Washington has become so thick they just believe everyone is stuck in it, Pollock said of voters. The Democrats do have to put forward a sort of bold positive. As a Democratic partisan, he insisted that they have made positive proposals, but the people need to hear it, he said.

Since the election, in which he received 46% of the vote, Trumps popularity has slumped. Polls by a half-dozen nonpartisan survey organizations in the last week have shown his job approval dropping again after several months of a stable, albeit low, plateau. Fewer than 40% of Americans have a favorable view of his performance in office, the polls indicate.

Trumps drop in polls has featured a notable decline in support among independents and a smaller, but still significant, decline among moderate Republicans.

That decline was reflected in all three focus groups, both a Republican-dominated one and two that included Democrat-sympathetic voters.

For more on politics from Cathleen Decker 

Earlier focus groups in Florida and Ohio  two states Trump wrested from the Democrats in 2016 on his way to victory  showed the same drop in Trump support, pollsters said.

Among Republicans in Arizona, Trump seemed to have morphed from outsider candidate to just another politician, a dangerous transition at a time when anyone involved in politics is looked upon with disdain.

Asked whether Trump sided with regular people or big corporations, nine of 10 in the Republican group said he sided with corporations. All 10 said Republicans in Congress sided with corporations. Two said Democrats sided with ordinary people. Sentiments were not dramatically different in other groups.

Theyre all the same; theyre all puppets, said one Trump voter.

One voter brought up the case of former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who recently resigned his seat after complaining that he no longer could afford to maintain homes in two places.

Seriously? asked one voter, who had backed both Arizona Sen. John McCain and, in 2012, Mitt Romneys presidential campaign. To be fair, thats insane. These guys have healthcare for life, six-figure incomes  a pay raise and considerable benefits, and were supposed to have sympathy for them?

Another Trump and McCain supporter cited the senators recent cancer treatment at the nearby Mayo Clinic to signal the difference between elected officials and people like her. McCain, she said, was certain to maintain care at the highly regarded hospital, a circumstance she said would not be afforded to most of those McCains age who are covered by Medicare.

What about the rest of us? she asked.

Still, several in the Republican-leaning group held out hope that Trump would find a way to right his presidency, although they suggested he has mere months to do so.

Asked what the president would have to do to gain her vote in 2020, one independent replied, I think he needs to become more humble.

The criticisms of the president were all the more notable considering many voters expressed support for some of his positions. Several Latino and millennial voters  groups generally allied with Democrats  favored refocusing the nations attention and resources to this country rather than spending overseas. That was a major argument Trump made during his campaign.

Stop worrying about the rest of the world, said one independent voter. See what happens.

Focusing on America  not what Koreas doing, what Russias doing. Just us, another said.

Before I felt like he could do it all, and now I think just if somebody can control him a little bit.  a Republican woman

Another sign of the shifting views was Republican voters abandonment of traditional GOP positions on tax reform, the subject of the next fight in Washington.

Republicans have proposed a plan that would lower rates on businesses and particularly benefit the wealthy, who pay more in taxes than the less well-off. The Arizona voters were dismissive of one traditional GOP plan  simplifying tax rates  and expressed suspicion about the impact of the reforms.

Even more than Latino voters or millennials, Republicans expressed fear that GOP tax plans would benefit corporations instead of the middle class. They turned aside what has been a tenet of GOP tax policy for more than a generation: that tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy would trickle down to others lower on the economic ladder.

Much of their concern seemed to reflect lasting unease stemming from the economic collapse of 2008. That same sentiment helped propel Trump in 2016  and in the absence of any measurable improvements from Washington, now threatens him.

People in Arizona and Ohio, all these other groups in other places in the country, thought after the crash that Wall Street and big corporations were made whole again, and they were left behind, said Patrick McHugh, the executive director of Priorities, who observed the focus groups.

Trump made a lot of promises to address those issues. Hes now president. Hes now responsible for fulfilling those promises.

In all three groups, voters seemed less angry than disgusted. Rather than make America great again, several suggested, Trump has ushered in decline.

Weve lost our way as people, one independent voter said. The government itself and the elected officials are fattening their pockets off our backs.

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker

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Rep. Dana Rohrabacher has long believed that the United States needs to build a friendlier relationship with Russia, and hes never tried to hide it.

Hes been a frequent defender of Moscow on cable news for years, and his colleagues have speculated privately about the reasons hes willing to work with much-maligned Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But links between the Costa Mesa Republican and the country hes bucked his party to extend a hand toward have raised new eyebrows because of the investigations into Russias attempts to undermine the 2016 election that Donald Trump won.

Despite winning reelection last year by nearly 17%, Rohrabachers district is considered a battleground for 2018. He has drawn a Republican challenger, and a handful of Democratic challengers  several of whom are highlighting his friendliness toward Russia in their campaigns.

There is no indication Rohrabacher is under investigation by the FBI or the House and Senate committees looking into what happened, but his name keeps popping up in connection to key figures and events in the investigation.

Its a story that involves Russian tax fraud, foreign adoptions, dinner with a foreign agent and a meeting in Trump Tower with the soon-to-be presidents son. And much of it has just recently come to light.

A warning from the FBI

FBI agents sat Rohrabacher down in the Capitol and warned him that a Russian spy was trying to recruit him as an agent of influence  someone the Russian government might be able to use to steer policymaking.

When the New York Times first reported the meeting in May amid swirling accusations about Russias election meddling, Rohrabacher said he appreciated the warning but didnt need it.

Any time you meet a Russian member of their Foreign Ministry or the Russian government, you assume those people have something to do with Russian intelligence, he told the newspaper.

The newspapers sources said there was no evidence the recruiters succeeded or that Rohrabacher had been paid by a foreign government.

A nice little dinner with Paul Manafort

When former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort was working on behalf of a pro-Russian Ukrainian political party in 2013, he met with just one U.S. politician  Rohrabacher.

Rohrabacher said in an interview the meeting happened over dinner at the Capitol Hill Club, a popular Washington Republican social club. He said Manafort billed it as a chance to get reacquainted decades after they worked together in the 1970s on President Reagan's campaign. Still, he assumed Manafort had an agenda.

I assume when old friends call me up and are wanting to get reacquainted and stuff I always assume they are in some way under contract with somebody, Rohrabacher said. We discussed a myriad of things, a lot of personal stuff, a lot of different analysis of the politics of the day. It was a nice little dinner.

Manafort didnt file as a foreign agent with the Justice Department, or disclose the dinner, until he came under scrutiny during the Russia investigation.

On Feb. 23, 2018, Manaforts longtime business partner and former Trump campaign aide Richard W. Gates III pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about the contents of that dinner meeting. Documents show that Gates originally told agents the meeting was not about their work for Ukraine, when in fact he and Manafort had reported back to Ukraine that the meeting with Rohrabacher went well.

A meeting in Moscow

During a congressional trip to Russia in 2016, Rohrabacher and his longtime friend and employee Paul Behrends met privately with high-ranking Russian justice officials.

At the time, Congress was considering expanding the 2012 Magnitsky Act, which prevented Russians believed to be involved in certain human rights abuses from traveling to the United States or spending money in the country.

The law was named for whistle-blowing lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died under suspicious circumstances in a Russian prison after he accused several top Russian officials of misappropriating $230 million in taxes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was incensed by the restrictions. In retaliation, he halted U.S. adoptions of Russian children.

During the April meeting, according to multiple news reports, Rohrabacher was given a memo stamped confidential. Deputy general prosecutor Viktor Grin, one of the Russians whose foreign accounts were frozen under the Magnitsky Act, was in the room, according to news accounts.

Changing attitudes to the Magnitsky story in the Congress could have a very favorable response from the Russian side, the memo said, according to the Daily Beast.

It contested the details of the Magnitsky case, including how the lawyer died, and leveled accusations against Magnitskys American-born boss, financier Bill Browder. They wanted Rohrabacher to cast doubt on what had happened to Magnitsky, and try to at least get Magnitskys name removed from the law.

Politico also reported that Rohrabacher huddled with Russian-American lobbyist Rinat Akhmetshin and Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya while he was in Moscow, a meeting Rohrabacher hasnt confirmed. The pair later went on to lead lobbying efforts against the expanded Magnitsky Act when Rohrabacher returned to Washington.

Rohrabacher called stories about the trip and the document a "nothing burger this month, saying that as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia and Emerging Threats he has an obligation to get information from many sources. He said foreign governments often pass on information to try to prove their point.

"The criminal justice department in Moscow had done a study of the Magnitsky case and had investigated it, and I was asked if I would look at it, and I said sure," Rohrabacher said. "I'm the chairman of the subcommittee that's supposed to focus on Russia. It's absolutely appropriate, and I think anybody that doesn't spend that time focusing on their responsibility is derelict in their duty."

Lobbying fellow House members

Soon after Rohrabacher and Behrends returned to Washington, Rohrabacher delayed further consideration of the expanded Magnitsky Act.

The congressman came across some information that puts the Magnitsky narrative as we know it into some question, and he wants to pursue it," Rohrabacher spokesman Ken Grubbs told National Review at the time.

Rohrabacher and Behrends began setting up a subcommittee hearing on the Magnitsky Act with plans to invite Browder and show a documentary disputing the facts of the Magnitsky case.

Also trying to sway members of Congress at this time were the lobbyist and lawyer Rohrabacher had reportedly met with in Moscow months before: Akhmetshin, a registered lobbyist for Human Rights Accountability Global Initiative, a group started by Veselnitskaya to lift the adoption ban, but widely thought to be focused on getting rid of the Magnitsky Act sanctions.

But Rohrabachers plan for a subcommittee hearing was waylaid by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Fullerton), who instead arranged for the full committee to discuss U.S. policy toward Russia in June, a move that meant Royce controlled who would be called as a witness.

Veselnitskaya can be seen in video of the hearing sitting behind then-U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul.

Neither Akhmetshin or Veselnitskaya registered as foreign agents with the Justice Department, but Akhmetshin did register as a lobbyist. His 2016 registration lists three foreign clients, all Moscow residents.

One of them, Denis Katsyv, owns Prevezon, the company sued by then-U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara for using the stolen money Magnitsky was investigating to buy Manhattan real estate.

Bharara was fired by Trump along with other U.S. attorneys, and his replacement settled the case against Katsyv and Prevezon in May for $6 million. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee have questioned Attorney General Jeff Sessions about the timing of the settlement, which came just days before the trial was set to begin and for about half of what the Justice Department initially sought.

A meeting in Trump Tower

Around the same time as Rohrabacher was organizing the subcommittee hearing that never happened, the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., agreed to meet with some people with Russian ties after he was told he would be given derogatory information about Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, as part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump, according to emails.

He brought along his brother-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-Trump campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, to the Trump Tower gathering.

Veselnitskaya provided Trump Jr. with material she said showed improper donations to the Democratic National Committee. Then Veselnitskaya and Akhmetshin began to talk about the Magnitsky Act and Russian adoptions, according to multiple news accounts.

Huntington Beach businessman Ike Kaveladze also attended the meeting. Rohrabacher said in an interview hed never heard of Kaveladze, a constituent who lives near Rohrabachers Costa Mesa home, until after the Los Angeles Times identified him as a meeting attendee.

Reports on who attended the meeting thrust Rohrabacher's efforts to remove Magnitskys name from the sanctions law back into the spotlight.

Theres two people I think Putin pays: Rohrabacher and Trump

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a GOP California colleague of Rohrabachers, speculated in a private meeting that Trump and Rohrabacher were being paid by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Theres two people I think Putin pays: Rohrabacher and Trump, McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) said in a recording of the exchange, first reported by the Washington Post in May. At that point, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan cut off the conversation and swore those who were there to secrecy.

A transcript of the tape noted that McCarthy was laughing during the conversation with other Republican leaders. After the transcript leaked, both McCarthy and Ryan said the comment had been a joke.

Sept. 20, 2016

A meeting with Trump campaign advisor Michael Flynn

Rohrabacher allegedly met in Washington with Trump campaign advisor Michael Flynn in the weeks before the election. Also attending were Flynns son, Michael G. Flynn, and Flynns lobbying associates at the Flynn Intel Group.

Flynn went on to briefly serve as National Security Advisor in the Trump administration before he was caught lying about conversations with the Russian Ambassador, prompting an intense look by the FBI into past work with foreign governments done by Flynn and his son.

In November 2017, NBC News reported that the FBI was interviewing witnesses about the content of the meeting Rohrabacher attended.

A canceled trip to Russia

Rohrabacher said in an interview that he decided not to go because he was worried the national focus on Russia would make it difficult to have serious conversations with Russian officials.

"In the middle of a chaotic, public brouhaha, you're not going to be able to get the serious job done that you need to get done," he said.

But a senior House GOP aide who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to reporters said Royce declined Rohrabachers request to travel to Moscow shortly after the inauguration.

Accused of violating Russian sanctions

Rohrabacher has now been accused of violating the Russian sanctions he fought against by the man who convinced Congress to approve them.

In a complaint filed with the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control, Browder alleged that by getting information from Grin  one of the Russians sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act  and using it to try to change U.S. law, Rohrabachers and Behrends reported actions thus provided services to one of the central figures targeted by the Magnitsky Act.

Such complaints are most commonly made about the actions of big banks or private citizens, not a sitting member of Congress.

In a statement responding to the compliant, Rohrabacher said, anyone who knows me understands that I am the member of Congress least likely to take directions from government officials, especially foreign government officials.

A meeting with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

Rohrabacher traveled to London during the August congressional recess to meet with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is living in asylum at the Ecuadorean embassy there. The meeting was arranged by far-right blogger and provocateur Chuck C. Johnson.

Rohrabacher said in a statement afterward that the Australian fugitive emphatically stated that the Russians were not involved in the theft of Democratic National Committee emails during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Rohrabacher says he has further information about who did steal the emails and will present that only to President Trump as part of discussions for some kind of pardon for Assange. Rohrabacher says hes been blocked from meeting with Trump by White House Chief of Staff John Kelly.

Graphic photo sources: L.A. Times, AFP, Getting Images, Inform Inc.

Follow @sarahdwire on Twitter

Read more about the 55 members of California's delegation at latimes.com/politics

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This article is regularly updated with new developments.

This article was originally published Aug. 4, 2017.
A day after a blockbuster report that researchers had edited harmful genetic mutations out of human embryos in an Oregon lab, an international group of genetics experts urged scientists against taking the next step.

A panel of the American Society of Human Genetics, joined by representatives from 10 organizations scattered across the globe, recommended against genome editing that culminates in human pregnancy. Their views were published Thursday in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration forbids any medical use of gene editing that would affect future generations, and the agency strictly regulates experimental use of the technology in labs. But around the world, scientists sometimes circumvent restrictions like these by conducting clinical work in countries that have no such strictures.

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People who want to gain access to these techniques can find people willing to perform them in venues where they are able to do so, said Jeffrey Kahn, director of the Berman Center for Bioethics at Johns Hopkins University. That underscores the importance of international discussion of what norms we will follow.

Indeed, some of the groups signing on to the new consensus statement acknowledged that they inhabit parts of the world in which medical and scientific regulatory bodies scarcely exist, or are not robust.

 Researchers used eggs from healthy females and the sperm of a man who carried a gene mutation that causes inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. (Aug. 3, 2017) (Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR)

The panel said it supports publicly funded research of the sort performed at Oregon Health & Science University and reported Wednesday in the journal Nature. Such work could facilitate research on the possible future applications of gene editing, according to its position statement.

In the Nature study, researchers created human embryos with a mutation in the MYBPC3 gene that causes an often fatal condition called inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Then they edited the DNA of those embryos during the first five days of their development. At that point, the embryos were extensively analyzed and used to create stem cell lines that can be maintained indefinitely and used for further research.

But advancing to the next step  allowing pregnancies to proceed with altered embryos  will require further debate, the genetics specialists asserted.

They cited persistent uncertainties regarding the safety of gene-editing techniques. They also said the ethical implications of so-called germ-line editing, which would alter a patients genetic code in ways that would affect his or her offspring, remain insufficiently considered.

Panel members raised questions about who would have access to therapies made possible by manipulating the genome, and how existing inequities could be exacerbated. And they expressed concerns that the availability of germ-line editing could encourage experiments in eugenics  the creation of people engineered for qualities such as intelligence, beauty or strength that would set them apart as superior.

Perhaps the most deeply felt concern is conceptual: the sense that in identifying some individuals and their traits as unfit, we experience a collective loss of our humanity, the group wrote.

The position statement comes on the heels of the Nature study reporting the first successful use in human embryos of a relatively new and increasingly popular gene-editing technique known as CRISPR-Cas9. That study offered some reassurance that unforeseen or off target effects of such therapies can be avoided with certain practices.

Study leader Shoukhrat Mitalipov, a biologist at the Oregon university, said that while there is a long road ahead, he hoped to employ these techniques in human clinical trials in the coming years.

The genetics groups consensus statement lays out some of the scientific and ethical debates that should come before any trial would attempt the incubation and birth of children whose faulty genes had been repaired while they were still embryos.

The group also voiced concerns about the potential impact of germ-line editing on families and societies in which they might become widely used.

Arguably, the ability to easily request interventions intended to reduce medical risks and costs could make parents less tolerant of perceived imperfections or differences within their families, panel members wrote. Clinical use of germline gene editing might not be in the best interest of the affected individual if it erodes parental instinct for unconditional acceptance.

melissa.healy@latimes.com

@LATMelissaHealy

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Long before he competed in the Top Chef finale and earned laurels for his two Orange County restaurants, chef Amar Santana was a high school sophomore enrolled in a cooking course.

It was the early 1990s. He had just migrated from the Dominican Republic to Queens, N.Y., and didnt speak English.

Overwhelmed, Santana quit the course.

The following year, the school accidentally re-enrolled him in the same class, which was sponsored by Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP).

I used to complain and give the teacher attitude anytime we did a recipe, Santana said. He told me, Youre a punk, youre always late, but you have it in you. 

The then-16-year-old earned an internship at chef David Waltucks Chanterelle, one of New Yorks famed French restaurants (now closed).

Santana entered a culinary competition and won a trip to Londons Le Cordon Bleu before heading to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. on a full-ride scholarship sponsored by C-CAP.

The scholarship, internship and the teachers encouragement changed his life, Santana said, and its one of the many reasons why he wanted to host a fundraiser in O.C. to support The James Beard Foundation, a New York-based organization that provides chef advocacy training, scholarships for culinary students and educational initiatives.

Santana and business partner Ahmed Labbate will host a Friends of James Beard Benefit dinner Aug. 10 at Vaca, their revered Spanish restaurant in the South Coast Plaza theater district.

The culinary team will welcome 100 guests for a seven-course dinner featuring the restaurants signature Vaca Tonic cocktail, a charcuterie and cheese board that guests can design with choices like house-cured duck ham and dry-cured Iberian pork sausage. Also planned: gazpacho, slow-baked cod, roasted lamb meatballs, albacore tataki, smoked chicken cannelloni, braised pork belly, paella, New York prime skirt steak and dessert.

This is the only thing I know how to do, Santana, 35, said as he sat at a table inside Vaca. I live, I breathe, I dream of what to make. Im always thinking of food and what do it with it.

Santana and Labbate share a long history at South Coast Plaza.

In 2008, the two opened Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdales and, in late 2015, Vaca at Park Tower, which, like South Coast Plaza, is owned by C.J. Segerstrom & Sons.

The benefit dinner also is a way to pay tribute to the Plazas 50th anniversary, celebrate Labbates 50th birthday and mark the third Friends of James Beard Benefit dinner at the retail center.

The James Beard Foundation has done so much to celebrate Americas food culture and its chefs; we hold them in the highest regard, said Debra Gunn Downing, South Coast Plazas marketing executive director. And to have three South Coast Plaza restaurants host Friends of James Beard dinners within four years speaks to the caliber of our fine dining restaurateurs.

The foundation is regarded for its annual awards for excellence in cuisine, culinary writing and culinary education in the U.S. It is often called The Oscars of Food.

Just to be a part of this is big for us, Santana said. It really hits home for me.

Vacas James Beard Benefit dinner starts at 6 p.m. Aug. 10. The restaurant is located at 695 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa and tickets are $350. For more information, call (714) 463-6060 or visit vaca.mybigcommerce.com/events

kathleen.luppi@latimes.com

Twitter: @KathleenLuppi
The taco is one of Southern Californias quintessential eats, as much a part of our regional food culture as it is a purely Mexican invention. Handheld rounds of masa serve as blank canvases on top of which everyone from local street taqueros to fine-dining chefs have long placed meats, cheeses and vegetables, among other garnishes.

In Orange County, tacos are having an entirely different kind of creative moment thanks to two new restaurants that are taking the love one step further by throwing traditional tacos on menus alongside everything from kielbasa to pizza.

The result is two very different mash-up concepts  like next-level Taco Bell/Pizza Huts  that put the beloved taco into conversation with unlikely sister dishes from around the world and make a hard case for Mexican food as the next global cuisine.

So when your next craving for SoCals most versatile dish hits, heres where to get that taco  plus a custom-grind bratwurst or plate of handmade pasta  in O.C.

Centro Collective

Deep into the industrial-stacked winding roads of southeast O.C. lies the unassuming Centro Collective, a 3-month-old concept from two former Cucina Enoteca chefs de cuisine  and OCC culinary program alums  who wanted to leave the fine dining world behind in order to explore their love for authentic Italian and Mexican food.

Once you find the place (theres still no signage so look for the round yellowish tower towards the middle of the strip mall), youll have to decide where you want to begin.

On the right is Centro Pizzeria, half-helmed by Chad Urata, who served as sous chef at Newport Beach restaurants like Cucina Alessa before a stint working under Jose Andres at Tres in Beverly Hills.

The pizzeria is little more than a deli counter stocked with a series of Roman-style pizzas, which means they are made from a slow-rising dough and cut to order from whatever is available in the display case (youre charged according to the size of the slice).

At dinnertime, the pizzeria serves an off-menu assortment of handmade pastas, providing a small glimpse into Uratas talent with delicate Italian flavors.

On the left side is Centro Taqueria, the domain of Orange-born chef Brent Omeste  who cut his teeth at Pomodoro, Kimer and, like many other young O.C. chefs, Charlie Palmers at South Coast Plaza.

Order anything from the pork-belly al pastor to the beer-battered whitefish, and Omeste gets to work, throwing meat on the fire and dropping freshly cut tortillas into the deep fryer from his small workstation that that serves as an open kitchen. The tacos arrive topped with exquisite details like sofrito peppers, chayote escabeche and chicharron de queso, making these well worth the $4 price tag.

At Centro Collective, Omeste and Urata are proving that Mexican and Italian food are good on their own but always better together.

Centro Collective is at 24531 Trabuco Road, Suites E & F, Lake Forest. For more information, call (949) 305- 5224 or visit centrocollective.com.

Taco Brat

Chef Thomas Curran has decades of restaurant experience working in menu development for major brands like California Pizza Kitchen and Umami Burger, but when it came time for his own venture, he couldnt help but veer from the corporate offerings he created during his career.

Enter Taco Brat, the first #GerMexican restaurant around and the only place where you can get kielbasa on your nachos and churros made with savory pretzel dough. Its not all wacky fusions here, though. In fact, Taco Brats focus is on the more traditional options, which on the menu are divided between tacos and handmade sausages, each treated as a separate world youre free to explore at your own depth and pace.

One visit might necessitate a broad taco medley, a sampling of Currans chile verde pork, grilled rockfish, citrusy carne asada and fried avocado tacos, all on house-pressed corn tortillas. Another day might require a delve into Currans sausages, including the kielbasa and bratwurst, which come with fixings like kraut and agave-lime slaw on doughy rolls from Cest Si Bon in Newport Beach. Appetizers are an easier way to mix and match the two cuisines with guacamole, elotes and a German smashed potato snack called Kartoffelpuffer.

Taco Brat took over the old historic mission-style Taco Jr. building on Harbor Boulevard and converted it into an al fresco California dream with sit-down patio-dining, a dirt patch for cornhole games and a walk-up bar (stocked with top local beers)  all with clear views of the bustling boulevard.

Not bad for SoCals only taqueria-slash-brathaus.

Taco Brat is at 2101 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. For more information, call (844) 328-8226 or visit tacobrat.com.

SARAH BENNETT is a freelance journalist covering food, drink, music, culture and more. She is the former food editor at L.A. Weekly and a founding editor of Beer Paper L.A. Follow her on Twitter @thesarahbennett.
Alongside the common barnyard animals at the Orange County Fair, such as pigs and chickens, are dromedaries of the Sahara, by way of San Diego.

The animals from the Oasis Camel Dairy are at the Costa Mesa fairgrounds to exhibit the versatility and sociability of the towering, 1,500-pound creatures, which do more than toil in far-flung, windswept deserts.

Camels are like big puppies, said Oasis owner and camel aficionado Gil Riegler, who is in his seventh year showing at the fair. They love being petted.

The travel team  consisting of females Knuckles and Cleopatra and their calves, Latifa and Rocko, plus a gelded male named Samson  comes from a herd of about 20 on a farm near Ramona, outside San Diego. The farm also is home to turkeys  the fairs turkey races are run by Rieglers wife, Nancy  and parrots, sheep, donkeys and horses.

With their long, curved necks, fluttering eyelashes and gangly, knobby legs, camels are goofy yet graceful, with the playful nature of a Labrador. Those in the Oasis crew are hammy with people, affectionate among one another and can produce a commodity: milk.

The milk is delicious, Gil Riegler said. Absolutely delicious.

Riegler said camels milk is like skim cows milk. Its a little salty and a little sweet, hypoallergenic and nutritionally similar to human mothers milk. He said the dairy doesnt sell raw milk because of extensive state regulations, but it does make and sell bath and beauty products including fizzy bath bombs, lip balm, soap and lotion.

For visitors who want to consume the milk in some form, Oasis sells camels milk chocolates imported from Dubai.

A milking session can release 2 liters, but youll have to act fast. The sessions are only about 90 seconds long.

If youre texting or youre talking, you dont get any milk, Riegler said.

For his demonstrations at the fair, he does what he can to ensure some product. Between shows Wednesday, Knuckles wore an udder cover to prevent the calves from feeding, conserving milk.

This is the regular, day-to-day utilitarian udder cover, Riegler said, holding up a simple brown cloth sack secured with straps around the camels back. Then he held up a black model with shiny buckles.

This is the Victorias Secret one.

To demonstrate the udder cover to the audience at the early show, he distracted Knuckles with a bucket of grain and positioned himself close enough to her hindquarters where a kick would hurt less because shed have less momentum. He asked his assistant, niece Tricia Krussow, to tell him if Knuckles started showing the whites of her eyes  If you can see the whites of their eyes, you know theyre thinking about something, something iffy.

He then secured a cover to help encourage some accumulation of milk before the next show.

A couple of hours later, with new spectators, Riegler removed the cover  the utilitarian one  and 6-month-old Latifa nuzzled her mothers belly. Knuckles sniffed Latifa to confirm that she was hers and then allowed the baby to proceed with feeding.

The crowd cheered. The rest of the camels slid their necks between the pen bars and grunted merrily. Latifa lunched.

Welcome to the drome-dairy.

Samson obviously cant lactate, but he can do tricks on command and give kisses. His repertoire includes removing hats with his prehensile lips, sitting, and twisting his neck 270 degrees like a bendy straw to receive treats.

Latifa is boisterous and mischievous  full of beans, Riegler said  while her half brother Rocko, a few weeks younger, is a good boy.

With no natural predators, camels are laid-back, docile and trusting, ambling sunnily if slowly through life, giving rides and flirting with humans.

Unlike horses, they dont spook easily, Riegler said. And they dont spit as much as people think.

If you treat them well, they never learn how to spit, he said. If you treat them badly, they learn how to spit. If you go to a zoo and theres a camel thats still spitting, he probably learned it a long time ago and hes bored and he has a great sense of humor, because he goes, Aha, look at this! 

Krussow, 22, grew up with these camels. Shes now a professional camel wrangler and soap maker and adores the beasts as much as any pet owners would fawn over their furry children.

Theyre very big animals, but they love us, she said.

The camels give daily shows at the fair at 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. and are on display all day through Aug. 13.

hillary.davis@latimes.com

Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD

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Ken Denton has displayed butterflies for more than 40 years, and recently spread his artistic wings by arranging butterflies in the shape and colors of the American flag.

Ive wanted to do [the flag] for a couple of years, Denton said earlier this week while standing in his booth at the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival at 935 Laguna Canyon Road.

The Laguna Beach resident, who calls himself The Butterfly Man, said the issue was how to get 50 white butterflies to represent the 50 states.

Denton looked online and saw a flag from the days of the original 13 colonies that would render the project more manageable.

Denton ordered red butterflies, cymothoe sangaris from Africa, and two species of white butterflies for the stripes and stars, Appias nero celestina from Indonesia and Nepheronia from Peru.

Denton, 70, has visited about two dozen countries in sourcing the most exotic, colorful butterflies  all of them raised in greenhouses.

They lived a noble life as a farmed [insect] a lot longer than they ever would in the wild, Denton said.

For a couple of months Denton went back and forth with suppliers to get the right butterflies for the flag, which does not have an official name.

He could not find navy blue butterflies to comprise a portion of the flag, so Denton made do with a piece of plastic for the blue backdrop.

Once Denton created a mock-up and had all his butterflies, it was time to assemble the flag on the dining room table.

He attached the butterflies to the lucite case with a silicon caulking solution. Denton said it took him about one day to arrange the butterflies in their color-coded places.

Natures allure

Dentons fascination with nature and wildlife began in his teen years after his family moved from Hollywood to Corona del Mar. Denton hiked the hills of Orange County and collected beetles, wasps and lizards.

I found things I never saw before, Denton said. I became an amateur naturalist.

John Johnson, who taught science at both Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor high schools, helped fuel Dentons passion when he asked Denton to bring him a wasp that eats tarantulas, known as a tarantula hawk. Denton said Johnson showed him how to preserve insects.

Denton earned a bachelors degree in sociology and a teaching credential in social sciences and natural history and conservation from Cal State Fullerton.

After college Denton was managing a Laguna Beach gas station when a girlfriend suggested he sell the framed butterflies at a craft show.

Denton followed the suggestion and customers bought his work.

I made more money there in one day than I made in a week at the gas station, Denton said.

At another event, a buyer from the now-defunct Broadway department store gave Denton his business card and asked if they could meet to discuss a potential order. The executive placed the order, which Denton said kept his butterfly business running for one year.

Denton displayed his work at various state fairs and while fun, the travel could be grueling. He became interested in matters involving business contracts.

He enrolled and graduated from Western State University College of Law, now Western State College of Law. Denton passed the bar and now practices civil law.

He said collecting butterflies provides hands-on experience he craves, while his work as a lawyer offers intellectual stimulation.

From the humidifier to the frame

Butterflies arrive dried in paper envelopes. Denton places them in a humidifier to moisten them so they are easier to handle. Smaller butterflies may take a few hours while larger ones could take days.

After time in the humidifier, Denton shapes the butterflies on boards made of balsa wood and blots them to dry.

Once dry, he transfers the butterflies to airtight drawers to cure in a fumigant, which sterilizes the insect of any fungus, mold or pests.

Finally, Denton transfers the butterflies to airtight cedar frames or clear lucite display cases.

The walls of Dentons booth are adorned with myriad butterfly and moth displays, including the deaths-head moth, which readers may recognize from the film Silence of the Lambs, the owl butterfly and the snakes-head moth.

The snakes-head moth folds its wings a certain way so that an area near the moths wing tips resembles a snakes head, meant to dissuade predators.

Moths and butterflies are both classified in the lepidoptera order, but have different characteristics, said Denton, who has exhibited at the Sawdust since 1974.

Moths primarily fly at night whereas butterflies fly during the day. Moths have different antenna structures and body types, Denton added.

Denton said its not difficult to preserve and display butterflies, it just takes practice and patience.

His butterfly collections have been archived at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, while Dentons personal collection of California butterflies is on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

I did it as a hobby first, he said. If you do anything, do it as a hobby first because you are not going to cut corners.

Visitors to Dentons Sawdust booth have taken notice of the flag.

I wanted to do something artsy to show the Sawdust people I can do something more than put butterflies in a frame, Denton said.

I think its a great piece and I really enjoy his work, Sawdust board member Michael Thorstensen wrote in an email. Ken has a great following of Sawdust patrons.

bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
For Shanley Alexander, it was a leap of faith based on gut instinct to go from zero to three children in a month.

After 12 years of volunteering in the Royal Family Kids camp through Costa Mesas Rock Harbor church, seven as a camp counselor and five as dean of women along with being a year-round mentoring director, becoming a foster parent was a perfect fit.

The decision to drastically change her life started with the 7-year-old girl who had such a hard time in big groups that she isolated herself.

She was overstimulated by all the noise of the group activities, so I climbed rocks and spent meal times with her, Alexander said. I spent quality time with her and got to know her  something I havent had in the past. Usually Im the one putting out fires and moving in-between different campers.

Alexander, who had formed a bond with the girl and soon after with her 8-year-old brother, discussed the possibility of foster placement with her husband, Phil, also a camp counselor. Although he hadnt had the opportunity to spend as much time with the kids, he concurred that it would be a blessing to bring them into their lives.

When the Alexanders inquired about the children to their social worker, they were asked if they would be willing to take the teenage sister too. The children were staying at Orangewood Childrens Home in Orange.

Its amazing, crazy how it all worked out. Had we waited one more day the three kids would have been separated since Orangewood couldnt find placement [for all three], Alexander said.

Helping children from hard places is the goal of Santa Ana-based Royal Family Kids according to President Chris Carmichael.

Southern California is ground zero for the foster children population, Carmichael said. With 10% of all American foster children located within the five counties in Southern California, we dont have to go around the world to serve orphans, theyre located right here in our neighborhoods.

Royal Family Kids is an international organization that recruits and trains church congregants to teach mentoring programs and host weeklong camps for local children in foster care. In its 31 years, it has grown from 37 kids to more than 110,000.

Carmichael emphasized that even though a church is organizing it, the camp is not evangelical nor does it have a religious program. He said the purpose of camp is not to convert children but rather to demonstrate love.

The Royal Family Kids camp focuses on foster kids ages 6 to 12, providing them the opportunity to learn skills that can move them in a positive direction for life.

If they dont have a community that loves them, then they look somewhere else, Carmichael said. If we dont provide a positive community for them, someone else will provide them a different community.

He explained that the outcomes for foster children are notoriously poor once they age out of the system. He said 50% are incarcerated within two years, 50% of the girls get pregnant by 19 and 75% of the children who are sexually exploited are foster children. Easy pickings for criminals and pimps, he said.

The objective of the organization, therefore, is to develop long-lasting, trust-based relationships that will bring hope and change to the foster childs future.

Those who serve foster kids come from multi-denominational churches and multi-generational backgrounds, Carmichael said.

It doesnt really matter which church community comes to us, what matters is they understand the heart of the orphan, in this case foster kids, he said.

A number of churches in Southern California work with Royal Family to provide the five-day, overnight camp followed by a mentoring program. For that, each child is matched with a volunteer who provides weekly companionship  sharing outside activities and new experiences.

Royal Family Kids is focused on serving more kids through partnerships and therefore helps groups like the Louis Zamperini Foundation develop a mentoring program of its own based on the Royal Family example.

According to the Rock Harbor camp director Jim Farmer, volunteers take responsibility for sponsorship of each child. They raise funds, with the help of friends, family and employers to send a kid to camp. The next Rock Harbor camp will consist of 85 campers and 100 volunteers from St. Andrews and Irvine Presbyterian churches.

Farmer, who has been involved for 10 years, said the program is a good way for volunteers to start getting involved in the foster care community.

Kids in foster homes are abused, abandoned and neglected. I really got myself into a panic after I learned that, he said.

The kids havent been around an environment where healthy adults care for them. And, when they learn that the counselors actually raised the money just so they can be with them and are not being paid, they are blown away.

Farmer explained that the volunteers are trained to be there for the children and show them what a healthy relationship looks like. Sometimes that means reminding volunteers to stay focused on the ultimate goal.

Even if you are tired and dont want to go swimming, be there for them, be there to help make it the best week of their life, he said. Its the best time to show sacrificial love for that camper.

For more information, visit rockharbor.royalfamilykids.org.

Susan Hoffman is a contributor to Times Community News.
Over 20 years ago when Paul Riordan was teaching U.S. history at Santa Ana High School, he had a bright student who suddenly stopped showing up to class.

He was always two chapters ahead of me, Riordan said of teaching the student. Then he was gone for a couple of weeks and that bothered me.

When Riordan found the apartment where the student lived, the manager of the complex informed Riordan that the student had moved. His father had died and he now was working to support the family.

Some time later, Riordan went to a car wash in Santa Ana and suddenly heard an employee holler El jefe!  the boss, which Riordans students often referred to him as. The young man working there was his missing student.

Riordan eventually found part-time work for him to do instead so he could continue school. He learned years later that his former student graduated from Berkeley Law to become an attorney.

The longtime Santa Ana teacher went on to found the Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies, a college-to-career STEM program, where 100% of its participants have graduated, most of them from high schools in Santa Ana, according to Riordan.

Since its establishment in 1997, the program has had more than 150 students attend college.

Angela Casillas, a current student in the program who attends Godinez High School in Santa Ana, said she was drawn to apply to the institute after seeing the kinds of colleges its alumni have gotten into, including Stanford, Duke and Yale.

If those kids can get into schools like Georgetown, Columbia and all the UCs, I thought to myself that Id be able to do something like that, too, Casillas said. Im learning how to network and meet people. Im still a little shy, but this helps.

The Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies offers its students seven weeks of classes for two summers in a row, starting at the end of their sophomore year. During this time, they also meet with members of the higher education and business communities.

The first summer focuses on STEM  science, technology, engineering and math  and career awareness with activities such as field trips and workshops with professionals in those fields.

High school students participate in the Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies, a college to career readiness STEM program, at the University of Redlands, South Coast Metro Campus on July 19. (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)

During the second summer, students concentrate on their educational plan, in which they research universities and scholarships they can apply for that following fall. This involves writing their college essays, developing a resume and doing a mock college interview.

Achievement Institute alumna Lisette Martinez is a grammar instructor helping this summers students with their resumes, college essays, research papers and SAT and ACT writing.

I didnt know much about applying to college, Martinez said of her experience as a student in the program. But they taught me so much about public speaking, interview skills, and even how to do a basic handshake.

More than 100 students showed interest in attending this summers program, according to the Achievement Institutes executive director Debbie Wells. Only 27 were admitted.

I figured Ill join [the Achievement Institute] so they can help me and in the future Ill be able to help myself, Godinez High School student Isaias Cruz said. Im the oldest one out of my siblings and cousins, and Ill be the first one on this journey of going to college.

Isaias said his fathers work as a handyman sparked his interest in construction, building and civil engineering.

Each day of class, the students come dressed in their blue Achievement Institute jackets which have Academic Scholar embroidered on the chest. Riordan has the same jacket, but with El Jefe sewn onto his.

This is the first year the Achievement Institute has held classes at the University of Redlands South Coast Metro location in Santa Ana, a regional campus of the university that regularly offers education and business-related courses to working adults.

The locations campus director Linda Purtill, also an Achievement Institute board member, suggested that the high school students use the South Coast Metro space this summer.

Were very blessed that different universities have been interested in helping, Wells said, noting that the program has held classes from place to place over the years. But one of the goals is to have a facility of their own.

The program also needs more instructors and partnerships with the business community for student internships and sponsorships, according to Wells.

We want the business community to know that these are kids they can start interacting with in high school who can eventually work for them in the future, Wells said. When people say they want to see STEM interest among minority students, I say Theyre right here. 

For more information on the Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies, visit aissfoundation.com.

Alexandra.Chan@latimes.com

Twitter: @AlexandraChan10
In the coming months, you might begin noticing unsettling new signs in your favorite outdoor spots, warning that the turf has been sprayed with a weed-control chemical linked to non-Hodgkins lymphoma (California lists Roundup ingredient as a chemical linked to cancer; Monsanto vows to fight, Los Angeles Times, June 27).

The chemical  glyphosate, found in Monsantos popular Roundup product  was listed by the state of California in July as a known carcinogen, thus requiring notices to be posted where it is sprayed. It is time for cities to stop using the chemical.

Several cities, like Irvine and most recently San Juan Capistrano and Burbank, have already ended their dependence on toxic pesticides and have transitioned to integrated pest management programs, or IPMs.

In other cities, however, penny-wise but pound-foolish leaders may be vexed by the possibility of increased costs in transitioning to an IPM. The costs of not transitioning are potentially deadly. Think Fords cost/benefit analysis of its exploding Pinto gas tanks, or Michigans similarly short-sighted  and cruel  decision in Flint to save costs instead of lives.

But even ignoring the indefensibility of saving landscaping costs on the backs of childrens health, the status quo is actually less sound than adopting an IPM. Under Californias Tort Claims Act, cities face the same liability as private entities when it comes to pesticides.

Santa Monica has been non-toxic for nearly two decades, and has reported an up to 30% cost reduction for pest management. Cost savings are temporary and small, while long-term health and legal liabilities loom large.

In May, the Huntington Beach City Council unanimously approved a non-toxic pilot program in part of Central Park. Huntington Beach staff has indicated so far it is seeing the same results as Irvines successful program that recently finished its first year.

Soils that have been damaged by long-term chemical treatment, of course, will need to be restored. But the city will enjoy healthier, less compacted and more absorbent soils as a result, with improved plant life and less water runoff.

More than 300 residents of Huntington Beach have signed a petition asking the City Council to approve an IPM. The council can rest easy about the transition costs: the city enjoys an increase of $14.5 million in its 2017-18 budget and ran a surplus earlier this year.

Flush with tourism dollars, next years budget proposes more quality-of-life spending, including funding for $450,000 to landscapers and to recreation instructors at the new senior center.

Worthy spending items, no doubt, but worthier than ending the citys practice of knowingly exposing its residents to a potentially toxic weed chemical? Do tell.

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Southland cities should observe it by directing their staffs to develop non-toxic IPMs and reduce our exposure to harmful and unnecessary chemicals. Our children, and all of us, deserve better than a bunch of ghastly warning signs.

TIMOTHY M. KOWAL is a shareholder in Thomas Vogele & Associates, APC, in Costa Mesa.
By the time Keith Hobbs, a 23-year employee at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, joined USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale as its chief executive, the once independent hospital had already spent more than two years under the Keck Medicine of USC banner.

Along with the usual growing pains associated with an acquisition, Verdugo Hills Hospital had spent 2014-15 negotiating a new contract with unionized nurses who complained about staffing shortages as well as unsafe conditions and patient care.

Around that same time, a case of a superbug, carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae, was reported at Verdugo Hills.

The superbug was immediately treated, and nurses agreed to a 14-month contract in April 2015, but the dubious reputation remained.

I knew it was going to be a challenge, Hobbs said. If you just take a look at the national landscape for independent hospitals  specifically, not having the resources as an independent hospital to keep up with the latest technology  that was a tremendous factor in Verdugo Hills falling behind the times and some of the negative reputation [people] were aware of.

Hobbs replaced interim chief executive Paul Craig in January 2016 with an eye on leveraging both his time as a La Crescenta resident and USCs resources to help steer the hospital in the right direction.

Armand Dorian, associate chief medical officer at USC Verdugo Hills, was a senior physician prior to the acquisition, and he said he knew several years ago that the time would come where the transformation of healthcare meant the then standalone hospital would need to affiliate with a larger system.

Verdugo had to a make a decision  At that time, it decided that its best interests were preserved by joining USC, Dorian said.

Dorian said once the honeymoon phase of the post-acquisition was over, the challenge of streamlining the USC-and-Verdugo Hills relationship was a large undertaking that has only recently turned around.

Almost every department at the hospital is on a massive trajectory of improvement.  Armand Dorian, associate chief medical officer at USC Verdugo Hills

In the last 18 months, the hospital is on a high that I have never experienced at another place, Dorian said. Almost every department at the hospital is on a massive trajectory of improvement.

As chief executive, Hobbs said hes taken a multipronged approach during the past 18 months, starting with getting more competitive wages for staff as well as USC tuition remuneration. The hospital has hired 40 nurses since the start of this year, losing only six.

According to Hobbs, a bimonthly survey asking about 60% of staff whether they would recommend the hospital as a good place to work, 96% said it was either good or great. In previous surveys, only about 70% of the employees interviewed gave positive responses.

However, the turnaround can be attributed to more than just salary hikes, Hobbs said. A shift in leadership culture began when Hobbs and other senior hospital officials made routine visits with staff in their workplace to ask about their concerns and how to be more present leaders.

When we first started doing rounds, staff would be like, oh my gosh, why is the CEO and senior leadership walking on my floor? Hobbs said. Where now, a year and a half later, they are saying, Hey Keith, I havent seen you on our floor in the last month, where have you been?

Hobbs said he also requires senior leadership to serve on a community group or organization such as chambers of commerce in Montrose and La Canada Flintridge. Community engagement through health seminars and fairs is also a central tenet for the hospital now, he said.

With the USC name comes money and investments for the 158-bed facility, including $30 million in capital improvements.

Still, even with the installation of the Da Vinci robot that performs minimally invasive surgeries, and Xenex, a robot that can disinfect a hospital room in minutes, Hobbs said his early background in healthcare finance meant everything had to have a return on investment.

Many of these things  where weve made an investment, we talked about business plans around each one of these to make sure that they make sense, that if we are going to make the capital investment, its going to have the financial return on the back end, he said.

Just as Hobbs was named chief executive, he announced that his first major project would be the addition of a neonatal-intensive-care unit, or NICU, to the hospital so that babies requiring extra care would not be separated from their mothers.

Hobbs said it was a passion project for him, given that all three of his children were born at Verdugo Hills Hospital, and although none of those births required a NICU, knowing residents in the community would benefit was very personal to him.

The $2.5-million, 3,100-square-foot NICU is expected to open in September

When I interviewed for the job, I thought this journey was going to [take three years] to be as far along as we currently are, Hobbs said. So to be sitting here today at a year and a half  based on my personal goal  we are about a year and a half ahead of that schedule.

jeff.landa@latimes.com

Twitter: @JeffLanda
Six weeks ago, in a column lamenting the slow advance of career education opportunities in our schools, I shared what I thought was a long-shot vision of industry experts and classroom teachers working more regularly together: What if, in this gig-based, tech job market, our schools kept a door open for a cadre of career technical education-credentialed professionals who, between jobs, could partner with classroom teachers to enrich teaching and learning for all? (GNP, June 24, Can schools attract teachers from technology fields?)

Turns out, its a long-shot vision shared by quite a few people around the country, at least two of whom came across my column and contacted me about participating in efforts to make the vision a reality.

Kevin Kennedy is a rising senior at USC, spending the summer as an intern for Rep. Robert Pittenger of North Carolina.

The congressman is interested in legislation that would ease the way for college professors and industry experts to teach in high schools. Kennedy saw my column and emailed me for more information. Then we spoke by phone.

First, I shared with him a little about our local efforts, such as the dual-enrollment classes through Glendale Community College that allow high school students to get both high school and college credits in classes such as advanced manufacturing.

I told him about the California Department of Education grant that has made it possible for middle and high school students to study with CSU Northridge professors on Saturdays.

That grant has also supported nearly 40 students this summer in paid internships managed in partnership with the Glendale Youth Alliance and the Verdugo Workforce Development Board.

Given what I consider my peripheral experience in these matters (Im a promoter rather than a practitioner of career education), I directed him to Glendale Community Colleges dean of workforce development, Jan Swinton, who has been facilitating collaborations among local school districts, industry and college for years.

Swinton was quick to email her welcome of Kennedys inquiry and share one of the basic hurdles in forming such partnerships:

One point is that K-12 rules and community college rules for teaching are different, she wrote.

She explained that community colleges require faculty to hold a subject area masters degree or its equivalent as determined by the academic senate.

Kennedy emailed his thanks for the contacts and input from California.

Meanwhile, an education researcher in Silver Spring, Md., also found my column and invited me to participate in a series of conversations designed to follow up on a 2016 report called State of Career Technical Education: Increasing Access to Industry Experts in High School.

Over the next several months, this working group of representatives from at least eight states will be brainstorming how to bring industry experts into secondary schools in part-time roles.

Objectives include building effective policies and programs to implement new strategies that still ensure quality instruction, and inspiring action in states to address the challenge of providing students with access to knowledgeable experts who can link what is taught in the classroom to what is applied in the real world.

The topic presents all sorts of possibilities to consider, even as I brace myself against worries about the over-expansion of charter schools, threats of privatization and the challenges felt by teachers and their unions.

Im excited about opportunities to smooth the path for experts in many diverse professions who want to share their experience with students and teachers to enrich teaching and learning.

Schools already have a variety of less-than-fully credentialed teachers supporting instruction.

Substitute teachers are authorized on emergency credentials. Could industry experts be authorized in a similar way, if not to teach a class, then to partner in teaching it?

Schools with well-funded foundations regularly pay noncredentialed experts to offer enrichment classes during and after the school day, with little formal requirement other than a recommendation and a background check.

I know because I once taught such a class. Every kindergarten through second-grade class at the school came with their teacher on 11 Fridays for half an hour of music.

Students enjoyed it, and teachers appreciated having someone else address the music strand of the arts standards.

The innovative roles for experts working group will be holding virtual meetings throughout the fall. I would love to share input from readers.

JOYLENE WAGNER is a past member of the Glendale Unified school board, from 2005 to 2013, and currently serves on the boards of Glendale Educational Foundation and other nonprofit organizations. Email her at jkate4400@aol.com.
If youre looking for a spirited voyage, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a series of cruises that may fit the bill.

The company recently announced the lineup for its Meet The Winemaker series giving passengers a chance to wine and dine with knowledgeable figures in the winemaking industry during the upcoming year.

The cruises, which take place aboard the Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Dawn, feature complementary question-and-answer sessions with winemakers on the second day of each cruise.

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Paid sessions, at $19.95 per person, are also available in the ships wine bar.

Passengers can also attend a wine dinner, hosted by the vintner or industry expert, that includes wine pairings, for $59.95 per person.

The 2017-18 Meet the Winemaker series includes:

--Sept. 22 (Norwegian Dawn sailing from Boston to Canada): Michael Mondavi, founder of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate and co-founder of Folio Fine Wine Partners. Mondavi is a third-generation vintner in the Napa Valley.

--Nov. 4 (Norwegian Escape sailing from Miami to the Caribbean): Bill Whiting, director of wine education at Banfi Vintners and grandson of founder John F. Mariani Sr., who started making wine in the Brunello region of Tuscany in 1919.

--Dec. 2 (Norwegian Escape sailing from Miami to the Caribbean): Aaron Sanchez, a James Beard Award winner and TV chef who is the spokesperson for Terrazas de los Andes wines.

--Feb. 17 (Norwegian Escape sailing from Miami to the Caribbean): Gerard Bertrand, Languedoc-Roussillon vintner.

--March (Norwegian Escape sailing from Miami to the Caribbean): Salvatore Ferragamo, heir of the Italian fashion house and owner at Il Borro Winery in Tuscany, Italy.

Ferragamo, whose father Ferruccio bought the Il Borro Estate in 1993, has replanted the familys vineyard and has been releasing Tuscan wines since 1999.

Info: Norwegian Cruise Line, (866) 234-7350 or contact a travel agent

travel@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimestravel

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They gathered, as they have every few days since February, in a concrete plaza in western Istanbul beneath a large, rippling Turkish flag. Someone passed out snacks and orange soda. They donned vests, chanted slogans and danced to an old socialist song blaring from a portable speaker.

People hurried past on the way to shops or the train station, barely glancing in their direction. The group dispersed after three hours, depositing plastic cups in the trash and stashing placards in their cars.

The forlorn protest  by roughly 20 civil servants fired in a massive and continuing purge of government workers that began after last Julys failed coup in Turkey  had been all but invisible.

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We have been speaking out week after week,  said Filiz Dogan, who was sacked after 23 years in the finance ministrys tax office, but they are turning a blind eye to us.

As President Recep Tayyip Erdogan consolidates his power through a state of emergency, he has ordered the firings of more than 140,000 public-sector employees, a bureaucratic purge on a scale not seen anywhere since Stalins Soviet Union or Mao Tse-tungs Cultural Revolution in China.

The targets include a broad range of people whom Erdogans government sees as enemies: union members, leftists, academics, police and army personnel and suspected supporters of the shadowy religious movement that authorities blame for the coup attempt. Nearly 500 alleged coup plotters went on trial beginning this week, some facing the prospect of life in prison.

The firings are announced by decree, often in batches of thousands, rippling through a vast public sector workforce of more than 3 million people. Those listed are accused of being connected to terrorist organizations, without any evidence offered.

One year after the dismissals began, many former employees who had enjoyed stable, middle-class existences are struggling to make ends meet. Unable to plead their innocence in court, theyve been stripped of their pensions, had their passports confiscated and found that private companies are unwilling to hire them, essentially becoming outcasts in their own country.

You have almost 150,000 purged, and if they all have two dependents and a spouse, thats more than half a million people who are now untouchables in the Turkish context, said Soner Cagaptay, a historian and author of The New Sultan: Erdogan and the Crisis of Modern Turkey.

They have no pension, no one will hire them, they cant even take their case to court. Its creating a new underclass, in a way.

The uncertainty has hardened into desperation for some who have sold their cars or homes, or taken dangerous jobs in fields such as construction, where employers ask fewer questions. Two teachers who launched a hunger strike in March to protest their firings have been jailed. Many others are forgoing healthcare and borrowing money to cover expenses.

Filiz Dogan, standing, participates in a protest of fired government workers in Istanbul. (Shashank Bengali / Los Angeles Times)

Our friends help us pay our bills, said Dogan, 48, whose husband, Dursum, was fired as a tax collector on the same day last November. We dont buy new clothes; weve stopped going out to eat or to the movies. We are surviving, but barely.

We are prevented from existing, said Onur Peksen, a 33-year-old high school language teacher in Istanbul, who found his name listed among more than 2,500 education ministry employees in a decree posted online late one night in February.

Since then, he said, friends of his family and parents of his former students label him a terrorist. He applied for three teaching jobs at private institutions but was rejected each time, without explanation.

The message from the government is that we are people to be avoided, Peksen said. Apart from those who know us closely, people generally stay away from us.

We are prevented from existing, said Onur Peksen, a fired high school teacher. (Shashank Bengali / Los Angeles Times)

The firings continue. On the July 15 anniversary of the thwarted coup, Turkish authorities sacked another 7,400 civil servants, police, justice ministry officials and others.

Human rights groups say most purge victims have little hope of being reinstated because a government commission established to hear appeals under the state of emergency has just seven members and would have to discharge hundreds of decisions daily during its two-year mandate.

Amnesty International argued in a recent report that it would be nearly impossible for fired workers to defend themselves against terrorism charges since none have been informed of the evidence against them. And because the European Court of Human Rights has said it wont hear victims appeals until domestic legal avenues are exhausted, the commissions main consequence  will likely be to delay individuals from accessing an effective remedy, the report said.

It described their plight as civil death. But Erdogan has scoffed at calls for leniency.

Why should we care? he said in a speech on the anniversary of the coup attempt. Will we think about them? Let them work in the private sector. Will the state look after them? The state looked after them and they betrayed the state.

The primary targets of Erdogans crackdown  which has also seen tens of thousands jailed, including journalists, politicians and human rights advocates  are followers of Fethullah Gulen, the exiled cleric who allegedly orchestrated the coup attempt.

But experts say that Erdogan has used his expanded powers  fortified under the state of emergency and a referendum he narrowly won in April  to attack groups that he views as hostile to his Justice and Development Party. Those include left-wing labor unions, ethnic Kurds, secularists, a minority Muslim sect known as the Alevis and others who have historically opposed the partys conservative Islamist agenda.

Demonizing those groups is popular with Erdogan loyalists who credit him with the economic boom that has lifted much of Turkey out of poverty over the past two decades.

Cagaptay said the country is splitting into two halves, with a vast segment of government supporters showing little sympathy for those harmed in the crackdown.

More than half a million people...are now untouchables in the Turkish context.  Soner Cagaptay, author

Haydar Polat, a fired elementary school teacher, sold organic produce for a few months and then bought a liquor store with a friend in eastern Istanbul. He comes in at 2 p.m. and works behind the counter until 4 or 5 a.m.

There are many teachers, public officials, journalist friends whose TV stations and newspapers have been closed  they come and visit me. It is a great feeling, he said wryly. At least we can talk about [our situation].

Polat, 50, was not surprised when his name was listed on a decree last October. He is a longtime member of the Education and Science Workers Union, which has opposed government policies such as erasing evolution from high school textbooks, and a political activist who worked with the imprisoned Kurdish opposition leader Selahattin Demirtas.

Now stripped of healthcare and his pension, Polat, an asthmatic whose right arm has been crippled since birth, worries about medical bills.

One cant even imagine what they can do to the others if they can dismiss a peaceful person like me, he said.

Cemile Kocaman, a statistics officer in the Istanbul municipal government, tried to find a job in Bosnia after she was fired but was stopped at the airport two months ago by authorities who said her passport had been canceled. She has had to postpone plans to marry her boyfriend, who lives in Kuwait.

Kocaman, 32, said that even international agencies were unwilling to hire her. She was close to a job with a Japanese charity recently until they learned she had been part of the purge.

They said they liked my resume, but then they saw my ID, Kocaman said. Then it was like, Oh, but it seems you have some problem. And they just stopped the whole thing. Its clear they are afraid of the government.

Kocaman is not a typical Erdogan critic. A self-described conservative who wears the traditional Islamic headscarf, or hijab, she had long faced discrimination from secular employers. When she was hired at the municipality in 2011, she immediately clashed with her supervisors, whom she suspected were Gulen supporters, filing a lawsuit against them for professional misconduct.

When Erdogan and Gulen, former allies, fell out in 2013, Kocaman wrote posts on social media backing the government, arguing that it had been popularly elected.

But she believes other posts in which she criticized corruption in Erdogans party, as well as her work for a local human rights organization, made her a target.

Cihangir Islam, a surgeon, was fired for criticizing Turkish military operations against ethnic Kurds. (Shashank Bengali / Los Angeles Times)

Cihangir Islam, an orthopedic surgeon and former member of two Islamist political parties, was fired from his university post this year after signing a letter criticizing Turkish military operations in Kurdish areas.

This summer he joined a massive antigovernment protest march, walking 250 miles from Ankara, the capital, to Istanbul, and put his medical skills to use by serving as the unofficial doctor to the 68-year-old protest leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

Erdogans policies are killing careers, putting black marks in databases, trying to destroy thousands of people, Islam said. They are trying to kill us electronically.

shashank.bengali@latimes.com

Follow @SBengali on Twitter for more news from South Asia

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At Jerusalems Liberty Bell Park, a nine-acre green space created in 1976 in tribute to the American people, bears gathered around a flag of variegated earth tones stamped with a bear paw and distributed fliers that posed the question, Who are we?

A pamphlet in Hebrew and English explained that in male gay culture, a bear is often a larger, hairier man who projects a masculine image.



For the record: This article incorrectly states that a man who killed a girl at the 2015 parade was recently released on parole. The assailant is still in prison, serving a life sentence.

Nadav Knossow, 39, a PhD candidate in desert soil microbiology who wrote the text, said the message was necessary because, otherwise, everyone comes up to me and asks, Whats that flag with the wrong colors?

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Together with Adam Stovicek, 29, a fellow doctoral student from Ben-Gurion University, and his partner, Doron Rosenthal, also 29, a Shenkar College student of industrial design, they made a friendly pack.

It was Stoviceks fifth Israeli gay pride parade. He referred to himself as an experienced native prider.

Every year at the pride march, there is a significant police presence. There was no difference at this years, held Thursday. At least 22 protesters were arrested, among them one carrying a knife  a painful reminder of Shira Banki, a 16-year-old girl who was stabbed to death at the gay pride march in 2015. The assailant, who stabbed three people in all at the parade, was recently released on parole.

The Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz said 22,000 people paraded past Jerusalems Great Synagogue on King George V Street and left white flowers at an informal memorial to honor Shira.

But Israeli police said about 12,000 marchers paraded around the streets of the Holy City, a mile from the Temple Mount, where Orthodox Jews and devout Muslims  who call the site Al Aqsa Mosque  have long been in conflict.

Avi Mayer, spokesman for the Jewish Agency, tweeted from a drag show and party the night before the parade that with religious Jews in kippot and religious Muslims in hijabs, Jerusalem [is] more complex than you might imagine.

Guy Frenkel, 34, an international relations specialist visiting from North Brunswick, N.J., said, In an age where homophobia is becoming OK again, its important to show solidarity. Its not just Jerusalem. Even in New York in the age of Trump you can get your ass kicked. Its happened in Hells Kitchen, in Manhattan.

Stovicek was glad the 2017 parade was a bit more cheerful than last years. But still, you know, its very somber. We carried flowers to a girls memorial site.

But Rosenthal, remarking on the many families with young children parading down the street (many babies had stickers that read I love stuck onto their onesies), said, This is a pleasant, carefree parade when you compare it to the Mardi Gras carnival vibe in Tel Aviv. That is more about display than marching in solidarity with rights and identity. This is very relaxed.

He chuckled at the idiot picketers, a tiny clutch of four or five men, who had stood at a well-policed corner chanting, Jerusalem is not Sodom!

The picketers were not wrong. Mt. Sodom is 80 miles away from Jerusalem, in the Judean desert.

About 12,000 people attended this years parade. (Lior Mizrahi / Getty Images)

Tarnopolsky is a special correspondent.
The stench grew unbearable as Abdul Aziz Ali walked closer to the heap of shattered concrete and twisted metal beams that was once a prison. Pulling his scarf over his nose, he pointed out a decomposing leg protruding from the rubble. Perhaps an inmate, or a guard.

No one recognized him, said Aziz, a 40-year-old unemployed driver who lives in the neighborhood. Maybe there are more under here.

The prison was run by Islamic State militants who controlled this city of 12,000 in eastern Syria. Then on May 27, the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, witnesses said, warplanes destroyed it.

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People in the town said they didnt know most of the prisoners, who were often brought from other parts of the country for crimes that included smoking, using Gods name in vain, and wearing beards, pants or abaya gowns too short. Beatings and other forms of torture are common in Islamic State prisons.

I think 100% those people were innocent, said Abdul Sameh, a 53-year-old sheikh.

It is unclear who is responsible for destroying the prison. The U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State reported one airstrike in Mansoura that day, on what it classified as an Islamic State headquarters building, coalition spokesman Col. Joe Scrocca said. It was possible that was the prison strike, he said, but  based on GPS data  unlikely.

He also said that the Syrian government or its Russian allies  also fighting Islamic State  might be to blame, or that the building could have been damaged by something other than an airstrike, such as artillery or an explosion.

Chris Woods, director of the London-based monitoring group Airwars, said that circumstantial evidence points to the coalition, including the precision of the attack and reports from witnesses who have been under bombardment for years and have learned to identify aircraft.

Since its campaign to remove Islamic State from Syria and Iraq began in 2014, the coalition has struggled to balance targeting militants and shielding civilians. Prisons, like schools, hospitals and places of worship, are protected sites under the Geneva Conventions laying out humanitarian law during wartime. That makes them potential cover for Islamic State.

Airwars has evaluated reports of 12 airstrikes on prisons over the course of the war in which the coalition is suspected  and in eight cases, including Mansoura, determined there is at least fair evidence that it was responsible. The group estimates that the 12 strikes killed at least 66 militants  but also at least 164 civilians, many likely held for violating the strict religious codes enforced by Islamic State.

Scrocca dismissed those tallies as unsubstantiated allegations.

The coalition makes extraordinary efforts to protect non-combatants, he said, and does not target prisons.

In some cases cited by Airwars, the buildings targeted were former prisons that no longer held inmates, Scrocca said.

When a formerly protected site is no longer used for its original purpose, and is instead used for a military purpose, it loses its protected status [and] may become a legitimate military target, he said. If a former prison building is used as an intelligence headquarters or weapons storage facility it is no longer a protected site.

A neighborhood boy stands in the rubble of a former Islamic State jail in Mansoura, Syria. (Molly Hennessy-Fiske / Los Angeles Times)

The coalition said that was the case in the Syrian city of Mayadeen, 140 miles east of here. On June 26, the coalition struck what it described as a single-story former prison that Islamic State was using as a military headquarters and intelligence center to interrogate militants who had broken the terrorist groups rules.

The coalition said it was investigating whether civilians were killed in the strike but suggested that was unlikely: This mission was meticulously planned and executed to reduce the risk of collateral damage and potential harm to non-combatants.

But at a camp for about 3,000 displaced people north of Mayadeen  which remains under Islamic State control  former residents of the city said in interviews last month that the building was still being used as a prison when it was destroyed.

Hasan Mohamed Hamad, a 68-year-old bricklayer, said he lived near the prison and routinely heard prisoners screaming.

At night, we couldnt sleep because of the noise of the people, he said. They were torturing them.

Other former residents said many of the prisoners arrived in blindfolds.

They were not important people, said Mohammed Kharbon, a 33-year-old baker who militants once threatened to imprison for showing up late to pray. They were just prisoners. They were jailed because they were against Islamic State.

Based on reports from residents, monitoring groups and media, Airwars said multiple strikes at the site that day killed 42 to 100 civilian prisoners, 11 jailed opposition fighters, 15 to 20 Islamic State militants, five women kept as sex slaves and four guards.

People walk past a mass grave near the site of an airstrike at a school in Mansoura. (Molly Hennessy-Fiske / Los Angeles Times)

Ryan Goodman, a law professor at New York University and a Pentagon official during the Obama administration, said it would be unusual for the U.S. to target a place where civilians or former combatants might be held.

The military targeters and the coalition would have to take into account loss of lives of captives within these facilities as part of the strict legal obligation to ensure that any strikes dont have an excessive loss of life of people who are no longer part of the conflict, Goodman said.

Human Rights Watch said it was preparing a report calling on the coalition to investigate strikes that killed civilians and take greater precautions.

In Mansoura, residents were well-aware of the prison and did their best to avoid it.

It had once been a house. After Islamic State militants seized control of the area in January 2014, they turned it into what locals called the Bedoui Jail, named after its former owner, who fled to Saudi Arabia.

Forbidden to enter, said a sign on the gate.

Residents said the prison was run by militant named Abu Abaidi Tunisi, a local emir named after his native Tunisia who quickly earned a reputation as a strict enforcer of Islamic State rules.

If people left the area, he would order them killed, said Sameh, the sheikh, who described the emir as too harsh.

He was always telling people, You are not educated, you are like animals, the sheikh said.

Militants had also been storing weapons at the jail, Sameh said. Homemade mortars were left at the scene after the attack. Residents pointed out the charred remains of a car that was outfitted with the distinctive armored panels of vehicles used in suicide attacks.

It is unclear how many inmates were being detained in the prison at the time of the strike. Sheikh Fawaz Beik, a local leader who spoke with witnesses soon after the strike, said 7 to 10 prisoners were killed. He said residents saw militants bringing people to the jail before the strike to use as human shields.

After the strike, a 16-year-old resident, Sami Ibrahim Mascana, said he saw militants pull at least two dead bodies from the rubble. At least one woman survived, he and other witnesses said. She had been displaced from the western city of Homs to Mansoura and later left the area, neighbors said.

Local human rights groups and media named two civilian detainees who died: Hussein Hamoud Shaheen, whose photograph was included with some reports, and Azzouz Askar Obaid Ashour, who had been arrested on charges he had photographed the home of a relative that had been destroyed by an airstrike. The reports offered few other details.

The Times and investigators for Human Rights Watch recovered several documents from the wreckage of the building, including arrest, witness and court appearance forms marked Islamic police, Islamic State judiciary and In the name of God.

Some included names and charges: causing a car accident, female hysteria, fighting, trafficking and smuggling. But not all of the dates were current.

We know from what people are saying that there were still some civilians in that prison, but we havent been able to track down the names, said Nadim Houry, who visited the site as director of the terrorism and counter-terrorism program at Human Rights Watch.

Hasan Ahmed Abdul Khader, a 34-year-old driver, said he could identify with the victims because he had recently been accused of smuggling people to infidel territory and was worried an airstrike might target the prison where he was being held. He said an Islamic State official told him: If you are killed, that is your destiny.

As for the leg sticking out of the rubble, nobody could say whether whether it belonged to a civilian or a militant. Weeks after the attack, with Mansoura liberated from the terrorist group and the coalition focused on the fight 15 miles east for Raqqah, the caliphates self-proclaimed capital, no one had claimed the body.

A former Islamic State office in Mansoura destroyed by another airstrike. (Molly Hennessy-Fiske / Los Angeles Times)

Kamiran Sadoun contributed reporting in Syria.

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Following the deaths of seven road users in the past week, An Garda Siochana and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) renewed their appeal for road safety ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend.

To date this year, 95 people have been killed in 88 fatal crashes on Irish roads. This is sixteen less when compared to the same period last year, where 111 people were killed in 103 fatal crashes. Last year two people were killed on Irish roads over the August bank holiday weekend, while there were 166 arrests for drink driving.

The advice from An Garda Siochana and the RSA is a reminder for drivers to never ever drink and drive, following the publication of research showing that 10% of Irish motorists have admitted to driving after consuming alcohol in the past 12 months.

The RSA-commissioned research monitored attitudes in relation to alcohol and driving. The results of the survey carried out in January and February this year show:

 73% of Irish motorists claim that having no alcohol before driving is the only way to be safe

 10% of Irish motorists have driven after consuming alcohol in the past 12 months

 14% of male motorists and 6% of female motorists have driven following the consumption of alcohol

 16% of those under 24 have admitted to drinking and driving in the past twelve months, up from 7% in 2015 and 4% in 2014.

 The research suggests that high risk drivers especially those who admit to using a mobile phone while driving are twice as likely to have admitted to drink driving in the past 12 months.

Speaking ahead of the bank holiday weekend, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority, Ms Moyagh Murdock said: "We want people to enjoy the August bank holiday weekend, but if you are going out to enjoy a few drinks, please leave your keys at home and arrange alternative transport to ensure you get home safely."

READ MORE: Five things to do in Laois this August Bank Holiday weekend.

"Consuming any alcohol impairs driving and increases the risk of a collision. The majority of motorists display good driving behaviour however there are a minority of people engaging in risky behaviour while driving. Saving lives on Irish roads requires a zero-tolerance attitude to drink-driving. That is why the RSA supports the move to introduce an automatic disqualification for drivers found to be over the legal alcohol limit of 50mg / 100 ml of blood, Murdock added.

Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, Roads Policing Bureau, An Garda Siochana, said: "Members of An Garda Siochana will be out in force this bank holiday weekend to keep the roads safe from reckless and dangerous drivers. We know that the majority of Irelands drivers are law abiding and would never drink and drive, and we want to thank them for their participation in saving lives every day but there are some who continue to take that risk."

"We wish to also remind drivers that they can be breath tested not only at mandatory intoxicant checkpoints but also after committing any road traffic offence or after being involved in a fatal or injury collision. Bearing in mind the findings of the survey, we are reminding our members to take every opportunity to breath test drivers after the commission of any offence, he continued.

Earlier this week, the RSA launched the new #FaceItDown app in conjunction with Toyota, the new app rewards drivers for not using their mobile phone while driving. Drivers earn points for every kilometre they travel for not touching their phone which can be redeemed for hot drinks at Topaz stations. Since it was launched, the app has been downloaded over 7,500 times from the App Store and Google Play store.

To help drivers stay alert behind the wheel over the Bank Holiday Weekend, the RSA and Applegreen will provide free cups of coffee to drivers between 2pm and 8pm on Friday, August 4 and Monday August 7, at participating service stations. Simply say RSA or Driver Reviver to the till operator to avail of a free coffee. A list of participating stations is available at www.applegreenstores.com/ie/locations.

Read more motoring news here.
Gardai are appealing for information on two vehicles stolen from properties in the Celbridge and Naas areas.

On August 1 last, a white Landrover, registration 12-D-23985, was taken from a property in the Bru Na Riogh area of Naas.

The theft occured between midnight and 10am.

No keys were taken in the theft so Gardai think a device was used to access the vehicle.

Anyone with information can contact Naas Gardai on 045-884300.

In a seperate incident, on July 28 a black Hyundai Santa Fe, registration 142-D-16379, was taken from a house in the Straffan Gate area of Celbridge.

The theft occured between the hours of 11pm and 8:30am.

Property was also taken from inside the house.

Anyone who may have witnessed anything can contact Gardai on 01-6012370.
A park and ride facility will be established in Kilcock in the coming months.

Located on the Maynooth road, beside Lidl, it is, local Fianna Fail TD Frank ORourke explained, close enough to the centre of the town to ensure footfall to the town, but also can removed cars from the centre of the town.

The facility will be aimed at rail commuters.

It follows as a decision made by Kildare County Council in recent days to approve the site.

TD, Frank O'Rourke worked on securing the new facility.

We have encountered a number of obstacles in securing a suitable site along the way, but I am confident that this decision is a major step forward, and I know that all parties will now work to ensure that we complete the public consultation process and get to construction as soon as possible for the benefit of Kilcock, Deputy ORourke noted.

He added that progress was also being made on improving public transport services for Kilcock commuters, with extra services for Route 115 and a fairer rail fare structure for Kilcock which is now included in the short hop zone.
A campaign has been launched expressing concern over the proposed sale of the disused O Modhrain Memorial Hall - known as the old Band Hall - at Cutlery Road, Newbridge.

Residents are being urged to signs letters asking Charities Regulator John Farrelly to examine some of the circumstances of the sale.

Members of an action group set up to seek more information about the sale of the historic building staged a public meeting at Newbridge Town Hall last night. It was attended by less than forty people though the organisers said they were pleased at the turnout.

The hall was sold at a public auction on July 26 for 270,000.

The letter asks Mr. Farrelly to find out who are the current trustees of the hall and how they are associated the the primary aim of managing the building.

The letter also seeks information about when the trustees were appointed as well as asking if the public interest is best served by the sale of the hall.

Orla ONeill, a member of the group, said that while the site has been derelict for decades any community spaces in Newbridge should be retained for community use.

Robbie Doyle traced the history of the building, which is named after Eamonn O Modhrain (1881-1954), who was a prominent nationalist and republican in County Kildare. He was also active in the Gaelic League and was arrested and imprisoned in 1916. He was active in the War of Independence and the Civil War.

The Leader reported in February 1956 that money was raised to build the hall, to be used by the people of Newbridge as a cultural/historical centre and it was also a base for music bands based in the area.

More recently Kildare County Council endeavoured to deal with the hall using the Derelict Sites Act.

Cllr Joanne Pender said politicians, including Dep. Fiona OLoughlin and Cllr Mark Lynch, who attended the meeting, were involved in efforts to bring the building into public ownership.She added she was surprised to see it going up for sale. Cllr Pender said the solicitor representing the trustees said there was no other feasible option other than a sale.

Cllr Mark Stafford said KCC has no interest in acquiring the hall. He said the trust and trustees which manage the building faced fines under the law. He added the trustees have an obligation to act in the best interests of the trust and they would have been asked why they allowed the fines to build up.

The trustees had no option but to sell it, said Cllr Stafford.
Do you have what it takes to win the 2017 Macra na Feirme/FBD Young Farmer of the Year?

Entries are now being sought from young farmers involved in sectors such as beef, dairy, sheep and others (including horticulture, pigs, poultry, tillage) for this year's competition.

Macra na Feirme National President James Healy explained: "The Young Farmer of the Year competition has gone from strength to strength since the inaugural competition in 1999 thanks in no small part to sponsors FBD and our partners, the IFA. The competition is a fantastic showcase of the enormous talent and potential that exists within the Irish agriculture sector. It also provides recognition and encouragement for young farmers at the beginning of their careers. I would encourage all our young farmers to put themselves forward for what will be a very rewarding and educational experience."

Fiona Muldoon CEO of FBD added, "FBD is delighted to continue our sponsorship of this flagship event in the farming calendar. FBD is proud to foster the next generation of Irish farmers through competitions such as Young Farmer of the Year. Every year this competition reflects the strength and depth of the new talent emerging in the Irish agriculture sector and I am confident this year will be no different."

The winner of the 2017 Macra na Feirme/FBD Young Farmer of the Year will receive a travel bursary and the opportunity to experience farm practices abroad while developing their skills. There will also be a new Future Farmer award this year for an emerging young farmer under the age of 23. As in previous years, county winners will also receive an award.

You can nominate a young farmer for Young Farmer of the Year or you can enter yourself by visiting macra.ie/youngfarmer. The closing date for applications is September 1, 2017.
Local county councillors have expressed their frustration with ongoing bursts on the Drumsna/Jamestown/Mountcambel line with yet another incident reported this morning.

Cllr Sinead Guckian told our reporter Irish Water needs to urgently replace pipes serving this locality.

"This (burst pipes) is something which is occurring every two weeks or so and the bursts seem to all be along the same very short stretch of road," she said.

"This morning we have had yet another burst and this isn't just affecting homes and businesses in Jamestown and Drumsna this is also affecting supply to a large number of rural homes and businesses in the surrounding area. The reality is, even if the burst is immediately fixed, it can take another 24 hours before water is restored because of the time it takes to refill the reservoir.

"At the last Council meeting, the County Chief Executive, Frank Curran, said that the Local Authority had stressed the need for Irish Water prioritise the replacement of this line. But at this stage I now see this as not just a priority, I see it as work that is urgently required. We have yet to have any firm indication of when this work will be carried out by Irish Water and we need that."

Sinn Fein county councillor, Seadhna Logan strongly condemned Irish Water accusing them of having a "total disregard for the people of south Leitrim, that are routinely affected by burst pipes and day long outages".

Cllr Logan pointed out Drumsna village and the surrounding area have been impacted by water outages with such frequency, "that Irish water should consider having a base or full time presence in the village".

"South Leitrim has been very poorly serviced by Irish water since its inception, with both Mohill town and Drumsna village suffering disproportionate breaks in service," stated Cllr Logan.

"There are third world countries with better unbroken access to clean water than Irish water are providing in south Leitrim".

"To put the scale of water service disruption into context the Eslin/Mohill pipeline had over 30 bursts in a two year period while the Drumsna/Jamestown/Mountcambel line has burst half a dozen times since the end of April. This level of disruption is simply unacceptable and Irish Water need to explain to residents at what point pipe replacement becomes a priority," he maintained.
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Wed like to quash the rumour that we got fed up with Mark Valladares here at LDV Towers and therefore banished him to the most northerly inhabited archipelago in the world.

There is simply no truth whatsoever in these whisperings.

Seriously, Mark Valladares is a long-standing Liberal Democrat Voice editorial team member. On the team, we really do value his calm, wise and supportive counsel. He is also known as @honladymark on Twitter, and as a Liberal Bureaucrat, Creeting St Peter parish councillor and Liberal globe trotter.

There was a place called Spitzbergen which used to appear on those old globes of the world. It was so far up north that you wondered why people bothered to live there  or could live there. Spitzbergen is now referred to as Svalbard. It is a Norwegian archipelago within the arctic circle.

Mark is one of those people who likes to clock up destinations. He has gone to Svalbard for his summer holidays. Apparently, it involves something called wet landings  jumping off boats into uncertain icy terrains.

You can read the daily diary of his travels on his blog here. It is much recommended! One of the posts is entitled Adrift on the pack ice with only a light snack for sustenance. He is getting up to all sorts of wheezes and japes with polar bears and walruses!

Have a great holiday, Mark, and please come back safely!

* Paul Walter is a Liberal Democrat activist and member of the Liberal Democrat Voice team. He blogs at Liberal Burblings.
No s***, Brexit

This week, two significant individuals have told various truths about the impending catastrophe that is Britains withdrawal from the European Union and have both faced ridicule and scorn for daring to do so.

Firstly Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, expressed the statement of the obvious that uncertainty due to Brexit is already having a negative effect on the UKs economy.

Well, no s*** Sherlock.

The growth forecast has been revised down and the pound has fallen.

Consumer confidence has also taken a hit.

This comes as no surprise at all to those of us who knew that those saying breezily that nothing has changed since the poll last June, were heading for a very big wake up call.

And all this is before weve actually left the EU.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair is right to refer to Brexit as a massive act of self-harm.

Then, on this very day, the new Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar called Brexit the challenge of this generation.

Visiting Northern Ireland, the Fine Gael politician said every single aspect of life in (the province) could be affected by Brexit, and pointedly stated that those in the UK Tory Government who want a hard Brexit have had fourteen months to come up with a plan and have palpably failed to do so.

He indicated that more moderate forces must now do so.

For making these demonstrably sensible and straightforward statements both Carney and Varadkar have faced criticism and mockery from the Brexit-backing keyboard warriors, who believe any criticism of our withdrawal and the way the British Government is dealing with it is tantamount to treason.

In fact, we need more people of substance to be raising these and other concerns.

Were currently perilously close to a cliff-edge, from which the landing if we fall off it is likely to be harder economically, culturally, socially and emotionally than anything weve faced as a nation in decades.

As Vince Cable rightly says, we need an exit from Brexit.

And we need it now!

Mental Health

Were fortunate in our party to have the leading advocate for better Mental Health provision, services and parity of any political party, in our Health Spokesperson and former Care Minister Norman Lamb.

Its devastating to see this current Tory-only government rolling back on the funding commitments made for Mental Health during the Coalition years.

Its yet another reminder, whatever the criticism some of us have of those years, of the difference having Liberal Democrat Ministers in place made on a range of policy areas.

Though no longer in Ministerial office, Norman Lamb continues to be a powerful champion for genuine parity between mental and physical health.

As weve heard so powerfully attested to this week, at present all too many people suffering with mental ill health-and especially children and young people-are being let down by a government which talks the talk on Mental Health but fails, time and again, to walk the walk.

Thank goodness we have Norman and grassroots advocates like my friend Lee Dargue, to hold their feet to the fire.

War and peace

On Sunday, I took myself off to the cinema in Hinckley to see Dunkirk.

A deeply powerful and arresting film, it portrays the Dunkirk evacuation in the Second World War.

A reminder of the sacrifices of so many of what was, arguably, the bravest generation.

Im as near to being a pacifist without actually being one, if that makes sense.

I believe armed combat must be the absolute last resort and all diplomatic efforts must be exhausted before conflict is entered in to.

But, sometimes, as in the 1940s, there is no other alternative.

I, like millions of others, am eternally grateful to my late grandparents generation for the sacrifices they made, to save us all from tyranny.

It is now our job to ensure the peaceful inheritance they granted us is not squandered.

* Mathew Hulbert is a parish Councillor in Leicestershire.


This is about some holiday season viewing which may be of interest to readers  rather than an article trying to make a political point.

Who do you think you are covers television presenter Emma Willis family history in an episode available on BBC iPlayer for the next 29 days. It is worth a watch.

The programme looks into Willis roots in Birmingham  amongst animal horn and hair. One of her ancestors was a manufacturer of hair brushes and glue-based sizing using animal products.

She then travels to Ireland. First, she is horrified to discover that one her ancestors was involved in an horrific crime. This has been much covered in the media. It is a harrowing insight into an appalling period of Irish history.

Secondly, there is a much more uplifting tale of her ancestor Michael Kirwan. He was a pioneering sculptor who created a series of marble altars in Catholic churches in Ireland (and one in Cape Town). He was also an early trade union activist and follower of 19th Century Irish political leader Daniel OConnell. The programmes cathartic journey ends in OConnell Street, Dublin (the main street of the city) where Emma Willis is amazed and delighted to discover that her great-great-great-great grandfather was one of the sponsors of the grand statue to the national hero.

Those two strands of Irish history were later conjoined, in Emma Willis family tree, in a love match of a Protestant and Catholic couple, who had to be wedded in a registry office because both churches greatly frowned on such matches.

The episode really is a fine example of the Who do you think you are? series.

Photo of the OConnell Monument above by dailymatador from Flickr Creative Commons Licence.

* Paul Walter is a Liberal Democrat activist and member of the Liberal Democrat Voice team. He blogs at Liberal Burblings.
THE plan to develop the Shannon liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Tarbert remains live even though another company, NextDecade, has announced plans to ship LNG into Cork harbour.

Our activities are continuing, Paddy Power, the man spearheading the Shannon LNG plant for Tarbert/Ballylongford said this Wednesday.

Our enthusiasm and efforts are undiminished. The Shannon Estuary is an ideal location for an LNG terminal. We looked at all the places where we could site and had to demonstrate to An Bord Pleanala that we had picked the best site.

Meanwhile, local community representatives remain optimistic that the long-awaited Shannon LNG plant will, eventually, become a reality and deliver much needed jobs and investment to the area.

I would really hope it is not the end of the road for Shannon LNG, Joan Murphy, secretary of Tarbert Development Association said. The Cork proposal, she added, has a long road to travel, one already covered in Tarbert Ballylongford.

John Fox, a community spokesman on the gas project, admitted a little bit of concern. We dont believe the market in Ireland is big enough for two companies, he said. However, he added: The fact there is another company willing to come in to Ireland tells us that they do see an opening here.

What was needed for the Shannon LNG project to proceed was certainty from government, he said. This is coming down to political willingness, he said, calling for the government to stand up and be counted on behalf of the communities of North Kerry and West Limerick which needed the jobs.

Kerry TD Jimmy Deenihan said Shannon LNG is still very much in contention for future development particularly given that current Irish gas supplies are due to run out in 15-20 years. We will need a gas supply, we will need energy security, he said. In addition, Shannon LNG had a headstart over the new proposal for Cork. It has permits and foreshore licences, he pointed out.

According to media reports this week, NextDecade, the US energy company behind the Cork proposal, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Cork to develop a facility near Whitegate.

The company plans to ship over 300m worth of liquefied natural gas from Texas to Cork each year, where it would be regassified on board a tanker permanently moored in the harbour and piped into the national grid.

Shannon LNG, similarly, plans to ship in liquefied gas and process it at a purpose built plant in the Ballylongford land bank and then pipe it into the national grid near Foynes.

Last year, the proposed terminal at Ballylongford and the gas pipeline to Foynes were listed as a key European Project of Common Interest, as part of a move to integrate Europes energy markets and diversify sources, according to Sean Kelly, MEP

This designation, Mr Kelly said at the time, was of huge significance, as it opens up the possibility that Ballylongford could supply not just the Irish market but the European market. It also opened up increased possibilities for funding, he said.

Meanwhile, according to Paddy Power, new regulations introduced earlier this year by the EU will lead to tariff harmonisation throughout Europe and are due to come into force in Ireland by 2019. It would bring increased regulatory certainty, he explained, something the company wanted and needed. Without certainty, it would be very difficult to justify such a large investment.

The Shannon Foynes Port Company, which has jurisdiction over the estuary, has consistently supported the Shannon LNG proposal, regarding it as a good fit for the estuary with its deep-waters capable of handling very large vessels.
A CONVICTED drug dealer who was caught with a significant quantity of heroin within months of being released from prison has been sentenced to ten years imprisonment.

Patrick Hickey, aged 38, of Churchfield, St Patricks Road in the city admitted having the drugs at two locations in the city on March 30, 2015.

Heroin worth 57,000 was seized when a car in which the defendant was a passenger was approached by gardai.

A further quantity of heroin, worth 27,000, was seized in his bedroom during a follow-up search at his home.

Hickey made admissions and told gardai he had been given the consignment of drugs a number of days earlier and was asked to drop it to an unknown person.

Judge Tom ODonnell was told the former security guard was sentenced to three years imprisonment in 2011 for possession of cannabis worth around 36,000 in Dromkeen in 2010.

Colman Cody SC said there was an element of duress as his client had been put under pressure to pay back a debt for the drugs lost.

Judge ODonnell imposed the mandatory sentence of ten years imprisonment but, given the defendants drug addiction at the time, he ordered that the sentence it be listed for review in five years time.
AN INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed writer and journalist returns home to County Limerick for tranquility but her most recent visit made her blood boil.

Sadhbh Walshe is a freelance journalist for the New York Times, the Guardian and the Irish Times, and has worked in film and TV in America.

My family have lived in Murroe for nearly 30 years. I love the area and return as often as I can from New York as I find the peace and quiet and natural beauty is wonderful for my writing. So are the daily walks I take through the stunning Slieve Felim forests, said Sadhbh.

Broken TVs and bags of household rubbish arent in the storyline. Two of the photographs taken by Sadhbh are 1km up the hill from Glenstal Abbey, near the main entrance to the Slieve Felim forests.

When I encounter the trash dumps, however, to say it is a buzzkill is an underestimation. I want to get on the next plane out of here. The Limerick council should not allow a small group of people to destroy an area beloved by many.

I'm done with the outrage at this stage, we need action and that means closed circuit cameras being installed immediately and perpetrators being prosecuted. It is unfair and unrealistic to expect locals to keep tackling this problem alone. The simple truth is that as soon as we clean up one dump, another more offensive one replaces it, said Sadhbh.

In the same week, the Limerick Leader received a call about a dead dog thrown in a ditch in the townland of Buffanoka, Cappamore  again a popular area for walkers to enjoy Limericks natural beauty.

Sadhbh has set up a Twitter handle and Facebook page entitled Stop Dumping around Murroe/Glenstal. It reads: Help us stop illegal dumping around Murroe by sending photos and any evidence of dumping sites to StopDumpingMurroe@gmail.com We will forward all complaints to Limerick Council.

A council spokesperson told the Leader that the littering in Murroe is being investigated and the sheepdog was removed.

It is disappointing that people still continue to litter and dump illegally. While there is a growing awareness of the importance of keeping Limerick litter free, particularly through events like Limerick Going for Gold and TLC, there is still a need to change attitudes and behaviour to recognise that when you illegally dump like this it affects everyone.

The council will continue to heighten awareness of littering/illegal dumping, its causes and consequences and will continue to issue on-the-spot fines and pursue prosecutions, said the spokesperson.
A WOMAN who repeatedly called to the workplace and family home of a man she had met once seven years earlier was suffering from schizophrenia and experiencing Erotomanic delusions at the time, a court has heard.

Over a six day period last summer. the 30-year-old professed her love for the man telling members of his family and work colleagues that they were to be married.

Limerick Circuit Court was told the womans condition deteriorated considerably when she was remanded in custody to Limerick Prison.

Gardai had opposed bail because they feared she posed an immediate risk to the injured party and because there were no beds available at the Central Mental Hospital (CMH).

However, Brian McInerney BL said his client was subsequently admitted to the CMH and now has an insight into her condition, is on medication and is making good progress.

During a sentencing hearing, Judge Tom ODonnell was told the injured party and the defendant presented at Henry Street garda station on August 15, 2016 at which point the man claimed he was being harassed.

Garda Colm Farrell told John OSullivan BL, prosecuting, the woman was initially detained under the provisions of the Mental Health Act and a doctor called.

Later, after being informed that doctors had not identified any mental disorder, she was arrested on suspicion of harassment.

Garda Farrell said it was subsequently established the woman had called to the mans place of employment looking for his mobile phone number and his home address.

On another occasion, while the man was working away from his office, she called to the premises carrying two cups of coffee and waited until informed he was not present.

Security had to blacklist her, said Mr OSullivan.

The defendant also made contact with a sister of the injured party on the pretence of booking dance classes with her.

In a subsequent WhatsApp message she stated: I still love your brother.

The court was told on another occasion, the defendant called to the family home of the injured party, entered the property and looked around while the occupants were at a hurling match.

The woman also sent threatening messages via Facebook to the mans girlfriend after becoming friends with her using a fake name.

After learning of this incident, the man made contact with the defendant and having met her in the city centre they walked to Henry Street garda station where he made a formal complaint.

While walking to the garda station, the woman tried to link arms with the man.

During interview, the woman told gardai she was in love with the man and that he loved her.

She said the injured party was like a drug to her, she could not get enough of him, said Mr OSullivan.

In mitigation, Mr McInerney said despite the initial assessment by doctors his client suffers from a significant mental illness and is a completely different person now that a medical regime is in place.

He said she is living with her parents in County Tipperary and that she has not had any contact with the man since her arrest.

Judge ODonnell said the behaviour of the defendant has to be seen in the context of her being decidedly unwell and he noted she has been complying with the conditions of her bail.

He said her actions had turned the victims life into hell and had caused him deep concern - both professionally and personally.

He adjourned the matter for review in twelve months time.
THE Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has rejected almost a dozen complaints in relation to comments made by one half of Limerick comic duo The Rubberbandits on the Late Late Show.

Speaking during a discussion on the programme in January, Blindboy Boatclub said that young people attending Midnight Mass at Christmas were not going there for haunted bread, adding that everyone at Midnight Mass is half-cut anyway.

The comments sparked outrage among many viewers forcing producers to apologise for any offence which may have been caused by the comments.

A large number of complaints were received by the national broadcaster while 11 complaints were also made to the BAI.

However, each of the complaints  including one from Fr Kevin McNamara, parish priest in Moyvane, North Kerry  were rejected by the regulator.

The complainant states that the treatment of this topic on this programme was blasphemous and exceptionally anti-Catholic as the Eucharist and real presence of Jesus Christ is central to the Catholic belief, stated the BAI in its findings which were published this Thursday.

A number of the complainants also took issue with the reaction of presenter Ryan Tubridy to the comments.

In its reponse to the BAI, RTE accepted the phrase haunted bread was provocative and that Blindboy Boatclub had used it to get a reaction.

The broadcaster states that Blindboy Boatclubs assertion of his difficulty in coming to grips with, what are to him personally the contradictions within some Christian beliefs, gave rise to a substantial, sincere and thoughtful discussion of truth and belief in contemporary society, in Ireland and internationally stated the BAI.

I'd like to take this opportunity to say that my book of short stories is out in October and is called "the Gospel according to Blindboy" https://t.co/fnvE4jBQ2G  Rubber Bandits (@Rubberbandits) August 3, 2017

Rejecting the complaints, the BAIs Compliance Committee said it was of the view that the programme, while evidently causing offence to some audience members, was editorially justified and did not infringe the principle of the BAI Code of Programme Standards dealing with respect for persons and groups in society.

In its detailed report, it noted the comments were made in the context of a wider discussion and that the comments were broadcast after 11pm.
Exotic propaganda for French colonies, an update on the U.S. graded stamp market, and adversity usages: Inside Linns Stamp News

Aug 4, 2017, 11 AM

In Classic Stamps of the World in our Aug. 21 issue, Kathleen Wunderly reveals some of the fascinating history behind the images portrayed on the beautiful and exotic regional-type series from Madagascar.

By Donna Houseman

How was your week? Ours, of course, was filled with stamps and all things philatelic. And we wouldnt have it any other way. The Aug. 21 issue of Linns Stamp News just landed on the presses and goes in the mail to subscribers Monday, Aug. 7. If youre a digital subscriber, you get early access Saturday, Aug. 5. Here we tantalize you with a few previews of exclusive content.

Are you familiar with Madagascars 1930-44 series?

With Madagascars exotic and artistic regional-type series, new stamp collectors can begin cultivating a field of philatelic opportunities for a very modest cash outlay. Classic Stamps of the World columnist Kathleen Wunderly explores 17 definitive stamps using four different designs depicting ethnic groups of the colony of Madagascar.

Linns U.S. Graded Stamp Report

Each quarter, Linns editors carefully review how the philatelic marketplace has affected a chosen group of postage and back-of-the-book stamps from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. This quarterly feature tracks the market activity for selected stamps in eight grades.

Exploring adversity usages of 3 Nesbitt envelopes

Early U.S. stamped envelopes were no longer valid for postage when the Confederate postal system started June 1, 1861. Classic U.S. Postal History columnist Labron Harris discusses four covers that show how the Confederacy overcame this adverse problem.

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Get access to all of these articles, and so much more, with a Linns Stamp News print or digital edition subscription!

Sign up and start reading now!
Born of frustration, Frances Sower design took time to get right

Apr 29, 2021, 8 PM

The sender used the 10-centime and 15c lined Sowers on this letter to Canada to pay the overseas rate. The cover was mailed May 8, 1905, and received May 20, according to the backstamp (not shown).

The lined Sower design was used for this 10-centime postal card. The inscription at lower left (The attached card is intended for the response) indicates that a second 10c card is attached behind this one.

The 15-centime slate-green Sower (Scott 139) was the first to be issued. The name of the designer, O. Roty, is at bottom left, and the engraver, E. Mouchon, is identified at lower right.

This postcard shows the range of French stamps available after all the lined Sowers were introduced in 1903. A similar card exists showing Great Britain stamps of the same time period.

Louis-Oscar Roty based his Sower coin design on this medallion he had designed for the Ministry of Agriculture in 1886.

Responding to complaints about the lined Sower design, France introduced the cameo Sower design with no sun or horizon and a solid background. The first issue, with the Sower standing on ground, met with further criticism and was soon followed by a revise

A French newspaper created this postcard for its readers to petition the government for a lower postage rate. It shows the current letter-rate stamps of eight neighboring countries and their equivalent face values in French currency. All are less expensiv

At the time the Sower design was introduced in France, German stamps featured the warlike Germania, as shown on this 2-pfennig denomination (Scott 65C).

Rotys medallion design was probably based on this illustration from the famous medieval prayer book Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry (The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry).

This cropped image of a prestamped envelope shows the surcharge applied to reduce the postage from 15 centimes to 10c, the new lower letter rate. The surcharge reads, Rate reduced to 0.10 francs.

The Sower, seen here on the reverse of a 1-franc coin, was a popular symbol of France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In use on coins since 1897, the Sower was adapted to use on stamps in 1903. The name of the designer, O. Roty, appears below t

France issued three new series of stamps in 1900, but all proved unpopular. Shown here is the 4-centime Blanc design (Scott 112) used for low denominations, the 10c original Mouchon design (116) used for the middle denominations, and the 45c Merson design

Philately of France  By Larry Rosenblum

France welcomed the 20th century with three new stamp designs. All proved to be unpopular.

The low denominations, designed by Paul Joseph Blanc, featured a winged female symbol of France holding the scales of justice. The middle denominations, by Louis-Eugene Mouchon, had a seated woman in Roman attire holding the French bill of rights. The bicolored high denominations, by Olivier Merson, showed a peaceful woman, though with a sword at hand, sitting near an olive tree.

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The Mouchon design was immediately criticized, and a revised version issued in 1902 did not increase its popularity. The other two were also not well-liked. The story of these three groups of stamps was told in a previous column (Linns, April 18, 2016, page 30).

Desiring to find a symbol of the Third Republic that the public would like, M. Alexandre Berard, the minister for posts and telegraphs, decided to use an existing one.

La Semeuse (the Sower), designed by sculptor Louis-Oscar Roty, was a female symbol of the Republic proudly sowing French ideals and delivering a message of peace. The Sower had been in use on silver coins since 1897.

Roty based the coin design on a medallion he had designed in 1895, and it, in turn, was probably based on an image in the famous early 15th-century book of hours (prayer book), Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry (The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry).

In the image, a dour peasant is sowing seeds, another on horseback is pulling a harrow to cover the seeds, and a third toward the back is (unsuccessfully) trying to use a bow and arrow to chase the birds away. In the background is the royal Palace of the Louvre.

In 1902 Roty made a plaster cast of his design for the stamp: the Sower with the rising sun behind her, the denomination at lower left, POSTES vertically at lower right, and REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE across the top. The background was lined to emphasize the form of the Sower in relief.

Mouchon, already a well-established stamp engraver, created a copper die for printing. His first attempt was engraved too finely to be reproduced satisfactorily, so a second had to be made.

Color trials were produced, and a gray-green color was selected for the first denomination, 15 centimes paying the domestic letter rate for letters up to 15 grams.

The first lined Sower (Scott 139) was issued April 2, 1903, to immediate acclaim. A Paris newspaper wrote, The picture which will embellish our future stamps will be no less than the noble, exquisite figure which already lends an artistic value to our coins  finally giving us the ideal model, delicious and symbolic, which will spread and popularize throughout the world the artistic taste of our nation.

Others contrasted the peaceful Sower with the warlike Germania who appeared on German stamps at the same time. The Sower wears the Phrygian bonnet, a symbol of liberty, and fosters life by working to feed the people; Germania, clad in armor, is ready to sow death and destruction.

During the next three months, additional denominations were issued until all the revised Mouchon-designed middle denominations (Scott 133-137) were replaced: 25c dull blue (Scott 141) on April 28 for foreign letters weighing up to 15 grams; 10c rose (138) on May 6 for domestic, colonies, and foreign postal cards; 20c violet-brown (140) on June 29 for heavy printed matter and merchants samples; and 30c violet (142) on June 29 for double-weight domestic letters.

As with most French stamps until then, the early Sowers were printed by sheet-fed, flat-plate typography (also referred to as surface printing).

Booklets of 20 (two panes of 10) of the 15c were issued. Ten-centime postal cards and 15c and 25c envelopes were also issued.

The 15 currently available stamps after the lined Sowers were introduced are pictured on a postcard illustrated with this column.

Although the Sower design was generally praised, there were criticisms. Some complained that the woman was sowing into the wind (although this was sometimes done intentionally).

Others said her back should not be in shadow when the sun is behind her. This is easily explained, because Mouchon engraved the die from the plaster cast that was lit from the left.

Some patriots wanted to see a more militant figure, such as Joan of Arc, who had helped the French defeat the English during the Hundred Years War in the 15th century.

More valid, however, were comments that the lined background made the image, lettering, and denomination hard to see.

Minister Berard asked Mouchon to make changes in the design to counter some of these criticisms. Mouchon started work later in 1903.

By 1906, he had developed several designs, one with darker lines under the horizon, one with a solid background under the horizon, and one omitting the horizon and sun with a completely solid background. A version of the last one had a mound of earth under the Sowers feet.

He also developed a significantly different design in which the sun was in front of the Sower standing on a rolling landscape (answering the critics of the shadow). The background above the landscape was white.

By early 1906, the mound of earth and landscape designs had been developed into essays with plates of 50 subjects in two panes of 25 stamps each.

Then events caught up with Berard.

The government had been under heavy pressure to reduce the postage rate. The newspaper Le Matin (The Morning) created a postcard that featured the letter rate stamps of other European countries and the equivalent of each denomination in French currency. The eight stamps shown all had denominations of 10 centimes or 12c, compared to Frances basic letter rate of 15c.

Because postcards could be sent to the president of the Chamber of Deputies (the lower house of the French Parliament) for free, readers must have sent many of them.

The government passed a law March 6, 1906, that reduced the rate for domestic letters from 15c to 10c effective April 13 of that year. The postcard rate of 10c remained unchanged.

Berard decided that a different Sower design should be issued for the new rate. There was no time for Mouchon to create a brand new design, so one of the two existing essays had to be used.

The one with the solid background and the Sower standing on ground was chosen and issued on the date the lower rate took effect.

Sowers with the solid background are referred to as cameo Sowers to distinguish them from lined Sowers.

The overall design was finally satisfactory, but adjustments still needed to be made.

Some critics said the Sower appeared to be perched on a pedestal. Others, noticing that the Sower had been shortened by about one millimeter, said she looked chubby.

Berard put Mouchon to work again to revise the design further. What turned out to be the final Sower design first appeared several months later.

The 10c Sower that had been issued in April was the only one with the mound of earth and is known as the cameo Sower on ground.

The story of the final Sower design and the many Sower issues of the next several decades will be told in the next Philately of France column.
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Walking the streets with M.F. Husain While shooting Husain at the Nizamuddin Basti, photographer Parthiv Shah was struck by how easily the otherwise flamboyant artist would blend into this space /news/talking-point/walking-the-streets-with-m-f-husain-111646986510240.html 111646986510240 story

It was a breakfast invitation too tempting to refuse. Putting the phone down, Parthiv Shah, a young graduate from the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, hopped on to his motorbike and sped to Delhis Taj Mahal Hotel. The year was 1994, and awaiting him was none other than the celebrated artist Maqbool Fida Husain. Shah, who was looking forward to a hearty breakfast at the five-star hotel, was a bit nonplussed when Husain suggested they go elsewhere. Well, if not the Taj, then surely Khan Market, thought Shah ruefully.

Husain completely at home in Nizamuddin Basti, engrossed in his newspaper.

But the painter had other ideas, and soon the duo was navigating the narrow, crammed alleys of Nizamuddin. Then, like a homing pigeon, Husain made for his favourite tea shop, where he ordered chai and some roti for the two of them. While Husain might have bruised Shahs culinary hopes that day, he compensated by introducing him to a world not many were privileged to share.

Husain completely at home in Nizamuddin Basti, engrossed in his newspaper.

What struck Shah on this and subsequent visits was how perfectly at home the artist, who died six years ago, was in Nizamuddin Basti. There, away from the arc lights, he was no longer the world-renowned flamboyant artist, but just an ordinary visitor. This very ordinariness is what Shah captures with his lens in a series of black and white photographs on display at the Kiran Nadar Museum in Saket. Part of the exhibition Stretched Terrains, a string of seven exhibitions curated by Roobina Karode, Shahs section is titled Sadak.Sarai.Sheher.Basti: The Recurring Figure.

Walking barefoot through Nizamuddin Basti.

Karode, who helped edit Shahs collection of photographs for the show, has created a narrow passageway in the museum to mimic a gali (by-lane) in the basti (slum). This intervention also affords a sense of intimacy as the viewer comes close to the photographs, observing details that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Like the fact that Husain is wearing no shoes as he walks through the basti, bringing to mind his moniker barefoot artist". It is to Shahs credit that he captures these moments in which Husain blends into his surroundings with consummate ease, even though there is much in his persona that sets him apart.

The artist kneeling before his painting of Mother Teresa, whom he held in high regard, 1993.

Then there is Shahs impeccable sense of timing, as evidenced in the shot where he frames Husain within an arched doorway just as he is turning back to see if his young companion is still following. This sense of familiarity between the photographer and his subject can also be detected in the photograph that frames Husain sitting with his old friend and fellow artist Ram Kumar in the Humayuns Tomb complex. Both men seem barely aware of the camera as they trade news and anecdotes.

In contrast to these intimate observations, there is a set of staged photographs taken during Husains solo show at the National Gallery of Modern Art, titled Let History Cut Across Me Without Me in 1993. Husain was insistent that Shah document the exhibition, passing over a senior photographer who was originally meant to cover it. Shot over a couple of days, the photographs are a three-way performance between artist, artwork and photographer. Despite the difference in ageShah was a friend of Husains son ShamshadHusain was more than open to suggestions about choreographing the shoot. For instance, there is a painting of a scene from the Mahabharat depicting Bhishma lying spreadeagled on the ground. Without batting an eyelid, Husain agreed to Shahs suggestion that he do the same, since the photographer saw the physical similarities between the two men.

In conversation with his old friend, painter Ram Kumar, in the Humayuns Tomb complex.

A recurring motif in Husains paintings is the umbrella, and Shah ingeniously used his lighting umbrella as a prop, ensuring its presence both within and outside the canvas frame. Husains fascination with Mother Teresa, whom he immortalized in several of his works, is also foregrounded in the show. The artist created an altar in the saints honour and one of Shahs photographs depicts him kneeling in front of her painting.

Husain turns to see if Parthiv Shah is still with him, on the way to the Nizamuddin dargah.

Shah also devotes a series of photographs to Husain interacting with the chairs that he designed especially for the show. For the photographer, they were symbolic of the machinations of power, which Husain witnessed first-hand as a member of the Rajya Sabha. But more than these it is the image of Husain seated on a very different chair that lingers. Tucked away in a corner in one of the busy by-lanes of Nizamuddin, he sits perusing a newspaper, perfectly at home with himself and the world.

Sadak.Sarai.Sheher.Basti: The Recurring Figure is on show as part of Stretched Terrains: A String Of Exhibitions till 31 August, 10.30am-6.30pm, at Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, 145, DLF South Court Mall, Saket, New Delhi. For details, visit Knma.in.
In the Khaleesis throne room A 'Game Of Thrones' fan relives the fantasy on a visit to a Croatian city /news/talking-point/in-the-khaleesi-s-throne-room-111646986356656.html 111646986356656 story

The Adriatic coastline greets me as I drive into Split, Croatias second largest city, the water nearly the same shade of blue as the sunny, cloud-free sky. Walking towards Splits Old Town, my guide tells me that the city gets its name from a common spiny bush with bright yellow blooms that I can see nearly everywhere. Normally, I love such bits of trivia, but right now I only have eyes for the 1,700-year-old Roman palace.

Built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the third century, it is an imposing structure that takes up nearly half of Old Town, with enormous arched doorways and numerous towers.

Walking its streets, I am lost in a magical medieval world, one ruled by a queen. The lines between reality and fantasy blur as I picture fire-breathing dragons and cobblestoned alleys laced with blood. There are men in masks and murders inside brothels. I am no longer looking at Diocletians Palace but at the throne room of Daenerys Targaryen, or the Khaleesi, from the popular show Game Of Thrones.

While the neighbouring coastal city of Dubrovnik has morphed into Kings Landing and Qarth in the television series, Splits fort stands in for the fort of Meereen, a large slave city captured and ruled by Daenerys. Besides the palace and Old Town, many of the scenes were shot at Klis Fortress, 20 minutes from the city.

Daenerys Targaryen from GoT.

There is an eerie silence as I walk through the basement, and I feel as though whispered conspiracies are being hatched all around me. I can hear the murmurs of Daenerys speaking to her dragons. Outside, in the streets, I can picture Tyrion Lannister and Lord Varys walking around the town as the riots begin. I can see rebellion bloody the narrow lanes of the Old Town as the Sons of the Harpy attack the Unsullied Army, even as Daenerys crucifies the original rulers, leaving them to die.

To a Game Of Thrones fan like me, this imagined world feels so real that its almost a shock to return to the real world and see families posing for photographs and children running around, their happy shrieks piercing the fantasy world I had retreated to. If I close my eyes, I can easily forget them all once again and picture the dragons flying into the light as Tyron Lannister sets them free.

***

Photo: iStockphoto

Top 5 GoT tours

GoT tour of Split is No.5 on a list of most popular Game Of Thrones tours on the TripAdvisor website. The travel website analysed its data to find that since 2012, when the show first aired, the interest in destinations where Game Of Thrones was filmed has increased tremendously. In the case of the small Spanish town of Campillo de Duenas, which has the nearest accommodation options to the Castle of Zafra filming site, interest increased by 2,270%. The second largest increase, a still impressive 1,300%, has been in Vik, a remote seaside village in Iceland.

If youre planning your own Games Of Thrones fan tour, heres a list of the top 5 most booked tours on the travel site.

1. Called the Viator Exclusive: Game Of Thrones Walking Tour of Dubrovnik, this 3-hour tour of the Croatian citys Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage Site where many of the scenes for Kings Landing were shot.

2. Game Of Thrones Filming Locations Tour From ReykjavikThis 6-hour tour in Iceland takes visitors to the Thingvellir National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, where many of the White Walker scenes from the show are filmed.

3. Game Of Thrones and Giants Causeway Full-Day Tour from BelfastTravel down the stunning Dark Hedges road in the UK, visit the cave where Melisandre gave birth to her shadow baby and see the Giants Causeway, a Unesco World Heritage site.

4. Game Of Thrones Film Location Tour from Dublin, including Giants CausewayThis tour combines numerous GoT filming sites, including Ballintoy Harbour, where many of the Iron Islands seaside scenes were filmed, with visits to other well-known tourist spots in Ireland.

5. Viator Exclusive: Game Of Thrones Tour in SplitTour GoT sites in the Croatian city, from the throne room and cellars of the fourth century Diocletians Palace to the mountainside fortress of Klis just outside the city.
Perils of a one-size-fits-all nationalism After 70 years of officially promoting diversity, an attempt to manufacture a narrow brand of nationalism will end up breaking India /news/talking-point/perils-of-a-one-size-fits-all-nationalism-111646986179255.html 111646986179255 story

It took several decades and as many lifetimes for India to win independence in 1947. But the journey was all the more exacting for having to marshal Indians together for a common cause, above multiple identities and layers of difference. Despite romantic memories of civilizational unity expressed in our ancient epics, the stark historical reality was that Delhi had more in common with Kabul than it did with the south, and that Kerala was more familiar with Arabia than it was with fellow Indians" in Karnataka. Brahmins, who learnt Sanskrit and venerated the same texts, knitted some common threads throughout the subcontinent, but in Varanasi alone there were dozens of varieties of this class, and their everyday practices mutated from region to regionwhile most Tamil Brahmins grew their tuft of hair at the back, the Malayali Brahmin wore it in the front; where Iyengar women saw white as the colour of widowhood, the Namboothiri bride wore nothing but white to her wedding pavilion.

What arguably united such stark diversities of people was the common enemy they all confronted in the British and the unambiguous damage inflicted on India by the Raj. As someone once remarked, It is not so much sympathy with ones fellows as much as hostility towards the outsider that makes for nationalism." And so, over a period of time, we evolved a sense of common feeling rooted in a fight against prejudice and for political autonomy. We were able to rise above difference (avoiding, however, as B.R. Ambedkar lamented, painful but necessary internal reform) and focus on expelling the colonizer. And when the process inspired positive moral confidence, it became compelling enough for V.D. Savarkar to even claim that a sentiment of brotherhood had always run like a vital spinal cord" through the land, making the Nayars of Malabar weep over the sufferings of the Brahmins of Kashmir"when in all likelihood the Nairs had little knowledge of where precisely Kashmir was or what its Brahmins were doing.

The departure of the British, however, withdrew the enemy from our horizonwe now sought renewed vision to sustain national feeling against smaller, but more convenient, local options. Jawaharlal Nehru plastered the slogan Unity in Diversity" on walls and in textbooks, and brought into force a Constitution that respects, and indeed celebrates, difference. The principle was that we could all continue to embrace our various identitiesGujarati or Santhal, Muslim or Zoroastrianwhile staying wedded to the national consensus that is India. We have made Italy. Now we must make Italians," a 19th century European statesman had remarked, but in 20th century South Asia, Indians arrived in all shapes, colours and languages, united, not divided, by pluralism. Of course, this was always the ideal, and from the starting moment various forces chipped away at it, sometimes even employing instruments of state power. Pluralism too was often a romantic smokescreen for bleak realities.

The real challenge to pluralism, however, has come from those who promote a more orthodox vision of nationalism, though, ironically, they had little to do with the battles for freedom. Such identity," historian Romila Thapar notes, tends to iron out diversity and insists on conformity"in other words, pluralism is weakness. In this new vision, there must be one paramount Indian" nationalismus or them, not us and themand this is offered in that all-too-familiar shape of Hindu majoritarianism. In 1881, the census declared Hindus a Socio-Political classification" that included the whole of the people who recognize caste". For neo-nationalists, however, the formula to cement strength is a particularly reactionary perversion of Hinduism. A tradition that is a fascinating mosaic of distinct cults, deities, sects and ideas" (including contradictory ideas) is being regimented to address contemporary needs, and nationalism must follow this pattern of one definition, one form, and one loyalty.

Naturally, this calls for a new structure and a new vocabulary of Hindu identity, featuring certain sacred books, fewer gods, and a standardization of practice that sometimes goes against Indias own manifest heritage in its quest to service an overarching, recently invented cause. So we must all be Hindus who do not eat beef (though several castes happily did in the past) and should avoid meat in general (though a number of Brahmin communities too are non-vegetarian). Our nationalism must have a fixed languageSanskrit is ideal but in the interim, Hindi will do. And then dress codes, social behaviour, and much else must also fall in line, creating more a sharp machine to negotiate aspirations (and nurse insecurities) born of modernity than an organic people who live, breathe and prosper. The former offers efficiency, the latter is slow and chaoticwe are told we must choose, or we must go.

One-size-fits-all rules, however, have an endearing tendency to backfire in India. And 70 years of officially promoting diversity means that attempting to reverse the flow and manufacture a narrow brand of nationalism will provoke challenges if not long-term disasterwhere, for instance, Hindi nationalism is force-fed from Delhi, the powers in Karnataka respond with a Kannada-oriented sub-nationalism that would even like its own flag. If the idea is to create an us or them" with the majority" on one side, and the minority as the enemy within, the architects of this scheme will discover too many thems" sown into the fabric of the majority itself.

The historical lesson is clearthere was a reason why in 1947 we prevented nationalism from distorting into an ugly political beast, and envisioned it as a more malleable reflection of our multiple realities. Now to re-engineer this mature, long-standing policy in black and white will only prove calamitous, showing that far from making in India, what we will end up doing is breaking India.

Medium Rare is a weekly column on society, politics and history. Manu S. Pillai is the author of The Ivory Throne: Chronicles Of The House Of Travancore.

The writer tweets at @UnamPillai
Have you tried micellar water yet? The French woman's secret cleansing ritual is a secret no more. We explore the benefits of this simple chemist's solution and the options off shelves /news/talking-point/have-you-tried-micellar-water-yet-111646986100999.html 111646986100999 story

My daughters swear by it," says Paris-based communications professional Gail Chapin. Chapins daughters Segolene (18) and Victoire (22) use micellar water for their early morning face-cleansing and skin prep, and late-evening make-up removal. They are doing what French women have been doing for two generations.

Micellar water was invented in France decades ago as a no-rinse cleansing option to beat the local hard water that made rinsing off difficult and left an icky build-up on the skin. French backstage make-up artists used it because it was convenientit became popular with models and has since been discovered" by the rest of the world.

Now micellar water has become the darling of millennials and has been trending on social media for some time. When Korean girls, famous for their evolved skincare regime, start using it, you know it has the highest seal of approval.

A French pharmacy product, micellar water is a simple chemists solution using principles of electromagnetic attraction to tackle cleansing without water.

Micelles, or tiny globules of oil, are suspended in soft water. When swiped across the face with a cotton pad (never scrubbed or rubbed), they attract and lift off dirt, oil and grime from skin without too much surface friction, and without skewing the pH balance. There are cleansing oils like Shu Uemuras Cult Cleansing Oil, Lancomes oil and water hybrid Bi Facil and Estee Lauders balm-to-oil cleanser, that promise similar benefits but need to be rinsed off and may not work on oily skin.

The USP of micellar water is that it is a no-soap, no-rinse product that can work as cleanser and make-up remover. Less water also makes it less dehydratingyes, water on skin can be dehydrating.

Now Korean beauty brands, such as Dr. Jart+ Micro Water, Innisfrees Green Tea Cleansing Water, TonyMoly Pure Eco Bamboo cleansing water, and Son & Parks popular Beauty Water, have joined the bandwagon. So have big American brands like Clinique, though French pharmacy brands remain at the forefront. The oldest brand and the one that began it all is Biodermas Crealine H2O. Launched in the 1970s, it is a pharmacy brand available in supermarkets.

Luxury brand consultant Catherine Marisa, who started using Biodermas Crealine H2O micellar water as a teenager 20 years ago, says she found cleansing milks and lotions too heavy and irritating on her skin; Biodermas water was soothing. She continues to use it. This is the brand Chapins daughters use as well.

Micellar waters by different brands.

Like many other categories, micellar waters now come in many avatars. They may have added ingredients like hibiscus, lavender or vitamins C and E, alcohol for tougher cleansing or exfoliators. Some with skin softeners seem to be moving into the category of skin essences and tonics. There are variants positioned for oily skin, dry skin and sensitive skin. When I did a quick market scan, I also saw wipes and presoaked pads with micellar water.

I have tried and used several micellar waters and I find they dont really work on heavy eye make-up or heavy-duty mascara. I assumed this is because Indian women use heavier eye make-up and also use the waterline, i.e., the inner part of the lower eyelids, where we apply the kohl pencil, instead of outside. But Segolene concurs she would never use micellar water alone for eye make-up, though it works well for blush and foundation.

Multiple cotton pads and many swipes can do the job too, but may lead to friction and irritation.

Besides everyday use, micellar water is perhaps most useful when travelling, for the first swipe to take off the nights build-up on the face, to remove daytime make-up, and as a last swipe if you double-cleanse like the Koreans. Micellar waters dont fall into the natural and organic" category, so do the usual checks for hypoallergenic-, paraben- and alcohol-free labels.

I would pick Sephoras Triple Action Cleansing Water with calendula for its handy size and easy-to-swipe product, which does not leave behind an oily sheen or sticky feel. Garnier has variants of micellar water under its Pure Active range and its hypoallergenic Skin Naturals range to cater to specific needs. La Roche-Posays Micellar Water Ultra is paraben-free and oil-free, with poloxamer cleansers or micelles instead of oil for sensitive skin. I also like Diors Hydra Life Micellar Water no-rinse cleanser, for its promise of being tougher on make-up while leaving skin extra-hydrated, and the brands Unisex Cleansing Water with lily extracts.

To create your own version, take some pure rose water (better still, make your own) and add a few drops of rose essential oil. Shake well. Not technically micellar but it should work just as well.
Eunice de Souzas life in poems In the largely male literary universe in 1980's Mumbai, Eunice de Souza stood out as a powerful voice who wrote about what moved her, and on her own terms /news/talking-point/eunice-de-souza-s-life-in-poems-111646986119130.html 111646986119130 story

Eunice de Souza was not my professor, but I learnt a lot from her. I first met her in 1986. She was already an accomplished poet, known for her acerbic wit. But she also warmly encouraged students in whom she saw talent. I had returned from the US with a degree and had started work as assistant editor, looking after the editorial page and cultural coverage, at The Indian Post, a new daily that the Emergency-era hero S. Nihal Singh edited. Eunice edited the books section of our remarkable weekend magazine, which Ammu Joseph edited.

She saw some of my early poetry, and to my relief, suggested I continuebut I must discard sentimentality, she said, an affliction common among the young. She stressed leanness and clarity: Take out the unessential, think again what you have to say, shed the excess, and let the thought speak. She could be encouraging and warm if she thought you deserved to be read more widely, sharp and incisive if she thought you needed to work harder, and candid without being cruel if she thought you should do something else.

Her first collection was called Fix. Arun Kolatkar designed the cover, with a silver X marked on her forehead, like Shivas third eye, as she stares into your eyes in that black and white photograph, fixing you in her stare, refusing to stay fixed herself, her body and mind fluid, her eyes liquid, her poetry, flowing.

She applied that discipline to her own writing: how spare her poems were. Her tone could be light while presenting the darkest thoughts. Death was a frequent themedeath as in finality, as in permanent absence, as in conclusion, a full-stop. About her fathers death, she wrote:

That was a different kind of

Death. They didnt know

I often asked

What have they done to my daddy?

and that nobody could explain.

When you lose a loved one, you are often told that God will act like a father and look after you. De Souza didnt like such false promises. I want a father, she wrote. God wont do. Hes too judgemental. And so I found youlike my father, absent."

She was aware of being a minority within a minority. My students, she said, thought it funny that Daruwallas and de Souzas should write poetry", challenging their, and our, presumptions about who could write. She laid bare the utterly decontextualized syllabus students had been exposed to at schooldaffodils and skylarks in tropical India, if you please. Poetry is faery lands forlorn. Women writers Miss Austen." And the assumed submissiveness of the subaltern: Only foreign men air their crotches."

She wrote about sadness, but her poetry was not bleak. De Souza would see hope in the last red leaf on an almond tree that refused to fall. To her, silences were not intimidating; the absence of words only meant that memories were garrulous. She wrote about faith and its assumed virtues, the absurd certainties it provides, and the self-righteousness it allows. The pious, she noted, would arrive an hour late to feed the poor, to see the poor dears, like children waiting for a treat". There are petty cruelties in false piety, and she made them stark.

Martand Singh, the former secretary of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, had once said, Ultimately, a god becomes an ashtray." It was a statement that the late Pupul Jayakar often cited while speaking of how objects of worship of one culture would turn into items of kitsch in another. Years earlier, de Souza wrote of an encounter that presaged that cultural insight:

My Portuguese-bred colleague

Picked up a clay shivalingam

One day and said:

Is this an ashtray?

No, said the salesman,

This is our God.

We lived in an innocent era then, when such a poem could be written with ease and appreciated for the irony, the poets tone not questioned; when words did not have to be measured for their impact and, sometimes, swallowed for fear of causing offence (hours after de Souza died on 29 July, I quoted one of her poems on social media, and predictably, someone who knew neither de Souza, nor poetry, took umbrage over a term the poem used).

In what has become of India, narrow nationalists would question her right to say anything about India, given the name she had and the faith she was born in. Anticipating that, she once wrote:

No matter that

My name is Greek

My surname Portuguese

My language alien.

There are ways of belonging.

I belong with the lame ducks.

The 1980s were a heady time for English poetry in India, in particular in Bombay, as it was known then. Dom Moraes had returned from his wanderings and was writing, Nissim Ezekiel was running PEN and organizing readings at Theosophy Hall, Arun Kolatkar could be found at the Wayside Inn at Kala Ghoda, Dilip Chitre was a regular feature on the cultural scene, Adil Jussawalla was at Debonair magazine and, with psychotherapist Udayan Patel, was publishing poetry under the imprint Praxis. Santan Rodrigues, Melanie Silgardo and Raul dGama Rose were publishing poems at Newground, Saleem Peeradina was teaching writing at the Sophia Open Classrooms (where I was a student, as was Arshia Sattar), Gieve Patel was writing poetry, plays, and found the time to run a medical practice, and Jeet Thayil, Ranjit Hoskote, Menka Shivdasani, Jerry Pinto and Arundhathi Subramanyam had begun writing their early verse.

And it was in that largely male universe that Eunice de Souza stood out as one who wrote about what moved her, and on her terms. She wrote about being a woman, the disappointment that may have wrought in her family.

I heard it said

My parents wanted a boy.

Ive done my best to qualify.

I hid the bloodstains

On my clothes

And let my breasts sag.

Words the weapon

to crucify.

Her quiet anger seethed. In Marriages Are Made, she writes about her cousin Elena, who is to be married, and the kind of intrusive examination that followsnot only about the familys finances, but her body, commented upon as though she were a commodity being traded. Or, in another poem, Sweet Sixteen, where religious orthodoxy suppresses all thoughts on sexuality and a nun screams at the teenager so that she must call brassieres bracelets", and then the nun pins paper sleeves onto our sleeveless dresses". And the naive credulity about facts of life:

At sixteen, Phoebe asked me:

Can it happen when youre in a dance hall

I mean, you know what,

Getting preggers and all that, when

Youre dancing?

I, sixteen, assured her

You could.

She wrote about the silence imposed on womenof her grandmother, who bore seven children but who often escaped to her mother, where she and the servants spoke the same language of silence". Seeing silent women in Dutch paintings, she wrote of the afternoon sun on their faces, where the women were calm, not stupid; pregnant, not bovine", and spoke of women like that whom she knew, one of whom had a voice that was oatmeal and honey". Canvases dont speak, so de Souza gave those silent women voice. She rejoiced in every assertion of individualism, as in

They said

now she wears lipstick

now she is a Bombay girl.

The creative process being what it is, I dont really know where the poems came from," she wrote in the introduction to her collection, A Necklace Of Skulls. But I am endlessly grateful that they turned up." As are we.

With characteristic pithiness, she ended a poem:

It will be heaven to get out of here.
What happens when you combine crowdsourcing and biodiversity? Citizen Science is the way forward. Here are some initiatives that will help you become a part of this growing trend. /news/talking-point/what-happens-when-you-combine-crowdsourcing-and-biodiversity-111646986161486.html 111646986161486 story

We all know how crowdsourcing works. Information, data and contributions come together to accomplish a common goal. But what happens when you combine crowdsourcing with wildlife and biodiversity?

Heres an example. When Ashutosh Shinde, a wildlife enthusiast and photographer from Mumbai, posted a picture of a mantid on iNaturalist, an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information and a crowdsourced species identification system, he got responses from an urban wildlife biologist in Dallas, US, and an ecologist based in Canterbury, New Zealand. The mantid in the picture was identified as a creobroter, a flower mantis.

iNaturalist is simple to use. You record your observations through its mobile app. It could be anything: an unknown plant or a creature. You then discuss your observations with naturalists spread around the globe.

At its core, iNaturalist is a community of people sharing observations from nature to teach one another and create high-quality observations for science. Go outside, find a living thing and use the iNaturalist app to take a picture to record your observation. iNaturalist will give you automatic suggestions using image-recognition algorithms (image recognition is iPhone-only at the momentstill in development for Android) and by sharing your observation with the iNaturalist community, youll get feedback from the community and your observation may be vetted as research grade, for use by scientists," says Scott Loarie, one of the co-directors at iNaturalist, on email.

Its a facet of citizen science, which has grown in recent years. Take portals and databases like eBird, Zooiniverse, or ConservationFIT, which uses the footprint identification technique (FIT) to monitor endangered species.

Citizen science is the way forward. There are thousands of people who have better knowledge of their surroundings than a dedicated scientist. The key is to collect, preserve and use this knowledge for a good cause. Its like cloud computingwe distribute the work to many people and, yes, an expert will compile all this information to ensure there are no errors," says Jose Louies, who started Indiansnakes.org, a digital snakes database, seven years ago.

iNaturalist started as the masters final project of Nate Agrin, Jessica Kline and Ken-ichi Ueda at the University of California, Berkeley School of Information, in 2008. Ken-ichi and Loarie, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford, set up the company in 2011. Three years ago, iNaturalist was acquired by the California Academy of Sciences. The iNaturalist community now has about 450,000 users, with members being added almost every day. We have about 1,000 people contributing from India," says Loarie.

While iNaturalists primary aim is to connect people with nature, it has reached further, with scientists and organizations such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and the US National Park Service using its data.

Indiansnakes.org is at present mapping Indias big four venomous snakesthe Indian cobra, saw-scaled viper, Russells viper and common krait. This is the first step in the work being done by the Indian team of the Global Snakebite Initiative, an Australian non-profit working to reduce snakebite casualties around the world. And its based entirely on technology and crowdsourcing, with more than 500 volunteers mapping the snakes using a specially designed app that records the date, time and exact GPS location.

The ConservationFIT website suggests the scale that is possible if citizens pitch in: Approximately eight billion people visit protected areas around the world annually, and if even a small number of them upload images of footprints, it could perhaps provide an unprecedented amount of data.
The menace of feral dogs Feral dogs have gone on a rampage, killing 55 chinkaras in just two villages of Rajasthan last month /news/talking-point/the-menace-of-feral-dogs-111646986077834.html 111646986077834 story

The fleet-footed chinkara, the Indian gazelle, is an ace sprinter and can outstrip any pursuit by predators. Found in good numbers in western Rajasthan, the chinkara is now under threat from mans best friendthe dog.

The chinkara, along with the camel, is also the state animal of Rajasthan.

Fifty five chinkaras were reported killed by feral dogs in the first 20 days of July, and that too in two small villages of Jodhpur districtSathin and Denok. The state forest department reports that it is inundated with calls and messages regarding predation by feral dogs and the situation is going from bad to worse.

The situation is similar in other neighbouring districts. On a daily basis we are getting four-five cases of dogs hunting chinkaras. The menace is due to an increase in dog population every year. They are spread out across the countryside, hunting wildlife," says Bhanwar Lal Bishnoi of Dhorimana village in Barmer district.

A recent picture of chinkara killings in the Jodhpur area.

It has taken the Bishnois in the area, who are famous for the protection they extend to nature and animals like chinkaras and blackbucks, completely by surprise. Bhanwar Lal and his friends have been trying to rescue as many chinkaras as they can but its been an uphill task.

After the monsoon rains, the sandy soil turns slippery and sticky, slowing down the chinkara. The dogs use this to their advantage," says wildlife biologist Priya Singh, who has been working on mitigation measures with the forest department.

G.V. Reddy, the chief wildlife warden of Rajasthan, says: The Indira Gandhi Canal has altered the desert districts of Rajasthan. The vast open desert country has turned green under irrigation. As farmlands have increased, so has fencing. Farmers use fine nets to prevent wild herbivores from raiding crops. So when the dogs give chase, the chinkaras often run into these invisible nets and get entangled. After which the dogs just pluck them out.

The state forest department reports that it is inundated with calls and messages regarding predation by feral dogs .

The cause of this problem squarely lies with open garbage which remains unattended in our villages and cities. Street dogs get used to scavenging on garbage and form territorial packs. They multiply rapidly and over time the animals lose their fear of humans and turn feral or, as scientists term them, free-ranging dogs," adds Reddy. R.S. Shekhawat, chief conservator of forests, Jodhpur, has proposed building a dog shelter where the forest department could sterilize 500 male dogs. The estimated cost: around Rs36 lakh.

Free-ranging dogs today pose the biggest threat to wildlife, in Rajasthan and across the country. Our data from Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, and Kutch, Gujurat, shows dogs hunting a range of wild speciesfrom black-naped hare (herbivore) to red fox (carnivore). Feral dogs are even known to attack critically endangered bird species such as the Great Indian Bustard and Bengal florican," says Abi Tamim Vanak, a conservation scientist at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (Atree), Bengaluru. According to members of the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, a wildlife conservation NGO based in Leh, the feral dog problem is acute across Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir too.

In November 2014, American researcher Lauren Hennelly photographed the mating of a rare Himalayan wolf and a feral dog in Spiti Valley. Hennellys documentation showed how deadly pathogens can be passed on and endanger rare megafauna. Dogs are amongst the main carriers of viral pathogens that have been known to cause fatal epidemics in many carnivore species worldwide," says Vanak.

In 2006, members of the Delhi Bird Club saw what feral dogs are capable of at the Sultanpur National Park, a popular bird sanctuary in Haryana, about 50km from Delhia pack of dogs hunted down a nilgai (blue bull), which is probably many times the size and strength of a common stray.

Instances of dog bites, and deaths, have become common in cities too. Conservation scientists like Vanak, who have been focusing on the threat posed by free-ranging dogs on wildlife for a few years, believe drastic measures are needed. Just sterilizing dogs wont be enough. And animal rights group are against culling.

India has the highest population of domestic dogs in the world. In 2014, we had estimated 59 million dogs and in the course of our work we found dogs have attacked at least 84 different speciesbirds, reptiles and mammals. They have also not spared carnivores such as foxes, jackals and wolves. Globally, 188 threatened species are affected by free-ranging and domestic dogs," says Vanak.

In an article Is Wildlife Going To The Dogs?"the science journal BioScience raised an alarm in 2011 about the dog menace for other animals: Impacts of dog predation may be more severe than those of wild predators, it can significantly disrupt an ecosystem." That seems to be what is happening in western Rajasthan today. As the journal put it, mans best friend may not be wildlifes best steward".

Out In The Wild is a column on the good, bad and ugly of nature conservation.
After turning in his best start as a major leaguer Wednesday, allowing one run in seven innings in Oaklands 6-1 win over the Giants, Daniel Gossett was sent back to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.

Obviously, a tough one for us based on the way he pitched, As manager Bob Melvin said of the decision, adding jokingly, I explained to him that when you give up a run, you typically go down to the minor leagues.

With Kendall Graveman coming off the disabled list, Melvin said Gossett was the odd man out based on scheduling; with a day off Monday, the As will go with four starters the next turn through. We didnt want to put him in the bullpen or skip him one time around, Melvin said. We want to keep him pitching.

Chris Smith, who pitched well as a fill-in starter, clearly remains a candidate to rejoin the rotation next week. Gossett is likely to be back in the rotation at some point, but Melvin was not specific about when. I would think at some point in time, he said, but you cant ever guarantee that. ... Hes kind of gone back and forth with his performances, but when you pitch like he did last night, it kind of gets everyones attention.

As flotilla: Oaklands front office showed up for Wednesdays game on boats in McCovey Cove, joined by numerous other As fans sailing out of the Encinal Yacht Club.

It was amazing, As President Dave Kaval said. We want to make this an annual thing, once a year. Its a great way to spur interest in this team and in this rivalry.

Kaval said that McCovey Cove Dave, a kayak regular during games, even traded in his Giants hat for an As hat. We did an exchange in the bay, Kaval said. It was great. We infiltrated San Francisco and one of their most traditional fans left rooting for the As.

The As kept their armada  As-mada?  a secret until the day of the event.

The next hush-hush plan on Oaklands horizon? Expect the team to name Coliseum Gate D after Hall of Fame reliever and Fremont native Dennis Eckersley soon. Dennis Eckersley Bobblehead Day is Aug. 26.

Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

On deck

Friday

at Angels

7:07 p.m. NBCSCA

Cotton (5-8)

vs. T. Scribner (1-0)

Saturday

at Angels

6:07 p.m. NBCSCA

Blackburn (2-1)

vs. Skaggs (1-1)

Sunday

at Angels

12:37 p.m. NBCSCA

Manaea (8-6)

vs. Nolasco (5-12)

Leading off

Delivery service: Adam Rosales, traded Monday, traveled light because Arizona arrives at AT&T Park on Friday. Steve Vucinich brought over six boxes of Rosales stuff and left them in the visitors clubhouse for him.

 Susan Slusser
The fire that broke out around Grizzly Peak on Wednesday may have been arson, UC Berkeley police said, and authorities are investigating a confrontation among motorists that preceded the hillside blaze.

The fire, which burned 20 acres in the Oakland hills, began hours after Oakland police responded to an 8 a.m. confrontation among three motorists who were involved in a collision on Grizzly Peak Boulevard, near the Fish Ranch Road intersection. One of the motorists got out of his car, pulled a gun on another motorist, then fled the scene.
A burst of gunfire from a group of men in San Franciscos Dolores Park, some of them wearing bandannas on their faces, wounded three people Thursday afternoon and sent hundreds of others scrambling for cover, police and witnesses said.

Two of the victims, both men, were initially in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital, authorities said. The third victim, a boy, was a minor whose condition was being withheld, said hospital spokesman Brent Andrew.

In the evening, Andrew said that one of the men was discharged, with the other remaining in critical condition, with unspecified injuries.

Witnesses saw several people speeding away from the park in a car after the 3 p.m. shootings, said Officer Grace Gatpandan, a police spokeswoman. No arrests have been made.

The gunfire shocked people who packed into the Mission District park on a warm afternoon, many of them parents and children. People who live near Dolores Park said violence there is rare and shootings all but unheard of.

Several witnesses said the shootings happened after about half a dozen men started shouting and acting threateningly on the bridge that leads into the park from 19th and Church streets. The men appeared to be in their late teens or early 20s and some of them wore bandannas that covered all but their eyes, the witnesses said.

One man, who goes by the name Hatter, said several park regulars had confronted the group and that he heard people yelling. Hatter said he went up there to mediate and make sure everything was OK and nobody was fighting.

As Hatter approached, he said, he heard somebody shout, Theyre strapped, bro! A second later, he said, one of the men pulled out a handgun and fired six to seven rounds in rapid succession  an account confirmed by multiple witnesses.

Two people directly behind Hatter were struck by bullets, one in the head and one in the leg, he said. Hatter escaped with only some shrapnel to his leg, he said, perhaps from a ricochet.

I normally can handle (myself) well in these situations, but I was pretty sure I had just lost my life, he said.

Other witnesses said the men then scattered into the neighborhood.

Josh Long of San Francisco said he had been standing about 20 yards from the shootings. He saw one blood-covered victim writhing on the ground and a man wearing a heather-gray hoodie pulled up over his head sprinting away.

The park was packed with kids, packed with people at the time, said another witness, Antonia Juhasz. She said she was reading a book on a bench in the southwest corner of the park when she heard popping sounds that reminded her of firecrackers. But when she glanced in the direction from which the sound had come, she got a glimpse through some trees of an extended arm holding a handgun.

Juhasz said she immediately became aware of how many children were nearby  both at the playground below her and running around the grassy hills. The children and their parents seemed unconcerned and she assumed that they, too, thought the sound was fireworks. She yelled its a gun and started shooing children to get down on the ground before realizing she should take cover herself. She then crouched behind a trash can and called 911.

All over the park, people began to panic as they realized theyd heard gunshots. Some dove into the grass, covering their heads. Others crouched behind trees or benches. And others fled into the streets around the park.

Juhasz said when she stood up again a few minutes after the shots were fired, she saw two victims, both lying on the ground at the base of the bridge above the Miguel Hidalgo statue. Both men appeared to be bleeding, and one victim was covered in bandages and was not looking good, Juhasz said.

In the hours after the shooting, a tangled mess of clothing and a pair of flip-flops were visible at the end of the bridge where the victims were shot. Crime scene technicians were going over the scene.

It wasnt a sight that people who live near the park were used to.

Ive lived here for years, and this doesnt happen, Juhasz said. Its awful, actually.

A neighborhood resident, Jason Lopezjones, said the shootings were an indication that we need more police presence in the park. ... There are all sorts of shady characters and non-park-like activity, when you think of a family park.

San Francisco Chronicle

staff writer Filipa Ioannou contributed to this report.

Erin Allday, Michael Bodley and Amy Graff are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com, mbodley@sfchronicle.com and agraff@sfgate.com Twitter: @erinallday, @michael_bodley, @bayareamoms
The Darkening Web: The War for Cyberspace

By Alexander Klimburg

Penguin Press. 420 pp. $30

---

Alexander Klimburg's "The Darkening Web: The War for Cyberspace" articulates a powerful central thesis: The Internet has arrived at a historical inflection point, the author asserts, and today has become an arena for a massive international security competition fought in an increasingly Hobbesian ecosystem of digital aggression and overt information warfare.

Nation-states of the 21st century, Klimburg explains, have become inextricably bound to "a digital Great Game - a chessboard on which their respective interests can be advanced, and key points captured, all toward the notion of occupying the commanding heights of what will be the dominant domain of the future: cyberspace." Far from the Web's early ethos as a benign realm for borderless information-sharing and communication, "states are making cyberspace a domain of conflict, and therefore increasingly threatening the overall stability and security not only of the Internet but also of our very societies."

It's unfortunate that Klimburg's book is diffuse, unfocused and feathered with egocentric first-person flourishes. Had the author presented his thoughts with more discipline and concision, his arguments might have had more impact. For the tale he tells is a chilling one.

A recent wave of cyberattacks that has spread around the world vividly dramatizes Klimburg's argument that states have pried open a technological Pandora's box that is rapidly reordering the global threat environment. In May, 200,000 computers in more than 150 countries were infected with the WannaCry malware virus, shutting down hospitals, rail traffic and production lines in an offensive that the Department of Homeland Security attributes to North Korea. In June another hack against Ukraine, which that country accuses Russia of instigating, spread to 2,000 targets in 65 countries. Remarkably, in both cases the attacks used cyberweapons stolen from the U.S. National Security Agency by a group called the Shadow Brokers, which first offered the malicious code for sale about one year ago.

Both the NSA debacle and many of the seminal disclosures related to the Kremlin's intervention in the 2016 U.S. presidential election - including Russian probes and possible penetration attempts into 21 state election systems - occurred after Klimburg completed his manuscript. Yet his treatment of Russia's vision of the Internet and its hyper-aggressive quest for supremacy in cyberspace still constitutes the most illuminating and absorbing passages in "The Darkening Web."

Applied domestically as an instrument of political control and internationally to advance a strategy of destabilization, Moscow's doctrine of cyber-dominance is ominous and increasingly effective. Klimburg cites a study concluding that "Russian Internet users have become so inured to the Kremlin narrative of the Internet as a tool of Western powers that two out of five Russians distrust foreign media and nearly half of Russians believe foreign news web sites need to be censored." RT, the television station formerly known as Russia Today, has a budget that rivals the world's largest media group, the BBC World Service. In the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin, RT is determined to break the "Anglo-Saxon monopoly on global information streams."

Supplementing its propaganda machine, the Kremlin employs hundreds of Internet trolls to spread disinformation and post antagonistic commentary in Western media, messages like "Putin makes Obama look weak!"

In Ukraine, a "Russian propaganda warfare offensive" was central to the 2014 occupation of Crimea and included fabricated claims that babies had been crucified by Ukrainian soldiers. "Russia's philosophy of information conflict is much older than the United States'," Klimburg observes. "In many ways, the rise of cyberspace has breathed new life into former Soviet military strategy." The author quotes a former KGB colonel on the Kremlin's effort to both sow discord among the United States and its allies and weaken American political institutions: "The most common subcategory of active measures is (BEGIN ITAL)dezinformatsiya ... (END ITAL) or disinformation: feverish, if believable lies cooked up by Moscow Centre and planted in friendly media outlets to make democratic nations look sinister."

"The Darkening Web" would be a better book if its six disjointed sections and 19 chapters, including a conclusion and epilogue, were substantially restructured and compressed. Much of the history of the Internet from the 1990s is more academic than essential, forcing the reader to join a sometimes tedious slog retracing "the individual footsteps in the sands of the history of the cyber-space domain." Acronyms abound, sometimes incomprehensibly: "This definition of IO clearly and troublingly puts equal emphasis on the CNO task and the psychological warfare components, PSYOPS and MILDEC." Personal conclusions by the author can be pedantic: "I have become increasingly doubtful that the Smith-Mundt Act - which has been amended a number of times since the 1950s - was really a bulwark against propaganda that could also inadvertently be consumed by US persons."

There are also peculiar discontinuities between Klimburg's analysis and prescriptive recommendations. The author correctly notes that within the United Nations there is a fierce geopolitical conflict over the future of the Internet, with Russia, China and many Arab states coalesced in one bloc and the United States and its allies in another. Klimburg is right that the "ideological differences between the Free Internet nations and the Cyber-sovereignty advocates is not too far away from the ideological confrontation that defined the Cold War." Although these two blocs are irreconcilably divided, the author proposes that the U.N. First Committee should be the driving force behind a new initiative to solve the horrendously complex international crisis in cybersecurity. It is a wholly unrealistic notion. With the exception the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War, major powers in the U.N. system have almost never achieved consensus or mounted effective engagement in response to the hardest international security challenges, of which cybersecurity is certainly one.

Finally, despite its breadth and grand ambitions, "The Darkening Web" traverses little new intellectual territory. Klimburg devotes considerable effort to explaining the governance structure for the Internet, a theme already comprehensively addressed in the work of the outstanding scholar Laura DeNardis. While the author's conclusion that global powers have weaponized the Internet is self-evidently true, that book has already been written by Wall Street Journal reporter Shane Harris, in his methodically researched 2014 work, "@War: The Rise of the Internet-Military Complex." And while the evolution of American offensive cyber-capabilities is a subject of obvious import and interest, that narrative has already been written, too - by Slate columnist Fred Kaplan in his fascinating "Dark Territory: The Secret History of Cyber War," published while Klimburg was composing his own study.

As "The Darkening Web" demonstrates, explaining cyberspace and its acute geopolitical and geostrategic disruption is profoundly challenging; it is a history hurtling ahead at Internet speed.

---

Goldstein is an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Gonzo247, the high-profile Houston aerosol artist who created the "Houston is Inspired" mural downtown and many other popular public artworks, turns 45 on Monday.

He's received a big present  the biggest blank wall of his career, in fact, at 5900 Canal Street in the East End, where he grew up. But his signature style won't be evident there.
The classic American Western is an endangered species.

You're more likely to find a meta-movie that comments on the near-extinction of the genre - such as "The Hero," in which former cowboy actor Sam Elliott plays a former cowboy actor - than you are to come across a rootin'-tootin' example of what is sometimes known as the leathers-and-feathers genre. How long has it been since the Coen brothers' remake of "True Grit"? Seven long years. And 2015's "The Revenant" feels like something of a fluke.

And yet, since making his screenwriting debut with "Sicario," actor-turned-filmmaker Taylor Sheridan has almost single-handedly reinvented the moribund art form, cranking out one contemporary cowboy parable after another. Set on the frontier of the drug war between the United States and Mexico, that 2015 film was followed up by last year's "Hell or High Water," a bank robbery shoot-'em-up set against the backdrop of a West Texas landscape still devastated from the 2008 financial crisis. Both Oscar-nominated films explore classic Western themes of morality and frontier justice: reward and punishment that sometimes fall outside the letter of the law, yet within a strict code of honor.

Both also deal with the idea of conflict and cooperation between the white man and the Other (whether that means the Native American, in the case of "Hell," or, in the case of "Sicario," the Mexican).

Sheridan's latest film - and his impressive directorial debut - is "Wind River," a loosely fact-based thriller about the investigation of the murder of a Native American teenage girl on Wyoming's Wind River reservation. It reunites Jeremy Renner, playing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer Cory Lambert, with his co-star from two "Avengers" movies, Elizabeth Olsen, as F.B.I. agent Jane Banner. In many ways, the film interrogates the cliches and caricatures of the cowboys-and-Indians movie, simultaneously acknowledging them even as it knocks them down.

Sheridan, in a phone interview, puts it this way: "I work very hard to line up stereotypes and then smash them with a hammer."

Cory, for example, is in many ways the paradigm of the lone, laconic gunslinger. Renner, in a separate interview, describes his character as less cowboy than "cowboy-esque" - a man defined not by what he says, but by what he does, in the manner of John Wayne. Sure, Renner says, he might wear a white, wide-brimmed hat, and he doesn't say much, but he's a much more sensitive, newfangled version of the familiar heroic archetype: "emotionally soft," in Renner's words, but by no means weak - not to mention haunted by his own tragedy.

Practicing what Renner calls a form of cowboy "meditation," Cory makes his own bullets, hand-loading rifle cartridges with gunpowder at a workbench in his home. It's not merely a demonstration of his self-reliance, Renner says, but a form of new-age therapy.

"We're not on the Oregon Trail anymore," he says. "We're on Twitter and Instagram."

Olsen says she sees Jane - a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Fed on temporary assignment to the Southwest - as a takeoff on another old trope: the new sheriff in town. Not only is she a woman in a man's world, she's also a Caucasian who is out of her element on the reservation.

"Taylor wanted to explore what happens when a white, blond female comes in to solve a crime," she says. "I don't know what I'm doing, and I need help. I don't understand how to navigate this world."

To be fair, the world of "Wind River" is an especially complicated one, with Cory working side-by side with the tribal police chief (Graham Greene), while also encountering friction - and outright hostility - when he and Jane show up at a squalid shack belonging to several drug-addicted Native suspects. The movie might not present a flattering portrait of reservation life, but, as Sheridan points out, who would want that?

"Sugarcoating doesn't do anybody any good," he says of the film's frank portrayal of Native American struggles. "It's not vilifying Native Americans to show issues with substance abuse. Those very issues, in different ways, strike at the very core of all people under emotional and financial pressure. They exist in every class and culture."

In Sheridan's view, that sometimes brutal honesty doesn't fly in the face of the film's appeal, but, rather, explains it - especially with the Native American community. "Wind River" was, in large part, made possible by an investment from the Tunica-Biloxi Economic Development Corp., a Louisiana-based tribal business that operates Native American gambling casinos, and that was looking for opportunities to invest in films that raise awareness about Native American culture, warts and all.

"Out of the blue, we got a call from the Tunica-Biloxi tribe," Sheridan says, recalling the 2015 conversation he had with a tribal representative. "I'd been on the call for 20 minutes, and they suddenly said, 'Wait a minute - you're not Native American?' 'No, bro,' I said. 'I'm Irish.' "

Sheridan attributes his ear for what he calls the "vernacular" rhythms of Native American speech, behavior and life to his West Texas upbringing. Although there are few Indians left in his home state - they've all been forcibly relocated to Oklahoma - the time Sheridan spent visiting friends on various reservations has convinced him that, thanks to years of cohabitation and cross-pollination - and, yes, conflict - there are now as many similarities as differences between today's cowboys and Indians.

In the film, for example, Cory's ex-wife is Arapaho, and they have a son together.

But the tale of the evolving relationship between the white man and the Native American is nowhere better illustrated, according to Sheridan, than in one of "Wind River's" final scenes. In it, Cory and the murdered girl's father Martin (Gil Birmingham, with face painted), are sitting next to each other on the ground, each of the men having experienced profound loss.

"You've got the guy with the cowboy hat sitting next to the guy with his face painted," Sheridan says, "and the scene starts with Cory saying, "What's with the paint?' Martin tells him: 'It's my death face.' 'And how do you know what that is?' asks Cory. Martin is like, 'I don't. I just made it up.' "

That conversation, Sheridan says, encapsulates so much that is true and contradictory about the modern West: not just its stubbornly lingering cliches, but the sense that something is, inevitably, slipping away.

"Right there," Sheridan says, metaphorical hammer in hand, "I just wreck it."
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TVs popular tree house whisperer travels to the Hill Country tonight to help a Houston couple fulfill their dream of a rustic Western-themed, double-decker hideout complete with spectacular view.

On this episode of Animal Planets Treehouse Masters, host and designer Pete Nelson creates a living space within a motte of oak trees 30 miles northwest of San Antonio in Kendall County. In a clip from the show, the couple, Huw Pierce and his wife, Jennifer, say they plan to use the tree house as a peaceful getaway from their busy lives.

Theres no better place to hide than up in a tree, Huw says.

An outlaw tree house! I can feel the tumbleweed tickling my tree house fingers, Nelson quips.

According to an emailed description, the tree house is fitted with reclaimed wood both inside and out, a saloon-style first floor for sipping sarsaparilla, topped off with a queen bed to unwind after a long day of riding.

Naturally, this adult tree house requires electricity  including air conditioning to beat the Texas heat.

RELATED: Pop superstar with S.A. roots gets Kennedy honor

Nelson and his team also construct a wrap-around deck and a glass floor for keeping watch below.

Watch the episode, Hill Country Hideout, at 9 p.m. on Animal Planet.

Since 2013, when Treehouse Masters debuted, Nelson has dedicated his life to granting people's dreams of turning peaceful nooks in nature into magnificent and lofty escapes.

He and his team execute the most outrageous tree houses designed to delight every whimsy, form and function. Whether he's building multi-bedroom tree houses with state-of-the-art kitchens and bathrooms or simple one-room escapes, Nelson does his best to create breathtaking tree houses with incredible views.

His creations are tailored to every taste and budget, ranging in price from $200,000 to less than $10,000.

The show has risen to a kind of pop culture status and has been mentioned on FXXs romantic comedy Youre the Worst as the favorite show of British lead Jimmy Shive-Overly.

RELATED: Inside the $1.69 million San Antonio home making national headlines

jjakle@express-news.net
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Former president Barack Obama's is enjoying his retirement glow-up  vacationing in Martha's Vineyard and kitesurfing in the Virgin Islands  but he's not too caught up living his best life he can't congratulate two Texas newlyweds.

UTSA student Brooke Allen tweeted on July 31 "hollering" to the world that Barack and Michelle Obama had responded to her mom, Liz Whitlow, who had sent them an invite to her March wedding.

RELATED: President Obama replies to San Antonio Cub Scout's message

"MY MOM DEADASS SENT THE OBAMAS A WEDDING INVITATION BACK IN MARCH AND JUST RECEIVED THIS IN THE MAIL. IM HOLLERING," her tweet with more than 149,000 likes and 32,000 retweets reads.

The business administration major said her mom found a list of addresses for people like the Obamas, Mickey and Minnie, Ellen Degeneres and J.J. Watt, where people can send requests for greetings.

Whitlow married her husband, Eddie Edgar, in Pearland. The Obamas weren't able to attend, but they did send their well wishes in a card that Allen  and thousands of other Twitter users are thrilled about.

"Congratulations on your wedding. We hope that your marriage is blessed with love, laughter, and happiness and that your bond grows stronger with each passing year," reads a message printed on official Office of Barack and Michelle Obama stationery. "This occasion marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership, and as you embark on this journey, know you have our very best for the many joys and adventures that lie ahead."

RELATED: President George W. Bush, first lady get standing ovation at Central Texas cafe during surprise stop

Allen said Mickey and Minnie also responded, but she was really excited about the note from the Obamas.

"We both thought it was pretty cool! I was not aware that you could send them things like that so I freaked out a little more than she did," Allen said.

She wasn't the only one  hundreds responded with notes they had received from the 44th president congratulating them on marriages, graduation and births.

A form on the website for The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama gives people the opportunity to "request a greeting" from the couple for birthdays, condolences, Eagle and Girl Scout awards, graduations, military retirements, weddings and anniversaries.

Though the Obamas have pre-written messages for each special occasion, the sentiment is still appreciated by other people like Allen and other newlyweds who have received a note in the mail.

"Wish I had something to invite them to," Twitter user @tatiana responded to the viral tweet. "Maybe my 40th birthday party. I just want to write the Obamas, hug them, tell them I miss them."

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
Call it the kindness of strangers, a simple gift. Or call it what you will. We know it when we see it and this vignette from DeKalb, Indiana, is the real thing. The deed surely will not be forgotten by 11-year-old Phil Mick.

At Christmastime last year, Phil and his mother, Tammy Mick, attended an event held by a motorcycle shop in DeKalb for families who couldn't afford a holiday celebration. There they met Brent Warfield of KDZ Motorcycle Sales & Service.

Phil's mother confided to Warfield that her son had been getting physically bullied for the past two years. Mick told The Washington Post she suspected it after he came home with bruises. Kids at his school would hit, punch and call Phil names, she said. The 11-year-old told WTSP he was being bullied for being overweight.

The boy's plight struck a chord with Warfield. "I was bullied when I was younger," he told The Washington Post. "I know what it's like to be picked on."

"I told his mom, 'I've got a bunch of big-hearted biker friends who would love to help.' "

A couple of days before the start of school this week, Warfield took Phil to the mall to get new clothes and some school supplies.

Then Warfield, who is the director of United Motorcycle Enthusiasts, put a message on his Facebook page inviting Indiana bikers to escort Phil to school. He wrote, "Were hopefully going to make a positive [impact] for Phil and hopefully show the other kids that bullying isn't cool."

The first day of school rolled around Aug. 1. That morning, a group of bikers met Phil and his mom for breakfast at Richard's, a local restaurant. When they left, people on bikes were out in the parking lot, Warfield said. Some of the bikers had traveled over an hour to escort Phil to school. Some took the day off work.

Before the ride, a member from the Christian Motorcyclists Association led a prayer wishing Phil a safe school year. There they were, gathered in a circle, heads bowed, all the new friends of Phil.

Going to school can be tough, the prayer leader said. "You know, Lord, that there are people out there that are just not nice. . . . Lord, I ask that you make your presence known to Phil as he goes to school, not just today, but all through the school year. Let him know that you are there with him, that he can lean on you. . . . Amen."

Phil hopped on the back of a bike for his first motorcycle ride, and the group, resplendent on their Harleys and in their leather jackets, thundered down the street.

The glorious growl of 50 big bike engines reverberated off the brick walls of DeKalb Middle School as they pulled up, sending a message no one could miss.

Principal Matt Vince fully approved, he told the Brown County Democrat. "Standing up against bullying - we need more of that. And they did it in a positive way."

"Phil was just in heaven. He wasn't apprehensive or scared. He walked in with confidence," Warfield said. "This is his new start. He was happy as heck."

Warfield said the work isn't over. The Indiana motorcyclists have organized a suicide awareness and teen bullying ride scheduled for late September. Phil plans to speak at the event.

As for Phil, he hasn't stopped smiling, his mother said. He told her, she said, that "he has new brothers and sisters watching over him."

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Video: Phil Mick says he's been bullied over the past two years and contemplated suicide. On Aug.1, a group of DeKalb, Ind., bikers escorted him to his first day of middle school. (Amber Ferguson/The Washington Post)

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http://wapo.st/2u76MrK)

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- President Donald Trump on Thursday forcefully dismissed allegations of collusion between his campaign and Russia as "a total fabrication," blaming the ongoing controversy on Democrats who still can't get over the 2016 election results.

"The reason why Democrats only talk about the totally made-up Russia story is because they have no message, no agenda and no vision," Trump said at a boisterous rally at an arena packed with supporters. "The Russia story is a total fabrication. It's just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics. It just makes them feel better when they have nothing else to talk about."
The new addition to the public safety facility, Governors Plaza, is officially in the works.

As discussed at Tuesdays City Council meeting, a change order to IMPACT Strategies to include the plaza at the public safety facility site for $116,836 was recommended for approval by the Public Safety Committee.

The plaza will be constructed with concrete and feature five pillars with five silhouettes of state governors that have made an impact on the city. Each silhouette will have lights on it and include background information on the governors.

Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton said the governors that will be selected are those who have made a contribution to the citys upbringing.

Those five pillars will have a bronzing of a former governor of the state of Illinois that had either lived in Edwardsville or stayed in Edwardsville for a small amount of time and contributed to our city as well as the state, Patton said.

There will be some landscaping to the site; however, Patton said the city plans to keep it simple.

Well put some landscaping  very subtle. Were not going to put a whole lot of trees into this project. We have a beautiful building. This will be a wonderful gathering point for the community if you want to meet and talk about the history of Edwardsville or the history of this property and the Robinson family, Patton said.

The site will also include a fountain, a sidewalk with lighting and benches. The plaza will be funded using the citys Community Development Fund, which was utilized for the Governor Edwards Plaza next to TheBANK of Edwardsville.

Its an enhancement fund and I think this is a wonderful enhancement project for that property, Patton said

We think its just going to really finish off the property and make it even more special than what we see with the spray n play park and the public safety building. This will complete the endeavors of the 90 acres that we purchased from the county. I think its going to be similar to what weve seen with the Governor Edwards Plaza, he added.

As discussion came to a close, alderman Will Krause offered compliments to the contractors who helped construct the brick retaining wall as well on the site.

Compliments to the brick retaining wall that is there now. I know that was individually hand-painted and it looks spectacular, Krause said.

Despite alderman Art Risavys excused absence, all present Council members were in favor of approval. It carried unanimously.

For more information about the public safety facility site, visit the city of Edwardsvilles website at www.cityofedwardsville.com.
A Madison County judge has ruled that a state law barring voters from taking pictures of themselves in the act of voting  or of their ballots  is unconstitutional.

The ruling is vindication for William R. Rogers.

He had claimed that on Nov. 8, 2016, he went to his polling place in Wood River where one of the election clerks barred him from taking a ballot selfie of the incident.

Two weeks later, attorney Peter Maag filed a small claims complaint against the Madison County Clerks office. He challenged the constitutionality of the 10 ILCS 5/29-9, which reads, in part:

any person who knowingly marks his ballot or casts his vote on a voting machine or voting device so that it can be observed by another person, and any person who knowingly observes another person lawfully marking a ballot or lawfully casting his vote on a voting machine or voting device, shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Maag argued that the law is an unconstitutional restriction on Rogerss free speech rights to proudly display his participation in the electoral process.

But Joseph Devereaux, an attorney representing the County Clerks office, said the election official was merely upholding a state law that serves important governmental interests by preserving the integrity of the voting process and the secrecy of the ballot and prohibiting vote buying, voter coercion and voter intimidation.

Smartphones have increased the risk of voter intimidation, he argued later in his complaint. Without the law, employers, unions and religious groups could encourage their members to upload images of their marked ballots to prove their commitment to a cause or candidate. Those who declined to post a selfie could be swiftly outed and subjected to retaliation, argued Devereaux, an attorney with Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard PC.

The law, he added, preserves the privacy of other voters and reduces delays and distractions at the poll. Those taking ballot selfies may inadvertently capture the ballots of other voters who did not wish to have their ballots publicized, Devereaux wrote. Allowing people to take selfies with their completed ballots could also add delays. For instance, it is not only plausible but likely that the time spent waiting to cast your ballot would increase due to the need of others to snap the perfect shot to post to their Facebook account, Devereaux wrote. Rogers, he continued, had many other options for expressing his pride in participating in the election process, options that do not include publishing his completed ballot.

The Illinois State Board of Elections is advising county clerk offices not to encourage voters to take selfies at their polling place.

In the meantime, Madison County Clerk Debbie Ming-Mendoza said she will be advising her election judges to use common sense now more than ever. The ruling by Judge Harrison is pending a hearing on Oct. 6. And the ruling itself does not address the county clerks office policies but the narrower question of the constitutionality of the state law.

I will instruct the judges as to what the decision is and hopefully by the time we start voting in November well have something final, she said. They need to continue to make sure of the protections of the person in the booth next to the person taking the selfie.

Still, very, very few people have become upset because an election judge would not allow them to take a selfie, Ming-Mendoza added.

Im not against a parent taking a picture of their child voting for the first time, and Im not against candidates who want to take a photograph of themselves, Ming-Mendoza said. I simply say Whats the harm in waiting until you get outside the polling place to take that picture?

The ballot selfies question arose as a national issue in November. According to a review by the Associated Press, 18 states have laws against sharing any photo of your ballot while 19 states allow them. Six other states bar photography in polling places but do allow photos of mail-in ballots.
Lawrence Pezzullo, an American diplomat who brokered the 1979 resignation of Nicaraguan strongman Anastasio Somoza Debayle, whose family had ruled the country for more than four decades, died July 26 at his home in Baltimore. He was 91.

The cause was heart ailments, said a son, Ralph Pezzullo.

A career Foreign Service officer, Pezzullo was known as a straight-talking pragmatist, more interested in facilitating negotiations than relaying threats of military action - a fact that sometimes placed him at odds with his superiors in Washington.

He was serving as U.S. ambassador to Uruguay when President Jimmy Carter reassigned him to Nicaragua in April 1979. His predecessor in Managua, Mauricio Solaun, had abruptly resigned amid the escalating civil war between the left-wing Sandinista National Liberation Front and the Somoza government.

Somoza, a rotund five-star general known as El Jefe, had promised to "fight to the death" rather than relinquish the political power that his family had exerted since the late 1930s, when his father, head of Nicaragua's National Guard, seized power and established the Somoza dynasty.

The family had long presented itself as a bulwark against communism in Central America, and long had the backing of the United States during the Cold War. But Carter began to make human rights a cornerstone of his foreign policy, and the Somoza family received strong criticism for its abuses.

The Nicaraguan National Guard had reportedly tortured civilians as part of its campaign against the Sandinista guerrilla fighters, and helicopters were dropping 500-pound bombs on shantytowns near Managua.

Pezzullo, a veteran diplomat with experience in Vietnam, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia and Guatemala, was tasked with convincing Somoza to resign, thereby bringing the war to an end.

Pezzullo held private meetings with Somoza for three weeks, often in the general's underground bunker in Managua, before Somoza relented, describing himself as "a tied donkey fighting with a tiger."

Somoza eventually settled in Paraguay, where he was assassinated in 1980 by bazooka-wielding members of a leftist Argentine guerrilla group. In Nicaragua, the Sandinista ruling junta observed his death by declaring a "national day of celebration."

The country was led by Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega until free elections in 1990 handed power to the opposition. Ortega returned as president in 2007 and was reelected in 2011 and 2016.

Pezzullo initially sought to moderate the junta's political views, plying it with planeloads of aid from Washington and insisting that he was there as a potential partner, not as an enemy.

And in a small yet powerful gesture at reconciliation, he moved out of the old ambassador's residence, a hillside mansion that had long served as a symbol of U.S. dominance in the country. His son Ralph said that Pezzullo frequently hosted Sandinista leaders at his new, smaller home, imploring them to stop trafficking weapons to left-wing rebels in El Salvador.

He largely succeeded, with Nicaragua's foreign minister calling him "the best U.S. ambassador to Nicaragua in this century." Yet with the election of President Ronald Reagan in 1980, the State Department began to treat Nicaragua as a menace.

Pezzullo insisted the threat was overstated. He recalled telling Secretary of State Alexander Haig in 1981: "I'm not saying they're going to turn Nicaragua into Connecticut, but I think we can deal with these fellows. And I think we can prevent them from doing stupid things, and causing problems in the hemisphere. I think that is a cheaper way to go about it, than to get into some sort of John Wayne approach."

Months later, however, Pezzullo was replaced as ambassador. Reagan subsequently authorized the CIA to provide funding and arms to the contras, a group of conservative-aligned revolutionaries. The resulting conflict between the guerrillas and the government resulted in the deaths of more than 30,000 Nicaraguans and allegations of widespread human rights abuses.

Lawrence Anthony Pezzullo was born in the Bronx on May 3, 1926, to a family of immigrants from Italy. His father owned several New York City butcher shops and fruit stands.

Pezzullo graduated from Columbia University in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in history and taught at a high school before entering the Foreign Service in 1957.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, the former Josephine DiMattia of Baltimore and Naples, Florida; three children, Ralph Pezzullo of Los Angeles and David Pezzullo and Susan Pezzullo Johnston, both of Naples; and seven grandchildren.

In 1983, Pezzullo became the first layman to lead the Catholic Relief Services, the church's foreign-aid arm in the United States. While he was credited by some with modernizing the organization, he left in 1993 amid concerns that it was too slow in delivering aid to drought victims in Ethiopia.

That March, he was appointed special envoy to Haiti by newly elected President Bill Clinton, charged with coordinating the White House's efforts to restore power to the country's president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Aristide had been ousted in a military coup the previous year, and some of his supporters had been killed or tortured. Pezzullo helped negotiate a United Nations agreement that granted amnesty to the soldiers and military leaders who committed the crimes, in exchange for Aristide's return to power.

But the military failed to step aside, and Pezzullo was blasted by organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the National Coalition of Haitian Refugees, which described Pezzullo and the White House as contributing to a "reign of terror" in Haiti.

Pezzullo was forced to resign in April 1994, as the Clinton administration moved from a policy of negotiation to one of forceful intervention, with thousands of U.S. troops occupying the country for six months in 1994 and 1995.

Aristide was restored to the presidency, but the country's political system ultimately devolved into chaos. Aristide was reelected in 2000, but there were allegations of electoral fraud, and he fled the country four years later during a second coup.

"We're a developed nation that is accustomed to quick answers because we produce quick answers in almost every other area," Pezzullo told the New York Times in 1981. "But when you throw yourself into a revolution, there are no quick answers. The questions are easy - Where is it going? Who are the new leaders? and so - but answers are impossible."
The Trump administration is set to deal a blow to billionaire investor and presidential adviser Carl Icahn by rejecting his bid to relieve refiners of a burden to satisfy U.S. biofuel mandates, according to people briefed on the move.

The Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to formally deny requests by Valero Energy Corp., Icahn's CVR Energy Inc. and other oil companies to shift the compliance burden for using ethanol and other biofuels away from refiners, moving it to fuel blenders and other entities instead. The people asked not to be identified discussing the policy action before it was announced, possibly before the end of this week.

The EPA proposed rejecting the change last November under former President Barack Obama. But analysts had raised the prospect of a reversal amid pressure from Icahn, who serves as an unpaid special regulatory adviser to President Donald Trump.

Current law obligates refiners and importers to meet annual quotas for using biodiesel and traditional renewable fuel such as ethanol. Refiners are affected unevenly by the mandates; those that don't have infrastructure to blend in the biofuels themselves must instead buy credits to comply.

As a result of this setup, Icahn has complained that the current program structure is "rigged" as it forces some refiners to buy those credits, known as "renewable identification numbers."

Those so-called RINs are produced with each physical gallon of biofuel but are separated from the physical commodity once it is blended into motor vehicle fuel.

Critics say the program structure is vulnerable to abuse and has been exploited by fraudsters who pretended to produce biofuel and then sold fake credits. Supporters of the change to the point of obligation also said it would help tamp down volatility in the market.

Trump Adviser Icahn Lobbies for Rule Change That Benefits Icahn

But some biofuel producers, including South Dakota-based POET, have warned that any major structural shift would inject uncertainty into a $15 billion credits market. Rob Walther, POET's vice president of federal advocacy, said keeping the current program structure would be "a huge win for the biofuels industry."

"Changes to the point of obligation would create market confusion, raise fuel prices and remove incentives for offering cleaner-burning biofuel blends to consumers across the country," Walther said by email.

Icahn wasn't immediately available for comment, a spokeswoman said.

RINs tracking 2017 ethanol consumption were unchanged at 86.5 cents apiece. Prices have nearly tripled since they traded at 30 cents at the end of February, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Biodiesel RINs rose 1.9 percent to $1.07 apiece. Prices for that variety have increased 53 percent since February.

The move follows a U.S. federal court ruling against the government's 2016 slate of biofuel quotas and could intensify pressure on refiners, said Benjamin Salisbury, an analyst with FBR Capital Markets & Co., in a research note to clients.

"The decision will leave the burden to purchase RINs to comply with the ethanol mandate at the refiner level and follows previous headwinds from the D.C. Court ruling on July 28 that could require refiners to make up a 500 million gallon compliance shortfall from 2016," Salisbury said.

A host of independent refiners with limited fuel blending infrastructure had formally asked the EPA to make the change, including Delta Air Lines's Monroe Energy, Alon Refining Krotz Springs and HollyFrontier Corp. The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers trade group also formally requested the shift.

But the American Petroleum Institute -- which represents some of the world's largest oil companies, including ExxonMobil, BP and Royal Dutch Shell - opposed the move. It also has been fought by some fuel retailers that have made money selling the compliance credits they generate when mixing ethanol into gasoline, such as Murphy USA and Casey's General Stores.
MEXICO CITY -- The leaked transcript of a phone call between President Donald Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto published Thursday by The Washington Post left some Mexicans flabbergasted, even in a country where politics is commonly called surreal and where embarrassing phone calls by politicians are often filtered to the press.

One popular Mexican radio host compared the call to a "Saturday Night Live" skit. Others said that Trump was using tough talk to threaten the Mexican leader as if he were a Trump employee.

Pena Nieto appeared patient throughout the call, winning some rare praise from a population unhappy with his presidency. He politely told Trump - again - that Mexico would not pay to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border.

"My position has been and will continue to be very firm, saying that Mexican cannot pay for the wall," Pena Nieto told Trump in the January phone call.

"You cannot say that to the press. The press is going to with that, and I cannot live with that," Trump replied. "If you're not going to say that Mexico is not going to pay for the wall, then I do not want to meet with you guys anymore because I cannot live with that." He then went on to boast that he could make Pena Nieto so popular that he could get lawmakers to change the Mexican constitution so that he could seek reelection.

The Post obtained the transcripts of phone calls Trump made a week after his inauguration to both Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulll.

Of the call to the Mexican president, Fernando Dworak, an independent political analyst in Mexico City, said: "It's one thing to negotiate as a businessman and another as a president. Giving instructions to leaders of other countries is following this script, which is not only imperial, but completely useless for diplomacy."

Others, however, criticized Pena Nieto's posture during the call and said the Mexican leader needed to be more assertive in sticking up for Mexican interests.

"If the Mexican president had taken a clearer and stronger stand he could have been able to improve his position internally - politically and public-opinion wise," said Carlos Bravo Regidor, professor at the Center for Teaching and Research in Economics in Mexico City. "The position he assumed from the beginning was weak. Maybe because he is weak."

Bravo conceded, however, that Pena Nieto "is trying to navigate a very difficult situation. The leaking of the conversation portrays him generally in a good light. He is making an effort. He is being reasonable."

Parts of the transcript were especially eye-popping, such as when Trump appeared to be offering political assistance to Pena Nieto. "I want you to be so popular that your people will call for a constitutional amendment in Mexico so that you can run again for another six years," Trump said. Mexico's constitution prohibits presidential reelection, and Pena Nieto is scheduled to leave office in December 2018.

According to some, Pena Nieto at first appeared to be adopting a "son-in-law strategy." Pena Nieto appointed Luis Videgaray - who proposed the Trump trip to Mexico last summer - as his foreign minister, perhaps hoping to leverage Videgaray's apparent relationship with Trump son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner.

"I did not want to meet with anybody," Trump said in the phone call, referring to the August meeting. "It was only because of a very good relationship that Jared Kushner has with Luis that these two decided to meet and discuss, but I was not really in favor of the meeting."

The transcript leaked as Mexico prepares for renegotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement. Analysts say the Pena Nieto administration appears to be trying to keep some version of the pact intact, as 80 percent of Mexican exports head to the United States, and does not want to antagonize Trump.

Some in Mexico saw the phone call as part of a pattern of missed opportunities to raise issues of importance to Mexico while leaving clear that the country was trying to save NAFTA at all costs.

"Yet another episode . . . where the renegotiation of NAFTA takes priority, and Mexico's diplomacy is reduced to submission and irrelevance," said Jose Merino, political science professor at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico.

But others see little upside in engaging Trump in a verbal battle, especially for Pena Nieto, who has a preference for protocol and doesn't handle hecklers or off-the-cuff comments very smoothly. Provoking the U.S. president would risk a rerun of Trump's ill-fated trip to Mexico City last August, where he appeared alongside Pena Nieto and talked about Mexico paying for the wall as his Mexican counterpart stood by.

"It's a chance to think that Pena Nieto hasn't acted so badly by avoiding useless confrontations with a bully," Dworak said. "There's nothing to be gained, and it only risks strengthening Trump."

A Jan. 27 statement from Los Pinos, the Mexican president's office, said that during their conversation the leaders had broached the border wall payment issue and that "both presidents recognized their clear and very public differences . . . and agreed to resolve these differences as part of an integral discussion on all aspects of the bilateral relationship."

The call came after Pena Nieto canceled a Jan. 31 trip to Washington, D.C., responding to a Trump tweet that it would be best not to visit if the border wall wasn't part of the agenda. The two presidents finally met at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg last month, where again Trump spoke of having Mexico pay for a border wall and Pena Nieto sat silent, though Videgaray said they didn't hear what Trump said.

In Australia, Turnbull won kudos for his straight-forward negotiating style and willingness to push a new president to accept a politically unpalatable deal cut by his Democrat predecessor.

But refugee advocates were horrified by what they saw as the prime minster's indifference to refugees under Australian care in Papua New Guinea and Nauru. Turnbull's remark that a "Nobel prize winning genius" who arrived by boat wouldn't be allowed entry to Australia was seen by some Australians as exposing the government's cynicism toward its own tough immigration policy, which is designed to deter refugees and economic migrants arriving by boat from Indonesia.

The conversation with Trump shows "Malcolm Turnbull is not at all interested in the suffering, treatment and indeed torture inflicted on innocent people," the leader of the Greens Party, Richard Di Natale, said in a phone interview. "He's more interested in his own political survival."

Speaking before the transcript of the conversation was published, the top public servant at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the Trump-Turnbull phone call hadn't hurt relations, a position both men had stated publicly.

"Neither of them think it's a big deal," Frances Adamson said Thursday in Sydney. "You've heard them talk about it."

Nonetheless, the revelations come at a politically awkward moment for Turnbull. A split in his center-right Liberal Party over same-sex marriage is undermining his leadership, which has been hurt by poor poll numbers over the past year.

A special meeting of federal Liberal parliamentarians on Monday to resolve the issue is shaping up as a test of Turnbull's ability to lead a party split between conservatives and liberals.

---

Patrick reported from Sydney.
Voters in Port Arthur and Woodville will decide this month whether they're willing to pay more to their school districts, who want to raise their tax rates to the highest allowed.

Residents of Port Arthur ISD will vote on a 13-cent tax increase on Saturday. Woodville residents will vote on a 14-cent increase on Aug. 26, the same day voters in Kountze ISD will decide on a 13 cent "swap."

The changes would add to the money available for maintenance and operations, as well as boost how much the districts receive from the state per student each year. State funding varies based on the difference between the state's maximum tax rate and the district's rate, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Port Arthur ISD is asking residents to pay an extra 13 cents per $100 in appraised value next year, which would make their rate $1.48 per $100 in assessed value, the highest in Jefferson County, according to the Jefferson County Appraisal District.

Elections are required for any tax increases above the rollback rate of $1.04.

The PAISD increase would give the district an extra $4.6 million to spend on curriculum programs and preventive maintenance, officials said, as well as an estimated $1.3 million more from the state. Some of the money would be used for social services programs, uniforms and instruments for bands and a "potential increase" in salaries.

For the average homeowner, with an appraised value of $53,221, according to JCAD, that would be about a $69 increase, not including any exemptions or tax breaks. Taxes also are expected to increase because of a rise in values, which would bring taxes up an average of $18 even if the rate increase doesn't pass.

Kountze superintendent John Ferguson said the district is asking for a swap, which would move 13 cents from the debt service to maintenance and operations, because "there's money out there on the table." The overall tax rate, $1.24 for every $100 in assessed value, would not change.

Read more in Friday's print edition of The Enterprise.
When planning began on two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle in eastern Georgia a decade ago, Southern Company's Georgia Power thought the project would be one of several to come online in a wave of new nuclear power plants opening in the United States.

But as of this week, the two still-to-be-built reactors in Georgia are alone among new nuclear projects under construction in the United States.

On Monday, a pair of utilities, private SCANA and state-owned Santee Cooper, canceled construction on a pair of nuclear reactors in South Carolina after years of mounting building costs, stagnant electricity demand and competition from natural gas and renewables.

Today, 60 percent of the carbon-neutral energy produced in the United States comes from the nation's existing 99 nuclear power plants. The failure to complete the partially finished South Carolina reactors dims hope that nuclear power can play a greater role in further decarbonizing electricity generation in the United States - at least anytime soon.

Many of the same economic forces that factored in the South Carolina decision weigh on the prospects of the Vogtle plant and its two planned nuclear reactors.

In March, Westinghouse, a once storied nuclear-energy business and lead contractor on both the South Carolina and Georgia reactors, went bankrupt.

In the years leading up to that filing, Westinghouse, along with nuclear energy boosters, touted its new AP1000 model reactor as the safer, cheaper and faster-to-build technology that would bring a "nuclear renaissance" to the United States, which has completed only one nuclear reactor since the 1980s.

Instead, the reverse happened. Since 2013, five nuclear power plants have retired soon after gains in a hydraulic-fracturing technology made natural gas cheap and abundant in the United States.

"In any industry, if it's not growing it's dying," Rich Powell, executive director of the ClearPath Foundation, said. "If we can't keep some construction going, our already pretty challenged nuclear renaissance will become fully challenged."

After Westinghouse's bankruptcy, Southern's nuclear-energy unit took over construction of the new reactors. With a larger market capitalization than SCANA, Southern appears willing to take on more risk in building the project.

Stan Wise, a commissioner on the Georgia Public Service Commission overseeing the Vogtle project, noted that the number of co-owners in the Vogtle project - Oglethorpe Power Corp., Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton Utilities in addition to Southern - as well as the large electricity market in Georgia diffuse the financial risk of building the reactors.

"The dissimilarities of these projects should be recognized before making any suppositions on whether construction will continue at Plant Vogtle based on decisions made in South Carolina," Wise said in a statement.

But the cost of the project in Georgia, like that in South Carolina, has swelled.

Back in 2009, Southern, which owns about a 46 percent stake in the project, estimated that the new Vogtle reactors would cost the company a total of $4.4 billion. Before Westinghouse's bankruptcy, that estimated cost grew to $5.7 billion if both reactors were completed by 2020. If the completion date is pushed back another three years, to 2023, that figure could grow to $7.4 billion, according to a preliminary estimate this week from Southern.

State regulators, in consultation with the reactors' co-owners, will make a final decision about the future of the project later this year. Southern has indicated it wants to go forward.

"From a lot of scenarios, going forward with nuclear may make sense," Tom Fanning, Southern chief executive, told investors on Thursday.

Part of the reason nuclear reactors have become so expensive to build in the United States is that the nation has constructed so few recently. "We've allowed our nuclear construction ability to atrophy," Powell said.

The Energy Department has stepped in to try to kick-start nuclear-energy construction. The new Vogtle reactors, for example, have the backing of the department, which lent funding to the project through its loan guarantee program.

Energy Secretary Rick Perry has spoken glowingly of nuclear energy as a part of the Trump administration's official "all-of-the-above" energy strategy. But President Trump himself spends significantly more time talking about coal, while the White House's proposed budget, if passed, would drastically reduce funding for the department's nuclear-energy office and eliminate the loan program altogether.

The future of nuclear energy likely lies with companies pursuing new technologies, such as small modular reactors. Unlike the Vogtle plant and its other larger cousins, modular reactors - like those being developed by a company called NuScale in rural Idaho with Energy Department support - are designed to avoid cost overruns by being built in factories.
The United States has proposed wide new United Nations sanctions on North Korea that would ban exports of coal and other commodities, a U.N. Security Council diplomat said Friday.

The new penalties are likely to be adopted quickly by the Security Council in response to two North Korean intercontinental ballistic-missile launches last month, the diplomat said. A vote could come as soon as Saturday.

The bans on coal, lead, iron and seafood exports could deny North Korea $1 billion in annual revenue, out of total exports of $3 billion, according to the diplomat, who insisted on being identified only as a Security Council diplomat in a briefing for reporters.

The U.N. sanctions would also cap North Korea's lucrative program of farming out laborers, called guest workers, to other nations, the diplomat said. Employer nations, which include China and Russia, would be barred from increasing the number of North Korean workers they use.

The additional sanctions, which were hashed out by U.S. and Chinese diplomats over the past month, do not contain the toughest penalties under discussion, including broad new prohibitions on all exports of oil as well as potential additional banking and commercial penalties opposed by China and Russia.

The diplomat acknowledged that the United States had sought some elements that were not part of the new proposal but would not provide details. U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley had identified oil as one area she hoped to target when discussions began.

The new sanctions would prohibit new joint ventures between North Korean entities and foreign corporations and cap foreign investment in existing ventures.

There are also new restrictions on North Korean imports of "dual use" products - commercial items that could have benign applications but can also be turned to military use.

The goal is to restrict North Korea's access to hard currency and products that it can use to further its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, both of which the Security Council has declared out of bounds.

"We are looking for as many ways to squeeze them to get them to the table," the diplomat said.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is on an Asian tour focused partly on increasing pressure on North Korea and by extension its traditional ally and protector China.

Tillerson said Tuesday that the United States does not consider North Korea an enemy and does not seek to topple the regime of leader Kim Jong Un. He invited talks aimed at persuading Kim that he has too much to lose by hanging on to his weapons. So far, Kim's calculation has been the opposite - that his weapons and the means to deliver them buy him irreplaceable leverage over the United States, his principal adversary.

China and Russia, which hold veto power on the Security Council, oppose the North Korean nuclear weapons program but have been unwilling to go along with some Western-backed proposals to punish the country.

"We have been working very hard for some time, and we certainly hope that this is going to be a consensus resolution," Reuters quoted Chinese U.N. Ambassador Liu Jieyi as saying Thursday.
Beneath the ground in a handful of locations in Rock Creek Park, not far from the swirl of an oblivious capital, lurks Washington's lone endangered species: the mysterious Hay's Spring amphipod.

They're about one centimeter long. They live under wet, dead leaves. They are milky white, sightless and shy. They are not photogenic.

"They look like tiny dead shrimp," said David Culver, an environmental science professor at American University who studies amphipods.

Though Stygobromus hayi, as the endangered amphipod is affectionately known, lacks the majesty of other endangered species such as the blue whale or Asian elephant, it is the star of a scientific paper published this summer. The amphipod's Keyser Soze-ish qualities made them an ideal subject for study through environmental DNA, a technique for examining microbes in soil to locate very tiny critters.

Environmental DNA, or "eDNA," are little bits of ourselves we living creatures constantly emit into the world around us - strands of hair left on a comb or skin cells shed onto a computer keyboard.

Not wishing to exterminate members of such a celebrated endangered species, scientists screened water samples from 10 seepage springs in Rock Creek Park - not rushing rivers, but wet spots where groundwater rises to the surface - looking for bits of Stygobromus hayi. They detected the creature at four springs, including one near the U.S. Park Police Station on Beach Drive, where the animal wasn't found with traditional methods.

"This study is the first to our knowledge to successfully employ an eDNA approach to detect rare or threatened invertebrates from subterranean ecosystems," the study said, calling eDNA "a considerably less invasive sampling technique."

The authors of the case study, published in the scientific journal Conservation Genetics Resources, thought it would be easier to find traces of amphipods where they hang out than actually finding the animals themselves.

Studying endangered species, after all, isn't easy - especially a species like the Hay's Spring amphipod. Truth be told, this unique animal, which lives on four square kilometers of Planet Earth, looks a heck of a lot like other amphipods. So much, in fact, that confirming an identification involves some unseemliness.

"The only way to find out is to kill them," said Daniel Fong, an American University professor and co-author of the study.

The Hay's Spring amphipod was discovered in 1938 on property belonging to the National Zoo, said Meagan Racey, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They were found at additional sites along Rock Creek in subsequent decades, and act as metaphorical canaries in the coal mine.

As Washington's recent record-setting deluge showed, storm water can be a big problem in a densely populated city. Runoff from roads can contain heavy metals that degrade the quality of soil in Rock Creek Park, especially when spewed from antiquated pipes.

All that nasty stuff in the water can kill amphipods. Indeed, the creatures helped to spur a $1 million program to control storm water runoff near the Carter Barron Amphitheatre. If they persist, that means efforts to keep pollution out of the park may be succeeding.

"They're very sensitive to water quality," Racey said. "The fact that they exist here is good news."

The Hay's Spring amphipod also grabs more headlines than the average minuscule crustacean. Activists seeking to stop construction of the Purple Line cited it as a reason not to build the line. It was also declared the city's "official amphipod" earlier this year by Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.

That said, there's a lot researchers don't know about the Hay's Spring amphipods. Was this eDNA from one animal or 100? Was the DNA present because an animal molted or because it died?

From here, the depths of the Earth are the limit.

"This study was more a proof of concept that we can actually detect a small little invertebrate species," said Matthew Niemiller, an ecologist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the study's lead author. "The fact that we can detect a small species like this, we can apply to other species around the world that are rare and endangered."
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The Air Force said Thursday it had ordered a stand-down of all 56 of its giant C-5 cargo planes to repair the nose landing gear.

The order, given this week by the Air Mobility Command, means that eight C-5M Super Galaxy jets at the Air Force Reserves 433rd Airlift Wing will be grounded at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

It isnt clear when the planes, among the biggest in the world, will be able to fly again.

My top priority is to ensure the safety and readiness our citizen airmen and aircraft, said Col. Thomas K. Smith Jr., commander of the 433rd Airlift Wing. Our maintainers will work diligently and safely to get our C-5Ms and aircrews back into the skies over Texas as soon as the aircraft meet the Air Forces stringent safety and performance requirements.

The mobility command said the stand-down would continue until all the planes were repaired. A 433rd news release announcing the action gave no explanation for why the aircraft were grounded or if an incident triggered the action. The public affairs office could not be reached for comment.

The chief job of C-5 maintainers will be to replace ball screw assembly parts across the fleet to ensure compliance with standards of performance and maximize aircrew safety. The devices are in the nose landing gear.

Both ball screws operate in tandem to retract and extend the landing gear, the wing stated. If a single ball screw drive assembly is not operational and causes binding, the gear cannot operate and will stall the extension or retraction process.

Problems with the Lockheed Martin C-5, originally called the Galaxy, go back to its first flight on June 30, 1968. Loren Thompson, a defense analyst for the Lexington Institute, said the aircraft has had a troubled past, noting controversy erupted over how its costs were calculated and that its mechanical issues led to low mission-capable rates.

A landing gear problem is much easier to deal with than a problem with the onboard electronics, in the engines or the aircraft structure itself, said Thompson, an expert on the Air Force. In other words, the landing gear is a self-contained subsystem that is largely external to the aircraft and therefore can be fixed relatively easily.

The upgraded M model, which came to San Antonio more than a year ago, has earned praise from 433rd Airlift Wing crews for having fewer mechanical problems and better fuel consumption. Still, airmen tell their families to never count on them returning home on time because of the potential for mechanical issues and revised orders.

The wing is often busy. Its 356th Airlift Squadron logged 220 sorties last year, while the 68th Airlift Squadron flew nearly twice as many, going anywhere American troops may be posted.

The mobility command said Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II is relying on maintainers and engineers to return aircraft to flying operations as quickly as possible, and quoted him as saying it is important to take all potential measures to reduce stress on the aircraft with an aging fleet.

As part of that, Everhart, who heads the mobility command, issued a policy restricting the use of kneel operations on all C-5 aircraft to mission-essential requirements only. Kneel operations allow the plane to be lowered close to the ground to facilitate loading and unloading.

Our maintainers are working extremely hard to make aircraft repairs and ensure continued support to worldwide missions while engineers assist in securing the parts we need, he said.

sigc@express-news.net
A San Antonio police officer shot in the line of duty last week has been released from the hospital and is now home.

Officer Nathan Becerra, who has been with the San Antonio Police Department for more than four years and works in the patrol division, was shot twice July 26 as he and another officer struggled with two people at a Northwest Side apartment complex.
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WASHINGTON  With the Republican-led Senate having failed to repeal the Affordable Health Care Act, Democrats are pressing Gov. Greg Abbott to reconsider his decision not to expand Texas' Medicaid program.

In a statement following a letter to the governor this week, Houston congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said it was "fiscally irresponsible and morally indefensible" for Texas not to join 31 other states that expanded their Medicaid programs under Obamacare.

"I, and the citizens of Texas, are still awaiting his response," Jackson Lee said in a statement.

The governor's office declined comment Friday.

Jackson Lee noted that nearly 18 percent of adult Texans lack health care coverage, the highest rate in the nation. She argues that an infusion of federal money to cover low-income adults would reduce the state's uninsured rate by more than 25 percent and boost the economic output of the state by nearly $68 billion.

"Every day that Texas delays expanding the Medicaid program costs Texans jobs, hurts Texas businesses, unduly burdens local governments, and needlessly places the health and safety of millions of Texas children and adults at risk," she said.

Under the 2010 health care law, the federal government paid for the vast majority of the Medicaid expansion. Starting this year, the federal government will gradually transition to covering 90 percent of the cost through 2020.

Fiscal conservatives argue that the increased federal spending is unsustainable, and Republicans in Congress sought to pare back or phase out the Medicaid expansion in several failed Obamacare replacement proposals.

When a state chooses to forgo expansion, it does not receive the extra funding from the federal government. According to the liberal Center for American Progress, this means residents' federal tax dollars will still be going toward the implementation of Medicaid expansion in other states but not in their own.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick took to national television this morning to continue a familiar theme -- slamming city governments.

On the Fox Business Network, Patrick was asked if he saw any Republican governors nationwide in 2018 that could be vulnerable to Democratic challengers. Patrick said not only does he not see that happening, but then forced the interview into an entirely different direction.

"I think the people are happy with their governments at the state level, they're not with the cities," said Patrick, a Houston Republican. "Our cities are still controlled by Democrats. Where do we have all our problems in America? Not at the state level run by Republicans. but in our cities that are mostly controlled by Democrat mayors and Democrat city council men and women."

His comments come at the state Legislature has passed its midway point in a special session that is largely focused on chipping away at the authority of city and county governments. The Texas Senate has already passed bills blocking cities from annexing some land, imposing tree ordinances on private property owners and small developers, restricting how much they can raise property taxes and demanding they speed up building permit applications.

Michael Minasi/Staff

The Texas Municipal League has labeled it an "anti-city agenda" and some Democrats like State Sen. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, have openly criticized the focus on curbing local governments, which are the governments closest to the people.

"I've never seen such an attack on local control," Garcia said in an interview last week.

But Patrick made clear on Fox Business Network that cities are where the bulk of problems in America are today.

"That is where you see liberal policies," Patrick said. "That is where you see high taxes. That is where you see street crime. Look at New York, look at Chicago."

Patrick said state governments -- where Republicans hold the majority of governorships -- are doing a better job than cities on a whole.

"The only place Democrats have control is in our cities and they are doing a terrible job," Patrick told Fox Business Network anchor Stuart Varney.

Texas municipal elections are non-partisan.
The head of an employee for a Mexican musical group was reportedly one of two found along a road in Mexico this week in an attack allegedly claimed by the Gulf Cartel.

The two decapitated heads were found in the town of Guemez, which is located outside of Ciudad Victoria in Tamaulipas, according to El Blog del Narco.
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A new women and children's inpatient tower here is a welcome move the community should endorse and celebrate.

Plans from officials with University Health System and UT Health San Antonio are dynamic and solid. This tower will fill a crucial need, improve care and make a difference in the lives of Bexar

County residents, especially our most vulnerable kids.

Bexar County Commissioners Court should approve the project, which is a natural follow-up to a 2008 expansion that built the University Hospital Sky Tower at the South Texas Medical Center.

The proposed $390 million tower is just as notable for what it won't do as what it will do.

It won't raise your taxes. The tower will be paid for with a mix of University Health System's $82 million in cash reserves and $308 million in certificates of obligation, a form of debt that does not require voter approval.

It's also not a stand-alone comprehensive children's hospital. Instead, the new tower will connect the existing University Hospital Sky Tower. This means women and children will have their own dedicated space for care, but many behind-the-scenes services, such as labs and pharmacies, won't be duplicated.

The new tower will provide 250 inpatient rooms split evenly between women and children. This is in addition to labor and delivery, and operating rooms. It will expand the Level IV neonatal intensive care unit.

It will move women's inpatient facilities from an outdated 50-year-old building that lacks the amenities patients and doctors expect into a cutting-edge environment.

It will free up 72 adult beds in the Sky Tower, which are currently being used for pediatrics. It will lead to a new outpatient heart and vascular center.

It will almost certainly lead to stronger recruiting of doctors and other medical professionals who are drawn to new facilities. And it will provide the proper environment to train students with UT Health San Antonio and the School of Medicine.

Pediatric care in San Antonio is shared across a fragmented system, and this has made it challenging to attract top medical talent. This new tower is an honest diagnosis to our market dynamics.

One that will give San Antonio a much better opportunity to recruit medical talent to the region and improve care  without raising taxes.

It's a welcoming and promising development for our community. It's an investment that will serve generations.
1 Abortion bill: Chiles Congress approved a bill that would legalize abortion in limited circumstances  ending the countrys status as the last in South America to ban all abortions. The measure approved by lawmakers this week allows abortions when a mothers life is in danger, when the fetus is not viable and in cases of rape. President Michelle Bachelet backs the measure and has said she would sign it into law. But it still needs to be approved by Chiles Constitutional Tribunal. Chile legalized abortion for medical reasons in 1931. But abortion was banned under all circumstances during the 1973-90 dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.

2 Towering inferno: A fire broke out early Friday in one of the worlds tallest residential towers in Dubai, engulfing part of the skyscraper and sending chunks of debris plummeting below. More than 40 floors of the 86-story Torch Tower were burning on one side of the building, a reporter said. Building residents could be seen on the street outside crying with several saying the fire broke out just after 1 a.m. local time. Dubais Civil Defense announced at about 3:30 a.m. that firefighters had brought the blaze under control and that no injuries had been reported.
The General Election is next month. Local Matters approached the seven main political parties with members in Parliament and asked them, Why should older people vote for you? The responses varied from swift and specific to last-minute and vague, or even non-existent; here are the edited highlights, in alphabetical order 

ACT Party

Beth Houlbrooke, candidate

Housing affordability: Many people are reviewing their accommodation arrangements and looking to downsize or buy into retirement villages. The current very high cost of housing means that there is little change left over to boost retirement funds. ACT wants to address the crippling shortage of housing, which is pushing up prices, by:

Removing large cities from the Resource Management Act, and creating separate urban development legislation, prioritising land supply and reducing red tape for developers.

Incentivising councils to consent more land for development and build more infrastructure, by sharing a portion of GST levied on construction.

Getting councils out of the building standards process, replacing council building inspections and compliance with a mandatory private insurance regime for buildings.

Sustainable Super: It is a fact that we are all living longer, more active lives. The present super arrangement is simply unsustainable. The only fair way to address this is to raise the age of entitlement, incrementally, over time, to 67. ACT proposes to do this from 2020, by adding two months per annum to the age of entitlement, stopping in 2032. This is far fairer and more affordable than Nationals current policy to suddenly lift it in 2037 to 67 years of age.

Red tape and regulation: In my experience, baby boomers are aghast at changes to legislation that seem to do nothing more than create more jobs for bureaucrats, insurance companies, lawyers, and consultants. Most seem to be unproductive and interfering with ordinary citizens just trying to go about their lives, especially for volunteers, many of whom are in this age bracket. A licence for this, a consent for that, a traffic management plan, a health and safety plan  for the most minor of projects  all adds to costs and delays. It can make doing things for your community just all-too-hard. ACT is the only party that is committed to slashing red tape and regulation.

The Green Party

Barry Coates MP, spokesperson for Senior Citizens

The Green Party believes that older New Zealanders should be supported to live with dignity. Our country has a world-leading superannuation system that has virtually eliminated poverty among older people, but it is being undermined by the run down of public services. The Greens will defend NZ Super and ensure that it is supported by more funding for health care, a stronger aged care system, purpose-built affordable housing and better transport choices.

Our system of aged care is failing too many of our senior citizens. The Green Party is working with Labour Party and Grey Power on an inquiry into aged care, including nine public meetings across New Zealand. We have been listening to peoples experiences with aged care and looking for ways the system can be improved. These meetings have identified too many cases of neglect, abuse or a poor standard of care.

There is an urgent need for an Aged Care Commissioner to champion the cause of aged care, and to investigate cases of neglect or abuse. This role should support accountability for rest homes and home care providers, including an accessible rating system, with feedback from patients.

There needs to be adequate funding for health care. Government funding has not kept pace with the growing numbers of people needing care. This means the DHBs dont have enough money to deliver aged care and 9 per cent of people are denied access to specialist care because they are on waiting lists or do not meet the criteria.

We also need affordable and purpose-built housing for those who dont own their own home and as a transition between living at home and a rest home. It is important that these are available locally, in small towns and rural areas, not just in bigger cities.

Our older citizens deserve better. They have rights to aged care as patients, and they have rights to dignity as valued members of our society.

Labour Party

Marja Lubeck, Rodney candidate

The obvious first comment I would make is that no matter what age, there are some statistics we currently hold in New Zealand, that just need to change: 40,000 people homeless, 300,000 children living in poverty and the highest youth suicide in the developed world.

Many older people may be concerned that they themselves or their kids, or grandkids, will never be able to own their own home.

They may be concerned about the lack of access to healthcare and they may be one of 500,000 people in NZ that cannot afford to see a doctor, or one of those on long hospital waiting lists, one of 60,000 people per year being turned away for elective surgery (such as knee and hip replacements).

They may be concerned about their kids or grandkids being one of 90,000 young people not in education or training.

They may themselves be worried about what the future holds job wise, the increasing automation putting jobs at risk. What opportunities are there to (re)train?

They might be owning businesses that would welcome a more flexible tax system, or are hurting from unfair competition from bad employers. They may believe it is more fair that multinationals pay their fair share of tax. They may not want the superannuation age raised beyond 65.

They may want our rivers and lakes swimmable again. They might be fed up with the congestion on our roads  and if they live in Rodney, believe that Hill Street intersection and Penlink should happen sooner rather than later.

There are many more really good points in our policies, whether youre a young, young at heart or older voter.

Maori Party

Erena Temara, senior executive assistant to Marama Fox

Unfortunately, the leaders unit is under considerable constraint at this stage and unable to complete the inquiry  we have at least a two-week turnaround period.

The current information online is available at www.maoriparty.org/policies

New Zealand First

Winston Peters MP, leader

New Zealand First wants all seniors to stay independent as long as they can. They have paid taxes all their lives and are entitled to services to help them stay in their own homes.

Seniors make a huge contribution to the nation, and many are working past the age of eligibility for superannuation. Their years of work experience are valuable, mentoring others and passing on skills, they put in many thousands of hours as volunteers, and they are active in caring for grandchildren, and supporting their children to get ahead in an increasingly competitive world.

Healthcare

Too many older New Zealanders miss out on healthcare under the heavy demand on the health system, which has worsened as immigration has poured over 73,000 net into NZ each year. None of the public services have been boosted in line with this population growth.

NZ Firsts Affordable Healthcare Bill, voted down by National in 2015, would have provided those aged 65-plus a rebate off health insurance premiums. NZ Firsts SuperGold Health Check Bill, also voted down by National in 2015, would have given seniors three free GP visits a year.

Superannuation

Superannuation and its future is a huge concern for all retirees, but NZ First will demand the universal non-means test super eligibility age stays at 65. Labour and National have both flip-flopped on this. National has now decided to raise the age to 67. NZ Super is affordable and will remain so as long as we increase productivity. We must also restart contributions to the NZ Superannuation Fund which National has stopped  meaning $17 billion has been lost, reducing the nest egg that was supposed to cushion increased demand for super.

Another concern is that New Zealand is far too generous, we give immigrants full super at 65 after they have been here only 10 years. NZ Firsts NZ Superannuation (Fair Residency) Bill will require a person to have lived in the country for 25 years.

National Party

Mark Mitchell MP

National is committed to ensuring older New Zealanders have the security, wellbeing and respect they deserve. Supporting older New Zealanders to live longer, healthier, and increasingly independent lives remains a priority for this Government.

Our top priorities include a healthcare system flexible enough to meet peoples changing needs. A key aspect of our commitment is growing health services, with Budget 2017 investing a record $16.8 billion in 2017/18.

The Governments recent announcement of a $2 billion pay equity settlement, to be delivered over five years, will help to ensure we have a higher paid, more skilled and engaged workforce caring for around 110,000 of New Zealands most vulnerable. This dedicated and predominantly female workforce is receiving a pay rise of between 15 and 50 per cent. Another significant issue for seniors is the serious and growing problem of elder abuse. Our new Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) puts the victims of elder abuse first. The cornerstone of EARS is a free and confidential 24/7 helpline, 0800 32 668 65. Registered nurses will advise anyone who needs information or support about elder abuse. In addition to longstanding providers like Age Concern receiving a funding increase, 18 new organisations will be involved, including 10 Age Concern branches being funded for the first time.

National believes seniors have a vital role at the heart of our communities, providing an all-important link between days gone by and New Zealands future. They guide, serve, and contribute in so many ways beyond what can be measured in dollars or by statistics. Other examples of investment by the Government in areas that matter to seniors include:

raising the married rate of superannuation by $160 or 36 per cent since 2008

investing $30 million in a falls prevention programme led by ACC

giving all seniors an extra $13 per week as part of Budget 2017s Family Incomes Package and supporting the 15,000 older people receiving the accommodation supplement with a $29 per week increase

improving communication and advocacy for seniors through the SuperSeniors website SuperSeniors Champions, a group of articulate role models led by Sir Peter Snell

expanding the SuperGold Card scheme for off-peak travel

United Future

No response received.
Patricia Blake has lived in her Whangaparaoa Road property for 23 years, and for most of that time she has been battling the former Rodney District Council and Auckland Transport, trying to get changes to the roadside so that she, and her neighbours, can safely enter and exit their driveways, whether on foot or in a vehicle.

The key concerns for houses on this part of the road, roughly opposite DOyly Drive, are the lack of a pavement so that residents can walk safely to the nearest bus stop, and a sloping berm that obscures the view of oncoming traffic.

The driveways to these houses are on a slope that ends at the road  there is no flat space at the bottom, so even putting out the rubbish is problematic. Recently Patricias bin tipped its contents over the road.

Walking to the bus stop located on Patricias side of the road involves crossing busy Whangaparaoa Road to the pavement on the other side, then crossing back.

The 77-year-old has had two knee replacements and has osteoporosis of the spine, so admits she cant really run across the road  or get up, if she falls over.

She says although to her knowledge no one has been hit by a car on this part of the road, she has seen several near misses. People take their life in their hands crossing here, she says. Even nimble ones like school kids.

She says the former Rodney District Council more or less ignored her concerns. In one letter, a staff member suggested she dig out and reconfigure the berm herself if she wanted better visibility.

Patricia seems to be getting no further with Auckland Transport (AT), since the Councils amalgamated. AT clearly told her in recent correspondence that although it supports walking to make Auckland one of the worlds most liveable cities, her problems score low against their set criteria for pavement construction and improving safety.

The criteria prioritise areas that are: near busy roads, connect to local facilities such as schools, transport hubs and town centres, or complete missing links with other paths.

I fail to see why living on Whangaparaoa Road, with a bus stop just up the road and Stanmore Bay School not far away, I cant get some action, Patricia says. The path could be joined up from alongside Peninsula Club to these properties.

In response to questions from Hibiscus Matters, AT spokesperson Mark Hannan says AT will have a look at the visibility concerns raised and see if there is anything it can do.

Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair Julia Parfitt has also asked that the issue be investigated further.

Twenty years is a long time to wait, Patricia says. I would really like some action.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr PJ Reilly (FF) broke the news as Irish Water begins restoration works in the Aughnagarron area of Abbeylara this week.

Speaking to the Leader, Cllr Reilly said that he measured the area where the bursts are persistent just last week and it covers a two and a half mile radius incorporating the townslands of Ballywillan and Creevey.

To think that 180,000 has been spent over the last five years on such a small area is unbelievable, he added, before pointing out that the route too has been left in a dreadful state with all the patchworks that have been left in the aftermath.

The road is like a patchwork quilt with the amount of repairs that have been carried out and the subsequent mending of the road.

Meanwhile, Cllr Reilly said that residents in the area have endured numerous interruptions to their water supply over the past five years with farmers in particular shouldering most of the burden.

There are some days where there can be anything up to two bursts on the line, Cllr Reilly continued.

Water is then turned off regularly in the area while the problems are being addressed and people are just becoming more and more frustrated over what is going on.

Farmers, in particular, are getting a very raw deal because they have livestock and farm management issues to contend with as well.

Cllr Reilly went on to say that this was the type of service that the people of Granard and Abbeylara were receiving from Irish Water, and all this, despite the fact that an exorbitant sum of money has already been spent on temporary repairs.

That particular pipeline was installed in the 1950s, added Cllr Reilly.

Its time now to stop all this patch work and install a new line that will work efficiently.

He said an application had been made for the line to be replaced, but admitted that the infrastructural works are not likely to happen this year.

Hopefully it will happen next year; something has to be done because the amount of money that has already been spent is wasteful and people in the area are absolutely fed up.

It is scandalous what is going on, the local area representative fumed.

That water line needs to be replaced.
Four men have been remanded in custody in connection to carrying out late night raids in Longford and Leitrim earlier this week.

Kean Doherty (19), 52 Cherry Orchard Court, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, Wayne Coffey (23) 47 Michael Collins Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Lorcan Ross (22), 484 Ballyfermot Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 and Jamie French (23), 24 Greenfort Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 appeared at a special sitting of Longford District Court this morning.

They were charged with theft and trespassing charges arising out of break-ins at Bells Shop, Newtownforbes, Longford and Esquires Coffee Shop, Dublin Road, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim on August 2.

Superintendent Jim Delaney said the gang broke into Bells Newsagents and Post Office late on Wednesday evening before making off with 700 in cash and coins.

It was alleged the four men set off in the direction of Carrick-on-Shannon where a similar raid was carried out.

Supt Delaney said gardai managed to arrest all four defendants on the main N4 on the outskirts of Longford town during the early hours of Thursday morning.

A further incident, he revealed, was also allegedly committed in Strokestown, Co Roscommon which resulted in a criminal damage charge being issued against Mr French.

It was further claimed gardai had since retrieved a safe from the vehicle the suspects were arrested in, some of the contents the Garda Superintendent said came from the Esquires burglary.

Superintendent Delaney said it was the states application to remand all four men in custody.

This, he said, was largely owing to the fact that upon conviction on indictment a burglary charge carried a maximum term of 14 years imprisonment.

He also said gardai would be opposing bail due to the gravity of the charges and to concerns over the likelihood of all four men reappearing before the courts.

In submitting a bail application for his client, Mr Doherty, defence solicitor Frank Gearty, said the 19-year-old was in fact charged with a trespassing charge and not that of burglary.

No bail application was made by Mr Geartys other client, Mr French, however.

Bail applications for the pairs co-accused, Mr Coffey and Mr Ross were also made but denied by Judge Deirdre Gearty.

The judge said while all four had the right to enjoy the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, her decision was based on the seriousness of the charges before the court and the strength of evidence provided.

She granted legal aid to each of the men before remanding them in custody to appear before Harristown District Court next Friday.

Also:

Four to appear in court this morning over alleged Newtownforbes Post Office raid

Four man gang held on suspicion of Newtownforbes Post Office break-in
Longford Co Council has confirmed that it is to welcome 10 Syrian families to the county next January.

In a statement, the local authority said that following a special meeting at headquarters this morning members were told ten Syrian families, as part of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, would be resettled in Co Longford early in 2018.

An Inter-Agency Group, with representatives from Longford County Council, HSE, ETB, Tusla, gardai, Department of Social Protection and the Citizens Information Bureau, will manage the resettlement process locally, the statement read.

An application will be made for an Integration Fund to cover the costs of the appointment of support staff for the integration process.

The Inter-Agency Group plans to work closely with similar groups in other Counties in the country where the resettlement process has already taken place.

Meanwhile Co Longfords Cathaoirleach, Cllr Martin Mulleady (FF) told the Leader this afternoon that a number of the families coming to Longford had not been housed in seven years.

There is a humanitarian need here towards these people and they will be relocated within the county, he added.

We have set a plan in place and they will be arriving early next year.
Following the deaths of seven road users in the past week, An Garda Siochana and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) renewed their appeal for road safety ahead of the August bank holiday weekend.

To date this year, 95 people have been killed in 88 fatal crashes on Irish roads. This is sixteen less when compared to the same period last year, where 111 people were killed in 103 fatal crashes. Last year two people were killed on Irish roads over the August bank holiday weekend, while there were 166 arrests for drink driving.

The advice from An Garda Siochana and the RSA is a reminder for drivers to never ever drink and drive, following the publication of research showing that 10% of Irish motorists have admitted to driving after consuming alcohol in the past 12 months.

The RSA-commissioned research monitored attitudes in relation to alcohol and driving. The results of the survey carried out in January and February this year show:

 73% of Irish motorists claim that having no alcohol before driving is the only way to be safe

 10% of Irish motorists have driven after consuming alcohol in the past 12 months

 14% of male motorists and 6% of female motorists have driven following the consumption of alcohol

 16% of those under 24 have admitted to drinking and driving in the past twelve months, up from 7% in 2015 and 4% in 2014.

 The research suggests that high risk drivers especially those who admit to using a mobile phone while driving are twice as likely to have admitted to drink driving in the past 12 months.

Speaking ahead of the bank holiday weekend, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority, Ms Moyagh Murdock said: "We want people to enjoy the August bank holiday weekend, but if you are going out to enjoy a few drinks, please leave your keys at home and arrange alternative transport to ensure you get home safely."

"Consuming any alcohol impairs driving and increases the risk of a collision. The majority of motorists display good driving behaviour however there are a minority of people engaging in risky behaviour while driving. Saving lives on Irish roads requires a zero-tolerance attitude to drink-driving. That is why the RSA supports the move to introduce an automatic disqualification for drivers found to be over the legal alcohol limit of 50mg / 100 ml of blood, Murdock added.

Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, Roads Policing Bureau, An Garda Siochana, said: "Members of An Garda Siochana will be out in force this bank holiday weekend to keep the roads safe from reckless and dangerous drivers. We know that the majority of Irelands drivers are law abiding and would never drink and drive, and we want to thank them for their participation in saving lives every day but there are some who continue to take that risk."

"We wish to also remind drivers that they can be breath tested not only at mandatory intoxicant checkpoints but also after committing any road traffic offence or after being involved in a fatal or injury collision. Bearing in mind the findings of the survey, we are reminding our members to take every opportunity to breath test drivers after the commission of any offence, he continued.

Earlier this week, the RSA launched the new #FaceItDown app in conjunction with Toyota, the new app rewards drivers for not using their mobile phone while driving. Drivers earn points for every kilometre they travel for not touching their phone which can be redeemed for hot drinks at Topaz stations. Since it was launched, the app has been downloaded over 7,500 times from the App Store and Google Play store.

To help drivers stay alert behind the wheel over the Bank Holiday Weekend, the RSA and Applegreen will provide free cups of coffee to drivers between 2pm and 8pm on Friday, August 4 and Monday August 7, at participating service stations. Simply say RSA or Driver Reviver to the till operator to avail of a free coffee. A list of participating stations is available at www.applegreenstores.com/ie/locations
Nassau DA: Queens Driver Sentenced to Five to 10 Years in Prison for Manslaughter & Assault in Fatal Crash

By Long Island News & PR Published: August 04 2017

Duke Obule, 24, pleaded guilty on June 7 to multiple charges, including Manslaughter and Assault.

Duke Obule of Queens, 24, was sentenced to five to 10 years in prison a fatal hit-and-run car crash that took place in April 2016 on Hempstead Turnpike.

Mineola, NY - August 4, 2017 - Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a Queens man was sentenced today to five to 10 years in prison for manslaughter and other charges related to a Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a Queens man was sentenced today to five to 10 years in prison for manslaughter and other charges related to a fatal hit-and-run car crash that took place in April 2016 on Hempstead Turnpike.

The defendant struck and killed a taxi driver and injured a passenger in the car he was driving. The NCDA recommended a maximum sentence of 7-1/2 to 15 years on the manslaughter charge.

Duke Obule, 24, pleaded guilty on June 7 in front of Supervising Judge Christopher Quinn to:

Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree (a C felony)

Assault in the 2nd Degree (a D violent felony)

Leaving the Scene of an Incident without Reporting Resulting in Death (a D felony)

Leaving the Scene of an Incident without Reporting Resulting in Physical Injury (an A misdemeanor)

Assault in the 3rd Degree (an A misdemeanor)

Aggravated Unlicensed Operating of a Motor Vehicle in the 2nd Degree (an unclassified misdemeanor)

This cowardly defendants outrageous recklessness cost the life of an innocent and hardworking father of three when he sped into Paul Mitaceks cab and then fled the scene, DA Singas said. This sentence sends a clear message to those who drive with a suspended license, dangerously speed, and leave the scene of a crash that they will face serious consequences for their recklessness. My heart goes out to the Mitacek family for their loss.

DA Singas said that at approximately 4:16 a.m. on April 23, 2016, Obule was driving eastbound on Hempstead Turnpike, in the rain, at speeds up to 105 MPH, in a 2016 BMW, with a 20-year old female passenger in the front seat. The defendants license was suspended on April 7, 2016 in Queens.

The defendant was traveling from a hookah lounge in Farmingdale prior to crashing into the victims 2009 Chevrolet Impala taxi cab. The impact, which was caught on surveillance video, pushed the taxi into a telephone pole on the corner of Hempstead Turnpike and Lincoln Road. The taxi nearly wrapped around the pole, and the victim, Paul Mitacek, 47, from Elmont , died in the car. Mr. Mitacek was the father of three children between the ages of seven and 12 and was working as a taxi driver for a local cab company at the time of the crash.

After the crash, the defendant exited the car and ran from the scene, abandoning his passenger who was not able to move because of her injuries. The passenger was carried to a bench by witnesses and later taken to the hospital with a broken ankle when the police arrived at the scene. Obule was found near the scene less than an hour later and was carrying the key to the BMW.
School & Education, Nature & Weather, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause

By Long Island News & PR Published: August 04 2017

Schneiderman: "Since January, Attorneys General have been on the front lines fighting this unconstitutional, unlawful, and un-American ban."

Stony Brook, NY - August 4, 2017 - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced today that Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced today that Stony Brook University has received a $169,758 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support marine science and fisheries research. This funding will be used to improve marine management of protected species of fish and marine mammals within the Northeast United States Large Marine Ecosystem (NEUS LME).

Congressman Zeldin said, Stony Brook University is a world leader in groundbreaking scientific research, and I am pleased to announce that this funding has been awarded to support their amazing work. This $169,758 grant will be used to improve decision making pertaining to the management of fish and aquatic wildlife. Fishing is incredibly important to our life, culture, and economy here on Long Island, and as part of this community we must do all we can to support this historic tradition. As the Representative of the First Congressional District, which is almost entirely surrounded by water, I am proud to advocate for grant funding such as this to support our local science community and advance these important causes. We must do more to safeguard the natural resources underneath us and around us on Long Island.

"These funds will use state-of-the-art climate models to develop several tools to assist fishers in reducing bycatch of marine mammals and fish in longline and midwater trawl fisheries, which will increase the efficiency and profitability of our valuable marine resources," said Dr. Lesley Thorne, Assistant Professor at Stony Brook University.
Local News, Crime

By Long Island News & PR Published: August 04 2017

Samantha Demato, 27, was last seen on Pennsylvania Boulevard at 9:00 PM on August 2.

NCPD are seeking Samantha Demato, a 27-year-old Bellrose woman with autism.

UPDATE - August, 2017 - Police report that Samantha Demato has been located.

Below is the original report.

Mineola, NY - August 4, 2017 - Missing Person Squad detectives are investigating a high risk missing autistic adult from Bellerose Village that occurred on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 9:00 pm.

According to detectives, Samantha Demato, 27, was last seen leaving her Pennsylvania Blvd. home on foot at 9:00 pm. She is a female white, 59 tall and 100 pounds. Her clothing description as well as her probable destination is unknown.
Local News, National & World News, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: August 04 2017

16 Attorneys General File Amicus Brief In Ninth Circuit  Opposing Trump Administrations Appeal Of District Court Order That Grandparents And Other Close Relatives Of U.S. Residents Cannot Be Subject To President Trumps Travel Ban.

New York, NY - August 4, 2017 - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, leading a coalition of sixteen Attorneys General, filed a new amicus brief in the Hawaii travel ban litigation, opposing the Trump administrations appeal of the decision by the district court that the ban should not prevent grandparents and other close relatives of United States residents from entering the country. The amicus brief was filed last night in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

The courts have made clear to the Trump administration: grandparents are family, said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Since January, Attorneys General have been on the front lines fighting this unconstitutional, unlawful, and un-American ban  and well continue to act to protect our communities and ensure families are not torn apart.

In June, the United States Supreme Court held that nationwide injunctions entered against the travel ban by two courts should remain in place with respect to persons having a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States, including persons having a close familial relationship to a United States resident. Last month, Hawaii filed a motion in State of Hawaii and Ismail Elshikh v. Donald Trump, et al. to clarify the scope of the remaining injunction in that case, supported by a coalition of Attorneys General. While the district court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declined for procedural reasons to address that motion, the Ninth Circuit observed that Hawaii could seek injunctive relief from the district court on the question of how close familial relationship can be defined.

The plaintiffs then filed a motion seeking, among other things, to enforce the district courts preliminary injunction, supported by an amicus brief led by the same coalition of Attorneys General  who argued that the Trump administration too narrowly interpreted close familial relationship. Following those filings, the district court partly granted the plaintiffs motion, interpreting the term close familial relationship to include grandparents and other close relatives beyond the nuclear family. The Trump administration has since appealed the district courts decision in the Ninth Circuit.

Click here to read the amicus brief, which was signed by New York, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

Amici have a strong interest in plaintiffs challenge to this Executive Order because many of its provisions have threatenedindeed, have already causedsubstantial harm to our residents, communities, hospitals, universities, and businesses while courts continue to adjudicate the Orders lawfulness, the Attorneys General wrote.
Local News, Crime

By Long Island News & PR Published: August 04 2017

A man entered Speedy Mart on July 25 and stole three cartons of cigarettes valued at $317, and then caused $200 worth of damage to the front door of the store as he fled, cops ...

SCPD are seeking the publics help to locate the man who stole merchandise and damaged property in Port Jefferson Station last month.

Port Jefferson Station, NY - August 4, 2017 - Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the publics help to identify and locate the man who stole merchandise and damaged property in Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the publics help to identify and locate the man who stole merchandise and damaged property in Port Jefferson Station , New York last month.

A man entered Speedy Mart, 1034 Route 112, on July 25 at 1:30 p.m. The man stole three cartons of cigarettes valued at $317. He then caused $200 worth of damage to the front door of the store as he fled. The suspect drove away in a red Ford Explorer with a broken rear window.
Local News, Crime

By Long Island News & PR Published: August 04 2017

Jordan Whitfield of Florida, 24, is being charged with Burglary, Grand Larceny, and Criminal Mischief.

NCPD reports the arrest of Jordan Whitfield of Lakeland, FL, 24, in connection with an occupied burglary that occurred in Lynbrook on Monday, July 31.

Lynbrook , NY - August 4, 2017 - Fifth Squad detectives report the arrest of Jordan Whitfield, 24, Lakeland, FL, on Wednesday, 08/03/17, in connection with an occupied burglary that occurred in Fifth Squad detectives report the arrest of Jordan Whitfield, 24, Lakeland, FL, on Wednesday, 08/03/17, in connection with an occupied burglary that occurred in Lynbrook on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 1:53 A.M.

According to detectives, Whitfield entered a residence on S. Williams St. while the male victim, 53, was asleep on the couch on the first floor. The Whitfield had ransacked the victims vehicle, which was parked in the driveway, removed the garage door opener that was inside the car and gained access through the garage. The homeowner woke up when he heard the garage door open and saw Whitfield in his hallway. The homeowner then chased the subject out of the house through the garage.

No known proceeds at this time. No injuries were reported.

Subsequent investigation revealed that on Monday, 07/31/17, Whitfield entered a car on Kent Drive in Hewlett, removed the keys from the console, backed the vehicle through the victims gate and then drove off.

Whitfield is being charged with Burglary 2nd Degree, Grand Larceny 3rd Degree and Criminal Mischief 4th Degree. He will be arraigned on Friday, 08/04/17, in First District Court, Hempstead
The Australian government has provided more details about a sophisticated Islamic State plot that was disrupted late last month. The self-declared caliphate shipped bomb components through the mail to Australia and then provided the recipients with directions concerning how to assemble an improvised explosive device (IED).

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Australian Federal Police (AFP) deputy commissioner Mike Phelan explained that there were at least two planned attacks. First, the suspects built an IED that was intended to blow up an airliner. Second, they allegedly attempted to build a chemical dispersion weapon. The latter device was apparently only in the beginning stages of development.

Importantly, Phelan emphasized that the accused men were receiving orders from the Islamic State (ISIL) and not acting solely on their own initiative.

It is alleged that this individual was receiving information, being inspired and directed, directly from ISIL in Syria, Phelan said of one of the men arrested. This advice was coming from a senior member of the Islamic State.

The alleged would-be terrorists attempted to place an IED on an Etihad flight out of Sydney on the 15th of July, Phelan said. At no stage did the IED breach airline security, he added.

The would-be terrorists failed to get their explosive on board the plane and were forced to scuttle the attack. But it wasnt until nearly two weeks later, on July 29, that four men were arrested. Two of them, a 49-year-old man and a 32-year-old man, have been charged with committing terrorism offenses.

The details of the plot are significant, especially given the direct role played by Islamic State operatives overseas.

Components of this IED were sent through international air cargo by the ISIL operatives to the accused men here in Australia, deputy commissioner Phelan said. With assistance from the ISIL commander, Phelan elaborated, the accused assembled the IED, the components of the IED, into what we believe was a functioning IED to be placed on that flight.

Australian authorities think they have recovered all of the components of the improvised bomb, thereby neutralizing the threat.

The second plot relates to the building of whats called an improvised chemical dispersion device, Phelan explained. The suspects allegedly attempted to create an improvised chemical device, which was designed to release the highly toxic hydrogen sulfide.

This hydrogen sulfide is very difficult to make, Phelan said. He described the second plot involving toxic gas as hypothetical.

There were certainly precursor chemicals that had been produced and some of the components had been produced, Phelan said, but we were a long way from having a functioningchemical dispersion device. He added: There is no evidence at all that the device was completed.

Phelan added that this Islamic State plot went far beyond mere inspiration. We have been saying for a long time that it is not only the capability of lone actors that we have to worry about, but we also have to worry about sophisticated plots, he warned.

This is one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil, Phelan said. And if it hadnt been for the great work of our intelligence agencies and law enforcement over a very quick period of time, then we could have had a very catastrophic event in this country.

An advanced remote-controlled plot

While many details remain to be confirmed, the thwarted attack in Australia looks like an advanced remote-controlled plot.

Since the Islamic State declared itself to be a caliphate in 2014, American and European counterterrorism officials have repeatedly discovered that willing recruits were communicating with online handlers using social media applications. In a number of cases, these communications evolved into what European officials have described as remote-controlled plots, usually involving an individual attacker acting under the guidance of his or her handlers inside the caliphates home turf. Some of these unsophisticated attacks were successful, while many others were thwarted.

Authorities have detected more advanced versions of these types of plots before, including in Indonesia. Bahrun Naim, an especially prolific Islamic State operative, has reportedly transferred his explosives expertise to cells in his home country. Indonesian authorities say they have thwarted multiple attempts by Naims recruits to use military-grade explosives. [See FDDs Long War Journal report, Indonesian authorities hunt Islamic State operatives cyber recruits.]

But Islamic State operatives allegedly went several steps further in the latest plot uncovered in Australia. Not only did the so-called caliphate provide bomb-making guidance online, the group physically shipped the IED components as well.

The plan was far bolder than previous claimed attacks in Australia.

In Dec. 2014, Man Haron Monis took hostages at a cafe in Sydney. Monis and two of his hostages died as a result. The editors of the so-called caliphates Dabiq magazine declared that Monis was resolved to join the mujahidin of the Islamic State in their war against the crusader coalition. Monis did not do so by undertaking the journey to the lands of the Khilafah and fighting side-by-side with his brothers but rather, by acting alone and striking the kuffar where it would hurt them most  in their own lands and on the very streets that they presumptively walk in safety, the sixth edition of Dabiq read.

Australian authorities said that Monis had psychological problems and a violent history, while also identifying with various other causes in the past. He reportedly converted from Shiite Islam to Sunni Islam and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State before his siege in Sydney.

In June of this year, Yacqub Khayre murdered one person and held another hostage in an apartment building outside of Melbourne, Ausralia. The Islamic States Amaq News Agency claimed that Khayre, who was killed in a shootout with authorities, was a soldier of the group and had carried out the attack in response to calls to target the citizens of nations involved in the coalition.

However, none of the previous Islamic State plots in Australia (whether they were merely inspired or guided) were as significant as the latest attempt, which could have caused mass casualties.

The Islamic States Sinai province blew up a Russian airliner, killing all 224 on board, in Oct. 2015. The jihadists claim to have used a simple IED to down the plane, which had taken off from Egypts Sharm El Sheikh International Airport in the Sinai.

And the US government instituted a ban on select electronic devices on certain flights this year in order to interrupt suspected anti-airline plots by both the Islamic State and al Qaeda.

As the recent plot in Australia shows, the jihadists continue to focus on aviation as a prime target.

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Hezbollah fighters released by HTS in Syria

On its Al Manar website today, Hezbollah announced that it had received five of its fighters that were held captive by Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) in western Syria.

In a video released by Hezbollahs War Media Center and later re-broadcasted on Al Manar, the five militants are seen conducting a press conference for various Lebanese news organizations. The five are dressed in stoles featuring the Shiite jihadist groups logo and the face of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. One militant, which was previously featured in HTS media, expressed thanks to various parties for their release.

We say thank you to Doctor Bashar Hafez al Assad and the Syrian Arab Army who was behind our liberation, he stated. He continued by saying, Additionally, we thank the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran who was prominent in this agreement. He ended the short speech by adding that the prisoners had no doubt that the Islamic Resistance would liberate us.

The five Hezbollah members were freed as part of a ceasefire deal with HTS militants (which includes al Qaedas branch in Syria) in the Jurud Arsal area of Lebanon. The HTS militants agreed to release the five prisoners, as well as retreat with their families to Idlib in northwestern Syria, in exchange for Hezbollah stopping its offensive. The deal was confirmed by Lebanons National News Agency as being brokered by Abbas Ibrahim, the head of Lebanons General Security intelligence agency. [See Threat Matrix report, Hezbollah announces ceasefire with Sunni jihadists near Arsal.]

The Shiite jihadists also released a video showing the evacuation of HTS militants and their families from Lebanon today. A large convoy of tour buses was filmed by a Hezbollah drone. Some Sunni militants were also photographed prior to their departure. In addition, a large welcome parade was held for the former prisoners in the Lebanese border town of Al Qaa.

The Hezbollah-led offensive in the Lebanon-Syria border area began late last month. On the Syrian side, Hezbollah was supported by Syrian army troops and airstrikes. While on the Lebanese side, it was supported by Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) mortar strikes. The LAF also protected the nearby town of Arsal during the operation. This role was praised by Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in a recent speech. [See Threat Matrix reports, Lebanese military coordinates with Hezbollah, Syrian military in border operation and Hezbollah announces ceasefire with Sunni jihadists near Arsal.]

Parade of the freed prisoners in the Lebanese town of Al Qaa:

Hezbollah video showing the transfer of the Sunni militants and their families to Syria:

Article updated with new information.

Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

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.
If you were following Apple back in 2010, you remember the infamous iPhone 4 leak. The handset that introduced the world to FaceTime, the Retina display, and a stunning design that lives on to this day in the iPhone SE was plastered all over Gizmodo some two months before its formal introduction. Even in the age of rumor sites and Reddit, it was a rare red-faced moment for Apple.

And from the looks of it, it has happened again. No, the iPhone 8 wasnt left in a California bar by an absent-minded Apple employee, but a ton of information about the next iPhone was inadvertently leaked by an unwitting engineer. A pre-release version of the HomePod firmware was accidentally uploaded to a public server earlier this week, and naturally, developers quickly downloaded it and starting digging for clues. And boy were there a lot of them. So read ahead and be sure to follow our constantly updating iPhone 8 rumor article for all the latest leaks.

The bezels are shrinking, big time

Adam Patrick Murray If you like the iPhone 7s bezels, youre gonna be disappointed in the iPhone 8.

The very existence of the iPhone 8 in an S year tells us that it will be a radical change from the current iPhone design, but Apple has all but confirmed just how different it will look. According to a scalable vector image spotted by developer Steven Troughton-Smith, the new handset design matches up with the rumors of an all-screen front that dispenses of the Home button. The picture isnt very detailed, but it does show a design somewhat reminiscent of the LG G6, but with uniform skinny bezels all around.

Christopher Hebert/IDG This is the LG G6and the next iPhone could look very similar.

There will be a camera notch

One of the definingand likely controversialaspects of the new iPhone appears to be a notch at the top of the screen for the camera and sensors. And Apple isnt trying to hide it. In the iPhone 8 icon discovered inside the firmware, the crude drawing clearly shows a notch jutting into the top of the screen. Weve seen a similar design in the upcoming Essential phone, though Apples is far more pronounced.

Purists might balk at the seemingly un-Apple-like decision, but it might not be so bad in practice. Troughton-Smith found references to a new split status bar that would presumably place the battery and Wi-Fi icons around the notch, and he also notes that the status bar seems a lot more complex and powerful in design, maybe even interactive.

The screen will be even more Retina-y

Ever since the iPhone 4 introduced us to the pixel-less world of Retina displays, nearly every Apple display has shifted to the eye-friendly standard (sorry MacBook Air fans). But now it seems as though the iPhone will up the ante again. During his code spelunking, Troughton-Smith found references to a new screen resolution of 1125 x 2436 with a robust a 521 ppi pixel density. The would represent a healthy bump from the 750 x 1334 and 1080 x 1920 resolutions in the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, respectively.

AR is a big deal

IDG Apple gave us a taste of AR with ARKit, but the iPhone 8 could take it to the next level.

Apple is killing it when it comes to augmented reality. While its ARKit platform was only just released at WWDC in June, developers have already made some truly amazing things with it, and its clear that Apple has big plans for AR. But it will be the iPhone 8 that fully unlocks its potential. Weve already read rumors of a 3D laser system and a depth-sensing camera camera, but Troughton-Smith also spotted a curious reference to ARFaceAnchor in the HomePod firmware. This suggests that there will be specific AR features tailored for the iPhone 8.

Touch ID likely out, Face ID definitely in

Ben Patterson / IDG Touch ID, we barely knew you.

Rumors have already suggested that Touch ID will be going away in the iPhone 8, and Troughton-Smiths probing seemingly confirms it. Not only did he not find a single mention of the under-the-display ultrasound Touch ID we were all hoping for, he discovered a trove of BKFaceDetect references inside the BiometricKit framework, alluding to a new system of unlocking the phone using our mugs rather than our fingers. Based on his findings, Troughton-Smith has surmised that the new system, code-named Pearl ID, will support multiple faces and use an infrared sensor for low-light situations. And theres also a passbook.payment.contactlessinterface reference suggesting Apple Pay support as well.

A tap will wake the screen

Without a home button on the front, were going to have a harder time unlocking our iPhones when theyre resting on a table, but Apple has apparently solved that problem. Troughton-Smith spotted a reference to tap-to-wake, meaning youll be able to tap or double-tap on the screen to bring it to life. Android phones have enjoyed the feature for years, but it would be a newand welcomeaddition to the iPhone.

The home button goes digital

AGVideos A virtual home button like this concept will likely replace the physical one.

Without a physical home button, Apple will need to go the Android route and make a virtual one on the screen to aid with navigation. So its no surprise that Troughton-Smith found repeated references to a home indicator that will seemingly only appear when you need it. Whats more, the previously rumored function area looks to be legit. The resolution Troughton-Smith unearthed suggests apps will only take up a 5.15-inch portion of the rumored 5.8-inch screen screen, presumably leaving an area at the bottom for buttons and shortcuts.

There will be three new models

Apple There will be three, count em, three, new iPhone models this year.

Among the goodies uncovered in the HomePod is the code name (er, number) for the iPhone 8: D22. This isnt random. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were codenamed D10 and D11, respectively, so naturally the 7s and 7s Plus would be D20 and D21, and the new model D22. (For reference, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were branded N60 and N61, while the 6s and 6s Plus were N70 and N71.)

And Apple might have tipped us off to the release date, too. In its fourth-quarter guidance, Apple expects between revenue between $49 billion and $52 billion, significantly higher than the $46.9 billion it reported in the same quarter last year. That likely means Apple is planning on shipping a pretty good amount of iPhones before Sept. 30.

You wont have to plug it in

Weve been hearing for months that wireless charging will finally arrive with the iPhone 8, and now theres confirmation that Apple is indeed working on a new charging system. There are two clues here. The first is a new battery icon specific to the iPhone 8.While that could be written off as a simple design decision, a Redditer also found references to charge inductive and high voltage in the code. That likely means Apple will introduce fast charging and wireless charging in the iPhone 8, though weve heard whispers that it wont be ready at launch.

The camera will be smarter

Adam Patrick Murray/IDG The iPhone 8s camera wont just be better. Itll be smarter, too.

Its not a surprise to hear that the camera will be getting an upgrade in the next iPhone, but the HomePod firmware gives us a hint as to how much better it will be. Developer Guilherme Rambo found a reference to a new SmartCam mode that will presumably be able to detect your surroundings and fine-tune the exposure, focus, and white balance accordingly. Among the modes he spotted are baby, pet bright stage, fireworks, sky, snow, and many others. It might not seem like much, but it could end up being the most used feature of the iPhone 8and based on what we know, thats saying something.
Remote, rural populations in Myanmar receive improved healthcare

4 August 2017



Malaria Consortium announced the results from its project introducing integrated community case management (iCCM), which includes diagnosis and treatment of malaria, diarrhoea, pneumonia and malnutrition at a dissemination event today. The project covered three townships in the remote rural areas of western Myanmars Sagaing region, Kalay, Pinlebu and Banmauk, where lack of access to health facilities can prove fatal for children under five.

Myanmar benefits from an existing network (established by the Ministry of Health and Sports) of local villagers who act as malaria volunteers, so for this project Malaria Consortium built on this network by retraining 90 volunteers to deliver iCCM to their communities. Access to healthcare is limited in these remote areas, therefore trained volunteers, supervised by basic health staff, can play an important role in improving the healthcare available to their communities. With Myanmar moving towards malaria elimination, the need to ensure continued engagement of village health volunteers is crucial.

Results from the project demonstrate that malaria volunteers have been successful in diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses, as well as screening for malnutrition, while remaining vigilant about increasingly rare malaria cases. Moreover, the participation and cooperation of key government departments  NMCP, Child Health and Development Division, Nutrition Development and Research Division  in this project has been vital to the projects success.

Siddhi Aryal, Malaria Consortium Asia Director said, iCCM has the potential to become a feasible and effective strategy for extending Myanmars health services to remote communities and improving the health of these communities in line with the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. This new project will inform policy decisions on integrated community case management implementation in Myanmar.

The projects success is reflected in a grant Malaria Consortium recently won from Comic Relief and GSK and which will continue to support the populations of Sagaing region. The project will cover three additional townships (Kathar, Wuntho and Kawlin) for the next two years.

.

Funding for the pilot came from Vitol Foundation and UK Aid from the UK Government. The new two-year project is funded by Comic Relief and GSK.

Country: Myanmar

Keywords: Community delivery
News Celebrity caught the attention of on-lookers

There is no doubt that the Kardashian sisters know how to court attention on social media and while a few days ago it was Kendall Jenner who was snapped without a bra in New York, this time it was Kim Kardashian who did the same.

With camouflage shorts and a black top, she walked along with her breasts clearly showing and without a care in the world.

On lookers stopped and stared while the paparazzi snapped as Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner went shopping.
After several years of being overlooked, it seems like the eurozone is finally getting a little love from the financial press. Headline writers admit the "Eurozone Recovery Is Even Better Than It Looks" and acknowledge the much-maligned monetary union is leading other developed economies' growth rates. Yet this isn't breaking news: The eurozone has grown 17 straight quarters and the "recovery" moniker has been officially wrong since 2015. While growth hasn't been even-some countries officially entered "expansion" territory more recently than others-it is increasingly broad-based. But the growing awareness is a sign sentiment is improving, which we think should help fuel eurozone stocks.

To highlight how far the eurozone has come, consider how the just-released July purchasing managers' indexes (PMI) figures compare to those from March 2013: the last PMI report before the eurozone began its 17-quarter growth streak.

Exhibit 1: IHS Markit's Eurozone PMIs, March 2013 vs. July 2017

Source: IHS Markit, FactSet, Fisher Investments Research. IHS Markit composite eurozone PMI, Final Services PMI for Germany, France, Italy and Spain and Final Manufacturing PMI for Germany, France, Italy and Spain for March 2013 and July 2017.

As we have written, PMIs aren't perfect econometrics (no stat is). They are monthly surveys showing a snapshot of a country's private sector. Readings over 50 mean more responding businesses grew than contracted that month; readings below 50 suggest more shrank. While PMIs don't show the magnitude of the growth/contraction, they give a quick and rough sense of how different sectors of the economy are doing.

In March 2013, at the depth of the eurozone's recession, most businesses across the eurozone's four big economies were struggling. If the numbers didn't provide compelling evidence, the media hammered the point home. With questions about Cyprus's future in the eurozone percolating, folks bemoaned Europe's "non-stop economic decline" and that any optimistic recovery projections were "beyond the realm of likely probabilities."

Fast forward four years, and some of those same analysts are wondering when the ECB will pull its "accommodative" monetary policy. While the ECB's "help" was always overstated in our view-it was unnecessary and likely dampened growth a bit-this change in tone does suggest warming sentiment overall. Heck, the eurozone's expansion is even garnering envy from its developed world neighbors!

Because of the eurozone's earlier struggles in the global expansion and bull market, the gap between sentiment and reality is much wider relative to other places. This is one of our primary reasons for our bullishness toward Europe and why we expect eurozone stocks to do well for the rest of the year.
CRITZOn Oct. 4, 1957, the Sputnik I satellite successfully launched and entered Earths orbit, shocking the world. It gave the former Soviet Union the distinction of putting the first human-made object into space, beginning the space age.

For Roy Lee Cooke, Sputnik also launched a desire to develop and launch rockets in him and several of his high school friends in the small West Virginia mining community of Coalwood. They would become known as the Rocket Boys and would later be the subject of a book by that name and of the 1999 movie October Sky.

On Wednesday, Cooke, a retired banker, talked at the Reynolds Homestead about growing up in Coalwood, overcoming obstacles and the importance of education. He said when he was growing up, parents and grandparents would fill PTA meetings at the Coalwood school. They wanted their children and grandchildren to have opportunities beyond working in the coal mine. When Cooke was 13, his 45-year-old father died after working his entire adult life in the Coalwood mine, and Cookes mother then began working in a school cafeteria to support the two of them.

According to Cooke and online information, several young men from Coalwood  Homer Sonny Hickam Jr., Quentin Wilson, Jimmy ODell Carroll, Sherman Siers, Billy Rose and Cooke  embarked on an adventure to learn about, design, construct and launch their own rockets. They were all students at Big Creek High School in War, which is in McDowell County in southern West Virginia. Hickam was the central figure in the group, which organized as the Big Creek Missile Agency (rocket club). They named their launching area Cape Coalwood.

Cooke estimated that every 30 rockets they made, maybe 30 were successful but the other 70 failed. Most fizzled out or blew up, he said.

The first ones we made were pipe bombs, Cooke said, and he recalled making one rocket out of a large flashlight.

But the group succeeded in building several small rockets that reached altitudes of several miles, according to online information.

The McDowell County Banner reported in August 1955: I have seen the future and it works! Two weeks ago, this reporter watched as the boys of the Big Creek Missile Agency launched their magnificent creations at their Cape Coalwood range. As their silvery missiles leapt from the concrete pad and soared away into the sky, my mouth dropped open, so enthralled was I at the glamorous sight of their rocket scrambling toward space. If you have any hope of understanding what the grand and glorious future holds for all who dare seize it, you must come to see the rocket boys of Cape Coalwood.

In 1960, the efforts of Hickam and others in the rocket club resulted in a trip to the National Science Fair for Hickam to exhibit the project called A Study of Amateur Rocketry Techniques. It won a medal.

Cooke said he doesnt know if the Rocket Boys had any impact on anything in the world, but it gave us confidence in ourselves. We worked as a team.

According to his website, Hickam, after graduating from Big Creek High School in 1960, earned a bachelors degree in industrial engineering from Virginia Tech. He served six years on active duty in the U.S. Army. He has been a writer since 1969 after his return from Vietnam. He has written several books, including Rocket Boys, a memoir about his life in Coalwood, published in 1998. Universal Studios released its film October Sky in 1999, with Jake Gyllenhaal portraying Hickman as a young man); Laura Dern as Miss (Frida) Riley, a teacher who encouraged the Rocket Boys to pursue their dreams; Chris Cooper as coal mine superintendent John Hickam, father of Homer; and others.

Homer Hickam went on to write three other books in his Coalwood Series: The Coalwood Way, Sky of Stone and We Are Not Afraid

From 1971 to 1981, Hickam, while working on his writing career, was employed as an engineer for the U.S. Army Missile Command, assigned to Huntsville, Alabama, and Germany. In 1981, he began employment with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) at Marshall Space Flight Center as an aerospace engineer. While employed by NASA, he worked in spacecraft design and crew training. He trained astronaut crews for many Spacelab and Space Shuttle missions. Before he retired in 1998, he was the payload training manager for the International Space Station Program.

As for Cooke, sometime after graduating from high school, he began his college career at Concord College in Athens, West Virginia, and later transferred to the University of Maryland, where he earned a degree. He also is a graduate of the American Institute of Banking in Washington, D.C. He now lives part of the year in Charleston, West Virginia, and part in South Carolina.

Cooke stressed the importance of education.

If you get that education  whether it is vocational school or Ph.D. and everything in between  and put your mind to it, you can get a piece of the American pie.

Paul Collins reports for the Martinsville Bulletin and can be reached at paul.collins@martinsvillebulletin.com.
#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...
MARTINSVILLE  The citys public schools will show significant improvements when the state soon releases the latest Standards of Learning (SOL) accreditation results, Superintendent Zeb Talley says.

The results wont be perfect, Talley emphasized during an interview Thursday afternoon.

We still have areas (of learning) that we need to improve in, he said, but our scores will show that weve vastly improved since the previous year.

Talley said he doesnt know exactly when the state will release the SOL results, but it may be as soon as a few weeks. He said the state bans him from detailing the results before they officially are announced.

But the citys results will show dramatic change in a positive way, he said, adding we have the data to back that up.

None of the citys four public schools have achieved full state accreditation yet.

Results released last September revealed Martinsville Middle School and Patrick Henry Elementary School received partially accredited; warned school status for 2016-17. They werent within a narrow margin of achieving SOL pass rates required for full accreditation, and they werent making acceptable progress toward those rates, the Virginia Department of Education (DOE) stated at the time.

Statuses of Albert Harris Elementary School and Martinsville High School were classified as to be determined. The schools then applied for  and later received  partially accredited; reconstituted school status available to schools that do not meet full accreditation requirements for four years.

Reconstituted school status essentially meant that a strategic accountability plan to address issues at those schools was to be developed, Angilee Downing, the school divisions assistant superintendent for instruction, said at the time.

Elementary and middle schools are fully accredited if students achieve passing rates of 75 percent or higher in English and 70 percent or higher in math, science and history. High schools must meet those percentages, but they also must have a point value of at least 85 on a Graduation and Composite Index, according to the DOE.

Under legislation approved by the General Assembly last year, schools that receive full accreditation for three straight years are automatically rated as fully accredited for three more years.

Overall passing percentages released by the DOE last year were:

@ Albert Harris  58 for English (warned) and 71 for math.

@ Patrick Henry  66 for English (warned) and 70 for math.

@ Martinsville Middle  60 for English (warned), 57 for math (warned), 77 for history and 54 for science (warned).

@ Martinsville High  76 for English, 66 for math (improving), 66 for history (warned) and 64 for science (improving). The schools Graduation and Composite Index rating was 88.

Elementary school students are not tested on their history and science skills.

Talley said this years SOL results will show weve come out of a rough spell that weve been in for the last five or six years.

Since last year, academics have improved at every school, he emphasized. He attributed that largely to support shown to students by teachers, principals and parents, and he commended them all.

Due to that support, students bought into the concept that they can do well and strived to do well, he said.

Former superintendent Pam Heath retired last year amid controversy over drops in academic results and school division administrators not returning phone calls and emails from parents and the public.

Talley, who had roughly 40 years of experience as a teacher and principal in the division, was named interim superintendent. The Martinsville School Board later gave him the job on a permanent basis.

He stressed that his main focus is on improving students learning. The key to that, he said, is making students realize they can learn and be successful in life, regardless of any hardships they face.

For example, Talley said he frequently tells students never let other people define you and your abilities.

I want them to define who they are, he said.
In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used.

This Policy contains important information about your personal rights to privacy. Please read it carefully to understand how we use your personal data. We may update this Policy from time to time without notice to you, so please check it regularly.

The provision of your personal data to us is voluntary. However, without providing us with your personal data, you will be unable to (as appropriate): contact us; subscribe to our mailing list; subscribe to any of our publications; or receive information about In Defence of Marxism.

We collect information about you:

(1) When you give it to us DIRECTLY

You may give us your personal data in order to subscribe to a newsletter or publication, when you contact us by phone, email or post, when you sign a petition / statement, and/or when you donate money to us.

(2) When you give it to us INDIRECTLY

Your information will also be provided to us when you follow us or otherwise interact with on or via Twitter, when you like and/or join our page on Facebook or interact with us in other ways on or via Facebook.

(3) When you give permission to OTHER ORGANISATIONS to share it or it is AVAILABLE PUBLICLY

We may combine information you provide to us with information available from external publicly available sources. Depending on your privacy settings for social media services, we may also access information from those accounts or services. We use this information to gain a better understanding of you and to improve our communications and fundraising activities.

(4) When you visit our WEBSITE

We use cookies to identify you when you visit our website. Please refer to our Cookies Policy for details on the way our use of cookies affects your personal data.

What information do we collect?

We may collect, store and use the following kinds of personal data:

(1) We will typically hold your name and contact details, including telephone number, location, and e-mail address. However, we may request other information where it is appropriate and relevant, for example:

Your bank details or debit/credit card details (if making a donation).

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(4) any other information shared with us as per clause 1.

Do we process sensitive personal information?

Applicable law recognises certain categories of personal information as sensitive and therefore requiring more protection, including political opinions and trade union membership. In limited cases, we may collect sensitive personal data about you. We would only collect sensitive personal data if there is a clear reason for doing so; and will only do so with your explicit consent.

How and why will we use your personal data?

Personal data, however provided to us, will be used for the purposes specified in this Policy or in relevant parts of the website.

We may use your personal information to:

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For more information on how we use your personal information in relation to Google Analytics, please view our cookie policy by clicking this link cookies policy



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We do not knowingly process data of any person under the age of 16. If we come to discover, or have reason to believe, that you are 15 and under and we are holding your personal information, we will delete that information within a reasonable period and withhold our services accordingly.

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We endeavour to ensure that there are appropriate and proportionate technical and organisational measures to prevent the loss, destruction, misuse, alteration, unauthorised disclosure or of access to your personal information.

Your information is only accessible by appropriately trained staff and volunteers.

We may also use agencies and/or suppliers to process data on our behalf. We may also merge or partner with other organisations and in so doing transfer and/or acquire personal data.

Please note that some countries outside of the EEA have a lower standard of protection for personal data, including lower security requirements and fewer rights for individuals. We may transfer and/or store personal data collected from you to and/or at a destination outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Such personal data may be processed by agencies and/or suppliers operating outside the EEA. If we transfer and/or store your personal data outside the EEA we will take reasonable steps to ensure that the recipient implements appropriate measures to protect your personal data.

Otherwise than as set out in this Privacy Policy, we will only ever share your data with your informed consent.

Your rights

Where we rely on your consent to use your personal information, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. This includes the right to ask us to stop using your personal information for direct marketing purposes or to be unsubscribed from our email list at any time. You also have the following rights:

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(3) Right of erasure  as from 25 May 2018, you can ask us for your personal information to be deleted from our records.

(4) Right of rectification  if you believe our records of your personal information are inaccurate, you have the right to ask for those records to be updated.

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(6) Right to data portability  to the extent required by the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) where we are processing your personal information (i) under your consent, (ii) because such processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which you are party or to take steps at your request prior to entering into a contact or (iii) by automated means, you may ask us to provide it to you  or another service provider  in a machine-readable format.

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Where we consider that the information with which you have provided us does not enable us to identify the personal information in question, we reserve the right to ask for (i) personal identification and/or (ii) further information.

Lawful processing

We are required to have one or more lawful grounds to process your personal information. Only 4 of these are relevant to us:

Personal information is processed on the basis of a persons consent Personal information is processed on the basis of a contractual relationship Personal information is processed on the basis of legal obligations Personal information is processed on the basis of legitimate interests

(1) Consent

We will ask for your consent to use your information to send you electronic communications such as newsletters and and fundraising emails, and if you ever share sensitive personal information with us.

(2) Contractual relationships

Most of our interactions with supporters are voluntary and not contractual. However, sometimes it will be necessary to process personal information so that we can enter contractual relationships with people. For example, if you subscribe to one of our publications, or purchase merchandise online.

(3) Legal obligations

Sometimes we will be obliged to process your personal information due to legal obligations which are binding on us. We will only ever do so when strictly necessary.

(4) Legitimate interests

Applicable law allows personal information to be collected and used if it is reasonably necessary for our legitimate activities (as long as its use is fair, balanced and does not unduly impact individuals rights).

We will rely on this ground to process your personal data when it is not practical or appropriate to ask for consent.

Achieving our purposes

These include (but are not limited to) promoting socialist policies

Governance

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Conventional direct marketing and other forms of marketing, publicity or advertisement

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Analysis, targeting and segmentation to develop and promote or strategy and improve communication efficiency

Personalisation used to tailor and enhance your experience of our communications

Operational Management

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Processing for historical, scientific or statistical purpose

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Responding to enquiries

Delivery of requested products or information

Communications designed to administer existing services including subscriptions, administration of petitions and financial transactions

Thank you communications and receipts

Maintaining a supporter database and suppression lists

Financial Management and control

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Enforcement of legal claims

Reporting criminal acts and compliance with law enforcement agencies

When we use your personal information, we will consider if it is fair and balanced to do so and if it is within your reasonable expectations. We will balance your rights and our legitimate interests to ensure that we use your personal information in ways that are not unduly intrusive or unfair in other ways.

Data retention

The length of time each category of data will be retained will vary depending on how long we need to process it for, the reason it was collected, and in line with any statutory requirements. After this point the data will either be deleted, or we may retain a secure anonymised record for research and analytical purposes.

In the event that you ask us to stop sending you direct marketing/fundraising/other electronic communications, we will keep your name on our internal suppression list to ensure that you are not contacted again.

Policy amendments

We keep this Privacy Policy under regular review and reserve the right to update from time-to-time by posting an updated version on our website, not least because of changes in applicable law. We recommend that you check this Privacy Policy occasionally to ensure you remain happy with it. We may also notify you of changes to our privacy policy by email.

Third party websites

We link our website directly to other sites. This Privacy Policy does not cover external websites and we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any external websites you visit via links on our website.

Updating information

You can check the personal data we hold about you, and ask us to update it where necessary, by emailing us at webmaster@marxist.com

Contact

We are not required by law to have a Data Protection Officer  however we have a Data Protection Manager.

Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com
Wow! Summer is here in full effect.

The fires have arrived and the smoke is thick in parts of Missoula Valley. I hope you all are staying cool, creating new stories and getting out of the smoke when you can.

My intention at the beginning of 2017 was to send a newsletter each month with some updates about what Tell Us Something has been up to, maybe some links to some storytelling articles. I fell out of that habit because, well, summer, right? This is not to say I havent been working hard to continue helping people share their stories.

Lets catch up.

Full Newsletter: https://www.tellussomething.org/whats-the-story/2017/8/3/august-newsletter
The City of Great Falls is in the running to win a chunk of cash to solve a pressing issue in the city.

The project is the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge http://mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org/ , which is open to cities with populations of 30,000 or more and the grand prize is $5 million to fix a problem.

For the first 300 cities that sign up for the challenge, Bloomberg is sending "innovation experts" to conduct one day city hall training workshops for idea development with community leaders.

by Jenn Rowell

Full Story: https://theelectricgf.com/2017/08/03/great-falls-in-bloomberg-mayors-challenge-to-get-funding-for-creative-problem-solving/

***

Bloombergs Next Anti-Washington Move: $200 Million Program for Mayors http://www.matr.net/article-77698.html
A new multistate sales tax amnesty agreement will allow online sellers in several states, including Utah, to collect sales tax in an effort to increase conformity nationwide.

The Multistate Tax Commission http://www.mtc.gov/ , in cooperation with 13 member states, Wednesday announced the launch of a sales tax amnesty program aimed at helping online sellers become compliant with retail sales tax regulations.

By Jasen Lee @JasenLee1

Full Story: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/900000643/online-sales-tax-amnesty-program-launched-in-13-states-including-utah.html
Recently, as a result of President Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accords, we, along with legislative colleagues and local government officials, sent a letter to Gov. Steve Bullock urging him to join with other states, cities and businesses to uphold the accords, despite the presidents decision. Specifically, we believe that the governor should use his executive authority to establish firm, quantifiable and enforceable limits on Montanas greenhouse gas emissions, and then take steps to meet those limits.

DICK BARRETT and MIKE PHILLIPS

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/opinion/columnists/montana-must-develop-climate-change-policy/article_81ebe5dd-d08b-54ca-829a-34b0f16fde0c.html
Les membres du gouvernement ont pris note que le ministre francais, Sebastien Lecornu, sera a Maurice en connexion de la maree noire causee par le MV Wakashio des actions prises pour reduire les risques de pollution entre austres.

1. Cabinet has taken note that President Emmanuel Macron has delegated HE Mr Sebastien Lecornu, Minister for Overseas France, to effect a visit to Mauritius in connection with efforts being made to mitigate the effects of the oil spill caused by MV Wakashio.

Mr Lecornu would reach Mauritius on 16 August 2020 and would be accompanied by his Adviser on Communication Matters and the Head of his Ministry.

He would meet the Prime Minister and would, among others, visit the Command Centre at Blue Bay Marine Park, meet the French team helping with the operations and take stock of anti-pollution measures being implemented in the lagoon.

2. Cabinet has taken note of the actions initiated following the oil spill from MV Wakashio as from 6 August 2020, namely:

(a) around 3.9 kilometres of booms had been deployed at the Blue Bay Marine Park, Pointe dEsny, Mahebourg Waterfront and in the lagoon area around MV Wakashio. Additionally, some 10 kilometres of artisanal booms of the private sector and civil society organisations had been placed at various sites. To protect the Blue Bay Marine Park, around 1,800 metres of booms had been deployed thereat;

(b) a total of 3,240 metric tons of oil had been pumped out of the vessel and the pumping exercise was ongoing for the remaining 110 metric tons;

(c) coastal water quality at 15 sites was monitored on a daily basis, from Blue Bay to Trou dEau Douce;

(d) cleaning at the affected sites was underway by the National Coast Guard, the Special Mobile Force, the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change and other public organisations along with private sector participation and the civil society. Some 728 metric tons of contaminated waste oil had been collected, out of which 225 metric tons had been sent for recycling and 503 metric tons had been temporarily stored at the Hazardous Waste Interim Storage Facility at La Chaumiere; and

(e) eleven experts from France, six from Japan and five from UN Agencies, with various competencies, were already in Mauritius. The Diplomatic Missions of Australia, India, United Kingdom and the United States of America were liaising with the relevant Mauritius focal points with regard to possible assistance in terms of equipment and technical experts.

As part of phase 2 of the oil spill response, which is the clean-up and restoration, a team of environmental experts from the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited and from Le Floch Depollution, the international contractor appointed by the Protection and Indemnity Club, the Insurer, were in Mauritius.

Additional foreign expertise was being sought on environmental laws, ecosystem rehabilitation, site bio-remediation, marine biology, mangrove, remote sensing, terrestrial biodiversity and species rescue, with a view to effectively deal with the aftermath of the oil spill.

3. Cabinet has taken note of the arrangements being made to provide financial support under the MV Wakashio Assistance Scheme to fishers, fishmongers and commercial pleasure craft operators/workers who could not continue their operations as a result of the oil spill following the wreck of MV Wakashio off the coast of Pointe dEsny.

4. Cabinet has taken note of the situation of COVID-19 pandemic prevailing across the world and in the region. As at 13 August 2020, there was no active case of COVID-19 in Mauritius. Nevertheless, sanitary precautions have been maintained to prevent any imported case and the resurgence of COVID-19 within the Mauritian territory.

5. Cabinet has agreed that the allowance under the Wage Assistance Scheme and the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme to workers and self-employed individuals in the tourism sector would continue to be paid until the borders are opened. Appropriate Regulations would be made under the Income Tax Act.

6. Cabinet has agreed to the extension of the services provided to persons with no fixed abode by the Non-Governmental Organisation, Association Pour Personnes En Larmes (APPEL), at Abattoir Road, Roche Bois. The Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity would put at the disposal of APPEL another floor of the building at Roche Bois to allow the NGO to extend its services for the rehabilitation of additional persons with no fixed abode.

7. Cabinet has agreed to the Minister of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training making Regulations to prescribe the period during which an employer should seek financial assistance before notifying the Redundancy Board of any intended reduction of workforce or before terminating the employment of any of his workers, to be 01 June 2020 to

31 December 2020. With a view to preserving jobs, Government has set up various schemes under the Mauritius Investment Corporation Ltd, the State Investment Corporation Limited and the Development Bank of Mauritius Ltd to provide financial assistance to enterprises adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

8. Cabinet has taken note that upon the recommendations of the Procurement Policy Office, the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development would make the Public Procurement (Amendment of Schedule) Regulations 2020 and the Public Procurement (Amendment) Regulations 2020 to:

(a) include the Economic Development Board (EDB) in Part II of the First Schedule of the Public Procurement Act to enable it to undertake its procurement of up to an amount of Rs50 million instead of Rs15 million; and

(b) exempt the EDB from the provisions of the Public Procurement Act in respect of procurement of legal, lobbying, consultancy or other services required to protect the national interest by strengthening the position of Mauritius at international level.

These Regulations would enable the EDB to promptly procure services that are critical for the economic survival/recovery to protect the national interest of Mauritius. The EDB would establish its own rules for conducting procurement exercises for which it is exempted from the Public Procurement Act.

9. Cabinet has taken note of the recent participation of the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology in the virtual European Union (EU)  African Union (AU) Research & Innovation Ministerial Meeting. The discussion focused on research and innovation activities that would address human health impacts and the far-reaching socio-economic effects of COVID-19. These activities would be undertaken within the EU-AU collaborative framework. Short, medium, and long-term research and innovation activities were identified and clustered into four domains, namely Public Health, Green Transition, Innovation and Technology, and Capacities for Science.

10. Cabinet has taken note that the Minister of Health and Wellness would promulgate the Nursing Council (Amendment of Schedule) Regulations 2020 under the Nursing Council Act with a view to consolidating the independence and autonomy of the Nursing Council of Mauritius.

11. Cabinet has taken note that the Minister of Health and Wellness would make Regulations under the Dental Council Act for the recognition and listing of a dental institution, namely Sharda University, India, as recommended by the Dental Council of Mauritius.

12. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Prisons Board of Visitors with Mrs Ida Dookhy-Rambarun, Vice-President, Intermediate Court (Criminal Division) as Chairperson.

13. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Construction Industry Development Council with Mr Tarkaswar Cowaloosur as Chairperson.

14. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Opticians Registration Board with Mr Chettandeo Bhugun, Senior Chief Executive, Ministry of Health and Wellness as Chairperson.

15. Cabinet has taken note of the appointment of three new members on the Dental Council of Mauritius.

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Le ministre des Entreprises et des Cooperatives a prononce une allocution lors de la partie protocolaire du lancement du project for the development of an Intellectual Property and Branding Strategy for dodo handicrafts in Mauritius qui a eu lieu le 23 Mai 2019 au Labourdonnais Wsterfront HItel.

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Myxedema is the medical term for severe hypothyroidism. It also refers to the skin changes that can happen with this condition. Hypothyroidism occurs when the body does not make enough of the thyroid hormones. It is estimated that 4.6 percent of the United States (U.S.) population, aged 12 years and above, has hypothyroidism. Most cases of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, are mild. However, hypothyroidism left untreated can result in myxedema. The most life-threatening complication associated with myxedema is a myxedema coma.

What is a myxedema coma? Share on Pinterest When the body experiences an ongoing deficiency of thyroid hormones, there is a heightened risk of a myxedema coma. A myxedema coma is also known as a myxedema crisis. This serious medical condition occurs when the body can no longer cope with long-term, severely low levels of thyroid hormones. Although it is rare, a myxedema coma is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. In some cases, it can result in death. Symptoms Despite the name, a myxedema coma does not require the presence of either myxedema (skin changes) or a coma for it to be diagnosed. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the primary sign of myxedema coma is a deterioration of mental state. For example, a person may experience confusion, hallucinations, or disorientation. Other signs and symptoms of a myxedema coma include: coma

high carbon dioxide levels in the blood

hypothermia, or low body temperature

labored breathing

low blood sodium levels

low oxygen levels in the blood

seizures

shock, or a sudden drop in blood flow

unresponsiveness People with severe hypothyroidism may experience the following signs and symptoms: constipation

depression

fatigue

feeling cold

goiter or an enlarged thyroid gland

low blood pressure

low heart rate

swelling of the face

thickening of the skin, particularly of the lower legs

thinning hair

weakness

weight gain

Causes and triggers Share on Pinterest Potential causes of myxedema include inflammation or removal of the thyroid gland, certain medicines, and pregnancy. Myxedema is the result of severe hypothyroidism that is undiagnosed or not treated. It is most commonly seen in those with a history of thyroid surgery or radiotherapy. The causes of hypothyroidism can include: Hashimotos disease, an autoimmune condition and the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S.

cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. Thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Congenital hypothyroidism, a condition present from birth that is usually screened for in newborns.

Surgical removal of the thyroid due to thyroid cancer or other conditions.

Radiation therapy.

Certain medications.

Pituitary gland abnormalities caused by surgery, tumors, or medical conditions, such as Sheehans syndrome.

An iodine imbalance.

Pregnancy, with some research estimating that hypothyroidism occurs in 1 out of every 1,600 to 2,000 deliveries. In rare cases, myxedema may occur in people with normal thyroids but whose pituitary gland or hypothalamus, both of which are part of the brain, fail to send messages correctly to the thyroid gland. In someone with hypothyroidism, a myxedema coma can be triggered by: cold weather

discontinuing hypothyroid treatment

hypoglycemia or low blood sugar

sudden illness, such as a heart attack

infection, such as pneumonia

stress

taking certain medications to suppress the central nervous system

trauma, such as surgery, burns, or accidents

Risk factors The biggest risk factor for myxedema coma is to have hypothyroidism that is untreated. Other risk factors include: sex  women are more at risk of hypothyroidism and myxedema coma than men

age  older adults, aged 60 or above, are at greater risk

pregnancy

stressful or traumatic events

cold weather

Diagnosis A doctor, usually an endocrinologist, will probably be able to diagnose severe hypothyroidism or myxedema based on a persons symptoms. A diagnosis will be confirmed using blood tests. Blood tests are used to evaluate levels of: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) . Low levels of hormones produced by the thyroid can indicate hypothyroidism.

. Low levels of hormones produced by the thyroid can indicate hypothyroidism. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Produced by the pituitary gland, a high level of TSH suggests hypothyroidism. This is because the pituitary is signaling to the thyroid that more levels of T3 and T4 are needed in the body. Blood tests may also check for: adrenal gland function

blood cell count

blood glucose levels

carbon dioxide levels

electrolytes

liver function

oxygen levels Heart activity may be checked using an ECG (electrocardiogram) and the brain may be looked at with a CT scan. Lung function might also be tested.

Treatment As myxedema coma is a medical emergency and life threatening, so it requires immediate treatment, usually in an intensive care unit (ICU). Share on Pinterest Treatment options may include thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which will be administered through an IV line. Doctors will continually monitor the level of consciousness and vital signs of those with myxedema coma. Vital signs include: blood pressure

body temperature

breathing

pulse rate Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is administered through a vein, using an intravenous (IV) line. It may take weeks for a persons thyroid hormones to return to normal levels. Once levels are restored, their symptoms will improve. However, some form of thyroid medication will be necessary for the rest of the persons life. Other treatments may be given, such as: antibiotics for infection

corticosteroids

electrolyte replacement

glucose supplements for low blood sugar
Scientists have developed a new test that can pick out women at high risk of relapsing from breast cancer within 10 years of diagnosis.

Their study looked for immune cell 'hotspots' in and around tumours, and found that women who had a high number of hotspots were more likely to relapse than those with lower numbers.

The new test could help more accurately assess the risk of cancer returning in individual patients, and offer them monitoring or preventative treatment.

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, analysed tissue samples from 1,178 women with the most common form of breast cancer - oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer.

The team created a new, fully automated computer tool to analyse the samples, which were taken as part of a clinical trial at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and other hospitals in the UK, comparing two hormone therapies that can help stop cancer recurring after surgery.

The researchers found that when immune cells clustered together in hotspots, the chance of relapse within 10 years of starting treatment was 25 per cent higher than when immune cells were evenly dispersed.

The chance of cancer returning within five years was 23 per cent higher in women with immune cell hotspots.

The researchers previously looked at tumour samples from oestrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, and found here that clustering of immune cells had the opposite effect, with hotspots linked to a lower chance of relapse.

The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute , and was funded by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), with support from Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, and Wellcome.

Once the new test is validated, it could be used to help predict the risk of cancer relapse, and to make decisions about the right course of treatment.

The effect of immune hotspots on the chance of relapse could be linked to how the immune system is working in these cancers.

Better understanding of the immune system in breast cancer could in future help unpick why certain immunotherapies work in some patients but not others, and lead to finding new immunotherapy drug targets.

Dr Yinyin Yuan, Team Leader in Computational Pathology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:

"We have developed a new, automated computer tool that makes an assessment of the risk of relapse based on how cells are organised spatially, and whether or not immune cells are clustered together in the tumour.

"In the most common form of breast cancer, oestrogen receptor positive, the presence of hotspots of immune cells clustered together in the tumour was strongly linked to an increased risk of relapse after hormone treatment.

"Larger studies are needed before an immune hotspot test could come to the clinic, but in future such a test could pick out patients at highest risk of their cancer returning. It might also be possible to predict which patients would respond to immunotherapy.

"The samples used in our study already form part of routine clinical practice, which means that implementing an immune hotspot test would be relatively easy and cost-effective."

Professor Paul Workman, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:

"This ingenious new computer-based test automatically analyses breast cancer samples, revealing patterns impossible to detect under the microscope with the human eye. In future, the test could allow us to identify those patients who are at a higher risk of relapse on hormone therapy, and potentially change their treatment.

"What this study also tells us is that the immune system probably has a key role to play in how breast cancer responds to hormone treatment. Measuring the immune response to cancer could be important in future to help identify patients who could benefit from immunotherapy."

Professor Mitch Dowsett, Head of the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research at The Royal Marsden, said:

"There are a number of molecular tests used in the management of women with early breast cancer but none of these have focussed on the immune aspects of the disease.

We hope these novel findings will enable us to refine the use of those tests further and help us improve the management of the greater than 40,000 women who develop this type of breast cancer in the UK each year."
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Bergh C, et al. Severe infections and subsequent delayed cardiovascular disease. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology (2017). DOI: 10.1177/2047487317724009

In this study, the research team examined whether patients who were hospitalized for sepsis or pneumonia were linked to an increased cardiovascular disease risk in the next few years after infection. The team also examined whether there is a period of heightened risk in these patients.Men who were born between 1952 and 1956 were included in the study. About 236 739 men who underwent physical and psychological examinations extensively around the age of 18 years as part of compulsory military conscription assessments were included in the study.The research team obtained information from a register that has recorded all the information on patients admitted to the hospital since 1964, who were diagnosed with infection and cardiovascular disease. The men were followed from their late adolescence into their middle age. The follow-up was completed in 2010.The link between the first infection in patients with sepsis or pneumonia which resulted from hospitalization with risk of cardiovascular disease later at pre-specified time intervals post-infection (0-1, >1-2, >2-3, >3-4, >4-5, and 5+ years after hospital admission for the infection) were examined by the research team..A total of about 46 754 men (19.7%) during the follow-up period had a first diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and there were about 9 987 hospital admissions for sepsis or pneumonia among 8 534 men, who received these diagnoses.The research team found that infection was linked to a 6.33-fold increased cardiovascular disease risk during the first year after the infection. Cardiovascular disease risk remained high by 2.47 and 2.12 times in the second and third years following an infection.The risk of cardiovascular disease decreased with time. However, the risk was found to be still high by nearly two-folds (hazard ratio 1.87) for the next five years after the infection .Similar findings were reported for cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke and fatal cardiovascular disease. The persistently increased risk in patients could not be explained by severe infections that followed.Dr Cecilia Bergh, lead author and an affiliated researcher at Orebro University, said that the cardiovascular disease risk such as coronary heart disease and stroke increased in patients with sepsis or pneumonia after hospital admission.The risk of cardiovascular disease was notably high in patients for the next three years after infection and was found to increase nearly two-fold after five years.In the first three years post-infection, the research team examined that the relationship between other risk factors like overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, poorer physical fitness and household crowding in childhood; it was found that infection was linked with the highest magnitude of cardiovascular disease risk.Professor Montgomery said: "Conventional cardiovascular risk factors are still important but infection may be the primary source of risk for a limited time."In this study, the results show that immediately after infection the risk of cardiovascular disease is very high and may reduce with time.Systemic inflammation after a severe infection may persist and play a major role, as inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Most patients who have sepsis or pneumonia recover. But many patients, even after the acute phase of infection still continue to have high circulating inflammatory markers .Professor Montgomery said: "Our findings provide another reason to protect against infection and suggest that there is a post-infection window of increased cardiovascular disease risk. We did not study any interventions that could be initiated during this period, but preventative therapies such as statins could be investigated."Source: MedindiaSource: Medindia
If you haven't been living under a rock, you must have definitely heard of these quirky art installations in Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore, wrapped up with colorful laces running with this cryptic message written on it - #LacedUp. Well, while we were still trying to figure what being #LacedUp is all about, we came across this post by Virat Kohli on his instagram handle. And yes, now the puzzle fits together!

WIDE Lacing. That's my style. What's yours? @Puma #NETFIT #LACEDUP A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) on Aug 2, 2017 at 2:40am PDT

Like Virat says every runner has his own unique story and experience. Most of us concentrate only on buying a great pair of running shoes, but we miss out on how to actually use them to improve our running experience; that's where lacing them correctly (according to your feet) is important. Learning how to do this can help you prevent injuries, reduce fatigue and increase your running potential, to a large extent.

Which is why, PUMA is installing Lace Labs across malls in different cities, so that you can determine your specific lacing type with a pair of the NETFITS (which is their new innovative shoe which can be laced up in any style through its upper mesh), and then experience how the lacing affects your running on a treadmill, which will be present as a part of the installation. These installations will be put up in key malls across Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi over the weekends. The first installation would take place at Forum Mall in Bangalore on the 5th & 6th of August. But before you head on there, here's a bit of quick information on the 5 broad types of lacing styles:

1. Standard Lacing

PUMA

The standard lacing style enables creating equal tension throughout the shoe and avoids causing pressure points. It is a commonly used lacing technique which you can go ahead with if you are comfortable in your running shoe and don't have any sort of extremities on your feet.

2. Stability Lacing

PUMA

Supinators commonly have high arches, which mean that you may be vulnerable to an outward foot-roll motion while running. With this lacing style, you can provide enough support to avoid supination which can ruin your performance.

3. Heel Support

PUMA

This lacing style is for runners who have a slipping heel and prefer a tighter fit around it. It gives the ankle more support by tightening it around that region but leaving the forefoot region relaxed.

4. Narrow

PUMA

This lacing style helps runners with narrow feet to perfect the grip required for a narrow foot. It tightens the shoe, allowing your feet to be placed firmly, without leaving too much space. But, make sure that you don't tie it too tight so that the blood flow is not affected while running.

PUMA

This lacing style, on the contrary, is for runners with wide feet. This type of lacing loosens the shoe so that your forefoot gets more space to breathe. You can avoid cramps, pain and allow your feet to relax within your shoe as you stride forward.

Did you find your unique lacing style in here? Well, if you are still confused about it, don't be. Head on to the nearest PUMA Store and experience running on an altogether new level by discovering your unique lacing style in the PUMA Lace Lab. Log on here for details and get #LacedUp already!
'Everest' actor, supermodel and grooming enthusiast, Sahil Salathiawho loves flaunting his assets on Instagram, talks to us exclusively about where to go, what to do, and what to carry on a summer vacation. Jet-set-GO!

Let's talk about your vacationWhere did you go? What did you do? Tell us about your best moments

I parked myself across different cities in the USA for over a month. My trip started with one of my most beloved cities ever, NYCwhere I ended up staying the longest. Because...it's New York! To be honest, New York City never ceases to amaze me, but this time, I think I spent most of my time in the roof-top bars in Manhattan out of which The Standard High line hotel's bar and The Skylark are my top picks for you to go to. If you feeling up for some nightlife, head to Gold Bar on Broome Street'cause it's open till 4 am, even on a Tuesday. (You can thank me later, LOL). I have done all the touristy stuff earlier in life, but if it happens to be your first timea day getting lost in Central Park is totally worth it. I did hit up Washington as well for the weekend. It's called 'The American Rome' for a reason. The architecture is simply stunning! In Miami, head to Nikki Beach or Livmy fav nightclub in the whole wide world. I don't know about you, but I love sunbathing. So, I basically slept my way through on south beach with nothing but mojitos in my tummy.

 Sahil Salathia

How does one prepare for a vacation like this? What grooming products did you carry with you?

I travel light because it drives me insane to carry around stuff that I'll probably never wear on vacation. A formal shoe, a pair of white trainers, and a running shoe (if you are looking to go for a run)is all you'll ever need. I'm addicted to sunglasses, so I carry a few pairs with me. To be (really) honest, I carried about 17 pairs on this trip that was about 30 days (LOL!). For clothing, a few lightweight jackets to layer over T-shirts, joggers and a couple of pair of jeans is what you should definitely pack. Again, I ended up carrying a shit ton of T-shirts, because: 1) They are light 2) You want to definitely change, say at least twice a day. Reason? Ain't no woman got time for a stinky man. Don't blame me, I read it on MensXP!!

I've got my grooming kit with me all the time which has all my basics in it. I've started using a medicated neem soap and an Ayurvedic shampoo so, a few of those travel with me wherever I go. I never leave home without my tried-and-tested Paco Rabanne fragrance, my trimmer, a set of razors and my Neutrogena moisturizer.

 Sahil Salathia

We can see lots of shirtless beach photos. Did you wax, trim or shave your chest? Tell us about it

I promise you I'm not such an exhibitionist. I don't post bathroom selfies with my body on display. Lol. But you gotta be soaking' up the sun when you are on the beach. Especially if you are on the legendary Miami Beach. Hence, the abundance of shirtless photos and selfies. Also, I love me some tan lines!

I have never ever waxed in my life, it scares the shit out of me. But I always trim my chest. I avoid shaving because it's just way more work. Trimming off the chest hair is easier, quicker and the ladies definitely like it better!

 Sahil Salathia

According to you, is it imperative to wax before some Miami Heat' moments? Do you think hairy is out and clean shaven is inboth in terms of body hair and beard?

Not really! Men are supposed to be hairy. And if you comfortable with body hair, stick to that. Miami Heat ain't got nothing on you. I was working on Nikhil Advani's 'P.O.W', where I played a character that obviously had no clue what about modern day grooming. You know what I mean if you have seen it. I was hairy all over because I wanted to stay super authentic to the character sketch I had created for Nikhil. I grew a long-ass beard as well. But once I wrapped up my shoot, I was so done with the look, I wanted to clean it up and be done with it. Personally, for me, I think the whole clean-shaven look is in after every Tom, Dick, and Harry looked the same over the last year and a half with all the gorilla business.

 Sahil Salathia

Most Indian men get back hair. Do you shave your back too?

Not really, I don't even know what back hair meansLOL

Explain the new haircut. What products are you using currently?

My new cut is basically keeping the length kinda longish and high on volume. L'Oreal Elnett is my all time fave hairspray and I'm using Schwarzkopf's glued blasting freeze spray these days to keep my mane a little sane and not overly messy! Trust me this product is magic, try it! (Order it online if you don't get it in your city.)

 Sahil Salathia

3 key pointers on how to prep for a summer body...

1) Do not take shortcuts. Keep a time frame in mind and have realistic goals. Plan your workout accordingly. Eat well, drink lots of water to stay hydrated. 2) Please work on your legs and have a proportionate body. Indian men like to look like Hulk on top and mini mouse at the base. Not cool at all. 3) Finally, if you are not into the whole fitness aspect, try and hit that treadmill every day. No excuses. Because you can find at least one hour a day burn those mid-week cocktail sessions.
Apple has been touted as the second highest selling smartphone company in the world but Chinese giant Huawei was not that far from beating the highly coveted American brand. Apple sold 41 million smartphones in the last quarter while Huawei was not that far off as they shipped at least 38.5 million smartphones.

 Reuters

Counterpoint Research indicated that the gap between the two smartphone brands is smaller than ever and Huawei was very close to matching Apple's sales figures. Apple is currently the world's No.2 phone seller in terms of volume and Huawei is not too far behind at the third spot. Huawei is a very popular smartphone brand in China and also has a huge presence in Europe which resulted in the company selling 38.5 million phones in the same period, Counterpoint Research reported earlier this week.

Huawei has seen a 20 percent increase in smartphone sales whereas Apple has seen a growth of 2 percent in the last quarter. Both companies have very little to worry about, however, Samsung is still the leader when it comes to selling the most smartphones in terms of volume. Apple accounted for 80 percent of smartphone profits in 2016 while brands like Huawei and Oppo are becoming the market leaders in the Chinese market.

 YouTube

Oppo and Xiaomi are two other Chinese smartphone brands that have grown considerably in the past year. Xiaomi has various businesses in India that are worth $1 billion dollars and the Chinese giant has sold over 23 million units in the same quarter.

Samsung is till dominating the market with over 80 million in phone sales last quarter and will probably remain on top for the rest of the second quarter. LG, the other South Korean smartphone manufacturer has only managed to sell 13.3 million phones and has seen a decline in sales in the same quarter.

Source: Cnet
Colson Whitehead's novel The Underground Railroad won the Pulitzer Prize and the 2016 National Book Award for fiction. The book has been translated into 40 languages. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Colson Whitehead explains how New York, post-traumatic stress and a long gestation helped shape his latest award-winning novel. Mei Jia reports.

Colson Whitehead, this year's winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, who is on his first book tour in China, says he finds Beijing's roads too broad to make walking around enjoyable, but Shanghai, like New York where he grew up, is an incredible place to walk around.

"I love cities. They're fascinating," he tells China Daily at the hotel where he is staying in Beijing, a few hours before he joins poet Xi Chuan for a talk on the theme of cities.

"A city is sort of a calendar," Whitehead, 47, says. They chronicle their residents' lives and emotional history by, for example, "mapping a nice meal in Manhattan, or the corner where I broke up with my ex".

For his novel The Underground Railroad, which has won multiple awards since it was published last year, Whitehead wanted to weave his hometown New York into the book, which was not that easy since it is set in the 1850s and tells the tale of Cora, a slave who makes a bid for freedom from the Georgia plantations using the underground railroad.

"I managed it with the main villain, Ridgeway. He is from New York," he says.

The novel is his sixth, and, in his words, it has had "quite a year". It was a New York Times best-seller, won the Pulitzer and the 2016 National Book Award for fiction, and it has been translated into 40 languages. The Chinese version was published in 2017.

It also got recommendations from Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey.

The New York Times said he "told a story essential to our understanding of the American past and the American present".
Judith Jones received the lifetime achievement award in 2006 at the James Beard Foundation Awards ceremony in New York. [Photo/Agencies]

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," says 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 during 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 Cookinga 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 says.

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, says Knopf Doubleday.

Associated Press
By WANG QINGYUN in Beijing and CHEN WEIHUA in Washington | China Daily | Updated: 2017-08-04 06:02

A Foreign Ministry photo released on Wednesday shows Indian troops encroaching on Chinese territory. Provided to China Daily

What India has done in its incursion into China's Donglang area (Doklam) is "by no means for peace", a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Spokesman Geng Shuang responded after the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that "peace and tranquility" of the border between the two nations constitutes the important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations.

Geng said that China, "out of good will", notified India in advance through a border meeting mechanism on May 18 and June 8 about its road construction in the Donglang area, but "the Indian side didn't make any response to the Chinese side through any channel for over one month".

"Instead, it flagrantly dispatched armed forces carrying equipment to illegally cross the boundary to obstruct China's road building. This is by no means for peace."

By Wednesday, more than one month after the incursion, 48 Indian border troops and one bulldozer still illegally remained in the Chinese territory, according to Geng.

India's action "amounts to irresponsibility and recklessness", and the incident "is illegal under international law", Geng said.

What's more, India "is building roads, hoarding supplies and deploying a large number of armed forces on the Indian side of the boundary," which also "is by no means for peace", he said.

The Foreign Ministry issued a paper on Wednesday elaborating on what has transpired  and the Chinese government's position over the incident  warning India not to underestimate China's resolve to defend its territory.

Jon Taylor, a professor of political science at the University of St Thomas in Houston, said the Indian military breached both international law and a treaty convention by entering Chinese territory shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States.

"The incursion can be viewed as part of a greater strategic competition between China and India, one that is influenced by (US President Donald) Trump's push for a closer partnership with India," he said.

Taylor said that despite India's actions, China has remained restrained and tolerant. "I believe that this is because China wishes to preserve friendly China-India relations," he said.

Contact the writers at wangqingyun@chinadaily.com.cn
Apart from hosting and possible maintenance costs, there are not exactly downsides to having your own website. Even if its just a personal blog it can always become more useful down the line, if you utilize it in the right manner. In other words, more
TUSCOLA COUNTY  Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are investigating the illegal killing of two male deer in Tuscola County, and ask anyone with information to report it.

Conservation officers found on Aug. 1 the remains of two bucks  an 8-point and a 9-point  in a ditch near the intersection of M-25 and Clark Road in Akron Township. The antlers of both bucks were still in full velvet, which is a vascular skin that bucks will begin shedding in the fall.

Not only is this a crime, but its a tremendous waste of two beautiful animals, said Lt. Jeremy Payne, District 6 supervisor for the DNR Law Enforcement Division. Any tips from the public will help significantly as we investigate this case. For example, if anyone saw flashlights being shined or deer in the back of a truck, we would like to know. Poaching is criminal and unethical, and the DNR wants to work with citizens to protect Michigans natural resources.

Poaching an antlered white-tailed deer is a misdemeanor punishable by fines of $1,000, reimbursement of $1,000 per animal and $500 for each antler point on deer with antlers having between 8 and 10 points.

An individual offering information that leads to a successful conviction may be eligible for a reward through the Report All Poaching (RAP) program. Anyone with information is encouraged to call or text the RAP line at 800-292-7800.

While citizens can remain anonymous, they must provide their names if they wish to be eligible for a reward. The RAP line is a convenient, effective way for citizens to report the illegal taking of fish or game, or damage to the state's natural resources. The line is open 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
BROWN CITY  A bear that got loose from an animal sanctuary was eventually located by authorities.

According to the Sanilac County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched around 10:19 a.m. Wednesday to the Summer Wind Farms Sanctuary to assist in the search. Deputies were told by the owners of the sanctuary that they had found animal cages that they believe were intentionally opened.

The owners were able to capture two crocodiles that had escaped, but were unable to locate a 1-year-old Syrian Brown Bear, that was still missing.

Assisting at the scene were the DNR, Brown City, Elk Township, and Speaker Township fire departments, Sanilac County Search and Rescue, Brown City Police Department and Sanilac County Aero Unit. The agencies searched the scene to help locate the bear and assisted in notifying area residents of the situation.

The bear was eventually located still on the sanctuary property. It was safely tranquilized and returned to its enclosure.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the sheriffs office at 810-648-2000.
GREENLEAF TOWNSHIP  Authorities are in search of a male suspect who recently broke into Wild John's Party Store.

According to the Sanilac County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the scene around 10:50 p.m. Thursday after dispatch received a breaking and entering alarm at the store, located in the 6000 block of North Van Dyke Road.

Deputies, along with the Cass City Police Department, arrived on scene and located the front glass door smashed in and the store broken into. An undetermined amount of property was taken.

The subject then fled north bound on foot before driving away on his own, or possibly being picked up.

Further investigation revealed the suspect as a white male, about 5-feet 9-inches to 6-feet 1-inch tall, with a slender build, possibly in his late teens to early 20s.

Deputies were also assisted by the Sanilac County Drug Task Force. Authorities are working with Wild Johns management to get additional video that could assist in identifying the suspect or suspects.
UBLY  The superintendent of Ubly Community Schools is encouraging voters to pass a bond and sinking fund at Tuesdays election to better current, and future, students education.

A question regarding the two proposals will greet Ubly School District residents in Huron and Sanilac counties on Aug. 8.

The district is seeking an $8.4 million bond with a millage of 1.7 mills. If passed by voters, the bond will be used to add a new 12-room elementary wing and close three classrooms in the upstairs portion of the building, Superintendent Joe Candela told the Tribune.

Overall, the district would lose seven rooms, but add five brand new ones in its place.

We would like to add preschool rooms eventually because we currently dont have any preschool(s) in Ubly, Candela said, noting Ubly Schools would also like to add a latchkey program in the future.

If passed, the remodel would help with the current size of the elementary classrooms. Currently, the rooms are 740 square feet and if students need additional help, they have to take it to the hallways, which is roughly 10 feet wide, Candela said.

Obviously thats not the best learning environment, but thats all we have, he said.

New classroom sizes would be around 1,000 to 1,200 square feet.

Construction, if passed, would take place next summer when school is dismissed. The entire elementary wing project would be completed in the next two and a half years, Candela said.

Other projects the district has in mind if the bond is passed include:

 New drop-off/pick up loop near the new elementary wing.

 Upgrade current elementary rooms for 4th through 6th grade.

 Renovations for main office, main entry and conference room.

 Upgrades to the main gym, such as replacing the floor, bleachers and sound system.

 Upgrade the 1936 gym.

The last bond issue that was done at Ubly was in 1992 that really added any new structures, Candela said, adding in 2008 the district had a bond issue that just updated the current elementary school with plumbing and electrical work.

The district is also asking voters to pass a sinking fund of $490,000 per year for 10 years at two mills.

Both the sinking fund and the bond cannot be used for salaries  its against the law, Candela said.

With the funds, if passed by voters, the district is looking at the following plans:

 HVAC upgrades throughout the district.

 Replace sections of the roof.

 Security and access upgrades.

 Technology and phone infrastructure improvements.

 Flooring, finished and casework replacements.

Many of the other school districts around the county have updated their facilities and its time for Ubly to update our facilities, Candela said. We have great kids and I think our kids deserve the very best.

Its our kids future and I think if youre voting yes, its for their future, he added.
HURON COUNTY  Two Huron County businesses competed in the new Catapult Your Business Plan Competition at the Huron County Building.

The business plan competition was for advanced manufacturing, craft agriculture and food, logistics, professional services, and technology businesses. The applicants were required to fill out an online application that included their business plan and power point presentation, and then present their business plans to our Huron County Judges.

Sibling Rivalry, LLC  DBA Kyles Kindling  won first place for the success of its their growth strategy in their fire starter business. Emmas Coffee House, which is slated to open this October, won second place for its plan to move into their new business venture.

The competition was started to help support the growth of businesses in Huron County and the I-69 Thumb Region, said Carl Osentoski, executive director of the Huron County Economic Development Corporation. The goal of the competition and our work in the advanced manufacturing, craft food sector, logistics professional services and technology businesses is to support local businesses expand production, increase jobs and help grow our local economy."

Sibling Rivalry LLC will move on to the regional contest, with a chance to win $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place or $1,000 for third place in the regional finals. The regional competition will take place on Sept. 21 at the Lapeer Country Club.

For more information, visit www.i-69thumbregion.org.

Competition prizes have been made possible through a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other sponsors.
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...
After searching for more than three days and covering more than 11,000 square nautical miles, the Navy has suspended its efforts to find a sailor believed to have fallen overboard from the guided-missile cruiser Stethem in the South China Sea.

The search was called off Friday at 4 p.m. Japan Standard Time, or around 3 a.m. Eastern time, officials from 7th Fleet announced. The Navy will identify the deceased sailor following a 24-hour period after next-of-kin notifications.

For the Navy, this was the third man-overboard search this summer, and the second sailor lost at sea.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our lost shipmate, their family, and the officers and crew of USS Stethem," Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander of Task Force 70, said in a statement. "I appreciate greatly the dedication and professionalism shown by all who participated in the search efforts."

U.S. ships and a P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft were aided in the search by two ships and helicopters from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, and two frigates from China's People's Liberation Army (Navy).

China assisted in the search despite protesting Stethem's recent freedom-of-navigation operations near the contested island of Triton in the South China Sea.

Officials with the 7th Fleet said the participation of China and Japan in the search demonstrated "the common bond shared by all mariners to render assistance at sea."

The sailor was reported missing around 9 a.m. local time Aug. 1 while the Stethem was conducting routine operations in the South China Sea, about 140 miles west of Subic Bay in the Philippines.

Continuous search efforts totaled 79 hours, officials said.

"After an extensive search, with help from the JMSDF and PLA(N), we were unable to locate our Sailor," Capt. Jeffrey Bennett, commander of Destroyer Squadron 15, said in a statement. "I offer my deepest condolences to the sailor's family, friends, and the Stethem Steelworkers."

An investigation has been launched into the circumstances under which the sailor went missing.

In June, a sailor attached to the cruiser Normandy, Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Clavin, was declared lost at sea after a 76-hour man-overboard search off the coast of North Carolina.

In the Pacific the same month, a search was launched after Petty Officer 3rd Class Peter Mims went missing from the cruiser Shiloh. But in that case, Mims was found hiding on the ship a week after his disappearance and after the search-and-rescue effort for him had been suspended.

He now faces discharge from the Navy.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
A small team of U.S. Special Forces troops is on the ground in the midst of Yemen's civil war in support of an operation against the Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) terror group, the Pentagon said Friday.

The U.S. troops are limited to advisory and intelligence work, but they could be drawn into conflict in self-defense, said Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman. "They certainly could be. Combat can always happen."

The amphibious assault ship Bataan with several hundred Marines aboard is also operating in the region, but troops and aircraft from the ship are not involved in the current operation, Davis said.

The U.S. team on the ground is supporting an offensive by forces of the United Arab Emirates and the ousted government of Yemeni Prime President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The partnered forces are moving against AQAP strongholds in the Shabwah governorate, Davis said.

U.S. forces have conducted scores of airstrikes in Yemen and carried out occasional ground raids since Jan. 29, when a Navy SEAL -- Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens, 36, of Peoria, Ill. -- was killed in the first military operation authorized by President Donald Trump.

Three other SEALs were wounded and a Marine MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft was destroyed in the operation.

Since Feb. 28, the U.S. has carried out at least 80 airstrikes in Yemen, including close-air support for UAE and Yemeni government forces, Davis said.

He said the U.S. had not carried out close-air support missions in the current offensive against AQAP, but he did not rule them out in the future.

Yemen's civil war has killed more than 10,000 people, displaced more than 2.5 million and caused a humanitarian catastrophe and cholera epidemic in one of the world's poorest countries, according to the United Nations and human rights groups.

The war began in March 2015 when Houthi rebels, members of the Shia Zaydi sect and backed by Iran, overran the capital of Sanaa, forcing the Hadi government to flee.

Saudi Arabia then came to the aid of Hadi, forming a coalition of Arab states including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal and Sudan. The U.S. has been supplying Saudi Arabia with aerial refueling and intelligence flights.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
If you think about it, there is not a better time to build a new morning fitness habit than right now with the end of...
Toyota and Mazda, two Japanese automakers, have announced a $1.6 billion joint-partnership to create a manufacturing plant and bring 4,000 new jobs to the U.S.

The two will split the cost for the plant 50-50, and have set the goal of opening it by 2021. Toyota said in a Friday, Aug. 4 news release that it will make North America's Corollas at the prospective plant while Mazda focuses on crossover models.

The location of the plant is unknown, but the Associated Press reports it is likely to be in the south near the rest of the automaker's U.S.-based manufacturing spots.

In the news release, Toyota laid out the details of its partnership with Mazda in that the two will produce U.S. vehicles under the same roof, develop new technology for electric vehicles together. They will also collaborate on connected-car tech and advancing safety technologies and to create "complementary products."

"The greatest fruit of our partnership with Mazda is that we have found a new partner who truly loves cars. It has also sparked Toyota's competitive spirit, increasing our sense of not wanting to be bested by Mazda," Akio Toyoda, the automaker's president, said in the release.

"This is a partnership in which those who are passionate about cars will work together to make ever-better cars. It is also the realization of our desire to never let cars become commodities."

Mazda president and COE Masamichi Kogai said that he hopes, through the deal, to "help to energize the auto industry and create more car fans by bringing together two competitive spirits."

The move garnered praise from President Donald Trump's Twitter account, which is a far cry from the tone of his tweets directed at Toyota back in January.

Toyota & Mazda to build a new $1.6B plant here in the U.S.A. and create 4K new American jobs. A great investment in American manufacturing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2017

Toyota had planned to make the Corollas at an under-construction plant in Guanajuato, Mexico, but will instead make it Tacoma pickups there. When asked by reporters if the move was influenced by Trump, Toyoda said "we have been reviewing the best production strategy for our business."

"The Toyota-Mazda link for joint vehicle production and technology collaboration is indicative of where the global auto industry is heading," Michelle Krebs, executive analyst at Autotrader, said in an email. "Electric, self-driving and connected vehicles will require significant investment without an immediate return and economies of scale, particularly for a small automaker like Mazda.

"Toyota may benefit from a taste of Mazda's zoom-zoom flavor and add to its global volume count, but most of the benefit of the link-up goes to Mazda, which desperately needs U.S. production in this protectionist era and help with advanced technology development."

When revealing the 2018 Toyota Camry at the Detroit auto show, Toyota touted several graphics on the screen behind the new, shiny cars. The stats included the number of Toyota employees in America, how much money the automaker has invested in the U.S. and how much it plans to invest stateside in the future.

The Camry has been America's top-selling car for 15 consecutive years, and has served as the company's flagship vehicle since 1982. Toyota made sure to bring up the designation of it being named the "Most American Car" by Cars.com.

Toyota says it will acquire 31,928,500 shares of stock from Mazda through a third-party, which will come to a 5.05 percent stack in Mazda ($455 million).
PAW PAW, MI -- A brewing company that has already landed shelf space in Michigan hopes to attract more fans with its new taproom 15 miles west of Kalamazoo.

Lucky Girl Brewing Co. Crossroads officially opens Friday, Aug. 4, at 34016 M-43 in Paw Paw.

It's the first taproom for the brand, which has been packaging and selling its beer in bottles and kegs through retailers such as Meijer since 2014.

"I figured this was a great place to open a taproom to further my brand and produce small-batch beers that aren't necessarily conducive to packaging," said owner Jeff Wescott, a Grand Junction resident. "Downtown Kalamazoo is loaded with options of great beer but there's really nothing as you come closer to the lakefront."

Lucky Girl's new home is at an intersection that sees about 27,000 cars a day, unofficially known as Armstrong Corners, Wescott said.

Lucky Girl, which has proclaimed on its bottles "Michigan Born. American Brewed" contracts with Susquehanna Brewing Co. in Pittston, Pa. to brew and package beer such as best sellers Golden Lager, Lemon Shandy and Grapefruit Shandy. Wescott said he has plans to brew in Michigan as well, starting with small batches of Splatter Pattern, a cream ale, and a honey orange wheat brewed by Lucky Girl's Brewmaster in Paw Paw, Kevin Hyde. Hyde is a former head brewer at Gonzo's BiggDogg Brewing Co. in Kalamazoo.

Wescott said he plans to keep brewing and packaging in Pittston, but said he would "love to" have the demand to increase the size of his brewing facility and a reason to make an investment in Michigan. He said he has looked at moving production into Michigan, including some options on the east side of the state.

Hyde said plans for the taproom and surrounding buildings include upgrading to a 3- or 5-barrel brewing system and offering a wine tasting room in partnership with a California winery.

The taproom is adorned with World War II-era, Americana decor and outfitted with tables made from Michigan wood. The bar is a former bowling lane from Kalamazoo and the chalkboards for menus came from schools in South Haven, said Eric Austin, general manager. Lucky Girl offers house-smoked meats including brisket, wings and pulled pork, and plans to have a pizza oven set up within weeks, Austin said.

Austin said Lucky Girl is hoping to appeal to people in its many neighboring communities, including families and people who may not usually drink craft beer. He said the brewery has a nice variety of beers to fit anyone's palate. So far, he said, customers have stopped in from areas such as Gobles, Paw Paw and Lawton, or have stopped on the drive to Kalamazoo or South Haven.

"We're trying to create a brewery that has beer that is attainable by anyone," said Austin, who worked 20-plus years in the Chicago restaurant industry and before moving to the Kalamazoo area in May 2016. "We have the whole spectrum. We have very light beer to a very chewy, hoppy beer."

Lucky Girl is celebrating its grand opening Friday through Sunday. Its hours are noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Live music will be offered from Kevin Nicholas from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Kevin Henry on from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Anne Elder has the kind of smile that feels like an embrace.

On a recent morning, she entered the barn at the Community Farm of Ann Arbor -- her frame small, but strong -- and began writing the day's produce share on a black chalkboard. It was distribution day, and members would be picking up their produce shortly.

Elder and her husband, Paul Bantle, have worked as head farmers for the CFAA for 26 years. In 1988, the farm was established as the first Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Michigan. January 2018 marks a shift in leadership, as Elder and Bantle plan to move to California to live and work at the Mountain Sun Earth Meditation retreat.

"If I talk about it too much I'll start to cry," Elder said of the pending departure.

Elder and Bantle have close relationships with the members, which is why it's difficult for them to leave. The CFAA relies on its members. When they purchase a share, they are provided 20 weeks of produce and essentially become owners. Members are also required to complete 15 hours of volunteer work at the farm.

The price of a share is on a sliding scale of $800 to $2,000, depending on how much produce a member might need and how much a member feels they can pay. Currently, the farm is 15 shares short, which has created a budget shortfall.

Different from most modern farms, the CFAA runs entirely on a biodynamic system of agriculture. Elder explained,"This land has never had chemicals on it. It used to be a horse farm, and before that, a hundred years ago, it was a dairy farm. It's just been a clean land." The cow, Lucy is responsible for providing the fertilizer for all eight fields.

The Legacy Land Conservancy owns the development rights of the land and the CFAA rents the land for the next 80 years, meaning no chemicals will touch the land anytime soon.

Though Elder is sad to be leaving the land she and her husband made into their home, she is "not at all nervous" about handing it over to Pete Simic and Marly Spieser-Schneider. There is potential for a third head farmer to join them, but this decision has not yet been made.

"The farm has been under our tutelage for 26 years and it needs new ideas, new blood, new energy."

Spieser-Schneider is a University of Michigan alum and believes real work is something that "challenges and feeds you."

As she individually washed heads of lettuce, she explained how her family has been involved with the farm every since she can remember. Her parents are good friends of Elder and Bantle's and worked together at the Wildflower Bakery years ago.

Aside from her role at the farm, Spieser-Schneider is a dancer and video artist. She's found a way to meld her creative life with the work she'll be doing as a head farmer, as she plans to create a studio space on the second floor of the barn.

Food accessibility and unity are focus points for Spieser-Schneider as she enters her work at the CFAA.

"I'm interested in unifying elements in the world because there's a lot of division. The fact of the matter is, everybody needs to eat."

Also taking over as a head farmer is Simic, who first started working at the farm only three months ago in April. His fascination with agriculture and passion for sustainable living stemmed from his education at Kalamazoo College.

"I studied plant ecology in college, so plants are a huge part of my life and world view," said Simic.

Simic seemed right at home red curly hair pulled back into a bun, feet in the dirt and hands gently picking weeds from a carrot field. After graduating, Simic felt pressure to go back to school and get a career, but working at the CFAA gave him new purpose.

"One thing I want to do is not really solve a problem, but create a solution. Inspire people to love really. To find their gifts. To find what gives them light and love and really act on it. I felt so much pressure in my life to kill that light inside of me," said Simic.

Elder spoke confidently in Simic and Spieser-Schneider's ability to uphold the farm's legacy and maintain tight-knit relationships with the members. "You have to be happy working with people and embracing people or else CSA doesn't work."

Elder and Bantle have made decisions at the farm keeping the next generation in mind. Four years ago, a group of ninth graders visited the farm for a weeklong field trip, which prompted Elder and Bantel to create an internship program. The field trip has since become annual and many interns have been employed by the farm.

According to Elder, one of the "star interns" this year is Orly Rubenfeld. She was introduced to the farm by her friend and former intern, Kristin Hayden. Rubenfeld is a rising sophomore at Kalamazoo College studying environmental topics, including food justice and food sovereignty.

"From the work that I've been doing with food justice in school, I was like, 'I need to get my hands in the soil. I need to do some of this on my own. I need to gain skills.'"

Giving young people the skills to grow food on their own is a goal of the CFAA that's supported by a 501C3 non-profit.

Anne expressed concerned with the current state of modern agriculture in our country and the lack of young people involved in it. According to data by The World Bank, 8.3% of workers in the United States were involved in agriculture in 1960. As of 2016, the number of agricultural workers has dropped to 1.62%.

"That's a really scary shift, so we wanted to bring young people back into agriculture," said Elder.

As Elder and Bantel prepare to leave, they spend time teaching Simic and Spieser-Schneider the work it takes to effectively run 12 acres of land. But, to Bantle, real work is training his mind. Every morning and night he and Elder meditate in the small garage they've dedicate to their practice. Twenty-six years ago, Bantle visited California for his first mediation retreat and was hooked. Each year he would ask Elder if she were ready to move to California, and every year she said no, until this one.

"He gave me my dream for 26 years here, so I thought well, we still have some life left. He should get to have his dream come true," said Elder.

If you're interested in supporting future farmers in our area, feel free to donate to Chrysalis, which helps support the CFAA internship program or check out their website.
BANGOR TWP, MI -- The Bay City State Recreation Area could have a large crowd on its premises after this weekend's Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Festival.

A meeting to discuss potential changes related to hunting at the state park take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center Auditorium, located in the state recreation area, 3582 State Park Drive.

The National Resources Commission of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is considering two proposals to the state recreation area: to redesignate itself as "Bay City State Park" and to modify the hunting and trapping opportunities at Tobico Marsh State Game Area.

Bay City Recreation Area on March 29, 2017.

Those changes will be considered at the commission's Aug. 10 meeting in Jackson. Instructions on how to send letters or emails for public comment are available on the third page of this PDF.

Alan Gurski lives near the state recreation area. When he learned of the changes, he was fine with renaming the state recreation area to Bay City State Park -- its name from 1923 until 1994.

However, he called the hunting changes at Tobico "silly" and a "terrible idea." If the proposal is approved, it would make the Tobico trails, which span 2.7 miles, in areas open to year-round hunting. State hunting laws and seasons would remain in effect.

"It's just too close," Gurski said. "The whole neighborhood recreates there. To just expand the hunting and trapping there doesn't make any sense at all."

The proposed changes make nearly 514 new acres open to hunting year-round. There would be more than 412 acres of seasonal refuge open from Dec. 16 to Aug. 31. More than 113 acres would be open to hunting by permit only.

Gurski has three children that use Tobico regularly. Gurski said he is not a "doomsday person" who believes that injuries could happen regularly but thinks it would dissuade people from enjoying the area.

"It just makes you think twice about sending your kids out there," he said.

Gurski plans on attending Monday night's meeting.

Last month, Gurski sent a letter about his opposition to the proposed change to the DNR. The department responded it would increase signage around the park and there would programming implemented to increase awareness. George Lauinger, unit manager of the state recreation area, said last month patrolling of the area would continue to take place.

The DNR would also advise those using Tobico to wear brightly-colored clothing during the hunting season. Gurski said he is not a fan of these ideas.

"You shouldn't have to wear orange to recreate in their backyard," he said.

Gurski said he does not have a problem with hunting, but added the increased acreage for hunters is not consistent with the prevailing of the use of the area.

Having lived near Tobico for 10 years, Gurski said its current state is fantastic and a reason why he and his family moved to Bangor Township.

"If I knew that it was hunting land, as it would be in the proposed order, I'm not sure if I would have chosen this place to live," Gurski said.
BAY CITY, MI -- Unable to stay out of legal trouble for even a week after being released from prison, a parolee has racked up more time for sexually assaulting a woman at a homeless shelter.

Michigan Department of Corrections' officers led a shackled Torrence L. Darby into Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer's courtroom the morning of Thursday, Aug. 3.

"What's up, my love?" Darby yelled to a woman seated in the back of the gallery. "I won't be gone long. I'll be back."

Janer sentenced Darby to 180 days' incarceration, with credit for 121 days already served. Since Darby is already in prison, Janer found him to be indigent and did not order him to pay fines or fees.

Darby in July pleaded no contest to one count of attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a one-year misdemeanor. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed a count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a two-year high court misdemeanor.

Police reports contained in court files state that Darby on April 4 sought shelter at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, 713 Ninth St. in Bay City. Just before 10 p.m., police were summoned to the shelter after Darby reportedly groped a female resident.

The woman told officers Darby had followed her down a stairwell and tried wrapping his arms around her, but she managed to push him off. He repeated the act three times, despite the woman telling him she wasn't interested, court records show.

Darby proceeded to grab the woman's crotch, she told police. She was in shock but soon told others at the shelter, she said.

The shelter's manager told police that Darby had been asking about the woman and following her around shortly after he arrived.

The next day, a detective interviewed Darby, who initially denied having any physical contact with the woman. When the detective mentioned surveillance camera footage, Darby changed his account, saying he did wrap his arms around the woman and touched her genital area.

"It was just for a second," he said. "It was a mistake. I don't want to go back to prison."

Darby (also known as Derrick Noel) had been sentenced to two to 20 years in prison in December 2013 on a conviction of larceny from a person. The Michigan Department of Corrections paroled him on March 30, just a few days before he committed his latest offense.

Darby was to remain on parole until June 30, 2018.
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The 56th Annual General meeting of Duncan Engineering Limited was held on August 3, 2017 at the Registered Office of the Company at F - 33, Ranjangoan MIDC, Karegaon, Taluka Shirur, District Pune 412 209.The Members elected Mr. Akshat Goenka, Managing Director as Chairman of the Meeting.The requsite quorum being present , the Chairman declared teh 56th Annual General Meeting open. The Board Members were introduced and Chairman delivered his speech.The facility of casting votes by remote e voting was provided to members from July 31, 2017 to August 2, 2017 .Members present at the meeting who had not cast their votes electronically were provided opportunity to cast their votes at the end of meeting through physical ballot papers at the meeting venue.Items of business as stated in the Notice were transacted.Ms. Shaswati Vaishnav, Practicing Company Secretary, Membership No. ACS 11392 was appointed as scrutinizer by the Board of Directors.The Chairman authorised the Company SecretaSource : BSE

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The meeting of the Board of Directors of Indrayani Biotech Limited would be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11.30 a.m. at the Registered Office of the Company, at 1133/5, F C Road, Opp. Police Grounds, Pune  411 016 to approve the Unaudited Financial Results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 and to transact other businesses of the Company.Source : BSE

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Biopharmaceutical firm Biocon was issued 10 observations by US drug regulator found lapses of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) at its small molecule injectable plant in Bengaluru.

The US FDA issued a Form 483  a form listing violations  after an inspection between May 25 and June 3. The FDA issues a Form 483 if its investigators spot any conditions that in their judgement may constitute violations of the US Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related laws.

Moneycontrol verified a copy of the Form 483, which was made public by US FDA on its website.

The observations listed by the US FDA Form 483 document include

 Investigations of an unexplained discrepancy did not extend to other batches of the same drug product and other drug products that may have been associated with specific failure or discrepancy.

 Procedures designed to prevent microbiological contamination of drug products purporting to be sterile do not include adequate validation of sterilisation process.

 Aseptic processing areas are deficient regarding the system for monitoring environmental conditions.

 Procedures designed to prevent microbiological contamination of drug products purporting to be sterile are not established, written or followed.

 Laboratory records do not include complete data derived from all tests, examinations and assay necessary to assure compliance with established specifications and standards.

 Procedures for the cleaning and maintenance of equipment are deficient regarding sufficient detail of the methods, equipment, and materials used in cleaning and maintenance operation.

 The quality control unit lacks the responsibility and authority to approve and reject all components and drug products.

 Employees engaged in the manufacture and processing of a drug product lack the training and experience required to perform their assigned functions.

 Laboratory controls do not include the establishment of scientifically sound and appropriate specifications.

 Procedures describing in sufficient detail the controls employed for the issuance of labeling are not followed.

"The USFDA visit in May/June was a part of the regulator periodic audits for a small molecule injectable," a Biocon spokesperson said in a statement.

"The company has responded to the regulator with a Corrective and Preventive Action Plan (CAPA) and is on track to implement them in a timely manner," according to the statement.

US FDA inspections are more rigorous when it comes to injectable plants.

The Bengaluru facility has recently been the subject of intense regulatory scrutiny. In April, the US FDA has issued a Form 483 with eight observations.

An inspection by the French regulator ANSM as part of European Medicines Agency (EMA) review of company's biosimilars marketing authorisation also expressed concerns regarding sterile products, biological medicinal products, packaging and quality control testing at the Biocon unit.
A bird flies by the Vedanta office building in Mumbai August 16, 2010. India-focused miner Vedanta Resources said it will buy 51-60 percent of Cairn India for about $8.5-9.6 billion in cash to be funded via debt and cash resources, a move that would represent Vedanta's first foray into oil and gas, and help Edinburgh-based Cairn Energy fund an expensive drilling programme in Greenland. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: BUSINESS ENERGY) - RTXSAAV

London-headquartered Anil Agarwal-promoted Vedanta Resources today sold USD 1 billion of 7-year bonds at 6.125 percent and said the proceeds will be used to refinance USD 1.8 billion of its higher priced existing debt.

"Vedanta today priced its RegS bonds (dollar debt sold to non-American investors) at 6.125 percent. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering primarily to fund its offers to purchase for cash some its outstanding 2019 USD 7,747,72,000 bonds priced at 6 percent and another 2021 USD 9,00,000,000 bonds priced at 8.25 percent and also to repay other existing debt," Vedanta said in a statement.

Of this, it has already received and accepted for purchase USD5,22,513,000 of the 2019 bonds and USD2,29,843,000 of the 2021 bonds.

"This comprehensive refinancing plan announced earlier is leverage-neutral and is funded through a mix of bonds and term-loans. It has received commitments from global and Indian banks for USD840 million of term loans with a final maturity of five years," the company said.

On the completion of the bond sale, Vedanta will proactively refinance part of its 2019 and 2021 bond maturities and is expected to have no significant bank loan repayments due over the next 18 months. These transactions will extend its average debt maturity by 1.5 years and lower its average cost of borrowing, it said.

On the current sale, it received strong investor interest and is favourably priced in comparison to its previous bond offering in January 2017 at 6.375 percent for a 5.5-year maturity.

The bonds, which will be traded on the Singapore Stock Exchange, have been rated B3 by Moody's and B+ by S&P.

"The transaction is in line with our stated financial strategy to strengthen our balance sheet. We've taken a number of proactive measures last year to extend maturities, optimise our funding structure and as a result have created value for all stakeholders," company chairman Anil Agarwal said on the completion of the bond sale.

Barclays, Credit Suisse, DBS Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, JP Morgan and Standard Chartered acted as joint global coordinators, while Axis Bank, Barclays, Credit Suisse, DBS Bank. First Abu Dhabi Bank, ICICI Bank, JP Morgan and Standard Chartered as joint lead managers and joint book runners.
business Expect to maintain our trend of volumes for this financial year: Welspun Corp Welspun Corp reported a good quarter. In an interview to CNBC-TV18, S Krishnan, CFO of the company discuss the details and his outlook for the company.
State-run oil marketing company Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) has reported a 49.2 percent decline in its Q1 (April-June) net profit at Rs 925 crore compared with Rs 1819 crore in previous quarter.

Revenue increased 2 percent to Rs 59,975 crore in June quarter compared with Rs 58,779 crore in March quarter of FY17.

Gross refining margin (GRM) during the quarter stood at USD 5.86 a barrel, which was ahead of analysts estimates of USD 4.9 a barrel.

GRM for Q4FY17 reported at USD 8 a barrel.

Operating profit fell sharply by 43.6 percent sequentially to Rs 1,628 crore and margin contracted by 256 basis points to 3.04 percent in the quarter ended June 2017.

Bottomline and operational numbers missed analysts' expectations but topline was ahead of estimates.

Profit was estimated at Rs 1,029 crore on revenue of Rs 46,520 crore and operating income was expected at Rs 1,928 crore with margin at 4.1 percent for the quarter, according to average of estimates of analysts polled by CNBC-TV18.

At 14:48 hours IST, the stock price was quoting at Rs 404.30, up Rs 7, or 1.76 percent. It has touched a 52-week high of Rs 410.70.
The Centre is working on a plan to help decrease the Indian pharmaceutical industrys dependence on raw material imports from China, amid the growing tension in Sino-Indian relations.

All government agencies are keen on this. On the directions of the Ministry of Commerce, Pharmexcil and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) are working on a Detailed Project Report, R Udaya Bhaskar, Director-General at Pharmexcil, was quoted as saying in a report by Hindu Business Line.

To achieve this strategic objective, the Ministry of Commerce held a meeting and took inputs from research laboratories to devise a roadmap. The domain experts along with The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will look more into the matter on August 12.

The drug exports to China are minor in terms of value. But India imports raw materials worth up to $6 billion, according to Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil).

China is India's largest supplier of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. In some cases, including in the life-saving drugs category, the dependence on Chinese imports is as much as 90 per cent. We have identified about 50-60 drugs for import substitution, Udaya Bhaskar added.

India recently put on hold a USD 1.3 billion deal, under which Chinese company Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceuticals was to take over Hyderabad-based Gland Pharma. In a separate development last month, the Finance Ministry levied provisional anti-dumping duty on O-acid (Ofloxacin Acid) imports from China.

If tensions escalate, we worry it will cast a shadow on business, an executive whose company imports raw materials from China was quoted as saying.
The government proposes to enhance the human milk bank facility which was recently launched in a city hospital, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Responding to a supplementary question on whether more such banks will be set up, Health minister J P Nadda said plans are to "enhance" the facility.

The bank at the Lady Hardinge Medical College here will collect and store milk donated by lactating mothers for the infants who are in need.

Referring to the infrastructure in major government hospitals where patients have to wait to get treatment, the minister said the AIIMS in Delhi will soon get 1563 additional beds.

He said the number of patients visiting central government hospitals for treatment was much more than their handling capacity in terms of number of beds, manpower and resources.

"However, all the patients registered in he OPD are attended to by the doctors on that particular day," he said in his written reply.
The GST Council is likely to lower tax rate tomorrow on job works making fabric to garments to 5 per cent and put in place a mechanism for online registration of goods above a certain value before they can be transported.

The Council, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, will also review at its meeting the implementation of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime since July 1 and may finalise a mechanism to operationalise anti-profiteering provision to protect consumer interest.

Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) Chairperson Vanaja Sarna said movement of goods between states has smoothened with 25 out of 29 states abolishing checkposts. "About 25 states have removed those checkposts. So far, it has been going all right," she told PTI here.

This would further smoothen after e-way bill in GST that requires any goods more than Rs 50,000 in value to be pre- registered online before it can be moved is implemented.

"As the e-way bill process for the whole of India gets panned out, we should be able to do something which will be better," Sarna said. She, however, declined to comment on whether the threshold in e-way bill will be retained at Rs 50,000 amid demands from various quarters to raise it. Officials said rules for the e-way bill will be decided tomorrow. This GST provision requires any goods more than Rs 50,000 in value to be pre-registered online before it can be moved. As per the draft provision, GSTN would generate e-way bills that will be valid for 1-20 days, depending on distance to be travelled -- one day for 100 km, 3 days (100 to less than 300 km), 5 days (300-less than 500 km) and 10 days (500- less than 1,000 km).

The information technology platform for the e-way bill system is being developed by the National Informatics Centre. Earlier this week, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said it would be mandatory for manufacturers to pass on benefits of reduction in taxes post GST to consumers.

"What if input tax benefit is not transferred 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," he had said in Parliament.

The Council is also likely to tomorrow consider lowering of tax rates for job works for making garments to 5 per cent from 18 per cent, an official said. Currently, services by way of job works in relation to textile yarns -- other than man-made fibre/filament -- and textile fabrics attract 5 per cent GST.

Other job works in relation to garments attract an 18 per cent levy. The official said the Council may look at streamlining it and bring all job works, including for making garments from fabric, under the 5 per cent slab. Apart from reviewing the rollout of the GST regime, the 19th meeting of the Council may tomorrow take a look at streamlining the anomalies raised by the industry over the past one month, said an official, who did not want to be named.

It will be the first full-fledged meeting of the GST Council, also comprising representatives of all the 29 states, after the rollout of the new indirect tax reform on July 1. The Council had on July 17 discussed, via video conferencing, hiking cess on cigarettes as there was some anomaly in the rate fixed earlier.

After the July 1 rollout, the textile sector had protested, demanding rollback of 5 per cent GST on fabrics. Jaitley, however, had ruled out cutting tax rates for the textiles sector, saying a zero per cent GST on fabrics will break the input tax credit chain for the domestic industry and make imported items cheaper.

As per the rates decided by the Council, in the textiles category, silk and jute fibre have been exempted, while cotton and natural fibre and all kinds of yarns will be levied a 5 per cent GST. Man-made fibre and yarn will, however, attract an 18 per cent tax rate. All categories of fabric attract a 5 per cent rate. Man- made apparel up to Rs 1,000 will attract a 5 per cent tax and those above Rs 1,000 will attract 12 per cent.
5G The next generation of mobile data connectivity, 5G will make gigabit speeds possible and is expected to kickstart the Internet of Things revolution. The CES will serve as the stage for companies to showcase various advances in 5G. For consumers, 4G meant seamless video streaming. 5G will be about experiencing augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is set to next week float the eagerly awaited consultation paper on spectrum auction, according to an official familiar with the development. The regulator will seek views from the stakeholders on various aspects of the auction related to as many as nine spectrum bands including two 5G frequencies.

The bands that the consultation paper will seek views on are 700 Mhz, 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz, 2300 Mhz, 2500 Mhz, 3300-3400 Mhz and 3400-3500 Mhz. The last two bands are suitable for both LTE (long term evolution  a 4G technology) and 5G. TRAIs paper follows a request from the department of telecommunications to give shape to the contours of the next spectrum auction.

The TRAI paper will seek views on pricing of spectrum, block size to be auctioned in each band, roll out obligation and also whether the ecosystem is now developed or not to accommodate new technologies.

The next spectrum auction is crucial in many ways and not just for the fact that India will for the first time see auction of 5G spectruma yet to be deployed technology in the country. Mobile companies in India currently deploy 4G technology though its coverage in terms of signals, data speed and connectivity leaves a lot to be desired.

Also read: TRAI to float paper with eye on making telcos specify minimum speed on data pack

No country in the world has so far implemented 5G technology which allows streaming and download of high data-consuming videos at superfast speeds. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the international body that sets industry standards for the sector, is yet to standardise the performance parameters for 5G.

TRAI has an unenviable task of recommending the base prices of the spectrum. The job is all the more difficult as the regulator last time faced flak for fixing what the operators found to be a very high base price for the coveted 700 Mhz spectrum in the October 2016 auction. This resulted in none of the operators bidding for the 700 Mhz band nor the 900 Mhz band, another efficient frequency.
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Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka has dismissed views suggesting senior-level exits at the company were a cause of concern, saying the attrition is "far lower" than other firms.

In the last few months, the country's second largest software firm, has seen a number of senior-level executives resigning. They include Anirban Dey (Global head and chief business officer of Edge products), Yusuf Bashir (MD, Infosys Innovation Fund) and Ritika Suri (executive vice-president).

"Not at all. This is a complete nonsensical myth that has been propagated in some parts," Sikka told CNBC-TV18 when asked if the series of exits of senior talent was a cause for concern.

"It happens in every company. We actually did an analysis, both in terms of our own past as well as in terms of the other companies in our industry. And there are far more executives who have left every other company that we could think of," he said.

Sikka -- who has just completed three years as the CEO of Infosys -- said the analysis by the company and some other recruiting firms revealed that Infosys was "far lower in terms of executive attrition than other companies".

Some reports suggest that the exits are a worrying trend for Infosys as many of the officials, who have put in their papers, had joined Sikka from SAP -- his former employer.

Sikka quipped that there is a "fixation" on Infosys, and exit of individuals, including assistants and engineers, keeps showing up on the list.

Infosys has been battling both internal and external challenges in terms of uncertain global economic environment and high-profile founders flagging concerns around alleged corporate governance lapses at the company.

Asked about co-founder NR Narayana Murthy's reported comments recently that he regretted leaving the organisation in 2014, Sikka said it was a conscious decision to have an independent board and a professional management.

"This was something that we had very consciously established as an independent board and a professional management taking over from a founder-led board and a founder-led management. So, that is a big change," he said.
business Need to strike balance between interest of farmers, consumers & industry: Agri Secretary Watch the interview of Shobhana K Pattanayak Agriculture Secretary, M Manickam Executive Vice Chairman Sakthi Sugars and Pravin Dongre Chairman India Pulses & Grains Association with Manisha Gupta on CNBC-TV18, in which they shared their views on recent concern with low prices for agri commodities.
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Infosys Ltd has declined a request from its most high-profile founder N R Narayana Murthy to make public the report of an external consultant appointed to look into the charges of misgovernance.

Murthy, who was chairman of the company till 2014 and still holds 3.44 per cent stake (along with family members), had asked the full report by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher to be made public.

Infosys had claimed in June that the external expert had cleared the management of charges of wrongdoing, as was alleged by an anonymous complaint, after a detailed and extensive investigation.

"The company does not plan to make the report public," Infosys said in a statement.

The law firm had been mandated to probe the whistleblower allegations of CEO Vishal Sikka being paid excessive compensation in relation to the Panaya acquisition.

"The summary finding statement of this investigation is also available on our website," Infosys said.

The company explained that the investigation involved interviews of over 50 witnesses in India, the US and elsewhere, the review of company policies, Board minutes, public filings and internal documents.

It also entailed investigation of "many thousands of internal emails and attachments" and used forensic accounting experts to analyse technical and financial information, the company said.

Infosys had ordered the probe following two anonymous letters in February that alleged wrongdoing in some of Infosys' acquisitions, improper contracting and CEO compensation as well as expenditures.

In a statement issued on June 23, Infosys had said the probe had found no evidence of any kickbacks, inappropriate contracting or unreasonable expenses incurred on Sikka.

Over the past few months, Infosys has drawn flak from some of the co-founders, including Murthy, on a number of occasions alleging corporate governance lapses at the firm.

They had also raised questions about the severance package offered to two former Infosys executives.

Infosys had also attached a copy of the letter that Gibson Dunn had written to its audit committee on findings of the investigation.

In February 2015, Infosys had announced buying Israeli automation firm, Panaya for USD 200 million (Rs 1,250 crore) in cash.
DDA Housing Scheme

Surendra Hiranandani

Shelter is the basic requirement for humans after food and clothing. After 70 years of Independence, India is still struggling with rising shelter problem without any concrete steps taken to tackle it. While successive governments in the past tried to address the issue of affordable housing and failed, the Modi government has set itself a steep target to achieve this goal by 2022. The intent is indeed commendable as it has triggered intense state involvement in urban housing, planning and infrastructure. This is extremely important since the problems are different for each state, so are the ways to tackle them.

To understand how difficult this is going to be, let us put things in perspective - out of its plan to provide 18 million urban and 30 million rural households under this Yojana by 2022, only about 2 million houses have been approved and roughly around a lakh have been built so far in the last one year.

The progress till now has been excrutiatingly slow and its progress will depend on ramping up existing urban infrastructure, fast tracking approval processes and targeting the actual beneficiary. This concept seems to be a lucid solution to the prevailing housing woes, but its execution is intricate owing to the lack of clear policy framework to meet this ambitious target, unavailability of urban land at reasonable prices, rising costs of construction, high fees and taxes, regulatory issues and unfavorable development norms.

Various factors impeding PMAY from reaching its full potential and hindering the achievement of its targets are enlisted below:

Deregulation- We need to remember that Deregulation will be the key to the success of various government initiatives in the future. A major impediment to real estate development in India remains the approval process. The government has rightfully laid great emphasis on improving India's ranking in the World Bank Global Ease of Doing Business Index and continuously monitors the same looking at improvements in ranking as a success. The same World Bank released an Ease of Obtaining Construction Permits Index. Here India ranks a shocking 185 out of 187 countries. We are in the same club as war torn countries where institutions have collapsed and offices which accord approval have been bombed to rubble.

Scarcity of land- Urban land mass is under severe constraint to meet the housing necessity of the countrys population which is expanding rapidly. This is amongst the foremost reasons for slow progress of this initiative. Land is a precious commodity and its unavailability in metropolitan cities in India has affected development of affordable housing in areas where it is actually required. The administration must address this issue if it intends to realize its dream of building millions of new homes by 2022.

Massive capital expenditure at every stage: A project of such magnitude requires huge investments and a large skill development program for timely completion. As of now large scale discrepancies are present in acquisition, design and planning, implementation of innovative technologies which have a direct impact on execution. So, better focus is needed on all parameters if the government is keen to see this project through successfully.

Lack of incentive to private players  While thrust on encouraging private sector participation can provide the answer to Indias urban housing predicament, there are multiple concerns owing to which developers are hesitant to enter into this segment. Although, tax benefits have been announced to encourage more builders to take up construction of affordable homes, its turnaround will be difficult without access to cheaper capital as the margins are very thin in this space. Additionally, lack of proper infrastructure and the cumbersome approval process delay the commencement of work which impacts the overall profitability. Therefore, the government should address these issues to make the space more attractive for private players.

No property records- To avail interest subsidy on a home loan, proper title documents play a key role. However, land and property records are currently not digitized and remain in poor condition. This continues to be a major hindrance in the execution of the scheme laid out by PMAY. With most of the people dwelling in ancestral homes and the ownership in the name of their deceased parents or the slum dwellers with no property rights, such subsidies could not be availed.

Clear communication & Co-ordination: In a project of this magnitude it is important for all the parties concerned to communicate effectively so that there is no confusion. This is lacking here as at times experts from various fields do not interact with each other. For instance, it is not possible to conceive a project or plan transportation without understanding the commute patterns in a city. So, co-ordination amongst the implementing agencies will be extremely important for a project of this magnitude.

Illegal settlements- The underlying problem of the inability to achieve housing for all not only lies in lack of resources from the Government but also participation of people. A large segment of the population that this scheme will eventually cater to prefer residing in slums located in the heart of cities to meet their day to day economic, commutation and security needs. This is the foremost reason why houses constructed by the government remain unoccupied. Hence, significant chunk of problems shrouding the Indian housing system are not really due to absolute homelessness, but due to illegal settlements that are not fit for human habitation, bereft of basic amenities needed for sustenance.

It is important to remove these bottlenecks so that the dream of our Prime Minister can be fulfilled by 2022. Else, the problems associated with the ever burgeoning population and rapid urbanization will accelerate exponentially in the coming years and may take a toll on the economic development of our country.
Retailers and consumer goods companies could unlock USD 2.95 trillion in value for the industry and consumers over the next decade by accelerating digital transformation, says a report by Accenture Strategy.

According to the report, the retail and consumer goods industries will change more in the next 10 years than they have over the past 40.

The report said eight technologies are expected to play a key role through 2025, impacting all major areas of the value chain: like Internet of Things, Autonomous Vehicles/Drones, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Robotics, Digital Traceability, 3D Printing, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality and Blockchain.

"Adapting business models to accommodate these new trends could be highly profitable, with USD 2.95 trillion of potential value for the industry and consumers," the report said.

The study identified current consumer appetite for new purchasing experiences, the business models that have the highest potential to unlock new value, and how organisations and policymakers can prepare themselves.

"Globally as well as in India, technology has disrupted many facets of the customer's life. As consumers crave for their own unique experiences, companies will have to re-visit their business models and continuously innovate," Anurag Gupta, Managing Director and Lead  Consumer Goods and Retail, Accenture Strategy, India said.

The report said retailers and consumer goods companies need to explore the transformative business models which are already being welcomed by Indian consumers.

These business models include - sharing economy (renting an item and returning it, instead of purchasing it outright), personalisation economy (expert curated products tailored to the individual and automatically delivered), replenishment economy (smart sensors detect when a product is running low and automatically re-orders and delivers it) and services economy (services are outsourced so someone else).

"In a rapidly evolving environment where customers demand for better products and experience is on rise, organisations would need to be ready to unlearn and continue to innovate," Gupta said.
Mitessh Thakkar of miteshthacker.com told CNBC-TV18, "I would sell Amara Raja Batteries, which has broken key support zones. So, keep a stop loss at Rs 835, look for targets of around Rs 780. In HDIL, keep a tight stop loss at Rs 85.60 or just above it, look for targets of around Rs 78. RBL Bank is the third sell, the candlestick pattern is negative, sell with a stop loss at Rs 530.50 for targets close to Rs 485. My last sell call is Tata Motors DVR which has also broken key support zones of Rs 258-255, so expecting a decline to about levels of Rs 240. I would short this one with a stop at Rs 260."

"A solitary buy call on Havells India. It is a buy with a stop loss at Rs 477 for short-term target of Rs 505," he added.

"On the shorting side, Sun Pharma and Lupin have been kind of favourites in the last few days and weeks. Sun Pharma is something which I would be comfortable shorting right now as well. Keep a stop loss at about levels of Rs 528-529 and if the earlier lows of Rs 500 would be broken and we are heading towards Rs 480. Possibly not a very big low but a lower low for sure."

"The sell is on Berger Paints where some kind of a breakdown is taking place. So keep a stop loss to about Rs 247.50 and look for Rs 230 kind of target. On Mahanagar Gas , I am being very positive, finally it appears that it will break beyond that Rs 1,010-1,015 mark, so recommend a buy here with a stop loss at Rs 999 for target of Rs 1,065."
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order directing federal agencies to recommend changes to a temporary visa program used to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill high-skilled jobs during a visit to the world headquarters of Snap-On Inc, a tool manufacturer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S., April 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

By Vivek Wadhwa

My first reaction to the headlines about President Trumps proposal to cut immigration in half was that it would be as disastrous as his Muslim ban.

But after reading details of the Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment Act (Raise Act), I cant find a reason to be outraged.

The legislation surely needs to be improved, and the numbers of immigrants admitted increased. But it could be good for the country, because it gives preference to the job-creators and professionals who have for too long taken a back seat in the debates about comprehensive immigration reform.

The president has proposed dramatic changes to U.S. immigration policy, shifting its focus from admitting family members to admitting people based on their skills, English-speaking ability, education, employability, age, achievement and entrepreneurial initiative.

At a news conference announcing the bill, Trump adviser Stephen Miller stressed that the families of present immigrants would be grandfathered under the new rules but indicated that future immigrants would not be able to sponsor adult children or siblings unless they met the new requirements.

The restrictions on families are by no means a good thing, but the focus on bringing in people who contribute to U.S. economic growth surely is. And as far as learning English goes, almost anyone anywhere can now download language-learning apps and watch videos on their smartphones; immigrants should come prepared.

The United States has been experiencing an exodus of highly skilled workers who were frustrated by an immigration system that put them at a disadvantage. This helped other countries gain a competitive advantage. Chinese Internet companies, such as Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent, are among the most innovative and valuable few such companies in the world.

Chinese scientists are building advanced artificial-intelligence and gene-editing technologies. Indian engineers are launching sophisticated rockets and creating new platforms for digital currencies.

And if you look at the unicorns, technology start-up firms valued at $1 billion or more, you see that China and India are home to one-third of them, although as recently as 2000, nearly all of them were in the United States, leaving other countries only dreaming of creating a Google, Amazon or Facebook.

Most of these foreign research labs and companies have returnees from the United States in key leadership positions. My research team at Duke and Harvard documented that 52 percent of Silicon Valleys start-ups before the immigrant exodus began had been founded by immigrants  and that U.S. immigration policies led this to fall to 44 percent.

This was because we were admitting large numbers of workers and students on temporary visas such as the H-1B but not providing enough green cards.

By my estimate, as many as 1.5 million skilled workers and their families are waiting for green cards in the United States today, but we admit only 120,000 workers every year in the top three employment-based categories of permanent-resident visas. So highly skilled workers are leaving.

We have been bleeding talent and boosting our global competition while arguing only about the plight of undocumented workers. It makes sense to solve the relatively easy problems first and then address the ultra-contentious issues of illegal immigration.

The proposal that Trump presented is supposedly based on the merit-based immigration systems of Canada and Australia and similar to what President George W. Bush had proposed in 2007 in a comprehensive immigration-reform bill that didnt make it through the Senate.

The same debates are likely break out again, with political leaders on both sides objecting to the exclusion of legal, low-skilled immigrants, who are crucial to the economies of states such as South Carolina.

We need both skilled and unskilled workers, as well as musicians and artists, and one way to resolve the issue may be to expand temporary-visa programs for low-skilled workers and to value soft skills more highly in the new system.

Of critical importance also is to provide permanent residency to the more than 1 million undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as children. Of these, 750,000 received work permits and deportation relief through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy that President Barack Obama created. Their security in being able to remain is a human rights issue and, as I have previously written, concerns Americas very soul.

I expect that the debates in the House and the Senate will lead to significant improvements in the Raise Act, though its passage is far from guaranteed.

But with the new focus on skilled immigration, the president has made an important change to the subject of the debate. U.S. immigration is badly in need of modernization.

Visas such as the diversity visa, which Trump is also seeking to eliminate, made sense a few decades ago when the United States truly did lack diversity, but today the most important challenge is for the United States to maintain its global competitiveness  and create new jobs for Americans. This is what immigration can do.

(The author is an academic, researcher, writer & an entrepreneur. Views are personal.)
Delhi based digital learning solutions provider Extramarks has launched a Total Learning Application called Extramarks Smart Study on Friday.

According to the company, the app will bring all the stakeholders in the learning process together on a common platform and keep them connected.

The company claims it to be a one-of-its kind all-inclusive app.

The company further states that through the app, students will be able to access curriculum-mapped learning solutions at home.

Also, the school authorities will be able to manage its daily routine activities such as admissions, fee deposit, attendance, and library management to ensure effective communication between the students, parents, and teachers.

In the app students and teachers can create a personalized learning environment to encourage self  study mode of learning and parents and teachers can track, monitor, and evaluate the students performance.

Atul Kulshrestha, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director of Extramarks says By providing this easy to use, single-window access, the Total Learning Application is set to change the teaching  learning space.

For introducing the app, Extramarks created a 'Total Learning Summit,' which is started by the company as a leadership series across the country to discuss new disruptions in digital learning.
Kiran Jonnalagadda is a geek at heart. The Bangalore based startup Hasgeek, which he co-founded in 2010, organises events to create a discussion space for other geeks to come together. If you are not a hacker, you may have not probably heard of HasGeek.

These days Kiran is better known in cyberspace for his critique on the implementation of Aadhaar, the worlds biometric identity system being executed in India.

Also co-founder of the Internet Freedom Foundation, Kiran Jonalagadda raises his concerns about data security, the biometric system and storage of Aadhaar data with Moneycontrol. Edited excerpts:

You have always said that your views on Aadhaar are personal. Does your criticism rest on moral grounds? What does it imply for the techie community?

Yes, to a large extent. As techies, we have to be aware that the software we build is impacting lives also.

If you believe that is not your problem then there is a moral issue.

Its fine to say that the ethics of impact is not same as ethics of creation.

The system was created to do good, but it could be used for vested interests.

But that doesnt still absolve the creators responsibility towards making sure that it is used right.

They claim that the system is completely foolproof and its safe. So are you saying there is no scope for it to be misused?

To that they say the problems are not serious. The technology will improve. What happens in the meantime? Crores of people who are already under the net, what happens to their data in the meantime?

My problem with authorities behind Aadhaar is that they dont acknowledge their moral responsibility behind it.

What are your technical concerns with Aadhaars authentication system?

First, it is believed that Aadhaar is giving identification to people who dont have it.

Thats not true! It is just putting it in electronic form. PAN card, Driving Licence and everything else can also be digitised. The basic tenet of Aadhaar is surveillance.

Thats why it is required to be linked to every other document.

Second, the data recorded by UIDAI is super insecure.

Hacking fingerprints is the easiest thing; there have been many recorded instances of fingerprint fraud.

Just take my phone and you will have it! You can read fingerprints on a photograph, thats the least it takes to hack your unique ID.

Fingerprints have never been impregnable, and claiming that fingerprint authentication is secure is untrue.

Another problem is that there is no differentiation between authorization and authentication.

The act of signing a cheque is authorization. The fact that only that particular cheque was signed and no other means that I authorized only that piece of paper.

But Aadhaar confuses authentication with authorisation.

The act just states that you cannot store authentication, but where is the checking mechanism? The problem is that if the government says forgery is punishable, it doesnt absolve the banks of the responsibility of checking if there is a forgery.

With Aadhaar, there is no way to see if the fingerprint was actually stored or not. The only way they will know is if someone points it out or the perpetrator admits to it!

Bangalore airport has now installed scanners on gates where you can just scan your Aadhaar and enter. Its not operational yet, but it is fine as a convenience mechanism.

Whats not clear is who is keeping the data. A guard checking your ID is not keeping a record. But a scanner will. How long is it being held, and who has access to it!

There is a lot of data of citizens that banks also store, isnt that insecure?

Banks are relatively safe because they have strict guidelines against sharing data.

RBI is very strict about it. RBI regulates them on cross-marketing based on user data.

So there is a regulator. Aadhaar act says you cannot display the Aadhaar ID numbers to the public. But it says nothing about the trading of that data, which already exists in a third party system.

A bank has provisions in place to check if a signature has been forged, and also if it has been cut pasted from a different source. With Aadhaar, there is no such safeguard.

To top it all, there is no grievance resolution mechanism. Those who vent on Twitter manage to attract attention. But what about those who cannot reach out. There are no checks and balances.

Why do you say Aadhaar is for surveillance and not preventing leakages?

It was meant to be for surveillance at the first place. If you look at the design of Aadhaar, it was built to check for cheats in the supply chain  basically beneficiaries who could take advantage of government schemes.

The basic tenet of Aadhaar assumes that people are cheats and it wants to monitor them.

Now to find those cheats blanket surveillance is the only way to go. It is not like they start monitoring after a cheating case has surfaced.

On the other hand, there have been instances where the forgery or duplication or denial of benefit has happened from the government.

That discrepancy cannot be plugged by monitoring the citizens. They say that if the beneficiary is monitored, anyone in the supply chain leading to the beneficiary can be caught.

But again, there are people with a skin condition, infants, and some elderly are automatically excluded because biometrics essentially is for people between teens and middle age.

Although, the Act says that such a person can register with the help of a guarantor.

Isnt that a contradiction? If 100% population is not on the system, how do you catch a fraud?

What are the checks and balances government should put out in the system?

I feel Aadhaar in itself is not a bad concept. My concern is that there are no checks and balances. The mistake is that they drove it too fast.

They have taken a concept that works well for a large population and expanded its ambit to include the entire nation.

I am perfectly okay with the fact that Aadhaar, if managed with proper checks and balances, is not a very bad idea.

But they havent given any time for the whole concept to mature and include provisions for all eventualities. If its too fast you are going to make terrible mistakes.

What are the legal concerns you have about the Aadhaar program and its appeal mechanisms?

As per the Act, you cannot approach the court against Aadhaar, without the permission of UIDAI.

So they are essentially immune. Another clause says that any Aadhaar official acting in good faith is exempt from any violation.

So a leak is fine if the official didnt mean to leak it! They are not liable under the Act!

So when CIS report pointed out that 200 million numbers are already in the public domain, they penalised CIS with three legal notices.

It got them worried, and pursued a denial because repealing all of those numbers will be a living nightmare.

According to the Act, if Aadhaar info is compromised, they will give you a new number.

It will also cost UIDAI loads of money. By arm twisting agencies such as Centre for Internet & Society, they are sending a warning signal to everyone that if you speak against it, you will be penalized. So in that situation funds also dry out.

They are sitting on this problem and wondering what to do, so lets ask people who are reporting this, to shut up!
In the bylanes of old Delhi, near Jama Masjid and the famous Jain Temple, one can encounter a royal 'Haveli' which dates back to 1887.

The 'Haveli' offers rooftop dining and one of a kind Rooh-Afza Margarita. Born and brought up in Delhi, Little Black Book co-founder and CEO Suchita Salwan discovered this hidden jewel of Old Delhi through her own recommendation website which she started in 2013.

I love to be a tourist in my own city else life gets very boring, says Salwan, who started the company in a small room in Jangpura with five interns and three employees. Now it has about 55 employees.

In times of MP3 players, another place which Salwan discovered through her own experience recommendations startup is a 87-year-old gramophone retail store in a narrow street of Old Delhi.

One of our users posted about this really cool place called New Gramophone House where you can buy anything from the 1920s to the Kishore Kumar Vinyls. at dirt cheap prices, she says excited about her discovery.

Funded with about Rs 10 crore from investors such as Indian Angel Network, IDG Ventures and Singapore Angel Network, Little Black Book has stretched its reach to seven cities including  Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Goa, Pune, Mumbai and Kolkata.

An economic graduate from Delhis Hindu College, Salwan says that she visits places recommended by her two million odd users, every Sunday, and experiences them herself.

She also states that through her own startup she has been able to locate certain things that she thought were not available in India  one such thing was Yak Cheese. Youd find that in the German Bakery in Paharganj, I discovered, she adds.

Little Black Book could find competition in sites such as TripAdvisor, Zomato and top travel blogs which carry user generated recommendations.

Will Google or Facebook also become big competitors? Salwan dodges the question cleverly. They wont exist if we werent there. And I am happy to report that Google has better information to give to its users, thanks now to LBB.

. platforms like BookMyShow, Zomato, JustDial or UrbanClapthey have built B2C businesses. Were a C2B business. Our call isnt to help businesses; our call is to help consumers make the best of local recommendations in whatever interest they have, she adds.

The company claims to have worked with brands such as Adidas, Nike, Mother Dairy and Vivo.

LBB gets most of its user traffic in categories such as apparel, jewelry, home decors, food, events and activities.

Brands pay LBB to be discovered by its users.

Less than 5 percent of the information that you see on LBB is actually brand-led95% of the content is organic, she clarifies.
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Biocon shares plunged as much as 9.1 percent Friday after its Bengaluru plant received Form 483 with 10 observations from the US health regulator.

The US Food and Drug Administration found lapses of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) at company's small molecule injectable plant in Bengaluru.

The US FDA issued a Form 483  a form listing violations  after an inspection between May 25 and June 3.

Here are 10 observations that received from USFDA:-

> Investigations of an unexplained discrepancy did not extend to other batches of the same drug product and other drug products that may have been associated with specific failure or discrepancy.

> Procedures designed to prevent microbiological contamination of drug products purporting to be sterile do not include adequate validation of sterilisation process.

> Aseptic processing areas are deficient regarding the system for monitoring environmental conditions.

> Procedures designed to prevent microbiological contamination of drug products purporting to be sterile are not established, written or followed.

> Laboratory records do not include complete data derived from all tests, examinations and assay necessary to assure compliance with established specifications and standards.

> Procedures for the cleaning and maintenance of equipment are deficient regarding sufficient detail of the methods, equipment, and materials used in cleaning and maintenance operation.

> The quality control unit lacks the responsibility and authority to approve and reject all components and drug products.

> Employees engaged in the manufacture and processing of a drug product lack the training and experience required to perform their assigned functions.

> Laboratory controls do not include the establishment of scientifically sound and appropriate specifications.

> Procedures describing in sufficient detail the controls employed for the issuance of labeling are not followed.

"The USFDA visit in May/June was a part of the regulator periodic audits for a small molecule injectable," a Biocon spokesperson said in a statement.

"The company has responded to the regulator with a Corrective and Preventive Action Plan (CAPA) and is on track to implement them in a timely manner," according to the statement.

US FDA inspections are more rigorous when it comes to injectable plants.

The Bengaluru facility has recently been the subject of intense regulatory scrutiny. In April, the US FDA has issued a Form 483 with eight observations.

At 10:50 hours IST, the stock price was quoting at Rs 354.50, down Rs 20.80, or 5.54 percent on the BSE.
Sushil Finance's commodity report on crude oil

Oil prices fell on Thursday, as cautious buying dried up after U.S. crude rose to near $50 a barrel, with concern about high crude supplies from producer club OPEC offsetting the previous day's data showing record U.S. gasoline demand. OPEC crude oil exports rose to a record high in July, driven largely by soaring exports from the group's African members, according to a report by Thomson Reuters Oil Research. U.S. light crude has remained below $50 a barrel, capped by robust domestic supplies. Strong demand in the United States has been supporting prices. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported record gasoline demand of 9.84 million barrels per day (bpd) for last week and a fall in commercial crude inventories of 1.5 million barrels to 481.9 million barrels That was below levels seen this time last year, an indication of a tightening U.S. market. But traders said high production by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries was limiting price gains. OPEC and other producers including Russia have promised to restrict output by 1.8 million bpd until the end of March 2018 to help support prices and draw down inventories. Yet OPEC output hit a 2017 high of 33 million bpd in July, up 90,000 bpd from the previous month, a Reuters survey showed this week, led by a further recovery in supply from Libya, one of the countries exempt from the deal.

We expect crude oil prices to trade negative on the back of profit booking after up - move in prices.

For all commodities report, click here

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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Edelweiss' research report on Solar Industries

Solar Industries (SOIL) Q1FY18 consolidated sales, at INR 4.7bn (up 16% YoY), came largely in line with estimate. Growth was led by robust 67% spurt in topline of overseas and exports operations to INR 1.8bn on account of commencement of operations in South Africa. The companys standalone revenue remained flat at INR 3.1bn as healthy growth of 14% YoY in institutional business was offset by 18% YoY fall in revenue from Coal India (CIL).

Outlook

We maintain HOLD as current price factors in most positives. Our SOTPbased TP of INR 842 values base business at P/E of 22x FY19E (INR 714/share) and defence business NPV is based on P/E of 24x FY21E (INR 128/share). The stock is currently trading at 32.8x FY18E and 26.3x FY19E EPS.

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A bushel of soybeans are shown on display in the Monsanto research facility in Creve Coeur, Missouri, July 28, 2014. Monsanto engineers designed a chipper to shave a tiny tissue sample off a seed to analyze the seed's genetics. If the sample is positive for desirable genetic traits, the seed is still viable so a breeder can plant it in a field test and use it in the breeding process to create more seeds of its kind. Picture taken July 28, 2014. 20 of 25 Monsanto Stand Alone Picture Package. REUTERS/Tom Gannam (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENVIRONMENT FOOD SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AGRICULTURE) - RTR42TJN

Angel Commodities' report on Soybean

NCDEX Soybean August futures fell to 2 weeks low tracking weak international prices and lower edible oil prices. Currently, market participants liquidate their long positions on anticipation of steady demand for soybean in coming weeks due to sufficient supplies of edible oil in the country. However, kharif sowing of soybean fell so far during the period due to a drop in acreage in Madhya Pradesh, the country's largest producer of soybean, as most farmers shifted to more profitable crops such as cotton due to poor returns from oilseeds last year. As per government data, soybean planting fell 10.3% to 95.7 lakh hectares compared with the same period last year. Last year, the acreage was 106.7 lakh hectares. CBOT November soybean futures fell to a one - month low on Thursday, pressured by beneficial Midwest rains and forecasts for cool temperatures that should boost soy yield potential. The USDA reported , net sales of 233,400 MT for 2016/2017 were up 43 % from the previous week, but down 20 % from the prior 4 - week average however, exports of 713,600 MT were up 64 % from the previous week and 93 % from the prior 4 - week average.

Soybean futures are expected to trade lower due to steady demand and lower acreage in kharif. Moreover, good crop conditions of soybean central India may pressurize prices. However, expectation of good crushing demand on reports of hike in import may support prices.

For all commodities report, click here

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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Dilip Kumar

Legendary actor Dilip Kumar's wife Saira Banu is mum on reports of him suffering from a kidney ailment and says she is hopeful that he will recover soon with the prayers of his well-wishers and fans.

"We have to pray he recovers soon. He should be well Inshallah! God willing. The doctors are treating him," Banu told PTI this morning, when asked about reports that Kumar is suffering from a renal ailment.

The 94-year-old acting legend is currently in the ICU at Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra. He was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday morning after he suffered from dehydration and urinary tract infection.

According to some reports, Kumar's kidney functions have not improved.

Dr Jalil Parkar, who is treating the actor at the hospital, was unavailable for a confirmation on this.

The thespian has given memorable performances in films like "Andaz", "Aan", "Madhumati", "Devdas", "Mughal-e-Azam", "Ganga Jamuna", "Kranti", "Karma" and others.

His last film was "Qila" that released in 1998.

Known as the tragedy king of Bollywood, Kumar 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.
Haryana government has banned school teachers from carrying mobile phones to the classrooms. The decision which was announced on Thursday will effect over 90,000 teachers working in the state run institutions.

As per a Hindustan Times report, Virender Singh, Joint secretary (school education) said, No teacher will be allowed to take along mobile phone to the classroom. As per the decision, the head of the school - who too will come under the new guidelines - will be held accountable for any violation of the law.

The department has asked all inspecting officers to ensure that the guidelines be followed.

This new development comes after complaints poured in regarding the use of mobiles by teachers in classrooms. Singh said that the practice was on the rise and it hampers the academic development in the schools.

Teachers from Haryana will now have to keep their mobile phones in the staff room or in an area earmarked by the school for the safe keeping of the phones.

Teachers can take the phones to the class room only if the phone is needed for academic purposes. Even in that case the reason should have to be mentioned in a register specifically maintained for this purpose.
Mughalsarai Station to be renamed, (Image by Flickr user Hyougushi, CC-BY-SA)

The central governments nod to the Yogi Adityanaths request to rename Mughalsarai railway station after Deen Dayal Upadhyay did not go well with opposition MPs in the parliament.

Samajwadi Party member Naresh Agrawal raised strong objection to the change in the name of one of Indias oldest railway stations, reported NDTV.

"The government to forcibly change Uttar Pradesh's geography. The station is ages old. There are going to change New Delhi's name too," the report quoted Agrawal.

Naresh Agrawal and other SP members rushed to the centre of the house and started sloganeering which forced Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurien to adjourn the house. Members of Bahujan Samajwadi Party also joined their rivals and shouted slogans.

The Mughalsarai station is one of the busiest junction in the country and was set up in 1862 when the East India Company linked Howrah to Delhi by rail.

Agrawal accused the ruling BJP government of [changing] the character of the country. His companions from SP said that roads and monuments are being named after people "who have made no contribution to the freedom struggle."

"They want stations in the name of Mughals, but not Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay. This view is wrong," replied Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

During the debate, MPs also shouted, Change the nation's name then... What was his (Deen Dayal Upadhyay's) contribution to the nation?" as per the report.

Naqvi advised the MPs to "read history."

(Image by Flickr user Hyougushi, CC-BY-SA
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Friday called on the warring factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) to reconcile.

Shah's comment came at a time when the two warring camps of Tamil Nadu's ruling party were holding merger talks, fuelling speculations that the AIADMK would join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

According to media reports, Shah had appointed four senior members of the BJP to hold talks with the two factions of the AIADMK, earlier this week.

Shah, who is on a 110-day tour of the country with an eye on the 2019 General Elections, is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu for three days between August 22 and 24.

The two factions led by former chief minister O Paneerselvam and chief minister E Palaniswami have been fighting over the question of leading the party since the death of chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
AppleMark

Computer technology giant Dell is asking employees to "up skill" or leave the sector, according to a report in The Hindu Business Line.

In an interview to the newspaper, Bask Iyer, CIO and Executive Vice-President of Dell and VMware said that he believes IT employees must surf the technology wave all the time. He added that employees must be prepared to opt out of the sector altogether if they are unable to up skill themselves.

He said that IT professionals can keep themselves relevant in the sector that is seeing severe layoffs.

"If a techie says he is a mainframe programmer, he or she wont have a job today. The need of the hour is to up skill  ride the right technology waves, change and shift with the oncoming technology waves, much like surfing," he said.

"Techies must use and get familiar with new technologies, and sometimes guess what it is much ahead of time," he added.

Answering a question on how many professionals did the company lay off, Iyer said that he was making sure that all his "IT folks are best equipped to generate revenues rather than lay them off."

When asked why growth of India's IT services industry was dropping year-on-year, he said, "majority of the IT industry, everywhere in the world, is very conservative and thats why their growth levels are dropping. One needs to have a healthy appetite for risk and change; if not, one has no business being in IT."
Google India has reached one lakh villages in the country with the Internet Saathi programme, an initiative aimed at empowering women in rural India through digital literacy, reports Techgig.com.

Launched in 2015 in Rajasthan together with Tata Trust, Google had stated that the programme will be scaled to cover 3 lakh villages in December that 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, said in a statement.

Two years since its inception, the programme has been gaining momentum and is already live in 10 states across India.

With more than 25,000 fully-trained Saathis helping women and children learn to use the internet in rural India, more than one crore women have gained from the programme and have become aware of the benefits internet can offer them in their daily lives.

On its two-year anniversary, Google has announced their plans on expanding the programme to two more 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 logo of messaging app Snapchat is seen at a booth at TechFair LA, a technology job fair, in Los Angeles

Moneycontrol News

As per media reports, it seems that Facebook wasnt the only company interested in acquiring Snapchat, as search engine giant Google was in the line-up as well.

As per a Business Insider report, Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel was offered a whopping USD 30 billion by the tech giant in 2016 before Snapchat went public, right before its last funding round.

The offer was something most people inside Snapchat knew about, and reportedly it was on the table after the IPO too, all the time being treated as an open secret.

It is unclear how the formal the discussions have been happening, howeve,r Google and Snapchat are reportedly considered close in tech world.

The USD 30 billion-plus offer is reported to have been discussed right before Snapchat went on to raise Series F round of private funding in May 2016 thus valuating the company to a total of USD 20 billion.

Capital G, the growth equity fund managed by Googles parent company Alphabet, ended up quietly participating in the round.

Right now the talk seems to be around Snapchat passing up a chance to sell to Google for at least twice its current value which could be painful for investors and employees grappling with the companys sinking stock.

Snapchat's shares have not been doing too well lately partially due to lockup expiration finally allowing insiders to sell stock, and partially due to strong growth of Snapchat's rivals like Facebook who has introduced similar features in Instagram and WhatsApp.

Would a Google-Snapchat deal make sense?

Googles failed experiments with social networks such as Google Plus and Wave has always inclined it towards the thought of owning a social network like Snapchat.

Inside reports claim that the companies share a relationship of mutual respect and Alphabet executive chairman Eric Schmidt is an early adviser to Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel, whereas Snapchat happens to be a big client of Googles cloud software.

Thirdly and lastly is the obvious consideration of monetisation, as a deal with Google could greatly help pump in money into the social media app that has been facing tough competition from Instagrams recent feature Instagram Stories.

However, Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel apparently showed no interest in being acquired by Google. Turns out, the offer would have saved Snapchat's valuation from falling to USD 15 billion after going as high as USD 30 billion when it first went public in May this year.
Tightening its disclosure norms for listed companies defaulting on loan payment from banks and other financial intuitions, regulator SEBI on Friday asked firms to make such information public within one working day.

This would come into force from October 1, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a circular.

"Corporates in India are even today primarily reliant on loans from the banking sector. Many banks are presently under considerable stress on account of large loans to the corporate sector turning into stressed assets, non-performing assets (NPAs). Some companies have also been taken up for initiation of insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings," Sebi noted.

In order to address this critical gap in the availability of information to investors, Sebi has asked listed entities to inform exchanges in case it has defaulted in payment of interest, instalment obligations on debt securities, loans from banks and financial institutions and external commercial borrowings (ECBs).

The companies would have to inform stock exchanges about the date of default as well as the date of making such disclosure, the name of the lender, the number of investors in the security as on date of default, details of the obligation, current default amount and gross principal amount on which the default has occurred.

"The entities shall make disclosures within one working day from the date of default at the first instance of default "in a specified format, Sebi said. Listed entities entity would also separately provide information pertaining to defaults to the concerned credit rating agencies in a timely manner and as may be specified by Sebi from time to time.

Last month, the regulator had asked listed banks to make disclosures if provisioning and NPAs assessed by RBI exceeded 15 per cent of published financials.

Sebi had said that such disclosures should be made along with the annual financial results filed immediately following communication of such divergence by the RBI to the bank,

The move is aimed at helping banks to recognise their stressed assets as non-performing more uniformly.

The regulator asked companies to make a disclosure about debt securities and loans from banks and financial institutions if there is any outstanding amount under default as on the last date of any quarter within seven days from the end of such period.
The government today said money has not been restored to the investors in as many as 233 cases related to ponzi, chit fund and multi-level marketing activities.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said the ministry ordered an investigation by Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) in 233 cases between 2012-13 and 2017-18 (till July).

The cases were related to ponzi, chit fund and multi- level marketing activities.

"No money in these cases has been restored back to the investors," the minister said.

The ministry ordered a probe by the SFIO on complaints of a serious nature involving companies that have defaulted after raising money from the public.

Of these 233 matters, cases pertaining to West Bengal are 152, followed by Odisha (31); Uttar Pradesh (11); 10 each by Assam and Delhi and Maharashtra (8).
Siemens said it plans to wait until next year to list its healthcare business, one of the world's top medical technology providers and a solid performer in a generally disappointing third quarter for the German industrial group.

Investors have been wondering about Siemens' plans for Healthineers, valued at up to 40 billion euros ($47 billion), since Chief Executive Joe Kaeser announced last November he planned some kind of listing but gave no details.

The delay, along with quarterly results that were dragged down by the group's energy-related businesses, sent Siemens shares down more than 3 percent to the bottom of the blue-chip DAX and an eight-month low on Thursday.

Kaeser pronounced himself partially satisfied with the quarter, which was however overshadowed by a controversy about Siemens gas turbines that were transported from Russia to Crimea, the subject of energy-technology sanctions.

"Everything is not perfect at Siemens," Kaeser, who extended his contract until 2021, told reporters on a conference call.

"The Crimea affair has cost us much time and effort. We have to ask ourselves what this means for our future business processes and relationships."

Siemens said last month it had credible evidence that all four gas turbines it delivered a year ago for a project in southern Russia had been illegally moved to Crimea, confirming a series of Reuters reports.. A review of Siemens business practices in Russia could cost 100-200 million euros in sales, Kaeser said.

POWER PROBLEMS

The Power and Gas business faced challenges from a global trend away from the large turbines in which Siemens specialises. It reported a 41 percent drop in orders and a worse-than-expected 23 percent fall in profit.

Chief Financial Officer Ralf Thomas said competition in that business remained intense. "We have a tough year before us and also a very difficult 2018. Structural changes will be unavoidable," he told reporters on a conference call.

Wind power unit Siemens Gamesa already disappointed the market with results published last week, while oil industry-dependent Process Industries and Drives reported a profit well below what had been expected.

"Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy was responsible for 90 percent of the consensus miss regarding orders," Baader wrote in a note, keeping its "buy" rating.

"Furthermore, the order decline in Power and Gas was more pronounced than expected."

Thomas said Power and Gas was unlikely to hit its profit margin target range in the year to the end of September.

MARGIN DECLINE

Siemens' overall industrial profit margin fell to 10.4 percent from 10.8 percent due to acquisition-related effects.

The company wants to get closer to the profitability of rivals, as Kaeser moves the trains-to-turbines group gradually away from its conglomerate structure.

General Electric last month reported a 13.2 percent industrial operating margin, up 1 percentage point, despite portfolio and management turmoil.

Kaeser, a former Siemens finance chief who seized power in a boardroom coup in 2013, is popular with investors for eliminating the nasty surprises that used to plague the group and slimming down its portfolio.

He dampened expectations, however, for a quick agreement with Bombardier to combine their rail businesses. "I wouldn't bet on short-term things," he said.

Alongside Healthineers, Siemens' profits were supported by automation software unit Digital Factory and transportation unit Mobility, which beat expectations.

Siemens' overall profit from its industrial businesses was 2.25 billion euros, below a Reuters poll average of 2.41 billion. Orders fell 9 percent and sales rose 3 percent.

The company confirmed its full-year forecasts, which include moderate sales growth, a book-to-bill ratio above 1 and an industrial profit margin of 11-12 percent.

NEW YORK LISTING?

Siemens wants Healthineers to have its own currency for acquisitions and investments as the global healthcare market shifts focus from Siemens' core business of imaging to molecular diagnosis and patient self-management.

But Michael Sen, the board member with responsibility for Healthineers, said there was no list of M&A targets as such. "The equity story begins with a highly attractive portfolio, which we already have," he told reporters.

Sen highlighted the attractions of a listing in the United States rather than Germany. Siemens has so far left it open where it will list Healthineers.

"Most peer group companies... are listed in the USA," he told reporters. "One has to ask where will one get the best research and coverage... and sufficient market making capacity and liquidity."
The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana.
Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity
Did you miss out on the Pop Quiz this week? It's time to catch up and get ready for next week!
By Mike Thompson

Many people crave an authentic relationship with God. They want some assurance that the pains and trials of this world have some larger purpose. They feel the hopelessness of this life. Something within their heart yearns for spiritual truth above this broken material existence.

Where do people go to find hope? Where do they turn to rise up out of the ashes of this worlds suffering? Sadly, more and more people are looking for answers outside of the church. Why is this? The reasons are as varied as the people who hold them, but it might be helpful to consider just two of them here.

The church is abandoning the authority of the Bible. The Bible has always been criticized by those outside the fold, but when the leaders and teachers within the church no longer have confidence in its authority, the very foundation of organized religion begins to crumble. Why would leaders within the church abandon the authority of the Bible? Maybe the easiest answer is that the Bible contains many teachings that are very difficult to swallow. People often choose the path of least resistance. Rather than submit our thinking to that of the Bible, it is easier to simply believe what we want to believe. Church leaders know this. And they choose to teach things that people want to hear rather than the truth found on the pages of scripture. But over time, this watered-down, man-pleasing religion feels empty. The easier path truly leads nowhere. And those who have been sitting under such teaching do not even know what they have been missing. But they no longer believe that the church has real answers to their real problems.

Another reason why people no longer look to the church for answers to lifes questions is that those in the church look too much like those outside the church. Religion does not seem to be helping all that much. Those in the church do not appear to be any happier. They go to church on Sunday (sometimes), but their lives are just as broken as those outside the church. What is the point?

These issues are not new. We may have more technology and gadgets. We may live at a faster pace. But essentially the struggle is the same. People oppose the Bible or they neglect it. But the authority of the Bible is not dependent upon the confidence of men. The Bible does give answers to the problems of life. And if the church will fully embrace those answers, true change will occur and believers will experience meaning and purpose in the midst of struggle.

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. It was in 1517 that a Roman Catholic monk named Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the door of the University of Wittenberg. The Reformation is known for its central doctrine of justification. A sinner could be declared by God as just because the perfection of Jesus Christ was credited to them by faith alone. Those corrupted by sin could again experience peace with God.

But many fail to realize the foundation that made the Reformation possible. Martin Luther (and others) came to the truth of justification because they held firmly to another even more basic tenant. What was this belief? It was a conviction that if men were ever going to find truth, they must return to the sources. They must not accept religion as they currently found it. They must return to fountain of true religion: the Bible.

Most of the leaders of the Reformation could speak Latin. So, they used a Latin phrase to express their search for truth: Ad Fontes to the fountains.

It was this return to the Bible that sparked a reformation of true religion 500 years ago. If we want a revival of the church, a revival of true religion, then we will follow Luthers example and return to the fountain. The answer is not to move away from scripture. It is to return to the authority of scripture.

The Roman Catholic Church had clouded the teachings of the Bible. And Luther, a Catholic monk, came to realize this because he was able to read for himself the pages of s cripture. His passion was to give people the same access to the glorious truths of the Bible. It is the authority of s cripture that is the fountain of all true religion. And only as people are brought face to face with the truth contained in its pages will men and women again know God truly.

When asked how the Reformation occurred, Luther pointed to the word.

"Take me, for example. I opposed indulgences and all papists, but never by force. I simply taught, preached, wrote God's Word: otherwise I did nothing. And then, while I slept or drank Wittenberg beer with my Philip of Amsdorf the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that never a prince or emperor did such damage to it. I did nothing: the Word did it all. Had I wanted to start trouble ... I could have started such a little game at Worms that even the emperor wouldn't have been safe. But what would it have been? A mug's game. I did nothing: I left it to the Word." (Luther's Works)

The church needs men with the conviction and courage of Martin Luther. We must return to our confidence in the word of God. And we must devote ourselves to preach and teach the word, and nothing but the word. God will surely do the work of bringing hope to a people who desperately need it.

Mike Thompson is the pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Morganton and can be reached at Xmikep@gmail.com.
A survey of four professionals from four different fields of work has turned up a consensus on the housing situation in Burke County and two officials from the city of Morganton concur as well.

Taylor Dellinger, a data analyst with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments Planning and Transportation Department, Loralie Clark, a realtor and the president of the Burke County Board of Realtors, Burke Development Inc. President and CEO Alan Wood, and Kevin Baxter, the planning director for the western campus of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathmatics, all agree the county has a housing problem. Specifically, they believe it has a shortage in the median price range.

Morganton City Manager Sally Sandy believes that Morganton has a similar housing problem as has been diagnosed across the county. She wants to focus on bringing more housing to the downtown area and the ring of land in the city surrounding the true downtown and legal central business district.

I think that we have a housing shortage in certain price ranges, Sandy said. I think if you look at the $150,000 to $225,000 or $250,000 range, thats probably an area where I think we have some shortage in single-family housing. I think we definitely need some more multi-family type housing in and around downtown. I think that is a hole that needs to be filled.

Whether that is some combination of rental units or whether thats townhome style units that can be purchased, I think we can really use a mix of those types of housing.

Sharon Jablonski, director of the citys Main Street Department, said she is sure there is a housing shortage in the downtown area. She said the recent downtown masterplan process revealed how many units the area lacks.

Ive been hollering for five-plus years that we needed more housing in the downtown area based on the sheer number of phone calls that we take, she said. (The masterplan) shows that we could use 1,800 units within a 10-minute walking distance of downtown.

Thats a mix of everything from single-family housing to multi-family housing like the second-floor redevelopment, some apartments, some condos, some townhomes and that type of thing. We need a mix of low-mod to high.

A recent WPCOG study showed the metro area that includes Burke County has the highest concentration of homes built before 1980 and the lowest concentration of homes built after 2000. Jablonski said what downtown housing there is falls in the middle of that range, with most of it not appearing until the 1990s like Morganton Trading Company, Morganton Station and King Street Townhomes.

Before 95, there were really maybe three apartments on the second floor, Jablonski said. In 97, we really made a concerted effort to put housing downtown. Now, the trend is even moreso to live within a 10-minute walking distance of downtown.

Thats just the national trend right now, period. So, were already behind the 8-ball. Then you add in the fact youve got people coming in. Those 1,800 units, you cant dump then all in in the same year. But you can add in 100 or so every couple years.

Jablonski added that people who want to live downtown arent just newcomers, but also people who already live in the area but would prefer to live in a more central location. She wants to continue efforts to redevelop the second floors of downtown business buildings into housing units, many of which she said easily could be three of four units and currently are vacant. Jablonski said she isnt sure if that will require an incentive package or what steps will have to be taken. She also wants to see more infill housing.

Sally pointed out some such projects already are in the works, such as the 40-plus Alpine Mill apartments planned for the former Drexel Heritage Plant No. 7 site. The masterplan process has recommended building up the former Kimbrell Furniture site to house apartments on upper levels  preferably three or four levels, Jablonski said  and maintaining a storefront on the ground level.

Wood previously told The News Herald its very important to keep workers living near where they work. Sandy echoed Woods desire to keep workers in the county because of the positive economic impact it will have. Wood borrowed a term from Ronald Reagan when he described the trickle-down effect retaining county workers as residents will have.

We want them to live in Burke County because if they live with us, they will shop with us, they will dine with us, they will become a part of the community, the will enjoy activities here and thats always a better situation, Sandy said.

Like Wood, Clark, Baxter and Dellinger, Sandy is anticipating the housing summit scheduled for Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Foothills Higher Education Center in Morganton. She hopes all the areas necessary to bring more housing to the area are represented at the event.

I am interested to see the partners and the folks who attend that and to hear their ideas and their information, Sandy said. I hope well have the real estate group represented there and local government. I hope well have some folks who do housing development. I think we need all of those folks.

And I hope there will be some businesspeople there who will weigh in on what theyre interested in in housing and how were growing that to either satisfy future needs theyre going to have and what theyre hearing from their employees. I hope we get a wide variety of participation.

If the summit does serve as a springboard for landing a developer interested in building new housing in the area, Sandy is curious to see if the countys workforce will be able to help meet the needs of the developer.

If youre looking for housing development, someone who does one or two properties at a time  thats great, Sandy said. But the city has been trying to market to developers who do larger-scale projects and larger-scale developments. One of the challenges with that is them being able to get enough subcontractors and trade folks to do the work.

Does that mean that they bring them from out of the county to do that if thats where the resources are? It would certainly be nice to think we had enough folks in the county to fill that niche and do that type of work because that just churns and helps everybody. If not, large-scale developers look to where they get the resources to do their projects.

Justin Epley can be reached at jepley@morganton.com or 828-432-8943.
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Veteran finds his place at Moorpark College Moorpark College student Jarrett Tillis-Herron spent five years at Camp Humphreys duty station in South Korea. The experience changed his life. Originally from Houston, Tillis Herron decided to enlist in...

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Houston's Pacific Drilling said Thursday it's considering filing for Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection as the company teeters on the edge of defaulting on loan agreements at the end of September.

The deepwater driller has struggled throughout the oil bust as the oil industry offshore remains mired in a prolonged funk, despite the rebound onshore at U.S. shale fields.

READ ALSO: Layoffs expected at Houston energy giant after reported losses

Longtime Pacific Chief Executive Officer Chris Beckett resigned this week. Pacific promoted its chief financial officer, Paul Reese, to the CEO role.

With a potential default looming, Pacific said it's considering different ways to relieve its debt, with bankruptcy an option if agreements to extend loans are not reached.

Although the company still has "solid operational performance," Reese warned that the "very challenging market" has hit revenue hard. Pacific's second-quarter revenue fell 66 percent to $67 million. Pacific lost $138 million in the second quarter.

Raymond James energy analyst Praveen Narra said in an analyst note the company needs to restructure, whether through Ch. 11 or some other means, to "battle its debt load and current covenant tightness."

Pacific is far from the only deepwater driller to consider bankruptcy. Houston-based Hercules Offshore filed twice. Houston's Paragon Offshore emerged from bankruptcy last month, while Vantage Drilling, also of Houston, exited bankruptcy last year. Seadrill is considering bankruptcy.

And big players are consolidating. Ensco is in the process of acquiring Houston's Atwood Oceanics, which has cut its workforce by about 60 percent in two years, from nearly 2,000 workers to just more than 800.

Although Pacific's corporate offices are in Houston, it's formally domiciled in Luxembourg for tax purposes. The company was founded in 2006 with the financial backing of Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and his Quantum Pacific Group, which is where the Pacific Drilling name originated.

Pacific doubled its Houston office space with a move to the Energy Corridor in 2014 right before the oil bust kicked in.

Pacific's stock has traded for less than $2 a share since the beginning of April, closing Thursday at $1.35 a share, down 5 cents on the day.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported the company acquiring Atwood Oceanics.
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Appetizers

Participants in Chick-fil-A's First 100 Road Trip earned free food through community service on Wednesday. The bus ride around town was part of the grand opening festivities for the new location at Andrews Highway and Loop 250. A visit to the new location on opening day revealed an abundance of parking as well as an impressive patio space that seats 52. With a large opening staff, service was also fast and efficient.

ICYMI: Here are photos from last weekend's Ice Cream Festival.

If Hennessy cognac fans have had a hard time finding the drink locally, this is why.

Try a sampling of local food trucks when Neme's Fresca Cocina hosts its Food Truck Block Party on Saturday.

First Course

The West Texas Food Bank will host the inaugural Permian Basin Restaurant Week later this fall. Organizers are still in the early stages of gathering restaurants in Midland and Odessa to participate, but the event is slated for the last week of September. Proceeds from the event will benefit the food bank.

"We are so excited about the first annual Permian Basin Restaurant Week," Craig Stoker of the WTFB said. "Participating restaurants will offer diners either a $35-$$45 three-course menu just for the event."

Stoker went on to add that for those interested can stay updated on the event's progress by liking its Facebook page.

You can even help out a bit already. The page is taking suggestions on which restaurants to feature.

Coming Soon

Reddit user Gniphe posted this photo recently (also above) in /r/Midessa about the sign up for Pho and Boba Tea off Wadley Ave. behind McAllister's Deli.

James and Dean Cigar Co. had a minor setback with recent rains. Bar owners posted a photo on Facebook that the roof had issues with the storms, but also revealed the swanky new look of the place in downtown.

Closed Doors

A lunch search this week resulted in Google listing Casa del Sol as permanently closed. Whether this is a recent development or not, the restaurant's phone number is not in service.

High Bar

The Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center announced in late July that it had partnered with Chartwells. The food service company contracted with the University of Texas of the Permian Basin for event catering at the PAC. Wagner Noel falls under the auspices of the university.

"Chartwells has done an outstanding job as the food and beverage provider for the UTPB campus," Wagner Noel general manager Sammy Wallace said. "We look forward to working with them on increasing speed of service, expanding product variety and improving the overall concessions experience for our patrons."

Chartwells' concession service debuted at the Rodney Carrington show on July 28.

Each bar at the Wagner Noel will display menus on new overhead monitors and also have structured lines for the larger concession areas.

Food Court

In other Chick-fil-A news, the fast food chain and Midland Park Mall will be celebrating Tax Free Weekend with a contest. Back-to-school shoppers (or anyone) can search for four Chick-fil-A stuffed cows hidden around stores on Aug. 11.

From Midland Park Mall's public relations:

Cows will be visible but out of reach, so shoppers who spot a cow should notify the manager of the store. The manager will present an award letter to be redeemed for a $50 Simon Gift Card, a free entree at Chick-fil-A, and more at the Mall Management Office.

The mall will also feature extended hours for Tax Free Weekend Aug. 11-13. The mall will be open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Upcoming food, drink and restaurant events

Saturday | Midland Downtown Farmers Market: Dog Days of Summer. Dog day at the market will feature a best dressed pup contest. Sara Rachel performs. The market is open Saturdays through Oct. 28. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Museum of the Southwest, 1705 W. Missouri Ave.

Saturday | Sing a Song for your Supper with singing servers by West Texas Talent. At Dee's Bistro and Grill, 620 N. Lee Ave., Odessa. Reservations can be made by calling 432-978-7405 or visiting westtexastalent.com.

Monday | Give Back Mondays benefiting Midland Need to Read. All proceeds from drink sales will be donated to the organization's adult literacy program. 4 p.m., Through July 24 at The Blue Door, 4610 N. Garfield Road. 21 and older.

Wednesday | Trivia Game Night, 7 p.m. Wednesdays at True Texas BBQ, 5407 Andrews Hwy. Free.

Aug. 12 | Food is Medicine with Drs. Scott Stoll and Michael Greger. The all-day seminar includes speaker sessions, plant-based lunch, boko signings and more. 7:45 a.m. at Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, 1310 N. Farm-to-Market Road 1788. $25. wagnernoel.com.

Aug. 17 | Natural Grocers 62nd Anniversary Celebration. The 50s-themed bash will feature giveaways, samples and ice cream social. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. at Natural Grocers, 3116 N. Loop 250 W. naturalgrocers.com.

Aug. 19 | Lone Star Warriors Outdoor BBQ Cook Off is an IBCA sanctioned event. Categories include brisket, pork spare ribs and chicken. Midland Meat Company is sponsoring the cook off. Registration is $150 and can be made by calling 432-553-6057 or 432-288-0732. 6 a.m.-11 p.m. at American Legion, 501 Veterans Airpark Lane.

Aug. 19 | Basin Burnout cook-off competition benefiting Reel Thanx and Hunt for Heroes.The event includes food sampling, live music and fireworks. Noon-6 p.m. at Security Bank Ballpark, 5514 Champions Drive. $25 advance, $40 door. Basinburnout.com.

Sept. 12 | Second Tuesday Salon is a free lunchtime concert series. Brown bag lunches or purchase from the local food truck onsite beginning at 11:30 a.m. Open to the public. Noon at The Rose Building, 415 N. Grant Ave., Odessa. Free. odessaarts.org.

Sept. 30 | Second Annual Tap into Downtown Odessa wine and craft beer tasting. 6 p.m. in downtown Odessa, 119 W. 4th St.
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Electronica music isnt often associated with praise and worship, but Norway group Jesus Loves Electro has changed that.

The group has flipped the switch on the music genre by mixing techno sounds with both millennial nightlife and Christian music. The result is a powerhouse of sound that is as much a party as it is a message.

Before tonights appearance, JLEs Casper Vasbotten talked about the groups headway into music.

MRT: What was the catalyst for starting Jesus Loves Electro?

Vasbotten: Back in 2010, we were four guys who met in our local church in Oslo. When we started out, all of us didnt even know each other.

Id grown up in this church and met two of the other guys through through a friend who I used to go out clubbing with. We started out just wanting throw club nights in church where the youth could gather and party together.

MRT: Did you sense something then that you would become JLE?

Vasbotten: We saw this vacuum in the Christian music scene. Having been to all of the major Christian music festivals in Scandinavia throughout the 2000s, we saw there werent really any DJs or EDM acts at all, even though this was starting to be one of the most influential genres in popular music with F.EX. David Guetta and Avicii starting to take over the charts. This was the stuff we and our friends listened to. No artists like this existed in the Christian realm, so we just wanted to do something about it.

MRT: How did you do that?

Vasbotten: At first, Jesus Loves Electro wasnt an artist, it was a DJ collective. We started throwing club nights in our own church and at church camps. Combining this sound resonated strongly with our peers and with worship. From there, it grew into this dream we strongly felt was shaped by God.

MRT: Do you feel like EDM and praise is catching on?

Vasbotten: Absolutely. This has pretty much worked everywhere we go whether it is Scandinavia, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Latin America or the United Kingdom. The genre has already caught on, so its more about discovering it.

MRT: Have you received American response to your music?

Vasbotten: As for the US audience, were excited to see. I believe we bring something new and fresh to the worship scene, with a sound that resonates with people. Just look at whats been happening with festivals like Ultra and Tomorrowland -- theyve grown into some of the biggest festivals. Were just tapping into that with a level of worship on top of it.

In Central and South America, this is already a huge movement that weve been lucky to be a part of. In particular, a pure Christian EDM (CEDM) festival called Illumination gathers more than 30,000 people in Guatemala and Mexico.

MRT: You truly are an example that worship and praise can come from any voice. Much like the way hip-hop and Christianity became a big trend a few years ago. Have you had to deal with naysayers or critics of what you do?

Vasbotten: Surprisingly little. I think weve had one semi public debate back in Norway on a Christian online forum, but that was a small incident five years ago. Apart from that, there are maybe a couple messages in our Facebook inbox a year.

The criticism we get, we often feel, comes from a point of not understanding what we do and an overall negative perception of a music genre as a whole. With that, there is a fear that we with this impose the perceived values of EDM genre onto our audience.

MRT: How did you respond to any criticism that?

Vasbotten: We politely hear them out, explain our point of view. We believe God created music as a tool to unlock our hearts and different genres are keys that unlock different hearts.

MRT: EDM can often be without lyrics and just be a strong dance beat. How do you portray your message through those pieces?

Vasbotten: God can touch us through music without there having to be any worship lyrics or even a person of faith behind the song. Ive had countless experiences of His presence listening to all kinds of music like jazz, pop, classical and techno.

Art can touch us, and its beauty can be a witness of Gods beauty. My God is so much bigger than the people whove made a certain piece of music, so I solely believe he can touch us through all great music -- or great art for that matter.

MRT: What are your expectations for tonights show or even Texas?

Vasbotten: We hope it will be an amazing experience for both the audience and ourselves and open doors into the United States for us.

But most of all, we hope that what we deliver, will touch or move someone a step closer to God. Thats our mission.

MRT: Rock the Desert is a big festival in a somewhat small city. What will people see who have never experienced an EDM show?

Vasbotten: We are a high-energy show and an audio-visual experience. So its not just the music, but the whole show. And of course, a new and different way of worshiping.
The family of a 36-year-old man who died in prison is suing the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, saying he died because of "willful and wanton indifference to undeniable dangers" of summer heat inside the facility.

The Dallas-based parents and minor son of Quintero Devale Jones filed the federal wrongful death suit in Houston this week, noting the string of heat-related prison deaths in Texas that have garnered national attention.

The lawsuit says that guards at the McConnell Unit in Beeville, where Jones was assigned, had already dealt with a number of inmate deaths caused by heat stroke - one in 2004 and two in 2011.

Yet the guards ignored Jones' call for help and those of other inmates, family members said in court documents.

Jones died during a heat wave in July 2015 as the result of an asthma attack, according to court records. Guards had previously confiscated his inhaler during a "shakedown" in the morning and he died after an asthma attack that same afternoon, the suit says.

"It's unknown why they would not return to a prisoner an emergency breather that said 'keep on person' and they wouldn't give it back," said the family's lawyer John Schulman.

Schulman said, beyond losing their son, Alice and Roy Jones, are deeply, deeply distressed by what happened at McConnell the day he died and how prison officials handled his asthma attack.

"I believe they clearly have a duty -- not provide him a comfortable and cushy experience, but certainly to protect his life," Schulman said.

Jason Clark, the spokesman for TDCJ, declined to comment on the Jones family's wrongful death complaint.

Jones' death is not included among the 23 inmates that TDCJ says have died of heat stroke since 1998 - state officials have maintained that the last heat-related death occurred in 2012.

A group of inmates at the Pack Unit sought an injunction in the wake of those heat deaths and U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison in Houston last month granted one. Ellison ordered state officials to provide a cooler living environment for heat-sensitive inmates, noting that heat deaths are commonly under reported. Prison officials are expected to unveil their plan on Thursday to cool the living units for the Navasota facility about 70 miles northwest of Houston.

According to court documents, Jones had asthma and hypertension and took calcium channel blockers, all of which put him at high risk during hot weather. He had been seen for asthma attacks on June 5, 2015 and on July 28, 2015, and his medical records indicated he should keep his inhaler on his person at all times and use it multiple times per day.

The lawsuit says the heat index in Beeville north of Corpus Christi had reached 110 degrees by 3:15 p.m. on July 31, 2015, when Jones began having an asthma attack. He was laying on the floor of his cell to avoid "the baking hot cinderblock walls" and his cellmates tried for 20 minutes to get guards to respond, according to court documents. By the time medical personnel began administering chest compressions, they could not record an independent heartbeat. His death was officially recorded shortly thereafter.

His family is suing for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the due process and equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution.
Rents in the Midland market have increased compared to last year, according to a Permian Basin Apartment Association survey. While the rents could relate to job growth, the change has also prompted some people to seek services from local nonprofits.

Rents ranged from $1.85 to $2.25 per square foot, about a 20 percent increase from July 2016, according to PBAA survey results provided to the Reporter-Telegram last month.

The PBAA has 96 members in Midland, and information came from 39 property representatives responses to a market survey.

Another source, Midlands August report from Apartment List, found rents increased 9.4 percent over the past year. The report also finds rents increasing for six straight months and lists median one- and two-bedroom prices at $970 and $1,220, respectively.

Chris Salviati, housing economist at Apartment List, said Midlands economy could play a role in increasing rents.

If an area has jobs, that creates demand for new housing, Salviati said in a phone interview last month. And if housing stock isnt increasing to meet that demand, it results in prices rising.

The average occupancy rate in Midland is 98 percent, compared to 89 percent in July 2016, according to the PBAA survey. Occupancy rates previously averaged 90-92 percent, according to a Reporter-Telegram report from April.

Some local nonprofits have noticed impacts from the Midland housing market. People coming to the Salvation Army have recently made comments about rents, according to Marsia Galindo, lead monitor for the shelter.

People that come to work say they cant afford a place right now, so they stay here until they get a full check and go and find something, Galindo said last month.

Another organization, Family Promise of Midland, helps homeless families gain independence. Tom Miller, executive director, said the nonprofit has a waiting list for its services.

Miller said families requests for interviews about its offerings usually pick up by the spring and summer months -- after people have spent tax returns and while children are out of school. He said many recent inquiries are related to rents.

Thats the major reason, Miller said. We see a lot of families double or triple up with relatives.

The nonprofit examined Midland-Odessa market figures from ALN Apartment Data, which found the average effective rent for a two-bedroom apartment was $1,090 in June.

Families spending more than 30 percent of their incomes on housing are considered cost burdened, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Locally, Miller said its difficult for low-income families to afford a place to live independently, and some have to sacrifice health care or transportation.

To have two-bedroom apartments in Midland, Texas, [they would] have to make $20.50 an hour, Miller said. Thats really tough for some families, especially if theyre not working in the oil industry.






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There was no winner in Wednesday's multi-state Powerball drawing, which has pushed the jackpot up to $286 million for Saturday night's drawing.

Powerball jackpot grows to $286 million

Top prize odds: 1 in 292.2 million

Check your numbers: Lottery results

The numbers drawn Wednesday were 1, 16, 54, 63, 69, and the Powerball number was 18.

The chances of winning the big prize are about 1 in 292.2 million, according to the Powerball website.

If that doesnt discourage you, make sure to buy your ticket before the 11 p.m. ET cutoff time.

Powerball is played in 44 states, Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Whoever wins that money can take it in a lump-sum cash payment or choose to have it paid out over 29 years.

The lump sum payment after taxes is an estimated $178 million.

What to do 1st if you win a big lottery jackpot

Playing the lottery lets us dream big, but the reality is, if you win, you'll be facing some big changes and big decisions. That's why International Business Times Personal Finance Editor Lauren Lyons Cole says don't rush into anything until you understand your options.

"This is the sort of thing where you want to not just sleep on it for one night but sleep on it for as many nights as you need to before you make any financial decisions," Lyons Cole said.

As far as Powerball, you have 60 days to decide how to collect your prize.

A majority of winners take the lump-sum cash payment  although that amount is actually less than the full jackpot amount. About half of it will go to Uncle Sam, leaving you with what's still an enormous amount of money that may be tricky to hold on to.

"If you're not used to having that much money, it's very easy to spend through it quickly," Lyons Cole said. "It's easy to be taken advantage of by financial advisers who might be interested in exploiting your winnings. So it's important to educate yourself. No one cares more about your money than you do."

For her money, Lyons Cole puts more stock in the annuity option, which spreads your winnings over 30 years.

"Whether you are coming into tens of millions of dollars or hundreds of millions of dollars, it's a huge change to your financial situation, and it's going to take time to understand how to best manage that money," Lyons Cole said. "So if you can spread it out over 30 years, you have a greater chance of holding on to your money than if you take it all at once."

You'll also want to assemble a team of professionals to help you navigate these new waters: lawyers, financial professionals, tax experts to name a few.

"Obviously you want someone who is well-educated and well-trained, but you also want to check your gut and make sure that this is a person that you like, that you can work with," Lyons Cole said.

A financial adviser can also serve as a buffer between you and every long-lost cousin who will come crawling out of the woodwork to ask for cash.

So is it even worth playing?

"At the end of the day, we have to remember, you're paying to play a game," Lyons Cole said. "But if it makes you happy to be part of something, everyone's excited about it, that's fine."

In other words, have fun dreaming, but do not spend more on tickets than you can afford.

Some people think pooling money with coworkers will improve their chance of winning. But with such tiny odds, adding 50 or 100 chances doesn't give you a leg up.

And if your group is lucky, lottery officials recommend preventing hard feelings by putting in writing how you plan to split the prize, because it's easy for misunderstandings to crop up when hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake.
Congratulations to Refugia Ruth Torres Fulton Naron, RSVP Volunteer of the Month.

Ruth was born on her grandfathers ranch in Paint Rock, Concho County, Texas, on July 4, 1937. Her parents, Evaristo and Maria de Jesus Guadalupe Lupe Medina Canchola de Torres, came from Mexico to the United States and legally became citizens. She was the middle child of nine siblings. When the White Point School, a short distance from the ranch, closed the children had to attend school in Eden, Texas. After a five-year drought, the family moved to Lubbock, Texas. One year later, the family settled on T.C. Dyers place, 15 miles northwest of Abernathy.

Ruth graduated as salutatorian from Abernathy High School Class of 1957. She continued her education at Wayland Baptist College where she sang in the International Choir. Once graduating from Wayland, she continued at Texas Tech University and received her Master of Education consisting of a composite major in Fine Arts, ESL, and Bilingual Education Certification.

Ruth and Lowell Michael Fulton were married in 1963 at the First Baptist Church. Mike was killed in an accident his senior year at Texas Tech in 1965. They had a son Jonathan Mark Fulton. In 1984, Ruth married Raymond LaFayette Naron at the First United Methodist Church in Abernathy. They have celebrated 33 years of marriage. Together with his, hers and their kids they had five children, 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Ruth has many accomplishments in her lifetime including 30 years as an elementary music teacher, assisting 20 years with High School Band, and two years with the Jr. High Band. She was selected Citizen of the Year through the Abernathy Chamber of Commerce in 1991 and Matron for Hale County Sheriffs office from 1991-2017.

Ruth has made and donated 400 quilts, and two quilts brought in $3,500. She quilted them by hand using a hoop she purchased at Struves in Abernathy for $2.79. She has since donated her sewing machine to a lady in need who had several grandchildren because hers was beyond repair. Ruth enjoys making hard candy, mostly cinnamon, and hot sauce to donate. She always donated her hotter than blazing hot sauce as it became known, at the stock shows. A single jar went for $80 and all for a good cause. Ray and Ruth also visit and take food to the shut-in lonesome people.

Ruth has dedicated many years in her church life, by teaching Sunday school 15 years, directing childrens and adult choirs at FUMC for 33 years; served on Board of Ordained Ministry of the Northwest Texas Annual Conference of FUMC and directed several annual music events of the United Methodist Women. She also enjoyed serving on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the South Plains Health System Agency for sevenyears. Dr. Joe Horn was on the committee and also Vice Chairman Arno Struve from Abernathy.

Some memorable moments this special lady recalls are when she sang in the Wayland International Choir to President Eisenhower at the White House, and President Truman at his library in Missouri.

Under the recommendation of Judge Bill Hollars, Ray and Ruth worked with three young men on probation to form a youth club. In three months the club grew to 76 young people attended every Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Vecchios Restaurant, Steak Out, and Hoppy Tolers Jamboree Hall. Some of the activities were playing games, swimming, and riding horses. The three on probation were involved in band and all made the All-Region Band.

Ruth in her closing statement added, Once you graduate from WBU, you come out prepared to do anything. Thank you Ruth for sharing all of your accomplishments and all the service you have provided throughout the years in your community.

The RSVP Advisory Council meets Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Hale County Senior Citizen Center. RSVP August Birthday Recognition Breakfast is Wednesday, Aug. 9, at McDonalds Restaurant. Thank you to Rick and Ruth Robbillard for hosting our group at your establishment every month.

For the past 43 years RSVP (Ready to Serve Volunteer Program) has been linking volunteers age 55 and over from Floyd, Hale and Lamb counties with community volunteer needs. RSVP is located at 825 Austin in Plainview. There is no cost to join and supplemental insurance is provided while volunteering. Call 806-291-1223 for more information about joining one of the largest senior volunteer organizations in the nation.

Irma Shackelford is director of Runningwater Draw RSVP. 806-291-1223
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A U.S. Air Force veteran and national security expert from San Antonio announced Wednesday that she will challenge Congressman Will Hurd for the U.S. District 23 seat.

Gina Ortiz Jones, 36, a graduate of Jay High School and a veteran of the war in Iraq, is running as a Democrat against Hurd, a 39-year-old Republican from Helotes first elected to lead the district in 2014.

Jones is a first-generation American and a former Air Force intelligence officer. She said she will work to protect peoples health care and the environment.

As a veteran, she said she wont oppose or vote against the wishes of the U.S. secretary of defense. She said Hurd did that last month when he voted in favor of a proposed amendment that sought to prevent funding for medical treatment  other than mental health care  relating to gender transition for current military service personnel. That amendment, proposed by Republican Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, failed by a House vote of 209-214 three weeks ago.

Hurds office did not respond to requests for comment Thursday about his July 13 vote on that issue.

Jones said she wants people to have the same opportunities she has had.

I know that national security starts at home. It starts with the type of opportunities that I had  the type of opportunities that allow our most vulnerable to become our most promising, Jones said Wednesday. And those opportunities are protected or erased based on how people vote in D.C.

Ive talked to folks that are tired of being told one thing and then their representative (votes) against their interests in D.C.

Hurds campaign brushed off news of a Democratic challenger.

Will Hurd is focused on building upon his record of being the most effective member of Congress since 2014, Hurd campaign manager Justin Hollis said in a prepared statement. He delivers for the district while the Democratic challengers only deliver tired talking points.

Jones was raised by a single mother who came to the United States from the Philippines. After graduating from high school in San Antonio, Jones attended Boston University on a four-year Air Force ROTC scholarship. She went on to serve in the Air Force for nearly three years, deploying to Iraq in 2005.

She then pursued a 12-year career in national security, intelligence and defense, including serving in the Defense Intelligence Agency. She most recently was a director for investment at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, reviewing foreign investments coming into the U.S. for national security risks.

After serving for eight months under President Barack Obamas administration and seven months under President Donald Trumps administration, she resigned in June and returned to San Antonio.
MERIDEN  A New Orleans resident originally from Meriden is hoping to raise $500,000 online to open an independent bookstore downtown.



I think every city deserves a book shop, said Veronica Brooks-Sigler.



Aside from Friends of the Meriden Library, which sells books out of the Meriden Public Library, Mayor Kevin Scarpati said he was not aware of any other general interest bookstores currently operating in the city since Borders closed at the Meriden Mall in 2011. Maryheart Crusaders, a religious bookstore, operates on West Main Street.



Brooks-Sigler currently lives in New Orleans, but grew up in Meriden, graduating from Platt High School in 1991. She has lived in New Orleans since 2011 and worked at two bookstores, Brooks-Sigler said, gaining the knowledge necessary to start her own.



She is hoping to purchase a space on Colony Street and intends to name the store The Book Colony.



For Brooks-Sigler, a bookstore is not just a place to buy books but to share ideas and hold community events such as book clubs, writing workshops and open mic nights.



Were trying to give an experience that online shopping cant give you, Brooks-Sigler said. The events, the small touches, the unique things that we do.



She envisions having several bookshop cats that would roam free in the shop, which would sell new and used books. Although she lives in New Orleans, Brooks-Sigler is trying to move her family back to Connecticut to open the shop in Meriden.



Brooks-Sigler has raised over $2,500 since starting the fundraiser Monday. Although she has a long way to go, Brooks-Sigler is committed to gathering the funds needed inch by inch.



Most of the money would be used to purchase a storefront downtown, Brooks-Sigler said. She would prefer not to start off with too much debt as selling books is not known to be the most lucrative business.



The book business is a labor of love and its not like youre making oodles of dollars, she said.



Economic Development Associate Paola Mantilla has consulted with Brooks-Sigler on the project and advised her to put a business plan together.



Mantilla was not aware of any other businesses in the city started through crowdfunding. I think its a great idea for Meriden, Mantilla said. She has the passion for Meriden and she knows the business.



Scarpati said a bookstore would be a positive addition to the city, noting Brooks-Siglers creative approach to funding the business.



I do believe there is a need for a bookstore in the city, Scarpati said. Its somewhat difficult in todays society just to have your average bookstore without any sort of sufficient help from a fundraising standpoint, because of the use of technology and everything else, youve gotten accustomed to using apps, phones, computers and tablets. But nonetheless I think that there are those that still like hardcover books.



Brooks-Silgers bookstore fundraising page can be found at gofundme.com/the-book-colony.



ltauss@record-journal.com 203-317-2231 Twitter: @LeighTaussRJ






SOUTHINGTON  First responders responded to multiple calls Thursday for motor vehicle collisions.



One person suffered moderate injuries after a motorcycled collided with an SUV around 12:15 p.m. at Meriden Avenue and South End Road.



Fire officials said the person was transported to Hartford Hospital.



On Interstate 84 eastbound, two crashes were reported around 3:15 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. between exits 32 and 33. While some lanes were partially blocked, no injuries were reported at either scene.



At around 5:10 p.m., a two-car crash was reported on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, near Sam the Clam restaurant. No injuries were reported.



LTakores@record-journal.com 203-317-2212 Twitter: @LCTakores






DURHAM  The drowning death of a Queens, New York, man is the latest in a string of fatal incidents at Millers Pond State Park.



On July 30, Ramiro Bonilla, 33, and family members were enjoying at day at the park. About 5:45 p.m. that evening, Bonilla drowned while swimming in the pond. Eight men have drowned while swimming in Millers Pond since 2000.



The pond is estimated to cover more than 30 acres and is 15 to 20 feet at its deepest point. While there are rock outcroppings and cliffs that swimmers often jump from, none of the drownings at Millers Pond have been connected with cliff-jumping or accidents on the rocks. Officials have never cited alcohol as a factor in the deaths.



Authorities say Millers Pond has an underwater current that swimmers might not be aware of. Another theory surrounding the drownings is that temperature changes from the cold water springs below the surface can lead to difficult swimming conditions and cramping.



The surrounding towns of Durham, Middletown and Haddam have no say in the management of the property, but emergency crews from those towns are the first to respond to incidents there.



Thats why our fire department has a rescue boat and drills for these types of rescues, Durham First Selectman Laura Francis said. Its tough for our responders. Those are not calls that they want to get. Its not easy for them emotionally to recover a body.



Millers Pond has signs forbidding jumping from the cliffs. Another sign declares: This area is not designated for swimming.



On the state parks website, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection does not list swimming as an activity permitted there.



According to DEEP spokesman Dennis Schain, while not advisable, it is not illegal to swim at Millers Pond.



Thats the flip side. Its not a designated swim area but its not illegal, he said.



DEEP has 23 parks with designated swim areas and a goal to have seven of those monitored with lifeguards.



According to Schain, for an area to be designated as a swim area it must be analyzed and surveyed by the agency to be free of hazards. Schain said in those areas, theres a formal swim area with ropes thats been deemed free of hazards...basically determined to be a safe place to swim.



When assessing designated swim areas, Schain said, DEEP looks for a waterfront with a beach, a gentle slope into and under the water, swimming areas no deeper than 5 feet, and a lack of obstructions or sudden drop offs.



At Millers Pond, Schain notes, there is no gentle slope, the bottom is rocky, and trees come right up near the water.



To create a beach would drastically change the environment and cost a fortune, he said.



As there is no recognized swimming and no beach at Millers Pond, it is not staffed with lifeguards or rescue equipment.



In the wake of Bonillas drowning, Francis Willett, director of Durhams Department of Emergency Management, posted on Facebook about signs at the park in multiple languages stating no swimming allowed.



Still, Millers Pond draws a crowd, specifically for swimming.



Francis said the town occasionally has to enforce parking bans on Foot Hills Road, where cars have parked when the state parks lot is full.






When Erik Anfinson set sail Thursday on San Francisco Bay in his 130-foot Alcatraz Clipper with more than 400 passengers aboard, he didnt expect to end the night a hero.

As the 45-year-old Novato resident departed Alcatraz Island about 8:45 p.m., he heard an alarming broadcast over the marine information system from the Coast Guard. A 31-foot recreational vessel had hit a rock in the water and was about to sink with ten people on board, said Lt. Nicole Emmons with the Coast Guard.

Anfinson, also known as Capt. Tubby, immediately diverted his ship toward the sinking vessel.

I noticed it was taking on a lot of water very quick, he said. Ive done (rescues) with smaller boats, fewer people, but this was the largest rescue for me.

Anfinson sidled up to the sinking ship, but he said neither one had a rope long enough to attach the two boats together.

I maneuvered the boat right up alongside of it, Anfinson said. We had the two boats rafted up basically side by side, not tied together.

Sarah Rice/Special to The Chronicle

With his crew of five, Afinson helped the ten adults that were standing at the bow of the submerging boat with life jackets jump over into the his vessel.

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A decision that I made was to pull them off the boat before they made it into the water, Anfinson said, adding that the water temperature was about 54 degrees.

As the last person jumped aboard to safety, the 438 other passengers on-board erupted in cheers.

We had beautiful weather. The conditions were perfect and everything was as smooth as can be. Im glad it wasnt eventful, Anfinson said. We do drills so we are ready for this kind of stuff. And the crew is always prepared.

The damaged boat ended up sinking in the bay, Emmons said.

There were no injuries reported as Anfinson brought those rescued back to San Franciscos Pier 33 safely.

It was a good thing, (Anfinson) heard our broadcast and went over there and helped them out, Emmons said.

But for Capt. Tubby, who earned his sailing license at age 19, he was just doing his job.

People were calling me a hero, he said, I just do my job, this is what I get paid for.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
The San Francisco Police Department will be stepping up patrols around Dolores Park over the weekend in the wake of a spasm of gun violence Thursday afternoon that left three people wounded and nearby residents deeply rattled.

Law enforcement officials said Friday that they are working to identify as many as five suspects in connection with the shooting, which erupted in broad daylight as the popular park was teeming with people.

Investigators are also looking into whether the shootings were gang-related. Officer Giselle Talkoff, a police spokeswoman, said the citys gang task force was trying to determine what the connection is between the victims and the suspects, adding that the attack did not appear random.

We believe it was targeted, she said. We want to reassure the public in that sense.

Investigators were also reviewing surveillance video, and have asked for the publics assistance in collecting more in an effort to identify suspects.

Two videos captured from a nearby residents security camera were reviewed by The Chronicle and turned over to police by the homeowner. The footage shows what could be two getaway cars speeding away from the park moments after the gunfire.

Audio on one of the videos also captured what sounded like nine gunshots in quick succession, and then another moments later.

Police and witnesses said the attack occurred after a confrontation between two groups of people on a pedestrian bridge that leads into the park from the corner of Church and 19th Streets.

The three victims were two men, ages 69 and 37, and a 16-year-old boy. Their identities have not been released, but one remained in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital as of Friday afternoon. Another victim was still hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and the third was treated and discharged Thursday.

Rising levels of gang-related activity at Dolores Park appear to have been on the police departments radar for some time. Celeste Oberfest, who lives near the park, said a police lieutenant recently spoke to her neighborhoods safety group and mentioned seeing an uptick in gang activity around the park since the beginning of the year.

The lieutenant was very forthcoming about the challenges they face in our neighborhood, Oberfest said.

A recent spate of violence has shaken many of those who live near Dolores Park, which, especially on warm, sunny days, can draw crowds of thousands.

Thursdays triple shooting was acutely unnerving to John Beauparlant, who also lives near the park and walks dogs for a living there. He was walking a dog in the park minutes before gunfire cut through the air. He said he feels lucky to have avoided being harmed in the attack.

This is a place that I always said was so serene and so mellow  and sure enough, thats been shattered, he said.

The specter of a rising tide of gang activity in the park, Beauparlant said, also has him worried about retaliatory attacks born out of the shootings Thursday.

Innocent bystanders get caught in the crossfire, he said.

In response to the shootings, Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, whose District Eight includes Dolores Park, has called for a community meeting on Aug. 21 to discuss safety issues in the park in response to the shooting. The location and time of the meeting have yet to be determined.

We have to do everything we can to keep Dolores Park safe for families, visitors and neighbors, Sheehy said in a statement Friday. This incident demands a top-to-bottom review of Dolores Park operations and a community process on how to make things better.

Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa
Embattled activist investor Bill Ackman is on the comeback trail. It doesnt look like hes picked an easy target.

Automatic Data Processing Inc., the outsourcer that handles paychecks for 26 million Americans, is resisting Ackmans Pershing Square Capital Management after saying the investor is seeking effective board control and lobbying to oust its chief executive officer.

Ackman, 51, could use some good news. He exited a high-profile investment in Valeant Pharmaceuticals International in March that cost the firm $4 billion, while a stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill, which has been hit by renewed food-safety concerns, is worth almost $190 million less than when he acquired it last year.

ADP appears to be strongly pushing back against Pershing Squares Bill Ackman, unlikely to accede to any corporate governance or financial/operational demands, Wells Fargo & Co. analyst Richard Eskelsen wrote in a note to clients.

Pershing Square wants five seats on ADPs 10-member board at its annual meeting this year and is pushing for CEO Carlos Rodriguez to be replaced, ADP said in a statement Friday. The billionaire activist has also asked ADP to extend its deadline for director nominations, which the companys board has rejected.

We believe our current board has an effective balance of leadership continuity and fresh perspectives that will help us to continue this strong track record of delivering value to shareholders, ADP said.

A representative for Pershing Square declined to comment. The investment firm has not yet disclosed its holding in ADP. Fridays statement comes after Bloomberg first reported last week that Ackman had built a stake in the firm.

New York-based Pershing Square typically buys large stakes in a handful of big companies and agitates executives and directors to make changes to boost shareholder returns.

Results have been mixed. After spending the better part of two years trying to convince just about anyone his investment in Valeant was a good one, Ackman more recently referred to the effort at the controversial drugmaker as a huge mistake.

Shares in Chipotle, on which Pershing Square spent about $1.17 billion last year, are down more than 17 percent since the stake was disclosed.

There have been successes too: Last year, Pershing Square exited a long-time investment in Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. that made about $2.6 billion, and in July it sold part of its stake in fast-food chain holding company Restaurant Brands International Inc. after shares in the owner of Burger King and Tim Hortons rose 39 percent over the previous year.

Ackman first contacted ADP on Aug. 1 and said his firm owned 8 percent of the companys shares, largely in derivatives, according to the statement. With ADPs market value touching $50 billion, that makes Pershing Squares stake worth about $4 billion  by far his biggest single holding, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Ackman met with ADPs leadership this week and said he had a new CEO in mind, people familiar with the matter said. The talks focused on how to make ADP more nimble and quicker to adopt new technology, helping them compete with smaller competitors, the people said, asking not to be identified because the matter is private. The investor is also planning to push for margin improvements, but didnt mention plans for a major financial overhaul, they said.

ADP defended Rodriguez in it statement and said investors have been rewarded with a total return of 202 percent  assuming they reinvested dividends and held on to shares of a unit that was spun off  during his nearly six years at the helm. Pershing Squares return over the same period is 29 percent, the statement claimed.

ADP appears to be strongly pushing back against Pershing Squares Bill Ackman, unlikely to accede to any corporate governance or financial/operational demands, Wells Fargo & Co. analyst Richard Eskelsen, who has a market perform rating on the shares, wrote in a note to clients.

ADP shares were little changed in New York trading at 11:15 a.m. The stock is up about 8.2 percent this year, valuing the company at $49.8 billion. ADP manages services including payroll, human resources and taxation for corporate clients. It also provides monthly U.S. employment data through its research institute.

The company said last month that its anticipating revenue growth of 5 percent to 6 percent in 2018 and adjusted earnings per share to rise 2 percent to 4 percent. That compares to 6 percent sales growth for the fiscal year ended in June when the company reported $12.4 billion in sales.

Its not the first time Pershing Square has pushed for changes at the company. Ackman previously owned shares in ADP from 2009 to 2011, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The last time Ackman invested in ADP he agitated for changes including spinning off non-core assets and rationalizing the balance sheet.
Molina Healthcare, one of three health insurers expected to remain on the Affordable Care Act's exchange in Houston next year, announced a $230 million loss in its second quarter.

Molina Healthcare this week announced a $230 million loss in its second quarter and said it would stop offering plans on Affordable Care Act exchanges in Utah and Wisconsin. It's also looking at participation levels in other states.

But Texas, apparently, remains a bright spot for the California-based company. It's one of three health insurers expected to remain on the exchange in Houston next year.

"There's no doubt performance in Texas has been very nice," interim CEO Joseph White said during an earnings call this week to analysts. "Performance in some of the smaller states, Michigan and New Mexico, has been nice. California has been OK. Florida, though, has not been a good market for us. We're going to have to look closely at it."

White also said participation in Washington state will be reduced.

"Molina has filed to participate in the 2018 Texas insurance exchange, but our filings are not final until they have been approved, which we understand will happen by mid-September," a company spokeswoman said in an email Friday.

On Tuesday the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made public insurer's rate increase requests for individual plans offered on the ACA's exchange in 2018. Molina Healthcare has asked for hikes in its individual market in Texas ranging from 20.98 percent to 23.83 percent.

RELATED: Rates up, uncertainty lingers in federal insurance exchange

Final rate increases and insurer participation in exchanges may not be known until late next month. Enrollment will be open Nov. 1 through Dec. 15.

The insurance industry has said political uncertainty surrounding the current law known as Obamacare has made it especially difficult to predict risk and determine rates for next year. If the individual mandate is removed  a hallmark of proposed replacement plans pushed by the White House and the Republican-led Congress  insurers say they will not know how many people they will cover and, more importantly, how sick they will be.

In addition, President Donald Trump has not yet committed to whether the federal government will continue to pay insurers to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for low-income Americans. Without those payments insurers have said they will likely have to raise rates even higher than currently proposed.

Other rate increase requests for 2018 for individual plans in the Houston-area exchange included 23.4 percent and 23.9 percent increases in two Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas individual plans on the exchange and a 16.4 percent increase request from Community Health Choice.

Molina Healthcare's board in May ousted Dr. J. Mario Molina as CEO and his brother, John Molina, as CFO. They were the son's of the company's founder.

Molina has been considered one of the nation's largest, and successful, providers of individual plans under Obamacare. A year ago, during the same three-month period, the company posted a $33 million profit, according to financial records.

"The results reported today are disappointing and unacceptable," White during the earnings call, "we must, and we will do much better and we are taking aggressive, urgent and determined actions to improve our financial performance."
San Antonio-based Lilis Energys CEO Abraham Avi Mirman has resigned from his positions as CEO and a director at the oil and gas company after the SEC sued him Wednesday for securities fraud in an alleged penny stock scheme from 2012.

Lilis Energys president, James Linville, a former petroleum engineer, has been named Lilis Energys CEO.

Under a separation agreement, Mirman will receive a $1 million lump-sum cash payment and COBRA health insurance for up to 18 months, and will enter into a contract as an independent consultant until Aug. 5, 2018, for a fee of $41,660.67 a month.

Any unvested shares of restricted stock or unvested stock options will vest on Aug. 12. Mirman had more than 1.2 million Lilis Energy shares valued at $4.8 million as of June 16, according to SEC filings.

Mirman had been CEO at Lilis since September 2013, almost a year after the alleged penny stock scheme took place.

It is with a heavy heart that I am leaving the company, but the interests of the company and its shareholders are, and have always been, my main priority, Mirman said in a Lilis Energy news release.

Ronald D. Ormand, the boards executive chairman, said that the Board is extremely grateful for Avis years of dedication and leadership at Lilis.

Avi has led an incredible transformation of Lilis into a leading Delaware Basin growth company, he said. We sincerely thank him for his service.

Mirman is accused by the SEC of participating in an alleged pump-and-dump scheme to increase the valuation of the stock of Liberty Silver Corp., a thinly traded purported silver exploration company, according to the SECs lawsuit.

The lawsuit claims that between August and October 2012, Mirman, along with co-defendants B.G. Capital Group Ltd. and its chairman, Robert Donald Bruce Genovese, artificially inflated and more than doubled Liberty Silvers stock price from 71 cents a share to $1.55, bringing in $8 million in profit for Genovese and B.G. Capital Group and $300,000 in commissions for Mirman.

The SEC suspended trading of Liberty Silvers stock, LBSV, on the OTC on Oct. 5, 2012. The stock was subsequently delisted. The Ontario Securities Commission also temporarily halted trading in the stock, which trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol LSL.

Lilis Energy Chief Financial Officer Joseph Daches said in an SEC filing Tuesday that the board was evaluating the situation.

The allegations in the complaint are unrelated to the business of Lilis Energy, Inc.  and predate Mr. Mirmans tenure with the Company, he said. We understand that Mr. Mirman denies the Commissions allegations, and intends to vigorously defend this matter.

rdruzin@express-news.net

@druz_journo
Local officials wasted no time in launching a bid Friday for the new $1.6 billion factory Toyota said it plans to build with Mazda in the U.S.  hours after the companies made the announcement.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff immediately pounced on the news to announce that the city and county will work with state officials to try to win over Toyota, which already builds Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks at its San Antonio plant.

We know the competition to win the plant will be fierce. Still, this team has been successful before, and we look forward to the challenge, Mayor Nirenberg said in a statement.

He said the current Toyota plant, which opened in 2006, was an important asset to the community. The new U.S. plant will employ about 4,000 workers, Toyota said. The automotive manufacturing industry has long been targeted by local economic development officials. Weve built a decades-long relationship with Japan and have an experienced workforce, he said.

Judge Nelson Wolff echoed Nirenbergs sentiment, saying Toyota and Mazda are not going to find a better site than ours.

Toyota said Friday that was moving production of some of its Tacoma pickup trucks  which are primarily made in San Antonio and Baja California  to a new plant in Mexico as part of the joint venture with Japanese manufacturer Mazda.

The change came about after the company decided to shift production of its popular Corolla sedan from its facility in Guanajuato, Mexico, which is still under construction, to a new assembly plant to be built in the U.S. by 2020 as part of the deal. The plant, the location of which hasnt been announced, will also build an unnamed Mazda compact utility vehicle, Toyota said.

The Guanajuato plant wont affect jobs at its Texas and Baja California, Mexico facilities that currently produce the Tacomas, said Toyota spokesman Aaron Fowles. Company executives hope the new plant in Mexico will help ease the workload in San Antonio and Baja California where Toyota has had to add extra shifts and pay overtime to keep up with demand for the popular mid-sized pickup.

Were not having enough time to maintain our equipment because its just running continuously, Mario Lozoya, spokesman for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, the San Antonio plant, said. This announcement, what it does is allow for more capacity for the Tacoma and our goal here, locally, is to try to bring (San Antonio) back to a normal production schedule that we have been doing in the past.

The San Antonio plant  which is the sole producer of Tundra full size pickups, in addition to Tacomas  has been running an extra Saturday shift in addition to overtime to keep up with demand since April 2015. The plant, which was constructed with a production capacity of 200,000 vehicles a year, has been producing more than 230,000 for at least the last two years.

Its just really a way to alleviate some of the overtime and alternative work schedule stuff thats going on at those plants right now, Fowles said.

Lozoya estimated that customers wanted 50,000 more Tacomas last year than the company could deliver. Toyota sold 191,631 Tacomas and 115,489 Tundras in 2016.

The Baja California plant, which builds only Tacomas, has a production capacity of roughly 100,000 vehicles a year and is undergoing a $150 million upgrade to boost production by 60,000 Tacomas by 2018. Fowles said that investment wont be affected by the new plant in Mexico.

President Donald Trump had singled out the Guanajuato investment in January for scrutiny. In a tweet on January 6 Trump said Toyota Motor said (it) will build a new plant in Baja, Mexico, to build Corolla cars for U.S. NO WAY! Build plant in U.S. or pay big border tax. The tweet confused the Baja California plant with the Guanajuato facility.

Fowles said the plans for the joint venture were announced in May 2015 but that the U.S. investment is in line with the administrations objective. Toyota is taking a 5 percent stake in Mazda as part of the deal.

The $1 billion plant in Guanajuato, Mexico  which broke ground in November  will be retooled to build Tacomas, Toyota said. The switch to Tacomas will push back the plants start-of-operations date from 2019 to mid-2020, Fowles said.

While there is no production estimate for the new facility, Fowles said the new facility is all an increase of what we have in production capacity both in Texas and in Baja.

It will start production earlier than the new U.S. plant that were going to be building with Mazda, so we can pull forward the supply of trucks to meet the growing customers need and production capacity 4 years earlier than we had originally planned, Fowles said.
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NEW HAVEN >> Jacob Greenberg never spoke much about his service in World War II to his daughter Janet, but while looking through old photos of her father, she noticed something was missing.

I saw photographs where there were medals, she said.

As far as where those medals went, she said she could only assume they were lost.

My father never really spoke of it, she said. I think its typical of his generation to not talk about yourself too much.

Two days shy of Greenbergs 99th birthday, he was reissued those medals Friday, thanks to U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3.

We are thankful and thank God Jacob is here with us today, DeLauro said Friday morning at the Mary Wade Home of New Haven, where Greenberg has stayed for two weeks.

DeLauro told Greenberg that she married a Greenberg herself, which made Jacob Greenberg smile.

During WWII, Greenberg joined the Army Air Forces in January 1942 as a clerk for the 5th Air Force 91st Photographic Wing, according to DeLauros office.

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Greenberg, a New Haven resident, served in the Air Force from 1942 to 1946, doing photography and mapping over Japan in then-enemy territory.

During the war, the 91st Photographic Wing was the primary source of aerial photography and visual intelligence and mapping for Fifth Air Force in the Southwest Pacific Theater. Its assigned units flew unarmed over enemy territory, photographing Japanese airfields, harbors, beach defenses, and personnel areas in New Guinea, the Bismarcks, Borneo, and the southern Philippines. They also scouted target areas and enemy troop positions to provide intelligence for Air Force and Army units, according to a release from DeLauros office.

DeLauro said Greenberg was honorably discharged, and what he did helped to reverse the tyranny enacted at the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

What Jacob did, what he endured, and what service people endure every day in our military must not be forgotten, DeLauro said.

Connecticut Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Sean Connolly was unable to make the event Friday, so DeLauro presented Greenberg with several medals: the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the Antarctica Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon and an Honorable Service Lapel Button for World War II. Greenberg was awarded the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal, presented to him by DeLauro on behalf of Connelly.

David Hunter, president and CEO of Mary Wade, took a moment before DeLauro presented the medals to thank her for supporting medicaid expansion.

The general public doesnt realize that Medicaid is the primary funding for skilled nursing programs in our country, he said. With block grants, people may not receive the skilled nursing services when they need it.

Hunter said skilled nursing services are essential and life-saving for those who receive them.

Theyre not here because they want to be, he said.

In fact, Greenberg and his family planned on having the medal ceremony at home until he had a fall, Janet Greenberg said. She said DeLauro was flexible in being able to move the ceremony to the facility.
Jury selection could begin within weeks in the San Francisco murder case that sparked a national debate over immigration policies, with the case moving a step closer to trial Friday.

More than two years after 32-year-old Kate Steinle was shot on Pier 14 by a Mexican citizen who had been wanted for deportation by federal agents, the case was assigned to Superior Court Judge Samuel Feng, who is expected to preside over pretrial legal motions Monday. No trial date has been set.

Steinle was strolling with her arm around her father when a bullet pierced her back on July 1, 2015. Police arrested Juan Francisco Lopez Sanchez, 54, who admitted to handling the gun that fired the round.

The gun had been stolen from a Bureau of Land Management rangers car four days earlier in the city, and Lopez Sanchez, who was homeless, said he found the weapon wrapped in a T-shirt under a bench. His attorneys say the shooting was an accident, but prosecutors say he committed murder because he either aimed the gun at Steinle or recklessly fired the weapon in a crowded area.

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Lopez Sanchez had been on track for a sixth deportation after serving 46 months in prison for felony re-entry into the country, but was released from the San Francisco jail before the shooting, rather than being turned over to immigration agents, under the citys sanctuary policies.

He had been transferred from federal custody to the city jail in March 2015 on an old warrant alleging he fled marijuana charges in 1995. When prosecutors discharged the case, the Sheriffs Department released him despite a federal request to hold him for deportation.

Lopez Sanchezs public defender, Matt Gonzalez, said jury selection could prove difficult because of the publicity around the case. But he believes his client will be able to obtain a fair trial.

Its expected that the people of San Francisco will have heard of this case and will have read about it, he said. I dont think that makes you ineligible to be a juror. I think the real question is whether or not those jurors havent read so much information that their mind is made up, that they cant re-evaluate the facts of the case.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.  Brace yourself for a TV opener so horrific and unsettling that your thoughts and sleep may be disturbed for days, if not weeks.

The terrifying six-minute sequence kicks off Mr. Mercedes, David E. Kelleys 10-episode adaptation of Stephen Kings 2014 bestselling thriller, which the horror maestro described as his first hard-boiled detective tale.

It debuts at 7 p.m. Wednesday on the relatively new AT&T Audience Network, which is available to both DirecTV and AT&T U-verse subscribers.

Unlike much King-inspired fare on the small screen, this one doesnt delve into the supernatural. Mr. Mercedes introduces us to a human monster, a psychopath in a car, and a crowd of folks waiting in the shivery night air for an Ohio job fair to open.

Worse, we get to know a couple of the victims before the awful event happens. Its 2009, the tail end of the great recession, and people are on edge, desperate for work.

Especially poignant is a quick friendship struck between two strangers, a kind young man and a single mom who was forced to bring along her baby girl, despite a lingering cough from the croup, because she couldnt afford a babysitter.

Suddenly, a car appears and creeps toward them and the throngs of people surrounding them, its headlights blazing. The driver dons a creepy clown mask, honks his horn, revs the motor  and the unthinkable happens.

When the police arrive and survey the mayhem, we learn from one detective that 16 died; three times that number were injured.

The carnage sadly resonates more than ever now, when real-life incidents of vehicular attacks in France, Sweden, England and other parts of Europe have become all too frequent.

Director and executive producer Jack Bender acknowledged that the opening scene is indeed troubling. As shockingly memorable as this act of mayhem may be, however, it isnt the focus of Mr. Mercedes, he added.

It was, I think, my responsibility as a filmmaker and all of us as a team to show it in a realistic way but not put any kind of frame around it. Dont glamorize it. No sexy slow motion. No action score. Just put the audience into that horror, Bender told TV critics at a recent press session.

From there, we become immersed in what the dramas really about: the repercussions and ripples in the pond was how Bender described it. How many lives are destroyed by one heinous act?

Two years later, were introduced to two of these damaged people: One is the crusty senior detective on the case, Bill Hodges (Brendan Gleeson, Harry Potter), who remains haunted by it and its lack of resolution.

The other is the demented killer and tech wizard, Brady Hartsfield (Harry Treadaway, Penny Dreadful), who seems fairly normal on the outside as a computer sales clerk and the guy who runs the local ice cream truck. But on the inside, hes broken and nasty..

Hes a suburban psychopath, the person next door who seems totally normal and friendly and nice, but whats going on in his basement literally and metaphorically, thats, I think, whats scary about this, Treadaway said.

He continues to exercise those inner demons by taunting Hodges with a series of creepy videos, lurid letters and invasive emails, forcing the now-retired detective to undertake a secret  and potentially felonious  crusade to bring the killer to justice before he is able to strike again.

Hodges, who spends his days alone  save for a lethargic pet tortoise in his backyard  drinking too much and wandering aimlessly around the house in his underwear, is more than willing to have a purpose once again.

It also keeps him from sinking into the dark abyss of isolation, something his plain-speaking widowed neighbor Ida Silver (Holland Taylor, The Truman Show), warns him about.

In his hunt for the killer, hes forced to reach out to people, including a high school student (Jharrel Jerome, Moonlight) who does yardwork for Hodges. Hes recruited to help the detective with the computer side of the investigation.

Hodges also befriends Janey Patterson (Mary Louise-Parker, Weeds). Her sister was the owner of the Mercedes stolen by the deranged perpetrator. She ended up committing suicide, and Janey believes the murders drove her to it. So shes almost as invested in catching the killer as Hodges is.

Kelley, whose last big success was Big Little Lies for HBO, always has been superb at fleshing out characters, no matter how small. Mr. Mercedes is no exception.

Gleeson and Treadaway are excellent in their complicated roles. However, the many supporting actors also are highly memorable  from Kelly Lynch as Bradys slovenly, alcoholic mother, whose disturbing relationship with her son may be at the root of his violence, to yard guy Jerome, who gives Hodges a youthful boost, even causing him to smile occasionally, to Taylor as meddling, but ultimately helpful, neighbor Ida.

The colorful encounters between the latter and Hodges are among my favorites, whether Ida is proudly showing him a nude selfie on her cell phone or shaking him out of his depression with her entertaining candor.

(Idas) insisting on knocking on his door and of being a presence and of shining a light on the world and of dragging him back into a place where he can recognize himself  whats kind of thrilling about it is that its a really mature interaction, Gleeson said

The character that I play is not in this novel, and I think it was very brilliant of them to add her, Taylor said. Im imagining that David and Jack and Stephen King himself perhaps thought there has to be some human connection to this guy, because it becomes so dark.

The shows music is another reason to watch. Enriching each twist and turn of Mr. Mercedes are moody tunes from the likes of Leonard Cohen, T Bone Burnett and Donovan.

Jeanne Jakles column appears Wednesdays and Sundays in mySA.

jjakle@express-news.net
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There is something special about the venue where filmmaker Marcella Ochoa is showing her new short film My Name is Maria de Jesus: Her parents graduated there.

Sal and Mary Jessie Ochoa, both 70, went to Fox Tech High School, and their graduation ceremony was at Municipal Auditorium. The renovated auditorium, now the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, is the site of the San Antonio Film Festival, where Ochoas short drama will be screened Saturday.

Ochoa, 36, said her parents experience in school inspired her to make My Name is Maria de Jesus.

In 1950s San Antonio, she said, Sal and Mary Jessies teachers taught them to bottle up their Hispanic heritage, even belittling them for speaking Spanish in public. Sal, a second-generation Mexican-American, and Mary Jessie, whose parents were Mexican and Spanish, would be considered American  nothing else.

The mindset was youre embarrassed about your language, Sal said. Youre embarrassed about your language and embarrassed about your culture.

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The assimilation was especially difficult for Mary Jessie, who had to change her name in grade school to be like the other kids around her. Thats reflected in the movies title, and its tag line: To defeat a people, take away their language.

Because of their experience, the Ochoas didnt teach their daughters to speak Spanish, though they subsequently learned the language. In fact, Marcella Ochoa said, when she moved to Los Angeles and went to work in the film industry, she often was asked why she wasnt fluent in Spanish  a fun-house mirror inversion of what had happened to her parents.

She said she made the movie to try to reconnect with her roots.

My Name is Maria de Jesus is set during the 1950s and the late 1980s, when Ochoa was a child. The director plays her mother in late 1980s suburbia, while a young actress named Jasmine Linares is adolescent Mary Jessie in the 1950s.

The short begins with young Mary Jessie being disciplined by her teacher, who wields a ruler and a stone-cold glare, telling the girl to forget her name is Maria de Jesus. It will now be Mary Jessie.

Mary Jessie said its an accurate reflection of what happened to her at Beacon Hill Elementary School, a scene, she and her husband added, that happened frequently across Texas at the time.

The final minutes include a candid, documentary-style interview with Mary Jessie about her childhood.

Marcella Ochoa said her goal was to illustrate the need to take pride in your family heritage.

Im trying to create content that is not stereotypical, not racist, but (has) really good roles, she said.

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Ochoa and her parents now live in California. Ochoa grew up in San Diego after moving with her family from San Antonio at the age of 6.

She returned to San Antonio this week to watch My Name is Maria de Jesus alongside her extended family. About 80 relatives will come to support her, she said, limo, Casa Rio dinner and all.

The journey for Ochoa and her family has come full circle now that they are showing their pasts on the big screen.

Its an honor and a privilege. We are proud of her, Sal Ochoa said. She was very passionate about her culture and her language. She pushed us to do something about it.

My Name is Maria de Jesus will screen at 3:30 p.m. Saturday the Tobin Center. For full festival listings and ticket information, go online to safilm.com

osanchez@express-news.net

Twitter: @OhMySanchez
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Flies in the bar area and an employee who blew their nose without washing their hands afterward landed a staple in San Antonio's restaurant scene in hot water this past week, according to data.

La Fogata was among the 24 establishments that made this week's list of dirtiest restaurants in the Alamo City. In addition to flies and hand washing, city inspectors also found mole sauce that was not stored at a correct temperature, and that food stains in the bar area needed to be cleaned.

To make the Express-News' list of dirtiest restaurants, an establishment must earn a score of 89 or below  or anything less than an "A"  during a random city health inspection.

Citations at other eateries included a BB gun sitting on a meat cutter and a rusty drying rack in direct contact with dishes and utensils.

While at the River Walk restaurant Charlie Wants a Burger, an inspector observed one live rat and live roaches, as well as rodent droppings, and saw slime in an ice maker.

However, the lowest-scoring spot of the week, a Mexican restaurant located in Stone Oak, was cited after employees were seen preparing tacos with their bare hands and several dead roaches were spotted in traps.

SEE LAST WEEK'S RESTAURANT VIOLATIONS: San Antonio restaurant inspections: July 28, 2017

The San Antonio Express-News examines hundreds of restaurant inspections each week conducted by the San Antonio Food and Environmental Health Services division to bring you the eateries with scores of 89 or below.

Restaurants are graded on a 100-point system, where "100" is a perfect score, and demerits are based upon the number of violations found during a regular food establishment inspection. There are three categories of demerits and each are assigned a demerit score of 3, 2 or 1 points, according to the health division.

Scores and demerits listed are only representative of the state of the restaurant at the time of inspection and are surveyed at random.

Find out the violations spotted at other San Antonio restaurants in the gallery above.

erobinson@mysa.com

Twitter: @eeelizzzabeth
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.
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STRATFORD  This town cant agree on a budget and the Town Council is chin-deep in distrust and animosity.

But all of that, theres no shortage of people lining up to run for office in this town.

In addition to the candidates from each party who will likely be running for mayor and the 10 Town Council seats, at least 14 people will be staging primary battles that will play out on Sept. 12, primary day in Connecticut. Most of these individuals are busy collecting signatures to get on the ballot.

For mayor, the endorsed Republican is state Rep. Laura Hoydick who represents Stratfords 120th district in the North End. Her GOP endorsement is being contested by former councilwoman Sandra Zalik. Mayor John Harkins, a Republican, announced in March that he wouldnt seek a third four-year term.

The mayors race is a bit more problematic for Democrats. The Democratic Town Committee failed to endorse any one candidate, so registered Democrats will have to choose between Stephanie Philips, Joe Paul and Len Petruccelli. Philips is also the Democratic Town Committee chairwoman.

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Taking on Daponte

One of the more hotly contested council seats will be in District 1. There, council chairwoman and endorsed Democrat Beth Daponte will be facing John Rich and Bieu Tran.

For the Republicans, the endorsed candidate, Donald F. Anderson III, pulled out of the race. Republican Town Committee Chairman Lou DeCilio said that the RTC will endorse another candidate who will be named later. Meanwhile, Mark Scheck is expected to primary that person.

Scheck, in May 2016, staged a Recall Beth effort aimed at Daponte which for various reasons failed to get to the ballot box.

Its safe to say that Daponte, even though shes the highest-ranking local Democrat, isnt getting along with the Philips-led party establishment. The Philips faithful have excoriated her on Facebook for siding with Harkins on the 2017-18 budget, among other issues.

In District 2, incumbent Democrat Scott Farrington-Posner will face a primary from Democrat Neil Sherman, who has sought that seat in the past. Also vying for the District 2 council seat is Republican Ronald Tichy.

Farrington-Posner is in the Paul camp.

A three-way battle is shaping up in for Democrats in District 3. Incumbent Wali Kadeem, who in recent council meetings has staged long and loud rants against the school district and allowing more apartments in town, will face two primary challengers  Dion Frances and Michael Singh. The winner will face Republican Victor Ayala Jr. in November.

Exes square off

A strange and awkward primary battle is in store for the District 4 council seat. There, incumbent Democrat David Harden will face a primary challenge from his ex-wife, Indiana Susana. The couples divorce was granted by the courts on April 11. Susana is the Philips camp, Harden isnt.

The winner of that scrum will face Republican Linnea Scheck.

In District 5, endorsed Democrat Greg Cann will face primary challenger John Dempsey, who has held that seat in the past. The winner of that race will face Republican Kevin Conlan in November.

In District 6, a strange battle is shaping up between Democratic incumbent Phil Young and Prez Palmer, who attempted to unseat state Sen. Kevin Kelly last November; Palmer was trounced in that election. Party insiders say that Palmer is running because Young voted for Daponte over Rich at the July 20 DTC convention.

District 7 will see a Republican primary, where incumbent Marianne E. Mitzi Antezzo will wage a primary against political neophyte William Perillo, the endorsed candidate. Its also possible that there wont be a Democratic candidate in that district because the DTC pick, Sean Haubert, dropped out citing family commitments.

Another Democratic primary is shaping up in the North Ends District 10, where incumbent Tina Manus  whos backing Philips  will face Matt Light, whos in the Daponte camp. The winner will face Republican Laura Dancho in November.

This primary picture will come into better focus on Wednesday when the petitions to get on the ballot are due in Town Hall.

jburgeson@ctpost.com
DANBURY  Attorneys representing Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanzas former psychiatrist, who faces charges that he sexually abused a client, obtained permission Friday to review parts of the victims diary.

Prosecutors gave attorney Steven Smart, who represents Paul Fox, a portion of the diary Friday in court. They agreed to do so in exchange for a protective order for the victim. Fox, who did not join the attorneys in the courtroom, had filed several requests for the diary kept by a woman identified in court records as Jane Doe.

Doe was an 18-year-old college student under treatment for depression and an eating disorder when Fox had an inappropriate sexual relationship with her, according to authorities. Smart had said reviewing the diary was essential to giving Fox a fair trial, because it contains information about the affair.

States Attorney Stephen Sedensky said the documents turned over to Smart included any part of the entries that relates to the charge, conduct involved and anything that goes to credibility.

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A representative for the victim said the diary was typed nearly seven years ago and included handwritten comments in the margins added in the last few years. She and the victim determined that 40 pages of the entries, without the handwritten comments, are pertinent to the case.

The judge was given a full copy of the diary, including the notes in the margins, and will determine later next month whether additional portions should be given to Foxs attorneys.

Fox began to have near-daily appointments with the woman in 2011, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

The woman told police she was drugged up and out of my mind on a cocktail of prescription drugs Fox prescribed, the document states. The sexual encounters occurred at his Brookfield office and on a sailboat he kept at Candlewood Lake, documents show.

Fox gave up his licenses to practice in Connecticut and in New York state in 2013, shortly after the allegations were made against him. He now lives in Maine.

Fox was Lanzas primary psychiatrist during his adolescence, according to State Police records. The psychiatrist stopped seeing Lanza about five years before the December 2012 massacre at the elementary school.

Detectives investigating the shooting interviewed several of Foxs former clients, one of which was Jane Doe, who told investigators at the time about the sexual relationship she had with him in 2011.
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WASHINGTON - In meeting after meeting with his national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, this spring and summer, President Donald Trump angrily hammered home two questions:

He wanted to know why the U.S. military wasn't winning in Afghanistan, and he asked, repeatedly, why, after more than 16 years of war, the United States was still stuck there.

The president's two questions have defined a contentious debate over whether to send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan to halt two years of Taliban gains. And they have exposed a potentially deep philosophical rift with McMaster, a three-star general.

"H.R. heard the first question and seized on it," said a senior White House official who is close to McMaster. "But he never heard, or didn't want to hear, the president's second question."

The debate over Afghanistan strategy, which McMaster had initially hoped to have resolved by May, continued Thursday when the president and his national security adviser met in the Oval Office. Trump's reluctance to commit to a new strategy reflects the paucity of good options in Afghanistan and the dim prospects for peace.

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It also highlights a contradiction at the core of Trump's foreign policy. On the campaign trail and in conversations with advisers, Trump has said he wants to win and project strength. But he also has called for ending costly commitments in places such as Afghanistan and the Middle East.

The charge for McMaster is to craft a strategy that addresses these contradictory impulses - a desire to simultaneously do more and less in the world - and define the president's "America first" vision.

McMaster's challenge is made more difficult by the stylistic differences that separate the two men. McMaster arrived at the White House in February determined to run an apolitical process that would surface the best national security ideas from the vast federal bureaucracy and present options to the president.

But Trump has shown little interest in a methodical and consensus-oriented approach. Impatient and determined to shake up U.S. foreign policy, Trump solicits input not only from McMaster but also from friends, family members, Cabinet secretaries and other counselors.

In a disorderly West Wing in which decisions are evaluated not by ideology but by their impact on the Trump brand and their fealty to the president's campaign-trail promises, McMaster has struggled to become a dominant foreign policy force.

McMaster's biggest asset is the respect he commands from a Washington foreign policy establishment that has grave doubts about Trump. "Senators and the people the president talks to say, 'We love H.R.,' " said a senior administration official in describing the dynamic between the two men. "The president is very proud of him."

But McMaster's approach has also spawned a fierce rivalry with key players from Trump's campaign, led by chief strategist Stephen Bannon, who views Trump as a revolutionary figure on the world stage.

McMaster's allies have accused Bannon and his protege Sebastian Gorka, a cable-news mainstay, of waging a concerted campaign to minimize the national security adviser's influence. Bannon and Gorka have recently become a more regular and outspoken presence at meetings led by McMaster and his team on Afghanistan, the Middle East and the administration's national security strategy.

McMaster, meanwhile, has in the past two weeks dismissed three National Security Council officials who were viewed as disruptive forces and were seen as close to Bannon.

"Sometimes you have very forceful differences of opinion among the president's senior advisers," said Sen. Tom Cotton , R-Ark., who is close to McMaster and Bannon. "H.R. is indispensable in helping the president hear all those viewpoints and have the information he needs."

For now, though, those conflicting viewpoints have produced as much chaos as consensus, frustrating the president and fueling speculation about McMaster's job security. Trump insiders see retired Marine general John Kelly, the president's new chief of staff, as a natural McMaster ally who is seeking to tame the White House's internecine fights and force the president to stick to a schedule.

Late Friday, Trump issued a statement of support for McMaster amid calls from some conservative activists for his dismissal.

"General McMaster and I are working very well together," Trump said. "He is a good man and very pro-Israel. I am grateful for the work he continues to do serving our country."

McMaster's friends and colleagues are sympathetic to his challenges.

"He had not worked in D.C. before, so this was certainly a new environment for him, but I have always seen him lead," said Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. "He sets very clear goals. . . . When we're in those meetings, he's all about getting options on the table for the president."

This portrait of the McMaster-Trump relationship is based on interviews with more than 20 senior Trump advisers, NSC officials and friends of both men. Most spoke on the condition of anonymity to offer frank appraisals.

McMaster arrived at the White House after the ouster of his predecessor, Michael Flynn, and with few ties to the president or the Trump administration. Cotton, who recognized Trump's affinity for generals, brought him to the president's attention.

"There aren't that many people who earn decorations for valor who also have best-selling PhD dissertations," the senator said of McMaster, referring to the general's book, "Dereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam."

Dina Powell, the deputy national security adviser, helped him forge relationships with other Cabinet members and counseled him on how to connect with Trump, according to other administration officials.

McMaster's first big task, though, was not winning over his boss but earning the trust of his staffers - many of whom were on loanto the NSC from other federal agencies and had been disparaged by some Trump administration officials as "Obama holdovers."

McMaster tried to ban the term. In his first staff town hall meeting, he emphasized that as a nonpartisan Army officer he did not vote - a message he delivered repeatedly during his first months. McMaster wanted the NSC's professional staff to know that he valued its input. He was also sending a message, perhaps unwittingly, to the president, who demands loyalty from his staff and regularly boasts of the size of hiselectoral-college victory.

McMaster began by compiling a list of 15 strategic problem areas that would guide the council's work. And he spoke broadly of his concern that U.S. power and influence had been on the decline for much of the past 16 years, said current and former White House officials.

"The president has views that are different than where the establishment has been, and the president appreciates that General McMaster is taking those views and coming back with strategies that give the president options," said Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and senior adviser.

One of the places McMaster would try to arrest the slide was in Afghanistan, where he had served in 2010 and 2011 and was personally invested. "Fewer and fewer Americans understand what is at stake in the wars in which we are engaged," he had said in a 2015 speech at Georgetown University. "How many Americans could, for example, name the three main Taliban organizations we are fighting in Afghanistan and Pakistan?"

The American strategy Trump inherited had been defined by the Obama administration's focus on withdrawing American forces and ending the war.

One key to a better outcome, McMaster argued, was an open-ended commitment that would demonstrate American resolve and compel the Taliban to enter peace talks. McMaster's version of "America first" in Afghanistan meant negotiating from a position of strength.

Among his biggest challenges was holding the attention of the president. In classified briefings, Trump would frequently flit between subjects. "We moved very quickly from news to intelligence to policy with very little clarity on which lanes we were in," said a U.S. official who took part in the briefings. "McMaster would act like the tangents didn't happen and go back to Point 2 on his card."

Trump had little time for in-depth briefings on the Afghanistan's history, its complicated politics or its seemingly endless civil war. Even a single page of bullet points on the country seemed to tax the president's attention span on the subject, said senior White House officials.

"I call the president the two-minute man," said one Trump confidant. "The president has patience for a half-page."

Another problem was overcoming the president's skepticism that winning in Afghanistan was even possible.

On Afghanistan, McMaster wanted something that would appeal to the president's instincts as a promoter, U.S. officials said.

The solution: The general dug up pictures of Kabul's Massoud Circle from 2005 and 2015 to show how businesses and traffic had returned to the once desolate area. And he asked one of his Afghanistan experts to find a black-and-white snapshot from 1972 of Afghan women in miniskirts walking through Kabul.

"The goal was to give the president the idea that Afghanistan was not this hopeless place," said one U.S. official familiar with the briefing, which included several pictures of the country.

The briefing did not change Trump's position, which had been shaped by his two years on the campaign trail and his sense that the American people had lost sight of the war's purpose. The strategy review that McMaster had hoped to complete by early May - ahead of a NATO conference where he hoped to secure pledges for more European troops - remains stalled.

At McMaster's urging, Trump earlier this summer signed an order giving the Pentagon the authority to send as many as 3,900 more troops requested by commanders to Afghanistan. But Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, concerned about the absence of an approved strategy and chastened by Trump's doubts about the war, has not authorized the forces to go.

At a meeting last month, the president angrily complained that the United States was not winning in Afghanistan, suggested firing the current commander and questioned whether sending more troops to the country would be folly, said U.S. officials familiar with the meeting. The first detailed accounts of the meeting were reported by NBC News.

The fight over the Afghanistan strategy points to a larger problem with the relationship between McMaster's NSC and the West Wing. During his six months on the job, McMaster has raised morale among the career staffers, who describe him as open and accessible.

He has put in place a rigorous and structured process that integrates the views of agencies across the government.

Less clear is whether any of that work is resulting in new policies. A Pentagon strategy aimed at defeating the Islamic State was completed in early March but still has not been approved by the president, officials said.

The administration instead has worked piecemeal to give U.S. commanders in Iraq and Syria more latitude to increase the pace of military operations. Potentially divisive questions about the United States' long-term goals and military presence in the region - the same issues being debated in the Afghanistan review - remain unresolved.

---

Julie Tate contributed to this report.
U.S. efforts to craft some sort of Syria policy have meant dealing with a roster of well-known countries: Syria, of course, Russia, Turkey, Iran, and more. But there's one more for that list: the Czech Republic.

Since 2012, the skeleton-staffed Czech Embassy in embattled Damascus has been acting as a protecting power for the mighty United States, the same way that Sweden does in North Korea and Switzerland in Iran (both Sweden and Switzerland do the same for other countries). It is a reflection of the small European country's ability to juggle both continued access to the Assad regime and warm ties with Washington.

That diplomatic reach is a reflection, in part, of decades-old ties between what used to be Czechoslovakia and the regime of Bashar Assad's father.

Czechoslovakia - which, granted, was a different country and a different, communist regime - was a major economic partner of and arms exporter to Syria for decades, before and during the Assad years. Trade increased fivefold just between 1952 and 1956, and continued for decades, anchored by visits to Czechoslovakia by Hafez al-Assad, despite tumult in both countries. This continued even after the dissolution of the Eastern Bloc: In 1991, Prague was still greenlighting the the export of tanks to Syria.

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After the end of communism, and especially once the Czechs joined the European Union in 2004, its policy toward Syria moved more in line with that of Brussels - but Prague never abandoned Damascus entirely.

"The policy [toward Syria] changed considerably after the fall of communism in 1989. Since then, Israel became our key ally in the region. At the same time, we kept our traditionally good relations with the Arab countries, including Syria," a diplomat with the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C., told Foreign Policy.

Even as practically every other western embassy in Damascus shuttered its doors, the Czechs decided to stay in town - in part to act as a protecting power for the United States. "We believe that the Syrian conflict does not have a military solution, but only a political one," the Czech diplomat said.

Holding down the fort for the United States is Eva Filipi, the only European ambassador physically left in Damascus. Filipi, at about 70 years old and sporting a blonde, banged bob has worked as journalist, a translator, an interpreter, the charge d'affaires for the Czech Embassy in Iraq, the ambassador to Lebanon, and the ambassador to Turkey. At present, however, she is hunkered down in Damascus.

But how did the United States come to ask the Czechs, with their colorful Syrian backstory, in the first place?

As the Syrian civil war ramped up in 2011, the United States decided to withdraw its diplomats for their safety; then-U.S. ambassador Robert Ford was attacked in his car by a pro-regime mob in September of that year. By early 2012, the United States had decided to shutter its embassy in Damascus altogether. That meant it would need to find another country that could pinch hit and handle consular responsibilities for U.S. citizens in emergencies.

Ford and his team drew up a list of potential protecting states that Washington might approve. They checked with several European countries, but "several on the list were themselves going to close if we closed," Ford, now a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, told FP in a phone interview. He knew Filippi from 2011 and 2012, when the two worked together in the small community of Western diplomats in Damascus.

"Eva said hers would stay open," he said.

The Czech government felt it had good contacts with the various parties and groups in Syria, and that there was still work to be done by them there. "Eva had better insight into Syrian government thinking," Ford recalled. The United States had little access to the wary regime of Bashar al-Assad - especially after August of 2011, when U.S. President Barack Obama said the Assad regime had no legitimacy.

Also, the Czech Republic is now a member of the European Union and NATO, and, Ford stressed, equally committed to stopping the carnage in Syria.

So partly by default - almost no embassies remained open - and partly out of affinity, the Czechs became Washington's choice to take on the unusual role of a new protecting power. (It's a rare addition. Switzerland and Sweden have done so for decades. Turkey briefly played this role for the United States in Libya in 2011.)

"I think that's because, in general, we have a very good relationship with the Czech Republic," Ford said.

Proximity didn't hurt. The Czech Embassy is a few blocks from its U.S. counterpart in Damascus, and part of what the Czechs do as protecting power - aside from offering consular services for dual U.S. citizens - is looking after U.S. facilities on the ground.

"Eva has been a channel for US requests for information about American citizens [including dual citizens] in Syria," Ford said. "I still think that's useful, to have that channel." The Czechs set up video conferencing with the U.S. State Department to offer more insight into how things were on the ground, giving U.S. policymakers a clearer idea of what is really going on in government-held areas.

And it's not an easy lift for the small Czech mission: Of its eight staffers, including the ambassador, one is detailed to work full time on U.S. interests.

Filipi does not, however, negotiate on behalf of the United States. "The protecting power is a standard diplomatic instrument and does not require both countries to follow exactly the same political lines," the Czech Embassy told FP.

"Our work with the Czech government on Syria has brought our two countries even closer together," the U.S. State Department said in a statement. "We are extremely grateful for the assistance she and the entire Czech U.S. Interests Section provide to U.S. citizens in Syria, and we look forward to continued cooperation."

The Czechs have played an important role in Syria beyond just providing a diplomatic assist to Washington, Ford noted. The Czech government implemented its first humanitarian projects in 2016 and, since then, delivered humanitarian aid to Syria in January, March, and July of this year. In January, Czech diplomats secured the release of a Polish national who had been in a Syrian prison since 2015.

But the Czech presence in Syria is not without its controversy back home.

Czech outlet Respekt, for example, has published articles suggesting Czech presence there legitimizes the Assad regime, and that Filipi is insufficiently critical of Assad, who has ruled over Syria while a civil war killed hundreds of thousands of his own people.

Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek suggested in April that the embassy might be closed if it were shown Assad used chemical weapons against civilians. Some in the Czech parliament suggested a Russian veto in the United Nations would be reason enough.

"The minute Russia uses its right of veto in the U.N., Ambassador Filipi should come home," Ivan Gabal, deputy in parliament's lower house, said. "And I would make that clear in advance both to the Russians and to Bashar Assad."

But Filipi was there before the civil war began, and, according to at least one Czech diplomat, should remain there until it ends - meaning the United States will maintain a tiny, invaluable diplomatic bridgehead in the country.

Hynek Kmonicek, Czech ambassador to the United States, who has known Filipi for years, was working for the Czech president when he sent her to Damascus in 2010. Kmonicek says he now tells her, "I sent you to a spa city. You'll stay there until it's a spa city again."
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BERLIN - For months Germany awaited paperwork from the Palestinian Authority to carry out his deportation, but it took only a moment, police allege, for Ahmad A. to wield a knife in a rampage in a Hamburg supermarket.

He stabbed six people, one fatally. A seventh person was wounded in an attempt to overcome the suspect, who will face charges for murder and attempted murder, as well for causing grievous bodily harm.

The 26-year-old Palestinian born in the United Arab Emirates, whom police have identified only as Ahmad A., wanted to die as a martyr, prosecutors said. His attack last month has renewed questions about whether Germany has control of its borders, prompting recriminations from opposing political factions ahead of a September election that will be a referendum on the nation's chancellor, Angela Merkel.

In its response to the refugee crisis, Germany has aimed to prove that humanitarianism and national security are compatible. But the debate over deportations captures how these principles come into conflict, legal experts and practitioners said, and is therefore exemplary of Europe's broader movement toward a stricter policy.

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As Germany stiffens its stance on immigration, in a manner at odds with the open-door policy for which it is known, deportation has emerged as critical measure of state security. The case of Ahmad A. appeared to reveal gaps in that architecture, a point reflected in the outcry of politicians and the media.

"The deportation talk is a way of Germany saying, 'We have control; we are in the driver's seat,' " said Carsten Horich, an expert in migration law based in the city of Halle.

But experts said new legislation is unlikely to remove practical barriers to deportation, such as the fact that many migrants arrive without passports. Other barriers, they said, involve human rights concerns - from health problems to the status of minors.

Germany deported more than 25,000 people in 2016, an increase of about 5,000 from 2015. In the first half of this year, 12,500 people have been deported, according to the Interior Ministry.

The 26-year-old suspect in the Hamburg case was meant to be one of them. But the federal migration office missed a deadline in 2015 to send the man back to Norway, the nation responsible for his asylum claim under European rules. His request for asylum in Germany was then dismissed toward the end of last year, again putting him on the path to deportation. But he didn't have a passport dictating where he had to go. Police said he was cooperating as authorities tracked down identification documents from the Palestinian Authority, which can take months.

Around the same time, however, a friend of the man had warned security officials of his possible radicalization, and then, in spring, a shoplifting case that was later dismissed put him on the police's radar. Still, he wasn't considered an imminent risk, classified as an Islamist instead of a jihadist, said Andy Grote, the interior minister of Hamburg. Authorities also said he suffered psychological distress.

But the man, who was living in a refugee home in Hamburg, quickly self-radicalized, federal prosecutors said. He chose only two days before the attack to adopt a lifestyle matching his "radical Islamist" beliefs, they said.

The case has drawn parallels to one of the most deadly strikes in decades, when a young Tunisian ex-convict and failed asylum seeker drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin in December 2016. The Islamic State claimed responsibility, whereas the suspect in Hamburg operated without instructions from a broader network, authorities said.

Still, across the political spectrum there were calls for a crackdown - from detaining radicalized individuals to thwart attacks, to putting economic pressure on states to force them to readmit migrants. This chorus meant that Alternative for Germany, the far-right party poised to enter the German Parliament for the first time, was not alone in demanding the country rethink its immigration policy.

The message was echoed in the German media. Bild, the country's top-selling tabloid, wrote of "the great deportation lie," noting that the number of deportations in 2017 was lower than at this time last year.

"We see this every time something shocking happens," said Heiko Habbe, an attorney with Fluchtpunkt, a Hamburg-based legal aid group. "You can draw a line over the last 15 years with ever stricter laws, but if we want to live in an open society, we cannot prevent every danger."

A day after the attack, a new measure went into effect making it easier to detain and deport migrants. It authorizes new forms of electronic monitoring and strips away the need to give prior notice of deportation in certain cases. But Habbe said it would not have applied to the Hamburg suspect because he was not flagged as a danger, or "Gefahrder."

This classification has existed in German law as grounds for preventive deportation of foreigners, meaning those without an expulsion order, since 2004. The security of the nation must be at stake. But it has not been used until this year, said Anna Katharina Mangold, a law professor at the University of Frankfurt. Since then, several courts have turned back challenges on constitutional grounds.

"Fundamental rights of foreigners do not seem too important in times such as these," Mangold said.

On Monday, however, the European Court of Human Rights stopped a deportation justified on these grounds - of an 18-year-Dagestan national living in Bremen in northwestern Germany - which had been planned for Tuesday. Both Germany's Federal Administrative Court and Federal Constitutional Court had upheld the deportation. The European Court of Human Rights will review the case.
SEATTLE - People around here live for the Pacific Northwest summer. And this one had been especially sweet after a long, dark, rainy winter.

Until this week's swelter moved in.

"My mom lives in Texas, and when I told her we were having a heat wave, she couldn't stop laughing," said Meagan Zeman, who fled her 93-degree home, where she was entertaining family, for the shade of a maple in a park along Lake Washington on Thursday afternoon. She moved to Seattle from Dallas about 13 years ago and these days, she says, "anything over 75 is too hot."

Prolonged unseasonably hot weather, the result of a high pressure dome over the western United States, has gripped this corner of the country, where the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning. Temperatures in parts of the region have hit triple digits, meeting and exceeding daily record highs.

And for the fourth straight day Friday, smoke from British Columbia wildfires created a milky haze here, blocking views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges and raising air quality concerns in parts of Washington state. But the smoke also had a side benefit: It has been tempering some of the sun's rays, mercifully reducing the temperature by a few degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

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In Seattle, which has now had 47 days straight without rain, the mercury began climbing steadily this week. By Thursday, temperatures soared to a record 94 degrees, about 17 degrees hotter than normal in a city where just 16 percent of homes have central air conditioning.

Such warm weather is unusual for this area, which is better known for its cool, rainy weather and Pacific Ocean breezes that typically keep summers a comfortable average of 77 degrees.

Aware that folks elsewhere roll their eyes and see the 90s as normal summer weather, many Seattleites have been sent scrambling for the shade of parks, for swimming pools and lakeside beaches, for libraries and movie theaters. The lines at ice cream shops are long and the Popsicle aisles at supermarkets depleted. Air conditioning units have been flying off the shelves.

The Seattle Department of Transportation twice this week closed the 100-year-old University Bridge to cool it down, spraying water on the structure to keep the metal from expanding and damaging the span.

On social media, people railed about the hazy heat and shared clever and snarky remedies, such as this one: "If everybody just turned their fans on, we could blow this #smoke to outter-space. #cantbreathe #BlameCanada #seattleheatwave #Seattlesmoke."

Seattle normally doesn't see more than three days of 90-plus degree weather in a year, said National Weather Service Meteorologist Gary Schneider.

"We're not used to warm weather around here," he said. "And some people love it. It gives them a chance to get out on the water. . . . We had a long, wet winter."

Others not so much.

Many open play fields sat empty during the day on Thursday as the temperature climbed. Seattle officials issued a map of cooling facilities, which include public libraries, city pools and senior centers. They urged people to stay hydrated, check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors, and keep an eye on pets.

In Seward Park, along Lake Washington, Shannon Welles sat in the shade with her parents - who are visiting from Virginia - looking out toward the Cascade Mountains, where on a clear day there is a postcard perfect view of Mount Rainier. Not now.

Welles grew up in Florida and moved west from Atlanta a few years ago, in part to "get away from the heat," she said. With no air conditioning, her bedroom in her three-story townhouse is like an oven. So during her parents' visit, she plans to take them to parks close to the water.

Karen and Ron Welles said they don't mind the heat much; they're used to 90-degree summers at home near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Besides, Ron Welles said, "whatever weather you have, that's it. You roll with it and adapt."

Frances Goldberg decided the best way to cope with the heat was to get out of town. So she and a nephew headed north for a day trip to Lummi Island, a small artists' enclave 20 miles south of the Canadian border that had been spared the smoke that engulfed Seattle. The temperature also was at least 10 to 15 degrees cooler. "It was so pleasant up there, so cool I had to wear a wrap," Goldberg said. "I grew up in the South where it's really hot. We moved out here seven years ago, and I think my body is simply not used to this kind of heat."

Some visitors to the city were more bummed about the smoky haze than the high temperatures.

Near Pike Place Market, a popular tourist destination, Joshua Goines walked with his aunts, Wanda Cantrell and Sarita Cantrell-Mayhawk, up a steep sidewalk. Goines, who had driven across the country from Michigan with his aunts, was pushing Cantrell-Mayhawk in her wheelchair.

Wearing a long-sleeved knitted sweater, Cantrell-Mayhawk declared that she was "quite comfortable." Her sister, Wanda, said she prefers the weather to be this way: "I actually want it hot in the summer."
A new ad to be released next week by one of America's biggest household products company has drawn outrage - and praise - for addressing racial bias.

"The Talk," a two-minute video by Procter & Gamble, depicts black mothers of different generations, talking to their children about racism.

"It's an ugly, nasty word, and you are going to hear it, nothing I can do about that," a mother tells her young son in an apparent reference to a racial slur. "But you are not going to let that word hurt you, you hear me?"

"Now, when you get pulled over . . ." another mother tells her teenage daughter.

"Ma, I'm a good driver don't worry, OK?" the daughter answers.

"Baby, this is not about you getting a ticket. This is about you not coming home."

The new ad builds on the company's ten-year-old "My Black is Beautiful" campaign, which has produced audio interviews about bias. The company, which makes a wide array of products from laundry detergent to tampons to cough drops, says the stories they tell are meant to reflect the real-world experiences of many of their customers. It has also produced videos about gender bias, such as the Always #LikeAGirl and Ariel #ShareTheLoad ads.

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"The Talk," which appeared online two weeks ago, sparked a heated public reaction on social media, with some commending the company for addressing a difficult topic, and others accusing it of race-baiting and vowing to stop buying their products.

"Let the boycott begin on P & G!!! Cannot believe they would cut their noses off, to spite their faces," a commenter wrote on a YouTube page showing the ad.

"To all the people offended by this commercial .. not every ad is target toward you," another commenter wrote. "What's wrong with a mother trying to protect her children and prepare them for a world that is not always (accepting)."

A website called Conservative101.com said the commercial attacked whites, adding, "In a cynical attempt to sell more soap and household cleaning products to the African-American community, consumer giant Procter & Gamble decided to produce a commercial pandering to what they believe African-Americans think."

While the advertising industry has been criticized in the past for a lack of diverse perspectives, in the past six months corporations have been bolder about supporting minorities, immigrants, and LGBTQ people, said Lee Ann Kahlor, associate director of the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations at the University of Texas, Austin.

"Companies are entering into public conversations about topics they shied away from in past," she said. "I think it is because some organizations want their voice and brand to be distinguishable and apart from the current views espoused by our President and some members of the House and Senate that dominate the media right now."

Procter & Gamble has seen backlash about its "My Black is Beautiful" campaign in the past, but this video, coming at a time of extreme political and social polarization in the U.S., has struck a deeper nerve than usual, said Damon Jones, the company's communications director. He said the ad was not meant as a political statement.

"It's unfortunate that in the current environment everything becomes politicized, because the talk between a mother and a daughter isn't politicized at all; it's just reality," he said, adding that the goal of the campaign is to spark a constructive dialogue about race. "It would be great if we lived in a society where we didn't need the Talk."

Jones said he has personally spoken to people who have called in to complain.

"I try to help them understand the concept of the campaign," he said. "I don't think race has ever been an easy subject for us to tackle in this country, but avoiding it doesn't push us forward, and part of this campaign is about getting people to have these difficult discussions so we can get to a better place."

---

Video: Consumer products company Procter & Gamble released an online ad showing how black parents have discussed racism with their children over several decades. (Protcter & Gamble).

URL: http://wapo.st/2vxO7IZ
A Saudi man who allegedly filmed himself killing cats on Snapchat has been arrested, local media reported Thursday.

The arrest followed a social media outcry over the footage, which appeared to show a number of cats being shot. One video, which was uploaded to Snapchat and later spread further on Twitter and YouTube this week, showed a man in a car in Jiddah using a rifle to shoot a cat as it drank from a bowl of water.

The video shows the cat writhing in pain before growing still. The alleged killer, who used a Snapchat filter to make himself look like a cat and modified his voice, mocked those who left out food and water for stray cats and blamed the cats for damage to his car. "For those who feel sorry for the cats, give me the money for four carwashes a week," the man said.

The footage sparked an angry backlash from Saudi social media users. Services like Snapchat and Twitter are extremely popular in Saudi Arabia - just last month, a video of a woman in a skirt prompted a bitter debate on Twitter about the country's strict Islamic dress rules.

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But if that case showed Saudi Arabia's divisions, this new video prompted near universal condemnation - with many both inside the country and elsewhere using the hashtag "___" that demanded that the man in the video be held accountable for his acts.

Some users posted his Snapchat account details in a bid to find him, while others called on the U.S. company to do more to stop the behavior.

A number suggested that the act contravened Islamic teachings about violence against animals. Stray cats are a relatively common sight in cities like Jiddah, and according to some hadiths (accounts of the prophet Muhammad's teachings), the prophet Muhammad prohibited the killing of cats and took in a stray cat himself.

Following the anger on social media this week, Saudi authorities stepped in. Under Saudi law, the man might face a fine of up to 400,000 riyals (roughly $107,000). On Wednesday, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture issued a statement that criticized the "disgraceful act" and said that it went against both the teachings of Islam and the laws of the Saudi kingdom.

There was soon a police hunt for the alleged killer. According to the English-language Arab News newspaper, police in Mecca province (which includes Jiddah) say that the 31-year-old suspect was arrested by airport police Thursday and is facing the appropriate charges.

However, some social media users suggested that the official punishment wouldn't be strong enough.
Washington

Frustrated by his options, President Donald Trump is withholding approval of a long-delayed Afghanistan war strategy and even mulling a radical shakeup in his national security team as he searches for a "game changer" after 16 years of indecisive conflict.

In a recent Situation Room meeting that turned explosive, Trump raised the idea of firing Army Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, according to two officials with knowledge of the discussion. And he suggested installing his national security adviser, Gen. H.R. McMaster, to oversee the mission, said the officials, who requested anonymity.

The drastic suggestions point to the desperation shared by many in Washington as military and other leaders look for a blueprint for "winning" the Afghan conflict. Trump has been frustrated by what he views as a stalemate. He wants a plan that will allow American forces to pull out once and for all.

At a White House lunch with military brass last week, Trump publicly aired his misgivings, saying, "I want to find out why we've been there for 17 years."

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The Pentagon wants to send almost 4,000 more American forces to expand training of Afghan military forces and beef up U.S. counterterrorism operations against al-Qaida, a growing Islamic State affiliate and other extremist groups. But the troop deployment, which would augment an already existing U.S. force of at least 8,400 troops, has been held up amid broader strategy questions, including how to engage regional powers in an effort to stabilize the fractured nation.

These powers include U.S. friends and foes, from Pakistan and India to China, Russia and Iran. Pentagon plans aren't calling for a radical departure from the limited approach endorsed by former President Barack Obama, and several officials have credited Trump with rightly asking tough questions, such as how the prescribed approach might lead to success.

Trump hasn't welcomed the military's recommendations with "high-five enthusiasm," a senior White House official said. Several meetings involving Trump's National Security Council have been tense as the president demanded answers from top advisers about why American forces needed to be in Afghanistan.

Another U.S. official with knowledge of the conversation reported Trump being less interested in hearing about how to restore Afghanistan to long-term stability, and more concerned about dealing a swift and definitive blow to militant groups in the country.
Searchers combing the sunstruck terrain surrounding the Grand Canyon for a missing Texas doctor quit their work this week after a grim discovery on the north side of the Colorado River. On Thursday, park officials announced they believed they had found the remains of 38-year-old Sarah Beadle of Fort Worth.

Beadle, an emergency room physician at the Baylor Emergency Medical Center in Keller, was reported missing Tuesday. Beadle and two children - her daughter and a nephew - failed to show at a ranch where they were scheduled to stay. The children, ages 10 and 11, were later found unharmed by another hiker.

On Facebook, Beadle's husband Scott confirmed the remains belong to his wife, and also provided details of what went wrong on the hike. He said the couple's daughter was "feeling dizzy from heat exhaustion and they had run out of water," so his wife left the two children in a safe location while she went to find water. Another hiker came across the children, gave them water and took them to camp.

Sarah Beadle, however, did not return. "Somewhere along the trail she made a wrong turn and got lost," her husband wrote. "The park rangers suspect she died of heat exhaustion."

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Kirby Shedlowski of the National Park Service said that Beadle was hiking on the South Kaibab trail. "It is the shorter of the two trails to reach the bottom of the Grand Canyon. However that trail has limited shade and no water accessibility on it," Shedlowski said, according to WFAA.

Temperatures in the park during the summer regularly climb into the triple-digits, and due to a lack of water on the trails, death by dehydration is not rare, according to CBSNews.

"Almost routinely - despite the canyon's infamous heat, its lack of water, and its lethal cliffs acting as ramparts to imprison the parched hiker away from the river of life flowing within view so far below - hikers underestimate levels of heat and thirst in the Grand Canyon," Michael Ghiglieri and Tom Myers wrote in their 2001 book "Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon." In 2015, CityLab reported that counting suicides, the park sees on average about a dozen fatalities every year.

Beadle was reportedly no stranger to the area, having last trekked through Grand Canyon National Park in 2002. Park officials said Thursday the human remains were found "near the Black Bridge at the bottom of the Grand Canyon."

Beadle's older brother, Charles Lawrence Springer, said his sister had been traveling with her children through a number of national parks, including Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, according to the Associated Press.

The medical center where Beadle worked is part of Baylor, Scott & White, which told WFAA that she "was a beloved member of our team and she'll be missed by all with whom she came in contact, having worked at the medical center for a year and a half."

Richard Bonnin, a spokesman for Emerus health systems posted a Facebook message about Beadle that said: "Our entire organization expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Beadle, a dedicated physician who will be greatly missed."

The message said Dr. James Nichols, who had worked with Beadle in Longview, Texas, described her as "having the ER veneer we all pretend is much thicker than it really is. She was tough on the outside, but with a heart that was soft and warm."

The Facebook post also said that Beadle was University of Texas Medical School graduate who had completed her residency in emergency medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.

Park officials did not release additional information about Beadle. An investigation, conducted by the National Park Service and local medical examiner, is now underway.

"Sarah loved traveling with her family and sharing so many wonderful experience with all of us," her husband wrote on Facebook. "I thank you all for your continued prayers and support."

Following Scott Beadle's posting, his Facebook page was quickly swamped with testimonials and comments from friends and loved ones. Nearly 600 individuals had written in by early Friday morning.

"I had The privilege of working with Sarah Beadle when she was at GSMC's ER. She was a wonderful doctor and such a gentle soul! She will be greatly missed," one poster wrote. "Sarah was so loving and had a way of making me feel important through the years," another commented.
The two adults and one child who were killed after their car rolled over south of San Antonio on Highway 37 near Mathis Road were identified Friday by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.

On Tuesday, a dark-colored SUV with Mexican license plates was traveling south on I-37 when a tire blowout, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said. Investigators believe the driver overcorrected, which resulted in the rollover.
A San Antonio man is accused of assaulting a woman sexually for at least seven years, police said.

Ignacio Balle Ramirez, 42, faces a count of sexual assault. He is being held in the Bexar County Jail with a bail set at $75,000.
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A 38-year-old San Antonio man was jailed Thursday after being accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, according to jail records.

Police arrested Ronald Christopher Hernandez Thursday night on a charge of sexual assault of a child. He is being held on a $70,000 bond.

The girl told police that on July 17 Hernandez asked her if she wanted to "party" with him when he picked her up on his bicycle from an emergency shelter.

RELATED: Police: S.A. man spat on officer & firefighter after stabbing passenger during 100 mph chase

The two got on a city bus, according to an affidavit, and picked up crystal meth before going to Hernandez's house.

After the two consumed the narcotics, Hernandez allegedly told the girl to take her clothes off. The girl told police she had sex with him that night because she didn't want to upset him, according to the affidavit.

The next day, according to records, they allegedly did more drugs and Hernandez asked her again to take her clothes off.

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READ ALSO: 20-year-old arrested after teen killed in early-morning shooting on Southwest Side

The girl told Hernandez she didn't want to have sex because she wasn't feeling well, when Hernandez sexually assaulted her, according to the affidavit.

When police arrested Hernandez, he allegedly admitted to meeting up with the girl, providing drugs and having sex with her despite knowing she was underage, the affidavit states.

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After allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase, a San Antonio man spat on the face of a police officer and firefighter and was "extremely combative" before being put into custody, New Braunfels officials said in a news release Friday.

Jorge Tierrablanca, 24, faces numerous charges related to the incident, including: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful restraint with exposure to serious bodily injury, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, resisting arrest, two charges of harassment of a public servant and criminal mischief.

RELATED: Suspected drunk driver crashes SUV into North Side home

Police said they received multiple reports of an erratic driver Thursday on I-35 headed north and when they tried to stop Tierrablanca, he "refused to stop," instead reaching speeds up to 100 miles per hour.

Tierrablanca allegedly continued to weave between vehicles on the highway and continued to speed away after hitting a median that damaged his white pickup truck, which was carrying a trailer with landscaping equipment.

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The truck finally stopped after crashing into the center wall in the 8000 block of I-35 near Watson Lane, police said.

READ ALSO: Video shows machete attack suspect speed pass crime scene with officers in close pursuit

When police checked the vehicle they found a 47-year-old man from Mexico in the passenger seat, who was "suffering from serious injuries allegedly inflicted on him by the driver of the truck, who was attacking the passenger with a screwdriver during the pursuit."

The passenger was taken to Resolute Hospital and when officials attempted to arrest Tierrablanco, he allegedly fought officers, spitting on a police officer and a firefighter, and then kicked out the back window of a patrol vehicle, officials said.

He was taken to the hospital for injuries he received during the incident and was later arrested.

He is being held in the Comal County Jail on a $195,000 bond.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @Kbrad5
The victims of a Thursday morning machete attack near downtown are still in critical condition, the San Antonio Police Department said Friday.

Officers responded to a stabbing call in the 200 block of Army Street just after 7:00 a.m. Thursday, according to a preliminary police report.
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WASHINGTON  With the Republican-led Senate having failed to repeal the Affordable Health Care Act, Democrats are pressing Gov. Greg Abbott to reconsider his decision not to expand Texas' Medicaid program.

In a statement following a letter to the governor this week, Houston congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said it was "fiscally irresponsible and morally indefensible" for Texas not to join 31 other states that expanded their Medicaid programs under Obamacare.

"I, and the citizens of Texas, are still awaiting his response," Jackson Lee said in a statement.

The governor's office declined comment Friday.

Jackson Lee noted that nearly 18 percent of adult Texans lack health care coverage, the highest rate in the nation. She argues that an infusion of federal money to cover low-income adults would reduce the state's uninsured rate by more than 25 percent and boost the economic output of the state by nearly $68 billion.

"Every day that Texas delays expanding the Medicaid program costs Texans jobs, hurts Texas businesses, unduly burdens local governments, and needlessly places the health and safety of millions of Texas children and adults at risk," she said.

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Under the 2010 health care law, the federal government paid for the vast majority of the Medicaid expansion. Starting this year, the federal government will gradually transition to covering 90 percent of the cost through 2020.

Fiscal conservatives argue that the increased federal spending is unsustainable, and Republicans in Congress sought to pare back or phase out the Medicaid expansion in several failed Obamacare replacement proposals.

When a state chooses to forgo expansion, it does not receive the extra funding from the federal government. According to the liberal Center for American Progress, this means residents' federal tax dollars will still be going toward the implementation of Medicaid expansion in other states but not in their own.
It never occurred to Dr. Dale Ray Crockett to practice medicine until his mother suggested it to him.

Graduating from Texas A&M University in 1987 with a degree in biology, Crockett was at loose ends.

He was trying to decide which direction to go, his mother, Barbara Crockett, recalled. After her suggestion, he took the MCAT and did great on that.

Once in medical school, Crockett was in his element.

Thats exactly where he needed to be, his mother said. I saw that in him.

Crockett died unexpectedly of a heart attack on his birthday July 27. He was 52.

Raised in a military family, Crockett was born in Germany and lived in New Jersey, Virginia, Africa and Mexico City growing up.

A talented musician, he played saxophone in the school band, paying for extra lessons when his parents told him they could only afford one lesson a week.

After he didnt make the All State band, he decided he wanted a second teacher, said his father, William Crockett. He paid for it out of his paper route money.

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Applying to several colleges, Crockett decided to go to Texas A&M University, his fathers alma mater.

Hed never really been to Texas, William Crockett said. His first semester he was miserable.

More Information Dr. Dale Ray Crockett Born: July 27, 1965, Frankfurt, Germany Died: July 27, 2017, San Antonio Survived by: Daughter Lindsay Crockett; sons Brady Crockett, Benjamin Crockett and Ryan Crockett; fiancee Liz Zapata Camacho; parents William and Barbara Crockett; brother David Crockett; sister Tammy Pfaff; ex-wife Susan Olsta Services: Visitation from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 East; celebration of life at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Community Bible Church, 2477 N. Loop 1604 East See More Collapse

Staying at A&M to for medical school on an Army scholarship, Crockett married a fellow med student in 1990 before graduating in 1991.

Serving in the army for 10 years  including at Fort Myer, Virginia; with the U.N. peacekeeping force in the Sinai; and at Brooke Army Medical Center  Crockett retired from the army as a major and took a job as an emergency room doctor at the Methodist Hospital in the Medical Center.

Hed planned on emergency medicine since med school.

He loved it, his father said. He told me, I cannot imagine being a general practitioner, seeing the same things day in and day out.

Though he divorced in 2012, Crockett stayed close to his four children, arranging his schedule so that he could attend all of their events.

Eventually becoming the director of emergency services, Crockett was very passionate about making sure his patients were taken care of, said his fiancee, Liz Zapata Camacho, a registered nurse who worked with Crockett for several years. He was very conscientious; he had the nurses backs and the patients backs.

mheidbrink@express-news.net
When historians review Donald Trumps presidency, they may look back at two events this past week as pivotal: unprecedented Republican and institutional resistance to the president from Capitol Hill to the Pentagon, followed by his installation of a tough new chief of staff.

At this point, its hard to say which of these will prevail. Increasingly wary Senate Republicans make clear they wont readily follow Trumps lead. And new staff chief John Kelly faces a tough job in bringing order to White House chaos, because the central problem in Trumps unpopular, ineffectual presidency is Trump.

It took several days in which his administration seemed to be imploding for the president to trigger the long-rumored shake-up. Normally, any of these would be seen as signifying major trouble:

Trumps open and covert warfare against his own attorney general, the first senator to back his long-shot candidacy, produced a sharp reaction from Jeff Sessions former colleagues. They told the president in no uncertain terms they would not consider a successor if he was fired.

A directive to reverse former President Barack Obamas acceptance of transgender people in the military, issued with minimal discussion and consultation in Trumps unconventional manner with a series of tweets, drew bipartisan condemnation. The nations top military officer refused to implement it, pending receipt of a more formal order.

Trumps new communications director, another political neophyte who boasted he loves the president, set off an unprecedented spectacle by trashing Chief of Staff Reince Priebus in vulgar and scatological language to a reporter who promptly made his conversation with Anthony Scaramucci public.

And Trump began the week with another one of his embarrassingly un-presidential performances, turning a speech to the Boy Scout Jamboree that should have been focused on broadly acceptable subjects like American values into yet another political paean to himself.

The climax of the disastrous week came when a stripped-down version of the long-promised bill to repeal and replace Obamacare collapsed in a dramatic early morning Senate vote on which three GOP senators provided the crucial votes for the years biggest Republican legislative disaster.

Though that defeat was no orphan but had many parents, Trump reacted with a barrage of tweets threatening further efforts to undermine Obamacare. He then fired Priebus, the former Republican national chairman who had seemed over-his-head in trying to manage Trump and his White House.

His successor, a Marine general widely respected among his peers, has succeeded as secretary of homeland security in cracking down on illegal immigration, making it one of the administrations more effective parts. Such staff changes are not uncommon in new administrations; Bill Clinton replaced his initial, overmatched chief of staff with a more experienced Washington hand.

But Clintons choice, Leon Panetta, was a former congressman with two decades of political and governmental experience. By contrast, Kelly is a career military officer without political experience, who only met Trump months ago. He takes over a White House in which several top aides, plus members of Trumps family, are not used to taking orders from a chief of staff. But Kelly immediately showed his clout by firing Scaramucci.

In one sense, last week was the inevitable result of a president with neither governmental experience nor much interest in learning the ropes. But it also reflected the impact of Trumps preoccupation with the simmering investigations into whether his campaign improperly colluded with the Russians during the 2016 election campaign.

His clash with Sessions stems directly from his view the attorney general acted improperly in recusing himself from the Russia probe because of his role in the Trump campaign. That and Trumps firing of FBI Director James Comey, also because of the Russia probe, led to appointment of Independent Counsel Robert Mueller.

And all indications are that Mueller has taken a broad view of his responsibilities that includes looking at Trumps business ties to the Russians, a subject the president has sought to keep off limits.

Many GOP senators who reacted so strongly against Trumps threats to fire Sessions were motivated by their belief his real target was Mueller. If he tries to fire the independent counsel, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina warned, it could be the beginning of the end of Trumps presidency.

That may be an exaggeration at this stage, given the fact that Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, which would launch any impeachment proceedings, made clear last week they are more interested in investigating 2016 loser Hillary Clinton than Trump.

Still, if Gen. Kelly cant cope with the loose cannon in the Oval Office, last weeks institutional resistance to the neophyte president will be only the beginning of his problems.

Carl P. Leubsdorf is the former Washington bureau chief of the Dallas Morning News. Email: carl.p.leubsdorf@gmail.com.
Recently, I went viral. A photo that I took with Gov. Greg Abbott quickly made the rounds on social media and in the local, statewide and national press.

Why, you may ask? Because I am a transgender woman, and the governor  who is attacking my rights  posed for a photo with me without knowing that.

Under his watch, I could lose my right to exist openly in society. In the picture, however, hes smiling and completely ignorant of my status.

RELATED: Greg Abbott trolled with photo by San Antonio activist

When I met the governor, he didn't know I was transgender, and normally, it would be none of his business. For some reason, however, the governor and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick want a woman like me to use the same bathroom they use. Anyone can look at the image, or at the photo of many transgender Texans, and understand how ridiculous that would be.

I took the picture not only to show people how stupid these bathroom bills are but to show them that transgender Texans are ordinary folks you may or may not notice during your everyday life. There are approximately 125,000 of us throughout Texas. Thats more people than the population of Beaumont, Abilene or Round Rock.

Many transgender people are recognized as trans everywhere they go. Most of us, myself included, experienced this at the start of transition, and it can be rough. Few of us go unnoticed all the time, and many of us just dont care. Some of us reject the notion that gender is strictly an either-or option.

The people who may suffer most under the bathroom bill fall under descriptions such as non-binary, gender-fluid and gender-queer. They know which restroom is right for them and dont need the government to make that decision.

RELATED: Latino transgender Texans protest bathroom bill at state Capitol

Everyone should be able to go about their day in peace and without harassment. For transgender people, that means being able to use the restroom that matches our identity. Our community is already singled out for assault, bullying and even homicide simply because of who we are.

At least 15 transgender Americans have been murdered this year. One of those was Kenne McFadden, who was killed in my hometown of San Antonio. Transgender women of color experience violence at a far higher level than the general public, and this bill would make that problem even worse.

When lawmakers debate our right to exist, it empowers those who would harm us. When powerful people say we dont deserve rights, it can lead some to believe that we dont deserve the right to live. That message filters into the minds of trans folks as well. Imagine being a young transgender person in Texas today: Lawmakers are saying your identity isnt valid, and trans people are attacked at alarming rates.

Lawmakers should be focusing on how they can support young people and create a state of acceptance, not contribute to this toxic environment.

Living as my authentic self made me so much happier, and Im not hurting anyone. I pay taxes and deserve the right to pursue happiness, too.

Is this not a conservative principle, to live and let live, and to let all Americans seek the life that makes them feel fulfilled and happy?

You have likely heard countless times how this legislation is bad for business and bad for schools. I hope that people will also think of the potential impact on everyday Texans and our families.

When I look at the photo I posted of the governor and me, what I see is one person in power, posing with someone whose rights he wants to take away. I urge you to think of those young people who are watching this debate and weighing whether their own lives have value.

Gov. Abbott, thanks for the photo. Now start treating transgender Texans the way you treated me when you thought I wasnt one.

Ashley Smith of San Antonio is an advocate for transgender rights.
A future trivia question and historical footnote, the spectacular 10-day flameout of Anthony Scaramucci qualifies as the most entertaining episode yet of the ongoing reality show that is the Trump presidency. (Working title: The Pompadours of 1600 Pennsylvania.) But even as the cocksure sycophants gobsmacking spectacle stole the show, something of real importance took place a bit lower on the radar.

At five separate junctures, the sinews of our democracy held against the careening recklessness of this presidency. Consequently, Donald Trumps worst week proved a particularly fine hour for American democracy:

The military says no to Trump on the transgender ban: Well, not directly  thats insubordination  but with rather elegant circumspection. The president tweeted out a total ban on transgender people serving in the military. It came practically out of nowhere. The military brass, not consulted, was not amused.

What was done? Nothing. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs simply declared that a tweet is not an order. Until he receives a formal command and develops new guidelines, the tweet will be ignored.

In other words, the military told the commander in chief to go jump in a lake. Generally speaking, this is not a healthy state of affairs in a nation of civilian control. It does carry a whiff of insubordination. But under a president so uniquely impulsive and chronically irrational, a certain vigilance, even prickliness, on the part of the military is to be welcomed.

In this case, the military offered resistance to mere whimsy. Next time, it could be resistance to unlawfulness.

The Senate saves Sessions: Trumps relentless public humiliation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions was clearly intended to get him to resign. He didnt, in part because of increasing support from Congress. Sessions former colleagues came out strongly in his defense and some openly criticized the presidents shabby treatment of his first and most fervent senatorial supporter.

Indeed, Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, warned Trump not to fire Sessions because he wouldnt get another attorney general  the committees entire 2017 schedule was set and there would be no hearings to approve a new AG. Every once in a while, the Senate seems to remember that it is a coequal branch.

Senate Republicans reject the Obamacare repeal: Republicans are deeply divided on the proper role of government in health care. This division is compounded by the sea change in public opinion as, over seven years, Obamacare has become part of the fabric of American medicine, and health care has come to be seen as a right rather than a commodity.

Nonetheless, the stunning Senate rejection of repeal was a show of senatorial disdain for Trump craving a personal legislative win on an issue about whose policy choices he knew nothing and cared less.

The Boy Scouts protest: In a rebuke, the chief executive of the Boy Scouts found it necessary to apologize for the presidents speech last week to their quadrennial jamboree. It was a wildly inappropriate confection, at once whining, self-referential, partisan and political. How do you blow a speech to Boy Scouts?

The police chiefs chide: In an address to law enforcement officials, Trump gave a wink and a nod to cops roughing up suspects. Several police chiefs subsequently reprimanded Trump for encouraging police brutality  a mild form, perhaps, but brutality still.

Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said it was all a joke. Nonsense. It was an ugly sentiment, expressed coyly enough to be waved away as humor but with the thuggish undertone of a man who, heckled at a campaign rally, once said approvingly that in the old days guys like that would be carried out on a stretcher.

Whatever your substantive position on the various issues involved above, we should all be grateful that from the generals to the Scouts, from the senators to the cops, the institutions of both political and civil society are holding up well.

letters@charleskrauthammer.com
Re: Catch the Next propelling Latino students to success, Rafael Castillo, Monday:

Being involved in efforts at my medical school for the past 35 years to increase the number of Hispanic students, I fully agree a critical issue is before us  the dismal state of the Hispanic educational pipeline to a career as physicians.

What I have come to conclude is very troublesome: For whatever reasons, the college achievement rates of Hispanics whose country of origin is Mexico are the lowest of all ethnic groups, while the rates for other Hispanic groups, such as Cuban, Argentinian or Chilean, are about the same as white non-Hispanic rates.

Why?

One reason may be that Hispanic parents of the current college-age students were too close to one of the most corrupt educational systems in the world, so that education by default was not a priority for them or their children  in other words, they were very nihilistic about their educational future.

Catch The Next program is well intended, but I have to conclude that these efforts will have limited success until the program is expanded to target Hispanic children prekindergarten age or younger.

Until one catches would-be college students when they are still very impressionable, other programs downstream will have limited success. We must convince their parents early on that education is important and worthy of sacrifices to ensure their childrens success.

We need only look at how South Koreans validate the parents role. I read a recent report that parents were so successful in emphasizing education that there were too many Ph.D.s for the available jobs.

Going back to our problem, please dont tell me that more money is the answer. It helps, but it is not the only solution. Sixty years ago, I started high school in a very weak school  Southwest High School  but overcame it and went on to St. Marys University, then to the University of Texas medical school in Galveston.

One huge factor in my success was that my parents were 100 percent behind me. They sacrificed to the point that my father told me, Your full-time job in college is grades. He knew that in those days, we Hispanics had to have academic credentials better than white students to even be considered for an interview for a medical school position. Fortunately, I did, graduating with high honors from St. Marys.

Oh, another aspect  our very modest farm home had no running water and no heating except for a kerosene-burning, open-space heater, but I had a lot of parental love. So let us stop using poverty as an excuse.

Let me repeat: Poor educational expectations by parents need to be overcome before we see better educational results in students.

John A. Menchaca is a physician who lives in San Antonio.
It looks as though City Council will soon vote on whether to remove the 42-foot-high Confederate monument from the center of Travis Park. Opponents plan a rally next week. They say we would be removing our history and our heritage.

I agree. The monument honors dead Confederate soldiers, and they are very much part of our history. Rather than remove the monument, I suggest we give it a companion, equally large and equally somber. This second monument would put the first in context, presenting the cause for which those soldiers gave their lives  in the very words of the men who sent them to war.

The declaration of the causes which impel the State of Texas to secede from the Federal Union was promulgated in 1861 by the convention in Austin that voted overwhelmingly for secession. I proposed several years ago that the State Board of Education include this document in school textbooks. They havent, and it is unlikely they will. So I think it should be inscribed in large letters onto a monument that enriches Travis Parks salute to history.

What does the document say? Here are excerpts:

By the disloyalty of the Northern States and their citizens and the imbecility of the Federal Government, infamous combinations of incendiaries and outlaws have been permitted in those States and the common territory of Kansas to trample upon the federal laws, to war upon the lives and property of Southern citizens in that territory, and finally, by violence and mob law, to usurp the possession of the same as exclusively the property of the Northern States. 

They have proclaimed, and at the ballot box sustained, the revolutionary doctrine that there is a higher law than the constitution and laws of our Federal Union, and virtually that they will disregard their oaths and trample upon our rights. 

They have sent hired emissaries among us to burn our towns and distribute arms and poison to our slaves for the same purpose. 

They have impoverished the slave-holding States by unequal and partial legislation, thereby enriching themselves by draining our substance. 

And, finally, by the combined sectional vote of the seventeen non-slave-holding States, they have elected as president and vice-president of the whole confederacy two men whose chief claims to such high positions are their approval of these long continued wrongs, and their pledges to continue them to the final consummation of these schemes for the ruin of the slave-holding States.

In view of these and many other facts, it is meet that our own views should be distinctly proclaimed.

We hold as undeniable truths that the governments of the various States, and of the confederacy itself, were established exclusively by the white race, for themselves and their posterity; that the African race had no agency in their establishment; that they were rightfully held and regarded as an inferior and dependent race, and in that condition only could their existence in this country be rendered beneficial or tolerable.

That in this free government all white men are and of right ought to be entitled to equal civil and political rights; that the servitude of the African race, as existing in these States, is mutually beneficial to both bond and free, and is abundantly authorized and justified by the experience of mankind, and the revealed will of the Almighty Creator, as recognized by all Christian nations; while the destruction of the existing relations between the two races, as advocated by our sectional enemies, would bring inevitable calamities upon both and desolation upon the fifteen slave-holding States. 

For these and other reasons, solemnly asserting that the federal constitution has been violated and virtually abrogated by the several States named, seeing that the federal government is now passing under the control of our enemies to be diverted from the exalted objects of its creation to those of oppression and wrong, and realizing that our own State can no longer look for protection, but to God and her own sons  We the delegates of the people of Texas, in Convention assembled, have passed an ordinance dissolving all political connection with the government of the United States of America and the people thereof and confidently appeal to the intelligence and patriotism of the freemen of Texas to ratify the same at the ballot box, on the 23rd day of the present month.

It should be noted that in that election on Feb. 23, 1861, the citizens of San Antonio voted against secession. Perhaps a third monument should be raised in Travis Park to honor them and Gov. Sam Houston, who also stood in opposition.

That, too, is our history.

Correction: An earlier version of this column misstated the date the document of Texas secession was promulgated. It was 1861.

This column first appeared as the Last Word on KLRNs Texas Week with Rick Casey. The program appears Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Remember when President-elect Donald Trump directed harsh remarks toward Sen. John McCain regarding his POW confinement in North Vietnam?

But recently our esteemed commander in chief had nothing but nice things to say about him. Then came the health care vote. Do you remember the adage What goes around, comes around? Or, better yet, Vengeance is mine?

Harold Estep

Rights worthy?

Re: Her future is now uncertain; Transgender airman had best year, Metro, July 28:

There will be arguments about whether discrimination of transgenders is the same as for other minorities. What cannot be argued is that anti-discrimination policies in our country, when enacted, were long overdue. And it was through our government, through our military, that these policies took root and proved to be the right course.

Retired Gen. Gene Habiger wonders if he can support the social testing ground of accepting transgenders in the military. I would like to ask him if he thought allowing women in the military or the racial integration of our armed forces were worthy experiments for the United States.

Raymond Herrera Jr., Seguin

Pogo politics

As Reince Priebus goes out and former Gen. John Kelly comes in as White House chief of staff, it is unfortunate that the president couldnt have instead picked the late Walt Kelly, creator of the comic strip Pogo and author of the phrase We have met the enemy and he is us

A very appropriate motto for todays West Wing.

Sandi Root, Bulverde

Rewarding crime

Re: Trailer survivors could get visas, July 26, Metro,

The article states that the recent trailer truck tragedy could result in visas for the survivors because they are considered victims of trafficking or other crimes.

That would be like letting a bank robber shot by police go free because he was a victim of the driver of the getaway car. Obviously, he couldnt be a victim since he was a voluntary participant in the crime.

This is more of the warped left-thinking that criminals arent responsible for their actions  its the fault of society, poverty, their parental upbringing, etc.

This tragedy could have been avoided if the people in the trailer hadnt decided to pay a substantial amount of money to get smuggled in. They knew risks were involved but chose to take them. Unfortunately, it turned deadly for 10 of them. The survivors shouldnt be rewarded with visas because they chose to enter the U.S. illegally.

Al Koppen, Fair Oaks Ranch
STAMFORD  A jury has acquitted a city man accused of groping his daughters 12-year-old friend during a sleepover.

Four men and two women unanimously decided Friday that Aziz El Hattab, 44, was not guilty of fourth-degree sexual assault and a felony charge of risk of injury to a child.

I feel relieved and happy, said El Hattab, who testified in his own defense. I have my normal life back.

He was facing up to 25 years in jail if found guilty of each count against him.

This case should have been built on the story of the alleged victim and corroboration, El Hattabs attorney, Darnell Crosland, said. But the state offered the complaining witness story, but gave the jury nothing to corroborate that testimony.

Assistant States Attorney Michelle Manning, who prosecuted the case, could not be reached for comment.

The trial began Monday with the states star witness  the victim who told the jury the defendant came into the room where she was sleeping with El Hattabs daughter and son and felt one of her breasts on two occasions on July 26, 2014.

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The girl sent text messages to her parents, begging them to pick her up early and to make an excuse why she needed to leave.

The girl did not say why she wanted to be picked up early in the text messages. The girl, who is now a sophomore in high school, testified she did not immediately tell her parents because she didnt want to alarm them and create a scene when they picked her up.

The girl told her mother when she arrived, causing an argument and the police were called.

Crosland questioned the girls credibility and her recollections of that night during his cross-examination.

El Hattabs wife, Hanane, who was the girls nanny for years, told the jury the child was spoiled and upset because she rarely spent time with her mother.

She also said the girl wanted to go to a water park that weekend and take a trip to Florida with the El Hattab family the following week. Hanane El Hattab testified the girl became angry and upset when she was told she could not go on the trips.
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San Antonio officials have quietly granted an $8 million tax incentive package to an Austin development firm to build a 21-story high-end apartment tower with shops and offices across the street from City Hall.

Teeple Partners, a development firm from Austin, plans to build the $83 million tower at the southwest corner of Flores and Dolorosa streets, according to a copy of the tax package signed by the firm and city in March. The project proposes 45,000 square feet of retail shops and offices as well as 305 upscale apartments and condominiums, according to the documents obtained by the Express-News.

The incentive package includes a $5.9 million tax reimbursement, $1.1 million in fee waivers and a $1 million development loan that could be forgiven if the developer meets certain conditions, according to the agreement.

Charles Teeple, president of Teeple Partners, declined to comment when reached by phone on Thursday.

The target rental price for the apartments would be $2.75 a square foot, according to the incentive agreement, which would make them among the most expensive in San Antonio.

The project, named Kallison Square, proposes to include 15 floors of residential units on top of a six-story parking garage with 525 spaces, said Ramiro Gonzales of the citys Center City Development & Operations Department. Its not yet clear how many of the units will be apartments and how many will be condos, he said. The project will incorporate seven historic buildings that are already on the property.

Construction is expected to begin next spring and wrap up in mid-2020, but Gonzales cautioned that those dates are flexible.

The site is right next to where all the downtown workforce is, where we would hope many of the employees could live, he said. I wouldnt say its a blighted corner, but its certainly underutilized  its adding to that fabric were trying to create in the downtown core.

Teeple Partners development would be built on a 1.4-acre property owned by two local companies, Nueva Corp. and PK Realty. An affiliate of Teeple Partners, Penta Partners V LP, signed a 99-year lease for the property in 2007, according to county property records.

The site is in the western part of downtown, known as Zona Cultural, which is largely dominated by government offices and law firms, making it dormant after business hours. Teeple Partners proposal would revitalize the area by bringing in residents to activate it 24 hours a day, said Pat DiGiovanni, president and CEO of Centro San Antonio.

New projects have blossomed in the Zona Cultural area over the last two years. Weston Urbans 23-story Frost Tower is being built two blocks to the north of Teeple Partners project, and an 18-story hotel and office tower is planned on Main Plaza, a block away. Other developments in the works nearby include a $135 million new federal courthouse and several upscale apartment buildings. H-E-Bs South Flores Market is a short walk to the south.

San Pedro Creek, which is undergoing a $175 million rehabilitation, runs nearby. The city and county are looking for investors to redevelop 7 acres of land they own around the creek, including a 2.5-acre vacant lot next to the Teeple Partners site.

The site of the proposed development is currently occupied by a parking lot, a few restaurants and other retail businesses, as well as some vacant storefronts. One of the buildings was formerly Kallisons Western Wear and still has a statue of a cowboy on its roof.

Teeple Partners is applying for state and federal historic tax credits for the project, which will be a crucial part of the financing package, according to the incentive agreement.

The firm, which was founded in 1982, has developed three apartment complexes in San Antonio  Westover Oaks and Verdant at Westover Hills on the far West Side, and Bulverde Oaks in the Stone Oak area. It has built and managed other residential, office and retail developments in Austin and throughout Texas, according to its website. The firm has also helped build single-family subdivisions across the state.

In 2011, Teeple Partners was one of six developers to pitch ideas to CPS Energy for a new headquarters. The utility decided instead to buy two dormant towers on the Museum Reach for new offices.

RWebner@express-news.net
JAKARTA, Indonesia  On July 22, normally mild-manned Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo instructed his police to shoot drug traffickers.

Be firm, especially to foreign drug dealers who enter the country and resist arrest. he said, Shoot them because we indeed are in a narcotics emergency position now. On July 24, police did just that, killing an alleged methamphetamine smuggler from China in Jakarta  the fourth such death in the capital that month.

The killings and hardening government rhetoric have raised fears that Indonesia, the worlds fourth-most populous nation, is now taking some cues from the Philippines as it steps up its own deadly war on drugs. And why not? More than 7,000 people have died in President Rodrigo Dutertes drug war since he took office last year, sparking widespread accusations of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses. Yet the Philippine president has been rewarded with sky-high approval ratings, unquestioned regional influence and glowing praise from President Trump.

Commissioner General Budi Waseso, the head of Indonesias antinarcotics agency, offered praise last month for Dutertes drug war and said that he hoped to ramp up drug seizures in the near future. I never say that we have to follow the Philippines. We have our own laws, said Waseso to Reuters. I have to say, though, that Dutertes policy shows he is taking care of his citizens.

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President Widodo has always had an aggressive stance on drugs, but this is an intensification of rhetoric that is worrying because it can be seen as an endorsement of extrajudicial killings, said Usman Hamid, the director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

Indonesia, unlike the Philippines, already employs the death penalty legally, including against nonviolent drug traffickers. Widodo has overseen 18 executions since taking office in 2014. But experts agree that Indonesias drug war has been much less violent than in the Philippines.

Police in Jakarta did not respond to requests for data, but Jacqui Baker at Murdoch University in Australia estimates that Indonesian police kill hundreds of people each year, numbers roughly in line with those in the U.S. In a significant number of cases, evidence suggests alleged drug traffickers were the victims of extrajudicial executions  and research indicates this number is increasing.

Hamid agreed that the situation in Indonesia is not nearly as severe as in the Philippines, and said that Widodo would face political constraints even if he chose to copy Duterte. But he argued that small steps in that direction are significant, and that the Indonesian president has surely noticed the success Duterte now enjoys at home and abroad.

Its likely that governments all around this region see the way Trump praised Duterte as a signal that they may take the same approach toward illicit drugs, Hamid said.

In an April phone call, Trump praised Duterte for doing an unbelievable job on the drug problem  Many countries have the problem, we have the problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that, said Trump, according to a transcript of the call.

Vincent Bevins is a Washington Post writer.
1 Taliban attacks: A Taliban suicide bomber disguised as a woman rammed his motorcycle into an international convoy, killing a NATO soldier from Georgia and two Afghan civilians in an attack north of the Afghan capital, the U.S. military said Friday. It was the second deadly assault this week on a NATO convoy. Stepped up Taliban attacks this week have focused mostly on the countrys south, but there was also a deadly bombing in the western city of Herat, where 32 people died in a militant assault on a Shiite mosque. Thursday evenings attack hit the NATO patrol near the town of Qarabagh, just 18 miles north of Kabul. The day before, a suicide attacker hit a convoy on the edge of the southern city of Kandahar, killing two U.S. soldiers and wounding another four. Both attacks were claimed by the Taliban.

2 Refugee deaths: The U.N.s migration agency has tallied a 17 percent increase this year in deaths among refugees trying to cross from Mexico to the United States compared with a year ago. The International Organization of Migration counts 232 migrant deaths on the route through the end of July, up from 204 a year earlier. It comes even though U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions of migrants have fallen nearly by half this year, to just over 140,000. The agency said Friday that 50 bodies were found in July alone, including 10 discovered in a truck in San Antonio, Texas. The Geneva agency made no reference to President Trumps calls for tighter border controls, but cited factors like hot weather and swelling Rio Grande waters.
THE Government through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe will tomorrow release US$500 million to supply the interbank foreign currency market, a move which will culminate in the reduction of basic commodities prices and dampen activities on the parallel exchange rate.

In a tweet on its official Tweeter account yesterday, RBZ said it would release US$500 million on Monday to supply the interbank forex market.

Government through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is drawing down US$500 million on Monday, 20 May 2019, to supply the interbank forex market to meet the forex payment requirements of business and individuals, read the tweet.

Responding to the tweet by the central bank, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said: The US$500 million new facility raised from international banks will increase the supply of foreign currency for imports, for industry and other sectors.

Contacted for comment RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya said the facility would breathe life into the interbank foreign currency market.

The interbank market rate has crept up from its starting level of 2,5 to the green-back to around 3,3 remaining significantly lower than the illegal market rates.

The facility will ensure that the interbank market is alive and kicking so that we meet the requirements of companies, producers and individuals that need to make foreign payment. What this means to me and you is that the foreign currency market will be stabilised . . . , said Dr Mangudya.

He said the stabilisation of the inter market rate would result in improved production by industries, by so doing stabilising the prices of basic commodities.

The initiative is likely to be complemented by industry, which has since resolved to work closely with Government and labour in urgently developing an action plan that is expected to stabilise prices of basic commodities and determine fair remuneration for workers in order to arrest current distortions that are causing consumer discomfort.

Business believes that the basic economic fundamentals are positive and the economy is currently generating (foreign) currency that should be enough for the economy.

Business membership organisations (BMOs), who included representatives of industry, agriculture, mining, banking and the retail sector, agreed at a high-level meeting held in the capital on Friday that the challenges that are being experienced in the economy can be directly linked to foreign currency availability and pricing distortions.

Government has also launched an investigation into anti-trust behaviour and price rigging on mounting speculation that some companies could have abused the RBZs foreign currency facility.

Head of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet Mr Tabani Mpofu said there were serious concerns over the sudden jump of basic commodities such as life-saving drugs in pharmacies and food stuffs.

There are allegations of cartels which are stifling competition. There is suspicion that in most of these commodities, there is corruption.

We are also looking at bread prices because there are allegations that there could be collusion between bakers and some millers.

 SundayNews

Breaking News via Email
Police have released the names of seven people who died when a Honda Fit collided head-on with a Toyota Raum 192km from Harare on the highway to Mutare on Tuesday morning.

Five who were serioulsy injured were admitted to Rusape General Hospital.

The dead were identified as Lincolin Mukwenje (4), Mufaro Chirewa (5), Aydila Mukwenje (6), Nomatter Marera (22), Donwell Banganywa (8), Cleopatra Chirevo (29) and Orient Chirevo (23).

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the accident happened at around 4am when the Honda Fit was on its way to Harare with five occupants while the Toyota Raum was headed for Mutare with seven occupants.

On approaching the 192km peg, the driver of the Toyota Raum lost control of the vehicle and encroached into the lane of the oncoming Honda Fit.

As a result, there was a head-on collision and two passengers died on the spot while five were pronounced dead on arrival at Rusape Hospital.

The Honda Fit caught fire and was burnt out, he said.

On Monday morning, 13 people were seriously injured when an unregistered Nissan Caravan collided with a Honda Fit at the intersection of Churchill Avenue and Liberation Legacy Way near Borrowdale Racecourse.

Of the 13 people that were injured, 12 were in the kombi and both vehicles were extensively damaged.

Ass Com Nyathi said the driver of the Nissan Caravan drove through a red robot resulting in the collision.

Meanwhile, the death toll for people involved in an accident the along Mvurwi-Kanyemba road on Sunday has risen to five.

Three people died on the spot when a Nissan Caravan driven by a police officer Superintendent Macron Machipisa (46), burst its rear tyre at the 14km peg, veered off the road and overturned.

Two more people died at Mvurwi Hospital while 14 were injured.

Modetsa Chingamba and Eva Rupiya died on the spot while Margret Kambarami died on the way to Mvurwi Hospital.

The following day Martin Ndoro (82) died at Mvurwi Hospital from injuries sustained during the accident.

 Herald

Breaking News via Email
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has turned down demands by opposition political parties and civil society groups to hire external chartered accountants to audit the voters roll ahead of this years elections.

Zec chairperson, Priscilla Chigumba confirmed yesterday that she spurned the request after parties and other interest groups raised the issue of engaging accountants to audit the voters roll, with the commission bearing the cost during a stakeholders consultative meeting in Nyanga last week.

She said according to the law, such an act was not allowed and anyone who wishes to audit the voters roll was free to do so at their own cost provided they are a registered election participant.

The request was made that Zec undertakes an audit of the voters roll by engaging chartered accountants and our response was that, the auditing of the voters roll was provided for in the law and as Zec, we shall produce a provisional voters roll, which shall be subjected to the electorate for inspection and correction.

This is an audit that is provided for by the law.

So, anyone, who wants to have the voters roll audited, even in America or anywhere, they are free to come and collect the roll and do the audit on their own and bring matters that they would have noted for correction, Chigumba said.

Chigumba said parties had wanted the exercise to be done by a team of professionals, but that was not provided for in the law.

The law has sufficient mechanisms to ensure we have a clean voters roll.

Those who wanted this move were saying it has been done in Kenya, we should also do it.

Our response was that we must follow what is provided for in the Constitution, the Zec boss said.

The issue of a clean voters roll has been a bone of contestation in previous elections with opposition parties alleging that the electoral body, together with Zanu PF, was deliberately manipulating the roll for its selfish agenda.

Chamisas MDC-T had challenged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to engage an independent firm to audit the final voters roll to flush out ghost voters ahead of this years general elections.

Party secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said external auditors were required for the voters roll to pass the credibility test.

We demand that external auditors be allowed to look at the voters roll before it is used in the elections, Zec said it will do an internal audit, but that is not enough, Zec, through a tender, should invite an audit firm which goes through the roll, he said.

Chigumba said during the inspection period, registered voters, who wish to change their addresses or correct spellings of their names would be allowed to do so and this to her, was an audit process, which if done comprehensively, would lead to a clean, credible voters roll.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme, political parties, civic groups, and chiefs representatives, independent constitutional bodies as well as the police election commandant.

 NewsDay

Breaking News via Email
The lawmaker took part in the NACS In Store program that connects members of Congress with local convenience stores.

CAHOKIA, Ill.  Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) visited a MotoMart in Cahokia, Illinois, to hear from constituents and store employees, the Belleview News-Democrat reports. The visit was part of the NACS In Store program that helps members of Congress hear industry concerns and interact with members of the public.

Bost said he enjoys stopping by local businesses to better understand their concerns and the things we can do to lighten the load up, so they can continue to do what they do and employ people.

Overall, Bost finds that visiting businesses provides an opportunity to find out the concerns of where government regulation maybe goes too far and where it has been successful, and where it hasnt.  It is vitally important to keep in touch with [local businesses].

Rob Forsyth, an executive with FKG Oil, which owns and operates MotoMart, said the representatives time at the store gave management the occasion to discuss issues and forge a relationship with Bost. So much of the regulation he votes on affects us directly, Forsyth said.

For more about the NACS In Store program, click here.
(Natural News) A prototype for a new solar cell that compiles multiple devices into a single device that has the capability of obtaining almost all of the energy in the solar spectrum has been designed by scientists at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

The new model, which transforms direct sunlight into electricity at an accuracy level of 44.5 percent, has the possibility of becoming the most efficient solar cell in the world. It is different from solar cells that have already proliferated nowadays and are seen on rooftops or in fields in the sense that the new device uses concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) panels that employ lenses to project sunlight onto tiny, micro-scale solar cells. (Related: Solar power has now become the cheapest way to produce electricity.)

Because the solar cells are microscopic in size (less than one millimeter square), solar cells that make use of more complicated materials can be created more cheaply.

According to the study that was titled GaSb-based Solar Cells for Full Solar Spectrum Energy Harvesting that was published in Advanced Energy Materials, the stacked cell works like a sieve for sunlight, with the materials in each layer of the cell absorbing the energy of sunlight wavelengths.

Around 99 percent of the power contained in direct sunlight reaching the surface of Earth falls between wavelengths of 250 nanometers and 2,500 nanometers, but conventional materials for high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells cannot capture this entire spectral range, said Matthew Lumb, lead author of the study and a research scientist at the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Our new device is able to unlock the energy stored in the long-wavelength photons, which are lost in conventional solar cells, and therefore provides a pathway to realizing the ultimate multi-junction solar cell, Lumb added.

For years, scientists have been laboring to create more efficient solar cells. They have been successful with this approach, which uses materials based on gallium antimonide (Gasb) substrates  or the stuff that infrared lasers and photodetectors are made of. These Gasb-based solar cells are stacked with high efficiency solar cells placed on conventional substrates that obtain shorter wavelength solar photons.

Even if the new solar cell is deemed to be very costly, researchers are of the opinion that cost is of no importance as long as there is a possibility of reaching the limits of what technology has to offer when it comes to this field.

Perovskite as a potential new solar cell material

Scientists at the United States Department of Energys SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have discovered, while using a powerful electron camera that light whirls atoms around in perovskites  which is a calcium titanium oxide mineral that is made up of calcium titanate. This proves that these materials have the potential to become the next big thing when it comes to efficient solar cell materials.

Perovskites are cheap, easy to produce, and with the rate that they have been improving when it comes to light-converting efficiency  from under four percent in 2009 to more than 20 percent in 2017  are believed to outperform the material that is most commonly used to make solar cells, which is silicon.

Scientists recently found out why perovskites can be so effective.

Weve taken a step toward solving the mystery. We recorded movies that show that certain atoms in a pervoskite respond to light within trillionths of a second in a very unusual manner. This may facilitate the transport of electric charges through the material and boost its efficiency, said Aaron Lindenberg from the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES) and the Stanford PULSE Institute for Ultrafast Science.

A solar cells efficiency is dependent on how freely electrons can move in the solar cell material. In silicon solar cells, silicon atoms make a line inside crystals  even the smallest structural details such as this one reduces silicon solar cells ability to efficiently harvest light. To reduce the instances of this single-file phenomenon, silicon crystals have to be grown in costly and multi-step procedures.

On the other hand, Perovskites are readily produced by mixing chemicals into a solvent, which evaporates to leave a very thin film of perovskite material. Simpler processing means lower costs. Unlike silicon solar cells, perovskite thin films are also lightweight and flexible and can be easily applied to virtually any surface, said Xiaoxi Wu, a scientist frm SIMES and SLAC.

Read up on more stories such as this one at Discoveries.news.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com 1

ScienceDaily.com 2
Credit: Courtesy of Univ. Maryland Sch. Med. Angela Brodie was a giant in the world of breast-cancer therapy. She discovered and developed the first selective aromatase inhibitor  a drug that blocks the synthesis of oestrogen, which fuels the growth of breast-cancer cells. Such treatments have saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of women; a third generation of the compounds are now the drugs of choice in postmenopausal women.

Brodie died aged 82 on 7 June in Fulton, Maryland, from complications arising from Parkinson's disease. She was born in Oldham, UK, on 28 September 1934. Unusually for the time, her father, an organic chemist, encouraged her interest in science. After gaining a BSc and MSc in biochemistry from the University of Sheffield, she completed a PhD in chemical pathology in 1961 at the University of Manchester.

In Manchester, working as a research assistant at the Christie Cancer Hospital, she saw how traumatic radical mastectomy procedures were for women. She vowed to develop a better treatment for breast cancer that would, as she put it, avoid sending women to the butcher's shop.

In 1962, she went for postdoctoral training in steroid biochemistry on a fellowship at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Here she met and married the organic chemist Harry Brodie, and raised a family. On her return to work in 1971, they became collaborators  Harry the chemist and Angela the pharmacologist  working together for the next decade.

Her strategy was to rid people with breast cancer of oestrogen. This, she thought, was more thorough than simply blocking oestrogen receptors, as drugs such as tamoxifen did. Hers was a niche area of research; most of the community was focused on chemotherapy rather than on targeting hormones. Together, the Brodies spent the 1970s optimizing aromatase inhibitors and their method of administration, using synthetic compounds and testing them in vivo and in vitro to block oestrogen synthesis. In 1979, they moved to Maryland  Angela went to the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, where she continued the aromatase inhibitor work with an eye to moving it into clinical testing. (Harry became a study-section administrator at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda.)

The Brodies' systematic research gave rise to their best compound, 4-hydroxyandrostenedione (4-OHA), in 1977 (A. M. H. Brodie et al. Endocrinology 100, 16841695; 1977). This was the first molecule able to inhibit the synthesis of oestrogen alone in breast-cancer cells, without interfering with other physiologically important processes or causing toxic side effects. But when the Brodies tried to pursue drug development, they faced scepticism. The pharmaceutical industry at the time, particularly in the United States, was uninterested in drugs that did not kill off cancer cells.

In 1981, Angela met medical oncologist Charles Coombes (now at Imperial College London). As a British physician, Coombes was easier to persuade of the possible benefits of targeting therapies towards oestrogen. He organized the first clinical trial in 1981. At that point, 4-OHA had no patent protection, because Brodie had made the decision to put her patients before profit. Initial results were promising enough to spur further clinical testing and marketing of 4-OHA through the Swiss pharmaceutical company Ciba-Geigy, under the name formestane. The drug was heralded as a way to help postmenopausal women  the group that is most susceptible to breast cancer and whose tumours are most responsive to anti-oestrogen therapy.

The early successes of 4-OHA spurred the development of better anti-oestrogen therapies. By the late 1990s, work by Brodie and others helped to develop aromatase inhibitors that could be taken orally. Brodie also spent much time studying some patients' resistance to the drugs. Resistance arose because of selective pressure from the drugs  over time, tumour cells that could grow in an oestrogen-free environment were able to proliferate. Today, three aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole) are commonly used worldwide.

From the mid-1990s, Brodie broadened her work to prostate-cancer treatment. With chemist Vincent Njar of the University of Maryland, Brodie developed a drug (VN/124-1, or galeterone) to block the synthesis of androgens such as testosterone, which fuel the growth of prostate cancer. In 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration gave fast-track approval to conduct clinical trials of the drug, and the results of phase II trials were promising.

In her 48-year career, Brodie published more than 200 peer-reviewed research articles. She won numerous awards, and in 2005 became the only woman to win the Charles F. Kettering Prize, the highest recognition for improvements to clinical cancer care. Brodie fought bias against women throughout her career, serving on committees for female cancer researchers to shape a more-inclusive community. Her quiet, almost frail demeanour belied a will of steel. She mentored more than 40 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. She was part of the team, following the data wherever the results led.
Michael Board had just left a job site in Marin and was crossing the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge when he saw smoke.

I looked over to my left and saw the plume starting, he said. It was pretty small at the time, from that angle.

It was 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2012. The crude unit No. 4 at Chevrons giant refinery was on fire.

NBC Bay Area

An investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board  the federal agency that probes industrial accidents  blamed Chevron managers decision to disregard warnings about the problem pipe. The agency also faulted the company for ordering workers to repair a corroded pipe while the plant was still running. As the workers tried to remove insulation, they jabbed the badly corroded pipe, releasing a vapor cloud.

See the animation here



The cloud ignited, and 20 workers barely escaped.

The fire sent a black cloud drifting over the Bay Area, loaded with heavy metals and toxic dioxins. Unaware of the danger, Board pulled over to watch before spending the night at his father-in-laws house nearby.

The next morning, lots of coughing and wheezing, a lot of fluid, he said in a recent interview. I went to the emergency room. They diagnosed me with chemical burns to my lungs.

Five years and several surgeries later, Board, 54, still gets winded easily doing physical work and hasnt been able to return to his old job  fixing and flipping houses.

NBC Bay Area

The worst is at night, he said, when youre gasping for air, waking up in the middle of the night.

Some 15,000 people went to local hospitals. Many have sued over the fire.

At the time, Garrett Brown was senior safety official with Cal/OSHA, the agency that oversees worker safety throughout the state. He said the investigation made clear that Chevron had ignored a decade of warnings about corrosion in their pipes before the fire. He was also concerned that workers seeking a repair shutdown were overridden by management.

That pipe had gone from a quarter-inch thick to no thicker than a Coke can, he said. Management was willing to endanger the lives of Chevron employees, contractor employees and the community at large in order to save a few dollars by not shutting down a unit so it could be properly repaired and maintained. And that's a decision they make for pure corporate profit reasons.

Chevron declined to talk with us on camera but pointed to new efforts to protect the refinery against the kind of corrosion that triggered the fire.

The company provided a statement saying in part, At Chevron, everything we do begins with our fundamental commitment to safety. And, everyone at Chevron has both the right and responsibility to exercise 'stop-work authority'  they can stop any operation without any repercussions if they believe people or the environment are in danger.

Although he is mindful that profit has driven Chevrons decisions at the refinery, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt said he is optimistic. Through a combination of external regulation and internal commitment, Chevron is a much safer place than it was then, he said, adding that he regularly meets with Chevron officials.

Even Brown, the former Cal/OSHA official who has been critical of the company, sees progress.

I think actually the Chevron refinery saga turns out to be a happy story, turns out to be a good news story, he said. I think we're better prepared now in 2017 than we were in 2012 to prevent an accident like what happened at Chevron from taking place again.

Much of that accident prevention will depend on Clyde Trombettas and the Cal/OSHA team of refinery safety inspectors he heads. After the fire, the agency was faulted for lax oversight of refineries. But today, Trombettas has the benefit of a larger staff, tougher regulations and unprecedented inspector access during shutdowns.

Its a significant change," he said of the access his inspectors now have during shutdowns at the states 15 refineries. Its a very powerful tool when were looking at what refineries are doing and, more importantly, what theyre not doing.

But NBC Bay Area has learned that state worker safety inspectors recently found still more safety problems at the plant. In a report issued last year, regulators issued citations against the refinery for not heeding industry standards governing pressure relief valves. Those valves are designed to prevent dangerous pressure buildup in the refinery process.

See the citations here



The valves control the process in the refinerys volatile Catalytic Cracking Unit, which uses extreme heat to break down crude oil into various fuels. Experts warn that misuse of those valves is the kind of lapse that can cause another fire.

Greg Karras, senior scientist at Communities for a Better Environment, points out yet another concern. The Chevron refinery has been shifting to a cheaper crude oil. Its a kind of crude that has more sulfur, which is known to corrode pipes.

There's something like a thousand miles of process piping in that refinery, and the vast majority of it hasn't been replaced, said Karras. So we're stuck with a refinery that's going to blow up again as a result. This is what it's like to live in the shadow of the smokestacks. You know that it's going to happen again; you don't know when."

Meanwhile, five years after the fire, Board is still paying for his own medical expenses. While Chevron told us it has honored justifiable medical costs, it says it is still challenging what it considers illegitimate claims. Board is left wondering why it is taking so long for his case to get to court.

Its just frustrating, he said,  that so little concern is given to people, how it changed their lives and what happened to them.
The dispute is simple.

I think the city really should back off, San Jose-resident Amy Guzules said.

Several South San Jose residents are frustrated because they were each fined $500 for using fireworks even though they say no one in authority confronted them with the accusation.

No police officers, no code enforcement officers, and no one else from the city.

Not one, resident Daniel Alvord said.

So, why did the city mail these bright yellow citations here? Someone complained online -- perhaps anonymously.

The city collected fireworks complaints via an Internet form. By phone, Fire Marshal Ivan Lee told us he doesnt have the manpower to investigate every online accusation, so if one address got more than one complaint he fined them  without any investigation.

As Lee said, if theres more than one complaint, they dont need any evidence to make you guilty of the crime, Alvord explained.

MURKY ONLINE ACCUSATIONS

We reviewed the citys full database of fireworks complaints. Some included video or photo evidence -- and triggered a fine. Others included detailed statements -- and triggered a fine. But several lacked detail -- yet still triggered a fine.

For example, five accusers didnt give an address, just a block. The city issued a citation anyway. The city hasn't explained how it chose the address.

Two complaints included just one word, yet resulted in fines. In one the complaint simply said fireworks. The city says some accusers might have gotten follow-up phone calls, but its not clear how many.

The complaint that caused Guzules fine contains three words: several high fireworks.

We asked her when she last had set off fireworks.

Oh gosh, I havent touched fireworks in probably 30 years, she said  and chuckled.

Guzules citation doesnt lay out any evidence against her. She says the fire marshal told her more than one report against an address triggered a $500 fine.

I am automatically guilty and they keep the $500, she said.

We found Guzules' address in the complaint database only once. So, we want to know why she was cited. But the city refused to address individual cases with us. It says people like Guzules will just have to pay the $500 fine and request a hearing to see the evidence.

LEGAL SCHOLAR'S TAKE

David Levine, a professor at the University of California Hastings College of the Law expressed concerns.

I think they ought to talk to some lawyers about the validity of that system, he said.

Levine says limited city resources do not justify shortcuts like accepting two complaints as gospel and not contacting the accused.

Make some attempt to talk to the person who was allegedly using the fireworks or was permitting fireworks to be on their premises, he said. At least do that. A few phone calls are not that expensive. Theyre not time consuming.

PROBLEMS ACKNOWLEDGED

San Jose City Attorney Rick Doyle acknowledged potential missteps. He told us over the phone that the city is re-evaluating how fireworks complaints are handled.

There may be some problems with some of these citations, he said.

Doyle said the issue is front and center, and I think there are some lessons to be learned.

Were told a report is coming. But, in the meantime, residents are still required to pay the $500 fine before they can challenge the citation.

You cant prove a negative, Guzules said, exasperated. I cant prove I didnt set off any fireworks.

This is not the first time the city of San Jose has faced scrutiny for streamlining law enforcement. Trial attorney Jim McManis filed a class-action lawsuit against the City of San Jose about 10 years ago after it deployed unmarked vans to snap photos of suspected speeders -- who later got tickets in the mail. The case did not go to trial, but the city did halt the program.

McManis seems similarities in the streamline fireworks fines.

This is just another gimmick on the part of the city of San Jose to raise money, he said. McManis sees similarities in todays fireworks fines. If youre going to do this, youve got to do it right. Youve got to respect the basic principles of our democracy, which is you should be able to know who your accusers are, what is the nature of the accusation, and be able to have a hearing in front of an impartial officer and not have to pay an arm and a leg for it.

PLEA FOR HELP

The people who contacted us about their $500 fireworks fines are urging the San Jose city council to address their concerns at its next meeting, August 8. Guzules is especially eager. Her fine is due five days later.

Nothing is on the agenda as of yet.

One final note: the online form that started all this is no longer taking complaints. Its closed. A city spokesperson says staff had previously planned to shut it down after the Fourth of July.
San Francisco police have stepped up security after three people were injured in a shooting Thursday at Dolores Park in San Francisco.



All victims, two men and a boy, were transported to trauma centers. One of the victims is suffering from life-threatening injuries and the other two victims were transported with non-life threatening injuries.

A witness told NBC Bay Area a group of about five to six people wearing bandanas approached a group on a foot bridge at the park. One of the people opened fire, hitting three victims, according to the witness.

Three people were injured in a shooting Thursday at Dolores Park in San Francisco, police said. Sergio Quintana reports.

Police are still searching for suspects and are asking the public to report anything they saw by calling the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at 415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message.

Church Street between 18th and 19th streets are expected to be closed until late Thursday while police process the crime scene.
San Franciscos cherished Anchor Brewing announced that Sapporo Holdings Limited has acquired the 121-year-old craft brewery.

In a statement released Thursday morning, Anchor Brewing explained that the management team and brewery headquarters in Potrero Hill will remain the same, but will now benefit from superior financing and additional resources from the Japanese company.

Sapporo shares our values and appreciates our unique, time-honored approach to brewing, said Keith Greggor, Anchor Brewing co-owner. With both a long-term vision and the resources to realize it, Sapporo will keep brewing Anchors beers in San Francisco while expanding to new markets worldwide.

Sapporo Holdings is expected to conclude the transaction by August 31 and one of their main goals is to improve and strengthen production, all in the name of high quality beer.
Vallejo police on Thursday identified a Benicia man, who was well-respected as a psychology doctoral student, as the armed robbery suspect who was pursued and shot dead by officers Wednesday in Richmond.

The chase started around 5 p.m. Wednesday in Vallejo and ended in the 3400 block of Richmond Parkway. Jeffrey Barboa, 45, was killed in the ensuing officer-involved shooting, according to police.

Sgt. Andrew Frankel with the Berkeley Police Department said Barboa interned with the city's Mental Health Crisis team from fall 2013 to summer 2015. At the time, Barboa, a doctoral student of psychology, was "very well thought of" by staff members.

Barboa was wanted in connection with an armed robbery in El Cerrito on July 26, police said. When officers tried to pull him over in Vallejo, he failed to yield and instead fled at a high speed.

When the chase ended about 15 minutes later in Richmond, Barboa exited the car and advanced on officers with a machete raised overhead, police said. He refused numerous orders to drop the weapon before five officers opened fire.

Barboa was struck multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

No other injuries were reported.

Barboa was wanted in a robbery at an El Cerrito doughnut shop a week ago. Police said he picked up a cash register during lunchtime and ran from All Star Donuts with the cash register under his arm and the shop owners in pursuit.

"He just picked it up like a baby and just snapped it, and he just walked out the door," owner Cameron Sem said. "And customers were yelling, so I ran out. I just ran out with everybody else."

Sem and his dad chased Barboa across the parking lot before Barboa tossed the register into his car and then turned and confronted the two.

"When he turned around, after he dropped the cash register, he just kind of said, 'Oh you want to fight. I've got a gun and a knife.' I was like, 'Is this guy serious?' It's like in the middle of the day," Sem said.

The Sems walked away as did numerous witnesses. But not before they took down his license plate number.

"So we put that information on the license plate in the law enforcement database as a felony vehicle that was wanted," El Cerrito police Lt. Steve Bonini said.

Vallejo police spotted Barboa's vehicle Wednesday evening and tried to pull him over, but Barboa sped off and sparked the high-speed chase to Richmond.

Barboa's neighbors in Benicia said he had a wife and two small children. But on his Facebook page, he describes family problems in April and May and public pleas to help find his family.

"I didn't know he would be violent like that," neighbor Linda Wright said. "I guess his life was just tearing apart."

The shooting is being investigated by the Richmond Police Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office in accordance with the County Fatal Incident Protocol, police said.


President Donald Trump has expressed frustrations regarding the war in Afghanistan, and recently suggested firing the wars top military commander, NBC News reported.

In a meeting last month, Trump told senior administration officials we arent winning. We are losing.

By most measures, the president is correct.

The nearly 16 year long war  the longest in US history  has resulted in 2,216 American deaths and cost taxpayers an estimated $714 billion.

Meanwhile, the U.S. backed Afghan government controls less than 60 percent of the country, according to a report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan reconstruction, a government watchdog group.

The Taliban maintains a strong hold over much of the other territory.
President Donald Trump has become increasingly frustrated with his advisers tasked with crafting a new U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and recently suggested firing the war's top military commander during a tense meeting at the White House, according to senior administration officials.

During the July 19 meeting, Trump repeatedly suggested that Defense Secretary James Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford replace Gen. John Nicholson, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, because he is not winning the war, the officials told NBC News. Trump has not met Nicholson, and the Pentagon has been considering extending his time in Afghanistan.

Over nearly two hours in the situation room, according to the officials, Trump complained about NATO allies, inquired about the United States getting a piece of Afghans mineral wealth and repeatedly said the top U.S. general there should be fired.
President Donald Trump sought to have the leaders of Australia and Mexico make concessions on immigration, at least publicly, to improve Trump's image on the issue early in his presidency, according to what The Washington Post reported are transcripts of those conversations.

Trump had calls with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about a week after he was inaugurated. Trump asked Pena Nieto to consider dropping his public insistence that Mexico will not pay for the wall along its border during negotiations, while he argued with Turnbull that upholding a prior agreement to accept 1,250 Syrian refugees being watched over by Australia would "kill me" politically, according to the transcripts the Post published.

And Trump allegedly chalked up his primary victory in New Hampshire to the fact that it is a "drug-infested den," a characterization that prompted backlash from the state's Republican governor and two senators.

A White House representative could not confirm or deny the authenticity of the leaked classified documents, which the Post published in full, to NBC News. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the backlash.

The White House declined to comment to the Post, which reported that an official familiar with the conversations said, "The president is a tough negotiator" who is "direct and forceful in his determination to put America and Americans first."

Both leaders visited the U.S. after their phone conversations in late January, and immigration continues to be an important issue for Trump, whose executive order to limit immigration from several Muslim-majority countries partially went into effect in June after stiff legal challenges.

Talk of the border wall took up most of the discussion with Mexico's president, even though it became clear the two leaders would not agree on what to say after Trump insisted its funding "will work out in the formula somehow."

In one exchange, Pena Nieto said: "My position has been and will continue to be very firm saying that Mexico cannot pay for that wall."

Trump replied: "But you cannot say that to the press. The press is going to go with that and I cannot live with that. You cannot say that to the press because I cannot negotiate under those circumstances."

When Trump told his counterpart that he wanted to balance the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico, Pena Nieto said he intended to have his administration work to find mutual benefit.

They agreed to work together to combat drug cartels, and during that conversation, Trump said as an aside that he "won New Hampshire because New Hampshire is a drug-infested den."

Both of the state's U.S. senators criticized his comments in statements on Twitter, while Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement that Trump was wrong.

"Its disappointing his mischaracterization of this epidemic ignores the great things this state has to offer," he said.

It was previously reported that Trump's call with Turnbull was contentious  Sen. John McCain called Turnbull later to reiterate the United States' commitment to the alliance with Australia  but the White House staff-produced transcripts the newspaper obtained show how the conversation unfolded.

"Why is this so important? I do not understand. This is going to kill me. I am the world's greatest person that does not want to let people into the country," Trump said after Turnbull said it is important to Australia that the deal be upheld.

Trump grudgingly accepted that he was obliged to follow the "embarrassing" deal, but he said before ending the call that the call was more unpleasant than one he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day. It's not clear when the refugees will be resettled.

"I have had it," Trump said. "I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day. Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous."

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, an occasional critic of the president's, said it was unfair that the leaked transcripts were being shared.

"Whether you like President Trump or not, no president can do business if their phone calls are going to be leaked to The Washington Post," he told NBC News. "I hope (Attorney General) Jeff Sessions can do something about the leaking because it's really hurting the president."
A teenager is back home in Canada after being stuck for nearly 10 hours in a Connecticut airport.

Victor Shmulevich was trying to fly home after finishing a summer program at Yale University, CTV News reports.

When the 15-year-old approached the United Airlines check-in counter at Bradley International, he was informed there was a problem.

I gave the agent my passport and I saw him look at me confused. How old are you?, Im 15. We don't allow 15-year-olds on connecting flights, Shmulevich said, recalling the initial conversation.

United Airlines has a policy that prevents unaccompanied minors from boarding flights with layovers.

Shmulevich's flight had been booked through a rewards program online and his family said the United age policy never came up.

United is one of two Star Alliance members with mandatory restrictions on 15-year-old passengers.

Confused and alone in Connecticut, Shmulevich called his parents and told them he was stuck at Bradley Airport with no help from the airline.

After almost 10 hours, Shmulevich was able to catch an Air Canada flight home.

In a statement to CTV News, United Airlines reiterated its policy of not allowing accompanied minors to travel on connecting flights and said in part:

We are looking into the booking process further to determine how this passenger was able to purchase a ticket.

Shmulevich said the airlines policy isnt the issue, but instead, how airline workers handled the situation.

They did nothing to help me get on a different flight. They said, 'Sorry, you have to deal with that yourself, we can't do anything,' and that's where Im pretty saddened," Shmulevich said.

The Connecticut Airport Authority is looking into the issue.

"The safety of our passengers is our number 1 priority. However, we were not made aware of this situation by the passenger or the airlines. We are looking into this issue and will be reviewing appropriate protocols with the airlines," Kevin A. Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, said in a statement.

United is offering the family a $500 voucher for the hassle, but the Shmulevichs said they likely wont fly with the airline again.
Monday a Meriden father is expected to be deported back to Ecuador, leaving behind his family and the country hes called home for the last 20 years.

Marco Reyes reported to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in July as scheduled and the father of three was told he would have to leave behind the life he built in Meriden and head back to Ecuador by Aug. 8.

Last Thursday, family and friends supporting Reyes gathered outside the Ribicoff federal building in Hartford, which houses the local ICE office.

Reyes has been living in Connecticut with his wife and children since 1997, supporters said, and the problem came in 2007 when the family was vacationing and accidentally crossed into Canada.

Federal immigration authorities apprehended Marco Reyes as they tried to return.

Supporters said Marco has been checking in with ICE since 2016.

Shawn Neudauer, ICE spokesman for the New England area, said a federal immigration judge issued a final order of removal for Reyes in 2009 and Reyes was granted a stay of removal to allow him to pursue legal options in his immigration proceedings but has since exhausted his legal options.

"We don't want my dad to leave. My dad means the world to me," Marco's daughter, Evelyn Reyes, said.

"We are in the middle of a crisis, a crisis not just for this family here, but for thousands of families in Connecticut and across the country who are being torn apart and it makes no sense," Reyes' attorney, Erin O'Neil-Baker, said. "This is a family that has paid taxes every year since 2002, and if they are returned to their country, they are in danger."

O'Neil-Baker said Reyes' brother-in-law was murdered in Ecuador and the perpetrator has targeted other family members.

"I will do whatever I can. I will work as long, as hard, as possible because there are real human consequences here," U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, CT-D, said. "Marco faces real danger, maybe even death."

Senator Blumenthal flew in from DC to attend the rally and said the administration should focus on deporting those with dangerous criminal records, not people like Reyes.

He said he's written to Homeland Security, requesting that they review the current policy.

In response to critics who have said Reyes and others had plenty of time to find a path to citizenship, Blumenthal said that people like Reyes are often misled or misrepresented by attorneys who might have meant well but dropped the ball.

"These folks made no effort to hide. They didn't run. They weren't concealing themselves. They were right there for ICE to see, and many reported to ICE routinely every year. And they thought the status quo would be fine," Blumenthal said.

Reyes' attorney said they've filed a motion to reopen his old removal order to hopefully have a hearing on the case. If that takes place, they then hope to work on getting him permanent residency.

Supporters said the father of three is a valuable member of the community who is also the sole provider for his family.

"I really need my dad with me here because I can't do anything without him," Marco's daughter, 12-year-old Adriana Reyes, said.

"We hope that the immigration department gives my husband another chance to stay in this country. He's not any criminal. He's always been a good person, a good father," Marco's wife, Fanny Torres Reyes, said.

As time runs out, his family is hoping something can be done to keep him here and keep their family together.

"Imagine if that was your family and you lost your dad because their dad could die any day in Ecuador," Marco's nephew, 9-year-old Oscar Villacres, said.

Officials from ICE said that if Reyes doesnt comply with the removal order, he'll be considered a fugitive and arrested when encountered.
Police across the state are working to install carbon monoxide detectors in cop SUVs after an officer crashed in Auburn, Massachusetts on Wednesday.

This is the third reported crash, after incidents in Louisiana and California, where the officer passed out behind the wheel and rammed into another car.

Officials believe the accidents could be connected to carbon monoxide fumes, which has tested positive in several other police cruisers.

Now, police departments in Connecticut are taking action over the potential carbon monoxide dangers.

A spokesman for the Bloomfield Police Department, Captain Stephen Hajdasz, said they have installed detectors in 14 marked cruisers and three other vehicles on Thursday.

"Our number one goal is to keep employees safe. They cannot protect the public and keep the public safe, if they're not our number one priority." Hajdasz said.

If dangerous fumes are present in the vehicles, the strip on the detector will change color.

"Its a dot that's currently yellowish-gold and if it is indicating the presence of carbon monoxide it's going to start turning gray and depending on the severity of it, it could get totally black if up to 100 parts per million, Hajdasz said.

Windsor Police Captain Tom Lepore told the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters said while his department hasnt had any issues, he doesnt want to take any chances.

We don't have an issue here in Windsor that we are aware of, but out of an abundance of caution, (Thursday) morning the chief and I decided that we were going to purchase carbon monoxide detectors, Lepore said.

Seventeen detectors are on the way to Windsor. In Wethersfield, newly purchased carbon monoxide monitors will be arriving for Ford police interceptor SUVs by next week.

"They're our family they mean everything to us. We would certainly not want anything to happen to our officers so anything we can do to alert us to any problems and potentially avert a tragedy or accident we'll do, Lepore said.

Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating reports of carbon monoxide leaks in some Ford SUVS, but not any in Connecticut.
Alcohol is banned at Gardner Lake State Park in Salem for now after complaints about excessive drinking and other problems.

Things reached a peak on July 4 when there were unruly crowds and an assault.

Our trooper was down there. He had to call for backup. Yeah, we had to address it, Kevin Lyden, Salem First Selectman, said. He then reached out to Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Robert Klee to ask for a temporary ban on alcohol at the park and the state agency, also known as DEEP, has issued the ban.

Possession and consumption of alcohol are banned, beginning this Saturday, to improve management of that park and address public safety issues there.

I have exercised my authority to declare a 90-day ban on alcohol at Gardner Lake State Park because large numbers of people consuming large volumes of alcohol there is not a combination conducive to public safety and enjoyment of our states natural resources, DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said in a statement. The ban I have issued means no alcohol at Gardner Lake State Park and State Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police officers from this agency will enforce this ban. We also appreciate the offer of local law enforcement to support this new policy.

Over the past few summers, EnCon Police and DEEP State Parks staff have noticed increased crowds and an increased number of incidents, which disrupt other park visitors and their enjoyment of the park, as well as for DEEP staff as they manage the park on busy summer days, according to DEEP.

Given the changing use and recent issues at the park, the time has come for us to take stronger action at Gardner Lake State Park, Klee said. The vast majority of visitors to our parks enjoy themselves while following the rules and exhibiting good behavior. Unfortunately, situations do arise  like that at Gardner Lake State Park where people engage in behavior that negatively affects the experience of others.

Recently a new dumpster was brought in to help with the trash problem and State Environmental Conservation Police, as well as local police, will be stepping up patrols.

Alcohol is banned at the following 22 of Connecticuts 142 state parks and forests:
Some Watertown police officers will now be patrolling on two wheels instead of squad cars.

The bike patrol unit is making a comeback after nearly 20 years thanks to a grant from the Thomaston Savings Bank.

"I ride every single week for part of staying in shape," Watertown Police Corporal David McDonnell told NBC Connecticut.

Now, riding one of the departments new mountain bikes with 29-inch tires is part of McDonnell's job with the Watertown Police Department.

"Being in a police car really closes you off from the community," McDonnell said. "Being up close and person, being able to hop off it, visit with business owners, meet with the public is just, it brings a whole new dimension to police work."

Three outfitted officers will rotate riding the two bikes the department purchased with the grant money, patrol commander Lt. Tim Gavallas said.

"When manpower allows, theyll be out on the bicycles," Gavallas said. "Theyll be covering the main streets, plazas our parks, greenways."

Watertown residents told NBC Connecticut they are looking forward to seeing the bike officers on patrols in areas like Main Street.

"I think the more exposure they have and the more interaction there is between them and the citizens is only good, only good can come of it," Tammy from Watertown said.

There are benefits to the bike program beyond just building even better community relations, Gavallas said.

"They can get in places where a car cant," Gavallas said. "Theyre very stealthy, too."

In the bikes tail bag, officers will carry basic first aid, bike supplies and ticket books.
Vice President Mike Pence has turned over emails from private AOL.com accounts he used to conduct official business while he was Indiana's governor.

The state's public records law generally requires state officials to preserve and make available correspondence or documents related to state business, with some exemptions. But Pence waited months to hand over the records  and only did so after his use of the private accounts was widely reported.

Attorneys for the vice president notified current Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb's office in July that an electronic database containing the emails was handed over, Holcomb spokeswoman Jane Jankowski said.

"We delivered to you a complete electronic production of state records that were in the custody of Vice President Pence from during the time that he served as governor," attorney Karoline E. Jackson wrote in an email to the Republican governor's office. The email states that Pence's attorneys also provided guidance on emails and documents they believe could be withheld from release.

Pence has touted himself as a champion of a free press and the First Amendment, though he repeatedly stonewalled public records requests as governor, often delaying their release if not denying them outright.

Holcomb's office for months has been grappling with a backlog of roughly 50 public records requests from activists, political groups and news organizations, including The Associated Press. Some are more than a year old and most are seeking emails from Pence's private accounts.

Pence provided 13 boxes containing paper copies of the emails in March when news of his use of the AOL.com accounts first drew scrutiny. But Holcomb's office said at the time that there were more emails that had yet to be provided. And Holcomb's office also sought electronic access to the emails, so they could be searched and reviewed much more easily.

The state hired the Indiana law firm McNeely Stephenson in May to handle the crush of requests, entering a contract that could cost taxpayers as much as $100,000.

Pence's AOL account was subjected to a phishing scheme in spring 2016, before Trump chose him to join the Republican presidential ticket. Pence's contacts were sent an email falsely claiming that the governor and his wife were stranded in the Philippines and needed money.

The hacking of Pence's private emails have led some to raise questions of hypocrisy after he frequently attacked Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail over her own email use. He argued Clinton's use of a private server when she was secretary of state could have jeopardized national security if her emails got into the wrong hands.

But Pence spokesman Marc Lotter has said charges of hypocrisy are unfair because there is a big difference between the Secretary of State's correspondence about sensitive national matters and business conducted by a governor through a private emails address.
The Philippines said Friday that it respects human rights and welcomes the opportunity to address the United States' concerns about its human rights record  a topic expected to be raised by U.S. State Secretary Rex Tillerson when he visits Manila this week for Asia's biggest security forum.

Tillerson will raise all relevant issues in the U.S. alliance with the Philippines, including concerns about human rights, Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton said in Washington on Wednesday. She said a meeting with Duterte is being arranged.

A Department of Foreign Affairs statement said the Philippines understands it is part of U.S. officials' duty to talk about human rights with the Philippines and the rest of the world because they are accountable to their Congress and their press.

"We share the belief that no country has a perfect human rights situation," it added. "We welcome the opportunity to address their concerns and correct the perceptions they may have gleaned from exaggerated media reports."

The statement said the Philippines "is the oldest democracy in Asia and respect for human rights is a shared valued especially with its treaty ally, the United States."

Discussions on human rights are always included in Philippine engagements with foreign governments particularly with Western democracies, it added.

Duterte, however, has lashed out at critics of his war on illegal drugs, which has left thousands of suspects dead in the past year. When then-U.S. President Barack Obama raised concerns about the mounting death toll, Duterte told the president to "go to hell."

Thornton said Tillerson's trip to Manila will provide a chance for a robust bilateral program with the Philippines on the sidelines of the security meetings.

She said there will be much to talk about, including a siege by Islamic State group-linked militants in the southern city of Marawi and growing threats of international terrorism.

"But certainly, we will be talking about governance, about human rights issues, and about how we can increase our economic and other kinds of people-to-people engagement with the Philippines," she added.

Duterte's spokesman, Esrnesto Abella, said no announcement has been made yet of a meeting between Tillerson and Duterte.

Human rights advocates have accused Duterte of unleashing "a human rights calamity" with his war on drugs. They say his recent threat to bomb tribal schools he accused of teaching students to become communist rebels could constitute war crimes, prompting Duterte to clarify that the schools would only be bombed when the buildings are empty.

Amnesty International has urged the United States to restrict assistance to the Philippine national police and to link future aid to progress in reforms and ending the impunity of officers who commit or oversee unlawful killings. It has called for support for Philippine human rights defenders' efforts to document atrocities, fight for accountability and promote an approach based on public health instead of punitive action.

More than 5,200 drug suspects have died so far, including more than 3,000 in reported gunbattles with police and more than 2,000 others in drug-related attacks by motorcycle-riding masked gunmen and other assaults, police said. Human rights groups have reported a higher toll and called for an independent investigation into Duterte's possible role in the violence.
"Kari's Law" - a bill, named in honor of a Texas mother that would require greater direct access to emergency help - has passed in the United States Senate.

"Kari's Law" is named in honor of Kari Hunt, who died in 2013 in a Marshall, Texas, hotel room after being stabbed by her estranged husband. Kari's daughter tried repeatedly to dial for help for her mother, but did not know to dial an extra 9, before dialing 9-1-1, to reach an outside line.

Since Kari's death, her father, Hank, has been campaigning to make sure that no 9s or any other extra digits are needed.

Hank Hunt started a petition that got the attention of hundreds of thousands of people, including lawmakers in several states. Hunt would travel from his home in East-Texas to Austin - and Washington D.C. - telling the story of his daughter and granddaughter, and why the law should change.

Kari's Law would require businesses with multi-line telephone systems to have direct access to 9-1-1, with no extra digits before or after required to reach emergency help.

Kari's father said seeing this bill so close to becoming law nationwide is one step closer to the end goal.

"It's bittersweet," he said, Thursday. "I'm anxious to see it through and I hope we can get any differences between the House and the Senate bills hammered out pretty quick."

Legislation has already been passed on the state level in Illinois, Maryland, Tennessee and Texas.

The Texas law passed in 2015, with Kari's daughter receiving the pen Governor Greg Abbott used to sign the bill, in honor of her mother.

Theres a lesson virtually every parent teaches their child  if you face an emergency, call 9-1-1, Governor Abbott said, when he signed Kari's Law in 2015. I am signing Karis Law to ensure that whenever there is an emergency, any child and any adult who dials 9-1-1 is going to be able to connect with emergency personnel to ensure they come to the rescue of those who need help the most.

Compliance with the Texas version of Kari's Law starts on September 1.

The bill in the United States Senate will go back to the House of Representatives for final approval, before then moving to the White House.
Prosecutors say a North Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal charges that he smuggled circuits abroad for use by space programs in China and Russia.



Sixty-two-year-old Peter Zuccarelli of Plano, north of Dallas, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges that include conspiring to smuggle and illegally export from the U.S.



Prosecutors say that starting in 2015, Zuccarelli used his company to place orders with U.S. suppliers for the circuits, known as radiation-hardened integrated circuits. He repackaged them as "touch screen parts" and shipped them out of the U.S.



The circuits have space and military applications so their export is strictly controlled by federal law.



Authorities say he created fake paperwork and made false statements to regulators in an attempt to conceal the smuggling.



Zuccarelli faces up to five years in prison.
The State Fair of Texas is a few months away, but pre-fair festivities actually start in August. The State Fair will host a series of pre-fair horse show events before the fair starts in the fall. These events are free and open to the public:

Barrel Racing, August 4 at noon, August 5 and 6 at 9 a.m.

Riders go through a clover-shaped barrel course on horses.

Team Roping, August 11 at 7:30 p.m., August 12 and 13 at 8 a.m.

Two ropers and their horses chase down and rope a steer in an arena.

Ranch Sorting, August 18, 19 and 20 at 9 a.m.

Riders divide and separate 11 cows from one pen to another.

NCHA Cutting, August 25 and 26 at 8 a.m., August 27 at 9 a.m.

Riders and their horses show off their cattle ranching skills by pulling a select cow from a group of cows twice during the competition.

Arabian Show, September 1, 2 and 3 at 8 a.m.

People show their pure-bred Arabian horses and compete against one another.

Rhonda-Voo Appaloosa Show, September 8, 9 and 10 at 8 a.m.

Appaloosa horses compete in jumping, cattle and ranch events.

1st Annual Arena Polo Match, September 15 at 5 p.m.

This is fast-paced version of polo.

Donkey and Mule Show: September 16 and 17 at 8 a.m.

Donkeys and mules compete in a series of events similar to events in the horse shows.

4x4 Chute Out, September 16 at 8 a.m.

4-H youth participants from several states compete in barrel racing, pole being, break-away roping and team roping.

For the full details on pre-fair horse shows, you can visit the State Fair of Texas website.
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.
They're mainly Trumptards. :lol:Isis: UN study finds foreign fighters in Syria 'lack basic understanding of Islam'Young men who leave their homes to fight for terrorist groups in Syria mainly come from disadvantaged backgrounds, have low levels of education and lack any basic understanding of the true meaning of jihad or even the Islamic faith, according to a new report.A study for the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism found that despite claiming to protect Muslims, most of the returned fighters were novices in their religion and some did not know how to pray properly.Most saw their religion in terms of justice and injustice rather than in terms of piety and spirituality, said the authors of the report, which was based on interviews with 43 people from 12 countries.They found that a typical fighter is most likely to be male, young and disadvantaged economically, educationally, and in terms of the labour market.He is also more likely than not to come from a marginalised background, both socially and politically, the reported added.Most were unemployed, or underemployed, and/or said that their life lacked meaning.Three quarters of those interviewed reached Syria but subsequently decided to leave, while others were intercepted by authorities in their own country or stopped en route.Thousands of British Muslims gather to denounce Isis and call for 'peaceful caliphate'Despite an appeal to all UN member states, the authors expressed regret that only seven countries agreed to participate in the study - three from the EU and four from the Middle East and North Africa.Professor Hamed el-Said, of Manchester Metropolitan University, and terrorism expert Richard Barrett met most of the returnees in prison or under the watchful eye of security services.The majority of interviewed fighters, who attempted to join groups including Isis, al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra and jihadi Ahrar al-Sham, came from large and dysfunctional families in deprived parts of cities where they were isolated from mainstream social, economic and political activity.Religious belief seems to have played a minimal role in the motivation of this sample, the report found, saying economic factors had become more important as terrorist groups promised wages, homes and even wives.The findings supported previous research using leaked Isis documents, which showed that most recruits profess to have only a basic knowledge of Sharia law, and warnings of a growing crime-terror nexus seeing violent criminals travel to Syria in the hope of redemption.Following the declaration of the so-called Islamic State in 2014, the group produced a huge amount of propaganda seeking to attract Muslims with the promise of life free of supposed Western oppression, lived in comfort and peace.Rose-tinted videos sought to present a utopian existence, showing smiling militants engaging in activities like bee-keeping, farming and even pizza-making as Western fighters used Twitter to broadcast images of palatial homes, swimming pools and expensive cars provided by the caliphate.
Commuters were faced with train delays and cancellations Thursday in Acton, where the storms caused heavy flooding.

"The flash floods, which washed out roads and caused mudslides, also washed out tracks between Metrolink's Via Princessa and Vincent Grade/Acton stations," Metrolink spokesman Scott Johnson said.

Antelope Valley Line trains 200 and 202 between Lancaster and Los Union Station have been canceled, Johnson said. The first train to operate will be Antelope Valley Line train 204, departing Lancaster at 5:19 a.m., he said.

Metrolink also will operate Antelope Valley Line train 285, which makes limited stops between Palmdale and Union Station.

"Friday's schedule is subject to change and is dependent on the railroad tracks being repaired overnight between the Via Princessa and Vincent Grade/Acton stations," Johnson said. "Due to the track repairs, trains that do operate will likely proceed at reduced speeds, which will lead to delays."

Passengers are encouraged to check for service updates at www.metrolinktrains.com or follow @MetrolinkAV on Twitter.

Hot tropical weather earlier Thursday spawned thunderstorms that sent flood waters rushing through the Acton area, 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 Thursday. 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. Thursday in the area of Syracuse Avenue and Crown Valley Road, where flood waters swamped several properties. Overall, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported that county firefighters performed three air rescues of stranded motorists.

No injuries were reported.

Flooded and possibly undermined tracks near Aliso Canyon Road also brought the 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.

The county's Department of Public Works was also working to clear roadways after receiving multiple calls about mud and rock debris. 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 Thursday in some valley and desert locations, but today's highs are expected to be a bit lower as things cool off for the weekend. The NWS said there might be an isolated thunderstorm today over the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, but estimated the chance of any further thunderstorms to be less than 15 percent.
Teams will resume their search Friday for two who went missing at the Joshua Tree National Park as the search for missing hikers stretches into a second week.



"There's enough track evidence," said George Land, a ranger and spokesman. "We believe they're still in the park."Rachel Nguyen and Joseph Orbeso, recent students at Cal State University Fullerton, were last seen setting out from their airbnb rental for a hike a week ago Thursday, Land said. The property owner cautioned them to bring plenty of water.



When they had not checked out a day later, the property owner notified authorities, and a park ranger located their car in a parking turnout for a trailhead, Land said. The trail, known as the Maze Loop, goes through an area with high rock walls.



Footprints led from the car to the trail, but given the sandy surface, were difficult to follow with certainty for any distance. Checking cellphone provider records, authorities received a "ping" from somewhere in the park late Thursday.



Despite intensive daily searches with police dogs, airplanes, and helicopters, there has been no further evidence of the two.



"I can't remember a search that I've worked on where there wasn't some trace ... discarded water bottles, clothing, Cliff bar wrappers, whatever it is," said Land. "And we just haven't found anything."



Located in high desert hills and rocky slopes north of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree has been subject the past week to extreme weather, including triple-digit temperatures punctuated by thunderstorms, with lightning and heavy downpours.



What kind of supplies and equipment the pair brought with them is not known.



"Our hope is that her 10 years in the Girl Scouts prepared her for an emergency," said Son Nguyen, her uncle.



Members of both families have traveled to Joshua Tree to assist with the search. They described Nguyen and Orbeso as friends, not a couple. Both had previously attended CSUF. Neither is enrolled for this coming fall term, according to the University.



In a park that now receives 2.5 million annual visitors, a handful periodically go missing, and most are quickly found, Land said.



Last November, a Los Angeles couple who disappeared after speaking of traveling to Joshua Tree were found instead 100 miles to the south in the desert near the Mexican border.



In another disappearance last year, authorities suspect the man's car may have been driven into the park and abandoned.



Three decades ago, Joshua Tree became the focus of an intensive search after 3-year-old Laura Bradbury disappeared from the Indian Cove campground area where her family was staying. Authorities suspected she had been abducted. Two years later, skeletal remains of a small skull believed to be of the missing child were located in the park.



Joshua Tree draws from around the world. Thursday a steady stream of visitors, many from Europe, inspected the missing notice posted at the entrance of the visitor center, before proceeding into the park to hike.



"It could be dangerous because of getting lost," said Jan Noeske, on holiday from Cologne, Germany.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced Thursday he's switching parties to join Republicans as President Donald Trump visited the increasingly conservative state.

Justice told about 9,000 Trump supporters at a rally in Huntington that he will be changing his registration Friday. He recently visited the White House twice with proposals on manufacturing and coal, neither he nor Trump are politicians and they both ran to get something done, he said.

"This man is a good man. He's got a backbone. He's got real ideas," Justice said. "He cares about America. He cares about us in West Virginia."

Trump said they spoke a few weeks ago about working together to open coal mines and create jobs in furniture manufacturing and other forms of manufacturing. "But Gov. Justice did something else very important tonight. He showed the country that our agenda rises above left or right," he said.

Justice was elected in November with just 49 percent of the vote, 20 percentage points behind Trump's total in the presidential contest in the state. Trump won 77 percent of West Virginia's Republican primary voters in May.

The president promised throughout the campaign to resurrect the lagging coal industry that has declined amid changing energy markets, leaving many West Virginia communities devastated. The industry and many of its workers have blamed the decline mostly on former President Barack Obama and his environmental policies.

Justice's defection leaves Democrats with just 15 governors among 50 states.

In West Virginia, his jump is another blow for Democrats in a state they once ran without opposition. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and state Treasurer John Perdue will be the remaining statewide elected Democrats. Manchin is up for re-election in 2018, one of 10 Democratic senators running in states Trump won, a dynamic that gives Democrats an uphill path to reclaiming a Senate majority.

Manchin said he'll always be a West Virginia Democrat and was disappointed by Justice's decision but said he'll work with anyone regardless of party affiliation to benefit West Virginians.

Elected in his first run for statewide office, Justice is a 66-year-old businessman whose family owns farms and coal mines who largely funded his own campaign against then West Virginia Republican Senate President Bill Cole. He has spoken often during the campaign and since publicly about his friendship with the Trump family and hosted Donald Trump Jr. turkey hunting and trout fishing earlier this year.

Justice has turned the daily business operations over to his children while governor. He battled the Republican-controlled Legislature in his first year to limit budget cuts to Medicaid and to state colleges and universities, sometimes with public theatrics like bringing cow manure to a press conference.

He said Thursday that it was the defection from his positions by minority Democrats that resulted in outcomes that hurt people. He said both his parents were staunch Republicans. "Today I tell you as West Virginians I can't help you any more being a Democrat governor," he said.

Republican House Speaker Tim Armstead said the increases in Republican registration and elected officials show people in the state want change. "We welcome all West Virginians to the Republican ranks," he said.

"We're eager to work with Gov. Justice to apply our team's conservative principles to the executive branch and make a clean break from the status quo that has dominated the previous two administrations," Senate President Mitch Carmichael said.

West Virginia Democratic Party Chairwoman Belinda Biafore said Justice became a Democrat because they care about people and then took advantage of them by taking their money and votes. "I think we can all guess just who he cares about by his decision today and it's not the people of West Virginia," she said.

Republican U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said Republicans represent the state's future and she's ready to work with Justice to grow the economy and fight for energy jobs.

In the national debate over health care, Justice expressed worries about future health coverage for 175,000 West Virginians in the expanded Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act, but declined to push to repeal and replace "Obamacare." He said he believes Republicans and Democrats will "get it right" when they work together to overhaul the law.

Rep. Evan Jenkins, who switched from Democrat to Republican and won a U.S. House seat in 2014, said at a meet-and-greet in Huntington before the rally that "so many people in recent years have switched from Democrat to Republican, and if Jim Justice is making the switch, I welcome him to the Republican Party."

Jenkins is now running for Manchin's seat.

In May 2015, when he announced his candidacy, Justice said he wanted to put aside partisan politics and that he had changed his party registration multiple times. "I am much more suited to be a Democrat because I truly want to be the person who is trying to take up for the little guy," he said.
As Florida university and college students return to campus this month, many will benefit from a major expansion of need-based financial aid.

Florida's main program aimed at those with financial need, known as student assistance grants, will expand to cover almost 235 thousand people this year, nearly doubling from last year. The students will receive an average grant of more than 11 hundred dollars, which does not have to be repaid.

The Legislature also expanded the Florida Resident Access Grant program, which will provide 33 hundred dollars per year to 37 thousand students attending private colleges and universities in Florida.

The additional money means students will finish school more quickly, according to Ed Moore, president of the Independent Colleges and University of Florida.

Every extra dollar that we can put in that students bank account, if you will, enables them to continue pursuing their degree and get done on time. If they get done on time, they are in the workforce faster, said Moore.

Projections also show more than 46 thousand university and college students who qualify as academic scholars under Florida's Bright Futures program will have all of their tuition and fees covered this year. Last years top Bright Futures scholarship only covered about half of tuition and fees, which average about 215 dollars per credit hour at the 12 state universities.

Students leave school for a very small amount of money, and because they run out of money. They cant pay their electric bill, cant pay their car payment, cant pay their rent. So, they leave school and go back to work, said Moore.
Police are searching for a man who robbed a couple at gunpoint during a home invasion in Coral Gables last month.

The robbery happened the night of July 20 at the couple's home in the 800 block of Navarre Avenue, Coral Gables police officials said Thursday.

Detectives believe the couple was followed to their home from Versailles restaurant in Little Havana by the suspect, who displayed a small handgun and demanded their jewelry before fleeing the home. The suspect fled the home in a 2015-2017 white 4-door Mercedes Benz C300, police said.

A neighbor said this was the second time the couple fell vicitm to an armed thief.

Police released a sketch and surveillance photo of the suspect, who was described as a white, Hispanic male who only spoke in Spanish, about 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-6, 160-170 pounds, between 35 and 45 years old, with short brown hair, a medium complexion and a muscular build.

Anyone who can help identify the man is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
An alleged murder suspect is on the loose after killing two people during a robbery at a Florida resort Friday, authorities said.

Police said the suspect murdered a clerk and a security guard at the Zota Beach Resort in Longboat Key near Sarasota.

The incident happened at around 2:40 a.m. Friday and the suspect is considered armed and dangerous, WFLA reported.

Surveillance video released by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office showed the masked suspect holding a gun as he walked through the resort. The video also shows the suspect walking through some doors holding what appeared to be a box.

Police identified the victims as Timothy Hurley, 59, who was the night manager at the resort, and Kevin Carter, 51, who was the evening security guard at the hotel and worked for Victory Security.

This story will be updated. Please check back for updates.
The mayor of Caracas, Venezuela has been released from jail, according to a series of tweets sent out from the politicians official Twitter account.

The tweets appear to be posted by Ledezma's daughter, Mitzy. They were sent out at around 1:40 a.m. Eastern time.

The first tweet, translated from Spanish, read:

I inform the country that Antonio minutes ago surprised Antonio brought the SEBIN to our residence. He returns to the house by jail.

It is unclear when exactly Ledezma was released from jail. He and Leopoldo Lopez were being held at the Ramo Verde military prison south of the capital after they were taken from their homes on Tuesday night. Lopez is still in prison after being taken.

Both Ledezma and Lopez 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.

Mitzy Ledezma thanked the people of Venezuela and detailed the event in two more tweets.

"Antonio said when entering the apartment that returns with the anguish that Leopoldo and more than 600 Political Prisoners are behind the bars."

Mitzy. Antonio dijo al entrar al apartamento que retorna con la angustia de que Leopoldo y mas de 600 Presos Politicos siguen tras las rejas  Antonio Ledezma (@alcaldeledezma) August 4, 2017

We thank the people of Venezuela and the international community for their concern and great solidarity and their loyal neighbors.
What is coolsculpting? How to get desired results? If you are confused about the treatment,
Police in New Jersey are looking for a man captured on surveillance video attacking and sexually assaulting an elderly woman who was on her way to church for early morning service.

"It's an 83-year-old woman going to church, it doesn't get worse than that," Englewood Police Detective Captain Timothy Torell told News 4 Friday.



He says the elderly woman was walking through an Englewood parking lot early Monday, headed to the Korean Community Church of New Jersey for sunrise service, which she attends daily.

She was followed through the lot by a stranger, who then grabbed and tackled her to the ground in a doorway, sexually assaulting her, Torell said.

The man stopped and calmly walked away when the woman was able to wave down a passing car, video shows.

"In the middle of the assault, she flagged down the car, he sees that and calmly walks away and leaves," said Torell.

The woman had minor injuries.

A staff member at the Korean Community Church told News 4 the victim walks to early-morning prayer service daily and that "church is everything to her." People attending the church were devastated to learn of the attack on one of their most devoted members.

"She's an old woman, we have to care of her and respect her," said congregant Chungmi Kang.

Police have released portions of the surveillance footage capturing the attack in hopes of identifying the suspect. They believe the man is local and that someone in the community will be able to help identify him.

The attack seems to be random, and police are urging the public to be aware of their surroundings when walking late night and early morning.

Police are also stepping up uniformed and plainclothes patrols.

The suspect is about 5 feet 6 inches in height, and was last seen wearing a drawstring-type backpack, with light colored pants and dark shoes with light-colored soles.

The Bergen Crime Stoppers group is offering $1,000 for information in the case; tips can be left at bergencrimestoppers.org.
What to Know Workers on big projects are required by law to have 10 hours of training approved by the OSHA and carry a card certifying completion

But black market sales of fake cards have become a scourge of the industry, and an increasing priority for investigators

Officials have started a new task force, a cooperative effort with multiple agencies, to provide training and get fake cards off the streets

An undercover investigation by the NBC 4 New York I-Team and Telemundo 47 Investiga has found the black market sale of fake safety training cards for New York City construction workers is still booming, despite more than two dozen on-the-job deaths in the last few years and outreach by local officials.

Workers on big projects are required by law to have 10 hours of training approved by the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)  and carry a card certifying completion. The cost of training ranges from $150 to $300.

But black market sales of fake cards have been a scourge of the industry, and an increasing priority for investigators as more than 30 workers have died in construction accidents in the past two years, records show.



Mark Peters, commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), said his agency has looked into deaths on construction sites where workers had fake OSHA cards, and the findings were troublesome.



"The fatalities were related to things that you would know to be careful of if you had proper safety training," Peters said.



He described the fake cards as a real problem.



"Workers arent getting the safety training that they need when they have these fake cards  and thats really dangerous," Peters added.



In some cases, workers get fake cards because they don't want to miss time on the job, according to Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance. In other cases, Vance says employers don't want the workers to take the time off to get cards.



"Many of these [workers] are non-English speaking. There is definitely a huge power differential between themselves and their employers, Vance said.

The I-Team and Telemundo 47 Investiga found its simple to get a fake card. After just a few minutes talking with fake ID dealers on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, an undercover producer purchased one for $60.

The name of a certified OSHA trainer  Victor Pacheco  was printed on the card.

This has been going on for seven or eight years, Pacheco said, whos been in the business for a decade and worked as an OSHA enforcement officer. But its not only me. My boss, his name is being used on fake cards. People that work for me, their names are on fake cards. Its all around."

The DOI and Manhattan district attorney's office have fought back, at times arresting workers with fake cards and those selling them. But now, with the Manhattan Construction Task Force, theyre trying a new approach in cooperation with other agencies.

We have essentially said to workers, Come in. Hand in your fake OSHA card. No questions asked,'" Peters said. "And well take the card. Well give you the 10 hours of training. Well give it to you for free, and then you can have a legitimate card."

The training is provided with local partners, including the Mexican consulate. In eight months, the program has taken 1,500 fake cards off the street.

Vance said the message to workers is clear: We want you to be safe. It doesnt matter where you come from. Your immigration status doesnt matter. If you want to work in New York City, we want to help you make sure you and your family are safe.

Despite the programs success, Peters admits its an uphill battle.

Last week we confiscated cards from a construction site around the corner from our own offices. So yeah, while weve gotten a lot of cards off the street, there are probably thousands of fake cards still out there, he said.

A big part of the problem, authorities say, is that OSHA cards have been on paper stock  and easily forged. That is changing.

In a statement, OSHA said its taken action to prevent or minimize [fake card] activity with the introduction last year of plastic cards that include a QR code. Scanned information includes the workers name and details about their training.

I give OSHA a lot of credit, said Peters. One of the things thats good for the future is the new cards are harder to fake. Although we have seen some fake cards that are new, too.

Workers in New York City must renew their safety training every five years, which means the paper cards will slowly become obsolete.

On Friday, the city's political leaders responded to the report by NBC 4 New York I-Team and Telemundo 47 Investiga.

Sen. Chuck Schumer said he'll work to maintain adequate funding and "beat back efforts to roll back worker safety standards" in the upcoming budget so that OSHA "has the resources to be the cop on the beat."

"Construction work is inherently dangerous and certified safety training is essential to prevent injury and death," the senator said in a statement.

A spokesperson for City Hall said, "No building is worth a person's life." The spokesperson said the city "is working with the City Council and stakeholders to strengthen training beyond the current OSHA-10 requirements, with measures to verify that workers have gotten the training they need to be safe on the job."

The spokesperson also said City Hall will evaluate and incorporate improvements to the cards for any new training to prevent fraud, and that it will enhance enforcement to ensure developers and contractors are fulfilling their responsibilities to prevent worker injuries and deaths.

Rep. Adriano Espaillat called the report "deeply concerning" in a statement, and said he'll take a closer look at the issue. "Cutting corners is not and cannot be acceptable and we must ensure workers have access to the required and vital training that OSHA provides  lives are at stake," he said.

In a statement, Rep. Joe Crowley blamed Republicans in Congress, who he said "repeatedly starved [OSHA] and other federal labor law enforcement agencies of needed resources." The congressman said necessary investments need to be made in OSHA so inspectors can ensure work sites are safe, and that there needs to be improved security features on certification cards, or that a database needs to be developed to track them.

"I hope OSHA and federal law enforcement agencies will crack down on this disturbing trend," Crowley said.



==

To report unsafe working conditions, contact the Manhattan Construction Task Force via WhatsApp @ 646.712.0298 or call 311.
A federal appeals court on Friday overturned the first-degree murder conviction of a former Blackwater security contractor, ordering a new trial for the man prosecutors say fired the first shots in the 2007 slayings of 14 Iraqi civilians at a crowded traffic circle in Baghdad.

In a split opinion, the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia Circuit ruled a lower court erred by not allowing Nicholas Slatten to be tried separately from his three co-defendants in 2014. The 33-year-old contractor from Tennessee is serving a life sentence for his role in the killings, which strained international relations and drew intense scrutiny of the role of American contractors in the Iraq War.

The court also ordered new sentences for the three other contractors, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Herd. They were each found guilty of manslaughter and firearms charges carrying mandatory 30-year terms.

The judges determined those sentences violated the constitutional prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment because prosecutors charged them with using military firearms while committing another felony. That statute, typically employed against gang members or bank robbers, had never before been used against overseas security contractors working for the U.S. government.

The lawyers for the defendants could not immediately be reached for comment.

At the weekslong trial held in 2014, federal prosecutors and defense lawyer presented very different versions of what triggered the September 2007 massacre in Nisour Square.

The government described the killings as a one-sided ambush of unarmed civilians, while the defense said the guards opened fire only after a white Kia sedan seen as a potential suicide car bomb began moving quickly toward their convoy. After the shooting stopped, no evidence of a bomb found.

In issuing their ruling benefiting the defendants, the judges said they were in no way excusing the horror of events they said "defies civilized description."

"In reaching this conclusion, we by no means intend to minimize the carnage attributable to Slough, Heard and Liberty's actions," said U.S. Circuit Judge Karen L. Henderson, writing for the court. "Their poor judgments resulted in the deaths of many innocent people."

Blackwater later changed its name to Xe Services and is now called Academi.


A 15-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed himself while playing with a loaded gun at a friend's house Wednesday evening, police on Long Island said.

Three teens were playing with the gun inside a Williams Street home in Glen Cove when one of them fired a shot, hitting himself, Nassau County police say.

The boy, identified by relatives as Derek Cosme, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cosme's mother and aunt were on their way to pick up the teen from his friend's house when they learned he was dead, another aunt, Rosa Vasquez, told News 4.

Cosme was heading into the 11th grade at Glen Cove High School and was described by his aunt as a good kid who never got into trouble and loved music.

Derek had four sisters whom "he adored and loved so much," according to older sister Jasmine.

"He was very outgoing, friendly, smart just loved by so many," she wrote on a fundraising page for funeral services.

Police say a retired county corrections officer lived in the home where the boy shot himself, and the gun was owned by a licensed pistol holder.

Vasquez says the gun should have been locked up and an adult must be held responsible. She said the family would not stop until they got answers.

Neighbor Aleka Bellidoro said, "I'm very shaken up. Even though I'm not close with them, I've seen them outside, I've talked to their grandmother."

"I'm shocked," said Frank Ecker. "I've lived here for 20 years, never seen anything like this."

The investigation is continuing.
The owners of a Pennsylvania bridal store say they've received threats after refusing to sell a wedding gown to a lesbian couple.

The police chief in Bloomsburg tells the Press Enterprise of Bloomsburg the owners of W. W. Bridal say they've been threatened after telling the couple to shop elsewhere on July 8.

The lesbian couple took to social media to vent, and their story was widely shared.

Police Chief Roger Van Loan says the alleged threats ranged from a prank moving van sent to the store to threats of bodily harm. Police are investigating.

Shop co-owner Victoria Miller says they're only accepting pre-arranged customers until they "feel it is safe" to reopen.

W. W. Bridal also created controversy in 2014 for refusing to serve lesbians.

At the time, Miller said providing two women dresses "for a sanctified marriage would break God's law."
Suicide among teen girls between the ages of 15 and 19 has hit a 40-year high, according to new data released by the National Center for Health Statistics.

Male teens, by comparison, experienced an increase in suicides from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s.

Academic pressure, cyberbullying and undiagnosed mental disorders could offer a partial explanation of why a young person might consider or attempt suicide, according to experts. This is especially true of young people who are gay, trans or questioning.

"At times, 11-year-olds and 12-year-olds say  'If I dont get straight As in seventh grade, Im not going to get into AP courses in ninth grade  and Im not going to get into a good college. If I dont get into a good college, Im going to be homeless,'" Dr. Tami Benton, psychiatrist-in-chief at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, told NBC10 earlier this year for the groundbreaking series Preventing Suicide: Breaking the Silence.

Tina and David Attryde lost their teenage son to suicide. The Bucks County, Pennsylvania, parents are sharing Ryans story for the first time, breaking the silence around suicide. The is one of a series of reports from our award-winning 2017 investigation: Preventing Suicide: Breaking the Silence.

In 2015, the latest data available, more than 44,000 people took their own lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overall, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 34. More than one million people attempt suicide every year.

Men are more likely to die by suicide, but women are more likely to attempt it, the CDC reported. The disparity comes down to method: men gravitate towards suicide by firearms and hanging while women turn to overdosing on medication. The latter has a higher chance of reversal with timely medical attention.

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Recently, researchers from San Diego State University found that for almost three weeks after Netflix show "13 Reasons Why" debuted, there was an uptick in Google searches involving the word "suicide." Searches included methods, hotlines and prevention. The show depicts the suicide of a teen girl and her blaming specific people for it.

The study did not provide a definitive link between actual suicides and the Netflix series.

The new data comes on the heels of the sentencing of Michelle Carter, who was 17 when she urged her 18-year-old boyfriend to kill himself. Conrad Roy Jr. died by intentional carbon monoxide poisoning in 2014.



If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting 'Home' to 741741.
Bullying eroded 11-year-old Phil Mick's self-esteem in recent years, but Tuesday  his first day of sixth grade  dozens of motorcyclists helped boost the Indiana boy's confidence by escorting him to middle school.

About 50 bikers from such cities as Fort Wayne and Columbia City gathered at Richards Restaurant in Auburn for the motorcade, leading a massive show of support for the young boy as he began a new school year, organizer Brent Warfield of KDZ Motorcycle Sales & Service said.

The first day of school is a day Phil would have typically dreaded, his mother said.

Tammy Mick said her son wasn't forthcoming about being bullied, but she noticed changes in him and eventually got him to talk. She told TV station WPTA the bullying was so bad, her son considered suicide.

"They called me fat," Phil told the station. "Sometimes, kids would come up and kick me in the wrong areas."

Mick described Warfield as a "god angel" to Phil, who had been tormented to the point that he felt worthless and would call himself stupid, she said.

Warfield met the family at Christmastime last year, he said, and he offered to arrange a first-day-of-school escort when he learned of Phil's plight. The boy's story "hit my heart," he said.

"As a motorcycle community, we don't want to see children getting bullied, because it leads to teenage suicide," he said in a phone interview.



According to a 2015 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for ages 10 to 14. Youths who frequently bully others and youths who are frequently bullied are at an increased risk for suicide-related behavior, the agency reported.

Mick said Phil, who called the bikers his brothers and sisters, eagerly anticipated Tuesday's motorcycle ride  his first.

"I recommend this for any kid who's being bullied," Mick said in a phone interview before Phil returned home from school. "He was all smiles this morning."

The bikers prayed for Phil before departing the restaurant for DeKalb Middle School. The motorcycles' roar was difficult to miss as they arrived, Principal Matt Vince said, recalling how the sound reverberated off the exterior brick walls.

He commended the motorcyclists for supporting the student, whom the school looks forward to getting to know.

"Standing up against bullying - we need more of that," Vince said by phone. "And they did it in a positive way."

The principal encouraged students, parents and community members to report concerns of any kind by phone, by email or through the DeKalb County Central United Schools app, for which information is available at www.dekalbcentral.net.

"We want to know about it," Vince said. "We want to help."

SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


President Donald Trump on Thursday declared Hillary Clinton's defeat in November "the greatest loss in the history of American politics," while painting the Russia investigation as a "total fabrication" by Democrats to distract from their defeat and lack of message.

"The reason why Democrats only talk about the totally made up Russia story is because they have no message, no agenda and no vision," Trump told a raucous crowd of supporters gathered for a campaign rally-style event in Huntington, West Virginia, NBC News reported.

The president called probes into alleged collusion between his campaign and Russia during the 2016 election "demeaning" and "fake."

"Have you seen any Russians in West Virginia or Ohio or Pennsylvania?" Trump continued, listing states he won last year. "Are there any Russians here tonight? Any Russians?"
Thursday's rain led to a mess in parts of Burlington County, New Jersey leaving drivers stranded and homes damaged by flood waters.



A Flood Warning is in effect for Burlington County, New Jersey until 1:15 a.m. Friday. SkyForce10 was over Burlington Township and Burlington City, New Jersey Thursday evening where the most severe flooding took place along Route 130.

"All this was flooded," said Jacqueline Newman of Burlington City. "A dolphin can swim in this stuff. There was so much water. It was ridiculous how much water was out here and I've been coming over here all my life since a little girl. I've never seen nothing like this."



Several cars were stuck in heavy flood waters. Gas stations, businesses and homes in Burlington were also flooded.

Heavy rain is leading to extensive flooding in South Jersey. SkyForce10 was over Burlington City and Burlington Township Thursday night where the flooding is the most intense.

"A few other cars stopped in back of me and I panicked," said Sheenah Jackson, a Burlington City resident.



Officials say the heavy rain in Burlington was due to a severe storm cell. The Emergency Operations Center opened as police, firefighters, EMS, emergency management and other officials responded to numerous calls for assistance in the city and township.

"A friend of mine lifted my daughter out of the car because that's how intense it was," said Glenda Fox Carpenter. "I just told her to stay in the car and when I got here I had to take my shoes off. Water was up to my knees."

The incidents included stranded motorists inside vehicles that were trapped in flood waters, downed trees and wires, activated fire alarms and flooded basements.

"We checked our basement and we were taking in six inches of rain," said Thomas Swan of Burlington City. "We're still flooded, waiting for the fire department."



Fortunately no deaths or serious injuries were reported.

Officials in Burlington are currently monitoring the tide schedule of the Delaware River. The next high tide is scheduled for 1 a.m. Friday.

"While this weather event is over, the flooding threat still exists with this upcoming high tide," a Burlington City official wrote. "Evacuation plans are being reviewed and coordination efforts are ready in the event evacuations are necessary."

No evacuations of residents in Burlington City and Burlington Township have taken place so far.

Burlington residents are asked to immediately call 911 in the event of an emergency and 609-386-3300 for any non-emergency.

Motorists who see flooded roads are advised to turn around and not attempt to drive in the water. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

A Flood Advisory was also in effect for Berks, Burlington, Camden, Hunterdon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties until 10:45 p.m. Thursday's storms also caused flight delays at Philadelphia International Airport.



A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was also in effect for Lehigh and Northampton counties until 9:15 p.m.



Rain Leads to Major Flooding in South Jersey

Stay with the NBC10 First Alert Weather Team for the latest weather updates.


A Virginia man is suing the Republican Party for failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act.



Bob Heghmann claims GOP lawmakers defrauded contributors with promises to undo "Obamacare," in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, the Virginian-Pilot reported.

Heghmann, a 70-year-old retired attorney from Virginia Beach, claims the Republican National Committee and the Republican Party of Virginia raised more than $755 million over seven years while campaigning on a repeal-and-replace platform. The Republican-controlled Senate failed last month to approve a new health care bill.

Heghmann wants the Republican Party to return contributions or threaten lawmakers with losing financial support if they fail to repeal the ACA.

Federal records show Heghmann gave $875 to the Republican party in New Hampshire, where he recently lived and volunteered for Donald Trump's campaign.
A mens quartet that has proven popular with Fremonters will return for a performance this month.

Liberty Quartet, a gospel group based in the West, will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at Fremont Church of the Nazarene, 960 N. Johnson Road. Admission is free; a freewill offering will be accepted.

They have had a good history with the church over many years, said the Rev. Aaron Horton, lead pastor. They have tight harmonies and a good sound. They put on a good concert that the whole family can enjoy.

The quartet presents high-energy performances with humor and heartfelt worship, states data from its website.

Horton said the quartets previous concerts have been very well attended in the past.

Based out of Boise, Idaho, the quartet has existed since 1995. Members perform approximately 170 concerts throughout the year.

The group gives performances at church services, nursing homes, prisons, large conventions and for other ministries. The quartet has shared the platform the groups such as the Gaither Vocal Band.

Current Liberty Quartet members are: Royce Mitchell, bass; Paul Ellis, lead; Derek Simonis, baritone; and Philip Batton, tenor.

Mitchell, one of the groups founding members, was 13 when he sang with a quartet called The Gospel Four. He later served in full-time church ministry for 14 years. While serving as a music minister in Boise, he and three church laymen organized Liberty Quartet. In 1996, the quartet pursued a traveling ministry. Mitchell has a masters degree in music.

Ellis, the lead vocalist, re-joined Liberty Quartet in 2014, having previously sung with the group. He began traveling and singing while a teen with mixed groups called Impact Teams in Nebraska. He continued singing with mixed groups while in college and sang with The Collegiate Quartet. After college, he served as both a youth pastor and music minister for 15 years.

Simonis, the baritone, also began singing at an early age. He is a former youth pastor and previously sang with Southern Harmony Quartet. For seven years, he served as a communications repair section leader for the United States Army. He was a member of the 1/160th SOAR (A) Night Stalkers and served several deployments overseas.

Batton, the tenor, was about 5 years old when he began singing publically with his seven siblings. Batton was raised in a ministers home and his father served several churches throughout the southwestern states and in the Northwest. His parents often sang at revivals and camp meetings, the groups website states.

Horton encourages area residents to attend the concert.

Wed like to invite everybody to come and enjoy the evening with the Liberty Quartet, he said.
A failure by a Virginia child protective services agency allowed a school administrator accused of sexually abusing a young girl to find a new job as an assistant principal, an investigation by the News4 I-Team found.

By failing to notify school officials, Arlington County Child Protective Services violated state law. The man found a new position in Prince Georges County Public Schools where he worked for three years.

According to state education records obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, a September 2013 investigation by Arlington County Child Protective Services found former Claremont Elementary School teacher Zevlin Staten sexually abused a third grade student in 2006. The state records said the abuse occurred inside a classroom closet and continued in successive years when the girl was in the fourth and fifth grades.

Police investigated Staten but said it didnt have evidence to recommend criminal charges. Staten was not prosecuted. The records show he has denied the accusations from the outset. Staten maintains his innocence, according to his attorney. He declined to be interviewed by the I-Team.

The records obtained by the I-Team show Arlington County Child Protective Services failed to notify Arlington Public Schools and the Virginia Department of Education about its findings, as required under Virginia law. The error prevented state officials from revoking his license until May 2017, more than three years after the investigation.

Though Staten resigned his position in Arlington Public Schools in June 2013, during the investigation by Child Protective Service agents, he found a new job as an assistant principal at Thomas Johnson Middle School in Prince Georges County, Maryland within weeks. School district and state records obtained by the I-Team show Staten remained at Thomas Johnson Middle School until he resigned in January 2017.

Thats the type of mistake you never want to make, child sex abuse counselor Dr. Eliana Gil said. Its a very serious mistake and a very grave situation that puts kids at risk.

Several parents of Thomas Johnson Middle School students said they were unaware of Statens prior misconduct investigation in Arlington County until they were notified by the News4 I-Team. Dwight Francis of Lanham said his daughter was a student of Statens through January.

(They) could have notified me of a potential danger to my child," Francis said. "Shes in the seventh grade and he was a seventh-grade adviser.

Arlington County Department of Human Services officials, who oversee the countys Child Protective Services agency, said they are not allowed to comment on the handling of specific cases. The county will look into and address any report that a required notification was not received and also ensure that its protocols are updated, an agency spokesman said in a statement to the I-Team.

Statens case was discovered languishing in October 2016 by Arlington Public Schools. A school district spokeswoman said officials became aware Staten was teaching in Prince Georges County and began an inquiry.

Arlington Public Schools held a hearing into Statens case in January 2017.

Other Potential Loopholes, Errors

The sequence of events occurring in Statens case between September 2013 and January 2017 reveal other possible errors and a loophole in Virginia law that allowed his return to a classroom.

Virginia state education records said Staten appealed the 2013 finding that hed engaged in sexual misconduct. The appeals process lasted through 2015, when state social service officials sustained the initial finding by Arlington County.

Staten was allowed to maintain his teaching license and avoid being placed on the state child abuse registry during his appeal, which would have prevented him from getting a job with children. The registry is not publicly available but is used by public agencies.

Allowing someone to continue to work and have access to other children is an egregious situation, Gil said. We have the safety of children to consider.

Arlington Countys failure to properly notify Virginia state education officials about Statens case until 2016 exacerbated the loophole, allowing Staten to remain licensed even after his appeal concluded.

Virginia Department of Education spokesman Charles Pyle declined to speak specifically about Statens case but said Virginia laws require local school districts and child protective service agencies to promptly report cases of suspected child abuse to education officials. If one agency doesn't carry out its responsibility, there's a chance for a 'window to be opened for an individual to move to another state and get a (teaching) license in another state, Pyle said.

Background Checks

Parents at Thomas Johnson Middle School in Lanham also question Prince Georges County Public Schools background screening of Staten before hiring him in 2013.

Francis, whose daughter begins eighth grade at the school next month, said the school district should have called Arlington Public Schools and inquired about Statens history before hiring him.

If I apply for a job at McDonalds, they check my references, said Francis. If someone applies at Prince Georges or another school district, (the school district) should do the same. It's old fashioned. You pick up a phone and you make a phone call."

A Prince Georges County Public Schools spokeswoman said prospective employees are subjected to state and FBI background checks. She said the school district will call past employers, if the candidate worked in a different school district.

Sources inside Prince Georges County Public Schools said the district called Arlington Public Schools in July 2013 to inquire about Staten and were not told of any problems with him. Arlington County Public Schools told the I-Team it does not maintain a log of phone calls received about job references and could not detail whether it was contacted about Staten.

The Maryland State Department of Education said Statens Maryland teaching license, which he obtained days after his resignation in Arlington County, is under review.

Reported by Scott MacFarlane, produced by Rick Yarborough, and shot and edited by Jeff Piper.


A couple that spent more than $10,000 on jewelry during a recent cruise returned home to learn it may be worth a fraction of that, according to an appraiser.

When the Royal Caribbean cruise Clyde Baker and Ellen Jones took stopped in Belize City, the cruise line recommended they shop at Diamonds International.

A tanzanite ring of more than two-and-a-half carats caught Jones eye.

When I saw it, of the stones that were there in front of me, it was just like it popped out at me, and that's the one I wanted, she said.

Baker agreed to pay $2,800 for the ring.

It means a lot to us, yeah, he said.

Both lost spouses of more than 40 years. They met through hospice and have been a couple ever since.

It's a commitment ring, Baker said. It's an engagement.

The salesperson showed them a matching bracelet and necklace.

I thought, Oh, my God! And I was definitely caught up in the moment, Baker said.

They were offered two years of no interest if they opened a credit card with Diamonds International.

So I did it; I bought the whole spiel, Baker said. I thought, Can't go wrong.

He spent a total of $12,000. The company guaranteed the jewelry's value would only appreciate, he said.

When the couple returned home, they had the jewelry appraised.

The three pieces appraised for $3,000 total, they said.

We thought we had an investment but we really felt like we got ripped off, Baker said.

Baker said he went back and forth with Diamonds International, hoping to get his money back.

I wanted them to take their necklace and their bracelet back, Jones said.

The couple wanted to keep the ring since it had sentimental value. Baker said Diamonds International would not give him the refund he wanted in exchange for the necklace and bracelet.

NBC4 Responds reached out to Diamonds International, and after a couple of phone calls, they agreed to let Baker return the bracelet and necklace. They said their "goal is to ensure 100 percent customer satisfaction, which in this case was to provide Mr. Baker with a refund."

Royal Caribbean said it works with a third party vendor who remained in "constant contact with the guest and Diamonds International, and we worked with both to reach an optimal resolution swiftly."

Baker received a refund of $10,070.

Diamonds International said tanzanite is hard to appraise and they stand by the value of the jewelry.
Months after a church was destroyed by flames, its congregation is still struggling to rebuild because of vandalism at the church.

Worshipers at New Mt. Olivet Apostolic Church in Seat Pleasant, Maryland, have been holding services at a nearby fire station since a fire in January.

Every week they pack into a room at the fire station and sing and worship just as they always have.

"Were gonna remain a family regardless of what the consequence, or what the situation is," church member Cheryl Clarke said.

But they also wish they could be back at their church.

"We talk about that every day in my house. We just want to get back into church," said church member Seymour Clarke.

To add to the devastation of the fire, vandals have been breaking into the church, leaving behind trash and stealing parts.

"Sad. Im holding back tears," Pastor Hopeton Mair said.

Mair said the extra damage means extra bills the church cannot afford to pay.

"It causes us to go through more traumatic experience and it hurts. And the damage is vast and we need help, " Mair said.

Despite everything, church members say they don't have hate for the people who committed the vandalism.

"Thats just how low these people are. But we have to pray for them. And we have to forgive them," Mair said.

"Some people, they dont know better, so were gonna love them just the same," Clarke said.
On Monday, millions of Americans will look up to watch the moon completely cover the sun. For a couple of minutes, the sky will become dark. Birds will flock to their nests. The temperature will drop significantly. Bright stars and planets will come out of hiding.

It's a celestial event astronomers have spent years preparing for and so-called "eclipse chasers" from all over the world have booked up hotel rooms in its path months, even years, in advance. Some have changed their lives for it.

"I retired at the end of last year because of this eclipse," eclipse chaser and amateur astronomer Jackie Beucher said.

Bolivia, Aruba, Greece, Siberia, China, Australia -- Beucher has been around the world and said shes seen at least eight total eclipses.

"It's a soul-searing experience," Beucher said.

She was in Hawaii when she saw her first total eclipse on July 11, 1991. Twenty-five years later, Beucher still remembers the "very, very strange" moment when birds went to roost and frogs began chirping. But most eerie, she said, was that the waves on the coast of Maui died down.

"You can never be ready for it," she said. "You see that black hole in the sky and then the corona bursts out and it's like it just hits you straight to your soul. And I'm sitting here at my kitchen table with goose bumps all over me just thinking about it."

This year, Beucher wont have to travel far to get those goose bumps. The path of the eclipse is headed right through her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri.

Millions of Americans from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina, will be able to see it, according to NASA.

With so many Americans in the path of totality, Beucher has made it her mission to convince as many people as possible to make an effort to see it. Shes become an eclipse evangelist of sorts, giving talks and lessons to the public.

"I start off my sermon and I say, 'How many of you are planning to go to see totality?' And I say, 'Well, I'm here today to try to convince you to make the effort.'"

An entire generation of Americans haven't seen a total eclipse. The last time totality passed over the contiguous U.S. was in 1979.

"There's no question that this will be by far the most-witnessed total solar eclipse in Americas history," said David Baron, eclipse chaser and author of "American Eclipse."

Baron said many people have seen lunar eclipses in their lifetime, in which the moon passes behind the earth, and many have seen a partial solar eclipse, when the moon covers part of the sun.

"That's all very interesting," but something much different happens during a total solar eclipse, according to Baron.

"The best way I can describe it is like you are suddenly transported to another planet and you are looking at a completely alien sky," Baron said. "When the moon's shadow moves in, it pulls the blue sky away and it enables you to look toward the center of the solar system to see the stars, to see the planets and our sun together and you'll see the sun like you've never seen it before."

The sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, is the star of the show during a total eclipse. According to NASA, astronomers have made many scientific discoveries while studying the corona during solar eclipses.

And for eclipse chasers, the moment they witness the halo around the sun is everything.

"It feels like I am seeing God. It's that intense," said Baron, who admits he isn't religious. "You have a sense of how enormous and grand and beautiful the universe is and how tiny and insignificant you are as a human being."

But the moment is sometimes difficult to put into words.

"You have this feeling and it comes, you know, from the middle of your chest where your heart is... man, it hits you there," Beucher said.

"I can't describe the feeling and the compulsion that you get when you see one and you want to see it again. It just drives you. Its so meaningful," said Kate Russo, a psychologist from Australia who became fascinated by eclipses after seeing one on the coast of France in 1999.

On Aug. 21, 2017, the moon's shadow will darken a path 35 to 71 miles wide from Oregon to South Carolina, blocking out the light from the sun. Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell is at NASA Goddard to share how you can get ready for the once-in-a-century eclipse.

Like Beucher, Russo was infatuated after her first eclipse sighting.

"I really did not expect that I would become an eclipse chaser. I didn't expect that I was going to be hooked on them. And I didn't really expect that it was going to be so profound and that it would really change my life," said Russo, whose book "Being in the Shadow" shares people's personal stories of their first time seeing an eclipse.

Russo said she wrote her book because "people just didn't get it" when she would come back from an eclipse trip and try to explain to them what it was like.

It was through her work as a psychologist for families experiencing loss that she says she realized why she was so moved by the eclipse experience.

WASHINGTON  Two men suspected of assaulting a gay couple last month during a fight outside a restaurant in Olney, Maryland, have been charged with second-degree assault. Montgomery County police arrested Jose Luis Ledesma-Chavez, 24, of Olney, on Nov. 4. Maryland State Police arrested 24-year-old Hamdan Ibrahim Bibi Vincent, of Beltsville, on Thursday. Related Stories Montgomery Co. police investigate assault...

"You really understand [life is] precious when you're about to lose someone. This would be my day job where I was having these profound insights, but these were the same insights I was getting every time I was experiencing totality, without the loss," Russo said. "It really made me think about the total eclipse as something really really unique as a human event and it made me fascinated by it even more."

How Can I See It?

To see the total eclipse on Aug. 21, youll have to be in the path of totality. The 70-mile-wide path will cross through Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and North and South Carolina. All of North America thats outside of the path will be able to see a partial eclipse.

NASA

"Here in the D.C. area, we're going to get about 85 percent coverage, which is a lot, but we're still gonna have plenty of light outside," said NBC4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said. "You will notice it if you're out in the D.C. area."

Kammerer is going down south to Clemson, South Carolina, to see the total eclipse and bring the experience to NBC4 viewers.

"This is history. This is something that I may never see again in my lifetime," Kammerer said.

A D.C. couple and their seven children now have a place to call home after losing everything. The family is living in an apartment as part of a new program in the District that aims to help the homeless get back on their feet. News4s Meagan Fitzgerald reports.

Safety First

Remember when you're watching the eclipse to never look directly at the sun, except during totality.

NASA recommends going to local science museums, schools or astronomy clubs to find free eclipse glasses.

You can also check out NASA's website for more ways to view the eclipse safely.

And be prepared to get hooked.

"They do say it's a once in a lifetime event and that is absolutely true, but you don't have to limit it to just once in a lifetime," Russo said. "You too can become an eclipse chaser. We welcome you with open arms!"
Engineers from Ford Motor Company were sent to Auburn, Massachusetts on Thursday to inspect police cruisers for carbon monoxide.

Engineers drove the cruisers around town at fast speeds, sat idling, and pored over the Explorer SUVs trying to figure out why carbon monoxide was leaking from them.

Wednesday, an Auburn officer crashed after passing out behind the wheel. Police blamed carbon monoxide and tested 20 vehicles. 10 cruisers and 3 standard SUVs had elevated readings.

Nearly a dozen cruisers were pulled off the road by Ford specialists on Thursday, and 6 officers sent to the hospital with elevated levels.

"We want to be proactive about it because we want to make sure our officers are safe out on the street," said Captain John Dougan of the Quincy Police Department.

After police crashes in a number of states and more than 2,700 complaints about both police and consumer vehicles, The National Highway Safety Administration has expanded its investigation to Ford Explorers from 2011 to 2017.

Auburn is ordering dozens of meters and Ford has promised to stay until the vehicles are back on line. Ford has also announced that they will be paying for fixes across the country. They say regular consumers shouldn't have concerns; however, Auburn did have problems with 3 of their regular SUVs.

Police departments that have already installed carbon monoxide detectors include Worcester, Cambridge, Lowell, Tewksbury, and Westwood, among others



If you're concerned, Ford advises you take your Explorer to a dealer.
The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for an 80-year-old sailor from Massachusetts whose boat was found off the coast of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Thursday evening.

Richard Pratts sailboat, the Tarrier, was found aground with its sails up, and skiff still attached.

Usually if the skiffs still tied to the stern, theres either somebody on board  or supposed to be, said Craig Garland, a member of the Cape Elizabeth Water Extraction Team who responded to the report of the unmanned boat.

Garland said the boat did not appear to be damaged.

It raised enough concern for us to launch a search, Coast Guard Petty Officer Andrew Barresi said.

A log book located on board led searchers to look from Cape Elizabeth to Ogunquit, Maine. According to the Coast Guard, the search covered 304 square nautical miles.

The search was suspended on Friday afternoon. According to Barresi, searchers did not find any sign of Pratt or any of his belongings. They will resume the search if new information surfaces.

While the Coast Guard could not confirm where Pratt lives in Massachusetts, a boat database shows his sailboats home port in Cohasset.
Magazine "bon appetit" put together a list of the best new restaurants in America and four New England spots made the cut.

One restaurant in Massachusetts, two in Maine, and one in Rhode Island made the Northeast section of the list.

Mamaleh's, a Jewish deli in Cambridge, Massachusetts, made the list for its bagels, bialys, pastrami, and brisket. The blog recommends trying the "Jewish Pupu Platter" which is complete with chopped liver, knishes, and pickles or the pastrami sandwich, or even the blintzes with raspberry preserves. The restaurant is located at One Kendall Square in Cambridge and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Nina June in Rockport, Maine, made the list for its Italian fare. The restaurant is famous for its signature farm-to-table Italian food. The blog recommends trying any and all of the pastas, specifically the tagliatelle with slow-cooked lamb neck ragu. The restaurant is located at 24 Central St. in Rockport and is open Tuesday-Sunday.

The second Maine spot that made the list was The Purple House, a bakery located in North Yarmouth. Recommendations include the za'atar-dusted Montreal-style bagel with horseradish-dill cream cheese and gravlax or one of the bagel sandwiches. The bakery is closed until the first week of October and then is open Thursday-Sunday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Bucktown in Providence, Rhode Island, was the final New England spot on the list. Head to the southern-fried food shack and make sure you order the captain's platter complete with the deep-golden fried shrimp and crispy fried chicken, plus you can add on sides such as collard greens and mac and cheese. The restaurant is located at 471 West Fountain St. in Providence and is open seven days a week.
For the first time ever, Harvard University's incoming class will not be majority white.

Admissions statistics for the class of 2021 shows whites will make up 49 percent of the students, with Asian Americans coming in second, followed by African Americans and Latinos.

Derrick Yang says being at Harvard is about academic rigor, meeting new friends, and experiencing the prestige of campus.

It should be everybodys dream school, says Yang.

Harvard did not answer questions about its admissions policy and what the numbers mean.

A statement from the university read, To become leaders in our diverse society, students must have the ability to work with students from different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Harvard remains committed to enrolling diverse classes of students.

The shift comes in light of reports from the trump administration scrutinizing affirmative action policies at universities.

Jay Bacrania is CEO of Signet Education and helps prospective students navigate through the competitive college admissions process. Bacrania says hes advising parents and students to stop worrying about race and focus on the areas they can control.

How can we help you understand and explore your strengths and weaknesses academically [and] inter-personally? asks Bacrania.

Stanton Ritchies daughters are touring Harvard. He says while seeing more diversity on campus is a good thing, he hopes that merit will always prevail.

We just dont want somebody accepted into Harvard for being a minority, says Ritchie.

Harvard is still dealing with a discrimination lawsuit filed by a group of Asian Americans alleging the admissions department gave preferential treatment to other racial minorities.
A man was arrested Thursday after an attempted robbery in Connecticut and a resulting, overnight manhunt through three New England states.

Michael Raw Laws, 32, of South Carolina was arrested in Lebanon, New Hampshire at approximately 11:30 a.m.

The night before, Lebanon police responded to Dartmouth College Highway to assist police departments from Canaan and Enfield, Connecticut with an ongoing chase.

Police from Einfield were perusing a suspect in connection with an alleged attempted robbery in Enfield.

As Lebanon officers arrived it was learned that the suspect had abandoned the vehicle on Laplante Road and fled into the woods on foot.

The manhunt lasted through the night.

At 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a call for a suspicious male on Hanover Street.

Lebanon police were able to identify Laws as the suspect from the robbery and pursuit. He was taken into custody without incident.

The vehicle Laws was driving was reported stolen from Worcester, Massachusetts. A search of the vehicle after Laws' arrest located a replica handgun.

Laws is scheduled for arraignment in the Grafton County Superior Court on August 4th.
There's A LOT going on, so let's get straight to what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door. (You can also get "5 Things You Need to Know Today" delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)

1. Russia investigation

Federal investigators exploring whether Donald Trump's campaign colluded with Russians have seized on Trump and his associates' financial ties to Russia as one of the most fertile avenues for moving their probe forward, according to people familiar with the investigation. Trump's reaction to this will be closely watched, since a few weeks ago the President said moving the investigation into the realm of his or his family's finances would cross a red line.

Meanwhile, special counsel Robert Mueller has issued grand jury subpoenas related to Donald Trump Jr.'s 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower. The subpoenas seek both documents and testimony from people involved in the meeting, CNN has learned. That meeting has drawn scrutiny since an email exchange beforehand indicated the Russians were offering damaging information on Hillary Clinton.

2. President Trump

The President, in a surprise to no one, blasted these new developments in the Russia investigation during a rally in West Virginia. He called the Russia probe "a total fabrication" and "an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics." He also slammed the US Senate for not spiking Obamacare, saying the senators had "let us down."

Trump was joined at the rally by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, who announced he was moving from Team Democrat to Team GOP. It makes sense that Justice would switch parties: Trump won almost 70% of the vote last fall in his state and has a 60% approval rating there. Republicans are running circles around the Dems at governors' mansions: Justice gives the GOP a 34-to-15 advantage in governorships.

During the rally, Trump didn't bring up those transcripts of his calls with foreign leaders, which got leaked to The Washington Post. According to the transcripts, Trump urged Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to stop saying Mexico wouldn't pay for the US border wall. He also called New Hampshire a "drug-infested den."

3. Gun sales

Gun makers and sellers largely backed Donald Trump for President. And what have they gotten for it? Plummeting gun sales. Gun maker Sturm Ruger says its sales dropped 21% last quarter, while Cabela's, which sells guns and outdoor products, has seen store sales fall 10%. Guns and ammo sold at a record pace during Barack Obama's presidency and also during Hillary Clinton's presidential run, because some people expected, or at least feared, Clinton would win and seek tighter gun control measures. Clinton lost, of course, and gun sales started slipping the day after the election.

4. Harvard and diversity

For the second year in a row, the freshmen class at Harvard is mostly nonwhite. Of the 2,056 students accepted into this class, 50.8% don't identify themselves as white. This didn't make headlines when it happened last year, but it is now, as the renowned university faces a discrimination complaint filed by a coalition of 64 Asian-American associations. The complaint alleges that Harvard has discriminated against Asian-Americans in its admissions policies. Harvard denies the claim. The complaint has caught the attention of the Justice Department, which is looking to lawyers to study it.

5. Texting-suicide case

Michelle Carter was sentenced to 15 months in jail on her involuntary manslaughter conviction. Carter, then 17, sent numerous text messages to her then-18-year-old boyfriend urging him to kill himself, which he did in July 2014. The case may prompt Massachusetts to pass a law (already on the books in about 40 other states) that would make it a crime to encourage someone to commit suicide. Carter will be free while her case is appealed.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

People are talking about these. Read up. Join in.

Skywriting

What do you do when you're testing the engines for the 787 Dreamliner and you have 18 hours to kill? Draw an airplane in the sky, of course.

Special delivery

The pizza delivery driver's car broke down, so he walked a half-mile to deliver the order. Now his grateful customer is raising money to get his car fixed.

Don't look down!

Visiting Switzerland? Cool, you can check out the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, which just opened. It's 1,621 feet long and 279 feet in the air. But, wait, you aren't afraid of heights, are you?

Out of this world

NASA wants your best tweets so it can beam the very best one to the Voyager spacecraft and give the aliens something to read.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I can't accept myself if I'm over 200 pounds"

Oprah Winfrey, a major stockholder in and spokeswoman for Weight Watchers, says while she's all for self-acceptance, even she has her limits.

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH

Jobs milestone?

Have a million jobs been added so far in the Trump presidency? We'll find out later this morning when the July jobs report comes out.

Light it up

The mandatory evacuation order for two islands in North Carolina's Outer Banks will end at noon ET, after power was restored after a weeklong outage.

Opening day

The new national assembly elected in Venezuela's controversial election meets this morning for the first time. Opposition and pro-government groups will mark the occasion with dueling marches.

AND FINALLY ...

Faceoff

It's elephant vs. goose at a Utah zoo. (Click to view)

Evan Perez, Pamela Brown and Shimon Prokupecz contributed to this report.
Charity raises more than 400 through collections

SAMARITANS took to the streets of Newbury for their National Awareness Day and to raise vital funds for the local branch.

The focus of the stand on Northbrook Street on Saturday, July 22, was a large clock, which highlighted that the Samaritans service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A spokesman for Newbury Samaritans, David Thorpe, said: We collected 429.84 on the day and certainly got lots of awareness in the town as the many people who donated were prompted to spin the dial to see if they had won a prize.

It is also hoped that the event will bring some new volunteers to Samaritans to be trained as listeners.

By spinning the hands on the clock, people won prizes when it landed on numbers seven or 24.

Prizes included a range of shop, restaurant and health and beauty salon vouchers.

Newbury branch director Jerry Dixon said: Samaritans listen to people from all walks of life with an extremely wide variety of different problems  relationship problems, financial trouble, mental health issues or anything really that could make someone feel low.

Samaritans are there to listen to you and to talk about the way you are feeling.

We listen without judging, and support our callers by helping them explore issues or feelings they may have found difficult to talk about with others.

In the UK and Ireland, every six seconds someone contacts Samaritans, and every 90 minutes someone takes their own life, but people do not have to be suicidal to talk to us  we are there for anyone struggling to cope.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Indias $600-billion food processing sector is set to treble by 2020, according to Union Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Speaking at a roadshow on World Food India-2017 organised by the ministry in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here on Thursday, she said. Food processing is the only sector that can act as a bridge between farmers and industry.

WFI will help develop global partnerships that would ensure that farmers move from poverty to prosperity. It will provide a platform for global businesses to invest in India, said Rakesh Bharti Mittal, president-designate, CII and vice-chairman, Bharti Enterprises.

Food Processing minister Harsimrat

Kaur Badal speaking at World Food

India-2017 in Chennai

The minister noted that while smaller countries like Indonesia and Malaysia process 70 per cent of their produce, the figure is a meagre 10 per cent for India. She cited lack of infrastructure as one of the reasons for this, saying the country needs to be incentivised for the industry to progress. With the recently released policy of Kisan Sampada Yojana and a corpus fund of Rs 6,000 crore, the government hopes to raise food processing output by another five per cent including incentives, she added.

According to Badal, promoting food processing will also address the problem of food wastage, which she pegged at $940 billion globally  equal to the GDP of Indonesia.

She said that 42 Mega Food Parks have been planned with an outlay of Rs 2,100 crore and this will leverage investments of Rs 10,500 crore. All these parks will be functional in the next two years, which would benefit almost 12.5 lakh farmers and 2.5 lakh jobs will be created.

For Tamil Nadu, she said the ministry had allocated a Mega Food Park in Coimbatore with an investment of Rs 130 crore out of which Rs 50 crore will be given by the central government.

CHENNAI: Indias $600-billion food processing sector is set to treble by 2020, according to Union Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Speaking at a roadshow on World Food India-2017 organised by the ministry in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here on Thursday, she said. Food processing is the only sector that can act as a bridge between farmers and industry. WFI will help develop global partnerships that would ensure that farmers move from poverty to prosperity. It will provide a platform for global businesses to invest in India, said Rakesh Bharti Mittal, president-designate, CII and vice-chairman, Bharti Enterprises. Food Processing minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal speaking at World Food India-2017 in ChennaiThe minister noted that while smaller countries like Indonesia and Malaysia process 70 per cent of their produce, the figure is a meagre 10 per cent for India. She cited lack of infrastructure as one of the reasons for this, saying the country needs to be incentivised for the industry to progress. With the recently released policy of Kisan Sampada Yojana and a corpus fund of Rs 6,000 crore, the government hopes to raise food processing output by another five per cent including incentives, she added. According to Badal, promoting food processing will also address the problem of food wastage, which she pegged at $940 billion globally  equal to the GDP of Indonesia. She said that 42 Mega Food Parks have been planned with an outlay of Rs 2,100 crore and this will leverage investments of Rs 10,500 crore. All these parks will be functional in the next two years, which would benefit almost 12.5 lakh farmers and 2.5 lakh jobs will be created. For Tamil Nadu, she said the ministry had allocated a Mega Food Park in Coimbatore with an investment of Rs 130 crore out of which Rs 50 crore will be given by the central government.
By Reuters

LONDON: Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is in discussions with the Dutch central bank use the Netherlands as its trading base in the European Union once Britain leaves the bloc, the bank said on Friday.

Chief Executive Ross McEwan said the bank plans to build-up its Amsterdam unit, acquired after RBS bought ABN Amro in 2008, so that its trading division NatWest Markets can continue to operate smoothly after Brexit.

He said that the unit currently has just a 'handful' of staff but plans to employ a total of around 150.

"NatWest Markets has reviewed ways to minimise disruption to the business and continue to serve its customers well in the event of any loss of EU passporting," the bank said in its half year report.

"Should the outcome of the current EU separation negotiations make it necessary, NatWest Markets is ensuring our existing RBS N.V.banking licence in the Netherlands is operationally ready."

RBS has focused on banking in the UK and Ireland since being rescued with a 45.5 billion pound taxpayer bailout at the height of the financial crisis, meaning it would likely move fewer employees overseas than larger global investment banks.

"Setup costs will be in the low tens of millions, running costs also in the low tens of millions," Chief Finance Officer Ewen Stevenson told reporters

Amsterdam, with some of the world's fastest data links and a history of high-frequency trading has been attracting financial market platforms looking for a post-Brexit base in Europe with both Tradeweb and MarketAxess saying they would move to the city.

However its appeal to investment banks looking to move there has been muted by a cap on bonuses for workers in the financial services industry.

A rule limiting bonuses to 20 percent of fixed pay was brought in by the Dutch government after the 2008 financial crisis. The country's parliament voted in June to scrap that limit in a non-binding consultative vote.

LONDON: Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is in discussions with the Dutch central bank use the Netherlands as its trading base in the European Union once Britain leaves the bloc, the bank said on Friday. Chief Executive Ross McEwan said the bank plans to build-up its Amsterdam unit, acquired after RBS bought ABN Amro in 2008, so that its trading division NatWest Markets can continue to operate smoothly after Brexit. He said that the unit currently has just a 'handful' of staff but plans to employ a total of around 150. "NatWest Markets has reviewed ways to minimise disruption to the business and continue to serve its customers well in the event of any loss of EU passporting," the bank said in its half year report. "Should the outcome of the current EU separation negotiations make it necessary, NatWest Markets is ensuring our existing RBS N.V.banking licence in the Netherlands is operationally ready." RBS has focused on banking in the UK and Ireland since being rescued with a 45.5 billion pound taxpayer bailout at the height of the financial crisis, meaning it would likely move fewer employees overseas than larger global investment banks. "Setup costs will be in the low tens of millions, running costs also in the low tens of millions," Chief Finance Officer Ewen Stevenson told reporters Amsterdam, with some of the world's fastest data links and a history of high-frequency trading has been attracting financial market platforms looking for a post-Brexit base in Europe with both Tradeweb and MarketAxess saying they would move to the city. However its appeal to investment banks looking to move there has been muted by a cap on bonuses for workers in the financial services industry. A rule limiting bonuses to 20 percent of fixed pay was brought in by the Dutch government after the 2008 financial crisis. The country's parliament voted in June to scrap that limit in a non-binding consultative vote.
By Reuters

SINGAPORE: Uber Technologies Inc knowingly rented its drivers defective cars at risk of catching fire, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, and the ride-hailing firm said it moved to fix the problem after one of the vehicles suffered a blaze.

The Journal cited internal emails and documents showing Uber's Singapore unit bought more than 1,000 Vezel sport utility vehicles that maker Honda Motor Co Ltd had recalled due to an electrical fault.

It reported the Singapore management was aware of the recall, and that the cars Uber had bought and rented out had not been repaired. The Journal also said management pressed the car dealer for repairs whilst renting out the vehicles.

"As soon as we learned of a Honda Vezel from the Lion City Rental fleet catching fire, we took swift action to fix the problem, in close co-ordination with Singapore's Land Transport Authority," Uber said in a statement.

The Journal reported the vehicle caught fire in January.

A spokesperson for Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in a statement that it had been "closely monitoring the recall and rectification progress for affected Honda Vezels".

The LTA spokesperson said its records, based on latest information provided by importers and dealers, showed that among the Honda Vezels owned by Lion City Rental Pte Ltd (LCR), 9 percent had been rectified.

"LTA is working with LCR and importers to update this figure and ensure all vehicles are rectified," the LTA spokesperson said.

An Uber spokesman in Singapore declined to elaborate on whether management knowingly rented out defective vehicles, directing Reuters to the company statement. The spokesman said all vehicles had now been repaired.

"We acknowledge we could have done more - and we have done so," Uber said in its statement. It said it had hired three experts "whose sole job is to ensure we are fully responsive to safety recalls."

The Journal reported that Uber's lawyers had assessed potential legal liabilities including possibly violating driver contracts.

"There is clearly a large safety/responsible actor/brand integrity/PR issue," for Uber, an internal report read, according to the Journal.

Uber, which has pulled out of massive markets China and Russia, used Singapore as a springboard to grow in populous Southeast Asia.

The region is dominated by Grab, which says it has a 95 percent market share in third-party taxi-hailing and 71 percent in private vehicle hailing. The local incumbent said last month said had raised $2.5 billion to fund further growth.

Grab said on Friday its drivers do not use the Vezel model that was subject to recall.

"(This incident) will receive some attention and may dissuade some people from using Uber, but I don't see it as having a major impact," said Dane Anderson, a vice president at researcher Forrester.

"The government is very pragmatic and has been friendly to services like this and to business in general. I think it will continue to do what it has always done, which is continue to take a balanced, measured, pragmatic view," Anderson said.

The Journal report is the latest blow to Uber in Asia. Authorities in places such as Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have questioned the legality of its apps, which connect private car owners with fare-paying passengers, pitting them against licensed taxi drivers. The firm has had to suspend operations on several occasions, as in Macau last month.

At home, Uber is the subject of a federal inquiry into software that helped drivers avoid authorities in areas within which it did not have official permission to operate. It is also involved in an intellectual property lawsuit filed by the self-driving car unit of Google parent Alphabet Inc.

SINGAPORE: Uber Technologies Inc knowingly rented its drivers defective cars at risk of catching fire, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, and the ride-hailing firm said it moved to fix the problem after one of the vehicles suffered a blaze. The Journal cited internal emails and documents showing Uber's Singapore unit bought more than 1,000 Vezel sport utility vehicles that maker Honda Motor Co Ltd had recalled due to an electrical fault. It reported the Singapore management was aware of the recall, and that the cars Uber had bought and rented out had not been repaired. The Journal also said management pressed the car dealer for repairs whilst renting out the vehicles. "As soon as we learned of a Honda Vezel from the Lion City Rental fleet catching fire, we took swift action to fix the problem, in close co-ordination with Singapore's Land Transport Authority," Uber said in a statement. The Journal reported the vehicle caught fire in January. A spokesperson for Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in a statement that it had been "closely monitoring the recall and rectification progress for affected Honda Vezels". The LTA spokesperson said its records, based on latest information provided by importers and dealers, showed that among the Honda Vezels owned by Lion City Rental Pte Ltd (LCR), 9 percent had been rectified. "LTA is working with LCR and importers to update this figure and ensure all vehicles are rectified," the LTA spokesperson said. An Uber spokesman in Singapore declined to elaborate on whether management knowingly rented out defective vehicles, directing Reuters to the company statement. The spokesman said all vehicles had now been repaired. "We acknowledge we could have done more - and we have done so," Uber said in its statement. It said it had hired three experts "whose sole job is to ensure we are fully responsive to safety recalls." The Journal reported that Uber's lawyers had assessed potential legal liabilities including possibly violating driver contracts. "There is clearly a large safety/responsible actor/brand integrity/PR issue," for Uber, an internal report read, according to the Journal. Uber, which has pulled out of massive markets China and Russia, used Singapore as a springboard to grow in populous Southeast Asia. The region is dominated by Grab, which says it has a 95 percent market share in third-party taxi-hailing and 71 percent in private vehicle hailing. The local incumbent said last month said had raised $2.5 billion to fund further growth. Grab said on Friday its drivers do not use the Vezel model that was subject to recall. "(This incident) will receive some attention and may dissuade some people from using Uber, but I don't see it as having a major impact," said Dane Anderson, a vice president at researcher Forrester. "The government is very pragmatic and has been friendly to services like this and to business in general. I think it will continue to do what it has always done, which is continue to take a balanced, measured, pragmatic view," Anderson said. The Journal report is the latest blow to Uber in Asia. Authorities in places such as Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have questioned the legality of its apps, which connect private car owners with fare-paying passengers, pitting them against licensed taxi drivers. The firm has had to suspend operations on several occasions, as in Macau last month. At home, Uber is the subject of a federal inquiry into software that helped drivers avoid authorities in areas within which it did not have official permission to operate. It is also involved in an intellectual property lawsuit filed by the self-driving car unit of Google parent Alphabet Inc.
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: Nandyals electoral battlefield is hotting up. With hardly 20 days left for polling for the by-election to the Assembly seat, the decibel levels of campaigning by both the TDP and the YSRC have gone up.

As the by-election is considered to be the bellwether for the 2019 elections, neither party is prepared to lose even an inch of the political space to the other.

Setting the stage for the high-voltage electoral battle, YSRC chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy kick-started the electioneering with his combative and high octane public meeting in the constituency where he called Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to account for his omissions and commissions.

He attacked Naidu for engineering defections in his party and wanted to know how Naidu, who purchased the MLAs, should be called. If one does not speak a lie, he is called Satya Harichandra and if one does not utter a truth, then he should be called Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan said.

Surprisingly, the meeting was well attended and Jagan Mohan Reddys speech was well received.

The Telugu Desam Party too is not lagging behind in slamming the YSRC. TDP is painting Jagan as the new incarnation of corruption. Leading the TDP legions are Tourism Minister Bhuma Akhila Priya, Panchayat Raj Minister Nara Lokesh and a host of ministers who have been camping in Nadyal, trying to bring pro-Jagan voters to their way with promises of a number allurements which include sanction of loans for provision of tractors to farmers, a number of goodies and freebies for the voters of minorities and various other castes.

The campaign is generating immense heat in the wake of TDP MLC Silpa Chakrapani Reddy crossing over to the YSRC to lend support to his brother and YSRC nominee for the Nandyal seat. Silpa Mohan Reddy joined the J-camp after he was denied the TDP ticket for the by-election. At the public meeting where Jagan Mohan Reddy delivered a high-octane speech on Thursday evening, Silpa Chakrapani Reddy announced that he is resigning from the Legislative Council.The announcement is being seen as a shrewd move to provide the YSRC leaders enough ammunition to fire the TDP as none of the 21 YSR legislators who joined the TDP over a period of time has resigned from the Legislative Assembly.

Already, the YSRC has upped the ante against the TDP asking it to explain how it could keep YSRC MLAs and promote some of them as ministers too without first making them resign.

Chandrababu Naidu, however, is not attaching much importance to the exit of Chakrapani Reddy from the party. At the party coordination meeting earlier in the day at the Secretariat at Velagapudi, Naidu is reported to have asked his ministers not to bother too much about those who left the party and asked them to concentrate on what should be done. He directed them that at least three MLAs from each district should be deployed in Nandyal for effective campaigning and implementation of poll strategies. He wanted the party leaders to concentrate more on winning the hearts of the Vysyas and Muslims who could make or mar an election in Nandyal.

Pawan, Kapu factors

Meanwhile, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, who said he would make clear his stand on whether he would campaign in Nandyal or not, is yet to come out with his plans. According to sources close to him, Pawan Kalyan might not take up any campaigning since it might strengthen the suspicion that the power star has been Naidus man since the beginning, his public posturing to the contrary notwithstanding.

Though there has been speculation that Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham too would campaign in Nandyal against Chandrababu Naidu, the Joint Action Committee leaders of the Kapu movement say that their leader was not interested in campaigning in Nandyal. According to sources, if Padmanbaham campaigns, he would stand exposed as the Kapu face of the YSR Congress party which he had been denying all along.

VIJAYAWADA: Nandyals electoral battlefield is hotting up. With hardly 20 days left for polling for the by-election to the Assembly seat, the decibel levels of campaigning by both the TDP and the YSRC have gone up. As the by-election is considered to be the bellwether for the 2019 elections, neither party is prepared to lose even an inch of the political space to the other. Setting the stage for the high-voltage electoral battle, YSRC chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy kick-started the electioneering with his combative and high octane public meeting in the constituency where he called Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to account for his omissions and commissions. He attacked Naidu for engineering defections in his party and wanted to know how Naidu, who purchased the MLAs, should be called. If one does not speak a lie, he is called Satya Harichandra and if one does not utter a truth, then he should be called Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan said. Surprisingly, the meeting was well attended and Jagan Mohan Reddys speech was well received. The Telugu Desam Party too is not lagging behind in slamming the YSRC. TDP is painting Jagan as the new incarnation of corruption. Leading the TDP legions are Tourism Minister Bhuma Akhila Priya, Panchayat Raj Minister Nara Lokesh and a host of ministers who have been camping in Nadyal, trying to bring pro-Jagan voters to their way with promises of a number allurements which include sanction of loans for provision of tractors to farmers, a number of goodies and freebies for the voters of minorities and various other castes. The campaign is generating immense heat in the wake of TDP MLC Silpa Chakrapani Reddy crossing over to the YSRC to lend support to his brother and YSRC nominee for the Nandyal seat. Silpa Mohan Reddy joined the J-camp after he was denied the TDP ticket for the by-election. At the public meeting where Jagan Mohan Reddy delivered a high-octane speech on Thursday evening, Silpa Chakrapani Reddy announced that he is resigning from the Legislative Council.The announcement is being seen as a shrewd move to provide the YSRC leaders enough ammunition to fire the TDP as none of the 21 YSR legislators who joined the TDP over a period of time has resigned from the Legislative Assembly. Already, the YSRC has upped the ante against the TDP asking it to explain how it could keep YSRC MLAs and promote some of them as ministers too without first making them resign. Chandrababu Naidu, however, is not attaching much importance to the exit of Chakrapani Reddy from the party. At the party coordination meeting earlier in the day at the Secretariat at Velagapudi, Naidu is reported to have asked his ministers not to bother too much about those who left the party and asked them to concentrate on what should be done. He directed them that at least three MLAs from each district should be deployed in Nandyal for effective campaigning and implementation of poll strategies. He wanted the party leaders to concentrate more on winning the hearts of the Vysyas and Muslims who could make or mar an election in Nandyal. Pawan, Kapu factors Meanwhile, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, who said he would make clear his stand on whether he would campaign in Nandyal or not, is yet to come out with his plans. According to sources close to him, Pawan Kalyan might not take up any campaigning since it might strengthen the suspicion that the power star has been Naidus man since the beginning, his public posturing to the contrary notwithstanding. Though there has been speculation that Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham too would campaign in Nandyal against Chandrababu Naidu, the Joint Action Committee leaders of the Kapu movement say that their leader was not interested in campaigning in Nandyal. According to sources, if Padmanbaham campaigns, he would stand exposed as the Kapu face of the YSR Congress party which he had been denying all along.
By PTI

PATNA: Bihar Legislative Council has rejected the request of RJD to appoint Rabri Devi as the leader of opposition in the upper house, stating that the party did not have the required number of MLCs needed for the post.

"A strength of 9 MLCs is required for the post of leader of opposition in the upper house but RJD at present has only 7 MLCs. Hence their application was not in conformity with the rules," Deputy Chairman of Bihar State Legislative Council Harun Rashid told PTI today.

"A letter citing existing rules has been sent to RJD Bihar President Ramchandra Purbe who had sent a request for appointing Rabri Devi as leader of opposition in the state's Upper House," Rashid said.

Sushil Kumar Modi was the leader of opposition (LoP) in the 75-member upper house during Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance ministry.

Rabri Devi was chosen as member of Legislative council for the second time in 2012 and her tenure will end in 2018.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also a member of Legislative Council at present.

Purbe told PTI that the Council authority could have used "discretionary" power to appoint Rabri Devi as opposition leader despite the party falling short of requisite numbers.

Criticising RJD, JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar said, "For RJD, all the qualification for a constitutional post lies only to a member of Lalu Prasad family".

The post of chairman of Bihar Legislative Council is also lying vacant after the end of the term of BJP's Awdesh Narayan Singh recently.

Although Singh had been re-elected to the Upper house again from Gaya graduate constituency in the bypoll in June, but nobody was appointed as the Chairman so far.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad had on July 26 last had said after a meeting of RJD legislature party that while Rabri Devi will lead them in Legislative council, his son Tejaswi Prasad Yadav will be the leader of the opposition in state Assembly.

PATNA: Bihar Legislative Council has rejected the request of RJD to appoint Rabri Devi as the leader of opposition in the upper house, stating that the party did not have the required number of MLCs needed for the post. "A strength of 9 MLCs is required for the post of leader of opposition in the upper house but RJD at present has only 7 MLCs. Hence their application was not in conformity with the rules," Deputy Chairman of Bihar State Legislative Council Harun Rashid told PTI today. "A letter citing existing rules has been sent to RJD Bihar President Ramchandra Purbe who had sent a request for appointing Rabri Devi as leader of opposition in the state's Upper House," Rashid said. Sushil Kumar Modi was the leader of opposition (LoP) in the 75-member upper house during Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance ministry. Rabri Devi was chosen as member of Legislative council for the second time in 2012 and her tenure will end in 2018. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also a member of Legislative Council at present. Purbe told PTI that the Council authority could have used "discretionary" power to appoint Rabri Devi as opposition leader despite the party falling short of requisite numbers. Criticising RJD, JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar said, "For RJD, all the qualification for a constitutional post lies only to a member of Lalu Prasad family". The post of chairman of Bihar Legislative Council is also lying vacant after the end of the term of BJP's Awdesh Narayan Singh recently. Although Singh had been re-elected to the Upper house again from Gaya graduate constituency in the bypoll in June, but nobody was appointed as the Chairman so far. RJD chief Lalu Prasad had on July 26 last had said after a meeting of RJD legislature party that while Rabri Devi will lead them in Legislative council, his son Tejaswi Prasad Yadav will be the leader of the opposition in state Assembly.
By PTI

BHOPAL: In a novel initiative, a Class 5 student living in a slum here has been encouraging other children to study and realise the importance of education by running a library from her make-shift house.

Muskan Ahirwar started the small library - 'Bal Pustakalaya' - with 25 educational books last year at her residence in Durga Nagar, a slum located barely a kilometre away from the state secretariat in Bhopal.

The 11-year-old girl's efforts have now been recognised by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who has offered her a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to set up a proper library.

Chouhan met the girl at his residence on Wednesday and handed her a cheque of Rs 2 lakh.

He promised Muskan to build a one-room library for her, an official of the public relations department said.

"The situation would soon change if girls like Muskan are extended support by the whole society. The government will extend all possible support," Chouhan said while handing over the cheque to the girl.

Muskan started the library with merely 25 books which, she says, has "now grown and accommodates around 1,000 books."

The girl lost hope of continuing the library after the death of her father, Manohar Ahirwar, on July 7 this year.

However, after receiving the financial assistance from the chief minister, the girl says now nothing can stop her and the other slum children from moving ahead.

"Papa used to say do something big, study hard," says Muskan, who wants to be a doctor.

Her library remains open between 5 pm and 7 pm every day.

"Nearly 20 to 25 children come to the library (every day). They have to sit on a mat. A few children take the books to their homes and return it later. In a bid to know if they read the books, I sometimes ask questions from it," she says.

Muskan says she also maintains a register of the library's accounts.

BHOPAL: In a novel initiative, a Class 5 student living in a slum here has been encouraging other children to study and realise the importance of education by running a library from her make-shift house. Muskan Ahirwar started the small library - 'Bal Pustakalaya' - with 25 educational books last year at her residence in Durga Nagar, a slum located barely a kilometre away from the state secretariat in Bhopal. The 11-year-old girl's efforts have now been recognised by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who has offered her a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to set up a proper library. Chouhan met the girl at his residence on Wednesday and handed her a cheque of Rs 2 lakh. He promised Muskan to build a one-room library for her, an official of the public relations department said. "The situation would soon change if girls like Muskan are extended support by the whole society. The government will extend all possible support," Chouhan said while handing over the cheque to the girl. Muskan started the library with merely 25 books which, she says, has "now grown and accommodates around 1,000 books." The girl lost hope of continuing the library after the death of her father, Manohar Ahirwar, on July 7 this year. However, after receiving the financial assistance from the chief minister, the girl says now nothing can stop her and the other slum children from moving ahead. "Papa used to say do something big, study hard," says Muskan, who wants to be a doctor. Her library remains open between 5 pm and 7 pm every day. "Nearly 20 to 25 children come to the library (every day). They have to sit on a mat. A few children take the books to their homes and return it later. In a bid to know if they read the books, I sometimes ask questions from it," she says. Muskan says she also maintains a register of the library's accounts.
By PTI

ARA (BIHAR): The Bhojpur district administration in Bihar arrested three persons for running an illegal slaughter house in Ranisagar village.

The slaughter house has also been sealed.

Sarfuddin (45), Azimulla Khan (44) and Gulam Khan (50) were arrested from the village under the jurisdiction of Shahpur police station in the district yesterday night, an official said.

All the three persons were residents of Rohtas district.

The illegal slaughter house was sealed following the seizure of a truckload of meat yesterday. The truck was carrying meat from the illegal slaughter house to Muzaffarpur.

"We have sealed an illegal slaughter house functioning in Ranisagar village for years. Three persons were arrested under relevant sections of the law for running the illegal slaughter house", District Magistrate Sanjeev Kumar said.

"Three others are absconding," he added.

Raids were being carried out to nab the other three absconding operators of the slaughter house, he said.

Kumar said that a police contingent, led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police Dayashankar, has been stationed in the village as a precautionary measure in view of tension prevailing in the village and its surrounding areas.

Locals had intercepted the truck at Shahpur Bazar yesterday.

The mob had overpowered three men travelling in the vehicle and handed them over to the police. Another person had fled from the spot.

The district magistrate denied that the three men were beaten up by the mob before they were handed over to the police.

ARA (BIHAR): The Bhojpur district administration in Bihar arrested three persons for running an illegal slaughter house in Ranisagar village. The slaughter house has also been sealed. Sarfuddin (45), Azimulla Khan (44) and Gulam Khan (50) were arrested from the village under the jurisdiction of Shahpur police station in the district yesterday night, an official said. All the three persons were residents of Rohtas district. The illegal slaughter house was sealed following the seizure of a truckload of meat yesterday. The truck was carrying meat from the illegal slaughter house to Muzaffarpur. "We have sealed an illegal slaughter house functioning in Ranisagar village for years. Three persons were arrested under relevant sections of the law for running the illegal slaughter house", District Magistrate Sanjeev Kumar said. "Three others are absconding," he added. Raids were being carried out to nab the other three absconding operators of the slaughter house, he said. Kumar said that a police contingent, led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police Dayashankar, has been stationed in the village as a precautionary measure in view of tension prevailing in the village and its surrounding areas. Locals had intercepted the truck at Shahpur Bazar yesterday. The mob had overpowered three men travelling in the vehicle and handed them over to the police. Another person had fled from the spot. The district magistrate denied that the three men were beaten up by the mob before they were handed over to the police.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra reported 855 cases of farmer suicides during the January-April period of this year against 1,023 cases in the year-ago period, Parliament was informed today.

"The answer to unfortunate instances of farmers' suicides lies in improving their welfare," Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said in the Rajya Sabha.

With this aim, the central government has adopted a strategy for enhancing farmers' income by making farming more viable and generate profits for farmers on a sustainable basis, he said in a written reply.

Accordingly, the government is realigning its interventions to move from purely production-centric to farmers' income-centric platform, he added.

Responding to a separate query on number of farmer suicides in Maharashtra, junior agriculture minister Parshottam Rupala said that the state has reported 855 cases of suicides during January-April of 2017, in comparison to 1,023 cases of farmers suicides in the year-ago period.

To address the issue of farmer suicides, Union Health Ministry has asked all states, including Maharashtra, to prepare a detailed action plan, he said in the upper house.

The states have been asked to duly analyse districts wherein cases of farmers suicides are coming and submit a report to the ministry, he said.

Highlighting steps taken by the Maharashtra government to prevent farmers from committing suicide, Rupala said that the state is implementing a pilot project in Yavatmal and Osmandabad districts of Amravati and Aurangabad division.

It has released funds to the tune of Rs 34.19 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 12.50 in 2016-17 to these districts for implementation of the 'Baliraja Chetana Abhiyan'. Farmers counsel is being conducted through a programme by public health department in the state, he added.

Recently, the state announced a loan waiver scheme for farmers.

That apart, the central government is also supporting a programme on mental health in 444 districts across the country under the National Mental Health Programme.

The District Mental Health Programmme has been tweaked to provide suicide prevention services, work place stress management, life skills training and counselling among others, the minister said and added the research activity is also supported, he added.

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra reported 855 cases of farmer suicides during the January-April period of this year against 1,023 cases in the year-ago period, Parliament was informed today. "The answer to unfortunate instances of farmers' suicides lies in improving their welfare," Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said in the Rajya Sabha. With this aim, the central government has adopted a strategy for enhancing farmers' income by making farming more viable and generate profits for farmers on a sustainable basis, he said in a written reply. Accordingly, the government is realigning its interventions to move from purely production-centric to farmers' income-centric platform, he added. Responding to a separate query on number of farmer suicides in Maharashtra, junior agriculture minister Parshottam Rupala said that the state has reported 855 cases of suicides during January-April of 2017, in comparison to 1,023 cases of farmers suicides in the year-ago period. To address the issue of farmer suicides, Union Health Ministry has asked all states, including Maharashtra, to prepare a detailed action plan, he said in the upper house. The states have been asked to duly analyse districts wherein cases of farmers suicides are coming and submit a report to the ministry, he said. Highlighting steps taken by the Maharashtra government to prevent farmers from committing suicide, Rupala said that the state is implementing a pilot project in Yavatmal and Osmandabad districts of Amravati and Aurangabad division. It has released funds to the tune of Rs 34.19 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 12.50 in 2016-17 to these districts for implementation of the 'Baliraja Chetana Abhiyan'. Farmers counsel is being conducted through a programme by public health department in the state, he added. Recently, the state announced a loan waiver scheme for farmers. That apart, the central government is also supporting a programme on mental health in 444 districts across the country under the National Mental Health Programme. The District Mental Health Programmme has been tweaked to provide suicide prevention services, work place stress management, life skills training and counselling among others, the minister said and added the research activity is also supported, he added.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Pakistan has increased attempts to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir through the border but there is a high number of casualties on their side, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said today.

Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha that the Indian Army has "domination and impact" along the western border and all steps have been taken to check infiltration from across the border. "Pakistan has increased efforts of infiltration," he said during Question Hour. Jaitley said due to the heightened vigil of the security forces, many infiltration attempts have been foiled and infiltration has been down.

"There is a record high in the casualties on the other side," he said. There have been 285 incidents of ceasefire violation so far this year through the LoC compared to 228 such incidents in the entire 2016 along the LoC in which eight people had lost their lives, Jaitley said. He said there were 221 ceasefire violation along the International Border which is guarded by both the Border Security Force and the Army.

Replying another question, the minister said the Army has constructed an anti-infiltration obstacle system (AIOS) along the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, under its operational control. Radars, sensors and thermal images along with surveillance have been incorporated on this fence to detect and intercept infiltration by terrorists. The AIOS is further strengthened by deployment of troops and construction of defence works based on threat perception for an effective multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid.

"Fortification of border is a continuous process. Anti- infiltration steps like obstacle systems, technical gadgets have been installed by the Army and enough steps have been taken to check infiltration," he said. Jaitley said the government regularly reviews the threat perception to secure the borders and protect national interests.

"Appropriate measures are taken from time-to-time to maintain and upgrade the country's defence preparedness along the border to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India," the Minister said. Further, the areas along the borders are kept under surveillance by regular patrolling by troops and other aerial, optronic and electronic means. "Appropriate retaliation to the ceasefire violations and other tactical incidents by Pakistan Army, as required, is carried out by Indian Army. All the forward posts are adequately strengthened to withstand enemy fire. Besides, there are well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to safeguard against enemy fire to minimise own casualties," Jaitley said.

He said the government is taking measures to ensure modernisation of Indian defence forces to keep them in a state of readiness to meet operational and security challenges. "This is being achieved by inducting new equipment, technologically upgrading existing equipment and systems, training etc. It will not be in the national interests to divulge further details," he said. In reply to another question, Jaitley said the government has enhanced special allowances given to defence personnel serving in difficult areas like Siachen. He said recently the government has announced the special allowances for defence personnel which was more than what the 7th Pay Commission had recommended.

NEW DELHI: Pakistan has increased attempts to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir through the border but there is a high number of casualties on their side, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said today. Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha that the Indian Army has "domination and impact" along the western border and all steps have been taken to check infiltration from across the border. "Pakistan has increased efforts of infiltration," he said during Question Hour. Jaitley said due to the heightened vigil of the security forces, many infiltration attempts have been foiled and infiltration has been down. "There is a record high in the casualties on the other side," he said. There have been 285 incidents of ceasefire violation so far this year through the LoC compared to 228 such incidents in the entire 2016 along the LoC in which eight people had lost their lives, Jaitley said. He said there were 221 ceasefire violation along the International Border which is guarded by both the Border Security Force and the Army. Replying another question, the minister said the Army has constructed an anti-infiltration obstacle system (AIOS) along the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, under its operational control. Radars, sensors and thermal images along with surveillance have been incorporated on this fence to detect and intercept infiltration by terrorists. The AIOS is further strengthened by deployment of troops and construction of defence works based on threat perception for an effective multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid. "Fortification of border is a continuous process. Anti- infiltration steps like obstacle systems, technical gadgets have been installed by the Army and enough steps have been taken to check infiltration," he said. Jaitley said the government regularly reviews the threat perception to secure the borders and protect national interests. "Appropriate measures are taken from time-to-time to maintain and upgrade the country's defence preparedness along the border to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India," the Minister said. Further, the areas along the borders are kept under surveillance by regular patrolling by troops and other aerial, optronic and electronic means. "Appropriate retaliation to the ceasefire violations and other tactical incidents by Pakistan Army, as required, is carried out by Indian Army. All the forward posts are adequately strengthened to withstand enemy fire. Besides, there are well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to safeguard against enemy fire to minimise own casualties," Jaitley said. He said the government is taking measures to ensure modernisation of Indian defence forces to keep them in a state of readiness to meet operational and security challenges. "This is being achieved by inducting new equipment, technologically upgrading existing equipment and systems, training etc. It will not be in the national interests to divulge further details," he said. In reply to another question, Jaitley said the government has enhanced special allowances given to defence personnel serving in difficult areas like Siachen. He said recently the government has announced the special allowances for defence personnel which was more than what the 7th Pay Commission had recommended.
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: Exposing the state of security in Madhya Pradesh courts, an undertrial former BJP minority cell leader was shot dead from close range by rival gang members within the court premises of Chhindwara district on Friday afternoon.

Located around 300 km from Bhopal, Chhindwara is MPs biggest district. The incident happened outside Court No. 17 at around 2.15 pm, when the under trial, Mohd Eklaq was being taken in police custody to be produced in an attempt to murder case.

Suddenly three members rival Narendra Patels gang confronted the Eklaq Khan outside the court room. One man, Prashant Sahu, whipped out a pistol and took shots at Eklaq.

Eklaq sustained bullet injuries to his head and chest and slumped to the ground. Two more bullets fired by Prashant Sahu hit the door of the court room.

Panic struck and there was utter chaos inside the court premises. The police, however, managed to arrest Prashant Sahu and his two aides.

The premises broke out in chaos after the prisoner's murder exposing chinks in adequate security measures on court premises. (EPS)

A police sub inspector Brijesh Mishra who had come to court in connection with an Arms Act case helped the police team nab Prashant Sahu, Raja Kahar and Ashish Bains. All three have been arrested and the country made pistol used in the crime has been recovered, said DIG Chhindwara Range Dr GK Pathak.

Eklaq was rushed to a hospital but was declared brought dead. The incident is seen as the fallout of gang war between two rival gangs in Chhindwara.

In May 2017, Eklaq, then a BJP minority cell member was arrested for attempting to kill rival gang leader and Shiv Sena member Narendra Patel.

The ruling BJP had subsequently expelled him.

"Primary investigations suggest that Prashant Sahu and two aides working for Patel's gang shot dead Eklaq to avenge the attack on their gang leader," said GK Pathak.

BHOPAL: Exposing the state of security in Madhya Pradesh courts, an undertrial former BJP minority cell leader was shot dead from close range by rival gang members within the court premises of Chhindwara district on Friday afternoon. Located around 300 km from Bhopal, Chhindwara is MPs biggest district. The incident happened outside Court No. 17 at around 2.15 pm, when the under trial, Mohd Eklaq was being taken in police custody to be produced in an attempt to murder case. Suddenly three members rival Narendra Patels gang confronted the Eklaq Khan outside the court room. One man, Prashant Sahu, whipped out a pistol and took shots at Eklaq. Eklaq sustained bullet injuries to his head and chest and slumped to the ground. Two more bullets fired by Prashant Sahu hit the door of the court room. Panic struck and there was utter chaos inside the court premises. The police, however, managed to arrest Prashant Sahu and his two aides. The premises broke out in chaos after the prisoner's murder exposing chinks in adequate security measures on court premises. (EPS) A police sub inspector Brijesh Mishra who had come to court in connection with an Arms Act case helped the police team nab Prashant Sahu, Raja Kahar and Ashish Bains. All three have been arrested and the country made pistol used in the crime has been recovered, said DIG Chhindwara Range Dr GK Pathak. Eklaq was rushed to a hospital but was declared brought dead. The incident is seen as the fallout of gang war between two rival gangs in Chhindwara. In May 2017, Eklaq, then a BJP minority cell member was arrested for attempting to kill rival gang leader and Shiv Sena member Narendra Patel. The ruling BJP had subsequently expelled him. "Primary investigations suggest that Prashant Sahu and two aides working for Patel's gang shot dead Eklaq to avenge the attack on their gang leader," said GK Pathak.
By PTI

NEW DELHI The Congress today gave a notice to move a privilege motion in the Rajya Sabha against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj alleging that she misled the House on August 3 while replying to a debate on India's foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners.

Congress members Ambika Soni, Vivek Tankha, Pratap Bajwa, Rajen Gohain, Rajeev Gowda and others alleged that in her reply to a short-duration discussion, Swaraj denied that any speech or statement was made by any representative of the government at 60th anniversary of Bandung conference.

She also informed the House that none of the members of the Indian delegation was given an opportunity to deliver a speech on the occasion, which the Congress members are objecting to dubbing it as "false".

The Congress is also likely to give another notice for moving a privilege motion on Monday against Swaraj for her references to Pakistan.

The Congress has alleged that the Minister for External Affairs has "misled" the House by giving a "false" statement on the floor of the House that relations with Pakistan were improving till Burhan Wani was killed.

"We hereby give notice of our intention to move a privilege motion under Rule 188 of the Rules and Procedures and Conduct of Business on false and misleading statement given by Sushma Swaraj, Minister for External Affairs on August 3, 2017 during reply to Short Duration Discussion on 'India's Foreign Policy and Engagement with Strategic Partners'," the notice filed before RS Secretary General said.

"We are shocked at the blatantly false and misleading statement given by the Minister for External Affairs on the floor of the House wherein the matter was discussed after giving due notice of short duration discussion which the minister was also very keen to discuss and reply to.

"It is also a matter of shame that during the reply, the minister said that Bangdung Conference is different from Asian African Conference whereas the fact is that Asian African Conference is popularly known as Bangdung Conference," the notice for privilege said.

During the debate yesterday, Anand Sharma pointed out to Swaraj in the House that Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh had given a speech in Bangdung on the 60th anniversary but she completely denied that.

TMC MP Derek O'Brien then stated that speeches were made by the minister of external affairs and the MoS on the occasion but she again denied stating that the speeches were delivered at some other conference a day before but not at the 60th anniversary event.

Swaraj's speech at 60th Asian African Conference (also known as Bangdung Conference) is available on the Ministry of External Affairs website and the Congress has attached the same in its notice.

NEW DELHI The Congress today gave a notice to move a privilege motion in the Rajya Sabha against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj alleging that she misled the House on August 3 while replying to a debate on India's foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners. Congress members Ambika Soni, Vivek Tankha, Pratap Bajwa, Rajen Gohain, Rajeev Gowda and others alleged that in her reply to a short-duration discussion, Swaraj denied that any speech or statement was made by any representative of the government at 60th anniversary of Bandung conference. She also informed the House that none of the members of the Indian delegation was given an opportunity to deliver a speech on the occasion, which the Congress members are objecting to dubbing it as "false". The Congress is also likely to give another notice for moving a privilege motion on Monday against Swaraj for her references to Pakistan. The Congress has alleged that the Minister for External Affairs has "misled" the House by giving a "false" statement on the floor of the House that relations with Pakistan were improving till Burhan Wani was killed. "We hereby give notice of our intention to move a privilege motion under Rule 188 of the Rules and Procedures and Conduct of Business on false and misleading statement given by Sushma Swaraj, Minister for External Affairs on August 3, 2017 during reply to Short Duration Discussion on 'India's Foreign Policy and Engagement with Strategic Partners'," the notice filed before RS Secretary General said. "We are shocked at the blatantly false and misleading statement given by the Minister for External Affairs on the floor of the House wherein the matter was discussed after giving due notice of short duration discussion which the minister was also very keen to discuss and reply to. "It is also a matter of shame that during the reply, the minister said that Bangdung Conference is different from Asian African Conference whereas the fact is that Asian African Conference is popularly known as Bangdung Conference," the notice for privilege said. During the debate yesterday, Anand Sharma pointed out to Swaraj in the House that Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh had given a speech in Bangdung on the 60th anniversary but she completely denied that. TMC MP Derek O'Brien then stated that speeches were made by the minister of external affairs and the MoS on the occasion but she again denied stating that the speeches were delivered at some other conference a day before but not at the 60th anniversary event. Swaraj's speech at 60th Asian African Conference (also known as Bangdung Conference) is available on the Ministry of External Affairs website and the Congress has attached the same in its notice.
Santwana Bhattacharya By

One thing is for sure, those who can read the papers or can afford to watch news channels now have a fair understanding of the process of the Rajya Sabha elections. After 70 years of Independence, a public awareness campaign of this scale on How elections are held to the Upper House of Parliament is not such a bad development. Its good for people to realise that Rajya Sabha MPs are voted in by elected state Assembly members to represent their respective states at the Delhi Durbar.

Theres a small problem though. Many among the not-so-discerning millennials may begin to believe the electoral process necessarily involves being at a holiday resort in the run-up to voting. Indeed, they may even consider the prospect of entering politics with greater interest, if this is what it takes.

Well, it takes much more. Not everyone gets the same kind of red-carpet treatment and wall-to-wall news coverage that an Ahmed Patel or Congress MLAs from Gujaratthat is, a candidate and his (presumed) electorsare getting at the moment. (In fact, never before in recent memory has the fight for one Rajya Sabha seat been turned into a star contest of the gladiatorial sort.)

Take poor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya of the Bengal CPM: He could not even contest from his state. It was a technical knockout. His papers were not in place before the time for filing nominations ran out on him! The TMC candidate won unopposed as Bhattacharya was disqualified, as one affidavit was missing from his papers. And with him ruled out of the fray, its curtains for the Bengal Left in the Upper Housethe first time in history they have drawn a blank. And quite an illustrious history at that.

But forget about a break at a resort or an offer from a rival party, Bhattacharyas exit generated zero attention.

The question can be asked: If its about representing the state, where do political affiliations come in? Especially since its a conscience vote, where no binding party whip can be issued, and now even a NOTA vote has come in. But all thats theory. In reality, competition is the lifeblood of democracy, and every elected representative is divided from his or her colleagues along political lines. How they are marshalled, grouped, monitoredthey dont teach it at IIM Ahmedabad or Bangalore, but its called election management. The Rajya Sabha contest in Gujarat that has left the ordinary citizen so enlightened is really a contest between two top electoral managers of two parties.

Bhattacharya, who had emerged as a candidate after the CPM decided it cannot allow its general secretary Sitaram Yechury a third term with borrowed votes from the Congress, has no glittering CV like Patel or BJP President Amit Shah to attract national media. Whether he gets elected or not is only a point of quibble within the Marxist partyKerala MP M B Rajesh called it mismanagement by Alimuddin Street, the Bengal headquarters of CPMand of little interest outside.

Its ironical, though, that Patel too has become a much-headlined personage. At the centre of power till three years ago, Patel fashioned a low-key image for himself and shunned publicity. The golden rule of engagement with the then powerful political secretary to the Congress president was that you never mention him, in a positive vein or otherwise. Now, hes become quite a household namehe may not be happy about it, but last heard, the Gujarat Congress unit, or whatever survives of it, is rather pleased. Despite the bad press theyve got for the legislators absence during a terrible flood, they are getting the kind of attention they have not in a long time. When was Shaktisinh Gohil last on prime time TV?

But will that help? Beyond the election to that one seat, the Congress and the Opposition are in a shambles. If their erasure from an increasing number of state legislatures is not a self-evident fact already, nowhere will it be shown up as starkly as in the Upper House. Yechurys term is over, Mayawati has bowed out in a huff to reclaim her Dalit politics, and Sharad Yadavs status is iffy (hes refusing to shift to the treasury benches, even toying with the idea of breaking the JD-U). Derek OBrien has hardly opened his mouth since the CBI/ED net started closing in on Mamata Banerjees nephew and political heir, Abhishek.

The AIADMK and BJD are BJP-friendly parties. The Samajwadi Party is so splintered one does not know whos whereNaresh Agarwal and Ram Gopal Yadav were with Akhilesh Yadav, who in turn was talking of a grand alliance with the BSP and Congress in UP, but has since been making noises favourable to the treasury benches. Ram Gopal Yadavs completion of 25 years as a parliamentarian saw much fanfarethe celebration at a five-star hotel saw the prime minister attending, but not party patriarch Mulayam Yadav. Enough said.

That leaves the Congressa party of many big leaders but no clear high command. Nitish Kumar may be getting (rightly) pilloried by former ally Lalu Yadav for betraying the peoples mandate, but he is correct in his assessment of the Opposition as a reactive lot that has no clear idea or agenda. That more and more of them may get embroiled in court cases does not help. The CBI and ED dragnetsand now the I-T raids in Karnatakaensure they have no room for manoeuvre. The Opposition is a parliamentary necessity, old pundits say. But for the new order, or its hard-core supporters, Opposition means opposition to an idea of India they have quietly been nurturing for seven-eight decades, and if you dont agree with that idea, theres no place in the scheme of things for you.

Santwana Bhattacharya

Political Editor, The New Indian Express

Email: santwana@newindianexpress.com

One thing is for sure, those who can read the papers or can afford to watch news channels now have a fair understanding of the process of the Rajya Sabha elections. After 70 years of Independence, a public awareness campaign of this scale on How elections are held to the Upper House of Parliament is not such a bad development. Its good for people to realise that Rajya Sabha MPs are voted in by elected state Assembly members to represent their respective states at the Delhi Durbar. Theres a small problem though. Many among the not-so-discerning millennials may begin to believe the electoral process necessarily involves being at a holiday resort in the run-up to voting. Indeed, they may even consider the prospect of entering politics with greater interest, if this is what it takes. Well, it takes much more. Not everyone gets the same kind of red-carpet treatment and wall-to-wall news coverage that an Ahmed Patel or Congress MLAs from Gujaratthat is, a candidate and his (presumed) electorsare getting at the moment. (In fact, never before in recent memory has the fight for one Rajya Sabha seat been turned into a star contest of the gladiatorial sort.) Take poor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya of the Bengal CPM: He could not even contest from his state. It was a technical knockout. His papers were not in place before the time for filing nominations ran out on him! The TMC candidate won unopposed as Bhattacharya was disqualified, as one affidavit was missing from his papers. And with him ruled out of the fray, its curtains for the Bengal Left in the Upper Housethe first time in history they have drawn a blank. And quite an illustrious history at that. But forget about a break at a resort or an offer from a rival party, Bhattacharyas exit generated zero attention. The question can be asked: If its about representing the state, where do political affiliations come in? Especially since its a conscience vote, where no binding party whip can be issued, and now even a NOTA vote has come in. But all thats theory. In reality, competition is the lifeblood of democracy, and every elected representative is divided from his or her colleagues along political lines. How they are marshalled, grouped, monitoredthey dont teach it at IIM Ahmedabad or Bangalore, but its called election management. The Rajya Sabha contest in Gujarat that has left the ordinary citizen so enlightened is really a contest between two top electoral managers of two parties. Bhattacharya, who had emerged as a candidate after the CPM decided it cannot allow its general secretary Sitaram Yechury a third term with borrowed votes from the Congress, has no glittering CV like Patel or BJP President Amit Shah to attract national media. Whether he gets elected or not is only a point of quibble within the Marxist partyKerala MP M B Rajesh called it mismanagement by Alimuddin Street, the Bengal headquarters of CPMand of little interest outside. Its ironical, though, that Patel too has become a much-headlined personage. At the centre of power till three years ago, Patel fashioned a low-key image for himself and shunned publicity. The golden rule of engagement with the then powerful political secretary to the Congress president was that you never mention him, in a positive vein or otherwise. Now, hes become quite a household namehe may not be happy about it, but last heard, the Gujarat Congress unit, or whatever survives of it, is rather pleased. Despite the bad press theyve got for the legislators absence during a terrible flood, they are getting the kind of attention they have not in a long time. When was Shaktisinh Gohil last on prime time TV? But will that help? Beyond the election to that one seat, the Congress and the Opposition are in a shambles. If their erasure from an increasing number of state legislatures is not a self-evident fact already, nowhere will it be shown up as starkly as in the Upper House. Yechurys term is over, Mayawati has bowed out in a huff to reclaim her Dalit politics, and Sharad Yadavs status is iffy (hes refusing to shift to the treasury benches, even toying with the idea of breaking the JD-U). Derek OBrien has hardly opened his mouth since the CBI/ED net started closing in on Mamata Banerjees nephew and political heir, Abhishek. The AIADMK and BJD are BJP-friendly parties. The Samajwadi Party is so splintered one does not know whos whereNaresh Agarwal and Ram Gopal Yadav were with Akhilesh Yadav, who in turn was talking of a grand alliance with the BSP and Congress in UP, but has since been making noises favourable to the treasury benches. Ram Gopal Yadavs completion of 25 years as a parliamentarian saw much fanfarethe celebration at a five-star hotel saw the prime minister attending, but not party patriarch Mulayam Yadav. Enough said. That leaves the Congressa party of many big leaders but no clear high command. Nitish Kumar may be getting (rightly) pilloried by former ally Lalu Yadav for betraying the peoples mandate, but he is correct in his assessment of the Opposition as a reactive lot that has no clear idea or agenda. That more and more of them may get embroiled in court cases does not help. The CBI and ED dragnetsand now the I-T raids in Karnatakaensure they have no room for manoeuvre. The Opposition is a parliamentary necessity, old pundits say. But for the new order, or its hard-core supporters, Opposition means opposition to an idea of India they have quietly been nurturing for seven-eight decades, and if you dont agree with that idea, theres no place in the scheme of things for you. Santwana Bhattacharya Political Editor, The New Indian Express Email: santwana@newindianexpress.com
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the state government regarding the recent spate of political killings. The Commission demanded the Chief Secretary and the state police chief to take effective steps to stop the killings and asked the government to submit a detailed report on the matter within four weeks.

The commissions action came on the basis of media reports on political killings and a complaint filed by BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan following the murder of RSS functionary Rajesh in Thiruvananthapuram last week. The Commission on July 31 had directed an on-the-spot inquiry by its own team, the commission said. The brutal killings of the party workers are indicative of the growing rivalry among the workers of different parties and poor state of law and order situation in Kerala. There is an urgent need to curb the ongoing violence which amounts to violation of rights to life of the victims, the commission said.

Differences of opinion and healthy criticism is the integral part of the multi-party democratic political system but bloodshed in the name of political and ideological differences is neither ethical nor acceptable in a civilised society, it noted. On January 25 this year, the commission had taken suo-motu cognisance of the issue on the basis of a media report on gruesome killings of RSS and BJP workers in the state. Subsequently, the commission had called for a report from the Chief Secretary. A detailed report had been received from the Kerala police chief stating the members of any particular party only are not being murdered or attacked in the state of Kerala but in some political issues, members of all parties have been attacked, the commission said.

On June 12, the commission directed the DGP to submit a list of cases regarding murders/attacks on political party workers. The commission also called for information regarding the relief granted to the victims and their families from the Chief Secretary. The report is yet to be received, the commission said on Friday.

Arun Jaitley to visit Rajeshs house

TPuram: Union Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley will visit the house of slain RSS activist Rajesh at Sreekariyam on Sunday, to express his condolences to the bereaved family. Jaitley will reach Thiruvananthapuram by 10 am on Sunday and will visit the houses of BJP councillors allegedly vandalised by CPM activists.

Later he will proceed to visit the family of RSS karyavah Rajesh. He will also hold talks with state BJP leaders. The visit of Arun Jaitley is in view of the spurt in attacks on BJP and RSS workers in Kerala. BJP MPs had met the Union Home Minister the other day demanding Centres intervention tto end the political violence in Kerala. BJP MPs Prahlad Joshi and Meenakshi Lekhi had raised the issue in the Lok Sabha.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the state government regarding the recent spate of political killings. The Commission demanded the Chief Secretary and the state police chief to take effective steps to stop the killings and asked the government to submit a detailed report on the matter within four weeks. The commissions action came on the basis of media reports on political killings and a complaint filed by BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan following the murder of RSS functionary Rajesh in Thiruvananthapuram last week. The Commission on July 31 had directed an on-the-spot inquiry by its own team, the commission said. The brutal killings of the party workers are indicative of the growing rivalry among the workers of different parties and poor state of law and order situation in Kerala. There is an urgent need to curb the ongoing violence which amounts to violation of rights to life of the victims, the commission said. Differences of opinion and healthy criticism is the integral part of the multi-party democratic political system but bloodshed in the name of political and ideological differences is neither ethical nor acceptable in a civilised society, it noted. On January 25 this year, the commission had taken suo-motu cognisance of the issue on the basis of a media report on gruesome killings of RSS and BJP workers in the state. Subsequently, the commission had called for a report from the Chief Secretary. A detailed report had been received from the Kerala police chief stating the members of any particular party only are not being murdered or attacked in the state of Kerala but in some political issues, members of all parties have been attacked, the commission said. On June 12, the commission directed the DGP to submit a list of cases regarding murders/attacks on political party workers. The commission also called for information regarding the relief granted to the victims and their families from the Chief Secretary. The report is yet to be received, the commission said on Friday. Arun Jaitley to visit Rajeshs houseTPuram: Union Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley will visit the house of slain RSS activist Rajesh at Sreekariyam on Sunday, to express his condolences to the bereaved family. Jaitley will reach Thiruvananthapuram by 10 am on Sunday and will visit the houses of BJP councillors allegedly vandalised by CPM activists. Later he will proceed to visit the family of RSS karyavah Rajesh. He will also hold talks with state BJP leaders. The visit of Arun Jaitley is in view of the spurt in attacks on BJP and RSS workers in Kerala. BJP MPs had met the Union Home Minister the other day demanding Centres intervention tto end the political violence in Kerala. BJP MPs Prahlad Joshi and Meenakshi Lekhi had raised the issue in the Lok Sabha.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The Islamic State (IS) module busted from Kanakamala in Kerala's Kannur district in 2016 was found to still be active after the National Investigating Agency (NIA) found several persons linked to the module following the IS ideology using online media.



In the latest development, the NIA has intercepted three youth - two from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and one from Alappuzha in Kerala - who were closely in touch with the IS module and the 23-member group who left for Afghanistan mid 2016.



The NIA team from Kochi interrogated Abdul Rahman of Ukkadam and S Abdullah of Karumbukadai at the Coimbatore Police Commissioner's office on Thursday. Basil Shihab, 25, a native of Kidangamparambu in Alappuzha, was interrogated at the Alappuzha SPs office.



While Basil Shihab works at a computer shop, Abdul Rahman completed his MCA and is unemployed and Abdullah is running an internet cafe at Ukkadam, Coimbatore. The trio appeared before the NIA in Kochi after notices were served for further interrogation.



These persons were also part of the group formed by Shajeer Mangalassery alias Abu Ayisha who was reportedly killed in Afghanistan. They were members of Whatsapp and Telegram groups through which Shajeer coordinated activities. However, they operated online using fake names and continue with IS activities even after the bust in October last year, said an NIA officer.



One of the suspects from Coimbatore maintained contact with Abdul Rashid who with 23 Keralities left for Afghanistan last year.



NIA in its raid carried out the residences of these persons on Friday recovered around 80 Compact Discs, three mobile phones, and laptops. The majority of CDs were of recordings of the speeches made by controversial religious leader Zakir Naik.



"These persons were following the IS ideology for more than one year," the officer said.



NIA after the detailed interrogation will decide on recording the arrest of the accused. One of the suspects has openly admitted that he is following the ideology of IS. If more evidence is received, we would record the arrest, the officer said.

KOCHI: The Islamic State (IS) module busted from Kanakamala in Kerala's Kannur district in 2016 was found to still be active after the National Investigating Agency (NIA) found several persons linked to the module following the IS ideology using online media. In the latest development, the NIA has intercepted three youth - two from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and one from Alappuzha in Kerala - who were closely in touch with the IS module and the 23-member group who left for Afghanistan mid 2016. The NIA team from Kochi interrogated Abdul Rahman of Ukkadam and S Abdullah of Karumbukadai at the Coimbatore Police Commissioner's office on Thursday. Basil Shihab, 25, a native of Kidangamparambu in Alappuzha, was interrogated at the Alappuzha SPs office. While Basil Shihab works at a computer shop, Abdul Rahman completed his MCA and is unemployed and Abdullah is running an internet cafe at Ukkadam, Coimbatore. The trio appeared before the NIA in Kochi after notices were served for further interrogation. These persons were also part of the group formed by Shajeer Mangalassery alias Abu Ayisha who was reportedly killed in Afghanistan. They were members of Whatsapp and Telegram groups through which Shajeer coordinated activities. However, they operated online using fake names and continue with IS activities even after the bust in October last year, said an NIA officer. One of the suspects from Coimbatore maintained contact with Abdul Rashid who with 23 Keralities left for Afghanistan last year. NIA in its raid carried out the residences of these persons on Friday recovered around 80 Compact Discs, three mobile phones, and laptops. The majority of CDs were of recordings of the speeches made by controversial religious leader Zakir Naik. "These persons were following the IS ideology for more than one year," the officer said. NIA after the detailed interrogation will decide on recording the arrest of the accused. One of the suspects has openly admitted that he is following the ideology of IS. If more evidence is received, we would record the arrest, the officer said.
By Express News Service

SAMBALPUR:The ongoing stalemate at VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla came to an end after the PG students suspended their stir on Thursday. They had ceased work since July 30 demanding removal of VIMSAR Director Aswini Pujahari.

The decision was taken after a five-hour-long general body meeting of the PG students in VIMSAR.

PG Students Association secretary Debi Prasad Mishra said they resumed emergency duty in the hospital from Thursday evening and will discharge their routine duty from Friday. He said Health Minister Pratap Jena assured them to look into issues raised by them and take appropriate measures.

Pujahari welcomed the decision of the PG students to suspend the cease work. He said health services will improve after students join duty as they are the backbone of the hospital.Tension had prevailed after the PG students of VIMSAR allegedly thrashed an attendant of a patient and later attacked the official quarters of Pujahari late on July 28 night. The incident caused widespread protests across the area and people came out in support of Pujahari.Meanwhile, 97 medical officers joined VIMSAR by Thursday evening.

SAMBALPUR:The ongoing stalemate at VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla came to an end after the PG students suspended their stir on Thursday. They had ceased work since July 30 demanding removal of VIMSAR Director Aswini Pujahari. The decision was taken after a five-hour-long general body meeting of the PG students in VIMSAR. PG Students Association secretary Debi Prasad Mishra said they resumed emergency duty in the hospital from Thursday evening and will discharge their routine duty from Friday. He said Health Minister Pratap Jena assured them to look into issues raised by them and take appropriate measures. Pujahari welcomed the decision of the PG students to suspend the cease work. He said health services will improve after students join duty as they are the backbone of the hospital.Tension had prevailed after the PG students of VIMSAR allegedly thrashed an attendant of a patient and later attacked the official quarters of Pujahari late on July 28 night. The incident caused widespread protests across the area and people came out in support of Pujahari.Meanwhile, 97 medical officers joined VIMSAR by Thursday evening.
By Express News Service

KARAIKAL, NEW DELHI: Seventy seven fishermen who were set free by the Sri Lanka government arrived here late on Thursday. The fishermen were received by Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, Textiles and Handlooms Minister O S Manian and Nagapattinam Collector S Sureshkumar.

The fishermen were sent to their respective native places, with Fisheries Department making arrangements in this regard.

All the 77 were arrested over a period of time for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line. Of them, 19 were from Nagapattinam and six were from Karaikal and the rest 52 from coastal districts of Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai and Tirunelveli districts. The Tamil Nadu had arranged vehicles to send the fishermen home.

However, another 15 fishermen are still in Sri Lankan prisons as their release formalities are yet to be completed. Sources said a few of them have been imprisoned for smuggling drugs, which could make their release a bit complicated.

251 released so far: Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday told Rajya Sabha that India has secured the release of 251 fishermen and 42 fishing boats from Sri Lanka so far this year.

Three rounds of meetings have been held between Swaraj and Fisheries Ministers of India and Sri Lanka from November 2016 to May this year.

As many as 15 fishermen and 117 fishing boats were under the custody of Sri Lankan authorities until July 31 this year, she said in a written reply.

The government has decided to promote deep sea fishing for improving the lives of fishermen and a scheme with a budget of Rs 1,500 crore with a duration of three years has been launched in this regard. Of the Rs 250 crore allocated for the ongoing fiscal, Rs 200 crore has already been released to Tamil Nadu, she said while responding to questions during the Zero Hour.

On bottom trawling ban, the minister said the practice is environmentally damaging and is illegal even in India. Now even Tamil Nadu government has stopped granting new licences for bottom trawlers.

KARAIKAL, NEW DELHI: Seventy seven fishermen who were set free by the Sri Lanka government arrived here late on Thursday. The fishermen were received by Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, Textiles and Handlooms Minister O S Manian and Nagapattinam Collector S Sureshkumar. The fishermen were sent to their respective native places, with Fisheries Department making arrangements in this regard. All the 77 were arrested over a period of time for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line. Of them, 19 were from Nagapattinam and six were from Karaikal and the rest 52 from coastal districts of Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai and Tirunelveli districts. The Tamil Nadu had arranged vehicles to send the fishermen home. However, another 15 fishermen are still in Sri Lankan prisons as their release formalities are yet to be completed. Sources said a few of them have been imprisoned for smuggling drugs, which could make their release a bit complicated. 251 released so far: Swaraj External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday told Rajya Sabha that India has secured the release of 251 fishermen and 42 fishing boats from Sri Lanka so far this year. Three rounds of meetings have been held between Swaraj and Fisheries Ministers of India and Sri Lanka from November 2016 to May this year. As many as 15 fishermen and 117 fishing boats were under the custody of Sri Lankan authorities until July 31 this year, she said in a written reply. The government has decided to promote deep sea fishing for improving the lives of fishermen and a scheme with a budget of Rs 1,500 crore with a duration of three years has been launched in this regard. Of the Rs 250 crore allocated for the ongoing fiscal, Rs 200 crore has already been released to Tamil Nadu, she said while responding to questions during the Zero Hour. On bottom trawling ban, the minister said the practice is environmentally damaging and is illegal even in India. Now even Tamil Nadu government has stopped granting new licences for bottom trawlers.
By AFP

PORT-AU-PRINCE A vote by the Haitian Senate to ban gay marriage as well as "public demonstration of support" for homosexuality reflects the will of the people, the chamber's president has said.

The Senate approved a bill late Tuesday that said that "the parties, co-parties and accomplices" of a homosexual marriage can be punished by three years in prison and a fine of about USD 8,000.

"All senators are opposed to same-sex marriage, so this simply reflects the commitments the senators made during their campaigns," Senate President Youri Latortue told AFP.

Haiti's constitution established a secular republic but the country is marked by deep religious beliefs.

"Although the state is secular, it is people of faith who are the majority," Latortue said, stressing the commonly held belief in Haiti that homosexuality is a Western practice only.

"A country has to focus on its values and traditions.

Some people in other countries see it differently, but in Haiti, that's how it's seen."

Haitian law already defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, making it unclear what consequences the bill, if passed, would have in practice.

However, it also called for banning "any public demonstration of support for homosexuality and proselytizing in favour of such acts."

It is this ambiguous wording that raises concern among Haitian homosexuals and their advocates.

"We see this as an attack on the LGBT community in this country," said Charlot Jeudy, president of the Kouraj group, which defends the rights of homosexuals and transgender people.

"This text divides our society, it reinforces prejudices and discrimination. It's really a shame."

The two gay rights organisations still officially recognised by the state record daily instances of insults, threats and violence.

Politicians "know very well that this will bring much more violence and prejudice against the LGBTI community," Jeudy said.

Only police and the judicial system can intervene in response to reported violations under the measure.

The bill now goes to the Chamber of Deputies for debate, though its passage into law is all but certain.

PORT-AU-PRINCE A vote by the Haitian Senate to ban gay marriage as well as "public demonstration of support" for homosexuality reflects the will of the people, the chamber's president has said. The Senate approved a bill late Tuesday that said that "the parties, co-parties and accomplices" of a homosexual marriage can be punished by three years in prison and a fine of about USD 8,000. "All senators are opposed to same-sex marriage, so this simply reflects the commitments the senators made during their campaigns," Senate President Youri Latortue told AFP. Haiti's constitution established a secular republic but the country is marked by deep religious beliefs. "Although the state is secular, it is people of faith who are the majority," Latortue said, stressing the commonly held belief in Haiti that homosexuality is a Western practice only. "A country has to focus on its values and traditions. Some people in other countries see it differently, but in Haiti, that's how it's seen." Haitian law already defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, making it unclear what consequences the bill, if passed, would have in practice. However, it also called for banning "any public demonstration of support for homosexuality and proselytizing in favour of such acts." It is this ambiguous wording that raises concern among Haitian homosexuals and their advocates. "We see this as an attack on the LGBT community in this country," said Charlot Jeudy, president of the Kouraj group, which defends the rights of homosexuals and transgender people. "This text divides our society, it reinforces prejudices and discrimination. It's really a shame." The two gay rights organisations still officially recognised by the state record daily instances of insults, threats and violence. Politicians "know very well that this will bring much more violence and prejudice against the LGBTI community," Jeudy said. Only police and the judicial system can intervene in response to reported violations under the measure. The bill now goes to the Chamber of Deputies for debate, though its passage into law is all but certain.
By AFP

SANAA: An official news agency controlled by Yemen's Houthi rebels says 12 civilians have been killed in two airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition in a northern province.

The SABA news agency reports that warplanes bombed a house in the town of al-Safra in Saada province Friday, killing nine residents including four children. A second airstrike bombed a car carrying civilians, killing three and wounding seven.

Security officials in Saada confirmed the airstrike on the house and the civilian deaths. It wasn't possible to verify the second attack. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press.

Since 2015, the conflict in Yemen has pitted the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels. The war has left over 10,000 civilians dead and displaced three million others.

SANAA: An official news agency controlled by Yemen's Houthi rebels says 12 civilians have been killed in two airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition in a northern province. The SABA news agency reports that warplanes bombed a house in the town of al-Safra in Saada province Friday, killing nine residents including four children. A second airstrike bombed a car carrying civilians, killing three and wounding seven. Security officials in Saada confirmed the airstrike on the house and the civilian deaths. It wasn't possible to verify the second attack. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press. Since 2015, the conflict in Yemen has pitted the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels. The war has left over 10,000 civilians dead and displaced three million others.
By AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani high school student Noman Afzal knows "traitorous" Hindus are to blame for the bloodshed that erupted when British India split into two nations 70 years ago. His history textbook tells him so.

Students across the border in India are taught a starkly different version of events, the result of a decades-long effort by the nuclear-armed rivals to shape and control history to their own nationalistic narrative.

The official unwillingness to confront the bitter legacy of Partition -- and the skewed portrayals being peddled in classrooms from New Delhi to Karachi -- is hindering any hope of reconciliation between the arch-rivals, experts say.

August marks 70 years since the subcontinent was divided into two independent states -- Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan -- and millions were uprooted in one of the largest mass migrations in history.

An untold number of people -- some estimates say up two million -- died in the savage violence that followed, as Hindus and Muslims fleeing for their new homelands turned on one another, raping and butchering in genocidal retribution.

The carnage sowed the seeds for the acrimony that prevails today between India and Pakistan, and generations later this defining moment in the subcontinent's history is still polarised by nationalism and rancour.

In a government-approved grade five history textbook used in schools in Pakistan's Baluchistan province, Hindus are described as "thugs" who "massacred Muslims, confiscated their property, and forced them to leave India".

"They looked down upon us, that is why we created Pakistan," said 17-year-old Afzal from Pakistan's Punjab province, reeling off a stock answer from his history textbook.

On the other side of the border, Mumbai schoolboy Triaksh Mitra learned how Mahatma Gandhi fought for a unified India free from British subjugation while the Muslim League -- the political party led by Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah -- sided with the colonial rulers to carve out their own nation.

"But what they hadn't really told us was the Muslim side of it," the 15-year-old said of his Partition studies.

History kept hidden

The chapters on Gandhi are a striking example of the gap between how Partition is portrayed on either side of the border. In Pakistan, his contribution to the struggle for independence is hardly mentioned, whereas in India he is hailed as an "one-man army".

History teacher Aashish Dhakaan who works in a high school in India's Gujarat state, acknowledged that the creation of the Muslim League was popularly upheld as "self reliance and liberty" in Pakistan, and the folly of "gullible Muslims" in India.

"In our history we won the war, and in their history textbooks, they won the war," said Dhakaan.

While the government-sanctioned curriculums on both sides of the border appear largely ossified to their version of history, one Pakistan-based group has been using games and popular culture to challenge students to think critically about their past.

Qasim Aslam's "History Project" runs sessions in schools in India and Pakistan, inviting students to compare how Partition accounts are presented in the two countries' textbooks.

"By the time they are 20, it is solidified and stays with them all their lives," Aslam said of the one-sided history lessons proffered in schools.

Mumbai-based student Mitra attended one of these sessions in April.

"It helped me to take a different viewpoint into account and to form a more balanced notion," Mitra said.

"If I know only one part, then it's not the complete truth."

Islamabad-based Pakistan studies professor Tariq Rehman said that correcting bias in the official syllabi "would take a change in foreign policy" between the two countries.

"Authorities (in Pakistan) don't seem to be interested in making changes and question the antagonism against India," he added.

But there are small signs of progress. The latest revision of the state history textbook in India includes graphic first-hand accounts of atrocities committed by Hindus, and asks students if the violence could be considered a holocaust.

A book of testimonies titled "The Other Side of Silence" by Indian writer and Partition historian Urvashi Butalia is now also part of the high school syllabus in India.

Butalia said she is pleased that more people are trying to understand Partition beyond a nationalistic prism.

"It would have been impossible 20 years ago," she said.

But outside the classroom, Butalia says there is little appetite for confronting hard truths about the past.

The author discovered a series of police reports of rapes and murders from 1947 that had been kept hidden because authorities feared "opening up a can of worms" if the horrifying accounts went public.

She also points to Humayan's Tomb and Purana Qila -- two ancient monuments in New Delhi -- where thousands of Partition refugees sought sanctuary as the capital descended into chaos, noting there is no plaque at either site to remind the public of this troubled legacy.

"I do not say that silence is broken," she added.

"We could learn so much, basically learn never to repeat that history, but we don't memorialise it in any way," she warned.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani high school student Noman Afzal knows "traitorous" Hindus are to blame for the bloodshed that erupted when British India split into two nations 70 years ago. His history textbook tells him so. Students across the border in India are taught a starkly different version of events, the result of a decades-long effort by the nuclear-armed rivals to shape and control history to their own nationalistic narrative. The official unwillingness to confront the bitter legacy of Partition -- and the skewed portrayals being peddled in classrooms from New Delhi to Karachi -- is hindering any hope of reconciliation between the arch-rivals, experts say. August marks 70 years since the subcontinent was divided into two independent states -- Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan -- and millions were uprooted in one of the largest mass migrations in history. An untold number of people -- some estimates say up two million -- died in the savage violence that followed, as Hindus and Muslims fleeing for their new homelands turned on one another, raping and butchering in genocidal retribution. The carnage sowed the seeds for the acrimony that prevails today between India and Pakistan, and generations later this defining moment in the subcontinent's history is still polarised by nationalism and rancour. In a government-approved grade five history textbook used in schools in Pakistan's Baluchistan province, Hindus are described as "thugs" who "massacred Muslims, confiscated their property, and forced them to leave India". "They looked down upon us, that is why we created Pakistan," said 17-year-old Afzal from Pakistan's Punjab province, reeling off a stock answer from his history textbook. On the other side of the border, Mumbai schoolboy Triaksh Mitra learned how Mahatma Gandhi fought for a unified India free from British subjugation while the Muslim League -- the political party led by Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah -- sided with the colonial rulers to carve out their own nation. "But what they hadn't really told us was the Muslim side of it," the 15-year-old said of his Partition studies. History kept hidden The chapters on Gandhi are a striking example of the gap between how Partition is portrayed on either side of the border. In Pakistan, his contribution to the struggle for independence is hardly mentioned, whereas in India he is hailed as an "one-man army". History teacher Aashish Dhakaan who works in a high school in India's Gujarat state, acknowledged that the creation of the Muslim League was popularly upheld as "self reliance and liberty" in Pakistan, and the folly of "gullible Muslims" in India. "In our history we won the war, and in their history textbooks, they won the war," said Dhakaan. While the government-sanctioned curriculums on both sides of the border appear largely ossified to their version of history, one Pakistan-based group has been using games and popular culture to challenge students to think critically about their past. Qasim Aslam's "History Project" runs sessions in schools in India and Pakistan, inviting students to compare how Partition accounts are presented in the two countries' textbooks. "By the time they are 20, it is solidified and stays with them all their lives," Aslam said of the one-sided history lessons proffered in schools. Mumbai-based student Mitra attended one of these sessions in April. "It helped me to take a different viewpoint into account and to form a more balanced notion," Mitra said. "If I know only one part, then it's not the complete truth." Islamabad-based Pakistan studies professor Tariq Rehman said that correcting bias in the official syllabi "would take a change in foreign policy" between the two countries. "Authorities (in Pakistan) don't seem to be interested in making changes and question the antagonism against India," he added. But there are small signs of progress. The latest revision of the state history textbook in India includes graphic first-hand accounts of atrocities committed by Hindus, and asks students if the violence could be considered a holocaust. A book of testimonies titled "The Other Side of Silence" by Indian writer and Partition historian Urvashi Butalia is now also part of the high school syllabus in India. Butalia said she is pleased that more people are trying to understand Partition beyond a nationalistic prism. "It would have been impossible 20 years ago," she said. But outside the classroom, Butalia says there is little appetite for confronting hard truths about the past. The author discovered a series of police reports of rapes and murders from 1947 that had been kept hidden because authorities feared "opening up a can of worms" if the horrifying accounts went public. She also points to Humayan's Tomb and Purana Qila -- two ancient monuments in New Delhi -- where thousands of Partition refugees sought sanctuary as the capital descended into chaos, noting there is no plaque at either site to remind the public of this troubled legacy. "I do not say that silence is broken," she added. "We could learn so much, basically learn never to repeat that history, but we don't memorialise it in any way," she warned.
By PTI

CAIRO: A policeman and a civilian were killed and two others injured in an attack by unknown assailants in Esna, about 55 km from Luxor in southern Egypt, security sources said.

Three unknown attackers riding in a 4x4 vehicle yesterday opened fire on a policeman, killing him with four bullets. A civilian was also killed in the attack that left two other civilians injured, they said. One of the attackers was arrested while the search is on to nab the other two, the sources added.

The forces also seized the vehicle of the attackers carrying a number of weapons, ammunition and a hand bomb in it. Egypt has witnessed many terrorists attacks since the January 2011 revolution that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak.

The attacks, mainly targeting police and military, increased after the ouster of Islamist ex-president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 by military following massive protests against his rule.

Hundreds of police and Army personnel have been killed since then.



CAIRO: A policeman and a civilian were killed and two others injured in an attack by unknown assailants in Esna, about 55 km from Luxor in southern Egypt, security sources said. Three unknown attackers riding in a 4x4 vehicle yesterday opened fire on a policeman, killing him with four bullets. A civilian was also killed in the attack that left two other civilians injured, they said. One of the attackers was arrested while the search is on to nab the other two, the sources added. The forces also seized the vehicle of the attackers carrying a number of weapons, ammunition and a hand bomb in it. Egypt has witnessed many terrorists attacks since the January 2011 revolution that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak. The attacks, mainly targeting police and military, increased after the ouster of Islamist ex-president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 by military following massive protests against his rule. Hundreds of police and Army personnel have been killed since then.
Our thanks to reader Raymond Trainque for this sending in, following up on our post three days ago on the Chains of St Peter.



The diocese of Burlington, Vermont not only has a full-size facsimile of the chains displayed at St. Peters ad Vincula (which itself is a third-class relic, since each link was touched to the corresponding link of the original), but also has in its archives one of the actual links which bound the first Pope. Both of these holy objects were obtained through the boldness of Bishop Louis de Goesbriand (first bishop of Burlington) and the solicitude of Pope Leo XIII.Stopping in Rome on his way to Jerusalem in 1893, de Goesbriand venerated the relics at St. Peters and was so struck by them that he sought and obtained permission to have a facsimile made as described above for his diocese. Discovering that seven links of the same chain were kept and seemingly nearly forgotten at St Cecilias in Rome, he went about obtaining one of these authentic relics. First beseeching Leo XIII in an audience before departing for the Holy Land, de Goesbriand was told that he would have a decision upon his return from the pilgrimage. Once again meeting with the Pope before setting off for Vermont, permission was granted, and one of the links was taken off and placed in a reliquary for him to take home.On occasion, this precious relic is taken from the archives for public veneration by the faithful. This past August 1, the newly-established St. Philip Neri Latin Mass Chaplaincy ( https://www.facebook.com/VermontTraditionalLatinMass/ ) was blessed to be able to provide one such opportunity in honor of the feast of St Peter in Chains. The relic was on the altar for aand was made available for veneration by those in attendance. Of special note, our torchbearers for this Mass were two of our diocesan seminarians, with another assisting from the pews and at least two others who would have gladly joined us had circumstances allowed.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. Low 23F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. Low 23F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.
Dead horses dont move.

So Joe Chmelka Sr., and his fellow soldiers knew something was wrong when the dead carcass of a horse did move.

During World War II, Allied forces stormed the beaches during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France. The date was June 6, 1944.

On June 9, Joe was among American soldiers who landed on Omaha Beach. It was night and the young sergeant was in the passenger seat of a truck that went ashore  under fire from enemy troops.

Bodies of American soldiers killed during the Allied offensive were still on the beach. Stacked seven to 10 bodies high, they were a gruesome reminder of the high cost of war.

Light from flashlights and truck headlights showed the broken bodies and maggot-filled faces. Men in the back of the truck vomited from the stench of rotting bodies on the beach.

The men drove inland and buried and camouflaged their 105 Howitzer gun and fired it repeatedly. Joe saw American paratroopers being shot out of the sky by enemy gunfire.

Later, American soldiers on the ground wondered how the enemy seemed to know their position.

Thats when they noticed something unusual  the carcass of a dead horse moved.

So the soldiers investigated. Underneath the horse, they found a German soldier. Hed removed the horses innards and used the shell as a covering for a 4- by 4-foot hole where he hid with a radio he used to call the enemy.

He was shot to death immediately.

Decades after the war, Joe still had nightmares from his experiences.

I met Joe in 2009 and interviewed him for a story that ran on Veterans Day. In April 2014, I covered his talk at Fremont High School.

Joe was 93 when he died that July.

I still remember different stories Joe told.

But lately, Ive been thinking about the dead horse story.

Please understand, Im not trying to be morbid.

I just keep remembering something I heard speaker and author Joyce Meyer say a long time ago.

Using a horse as an analogy, Joyce was talking about how people tend to get in a rut.

They do the same things the same way, because thats how weve always done it.

Joyce then made a classic statement: If the horse has been dead for 10 years, its time to dismount.

She gave another analogy of how a guard was always posted at a particular spot.

No one knew why a guard had to be posted there.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that many years earlier a queen had ordered a guard be put in that spot to protect a rose bush.

The bush had been gone for years.

Obviously, it was silly to have kept posting a guard there, but nobody had questioned it.

Maybe thats why we must re-evaluate how we do things. Maybe we need to stop using worn-out methods and procedures. Maybe we must try something new.

That can be tough, especially if you dont like change.

Churches have had trouble when parishioners didnt want to change styles of music or types of seating or build a new building.

People have left churches when their beloved pastor moved on and a new minister with different ideas and approaches came aboard.

Jesus wasnt well-greeted or well-treated by religious leaders  who found a way to have him crucified.

Even some disciples of John the Baptist questioned Jesus.

In this situation, Johns disciples come to Jesus, asking why they and the religious leaders are fasting, but Christs disciples arent.

Jesus has an interesting answer.

The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast, Jesus says.

Jesus is comparing himself to a bridegroom. And why should his disciples mourn and fast, while Jesus is still on earth? Sounds like there would be plenty of time for fasting after his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Then Jesus makes a couple more interesting analogies.

No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch tears away from the cloak and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the new wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.

Was Jesus trying to give lessons in sewing and winemaking? Was he saying people shouldnt fast at all?

Or was Jesus trying to tell Johns disciples that dependence on old, religious rituals instead of the new faith and the grace he offered wasnt going to work.

Unlike the people of old, who had to make atonement for their sins, people soon would be covered under Christs death on the cross.

It was a new deal  and one for which Im so grateful.

Were all sinners; none of us are perfect. But if we believe Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins, repent (turn from our sins) and ask Jesus to come into our hearts and be our Lord and Savior, we can go to heaven. We must trust him and obey his word.

Sound like a tall order, but please take it from a former boundary-busting girl like me. Following Gods ways of doing things is so much easier and better than trying to do it your own way. Trusting him to navigate you through lifes storms is so much better than trying to row the boat yourself.

Jesus offers hope and peace.

So is it still OK to fast? Yes. Ive been told it can make you more spiritually sensitive and its a way of showing God that youre putting aside other things to concentrate on him in prayer. And if God leads us to fast, he can help us do it.

Fasting to grow closer to and seek direction from our loving God is different than doing so to try to complete some expected religious ritual.

Im glad Jesus took time to explain things.

Im grateful to people like Joe who served our country and that Ive never seen horrible things like he did.

And if Joe is seeing horses in heaven, Id like to think theyre gracefully moving creatures whose beauty is beyond what any earth-bound person could imagine.
New Delhi: A new, yet to be verified, audio clip of Abu Dujana and Arif Lehari has started doing the rounds in the Valley, three days after they were killed in an encounter.



This audio clip, which was presumably recorded minutes before their death and has messages to Kashmiris, Lelharis family and to Zakir Musa, may be the first signs of a new chapter unfolding in Kashmiri militancy  the rise of Al Qaeda in Kashmir.



If the audio clip is genuine  it has piqued the attention of all security forces in Kashmir  then the strength of Al Qaedas Kashmir division may have been greatly undermined.



Thats because Arif Lehari can be heard in the audio swearing allegiance to Al Qaeda four times, along with Dujana, who was also believed to be working for the LeT.



The other interesting facet, which shows the changing militancy in Kashmir, is the request by local Kashmiri militant Lelhari who says that he doesnt want to be wrapped in Pakistani flag, wrap me in Tawheed [Islamic] flag.



Excerpts of the transcript



Arif Lelhari [speaking in Kashmiri]: Father and mother, dont fret over me. We have been taken care of, wherever we are. They (the hosts) did not do anything wrong.... At our burial, there should be an announcement that they are not harmed. Do not wrap me in Pakistani flag. My body should be wrapped in Tawheed flag.... Dont send Dujana bhais body across (the border). Pray for me.



Abu Dujana [speaking in Urdu]: Brother, everything is fine. Dont be tense over me, Im very happy. We entered this house around 10:30-10:45 in the night and somebody saw us. This (being found out by security forces) is not the fault of the hosts. We came into this house, we werent invited. We appeal to Musa Bhai, dont do them any wrong



The message ends with Lelhari repeating four times, We are with Al Qaeda.



Notably, Lashkar, which doesnt waste time in issuing statements, has still not released any statement three days after the death of the two militants who were believed to be working for the outfit.



Senior officers in police and the CRPF in Kashmir, when contacted by News18 about this audio clip, said they would get back. But one senior officer admitted that Al Qaedas capability in Kashmir was being greatly undermined.



You can look at whats come out of this audio clip with two perspectives. One is that Abu Dujana had lost favour with Lashkar and he knew that surviving in Kashmir without a support system was going to be impossible. This is why he knew he had no option but to join forces with Zakir Musa.



The other perspective, the senior officer posted in Srinagar said is to understand that the sentiment among the youth in the Valley is against one thing  status quo. Over time, a feeling has percolated down that everyone from Lashkar to Hizb to Hurriyat is compromised in one way or another. So this new element coming into picture  Al Qaeda  seems greatly interesting. They may not adhere or even understand Al Qaedas philosophy, but only this option now appeals to the potential militant recruits.



The growing disaffection with Pakistan was one clear sign, the officer said. Thousands turn up for funerals of these militants but you may have noticed that none of them is wrapped up in Pakistani flags anymore. Now, if there was some element of sympathy for Pakistan or the groups harboured there, somebody from the crowd would have objected. Nobody did. For last two weeks, weve observed that every militant is being wrapped in black flag. This is a sign of something new.



According to another source, even for a foreign militant whose funeral has traditionally evinced little public sympathy, hundreds turned up for Dujanas funeral in Uri.



Abu Dujana has been the longest surviving militant in Kashmir and is known to have single-handedly raised in the Valley a cadre for the Lashkar, which had been decimated by security forces in late 90s and early 2000s.



If Duajana, with all his knowhow, was actually working for Musa then the local polices estimate of Al Qaedas penetration in Kashmir seems a great underestimation.



A day after Al Qaeda released a statement anointing Musa as their chief in Kashmir, the J&K Director General of police SP Vaid, had told reporters, A terrorist is a terrorist. We are not bothered with all this.



But photos of Musa released just three days ago shows him with at least eight armed militants. Notably, Musa has not posed in these photos holding a gun but a cane, looking at a distance, quite like Osama Bin Laden used to get photographed.
Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday ordered re-investigation into the Ayesha Meera murder case.



The home department has ordered the constitution of a special investigation team, headed by Deputy Inspector General rank officer. The SIT will include a woman officer and will be supervised by the commissioner of Vijayawada.



Satyam Babu, the main accused in the murder and rape case, was acquitted by the Andhra Pradesh High Court earlier this year.



Ayesha Meera, a 17-year-old student, was found raped and murdered on December 27, 2007 in her hostel in Ibrahimpatnam, Vijaywada.



A sessions court had convicted Babu, but the High Court reversed the order and pulled up the investigative agencies for framing an innocent person.



After growing clamour from different sections against Babus acquittal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu assured Meeras family that justice will be done.




Bengaluru: Bengaluru may soon become Indias first city to get a helicopter taxi service.



Thumby Aviation has partnered with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to start Heli Taxi services from the electronic city to the Kempe Gowda International Airport by November this year. The air taxi service would cut the commute to just 15 minutes from around two hours by road.



The rates are yet to be fixed but Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha has urged for the fare to be kept at affordable levels. "I request the operators to price it at affordable rates. Thats what we have done with airlines. If heli taxi prices are at pegged at air-conditioned cab prices, the demand will increase," Sinha said.



The rates are likely to be fixed and not dynamic, and the operators are aiming at an initial base of 100 users of the 60,000 people who use the airport every day.



He said the Centre has been encouraging the use of helicopters in cities with its open-sky policy which allows helicopters to fly below 5,000 feet without any flight plan.



As of now, there are 90 helipads in Bangalore city on rooftops which are not used and both central and state governments have promised few more helipads.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swarajs statement on taking the diplomacy route to resolve the Doklam standoff does not seem to have gone down well with China which has now accused New Delhi of using delaying tactics.



In a statement issued late on Thursday, Chinas Defence Ministry spokesperson Ren Guoqiang said India must immediately withdraw its trespassing troops.



India must give up the illusion of its delaying tactic and immediately withdraw its trespassing troops to the Indian side of the boundary, state-controlled Xinhua news agency quoted Ren as saying.



Chinese armed forces have shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability. However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line, Ren said.



The statement came hours after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in Parliament that the Doklam military standoff with China can only be resolved through diplomacy and a war would not help.



"We will keep patience to resolve the issue," Sushma had said in the Rajya Sabha. "We will keep engaging with China to resolve the dispute."



In response to questions, she said military readiness is always there as the military is meant to fight wars. "But war cannot resolve problems. So wisdom is to resolve diplomatically," the minister said, expressing confidence that the issue can be resolved through bilateral talks.



The Indian and Chinese militaries are locked in a standoff in the Bhutan tri-junction. The face-off was triggered when Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the area.



China claimed that they were constructing the road within their territory and has been demanding immediate pull-out of the Indian troops from the disputed Dokalam plateau. 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.



India has conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.



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.
Beijing: A Chinese strategic analyst has questioned Beijing's "national obsession" with Arunachal Pradesh, saying that the state is only a "chicken rib" and hardly an "asset" for the country.



China claims Arunachal Pradesh as "South Tibet" and in retaliation to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's visit to India, Beijing had announced Chinese "standardised" names for six places.



The Chinese state media had said the move to rename the places was aimed at reaffirming China's claim over the state.



But Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju, who accompanies the Dalai Lama to Arunachal, had made clear that the state is "an inseparable part of India".



The Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal was the seventh since he fled from Tibet through Tawang and sought refuge in India.



"Although China and India have been in a rocky relationship over the disputed territory for years, the disputed territory, which has been a national obsession, is hardly an asset to China," Wang Tao Tao said.



"In realistic terms, the area is just a chicken rib for China," Wang wrote on the popular Chinese website zhihu.com - which is akin to Quora - mostly covers security matters.



Interestingly, the article came at a time when India and China have been engaged in a border standoff for more than a month after Chinese troops tried to construct a road in Doklam area in the Sikkim sector. India has protested the move saying it would allow China to cut India's access to its northeastern states.



Social media websites and blogs - like the zhihu.com - have become popular over the years in China, where millions access them on their mobile phones.



"The territorial dispute between China and India is essentially meaningless because this disputed territory for India and China, not only difficult to develop but the moral, economic, political and management costs are extremely high," Wang said.



"In this case, it is hard for China to actually go to war with India for these chicken ribs as long as it does not hamper security interests," he said, suggesting that any contest over Arunachal will have an adverse impact on rest of the Tibet potentially strengthen separatist forces.



"Objectively looking, the potential for separation in Tibet could become more powerful," he said.



Wang said China has failed to fully address Tibetan identity issues.



"While the land of southern Tibet is very different from the bitter cold in northern Tibet, agriculture is relatively developed, will also virtually strengthen the ability of Tibetans to support themselves," Wang said.



Moreover, the area is vulnerable to attacks and cannot provide superior strategic depth and security interests for China's inland like the vast Tibetan plateau, he said.
New Delhi: A day after China once again blocked the move to brand Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist, the government on Friday urged countries that share its concerns on international terrorism to cooperate in fighting all forms of terror.



You are aware of our position. He (Azhar) is the leader of JeM, which has been involved in terror acts against India and fomenting trouble in other countries. All the countries that share our concern will cooperate in the sanction, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.



Baglay said that Azhar had been involved in carrying out terror activities against India and this was a well-known fact. He was replying to a question on China once again extending by three months its technical hold on the US, France and UK-backed proposal to designate Azhar a global terrorist by the UN.



China had in February this year blocked the US move to include the Pathankot terror attack mastermind in the list of global terrorists. The deadline for China to take action on its technical hold was till August 2.



Beijing, a permanent member of the UN Security Council with veto-wielding power, has repeatedly blocked India's move to put a ban on the JeM leader under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council. JeM already features in the banned list.



In March last year, China was the sole member in the 15-nation UN organ to put a hold on India's application. All other 14 members supported Indias bid to place Azhar on the 1,267 sanctions list that would subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. The six-month validity of that technical hold lapsed in September and Beijing then extended it by three more months.



On 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeeds launching his own political party in Pakistan, Baglay said, It's ironical that he wants to cover his blood-stained hands in ballot ink. We are concerned about this. There should be a stop to his activities.



He is a terrorist. He was involved in the Mumbai terror attack in which not just Indian but people of other nationalities also died. There is a UN ban on him and his outfits, he added.
New Delhi: India has expressed deep concerns over Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) being rebranded and launched as a political outfit called Milli Muslim League Pakistan.



JuD chief Hafiz Saeed is currently under house arrest in Lahore, but his outfit reportedly continues to operate with impunity and is now expected to register with the Election Commission. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, It is ironic that Hafiz Saeed is trying to cover his blood-stained hands with ballot ink. We are concerned about this.



There has been a strong buzz in Pakistan with regards to this development. It is now learnt that JuD, which acted as a front for the banned dreaded terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, will relaunch as a political party on August 14. Three years ago, the U.S. State Department had named JuD a foreign terrorist organisation, freezing its assets under US jurisdiction.



India reminded the world that the 2008 Mumbai terror attack was masterminded by Hafiz Saeed and his outfit LeT, responsible for the killing of 166 people, including many foreign nationals. Gopal Baglay said, After killing with bullets, does he want to hide behind the ballot?



In the aftermath of the dastardly Mumbai attack, Pakistan had put Saeed, as he is today, under house arrest. But six months later, in June 2009, he was released.



In fact, Saeeds house arrest that came again in January this year was extended only two days ago for another two months. The Punjab, Pakistan administration said it was to maintain public order. With the current political flux in Pakistan after the dismissal of Nawaz Sharif as the Prime Minister, the information of JuD registering as a political party gains even greater significance.


New Delhi: A year after civic bodies in Delhi reported a few deaths due to polio and smallpox, the government finally sought clarifications from them on Friday.



The Delhi government released the Registration of Births and Deaths in Delhi 2016 report on Thursday. The report had claimed that 11 people died due to polio and two succumbed to smallpox.



While smallpox is known to have been eradicated worldwide sometime in the 1980s, the last reported case of polio in India was in 2011 and the nation was declared polio-free in 2014.



Attention of the Department of Economics and Statistics has been drawn towards some reports in a section of the media, the Delhi government said on Friday.



Some media reports quoted health officials as saying that it might have been a "clerical error".



Data for the report pertaining to births and deaths registrations were provided by five civic bodies -- East Delhi Municipal Corporation, North Delhi Municipal Corporation, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Cantonment Board, it said.



"Clarifications/confirmation have been sought from the local bodies concerned about these reportings," the statement added.



"The Directorate has prepared the report according to secondary data provided by the local body concerned. After getting clarifications/confirmation from the local bodies, the discrepancies, if any, will be rectified accordingly," it added.





(With PTI inputs)
Srinagar: A newly recruited local militant of the Hizbul Mujahideen was killed while two managed to escape during an overnight encounter with security forces in Kashmir's Anantnag district.



According to the security forces, the encounter broke out late on Thursday at Kanibal in Bijbehara of Anantnag district, when the police along with Army and CRPF cordoned off a village following an intelligence input.



During the encounter, which lasted for two hours, one terrorist identified as Yawar, hailing from Anantnag, was killed while two other terrorists managed to escape under the cover of darkness, officials said.



The official further added that an Army jawan also sustained bullet injury but was stated to be stable.



Yawar, who was allegedly a "chronic stone-pelter" of the area, had joined the terrorist outfit in the first week of last month, they said, adding that a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) looted earlier from a police guard was recovered from him, reported PTI.



PTI quoted officials as saying that one motorcycle-borne individual, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, was found dead with bullet injuries. Officials expressed apprehension that he might have died in the crossfire, PTI reported.



The number plate of the vehicle was damaged and no identity card of the deceased was found.



Two mobile phones were recovered from the deceased who was in multi-layered clothing. The telephone contacts in his handset could not immediately help to confirm his identity.



The local police have released his picture for identification.



According to the officials, the body of Yawar was handed over to his family for burial and restrictions were imposed in the town as a preventive measure.



(With PTI inputs)




New Delhi: Could this be the next big moment in the three-decade-old Kashmir conflict? The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to recruit more than 16,000 locals from Jammu and Kashmir in various wings of Indias armed forces.



And among them, around 1,000 locals will become part of CRPFs locally raised battalions, sources say. Two battalions will be brought up on the lines of the Bastariya Battalion, comprised mainly of local tribals, that is being raised by the CRPF to fight Naxals in Bastar.



The information about Home Ministrys decision to recruit 16,460 people from J&K in various security forces came to light through a response made by the ministry in Parliament.



The Home Ministry was asked whether it is interested in holding dialogue with Kashmiri separatist groups, to which the MoS Home Affairs, Hansraj Ahir, said that the government was willing to work with anyone who "eschews the path of violence" and is willing to "work within the framework of the Constitution of India."



To the other question about the steps taken by the ministry to "bring normalcy to the Kashmir Valley", Ahir responded by listing details of the massive local recruitment program in the armed forces for locals that the Home Ministry has just approved  a total of 10,000 Special Police Officers (SPOs), 5,381 personnel in Five new India Reserve Battalions (IRBs), 1,079 personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles.



Senior security officers and sources in Home Ministry told News18 that the last category of 1,079 personnel will be used in constituting two battalions of the CRPF, apart from a small number that will be recruited in Assam Rifles.



Yes, we have begun a process to raise two battalions in Kashmir. Consultations had begun last year and after our recommendation, the matter was pending in the Home Ministry for a while, said a senior CRPF officer.



One battalion is made of 1,100 soldiers. But these battalions wont only have locals. People from the state will be there in majority but these battalions will also have soldiers from other parts of India. We will have about 600 from Kashmir and the rest from other parts, the officer added.



CRPFs decision to raise Bastariya Battalion in Chhattisgarhs Bastar division, which is the hotbed of Left-extremist militants, had come under severe criticism by human rights activists who had alleged that the state was basically arming locals to fight each other.



Apart from forming CRPFs forces, locals are also forming substantial sections of IRBs. One of the five IRBs will be comprised exclusively of local women.



The MoS Home Affairs, Ahir, said that recruitment of locals in armed forces was conceived with the idea of encouraging youth to join the mainstream and "providing employment opportunities to wean them away from militancy".



Recently, the Army also held examinations to fill 700 vacancies in territorial army, in which a total of 24,000 youth had reportedly participated.
New Delhi: A day before the vice-presidential election, 16 lawmakers of the ruling NDA failed to cast their votes correctly in a dummy poll organised on Friday to ensure their ballots do not go waste.



The BJP had even held a workshop before the dummy exercise to go over the entire voting process, but the MPs ended up with invalid votes, much to the dismay of BJP chief Amit Shah.



An upset Shah asked them to follow the correct voting procedure as described by senior leaders like Bhupender Yadav, so they do not repeat the mistake in the election on Saturday.



There is no rocket science in it, Yadav told members as he demonstrated the correct way of voting.



During the presidential poll, 77 votes in total were declared invalid. Of these, 21 were of MPs from various parties, including many from the NDA. Both Modi and Shah had asked BJP members to vote correctly so their ballots do not go waste.



At a party meeting this week, Shah had wondered how so many lawmakers could get something as simple as casting a vote wrong.



The NDA MPs were joined by the lawmakers from the AIADMK, the TRS and the YSRCP - three regional parties - who are all supporting the candidature of M Venkaiah Naidu, the BJP sources said.



Before the practice session, Venkaiah Naidu addressed the lawmakers and sought their votes. The session was followed by a dinner, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present.



Unlike the presidential election in which the Electoral College also includes MLAs, only MPs of the two Houses can vote in the vice-presidential poll.



Naidu, the NDA candidate, is all but certain to win the election in which the opposition parties have put up Gopalkrishna Gandhi as their nominee against the former BJP president and Union minister.



The current NDA strength in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha is 337 and 80 respectively. The AIADMK, the TRS and the YSRCP have together 50 and 17 MPs in the two respective Houses.



The Electoral College comprises 790 members and parties with 484 members have already pledged their support to Naidu, who is also expected to be backed by several nominated members.
New Delhi: The latest status report by the Delhi Police in the Sunanda Pushkar death case shows the probe is still stuck at the 'cause of death' stage with none of the medical boards reaching a definite conclusion.



The report accessed by CNN-News18 showed there was a clear contradiction between the viscera report and the medical board's opinion which kept the cause of death open-ended.



The status report was filed by the Delhi Police after they were asked by the HC about the inordinate delay in the case.



The third opinion from the autopsy board of AIIMS had ruled out natural death and cited poisoning as the cause. It further opined that poisoning was through oral route. However, injectable route also cant be ruled out.



But the same board in its fourth and final opinion stated that the cause of the death was poisoning by excessive ingestion of tablet Alprazolam. It did not rule out the possibility of injectable poisoning or death due to lidocaine (found in the FBI report) and insulin or any other hypo-glycaemic agent.



The Director General, Health Services, Government of India constituted a board in 2016, which ruled out Lidocaine or Insulin being the cause of death. It, however, sought some more data from the FBI.



Such multiplicity of opinions and their open-ended nature beg the question: Did the probe get delayed because of the lack of clarity of the AIIMS board?



Heres a look at the twists and turns in the case so far:





January 20, 2014: Delhi Police receive post-mortem report from AIIMS. The report says death due to poisoning, the circumstantial evidence is suggestive of Alprazolam poisoning



March 10, 2014: Delhi Police receive viscera analysis report from CFSL. But in this report, Alprax content wasnt discovered



April 4, 2014: Autopsy board of AIIMS seeks further clarification; sample sent to FSL, Rohini



August 20, 2014: FSL Rohini says no Alprax found



August 28, 2014: AIIMS medical board says Sunanda died due to poisoning, but the identification of the type of poison was beyond the capability of the Indian FSL as it could be Thallium, Polonium-210, Nerium Pleander, snake bites etc



December 29, 2014: Third opinion from the autopsy board of AIIMS rules out natural death and cited poisoning as the cause. It further says that poisoning was through oral route. However, injectable route also cant be ruled out, it says



February 10, 2015: Viscera samples sent to FBI labs for further analysis



September 23, 2015: FBI report mentions that Aprazolam and Hydroxy Chloroquine were detected in samples



November 6, 2015: FBI report on radio-chemistry examination of viscera samples received, says levels of possible contamination were found less than the values specified in IATA



November 16, 2015: Sunandas son Shiv Menon writes to Delhi Police chief BS Bassi, seeks constitution of independent medical board for providing definite opinion on the cause of death



January 12, 2016: AIIMS autopsy board gives the final and fourth opinion, saying cause of the death is poisoning by excessive ingestion of tablet Alprazolam. It, however, doesnt rule out possibility of injectable poisoning or death due to Lidocaine (found in FBI report) and Insulin or any other hypo-glycaemic agent



February 29, 2016: New independent board, constituted with doctors from Lady Hardinge Medical College, JIPMER Puducherry and PGIMER Chandigarh constituted



June 25, 2016: DGHS board rules out Lidocaine or Insulin being cause of death, seeks more data from the FBI



September 16, 2016: A team of Delhi police officers travels to the US to discuss certain observations made by AIIMS, seeks more clarification



The extra details have been received and a final meeting of the independent board is expected to ascertain the cause of death soon.




Mumbai: Shyamvar Rai, a former driver of Indrani Mukerjea, the prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, on Friday said he did not know the content of his letter written to the court last year.



The letter requested the court to make him an approver -- accused-turned-prosecution witness -- in the sensational case. The court had granted the request.



During his examination by the prosecution, Rai last week narrated how Sheena, Indrani's daughter, was murdered. During the cross-examination by defence lawyers today, when shown the letter, he said he can not read English, and hence did not know its content, though the signature was his.



The letter was purportedly written on Rai's behalf. Rai also told the court today that he was not aware of the legal provisions relating to approvers.



He said he was also not aware that after becoming an approver he would be pardoned by the court.



According to the CBI, Indrani and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna strangled Sheena, Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, inside a car here in April 2012. Rai was driving the car.



The murder came to light in August 2015 after Rai, arrested in another case, spilled the beans. Later, Indrani's husband Peter Mukerjea, a former media baron, was also arrested for being party to the conspiracy.



The CBI claimed that financial dispute was behind the killing. Also, Sheena was in a relationship with Peter's son from earlier marriage, which Indrani did not approve of, it said.
Chennai: Former union minister P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram on Friday moved the Madras High Court for quashing a "look out circular" issued against him under the Passport Act over a corruption case filed by the CBI.



In his petition, Karti contended that the July 18 circular had been issued arbitrarily and without jurisdiction by the Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) and The Bureau of Immigration under the Union home ministry at the behest of different agencies to prevent him from travelling abroad.



"The circular is a well thought out and meticulously orchestrated fraudulent plan of the CBI to stop me at the airport as and when I proceed abroad by springing an unpleasant surprise on me and leak it to the media that I was detained at the airport and cause embarrassment to me," he alleged.



He said he had responded to the summonses issued by the CBI in connection with the case and there was "no absolute cause of action" for issuance of the LOC.



The case related to alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds when his father was the Finance Minister in 2007.



When the matter came up for hearing before Justice D Duraiswamy, he adjourned it to August 7 after Additional Solicitor General G Rajagopalan sought time to get instructions on whether such a circular had been issued.



The petitioner had been summoned twice by the CBI since June this year to appear before it for questioning in connection with alleged irregularities in the clearance given by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to the media group for allegedly receiving funds from Mauritius when his father was the finance minister in 2007.



Karti had sought time to appear before the CBI, which had on May 15 registered an FIR against him and others alleging that a firm "indirectly controlled" by him had received money from INX Media, run by Indrani and Peter Mukerjea.



In his petition, Karti submitted that the LOC, which was used to monitor the arrival departure of foreigners and Indians or to restrict their movement, had been issued to restrain him from going abroad.



Claiming that the CBI issued the summons when he was abroad on personal work, Karti said his counsel had duly informed the CBI about this through a letter dated June 20.



He said the LOC was a coercive measure to make a person surrender to the investigating agency only if it was amply demonstrated that he repeatedly and deliberately failed to cooperate with the investigation.
Indore: Seven years after it was found that several doctors at the state-run Mahatma Gandhi Medical College (MGMC) were involved in unethical drug trial on unsuspecting patients, the Medical Council of India finally suspended the registration of eight doctors.



The Ethical Committee of MCI issued the order on Thursday to suspend the doctors including the superintendent and former superintendent for a period of three months.



Letters have been dispatched to the medical councils in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to bar these physicians from medical practice for three months.



Those who came under the MCI scanner include, Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital (MYH) superintendent Dr VS Paul, former superintendent Dr Ramgulam Rajdan, Dr Anil Bharani and Dr Shish Patel of general medicines department, paediatricians Dr Hemant Jain, Dr Ujjawal Sardesai, Dr Pali Rastogi and Dr Abhay Paliwal.



Dr Sharad Thora, dean of MGMC Indore said that they have received a letter and action at the college would be initiated only when it is undertaken by the MP Medical Council.



In the past, two general physicians at MYH were blacklisted for six months in the case.



The matter raised a hue and cry across the health sector in 2010 after MCI was flooded with complaints of unethical drug trials. Both patients and whistleblowers alleged that these trials were undertaken on over 2,000 patients out of which 81 showed side effects and 35 allegedly died during the trials.



A case regarding these trials is subjudice at the Supreme Court. The Madhya Pradesh government in February 2012 had initiated a departmental probe against six doctors. Besides, the state government served a notice to then MGMC dean Dr Ashok Vajpayee for approving clinical trials without following the due procedure.



In October 2012, the Swasthya Adhikar Manch had alleged severe anomalies in clinical trials in MGMC. They filed a PIL with the Supreme Court and submitted incriminating documents.



One of the whistleblowers in the case, Dr Anand Rai welcomed the move saying justice was finally done to the victims. He claimed he had used an RTI to expose the trials that were carried out without the consent of patients. Dr Rai was also instrumental in exposing anomalies in pre-medical tests conducted by Vyapam.



A report tabled in Rajya Sabha in 2012 claimed that 2,163 patients died in India due to clinical trials since 2007 and out of these, 32 died at MGMC.



In a reply to Dr Rais RTI, the Drug Controller General of Indias (DGCI) office said that over 2,031 had died in clinical trials in India between 2008 and 2011. However, the DGCI had declined to identify centres where the 2,376 drug trials were carried out.
New Delhi: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has junked rumours that Aadhaar data was breached after reports emerged that a Bengaluru-based techie had managed to hack the database.



During the last few days, some news items have appeared in a section of print and social media regarding the alleged leakage / unauthorised access of Aadhaar data through an app developed by an individual based in Bengaluru. The UIDAI has carefully gone into the matter and would like to inform and reassure public that there is no breach of any Aadhaar data and compromise of individuals privacy and security in this case, a statement from the UIDAI read.



It added, As far as the said app is concerned, it was trying to provide Aadhaar verification to the residents based upon their own consent. After an enquiry into this matter by UIDAI, it was found that the residents were using this app. to download their own demographic data after giving their consent through OTP received on their own Aadhaar linked mobiles. In other words, residents were downloading their own demographic data such as name, address, gender etc through this app. Hence, alleged privacy violations reported in some section of media is not true as no one could get data of any other person through this app.



The authority urged residents to not disclose their Aadhaar number to any unauthorised or unknown websites or apps.



The residents should share or provide their Aadhaar numbers only to the official government sites, authorised agencies, banks, and telecom companies and other service providers after doing due diligence and verifying the authenticity of such sites. In case of any doubt, the residents seek the help of UIDAI helpline, 1947 or help@uidai.gov.in to reaffirm whether the website or app is authorised or not.




New Delhi: The government has made Aadhaar number mandatory for the registration of death from October 1. The government says it would help to prevent identity fraud.



The home ministry said on Friday that it would be applicable for the residents of all states except Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Meghalaya, for which a date would be notified separately.



Aadhaar number will be required for the purpose of establishing the identity of the deceased for the purpose of death registration with effect from October 1," according to a notification issued by the home ministry.



In a statement, the home ministry said that if the person applying for the death certificate is not aware of the Aadhaar number or Aadhaar enrolment ID Number (EID) of the deceased, they would have to provide a certificate that the deceased does not possess Aadhaar number to the best of her or his knowledge.



Any false declaration, however, will be treated as an offence as per the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and also Registration of Birth and Death Act, 1969, the home ministry warned.



The office of the Registrar General, which functions under the home ministry, said the use of Aadhaar will result in ensuring accuracy of the details provided by the relatives or dependents or acquaintances of the deceased.



"It will provide an effective method to prevent identity fraud. It will also help in recording the identity of the deceased person. Further, it will obviate the need for producing multiple documents to prove the identity of the deceased person," it said.



The RGI has directed concerned departments in all states and union territories responsible for registration of birth and death to ensure compliance and a confirmation to this effect by September 1, 2017, officials said.



(With PTI inputs)
It's hard enough to find someone to feed the dog while you're on vacation.

But what if you have 100 cows or a slew of goats, chickens and pigs?

That's where farm sitting, or doing a farmer's daily chores, comes into play _ and it's not easy to find qualified, reliable help these days.

Not easy?

It's nearly impossible, said Mike Hellenbrand who owns City Slickers farm near Cross Plains, a small village west of Madison.

He and his wife, Linda, raise several hundred dairy calves, with some of them selling for thousands of dollars because of their prized genetics.

With their livestock and livelihood at stake, the Hellenbrands would demand a high level of trust in someone before letting them run the farm for even a few days.

"If you do find somebody it's for a day or a night," Mike said.

He and Linda take separate trips from the farm so that one of them is always home. That's quite a change from their earlier lives when they lived in New York, on the 17th floor of a Manhattan high-rise, and were married in Central Park.

Now they're living their dream of being farmers, even with a few drawbacks.

"It's impossible for us to get away together," Mike said.

That sounds familiar to Dee Dee and Jeff Golberg who run Spirit Horse Equine Rescue near the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

Their farm has 30 horses including some that need extra attention because they've come from wild horse roundups or abusive backgrounds.

Even with volunteers stepping in to help with chores, Dee Dee said, she and Jeff hardly ever leave the farm for more than a few hours at a time.

Once they left for three nights, only to return and find their live-in farm sitters ready to bolt.

The sitters, expecting that a few days on the farm would be a mini vacation, were exhausted from working morning to night.

"Earlier they had helped with chores. But they'd never done the full enchilada," Dee Deesaid.

Even a small herd of goats or a flock of chickens can change your life because it's not so easy to find livestock caregivers for days or a couple of weeks at a time.

You plan your time away based on what's happening with the farm, said Roger Sipe, editor of Hobbyfarms.com and Chickens magazine.

"A lot of people take their vacations in the late fall or winter when the work is less intensive," Sipe said.

Stuff happens when you're away, too. The goats escape, the chickens are attacked by coyotes, and farm machinery dies after you've turned things over to the temporary help for a few days.

You don't know what you don't know until it happens.

Some farmers with decades of experience, backed by family members and neighbors, still keep an eye on what's happening at home while they're away.

Things like a cellphone weather app make that easier.

"You don't necessarily go into heart-attack mode when you see the weather's changing, but you certainly pay attention to it," said Darin Von Ruden, a third-generation dairy farmer and president of Wisconsin Farmers Union.

For some folks, getting away from the farm for two weeks would be like taking a trip to the moon. They milk cows twice a day, 365 days a year, so they probably only take some half-day trips.

That's not a lifestyle Von Ruden necessarily endorses.

"It's always good to get away for a little bit, so that when you come back you appreciate what you've got," he said.

One of the main reasons that some farms have gotten much bigger is it allows a farmer to hire full-time help or to partner with someone else and not be so tied down.

"Young people are more likely to get involved in farming and to stick with it if they can get a weekend off and have a vacation," said Mike Ballweg, a University of Wisconsin Extension agent.

"It's been an age-old problem going back decades," Ballweg said.

Some people have turned farm sitting, mostly for hobby farms, into a small business. Others have kept busy as temporary help on larger, regular farms.

But working on somebody else's place can be more trouble than it's worth. Every farm has its own peculiarities, some of them not even noticed by the owner, that can frustrate the farm sitter or temporary help.

Ivan Johnson spent about a year filling in on small dairy farms before getting out of that business. He said it was hard to find farmers willing to pay him what his time was worth.

"Honestly I got burnt out on it, always working on other people's things," said Johnson, who has since started his own dairy farm.

He still gets calls from farmers asking for vacation help.

"But I have my own cows and can't get away," he said.
New Delhi: The Election Commission has told the Supreme Court that its EVMs are fully tamper-proof and credible machines, which cant be hacked.



Submitting its affidavit, EC Director (Law) Vijay Kumar Pandey said all PILs claiming that EVMs are faulty machines must be dismissed since there has not been even one evidence of such lapse.



The EC said EVMs in India are better machines than the electronic voting machines used in the US, Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland. It pointed out that EVMs in foreign countries rely on internet connectivity, whereas EVMs here are standalone devices which work on a completely internal platform.



Referring to a recent open challenge by the commission to all political parties to test EVMs, the EC said no party came forward to assess the efficacy of these machines. Further, there has not been any evidence to suggest EVMs can be hacked, it said.



The commission added the EVMs are regularly tested and such an exercise is a must before they are employed in an election.



It added that the EC will conduct the 2019 General Elections with EVMs having voter verifiable paper audit trails (VVPAT).



More than 16 lakh VVPAT EVM machines will be procured through two PSUs by September 2018, it said.



Later in the day, the Supreme Court will take up a bunch of petitions that have raised doubts over credibility of EVMs.
New Delhi: Activist and local Congress workers in Hyderabad staged a protest against Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao's decision to build a Secretariat at Bison Polo grounds. All protesters were detained.



The CM is killing this green space only for Vaastu. The ground has so many trees. We will not let this happen. We will not allow him to waste tax payers money, said Congress leader and one of the protesters Krishank.



The protesters gathered outside Bison Polo ground and raised slogans to save the ground. As a symbolic protest, they tried to tie a KCR effigy to a tree.



The Chief Ministers decision to shift the present Secretariat to a Vaastu-complaint location, has been drawing criticism from all sides. Not only the Secretariat, the government has decided to construct new Legislative Assembly as well.



A staunch believer of Vaastu, the CM had, stirred a controversy last year after he moved into a new residence, said to be one of the most expensive CM houses in the country, for a Vaastu-compliant location.
New Delhi: In a role reversal of sorts, RSS has sought to wrest control of the BJPs long drawn political battle with the Left. At the same time it has sought all reinforcements from its affiliates  including BJP  and also the central government to send a strong message to its cadres in the Southern state.



RSSs top three leaders, including second-in-command Bhaiyyaji Joshi, and Krishna Gopal, met BJP leaders earlier this week to chalk out a joint strategy for Kerala after the murder of a Sangh worker in a series of political violence in the Left-ruled state.



The meeting took place in the backdrop of recent spurt in violence between the CPM and RSS/BJP cadres.



Following the meeting, BJP MPs swung into action in Parliament this week. This would be followed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitleys visit to the state on Sunday.



While Home Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken on the issue with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, it is expected that his partymen will keep the pressure up on the Left Front government in the state.



There were clear indications in RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabales statement in Delhi on Friday when he alluded to links between Jihadi terrorists and CPM cadre.



Caught in a bitter turf war with the Left since BJPs ascension to power at the Centre, RSS in this ideological battle sees Kerala as CPMs last electoral garrison. Bengal and Tripura, RSS feels, have already slipped out Lefts grasp, and are beyond redemption.



The renewed attack on the Left Front government also comes in the aftermath of a long deliberation within the Sangh Parivar on the means and measures to tackle democratically elected Pinarayi Vijayan government. While a section has been seeking a more aggressive policy to take on the Left in Kerala, a few others had supported a nuanced dialogue to end political murders.



Politically also, this seems to be a critical stage for the BJP in its attempts to expand its footprint in the state. A string of corruption allegations have rocked the Kerala BJP recently, forcing the Central leadership to intervene.
New Delhi: On the eve of the vice-presidential election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he believed that NDAs candidate M Venkaiah Naidu would play an important role in raising the Parliament's prestige.



Our countrys parliamentary activities are being criticized. Venkaiahji will have so many suggestions and ideas. Now that we have come to power after 30 years with a full majority, it calls for a big responsibility," said Modi.



How we all can raise the prestige of the Parliament? This is very important for the country's democracy. It's not the Parliament's supremacy. That is anyway enshrined in the Constitution, but how its prestige can be raised, he added.



Modi also released the book "Tireless Voice, Relentless Journey", consisting of Naidu's speeches and articles.



Stressing that "if there's any place to bring the country out of danger and guide politically by rising above the political differences, it's the Upper House (Rajya Sabha)", he said: How will the prestige of the House be reinstated? It is a responsibility as well as a challenge before us. It is our good fortune that we are going to get the leadership of Venkaiah Naidu there."



The Prime Minister said he was not setting any agenda here what Naidu should do" but that he could see "that this responsibility is very big. It can only be possible, when we resolve to stay shoulder-to-shoulder with him for the next five years".



Modi also said that they should not think that "Venkaiah to apna hai (Venkaiah is our own man). No, He is our soon-to-be Vice President and going to be presiding over a prestigious institution.



"Till yesterday he was a minister in my cabinet and at one time I had worked as a party functionary when he was the party president," he said, adding that Naidu should guide them after becoming the Vice-President.



"We need to learn how to respect the augustness of the post. Venkaiah's success is nation's success. To restore the prestige of parliament is the need of the hour," he added.



"If that's not done, the country will be disappointed. Parliamentary activities, parliamentary prestige and parliamentary conduct are very important as well. And I believe that Naidu will play an important role in doing this."
Desperate to brighten up the gloom of Thai prison life, Prontip Mankong and her fellow female inmates used to sneak food colouring from the kitchen and mix it with Vaseline to create a homemade lip gloss.



After serving two years for violating Thailand's royal defamation law, the former political prisoner is now on the other side of the prison gate.



But she is drawing on the same spirit of ingenuity to make recycled cosmetics for those still stuck in Thailand's notoriously bleak jails, which are bursting at the seams in a country with the highest female incarceration rate in the world. "The lip gloss boosted our confidence and gave us a sense of self-expression in a place where freedom is limited," said Prontip Mankong, who was jailed for her role in a satirical play that authorities said mocked the royal family.



On a recent Sunday, the 29-year-old and other female ex-cons spent the afternoon slicing off the tops of thousands of donated lipsticks and grouping them into baskets by colour. The waxy chunks were boiled down over a stove into shimmering pink and magenta liquids, and then poured into small containers which will be donated to a women's prison after they cool. Of all the deprivations of prison life make-up may seem a minor one.



Yet Prontip sees the donated cosmetics as a simple way to boost morale and free up cash for inmates, whose lives are just as governed by money as those on the outside. Inmates earn small incomes from jobs like cooking and making crafts, which they use to buy sanitary pads and other basic necessities from small convenience stores, where purchases are limited to around $10 a day. "Getting cosmetics was very difficult and expensive," she told AFP, explaining that some inmates would buy out all the beauty products from a small prison store and then jack up the price for other buyers.



This type of black market economy permeates the prison yard, with cash via prison jobs and relatives the only way to secure other comforts like longer showers or pain medicine. "This money doesn't go to the prisons but goes to the pockets of the influential inmates," said Prontip, whose chipper attitude cracks when she starts recalling her own time behind bars.



Thailand's prison problem



Thailand's exploding prison population stems from the kingdom's harsh anti-drug laws, where the possession of just a few methamphetamine pills is enough to land offenders a decade in jail.



The kingdom jails more women per capita than any other nation, with more than 80 percent of its 39,000 female convicts in prison on drug-related offences, according to the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).



Successive Thai governments have done little to reform drug laws or tackle dire overcrowding in prisons. Many inmates sleep on hard linoleum floors in cells so cramped they have to rest on their sides or lay their limbs on top of one another. Fluorescent lights are kept on throughout the night and dozens of prisoners have to share a single toilet in the back of the cell, with not even a curtain for privacy.



In conditions like these, small comforts can go a long way. "Beauty can help," said Watinee Chaithirasakul, a fashion blogger who helped collect cosmetics for Prontip's project. "It's about helping them have a mentality that will allow them to live in that space."
The prevalence of blindness and vision impairment worldwide is set to triple from nearly 36 million to 38.5 million by 2020 and 115 million in 2050 due to an increase in the ageing population, a study has claimed.



The study, published in the journal Lancet Global Health, showed that in 2015 an estimated 36 million people were blind, 217 million were moderately or severely vision impaired, and 188 million had mild vision impairment.



Near-vision impairment due to uncorrected presbyopia affected 1.09 billion people aged 35 years or older.



Most of the blind people live in South Asia (11.7 million, 80 per cent), followed by East Asia (6.2 million) and Southeast Asia (3.5 million). Some parts of sub-Saharan Africa also have particularly high rates.



"There is an ongoing reduction in the age-standardised prevalence of blindness and visual impairment, yet the growth and ageing of the world's population is causing a substantial increase in number of people affected," said Rupert Bourne, Professor at the Anglia Ruskin University in the UK.



Further, there are more than 200 million people with moderate to severe vision impairment, which is expected to rise to more than 550 million by 2050.



For the study, the team estimated trends in prevalence of vision impairment and their uncertainties, by sex, for 188 countries in the 21 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) regions, from 1990 to 2015.



"Even mild visual impairment can significantly impact a person's life. For example, reducing their independence... as it often means people are barred from driving," Bourne was quoted as telling the BBC.



Visual impairment also limits people's educational and economic opportunities, Bourne said.



The study calls for better investment in treatments, such as cataract surgery, and ensuring people have access to appropriate vision-correcting glasses.



"Interventions provide some of the largest returns on investment. They are some of the most easily implemented interventions in developing regions," Bourne said.



"They are cheap, require little infrastructure and countries recover their costs as people enter back into the workforce," he added.
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 said.



"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.
New research from Canada suggests that over-60s should eat protein at all three daily meals to help stave off age-related muscle decline, which can contribute to loss of independence and falls.



Researchers at McGill University in Canada studied the effects of protein consumption on muscle strength in seniors.



Older adults tend to get most of their protein from just one of their daily meals -- dinner -- whereas to help preserve their physical strength, protein consumption should be spread out throughout the day, the researchers conclude.



For the study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the scientists tracked more than 1,700 healthy adults aged between 67 and 84 for three years. Participants underwent yearly hand, arm and leg strength testing, as well as mobility tests.



Over the three years, the researchers found that overall physical performance worsened in both men and women, with muscle strength fading more significantly than mobility.



However, participants who consumed protein more evenly throughout the day appeared to retain greater muscle strength -- although not greater mobility -- than those who consumed most of their protein late in the day.



Current recommendations to ensure sufficient protein intake are 1.2g of protein per kilogram of weight for adults of all ages. For example, a man weighing 75kg should eat 90g of protein per day.



For older individuals, this may need to be increased by between 50% and 90%, depending on individuals' lifestyles.



In general, one portion of protein is equivalent to 30g of meat, chicken or fish, one egg, one tablespoon of peanut butter, one-quarter cup of cooked beans or one-half ounce of nuts or seeds, according to the US Department of Agriculture, which recommends that over-50s eat five to seven portions of protein per day, or 150g to 200g.
Image: Facebook/ Imtiaz Ali

Image: Youtube/ A still from the trailer of Jab Harry Met Sejal

: Imtiaz Ali: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka SharmaEvery Imtiaz Ali film has certain elements that classify it as a quintessential Imtiaz Ali work and Jab Harry Met Sejal is no different. Just that it turns out a little less satisfactory than his previous works. The film, it seems, has a lot more to offer than what meets the eye and like all Alis previous ventures, this too isnt meant for everyone.Sejal (Anushka Sharma), a Gujarati self-proclaimed selfish woman, is on a tour with her family and her faceless fiancee Rupen, who the viewers, only see in the second half. She, however, loses her engagement ring on the course and having involved in a fight with him, she decides to stay back unless she finds the ring. Harry (Shah Rukh Khan), a Punjabi self-proclaimed ganda-aadmi, happens to be their tour guide and finds himself reluctantly stranded alongside Sejal on her quest to find the ring. On Sejals demand, the two decide to trace the entire holiday and revisit multiple places in hope of finding the ring.Sejal and Harry happen to foster different individualities and often indulge in pitter-patter over sweet nothings. While sometimes, the banters do make you smile, but most often than not they barely reach you and sound like a jugalbandi between a Punjabi and a Gujarati. Amid the constant mushy fights, one hears a constant reminder of the films tagline What you seek is seeking you and thats when Alis basic idea of flawed-humans and a healing journey starts taking over the narrative.As they retrace their steps, the two fall in love with each other, but vivid moments of Sejal cuddling with Harry or Harry being too protective of her can get the viewers a little delusional.The main part of the film, however, is that it feels and tastes like the same wine served in a different bottle. It doesnt feel new, but a routine of sorts. In fact, the similar frames from Alis previous films like Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal and Tamasha find their place in the latest offering too. Like the song, Phurr, has an uncanny resemblance to Tamashas Matargashti.Shah Rukh, however, holds his flag of romanticism quite high. There are certain scenes, which only light up because of his presence and his dimpled-smile. At times, even though hes smiling, his eyes narrate a rather different tale and thats probably what makes Harry Imtiazs Harry. Anushkas Sejal as a chirpy Gujarati modern-woman is effervescent when she takes over the screen. The accent, however, starts getting on to you after a certain point. Like putting a ne after almost every word or sentence doesnt really make her Gujarati. The two have previously been paired together in films like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Jab Tak Hain Jaan and as for them, their chemistry doesnt come as a surprise.Ali is known for building up characters who end up having their names written all over the traits they come to screen with. While Harry and Sejal may not necessarily go down the Geet success-lane, the characters curves highlighted with their flaws have been etched, but not strongly enough. Like Harry plays a tour guide  happy on the surface, but battling the demons of past on the inside, Sejal plans on marrying a man and often insists that the two make a wonderful couple, but does she really believe in it?Theres a lot to savour in this visually aesthetic film  the by lanes of Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Portugal, Frankfurt and the mystique Punjabi touch. As they make their way from one state to another, the urge to travel in you will grow by leaps and bounds.The film finds its base on a missing ring, but if one delves deeper, a ring isnt just an ornament, but a metaphor of all things missing in ones life. So while Alis Sufi-ness is retained in the film and does connect with you at times, it doesnt really bond. Alis message comes off right, but not with a bang as anticipated.You may want to watch this film if youre either a fan of the protagonists or the filmmaker or if you wish to tag along for a picturesque journey, but dont expect the unexpected. As for the film, its not really what youve been seeking perhaps.
My biggest takeaway from Shah Rukh Khans new film Jab Harry Met Sejal is that at 51, after 25 years of cementing his image as this generations most popular romantic star, hes finally transformed into the sort of sexy, dangerous bad boy who might actually sleep with the girl. Its true!His Harvinder Singh Nehra aka Harry is a far cry from the PG-13 version of the irresistible charmer that hes played so many times. The one thats caused women to dump their fiances at the altar or walk out on their parents, but, ironically, never posed the slightest threat to their modesty. This time, oozing sex appeal and brandishing machismo evocative of Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna in the seventies, hes the guy your father warned you against.Which is why its such a shame that hes trapped in a film that pussyfoots its way around intimacy.Harry is a tour guide in Europe who reluctantly helps a desperate but determined young woman named Sejal (Anushka Sharma) to retrace their steps in order to locate the engagement ring she lost during her holiday.Its a tricky affair. Harry, a bruised, cynical man who finds comfort in meaningless one-night stands doesnt want Sejal to be another notch on his bedpost. She, of the funny Gujarati accent, is insulted that he doesnt think shes layak enough to be one of his conquests.The pair rambles on about love, attraction, sex and marriage as they traverse a gorgeous landscape that includes Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest and Frankfurt in pursuit of the ring. But the ring is merely a metaphor. If youve watched any Imtiaz Ali film, you know that what Harry and Sejal are searching for is each other, and of course, their own true selves.Now the truth is this shtick has gotten old. After successfully exploiting themes of self-discovery in Jab We Met and Rockstar, it became clear watching Tamasha that Imtiaz may be running out of ideas. There are just so many times you can romanticize self-healing and coming-of-age before it all starts to feel contrived. In the case of this film, frankly Harry and Sejal come off as characters in search of a plot.The film starts out light and breezy. The first half coasts along on the strength of the actors charm and their chemistry, even the verbal sparring between them delivers many laughs. But post-intermission it slips into a quagmire of pointlessness and repetition before it becomes a complete slog. There are way too many songs that stretch the already flimsy narrative, and diversions like the run-in with a Bangladeshi goon (Chandan Roy Sanyal) are excruciating.Imtiaz, who has been frequently  and lets face it, prematurely  described as the Yash Chopra of this generation, falters on account of an undercooked script. There is just not enough meat on the bones to keep you invested in the protagonists journey, or in their relationship, which feels clumsy and muddled but not in an interesting, honest way.Its a pity, because Shah Rukh Khan breathes life into a character that could so easily have been a turn-off. His performance is one of the films few strengths. Despite the baffling, contradictory nature of Sejal, Anushka Sharma works hard to imbue her with genuine feeling. The two actors deserved a better film, and so did we. Im going with two out of five.Rating: 2 / 5What's your reaction to Jab Harry Met SejalWrite your review of Jab Harry Met Sejalhttp://www.news18.com/news/movies/jab-harry-met-sejal-movie-review-shah-rukh-khan-anushka-sharmas-film-is-not-what-youve-been-seeking-perhaps-1482769.html
More than 80 years after Leon "Bix" Beiderbecke died at the age of 28, a theory about the cornetist's controversial end argues Bix was the tragic victim of an anti-liquor campaign arranged by the federal government.

The indisputable facts: On Thursday, Aug. 6, 1931, at 9:30 p.m. Beiderbecke, the great Davenport cornetist, died in New York City. According to the front page article of the Davenport Democrat and Leader, a predecessor of the Quad-City Times, the cause of death was pneumonia.

But jazz artist Randall Sandke, who plays cornet and trumpet and who is on the board of the Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archive, said he has long wondered about the ultimate cause of Bixs death. His research has led him to some fresh conclusions about the case. His findings were laid out in a 2013 essay, "Was Bix Beiderbecke Poisoned by the Federal Government," published in the Journal of Jazz Studies, a periodical from the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers.

I think Bix has gotten a bad rap, Sandke said in an interview with the Quad-City Times on July 27. He died, and it was related to his alcoholism."

Sandke argues that Bix could have been unlucky enough that night to have imbibed tainted alcohol, as many had during Prohibition, and it could have been the federal government that may have, inadvertently, been a factor in Bixs untimely death.

That Bix drank alcohol heavily has never been a secret. Prohibition did not stop people from drinking alcoholic beverages. In fact the 18th Amendment never prohibited drinking alcohol, just its manufacture, transportation and sale.

The article as was written: After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.

Bix did not just one day contract pneumonia and die. He had been in declining health since he had a reaction to alcohol the evening of Nov. 30, 1928, Sandke said.

Sandke said that he has been interested in Bix since he was a boy of 11 or 12 in Chicago, both reading about him and listening to his music.

In that era, plenty of his contemporaries were hard drinkers, and they managed to avoid the kind of tragic end he had, Sandke said of Bix.

What Sandke thinks is that in Bix's final days, the musician was unlucky enough to have consumed alcohol that was tainted, possibly with methanol, such as wood alcohol, or some other substance.

In his article, Sandke turns to the writing of Deborah Blum, whose 2010 story, The Chemists War: The little-told story of how the U.S. Government poisoned alcohol during Prohibition with deadly consequences, published by Slate, explains the governments role in fighting bootleggers.

While consumable alcohol was banned during Prohibition, there remained a need for industrial alcohol.

The industrial alcohol, as Blum points out, often was stolen by bootleggers and resold as drinkable spirits.

What the government did was order the poisoning of industrial alcohols produced in the United States in the hopes it would scare people into giving up illicit drinking. Instead, by the time Prohibition ended in 1933, Blum says in her essay, the federal government poisoning program, by some estimates, had killed at least 10,000 people.

Blum writes that while Prohibition went into effect on Jan. 1, 1920, people continued to drink and that by the mid-1920s, the Treasury Department, which oversaw alcohol enforcement, estimated that approximately 60 million gallons of industrial alcohol had been stolen annually by bootleggers to supply the nations drinkers.

It was not the governments intent to kill anyone, Blum points out. The idea of denaturing industrial alcohol was introduced to the United States in 1906, as it had been a practice in Europe.

Chemists employed by the syndicates and bootleggers worked to make the denatured industrial alcohol potable, which made the government create ways to make industrial alcohol more poisonous.

As for Bix, a breakdown the night of Nov. 30, 1928, in Cleveland, may have been the result of bad alcohol, Sandke said.

That night, Sandke believes, Bix passed out onstage while performing with Paul Whitemans orchestra in the New Music Hall in Cleveland. Later, in a fit of delirium, according to trombonist and friend Bill Rank, Bix cracked up and broke up a roomful of furniture at the hotel.

Whiteman called for a doctor and nurse and ordered Bix back to Davenport. Instead, Bix headed to New York, but he was a changed man, Sandke said. The episode left Bix with severe peripheral neuropathy affecting both of his legs and feet as well as chronic pneumonia, which eventually killed him. His kidneys and liver didnt function properly. He suffered from headaches, dizziness, blackouts, memory loss and had to use a cane to get around. Bix was only 26 at the time.

The symptoms are those of someone who has been a victim of alcohol poisoning.

It seems to me there was a definite break in his life from the time he had that breakdown in Cleveland, Sandke said. His health never really recovered from that point on.

"If you listen to his music from that point on, he rallies and he records some great stuff. Hes not in the studio not nearly as often as he had before then because of his physical problem."

Despite Bixs drinking, Sandke said, He was able to really maintain this unbelievably high standard of performing all those years until that night."

On Aug. 9, 1931, both WOC and WHO paid tribute to Bix during a broadcast of the Valley dance, according to the Davenport Democrat and Leader.

During the broadcast, pianist Bert Sloan played Bixs composition, In a Mist, reminding people that Bix also was an accomplished pianist and composer.

I think there is a certain amount of luck of the draw when youre buying any kind of unregulated product, Sandke said. Some people managed to avoid being seriously affected.
New Delhi: In the Christopher Nolans film Dunkirk, we dont see much of anyone  neither Adolf Hitler nor Winston Churchill. There is no clamor around the negotiating tables nor blood on fields.



Another important miss that people are talking about is the role of Indians in this narration of the horrors of war.



Heres a list of a few books that Nolan should have read before making the epic Dunkirk.



The Raj at War: A Peoples History of Indias Second World War



By Dr Yasmin Khan



This book not only talks about Indian army but also brings out the role of services of nurses, seamen, bearers, prostitutes whose stories come from the sidelines of the war. She has made a comprehensive account of Indian society and the War by tapping the lives of ordinary voices. India had produced the largest volunteer army in world history - over 2 million men. Here, we read stories of the first Indian to win the Victoria Cross in the war to the soldiers imprisoned as traitors to the Raj. Among other ordinary people, we also have central European Jews, schoolgirls, Bengali famine victims, 22,000 African American GIs and even destitute from Kazakhastan, beggars from Iraq and orphaned children from Poland.



Farthest Field  An Indian Story of the Second World War



By Raghu Karnad



Indians get surprised at discovering the role of their ancestors in the World War. Such was the nature of recording the war history bereft of others contribution  both ordinary and extraordinary. But in his book, Raghu Karnad has corrected much of it, he has narrated the story of Indian participation in the world war through a single family. The years 1939-1945 are told with emotional strain brought in by Indians joining colonial forces, and rendering medical and other services in hostile terrain. Farthest Field brings the lost faces of Indias participation in the war, while navigating through Madras, Peshawar, Egypt and Burma  all through the journey of a young family in the midst of war violence.



Sepoys in the Trenches: The Indian Corps on the Western Front 191415



By Gordon Corrigan



The book narrates what happened four days after the declaration of the First World War. At that time, an Indian corp of two infantry divisions and a cavalry brigade were given an order to embark on a journey, unknown and unrelated to their own cause. They headed to the Western Front, covered with tropical uniforms and went through one of the bitterest winters in the history. For the following two years, they were braving the weather and violence for the honor of their regiment and the country. The author extensively draws from unpublished sources and interviews in India and Nepal.



The Testimonies of Indian Soldiers and the Two World Wars: Between Self and Sepoy (War, Culture and Society)



By Gajendra Singh



What was the significance of Indian army for the British Crown? One must read this book to know how the colonial power drew on the reserves of Indian sepoys to fight at in the two World Wars. There was massive mobilization and recruitment of Indian soldiers who were shipped for the cause of the Crown. In the recorded testimonies, the Indian soldiers narrate how they faced the war and the thematic chapters Gajendra Singh trace the evolution of military identities under the British Raj.
Chennai: The two-day old strike by Film Employees Federation of South India over wage revision, which hit shooting of several films, including Rajinikanth's Kaala, was today called off.



FEFSI President R K Selvamani said they decided to resume work from tomorrow in deference to the advice of senior actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, assurances of film producers, directors and several industry bodies.



Also, the state government has assured it would facilitate tripartite talks with the Tamil Film Producers' Council (TFPC) to resolve the issue, he told reporters here. Hours after his announcement, TFPC said it would participate in the tripartite talks tomorrow facilitated by the Labour Department to end the standoff with FEFSI.



FEFSI has been demanding a hike in wages of their workers and insisting that only those affiliated with it should be hired while the TFPC had taken the stand that it would engage anyone who agreed to the payscales fixed by the council.



Selvamani said "our appeal is that all employees belonging to the (total) 23 affiliated bodies of FEFSI should be utilised (by TFPC) without discrimination," adding "please do not divide us."



He said they apprised the Labour Commissioner on the stand-off with the film producers body which had announced that "pay will be cut," and "will not work" with employees under FEFSI.

He said that initially, the producer's body was unwilling for talks. Since TFPC had relented and now agreed to thrash out the matter through parleys, he said it was only appropriate for FEFSI to reciprocate.



Hence "We are announcing the resumption of work on a positive note," he added. TFPC Secretary S Kathiresan in a statement said the body was in no way responsible for the present confusions.



Without naming FEFSI, he said: "No one has the right to force that only FEFSI employees should be hired." He said the council members could hire the services of anyone who agree to the payscales fixed by the TFPC.



Selvamani, also a noted yesteryear film director, said "we have no ego," citing Rajinikanth favouring a resolution sans ego.



He said FEFSI had requested the government that TFPC chief Vishal should participate in parleys to resolve the issue. Selvamani had yesterday called on Rajinikanth whose

upcoming Kaala movie was also affected because of the stir.



Days ago, the shoot 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 their work.



Irked by this, FEFSI had announced that only those registered with it should be employed by the producers. It then announced the strike from August 1 demanding a renegotiation of 'general conditions,' which covers aspects including wages.
Thiruvananthapuram: Union minister Arun Jaitley will visit Kerala on Sunday and meet the family members of RSS worker Rajesh, who was killed last week, the latest casualty in the ongoing political violence in the state.



The family of Rajesh, who was hacked last week, has blamed the ruling CPI(M) for his death.



This is a political murder and CPI(M) workers killed him. They chopped off his hand. Why did they have to kill him with such brutality? I have two children. Who will take care of them now? his widow told CNN-News18.



The RSS worker, Rajesh, was hacked to death by a gang led by a historysheeter. While police say that there was personal enmity, the BJP alleged the hand of the ruling CPI(M).



The state had been witnessing a series of violent incidents allegedly involving BJP-RSS and CPI-M workers with the capital district rocked by incidents of attacks on houses of rival partymen in the past few days.



The state BJP office was vandalised on July 28 while stones were thrown at the house of CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan's son Bineesh Kodiyeri.



Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had recently spoken to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the situation in the state.



With pressure mounting on him, Vijayan had ended up shouting at reporters last week.



The chief minister screamed "get out" at reporters and camera persons who were inside the hall in Thiruvananthapuram when he and CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan arrived for a meeting.
Ahmedabad: Even as the Congress struggles to keep its flock of Gujarat MLAs together to ensure a win for senior party leader Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha election on August 8, the lone JDU MLA in the state, Chhotubhai Vasava says he has not yet decided which party to vote for.



Last week, soon after Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announced his decision to quit Mahagathbandhan and join NDA, Vasava had pledged his support for Patel.



I am yet to make up my mind regarding my Rajya Sabha election vote, Vasava told News18. He added there are still 3 or 4 days to go before the voting and he will decide before August 8.



Interestingly, Vasava accompanied Patel when he had filed nomination for Rajya Sabha in Gandhinagar. Ahmed Patel is a public figure and a politician. I see no harm in accompanying him. After all I have known Patel for a very long time, said Vasava.



When asked if he was being approached by the BJP or the Congress for his precious vote in the close fight, Vasava said, Yes, both parties are in touch with me. And what is wrong if both parties are in touch with me? I will speak to both parties and see which party offers better benefits to the tribals and adivasis of central Gujarat. I will then decide.



Vasava won the Jhagadia seat of central Gujarat on JDU ticket in 2007 and 2012 Gujarat Assembly polls. Before this, he had won the seat on Gujarat Adivasi Vikas Paksh ticket. He had formed the GAVP with the aim of representing adivasi and tribal rights in the Gujarat Assembly.



Vasava said that the recent alliance between the JDU and the BJP in Bihar will have no bearing on his vote in the August 8 Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat. The alliance between Nitish Kumar and the BJP in Bihar has nothing to do with the Gujarat scenario. My vote will be for the party that offers better schemes for the tribals, he said.


Patna: JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, who has openly voiced his displeasure over Nitish Kumars decision to ally with the BJP, hinted on Friday that he would not follow the Bihar Chief Minister into the NDA camp.



News18 had earlier reported that Yadav plans to break away from Nitish and is likely to float a new party, and may join the Congress camp.



But the first order for business for the pained veteran leader is to tour Bihar for three days next week to seek a way out of darkness, PTI reported. This has been my principle. I go to people in search of light whenever I find darkness around, the former JD(U) president said.



Yadav said he would take a decision about his political future after a meeting of intellectuals and leaders of opposition parties he has called to discuss India's "composite heritage" on August 17 in New Delhi.



The veteran parliamentarian did not attack Kumar directly, and refrained from spelling out clearly his next political step. But he gave an indication that he will not follow Kumar into the NDA camp.



We have to work together to save India's composite culture. If there is no sense of cooperation among people of different castes, communities and religions, then we cannot remain together. People have to understand this, he said.



The confidence of 11 crore people of Bihar has been broken due to Nitish Kumar's action, he said. Eleven crore people had trusted us, reposed their confidence and faith in us. That has been broken. I am pained with this, the 70-year-old Rajya Sabha member said.



Yadav has in the past accused the BJP government of engaging in communal politics and called upon opposition parties to come together to form a secular alliance against it.



Sources close to him said he will disclose his next political move from the platform for 'sajhi virasat' (composite heritage), the August 17 conclave that he has called. However, his close aide Vijay Verma said the announcement of a new political party could come within a week.



During his Bihar sojourn, he will extensively visit the Kosi-Mithilanchal region. Yadav represented Madhepura Lok Sabha seat several times but lost in the 2014 election when a Narendra Modi wave swept the state.



(With PTI inputs)
     ,            ,            Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) August 4, 2017

BJP goons attack Cong VP Rahulji's car in Lal Chowk, Dhanera, Banaskanta, Gujarat. Disgusting & disgraceful: RS Surjewala, Cong on Twitter pic.twitter.com/LebtcJgZRq  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's car on Friday came under attack in Gujarat's Dhanera town by unknown people who pelted stones, damaging the rear glass of his vehicle.Minutes after the attack, Rahul took to Twitter that he will not be "bogged own by Modi's slogans", black flags and stones. "We will deploy our full strength to help people."The Congress party launched a barrage of criticism directed at the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat, with Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel asking if it was even possible "without state connivance."Rahul, who was in Gujarat to meet flood victims, was attacked with "cement bricks by BJP goons", Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, "SPG with him suffered minor injuries; should be condemned unequivocally."Singhvi asked if India was reaching a space "where political opponents are not going to be allowed to practice democratic politics."Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Neeraj Badgujar said a man threw stones at Gandhi's car, breaking its rear glass when he was on his way from Lal Chowk to the helipad in Dhanera.Gandhi escaped unhurt, he added. "We have detained the person who threw stones on the vehicle of Rahul Gandhi," Badgujar said.Challenging the Congress' narrative, BJP retorted saying Rahul was indulging in a photo-op in Gujarat, while the MLAs were enjoying birthday parties in Karnataka.BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said that Rahul was playing politics over floods, "ask your MLAs to help flood victims.""Congress reads politics in everything. Rahul Gandhi sees politics in everything," Patra alleged.Earlier, Rahul was heckled by protesters at an event. He left the stage in a huff after making a brief speech in Lal Chowk area of the town in Banaskantha district after protesters showed black flags to him.Some of the people gathered at the spot also raised slogans hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Notably, the Congress MLA from the area is in Bengaluru as part of the party legislators who have been flown to the southern city apparently to avoid being "poached" by the BJP ahead of the August 8 Rajya Sabha polls.The Congress has been in the eye of the storm after the BJP ramped up criticism of its MLAs currently holed up in a Bengaluru resort. Gujarat is one of the several states to have been lashed by heavy rains this season.








Search engine giant Google had offered $30 billion to buy Snap Inc -- the parent company of popular messaging app Snapchat -- in 2016 and a similar offer is still open, a media report said. Google had held informal dialogue with Snap and floated an offer of $30 billion before the latter's last funding round, said a report in Business Insider on Thursday. Snap's CEO Evan Spiegel, who is widely considered as being independent, apparently did not show interest in selling his firm to Google or anybody else.Spiegel also values running Snap in Southern California and outside of Silicon Valley, where Alphabet -- Google's parent company is headquartered. Earlier, in 2013, Google was rumoured to have been tried to acquire Snapchat for $4 billion after Spiegel refused an offer from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the report added. Snap Inc is set to announce earnings report next week, its second since going public at $17 just four months ago.
Copenhagen: Prince Henrik of Denmark announced on Thursday he does not wish to be buried next to his wife, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, saying he is unhappy he was never acknowledged as her equal.



Henrik, 83, who married Queen Margrethe in 1967, was later named the Queen's Prince Consort, but has repeatedly said he would have liked to be named King Consort.



"It is no secret that the Prince for many years has been unhappy with his role and the title he has been awarded in the Danish monarchy. This discontent has grown more and more in recent years," the Royal Danish House's director of communications told tabloid BT.



The royal house confirmed the quotes to Reuters.



"For the Prince, the decision not to buried beside the Queen is the natural consequence of not having been treated equally to his spouse - by not having the title and role he has desired," she added.



Prince Henrik retired last year and renounced his title of Prince Consort. Since then he has participated in very few official duties and instead spent much of his time at his private vineyard in France, although he is still married to the queen and they officially live together.



In Denmark, a princess traditionally becomes queen, when her husband takes the throne.



It had been expected that the Prince would be buried next to the Queen, 77, who is to be interred in the Roskilde Cathedral in a sarcophagus made by Danish artist Bjorn Norgaard.



Born Henri Marie Jean Andre de Laborde de Monpezat in France in 1934, Henrik has two sons with the queen, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.
New Delhi: Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Muhammad Saeed is likely to launch his political party by rebranding his terror outfit Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) as Milli Muslim League Pakistan.



According to reports, Saeed is all set to register the outfit with the Election Commission of Pakistan and is expected to launch the party on August 14 at a function in Lahore.



Saeed is considered among one of the most dreaded terrorists in the world, featuring in the wanted lists of both India and the United States.



The development can have massive repercussions with the Pakistani Supreme Court recently disqualifying Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over the Panama Papers expose. The Sharif government had extended the house arrest of Saeed and four of his aides for their activities that were "detrimental to peace and security", says an Express Tribune report.



While he is an internationally designated terrorist, Saeed continues to be an influential person in some of Pakistan's religious groups. He is also said to have close relations with the Pakistani Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).



Pakistan claims to have banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), but following the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, it re-emerged as Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD). The United Nations has recognised JuD as a political front of Lashkar.
Washington: US President Donald Trump pressured the Mexican president to stop voicing opposition in public to his plan to have Mexico pay for a border wall, according to transcripts of phone calls published on Thursday that gave an insight into Trump's attempts to influence foreign leaders in his first days in office.



The Washington Post published texts of sometimes fraught calls with Mexico's Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull just days after the Republican took office on Jan. 20.



The substance of the calls has previously been reported but the lengthy transcripts reveal Trump, whose first elected office is the presidency, trying to use a mixture of bluster, tough talk and charm as he fully enters the world of diplomacy.



Trump argued with Turnbull over refugees in an acrimonious call on Jan. 28 which the new US president told his counterpart was "unpleasant."



In a Jan. 27 call, Trump pressed Pena Nieto to avoid saying in public that Mexico would not fund the planned border wall. But he complimented the Mexican leader's "beautiful words" and said he hoped Mexico would change its constitution to allow Pena Nieto to extend his stay in office.



The proposed wall, aimed at preventing illegal immigration to the United States, is a bone of contention between Mexico and Washington. Pena Nieto has repeatedly rejected Trump's promise that Mexico will end up paying billions of dollars for its construction.



'YOU CANNOT SAY THAT'



Trump told the Mexican leader in the call that "if you are going to say that Mexico is not going to pay for the wall, then I do not want to meet with you guys anymore because I cannot live with that, according to the transcript.



You cannot say that to the press, Trump said.



Pena Nieto had earlier scrapped a plan to hold talks with Trump in the United States due to tensions over the wall and trade. The two men have since met, holding talks at a summit of the Group of 20 nations in Germany last month.



The White House has said the US government will pay for the wall initially to get the project off the ground but that Mexico will eventually reimburse it for the work.



Both the White House and Mexico's foreign ministry did not have any immediate comment on Thursday about the release of the call transcripts.



It was the latest in a series of leaks from inside Trump's administration which have angered the president. The Republican won some sympathy over leaks from a political opponent on Thursday.



"I am alarmed at leaks of conversations between two heads of state," Democratic US Senator Brian Schatz wrote on Twitter. "It doesn't matter what I think of this president, this is terrible."



In the conversation with Pena Nieto, Trump said both leaders were "in a little bit of a political bind" due to Trump's campaign pledge to build the wall and have Mexico foot the bill.



"I have to have Mexico pay for the wall  I have to. I have been talking about it for a two-year period," Trump said.



He suggested that the two men avoid the issue of paying for the wall when asked.



"They are going to say, 'Who is going to pay for the wall, Mr. President?' to both of us, and we should both say, 'We will work it out,'" Trump said. "It will work out in the formula somehow. As opposed to you saying, 'We will not pay' and me saying, 'We will not pay,'" the US president said.



Pena Nieto said he understood Trump's position on how to refer to paying for the border wall and suggested seeking "a creative way to jump over this obstacle."



Toward the end of their conversation, Trump responded effusively to a comment by Pena Nieto about the Mexican leader's wish for a constructive relationship with the United States.



"Your words are so beautiful. Those are beautiful words and I do not think I can speak that beautifully, okay?" Trump said.



"I want you to be so popular that your people will call for a constitutional amendment in Mexico so that you can run again for another six years," he said. By law, Mexican presidents can only serve one six-year term.



'DRUG INFESTED-DEN'



In comments likely to upset voters in New Hampshire - an important early voting state in the US presidential election primaries - Trump described the state as "a drug-infested den."



"I won New Hampshire because New Hampshire is a drug-infested den," he said, complaining that drugs from Mexico are damaging the United States. While Trump won the Republican primary there, he narrowly lost the state to Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the general election.



New Hampshire officials from both parties lashed out at Trump, with several saying his push to repeal the Obamacare healthcare law would worsen the nation's opioid crisis.



Speaking to Australia's Turnbull, Trump became irritated that the United States was expected to honour an agreement made by his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, to accept as many as 1,250 refugees held in Australian processing centres on remote Pacific islands.



Trump said that would make him look bad given his campaign promises to reduce the number of refugees entering the United States, according to the transcript.



"This is going to kill me. I am the worlds greatest person that does not want to let people into the country," Trump said.



He told Turnbull that their conversation was the most difficult he had held that day, after speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin and others.



"I have had it. I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day," Trump said. "Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous."
MASON CITY | A Mason City man was taken into custody Friday after leading police on a pursuit early Tuesday morning.

Dean Edward Miller, 47, Mason City, was wanted for a number of misdemeanor charges:

 Possession of drug paraphernalia.

 Interference with official acts.

 Three counts of used motor vehicle dealer license violation.

 Improper use of registration.

 Failure to prove security against liability.

 Two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

 Eluding law enforcement vehicle.

 Driving with an open container.

Mason City man wanted for eluding law enforcement, drug charges MASON CITY | A Mason City man is wanted on drug charges after leading police on a pursuit ea

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs Office says a deputy was in the area of 12th Street Northeast and Elm Drive around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday when a 1999 Ford Explorer began to attempt to elude them at a high rate of speed.

After a pursuit that lasted several minutes, the sheriff's office said Miller fled on foot in the 600 block of South Pennsylvania.

Suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia was found in the vehicle, according to law enforcement.

Miller remains in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on a $4,000 bond. A court date hasn't been set.

 Courtney Fiorini
London: Ireland's Indian-origin Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Friday raised the prospect of a "deep" free trade agreement between the UK and the EU following Brexit.



Thirty-eight-year-old Varadkar described Britain's impending exit from the 27-member economic bloc, of which Ireland is a member, as the "challenge of our generation" in a keynote address during his first visit as Irish Taoiseach (PM) to Belfast in Northern Ireland.



"If the UK does not want to stay in the customs union, perhaps there can be a EU-UK customs union...If the UK does not want to stay in the single market, perhaps it could enter into a deep free trade agreement with the EU and rejoin European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which it was a member prior to accession," he said in his speech at the Queen's University.



"And if this cannot be agreed now, then perhaps we have a transition period during which the UK stays in the single market and customs union while things are worked out," Varadkar said.



His visit is seen as a historic step towards formulating relations between the UK-led Northern Ireland in the north and the Republic of Ireland in the south, which share a border.



"It will come as no surprise to anyone here that I do not want there to be an economic border on our island, nor do I want one between Ireland and Britain. By economic border, I am not talking about currency or variation in tax rates. I am talking about a barrier to free trade and commerce," he said. Varadkar added that he would seek to protect the benefits of the peace process between the UK and Ireland in Brexit negotiations.



On devolution and power sharing, he added: "We need that more than ever, and we need it now."



The British and the Irish government had agreed under the 1998 Belfast Agreement that the status of Northern Ireland will not change without the consent of a majority of its population, a stand reiterated by the UK in its Brexit white paper.



Varadkar is to hold talks with all the key political parties in Northern Ireland during his ongoing visit to the region.



On Saturday, the Republic of Ireland's first openly gay Taoiseach will attend an event as part of Belfast's gay pride festival.
Frankfurt: Lufthansa said on Friday it had changed its flight routes to Japan because of North Korean missile tests.



Lufthansa Group, which owns Swiss, Lufthansa, and Lufthansa Cargo, had already been avoiding direct overflights of North Korean airspace for more than a year, the company said.



As a result of the latest North Korean missile tests, Lufthansa Group has decided for now to change routings to and from Japan, purely as a precautionary measure, the airline said, adding that changes to the flight time were negligible.



Air France-KLM said on Thursday it had expanded its no-fly zone over North Korea after one of its jets flew past the location where an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) splashed down 10 minutes later.



Air France's flight 293, a Boeing 777 carrying 323 people from Tokyo to Paris, missed North Korea's latest ICBM as it fell to earth on July 28 by about 100 km (60 miles), a spokesman for Air France-KLM said, citing flight data provided by Japan.



North Korea said a week ago that its latest ICBM test proved its ability to strike the U.S. mainland, drawing a sharp warning from President Donald Trump and a rebuke from China.
Manila, Philippines: The United States' top diplomat is expected to raise concerns about human rights in the Philippines when he visits Manila this week for Asia's biggest security forum, including during possible talks with President Rodrigo Duterte.



Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will raise all relevant issues in the US alliance with the Philippines, including concerns about human rights, Acting US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton said in Washington on Wednesday. She said a meeting with Duterte is being arranged.



Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Robiespierre Bolivar said Thursday the Philippines is open about its rights record. "So definitely if Secretary Tillerson wishes to raise that, the Philippines has always been open and committed to protecting human rights."



Duterte, however, has lashed out at critics of his war on illegal drugs, which has left thousands of suspects dead in the past year. When then-US President Barack Obama raised concerns about the mounting death toll, Duterte told the president to "go to hell."



Thornton said Tillerson's trip to Manila will provide a chance for a robust bilateral program with the Philippines on the sidelines of the security meetings.



She said there will be much to talk about, including a siege by Islamic State group-linked militants in the southern city of Marawi and growing threats of international terrorism.



"But certainly, we will be talking about governance, about human rights issues, and about how we can increase our economic and other kinds of people-to-people engagement with the Philippines," she added.



Duterte's spokesman, Esrnesto Abella, said no announcement has been made of a meeting between Tillerson and Duterte.



Human rights advocates have accused Duterte of unleashing "a human rights calamity" with his war on drugs. They say his recent threat to bomb tribal schools he accused of teaching students to become communist rebels could constitute war crimes, prompting Duterte to clarify that the schools would only be bombed when the buildings are empty.
United Nations: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will pay his first visit since taking the UN helm to Israel and the Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip, at the end of the month, diplomats have said.



The UN chief will hold talks with Israeli leaders, travel to Ramallah to meet Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and to the Gaza Strip, where the United Nations runs a major Palestinian aid program, during the three-day visit beginning August 28.



Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon said on Wednesday the visit will allow Guterres to "build a relationship" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also hold meetings with the Israeli president and defence minister.



"We are very happy about this visit," Danon told AFP.



"It's a great opportunity for the secretary general to experience Israel, to meet the leaders of Israel and to understand the challenges that Israel faces day-in and day- out."



Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour described the upcoming visit as "very important," indicating that it signalled a stronger UN focus on the plight of Palestinians.



"The UN has been involved since its inception with the question of Palestine and will remain involved until the question is resolved in all its aspects on the basis of international law," he told AFP by email.



The visit comes as diplomatic efforts to revive Israeli- Palestinian peace talks appear deadlocked.



Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, "is experienced. He has been to Israel in the past. He knows the complexity of the issues. He is not someone who comes to our region and has no clue about what is happening," said Danon.



The Israeli government will discuss strengthening the mission of the UN interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said Danon, following a series of skirmishes along the UN-monitored demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.



Relations between the United Nations and Israel have been tense over the expansion of Jewish settlements, which the world body has condemned as illegal.



Since taking over from Ban Ki-moon on January 1, Guterres has been cautious in his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, partly in response to US accusations that the United Nations was biased against Israel.



In March, the UN chief demanded that a report by a UN body be withdrawn after it accused Israel of imposing an apartheid system on the Palestinians.



Guterres had initially distanced himself from the report, but the United States insisted that it be withdrawn altogether.



During the recent flare-up of violence in Jerusalem, Guterres called for de-escalation and respect for the status quo at holy sites after Israel installed metal detectors at the Haram al-Sharif mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.
AMHERST  From power washers to pruning shears, volunteers are picking up tools to beautify the Sweet Briar College campus as part of Sweet Work Weeks, which began Monday and runs through Aug. 18.

So far more than 150 alumnae, faculty, staff and other volunteers have signed up to pitch in, whether its painting residence halls, pulling weeds, or power washing buildings and stairways.

Far-flung alumnae have returned to campus to help out, traveling from New Mexico, Minnesota, Vermont and other distant states, as well as local volunteers from neighboring towns and counties.

Vikki Schroeder, of the Class of 1987, drove 18 hours from St. Michael, Minnesota. As a Sweet Work Weeks organizer, she plans to stay until the end, helping to coordinate volunteer efforts.

I love this place; when Im here, its home, it feels comfortable, Schroeder said.

Adding to that feeling of home is her stay in Randolph Hall, her residence as a college senior, during Sweet Work Weeks. During Sweet Work Weeks, many volunteers stay on campus.

Robert Steckel worked at Sweet Briar College for 13 years before moving on to other jobs. Recently retired from Lynchburg College, hes volunteering his time this week painting residence halls on campus. He said it was his first time at Sweet Work Weeks, but with his past experience at Sweet Briar and a daughter, Clelie Steckel, working at the college, his ties there run deep.

This is a place that inspires love and devotion, as hokey as that sounds. This place has been through a rough spot, but you see all the people around who care about it, Steckel said.

The rough spot Steckel mentioned referred to the near closure of Sweet Briar in 2015, when the previous administration announced it would shutter the 115-year-old womens college due to insurmountable financial challenges. Alumnae fought back, rescuing the college from going under.

A legal challenge kept the college from closing, and millions of dollars in donations kept it operational.

Since the attempted closure, more than $25 million in donations has rolled into Sweet Briar.

Following that legal fight, Sweet Work Weeks was launched to bring impassioned alumnae and community members back to the 3,250-acre campus to tackle maintenance issues at the college.

Giulia Witcombe, director of SBCs Junior Year in Spain program, described Sweet Work Weeks as a time when alumnae, staff, faculty and the community come together to lend a helping hand.

Ann Gateley, of the Class of 1970, said she came from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to help out. For Gateley, its her third year taking part in Sweet Work Weeks and giving back to the college.

She said the hands-on work produced immediately gratifying results for her.

Gateley emphasized not everyone can give money, but many can give of their time.

[Sweet Work Weeks] is a good way for alumnae to connect with the college in a way that is visceral and tangible, Gateley said.
Update: Lynchburg Fire Chief Brad Ferguson announced his retirement Thursday, according to a Lynchburg Fire Department news release.

Ferguson, of Lynchburg, has served with the fire department since 1976, first as a firefighter and then acting fire chief and fire chief. He was appointed fire chief in April 2006 and oversees a specialized repair shop, an administrative office, eight fire stations and more than 180 staff.

I have been honored to have the opportunity to serve this community for so many years, Ferguson said in the release. I am extremely proud of the professional service that the dedicated men and women of this department deliver every day. I am also thankful to the city manager and city council for their support over the years.

The announcement comes after a lawsuit was filed by a former firefighter last fall accusing the department of several instances of racism, ageism and sexism, creating a hostile work environment, according to court records.

In separate interviews with The News & Advance, City Manager Bonnie Svrcek and Lynchburg Battalion Chief Robert Lipscomb both said Fergusons retirement is not related to the lawsuit.

Bedford County Department of Fire and Rescue Chief Jack Jones Jr. also said he doesnt think the two are related, adding he believes it was just time for Ferguson to retire.

Forty-one years is huge, he said. ... Im always so happy when I get to see people retire; this is great work, but its a 24/7 existence.

Youre responsible, as a chief, for every citizen in the community, he said. And thats a huge burden. And now, when he actually hangs [his hat] up, I know hell miss it, but he will not be waiting for the phone to ring at night.

Svrcek described Ferguson as low-key and personable.

The two have met monthly since Svrcek began overseeing the department, she said.

Im going to miss him terribly, she said. We will clearly always be friends, and Im glad that hes planning to stay in the community.

Lipscomb, who has worked with Ferguson for 27 years, said Ferguson has been extremely dedicated to the city, citizens and the department during the past 41 years.

We have one of the finest EMS systems in the country, he said. And we have Chief Ferguson to thank for that  he effectively created the system that we have now.

Described as a techie, Ferguson pushed the department toward adopting new systems and practices, such as including iPads in battalion chief SUVs.

Over time, he has been a very, very strong advocate for EMS, protective rescue, haz-mat, fire suppression  everything we do, Lipscomb said.

In addition to being the first-ever chief of Lynchburg emergency services since it was founded in 1976, Ferguson also had served on boards such as the Blue Ridge Emergency Medical Services board.

Ferguson, 64, was born and raised in Lynchburg, graduating from E. C. Glass High School and attending Virginia Tech and Central Virginia Community College, according to the departments website.

Lynchburg Fire Marshal Thomas Goode said Ferguson is and always will be a staple in the department.

Oftentimes, a person [hears] how well a fire chief looks out for their people; I can honestly say I've been taken care of under his leadership and hope whoever replaces him is comparable or better, Goode said.

Goode said he was fortunate to work under Ferguson and thinks of him as one of the most respected fire chiefs.

Brad has been an excellent Fire Chief, Svrcek said in the release. His leadership is evident in the excellent service his department provides to this community. Chief Fergusons institutional knowledge is unmatched; however, I have full confidence that he has groomed the Lynchburg Fire Department to continue to excel in his absence. We wish Chief Ferguson the very best in the next chapter of his life.

The recruitment process for a new chief will include a nationwide search once the job profile has been developed, Svrcek said in the release.

The hiring decision ultimately will be Svrceks, with this being her first hire for fire chief since she started a little more than a year ago.

I have committed to talking to all of the fire department employees, she said. Brad reminded me this morning when he made his announcement to his senior folks that there are 24 shifts that I would need to go to.

But Im committed to going and listening to them because I think that is critically important in choosing the next leader.

Over the next month, Svrcek will meet with the different fire department companies to speak with employees and learn what they desire in their new fire chief.

Fergusons retirement will go into effect Dec. 31, 2017, according to the release.

Svrcek said the search for a new fire chief will take five to six months, about the same about of time it took to find Lynchburg Police Chief Raul Diaz for the city police department.

I better get moving, she said.

Earlier: Lynchburg Fire Chief Brad Ferguson announced his retirement Thursday, according to a Lynchburg Fire Department news release.

Ferguson has served with the fire department since 1976, first as a firefighter and then acting fire chief and fire chief. He was appointed fire chief in April 2006 and oversees a staff of more than 180 individuals, a specialized repair shop, an administrative office and eight fire stations.

I have been honored to have the opportunity to serve this community for so many years, Ferguson said in the release. I am extremely proud of the professional service that the dedicated men and women of this department deliver every day. I am also thankful to the city manager and city council for their support over the years.

The recruitment process for a new chief will include a nationwide search once the job profile has been developed, City Manager Bonnie Svrcek said in the release.

Brad has been an excellent Fire Chief, Svrcek said in the release. His leadership is evident in the excellent service his department provides to this community. Chief Fergusons institutional knowledge is unmatched; however, I have full confidence that he has groomed the Lynchburg Fire Department to continue to excel in his absence. We wish Chief Ferguson the very best in the next chapter of his life.

His retirement will go into effect Dec. 31, 2017, according to the release.
Cerro Gordo County District Court

 A trial date has been set for two Mason City residents allegedly involved with a mobile meth lab in July. James Jassie Mejia, 49, and Stephanie Michelle Stroud, 27, were both arrested after a July 11 traffic stop in Mason City yielded a "one pot" methamphetamine lab, according to law enforcement. The trial is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 12. Both have submitted written pleas of not guilty.

 A sentencing hearing has been set for a Mason City woman who pleaded guilty after involvement in the theft of $80,000 worth of jewelry. Debra R. Ewing-Swartz, 44, who police say witnessed the burglary, is accused of taking a 2.65-karat ring valued at $30,000 from among numerous items of stolen jewelry and wearing it for several weeks, according to court documents. Ewing-Swartz submitted a written guilty plea. She will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 11.

 A sentencing hearing has been set for a Mason City man who pleaded guilty to drug charges. Eric Dean Johnson, 32, was charged with controlled substance violation, failure to affix drug stamp and possession of a controlled substance, meth. He will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 18.
A Richmond man was found guilty Thursday of the involuntary manslaughter of a Virginia Commonwealth University student from Alexandria.

On April 13, Emmanuel E. Jordan, 20, shot and killed Samuel O. Kwarteng, 20, outside a home in the 1200 block of West Moore Street. Prosecutors said it was an accident that stemmed from an argument between Jordan and another man over drugs.

Jordan lived in the Carver-area home where the shooting occurred with several other students, though he was not affiliated with the university. Kwarteng, who lived in the 1700 block of Jacquelin Street, was studying electrical and computer engineering at VCU.

The pair had never met before the night of the shooting, when Kwarteng came to Jordans home with a mutual acquaintance, who was referred to in Richmond Circuit Court only by the nickname Ish. Jordan owed Ish $500 for marijuana, according to Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Traci Miller.

Jordans attorney, Judson Collier Jr., said Ish had been sending his client threatening text messages the month leading up to the shooting.

So when Ish, along with Kwarteng, showed up at his home in the early morning hours of April 13, Jordan feared for his life, Collier said.

Miller said Jordan loaded the .40-caliber weapon he had in his room and confronted the two men. He waved the gun around and told Ish and Kwarteng to leave. As he was pushing them out the door, the gun went off.

Collier said Jordans finger was never on the trigger.

It was accidental that the gun went off, Miller said. But everything he did up until that point was intentional.

The bullet entered Kwartengs back and lodged in his brain.

Upon hearing of his death, Barbara Boyan, dean of the VCU School of Engineering, said Kwarteng was a good student and a wonderful young man.

Kwarteng was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, which posted a statement on Twitter saying that this loss has hurt us all.

As a brother, as a student, and as a man, Sam excelled at every part of life, the fraternity wrote. We send our deepest condolences to Sams family, and will do anything in our power to help.

The fraternity used the #LongLiveSamK hashtag in memory of Kwarteng.

Jordan fled the scene, but was quickly caught by VCU police with the guns magazine in his pocket. Jordan took police to where he tossed the gun as he fled. He quickly confessed, saying it was an accident.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter, as instructed by Collier, but stipulated that the summary of evidence given by Miller was accurate.

Judge Bradley B. Cavedo found him guilty. He will be sentenced later.

Jordan has no previous criminal record. Involuntary manslaughter carries punishment of at least one year in prison.
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ROSEVILLE | Tyden Farm No. 6 and St. Marys Church in Roseville are teaming up to benefit Homes for Haiti for its mission trip in December.

While there, trip participants will be working with the Imagine Missions orphanage in Croix de Bouquet, Haiti. Tyden Farm No. 6 is hosting a fundraising tour on Aug. 19 at 9 a.m.

Church and mission members are selling the tickets for the tour with all proceeds going to the mission trip. Tickets can be purchased for $20 from Sandy Staudt at 641-330-0389, or Sue Ayers at 641-330-4235. They are pre-sale only because of the limited number.
3 policewomen charged

The officers including an Inspector with 20 years service, a Sergeant and a Corporal were ordered charged yesterday by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC. The three were detained on Tuesday by officers of the Police Services Professional Standards Bureau led by Sgt Bryon Daniel.

They were taken to the Belmont Police Station and placed in a cell. The arrests came after weeks of investigation. The Inspector and Sergeant were charged jointly with with perverting the course of justice while the Corporal was charged with taking no action knowing that a criminal offence was being committed.

On January 30, the Inspector was driving a vehicle assigned to the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) when it was struck by another vehicle. The Inspector discovered that her drivers permit was expired and called the Sergeant who was asked to accompany her (the Inspector) to the Central Police Station, to falsely report that she (the Sergeant) was the driver of the CTU vehicle.

A Constable at the police station was asked to enter a false report in the police station diary but refused. The Corporal was then asked to do the deed and she complied. The Constable later made a formal complaint to the Professional Standards Bureau and investigations commenced.

Yesterday, the three policewomen were placed on an Identification Parade and after they were pointed out, formal charges were laid.
New CLF probe

Imbert also said contrary to claims made by CLF founder Lawrence Duprey, the true cost of legal fees in the CLF matter was $250 million and not $3.5 billion. In addressing these issues at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Anns, Imbert identified Peter Permell and Carlton Reis as two of the mouthpieces for the shareholders. He said information available to Government shows Permell has no shares in CLF and cashed in his Clico policy in May 2012. Imbert said a search of the Companies Registry shows that Reis was appointed a director of Dalco Capital Management Company Ltd in 2015.

He said Dalco was incorporated in 1998 with Duprey listed as the owner. Last Jaunary, Imbert said Duprey transferred his shares in Dalco to Reis.

All that is fine. There is one little problem. That the shares were transferred at a value of $99, Imbert said. He recalled that Reis publicly claimed CLF was worth $40 billion. With Dalco owning 26 percent of CLF, Imbert said this worked out to $10 billion.

The stamp duty on a transfer of shares worth $10 billion, is $50 million, he stated. However, Imbert observed, The stamp duty on a transfer of shares worth $99 is 50 cents. On this basis, Imbert said his ministry will be investigating this matter to find out why a company supposed valued at $40 billion by one of its owners, had its shares transferred for $99, instead of at a rate of $10 billion, attracting stamp duty of $50 million. He said that $50 million was taxpayers money which goes into the Consolidated Fund.

Turning to CLWB, Imbert said money flows out of that company will be investigated too.

He said Governments research has discovered that CLF owns a mere 17 percent in Angostura.

Imbert said 45 percent of Angostura is owned by a company called Rum Pro. This company, Imbert continued, is owned 100 percent by Scotland incorporated CLWB. He said CLWB is owned by Clico (42 percent), CLF (38 percent) and Clico Investment Bank-CIB (20 percent). He reminded reporters that CIB is in liquidation with Government trying to recover monies from it.

In spite of all of this, Imbert said, For some reason, all of the profits flowing from these companies have been finding their way into the bank accounts of CLF.
Sankat heads Central American univerisities council

A University of Belize release said stated Sankat has assumed the vice presidency for the July, 2017 to June, 2018 academic year, after which he will take over the presidency of the 69-year-old organisation, for the following 2018 to 2019 academic year.

Sankat, was asked by CSUCA Secretary General Dr Alfonso Fuentes Soria to assume these leadership positions of the consortium based in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

CSUCA membership comprises Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Sankat is due to preside over is his first meeting on September 7 and 8 in Managua, Nicaragua.

It is expected that Sankat will provide leadership to the organisation as it relates to quality, standards and mobility in higher education in Central America.

The objectives also include the development of strong sporting and cultural relationships among the institutions and the exchange of staff, students, library information and joint academic programmes.
KENSETT | There was an unspoken yet prevailing theme Thursday night at a meeting of Worth County Against CAFOs, a citizens group whose title tells it all.

"Silence is acceptance," said Chris Petersen, a Clear Lake area farmer who was one of the main speakers at the session attended by about 60 residents at the Kensett Town Hall.

Petersen held up a map of Iowa which showed the number of CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) throughout the state. "We're filling up the space," he said.

He said out-of-state companies look to operate in Iowa because of lack of regulations on CAFOs. "We're the bulls-eye," Petersen said. "At the rate we're going, there could be a packing plant on every corner. Is that what we want? I don't think so."

He said corporate power and money have too much influence on decision making. "We're willing to sacrifice everything we've worked for in this state  our farms, our culture, our health  for the big buck," Petersen said.

The Worth County Against CAFOs group was formed because of citizens' opposition to several CAFOs that are about to be built  and, because they conform to the state matrix, there is little that can be done to stop them.

The organization targeted its message to Nathan Moretz, Travis Meyer, Ryan Meyer, Garrett Cole, Steve Wyborny "and others," according to a handout at the meeting. None were present at the meeting.

Petersen and other speakers said the most important thing is for opponents to unite and speak up. Petersen is active in an organization called the Iowa Alliance for Responsible Agriculture which is made up of several pro-ag groups. He urged people in the audience to get involved in the Alliance.

Also, audience members were told to sign petitions and put pressure on their boards of supervisors who in turn can put pressure on state legislators to put a moratorium on building any more CAFOs until improvements are made to the state matrix.

Edith Haenel of Northwood, who organized Thursday's meeting, told the group she has epilepsy and that several factors associated with CAFOs are a serious health risk to her.

"When we first learned about the CAFOs here, there was instant panic. No one knew about them. No one was happy about them.

"Worth County has a proud history of protecting Worth County," she said, acknowledging the importance of Thursday's meeting and future meetings.

She also made it clear who would be allowed to speak. "There is no time or space for anyone but those who oppose CAFOs," she said.

Paul Norland of Northwood also has family health concerns because his wife suffers from seizures that he believes will be impacted by CAFOs near his property.

He spoke primarily about his concerns about water quality and said he hoped two things would result from the meeting: educating the people on the dangers of CAFOs; and sending a message that CAFOs are not welcome in Worth County.

He compared public awareness to a situation in the car industry many years ago. "At one point there were hardly any regulations on cars," he said. Then people realized seatbelts save lives.

"The same thing with CAFOs. Years ago, we didn't pay much attention. Now we realize they are not safe. The tipping point is coming. I want to protect our people and protect our county as much as I can," said Norland.

People in the audience were from Worth, Cerro Gordo, Franklin and Mitchell counties.
TT in Caricom environment policy discussions

Consultations involving wide-ranging stakeholders drawn from the public and private sectors, civil society, Caricom institutions, and academia, will also be held in Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States sub-region.

Two days of discussions will be held in each country starting in Barbados from August 3 and 4. The discussions will be held in Guyana on August 7 and 8; Jamaica on August 14 and 15; St Lucia on August 17 and 18 and in TT on August 21 and 22.

Under review are the Draft Caribbean Community Environment and Natural Resources Policy Framework, and First Environmental and Natural Resources Action Plan of the Caribbean Community Environment and Natural Resources Policy Framework (July 2017-June 2022).

The draft policy proposes a structure for environmental and natural resources management in Caricom, balancing the need to exploit the land, air, water and oceans for economic development while maintaining healthy environments in member states. The action plan is the first step to implement the policy.

The policy framework, a Caricom Secretariat release said, has its genesis in a 2008 decision of ministers of environment at the 25th Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)  Environment. The secretariat was mandated to mobilise resources to proceed with the development of the policy framework. The secretariat has since conducted assessments of the environmental governance structure of member states, examined the environmental dimensions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and held a number of regional consultations.

These served as the basis for the design of the draft policy and action plan.

This current round of discussion, the release said, is important to advance the process towards presenting the policy framework to the Caricom ministers of environment.

Successful implementation will be based on regional ownership of the policy and a collective regional response will also be required to promote the prudent, rational management and conservation of the regions environmental, and natural resources, the policy envisions, the release said.
A Zimbabwean living in California, Violet Mariyacha, says she will be contesting the 2018 presidential election, which will feature several candidates including 93 year-old President Robert Mugabe and Movement for Democratic Change founding president Morgan Tsvangirai.



In a statement, Mariyacha said she would improve the standard of living for Zimbabweans and become their voice if elected president in the crucial poll.

She is expected to contest the election under her party  the United Movements and Unions Party, which was formed sometime this year.



Mariyacha, who is engaged in humanitarian work, has urged the United Nations to intervene in Zimbabwe, saying there are serious cases of human rights abuses.



The statement read in part, "Mariyacha has recently launched a grass roots campaign to put pressure on the United Nations and the world to intervene in the countrys upcoming 2018 elections, vowing to prevent the human rights violations, arbitrary arrests and abductions, beatings, torture, and killings of members and supporters of the opposition parties during the 2008 election."





Mariyacha claims that she has been in politics since the 1990s. voa
THE long arm of the law recently caught up with a Harare man who was a fugitive from justice for the past two years.



The fugitive, Obey Matika (24) of Glen View 2, Harare, who has been on the run since December 2015, was finally arrested in Buhera where he was hiding. Obey has since appeared in court, while his accomplices, Oscar Matika and Liberty Mlandeni are still on the run.



Obey appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Innocent Bepura, being charged with theft of a motor vehicle as defined in Section 113 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.



Prosecuting, Mr Matthew Chimutunga, said on December 24, 2015, the three went to House Number 7680, Westlea in Mutare, Matika in the company of his brother, Oscar Matika and Liberty Mlandeni, around midnight where they opened a window and fished a pair of jeans trousers which had $300 cash and motor vehicle keys.



They allegedly proceeded to steal a Toyota Runx vehicle, Registration Number ADW 5888, while the owner was fast asleep.





On December 30, 2015, at around 9am and at Bond Shops, Mount Pleasant, Harare, one Sabelo Mlandeni was arrested at a roadblock while driving the stolen motor vehicle with no registration plates, said Mr Chimutunga. manica post
A Masvingo man is demanding over $500 000 from King Lion Bus Company following the death of his wife in the Nyamakate bus disaster in June.



Mr Isaac Madungwe was married to the late Tendai Madungwe and the couple had five children. Tendai, a nurse by profession, doubled as a cross-border trader.



She was among 43 people who died on the spot in the horrific accident involving the Lusaka-bound King Lion bus along the Harare-Chirundu Highway. Mr Madungwe has engaged Mr Charles Ndlovu of Ndlovu and Hwacha Legal Practitioners to act for the family.



He is seeking $549 974 from King Lion for loss of support for the family. In the letter dated July 13, Mr Ndlovu accused the companys bus driver of causing the accident which claimed Madungwes wife.



According to the letter, the driver was negligent in that he was speeding, the bus was overloaded, failed to keep the bus under control and failed to act reasonably when the accident was imminent.



Before her untimely death, our client was gainfully employed as a nurse earning a monthly salary of $563, said Mr Ndlovu.





She was aged 31 and was going to retire at the legal age of 60 years. In the premises, her working career was cut short by 29 years. In the claim, the lawyer considered that his clients wife was a cross-border trader realising $1 000 per month.





It is common cause that the driver of the bus was acting within the course and scope of his employment and you are vicariously liable, said Mr Ndlovu.





The bus driver, who also died on the spot, lost control of the vehicle at the 257km peg, near Nyamakate shops at around 10pm on the way to Zambia. The bus veered off the road before ploughing into a big tree, killing 43 people.





King Lion was given until end of last month to make the payment of $549 974, failing which legal proceedings would be instituted against the company without further notice. The ultimatum expired on Monday and King Lion is yet to respond to the demand. Herald
Having said that, we invested in Zimbabwe in the first quarter of 2014 prior to us having any interaction with the vice-president and our interaction with him commenced with the introduction to him of the aluminothermic technology during the latter part of 2014, and more particularly in the beginning of 2015. We had sought other investments in the chrome industry from 2012 with particular reference to ZimAlloys.




Mugabe is accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Senior Government officials. Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is Acting President.



Iranian legislator Mr Alireza Rahimi said President Rouhanis second term inauguration would be the biggest the Middle Eastern country has ever witnessed, with the day of the ceremony itself having been declared a national holiday.



President Rouhani was first elected Irans leader in 2013 and he won another term in May with 57 percent of the vote.



The huge turnout at such a high level, Mr Rahimi said, would send an important message to the world at a time the United States is sabre rattling and trying to incite international opinion against Iran.



The US and its Western allies have for long opposed Irans civil nuclear development programme, claiming that it has aggressive, military overtones.

In July 2015, the feuding parties, encompassing Iran and the P5+1  Russia, China the US, Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany  inked the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to ease tensions but American president, Donald Trump, has been opposed to the Middle Eastern country developing any nuclear capabilities.



The US has maintained economic sanctions on Iran, grouping it along with Zimbabwe and North Korea as part of an axis of evil.



Zimbabwe  which is similarly sanctioned by the US  and Iran have enjoyed cordial political relations for more than 30 years now, and the two countries have lately been exploring ways of translating this into deeper economic ties.



The late Vice-President and national hero, Dr Simon Muzenda, set the ball rolling in 1979 when he visited Tehran soon after the Iranian revolution and Zimbabwe established an embassy in that country in 2003.



Since that first contact on the eve of Zimbabwes Independence, four Iranian leaders have visited Zimbabwe and President Mugabe has reciprocated an equal number of times.

The countries have been trying to grow co-operation in areas such as agri-related technologies, textiles, SMEs and ICTs.



Recently, Irans Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Ahmad Erfanian, underscored the need to raise the volume of bilateral trade to overcome the illegal Western sanctions.

Co-operation is largely guided by the Zimbabwe-Iran Joint Commission, and has also included availing of scholarships for Zimbabweans to study in Iran. herald

President Mugabe left Harare last night for Tehran to join fellow world leaders and officials from 100 countries for the inauguration of Iranian president Hassan Rouhani.Mugabe is accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Senior Government officials. Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is Acting President.Iranian legislator Mr Alireza Rahimi said President Rouhanis second term inauguration would be the biggest the Middle Eastern country has ever witnessed, with the day of the ceremony itself having been declared a national holiday.President Rouhani was first elected Irans leader in 2013 and he won another term in May with 57 percent of the vote.The huge turnout at such a high level, Mr Rahimi said, would send an important message to the world at a time the United States is sabre rattling and trying to incite international opinion against Iran.The US and its Western allies have for long opposed Irans civil nuclear development programme, claiming that it has aggressive, military overtones.In July 2015, the feuding parties, encompassing Iran and the P5+1  Russia, China the US, Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany  inked the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to ease tensions but American president, Donald Trump, has been opposed to the Middle Eastern country developing any nuclear capabilities.The US has maintained economic sanctions on Iran, grouping it along with Zimbabwe and North Korea as part of an axis of evil.Zimbabwe  which is similarly sanctioned by the US  and Iran have enjoyed cordial political relations for more than 30 years now, and the two countries have lately been exploring ways of translating this into deeper economic ties.The late Vice-President and national hero, Dr Simon Muzenda, set the ball rolling in 1979 when he visited Tehran soon after the Iranian revolution and Zimbabwe established an embassy in that country in 2003.Since that first contact on the eve of Zimbabwes Independence, four Iranian leaders have visited Zimbabwe and President Mugabe has reciprocated an equal number of times.The countries have been trying to grow co-operation in areas such as agri-related technologies, textiles, SMEs and ICTs.Recently, Irans Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Ahmad Erfanian, underscored the need to raise the volume of bilateral trade to overcome the illegal Western sanctions.Co-operation is largely guided by the Zimbabwe-Iran Joint Commission, and has also included availing of scholarships for Zimbabweans to study in Iran. herald




A joint team of Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) officers has been set up to carry out comprehensive investigations into a case in which police officers were reportedly attacked by soldiers who allegedly went on a rampage on Tuesday night.



The soldiers allegedly attacked police officers after being angered by the use of spikes.

Witnesses said the soldiers were retaliating after traffic police officers had reportedly used an iron bar bristling to deflate the tyres of a commuter omnibus whose driver had committed an offence. The kombi was carrying soldiers believed to be from the Mechanised Brigade.



Addressing a joint Press conference yesterday, chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba reaffirmed that as security forces they were fully united, despite the incident.





The security forces regret the unfortunate incident that took place on 1st August 2017 in the Harare Central Business District. We want to categorically condemn that incident and assure the nation that a joint team has been set up to conduct comprehensive investigations into the matter and appropriate action will be taken against the perpetrators.





We also want to reaffirm that as security forces we are fully united, despite this incident, she said.





The Press conference was also attended by Officer Commanding Harare Province Senior Assistant Commissioner Elias Mvere, ZDF spokesperson Colonel Overson Mugwisi, Joint Operations Command member Colonel David Nyasha and other senior officers.





On Tuesday night, soldiers reportedly ran amok and attacked police officers they came across with, much to the amusement of the on-looking public in the city. The group of soldiers was armed with sjamboks, logs and sticks.





The soldiers reportedly came from all directions and drove some of the police officers into Harare Central Police station. Police officers have either been seriously injured or killed by members of opposition parties, especially MDC-T activists.





Last month, a policeman was attacked and killed by thugs that operate at Harvest House, the MDC-T headquarters in Harares central business district, during an illegal and violent demonstration.





Three MDC-T officials  Yvonne Musarurwa, Last Maengehama and Tungamirai Madzokere  are serving 20-year jail terms for stoning to death police inspector Petros Mutedza in similar circumstances in Glen View, Harare, in 2011. Herald
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Brandon Ketchum's treatment by the VA in Iowa City included "shortcomings" that may or may not have contributed to his death by suicide, according to a report released Thursday.

The Office of Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA OIG, has been reviewing Brandon's treatment for a year. The thrice-deployed Davenport veteran died July 8, 2016, just hours after being told the psychiatric unit at the VA hospital in Iowa City was full.

Several members of Congress demanded an inquiry, including Iowa U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, Republicans, and U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, a Democrat.

The OIG's office concluded that it is "difficult to determine" to what extent, if any, "shortcomings" in Brandon's treatment at the VA contributed to his death.

Members of his family asked Thursday for time to absorb the contents of the report before commenting on it.

The report listed several process recommendations, based on the shortcomings identified during the year-long review. Specifically, the OIG recommended the VA more closely follow policies, regarding follow-ups when veterans fail to show up for appointments; updating mental-health treatment plans; and making sure a coordinator is assigned to every veteran in treatment.

Additionally, the report indicated that the psychiatrist who last saw Brandon did not have a complete picture of his mental-health status at the time, because Brandon walked out of the appointment.

"The patients final appointment with his psychiatrist was the day prior to his death, during which he reported experiencing a recurrence of certain MH (mental health) issues and requested inpatient admission," the report states. "The psychiatrist documented that the patient denied other active problems in need of attention. The psychiatrist told the patient the inpatient unit was full and that he would 'probably not' be admitted, as his treatment could be started on an outpatient basis.

"Though not documented, the psychiatrist told us the patient declined his offer to remain in the outpatient MH (mental health) clinic while receiving treatment for his reported MH issue. Documentation in the EHR (electronic health records) shows that the psychiatrist inquired about the patients finances and his caregiver girlfriends request that he have a VA (Veterans Affairs) payee, asking the patient for his thoughts on the matter.

"The patient responded, saying 'My thoughts about it dont matter. They are going to do what they want to do. They wont let me come in the hospital to get help, but theyll take my money.'

"The psychiatrist documented that the patient then 'abruptly' left the appointment prior to completing the full session, and that the psychiatrist followed him to his car in an effort to re-engage him in care. The psychiatrist noted in the EHR (electronic health records) that the appointment lasted only a few minutes. He also documented 'I dont find an indication for hospitalization, though I was not able to make a complete suicide risk assessment due to veteran leaving the appt [sic] prematurely.'

"The psychiatrist documented, and phone records confirm, his two attempts to reach the patient by phone later that day and once the afternoon of the following day."

By then, Brandon was gone. His girlfriend, Kristine Nichols, discovered his body in the bedroom of his home on the morning of July 8.

The OIG concluded that the psychiatrist who last saw Brandon followed VA policy, adding that missing information from outside sources abbreviated the doctor's ability to fully evaluate him.

"We found that the patient requested inpatient MH admission the day prior to his death and was not admitted," the report states. "The psychiatrists decision not to admit the patient was within acceptable practice based on the information available to him at the time.

"However, if the admitting psychiatrist had been aware of the extent of the patients psychosocial struggles, as discussed later in this report, the psychiatrist may have decided to admit the patient. Moreover, the psychiatrist made a good faith effort to re-engage the patient after he abruptly left the session."

Information that was not supplied to the doctor included details of struggles Brandon was experiencing in personal relationships and indications others had that he was considering suicide.

The report also details Brandon's several-year history with mental-health treatment through the VA, including at least three previous suicide attempts. He was diagnosed with PTSD prior to his third deployment, and he "likely" suffered a traumatic brain injury during his last deployment. He had multiple hospital admissions and experience with residential treatment.

VA still investigating report Iowa veteran who killed himself was refused care Not only has spring come and gone, but it's been nearly a year since Sgt. Brandon Ketchum su

Brandon was "flagged" several times for being at high risk for suicide. He once was accused of making threats to the VA and was picked up by police and admitted to residential treatment, according to the report.

While his interactions with the VA were ongoing and widespread, documentation of his treatment was lacking. Specifically, the OIG pointed to several issues the VA has since agreed to correct:

 From 2013 to 2015, Brandon had four separate treatment plans, "... however, those plans were not updated following a number of significant events."

 Protocol was not followed when Brandon missed scheduled appointments. Policy requires VA staff to make and document three follow-up calls when veterans miss appointments.

 The VA system failed to assign Brandon a mental-health treatment coordinator after he switched treatment locations. Coordinators are critical in the treatment process, according to the report.

The report also elaborated on specific "shortcomings," including:

"Another note from a counseling session after the patient reported depression indicates that the patient 'was agreeable to seeking VHA (Veterans Health Administration) support and preventing things from becoming worse' and that the patient agreed to speak with his psychiatrist regarding medications to help treat depression. Other than having the psychiatrist co-sign the note and noting an appointment over a month away, the EHR (electronic health record) does not contain documentation of plans to ensure the patient connected with his psychiatrist to address his depression.

"Several days later, during a nurses visit to the patients home, the patient shared that he was 'not in a good place.' Despite repeated expressions of despair to individual clinicians, the treatment team was not brought together to discuss the patient and/or update his treatment plan."

In the end, his doctor categorized part of the problem with Brandon's treatment was the difficulty in getting to the bottom of his symptoms.

"About a month prior to his death, the patient reported an exacerbation of depression and told his psychologist, 'I havent felt this depressed in a couple of years,'" according to the report. "His psychiatrist explained that in complex cases such as this, it is difficult to sort out depression versus symptoms of PTSD. The psychiatrist stated his intention to address the patients depression if the truncated final appointment had continued."

On Thursday afternoon, Grassley, Ernst and Loebsack, along with Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., responded to the report in a joint statement:

This case is a tragic example of why we must do better for our veterans. It also illustrates the importance of having independent watchdogs at federal agencies. Inspectors general review agency work and point out problems that need to be fixed and ensure that policies and procedures in place are adequate.

"In this case, the inspector general report made four recommendations (including a post-suicide review recommendation) to improve mental health treatment for veterans going forward, but could not determine if these shortcomings impacted Brandons care. With an average of 20 veterans committing suicide a day, the VA must do everything in its power to extend help before it is too late.

"When it comes to caring for these brave men and women, there is no room for error. We expect the VA to implement the recommendations thoroughly and carefully, and we intend to make sure the VA does so."

The director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System, Judy Johnson-Mekota, offered assurances she is taking the OIG recommendations seriously.

On behalf of the Iowa City VA, I want to express my sympathy and condolences for the family of Mr. Ketchum," she said in a statement Thursday. "My thoughts are with them today. I am committed to always strengthening our suicide prevention program, and recommendations such as this OIG report only help us to improve in those efforts. As a health care system we are committed to continuous improvement as part of our daily work, and we welcome the opportunity to better serve our Veteran patients and their families.

In Brandon's final Facebook post, just hours before he died, he clearly didn't think the VA was interested in serving him.

"They gave up on me, so why shouldn't I give up on myself?" he wrote. "Right now, that is the only viable option given my circumstances and frame of mind."

That tormented frame of mind led those who love Brandon to write in his obituary that he "lost his battle with PTSD."

His brother, Brad Ketchum, also a combat veteran, lamented in the weeks following his death, "Maybe they could have saved him this time. But what about next time?"

Iowa legislators look for answers after veterans suicide Members of Iowas congressional delegation want to know why an Iowa veteran who committed su

Brandon's family and close friends knew as well as the VA that he had been existing on an emotional battlefield for several years. Victories were followed by defeat. And the cycle repeated.

Neither the VA nor anyone else could save Brandon, ultimately. And we'll never know whether those procedural shortcomings contributed to his death.

But we do know that his death now has contributed to progress in the system that is charged with helping veterans like him. I'm told Brandon would like that.
The HBO cyberattack appears to be worse than originally thought. A security company hired by the network tells Google that the hackers stole "thousands of ... internal company documents" belonging to HBO as well as "masses of copyrighted items including documents, images, videos and sound," Variety reports. The company, IP Echelon, is in the process of removing search results for the hacked files, and the revelation came as part of a take-down notice sent to Google ordering it to remove links to the leaked files. Sources tell the Hollywood Reporter as many as 1.5 terabytes of data could have been exposed by the breach, which would make the hack worse than the 2014 Sony hack.

So far, episodes of Ballers, Insecure, Room 104, and Barry (the last of which has not aired yet) have been released by the hackers; they claim to also have at least one Game of Thrones script. The personal information of a senior HBO executive, including access to online banking and other online accounts, also appears to have been leaked. Other employee data and possibly even customer data is potentially vulnerable, leading Variety to also compare the attack to the Sony hack. Hackers have not asked for any ransom yet. HBO's CEO reassured employees Wednesday that it was unlikely the entire email system had been breached, the AP reports. (Read more HBO stories.)
Tom Wopat, perhaps better known as Luke Duke from the Dukes of Hazzard TV series, is in hot water. The 65-year-old actor was arrested Wednesday in Massachusetts on charges of indecent assault and battery as well as cocaine possession, People reports. As TMZ explains, Wopat was in Massachusetts to star in a production of 42nd Street, and he's accused of grabbing a woman's butt and sticking his finger between her butt cheeks on the set during a rehearsal. Police were looking for him and pulled him over while he was driving, at which time they allegedly found cocaine in his vehicle. At his arraignment Thursday, Wopat pleaded not guilty. An understudy is taking his place in tonight's play opening. (Read more assault stories.)
President Trump was teasing a "very big announcement" Thursday night in West Virginia, CNN reports. And while West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin had hoped it would be "good news" about jobs or the opioid crisis, it appears instead that the state's Democratic Gov. Jim Justice will reveal he's switching parties. According to Politico, no one in the Democratic Party was warned about Justice's plans. Obviously we're pissed. I mean let's face it, we put a lot of effort in the 2015 election to elect this man as governor, a Democratic operative in West Virginia says. Democrats had held the governorship in West Virginia since 2001.

While Democrats weren't given notice of Justice's switch, they probably shouldn't be surprised. Justice only joined the Democratic Party in 2015 to run for governor. He had been a registered Independent and Republican prior to that and even donated to the Republican Governors' Association a few years before his run as a Democrat. He's also friends with the Trump family and Sen. Mitch McConnell. Plus, the ever-more conservative West Virginia is a hotbed of Trump support. With Justice's defection, there are only 15 Democratic governors in the US and only six states in which Democrats control the governorship and both legislative chambers, the Hill reports. Meanwhile, West Virginia becomes the 26th state in which Republicans control all three. (Read more West Virginia stories.)
The father of the captain of the Afghan girls' robotics team has been killed just weeks after one of the proudest moments of his life. Mohammed Asef Qaderyan, father of 14-year-old Fatemah Qaderyan, was among at least 36 people killed Tuesday night in a suicide bombing at a mosque in the city of Herat, the Guardian reports. The attack on a Shia mosque was claimed by ISIS. The robotics team, which returned from the US 10 days ago, was initially denied a visa from the State Department to compete in the Washington, DC-based international contest, but they were granted a visa after President Trump intervened.

In an interview at the event, where the team won a silver medal for "courageous achievement," Fatemah said her father was her greatest supporter, the Guardian reports. After the attack, "Fatemah's father could not survive the injuries and lost his life," the team's director tells Al Jazeera. Fatemah "is very angry and is not eating or speaking to anyone, she is going through a very difficult time," he says. The New York Times reports that after returning to Afghanistan, Fatemah expressed worries that the exposure could be dangerous. "We appeared in front of national and international media, and in our country this is still dangerous that Afghan girls appear before the media," she said. (Read more Afghanistan stories.)
Somebody in Canada wants to know the location of a man's secret fishing spot so badly that they turned to the government for help. Fishing pro Mike Borger says it started with a video he posted earlier this year about a trip to a lake in Algonquin Park, an Ontario provincial park bigger than Delaware, with more than 2,400 lakes. Borger says he politely declined requests to reveal the location of his brook trout fishing spot, which he has been returning to for 15 years. But later on, he says, somebody filed a Freedom of Information request with the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in a bid to discover where he'd been fishing.

"I'm going to give him credit, because it was an incredibly smartunderhanded and a little bit deviousbut also very smart way to get this information," Borger tells the CBC. "If somebody has a copy of my interior camping permit, which shows which lakes I camped on each night, they can clearly and easily figure out which lake I caught these trophy fish in." Borger says the ministry told him about the request. After he raised concerns, the ministry told him it would not confirm or deny the existence of the records to the person seeking it, though the person will have the option of appealing the decision. It shows the "lengths some people will apparently go to find your fishing spot," Borger says. (Read more Ontario stories.)
Visit the Local Butcher Shop in Berkeley and you'll see an odd sign in the window. "Attention: Animals lives are their right. Killing them is violent and unjust, no matter how its done," it reads. The California butcher shop put it up as part of a deal with Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), which for four months had been staging protests at the store involving fake blood and plastic wrap to make sometimes barely-clothed protesters look like cuts of meat. The protests used to happen every time the butcher shop hosted a butchering class, but they've slowed now that the sign is up. Hanging the sign was part of a list of demands the group gave the store, and the owners agreed to it, the Washington Post reports. "The sign was the most palatable of all the options brought to the table. It was the least impactful to our business," one of the owners tells NBC Bay Area.

DxEwhich believes in "total animal liberation" and has staged raids on slaughterhousesoften targets businesses that, like the Local Butcher Shop, tout humane animal slaughter practices. "Our message is that there is no humane way to exploit and kill someone who wants to live and be free," DxE's website reads. The group says that, as part of its deal with the store, members may still protest there twice a year, and an organizer adds to the Post that they wish the sign was more "front [and] center" at the store. But since the group's tactic worked at all, he says, they plan to try the same thing at other businesses. The shop's co-owner tells the Guardian the move amounts to "ethical extortion," but she notes to CBS San Francisco that all the attention has actually driven business up. (Read more animal rights stories.)
An airline passenger is being hailed as a "hero" after she helped stop two suspected child predatorswhom she uncovered by glancing at text messages easily read over a fellow passenger's shoulder. According to police, the unnamed Seattle-area preschool teacher became alarmed after spotting "certain words" in the large-font texts of a man seated in front of her on a Southwest flight from Seattle to San Jose on Monday, per the San Jose Mercury News. The woman read on as the man allegedly instructed his correspondent to molest children. "That's the moment when she decided to preserve the evidence as best as she could," an officer says. The woman took photos of the man's screen, then notified the flight crew. Once the flight had landed, the man was questioned by the FBI and San Jose police.

Police say 56-year-old Michael Kellar of Tacoma, Wash., let authorities review his messages and claimed they only spoke of sexual fantasy. But police say the woman from Tacoma with whom Kellar was communicating was babysitting two children, aged 5 and 7, at the time, report the Washington Post and KIRO 7, and police allege the kids were being abused. Kellar and 50-year-old Gail Burnworth were both arrested Monday. Kellar faces charges of attempted child molestation and solicitation of a sex crime, while Burnworth is charged with rape of a child and other crimes. "If it wasn't for this particular passenger taking action to alert the staff and alert the police, this catastrophic event would have been horrific," San Jose Police Sgt. Brian Spears tells Q13. "In my eyes, she is our hero." (Another plane flightand a 911 callmade headlines this week.)
Thursday was not a great day for the Democratic Party in West Virginia: Gov. Jim Justice joined President Trump at a rally and declared that he is becoming a Republican. "I can't help you anymore being a Democrat governor," Justice told the cheering crowd at the Huntington rally, per Reuters. "So tomorrow I will be changing my registration to Republican." The coal tycoon, who was a registered Republican until 2015 but was elected as a Democrat last fall, imagined his late mother telling him: "Jimmy, it's about damn time you came to your senses." He praised Trump as a "good man" with a "backbone," and told the crowd of Trump supporters that enough had been heard about Russia.

Trump told the crowd of about 9,000 that he had spoken to the governor in recent weeks about coal and manufacturing jobs, the AP reports. "But Gov. Justice did something else very important tonight. He showed the country that our agenda rises above left or right." He added: "Having Big Jim as a Republican is such an honor. Fantastic man, fantastic guy." The New York Times reports that the switch will put more pressure on Sen. Joe Manchin to switch sides and add to the GOP majority in the Senate. But "Joe Manchin has been and always will be a proud West Virginia Democrat," the senator's communications director said, adding that Manchin is not interested in a role in Trump's cabinet. (Read more West Virginia stories.)
Among the most short-sighted measures approved this year by Iowa lawmakers and Gov. Terry Branstad was one giving up federal family planning money. Politicians wanted to prevent Planned Parenthood from being paid to provide health services, including counseling and birth control.

But states cannot collect Medicaid dollars and discriminate against a specific health provider, so our leaders ordered the Iowa Department of Human Services to forfeit all the Washington money for all providers and create a new state-funded family planning program that did not pay any provider also offering abortion.

Lawmakers went home for the summer. The governor moved to China. Iowans are left to deal with the fallout of a fringe idea.

Among the immediate repercussions:

State pays more...

Iowa Republicans said they would replace the lost federal family planning money with state dollars. This was the epitome of fiscal irresponsibility, as Iowa does not have an extra $3 million. The money spent by the state could have funded programs that were cut, including those helping Iowans with autism and epilepsy.

That shows the GOP's anti-female agenda in Iowa is getting expensive. (Anti-female behavior in the Republican Senate caucus at the Statehouse also has proven costly. Jurors recently awarded $2.2 million in damages to a former caucus staffer who accused male supervisors of ignoring an environment that fostered rampant sexual harassment.)

Time wasted...

As if the Council on Human Services doesn't have enough to do overseeing the state's largest agency, it was clearly frustrated with Republicans' family planning stunt. Members, all appointed by Branstad, took the rare action of voting to reject rules to implement a new program. They cited concerns about providers losing funding. After a state attorney explained to the council it could not prevent the law from going into effect, members reluctantly approved the rules.

Meanwhile, the drastically understaffed DHS had no choice but to end an established program that successfully served 12,000 Iowans, then create a new one, notify providers who may participate and report to lawmakers on the mess.

Access to care lost ...

Planned Parenthood specializes in preventing pregnancies. After losing access to federal family planning dollars, the organization announced the closure of clinics in Bettendorf, Burlington, Keokuk and Sioux City. About half the patients visiting those clinics sought birth control. Many were teens.

... and may not be regained

Lawmakers who fixated on "defunding" Planned Parenthood repeatedly insisted that plenty of other providers were available to fill the void if clinics closed. Unable to identify the providers, they unloaded the task on DHS.

The agency's recently published list of entities eligible to receive payments from the new family planning program is not accurate. It includes Catholic-affiliated clinics that limit birth control options and providers who work more than 100 miles from the counties in which they were listed. It includes hospitals that state administrators said would be barred from the new family planning program.

This editorial appeared in the July 26 edition of the Des Moines Register.
Michelle Carter will serve 15 months in prison for her role in boyfriend Conrad Roy's suicide, but one high-profile person who herself has known the inside of a jail cell says incarceration isn't what Carter needs. Amanda Knox, who spent four years in an Italian prison before she was acquitted for the murder of her roommate, writes in a Los Angeles Times op-ed that she felt a "sickening sense of deja vu" watching the prosecutors in Carter's case try to make her out to be some sort of "femme fatale," much as Knox felt she'd been portrayed herself. Which is why, in combination with other factors, Knox feels the judge's "relatively lenient decision is too much," though she acknowledges "it's hard to feel sympathy for Carter," as she "may not be innocent in a moral or philosophical sense."

Knox's argument isn't that Carter is blamelessjust that a different crime may have been committed, and that the punishment may not fit. "We can interpret her part in the final moments of Roy's life as incitement to lawless action, or conspiracy to commit a crime," she writes. "But involuntary manslaughter?" She notes someone who kills himself is "his own victim, his own murderer," and that confusing feelings about suicide make it easy to blame someone other than the one who took his own life. Knox says Carter had tried in the months before Roy's death to encourage counseling, and that her own mental health issues may have marred her ability to better help him. "Each served as catalyst to the other's mental illness, yes, but without calculation, without cruelty," Knox says. How Carter would be better served: "sympathy and help." Knox's full piece, here, touches on her own past suicidal ideation. (Read more Amanda Knox stories.)
If all had gone according to plan, a bomb disguised as a meat grinder would have taken down a plane in Australia last month. The existence of the plot was revealed late last month, and now police are providing details: Khaled Mahmoud Khayat, 49, and Mahmoud Khayat, 32, were charged Thursday with planning a terrorist act. Police on Friday said the unsuspecting brother of one of the men was to carry an IED disguised as a meat mincer onto an Etihad Airways flight departing Sydney for Abu Dhabi on July 15, reports Reuters. The bomb had been created with guidance from ISIS, which allegedly mailed the men some of the necessary components via Turkey. But though the luggage in which the IED had been placed entered Sydney Airport, it never made it beyond the check-in counter.

The details here are a bit vague: The Sydney Morning Herald reports the bag was determined to be too heavy and was never checked in. Reuters says it's believed one of the suspects left the airport with the bag; the unwitting brother boarded the flight. Police reportedly seized the IED device in raids last month. A security expert speculates on the methodology to Reuters: "If someone does a quick physical inspection it just looks like what it is, a meat grinder, because it's not electrical or electronic, it's less likely to be suspicious." Under the direction of an ISIS operative in Syria, the suspects were also trying to create a chemical device intended to release hydrogen sulfide in a crowded public area, "potentially public transport," police say, per CNN. However, they were "a long way" from having a usable device. (Read more Australia stories.)
A US appeals court has overturned the conviction of a former Blackwater security guardand called for the resentencing of three otherswho killed 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians in 2007, the Washington Post reports. Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Dustin Heard, and Evan Liberty were convicted in 2014 for opening fire on a group of Iraqis that included women and children. Blackwater claimed the security guards were under attack, but dozens of witnesses traveled from Iraq to testify the guards fired without provocation, according to CNN. Slatten was sentenced to life in prison for murder; he was found to have fired the first shots. The other three men were sentenced to 30 years each for manslaughter.

On Friday an appeals court ruled the trial court "abused its discretion" by not letting Slatten have a separate trial from the others as the only guard accused of murder. His conviction has now been overturned, and it's unclear if he'll be retried, with the Justice Department stating it's "reviewing the opinion." In a potential new trial, Slatten could introduce evidence to disprove he fired the first shots, the BBC reports. The appeals court ruled the other three guards must be resentenced because 30 years is too long and constitutes "cruel and unusual punishment." The long sentences were due to convictions for using military firearms to commit a felony. But that charge is usually used against gang members and has never before been used against people who were given military weapons by the government and who used them in a war zone. (Read more Blackwater stories.)
A Connecticut woman driving home with her children Wednesday found herself in quite the predicament: improbably dangling in the air, suspended from an electrical wire. Lisa Beaulieu tells Fox 61 a storm hit as she was heading home with her kids, but she didn't think "it would get that bad." It did. Suffield Police Chief Richard Brown says a tree fell on a support wire and brought a telephone pole crashing down while Beaulieu was driving by, the Hartford Courant reports. Beaulieu didn't have a chance to avoid it and drove over an electrical wire that somehow became tangled under her car, which hoisted itself off the ground until it was dangling perpendicular with the road.

I was panicking," Beaulieu tells Fox. She called 911, and the operator stayed on the line with her until help arrived, NBC Connecticut reports. "I prayed the entire time we were in the car," Beaulieu says. "I prayed please don't let lightning hit us, please don't let the car shift." Emergency crews were able to get Beaulieu and her children out safely after about 45 minutes trapped in the car. Beaulieu thanks everyone who helped make her and her children "feel so calm and safe." The storm that hit the Suffield area Wednesday resulted in a wave of emergency calls for flooding, house fires, and more. But despite all the calls, there were no reported injuries. (Read more Connecticut stories.)
Martin Shkreli, the eccentric former pharmaceutical CEO notorious for a price-gouging scandal and for his snide "Pharma Bro" persona on social media, was convicted Friday on federal charges he deceived investors in a pair of failed hedge funds, the AP reports. A jury deliberated five days before finding Shkreli guilty on three of eight counts. He had been charged with securities fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors had accused Shkreli of repeatedly misleading investors about what he was doing with their money. Mostly, he was blowing it with horrible stock picks, forcing him to cook up a scheme to recover millions in losses, they said.

Shkreli, 34, told "lies upon lies," including claiming he had $40 million in one of his funds at a time when it only had about $300 in the bank, Assistant US Attorney Alixandra Smith said in closing arguments. The trial "has exposed Martin Shkreli for who he really isa con man who stole millions," added another prosecutor, Jacquelyn Kasulis. But the case was tricky for the government because investors, some wealthy financiers from Texas, testified at the trial and conceded that Shkreli's scheme actually succeeded in making them richer, in some cases doubling or even tripling their money on his company's stock when it went public. Shkreli came into the trial with a reputation for trolling critics on social media, live-streaming himself giving math lessons or petting his cat, and boasting about buying a one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album for $2 million. (Read more Martin Shkreli stories.)
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CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pulse Seismic Inc. (TSX:PSD) (OTCQX:PLSDF) (Pulse or the Company) is pleased to announce it has signed a $29.5 million seismic data licensing agreement. The 2D and 3D seismic data is located throughout the Deep Basin of Alberta and in northeast British Columbia.



I am extremely pleased by this transaction, commented Neal Coleman, President and CEO of Pulse. This sale surpasses our previous record individual data license of $27.8 million, set in 2012, and represents more than twice the 2016 annual data library sales revenue of $14.3 million. This brings year to date data library sales revenue to $37.5 million and ensures that 2017 data library sales revenue will be greater than in any previous year since our record year in 2012, and will be highly positive for the Companys cash EBITDA and shareholder free cash flow, Coleman added.

This is a transaction-based sale as opposed to a traditional sale as defined, along with a seven year breakdown in our 2016 annual M D and A. Transaction-based sales are innately unpredictable and contribute to the fluctuating nature of Pulses quarterly and annual results. From 2010 to 2016, annual transaction-based sales have ranged from a low of $3.1 million in 2011 to a high of $44.9 million in 2012.

CORPORATE PROFILE

Pulse is a market leader in the acquisition, marketing and licensing of 2D and 3D seismic data to the western Canadian energy sector. Pulse owns the second-largest licensable seismic data library in Canada, currently consisting of approximately 28,600 square kilometres of 3D seismic and 447,000 kilometres of 2D seismic. The library extensively covers the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin where most of Canadas oil and natural gas exploration and development occur.
CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Diamond Group Limited ("Black Diamond", the "Company" or "we"), (TSX:BDI), a leading provider of space rental and workforce accommodation solutions, today announced its operating and financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2017 (the "Quarter") and the six months ended June 30, 2017 (the "YTD") compared with the three months ended June 30, 2016 (the "Comparative Quarter") and the six months ended June 30, 2016. All financial figures are expressed in Canadian dollars.



Black Diamond's continued strategy to invest in high quality fleet in strong markets within the space rental platform resulted in meaningful increases in the BOXX Modular segment from the Comparative Quarter and from Q1 2017. Space rental fleet increased by 57% from the Comparative Quarter and utilization increased to 71% from 64% in the Comparative Quarter. Adjusted EBITDA (see "Non-GAAP Measures") for BOXX Modular represented 57% of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the Quarter. These investments further diversify the platform by scaling the non-resource business lines, broadening the geographic footprint, expanding the customer base, and increasing future cash flow stability for the business.

In Energy Services, management's decision to relocate assets from North Dakota to Texas resulted in an increase in utilization to 50% from 13% in the Comparative Quarter. Although the recovery in rental rates has been sluggish in Canada, utilization is higher, typically a leading indicator for activity that is expected to resonate through the entire energy complex. Activity levels for remote workforce accommodations in Western Canada remain low in the Quarter. While we are seeing the early signs of recovery in the Camps & Lodging segment, it is expected to be slower than originally forecasted.

In an effort to deliver an enhanced commercial model for profitability and long-term success, Black Diamond has initiated an internal restructuring of the organization. We will combine all of the Company's current operations that are focused on workforce accommodations and energy services under one integrated workforce solutions team, which is expected to produce a more competitive business. Leveraging the combined knowledge and skill set of our sales team and improving collaboration across our internal teams is expected to increase efficiencies and enhance the customer experience. Restructuring costs of $2.9 million related primarily to employee severance and fleet relocation costs were recognized in the Quarter. By improving the organization structure, Black Diamond expects to yield annualized cost savings of approximately $3.0 million and improve our operating results in future periods.

Management is confident that the strategies to focus, streamline and diversify the business will improve performance and position the Company for growth. However, based on the timing of the anticipated recovery in the Camps & Lodging business, management has lowered its expectation for Adjusted EBITDA in 2017 to be in the range of $25.0 million to $35.0 million. The Company has also increased its net capital spending plan to $13.0 million from $7.0 million to fund growth of its space rentals fleet in the US and Canadian markets outside of Alberta. This increased capital is to fund a number of additional opportunities, primarily for space rentals projects, with compelling returns and contract terms. The Company believes in the long-term fundamentals driving the demand for these kinds of projects with customer end markets in infrastructure, military and general construction.

Despite an extended period of challenging economic conditions in certain of Black Diamonds end markets, the Company has been able to continue to invest in the space rentals fleet to further diversify the business, generate positive operating cash flow and reduce debt. Throughout this period, the Company has reduced its cost structure and remained in compliance with its lender covenants. To further improve long-term shareholder value, the Companys board of directors has decided to suspend its dividend effective immediately. The increased liquidity resulting from all of these measures provides the Company with the flexibility to retain or reinvest cash in the business through further debt repayment, organic growth of fleet assets for which the Company is seeing increasing demand, potential business acquisitions and for potential share repurchases. This is expected to allow the Company to accelerate the growth of its business and to precipitate the strategy of diversifying the Company by geography and industry by focusing on the growth of the space rentals business.

The Company also announced that it has obtained approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX) to commence a normal course issuer bid (the NCIB) with respect to its common shares (the Common Shares). The NCIB will commence on August 9, 2017 and will terminate on the earlier of August 8, 2018, the date on which the Company has purchased the maximum number of Common Shares permitted under the NCIB or date on which the NCIB is terminated.

Under the NCIB, the Company may, over a 12-month period commencing on August 9, 2017, purchase in the normal course through the facilities of the TSX, or alternative trading systems, if eligible, up to 4,930,526 Common Shares, such amount representing 10% of the public float of the Common Shares and approximately 8.9% of the 55,309,703 issued and outstanding Common Shares as at July 31, 2017. Furthermore, subject to certain exemptions for block purchases, the maximum number of Common Shares that the Company may acquire on any one trading day is 67,334 Common Shares, such amount representing 25% of the average daily trading volume of the Common Shares of 269,337 for the six calendar months prior to the start of the NCIB. All Common Shares purchased by the Company under the NCIB will be cancelled.

Black Diamond believes that, from time to time, the market price of the Common Shares may not fully reflect the underlying value of the Common Shares and that at such time the purchase of the Common Shares represents attractive investment value and would be in the best interests of Black Diamond and its shareholders.

The Company has engaged Raymond James Ltd. to act as broker and to administer the NCIB.

We are pleased with the success the Company has had in its diversification strategy through organic and inorganic growth of our space rentals business, said Trevor Haynes, President and CEO of Black Diamond. This increases our revenue from nonresource customers and provides stability and growth for the business as we position to capitalize on a recovery in the resource sector.

Second Quarter 2017 Financial Highlights

Three months ended

June 30, Six months ended

June 30, (in millions, except where noted) 2017 2016 Change 2017 2016 Change $ $ $ $ Revenue BOXX Modular 18.7 10.3 82 % 28.8 23.6 22 % Camps & Lodging 11.3 19.8 (43 )% 32.6 51.9 (37 )% Energy Services 5.0 2.7 85 % 10.0 8.2 22 % International 2.0 1.2 67 % 3.5 2.7 30 % Corporate and Other 0.2 0.5 (60 )% 0.4 0.9 (56 )% Total Revenue 37.2 34.5 8 % 75.3 87.3 (14 )% Total Adjusted EBITDA 5.4 7.6 (29 )% 10.0 24.8 (60 )% Funds from Operations 6.9 11.3 (39 )% 21.0 30.3 (31 )% Per share ($) 0.13 0.28 (54 )% 0.41 0.74 (45 )% Loss (7.8 ) (8.6 ) (9 )% (13.2 ) (11.0 ) 20 % Loss per share - Basic and diluted (0.14 ) (0.21 ) (33 )% (0.26 ) (0.27 ) (4 )% Capital expenditures 1.8 1.7 6 % 6.8 4.7 45 % Business acquisitions   n/a 42.0  n/a

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE QUARTER

BOXX Modular asset utilization for the Quarter was 71%, an increase from 64% in the Comparative Quarter and space rental fleet increased by 57% from the Comparative Quarter due to increased activity outside of Alberta resulting in an 82% increase in revenue and a 68% increase in Adjusted EBITDA.

Energy Services drilling accommodation utilization for the Quarter was 50%, an increase from 13% in the Comparative Quarter. The increase in utilization is due to an increase in drilling and completion activity in Canada and the U.S. and increased market share in the Permian Basin..

Net Debt (see "Non-GAAP Measures") at June 30, 2017 was $114.3 million, down 18% or $24.7 million from $139.0 million as at June 30, 2016 due primarily to an equity raise in July 2016 and positive operating cash flows.

At June 30, 2017, Net Debt to trailing twelve month Adjusted EBITDA (see "Non-GAAP Measures") was 3.36.

2017 Capital Plan

Based on increased market demand, the 2017 gross capital spending plan was revised to $23.0 million. This includes maintenance capital which is estimated to be $1.5 million for the year, but does not include any normal course fleet and other sales that are projected to be $10.0 million for fiscal 2017. On a net basis, the 2017 capital spending plan is focused predominantly within the BOXX Modular space rentals business in the US and the Pacific and East regions of Canada. The capital plan will generally be non-speculative and support our overarching strategy to diversify the Company's platform.

Capital expenditures for the Quarter were $1.8 million. For the YTD, capital expenditures were $6.8 million. Capital expenditures for the Quarter included maintenance capital of $0.3 million, down $0.1 million from the Comparative Quarter. Capital commitments were $6.1 million as at June 30, 2017. This is compared with capital expenditures of $1.7 million and capital commitments of $4.8 million in the Comparative Quarter.

Proceeds from used fleet sales in the Quarter were $2.5 million, compared with $3.4 million in the Comparative Quarter.

Financial Review

Revenue for the Quarter was $37.1 million, up 8% or $2.7 million from the Comparative Quarter primarily due to increased BOXX Modular fleet size and utilizations, partially offset by the impact of low commodity prices on utilization and pricing in Camps & Lodging.

Adjusted EBITDA (see "Non-GAAP Measures") for the Quarter was $5.4 million, down 29% or $2.2 million from the Comparative Quarter primarily due to a decrease in gross profit margin as a result of lower occupancy in Camps & Lodging partially offset by fleet growth and increases in utilization in BOXX Modular.

Net loss for the Quarter was $7.8 million, compared with a net loss of $8.6 million in the Comparative Quarter. This resulted in a loss per share of $0.14, with a loss per share of $0.21 in the Comparative Quarter.

Consolidated contracted future revenue at the end of the Quarter was $36.6 million, down 39% or $23.4 million from $60.0 million in the Comparative Quarter due to lower market activity.

Administrative expenses for the Quarter were $10.7 million, up 8% or $0.8 million from the Comparative Quarter primarily due to an increase in occupancy costs related to acquisitions.

Additional Information

A copy of the Company's unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 and related management's discussion and analysis have been filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com) and www.blackdiamondgroup.com.

Conference Call

Black Diamond will hold a conference call and webcast tomorrow, August 4, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. MT (10:30 a.m. ET).

Chairman, President and CEO Trevor Haynes and Executive Vice President and CFO Toby LaBrie will discuss Black Diamond's financial results for the Quarter and then take questions from investors and analysts.

To access the conference call by telephone dial toll free 1-855-435-1153. International callers should use (210) 229-8824 (Conference ID: 79806206). Please connect approximately 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the call.

Please log into the webcast 10 minutes before the start time at: http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/4nkt5eef

Slides to accompany the conference call can be accessed through https://join.me/BDI-Investors.

Following the conference call, an audio archive will be available in the Investor Events section of the Company's website at www.blackdiamondgroup.com.

Reader Advisory

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements including the amount of funds that will be expended on the 2017 capital plan, how such capital will be expended, Adjusted EBITDA guidance, Management's assessment of Black Diamond's future operations and what may have an impact on them, financial performance, business prospects and opportunities, changing operating environment including increased activity levels, amount of revenue anticipated to be derived from current contracts, amendments to Black Diamond's debt instruments; economic life of the Company's assets, future growth and profitability of the Company, realization of the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and the NCIB. With respect to the forward-looking statements in the news release, Black Diamond has made assumptions regarding, among other things: future commodity prices, that Black Diamond will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with past operations, that counter-parties to contracts will perform the contracts as written and that there will be no unforeseen material delays in contracted projects. Although Black Diamond believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, and the assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are made, are reasonable, there can be no assurances that such expectations or assumptions will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Black Diamond. These risks include, but are not limited to: the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, fluctuation of commodity prices, the Company's ability to attract new customers, failure of counterparties to perform on contracts, industry competition, availability of qualified personnel and management, timely and cost effective access to sufficient capital from internal and external sources, political conditions, dependence on suppliers and stock market volatility. The risks outlined above should not be construed as exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Black Diamond's operations and financial results are included in Black Diamonds annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other reports on file with the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities which can be accessed on SEDAR. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Black Diamond does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Non-GAAP Measures

In this news release, the following terms have been referenced: Adjusted EBITDA, Net Debt, Days Sales Outstanding and Payout Ratio. Readers are cautioned that these measures are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Readers are cautioned that these non-GAAP measures are not alternatives to measures under IFRS and should not, on their own, be construed as an indicator of the Company's performance or cash flows, a measure of liquidity or as a measure of actual return on the common shares of the Company. These non-GAAP measures should only be used in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company. A reconciliation between these measures and measures defined under IFRS is included in management's discussion and analysis for the three month period ended June 30, 2017 filed on SEDAR.

About Black Diamond

Black Diamond provides workforce accommodation, modular buildings, energy services, and full turnkey lodging and major project solutions including planning and management, logistics, and catering to customers in Canada, the United States and Australia. We serve diverse sectors including oil and gas, mining, power, construction, engineering, military, government, financial services and education.

Black Diamond has four core business units: Black Diamond Camps & Lodging, BOXX Modular, Black Diamond Energy Services, and Black Diamond International. Learn more at: www.blackdiamondgroup.com.
Jammu:

The state government has removed the IAS officer from Udhampur after he posted an "awkward" pictures went viral on social media. Three pictures of the bureaucrat in an "awkward position" on bed went viral on WhatsApp and Facebook has raged anger among the public.

Pending enquiry into his conduct, Niraj Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur is hereby attached in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu," an order issued by the General Administrative Department (GAD) said.

After the picture went viral, the state government has sacked the IAS officer from his post.

"We took immediate action after looking at the pictures. We do not know whether they are true or forged. A probe has been ordered to know the truth", a senior government official told PTI.

Anand Sharma, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Udhampur will look after the work of Kumar till further orders, Amrik Singh, Under Secretary to the government, said in an order.

Also read: Fill the system with energy of 'New India': PM Modi to IAS Officers of 2015 batch
New Delhi:

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar was hospitalised on Wednesday evening after complaints of severe dehydration and urinary problem. The 94-year old actor was admitted to the ICU at Lilavati Hospital. Possibility of kidney dysfunction was reported by the doctors.

Vice President of the hospital, Ajay Kumar Pandey said to a leading daily, His kidney functions are yet to normalize. We are closely monitoring his condition.

Dilip Kumar, who is also known as Tragedy King, is one of the greatest and most influential actors of all time. Being one of the biggest movie star in Bollywood, is also a nine-time Filmfare Award winner. He has also been honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1991 and DadaSaheb Phalke Award in 1994.

The news of him getting rushed to hospital scared the Bollywood industry. And, as per latest update, actors health is still a matter of concern.

Dilip Kumar tasted huge success in the 1950s by playing lead roles in numerous romantic movies including Sairat, Babul, Tarana, Hulchul, Deedar, Daag, Devdas and many more.

Wife of Dilip Kumar, Saira Bano told to a news agency, He is doing much better than yesterday. But he will be in hospital. The doctors here are taking good care of him.

Friends and family of Dilip Kumar are praying for his speedy recovery.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Friday took a jibe at BJP, saying pelt stones and poach MLC.

The former chief minister expressed his views on social media over Fridays developments. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was attacked in Banaskantha, Gujarat while another Samajwadi party MLC resigned from party and joined BJP.

MLC Sarojini Agarwal resigned from the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council and joined the BJP.

"Agarwal has tendered her resignation," according to the office of chairman Ramesh Yadav.

aaaaa aaaaa, MLC aaaaa  Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) August 4, 2017

"I had been party MLC twice due to Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav). As he is not active in the party, I have resigned. I don't have problems with anyone in the party and I respect everyone. I felt awkward after split in the party and I did not feel like working in it," Agarwal, whose tenure was to end in 2021, told reporters after her resignation.

Earlier, three sitting MLCs Bukkal Nawab and Yashwant Singh (both Samajwadi Party) and Thakur Jaiveer Singh (BSP) had resigned from the membership of the House.

Also Read: Akhilesh Yadav sings Bollywood song to take jibe at Nitish Kumar for joining hands with BJP

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Aadhar card or unique identification number has become essential in the life of any Indian citizen. Bizzare as it may sound, but it is not new as Aadhaar has become basis to avail most of the government schemes, including income tax returns, government subsidies, scholarships and even mid-day meals at schools.

The move to make linking of the Aadhaar number to several government services mandatory by Modi Government is aimed at curbing corruption and circulation of black money and most importantly increasing the reach of benefits to the right beneficiaries.

Aadhaar is a 12 digit unique-identity number issued to all residents of India based on their biometric and demographic data. The data is collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India. UIDAI was initially set up by the Government January 2009 and Aadhar number was started distributing in September 2010.

Here are a few government service not available without an Aadhaar card

Income Tax Returns: The Income Tax department has made it mandatory for Aadhar card holders to link their biometric numbers with PAN for filing their income tax returns. The last date to file income tax return is August 5 but it will not be processed unless and until PAN card is linked with the Aadhar number. The failure to link the two cards will result in loss of returns due from the government.

Employee Provident Fund: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF), to ease final settlements, partial withdrawals and pension benefit withdrawals, has made linking of Aadhar number must. The linking of the 12 digits biometric number is expected to reduce settlement time from 20 days to 10 days.

New LPG connections: To benefit the Prime Minister Ujjwala scheme it is necessary to provide Aadhar number. Prime Minister Ujjwala Scheme was launched by PM Narendra Modi. Earlier it was necessary to provide the 12 digits biometric number to procure a new LPG connection. It is also compulsory to link Aadhaar with Banks to receive LPG subsidy benefits, which are soon to be phased out after recent directive.

Scholarship - The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has made Aadhaar mandatory for providing scholarships to meritorious students from economically weaker sections under National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme.

Mid-day meal: Perhaps the most controversial mandate in this case was that to make Aadhaar card compulsory for getting a mid-day meal in government schools. The opposition, NGOs and human right bodies had claimed it was snatching away the Right to Food and in some case Right to Education from children. However, the directive resulted in weeding out of 4.4 lakh ghost students from across the country.

The government is also planning to make Aadhar-based authentication mandatory at the time of registration of documents such as the agreement for sale and power of attorney to curb Benami transaction and use of black money in real estate deals. But the final order is yet to come.

Also Read: Government to make Aadhar mandatory for land registration to curb Benami transactions

Important documents to link with Aadhaar:

PAN Card: The Revenue department has asked all citizens of the country having a PAN card to link with the Aadhaar number or the card will be cancelled. The department will not issue any new PAN card without revealing the Aadhar number. If one does not have a PAN card one will not be able to file his return and avail banking services. The last date for linking the Aadhar number with PAN card is August 31, 2017.

Also Read: Aadhar with PAN card linking deadline increased to August 31

Bank accounts: The government recently made Aadhaar mandatory for opening bank accounts as well as for any financial transaction of Rs 50,000 and above. It has asked the existing bank account holders to link their Aadhaar number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) by December 31, 2017. If they fail to do so, their account will turn invalid.

Passport - One will not have to go with lengthy process of fetching an passport if you are a Aadhar card holder. The process of getting a passport smoothens if you provide passport office your 12 digit biometric number.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The Central government has approved a proposal to rename Mughalsarai railway station near Varanasi as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) station, after the Jan Sangh leader who died in 1968.

The Central government is examining a request of the Uttar Pradesh government to rename the Mughalsarai Railway Station after RSS ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.

"We have received a request for the renaming of the railway station. The request is under process," a home ministry spokesperson said.

The Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh had taken the decision in this regard last month.

The RSS ideologue had died under mysterious circumstances at Mughalsarai station while travelling in a train on February 11, 1968.

Mughalsarai is one of the busiest stations for trains bound for eastern and northeastern regions. It is the fourth busiest railway junction in India and also contains the largest railway marshaling yard in Asia.

ALSO READ: China helping Pak build 6 dams on Indus River in PoK, says VK Singh

(With PTI Inputs)

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New Delhi:

As India is gearing up to celebrate its 71st Independence day on August 15, all the leading portals are flooded with stories ranging from Partition to freedom fighters and the heroes of new India. But it would be even interesting to view the strength of Indian Military especially after the current border situation on both LoC and LaC.

Indian armed forces with three service branches- Indian Army (Land based), Indian Air Force and Indian Navy are the Military forces of India. Additionally, Indian Armed forces are well supported by Indian Coast Guard, Paramilitary forces (Assam Rifles, Special Frontier Force) and Strategic Nuclear Command.

With President of India as its Supreme Commander, Indian Armed Forces are managed by the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India and have separate Chiefs for all the three service branches.

Behind only to the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army and the US, Indian military is the world's third largest standing force with more than 1.4 million active frontline personnel and 1.1 million reserve personnel.

As the mainspring of Indias strength, Indian Military has been playing a significant role in forming and executing national strategy with high loyalty and discipline.

India spends 2.5 per cent of countrys total GDP on its armed forces. In 2016, countrys national defence budget ranked 5th in the world at US $55.9 Billion. Due to poor quality Indigenous equipment supply, Indias Army buys most of its arms from countries like Russia, US and Israel, thus, making it Worlds biggest arms buyer.

But, being worlds biggest arms buyer doesnt make it worlds best-equipped force and India is far away from modernising its Army. It also lacks top-notch heavy industries, space technology and electronic industry. All these affect the strength of Indian Military.

However, the current Modi government has tried to address the issue of armys modernisation. The govt has launched Make in India program and also opened up the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in defence up to 100 per cent.

Compared with Chinese PLA, Indian Armed Forces have a larger strategic line of defence. Indias national defence forces are fighting an everyday war with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and with Naxals in other insurgency hit areas. On the other hand, PLA is only concentrated in the Chinese mainland and coastal areas. It has not fought any conventional war since 1988, thus making it less experienced in battle ground strategies. On the other hand, India has fought three wars since 1962 and given the in-house insurgency has more combat experience.

India-China standoff on Dokalam: Rahul's meeting with Chinese ambassador was 'unfortunate', says Sushma

A comparison between Indian Army and military forces of China and Pakistan:

Since Independence, Indian Army and PLA had indulged in direct all out confrontation twice- first in 1962 Indo-Sino war and secondly in 1967 Nathu La and Cho La clashes. In 1962 Indo-Sino war, Chinese PLA overpowered resources hit Indian Army and took the control over Aksai Chin, while in 1967 Nathu La and Cho La clashes, Indian Army had successfully chased off Chinese troops from Sikkim.

But over the years, things have changed and Chinese military has grown rapidly in terms of both size and capabilities in bid to transform itself into a top notch military force. The country has focused more on PLAs all-round development. With increased production of hardware including satellite navigation system, warships and warplanes, Chinese PLA has become worlds largest military force in terms of raw manpower and third strongest in terms of military might.

The Chinese military, with an annual budget of USD 216 billion has 2.3 million active front line personnel while India has only 1.3 million. According to a report published by research firm Credit Suisse in 2015, the dragon military had 9,150 tanks, 2,860 aircrafts and 67 submarines.

Ranked at no. 11, Pakistan Military is also considered one of the strongest Militaries of the world and the country has more than 6 lakh active frontline personnel, 2,924 tanks, 914 aircrafts and 8 submarines. Despite being nuclear enabled, Pakistani army does not possess any serious threat to India in a conventional war.

Indian military with more than 13 lakh active front line personnel is one of the worlds largest military powers on the planet. Ranked at no. 5, Indian armed forces have the firepower of 6,464 tanks with 1,905 aircrafts and 15 submarines.

India has access to nuclear weapons and the country has developed a second strike capability.

So given the firepower and vast combat experience, Indian Military is capable enough of making the resource rich but inexperienced PLA bite chicken peas with its nose.

Suggested Read | Sikkim standoff: India rejects Chinese claim of troop reduction, says forces' ground position remains intact in Doklam

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New Delhi:

On the 15th day of Parliaments monsoon session, opposition parties are likely to move privilege motions against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha.

The Congress and other Opposition will give notices in Rajya Sabha for bringing the breach of privilege motions against Swaraj for misleading Parliament on Indias foreign policy.

The opposition alleged Swaraj for providing wrong information on the Bandung Asia Africa relations conference and about Prime Minister Narendra Modis Lahore visit in 2015.

Here are the live updates:

# Subsidy worth Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated for the handloom sector, which does not come under the GST regime, Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta in Rajya Sabha

# Issue of the renaming of Mughalsarai railway station was raised by UP parties in Rajya Sabha, adjourned briefly after the created ruckus in the house.

# The Companies (Amendment) Bill along with Private Members' Business will be tabled in Rajya Sabha.

# Lok Sabha will discuss and consider passing these bills: The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, The Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, Private Members' Business.





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HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alipay, the worlds largest online and mobile payment platform and lifestyle super app operated by Ant Financial Services Group, today announced its partnership with VTB Group, one of Russias leading banking groups. VTB Group has recently started merchant acquiring for Alipay payments service in its over-120,000-POS-device network, which now makes VTB Group the biggest partner of Alipay in Russia. It is expected that more than 1 million Chinese travelers will benefit from the new partnership every year.



The service will be launched shortly after a pilot program in August. Q3-Q4 2017 will see its roll-out to the whole VTB network of near 100,000 merchants.

Alipay is the worlds largest online and mobile wallet with more than 520 million active users. For Chinese shoppers, the new partnership will lead to more convenience and safety during their trips to Russia, and Russian merchants will have the ability to use all the value added marketing functions the system provides. For shops and restaurants, it means promising an increase of conversion rates, average ticket size and turnover.

According to an estimation of VTB24, the VTB Groups retail banking arm, Alipay will be in high demand in Moscow, St Petersburg, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, Blagoveshchensk and Irkutsk. We see the number of Chinese tourists is increasingly growing, said Alexey Kirichek, VP, Director of Merchant Acquiring Department, VTB24. "Potential volume of this market is approximately 300 billion rubles per year. Average ticket size of Alipay users is 2-3 times higher than in other payment methods, hence we expect high demand for the new service from merchants.

For Alipay, its very important to get support from one of the largest banks in Russia. Large-scale acceptance of Alipay on the whole POS infrastructure of VTB24 will allow us to speed up and facilitate the launch of our service at merchants and enable country level coverage, said Bogdan Zadorozhny, Alipays Business Development Director for Russia.

Alipay became available in Russia for Chinese tourists starting in April 2017. Merchants include a number of souvenir shops and department stores in Moscow and St Petersburg. In July, Alipay announced its partnership with Moscows Department of Public Transportation. In the near future, Chinese tourists will be able to use Alipay to buy bus or metro tickets.

Alipay has been expanding to in-store offline payments both inside and outside of China. Over 10 million brick-and-mortar merchants now accept Alipay across China. In addition, it is accepted in over 30 countries and regions, with in-store payments covering more than 200,000 retail stores.

VTB24 is one of the leaders in the merchant acquiring business in Russia. Last year, the acquiring volume of the bank reached 1 trillion rubles. This year, the bank plans to achieve 1.4 trillion. Among the biggest customers of VTB24 are such retailers as Auchan, Russian Railways, Yandex Taxi, VK.com, etc.

About Alipay

Operated by Ant Financial Services Group, Alipay is the worlds largest mobile and online payment platform. Launched in 2004, Alipay currently has over 520 million active users and over 450 financial institution partners globally. Alipay has evolved from a digital wallet to a lifestyle enabler. Users can hail a taxi, book a hotel, buy movie tickets, pay utility bills, make appointments with doctors, or purchase wealth management products directly from within the app. In addition to online payments, Alipay is expanding to in-store offline payments both inside and outside of China. Over 10 million brick-and-mortar merchants now accept Alipay across China. Alipays in-store payment service is covering more than 200,000 retail stores across the world, and tax reimbursement via Alipay is supported in 24 countries and regions. Alipay works with over 250 overseas financial institutions and payment solution providers to enable cross-border payments for Chinese travelling overseas and overseas customers who purchase products from Chinese e-commerce sites. Alipay currently supports 19 currencies.
New Delhi:

For India's bid to a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council, The United States has reaffirmed its support for the cause.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, said,"I believe U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is going to raise the issue at the United Nations."

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States in June, Nauert described it as a wonderful experience and said, "U.S had a lovely visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was certainly wonderful to have him here in the United States. I know the President enjoyed hosting him, as did the Secretary as well."

Nauert, a former Fox News host, said "U.S. is certainly aware of the elections that India will hold in 2019."

During Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States in June, President Trump reaffirmed the support of the United States for India's permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council and in other multilateral institutions like the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"As global non-proliferation partners, the United States expressed strong support for India's early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group," the India-U.S. joint statement said.

India has been making diplomatic efforts to ensure the expansion of the permanent as well as non-permanent membership of the UNSC and membership bid in the NSG, a 48-member elite group which controls the nuclear trade.

ALSO READ: US-Russia ties at all-time and very dangerous low, says Trump

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New Delhi:

US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is offering an exciting job opportunity that requires a 'Planetary Protection Officer' who can save our planet Earth from aliens. We are calling it an exciting job opportunity as NASA will pay whopping $187,000 (141,000)) to the selected candidate for this role.



However, the job is not easy and comes with a lot of complications which is why NASA is giving away a hefty salary for the post.



While the title of the job suggests that the 'Planetary Protection Officer' is supposed to prevent the destruction of the Earth, but the job requires a broader focus. The officer will actually be responsible for helping to prevent NASA from destroying other worlds just as much as they are protecting the Earth.

It is a cause of concern to contaminate other planets with organisms or organic material from Earth. In 1956, the members of the International Astronautical Federation had suggested that we might be unintentionally contaminating the moon or other planets as we explore space. Since then spreading organic matter outside the Earth has been a matter of worry.



During the human exploration of space, the Office of Planetary Protection maintains the guidelines and quarantine procedures. The Planetary Protection Officer will have the task of ensuring that the NASA members are doing everything in their power to follow those rules.

Also, the Planetary Protection Officer will also need to keep NASA compliant with best practices regarding planetary protection. For this, this person will be the main point of contact for other agencies and organizations from around the world involved in performing similar duties.



The summary on the job listing in usajobs.gov offers fair idea of why this is so important:



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. This policy is based on federal requirements and international treaties and agreements.



For the Planetary Protection Officer, our Earth will also be a big concern.



The officer will not man a laser turret to protect Earth from aliens or alien contamination, but will keep a watch over NASAs exploration missions. This person will also be responsible for ensuring that something much small but potentially just as catastrophic doesnt slip by undetected.



Here is all you need to know about NASAs 'Planetary Protection Officer' job:

ALSO READ | NASA's 'Men in black' job offer: Protect Earth from aliens for $187,000; qualification, last date and how to apply



Open & closing dates: 2017-07-13 to 2017-08-14



Salary: $124,406 to $187,000 / per year



Pay scale & grade: SL 00

Series: 1301 General Physical Science



Appointment type: Permanent



Work schedule: Full Time



Job announcement number: HQ17S0010



Control number: 474414000



Locations: NASA - United States Locations, United States



For complete job details click here.

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Mogadishu:

The US military has confirmed that a high-level al-Shabab commander has been killed in Somalia with an air strike over the weekend.

The strike which took place on July 30 killed the top al-Shabab's commander Ali Mohamed Hussein, as per US Africa Command statement. Hussein was also known as Ali Jabal.

The statement says he "was responsible for leading al-Shabab forces operating in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks against the capital of Mogadishu."

The statement says the airstrike occurred near Tortoroow, an al-Shabab stronghold in Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia.

President Donald Trump earlier this year approved expanded military operations against al-Shabab, including more aggressive airstrikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities.

The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab is the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Massive fire engulfed the high-residential Torch Tower in Dubai in the middle of Thursday night, sending plumes of smoke into the air and debris falling below. The Torch Tower is one of the world's tallest residential towers reaching more than 80 stories high.

It caught fire in early 2015 with no major casualties being reported in that blaze. Fires have affected several skyscrapers in the United Arab Emirates.

Updates

1. Residents were successfully evacuated from building - Dubai's govt media.

ALSO READ: Five people charred to death in Bhubaneswar house fire

2. Dubai's police say firefighters are one the scene and no injuries have been reported so far in the blaze at theTorch Tower, located in Dubai's popular Marina neighbourhood.

3. A fire swept through the same building in February 2015 and its flammable cladding was blamed for the rapid spread of the flames  a chilling similarity to the Grenfell fire tragedy in London.

READ: Fire breaks out at former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit home

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New Delhi:

A UK man has been sentenced to 9 years in jail by the Newcastle Crown court for raping his wife while she was asleep. The man has repeatedly carried out sex attacks on his wife and filmed the incident on his phone taking advantage of her heavy sleep.

The entire incident came to light when the woman found videos on his husbands phone that he mistakenly left home.

Since that day, my life and that of our children has been completely turned upside down in ways I still cannot come to terms with.

I never thought he would be capable of doing what he did. He has completely fooled me. I never want to see him again, the Independent quoted victim as saying.

The couple has been living together for 10 years and also have children.

On March 14 this year, the defendant left for work. As he forgot to take his mobile phone with him, the complainant took the opportunity to look at the phone and noticed something called Video Locker, Prosecutor Mark Giuliani told Independent.

Initially, she couldnt get access to it, which caused her to become suspicious.

But somehow, she managed to get the access of the application and found out the videos recorded by her husband.

It showed video recordings of the defendant participating in sexual activity with his wife while she was asleep, Giuliani added.

The Court has asked the perpetrator to sign the Sex Offenders register for a lifetime and lashed out at him for treating her wife as an object for his own fantasies.

Sentencing the man to nine years in prison, and ordering him to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, Mr Recorder Baird said: Between September 2016 and March this year, you raped and sexually abused her while she was incapable of giving consent to your actions.

I take the view you took advantage of the fact that she was in drink and a heavy sleeper.

You did so for your own sexual gratification and treated her as an object for your fantasies, disregarding her wishes or needs, the Independent reported.

Read of the day: Is Indian military capable of holding ground against Chinese PLA? Strength check

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PRESS RELEASE

4 August 2017

WENTWORTH RESOURCES LIMITED

("Wentworth" or "the Company")

Invitation to Conference Call for Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Wentworth is scheduled to release its second quarter 2017 Financial Results on 10 August 2017. A conference call for investors, analysts and other interested parties will be held that morning at 01.30 MDT (Calgary) / 08.30 BST (London) / 09.30 CEST (Oslo).

A Q&A session will follow the presentation and information on how to submit questions to management will be given at the beginning of the Q&A session. To participate to the management presentation of the results, please dial in 5-10 minutes prior to the to the start time using the numbers and confirmation code below.

Dial in numbers:

Please dial in 5-10 minutes prior to the start time and join the call by referencing "Wentworth Q2 Results".

Participant Std International Dial-In: +44 (0) 1452 542303

Participant UK LocalCall Dial-In Number:

United Kingdom, LocalCall: 08448719456

Norway: 21033911

Participant FreeCall Dial in numbers:

Canada: 18669923610

France: 0805110467

Norway: 80016886

United States: 18663899778

-Ends-

Enquiries: Wentworth Lance Mierendorf,

Chief Financial Officer



lance.mierendorf@wentworthresources.com

+1 403 680 8773 Katherine Roe

Vice President Corporate Development & Investor Relations



katherine.roe@wentworthresources.com

+44 7841 087 230 Crux Advisers Investor Relations Adviser

(Norway) +47 909 808 48 Carl Bachke



Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited AIM Nominated Adviser and Broker (UK) +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 Callum Stewart Ashton Clanfield



GMP FirstEnergy Broker (UK) +44 (0) 20 7448 0200 Hugh Sanderson



FTI Consulting Investor Relations Adviser (UK) wentworth@fticonsulting.com

+44 (0) 20 3727 1000 Edward Westropp

Kim Camilleri

About Wentworth Resources

Wentworth Resources is a publicly traded (OSE:WRL, AIM:WRL), independent oil & gas company with: natural gas production; exploration and appraisal opportunities; and large-scale gas monetisation initiatives, all in the Rovuma Delta Basin of coastal southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking information. The words "expect", "anticipate", believe", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "forecast", "plan", and similar expressions are used to identify forward looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made in light of management's experience, current conditions and expected future development in the areas in which Wentworth is currently active and other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Wentworth undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcome will not occur, including some of which are beyond Wentworth's control. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in exploration, development and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the imprecision of resource and reserve estimates, assumptions regarding the timing and costs relating to production and development as well as the availability and price of labour and equipment, volatility of and assumptions regarding commodity prices and exchange rates, marketing and transportation risks, environmental risks, competition, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and changes in applicable law. Additionally, there are economic, political, social and other risks inherent in carrying on business in Tanzania and Mozambique. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. See Wentworth's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016, available on Wentworth's website, for further description of the risks and uncertainties associated with Wentworth's business.

Notice



Neither the Oslo Stock Exchange nor the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange has reviewed this press release and neither accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: Majedie Asset Management Limited (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):



The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:



Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree



AMEC FOSTER WHEELER PLC (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:



For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 03 August 2017 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?



If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" No





2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:



ORD 50P



Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 8,437,910 2.16 (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL:



8,437,910



2.16

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/sale



Number of securities Price per unit ORD 50P Sell 7,410 444.4930

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description



e.g. CFD Nature of dealing



e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit





(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type



e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description



e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit





(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing



e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)





4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:



Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



None





(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:



(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or



(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:



If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



None





(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO

Date of disclosure: 04 August 2017 Contact name: James Tanqueray Telephone number: 0207 618 3900

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant says the groundwater level briefly plummeted near a building that houses one of the crippled reactors.

Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, says the fall was observed in a monitoring well about 11 meters southwest of the No.4 reactor building on Wednesday.

The utility says the groundwater level temporarily sank roughly 1 meter below the level of contaminated water inside the reactor building.

The firm says the groundwater rose above the usual level 23 minutes later.

A sharp fall in the groundwater level just outside reactor buildings could cause contaminated water to leak from inside the buildings.

TEPCO says it assessed the density of radioactive substances in the well water on Thursday and has confirmed no leak of contaminated water took place.

Aug 04 () - cacaaZYc aaaaaaaZa sYaceaaas
Toyota Motor and Mazda Motor are closing in on a capital partnership deal to pave the way for possible establishment of a joint-venture U.S. auto plant and joint development of key electric vehicle technologies, The Nikkei learned Thursday.

The two Japanese automakers are negotiating on the premise that Toyota will take a roughly 5% stake in Mazda, which in turn would invest in the other party as well. They will announce the tie-up as soon as Friday.

The deal would further the consolidation of the global auto industry around the four leading camps, centering on Toyota, Germany's Volkswagen, America's General Motors and the alliance between France's Renault and Nissan Motor.

The U.S. is a revenue pillar for both Toyota and Mazda, and they will discuss building a plant together in the American South via a joint venture. The leading plan envisions a major factory with annual output capacity of up to around 300,000 vehicles, primarily sport utility vehicles, which enjoy high popularity in the U.S. Each automaker would sell the cars they make at the plant through their own channels. Building it jointly would reduce each party's investment burden and let them pool their expertise in specific production technologies.

The two companies face a growing risk of protectionist trade policies in the U.S. under the Donald Trump administration. Just around half the cars Toyota sells in the U.S. are made locally. Mazda lacks a factory there and imports vehicles from countries such as Mexico and Japan. A joint factory could soften American wariness toward the growing market share held by Japanese cars.
In a bid to put the brakes on his tumbling popularity, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe engineered a make-or-break reshuffle of his scandal-tainted Cabinet on Thursday, gravitating toward veterans to avoid further trouble.

The lineup suggests Abe trod very carefully, but the reshuffle is nonetheless a gamble that could doom him should it fail to contain the current wave of gaffes and scandals.

The new Cabinet counts among its 19 members 13 lawmakers who have previously held ministerial portfolios.

Among them are Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, Foreign Minister Taro Kono, internal affairs minister Seiko Noda - who doubles as minister in charge of promoting female empowerment - and Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa. Noda and Kamikawa are the only two women in the new Cabinet.

"I have gathered a wide range of personnel to ensure the new Cabinet can focus on getting our job done. In a nutshell, this is a result-oriented Cabinet," Abe told a news conference Thursday evening.

"By producing results in our policy challenges, we would like to take steps - one by one - toward reviving the public trust," he said.

The choice of Noda, who has distanced herself from Abe, may have been an attempt by the beleaguered leader to dispel the growing criticism that he only favors those considered close to him, represented by recent cronyism allegations involving Abe's close friend Kotaro Kake.That Abe gravitated toward veterans appeared to underscore his desire to stop the bleeding from a litany of ministerial gaffes and scandals - including an alleged cover-up at the Defense Ministry - that have sent his administration's popularity declining to around 30 percent in recent polls.

In another testament to Abe's emphasis on experience, he kept the linchpins of his Cabinet intact, retaining Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and Finance Minister Taro Aso, both of whom have faithfully supported the prime minister since his return to power in 2012.

Suga and Aso are among the six Cabinet members who survived the reshuffle, including land minister Keiichi Ishii and health minister Katsunobu Kato, who previously served as minister in charge of promoting dynamic engagement of all citizens. Hiroshige Seko stays on as economy, trade and industry minister.
Finnish English

SATO Corporation, Press Release, 4th August 2017 at 4:33 pm

SATO Corporation and Swedbank AB (publ) have signed an agreement on an unsecured loan of 100 million in Helsinki on 4 August 2017. The agreement with Swedbank continues the series of long term financing agreements that are consistent with the main terms of unsecured bonds issued by the company.

"Deepening the co-operation with Swedbank with a loan arrangement perfectly suitable to our finance strategy is a valuable thing to us. This financing agreement is an excellent continuation to the process where unsecured loan agreements have previously been made with Aktia Bank, the European Investment Bank and OP Corporate Bank", says SATO's President and CEO Saku Sipola. The cash proceeds will be used to refinance secured debt and for general financing purposes of the group.

The financing agreement strengthens measures taken by SATO to adjust its financing structure towards increased use of unsecured debt. SATO's unencumbered assets ratio was 56.3% at the end of Q1 2017.

SATO has consistently diversified its financing structure and improved its liquidity position. An important step in this was the 400 million unsecured syndicated credit facility agreement signed in June 2016 with several commercial banks. The solidity of SATO's financing structure has also been boosted further by unsecured bonds.

For more information please contact:

Markku Honkasalo, CFO, phone +358 201 34 4226 or +358 50 598 8728

Janne Runsamo, Group Treasurer, phone +358 201 34 4009 or +358 45 671 3567

www.sato.fi/en



SATO is one of Finland's leading lessors of rental apartments. SATO aims to offer full options for rental housing and an excellent customer experience. At the end of 2016, SATO owned a total of 25,300 rental apartments in Finland's largest growth centres and in St. Petersburg.

We contribute to sustainable development and initiative through our operations, and engage in open interaction with our stakeholders in order to produce added value. We operate over the long term and profitably. We increase the value of housing assets through investments and divestments and through our repair activities.

SATO Group's net sales in 2016 stood at EUR 263.0 million, its operating profit stood at EUR 267.2 million and its profit before taxes was EUR 219.4 million. The value of SATO's investment assets is EUR 3.4 billion.
English Latvian

Riga, 2017-08-04 15:59 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Groups operations during the period from 1 January to 30 June 2017 has been successful. In line with plans, total revenue for the period was up by 25.4% against the 2016 respective period and reached 8 718 678 euro.

Agris Evertovskis comments on 2017 1st half year results: "The growth of the Group's performance in comparison with the previous half-year is significant. The company's financial position and operating results are the best in the history of the company's existence. As of now, our priority is to focus on maintaining of conservative credit policies and to provide our clients with the best service in the financial services sector in Latvia. The task of the Group is to maintain the company's growth trend and ensure the stability of shareholders and investors."

By implementing business strategy and all planned activities the following financial results of the Group were achieved in the period:

Position EUR Increase / (decrease) %* Net loan portfolio 15.8 31.4 Assets 18.9 18.5 Net profit 1.44 431.1

* - comparison to the amounts as at 31.12.2016, except for net profit that is compared to respective period of the year 2016

The Group's loan portfolio was funded from the profits, from the cooperation with the mutual lending platform, as well as in the 1st half year 2017 the Group attracted funding of 600,000 euros with respect to emitted the closed bond issue of 5 million euro at the end of 2016. As at the end of period of the new bonds are subscribed for the total amount of 1 574 000 euro.

SIA ExpressCredit submits unaudited interim consolidated financial statement of the first half year 2017.

SIA ExpressCredit submits investor presentation for the operational results of 2nd quarter of 2017.

_________________________________________________________

SIA ExpressCredit is a licenced non-banking consumer crediting company established in 2009. SIA ExpressCredit operates under the brands Banknote, "MoneyMetro" and Rigas pilsetas lombards in 39 biggest Latvian cities and populated areas through 92 branches offering pawnshop loans, consumer loans and money transfers in cooperation with Western Union. More than 310 thousand natural persons have used the companys services in Latvia. SIA ExpressCredit employs 275 professional employees. SIA ExpressCredit has paid 2.3 million euro in taxes in 2016.
Special counsel Mueller gave Clintons a pass over foundation scandals tied to Russias purchase of U.S. strategic uranium

The festering, incestuous Washington, D.C. swamp is disgusting indeed, but its filthy, politically compromised inhabitants do know how to take care of their own, be certain about it.

That includes special counsel and former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who  according to documents recently unearthed  behaved much like his successor, James Comey when it came to dealing with Bill and Hillary Clinton.

As in, he chose not to.

As noted by Infowars, the FBI Vault contains ample documentation that then-Attorney General Robert Muellerclosed several different criminal investigations into Clinton Foundation activity, without producing any recommendations for criminal indictments. (Related: Hillary Clinton opposed sanctions on Russia and her husband Bill raked in $500,000 for giving a speech in Moscow.)

During his term as the head of the FBI, Muellers bureau failed to act on repeated pay-to-play accusations involving Frank Giustra claiming he paid the Clintons millions of dollars to induce them to use the public influence in the U.S., Russia, and Kazakhstan to help him pull off a multi-tiered scheme to sell his Canada-based firm, Uranium One  which controlled one-fifth of all strategic U.S. uranium (used to produce nuclear weapons)  to a Russian company.

As the documents detail, Infowars notes, from 2005 to 2013, the public record suggests Giustra was responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in charitable donations to the Clinton Foundation and hundreds of thousands of dollars to Bill Clinton in speaking fees that are suspected of violating numerous federal, state and international violations of the laws regulating the operation, administration and financial reporting of charitable entities.

As has been publicly reported, the deal was finalized while Hillary Clinton was serving as President Obamas secretary of state. The New York Times tracked the flow of money from wealthy donor/participants in the deal to the Clinton Foundation and the pockets of Bill Clinton himself  straight from Russia:

As the Russians gradually assumed control of Uranium One in three separate transactions from 2009 to 2013, Canadian records show, a flow of cash made its way to the Clinton Foundation. Uranium Ones chairman used his family foundation to make four donations totaling $2.35 million. Those contributions were not publicly disclosed by the Clintons, despite an agreement Mrs. Clinton had struck with the Obama White House to publicly identify all donors. Other people with ties to the company made donations as well.

And shortly after the Russians announced their intention to acquire a majority stake in Uranium One, Mr. Clinton received $500,000 for a Moscow speech from a Russian investment bank with links to the Kremlin that was promoting Uranium One stock.

One of the men at the center of the deal was Giustra. And as noted by Infowars, the history between him and Bill Clinton began back in 2005, in  of all places  Kazakhstan, home to one of the richest uranium deposits on the planet.

Clinton was there to hawk a Clinton Foundation initiative that enabled the government to buy low-cost HIV drugs at a time when the disease was virtually non-existent, with just 1,500 or so reported cases. As it turned out, the drugs were defectively made by an Indian pharmaceutical firm, Ranbaxy.

Giustra was there to see if he could obtain interests in some uranium mines. Mukhtar Dzhakishev, the president of Kazatomprom at the time  the government agency that operates the countrys uranium and nuclear industries  has said as a U.S. senator, Hillary pressed Kazakh officials to help Giustra make a deal.

Since then, Giustra managed to build a profitable company and sell it off to the Russians  all while donating tens of millions to the Clinton Foundation.

Lo and behold, none of this showed up on Muellers radar  or Comeys for that matter.

And now hes investigating President Donald J. Trump for alleged ties to Russia, which is entirely bogus.

The swamp is deep, broad and smelly. But those who inhabit it know all about self-preservation.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

Infowars.com

NYTimes.com

Trump.news

Submit a correction >>
ATLANTA, Aug. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bemax Inc. (OTCBB:BMXC) is pleased to announce today that its private label brand of Mothers Touch is now available for purchase on Walmart.com. The company is now well positioned to commence sales of Mothers Touch to Wal-Mart customers.



As an approved Wal-Mart vendor, Bemax has completed the onboarding process of its private label disposable diapers to Wal-Mart.com. Customers can now purchase Mothers Choice on Walmart.com with free shipping. The company will service Walmart customers through two warehouse locations out of Atlanta and Bellingham.

The link below will help provide prospective customers with easier access to Mothers Touch on Walmart.com:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mother-s-Touch-Disposable-Diaper-Economy-Pack-Size-1-Small-6-Bags-Pack-276-Count-8-12LBS-5-6KG/344474225

Bemax will continue to onboard newer packaging of Mothers Touch to Walmart.com in the coming weeks as well as introduce new complementary product offering. We will continue to focus on bringing innovative approach to expand our marketing outreach to retail and wholesale outlets globally.

We are pleased to offer our product to loyal Walmart customers at competitive price, said Bemaxs CEO, Taiwo Aimasiko. The availability of our product with one of the largest retailers will bring significant exposure to our private label brand.

About Bemax Inc.

Bemax Inc. exports and distribute Disposable Baby Diapers from U.S. to emerging markets in Africa and Europe. We also export our private label brands from manufacturers in Asia and distribute to other growing markets. Bemax focuses on an extensive and far-reaching global network among wholesalers, large discounting retailers and supermarkets as well as entry into the ecommerce arena to reach households directly through subscription orders. We focus to supply our clients with disposable baby diapers from manufacturers in North America where quality is superior. Please visit the company website at www.bemaxinc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "believes," "expects," "potential," "plans," "suggests," "may," "should," "could," "intends," or similar expressions. Many forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results or implied by such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to continue to enhance our products and systems to address industry changes, our ability to expand our customer base and retain existing customers, our ability to effectively compete in our market segment, the lack of public information on our company, our ability to raise sufficient capital to fund our business, operations, our ability to continue as a going concern, and a limited public market for our common stock, among other risks. Many factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond the company's control. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made and we do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.
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Fifteen volunteers from Newtown-based nonprofit Bens Lighthouse returned recently from a weeklong service trip to the Baton Rouge area in Louisiana.

The group partnered with national disaster recovery organization St. Bernards Project to aid in the ongoing effort to rebuild after a major flooding event last August dumped approximately 7 trillion gallons of water on southern Louisiana and damaged at least 60,000 residences.

Bens Lighthouse was founded in memory of Ben Wheeler, a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy,in 2012. The Baton Rouge effort marked the fifth annual Bens Lighthouse Outreach Trip, which aims to enable high school volunteers to experience the value and impact of service. In past years, Bens Lighthouse crews have also traveled to Colorado, Oklahoma, and Montana.

Many of the homeowners in Baton Rouge affected by the natural disaster lacked flood insurance policies, as their homes were outside the designated floodplain areas. Much of the recovery effort is dependent upon volunteer work, as well as state and national relief funding. FEMA trailers populate the suburban streets of Denham Springs, parked outside of homes in disrepair as residents await support.

The 12 youth volunteers and three chaperones worked on sites in Livingston Parish throughout last week.

For Oscar Welch, the owner of one of three homes worked on by the Bens Lighthouse crew, the struggle has been about more than just being displaced; it has been the loss of his independence.

Its been really a depressing six months, he said, sitting on top of a stack of drywall awaiting installation in his home.

August 15 will mark one year since the flood drove Welch away to live with relatives nearby, suddenly taking away his ability to care for himself and live on his own. As his house inches closer to completion, he said he most looks forward to regaining his independence.

Bens Lighthouse Program Manager Rebecca Cosgrove said the goal of the trips is that volunteers come away not only with an experience of service, but, an increased sense of social responsibility, empathy and social connection with their peers and people from other communities and cultures.

In Baton Rouge, participants were exposed to service hands-on as they worked on construction tasks. Site supervisors taught the group dry walling, flooring, tiling, mudding, taping and painting  among other skills. Each day, the volunteers returned to their residence at local retreat center Rosaryville Spirit Life Center exhausted and paint-stained.

Yet, participants also had the opportunity to explore the unique culture of Louisiana, including spending an evening in the French Quarter of New Orleans and enjoying the beauty of the bayou on a swamp tour.

The experience proved impactful for participants. The trip to Baton Rouge allowed me to cultivate connections with new friends, new passions, and a community affected by disastrous flooding, said Bridget Walsh, 18, of Newtown. I plan to hold the memories of hard work, laughter, and exploration close to heart, and I am inspired to further my impact on this world through service.

Carly Swierbut, 16, who also lives in Newtown, also reflected positively on the trip. The experience was so memorable because although we did small jobs that didnt seem important at the time, I saw the effect overall on the house, and it evolved so much, she said. It made me realize how everything you do for someone else, no matter how small, is significant. The highlight of my week was really getting to know my homeowners and their stories and see how happy they were to have us and of course, experiencing the famous southern comfort!

Despite the groups work, the recovery effort is far from complete and the volunteer presence has not been enough to meet the monumental need for recovery aid, although Welch said their support has proven invaluable. This is the third volunteer crew, he said. I feel really blessed that this is happening.

The writer is a 17-year-old Newtown resident and one of the youth volunteers in the Bens Lighthouse program.
DANBURY  Attorneys representing Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanzas former psychiatrist, who faces charges that he sexually abused a client, obtained permission Friday to review parts of the victims diary.

Prosecutors gave attorney Steven Smart, who represents Paul Fox, a portion of the diary Friday in court. They agreed to do so in exchange for a protective order for the victim. Fox, who did not join the attorneys in the courtroom, had filed several requests for the diary kept by a woman identified in court records as Jane Doe.

Doe was an 18-year-old college student under treatment for depression and an eating disorder when Fox had an inappropriate sexual relationship with her, according to authorities. Smart had said reviewing the diary was essential to giving Fox a fair trial, because it contains information about the affair.

States Attorney Stephen Sedensky said the documents turned over to Smart included any part of the entries that relates to the charge, conduct involved and anything that goes to credibility.

A representative for the victim said the diary was typed nearly seven years ago and included handwritten comments in the margins added in the last few years. She and the victim determined that 40 pages of the entries, without the handwritten comments, are pertinent to the case.

The judge was given a full copy of the diary, including the notes in the margins, and will determine later next month whether additional portions should be given to Foxs attorneys.

Fox began to have near-daily appointments with the woman in 2011, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

The woman told police she was drugged up and out of my mind on a cocktail of prescription drugs Fox prescribed, the document states. The sexual encounters occurred at his Brookfield office and on a sailboat he kept at Candlewood Lake, documents show.

Fox gave up his licenses to practice in Connecticut and in New York state in 2013, shortly after the allegations were made against him. He now lives in Maine.

Fox was Lanzas primary psychiatrist during his adolescence, according to State Police records. The psychiatrist stopped seeing Lanza about five years before the December 2012 massacre at the elementary school.

Detectives investigating the shooting interviewed several of Foxs former clients, one of which was Jane Doe, who told investigators at the time about the sexual relationship she had with him in 2011.
CALGARY, Aug. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Big Rock Brewery Inc. (TSX: BR) ("Big Rock" or "the Corporation") today announced its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

"Big Rock continued to grow production volumes and gross profit during the second quarter of 2017," said Interim CEO Barbara Feit. "Sales of Big Rock's bottled and canned products increased in the quarter, particularly in Alberta. These increases were led by AGD, private label brands and the limited-edition Canada 150 Variety Pack, but also included increases in Big Rock's flagship Grasshopper and Traditional brands and newer brands such as Pilsner and Rhinestone Cowboy. Ontario also contributed to growth as the addition of the Etobicoke brewery in the fall of 2016 and Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery restaurant in early 2017 continued to gain a foothold in Canada's most populous province."

Financial Highlights

For the quarter ended June 30, 2017, compared to the second quarter of 2016, the Corporation's:

sales volumes increased by 9%, from 56,524 hectolitres ("hl") to 61,703 hl;

net revenue increased by 11%, from $12,117 thousand to $13,496 thousand ;

to ; operating profit decreased from $656 thousand to $246 thousand ;

to ; net income decreased to $207 thousand from $383 thousand ; and

from ; and cash from operating activities increased to $633 thousand from $136 .

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the first half of 2016, Big Rock's:

sales volumes increased by 7%, from 98,224 hl to 105,180 hl;

net revenue increased by 10%, from $21,018 thousand to $23,085 thousand ;

to ; operating loss increased from $529 thousand to $911 thousand ;

to ; net loss increased to $700 thousand from $400 thousand ; and

from ; and cash used in operating activities was $595 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $570

Operating Highlights

Big Rock's operating results continued to be hampered in the second quarter of 2017 by increased costs imposed by the Alberta government's revision in August 2016 to the markup and grant structure. Under this new structure, the maximum grant rate available to producers is based on an optimal annual sales level of 150,000 hl in Alberta. Big Rock's Alberta sales volumes exceed this threshold, which has resulted in higher net costs per hectolitre ("hl") as compared to the costs per hl imposed by the markup program that was in place during the first half of 2016.

The Corporation has initiated discussions with the Alberta government and taken actions to mitigate the impact of the higher net cost by reducing the number of limited-time offer price promotions. In order to improve Big Rock's grant rate in the future, the Corporation has taken steps to optimize its Alberta sales volumes by discontinuing two lower margin products, which is expected to bring Big Rock's Alberta sales volumes closer to the new 150,000 hl threshold. Big Rock anticipates these actions will reduce the net markup rate (markup less grant) in September 2017 and future periods. Big Rock will continue discussions with the Alberta government with the objective of improving the environment for growth.

Big Rock's beer sales in British Columbia declined in the quarter, partly due to a conscious effort to improve margins by de-emphasizing value-priced products, as well as reduced keg sales in the competitive on-premise market. The decline was partially offset by a healthy increase in BC cider sales and growing revenue from the Vancouver Big Rock Urban Restaurant.

Big Rock beer products are becoming increasingly available in all three key retail channels in Ontario  the Liquor Control Board of Ontario retail stores, Beer Store outlets and licensed grocery chains. The three months ended June 30, 2017 is the first full quarter of results from both the Etobicoke brewery and the Liberty Village restaurant, and this has facilitated an increase in beer sales in both packaged and keg formats in Ontario.

Summary of Results







$000, except hl, per hl and per share amounts Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30

2017 2016 2017 2016 Sales volumes (hl) 61,703 56,524 105,180 98,224 Net revenue $ 13,496 $ 12,117 $ 23,085 $ 21,018 Operating profit (loss) 246 656 (911) (462) Net income (loss) 207 383 (700) (400) Net income (loss) per share $ 0.03 $ 0.06 $ (0.10) $ (0.06) $ per hl







Net revenue 218.73 214.37 219.48 213.98 Cost of sales 124.42 116.09 129.70 120.99

Appointment of New President and CEO

As previously announced on July 11, 2017, Mr. Wayne Arsenault has been appointed as President and CEO of Big Rock Brewery effective September 7, 2017.

Mr. Arsenault previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Corey Nutrition Company Inc. ("Corey Nutrition") from 2015 to the present. Prior to joining Corey Nutrition, Mr. Arsenault held several Vice President roles with Moosehead Breweries Limited from 2009 to 2015, including Operations, Human Resources and Communications. Mr. Arsenault previously held management roles at Molson Coors Brewing Company, The Coca-Cola Company and McCain Foods Limited.

Chairman of the Board, John Hartley commented, "On behalf of the Board, I am very pleased to welcome Wayne to Big Rock. Wayne is a proven CEO with 20 years' experience in the beer and branded beverage industry and a track record of delivering growth and operational excellence. We are excited to have an executive with his vision and experience joining our team."

Additional Information

The unaudited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, dated August 3, 2017 can be viewed on Big Rock's website at www.bigrockbeer.com and on SEDAR at sedar.com under Big Rock Brewery Inc.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or Big Rock's future performance. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information are not facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by the use of statements that include words or phrases such as, "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "likely" "may", "project", "predict", "propose", "potential", "might", "plan", "seek", "should", "targeting", "will", and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Big Rock believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this News Release not be unduly relied upon by investors as actual results may vary materially from such forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this News Release and are expressly qualified, in their entirety, by this cautionary statement.

In particular, this News Release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the following:

a reduction in the net markup rate (markup less grant) in effect in Alberta for September 2017 and future periods; and

for and future periods; and the expected revenue growth in the third quarter at the Liberty Commons restaurant in Ontario .

With respect to the forward-looking statements listed above and contained in this News Release, management has made assumptions regarding, among other things:

the ability of Big Rock's actions to reduce the net markup rate in Alberta ; and

; and increased usage of the Liberty Commons restaurant, particularly the patio.

Some of the risks which could affect future results and could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information and statements contained herein include, but are not limited to:

the inability to to reduce the net markup rate in Alberta ; and

; and the inability to generate additional revenue from the Liberty Commons restaurant in Ontario .

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information and statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information and statements included in this News Release are made as of the date hereof and Big Rock does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information and statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless so required by applicable securities laws.

About Big Rock Brewery Inc.

Big Rock Brewery Inc. produces premium, all-natural craft beers and ciders. Big Rock has a broad family of permanent ales and lagers, the Rock Creek Cider series of craft ciders and an ongoing selection of seasonal and cutting-edge small-batch brews. Big Rock brews in Calgary, Alberta, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario.

For more information on Big Rock Brewery visit www.bigrockbeer.com

SOURCE Big Rock Brewery Inc.

For further information: please contact: Barbara Feit, Interim Chief Executive Officer, or Tracie Noble, Interim Chief Financial Officer: Phone: (403) 720 3239, Fax: (403) 720 3641, Email: [email protected]

Related Links

www.bigrockbeer.com


TORONTO, Aug. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SnipGold Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seabridge Gold Inc. (TSX:SEA) (NYSE:SA) (Seabridge), announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Colorado Resources Ltd. (Colorado) whereby Colorado has agreed to purchase SnipGolds 49% interest in the KSP Project. The transaction will result in Colorado owning a 100% interest in the KSP Project upon payment to Seabridge of $1,000,000 in cash, 2,000,000 Colorado common shares and a 2% NSR on the property (half of which can be repurchased at any time for $2,000,000). Closing of the transaction is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.



KSP adjoins Seabridges 100%-owned Iskut Project in northwestern British Columbia, Canada where Seabridge is currently conducting a multi-million dollar drill program exploring for high grade gold deposits.

Seabridge obtained a 100% interest in the KSP Project as part of its acquisition of 100% of SnipGold Corp. in June, 2016. At the time of the SnipGold acquisition, the KSP Project was subject to an exploration earn-in agreement in favour of Colorado as operator. In May, 2017, Colorado announced that it had earned a 51% interest in KSP and outlined the 2017 exploration spending that would vest a further 29% interest.

Seabridge Chairman and CEO Rudi Fronk said the sale of SnipGolds residual interest in KSP is part of Seabridges ongoing program of divesting non-core assets in order to focus on projects in which it is sole owner and operator. Our corporate objectives are better served by taking a passive interest in KSP and allocating our resources to exploration programs now in progress at KSM and Iskut. We wish Colorado every success at KSP and we hope to profit from their work as a shareholder and royalty holder in the project.

Seabridge Gold holds a 100% interest in several North American gold resource projects. The Companys principal assets are the KSM and Iskut properties located near Stewart, British Columbia, Canada and the Courageous Lake gold project located in Canadas Northwest Territories. For a breakdown of Seabridges mineral reserves and resources by project and category please visit the Companys website at http://www.seabridgegold.net/resources.php.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, nor their Regulation Services Providers accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All reserve and resource estimates reported by the Corporation were calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding mineral reserves and resources of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include regulatory issues, market prices, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Rudi Fronk"

Chairman & C.E.O.
First of two installments delivered to support local infrastructure priorities

OTTAWA, Aug. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - Modern and up-to-date community infrastructure helps connect people to jobs and provides access to better community services, attracts new businesses and creates economic growth.

In July, the Government of Canada delivered the first of two annual $391 million federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) installments to Ontario. In total, Ontario's municipal governments will be provided with over $782.1 million this year through the fund. The funding, which flows through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario with the exception of the Toronto allocation that flows directly to the City of Toronto, is now available to support community infrastructure projects.

GTF funding supports hundreds of local infrastructure projects across Ontario each year. A portion of the annual provincial allocation is also used by the province to maintain rural roads in northern Ontario on behalf of local roads boards.

Some examples of the projects being funded this year include transit fleet replacement and state of good repair in Toronto, upgrades to recreational facilities in Brampton, the purchase of transit buses in Barrie, and major road reconstruction in Sault Ste. Marie. Other communities will use the funding to improve and repair their local roads and bridges, among other projects. The Province of Ontario will use a portion of the annual allocation to maintain rural access roads in unincorporated areas of northern Ontario. The range of planned projects helps demonstrate the flexibility that the GTF provides.

The two Gas Tax Fund installments for this year are in addition to funds flowing to Ontario under the Investing in Canada Plan.

Quotes

"Through the federal Gas Tax Fund, communities across Ontario and the rest of Canada can direct federal funding to the infrastructure projects that address the most pressing needs of local residents and businesses, from improving drinking water to building new recreational facilities. The Government of Canada is proud to deliver this predictable, long-term funding to help ensure access to good middle class jobs, increased mobility, greater economic opportunities, sustainable communities and a high quality of life for all Canadians."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi,

Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The Gas Tax Fund benefits Ontario municipalities by allowing local communities to decide where and how to invest resources for their most pressing needs. Constructing and improving infrastructure across the province will create jobs, enhance municipal services, and help commuters get to and from work faster  allowing them to spend more time with their families."

The Honourable Bill Mauro,

Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs

"The federal Gas Tax Fund is a stable source of funding that helps municipal governments maintain, rehabilitate and build the vital local infrastructure that we all rely on, including everything from roads and bridges to wastewater systems to community recreation centres. Investing in local infrastructure plays a major role in growing Canada's economy, protecting the environment and building strong cities and communities. AMO will administer almost $620 million from the Fund in 2017 alone."

Lynn Dollin,

President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

"The City of Toronto welcomes this year's contribution of $160 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund, which is being directed to the TTC to make a much needed investment in our city's transit system. The funding will be used for TTC fleet replacement and state of good repair so people of Toronto can get around our city easier and faster. The City welcomes continued significant investment from the Government of Canada in our transit and transportation system."

His Worship John Tory,

Mayor of Toronto

Quick facts

Since the program was first introduced in 2005, over $7.9 billion has been provided to Ontario communities through the federal Gas Tax Fund.

has been provided to communities through the federal Gas Tax Fund. The federal Gas Tax Fund makes over $2 billion available each year, and through it provides each community across Canada with a permanent, predictable and indexed source of long-term funding. The funding is made available in two annual installments, in July and November.

available each year, and through it provides each community across with a permanent, predictable and indexed source of long-term funding. The funding is made available in two annual installments, in July and November. The federal Gas Tax Fund offers significant flexibility. Local communities can make strategic investments across 18 different project categories, including roads and bridges, public transit, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and recreational facilities. Communities can use the funds immediately for priority projects, bank the funds for later use, pool the dollars with other communities for shared infrastructure projects or use it to finance major infrastructure expenditures.

The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

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Backgrounder

Federal Gas Tax Allocations for Ontario communities in 2017-18

This month, the Government of Canada delivered the first of two annual $391 million federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) installments to Ontario. In total, the province will be provided with over $782.1 million this year through the fund. The funding, which flows through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario with the exception of the Toronto allocation that flows directly to the City of Toronto, is now available to support community infrastructure projects. A portion of the annual provincial allocation is also used by the province to maintain rural roads in northern Ontario on behalf of local roads boards.



The following table indicates this year's federal Gas Tax Fund allocation for each of Ontario's communities.

Location Federal Funding 14 Mile Island $1,173 Aberdeen & McMahon $19,993 Addington Highlands $76,981 Adelaide-Metcalfe $92,061 Adjala-Tosorontio $322,365 Admaston/Bromley $86,467 Ajax $3,332,189 Alberton $52,537 Alfred and Plantagenet $279,588 Algonquin Highlands $65,549 Alnwick/Haldimand $201,178 Amaranth $120,488 Amherstburg $655,371 Anima-Nipissing $2,239 Armour $83,426 Armstrong $3,252 Armstrong Lake $3,252 Armstrong, Township of $73,941 Arnprior $246,691 Arran-Elderslie $207,046 Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh $169,711 Asphodel-Norwood $122,859 Assiginack $58,374 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (Administration) $2,483,684 Athens $94,797 Atikokan $169,467 Aubrey East $10,236 Augusta $225,896 Aurora $1,617,541 Aylmer $217,413 Baldwin $33,504 Ballantyne & Pt. Laurier $15,621 Bancroft $117,964 Barrie $8,273,497 Bayham $212,488 Bears Passage $2,559 Beauchamp $17,807 Beaver Bay $586 Beckwith $212,397 Belleville $3,007,118 Bidwell Lake $1,546 Bigstone $960 Billings $30,768 Black River-Matheson $146,543 Blandford-Blenheim $223,737 Blind River $215,802 Blindfold Lake $2,079 Bluewater $214,160 Bonfield $122,586 Bonnechere Valley $114,407 Bourkes $12,156 Bracebridge $468,635 Bradford West Gwillimbury $853,630 Brampton $15,928,563 Brant County $2,167,017 Brantford $5,694,516 Brethour $7,844 Brighton $332,246 Britt $8,584 Britton $17,700 Brock $344,803 Brockton $286,763 Brockville $1,329,835 Brooke-Alvinston $77,467 Brower $7,197 Bruce Mines $34,416 Bruce $1,967,360 Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan $50,408 Bryce $7,517 Burk's Falls $58,800 Burlington $5,344,241 Burpee and Mills $18,728 Burwash-Hendrie $17,807 Caledon $1,807,773 Callander $234,956 Calvin $34,538 Cambridge $3,853,543 Cane $27,297 Carleton Place $298,225 Carling $75,886 Carlow/Mayo $27,120 Cartier $2,559 Casey $22,742 Casgrain $15,035 Casselman $110,242 Cavan-Monaghan $261,498 Central Elgin $387,428 Central Frontenac $138,517 Central Huron $230,791 Central Manitoulin $119,059 Centre Hastings $138,122 Centre Wellington $811,552 Chamberlain $18,059 Champlain $260,647 Chapleau $128,666 Chapple $45,058 Charlton and Dack $40,801 Chatham-Kent $6,303,857 Chatsworth $195,705 Chiniguchi River $10,076 Chisholm $76,798 Clarence-Rockland $704,898 Clarington $2,570,528 Clearview $417,557 Clearwater Lake $3,412 Cobalt $68,894 Cobourg $563,037 Cochrane $324,706 Coleman $36,301 Collingwood $584,988 Conmee $46,456 Coppell/Kendall/Way $30,763 Cornwall $2,817,767 Cramahe $184,639 Crescent Point $960 Crystal Lake $3,412 Dance $7,411 Dawn-Euphemia $62,296 Dawson $10,236 Dawson, Township of $34,234 Dawson/Goldie $28,523 Deep River $127,481 Departure Lake $5,172 Deseronto $55,790 Devils Lake $4,052 Devon $3,892 Devon Landing $2,506 Dorion $20,553 Douro-Dummer $206,894 Downes Lake $1,013 Driftwood $8,210 Drummond/North Elmsley $227,629 Dryden $463,162 Dubreuilville $38,612 Dufferin $1,729,364 Dunning $15,994 Durham $18,486,079 Dutton/Dunwich $117,843 Dysart Et Al $181,385 Ear Falls $62,387 East Ferris $289,803 East Garafraxa $78,896 East Gwillimbury $683,251 East Hawkesbury $101,395 East Luther Grand Valley $82,879 East Zorra-Tavistock $207,836 Eby-Grenfell $18,074 Edwardsburgh/Cardinal $211,576 Eldee $640 Elgin $1,506,660 Elizabethtown-Kitley $295,641 Elliot Lake $690,031 Ellsmere $1,386 Emo $76,130 Ena Lake $3,945 Englehart $92,365 Enniskillen $89,081 Erin $327,442 Esher-Como-Healey $13,915 Espanola $326,165 Essa $562,611 Essex, County of $5,403,254 Essex, Township of $595,902 Eton $27,617 Evanturel $27,484 Faraday $44,632 Fauquier-Strickland $32,227 Fenwick Penne & VanK $19,620 Firehill $640 Foleyet $2,559 Forbes $27,244 Fort Erie $910,879 Fort Frances $483,532 Foster-Truman $13,702 Fournier $19,033 Fowler $30,443 Frederickhouse $14,022 French River $148,489 Front of Yonge $83,670 Frontenac Islands $56,672 Frontenac $801,884 Galbraith & Morin $13,382 Gananoque $315,828 Garden Lake $5,012 Gaudette & Hodgins $4,532 Gauthier $7,479 Georgian Bay $75,461 Georgian Bluffs $316,315 Georgina $1,323,055 Ghost Lake $2,399 Gillies $28,761 Goderich $228,662 Gogama $9,064 Gordon Lake $5,331 Gordon/Barrie Island $31,984 Gore Bay $51,685 Gorham $62,432 Goulais Mission $22,605 Gravenhurst $366,510 Greater Madawaska $75,552 Greater Napanee $471,584 Greater Sudbury $9,745,680 Greenstone $287,249 Grey Highlands $289,438 Grey $2,814,362 Grimsby $769,961 Guelph, City of $7,399,405 Guelph/Eramosa $376,391 Haldimand $2,728,747 Haliburton $517,645 Hallebourg $13,595 Halton Hills $1,794,031 Halton $15,252,335 Hamilton, City of $31,616,211 Hamilton, Township of $325,375 Hanlan $26,764 Hanover $227,720 Hardwick $11,303 Harley $32,775 Harris Lake $3,839 Harris $31,802 Hastings Highlands $126,720 Hastings, County of $1,212,722 Havelock-Belmont-Methuen $137,514 Hawk Junction $2,719 Hawkesbury $320,784 Head, Clara and Maria $7,145 Hearst $309,504 Henwood $29,163 Hess $2,986 Hicks Lake $3,412 Highlands East $98,780 Hilliard $12,405 Hilton Beach $8,817 Hilton $15,870 Hornepayne $63,847 Horseshoe Bay $6,344 Horton $82,666 Horwood Lake $7,997 Howick $117,235 Hudson $28,944 Hunta $17,114 Huntsville $579,363 Huron East $281,655 Huron Shores $104,769 Huron, County of $1,796,828 Huron-Kinloss $206,438 Ignace $73,089 Indian/Sand Lake $8,530 Ingersoll $369,277 Inglis Lake $1,280 Ingolf $1,120 Ingram $29,163 Innisfil $995,005 Inwood $18,873 Iroquois Falls $279,405 Jacques $26,871 James $25,782 Jocelyn $14,411 Johnson $45,605 Joly $17,269 Kabaigon Bay $2,346 Kapuskasing $498,369 Kawartha Lakes $4,451,877 Kearney $51,138 Kendall Inlet $2,826 Kenora $933,256 Kenricia $2,986 Kerns $21,829 Kettle Lake $2,879 Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards $73,028 Killarney $30,707 Kincardine $339,725 King $604,993 Kingsford $20,260 Kingston $7,501,256 Kingsville $649,473 Kirkland Lake $516,429 Kitchener $6,662,949 Kitigan $1,813 Kukagami $8,477 La Vallee $60,077 LaSalle $870,838 Laclu $7,038 Laird $64,272 Lake of Bays $106,594 Lake of the Woods $17,999 Lakeshore $1,050,308 Lambton Shores $323,976 Lambton $3,788,936 Lanark Highlands $155,908 Lanark $1,723,526 Lang Lake $1,120 Larder Lake $41,592 Latchford $23,532 Laurentian Hills $85,463 Laurentian Valley $293,604 Laurier $20,686 Leamington $863,542 Leeds and Grenville $2,068,329 Leeds and the Thousand Islands $282,050 Lennox and Addington $1,271,583 Limerick $10,702 Lincoln $683,676 London $22,264,313 Long Lake $5,651 Lost Channel $11,143 Lount $31,722 Loyalist $493,170 Lucan Biddulph $131,889 Lybster $23,405 Lyon $8,850 Mabella $586 Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional $89,021 Machar $56,124 Machin $56,854 Madawaska Valley $130,186 Madoc $66,796 Magnetawan $88,412 Malahide $278,068 Manitouwadge $127,997 Mapleton $303,697 Marathon $203,884 Marion Lake $1,440 Markham $9,172,914 Marks $17,061 Markstay-Warren $139,672 Marmora and Lake $123,863 Marquis $13,329 Marten Lake $2,026 Matachewan $24,870 Mattawa $123,011 Mattawan $9,851 Mattice-Val Cote $41,713 McCallum Point $2,293 McConnell Lake $533 McDougall $164,481 McGarry $36,180 McIntosh $13,169 McKellar $69,562 McKenzie Portage $3,732 McMurrich/Monteith $47,368 McNab/Braeside $224,102 Meaford $337,475 Melancthon $86,315 Melgund $19,247 Memesagamesing $8,477 Merrickville-Wolford $86,649 Middlesex Centre $501,257 Middlesex $2,152,424 Midland $503,842 Mills & Hardy $27,031 Milton $2,564,873 Minaki $2,559 Minden Hills $171,930 Mine Center $1,919 Ministic Lake $5,598 Minto $253,380 Miscampbell $7,677 Mississauga $21,690,939 Mississippi Mills $376,543 Mono $229,422 Montague $105,894 Moonbeam $66,948 Moose Factory $3,146 Moosonee $104,891 Morley $28,822 Morris-Turnberry $103,766 Mountain Bay $1,973 Mulmur $103,097 Munroe Point $693 Muskoka Lakes $203,914 Muskoka $1,800,477 Mutrie $26,444 Nairn and Hyman $29,005 Neebing $120,761 Nelles $14,502 Nellie Lake/Aurora $1,493 New Tecumseth $919,210 Newbury $13,590 Newmarket $2,431,586 Niagara Falls, City of $2,523,373 Niagara, Region of $13,114,292 Niagara-on-the-Lake $468,209 Nickel Lake Shores $960 Nipigon $99,175 Nipissing $103,614 Norembega $8,370 Norfolk $3,841,442 North Algona Wilberforce $87,348 North Bay $3,262,323 North Dumfries $283,783 North Dundas $341,276 North Frontenac $56,003 North Glengarry $311,663 North Grenville $458,632 North Huron $148,489 North Kawartha $69,593 North Middlesex $202,424 North Perth $384,023 North Stormont $205,982 Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands $164,542 Northern Bruce Peninsula $113,830 Northern Light Lake $28,630 Northland Lake $1,866 Northumberland $2,482,633 Norwich $325,953 O'Connor $41,652 Oakville $5,549,189 Obonga Lake $8,530 Oil Springs $21,404 Oliver Paipoonge $348,542 Onaping Lake $2,559 Opasatika $13,013 Orangeville $850,529 Orillia $1,859,824 Oro-Medonte $610,435 Oshawa $4,548,529 Otonabee-South Monaghan $202,485 Ottawa $53,715,799 Otto $16,528 Owen Sound $659,384 Oxford $3,214,194 Pacaud-Catherine $23,458 Papineau-Cameron $59,469 Parry Sound $376,452 Patterson $13,809 Patton & Montgomery $9,170 Peace Tree $267 Pearson Landing $3,892 Peel $39,427,275 Pelee $10,398 Pelham $504,632 Pellatt # 2 $12,316 Pembroke $873,179 Penetanguishene $277,003 Perch Lake $1,333 Perry $140,888 Perth East $365,690 Perth South $121,400 Perth, County of $1,142,278 Perth, Township of $177,555 Petawawa $486,086 Peterborough, City of $4,785,340 Peterborough, County of $1,668,223 Petrolia $168,069 Phelps $26,657 Pickerel Lake $5,331 Pickering $2,697,401 Pickle Lake $25,843 Pine Ridge $853 Plummer Additional $39,524 Plympton-Wyoming $230,335 Point Edward $61,840 Polly Lake $1,866 Port Colborne $560,148 Port Hope $492,957 Portage Bay $2,399 Powassan $205,404 Pratt $5,705 Prescott and Russell $2,595,854 Prescott $260,494 Prince Edward County $1,535,847 Prince $62,691 Pringle $23,299 Puslinch $213,704 Quinte West $2,619,903 Rainy River $51,199 Ramara $281,990 Red Deer Village $3,945 Red Lake $283,966 Red Pine Ridge $3,039 Red Rock $5,012 Red Rock, Township of $57,280 Redditt $3,412 Reef Point $6,878 Renfrew, County of $2,630,909 Renfrew, Town of $249,853 Richmond Hill $5,641,037 Rideau Lakes $310,325 Robillard $29,590 Robinson $20,260 Rock Lake $4,265 Rossmere Bay $1,546 Rossport $427 Rowell $17,167 Rugby $9,064 Rush Bay-Woodchuk $24,525 Russell $463,557 Ryerson $38,551 Sables-Spanish Rivers $186,978 Sarnia $2,200,157 Saugeen Shores $384,935 Sault Ste. Marie $4,569,051 Savant Lake $2,399 Savard $39,613 Schreiber $68,468 Scugog $655,766 Secord $6,718 Seguin $242,496 Selwyn $512,172 Severn $376,300 Shebandowan $1,973 Shelburne $177,737 Sheraton $9,490 Sherwood Lake $4,212 Shuniah $166,427 Sibley $13,755 Simcoe $8,429,648 Sioux Lookout $306,282 Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls $43,781 Smiths Falls $545,920 Smooth Rock Falls $83,670 South Algonquin $73,637 South Bruce $255,782 South Bruce Peninsula $172,842 South Dundas $328,172 South Frontenac $550,693 South Glengarry $400,167 South Huron $302,360 South River $63,786 South Stormont $383,597 South-West Oxford $229,362 Southgate $218,599 Southwatten $3,519 Southwest Middlesex $178,163 Southwold $136,632 Southworth $19,940 Spanish $42,321 Spohn $8,477 Springwater $554,037 Spruce Lake $853 St. Catharines $3,994,978 St. Charles $77,954 St. Clair $441,302 St. Joseph $73,028 St. Marys $404,666 St. Thomas $2,304,865 Star Lake $5,438 Stirling $14,608 Stirling-Rawdon $151,347 Stone Mills $229,848 Storm Bay $10,290 Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry $1,970,856 Strange $9,703 Stratford $1,878,066 Strathroy-Caradoc $637,798 Strong $81,541 Sultan $2,879 Sundridge $59,894 Sunny Slopes $427 Sunset Lake $3,785 Sutherland $10,450 Tannis Lake $2,133 Tarbutt and Tarbutt Additional $24,079 Tay Valley $169,376 Tay $296,005 Tecumseh $717,819 Tehkummah $24,687 Temagami $51,077 Temiskaming Shores $632,386 Terrace Bay $89,446 Thames Centre $395,241 The Archipelago $34,416 The Blue Mountains $196,192 The Nation $354,744 The North Shore $30,950 Thessalon $77,771 Thorne $1,066 Thornloe $7,479 Thorold $545,160 Thunder Bay $6,588,917 Tilden Lake $2,239 Tilley $1,173 Tillsonburg $465,199 Timmins $2,624,707 Tiny $341,489 Toronto $159,811,360 Trent Hills $383,202 Trent Lakes $155,208 Trout Lake North $7,731 Tudor and Cashel $17,816 Tunis $7,197 Tweed $184,152 Tyendinaga $126,173 Upsala $16,901 Uxbridge $627,005 Val Rita-Harty $49,679 Van Horne $20,739 Vankoughnet & Aweres $14,555 Vaughan $8,765,268 Vixen Lake $3,412 Wabigoon Redvers W $19,140 Wabigoon S.E. $2,399 Wabos $2,666 Wainfleet $193,243 Wainwright $22,925 Wallbridge South $3,252 War Eagle Lake $1,440 Ware $56,727 Warwick $113,009 Wasaga Beach $533,181 Watabeag $39,613 Waterloo, City of $3,003,227 Waterloo, Region of $15,417,333 Wawa $180,899 Welland $1,539,344 Wellesley $325,709 Wellington North $348,937 Wellington $2,635,105 West Elgin $156,789 West Grey $373,534 West Lincoln $420,689 West Nipissing $860,349 West Perth $271,166 West Riverside $1,120 Westport $19,093 Wharncliffe $3,412 Whiskey Lake $9,437 Whitby $3,709,857 Whitchurch-Stouffville $1,144,011 White Pines $1,226 White River $36,909 Whitesand Lake $800 Whitestone $55,820 Whitewater Region $210,420 Willisville $693 Wilmot $584,440 Wilson & McConkey $7,571 Windsor $12,823,516 Wollaston $21,525 Woodstock $1,147,842 Woolwich $703,682 Wyse & Poitras $1,013 Yellowstone $746 York $31,383,657 Zealand 1 $19,300 Zealand 3 $12,369 Zorra $244,989

For more information on the Gas Tax Fund, please visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html

For more information on the federal Gas Tax Fund in Ontario, please visit: http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Gas-Tax/Canada-s-Gas-Tax-Fund.aspx

Associated links

More on the federal Gas Tax Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html

The federal Gas Tax Fund in Ontario: https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Gas-Tax/Canada-s-Gas-Tax-Fund

The federal Gas Tax Fund in Toronto: http://www.toronto.ca/gastaxworks

Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/on-eng.html

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $180 billion infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

For further information: Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/


Product photos are available at http://bit.ly/2vuJJdF

OTTAWA, Aug. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. is recalling Gold Coast brand Broccettes - Broccoli Florettes from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O26 contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.

The following product has been sold in British Columbia.

Recalled product

Brand Product Size UPC Codes Gold Coast Broccettes - Broccoli Florettes 908 g 7 35844 00033 5 12 AU 2017

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with E. coli O26 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Background

This recall was triggered by the company. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled product from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

More information

Gold Coast Packaging Inc. Customer Service

Tel: 800-600-4406 Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm (Pacific Time)

CFIA: www.inspection.gc.ca/contactus

SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

For further information: CFIA Media Relations, 613-773-6600

Related Links

http://www.inspection.gc.ca


VANCOUVER, Aug. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (the "Company" or "Rock Tech") (TSX-V: RCK; Frankfurt: RJIB) is pleased to provide an update on the field sampling program currently underway at its 100%-owned Georgia Lake lithium property in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Northwest Ontario, Canada.

Phase I of the field program targeted the Parole Lake region, an area of the Georgia Lake lithium property that hosts at least six lithium-bearing pegmatites. The No. 4 pegmatite was the site of drilling conducted this past spring and hosts an historic resource estimate. During this field program, the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 5 pegmatite dykes were located, georeferenced and sampled. While no outcrop was found related to the No. 6 pegmatite, historic trenches were located and georeferenced. A total of eight (8) samples were collected from the region. Assay results will be announced when received.

Martin Stephan, Chief Executive Officer of Rock Tech, commented, "The Parole Lake region is one of the key growth areas of the Georgia Lake lithium property. The georeferencing of these pegmatites will provide us with modern coordinates and proper locations, increasing the effectiveness of follow up trenching and drilling. Sampling these pegmatites will provide valuable insights regarding the lithium content of these pegmatites as assays were not reported for all historic drill holes completed in the 1950's and 1960's."

Mr. Stephan continued, "the field program has been expanded to include additional sampling and surveying in the Aumacho, McVittie and Nama Creek areas."

Parole Lake Region

The Parole Lake region of the Georgia Lake lithium property hosts at least six lithium-bearing pegmatites. One of them, the Parole Lake No. 4, was the site of recent drilling and channeling and has an historic resource estimate of 1.5 million tonnes grading 1.30% Li2O (Pye, 1965); however, the historical estimate does not use the categories set out in sections 1.2 and 1.3 of NI 43-101 and a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. As a result, the Parole Lake pegmatite is not included in Rock Tech's NI 43-101 resource estimate.

The results from the recent channel program confirmed the presence of high-grade lithium mineralization on surface with a sample showing an average grade of 1.89% Li2O over 4.22 metres, including 2.69% Li2O over 1.03 metres. The recently completed drill program, with one intersection averaging 1.53% Li2O over 11.65 metres, confirmed lithium mineralization at depth, provided a better understanding of the geometry of the lithium-bearing pegmatite, and will greatly enhance the efficacy of future drill programs. Additional drilling is required before estimation of true width in core intersections can be determined.

Eight (8) samples were collected from the Parole Lake region during the field program will be submitted to and analyzed by Actlabs, an ISO 9001:2008 certified analytical laboratory located in Geraldton, Ontario.

The field program is being carried out by Pleson Geoscience, a geological consulting firm dedicated to providing clients with cost effective exploration methods. Pleson Geoscience focuses on low-impact, high resolution data collection and uses conventional knowledge of geology and prospecting combined with the latest technology in surveying, drilling and geophysics. This allows Pleson Geoscience to generate and explore targets at a fraction of the cost of typical exploration programs.

All scientific and technical information in this news release concerning the Georgia Lake lithium property was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Locke B. Goldsmith, P.Eng., P.Geo., an independent Qualified Person to Rock Tech.

Additionally, the Company is pleased to announce the continued business relationship with Arriva Management Inc. ("Arriva") for mineral exploration and technical consulting work. Arriva will continue to provide technical geologic and strategic consulting to the Company to build upon the Company's success and exploration efforts carried out during 2017. The technical team is providing vital support in collecting and analyzing data from the recent exploration programs and planning the next stages of exploration and development at the Georgia Lake lithium project.

As partial compensation for the services to be provided, Arriva will receive $39,000 worth of common shares of the Company. The common shares will be paid in tranches after services have been rendered, per the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The agreement and all securities proposed to be issued thereunder are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Rock Tech Lithium:

Rock Tech Lithium is an exploration company focused on acquiring and exploring properties in the field of lithium and other selected battery metals.

Rock Tech is the only exploration company in the Georgia Lake region with an NI 43-101 resource estimate. The resource estimate shows an indicated resource estimate of 3.19 million tonnes grading 1.10% lithium oxide in addition to an inferred resource estimate of 6.31 million tonnes grading 1.00% lithium oxide. Further, the Company has completed metallurgical testing on a bulk sample demonstrating the ability to produce both a high-grade spodumene concentrate and battery-grade lithium carbonate ("Li2CO3"). The spodumene-bearing pegmatites of the Georgia Lake area were originally discovered in 1955.

To view photos, videos and maps from the ongoing exploration program, please use the following link: http://rocktechlithium.com/ongoing-exploration-program/

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company,

"Martin Stephan"

Martin Stephan

Director, Chief Executive Officer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forwardlooking statements". Forwardlooking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forwardlooking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forwardlooking statements.

SOURCE Rock Tech Lithium Inc.

For further information: Brad Barnett, Chief Financial Officer, Rock Tech Lithium Inc., 777 Hornby Street, Suite 600, Vancouver, B.C., V6Z 1S4, Telephone: (778) 358-5200, Facsimile: (604) 670-0033, Email: [email protected]

Related Links

www.rocktechlithium.com


TEL AVIV, Aug. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement following the conclusion of his visit to Israel and the West Bank:

"Israel is a key ally and steadfast friend of Canada, and our two countries share a rich and multifaceted relationship based on common interests, and strong political and social ties. Canada is equally a friend of the Palestinian people, and has a strong relationship with the Palestinian Authority. This week, I travelled to Israel and the West Bank to engage with key representatives on public safety and cyber security issues.

I met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Canada-Israel cooperation, and security issues in the region.

I also had the opportunity to meet Israeli Minister of Public Security, Gilad Erdan, to discuss our two countries' cooperation on security, as well as our shared priority to ensure that public safety officers have the support and treatment they need when facing post-traumatic stress injuries. Following our meeting, I formally announced Canada's Mutual Recognition Arrangement with the Israel Tax Authority regarding our respective Trusted Trader programs, which represents our joint commitment to strengthening trade relations without compromising on security.

I visited the Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv and announced Canada's contribution of CAN$168,000 to train and empower one hundred young leaders in the region in citizen journalism and storytelling. This contribution, funded through Global Affairs Canada's Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, will foster participants' skills to promote messages of peaceful coexistence within their networks and communities.

During a tour of Israel's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IL) facility at the CyberSpark Israeli Cyber Innovation Arena in Be'er Sheva, I had the opportunity to understand first-hand how Israel addresses cyber security events. Canada and Israel actively collaborate through our CERTs, and share information as a part of day-to-day operational activities.

While in Ramallah, I met with Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Dr. Rami Hamdallah, and discussed the current security situation in the West Bank and highlighted Canada's support to the Palestinian security sector.

Throughout the meetings and discussions during my visit, I highlighted Canada's priority on countering radicalization to violence, and stressed the need for effective measures to reduce violence and instability. Canada is committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.

I thank our hosts for their warm welcome and hospitality, and reaffirm Canada's commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East."

Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter.

For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

For further information: Dan Brien, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, (613) 991-0657

Related Links

www.publicsafety.gc.ca


EDMONTON, Aug. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - ZCL Composites Inc. (TSX: ZCL) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Q2 2017 compared with Q2 2016 (Continuing Operations)

First Half 2017 compared with First Half 2016 (Continuing Operations)

"ZCL had a very strong second quarter in both revenue and profitability," said Ron Bachmeier, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We have fully made up for the weather-impacted slow first quarter, and saw activity pick up further, bringing us to 7% revenue growth when compared to the first half of 2016."

Revenue of $53.3 million , up $8.6 million or 19% from $44.7 million ;



Gross profit of $11.9 million (22% of revenue), up $2.4 million or 25% from $9.5 million (21% of revenue);



Net income of $6.0 million or $0.19 per share (fully diluted), up $1.6 million or 37% from $4.4 million or $0.14 per share (fully diluted); and



Adjusted EBITDA of $9.5 million (18% of revenue), up $2.1 million or 28% from $7.4 million (17% of revenue).

Revenue of $85.0 million , up $5.4 million or 7% from $79.6 million ;



Gross profit of $18.0 million (21% of revenue), up $0.8 million or 5% from $17.2 million (22% of revenue);



Net income of $6.9 million or $0.22 per fully diluted share, up $0.4 million or 6% from $6.5 million or $0.21 per fully diluted share; and



Adjusted EBITDA of $12.6 million (15% of revenue), up $1.2 million or 11% from $11.4 million (14% of revenue).

"While our backlog is down slightly, our outlook remains positive and we expect to continue our profitable revenue growth in the second half of the year," said Mr. Bachmeier.

Dividends

The Board has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share, the same rate as the prior quarter and a 50% increase over the $0.08 declared at the same time last year. The dividend will be paid on October 16, 2017, to the shareholders of record as of September 30, 2017.

Backlog

Backlog was $51.5 million as at June 30, 2017, down $3.6 million or 6%, from $55.0 million a year earlier. We believe the reduction is not an indicator of activity for the rest of the year and remain confident in continuing to grow revenue in the second half of the year.

Fuel Markets backlog of $45.6 million was $2.4 million or 5% lower compared to the second quarter of 2016. Although North American Fuel Markets backlog was down, this was partially offset by International Fuel Market backlog which was up $1.1 million compared to the same quarter in 2016.

Water & Wastewater Markets backlog of $4.8 million, was down $0.4 million compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2016 with the decrease attributable to US markets. Canadian Water & Wastewater Markets were comparable to the same quarter in 2016.

Oil & Gas/Industrial Market backlog of $1.1 million was down $0.8 million from a year earlier. A $0.3 million increase in Oil & Gas backlog was more than offset by a decrease in US Industrial Market backlog.

The total backlog increased by $0.6 million from $50.8 million at March 31, 2017. A $2.7 million increase in Fuel Markets backlog was partially offset by a decrease in Oil & Gas/Industrial backlog. Water & Wastewater Markets were comparable to a quarter earlier.

Financial Position

Our balance sheet remained strong, with working capital of $53.6 million and a cash and cash equivalents balance of $19.7 million. The strength of our balance sheet allows us to maintain flexibility and preserve our ability to take advantage of future profitable growth opportunities that may arise.

2017 Outlook

On a half-year basis, our 2017 revenues are up 7% over the same period of 2016. On balance, we expect continued growth in 2017. However, we caution that if the strengthening trend of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar in July 2017 continues, it might partially offset anticipated growth in revenue due to the translation of our US operations revenue to Canadian dollars for reporting purposes.

Our outlook for the remainder of 2017 in the Fuel Markets remains positive and we are confident in achieving our growth objectives for this market. Among other indications, this expectation is based on feedback from our customers across North America.

In early 2017, with the objective to focus on our emerging Water & Wastewater Markets, we launched a number of initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness of our go-to-market strategy and increasing our market share. This included the restructuring of the Water & Wastewater sales group, culminating with the addition in early July of a seasoned executive to lead this team. We believe that this greater level of focus, combined with current market intelligence indicating that spending on Water & Wastewater related projects is again on the rise, will enable us to meet our future growth objectives in these markets.

The Oil and Gas and Industrial Markets, which comprise of approximately 5% to 10% of our total revenues, continue to lag in the face of reduced spending in the Oil Sands of Western Canada.



Summary Financial Results

For the three months ended 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands of dollars, June 30 Mar 31 Dec 31 Sep 30 Jun 30 Mar 31 Dec 31 Sep 30 except per share amounts) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Revenue by Market:

















Fuel 42,975 26,913 39,030 49,664 34,978 29,118 34,501 46,278

Water & Wastewater 6,688 4,202 6,433 5,902 6,213 4,398 6,758 6,794

Oil & Gas/Industrial 3,643 626 1,139 2,319 3,528 1,400 3,139 2,564 Total revenue 53,306 31,741 46,602 57,885 44,719 34,916 44,398 55,636 Net income

















Continuing operations 6,031 919 5,749 7,741 4,396 2,132 4,774 7,896

Discontinued operations (note 1) (374) (37) 146 (1,249) (2,842) (1,094) (889) (2,691) Total net income 5,657 882 5,895 6,492 1,554 1,038 3,885 5,205 Adjusted EBITDA (note 2) 9,467 3,172 9,418 12,125 7,387 4,048 7,062 12,172 Basic and diluted earnings per share

















Continuing operations 0.19 0.03 0.19 0.25 0.14 0.07 0.16 0.26

Total 0.18 0.03 0.19 0.21 0.05 0.03 0.13 0.17 Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share (note 2) 0.30 0.10 0.30 0.39 0.24 0.13 0.23 0.40 Dividends declared per share 0.12 0.77 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.58 0.05 0.045

Note 1: The discontinued operations are the ZCL Dualam operations which were exited in the third quarter of 2016, due to continued and expected future operating losses. Note 2: Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA per diluted share are non-IFRS measures and are defined later in this MD&A under "Non-IFRS Measures."

The Company's management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") and unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017, are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the ZCL website at this link: http://www.zcl.com/investor-relations/financials.html.

Conference Call

ZCL Composites Inc. has scheduled an investor conference call for 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time (11:00 a.m. Eastern Time) on Friday, August 4, 2017, to discuss its financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017. To access the conference call by telephone, please call (647) 427-7450 from the greater Toronto area, or dial toll free 888-231-8191 from elsewhere in North America. An audio webcast may be accessed through the Investor Events tab on the ZCL website at http://www.zcl.com/investor-relations/investor-events.html. Audio replays will be available on the ZCL website shortly after the conclusion of the conference call.

The conference call will include prepared remarks by ZCL's President and Chief Executive Officer, Ron Bachmeier and by ZCL's Chief Financial Officer, Kathy Demuth. After the prepared remarks, ZCL will accept questions from analysts and institutional investors. The public is invited to listen to the conference call in real time or by replay.

Note on Non-IFRS Measures:

ZCL uses both IFRS and non-IFRS measures to make strategic decisions and to set targets and believes that these non-IFRS measures are useful for providing securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties with additional information to assist them in understanding components of our financial results. This includes a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA per diluted share and working capital are non-IFRS measures that are used by ZCL and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies.

Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA per diluted share

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before finance expense, income taxes, share-based compensation, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, gains or losses on sale of assets, and impairment of assets. Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

Working Capital

Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.

About ZCL Composites Inc.

Our mission is to deliver Peace of Mind through corrosion resistant solutions that preserve and protect the environment. More information about ZCL is available on our website at www.zcl.com.

Advisory Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements under the heading "Outlook" and elsewhere concerning future events or the Company's future performance, including the Company's objectives or expectations for revenue and earnings growth, income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income, business opportunities in the Fuels, Water and Wastewater, Oil and Gas, and Industrial markets, efforts to reduce administrative and production costs, manage production levels, anticipated capital expenditure trends, activity in the Fuels and other industries and markets served by the Company and the sufficiency of cash flows and credit facilities available to cover normal operating and capital expenditures. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek," "anticipate," "plan," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "may," "will," "project," "predict," "potential," "targeting," "intend," "could," "might," "should," "believe," "forecast" and similar expressions. Actual events or results may differ materially from those reflected in the Company's forward-looking statements due to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting the Company's business and the industries the Company serves generally.

These factors include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the level of capital expenditures in the Fuel, Water and Wastewater, Oil and Gas, and Industrial markets, drilling activity and oil and natural gas prices, and other factors that affect demand for the Company's products and services, industry competition, the need to effectively integrate acquired businesses, uncertainties as to the Company's ability to implement its business strategy effectively, political and economic conditions, the Company's ability to attract and retain key personnel, raw material and labour costs, fluctuations in the US dollar, euro and Canadian dollar exchange rates, and other risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form, and elsewhere in this document and other documents filed with Canadian provincial securities authorities. These documents are available to the public at www.sedar.com . Unless otherwise indicated, the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the reporting currency is in Canadian dollars.

In addition to the factors noted above, management cautions readers that the current economic environment could have a negative impact on the markets in which the Company operates and on the Company's ability to achieve its financial targets. Factors such as continuing global economic uncertainty, tighter lending standards, volatile capital markets, fluctuating commodity prices, and other factors could negatively impact the demand for the Company's products and the Company's ability to grow or sustain revenues and earnings. Fluctuations in conversion rates of the US dollar to Canadian dollar and euro to Canadian dollar also have the potential to impact the Company's revenues and earnings.

The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this report should not be unduly relied upon.

The forward-looking statements in this report speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the Company or on the Company's behalf, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE ZCL Composites Inc.

For further information: Ron Bachmeier, President & CEO, ZCL Composites Inc., (780) 466-6648, Ron. [email protected]; Kathy Demuth, Chief Financial Officer, ZCL Composites Inc, (780) 466-6648, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.zcl.com


Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., sounded tired on his cellphone when we spoke to each other last Friday shortly after noon as he rode the train from Washington to New York.

He had been through a long but rewarding night.

I think I got to bed at about 3:30, he said.

Franken and the rest of the members of the U.S. Senate had been up late debating the Republicans latest scheme to derail the Affordable Care Act. The plan collapsed in a dramatic moment at 1:30 a.m. when Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., walked into the chamber and gave the thumbs down sign.

Because of McCains decision and the equally defiant no votes earlier by two other Republicans, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, the proposal failed by the narrowest margin, 51-49.

Thats why Franken was happy last Friday, even if he wasnt energetic and joking around, as he did for 37 years in his previous life as a comedian.

People often ask me: Is being a senator as much fun as doing comedy on Saturday Night Live? he said. The answer, of course, is no! Why would it be? But its the best job Ive ever had. And last night is one of the reasons. We stopped something terrible from happening, by one vote.

Franken brought up Norm Coleman, his opponent when he ran for the Senate seat in 2008 (and whom he beat by 312 votes). If I hadnt been there last night and Norm Coleman was, it wouldve gone the other way. I was happy to be part of the process.

Franken added, I look forward to turning the page and working with those Republicans who I think will be good partners for trying to craft a bipartisan approach to addressing the problems of the ACA. It was a good night last night but I know we have a lot of work to do.

Meet the serious Al Franken. Forget about Stuart Smalley (Im good enough. Im smart enough. And doggone it, people like me!) and his other characters. Anticipating going beyond his second term, he told me, I hope to stay in the Senate and keep working for the people of Minnesota and Connecticut and the rest of the country.

Franken wrote about this mission in his new book, Al Franken, Giant of the Senate (the title is a joke). He came to New Haven last Sunday afternoon to promote it and sign copies for his local admirers.

First, he had an on-stage conversation with Colin McEnroe of WNPR Connecticut Public Radio. Amidst the talk about health care and other important topics, McEnroe asked Franken if our Sen. Chris Murphy and Sen. Richard Blumenthal are funny.

Chris is very funny, Franken replied. Dick is very smart. Dick and I have an ongoing joke, which is: Youre not funny. And he plays into it very well.

Because Franken is an appealing, funny guy, as well as a dedicated senator, he is also getting asked a lot about whether he might consider running for president. McEnroe asked him that question, to sustained applause, but Franken said he doesnt want the job and its high pressures. I asked him too; thats when he told me how focused he is on staying in the Senate and working for people in every state, especially Minnesota.

What about in the more distant future? He didnt like that concept either. Im too old! (He is 66.)

As for our current president, in Frankens book he referred to jaw-droppingly terrible Trump tweets and wrote that watching Donald Trump take the oath of office was perhaps the most depressing moment Ive had since I entered politics, although that record has been repeatedly surpassed since Jan. 20.

But he added: As unpleasant as my job is going to be in the coming months and years, Im still glad to have the chance to be part of the fight.

In his book, he encourages Americans to join in that fight: Keep showing up and keep speaking out. Become an advocate. Pick an issue that means a lot to you and look for an organization thats doing work on that issue. Join. Become a foot soldier.

Over the phone Franken told me he realizes that the many millions of people who voted for Trump are legitimately angry about the economic decline theyre experiencing and their kids are experiencing.

Speaking for the Democrats, Franken said, We have to reach out to those people, listen and make our argument. We need to communicate what our values are.

He knows the middle class is in trouble and he contrasts todays opportunities with what he had as a kid growing up in the 1950s and 60s. My dad didnt graduate from high school but I had a nice middle-class upbringing. I felt I could do anything I wanted. (His father, Joe Franken, owned a quilting factory in a small town in Minnesota and became a printing salesman when the factory failed.)

Joe Franken was a liberal Republican until 1964, when the Republicans nominated Barry Goldwater for president. Because Goldwater had voted against the Civil Rights Act, Franken  and his son  became Democrats.

Franken told me his wife, Franni, grew up poor but was aided by government programs. She went to college under Pell Grant funding; she and her siblings and widowed mother survived thanks to Social Security, the G.I. Bill, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and those Pell Grants.

They tell you in this country you have to pull yourself up by your bootstraps, Franken noted. But first you have to have the boots. And its our government that gives people the boots.

Franken is worried that Trump wants to take away those boots. Thats why Franken is working so hard in resistance.

**

Last week, I wrote about the problems facing Connecticut and the many complaints about living here. I invited readers to contact me and say what they like about this state. So far, I have received some interesting responses, which I expect to highlight next week, one week later than originally planned. But that gives you guys an extra week, until my deadline next Thursday, to tell me whats good about this place.

Contact Randall Beach at rbeach@nhregister.com or 203-680-9345.
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HARTFORD >> Adriana Reyes, 12, cried through the entire press conference, holding onto her father who is scheduled to be deported Tuesday to Ecuador.

This picture is worth a thousand words about a broken, cruel irrational deportation policy, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Thursday as he stood with the family outside U.S. Immigration Court.

This immigration system is broken and it must be fixed. In the meantime we need to stop the federal authorities from ripping apart families, decimating relationships to communities, deporting people literally on days notice, Blumenthal said to dozens of supporters who gathered outside the courthouse on short notice.

Marco Antonio Reyes Alvarez has been living in the U.S. since 1997 and resides with his wife and three children in Meriden.

He came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in 2007, when a vacation near the Canadian border turned into a nightmare.

Evelyn Reyes, 23, his daughter, said they got lost and inadvertinely crossed over into Canada. When they turned back to the U.S., they were stopped by federal immigration authorities.

For years, Reyes sought to overturn a removal order, which their new attorney, Erin ONeil-Baker, said is difficult to fight.

Reyes continued to get a stay as the court appeals played out. Under the Obama administration, those stays were extended as non-criminal undocumented residents were not a priority for deportation. That changed with executive orders from the new administration that essentially prioritizes all undocumented immigrants.

The administration, if it wants to deport people, should focus on the really dangerous criminal. This change in policy is a disservice to all of America and a betrayal of our Ameican values, Blumenthal said.

Speaking specifically of Reyes and Joel Colindres of New Fairfield, death, injury, danger await them in the countries where they would be sent, as well as the loss of their families, the senator said. As a humanitarian gesture, put aside the law. And the laws here, to my view, are destroying in spirit, if not in letter, by deporting these people. I think this country can do better, must do better. he said.

Colindres, who is married to a citizen and has two citizen children, has been ordered to leave by Aug. 17. He would be deported to Guatemala, while Reyes would go back to Ecuador.

ONeil-Baker, who also represents Colindres and Luis Barrios of Derby, said she has filed a motion to reopen Reyes old removal order. If that is successful, she will seek asylum for him. With only five days left, she said they are seeking every avenue to remedy this situation and keep this family together.

The attorney said his family has been targeted by violent elements in Ecuador where his brother-in-law was killed. The murderer was released early and has been harassing family members, forcing Reyes niece to flee to the U.S. in March 2016, she said.

ONeil-Baker said that is the new trigger to file for asylum.

Blumenthal said often they (immigrants) were misled or mispresented by attorneys, who may have meant well, but they dropped the ball, and now face dangerous consequences.

They should have been more proactive, Blumenthal said of some attorneys.

He said the situations many immigrants find themselves in, the result of technical snafus and glitches, should not rip apart these families.

Blumenthal said there are thousands of cases like this, with attorneys like ONeil-Baker, performing legal triage. Literally it is life-saving intervention and we have a platoon of really good lawyers who have dedicated themselves with little or no compensation to make the immigration authorities ... reopen decisions that are years old.

The Reyes case is a decade old, he said, while the Colindres order is almost two decades old. The senator said Nury Chavarria, who recently was granted a stay of deportation, originally was represented by an attorney whose license has been suspended.

(W)hat Erin is doing is truly life-saving work because she is saving this famiys life from the kind of revenge and retribution that he faces back in Ecuador, Blumenthal said.

Earlier Blumenthal said they are taking every step they can legislatively and administratively to halt the Trump administrations chaotic policies on immigration which lack rationality.

He said Reyes, Colindres, Chavarria and Barrios, all high-profile, non-criminals threatened with deportation, are the kind of people America should welcome as they work, raise their children, pay taxes and pose no threat to national security. ONeil-Baker said Reyes has been paying taxes since 2002.

Barrios case has been reopened and his next court date is in two years; the Connecticut delegation is advocating for Colindres, who faces deportation on Aug. 17.

The senator said he has written to the new acting head of the Department of Homeland Security, and asked her to review the policies that negatively impact these immigrants.

He said deportation will take these individuals away from their families for a decade, causing them to miss the childhood and early adult lives of their children.

In addition to his daughters, Reyes has a son, Anthony Reyes, 21. Both Evelyn Reyes and Anthony Reyes have working papers and deferred deportation under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).

Evelyn Reyes thanked the crowd of people who showed up for the press conference.

We are going though a hard situation right now because we dont want our dad to leave. My dad means the world to me and it breaks my heart that he is the one going through this. We need him here. He has been here for 20 years and he is part of America. ... He deserves to be here. ... He didnt do anything wrong, He is not a criminal, she said through tears.

Fanny Torres Reyes, his wife, also thanked every single person who is supporting us. ... He has always been a good father and a good part of the neighborhood too, a good husband.

If he is deported, his wife said her oldest kids would probably stay here as they have lived here since they were little.

I dont know. It is very painful for us to go and leave them behind, she said, as she cried.
SOUTH WINDSOR >> Firefighters are praising a Connecticut family who went into a neighbors smoky home and dragged the unconscious man to safety.

South Windsor Fire Chief Kevin Cooney tells the Hartford Courant that a man, his wife and adult daughter saw smoke coming from the neighbors house at about 8:15 p.m. Sunday.
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NEW HAVEN >> Jacob Greenberg never spoke much about his service in World War II to his daughter Janet, but while looking through old photos of her father, she noticed something was missing.

I saw photographs where there were medals, she said.

As far as where those medals went, she said she could only assume they were lost.

My father never really spoke of it, she said. I think its typical of his generation to not talk about yourself too much.

Two days shy of Greenbergs 99th birthday, he was reissued those medals Friday, thanks to U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3.

We are thankful and thank God Jacob is here with us today, DeLauro said Friday morning at the Mary Wade Home of New Haven, where Greenberg has stayed for two weeks.

DeLauro told Greenberg that she married a Greenberg herself, which made Jacob Greenberg smile.

During WWII, Greenberg joined the Army Air Forces in January 1942 as a clerk for the 5th Air Force 91st Photographic Wing, according to DeLauros office.

Greenberg, a New Haven resident, served in the Air Force from 1942 to 1946, doing photography and mapping over Japan in then-enemy territory.

During the war, the 91st Photographic Wing was the primary source of aerial photography and visual intelligence and mapping for Fifth Air Force in the Southwest Pacific Theater. Its assigned units flew unarmed over enemy territory, photographing Japanese airfields, harbors, beach defenses, and personnel areas in New Guinea, the Bismarcks, Borneo, and the southern Philippines. They also scouted target areas and enemy troop positions to provide intelligence for Air Force and Army units, according to a release from DeLauros office.

DeLauro said Greenberg was honorably discharged, and what he did helped to reverse the tyranny enacted at the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

What Jacob did, what he endured, and what service people endure every day in our military must not be forgotten, DeLauro said.

Connecticut Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Sean Connolly was unable to make the event Friday, so DeLauro presented Greenberg with several medals: the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the Antarctica Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon and an Honorable Service Lapel Button for World War II. Greenberg was awarded the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal, presented to him by DeLauro on behalf of Connelly.

David Hunter, president and CEO of Mary Wade, took a moment before DeLauro presented the medals to thank her for supporting medicaid expansion.

The general public doesnt realize that Medicaid is the primary funding for skilled nursing programs in our country, he said. With block grants, people may not receive the skilled nursing services when they need it.

Hunter said skilled nursing services are essential and life-saving for those who receive them.

Theyre not here because they want to be, he said.

In fact, Greenberg and his family planned on having the medal ceremony at home until he had a fall, Janet Greenberg said. She said DeLauro was flexible in being able to move the ceremony to the facility.
Houston, TX, Aug. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC) President Nikki Martin issued the following statement after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued its final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for U.S. Gulf of Mexico Geological and Geophysical Activities:

Today, the BOEM issued a final PEIS that jeopardizes one of the most important regions for energy resources, the U.S Gulf of Mexico (GOM). In choosing its preferred alternative, the agency disregarded fifty years of successful seismic survey exploration alongside vibrant thriving marine ecosystems in the GOM, and issued a final PEIS that ignores the best available science.

While we are still reviewing the details of the final PEIS, it appears to remain overly precautionary with seriously flawed marine mammal effects analysis for seismic activities and is unsupported by best available information, thus leading to the proposed alternative which poses non-scientific and unnecessary restrictions on geophysical surveys.

Mitigation measures for the sake of precaution based on unsubstantiated claims from anti-energy development interests should have no basis in U.S. statute or regulation and threaten the economic and operational feasibility of performing geophysical surveys in areas ripe for updated data to support future lease sales and production. Specifically, an arbitrary 4-month near-shore closure in all coastal waters, including state waters, has no scientific merit or environmental benefit and should be precluded from the BOEMs Record of Decision.

Last year when the BOEM issued its draft PEIS, the industry urged the agency to rely on science and risk-based regulations consistent with existing practices which are both effective and operationally feasible and not bow to the political pressure of the anti-oil and gas agenda which refuses to look at the long-standing history of environmentally safe seismic operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

For nearly eight decades, geophysical surveys have been conducted in the GOM, including extensive activity for the past fifty years, and there is no documented scientific evidence of this activity adversely affecting marine animal populations or coastal communities. Geophysical surveys have taken place alongside multiple industries, including successful fishing and tourism industries, and within a thriving ecosystem with an abundance of marine life.

IAGC will review the PEIS in detail and work with the Trump Administration to encourage BOEM to issue a Record of Decision that reflects the Administrations commitment to rational decision making based on a clear-eyed review of the best available science and recognizes the positive, critical contributions of geophysical surveys in the GOM for locating and producing safe affordable energy.

###

About the IAGC

The IAGC represents more than 125-member companies worldwide from all segments of the geophysical industry and is the only trade organization solely dedicated to representing the industry. It is the leader in geophysical technical and operations expertise and for more than 45 years, the IAGC has worked to optimize the business and regulatory climate and enhances public understanding to support a strong, viable geophysical industry essential to discovering and delivering the worlds energy resources.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3cfef92-0a36-4209-b932-a5e9821d712f
NEW HAVEN >> A 43-year-old Milford man has died after being ejected from the boat he was driving in New Haven Harbor Saturday night after it hit an object, according to a press release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

A passenger in the boat, 47, from Guilford, was also ejected, but swam back to the vessel and radioed for help.
NEW HAVEN >> One of the things Jnice Polites father asked her to do when she was younger was apply for a scholarship from the New Haven Firebirds when she graduated from high school.

He was a firefighter and a member of the Firebirds, an organization of black and Hispanic firefighters, in New Haven, and hoped that maybe she would someday follow in his footsteps.

Before he passed away, he made sure to tell me to do the scholarship, so I did, Polite, 17, said. He wanted me to be a firefighter as well.

Polites father died in January 2014 from pancreatic cancer, she said, and while she is open to applying to be a firefighter in the future, right now, she has her sights set on forensics.

I do look up to (firefighters) as a huge inspiration, she said. It is something I will keep in mind.

For now, she is heading off to the University of New Haven in fall to study biology  with a little help from the New Haven Firebirds, after she received one of six scholarships from the organization Tuesday.

Anna Bisaro / Hearst Connecticut media

The Firebirds is an international group, but the New Haven chapter has 42 members, all black firefighters in the New Haven Fire Department, according to the president of New Haven chapter, William Augustine.

Augustine said the six scholarship recipients have graduated from New Haven Public Schools and show promise of a strong future. He said all students had to have at least a 2.0 grade point average and enrolled in college to be eligible for the scholarship. More than 20 applications were received this year, he said.

Now its up to the children that are going to college, because your life is just starting, Augustine said in a press conference at City Hall Tuesday. I congratulate you guys.

Douglas Wardlaw, another scholarship recipient, will begin preseason at Union College on Aug. 10 as an offensive lineman for the team, he said.

Wardlaw said he hopes to study economics and someday work on Wall Street.

To be honored with a lot of other intelligent people meant a lot to me, Wardlaw said.

The six scholarship recipients Tuesday were Polite, Wardlaw, Rebecca Wilson, Gerald Mallison, Camron Jenkins and Sarah Sawasawa. The scholarship amounts given totaled $4,000 spread out among the six students.

Jenkins was not present to receive his scholarship Tuesday because he has already begun school down at Delaware State as part of its jumpstart program, his mother, Delancey Jenkins, said.

Im so proud he applied, she said. If someone is willing to help him and show they care, I can at least take off from work (to receive the scholarship).

Jenkins said her son will be studying engineering at Delaware State.

Mayor Toni Harp thanked both the Firebirds and the students for investing in the future of the city. From a podium on the second floor of City Hall, the mayor pleaded with the students to not waste their opportunity to go to college.

My suggestion is to make the most of this opportunity thats been provided, Harp said to the students. I thank the Firebirds for their investment to New Haven.

New Haven Fire Chief John Alston Jr. also thanked the Firebirds for their investment in the community. The organization also runs back-to-school drives, toy drives and turkey drives throughout the year.

But, most importantly, Alston said, he was grateful the Firebirds were investing in the future of the citys children.

We know our children are our future, Alston said. If we arent preparing them for their future, we are going to have a tough road ahead.
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MILFORD >> It sounds like a simple name  Milford Diner  but the name is rich in local history, so Moe Elhelw was thrilled to get rights to it for his new restaurant business at 886 Bridgeport Ave.

Elhelw, who has more than 30 years in the restaurant business, opened Milford Diner in late June  and of the success of the business so far, It went beyond my expectations, Elhelw said.

The location  a unique, triangle-shaped lot that is known for just that  most recently was home to a bagel restaurant, Enterprise car rental and long ago, Phyllis Seafood Restaurant.

For Elhelw, who came here from Egypt in the 1980s, its a family business, even though hes the one who puts in the 16-hour days. His wife, an accountant elsewhere, helps on weekends. He has a daughter in college who helps when she can and two sons who have worked this summer but are headed back to school in September.

Elhelw, who has a degree in accounting, but has been cooking for pay since his 20s, formerly ran a corporate cafeteria, owned the local restaurant Somethings Cooking, which closed several years ago, and most recently before opening the diner had an events catering business specializing in kosher food.

This undertaking, Elhelw said, is a special food business.

This is like my last baby, he said.

Its also special because he loves to hear the stories from customers about the old original Milford Diner, a haven for many, including old-time veterans of Korea and Vietnam because the diner was the only place open late and the food was good.

He struck it lucky when his broker for the property, Steve Spector of Interstate Realty Advisors Inc., just happened to also have been on a committee of local business people who five years ago tried to raise enough money to preserve and restore the original Milford Diner on New Haven Avenue.

Spector said they fell short of raising the money, but they continued to hold the rights to the name.

When Spector brokered the deal, Elhelw had a few names in mind when Spector told him he just happened to have a name available. Elhelw, who loves the Milford community, jumped at the chance and took the name.

I couldnt believe I got the name (Milford Diner), he said. My customers are part of me.

The cozy diner is decorated with old-time pictures of Milford and Elhelw said the best part of the business is watching friends and families connecting at the booths and tables.

While he doesnt wish the restaurant business on his sons, the two have enjoyed helping at the diner this summer.

Oldest son Samir, 17, who graduated this year from Jonathan Law High School and will attend Northeastern University to study computer science, has gained management experience.

I love it, Samir said. Im really glad we have this business. Its an experience thats helped me grow as a person.

Youngest son Amir, 13, who will be a freshman at Jonathan Law High School, said the best part about the business to him is, all the free food.

The menu looks like most diners, except there is a Mediterranean section offering falafel, fava beans, chicken shawarma and changing specials that Elhelw creates, including chorizo burrito, stuffed French toast, cinnamon pancakes with coconut syrup.

Milford Diner is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday.
President Donald J. Trump is a master of misdirection.

Each time he makes a polarizing declaration, it cant quite seem to clear a news cycle before he tweets something more surreal. The whiplash is often so jarring that the first comments get buried in the swamp by the second.

This week, he managed to  theres no better word for it  trump his outrageous comments at the Boy Scout Jamboree Monday by tweeting a ban on transgender service members.

Regardless of the next callous sound bites Trump mutters or types, it will be hard to forgive and forget this one.

The president happened to make his declaration precisely 69 years after President Harry S. Truman abolished racial discrimination in the U.S. Armed Forces. Generations later, it seems remarkable that it took two world wars before a president deemed such bias unacceptable.

But its more astonishing that Trump would describe the Armed Forces as burdened by any person who puts their life on the line for our nation, and to characterize their service as a disruption. Their service not only deserves our respect; it demands it.

These members of our military were ambushed from within. Declaring this policy change via Twitter trivializes their service as well as the office of the president.

Intolerance has no place in a playground, in the workplace or in the armed services. This demonstrates that it has a haven in the White House.

There are some who cheered the presidents announcement. Such encouragement is his fuel. If he listens closely, though, the president might notice that the clamor from his loyalists is becoming hushed. He blindsided his own military leaders, who subsequently announced that no plan would take place until Trump contacts the Secretary of Defense and implementation guidelines are established.

Yes, an irony of all this is that military leaders had to learn of the commander-in-chiefs policy change from  gasp  the media.

It was not surprising that Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy fired back words such as ignorant and troubling to describe Trumps tweets. Malloy tangled with Vice President Mike Pence  then governor of Indiana  two years ago after Pence signed the a so-called religious freedom law.

Were running low on similar adjectives to describe the cruelty of this act.

It takes courage to be transgender in public. These troops have already been deemed fit to serve. Dismissing them will not vanquish the armed services of transgender service members. They would simply, as Americans are wont to do, figure out a way to continue to serve their country. But they should not have to cloak their identities.

If there is good news to this fiasco, it is that it offers reminders of what it means to be tolerant in America, and that there are lines many Trump loyalists are unwilling to cross as he panders to the right.

Do not expect these members of the military to be easily bullied, Mister President. The number of their allies keeps growing.
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.
If you're hitting the road for a day trip or some sightseeing around Connecticut, there's plenty of food to keep you satisfied along way.

Roadfood.com has a guide of 11 places to eat along Connecticut's Merritt Parkway. The tour lists only places within 3 minutes of the Parkway, and they offer some tasty eats.
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BRIDGEPORTShootings are more deadly this year  and more likely to involve gang members, police data suggest.

Gang-member involved shootings are the largest contributor to a recent spike in murders, the data shows.

So far police have tied five of this years 18 homicides to what experts describe as Group Member Involved shootingsa broad term for gang that also includes organizations without clear hierarchies or initiation rituals.

But Harold Dimbo, the Project Longevity program manager in Bridgeport whose staff helped compile the statistics, now suspects one of the five may not be gang related. And Police Lt. Chris LeMaine explained that a downtown homicide on McLevy Green earlier this year involving a Stamford victim and a Stamford shooter was linked to Stamford gang activity.

Take those two out and the number falls to 3. That number could increase, however, as police investigate three unclassified shootings.

More News Murders haunt Ganim run for governor

But whether the number of gang-involved homicides is 5, 4 or 3, its still up from the one recorded this time last year.

And the 25 gang or group-involved non-fatal shootings are up from last years 11.

Its alarming, said Police Chief Armando Perez. Theres a tremendous amount of guns out there. We have been taking them off the street  but they keep coming in.

The chief believes that two recent arrests may reduce the number of shootings. He points out there have been only nine shooting incidents in the past three weeks. During that same time frame crimes are down from 145 in 2016 to 125.

Dimbo agrees that there are more guns than last year on the street. Many are being bought legally in other states and brought here to be sold at a profit. Others are being stolen, like the one owned by a man who died 11 years ago. That gun was used in a recent homicide.

Unless the government unilaterally shuts this off its going to be a problem, Dimbo said.

Money woes

Another problem is the states budget impasse.

Funding for Dimbos Project Longevity program dried up July 1. To top it off, the car that project members use to contact gang or group members has died.

Im not getting paid but I come to work every day, said Dimbo. I cant ask the others to do that.

Project Longevity began in Connecticut in 2012 as away to attack street violence in Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford. It unites state and federal law enforcement personnel with social service agencies and community representatives.

They then team together and meet with specific gangs or criminal group members in an effort to get individuals to hang up their colors in exchange for help to become productive citizens. Help comes in the form of education, medical assistance and employment training.

Gang members are told the alternative: theyll be investigated, arrested, convicted and incarcerated.

We did two call-ins earlier this year, Dimbo said. We had 17 people at the last one. Usually when the meeting ends they all run out the door. But this time nine stayed behind.

Dimbo said his Bridgeport operation is working with 59 former gang or group members. Hes gotten 30 OSHA-30 licenses enabling them to work in construction, environmental remediation, welding and other areas. Three others got tractor-trailer licenses.

Well work with them. Well help them look for a job, get training, write resumes even give them a shirt and tie for an interview, he said.

But with the budget crunch and political wrangling in Hartford that has become difficult.

Gathering intelligence

Meanwhile Perez has turned to other more traditional methods.

Every Thursday afternoon an office at the Bridgeport police department is reserved for a brainstorming, strategy session.

Attending are Assistant U.S. Attorney Raul Kahle, a prosecutor from Bridgeport States Attorney John Smrigas office, federal agents and local police. They review the recent Bridgeport arrests, singling out violent or career criminals caught with guns.

Beginning this past spring, Perez started convening Monday meetings with his department and with police from surrounding Fairfield County towns, including Stamford, to share intelligence.

They often leave with a plan, he said.
HAMDEN >> On the last day of a language enrichment program at Shepherd Glen Elementary School, students performed scenes from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory for their teachers and parents to show off the English language skills they learned through the summer.

The district schools are looking to grow their world languages and English as a second language programs to encourage biliteracy among students.

Nearly 100 spoken languages are represented in Hamden. In the summer program alone, children speak Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Mandarin and several other languages. Its the first time it was offered in two years.

This program gives the kids reinforcement and its validating because they have a teacher who understands where they are coming from, ESOL teacher Marcel Sousa said. Many of the students fell behind with their English skills, he said.

Sousa is from Brazil and was in the same situation as his young students at one time. But when they learn that Sousa faced the same challenges, they see him as a role model and they learn their situation is OK.

They have a talent and we need to embrace it, said Elizabeth Lapman, department director of English Language Learners at Hamden High School.

Lapman is looking to implement the Seal of Biliteracy in the district schools, which shows a student has demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing in English and a second language. It would be offered to junior and seniors students and appear on a high school diploma. The seal signifies college and career readiness, Lapman said.

She envisions having students in the 2018 graduating class being able to receive the seal. Lapman will be presenting her proposal soon and said so far, she has a lot of support.

Connecticut was the 27th state to approve the Seal of Biliteracy in June. Districts are working to adopt it among schools.

Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) and AVANT assessment tests would be used to gauge proficiency in target languages. SAT scores would be used for native English speakers to measure their proficiency in English.

For native speakers of another language, the AAPPL and AVANT assessments would be used to test their ability in their first language, and LAS Links tests their proficiency in English.

Lapman said the major hurdles to implementing the seal is the cost  each assessment costs approximately $20.

The World Language department is also growing, Lapman said. Chinese, Italian and Spanish are currently taught for grades 7-12 and because of an increased interest in Chinese the department has hired another teacher. Also, in late June Hamden High School students traveled to Salamanca, Spain for a language immersion program.

The students benefit greatly from the growth of the programs, but more than that, it touches their families.

The parents are the most appreciative people, ESOL teacher Donna Mauro said, and the children go home and teach their parents what they have learned.
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In Montgomery County, new ways to advance and obtain one's education are consistently growing -- from accelerated learning courses in public schools to charter schools and home-schooling. But one size doesn't fit all, and it is up to the students and their families to choose which method works for them.

For 15-year-old Sasha Libby, getting her high school diploma online through Texas Virtual Academy was not only a way for her to continue her education, but to pursue her passions and escape an adverse social environment.

While many young girls gaze upon magazines and television screens in excitement, Sasha recalls a fascination and respect for fame and all its facets. She would listen to radio advertisements for scouting agencies, excitedly telling her mom she wanted to be famous.

SHOWING BULLIES WHO'S BOSS: Teen uses social media to take back her life

After the family moved to Conroe from California when Sasha was around 5 years old, tragedy struck when her father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away shortly after. The family stayed in Conroe after his death, building a life in a cul de sac of a small community, while Sasha attended public school.

It was not until last year that Sasha got her first opportunity to pursue her passion when she earned a spot in the top 10 for Miss Teen Houston 2016. From there, she "dove face first" into the modeling industry, working with designers, networking, walking in runway shows and participating in a variety of photo shoots.

But during Sasha's eighth-grade year at junior high school in Conroe, she became a victim of bullying by classmates. She described instances of one classmate threatening to "cut [her] face" and of 25 classmates attempting to fight her during lunch.

Sasha's mother, Jennifer Libby, remembered witnessing her daughter's grades rapidly decline; once a straight-A student, Sasha started receiving Ds. Conversations with school officials about Sasha's bullies left Jennifer feeling unsatisfied, so the concerned mother began efforts to find alternative schooling.

"I've been told it (bullying) is a normal occurrence, apparently, that happens at that age group at school.  But to me, she is my only child," Jennifer said. "I already lost my husband; she is my whole world, so for a lot of safety reasons [I withdrew her from public school]."

The Libbys needed to find schooling that was flexible for Sasha's budding modeling career. When they discovered Texas Virtual Academy, an online charter school, Jennifer said her daughter "flourished." TXVA is a national network of schools for sixth- to 12th-graders, connecting them with Texas-certified teachers and extensive courses.

Sasha said while the system is convenient and simple, potential TXVA students should be self-motivated. The social aspect of public schooling is still obtainable with TXVA, she said, as local TXVA students connect to meet for coffee and study sessions.

"It's (online-schooling) just a great concept overall, and a lot of people are probably scared of leaving their friends at school and being home-schooled," Sasha said. "It's a big change, and I understand. ... But it's a good change in the long run."

Now an incoming sophomore with TXVA, Sasha continues her online studies, taking AP courses and enrolling in her first college-level courses. During casting calls, Sasha can be found with a laptop perched on her lap, working on homework assignments while waiting to hear her name called.

As a Wound Care Nurse at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital and working with Medcare Pediatric Group in Montgomery, Jennifer still manages to regularly drive her daughter to Houston for modeling.

When she is not studying or modeling, Sasha enjoys traveling, baking with her grandmother, shopping, going to local sporting events, drinking copious amounts of coffee and hanging out with her friends. In the future, if she had to pick between modeling or her education, Sasha believes she can have both.

"There would always be the option of online college, and I would do that and get a degree to back up modeling," Sasha said. "Modeling doesn't last forever - there's always the next pretty girl - you have to have acting or something else. But education does last forever."

For more information about Texas Virtual Academy, visit txva.k12.com.
NEW YORK, Aug. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, reminds investors in TechnipFMC plc (TechnipFMC or the Company) (NYSE:FTI) of the October 2, 2017 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

If you invested in TechnipFMC stock or options between April 27, 2017 and July 24, 2017 and would like to discuss your legal rights, click here : www.faruqilaw.com/FTI. There is no cost or obligation to you.

You can also contact us by calling Richard Gonnello toll free at 877-247-4292 or at 212-983-9330 or by sending an e-mail to rgonnello@faruqilaw.com.

The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on behalf of all those who purchased TechnipFMC securities between April 27, 2017 and July 24, 2017 (the Class Period). The case, Prause v. TechnipFMC, plc et al, No. 4:17-cv-02368 was filed on August 3, 2017, and has been assigned to Judge Alfred H. Bennett.



The lawsuit focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (i) the Company had a material weakness in its internal control over rates used in the calculations of the foreign currency effects on certain of its engineering and construction projects; (ii) consequently, the Company lacked effective internal controls over financial reporting; and (iii) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading.

Specifically, after market close on July 24, 2017, the Company issued a press release and filed a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therein, the Company revealed that it would restate its financial statements as of March 31, 2017, as these statements could no longer be relied upon because of material errors in such financial statements. Furthermore, the Company disclosed that the errors existed within certain rates used in the calculations of the foreign currency effects on certain of its engineering and construction projects[.]

On this news, the Companys share price declined, causing harm to investors.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding TechnipFMCs conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.
Notice

Hypo Alpe-Adria (Jersey) II Limited

(the "Company")

EUR 150,000,000

Fixed/Floating Rate Non-cumulative Non-voting Preferred Securities

having the benefit of a support agreement entered into with

HYPO ALPE-ADRIA-BANK INTERNATIONAL AG

(formerly: HYPO ALPE-ADRIA-BANK AG)

ISIN: XS0202259122

(the "Preferred Securities")

current outstanding principal amount: EUR 23,456,000

Winding-Up and Dissolution of the Company

4 August 2017

As previously announced on 9 February 2017, the sole holder of all of the ordinary shares of the Company, HETA Asset Resolution AG ("HETA", formerly "HYPO ALPE-ADRIA-BANK INTERNATIONAL AG"), had informed the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"), by written notice, that HETA had gone into liquidation within the meaning of the Company's articles of association and that HETA intended to pass a special resolution to put the Company into a summary winding-up.

The Board met today to consider the contents of a letter dated 8 February 2017 from HETA together with legal opinions under Austrian law, English law and Jersey law. The Board concluded that Heta is indeed in liquidation, dissolution or winding up within the meaning of the Company's articles of association and that, under such circumstances, the Board was required to approve the summary winding-up of the Company.

The Board was satisfied that the Company has no assets and no liabilities. Accordingly, the Board approved the summary winding-up of the Company and HETA adopted a special resolution in writing approving the winding-up of the Company. The Company will be dissolved following the filing of the relevant documents at the Jersey Companies Registry. The Preferred Securities will be cancelled upon dissolution of the Company. No liquidator will be appointed, no assets will be realized, no debts will be discharged and no liquidation proceeds will be distributed.
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GREENWICH A sometime male model charged in connection with three robberies in Greenwich has been extradited from California and charged in Connecticut.

David Byers, 34, was arraigned in Federal court in Hartford Friday after he was flown in from San Diego, Calif., according to Greenwich Police Capt. Robert Berry.

Byers pleaded not guilty to robbery charges related to two bank robberies and one gas station robbery committed at the end of April.

He worked as a fitness model and appeared on the cover of a romance novel, as well as social-media sites, and his alleged crime spree in Greenwich captured national attention. His risque poses and skimpy attire were the subject of intense public fascination.

Byers was accused of robbing the Chase bank in Riverside twice, as well as a Cos Cob service station, where he displayed what appeared to be a handgun. The robbery suspect led authorities on a cross-country chase before he was finally arrested by a tactical team from the Federal Bureau of Investigation on May 3 in San Diego. He was a resident of Solana Beach, outside San Diego.

Greenwich Police arranged with the FBI to have Byers transferred in federal custody to Connecticut so that he could be arraigned for the crimes committed in Greenwich, Berry wrote in an email.

Byers had a number of criminal charges pending in San Diego  in connection with the theft of gym equipment  that had to be resolved before Connecticut authorities could proceed with the robbery charges, police said.

According to a San Diego news stations, Byers pleaded guilty in June to a burglary charge in San Diego Superior Court and was sentenced to felony probation. That cleared the way for extradition to Connecticut.

This case is pretty small potatoes in comparison to what hes facing out there in Connecticut, said Deputy District Attorney Carder Chan, as reported by the local CBS News affiliate in San Diego. We're looking to wrap this case up so he can be extradited.

Byers also had a previous criminal record in San Diego for resisting arrest and driving under the influence.

Byers was also charged Friday with violating the Hobbs Act, which involves conspiracy to commit robbery or other crimes across state lines. He is being held without bail.

The robbery suspect was spotted in late April by Greenwich police who were on the look-out for a black Range Rover with New York plates that he was believed to be driving.

He eluded capture at Jhouse hotel and bar in Riverside when he drove away at high speed. He ditched the car on Interstate-95 and ran into a residential neighborhood in Old Greenwich, which ended with a major police search that came up empty. He also escaped police pursuit in Pennsylvania and Arizona before returning to the San Diego area, according to law-enforcement authorities.

His next court appearance is Oct. 11.

rmarchant@greenwichtime.com
VANCOUVER, B.C., Aug. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada Carbon Inc. (the Company) (TSX-V:CCB), (FF:U7N1) announces it has granted 2,100,000 incentive stock options to directors, officers and consultants of the Company. The options have an exercise price of $0.19 per share and a term of five years.



The options have been granted in accordance with the Companys Stock Option Plan.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

CANADA CARBON INC.



R. Bruce Duncan

CEO and Director

Contact Information

E-mail inquiries: info@canadacarbon.com

P: (604) 685-6375

F: (604) 909-1163

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.




The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has explained the reason behind the continued detention of an alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans.According to Idris, the Police were yet to charge Evans to court because they were still trying to collate necessary facts so the, suspect would be given a fair trial.Idris said the police deserved credit for the arrest, saying that the best they could offer Nigerians was to fish out all the criminal elements like Evans.The IG spoke during a courtesy visit to The Punch Place, headquarters of Punch Nigeria Limited on Thursday.Responding to a question about kidnapping and killings by a notorious cult called Badoo, Idris said the police were working on improving security in the coastal areas between Lagos and Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, by acquiring more gunboats for patrol.He said, We are trying to improve and enhance how we deal with criminality in the coastal areas, not only Lagos, but from here to Port Harcourt and one of our strategic plans is to better equip our marine police.We are trying to acquire more gunboats so that we can be very effective and visible in these coastal areas  somebody will build a school in an isolated bush.That is why we said when you are looking at criminality, you have to also look at some factors and try to address those factors as a whole and not always point at the police.There is a limit to what we can do; if you go and build your house in the bush, we are talking of personnel, you cannot put policemen in every school. If we do that, we are going to have a problem in addressing other issues.There are some basic utilities that a school requires  closed-circuit television cameras. Put some things there to fortify the school. If the location is bad, make sure you fortify the school. You can have a security department; hire more security men on the ground. But nobody looks at some of these factors.The IG also noted that more attention should be paid to dealing with delay in criminal trials in courts and factors that push youths into crime.On the issue of personnel; Idris noted that in reality, the Nigeria Police Force has about 298,000 policemen and women and I agree with you. You know, it is (like that) all over the world, you have to protect the leadership of the country.Even in the US, up till date, when President Donald Trump is going anywhere, some roads have to be blocked and you need policemen to do that, you have to deploy the assets you have to protect the leadership because you know they are the symbols of the country. So, it is not only in Nigeria that if a president is going somewhere, you just (dont) allow him to go like that. You know we had a bitter experience in the past, when (former military ruler) Murtala Muhammed was assassinated. He stopped at a traffic light and was killed.It is natural for any country to accord the leadership that level of maximum protection because whether we like it or not, I am not in your position, I have so many enemies and not made by me, but through my people.
President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Samuel Ortom

Benue State governor Samuel Ortom of the APC has been criticized over his statement on Buhari's health after his visit to London. The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has drawn the ire of Nigerians for saying that with President Muhammadu Buharis sickness, the nation and indeed all Nigerians are sick.

He said he and six of his colleagues that visited the ailing President in London last week advised the Nigerian leader not to be in a hurry to return to the country.

He said the governors told Buhari, who left the country on May 7, 2017, to stay back in the British capital until he was completely healed.

Ortom stated this on Thursday in an interview with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing speculations that the President was due back in the country.

The governor was part of the delegation of the Nigeria Governors Forum that visited the President last week.

Others on the delegation were Abdullazeez Yari (Zamfara); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Umar Ganduje (Kano); Kashim Shettima (Borno); Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom); and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo).

Ortom said Buhari was mentally alert throughout the period the governors spent with him, adding that their discussion centred on security and happenings in various states of the country.

He urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the Nigerian leader, saying, Once the President is sick, the whole country is sick.

He said, I was the first person that initiated prayers and I shouted halleluyah when I saw him because God has answered my prayers. I urge both Christians and Muslims to pray for Mr. President because that is our duty.





There is no power without Gods ordination. So those of us who are subjects should continue to pray. We should not be castigating Mr. President or wishing him evil.





We should be praying for him. If Mr. President is sick, it means all of us are sick; the whole country is sick. It is our responsibility to pray that Mr. President gets well so that our country too will be well.





Mr. President is doing well. When we saw him, he was not in a wheelchair, he was not bedridden. He greeted us, we cracked jokes and he was mentally alert. We discussed about the security situation in the country and he asked us questions about what we are doing.





Our prayer is that God will consummate his healing. We asked him not to hurry because there is no vacuum. The Acting President is holding forth for him and he is doing very well. By the grace of God, I believe that very soon, he will be with us.

The governor also expressed surprise that a former Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Tsav, has continued to make unfounded allegations against him.

He said Tsav had earlier apologised to him on the matter, but he told the former commissioner that he was not comfortable with a secret apology. He said the Tor Tiv, who was present during the discussion, asked Tsav to tender a public apology within two weeks so that he (Ortom) would withdraw the suit he instituted against Tsav.

He said, The Tor Tiv gave him two weeks to tender a public apology, but he turned back to launch another attack.

I want the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or any organisation that he has written petitions against me to investigate whether the allegations are true or not. That is why I decided to go to court since I am a law-abiding governor.

However, Nigerians, including the pan-Yoruba organisation, Afenifere, berated the governor for his comment on Buharis health.

Afenifere and the Coalition of Northern Youths lampooned Ortom over his statement that Buharis illhealth had made the nation sick.

Afeniferes spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, described the comment as the height of sycophancy by Ortom.

He said if the governors comment was true, it meant the President surrounded himself with incompetent officials who could not steer the country along the right path without him.

The President is the number one citizen, but if he is sick, that did not mean the nation is sick; he is not Nigeria. If he is sick and the country is sick, it means he surrounded himself with incompetents who cannot steer the ship of the nation without him. I think the comment by Ortom is the height of sycophancy, Odumakin said.

The President of the Coalition of Northern Youths, Yerima Shettima, said Ortoms statement was sad and unfortunate, noting that the nation was greater than an individual.

He said it was wrong for anyone to say Nigeria was sick because of Buharis illness, noting that the nation must forge ahead with or without the President.

Shettima argued that the country must build strong institutions, stressing that an individual alone could not make a country.

He said, As much as we love him (Buhari), and we are worried about his health, we cannot say because he is sick, the entire country should fall apart. We pray for his quick recovery, but Nigeria must forge ahead.

Nigeria must forge ahead, but we pray for him to come back in good health and discharge his duties and fulfil his obligation to the electorate. But for anybody to say without Buhari, there is no Nigeria or because he sick, the country is sick; it is not right.





I am sure Buhari will not want Nigeria to go down, or for the country to be sick because he is sick. We need to be mindful of our words; the country is greater than any individual.

Also, a civil-society organisation, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, said opinions of governors that visited President Muhammadu Buhari could not determine his stay in London, since they were not medical doctors.

SERAP Director, Adetokunbo Mumumi, said only the medical team with the President would determine his leaving.

He said, When the President left for his first medical trip, he made it known that he would still go back for a checkup. The health of the president is very important, and he has a duty to take care of himself. The governors do not have to tell the President before he does that. They are not medical doctors.





It is what the medical team in London tells him that will be done. Nigeria has existed before the President was born, and the country will continue to be whether he is well or not.

A Second Republic lawmaker and northern elder statesman, Dr Junaid Mohammed, said the statement credited to Ortom was unfortunate, noting that the governor was trying to be mischievous.

Junaid said, If that statement came out from Governor Ortom, then it is rather unfortunate. It further confirms the fears of Nigerians that there is no clear-cut definition on the presidents state of health. The statement is rather mischievous. It does not allay the worries of Nigerians.
Andrew Okoth Calvin Phillip, the suspected killer of his girlfriend was nabbed along the Uganda-Kenya boarder last night trying to escape to Nairobi.



Police had launched a manhunt for the suspect after they discovered the body of his girfriend Fahima Natoolo,an employee of Tropical Bank of Africa, Kampala, Uganda.



According to Police sources, Natoolo was murdered on Sunday morning. Okoth had asked her to spend a night with him at his home in Mbalwa Nabwojjo, a Kampala suburb.At the time of arrest, he had injuries on his right arm and left leg.



Fahima and Okoth have a child together and had separated, but kept in touch for the sake of the child.



See below:
President, Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine (NISONM), Professor Chinyere Ezeaka, examines the plight of newborns in Nigeria, and says it is worrisome, in this interview with Sade Oguntola.Nigeria has the highest number of newborn deaths in the whole of Africa and the second highest in the world, coming second after India. Nigeria looses about 264,000 newborns every year, which comes to about 70,000 newborn deaths every day and about 30 newborns die per hour. This is totally unacceptable, given the fact that 90 per cent of these deaths in newborns are preventable.The major causes of these deaths are prematurity, birth asphyxia (when babies fail to breathe immediately at birth), infection and neonatal jaundice.You know after delivery, everybody is waiting for these new babies to cry, but due to many antecedent problems, these babies do not cry, and so that is a big problem.The society has been playing a crucial role to help reduce these major causes of deaths in newborns. Our strategic objective is hinged on advocacy and partnerships with other relevant stakeholders to solve the problem of newborn deaths. We are also building capacity to every partner that is working on newborn health to reduce these deaths.And in addition to neonatal deaths, we also have a lot of still births. So all these amount to a lot of wastages; deaths of these newborn babies who end up not achieve their potentials.When babies are born premature, you must make them to breathe and to sustain breathing. Respiratory support is very critical to maintain the respiration and continual breathing.Early and exclusive breastfeeding still remains core to the first immunisation for the newborn to withhold all the infections that abound.Breast milk gives the child the early best start in life to achieve his life goals, without all the numerous complications that they have when the mother does not breastfeed.Also, hand washing and the use of chloxidene gel for the umbilical cord care helps to prevent infections.For modality of transport, kangaroo mother care should be embraced and then as a standard of care, the baby should be kept warm in the kangaroo position.In science, evidence has shown that when a preterm baby is put skin to skin, that generates warmth, keeps the baby closest to the breast and that it can be used as a modality of transport for a newborn.It is being used globally for the past 37 years and it is still just catching on very slowly in Nigeria. Incubators are not enough for the Nigerias teeming population of preterm babies; we do not have electricity to sustain the incubators and you also need to maintain those incubators.Every delivery centre, even traditional birth attendants (TBA) need to be trained on how to use the ampule bag to initiate breathing in the golden minute. So, instead of turning a baby, beating the baby, turning the child upside down and slapping the baby, this equipment will be put on the babys nose and squeezed to expand the lungs of the baby. This is applied within one minute of delivery to ensure air goes in and you see this baby cry.Unfortunately, many delivery centres do not have this ampule bag which cost about N5,000 despite its importance to initiate breathing. If you do not give oxygen to a babys brain within five minutes, that brain is damaged. Such a baby ends up with mental retardation.So, we are saying that a lot of attention has to be put in the area of newborn health.A lot of these had to do with ignorance and poverty. Many pregnant women, in fact, are not even registered for antenatal care, so they do not go to clinics to deliver.No matter how ignorant they are and how poor they may be, they do not want their babies to die. So they need information and we want the government to come to their aid and give some insurance. There should be some free medical insurance or welfare system for these mothers.Also, a mother who is 28 weeks gestation and is going into labour should be referred to a centre where the baby and the mother will be looked after in appropriate condition after delivery. This is the standard of care. But that is not the scenario that happens and reason many premature babies are dying.These are babies you have to put in a drip to be able to give them glucose. Due to immaturity, they cannot suck or swallow. These are the problems.Mothers should not use methylated spirit, chloxidene gel which is an antiseptic gel is superior. The use of this gel should start immediately at delivery, after the cord had been cut off. It means that the gel should be available in the delivery rooms, too.Also, exposure to naphthalene balls or camphor should be avoided in cord care. It should also not be used to store their cloths. If it is absorbed through their skin, it breaks down there red bloods cells, forming bilirubin. The same is also the case with methylated robs and powders.The most worrisome of these danger signs that mothers and health workers miss is newborn jaundice. Within three to five days, after birth, mothers should get to the health centres so that their babies can be checked for jaundice.Jaundice is a killer. Within a week, if the baby is not brought to the tertiary centre, the brain undergoes an irreversible brain damage due to a high level of bilirubin.But if it is detected early when the baby is brought to the hospital , the baby is put under a special light. Sometimes, we exchange the blood to remove the bilirubin and reduce damage to the brain.Cleaning babies is very good, but we allow them to delay the first bath to at least after the first 24 hours to keep the baby warm. It is the best way of keeping the baby warm.Also, when you bathe them as soon as they are born, you are removing Gods own bacterial protection on their skin against infection, and you are creating more problems.If you notice many babies in our community in the first month of life or first two weeks of life come down with a lot of rashes. It is an infection, and it can even can kill.
Nigeria Police is now in an intensive search of one Wisdom Godstime, who is an accomplice of Stephanie Otobo, the alleged lover of Apostle ...

Nigeria Police is now in an intensive search of one Wisdom Godstime, who is an accomplice of Stephanie Otobo, the alleged lover of Apostle Suleman Johnson of the Omega Fire Ministries, Auchi, Edo State.

This was part of a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, by the Communication Manager of Apostle Suleman, Phrank Shaibu.





According to the statement, Based on a bench warrant issued by Court, Tinubu Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos, the police have been ordered to arrest Godstime and his surety to show cause why he should not be committed to prison or revoke the bail earlier granted him by the same court.





The manhunt to arrest Godstime, who is the second defendant in a criminal trial, with charge number A/09A/17 emanated from the application made by the Prosecution Counsel, Maruf Animashaun on July 20, 2017 before her Lordship, Chief Magistrate (Mrs) K. B Ayeye.





The matter which was set for definite hearing saw on that day, the absence without any reason, of the second defendant, Godstime.

The surety was not also in court to explain the reasons for the absence of the Second defendant.





Considering the application, the Chief Magistrate Mrs. Ayeye, gave the second defendant 48 hours to report to the court, otherwise a bench warrant of arrest would be issued against him.

Having failed to appear before the court at the expiration of the Chief Magistrates ultimatum, a bench warrant was issued for his immediate arrest and that of his surety on Monday July 31, 2017.

The police have since swung into action combing the nooks and crannies of the country in search of the accused and his surety.





Godstime, along with Otobo, attempted to extort One Million dollars, or an equivalent sum of N500,000,000 from Apostle Johnson Suleman, President and Founder of Omega Ministries with headquarters in Auchi, Edo State in March 2017 on allegation of an illicit affair that Otobo claimed the man of God had with her two years prior.





They were later arrested by detectives from the Nigeria Police, under the Inspector General of Police monitoring unit and charged to court for blackmail, conspiracy to extort money and threat to life at the Tinubu Magistrate.
The Presidency has disclosed that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, on Friday, paid a personal visit to ailing President Muhammadu Buhari in London, United Kingdom where he has been receiving medical attention since May 7.The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday.Adesina said the Archbishop visited Buhari, who he described as his friend, at Abuja House, London.The presidential spokesman quoted Welby as saying during the visit that he was delighted to see the rapid recovery Buhari has made from his health challenges.The Anglican priest was further quoted as describing the Presidents recovery as a testimony to the healing powers of God, and answer to prayers of millions of people around the world.The statement read, The cleric pledged to continue praying for both President Buhari and Nigeria.In his response, the Nigerian President thanked Archbishop Welby, whom he noted had always stood by him at critical times and wished him Gods continued grace in his spiritual duty of leading the Anglican Communion worldwide.It will be recalled that when former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, described Nigeria as a fantastically corrupt country ahead of an anti-corruption summit in London in 2016, Welby had retorted, But this particular President (Buhari) is actually not corrupt.The Archbishop later personally received the Nigerian President at Lambert Palace, London, and had also paid a goodwill visit to Buhari in March, during his medical vacation.
Northern youths and Igbos are currently holding a peace meeting in Kano.Both parties at the meeting are working to form a committee to brin...

Northern youths and Igbos are currently holding a peace meeting in Kano.Both parties at the meeting are working to form a committee to bring to an end the lingering agitation between the Igbos and the northern groups.

The meeting follows the quit notice giving to Igbos in the North by Arewa youths in reactions to the agitation for secession in the South East.

Representatives of Igbos in all northern states are at the meeting along with leaders of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF).

President of the AYCF, Yerima Shettima, blamed the quit notice on the activities of Nnamdi Kanu and his supporters.

He said, It is on record that we have been at peace with Igbos for decades until when this young man (Kanu) came, demanding war, demanding arms. In the struggle, he is a small boy, but we want peace.

According to the Igbo leaders, both youths have the right to be angry due to the lack of employment in Nigeria.

They, however, warned that both Igbo and Northern youth should avoid trying to fix the country through violence.

Anyone championing the division of Nigeria will never go anywhere, the Eze Ndi Igbo, Kano, Boniface Ibekwe, said.

We cannot allow someone to divide us, even if you are angry, we must find a way to end this, and the sooner we end it the better it becomes for both of us.





The meeting had started in a tensed atmosphere but after arguments and counter-arguments, the talks have taken a positive turn.





There are strong indications that the Northern coalition groups may suspend quit notice given to Igbos during the Kaduna declaration.
The Federal Governments policy of patronising made-in-Nigeria goods by the citizens is yielding results as some citizens of the United Kingdom now order for Nigeria locally made suits.This came as Nigerian citizens residing in China have appealed to the Federal Government to involve them in any bilateral relations so that they could make some expertise inputs that will benefit the country.Senior Special Assistant to the President on Forign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Eruwa, who disclosed the remarkable improvement the made-in-Nigeria goods have made when she received some Nigerians living in the United Kingdom and the People Republic of China, who paid her a visit at the Presidential Villa, said the economic challenges the administration met had helped it to look inwards.She advised the youths to be good ambassadors of the country and identify with the governant at their home country.She said: We have people like you in the Diaspora that are doing great things anywhere in the world. The passion that you also bring to your country is very encouraging. There are some who came to the UK and they decided that they were going to sew their suits in Nigeria.These are British citizens who decided that the suits they got in Nigeria were better than the one they saw in their host country and got our locally made designers to make these suits for them and they do them in dozens.Speaking earlier, President of Nigerians in the Diaspora, NIDO, in the Peoples Republic of China, Bryan Akiri, said: The formation of NIDO China was based on the desire to play a constructive role in national development.
The National Council on Education has approved the reintroduction of History into the curriculum for primary and secondary schools nationwide.The Chief Executive of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, who announced the NCEs decision in a briefing in Abuja, noted that the re-introduction of History was agreed on at a meeting in Kano State.Ajiboye, who said the TRCN had registered 1.8 million teachers, added that the council would conduct a Professional Qualifying Examination for about 15,000 teachers in October.The TRCN boss lamented that there was still a shortage of qualified teachers for the countrys 170m population.Ajiboye said the qualifying examination would help to restore sanity to the teaching profession and eliminate quacks.He said, We were aware of the issues regarding Religious Studies in the present curriculum, which were recently resolved. But, as the government said, the decision to join the religious subjects was reached during the previous administration.The NCE held a meeting last week in Kano State where it also agreed that History should be re-introduced into the curriculum.At the TRCN, we have also taken measures to eliminate quacks among our teachers. The council successfully distributed Teachers Bio-data forms to the 774 Local Government Areas of the country. The Bio-data will help to know the numbers of subject teachers and where they are located across the country and this will address the disproportionate distribution of teachers.The registrar added that the mandate of the council covered public and private schools, noting that it would intensify efforts on the certification and monitoring of teachers.Within a year, we registered an additional 130,645 teachers to bring total of registered teachers to 1.8million. We also inducted 29,381 teachers at the point of their graduation, Ajiboye said.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Element Lifestyle Retirement Inc. ("Element" or the Company) (TSX-V:ELM) announces that, further to its press release dated April 28, 2017 which announced the Company had entered into an agreement to acquire a 1.96 acre property located at Bayview Place, Victoria, British Columbia (the Lands) with a vision to develop the Lands into an intergenerational aging-in-place community, subject to the completion of certain conditions, the Company and the vendor have agreed to further extend the due diligence period to August 10, 2017 in the fair and balanced interests of both parties. A deposit of $250,000 that was originally due on or before July 24, 2017 is due on or before August 10, 2017. The Company will provide further updates when available.



The Company also announces that it has obtained the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange to extend the closing date of its $6 million non-brokered convertible debenture private placement (the Private Placement) to September 1, 2017. Please see the Companys press release dated June 19, 2017 for further information on the Private Placement. The Private Placement remains subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, but not limited to, acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Don Ho, President, commented, We are committed to completing the acquisition of the Lands and working assiduously to complete necessary due diligence work with the intention of commencing development as promptly as possible. Element believes in the value that a mixed use, vibrant and growing community brings to Elements intergenerational, aging-in-place model. The Company is excited to participate in the realization of the vision behind a master-planned community and sees its strategic growth in the development arena focused on similarly central, amenity-rich communities.

About Element Lifestyle Retirement Inc.

Element was established in June 2013 in Vancouver, British Columbia and is in the business of providing specialized development expertise and flexible, innovative management services for intergenerational retirement communities. Since Elements inception, the Companys revenue model has been based on the development and management of third party assets in the retirement community space. The Company has now moved into the acquisition arena with the purpose of building a high-quality asset portfolio that is directly owned including real estate, purchasing potential existing operations and ultimately, operating the properties that the Company develops. The organization aspires to be one of the most respected aging-in-place retirement living specialists in North America, emphasizing the intergenerational ContinuumofLifestyles model, which encompasses a smooth, seamless transition for seniors from independence to assisted living to complex care, in an environment that integrates accommodation and activities for all ages, all in the same residential community. The management team of Element has several decades of experience developing and operating retirement communities.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ELEMENT LIFESTYLE RETIREMENT INC.

Michael Diao

Chief Executive Officer and Director

michaeldiao@elementliving.com

For further information, please visit www.elementliving.com or contact Investor Relations at (604) 676-1418.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The securities being offered have not been, and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent of such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state of other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted, including, but not limited to, the United States (United States and U.S. person are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act).

Forward Looking Statement Caution

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking information). Without limiting the foregoing, such forward-looking information includes statements regarding the acquisition of the Lands, development of a project on the Lands, financing of the project proposed for the Lands, future revenues, assessing opportunities and advancing the Companys plans and any statements regarding the Companys business plans, expectations and objectives. There can be no assurance that the Company will proceed to satisfy the conditions necessary to complete the acquisition of the Lands or that it will complete the Private Placement. In this news release, words such as may, would, could, will, likely, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, plan, estimate and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward looking information. Forward looking information should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. Forward looking information is based on information available at the time and/or the Company managements good faith belief with respect to future events and is subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the Companys control. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking information made in this news release, see the Companys most recent Managements Discussion and Analysis and financial statements and other documents filed by the Company with the Canadian securities commissions and the discussion of risk factors set out therein. Such documents are available at www.sedar.com under the Companys profile and on the Companys website, www.elementlifestyleretirement.com. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Companys expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. 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.
The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has drawn the ire of Nigerians for saying that with President Muhammadu Buharis sickness, the nation and indeed all Nigerians are sick.He said he and six of his colleagues that visited the ailing President in London last week advised the Nigerian leader not to be in a hurry to return to the country.He said the governors told Buhari, who left the country on May 7, 2017, to stay back in the British capital until he was completely healed.Ortom stated this on Thursday in an interview with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing speculations that the President was due back in the country.The governor was part of the delegation of the Nigeria Governors Forum that visited the President last week.Others on the delegation were Abdullazeez Yari (Zamfara); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Umar Ganduje (Kano); Kashim Shettima (Borno); Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom); and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo).Ortom said Buhari was mentally alert throughout the period the governors spent with him, adding that their discussion centred on security and happenings in various states of the country.He urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the Nigerian leader, saying, Once the President is sick, the whole country is sick.He said, I was the first person that initiated prayers and I shouted halleluyah when I saw him because God has answered my prayers. I urge both Christians and Muslims to pray for Mr. President because that is our duty.There is no power without Gods ordination. So those of us who are subjects should continue to pray. We should not be castigating Mr. President or wishing him evil.We should be praying for him. If Mr. President is sick, it means all of us are sick; the whole country is sick. It is our responsibility to pray that Mr. President get well so that our country too will be well.Mr. President is doing well. When we saw him, he was not in a wheelchair, he was not bedridden. He greeted us, we cracked jokes and he was mentally alert. We discussed about the security situation in the country and he asked us questions about what we are doing.Our prayer is that God will consummate his healing. We asked him not to hurry because there is no vacuum. The Acting President is holding forth for him and he is doing very well. By the grace of God, I believe that very soon, he will be with us.The governor also expressed surprise that a former Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Tsav, has continued to make unfounded allegations against him.He said Tsav had earlier apologised to him on the matter, but he told the former commissioner that he was not comfortable with a secret apology. He said the Tor Tiv, who was present during the discussion, asked Tsav to tender a public apology within two weeks so that he (Ortom) would withdraw the suit he instituted against Tsav.He said, The Tor Tiv gave him two weeks to tender a public apology, but he turned back to launch another attack.I want the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or any organisation that he has written petitions against me to investigate whether the allegations are true or not. That is why I decided to go to court since I am a law-abiding governor.However, Nigerians, including the pan-Yoruba organisation, Afenifere, berated the governor for his comment on Buharis health.Afenifere and the Coalition of Northern Youths lampooned Ortom over his statement that Buharis illhealth had made the nation sick.Afeniferes spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, described the comment as the height of sycophancy by Ortom.He said if the governors comment was true, it meant the President surrounded himself with incompetent officials who could not steer the country along the right path without him.The President is the number one citizen, but if he is sick, that did not mean the nation is sick; he is not Nigeria. If he is sick and the country is sick, it means he surrounded himself with incompetents who cannot steer the ship of the nation without him. I think the comment by Ortom is the height of sycophancy, Odumakin said.The President of the Coalition of Northern Youths, Yerima Shettima, said Ortoms statement was sad and unfortunate, noting that the nation was greater than an individual.He said it was wrong for anyone to say Nigeria was sick because of Buharis illness, noting that the nation must forge ahead with or without the President.Shettima argued that the country must build strong institutions, stressing that an individual alone could not make a country.He said, As much as we love him (Buhari), and we are worried about his health, we cannot say because he is sick, the entire country should fall apart. We pray for his quick recovery, but Nigeria must forge ahead.Nigeria must forge ahead, but we pray for him to come back in good health and discharge his duties and fulfil his obligation to the electorate. But for anybody to say without Buhari, there is no Nigeria or because he sick, the country is sick; it is not right.I am sure Buhari will not want Nigeria to go down, or for the country to be sick because he is sick. We need to be mindful of our words; the country is greater than any individual.Also, a civil-society organisation, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, said opinions of governors that visited President Muhammadu Buhari could not determine his stay in London, since they were not medical doctors.SERAP Director, Adetokunbo Mumumi, said only the medical team with the President would determine his leaving.He said, When the President left for his first medical trip, he made it known that he would still go back for a checkup. The health of the president is very important, and he has a duty to take care of himself. The governors do not have to tell the President before he does that. They are not medical doctors.It is what the medical team in London tells him that will be done. Nigeria has existed before the President was born, and the country will continue to be whether he is well or not.A Second Republic lawmaker and northern elder statesman, Dr Junaid Mohammed, said the statement credited to Ortom was unfortunate, noting that the governor was trying to be mischievous.Junaid said, If that statement came out from Governor Ortom, then it is rather unfortunate. It further confirms the fears of Nigerians that there is no clear-cut definition on the presidents state of health. The statement is rather mischievous. It does not allay the worries of Nigerians.
Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has policemen who took photographs with Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafr...

Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has policemen who took photographs with Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader, IPOB, will be punished.

The IG spoke on Thursday when he addressed policemen at the Police College, Ikeja during a two-day visit to Lagos.

He said: Nationalism is key. Some officers were taking pictures with Nnamdi Kanu and this is someone that is challenging the unity of this country.

We will not take it with levity. There should be no double loyalty to Nigeria. No matter your rank, your commitment to the country should be absolute.

As policemen, you must be committed to unity, leadership and authority of government of this country. No double standards are allowed.

Idris, however, commended the policemen for their commitment to duty, saying, you are important for this job. We depend on you.

He said 10,000 more personnel had been recruited and undergoing training to boost the nations police.

Idris disclosed that additional 88 area commands would be created to boost operational efficiency.

He said: We are waiting for approval from the PSC for the 88 new area commands and by extension, this means we are going to have more assistant commissioners of police.

This will also create room for more chief superintendents of police to be promoted. Do your best in your duties and you will be promoted.

We are changing the face of policing in Nigeria, policemen that are people-oriented with the satisfaction of the citizens as the primary focus.

The IG emphasised his zero tolerance for corruption and warned police personnel to shun collecting money for bail.

He said: Bail is free. If you collect money for bail, you will pay the price and we will kick you out of the force.

Your duty is to provide services for the protection of lives and properties of the citizens.

Idirs also charged his men to respect the fundamental human rights of the citizenry, as well as their right to free speech and movement.

His words: Section four of the Nigeria Police Act gives you the police officer the right to arrest anyone that constitutes offence, irrespective of your rank.

Despite the rank, a constable can arrest a minister or anyone that contravenes the law of the nation but you must use that right judiciously.
ATLANTIC CITY - The body of a 31-year-old man who vanished after going in the ocean Tuesday near the Steel Pier in Atlantic City has been recovered.

Police identified the man Friday as Jeffrey Wilkens, of Illinois. He was found floating in the water Thursday night near the former Revel casino by people walking along the Atlantic City beach, police said Friday.

Wilkens had been missing since 8:15 p.m. Tuesday when he entered the water near the Steel Pier. A woman he was with reported he was missing after he didn't return to the beach. His body was found several blocks from where he disappeared.

The Coast Guard searched for hours by air and sea before suspending the effort Thursday. The New Jersey State Police and Atlantic City Beach Patrol also took part in the search.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy," Capt. Scott Anderson of the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay said in a press release about the search cancellation. "As first responders, it's always a difficult decision to suspend a search."

Luke Nozicka may be reached at lnozicka@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @lukenozicka. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
MARGATE - A government sand dune project in Margate was halted on Thursday due to concerns over bacteria-filled ponds and blocked access to parts of the beach.

Everyone involved was ordered by a state judge, Julio Mendez, to work out a remedial plan, WABC reports.

Mendez ordered a seven-day stay of the work because the project was interfering with residents' ability to enjoy natural resources, philly.com reported.

Mendez added he was concerned about the timing of the project, stating it would have been better to proceed in the fall, after the summer tourist season that many businesses rely on.

Mayor Michael Becker said he was "ecstatic" over the judge's ruling Thursday.

Previously, Margate residents fought to keep its beaches dune free but lost a legal battle in April.

In green-lighting the sand dune project, the judge debunked an engineering report that warned the beach could turn into a lagoon full of garbage and feces.

The dune work is part of a statewide effort to protect the state's 127 miles of coastline following damage caused by 2012's Superstorm Sandy.

Cindy Capitani may be reached at ccapitani@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @cindycap. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
WINSLOW TWP. -- Detectives followed multiple leads and tips to catch the two young men they believe are responsible for gunning down Deanna "DD" Scordo, 45, in her family's farmhouse near the Atlantic County line.

The Camden County prosecutor's office said in a statement Thursday that Tyler Dralle, 20, of Vineland, and a 17-year-old from New Castle, Delaware are being charged with murder in the June 25 shooting. The 17-year-old's name was withheld by the prosecutor's office because he is a juvenile.

Dralle is being held at the Camden County Jail and his alleged accomplice is at a juvenile detention facility in Delaware, authorities said.

Scordo ran Spectrum Rehabilitation, according to her obituary, and lived on her family's large blueberry farm on Bairdmore Avenue.

In a 911 call around 4 a.m. June 25, her father, Anthony Scordo, reported that he was awoken by two gunshots and found his daughter unresponsive on the floor. He saw two males in black hoodies flee on foot but he couldn't describe them in greater detail to the dispatcher.

A $5,000 reward was offered to encourage anyone with information to come forward, but authorities did not say whether any of the tipsters will be getting the reward.

The prosecutor's office said detectives determined Dralle and the Delaware teenager were the alleged killers and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Dralle without incident at his home Tuesday. His alleged accomplice was taken into custody and charged Wednesday.

Judge Edward McBride will determine whether Dralle will be released on bail or held in jail at a detention hearing Friday at 10 a.m.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
CAMDEN -- Tyler Dralle, 20, one of two males accused of killing a Winslow woman while burglarizing her home June 25, scoped out the farmhouse when he drove his girlfriend and brother to work on the family's blueberry farm for three weeks, the prosecuting attorney said.

Assistant Prosecutor Peter Gallagher said Dralle and his co-defendant, a 17-year-old from New Castle, Delaware, entered the bedroom where Deanna Scordo, 45, slept, and shot her. He called her "the most vulnerable possible victim."

Gallagher did not say who detectives believe pulled the trigger, but both are charged with murder.

Judge Edward McBride ordered Dralle held without bail pending trial at a detention hearing Friday in Superior Court in Camden.

Supporters of the young man, who was a star defensive back at Buena Regional High School a few years ago, sat on one side of the courtroom. Across the aisle were Scordo's loved ones, a few of whom clutched tissues as they listened to Gallagher describe the killing. They declined to comment after the hearing.

Dralle did not speak at the hearing, and his only visible reaction to the news he would be held was to bend down, lowering his head onto the table in front of him.

His public defender, Megan Butler, had argued he should be held on house arrest in Vineland, pointing to the lack of eyewitness evidence that he was at the scene of the crime. She said he denies playing any part in the burglary or killing.

Gallagher said in court that Dralle and his co-defendant went to the farmhouse around 3:50 a.m. to burglarize it. They got away with $276 in rolled coins, he said.

Scordo's father, who was sleeping in the house, called 911 and told the dispatcher he saw two males wearing black hoodies flee the house but he couldn't describe them further.

The Camden County prosecutor's office offered a $5,000 reward, and detectives followed tips and leads to Dralle, the office said in a statement Thursday.

A witness told detectives that Dralle told him that he and the 17-year-old had shot the woman while robbing the home, Gallagher said, but it's not clear if this statement was made as a tip or during a police interview.

Gallagher said detectives learned from interviews with people "associated" with the farm that Dralle was familiar with the property because he drove his brother and girlfriend to work there.

They interview Dralle three times over several days and he changed his story about where he was on the morning in question and whether he had lost his phone, Gallagher said.

The attorney said he did eventually let police check his phone, and they discovered that he had deleted about 8,000 text messages. With forensic software, they recovered some of the messages and found that Dralle and his co-defendant had been texting about various robberies and guns for months, Gallagher said.

"This is not a single period of aberrant behavior," he said of the June 25 incident.

Detectives also determined, using a receipt and surveillance footage, that Dralle used a CoinStar machine to count $90 in coins about five hours after the shooting June 25, Gallagher said.

When confronted with the evidence, the attorney said, Dralle tried to blame his co-defendant.

"During his repeated attempts to exculpate himself and get himself out of trouble when he lied to detectives, the person he tried to blame for this was the person's house he was at hours before the murder and who is now, like this defendant, charged with felony murder," the attorney said.

Dralle does not have serious convictions as an adult, the assistant prosecutor acknowledged, but was charged a few weeks ago with aggravated assault in a Cumberland County case in which he is alleged to have fractured a person's arm with a pipe.

Butler said he denies that charge as well, but McBride said the police report indicates he admitted to the attack in a recorded statement.

During the hearing, Butler noted that Dralle and his co-defendant never texted about the specific June 25 incident or made any reference to a shooting there.

And the person who allegedly told detectives that Dralle mentioned the killing was vague and had no details, Butler said.

"No witness puts him there that day," she said of her client.

Butler argued unsuccessfully that Dralle was a good candidate for house arrest because his father is a retired law enforcement officer who would ensure he abides by any conditions of release and makes court dates. She said he had attended college but was currently looking for work.

McBride sided with the prosecution, noting that he was troubled by Dralle's alleged lies to police, the seriousness of the alleged crime, as well as the Cumberland County incident.

"We have someone who's allegedly admitted to seriously assaulting somebody two weeks beforehand," he said.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wednesdays ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official opening of SECU Hospice Care Center of Yadkin, the first inpatient hospice facility in Yadkin County to serve patients and families in the Yadkin Valley region. The dedication was well attended, with representatives from State Employees Credit Union (SECU) and SECU Foundation joining leaders from Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, Hospice of Surry County, Inc. and numerous local and county supporters. SECU members, through their Foundation, helped boost capital campaign efforts for the construction of the 11,000 square foot Yadkinville facility with a $1 million challenge grant announced in 2015.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d3c5927-f4b8-4370-bdd7-2253206c7d69

SECU Foundation Board member Michael Clements spoke briefly during the ceremony. Highlighting the commitment of Credit Union members, partnering groups and volunteers, Clements remarked, This has been a long-awaited day and we would like to acknowledge the hard work and perseverance of all who have supported the great need for inpatient hospice care services in this region. The challenge has been met and now SECU Hospice Care Center of Yadkin is helping meet the increased need for respite and hospice care services for family members of patients who can no longer be cared for in the home.

The staff and volunteers of Mountain Valley Hospice are grateful for the support of State Employees Credit Union members in making our new Yadkin hospice home a reality, said Denise Watson, Executive Director of Hospice of Surry County, Inc. Because of their generous matching donation, we can now better serve the growing needs of hospice patients and their families in Yadkin and surrounding counties. Our mission of compassionate care will be sustained for many years to come.

About SECU and the SECU Foundation

A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 80 years. The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves 2.2 million members through 258 branch offices, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone and a website, www.ncsecu.org. The SECU Foundation, a 501c (3) charitable organization funded solely by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services. Since 2005, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of more than $130 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.
Southeast Asia: The Sum of Its Parts

Summary

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations turns 50 this year, and at no point in its history has the region it represents been more attractive to outside powers or more indispensable to the global system than it is today. The 10-member blocs combined gross domestic product is on pace to reach nearly $3 trillion. It receives more investment than China, the country in whose shadow Southeast Asia has historically lived, and boasts a humming manufacturing sector manned by low-cost workers. Its position gives it stewardship over some of the worlds most prolific trade routes and makes it strategically valuable to navies vying for control of the increasingly crowded waters of the Western Pacific. It has become the front line in the competition between the United States and China. It is globally relevant in the fight against terrorism.

And yet Southeast Asia is best described not as a coherent region but as a loose affiliation of disconnected states, economically disjointed, physically separated by hostile border regions and, to varying degrees, indifferent to the problems of their neighbors. With no central leadership, the region cannot execute a common strategy, act decisively in times of crisis or project power in any meaningful way. Vast economic disparities and divergent strategic interests wrought by geography tend to undermine collective attempts to redress these problems.

And so ASEAN struggles to become more than the sum of its parts, all but powerless to shape a global system in which it is becoming a more important part. Their fates will, to different degrees, depend on how outside powers use them as they compete for regional influence. The following report explores why this is so and explains how the region will respond to the coming challenges it cannot escape.

Separate but Unequal

The defining feature of Southeast Asia, historically as today, is geography. The regions countries pockmark shipping lanes that link Northeast Asias exporting powerhouses  China, South Korea and Japan  to consumer markets in Europe and North America and to their resource suppliers in the Middle East.

Through its waters pass trillions of dollars in trade, if not always so easily: The region is riddled with chokepoints that, if blocked, would ruin economies such as Chinas that rely almost entirely on exports for growth. This, along with the strategic value of the regions island nations, all but guarantees a long-term presence of the worlds naval superpower, the United States. Peripheral powers Australia, India and Japan are also keen to secure their interests amid the rising competition in this space  and they are developing the ability to do so. Vast as Southeast Asia may be, its starting to feel a lot smaller to the countries that call it home.



The encroachment by foreign powers only increases the need for Southeast Asian nations to act in concert; after all, its harder to push around a 10-member bloc than it is one small country. But these nations have always struggled with uniformity, thanks largely to the division their geographies engender.

Southeast Asia can be divided into two main regions: the archipelagic region and the continental region. Archipelagic Southeast Asia encompasses the Philippines, Indonesia, East Timor and part of Malaysia. The internal incoherence of these countries is obvious. The Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands. Indonesia consists of more than 17,000. The two halves of Malaysia are separated by roughly 400 miles of water. Though major islands like Luzon, Borneo, Java and Sumatra are home to fertile coastal plains that produce robust, relatively homogenous population centers, they are beset with extreme subregional disparities and ethnic fissures, as are the rest of the regions countries. The Philippines, for example, has nearly 200 ethnolinguistic groups. Indonesia has around 350.

Continental Southeast Asia, which encompasses the countries of Indochina and the Malay Peninsula, may not be divided by water but it is no less fractured. Its defining feature is the Himalayan foothills that sweep through the region from the Tibetan Plateau. What these mountains lack in size they make up for in density and tropical inhospitality. Kingdoms took root in fertile river valleys and deltas and matured into the political and economic heartlands of todays states. But the rugged borderlands between them have often been ill-defined and contested, marked by impenetrable terrain and home to ethnic minority groups that have time and again proved adept at resisting central control.

In both regions, the fringes of most states are constituted by swathes of largely ungoverned space given to black market activity, statelessness and rebellion. These areas have historically been subject to foreign exploitation. They allowed colonizers to weaken the resistance of the regions feudal rulers and became battlegrounds between the Japanese and the Allied powers during World War II. Ethnic militias turned into well-armed U.S. or Soviet proxies during the Cold War. Southeast Asian history has left a legacy of artificial borders, shattered power structures and still-unsettled civil conflict  all of which drive modern states apart. It also created economic disparity: During the Vietnam War, U.S. bombing laid waste to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, but U.S. aid gave Thailand a lasting economic leg up on its war-torn neighbors.

The geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia continues to undermine the control of central governments, which have been conditioned to mistrust foreign powers as well as one another. Consider Thailand. It antagonizes Myanmar by giving sanctuary to Burmese separatist groups along its western border. It chafes Malaysia when it shelters ethnic Malay-Muslim rebels in the far south. Cambodia, in turn, irks Thailand for stoking political divides in the restive east. Then there is Myanmar, which is extremely vulnerable to China in its northeast and, to a lesser extent, to India in its west. Indonesia, for its part, harbors long-held suspicions about Australias ability to exploit ethnic separatist movements in far-flung regions like West Papua. (Jakarta accused Canberra of as much during East Timors independence process.)

With so many separatist movements and border disputes, countries of the region tend to be preoccupied by land-based threats. They have prioritized army and air force development accordingly  a curious trend in a predominately maritime region  while neglecting the more expensive endeavor of fielding a modern coast guard or navy. Some countries are beginning to attune themselves to the necessities of their environment, but doing so is a long-term and costly project. Only Singapore, ever the outlier in Southeast Asia, has the resources and legacy fleet needed to meet its maritime imperatives. But Singapore is a small city-state, unable and unwilling to guarantee security for the entire region.

Whatever strategic value these states get from their geography is betrayed by the divisions that same geography creates. Divisions have hindered the development of the infrastructure  particularly east-west road and rail links between the mainland states  needed to unlock the regions trade potential. It would need to spend some $1.5 trillion on infrastructure annually until 2030 to sustain its economic growth momentum, according to the Asian Development Bank. But even if the funds were available, integration is elusive in Southeast Asia. Countries are too busy consolidating control, and too reluctant to forge deeper ties with their neighbors, to build difficult, multilateral frameworks for military, political or economic cooperation. They defer almost invariably to their own judgment.

This creates a number of practical problems for regionwide cooperation and integration. On security issues, Southeast Asian nations need to act collectively, now more than ever, to manage criminal and terrorist networks that exploit the regions lawless fringes. But there is little evidence to suggest they are setting aside their differences for the sake of collective security. The Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia have proved reluctant to jointly address militancy and piracy in the Sulu and Celebes seas . Similarly, their reluctance to address more insidious long-term threats, including the depletion of offshore fisheries and the degradation of the Mekong River system, sows the seeds for future conflict.

On economic issues, Southeast Asian nations have often balked at the idea of reducing protectionist policies and of breaking down barriers to the free movement of labor, both of which contravene the regions comparative economic advantages. Establishing the ASEAN Economic Community  which means to reduce internal trade barriers, streamline infrastructure investments and mutualize regulations  is a notable step forward. But here, too, progress has been incremental at best; many states have erected informal barriers that offset the gains made by the community. Continued progress remains vulnerable, moreover, to setbacks during periods of stress induced from the outside, whether by powerful states or by market forces.

Going Their Own Way

Naturally, the geopolitics of Southeast Asia shapes how the region engages with the global system  and how it engages with the major powers vying for influence over it.

The regions states typically interact with the global system and outside powers individually. Take their relations with China for example. Most countries have negotiated with China bilaterally on issues over which they would appear to have shared interests  upstream control of the Mekong River and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, to name just two  affording Beijing the opportunity to nearly always negotiate from a position of strength. At annual summits, ASEAN members have famously struggled to form a united stance on Chinese assertiveness in the region, evidenced by the toothlessness of joint communiques on the South China Sea dispute.

Their struggle is due partly to the founding principles of ASEAN itself. Central to ASEANs founding charter is a zealous commitment to consensus and non-interference, but the groups members have wildly different interests, as most countries do. The groups stance on China can be as strong only as its most pro-China member will allow it to be. Naming and shaming wouldnt change Chinese geopolitical imperatives, so members shouldnt forfeit Chinese investment by voting against China, or so their thinking goes.

Their struggle is also due to the realization that a collection of small states will inevitably be at a strategic disadvantage compared to a powerful state, which benefits from a monopoly on force and the ability to act quickly and decisively in the face of a crisis. To form a united strategy on China, one ASEAN member would have to carry the bulk of the costs, subsidizes efforts to address the vulnerabilities of weaker members, and ensure bloc-wide compliance. No Southeast Asian country could do that anytime soon, even if it wanted to. On the most paramount issues of the day, ASEAN member states appear to have little choice but to go their own way.

These countries are nearly as passive when engaging the international system. They have neither the intent nor the means to solve their internal problems by expanding outward ( as China does ), so they have little choice but to rely on outside powers for investment, consumer markets and the security of their export routes. When they do wade into broader geopolitical competitions, they try to do so omnidirectionally. Their histories as vassal states or proxy groups have bred in them a healthy skepticism of working with outside powers, not to mention a wariness of binding alliances, so they are careful to balance these powers  never relying too much on one and, where possible, playing them off one another. The Philippines, for example, is poor and weak but has become singularly important to the balance of power in the Western Pacific. Under President Rodrigo Duterte, Manila is courting aid, investment and security assistance from a range of powers. Vietnam, rightly more worried about Chinas rise than any country in the region, has been rapidly building its navy with Russian ships, cultivating military and energy ties with India and accelerating a political rapprochement with the United States . Just last year, the government in Hanoi opened its strategic naval port at Cam Ranh Bay to any foreign navy that wants to stop by. Its willingness to undertake the politically complicated reforms required to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership illustrated its imperative to hedge against economic reliance on the Chinese.

New Landscape, New Stresses

For more than a decade following the end of the Cold War, most ASEAN states thrived despite their individual limitations and their collective limitations in ASEAN. Vietnams departure from Cambodia in 1991 marked the end of a major military confrontation between regional states, and the U.S. departure from Subic Bay in the Philippines the following year punctuated a shift in global attention away from the region. With the Chinese still largely focused inward, with communist insurgencies across the region withering from the loss of outside support, and with the U.S. still guaranteeing maritime trade even from afar, Southeast Asian states were generally free to tend to their own internal affairs and gorge on the low-hanging fruits of a newly globalized system. Low-cost manufacturers like Cambodia and Vietnam rode global economic currents to newfound prosperity. Middle income states like Thailand and Malaysia, reaping the gains of Western infrastructure aid during the colonial era and the Cold War, made themselves vital links in global auto and semiconductor supply chains. Oil producers such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei were buoyed by a decade of high prices. Singapore positioned itself as an indispensable banking center and shipping and refining hub  emerging as the steady pendulum that makes East Asian commerce tick. A lot of people got breathtakingly rich.



A tourist boat sails past the stone islands of Halong Bay in Vietnam. PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images

Prosperity can paper over deep-seated geopolitical challenges, but it cannot suppress them forever. The Asian financial crisis first brought these challenges back to the fore in 1997, laying bare Southeast Asias vulnerabilities to rapid changes in global finance. The 2008 global financial crisis, likewise, showed just how reliant the region had become on distant markets and how far it still had to go to tap into its internal trade potential. It triggered political upheaval throughout the region, disrupting entrenched power structures and unearthing the social forces that continue to preoccupy the regions leaders today. In Southeast Asias ungoverned spaces, the fallout aggravated long-simmering local ethnic conflicts, emboldening separatist movements on the fringes and in the borderlands. Global terrorist networks, meanwhile, transformed otherwise local conflicts in Muslim-majority areas to regionwide problems that demanded joint solutions that afflicted countries either would not or could not devise.

With the United States distracted in the Middle East, China started to assert itself in places like the South China Sea. With its assertion came a surge in aid and investment that, for political and economic reasons, often proved irresistible to Southeast Asian governments, giving Beijing ample new means with which to sow regional divides. Meanwhile, Japan began removing legal constraints on its ability to develop its military .

When Washingtons attention eventually returned to the region, the Americans methodically laid the groundwork for a lasting presence there by assuming greater regional counterterrorism responsibilities and striking key basing agreements in Singapore and the Philippines . Then there was the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a U.S.-led multilateral trade agreement meant in part to help some Southeast Asian states avoid economic over-reliance on China. The TPP, however, has stalled, a victim of the global backlash against free trade .

In other words, the geopolitics of Southeast Asia was shaped just as much by the worlds foremost powers as they were by the land and water that constitute Southeast Asian territory. Nations in this region simply play too valuable a role in the competition between other countries.

Myanmar is a case in point. It is emerging from a half-century of international isolation. The country is valuable to China primarily as an outlet to the Indian Ocean basin. It poses a risk to China as a potential ally to India or Western powers and as a source of instability emanating from the ungoverned borderlands, where well-resourced rebel groups hold vast swathes of territory. To magnify its influence, secure its One Belt, One Road infrastructure projects and prevent ethnic conflicts from spilling over the border, Beijing is becoming more involved in the peace process between Myanmars government and the rebel groups Beijing has occasionally supported . Myanmars internal fractures and geographic position between India and China mean it cannot really determine its own fate; it can only try to position itself to benefit from the competition over it.

Like Myanmar, other nations of the region are adapting to new geopolitical circumstances, sometimes to the benefit of all. For example, regional spending on arms imports grew roughly 71 percent between 2009 and 2016, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, an independent firm that researches global security, with a growing emphasis on submarines and other maritime assets. The launch of trilateral patrols in the Sulu and Celebes seas lays the groundwork for more robust security cooperation. These nations are redoubling efforts to unlock internal flows of trade and investment through the ASEAN Economic Community and maintain a united front in negotiations over the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a China-led trade pact. They are welcoming Japans return as a military power  and therefore as a natural foil to China. The 2014 coup in Thailand and the peace processes in the Philippines Mindanao and Indonesias Aceh show Southeast Asian nations are trying to get their houses in order so that they are not so vulnerable to outside powers.

Still, these countries cant escape their constraints. They cant spend their way to military parity with China, nor can they police their vast maritime domains without U.S. support. As useful as the ASEAN Economic Community may be, capitalizing on what it promises would require trillions of dollars of aid or investment (and thus reliance on outside powers), not to mention untold amounts of political capital. Chinas dominance of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership could drown ASEAN economies with exports, weakening their prospects. Though regional states might welcome Japans remilitarization as a counterbalance to China, the prospect of a more assertive Japan nonetheless revives unhappy memories of other countries conflicts. And the unyielding geography of conflict-ridden regions makes sustained peace elusive.
Donald Trump is taking us into the heart of darkness: Opinion
The YMCA isnt just Kellie Hardings employer: Its her family.

Harding is a Council Bluffs native who serves as the director of the early learning center at the Council Bluffs YMCA.

She graduated Thomas Jefferson High School in 1988. She attended Iowa Western Community College and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She earned a degree in business management with an emphasis in marketing. She later went back to Iowa Western and got a degree in early childhood education.

Her kids went to preschool at the Y, and, in 2001, she got a position in their Childwatch program. A month later, she was offered a teaching job. Throughout the years, she worked her way up to a coordinator position before becoming a director.

Harding is busy getting ready to transition to the new YMCA facility, under construction on Kanesville Boulevard just east of the current location. She is excited for a brand new space for the early learning center, and she is even more excited knowing that she will have twice the space. She said the new location is set to open in November.

Harding said the people she works with and the clients that she sees every day are what keeps her coming back after 16 years on the job. She said she has built many lasting relationships with families in the early learning program and the members who come in to work out and participate in programming.

But, at the end of the day, she said the kids she oversees are the biggest part of her job. She said she has built a rapport with many kids who leave preschool and keep coming back to the Y for summer camps and other programs as they get older.

Its always about the children, she said. Seeing them come back year after year ... and seeing how the Y influenced their lives.
Up until a couple of months ago, Frank Berg was what some would call a regular fixture at the Council Bluffs YMCA.

Until he was sidetracked by an illness, he was a three-times weekly participant in the some of the Ys exercise classes.

Leo McIntosh, the YMCAs group vice president for Iowa operations, said Berg, who celebrated his 93rd birthday Tuesday, is the oldest member of the Council Bluffs Y.

At 77, Dick Miller, another Y regular, considers Berg his mentor and a permanent fixture at the facility.

Up until a couple of months ago, Frank was a regular for the Wednesday body pump workout, Miller said. Its a workout that works all of the major muscle groups, and Frank was there working with us. The only thing he objected to was loud music.

Miller said Berg also participated in the Friday Pilates classes from time to time and took advantage of the Ys swimming pool to help stay in shape.

A life-long Council Bluffs resident, with the exception of his three years of service with the U.S. Navy, Berg, a retired carpenter, said he joined the Y in 1978.

Another long-time friend, Ron Mahoney, recalled that he an Berg joined forces in a remodeling project at the YMCA in 2005, the first time the building had seen any remodeling projects since the Y opened in the Fourth Street location in 1979.

Berg and Mahoney, both in the construction business, helped fix up the buildings reception area and install a wall between a classroom and the swimming pool.

Looking back on his long membership with the Council Bluffs YMCA and the changes that have occurred, Berg recalled the days when the Y was located on First Avenue at South Seventh Street.

There was a pay TV in the lobby in those days, he said. When the money ran out, the TV would turn off. It was fun to speculate who would get up and put more coins in the television to continue watching.

McIntosh was quick to note the Y now offers free TV.
The Raise Me to Read initiative, a joint effort of United Way of the Midlands and the Iowa West Foundation, is pushing to raise early childhood literacy in Council Bluffs.

Members of St. Johns Lutheran Church recently collected 300 books for Raise Me to Read, which will be given to the Buddy Program at the Micah House.

Nancy Schulze, director of Raise Me to Read, provided a release to The Nonpareil detailing how the support of community members through book donations is critical to the efforts success.

Schulze said that Bob Jacobsen, a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church and volunteer for Raise Me to Read, asked his church to make a difference.

We cant thank them enough, Schulze said in the release. We hope other churches and organizations will follow in collecting books to be distributed to our very young children through this initiative.

The books will go to the Micah House, an emergency family homeless shelter, which partnered with Raise Me to Read to launch a reading program for young children at the shelter. Last year, according to Raise Me to Read, the Micah House served 482 children, including 209 younger than age 5.

The Buddy Program uses play to address the social and developmental needs of children who may face trauma living in a shelter. The program emphasizes good physical and mental health, which is a key element for early childhood literacy and later academic success.

Volunteers play and read to children as part of the Buddy Program, which runs three evenings a week, with children provided reading time through the shellers on-site childrens library. The release from Raise Me to Read states that children are also given books through the program.

Micah House not only provides a safe place for children but is very much aware of the health needs of children in its shelter, Schulze said in the release.

Family Inc., which houses the Raise Me to Read initiative office, provides free dental check-ups at the shelter, while All Care Health Center offers an on-site health clinic once a week. The Visiting Nurse Association provides weekly health needs assessments, and those providers as well as shelter staff can make referrals to other community services.

We are grateful that Micah House is able to recognize developmental delays in children entering the shelter and can provide the necessary referrals, Schulze said in the release. If a child can receive those support services at an early age, the concerns can be addressed much earlier, they are more likely to succeed, and they can be school-ready.

Kayla Terrillion, child program specialist at the Micah House, said in the release that the help from All Care Health Center and Family Inc. has made a difference.

We have identified children in our Buddy Program that are showing signs of developmental delays, Terrillion said. Both agencies have been wonderful in assisting with referrals and providing the much-needed resources to our families.

The books raised by St. Johns members will provide another cornerstone to build literacy skills for the shelters children, building on the foundation of well-being. Raise Me to Read will also give books through other early childhood serving organizations and at community events.

Schulze said the local efforts were integral to Council Bluffs earning an All-America City designation in June. Raise Me to Read is the communitys campaign under the umbrella of the nationwide Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, focusing on the areas of school readiness, school attendance and summer learning.

More information on Raise Me to Read can be found online at raisemetoread.org.
City Hall is slowly starting to invest in an affordable housing model that can permanently remove parcels of land from the speculative housing market in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods.

Late last month, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced it's distributing a $1.65 million grant to "create and expand" Community Land Trusts in the five boroughs. A CLT is a nonprofit that acquires and manages land, and empowers the tenants or homeowners who occupy units on that land to jointly set the terms of its use. Most CLTs mandate that buildings under their control cannot be sold for profit.

"Four years ago, politicians were saying this was a pipe dream. And then fast forward, because we organized, look where we are today," said Ryan Hickey, a lead housing organizer at Picture the Homeless and New York City Community Land Initiative board member.

Supporters of the CLT movement say this modest investment is NYC's largest commitment to date to a housing model that diverges dramatically from the guiding principals of Mayor Bill de Blasio's affordable housing plan. City Hall has enlisted major for-profit developers to help build and preserve 200,000 below-market rate apartments over a span of ten years, but the majority of these apartments will be too expensive for many New Yorkers. Affordability agreements come with expiration dates, and are marshaled in with large-scale rezoning debates that have left long term residents from East New York to East Harlem feeling more vulnerable to gentrification. A major tax break incentive for developers, considered central to de Blasio's model, costs NYC more than $1 billion annually in foregone tax dollars.

By contrast, CLTs have the potential to keep rents deeply affordable across generations, albeit on a small scale, and empower low-income residents. To date, New York City has a single hard-won model: the Cooper Square Mutual Housing Association, established in 1994. There, tenants living in separate apartment buildings cross-subsidize their rents and pool their utility and maintenance costs to save money.

Hickey says the options are limitless, and extend beyond residential buildings. If a CLT acquires vacant land, it might stave off rent-hiking byproducts of gentrification like bars and coffee shops. "You can go through a larger community visioning process of, 'Oh man, we're really low on laundromats, or community recreation centers,'" he explained.



A vacant Crown Heights building in the tax lien sale. Advocates say properties like this one could be ripe for CLT development. (Scott Heins / Gothamist)

The 2017 CLT funding comes out of a $3.5 million pot of bank settlements negotiated by Attorney General Eric Schniederman, and divvied up by nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners. The balance will go towards CLT initiatives in Albany, Suffolk County and Nassau County.

"I don't think anyone, HPD and Enterprise included, would say the funds are enough to cover actual development costs," said Deyanira Del Rio, co-director of the New Economy Project and board chair of the New York City Community Land Initiative, which will use the funding to train grassroots CLT groups. "The idea seems more to jumpstart the field and to support a handful of CLTs that are in operation or close to it."

"The question now is how do we support these groups so they can do the organizing they need to do," she added. Del Rio's group plans to give special attention to a handful of community groups from Chinatown to East New York to the South Bronx that are eager to preserve extremely low-income rental housing, but are in the early stages of CLT organizing. Governing structures must be established from scratch, often to fix up and manage properties in serious states of disrepair.

The newly-formed Interboro CLT, a coalition of established nonprofits including the Center for NYC Neighborhoods and Habitat for Humanity NYC, plans to focus on affordable home ownership in southeast Queens, Edgemere, and central Brooklyn. The group hopes to eventually rehab vacant properties and build on vacant lots, according to CNYCN spokesman Cristian Salazar. He sees HPD's CLT grant as an indicator that the city will work with CLTs in the future, possibly prioritizing them for plots of vacant city-owned land.

Federal, state and city subsidies typically cover between 60 and 70 percent of the renovation costs for any nonprofit building. (HPD did not immediately respond to an inquiry about whether the city plans to put its own funding towards CLTs, specifically.)

The East Harlem / El Barrio CLT plans to put its slice towards rehabilitating three buildings in that neighborhood, with additional rehab funds from City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viveritowhile the Cooper Square CLT plans to expand by acquiring nearby distressed buildings.

But Del Rio says a true CLT foothold in New York City will be contingent on continued policy work and, ultimately, "a pipeline of properties into the program."

For example, Public Advocate Letitia James has proposed an overhaul to the annual tax lien sale, where the city sells off the right to collect outstanding fees on thousands of properties to a private trust managed by the Bank of New York Mellon. The current scenario leaves properties ripe for speculative flipping, according to critics. A preservation trust could purchase the debt on some of the buildings in serious disrepair and work with building owners (or, in a foreclosure situation, nonprofit developers) to establish CLTs.

Rockaways Councilman Donovan Richards has also put in time educating his colleagues on CLTs, and recently introduced legislation to add the term Community Land Trust to the city's administrative code. "A lot of people don't understand what a CLT is," Richards told Gothamist in April. "They haven't heard of it." Still, July's funding announcement came with endorsements from Chinatown Councilwoman Margaret Chin, Mark-Viverito, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.

"We've always said CLTs are not the magic bullet to the affordable housing crisis," said Hickey, of Picture the Homeless. "But we do think this is a very good tool to keep people in their homes, stem gentrification, and have community control over housing."

"Cooper Square saved hundreds and hundreds of tenants while that neighborhood was being gentrified to next Tuesday," he added. "If we could do that all over the city, we could prevent a lot of pain and violence against low income communities. Even if it's not going to save the whole city, it's worth fighting for."

[Update 3:30 p.m.]: HPD spokeswoman Juliet Pierre-Antoine did not confirm or deny plans for future CLT funding, but described this program as a "pilot" and said, "HPD based its request to Enterprise on suggestions made by the CLT applicants, who outlined their anticipated needs for operations support or project financing."

"We believe these grants have the potential to both help emerging CLTs get off the ground, but also for HPD to learn how this innovative ownership model can interact with those existing local and federal affordable housing programs," she added.
Editors Note: The Nonpareil is highlighting the four honorees for this weekends Spirit of Courage event.

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital has been like a second home to Mindy Miller.

I was born there, she said, mentally ticking off the connections. I was a candy striper volunteer there when I was 14. I went to nursing school there and have been a nurse there for 39 years: 29 years in labor and delivery and the rest in outpatient surgery.

When she learned in June 2015 that her mammogram had revealed breast cancer, Miller knew one thing for certain about the hospital shed come to love  they were the right team to help her through this journey.

After undergoing a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Miller just passed one year with no evidence of cancer.

Millers cancer journey began in a unique way.

I had my mammogram and on the same day they did an ultrasound and offered to do a biopsy, she recalled.

Because she is an experienced nurse, after being told of the cancer diagnosis, one might have thought Miller would want to roll up her sleeves and start the fight.

Miller had other plans.

On Monday, I had the biopsy and on Wednesday I was told it was cancer, she said. On Thursday, I left on a trip to Greece.

Miller traveled with a group of people from her church  the Church of the Nazarene  to Greece on a pilgrimage to retrace the footsteps of Saint Paul the Apostle. She had been planning the trip for some time.

One of her many longtime friends at Jennie Edmundson is Dr. Michael Zlomke. A general surgeon, Zlomke is medical director of the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Breast Health Center. She ran into him by chance at the hospital the day after her mammogram.

First, he hugged me, she recalls. Then he said hed see me on Thursday.

Thats when she told Zlomke of her trip.

He said, Oh, you go to Greece. When you come back, well take care of it.

She is happy she did not cancel her plans.

I knew six people on the trip ahead of time, and I met 17 new people, she said. It was a wonderful trip. It gave me time to process the whole thing, and I made some new friends who became really important to me.

Initially, Miller was unsure if she would share the diagnosis of breast cancer with others on the trip.

We were having lunch one day and someone in our group started talking about cancer treatment facilities, so I told them about my diagnosis, she recalled. They are all Christian, loving people and everyone was super supportive. In fact, they anointed me. It was a beautiful experience; one of many on a very emotional trip.

She was no stranger to the heartbreak of breast cancer. Her mother, longtime Pottawattamie County Treasurer Judy Miller, in 2012 lost her second battle against the disease.

Miller vowed the outcome would be different for her. Zlomke performed a double mastectomy on Aug. 18, 2015. She began 20 weeks of chemotherapy in October, followed by radiation therapy at the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Cancer Center.

Throughout her journey, she was aided by Certified Breast Health Navigator Tammy Johnson, R.N., CBPN-C. Johnsons role at the cancer center is to act as a personal guide and liaison, helping plan and coordinate the care for breast cancer and other cancer patients.

The cancer experience has brought the two women to a new level of understanding.

Weve really bonded through this, Miller said. Tammy organizes your illness. Its the side of things scientific minds dont necessarily think of: the emotional side. That helps.

Many people and events have provided inspiration, often at the most unexpected times.

Hebrews 6:19, about hope being the anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, has become one of my favorite Bible quotes, she said. My niece, Michaela, sent me those words in a text to bolster my spirit. While I was in Greece, I took photos of these ancient anchors that wed see in odd places. When I had my surgery, a coworker gave me a keychain with that quote from Hebrews, not knowing the personal significance to me.

Since returning to work at the hospital, Miller has been a comfort to many patients and their families.

Patients who are just starting treatment, when I go talk to them and they see Im back to work, I think it makes them feel better, she said. So many people are afraid, and they just want to know that everything can turn out all right. They want to believe it will happen for them.

Cancer is a journey of faith, and I try to pass that on.
A cold front that dropped into southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska should bring cooler conditions to the region heading into the weekend.

Thunderstorm chances return to the area Saturday, courtesy of a slight warm front lifting through the Midwest, forecasters said.

If you dont like heat and humidity, said KMTV meteorologist Ryan McPike, you are going to like the forecast.

Sunshine is to return to the Council Bluffs-Omaha metro area today, when a high in the upper 70s is expected.

Saturday is forecast to be mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high around 75. Saturday night, forecasters said there will be a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 60.

Sunday in the metro area looks to be partly sunny with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. and a high in the upper 70s.

Monday and Tuesday of next week are forecast to be mostly sunny with highs in the low to mid-80s, according to the National Weather Service.

The upcoming forecast according to the weather service is:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 79. West northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. South southeast wind 3 to 6 mph.

Saturday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
For the first year in North Platte, bikers en route to the Sturgis Bike Rally in South Dakota can stop at an aid station. The station is hosted by North Plattes Christian Motorcycle Association chapter.

Near the Pump and Pantry at Interstate 80 Exit 179, motorcyclists can have a doughnut with some coffee, and can pick up kits full of hygiene products, a highway Bible and crocheted goods.

The station will stay open through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As of late afternoon Thursday, Alice Paul and Pat Clinger had seen about five bikers at the

aid station.

So were really thinking that starting tomorrow afternoon, its going to get busy, said Paul, who is president of the North Platte chapter. Clinger is its secretary-treasurer.

While the station is the first of its kind in North Platte, the state chapter has hosted them for four or five years, and seven have been set up across the state this year, including in Grand Island, Kearney, York and Broken Bow, Clinger said.

On Thursday, motorcyclists from places including Florida, Minnesota and Idaho stopped, including a prison chaplain from Idaho.

The local group decided to create their station after seeing Facebook posts about similar plans by other Christian Motorcycle Association chapters.

Its like someone comes up with an idea and we fly with it, Clinger said.

Christian Motorcycle Association was started in 1975 by a former pastor, Herb Shreve of Arkansas, who died in 2011. Paul and Clinger said the North Platte chapter started about 15 years ago.
Nobility of an agencys mission is no justification for a lack of transparency.

The NU Board of Regents has defended its practice of not specifically accounting for the universitys use of state taxpayer dollars. Unlike the regents, I have not spent decades in public office; I am currently in my third year as a member of Nebraskas citizen Legislature and member of the Appropriations Committee.

It is precisely my experience as a citizen and a taxpayer that compels me to ask a question that seem so common sense: How are the public dollars of the third largest expense in the states general fund spent? Because I am not desensitized to the act of spending millions of dollars of other peoples money, I believe accountability requires knowing with confidence which programs receive state funds and in what amount.

It is the perspective from my 900-square-foot farmhouse in rural Heartwell, Nebraska  not a large law firm or corporate office  which informs the questions I ask as a member of the Nebraska Legislature.

Greater than a half-billion dollars are invested in the university annually by Nebraskans, representing more than $300 for every man, woman and child in the state. For a Nebraska family of four, that totals $1,200 every year they do not get to choose how to spend. This is money earned by Nebraskans that they do not get to use for child care, vacations, retirement investment and home upgrades. They have a right to know how those dollars taken from their household budget are spent.

Minimizing the publics right to know as about paper clips and rolls of toilet paper disrespects the generous commitment every Nebraskan, regardless of economic status, has made in the people, infrastructure and tradition of the University of Nebraska.

Lawmakers should focus on the big picture.

However, from a distance it can be easy to forget the policy picture is more like a mosaic or a Monet. Made up of individual pixels, each represents a taxpayer and a family. I encourage all taxpayers to access the university budget documents and inspect them.

The thousands of pages do not provide a clear line of sight for taxpayers and lawmakers between their investment and its return. The Nebraskans who pay those bills are lost in the cacophony of commingled general funds.

It is ironic that I was taught partial budgeting by University of Nebraska faculty member Dr. Gary Rupp, yet the process of accounting for tax dollars is characterized as burdensome by the regents. Federal grant dollars received by the university are not commingled and are accounted for separately. Donors would hope their restricted funds are not dumped into an indiscernible pool, but rather are invested correctly in the initiatives to which they were intended.

Accounting practices are common that segregate income streams. Every nonprofit that has ever received state and federal funds tracks those dollars to their point of use. Any farmer who has rented ground on shares from a landlord has separately accounted for crop inputs. Principles of good business management use partial budgeting to track the impacts of different enterprises in a business to analyze productivity and efficiently invest revenue.

Keeping track of half a billion taxpayer dollars should never be characterized as red tape. It is good, accountable government.

I completely agree with the questions posed by the NU regents, as they are the very questions I have been asking: What activities should be funded by the state and what shouldnt the state support? What are the best opportunities to use valuable taxpayer dollars to grow Nebraskas economy and quality of life? What do we want the future of our state to look like? None of these questions can be answered without clear data as to how state funds are used.

As I was taught by Dr. Rupp, you cannot manage what you do not measure. Without specific information about how state tax dollars are used, we cannot ensure the most value from our public investment. We are simply throwing money into a pot and hoping it has the intended result.

I have been overwhelmed by Nebraskans from across the state who share my concern. Like me, they support the University of Nebraska and its mission. Nevertheless, the authority to spend public dollars comes with the responsibility to provide a full, accurate and transparent accounting of their use.

State Sen. John Kuehn represents District 38, which includes Phelps, Kearney, Franklin, Webster, Clay and Nuckolls counties and part of Buffalo County. He wrote this in response to the guest opinion written by the State Board of Regents published in Tuesdays Telegraph.
HAMMOND  A man died early Friday after speeding away from a Gary police officer who tried to pull him over and later crashing into concrete bridge on a ramp from the westbound Borman Expressway to southbound Cline Avenue, officials said.

The cause and manner of the man's death remained pending, according to a news release from the Lake County coroner's office. His name was being withheld pending notification of family.

A Gary police officer had someone else pulled over about 1:15 a.m. in the 1500 block of Grant Street when the man came to a screeching halt next to the officer and took off again, Lt. Dawn Westerfield said.

The man disregarded both traffic signals in the area of West 11th Avenue and Grant Street, stopped in the middle of the intersection and continued revving his engine, she said.

The officer thought the man might have been impaired, so he began a pursuit, she said. At one point, the man stopped. As the officer exited his vehicle, the man allowed his vehicle to move and shouted obscenities at the officer, police said.

He then sped off, and the officer again attempted to catch up to him, Westerfield said. The officer lost sight of the man, but later found the vehicle had crashed into the bridge and apparently caught fire, she said.

After the fire was extinguished, the man's body was found, she said.

The man was pronounced dead about 2:25 a.m. at the scene, a coroner's release said.

Traffic cameras showed police remained on scene until about 6:15 a.m. before clearing the area.

The Lake County Sheriff's Department is assisting with crash reconstruction, Westerfield said.

Indiana State Police and the Hammond Fire Department assisted at the scene, according to the coroner's office.
GARY  A man robbed the U.S. Post Office at gunpoint Thursday night by forcing two employees into the restroom while he raided a cash drawer for money and fled.

Gary police were dispatched about 5:55 p.m. to the U.S. Post Office, 2407 W. 11th Ave., in Gary, for a report of an armed robbery, Gary police Lt. Dawn Westerfield said.

A post office employee stated she was picking up her mail for next day's delivery when she was approached by a man with a gun.

The man allegedly came from around a dumpster, grabbed her white bag containing money and keys to her Postal Service vehicle, and put a gun to her back, Westerfield said.

The two entered the building together. The suspect pointed a gun at the second female employee and asked if anyone else was in the building, police said.

He searched both for cellphones but put them in the restroom. One of the employees reportedly used her blue tooth to call police even though she didn't have her cellphone on her.

The suspect is described a dark-skinned black man about 5 feet, 7 inches tall with a tattoo on his neck, police said. He was wearing all black clothing with a ski mask.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Gary detectives at 219-881-1210. To remain anonymous, call 866-CRIME-GP.
VALPARAISO  Jamie Gray was stabbed to death just before midnight Jan. 19, 2005, while outside her home at the Jamestown Apartments on the citys north side.

We can speculate. Was it random or not? We believe it was not random. She was targeted, Valparaiso Police Department Detective Capt. Jeff Balon said.

The snow was falling hard that night. While few people were likely outside at that time of night, and in those weather conditions, Balon said someone must know how and why Gray died.

Its concerning to everyone in the detective bureau that we have an unsolved murder investigation," Balon said. "There are not too many cold cases in Valparaiso. This case has been with us since 2005. For Jamies closure and her familys closure, obviously, and justice for Jamie, its very important that we try to bring this to a conclusion."

After Gray's stabbing, an individual was witnessed running and getting into an older full-sized vehicle, possibly in poor shape, police have said previously.

Police have said Gray, who was a mother of two, was stabbed, then tried to run away and call for help. She collapsed at one point and was found by a visitor to the complex. Gray was later transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Weve followed up with several leads over the years. Whenever we get info, we follow up with it. We believe someone knows something, Balon said.

Balon hopes highlighting this case gone cold could jar someones memory of that night.

As minimal as they may think (the tip) is, anything is appreciated, he said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Valparaiso Police Department at 219-462-2135. To remain anonymous, send your tips directly to the department using the tip411 website.
Environmental activists say proposed cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will delay removal of East Chicago's contaminated soil and put the rest of Indiana in danger as well.

"If the EPA decreases their funding and their staffing, then that lowers our protection and goes against the mission of the EPA," Tara Adams, a former resident of the West Calumet Housing Complex in East Chicago, said Thursday.

She spoke Thursday as part of a press conference held one day after EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt visited Indiana to meet Gov. Eric Holcomb to discuss the EPA's efforts to rescind recent water pollution regulations.

Emily Rosenwasser, a spokeswoman for the Sierra Club, said Pruitt failed to address activists' concerns about a proposal before the U.S. Congress to cut the EPA budget 8 percent across the board and its staffing by 9 percent.

Michael Mikulka, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 704, which represents 900 EPA employees in Chicago and the Midwest, said fewer EPA workers means it will take longer to finish removing tainted soil from the West Calumet area, which was built on a lead refinery 40 years ago.

"We want to clean up these sites right and clean them up once. We don't want to cut corners and do the wrong thing. It's going to delay the project," he said.

"The general public shouldn't be surprised to see diseases from waterborne pathogens; contamination from heavy metals like lead; hormonal and reproductive problems; an attack on our children's nervous system, livers and kidneys; and an increase in cancer rates."

He called on the public to petition their members of Congress to oppose the cuts.

Julie Peller, a Valparaiso University chemistry professor and a member of the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the EPA needs to spend more not less.

She said the EPA has recently responded to oil spills as well an accidental release last April by U.S. Steel's Midwest Plant of 298 pounds of hexavalent chromium into the Burns Waterway near Lake Michigan.

"Thanks to the EPA, Northwest Indiana has realized improved environmental and public health, including cleaner water and air, since its establishment. There are still many pollution problems that need to be addressed, especially those related to environmental justice," she said.

Thomas Frank, of the Community Strategy Group of East Chicago, said, "We are living on the front lines of fundamental environmental justice, one of the largest and oldest industrial regions in the country."
MICHIGAN CITY  Success is not measured by the number of people receiving government assistance but how many get back on their feet after getting help.

That philosophy is what Gov. Eric Holcomb, like the two previous Republican administrations at the Statehouse, is following to keep Indiana moving up the ladder of prosperity, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch told the Rotary Club of Michigan City on Thursday.

"Here in Indiana, we are doing just that," Crouch said.

Crouch said Indiana and Michigan City are examples of what of can be done when individuals with a vision are dedicated to achieving that vision.

The state now leads the nation in both advanced manufacturing and low cost of doing business, and ranks third in low cost of living, she said.

Indiana is also one of just 12 states with a AAA credit bond rating by all three independent grading agencies, she said.

"These are great achievements, but they should not be credited to government. It's the hard-working men and women who are making the sacrifices and taking the risks that are making our state great," Crouch said.

She said other communities can look at Michigan City and the growth happening there as an example of what's possible.

"You are doing it, not the government," Crouch said.

Crouch also talked about the values instilled by her parents while growing up in Evansville and how they've been major factors in her life's journey.

Her family had no political connections but principles like hard work, looking for opportunity, personal responsibility and helping the less fortunate put her on the right path, Crouch said.

"They raised me to believe in God. They raised me to believe it takes hard work to get ahead," she said.

In addition to the huge investment now being made in roads and bridges statewide, other Holcomb priorities include raising the quality of the workforce and attacking the drug epidemic.

One way of doing so is by empowering Hoosiers not just toward jobs but especially ones that enrich their lives.

"These policies are about investing in people, and I want more people to have the same kind of opportunities that we in this room have enjoyed," Crouch said.
HIGHLAND  Domonique Nikki Smith lit up the room with her smile and theaters with her voice and acting ability, according to friends and family.

In fact, the opportunity to perform for audiences was something that drew her to Family Christian Center in Munster, known for its elaborate pageants at Christmas and Easter  a place where someone with Smiths talent could thrive.

She was so well thought of by church leaders that she became a regular babysitter for the grandchildren of Family Christian Center pastors Steven and Melodye Munsey, according to her mother, Vicki Walker.

On May 29, 2015, Smith, then 18 and a certified lifeguard, was found face down in the Munseys Briar Ridge swimming pool. She never regained consciousness and died four days later. The Lake County coroner ruled her death an accidental drowning.

Walker celebrated her daughters life Wednesday night at the Wicker Park Pavilion on what would have been her 21st birthday.

About 50 family and friends, many wearing Smile for Nikki T-shirts, honored Smith with a balloon release and said prayers by candlelight.

Nikki was the light of my life, my joy, my sunshine, Walker said. She would just smile, and it would always put me in a positive, serene place.

Smith was watching the Munseys 6-year-old granddaughter in their pool when the drowning occurred.

Smith was a Merrillville High School graduate who was a student at Valparaiso University. Walker donated Smith's heart to Walker's friend, Tanisha Aguayo, of University Park, Illinois. Walker also donated four more of Smith's organs.

Walker filed a lawsuit against Steve and Melodye Munsey in November 2016. In the lawsuit, Walker is listed as Vicki Olds.

In the lawsuit, she alleges suspicious circumstances surrounded the investigation into her daughters death and claims the Munseys were negligent in caring for her daughter.

Roy Dominguez, attorney for the Munseys and Family Christian Center corporate counsel, said that due to the pending lawsuit he could offer no comment on behalf of his clients. Acting as their spokesman, he said the Munseys offer their prayers to Walker and her family.

Walker said she is honoring her daughter by co-founding the Smile for Nikki Foundation, which is seeking to fund scholarships for artistic youth.
NEW YORK - The battle of the brews ends with a winner from Brooklyn.

Gowanuss Threes Brewing took home the Governors Excelsior Cup for its pilsner, called Vliet.

It's all part of the state's first ever craft beer competition.

The beer first earned gold in the Light Lager category and then went on to win the best beer in the state award.

The brewery also won the Best Belgian Farmhouse division with its Wandering Bine beer.

Dozens of judges sampled over 700 entries for the competition's 20 categories.

About 140 different breweries took part.
Friends and loved ones paid tribute Friday in Queens to a police detective killed in line of duty.

Law enforcement officials unveiled a new street sign in Far Rockaway in honor of Detective Randolph Holder.

It's called Detective Randolph Holder Way.

The ceremony took place at Briar Place and Collier Avenue, just steps from the home where his parents still live.

Holder was shot and killed in East Harlem by Tyrone Howard back in 2015.

He was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year.

"I was driving shedding tears I was driving and thinking about my son that I do not have here anymore but one thing I do know is if he was here that he would be glad that this is happening to him," said Randolph Holder's father, Randolph Holder senior.

Holder was just 33 years old.

He was promoted posthumously to detective.
The Secret Service has moved out of Trump Tower in a dispute with the Trump Organization over rental payments. NY1's Vivian Lee filed the following report.

A truck and tent have been on East 56th Street next to Trump Tower since Donald Trump was elected president in November.

Now, it's also serving as the Secret Service's command post for protecting the high rise, where Trump's permanent home is located.

Those operations had been inside the building. But according to the Washington Post, the Secret Service left because of a dispute over how much the government should pay in rent to Trump, who owns the building.

"It's kind of shocking, considering how much he spends on everything else," said one person in the neighborhood.

The Trump Organization acknowledges the agency protecting the president is seeking a new location, saying, "After much consideration, it was mutually determined that it would be more cost effective and logistically practical for the Secret Service to lease space elsewhere.

"It seems a little strange because in the end, the Secret Service is providing security for him at that place," said one person in the neighborhood. "But it's within their right. Probably, they should try to strike a better deal considering the circumstances but I don't think it's wrong.

The president hasn't spent one night in his Manhattan residence since leaving for his inauguration in January.

His wife Melania and their son Barron remained until the end of the school year, but they are now living in the White House, too.

Folks who live and work in the area now wonder if the street closures and metal barricades they have to deal with are still necessary.

"Total waste of money," said one person in the area. "I mean, what are they doing here if he's someplace else?

The last time the president was in the city was in May for an event at the Intrepid Museum. He did not visit Trump Tower as originally planned and instead spent a few days at his home and golf course in New Jersey.
Former Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard argued his innocence in a rebuttal to the states reply to Hubbards appeal of ethics charges against him, the latest in a legal ping-pong match between Hubbard's legal team and the state.

Bill Baxley, an attorney for the embattled former speaker, said Tuesday the team has asked for an oral argument to contest their points. He added there is no timetable for when the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals might grant the request, or if it will. If the court elects not to hear any more oral arguments on the subject, it can make a decision whether to overturn Hubbard's conviction based on briefs submitted by both parties - an action that also has no timetable.

Hubbard, in his reply filed Monday, contends, The prosecutors brief is made up of false rhetoric, faulty legal reasoning, and efforts to ignore the absence of evidence.

Guilty verdict more than a year ago

A Lee County jury in June 2016 found Hubbard guilty of 12 out of 23 ethics charges he faced. The following month, he was sentenced to four years in prison. The charges stemmed from accusations that he sought to use his position in the political realm to benefit businesses he was invested in.

On May 24, Hubbard filed an appeal claiming the state misinterpreted ethics laws. The state filed a scathing response July 3, stating, If Hubbards 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.

The Hubbard team's latest reply restates arguments he authored in his opening brief, counters accusations by the state and quotes graphic testimony.

In our democracy, the Legislature makes the laws; prosecutors do not, Hubbards legal team wrote. In our democracy, criminal laws cant be stretched through novel interpretations in order to target people whom the prosecutors deem to be bad guys. Hubbard did not violate Alabamas laws, and his convictions should be reversed in their entirety.

Prosecutors say Hubbard sold his office to benefit himself, but the former speakers argument claims that he did nothing wrong when Auburn Network, which he owned, entered into contracts to provide out-of-state consulting services to the American Pharmacy Corporation, Inc. The state argued that Hubbard technically was an employee of APCI and would have benefitted personally had the House version of the 2013 Alabama General Fund bill passed.

There is no evidence that Hubbard was an employee of APCI, Hubbards reply stated. Instead, the undisputed fact is that APCI had a business-to-business contract with Auburn Network, of which Hubbard was an officer, and that pursuant to that contract, Auburn Network was to provide consulting services to APCI. An employee is not the same as either an independent contractor or a business-to-business relationship, the document added.

Juror misconduct and accusations of malice

The reply from Hubbards team also addresses alleged juror misconduct as well as accusations of malice against Deputy Attorney General Miles M. Hart.

The sworn testimony of Lt. Col. Henry Sonny Reagan, a former colleague of the lead prosecutor in this case, recounted what lead prosecutor Hart had said about this case: that he had determined [that Hubbard] was a bad guy, the document reads. Hart said he would tie a noose around [Hubbards] [expletive] neck and cinch it down until he is grasping for [expletive] air. He said he would ruin Mr. Hubbard politically, that specifically he would put a one five five millimeter Howitzer right through him. And he didnt care about the collateral damage to anyone else.

Therefore, the reply contends, the targeting of Hubbard is itself misconduct.

As Hubbard has shown in this brief and in the opening brief, he did not violate any law, the document states. The Court should vacate or at a minimum reverse Hubbards conviction.

Calls to the Attorney General's office Thursday afternoon for remarks were unsucessful.

When Hubbard himself was contacted, the former speaker said he had been instructed by his attorneys not to comment on the issue and redirected questions to Baxley.

"We feel very good, extremely good, about our chances of success," Baxley said. "We are absolutely right on our legal argument."
Some of the small artisanal miners extracting gold in a disputed piece of land in Mubende are not only doing it illegally but have also grown too big and sophisticated that it is high time government took them seriously, Gemstone, the large mining firm in the area, has said, writes CHRISTOPHER TUSIIME.

Moses Masagazi, the director of AUC Mining Company, which owns the subsidiary, Gemstone International, says the artisanal miners mining gold in Mubende, around the area where his company holds a license, are doing it illegally.

Artisanal miners at Mubende goldmines going about their business

Small-scale miners have severally accused Masagazi of fueling their eviction, which recently received a presidential endorsement. He, however, says his actions are justified. In response to several questions from The Observer, Masagazi says the mining by small-scale miners is utterly illegal and should be stopped immediately.

AUC are the holders of Exploration License EL 1093 and Mining Lease ML 4063 issued by ministry of Energy and Mineral Development under Ugandas Mining Act 2003, reads part of Masagazis statement sent to The Observer.

Under these licenses, the company was granted exclusive exploration rights and working obligations in respect of the minerals in all areas of the license  sections 4 and 31 of the Act.

Masagazi alleges that the work of AUC Mining Company has been hampered by these illegal miners yet it has injected more than $13 million in the development of the area.

LOSSES

Masagazi says the company has consequently incurred huge losses in terms of time and market opportunities because of the conflicts with artisanal miners.

Apart from the investment in the area, to-date, the company, under the severely encumbered activities, continues to pay the licenses fees to URA. This year [2017] alone the company has paid over Shs 100m in form of licence-related fees, he says.

The illegal mining activities by the artisanal miners, he adds, have also led to invalidation of their exploration data that had been generated and recorded about the exploration site on top of the miners occupying their near-term target areas.

WEAK LAWS

Masagazi wonders why the government has since failed to effect the relocation directives issued by the president in 2014, despite the matter being reported to several authorities.

The company reached an agreement with government authorities in 2014 [after the artisanal miners were organised into associations] regarding Katugo and Lubaali areas, which are one of the most prospective grounds of the license, Masagazi wrote.

He pointed out that despite this agreement, the small-scale miners did not relocate. Instead, they just expanded all over - an erosion of investors confidence. This agreement needs to be enacted and properly controlled.

Masagazi added: Instead some politicians, senior government officials and senior security forces personnel continue to protect their illegal operations. This illicit gold mining is progressively fueling lawlessness, destruction and pollution of the environment through mercury and cyanide use and massive land destruction.

NO LONGER ARTISANAL

Masagazi says the more than 60,000 people in the Kitumbi mines are no longer artisanal because they have acquired bigger equipment that is supposed to be used by miners with exploration licences.

The type of mechanized illegal mining going on in Mubende district is not like the artisanal mining that is going on in any other part of Uganda. It is, therefore, only a matter of time before they start using explosives.

The investor explains that for these miners to be called artisanal, they are supposed to be mining the alluvial deposits, and not the hard rock and the primary reef deposits.

The illegal miners, who include even foreign nationals and have continued with their illegal activities unabated, are using a combination of mechanical tools including jack hammers and more sophisticated machines like compressors, generators, hammer drills and mechanical excavators and trucks. These are, therefore, illegal miners and cannot be described as artisanal miners, he says.

DEMANDS

Because the company is holding a lease and exploration licences, Masagazi says the government should now ensure its security and safe access to the exploration work sites to be able to restart their work programs and development efforts.

[We want] security of tenure and our exploration licenses extended to allow us to repeat all the work that has been destroyed and regain time that has been lost, since 2013, he says.

Masagazi adds that all unauthorized and the unregulated illegal miners in the area should be stopped and evacuated by the authorities.

The company also seeks compensation for the cost of the five years standing time and the irreparable damage done to their previous scientific exploration works, trenches and drill pads.

BACKGROUND

In 2012, AUC Mining Company produced a report from its exploration findings and submitted it to the government, as required by law.

A couple of weeks later, following the geological interest areas highlighted in the report, there developed an influx of illegal miners in October 2012, says Masagazi.

He adds that the matter was promptly reported to the relevant authorities but no action has been taken to-date.

He says the company suspects the reports submitted to government were used to invade the areas which had been identified as potentially viable because they [artisanal miners] are only following the hard rock/gold reef target areas identified in those reports.

Currently, the number of smallscale miners in Kitumbi sub-county is estimated to be 40,000. Many of them say they cannot vacate the place because they have nowhere to go, and are threatening to go to court to challenge any eviction notice.

tusiime.chris20@gmail.com
For many, losing a job could mean the end of the world or another routine of trotting the streets endlessly in search of another.



But with the scarcity of jobs that is almost everywhere, the search may be rather frustrating. This was the reason Rachael Kembabazi chose to start her own business after losing her job with a visa facilitation office in Kampala, where she worked as operations officer till end of last year.



I could have looked for another job, but I decided to take a different path. I thought it was time to become self-employed, says the Makerere University graduate of Business Administration.





She recently completed her postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI). Born to Edson Twesigye and Evas Kiconco, Kembabazi attended Rukungiri Universal primary school. Later, she joined Bweranyangi Girls School and Immaculate Heart Girls School for her secondary education.



SELF-EMPLOYMENT



Looking at losing a job as a blessing in disguise, Kembabazi decided to venture into her passion  makeup artistry.



I love makeup because I love to look good. I know many women out there love to look good as well, she says.



With many people making a kill out of the relatively new beauty business in Uganda, Kembabazi, who experimented on her friends, started her own freelance company  LitFaces  using her savings early this year. She believes when one does something out of passion, they propel themselves to unimaginable heights to ensure it works.



No one has to tell me what to do.I know what I have to do because I love what I do, she says.



While many are complaining about the tough economic times, Kembabazi has been smiling her way to the bank thanks to her self-motivated attitude. In the few months she has been in business, her clientele has grown.



Makeup complements ones beauty which boosts their confidence, says Kembabazi, whose clientele majorly comprises brides, bridesmaids and other women who just want to look good for a party or a date.





Kembabazi was one of the artists who made-up the models for the recent Abryanz style and fashion awards. For the basic look, she charges Shs 40,000 per face, and Shs 60,000 for a more sophisticated look.



QUALITY MATTERS



Knowing how sensitive makeup is and the dangers it poses to the user in case of counterfeit products, Kembabazi does not compromise on the quality of the products she uses.



I use products such as Yardley, Black Opal and Mac, among others, she says. I value my clients and I give them the very best.



Although makeup is for both men and women, she says it is women who mostly demand for her services.



Her major challenge, however, is the fact that she does not have a permanent location yet, although she has plans to address that in future. She also hopes to venture into skin care and selling makeup products to fully meet her clients needs.



Like any other entrepreneur, Kembabazi harbours dreams of growing her brand and employing other people. She is also considering furthering her studies.



As an entrepreneur, a masters degree in Management Science will enable me manage my business and human resources a lot better, she says.



She advises the youths to pursue their passions with emphasis on education, hard work and discipline.



pbaike@yahoo.com
The new Jinja bridge construction is now 40 percent complete, the Japanese contractors, Zenitaka and Hyundai, have said.

The 525-metre cable bridge is the first of its kind in the country and will offer an alternative connection between Kampala and eastern Uganda along the planned Kampala-Jinja Expressway route.

The only connection present is that along the Owen falls dam, constructed by the British colonial government in 1954.

The new bridge is expected to be complete by June 2018 and has a projected lifespan of 120 years. The bridge is 22.9 metres wide with provisions for walkways and carriageways.

Jinja bridge under construction

Construction of the bridge is being fully financed with a Shs 391 billion loan from the government of Japan. Speaking today in Jinja during a routine inspection, Japanese ambassador to Uganda Kazuaki Kameda said the bridge is a symbol of his countys niche for quality infrastructure in Uganda.

We would like to contribute to Ugandas economic development through quality infrastructure like this, the ambassador said.

I will continue to be vigilant on the progress of the projects sponsored by Japan.

Kameda was accompanied by Works and Transport minister Monica Ntege Azuba and Allen Kagina, the Uganda National Roads Authority executive director.

LOCAL CONTENT

Azuba used the opportunity to caution contractors working on government projects to put strict quality measures on local suppliers.

On all our projects, we want to try (as much as possible) to have local suppliers on board but most of them produce substandard products. So, if the contractors insist that these suppliers provide only quality products, it will help the local industries grow, Azuba said.

The minister was reacting to a story narrated by the project manager, Lawrence Pario, whereby a steel manufacturing company which he refused to disclose lodged a complaint with the president after being denied a deal to supply steel towards the bridge construction.

They told the president that we were refusing to support local industries, Pario told a laughing boardroom.

He said they stood their ground when the president intervened and only recently, allowed supplies from the said company after they were satisfied by the improved quality of their product.

Azuba said such strictness on government projects will push companies to improve the quality of their products and also ensure quality infrastructural projects.

kamogajonathan50@gmail.com
The commission of inquiry into land matters ordered the arrest of a senior police officer over allegations of taking sides in a land dispute at Kapeeka sub-county, Nakaseke district.

On Wednesday, Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, the chairperson of the commission, ordered police to arrest Assistant Superintendant of Police Christine Atai Ayeko, the officer-in-charge at Kapeeka police station.

The commission accused her of frustrating and interfering with ongoing investigations of the commission.

For us to do our work without interference, we need the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) to deal with you. Not this commission. If they can do us a favour, you [should] never go back to Kapeeka. You are really interfering in the work of the commission, Bamugemirere said as she ordered the police to take her away.

Her arrest follows testimonies from Kapeeka residents who appeared before the commission accusing a one Swaib Yiga of allegedly shifting ownership of huge chunks of land to himself. The controversial land belonged to the late Yakobo Lukwago family.

Testimonies before the commission indicate that Yiga transferred about 1,001 acres of Lukwagos estate to his names. Residents of Kapeeka petitioned government to intervene in the matter since Yiga had embarked on displacing tenants off the land.

As the police boss of Kapeeka, Ayeko admitted to the commission that she knew of the ongoing disputes. However, on April 6, 2017, documents before the commission indicate that Ayeko bought five acres from Yiga at Shs 22 million.

Quizzed where she had got the money by the commission, Ayeko testified that she sold maize and beans that she had cultivated on land that belongs to Gen Salim Saleh.

However, she testified that the payment was made in cash, a claim the commission said was unusual for an officer of her rank.

Ebert Byenkya, the commission lead counsel, argued: one thing we can establish is that you have got land from Yiga in order to support him in his activities [of displacing people off the land]. We cannot establish that you had this money because you did not bank it.

COMMISSION TO TAKE BREAK

Meanwhile, Byenkya said the commission will be breaking off next week [Friday] to prepare an interim report on the cases they have investigated.

We are going to break off public hearing next week and that is for the purpose of writing the interim report. Im not sure how long that will take, but I think we may complete in August, he said.

Byenkya also noted that the commission has experienced delays due to funding constraints.
Days after a shortlist of three justices was presented to President Museveni by the Judicial Service Commission to pick the next deputy chief justice, Justice Solomy Bossa has written a protest letter claiming she was edged out of the interview process.

The shortlist of potential successors for the outgoing deputy chief justice, Steven Kavuma, has Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza of the Supreme court, Frederick Egonda-Ntende and Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, both of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Kavuma steps down next month after clocking the mandatory retirement age of 70 years. But in her July 20 letter to Rose Nassali Lukwago, the JSC secretary, Justice Bossa says she was unfairly edged out of the interviews for the position, which took place between June 18 and 27, 2017.

Justice Solomy Bossa

In her four-page letter, Bossa states that on June 10, 2017 she travelled to the US with the permission of Chief Justice Bart Katureebe and Deputy Chief Justice Kavuma.

In the US, she was to meet with some delegations of assembly of state parties to the Rome Statute to mobilise support for her candidacy as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

You will recall that my nomination by the Uganda government is in the public domain and that elections are scheduled to take place in early December 2017 [in] New York, she wrote.

On June 17, 2017, Bossa said she received a letter from Nassali inviting her to interface with the JSC on June 19, 2017 at 3pm. She said by the time she received the communication, it was too late for her to travel back to Uganda for that engagement.

She said only one day was left to the interview yet traveling from the US takes at least two days. The judge said she immediately contacted the chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, Justice Benjamin Kabiito, by SMS and requested him to reschedule the interview to a date in July 2017.

However, on June 20, 2017 Nassali informed her by email that the JSC had declined to reschedule the interview because the recruitment process was supposed to end on June 27, 2017. Justice Bossa said she then requested to appear before the commission on June 27, 2017 but got no response.

Bossa said she asked her husband Joseph Bossa to go in person to the JSC office to get an answer from Nassali.

On June 22, 2017, the judge said her husband went to Nassalis office and luckily got to meet Justice Kabiito, the commissions chairman. She said Justice Kabiito told her husband that Nassali would schedule a date for her to appear before the commission.

Based on this information and development, I cancelled further engagements and travelled back to Uganda, where I arrived on June 25, 2017, two days before the interface was scheduled to close, Bossa says.

On June 26, 2017, the judge reported to the JSC office at Farmers House at 9am and spoke with Kabiito and Nassali. Its then, she said, that she learnt her message requesting to interact with the commission had not been read or even circulated to the JSC members.

She said, however, that Justice Kabiito assured her that her request would be put before the JSC members to decide that very day. Bossa says she remembers that Kabiito told her Nassali would call her after 4pm to communicate the commissions position.

Despite these promises, Bossa received no communication from Nassali that day. Given that only one day was left to the end of the interviews, Justice Bossa said that early on June 27, 2017 she went to Kabira Country club, where the JSC was conducting its business.

I met you [Nassali] and you informed me that all the emails had been retrieved but that the JSC had not yet made a decision and that it would resolve that matter on that day. I decided to sit and wait for the decision of the JSC, Bossa says.

The JSC apparently discussed her request and at around 11am, Bossa said, Kabiito in the presence of Nassali informed her she would not be allowed to interface with the commission and that the members wished her luck with her candidacy at the ICC.

She said the reasons cited for her rejection included; that there were other stakeholders in the process; that the JSC was sitting on that day to evaluate the performance of those who had interacted with the JSC and could not interface with her as the phase was over.

That decision, according to Bossa, effectively barred her from contesting for the vacant posts of deputy chief justice and judge of the Supreme Court, for which she says she had been nominated by several bodies in the legal fraternity.

In light of the above background, I feel that I was not fairly treated by the JSC in that I was not given sufficient notice of its program; that as a sitting judge with long service to the country and the judiciary, the JSC did not consider me as a worthy stakeholder; and that the JSC rigidly refused to adjust its program even when I was present to conduct an interfacethat could not have lasted more than an hour, going by the previous experience, she concluded.

Nassali didnt pick or return our repeated calls to her known telephone number.

dkiyonga@observer.ug
Helena police say officers used a Taser on a parolee, who also was bit by a K9, and he continued to try and escape. After leading authorities on a high-speed pursuit, the man tried to flee from the hospital Thursday night.

Dennis Dale Mackey, 44, of Helena is now in jail on three felony charges. He is accused of having methamphetamine and trying to hid his drugs by stomping them into the pavement just outside his driver's side door after being stopped by police. Mackey is charged with escape, criminal possession of dangerous drugs and attempted tampering with evidence.

Police attempted to apprehend Mackey, a known parole absconder, in the area of 11th and Raleigh. An detective made a traffic stop and identified Mackey, court documents state. Mackey then drove away.

An ensuing pursuit reached more than 100 MPH, police said. Officers chased Mackey's vehicle onto Interstate 15 south, exiting on the Montana City exit, and then heading north towards East Helena. The pursuit ended on Lake Helena Drive near Eastgate School.

Once stopped, Mackey refused to follow officers' orders. A police K-9 bit Mackey. Officers Tased him.

Ultimately, authorities took Mackey to the hospital for treatment of injuries from the K-9 bite. While at the emergency room, Mackey tried to run from the hospital, causing police to chase after him to get him back into custody.

Mackey is now in the county jail. He is facing a probation and parole absconding warrant on top of the felony charges. Mackey is on parole stemming from a 2012 conviction of criminal endangerment.

Mackey also is charged with misdemeanor counts of fleeing from or eluding a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer, no insurance and driving on an expired registration.
In 2015, cabinet issued a directive on the controversial land along Plot 60/62 Alidina road in Jinja that, among others, government should take immediate repossession of the property from Simpson Birungi, proprietor of Birus Property Services and Movit Cosmetics, who continues to use the property.



Yesterday, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, appeared before the commis- sion into land matters to explain why, as then minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry, he wrote a letter of no objection to Uganda Land Commission on Birungi's request to take over the building.



ALI TWAHA and ZAHRA ABIGABA captured the proceeding as Ebert Byenkya, the commission's lead counsel, cross-examined the minister.

Minister Kahinda Otafiire

Byenkya: Name...

Otafiire: Retired General Kahinda Otafiire.

Byenkya: Designation...

Otafiire: Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

Byenkya: Residence...

Otafiire: Plot 9/11 Zone 3 Mbuya, Kampala.

Byenkya: The matter we are investigating for which you have been invited has you serving in different capacities...I think as the minister of Trade; can you confirm that you served as minister of Trade and Industry?

Otafiire: Yes, my lord...I was minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry.

Byenkya: During which period did you serve in that capacity?

Otafiire: My lord, it is from 2008 to 2011.

Byenkya: We are investigating the situation on Plot 60/62 Alidina road, Jinja. As a brief background, the building [on the plot] that used to host traders was reallocated to a private firm called Birus Property Services and ended up being demolished. Why we invited you is that you seem to appear in your capacity as minister of trade. Do you remember?

Otafiire: I recall an entrepreneur who produces Movit products coming to me to complain that he had applied to

be allocated this particular plot and that he was not getting a clear answer.

And I remember that we had agreed with colleagues from the ministry then we did not know who was involved and I told them that we should not object to people applying for development and industrialists or traders...and in this case, I recall Movit industries wanted to use the place to build an outlet for their products in Jinja.

I referred the matter to the PS [permanent secretary] and said: give this man, he wants to build an industry in Jinja. Why would I object because when it was going to serve the same purpose for which the property was acquired?

Byenkya: Who had Movit applied to?

Otafiire: He told us that he applied to Uganda Land Commission (ULC) and he came and told us to provide him with a letter of no objection. And, indeed, we had said: why should we object to African entrepreneurs developing these properties?

Byenkya: In the process of answering, you also believed the property belonged to the privatization unit.

Otafiire: Government properties which were not in our control belonged to the privatization unit.

Byenkya: And indeed that has been a bone of contention because the privatization unit belongs to the ministry of Finance...

Otafiire: Yes. But you see, as the user ministry, we were asked if we object to the land being given away, and that was our role.

Byenkya: But we are also looking at the context in which you played that role. Wouldnt it be more appropriate to refer them back to ULC for guidance?

Otafiire: No, my lord. We were the user ministry. I heard that the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry was in charge of the property but I found it irregular; so, we had no objection.

Byenkya: Unfortunately, we are doing postmortem now and see what had gone wrong. What we know is that the building was being used by local citizens and they seem to have historical connection to it under ATDF since 1963 and others were their descendants.

To that, we do not see how your ministry was the user ministry. Apart from that, Baguma Isoke [ULC chairman] said, normally, the user ministry is indicated against the title and in this case there was no user ministry; so, Im wondering why you were so certain that you had jurisdiction over this?

Otafiire: My lord, actually you have answered the question...if we were not the user ministry, then why were they coming to me? Because that is why I said we had no objection because we had nothing to give and allocate.

Byenkya: I believe it is government process when someone applies for land to ULC and it is the government process. We have also got evidence that one does not go to the ministry direct and one does not apply to the ministry directly.

The proper process is that you come and apply to the ministry of Lands, which writes the letter of no objection. But not government to government or ministry to ministry. In this case, this seems to have been bypassed; so, we are wondering if you were cautious about these procedures?

Otafiire: My lord, this man came to me and said he had been frustrated and the process was not my concern. If the whole process was followed, then we had no objection. Responsibility was for the ministry of Finance and ULC and other related bodies.

Gen Otafiire (R) with Fred Ruhindi, one of the commissioners

Byenkya: Following upon the process, I want to show you a letter and it was addressed to director of Birus Property Services and the permanent secretary. Quickly review that letter...

Otafiire: The letter is not in consonance with what I directed, I did not give this instruction as Gen Otafiire but all I said and did was a letter of no objection.

Byenkya: When you look at that letter, it seems to suggest that the PS was under the impression that it was really your directive...

Otafiire: Well, if the PS had copied that letter to me, I would definitely have objected to it and the letter was not directed to me... since he did not copy me, he is the one responsible. My lord, we give no objection to such people who want to develop these premises because these processes were no longer part of our program and I did not see why we should frustrate traders who wanted to develop these premises.

Byenkya: One of the reasons [submitted] by the PS is that in your view, the [sitting] tenants had shown no interest [in the building]...

Otafiire: My lord, I did not know about these people showing no interest and this information is new to me...I did not know that there were tenants. If I had given a no objection [directive], why didnt the tenants protest and report this matter to relevant authorities?

Byenkya: Gen [Otafiire], that is what the tenants did but things were beyond them. For your information, the tenants fought for their property and, among other things, they went to the Inspectorate of Government [IGG], court, but eventually, the [building] was demolished with assistance of police. Many things had gone wrong in different stages. In regard to that, why did you not show some concern?

Otafiire: My lord, that was not my responsibility; tenants going to IGG was not brought to my attention and still even if they did, I did not have the powers.

Byenkya: Would it be fair to say that maybe due to lack of information and following procedure, everything went very wrong during the allocation of this property?

Otafiire: My lord, I do not think so.

Byenkya: Despite the information given to you?

Otafiire: My lord, I was not privy to this information.

Byenkya: Evidence before the commission indicates that traders had a bid of Shs 80m but Birus Property Services paid only Shs 2m.

Otafiire: My lord, I find this strange.

Byenkya: According to Simpson Birungi [The owner of Movit], the brokers got Shs 80m out of the deal and government of Uganda made a loss.

Otafiire: My lord, If I was aware of that, I would have informed the police; but I was not aware that the government of Uganda made a loss. That was responsibility of the person managing the land.

Byenkya: Are you aware that this matter was tabled to cabinet? Otafiire: No, my lord, I do not

remember this matter yet Im a member of cabinet.

Byenkya: There is a cabinet extract here...maybe you can look at it. On top is the covering letter to cabinet secretary. Look at it and one of the minutes was referring to Birus Property Services.

Otafiire: Yes, my lord.

Byenkya: What is puzzling the commission is that two years later, Birus Property Services is still in possession of the property. I just want you to view that there is a citizen who is well-connected, has the capacity to walk into a ministers office, make an application of letter of no objection outside the procedure but then, even directives by the IGG, court and cabinet do not seem to bother him.. As a minister, what are your views in regards to such matters?



Otafiire: There is a ministry responsible for all the matters you are referring to me, my role was no objection and I acted in good faith.

Byenkya: Do you see this transaction raising eyebrows from the citizens?

Otafiire: My lord, the counsel is asking the wrong person the right questions...when I say no objection, that does not translate to not following the procedure.

Byenkya: Now that we are in this situation; many people translate this as impunity, somebody is sitting on government land with no rights and seems to be untouchable; is this really right in your view?

Otafiire: If I was part of the commission, my lord, I would look for the persons responsible. Why would somebody sit on government property and there is no action? But for me as minister of Justice, I cannot interfere with such but now that I have known, I will bring this matter to ministry of Justice.

Commissioner Mary Oduka Ochan: When did you get to hear that there was problem with this property?

Otafiire: Madam commissioner, I am hearing it now...like now and for the first time now.

Oduka: We also got information that the same case was bought to parliament and cabinet. IGG also has a report [on the matter], IGP [Inspector General of Police] and the former minister of Internal Affairs, late Aronda Nyakairima, also gave instructions but nothing was done and today as we speak, the so-called investor is on the property.

Otafiire: Madam commissioner, Im also surprised that all the authorities  as big as they sound  were ignored. This investor should have been brought to book and the authorities in this country. Somebody should take action... Who is Movit to ignore all these people, especially the police?

alltwaha9@observer.ug

azabigaba@gmail.com






Apolo Senkeeto

Testifying via video link on Wednesday evening, Thomas S. Elmore, the founder of Eutaw Construction Company, a USA-based firm, which shares a name with a local company at the centre of corruption trial over the botched Mukono-Katosi road, denied that his company ever placed a bid for construction of the road.

Elmore, testifying from his head office in Mississippi, USA, told the Anti-Corruption court that his company couldnt have placed a bid for construction of the road since it has no subsidiary company or temporary offices in Uganda.

Elmore, 73, who was prosecutions 23rd and last witness, told Justice Lawrence Gidudu that the only branch they have is in the US state of Tennessee and they run temporary offices in Arkansas, USA.

We dont have worldwide offices. We dont have anything in Uganda or Africa, he said.

According to prosecution led by Sarah Birungi, the IGGs lead prosecutor, Elmores evidence is crucial because it gives credence to prosecutions case.

According to prosecution, Apolo Senkeeto, an accused in the case, used Eutaw (Mississippis) paperwork to win the contract to construct the Mukono-Katosi road yet he had no capacity to do the work using his briefcase company Eutaw Florida.

In the case, Abraham Byandala, the former minister for works and transport, is charged with abuse of office, disobedience of lawful orders and influence-peddling.

His co-accused include Ssebbugga Kimeze, a former acting executive director of Unra; Joe Ssemugooma, Unras former acting director for finance and administration, and Marvin Baryaruha, the former Unra legal counsel.

Senkeeto, who introduced himself as the country representative of Eutaw, and Isaac Mugote, a former Housing Finance bank employee, are accused of aiding Eutaw to forge a bid security document that helped the company win the contract.

Elmores smooth testimony got bumpy when Peter Mulira, Senkeetos lawyer, began crossexamining him. Mulira first asked Elmore whether he knew Bobby Little, a former Eutaw official, who was supposed to be one of the witnesses in the case but never showed up.

Defence claims that Elmore sent Little to Kampala to pursue construction deals and it is Little who gave Senkeeto and his associates a go-ahead to form a company called Eutaw Florida, which won the contract to construct Mukono-Katosi road.

Mulira asked Elmore whether he knew Little and he said yes. Though court records show that Little at one time was the marketing director of Eutaw, Elmore told Mulira that the former held no position in the company.

He said, he [Little] had no title in the company, sending court into laughter. Mulira then asked Elmore if at all Little was on Eutaws payroll and he hesitantly said yes.

Mulira then asked Elmore for Littles job description; to which he replied, It was to look for new work for the company.

After several verbal exchanges, Mulira asked Elmore if he ever sent Little to Uganda, to which he replied [yes] to look for new opportunities for us.

With that, Mulira told Elmore that whatever Little did in Uganda had his nod of approval but the American roundly rejected that assumption.

I never gave Bobby Little any instructions to form a subsidiary company, Elmore said, adding, We told him to look for new opportunities for us.

When Mulira was through, Justice Gidudu asked Elmore whether he knows where Little is since he disappeared soon after the whole deal went bust.

He left our company to work with a bank in 2014 and Ive not heard from him since then, Elmore said.

With the prosecution through with its case, defense lawyers told Justice Gidudu they intend to submit that the prosecution failed to prove a prima- facie case against their clients thus they shouldnt defend themselves.

The submissions of no case to answer will be made on September 14, 2017. The IGG suspended the Mukono-Katosi road construction, citing irregularities in the award of the tender and the dubious advance payment of Shs 24 billion to Eutaw by Unra.



dkiyonga@observer.ug
Amina Hersi Moghe, the owner of Oasis mall in Kampala, borrowed up to 39% of Crane banks core capital, going against a rule that bars a single borrower from taking up more than 25% of a commercial banks capital.

The huge loans amounting to Shs 111bn made her the single largest borrower in the now defunct bank.

A recently released forensic audit report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) found that at the time of the banks takeover by Bank of Uganda in October 2016, Amina had 19 accounts in Crane bank through which the Shs 111bn was borrowed.

The loaned value contravened Bank of Uganda and Financial Institutions Act 2004 rules that discourage a single borrower from taking more than 25 per cent of the banks exposure.

Businesswoman Amina Hersi (R) with Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija (L) during the tour of the Atiak sugar factory

According to the PWC report, as at February 1, 2015 the total loans and overdraft limits extended or available to Aminas accounts stood at Shs 70.4bn.

This was already 39% of the banks total capital of Shs 181bn as per the quarterly report of March 2015, the report states. Despite not paying back the money, the report noted that Crane bank officials went ahead to issue more loans to Aminas companies and in particular facilities totaling to Shs 25.425bn on December 24, 2015.

The report shows that Amina was associated with the bank through four entities although she is a director in two of these. Her association with the other two companies is by way of personal guarantees, the report said, noting that the securities given by the two [other] companies are also properties owned by Moghe.

The companies where she is a director are Khadhar Investments Limited and Horyal. The companies associated with her but where she is not a director were Minutan and Aureco.

In addition to the four companies, Amina is associated with two other companies that had accounts at Crane bank: Kingstone Enterprises Ltd and Rabo Enterprises Limited.

The report, which bears the signature of PWC partner Francis Kamulegeya, asks Bank of Uganda to carry out more investigations into Aminas dealings in Crane bank.

SAME COLLATERAL

Ordinarily, when one applies for a loan from a bank, they present security so that in case they cant pay, the bank can sell or take over those properties to recover the money.

PWC found that for Amina, some loans were secured using the same properties  indicating that either there was no due diligence done or that there was some collusion between bank officials and the borrower.

The observed pattern was that additional loans and overdrafts would be sanctioned on the strength of the existing securities.

This had the effect of diluting the banks security position as more loans were obtained, the report said. For example, plot 17 on William street valued at Shs 5bn and with a forced sale value of Shs 3bn was used as the main security against all three loans extended to Aureco totaling Shs 25.4bn.

The report adds that some loans were advanced on the strength of Aminas personal guarantee that loans would be paid back.

We, however, did not see any evidence of the bank carrying out a due diligence to establish the true net worth of Amina and especially, one where they take into account the other liabilities she is likely to have, the report said.

COMPANIES OPENED TO RECEIVE MONEY

According to the report, one notable trend that showed that something was not right is that some of Aminas companies that borrowed money had been incorporated days just before they applied for the loans.

One named Minutan was incorporated only six days before disbursement while Aureco had been in existence for only eight days.

The above observation points to the possibility that the companies were formed for the sole purpose of obtaining loans. This suspicion is further supported by an analysis of the movements in these two accounts as well as the other Amina accounts that had loan exposures, the PWC report said.

The accounts, and especially Minutan, seem to be used to mainly pay out loaned amounts with very few material credits observed apart from the transfers from other group accounts, the report added.

PWC further pointed out that information may have been deliberately concealed from Bank of Uganda inspectors and Crane bank auditors as not all of Aminas accounts were disclosed as having been associated with her.

We noted, for instance, that the KPMG management letter for 2015 did not include Aureco as one of the companies associated with Amina. This was at a time when Aureco had borrowed Shs 24.9bn from Crane bank, the report noted.

There is evidence that despite the information not being disclosed by Crane Bank Limited, Crane bank officials knew which accounts belonged to Amina despite the varied shareholding and considered the accounts as such.

The investigators extracted information from computer forensics and found that the head of credit, a one Ramachandran, had listed all of the 19 accounts associated with Amina and analysed their position as at May 17, 2016.

The above evidence points to a scenario where companies would be formed and registered under proxy directors with the intention of concealing the true exposure to a single client or group, the investigators concluded.

DESTINATION OF BORROWED MONEY

When the investigators analysed where the money borrowed went, they found that it was usually utilised in a short time  about three months  mainly through transfers to other companies.

For instance, Crane bank sanctioned loans worth Shs 24.9bn in the form of a demand loan ($5m) and two overdrafts  Shs 3bn and $1.5m on December 24, 2015 to Aureco.

The funds were utilised over a period of three months mainly by way of transfers to other banks through accounts belonging to 13 companies.

WHO IS AMINA?

Investigators identified Amina Hersi Moghe as a prominent businesswoman with interests in real estate, commodity trading and agriculture. They wrote that she is associated with the Oasis group of companies, Atiak Sugar and the Laburnam Apartments.

Internet searches show that she is a Kenyan entrepreneur with business interests in Uganda. Last month, the 52-year-old received from government at least Shs 64bn for her sugar factory in northern Uganda.

Last year, she appeared on a list of Kampalas businesspeople that were seeking a government bailout. PWC concluded that [BOU] should establish the ultimate destination of the disbursed amounts as there is evidence of elaborate layering transactions that appear to be aimed at concealing the final destination of the funds.

Rajeev Ruparelia, son of Sudhir Ruparelia, the owner of Crane bank, told us yesterday that the report was inconclusive, indicating it does not give a fair assessment of Crane bank.

amwesigwa@observer.ug
In his 62-page defence filed yesterday at the Commercial court in response to a Shs 400bn Bank of Uganda lawsuit against him, businessman Sudhir Ruparelia has asked that BoU governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile and the banks lawyers Timothy Masembe Kanyerezi and David Mpanga should be his witnesses.

In its lawsuit filed on June 30, Bank of Uganda is seeking to recover $93.8 million (Shs 337.6bn) and Shs 60.3bn from the former Crane bank proprietor and his real estate company Meera Investments.

Sudhir, however, in his defence insists that the BOU case should be thrown out because he signed an agreement with BOU barring the bank from suing him. According to Sudhir, on March 20, 2017 Bank of Uganda entered into a Confidential Settlement and Release Agreement (CSRA) with him.

Sudhir Ruparelia

He says clause 6 of the agreement stipulates that, This confidential settlement and release agreement is in full, complete and final settlement of all claims that either party (or related parties or shareholders) may have against the other, and each of Bank of Uganda and Crane Bank Limited hereby fully and finally releases and forever discharges and shall refrain from instituting, directing, procuring, instigating or maintaining all or any actions, claims, sanctions [whether administrative, civil or criminal in nature], the agreement reads.

Through Kampala Associated Advocates, Sudhir claims that clause G of the agreement provides that This confidential settlement and release agreement is neither an admission of fact nor liability by Sudhir Ruparelia in connection with the covered conduct or a concession or acceptance by Sudhir Ruparelia that he would not have any well- founded defences to the claims and demands made by BOU in connection with the covered conduct or a waiver of any advocate-client privilege which he or his advisers would benefit from.

Furthermore, clause 7 of the agreement provides that; Each party agrees, on behalf of itself and on behalf of the related parties not to sue, commence, voluntarily aid, in any way, procure, instigate, prosecute or cause to be commenced or prosecuted against any other party or its related parties any action, suit or other proceedings concerning the released claims, in Uganda or in any other jurisdictions.

At trial, the defendants shall raise a preliminary point of law to the effect that the CSRA is a complete bar or estoppels to the filing of any suit by the plaintiff against the defendants and further that, by the executing of the CSRA, the plaintiff is stopped from bringing the instant suit, the suit is barred in law, is in breach of contract and one of the remedies listed in the plaint are available to the plaintiff by virtue of the CSRA, the defence further reads.

Sudhir also contends that MMAKS and AF Mpanga Advocates, who are BOU lawyers, cannot institute proceedings against him because doing such is in breach of the advocate-client relationship. Sudhir singled out MMAKs who are BOUs leading lawyers. He said they cannot represent the plaintiff against him because such instructions are in clear and flagrant violation of advocate-client relationship.

That the plaintiff further instructed the law firm M/S AF Mpanga Advocates (Bowmans) notwithstanding the said law firms conflict of interest, the defence reads. Masembe was once Sudhirs lawyer when Crane bank took over National Bank of Commerce.

The businessman also challenges the forensic report done by PricewaterhouseCoopers on November 13, 2014, which formed the basis of the BOU suit. According to his defence, at no time since November 13, 2015, did Sudhir or indeed any member of the board of directors of BOU ask any of the questions raised in the report.

On April 14, 2015, Sudhir says that BOU held a tripartite meeting attended by the BOU external auditors KPMG, which was convened ostensibly to approve Crane banks accounts for the year ending December 31, 2014. He said, at the meeting the central bank did not raise any of the issues raised in the forensic report.

Following the draft forensic report, Sudhir says BOU conducted an onsite inspection and the banks director for Supervision, Justine Bagyenda held a meeting with the board of Crane bank but did not raise any issues that are raised in the report.

The first defendant shall contend that the suit is barred by the principle of approbation and reprobation having made an election out of the draft PWC report or any other form which election BOU currently in control of plaintiff cannot resile, he says.

REASONS OF COLLAPSE

Sudhir contends that BOU knows very well why Crane bank collapsed. Sometime in 2015-2016, Sudhir says that Crane bank had to make additional provisions for bad loans referred to in the banking industry as non-performing assets.

According to Sudhir, additional provisions were necessitated by the slowdown in the economy that impacted generally on the profitability of banks.

Furthermore, Crane bank landed into financial trouble because a number of its customers trading in South Sudan, in the oil and gas sector in Uganda and in the economy generally sought and failed to get a government bailout to pay off bank loans, including those owed to Crane bank.

Former Crane bank headquarters on Kampala road

On June 13, 2016, he says Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda wrote to President Museveni explaining the measures government was taking to rescue distressed businesses.

As a result of the slowdown in the business environment and the property market, there was an increase in NPA [non-performing assets], which resulted in the plaintiff [Crane bank] becoming under-capitalized and necessitated an additional capital injection, he explains.

He says on July 2016, BOU stopped Crane bank from carrying out business relating to various facilities such as letters of credit, bank guarantees, bid bonds, performance bonds and writing of fresh loans.

This action, he says, crippled Crane banks banking business and caused the bank to lose many customers. BOU subsequently, he says, placed a blockade on Crane banks treasury bills with a maturity value of Shs 169 billion which, according to him, crippled the bank further.

Shortly, he say, thereafter messages began circulating on social media claiming that Crane bank was at risk of closure, which he says caused a run on the bank. Customers, he said, rushed to withdraw their deposits hence within a space of 30 days, Shs 250bn had been withdrawn from Crane bank.

CAPITAL INADEQUACY

The plaintiff then moved from a capital adequacy problem to a liquidity problem. The plaintiff accordingly approached BOU from which it sought to borrow money as a lender of last resort under the FIA.

Although BOU alleges that Sudhir was a single shareholder in Crane bank, contrary to the law, the businessman says that is totally false. He says he was a substantial shareholder within the context of section three of the Financial Institutions Act, which defines a shareholder as any person with more than five percent of shares.

At all material times the first defendants [Sudhir] shareholding and directorship was approved by BOU which found him to be a fit and proper person to hold the said shares and directorship, Sudhir says.

Sudhir also denies BOUs claim that he owned 47.33 percent of Crane banks shares registered in the name of White Sapphire Ltd, a company incorporated in Mauritius and owned by business partner Rasiklal Chhotalal Kantaria.

That first defendant shall contend that Kantaria was a shareholder of the plaintiff until he transferred his shares to White Sapphire, a company that Mr. Kanataria wholly owns, Sudhir says.

He also denies that he personally refused to remit NSSF contributions worth Shs 7.5 billion. He contends that once the case commences, he will assert that that there was no under declaration of NSSF contributions.

dkiyonga@observer.ug
Gold miners in Mubende have urged government to reconsider its decision to close what it calls illegal mines in Kitumbi and Bukuya sub-counties.

Police yesterday deployed heavily in the disputed areas and closed mines and has today started evacuating all illegal miners, many of whom are suspected to be illegal immigrants. Many were not allowed to even take their equipment.

Police deployed heavily in Mubende

Emmanuel Kibirige, the general secretary of Ssingo Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners Association (SASSGMA), says this move is unfair, for it has economic and social implications since many locals depend on this activity for survival.

"I have over 20 workers on the mining site and 16 on the processing site. Surely, there is grief and I don't even know what to tell them. Some of them are asking whether I can go with them wherever my next destination is," Kibirige told The Observer by telephone.

But according to a statement by the permanent secretary of ministry of Energy and Mineral Development released on Wednesday, the move is to rid the area of illegal immigrants who currently pose a security threat.

"Government has established the presence of an influx of people amongst which are foreigners from neighbouring countries and beyond that are involved in illegal mining in the areas of Kitumbi and Bukuya sub-counties in Mubende," Dr Stephen Isabalija wrote.

He added that miners were not only using rudimentary methods such as hoes, spades and basins to pan and extract gold, but "some of them undertake highly mechanised operations such as using bulldozers to excavate the ore, use sophisticated machines to crush and grind ore, and also use mercury and cyanide in the processing of gold that has resulted into environmental degradation and also affected the health and safety of the people in the areas of those mining operations."

He concluded that for the next three months, all local artisans will be registered so that they could be organised into regulated groups.

"The intervention will be supported by Uganda Police Force, Uganda People's Defence Forces, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control under the ministry of Internal Affairs and will be led by Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development," Isabalija wrote.

Kibirige, however, said if government wanted to streamline mining in the area, they should not have started by closing mines.

He noted that most miners had already applied for licenses and the Energy ministry had assessed and allowed them to pay processing fees.

"My company and my brother, we are bound to lose over Shs120m on equipment that we can't move [from the mines]. We have one acre of landwhere we had over 150 tenants paying Shs 30,000 per month," Kibirige said.

For most miners, this is another ploy by government to disenfranchise small players in favour of established investors.

In July this year, President Museveni met with some MPs from Mubende and an investor, Moses Masagazi of Gemstone International, at State House Entebbe to draw plans on how to protect the investor who claimed artisanal miners were failing his activities.

The president then issued a one-week ultimatum to all small-scale miners to vacate the place, an order that was defied by both Mubende MPs and miners themselves.

With miners determined not to let go, police yesterday swung into action and stopped all mining activities and evacuation of miners is now imminent.

tusiime.chris20@gmail.com
Police was forced to fire live bullets in the air to disperse hundreds of city vendors who stormed Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) headquarters carrying the body of one of their own.

The vendors from industrial area and Jinja road marched towards City Hall with the body of Eva Basemera, accusing four KCCA enforcement officers of causing her death.

The commotion left business near KCCA and Parliamentary avenue at a standstill, forcing police to deploy several riot officers at the entrance of KCCA to block the vendors from entering the premises.

Security personnel at parliament also locked the main gate as the crowd marched towards KCCA.

Vendors join police officers atop a police patrol truck where the body of their colleague was put



According to some of the vendors who spoke to The Observer, Basemera, who was vending handkerchiefs, was accosted by enforcement officers near Mukwano Industries who tried to arrest her.

In the process, she ran and fell into a trench in Nakivubo channel and drowned.

These KCCA officers chased her and she fell into the trench. She raised her hands and pleaded with the enforcement officers to help her get out of the trench. Can you imagine they left her to die, a visibly distraught female vendor said, amid tears, while other women wailed.

The visibly charged crowd tried to surge forward to force the gate open and take the body inside the premises but police blocked them using riot shields and fired live bullets into the air.

Seeing that they were making no headway, the vendors resorted to march towards parliament, instead.

Riot police officers march towards angry vendors

However, they were stopped in their tracks after police officers grabbed the body from them and placed it in a waiting police pick-up truck.

Some of the vendors were arrested at the scene, prompting their colleagues to also jump onto the police truck to escort them.

The body was later taken to the city mortuary for postmortem.

KCCA has since released a statement extending condolences to the family of the deceased and noted that they have forwarded the matter to police for investigation.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a new set of universal goals, targets and indicators that UN member states adopted on September 25, 2015 to frame their agendas and policies over the next 15 years (2015-2030).

The 17 SDGs, officially known as Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, intend to change the course of the 21st century by addressing the key perennial challenges of poverty, hunger, inequality, the adverse effects of climate change and violence against women and girls.

It is important to note that the SDGs seek to address the unfinished business of the Millennium Development Goals where Uganda registered a 33 per cent success rate. Agenda 2030, however, presents a more people-centered approach with the global slogan of Leave no one behind.

In Uganda, domesticating the SDGs is a collective effort bringing together the government, development partners and civil society. In 2014, Uganda committed to integrate the SDGs into its national planning process  the second National Development Plan (NDP II) 2015/16-2019/2020.

This is complemented by an institutional framework that provides support in implementation of the policy, legal and planning frameworks.

Uganda has continued to demonstrate readiness to implement the SDGs along which comes the commitment to attain gender equality set out in goal five and through various goals and indicators of the SDG framework.

With leadership from the office of the prime minister, a national SDG coordination structure was established comprising the ministry of finance to oversee monetary allocation; the National Planning Authority to oversee integration of SDGs into national, sector and local government planning frameworks; and the Uganda Bureau of Statistics to oversee generation, analysis, and dissemination of statistics to guide effective implementation and review of the SDGs at country level.

Also in place is the Equal Opportunities Commission mandated to address all forms of discrimination and inequalities against any individual or group of persons.

Despite the progress, enforcement of gender laws and policies remains a challenge as demonstrated by the continued discrimination against women working in flower farms who are exposed to chemicals that negatively affect their health.

Women, especially widows, are still discriminated against and denied access to productive resources such as land and/or proceeds accruing from land.

Many young women and girls are being trafficked to the Middle East and other destinations in the quest for better employment opportunities only to end up being sexually exploited. Media reports of violence against women and girls remain prominent with defilement noted to be on the rise in several districts.

This is mainly attributed to poverty, negative cultural norms and practices in addition to inadequate resourcing for the prevention and management of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Child marriages are still prevalent in Uganda and reports show 25 per cent of adolescents aged between 15 and 19 are already having children.

The high burden of unpaid care work on women and girls remains a violation of basic human rights to education, political participation, decent work, leisure and human rights.

Chronic under-investment in rural infrastructure and technology has a disproportionately negative impact on women living in rural areas, as they often engage in time-consuming unpaid care work, including fetching water and fuel wood, which prevents them from engaging in paid work and education.

Although there is registered progress in the political arena in terms of womens representation, there has been a drop in the number of women parliamentarians from 35 per cent in the 9th parliament to 32.8 per cent in the current one.

There are only three women district chairpersons out of 117 and the figure is equally grim for LC-III chairpersons where there are only 19 women.

Despite the above progress, womens participation in leadership and governance is still constrained by the restrictive legal and policy frameworks that impact on citizens freedom of expression and assembly.

In addition, the commercialization of politics has meant that a majority of women cannot compete favorably, given their limited resources. Goal 5 which is a standalone goal on gender equality builds on lessons from implementation of MDG 3 by prioritizing focus on ensuring all the basic rights of women.

The SDGs provide an opportunity for women and girls to position themselves as key actors in influencing prioritization of their issues in the implementation phases.

The 2016 SDG report stresses the need for strong partnerships across civil society, government, private sector, and the academia as vital for successful implementation, monitoring, review and follow-up of the 2030 agenda.

At country level, this calls for improved coordination of local implementation actions including capacity building efforts, mobilization of resources and data generation, and utilization to ensure that partners make cost effective development gains.

All citizens have a critical role in ensuring that the gender-specific targets of the goals are met.

In order to link to national processes and global conversations at the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, Forum for Women in Democracy (Fowode) is launching a multi-stakeholder process dubbed Voice to Action  Advancing Gender Equality in the SDGs to create awareness and consolidate multi-stakeholder commitment to the promotion and realization of gender equality in Uganda.

Let us all put women at the centre of development in order to attain Agenda 2030!

The writer is the programmes director at Women and Leadership Programme at Fowode.
Last week, I was in Kenya to get a pulse of how things are as we near the election-day, August 8.

Well, there are events from our neighbours that left me wondering whether they have learnt anything by looking over their western border for inspiration.

For the many years that we have had the current government in Uganda, one would have thought that these brothers and sisters across the border would have picked a few lessons. Wapi!

Last week, I watched in dismay as the home of Deputy President William Ruto was being attacked by unknown assailants. It took heavy deployment to dislodge a few armed people whose mission to access Rutos home was not even clear.

And that Mr Ruto who is supposed to be the second most-protected person in Kenya can have his security compromised to this level left me in shock. Please Kenyans, if you need to know how to deal with such nonsense, please head to Uganda and learn how a well-grilled security system works.

Dont make a mistake. It is not the police  you know how ours failed to protect one of their own  Andrew Felix Kaweesi  so, dont even begin comparing.

Its not the army  their role is to deal with outside threats. We got a Special Forces Command whose work is to protect the persons closest to the president. It is one of the quietest  we hear less of what they do, but you can feel their presence.

Imagine someone gaining entry into the village home of the vice president in Uganda! Such an intruder would have turned into the late in very few seconds. In your case, it took almost the whole day to clear danger from the home of the deputy president.

If this can happen at the home of the second most-protected person in Kenya, what would happen to ministers? And all the other officials that are in need of serious protection, what is their fate?

You Kenyans need to wake up! And as the drama was unfolding at the Rutos home, there was live coverage including villages overcome by curiosity coming close to the scene. Really? How can you allow civilians near an operation?

At that time, Rutos home was a warzone where civilians are not allowed. I am reminded that during the terrorist attack on West Gate mall, the same slow response was the mode of operation. In this episode, we saw pot-bellied officers holding batons stranded and unable to do anything.

Here, we do not allow pot bellies for those assigned to respond. Found with that sagging tummy, the onus is on you to shed off the weight or no operation work for you. And please next time, allow your officers to carry guns along.

If you have been to Uganda, you should have seen all types and brands of guns. Security guards have guns, police and army officers have guns, prisons officers have guns and many civilians carry them too.

That is why we can brag that the kind of hostage-taking that is slowly becoming common to our neighbors in Kenya cannot happen here. The other thing is that back home we have quite a number of people trained to use the gun.

Disarming a person is so easy. We have so many war veterans, former LDUs, Kyankwanzi graduates, militias such as arrow boys, crime prevernters, etc. So, dear neighbors, please style up or else we will keep laughing at you! And before I could sign off this piece, something else happens again in Kenya.

Chris Msando, a systems development manager at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) who was instrumental in installing digital technology to be used in voting and tallying during the forthcoming elections, was found dead in the outskirts of Nairobi.

I am again perplexed. How can an entire country want to have a perfect election and even develop technology for voting and tallying? Come on Kenyans, that is an area that no sane person can invest in. The reasons are well known.

When the right voting, the tallying and the correct results are announced, that is not proper elections. A proper electoral process is where these are in the control of human beings.

These are more trusted than technology. From who will these machine get instructions? What if the machine declares the opposition candidate the winner? How will that machine be punished or questioned for relaying the wrong results?

We are more than happy to lend you our now retired, but not tired, former Electoral Commission boss. He is a mean human machine!

And finally, must all Kenyan elections be about life and death? You did it ten years ago and now it seems you are inching close to the same? You dont know your wars.

The author is a human rights expert and specialist on refugee issues.
A few weeks ago, I stated in this column that land is likely to be the next major frontier of social conflict and violence in Uganda in the near future.

Of course land conflicts are already rampant. They can only get worse. There has been deepening pressure and stress placed on a fixed factor of production that is land, and in a country where the vast majority are poor and can only count on land as their sole valuable possession.

But beyond the commercial value, people also have invaluable emotional and cultural attachments to their land that make it something they are willing to die for.

Now we have woken up to the rather ill-thought move by the NRM government to amend the Constitution and grant a free hand to the state to seize private land.

This is ostensibly for public works purposes, to avoid protracted valuation and compensation processes and enable government push ahead with attaining middle-income status; when?

The government claims that valuation and compensation impose unnecessary delays on especially infrastructural projects such as road construction and public-interest investments.

Not many people believe this assertion. There is a sense in which Ugandans have grown too distrustful of General Musevenis government such that even where there are genuine intentions to serve a broader, public good, people are cynical and suspicious.

There is little public trust in the intentions and actions of the rulers. At any rate, it appears that battle lines are being drawn early on. Either government will back off or we might be in for a serious fight ahead.

Strong sentiments have emerged against any move to pass legislation in favor of compulsory land acquisition before proper valuation and appropriate compensation.

There have been some unmistakable voices from very powerful figures in Buganda where the land question is most contentious and the stakes are highest.

Considering the powerful vested interests and the emotiveness surrounding the land question, why would this government toy with this idea well aware it is likely to cause public uproar and ultimately fail?

As many have rightly pointed out, the argument that road construction projects take long because of delays in compensation is rather shallow and self-serving. There are many road projects that took forever to complete for reasons other than land acquisition.

Rather, the problems in public works projects in Uganda go beyond compensation to a bigger institutional decay, inefficiencies and endemic corruption that cut across all government departments and ministries.

It is not just the roads sector that has had long periods taken to accomplish something however small. Paying pensioners or compensating laid-off workers can take ages because officials involved are working out how to get their slices of the monies.

But even in the roads sector, there have been delays to finish a road project where land acquisition and compensation may not have been an issue.

The reconstruction of about a kilometer stretch of Jinja road from the Wampewo avenue roundabout to Nakawa took years to complete yet it is unlikely there were any compensations to landowners as this was an existing road that only required redoing and a little expansion.

The same can be said of the Iganga-Tirinyi-Mbale road that only requires re-tarmacking. My sense is that we may well be up for a bait that will exercise all our energies and engage all our attention yet the real issue at hand is something else.

Already, there are voices in parliament and among the public that they can put up with lifting the presidential age limit but cannot stand the proposed constitutional land amendment.

It is interesting how Ugandans easily settle for quick compromises. We are stuck with an imperial president who many believe is ruling the country illegitimately.

Many of us would perhaps pay little attention to his longevity in power, but the fact that misrule now pervades Ugandas body politic and malfeasance reigns in the public sector makes Musevenis continued clinging to power utterly reprehensible.

The proposed constitutional land amendment might well be a Trojan horse. The architects of imposing a life-presidency on the country might be working to detain the public in arguments over land such that, in the end, removing the age limit will be seen as a lesser evil which we can entertain.

We need to see through this gimmickry. The age limit project is no less a nefarious plot than the move to use the law to commandeer peoples land.

In fact, the latter, as a bad law, is a consequence of the machinations that go with a regime that has stayed beyond its sell-by-date.

The foremost struggle we face today is not to save our land from a parasitic government; it is a struggle to free our country from the current mis-rulers, to save ourselves from the embarrassment of being misruled for decades by one man with a dubious claim to being our savior  a messiah.

moses.khisa@gmail.com

The author is the interim secretary, Society for Justice and National Unity, a Kampala-based think-tank.
A Chinese mother was left heartbroken after a DNA test showed that the child she had raised for 28 years was not her real son. Her ex-husband became suspicious and demanded the test because he couldnt understand how the boy had turned out so handsome.

The young mans mother, referred to only as Zhang by Chinese media, said that ever since her son was born, friends and family had always been surprised about how different the child looked, and how handsome he was compared to them. Over the years, all these comments sowed the seeds of doubt in her husbands mind, and affected their marriage. All the arguments about their son being too good looking eventually ended in a divorce, but that wasnt enough to lay the mans suspicions to rest.

Zhang and her husband divorced in 2004, but 7 years later, the man demanded a DNA test to make sure that the son they had raised together was actually their flesh and blood.

[My son] has big eyes and a high nose bridge. His father is not very good looking and is quite different [from my son], Zhang told Kan Kan News.

The result of the DNA test showed that the father had been right in suspecting that the boy was not his real son. Both his ex wife and the son, Wang Ye, were devastated by the news, and just didnt want to believe it was true. In 2016, Wang took another DNA test, but the result was the same.

Wang ye was delivered at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital in February, 1989, and his mother suspects that he was switched at birth. However, the hospital has refused to give the family an explanation, because they could not find the records from that time.

Zhang and her son have filed a lawsuit against the hospital and are now hoping to somehow find Wang Yes real parents. They have no leads, except for the assumption that they are about as handsome as he is.

via The Sun
A swath of west-central Montana, including Lewis and Clark, Jefferson and Broadwater counties, will enter its first major fire restrictions of the summer Saturday following weeks of hot weather and multiple wildfires in the region.

Federal, state and county officials announced that Stage 1 fire restrictions go into effect at 12:01 a.m Saturday. The restrictions mean that campfires are allowed only in certain campgrounds and recreation sites and within metal campfire rings. Smoking is also prohibited outside of buildings, vehicles and developed recreation sites, unless in a 3-foot-diameter area cleared of all flammable vegetation.

The order applies to state and federal lands in Broadwater, Cascade, Chouteau, Fergus, Glacier, Golden Valley, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Lewis & Clark, Liberty, Meagher, Musselshell, Pondera, Teton, Toole and Wheatland counties. Stage 1 restrictions are also in effect for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in Powell County, while lands north of U.S. Highway 12 are under Stage II restrictions. Non-Forest Service land south of the highway in Powell is not yet under restrictions.

Thursday morning, the Lewis and Clark County Commission issued its proclamation invoking the restrictions. The move came after a weekly discussion between fire officials, Capt. Brent Colbert with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office said.

Coordinating restriction across multiple jurisdictions is an effort at avoiding confusion, said Kathy Bushnell with the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

With the continued duration of the hot and dry conditions and with forecasts of continued conditions like that and fire activity, were trying to minimize human-caused fires, she said. At lower elevations particularly, human-caused fires are a big concern.

Officials will continue to talk weekly to determine if more severe Stage 2 restrictions or potential closures are needed, Bushnell said.

For more information about fire restrictions statewide, visit https://firerestrictions.us/mt/.

On Thursday afternoon, officials lifted evacuation advisories near the Park Creek fire north of Lincoln. Earlier this week amid shifting winds, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation warnings to 5-10 residences in the Stonewall area.

This story has been changed to clarify fire restrictions in Powell County.
The Justice Dept. might revamp its policy on subpoenaing news outlets as part of the Trump Administration's war on leaks, according to Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

The former Alabama Senator told a news conference today that Justice has tripled the number of active leak investigations since the new regime was installed in January. The FBI also has established a counterintelligence unit to go after leakers.

The AG claims he's reviewing media subpoenas practices at the suggestion of prosecutors, FBI agents and investigators.

We respect the important role that the press plays, and we'll give them respect, but it is not unlimited, warned Sessions. They cannot place lives at risk with impunity. We must balance the presss role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in the intelligence community, the armed forces and all law-abiding Americans.

President Trump criticized Sessions last month for being "very weak" in pursuing government leads

"I strongly agree with the president and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks undermining the ability of our government to protect this country," Sessions said. "No one is entitled to surreptitiously fight to advance battles in the media by revealing sensitive government information." "No government can be effective when its leaders cannot discuss sensitive matters in confidence, or talk freely in confidence with foreign leaders."

Sessions spoke the day after the Washington Post published leaked transcripts of Trump's January phone conversations with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Americans appear united in their concerns regarding the fake news phenomenon, but disagree pointedly on what constitutes fake news and how they determine whether or not a news report is bogus, according to a recent study on Americans perceptions of media bias and trustworthiness released by San Francisco-based tech PR firm Bospar.

According to Bospars Fake News study, Americans remains more or less in agreement on the potential dangers of fake news, with about half  49 percent  claiming that trust in mainstream media will continue to erode if fake news continues at its current levels unchecked, and nearly the same number  47 percent  claiming the government hasnt been effective in investigating and curbing the practice.

However, many Americans seem confused about what the fake news label means, with 36 percent of those polled claiming that the perceived political views of the source determines whether they deem an article fake or not. More than half  57 percent  claimed that fake news is simply misinformation deliberately created by a mainstream news outlet.

Case in point: 19 percent of Americans said they consider any negative coverage of President Trump to be fake news, and nearly the same number  15 percent  claimed that any positive coverage of the President is fake.

Partisanship seems to be a reliable indicator regarding what media outlets Americans trust and which ones will provoke their incredulity. Nearly two-thirds  62 percent  of Democrats consider CNN a trustworthy source, while only 22 percent of Republicans do. More than half  57 percent  of Democrats consider New York Times to be a trustworthy news source, while only 20 percent of Republicans agree. On the other hand, 53 percent of Republicans consider Fox News trustworthy, compared to only 29 percent of Democrats.

However, Republicans appear far more inclined to believe that the political persuasion of a media outlet determines whether or not something is fake news: 44 percent of Republicans claimed that the political views of the source is an indicator of whether or not something is spurious, compared to only 36 percent of Democrats who believe this.

Republicans were also far more likely than Democrats to hold the position that fake news simply means misinformation thats deliberately manufactured by a mainstream news outlet (74 percent, versus 46 percent). Incredibly, while relatively few Americans consider Donald Trumps Twitter feed to be a reliable news source, the study found that 21 percent of Republicans actually said they find Trumps tweets trustworthy  compared to only four percent of Democrats who believe this  meaning that Republicans, statistically, trust Trumps tweets more than they trust reporting from the New York Times.

The study also discovered that 59 percent of those polled admitted having believed a news story only to later discover that it was fake. Respondents said they typically evaluate whether an article is bogus by checking the storys URL (34 percent), determining whether the news is either too good or too bad to be true (32 percent), Googling the journalist's name (28 percent), considering the reputation of the person who shared the article (24 percent), checking Snopes.com (22 percent) or looking for typos (21 percent).

Of those polled, 20 percent  or one-in-five Americans  said they no longer consider any news sources trustworthy.

The Bospar Fake News Study was conducted in late June by market research company Propeller Insights and polled more than 1,000 U.S. residents online.
Agricultural News

OK Senate President Pro Temp Mike Schulz Named 2017 Wheat Advocate by State Wheat Growers

Senator Mike Schulz was named the 2017 Wheat Advocate at the recent Oklahoma Wheat Growers' Association annual meeting on August 3rd in El Reno OK. Senator Schulz has been a long-time supporter of the Oklahoma Wheat Growers' Association and the agriculture industry in general, and is a strong advocate of our state agriculture sales tax exemption. He was instrumental in the association starting an annual "Wheat Day at the State Capitol" this past legislative session. He has a wheat, cotton and grain sorghum farming operation in Altus and is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma Agriculture Leadership Class V.







Senator Schulz has served as an Oklahoma Senate member since May of 2006. He was elected as Majority Whip - January 2009 and appointed Majority Floor Leader - January 2011 to 2016. He was elected as President Pro Tempore - January 2017. As President Pro Tempore Senator Schulz serves as an ex-officio member of all Senate committees. He has also been appointed to the Storage Tank Advisory Council.







Senator Schulz is an active member of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, where he served as Chairman of the Young Farmer and Rancher Committee in 1996, and also worked for the organization for many years as a field representative. He is a member of the Altus Kiwanis Club and the First United Methodist Church.







The Oklahoma Wheat Growers' Association is very honored to recognize Senator Schulz for his advocacy of the Oklahoma wheat industry.







Photo courtesy of the High Plains Journal.







Source - Oklahoma Wheat Growers' Association













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Wheat Industry Leader Jimmie Musick of Sentinel Confident Perdue will Improve Farmers' Condition

Sentinel, Okla. wheat farmer and vice president of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), Jimmie Musick, attended Thursday's Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association Convention, to meet and mingle with other leaders in the state's wheat industry. Carson Horn, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network associate farm director, caught up with Musick about his recent activity with NAWG. You can listen to their full conversation, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page.





Dominating recent discussion in the wheat community, and most all of agriculture for that matter, has been concerns regarding the exportation of wheat, Musick says, given the large stocks left over from a record harvest, low commodity prices and the opportunity to simply expand market access. Representing NAWG, he recently attended a joint meeting in Baltimore on the subject, with NAWG's partner organization, the US Wheat Associates.





"It was a great meeting. Our relationship with US Wheat is very good and we are proud of that," he said. "We really are looking forward to working with them to build those export markets."





Mexico just this week announced the priorities it's chief negotiator, Kenneth Smith Ramos, will seek to pursue in upcoming renegotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement, scheduled to begin later this month, on August 16th. The goals, made public by the Mexican government, are seemingly in line with those that the US Trade Representative's office recently published themselves, with unfettered agricultural access among the items listed. Musick says he is encouraged by this as a sign of cooperation that could lead to the expedited revision of the treaty and praised Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for leading the charge.





"I think we have a Secretary of Agriculture that's on board with those issue and those challenges and I think he's going to be able to step up to the plate and make things much better for our export markets."





Musick insists Perdue's commitment to advocating for agriculture will not cease with trade negotiations. He says Perdue's abilities as a negotiator and a leader will be proven a tour de force, as the agricultural community and legislative leaders begin crafting the 2018 Farm Bill.





"We're looking forward to our Secretary setting down with us and going over the issues," he said, "as we work towards the problem of solving those issues. They're out there and we know they are and we want to be a part of the solution, not part of the problem."





Primarily, Musick says NAWG is focused on seeing crop insurance safety net programs maintained in the Farm Bill and improved upon as well.





"One of the main issues we have and don't ever plan on getting away from, is protecting farmers," Musick concluded. "Crop insurance is not slightly important - it's very important."





















Listen to Jimmie Musick of Sentinel and Carson Horn discuss his confidence in US Sec. of Ag Perdue

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Ron Sholar of Great Plains Canola Reports on State's Average Crop After Rough '17 Growing Season

As planting season for the 2018 canola crop draws near, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays invited Ron Sholar of the Great Plains Canola Association in studio this week, to talk about this past year's crop and what producers should be considering before planting this fall. Listen to their full conversation by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page.





According to Sholar, this past year's crop showed a lot of promise in the beginning with planted acres in the state up by 25 percent. However, after a tumultuous growing season, farmers nearly lost their crops before moderating temperatures in early summer made a quick save.





"Were in Oklahoma and the Southern Great Plains, weather is always the variable that has a huge impact on how we're going to do either well or poorly," Sholar remarked. "And, that was certainly the case with the '16 - '17 crop."





But it wasn't just a rough year for canola either, says Sholar. Unseasonably high temperatures kickstarted extensive early growth in both wheat and canola crops in the region. He says wheat was harvested early in 2017 and so was canola, harvested two weeks earlier than normal.





"We'll call it an average crop," he said. "We had growers who made 40-50 bushels an acre which is very good for this year. But we also had a lot of 20s, too."





Sholar claims that was the result of stand loss over the winter and tough fall conditions prior to that.





"Guys have to watch their Ps and Qs to make a 20 bushel canola crop make money," he said, but assured that canola will continue to have a growing presence in Oklahoma. "But, they're committed to the crop and we know they're going to stay with it."





Still a relatively new crop to Oklahoma, Sholar insists farmers still have a lot to learn about best management practices when it comes to canola. But he says his colleagues continue their research.





Sholar remains optimistic that farmers, who he says understand the value canola brings to a wheat crop rotation, will plant the same number of acres going into the 2018 season.





Sholar will join Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays for his weekly In the Field segment on KWTV News9 in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday morning at 6:40 a.m.























Listen to Hays interview Sholar on the 2016-17 canola crop in Oklahoma, and his 2018 expectations

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WASHINGTON  The Interior Department's internal watchdog is examining phone calls to Alaska's Republican senators from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke seeking support for the GOP health care bill.

Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall says her office is launching a "preliminary investigation" of Zinke's July 26 calls to Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. The Alaska Dispatch News reported that Zinke warned the senators of repercussions for their state if Murkowski failed to support the bill.

Murkowski was one of three Republicans to vote against the bill, which later failed in the Senate. She said last week she did not consider the call from Zinke a threat.

Democratic Reps. Frank Pallone of New Jersey and Raul Grijalva of Arizona asked Kendall and the Government Accountability Office to review Zinke's actions, which they said appeared to be part of an "organized effort within the Trump administration involving the use of federal resources to advance partisan legislation."

A spokeswoman for Zinke declined to comment Friday.

Zinke has called the notion that he threatened Murkowski "laughable," but he tweeted a photo Thursday of himself and Murkowski smiling over Alaskan beers at his Washington home. "I say dinner, she says brews. My friends know me well," Zinke wrote, adding a beer emoji and "thanks" to Murkowski.

Murkowski chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which has say over Interior Department business and nominations, and leads a Senate Appropriations subcommittee with authority over Interior's budget.

The energy committee approved three department nominees on Thursday, hours after the beer summit at Zinke's home, as well as two nominees for the Energy Department.
This weekend is Iowas sales tax holiday, when some Nebraskans are likely to cross the Missouri River to capture savings on back-to-school items.

With metro-area schools starting up in the next few weeks, the weekend presents an opportunity to save the 7 percent sales tax charged in Council Bluffs. (Sales tax in Omaha, where there isnt a tax holiday, also is 7 percent.)

Some details on the weekend:

Q. What is a sales tax holiday?

The sales tax holiday means Iowa will not collect any sales tax on certain items Friday and Saturday. In Iowas case, only certain items are exempt, primarily clothing and shoes that are priced below $100.

Each item priced under $100 will be exempt from sales tax, regardless of how many items are sold in one transaction.

Many states hold their tax holidays in August to coincide with back-to-school shopping. They typically exempt clothes, computers and school supplies.

Q. When is it?

The holiday began at 12:01 this morning and runs through midnight Saturday. It does not include Sunday.

Q. What is exempt?

By Iowas definition: Clothing means any article of apparel or typical footwear. Examples of items: clothes; shoes; undergarments, like socks, underwear and bras; baby clothes, receiving blankets and diapers; childrens costumes; caps and hats; earmuffs, scarves and gloves; formalwear, such as suits, suspenders, bow ties, tights and stockings; swimming suits and trunks. For a full list, visit tax.iowa.gov.

Q. Whats not exempt?

Clothing does not include backpacks, watches, jewelry, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, sporting equipment, skis, swim fins, in-line skates, regular skates or any specialty clothing or shoes not meant for everyday wear. While many tax holidays include school supplies such as pencils and notebooks, Iowas does not.

Q. Who participates?

All retailers open on Friday and Saturday must participate.

Q. Does Nebraska have a tax holiday?

No, but the measure has been considered by Nebraska lawmakers. In 2009, for example, research for the bill estimated an August tax holiday on clothing, school supplies and other items would cost the state $10 million to $12 million in lost tax revenue.

Also, the Nebraska Department of Revenue has said Nebraskans still owe sales tax during tax season on the goods they purchase in Iowa but use in Nebraska. People who buy items tax-free in other states are supposed to list those items and pay sales tax come tax time on their Nebraska taxes.
Four years after the Motta Law Firm blew into Omaha to represent quadruple-killer Anthony Garcia, the Mottas of Chicago are bowing out.

A court official confirmed last week that Robert Motta Sr. and Robert Motta Jr. have requested a hearing so they can formally withdraw from the murder case.

At that hearing  set for Aug. 31  Douglas County District Judge Gary Randall likely will appoint the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy to exclusively represent Garcia during the death-penalty phase of his case.

Garcia faces life in prison or a death sentence after a jury convicted him in October of the revenge-fueled killings of Thomas Hunter, 11, and Shirlee Sherman in March 2008 and the May 2013 killings of Dr. Roger Brumback and his wife, Mary, both 65.

As they withdraw, the suburban Chicago attorneys end the explosive case with a whimper.

Team Motta  as the defense attorneys liked to refer to themselves  has been Team Turmoil at times.

In a 2014 telephone hearing, a previous judge on the case banged on the phone and yelled at Bob Motta Jr. to shut up after Motta screamed at prosecutors so loudly that his words were incomprehensible. The younger Motta was upset after Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine had moved for sanctions against Motta Jr.s wife, Alison Motta, over comments she purportedly made to a stripper who was a key witness in the case.

In April 2016, Judge Randall booted Alison Motta from Garcias defense team after she told several news media outlets, on the eve of trial, that DNA tests exonerated Garcia and implicated another man in the death of Sherman. The tests did not.

That led Garcias local attorneys to withdraw from the case, citing ethical concerns. Under Nebraska law, out-of-state attorneys such as the Mottas can practice in the state under what amounts to a guest pass from a local attorney.

Randall allowed Jeremy Jorgenson and his then-law partner, David Reed, to step in for the departing local attorneys. But the addition of Jorgenson and subtraction of Alison Motta didnt exactly bring peace to the process.

In a pretrial hearing, Motta Jr. promised a scorched-earth approach at trial, noting he wouldnt have to practice in Omaha after the case was over. He delivered on that promise  scoffing at prosecutors, arguing with the judge and even screaming at a critical witness in the case.

Im sick of his mouth! he once hollered at Kleine. Randall rebuked the younger Motta, telling him he would hold him in contempt if he couldnt control his temper.

Further turmoil followed, even after the case was over.

On the day that Bob Motta Jr. was delivering closing arguments, Jorgenson was supposed to be arguing an appeal for a client before the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Jorgenson then blew a deadline to explain why he failed to show. That led the 8th Circuit to bar him from practicing in front of the federal appellate court and to recommend that he face disciplinary actions in Nebraska.

Early this year he moved to the Chicago area to join the Mottas law office.

In an interview last month, Jorgenson said he has since returned to Omaha for personal reasons. He said then that he will return to Chicago to help the Mottas with a few cases but plans to primarily practice law here.

Jorgensons law license has since been suspended for failure to show proof that he completed required continuing legal education courses. He has told The World-Herald that he is in the process of attempting to reinstate it.

In May, Alison Motta was suspended for three months from an Illinois federal court system for trial antics that included rolling her eyes at a judges ruling, and for calling it (expletive) bull(expletive).

A chief judge in Illinois federal court wrote in her reprimand: These instances of disruptive conduct occurred even after multiple warnings from the trial judge.
A driver who was in the midst of a roughly 15-hour overnight trip has been charged in the deaths of four motorcyclists near Lake McConaughy in western Nebraska.

Jeser Cisneros-Hernandez of Liberal, Kansas, is charged with four felony counts of motor vehicle homicide, reckless driving and failure to stay in his lane in the July 1 crash on Nebraska Highway 26 in Keith County.

The crash killed four people on two motorcycles: Sheila Matheny, 54, and James Matheny, 61, of Bedford, Iowa; and Michal Weese, 58, and Jerolyn Weese, 59, of Council Bluffs. James Matheny and Jerolyn Weese were siblings.

Cisneros-Hernandez was flown by medical helicopter to Greeley, Colorado, for treatment of his injuries.

The preliminary investigation showed that the 2002 Ford Escape that Cisneros-Hernandez was driving was eastbound and crossed the center line, striking the westbound motorcycles, according to court documents.

Cisneros-Hernandez, 22, has said he had about an hour of sleep between the end of his work shift in Sidney, Montana, and starting the drive home to Liberal, in far southwest Kansas, the documents state. The crash occurred just after 9:30 a.m.

That drive, had he completed it, would have been about 900 miles on mostly two-lane highways and would have taken about 15 hours, according to Google maps. Sidney is in eastern Montana, about 100 miles from the Canadian border; Liberal is next to Oklahoma.

Cisneros-Hernandez remains incarcerated at the Keith County Jail. He declined to speak to a reporter Thursday evening.
LINCOLN  The new business school at the University of Nebraskas flagship campus is expected to bear the name of the buildings lead donor, who also is an NU regent.

The naming of Howard L. Hawks Hall at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be considered at the Board of Regents meeting next week.

Hawks said in a statement that hes been fortunate to receive extraordinary benefit from the college. The founder of Tenaska graduated from UNL with an accounting degree in 1957.

I am happy to have the opportunity to help students and faculty benefit from an exceptional educational facility, he said.

The $84 million business school is at 14th and Vine Streets, down the block from Memorial Stadium. The 240,000-square-foot building was privately funded.

Donde Plowman, the business dean during the fundraising campaign for the new building, said the project was a bold goal that Howard and his wife, Rhonda, helped achieve.

Their lead gift inspired other alums and partners to step forward to make this dream come true, said Plowman, who now is UNLs executive vice chancellor.

Hawks requested that the amount of their donation be kept private.

Hawks has been a regent representing a portion of Omaha since 2002. He served as chairman in 2005 and 2014.
WASHINGTON  Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Friday he is not recommending changes to Arizona's Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, the fifth site Zinke has removed from an ongoing review of national monuments for possible elimination or reduction.

The million-acre site overseen by the Interior Department was designated as a monument in 2000. The designation protects it from energy development and other activities.

The Arizona reserve, located west of the Grand Canyon, has some of the most pristine geological formations in North America, Zinke said. The formations "show the scientific history of our Earth while containing thousands of years of human relics and fossils," he said.

Zinke is reviewing 27 national monuments designated by previous presidents. The review was ordered by President Donald Trump, who says many monument designations are unwarranted land grabs by the federal government.

Zinke has removed five sites from review ahead of a final report due later this month. Others removed from consideration are in Montana, Colorado, Idaho and Washington state.

Twenty-two other national monuments, mostly in the West, face curtailing or elimination of protections put in place over the past two decades by presidents from both parties. Monuments under review include Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah, Nevada's Basin and Range, and Katahdin Woods and Waters in Maine.

The Center for Western Priorities, a Colorado-based environmental group, slammed Zinke even as it praised his decision to spare Grand Canyon-Parashant.

"It's time for Secretary Zinke to end this week-by-week reality show charade," said the group's executive director, Jennifer Rokala. "Does he really expect us to say 'thank you' for taking the only legal option available to him? By pardoning a landscape-scale monument of more than one million acres, he's acknowledging both the value and legal status of all of America's national monuments."
The slowdown in Nebraskas economy and the resulting state budget pinch require serious belt-tightening by state institutions. Its encouraging to see that the University of Nebraska is going about that difficult task in a responsible way.

NU faces a $49 million budget gap resulting from state funding cuts and increased costs for expenses such as salaries and insurance.

NU President Hank Bounds provided details this week on the universitys budget strategy. The basic components: $30 million in efficiencies and cuts and $19 million from increases in tuition and enrollment.

Resident undergraduates will see a 5.4 percent increase in tuition costs for the new school year and a 3.2 increase the following year.

The university will eliminate at least 100 positions through attrition or layoffs. NU will seek efficiencies across its campuses by consolidating functions for facilities, energy, procurement and human resources.

To develop its budget strategy, NU created 10 specialized committees with broad representation across NU campuses.

This collaborative approach is important in promoting buy-in and enabling effective adoption of new procedures such as the consolidations.

NU generates 11,000 graduates each year and is an important pillar in the states development of a skilled workforce. It plays a key role in strengthening agriculture and other components of Nebraskas economy.

Just as NU has an obligation to handle its finances responsibly, state leaders should be mindful of providing adequate funding for the state university system for the long term. NU is a pivotal player in Nebraskas future.
Brains. Mary Elizabeth Yeh finds them fascinating.

Ever since 6th grade, says the Creighton University College of Arts and Sciences student from Honolulu, Hawaii, she has been interested in gaining insight into this wildly complex organ. Though she calls this interest her nerdy love for brains, it really is much more than a passion for knowledge of the brain.

My big, long-term goal is to be a neurosurgeon, Yeh says. Although I love learning about the cognitive aspects of the brain and how we process information, store memories, inhibit behavior and learn, I am most passionate about brain structures.

Yeh is a student in one of the newest majors at Creighton University  neuroscience. She explains the field as one that marries biology and psychology. You need different angles to get a better picture.

Core courses cover philosophy, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology and more to bring a well-rounded understanding of the brain.

To reach her goals, Yeh knew she should participate in research to get hands-on experience. So when she took a psychology class from Maya Khanna, PhD, as a sophomore, and learned about Khannas research on the effects of lead on adolescent brains, she jumped at the chance to get involved.

Khanna is a co-investigator on a 5-year, $5.9 million multi-state EPSCoR grant from the National Science Foundation. The ambitious program, known as DevCog (developmental chronometrics and genomics), aims to get collaborators working to map development of the adolescent brain. A lack of data about the factors that influence teenage brain development persists, partly due to the fact that kids dont sit still, making commonly used technologies like fMRI less accurate.

Enter the magnetoencephalography (MEG) machine.

To most people, the MEGs counterpart, the fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imagining) machine, may be more familiar. Essentially, the fMRI detects where brain activity is happening, but the MEG can also show when it occurs, allowing for a systems-level perspective on brain activity.

Khanna encouraged Yeh to apply for funding so she could take on a larger role in the project. Yeh earned the 2016 Jesuit Summer Undergraduate Research Award grant from Creightons Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURAS) to examine the relationship between lead and executive functioning test performance.

Yeh is continuing her work with Khanna this summer, and she hopes to gain a greater understanding of the brain.

Environmental justice questions, posed by the implications of children exposed to lead, nag at her as well.

We need to address this situation in our community, Yeh says. There are national and international implications. Brain cells dont care where you live or what nationality you are.

She seeks to expand her keen understanding of the ethical dimensions of medicine, and she has the drive  and brain power  to do it.

Creighton University offers a top-ranked education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Read more about the university, and connect with Creighton on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
India's unsung heroes: This teen-wonder from TN made world's lightest satellite

Feature

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Among 86,000 designs submitted by contestants across the world for NASA's "Cubes in Space" contest, 80 get selected. One of these 80 technological marvels is a 64 grams satellite, said to be world's lightest, which was carried to space on Terrier-Improved Orion Rocket on June 22, 2017. And what will make every Indian's chest swell with pride is that this minuscule marvel was designed by a class 12th student from Tamil Nadu.

Eighteen-year old Mohammed Rifath Shaarook, who hails from Pallapatti in Tamil Nadu, led a team of six to build this nano satellite which is made of reinforced carbon fibre.

The satellite named Kalam Sat, after late president APJ Abdul Kalam, was to be launched by a sub-orbital spaceflight with an expected mission time of 240 minutes. It was to stay in operation for less than 12 minutes to demonstrate the performance of 3-D printed carbon fibre in a microgravity environment of space.

Shaarook, who is a lead scientist in Chennai-based Space Kidz India, is a class 12th student in Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Pallapatti. Vinay Bharadwaj, Tanishq Dwevdi, Yagnasai, Abdul Kashif and Gobi Nath were part of the team that designed the satellite.

Shaarook, who lost his father Mohammed Farook when he was class 5, said that it took more than 2 years to design the satellite.

Talking about the difficulty he faced while trying to build the satellite, he said the main challenge was to design an experiment, which fit into the strict physical dimension required, i.e. four centimetres and weighing exactly 64 grams.

"We did a lot of research on different cube satellites all over the world and found ours was the lightest," he is reported to have said.

The entire project was undertaken under the supervision Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India. After the satellite was selected by NASA, Kesan said that it would motivate other students to take a bold step in the field of science and innovation.

This minuscule satellite has entered Asia Book of Records, India Book of Records and Assist World Records for "World's lightest and smallest satellite".

Feats such as these ought to be recognised and motivated so that youth across the country take interest in science. Nurturing such talents will go a long way in creating a pool of innovators and scientists who would guide the nation to the forefront of the technological revolution that the world is witnessing.

OneIndia News
Bhutan anticipates fresh unrest in bordering Jaigaon in the next few days

India

oi-Amitava

Jaigaon an Indian settlement in North Bengal sharing borders with Bhutan is fast emerging as a hotspot for the Gorkhaland agitation. With landlocked Bhutan being affected by unrest in Jaigaon, the agitators have been eyeing this settlement to build pressure on the Indian Government.

The Royal Government of Bhutan anticipating political unrest and bandhs in Jaigaon in the next few days, is keeping a close tab on the situation along with adopting a contingency plan.

The main overland entrance to Bhutan is through Jaigaon in the Alipurduar district of North Bengal with the town of Phuentsholing on the Bhutan side. The Bhutan Gate separates the two countries.

Bagdogra near SIliguri is the nearest Indian Airport; Hashimara the nearest railway station and Kolkata the nearest port. India offers a free flow of goods from Kolkata port to Bhutan with most of the goods coming in through Jaigaon. With the border being a friendly border people from both the countries visit each other, conduct business and border trade.

An agitation is underway in the Hills of North Bengal with the demand of carving out a separate state of Gorkhaland from Bengal. Despite an indefinite bandh that hit the 51 day mark on Friday; a fast unto death that touched the 15th day; clashes between security forces and agitators that has left 8 agitators dead in alleged police firing; widespread incidents of arson and vandalizing the Centre has preferred to maintain a calculated silence.

In order to create a stronger impact the agitators had recently tried to spill the agitation to the plains of Terai and Dooars. The Terai and Dooars region has a mixed demography. In the past these areas have witnessed numerous flashpoints between pro Gorkhaland and anti Gorkhaland groups.

On July 30, a rally brought out by pro Gorkhaland supporters in Jaigaon in the Alipurduar district suddenly turned violent when police stopped the rally. Clashes ensued in which many persons including policemen were injured.

The Government of Bhutan, anticipating fresh trouble in Jaigaon or even bandhs in the next few days has alerted Bhutanese citizens and issued instructions. Preventive measures have been worked out and a control room opened up.

Sources in Bhutan state that an administrative meeting was held in Phuentsholing on Thursday. The Government is anticipating trouble or even bandhs on August 8 and 9 tentatively in Jaigaon.

The Bhutanese administration has initiated a control room with representatives of the police department, immigration and the Road Safety and Transport Authority. Necessary information would be disseminated from the control room and citizens alerted in case of any emergency.

The PSA ground in Phuentsholing has been earmarked as evacuation site. All those (Bhutanese subjects) who are rescued by the police in case of any sudden incident in Jaigaon have been instructed to assemble on this ground.

In case the rescued Bhutanese subjects do not hail from Phuentsholing, they will be accommodated in nearby halls and school buildings in the Bhutanese town . Offices in Phuentsholing have been asked to make internal arrangements to accommodate their staff in case of any such eventuality. Bhutanese have been asked not to venture into Jaigaon or travel during any such political unrest or bandh on the Indian side.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has issued a deadline to the Union Government to intervene within August 8, failing which the GJM has threatened to intensify the ongoing agitation from August 9.

India shares almost 700 km of border with Bhutan which includes the Indian border states of Sikkim (32 kms), West Bengal (183 kms), Assam (267 kms) and Arunachal Pradesh (217 kms.)

in 1962, with the active support of Government of India, the road from Jainti and Rajabhatkhawa in North Bengal to Paro in Bhutan via Phuentsholing had opened up.

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 23:39 [IST]
Chant 'Bharat Mata ki jai,' ED counsel tells Kashmir separatist Shabir Shah in court

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

There was some drama at a court in Delhi, when the advocate for Enforcement Directorate asked Kashmir separatist Shabir Shah to chant, " Bharat Mata ki jai." The ED's counsel, Rajeev Awasthi told Shah to chant, "Bharat Mata ki jai," in order to prove his patriotism.

The judge was however not amused. He chided the lawyer and told him that this was not a television studio. Shabir Shah who was arrested by the ED on money laundering charges was produced before the court which extended his custody.

Awasthi said Shah was ruining the country by using money to fund terror. He dared the separatist to chant 'Bharat Mata ki jai,' to prove his patriotism. The judge immediately stopped him and warned the ED counsel that this is not a television studio.

"Argue on the merits of the case," said the judge. During the proceedings, the ED submitted that foreign funds were used for terror activities including stone pelting on the security agencies in the Valley.

The agency told the court that the source of funding of properties of Shah, worth hundreds of crores of rupees, had to be unearthed.

The prosecutor told the court that Shah, arrested on July 25 in the money laundering, was "totally non-cooperative" during his questioning by the ED.

Advocate M S Khan, appearing for Shah, however, alleged that his client was being pressured and compelled to give various statements during his custody by ED officials. He opposed the submission made by the agency, saying that it was not revealing the complete facts before the court.

The agency said there was a need to probe a lot of cash transactions which were used for terror activities and stone pelting causing huge inconvenience in the Valley.

The ED said it was ascertaining Shah's role in "anti-national activities" as well as the terror funding through 'hawala' channels from countries like Pakistan, the UAE and the UK.

It told the court that the separatist leader was in continuous contact with anti-national elements, besides terrorists in Pakistan, and received money for "disrupting the peace of Jammu and Kashmir".

It also said that Shah's associates were to be confronted with him and the "international ramification" of financial involvement was to be unearthed.

The ED's application, seeking seven days' custody, also said that during interrogation Shah revealed that he was obtaining donations for the Kashmir issue in cash for which he was not filing any income tax returns.

The records relating to the donations were to be recovered and the accused had to be confronted with them, the agency said.

Shah was arrested by the ED a day after several Hurriyat leaders were taken into custody of the National Investigating Agency (NIA) in a case of alleged terror funding in the Valley to fuel unrest.

He was taken into custody in the August 2005 case in which the Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Mohammed Aslam Wani (35), an alleged hawala dealer, claiming that Rs 63 lakh was recovered from Wani out of which Rs 52 lakh was allegedly to be delivered to Shah.

The agency had earlier issued summonses to Shah in the case, the prosecution had said, adding that Wani had claimed that he had given Rs 2.25 crore to Shah.

Investigating agencies like the NIA have cracked down on Hurriyat leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law -- Altaf Ahmed Shah, also known as Altaf Fantoosh -- and six other Kashmiri separatists.

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 7:40 [IST]
Congress condemns attack on Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Aug 4: The Congress strongly condemned the attack on party vice president Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat, allegedly by BJP "goons", saying it was deliberately done to create an atmosphere of fear in the state ahead of the Assembly election.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad while condemning the attack said the damage done to the motorcade and security personnel injured clearly shows that it was a well-organised attack on Gandhi to harm him physically. "We strongly condemn the act and the cult of violence for which the BJP and its cadres are famous.

This is being deliberately done by the BJP to create an atmosphere of fear in the state of Gujarat just before the Assembly election," the senior Congress leader said in a statement. "This is yet another example of intolerance exhibited by BJP and its workers openly," he said.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi alleged that when Gandhi was passing through the Lal Chowk area while travelling to flood-affected areas of Banaskantha in Gujarat, he was attacked with cement bricks by BJP "goons". "Glass panes were broken. It was a dastardly attack for no other reason than that Rahul Gandhi was visiting a flood affected area. Are we reaching a space in our democracy where political opponents are not going to be allowed to practice democratic politics?" he asked.

PTI
D K Shivakumar stares at arrest as ED seeks evidence in Rs 2,000 crore demonetised notes case

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Enforcement Directorate is all set to step in to investigate a case relating to D K Shivakumar. An ED official confirmed to OneIndia that it has sought evidence following a complaint made against Karnataka's Energy Minister.

In a complaint, one Guruprasad alleged that the minister had given select people in his constituency at Kanakapura Rs 2 lakh each and got demonetised currency worth several crores of rupees converted into new currency. Kumar, with the help of two associates in Bengaluru, also got more than Rs 2,000 crore in demonetized notes converted through money laundering, he said in the complaint.

Kumar, as energy minister, made Rs 6,000 crore in the Rs 20,000-crore solar power project deal. The 1500MW project, touted to be Asia's biggest power project, has been proposed at Pavagada, Tumakuru district.

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The complainant further alleged that the minster's land was acquired from farmer farmers through benami deals. They were paid small amounts and the same land was later leased to the Solar Power Corporation of India for a high amount.

ED officials who are in receipt of this complaint say that they have sought for further evidence. This is nothing related to the ongoing Income Tax raids on him, the officer further added. We will begin our probe soon once we finish with the preliminary rounds of inquiry the officer also informed.

If the evidence against the minister is strong, there is a good chance that he may be arrested as well.

The IT department does not have the powers to arrest him. However agencies such as the CBI and ED can carry out arrests.

OneIndia News
Recent wildfires on the Lewis and Clark National Forests are illustrating the consequences of the Cottonwood case that is halting forest health projects throughout Montana. Once again the case comes at the expense of our forests, wildlife and communities.

Both the Park Creek and Arrastra Fires on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest were ignited by lightning storms that spread through dense stands of dead timber. And both are located within the area of the Forest Services proposed Stonewall Vegetation Project, which was halted when two environmental litigant groups successfully convinced a federal judge to issue a preliminary injunction to halt the project.

In the face of significant forest health concerns on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, the Stonewall project was initially proposed as far back as 2010. The Forest Service recognized that action was needed to respond to mountain pine beetle outbreaks, and the forest should be managed to maintain and improve viable mature habitat structure to support big game and other wildlife. The agency determined that treatments on unnaturally overgrown stands would promote resiliency with a mosaic of species, reduce fire hazard, and potentially provide timber products to support Western Montana jobs. All of these proposed actions are supported by science.

The Stonewall project included recommendations from the collaborative Lincoln Restoration Committee, consisting of local government officials, conservationists, and timber industry representatives. The collaborative agreed to a combination of logging and prescribed burning to accomplish the goals of the project.

Two serial litigants, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and the Native Ecosystems Council, did not participate in the collaboration. Instead, they sued the Forest Service claiming that the forest management activities and road densities would endanger Canada lynx and grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act, even though the proposed action has been found to comply with the ESA by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Unfortunately, the court cited the Cottonwood case as a precedent, which required the Forest Service to reinitiate ESA consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a decades-old land management plan, as opposed to the actual proposed projects where such consultations commonly occur  and which did happen with the Stonewall Project. Because forest planning is an exhaustive process that often takes decades to revise, the nonsensical Cottonwood decision threatens to upend years of work to design projects that address the threats of catastrophic wildfire, insects and disease.

Both of Montanas U.S. Senators, Steve Daines and Jon Tester, have introduced bipartisan legislation to address the Cottonwood case and allow the Forest Service to address the threats to our national forests. Their legislation simply codifies the Obama Administrations position that the federal agencies are not required to reinitiate consultations at the forest planning level. Congress should pass this legislation without delay, because as many as 80 vegetation management projects are threatened by Cottonwood.

The preliminary injunction against the Stonewall project, and the resulting fires on the Helena-Lewis and Clark are just the latest examples of our broken federal land management system. How many more forested acres must get destroyed, and how many more lives and properties must be endangered before environmental litigant groups are held accountable for their actions?

Edward W. Regan is the resource manager for RY Timber, Inc.
If Modi was careful, Doklam stand-off could have been avoided

To get China to budge, India brings in its best 3

Doklam standoff: Our restraint has hit 'bottom level' says China

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

We have shown utmost goodwill on the Doklam standoff, but our restraint levels too have hit a bottom line, China has told India.

The reaction from the Chinese defence ministry late Thursday night came a day after India's external affairs ministry in a statement said the peace and tranquillity of the India-China boundary constitutes the important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj last month made clear India's position on the over-a-month-long standoff in the Doklam area, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution.

The standoff began on June 16 after Chinese troops began constructing a road near the trijunction with Bhutan, which India says was a unilateral action by Beijing to change the status quo in the area.

New Delhi fears the construction of the road would allow China to cut off India's access to its northeastern states.

Ren Guoqiang, a spokesperson of the Chinese defence ministry, in a statement called on the Indian side to swiftly address the situation in a proper manner to restore peace and tranquillity in the border region.

"Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. Chinese armed forces have also shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability," Ren said, according to report in the state-run Xinhua news agency.

"However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line," Ren added.

The spokesperson urged the Indian side to give up the "illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests".

Ren said the Chinese armed forces will resolutely protect the country's territorial sovereignty and security interests.

OneIndia News
For his 2019 hate speech, Azam Khan gets 3 years in jail; may lose power too!

Azam Khan disqualified as UP MLA after conviction in hate speech

EC orders probe against Azam Khan's son for holding two PAN cards

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The Election Commission has directed the authorities in Rampur to initiate a probe after a complaint that former UP minister and SP leader Azam Khan's son Abdullah Azam has two PAN cards.

Aakash Kumar Saxena, the President of Indian Industries Association, had alleged that Abdullah had given a wrong PAN number in his affidavit filed with the Election Commission, while claiming that the latter possessed another PAN card.

Rampur's District Magistrate Shiv Sahay Awasthi told media on Friday the EC has direct them to launch an investigation into the matter immediately.

"There's a complaint in EC that Abdullah Azam Khan possesses two PAN cards and that he has filed false Nomination Papers...EC sent us a letter directing us for a proper investigation which will start immediately," ANI quoted Awasthi as saying.

Saxena had alleged that Abdullah Azam's affidavit with the EC mentions DWAPK7513R as his PAN number while his Income Tax Return mentions another PAN number - DFOPK616K.

Saxena has reportedly lodged complaints with both the Income Tax department and the Election Commssion. He also demanded that a case of fraud be registered against the former minister's son.

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 12:07 [IST]
Felt awkward after split, says third SP MLC who quit party to join BJP

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

In a fresh trouble for the Samajwadi party, another Member of Legislative Council (MLC) resigned from the party on Friday and joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in presence of Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi.

Sarojini Agarwal is the third SP MLC to quit the legislative council since July 29 when two others resigned citing differences with the party leadership.

Samajwadi Party MLC Sarojini Agarwal resigns from the party & joins BJP. pic.twitter.com/cS7An6E2El  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 4, 2017

"Agarwal has tendered her resignation," according to the office of chairman Ramesh Yadav.

"I had been party MLC twice due to Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav). As he is not active in the party, I have resigned. I don't have problems with anyone in the party and I respect everyone. I felt awkward after split in the party and I did not feel like working in it," Agarwal, whose tenure was to end in 2021, told reporters after her resignation, according to PTI reports.

Earlier, Bukkal Nawab and Yashwant Singh quit the party. The Bukkal Nawab, founder of Rashtriya Shia Samaj had insinuated that he might join BJP if called upon and that many others from SP might follow suit soon.

(With agency inputs)
Flats in Delhi, land in Kashmir, this is separatist Geelani's Rs 150 crore empire

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Prime properties in Jammu and Kashmir, flats in Delhi are some of the properties worth Rs 150 crore owned by Hurriyat hawk, S A S Geelani and family. The NIA which is probing the Hurriyat terror funding case has unearthed a list of properties that are under the control of Geelani and family.

Under the scanner are agriculture lands. Geelani's two sons, Naseem and Nayeem, daughters Anisha, Farhat, Zamshida and Chamshida are also under the scanner of the NIA which has made scores of arrests in connection with this case.

NIA officials say that the property valued the most is at Rs 30 crore. It is at Sopore in Baramullah. The NIA has also learnt that he had Naseem had purchased a home worth Rs 70 lakh in 2006 in Rawalpora, Srinagar.

Naeem and Naseem both have been summoned by the NIA for questioning in Delhi. While Naseem had be issued fresh summons, Naeem has cited health reasons for not appearing before the NIA.

In a statement, Naseem said that his bank balance when he got the NIA notice was Rs 500. I have a loan liability of Rs 23 lakh, he also said in the statement.

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J

An NIA official informed OneIndia that the ambit of the probe is widening each day. Every day new material crops up. However the evidence is very strong in nature and one can expect bigger arrests in the days to come, the officer also said.

OneIndia News
Great tolerance, the CBI is sitting idle in Goa says its SP

Fodder scam case: Lost faith in Ranchi CBI court, say Lalus lawyer

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's counsel on Friday decided to file a petition to move the case to the Patna High Court. The petition claimed that they have lost faith in the CBI court in Ranchi which is hearing the fodder scam case.

Lalu Yadav's lawyer in fodder scam case alleged that impartial rial was not possible in the CBI court.

The case relates to fraudulent withdrawal of funds from Deoghar treasury in the 1990s when Lalu Prasad Yadav was CM of undivided Bihar.

Have filed petition that we've lost faith in Court&impartial trial won't be done. Moving to HC: Lalu Yadav's lawyer in Fodder scam case pic.twitter.com/8pVLM9qbos  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

The apex court in May had set aside the 2014 order which had stayed the trial against Yadav after conviction in one of the cases. The apex court said the Jharkhand high court should have been consistent in its findings and not have given different views for different sets of accused in a case.

It also pulled up the CBI for delay in filing appeal against the high court order in the case and said the probe agency's director should have looked into this important matter and deputed an officer to pursue the case

Subsequently, the CBI challenged the 2014 order of the Jharkhand High Court quashing four pending fodder scam cases against him on the grounds that a person convicted in one case could not be tried in similar cases based on same witnesses and evidence.

(With agency inputs)

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 14:56 [IST]
Hurriyat terror funding: Separatists brought in funds from London, Dubai

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Arrests of top separatists in the Kashmir Valley is just round the corner with the National Investigation Agency unearthing shocking details in the Hurriyat terror funding case.

The questioning of Shahid Islam, a key aide of Mirwaiz Umer Farooq has revealed that funds were being routed into Kashmir not just through Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, but from London and Dubai as well. Shahid was arrested in July along with scores of others in connection with the case.

An NIA officer when asked if the ambit of the probe would widen said that there are new leads that have crept in. Currently we are connecting the dots. The persons who have been arrested have been questioned and now their statements are being tallied with the documents that we have seized. The officer however added that every big name in the Valley figures in the probe.

When Shahid was arrested the NIA had seized a list which had the names of 150 terrorists in it.

Shahid told the NIA that both separatists and terrorists in the Valley work in tandem. The money is first routed into the accounts of separatists from abroad following which it makes it to the hands of terrorists and also those who are selected to fuel the unrest in the Valley, Shahid also told the probe agency.

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 13:34 [IST]
Man thrown out of moving train in UP: He argued about a water bottle

In 3 years, Railways paid 8 lakh compensation for lost baggage

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Aug 4: Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday that the Railways shelled out about Rs 8 lakh to passengers as compensation for lost baggage during the last three years.

In a written reply, Gohain said the ministry paid Rs 4,52,722 in 2014-2015, Rs 66,272 in 2015-2016 and Rs 2,88,662 in 2016-17 to passengers as compensation for the theft of their belongings.

According to the data presented by Gohain, a total of 17,925 cases of travellers' belongings being stolen were registered in 2016, a 47 per cent increase from 2014. In 2015, the number of such cases was 16,180 while in 2014, the number stood at 12,161.

Gohain also said the railways had not paid any compensation in cases of crimes against women in the last three years. On July 28, the minister told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that crimes against women in trains rose by 35 per cent during 2014-2016 during which 1,607 such cases were registered.

The minister also listed security measures taken by the Railways for passenger safety. He said around 2,500 trains on an average were escorted by the RPF daily in addition to 2,200 trains escorted by the GRP of the different states every day.

"Surveillance is kept through CCTV cameras, provided at about 344 stations over the Indian Railways, to ensure safety and security of passengers. Security helpline 182 is made operational over the Indian Railways for security related assistance to passengers," Gohain said.

PTI
The Western bias and why it cannot digest Indias success

Explained: Why has US removed India from its currency monitoring list

Indias objective is to resolve Doklam standoff through diplomacy: MEA

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The Government of India on Friday reiterated that it is open for diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution to the ongoing Doklam standoff with China at the tri-junction with Bhutan.

Gopal Baglay, Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, said: ''India will continue to engage with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution. The government remains prepared, it is the country's responsibility to ensure the security of its citizen and its territory.''

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Sikkim Standoff: India doesn't want peace, says China | Oneindia News

India's approach to achieving the objective of peace and tranquility through diplomacy comes after China said that it has shown "utmost goodwill" over the prolonged military standoff with India in the Sikkim sector but warned that its "restraint" has a "bottom line".

The standoff began on June 16 after Chinese troops began constructing a road near the tri-junction with Bhutan, which India says was a unilateral action by Beijing to change the status quo in the area.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month made clear India's position on the over-a-month-long standoff in the Doklam area, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favoring a peaceful resolution.

New Delhi fears the construction of the road would allow China to cut off India's access to its northeastern states.

(With agency inputs)

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 17:44 [IST]
KEA DCET 2017 results declared, mock allotment on Aug 16

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The KEA DCET 2017 results have been declared. The results are available on the official website. Over 25,000 aspirants have appeared in the DCET 2017.

Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) had released the provisional answer keys on July 13. Today, they have released the final answer keys along with the results. The results can be checked at kea.kar.nic.in.

The display of seat matrix and fee structure for all disciplines will begin on August 8 after 2 pm. The candidates can apply for option entry from August 12 to 16 from 9 am onwards. The mock allotment result will release on August 16.

How to check KEA DCET result 2017:

Go to kea.kar.nic.in

On the riright-hand side of the page, select 'DCET 2017'

You will be redirected to a new page

Enter your DCET number

View your results

Take a printout

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 8:14 [IST]
NEET 2017: SC refuses to disturb PG medical admission in Tamil Nadu

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

NEET 2017: The Supreme Court has refused to disturb the PG medical admission process in Tamil Nadu. The court will now take up the matter for final hearing on September 4 following which an order would be passed in matter.

The Madras high court quashed much of the postgraduate medical merit list published by the Tamil Nadu government. The TN government filed a special leave petition following this. Facing possible contempt from the high court for non-compliance of the June 16 orders, the government moved the SC.

A division bench of Justice Rajiv Shakhder and Justice R Suresh Kumar quashed the merit list published on May 7 and directed authorities to recalibrate the list except those admitted under three specific categories.

The order was necessitated because the state government had classified all the 1,174 public health centres as rural and awarded incentive marks to all in-service doctors working there.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 13:35 [IST]
When youre born and raised in Montana, preserving our outdoor heritage is one of the many values that is instilled at a young age. For the past few months, that value has been under attack by the Trump administration and Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke through the unnecessary review of National Monuments. Secretary Zinke has told us not to worry, and that The Upper Missouri River Breaks will go untouched. Well, I am worried.

Ryan Zinke has a record of saying one thing, but doing another. Remember when Zinke cited his personal observations of diminishing glaciers in Glacier National Park as evidence of climate change, but turned around and defended a million dollar cut to the Parks budget? Or how about the time he threatened Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski over her health care vote, then called the reports "laughable"?

I wont believe The Breaks are protected until the entire review is concluded, and in writing. If Montanans luck out, and we do get to enjoy all The Breaks have to offer for generations to come, lets use another Montana value: lending a hand. We need to help our friends across the country protect the monuments close to their homes.

Brenna Davis

Missoula
Not witch-hunt: D K Shivakumar IT was gunning for him since 2006

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Karnataka's Energy Minister, D K Shivakumar is a worried man. With the Income Tax Department carrying out raids for the past three days now, there is a good chance that more may be unearthed against him.

Contrary to claims that are being made that the IT department raid was a witch hunt to target the Gujarat MLAs being hosted by Shivakumar in Karnataka, the truth of the matter is that this raid was planned months in advance.

A source told OneIndia that it is impossible to launch an overnight raid. If we do that we will come back with egg on our face. Such things require days, if not months of planning. Moreover the raid is on a minister and in sensitive matters, one cannot take chances.

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It may be recalled that one of the minister's associates was raided back in 2006 at Malleshwaram in connection with a probe relating to irregularities in electrical contracts.

Shivakumar also came under the scanner in January 2016 post the decision on demonetisation. Raids were conducted on his associates, some firms and even a jewellery chain. It was alleged that he had investments in some of these firms.

In January 2017 there was a raid on a person called Lepaksha, who is one of the administrators in his school.

Reports suggest that he made several trips to Delhi as he became extremely worried about the raids. He was aware that the IT sleuths would get to him soon The current case is inter-connected with the earlier instances and Shivakumar knew that the IT department was gradually building up the case.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 9:37 [IST]
PM Modi's one appeal to voters in Himachal today is 'to participate'

Rahuls flood tourism gives serious threat to Modis reputation as the 'most-travelled leader'

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

New Delhi, August 4: It looks like Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has been badly bitten by the "flood" bug. That is why he is religiously visiting flood-hit states.

On Thursday, he was in Assam, where two-month long floods killed at least 83 people and affected around 25 lakh residents. A day later, on Friday, Rahul visited Rajasthan, again hit by floods.

As per reports, a total of 17 people lost their lives in Rajasthan floods. Several lakhs of people were badly affected by floods in the state. Rahul is also set to visit Gujarat on Friday.

At least 224 people have lost their lives and around 4.5 lakh people have been affected by floods in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier, Modi did an aerial survey of Gujarat floods and announced Rs 500 crore as an interim relief measure. Modi's aerial survey of Gujarat floods elicited a lot of criticism for ignoring the plight of flood victims of Assam.

Thus, Modi recently visited Guwahati in Assam and had several meetings with chief ministers of various states from the Northeast to take stock of flood and landslide situations in the region.

Modi also announced a package of Rs 2,000 crore for the entire region as a part of the flood and landslide assistance step.

During his Assam visit, Rahul told flood-affected people of Lakhimpur district that his party would fight for their adequate compensation and rehabilitation. Lakhimpur district in Upper Assam is one of the worst flood-affected parts of the state.

A total of 13 people were killed in floods in Lakhimpur district. As a part of Assam visit, Rahul first arrived at Lilabari airport from where he went to flood-affected Jainpur village.

The village has been totally devastated after water was released from the Ranganadi hydroelectric power project in Arunachal Pradesh on July 11. Rahul then crossed the Ranganadi river in a small boat to reach Amtola.

"There are floods in Assam and I thought I must come to meet you and hear about your pain and understand the situation," Rahul told the people. "I will fight for compensation, which is your right," he added.

He also criticised both the state and the central governments for "neglecting" the flood-hit locals of the northeastern state.

On Friday, Rahul visited Devda village in Jalore district of Rajasthan to take stock of the situation caused by floods. Jalore district has been badly hit by the floods. Similarly in Gujarat, Rahul will visit Dhanera, which too has been badly-hit by the floods.

Rahul's sudden rush to visit flood-affected states across the country definitely needs to be appreciated, but it has come as a surprise to even his "silent" supporters as the Congess VP is not considered to be very "active".

On the contrary, it is PM Modi who leads a very busy life, rushing from one tarmac to another as he catches flights to multiple cities in a day's time.

In his three years as the PM, Modi has visited around 70 countries. His most recent visit was a three-day-long trip to Israel in July.

We wonder if Rahul continues to travel like this across the country to "fight for the rights of the people", soon he would be able to replace Modi as the "most-travelled leader" of the nation.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 13:49 [IST]
RSS seeks judicial inquiry into political killings in Kerala, slams CPM

India

oi-Anusha

Slamming the Kerala government for failing to act on attacks against its workers, the RSS demanded an independent inquiry. The RSS has demanded that a judicial body or central agencies must probe political killings in Kerala.

"17 RSS workers have been killed and the Kerala government is doing nothing. Their attitude has not changed despite several assurances and promises to ensure peace. We demand an inquiry from either a judicial body or central agencies," said Dattatreya Hosabale, Joint General Secretary, RSS.

The RSS ideologue asked if it had become a crime for a person to support or promote a nationalist organisation in Kerala. "Don't RSS workers have the right to work for their organisation in Kerala? Such state-supported violence will not be tolerated. There is an uproar when people are killed in all other parts of the country but when RSS workers are murdered in Kerala, there is no outrage," Hosabale added.

He highlighted that those killed in political violence also included a woman and Dalits. "We have no personal enmity with anyone. The Kerala government has been misusing the state police and we have no faith. Let an independent body probe the cases," he demanded.

Earlier the National Human Rights Commission had sought a report from the Kerala government over incidents of political killings.

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 15:41 [IST]
PM Modi's one appeal to voters in Himachal today is 'to participate'

Special rakhis for brother Modi from elderly women, widows of UP

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Lucknow, August 4: For the country, he is our Prime Minister, but for the elderly women and widows residing in ashrams (special homes) and old age homes of Varanasi and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Narendra Modi is their "beloved brother".

And, as the festival of Raksha Bandhan is due in a few days from now, these women are busy making special rakhis for Modi. This year, the festival will be celebrated on August 7.

Every year, during Raksha Bandhan women and girls tie rakhi (a special colourful thread) on the wrists of their brothers and the brothers in return vow to protect their sisters.

The Hindu religious festival is celebrated by people belonging to all religions as it marks a special bond between brothers and sisters.

For the last few days, the elderly women and widows of the ashrams and old age homes are having a great time making several rakhis for the PM. As they sit and make rakhis, they sing, talk and make merry in anticipation of meeting Modi again.

Like every year, this time too, these women will visit Modi and personally tie rakhis on his wrist.

Speaking to reporters a woman said, "PM Modi is our brother Modi. He is doing a great job for the country. We are proud of him. We are making special rakhis for him. All of us are excited to meet him again."

In fact, Varanasi is the parliamentary constituency of Modi from where he won the 2014 Lok Sabha polls with a huge margin.

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 9:47 [IST]
Should Kashmir be given to Pakistan: Row erupts after this question appears in MP civil service exam

Hurriyat terror funding: Custody of four separatists extended to Aug 14

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, August 4: A Delhi court on Friday extended the NIA custody of four Kashmiri separatists, including the son-in-law of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, by 10 more days in a terror funding case.

Special Judge O P Saini, however, sent three other separatist leaders to judicial custody for a month after the National Investigation Agency did not seek their custody.

Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah and other six accused Ayaz Akbar, Peer Saifullah, Shahid-ul-Islam, Mehrajuddin Kalwal, Nayeem Khan and Farooq Ahmed Dar were arrested on July 24 in the case of alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley.

The agency had earlier sought their custody, saying they had to be taken to various places for the purpose of investigation. Shah, the son-in-law of hardline separatist leader Geelani, was in the custody of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who had put him under preventive detention immediately after the festival of Eid last month.

Geelani's close aides Tehreek-e-Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar and Peer Saifullah were arrested by the NIA from the Valley. Shahid-ul-Islam is the spokesman of the moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq. Hafeez Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of the Jamaat-ul Dawah, the front of the banned Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), has been named in the FIR as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference (factions led by Geelani and Mirwaiz Farooq), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Dukhtaran-e-Milat.

As a part of the agency's efforts at clamping down on separatist groups allegedly receiving funds for subversive activities in the Valley the houses of those arrested had been earlier raided by NIA sleuths. The agency had claimed that it recovered account books, Rs two crore in cash and letterheads of banned terror groups, including of the LeT and the HM, during the raids.

PTI
Vice Presidential poll: Venkaiah vs Gandhi today

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The elections for the next Vice-President of India will be held on Saturday as members of Parliament gear up to cast their ballot. The name of the next vice president of India will be known by Saturday evening.

NDA's Vice-Presidential candidate Venkaiah Naidu will most likely win the elections as he is expected to bag at least 488 votes. However, with more parties coming forward to back him, Naidu is expected to win 587 out of the 787 votes in the electoral college.

The opposition has fielded Gopal Krishna Gandhi against Naidu. The BJD and the JD(U) which had supported NDA nominee Ramnath Kovind for the post of president, will be backing opposition nominee Gandhi.

Despite having severed ties with the Grand Alliance, JD (U)'s Nitish Kumar said that he would back Gandhi, a former governor of West Bengal.

The election will be held between 10 am and 5 pm tomorrow during which the Members of Parliament will use special pens for marking their choice on the ballot provided by the Election Commission. No whip can be issued by political parties as the election is through a secret ballot.

The election process is similar to the one deployed in the presidential poll. The VP too is elected by the electoral college comprising members of the both houses of Parliament. However, the only difference is that in the VP election the members of the state legislature are not part of the electoral college.

[With backing of 587 members, Venkaiah Naidu set to be next Vice President of India]

Electoral College for this year's election consists of the following members:

From Rajya Sabha: 233 elected and 12 nominated members.

From Lok Sabha, 543 elected and 2 nominated.

The total members in the Electoral College are 790.

OneIndia News
Mamata's party has replaced 'Rule of Law' by 'Rule by TMC law': Rijiju

West Bengal: 180 days of maternity leave for all female employees

India

pti-PTI

Kolkata, Aug 4: The Mamata Banerjee government has decided to sanction maternity leave for a maximum period of 180 days for all categories of female contractual employees engaged directly by the state government.

In a notification issued by the West Bengal government Finance (Audit) department, it was declared that all categories of female contractual employees including software personnel engaged directly by the state government departments and directorates will get maternity leave for a maximum period of 180 days.

These employees will also get a leave of 42 days in case of abortion or miscarriage, the notification said.

"During the period of such leave, female contractual employees will get contractual remuneration as per terms and conditions of the contract," it added. The order will be effective from this July.

PTI
What was the Bandung Conference that Sushma Swaraj spoke off

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

On Thursday during her reply in the Rajya Sabha on the Doklam standoff, External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj quoted the Bandung Conference. The Bandung Conference was one such episode, the minister said.

What is the Bandung Conference? Let us take a look.

The Bandung Conference was held in 1955 and this was the first ever large scale meeting of Asian and African countries. India was represented by the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Zhou Enlai was representing the Chinese.

A retired journalist, Neville Maxwell was quoted by the Indian Express. He said, with some of our neighbouring countries we have not yet finally fixed our border line and we are ready to do so. But before (such negotiations can be held) we are willing to maintain the present situation by acknowledging that those parts of our border are parts which are undetermined. We will restrain our government and people from crossing even one step across our border, (and) if such things do happen we (would) admit our mistake. As to the determination of common borders which we will be undertaking with our neighbouring countries, we shall use only peaceful means and we shall not permit any other kind of method. In no case shall we change that," Zhou had declared.

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In 1950 Nehru while speaking on the alignment of the border with Tibet said that the frontier with Bhutan eastwards has been clearly defined by the McMahon Line which was fixed by the Simla Convention of 1914.

China's official maps had ignored the McMahon Line and showed India's North East Frontier Agency as part of their territory. Nehru however said that our maps show the McMahon Line as our boundary. We stand by that boundary and will not allow anyone to come across our boundary he had also said.

Neville says, India's McMahon Line claim stands only on a forward policy - which had been advanced by British India's North East frontier by close to 70 miles in its final leg. It is possible that Nehru was told about the Line by senior official Sir Olaf Caroe during the time of Independence. Interestingly, the Chinese government is said to have come to know about it later when it got access to diplomatic records filed in the Potala in Lhasa but it didn't change their basic policy, he also said.

Maxwell further goes on to add that the Doklam standoff is the sour fruit of Delhi's irrational insistence that it has the right to set its borders as well as that of its neighbours as well.

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 7:07 [IST]
When IT needed an electrician and blacksmith to raid D K Shivakumar

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Income Tax department which conducted raids on Karnataka's energy minister, D K Shivakumar had a peculiar problem to face. They suspected that he had stashed away cash in the air conditioner at his home.

The IT department officials immediately had an electrician summoned to open the AC. Following this the IT department checked on the lockers at his home. While they managed to open two, the third being an electronic one could not be opened.

The officials asked Shivakumar for the password, but he refused to share it. Finally a locksmith was called in and the locker was broken. The IT department officials found some investment papers in it which currently is being scrutinised.

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During the raids scores of documents were recovered. Some documents regardng investments in Singapore and other locations abroad were seized. One document pertaining to a deal with the son of a former chief minister is also under the scanner of the IT.

When asked if documents relating to shopping complexes in Dubai and Singapore apart from a property in Birmingham were seized, the officials refused to confirm or deny the same.

Shivakumar was questioned for nearly two hours for his alleged involvement with solar power equipment firms. He denied all the allegations made against him.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 9:07 [IST]
Doklam standoff: 3 reasons why the Chinese will not back off

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

There seems to be no respite at Doklam where the Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a standoff for more than five weeks. In this backdrop, a Chinese scholar has given three reasons why China will not pull out of Doklam.

You Dongxiao, an associate professor with the International College of Defense at the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army, has written a column in Xinhua explaining why the Chinese are unlikely to back down at Doklam.

Doklam standoff: Our restraint has hit 'bottom level' says China

1. Doklam falls under China and that this is the first intrusion into the Chinese side of the boundary. He says that the 1890 Convention between Great Britain and China relating to Sikkim and Tibet and says that the region has been 'clearly delineated' according to the agreement. "If China backs down now, India may be emboldened to make more trouble in the future."

Doklam standoff: China cools off, begins winding down of troops

2. India has not given any 'legal basis' for its troops entering the territory and halting Chinese road construction. Dongxiao questioned when and why Bhutan asked India to step into Doklam to protect its interests. "India's own security concerns cannot possibly warrant a military occupation of a neighboring country. If they did, then any country could send its military forces unbidden into any neighboring country over purely internal security concerns,"

3. "It will be 'ridiculous to conclude' that China will allow any compromise of its territorial integrity. China will never back down in the face of foreign military pressure and will defend its native soil at all costs. However China would not wish to enter into a war with India as peace is essential for its economic growth and reform agenda."

OneIndia News
Is there a third Solsa American Burrito Co. in the works for the now vacant Pizza Hut building on Eldorado Street?

You're not the first person to ask me that, said Paco Greenwell, owner of the local restaurant.

The answer to the question is a firm no.

But you can't blame people for asking, he added.

Greenwell did, after all, open his first Solsa in a former Pizza Hut on Main Street in Decatur and is currently remodeling a former Pizza Hut in Mount Zion that will be his second Solsa location.

We are a curious bunch (I'm talking about all of you reading this, not just reporters), always on the lookout for any hint that something might be in the works.

Sometimes the hints are subtle, like sale pending being added to real estate sign outside a commercial building.

It could be a light being left on in a vacant building that's usually dark. Don't lie. You've seen the light on in the old Ruby Tuesday from time to time and wondered  you've even asked your friends  if another restaurant was getting ready to open there soon.

Some hints are a little more flamboyant, like the balloons and Exciting things are coming soon ... written on the window at 135 E. Prairie Ave. in downtown Decatur for the past couple weeks.

The building's new owner is Kimberly Entler. She used to be a tenant in the building before moving her Embroidered Expressions a few blocks over to 159 W. Main St.

Again, the answer is no. Entler is not moving her emboidery business to its former location.

It's a question she's been asked a time or two since word began to spread about her purchase of the Prairie Avenue building.

Instead, she is working with her daughter, Paige Geggie, and daughter-in-law, Alexis Geggie, to open a boutique/gift shop in the location. Do some window shopping this weekend during the Decatur Celebration to get a glimpse of what the new Penelope Boutique plans to offer.

While there, look across the street and take note of the changes taking place at the former Bell's Jewelry at 112 E. Prairie Ave.

There have been some exterior upgrades that make the front of the building look a lot like The Brass Horn next door.

That's not a coincidence. George Streckfuss and Ryan Spurlock, who own The Brass Horn, recently purchased the building.

Streckfuss thinks people will be amazed at how the retail space is taking shape. He promises something much different than the small, plain showroom it was for many years.

No, it isn't a new restaurant, Streckfuss said, which is what many people were wondering soon after the builders began showing up.

Instead, it will complement his current business. Stay tuned for more details.

Back to Greenwell, he admits the Mount Zion Solsa was, perhaps, the worst-kept secret ever.

But even as rumors were spreading, Greenwell wouldn't say anything official until all the hurdles had been cleared.

Anything can happen. he said.

That's a common refrain from developers and economic development officials everywhere.

Greenwell said expanding to the Mount Zion area was always part of the plan. He figures he can build upon his customer base without cannibalizing his current location.

He said it was just a coincidence that the Pizza Hut building came available at the same time they began scouting locations. Other options were being considered.

Greenwell said he isn't ruling out a third local location, eventually, or expanding the brand beyond Macon County or Central Illinois.

As for taking immediate advantage another Pizza Hut building: I wish it was that simple, he said, noting there's much more that needs to be considered beyond the availability of a building.

Ask any business owner and they will tell you it takes more than a good idea to start a successful business. You need a product, you need a location, you need money and you need customers. Did I mention money?

Unlike many businesses that refuse to venture too far away from the intersection of U.S. 36 and Illinois 121, Greenwell anticipates nothing but good things coming from the decision to locate in Mount Zion.

While hopeful there is a solid customer base among nearby residents, he can't help but take note of the heavy flow of traffic that goes by the new location every day going to and from Sullivan and Shelbyville and beyond.

And what about the hotels a couple miles down the road?

He's confident those guests will find Solsa, too.
This vending machine in Dubai rolls out free hot bread for all

IRCTC's affordable Dubai tour package: All you need to know

Fire rips through Dubai Marine Torch for second time since 2015

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A fire has ripped through one of Dubai's tallest towers, the Dubai Marina Torch. Several residents fled the building after the fire ripped through the building. This is incidentally the second blaze to hit the skyscraper in as many years.

Authorities said no casualties were reported from the blaze which erupted in the middle to upper floors of The Torch, once the tallest residential development in the world.

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The Civil Defence said that at around 3.30 am, the firefighters had brought the blaze under control. There are no injuries reported they also said. Several skyscrapers in the United Arab Emirates have caught fire in recent years, including a towering inferno that engulfed a 63-story luxury hotel in Dubai on New Year's Eve in 2016. In that blaze, as in others in Dubai in recent years, residents escaped without major injury.

Authorities said the building was successfully evacuated as dozens of firefighters brought the flames under control. Videos showed debris falling the damaged building onto surrounding areas as terrified locals watched on.

OneIndia News
Are you a vicim of cyber fraud? Here is the new national helpline number

Hacker who stopped 'WannaCry' cyberattack held in US over malware claims

International

oi-PTI

Las Vegas, August 4: The US authorities arrested, Marcus Hutchins, a young British researcher who helped stop a global cyberattack in May, for allegedly creating and distributing malicious software designed to collect bank-account passwords.

Hutchins was detained in Las Vegas on his way back to Britain from an annual gathering of hackers and information security gurus. A grand jury indictment charged Hutchins with creating and distributing malware known as the Kronos banking Trojan.

Such malware infects web browsers, then captures usernames and passwords when an unsuspecting user visits a bank or other trusted location. News of Hutchins' detention came as a shock to the cybersecurity community. Many had rallied behind the researcher whose quick thinking helped control the spread of the WannaCry attack that crippled thousands of computers last May.

The indictment, filed in a Wisconsin federal court last month, alleges that Hutchins and another defendant, whose name is redacted, conspired between July 2014 and July 2015 to advertise the availability of the Kronos malware on internet forums, sell the malware and profit from it.

The indictment also accuses Hutchins of creating the malware. Authorities said the malware was first made available in early 2014, and "marketed and distributed through AlphaBay, a hidden service on the Tor network."

The US Department of Justice announced in July that the AlphaBay "darknet" marketplace was shut down after an international law enforcement effort. A court hearing was scheduled for Hutchins last afternoon in Las Vegas.

It was not immediately clear if he has a lawyer. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a San Francisco-based digital rights group, said it was "deeply concerned" about Hutchins' arrest and was attempting to reach him. Hutchins recently attended Def Con, an annual cyber security conference in Las Vegas that ended Sunday.

On Wednesday, Hutchins made some routine comments on Twitter that suggested he was at an airport getting ready to board a plane for a flight home. He never left Nevada. A Justice Department spokesman confirmed the 22-year-old Hutchins was arrested Wednesday in Las Vegas. Officer Rodrigo Pena, a police spokesman in Henderson, near Las Vegas, said Hutchins spent the night in federal custody in the city lockup.

Hutchins' mother called to tell Andrew Mabbitt, a British digital security specialist, that her son hadn't made his flight home. Mabbitt, who had been staying in Las Vegas with Hutchins, said he and his friends grew worried when they got "radio silence" from Hutchins for hours.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 9:15 [IST]
IS commander directed plane bomb plot in Australia, says police

International

oi-PTI

Sydney, Aug 4: A group of Australian men was directed by a senior Islamic State commander to build a bomb destined for an Etihad Airways flight out of Sydney, police alleged.

The improvised explosive device was due to be smuggled onto the July 15 service, but the attempt was aborted before they reached security. Two men have been charged, with a third still being questioned.

"This advice was coming from a senior member of the Islamic State," Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan said, referring to him as a "commander" based overseas.

Police also foiled a second alleged plot involving a "chemical dispersion device", designed to release highly toxic hydrogen sulphide, but this was in the early stages. "Not only have we stopped the IED that was believed to go on the plane but we have also completely disrupted the intended chemical dispersion device," said Phelan.

The IS leader sent components through international cargo to the men, then directed them on how to build a bomb, police claimed. "With assistance from the ISIL commander, the accused assembled the IED into what we believe was a functioning IED to be placed on that flight," said Phelan.

"There is a little bit of conjecture as to why it didn't go ahead. It didn't get past the check-in." Phelen referred to it as "one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil".

Four men were arrested during raids in Sydney on Saturday. Two of them -- aged 32 and 49 and reportedly brothers -- were each charged with two counts of "acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act" and are due in court today. One man has been released without charge and another is still being questioned.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 10:29 [IST]
Afghanistan: Suicide bomber who attacked NATO patrol wore burqa

International

pti-PTI

Kabul, Aug 4: The suicide bomber who attacked a NATO patrol, killing one service member and two Afghan civilians, was wearing a burqa, an Afghan official said.

Abdul Sami Sharifi, governor of the district of Qarabagh, located north of the Afghan capital, said on Friday that the attacker was riding a motorcycle.

He said the bomber rammed his motorcycle into a NATO patrol late the previous night. The US military in Afghanistan reported the death of the coalition member but not identify the soldier's nationality.

The statement said another five service members and their Afghan translator were hurt in the attack, but were in stable condition. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack in a telephone call to The Associated Press.

News reports indicated that the ambushed convoy belonged to the U.S. military and it was hit by a Taliban suicide bomber. Qarabagh district is just south of Bagram airfield, the largest U.S. base in Afghanistan.

A suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan on Wednesday killed two American troops as they were travelling in a convoy near the airport in the southern city of Kandahar.

PTI
At UNSC, US calls on world to tell Russia to stop its nuclear threats

Three people injured in San Francisco park shootout, police hunt for gunman

International

oi-PTI

San Francisco, August 4: Three people were wounded when a gunman opened fire at a popular San Francisco park packed with families and tourists.

Police are looking for at least one gunman who fled the scene yesterday, San Francisco Police Officer Grace Gatpandan said. San Francisco General Hospital spokesman Brent Andrew said one of the victims remained in critical condition last evening. Another man was treated and released, he said.

The third victim, also a male, is a minor and remains hospitalized but Andrew wouldn't provide any other details about him. Nearby resident Antonia Juhasz said she was sitting in Dolores Park when she heard a burst of gunshots.

"I saw a person with a gun in their hand running," she said. "I think there were a total of three shots." Juhasz, 47, said she saw two people who had been shot. Both were bleeding as emergency workers carried them away on stretchers, she said. San Francisco police advised people to stay away from Dolores Park right after the shooting but lifted that advisory two hours later.

Dolores Park sits on a hill in the Mission District and is a popular destination for locals and tourists who come to sunbathe and take in city views. It's near a high school. Juhasz, who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years, said the park was packed with families and tourists when the shots were fired.

"At first people didn't totally react because it sounded like fireworks," said Juhasz, a writer and freelance journalist. "I was yelling at people, 'It's actually a gun, it's actually a gun.'"

She further said that it was terrifying, mostly because people weren't reacting and people began running after realizing there had been gunshots.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 10:26 [IST]
'Enduring defeat of IS must be the goal'

Trump enters US state department for first time as his favourite Mike Pompeo takes over as secy

Tillerson likely to raise human rights concerns with Philippines President

International

pti-PTI

Manila, Aug 4: Ahead of Rex Tillerson's Philippines visit, Acting US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton has said that the Secretary of State will raise concerns about human rights when he visits Manila this week for Asia's biggest security forum.

The issue may be raised during possible talks with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Tillerson will raise all relevant issues in the US alliance with the Philippines, including concerns about human rights, Thornton said in Washington on Wednesday.

She said a meeting with Duterte is being arranged. Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Robiespierre Bolivar said yesterday that the Philippines is open about its rights record.

"So definitely if Secretary Tillerson wishes to raise that, the Philippines has always been open and committed to protecting human rights," she said.

Duterte, however, has lashed out at critics of his war on illegal drugs, which has left thousands of suspects dead in the past year. When then-US President Barack Obama raised concerns about the mounting death toll, Duterte told the president to "go to hell."

Thornton said Tillerson's trip to Manila will provide a chance for a robust bilateral program with the Philippines on the sidelines of the security meetings. She said there will be much to talk about, including a siege by Islamic State group-linked militants in the southern city of Marawi and growing threats of international terrorism.

"But certainly, we will be talking about governance, about human rights issues, and about how we can increase our economic and other kinds of people-to-people engagement with the Philippines," she added.

Duterte's spokesman, Esrnesto Abella, said no announcement has been made of a meeting between Tillerson and Duterte. Human rights advocates have accused Duterte of unleashing "a human rights calamity" with his war on drugs. They say his recent threat to bomb tribal schools he accused of teaching students to become communist rebels could constitute war crimes, prompting Duterte to clarify that the schools would only be bombed when the buildings are empty.

PTI
UN chief Guterres to make first visit to Israel, Palestinian territories

International

oi-PTI

United Nations, August 4: After assuming office as UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres will pay his first visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip at the end of the month. A three-day visit will begin on August 28.

The UN chief will hold talks with Israeli leaders, travel to Ramallah to meet Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and to the Gaza Strip, where the United Nations runs a major Palestinian aid program. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon said yesterday the visit will allow Guterres to "build a relationship" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He will also hold meetings with the Israeli president and defence minister. "We are very happy about this visit," Danon told AFP. "It's a great opportunity for the secretary general to experience Israel, to meet the leaders of Israel and to understand the challenges that Israel faces day-in and day- out." Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour described the upcoming visit as "very important," indicating that it signalled a stronger UN focus on the plight of Palestinians.

"The UN has been involved since its inception with the question of Palestine and will remain involved until the question is resolved in all its aspects on the basis of international law," he told AFP by email. The visit comes as diplomatic efforts to revive Israeli- Palestinian peace talks appear deadlocked. Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, "is experienced. He has been to Israel in the past. He knows the complexity of the issues.

He is not someone who comes to our region and has no clue about what is happening," said Danon. The Israeli government will discuss strengthening the mission of the UN interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said Danon, following a series of skirmishes along the UN-monitored demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.

Relations between the United Nations and Israel have been tense over the expansion of Jewish settlements, which the world body has condemned as illegal. Since taking over from Ban Ki-moon on January 1, Guterres has been cautious in his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, partly in response to US accusations that the United Nations was biased against Israel.

In March, the UN chief demanded that a report by a UN body be withdrawn after it accused Israel of imposing an apartheid system on the Palestinians. Guterres had initially distanced himself from the report, but the United States insisted that it be withdrawn altogether.

Guterres called for de-escalation and respect for the status quo during the recent flareup of violence in Jerusalem after Israel installed metal detectors at the Haram al-Sharif mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 9:21 [IST]
At UNSC, US calls on world to tell Russia to stop its nuclear threats

US keen to work on areas of mutual cooperation with new Pakistan PM Abbasi

International

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Washington, August 4: Pakistan's newly-elected Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was congratulated by the US saying it "looks forward" to working with him on areas of mutual cooperation.

"We want to congratulate Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi on his election by the National Assembly. We will certainly look forward to working with him on areas of mutual cooperation," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her biweekly news conference yesterday.

"We have a very strong people-to-people ties with the government of Pakistan. We'll look forward to working with Pakistan, and we'll look forward to working with him as well," she said in response to a question on the election of Pakistan's new prime minister.

Meanwhile, Nauert said she is not aware of the claims by Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that the then US President Bill Clinton had offered him USD 5 billion during Kargil war.

"I'm not aware of any of that money and what you're referring to from quite a few administrations ago," she said. Abbasi is likely to continue as premier for the remaining 10-month tenure of PML-N as the party chief Nawaz Sharif has hinted retaining his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the key province.

Abbasi, 58, was endorsed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to hold the post for the interim arrangement of 45 days (till mid-September) till his brother, Shahbaz, makes to Islamabad. Sharif, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case on July 28, had nominated Shahbaz to succeed him after winning a by-election on his vacant seat in Lahore.

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Story first published: Friday, August 4, 2017, 8:39 [IST]
North Korea: Missile tests were practice to attack South, US

North Korea denies US claims of supplying arms to Russia

When North Korea missile came perilously close to Air France plane

International

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

An Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) test fired by North Korea came within 100 kms of an Air France flight carrying over 300 passengers, said reports.

With the Pentagon stating N Korea's ICBM flew through the busy airspace, Air France maintained that its plane was not in danger.

The Air France is, however, extending its no-fly zone around North Korea as a precaution, reported BBC.

On July 28, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed that North Korea fired a missile and it may have landed in the sea off Japan. In Washington, a Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt Jeff Davis, confirmed that a launch of a ballistic missile from North Korea had been detected.

The missile and the Boeing 777 came within 100 kms of each other over northernmost of Japan's main islands, Hokkaido.

The missile did not interfere with the flight path of the Boeing 777 and there was no change in Air France's services in the region, the airline said.

A Russian-made Buk missile, had in 2014, allegedly hit a Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine. The plane crashed, leaving 283 passengers dead.

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Before the sun even rose Friday morning, Justin and Sherie Rutledge were hard at work to prepare for a weekend of festivities.

Its crazy down here, said Justin Rutledge. Its hectic craziness.

The couple from Havana, Ill. were among the dozens of vendors who started work Friday morning to set up for the Decatur Celebration, which starts Friday afternoon and runs through Sunday night.

By 6 a.m. Friday, the Rutledges were setting up on North Franklin Street near the Stephen Decatur statue, putting dozens of pounds of pork into the smokers so they would be ready by Friday afternoon. The duo travel to events to promote their business, Deadwood BBQ, and were hopeful their inaugural trip to Decatur Celebration would be a successful one.

We have our fingers crossed, said Sherie Rutledge.

With cool weather expected for the weekend, vendors like Kari Calhoun were optimistic that business would be booming.

Calhoun, owner of Petals Gift Shop in Forsyth, arrived at the celebration grounds at 8 a.m. Friday to set up her wares, which included specially designed T-shirts and other trinkets, across from Central Park.

This will be Calhoun and her husbands third time at the Celebration. Even with the long hours necessary to set up, operate and tear down, Calhoun said it was worth it.

We wouldnt do it if it werent successful for us, she said.

Good weather is expected for the weekend, with partly cloudy skies and a high of 73 degrees today, according to the National Weather Service in Lincoln.

Saturday will see mostly sunny skies with a high of 79. A 40 percent chance of storms on Sunday will give way to a mostly cloudy evening as Celebration wraps up. The high is expected to be 76.

The Herald & Review's Celebration coverage will continue all weekend in print and online. Don't miss our livestream from Hickory Point Bank, and make sure to follow our Facebook page for live video of the headliners, taste testing and more!
by  Graham Pierrepoint



Recently, One New Page reported that claims were being brought forward by an Iraqi general over the fact that Tony Blair  former British Prime Minister during the Iraq War of 2003  may have committed war crimes. Blair remains one of the most divisive figures in Western politics, with many opposed to the conflict overseen by George W Bush in the early 00s seeing the figurehead as instrumental in a search for weapons of mass destruction that may not have existed. Further to this point, there are also claims alleged that removing Saddam Hussein from Iraq helped little in the name of democracy  but beyond this point, Tony Blair has remained a rather controversial name to bring up in British politics at the very least.

General Abdul Wahed Shannan Al Rabbat had chosen to pursue a claim against Mr Blair that he should be brought to trial for committing what he termed a crime of aggression in leading the UK to support Bushs invasion of Iraq almost 15 years ago. Gen Al Rabbat argued that there was genuine reason for pursuing prosecution of the former world leader  as the Chilcot Report, published last year, advised that the invasion of Iraq was undertaken under unsatisfactory circumstances  and that Blair may have exaggerated how much of a threat Saddam Hussein was to the West.

However, the High Court has effectively blocked the Generals bid for prosecution on the grounds that such a private case had no way of winning out  referring back to the case of R v Jones in 2006, where it was determined that crimes of aggression did not exist under English jurisdiction  though it may exist overseas. The news will come as a blow to Gen Al Rabbat and to many who feel that Blair should receive more of a reprimand for his role in the conflict than the mere outcome of the Chilcot Report.

Blair has remained no stranger to frontline politics despite not having been Prime Minister for some time  he has recently weighed in on Brexit, and rumors suggesting his return to the Labour Party or politics in general were circulating until Jeremy Corbyn reclaimed seats for the party at the recent snap election. Regardless of where you stand on Blair  the actions taken during the Iraq War will continue to taint both his and Bushs legacies.
BEDFORD, Texas  Carlos and Neydi Romero dont follow the traditional rules for anniversary gifts. Instead of commemorating the occasion with paper, cotton, or linen, the Bedford couple celebrates each May with fur.

Theyve been married three years and have three dogs to show for it. Their anniversary tradition went viral after Neydis sister Odalis tweeted about it and received nearly 9,000 retweets.

Carlos proposed to Neydi in 2013 in front of their church. Neydi, only 18 at the time, knew she wasnt ready for children. But both of them wanted a dog.

A few days before their first wedding anniversary, Neydi received her first furry surprise.

Carlos was waiting for her in the parking lot after work with a jacket in his arms.

He was holding it weird, like a baby, Neydi said.

When she asked what was going on, Carlos told her to come see, and he got a just priceless reaction from Neydi.

He opened it, and it was a white and black fluffy ball, she said.

Captain became the first addition to the Romero family.

Meet the dogs

Carlos, 24, and Neydi, 21, think of their dogs like children.

Like any older child, Captain, an Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler mix, was reluctant to welcome the Romeros second dog, Teddy.

But eventually, Captain came around and now acts as a protector to his younger brothers.

Together, Carlos and Neydi decided to take Teddy, a Labrador Retriever Beagle mix, into their family for their second anniversary. They found him through a Facebook page after his original owners sought a new home for him.

When they brought him home, he had tape worms, fleas and was severely underweight.

Teddy is only 20 pounds, and what Carlos wanted was a big and fluffy dog.

So for their third anniversary, they picked Chewy, a German Shepherd Husky mix that came from a friends litter.

Chewy is named after the Star Wars character Chewbacca, because he has a similar growl. He also likes to get under chairs and chew on them, Neydi said.

Neydi says she wants the next dog to be a girl. And for all those concerned, dont worry, they plan to stop after five.

I think five is pushing it, Neydi said. But I think its doable.

Plans for the future

The couple live in an apartment, but they want to move to a house. They want to give the dogs more space  and they may add a human child to the brood in the future.

Someday, Carlos wants to buy a ranch to train shelter dogs and help them find new homes.

Thats been a dream of mine, he said. I just want to save as many puppies as we have in the animal shelters.

But until then, Carlos and Neydi have two more dogs to go, and a couple years to figure out what to gift each other on their sixth anniversary.
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DECATUR  The Macon County Sheriff's Office is offering up to a $100,000 reward for information the unsolved murders of Sherry Lewis, Caleb Witty and Timothy Norris.

A news release from Lt. Jamie Belcher said the reward money being offered by the sheriff's office was provided by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. To be eligible for the cash reward, the release said, the person must provide information that leads to a conviction in one of the murders.

The release said the reward will only be considered for tips received during the Decatur Celebration weekend. The deadline is midnight Sunday.

"We are committed to the ongoing search for critical evidence needed to close these cases," Macon County Sheriff Thomas Schneider said in the release. "We have an obligation to the victim's families and our community to help ensure justice is served."

Lewis, a 30-year-old realtor, was murdered on Aug. 5, 1994 during an appointment to show a home on Finch Drive in Decatur. Witty, 17, was shot and killed on August 4, 2011 while he and his sister were walking along Johns Avenue after the Decatur Celebration. Norris, 36, was shot and killed in the 1500 block of East Walnut Street on Aug. 13, 2015.

Anyone with information should call 1-800-581-6276.
VANDALIA

New Approach School

Bond, Christian, Effingham, Fayette and Montgomery Counties Regional Office of Education registration for New Approach School is Tuesday, Aug. 8.

Returning students may register 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jefferson School in Vandalia. A $40 book fee is due at registration. If this time is not possible, call (217) 342-2865.

New student interviews will be the week of Aug. 14 and new students will be contacted by the school.

ANNA WATERS HEAD START

Bus driveway benefit

Safety Over the Horizon fundraising event, 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at 275 E. Condit St., Decatur, to help the center build a safety bus driveway at New Horizon.

Games, food, prizes and crafts and a friendly competition between Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals fans to see who can raise the most money. Donations accepted at the event, in the office or online at dmcoc.org.

DECATUR

Back to school physicals

Jumpstart Back to School Clinic will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at two locations: First Christian Church, 3350 N. MacArthur Road, and Crossing Healthcare, 320 Central Ave., Decatur.

A parent or legal guardian must be present for children to receive services. Free school physicals, dental exams and other screenings will be available.

RICHLAND

'Paper Tigers' viewing

A viewing of "Paper Tigers," a documentary on the lives of students at Lincoln High School, an alternative program in Walla Walla, Wash., will be 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at Richland Community College in the Shilling Community Education Center.

Following the film will be a conversation with Jim Sporleder, principal of that school. To register, visit www.cvent.com/d/15q3p1. The public is welcome.
DECATUR  Plans are on hold for a new building that combines Johns Hill Magnet School and Durfee Magnet School programs after the Decatur School District has been rejected twice in its attempt to fund the work.

Johns Hill and Durfee are the two oldest buildings in the district, both built in the 1920s. Board members in March approved the plan to merge them in a new building on the Johns Hill grounds and hoped to issue bonds to pay for the work in June.

Before the board can proceed, it needs approval from the Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education and the Illinois State Board of Education to use life/health/safety funds for the project.

Superintendent Paul Fregeau said Friday that the district had been rejected twice by the state board and will apply a third time. Representatives from the state board toured the buildings last week and complimented the skill of Decatur's maintenance department in keeping such old buildings in such good shape, he said.

They said they'd seen much newer buildings that weren't in as good a shape, Fregeau said.

A spokeswoman for the state board did not respond to a request for comment Friday.

When the district submits the application again, several results are possible, he said. The state could approve funds for both buildings, approve one building and reject the other, or reject the entire project.

Early in May, ceiling plaster in Johns Hill's auditorium came loose and fell, bringing down ceiling tiles that contained asbestos. The auditorium had to be sealed off until the asbestos could be abated. Then repairs had to be halted until the school could show that it complied with environmental regulations regarding air quality and other hazards.

Chief Operational Officer Todd Covault told the school board's Finance Committee that a report has been sent to the Illinois Department of Public Health, which has not yet made a ruling.

At this point, he added, it was likely that the auditorium will not be available for use during this school year, either. Administrators are planning to move activities to the school's cafeteria and use Eisenhower High School for larger events.

The buildings were targeted for a merger even before the damage to the auditorium ceiling. The Facility Advisory Committee for Exceptional Schools committee, a group of staff, parents and community members, recommended the plan to combine both schools on the Johns Hill grounds. The committee also recommended demolishing both of the old buildings so that they would not become eyesores.

As the district moves forward with a strategic plan formation, which Fregeau said should be completed by April 2018, it's also possible that the committee which forms that plan will put those buildings' futures at a lower priority than other needs in the district.

The first three-day training period for that committee will be at the end of August, and the actual planning process will commence in September.

The facilities could be (part of the plan) but we don't know yet, Fregeau said. We don't direct that conversation. The committee does. The members will lead that charge.
DECATUR  Danielle Cravens has been attending the annual World Breastfeeding Week event at Scovill Zoo every year since her oldest was a baby.

Now her daughter has two brothers and all three are long past that stage, but Cravens still attends.

I don't want to miss anything new, Cravens said.

The event on Thursday coincided with the zoo's weekly free admission day. This year it was twice the size, with two rooms of exhibitors, said Liz Richards, who is a doula and part of the Decatur Area Birth Collective, which organized the event.

A doula, Richards said, does none of the medical service associated with pregnancy and birth but is there to support the mother and family in all other ways. She comforts, helps the mother get her questions answered and tries to make the experience as stress-free as possible so the mom can concentrate on herself and her baby.

According to World Breastfeeding Week's website, We know that breastfeeding aids the survival of infants and helps them thrive, has long-term health benefits for women, yields economic benefits and enhances the well-being of all. The challenge for champions of breastfeeding is to translate globally agreed policies to positive action in our communities.

The organization's goals are to inform, anchor (recognize your role and the difference you make in the world), engage (reach out to others and establish areas of common interest) and galvanize (work together to achieve the organization's sustainable development goals).

Among the exhibitors at Decatur's event was Chelsea Wright, a physical therapist with Apex Network Physical Therapy. Wright deals with women's pelvic physical therapy.

I can treat women with pelvic pain, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pain during intercourse, anything doing with the muscles of the pelvic floor, Wright said. She had to take additional training after finishing her physical therapy training. It's very rewarding. It gives people their independence back.

Women are reluctant to talk about those particular problems, she said, but unless they do, and know where to turn for help, they might well be suffering needlessly.

It's common after birth, and typically after aging, the pelvic floor muscles become weak, Wright said. It's a common thing that people don't talk about. It's taboo.

Next to her was Aly Swengel, who is a massage therapist and yoga instructor, but not the typical one-hour yoga workout. Her instruction centers on deep relaxation yoga that is particularly helpful to a busy mom, she said.

One mom I helped had been to Disney World, and her son was very fearful, so she had to carry him the whole time, Swengel said. Her shoulders and her back were very sore.

Moms, she said, spend a lot of time hoisting kids and strollers and bending and stretching and can really get their backs and shoulders out of whack. She said her massage and yoga can relieve that pain and can also help with stress.

The Decatur Area Birth Collective, which Richards is a part of, includes doulas Jessica Kent, Maggie Ray and Jessica Sebok, and Jennifer Wester, who is a childbirth and lactation mentor. Their goal, Wester said, is to provide women with accurate information and local resources.

People rely so much on the internet now, Wester said. We want them to have local, real people to talk to.

Breanna and Cody Davis, who brought their three children Henry, 1, Penelope, 3, and Norah, 4, sell T-shirts and other memorabilia to support moms and dads. Breanna Davis said she began when Norah was born, and it has grown more than she could have imagined.

It's all about empowering women, she said.

Crossing Healthcare had information on school physicals and the health requirements by grade level to alert parents that the JumpStart clinic is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at First Christian Church and at Crossing.

But the health department offers far more, said registered nurse Karen White: We're here to support women's health at any stage, she said.
Photo by Karsten Thormaehlen, via Wikimedia Commons

Robert Brownings poem Abt Vogler imagines composer Georg Joseph Vogler as an old man reflecting on his diminishing powers and the likelihood that his lifes work would not survive in the publics memory.

Let us overlook the fact that Vogler was 65 when he died, or that Browning, who lived to 77, was 52 when he composed the poem.

Whats most striking these days is its significance to longevity expert, physician, and chairman emeritus of St. Lukes International University, Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara, who passed away last month at the age of 105:

My father used to read it to me. It encourages us to make big art, not small scribbles. It says to try to draw a circle so huge that there is no way we can finish it while we are alive. All we see is an arch; the rest is beyond our vision but it is there in the distance.

Like many centenarians, Dr. Hinohara attributed his longevity to certain practices, backing it up with numerous books on the topic (including Living Long, Living Good).

He touched on some of these beliefs in a 2009 Japan Times interview with Judit Kawaguchi, from which the following pointers are drawn.

Ten Tips For a Healthy Old Age from Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara

Eat to Live Dont Live to Eat

As far as Clint Eastwood, Sister Wendy Beckett and Fred Rogers are concerned, Dr. Hinohara was preaching to the choir. Your average Italian great grandmother would be appalled.

For breakfast I drink coffee, a glass of milk and some orange juice with a tablespoon of olive oil in it. Olive oil is great for the arteries and keeps my skin healthy. Lunch is milk and a few cookies, or nothing when I am too busy to eat. I never get hungry because I focus on my work. Dinner is veggies, a bit of fish and rice, and, twice a week, 100 grams of lean meat.

Keep on Truckin



Nor was Dr. Hinohara a sit-around-the-piazza-drinking-limoncello-with-his-cronies kind of guy. For him a vigorously plotted out calendar was synonymous with a vigorous old age:

Always plan ahead. My schedule book is already full  with lectures and my usual hospital work.

Mother Was Wrong

at least when it comes to bedtime and the importance of consuming three square meals a day. Disco naps and bottled water all around!

We all remember how as children, when we were having fun, we often forgot to eat or sleep. I believe that we can keep that attitude as adults, too. Its best not to tire the body with too many rules such as lunchtime and bedtime.

To Hell with Obscurity!

You may not be able to pull in the same crowds as a man whose career spans founding a world class hospital in the rubble of post WWII Tokyo and treating the victims of the radical Aum Shinrikyo cults sarin gas subway attack, but you can still share your ideas with those younger than you. If nothing else, experience will be on your side:

Share what you know. I give 150 lectures a year, some for 100 elementary-school children, others for 4,500 business people. I usually speak for 60 to 90 minutes, standing, to stay strong.

Dont Slack on Everyday Physical Activity

Dr. Hinohara schlepped his own bags and turned his back on such modern conveniences as elevators and escalators:

I take two stairs at a time, to get my muscles moving.

Having Fun Is Better Than Tylenol (Or Bitching About It)

Rather than turning off young friends and relatives with a constant litany of physical complaints, Dr. Hinohara sought to emulate the child who forgets his toothache through the diversion of play. And yes, this was his medical opinion:

Hospitals must cater to the basic need of patients: We all want to have fun. At St. Lukes we have music and animal therapies, and art classes.

Think Twice Before You Go Under the Knife

Not willing to put all your trust into music therapy working out for you? Consider your age and how a side dish of surgery or radiation might impact your all over enjoyment of life before agreeing to radical procedures. Especially if you are one of those aforementioned sit-around-the-piazza-drinking-limoncello-with-your-cronies type of guys.

When a doctor recommends you take a test or have some surgery, ask whether the doctor would suggest that his or her spouse or children go through such a procedure. Contrary to popular belief, doctors cant cure everyone. So why cause unnecessary pain with surgery?

Divest of Material Burdens

Best selling author and professional organizer, Marie Kondo, would approve of her countrymans views on stuff:

Remember: You dont know when your number is up, and you cant take it with you to the next place.

Pick a Role Model You Can Be Worthy Of

It need not be someone famous. Dr. Hinohara revered his dad, who introduced him to his favorite poem and traveled halfway across the world to enroll at Duke University as a young man.

Later I found a few more life guides, and when I am stuck, I ask myself how they would deal with the problem.

Find a Poem That Speaks to You and Let It Guide You

The good doctor didnt recommend this course of action in so many words, but you could do worse than to follow his example. Pick a long one. Reread it frequently. For added neurological oomph, memorize a few lines every day. Bedazzle people half your age with an off-book recitation at your next family gathering. (Itll distract you from all that turkey and stuffing.)

Abt Vogler

Would that the structure brave, the manifold music I build,

Bidding my organ obey, calling its keys to their work,

Claiming each slave of the sound, at a touch, as when Solomon willed

Armies of angels that soar, legions of demons that lurk,

Man, brute, reptile, fly,alien of end and of aim,

Adverse, each from the other heaven-high, hell-deep removed,

Should rush into sight at once as he named the ineffable Name,

And pile him a palace straight, to pleasure the princess he loved!

Would it might tarry like his, the beautiful building of mine,

This which my keys in a crowd pressed and importuned to raise!

Ah, one and all, how they helped, would dispart now and now combine,

Zealous to hasten the work, heighten their master his praise!

And one would bury his brow with a blind plunge down to hell,

Burrow awhile and build, broad on the roots of things,

Then up again swim into sight, having based me my palace well,

Founded it, fearless of flame, flat on the nether springs.

And another would mount and march, like the excellent minion he was,

Ay, another and yet another, one crowd but with many a crest,

Raising my rampired walls of gold as transparent as glass,

Eager to do and die, yield each his place to the rest:

For higher still and higher (as a runner tips with fire,

When a great illumination surprises a festal night

Outlining round and round Romes dome from space to spire)

Up, the pinnacled glory reached, and the pride of my soul was in sight.

In sight? Not half! for it seemed, it was certain, to match mans birth,

Nature in turn conceived, obeying an impulse as I;

And the emulous heaven yearned down, made effort to reach the earth,

As the earth had done her best, in my passion, to scale the sky:

Novel splendours burst forth, grew familiar and dwelt with mine,

Not a point nor peak but found and fixed its wandering star;

Meteor-moons, balls of blaze: and they did not pale nor pine,

For earth had attained to heaven, there was no more near nor far.

Nay more; for there wanted not who walked in the glare and glow,

Presences plain in the place; or, fresh from the Protoplast,

Furnished for ages to come, when a kindlier wind should blow,

Lured now to begin and live, in a house to their liking at last;

Or else the wonderful Dead who have passed through the body and gone,

But were back once more to breathe in an old world worth their new:

What never had been, was now; what was, as it shall be anon;

And what is,shall I say, matched both? for I was made perfect too.

All through my keys that gave their sounds to a wish of my soul,

All through my soul that praised as its wish flowed visibly forth,

All through music and me! For think, had I painted the whole,

Why, there it had stood, to see, nor the process so wonder-worth:

Had I written the same, made versestill, effect proceeds from cause,

Ye know why the forms are fair, ye hear how the tale is told;

It is all triumphant art, but art in obedience to laws,

Painter and poet are proud in the artist-list enrolled:

But here is the finger of God, a flash of the will that can,

Existent behind all laws, that made them and, lo, they are!

And I know not if, save in this, such gift be allowed to man,

That out of three sounds he frame, not a fourth sound, but a star.

Consider it well: each tone of our scale in itself is nought;

It is everywhere in the worldloud, soft, and all is said:

Give it to me to use! I mix it with two in my thought:

And, there! Ye have heard and seen: consider and bow the head!

Well, it is gone at last, the palace of music I reared;

Gone! and the good tears start, the praises that come too slow;

For one is assured at first, one scarce can say that he feared,

That he even gave it a thought, the gone thing was to go.

Never to be again! But many more of the kind

As good, nay, better, perchance: is this your comfort to me?

To me, who must be saved because I cling with my mind

To the same, same self, same love, same God: ay, what was, shall be.

Therefore to whom turn I but to thee, the ineffable Name?

Builder and maker, thou, of houses not made with hands!

What, have fear of change from thee who art ever the same?

Doubt that thy power can fill the heart that thy power expands?

There shall never be one lost good! What was, shall live as before;

The evil is null, is nought, is silence implying sound;

What was good shall be good, with, for evil, so much good more;

On the earth the broken arcs; in the heaven, a perfect round.

All we have willed or hoped or dreamed of good shall exist;

Not its semblance, but itself; no beauty, nor good, nor power

Whose voice has gone forth, but each survives for the melodist

When eternity affirms the conception of an hour.

The high that proved too high, the heroic for earth too hard,

The passion that left the ground to lose itself in the sky,

Are music sent up to God by the lover and the bard;

Enough that he heard it once: we shall hear it by and by.

And what is our failure here but a triumphs evidence

For the fulness of the days? Have we withered or agonized?

Why else was the pause prolonged but that singing might issue thence?

Why rushed the discords in, but that harmony should be prized?

Sorrow is hard to bear, and doubt is slow to clear,

Each sufferer says his say, his scheme of the weal and woe:

But God has a few of us whom he whispers in the ear;

The rest may reason and welcome; tis we musicians know.

Well, it is earth with me; silence resumes her reign:

I will be patient and proud, and soberly acquiesce.

Give me the keys. I feel for the common chord again,

Sliding by semitones till I sink to the minor,yes,

And I blunt it into a ninth, and I stand on alien ground,

Surveying awhile the heights I rolled from into the deep;

Which, hark, I have dared and done, for my resting-place is found,

The C Major of this life: so, now I will try to sleep.

 Robert Browning

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Alejandro Jodorowskys 82 Commandments For Living

Ayun Halliday is an author, illustrator, theater maker and Chief Primatologist of the East Village Inky zine. Follow her @AyunHalliday.
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Activated PEGs Market Research ReportA market study  Global Activated PEGs Market  examines the performance of the Activated PEGs market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Activated PEGs market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Activated PEGs market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Request For Sample Report:The Global Activated PEGs Market 2017 report includes Activated PEGs market Size, Revenue, market Share, Activated PEGs industry volume, market Trends, Activated PEGs Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Activated PEGs Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Activated PEGs Market 2017:Merck MilliporeNOFSinopegPegbioThermo FisherIris BiotechBiomatrikMerck MilliporeActivated PEGs Market : Type AnalysisPEGmPEGActivated PEGs Market : Application AnalysisPharmaceutical IndustryScientific ResearchFirstly, the report covers the top Activated PEGs 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 Activated PEGs report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Activated PEGs industry, Activated PEGs industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Activated PEGs Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.The Activated PEGs 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 Activated PEGs market revenue worldwide.Finally, Activated PEGs market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Anti-Jamming for GPS Global Market Outlook 2017-2022 Rockwell Collins, The Raytheon Company, Novatel Inc

Anti-Jamming for GPS Market

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Anti-Jamming for GPS Market Research ReportA market study  Global Anti-Jamming for GPS Market  examines the performance of the Anti-Jamming for GPS market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Anti-Jamming for GPS market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Anti-Jamming for GPS market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Request For Sample Report:The Global Anti-Jamming for GPS Market 2017 report includes Anti-Jamming for GPS market Size, Revenue, market Share, Anti-Jamming for GPS industry volume, market Trends, Anti-Jamming for GPS Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Anti-Jamming for GPS Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Anti-Jamming for GPS Market 2017:Rockwell CollinsThe Raytheon CompanyNovatel IncCobham PLCMayflower Communications Company IncBAE Systems PLCFuruno Electric Company LtdHarris CorporationLockheed MartinThales GroupThe Boeing CompanyU-BloxAnti-Jamming for GPS Market : Type AnalysisNullingBeam Steering SystemsCivilian SystemsAnti-Jamming for GPS Market : Application AnalysisFlight ControlSurveillance & ReconnaissancePosition Navigation & TimingTargetingCasualty EvacuationFirstly, the report covers the top Anti-Jamming for GPS 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 Anti-Jamming for GPS report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Anti-Jamming for GPS industry, Anti-Jamming for GPS industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Anti-Jamming for GPS Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.The Anti-Jamming for GPS 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 Anti-Jamming for GPS market revenue worldwide.Finally, Anti-Jamming for GPS market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Pharmaceutical Logistics Global Market Outlook 2017-2022 FedEx, Deutsche Post DHL, DB Schenker, LifeConEx, Marken

Pharmaceutical Logistics Market

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Pharmaceutical Logistics Market Research ReportA market study  Global Pharmaceutical Logistics Market  examines the performance of the Pharmaceutical Logistics market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Pharmaceutical Logistics market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Pharmaceutical Logistics market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Request For Sample Report:The Global Pharmaceutical Logistics Market 2017 report includes Pharmaceutical Logistics market Size, Revenue, market Share, Pharmaceutical Logistics industry volume, market Trends, Pharmaceutical Logistics Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Pharmaceutical Logistics Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Pharmaceutical Logistics Market 2017:FedExDeutsche Post DHLDB SchenkerUnited Parcel Service of America IncAir Canada CargoBiotec Services InternationalCEVAContinental Air CargoKerry LogisticsLifeConExMarkenNordic Cold StorageSofrigamVersaColdWorld Courier ManagementUTi PharmaTNT ExpressAgility and GENCOPharmaceutical Logistics Market : Type AnalysisBio Pharma LogisticsChemical Pharma LogisticsSpecially Pharma LogisticsPharmaceutical Logistics Market : Application AnalysisGround TransportationShippingAir TransportFirstly, the report covers the top Pharmaceutical Logistics 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 Pharmaceutical Logistics report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Pharmaceutical Logistics industry, Pharmaceutical Logistics industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Pharmaceutical Logistics Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.The Pharmaceutical Logistics 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 Pharmaceutical Logistics market revenue worldwide.Finally, Pharmaceutical Logistics market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Global Market Outlook 2017-2022 BAE Systems, SAAB, Rockwell Collins, Thales

Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Market

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Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Market Research ReportA market study  Global Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Market  examines the performance of the Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Request For Sample Report:The Global Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Market 2017 report includes Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) market Size, Revenue, market Share, Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) industry volume, market Trends, Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Market 2017:BAE SystemsSAABRockwell CollinsThalesElbit SystemsHelmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Market : Type AnalysisMonocular HMDBinocular HMDHelmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Market : Application AnalysisAviationEngineeringMedicine and ResearchGaming and VideoFirstly, the report covers the top Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) 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 Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) industry, Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.The Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) 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 Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) market revenue worldwide.Finally, Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
360 Degree Panoramic Camera Global Market Outlook 2017-2022 Samsung, Ricoh, Nikon, Canon, Nokia

360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market

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360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market Research ReportA market study  Global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market  examines the performance of the 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market Size 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Request For Sample Report:The Global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market 2017 report includes 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market Size, Revenue, market Share, 360 Degree Panoramic Camera industry volume, market Trends, 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market 2017:SamsungRicohNikonCanonNokiaSONYBublcamPanonoTeche360flye-filmingInsta360Guopai Technology360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market : Type AnalysisIndustrial CameraCommercial Camera360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market : Application AnalysisTraffic MonitoringGrid LayoutAerial SceneryFirstly, the report covers the top 360 Degree Panoramic Camera 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 360 Degree Panoramic Camera report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of 360 Degree Panoramic Camera industry, 360 Degree Panoramic Camera industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.The 360 Degree Panoramic Camera 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 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market revenue worldwide.Finally, 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Global Side Lace Shoes Sales Market Report 2017

Global Side Lace Shoes Sales Market Report 2017

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The Side Lace Shoes Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Side Lace Shoes industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Side Lace Shoes 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 Side Lace Shoes 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.Global Side Lace Shoes market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Side Lace Shoes sales volume, Price (USD/Dose), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingCompany 1Company 2Company 3Company 4Company 5......Ask a complete & professional report sample, please send message to tinaning@qyresearch.com or visit atTable of contents:1 Side Lace Shoes Market Overview2 Global Side Lace Shoes Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application3 United States Side Lace Shoes (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China Side Lace Shoes (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe Side Lace Shoes (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan Side Lace Shoes (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia Side Lace Shoes (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India Side Lace Shoes (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global Side Lace Shoes Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data10 Side Lace Shoes Maufacturing Cost Analysis11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers12 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Global Side Lace Shoes Market Forecast (2017-2022)15 Research Findings and Conclusion16 AppendixRelated Reports:Global Side Lace Shoes Sales Market Report 2017Europe Side Lace Shoes Sales Market Report 2017China Side Lace Shoes Sales Market Report 2017India Side Lace Shoes Sales Market Report 2017Japan Side Lace Shoes Sales Market Report 2017USA Side Lace Shoes Sales Market Report 2017Korea Side Lace Shoes Sales Market 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
Global Suede Boots Sales Market Report 2017

Global Suede Boots Sales Market Report 2017

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The Suede Boots Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Suede Boots industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Suede Boots 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 Suede Boots 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.Global Suede Boots market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Suede Boots sales volume, Price (USD/Dose), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingCompany 1Company 2Company 3Company 4Company 5......Ask a complete & professional report sample, please send message to tinaning@qyresearch.com or visit atTable of contents:1 Suede Boots Market Overview2 Global Suede Boots Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application3 United States Suede Boots (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China Suede Boots (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe Suede Boots (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan Suede Boots (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia Suede Boots (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India Suede Boots (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global Suede Boots Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data10 Suede Boots Maufacturing Cost Analysis11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers12 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Global Suede Boots Market Forecast (2017-2022)15 Research Findings and Conclusion16 AppendixRelated Reports:Global Suede Boots Sales Market Report 2017Europe Suede Boots Sales Market Report 2017China Suede Boots Sales Market Report 2017India Suede Boots Sales Market Report 2017Japan Suede Boots Sales Market Report 2017USA Suede Boots Sales Market Report 2017Korea Suede Boots Sales Market 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
Global Multichannel Marketing Market Scenario, Leading Players, Segments Analysis and Growth by Forecast to 2023

Multichannel Marketing Market

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https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/multichannel-marketing-market-3949

Market Highlights:On 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 multichannel marketing market owing to better network infrastructure, higher technology implementation and implementation of multichannel marketing in retail sector. Adoption of multichannel marketing 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 Multichannel Marketing Market. The increased adoption of location based technology in retail, gaming and automotive sector is driving the market in the region. The rise in adoption of social media marketing for retail stores is driving the multichannel marketing 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 Multichannel Marketing Market -Forecast to 2023.Major Key Players: Grey Advertising (U.S.) Wieden+Kennedy (U.S.) Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners (U.S.) Ogilvy & Mather (U.S.) BBDO (U.S.) Crispin Porter + Bogusky (U.S.) The Martin Agency (U.S.) Deutsch (U.S.) Droga5 (U.S.) Mullen Advertising (U.S.)Request a Sample Report @Multichannel Marketing Market Segmentation:The multichannel marketing market has been segmented on the basis of region includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. In North America region, retail sector is witnessing considerable market share owing to adoption of multichannel marketing in upscale stores and shopping malls. Search engine optimization technology enhance organization sale by increasing the brand credibility.As Google Inc. is the most trust worthy search engine and if company or product appears in the top list of the search word, then company website is most viewed, that indirectly increases the brand creditability.Market Research Analysis:The multichannel marketing market in North America region is growing due to high adoption of multichannel marketing tools in retail and healthcare sector. The invention of multichannel marketing is gaining popularity among youths due to busy work schedule and changing lifestyle is driving the market in the region. According to the study, Europe region is one of the prominent player in multichannel marketing market due to emergence of e-commerce industries from the region.Asia-Pacific market is estimated to be one of the fastest growing market as enterprises are continuously investing into research and development of multichannel marketing market. Increasing IT landscape is boosting the market in the region. Developing countries such as India and China are adopting multichannel marketing at a large scale owing to increasing IT infrastructure, robust industrialization that is boosting the market in the region. By different marketing platform segment brand marketing and multi-channel advertising agency is driving the multichannel marketing market in the region.Multichannel Marketing Market (MRFR) Research Analysis:By marketing platform segment, mobile marketing market consists of push notification. Push notification is an alert message sent on mobile device. Enterprises are looking into push notification, as a key decision factor when they are deciding to develop an application. Every mobile operating device has its own push message notification such as windows, android, IOS and blackberry. Push notification are helpful in promoting offers and increase sales of enterprises. The important advantage of push notification technology in mobile computing is that, it does not require specific application to be installed on device. It helps smartphones to send and deliver social media content and text messages when the device screen is locked.Regional Analysis:The regional analysis of multichannel marketing market is being studied for region such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. North America region is expected to account for largest market share in multichannel marketing market owing to presence of major multichannel marketing companies.The rising competition among enterprise and increasing retail stores is one of the significant factor boosting multichannel marketing in the region. Asia-Pacific region is growing at highest CAGR rate owing to rise in e-commerce sector, increasing competition and growing IT landscape is fuelling the market in the region.Access Report Details @Intended Audience: Investors and consultants System Integrators Government Organizations Research/Consultancy firms Technology solution providers IT Solution ProvidersTable of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Type2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast Model2.4.1 Market Data Collection, Analysis & Forecast2.4.2 Market Size EstimationContinued..List of TablesTable 1multichannel Marketing Market, By Channel TypeTable 2 Multichannel Marketing Market, By Marketing PlatformTable 3 Multichannel Marketing Market, By Advertising TypeContinued..List of FiguresFigure 1 Research TypeFigure 2 Multichannel Marketing Market: By Channel Type (%)Figure 3 Multichannel Marketing Market: By Marketing Platform (%)Continued..About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Network as a Service Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth and Trends by Forecast to 2022

Network As A Service Market

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Market Highlights:The network as a service (NaaS) market is growing rapidly with the emerging need of connecting various devices wirelessly. The growing demand of the NB-IoT solutions among the enterprise companies help to increase the utilization of their assets in the optimum way, the usage of these solutions caters in creating the standardization in 3rd generation partnership projects, provides robust authentication and for global coverage.Network as a Service (NaaS) Market is expected to grow at CAGR of 28.4% during the forecast period and expected to reach market size of USD 126.8 Billion by the end of forecast period.During the study it was found that the network function visualization (NFV) in the Network as a Service Market is emerging rapidly. It enables the smartphone to interact with something in close proximity. It provides connectivity between two devices which are active at the same time and are able to send and receive data in the real time. The technology helps in transmission and receiving of data by the use of radio waves. This is followed by bandwidth on demand which is utilized for network connectivity service that allows the user to request bandwidth at the desired level as and when they are required. It also allows the individual to customize the connectivity parameter by providing the control to the user.Request a Sample Copy of Report @Major Key Players in Network as a Service Market are Alcatel Lucent (U.S.) Brocade Communications Systems Inc. (U.S.) Ciena Corporation (U.S) Cisco Systems (U.S.) IBM Corp. (U.S.) Juniper Networks (U.S.) NEC Corp. (Japan) VMware (U.S.) Aryaka Networks Inc. (U.S.) AT&T (U.S.)Study Objectives of Global Network as a Service (NaaS) Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the global network as a service (NaaS) market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the global network as a service (NaaS) market 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.Network as a Service (NaaS) MarketGlobal Network as a Service (NaaS) Market has been segmented on the basis of type, service, component, deployment and end-user. Type comprises of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN). Service comprises of network virtual function (NVF), WAN connection, Data Center, Bandwidth On Demand, and others.Component comprises of Infrastructure and technological service. Deployment comprises of On Cloud and On Premises. Whereas, end-user includes IT & telecommunication, BFSI, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, Transportation and others.Regional Analysis:North America is expected to propel the market due to the intense research and development in the field of telecom industry technology related to network expansion, high penetration of Internet of Things, and growth of a number of IoT and cloud related technology in the region. Europe has been benefitted mainly due to the extensive initiatives taken by government. Whereas, Asia Pacific market is expected to witness the fastest growth due to increasing awareness among individual, and development of technology hubs in the region.North America region is expected to hold a highest market share with the existence of early technology adopters in the region. The region also has existence of technologically advanced countries such as U.S. and Canada which are promoting the application related network as a service (NaaS) market.Intended Audience: Network infrastructure providers Wireless infrastructure provider SDN solution providers Cloud and virtualized datacenters Mobile network operatorsBrowse Report Details @Table of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope Of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Network Solution2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast Model2.4.1 Market Data Collection, Analysis & Forecast2.4.2 Market Size EstimationContinued.List of TablesTable 1 Global Network As A Service Market, By TypeTable 2 Global Networks As A Service Market, By ServiceTable 3 Global Networks As A Service Market, By ComponentTable 4 Global Networks As A Service Market, By DeploymentContinued..List of FiguresFigure 1 Research Network SolutionFigure 2 Global Network As A Service Market: By Type (%)Continued..About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.ContactAkash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
DECATUR  With the exception of its black granite base, organizers said a majority of the nearly 30-foot 9/11 memorial on Nelson Parks lakefront will be completed by Sept. 11.

Construction of the memorial began on Tuesday, as crews started building the foundation of its Beach House-adjacent future home. Within the next two weeks, concrete footings will be dug and filled around the site, according to construction coordinator Brett McClelland.

McClelland said installing the memorials stainless steel structures, including an I-beam that was salvaged from the World Trade Center, will be the top priority for all of the crews working on the project.

The base, which will be in the shape of the Pentagon, will have to wait until the granite becomes available, he said.

It takes about two months to get the granite, because it comes overseas from China. Thats the hold up, McClelland said. Right now, lets just build the cake and worry about the rest later.

The plans to build a 9/11 memorial featuring the I-beam have been in discussion since 2015, after the George A. Mueller Beer Co. led a successful campaign to bring the beam to Decatur.

After the $70,000 needed to build the monument was raised through a variety of fundraisers, the Decatur Park District Board officially approved the lakefront construction site on July 5.

This process was about as grassroots as you can get, McClelland said. This wasnt made with a bunch of huge donations from big companies. This was made by the citizens of Central Illinois.

Lauren Axe, liaison for the 9/11 memorial, said the high amount of support that the project has received in the past two years has been awesome.

She praised the efforts of all the people and organizations, like Iron Workers Union Local No. 46 and Midwest Materials, that have volunteered their time and efforts to help bring the idea of the memorial closer to reality.

People are pretty excited about this, Axe said. A lot of people have been stepping up and helping, and thats really humbling.

While the public unveiling of the memorial is still weeks away, some local residents are already looking forward to seeing the structure in person. Pamela and Jim Tappendorf Jr. of Decatur said they both appreciate the thought behind the memorial, and respect what it will come to represent.

Theyve even donated money toward its construction through fundraisers hosted by the Cromwell Radio Group and Coziahr Harley-Davidson, as a part of its weekly Bike Night events.

My belief is, if you dont remember the past, youre aimed to repeat the same mistakes, Jim said. Weve got to remember that.

Axe said organizers are still accepting donations to build park benches and engraved bricks to be installed around the site.

She believes that the public's support, in whatever capacity, is helping them create a tangible aid to ensure that no one ever forgets what happened on that day 16 years ago.

"It's been an amazing journey so far," Axe said.
United States Aluminum Busbar Trunking System Market 2017 - Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast from 2012-2022

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The United States Aluminum Busbar Trunking System Market 2017 research report mainly focuses on the current scenario of Aluminum Busbar Trunking System market along with the future plan of actions. It also examines the state of the Aluminum Busbar Trunking System market along with competing landscapes all over the United States. The Aluminum Busbar Trunking System report characterizes industry judgment from experts. The report also throws a light on the emerging areas and growth stats of Aluminum Busbar Trunking System market.Aluminum Busbar Trunking System industry report covers the major market of United States including regions like The West, New England, The South, The Middle Atlantic, The Mid-West and The Southwest. The report includes following key players in the Aluminum Busbar Trunking System industry from different parts of the United States.To Get Sample Report Click Here:United States Aluminum Busbar Trunking System Market 2017: Competitive Regions and Key Vendors1 ABB2Schneider Electric3Eaton Corporation4Larsen & Toubro5Siemens6General Electric7C&S Electric Limited8Legrand SA9Godrej & BoyceAluminum Busbar Trunking System Market 2017: Type Segment AnalysisLighting Power RangeLow Power RangeMedium Power RangeHigh Power RangeAluminum Busbar Trunking System Market 2017: Application Segment AnalysisIndustrialManufacturingProcessRenewable Power GenerationCommercialOthersThe United States Aluminum Busbar Trunking System report is categorized on the basis of Aluminum Busbar Trunking System top manufacturers, region-wise classification, various end user applications and different product types included in Aluminum Busbar Trunking System industry. The Aluminum Busbar Trunking System research report gives the information about different market segments, cost, different categories of the product along with Aluminum Busbar Trunking System market revenue.It also gives vital contact information about the company along with company profile, rules and regulations of Aluminum Busbar Trunking System industry in the United States. It also examines the Aluminum Busbar Trunking System industry report by dividing it according to the basic overview of Aluminum Busbar Trunking System market.The middle part of the report focuses on various types of product classified according to the Aluminum Busbar Trunking System market share and market applications in Aluminum Busbar Trunking System industry. It also lights up the core part of the Aluminum Busbar Trunking System industry such as import/export details, usage figures and industry chain supply of Aluminum Busbar Trunking System market.Purchase Complete Report Here (To Get Instant Access):Later, the United States Aluminum Busbar Trunking System Market 2017 report displays the tactful decisions that the customers should take. It gives you various business approaches required for Aluminum Busbar Trunking System industry, the customer's experiences and benefits they got after using the Aluminum Busbar Trunking System research report.It includes the list of dealers, distributors, and traders involved in Aluminum Busbar Trunking System industry. Lastly, it gives the brief summary of the entire Aluminum Busbar Trunking System report including the results, conclusion, the attached appendix and the source of data.Market Analysis Research Report on United States Aluminum Busbar Trunking System Market 2017 Industry Growth, Size, Trends, Opportunities and Forecast 2012-2022.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc.We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.Read More-News Network:-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Self-lubricating Materials Market: Global Industry Analysis 2025

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Self-lubricating materials are high performance engineering materials that reduce friction and provide lubrication to bearing components. This facilitates smooth functioning of machines. Self-lubricating materials are widely used in various sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive, home appliances, industrial equipment, marine, and machines. These materials offer low friction of coefficient, high wear and corrosion resistance. Self-lubricating materials possess high compressive strength and chemical resistance. These can be employed in water bearing and high load applications. These materials provide high thermal stability (up to 320oC), thereby eliminating the need for additional exterior lubricating products such as oil or grease. Such products are hazardous to dispose and are expensive; thus, self-lubricating materials provide cost-effective solutions to various end-users compared to grease or oil.The global self-lubricating materials market can be characterized in terms of product type. Based on product type, the market can be further classified into plastic and metal-solid lubricant fillers. The plastic segment comprises thermosets and thermoplastic resins such as nylon, polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE), and polyacetals. Thermosets resins lower friction and provide smooth surface; however, these resins wear out rapidly. Thus, the segment is anticipated to lose market share during the forecast period.Browse Market Research Report @Nylon and PTFE segments are expected to expand significantly during the forecast period, led by their prime features such as high dimensional stability, high strength, better wear resistance, and long service life. Metal-solid lubricant filler product type is further split into the following segments: sintered bronze, sintered iron, iron-graphite, and sintered iron-bronze. Sintered bronze is a porous self-lubricating material that comprises tin powder, elemental copper, and pre-alloyed bronze powder. Sintered bronze materials provide high corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and high ductility.Sintered bronze materials are quite expensive and typically used in a wide range of applications such as farm machinery and home appliances. Sintered iron and sintered-bronze are extensively used in machineries that are less susceptible to galvanic corrosion; thus, they are less expensive than sintered bronze. Iron-graphite type contains 3% graphite and is typically employed in the consumer electronics sector. Sintered bronze is a leading product segment; it is anticipated to expand significantly during the forecast period due to its beneficial characteristics and high performance.Growth in the automotive industry and increase in demand for self-lubricating materials for the maintenance of machineries in order to increase efficiency and reduce cost are the key factors driving the global self-lubricating materials market. Additionally, increase in focus on quality is estimated to influence manufacturers to opt for quality lubricating materials that provide optimum performance. Furthermore, growth in chemical industry is encouraging manufacturers to invest in quality machines. This, in turn, is projected to create strong business for manufacturers of self-lubricating materials. Rise in research & development activities in the field of bio-based self-lubricating materials is estimated to create substantial opportunities for manufacturers of self-lubricating materials.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Based on region, the global self-lubricating materials market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. In terms of consumption, Asia Pacific is the leading region of the market due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Growth in the automotive industry and strong foreign direct investment in various sectors such as consumer electronics and chemical industry are expected to boost the self-lubricating market in the region. Latin America is also one of the key consumers of self-lubricating materials. It is followed by Middle East & Africa. Increase in investment by various automakers, especially in GCC, South Africa, and Mexico, is estimated to create immense opportunities for manufacturers of self-lubricating materials. North America and Europe are comparatively mature markets for self-lubricating materials; these regions are likely to expand at moderate pace during the forecast period.Key players operating in the self-lubricating materials market include LATI Industria Termoplastici S.p.A., Federal-Mogul LLC, TriStar Plastics Corp., and Glebus Alloys, LLC.About Us:-Transparency Market Research 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 are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog:
Military Training Aircraft Market Growth with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2023

Military Training Aircraft Market

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Market Highlights:Military training aircraft are used by the air forces to train their pilots for future roles and responsibilities. The pilots are trained in different stages and as the stages advance the pilot numbers get reduced. Each pilot has a specific set of skills suited for either fixed wing or rotor aircraft so it is defined during the training regimen, what a pilot would operate. Increasing investments on the military aircraft from the emerging economies, is a major factor driving the growth of the market. However, the increasing adoption of virtual training, is a crucial factor that may hamper the growth of the market.On the basis of application, the global military training aircraft market was dominated by the armed aircraft, which is primarily designed to destroy enemy equipment with their own armament. Concurrently, the unarmed aircraft are designed specifically for transport and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes.Therefore, the global military training aircraft market is expected to witness significant growth, during the forecast period.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players: Boeing Company (US) Lockheed Martin Corporation (US) Irkut Corporation (Russia) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (India) Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. (Austria) Northrop Corporation (US) Fabrica Militaar De Aviones (Argentina) Grob Aircraft AG (Germany) Raytheon Aircraft Company (US) BAE Systems (UK)Market Research Analysis:On the basis of type, the global military training aircraft market was dominated by the fixed wing aircraft, in 2016. Rotary wing aircraft has one or more power-driven horizontal propellers or rotors that enable it to take off vertically and move in any direction, or remain stationary in the air. The market for rotary wing aircraft is expected to grow significantly and at a faster rate, during the forecast period.Scope of the Report:This study provides an overview of the global military training aircraft market, tracking two market segments across three geographic regions. The report studies the key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region. The scope of the study segments the global military training aircraft market as type and application.Global Military Training Aircraft Market, By Type Fixed-Wing Aircraft Rotary-Wing AircraftGlobal Military Training Aircraft Market, By Application Armed UnarmedBrief TOC:1 Executive Summary2 Introduction2.1 Report Description2.2 Research Objective3 Research Methodology3.1 Scope of the Study3.1.1 Definition3.1.2 Research Objective3.1.3 Assumptions3.1.4 Limitations3.2 Research Materials3.2.1 Primary Research3.2.2 Secondary Research3.3 Market size Estimation3.4 Forecast Model4 Market Dynamics4.1 Market Drivers4.2 Market Inhibitors4.3 Supply/Value Chain Analysis4.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis5 Global Military Training Aircraft Market, By Type5.1 IntroductionContinueAccess Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Pest Control Services Market is Expected to Expand at a 5.4% CAGR Over the Forecast period (20162026)

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The US$ 16 Bn global pest control services market is set to increase at over 5% CAGR in the next decade, according to a new market forecast report by Future Market Insights (FMI). The report, titled, Pest Control Services Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016 - 2026, offers 10-year forecast and analysis on the basis of application, service, end-users, and region.Rising awareness among consumers on the importance of pest control is anticipated to ramp up demand for pest control and management during the forecast period. Increase in construction activity on account of rapid urbanisation and economic development is also expected to fuel the growth of the market.Global regulations and legislations on consumer safety are anticipated to boost adoption of pest control management as a standard operational procedure in end-use industries, especially in food and beverage manufacturing. End-use industries are focus on compliance with certification standards set by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and AIB International, and this is expected to contribute to the growth of the market in the future.Request For Report Sample@Other key factors anticipated to shape up demand for pest control services include climate change (various pests thrive in warmer climates), rise in international tourism, and easy availability pest control and management solutions.Technology Making Inroads in Pest Control LandscapeUse of technology is growing in the pest control landscape, with many companies using smartphone apps and mobile communication technology to offer highly effective services to their clients. Concerns about the potential health- and environmental-impact of pest control chemicals is influencing manufacturers to include organic chemicals in their offerings.North America and Western Europe Dominant Markets, APEJ to Witness Robust GrowthNorth America and Western Europe are currently the largest markets for pest control services, collectively accounting for 60% revenue share of the market in 2015. Demand for pest control services in Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) is expected to witness strong growth during the forecast period. FMI estimates the APEJ pest control services market to increase at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.The key application segments on which FMIs reports offers market forecast and analysis include,Ants ControlBedbug ControlBeetle ControlBird ControlCockroaches ControlMosquito & Flies ControlRat & Rodent ControlTermites ControlOthers (Home Lizards, Moths Mites and Reptiles)Among these, demand for termite control is currently the highest, followed by mosquito and flies control. FMI estimates the termite control segment to increase at 6.3% CAGR through 2026, whereas the mosquito and flies control segment is anticipated to expand at 5.8% CAGR.Browse the full "Pest Control Services Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016 - 2026" market research report atOn the basis of service, the market has been segmented into,Chemical control servicesMechanical control servicesOther pest control services (moisture control, sanitation, etc.)Among these, the chemical control services segment is anticipated to witness high growth, increasing at 5.4% CAGR during the forecast period.The key end-use segments of the global pest control services market are,ResidentialAgricultureCommercialIndustrialThe commercial end-use segment currently accounts for the highest revenue share currently, whereas the agriculture segment is expected to increase at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.Send an Enquiry @Leading Players Looking to Boost Presence in Emerging MarketsLeading companies profiled in FMIs report include Ecolab, Inc., Rollins, Inc., Rentokil Initial Plc., Service Master Global Holdings, Inc. (Terminix), Massey Services Inc., Arrow Exterminators Inc., Sanix Incorporated, Asante Inc. and Dodson Brothers Exterminating Company Incorporated. The pest control service market is highly fragmented and larger players are focused towards enhancing their geographical presence and expanding their customer base by entering into strategic mergers and acquisitions with regional players.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:
Multirotors Market 2017 - Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Draganfly Innovations, Aerovironment, Inc., Coptercam, Aibotix

Multirotors Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Multirotors Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Multirotors 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 Multirotors industry, and estimates the future trend of Multirotors market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Multirotors Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportIsrael Aerospace Industries (IAI)Draganfly InnovationsAerovironment, Inc.CoptercamAibotixAeryon LabsDji InnovationsCyberhawk Innovations Ltd.Microdrones GmbHThe market research report explores the Multirotors market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Multirotors 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 Multirotors market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Multirotors. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Multirotors 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 Multirotors is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Multirotors market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Multirotors market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Multirotors market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Multirotors production volume, data pertaining to demand and Multirotors supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Multirotors 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 Multirotors 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
Coronary Stent Market to Rise at a CAGR of 14.0% over the forecast period (20162026)

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India coronary stents market, valued at US$ 481 Mn in 2015, is expected to reach US$ 531 Mn in revenues by 2016-end, according to a new research report by Future Market Insights. The report titled, Coronary Stents Market: India Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026 projects the market to increase at 14% CAGR through 2026 and surpass US$ 1.8 Bn in revenues.Demand for coronary stents is expected to be driven by government initiatives to offer better healthcare amenities. Capping of coronary stents prices, increase in geriatric population, and increasing number of PCI procedure to treat CHD are other key factors anticipated to fuel demand for coronary stents during the forecast period.Easing of norms such as exemptions in direct taxes, while allowing 100 percent FDI in medical devices segment under the automatic route is expected to encourage entry of foreign players in the healthcare sector in the near future.Request For Report Sample@Increasing prevalence of diabetes is high among the ageing population in the country. In 2014, 43.2% of the sampled population in the country was aware about diabetes and related treatment options. Over the last few years, number of PCI procedures have increased in India due to increase in prevalence of CHD.India coronary stents market is segmented on the basis of product type, raw material and end-use.On the basis of product type, the market has been segmented into Drug Eluting Stent (DES), Bare Metal Stent (BMS) and Bioresorbable Vascular Stent (BVS). Drug Eluting Stent segment is expected to register impressive CAGR of 14.0% during the forecast period.On the basis of raw material, the market is segmented into cobalt-chromium, stainless steel, platinum-chromium, nickel-titanium and polymer. Currently, demand for cobalt-chromium is the highest, followed by platinum-chromium.Send an Enquiry @On the basis of end use, India coronary stents market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centres and cardiac catheterization laboratories. By end use, hospitals segment is expected to witness fastest growth during the forecast period.The key players profiled in FMIs report include Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic, Inc., Biosensors Inc., and Boston Scientific Inc. The report also identifies company-specific strategies related to product development, market consolidation initiatives and analysis of their specific strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.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:
Wound Care Market: Future Demand, Market Analysis & Outlook to 2024

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Global Wound Care Market: OverviewA type of injury which is caused due to blow, cut, forceful impacts, and breaks the skin and tissues is termed as the wound. In the day-to-day life, we often come across some unexpected accidents which lead to minor or major wounds to our body. In medical term, wounds are distinguished based on their types such as abrasion, contusion, and laceration. There are several methods used to cure the wound to avoid the future hazard.Request Free Sample Report @Global Wound Care Market: SegmentationThe global wound care market is segmented based on various factors. Such as based on the product type it is divided as advanced wound care, surgical wound care, and traditional wound care. Further, the advanced wound care products include hydrogel dressings, foam dressings, alginate dressings, collagen dressings, and many others. Similarly, surgical wound care products are sub -segmented as sealants, tissue adhesives, sutures and staples, and anti-infective dressings. Further, traditional wound care products are also diversified in cleansing agents, dressing, and medical tapes. Moreover, based on the type of wound it is segmented as chronic wounds that include pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and surgical & Traumatic Wounds such as burns comprise under acute wounds. The end-user industries include home health care facilities, long-term care facilities, and hospitals and specialty wound clinics.Global Wound Care Market: Growth FactorsRising number of geriatric population and surgeries is driving the global wound care market. Growing awareness among the people about the first aid medication has also improved the demand of the global wound care market. The high number of road mishaps and accidents and improved medical facilities are some of the vital factors responsible for the growth of global wound care market. Government focusing on health benefits plans and reimbursement policies has increased the rate of hospitalization related to the wound injuries and medication which indirectly affects the growth of the global wound care market. Growing number of cosmetic and plastic surgeries and other surgical methods has boosted the global wound care market growth.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Wound Care Market: Regional AnalysisGeographically, North America is leading the global wound care market, due to rising number of geriatric population and growing of diabetic patients. Europe holds the second place in the global wound care market as the region is developing a beneficial wound care facility for the population. Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow significantly due to growing populationGlobal Wound Care Market: Competitive PlayersMajor Key players dominating and contributing their efforts in global wound care market include 3M Health Care, Acell Inc., Acelity L, ArjoHuntleigh, Baxter Bioscience, B. Braun/Aesculap Inc., Curaline, Pfizer Inc., and Johnson & Johnson. Other major players comprise Lifebond Ltd., Ohmann, Hollister Wound Care LLC, Rauscher GmbH & Co., Arobella Medical LLC, Soluble Systems LLC, and many others.Browse detail report @Wound Care Market by Geographical Analysis: North America( U.S.), Europe( UK, France, Germany), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India), Latin America( Brazil), Middle East and AfricaOur value reports provide full, in-depth analysis of the parent market including most significant changes in market dynamics; the report also presents a detailed overview on segmentation of this market. We managed to present as many important information in essential form  thanks to our report You will learn more about former, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and value, assessment of niche industry developments and Market share analysis. We have not forgotten to present key strategies for major players, emerging segments and regional markets and last but not least, testimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.Inquire more before buying this report @About Us: Zion Market Research is an obligate company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with Vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from Cardinal Industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Our Blog:
Telco digital transformation: Lessons from the worlds most powerful digital companies

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MarketResearchReports.Biz presents this most up-to-date research on "Telco digital transformation: Lessons from the worlds most powerful digital companies".Telco Digital Transformation: Lessons from the worlds most powerful digital companies, a thematic research report, examines effective strategies for telcos to capitalize on the explosive growth in the consumption of digital services. The report identifies key lessons in digital prowess from major brands including Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon that have led the value shift from technology provision to enablement, and provides and in-depth analysis of telco strategies to transform their internal operations, coming up with new technology use cases and exploring new service and revenue models.Request For Sample Report @Key FindingsThe worlds leaders in market capitalization show us how disruptive digital strategies can produce remarkable growth opportunities for the business. Apple and Google taught us how to pioneer revolutionary business models. Amazon showed us how to masterfully virtualize a brick-and-mortar industry, and Facebook transformed the definition of content services, putting the user as the central author.Telecom service providers know first-hand the impact of the digital revolt, as SMS and traditional voice services become increasingly replaced by IP-based voice and messaging apps such as Skype and WhatsApp. Telcos have been catalysts of the transformation of mobile devices from communications tools to life management hubs. Yet, to thrive in the digital economy requires far more than technology or product prowess-- it calls for entirely novel service models.To secure a profitable slice of the new digital domain, telecom service providers need to transform how they deliver services, content and apps. Telco digital transformation begins with a digital corporate culture to drive the discovery of new innovation engines, disruptive business models and digitally-smart customer relationship platforms. Telecom companies that can turn the challenge of digital transformation into profitable opportunities will prevail.Complete Report Details @SynopsisThe Telco digital transformation: Lessons from the worlds most powerful digital companies report analyzes the growth drivers of digital services, strategies of leading digital companies, as well as case studies on the digital transformation of four major telecom services providers. Data and insights are derived through a mix of desk-based secondary research and qualitative primary research.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @The report is structured as follows:Section 1: Market context  digital services growth drivers and trends. This section provides a high-level overview of the growth drivers of digital services and the impact of the rise of digital brands on the traditional telecom service provider model.Section 2: Lessons in digital prowess  GAFA strategies. Here we examine the market approach and strategies of four leading digital companies  Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple  with a special focus on their key business values and success factors.Section 3: Case studies  Telco approaches to digital transformation. We continue with a review of the strategies and programs that leading telecom companies AT&T, China Telecom, Orange and Verizon are putting in place to create profitable growth amidst the business disruption brought about by successful digital service providers.Section 4: Key findings and recommendations. We conclude the report with a set of key findings on the core values and success factors of digital leaders, and strategy recommendations for telecom services providers.Reasons To BuyTelco digital transformation: Lessons from the worlds most powerful digital companies examines best practices of four of the worlds leading companies to help telecom executives develop effective growth strategies, make informed strategic business decisions and optimize return on investment.The report provides valuable insights about effective corporate values, innovation programs, organizational strategies and revenue models that can help service providers transform their operational models and profit from the digital opportunity.The reports case studies provide real examples of market approaches and strategies being employed by leading telcos to build revenue opportunities in the digital age, related to their internal organizations, their ecosystem development and revenue creation.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Clinical Laboratory Services Market Size Is Projected To Be Around $348 Billion By 2025:

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https://www.crystalmarketresearch.com/report/clinical-chemistry-analyzer-market

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A research study titled, Clinical Laboratory Services Market by Test Type and Service Provider- Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 published by Crystal Market Research, states that the clinical laboratory services market is projected to be around $348 billion by 2025.Clinical laboratories are an inseparable part of the healthcare industry. Theselaboratories are used to performlarge range of diagnostic tests ranging from simple blood tests to highly complex DNA sequencing. Clinical laboratories play a vital role in providing information and services which maximize healthcare delivery system by providing diagnostic and test results. Besides diagnostic services, lab testing may also be performed to evaluate drug treatment, disease progression and to figure out individual therapy for diseases. Clinical laboratory service market is continuously growing due to high prevalence of diabetes, cancer and other disorders leading to increase in number of patients requiring diagnostic services, further driving the global market. Furthermore these services are cost effective and require minimum invasive method for clinical decision making and diagnosis. Advancement in technologies such as micro assays and biochips which can process large number of samples at a time will further enhance growth of the global market.Browse full research report with TOC on Clinical Laboratory Services Market by Test Type and Service Provider- Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 at:Clinical chemistry segment accounted for the largest share of the global market in 2016, owing to increase in demand for early detection of diseases like diabetes and cancer for effective disease treatment and management. Medical microbiology and cytology market is anticipated to witness fastest growth during forecast period due to increase in pool of patients suffering from infectious diseases requiring large number of diagnostic procedures. On the basis of service provider, standalone laboratories market is poised to witness fastest growth during the forecast period primarily due to wide range of diagnostic services offered by these labs and ability to manage large test volume with quick delivery of results.U.S. dominated the global clinical laboratory services market in 2016.This can be attributed to presence of large number of clinical laboratories and high population suffering from various disorders requiring diagnostic services. Emerging nations such as China and India will exhibit favorable growth over the forecast period owing to large pool of patients and increasing demand for early detection of diseases. Moreover, rapid development and changes in healthcare infrastructure along with increase in disposable income of people will further fuel the growth of the market.Some of the key players operating in the global clinical laboratory services market are LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, Sonic Healthcare, Healthscope Ltd., Spectra Laboratories, ARUP Laboratories, Genoptix Medical Laboratory, Qiagen, Abbott Laboratories, Bio-Reference Laboratories, Labco S.A andClarient Inc. Global players are focusing on upgrading existing products to enhance accuracy and reliability of clinical test results. For instance, in January 2017, Abbott Laboratories launched next generation Alinity Ci-series diagnostic systemswith new immunoassays methods. These methods are cost effective as well as provide unique solutions for labs to achieve enhancedhealthcare performance.Request a sample copy of Clinical Laboratory Services Market Research Report @Key Findings of the Research Study: Clinical chemistry segment accounted for over two-fifth share of the global market in 2016 owing to increase in cases of target diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and liver disorders. Medical microbiology and cytology market will exhibit fastest growth over the forecast period due to rising incidence of diseases leading to increased need for large number of testing procedures. Standalone laboratories market is poised to witness fastest CAGR during the forecast period as a result of high penetration in emerging markets. North America dominated the global market in 2016 and is expected to continue its dominance during forecast period due to highly sophisticated healthcare infrastructure in the region. Asia-Pacific is expected to witness fastest growth during forecast period owing to changing healthcare infrastructure and rise in disease prevalence in the region.Inquire more about this report at:Clinical Laboratory Services Market SegmentationBy Test Type: Human and Tumor Genetics Clinical Chemistry Medical Microbiology and Cytology Other Esoteric TestsBy Service Provider: Stand-alone Laboratories Hospital-based Laboratories Clinic-based LaboratoriesBy Region: North Americao U.So Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo UKo Italyo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia-Pacifico Japano Chinao Australiao Indiao South Koreao Rest of Asia-Pacific Rest of the Worldo Brazilo South Africao Saudi Arabiao Turkeyo United Arab Emirateso OthersGet Customization in the Report At:Related Reports:Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Market by Test Type and, End User - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025:DNA Sequencing Market by Product Type, Technology and, End User - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025:About Crystal Market ResearchCrystal Market Research is a U.S. based market research and business intelligence company. Crystal offers one stop solution for market research, business intelligence, and consulting services to help clients make more informed decisions. It provides both syndicated as well as customized research studies for its customers spread across the globe. The company offers market intelligence reports across a broad range of industries including healthcare, chemicals & materials, technology, automotive, and energy.Contact:Judy304 South Jones Blvd, Suite 1896,Las Vegas NV 89107,United StatesToll Free: +1-888-213-4282Email: sales@crystalmarketresearch.comBlog:Website:
Europe Coal Tar Market 2016 - AM, NLMK, Metinvest, SEVERSTAL, Erdemir

Coal Tar Market

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The report that is written on the title Coal Tar Market 2016 covers all the aspects of the global market study. This report has an estimation about the Coal Tar Market size in terms of value (US$). The report contains the broad segmentation of the market. The report provides the information about the Coal Tar Market and also forecasts its position in the coming years.Coal tar is a thick black liquid that's a byproduct of coke production. As an extra product of the cause of action (COA) process that results in the production of coke, this liquid is a versatile product in its own right. There are actually quite a few uses for this viscous liquid, ranging from building and home repair all the way to medical treatments.Browse full report with TOC @Coal tar can be distilled into many fractions to yield a number of useful organic products, including benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene, anthracene, and phenanthrene. These substances, called the coal-tar crudes, form the starting point for the synthesis of numerous products - notably dyes, drugs, explosives, flavorings, perfumes, preservatives, synthetic resins, and paints and stains. The residual pitch left from the fractional distillation is used for paving, roofing, waterproofing, and insulation.The European coal tar production was expected to drop to XX tons in 2016 with a growth rate of XX% from its year-earlier level. The European coal tar market size is estimated to decrease from USD XX million in 2011 to USD XX million by 2016, at an estimated CAGR of XX% between 2011 and 2016.The European coal tar market report profiles some of the key technological developments in the recent times. It also profiles some of the leading players in the market and analyzes their key strategies. The competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players.Global Coal Tar Market Segment By Key Players/Manufacturers, AM NLMK Metinvest SEVERSTAL Erdemir EVRAZ Tata MMK ISD MechelAsk for Sample Report:Report on (The European Coal Tar Market Report) mainly covers 15 Topics acutely display the global Coal Tar Market.Topic 1, this report analyzed the basic scope of this industry like definition, specification, classification, application, industry policy and news;Topic 2, the analysis on industry chain is provided including the up and down stream industry also with the major market players. And the analysis on manufacturing including process, cost structure and major plants distribution is conducted;Topic 3, 4 global and regional market is analyzed. In these chapters, this report analyzed major market data like capacity, production, capacity utilization rate, price, revenue, cost, gross, gross margin, supply, import, export, consumption, market share, growth rate and etc. For regional market, this report analyzed major regions like Global, North America, South America, Asia (Excluding China), China and ROW. These analysis are conducted;Topic 5, 6 and 7, the performance of major manufacturers are analyzed and then in Chapter 6 and 7 the analysis on major classification and application.Topic 8, Then the marketing channel analysis is provided including the major distributorsTopic 9 and 10, this report analyzed the market forecast from 2017 to 2022 for global and regional market in Chapter 9 and the new project investment feasibility analysis;Topic 11, At last, this report provided the conclusions of this researchThis report is a valuable source of guidance for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers, investors and individuals who have interest in this market.About Market Research Store:Market Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United States
DECATUR  A baby howler monkey is the latest blessed arrival at Scovill Zoo, born to parents Andi and Paco.

Zoo director Ken Frye said it's too early to know the baby's sex, so he or she hasn't been named yet, but parents and baby are all doing well. The baby was born July 30.

The monkeys came to the zoo last year -- Andi from San Antonio, Texas, and Paco from Omaha, Neb. Andi was named when the zookeepers there thought she was a boy, because howler monkeys are born with light brown fur and males turn dark. Andi never did, so the San Antonio zoo sent a letter along with Andi that Scovill should be sure to spell her name with an i instead of a y.

They might be able (to tell the baby's sex) when it gets a little older and separates more from mom and then do a blood draw, Frye said. We're in no hurry to find out. Once they start to get more in the sexually mature range is when you need to know for sure. With a boy, you don't want him and dad to get confrontational and if it's a girl, we don't want them dating.

A baby's light fur helps them blend into their mothers while they're small, providing protection from predators.

Howler monkeys typically relax by sitting in a hunched-over position, with their tails tucked around their bodies, and that makes seeing the baby a little tricky. But visitors who are patient and watch closely might be able to catch a glimpse of a little face or extra tail.

Scovill also is welcoming two zebras, though Frye said he couldn't talk about them just yet. The Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel reported on Friday that Zoo Knoxville's two male Plains Zebras, Charley Harper, 11, and KT, 15, are moving to Scovill.

The zebras were examined by veterinarians from the Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine before their trip. Zoo Knoxville will be getting mountain zebras, which are endangered, in an effort to help save the species, the newspaper reported.

Mountain zebras are larger than plains zebras and stand about 5 feet tall at the shoulder, whereas plains zebras are only about 4 feet tall.

Other changes coming up are that blue and gold macaw Azul has been taken inside for the time being while his aviary is repurposed for the zoo's toucans. The red-tailed hawk and turkey vulture are back out on display after being inside for some time.

Neither can fly, as they were rescued with significant injuries that prevent flight, but Frye said they get along with each other well and share an exhibit next to the zebra exhibit, which is temporarily empty.

Tilly, the gray wolf, lost her companion Timber recently. Timber died a few weeks ago and Tilly has been alone for the second time. Her first companion, her nephew Mowgli, died in 2014. Two wolf pups will join Tilly at the zoo soon.
Global Broadcasting Transmitter Market Research Report 2016-2021

Broadcasting Transmitter Market

https://goo.gl/9OdOAL

A radio transmitter is an electronic device which, when connected to an antenna, produces an electromagnetic signal such as in radio and television broadcasting, two way communications or radar. Heating devices, such as a microwave oven, although of similar design, are not usually called transmitters, in that they use the electromagnetic energy locally rather than transmitting it to another location. A radio transmitter is usually part of a radio communication system which uses electromagnetic waves (radio waves) to transport information (in this case sound) over a distance.Broadcasting Transmitter production, which measures output worldwide, was expected to reach ** units in 2016 with an increase of 4.33% from its year-earlier level. The global broadcasting transmitter market size is estimated to grow from USD 577.84 million in 2011 to USD 708.75 million by 2016, at an estimated CAGR of 4.17% between 2011 and 2016. With regards to this, key players of broadcasting transmitter industry are expected to find potential opportunities in this market.The global broadcasting transmitter market report profiles some of the key technological developments in the recent times. It also profiles some of the leading players in the market and analyzes their key strategies. The competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players.Global Broadcasting Transmitter Market Segment By Key Players/Manufacturers,R&S GatesAirThomson BroadcastHitachiSumavisionBECOMSASyesNECWeingartenQuartetAsk for Sample Report:Report on (Broadcasting Transmitter Market Report) mainly covers 15 Topics acutely display the global Broadcasting Transmitter Market.Topic 1, this report analyzed the basic scope of this industry like definition, specification, classification, application, industry policy and news;Topic 2, the analysis on industry chain is provided including the up and down stream industry also with the major market players. And the analysis on manufacturing including process, cost structure and major plants distribution is conducted;Topic 3, 4 global and regional market is analyzed. In these chapters, this report analyzed major market data like capacity, production, capacity utilization rate, price, revenue, cost, gross, gross margin, supply, import, export, consumption, market share, growth rate and etc. For regional market, this report analyzed major regions like Global, North America, South America, Asia (Excluding China), China and ROW. These analysis are conducted;Topic 5, 6 and 7, the performance of major manufacturers are analyzed and then in Chapter 6 and 7 the analysis on major classification and application.Topic 8, Then the marketing channel analysis is provided including the major distributorsTopic 9 and 10, this report analyzed the market forecast from 2017 to 2022 for global and regional market in Chapter 9 and the new project investment feasibility analysis;Topic 11, At last, this report provided the conclusions of this researchThis report is a valuable source of guidance for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers, investors and individuals who have interest in this market.About Market Research Store:Market Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United States
Paraguay: Recently Deployed 4G Networks and a New Fiber Backbone Will Drive Revenue Growth Through 2021

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MarketResearchReports.Biz presents this most up-to-date research on "Paraguay: Recently Deployed 4G Networks and a New Fiber Backbone Will Drive Revenue Growth Through 2021".Paraguay: Recently Deployed 4G Networks and a New Fiber Backbone Will Drive Revenue Growth Through 2021, a new Country Intelligence Report by Pyramid Research, offers a precise, incisive profile of Paraguays mobile and fixed telecommunications and pay-TV markets based on comprehensive proprietary data and insights from our research in the Paraguayan market. Published annually, this presentation-quality, executive-level report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony and broadband, mobile and pay-TV sectors, in addition to a review of key regulatory trends.Request For Sample Report @Key Findings- Paraguay is one of the smallest telecom services markets in Latin America, generating an estimated $992m in 2016. In 2016 revenue will drop 7% relative to 2015, but this is due largely to adverse exchange rate movements in local currency terms, revenue will grow 2.4% in 2016.- Pyramid Research expects overall service revenue to grow at a 3.1% CAGR from 2016 to 2021, driven not only by solid growth in the pay-TV market but, more importantly, by growth in the mobile data and fixed broadband services markets. Despite the fixed segment increasing its revenue participation by several percentage points during the 2016-2021 period, the mobile segment will remain dominant, accounting for more than 70% of all the telecom and pay-TV revenue generated during 2021.Complete Report Details @- Tigo is Paraguays largest revenue generator, providing mobile, fixed broadband and pay-TV services across the country. Together with No. 2 player Personal, both will account for three-fourths of the total market revenue for 2016. Despite this advantage, the increasing deployment of 4G services is opening new opportunities for smaller players across the mobile communications segment.- We expect 3G connections will overtake 2G as soon as 2017. The availability of LTE networks and devices has accelerated following the 4G spectrum auction in December 2015. We expect the number of LTE subscriptions to expand at a CAGR of 26.6% between 2016 and 2021.- We expect that the total number of fixed access lines in the country will continue increasing through 2021, driven by a strong uptake in cable broadband connections and the ongoing rollout of a national fiber backbone network, connecting all municipalities in the country by year-end 2016.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @SynopsisParaguay: Recently-Deployed 4G Networks and a New Fiber Backbone Will Drive Revenue Growth Through 2021 provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Paraguay today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2020. It delivers deep quantitative and qualitative insight into Paraguays telecom market, analyzing key trends, evaluating near-term opportunities and assessing risk factors, based on proprietary data from Pyramid Researchs databases.It provides in-depth analysis of the following:- Paraguay in a regional context; a comparative review of market size and trends with that of other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Paraguay.- The regulatory environment and trends; a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile; analysis as well as forecasts and historical figures of service revenue from fixed telephony (including VoIP), broadband, mobile voice and data, and pay-TV markets.- The service evolution; a look at the change in the breakdown of overall revenue by fixed/pay-TV and mobile sectors and by voice, data and video in the current year as well as the end of the forecast period.- The competitive landscape; an examination of key trends in competition and service providers performance, revenue market shares and expected moves over the next 18-24 months.- An in-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony and broadband services, mobile voice and data services, and pay-TV services; a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by technology/platform as well as operator, average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities; this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Paraguays telecommunications and pay-TV markets.Reasons To Buy- This Country Intelligence Report helps executives build proactive, profitable growth strategies by offering comprehensive, relevant analysis of Paraguays telecommunications and pay-TV markets based on insights directly from the local market players.- The report offers a wealth of data on the telecom and pay-TV markets, with the mobile and fixed segments examined in detail.- The competitive landscape and the major players are given extra attention, enabling local players or prospective market entrants to gain the insight they need.- The broad but detailed perspective will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players to succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Paraguay.- The report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality that allows it to be turned into presentable material immediately.- The report concludes with an exploration of the opportunities available in the Paraguayan market to operators, vendors and investors.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Bluetooth Sunglasses Industry Company Profile, Product Specifications, Capacity, Production Value and 2017-2021 Market Shares

2017 Global Bluetooth Sunglasses Market

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Global Bluetooth Sunglasses Market Research Report provides information on Products, Services, Trends, Top Companies, Verticals, Countries, Material, Application, and Geography globally. This report will help the viewer in Better Decision Making ,offers by OrbisResearch.comDescription:Bluetooth Sunglasses 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).The report firstly introduced the Bluetooth Sunglasses basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; 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.Request a sample of Global Bluetooth Sunglasses Market Research Report @The report includes six parts, dealing with: Basic information The Asia Bluetooth Sunglasses Market The North American Bluetooth Sunglasses Market The European Bluetooth Sunglasses Market Market entry and investment feasibility The report conclusionBrowse the full Global Bluetooth Sunglasses Industry Research Report @Some of the points from table of content:Part I Bluetooth Sunglasses Industry OverviewChapter One Bluetooth Sunglasses Industry Overview1.1 Bluetooth Sunglasses Definition1.2 Bluetooth Sunglasses Classification Analysis1.2.1 Bluetooth Sunglasses Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Bluetooth Sunglasses Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Bluetooth Sunglasses Application Analysis1.3.1 Bluetooth Sunglasses Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Bluetooth Sunglasses Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Bluetooth Sunglasses Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Bluetooth Sunglasses Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Bluetooth Sunglasses Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Bluetooth Sunglasses Product Market Development Overview1.6 Bluetooth Sunglasses Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Bluetooth Sunglasses Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Bluetooth Sunglasses Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Bluetooth Sunglasses Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Bluetooth Sunglasses Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Bluetooth Sunglasses Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Bluetooth Sunglasses Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis2.1.1 Down Stream Market Analysis2.2.2 Down Stream Demand Analysis2.2.3 Down Stream Market Trend AnalysisPart II Asia Bluetooth Sunglasses Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia Bluetooth Sunglasses Market Analysis3.1 Asia Bluetooth Sunglasses Product Development History3.2 Asia Bluetooth Sunglasses Competitive Landscape Analysis3.3 Asia Bluetooth Sunglasses Market Development TrendChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia Bluetooth Sunglasses Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2012-2017 Bluetooth Sunglasses Capacity Production Overview4.2 2012-2017 Bluetooth Sunglasses Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2012-2017 Bluetooth Sunglasses Demand Overview4.4 2012-2017 Bluetooth Sunglasses Supply Demand and Shortage4.5 2012-2017 Bluetooth Sunglasses Import Export Consumption4.6 2012-2017 Bluetooth Sunglasses Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginThe Report Contains: 163 Pages.Make an enquire of this report @About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter:Follow us on G+ :
National Broadband Plans in Asia-Pacific: Focus on Bridging the Digital Divide to Spur Economic Growth

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MarketResearchReports.Biz presents this most up-to-date research on "National Broadband Plans in Asia-Pacific: Focus on Bridging the Digital Divide to Spur Economic Growth".National Broadband Plans in Asia-Pacific: Focus on Bridging the Digital Divide to Spur Economic Growth report provides an overview of the national broadband plans adopted by the governments in APAC region. This includes an analysis of priorities set under NBPs such as targets, technology, funding and role of governments as well as private operators. The report also provides case studies on countries NBPs with focus on targets, goals, government initiatives, operator involvement and progress over the period.Request For Sample Report @Key Findings- The digital divide remains a major concern for many countries in APAC region, making it a key agenda in NBPs. Examples of these countries include India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand etc.- Other key goals included in the NBPs in APAC countries involve improving speed and quality of broadband services, deployment of new technologies, digitization of government institutions and offices etc.- Fiber-optic is the preferred technology for most of the countries on account of high transmission speeds, which helps operators meet demands of high bandwidth services.- Governments and operators are actively investing in the broadband infrastructure to attain goals laid under the national broadband plans. Government are extending support in the form of funds as well as introducing regulatory measures and offering spectrum. While operators are supporting by making investments in their networks.Complete Report Details @SynopsisNational Broadband Plans in Asia-Pacific: Focus on Bridging the Digital Divide to Spur Economic Growth , a new Telecom Insider Report by Pyramid Research, provides insights into national broadband plans or strategies (NBPs) in the Asia-Pacific region. This report investigates NBPs in APAC countries that have included targets pertaining to broadband services and digitization of government offices, institutions and public places. Countries such as India, China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam among others have goals to extend broadband access, while countries including Indonesia and China have also defined minimum speed of broadband services in their respective NBPs. The report analyses targets, technologies, funding strategies and role of government and private sector in achieving the goals of NBPs. It also includes brief information on NBPs of select countries in the region. Case studies on NBPs of five countries are provided, which include overview, goals, government initiatives, operator involvement and progress.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @ReasonsToBuy- Gain understanding of governments goals and initiatives to make informed decisions pertaining to investments in network and technologies and optimize return on investment.- Develop understating of markets through analysis of targets, technologies, government support, operator role and funding strategies.- Understand growth opportunities as per emerging trends in broadband segment using information on five year forecast for fixed-broadband, mobile penetration and 3G+ subscription in APAC.- Case studies on NBPs of five countries focus on details about NBP objectives, government strategies being pursued to boost investments and adoption of broadband services along with information of investments by operators to drive their business, provide understanding of the markets for prospective market entrants as well as for existing operators.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Online Clothing Rental Market to Expand by US$ 1,952.4 Mn During 2016-2026

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Future Market Insights delivers key insights on the global online clothing rental market in a new report titled, Online Clothing Rental Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20162026. In terms of value, the global online clothing rental market is expected to register a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period owing to various factors, which are analysed in detail in this report.Growth of the global online clothing rental market is driven by increasing preference for fashion and brand consciousness among people across the globe along with rising internet penetration. Consumers are preferring online purchase of clothes due to availability of a large variety at a discounted price. This is fuelling the demand for online rented clothes globally. Changing consumer lifestyles and increasing demand for designer dresses, party wear, and dinner suits is expected to intensify the growth of the global online clothing rental market in the next 10 years. Increasing urbanisation along with rising personal disposable income in regions such as the Asia Pacific are driving the overall growth of the global online clothing rental market.High profitability margins, ease of resource availability, and rising economic opportunity in developing nations are some factors encouraging new players to venture into the global online clothing rental market. Established players in the global online clothing rental market are expanding their product portfolio and are focussing on product innovations and change in target segments, which is creating robust competition in the market.Request For Report Sample@Segmentation highlightsThe global online clothing rental market is segmented on the basis of Demography (Women, Men, Kids); Price Range (Premium, Mid, Low); Type (Western Wear, Ethnic Wear, Others); End User (B2C, B2B); and Business Model (Peer-to-Peer Model, Standalone Model, Hybrid Model).The Women demography segment is expected to register a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast periodThe Peer-to-Peer business model segment was valued at US$ 656.4 Mn in 2015 and is expected to account for US$ 712.2 Mn by the end of 2016, witnessing a Y-o-Y growth rate of 8.5% over 20162020Regional projectionsThe global online clothing rental market is segmented into the seven key regions of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan, and MEA. Markets in North America, Western Europe, and APEJ are expected to record high growth rates in terms of value between 2016 and 2026. Amongst all the regions, North America is estimated to account for a comparatively higher value share in 2016. Western Europe is another major market for online clothing rentals. The entry of online luxury fashion due to rising internet penetration is expected to drive market growth in this region. In the APEJ region, increasing personal disposable income is a key driver for sustained growth of the online clothing rental market, and the APEJ market is expected to register a CAGR of 10.1% during the period 2016-2026. The online clothing rental market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period in countries such as India, the ASEAN countries, Australia, and New Zealand.Send an Enquiry @Vendor insightsThis report covers detailed profiles of key players operating in the global online clothing rental market. The report presents key strategies, key developments, product offerings, and market performance of leading companies. Some of the top companies profiled in the global online clothing rental market report are Rent the Runway, Poshmark, Elanic Services Pvt Ltd., Dress & Go, GlamCorner Pvt Ltd., Envoged, Etashee, Secoo Holdings Ltd, and Secret Worldwide.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:
Analytics as a Service Market Outlook to 2025 - Google, Amazon, EMC, Gooddata, Microsoft, IBM and Other Players

The Insight Partners

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Global Analytics as a Service Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Analytics as a Service industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Analytics as a Service market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Analytics as a Service market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Analytics as a Service players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request a Sample Report atAnalytics as a Service Market Players:- Google, Inc.- Amazon Web Services- EMC Corporation- Gooddata Corporation- Microsoft Corporation- IBM Corporation- Oracle Corporation- Computer Science Corporation- Hewlett-Packard Enterprise- SAS InstituteThe report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Analytics as a Service market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Analytics as a Service 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 Analytics as a Service 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 Analytics as a Service 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 WBG Power Devices market is expected to reach at a CAGR of 33.38% between 2016 and 2022

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global WBG Power Devices Market 2017 Industry Research Report" to its huge collection of research reports.The global WBG Power Devices market has been comprehensively detailed in the report with special focus on a range of key elements such as market share, forecast and base figures, CAGR, driving factors, growth restraints, and business opportunities. Buyers of the report are expected to be informed about significant improvements in the market and its future outlook. This could help them to take intelligent decisions when operating in the business. In terms of segmentation, the report has exclusively segregated the market to identify growth opportunities in different segments and caution players about those with dwindling growth.The major players in global WBG Power Devices market includeInfineonRohmMitsubishiSTMicroFujiToshibaMicrosemiUnited Silicon Carbide Inc.GeneSicEfficient Power Conversion (EPC)GaN SystemsTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @In respect of competition, the global WBG Power Devices market has been elaborately studied with several leading players profiled in one of the most thorough and near-accurate manners. Each player operating in the WBG Power Devices industry could be analyzed with the help of this report based on its competitors, future growth plans, market share, and recent developments. This is anticipated to help readers gain a decisive insight of the competitive landscape so they could modify their current business strategies or formulate new ones to strengthen their position in the market.Geographically, the report has shed light upon different regional markets for WBG Power Devices. The faster-growing and leading segments operational in the market have been expansively researched based on various important factors. Participants could engage this information to expand their business across the world or focus on one or more regional markets that could exhibit a stronger growth in the near future. Factors such as revenue and percentage share have been carefully estimated based on the data from reliable sources.Table of Contents1 WBG Power Devices Market Overview11.1 Product Overview and Scope of WBG Power Devices11.2 WBG Power Devices Segment by Types (Product Category)21.2.1 Global WBG Power Devices Output (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) Comparison by Types (2016-2022)21.2.2 Global WBG Power Devices Output Market Share (%) by Types in 201651.3 Global WBG Power Devices Segment by Applications81.3.1 Global WBG Power Devices Comparison by Applications81.3.2 Global WBG Power Devices Consumption Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)101.4 Global WBG Power Devices Market by Regions (2012-2022)11Browse full table of contents and data tables of Report @2 Global WBG Power Devices Market Competition by Manufacturers182.1 Global WBG Power Devices Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2016-2017)182.2 Global WBG Power Devices Gross Margin by Manufacturers (2016-2017)202.3 Manufacturers WBG Power Devices Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types222.4 WBG Power Devices Market Competitive Situation and Trends232.4.1 WBG Power Devices Market Concentration Rate232.4.2 WBG Power Devices Market Share (%) of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers242.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion253 Global WBG Power Devices Output, Revenue by Regions263.1 Global WBG Power Devices Output and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)263.2 Global WBG Power Devices Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)283.3 Global WBG Power Devices Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)303.4 North America WBG Power Devices Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)313.5 Europe WBG Power Devices Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)313.6 Asia (Ex.Japan) WBG Power Devices Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)323.7 Japan WBG Power Devices Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)324 Global WBG Power Devices Supply (Output), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions334.1 Global WBG Power Devices Consumption by Regions (2012-2017)334.2 North America WBG Power Devices Output, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)354.3 Europe WBG Power Devices Output, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)354.4 Asia (Ex.Japan) WBG Power Devices Output, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)354.5 Japan WBG Power Devices Output, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)365 Global WBG Power Devices Output, Revenue, Price Trend by Types375.1 Global WBG Power Devices Output (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)375.2 Global WBG Power Devices Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)385.3 Global WBG Power Devices Output Growth (%) by Type (2012-2017)40List of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of WBG Power Devices1Figure the Landscape of Different WBG Materials for Power Electronic Application2Table the feature comparison of GaN, SiC and Si2Table Global WBG Power Devices Output (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) Comparison by Types (2016-2022)4Table Global WBG Power Devices Comparison by Applications8Figure Application of WBG Power Devices9Figure Global WBG Power Devices Consumption Market Share (%) by Applications in 201610Table Global WBG Power Devices Consumption (K Units) Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)10Figure Global WBG Power Devices Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions (2012-2022)11About 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 Car Audio Speakers Market Research Report 2017 - Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, Delphi, BOSE, Coagent

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Car Audio Speakers Market Research Report 2017 to its huge collection of research reports.The global market for Car Audio Speakers market has been extensively analyzed in this report on the basis of the drivers, restraints, challenges, opportunities, this market faces. The study estimates the current size of the Car Audio Speakers market in as well as what it will be after the forecast period by evaluating its historical and present performance. The size of the Car Audio Speakers market is provided in terms of volume and revenue. The market revenue for all the regions is determined in US$ Mn and the volume is measured in kilo tons. The market size of each of the segments is offered in the context of the global and the regional markets.The market estimations for this study have been based on the revenue and the volume. The factors for the usage of Car Audio Speakers in each of the applications have been taken care of in assessing the revenue of this market. The demand for Car Audio Speakers has been derived by examining the global as well as regional demand for Car Audio Speakers in each of the application segments. The Car Audio Speakers market has been evaluated keeping the expected demand in mind.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The market data for each of the segments is based on their respective revenues and production volume. The predictions have been made upon the projected demand from Car Audio Speakers applications. Researches have utilized the top  down and bottom - up approaches to calculate the market, divided into regions.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringPanasonicPioneerYanfeng VisteonAlpineKeenwoodThe report further provides a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape in the market for Car Audio Speakers in a bid to highlight the level of the competition between the leading players. In this process, researchers review the profiles of the prominent market participants and identify the key strategies they have taken up for the progress of their businesses.Table of Contents1 Car Audio Speakers Market Overview11.1 Product Overview and Scope of Car Audio Speakers11.2 Car Audio Speakers Segment by Types21.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Car Audio Speakers by Types in 201621.2.2 2-Way Speakers32 Global Car Audio Speakers Market Competition by Manufacturers182.1 Global Car Audio Speakers Production and Share by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017)182.2 Global Car Audio Speakers Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017)202.3 Global Car Audio Speakers Average Price by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017)232.4 Establish and Headquarters of Manufacturers Car Audio Speakers253 Global Car Audio Speakers Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)303.1 Global Car Audio Speakers Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)303.2 Global Car Audio Speakers Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)323.3 Global Car Audio Speakers Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)34Browse Complete Report with TOC @4 Global Car Audio Speakers Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)364.1 Global Car Audio Speakers Consumption by Region (2012-2017)364.2 North America Car Audio Speakers Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)384.3 Europe Car Audio Speakers Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)384.4 China Car Audio Speakers Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)38List of Tables and FiguresFigure North America Car Audio Speakers Production (M Unit) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)9Figure Europe Car Audio Speakers Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)10Figure Europe Car Audio Speakers Production (M Unit) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)11Figure China Car Audio Speakers Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)12Figure China Car Audio Speakers Production (M Unit) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)13Figure Japan Car Audio Speakers Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)14Figure Japan Car Audio Speakers Production (M Unit) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)15Figure Global Car Audio Speakers Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)16Figure Global Car Audio Speakers Production (M Unit) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)17About 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 UsBrooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Commercial Vehicle Telematics Market: Forecast up to 2024

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Global Commercial Vehicle Telematics Market: OverviewCommercial vehicle telematics market is exploring globally owing to services such as tracking and fleet management. Telematics systems provide fleet management solutions that will assist the organization to minimize the number of empty runs and successively it reduces fuel expenses. Fleet operators are using fleet management services in order to reduce which in turn minimizes overall vehicle downtime. Next-generation telematics protocol (NGTP) offers some advantages such as support for legacy systems, reduced barriers to collaborate and implement, enhanced value proposition of different players, and promotion and adoption of new technologies. This system will offer service providers robust, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalable telematics solutions.Request Free Sample Report @Global Commercial Vehicle Telematics Market: Growth FactorsEscalating demand for monitoring and vehicle tracking systems in the logistics sector is expected to drive the global commercial vehicle telematics market growth in future. Increasing adoption of the NGTP globally will foster the global market growth in the coming years. Increase in fuel prices and developing mobile connectivity across the automotive sector is the key factor responsible for the growth of the market. Telematics acts as a cornerstone for the efficient performance of the fleet management systems and logistic systems. High demand for connected vehicles is anticipated to strengthen the global commercial vehicle telematics market growth. Growing demand for refrigerated vehicles is anticipated to the consolidation of the cold chain logistics sector, which may further fuel the global commercial vehicle telematics market growth in future.Global Commercial Vehicle Telematics Market: SegmentationThe global commercial vehicle telematics market is classified based on fitment type as aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers. Of these, aftermarket fitment segment is the leading in the global market due to considerable growth in the unorganized logistics sector. It is constantly in demand for fleet management solutions; this is anticipated to boost the global commercial vehicle telematics market growth and it is expected to continue its dominance in the near future. The global market is further fragmented on the basis of applications as retail, courier, tourism, cold chain, and pharma. Of these, cold chain contributed for the largest market share in the telematics technology. It majorly attributed to increased use of telematics in order to monitor the temperature of frozen items. Original equipment manufacturers are a second largest market and it may grab largest market chunk owing to rising partnerships among automobile manufacturers and telematics service providers.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Commercial Vehicle Telematics Market: Regional AnalysisThe global commercial vehicle telematics market is classified based on geography as Latin America, North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Europe. North America holds the largest market share due to advancement in the technology. Europe is considered a mature market and but is somewhat on a lower side.Global Commercial Vehicle Telematics Market: Competitive PlayersLeading key vendors in the global commercial vehicle telematics market are Ashok Leyland., Arya Omnitalk, Tata Motors, Trimble Navigation, and CMC. Other players influencing the global market are eLogistics, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Dhanus Technologies.Browse detail report @Commercial Vehicle Telematics Market by Geographical Analysis: North America( U.S.), Europe( UK, France, Germany), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India), Latin America( Brazil), Middle East and AfricaOur value reports provide full, in-depth analysis of the parent market including most significant changes in market dynamics; the report also presents a detailed overview on segmentation of this market. We managed to present as many important information in essential form  thanks to our report You will learn more about former, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and value, assessment of niche industry developments and Market share analysis. We have not forgotten to present key strategies for major players, emerging segments and regional markets and last but not least, testimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the market.Inquire more before buying this report @About Us: Zion Market Research is an obligate company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with Vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from Cardinal Industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Our Blog:
Global 5G Market Outlook to 2025 - T-Mobile USA, Qualcomm, Ericsson, Huawei Technologies, AT&T and Others Players

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Global 5G Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the 5G industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global 5G market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global 5G market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the 5G players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request a Sample Report at5G Market Players:T-Mobile USA, Inc.Cisco Systems, Inc.AT&T Inc.Qualcomm Inc.EricssonHuawei Technologies Co. Ltd.Verizon Communications Inc.Alcatel-Lucent S. A.Telefonica S. A.Orange S.A.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global 5G market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall 5G 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 5G 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 5G 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 Rotary Evaporator Market Research Report 2017 - BUCHI, IKA, Yamato Scientific, ANPEL, SENCO, Steroglass

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Rotary Evaporator Market Research Report 2017 to its huge collection of research reports.The research report Rotary Evaporator comprises precise facts of the market in order to allow a user to formulate an analytical plan of action that takes into account the reports detailed descriptions of the significant features that govern the global Rotary Evaporator market. The report is replete with classifications, definitions, key characteristic descriptions for the global Rotary Evaporator market. The knowledge and analysis of these factors will be advantageous to the reader when understanding their potential role in the various segments of the global Rotary Evaporator market, along with the regional perspective given.The report discovers the crucial tendencies that have so far directed the global Rotary Evaporator market, and offers a predictive analytics of the trends that will continue to influence it over the given forecast period. This is important for the examination of the global Rotary Evaporator markets growth trajectory.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The regional analysis of the global Rotary Evaporator market allows the readers of this report to observe the changes in a market as an when it crosses diversities in demand and supply between different types of clients, cultures, and regions. The report examines the viability of each region that the global Rotary Evaporator market is currently developing in, while expounding on the fruitful policies that have so far benefitted players in these regions.The research methods utilized in the global Rotary Evaporator markets research report incorporate tools that give proportionate weightage to the macro and micro aspects of the market. The report come complete with analyst opinions that are supported with substance, along with detailed analysis of the key players that operate in the global Rotary Evaporator market.Table of Contents1 Rotary Evaporator Market Overview11.1 Product Overview and Scope of Rotary Evaporator11.2 Rotary Evaporator Segment by Types (Product Category)21.2.1 Global Rotary Evaporator Production and Growth Rate (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2012-2022)21.2.2 Global Rotary Evaporator Production Market Share (%) by Types (Product Category) in 201631.2.3 Large Rotary Evaporator42 Global Rotary Evaporator Market Competition by Manufacturers152.1 Global Rotary Evaporator Production (Units) and Market Share (%) by Manufacturers (2016-2017)152.2 Global Rotary Evaporator Revenue and Market Share (%) by Manufacturers (2016-2017)192.3 Global Rotary Evaporator Average Price (USD/Unit) by Manufacturers (2016-2017)222.4 Manufacturers Rotary Evaporator Headquarter Distribution, Established Date253 Global Rotary Evaporator Production, Revenue by Regions (2012-2017)283.1 Global Rotary Evaporator Production (Units) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)283.2 Global Rotary Evaporator Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)303.3 Global Rotary Evaporator Production (Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)323.4 North America Rotary Evaporator Production (Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)33Browse Complete Report with TOC @4 Global Rotary Evaporator Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)354.1 Global Rotary Evaporator Consumption by Regions (2012-2017)354.2 North America Rotary Evaporator Production, Consumption, Export, Import ((2012-2017)374.3 Europe Rotary Evaporator Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)384.4 China Rotary Evaporator Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)384.5 Japan Rotary Evaporator Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)38List of Tables and FiguresFigure Global Rotary Evaporator Consumption (Units) Market Share (%) by Applications in 20167Figure Global Rotary Evaporator Consumption Market Size (Units) Comparison by Regions (2012-2022)8Table Global Rotary Evaporator Consumption Market Size (Units) Comparison by Regions (2012-2022)8Figure North America Rotary Evaporator Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2022)9Figure China Rotary Evaporator Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2022)10Figure Europe Rotary Evaporator Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2022)11Figure Japan Rotary Evaporator Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2022)12Figure Global Rotary Evaporator Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)13About 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 UsBrooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Location Based Services Market Report 2017-2025: Google, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Zebra Technologies and Other Players

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Global Location Based Services Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Location Based Services industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Location Based Services market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Location Based Services market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Location Based Services players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Request a Sample Report atLocation Based Services Market Players:1. Google Inc.2. IBM Corporation3. Microsoft Corporation4. Cisco Systems, Inc.5. Oracle Corporation6. Zebra Technologies7. Ericcson8. AT&T Inc.9. Alcatel Lucent SA10. Qualcomm Inc.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Location Based Services market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Location Based Services 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 Location Based Services 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 Location Based Services 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
Latin America Wind Turbine Market Forecast and Analysis by Future Market Insights

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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 For Report Sample@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.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.Visit For TOC@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.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:
Acrylic Paints Market Analysis and Forecast Study for (2014-2020)

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Acrylic paints are quick drying paints containing pigment in a acrylic polymer emulsion. These paints are water-soluble but when dry they become water resistant. The completed acrylic painting can bear resemblance to a watercolor or an oil painting, depending on how quantity of pain that has been diluted in water or if the paint is modified with acrylic gels, media or pastes. Acrylic paints have their own unique and beautiful characteristics, which cannot be attained with any other media. The removal of acrylic paints from a surface once dry is very difficult but the use of a solvent may result in the removal of all the paint layers. The demand for acrylic paints is much higher than oil paints in the market due to the versatility offered by acrylic paints.Acrylic paints are fast drying paints and can be used on canvas, board and paper. These paints are known for their affordability, durability and flexibility and are categorized as acrylic paints and oil paints. Both these are used in very similar areas but have vast differences. Acrylic paints are preferred over oil paints due to its versatility. The flexible nature and consistent drying time between colors, increases the use of acrylic paints over oil paints which crack if excess medium is not applied between layers. Canvases need to be properly sized and primed before using oil paints while acrylic acids are used on raw canvasses. There are a variety of oil paints that are sold in the, market today which include craft acrylics, heavy body acrylics, interactive acrylics, open acrylics, fluid acrylics, iridescent pearl and interface acrylic colors, acrylic gouache and exterior acrylics which are used according to their various characteristics and needs. Commercial acrylic products are sold in the market in 3 different grades; artist or professional acrylics which are designed for professional artists, student acrylics which have very similar working characteristics to professional acrylics but with a low pigment concentration, inexpensive formulas and not a wide color range and scholastic acrylics which use inexpensive pigments and dyes in their formulation with the safety of younger artists in mind.Request For Report Sample@The market for acrylic paints is expected to grow in the near future due to the rise in global infrastructure. The increase in construction activity is expected to raise the demand for paint in the near future. The acrylic market is rising due to consumer confidence and its affordability. Acrylic paints are preferred coatings for external home structures especially during the wet season as they are water resistant, hence the demand is bound to increase. The acrylic paints market is driven by the increase in the number of artists globally. Canvass painting are in global demand, which will also raise the demand for acrylic paints as it is the most preferred as compared to oil paints.Visit For TOC@The major segments for this industry include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). North America was a one of the major markets for paint but as of now it is a mature market and there is no much scope for huge growth. The U.S. market for paints fell in 2009 due to recession where there was rescheduling and termination of construction projects. However, as of now the market in U.S. is stable. Europe also was one of the largest regions for paints but lost its position to Asia pacific countries and Latin American countries, which are growing economies. The market demand for paint in these countries is likely to be driven by their economic growth, rising foreign direct investments, increase in residential demand in urban areas. In these developing countries there is expected to be rise in residential areas and commercial building construction which n turn will increase the demand for acrylic paints.The major companies profiled for acrylic paints include Azkonobel, Asian Paints India, BASF SE, Berger Paints India, Berkshire Hathaway 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:
Forecast and Analysis on Ortho-Xylene Market by Future Market Insights

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Xylenes are petrochemicals produced by catalytic reforming and coal carbonization in the manufacture of coke fuel. They are used in various industries and medical technology as a solvent. It occurs naturally in coal, wood tar and coal among others. Xylenes are mainly produced as a part of the BTX aromatics. They are derived from various sources within a refinery including pyrolysis gasoline, toluene disproportionation and reformate among others. Reformate accounts for over three fourths of mixed xylenes market. There are three types of xylenes, viz., ortho-xylene, meta xylene and para xylene.Ortho-xylene is a commercial isomer of xylene. It is a hydrocarbon based on benzene with two methyl substituents bonded to the aromatic ring. It is liquid at room temperature. It is used extensively for producing phthalic anhydride (PAN)-primarily dio-octyl phthalate for PVC. The major use for PAN is for producing plasticizers which are largely used in automobile and construction industry. In addition, it is used in solvent based paints. It is extracted by means of distillation from xylene stream in a plant designed for para-xylene production. It is a constitutional isomer of m-xylene and p-xylene. Moreover, it is produced with its isomers paraxylene, metaxylene and ethylbenzene. Friedel Crafts alkylation of toluene yields a mixture of ortho-xylene .This reaction gives a pure form of o-xylene. Furthermore, it is used in alkyd resins having wide applications in the coating industry. It has a large demand in the petrochemical industry.Request For Report Sample@The growing construction industry coupled with burgeoning development in the automobile industry is expected to drive the demand for ortho-xylene within the forecast period. Additionally, the growing paints and adhesive industry is expected to fuel the demand for ortho-xylene further over the next few years. However, acute inhalation or exposure to ortho-xylene in humans results in irritation of eyes and neurological effects. Furthermore, chronic exposure of ortho-xylenes results in central nervous system effects, cardio-vascular and kidney effects. It reacts violently with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. Thus, stringent regulations on use of ethylene are expected to hamper the ortho-xylene market in near future.In Asia, prices of xylene are anticipated to weaken due to weak downstream conditions in the purified terephthalic acid and paraxylene sectors. Global manufacturing coupled with supply chain and access to feedstock are the key strengths of the companies involved in the ortho-xylene market.Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing regional market within the forecast period on account of the growing chemical industry and in turn, rapid industrialization. China dominated the otho-xylene production in 2011 and this trend is expected to continue within the forecast period. In India, Reliance Industries is a manufacturer of ortho-xylene with a capacity of 150 KTA. Consumption of ortho-xylene in Eastern Europe and Russia is expected to be strong on account of the thriving construction industry.Visit For TOC@The major players in the ortho-xylene market are Creasyn Finechem (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Doe & Ingalls of North Carolina Inc., DynaChem Inc, Minda Petrochemicals Ltd, Shell Chemicals, Sonoco Chemicals, U.S. Petrochemical Industries Ltd. and Puritan Products, Inc. among others. Ortho-xylene projects by major companies are planned in China, Taiwan and Singapore within the forecast period.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:
Carrier Infrastructure in Telecom Applications Market Intelligence Study for Comprehensive Insights

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The telecommunications infrastructure consists of various companies that provide content, database, transmission, switching, applications, signaling OSS/BSS systems, required software and others services. In recent years telecom market is being affected by tightening carrier budgets, business model evolution by various companies and technology evolution. The telecom industry infrastructure consists of many active and passive components such as some active components are spectrum, base station, Radio Network Controller (RNC), MSC and routers among others. And some passive components in the telecom carriers infrastructure are Site, Base transceiver station (BTS), power source, cables and antenna systems.The carrier infrastructure market is undergoing continuous transformation as various emerging trends are transforming the market such as cloud based services, network virtualization and integration of existing networks often termed as heterogeneous networks. The spending on services such as 2G and 3G is expected to reduce and the spending on the LTE will gradually account maximum market share in the carrier infrastructure.Request For Report Sample@The demand for mobile broadband and its availability is increasing day by day; this is increasingly driving the adoption of carrier infrastructure in telecom applications market. As the telecom carriers are achieving economies of scale the total cost of operations and service provided is gradually coming down; this is turn is essentially increasing the number of subscriptions. The quality and efficiency of the services provided by the carriers across the world is improving slowly and resulting into the satisfaction of the subscriptions. With this the limited spectrum availability is one of the key challenges that telecom providers are facing . Device availability and voice delivery protocols for the new technology are not easily available, thus the adoption rate of the new technologies is reduced.Carrier Infrastructure in Telecom Applications Market is segmented on the basis of wireless technologies, wire line access, video technology, transport mechanism, control switches used, data type and geography. On the basis of wireless technology used by the carriers the carrier infrastructure in telecom applications market is segmented into WiMAX, cellular core and cellular RAN. On the basis of wire lien access provided the market is segmented into EAD, NB DLC, FTTx, CMTS and DSLAM. Further on the basis of video technology the Carrier infrastructure in telecom applications market is segmented into VOD server video and digital headend video.On the basis of transport mechanism used the carrier infrastructure in telecom applications market is segmented into LH DWDM, MSPP, packet optical, metro WDM, OCC and SDH SONET. Carrier infrastructure in telecom applications market is segmented on the basis of control mechanism into softswitch, media gateway and TDM-fixed circuit switch. On the basis of data this market can be segmented into router edge, router core, ATM switch and Ethernet switch. And on the basis of geography the carrier infrastructure in telecom applications market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world (RoW).Visit For TOC@Some of the major carriers in telecom industry are AT&T Mobility, Reliance Communications, Softbank Japan, U.S Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Telefonica O2 UK, Optus Australia, SFR France, Korea Telecom, Zain Saudi Arabia, Vodafone, Sprint, SK Telecom, T-Mobile, Zain Bahrain and Eircom 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 Asphalt Market to grow at a CAGR of 4.12% during 2017-2021 - BP, CEMEX, Exxon Mobil, Imperial Oil, Royal Dutch Shell

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Asphalt (also known as bitumen) is a strong, versatile, weather-resistant, and chemical-resistant material, which adapts itself to a variety of uses. Asphalt binds gravel and crushed stone (commonly known as aggregate) into firm and tough surfaces for roads, streets, and airport runways.The global asphalt market to grow at a CAGR of 4.12% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global asphalt market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the retail selling price as the average selling price for the product.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAClick to get sample PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Asphalt 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- BP- CEMEX- Exxon Mobil- Imperial Oil- Royal Dutch ShellOther prominent vendors- Aggregate Industries- Akzo Nobel- Anglo American- Atlas Roofing- China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec)- El Dorado Chemical- Inland Asphalt- United RefiningMarket driver- Furtherance of transport sector and infrastructural development- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Sustainability and environmental concerns- 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:
Ion Beam Technology Market - Global Industry Analysis, Trend, Size, Share and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Application of ion beam was rarely found outside the microelectronics industry, up to about a decade ago. However, currently, the ion beam systems are being commonly found in a broad range of applications in the medical science laboratories. Ion beam microscopy is being used in a wide range of material science applications, including specimen preparation and in the generation of 3D visualization. Moreover, the ion beam systems are also used in the field of material science for circuit editing, microstructural analysis and prototype nanomachining. In addition, ion beam technology are also used in order to prepare non-biological specimens of transmission electron microscopes (TEM). Ion beam method increases the locational precision of the TEM specimens, as well as significantly reduce the time required for the preparation of the specimens. The current generation of ion beam instruments are also used for the specimen preparation of atom probe tomography (APT).Request For Sample Report:Furthermore, ion beam based systems are also being used for generating 3D images. Conventionally, dual beam focused ion beams (FIB) are used for 3D tomography studies. FIB systems are preferred in this area because these systems require very little or no specimen preparation and are applicable readily to a wide range of materials in 3D tomography. Thus, increasing application of Ion beam systems in material science is one of the most important factor anticipated to trigger the market growth of ion beam technology during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025.Global Ion Beam Technology Market: SegmentationIn order to prove a detailed and exhaustive analysis of the market, the global ion beam technology market has been segmented on the basis of technology and application. Depending on various technology of ion beam used in semiconductor manufacturing process, the market has been classified into ion beam etching system and ion beam deposition system. Ion beam trimming has been included within the research scope of ion beam etching system as ion beam trimming helps in localized trimming only.Send An Enquiry:In addition, various application in which ion beam technology are majorly utilized such as frequency trimming of BAW (Bulk Acoustic Wave) filter, surface trimming of SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) filter, thickness and pole width correction of thin film recording head and coating of dielectric film is also covered within the scope of the report. Moreover, information related to current market synopsis along with future anticipated growth trend of all the above mentioned segment across various regions including Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle-East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America is also highlighted in this report.Global Ion Beam Technology Market: Scope of the ReportThe major players operating in the ion beam technology market have been profiled competitively across various geographical regions globally. In addition, the leading strategies adopted by the key players to maintain their dominating position in the market, capital expenditure trend and SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat) analysis is also provided to give a detailed idea of the competitive landscape. Further, market attractiveness analysis in respect of product type is also furnished in this report in for providing in-depth perspective of the market.The report also provides assessment of different drivers that is impacting the global market, along with the restraints and opportunities that are anticipated to affect the demand of ion beam equipment in the coming years. For each segment (such as product type and application), market dynamics analysis has also been provided in this report. All these factors helps in determining different trends that has been impacting the overall market growth. Moreover, after taking into consideration all this factors, an extensive analysis of the region wise growth parameters of ion beam technology market along with the overall assessment during the forecast period of 2017 - 2025 has been also been furnished within this report. Furthermore, the report includes capital expenditure trend of various SAW and BAW manufacturers for purchasing ion beam equipment in order to give a complete idea of the future anticipated demand of ion beam for RF equipment manufacturing process.Browse Full Report With TOC:Some of the major players operating in the ion beam technology market includes Veeco Instruments Inc. (New York), Scia Systems GmbH (Germany), Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation (Japan) and Canon Anelva Corporation (Japan) among others.The ion beam technology market has been segmented as follows:Global Ion Beam technology Market, by TechnologyIon Beam etching SystemIon Beam Deposition SystemGlobal Ion Beam Technology Market, by ApplicationFrequency Trimming of Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) FilterSurface Trimming of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) FilterThickness and Pole Width Correction of Thin Film Recording HeadCoating of Dielectric FilmGlobal Ion Beam Technology Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaThe U.S.MexicoCanadaEuropeGermanyEastern Europe including RussiaItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaTaiwanKoreaRest of Asia PacificMiddle East and AfricaUnited Arab EmiratesIsraelRest of Middle East and Africa (MEA)Latin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:
Global Pharmaceutical Warehousing Market to grow at a CAGR of 4.85% during 2017-2021 - Agility, DB Schenker, DHL, Kuehne+Nagel, UPS

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Pharmaceutical warehousing involves physical movement of medicinal stock in and out of a medical store warehouse. It ensures the constant flow and availability of essential quality health commodities in a timely and cost-efficient manner, and in appropriate quantities through the supply chain system.The global pharmaceutical warehousing market to grow at a CAGR of 4.85% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global pharmaceutical warehousing market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the installations cold chain and non-cold chain warehouse services plants for pharmaceutical products across different geographical countries.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAClick to get sample PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Pharmaceutical Warehousing 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- Agility- DB Schenker- DHL- Kuehne+Nagel- UPSOther prominent vendors- BDP International- XPO Logistics- FedEx Supply Chain- GEODIS- CEVA Logistics- NFI- DSC Logistics- Penske Logistics- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics- BPL- Damco- DACHSER- Montreal Chemical Logistics- Atlanta Bonded WarehouseKey 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 Smart Solar Power Market 2017 : tAclara Software, HCL Technologies, Siemens and Echelon Corporation

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Global Smart Solar Power market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Smart Solar Power sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players including- Aclara Software- GE Energy- ABB- Calico Energy Services- HCL Technologies- Siemens- Echelon CorporationThe Smart Solar Power 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 Smart Solar Power market. The report offers a basic framework of the Smart Solar Power industry, including classifications, applications, definitions, and industry chain structure. It also represents an in-depth evaluation of the Smart Solar Power 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 Smart Solar Power 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 Smart Solar Power 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 Smart Solar Power 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
The Decatur Mural Project has grown from a dream to a well-established reality.

That's certainly one ongoing effort in our city one worth celebrating.

We have those efforts, you know. There are people every day striving to do just that.

There's a high-profile example of just that going on downtown right now. Decatur Celebration is one of the largest, ongoing and most-impressive examples of volunteer-driven efforts in the city's history. Even while the finances of Celebration and the fencing of downtown is debated, hundreds of people are working just for the satisfaction of bringing the community a weekend of enjoyment.

And Decatur Celebration is just setting the stage for what should be the city's proudest moment. When people think of Decatur, the first thing to pop into their minds should be the world's largest food drive. Every October, this community lines up to feed its hungry, to stock and endow food banks with the WSOY Community Food Drive.

A city and its citizens have to be proud of a community-wide effort that raises in excess of $1 million in essentially a 12-hour period. No matter how battered the city's citizens become, they inevitably step up and help their fellow man like clockwork.

It's baffling to think many of us go to other cities and delight in seeings things unique to them, yet don't have the same delight at similar presentations in Decatur and Macon County. Maybe the mural of the late mayor Mike McElroy isn't the same as Chicago's Cloud Gate (the bean sculpture in Chicago's Millennium Park), but the origins of the art come from the same place  a desire to be unique, a way in which to mark our space, and an effort to engage the eye and mind.

There are artists in Decatur who reflect that effort and of whom we should be proud, from national rock band Icon For Hire, who have often found time between hitting larger cities around the country to return to their Decatur base, to Mikey Schoneman, whose First Gig camp helps young musical artists develop.

Decatur native Eric Weatherford, a 2014 Millikin University graduate, this week worked on the the second of three murals painted as part of this years Decatur Mural Project. He painted the wall of Garcias Pizza on the corner of William Street and Oakland Avenue, replaces the temporary collage mural done in 2011 by Decatur native and world-renowned street artist Ron English.

English returned earlier this year to do the first of 2017's Decatur Mural Project efforts, on the wall of Ken's Aquarium & Pet Supply at 730 E. Cerro Gordo St. Sullivan resident Nick Beery will start soon on the third project, at 200 block West Main Street.

Other murals produced as part of the project were completed by Jerry Johnson and husband-and-wife team Shani and Tronnie Goss.

These are just some of the efforts being made across the community that both show pride in Decatur and give its residents a reason to feel proud to be a part of the city. Each one of us can contribute to the feeling of pride by doing simple things  toss trash in the proper receptacles, pick up garbage if you see it, be pleasant to one another, make an effort to look for the positive.

Consider whether you really believe the best or the worst of us. We're choosing to acknowledge the worst and point it out as necessary, but we also believe in the best of us.
Study On Global Smart Parking Systems Market (By Parking Site Type - On-street Parking, Off-street Parking; By Component - Sensor and Network Hardware, Software,

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Smart parking system provides real-time information about the availability of parking space in a particular location, thereby enabling hassle-free vehicle parking while saving on time, cost, and fuel. It consists of low-cost sensors, real-time data collection and analytics, and automated payment systems that allow people to find parking in desired locations and pay for it in advance.Request For Sample Report:Once deployed, the smart parking system helps in reducing exhaust emissions from cars in urban cities by reducing the needless circling of city blocks in the search of parking space. It also efficiently manages the availability of parking space for cities and controls illegal parking. The rapid growth in the number of vehicles worldwide is increasing the scarcity of parking space, which is further magnifying the need for smart and innovative parking systems. Whether at airports or shopping centers, parking issues are a regular occurrence, in turn hurting the local business and affecting the quality of life of the city residents. These intelligent parking management systems provide high levels of convenience to the drivers while simplifying and automating the parking site operations. Deploying smart parking systems in cities requires data collection and management, integration with mobile phones, and various software and hardware innovations.Send An Enquiry:Furthermore, there is a need for cooperation among various parking stakeholders such as off and on-street parking operators, transport authorities, municipalities, as well as customers. The smart parking market is growing significantly with numerous advanced solutions being adopted by major global cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Stockholm, Shanghai, Beijing, and Sao Paulo. In the long run, smart parking can significantly transform these and other cities by making them friendlier to citizens. Smart parking systems are expected to open up opportunities for the reuse of commercial as well as municipal parking garages Hence, smart parking systems contribute toward making urban cities cleaner, greener, compact, and thereby more freely walkable and drivable.This research report provides in-depth analysis of the global smart parking systems market based on parking site types, components, application areas, and geography. In terms of geographical regions, the report segments the global smart parking systems market into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America; these are analyzed in terms of revenue generation. North America is further segmented into the U.S. and Rest of North America, while Europe is divided into EU7, CIS, and Rest of Europe. Moreover, the analysis for Asia Pacific is subdivided into Japan, China, South Asia, Australasia, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Likewise, MEA is further segmented into GCC countries, South Africa, and Rest of MEA, while Latin America is subdivided into Brazil and Rest of Latin America.Browse Full Report With TOC:The report analyzes the factors that drive and restrain the growth of the smart parking systems market. The report also identifies prospective growth opportunities, prevailing market trends, and major strategies enhancing the popularity of smart parking systems. It also provides market estimates and forecasts for all the segments in terms of revenue. The global smart parking systems market is categorized based on parking site types as on-street parking and off-street parking. The market is also segmented on the basis of components that include sensor and network hardware, software, and services. The report further subdivides the smart parking services market into system integration and installation, parking management, and maintenance. This research report provides complete insight into different application areas of the smart parking systems market including airports, government and municipalities, and corporate and commercial institutions. The report also includes profiles of major players engaged in providing these smart parking systems. Key business strategies adopted by the major players, their market positioning, and various recent developments have also been identified in the research report. Besides, market positioning of key players in the smart parking systems market has also been provided. The major players in the smart parking systems market include Streetline, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., ParkMe, Inc., Urbiotica, Skidata AG, Amano McGann, Inc., Swarco AG, Smart Parking Ltd, Nedap N.V., and Parkmobile, LLC.The global smart parking systems market is segmented as below:Smart Parking Systems MarketBy Parking Site TypeOn-Street ParkingOn-Street ParkingBy ComponentSensor and Network HardwareSoftware (Management and Analytics Software and Mobile Applications)ServicesSystem Integration and InstallationParking ManagementMaintenanceBy End-use IndustryAirportsGovernment and MunicipalitiesCorporate and Commercial InstitutionsBy GeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificLatin AmericaMiddle East and AfricaMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:
Global Shower Cubicles Market 2017 : Huppe, Kohler, Fleurco, Ritec, Holcam, Roda and Korraware

Shower Cubicles

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Global Shower Cubicles market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Shower Cubicles sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players including- Huppe- Jaquar- Kohler- Porcelanosa- American Shower Door Corporation- Lakes Bathrooms- Fleurco- Ritec- Holcam- Roda- KorrawareThe Shower Cubicles 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 Shower Cubicles market. The report offers a basic framework of the Shower Cubicles industry, including classifications, applications, definitions, and industry chain structure. It also represents an in-depth evaluation of the Shower Cubicles 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 Shower Cubicles 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 Shower Cubicles 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 Shower Cubicles 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
Fortified Wine Market Overview and Analysis about Manufacturing Cost Structure: Industry Forecast Report

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Market Research Future published a Half Cooked Research Report (HCRR) on Global Fortified Wine Market which is estimated to grow more than 5.3% during the period 2017-2023Market OverviewIncreasing sale of fortified wine is driven by changing consumers preference in alcoholic beverages. Increasing production of premium wines and new products is likely to drive the market for various fortified wine varieties as well as increase its sale in the wine market. Technology advancements in developed regions have led to the innovation in flavors leading to the production of fortified wines with flavors of infused herbs and spices. High focus on research and development of the alcoholic beverage industries has influenced the positive growth rate of the market. On the other hand, the population of consumers participating in campaigns and spreading awareness against alcohol consumption is one of the big challenges faced by this market. The consumption of fortified wine is found to be high in Europe and is evaluated to increase at a positive growth rate in various countries of North America and Asia Pacific region over the forecast period.Market ForecastGlobally, the fortified wine market share is estimated to escalate at a higher growth rate than any other alcohol variety based on the antioxidant content imparting anti-ageing properties. High consumption of fortified wine is backed up by its property to lower cholesterol level in the body when consumed in right quantity. The rising demand for low-calorie alcoholic beverages in the market is supporting its sale on a global level. Rapid urbanization has also supported in fueling up the market share of fortified wine all around the globe.All these factors contribute to the calculated CAGR of 5.3% of Fortified Wine market during 2017-2023.Request a Sample Report @Downstream AnalysisConsumption of sherry is growing at a significant rate based on its formulation and high popularity majorly in European countries. However, the sale of port wine varieties is evaluated to be growing rapidly as consumers are more inclined towards sweet wine varieties. The high alcohol content in dry wine makes it popular amongst the consumers of Europe, while, the medium and sweet varieties of wine are more popular in Asia Pacific and North America.Due to easy availability of desired fortified wine variety and convenient shopping experience, consumers are seen to prefer store-based distribution channel over the non-store based ones. This has resulted in increased market share of store-based channels in the fortified wine market.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 Fortified Wine Market - Forecast to 2023Competitive Analysis-The Major Key Players in Fortified Wine Market areBacardi Limited (U.K.)Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Italy)The Wine Group (U.S.)E & J Gallo Winery (U.S.)Anchor Brewing Company (U.S.)Atsby Vermouth (U.S.)Gancia (Italy)Fortified wine manufacturers across various regions follow the strategy of improving their existing product line by adding innovations to their business expansion, which, in turn, increase the demand for fortified wine is across various countries. In Europe, France is among the dominating countries holding a significant share of the fortified wine market and exports the product to different other countries, which include the U.K., the U.S., Germany, China, Belgium, and others.Access Report Details @Regional AnalysisThe global fortified wine market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world (ROW). Europe holds a major market share followed by North America. The high demand for fortified wine as a popular alcoholic drink from the developed countries of these regions is contributing to the positive growth of fortified wine market. The U.S., the U.K., China, Germany, and Canada are the major importers of fortified wine. Europe is found to be the major exporter of fortified wine and exports to major countries of North America and Asia Pacific.Market Segmentation-Global Fortified Wine Market is segmented by Fortified Wine-Type, Taste, 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
3D Optical Microscopes Market 2017 - Bruker, Zygo, Hirox, Zeiss, Olympus, NanoLens AFM

3D Optical Microscopes

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Global 3D Optical Microscopes Market Report 2017 provides detailed analysis of 3D Optical Microscopes market, enclosing detailed study of 3D Optical Microscopes market for last few years and forecast up to year 2022. The 3D Optical Microscopes market report analyses the global 3D Optical Microscopes market from different angles to understand various factors impacting the global 3D Optical Microscopes market.The reports enlightens the user with various applications, product type, end user of 3D Optical Microscopes market. Moreover, the 3D Optical Microscopes market report helps to understand the market trends, 3D Optical Microscopes growth aspects, utilization ration, supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, raw material price trend and 3D Optical Microscopes price trend during the forecast period 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global 3D Optical Microscopes Market 2017:BrukerZygo (AMETEK)HiroxLeica MicrosystemsKeyenceGLONIKZeissOlympusNanoLens AFMTo Get Sample Report Click Here:3D Optical Microscopes Market Analysis: By ProductWhite Light Interferometry (WLI)Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM)3D Optical Microscopes Market Analysis: By ApplicationAerospaceConstructionInitially, the 3D Optical Microscopes market report provides detailed information about major industry active into this market across all regions including the U.S., Europe, China, Japan, etc. Furthermore the market is characterized based on top geographical regions.In the later part, the 3D Optical Microscopes market report shares information pertaining to the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of 3D Optical Microscopes industry, 3D Optical Microscopes industry rules and policies, factors driving the growth of 3D Optical Microscopes Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Enquiry Report Click Here:Global 3D Optical Microscopes market report incorporates the major products which are in high demand currently along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the 3D Optical Microscopes market revenue worldwide.Finally, the report provides us with detailed market research finding and conclusion which helps the subscriber to develop profitable market strategies which will help to gain competitive advantage.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 Industrial Lead-Acid Battery Market to grow at a CAGR of 5.39% during 2017-2021 - Coslight, East Penn Manufacturing, EnerSys, Exide Technologies, GS Yuasa

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Lead-acid batteries are designed to maximize current paths and lower internal resistance. They can be serviced, are maintenance-free, and have maximum usable power. Flooded lead-acid (FLA) and valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries are the two major types of lead-acid batteries. VRLA batteries are designed to provide extended runtime without the need for high specific gravity electrolytes. For the past few decades, lead-acid batteries had been dominating the global battery market, but during 2016, Li-ion batteries gained prominence due to the decline in their price, higher efficiency, and environment-friendliness.The global industrial lead-acid battery market to grow at a CAGR of 5.39% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global industrial lead-acid battery market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of industrial lead-acid batteries.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAClick to get sample PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Industrial Lead-acid Battery 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- Coslight- East Penn Manufacturing- EnerSys- Exide Technologies- GS YuasaOther prominent vendors- C&D Technologies- Crown Battery- DAEJIN BATTERY- EverExceed- Exide Industries- HBL Power Systems- HOPPECKE- Microtex Energy- MIDAC Batteries- Navitas System- Rolls Battery- Storage Battery Systems- Su-Kam Power Systems- Trojan BatteryMarket driver- Increased investment in green telecom- 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:
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths Market 2017 -Scotch-Brite, Zwipes, Eurow, ERC, Atlas Graham

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

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Global Microfiber Cleaning Cloths Market Report 2017 provides detailed analysis of Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market, enclosing detailed study of Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market for last few years and forecast up to year 2022. The Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market report analyses the global Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market from different angles to understand various factors impacting the global Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market.The reports enlightens the user with various applications, product type, end user of Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market. Moreover, the Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market report helps to understand the market trends, Microfiber Cleaning Cloths growth aspects, utilization ration, supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, raw material price trend and Microfiber Cleaning Cloths price trend during the forecast period 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Microfiber Cleaning Cloths Market 2017:Scotch-BriteZwipesEurowERCAtlas GrahamNorwexMedlineAquaStarWelcronUngerTo Get Sample Report Click Here:Microfiber Cleaning Cloths Market Analysis: By ProductMono-component Microfiber Cleaning ClothsMulti-component Microfiber Cleaning ClothsMicrofiber Cleaning Cloths Market Analysis: By ApplicationHousehold UsedCommercial UsedIndustrial UsedInitially, the Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market report provides detailed information about major industry active into this market across all regions including the U.S., Europe, China, Japan, etc. Furthermore the market is characterized based on top geographical regions.In the later part, the Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market report shares information pertaining to the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Microfiber Cleaning Cloths industry, Microfiber Cleaning Cloths industry rules and policies, factors driving the growth of Microfiber Cleaning Cloths Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Enquiry Report Click Here:Global Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market report incorporates the major products which are in high demand currently along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Microfiber Cleaning Cloths market revenue worldwide.Finally, the report provides us with detailed market research finding and conclusion which helps the subscriber to develop profitable market strategies which will help to gain competitive advantage.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 Yacht Battery Market to grow at a CAGR of 2.54% during 2017-2021 - Saft, Exide Technologies, GS Yuasa

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Yachts are recreational boats designed with luxury amenities, and are purchased by individuals belonging to the high-income group. Yachts with a length greater than 24 feet are known as luxury yachts, superyachts, mega yachts, or large yachts. They are segmented based on size and propulsion, and are largely used for recreational purposes. The global yacht battery market is mainly driven by the increase in sales of leisure boats due to the rising popularity of boat shows in the US, Europe, and ROW. Leisure boat sales in the US is estimated to increase with the recovering economy. With the increase in disposable income in households, customers in the US are replacing their leisure boats.The global yacht battery market to grow at a CAGR of 2.54% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global yacht battery market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the number of yachts sold.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Europe- ROW- USClick to get sample PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Yacht Battery 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- Saft- Exide Technologies- GS YuasaMarket driver- Growth of boating industry- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Increasing sales of pre-owned boats- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- AGM batteries replacing lead-acid batteries- 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:
Ice Protection Systems Market 2017 - Honeywell,Curtiss-Wright,B/E Aerospace,Kilfrost

Ice Protection Systems Market

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Global Ice Protection Systems Market Report 2017 provides detailed analysis of Ice Protection Systems market, enclosing detailed study of Ice Protection Systems market for last few years and forecast up to year 2022. The Ice Protection Systems market report analyses the global Ice Protection Systems market from different angles to understand various factors impacting the global Ice Protection Systems market.The reports enlightens the user with various applications, product type, end user of Ice Protection Systems market. Moreover, the Ice Protection Systems market report helps to understand the market trends, Ice Protection Systems growth aspects, utilization ration, supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, raw material price trend and Ice Protection Systems price trend during the forecast period 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Ice Protection Systems Market 2017:UTC Aerospace SystemsZodiac AerotechnicsCavice ProtectionHoneywellCurtiss-WrightB/E AerospaceITT CorporationKilfrostCox and CompanyMeggittTo Get Sample Report Click Here:Ice Protection Systems Market Analysis: By ApplicationMilitaryCivilianInitially, the Ice Protection Systems market report provides detailed information about major industry active into this market across all regions including the U.S., Europe, China, Japan, etc. Furthermore the market is characterized based on top geographical regions.In the later part, the Ice Protection Systems market report shares information pertaining to the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Ice Protection Systems industry, Ice Protection Systems industry rules and policies, factors driving the growth of Ice Protection Systems Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Enquiry Report Click Here:Global Ice Protection Systems market report incorporates the major products which are in high demand currently along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Ice Protection Systems market revenue worldwide.Finally, the report provides us with detailed market research finding and conclusion which helps the subscriber to develop profitable market strategies which will help to gain competitive advantage.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 Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters Industry Market Research Report 2017

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SummaryThe Global Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters 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 Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters 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):TennecoFaureciaJohnson MattheyCorningBekaertUmicoreKatconTotalNGK InsulatorsAlantumKey Topics Covered:Chapter One Industry Overview of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate FiltersChapter Two Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate FiltersChapter Three Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate FiltersChapter Four Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Five Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Six Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters by Regions, Types and ApplicationsChapter Seven Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate FiltersChapter Eight Major Manufacturers Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate FiltersChapter Nine Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate FiltersChapter Ten Industry Chain Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate FiltersChapter Eleven Development Trend of Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate FiltersChapter Twelve New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate FiltersChapter Thirteen Conclusion of the Global Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters Industry 2017 Market Research ReportRelated Reports:US Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters Industry Market Research Report 2017Europe Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters Industry Market Research Report 2017India Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters Industry Market Research Report 2017China Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters Industry Market Research Report 2017Korea Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters Industry Market Research Report 2017Japan Commercial Vehicle Gasoline Particulate Filters 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)
Global Traffic Sensor Market Report 2017 base on Current Market Status

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The report analyzes the Global Traffic Sensor Industry size (volume and value) and industry chain structure published through its high quality database.The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Traffic Sensor manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.You can get more details on Traffic Sensor market spreads across 118 pages profiling 15 companies and supported with 203 tables and figures @The 2017 Market Research Report on Global Modified Traffic Sensor provides new and existing market players with premium analytical statistics based on a combination of market data, industry surveys, and added primary and secondary research. This report provides information on global modified Traffic Sensor market competition with a breakdown of all the top manufacturers like TE Connectivity Ltd. (Switzerland), Flir Systems, Inc. (US), Kistler Group (Switzerland), Sick AG (Germany), LeddarTech Inc. (Canada), Siemens AG (Germany), Sensys Networks, Inc. (US), Raytheon Company (US), Axis Communication AB (Sweden), Kapsch TrafficCom AG (Austria), International Road Dynamics, Inc. (Canada), Swarco AG (Austria), Efkon AG (Austria), Transcore (US) and Q-Free ASA, and others by production, price, revenue, and market share.The Global Traffic Sensor Industry provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Traffic Sensor market analysis is provided for the international markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The Global Traffic Sensor Industry focuses on global major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Traffic Sensor industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered. With the tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Place a Direct Purchase on this Report @Major Points Covered in Table of Contents:1 Industry Overview2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Traffic Sensor3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis4 Production Analysis of Traffic Sensor by Regions, Technology, and Applications5 Sales and Revenue Analysis of Traffic Sensor by Regions6 Analyses of Traffic Sensor Production, Supply, Sales and Market Status 2010-20177 Analysis of Traffic Sensor industry Key Manufacturers8 Price and Gross Margin Analysis9 Marketing Traders or Distributor Analysis of Traffic Sensor10 Development Trend of Traffic Sensor industry2017-202211 Industry Chain Suppliers of Traffic Sensor with Contact Information12 New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Traffic Sensor13 Conclusion of the Global Traffic Sensor industry 2017 Market Research ReportList of Tables and FiguresGet more details on this report @About Us:Reports n Reports is digital databank of syndicated market reports for worldwide and China businesses. ReportsnReports.com offers market research reports to businesses, entities and organizations with an objective of assisting them in their decision making process. Our collection of 500,000+ industry & nation research reports shields 5000+ micro markets. We provide 24X7 available, online and offline support to our clients.Contact:Ritesh TiwariUNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZMagarpatta city, Hadapsar,Pune, Maharashtra 411013, IndiaTel: +1-888-391-5441sales@reportsandreports.com
The Decatur Township Board made the right move Wednesday in rejecting a plan to devote $107,405 to renovations on its 1620 S. Taylorville Road offices.

As the Herald & Review reported in June, a bewildering $1.74 million has been shelled out on this 20,000-square-foot building in the past decade.

Records show a flurry of purchases -- $40,000 for acoustical ceilings, $70,710 for flooring, $1,556 for new lock and light sensors, $58,900 for parking lot repavement and $9,125 for carpet. In May, the board approved $35,600 for interior work, a project that, like the previous ones, was paid for through a capital improvement fund.

The latest proposal was for $107,405 to complete exterior work that an inspector said was needed. But the board said the bid from a Springfield company was too high.

They were right. But they should go one step farther.

They should realize this building has cost too much money, ever since the former furniture store was purchased in 2007. The idea was to bring township offices under one roof and rent out extra space. Tenant Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois moved out in the fall, ending a $70,232.04-a-year lease.

This editorial board has said before we believe township officials do good work. But weve also pointed out that under the state Constitution, theyre charged with just three responsibilities  to assess properties, oversee road projects in unincorporated areas and give our financial assistance to needy people.

We get that buildings need repairs. We get that theres a rental piece attached to this, although we question whether thats a good business practice.

We also think theyve done enough spending for now. In light of this summer of the special session in Springfield and a personal income tax rate hike, we think all units of Illinois government should redouble efforts to examine every penny being spent.

Hit the pause button. Fix the needed exterior work. Then put a moratorium on future work. Its time to stop.
Microwave Oven Market - In-Depth Report on Global (US, UK, Europe) Analysis and Outlook to 2022

Microwave Oven

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A new research document with title 'Global and United States Microwave Oven In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022' covering detailed analysis, Competitive landscape, forecast and strategies. The study covers geographic analysis that includes regions like USA, Europe, Japan, China, India, South East Asia and important players/vendors such as LG, Whirlpool, ROBAM, WEILI, Vatti................The report will help user gain market insights, future trends and growth prospects for forecast period of 2022SummaryThe report is based on the market historical data from 2012 to 2016 and forecast the market trend from 2017 to 2022.Request a sample report @This report focuses on the U.S. market and presents volume and value of market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also changes in prices. As an in-depth report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinions in Microwave Oven industry.Major CompaniesGalanz(China)Midea(China)Panasonic(Japan)SANYO(Japan)Haier(China)SIEMENS(Germany)LG(Korea)Whirlpool(US)ROBAM(China)WEILI(China)Vatti(China)Fotile(China)DE&E(China)Oulin(China)BOSCH(Germany)CACAR(China)Caple(China)DIQUA(China)DAEWOO(Korea)Fisher&Paykel(new Zealand)NEIFO(Germany)Fardior(China)Buy this report @Key RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaTexasNew YorkOthersCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain types of productsMicrowave Oven Market, by Microwave TypePlatform TypeSpiralPure SteamerOthersMicrowave Oven Market, by Control MethodComputerized Microwave OvensMechanical Microwave OvensMicrowave Oven Market, by FeaturesLight WavesFrequency ConversionMicrowaveBarbecueOthersMicrowave Oven Market, by Open StylePull Down the DoorSide Open the DoorPress the DoorOthersMicrowave Oven Market, by Key ConsumersHome UseCommercial UseGet customization & check discount for report @Table of ContentsGlobal and United States Microwave Oven In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022Chapter One Global Microwave Oven Market Overview1.1 Global Microwave Oven Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20171.2 Microwave Oven, by Microwave Type 2012-20171.2.1 Global Microwave Oven Sales Market Share by Microwave Type 2012-20171.2.2 Global Microwave Oven Revenue Market Share by Microwave Type 2012-20171.2.3 Global Microwave Oven Price by Microwave Type 2012-20171.2.4 Platform Type1.2.5 Spiral1.2.6 Pure Steamer1.2.7 Others1.3 Microwave Oven, by Control Method 2012-20171.3.1 Global Microwave Oven Sales Market Share by Control Method 2012-20171.3.2 Global Microwave Oven Revenue Market Share by Control Method 2012-20171.3.3 Global Microwave Oven Price by Control Method 2012-20171.3.4 Computerized Microwave Ovens1.3.5 Mechanical Microwave Ovens1.4 Microwave Oven, by Features 2012-20171.4.1 Global Microwave Oven Sales Market Share by Features 2012-20171.4.2 Global Microwave Oven Revenue Market Share by Features 2012-20171.4.3 Global Microwave Oven Price by Features 2012-20171.4.4 Light Waves1.4.5 Frequency Conversion1.4.6 Microwave1.4.7 Barbecue1.4.8 Others1.5 Microwave Oven, by Open Style 2012-20171.5.1 Global Microwave Oven Sales Market Share by Open Style 2012-20171.5.2 Global Microwave Oven Revenue Market Share by Open Style 2012-20171.5.3 Global Microwave Oven Price by Open Style 2012-20171.5.4 Pull Down the Door1.5.5 Side Open the Door1.5.6 Press the Door1.5.7 Others....ContinuedView Detailed Table of Content @Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact us :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
Sand Control Systems Market 2017  Challenges, Key Vendors, Drivers and Trends by Forecast 2027

Sand Control Systems Market

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Market Synopsis of Sand Control SystemsMarket Scenario:There has been a considerable contraction in the revenues as well as investments in the oil and gas industry following the oil price decline, since mid-2014. However in recent months, oil prices have been rising steadily and are expected to achieve price stabilization. The demand-supply gap is gradually reducing resulting into a change in the industry dynamics. This change has instigated an increase in the rig count leading to a rise in the demand for production operations. Growth in production to curb the expected increase in oil demand is would boost the market for Sand Control Systems.Request Sample Research Report @Study Objectives of Sand Control Systems 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 Sand Control Systems. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To Analyze the Sand Control Systems based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, Porters five force analysis. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to six main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East, and Africa. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by type, by well type, and by region as well as its 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, and new product developments in the Global Sand Control Systems Market.Request for Discount @Segments:The Sand Control Systems is segmented on the basis of type as gravel pack, frac pack, standalone screens, expandable screens, sand consolidation, inflow control devices, and others. On the basis of well type the market has been segmented into land and offshore.Regional Analysis of Sand Control Systems:North America dominates the Sand Control System Market, with the U.S. and Canada contributing a considerable share within the sand control systems market. The Asia-Pacific and European region account for considerable portion of oil and gas demand and are expected to have significant impact on the Sand Control System Market.The report on Sand Control Systems 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. Furthermore technological advancement and macro-economic factors in the market have also been discussed in detail in the report. The report provides detailed information and strategies of the key players in the industry. The report also provides a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Inquire more about this Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Patrol Ship Market 2017 : Damen, Fassmer, Raidco Marine, UKI Workboat, Rolls-Royce and Motomarine

Patrol Ship

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Global Patrol Ship market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Patrol Ship sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players including- ARES Shipyard- Damen- Danish Yacht- Fassmer- LOMOcean Design- Raidco Marine- Reflex Advanced Marine- UKI Workboat- Rolls-Royce- STX SHIPBUILDING- MotomarineThe Patrol Ship 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 Patrol Ship market. The report offers a basic framework of the Patrol Ship industry, including classifications, applications, definitions, and industry chain structure. It also represents an in-depth evaluation of the Patrol Ship 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 Patrol Ship 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 Patrol Ship 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 Patrol Ship 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
Smart Well Market 2017 - Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Schlumberger, Weatherford International

Smart Well Market

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Market Synopsis of Smart Well Market:The growth in the demand for oil and gas translates into the increased demand in the Smart Well Market. Advancement in technology will increase the efficiency, control and monitoring of the well. Additionally it also increases the overall recovery and also facilitate the production from unconventional resources like shale gas and tar sands reserves.Request Sample Research Report @The development of the efficiency of the smart well, advancement in equipment technology and the increase in investments by market vendors are pushing the market towards growth. Smart Well technology involves down-hole measurement and control of well bore and reservoir flow. The growth of smart well market is directly linked to the growth in drilling and completion activities across the globe. Moreover, increased use of horizontal and multilateral wells acts as a major driver for the market.However, uncertainties associated with low crude oil prices is further projected to hinder the industry growth for smart well.Key Players:The key players of Global Smart Well Market are Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Schlumberger, Weatherford International, National Oilwell Varco, Superior Energy Services, Inc. Trican Well Service Ltd., RPC Inc., Nabors Industries Ltd, Salym Petroleum Development N. V. and others.Study Objectives of Smart Well Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next six years of various segments and sub-segments of the Global Smart Well Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the global smart well market based on various tools such as Price Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis, Porters Five Force Analysis. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries, namely, North America, Europe, APAC, 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 Well site, technology, application and regions. To provide strategic profiling of the 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 Smart Well Market.Request for Discount @Regional Analysis of Global Smart Well Market:Currently, North America dominates the Global Smart Well Market share. Major value generation activities of the market are recorded in North America and the other regions are growing at a higher growth rate with the exploration of new reserves, creating growth prospects for the exploration and production (E&P) activities due to technological developments.Asia-Pacific is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period. The growth is primarily due to shale activity in China and increasing offshore oil and gas exploration in countries such as India and Indonesia. Moreover, rise in offshore oil and gas exploration and enhanced oil recovery techniques will make APAC the fastest growing region in the global market.Key Points from Table of Content:6 Competitive Analysis6.1 Introduction6.2 Competitive Scenario6.2.1 Market Share Analysis6.2.2 Market Development Analysis6.2.3 WELL TYPE/Service Benchmarking6.3 Baker Hughes6.3.1 Overview6.3.2 WELL TYPE/Service Offering6.3.3 Strategy6.4 Halliburton6.4.1 Overview6.4.2 WELL TYPE/Service Offering6.4.3 Strategy6.5 Schlumberger6.5.1 Overview6.5.2 WELL TYPE/Service Offering6.5.3 StrategyInquire more about this Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Construction Adhesive and Sealant Market 2017 - Henkel A&G, Bostik SA, Sika AG, H.B. Fuller, Franklin International

Construction Adhesive and Sealant Market

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Market Synopsis of MarketThe Global Construction Adhesive and Sealant Market is significantly penetrating in the commercial, housing, and infrastructure applications. The characteristics of the end products are different according to requirement of end-user industries for different applications. The key influencing factors for this market are increase in the demand in ceramic tile, pre-finished panels, roofing, wall covering, concrete, pipe cements, flooring underlayment, countertop lamination, drywall lamination, HVAC, and other applications. The leading global companies invest & expand by way of partnerships & agreements, and mergers & acquisitions. The global Construction Adhesive & Sealant Market size is expected to cross USD 12 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 6% in the forecasted period.Request Sample Research Report @Key Players:The key players of Global Construction Adhesive and Sealant Market report include- 3M Company, Henkel A&G, Bostik SA, Sika AG, H.B. Fuller, Franklin International, ITW Polymers Sealants North America, DAP Products Inc., Avery Dennision Corporation, and The Dow Chemical Company.Study Objectives of Construction Equipment Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 6 years of various segments and sub-segments of the Global Construction Adhesive and sealant Market . To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the Global Construction Adhesive and sealant 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, APAC, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by type, technology, application, and regions. To provide strategic profiling of the 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 Construction Adhesive and Sealant Market.Request for Discount @Regional Analysis of Construction Equipment Market:The regional analysis of Construction Equipment Market is being studied for areas such as Asia pacific, North America, Europe and rest of the world. APAC would be the largest growing market in terms of revenue generation because of increased investment in construction and infrastructure to support the economic development and rapid population growth.Key Points from Table of Content:11. Company Profiles11.1 3M Company11.1.1 Overview11.1.2 Financials11.1.3 Product Portfolio11.1.4 Business Strategies11.1.5 Recent Development11.2 Henkel A&G11.2.1 Overview11.2.2 Financials11.2.3 Product Portfolio11.2.4 Business Strategies11.2.5 Recent Development11.3 Bostik SA11.3.1 Overview11.3.2 Financials11.3.3 Product Portfolio11.3.4 Business Strategies11.3.5 Recent Development11.4 Sika AG11.4.1 Overview11.4.2 Financials11.4.3 Product Portfolio11.4.4 Business Strategies11.4.5 Recent DevelopmentInquire more about this Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Breast Biopsy Market Predicted Double-Digit Growth Rate by 2024

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Global Breast Biopsy Market: OverviewA breast biopsy is a procedure used for the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer. This is not only limited to cancer but also other ailments of the breast such as a lump in the breast and others. In this procedure, a sample of the breast tissue is removed and tested in the laboratory to determine the presence of cancerous cells. These test results are evaluated and further course of treatment is determined. There are different types of breast biopsy procedures performed. These tests are helpful in detection of cancer in the early stages itself. Owing to the increasing awareness among women and availability of better medical facilities, demand in the breast biopsy market is growing gradually.Request Free Sample Report @Global Breast Biopsy Market: SegmentationThe global breast biopsy market can be segmented into its type, guidance, product and geography. On the basis of type, the global market is divided into open surgical breast biopsy and needle breast biopsy. The needle breast biopsy is subdivided further into core-needle biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, biopsy and vacuum-assisted biopsy and the open surgical breast biopsy can be further subdivided into excisional breast biopsy and incisional breast biopsy. Based on guidance, the global market is segregated into magnetic resonance-guided breast biopsy, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, mammography-guided stereotactic breast biopsy, and others, which include thermography and PET. Based on product, the market is categorized into biopsy tables, biopsy needles, localization wires, guidance systems and others, which include punches, markers and sutures. Diversification on the basis of the region is seen into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.Global Breast Biopsy Market: Growth FactorsThe global breast biopsy market is a growing market owing to factors such as higher incidence of breast cancer among post-menopausal women, increasing level of awareness, rising geriatric womens population and developments made in technology. In addition, regions showing a higher female population would be a potential market for breast cancer diagnosis. The requirement for technologically advanced machinery and highly qualified surgeons, doctors and other medical team adds up to the high cost of biopsy surgery, which acts as a restrain to the market growth. Additionally, other factors include substandard healthcare facilities and limited awareness among female population especially in developing regions are the factors that are impacting the market.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Breast Biopsy Market: Regional AnalysisThe largest share in the breast biopsy market is held by North America. Major factors contributing to the growth in this region are growing awareness for breast cancer, a presence of highly advanced and equipped instruments and increasing supportive governmental initiatives. Countries such the U.S. and Canada are providing a large share in this region. Following the growth in North America region is Europe. Growth in this region can be attributed to the presence of large female population. Italy, Belgium, Germany, the U.K., France, Russia, Spain and Poland are the major countries contributing to the breast biopsy market in the European region. In addition, a fair share is put in by the Asia-Pacific region, which includes countries such as China, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. This growth can be attributed to the rising awareness about breast cancer among women and access to optimal treatment facilities. Latin American countries such as Mexico and Brazil and the Middle East and African region such as South Africa are also providing a decent share in the global market growth.Global Breast Biopsy Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the major players in the global breast biopsy market are Cardinal Health Inc., Angiotech, Galini SRL, Carefusion Corp., Cook Medical Incorporated, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Dickinson and Company, Argon Medical Devices Becto, Hologic Inc., UK Biopsy, Biomed Diagnostics Inc., DTR Medical, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc., Mammotome, Intact Medical, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings and OncoCyte Corporation.Browse detail report @Global Breast Biopsy Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaAbout Us: Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Blog:
Atomic Spectroscopy Market Forcasted for Accelerated Growth by 2024

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Global Atomic Spectroscopy Market: OverviewA study of absorption and emission of the electromagnetic radiation by the atom is known as atomic spectroscopy. Radiations are emitted when electrons are excited and move from one valence bond to lower valence bond. Absorption of energy takes place when a relaxed electron moves from lower valence bond to higher valence bond. A single element possesses characteristic of atomic spectroscopy. However, electromagnetic spectrum or mass spectrum is applied to determine elemental compositions. It is usually divided based on the type of spectroscopy used. The analytical performance of the mass spectrometry is better but relatively it is more complex. This complexity comprises more operator training, high probability of the components to fail, and higher operational and purchase costs.Request Free Sample Report @Global Atomic Spectroscopy Market: Growth FactorsGrowing government fund on the research activities and developments in drug discovery research are anticipated to fuel the global atomic spectroscopy market growth in future. In addition, expansions by key players and rising awareness of the atomic spectroscopy through conferences & symposia are expected to boost the global market growth. International companies entering in the global atomic spectroscopy market by the acquisitions and expansions are anticipated to contribute to the global market growth. Many companies are focusing on healthcare and clinical science, integrated solutions and services for laboratory research and analysis, which in turn may foster the global market growth.Global Atomic Spectroscopy Market: SegmentationThe global atomic spectroscopy market is fragmented based on institutes as pharmaceutical, environmental testing, food and beverage testing, biotechnology, and industrial chemistry. Based on technologies the global market is classified as elemental analyzers, x-ray diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Of these, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is accounted for largest market share due they are cost-efficient, user-friendly, and efficiently analyze solid samples. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy is growing at a significant rate in the coming years. The growth in this segment is mainly due to the revision of regulation such as the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. Pharmaceutical companies are bound to utilize coupled plasma mass spectroscopy due to revised regulation mandates. This is anticipated to propel the global atomic spectroscopy market growth.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Atomic Spectroscopy Market: Regional AnalysisThe geographical breakdown is given by North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America contributed the largest market share in the global atomic spectroscopy market share due to the presence of large pharmaceutical and chemical companies. Additionally, strict regulations implemented by the government about the safety of drugs, and food and beverages also fuel the global market growth. Developing nations such as India and China also accounted for the largest market chunk for atomic spectroscopy as major players are expanding their business in these regions.Global Atomic Spectroscopy Market: Competitive PlayersKey players operating in the global atomic spectroscopy market are GBC Scientific Equipment Pty Ltd., PerkinElmer, Inc., Bruker Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation. Other players include Aurora Biomed, Analytik Jena AG and Rigaku Corporation, Agilent Technologies, and Shimadzu Corporation.Browse detail report @Global Atomic Spectroscopy Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaAbout Us: Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Blog:
Slovakia: Higher ARPS Following Migration to FTTx and 4G Services to Boost Revenue Growth in Telecom Market

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MarketResearchReports.Biz announces addition of new report "Slovakia: Higher ARPS Following Migration to FTTx and 4G Services to Boost Revenue Growth in Telecom Market" to its database."Slovakia: Higher ARPS Following Migration to FTTx and 4G Services to Boost Revenue Growth in Telecom Market", a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Slovakia today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband and mobile sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.Complete Report Details @In 2016, Slovakia generated total telecom service revenue of $1.6bn (1.5bn) (or 1.8% of its nominal GDP), an increase of 1.6% over 2015, driven by growth in fixed Internet and mobile data revenue. Mobile data will primarily be the major growth driver through 2021 and is expected grow at a CAGR of 8.0% over 2016-2021, aided by operators investments in 4G network expansion as well as rising adoption of mobile broadband and M2M services. Operators should focus on fixed-mobile convergence and triple-play and quad-play offerings in order to strengthen their market position. Moreover, investments in 4G and fiber network expansion, rollout of advanced technologies along with the governments initiative to extend broadband coverage will provide significant opportunities for vendors and investors.Download Sample copy of this Report @The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following -- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Slovakia compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Slovakia.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice and data from 2016 to 2021.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Slovakia's telecommunication market.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @Scope- The overall telecom service revenue in Slovakia is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% (1.5% in terms) during 2016-2021.- Mobile revenue will account for 72.7% of the overall telecom service revenue in 2021, driven by increasing 4G services adoption.- In 2017, data will emerge as the largest segment, with its share increasing to 59.3% by 2021, driven by expansion of LTE and LTE-A technologies coupled with attractive data bundled services offered by operators- The Slovakian telecom market will be dominated by Slovak Telekom, Orange Slovakia and O2 Slovakia, which offer fixed and mobile services. In order to stay competitive and strengthen their market position, operators will continue to focus on 4G coverage expansions, bundled offers, triple- or quad-play offers and M2M services to stay competitive.Reasons to buy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Slovakia's telecommunication market, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Slovakia's mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Slovakia's telecommunication market.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Slovakia.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Tunisia: 4G Network Expansion and Fiber-Optic Infrastructure Development to Drive Telecom Growth

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MarketResearchReports.Biz announces addition of new report "Tunisia: 4G Network Expansion and Fiber-Optic Infrastructure Development to Drive Telecom Growth" to its database."Tunisia: 4G Network Expansion and Fiber-Optic Infrastructure Development to Drive Telecom Growth," a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Tunisia today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband and mobile sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.Complete Report Details @In 2016, Tunisia will generate total telecom service revenue of $1.4bn (or 3.3% of its nominal GDP), a decrease of 3.4% over 2015, due to local currency depreciation. Mobile voice will continue to be the largest revenue-contributing segment (53.1%) in 2016, with its share expected to decline to 49.2% by 2021. Mobile data will grow at a CAGR of 1.5% over 2016-2021, aided by the continuing expansion of 4G services and the growing adoption of smartphones, data bundles and value-added services. MNOs should focus on offering value-added services and low-cost bundled plans as smartphone penetration continues to increase.Download Sample copy of this Report @The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following -- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Tunisia compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Tunisia.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice and data from 2016 to 2021.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Tunisia's telecommunication market.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @Scope- Overall telecom service revenue in Tunisia is estimated to generate $1.4bn in 2016 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 0.1% during 2016-2021.- Mobile revenue will account for 82.9% of total telecom revenue in 2021.- The Tunisia telecom market will be dominated by Ooredoo Tunisie and Tunisie Telecom. Operators will continue to focus on 4G coverage expansions, deployment of fiber-optic networks and offering innovative and attractive data plans to stimulate data adoption.Reasons to buy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Tunisia's telecommunication market, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying Pyramid Researchs Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Tunisia's mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Tunisia's telecommunication market.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Tunisia.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Gas Turbine Market, Update 2017: Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecasts to 2021

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"The Report Gas Turbine Market, Update 2017: Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecasts to 2021 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"GlobalData's latest report "Gas Turbine Market, Update 2017: Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecasts to 2021" offers comprehensive information and understanding of the global gas turbine market. The report offers in-depth analysis of gas turbine market at global, regional (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa) and key countries (the US, Canada, China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Germany, the UK, Saudi Arabia) level. The report analyzes the gas turbine market value and volume for the historic (2011-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) period. The report covers the drivers and restraints affecting the gas turbine market, country-wise annual capacity additions and market value, and the competitive landscape for respective countries in 2016. Profiles of major gas turbine manufacturers are also presented in this report. The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis by GlobalData's team of industry experts.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @ScopeThe report analyses Gas Turbine market. Its scope includes -- Analysis of the growth of gas turbine market with a focus on market value and volume in global and regional level including Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa.- The report provides gas turbine market analysis for key countries including the US, Canada, China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Germany, the UK, and Saudi Arabia.- The report offers country level gas turbine market value and volume for the historical (2011-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) periods.- It provides competitive landscape at country level for the year 2016 and profiles of major players in gas turbine market.- Annual additions, market value, key market drivers and restraints, and analysis of their impact in gas turbine market are also discussed.View Report @Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Facilitate decision-making by analyzing historical and forecast data on gas turbine market- Develop strategies based on developments in the gas turbine market- Identify key partners and business-development avenues, based on an understanding of the movements of the major competitors in the gas turbine market- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategies and prospectsAbout 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.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Rolling Bearing Market 2017 - SKF, ZKL, Koyo, NSK, NACHI, NTN

Rolling Bearing Market

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Global Rolling Bearing Market Report 2017 provides detailed analysis of Rolling Bearing market, enclosing detailed study of Rolling Bearing market for last few years and forecast up to year 2022. The Rolling Bearing market report analyses the global Rolling Bearing market from different angles to understand various factors impacting the global Rolling Bearing market.The reports enlightens the user with various applications, product type, end user of Rolling Bearing market. Moreover, the Rolling Bearing market report helps to understand the market trends, Rolling Bearing growth aspects, utilization ration, supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, raw material price trend and Rolling Bearing price trend during the forecast period 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Rolling Bearing Market 2017:SKFZKLKoyoNSKNACHINTNTIMKENFAGINATo Get Sample Report Click Here:Rolling Bearing Market Analysis: By ProductCentripetal TypeScroll TypeRolling Bearing Market Analysis: By ApplicationAutomobileDeviceInitially, the Rolling Bearing market report provides detailed information about major industry active into this market across all regions including the U.S., Europe, China, Japan, etc. Furthermore the market is characterized based on top geographical regions.In the later part, the Rolling Bearing market report shares information pertaining to the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Rolling Bearing industry, Rolling Bearing industry rules and policies, factors driving the growth of Rolling Bearing Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Enquiry Report Click Here:Global Rolling Bearing market report incorporates the major products which are in high demand currently along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Rolling Bearing market revenue worldwide.Finally, the report provides us with detailed market research finding and conclusion which helps the subscriber to develop profitable market strategies which will help to gain competitive advantage.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 Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook for Gas Processing Plants - Africa to Experience Most Capacity Growth

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"The Report Global Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook for Gas Processing Plants - Africa to Experience Most Capacity Growth provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Globally, the gas processing industry is expected to grow by around 13% over the next four years. Among regions, Africa and the Middle East lead in terms of planned gas processing capacity additions by 2021. Among companies, National Iranian Oil Company, Gazprom, and Saudi Aramco would lead in terms of capacity additions. Gazprom also leads in terms of capital expenditure on new planned projects, with over US$12 billion is expected to be spent by 2021. The Amur terminal in Russia and the Prudhoe Bay II terminal in the US are the largest planned processing plants globally in terms of capacity by 2021.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @ScopeUp-to-date global gas processing capacity data by major regions, forecast of planned capacity additions up to 2021Annual breakdown of capital expenditure on planned (new-build) gas processing plants for the period 2017 to 2021Planned (new-build) global gas processing capacity additions by key countries and companiesCapital expenditure spending on new build gas processing plants by key countries and companies in a regionDetails of major global planned gas processing plants up to 2021View Report @Reasons to buyKeep abreast of key global planned gas processing plantsAssess your competitors planned gas processing plants and capacitiesObtain the most up to date information available on global gas processing plantsIdentify growth segments and opportunities in the global gas processing industryDevelop business strategies with the help of specific insights about the global planned gas processing terminalsTable of Contents1.1 List of Tables 21.2 List of Figures 32. Global Gas Processing Industry 52.1. Key Highlights 52.2. New Project Announcements 62.3. New Project Cancellations 62.4. Stalled Gas Processing Projects 62.5. Global Gas Processing Capacity and Capex Outlook 92.6. Regional Capex Spending Outlook by Country and Company 132.7. Capacity Additions through Planned (New Build) Gas Processing Plants by Facility Type 222.8. Global Planned (New Build) Major Dehydration Type Gas Processing Plants 242.9. Global Planned (New Build) Major Fractionation Type Gas Processing Plants 252.10. Global Planned (New Build) Major Sulfur Recovery Type Gas Processing Plants 262.11. Global Planned (New Build) Major Sweetening Type Gas Processing Plants 272.12. Global Stalled Gas Processing Plants 293. Appendix 303.1. Abbreviations 303.2. Methodology 303.2.1. Coverage 303.2.2. Secondary Research 303.3. Contact Us 313.4. Disclaimer 31Follow us on Linkedin :About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Four Point Contact Ball Bearing Market 2017 - SKF, ZKL, Koyo, NSK, NACHI, NTN

Four Point Contact Ball Bearing Market

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Global Four Point Contact Ball Bearing Market Report 2017 provides detailed analysis of Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market, enclosing detailed study of Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market for last few years and forecast up to year 2022. The Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market report analyses the global Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market from different angles to understand various factors impacting the global Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market.The reports enlightens the user with various applications, product type, end user of Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market. Moreover, the Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market report helps to understand the market trends, Four Point Contact Ball Bearing growth aspects, utilization ration, supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, raw material price trend and Four Point Contact Ball Bearing price trend during the forecast period 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Four Point Contact Ball Bearing Market 2017:SKFZKLKoyoNSKNACHINTNTIMKENFAGINATo Get Sample Report Click Here:Four Point Contact Ball Bearing Market Analysis: By Product35xb045xb0Four Point Contact Ball Bearing Market Analysis: By ApplicationJet EngineGas TurbineInitially, the Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market report provides detailed information about major industry active into this market across all regions including the U.S., Europe, China, Japan, etc. Furthermore the market is characterized based on top geographical regions.In the later part, the Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market report shares information pertaining to the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Four Point Contact Ball Bearing industry, Four Point Contact Ball Bearing industry rules and policies, factors driving the growth of Four Point Contact Ball Bearing Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Enquiry Report Click Here:Global Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market report incorporates the major products which are in high demand currently along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Four Point Contact Ball Bearing market revenue worldwide.Finally, the report provides us with detailed market research finding and conclusion which helps the subscriber to develop profitable market strategies which will help to gain competitive advantage.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
Uruguay: High FTTH and LTE Penetration Levels to Drive Growing Demand for OTT and IoT Applications

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MarketResearchReports.Biz presents this most up-to-date research on "Uruguay: High FTTH and LTE Penetration Levels to Drive Growing Demand for OTT and IoT Applications".Uruguay is the fourth most developed economy in Latin America, measured in terms of PPP-adjusted GDP per capita, just below Panama, Chile and Argentina. With an estimated revenue of $1.5bn, or 2.9% of GDP, the telecom and pay-TV services market in Uruguay is also one of the most developed in the region. The country has one of the highest 4G/LTE penetration rates in Latin America, which combined with a high FTTH adoption rate creates a fertile ground for the development of a wide range of digital services and applications in areas such as OTT and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions related to smart cities, smart metering, smart home and smart building.Complete Report Details @Key Findings- Uruguays high levels of development in the telecom segment are mostly explained by the implementation of ambitious digital development policies aimed at providing Internet access to most of its population.- The distribution of telecom service revenue in the Uruguayan market has been quite stable over the past several years, and we expect it will remain relatively unchanged going forward. Antel, which holds a monopoly in several key market segments, is the largest player in the market in terms of revenue, distantly followed by mobile operators Movistar and Claro.- We project that the countrys mobile subscriber base will expand at a CAGR of 1.6% during the 2016-2021 period, driven by M2M connections and the increasing adoption of mobile data services, particularly in less populated parts of the country, where the future rollout of 4G/LTE in the 700MHz band will have a greater impact.Download Sample copy of this Report @SynopsisUruguay: High FTTH and LTE Penetration Levels to Drive Growing Demand for OTT and IoT Services' a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Uruguay today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile and pay-TV sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Uruguay compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Uruguay.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony (including VoIP), broadband, mobile voice, mobile data and pay-TV markets.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed/pay-TV and mobile sectors and between voice, data and video from 2016 to 2021.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, mobile data and pay-TV services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Uruguays telecommunications and pay-TV markets.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @ReasonsToBuy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Uruguays telecommunications and pay-TV markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Uruguays mobile communications, fixed telephony/VoIP, broadband and pay-TV markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Uruguays telecommunications and pay-TV markets.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Uruguay.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Power Management Units (PMU) Market 2017 - ams, Analog, Microsoft, NXP and Atmel

Power Management Units

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Global Power Management Units MarketThe Power Management Units report Announced by QYResearch Group provides an in-depth exploration of the Power Management Units market and offers insights such as scope, historical data, statistical data, and significant approaches of the worldwide market. The report also encompasses projected information that is evaluated with the help of a suitable set of methods and postulations. The report, with all its invaluable data, brings to light the factual information and comprehensive study of the Power Management Units market.The report encompasses exact statistics, contributions from the industry professionals, information provided by industry analysts and industry participants involved in the whole value chain, and qualitative & quantitative analysis of data. The report is intended to assist the reader with better comprehension and decision-making.CLICK HERE to Request Sample Report @Global Power Management Units Market key Manufactures are:1. ams2. Texas Instruments3. STMicroelectric4. Analog5. Microsoft6. NXP7. ON Semiconductor8. Atmel9. Eaton10. Schneider ElectricThe report assesses the scope of the Power Management Units 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 Power Management Units 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. The report also focuses on the regional and worldwide market along with an in-depth analysis providing growth prospects for the market.Inquiry Here @Furthermore, the report evaluates the major market components, comprising revenue, price, growth rate, capacity utilization rate, gross, capacity, consumption, supply, market share, cost, import, demand, export, gross margin, and much more. The Power Management Units report is an expedient documentation that assists the manufacturers, investors, suppliers, customers, distributors, & individuals who are concerned in this market.The worldwide Power Management Units report is a vital resource report, predominantly for industry administrators. If a report is requested by anyone for the worldwide Power Management Units 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
Global Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry Outlook to 2021 : Opportunities Strategies and Growth Drivers

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The Report Global Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry Outlook to 2021: Capacity and Capital Expenditure Forecasts with Details of All Operating and Planned Pipelines provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Global Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry Outlook to 2021: Capacity and Capital Expenditure Forecasts with Details of All Operating and Planned Pipelines" is a comprehensive report on major, trunk oil and gas pipelines industry in the world. The report provides pipeline details such as pipeline/pipeline system name, operator name, start year, start point, end point, status, length, capacity and diameter for all major, trunk crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas pipelines across the world by country and by region. The report also provides capital expenditure outlook by key countries, year on year, from 2017 to 2021. The report also provides key country comparisons within a region and regional comparisons, based on contribution to total pipeline length (regional/global). Planned or proposed (new build) pipeline projects, as announced by various companies, have also been included in this report. Further the report also offers recent developments and latest awarded contracts at regional level.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Scope- Updated information on all active and planned crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas pipelines in the world- Provides key details such as operator name, start year, start point, end point, location, length, diameter and capacity for all active and planned crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas pipelines to 2021- Provides capital expenditure outlook at global as well as regional level by year and by key countries for planned oil and gas pipelines till 2021- Latest developments and contracts related to oil and gas pipeline industry at the regional levelView Report @Reasons to buy- Obtain the most up to date information available on all key active and planned transmission pipelines across the world- Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry- Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong pipeline data- Assess your competitors pipeline network and its capacity- Develop strategies based on the latest developments in the industry- Information on latest tenders and contracts in the industryTable of Contents1. Table of Contents 11.1. List of Tables 71.2. List of Figures 302. Introduction 342.1. What Is This Report About? 342.2. Market Definition 343. Global Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry 353.1. Global Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Snapshot 353.2. Global Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Planned Oil and Gas Pipelines 453.3. Global Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Regional Comparisons 504. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry 584.1. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Snapshot 584.2. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Planned Pipeline Lengths 674.3. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Cross Country Pipelines 774.4. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Algeria 814.5. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Nigeria 864.6. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Egypt 944.7. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Libya 1004.8. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, South Africa 1054.9. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Mozambique 1084.10. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Sudan 1104.11. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Tunisia 1124.12. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Kenya 1154.13. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, South Sudan 1174.14. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Tanzania 1184.15. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Congo Republic 1204.16. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Uganda 1214.17. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Niger 1224.18. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Cameroon 1234.19. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Angola 1244.20. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Cote dIvoire 1264.21. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Ethiopia 1284.22. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Morocco 1294.23. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Ghana 1304.24. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Chad 1314.25. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Djibouti 1324.26. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Gabon 1334.27. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Namibia 1344.28. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Madagascar 1354.29. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Senegal 1354.30. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Equatorial Guinea 1364.31. Africa Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Recent Developments and Contracts 1375. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry 1535.1. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Snapshot 1535.2. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Planned Pipeline Lengths 1625.3. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Cross Country Pipelines 1765.4. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, China 1805.5. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, India 1925.6. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Pakistan 2085.7. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Indonesia 2115.8. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Myanmar 2165.9. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, South Korea 2195.10. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Thailand 2215.11. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Japan 2255.12. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Malaysia 2285.13. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Bangladesh 2315.14. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Philippines 2375.15. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Vietnam 2395.16. Asia Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry, Taiwan 241About 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.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Prebiotic Ingredients Market 2017 - BENEO-Orafti, Bright Food, Cargill, Parmalat and Royal Cosun

Prebiotic Ingredients

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Global Prebiotic Ingredients MarketThe Prebiotic Ingredients report Announced by QYResearch Group provides an in-depth exploration of the Prebiotic Ingredients market and offers insights such as scope, historical data, statistical data, and significant approaches of the worldwide market. The report also encompasses projected information that is evaluated with the help of a suitable set of methods and postulations. The report, with all its invaluable data, brings to light the factual information and comprehensive study of the Prebiotic Ingredients market.The report encompasses exact statistics, contributions from the industry professionals, information provided by industry analysts and industry participants involved in the whole value chain, and qualitative & quantitative analysis of data. The report is intended to assist the reader with better comprehension and decision-making.CLICK HERE to Request Sample Report @Global Prebiotic Ingredients Market key Manufactures are:1. BENEO-Orafti2. E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company3. Bright Food4. FrieslandCampina5. Cargill6. Cosucra Groupe Warcoing7. Kraft Foods8. Abbott Laboratories9. Jarrow Formulas10. Parmalat11. Roquette Freres12. Royal Cosun13. Yakult Honsha14. Samyang Genex15. Beghin MeijiThe report assesses the scope of the Prebiotic Ingredients 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 Prebiotic Ingredients 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. The report also focuses on the regional and worldwide market along with an in-depth analysis providing growth prospects for the market.Inquiry Here @Furthermore, the report evaluates the major market components, comprising revenue, price, growth rate, capacity utilization rate, gross, capacity, consumption, supply, market share, cost, import, demand, export, gross margin, and much more. The Prebiotic Ingredients report is an expedient documentation that assists the manufacturers, investors, suppliers, customers, distributors, & individuals who are concerned in this market.The worldwide Prebiotic Ingredients report is a vital resource report, predominantly for industry administrators. If a report is requested by anyone for the worldwide Prebiotic Ingredients 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
Vietnam: Mobile Data Growth to be Fueled by 4G Network Rollout and Expansion by Operators

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MarketResearchReports.Biz announces addition of new report "Vietnam: Mobile Data Growth to be Fueled by 4G Network Rollout and Expansion by Operators" to its database.In 2016, Vietnam will generate total telecom service revenue of $6.9bn (or 3.4% of its nominal GDP), a decrease of 0.7% over 2015. However, in local currency, it is expected to grow by 1.6% during the same period, owing to growth primarily in fixed broadband and mobile data revenue. Mobile data services will be the key revenue-contributing segment, accounting for 36.8% of total service revenue in 2016, due to increasing popularity of OTT services and rising smartphone adoption coupled with availability of attractive data plans. Operators will focus on 4G network expansion and fiber deployments to improve broadband infrastructure in the country.Complete Report Details @Key Findings- The overall telecom service revenue in Vietnam is estimated to generate $6.9bn in 2016 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during 2016-2021.- The mobile segment will account for 78.5% of total telecom revenue in 2016.- The Vietnam telecom market will be dominated by Viettel Vietnam and Mobifone. Viettel Vietnam will remain the largest player in the telecom market through 2021, owing to investments in 4G service rollout and expansion coupled with fixed infrastructure improvement.Download Sample copy of this Report @Synopsis"Vietnam: Mobile Data Growth to be Fueled by 4G Network Rollout and Expansion by Operators," a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Vietnam today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband and mobile sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Vietnam compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Vietnam.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice and data from 2016 to 2021.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Vietnam's telecommunication market.Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @ReasonsToBuy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Vietnam's telecommunication market, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Vietnam's mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Vietnam's telecommunication market.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Vietnam.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Oil Tanker, LNG Carrier, and LPG Tanker : Eletson to Add Most Planned LPG Tanker Storage Capacity H1 2017

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"The Report H1 2017 Oil Tanker, LNG Carrier, and LPG Tanker Outlook: Eletson to Add Most Planned LPG Tanker Storage Capacity provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About 23 tankers and carriers have been announced globally in H1 2017, of which 11 are crude tankers, eight are LNG carriers and four are LPG tankers. National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia and Maran Tankers Management Inc. are the top operators in terms of highest DWT of planned crude tanker additions globally over the next four years. Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. would lead in terms of planned LNG storage capacity additions by 2021. Eletson Corporation and KSS Line Ltd. are expected to add the highest LPG tanker capacity by 2021.Scope- Operator-wise planned additions of all tankers and carriers in terms of DWT and storage capacity- Count of all planned crude oil tanker additions by operator and type- Count of all planned tankers and carriers by start year and shipyard- Details of planned tankers and carriers announced in H1 2017Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Reasons to buy- Obtain the most up to date information available on the planned oil tankers, LNG carriers and LPG tankers globally- Identify growth segments and opportunities in the global tanker industry- Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong global tankers data- Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights into planned tankers and carriers across the world- Keep abreast of key planned tankers globally- Assess your competitors planned tankersView Report @Table of Contents1. Table of Contents 11.1. List of Tables 21.2. List of Figures 32. Global Tanker Industry 42.1. Key Highlights 42.2. Crude Oil Tankers Outlook 52.3. LNG Carriers Outlook 52.4. LPG Tankers Outlook 142.5. Global Planned Tankers Announced in H1 2017 183. Appendix 203.1. Abbreviations 203.2. Methodology 203.2.1. Coverage 203.2.2. Secondary Research 203.3. Contact Us 213.4. Disclaimer 211.1 List of TablesTable 1: DWT by Operator for Planned Crude Oil Tankers Announced in H1 2017 5Table 2: DWT for All Planned Crude Oil Tankers by Key Operator 6Table 3: Count of All Planned Crude Oil Tankers by Type 7Table 4: Count of All Planned Crude Oil Tankers by Start Year 8Table 5: Count of All Planned Crude Oil Tankers by Major Shipyard 9Table 6: Storage Capacity by Operator for Planned LNG Carriers Announced in H1 2017 10Table 7: Storage Capacity for All Planned LNG Carriers by Key Operator 11Table 8: Count of All Planned LNG Carriers by Start Year 12Table 9: Count of Planned LNG Carriers by Major Shipyard 13Table 10: Storage Capacity by Operator for Planned LPG Tankers Announced in H1 2017 14Table 11: Storage Capacity for All Planned LPG Tankers by Key Operator 15Table 12: Count of Planned LPG Tankers by Start Year 16Table 13: Count of Planned LPG Tankers by Major Shipyard 17Table 14: Global Planned Tankers Announced in H1 2017 18Table 15: Global Planned Tankers Announced in H1 2017 (Contd.) 19Browse Latest Industry Press ReleaseAbout 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.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Professional Electronic Scales Market 2017 - Shekel Scales, Avery Berkel, Tanita, Taylor and Salter

Professional Electronic Scales

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https://goo.gl/XAFjMB

Global Professional Electronic Scales MarketThe Professional Electronic Scales report Announced by QYResearch Group provides an in-depth exploration of the Professional Electronic Scales market and offers insights such as scope, historical data, statistical data, and significant approaches of the worldwide market. The report also encompasses projected information that is evaluated with the help of a suitable set of methods and postulations. The report, with all its invaluable data, brings to light the factual information and comprehensive study of the Professional Electronic Scales market.The report encompasses exact statistics, contributions from the industry professionals, information provided by industry analysts and industry participants involved in the whole value chain, and qualitative & quantitative analysis of data. The report is intended to assist the reader with better comprehension and decision-making.CLICK HERE to Request Sample Report @Global Professional Electronic Scales Market key Manufactures are:1. Mettler Toledo2. Hobart3. DIGI Teraoka4. Bizerba5. Shekel Scales6. Avery Berkel7. Tanita8. Taylor9. SalterThe report assesses the scope of the Professional Electronic Scales 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 Professional Electronic Scales 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. The report also focuses on the regional and worldwide market along with an in-depth analysis providing growth prospects for the market.Inquiry Here @Furthermore, the report evaluates the major market components, comprising revenue, price, growth rate, capacity utilization rate, gross, capacity, consumption, supply, market share, cost, import, demand, export, gross margin, and much more. The Professional Electronic Scales report is an expedient documentation that assists the manufacturers, investors, suppliers, customers, distributors, & individuals who are concerned in this market.The worldwide Professional Electronic Scales report is a vital resource report, predominantly for industry administrators. If a report is requested by anyone for the worldwide Professional Electronic Scales 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
Global and United States Parathyroid Hormone Market 2017 Status and Forecast, by Players, Types

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http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/2017-2022-parathyroid-hormone-report-on-global-and-united-states-market-status-and-forecast-by-players-types-and-applications

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SummaryThis report helps to analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the 2017-2022 Parathyroid Hormone Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and ApplicationsDescriptionThis report studies the Parathyroid Hormone market status and outlook of global and United States, from angles of players, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global and United States market, and splits the Parathyroid Hormone market by product type and applications/end industries.The global Parathyroid Hormone market is valued at XX million USD in 2016 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions.Get a PDF Sample of Report at:North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Parathyroid Hormone. United States plays an important role in global market, with market size of xx million USD in 2016 and will be xx million USD in 2022, with a CAGR of XX.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share (%) and growth Rate (%) of Parathyroid Hormone in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East and AfricaThe major players in global and United States Parathyroid Hormone market, includingNatpara (USA)Pfizer Inc. (USA)Abbott Laboratories (USA)Merck & Co., Inc. (US)GlaxoSmithKline Plc (UK)Sanofi SA (France)Eli Lilly and Company (US)Cell Genesys Inc. (USA)OSI Pharmaceuticals(USA)Paladin Labs Inc. (Canada)ALZA Corporation (USA)To Browse the Entire Report, Visit :On the basis on the end users/applications, this report coversHypocalcemiaHypoparathyroidismThe Some Points Mentioned in Report are:Chapter One: Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source2.1.1 Secondary Sources2.1.2 Primary Sources1.3 DisclaimerChapter Two: Parathyroid Hormone Market Overview2.1 Parathyroid Hormone Product Overview2.3 Global Parathyroid Hormone Product Segment by Type2.3.1 Global Parathyroid Hormone Sales (K Units) and Growth (%) by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)2.3.2 Global Parathyroid Hormone Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.3 Global Parathyroid Hormone Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)2.3.4 Global Parathyroid Hormone Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)2.4 United States Parathyroid Hormone Product Segment by Type2.4.1 United States Parathyroid Hormone Sales (K Units) and Growth by Types (2012, 2016 and 2022)2.4.2 United States Parathyroid Hormone Sales (K Units) and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)2.4.3 United States Parathyroid Hormone Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share by Types (2012-2017)2.4.4 United States Parathyroid Hormone Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)Chapter Three: Parathyroid Hormone Application/End Users3.1 Parathyroid Hormone Segment by Application/End Users3.1.1 Hypocalcemia3.1.2 Hypoparathyroidism3.2 Global Parathyroid Hormone Product Segment by Application3.2.1 Global Parathyroid Hormone Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)3.2.2 Global Parathyroid Hormone Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)3.3 United States Parathyroid Hormone Product Segment by Application3.3.1 United States Parathyroid Hormone Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)3.3.2 United States Parathyroid Hormone Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)..No. of Report Pages: 106Place a Purchase Order for this Report at:About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Information:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas  75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +9164101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:
Global Capacity Additions and Capex Spending on New Build Refineries H2 2017 : Global Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook for Refineries - China Propels

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"The Report H2 2017 Global Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook for Refineries - China Propels Global Capacity Additions and Capex Spending on New Build Refineries provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"The global refinery industry is expected to witness a growth of more than 13% during the 2017-2021 period. The total CDU capacity is expected to increase globally by more than 100 mmbd by 2021. Asia is expected to lead the growth with proposed capital spending of more than US$200 billion outlined for 36 planned (new-build) refineries. The total capacity addition in the region is expected to be more than 5 mmbd. Dayushan Island refinery in China, Lagos I refinery in Nigeria, and Al-Zour refinery in Kuwait are the major planned refineries globally in terms of CDU capacity, by 2021.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Scope- Refinery crude distillation unit capacity data by region for the period 2011 to 2021- Annual breakdown of capital expenditure spending on refineries for the period 2017 to 2021- Global planned (new build) refinery capacity additions and capital expenditure spending by key countries and operators- Capital expenditure spending on planned (new build) refineries by key countries and operators in a region- Details of all planned (new build) refineries globally up to 2021View Report @Reasons to buy- Obtain the most up to date information available on refineries globally- Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry- Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historical, and outlook of planned refinery capacity data- Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights about the planned refineries globally- Keep abreast of key global planned refinery projects- Assess your competitors planned refinery projects and capacitiesAbout 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.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Microgrids Market Size, Competitive Landscape, and Key Country Analysis to 2021

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"The Report Microgrids, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, and Key Country Analysis to 2021 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"GlobalData's latest report, "Microgrids, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, and Key Country Analysis to 2021" offer comprehensive information and understanding of the global microgrid market. The report analysis the current trend and future potential of microgrids market at global, regional (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa) and key countries (the US, Canada, Brazil, India, China, Japan, Australia, Russia, South Africa, and the UK) level. The report analyzes the microgrid market value for the year 2011, 2016, and 2021.The report covers, an insight into the market in terms of value for the years 2011, 2016, and 2021, key projects, government and state funding initiatives, competitive landscape, and case studies. The report is written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis by GlobalData's team of industry experts.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @ScopeThe report analyses Microgrids market. Its scope includes -- Analysis of the growth of microgrid market with a focus on market value in global and regional level including Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa.- The report provides microgrid market analysis for key countries including the US, Canada, Brazil, India, China, Japan, Australia, Russia, South Africa, and the UK.- The report offers country level microgrid market value for the year 2011, 2015, and 2021.- It provides competitive landscape at country level for the year 2016. It also covers drivers and restraints, policy and regulatory environment, government and state funding initiatives, and case studies.View Report @Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Facilitate decision-making by analyzing market data on microgrids- Develop strategies based on developments in the microgrids market- Identify key partners and business-development avenues, based on an understanding of the movements of the major competitors in the microgrid market- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategies and prospectsAbout 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.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Offshore Industry Production and Capital Expenditure Outlook for Key Planned Upstream Projects Q1 2017 - Petrobras Leads Globally with Most Offshore Planned Oil and Gas Projects

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"The Report Q1 2017 Production and Capital Expenditure Outlook for Key Planned Upstream Projects in Global Offshore Industry - Petrobras Leads Globally with Most Offshore Planned Oil and Gas Projects provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Globally, a total of 279 key planned offshore crude and natural gas projects are expected to start operations in 46 countries. They are expected to contribute around 6,990 mbd to global crude production and about 48 bcfd to global gas production in 2025. Among countries, the highest capex spending is expected to be majorly contributed by Brazil, Mozambique, and the US. About US$586 billion is expected to be spent between 2017 and 2025 to bring the planned projects online. Among companies, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. would be the highest capex spending company followed by Eni S.p.A. and Royal Dutch Shell plc.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Scope- Oil and gas production outlook by key countries and companies in the global offshore industry up to 2025- Planned projects count and starts by key countries and companies in the industry- Details of key planned crude and natural gas projects in the global offshore industry- Capex and opex outlook by key countries and companies in the industryReasons to buy- Understand oil and gas production outlook from key planned fields in the global offshore industry- Keep abreast of key planned production projects in the industry- Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong global offshore oil and gas production forecast- Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights on global offshore production and capex outlook- Assess your competitors planned offshore oil and gas production projectsBrowse Latest Industry Press Release :Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 11.1. List of Tables 21.2. List of Figures 32. Key Planned Upstream Projects in Global Offshore Oil and Gas Industry 42.1. Key Highlights 42.2. Key Offshore Planned Projects Count by Country 52.3. Planned Offshore Project Starts by Country 62.4. Production Outlook for Key Global Offshore Planned Projects 72.5. Key Global Planned Offshore Crude Projects 102.6. Key Global Planned Offshore Gas Projects 132.7. Key Global Offshore Discovered Fields 162.8. Capex Outlook for Key Global Offshore Planned Projects by Country 172.9. Opex Outlook for Key Offshore Planned Projects by Country 182.10. Global Key Planned Offshore Projects by Company 192.11. Production from Key Global Planned Offshore Crude and Gas Projects by Company 202.12. Capex and Opex Outlook for Key Global Offshore Planned Projects by Company 223. Appendix 233.1. Abbreviations 233.2. Methodology 233.2.1. Coverage 233.2.2. Secondary Research 233.3. Contact Us 243.4. Disclaimer 24About 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.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Solar PV Module Market, Update 2016 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape and Key Country Analysis to 2020

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"The Report Solar PV Module Market, Update 2016 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape and Key Country Analysis to 2020 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"GlobalData's latest report "Solar PV Module Market, Update 2016 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape and Key Country Analysis to 2020" offers comprehensive information and understanding of the global Solar Module Market.The report offers in-depth analysis of solar PV module market at global, regional (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa) and key countries (China, India, Japan, Australia, the US, Canada, Germany, Italy, France and the UK) level. The report analyzes the solar PV module market value and volume for the historic (2010-2015) and forecast (2016-2020) period. The report covers the drivers and restraints affecting the solar PV module market, country-wise annual additions, average module price trends, and the competitive landscape for respective countries in 2015.The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis by GlobalData's team of industry experts.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @ScopeThe report analyses Solar PV Module market. Its scope includes -- Analysis of the growth of solar PV module market with a focus on market value and volume in global and regional level including Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa.- The report provides solar PV module market analysis for key countries including China, India, Japan, Australia, the US, Canada, Germany, Italy, France and the UK.- The report offers country level solar PV module market value and volume for the historical (2010-2015) and forecast (2016-2020) periods.- It provides competitive landscape at country level for the year 2015.- Annual additions, average module price trends, key market drivers and restraints, and analysis of their impact in solar PV module market are also discussed.View Report @Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Facilitate decision-making by analyzing historical and forecast data on solar PV module market- Develop strategies based on developments in the solar PV module market- Identify key partners and business-development avenues, based on an understanding of the movements of the major competitors in the solar PV module market- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategies and prospectsTable of Contents1 Table of Contents 41.1 List of Tables 121.2 List of Figures 172 Introduction 222.1 Solar Photovoltaic Technology 222.2 Types of Solar Modules 222.2.1 Crystalline Silicon (c-Si) Modules 222.2.2 Thin-Film Technology 232.3 GlobalData Report Guidance 253 Solar PV Module Market, Global 263.1 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Overview 263.2 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Annual Installations, 2010-2020 273.2.1 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Annual Installations by Technology Type, 2010-2020 293.3 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Production Volume, 2010-2015 313.3.1 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Production Volume by Technology Type, 2010-2015 333.4 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Average Module Price by Technology Type, 2010-2020 353.5 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Market Value by Technology Type, 2010-2020 373.6 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Competitive Landscape 393.6.1 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Top Fifteen Manufacturers, 2015 393.6.2 Solar PV Module Market, Global, c-Si Module Market Share by Company, 2015 403.6.3 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Thin-Film Module Market Share by Company, 2015 423.7 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Regional Share 443.7.1 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Installed Capacity by Region, 2015 443.7.2 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Production by Region, 2015 453.8 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Country Share 463.8.1 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Country, 2015 463.8.2 Solar PV Module Market, Global, Production by Country, 2015 473.8.3 Solar PV Market, Global, Key Drivers 503.8.4 Solar PV Market, Global, Key Restraints 554 Solar PV Market, Asia-Pacific 565 Solar PV Module Market, China 585.1 Solar PV Module Market, China, Overview 585.2 Solar PV Module Market, China, Annual Installations, 2010-2020 595.2.1 Solar PV Module Market, China, Annual Installations by Technology Type, 2010-2020 605.3 Solar PV Module Market, China, Production Volume, 2010-2015 625.3.1 Solar PV Module Market, China, Production Share by Technology Type, 2010-2015 635.4 Solar PV Module Market, China, Average Module Price by Technology Type, 2010-2020 655.5 Solar PV Module Market, China, Market Value by Technology Type, 2010-2020 665.6 Solar PV Module Market, China, Competitive Landscape 695.6.1 Solar PV Module Market, China, c-Si by Company, 2015 695.6.2 Solar PV Module Market, China, Thin-film Market Share by Company, 2015 705.7 Solar PV Module Market, China, Regulations, 2015 715.7.1 Golden Sun Program 725.7.2 Building Integrated Photovoltaic Subsidy Program 73About 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.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
2016 Wind Turbines Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecasts to 2020

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"The Report Wind Turbines Market, Update 2016 - Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecasts to 2020 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"GlobalData's latest report "Wind Turbines Market, Update 2016 - Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecasts to 2020" offers comprehensive information and understanding of the global Wind Turbines Market. The report offers in-depth analysis of wind turbine market at global, regional (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa) and key countries (the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Germany, the UK, France, Turkey, South Africa) level. The report analyzes the wind turbine market value and volume for the historic (2010-2015) and forecast (2016-2020) period. The report covers the drivers and restraints affecting the wind turbine market, country-wise annual additions, average turbine price trends, and the competitive landscape for respective countries in 2015. The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis by GlobalData's team of industry experts.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @ScopeThe report analyses Wind Turbine market. Its scope includes -- Analysis of the growth of wind turbine market with a focus on market value and volume in global and regional level including Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa.- The report provides wind turbine market analysis for key countries including the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Germany, the UK, France, Turkey, and South Africa.- The report offers country level wind turbine market value and volume for the historical (2010-2015) and forecast (2016-2020) periods.- It provides competitive landscape at country level for the year 2015.- Annual additions, average turbine price trends, key market drivers and restraints, and analysis of their impact in wind turbine market are also discussed.View Report @Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Facilitate decision-making by analyzing historical and forecast data on wind turbine market- Develop strategies based on developments in the wind turbine market- Identify key partners and business-development avenues, based on an understanding of the movements of the major competitors in the wind turbine market- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategies and prospectsTable of Contents1 Table of Contents 51.1 List of Tables 101.2 List of Figures 132 Introduction 172.1 Wind Turbines Market, Overview 172.2 Wind Turbines Market, Technology Definition and Classification 172.3 Wind Turbines Market, System Components 182.4 GlobalData Report Guidance 203 Wind Turbines Market, Global 213.1 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Overview 213.2 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Market Value ($bn), 2010-2020 223.3 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Country Share by Annual Additions (%), 2015 243.4 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Annual Additions (GW), 2010-2020 263.5 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Average Turbine Size (MW), 2010-2020 293.6 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Value Chain Analysis 303.7 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Cost Analysis 313.7.1 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Onshore and Offshore Wind Farm Cost Comparison, 2015 313.7.2 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Major Component Share in the Total Turbine Cost, 2015 323.7.3 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Average Turbine Price ($/kW), 2010-2020 333.8 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Drivers and Restraints 353.8.1 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Drivers 353.8.2 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Restraints 383.9 Wind Turbines Market, Global, Competitive Landscape, 2015 404 Wind Turbines Market, Americas 424.1 Wind Turbines Market, Americas, Overview 424.2 Wind Turbines Market, Americas, Market Value ($bn), 2010-2020 424.3 Wind Turbines Market, Americas, Annual Additions (GW), 2010-2020 444.4 Wind Turbines Market, US 474.4.1 Wind Turbines Market, US, Overview 474.4.2 Wind Turbines Market, US, Market Value ($m), 2010-2020 484.4.3 Wind Turbines Market, US, Annual Additions (MW), 2010-2020 504.4.4 Wind Turbines Market, US, Average Turbine Size (MW), 2010-2020 534.4.5 Wind Turbines Market, US, Average Turbine Price ($/kW), 2010-2020 544.4.6 Wind Turbines Market, US, Competitive Landscape, 2015 564.5 Wind Turbines Market, Canada 574.5.1 Wind Turbines Market, Canada, Overview 574.5.2 Wind Turbines Market, Canada, Market Value ($m), 2010-2020 574.5.3 Wind Turbines Market, Canada, Annual Additions (MW), 2010-2020 604.5.4 Wind Turbines Market, Canada, Average Turbine Size (MW), 2010-2020 634.5.5 Wind Turbines Market, Canada, Average Turbine Price ($/kW), 2010-2020 644.5.6 Wind Turbines Market, Canada, Competitive Landscape, 2015 664.6 Wind Turbines Market, Mexico 674.6.1 Wind Turbines Market, Mexico, Overview 674.6.2 Wind Turbines Market, Mexico, Market Value ($m), 2010-2020 674.6.3 Wind Turbines Market, Mexico, Annual Additions (MW), 2010-2020 694.6.4 Wind Turbines Market, Mexico, Average Turbine Size (MW), 2010-2020 724.6.5 Wind Turbines Market, Mexico, Average Turbine Price ($/kW), 2010-2020 734.6.6 Wind Turbines Market, Mexico, Competitive Landscape, 2015 754.7 Wind Turbines Market, Brazil 764.7.1 Wind Turbines Market, Brazil, Overview 764.7.2 Wind Turbines Market, Brazil, Market Value ($m), 2010-2020 774.7.3 Wind Turbines Market, Brazil, Annual Additions (MW), 2010-2020 794.7.4 Wind Turbines Market, Brazil, Average Turbine Size (MW), 2010-2020 824.7.5 Wind Turbines Market, Brazil, Average Turbine Price ($/kW), 2010-2020 834.7.6 Wind Turbines Market, Brazil, Competitive Landscape, 2015 855 Wind Turbines Market, Asia-Pacific 875.1 Wind Turbines Market, Asia-Pacific, Overview 875.2 Wind Turbines Market, Asia-Pacific, Market Value ($bn), 2010-2020 875.3 Wind Turbines Market, Asia-Pacific, Annual Additions (GW), 2010-2020 895.4 Wind Turbines Market, China 915.4.1 Wind Turbines Market, China, Overview 915.4.2 Wind Turbines Market, China, Market Value ($m), 2010-2020 925.4.3 Wind Turbines Market, China, Annual Additions (MW), 2010-2020 945.4.4 Wind Turbines Market, China, Average Turbine Size (MW), 2010-2020 975.4.5 Wind Turbines Market, China, Average Turbine Price ($/kW), 2010-2020 985.4.6 Wind Turbines Market, China, Competitive Landscape, 2015 1005.5 Wind Turbines Market, India 1015.5.1 Wind Turbines Market, India, Overview 1015.5.2 Wind Turbines Market, India, Market Value ($m), 2010-2020 1035.5.3 Wind Turbines Market, India, Annual Additions (MW), 2010-2020 1055.5.4 Wind Turbines Market, India, Average Turbine Size (MW), 2010-2020 1085.5.5 Wind Turbines Market, India, Average Turbine Price ($/kW), 2010-2020 109About 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.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global and Europe Bread Machine Market Outlook and Future Trends Analyzed during the Period until 2022

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Bread machine, a home appliance for baking bread is driven for its homemade, preservative-free and customized bread loaf. Other useful factors being its effectiveness in the preparation of pizza dough, pasta dough etc. To study precisely about the market for this appliance, Market Research Hub (MRH) has lately added a research study titled as Global and Europe Bread Machine Market - Analysis and Outlook to 2022 to its vast report repository. The report basically focuses on the global and Europe market, by assessing the main players, regions and product type.Request Free Sample Report:The report commences with the detailed market outline and explains the research methodology, regulatory factors, end-user analysis, strategic benchmarking, and industry chain & supply chain. The industry chain and supply chain is further elaborated into bread machine industry chain structure, bread machine manufacturing, consumer preference, behavioral habits, and marketing environment. Furthermore, the bread machine industry chain structure is discussed for R&D, raw materials (Components), manufacturing plants, regional trading (Import Export and Local Sales), online sales channel, offline channel and end users. The SWOT analysis, feasibility analysis, and development trend are also completed for the new proposals.The next section summarizes the global and Europe bread machine market sales, volume, revenue and price, 2012-2022. This market is further discussed for sales, revenue and price by the capacity, heating tube, special feature, loaf size and various regions. The capacity of the bread machine discussed in the report are 500g or less, 500-750g, 750-1000g and more than 1000g. By bread machine heating tube, the study is done for single tube heating and double tube heating. Moreover, by special feature, the industry is analyzed by power off memory, automatic yeast, automatic spreading material, automatic program, and booking timing. Based on loaf size, the bread machine is evaluated for 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, 2 pounds, and 2.5 pounds. Lately, the analysis is completed for major regions comprising of Europe, United States, China, Japan and India.Browse Full Report With TOC:The top brands are listed in the report along with their company details, competitors, machine models & performance, business SWOT analysis & forecast and lately machine sales, volume, revenue, price cost and gross margin. The top players' featured in the report include; Braun, Unold, Medion, Piebert, Arendo, Philps, Breville, Sunbeam, Delonghi, Smeg, Seb, Morphy Richards, ACA, Oster, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, Aucma, Rota, Zojirushi. Lastly, the consumers are evaluated for the bread machine sales market share from 2012-2022, the consumers vary from home and commercial.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:
Market Research Services - Procurement Market to Grow at CAGR of 3% to Forecast 2020

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 72 pages on title 'Global Market Research Services - Procurement Market Intelligence Report 2016-2020' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key region that includes Americas, APAC, EMEA and important players such as QuintilesIMS, Ipsos Research, Gartner and other players.Request a sample report @SummaryAbout Market Research ServicesMarket research is the process of collecting, interpreting, and analyzing information about a product/industry, consumers, or competitors. It involves learning about a market to help organizations make informed and appropriate business decisions. The main objectives for engaging the services of market research organizations are formulating strategies for business expansion, development of new products, and facilitation of acquisitions. Market research professionals employ both quantitative (surveys and data analytics) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) methods to gather information.Report procurement specialist forecast the global market research services to grow at a CAGR of 3% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global market research services for 2016-2020. The report contains a comprehensive market and supplier landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key suppliers.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas Europe APAC Middle East and AfricaResearch report, Global Market Research Services 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key suppliers operating in this market.Key suppliers Nielsen Holdings Kantar Group QuintilesIMS Ipsos Research GartnerBuy this report @Market driver Increased competition among buyer industries For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Difficulty in getting valid information For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key suppliers in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key suppliers? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key suppliers?You can request one free hour of our procurement specialists time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.Enquire for Discount @PART 1: SUMMARY Research Objectives and Methodology Category DefinitionPART 2: CATEGORY AT A GLANCE Market Overview Preferred Procurement Models and Major Service Providers Cost-saving Opportunities Major Category RequirementsContinued.Read Detailed Table of Content @Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road, Edison, NJ USA - 08837sales@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218
Global Beverage Can Market is Expected to grow Rapidly in Coming Years: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021)

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Market Research Hub includes new market research report Global Beverage Can Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) is added to its vast database. Packaging is a technology of enclosing and protecting products for distribution, storage, sale and use. Packaging also refers to the process of design, evaluation, and production of packages. It can be described as a coordinated system of preparing goods for transport, warehousing, logistics, sale and end use.Request Free Sample Report @There are three types of packaging; primary, the first layer that encloses the product and comes in the direct contact with the product; secondary, prevents from the pilferage or to group the primary packages together; and tertiary, used for bulk handling, warehouse storage and transport shipping. Further, consumer packaging can be segmented into glass, paper and board, flexible plastics, rigid plastics, other metal and beverage cans.Metal cans are used to contain a wide range of products, including beverages, processed foods, aerosol products, paints, medicines and many other products. Beverage can is a metal container designed to hold a fixed portion of liquid such as carbonated soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, teas, herbal teas, and energy drinks, etc.The global beverage can market has been growing at a steady pace for the past few years. The North American market is expected to recover at a flatter rate after a period of steady decline. The major factors which are expected to drive the global beverage can market include increasing global aluminum production, rising global GDP per capita, rapid urbanization, and swelling global beverage consumption. However, the growth of the market is hindered by stringent compliance regulations and environmental concerns. Few notable trends of the market include rising demand for specialty cans and shifting focus of market players taking towards developing markets.The report Global Beverage Can Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) analyzes the development of this market, with regional focus on Europe, North America, Brazil and China. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the market are discussed in detail in this report. The three major players: Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, and Ardagh Group SA are being profiled along with their key financials and strategies for growth. The report contains a comprehensive analysis of the global beverage can market along with the study of the regional markets.Browse Full Report with TOC @Table of Content:1. Overview1.1 Packaging1.2 Types of Packaging1.3 Metal Cans1.4 Manufacturing of Beverage Cans2. Global Packaging Market2.1 Global Packaging Market by Value2.2 Global Packaging Market Forecast by Value2.3 Global Packaging Market by Product Segment2.4 Global Packaging Market by Material Type2.4.1 Global Paper & Board Packaging Market Forecast by Value2.4.2 Global Flexible Packaging Market Forecast by Value2.4.3 Global Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Forecast by Value3. Global Beverage Can Market3.1 Global Beverage Can Market by Volume3.2 Global Beverage Can Market Forecast by Volume3.3 Global Beverage Can Market Volume by Region3.4 Global Beverage Can Consumption Per Capita by Region4. Regional Markets4.1 North & Central America4.1.1 North America Beverage Can Shipment Volume4.1.2 North America Beverage Can Market Forecast by Shipment Volume4.1.3 North America Beverage Can Shipment by Product Type4.1.4 North America Beverage Can Shipment Forecast by Can Type4.1.5 The US Beverage Can Shipment Volume4.1.6 The US Beverage Can Shipment Volume Forecast4.1.7 Mexico Beverage Can Shipment Volume Forecast4.1.8 Mexico Beverage Can Shipment by Product Type4.2 Europe4.2.1 Europe Beverage Can Shipment Volume by Product Type4.2.2 Europe Beverage Can Shipment Volume Forecast by Product Type4.2.3 Europe Soft Drinks Filling by Packaging Mix4.2.4 Europe Beer Can Filling by Packaging Mix4.2.5 UK Beverage Can Shipment by Product Type4.2.6 UK Beverage Can Shipment Forecast by Product Type4.2.7 UK Soft Drink Filling by Packaging Mix4.2.8 UK Beer Filling by Packaging Mix4.2.9 Spain & Portugal Beverage Can Shipment by Product Type4.2.10 Spain & Portugal Beverage Can Shipment Forecast by Product Type4.2.11 Spain Soft Drink Filling by Packaging Mix4.2.12 Spain Beer Filling by Packaging Mix4.2.13 Austria and Switzerland Beverage Can Shipment by Product Type4.2.14 Austria and Switzerland Beverage Can Shipment Forecast by Product Type4.2.15 Austria and Switzerland Soft Drinks Filling by Packaging Mix4.2.16 Austria and Switzerland Beer Filling by Packaging Mix4.3 South America4.3.1 Brazil Beverage Can Market by Shipment Volume4.3.2 Brazil Beverage Can Shipment Volume Forecast4.3.3 Brazil Beer & Soft Drinks Filling by Packaging Mix4.4 Asia-Pacific4.4.1 China Beverage Can Market Forecast by Shipment VolumeMake an Enquiry for this Report @About Market Research HubMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of non-alcoholic drinks 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 :
Measuring Cup Placement Machine Market Driven by Rise in Demand from the Pharmaceutical industry for Measured and Accurate Doses

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Measuring Cup Placement Machine Market: IntroductionFilling of proper doses and all other forms of liquids is a prime necessity considering both the manufacturers as well as the consumer's end. Measuring cup placement machines are used for placing measuring cups over the bottles cap. Measuring cups helps the users in accurately measuring the product. These machines are mostly utilized by the pharmaceutical manufacturers as there are rising concerns over the patient not following their regular medicine regime. The versatility offered by these machines to the end users is expected to contribute to the overall growth of the global measuring cup placement machines market. Growing industrialization and the pharmaceutical market are major factors expected to fuel the growth of the global measuring cup placement machine market over the forecast period.For more information on this report, fill the form @Measuring Cup Placement Machine Market: Market DynamicsThere has been an increase in the cases of patient deaths due to medicine overdose which has led to a surging need for measured doses. Demand from the pharmaceutical industry for measured and accurate doses is the primary driver for the global measuring cup placement machines market. The machines are made up of stainless steel and aluminum alloy protecting the machine from any rusting or corrosion thus providing a longer shelf life, and the added flexibility of machine is leading to the growth of the measuring cup placement machine market. One factor restraining the growth of the global measuring cup placement machine market is the advent of new technologies for product packaging which are increasingly being preferred by manufacturers. Customization options to the end users is a key trend prevailing in the global measuring cup placement machines market.Measuring Cup Placement Machine Market: Market SegmentationThe global measuring cup placement machine market is segmented on the basis of machine type, end use, packaging material, and geography. On the basis of machine type, the global measuring cup placement machine market is segmented into manual, semi-automatic and automatic machines. On the basis of end use, the global measuring cup placement machine market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, chemical & fertilizers, cosmetics & personal care. Pharmaceuticals account for the maximum share of the global measuring cup placement machine market. On the basis of packaging material, the global measuring cup placement machine market is segmented into glass and plastics. Plastics is further sub segmented into PET, HDPE, LDPE, and PP.Measuring Cup Placement Machine Market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of geography, the global measuring cup placement machine market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific. North America is expected to lead the global measuring cup placement machine market on the backdrop of growing pharmaceutical market. The North America market is followed by Europe which is expected to exhibit steady growth over the forecast period due to well established pharmaceutical market as well as the region also represents fewer currency fluctuations and global risks to the manufacturers.Browse Market Research Report @Asia Pacific is anticipated to exhibit moderate growth over the forecast period. Flourishing industrialization in economies such as India and China are expected to contribute to the overall measuring cup placement machine market in the APAC region. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are projected to exhibit slow growth over the forecast period due to the sluggish economy and slow paced growth of the pharmaceutical industry in the region.Measuring Cup Placement Machine Market: Key playersSome of the key players operating in the global measuring cup placement machine market are Prism Pharma Machinery, Dynamic Engitech Pvt. Ltd., Brothers Pharmamach (India) Pvt. Ltd., GMP Machineries & Packaging, and Multipack Machinery Company.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:
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Sorbitan Monostearate Market to Witness a Pronounce Growth During 2017-2025

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Market Introduction:Sorbitan Monostearate is an ester of stearic acid and sorbitol derivative which is also referred as synthetic wax which is primarily used as an emulsifier to keep oil and water mixed. Sorbitan monostearate is used in the manufacturing of healthcare and food products. Sorbitan Monostearate is employed to create metal machining fluid, synthetic fibers, and as brighteners in the tannery industry, and as an emulsifier in pesticides, coatings, and several other applications in the cosmetics industry and food industry. Sorbitan Monostearate is used as a food additive and has been approved by the European Union for its use. Sorbitan Monostearate along with polysorbates can be used icings, ice creams, fillings and chocolate.To access full report @Market Segmentation:Sorbitan Monostearate market is segment on the basis of product type, end user and region. On the basis of product type the market is segmented into food grade sorbitan monostearate, industrial grade sorbitan monostearate and medicine grade sorbitan monostearate. Among all the segments, the use of food grade sorbitan monostearate in the bakery and dairy industry is the most. The demand for sorbitan monostearate is also more as it acts as a stabilizing agent for several food products. On the basis of end user the market is segmented into cosmetic, pharmaceuticals, bakery and confectionary and coating & plastic. On the basis of region the Sorbitan Monostearate market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and MEA.Market Regional Outlook:Regional segment for the market of sorbitan monostearate is divided into five different regions: North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Among these segment Asia Pacific is expected to be the leader of sorbitan monostearate market globally and is expected to dominant the market in the near future. In North America region the country such as the U.S. is the key market for sorbitan monostearate. In terms of revenue North America is also expected to be the leading contributor in the sorbitan monostearate market in the forecast period.Market Drivers:Increasing opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry as well as the cosmetic industry is a key factor which is expected to drive the global sorbitan monostearate market. The market is also driven by the increasing usage of sorbitan monostearate in the food industry where it is used as an emulsifying as well as stabilizing agent. The applications in pharmaceutical products and cosmetics are: it is used for suspensions and emulsion. Sorbitan monostearate is popular as it are also widely used in personal care products and cosmetics, some of which includes hair care, skin care, shampoos, powders, deodorants, makeup bases and foundations which is expected to bolster the growth of the sorbitan monostearate market in the forecast period. Ongoing research is expected to drive the medicine grade sorbitan monostearate segment which will further boost the market of sorbitan monostearate globally.A sample of this report is available upon request @Market Key Players:Some of the key players in Sorbitan Monostearate market are Hangzhou Fuchun Food Additive, Henan Honest Food, Guangzhou Runhua Food Additive, Triveni Chemicals, Runhua Chemistry, Jeevika Yugchem, Kao Chemicals, Estelle Surfactants & Food Additivesand and Croda among others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
2016 - 2024: Global EEG-EMG Equipment Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "2016 - 2024: Global EEG-EMG Equipment Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast" to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the EEG-EMG Equipments market analyzes the current and future scenario of the global market. Large number of Parkinsons disease, epilepsy incidences and sleep disorder rate among patients is increasing the usage of EEG-EMG Equipments. Less pain and high definition imaging technology are the major drivers of the global EEG-EMG Equipments market.The EEG-EMG Equipment market report comprises an elaborate executive summary, which includes a market snapshot that provides information about various segments of the market. It also provides information and data analysis of the global market with respect to the segments based on product, modality, end user and geography. A detailed qualitative analysis of drivers and restraints of the market and opportunities has been provided in the market overview section. In addition, the section comprises Porters Five Forces Analysis to understand the competitive landscape in the market. This section of the report also provides market attractiveness analysis, by geography and market share analysis by key players, thus presenting a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global EEG-EMG Equipments market.Global EEG-EMG Equipment Market: SegmentationBased on product, the market has been segmented into Electroencephalography and Electromyography. The product market segments have been analyzed based on available approved products, cost-effectiveness, and preference for technologies by neurologist and patients. The market size and forecast for each of these segments have been provided for the period from 2014 to 2024, along with their respective CAGRs for the forecast period from 2016 to 2024, considering 2015 as the base year.Based on End-user, the EEG-EMG Equipments market has been segmented into five major categories: hospitals, diagnostic centers, research institutes, homecare settings and ambulatory surgical centers. The EEG-EMG Equipments are segmented into portable and standalone devices. The market segments have been extensively analyzed based on prevalence of the diseases, available treatment, and geographical coverage. The market size and forecast in terms of US$ Mn for each segment have been provided for the period from 2014 to 2024. The report also provides the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) for each market segment for the forecast period from 2016 to 2024, considering 2015 as the base year.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global EEG-EMG Equipment Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global EEG-EMG Equipments market has been categorized into five major regions and the key countries in the respective region: North America (the U.S., Canada), Europe (the U.K., Germany, Russia, France, Spain, Italy, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (Japan, India, China, Australia & New Zealand and Rest of Asia Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America) and Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC countries and Rest of Middle East & Africa). The market size and forecast for each of these regions and the mentioned countries have been provided for the period from 2014 to 2024, along with their respective CAGRs for the forecast period from 2016 to 2024, considering 2015 as the base year. The research study also covers the competitive scenario in these regions.Key Players Mentioned in this Report are:The report also profiles major players in the global EEG-EMG Equipments market based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. Major players profiled in this report include Compumedics Limited, Medtronic, Natus Medical Incorporated, Cadwell Industries, Inc., Electrical Geodesics Inc., Masimo Corporation, Nihon Kohden Corporation, Zynex Inc., Allengers Medical Systems Limited and others.The Global EEG-EMG Equipment market is segmented as given below:Global EEG-EMG Equipment Market, by ProductElectroencephalographyElectromyographyGlobal EEG-EMG Equipment Market, by ModalityStandalonePortableGlobal EEG-EMG Equipment Market, by End-userHospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersResearch institutesDiagnostic CentersHomecare SettingsGlobal EEG-EMG Equipment Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.SCanadaEuropeGermanyU.K.RussiaItalyFranceSpainBrowse More Details @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 @
Overview Of Global EMI Shielding Market Along With The Restraints And Opportunities Throughout The Forecast Period 2017 - 2025

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Overview Of Global EMI Shielding Market Along With The Restraints And Opportunities Throughout The Forecast Period 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Electromagnetic interface (EMI) shielding is an enclosure or coating to reduce the electromagnetic field by blocking the field with conductive material or magnetic material. This EMI shielding can reduce electromagnetic fields, electrostatic fields and the coupling of radio waves. In addition, the amount of electromagnetic interfaces reduction depends upon the material thickness and the size of the shielded volume among others.The report also provides assessment of different drivers that is impacting the global EMI shielding market, along with the restraints and opportunities that has also been covered under the scope of this report. For each segment (such as materials type, end use industry), market dynamics analysis has been provided. All these factors helps in determining different trends that has been impacting the overall electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding market growth.Moreover, after taking into consideration all this factors, an extensive analysis of the region wise growth parameters of global electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding market along with the overall assessment for the forecast period of 2017-2025 has been also been provided within this report. Moreover, year on year growth of revenue of each region is also included in the scope of the research. Major share and competitive landscape of major companies has been covered in the scope our report.Global EMI Shielding Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing demand of consumer electronics is having a positive influence on the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in coming years. Usages of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials coupled with well-established methods and techniques are some of the major driving factors for the EMI shielding market. Additionally, the growing usage of different types of EMI shielding materials and technology in different application of automobile devices such as automatic sliding doors, keyless ignitions, remote starters, power seats and power windows among others is likely to have an encouraging impact on the EMI shielding market.In addition, numerous electronics products manufacturing organizations across various regions especially in India, China, Japan and South Korea among others are witnessing significant growth due to the rising spending on technological advanced EMI shielding technology in coming years. The global electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding market is anticipated for a stable growth rate during the prediction period from 2017 to 2025.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global EMI Shielding Market: SegmentationBased on materials type, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding market is segregated into conductive polymers, conductive coatings and paints, metal shielding products, EMI/EMC filters and others. In addition, various display such as light emitting diode (LED) and liquid Crystal Display (LCD) manufactures are now focusing on usage of various conductive materials in their production line due to rising acceptance of display products by various end use industry and enhanced the capability of the production.Based on end use industry, the EMI shielding market has been segmented into information technology and telecommunication, healthcare, automotive, aerospace and defense and consumer electronics among others. Geographically, the global EMI shielding market has been bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Latin America. The global electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding market market has been provided in (USD billion) in terms of revenue as well as the CAGR for the forecast period of 2017 to 2025.Global EMI Shielding Market: Competitive LandscapeThe key players in the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding 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 electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding market. Further, the report includes the market attractiveness analysis of different types of equipment of EMI shielding market and insight into the major end use industry area of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding market.The global EMI shielding market is characterized by the presence of numerous key players in the market The key market players compete their competition on the basis of factors such as price, performance, quality, support services and innovations of product. Major players in Surface Mount Technology Equipment market are Laird Plc. (U.K), 3M (The U.S), Chomerics (The U.S), RTP Company (The U.S), Marktek Inc.,(The U.S), ETS-Lindgren (The U.S), Tech-Etch, Inc. (The U.S), Omega Shielding Products (The U.S), HEICO Corporation (The U.S) and Schaffner Group (The U.S) among others.The EMI Shielding market has been segmented as follows:Global EMI Shielding Market, by Materials TypeConductive Coatings and PaintsConductive PolymersEMI/EMC FiltersMetal Shielding ProductsOthersGlobal EMI Shielding Market, by End Use IndustryTelecommunication and ITHealthcareAutomotiveAerospace and defenseConsumer electronicsOthersGlobal EMI Shielding Market, by RegionNorth AmericaThe U.S.CanadaMexicoEuropeU.KGermanyFranceBrowse More Details @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 @
Beverages Carriers Market is Rising rapidly As Most Players in the Beverages Industry are Continuously Striving to Offer its Products in Attractive Packages and Convenience

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Beverages Carriers Market: IntroductionThe past few years has seen a change in transition in retail business structure, from unorganized local stores to organized retail chains such as supermarkets and hypermarkets. Change in retail business structure is attributed to factors such as changing lifestyle and increasing per capita spending, worldwide. Organized retail companies are using new packaging solutions to attract new customers. With the objective to have a competitive edge in the market, various packaging manufacturers are introducing new attractive packaging solutions to grab the market share. Beverages carriers are one of the popular packaging solutions among beverages manufacturing companies. Beverages carriers are used widely not only for convenience solutions, but also augmenting the brand name that helps in creating a massive impact in the consumers mind.For more information on this report, fill the form @Beverages Carriers Market: Market DynamicsGrowth in demand for beverages carriers is expected to remain steady, owing to various factors. Most players in the beverages industry are continuously striving to offer its products in attractive packages and convenience. Additionally, packaging manufacturers are increasingly investing to develop new packaging solutions to increase their customer base. Alcoholic beverages industry is witnessing a healthy growth during the past few years. Wine producers are inclined towards use of beverages containers for wine packaging, owing to various advantages offered by such containers in comparison to glass bottles. Beverages containers are easy to pack, distribute and cost-efficient. In addition, oxygen transmission rate is considered to be one of the prime factors for increasing acceptance of beverages carrier.Beverages carriers, being a light weight packaging solution is a major factor expected to fuel demand for beverages carriers among beverage manufacturers. Beverages carriers are increasingly used by beverages manufacturers to minimize transportation cost. Moreover, luxury packaging is gaining traction among manufacturers of beverages. In order to attract new customers, aesthetic looking beverage carriers are being launched in the market. Beverages carriers are also used in the organized retails store to enhance brand visibility to consumers. In addition, dairy beverages products are also expected to create a huge impact in the beverages carriers market during the forecast period.Beverages Carriers: Market SegmentationThe global beverages carriers market is segmented on the basis of material type, end user and packaging typeBy material type, the global beverages carriers market is segmented into:PaperPlasticLinear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)Polypropylene (PP)Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)Polyamide/ Nylon (PA)Polystyrene (PS)High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)OthersMetalWoodBrowse Market Research Report @By end user, the global beverages carriers market is segmented into:AlcoholicNon-alcoholicDrinking WaterEnergy drinksSoft DrinksBy packaging type, the global beverages carriers market is segmented into:RigidSemi-rigidBeverages Carriers Market: Regional outlookIn terms of geography, the global beverages carriers market has been divided in to five key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The market in North America is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the massive growth of the beverages industry in the U.S. during the forecast period. North America is also witnessing a rapid increase in the production capacity of beverage carriers. The market in Asia Pacific is also expected to register a comparatively high CAGR during the forecast period. India and China are expected to be the most attractive countries in Asia Pacific, owing to the impressive growth of non-alcoholic beverages in the last couple of years. The market in Europe is expected to register a healthy growth for the early adoption of beverage carriers by the marketers. However, the market in Middle East & Africa is expected to witness slow growth in comparisons to the markets in other regions.Beverages Carriers Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global beverages carriers market are Smurfit Kappa Group, Optopack Ltd., CDF Corporation, TPS Rental Systems Ltd, Scholle IPN, etc.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:
Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Market For 2017: By Product Type - Crawler Type & Wheel Type

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Market For 2017: By Product Type - Crawler Type & Wheel Type" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Asphalt Transfer Vehicles in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Asphalt Transfer Vehicles market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingVogele (Germany)Roadtec (US)XCMG (China)Beijing Ca-long Engineering Machinery (China)On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoCrawler TypeWheel 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 Asphalt Transfer Vehicles for each application, includingConstruction IndustryRoad IndustryOtherTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Table of ContentsGlobal Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Market Research Report 20171 Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Asphalt Transfer Vehicles1.2 Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Crawler Type1.2.4 Wheel Type1.3 Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Segment by Application1.3.1 Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Construction Industry1.3.3 Road Industry1.3.4 Other1.4 Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Market by Region (2012-2022)2 Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Asphalt Transfer Vehicles Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)Browse More Details @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 @
Power Tool Market by Power Source, Data Validation, Growth, Analysis and Forecasts to 2023

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According to Publisher, the Global Power Tool Market is accounted for $29.63 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach $46.21 billion by 2023 growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. Factors such as rising demand in housing funds, change in lifestyle and growing demand of automation are fueling the market growth. However, rising concerns for human security is hampering the market. Growth in emerging economies provides ample of opportunities for the market growth.By mode of operations, pneumatic power tools segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period attribute to the huge price and unavailability of compressed air cylinders. By geography, North America commanded the largest market share during the forecast period due to the growing construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries in this region.For more information @Some of the key players in Power Tool market include Danaher Corporation, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., Allied Trade Group (ATG) Stores, Husqvarna, Freudenberg, Robert Bosch GmbH, Casal Power Tools, Apex Tool Group LLC, Klein, Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric Co., Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd., Makita Corporation, Atlas Copco and Craftsman.Power Sources Covered:-Cordless Electric Power Tools-Corded Electric Power ToolsApplications Covered:-Electronic-Automobile-Aerospace-Semiconductors-Construction-Other ApplicationsMode of Operations Covered:-Hydraulic Power Tools-Pneumatic Power Tools-Electric Power Tools- Planers and Routers- Polishers and Grinders- Screwdrivers- Drills- Sanders- Impact Wrenches- Saws- Other Electric Power Tools-Powder-actuated Power Tools-Engine Driven Power Tools-Other Mode of operationsRequest Sample CopyEnd Users Covered:-Non-Residential-ResidentialRegions Covered:-North America- US- Canada- Mexico-Europe- Germany- France- Italy- UK- Spain- Rest of Europe-Asia Pacific- Japan- China- India- Australia- New Zealand- Rest of APAC-Rest of the World- Middle East- Brazil- Argentina- South Africa- EgyptMake 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
Global Spherical Flexible Rotor Market 2017 : Eurocopter, Airbus Helicopters

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QY Market Research published, Top Manufacturers Analysis Of Bidets Research Report. A market study based on the "Spherical Flexible Rotor Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Spherical Flexible Rotor Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Spherical Flexible Rotor industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Spherical Flexible Rotor market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This ReportEurocopterAirbus HelicoptersThe report studies the industry for Spherical Flexible Rotor across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Spherical Flexible Rotor market & dynamics of demand and supply of Spherical Flexible Rotor into consideration. The 'Spherical Flexible Rotor' research study covers each and every aspect of the Spherical Flexible Rotor market globally, which starts from the definition of the Spherical Flexible Rotor industry and develops towards Spherical Flexible Rotor market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Spherical Flexible Rotor market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Spherical Flexible Rotor market. The geographical segmentation of the Spherical Flexible Rotor industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Spherical Flexible Rotor is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Spherical Flexible Rotor market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Spherical Flexible Rotor market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Spherical Flexible Rotor market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Spherical Flexible Rotor production volume, data regarding demand and Spherical Flexible Rotor supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Spherical Flexible Rotor across the globe.About Us :Worldwide Industry are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Worldwide Industry, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries such as Automotive and Aerospace, Medical Devices, Technology, Machinery & Manufacturing.Contact Us :Worldwide IndustryUnited States
Protein Expression Market Set for Rapid Growth and Trend 2017-2022

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ReportsMonitor.com has added a new report to its database Global Protein Expression Market Report 2017.This report identifies the Protein Expression 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 Protein Expression market.Protein Expression 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, coveringThermo Fisher Scientific Inc.Merck KGaAGenscript Biotech CorporationAgilent Technologies, Inc.Takara Bio Inc.Promega CorporationBio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Qiagen N.V.Lonza Group Ltd.New England Biolabs Inc.The competitive landscape of the global market for Protein Expression is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Protein Expression markets production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Protein Expression market worldwide.This report segments the Protein Expression marketby Typeby ProductsOn the basis of application:TherapeuticResearchIndustrialFor comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, the Protein Expression market is analyzed across key geographies namely:United StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaEach 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:Global Protein Expression Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Protein Expression1.1 Protein Expression Market Overview12 Protein Expression Market Dynamics12.1 Protein Expression Market Opportunities12.2 Protein Expression Challenge and Risk12.2.1 Competition from Opponents12.2.2 Downside Risks of Economy12.3 Protein Expression Market Constraints and Threat12.3.1 Threat from Substitute12.3.2 Government Policy12.3.3 Technology Risks12.4 Protein Expression Market Driving Force12.4.1 Growing Demand from Emerging Markets12.4.2 Potential ApplicationReports 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:
Mexico Oil and Gas Market Trion Project Panorama Upstream Industry Analysis Report

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Mexico Oil and Gas Market - added to Orbisresearch.com store which has 22 pages and available for purchase at US $ 1000.Mexico Trion Project Panorama, GlobalDatas latest release, presents a comprehensive overview of the asset. This upstream report includes detailed qualitative and quantitative information on the asset, provides a full economic assessment and reflects several parameters including (but not limited to) geological profile, asset development and specific challenges. Based on this analysis, future outlook for the asset is presented with possible trends and related scenarios identifying upside/downside potential.Get Sample for This Report:Scope- Overview of the asset based on an analysis of the economic indicators- Key financial indicators including Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return- Review of factors affecting the economic outcome of the field including development overview, geology, challenges, reserves and production with qualitative perspective on of the overall assets life with GlobalDatas analysis on the assets future outlook- Detailed production profile for the asset, giving annual output rates for each commodity produced- Cash flow statements from our economic analysis of the asset including capital expenditures, operating expenditures and tax liability- Individual valuations for equity holders- Sensitivity analysis for asset value considering a range of factorsPurchase for This Report:Reasons to buy- Understand the economic and non-economic factors that affect production of an asset- Benefit from an asset valuation derived from detailed research and modeling by our analysts- Basic view of various scenarios and its effect on the asset for risk or strategy planning- Utilize the quantitative and qualitative evaluation to ascertain trends within the region to inform decision making- Identify economic trends of an asset to determine investment requirementsView Full Report:Major Points of TOC:1 Table of Contents 11.1 List of Tables 21.2 List of Figures 22 Project Panorama 33 Project Update 44 Outlook 55 Asset Summary 66 Development Overview 117 Geology 138 Challenges 149 Reserves and Production 1510 Economic Analysis 1811 Appendix 2211.1 Contact Us 2211.2 Disclaimer 22Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019
Malaysia Cards and Payments Market: Industry Study, Statistics, Intuitions, Emerging trends and Prospects to 2020

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Malaysia Cards and Payments Market - is the latest market intelligence on growth drivers, industry and regional trends, competitive landscape scenario as well as upstream and downstream sectors.GlobalDatas "The Cards and Payments Industry in Malaysia: Emerging trends and opportunities to 2020", report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Malaysian cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including credit transfers, payment cards, cash, direct debits, and cheques during the reviewperiod (201216e).Get Sample for This Report:The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry, and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, transaction values and volumes during the reviewperiod and over the forecastperiod (201620f). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including the market shares of issuers and schemes.The report brings together GlobalDatas research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers details of regulatory policy and recent changes in the regulatory structure.This report provides toplevel market analysis, information and insights into the Malaysian cards and payments industry, includingCurrent and forecast values for each market in the Malaysian cards and payments industry, including debit, credit and charge cards.Purchase for This Report:Detailed insights into payment instruments including credit transfers, cash, cheques, direct debit, and payment cards. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.Ecommerce market analysis and payment methods.Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Malaysian cards and payments industry.Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit and charge cards.ScopeMalaysias payment card market has recorded strong uptake in contactless technology, with all major banks including Maybank, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), CIMB Bank, Public Bank, and Hong Leong Bank now offering contactless cards. The number of contactless POS terminals stood at 33,721 in 2016, increasing almost sevenfold from 4,839 terminals in 2015. To further encourage contactless payments, banks are launching innovative products. Maybank collaborated with Visa in January 2016 to launch an NFC wristband, Maybank Visa Payband, to enable its customers to make payments with a wave of the wrist.A growing preference for secure electronic payments, growth in the young population, and deeper smartphone penetration saw banks, payment service providers, and telecom companies launching new payment solutions to gain market share. Samsung Electronics, CIMB Bank, and Maybank all launched mobile wallets between 2016 and 2017.BNM launched the Malaysian Chip Card Specification initiative in 2014 as part of a shift towards EMV standards. According to BNM, complete migration to EMV standards with contactless functionality is expected to be completed by January 1, 2018. As a result, from 2015 banks gradually started to replace domestic debit cards with EMVcompliant cards with contactless functionality.View Full Report:Reasons to buyMake strategic business decisions, using toplevel historic and forecast market data, related to the Malaysian cards and payments industry and each market within it.Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Malaysian cards and payments industry.Assess the competitive dynamics in the Malaysian cards and payments industry.Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in Malaysia.Gain insights into key regulations governing the Malaysian cards and payments industry.Major Points of TOC:1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 21.1. Market overview 21.2. Key facts 41.3. Top five industry events 52. PAYMENT INSTRUMENTS 112.1. Current payment environment 113. E-COMMERCE AND ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS 133.1. E-commerce market analysis 133.2. Alternative payment solutions 153.2.1. PayPal 153.2.2. CIMB Pay 153.2.3. Samsung Pay 153.2.4. JomPAY 153.2.5. MPay 163.2.6. Masterpass 163.2.7. Visa Checkout 163.2.8. Alipay 163.2.9. Maybank Pay 163.2.10. MOLPoints 173.2.11. Mobile Money 173.2.12. Celcom AirCash 174. REGULATIONS IN THE CARDS AND PAYMENTS INDUSTRY 184.1. Regulatory framework 184.1.1. Revised eligibility requirements for credit card issuance 184.1.2. Regulations to enhance credit card security 184.1.3. Agent banking requirements 184.2. Anti-money laundering 194.3. Foreign direct investment regulations 195. ANALYSIS OF CARDS AND PAYMENTS INDUSTRY DRIVERS 206. PAYMENT CARDS 237. DEBIT CARDS 257.1. Debit card market analysis 257.2. Competition in the debit card market 277.3. Debit card comparison 298. PAY-LATER CARDS 308.1. Pay-later card market analysis 308.2. Competition in the pay-later card market 328.3. Pay-later card comparison 349. PREPAID CARDS 3610. MERCHANT ACQUIRING 3811. APPENDIX 4111.1. Abbreviations and acronyms 4111.2. Supplementary data 4211.4. Definitions 5611.5. Methodology 5811.6. Bibliography 6011.7. Further reading 60About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019
These are changing and challenging times for the nations largest milk-producing state. All of Californias major dairy industry measurements are declining and point to a future that is filled with uncertainty.

Through 2016, statewide dairy farm numbers had dropped 27.5 percent in nine years, total cow numbers were down 66,000 head in eight years, and total milk production had fallen two years in a row. Things have not improved in 2017. Through May, USDA data show both cows and total milk are still dropping.

Fewer cows and less milk today  never mind concerns about water availability, labor supply, a growing population, and more environmental regulations tomorrow  are huge reasons why California dairy processors wonder what the future holds for both farmers and for them.

That uncertainty translated into the entire program at last weeks 118th annual meeting of the California Creamery Operators Association (CCOA) in Lake Tahoe, Nev. The meeting Charting a New Course for Californias Dairy Industry  Where is it Headed? looked at dairy product demand and supply trends, mounting groundwater issues for farmers, cows role in climate change, and the potential impact of a Federal Milk Marketing Order in the state.

CCOA President Steve DeBrum (pictured above) pointed out that population growth, both globally and locally, will figure greatly into those challenges. More people will certainly continue coming to California, and as they do it raises the question, will there still be room left for farmers?

There is no question, however, that they will all want to eat.

By 2050, there will be more than 9 billion people on the planet (the current United Nations estimate is 7.5 billion) and there will probably be more than 60 million people in California (the 2016 estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau was 39.3 million), he said.

We have a responsibility to ensure that were going to provide the food and fiber they need. Todays agriculture is a growing, changing, and dynamic industry, and it is one that certainly is going to supply the food and fiber for people in the future, he noted

DeBrum pointed out that despite the recent declines, California continues to be the nations largest dairy state by a wide margin, producing 19 percent of all the milk in the U.S.

Weve come a long way, but we have a long way to go, he added. Its all about preparation and getting this to where we really need to be over the next 25 to 30 years. And as we continue to move forward, its something that is going to be very exciting.




IT Infrastructure Services - Procurement Market to Grow at CAGR of 5.3% in forecasted period 2016-2020 With Trends, Driver and Key Players

IT Infrastructure Services

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 68 pages on title 'Global IT Infrastructure Services - Procurement Market Intelligence Report 2016-2020' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key region that includes America, APAC, Europe and important players such as IBM, HCL, Accenture, TCS and other players.Request a sample report @SummaryAbout IT Infrastructure ServicesIT infrastructure services involve the setting up of work stations, networks, servers, storage, information security, and protocols from scratch, as well as managing the same. Some IT infrastructure service providers also help buyers in the maintenance of IT infrastructure.Research analyst procurement specialist forecast the global IT infrastructure services market to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global IT infrastructure services market for 2016-2020. The report contains a comprehensive market and supplier landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key suppliers.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas APAC EMEAResearch analyst report, Global IT Infrastructure Services Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key suppliers operating in this market.Key suppliers IBM HCL Accenture TCS HPEBuy this report @Market driver Increasing digitization For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Increased exposure to security risks For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key suppliers in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key suppliers? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key suppliers?You can request one free hour of our procurement specialists time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.Enquire for Discount @PART 1: SUMMARY Research Objectives and Methodology Category DefinitionPART 2: CATEGORY AT A GLANCE Market Overview Preferred Procurement Models and Major Service Providers Cost-saving Opportunities Major Category Requirements Major Procurement.Continued.Read Detailed Table of Content @Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road, Edison, NJ USA - 08837sales@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218
Smoke Evacuation System Market: ULPA filters sub-segment is expected to hold a significantly large share of the industry

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Since the past decade, a large number of surgical procedures are moving out of the traditional ways, and they are replaced by minimally invasive techniques which is driving the market of smoke evacuation system globally. Use of electrocautery and electrosurgery devices is unavoidable in minimally invasive surgery which produces surgical smoke. Researchers have found more than 80 organic compounds in surgical smoke such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide that can cause upper respiratory infection, nausea, and other short-term symptoms. Smoke evacuation system has been developed to overcome this problem. The system is intended to remove smoke, aerosol, and noxious odors produced during electrosurgical procedure. Smoke evacuation systems are high-flow vacuum sources used to capture, at the surgical site, the smoke aerosols and gases generated during the use of lasers and electrosurgical units.There are a number of factors that affect the growth of the smoke evacuation system market. Some of the key factors include growth in demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures; development and advancement of energy based electrocautery and ultrasonic devices; and rise in global geriatric population. Other key growth drivers include technological advancements in smoke evacuation system, increase in the number of cosmetic procedures, and high or sudden rise in the number of surgeries related to elderly population. The market is further witnessing restraints, or challenges in its path such as development of other non-invasive surgery technologies, alongside stiff competition among existing smoke evacuation system manufacturers. Moreover, product recalls and government regulations for reduction of overall health care cost are restraining the growth of this market.Obtain Report Details:The global smoke evacuation system market is segmented on the basis of product, application, modality, end-user, and region. Based on product, the smoke evacuation system market is categorized into smoke evacuation filters, pencils & wands, smoke evacuation fusion products, and accessories. The smoke evacuation filters segment is further divided into ULPA filters, HEPA filters, charcoal filters, in-line filters, and pre-filters. The ULPA filters sub-segment is expected to hold a significantly large share of the smoke evacuation filters segment. A significant share of this segment is attributed to technological advancement and extraordinary evacuation capacity as compared to other filters. The smoke evacuation accessories segment comprises adapters, reducers, sensors, and smoke evacuation tubing. Among the accessories, the smoke evacuation tubing sub-segment is expected to account for a significant share in the near future. Rise in number of surgeries performed and recent product launches in this sub-segment is contributing to the large share in this market.On the basis of application, the smoke evacuation system market is divided into electrosurgical devices, electrocautery units, radiofrequency units, ultrasonic devices, laser units, and others. The electrocautery devices segment is anticipated to hold a significant share of the market during the forecast period. Increase in demand for minimally invasive surgeries and rise in geriatric population are expected to fuel the demand for the electrocautery devices segment during the forecast period.Based on modality, smoke evacuation systems are available in portable evacuation systems and centralized evacuation systems. High cost associated with maintenance of centralized evacuation systems and less efficiency as compared to portable evacuation systems are estimated to hamper the growth of the centralized evacuation systems segment. New launches and product innovation in portable evacuation systems are further expected to drive the growth of the market of this segment.On the basis of end-user, the smoke evacuation system market is segmented into hospitals, specialized clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers. The hospitals segment accounted for a major share of the market in 2015 due to increasing demand for electrosurgical devices from corporate hospitals. Globalization of health care and pharmaceutical standards is likely to support the growth of better hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers in developing regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America. This in turn is expected to propel the growth of the smoke evacuation system market in these regions.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:Geographically, the global smoke evacuation system market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to dominate the global smoke evacuation system market during the forecast period. Large geriatric and obese population facing cardiac and orthopedic problems and rise in incidences of cancer are anticipated to drive the market in this region. Asia Pacific has a high growth rate and is expected to offer growth opportunities in this market. Improved health care infrastructure and rise in health care spending by government are estimated to increase adoption of smoke evacuation system in this region.Key players operating in this market include Bovie Medical Corporation, Medtronic, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH, Boston Scientific Corporation, Olympus, Johnson & Johnson, Symmetry Surgical Inc., ConMed Corporation, KLS Martin, and Bowa-electronic GmbH & Co. KG.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:
Thrombin Market Expected to Be Biggest Emerging Market by 2024

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Hemostasis is a medical condition, wherein blood vessel, platelets, and coagulation factors act together to arrest bleeding. It occurs by coagulation process, wherein blood is transformed from liquid to gel state through sequential enzymatic steps. During hemostasis process, thrombin plays a role of key enzyme. Thrombin is an enzyme called serine protease, which is synthesized from a precursor glycoprotein called prothrombin. During the clotting process, proteolytic cleavage of prothrombin produces thrombin. Insoluble fibrin is produced from soluble fibrinogen through a series of reactions catalyzed by thrombin. The production of thrombin in body is highly regulated, as the overproduction of thrombin may result in the blockage of normal blood flow a state called thrombosis. Under such condition, tissues may die due to unavailability of oxygen.Prothrombin is produced in liver and is passed into blood stream in an inactive form. Whenever a vascular injury occurs, collagen and tissue factor lead to activation of coagulation pathways. These pathways lead to activation of factor X, which, in conjugation with other factors, forms a complex. This complex cleaves the prothrombin protein into a thrombin molecule. Once thrombin is produced, it cleaves fibrinogen into fibrin. This result in platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, which help in the stoppage of bleeding.Obtain Report Details:Thrombin acts on different cell types. On smooth muscle cells, it causes vasoconstriction. It activates platelets to promote their aggregation at the site of injury. In activated state, thrombin plays a role of chemo-attractant and mitogen for neutrophils and fibroblasts. Thrombin also plays a role in regulating the endothelial cell functions. It also plays a role in the anticoagulant system, wherein it activates protein C upon interaction with thrombomodulin. This helps in improving circulation as an anticoagulant effect during the vascular injury. Thrombin are produced naturally in body and is also available in commercialized forms. In both the forms, it has two important functions. It helps in the process of coagulation wherein fibrinogen is converted into fibrin. This promotes platelet aggregation, which helps in clotting of blood at the site of injury. Secondly, it acts in the anticoagulation process by activating the protein C. Commercially produced thrombin is available in concentrated form, which, upon application, is capable of converting fibrinogen into fibrin. This helps in thrombus formation at the site of injury. The concentration of thrombin is directly promotional to the rate of clot formation. Types of commercially available thrombin differ in terms of dosage form and concentration. This factor is considered while selecting the product, as higher concentration speeds up the process of hemostasis.The global thrombin market can be segmented on the basis of product type, dosage form, end-user, and geographical region. Based on product type, the market has been segmented into bovine thrombin, human thrombin, and recombinant thrombin. The human thrombin segment is sub-segmented into alpha, beta, and gamma thrombin. The use of bovine thrombin generates antibodies, which cross-react with human coagulation proteins. This has been observed to result in severe complications and life-threatening bleeding. Hence, human thrombin was introduced, as an alternative to bovine thrombin. However, human thrombin is associated with the risk of transmission of viruses. The recombinant thrombin segment is anticipated to lead the market, as recombinant thrombin is free of risks associated with viral infection and it has potential efficacy.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:Based on dosage form, the global thrombin market has been segmented into powder form, solution form, pad form, spray kits, and others. Based on end-user, it can be segmented into hospitals, diagnostics & clinics, and academic and research institutes. The hospitals segment is anticipated to lead the market, due to increase in the number of surgeries.Based on geography, the global thrombin market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is anticipated to lead the global market, due to increase in the number of surgeries and developed health care infrastructure.Key players operating in the global thrombin market are Baxter, Bayer, CSL, Grifols, GE Healthcare, Hualan Biological, Haematologic Technologies Inc., Pfizer, Octapharma, Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., and Shanghai RAAS.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:
Digital Transaction Management (DTM) Market 2017: Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, HP, eSignLive, DocuSign, IBM, Sony, Intel, ThinkSmart

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Market HighlightsIn this rapidly changing world of technology, digital transaction management market is projected to show major growth prospects during the forecast period. Owing to increasing demand for cloud based services and growing digitization has led to a tremendous increase in the growth of digital transaction management market.As compared to other regions, the Digital Transaction Management Market in North America is expected to witness significant growth and hold the largest market share during the forecast period. U.S and Canada are anticipated to drive the growth of digital transaction management market. This is owing to the presence of large number of established key players in that region. In addition to this, the region also has a well-established infrastructure which allows higher penetration of devices and ultimately provides high speed connectivity. This is expected to be a major factor for the growth of digital transaction management market.The Digital Transaction Management (DTM) Market is growing rapidly over 31% of CAGR and is expected to reach at approx. USD 125 Billion by the end of forecast period.DTM Market Players: Apple (U.S.) IBM Corporation (U.S.) Sony Corporation (Japan) Intel (U.S.) Microsoft Corporation (U.S.) Oracle (U.S.) HP (U.S.) eSignLive (Canada) DocuSign Inc. (U.S.) ThinkSmart (U.S.)Request a Sample Report @Market Research Analysis:The global digital transaction management market, by geography, has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. In the global digital transaction management market, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness relatively faster adoption and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period as compared to other regions. Within Asia Pacific, digital transaction management market is projected to contribute faster to the growth of revenue backed by increasing demand for cloud based services and growing demand for workflow automation in countries such as Japan, China and India.Across Europe, countries including Germany, France and the U.K. are anticipated to drive the growth of DTM Market. In Europe, the rising demand for dynamic learning environment is the major driving factor for the growth of digital transaction management market. The presence of advanced infrastructure and growing adoption of digital technology in numerous countries are other factors driving the market growth of digital transaction management market.Digital transaction management market in the South America region is anticipated to witness relatively slower market growth. However, Brazil and Argentina among other countries are projected to witness slow yet steady growth. Digital transaction management market in Middle East and Africa occupies a relatively smaller pie of the global Digital transaction management market.DTM Market SegmentationThe digital transaction management market has been segmented on the basis of component, type and application. The component segment is further bifurcated into hardware, software and services. Digital transaction management basically falls under the category of cloud based services. Increasing adoption of cloud services is one major factor driving the growth of digital transaction management market.Access Report Details @Intended Audience- Technology Investors- Research/Consultancy Firms- Cloud Service Providers- Security Service Providers- Managed Service Providers- Cloud Storage Providers- Infrastructure ProvidersAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Bioprocess Technology Market Trends, Regulatory Landscape and Operational Strategies 2024

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Global Bioprocess Technology Market: OverviewThe global bioprocess technology market is forecast to report a strong growth between 2016 and 2024. Besides the expansion of pharmaceutical industries across emerging nations, the market is seemingly gaining from the higher research and development funding. Furthermore, as pharmaceutical giants focus on their core competencies they are more likely to outsource a few crucial operations to vendors with expertise. This would further give impetus to the global bioprocess technology market.The report provides a detailed assessment of the market covering growth drivers, major restraints, and opportunities. It has segmented the market based on various parameters for the purpose of the study. The effect of Porters five forces on the overall market is studied in detail as well.Global Bioprocess Technology Market: Trends and OpportunitiesObtain Report Details:The bioprocess technology market is majorly gaining from the growth witnessed in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Given the scenario, the industry now witnesses rising research funding, novel drug launches, and increasing government support. These, coupled with the increasing incidence of chronic ailments, will keep the demand for bioprocess technologies high through the reports forecast period.Besides this, the market is also looking forward to the rapid growth in pharmaceutical and biotechnologies industries to gain more business. Rising R&D activities supported by favorable government policies are direct results of expansion witnessed in the pharmaceutical industry. Launch of novel therapeutics will ensue the trend. These factors will have a positive impact on the overall market thus helping it gain higher. Also the market will gain from the increasing pharmaceutical outsourcing to vendors operating in the bioprocess technology market.Global Bioprocess Technology Market: Regional OutlookRegionally, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World constitute the key segments in the global bioprocess technology market. Among these, North America exhibited highly lucrative opportunities till 2016 and the trend is likely to continue through the reports forecast period. As the region exhibits increasing demand for high quality biologics and the top players domiciled therein increase research funding, the bioprocess technology market in North America will continue showing steep rise.Likewise in Asia Pacific the market is expected to witness highly lucrative opportunities. Benefiting from the growing pharmaceutical industry and investments by key market players, the demand for bioprocess technologies will rise in Asia Pacific. Besides this, the market players in the region are also gaining from the rising outsourcing to Asian countries and easy availability of academic excellence in Asia Pacific.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:Global Bioprocess Technology Market: Vendor LandscapePolicies adopted by prominent companies have a significant impact on the overall market. The report therefore profiles some of the leading enterprises and studies the impact of their latest marketing strategies, mergers and acquisitions, and product launches. For the purpose of the study, a detailed overview of their product portfolio is mentioned as well. The strengths and weaknesses of the companies profiled are analyzed using SWOT analysis, which also presents insights into opportunities and threats these companies could face during the forecast period.Some of the companies included in this list are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., GE Healthcare, Danaher Corporation, Merck Millipore, Dickinson and Company, Becton, Lonza Group AG, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A, Corning, Inc., and Charles River Laboratories.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:
Development and Market of Inbound Support growth prospects with CAGR of 9.21% for forecast period of 2017-2021

Inbound Support Market

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 64 pages on title 'Global Inbound Support Market - Procurement Market Intelligence Report 2017-2021' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key region that includes America, APAC, Europe and important players such as Teleperformance, Convergys Corporation, Alorica and other players.Request a sample report @SummaryAbout Inbound SupportInbound support involves the process of receiving requests/queries from prospective clients, customers, vendors, or partners regarding product information, order shipping, pricing, or related technical assistance via sources such as website, e-mail, chat, or telephone. Inbound support teams are responsible for addressing all customer queries and enhancing their satisfaction.Research analyst procurement specialist forecast the global inbound support market to grow at a CAGR of 9.21% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global inbound support market for 2017-2021. The report contains a comprehensive market and supplier landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key suppliers.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas APAC EMEAResearch analyst report, Global Inbound Support 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 suppliers operating in this market.Key suppliers Teleperformance Convergys Corporation Alorica Atento TeletechBuy this report @Market driver Need for customer retention For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Preference for self-service 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 is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key suppliers in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key suppliers? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key suppliers?You can request one free hour of our procurement specialists time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.Enquire for Discount @PART 1: SUMMARY Research Objectives and Methodology Category DefinitionPART 2: CATEGORY AT A GLANCE Market Overview Preferred Procurement Models and Major Service Providers Cost-saving Opportunities Major Category Requirements Major Procurement..Continued.Read Detailed Table of Content @Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road, Edison, NJ USA - 08837sales@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218
Oral Vaccines Market - In-Depth Report by Regions, Product Types, Applications & Players Outlook to 2022

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A new research document with title 'Global Oral Vaccines Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022' covering detailed analysis, Competitive landscape, forecast and strategies. The study covers geographic analysis that includes regions like USA, Europe, Japan, China, India, South East Asia and important players/vendors such as Merial, Merck, Sanofi, Crucell, Quimica Suiza ................The report will help user gain market insights, future trends and growth prospects for forecast period of 2022SummaryAn oral vaccine is one that is taken by mouth, instead of being injected directly into the blood. The goal of all vaccines, whether administered by injection or as an oral vaccine, is to trigger the bodys immune system without the person actually having the disease. It is a way of immunizing, or protecting, the body from getting the disease.Request a sample report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Oral Vaccines in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversGlaxoSmithKlinePaxVaxMerialMerckSanofiCrucellQuimica SuizaImmunitorHualan Biological EngineeringSerum Institute of IndiaBB-NCIPDVaxartMarket 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, coversRotavirus VaccineCholera VaccinePolio VaccineOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoInfantChildrenAdultsBuy this report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Oral Vaccines market.Chapter 1, to describe Oral Vaccines Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Oral Vaccines, with sales, revenue, and price of Oral Vaccines, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Oral Vaccines, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Oral Vaccines market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Oral Vaccines sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceGet customization & check discount for report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Oral Vaccines Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Rotavirus Vaccine1.2.2 Cholera Vaccine1.2.3 Polio Vaccine1.2.4 Others1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Infant1.3.2 Children1.3.3 Adults1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 USA Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force....ContinuedView Detailed Table of Content @Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact us :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
Polybutadiene Diacrylate (CAS 9003-17-2) Market 2017 Analysis By Applications and Key Players - Kowa Chemicals, Henkel,, San Esters, Nippon Soda

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The recent report on Polybutadiene Diacrylate (CAS 9003-17-2) market throws light on the various factors governing the market across the globe. The report, Titled Polybutadiene Diacrylate (CAS 9003-17-2) assesses the growth of the Polybutadiene Diacrylate (CAS 9003-17-2) market and estimates the valuation of the overall market by the end of the forecast period.Download Free Sample Report @The research study includes significant data and also forecasts of the global market which makes the research report a helpful resource for marketing people, analysts, industry executives, consultants, sales and product managers, and other people who are in need of major industry data in a ready-to-access format along with clear presentation of graphs and tables.The report comprises the current size of the Polybutadiene Diacrylate (CAS 9003-17-2) market. It also provides with different types of product segments of the global market. Furthermore, the Polybutadiene Diacrylate (CAS 9003-17-2) market research report gives an in-depth information about the overall market and various product segments and their growth trends. The forecasts about the global Polybutadiene Diacrylate (CAS 9003-17-2) market are also covered in the research report. In addition, the overall market potential is further described in the report along with different countries around the globe.Access Full Report @The latest and the newest trends of the Polybutadiene Diacrylate (CAS 9003-17-2) industry are also included in this report. Moreover, overall global market size, the market size by product segment, growth rates of the global market along with and different product segments of the market, and various product segments with their value and volumes evaluation are also included in the research report.The report offers the global market potential rates of the Polybutadiene Diacrylate (CAS 9003-17-2) market along with various product segments. The research report provides an overview of the current market situation, historic development, and future outlook of the Polybutadiene Diacrylate (CAS 9003-17-2) market. It also tracks the industry developments trends and identifies the global market opportunities. The report helps to plan and develop precise marketing, market expansion, market-entry, and other business strategies through identifying the major market prospects and opportunities.Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
What Are the factor Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Highly Grow in Recent Period at a Steady CAGR?

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MaketStudyReport.com adds a new Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Research Report for the period of 2016-2024 that shows the growth of the market is rising at a 6.5% CAGR to 2024.Increasing municipal solid waste (MSW) adoption as a fuel to generate renewable energy via thermal and biological techniques will drive industry growth. Thermal technology dominated the total share in 2015. In addition, incineration waste to energy market may witness significant growth, the technology was already valued at over USD 12.05 billion in 2015. Converting MSW as feedstock and help to enhance streams process are key factors fostering incineration technology market growth.Increasing electricity demand along with growing dependency on renewable sources to generate energy due to depleting petrochemical reserves is likely to drive waste to energy market over the forecast timeframe. MSW management programs adopted by regional governments to promote power generation will further boost industry growth. Additionally, the U.S. recognition to include WTE to do their renewable energy targets may spur regional industry growth.Get Sample Copy on this Report:WTE can attract stable tipping fees compared to landfills and help in reducing GHG emissions from MSW in landfills. In addition, government has made target towards renewable energy use. EU has set target to derive 20% energy from renewable sources owing to boost waste to energy demand.Growing urban population is forecast to be the key contributing factor for increasing MSW such as plastic, glass bottles, paper, tetra pack, cans, newspaper, cardboard boxes, meta items, aluminum foil, and wood pieces. Other factors such as industrialization, economic development, local climate, and public habits such as leftover food, further contribute towards MSW generation. Increasing MSW is anticipated to positively influence waste to energy market growth from 2016 to 2024. Major countries contributing MSW generation include U.S, China, India, Indonesia, and Brazil.Key insights from the report include:Europe, led by UK, Germany, Italy and France biological waste to energy market should generate over 5.5% growth to exceed USD 2.5 billion by 2024. Anaerobic based biological process is gradually improving and may replace composting step for biodegradable waste treatment generated from MSW.Thermal technology based incineration process in U.S. WTE market size was valued at over USD 1.8 billion in 2015. It is widely used for recovering energy from waste. Modernized thermal incineration equipments can replace existing ageing equipments and contribute towards lowering caron emissions.Get Discount on this Report:Global waste to energy market share is competitive. Keppel Seghers, Tenologies, Wheelabrator, Covanta and Hitachi Zosen are key notable industry players. Other prominent participants include Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Foster Wheeler, Xcel Energy, China Everbright International, Plasco Energy, Veolia Environment and Green Conversion Systems.Global Market Insights has segmented the waste to energy market on the basis of technology and region:Waste to Energy (WTE) Application Analysis (Revenue, USD Billion, 2013 - 2024)Thermal, Incineration, Pyrolysis and Gasification, BiologicalWaste to Energy (WTE) Regional Analysis (Revenue, USD Billion, 2013 - 2024)North America, U.S., Canada, Europe, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Sweden, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, ThailandFor More Details On this Report:About Us: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.Contact Us:Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Treatment Market Forcasted for Accelerated Growth by 2024

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Global Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Treatment Market: OverviewTardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological disorder that has the involvement of the involuntary movements. The terms can be described as tardive which means delayed and dyskinesia which means abnormal movement. The symptoms of tardive dyskinesia include finger movement, facial grimacing, jaw swinging, repetitive chewing, continuous blinking of the eyes, tongue thrusting, and others. The side effect of the neuroleptics medicines is tardive dyskinesia. These medicines are also known as major tranquilizers or antipsychotics. These medicines are mainly used for treating mental issues. Tardive dyskinesia occurs when you are on the medication for many months or years. As the drug that can be used for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia is not approved and method of treatment is also yet not confirmed thus the treatment of the disease is a difficult task. The tardive dyskinesia treatment affects the neurological system of the patient.Request Free Sample Report @Global Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Treatment Market: SegmentationThe global market for tardive dyskinesia treatment is fragmented into drug and end-user. On the basis of the drug, the global market is segregated into valentine, amantadine, tetrabenazine, clonazepam, and others. On the basis of the end user, the market is categorized into pharmacies, hospitals, and drug stores.Global Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Treatment Market: Growth FactorsThe market for the tardive dyskinesia treatment will grow significantly in the coming years. The key factor that is driving the tardive dyskinesia treatment market is the increasing number of people that are suffering from the neurological disorders. In North America majority of the population is suffering from tardive dyskinesia and the people are looking forward to the treatment, thus boosting the growth of the market. The factor that is hindering the market growth is the approval process of the new treatment methods by the respective association.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Treatment Market: Regional AnalysisThe global tardive dyskinesia treatment market is regionally diversified into Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa, Western Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. The region that is dominating the tardive dyskinesia treatment market is North America. The market players in the North American region actively participate in the development of the new drugs for the treatment and the research activities and also this region has the highest demand for the neurological drugs. The regions that are following North America are Europe and Asia Pacific. The factor that these regions are also actively contributing to the research activities and are taking initiatives in building awareness about the tardive dyskinesia treatment.Browse detail report @Global Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Treatment Market: Competitive PlayersThe key market players that are involved in the tardive dyskinesia treatment market include Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Biogen, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., Pfizer Inc., Novartis AG, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, and Bayer AG.Inquire more before buying this report @About Us: Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with Vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from Cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Our Blog:
Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA) Market Led by Globally projects hit at XX% CAGR and potentially worth $XX billion by 2024

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MaketStudyReport.com adds a new Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA) Market Research Report for the period of 2016-2024 that shows the growth of the market is rising at a 34.9% CAGR to 2024.Growing focus on customer engagement to enhance user experience is expected to drive the intelligent virtual assistant market size in the future. Virtual assistants are deployed in mobile devices, enterprise websites, and social media that enable them to have constant communication with clients. For instance, companies install them to provide brand or product information to clients. In addition, it helps in promotions by asking new users to sign in to the company's loyalty account. Customer engagement solutions emphasize on providing enhanced direct experience and help companies to increase revenue and improve customer satisfaction and retention.Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market size is expected to exceed USD 11 billion by 2024; according to a new research report. Growing focus on streamlining business activities to lower the overall operating cost will also propel the intelligent virtual assistant market size. IVAs have application across several business processes such as interviewing, employee training and advertising that allow enterprises to minimize the cost.Get Sample Copy on this Report:Key insights from the report include:Speech recognition is expected to witness significant growth with a CAGR of over 37% from 2016 to 2024 owing to the high demand for speech recognition technology across the medical and automotive applications.IVA market share as service assistant is anticipated to witness high adoption over the future as it is capable of assisting businesses on customer requirements and work flow balance, thereby, delivering immediate productivity. Intelligent virtual assistant market share as customer assistants is projected to grow considerably at nearly 35% CAGR over the forecast timeline.Intelligent virtual assistant market size is expected to witness significant demand across the retail industry owing to the features they offer such as responding efficiently to consumers queries and issues in a cost-effective manner. IVA offer personalized and expert service to customers irrespective of time, geography and channel without any sale support. This increases consumer satisfaction and lowers cost, which is expected to impel demand over the next few years.For instance, Nuances Nina is the first virtual integrated assistant in the UK insurance sector. Dominos Pizzas Dom, ING Banks Inge, and JetStar Airlines Jess are virtual assistants designed to deliver a convincing, multi-channel, automatic customer service experience for the enterprise and consumer segment.U.S. intelligent virtual assistant market size contributed significantly to the overall revenue in 2015, with CAGR forecast to exceed the global average.Get Discount on this Report:Companies contributing to the intelligent virtual assistant market share include IBM Corporation, Nuance, Clara Labs, InteliWISE, eGain Communications, Creative Virtual, CX Company, 24/7 Customer Inc., Artificial Solutions and Anboto among others.Intelligent virtual assistant market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates &forecast in terms of revenue in USD million from 2013 to 2024, for the following segments:IVA market by technologySpeech Recognition, Text-to-Speech, Voice Recognition,IVA market by service:Customer Service, Marketing AssistantIVA market by end-use:SMBs, Large Enterprises, Individual UsersIVA market by application:BFSI, Automotive, IT &Telecom, Retail, Healthcare, Education, OthersThe above information is provided on a regional and country basis for the following:North America, U.S., Canada, Europe, UK, Germany, France, Italy, SpainFor More Details On this Report:About Us: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.Contact Us:Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:
Steam Humidifiers Market Size & Share Outlook up to 2024

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Global Steam Humidifiers Market: OverviewIn order to create ideal climatic conditions, the process of humidification is used that helps to maintain the moisture content with the help of the machines. It is required in many of the industrial applications that range from commercial activities to residential activities. This type of machine is known as humidifiers. A steam humidifier is one such type of the humidifier which creates the steam within the unit, which is then enforced to be injected into the handlers air stream.Request Free Sample Report @Global Steam Humidifiers Market: SegmentationThe global market for steam humidifiers is fragmented into modes, product type, and end-user industry. On the basis of modes, the global market is segregated into manual and automatic. On the basis of product type, the market is categorized into gas-fired steam, electrode boiler steam humidifier, live steam, resistive steam, and steam to steam. On the basis of end-user industry, the market is divided into industrial manufacturing, food and beverage, people and health, and others. The industrial manufacturing segment is sub-segmented into automotive, electronics, packaging, pharmaceuticals, textile, aerospace, clean rooms, medical devices, paint sprays booths, pulp and paper, and wood. The food and beverage segment is sub-categorized into hotels and spas, nursing and retirement homes, home humidification, hot yoga studios, and offices and call centers. The food and beverage segment is sub-divided into cold storage, egg hatcheries, meat industry, crop storage, and mushroom growing. The other segment is sub-segmented into concert halls, green houses, static elimination, art galleries, data centers, and instruments.Global Steam Humidifiers Market: Growth FactorsThe major factors that are driving the steam humidifiers market are the requirement of the humidifiers in low-temperature areas, the industries that process or store fresh products and the transportation of the products that get affected due to humidity and moisture content present in the air. Owing to its critical usage the demand for the steam humidifiers is growing. Humidifier also helps in maintaining the moisture and the humidity in the air which can take care of the illness protects the furniture, moisturizes the skin, and is required for the well-being. The factors that may restrain the growth of the steam humidifiers market include poor energy efficiency and the requirement of the regular cleaning since the water minerals pile up on the machines heating plate which affects the steam humidifiers.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Steam Humidifiers Market: Regional AnalysisDepending on the geographical regions, the global market for the steam humidifiers is diversified into North America, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Western Europe. The region that leads the steam humidifiers market is North America. This dominance is due to the fact that a large number of industries such as healthcare, IT, and automotive and there is also a large number of market players located in this region. The market growth in Asia Pacific and the European regions will increase owing to the development of the automobile industry and the data centers in these provinces.Browse detail report @Global Steam Humidifiers Market: Competitive PlayersThe key market players that are involved in the steam humidifiers market include Thermolec, Boneco AG, Pure Humidifier Company, Ucan Co. Ltd., National Environmental Products Ltd., Cumulus, Condair Group, and others.Inquire more before buying this report @About Us: Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with Vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from Cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Our Blog:
Enterprise Content Management Market 2017: IBM, Microsoft, Opentext, Dell EMC, Oracle, Xerox, Alfresco Software, Hyland Software, Lexmark International, Newgen Software

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Market HighlightsOn the basis of regional analysis, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America region is generating highest market share in the enterprise content management 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 Enterprise Content Management Market.The implementation of enterprise content management solution by both small and medium enterprises is increasing rapidly, especially one into retail sector. The enterprise content management is gaining demand as organization seek to improve their business growth by shifting from on-premise to cloud based. The initial low cost, saving amount spent on infrastructure, automatic software upgrading and seamless integration is driving the market of cloud based enterprise content management market.The Enterprise Content Management Market is expected to grow at approximately USD 80 Billion by 2023, at 17% of CAGR between 2017 and 2023ECM Market Players: Dell EMC Corporation (U.S.) IBM Corporation (U.S.) Microsoft Corporation (U.S.) Opentext Corporation (Canada) Oracle Corporation (U.S.) Alfresco Software (U.K.) Hyland Software Inc. (U.S.) Lexmark International, Inc. (U.S.) Newgen Software Technologies Ltd (India) Xerox Corporation (U.S.)Request a Sample Report @Enterprise Content Management Market SegmentationThe enterprise content management market has been segmented on the basis of solution, deployment, organization size and vertical. The cloud based enterprise content management solution provides search filters in terms of website traffic, most popular site and measure campaign performance. The study indicates that growing demand of digitally stored data and cloud computing is driving the on-premise deployment service.Market Research Analysis:The enterprise content management market in North America region is growing due to high adoption of cloud solutions by enterprise and need to improve information governance in organizations. According to the study, the ECM Market will show rapid 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 enterprise content management market. The growing e-commerce trends to attract more customers is driving enterprise content management market in the region. Increasing population, and growing IT landscape is boosting the market in the region. The region is witnessing high adoption of enterprise content management tools by enterprises. Developing countries such as India and China are adopting enterprise content management software at a large scale owing to increasing e-commerce industries, competitive advantage and growing retail sector is boosting the market in the region. By vertical segment, BFSI and retail sector is driving the enterprise content management market. The region is witnessing high growth in enterprise content management market due to growing technological advancement in cloud, analytics and mobile technologies.Access Report Details @Intended Audience- Investors and consultants- System Integrators- Government Organizations- Research/Consultancy firms- Technology solution providers- IT Solution ProvidersAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our Content s to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
African Horse Sickness Treatment Market Set for Rapid Growth by 2024

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African Horse Sickness Treatment Market: OverviewAfrican horse sickness (AHS) mainly affects equine species; it is a mild or acute infection and is noncontagious. This disease is caused due to the virus African Horse Sickness Virus (AFSV). African horse sickness can cause a huge death rate in the horses as they are more susceptible to the disease, while mules have fewer chances of contracting the disease, and donkeys are excluded.Request Free Sample Report @African Horse Sickness Treatment Market: SegmentationThe market for the African horse sickness treatment is globally fragmented into clinical forms and diagnaosis. Based on the clinical forms, the global market is segregated into Dikkop or cardiac form, horse sickness fever, Dunlop or pulmonary form, and mixed form. Based on the diagnosis, the market is categorized into prevention treatment and diagnostic tests. The prevention treatment is sub-segmented into vaccines. The diagnostic tests can be further sub-categorized into laboratory tests for viral antigens and serological tests. The laboratory tests for viral antigens segment is further divided into reverse-transcription PCR assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.African Horse Sickness Treatment Market: Growth FactorsFor various preventive vaccines in the research and development activities, African horse sickness treatment (AHS) market will prove beneficial thus contributing to the growth of the market. The main factor that has driven the African horse sickness treatment market across all the regions is the existence of the standard operating procedures and the guidelines for the African horse sickness disease. The factor that is limiting the growth of the market is that even though the modified-live, multivalent vaccine is given to the horses they do not guarantee that the horses are completely protected from the African horse sickness but only the probability of the horse acquiring this disease decreases.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @African Horse Sickness Treatment Market: Regional AnalysisRegional diversification of the African horse sickness treatment market is given as follows the Middle East & Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Western Europe, and North America. Currently, the African horse sickness treatment market is dominated by the North America which is followed by Europe. The dominance of the North American region will continue in the coming years. In the North American region, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organization is present in the U.S. which deals with the standard operating procedures for the African horse sickness disease. European countries are also actively contributing to the market growth of African horse sickness treatment. The market will grow at a significant rate in Asia Pacific region owing to the emerging regional players in this region. The factors that attribute to the market growth in the Asia Pacific regions are developing healthcare infrastructure and rise in the awareness about the vaccination of the horses. The African horse sickness treatment market would be evolving at a significant rate across all the regions in the coming years.Browse detail report @African Horse Sickness Treatment Market: Competitive PlayersThe key market players that are involved in the African horse sickness treatment market include Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute and Onderstepoort Biological Products SOC Ltd.Inquire more before buying this report @About Us: Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with Vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from Cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Our Blog:
Fire Retardant Treated Wood Market  Strategic Assessment and Forecast Till 2022

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ReportsMonitor.com has added a new report to its database Global Fire Retardant Treated Wood Market Report 2017.This report identifies the fire Retardant Treated Wood 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 Fire Retardant Treated Wood market.Fire Retardant Treated Wood 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, coveringHoover Treated Wood Products, IncDricon (Lonza Wood Protection?RAM Forest ProductsMultiprotectNordTreat ASChicago FlameproofD-BLAZE (Westminster Industries Ltd.)FRX? (Exterior Wood,inc.)FirePro?(Western Wood Preserving Co.)The competitive landscape of the global market for Fire Retardant Treated Wood is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Fire Retardant Treated Wood markets production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Fire Retardant Treated Wood market worldwide.This report segments the Fire Retardant Treated Wood marketInterior Fire-Retardant TreatedExterior Fire-Retardant TreatedOn the basis of application:Residential ConstructionsInstitutional BuildingsCommercial BuildingsFor comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, the Fire Retardant Treated Wood market is analyzed across key geographies namely:United StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast 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:Global Fire Retardant Treated Wood Sales Market Report 20171 Fire Retardant Treated Wood Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Fire Retardant Treated Wood1.2 Classification of Fire Retardant Treated Wood by Product Category10 Fire Retardant Treated Wood Maufacturing Cost Analysis10.1 Fire Retardant Treated Wood Key Raw Materials Analysis10.1.1 Key Raw Materials10.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials10.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials10.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials10.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure10.2.1 Raw Materials10.2.2 Labor Cost10.2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Fire Retardant Treated Wood10.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Fire Retardant Treated WoodReports 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:
Energy Storage for Microgrids Market Report Trends and Forecast 2022

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ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Energy Storage for Microgrids Market Professional Survey Report 2017 The report focuses on global major leading players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.This report studies Energy Storage for Microgrids in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2011 to 2015, and forecast to 2021.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringNGK GroupABBAEGImergySolarCitySAMSUNG SDIZENNECOutBackSaftThe AES CorporationEOSS&C Electric CompanyAbsolute Renewable Energy (UK) LtdPrincetonGEAmpardA123 Energy SolutionsAquion EnergyEnStorageMoixaZBB EnergyYounicosMore information about this report atBy types, the market can be split intoPumped storageCAESFlywheel energy storageSMESBattery energy storageSuper capacitor energy storageBy Application, the market can be split intoMilitary Base MicrogridsCommercial and Industrial (C&I) MicrogridsOtherBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaRequest a sample copy atTable of Content1 Industry Overview of Energy Storage for Microgrids2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Energy Storage for Microgrids3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Energy Storage for Microgrids4 Global Energy Storage for Microgrids Overall Market Overview5 Energy Storage for Microgrids Regional Market Analysis6 Global 2011-2017E Energy Storage for Microgrids Segment Market Analysis (by Type)7 Global 2011-2017E Energy Storage for Microgrids Segment Market Analysis (by Application)8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Energy Storage for Microgrids8.1 Master Lock8.1 NGK Group8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.2.1 Pumped storage8.1.2.2 CAES8.1.2.3 Flywheel energy storage8.1.3 NGK Group 2015 Energy Storage for Microgrids Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 NGK Group 2015 Energy Storage for Microgrids Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 ABB8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.2.1 Pumped storage8.2.2.2 CAES8.2.2.3 Flywheel energy storage8.2.3 ABB 2015 Energy Storage for Microgrids Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 ABB 2015 Energy Storage for Microgrids Business Region Distribution AnalysisDiscount on report purchase at9 Development Trend of Analysis of Energy Storage for Microgrids Market10 Energy Storage for Microgrids Marketing Type Analysis11 Consumers Analysis of Energy Storage for Microgrids12 Conclusion of the Global Energy Storage for Microgrids Market Professional Survey Report 2017Purchase Complete 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 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
Hip Replacement Implant Market Share 2017 Global Industry Growth, Size, Demand, Segment, Statistics & Forecast Report 2022

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Market Study Report adds Global Hip Replacement Implant Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 new report to its research database. The report spread across 120 pages with table and figures in it. The report provides information on Industry Trends, Demand, Top Manufacturers, Countries, Material and Application.Hip Replacement Implants are the artificial implant made of metal, plastics or ceramic which are replaced with the hip joint. Hip replacement procedure takes place when hip joint is damaged due to disease or injury.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Hip Replacement Implant 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.Request a Sample Copy of Global Hip Replacement Implant Market Research Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, Global Hip Replacement Implant Market report covers such as B. Braun, Exactech, DJO Global, Johnson & Johnson, MicroPort Scientific, OMNIlife science, Smith & Nephew, Stryker Corporation and Zimmer Biomet.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)Global Hip Replacement Implant Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Hospitals, Orthopedic Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers and OthersRequest Discount for Global Hip Replacement Implant Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Hip Replacement Implant market.Chapter 1, to describe Hip Replacement Implant Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Hip Replacement Implant, with sales, revenue, and price of Hip Replacement Implant, 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 Hip Replacement Implant Market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Hip Replacement Implant, 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 Global Hip Replacement Implant Market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Hip Replacement Implant market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Hip Replacement Implant sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Related Reports: -Global Hip Replacement Implant Market Research Report 2017In this report, the global Hip Replacement Implant 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.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:
Insulin Resistance Market 2016-2024 Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecast

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Insulin Resistance Market: OverviewDiabetes has become a major concern across the globe owing to its increasing prevalence. Statistics published by World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that over 350 million individuals suffer from diabetes globally. The data also details that more that 80% cases are recorded in low and middle income countries, majority of which are from Asia Pacific, the Middle East and African countries. India accounts for maximum cases of diabetes with more than 30 million cases registered in year 2000. According to Medscape, a healthcare website, in the United States, the prevalence of insulin resistance is over 3%.View Report @Insulin resistance is a complication in which body develops resistance to insulin due to its over production. As the sensitivity towards insulin decreases, body produces excess insulin for better absorption of glucose. This conditions leads to development of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose level is higher than the normal level, but not enough for proper diagnosis of diabetes. Although exact cause of insulin resistance is not known, scientists and doctor believe that excess and sedentary lifestyle are main causes for development of the disorder. Major symptoms of insulin resistance are lethargy, hunger, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and kidney damage. Insulin resistance diagnosis is difficult and involves combination of tests. Usually hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp test is used to measures the amount of glucose which is necessary to compensate for increased insulin level without causing hypoglycemia. Other tests include glucose tolerance test and fasting insulin level.Insulin Resistance Market: Drivers and RestraintsFew drugs approved by FDA are available in the market for treatment of insulin resistance. Humulin by Lilly LLC, and Novolin and Velosulin by Novo Nordisk, are the major brands in the market. Various off label drugs are also prescribed to suppress the symptoms of insulin resistance. Inadequate clinical information on insulin resistance has restricted the scope of drug development. Although scientists are trying to gain insight for exact cause of insulin resistance, development of drugs may take more time owing to lengthy clinical trials. Diabetes and the consequent insulin resistance being a major concern in most of the countries, government initiatives to motivate research in diabetes is expected to give rise to more research projects for diabetes and insulin resistance.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Insulin Resistance Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Aging population and increasing obesity prevalence in developing countries is expected to give rise to patients suffering from insulin resistance. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 35% of the U.S. population is obese. In another data published by OECD, more than 50% of the European Union population is overweight or obese. Obesity prevalence rates are on the rise in China, India and Brazil, making more and more population suitable to insulin resistance. China is now the second obese country in the world followed by India. Adoption of sedentary life style due to and reduced physical activities are adding to worries. Various educational institutes are taking serious steps to curb child obesity by increasing physical activities in schools. These factors are expected to increase the prevalence of increase prevalence of insulin resistance in India, China and other countries. Developing healthcare sector, increasing per capita income and increasing awareness about medical treatments will drive the market in these countries. Reimbursement and other government policies governing pricing will also play a major role in determining the future of the market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
1-Decanol Market Size, Share | Industry Trends Analysis Report, 2024

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A new research report by Transparency Market Research offers a comprehensive evaluation of the global 1-Decanol Market. The study, titled 1-Decanol Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024, is available for sale on the firms website.The molecular formula of 1-decanol is C10H22O. 1-Decanol is a derivative of oil or natural fat. It is prepared by hydrogenation reaction of decanoic acid. The IUPAC name of 1-Decanol is Dec-1-ol. It has an aromatic odor, density of 0.8297 g/cm3 and boiling point 232.90C. 1-Decanol belongs to a group of long chain aliphatic alcohols within a carbon chain length of C6-24. It possesses solubilizing or emulsifying properties, and can be used as anti-spalling agent in concrete. It is an excellent lubricating agent. 1-Decanol is also used as antifoam and raw material for natural based wetting agents. It is a colorless liquid substance, which is inflammable.Browse Market Research Report @1-Decanol is readily biodegradable and therefore degrades in the environment. The biodegradability of 1-Decanol is expected to boost its usage in personal care and polymer processing applications. However, it is acutely toxic and therefore is harmful for aquatic life. When accumulated in large quantities, it may cause death of aquatic organisms. It causes mild skin irritation when exposed in large quantities to skin. 1-Decanol is also used in cleaning agents and coatings; however, the concentration of 1-decanol is generally low in cleaning agents. The other names of 1- Decanol are Decyl Alcohol; n-Decanol; primary Decyl Alcohol; Decylic Alcohol; n- Decyl Alcohol; Capric Alcohol; and Alcohol C-10.The market for 1-Decanol can be segmented based on end-use applications into plasticizers, lubricants, surfactants, cleaning agents, personal care, and pharmaceutical. It is used as penetration enhancer in transdermal drug delivery in the pharmaceutical industry because of its ability to permeate the skin. It is used as aluminum rolling lubricants, lubricant oil additives, and plastic lubricants in the lubricants industry. 1-Decanol is extensively used in lotions, creams, and conditioners in the personal care industry.In terms of region, the 1-Decanol market can be segregated into Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and Europe. The global market for 1-Decanol is expected to expand. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the dominant region due to the high demand for personal care products. China and India are likely to be the prominent consumers of 1-Decanol in Asia Pacific due to presence of established end-user industries in these countries. Growth in the polymer processing industry in Asia Pacific and North America is also estimated to propel the demand for 1-Decanol. The 1-Decanol market in North America and Europe is expected to expand, led by the increase in demand for beauty products in these regions.Key players operating in the 1-Decanol market are P&G Chemicals, Sasol, BASF SE, Thai Fatty Alcohol, Kao, Muslim Mas, and Emery Oleochemicals.Emery Oleochemicals sells products under the brand name EMERCOL, which is a group of natural based fatty alcohols. It is used for various purposes in skin care, sun screens, and toiletries applications. BASF SE provides 1-Decanol, which is nontoxic, non-carcinogenic and is used in various end user applications such as personal care, cleaning agents, and polymer processing.Companies are adopting aggressive marketing tactics and merger and acquisition strategies to expand their market share. They are also shifting their production facilities to emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America due to the easy availability of land, cheap labor, and governmental subsidies in these regions. Additionally, companies are using export as a tool for geographic expansion in emerging economies in Middle East & Africa.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the 1-Decanol market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)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. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Barium Market by Key Players, Growth, Regions and Forecast to 2024

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A new research report by Transparency Market Research offers a comprehensive evaluation of the global Barium Market. The study, titled Barium Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024, is available for sale on the firms website.Global Barium Market: SnapshotThe growing usage of barium is strictly attributable to the exceptionally high level of chemical reactivity. Owing to this characteristics, the derivatives of this chemical element is extensively used for making metal alloys, drilling fluid in oil wells, inks, plastics, paints and varnishes, vacuum tubes, and rubbers. The commonly used derivatives of barium are barium sulfate, barium oxide, barium chloride, barium titanate, barium nitrate, and barium carbonate. The growing applications of barium across several industrial verticals is expected to give the global market a remarkable boost. Barium is not used by itself but as a derivative.Browse Market Research Report @The research report presented by Transparency Market Research provides a thorough analysis of the global market. It includes a SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis. Both of these market measurement tools discussed the various market dynamics impacting the trajectory of the global barium market along with highlighting the competitive landscape present in the overall scenario.Global Barium Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe exponential demand for alloys in various industries is expected to be the very premise of expanding barium market in the near future. The use of alloys is indispensable, especially in the automotive industry, where they are used for strengthening the structure of the vehicles and making them durable. Thus, the booming automotive industry is expected have a direct, positive impact on the global market. Meanwhile, demand for barium in the steel industry for making steel deoxidizers, production of bearings, and for creating creep resistance are all expected translate into improved revenue for the overall market. The growth of construction sector where paints and varnishes are integral have also upped the demand for barium and its derivatives. In light of these factors, the report states that the demand for barium is expected to remain relatively high in the coming years.Despite the steady growth drivers, the global market is likely to be hampered by a few challenges. The key restraint for the global market is the fact that barium has a high reactivity rate, which limits its usage under several circumstances. Owing to these reasons, several end users are looking for alternative metals that are safer to use. However, development of barium nanoparticles is expected to present new lucrative opportunities in the coming years. Furthermore, application barium derivatives in X-ray imaging will also offer terrific opportunities to the overall market.Global Barium Market: Regional OutlookThe global barium market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Of these regions, North America is expected to lead the pack in the coming years. This regional market will be the key consumer of barium derivatives in the coming years due to the strengthening automotive industry and the steel industry. Analysts anticipate that Asia Pacific will also be a significant contributor to the revenue of the global market in the near future. Rising number of manufacturing activities in the region, development of automotive industry, improving construction industry that will demand paints and varnishes, and high demand for various types of packaging are expected to fuel the Asia Pacific barium market. China and India are expected to augment the demand for barium in the next few years in Asia Pacific.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Barium market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Key Players Mentioned in the Report are:The report has analyzed some of the leading players in the global market such as Zigong Gold Way International Ltd., Lanxi Daming Chemical, Reagent Wuchang Shenyang, Shandong Xinke Environmental Chemistry Co., NaFine Group, Ningyang Huali Chemical Co. Ltd., Zhangjiaba salinization Ltd., Anyang Mingrui Silicon Industry Co. Ltd., and Alpha Chemika.Global Barium Market by Geography:EuropeNorth AmericaAsia-PacificRest of the WorldThis report gives you access to decisive data such as:Market growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for the coming yearsAbout 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. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Bioadhesive Industry: Global Survey, Trends, Outlook,Forecast by 2024

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Global Bioadhesive Market: SnapshotThe global market for bioadhesive has been gaining significantly over the recent past. Thanks to the increasing implementation of stringent rules and regulations, compelling industries to limit the application of petroleum-based products, the focus on eco-friendly, bio-based adhesives has increased, which is reflecting greatly on this market. The technological advancements in research and development activities and the resultant advancements in adhesives is also supporting the adoption of a variety of bioadhesives across the world. Going forward, the increasing entry of new vendors in this market is likely to back up its growth over the next few years.This 128 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Bioadhesive market. Browse Market Research Report @As per Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global market for bioadhesive, which stood at US$251.6 mn in 2015, is anticipated to rise at a healthy CAGR of 12.90% during the period from 2016 to 2024a and is projected to increase to US$736.0 mn by the end of 2024.Demand for Animal-based Bioadhesives to Remain HighThe global market for bioadhesives is broadly analyzed on the basis of the source and the end user. Based on the source, the market has been classified into plant-based bioadhesives and animal-based bioadhesives. Among the two, the animal-based bioadhesive segment led the global market in 2015 with a share of nearly 80%. Researchers expect it to continue like this over the forecast period as well on the ground of the rising utilization of these adhesives in the medical and healthcare industry for specialty applications, such as open surgeries and wound closures.By the application, the market has been categorized into the paper and packaging, medical, personal care, wood works and furniture, and the construction industries. With a share of more than 30%, the paper and packaging industry surfaced as the leading consumer of a varied range of bioadhesives in 2015. Over the coming years, the industry is expected to continue as the key end user of bioadhesives, thanks to the steady rise in the global packaging industry.Europe to Retain its Top PositionGeographically, the worldwide market for bioadhesives is led by Europe. In 2015, the European market accounted for more than 35% of the overall market, thanks to the increase in the construction activities. Over the forthcoming years, the regional market is likely to remain dominant on the grounds of the high demand for bioadhesives in several industries, such as construction, packaging, and wood works and furniture in this region. Germany is anticipated to emerge as the leading consumers of bioadhesives in Europe in the near future.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Bioadhesive market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Apart from Europe, North America is also expected to display lucrative growth opportunities for the market for bioadhesives. The rising implementation of stringent norms and policies concerning the usage of petroleum-derived products in this region is likely to boost the North America market for bioadhesives in the years to come. The development of novel products with efficient adhesive properties is also projected to provide momentum to the North American market over the next few years.Adhesives Research Inc., 3M Co., SCION, Adhbio, Bioadhesive Alliance Inc., Meredian Holdings Group Inc., Ecosynthetix Inc., Ashland, Cryolife Inc., and Henkel Corp. are some of the key players operating in the global bioadhesive market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Lanolin Alcohol Systems - Global Industry Analysis & Forecast 2024

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A new research report by Transparency Market Research offers a comprehensive evaluation of the global Lanolin Alcohol Market. The study, titled Lanolin Alcohol Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024, is available for sale on the firms website.Lanolin alcohol is manufactured from hydrolysis of lanolin. It is an important component of surface active agents in various skin smoothening and nourishing creams. It acts as a viscosity enhancer in these formulations. Lanolin alcohol is manufactured by using an alkaline treatment on the lanolin; which is then followed by removal of released soaps. It is refined further by a multi-stage distillation process to improve its odor and color. This process produces a purified, semi-crystalline and almost colorless wax. The composition of lanolin alcohol is sterols and triterpene alcohols such as cholesterol, agnosterol, lanosterol and their derivatives.Browse Market Research Report @Rising demand for lanolin alcohol from personal care and cosmetics industry is anticipated to drive the market. Lanolin alcohol is a refined derivative of lanolin and it contains various lipids that are physiologically close to human skin layers, which makes highly compatible to human skin. Emulsifying capabilities of the lanolin alcohol are stable across a wide pH range which makes it an ideal choice as an emulsifier in face and hair bleaching agents. Furthermore, increasing usage of lanolin alcohol in pharmaceutical industry is expected to boost the market growth. Lanolin alcohol has wound healing capability and hence it has various applications in the pharmaceutical and medical industries.However, the Food and Drug Administrations regulations over the usage of lanolin alcohol in use of personal care and cosmetic products are expected to hamper the market growth. Additionally, fluctuating raw material prices is likely to affect the lanolin alcohol market growth negatively. Technological advancements and product developments in the lanolin alcohol formulations for personal care, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications are expected to provide immense opportunities for the players in the market.In terms of demand, Asia Pacific was the largest market for lanolin alcohol and is also expected to be the fastest growing over the forecast period. China dominated the demand for lanolin alcohol in the region. India, South Korea and countries in Southeast Asia are expected to exhibit higher demand for lanolin alcohol owing to rise in personal care industry. Adoption of western lifestyle and increasing per capita income were among the key factors for the growth in personal care industry. North America and Europe followed Asia Pacific in terms of demand. The U.S. dominated the demand in North America owing to increasing demand for lanolin alcohol personal care and cosmetics industry. Western Europe that comprises Germany, Italy, the U.K., France and Spain contributed significantly to the demand of lanolin alcohol. Central & Eastern Europe are expected to provide immense opportunities for the players in the lanolin alcohol market. Rest of the World (RoW) that comprises Latin America, Africa and the Middle East is likely to exhibit potential growth for the lanolin alcohol. Brazil and Saudi Arabia are considered as major contributors.Global lanolin alcohol market exhibits moderate level of consolidation. Procurement of raw material and secure supply are the major concerns for the players in the market. Major players have long term agreements with companies in the end-user industries, which increases the entry barriers for new entrants. Furthermore, formulations of lanolin alcohol are patented by majority of the companies and new entrants would need to develop own formulations through research & development activities. This fact makes the market capital intensive. Key players in lanolin alcohol market include Surfachem Group Ltd, The Lubrizol Corporation, Nanjing Lanbai Chemical Co., Ltd., Hydrite Chemical Co. and Lanaetex Products, Inc.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Lanolin Alcohol market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth insights, understanding market evolution by tracking historical developments, and analyzing the present scenario and future projections based on optimistic and likely scenarios. Each research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology developments, types, applications, and the competitive landscape.The study is a source of reliable data on:Key market segments and sub-segmentsEvolving market trends and dynamicsChanging supply and demand scenariosQuantifying market opportunities through market sizing and market forecastingTracking current trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive insightsOpportunity mapping in terms of technological breakthroughsThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)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. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Transparency Market Research has released a new market report titled, Land Incineration Plants Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023. According to this report, the global land incineration plants market was valued at US$43.93 bn in 2014 and is projected to reach US$68.71 bn by 2023 at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2015 to 2023.A traditional land incineration plant consist of incinerators, waste receipt and handling systems, combustion systems, heat recovery systems (boilers), air pollution control systems, and combustion solid residue handling systems. Incinerators play a vital role in land incineration plants. These reduce the mass of municipal solid waste by almost 80% and volume by 90% by burning it under controlled environment.This 72 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Land Incineration Plants market. Browse Market Research Report @The heat generated from these plants is utilized for several industrial applications. In most of the cases, the heat generated is transferred to waste-to-energy plants, which utilize it for electricity generation. Bottom ash produced as a by-product from a land incineration plant is utilized in cement plants for the production of cement. Based on the amount of waste incinerated per day, land incineration plants have been categorized into small & medium capacity and large capacity plants. Governments and other local authorities across the globe are promoting the development of land incineration plants by offering various funding schemes such as capital grants, prudential borrowing, and waste infrastructure (WI) credits.Introduction of higher landfill tax by several countries such as the U.K. and New Zealand is also driving the development of such plants globally. However, traditional land incinerator plants have attracted a lot of public opposition in the form of protest in several regions primarily due to emission of flue gas. This acts as a major challenge for the development of land incineration plants. However, modern land incineration plants have adopted several advanced and sustainable technologies that have decreased emission of flue gas. These technologies are anticipated to provide newer opportunities to market participants and plant developers in the near future.The land incineration plants market has been segmented on the basis of capacity of incineration and geography. Based on capacity of incineration, the market has been segmented into small & medium capacity and large capacity plants. The large capacity incineration plants segment held the largest share of 89% of the land incineration plants market in 2014. Key developers in the land incineration plants market include Suez Environment Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc., Martin GmbH fur Umwelt-und Energietechnik, Hitachi Zosen Inova AG, Doosan Lentjes GmbH, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC), and Keppel Seghers Engineering Singapore Pte, Ltd.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Land Incineration Plants market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Demand for land incineration plants is expected to increase gradually in the near future due to increase in urban population across the globe.The global land incineration plants market has been segmented as follows:Land Incineration Plants Market: By CapacitySmall & Medium CapacityLarge CapacityLand Incineration Plants Market: By RegionNorth AmericaU.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeFranceU.K.Rest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanRest of Asia PacificRest of the WorldAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Global Flexible Packaging Market to Witness an Outstanding Growth 5.92% CAGR by 2023

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Market Research Future published a research report on Global Flexible Packaging Market Research Report - Forecast to 2023 Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023.Global Flexible Packaging Market Information by Material (Plastic, Paper, Aluminum, and others), by Products (Pouches, Bags, Wraps, and others), by Printing Technology (Flexography, Digital printing, and others), by Application (Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverages, Personal Care, and others) and Region - Forecast to 2023.Market Synopsis of Flexible Packaging Market:Globally, flexible packaging market is growing due to growing demand from food & beverages industry and innovation in packaging products. Factors driving flexible packaging market are its light weight, recyclable characteristics and feasible for usage. Many manufacturing industries are shifting to flexible packaging as there is growing demand by consumers.The market for global flexible packaging is segmented in mainly four segment namely, material, product, printing technology, and application. Market Segmentation by material includes  plastic, paper, aluminum, and others. Market categorization on basis of product includes pouches, bags, wraps, and others. On the basis of printing technology, it is segmented as flexography, digital printing, and others, Furthermore, on the basis of application the market of flexible packaging is segmented as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care, other industries. The market for flexible packaging is expected to grow at 5.92% CAGR (2017-2023).Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players: Amcor Limited (Australia) Bemis Company, Inc. (U.S.) Constantia Flexible Group GmbH (Austria) Huhtamaki Group (Finland) Clondalkin Group Holdings B.V. (The Netherlands) Coveris Holdings S.A. (U.S.) Sonoco Products Company (U.S.)Study Objectives of Flexible Packaging Market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 6 years of various segments and sub-segments of the global Flexible packaging market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the global Flexible packaging 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-Pacific, 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 material, packaging, application, and regions To provide strategic profiling of the 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 flexible packaging market.Browse Full Report Details @Regional Analysis of Global Flexible Packaging Market:Asia-pacific dominates the global flexible packaging market with the largest market share, of 31.72% in 2016. The booming e-commerce market in the region is also contributing to the growth of the flexible packaging market. The e-commerce market is boosted by the increasing internet penetration. North-America is expected to grow at 6% CAGR during the forecast period.Product Analysis Product matrix which gives a detailed comparison of the market for different recycled product typesAdditional Information Regulatory Landscape Pricing Analysis Macroeconomic IndicatorsGeographic Analysis Geographical analysis across 15 countriesCompany Information Profiling of 10 key market players In-depth analysis including SWOT analysis, and strategy information of related to report title Competitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companiesThe report for Global Flexible Packaging 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 Flexible Packaging Market Research Report - Forecast to 2023 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
Healthcare Workforce Management Systems Market Research Report | Trends, Opportunities and Forecast up to 2023

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Global Healthcare Workforce Management Systems Market: SnapshotAn extensive variety of medicinal services associations and establishments are receiving healthcare workforce managements systems so as to defeat administration issues. From holding top ability to following patient's recuperation, these frameworks have quick turning into an essential piece of the worldwide market. The worldwide healthcare workforce management systems market is additionally being driven because of advantages it offers, for example, decrease of work expenses and reasonable utilization of work rules. The worldwide market is relied upon to witness a steady surge in the coming years as it permitting compelling streamlining of work.The need for managements systems in the industry of healthcare have enlarged the development of the worldwide healthcare workforce management systems market. The colossal advancement and improvement of these arrangements has likewise elevated a few wellbeing suppliers to embrace these for guaranteeing smoother operations. The developing pool of geriatric populace, expanding consumption on social insurance administrations, and changes in the human services installment and conveyance models have additionally supported the worldwide market in late years.The other factors that are likely to have a huge impact on the progress of the market in the years to come are the growing need to lower the costs of healthcare services through the efficient administration of healthcare workforce. The integration of healthcare services into the healthcare workforce management systems is further anticipated to have a positive influence on the evolution of this market in the years ahead.Global Healthcare Workforce Management Systems Market: OverviewA wide range of healthcare organizations and institutions are adopting healthcare workforce management systems in order to overcome management issues. From retaining top talent to tracking patients recovery, these systems have fast becoming an integral part of the global market. The global healthcare workforce management systems market is also being driven due to benefits it offers such as reduction of labor costs and fair application of work rules. The global market is expected to witness a persistent surge in the coming years as it allowing effective streamlining of work.The research report thoroughly assesses the global healthcare workforce management systems market to provide its readers a fair picture. The publication studies the various strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities impacting the segments of the global market. Additionally, the research report also includes recommendations and comments by market experts to give the readers a valuable insight into the ever-changing market dynamics.View Report-Global Healthcare Workforce Management Systems Market: Key TrendsThe demand for management solutions in the healthcare industry have augmented the growth of the global healthcare workforce management systems market. The tremendous evolution and development of these solutions has also promoted several health providers to adopt these for ensuring smoother operations. The growing pool of geriatric population, increasing expenditure on healthcare services, and improvements in the healthcare payment and delivery models have also favored the global market in recent years.The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the geriatric population across the globe will reach 2 billion by the end of 2050 from 524 million in 2010. This rise would be predominantly seen in the developed countries of the U.K., the U.S., and Japan. This phenomenal growth is expected to be the primary growth driver for the flourishing demand of healthcare workforce management systems. The market is also likely to be favored by the growing number of regulatory reforms that are pressing organizations to adhere to utilization of workforce management systems. On the flip side, the global healthcare workforce management systems market is being restrained due to the concerns about data security, high cost of software and services.Global Healthcare Workforce Management Systems Market: SegmentationThe global healthcare workforce management systems is segmented on the basis end user into nursing homes, assisted living, long-term care centers, hospitals, and other healthcare institutions. The mode of deliveries available in the global market are web-based, cloud-based, and on-premise. The global market also includes various software and services. The software available in the global market are for managing time and attendance, HR and payroll, talent management, scheduling, and analytics among others. On the other hand, the services available are support and maintenance, implementation services, optimization services, and training and education.Global Healthcare Workforce Management Systems Market: Regional OutlookFrom a geographic point of view, the global healthcare workforce management systems market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. The research report states that North America holds a dominant position in the global market due to a growing awareness about effective management of workforce in the healthcare industry. The regional market is also expected to thrive due to the high adoption rate of technology. Europe is expected follow North Americas lead closely as the region has a growing pool of geriatrics that is expected to demand healthcare workforce management systems for delivering efficient healthcare solutions.The publication also states that the Rest of the World and Asia Pacific are likely to be emerging markets in the overall healthcare workforce management systems. The improving economic conditions in the developing countries of these regions, large number of unmet medical needs, and increasing demand for healthcare IT solutions are expected to bolster the growth of the healthcare management systems market in the aforementioned regions.Key Players Mentioned in the Report are:The leading players operating in the global healthcare workforce management systems market are Automatic Data Processing, Inc., Infor, Inc., Kronos, Inc., Mckesson Corporation, Workday, Inc. and Cornerstone Ondemand, Inc., among others.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Healthcare Workforce Management Systems Market during 2015- 2023About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.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:
Ancillary Hospital Location Diagnostic Testing Market | Trends, Opportunities and Forecast up to 2023

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Global Ancillary Hospital Location Diagnostic Testing Market: OverviewThe worldwide ancillary hospital location diagnostic testing market might observe a hearty development in creating economies, for example, India where ceaseless endeavors are taken to overcome any issues between strength specialists and patients requiring unique human services at startling circumstances. Patients experiencing infectious sicknesses for the most part need to remain longer in ICUs. In addition, there is a solid commonness of irresistible sicknesses in the real locales of the worldwide auxiliary clinic area analytic testing market.Consequently, the infectious malady testing portion by analytic testing sort is forecasted to win a lion's offer in the market. Regardless, radiology testing is required to get a stunning pace as far as development to rise as a more quickly developing business sector. This could be because of the broad use of radiology for diagnosing a scope of wellbeing conditions, including sensory system, neural, and cardiovascular disarranges. Medical tourism in developing countries, for instance, India owing to the low cost of irreplaceable and extortionate medicines is forecasted to offer bankable open doors for players working in the worldwide auxiliary clinic area demonstrative testing market. The growth of the global market for ancillary hospital location diagnostics testing market is further anticipated to be supplemented by the growing awareness among users regarding diseases and cure, need for a healthy lifestyle, the availability of diagnostic methods and treatments, and the mounting number of medical and healthcare facilities.Global Ancillary Hospital Location Diagnostic Testing Market: Brief AccountThe global ancillary hospital location diagnostic testing market could witness a robust growth in developing economies such as India where continuous efforts are taken to bridge the gap between specialty doctors and patients requiring special healthcare at unexpected times. The government of Hyderabad has planned to install 20 ICUs in district and suburb hospitals where the infrastructure could cost around INR 32.0 lakhs and another INR 1.0 crore for procuring medical equipment. The government has also decided to pay its doctors at par with the remuneration of private doctors. Annually, the government would incur approximately INR 7.0 crore from the expenditure of healthcare staff salaries.Diagnostic testing is one of the main segmentations of the global ancillary hospital location diagnostic testing market. Coming in line with the standing of each segment in the market is crucial to make a lasting progress in the industry.The authors of the global ancillary hospital location diagnostic testing market report have taken into account all the deciding factors for analysis, such as growth trends, restraints, opportunities, and value chain evaluation. This report is a complete study of the market which gives confidence to participants for counting their growth development on.View Report-Global Ancillary Hospital Location Diagnostic Testing Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe demand in the world ancillary hospital location diagnostic testing market could be primarily driven by the need to assess the medical condition of patients and confirm their recovery status. The results achieved are critically employed by physicians and doctors to approve or disapprove the discharge of patients from ICU or any other emergency care units. Ancillary hospital locations are considered to be very critical and sensitive where diagnostic testing needs to be dead accurate and performed on an immediate basis so as to provide the right and early treatments for patients.Patients suffering from infectious diseases generally need to stay longer in ICUs. Moreover, there is a strong prevalence of infectious diseases in the major regions of the global ancillary hospital location diagnostic testing market. Thus, the infectious disease testing segment by diagnostic testing type is prophesied to win a lions share in the market. Nonetheless, radiology testing is expected to pick up a staggering pace in terms of growth to emerge as a faster growing market. This could be due to the extensive application of radiology for diagnosing a range of health conditions, including nervous system, neural, and cardiovascular disorders.Global Ancillary Hospital Location Diagnostic Testing Market: Geographical AnalysisMedical tourism in emerging nations such as India due to the lower cost of indispensable and extortionate treatments is prognosticated to offer bankable opportunities for players operating in the international ancillary hospital location diagnostic testing market. There has been an increased level of patient shifting from Europe and North America to the Middle East and Asia Pacific countries to incur lesser medical costs. Heart bypass surgery, for instance, costs only close to US$5,200 in India, whereas the cost could spike up to US$144,000 when performed in the U.S.The number of healthcare facilities, availability of treatment and diagnostic methods, healthy lifestyle requirement, and rising awareness about diseases are some of the positive factors supporting the growth of the global ancillary hospital location diagnostic testing market in less developed countries.Global Ancillary Hospital Location Diagnostic Testing Market: Companies MentionedWith a view to cement their status in the worldwide ancillary hospital location diagnostic testing market, industry players could consider new product development and collaborations as principal strategies. Top-tier companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific Corporation, EKF Diagnostics, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Agilent Technologies, and Abbott Laboratories are predicted to lead the way in the market.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Ancillary Hospital Location Diagnostic Testing Market during 2015- 2023About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.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:
Healthcare IT Integration Market | Competitive Dynamics & Global Outlook 2023

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Global Healthcare IT Integration Market: SnapshotThe implementation of information technology in the healthcare industry has created a revolution towards faster diagnostics and treatments, and especially a massive improvement in speeds and efficiency of backend processing and documentation for healthcare institutes and organizations. It is essentially a support system for information management in the healthcare industry, through the use of computer systems that allow for a safe and secure transmission of data between the service providers, the healthcare institute, and the consumers. Healthcare IT integration brought about one of the most critically important functionalities in the healthcare industry: the advent of electronic health records. EHRs can effectively improve the overall efficiency, safety, and quality of a health delivery system.The key factors involved in healthcare IT integration revolve around the improvement of quality of care available for a patient. They are also enabled to provide services that can significantly improve the productivity of a healthcare organization, while helping prevent or reduce the rate of medical errors caused by humans, and also cut down on the overall health costs. Healthcare IT integration also includes a wide array of methods  all electronic  to help manage the information provided by a patient, or the information generation throughout their care at a healthcare organization. This helps both the organization as well as the patient.Global Healthcare IT Integration Market:Healthcare IT integration refers to the practice of digital intervention for the effective management of patient health. The practice enables the effective archiving, monitoring, integration and communication of patients health in a secure environment. In primary healthcare centers, healthcare IT integration practices are used for purposes such as computerized provider order entry, clinical decision support, electronic prescribing, consumer health IT applications, and storage and transfer of electronic medical records across different end points.This report on the global market for healthcare IT integration presents a detailed overview of the markets present growth dynamics and an analysis of the key factors influencing its development. The future growth prospects of the market have been analyzed using the key growth drivers, restraints, trends, inputs from industry experts, and several industry-standard analytical tools. A detailed analysis of the competitive landscape of the global healthcare IT integration market has also been included in the report.View Report-Global Healthcare IT Integration Market: Market PotentialIn the past few years, the market for healthcare IT integration has witnessed significant traction and a huge rise in adoption across developed as well as developing economies. The market has benefitted from the significant rise in demand for advanced healthcare services, the vast rise in worlds geriatric population, increased prevalence of a number of chronic diseases and the resultant rise in the intervention of IT in the healthcare industry for faster and more efficient services amid rising demand.The market has also significantly benefitted from the easy availability of technologically advanced products, declining prices of communication devices, technological advancement of healthcare industry, and the increased usage of mobile computing devices by healthcare practitioners as well as patients. With the increased intervention of IT technologies, the need for effective integration solutions and tools is also being felt. These factors will continue to drive the market in the next few years as well. However, the markets growth could be restricted to a certain extent in the next few years owing to concerns regarding data security and high cost associated with healthcare IT integration.Global Healthcare IT Integration Market: Regional AnalysisFrom a geographical perspective, the report segments the global healthcare IT integration market into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Europe. Of these, the market in North America is presently the leading contributor to the overall market chiefly owing to the technologically advanced healthcare infrastructure. The vast usage of personal computing devices by the general population in countries such as the U.S. and Canada and the rising awareness regarding the vast benefits of IT intervention in the healthcare industry are also leading to the increased demand for healthcare IT integration services and solutions in North America. The market in Europe also holds a prominent position in the global market, mostly owing to aforementioned factors.The market in Asia Pacific is considered one with vast untapped growth opportunities. The rising penetration of technological advancements in the healthcare industry in the region and improving healthcare infrastructure are driving the market for healthcare IT integration in the region. Moreover, government interventions through encouraging regulations aimed at boosting the adoption of IT-enabled advanced medical equipment and devices are also driving the market. The rising disposable incomes, increased awareness regarding technologically advanced treatment methodologies, and increased usage of mobile computing devices could help the Asia Pacific healthcare IT integration market gain further traction in the next few years.Some of the leading players operating in the global healthcare IT integration market are Oracle Corporation, Interfaceware, Avi-Spl Inc., Ibm Corp., Intersystems, Orchestrate Healthcare, AGL Hospital Consulting, Siemens Healthcare, Cerner Corporation, Burwood Group, Boston Software Systems, Inc., The Sandino Group, LLC, and Liaison Technologies.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Healthcare IT Integration Market during 2015- 2023About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.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:
Liquefied Natural Gas Market SWOT Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecasts To 2019

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Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a natural gas converted into liquid form for ease of transportation and storage. LNG takes about 1/600th of volume of natural gas. It is colorless, odorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive in nature. Liquefaction is carried out by cooling natural gas to -1620 C (- 2620 F), followed by the removal of certain components such as acid gases, impurities and dust. Thereafter, LNG is stored in cylindrical shaped and domed roof cryogenic tanks. This prevents LNG from vaporization. Generally, cryogenic tanks are made up of materials such as concrete, steel and nickel. These tanks are well insulated and kept at a very low pressure. Large underground tanks are also utilized for storage; smaller quantities of LNG are stored above the ground in vertical or horizontal tanks.View Report @End-user segment in the LNG market comprises industrial, electric power and other sector applications such as transportation and commercial. Industrial sector is expected to be the most dominating sector in terms of demand for LNG. Various industries such as chemicals, fertilizers and steel utilize high quantities of LNG as operational fuel. Industrial processes consume huge quantities of distillate fuels. Transition to LNG from conventional fuels can help industries save significant capital. Various equipment such as drilling equipment, industrial boilers and mining equipment utilize high quantities of LNG due to large number of benefits it offers such as low cost and no emissions.Demand for LNG is high in the electric power sector due to less cost and favorable heat rate. This makes LNG a preferred fuel. Various government policies make it mandatory to use LNG in the industrial sector in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. LNG-based electric power plants effectively and efficiently support high load during peak hours. LNG is the preferred fuel for small-scale captive power plants that are specially designed for in-house power generation and these small scale power plants can easily support load up to 100 MW. Industries located in remote areas can operate easily by installing captive power plants using LNG as fuel.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Liquefied Natural Gas Market Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Other sectors such as transportation and commercial utilize LNG due to high variation in prices of fuel such as diesel and petrol. Vehicle emission norm is the major factor that propels the use of LNG in the transportation sector. Countries such as France and Spain use LNG in order to reduce dependence on oil import and prevent atmosphere from being polluted through combustion of traditional fuels. Conventional fuels such as diesel and petrol emit high amount of COx on combustion. This raises the overall carbon footprint. However, LNG is comparatively cleaner and emits less COx and SOx. LNG has 85% lesser volatile organic content than diesel. On combustion, it produces 70% lesser COx and NOx as compared to conventional fuels.Asia Pacific dominated the global LNG market in terms of volume due to high demand from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Emerging economies such as India and China import large quantities of LNG as domestic gas production is not enough to cater to the domestic needs of these countries. Europe is also expected to be a booming market for LNG as countries such as Spain, the U.K and France are importing high quantities of LNG. Rest of the World (RoW) is anticipated to witness a moderate growth rate as large number of gas reserves exist in the Middle East.Apache Corporation, BG Group Plc, Cheniere Energy Inc, ConocoPhillips, Dominion Resources Inc, Kinder Morgan Inc, Qatar Petroleum, Sempra Energy, Veresen Inc and Woodside Petroleum Ltd are likely to dominate the liquefied natural gas market in the coming future.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Enhanced Oil Recovery Market 2013 Share, Trend, Segmentation and Forecast to 2023

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Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method is a technology that involves extraction of crude oil from oil reservoirs that cannot be extracted through conventional technologies. It is also known as tertiary recovery method as it takes place after primary and secondary recoveries. Oil extracted through primary recovery accounts for 5% to 15%, while secondary recovery accounts for 20% to 60% of the total oil present in the reservoir. By using enhanced oil recovery technology, 35% to 75% oil can be extracted from the reservoir.View Report @EOR technology uses methods such as thermal injection, gas injection and chemical injection to extract oil from the reserves. Thermal injection technology uses hot water and steam to extract crude oil from the reservoir. It is widely used to extract heavy viscous oil, that cannot flow on its own. Thermal injection technology reduces the viscosity by increasing temperature of the crude oil. Most commonly used thermal injection method are steam injection and In-situ combustion. Commonly used steam injection methods are steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) and steam flooding. Steam injection method is mostly used on oil sands. Countries such as Canada, Indonesia and California are using steam injection on their oil fields. SAGD has application in heavy oil sands of Alberta region. Steam flooding method is used on light oil reservoirs. In-situ method is used for heavy oil sandstone reservoirs. Countries such as Romania and Canada, have some projects using In-situ combustion process. Thermal injection technology dominated the EOR market in the year 2012 but by 2023 its market share is expected to decrease. Major challenges faced by thermal injection technology is the lack of availability of low price natural gas. Gas required for steam generation can be used for other purposes such as power generation and transportation.Gas injection technology is mostly used on light oil reservoirs. It is mainly used on sandstone field. Gas injection technology especially uses CO2. It is expected to increase for two reasons including disposal of green house gas and increase in crude oil recovery. CO2 released in the atmosphere through power generation and industrial sector, is used in gas injection technology to extract crude oil. Thus huge amount of CO2 is captured for EOR technologies which may pollute the environment. With more than 100 CO2 commercial EOR projects worldwide, most of them are concentrated in West Texas in U.S. Due to the availability of low cost CO2 from nearby fields and reservoirs CO2 EOR projects have gained popularity worldwide.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Enhanced Oil Recovery Market Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Chemical injection method uses polymer, surfactant solution and alkali to extract crude oil from the reservoirs. It can be applied on both carbonate and sandstone formations. Chemical injection technology can be combined with other EOR technologies to derive advantages of each other. Primary objective of chemical EOR process is to reduce ther interfacial tension between water and oil through the use of surfactants. Mobility of crude oil is controlled by adding polymers. Hydrolyzed polyacrylamide is the commonly used polymer in chemical EOR method. Major challenges faced by Chemical EOR process is the lack of availability of compatible chemicals in high saline and high temperature environment.North America dominated the global EOR market in terms of volume as huge demand arises from U.S, Canada and Mexico. Europe is expected to be a booming market for EOR technology as number of upcoming projects are there in Russia. Rest of the World (RoW) is expected to show the highest growth rate as number of oil reserves exists in Middle East. Thus, in future Middle East is expected to be the most attractive market for EOR technology.Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, BP Plc, Cenovus Energy Inc, Chevron Corporation, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil Corporation, OAO Lukoil, Petronas, Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Statoil ASA are expected to dominate the market for enhanced oil recovery technology.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Styrene Butadiene Latex Market 2015 Share, Trend, Segmentation and Forecast to 2023

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Styrene butadiene latex is an emulsion polymer containing styrene and butadiene. Feedstock required for the production of styrene butadiene latex includes styrene, butadiene, water, and emulsifier. Carboxylic acid is added in order to manufacture carboxylated styrene butadiene latex. The mixture then undergoes polymerization reaction, following which the unreacted monomers (light and heavy) are recovered from the emulsion. Latex is generally manufactured through cold process for which efficient refrigeration equipment is required. Finally, the latex is stored and later packaged to be marketed. The main raw materials for styrene butadiene latex are styrene and butadiene, both of which are downstream derivatives of crude oil. The prices of the two feedstock vary with the price of crude oil and mostly exhibit similar trends. Based on the composition of styrene butadiene latex, content of styrene is higher than butadiene. The higher content of styrene facilitates improved plasticity of the end product. The content of styrene and butadiene varies based on end-user applications. Styrene butadiene latex finds extensive applications in paper processing, fiber processing, glass fiber processing, paints & coatings, adhesives, and mortar additives among others. One of the major applications of styrene butadiene latex is in manufacturing coated paper. Moreover, styrene butadiene latex is generally used in the carpet industry as it is used for carpet backing especially in manufacturing tufted carpet.View Report @Paper processing application accounted for the largest share of the global styrene butadiene latex market in 2014. Styrene butadiene latex is used for paper processing which includes manufacturing of coated papers. In coated paper, the treatment of styrene butadiene latex provides gloss, opacity, brightness, image quality, and printability. Coated papers are used in advertising flyers, magazines, and catalogues. Styrene butadiene latex is used in the manufacture of carpets, as it acts as a binding agent to hold the tuft in the carpet, and is crucial in carpet backing. Carpets are used both for residential and non-residential purposes. Most manufactured carpets are used in residential applications and the remaining is utilized in commercial and industrial applications.Mortar additives are anticipated to be the most promising application of styrene butadiene latex during the forecast period, as these additives are used in cement in the construction industry. Mortar additives offer compressive strength, bonding adhesion, water resistance, and tensile strength when added to cement. Global demand for cement due to rising construction activity is expected to increase the consumption of styrene butadiene latex. Styrene butadiene latex is also used as binder and for surface treatment in glass fiber processing applications. Furthermore, it is used in emulsion polymer for paints & coatings applications. The inclusion of styrene butadiene latex in paints & coating provides a classy look to walls, wood, etc. Styrene butadiene latex is also used in other applications such as adhesives, molded foam, and hand gloves.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Styrene Butadiene Latex Market Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Asia Pacific is the major producer and consumer of styrene butadiene latex accounting for more than 40% of the global market in 2014. The key demand for styrene butadiene latex is a result of the growing carpet industry along with high demand for paper coating in Asia Pacific. In terms of volume, the demand for styrene butadiene latex in Asia Pacific is expected to rise at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2015 and 2023. In the Asia Pacific region, Japan and China account for the bulk of demand for styrene butadiene latex. Developed regions such as Europe and North America are expected to hold a major share of the global market despite the slowdown of paper processing application in this region. Latin America and Middle East & Africa (MEA) are expected to see strong demand for styrene butadiene latex during the forecast period. Latin America and Middle East & Africa (MEA) are anticipated to experience significant demand due to the increasing construction industry across the region coupled with growing usage of carpets in this region.The global styrene butadiene latex market is highly concentrated in nature with the top two companies commanding majority of the market share. Major companies operating in the market include Dow Chemical Company, Trinseo S.A., BASF S.E., Synthomer Plc, LG Chem Ltd., Synthetic Latex Company (Pty) Ltd, NANTEX Industry Co., Ltd, Asahi Kasei Chemical Corporation, and OMNOVA Solutions Inc. Some of the major players of styrene butadiene latex are intensifying their production capacity to tap the potential demand that would arise due to growth of coated paper in the Asia Pacific market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market to Grow at a Remarkable Pace in the Coming Years

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Latin America Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market: SnapshotThe market for commercial refrigeration equipment in Latin America is highly dynamic and derives much of its growth from the growing need for energy efficient equipment, continual advancements in refrigeration technologies, and the expanding tourism sector in the region.The increasing implementation of several regional environmental and energy regulations, such as Energy Efficiency Program for Latin America and the Caribbean (PALCEE) and Regional Energy Information System (SIER), by Latin America Energy Organization (OLADE) is also expected to boost this regional market substantially. Furthermore, the demand for new and more units, boosted by the economic growth and the augmenting consumerism, is likely to support this market over the forthcoming years.The Latin America market for commercial refrigeration equipment is characterized by the increasing demand for new product installations against the replacement demand observed in developed markets in Europe and North America. In 2016, the total opportunity in this market stood at US$927.4 mn. Progressing at a CAGR of 6.50% between 2017 and 2025, the market expects to attain a value of US$1,619.0 mn by the end of 2025.Obtain Report Details @Brazil to Continue Leading Latin America Commercial Refrigeration Equipment MarketThe Latin America market for commercial refrigeration equipment is spread across Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and the Rest of Latin America. Among these, Brazil has surfaced the key contributor to this regional market. With a share of 38%, Brazil led the overall market in 2016 and is anticipated to continue as the dominant domestic market for commercial refrigeration equipment in Latin America.With Brazil being a prominent exporter of fruit juices, soy beans, fresh and frozen chicken, poultry meat, meat preparations, and oil cakes, the exuberant export of perishables from this country has been driving the adoption of commercial refrigeration equipment here. The growing demand for stored and refrigerated food items, thanks to the rise of the countrys travel and tourism industry, is likely to boost the Brazil commercial refrigeration equipment market in the near future.Brazil is closely followed by Mexico in terms of the uptake of commercial refrigeration equipment, thanks to the significant growth of the processed and packaged food industry in this country. The presence of a robust food processing industry with renowned Mexican brands such as Bimbo, Lala, Gruma, and Herdez, with a well-distributed network across Latin America, reflects greatly on the usage of commercial refrigeration equipment in this country, leading to a phenomenal growth of this Mexican market over the next few years. The augmenting demand for ready-to-eat and frozen foods is also expected to propel the commercial refrigeration equipment in this country in the years to come.This 106-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this marketDemand for Refrigerators and Freezers to Remain Strong in Latin AmericaTransportation refrigeration equipment, refrigerator and freezer, beverage refrigeration, and commercial refrigeration equipment parts are the main products available in the Latin America market for commercial refrigeration equipment. Refrigerators and freezers witness a higher demand from end users. In 2016, this segment led the market with a share of 37.4% and is projected to continue doing so over the forthcoming years.Food services, food and beverage retail, food and beverage distribution, and food and beverage production are the prime application areas of commercial refrigeration equipment in Latin America. The demand for these refrigeration devices has been greater from the food and services segment. Analysts anticipate this scenario to remain same in the near future.Lennox International Inc., Hussmann International Inc., United Technologies Corp., Daikin Industries Ltd., Dover Corp., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Beverage-Air Corp., and Metalfrio Solutions SA are the key manufacturers of commercial refrigerator equipment in Latin America.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:
Emission Monitoring Systems Market Poised for a High Growth in the Years to Come

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Global Emission Monitoring Systems Market: OverviewThe Emission Monitoring Systems Market report provides analysis for the period 2015  2025, wherein the period from 2017 to 2025 is the forecast and 2016 is the base year. The report covers all the major trends and technologies playing influential role in the emission monitoring systems markets growth over the forecast period. It also highlights the drivers, restraints, opportunities and trends expected to impact markets growth during the said period. The study provides a comprehensive perspective on global emission monitoring systems markets evolution throughout the above mentioned forecast period in terms of revenue (in US$ Mn).The market overview section of the report demonstrates the market dynamics such as the drivers, restraints, opportunities, trends that is expected to influence the current nature and future status of this market. Key indicators mentioned in the report, provide a robust view about the vital factors that led to the strong adoption of emission monitoring systems around the globe. The key indicators also provide significance of the factors which are capable of changing the market scenario. These indicators are expected to define the market position during the forecast period. An attractiveness analysis has also been provided for every segment in the report, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the overall scenario in the emission monitoring systems market. Moreover, the report provides an overview of various strategies adopted by the key players present in the market.Obtain Report Details @Global Emission Monitoring Systems Market: SegmentationThe report segments the market on the basis of technology and industry verticals. The technology segment includes predictive emission monitoring systems and continuous emission monitoring systems. The industry verticals considered in the emission monitoring systems market include Oil & Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers, Cement, Pulp & Paper, Energy/Power, Mining, Others. The others segment of the end-use vertical include Electronics, Food & Beverages, Healthcare, incineration and waste water treatment. The report provides in-depth segment analysis of the global emission monitoring systems market, thereby providing valuable insights at the macro as well as micro levels.Global Emission Monitoring Systems Market: Competitive LandscapeThe report also highlights the competitive landscape of the global emission monitoring systems market, thereby positioning all the major players according to their presence in different regions of the world and recent key developments initiated by them in the emission monitoring systems market. The comprehensive emission monitoring systems market estimates are the result of our in-depth secondary research, primary interviews, and in-house expert panel reviews. These market estimates have been analyzed by taking into account the impact of different political, social, economic, technological, and legal factors along with the current market dynamics affecting emission monitoring systems market growth.This 192-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of Emission Monitoring Systems Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this marketThis report provides all the essential information required to understand the key developments in the technology used in emission monitoring systems market, growth trend of each segment and strategy of each company that help them to efficiently compete in the market. Also, the report provides insights related to trends and its impact on the market. Furthermore, Porters Five Forces analysis explains the factors which are currently affecting the emission monitoring systems market. This report also provides comparative analysis of predictive and continuous emission monitoring systems on the basis of various parameters namely, cost, application area, time required for configuration and hardware requirementKey Players Mentioned in this Research Report are:ABB Ltd., Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc., Sick AG, Siemens AG, Emerson Electric Co., AMETEK, Inc., Durag Group and Teledyne Technologies Inc., Rockwell Automation Inc., General Electric, Opsis, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Beijing SDL Technology Co., Ltd., ALS Limited, Parker Hannifin Ltd, Buhler Technologies GmbH, M&C TechGroup, Horiba, Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Fuji electric, Servomex, Enironnement S.A. are some of the major players operating within the Emission Monitoring Systems market profiled in this study. Details such as financials, SWOT analysis, business strategies, recent developments, and other such strategic information pertaining to these players have been duly provided as part of company profiling.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:
Wine Cooler and Chest Freezer Market to Witness Healthy Growth in the Coming Years

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India Wine Cooler and Chest Freezer Market: OverviewThis report aims to provide comprehensive strategic analysis of the India wine cooler and chest freezer market along with the market size and growth forecast for the period from 2012 to 2025. Key factors driving the growth of the wine cooler and chest freezer market include growing consumption in processed foods and beverages, increase in food safety and quality regulations, and emergence of new hotels and cafes to cater the rising demand from the tourism industry. With advent of refrigeration technology, freezer and beverage cooler products offer effective and efficient cooling and refrigeration processes for various application in end-user sectors.This research study on the wine cooler and chest freezer market provides detailed analysis of wine cooler and chest freezer across Indias North, South, East and West regions. The study also aims to explain the driving forces behind the rising demand for wine coolers and chest freezers 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 2017 to 2025.Obtain Report Details @India Wine Cooler and Chest Freezer Market: ScopeThis report includes comprehensive coverage of the underlying economic and technological factors under key trends analysis influencing the India wine cooler and chest freezer. Moreover, this report intends to provide strategic insights of the market by value chain analysis. Furthermore, the report also provides analysis of the potential and existing consumers of the India wine cooler and chest freezer market. The market positioning analysis of key players, sheds light on the prevalent competition in this market.Furthermore, various factors that affect the growth of India market have been identified in this report. The study provides a holistic perspective on the markets growth in terms of revenue (US$ Mn) and in terms of volume (Thousand Units). Also, the report includes attractiveness analysis for various segments to determine their growth and contribution during the forecast period. Comparison matrix pointer helps in understanding the relation between various sub-segments in terms of the revenue generated by that particular segment.This 106-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of Transportation Management System Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this marketIndia Wine Cooler and Chest Freezer Market: SegmentationThe report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the India wine cooler and chest freezer market by product type, capacity, price and application. Based on the capacity, the wine cooler segment is divided into less than 16 bottles, 16 to 30 bottles, 31 to 60 bottles, 61 to 100 bottles and More than 100 bottles. Similarly, chest freezers by capacity are segmented into 500 & above liters, 300 to 500 liters, 200 to 300 liters and 200 & below liters. Depending upon the price both wine coolers and chest freezers are classified as economical and premium. According to the application the India wine cooler and chest freezer market is divided into retail, hospitality, food & beverage processing, cold storage & warehouses and others.India Wine Cooler and Chest Freezer Market: Competitive LandscapeAlso, the report provides a competitive landscape of the India wine cooler and chest freezer 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-three years, and recent developments. Companies profiled in this report include AB Electrolux, Elan Professional Appliances Pvt. Ltd, Haier lnc, Kieis Ltd., Rockwell Industries Ltd., The Middleby Corporation, Western Refrigeration Private Limited, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Whirlpool of India Limited and Williams Refrigeration among others. Details such as financials, business strategies, SWOT analysis, recent developments, and other such strategic information pertaining to these players has been duly provided as part of company profiling.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:
MPQ-scientists reveal hidden magnetic order in one-dimensional quantum crystals doped with holes.---Magnetism is a phenomenon that we experience in everyday-life quite often. The property, which is observed in materials such as such as iron, is caused by the alignment of electron spins. Even more interesting effects are expected in case that the magnetic crystals exhibit holes, i.e., lattice sites that are not occupied with an electron. Because of the interplay between the motion of the defect and the magnetic correlations of the electron spins, the magnetic order seems to be suppressed. In general, solid state physicists are not able to separate the two processes, so they cannot answer the question, whether the magnetic order is indeed reduced, or whether it is just hidden.Now a team of scientists around Dr. Christian Gro from the Quantum Many-Body Systems Division (director Professor Immanuel Bloch) at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics has demonstrated that in one-dimensional quantum magnets the magnetic order is preserved even when they are doped with holes  a direct manifestation of spin-charge (density) separation. The quantum crystals were prepared by chains of ultracold atoms in an optical lattice. The observation was made possible with a unique tool which allows tracking the motion of holes and the spin excitations separately in one measurement process (Science, 4 August 2017). In the next step the scientists plan to extend the method to two-dimensional systems. Here the interaction between holes and magnetic correlations is by far more complex. It could lead to the detection of exotic many-body phases that might be responsible for the occurrence of high-temperature superconductivity.The Garching team starts with cooling an ensemble of fermionic lithium-6 atoms down to extremely low temperatures, a millionth of a Kelvin above absolute zero. The atoms are then captured in a single plane in a two-dimensional optical lattice that is created by laser beams. The plane in turn is split into about 10 one-dimensional tubes along which the atoms can move. In the last step, the tubes are superimposed with an optical lattice which mimics the periodic potential that electrons see in a real material. In analogy to electrons lithium atoms carry a spin-1/2 (or magnetic moment) which can point either upwards or downwards. In a previous experiment with a similar system the scientists have shown that below a certain temperature the magnetic moments of neighbouring atoms align in opposite directions such that antiferromagnetic correlations emerge.In the follow up experiment they investigate the influence of holes on the degree of order of the quantum crystal. We achieve a certain amount of hole doping by making sure that the number of atoms loaded into the optical lattice is smaller than the number of lattice sites, says Timon Hilker, first author and doctoral candidate at the experiment. Now the questions arise, whether the holes are fixed or whether they can move, and how they affect the magnetic order of the system.We are all familiar with the following situation: if in a theatre a seat in the middle of a row remains empty, a move goes through the crowd: one by one, the members of the audience move up  in other words: the hole migrates. Something similar can be observed in the synthetic quantum crystal with the help of the quantum gas microscope which images the precise position of each single atom or defect on their respective lattice sites. However, much in contrast to the empty chair in the theatre, the holes in the quantum crystal are delocalized. Their location is determined the very moment they are being measured, Timon Hilker emphasizes.At first view the fluctuations of the atoms in the optical lattice hide the antiferromagnetic correlations. But the team of Christian Gro is able to have a closer look, because they have developed a method to spatially separate atoms with different spin orientations. To this end, the optical lattice is superimposed with a superlattice such that a double well is created on each lattice site. In combination with a magnetic gradient this results in a potential which is dependent on the spin-orientation. The big challenge of this method is to adjust optical lattice and superlattice with a precision of a few nanometres, i.e., a fraction of the laser wavelength.In our system we can detect simultaneously holes as well as both spin states , Dr. Christian Gro, leader of the project, points out. We can directly investigate the environment of each hole. We observe, that the order is generally preserved, i.e., that the spins of the left and the right neighbour atoms are anti-aligned. Because the images display every spin and every hole, we are able to, as to speak, take the holes out in our evaluation. Such non-local measurements are experimental new territory and open new perspectives for the study of exotic phases of matter.Now the scientists plan to apply this method to two-dimensional quantum crystals that are doped with holes. This would be a new approach to simulate two-dimensional holes-doped systems of correlated electrons. Experiments of that kind could lead to a better understanding of the so-called high-temperature superconductivity which was detected 30 years ago. The name describes the effect that in certain compounds with layers containing copper the electrical resistance vanishes already above the boiling temperature of liquid nitrogen. The interplay between defects and antiferromagnetic correlations is believed to play an important role in this puzzling phenomenon. Olivia Meyer-StrengFigure description:Image of a chain of atoms taken with the quantum gas microscope. It demonstrates that atoms with different spin orientations are spatially separated. If the spin points downwards (green), the atom is located in the lower part of the double well structure of the lattice site, whereas it is in the upper part, if the spin points upwards (red). In addition, the holes can be detected directly.Original publication:Timon Hilker, Guillaume Salomon, Fabian Grusdt, Ahmed Omran, Martin Boll, Eugene Demler, Immanuel Bloch, and Christian GrossRevealing Hidden Antiferromagnetic Correlations in Doped Hubbard Chains via String CorrelatorsScience, 4 August 2017, DOI:10.1126/science.aam8990Contact:Prof. Dr. Immanuel BlochChair of Quantum Optics, LMU MunchenSchellingstr. 4, 80799 Munich, andDirector at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum OpticsHans-Kopfermann-Str. 185748 Garching, GermanyPhone: +49 (0)89 / 32 905 -138E-mail:Dr. Christian GroMax Planck Institute of Quantum OpticsHans-Kopfermann-Str. 185748 Garching, GermanyPhone: +49 (0)89 / 32 905 - 713E-mail:Timon HilkerMax Planck Institute of Quantum OpticsHans-Kopfermann-Str. 185748 Garching, GermanyPhone: +49 (0)89 / 32 905 - 229E-mail:Dr. Olivia Meyer-StrengPress & Public RelationsMax Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, Garching, GermanyPhone: +49 (0)89 / 32 905 -213E-mail:Quelle: idw
Pulmonary fibrosis can possibly be attributed to a kind of cellular aging process, which is called senescence. This has been shown by researchers from the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, partner in the German Center for Lung Research (DZL). As they report in the European Respiratory Journal, they have already successfully counteracted this mechanism in the cell culture with the help of drugs.---Pulmonary fibrosis causes the patients lung tissue to scar, resulting in progressive pulmonary function deterioration. In particular, the surface of the alveoli (called the alveolar epithelium) is often affected. If the diseases origin is unknown, the condition is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF for short. The treatment options for IPF have been few and far between, explains Dr. Mareike Lehmann, scientisit in the Lung Repair and Regeneration Research Unit (LRR) at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen. We are therefore attempting to understand how the disease comes about so that we can facilitate targeted treatment.In the current work, Lehmann and additional researchers, headed by department head Prof. Dr. Dr. Melanie Konigshoff, have now succeeded in solving another piece of the puzzle. In both the experimental model and in the lungs of IPF patients, we were able to show that some cells in the alveolar epithelium have markers for senescence*, explains study leader Konigshoff. Because the occurrence of IPF increases with age, this was already suspected. We have now succeeded in proving this hypothesis.Senescence promotes pulmonary fibrosis in two waysSenescence impairs lung function in two ways: It prevents lung cells from dividing when they need to be replaced. And senescent cells secrete mediators that further promote fibrosis. Since this effect also plays a role in cancer, the scientists were able to access an already existing group of medicines, the so-called senolytic drugs that selectively kill off senescent cells.Pulmonary fibrosis stopped in the cell cultureIn order to test possible treatment strategies, the scientists placed the affected cells into a three-dimensional cell culture and examined the drugss effect ex vivo, so to speak. Mareike Lehmann: We observed that this caused a decline in the quantity of secreted mediators and additionally a reduction in the mass of connective tissue proteins, which are greatly increased in the disease.Altogether, the study shows that senescence in the cells of the alveolar epithelium can contribute to the development and worsening of IPF. This finding is new and constitutes a possible starting point for the development of new treatments.Further information* Cellular senescence describes a type of arrested growth during which the cells no longer divide. There are various causes of senescence: Damage to the DNA is just as possible as is the attainment of a maximum number of divisions (limited by the so-called telomeres). There are a number of markers that indicate senescence. In the current test, these were the molecules p16, p21 and a positive test for beta-galactosidase activity.Background:Just recently, scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen have shown that autoimmune reactions may be a causal factor of IPF.Melanie Konigshoff's research unit is a part of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL). Since the end of last year, she is also been setting up a new laboratory at the University of Colorado, Denver, where she will further expand her research program on lung regeneration. The co-authors Rita Costa, Wioletta Skronska-Wasek und Stephan Klee are members of the CPC Research School Lung Biology and Disease and participants in the Helmholtz Graduate School for Environmental Health (HELENA).Original-Publikation:Lehmann, M. et al. (2017): Senolytic drugs target alveolar epithelial cell function and attenuate experimental lung fibrosis ex vivo. European Respiratory Journal, DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02367-2016The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, the German Research Center for Environmental Health, pursues the goal of developing personalized medical approaches for the prevention and therapy of major common diseases such as diabetes and lung diseases. To achieve this, it investigates the interaction of genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle. The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen is headquartered in Neuherberg in the north of Munich and has about 2,300 staff members. It is a member of the Helmholtz Association, a community of 18 scientific-technical and medical-biological research centers with a total of about 37,000 staff members.The Lung Repair and Regeneration Research Unit is part of the Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), which is a joint undertaking of the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich with its University Hospital, and the Asklepios Specialist Clinics Munich-Gauting. The CPC's objective is to conduct research on chronic lung diseases in order to develop new diagnostic tools and therapies. The LRR Research Unit examines new mechanisms and repair processes in the lungs for a better understanding that will allow the development of new therapeutic approaches. The unit also focuses on developing new methods in order to reduce the gap between pre-clinical research and its application on patients. The CPC is a facility of the German Center for Lung Research (Deutsches Zentrum fur Lungenforschung - DZL).The German Center for Lung Research (DZL) pools German expertise in the field of pulmonology research and clinical pulmonology. The associations head office is in Giessen. The aim of the DZL is to find answers to open questions in research into lung diseases by adopting an innovative, integrated approach and thus to make a sizeable contribution to improving the prevention, diagnosis and individualized treatment of lung disease and to ensure optimum patient care.Contact for the media:Department of Communication, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstadter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg - Tel. +49 89 3187 2238 - Fax: +49 89 3187 3324 - E-mail:Scientific contact:Dr. Dr. Melanie Konigshoff, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Max-Lebsche-Platz 31, 81377 Munchen, Germany - Tel. +49 89 3187 4668 - E-mail:Weitere Informationen:- - please find this news onlineQuelle: idw
A man was arrested Thursday and charged with the murder of a man found dead in Arnold Park, Vancouver police said.

Police believe William D. Peek, 27, killed a man who was found dead in the park on July 26.

The Clark County medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide.

The man has not been publicly identified.

Vancouver police and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Peek on a charge of first-degree murder.

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may be made, Vancouver police said.

No other details were available Thursday night.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
Oregon wildlife officials will kill two adult wolves in Wallowa County this month at the request of ranchers who say the animals or their packmates have preyed on cattle on public and private lands for more than a year.

The state announced plans for the killings Thursday afternoon. Department of Fish & Wildlife managers said the state will not target specific animals. Instead, officials will remove two adult uncollared animals in the Harl Butte pack sometimes in the next two weeks.

In March, state biologists counted seven wolves in the Harl Butte pack, and in December the pack had an estimated 10 animals. State officials say they've documented wolf attacks on seven cattle in the past 13 months, including three cattle kills.

The Harl Butte killings will occur in the same area where state officials removed four animals from the Imnaha Pack in March 2016. The Imnaha Pack is one of the state's oldest wolf packs and the ancestral home of OR7, the state's most famous wolf.

Environmental groups immediately decried the killings as unnecessary.

"Slaughtering wolves will never stop conflicts with livestock," Amaroq Weiss, West Coast wolf advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity said in a statement. The agency should focus on protecting and recovering the state's wolves "rather than putting choppers up in the air to protect the state's 1.3 million cattle."

In 2015, Oregon removed wolves from the state's Endangered Species list, but the animals remain on the federal list and are protected in Western Oregon and areas west of Highways 395, 78 and 95. In Northeast Oregon the animals are managed under the state's wolf plan, and lethal action can be approved if animals are observed repeatedly killing cattle or other livestock.

Roblyn Brown, the state's wolf coordinator, said in a statement that the agency determined killing the Harl Butte wolves was a necessary move after extensive non-lethal attempts to scare the animals away proved unsuccessful.

"On seven different occasions in June and July 2017, wolves have been hazed away from cattle by yelling, firing a pistol, shooting at, walking towards, and riding horseback towards the wolves," the agency said in a statement.

Oregon Wild Executive Director Sean Stevens slammed the state's decision in a statement.

"If ODFW kills these wolves, it will demonstrate that Oregon has a failed wildlife agency and a broken wolf management plan," he said. "It's clear now that Governor Brown needs to step in and reform this failing agency so that the public can trust that its wildlife is being protected."

Steve Pedery, conservation director at the nonprofit, said the state isn't trying hard enough to scare the animals away rather than kill them.

"This should always be a last resort rather than a first option," Pedery said in an interview. Oregon Wild is concerned that, after last year's authorized killings, the state will once again remove animals in an area recognized by the state as a zone of "known wolf activity."

"They need to have the same interest in protecting wolves that they do for mule deer and elk," Pedery said.

Michelle Dennehy, the wildlife agency's spokeswoman, said nonlethal tactics are always the first option.

She noted that the ranchers requested the state remove the entire pack of animals, and that request was denied.

Earlier this year, the agency's annual wolf report estimated the statewide population was 112 animals, just two more than was observed in 2015.

But Dennehy said removing two animals will not have a bearing on the state's overall wolf population, which she said is stable.

The most recent request to remove wolves came last week from the Marr Flat Grazing Association in nearby Imnaha, according to a fish and wildlife report providing background on the matter.

Wildlife officials say they will remove the animals by either trapping them or shooting the wolves from the air.

Cattle are expected to continue grazing on the public and private land in the area "for several months," increasing the risk for conflict.

"Based on the level of non-lethal measures already being used and the fact that wolves are likely to be in the presence of cattle in this area for several more months, there is a substantial risk that depredation will continue or escalate," Brown said.

If cattle continue being attacked after two animals are removed, the state "may resume" more lethal actions, Brown said.



-- Andrew Theen

atheen@oregonian.com

503-294-4026

@andrewtheen
A run on accommodations during the August eclipse could leave consumers open to fraud or price-gouging. Here's how to avoid problems.

Double-check your reservation

The Oregon Department of Justice warned last month that some visitors who booked hotel rooms well in advance reported their reservation had been canceled, or the hotel had doubled or tripled the price.

The department urges people who have booked hotel rooms to call and confirm their reservations. Those who have trouble with reservations can call the agency's consumer hotline at 877-877-9392 or file a complaint online at justice.oregon.gov/complaints.

Watch for scammers

Vacation rental websites like Airbnb and HomeAway usually facilitate payment between guest and host, and their refund policies guarantee against fraudulent or misrepresented listings. But scammers might seek payment by wire transfer, check or other online payment system. Know that if you go outside the system, you might not be covered.

Communicate with the owner

Ask questions to make sure there aren't any surprises when you arrive. Both Airbnb and HomeAway say many of their eclipse hosts are new to the respective platforms and might not be used to acting as innkeeper. And pop-up campsite operators might never have held a similar event before.

-- Elliot Njus
A former political consultant for Clackamas County Commissioner Martha Schrader was sentenced to three months in jail for stealing nearly two dozen pieces of jewelry from her home and pawning them.

Christopher Proudfoot also was ordered to stay away from Schrader and pay her $55,431 in restitution.

Proudfoot, 34, served as Schrader's adviser in 2015. Schrader, a former state senator, rejoined the county commission in 2012 after having served from 2003 through 2009.

Proudfoot at one point lived in Schrader's Lake Oswego home after apparently falling on hard times and was trusted enough to have his own key, said Clackamas County prosecutor Matt Semritc.

In May 2016, Schrader noticed some of her jewelry missing. Police investigated and said it didn't appear that anyone had broken into her home.

Among the items taken were a diamond ring, gold Tiffany bracelet and a pair of 18-carat gemstone earrings, Semritc said. Some were family heirlooms.

Investigators traced 10 pieces of jewelry belonging to Schrader and a piece of jewelry from one of Schrader's friends to a downtown Portland store, Semritc said. Records and surveillance video showed Proudfoot turned the items in.

When Schrader confronted Proudfoot about the thefts, he told her he found the jewelry outside her home and didn't know they belonged to her, Semritc said.

Records show Proudfoot visited three downtown Portland pawn shops between December 2015 and May 2016, the prosecutor said. About a dozen other pieces of jewelry that Schrader reported missing haven't been recovered.

Semritc said it's not clear what Proudfoot did with the cash he got for the items.

Proudfoot's LinkedIn page lists him working as a political consultant since 2013, as a campaign manager for Portland lawyer Nena Cook in her unsuccessful bid in 2012 for Oregon Supreme Court, as a special projects director during Ellen Rosenblum's successful campaign for attorney general that same year and as Polk County Democratic Party chairman for two years ending in December 2012.

He was sentenced in Clackamas County Circuit Court on July 21 after pleading guilty to first-degree aggravated theft and second-degree theft.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
In his July 23 letter "Defund Wildlife Services," Christopher Ruppert argues that Oregon should not contribute to the funding of Wildlife Services because its agents are "indiscriminate" animal killers who work only for the interests of ranchers. Oregon agents in 26 counties respond to hundreds of calls per year, from chasing away nuisance animals to dealing with encroaching feral pigs, cougars, coyotes and bears -- usually attributable to human interference in the first place. Wildlife management is also important to balance the ecosystems that deliver us fish, game, healthy streams and clean air. I, too, dislike the idea of wild animals being killed. However, it is important to remember that the animals that are ultimately put down are not being killed indiscriminately, as Mr. Ruppert suggests, but for the benefit of all Oregonians.

Nancy Lapp Southeast Portland
UPDATED 10:30 a.m. Monday

Police have identified Gerald Bennett, 74 and Gloria English Bennett, 70, as the driver and passenger in the Dodge Dakota. Both were from Dallas and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Three people were killed in a three-vehicle, head-on collision Wednesday night in Lincoln County, Oregon State Police said in a statement.

State police responded to the crash about 5 p.m. on U.S. 20 near milepost 31 to find a 2003 Dodge Dakota pickup had crossed the center line and crashed head-on into a Chevy Equinox. A Honda traveling behind the Chevy was unable to stop and crashed into the two other vehicles.

The two occupants of the Dodge, which became fully engulfed in flames after the crash, were pronounced dead at the scene and have not been identified by police.

The driver of the Chevy, identified as Michael Steenkolk, 52, of Toledo was pronounced dead at the scene as well. Passenger Kathleen Olive, 48, also of Toledo, was airlifted to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland with life-threatening injuries.

Corvallis residents Lucy Jaeger, 17, and Joseph Schmidt, 20, both occupants of the Honda, were taken to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport with minor injuries.

Police aren't sure what caused the driver of the Dodge to drift into oncoming traffic.

U.S. 20 was closed completely for about three hours as police investigated.
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A growing wildfire in the Jefferson Wilderness is prompting road closures and hiker evacuations, officials said Thursday night.

Beginning Friday morning, Linn County search and rescue teams will evacuate hikers and campers who are not aware of closures in the area, Linn County sheriff's officials said.

Roads off of Highway 22 from Whitewater Road to Marion Lakes Road are closed, the sheriff's office said. All trails in the area, including the Pacific Crest Trail north of Woodpecker Trail to Breitenbush Lake, are closed.

The Whitewater Fire grew significantly Thursday. It spread into Linn County and is now burning across 4,579 acres, according to the sheriff's office and the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which tracks regional wildfires. It is zero percent contained and threatens 100 homes in the Breitenbush community.

No evacuation alerts were issued for the Breitenbush community.

Several wildfires and hot, dry conditions statewide prompted Gov. Kate Brown to declare a state of emergency Wednesday. The declaration allows the Oregon National Guard to mobilize resources to assist the state Department of Forestry and the state Fire Marshal's Office.

A fire that started Wednesday has grown to 10,000 acres. The Cinder Butte Fire is burning about 10 miles west of Riley near Oregon 20. Its cause is unknown. It is zero percent contained and threatens 10 homes, the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said.

Near Prospect, the Blanket Fire grew to 1,800 acres and the Spruce Lake Fire grew to 2,500 acres.

Several trails in Crater Lake National Park are closed as crews fight the Spruce Lake Fire. Bert Creek Trail is completely closed. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from the intersection of Lightning Springs Trail north to Red Cone Camp, and the Bald Crater Loop Trail is closed from intersection of Pacific Crest Trail to Bert Creek Trail.

The Indian Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge continues to burn at 74 acres.

In southern Oregon, the Devils Lake Fire near Bly is 1,600 acres and the Chetco Bar Fire in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness is 3,636 acres.

 Samantha Matsumoto

smatsumoto@oregonian.com

503-294-4001; @SMatsumoto55
Republican surgeon and lawmaker Knute Buehler is running run for governor in 2018, fighting the tide of history and a Democratic voter edge in an effort to reclaim the top state post for his party.

Buehler, who represents Bend in the Oregon House and is viewed as a moderate in his party, had been widely expected to run against Gov. Kate Brown. He could well be her most serious challenger if the governor decides to seek reelection next year.

A Republican has not occupied the governor's mansion since 1987, however, and Democrats hold a significant advantage in registered voters. Republican ex-Blazer Chris Dudley, who came within a percentage point of beating John Kitzhaber in 2010, had name recognition beyond many politicians' dreams.

"The biggest issue is people simply do not know who (Buehler) is," said Jim Moore, director of the Tom McCall Center for Policy Innovation at Pacific University. "

Brown, 57, has been fundraising and campaigning since the day after she was elected last year, but she has yet to formally announce her plans. She already has a formidable fundraising advantage on Buehler, with $1.3 million in the bank even after spending more than $700,000 this year. Buehler's campaign had just $128,000 as of Thursday and reported spending $107,000.

Buehler, 53, declined a request for an interview Thursday. In a campaign email, he wrote that he is running to "reform Oregon's struggling public schools," improve the state's budget and boost Oregon's middle class.

Buehler, who opposed a bill this year that would have scaled back a business tax break that critics said is helping wealthy doctors and lawyers, said his budget strategy would rely on spending controls. To help the economy, he proposed additional career training and "resisting excessive, job-killing regulations." The lawmaker made his initial announcement in a meeting with the editorial board of his hometown newspaper, The Bulletin, Wednesday.

"Kate Brown has had her chance and she's failed," Buehler wrote. "She's refused to lead on essential budget, pension and education reforms critical to Oregon's future. Instead, she simply demands higher and higher taxes."

Brown's campaign manager, Thomas Wheatley, declined to comment. But Jeanne Atkins, chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon, said in a statement that "Governor Kate Brown beat (Buehler) before and she will beat him again."

In 2012, Brown and Buehler both ran for secretary of state. Brown won that election by 8 percentage points, and was elevated to governor in February 2015 when then-Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned amid an influence peddling scandal.

Atkins, who stepped in as secretary of state after Brown appointed her, said Buehler's "shady business dealings will make it a hard campaign for him."

The Democratic Party of Oregon filed an ethics complaint against Buehler earlier this year, alleging that he failed to disclose payments from medical device maker Stryker Corporation and pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Oregon ethics officials ultimately determined Buehler had largely met state requirements for public officials to disclose the sources of their incomes, because the payments went to a company Buehler owns and he disclosed his income from that company.

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission found, however, that Buehler failed to disclose $12,500 in payments he received in 2013 for serving on the board of a Bend hospital and issued a letter of education last month.

Buehler has been building his credentials as a moderate Republican. He pushed successfully in 2015 to expand access to birth control -- a cause also important to Brown -- and voted last year to pass an anti-coal bill that doubled the state's renewable energy requirements. Many Republicans strongly opposed that bill.

This year, Buehler opposed a plan to enact rent control and voted against a bill that would have allowed municipalities to adopt their own rent limits. That bill died in the state Senate. Although Buehler did not explain his "no" vote on the bill in April, he did discuss his skepticism of regulating rents at a committee hearing in late 2016.

"I am skeptical that there's anyone who's so smart they can determine the right return on equity, who can determine the right mix of housing, who can determine who should actually benefit from that rent stabilization," Buehler said.

Buehler also voted "no" on a $550 million tax plan to fund Oregon's Medicaid program, which was a top priority for Brown.

He co-sponsored a bill with Portland Democrat Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward that would have created a suicide prevention program to educate gun dealers and buyers. The proposal had support from the Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs, League of Women Voters and a group called Gun Owners for Responsible Ownership. However, the bill drew opposition from the National Rifle Association and Democratic leaders allowed it to die in committee.

So far, at least one other Republican appears to be pondering a run for governor. Happy Valley Mayor Lori Chavez-DeRemer created a political action committee in late June to explore running for governor. She did not return a call for comment on Thursday.

-- Hillary Borrud

503-294-4034; @hborrud
A Canadian man was arrested Wednesday at Portland's Moda Center on suspicion of biting a 14-year-old girl on the breast during a Green Day concert.

The teen told a Portland police officer in the arena lobby she had been dancing to the music alongside her mother when a stranger, later identified as Joel Dauncey, on the other side of her leaned over and bit her, according to a probable cause affidavit. She turned to her mom and told her what happened.

An arena worker monitoring their section during the concert also reported seeing Dauncey, 34, bite the teen and told the officer she called for security to haul him out of the crowd, the affidavit said. The worker said Dauncey had been cut off from buying alcohol because of previous behavior and she had been watching him.

Dauncey at first told police he knew why he was being arrested, but then claimed he didn't. When asked about biting the girl, Dauncey "denied doing such a thing," the affidavit said.

Dauncey was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on accusations of third-degree sex abuse and harassment. He reported being in the Portland area for 16 hours from Vancouver, British Columbia and was in town for the show.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
Friday 4 August 2017 2:47pm

A new study shows most New Zealand obstetric providers need more support when providing a revolutionary genetic prenatal screening test because of its complexity and because it is not publicly funded.

The new technology  non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)  is a more accurate type of prenatal screen than currently used and will reduce the number of invasive tests needed.

NIPT involves taking a sample of the mothers blood and extracting the babys DNA to analyse for conditions such as Down syndrome. It tests the mothers blood because, during pregnancy, free-floating fragments of the babys DNA are present in her blood.

The University of Otago, Wellington research, published last month in the Australia New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, found obstetric providers need more education and training, and service planning, to provide this new genetic test.

Providers need to be well supported to learn about and explain genetic technologies, says lead researcher Dr Sara Filoche, from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at UOW.

We found that 70 per cent of providers felt their knowledge would affect their decision to offer this screening, with some providers stating they wont offer it until it is funded. In fact, nearly all of the providers who responded to the survey thought that NIPT should be publicly funded.

Dr Filoche says NIPT has been available here for about four years and will be publicly funded in the United Kingdom next year.

However, in New Zealand it costs around $500, depending on which company is used  its a for-profit model at the moment. NIPT is also not regulated in New Zealand and samples are currently sent overseas for analysis.

We understand that the demand for this technology is increasing  which raises important issues around equity in access, where only those that pay for it can have access. Dr Filoche says.

But Dr Filoche says its not just about the funding.

There are also number of social and ethical aspects to this screening that needs further exploration and resolution.

Prenatal screening for possible abnormalities is optional. It is a choice and can help give information about the pregnancy  and beyond, so that providers and whanau can prepare as they need to.

Women should be enabled to make a free and fully informed choice about whether they want to have this type of screening or not, she says.

Dr Filoches group is planning work exploring how women, partners and whanau are making choices to undergo prenatal screening, given evidence from overseas indicating that only half of women who undergo prenatal screening are making an informed choice to do so.

This study was funded by the Lotteries Health Research Fund.

For further information contact:

Dr Sara Filoche

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

University of Otago, Wellington

Tel: 64 4 918 6888

Email: sara.filoche@otago.ac.nz
Police guard the entrance to the Buzz Westfall Justice Center in August in Clayton, Mo., where a grand jury later decided not to indict the police officer who shot and killed teenager Michael Brown.
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BLOOMINGTON  A group of Central Illinois teens returned from a summer trip last month  not to a beach or big city  but to the former concentration camp and current memorial, Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Students in the McLean County Diversity Project travel as a group each summer. In previous years, the trips were to Gettysburg, Costa Rica, New York City and Chicago.

We didnt really have to prepare the same way for previous trips, said Udit Kishore, a junior at Normal Community High School. I watched documentaries and read books about the Holocaust. I thought I was already prepared based on what school taught us.

I think what we learned in school about the Holocaust just scratched the surface and never dug very deep, added Molly Klessig, Tri-Valley High School freshman.

Jeff Schwartz, director and founder of the Diversity Project, said the goal of the organization is to foster a functional and rational acceptance of differences that reside in us all.

Students in seventh grade through high school join the program to complete volunteer projects in the community, or during summer trips.

I wanted them to see what actually took place by being there, he said. I thought it would be something they would carry with them the rest of their lives.

The group of 17 students and four adults stayed in Krakow, Poland, from June 24-July 2.

First the students visited Krakow-Plaszow, the former concentration camp featured in the acclaimed film Schindlers List. Then the group toured nearby historic Jewish neighborhoods.

The next three days were dedicated to touring Auschwitz with guidance from Holocaust survivor Eva Kor, who was 10 in 1944 when she and her Jewish family were sent to the camp. As soon as they arrived, Kor and her twin sister, Miriam, were separated from their parents and older sisters. They never saw them again.

The twins were grouped with other children and used as test subjects for genetic experiments by Dr. Josef Mengele. When the camp was liberated on Jan. 27, 1945, most of the children who were found alive were Mengeles test subjects.

Kor now lives in Indiana where she works to educate the public about the Holocaust and the power of forgiveness. She has publicly forgiven the Nazis for her suffering.

Kor guided the Diversity Project group through the memorial, showing them the room where her blood was drawn during experiments and pointing to the platform where she was ripped from her mothers arms.

But Kors strength as a child is evident by the identification number tattoo on her arm  sloppier than others because she fought the soldier with the tattoo needle, she told the students.

When the group followed the liberation march from the camp with Kor, the students said she waved her arms and cheered her freedom.

She was one of the most upbeat people Ive ever met, said Cassi Bean, a Tri-Valley sophomore. She took the most horrific thing and turned it upside down.

The teens said another powerful moment was standing in Block 11, a building where prisoners were tortured and executed. Rooms full of personal belongings, family photographs and a massive book of the victims names also stood out.

The whole scale of the camp really got to me, said Kishore. They tell you that a million people died, but when youre actually there seeing how and where they died ... the whole dehumanization process was hard to see.

Bean said she felt a mix of anger, sadness and confusion at Auschwitz.

How can you have that much hatred? If we both scrape our knees, we bleed the same color, she said.

The group was silent on the bus ride back to the hotel, caught up in the images they'd seen.

You just wanted to keep it to yourself at first, said Klessig.

The travelers later nursed their heavy hearts with ice cream and sightseeing.

Despite the darkness of the former camp, the teens said they are thankful for the experience.

It will change you, said Kishore. A lot of people our age judge people before getting to know them. Going to Auschwitz and seeing what happened will leave you open-minded.

To see people murdered because of their faith ... you can see what an unwillingness to be open-minded could lead to, said Schwartz.

The students said they plan to educate others about the Holocaust after seeing it firsthand.

So many people say the Holocaust didnt happen, said Bean. Its important that people go to Auschwitz so they can bring back the experience and say, It did happen. I walked through it.
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On July 27 Patently Apple posted a report titled "Apple Patent Reveals the Exciting Possibility of Augmented Reality Smartglasses." In that report I had noted that Apple has been updating some of their trademarks of late to cover such possible future products as "sunglasses; virtual and augmented reality displays; goggles; headsets, 3D spectacles, eyeglasses, spectacle lenses; and optical glass." Obviously Apple wants to cover the widest spectrum of future glasses in a variety of known styles.

Apple's R&D teams have been working on a head mounted display going back to 2006, way before there was a Galaxy VR or Oculus headset. Apple was granted their latest patent for a headset back on August 30, 2016. Earlier in 2016 I covered this topic in a report titled "Apple's 'Secret' VR Team isn't that Secret Anymore." Now the Financial Times is reporting that Apple's engineering team is mulling various forms of glasses as an accessory for the iPhone.

The Financial Times reports that "A particular area of experimentation, people familiar with the matter say, is a pair of AR glasses that might move cameras, sensors and screens from the smartphone to the face. Yet despite the excitement surrounding ARKit, internally the company is still not sure what the most compelling application for such a headset might be.

As a result, there are still several different kinds of prototype being experimented with, according to people close to the company. One group of engineers is said to be advocating for a pair of glasses that have 3D cameras but no screens, leaving the iPhone as the hub and main display."

Duncan Walker, a London-based independent developer says that "There are opportunities for ARKit to be massively disruptive." Walker is behind the "ARKit Film Experiment 00" as noted below. He shot it on his iPhone. The robots you'll see in the film aren't really there. They're characters created with Apple's ARKit. Walker added that he "couldn't have been able to make that a couple of years ago. The video was put together in a weekend  instead of months it might take a Hollywood film maker."

Can you see why Apple's Tim Cook is so excited about bringing augmented reality to iOS devices this fall? It's going to be exciting to see the content roll out. I'm sure with a cool headset, it would be like sitting in a theater watching a film.

For now we have to be patient, but the excitement over augmented reality is growing and it's likely to have the iPhone 8 rocket in sales if the content out of the gate is as hot as the Wingnut AR game was during Apples keynote.

For more on this, read the full Financial Times report.

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
During Apple's Financial Conference call this week, Apple's CEO stated that "We had very positive results for iPad with broad base growth in units, revenue and market share. iPad sales were up 15% year over year and grew across all of our geographic segments. We achieved our highest global market share over four years based on IDC's latest estimate of tablet results for the June quarter. And markets like China and Japan, over half of iPads sold were to people buying their first iPad." The latest IDC tablet report published late yesterday reflects Tim Cook's commentary. The chart below shows Apple's year-over-year growth at 14.7% with a 30.1% market share position.

Click on the chart below to enlarge image.





Apple's CEO also noted during that conference call that "We believe that coding is an essential skill that all students should learn. We're thrilled that over 1.2 million students of all ages are now using iPad and Swift Playgrounds to learn the fundamentals of coding and over 1,000 K12 schools across the United States plan to use Apple's Everyone can Code in their cirricula this fall."

IDC's report stated that "Apple positioned itself quite well during the quarter by consolidating its lineup and introducing two new iPads. The new iPad's relatively low price point triggered some consumers to upgrade their aging devices and demand for this new tablet finally caused a turnaround for Apple's iPad business. Meanwhile Apple's transition towards detachable tablets continued with the launch of the 10.5" iPad Pro and a major update to iOS (expected later this year)."

Market turmoil aside, three of the top five vendors managed to increase share and grow on an annual basis with price being the largest driving factor. To date, the 2-in-1 market was bifurcated as Apple and Microsoft led with detachables while the PC vendors led with convertibles. Though that is slowly changing as smartphone vendors and traditional PC vendors begin to offer compelling alternatives, the pace has been rather slow as Surface and iPad Pro still dominate shelf space and mind share."

IDC is still hopeful that Windows tablets will increase in popularity when new tablets enter the market this fall that are based on ARM processors.





About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
Coming to you, once more, from the floor of the 2017 FairMormon conference at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo.

Ben Spackman, in an excellent address titled Truth, Scripture, and Interpretation: Some Precursors to Reading Genesis, laid out a strong case, in effect, for the fallibility of scripture. His argument is quite congenial to me. I cant recall ever having been a scriptural inerrantist. I probably was as a child, to the very limited extent that I thought about it, but I honestly dont remember ever holding such a view. While I hold a high view of the fundamental claims of scripture, Ive never needed perfection or inerrancy from the scriptural texts, and I dont think they demand it.

Given his background in Semitics, science, and the history of Christian thought, Ben is perhaps uniquely qualified to address this subject.

I find that many of the problems that certain apostate or disaffected critics have with the Church would be dissipated by adopting something like Bens view (and my view) of the scriptures and of modern prophetic and apostolic statements. As it is, when I try to interact with such critics, both sides often become quite frustrated. Were talking past each other, and they think Im trying to twist, evade, or discard the teachings of my church leaders.

This was a very important talk, from my point of view.

He has now, by the way, put up a supplemental item on his blog: FairMormon, some papers, and books

***

Speaking of inerrancy, the FairMormon conference program lists Ugo Peregos title as What Does the Church Believe about Revelation? But his actual subject is What Does the Church Believe about Evolution? Those are somewhat different.

His topic flowed very nicely from Ben Spackmans. And it was vintage Ugo. In other words, quite funny.

Dr. Perego  who is currently a bishop in Rome (one of the few ecclesiastical titles that I genuinely envy)  argues for a fundamental harmony between science, including evolutionary science, and revelation. What happened on the Earth before Adam, he says, isnt of fundamental importance or concern to the Brethren, and if it isnt of urgent importance to them, why should we obsess about it? He laid a lot of weight on the 1909 First Presidency statement on The Origin of Man.

He closed with a couple of helpful comments about the Book of Mormon and current DNA research. In doing so, he alluded to this article in Interpreter:

Is Decrypting the Genetic Legacy of Americas Indigenous Populations Key to the Historicity of the Book of Mormon?

And he criticized genetic claims from Rod Meldrum.

And, at the very end, he referred to a recent study dealing with the DNA of Maya skeletons. Its been trumpeted by a few anti-Mormons recently as yet another death knell for the Book of Mormon. He and I have spoken about this, and he has spoken with one of the authors of the study. Unfortunately, he was out of time at the end of his talk. But I can tell you that hes not exactly overwhelmed by the claims of Book of Mormon skeptics on this point.

Finally, an excellent question for Dr. Perego: As a bishop of Rome, youre infallible. Doesnt that make you right on evolution?

***

I think it unfortunate that the Maxwell Institute sponsored a small conference yesterday, colliding directly with the first day of the FairMormon conference. Even Sunstone calls to make sure that its annual conference doesnt run concurrently with FairMormon.

Of course, maybe the folks at Maxwell had no alternative. I dont know. But its regrettable.

***

This weird factoid came across my computer screen just a few minutes ago:

The Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia (1844-1913) believed that, whenever he was ill, all he had to do in order to feel better was to eat a few pages of the Bible.

It gives new meaning, I suppose, to the commandment to feast upon the Word.
Patna: Authorities at Beur Jail in Patna found the dead body of a prisoner from the jail bathroom on Thursday evening. On the first look, he appeared to have committed suicide, jail officials said.

23-year old Nikhi, a Punpun resident, was serving time for killing his newly-wed wife when her family failed to satisfy his family's dowry demands.

Other prisoners said he was seen earlier in the jail library and he appeared to be calm but after that he was not seen by anyone. He was discovered missing during the evening roll call after which a search operation was launched.

Officials found the bathroom door closed from inside. They broke open it only to find Nikhi dead on the floor.

A suicide note was found from near the body that said that he was taking his own life and his body should be handed over to his brother Chunnu. It also said that he had already sent a letter to his brother to notify that he was going to kill himself in the prison.

Authorities have not ruled out foul play and are investigating the case from different angles.

An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.
Iran Should Immediately Release Critically Ill Opposition Leaders Under House Arrest

08/03/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

Karroubi and Mousavi's Health in Peril After Six Years of Forced Isolation

More than six years into their extrajudicial house arrest, the health of leading Iranian political opposition leaders is in grave danger, renewing urgent calls in Iran for their freedom.

The Iranian authorities should immediately release and provide full medical care to Mehdi Karroubi, who was recently hospitalized, Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard, the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said in a statement today. The three have been imprisoned in their homes without trial since 2011 for leading the peaceful protests against the 2009 presidential election.

"The Iranian state thought it could silence Karroubi, Mousavi and Rahnavard by isolating them from society, but it can't silence the public's demands for their release," said CHRI's Executive Director Hadi Ghaemi.

"President Hassan Rouhani was re-elected on a platform of improving human rights, with the release of these three leaders at the forefront of the people's demands," added Ghaemi. "Rouhani should explicitly call for the opposition leaders' release when he is inaugurated on August 3."

Former presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi, 79, was taken to a hospital in Tehran on July 24 for low blood pressure. Two days after he was admitted, he underwent a TIPS procedure that corrected a vein blockage, according to his son, Hossein Karroubi.

He was discharged on July 28, but within hours his condition took a turn for the worse and he was taken back to the hospital where he received an angiography on July 31.

Mousavi, 75, who like Karroubi ran for president in 2009, is also in a deteriorating health situation, according to his family.

"We have no good news to report from our meeting, tweeted his daughter, Zahra, on August 2. "Only unkept promises [from the authorities], signs of my father's critical health, without knowing what is happening."

Crowds chanted slogans for the opposition leaders to be released during many of Rouhani's campaign rallies in 2013 and again in 2017.

"We state unequivocally that alongside the person of the supreme leader and the broken judiciary, the president and the intelligence minister are directly responsible for the lives of those under house arrest," said a statement issued by Karroubi's family on July 31.

The statement added that an agent of the Intelligence Ministry has been harassing the elderly opposition leaders.

"[The Rouhani government] has a duty to respond to the illegal and inhumane actions by its agents," said the statement.

Karroubi's hospitalization was met with an outpouring of support by members of Iran's Parliament, former political prisoners and on social media, where many among Iran's citizenry renewed their calls for an end to the house arrests of the opposition leaders.

"Mr. Karroubi's heart disease and his transfer to the hospital is a good opportunity to use some wisdom to end this tragic house arrest saga," tweeted conservative MP Ali Motahari, a longtime supporter of freeing the opposition leaders, on July 24.

Several reformist MPs were not allowed to visit Karroubi in the hospital. Defying the state ban on visiting him, prominent activists brought flowers to Karroubi, which they were forced to leave with a guard.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has long insisted that the three must "apologize" for their role in the peaceful mass protests of 2009, which were violently repressed by the state, before they can go free.

"The door is open (for a resolution). The Supreme Leader has not declared any solution impossible" said Rouhani government spokesman Mohammad Bagher Nobakht on August 1 after Iran's health minister said he was personally checking in on Karroubi and Mousavi.

"The authorities should recognize that the death of any of these leaders will not solve their problem; rather it may precipitate another national crisis," said Ghaemi. "It is in the national interest of the country to prevent this crisis and release them."
The ownership and management of the Ghanaian media is male dominated, however, three women are proving to be trailblazers in the sector.



A research conducted by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) dubbed the Media Ownership Monitor project has found that of the 25 monitored media companies only two have female owners: Stella Wilson Agyepong for Oman FM Limited and Edith Dankwa for Business and Financial Times Limited.



According to the research, women also rarely hold management positions: out of the 21 identifiable CEOs, only three are female: Edith Dankwah for Business and Financial Times Ltd., Carol Anang for state-owned New Times Corporation, and Gina Blay for Western Publications.



GAB Productions Limited owned by Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko and his wife Nana Adjoa Hackman Otchere-Darko as well as Western Publication Limited owned by The Blay Family - Frederick Blay, Gina Blay and Kwame Blay - list a woman as minority shareowner. Both are wives of the majority shareholder of the respective companies.



The gender ratio for board members of media organizations also followed a similar pattern.



Edith Dankwa (Business & Financial Times)



Edith Dankwa has developed Business & Financial Times Limited into an award-winning Superbrand (2012) that was adjudged as the Best Newspaper for Social Security Reporting by Ghanas pensions organisation, the Social Security and Insurance Trust in 2012 and 2013.



For her achievements, Edith Dankwa was declared Best Print Media Entrepreneur in 2011. She was also recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Personalities in Ghana for 2013.



Edith Dankwa has formerly served on a number of boards including TV3, Ghanas biggest private TV network, and the International Chamber of Commerce (Ghana). She is also the chairperson of the African Business Leaders Foundation. Besides being invested in media management positions, she is board member of Unilever Ghana.



In 2016, she also founded the Executive Women Network, together with five other successful business women. They aim to encourage women to strive for success and take responsibility on the national and international level.



She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management Studies, a Post Graduate Certificate in Marketing as well as in Newspaper Management, and an Executive MBA from the GIMPA Business School. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Business Administration (International Business).



Mrs Stella Wilson-Agyapong (Kencity Media)



Mrs Stella Wilson-Agyapong is the registered owner of Oman FM Limited (Kencity Media) which manages Oman FM and Net 2 TV, according to the National Communications Authority.



She is married to Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. They are involved in the KenCity Group of Companies, which comprises of 13 companies stretching from media, cold stores to real estate.



Kennedy Agyapong is the CEO of KenCity Media, his wife Stella operates as the companys owner according to the National Communication Authority. There is, however, no company profile at Registrar General on Oman FM Limited or Kencity Media.



She was a Council Member of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) from 2010 to 2012. She was nominated as Media Entrepreneur of the Year, for an award for the media entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional media entrepreneurship skills in 2013.



Mrs Stella Wilson-Agyapong is the owner of Mina D'Oro Ventures and Messrs Imperial World Business Limited and all subsidiaries of KenCity Group of Companies.



Ms Carol Annang (New Times Corporation)



The National Media Commission (NMC) in consultation with President John Dramani Mahama appointed Ms Carol Annang, the Chief Executive Officer of New World Securities, as the Managing Director of New Times Corporation (NTC) in 2015.



Her appointment, which took effect on January 2, 2015 and will expire in four years (2019).



Ms Annang, is a product of Achimota School and the University of Ghana, holds a B.Sc Administration in Accounting and a Masters degree in Business Administration, with a Marketing option.



Nana Adjoa Hackman Otchere-Darko (GAB Productions Limited)



Nana Adjoa Hackman Otchere-Darko is married to Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko and both practice in a law firm called Africa Legal Associates as senior partners and managing partners, respectively.



The couple also owns shares in a company called GAB Productions Limited, according to the Register General. GAB Productions Limited publishes The Statesman newspaper.



Nana Adjoa was not known much in the public space until recently when she was appointed a member of the board of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). She owns GAB Productions Limited.



Gina Blay (Western Publication Limited)



Gina Blay is a Ghanaian journalist and diplomat married to Frederick Blay.



She is currently Ghana's ambassador to Germany and also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Western Publication Limited a print media house. The main publication of the house is Daily Guide Newspaper.



She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and survived the ailment after a series of chemotherapy treatments.



Gina Blay is married to the acting National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay.

Source: Daily Graphic









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
Executive Pastor of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC); Christ Temple, Albert Ocran has waded into the controversy surrounding the special offering collected by the church during its Greater Works conference last week.



ICGC and its senior Pastor, Mensa Otabil courted controversy when a snapshot was taken of a special offering that was taken during the Greater Works conference. A section of the critics did not understand why the amount was quoted in dollars, while others felt the amount was too high.



Giving his personal take on the subject, Pastor Ocran said: "the banner making the rounds on social media was not put out to solicit for funds from the public as was originally being speculated".



According to him, "the preacher who raised the funds is based outside Ghana so he mentioned the amounts in dollars. It was naturally deemed helpful to convert them to enable donors pay in local currency"



Read his full response below;



Some clarity from Executive Pastor of ICGC Christ Temple, Pastor Albert Ocran.



Blessings my friends. What a week this has been. An absolutely phenomenal Greater Works conference and a very thorny side issue.



Let me clarify that this is a personal perspective and not a statement by ICGC. As you know, the church does not respond to these matters.



The banner making the rounds on social media was not put out to solicit for funds from the public as was originally being speculated.



As you probably might know, in its 33 years of existence, ICGC has refused to solicit for or accept funds from outside the church.



By Gods grace, the church supports 15 charities (educational, health and Christian missions) on a monthly basis. This includes the childrens cancer unit of Korle Bu which has publicly indicated that our monthly donations for the past 5 years, which are the largest they receive, have allowed children from poor families all over the country and West Africa to receive life-saving treatment for free. This is verifiable.



The amounts listed on the graphic circulating are various categories of pledges made by members in a conference fundraising by one of our guest ministers. I presume that people pledging different amounts at fundraisers are standard practice.



I attended a book launch last year by one of our nations sporting legends at Alisa Hotel. The chief fundraiser started the pledges from GHc100,000 and came all the way down till everyone could contribute their widows mite. Those who gave the top amounts were even given special privileges and photo sessions with the author. No one was offended because each one gave as they could afford.



I have also attended church harvests where Chairmen, Vice chairmen and Supporters were required to contribute role-specific amounts some in excess of the highest amount on the list currently circulating. Would that qualify as exploitation? I dont think so.



I believe that if we want to hold large Christian events and conferences that seat over 50,000 attendees and where the number of new converts alone is over 7,000, we mustnt shy away from big contributions. In other jurisdictions, individuals are known to sign $5 million cheques to underwrite the entire cost of a single crusade.



Currency & Conversion



The preacher who raised the funds is based outside Ghana so he mentioned the amounts in dollars. It was naturally deemed helpful to convert them to enable donors pay in local currency.



Categories



The issue most people seemed to have was with the categories the amounts were tagged with. These were simply prayer points he provided for each giver to base their faith and prayer on. Once we put it into context, you will agree that the more you commit to something the greater your expectation is likely to be. Everyone in the conference had the chance to give according to their strength.



I have personally experienced a 24-hour miracle more than once. I believe in giving and in financial miracles but it doesnt make me a lazy person. I work extremely hard but I am also a firm believer in the grace of God. In my humble opinion, a balanced combination of Gods grace plus hard work is the key to success.



SO WHERE DID THIS GO WRONG?



The preacher finished preaching the next morning and asked people who were ready with the various categories of donations to come forward with their pledges. Thankfully, many responded positively and willingly.



However, as you can imagine, some people had made more than one pledge and kept asking ushers for the various amounts in cedis as well as banking details.



Our hardworking projection team therefore took the initiative, summarized the various categories and projected them for the benefit of contributors as they came forward.



At that point, the screen snapshots were taken by viewers of the live streaming service on the internet. The rest, as they say, is history.



We can continue having an informed discussion about the scriptural or moral dimensions of this issue based on the actual facts that I have provided as accurately as I can. Informed debate is healthy and no one must insult a person who genuinely inquires about the scriptural basis or appropriateness of our actions.



Official Response



The church as a practice does not issue statements on issues in the media. The video circulating about Pastor Otabil purportedly responding was definitely not a response to this issue.



CONCLUSION



The snapshot was not an advert for funds. The gospel is definitely not for sale and will never be. Many have visited ICGC Christ Temple, where Pastor Otabil pastors, and been surprised or even objected to how little fuss is made about giving and fundraising. Its just not our focus or style.



We are grateful to the well meaning Christians from all over the world who have reached out in love in a genuine quest to confirm that the highest standards of excellence and integrity of ministry ICGC is known for remain intact.



Be assured that ICGC remains resolute and unreservedly committed to raising leaders, shaping vision and influencing society through Christ.



I hope that this information helps throw a bit of light on the issue. (Sorry it ended up being much longer than I intended).



Thanks once again for asking and God bless.

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
President Nana Akufo-Addo is at the Saltpond Methodist Church for a Memorial Service to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).



This is the first time a sitting president has visited the town, where the UGCC was founded to mark the anniversary.



The President was joined by leading members and the party faithful of the New Patriotic Party.



The UGCC disbanded after its poor showing in the 1951 elections where Kwame Nkrumahs Convention Peoples Party (CPP) won 34 of the 38 elected seats in the assembly.



The governing New Patriotic Party is a political descendant of the UGCC and the party has said it will be eulogizing the founding fathers of the UGCC and for that matter the key architects of Ghanas independence struggle for their legendary sacrifices in honour of country.



The party said in a statement it wished to extol the enviable virtues and sacrifices of these forebears of our national struggle including J.B. Danquah, Paa Grant, William Ofori-Atta, Obetsebi Lamptey, Hon. Edward Akufo-Addo, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, V.B. Annan, Oheneba Sakyi Djan, Hon. Akilakpa Sawyer, Hon. N.A. Ollenu, Councilor E.A. Bossman, K.B. Teko, Enoch Mensah, Q. Tagoe, Councilor W.Q.M. Halm, Quist Therson, Councilor Richard Akwei, E.C. Quist, Ben A. Tamakloe, Councilor G.N. Alema, Joe Myers, Dr. F.V. Nanka Bruce, E.C.A. Quarshie, Dr. J.E. Armah, Solomon Odamtten and many others.



The party highlighted Dr. Kwame Nkrumahs role with the party, which he joined in 1947 upon invitation from J.B. Danquah to become the UGCCs General Secretary.



Nkrumah, who was at some point, invited to join the struggle by the UGCC leadership and appointed as the General Secretary of the party, undoubtedly, played a leading role in the struggle for self-government together with his compatriots in the UGCC and the CPP.



Commemoration will be momentous



The NPP is collaborating with government, via the Ghana 60 Years on Planning committee to make this commemoration, a momentous one.



As part of activities earmarked for this event, there would be an anniversary lecture to be delivered by the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye on the topic at the National Theatre 6 pm today [Friday].



President Akufo-Addo will also be at the lecture as a guest of honor.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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NDC's Kumasi-based popular serial caller, Frank Appiah popularly known as 'Appiah Stadium' says he has generated what he termed as proper love for former President John Dramani Mahama and that isnt dying anytime soon.



According to him, absolutely nothing will forced him to change his mind towards the former first gentleman after vowing to defend him from babies with sharp teeth within the NDC in his bid to contest the 2020 presidential election.



The former NPP serial caller who crossed carpet to the NDC in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie noted that I respect President Mahama [former] than any other person on earth. He is like a god to me. Even if John Mahama defecates on a stool, I will eat it. I will eat Mahamas faeces at anytime.



Appiah Stadium however told host Kwesi Aboagye that its unfortunate that some NDC members are not showing respect to John Mahama. This man has done so many things for the party and Ghanaians. So no one should disrespect him. If you dont like him, dont insult him as some NDC members are doing now.



Party leaders must warn those individuals, they know them so they must warn them before they face my wrath, he added.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A security alert has been released by the UK and Canadian governments warning Ghana against an impending terrorist attack.



The alert on Thursday, August 3, appeared on their website claiming "terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Ghana. While there have been no recent attacks in Ghana, terrorist groups in West Africa have demonstrated their capability and intent by mounting attacks in 2015 and 2016 in Cote dIvoire, Burkina Faso and Mali, targeting beach resorts, hotels, cafes and restaurants visited by foreigners.



Following the security threat alarm, the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah has sought to allay the fears of Ghanaians.



According to him, both the UK and Canadian Embassies in Ghana have denied issuing any new travel or terror alerts warning their citizens against travelling to Ghana over the claims of terrorist attacks.



This is only a travel advice that the western countries have been known to issue to their citizens. The one that is on the website today that has caused all this panic is not something that was planted yesterday or this week, certainly not this month, or this year; its been there for years. The same advice word for word, so I dont really know what has changed.



"Ghana has not experienced any terrorist attack in the past but there have been terrorist attacks in some neighbouring countries, and, therefore, it is possible that there can be an attack in Ghana. This is the advice and I dont really find anything alarming in that sort of advice, especially when it is not a new one but has been there for a number of years. So, I dont see why we should be panicking about this," he said.



Also commenting on the issue, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper Kwesi Pratt has asked the National Security Minister and security agencies in the country not to trivialize the security alert.



To him, Ghana shouldn't ignore the warning given by the UK and Canadian governments but rather strengthen the country's security.



Though he commended the National Security Minister for allaying the fears of Ghanaians, he however would have him and the security services to put measures in place to avert any possible threat.



He also advised Ghanaians, particularly hotel and restaurant owners, to be vigilant, watch out for persons whose actions and behaviours are suspicious and report to the appropriate security services.



He charged the government to take steps to assure the safety of Ghanaians.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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By Maya K. van Rossum

Gov. Tom Wolf has joined forces with the Republican-controlled state Legislature to hand over Pennsylvania's environment to the state's biggest industries including oil, gas and coal.

No longer will the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) be able to thoughtfully review drilling and mining permits, toxic site development projects, or proposed new fracking operations.

In less than two years, the industry will be able to choose who will review and approve their permit applications. A cabal of private consultants will be available for industry to choose from.

Consultants on the list will be the same consultants working for the very same industries.

When frackers, developers, or other industry players choose a consultant to do their review, the state Department of Environmental Protection will have to pay out to cover the services, using permit fees that otherwise would support state DEP work.

The terms of the deal that Wolf has cut with Republicans does not prevent conflicts of interest, fails to discuss public disclosure of documents or access to the review process, and fails to ensure that the people's constitutional rights to pure water, clean air and a healthy environment are protected.

While the proposed 2017-2018 budget bills obligate DEP to give away its independence and authority on permit decision-making, the new set of sellouts also ensures that if a fracked gas driller seeking a permit does not receive an answer in the 24 to 60 days the law provides (depending on the permit), they would get an automatic approval.

And even more unbelievable, if the DEP informs the driller that there needs to be an extension of the permit review period because the driller's application materials are deficient, DEP has to give them back their application fee.

The money back promise kicks in despite that DEP is putting in the time and incurring the expense to review the driller's proposal. Further still, even if the application remains deficient after two tries from the applicant, DEP is forced to make a decision without complete information.

As a result the drillers have every incentive not to give all the facts, figures and science needed for an informed DEP decision - because we all know that if accurate facts are given, fracking is an obviously bad idea.

Is there more? Yes there is.

Wolf and legislators are expanding the list of pollutants that can contaminate a stream, only requiring compliance with the water quality requirements at the point a stream is withdrawn for a public water supply use.

If there is no public water supply withdrawal point for, say, a 100 miles, that means the whole 100 miles can be the dumping ground for a company, without concern about drinking water protections and environmental justice implications.

But what about the kids swimming, the anglers fishing, or the families wading in the water? By virtue of this deal, manganese joins nitrite-nitrate nitrogen, phenolics, chloride, sulfate, fluoride and total dissolved solids on the list of pollutants allowed to more easily contaminate and degrade our streams, and in turn, our health.

These are just a few of the degrading highlights of Wolf's most recent un-environmental gift package to industrial operators and polluters in Pennsylvania.

With this most recent set of acts, Wolf is once again betraying his constitutional obligations, and our constitutional rights to pure water, clean air and a healthy environment.

And in exchange for what? The severance tax on shale gas that he has been so coveted but heretofore been denied, now apparently worth giving away the health of the Commonwealth's environment and communities.

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network was the only environmental plaintiff leading the constitutional rights claims in the now famous Robinson Twp, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, et. al. v Commonwealth case that brought our environmental rights provision back to life.

Rest assured, Pennsylvania, we will not be sitting idly by and let this happen.

If you want to join us in fighting for our environmental rights learn how to take action go to www.delawareriverkeeper.org.

Maya K. van Rossum is the head of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network. She writes from Bristol, Pa. Readers may email her at keepermaya@delawareriverkeeper.org
The 144-page draft plan detailing Pennsylvania's roadmap for raising student achievement and complying with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act is a lot to wade through. But here are five highlights that identify some of its goals.

The entire plan is available on the Department of Education website. The public is invited to review and comment on the plan through Aug. 31- not Sept. 2 as the department originally indicated - using the online survey provided on the website.

The department intends to begin implementing parts of the plan in the coming school year with a full rollout planned for 2018-19.

Standardized testing: The plan proposes to reduce the time students spend taking state tests. It also sets as a goal by 2030 to increase the percentage of students, including the various subgroups of students (as identified in the graphic at the top of the story), scoring in the proficient or advanced categories - or what the Corbett administration considered to be at or above grade level - on the PSSAs and Keystone exams.

The year 2030 as the deadline for achieving this goal so that schools can begin working with this year's incoming kindergarten class and have the full span of their 13-year scholastic career to achieve it.

According to the department's data, 62 percent of students scored proficient or advanced on the English test and 43 percent attained those scores on the math test in 2015. Those percentages rose by 1 percent and 3 percent, respectively, from 2015 to 2016. By 2030, the goal is to raise those numbers for all students to 81 percent on state English exams and 72 percent on the math exam.

By comparison, the Every Student Succeeds Act's predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act, sought to have all students scoring at least at proficient levels by 2014 but it proved too tall an order for most schools.

Graduation rates: The plan calls for increasing the graduation rate every year and ultimately cutting in half the percentage of students, including subgroups of students, who fail to graduate by 2029-30. That means raising the graduation rates for all students that in 2015 was 85 percent in 2015 to 92 percent by 2030.

Red Land High School graduation, 2011

While a 7 percentage point jump may not sound like much for all students, it is getting all the subgroups of students to that level that will be the bigger challenge. The department points out in its plan that while 9 in 10 white students in Pennsylvania graduate in four years, only seven in 10 African American and Latino students earned their diplomas in that time span.

Further, it points out more than 13,000 students were enrolled in 51 high schools that graduated fewer than two-thirds of their students in four years and those schools serve a disproportionate number of minority students and students from impoverished families.

English language proficiency: The plan sets a goal to have English language learners show annual progress toward proficiency within a timeframe that is based on their starting point of proficiency but not to exceed six years.

Chronic absenteeism: This new indicator is intended to measure student engagement and pinpoint the students and schools where intervention and supports are needed to get them to attend school regularly.

It defines chronic absenteeism as a student who is absent, excused or unexcused, 10 percent (roughly 18 days) out of the school year. A student is considered absent if they are not physically in school for at least 50 percent of the school day.

The goal is to annually reduce the rate of chronic absenteeism among all students as well as in the subgroups.

Public accountability: Starting in 2018-19, the department plans to drop the aggregated single score on a school's performance that has been used in the School Performance Profiles that have been in place since 2013 and replace it with a dashboard displaying a school's performance on a variety of indicators. These indicators include academic progress, graduation rates, English language proficiency, chronic absenteeism, and career exploration and preparation rates of fifth-, eighth- and 11th-graders.
Pennsylvania has the dubious distinction of having one of the smallest amounts of money stashed away for a rainy day than most other states in the nation, according to a new study released on Friday by the Pew Charitable Trust.

In fact, it says the commonwealth's reserves are so low they could only fund state government operations for a tenth of a day.

Gov. Tom Wolf said on Thursday during a radio interview the state's Rainy Day Fund balance stands at $245,000 but said a revenue package the Senate passed last week to fully fund the state's $32 billion enacted spending plan for 2017-18 would start to build that back up.

For comparison, the balance in the Rainy Day Fund was $755 million just eight years ago, according to Governing magazine.

The fate of that Senate-passed revenue package now rests with the House of Representatives. As of Friday morning, the House had not set a date for when it will return to consider the Senate-passed revenue plan.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, state Treasurer Joe Torsella authorized a short-term $750 million line of credit to keep the state's general fund from dipping into negative territory. Torsella said it is the earliest in 25 years the state has had to borrow money to deal with a cash-flow problem and also unprecedented for the state to be doing it with an out-of-balance general fund budget.

While Pennsylvania's savings account balance looks rather dismal, New Jersey and Nevada appear to be worse off. Their piggy banks are empty.

The Pew study said five other states have a little more than Pennsylvania but not enough to get through a full week if they were forced to live on their reserves. Connecticut has enough to cover 4.8 days; Hawaii, 5.4 days; Illinois, 3.7 days; Virginia, 4.5 days; and Wisconsin, 6.5 days.

Alaska has the most with enough to cover 477.8 days worth of spending, it states.

In total, the report, which is based off data collected by the National Association of State Budget Officers and surveys Pew conducted last spring, says states had $80.8 billion in reserves at the end of the 2015-16 fiscal year.
FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2017 file photo, then-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn speaks during the daily news briefing at the White House, in Washington. Flynn is detailing previously undisclosed paid speaking engagements, business positions and income from the presidential transition that he left off his public financial disclosure. A person close to Flynn tells The Associated Press that the filing shows Flynn entered into a consulting agreement with the British parent company of data firm Cambridge Analytica, which aided the Trump campaign. The person says Flynn didnAot perform work or accept payment under the agreement. He terminated it after TrumpAos election victory. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
With her defense attorney Joseph Cataldo at left, Michelle Carter listens to her sentencing for involuntary manslaughter for encouraging 18-year-old Conrad Roy III to kill himself in July 2014. Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017. She was sentenced Thursday to 15 months in jail for involuntary manslaughter. (Matt West/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)
WALTHAM, Mass.  Actor Tom Wopat, a Columbia County native who played Luke Duke on the 1980s television show The Dukes of Hazzard, pleaded not guilty Thursday to groping a female member of the cast of a musical he was supposed to appear in.

Wopat  who was born and raised near Lodi and still owns property in the town of Lodi  was released on $1,000 bail and was told to stay away from the woman after pleading not guilty to indecent assault and battery and drug possession charges. He refused to comment outside court before driving away from the courthouse.

Wopat, 65, was arrested by Waltham police Wednesday night on a warrant on the indecent assault charge. Police said that during a search of him and his vehicle they found two bags of white powder believed to be cocaine.

Wopat denied touching anyone inappropriately, according to court documents. He said he flirts but did nothing that could be considered inappropriate.

He told police that he buys cocaine in large quantities and uses it over time, the court documents said.

Wopat was supposed to play Julian Marsh in 42nd Street at the Waltham-based Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston starting Thursday. But the theater announced Thursday that a different actor would play the role.

Besides his role on The Dukes of Hazzard, an action-comedy that ran from 1979 until 1985, he has acted in other television shows and movies, is a Tony Award-nominated stage actor and is a recording artist.

Although he is best known for starring in The Dukes of Hazzard from 1979 to 1985, Wopat also has recorded eight albums of pop, country and rock music. He also has appeared in numerous theater roles, in musical and non-musical productions.

In 1999, he was nominated for an Antoinette Perry (Tony) Award for his performance in the leading male role of Frank Butler in the Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammersteins musical Annie Get Your Gun.

The Tommy Awards, given annually to recognize excellence in musical theater of Wisconsin schools and students, are named after Wopat. This year, Portage High Schools production of Les Miserables garnered 19 Tommy nominations.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Gov. Bill Walker said Friday that he will probably run for re-election. But he currently has more pressing issues on his mind including crafting a tax bill that he hopes will garner support from lawmakers.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Walker said its imperative that revenue issues be addressed this year.

He expects to unveil a tax proposal for consideration sometime this year, but he could not provide a timeline for doing so or details on what the bill might include. He did say it would not be an oil tax bill.

Now that the session is o...
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.
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.
Venezuelan crude a $10 billion threat for the U.S.



Refineries are calibrated to handle the nation's sludgy crude. An embargo could spike gasoline prices, at least for a while

By Alex Nussbaum and Sheela Tobben

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 08 03 2017

The tanker Paramount Helsinki docked in Pascagoula, Mississippi, last week bearing the lifeblood of Chevron Corp.'s refinery there: 532,000 barrels of thick Venezuelan oil.

Its arrival on July 23, as Venezuela's democracy slid into what may be its final crisis, underscores the uneasy partnership that the American oil industry has entered with a nation some fear is marching toward dictatorship.

From New Jersey down to Texas, oil companies have come to depend on crude-soaked Venezuela to feed their massive refineries. Last year alone, more than 270 million barrels worth about $10 billion reached American shores -- enough to produce about 5 billion gallons of gasoline.

Now that vital flow could be stanched if, as industry leaders fear, President Donald Trump's administration embargoes imports to pressure his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro. The socialist autocrat's allies on Thursday will begin rewriting the constitution, pushing aside Venezuela's democratic institutions. The prospect of a U.S. response that cuts off crude has been particularly unsettling for the likes of Chevron, Phillips 66 and Valero Energy Corp. which have spent billions calibrating their plants to handle Venezuela's sludgy-but-abundant oil.

The reason why Trump has not hit back immediately is because there are lots of constituencies," foremost among them U.S. refiners and anyone who drives, said Sandy Fielden, commodities research director at Morningstar Inc. in Chicago. A lot of different parties will be impacted."

The U.S. on Monday froze any American assets owned by Maduro, a largely symbolic move. White House officials have prepared a menu of possible additional sanctions , but are divided over whether to restrict crude sales, according to a person familiar with the planning. The person asked not to be identified discussing internal deliberations.

An embargo on oil from Venezuela, the third biggest supplier to the U.S., could force a slowdown in production at Gulf Coast refineries and at least a temporary spike in gasoline prices. That could be sensitive for Trump, who repeatedly attacked Barack Obama over prices at the pump. Gas prices are at crazy levels--fire Obama! he tweeted in 2012.

Refiners could turn to suppliers of heavy crude from Canada to Mexico to Iraq, but the move would ripple across global markets as other customers are shunted aside. It's unclear how quickly alternate sources like Canada's oil sands, most of which already go to the U.S., or Mexico, which is battling supply disruptions of its own, could fill the gap.

U.S. refineries process a third of all Venezuelan oil. Washington is weighing the uncertain odds" that a crude ban could unseat Maduro against significant prospects of higher feedstock costs and narrower margins for Gulf of Mexico refiners," Kevin Book, managing director at researcher Clearview Energy Partners LLC, said in a note to clients this week.

Just Try Us

Venezuela Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said in an interview in Caracas on Wednesday that punishment will merely strengthen a president who already makes a bogeyman of the U.S.

If we get oil sanctions, they are doing us a favor, Villegas said. Fuel will be more expensive in the United States and Europe, and Nicolas Maduro will continue in Miraflores, he said, referring to the presidential palace.

Just how much a ban would elevate prices depends on how quickly refiners could find replacements but the impact is likely to be short-lived, said John Auers of Turner Mason & Co., a Dallas-based energy consultancy. Still, refiners would feel the pinch. Auers estimated the industry has spent more than $50 billion in the past several decades preparing plants for high-density, high-sulfur crude from Venezuela and elsewhere.

Chevron, Valero and other companies have lobbied the Trump administration for caution. The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, a trade group, argued in a July 6 letter that sanctions could have a significant negative effect on U.S. refiners, consumers and our nation's economy."

While companies have been trimming Venezuelan imports for months, the nation is still a key supplier for some of America's biggest refineries. Last month, the country accounted for a more than a quarter of capacity at Valero's Port Arthur complex in Texas, according to U.S. Customs data compiled by Bloomberg. It was 43 percent at Chevron's facility in Pascagoula, the Gulf Coast town where the Isle of Man-flagged Paramount Helsinki unloaded.

Reverse Traffic

With so much at stake, a full embargo is probably near the bottom of the Trump administration's battle plan, said Clearview's Book. The White House is more likely to start with restrictions on the 100,000 barrels a day of lighter oil and other petroleum products that Venezuela receives from the U.S. to bolster its own dysfunctional refineries, he wrote.

If the U.S. later decides to block Venezuelan imports, it could seek to blunt price impacts by releasing oil from an emergency stockpile, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Those supplies wouldn't be a perfect match for refineries running heavy crude from Venezuela, however.

The idea would be a short-term solution," said Joe McMonigle, a senior energy policy analyst at HedgeEye Research and former chief of staff at the U.S. Energy Department. But I think the White House realizes the big potential impact here, so they're trying to come up with potential remedies."







Story by Alex Nussbaum and Sheela Tobben; With assistance by Meenal Vamburkar, Jennifer A Dlouhy, Kevin Orland, and Bert Gilbert from Bloomberg .



bloomberg .com / 08 03 2017
Jeff Benjamin (left) and Marc Vetri on the front steps of Vetri Restaurant in 2011. Benjamin will remain a partner in this restaurant. Read more

Jeff Benjamin, who founded the Vetri restaurant empire with Marc Vetri nearly 20 years ago and oversaw the sale of much of the company to retailer Urban Outfitters, confirmed Thursday that he had left his corporate role last week.

Benjamin, 48, from vacation on a beach in Maine, emphasized that there were no hard feelings in his departure, which he said was not precipitated by one issue or incident. "Both Urban and I looked at our future and what needed to happen for success," Benjamin said. "Most founders end up leaving the companies they sell. Now seemed like the appropriate time. We have a growth plan in place."

Benjamin said he also suggested to Urban executives, "I think someone who is used to scaling a business outside of Philadelphia would be valuable to you."

An Urban Outfitters spokeswoman said the departure was by "mutual agreement." It was not clear if his position would be filled.

Benjamin will remain co-owner of Vetri's renowned flagship location on Spruce Street, which was not included in the sale of the Vetri Family restaurants Alla Spina, Amis, Lo Spiedo (now Bar Amis), Osteria, and Pizzeria Vetri.

Urban paid about $20 million for those restaurants, according to corporate records. The sale, announced in late 2015, closed in February 2016, sending operations from the Center City brownstone into Urban's sprawling Navy Yard campus, and thrusting Vetri and Benjamin into executive roles within the $2.1 billion corporation. Benjamin became executive director/operations for Vetri Family, reporting to Dave Ziel, Urban's chief development officer. "I have nothing but respect for him and [chief executive] Dick Hayne," Benjamin said.

Urban reported Vetri food and beverage sales of $5.84 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared with $5.1 million for the first quarter of 2016. Urban stock is trading near its 52-week low.

For his part, Vetri said he had no plans to leave Urban. "I'm having fun," he said. "Work is still interesting and challenging. When I look at the website and see all the restaurants, including the new Amis in Westport [Conn.], that excites me." Benjamin's departure, he said, would not affect their personal relationship or operations at the flagship restaurant. "We're partners forever," Vetri said. "I married him first."

"For someone to start a business with nothing and do it all and then to sell it," Vetri said, "not a lot of folks have that opportunity." That said, "freedom is a beautiful thing."

Benjamin, who with his wife, Melissa, has two children ages 12 and 14, said he wanted to devote more time to Vetri Community Partnership, which has obtained a grant for a second mobile teaching kitchen. He also is writing a book about his late father, with whom he shared a passion for the Chicago Cubs.

"I'm also going to enjoy being a professional dad," he said. "That's easy to say when I'm standing at low tide."
One cold February evening, Kristi Goll pulled up Facebook on her computer to post a desperate plea: Please get tested to see if you're a match to be able to donate one of your kidneys to my 8-year-old son.

"This would be the very best gift we could ever receive," she wrote.

Jackson Arneson, her little boy who loves swimming and all things space-related, might not make it through another Wisconsin winter, doctors told her. He was born with a condition called posterior urethral valves, which sometimes causes the patient's kidneys to gradually lose function every year until they stop working completely. He managed to avoid dialysis, but now, his best hope to stay healthy was to get a living kidney donor, with type O positive blood, and as many matching antigens as possible.

Family members checked to see if they were a match, but no one was. So, Goll, refusing to give up hope, turned to Facebook. It was a one-in-a-thousand chance -- finding a perfect stranger who could match Jackson's needs -- let alone someone who would be willing to give up a part of their body to someone they didn't know. The average person waits three to seven years for a kidney donation, and someone like Jackson, who can only get donations from people with a certain blood type, would wait much longer.

The Facebook post Goll wrote in February was shared more than 1,400 times. People contacted her and tested their blood. But after about a month, there were no matches.

To serve and protect

Goll gets goosebumps, still, when she recalls the day Officer Lindsey Bittorf came into her family's life.

In mid-March, Bittorf saw Goll's Facebook post. Both women have sons. When Bittorf saw the post, she immediately messaged Goll on Facebook.

"If roles were reversed and it were my kid, I would move hell and earth for my kid, too," Bittorf said.

Bittorf is an officer with the Milton Police Department, not far from Jackson's hometown of Janesville, Wisconsin. She began the process of testing to see if she would be able to donate to Jackson -- but because of patient privacy laws, Jackson's family couldn't be notified about her progress and results.

A mailed-in kit tested Bittorf's blood type. Then, she spent an entire day getting blood drawn, scans, psychological consultations -- all to make sure she would be a good donor for Jackson.

Dr. Didier Mandelbrot, a transplant nephrologist with the University of Wisconsin Hospital, explains the ability to carefully vet someone's health was part of why getting a living donor was so important for a case like Jackson's -- so doctors could make sure any kidney coming to him would work with his body, and be the healthiest possible.

Then Bittorf got the good news: She was a near perfect match for Jackson. Doctors looked not only at her blood type, but also her antigens to see how high a risk Jackson had of his body rejecting Bittorf's kidney. Mandelbrot said specialists look at six antigens to see if there are any matches. Bittorf and Jackson matched three out of six.

"(The chances of) a complete stranger having any matches is pretty low," Mandelbrot said.

Because Jackson and his family were unaware of Bittorf's test results, she decided to surprise them with the good news. One day in May, she worked with Jackson's grandparents to lure Jackson and his mother over to their home. Bittorf showed up in uniform, and Goll was surprised when she found an officer standing outside the door, holding two wrapped presents.

Bittorf knew what she wanted to say to Jackson and his family even before she found out she was a match.

"I took an oath to serve and protect my community and now my kidney will serve and protect you," she said.

From the day Bittorf saw that Facebook post, there was never a thought of backing out. Goll instantly knew she was her son's hero.

"She was just completely in it and that's what I knew we needed to find this for Jackson," Goll said.

Bittorf's resolve to help Jackson was similar to her drive to become a police officer: She simply wants to help people.

"You don't get to save everybody but this is one life I can say that we got in front of and got to save," Bittorf said.

The surgery

On June 22, Jackson is lying in a hospital bed at American Family Children's Hospital in Madison. He is grinning, with two thumbs up, his hospital gown lifted to show a smiley face drawn on with marker, showing the spot where he would be cut open, to make way for Bittorf's kidney.

"He wasn't scared at all," Goll said. He was just the bravest kid."

Bittorf, meanwhile, was at the adjoined University of Wisconsin Hospital next door. Her kidney was removed and brought over to Jackson, who had a four-hour surgery and nearly two weeks in the hospital.

Both surgeries were successful but both Bittorf and Jackson face risks.

Jackson will spend the next year getting regularly tested to make sure his new kidney is adjusting to his body. He will have to take anti-rejection medication to prevent his body from rejecting the kidney, and monitor how much water, sugar and salt he consumes. But even with the risks of the transplant, Mandelbrot said, a transplant is still a better option than having to go through dialysis.

Bittorf, on the other hand, will only have one kidney to rely on. She'll get checked annually to make sure her remaining kidney is working well, but will otherwise lead a normal life. The biggest risk for her is the off chance that her kidney begins to fail. But to Bittorf, that risk is worth it.

"They do a risk assessment during this -- it was a .03% risk to my life to donate," Bittorf said. "And I take bigger chances than that going to work (as a cop) every day."

Joined at the hip

Since the families met in May, not a day has gone by when the two mothers haven't spoken in some way. They text. Goll gives Bittorf rides, because doctors won't let her drive until she heals more. And they remember birthdays.

Jackson turned 9 a few weeks after the surgery, and the families joke that Bittorf doesn't have to get him a birthday present -- ever -- because she's already given him the greatest gift. But to Bittorf, donating to someone who happened to live so close to her was a gift unto itself for her.

"I've met other donors that have donated to people from across the country. I love that he's in my home town, he's in my area and I can harass him anytime I want," she jokes. "I love this kid as if he is my own. And he's great with my own child."

The two wonder if any of Bittorf's characteristics will transfer to Jackson now that he has a part of her body inside him. And they have their own inside jokes.

"I tell him to hug me on my left side with his right side so I can feel whole again," Bittorf laughs, as she pulls Jackson closer to her.

He tells her he promises he'll take good care of her kidney.
A state environmental judge has permitted Sunoco Pipeline LP to resume horizontal drilling at 16 of the 55 locations where underground work was temporarily halted in July on the company's contentious Mariner East 2 project.

Judge Bernard Labuskes Jr., in an order posted Friday by the Environmental Hearing Board, allowed Sunoco to restart drilling at 16 of 17 locations on the 350-mile pipeline route where the company said that underground work was incomplete, leaving boreholes unstable and drill bits suspended in the hole.

Two of the locations where drilling can resume are in Chester County, and two are in Delaware County, including one under Chester Creek, where nontoxic bentonite drilling fluid seeped outside the well bore during the drilling process.

But underground work is still halted under an Exton neighborhood where drilling in July contaminated the private water wells of 14 homeowners, prompting Sunoco to scramble to extend public water service to an enclave of homes using private wells near Shoen Road in West Whiteland Township.

The decision to partially lift the drilling ban grew out of settlement negotiations Thursday between Sunoco and the Clean Air Council, the environmental nonprofit group that has attempted to block the pipeline's permits. Alex Bomstein, a Clean Air Council attorney, said he was unable to comment on the ongoing settlement negotiations.

The judge's order doesn't affect his July 25 decision to halt most of the underground drilling on the Mariner East 2 pipeline. That decision is the subject of a Harrisburg hearing that is set to start next Wednesday, rescheduled from Aug. 7.

The hearings concern the Clean Air Council's effort to temporarily block permits granted in February by the Department of Environmental Protection that allowed Sunoco to start building the pipeline. At that time, Labuskes declined the organization's appeal, but he ordered the halt to horizontal drilling after the organization documented spills associated with the practice.

Sunoco, which is owned by Energy Transfer Partners LP of Texas, is building the cross-state pipeline to deliver gas liquids such as propane from the Marcellus Shale formation to its terminal in Marcus Hook. The Mariner East 2 pipeline largely follows the same route as the smaller Mariner East 1 pipeline, which went into service more than two years ago.

Most of the pipeline is being installed in conventional open trenches, which aren't affected by the order and where work continues.

The company decided to use the horizontal drilling method to install the new pipeline beneath large streams, rivers, and highways, and under densely developed areas, to reduce the nuisance caused by cutting an open trench. But the technique seems to be causing more public and regulatory disturbances than anticipated.

With horizontal directional drilling, the company creates a 24-inch diameter lateral pilot hole as far as a mile in length. The pilot hole is then reamed with a larger drill bit to enlarge it to 30 inches in diameter, allowing the coated steel pipeline to be pulled through it. The pipe is then sealed in place with cement.

Sunoco, in its filing with the Environmental Hearing Board, argued that termination of horizontal drilling before an individual hole is completed can cause more potential environmental risk than finishing the drilling.

David Runte, Sunoco's senior director of engineering, said in an affidavit that incomplete drilling creates a risk of collapse of the borehole wall, and increases the likelihood of leaks when drilling is resumed.

Drilling equipment can also be lost if the drilled hole collapses, he said, requiring a new hole to be drilled.

The 16 locations where drilling can resume include a 3,557-foot section beneath Eagleview Boulevard in Exton, Chester County; a 3,657-foot section under Ship Road in West Whiteland Township, Chester County; a 2,844-foot section beneath Commerce Drive in Chester Township, Delaware County; and a 4,979-foot section in Delaware County that crosses under Chester Creek, three railroad tracks, and four roadways.

The pipeline installation under Chester Creek has created significant challenges for Sunoco, including six separate losses of drilling fluids that the company blamed on cracks in the bedrock, created during the previous installation of a sewer line. The company said it introduced grout to fill the cracks, but the grout seal will degrade and create the risk of future drilling fluids leaks unless the drilling is completed soon.
New Vanguard CEO Tim Buckley says the company will continue to lower fees to outpace competitors. Read more

Vanguard Group has a message for competitors trying to undercut its prices: Game on.

In recent years, rival asset managers such as Fidelity Investments and BlackRock Inc. have cut their fund fees to match or beat Vanguard, the low-cost investing pioneer with $4.4 trillion in assets. Tim Buckley, Vanguard's new president and incoming chief executive officer, said the company will keep lowering fund expenses as it grows.

"As we continue to get scale, as we continue to grow and we get more efficient, we pass a large part of that back to our clients in the form of lower expenses. That's not going to stop," Buckley said Thursday on a company webcast. "If other people want to offer index funds, great. But you better be ready to keep lowering price, and we're going to do it across every product."

Fee wars have broken out across the U.S. asset management industry. This week Fidelity announced fee cuts on 14 passive products and said some of its funds now have net expenses below comparable ones at Vanguard. BlackRock, the world's largest money manager, last year reduced expense fees on 15 exchange-traded funds and Charles Schwab Corp. has also attracted money to its ETFs by trying to undercut Vanguard on similar products.

Last year alone, 226 Vanguard funds and ETFs reported expense ratio declines, saving customers an estimated $337 million cumulatively, the company said.

On Thursday's webcast, billed as a chance to introduce customers to the company's new leadership, Buckley also discussed Vanguard's efforts to expand outside the U.S. The company now has more than $300 billion in assets abroad, including direct businesses in the U.K. and Australia.

"You can expect to see Vanguard continue to grow globally and that growth will help investors back here in the U.S.," Buckley said. "It gives us that added scale we talked about, that we can keep pushing prices down and continue benefiting from having a global investment team."

Buckley, who previously was Vanguard's chief investment officer, succeeds current CEO Bill McNabb on Jan. 1.
Arcade Fire has made an important discovery.

It's revealed on Everything Now (Columbia ** 1/2), the new album by the acclaimed Canadian band, fronted by the husband-and-wife team of Win Butler and Regine Chassagne, that  if you've been reading their reviews  seems to have gone from being the best band in the world to one of the worst.

The word content, it seems, not only can be pronounced two ways, it also can mean two different things.

In digital media terms, content is stuff ready-made to click on and consume, like a song, a video, or a real news story like the Arcade Fire review you're reading now. Or even a fake one, like the make-pretend assessment of Everything Now the band itself wrote on the not-real music blog Stereoyum, in response to real music blog Stereogum's piece, "Remember When Arcade Fire Were Good?"

The conclusion of the band's review was that Everything Now "will eventually be evaluated as one of the best of the year." (Not likely.)

But content is not only a noun: It's also an adjective which means "to be satisfied." And the cruel irony, the band that won an album of the year Grammy in 2011 is here to tell us, is that instant access to all the content the world has ever known  to everything, now  is not likely to make our hearts content.

That's the pound-it-over-your-head Captain Obvious idea behind both "Infinite Content" and "Infinite_Content," the back-to-back tracks  one punky, one country  at the core of Everything Now, an album that also contains three different iterations of its title song.

"Infinite Content," which is also the name of the tour that will bring the band to the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia on Sept. 17, is a prime example of the trouble with Everything Now, and why consensus has splintered on the band that had been darlings of the media ever since its debut album, Funeral, garnered a near-perfect 9.7 grade from taste-making music site Pitchfork in 2004.

From the beginning, Arcade Fire was hailed for its epic, earnest sound. It was an indie band with the correct cosigns  David Bowie was an early supporter  that came on strong as it celebrated the communal catharsis of rock and roll without ever using irony as crutch. The musicians weren't afraid to sound like they meant it, man.

That heroic quality built the band a large audience, and engendered plenty of goodwill. When it beat out Eminem and Lady Gaga, among others, for the Grammy for The Suburbs in 2011, it was seen as a major upset, but also a victory for the good guys, a sign that there was room at the top for a noncorporate underdog.

Since then, the band has grown painfully self-conscious as it has strained to make big statements worthy of an important act, while also attempting to subvert its self-serious image by making music that's more intentionally aimed at the dance floor. Call it the Achtung, Baby strategy: A band attempts to escape its own self-importance by making music that embraces electronic rather than "authentic" music-making, commenting on the overstimulating culture at large while it's at it.

It worked brilliantly for U2 back in 1991, but not so much for Arcade Fire. Its process began with the too-long 2013 double album Reflektor  with its disco and Haitian music excursions, and production assistance from LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy  and has been more awkward.

It continues on Everything Now. In the digital marketplace, Butler sings on the new album's title song, "Every song I've ever heard is playing at the same time, it's absurd." He can't help but tell us that too much of everything is bad for us: "We turn up the speakers till they break, 'cause every time you smile it's a fake."

Sometimes, the approach works fairly well. "Everything Now," the song, is effective enough as an affectionate homage to ABBA that it doesn't come off as a scolding lecture.

But there are other stretches on the album that are painful to struggle through. There's Butler's spoken-sung vocalizing  he has insisted that he's innocent of accusations of "rapping"  on the direly pessimistic "Signs of Life." "Creature Comfort" contains a touching lyric about a fan tempted by suicide  and perhaps, saved by the power of music  but musically, it's sluggish. And "Chemistry" is a real howler of a listless reggae exercise that contains not an iota of the romantic magic it celebrates.

All of this has caused the pendulum of critical approval to swing back and smack Arcade Fire in the face. Some reviews, such as in Rolling Stone, have been positive, but others have been savage. Pitchfork downgraded the band to a damning 5.6, and the British music site the Quietus was blunt, accusing the band of "anodyne comfortableness and self-congratulation" and concluding "this album is what none of us needs right now."

Which leads to the question: Is Everything Now really that terrible? Has Arcade Fire gone from being the best band in the world to the worst?

Not exactly. It is, however, the nature of social media groupthink mood swings. Was Arcade Fire ever as unquestionably great as that 9.7 rating implied? No, but it was a fresh, exciting new thing that initially took the world by storm at a time when the web was just starting to spread buzz at the accelerated pace we're now used to. Another act that that was the great beneficiary of those early days of music blogs was the Philly band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, which went from unknown to everybody talking about it thanks in part to a 9.0. Pitchfork review of its 2004 self titled debut.

One reason for the severity of the Everything Now reviews  besides annoying marketing tactics like the band's seeming to announce a strict dress code / no phones policy for a show in Brooklyn before following up with a "wear whatever you want" announcement after an outcry  is that the album is poorly sequenced.

With the exception of the title track, all of the worst songs are over by the middle of the album. As I tried to decide whether Everything Now was worthy of being despised or just kind of meh, I found my opinion softening in the later stages.

"Electric Blue," Chassagne's one vocal showcase, is a pleasant, lightweight funk number that recallse Tom Tom Club. "Put Your Money on Me" doesn't exactly burn up the dance floor, but there's nothing loathsome about its plea for a steadfast commitment.

Butler can't stop himself from tossing off an aside that condescends to popular culture on the penultimate "We Don't Deserve Love."

"A terrible song on the radio," he sings. "Baby, what else is new?" But the song he's singing it in is anything but terrible. In fact, it's a lovely, haunting love ballad that shows what he and his band are still capable of when not getting in their own way trying to make a Big Statement.
Clarion University president Karen M. Whitney will become interim chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, the board of governors announced Friday in Harrisburg.

Whitney, who will assume the role Sept. 12, follows Frank T. Brogan, who announced last month he would retire Sept. 1. The board said it will start a national search in the fall for a permanent successor to lead the system of 14 state universities.

"Karen Whitney has provided strong, steady leadership as president of Clarion University for the past seven years," Cynthia D. Shapira, chair of the board of governors, said in a statement. "Because she has strong relationships across the system and beyond  she will be able to hit the ground running so we can continue our forward momentum."

Whitney's appointment comes as the board develops plans to implement a restructuring of the system recommended by a recent consultant's report to deal with financial and enrollment woes.

Whitney previously announced she would step down from Clarion in June 2018. With her appointment as interim chancellor, she will now leave Clarion in September.

Martha Woodall
LANCASTER  Caden Pensak never liked writing poetry. Now, he loves it, thanks to the infectious enthusiasm of his summer-program professor at Franklin and Marshall College.

"Having a passionate teacher is all the world to a student," said Pensak, 17, a rising senior at Huntington Area High School in central Pennsylvania.

Pensak said he has been in schools where he wasn't inspired. He's attended 26 since kindergarten, as his family moved for what he described as economic, family and job reasons.

For his final project at F&M, he and Nhi Do, a senior at McCaskey High in Lancaster, penned and performed a poem about the pitfalls of public education.

"Constantly saying, 'Equal Education,' under a conspicuous guise/ Simply because they cannot open their eyes," the shirt-and-tie clad Pensak thundered one afternoon last month in an F&M auditorium.

Pensak is among 69 high-achieving students from low- or moderate-income families nationwide who spent three weeks taking classes and living together at F&M, a selective liberal arts college in Lancaster.

Its College Prep program is part of a larger effort by F&M and its president, Daniel R. Porterfield, to find and nurture talented students who come from modest means and are underrepresented at the nation's best colleges.

Many are the first in their families to attend college, lack the guidance counseling and other resources that might make them consider these schools, and simply don't know about available aid, Porterfield said.

"My conviction is that all across this country there are hundreds of thousands of young people who could succeed at top colleges and would enhance the education of every student in those colleges," he said. "But it's incumbent upon higher education to find them, to fund them, to educate them and to launch them."

Porterfield has made searching out such students a hallmark of his six-year presidency, and in December he took the effort to a national stage. He is co-leading the American Talent Initiative, a project aimed at recruiting 50,000 talented students from low- and moderate-income families to the nation's top 270 colleges.

Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore, Dickinson, Lafayette, Lehigh, and Rutgers are among colleges that are participating.

"A lot of institutions do believe there is talent they should be enrolling," said Porterfield, a Rhodes scholar and English professor who came to F&M from Georgetown University, "and they want to work together with other schools to learn how to do it best."

Porterfield has had success. Since he arrived and started the summer program in 2011, the percentage of low-income F&M students  as measured by those who receive federal financial aid through Pell Grants  has grown. Among the fall 2010 freshman class, 13 percent received federal Pell Grants. This fall, it will be nearly 21 percent, above the average for selective private liberal arts colleges in the region. As recently as 2008, only 5 percent were Pell Grant recipients.

And after arriving, the students thrive: Graduation, grade point average, and retention rates for students with Pell Grants are comparable to or better than those of all students, Porterfield said.

In the most recent senior class, 29 percent of Pell Grant recipients at F&M graduated summa, magna or cum laude, compared with 28 percent of the overall class, he said.

The summer prep program has proven to be a pipeline. In the last two years, 24 attendees ended up enrolling at F&M; 20 get Pell Grants.

Those cover only a small share of F&M's tuition, fees and room and board  which this year top $67,000  but the college also provides substantial aid for needy students.

As a byproduct, F&M's student body has become more racially and ethnically diverse. In 2010, three of every four incoming freshmen were white, while 3 percent were African American and 6 percent Hispanic. This fall, 57 percent are white, 7 percent African American, and 12 percent Hispanic.

Porterfield says his intent is to find "talent," regardless of race. Still, this year's summer prep class was diverse: More than two-thirds identified as black or Hispanic.

Students apply to the program and are chosen based on family income and academics. F&M donors cover the program's $350,000 cost; students live in residence halls, take field trips together, and receive a $500 stipend.

They choose from among a half-dozen courses, with offerings such as a psychology class, the Nature of Hope, and a math course, the Shape of Space. At the end, students shared their poems, performed skits they had written, and gave reports on subjects they studied.

Porterfield said 95 percent who attend the program go on to college, some at elite institutions including Harvard, Princeton and Yale.

Evan Walsh, 16, of Memphis, a charter school student whose guidance counselor recommended him for the program, said he "loved" that F&M searches out high-achieving, lower-income minority students.

"Coming from the South," said Walsh, who is black, "to see that a predominantly white institution wants me was eye-opening and different."

Others said the program helped prepare them for the transition to college.

"This program just made me very calm about it," said Jose Antonio Pagan, 17, a rising senior at Olney Charter High School in Philadelphia.

Pagan said he thought college would be hard, but because he was interested in the material, the F&M program "made it so much easier."

Pagan, a straight-A student who hopes to become a psychologist, would be the first in his family to attend college. The son of a car dealership employee and health insurance research analyst, Pagan said F&M is high on his list.

Pensak plans to apply to F&M, too, and Harvard.

He lives with his father, a carpenter, and he also would be the first in his family to attend. He plans to major in chemistry or chemical engineering.

Although many might regard Pensak's rotation through so many schools as a challenge, he emphasized the positive: "It boosted my social skills."
Kevin Dunleavy in his backyard, where he wants to install a solar array. But Peco says its grid cant handle it and wants $45,000 to pay for upgrades. Read more

Kevin Dunleavy, an environmentally conscious roofing contractor, was anxious to start installing a new solar array on a hill in his Chester County yard.

He meticulously researched solar panels, took an online certification course, and, with an electrician, crafted detailed plans, down to the font size of lettering on the electrical service panel.

But there was one thing he didn't anticipate: a $45,000 estimate from Peco to hook into the utility grid. That connection is crucial, because on sunny days, the system could generate excess power that would go to the grid. Conversely, on cloudy days, Dunleavy might need power from the grid.

In essence, the power company told him the distribution system near his home was too small to handle the amount of energy his backyard array might kick back into the grid. Equipment would have to be upgraded not only along the rolling road he lives off in the Marshallton section of West Bradford Township, but farther down the road as well.

"I never expected that they would not be able to take my energy," Dunleavy said. "I was blown away by that. I invested a lot of time and passion." In fact, he is hoping to make solar part of his business, if he can succeed with his own setup.

Besides, he said, he simply can't afford it. He's already sunk more than $6,000 into planning his array, tree work, the online course, permitting, and deposits. That doesn't include an additional $18,000 for the solar panels themselves.

Peco gave him until mid-September to come up with a $4,500 nonrefundable deposit. He's scrambling now for an answer. Dunleavy said that he believes the utility has tried to work with him, but that he's being asked to shoulder a burden for upgrades that will benefit other customers who might install solar in the future.

He sees his as a cautionary tale to others looking to install ground-level solar arrays. Homeowners who install rooftop solar panels have seen charges from utilities for hookups. But those charges often run a few thousand dollars at most  not tens of thousands.

Dunleavy, 49, whose family has been in the roofing business for four generations, chose not to install solar on his rooftop. "I'm a roofer who doesn't want rooftop solar," he said, explaining that he didn't want to have to remove the array when the roof reached its life expectancy.

So, Dunleavy said, he found a plot with good southern exposure on his 1.6 acre lot on Sugars Bridge Road. His plan was to run underground conduit from there and connect to a two-way meter that would be installed at his home. Any electricity he wasn't using would be fed back into the grid, reducing his monthly power bill.

His design calls for 48 solar panels. The array would connect to two inverters, which change direct current produced from the panels into alternating current that can be used in his home. He got township approval.

Trouble is, the grid near his home is based on an older Peco 4,000-volt distribution circuit, and the utility has been upgrading to 13,000 -volt circuits.

Dunleavy knew Peco would have to upgrade a nearby transformer to accommodate the power from his array, and he's willing to pay for that. But, he believes he's also going to pay for upgrades on Sugars Bridge and Clayton Roads that aren't just for him, but also could be for future growth.

Peco's engineering study found six upgrades that had to be made. That included changes to transformers, capacitors on poles, upgrading a buried line, and work at a nearby substation.

Contrary to what some believe, Peco spokesman Doug Oliver said, the utility encourages solar. But it needs time to get the distribution system caught up. Oliver said Peco has received 5,500 requests for solar installations across its entire system and more than 93 percent have been approved.

"It's popular, and we recognize it's something our customers are trying to do," he said. "We want to be responsive as possible."

But, he said, the utility has to ensure the safety of the system.

"When someone connects a solar system, they're putting voltage into our system," Oliver said. "On our 4,000-volt system there's much less room for additional voltage. So in some scenarios people on a 4,000-volt system will have no problem connecting. But with each new customer, you're pushing closer to what the limits are."

He said Peco is continually upgrading its distribution system, so the issue should be addressed over time. For now, though, he said it isn't fair to pass the cost of one customer's solar needs onto others.

"We spend a fair amount of time trying to figure out how to be the utility of the future, how to be your grandchildren's utility, rather than your grandfather's," Oliver said. "And that means anticipating what your customers want. We recognize there's a shift there. The goal is to make sure that everyone that wants access to solar gets it."

Dunleavy's problem comes as Pennsylvania is seeking to generate 10 percent of all electricity in the state through solar by 2030. Currently, less than 1 percent of electricity is solar-generated, far less than in many other states. Pennsylvania is ranked 27th in the number of homes powered by solar, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

So the state has launched the Finding Pennsylvania's Solar Future initiative with a $550,000 grant from U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative. The state Department of Environmental Protection has hosted meetings with more than 100 people from state and local governments, consumer groups, and utilities, as well as solar experts and academics, regarding the 30-month project. But a draft plan isn't expected until 2018.

Deborah Klenotic, a DEP spokeswoman, said the agency is "aware of the challenge these costs can pose for homeowners eager to install solar arrays." She said it's a point of discussion within the solar initiative.

But Dunleavy believes the future is now.

"I see solar just beyond the cusp," Dunleavy says. "Why can't I have it now? I'm willing to invest in it. I'm passionate about it."
A long line for American Airlines customer service at the Philadelphia Airport. Read more

Our smiles said it all.

My cousins Mary Ann and Chrissy and I posed for an early morning selfie in Terminal C at Philadelphia International Airport shortly after 7:30 Wednesday morning, fittingly wearing Hollywood smiles.

We were headed to our beloved Southern California, a second home for us East Coast Mastrulls.

But life disappoints at times. On Wednesday, life and American Airlines delivered a doozy that went on and on and on. Thirty-eight hours.

I wrote much of this on Thursday morning, when we were still in Philly more than a day after American Airlines Flight 597 was supposed to lift off, bound for LAX.

One family dinner missed; a "date" with my 5-year-old cousin Carter to watch The Lego Batman Movie, under the stars in Burbank, and then go for ice cream, also scrapped.

That's because after a couple of canceled flights, we spent a second full day at PHL to await a 5:30 p.m. flight that was to get us to Los Angeles around 8:30 p.m. Thursday. It didn't take off then, either.

A second day with family lost. A second day at the house we rented gone unused.

This nonvacation vacation stalled early Wednesday when we were supposed to begin boarding at Gate C27, but instead were told there was a mechanical problem and to sit tight.

As the delay grew, we watched another flight to L.A. depart from the gate next to ours.

More waiting ensued with few updates.

Then came word that a part had been found, with one big problem  no one to install it.

More waiting. A lunch of soft pretzels, trail mix, licorice, and chocolate bark.

More waiting. Then rain, thunder, and lightning.

Then, mechanics were found, but they couldn't go out to the plane because of the lightning.

Then, all traffic in and out of the airport was halted because of the storm.

And yet, American Airlines kept us hoping.

The sun came out, the mechanics installed the needed part, but unfortunately were unable to plug one giant hole  the empty cockpit.

So began a search for a pilot and crew to operate the plane and tend to the passengers.

As carts of sandwiches, chips, and cookies were wheeled in for the hungry and disheartened in Terminal C, tempers started to flare.

And the line to the customer service counter grew longer and longer  past the seating area, Auntie Anne's, Popeyes, and Chickie's & Pete's, with passengers from other flights now delayed because of storms wreaking havoc throughout the Northeast.

The wait in that line was, for some, three hours.

Starbucks sold out of most everything and was short-staffed, not expecting hundreds to be stranded during a casual Wednesday evening in summer.

But finally, seven hours after our flight was to have taken off, I got an email from American Airlines. Finally, an apology and recompense, I figured.

I figured wrong.

It was a marketing effort, an attempt to sell me miles! Sell me something.

What poor timing. What not to do in a business crisis. What an example of disconnect between the business plan and what's going on on the tarmac or, in our case, not going on.

I was willing to forgive when the answer to Flight 597's prayers seemed to arrive.

A gate attendant stood before the frustrated, weary masses pressed up to the counter and declared: "We are getting you a new aircraft from Dallas. We will get you to Los Angeles tonight. It will leave from Gate C30."

A cheer went up. Then a rush for backpacks, purses, and our new gate. That short trek from C27 to C30 felt like a victory walk. A short-lived victory.

Ten minutes later, an agent told us the promised flight was canceled.

Raised voices. Wild gesticulating. Cursing. And then to the phones I went, where a soft-spoken angel named Mary worked for a half-hour, thanking me for my patience, to find my cousins and me flights Thursday morning to Austin, Texas, where we would get on a connection to L.A. I called her a lifesaver.

To a cab we went, to get five hours of sleep before returning for our 9:15 a.m. departure. All smiles again.

Until we got to the airport and learned our flight to Austin had been canceled sometime before 2 a.m.

Back to the phones.

After reading my complaint, an American rep at noon Thursday said she had put 10,000 more frequent-flier miles into my account.

Next came an email sporting an "Aviator Redemption Guide" from my American MasterCard offering me ways to spend my miles.

And finally, minutes before boarding, a text arrived to one of my cousins indicating American intends to send each of us a voucher. Later the airline would clarify this, saying we could have either a $200 voucher or 10,000 frequent-flier miles, not both.

By 5:15 p.m., we had finally boarded Flight 717. Then came an announcement that there would be a delay in backing away from the gate due to a problem with the door handle. An hour later, the airline announced that it was taking the plane out of service. So we all got off. At the time, the airline said it didn't know what it was going to do.

A little after 7 p.m., we were all moved to Gate A12 to await an 8:30 departure. And in a repeat of Wednesday night, the airline wheeled out a free snack cart of sandwiches and chips.

This time, success! Boarding was completed by 8:30 and we all settled back for a 5-hour flight that would get us to L.A. around 11. Then we waited on the runway, and waited some more.

Finally, we took off just after 9:30  38 hours later than we originally planned. We landed at 11:30 p.m., L.A. time, and found, waiting for us in baggage claim, our luggage, which we had checked Wednesday morning and was sent to LAX on an early-morning flight Thursday.
James Close, 45, of Abington Township, pleaded guilty to recording secret videos of naked female patients at a dermatology office in Bucks County. Read more

A former Penn Medicine nurse pleaded guilty Friday to secretly recording several undressed female patients, including a 17-year-old, at the Bucks County dermatology office where he worked.

James Close, 45, of Abington, entered the plea before Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr., who deferred Close's sentencing for at least 90 days as he awaits a sex-offender evaluation.

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"I think it is a step toward closure," Robert J. Mongeluzzi, a lawyer for three of the victims, said Friday. "Obviously, there was a system failure in how an institution could have put a male nurse in a situation with females unsupervised."

Close was charged in February with recording the nude teenager at Penn Medicine Dermatology in Yardley. Then police took a look at Close's iPhone and found 18 videos of seven other female patients between the ages of 20 and 70. Police said those videos appeared to have been recorded between Jan. 18 and Feb. 13, the day Close was arrested.

Close's attorney, Ellis B. Klein, said his client admitted guilt from the start and had been upfront with police since his arrest.

"He has been nothing but remorseful since day one," Klein said. "He never intended to put these victims through a trial."

In court Friday, Close appeared to be ashamed, as he has throughout the case, Klein said.

Mongeluzzi  who represents the 17-year-old, a woman in her 50s, and another in her 60s  said the teenager attended Friday's proceedings at the Doylestown courthouse with her parents, but it was not easy.

"It is difficult to face and see the person who shattered that trust" in medical professionals, Mongeluzzi said. "That was demolished when [Close] invaded her privacy."

On Feb. 13, Lower Makefield police responded to the dermatology office at 1000 Floral Vale Blvd. The teenager had discovered Close's phone on the floor by her feet while she was being treated for a skin condition in a private light-therapy booth. On the screen, she could see a reflection of her nude body. The phone appeared to have been recording for about 25 seconds.

It was later discovered that Close had surreptitiously videoed the girl during four separate visits.

Close was arraigned in March on 48 counts, including sexual abuse of children, endangering the welfare of a child, and invasion of privacy.

"These victims were horrified and embarrassed," Lower Makefield Police Chief Ken Coluzzi said at the arraignment. "Our officers are very upset and disturbed for them. The thought that anyone would take advantage of someone seeking medical attention  frankly, it's disgusting."

Close, a licensed practical nurse and father of two children, is being held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility. He is no longer employed by Penn Medicine.

Staff writers Robert Moran and Ronnie Polaneczky contributed to this article.
Derrick Cosby, 43, was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of Jeremy Chasteen, 31, on July 22, 2017 in Hatfield. Read more

A 43-year-old man was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting last month of a married father of six in Hatfield, authorities said Thursday.

Derrick Cosby, of Orvilla Road in Hatfield, was being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000 bail. Cosby allegedly shot Jeremy Chasteen, 31, in the head after an altercation inside Cosby's residence on July 22.

Cosby called 911 and remained at the scene when police arrived.

Chasteen, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was the owner of First Luv Soul Food restaurant in the East Frankford section of Philadelphia.

Ed Galang, an attorney representing Cosby, released a statement Thursday night on behalf of his client:

"Derrick Cosby is a Navy veteran that has never been in trouble with the law. On the night in question, he was protecting his home and the people in it from a physically imposing, intoxicated individual who was violently wreaking havoc to the people there. He believed that the shooting was justified. Immediately after the shooting, he called 911, remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. We look forward to the day when all of the facts are revealed behind this tragic event."
Avalon's "Little Marble House" in the state of being demolished August 2, 2017. The beachfront mini-mansion, completed in 1999 after two years of construction, was a local tourist attraction because of its unusual facade - it was sided in Carrara marble. Read more

AVALON  Like no other home along the Jersey Shore  with its reinforced steel frame and exterior covered lavishly in Carrara marble  the 4,500-square-foot "Little Marble House" seemed to be built for the ages.

But its lifespan was less than 20 years. The Little Marble House, modeled after a Newport mansion, is a $3.6 million teardown  a victim of its own opulence. More than 7,000 square feet of Carrara marble has been hauled away and the home is now a shell.

"It really belonged in Rhode Island, not here," said Lorraine Pollio, a Lower Gwynedd, Pa., resident who also owns a summer home in Avalon a couple of blocks away. "But now that it's going  I think I'm going to miss it a little."

The unusual looking summer house along Bayberry Road was a smaller scale model of the famous Newport, R.I., "cottage" of William K. Vanderbilt. His was called Marble House and is open to tourists.

So unique was Avalon's three-story rectangular edifice, which featured four 40-foot columns framing its imposing front door, that hundreds of people a day would do a drive-by along the curving narrow street tucked between 40th and 43rd Streets when it was first built in the late 1990s. Around town, it came to be known as the Little Marble House, despite its relatively generous size among the other large beachfront homes on the block.

But now, after work crews spent months painstakingly removing the exterior marble panels, to be sold on the architectural salvage market, all that remains of the house is its three-story tar-paper-sheathed steel and wood frame. Soon, demolition crews will take down the remaining structure to make way for a "spec" home.

It took two years for Main Line residents Andrea and Warren Kantor to have the house built. And it took more than 7,000 square feet of Carrara marble  a high-quality, mostly blue-gray veined white stone often used in notable buildings and monuments that is quarried in the Tuscany region of Italy  to cover the home.

The Kantors wouldn't say at the time how much the house cost to build, but in 1999 when the house was finally ready for occupancy, Carrara marble was selling for about $7 a foot. These days, Carrara marble is fetching about $20 a foot. The Kantors acquired so much of it for their home, that Warren Kantor ended up buying a one-third stake in the company that supplied it, according to published reports.

The couple, who live in a 40,000-square-foot estate home in Villanova called Georgian Manor, decided to downsize their Shore home and originally asked for $12.5 million when they put the Avalon house on the market eight years ago. They now occupy a 3,000-square-foot summer home in neighboring Stone Harbor.

They were unsuccessful in selling Little Marble House on their first try and took it off the market for a time. Several years ago, when they decided to list it again, they reduced the price to $5.5 million and asked Avalon-based Realtor Jack Vizzard, of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors, to find a buyer who would "love it and appreciate it the way they did."

But ultimately, Vizzard said, the property was purchased by a buyer he also represented who does not want to be identified. The new owner paid $3.6 million for it and decided to demolish it. The buyer will build a "more lavish" home on the site with a design "more in keeping with New Jersey's southern Shore region," Vizzard said.

None of the neighboring upscale homes along Bayberry Road are covered in marble. Their exteriors are more typical of Jersey Shore beach houses: mostly cedar siding or stucco facades.

Warren Kantor, a former director of the financial services giant Advanta Corp., is president and chief executive officer of Society Hill Capital Management Corp., and when the couple decided to have their Little Marble House built, they were looking for anything but typical when it came to designing the home.

Andrea Kantor, a lawyer by trade who is the daughter of a prominent New York City catering family, said in a 1999 interview with the Inquirer that she researched the oceanfront grand manors between Maine and Florida and decided she was most impressed by the mansions of Newport.

The Kantors could not be reached for comment on their decision to sell the Avalon home.

Until the couple built their marble-sheathed manor in Avalon, Vanderbilt's Marble House was the only residential structure in the U.S. covered entirely in marble. It's unclear how many  if any  such homes have been constructed elsewhere in the last two decades.

In the late 1990s, the Kantors commissioned Collingswood-based architect John Oliveri to draw plans for a summer home that mirrored Newport's glamorous mansion on the outside, but was designed for shore vacation living on the inside. The result was a spacious, four-bedroom, six-bathroom home with a living room, dining room, great room, and kitchen. While most of the floors were marble, the floors of the bedrooms were done in wood to provide a warmer feel underfoot, the owners said. An in-ground pool graces the beachfront backyard.

"I didn't want to spend $3 million on a wooden house," Andrea Kantor said at the time. "I have a stone home that I love in Villanova, and I wanted something so wonderful here that I wouldn't mind leaving my home in Villanova to come to it."

Despite the fact that the house seemed to evolve into its own tourist attraction before it was even finished being built, Andrea Kantor said she didn't consider it to be ostentatious and she decorated its interior in a "comfortable" light palette with 19th-century European art and decorative pieces.

Vizzard said on Wednesday, contrary to local speculation, the house did not have to be demolished because it was sinking under the weight of all that marble.

"When it was built, the structure was so heavily reinforced it was said that it could have held 20 tractor trailers," Vizzard said. "The marble had been attached with hurricane clips and the house survived all the floods and storms over all these years intact, including [Hurricane] Sandy, without any issues."
Three and a half years ago, then-Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that the city would spend $4 million to implement a computerized licensing and inspection system that would let people apply for permits online, and let inspectors more easily track applications and violations.

"We'll spend some money, we'll save some money, and we'll make a lot of money," Nutter said at the 2014 news conference.

The program was supposed to be fully functioning by the end of 2015. Instead, it is only halfway done and the bill has topped $10 million.

Around the same time, the city hired a company for $15 million to replace its 30-year-old payroll system and sync it with pensions, benefits, and time management under the same computerized system, all by mid-2015. Already, $23 million has been spent on the project  and it's far from complete.

City officials also wanted to move away from the thousands of Excel pages used to create annual budgets. A $3 million contract was signed to digitize the city's budgeting system and make it more efficient and transparent. After shelling out $1.6 million, they now want to scrap it.

An Inquirer and Daily News review shows four of the city's most critical information technology upgrades have been plagued by cancellations, contractor disputes, years of delays, and other problems. Together, their combined price tag has already swelled $21 million above what city officials initially said they would cost, with no sign of a ceiling.

Such seven-figure blunders rarely get noticed or widely shared with the taxpayers who fund them. Information technology projects are mostly paid through the city's capital budget, which averages about $1.3 billion annually. If one program goes over its projected budget, the money is moved from another initiative that was perhaps under budget.

City officials say overruns and delays are to be expected. "Part of monitoring contracts is monitoring your vendor as you go along," said Rob Dubow, city finance director since 2008. "You are, over time, going to have issues with a variety of vendors. What you have to do is recover when that happens, and that's what we are doing."

Last year, Mayor Kenney hired a chief information officer, Charles Brennan, who administration officials say is supposed to take a more hands-on approach to managing IT projects. Increasing that focus "will help contain costs and provide more accurate costs projections," said the mayor's chief of staff, Jane Slusser.

Philadelphia's stumbles aren't unique. Jim Johnson, founder and chairman of the Standish Group, a firm that analyzes private- and public-sector technology projects, said government projects often fail because they have too much oversight and are too big in scope.

"They like to create these big projects with lots of people and lots of money, and they just don't work," Johnson said.

The Standish Group's analysis of more than 1,200 multimillion-dollar government projects between 2012 and 2016 showed that only 13.6 percent were finished on time and on budget. Thirty percent completely failed. (One was Pennsylvania's $110 million attempt to upgrade its unemployment compensation system  the initiative was $60 million over budget and 45 months behind schedule when the state put an end to it in 2013.)

But complaints about Philadelphia's IT woes  and its slow, costly march into the modern age  have been bubbling. The four programs were part of a $120 million capital investment in city technology that started under Nutter.

At a budget hearing this spring, Councilwoman Helen Gym said she was concerned that the current IT projects "are becoming increasingly more expensive, and as they become increasingly delayed, they become immediately irrelevant."

In a letter last month to the chief information officer, City Controller Alan Butkovitz warned that "Philadelphia has a history of jumping into costly projects and failing its citizens when it comes to operating in the 21st century."

"This is a trend that cannot continue," he wrote.

Pointing to Philadelphia's outdated and technology-challenged property assessment system, Councilman Mark Squilla noted the city is losing money and keeping its citizens from getting tax breaks they may deserve.

"Values that are properly assessed would be a big bonus to residents and business. They are supposed to be doing assessments every year," Squilla said. "The [upgrade] costs keep running on, which means every year we have to allocate additional dollars to a system that should have already been up and running."

That was supposed to all change 11 years ago, when the city embarked on a new computerized system called Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA).

"We're not using anything from that"



CAMA's purpose was to allow annual valuation updates on all city properties, which should lead to more accurate assessments and tax bills.

In 2006, the Board of Revision of Taxes signed a contract with Colorado CustomWare Inc. to implement the system.

Five years later, and after paying the company $4.3 million, the Nutter administration agreed to end the contract. What did the city get for its investment? No one could say.

Carla Pagan, the Board of Revision of Taxes executive director who signed the settlement agreement, told a reporter last week to ask "the lawyers that negotiated that deal." Shelley Smith, city solicitor when the settlement was reached, said she did not recall its details or why the contract ended.

Dubow, the finance director back then, also was stumped. "I don't think a lot of us know any of the details other than we know we're not using anything from that," he said.

Still, the city trudged on. Shortly after signing the 2011 settlements, the Nutter administration took responsibility for property assessments and created the Office of Property Assessment. In 2015  two years after the controversial Actual Value Initiative, which reassessed all properties at market value  it again tried to create a CAMA system, and budgeted $4.7 million to do so.

Thomson Reuters won the bid and the city started negotiating the details of a contract. Then, according to city officials, Thomson Reuters pushed the start date of CAMA until September 2018, much later than the city had requested. So, the city walked away and started the bid process all over again, delaying the project further.

In April, the city signed a $7 million contract with Plano, Texas-based Tyler Technologies to help launch the CAMA system. It's expected to go live at the end of 2019.

A partial eCLIPSE?

Attempts to modernize the licensing system have endured similar twists. In January 2014, Nutter announced a $4 million project known as eCLIPSE (Electronic Commercial Licensing, Inspection and Permit Services Enterprise) for the Department of Licenses and Inspections. The hope was that it would enable contractors and residents to apply online for permits  instead of using paper forms  and give city inspectors instant access to such licenses and any violations in one online system.

The project was to be rolled out in four phases, ending in December 2015. Instead, the implementation is ongoing  and the bill has grown to at least $10.7 million.

David Perri, L&I commissioner, said increased costs are due to the city's adding a data warehouse and other tools not outlined in the initial contract.

Perri noted that just the half-completed eCLIPSE system has generated $12 million in revenue because it helps inspectors scour Revenue Department records and identify tax delinquents. Business and rental license applicants are barred from getting approved until they settle their tax bills. In years past, with a paper system across several offices, those cross-checks fell through the cracks.

"Folks were getting different permits without getting clearance on their taxes," he said.

A bankruptcy disrupts

Perhaps no project has been as tortured as OnePhilly, an initiative to connect city personnel, pension and benefits data and payroll under the same system.

The project was launched in 2014 with Colorado-based Ciber Inc. as the lead vendor, a $15.3 million capital budget and a July 2015 target for completion.

Two years later, it's still in flux. Taxpayers have paid $19.3 million to Ciber and other vendors involved in the project, including $8.5 million in Oracle software licensing fees. The city also spent $3.7 million for 10 employees dedicated to that project. In April, Ciber filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy , and was purchased by a Michigan company, HTC Global, in June.

City spokesman Mike Dunn said the city expects to pay HTC Global an additional $2.6 million to finish what Ciber started. But even after that, the city still needs to figure out how to complete the full project. So the current $25.6 million price tag for OnePhilly will likely grow.

'Over their head'

Finally, there's the budgeting system. The city contracted CGI Group Inc., a Montreal-based vendor, to create a performance-based budgeting system to replace the thousands of spreadsheets currently used to put together its annual $4 billion operating budget and $9 billion six-year capital budget.

According to the July 17 letter from Butkovitz to Brennan, the city has paid CGI $1.6 million  but there is nothing to show for it.

The city wouldn't comment on the CGI contract other than to say both sides are negotiating a "resolution." Butkovitz has launched an investigation into the matter.

"The recurring failures," he said, "indicate that they're over their head in dealing with this."
WASHINGTON  This week's news that Robert S. Mueller III has begun using a grand jury in federal court in Washington, as part of his investigation into possible coordination between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign, further boxes in the president and makes it more politically difficult to justify firing the special counsel.

 If President Trump ever lost the support of Sen. Thom Tillis (R., N.C.), he just might be doomed. A former state House speaker, Tillis is a reliable Republican apparatchik whose vote party leadership can count on. So it was a big deal this week when he introduced legislation with a Democratic colleague, Chris Coons of Delaware, to prevent Trump from firing Mueller without cause.

Tillis, known as a savvy political strategist, is clearly thinking ahead to what he realizes will be a very difficult reelection campaign in 2020. "It is critical that special counsels have the independence and resources they need to lead investigations," he said in a news release.

The first-term senator toppled Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan in one of the nastiest and most expensive races of the 2014 midterm cycle. Trump carried the Tar Heel State last November by 4 points, and everyone expects it will be one of the key battlegrounds next time.

"Our polls and others have found that Tillis has never been able to strengthen his position after going into office unpopular on the heels of winning a 'lesser of two evils' election where he got by largely based on the political climate," said Raleigh-based Democratic pollster Tom Jensen, who runs Public Policy Polling. "The landscape is likely to be a lot different in 2020 unless things really turn around for the Trump administration, so it's wise for Tillis to take steps that might make him look like 'not just another Republican' to appeal to Democrats and independents. Democrats still have about a 10-point registration advantage in North Carolina. So some reasonable threshold of crossover support is necessary for Tillis to win, and he hasn't done a lot since getting elected that crosses across party lines. This seems like a smart step in that direction for him."

North Carolina's other Republican senator, Richard Burr, has already been leading the intelligence committee's inquest into Russian interference. And many in the state remain proud of the role that the late Sen. Sam Ervin famously played during the Watergate investigation.

 Sens. Lindsey O. Graham (R., S.C.) and Cory Booker (D., N.J.) introduced a separate proposal of their own this week to protect Mueller. "The two proposals . . . each seek to check the executive branch's ability to fire a special counsel, by putting the question to a three-judge panel from the federal courts. They differ in when that panel gets to weigh in on the decision," the Post's Karoun Demirjian explains. "Tillis and Coons' proposal would let the firing proceed according to current regulations . . . but the fired special counsel would have the right to contest the administration's decision in court. In that scenario, the judges panel would have two weeks from the day the special counsel's case is filed to complete their review and determine whether the termination was acceptable. . . . Both senators, as well as Graham, said they expect they may merge their efforts after lawmakers return to Washington in September. . . . The lawmakers are not expecting that the president will like or support either proposal . . . But they say they are convinced that there is enough support to pass such a law, even over Trump's objections."

 Just how little do Senate Republicans trust Trump at this point? Before adjourning for summer recess Thursday afternoon, the chamber agreed by unanimous consent to block the president from being able to make any recess appointments while they're out of town.

This was done so that Trump cannot fire Jeff Sessions as attorney general and then appoint someone without Senate confirmation who would be willing to fire Mueller. Sessions recused himself from the Russia probe after not being forthcoming during his confirmation hearing about contacts he had during the campaign with the Russian government. That leaves the decision over whether to fire Mueller to the deputy attorney general, Rod J. Rosenstein, who says he would not do it without cause. But if Trump replaced Sessions with a new AG who was not conflicted out, that person could ax Mueller.

To head that off, GOP leaders scheduled nine "pro-forma" sessions over the next month. In other words, the Senate will be gaveled in for roughly a minute or so every three days between now and when lawmakers return after Labor Day. Legally this means that they will not be adjourned, The Hill explains.

Republicans used this same tactic last year to prevent Barack Obama from trying to put Merrick Garland on the Supreme Court with a recess appointment.

 Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa), a friend of Sessions, already said last week that he would not make time in the Senate schedule to consider a new attorney general nominee.

 There are other reasons that Sessions also appears safe for now. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly called the AG on Saturday to tell him that his job is secure, per the Associated Press. He reassured him that the president does not plan to go through with firing him, even though he just spent the better part of two weeks publicly pressuring him to resign almost every day. If Trump tried to oust Mueller, would Gen. Kelly really put his own integrity on the line and be a party to that? Or would he pack his bags?

 Trump is Trump, though, so you can never say never.

During a rally in West Virginia Thursday night, the defiant president dismissed allegations of collusion between his campaign and Russia as "a total fabrication." "It's just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics," he said. "Trump made no mention of Mueller in his remarks but seemed to reference his and congressional investigations into the matter, saying: 'I just hope the final determination is truly an honest one,'" per the Post's John Wagner. "He said that instead of looking at his campaign, prosecutors should be looking into his Democratic opponent from last year . . . The crowd chanted 'lock her up!' in return."

 Reacting to reports about the grand jury on Fox News Thursday night, meanwhile, Trump personal attorney Jay Sekulow insisted that "the president is not thinking about firing Robert Mueller." "So the speculation that's out there is just incorrect," he told Neil Cavuto.

Every time a Trump lawyer or White House official says something like that publicly, it's harder to justify getting rid of Mueller down the road. A good case would be made that the president changed his mind because of some meaningful development in the investigation. That would look like Trump is trying to interfere with the justice system, which would further inflame public opinion against him. Again, that doesn't mean the president would not take his chances and try such a gambit if he was really desperate. But there's now a batch of clips from Sekulow that would be difficult to explain away.

What you need to know about the grand jury

 The Wall Street Journal's Del Quentin Wilber and Byron Tau scooped that Mueller impaneled the grand jury several weeks ago and described it as "a sign that Mr. Mueller's inquiry is ramping up and that it will likely continue for months": "Before Mr. Mueller was tapped in May to be special counsel, federal prosecutors had been using at least one other grand jury, located in Alexandria, Va., to assist in their criminal investigation of Michael Flynn . . . That probe, which has been taken over by Mr. Mueller's team, focuses on Mr. Flynn's work in the private sector on behalf of foreign interests. 'This is yet a further sign that there is a long-term, large-scale series of prosecutions being contemplated and being pursued by the special counsel,' said University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck. 'If there was already a grand jury in Alexandria looking at Flynn, there would be no need to reinvent the wheel for the same guy. This suggests that the investigation is bigger and wider than Flynn, perhaps substantially so.'"

 Reuters added that the grand jury has already agreed to issue subpoenas in connection with the June 2016 meeting that included Trump's son, son-in-law and a Russian lawyer. Karen Freifeld and John Walcott did not specify who specifically got the subpoenas.

 The Post swiftly confirmed the Journal's reporting. Carol D. Leonnig, Sari Horwitz and Matt Zapotosky elaborate: "A White House adviser said the president and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, had not received subpoenas, nor had the White House. Members of the president's legal team met with Mueller three weeks ago to express their desire to work with his investigators. Ty Cobb, whom Trump appointed as White House special counsel, said of the grand jury: 'This is news to me, but it's welcome news to the extent it suggests that it may accelerate the resolution of Mr. Mueller's work. The White House has every interest in bringing this to a prompt and fair conclusion. As we've said in the past, we're committed to cooperating fully with Mr. Mueller.'

"In federal cases, a grand jury is not necessarily an indication that an indictment is imminent or even likely. Instead, it is a powerful investigative tool that prosecutors use to compel witnesses to testify or force people or companies to turn over documents."

Leonnig, Horwitz, and Zapotosky outline four reasons Mueller might have chosen to use a grand jury in the District, instead of sticking with the one in Alexandria, Va.:

"The special counsel's office is located in Southwest D.C.  much closer to the federal courthouse in the city  "Mueller also had previously worked in the U.S. attorney's office in D.C., giving him some familiarity with the courthouse and the judges . . . "Many of the potential crimes Mueller's team is investigating would have occurred in the District, such as allegations that Trump aides or advisers made false statements in disclosure records or lied to federal agents. The Post has previously reported that Mueller is investigating whether the president tried to obstruct justice leading up to his firing of (James) Comey. . . . "Others said the choice could reflect Mueller's reputation for planning ahead and gaming out a possible trial. He could have better chances convicting aides to Trump in a city in which 90 percent of voters supported Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016."

 Federal investigators "have seized on Trump and his associates' financial ties to Russia as one of the most fertile avenues for moving their probe forward," CNN's Evan Perez, Pamela Brown and Shimon Prokupecz also reported Thursday: "Sources described an investigation that has widened to focus on possible financial crimes, some unconnected to the 2016 elections, alongside the ongoing scrutiny of possible illegal coordination with Russian spy agencies. . . . Even investigative leads that have nothing to do with Russia but involve Trump associates are being referred to the special counsel . . . The web of financial ties could offer a more concrete path toward potential prosecution than the broader and murkier questions of collusion in the 2016 campaign, these sources said. . . . [The] FBI is reviewing financial records related to the Trump Organization, as well as Trump, his family members, including Donald Trump Jr., and campaign associates. They've combed through the list of shell companies and buyers of Trump-branded real estate properties and scrutinized the roster of tenants at Trump Tower reaching back more than a half-dozen years. They've looked at the backgrounds of Russian business associates connected to Trump surrounding the 2013 Miss Universe pageant. CNN could not determine whether the review has included his tax returns."

 Meanwhile, acting FBI director Andrew McCabe told several top officials at the bureau to consider themselves "possible witnesses" in any investigation into whether Trump engaged in obstruction of justice. Vox's Murray Waas reports: "McCabe has told colleagues that he too is a potential witness in the probe of whether Trump broke the law by trying to thwart the FBI's Russia investigation . . . Two senior federal law enforcement officials have told me that the new revelations illustrate why they believe the potential case against Trump is stronger than outsiders have thought. 'What you are going to have is the potential for a powerful obstruction case,' a senior law enforcement official said. 'You are going to have the [former] FBI director testify, and then the acting director, the chief of staff to the FBI director, the FBI's general counsel, and then others, one right after another. This has never been the word of Trump against what [Comey] has had to say. This is more like the Federal Bureau of Investigation versus Donald Trump.'"

 "Flynn filed an amended federal financial disclosure report late Thursday providing new details about his contracts with the Trump presidential transition, a company connected to an Iranian American businessman, and the parent company of a data science firm that worked for the Trump campaign," the Post's Tom Hamburger and Matea Gold report. In a letter accompanying the revised disclosure, Flynn says his initial disclosure reports were filed under "rushed circumstances," and were not afforded customary consultation and review by White House counsel and the Office of Government Ethics, since he was no longer a White House employee at the time.

 "In a previous disclosure . . . Flynn reported receiving nearly $68,000 in fees and expenses from Russia-related entities in 2015. In addition to the Russia-related income, Thursday's filing showed that Flynn received at least $5,000 as a consultant to a project to build nuclear power plants in the Middle East."

 "The updated disclosure also confirms that Flynn had agreed to work with the SCL Group, at the time the British parent company of Cambridge Analytica, a data science company [was] hired by [Trump's] campaign. One of Cambridge's main financiers is [Robert Mercer]."

 "The largest source of income disclosed is $140,000 for Flynn's work as an adviser and consultant to Minneapolis-based NJK Holding Corp. That firm is led by Nasser Kazeminy, an Iranian-born businessman now living in the United States." (For context, Flynn received about $28,000 from the Trump presidential transition.) "NJK funds a technology firm called GreenZone Systems to which Flynn serves as vice chairman," Tom and Matea report. "GreenZone is led by Bijan Kian, Flynn's business partner in Flynn Intel, a company now under scrutiny for its role in lobbying work for a Dutch-based business linked to the government of Turkey."

Marc Kasowitz, the New York lawyer whose role has been downsized but continues to represent Trump in the Russia investigations, has also been retained by Sberbank  a Russian state bank being sued in federal district court in Manhattan.The New York Times's Andrew E. Kramer reports: "The bank is being sued by a Russian businessman, Sergey P. Poymanov, who has sparred with it for years in Russian courts.  The potential for Russia's meddling elsewhere  in American courts  has raised concerns among Mr. Poymanov's lawyers, who are not convinced that Mr. Kasowitz's ties to Mr. Trump played no role in Sberbank's choosing him."

How Thursday nights news is playing on social media

From the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee:

The former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, who got fired after being told by Trump that he'd be kept on, said impaneling a grand jury is to be expected:

From the chief ethics lawyer in George W. Bush's White House from 2005 to 2007:

From a former spokesman in Obama's Justice Department:

Many rank-and-file House Democrats had a field day. From a Texas congressman who has been calling for Trump's impeachment:

From a California Democrat:

Everything is happening so fast  or at least that's how it feels trying to follow politics these days. You've seen the headlines about President Trump and his policies  but what do they mean for Philadelphia? What does that mean for you? We've launched a newsletter to explore just that. You can sign up to get the weekly Trumpadelphia newsletter in your inbox every Tuesday.
With a tap of the thumb, President Donald Trump on Friday invited speculation that he or a family member could be indicted by a federal grand jury whose existence was reported a day earlier by the Wall Street Journal.

The president retweeted a video clip from the Fox & Friends morning show, his favorite, in which the hosts and guest Jeanine Pirro  "Judge Jeanine" on Fox and a longtime Trump friend  cast an investigation of possible coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, led by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, as a politically motivated witch hunt.

That the president would endorse such a view is unsurprising, but it seemed odd that he would call the attention of his 35 million followers to what came next  a discussion of indictments.

"This is an agenda," Pirro said, "and my concern is if they end up with an indictment against a family member just to, you know, just to get at Donald Trump when they couldn't get at him, there's going to be real uproar, a real uprising in this country."

"Who says they can't get at him?" replied host Brian Kilmeade.

"Look, I was a prosecutor for 32 years," Pirro answered. "You can indict a ham sandwich."

The clear implication was that indictments against Trump or a family member would be unjustified. Yet Fox & Friends presented them as real possibilities.

Why would the president voluntarily lend credence to that notion?

It is too early to gauge the likelihood that a grand jury impaneled in Washington several weeks ago as part of Mueller's investigation will indict anyone. Fox & Friends was just doing what cable news shows do  looking ahead to one possible outcome and filling airtime by chatting about it. In this case, the Trump-friendly program's goal was to preemptively delegitimize any indictment that might be handed down.

That makes sense for TV talkers, but for Trump to entertain the prospect of an indictment is an unforced error that plants questions about whether he has any reason to think an indictment might be coming. A more prudent strategy would be to project confidence that he has nothing to worry about because he did nothing wrong.

Trump's retweet also is striking in the context of reports that his new chief of staff, John F. Kelly, is trying to help him steer clear of trouble by restricting the information that reaches the president. A front-page story in Friday's New York Times put it like this:

"Mr. Kelly, 67, has told his new employees that he was hired to manage the staff, not the president. He will not try to change Mr. Trump's Twitter or TV-watching habits. But he has also said he wants to closely monitor the information the president consumes, quickly counter dubious news stories with verified facts, and limit the posse of people urging Mr. Trump to tweet something they feel passionately about."

It appears that Kelly has a sober grasp of his limitations  which were on full display hours after the Times published its report, as Trump tweeted something he saw on TV.

The question is whether Kelly's managerial discipline can make up for the things (or the thumbs) he can't control.

Everything is happening so fast  or at least that's how it feels trying to follow politics these days. You've seen the headlines about President Trump and his policies  but what do they mean for Philadelphia? What does that mean for you? We've launched a newsletter to explore just that. You can sign up to get the weekly Trumpadelphia newsletter in your inbox every Tuesday.
Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella and Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, fresh off signing a short-term line of credit Thursday to help the state pay its bills, urged legislators to quickly balance the budget or risk placing the commonwealth in a precarious financial position.

The $750 million line of credit, signed by Torsella and DePasquale, both Democrats, covers the 10-day stretch from Aug. 14 to 23. Without it, Torsella said, the state's primary bank account, known as the general fund, would dip into negative numbers.

While some transfers are normal, Torsella said, the timing of this one  six weeks into the fiscal year  is "extraordinary and without precedent."

"Cash-flow borrowing this early and of this magnitude has not happened in the last 25 years," Torsella said in a statement. "As a state, we once again find ourselves in uncharted waters, not only having to borrow so early in the fiscal year, but doing so with an underlying general fund budget that is not yet balanced."

He said he was worried that unless legislators take swift action to balance the budget, it could become more difficult for the treasury to make similar loans in the future. The state, which has already received a warning from Standard & Poor's, could face a credit downgrade, he added.

On June 30, the legislature passed a nearly $32 billion spending plan, but no way to pay for it. Since then, negotiators have been tasked with plugging a $1.5 billion shortfall in the last fiscal year and a $700 million deficit in the one that began July 1.

Gov. Wolf allowed the spending plan to lapse into law without his signature.

The Democratic governor, during an interview Thursday in the Capitol Rotunda with radio station WITF-FM, said he "wanted to try to get both of these things done, and I thought by just letting it become law rather than signing it, we could wait the 10 days and hope that within that 10-day period the revenue package would be passed by the Senate and the House."

But that didn't happen. Last week, nearly a month past the June 30 deadline, the Senate approved a series of bills that would balance the budget in part by taxing drilling for natural gas, and by raising or imposing new taxes on telephone, electric, and gas bills. Exactly whom to tax and how much have been sticking points in budget negotiations  with Wolf and some key leaders in the Republican-controlled often ending up on different sides of those talks.

Senate Republican leaders, who also have a majority in their chamber, said they voted on the budget bills last week because they were concerned about the state's finances.

"The commonwealth's revenue situation is dire and the Senate worked efficiently to address it," President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R., Jefferson) said in a statement. "Difficult decisions were made, and we certainly did not come to the components of the revenue package lightly."

The budget bills passed by the Senate still require approval by the House, which has not set plans for a return, though it did tell members to prepare to come back by the end of the month.

DePasquale echoed many of Torsella's concerns about the timing of the loan and the potential for a credit downgrade.

"My concern goes beyond the cash-flow problem that indicates the state's unaddressed structural deficit," he said in a statement. "I am concerned that schools and county agencies across the state are once again worried about funding uncertainties."

He urged the House to return next week.

"And once they are back," he said, "the House and Senate leadership and the governor should immediately lock themselves in a room and work until they figure out a way to provide Pennsylvanians with a balanced budget."

Wolf, during his radio interview, said: "Most of the actors here have bought into the bill that came out of the Senate. It's a matter for the House, basically Republican leadership, to sign onto that. We just need to get this done, and I think everybody who's working here wants to do that."

Steve Miskin, spokesman for the House Republicans, who control the House calendar, said that while plans for a return have not been set, some House leaders have been discussing the Senate bills.

"Honestly," Miskin said, "the biggest point is, if we do have a credit downgrade, it is because of the governor's $1.5 billion deficit spending spree from last year, and that is a huge hole that, unfortunately, Pennsylvania taxpayers are going to have to fill."
We've seen people leave politics and enter the media. Sometimes we see the reverse: case in point, Elizabeth Fiedler.

Fiedler, who spent the last 10 years as a reporter at WHYY, left the NPR affiliate last month so she could consider an entrance into South Philadelphia politics.

"The response I've received from people in and around my neighborhood has been really overwhelming," Fiedler said. City & State PA was first to report on Fiedler's interest in entering city politics.

So far, the 37-year-old former journalist isn't fully committing to a run for office. But all signs point to Fiedler, who has set up campaign-oriented social media accounts and recently attended a progressive political candidate training session in Washington, challenging longtime State Rep. William F. Keller, who has represented the 184th District since 1992, in the 2018 Democratic primary..

"I live in the 184th. I'm exploring the 184th," Fiedler said. She and her family moved to the South Philadelphia district last year.

In recent years, Fiedler was most often heard reporting on the WHYY health show The Pulse, which airs Fridays at 9 a.m. She previously worked as a politics and community affairs reporter, covering people and events across the city.

"I think my time as a journalist really informs the way I interact with people," Fiedler said. "One skill that good reporters know is listening. You ask a question and listen to what people say."

For Fiedler, health care and education are the two biggest issues facing residents of the 184th District, which includes Pennsport, East Passyunk Crossing, Dickinson Narrows, and other parts of South Philly. On her campaign-style Facebook page, Fiedler shared a recent Inquirer and Daily News story about Philadelphia Electrical and Technology Charter High School, which was founded by labor leader John J. Dougherty.

The story reported that there is no record of any graduate of the school entering Local 98's apprentice training program. Meanwhile, the school employs a number of family members and friends of Dougherty.

Fiedler declined to expand on her Facebook post. Keller, her potential opponent, is on the charter school's board.

Keller did not return multiple requests for comment.

Fiedler isn't the only primary challenger the longtime representative is likely to face. Nicholas DiDonato Jr., a retired Philadelphia police detective, has also launched a campaign Facebook page and announced his entrance to the race. Keller hasn't faced a primary opponent since 2008.

"Rep. Keller is not visible in the 184th District and many residents feel as though only small areas of the district are being served," said DiDonato, 48. "He has had 24 years to make things happen. Many residents do not even know him."

DiDonato, who retired from the police force in February 2015 and is now director of security for a school bus company, comes from a family with a footprint in local politics. His father, Nicholas Sr., was a committeeman for 40 years in the 39th Ward, and his uncle is former State Rep. Anthony DiDonato, a Democrat who represented the 185th District from 1975 to 1976.

For DiDonato Jr., chief issues include parking and treatment of the Mummers. He suggests relaxing parking enforcement in neighborhoods where available spots are scarce.

"South Philadelphia has a significant shortage of legal parking available, and enforcement of median parking spaces will only further complicate an already complex issue for residents," DiDonato Jr. said, noting that he supports enforcing violations against drivers who park in ways that impede public safety.

There are no declared or prospective Republican candidates in the district.
George Dreyfus, a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra for nearly 50 years. Read more

George Dreyfus, 97, a violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra for nearly a half-century, died July 22 in Sarasota, Fla. Mr. Dreyfus had lived in Pennsauken and Cherry Hill before his retirement from the orchestra in 2001.

Boston-born to immigrant Jewish parents from Eastern Europe, he was started on violin by an aunt who, with her husband, founded a community music school in Boston for children from working-class families.

Mr. Dreyfus studied with both an aunt and uncle, Sarah and Linwood Scriven, and participated in the summer orchestral program at Tanglewood. He played in the Boston Pops Orchestra before being drafted into the U.S. Army in World War II, reaching the rank of master sergeant. After military service, he married mezzo-soprano Rita Gibson, and the couple moved to Washington, where he played with the National Symphony Orchestra starting in 1948.

He joined the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1953 and was often the first person onstage before a performance, son Laurence Dreyfus said.

Mr. Dreyfus was "at the center of the players' labor activism during contentious years of disputes" in the 1960s, his son said, which resulted in a long strike and, eventually, a 52-week contract. By the time of his retirement, he'd played under Stokowski, Ormandy, Muti, and his "personal favorite," Wolfgang Sawallisch.

Fellow violinist and retired orchestra member Larry Grika called Mr. Dreyfus an "excellent musician" and "a kind, fine, and refined good soul."

He founded and conducted a weekly community orchestra at a Jewish Community Center, taught violin to local students, and supported Camerata Opera Theater, founded and directed by his wife to bring professionally staged opera performances to schools and senior residences in the area.

In addition to his wife and son Laurence, a viol player and musicologist, Mr. Dreyfus is survived by a daughter, violist Karen Dreyfus; son Daniel Dreyfus; five grandchildren; and sister Ethel Tumim. The funeral at Sarasota National Cemetery was private. Donations in his name may be made to Settlement Music School, 416 Queen St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19147.
Last week, I joined former Gov. Ed Rendell in speaking to a few dozen schoolteachers gathered at the National Constitution Center. This was a conference sponsored by the Rendell Center, a not-for-profit that promotes civic education and engagement, founded by the governor and Midge Rendell, a senior U.S. circuit judge. For the last three years, the center has hosted a Constitutional Scholars Institute for social studies teachers from across the United States.

When it was my turn to speak, I told the teachers that I suspected our polarized climate made their jobs more difficult when it comes to teaching current events. The many nods I saw told me I'd struck a nerve. One middle-school teacher in central Pennsylvania raised her hand and shared a story about needing to address one student who imitated the president's use of nicknames by referring to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) as "Pocahontas." After the session ended, I asked for more details by email.

"Like every school, we have an anti-bullying program where we teach the students not to stereotype, not to use derogatory language toward others and yet, here is a presidential candidate, and now president, who is doing all of these things," she wrote.

"The climate in the community and in the school was so sensitive that many teachers, including myself, felt that any negative comments regarding Trump's behavior would be perceived as the teacher making a political statement."

Still, in "good conscience" she thought she could not keep silent. "I would call out the same bad behavior if it was being perpetrated by Hillary Clinton, [Bernie] Sanders, [Ted] Cruz, [John] Kasich," she added.

One day students were discussing the muzzling of Warren's effort to read a letter critical of Jeff Sessions during his confirmation hearing as attorney general. The letter had been written by Coretta Scott King in 1986 when Sessions was nominated for a federal judgeship and entered into the Senate record. But when Warren sought to reintroduce it this year, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) found that it now violated a rule or order prohibiting senators from ascribing to colleagues "any conduct or motive unworthy or unbecoming a senator."

Meanwhile, in a central Pennsylvania classroom, "a male student, who is an avid Trump supporter, made a comment about 'Pocahontas' being told to sit down and he laughed about it," explained the teacher. "That is when I interjected and said something to the effect, 'No, that is not appropriate.' His reply was, 'Why? That's what Trump calls her. What is wrong with calling her Pocahontas?' I explained that Trump uses it in a derogatory way.  He is using it [to] demean Elizabeth Warren. The student didn't challenge me, but I knew him well enough to know that his body language was saying that he thought I was making much ado about nothing."

What a sad commentary that things the president routinely says are inappropriate behavior in school.

Teachers already had a tough job. We ask them to play so many roles once filled at home. And now they must do so in the midst of the most polarized political climate in the modern era. Imagine trying to educate about current events without antagonizing any of the polarized parents in their school community? Of course, the primary responsibility for raising good citizens is with parents. And their job has also become more difficult.

Two days before the Rendell Center event, President Trump spoke at the National Scouts Jamboree in West Virginia. He promised not to talk politics and then did exactly that, trashing his predecessor, bragging about the 2016 election map, and treating the 40,000 gathered as if they were a rally in a red state. Some defended the president by accurately noting that he was well-received. I don't doubt that he received thunderous applause, but that's part of our problem. We need to stop rewarding forces of division.

I find it hard to believe that 10-year-old boys were cheering at the mention of the Electoral College, or when told that Hillary Clinton didn't work hard in Michigan. My hunch is that it was their parents, probably their fathers, whose cheers resounded. Shame on them for encouraging the president in front of a nonpartisan, not-for-profit with an oath that commits its members "to do my duty to  my country."

The youngsters might not have known better, but surely their parents did. Shame on them. And good that the leader of the Boy Scouts apologized for the speech, albeit three days later. What a poor example was set for American youth, and all the more reason to be sympathetic to the challenges faced by teaches like those gathered by the Rendell Center.

Never in the modern era has their job been more difficult and more important. Gone are the days when three different civics and government courses were a standard part of the high school fare. The result? In 2015, a survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center on Civics Knowledge found that one in 10 Americans believes the Bill of Rights includes the right to own a pet. (A great idea, to be sure, but not true.) In 2016, Annenberg found that one-third of Americans could not name a single branch of government.

I'm fast losing faith in the ability of parents and politicians to personify good citizenship. Soon school will be back in session. The teachers might be our last and best line of defense.

Michael Smerconish can be heard 9 a.m. to noon on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124. He hosts "Smerconish" at 9 a.m. Saturdays on CNN. @smerconish
Russian President Vladimir Putin. Recent punitive measures by U.S. against Russia have exposed serious disagreements among the Western allies. Read more

The United States and the European Union used to walk in lockstep when it came to sanctions on Russia. No longer.

The allied efforts begun during the Obama administration were meant to push a resolution of the Ukrainian crisis after Russia's annexation of Crimea and its rather obvious but unacknowledged efforts to destabilize the eastern parts of Ukraine. However, the latest round of punitive measures, passed overwhelmingly by Congress last month and signed Wednesday, albeit reluctantly, by President Trump, exposed serious disagreements among the Western allies.

The measures, fueled in part by a desire to punish Russia for its interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, order new sanctions on companies involved in Russian-financed offshore oil projects and oil and gas pipeline construction. Though Russia is the intended target, European nations and businesses could suffer as well.

That's why senior European politicians, particularly in Germany, have criticized the new sanctions heavily, fearing what they could mean for the local energy industry.

"The U.S. bill could have unintended unilateral effects that impact the EU's energy security interests," EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement. " 'America First' cannot mean that Europe's interests come last."

Criticism in Germany has focused on the sanctions' potential impact on Nord Stream 2, a gas pipeline from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. The almost $11 billion project was expected to be operational by 2019. Business interests from Germany, Austria, France, the Netherlands, and Britain all have a stake in this effort, and new sanctions seem to put its future in doubt.

The German foreign minister, Sigmar Gabriel, has gone so far as to criticize the sanctions as an opportunity for U.S. energy companies to boost their earnings by barring Europeans from doing business with their Russian rivals and also exporting more liquefied natural gas from the United States to Europe.

"Sanction policies are neither a suitable nor an appropriate instrument for promoting national export interests and the domestic energy sector," Gabriel said in a statement. "Our stance remains that we will not accept any extraterritorial use whatsoever of these U.S. sanctions against European companies."

Brigitte Zypries, who followed Gabriel as economy minister, urged "countermeasures" against the United States for the sanctions. "We consider this to be a violation of international law," she said.

Such comments will easily please Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is always up for driving a wedge into transatlantic relations. In fact, the German criticism echoes statements by the Russian leader about the United States' promotion of its own exports.

Politicians and businesspeople, if associated with Russia, like to pretend this is all just about business. It's not.

The EU may actually be more concerned about markets and basic questions about who controls the energy supply. For the Kremlin, energy equals power. Nord Stream is a subsidiary of Gazprom, the Russian energy conglomerate. Moscow has a long and ruthless tradition of using energy policies to enforce political interests. The people of Ukraine and Belarus have experience with this.

Accordingly, some members of the EU, especially those in the eastern part who have distinct and painful memories of dealing with Moscow during Soviet times, do not want to be dependent on Russia for their energy needs. Currently, Russia supplies about a third of gas imports to the EU, with some countries getting 100 percent of this vital resource from the Russians.

From this perspective, U.S. sanctions affecting European companies might have a positive side.

As tensions continue to rise between Russia and the West, the need for a diversified energy portfolio grows more obvious, not only for energy security, but also to fuel stronger competition among the energy giants.

Brussels, home base for the EU, wants to diversify energy supplies and routes but has failed so far. Germany has been putting its own economic interests first. For example, part of the controversy surrounding Nord Stream was that it bypassed other countries.

It was Gerhard Schroeder who put Nord Stream on track while he was chancellor of Germany  and this led to his very well-paid position as chairman of Nord Stream's shareholders committee after he left office. He is also chairman of the board of Nord Stream 2. This association taints members of Schroeder's old party, the German Social Democrats, such as Gabriel and Zypries, with a whiff of scandal.

Clearly, and understandably, the EU doesn't like U.S. interference in its domestic politics, nor does it like being dragged into a trade war between the United States and Russia. And perhaps the United States can do a better job in the future of coordination on sanctions. But the potential bright side of this spat among allies is the realization that the EU must work harder on its energy security, including a diversified supply system. All EU member states should join in developing an advanced and stable energy policy  even if it takes a little nudge from outside to get the ball rolling.

Oliver Bilger, a writer for Berlin's Der Tagesspiegel newspaper, is working with the Inquirer as part of the Arthur F. Burns Fellowship Program. obilger@philly.com
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BBC bosses have issued a safety warning to employees about their in-house stools after one person slipped "a few inches" off one in the canteen.

Despite the incident not being investigated it has prompted an official health and safety warning by a production editor which has been slammed as "bonkers".

A worker was sitting in the canteen at the BBC South West Television Centre in Plymouth when they fell 'a few inches' off the seat.

The BBC boss sent an email to all staff amid claims that the corporation wanted to ward off any compensation claims.

A source from inside the BBC had claimed that the incident resulted in "chuckles" and "banter" but clearly led to concern among bosses once they found out - resulting in the email.

But a BBC Spokesperson told The Herald: "This email was shared with staff to make them aware of a minor incident. We are not investigating it."

The email which discussed the investigation into the dangers of the stool read: "There's been a little accident this lunchtime, where someone fell off one of the stools.

"While we find out more details - and it's probably a good idea anyway - can I ask that you take care when using the stools, because we don't need someone else hurting themselves as well."

A source inside the BBC commented on the email and said: "Bonkers BBC advice to all staff in south west: take care when sitting on a stool.

"It was just a member of staff sitting on a stool in the Plymouth canteen area. Not live on air.

"They slipped off it - prompting the safety warning to beware of stools."
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The number of drug deaths in Plymouth is at its highest for five years, official figures have revealed.

There were 50 drug related deaths in the city between 2014 and 2016  almost seven fatalities for every 100,000 people  according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Its the highest number of deaths from drugs since 2009-11. The citys current death rate of 6.8 is substantially above the average figure for England 4.2.

The figures include deaths related to drug poisoning, involving both legal and illegal drugs, and illegal drug misuse.

Across the country, Drug poisoning deaths have surged to a new record level, driven in part by a jump in fatalities involving cocaine.

Official statistics show 3,744 deaths involving legal and illegal drugs were registered in England and Wales last year  the highest number since comparable records started in 1993.

Of those, 2,593 (69%) were classed as drug misuse deaths.

Statisticians identified a rise in the purity of cocaine as one possible explanation for the increase, which has been logged despite estimates of usage remaining broadly steady.

The ONS report cited a warning from the National Crime Agency that there was a significant increase in both crack and powder cocaine purity in 2016, including at user-level.

This may partly explain the increase in deaths relating to cocaine, the paper added.

The 10 local authorities with the highest mortality rate in 2014-16 from drug misuse are:

Blackpool: 20.1

Neath Port Talbot: 11.6

Burnley: 11.3

Middlesbrough: 11.0

Hartlepool: 10.1

Gosport : 10.0

Barrow-in-Furness: 9.9

Torridge: 9.9

Hastings: 9.8

Swansea: 9.7

A study published earlier this year flagged up unprecedented purity levels for street cocaine.

The report from DrugWise identified a two-tier market, with prices of around 30 to 40 a gram at pub dust purity of roughly 40%, ranging up to approximately 80 for purity in excess of 70%.

In contrast to cocaine, deaths linked to heroin and/or morphine remained stable last year  with 1,209 compared with 1,201 registered in 2015.

There were rises in deaths involving the powerful painkiller fentanyl (from 34 in 2015 to 58 in 2016), paracetamol (from 197 to 219) and new psychoactive substances (NPS) from 114 to 123).

NPS typically mimic traditional drugs such as cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy, and were widely known as legal highs before laws criminalising their production, distribution, sale and supply were introduced last year.

Martin Powell, of the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, described the Home Offices approach as scandalous.

He said: The Government must accept responsibility for record numbers of people dying from overdoses year after year.

Other countries value the lives of vulnerable people who use drugs enough to implement and fund many measures proven to save lives, like decriminalising drug users, safer drug consumption rooms and prescribing heroin.

Rosanna OConnor, of Public Health England, said: It is tragic that we are still seeing an increase in people dying from drug misuse, particularly among older heroin users.

Many of these deaths can be explained as the Trainspotting generation, often with poor physical and mental health, sadly losing their battle with long-term addiction to drugs.

Blackpool recorded the highest rate of drug-related deaths in England and Wales for the sixth consecutive year. There were 79 registered drug poisoning deaths in the seaside town between 2014 and 2016.

Of the 10 local authorities with the highest rates, nine are either near or on the coast.
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Work will begin on a brand new primary school in Plymouth before the end of the year, The Herald can reveal.

Persimmon Homes Cornwall is to build a multi-million pound school as part of its Saltram Meadow development in Plymstock.

It says the construction of the new school, which is is due to be completed by September 2018, will begin months ahead of schedule.

Initially work on the two-form entry school was due to commence on completion of the 900 house at Saltram Meadow, which once completed will include about 1,600 new homes.

But Persimmon has announced that it is bringing the start date forward to November due to "the success of the development".

Persimmon has completed around 350 units at Saltram Meadow.

Daniel Heathcote, director in charge at Persimmon Homes Cornwall, said: "We are delighted to announce that we will be delivering this brand new school well ahead of schedule.

"Saltram Meadow is a major development which has already rejuvenated the area. As well as delivering much-needed homes, we are committed to providing the infrastructure for the new residents as well.

"A key part of that is the school."

The plans for the school have not yet been submitted to the council.

Mr Heathcote added: "We are currently preparing our detailed planning application for the school to create an exceptional learning environment for the children living on the development.

"Part of the school will also have the ability to be cordoned off so that it can be used by other members of the community outside of learning hours."

Persimmon agreed to contribute significant sums on money towards things like highways, education and open spaces through Section 106 agreements - obligations which developers have to meet - during the planning process.

In recent years, Persimmon has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in Plymouth towards things like roads, the local bus service and biodiversity.

The third phase of construction recently began at Saltram Meadow.

There are other new amenities planned for the future, including leisure facilities, new shops and local businesses.
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The police officer investigating fatal crashes in Devon this week says the state or condition of the road were not "a contributing factor" to the tragic incidents.

Sgt Ollie Tayler, lead investigator with the Devon roads policing department, said people need to look at their own driving habits if collisions such as those on Sunday and Monday are to be avoided.

On Sunday a crash near the West Buckland junction on the A361 North Devon Link Road tragically led to the death of a nine-year-old girl . The girl's mother and a seven-year-old child also suffered serious injuries.

Less than 24 hours later, a mother and her 12-year-old twins were killed when their car collided with a lorry  just a few hundred metres away from the previous day's incident.

Sgt Tayler, who is the lead investigator for the crash which occurred on Sunday, said any collision where a death occurs is tragic, but that these two incidents  which involved the death of three children  were particularly so.

Speaking to Devon Live , Sgt Tayler said: "Roads are not inherently dangerous, they only become so when you put drivers on them  people's decisions make them dangerous.

"Both myself and the other officer investigating Monday's fatal crash are not looking at the road as a contributing factor to either crash."

For many years  and more so since both these recent crashes  many have claimed that the design of the road is in itself dangerous and believe it encourages motorists to perform dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.

But Sgt Tayler said it is people who must drive according to the conditions.

He said: "If there are limited overtaking lanes, drivers must exercise patience  does it really matter if you end up reaching your destination five minutes later?

"The engineering of the road is not the answer, education is the answer. No one forces you to speed or use a mobile phone while driving, they are your decisions and they are avoidable.

"People need to learn not to take these chances. It puts themselves and other motorists at risk and the consequences far outweigh the benefits."

Sgt Tayler urged drivers to take more care on the link road, particularly during the summer months.

He said: "Now we are well into the holiday season, there will be tourists driving to North Devon who may not be familiar with the roads and may be driving slower as a result.

"Please exercise patience  it is better to get there late than not at all."

Earlier this week Transport Minister Jesse Norman announced a 5 million upgrade to the surface and drainage of the North Devon Link Road.

Plans are also in the pipeline for a proposed 250 million scheme to upgrade the road between South Molton and Bideford which would include improvements to several junctions.

Councillor John Hart, leader of Devon County Council which is responsible for highways, said: "Our thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in these tragic collisions this week and we are awaiting the results of the Police investigations into the collisions.

"The Government has helped fund our studies into a proposed 250 million scheme to upgrade the route between South Molton and Bideford.

"We are analysing the results of the consultation, which has only just finished, and we have informed the Transport Minister that we will submit an Outline Business Case for improvements to the Department for Transport in December."

Road safety charity Brake urged the improvements to be made as soon as possible.

A spokesman said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends during this very difficult time.

"It is awful to see that this dangerous stretch of road has claimed yet another life, and as a charity that supports road crash victims and their families, we would back any calls to ensure that the safety of this road is improved.

"The government, its agencies and local authorities have a major part to play in tackling crash hotspots. We would also reiterate calls for the introduction of an independent road casualty investigation branch, to help drive down casualties in Britain."

Anyone who witnessed either of the crashes on the North Devon Link Road this week is asked to contact the police on 101 or via Crimestoppers.
A Yuba County, CA, 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 Wednesday. The deputies were called to the scene by the church.

The two deputies were expected to survive after their fellow deputy, 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, later identified as 33-year-old Mark Anthony Sanchez, or hear gunfire while rescuing the pair Tuesday. SWAT team members later found Sanchez dead, likely from shots fired by the deputies, Durfor told the Associated Press, though it's possible they were self-inflicted.

Sanchez 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.
A DeKalb County (GA) police officer was wounded and a suspect was killed in a shootout Wednesday night in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, reports the Associated Press.

News outlets report four DeKalb County police officers confronted the suspect shortly before midnight Wednesday night after responding to several calls of a "demented person" with a weapon.

One officer was shot in the hand and the suspect was struck multiple times.
Wayne State University police officer Sgt. Collin Rose was shot and killed in November. Thursday, a 60-year-old man was charged with the murder. (Photo: Wayne State University PD)

A Detroit man has been charged in connection to the fatal shooting of a Wayne State University police officer in 2016, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced today at a news conference at the university police headquarters.

Sgt. Collin Rose conducted a traffic investigation of Raymond Durham, 60, on Nov. 22, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the area of Lincoln and Brainard Streets in Detroit, and shortly after Rose called for back up, it is alleged that Durham, who was riding a bicycle, shot Rose in the head and fled on foot, according to a news release from the prosecutor's office.

Rose died from the wound the next day.

"We lost a valuable member of our department, we lost a very young officer with a great future in him," said Wayne State University police chief Anthony Holt, at the news conference.

The prosecutor's office is charging Durham with one count each of first-degree premeditated murder; murder of a peace officer; possession of a firearm by a felon; and two counts of felony firearm.

Durham could face life without parole on both the premeditated murder and murder of a peace officer charges, the Detroit Free Press.
Photo: New York State Police/Facebook

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is rerouting New York State troopers to New York City airports and toll plazas from upstate areas that rely on them and bewildering some of the officials charged with carrying out his orders, reports the New York Times.

The deployment of close to 200 troopers has frustrated some police leaders and helped drive out a superintendent, who quit last year as he resisted the governor's efforts to direct more troopers into the city and to influence some promotions, according to four current or former law enforcement officials with intimate knowledge of State Police operations.

The plan by Cuomo is seen by some within the State Police as having more to do with expanding his political footprint than with addressing the needs of law enforcement. Chief among them is the agency's responsibility to patrol and investigate crime across tens of thousands of square miles, from the shores of Lake Erie to the borders with Vermont and Canada.

"The fact they're being assigned to New York City means there's rural parts of New York that are being understaffed and underprotected," said Francis Coots, a former commander of Troop D in Central New York, who retired four months ago. "No one was unprotected, but there was some underprotected."
Erie County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Lundberg (Photo: Facebook/Erie County Sheriff's Office)

An off-duty officer in upstate New York is being praised for saving a man who collapsed while exercising at a gym, reports the Associated Press.

Erie County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Lundberg was working out at the gym in the Buffalo suburb of Cheektowaga Wednesday when he noticed another man exercising had collapsed. Police say Lundberg sprang into action, immediately performing CPR on the unresponsive man.

Lundberg then used an automated external defibrillator to help revive the man. Police say by the time first responders arrived, the man was responsive with a steady heartbeat.
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The more we learn about West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, the less surprising it was that he joined Donald Trump during a campaign event on Thursday and declared that he was switching parties.

During the rally, Justice said, The Democrats walked away from me.

He added: I cant help you any more being a Democrat governor. So tomorrow I will be changing my registration to Republican.

It was a nice photo-op for the governor to be standing next to Trump, who won West Virginia by 42 points last November, but there seems to be more to the story than a simple change of heart.

As the swift and forceful response from the Democratic Governors Association noted, Justice just so happens to owe millions in unpaid taxes after a deal with a Russian coal company.

The full statement:

Jim Justice deceived the voters of West Virginia when he ran as a Democrat 8 months ago, said DGA Executive Director Elisabeth Pearson. West Virginians have learned that they simply cant trust Jim Justice. He will always put his financial interests above the needs of West Virginians. As Republicans have repeatedly said, Jim Justice owes millions of dollars in unpaid company taxes, after a deal with a Russian coal company. The debts have only worsened during Justices term as governor. If President Trump cut a deal, we hope it does not put U.S. taxpayers on the hook to bail out Jim Justices personal finances.

Now that Justice has officially switched over to the same party as Trump, its unclear if Republicans, who had previously criticized him for his financial dealings, will be as eager to do so. After all, most GOP leaders in Washington have repeatedly turned a blind eye to Trumps transgressions.

In any event, its no surprise that both men thought it was necessary to join teams at a time when each of them is under fire.

Unpaid taxes? Sketchy financial dealings? Ties to Russian companies? Its a match made in heaven.
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Hoping to deflect from todays incredible news that Special Counsel Robert Mueller has assembled a grand jury to look into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia, the president whined about Hillary Clintons emails during a rally in West Virginia.

During the good old fashioned Trump tantrum, the president called the Russia investigation a fabrication, apparently missing todays stunning development.

Video:

Pres. Trump: What the prosecutors should be looking at are Hillary Clintons 33,000 deleted emails. https://t.co/rGBQ4UvDI6 pic.twitter.com/VjGB2Spk4H  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) August 3, 2017

Trump whined:

The Russia story is a total fabrication. Its just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics, thats all it is. It just makes them feel better when they have nothing else to talk about. What the prosecutors should be looking at are Hillary Clintons 33,000 deleted emails.

The president can shove his head in the sand and surround himself by his die-hard supporters all he wants, but the Russia story is not a fabrication and nobody cares about Hillary Clintons emails.

What Americans do care about is the fact that the man occupying the Oval Office may have coordinated with a foreign adversary to undermine Americas democratic process  and now he and his administration are working tirelessly to cover it up and throw as many wrenches as possible into the investigation.

Not to mention the fact that grand juries arent just assembled on a whim. Robert Mueller isnt impaneling one for his own amusement, as Congressman Ted Lieu tweeted on Thursday.

You dont impanel a grand jury if you only have smoke. Mueller must be seeing fire. @realDonaldTrump and/or his associates in bigly trouble. https://t.co/psPwRKK4q6  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) August 3, 2017

It was clear by Trumps performance on Thursday that he is panicking and desperate to change the subject. Its no surprise that he chose to do that in West Virginia, one of the few remaining places in the country that believes the lies Trump repeatedly spews.

In the real world, though, Trump is fully engulfed in the blaze of the increasingly explosive Russia investigation, and all he has are some worn out campaign talking points.
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More than fifty House Democrats are calling on Defense Secretary James Mattis, and General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to not comply with Trumps call for a transgender military ban.

Here is the full text of the letter to Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:



As Members of Congress with an abiding interest in our nations military and its policies towards the LGBTQ community, we write to not only express our strong opposition to President Trumps recent tweets seeking to ban transgender individuals from the military, but to remind you not to comply with any unconstitutional directive which may ultimately be issued. We reject the premise that the presence of transgender troops interferes with the morale or combat readiness of our armed forces. We also echo the request made by our Senate colleagues in their letter to Secretary Mattis that at a minimum the Department of Defense not separate any transgender troops until the Department has completed its recently announced policy review and reports its finding back to Congress.[1]

On July 26, President Trump issued a three-tweet pronouncement that the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military, in contravention of the 2016 decision by the Obama Administration to allow transgender individuals to openly serve.[2] In response, General Dunford stated 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, and the Defense Department emphasized that while it awaits formal guidance from the White House, the Department will continue  ensuring all service members are treated with respect.[3] This week at a public forum, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Paul Zukunft reiterated his support for transgender servicemembers stating We have made an investment in you and you have made an investment in the Coast Guard, and I will not break faith.[4]

We commend the professionalism displayed by the militarys leadership in their initial response to President Trumps ill-conceived pronouncement. But as you are no doubt aware, federal court decisions have recognized that under our constitution transgender people are protected against discrimination on the basis of sex  like everyone else  as well as on the basis of their transgender status.[5] The Supreme Court has also previously observed that the government is subject to constitutional limits even in the area of military affairs.[6] Moreover, any discriminatory military policy is particularly problematic when it does not draw on the combined wisdom of [an] exhaustive examination in the Executive and Legislative Branches.[7]

In the present instance, it is abundantly clear that any effort by President Trump to ban military service by transgender individuals would not only constitute poor policy, but would be unconstitutional on its face. This is true for a number of reasons:

 Instead of being grounded in a thoughtful deliberative process, the Presidents policy was derived from a series of arbitrary and capriciously issued tweets.

 By contrast, the existing policy was developed in conjunction with the full leadership of the Armed Services, based on a review of all available data, including a comprehensive RAND Corporation study and input from independent experts, the transgender community, and medical professionals.

 It is not possible to justify the proposed ban based on the purported costs of health care. The RAND study estimated health care coverage for transgender service members would cost the military between $2.4 million and $8.4 million per year, less than 1/10 of 1% of the militarys annual budget.

 Instead of being developed based on any new quantitative data or policy input, the Presidents proposal appears to be based on a raw political calculation, with a Trump administration official claiming the Presidents tweets forces Democrats in Rust Belt states like Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin, to take complete ownership of this issue.[8]

 Instead of being developed in consultation with Congress, the proposal is strongly opposed by Congressional leaders. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) noted that transgender service members are defending the United States around the world as we speak, and they have long done so with distinction and to push out those who have devoted their lives to this country would be ugly and discriminatory in the extreme. John McCain (R-AZ), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Vietnam War veteran criticized the action, stating We should all be guided by the principle that any American who wants to serve our country and is able to meet the standards should have the opportunity to do soand should be treated as the patriots they are. Similarly, Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee and another veteran observed, Today, on the anniversary of President Harry Trumans order desegregating the United States Armed Forces, President Trump is choosing to retreat in the march toward equality. Numerous additional Members on both sides of the aisle from the House and Senate have echoed these concerns, and the House recently rejected on a bipartisan basis an amendment to the Defense bill that would have prohibited the Department of Defense from paying for appropriate and medically necessary transition-related health care.

 The proposed ban categorically excludes an entire group of people from military service on the basis of a characteristic that has no relevance to their capacity to serve.

As the respected leaders of our brave armed service members, you have no obligation to implement a hastily considered tweet designed to serve as a wedge political issue; but rather you should honor your own independent duty to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. We believe any serious or credible review of the law and the facts in the present case make it clear that the Presidents proposed ban on transgender people serving in the armed forces will weaken, not strengthen our military, and is blatantly unconstitutional.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these matters with you at your earliest convenience.

The letter was led by House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI). Military leaders must not give in to what is a purely political gesture by the President that was designed to keep his shrinking base of support on his side. Banning transgender persons from serving in the military is a bad idea both practically and politically.

The desire and capacity to serve ones country should never be infringed upon discrimination, and Democrats are making sure that Trump never gets his way.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that he would issue subpoenas for journalists to get them to give up their sources for White House leaks.

Video:

AG Jeff Sessions, citing leaks, says he's "reviewing policies" for subpoenaing the press. "They cannot place lives at risk with impunity." pic.twitter.com/U35g1QankV  NBC News (@NBCNews) August 4, 2017

At a press conference, Sessions said, I have listened to career investigators and prosecutors about how to most successfully investigate and prosecute these matters. At their suggestion, one of the things we are doing is reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas. We respect the important role that the press plays and will give them respect, but it is not unlimited. They cannot place lives at risk with impunity. We must balance their role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in our intelligence community, the armed forces, and all law abiding Americans.

Lets be honest. What the Trump White House obsession with leaks is really about is the Russia scandal. The White House doesnt want the American people to know about Trumps unstable and in some cases possibly criminal behavior. Without leaks, the American people would be largely in the dark about much of what is happening inside this administration.

The Trump administration cant stop the leaks, so they are going to misuse the Justice Department to attack press freedom. The Trump White House is cornered. Jeff Sessions is up to his eyeballs in perjury, and Trump is being investigated on multiple fronts.

Threatening the press with subpoenas is a desperate measure that illustrates the futile Trump efforts to hold back the rising Russia scandal tide.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters)  The Interior Departments inspector general said it would investigate a reported threat by the agencys head, Ryan Zinke, against Republican Senator Lisa Murkowskis state of Alaska last week over her opposition to her partys efforts to repeal Obamacare.

Zinke called Murkowski and Alaskas other U.S. senator, Republican Dan Sullivan, on July 26, the day after Murkowskis crucial vote against a motion to begin debate on the healthcare overhaul, the Alaska Dispatch News reported.

The interior secretary warned the two senators that Murkowskis vote could have negative consequences for energy and land use in Alaska, the newspaper said. Murkowski spokeswoman Karina Peterson confirmed that Zinke had called the senator.

The Interior Department deals with policies crucial to the states economy such as drilling and mining on federal and tribal land and control of wildlife areas.

The inspector generals office sent a letter to Democratic U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone and Raul Grijalva, the top Democrats on the House committees on energy and natural resources, respectively, on Thursday evening, saying it would start a preliminary investigation into the matter.

The two lawmakers had asked the inspector generals office and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for an investigation following the report of the threat.

Zinkes office and the GAO did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Murkowskis July 25 no vote, along with that of Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, forced Vice President Mike Pence to cast a tiebreaking vote to pass the motion by a 51-50 ballot.

Subsequent efforts in the Senate to repeal the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, collapsed last Friday after Murkowski, Collins and Senator John McCain of Arizona joined their Democratic and independent Senate colleagues in voting against a skinny repeal bill that would have eliminated some parts of Obamacare.

Murkowski chairs the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which oversees appropriations and appointee confirmations for Zinkes agency.

On Thursday, the interior secretary suggested he had reconciled with Murkowski, posting a photo of him drinking Alaska-brand beers with the senator on Twitter.

I say dinner, she says brews. My friends know me well, he tweeted.

(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
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The July jobs report is in line with the monthly average, a little higher than the same time last year, and reveals Trump is failing to amp up jobs but is maintaining the trend of the past seven years.

The economy added 209,000 jobs in July:

BREAKING: US employers added strong 209K jobs in July, unemployment rate ticks down to 4.3 percent.  The Associated Press (@AP) August 4, 2017

Bloomberg reported on the trend line for Trump, The report will give a scorecard for the first six full months of President Donald Trump, who earlier this week said jobs are starting to roar, watch! The numbers dont yet back that up: The average monthly gain of about 173,000 jobs since he took office is down from the average of 187,000 last year.

The problem remains that the US has an aging population that is leading to low labor force participation. Contrary to Republican mythology, there arent millions and millions of people in the country lounging around who dont want to work. Wages are flat because so many people want jobs that it is a buyers market. Employers can fill their vacancies without boosting wages.

Trump vowed to create 25 million new jobs, but he is on pace to barely create 2 million in 2017. Decreasing immigration into the country is only going to shrink the size of the labor pool more. Trump is failing as a jobs president.

With no economic policies of his own, Trump is riding Obamas coattails, and while the growth is steady, its nothing close to the spectacular economy that he promised the American people in January.
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MOSCOW (Reuters)  The Kremlin said on Friday it fully agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump who said in a Twitter message that Washingtons relationship with Russia is at an all-time and very dangerous low.

Trumps comments posted on Thursday came one day after he grudgingly signed new sanctions against Russia into law, a move Moscow said amounted to a full-scale trade war and an end to hopes for better ties with the Trump administration.

We fully share this opinion, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters when asked about Trumps Twitter message.

The danger may lie in a deficit of interaction and cooperation in those matters which are vitally important for our two countries and peoples.

(Reporting by Dmitry Solovyov; Editing by)
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Democratic Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) have introduced legislation that would allow people age 55-64 to buy into Medicare. This modified public option would give an additional 41 million Americans access to Medicare.

Under the Medicare for 55 Act, people would be able to buy into Medicare and receive the same benefits and protections as enrollees in Medicare parts A, B, and D.

In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, Sen. Tammy Baldwin said, Wisconsinites have sent a clear message to Washington that they want us to work across party lines to make health care more affordable, not more costly, said Senator Baldwin. Our legislation offers a choice for millions of older Americans to buy more affordable, quality health care coverage. For people between the ages of 55 and 64, this is a high-quality option that can help reduce health insurance costs and increase competition.

People age 55-64 spend more money out of pocket on health care costs, and the legislation would solve a big problem that existed in all of the Republican Obamacare replacement plans. The GOP plans all made healthcare more affordable by reducing coverage and raising premiums and costs on older Americans.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow said, People between the ages of 55 and 64 often have more health problems and face higher health care costs but arent yet eligible for Medicare. If you live in Michigan, are 58 years old, and are having a hard time finding coverage that works for you, this bill will let you buy into Medicare before you turn 65. Our legislation is one way we can work together on a bipartisan basis to lower health care and prescription drug costs.

The future policy path for the Democratic Party is moving towards a public option of some sort. Medicare for all is a nice goal, but changing the entire employer based health insurance system is never going to be popular, or affordable.

The policy option that would get the US to universal coverage would be an income based public option for either Medicare or Medicaid for the uninsured. Obamacare was never meant to be the final step on health care, and after the total collapse of Republican efforts to repeal the ACA, Democrats are giving the people what they want, access to affordable health care.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 55F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 55F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Adam Parker has covered many beats and topics for The Post and Courier, including race and history, religion, and the arts. He is the author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr.," published by Hub City Press.
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
Few outside the media probably took note, but the city of Charleston sent out one of its stranger news releases earlier this month, one that essentially said: Remember that property tax increase City Council passed last year? Never mind. Read moreBehre: Sales tax revenue means Charleston officials can be LOST at budget time
Drivers looking to renew their license plate tabs or transfer titles beware  it may take longer than usual.

The state launched a new computer system to handle the motor vehicle license transactions. The rollout has not been a smooth one, according to lawmakers and local license bureau officials. On Thursday, the system was down for more than three hours in the morning. Transactions are taking more time and sometimes, workers encounter glitches and are unable to complete them.

Sen. Carla Nelson, R-Rochester, said she has been hearing plenty about the problems from deputy registrars in the state. After hearing the computer system was down, Nelson said she was frustrated the Minnesota Department of Public Safety didn't issue a statement to alert consumers.

"I think DPS should issue a public announcement and apology so that all the folks who are going to get their license and tabs realize that it's not the fault of the people behind the counter," Nelson said.

She is also collecting information about problems with the system and plans to send a letter today to Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman. The Minnesota House has also launched a website where people can submit any problems they are having with the licensing system.

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Minnesota Department of Public Safety spokesman Doug Neville said the department is working to address concerns and questions. They are also doing daily phone calls with deputy registrars to keep them updated on what is going on. He said statistics show that the new system successfully issued 31,908 vehicle titles and 123,098 vehicle registrations from July 25 to July 31. That's more than during the same period last month under the old system.

Long term, Neville said, the new system will end up saving consumers' time.

"The new system will reduce turnaround time for title transactions and customers will leave the office knowing their vehicle record has been updated in real time instead of experiencing a delay in the process," he said.

Austin Deputy Registrar Stephen Neiswanger said last week's launch of the new system was extremely difficult. However, he said things are starting to improve.

"They haven't got all the bugs worked out of the system. There were a lot things we couldn't do, and they keep fixing things a bit at a time and they are getting better," he said.

He said it is taking a little longer to complete transactions so customers should be aware. For the most part, license tab renewals are going smoothly. Other transactions remain a challenge.

"We're still having trouble transferring specialty plates from one car to another," he said.

A woman who answered the phone at a Rochester driver's license office and declined to give her name said some days are better than other when it comes to the system. She said transactions are taking longer because license office employees have to do more of the data entry. For instance, title transfers that used to take about 5 minutes take 10 minutes if everything is working smoothly. If there are glitches, it can take 20 minutes.

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Her advice for consumers?

"Be patient. Try not to wait until the end of the month. Try to come more in the middle of the month and if they can, make sure to allow enough time so everybody has got time to wait in line a little bit extra."
On a summer afternoon in 2001, Wal Reat, a South Sudanese immigrant who had lived in the U.S. since 1995, came across Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Faribault.

"I heard the music in there, so I just walked in, sat down and watched the rehearsal," he said.

This decision would change his life.

Reat asked someone at the church if him and his South Sudanese friends could come to the church on Sunday to join their worship.

Later, Reat became active in the church and offered the first worship service in the Nuer language in southeast Minnesota for about 100 Sudanese immigrants. While being mentored by then-Pastor (now Bishop) Steve Delzer, he was schooled by the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries program while simultaneously taking English classes at a community college to become ordained.

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"The first year was difficult," he said of his three-year schooling experience. To overcome his difficulties, Reat said that he had to "stick to the goal, and I pray to God to lead me to never give up."

As a result, Reat became the fourth Sudanese person to be ordained in the Lutheran Church in the United States.

In his learning process and in the years following, he made several trips to South Sudan, twice accompanying Bishop Delzer.

Reat has been serving as a missionary giving hope and motivation in South Sudan and Ethiopia for the past two years. Reat said that the highlight of the past two years has been "preaching the good news and praying for peace in South Sudan."

Prayers for peace are needed in South Sudan. South Sudan declared their independence in 2011, then a civil war started in 2013 that has internally displaced 2.2 million people, and another 2 million people have fled the country altogether. The United Nation Commission on Human Rights said in December 2016 that ethnic cleansing is under way in many areas of the country due to many feuding tribes, and a famine was declared in some areas of the country in February 2017.

"There is a very strong connection between the Lutheran church here and there in South Sudan," said Pete Reuss, assistant to the bishop.

Reat notes that preaching in refugee camps has been the most profound experience. He lived in refugee camps from 1983 to 1995, until he finally got the opportunity to come to America.

"I know the life in refugee camps is harder," he said. "We don't have access to many things."

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This helps him know what the people need, and how to help them achieve hope through faith.

When he arrived in South Sudan two years ago, there were nine Lutheran churches. Now, there are 26, all thanks to Reat's efforts.

He is back in Minnesota for three weeks to share his experiences. Two upcoming opportunities to hear of his journey are on 9 a.m. Sunday, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pine Island, and at 9 a.m. August 13 at First Lutheran Church in Mabel.
REDWOOD FALLS  Minnesota's biodiesel blend standard will increase from 10 percent to 20 percent next May.

State commissioners announced the change during Minnesota Farmfest in Redwood Falls on Thursday. Supporters say the new standard will help increase the value of farmers' products, create new jobs and improve air quality.

Gov. Mark Dayton originally planned to make the announcement, but canceled his Farmfest trip due to illness.

In 2005, Minnesota was the first state in the country to mandate a 2 percent biodiesel blend (B2) in diesel fuel.

Thursday's announcement makes Minnesota the first in the nation to mandate a B20 standard, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson said.

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Homegrown soybeans make up a large portion of the state's biodiesel. Minnesota's biodiesel industry contributes more than $1.7 billion each year to the economy.

The state biodiesel industry adds roughly 63 cents to the market rate of farmer soybean bushels. Frederickson said he hopes the new standard will double that.

"We're excited about the opportunity to give farmers an opportunity to see more income in their pocket, which they definitely need today," he said.

Michael Petefish, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association president, said the increased standard will also bring more jobs to the industry.

"It's estimated 5,400 jobs are involved in the production and use of biodiesel," Petefish said.

According to the American Lung Association in Minnesota, biodiesel use considerably decreases tailpipe emissions. The implementation of B20 next year is expected to cut 1 million tons of carbon dioxide and 130 tons of particulate emissions.

"It's a good move for our health and for our environment as well," said Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner John Linc Stine.

B20 will be sold at filling stations in Minnesota next summer, before dropping back down to B5  a 5 percent biodiesel blend  in October for cold-weather reliability.

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B20 will be available from April through September each year starting in 2019.
After lawmakers finished grilling members of the Walker administration over the details of a proposed incentive package to bring Foxconn Technology Group to Wisconsin, the mood in Thursdays public hearing audibly changed.

While their questions were still tough, members of the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy took on a decidedly different tone as they listened to leaders of local government and higher education describe why they thought the deal would be good for Wisconsin and its taxpayers.

Those few hours may represent a turning point in the debate over whether Foxconn, the worlds largest contract electronics manufacturer, should get $3 billion in public incentives over 15 years in exchange for a $10 billion investment, 13,000 direct jobs and a supply chain likely to employ twice as many workers.

An inherent skepticism is baked into the mix when the executive branch of state government offers ideas that are subject to legislative scrutiny. That tension has been present with every administration in recent memory, Republican or Democrat, and its no different under Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

Lawmakers are often more willing to listen to others whom they trust, even if the message is identical or nearly so to what they hear from a governors team.

That was the case during Thursdays hearing in the state Capitol, where the mood changed when lawmakers heard testimony from leaders of the University of Wisconsin System, Marquette University, the Wisconsin Technical College System and bipartisan local leaders from Kenosha and Racine counties. Sites in those two counties are where Foxconn will build its 20-million-square-foot plant.

UW System President Ray Cross said he believes the Foxconn project would be transformative for the state and would catapult the state university system into a position of global prominence through partnerships, internships and research opportunities that would build on what is already a strong research base.

His views were supported by UW-Parkside Chancellor Deb Ford and UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone, whose campuses are close to Foxconns proposed sites and would be likely sources of talent and industry partnerships.

UW-Madison Engineering Dean Ian Robertson talked about the need for engineering graduates to fill Foxconn-related jobs, either directly or indirectly, and noted the college must add faculty to meet those demands over time.

Marquette President Mike Lovell described his time in Pittsburgh as that citys economy recovered from the loss of its historic steel industry. That recovery was spurred dramatically with a decision by Google to locate a major facility there, which in turn attracted more tech economy jobs. The same thing will happen in Wisconsin, Lovell predicted, if Foxconn lands here.

Morna Foy, president of the technical colleges, was joined by campus presidents from Appleton, Wausau and Kenosha who described the systems ability to produce graduates who are ready to work  and who usually stay in Wisconsin to do so. The retention rate for tech college graduates and certificate holders is 97 percent, the committee was told.

Local government leaders from Racine and Kenosha voiced their excitement over Foxconns arrival and described Foxconn leaders as being tough negotiators but fair and legitimately concerned about Wisconsin and their region.

Lawmakers also heard the general manager of Kenoshas water utility, Edward St. Peter, detail how that citys facilities are ready to handle Foxconns enormous water demands and to return clean water to the environment.

Local leaders that included former Democratic legislators Jim Kreuser and John Antaramian suggested some changes in the legislation pertaining to tax-increment financing but otherwise supported the incentive package.

Other suggested changes that may find their way into the bill before it passes involved a Wisconsin First approach to giving state contractors and suppliers a shot at doing business with Foxconn and more targeted wetlands mitigation rules.

There will still be skeptics, but lawmakers on hand Thursday heard how Wisconsin assembled a team approach to bring the Foxconn opportunity to this point. Its a team that appears poised to finish the job.
The Orlando Sun Sentinels Anthony Man caught up with Debbie Wasserman (a/k/a Blabbermouth) Schultz for an interview regarding her former IT employee Imran Awan, now charged with bank fraud and terminated from Schultzs employ earlier this week. Man notes that Schultz kept him on the payroll of Team Blabbermouth six months after he was banned from the House network and fired by other members of Congress.

It was also six months after Capitol Police confirmed an investigation into Awan, his wife, two brothers and a friend, all IT employees of congressional Democrats, on separate accusations of government theft. The wife has hightailed it to Pakistan. Having wired hundreds of thousand of dollars ahead, Imran Awan was on his way to join her. Schultz professes to believe that Awan was not fleeing when he was apprehended at Dulles International Airport on July 24. Imran Awans relatives and friend were fired earlier this year. (Luke Rosiaks most recent Daily Caller story on the case comes with a comprehensive set of links appended.)

In the interview, Blabbermouth blabbers. I believe that I did the right thing, and I would do it again, she told Man. There are times when you cant be afraid to stand alone, and you have to stand up for whats right. It would have been easier for me to just fire him, she said.

As Richard Nixon said, it would have been so easy, but it would have been wrong.

Schultz kept Awan on the payroll in the name of fairness. I had grave concerns about his due process rights being violated, she told Man. When their investigation was reviewed with me, I was presented with no evidence of anything that they were being investigated for. And so that, in me, gave me great concern that his due process rights were being violated. That there were racial and ethnic profiling concerns that I had.

Man asked her about the laptop about which she grilled Capitol Police Chief Matthew R. Verderosa at a May 18 House Appropriations subcommittee hearing. She said the laptop in question was issued by her office to Awan. He accidentally left it somewhere, a loss Wasserman Schultz said was reported to the Capitol Police. When the Capitol Police recovered the laptop, the agency wanted to search its contents.

She said she has agreed to allow the police to examine the laptop and wasnt attempting to hide anything. This was not my laptop. I have never seen that laptop. I dont know whats on the laptop, she said.

She told Man that her concern about the nature of the investigation was what prompted her to warn Verderosa at the hearing that he could face consequences. I was trying to get more information I wanted to make sure they were following the rules.

Above is the video clip from the May 18 House Appropriations Committee budget hearing, covered here by the Daily Mail. In the video Schultz postulates that the member owns the equipment and that there is no ongoing case related to that member [of Congress]. She reiterates that the laptop belongs to the Member [of Congress]. Again she asks what is to happen if the member loses the equipment and there is no ongoing investigation related to the member. Schultzs questions and comments to Verderosa cannot fairly be squared with her comments to Man.

In todays Wall Street Journal Kim Strassel calls the Awan affair The scandal that matters, and she didnt have the benefit of Mans interview with Schultz.
My conservative cousin from New York has more to report on Mayor Bill de Blasios effort to impose leftist cultural orthodoxy on the City. He writes:

Mayor Bill De Blasio appears to be coasting towards a second term. He faces only token opposition in the Democratic primary. Polls show him running better than 3 to 1 against his likely GOP opponent, a relatively unknown State Senator who represents Staten Island, a GOP outlier in generally Democratic New York City.

Emboldened by his strong poll numbers, the Mayor is sprouting his Marxist wings. Like a good 21st century leftist, De Blasio has given up on the dream of an imminent proletariat revolt. Instead, he seeks to achieve a Marxist state by burrowing through the institutions. Control of cultural institutions is a vital step towards revolution.

Disguising his ultimate goal, the Mayor is targeting NYCs cultural institutions with veiled threats to cut public funding unless they become more inclusive and welcoming towards communities of color. He wants these museums to set meaningful goals in the makeup of their staffs and boards because we believe in fairness.

DiBlasio explains that minorities who make up 68% of the Citys population feel unwelcome at these institutions. Theyre too far away from minority neighborhoods, unaffordable to the poor, and generally make people of color feel unwelcome. These charges are all bogus.

Fifth Avenues Museum mile with the Metropolitan, Guggenheim, and numerous other cultural jewels is a 20-minute walk from Harlem and 15 minute subway ride from the South Bronx. The Planetarium and Natural History Museum are similarly close to heavily minority neighborhoods.

Outside Manhattan, the Brooklyn Museum is in African-American Crown Heights and the Queens Museum is in Corona, a Mexican neighborhood. Clearly, logistics are no barrier to residents from these areas visiting world renowned cultural meccas.

As for expense, most of these museums take a progressive approach. At the Art & Natural History Museums, patrons are urged to pay less than the suggested price if they choose. I must confess to having exercised this option several times without anyone so much as raising an eyebrow. Also, I have seen many people of color do the same.

A list of the exhibits now on display at these museums belies the Mayors claim that these institutions are unwelcoming to minorities. The Metropolitans current showings include Cristobal de Villalpando: Mexican Painter of the Baroque, Arms and Armor from the Islamic World, Show and Tell Stories in Chinese Painting, and American Indian Art.

In Brooklyn, visitors can see exhibitions on The Legacy of Lynching and Black Radical Woman. The Queens Museum of Art features Rony Queveda no hoy medio tiempo and the works of Patty Chang a prominent Chinese-American painter.

Its not the skin pigmentation but the artists fidelity to Marxism that concern DiBlasio. Hes already tipped his hand with his book reading program where he urges New Yorkers to select from a menu of radical fiction.

Theres a very powerful case to be made against the Mayors cultural initiative. Unfortunately the heads of our leading museums have surrendered with anodyne statements about how they support the Mayors goals. Perhaps if one of the museums would offer His Honors wife a stipend to read her Black Nationalist poetry, all of this would blow away.
The Democratic Party has never accepted the result of the 2016 presidential election, and Democrats in Washington are working feverishly to destroy the Trump administration. At the moment, it appears that they might well succeed. But the current drama in Washington shouldnt obscure the bigger picture: the Democratic Party is in deep trouble.

Tonight, the Governor of West Virginia will announce that he is switching parties and joining the GOP. This isnt a big deal, since he was a registered Republican until 2015, when he decided to run for governor as a Democrat. But as of tomorrow, this is what the map of the U.S. will look like. Click to enlarge:

By tomorrow, 164 million Americans will live in the 26 states that are wholly controlled by Republicans, 109 million will live in states where power is shared between the parties, and only 50 million will live in the six states controlled by the Democrats.

Those who run the Democratic Party spend their time overwhelmingly in Washington, California and New York, and they read the New York Times and the Washington Post. They watch CNN and MSNBC, along with network news. As a result, I am not sure they are fully attuned to how unpopular their party has become in most of America. They may win a tactical victory against President Trump, whose inexperience and personality make him vulnerable. But I suspect that very few voters are responding to the Democrats daily assault on the administration by saying, In the next election I am going to change my mind and vote liberal! On the contrary, it may be that the Democrats hysterical, unprecedented assault on the president will prove to be a distraction that actually retards their ability to address their partys long-term decline.
Ammo Grrrll seeks to make the world safe for PUNCHING DOWN. She writes:

A co-worker of mine from long ago stood 64 and weighed in at about 240 pounds of mostly muscle. He said that in his late teens and early twenties he and his buddies would often ride around to bars in neighboring suburbs and small towns looking for a fight. It was the 50s, no weapons were involved, and the fight usually ended with the first bloody nose or split lip. Just bored young men with a lot of testosterone, phony ID, and not a lot to do.

He said he won all but a couple of fights, largely because he was too stubborn to fall down, and he quit the pointless exercise when he got engaged. But he told me something that stuck with me. He said the worst guy to fight was somebody considerably smaller than he was. He called this The No-Win Situation. He said, If I cleaned the guys clock, the whole bar would turn on me for picking on a little guy, even if he was drunk, obnoxious and clearly started it. And if he ambushed me and knocked me around a bit before I got in a punch, the crowd would still cheer for him as the underdog wailin on the big guy. I could not win.

Apparently, while I wasnt paying attention, this No-Win Situation got formalized into a prohibition against punching down. A strict pecking order got established that I did not get to vote on and anybody who takes on someone from a lower rung of that order  physically, certainly, but even verbally or ideologically  is guilty of punching down. What a load of crap!

In practice, what this means is that a gossip-mongering, nasty dingbat with double-digit SAT scores, a leaky facelift and a silly, flirty publicity picture can say anything she wants about anyone, including the President of the United States. She has a job solely because of nepotism, and a Great Big Daily Megaphone. But if the President says anything snarky back, he is punching down, sexist, undignified, impeachable.

I strongly disagree. And as a small, late-late-middle aged female with a bum shoulder, I should come under the umbrella of punching down protection as much as anyone who isnt also gay, Muslim, black, transgender or illegal.

For many years, it was considered high humor in movies for a woman to slap a man in the face, sucker-punch him, or kick him in the crotch. These were not women who were either superheroes, or in any way abused in the plots, who were bravely defending themselves. These were just ordinary women who were mad at the men in their lives and felt they could slap, punch and kick without consequence. I could give dozens of examples. It was probably so common, almost obligatory, for a time there that you didnt even notice it.

Not only was this spectacularly unfunny and predictable, it also gave a dangerous and misleading impression to women of what could happen next in the real world.

After some thoroughly nauseating examples of domestic violence caught on video, there have been several campaigns saying, Never hit women. Never, never, never. Okay. Fair dinkum. Who could disagree? But why arent women also told never to hit men? Not only because they will lose in the end if it all goes south, but because it is just as wrong even though they probably cannot hurt a man quite as badly. That darned testosterone advantage!

When I lived in San Francisco, even with our massive white privilege we had no car and I took the trolley everywhere I went. On one particular line I took to work there was a wacky middle-aged woman who was a frequent passenger. She would come up to random strangers and yank their hair, yelling, I pull hair! Not encountering any resistance, she later escalated to punching. (A lesson, that)

I was 25 years old and 8 months pregnant when she decided it was my turn. I had gotten to my feet  itself no small accomplishment  preparing to get off the trolley when she got in my face and punched me in the belly, saying her usual I punch people! mantra. I had lost two babies before this pregnancy and I was in no mood to take a punch to the stomach. I hit her square in the chest with the heel of my hand and knocked her into, and almost over, an empty seat, saying, Well, I punch BACK, you (bad word) lunatic! In truth, so terrified was I for my baby, I wanted to keep punching, but I just hit her the once.

I wish we had had picture-taking cellphones back then because the look on her face was priceless. Yes, she was probably crazy  as though that automatically excuses all rotten behavior  but not so irrational that she was incapable of absorbing a lesson. She was totally shocked that anyone fought back. I cannot certify that she stopped this behavior for good, but whenever she saw me, she moved as fast and as far away from me as she could get. And she never hit another person again in my presence.

Clearly, in general, we do not hit back children, the mentally-challenged, the elderly, even if they hit us first. (These are, in fact, some of the targets for the odious Knock-out Game popularized in the Obama era and given scant attention in the media because the wrong people were doing the punching.) Civilized people didnt need to be lectured not to do this. Probably 99 percent of American men have never hit a female in their lives, if you dont count sisters. But the notion that you cant criticize women, after fifty years of feminism yapping about how equal (or superior) women are in all things is ludicrous and embarrassing.

Take Maxine Waters and Nancy Pelosi PULEEZE. Sorry, Henny. These awful women are in very powerful positions and at least one is a billionaire. To declare a no-go zone from pointing out that one has a Carter-era speed limit IQ and the other would be a good poster girl for dementia may seem merciful, gallant, even. But that mercy is misplaced. They should not be exempted from criticism just for being stupid, female and/or black. They punch viciously and continuously, expecting, like the woman on the trolley, like the women in those movies, to get a perpetual free pass. They have designer handbags stuffed with Race Cards and Sex Cards to play whenever anyone does fight back. There are no expiration dates on these prized cards ever.

Heres what I believe with all my heart: There is no such thing as punching down. A punch is a punch and if you punch me first, there is a very good chance you will be punched back. As comedian Ron White would say, Ive seen me do it.
The Attorney-Generals Office on Friday ordered the arrest of Ethiopian Minister of State for finance on suspicion of corruption, part of an anti-graft drive that the government says has led to dozens of arrests in the last two weeks.

Alemayehu Gujo is the highest-ranking official to have been detained so far in the sweep that has also involved business owners.

Zayed Woldegabriel, Director General of the Ethiopian Roads Authority, was also detained on Friday, the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) said.

In an emergency session, Ethiopias House of Peoples Representatives lifted Gujos immunity from prosecution, the EBC said in a breaking news announcement.

A warrant was then issued and led to his arrest, the broadcaster said, citing the Attorney-Generals Office.

Fridays arrest followed the detention of more than 40 officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation, the capitals housing development agency, the state-run Ethiopian Sugar Corporation, and the Ethiopian Roads Authority.

Charges brought so far include embezzlement and the siphoning off of billions of birr.

The anti-corruption drive is partly a response to unrest that wrecked the Horn of Africa country in 2015 and 2016 and which was sparked by a scheme to development and expand the capital, Addis Ababa.

The protests turned into broader anti-government demonstrations over politics and human rights abuses.

The violence included attacks on businesses, many of them foreign-owned, including farms growing flowers for export.

The government subsequently acknowledged that maladministration and abuse of power was rife and that it needed to broaden political participation.

On Friday, it lifted a 10-month state of emergency that was imposed in the wake of the unrest.

(Reuters/NAN)

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A group of leaders and elders from Nigerias oil rich Niger Delta region has withdrawn the ultimatum they gave the Nigerian government to accede to their 16-point demand or face withdrawal from ongoing peace efforts.

The withdrawal was announced by an elder statesman, Edwin Clark, shortly after he led the Pan Niger Delta Front, PANDEF, to a meeting with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the presidential villa Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents, Mr. Clark also said they had an excellent meeting with Mr. Osinbajo, adding the discussion was very honest, truthful and forthright. We are very very satisfied.

Mr. Clark, who had on Monday given the Federal Government up to November 1, 2017 to meet the 16-point demand made by PANDEF on November 1, 2016, said after the meeting that there is no more ultimatum. We agreed on many things. They came with their own address, the ministers all spoke, presented their cases and at the end, the Acting President rounded it up.

We saw his genuineness and forthrightness; he is a gentleman. We are satisfied. We have agreed to work together and the issue of dialogue must take place, he said.

Mr. Clark said the people of Niger Delta should know that their leaders were able to discuss the regions 16-point agenda as well as governments 20-point agenda and we are all satisfied. We all agreed that everyone should maintain peace.

The meeting was well attended with several leaders from the Niger Delta region and Mr. Clark told reporters that even members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, who were at the forefront of agitations from the region in recent years and who, disassociated themselves from PANDEF in a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo were part of the meeting.

MEND was in the meeting. Jomo Gbomo does not exist as a human being, he uses a ghost Name, a fake name. Other organizations were here. I am the leader of the Niger Delta and every leader you can think of from Cross River to Ondo State were all here today, Mr. Clark said.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, told reporters that the meeting discussed how far the government had gone in implementing the 16-point agenda of PANDEF.

Part of the 16 demands by PANDEF is the establishment of a maritime university, relocation of oil and gas companies to the Niger Delta, as well as allocation of oil blocs to people from area.

Mr. Kachikwu said  several issues relating to the universities, the development of the region, amnesty programme, NDDC operations in the Niger Delta were discussed. It was very exhaustive, we looked at the 16-point agenda, he said.

The petroleum minister said the atmosphere in the meeting was calm and friendly.

They did in fact pledge their loyalty and their willingness to continue to work with us, he said.

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The United State government has approved the sale of 12 high-tech attack aircraft worth N219 billion ($600 million) to Nigerias Air Force for the fight against the violent extremist group, Boko Haram, White House officials briefed on the matter told the Associated Press.

President Donald Trump has pushed forward plan to sell the attack planes to Nigeria after it was suddenly suspended by the Barack Obama administration following the January bombing of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp in Rann, Borno State.

The sale of the planes was part of the issues discussed by President Muhammadu Buhari and Mr. Trump during the maiden phone call last February.

U.S. officials confirmed on Wednesday that the State Department notified Congress that the sale has been approved. U.S. Lawmakers now have a 30-day window to debate the proposal and try to block the sale. It is however unlikely the proposal will be blocked.

The sources also said the Super Tucano A-29 aircraft, an agile, propeller-driven plane with reconnaissance and surveillance as well as attack capabilities, is made by Brazils Embraer.

The Super Tucano costs more than $10 million each and the price can go much higher depending on the configuration.

It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT six engine.

The decision to sell the aircraft will come as a boost to the Nigeria military who are dealing with a renewed wave of attack from the extremist sect.

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The Lagos State Government on Friday arraigned the owner of Vintage Hotel in Owode Onirin area of Ikorodu, Patrick Okeechobee, before a Yaba Magistrate Court for allegedly aiding and promoting homosexual activities and gay club in his hotel.

Mr. Okeze was arraigned alongside two of his workers, Sunday Isang and Bright Oba, for allegedly encouraging the act to be perpetrated by young men and minors in the hotel contrary to the provisions of Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014.

The state government had on Thursday arraigned 28 adults and 12 minors before Yaba and Ebute-Metta Magistrate Courts respectively for engaging in homosexuality using the said hotel.

Specifically, Mr. Okeze and his workers were said to have aided 40 people and others still at large, to engage in same sex activities as well as gay club/party in the said Vintage Hotel located at No 999, Ikorodu Road/Toyin Close, Weigh Bridge, Owode Onirin, Lagos contrary to and punishable under Section 5 (2) of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2014.

After the one-count criminal charge against Messrs Okeze (56), Isang (30) and Oba (28) was called and read before Chief Magistrate Adewale Ojo, the defendants were not allowed to take their plea as they argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate on the subject matter of the case.

The prosecution team including Adetutu Oshinusi, Bosun Aroyehun, Folabi Sholebo, Olaitan Shoetan and Nnena Okereka, all from the States Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), urged the court to remand the defendants in prison pending the outcome of the legal advice of the DPP.

But the defence team led by Alli Abba urged the court to discountenance the application of the prosecution, and admit the defendants to bail, as the offence under which they were charged, is bailable.

He referred to the arraignment of the principal suspects in the case who were granted bail by the same court on Thursday, assuring that his clients would not abscond if admitted to bail.

But in response, police counsel, Effiong Asuquo, said the application for the defendants to be remanded in prison pending legal advice was based on the need to prevent the defendants from going back to run the hotel if granted bail.

He said the subject matter of the case being about Same Sex Marriage Act could only be tried at the High Court, and that the application was needed to keep them in custody pending legal advice.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ojo held that in view of the provisions of Section 264 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, he found merit in the application for the defendants to be remanded pending the DPP advice.

The court said having examined the affidavit in support of the application for remand, he found sufficient merit in it, and ruled that the 1st, 2nd and 3rddefendants be remanded in prison custody pending their legal advice.

The magistrate also adjourned the matter to September 4, 2017.

Mr. Ojo had, after the arraignment of the 28 adults on Thursday, ordered them to undergo health screening by the Lagos State Aids Control Agency, LSACA, and sexual rehabilitation by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT).

Responding to the arraignment, the States Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, said the development was an eloquent testimony to the commitment of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to fight all forms of crime and criminality.

The arraignment is a confirmation of the commitment of the Lagos State Government to ensure that every resident abides by the law of the state and also to put a stop to the exploitation of under-aged children who are often lured by unscrupulous and criminally-minded adults to engage in acts or behaviours that are not in consonance with the laws of the State, Mr. Kazeem said.

He also reiterated the commitment of the state government to do everything humanly possible to uphold the Child Rights Protection Laws of the State.

Clara Ibirogba, the Alternate Chair at DSVRT, who was at the arraignment, pledged to work with other relevant agencies of the state government to ensure proper rehabilitation of the suspects in line with their bail condition.

On his part, Michael Essien of LSACA also promised that the minors would be given proper counselling and necessary medical screening to determine the state of their well-being.

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A Madison man has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for creating false income tax returns that netted him nearly a half-million dollars over about five years.

U.S. District Judge James Peterson on Thursday sentenced Juan Tamez Diaz, 41, to a two-year sentence for tax fraud, followed by another two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft for a scheme that prosecutors said Tamez Diaz carried out January 2009 and May 2015.

Prosecutors said that during that time, Tamez Diaz used names, Social Security numbers and Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers, along with employer information from six companies, to create fake W-2 forms, then prepared and filed false income tax returns using tax preparation software.

Some of the returns were filed in his own name, while others were filed using stolen identities, prosecutors said.

He filed about 130 tax returns seeking refunds of about $588,000, and received $462,038 of that. Peterson ordered him to pay that money back.

Conspiracy claimed

According to a defense sentencing memorandum, Tamez Diaz told investigators that he worked with others as part of a conspiracy, but investigators were not able to find any of those people or verify much of the information that Tamez Diaz had provided.

His lawyer, Mark Maciolek, pointed out that most of the money was wired to a place in Mexico, where he said there must have been someone to receive it.

If he had access to the $460,000 stolen from the government, it would make logical sense for him to leave Wisconsin and relocate to wherever that money is stored, Maciolek wrote, adding that Tamez Diaz has instead remained in the state.

In a news release about the sentencing, prosecutors noted that Peterson didnt believe Tamez Diazs claim that he was a minor player in a criminal scheme.

Tamez Diaz, who has been free while the case was pending and has been receiving treatments for a kidney condition, was ordered to report to prison on Aug. 31.
The Senate has ordered the arrest of the chief executive officers of 30 companies for allegedly failing to appear before it, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The companies are alleged to have been involved in the N30 trillion-revenue believed to have been lost by the country in its maritime sector.

The companies include mobile giant Globacom, Crown Flour Mills, British American Tobacco, CCECC, Dana Group, Olam Int. Ltd., Hong Xing Steel Co. Ltd., Visafone, African Wire, Star Comments and Allied Ltd. and Aarti Steel Nig. Ltd.

Others are Abyem-Diva Int. Ltd., Gagasel Int., Friesland Campina, Etco Nig., Edic Chemicals and Allied Distributors, De United Foods makers of popular Indomie noodles, Don Climax Group, Skill G Nig. Ltd., Premium Seafood and La Rauf Nig. Ltd.

Also involved are Standard Metallurgical Co. Ltd., Kam Industries, IBG Investment Ltd., Orazulike Trading Co. Ltd., Popular Foods Ltd., A-Kelnal Integrated & Logistics Services, African Industries, African Tiles & Ceramics and ZTE Nigeria.

The Senate Joint Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff and Marine Transport, handling the investigation had invited 63 firms accused of complicity in the scam; but only 33 honoured the invitation.

The order to arrest the companies officials was announced by the chairman of the committee, Hope Uzodinma, at the committees meeting on Friday in Abuja.

He said the refusal of the officials to honour the invitation in spite of several reminders was disrespect for the National Assembly.

Mr. Uzodinma warned that the 8th Senate would not tolerate such behaviour from anybody or institution, particularly in the present situation that involved Federal Government funds.

According to him, investigations carried out by the joint committee showed several forms of infractions that have cost the country huge amount of money in revenue loss.

He said such development in a country currently in recession was a disservice to it.

It is no longer going to be business as usual.

We have directed the Nigeria Police to arrest the heads of the firms and bring them before us.

If we can suspend our recess as lawmakers to see to the end of this investigation, I see no reason why the firms that have been indicted will not come to defend themselves, he said.

The chairman asked the firms that honoured the invitation to go through the documents given to them and return next week for defence.

The Senate had mandated the joint committee to carry out extensive investigation into alleged N30 trillion revenue leakages in the import and export value chain between 2006 and 2017.

The committee had already interfaced with commercial banks indicted in the matter as well as relevant government agencies.

The committee had on Wednesday threatened to issue the arrest warrants; but on Thursday, it said it was extending the appearance till next week.

(NAN)

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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, on Friday paid a personal visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at Abuja House, London.

The Archbishop and President Buhari are friends, who share deep respect for each other.

Mr. Welby said he was delighted to see the rapid recovery Mr. Buhari has made from his health challenges, noting that it was a testimony to the healing powers of God, and answer to prayers of millions of people round the world.

The cleric pledged to continue praying for both Mr. Buhari and Nigeria.

In his response, the Nigerian president thanked Mr. Welby, whom he noted had always stood by him at critical times, and wished him Gods continued grace in his spiritual duty of leading the Anglican Communion worldwide.

When former British Prime Minister, David Cameron described Nigeria as a fantastically corrupt country ahead of an anti-corruption summit in London in 2016, Mr. Welby had retorted: But this particular President (Buhari) is actually not corrupt.

The archbishop later personally received the Nigerian president at Lambeth Palace, London, and had also paid a goodwill visit to Mr. Buhari in March this year, during his medical vacation.

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After several months of dithering, the Nigerian government has finally set up a commission to investigate alleged rights abuses by the military.

Despite reports by local and international groups and media accusing the military of rights abuse in several operations, the government had largely left the military to investigate itself and thus clear itself of the allegations.

On Friday, however, the presidency released a statement announcing the establishment of a judicial commission of enquiry.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has appointed a 7-man Judicial Commission, headed by Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, of the Court of Appeal, to review compliance of the Nigerian Armed Forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement, especially in local conflict and insurgency situations, a statement by Mr. Osinbajos spokesperson, Laolu Akande, said.

Some of the allegations that have been levelled against the military by groups such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, as well as several PREMIUM TIMES investigations, include extra-judicial killing of over 300 Shiite protesters in Kaduna in 2015, the extra-judicial killing of dozens of pro-Biafra protesters in the South-east, and that of suspected Boko Haram members in the North-east.

The military has always maintained it did nothing wrong and recently set up its own panel which cleared it of any wrongdoing.

In his statement on Friday, Mr. Akande said the presidential committee is empowered to review extant rules of engagement applicable in the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the extent of compliance thereto.

It is also empowered to investigate alleged acts of violation, (by Nigerian security agencies) of international humanitarian and human rights law under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Geneva Conventions Act, African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other relevant laws, he said.

Mr. Akande added that the the commission equally has a mandate to investigate factors that might be militating against a speedy resolution of local conflicts and insurgencies and also advise on means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in conflict situations.

He listed members of the judicial commission to include Mr. Georgewill as Chairman; and Patrick Akem, a major general, as member.

Other members are Wale Fapohunda, Hauwa Ibrahim, Jibrin Ibrahim, Ifeoma Nwakama, and a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The Commission is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within 90 days, Mr. Akande said.

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By Dayo Aiyetan

Two of the 14 members announced to the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC) are being investigated by the anti-corruption agency for alleged corruption in the region of N1billion, the ICIR is reporting.

The two nominees are Maimuna Aliyu and Saad Alanamu.

The appointments were announced on Tuesday following approval by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo. The proposed new board is to be headed by Bolaji Owasanoye, a professor of law and current secretary of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC).

While Mr. Alanamu is being investigated on corruption charges allegedly committed while he headed several institutions in Kwara State, Ms. Aliyu has a longstanding case of abuse of office, misappropriation and diversion of public funds against her.

In fact, the ICIR learnt on Friday that charges were already being prepared against her by the ICPC in preparation to taking her to court when her name was announced as member of the new board of the commission.

Apart from the ICPC investigation, ICIR said its investigations showed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Police have investigated several corruption cases against Ms. Aliyu, a former executive director of the Aso Savings and Loans.

In fact, in May, a police investigative report indicted her and recommended her for prosecution. The investigative report dated May 31, 2017, and signed by Taiwo Oyewale, a Superintendent of Police, for the Deputy Commissioner of Police, IGP Monitoring Unit, said Ms. Aliyu illegally converted to personal use a total of N58 million being proceeds of three plots of land belonging to her employers, Aso Savings and Loans.

Police investigations showed that as executive director, marketing, Ms. Aliyu got approval to sell three of the banks landed properties in Abuja. The plots were offered for N19 million each. Ms. Aliyu is said to have sold the lands for N58 million but refused to hand over the money to the bank.

The police investigations commenced after Aso Savings and Loans wrote a petition in November 2016 alleging that Ms. Aliyu, who had by then retired from the bank for three years, refused to hand over the proceeds of the land sale.

The same month, the bank also wrote a petition against her to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the EFCC and the ICPC

In one of the investigations, it was discovered that Ms. Aliyu actually sold the three plots of land entrusted to her by the bank at N40 million each (instead of N19 million) totaling N120 million and held on to every penny.

Apart from the N120 million allegedly misappropriated by her, the bank also lodged several complaints of abuse of office and conversion or diversion of its funds, totaling nearly N1 billion.

The bank alleged that in 2012, Ms. Aliyu sought and got a mortgage facility of N40 million to purchase five houses  four-bedroom detached mansionettes.

However, after she resigned her appointment in September 2013, the former executive director said she could no longer bear the burden of the payments and requested the bank to cancel the mortgage on four units and take them over. She said she would continue to maintain the mortgage contract on just one unit.

However, since 2013 when she left the bank, Ms. Aliyu has refused to hand over the four houses and has not serviced the mortgage on them. In fact, investigators believe she has since sold the units and pocketed the money.

The bank also alleged that Ms. Aliyu abused her office by illegally allocating a house at Aso Groove Estate to her son, Sand Aliyu.

According to the bank, Ms. Aliyu had showed interest in buying the house for her son in the name of a company in which he is a director.

However, because she had all the keys of the houses put up for sale by the bank since she was in charge of marketing and sales, Ms. Aliyu handed over the key to the house to her son without paying a dime for the house worth N210 million. She still has not paid for the house till date and her son continues to live there.

Senior police officers familiar with the case, who spoke to the ICIR on condition of anonymity, are miffed about her appointment and wonder how she could have passed through security checks with all the investigations and indictments against her by security and anti-corruption agencies.

ICIR attempted to reach Ms. Aliyu for comments, but her known telephone number was switched off throughout Friday and was still unreachable as of press time.

Mr. Alanamu, described as a protege of Olusola Saraki, late politician and father of Senate President Bukola Saraki, is being investigated by the ICPC for corruption and bribery.

He is being accused of collecting bribes from contractors handling TETFUND contracts, which he approved as Chairman of the Board of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. Mr. Alanamu could not be reached, Friday.

As in the case of Aliyu, questions are being raised about how he passed security screening with the ongoing investigation against him at the ICPC.

This story was first published by the ICIR. We have their permission to republish.

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is open to new to members, but there will not be special privilege for anybody, its national chairman, Ahmed Makarfi, has said.

Mr. Makarfi made the statement on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation of PDP Rescue Group, led by its chairman, Wilberforce Juta.

Mr. Makarfi pledged that the party would create level-playing field for all its members.

We are open to reconciling with everybody. We are open to accepting new entrants into the party, but no special privileges for anybody coming into the party.

That is not an issue to be contemplated. No exclusivity. It will be inclusive without any special privilege to anybody or group of individuals.

That is how the ruling party got it wrong. We should learn from that.

What we need to do is that we will create level-playing field; and we dont lord it over those who have slaved for the party, Mr. Makarfi said.

The chairman stressed the need for the party to evolve mechanism for dedicated and loyal party men and women, stressing that that is how the members could remain committed.

If there is no such mechanism, people can question themselves; why do you have to continue exhibiting such loyalty and commitment to the party?

People can as well be nomadic politicians and migrate to where the pasture is green for whatever reasons.

In some African countries, we didnt hear of this kind of mobility, but in Nigeria, we are nomadic politicians.

We have many nomadic politicians and they should behave well. They will be welcomed but I stand by what I have said earlier, the chairman insisted.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Juta, commended Mr. Makarfi for his magnanimity for extending a hand of fellowship to Ali Sheriff and his followers.

We hereby urge Sen. Sheriff and his supporters to positively respond to this gesture to avail themselves to the abundant opportunities that abound in the PDP.

This is how it should be and we are thankful and proud to belong to this democratically civilized PDP family, Juta said.

He urged the chairman to appoint credible party members to be charged with the responsibility of conducting credible congresses and the forth coming non-elective and substantive elective conventions.

Addressing a separate press conference, the partys National Publicity Secretary, Dayo Adeyeye, expressed optimism that the PDP would reclaim South-West states in 2019 if it is united.

He said that the party lost the states due to internal crisis the region.

On the Anambra governorship election, Mr. Adeyeye said that the peace effort of the party in the state was already yielding fruits, an indication that the party would win the election slated for November 18.

He said that a substantive caretaker committee for the state would be constituted by next week.

(NAN)

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One NATO soldier and three civilians were killed and four injured in the suicide attack that targeted a NATO convoy in Afghanistan in different days, Basir Mujahid, police spokesman in Kabul province, said on Friday.

The NATO mission Resolute Support, RS, had already confirmed the death of a soldier in the Kabul attack late Thursday, without giving further information on the nationality of the victim.

It said that another five soldiers and an interpreter were injured; adding that they were in stable condition and being treated at nearby Bagram Airfield, the largest U.S. base in the country.

The group was on a joint patrol with Afghan forces in the Qarabagh district of the capital Kabul when they were attacked by a suicide bomber.

Claiming responsibility for the attack, Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a tweet that eight foreign forces had been killed or injured in the attack.

A suicide attack on a NATO convoy in the southern province of Kandahar on Wednesday left two U.S. soldiers dead and four others injured.

So far, nine U.S. soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan this year.

(dpa/NAN)

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A 32-year-old fashion designer, Bolaji Omodolapo, who allegedly raped his friends 14-year-old sister, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates Court.

The accused, who resides at Sedomi St., Ipaja, a suburb of Lagos, is being tried for rape.

The accused committed the offence sometime in December 2016 at the accuseds residence, police prosecutor Raphael Donny told the court.

Mr. Donny said that the 14-year-old girl was sent on an errand to the accuseds residence and the accused lured her into his room on the pretext of sending her to her brother, who is his friend.

The accused shut the door and raped her; thereafter, the accused disappeared and all efforts to trace him failed.

Mr. Donny said the case was reported to the police which declared him wanted.

The accused was sighted by the girls brother and was apprehended, he said, adding the offence contravened Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Folakemi Davies -Abegunde, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until August 28 for mention.

(NAN)

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The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole; and a professor, Itse Sagay, Chairman Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption; on Friday re-emphasised the need for the country to remain united.

They canvassed this position at the 20th Wole Soyinka Annual Lecture Series in Benin, against the backdrop of the current call in some quarters for restructuring of the country.

The trio, however, said that there was the need to restructure some aspects of the polity.

The theme of the event organised by the national association of SEAGODS in Benin, the Edo capital was Nigeria State in the Aftermath of the Centenary prospect for its indivisibility.

Mr. Obaseki, who chaired the occasion, said the countrys unity was not negotiable and expressed optimism that the country would become great and prosperous again.

The governor said that the country needed the right leadership at all levels of government for her to have accelerated growth and development.

The question of whether Nigeria has come to stay is a non-issue. I guess what is challenging us today is the sort of country we should create for ourselves.

He noted that his administration was making efforts to ensure good leadership and provide opportunity for youth empowerment.

He commended the organisers of the lecture series and the choice of topic, describing it as apt and timely.

Mr. Oshiomhole, who was the guest lecturer, said that what should be paramount in the minds of Nigerians was how to keep the country united and viable.

He said what needed to be urgently addressed was the socio-economic structure and the seeming challenge of bad leadership which has corruption at its core.

It is not in our interest to be thinking of dividing after 103 years of our existence as a nation.

It is not a viable conversation that having lived this long together, we should divide. Rather, we should think of ways of doing things differently for better results.

Mr. Oshiomhole condemned wasteful spending by some government officials and noted that resources should be properly channelled to improving the standard of living of the masses.

The structural issue in the country needs to be addressed. This entails the issue of the very rich structure and the very poor structure, he said.

He said that the citizenry should restructure their attitude, character and value system as well as manage resources well so that the country would be able to take care of the poor.

On his part, Mr. Sagay said true federalism would promote good governance in the country, pointing out that present allocation formula was not ideal.

He said states should be allowed to control their mineral resources to avoid their overdependence on monthly allocation from the federal government.

The presidential advisory committee chairman said that the current structure had prevented states carrying out their responsibilities.

Why should the centre have all the resources and states be impoverished? he asked.

(NAN)

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The All Progressives Congress, APC, has condemned cases of violence during the conduct of its state congresses on Saturday to elect delegates for its national non-elective convention.

The party Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, condemned the development in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

He, however, noted that most of the state congresses were peaceful and conducted in compliance with guidelines and directives given by the party to the appointed congress committees.

He added that the party found cases of violence in Rivers and Kaduna states quite disturbing.

The party equally regrets and condemns the attack on the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Kaduna, which resulted in injuries to two journalists.

The party will investigate the reported cases and take necessary action in line with its constitution against whoever is found culpable, Mr. Odigie-Oyegun said.

He congratulated and commended all the states whose exercises were peaceful and promised that the party would examine reported cases of grievances with a view of addressing them.

A fraction of APC in Kaduna State had petitioned the partys leadership on the state congress which they said did not hold.

A member of the fraction, Shehu Sani, who represents Kaduna Central in the Senate, had alleged that the delegates list for the election was altered and that due process was not followed in the conduct of the congress.

They sat down in the palace of their gods to write names and sent it down here for us to accept; that can never happen, Mr. Sani had said.

He called on the national leadership of APC to rescue the party in Kaduna State from destruction.

(NAN)

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The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said the National Assembly was ready to consider and pass a new minimum wage bill whenever it was presented by the executive.

Mr. Saraki, who made this known when he featured in News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Forum in Abuja, said that the Senate was aware of the need to review the current minimum wage.

He said that all the indices upon which the last minimum wage of N18, 000 was approved had changed and that there was, therefore, no need leaving the wage unchanged.

He acknowledged that the sufferings of Nigerians were glaring, and said that the National Assembly was only waiting for the executive to present a bill for a wage review.

We are in support; we are waiting for the executive. We have told them to go ahead with the idea.

I have said it myself and the Speaker of House of Representatives said it the last time that we are fully in support. We are waiting for the executive to make a move on it.

We are prodding the executive to do that; we have done that many times and we are still doing that.

It is justifiable to have a new minimum wage. How will it not be if you look at the challenges the people are going through.

More so, all the indices have changed since then, and should that be the only index that should stay the same? It is not possible, he said.

On the inability of some state governments to pay the current minimum wage, Saraki expressed optimism that all state governors were responsible and would key into a new wage when approved.

I am not in the state but I dont think that any chief executive or any governor will be irresponsible not to want to provide succour for his people.

But, we have to understand that maybe they have challenges of affordability, he said.

On the recent request for the report of the 2014 National Conference to be sent to the Senate, he said that although the move had been lauded, it should not be assumed that all Nigerians supported in.

Mr. Saraki said that the upper chamber had learned to approach sensitive issues at a slow pace so that all Nigerians could understand and be carried along.

According to him, the most important thing is to look at those things that unite us as Nigerians and focus on them rather that the things that divide us.

He allayed fears some of the rejected issues in the Constitution amendment process made not be redressed, saying We will cross that bridge when we get there.

As I said in my opening remarks when we were talking about devolution, I think we should not aggregate or rush to conclude where all Nigerians are on issues.

I think that we should try and ensure that we get everybodys buy-in on very major issues like this.

I want to re-emphasise that we need to be very sensitive on how we go about addressing these issues.

That somebody is not on my own page does not mean that the person is not somebody I can engage with or do things with, Saraki said.

As I said, I cannot kick you out of Nigeria; you cannot push me out of Nigeria; this Nigeria belongs to all of us, we have chosen, in spite of all our diversities, to be one.

What is needed now is the political skill, in spite of those things that divide us, to be able to come together in the things that are important to make a modern country.

There is no point having a country that will not give opportunities for its people. That is why I believe that certain powers to the state will ensure and create better opportunities for everybody.

But, there are some that might think otherwise, and the answer is not to stampede them to say `look, this is where we are, what is wrong with you. It is not going to bring the result; it will even set us back, he added.

(NAN)

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Three people were charged Friday with first-degree intentional homicide for the July 28 shooting death of a Madison woman, which a criminal complaint states was a hit on her by a man who believed she had been involved in setting up an earlier robbery against him.

Donald Davis Jr., 29; Korey V. Johnson, 33; and Jennifer L. Lovick, 34, all of Madison, were charged with the shooting death of Ciara Philumalee, 24, who was shot outside an apartment building on Karstens Drive on Madisons North Side.

A fourth man, Michael K. Goldsby, 58, of Madison, was not at the homicide scene but was arrested on drug charges at the time of Davis arrest following a high-speed chase on Wednesday. Goldsby was charged Friday with possession of cocaine with intent to deliver and resisting police.

Davis was jailed on $500,000 after appearing in court Friday, while Lovicks bail was set at $200,000 and Johnsons was set at $100,000. Goldsby was released on a signature bond.

In addition to the homicide charges, Davis, Johnson and Lovick were also charged with first-degree reckless injury. Lovick, who was just placed in a drug court diversion program on July 24 after pleading guilty to possession of narcotic drugs, was also charged with bail jumping.

All four will return to court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing.

According to the criminal complaint, Lovick told police that a few days before the shooting, Davis had shown her a Facebook photo of Philumalee and said he wanted to find her, and would offer $200 to anyone who could help him. She said Davis told her that Philumalee had organized a robbery in which two men with guns held Davis at gunpoint.

Lovick told police that she thought Davis was just going to beat up Philumalee, though Johnson told police that he heard Lovick and Davis talking about a hit on Philumalee.

According to the complaint:

Joseph Jordan, 44, told police that he had picked up Lovick near State Street earlier the night of the shooting, intending to pay her for sex in cash and crack cocaine. After agreeing on a price, they went to his home on Karstens Drive when Philumalee arrived unannounced. He said he and Philumalee drove Lovick back to State Street, then went back to his apartment. Jordan said Philumalee didnt know Lovick.

The complaint doesnt explain the relationship between Jordan and Philumalee, but it appears clear that Jordan knew her.

After about 15 minutes, Jordan told police, Lovick arrived back at his apartment. He said Lovick offered Philumalee $150 to have sex with someone in a car outside, and Philumalee eventually agreed. As soon as that happened, Jordan told police, Lovick began sending text messages on her phone, which caused him concern.

He said the three of them walked out of his apartment buildings rear entrance, and once outside, Lovick loudly said, Get em.

Jordan said he saw a man round the corner of the building and start shooting at them. He said he saw Philumalee on the ground as he ran away, and realized moments later that he had been shot. Jordan said he hid, then tried knocking on doors to get help, while trying to avoid people in a car that he said appeared to be looking for him.

Jordan said he only learned later that Philumalee had been shot and began to cry when he picked Lovick out of a photo lineup for police.

Thats the girl who got my girl killed, he told police.

Philumalee died at UW Hospital from gunshot wounds to her head, neck and torso. The shot that struck Jordan in the face went through his cheeks.

In an interview with police on Wednesday after her arrest, Lovick said there was no mention of any plan to shoot anyone as she, Davis and Johnson headed to Jordans apartment.

Lovick denied knowing about a hit on Philumalee after police confronted her with that information.

But Johnson, also interviewed on Wednesday, told police that Lovick knew there was a hit out on Philumalee. Johnson said that while he was in a car with Lovick, Davis and an unidentified woman as they headed toward Jordans apartment, he heard Lovick and Davis talking about a woman named Ciara who had a hit out on her. He said he knew there was going to be a hit on the woman whose name he heard was Ciara.

When they reached the apartment building where Lovick had directed them, Davis and Lovick got out and walked toward the building. About five minutes later, Johnson said, he heard four shots, and then Davis and Lovick returned to the car.

Johnson confirmed to police that Lovick got $150 for locating Philumalee.
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, has called on the federal government to approve career progression for technologists to attain grade level 17 in the civil service.

Kashim Ali, president of the association, made the call on Friday in Abuja during a media briefing ahead of the 26th Engineering Assembly of the council.

The theme of the assembly slated to hold between August 7 and 9 is: Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities for A Better Future.

Mr. Ali said the call was necessary so as to address the issues of HND and B.Sc. dichotomy being reported in the media; adding that the engineering family had no issues of disparity.

According to him, HND engineers are registered as technologists, university graduates are registered as engineers and that is the practice internationally.

He said the challenge was that the pay structure in the civil service stagnate the technologists at a certain level adding that COREN position on the issue was clear.

There is a cadre called technologists, there is another cadre in the civil service called the engineers; the engineers have no problem, they grow to level 17.

We are not against the salary disparity between the technologists and the engineers but we are also saying, allow technologists to also grow to level 17.

We do not have that issue among members of the engineering family because all the cadres have representatives in COREN council, he said.

Mr. Ali said the COREN engineering assembly was to update the knowledge of members of the engineering family and share ideas on emerging issues in the practice of the profession.

He said the idea was to bring all cadres of engineering personnel together to discuss issues that would promote the practice of the engineering in the country.

Mr. Ali said the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, was expected to be the special guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the event while Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State would be the chairman of the occasion.

(NAN)

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The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday told the military elite to be on the cutting edge of technology to defeat cyber hackers and terrorists and create a better future for the citizenry.

He gave the charge in his address at the Silver Jubilee and graduation of 133 military and para-military participants of the Course 25 of the National Defence College, Abuja.

The acting president, whose message was titled: The Battle has Changed, noted that the nation was today facing new challenges and character in warfare, terror and all manners of insurgency.

According to him, terror groups and cyber criminals had used modern technologies to spread useless ideologies and defraud the people and the country cannot afford not to use the same strategies to respond to insurgency.

I challenge the elite of our armed forces that if militants, terrorist groups and internet hackers are constantly re-inventing themselves taking advantage of emerging technologies, you have no reason whatsoever not to be at the cutting edge of technological warfare.

You must consistently redefine your role in national security architecture, he said.

The acting president reemphasised that the role of the military was as critical as ever not just in the traditional areas of terrorist threats and protecting lives and property.

He said that the military of the 21st century must realise that it had a role to play in supplying re-enforcement in the ideas that today define the world.

He noted that the military should realise that in the fight against religious extremism it is much easier to win the war than to win the peace; it is easier to neutralise the extremists than to neutralise extremist ideologies.

That is the critical challenge for us in the North East and the critical challenge for many countries that had to do with extremist ideologies and the insurgencies they had.

He asked that having won the physical battle against terror, how would the military position itself to win the hearts and minds of the people and win them over.

Mr. Osinbajo stated that one of the priorities of government was the comprehensive rebuilding of the North East.

He added that it was also part of the strategy to win the minds of the people by directly investing and restoring schools and hospitals and government institutions and so on.

According to him the stratagem was to send the message that government wanted to create a better life and a future for them.

The lesson then is that in the future we must not wait until things are fallen apart before we show as a government and elite that we care for our people.

He said that going forward the military must prepare for the future before it unfolded and be able to anticipate and tackle embedded threats.

Mr. Osinbajo also noted the threats to electoral processes caused by fraudulent internet users and said that as Nigeria approached the 2019 elections those were the kinds of threats the nation would contend with.

He said that even in daily lives the people had to contend with fake news adding that a website operated from Ukraine had swayed the minds of the Nigerian youth even as it was neither based in Nigeria nor owned by a Nigerian.

Mr. Osinbajo said he was delighted to be at the graduation of the training institution for the high-ranking members of the military.

He described the graduating set as a special one having presented to him a priceless research paper on fighting terrorism and national security.

He said it was gratifying to note that the course played host to Nigerian and foreign nationals which showed the spirit of collaboration among nations.

He told the graduands that having achieved the academic feat they must explore further professional horizon.

He noted that it was better to learn from history in order not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

He noted that the armed forces represented a crucial component of the countrys intellectual population.

The acting president called on the Nigerian military to provide a strategic plan for the country to enter a post-oil era due to the dwindling oil revenue and the deadlines placed by developing countries to stop use of petrol vehicles.

The future calls for our revisiting our dependence on oil, he stated adding that it informed the diversification programme being midwifed by the President Buhari administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the acting President presented certificates and conferred fellowships to the 133 graduates.

Course 25 of the NDC was inaugurated on September 2, 2016 with participants from 15 military and para-military formations in the country as well as 10 nationals from Ghana, Mali, Zimbabwe, Cameroun, DR Congo, India, Cote DIvoire, Togo, Brazil and Tanzania.

By the 2017 ceremony, the college had graduated 2,134 professionals, among them 190 foreigners.

The event was also used to launch the colleges anniversary brooch and journal.

(NAN)

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The Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, Itse Sagay, on Friday said states, and not the federal government, should determine the minimum wage payable to their workers.

Mr. Sagay stated this in his paper at the 20th Wole Soyinka Annual Public Lecture in Benin.

Speaking on the theme, Nigerian State in the Aftermath of the Centenary: Prospects for its Indivisibility, Mr. Sagay opposed the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) position that the issue of minimum wage should remain on the exclusive list.

The professor said true federalism should replace the present suffocating unitary constitution.

For the NLC, the federal government should continue to determine for states what minimum wage they should pay to their employees.

And yet, it is a basic and fundamental aspect of federalism that no federating unit should dictate to or interfere in areas of governance of others.

A state, no matter how meagre its resources, has to accept the dictates of the federal government on this critical issue of its own internal governance.

This trade union opposition to federalism is the most shocking of all those resisting the re-introduction of true federalism in accordance with our pre-independence concord.

The fathers of Nigerian trade unionism were great nationalists and progressives.

The latter-day successors are ready to sacrifice the interest of this country for their own narrow and short-term selfish interests.

Chief Michael Imoudu would disown this anti-federalism position if he were still alive, he said

Mr. Sagay described the 1999 constitution as essentially the same as a unitary constitution masquerading as a federal constitution.

This has created the present stagnant, crisis-ridden and dysfunctional geographical entity called modern Nigeria, he said.

He said the present constitution had made the federal government become the centre of a titanic and destructive struggle for control.

He said under such an arrangement, states indolence and parasitic tendencies had followed, resulting in an unproductive and under-developed country.

In our present condition of tight unitarism, any act of misgovernance in Abuja reverberates throughout the country.

In order words, if Abuja sneezes, the whole country catches cold.

In a real federation, federal governments colds begin and end in that government.

Nigerias federating units, whether states or zones, need breathing space from an overbearing federal government.

The current unitary system is suffocating and preventing the states from enjoying individual autonomy and development. There is stifling uniformity, without unity.

States are stunted in growth and are perpetually dependent on the Federal Governments feeding bottle. This has to stop if Nigeria is to ever develop.

In order words, it is imperative that we return to the 1963 Constitution modified to suit our present circumstance, if we are to co-exist in a stable, crisis free and fast developing Nigeria.

Nigeria is a country of many nations which had existed independently long before the arrival of the all-conquering colonial power, he further stated.

(NAN)

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The Northern Youth Coalition which on June 6 asked Igbos living in northern Nigeria to leave before October, has set up a 10-member joint committee with Igbo leaders in the region to facilitate peace between the two groups.

The committee was set up at a meeting in Kano on Friday held at the instance of the coalition.

The meeting was attended by the leaders of the group and representatives of Igbo groups from the 19 northern states.

Five persons from each side constituted the peace committee with a former Labour Party presidential aspirant, Isa Tijjani, asked to coordinate its activities.

According to both sides, at the end of their meeting on Friday, the committee was asked to chart a way for peaceful resolution of any dispute between the Northern youth and the Igbo.

Mr. Tijjani, who spoke with journalists shortly after the meeting, said the committee would ensure that peace is maintained between the Igbo and their hosts in the North.

He said the issues that prompted the youth group to issue the quit notice to the Igbo in the north would be ironed out by the committee.

The leaders of the Northern youth coalition, Yerima Shettima, and Nastura Shariff, said the group was willing to call off the quit notice.

Mr. Shettima, who also spoke to journalists after the meeting, said his group was pushed into issuing the widely-criticised quit notice by the insults being poured on northerners by the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and his threat of war over which he said nobody cautioned Mr. Kanu.

Our quit notice was necessitated by the fact that Kanu came to Nigeria with a dual citizenship threatening to plunge the country into war, openly calling for the break up the nation and yet nobody stopped or cautioned him, he stated.

On his part, Mr. Shariff said all the Igbo leaders at the meeting disassociated themselves from the activities of the pro-Biafra agitators and said they want to live in peace with other Nigerians.

Boniface Ibekwe, who said he was the Eze Ndi Igbo North, and Chi Nwagu, the President-General of Igbo Delegates Assembly, also told journalists that Igbos stand for peace and a united Nigeria.

The Northern youth group had on Thursday insisted that they had not withdrawn their quit notice because of their concern that Mr. Kanu was unperturbed in his quest to break up Nigeria.

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Delectable Nigerian artiste Waje Iruobe popularly called just Waje came on her social media pages to share that her being a successful musician and a successful mother makes her #bestofbothworlds.

See her post below:

The post has generated huge number of likes, comments and reposts since Waje put it up.

Apparently, Waje isnt the only celebrity that has shared what makes her #bestofbothworlds.

See what Yoruba actress Mosunmola Filani posted on her Instagram page.

Interestingly, Kannywood actress, Hadiza Gabon also caught onto the trend and shared the below on her Instagram and FaceBook pages.

This trend has been taken on by Nigerians especially on Twitter.

We are quite curious to know what makes you the best of both worlds. Do share with us in the comment section.

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Journalists in Borno State on Friday donated a trailer load of cement to the state government as their contribution to the rebuilding of communities destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents.

The donation was made as media practitioners in the Boko Haram-ravaged state flagged off the annual Press Week celebration in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The theme of the week is the Role of Journalists in Post Conflict Rebuilding and Livelihoods.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, BabaShek Haruna, said the donation of the 600 bags of cement was made possible through the individual contribution of the unions members in the state.

The Borno State NUJ press Week is being celebrated for the first time since 2013.

The annual event could not hold in the past four years due to the prevailing security challenges in the state.

Speaking during a courtesy call at the Borno State government House, the NUJ state chairman informed Governor Kashim Shettima that the union has decided to have a 2014-2017 joint press conference to demonstrate to the world that despite the challenges there is still life in Borno State.

As journalists in Borno State who are either directly or indirectly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, we felt it is duty bound for us to make our contribution beyond the reportage of the challenges being faced by the displaced people in the state.

We made this token contribution in order to help our displaced brothers and sister to get their communities rebuilt which is the focus of government right now, he said.

Mr. Haruna said the 2014-2017 Press Week was flagged off with prayers in Friday mosque. He said the day two would be marked with a media lecture for the members.

On Sunday, we would be having another session of prayers in the church where our Christian colleagues would commit the union and the state unto the hands of the almighty, he said.

In the evening of Sunday, there would be a novelty match between NUJ members and the members of Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU).

Monday would be the peak day where we, the NUJ members, would be awarding notable individuals and organisations that have one way or the other come to the assistance of Borno State in its hour of need.

He said Borno NUJ selected the Dangote Foundation, the UNHCR, and the federal ministry of defence as part of those to receive the star awards.

He said newspapers like the Daily Post online, Borno Radio Corporation and Vanguard newspaper are to receive awards for their tireless contributions in the reportage of the reconstruction effort of the state.

In his speech, Mr. Shettima said he was very pleased with the contributions made by the NUJ towards alleviating the plight of the displaced.

He said he was particularly touched by the journalists gesture because it was coming at a time when many illustrious and wealthy sons of Borno could not come to the aid of the displaced.

We are proud of NUJ and the entire journalists in Borno State for sharing in our moments of sorrow. I will not forget this gesture, he said.

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The crisis in Kogi State could lead to anarchy and weaken democratic institutions, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC said on Friday.

The NLC, in a statement by its president, Ayuba Wabba, also called on the federal government to intervene in crisis in the state.

The foremost labour union lamented the apparently forced resignation of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Alfa Imam, in the state.

The offence of the former Speaker was that he had initiated a legislative process to look into the disbursements of the Paris Club refund following non-payment of salaries and pensions and the industrial tensions in its aftermath, Mr. Wabba said.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported the resignation of the speaker two days after thugs, allegedly sponsored by the executive, invaded the Assembly beating up lawmakers and journalists.

The state governor has since denied sponsoring the thugs or being behind the crisis.

A new speaker, Mathew Kolawole, was elected on Thursday.

In his statement on Friday, Mr. Wabba also condemned the ban on the lecturers union, ASUU, at the Kogi state university by the governor.

Read Mr. Wabbas full statement below.

We are appalled by the developments in the Kogi State House of Assembly in particular, and Kogi State in general.

For those who may not have been in the know, last week, the speaker, Honourable Alfa Imam was forced out and a more pliant one installed. The offence of the former Speaker was that he had initiated a legislative process to look into the disbursements of the Paris Club refund following non-payment of salaries and pensions and the industrial tensions in its aftermath.

But the former Speaker was lucky to have gotten off lightly as the House Member who moved the motion for this process ended up in Plaster of Paris (POP) courtesy of the thugs dispatched to disrupt the House proceedings.

The Kogi State mess represents the height of intolerance, insensitivity and impunity, and a precursor to dictatorship and anarchy and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians and apprehended by the Federal Government before the situation spins out of control.

Accordingly, we call on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, commence investigations into the disbursements of bail-out funds (50% percent of which it had directed should be applied to payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities); continuous non-payment of salaries and pensions; endless staff audit which has become a convenient alibi for owing salaries and pensions.

We also believe that the Federal Government should be concerned that the state-contrived industrial disharmony in the state is slowly but steadily degenerating into a political crisis as exemplified by the clamp down on ASUU and the State-sponsored violence in the House of Assembly and other acts of witch-hunt in the States socio-political space.

We need not remind the Federal Government that these represent strong threats to our democracy and should not be condoned.

Government should not be under the illusion that the developments in the state will simply peter out with time. It will be a criminally negligent assumption, and therefore dangerous.

We at the Nigeria Labour Congress similarly consider ourselves duty-bound to remind the Federal Government that it should not sacrifice the interests of the people of Kogi State on political considerations or convenience. The Kogi State situation has dragged on for too long and the Federal Government cannot continue to look the other way. The time to act is now.

Finally, we are guided by the dictum that it is better to build strong institutions instead of strong individuals, because whereas strong institutions protect our democracy, strong individuals threaten it.

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A man who allegedly impersonated one of the kidnappers of the recently released six students in Epe was on Friday brought before an Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates Court in Lagos.

The man, identified as Chizoba Okoye, is facing a one -count of false representation and demanding ransom.

Mr. Okoye, 24, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the prosecutor, Chinalu Uwadione, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 11 at 8 p.m. in Igbonla area of Epe.

He alleged that the accused falsely presented himself as one of the kidnappers of the six students who were abducted from a school in Epe and demanded N2 million naira for their release.

PREMIUM TIMES recalls that the students were held in captivity for about 65 days before they were released recently in Ondo State.

The offence contravenes Section 6 (iii) of the Lagos State Anti-Kidnapping Laws , 2017.

The law prescribes death sentence for anybody who engages in kidnapping.

The Chief Magistrate, Oluyemisi Adelaja , admitted the accused to bail of one million naira with two responsible sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until August 23 for mention.

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The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday sought a no objection letter from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the state governments Embedded Power Programme.

Mr. Ambode, who led some members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and other critical stakeholders to a meeting at the NERCs headquarters in Abuja, said the embedded power project was designed as his administrations flagship programme for direct intervention in the power value chain towards achieving a 24-hour power for Lagos.

He said the proposed power programme would generate up to 3,000MW of power through accelerated deployment of various power plants in strategic locations across the State by private sector power providers within three to six years.

He noted that Nigerians aspiration to create a secured and prosperous nation that is globally competitive will be difficult to achieve without stable power supply.

Mr. Ambode posited that while efforts are ongoing to resolve the power crisis, it had become increasingly clear that the problems in the energy sector could no longer be left to the federal government alone to solve.

Embedded power was designed as our flagship programme for direct intervention in the power value chain towards achieving a 24-hour power for Lagos. Lagos State has always demonstrated its capacity and willingness to play a leading role in resolving the power sector challenges in the state, subject to the limit of the federal authority allowed regulations.

Having succeeded in powering government facilities, the next level of intervention for our government is to collaborate with other stakeholders in the power sector to design and implement a roadmap for uninterrupted power supply to homes and businesses in Lagos State.

The draft of the Lagos State Embedded Power Bill was finalised in May 2017 and submitted to the National Electricity Regulatory Commission for clearance before same can be forwarded to the State House of Assembly.

The stakeholders meeting holding today is a continuation of the ongoing engagement between NERC and the Lagos State Government on the Lagos State Embedded Power Programme.

We are convinced that the offer by our government to deploy the states balance sheet in support of power generation, transmission, distribution, gas supply, metering, collection and enforcement in Lagos State will significantly relieve the national grid and free more energy for distribution to other parts of Nigeria.

The proposed power programme will generate up to 3,000MW of power through accelerated deployment of various power plants in strategic locations across the state by private sector power providers within three to six years.

He said the state government would issue guarantees in support of the Power Purchase Agreements that will be signed between the distribution companies and the private sector embedded power providers to enhance bankability of the projects.

He added that the power generated under the programme will be distributed through the networks of Eko and Ikeja Distribution Companies while the state would support the distribution companies in upgrading their distribution infrastructure for embedded power areas in line with NERC guidelines.

The State Government will support the distribution companies in installation of smart prepaid meters in the areas where embedded power is deployed. We will institute a cost-reflective tariff regime that is fair to all stakeholders, sustainable and capable of attracting private capital to the sector on a continuous basis.

Other areas of collaboration include support for revenue collection, legislation and establishment of an agency for enforcement of power theft laws in Lagos.

Our prayer today is to seek the commissions no objection letter for the Lagos State Embedded Power Programme, based on cost reflective tariff regime that is fair to all parties and capable of unlocking private sector investments into the power sector on a sustainable basis, the Governor said.

Responding, the NERCs Commissioner in charge of Legal License and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, who stood in for the Commissions Vice Chairman, promised that the NERC would work with the Lagos State Government to ensure the success of the programme.

Within the ambit of the law and existing regulations, you have our unflinching support in this project.

So in response to what you said in your prayers to us, Your Excellency, I reaffirm the support of NERC towards this project. Our commitment is to create a viable electricity industry that works for Nigeria and Nigerians.

As the laws and regulations permit us, we will work with you on this project to ensure that it does see the light of the day, Mr. Akpeneye promised.

Mr. Akpeneye however called the governors attention to some safety issues that concern the state.

He spoke about the right of way, standards and designs, electricity theft as well as customers enumeration.

He noted that a situation where the commissions record indicates that there are only 1.2million registered electricity customers in Lagos State is not tidy enough when almost all the houses in the state are connected to national grid.

Representatives of both Eko and Ikeja Distribution Companies at the meeting declared their support for the project, saying that it would be detrimental to the progress of Nigeria if they opposed it.

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The Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, on Friday inaugurated the newly reconstituted state Joint Security Task Force, codenamed `Operation Burst, at Idi-Arere, Ibadan.

A statement by Yomi Layinka, Mr. Ajimobis media aide, said the state government took the decision because Idi-arere area is considered one of the hot spots in the city of Ibadan.

Similarly, the governor also inaugurated the new Board of Trustees for the states Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF).

The board, headed by the Deputy Governor, Operations, of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Bayo Adelabu, was inaugurated at the Executive Chambers of the Governors Office, with a mandate to reinvigorate the security outfit.

Members of the OYSSTF include the Commissioner for Health, Azeez Adeduntan; a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Adesola Adeduntan; Falil Ayo-Abina; Femi Odumagbo; and Vickram Goushani; as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Femi Oyedipe.

Mr. Ajimobi described the two occasions as a milestone in his administrations efforts at stamping out all forms of brigandage and violent activities, which, he said, had earned the state the appellation of a garrison before the advent of his administration.

Before our administration came on board in 2011, Mr. Ajimobi said, Oyo State used to be known as a garrison, because of the violence, arson, brigandage and destruction of property being carried out by criminals.

This led to the establishment of a Security Trust Fund and Operation Burst in 2013 which eventually brought peace back to the state. We were then able to stem the tide of armed robbery, gangsterism and other vices with this instrument of the law.

We have now fortified the Operation Burst with officers and men of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Special Response Squad of the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to renew the peoples confidence in the capacity and capability of the outfit.

While inaugurating the 20 new patrol vans donated to the state by the OYSSTF at Idi-Arere, the governor promised that other arms and ammunition required to fight crimes and criminal activities to a standstill would be made readily available to the security outfit.

He charged members of the board to apply the Trust Fund law recently amended by the state House of Assembly towards the sustenance of peace, saying the law had paved the way for private sector involvement.

The governor, who emphasised that security was a serious business that involved the participation of all and sundry as well as sustained funding, called for a robust data base and public-private partnership.

Mr. Ajimobi also said that arrangements were being made for the installation of Closed Circuit Television cameras in strategic areas and a base station where people could call in for emergencies as well as acquisition of aerial patrol helicopter.

We have come to knock on the doors of brigands to flush them out. We decided to choose this location (Idi-Arere) for this occasion because it is generally believed to be the hot spot of criminal activities in the city of Ibadan.

With this development therefore, `One million Boys should be on the run! There is no more a safe haven for criminals and perpetuators of violence in our state, he submitted.

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Pobierz zdjecie Przeczytaj o zasadach pobierania zdjec President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda (1)

President Andrzej Duda and the First Lady joined a Caritas Polska "Schoolbag Full of Smiles" campaign. The presidential couple prepared five school starter kits.

In a video posted on the prezydent.pl website, >>>>> the President was encouraging everyone who can afford it, to participate in the project.

The President underlined that the summer holidays are not only leisure time for children, but also a time when their parents start preparing them for the new school year. "Every child has the right to proper education and development, which influence its future", marked President Andrzej Duda.

"We packed school supplies into these school bags, hoping that Bartosz, Claudia, Eryk, Karol and Wiktoria will have a better chance to develop their talents, interests and passions", added the First Lady.

Also Childrens' Ombudsman Marek Michalak and the Chairman of the Polish Episcopal Conference Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki will prepare similar school starter kits. The all-Poland finale of the fundraising will take place on August 27, 2017 in Zamosc.

Caritas Polska, the Polish branch of the worldwide fund-raising and charity organisation, is organising the "Schoolbag Full of Smiles" campaign already for the ninth time. The programme is directed to children from low-income families. The donors prepare school starter kits via diocesan and parish Caritas branches, which are then passed on in the form of schoolbags to the needy children.

Last year Caritas Polska managed to provide 50,000 children with schoolbags. (PAP)
President Andrzej Duda

President Andrzej Duda has signed a law on the ratification of an agreement on the European Border and Coast Guard Agency's (Frontex) headquarters in Warsaw.

Under the agreement, Poland will offer a plot of land in central Warsaw to Frontex, where the EU border agency is to build its new headquarters.

The bill, adopted by the Sejm (lower house) on July 20, was signed by the president on August 2.

The agreement between The Republic of Poland and Frontex was signed by Interior Minister Mariusz Blaszczak on March 9, 2017. The document also regulates the legal status of the agency and its employees in Poland.

Frontex helps manage the EU's external borders, ensuring their security and carrying out regular risk analyses and assessments. The agency's budget is to grow from EUR 281 million in 2017 to EUR 322 million in 2020. (PAP)
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said Thursday he is recommending Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn take over the shuttered Oscar Mayer site or either of two undeveloped sites on the citys edges for what is believed to be a possible medical-related facility.

Foxconn is proposing a $10 billion liquid crystal display plant in southeastern Wisconsin that could eventually employ 13,000 people at an average salary of $53,000 a year. The company also is considering expanding its Wisconsin presence to the Dane County area, officials have confirmed.

A proposal distributed last week by the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) said an unnamed company is seeking to invest about $505 million in a 20-acre undeveloped site to build a 700,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that could employ as many as 650 people in its first five years of operation.

While the MadREP email identified the company only as Project Varsity, Soglin told a news conference he received a call from MadREP last Thursday suggesting he submit sites for a Foxconn project matching those figures.

Soglin said he is recommending the Oscar Mayer site even though it is not on undeveloped land, as Foxconn has requested, because it has easy access to the airport, Interstate, rail and bus lines and plenty of power and water.

We think this is part of the need to rethink the location of jobs and the consumption of farmland, Soglin said. Putting in a facility that employs this many people right in the heart of all these resources. ... That makes sense rather than chewing up 40, 80, 100 acres of farmland.

The mayor said he would be willing to consider offering tax incremental financing for a potential Foxconn project, but he said the city will not give away the property.

We have absolutely no intention, at any location, to waive any environmental regulations, Soglin said. Secondly, we are not at all interested in participating in a race to the bottom in regards to competing with financial incentives that are not viable for this community.

Soglin criticized the states offer of $3 billion in incentives to woo Foxconn to southeastern Wisconsin. Considering the potential size of the payroll and number of jobs created, the offer is so over the top, he said. Im fearful if that becomes the standard for job creation in Wisconsin, the whole state will suffer.

Soglin said an incentive package of $600 million to $1.2 billion would be more in line with national standards.

Soglin, who has said he is considering running for governor, said Thursday that hell announce his decision after Labor Day. Alec Zimmerman, a spokesman for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, could not immediately be reached to respond to Soglins comments about the states incentive package.

New hope for site?

The mayor said he has not been contacted either by Foxconn or state officials about a Dane County site. He said he suggested the Oscar Mayer site with the approval of parent company Kraft Heinz, even though it already is working with a possible buyer, Reich Brothers Holdings, a company that buys closed factories and sells their assets.

Ald. Larry Palm, who represents the Oscar Mayer area, said he is hesitant about Foxconns Dane County proposal since its not clear yet what the company may make here or what kind of arrangement it will seek.

If Foxconn really has the intent to build a 20-acre site and would be willing to overlook their own greenfield requirement, then Id like to consider it, Palm said. At the same time, though, if we just are going after every offer out there, we could get ourselves very tired in these sprints.

Oscar Mayer had its headquarters in Madison from 1919 to 2016, producing hot dogs and lunch meats and, in its early years, slaughtering animals. At its peak, 4,000 employees worked there. Production ended in late June.

The plant encompasses 1.7 million square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space on a 72-acre site at 910 Mayer Ave.

Soglin said last December that it would likely cost $10 million to $12 million to demolish the buildings, remove the materials and prepare the grounds for cleanup. No estimate has been made public on the cost of environmental remediation, but Soglin also said if a developer came forward, the city would apply for federal brownfield cleanup funds.

Madison Ald. Mark Clear, District 19, said city officials are just now gathering input from the neighborhood about what would be best for the site, but the process could move more quickly if a company like Foxconn expresses interest.

If somebody is interested in it, whether its Foxconn or anything like (it), we ought to seriously look at it, Clear said.

Interest in med tech

Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward, the Madison-based organization representing Wisconsins biohealth industry, said Thursday she has been working with Foxconns medical group for several weeks.

It certainly appears that they are focused on precision medicine, from prevention to treatment. That is why Ive been helping direct them to certain companies ... and experts within the university, she said.

Johnson said Capio Biosciences is one of the companies she introduced to Foxconn representatives. Capio moved to Madison from Chicago in January. The companys technology identifies cancer cells in the bloodstream by taking blood samples known as liquid biopsies.

Johnson credited the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the states quasi-public business development agency, for providing the right leadership. ... They were the connectors; they made sure they brought in the right parties to support Foxconns medical group, she said.

Foxconn founder and CEO Terry Gou has pledged significant financial support for improved cancer research. His first wife died of breast cancer and his younger brother died of leukemia.

Soglin would not identify the other two Madison sites he has recommended. One is believed to be University Research Park 2, at Junction Road and Highway M on the Far West Side. Its roads and utility connections were installed several years ago, yet the site, which is about 370 acres, remains empty.

Neighboring communities also have expressed an interest. Fitchburg Mayor Jason Gonzalez said Foxconn officials have toured sites in Fitchburg. He said he submitted three potential locations, and said he thinks the plant might make wearable devices that monitor vital signs or exercise activity, such as Apple watches or Fitbits.

Verona director of planning and development Adam Sayre would not comment on the name of the company seeking sites but said Verona has submitted a proposal for Project Varsity as well. Sayre would not specify the location but said the city has undeveloped land in Verona Technology Park and the Liberty Business Park, both at the southeast edge of Verona, at Highways PB and M.

We do have land available to accommodate a request of that size, Sayre said.
ATLANTIC CITY  The body found Thursday on the beach in front of the former Revel Casino Hotel has been identified as the swimmer who went missing Tuesday, police said.

The city Police and Fire departments and Beach Patrol responded to the 500 block of the beach after people walking along it reported seeing a body floating in the ocean, Sgt. Kevin Fair said.

The body was identified as Jeffrey Wilkens, 31, of Illinois, Fair said.

Wilkens had been missing since entering the water at about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Fair said.

City police responded at 9:43 p.m. Tuesday to the 1000 block of the beach, near Steel Pier, for a report of a missing swimmer.

The United States Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police assisted in the search for Wilkens by sea and air before it was suspended late Wednesday night.

Staff writer Waldy Diez contributed to this report.
MARGATE  The Board of Commissioners will continue an executive session at 10 a.m. this morning that was started following last nights lengthy public meeting.

The commissioners met in closed session last night to discuss a strategy going into court-ordered negotiations with the state Department of Environmental Protections and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday morning.

All beaches, except for Huntington Avenue, will be opened and staffed by lifeguards over the weekend.

Commissioner John Amodeo said Thursdays executive session started at 6:30 p.m. and lasted more than an hour before it was continued to Friday morning. It was held after 2 hours of public testimony at the regular commission meeting that started at 4 p.m.

It will be more of a strategy and goal-setting meeting, Amodeo said in a telephone interview early Friday morning. We need to see what we can get accomplished. I dont think our goal will ever be met, but we can consider a best-case scenario.

At Thursdays meeting, the board appropriated $100,000 for expenses it might incur in the city's latest battle to get the state and federal government to fix ponding and drainage problems created by the dune-building project. Amodeo said it was merely an appropriation for expenses, which could include engineering studies and expert fees should an extended court battle ensue. The board also approved a contract with attorney Jordan M. Rand of Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP of Philadelphia not to exceed $25,000.

The contractor building the dune across all of Absecon Island, Weeks Marine Inc. of Cranford, excavated several feet of sand to lower the beach and create a drainage basin between the dune and existing bulkhead, which resulted in several feet of water collecting behind the dune, rendering much of the beach inaccessible. The area was supposed to percolate within 24-36 hours, but water stagnated as beach access was cut off. As much as 2 feet of water festered for days until Weeks Marine was ordered by the DEP to pump the water into the ocean.

As a precaution and to protect swimmers, Public Safety Commissioner Amodeo closed the beach from the citys border with Ventnor at Fredericksburg Avenue to Gladstone Avenue, where fetid pools of water were pumped into the ocean. Most of the standing water has been pumped away, but wet spots remain.

Amodeo reopened those beaches for the weekend after all ocean water quality tests proved bacterial levels are in the acceptable range.

We had our beach raker out there and will have all the lifeguard stations manned for the weekend, Amodeo said. Water quality tests show we are in good shape.

The latest results from the Atlantic County Water Quality Program, which tests ocean water in three spots in all Atlantic County shore towns every Monday, show water quality in Margate for the week of July 31 was in the excellent range, with a reading of 6. A bacteria count above 104 would require beaches be closed to swimmers.

The beach at Huntington Avenue behind the Margate Library and Bloom Pavilion will remain closed because it is being used as a staging area for Weeks Marines heavy equipment during a seven-day work stoppage period ordered by Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez Thursday afternoon.

There are still workers on site, Amodeo said. If it rains over the weekend, they will have to pump out the water. They own the job and are responsible for everything that happens there until the job is done.

Mendez called the ponding problems that developed behind the newly built dune following a 5-inch rainstorm horrendous and ordered the parties to meet every day to hammer out a solution before their next court-ordered appearance before Mendez 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11.

He said the city and its residents and businesses are suffering irreparable harm and the situation must be rectified.

The defendants have until noon Wednesday, Aug. 9, to file briefs on short- and long-term solutions to the drainage problems, Mendez said.

The judge is expecting a resolution, Amodeo said. If its not, then he will rule as he sees fit.

Amodeo said the commissioners would discuss a strategy going into negotiations, which could be contentious.

They want us to share costs. We didnt ask for these dunes. It was a state mandate from Gov. Chris Christie. It was forced on us. Why should we have to pay for anything? If its a state mandate, then all expenses should be paid for by the DEP, Amodeo said.
An investigation into alleged prescription benefit fraud in three Absecon Island towns could include doctors, pharmaceutical representatives and compounded drugs, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said this week.

The Prosecutors Office announced last week that Atlantic County grand jury subpoenas were issued July 28 to the same three towns under federal investigation  Atlantic City, Margate and Ventnor  looking into city employee health insurance information.

The FBI has declined to comment about their investigation.

While Tyner could not specify all the details of the parallel investigations, he said the process of drug-compounding fraud could be part of it and the search of Dr. James Kauffmans office in June was partially related.

Kauffman, 68, of Linwood, remains jailed and charged with weapons offenses following a standoff with police June 13 at his Egg Harbor Township practice.

Tyner stressed there are state offenses that are separate and distinct from federal offenses, with different implications and consequences.

Our investigation is not limited to just public employees, Tyner said.

Drug compounding is a process in which a pharmacist or doctor alters or mixes ingredients into a custom drug to fit the needs of a patient, according to the federal Food & Drug Administration.

City officials fend off rumors in federal prescription fraud investigation MARGATE  The flow of new information on a federal prescription-drug investigation among cit

The process of mixing drugs is legal, and compounded medications can be beneficial to patients unable to take another drug because of allergies or other issues. But problems arise when the drugs, intended for one person and costing thousands of dollars, are mass-produced, said Charles Ross, a New York-based attorney who has represented clients in medical compounding cases.

Ross said the profit for compounding pharmacies can reach tens of thousands of dollars for a single tube of compounding cream.

Pharmacies that get into mass production see that they can make a ton of money, Ross said. What a truly compounded cream can fetch in terms of insurance reimbursements is truly stunning.

In recent years, the U.S. Attorneys Office targeted cases of fraud in which compounding pharmacies have paid middlemen to steer doctors to prescribe an expensive form of compounded drugs.

Just last month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a $1.3 billion health care fraud investigation that resulted in 412 people charged nationwide. Some of those cases involved compounded medications.

The alleged schemes resulted in government-funded health care programs Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE seeing huge leaps in spending for prescriptions.

In some cases, patients, recruiters or beneficiaries were paid kickbacks for giving information to providers so bills could be submitted for services or medications that werent needed or never provided. In some cases, insurers were billed for unnecessary drugs and compounded medications.

For Keith Hartman, owner of Curexa, a compounding pharmacy in Egg Harbor Township, the fact that compounding practices have become the subject of criminal investigations is disheartening.

View Margate and Ventnor subpoenas in federal prescription drug probe A federal investigation into public employees health benefits extends beyond Margate and in

When done effectively and properly, compounding helps patients in need, he said.

Some of the services we provide are unique and are doing significant health improvements for people, said Hartman. But theres going to be bad eggs in every industry.

Hartman mentioned the company is accredited by the PCAB  the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board  which has strict standards for how drugs can be created and solicited.

When it gets to the point of sales representatives mass-producing or selling products people dont need, thats when the fraud is clear, he said.

Its not a game that we would entertain or get involved with, Hartman said. Its clear lapse of judgment.

Even before Tyners investigation was announced, mayors in several South Jersey towns were aware of the potential impact prescription costs can have on their budgets.

Federal subpoena requests info on Margate employees' health benefits MARGATE  City officials are prepared to suspend without pay any city employees indicted as 

Egg Harbor Township Mayor James Sonny McCullough said township officials have been keeping a close eye on compounding prescription prices over the past couple of months, even though his towns records have not been sought.

Its something that we are watching, said McCullough. We want to watch anything that will drive the principal up.

In Margate, prescription costs jumped from $539,114 in 2010 to $3.4 million in 2015. The practice of compounding was discussed in a July 20 commission meeting that followed revelations of an investigation.

Margate Business Administrator Rich Deaney said prescription-drug fraud is not unique to Downbeach.

Nationwide, there reportedly has been a 3,000 percent increase in the dispensing of compound drugs in the past several years, he said.

Large leaps in prescription costs not caused by a similar increase in the number of prescriptions filled is something that could set off red flags for law enforcement, who would view profit-making as a fraud on the system, said Ross, who believes prosecutors and insurance providers are catching up to the practice.

There have been a lot of prosecutions and a lot of convictions and people sent to jail, forfeiture of moneys, so Im not sure theres a lack of oversight these days, Ross said.

Tyner urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors because it interferes with the investigation.

I would just urge the community to allow us, rather than speculate, to allow us to conduct our investigation, Tyner said. Ultimately, time will tell as to who is implicated and what they were implicated for.
JANESVILLE  House Speaker Paul Ryan said Thursday that Republicans will have an easier time reducing corporate taxes and simplifying income tax brackets for individuals than they did in their failed effort to overhaul health care.

But Ryan acknowledged Republicans could feel conservative voters frustration or lack of enthusiasm in midterm elections next year if their legislative agenda stays stalled despite controlling Congress and the White House.

We had different opinions on how to advance health care reform, the Janesville Republican told the Wisconsin State Journal in an interview Thursday. On tax reform, were largely in agreement.

Ryan joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for an event with Blains Farm and Fleet store managers in Janesville on Thursday.

He said he plans to introduce a tax overhaul bill in September with the goal of passing it through the House by the end of the year.

The former chairman of the House Budget and Ways and Means committees is among a small group of Republicans from the House, Senate and White House who have been quietly crafting changes to the U.S. tax code.

Ryans priorities will be to lower tax rates businesses pay, saying they are higher than rates in other industrialized countries, while reducing the number of individual federal income tax brackets from seven to three, raising the standard deduction and making tax forms simpler.

House Republicans will pursue the tax changes while they also work to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, Ryan said.

After hearing frustration from some Republican voters during an event Wednesday in Mukwonago, Ryan said he hopes to notch several legislative accomplishments that have so far eluded conservatives  including the changes to health care and tax policies  prior to the 2018 midterms.

If we dont do our job we will depress turnout, Ryan said. I am frustrated as well.

He attributed the lack of action to the Senate, where he said the slim Republican majority gives Democrats more opportunities to stop legislation.

And Ryan said the flurry of news and controversies coming out of President Donald Trumps White House have overshadowed what he described as a productive session for House Republicans.

Were pretty frustrated with the slow pace of things (in the Senate), but in the House, weve actually done most of our agenda except for welfare reform and tax reform, Ryan said. Theres just been a lot of distractions out there, whether its Russia, or tweeting, or whatever.

One day after Trump reluctantly signed off on new sanctions on Russia that were passed with overwhelming majorities, the president made news Thursday when he tweeted that American relations with the country were at an all-time & very dangerous low, for which he blamed Congress.

Asked whether he agreed with Trumps assessment, Ryan said, We think Russia deserved the sanctions that we passed.

Russia can improve our relationship if they stop meddling in our elections.

Still, while some Republicans have expressed a growing discontent with Trump and polls show the new presidents approval ratings at historic lows, Ryan said he did not believe the party would be accomplishing more if someone else were in the White House.

The problem isnt having President Trump sign bills into law and it isnt getting bills out of the House  the problem is getting these bills through the Senate, Ryan said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Walking along the trail at Batsto Village through Wharton State Forest, the damage done is evident.

Charred wood is all around following a fire that damaged about 3,500 acres of land last month.

The smell of smoke lingers as you walk in from the Batsto visitors center and into the woods.

But the scene isnt as apocalyptic as one may think. Instead of stretches of abused bark and fallen trees, the forest scenery is a blend of black and green, due to the control efforts of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

While weaker trees and brush were destroyed, stronger trees suffered damage only to the bottom of their trunks.

But through the charred and blackened grounds of the forest, green grass is beginning to sprout, and that new life is part of a scientific cycle that takes place with overgrown land being damaged and starting from scratch. As the state Department of Environmental Protection begins the recovery process for the forest, some believe the fire served a positive purpose.

The wildfire began with a lightning strike to several trees, the DEP said last week. The fire then spread to other trees before it was discovered July 20. Batsto Village hiking trails were closed while the Forest Fire Service contained the blaze.

Now, its moving on and maintaining what is left.

Greg McLaughlin, assistant state fire warden for the Forest Fire Service, said he and his team are monitoring the forest, as there are still potential hot spots where fire can pop up again.

Wharton State Forest fire ignited by lightning WHARTON STATE FOREST  The wildfire that burned 3,500 acres since Thursday began with a ligh

Once we get significant rain, that will essentially cool and quell or smolder these hot spots, McLaughlin said.

Looking further down the road, McLaughlin said the most cost-effective program is prescribed burning.

Controlled burns are done typically in the cooler months to reduce fuel buildups and decrease the likelihood of hotter fires like the one that occurred in July.

McLaughlin said the Forest Fire Service will learn from the most recent blaze and tailor future prescribed burns based on that.

We know confidently, in years to come, that fire wont be necessary again. Generally its about seven years, McLaughlin said.

Meanwhile, the Forest Fire Service will look at roads and trails that were used to access the fire and see if they need rehabilitation. They will also look at the damaged trees that pose a hazard and act accordingly.

We dont just walk away and put it down in the books, McLaughlin said. Once the smoke disappears, no pun intended, people tend to move on. But well continue to look at rehabilitating the forest and continuing to prevent these large-scale fires in the future.

But some believe these fires provide a boost to the ecosystem.

Bob Williams is the president of Pine Creek Forestry, of Clementon, Camden County, which has provided forestry services for 25 years to corporate and private land owners. Williams consults with hundreds of land owners and has worked with the state as well.

He said a fire like the one in Wharton is beneficial to the forest and the wildlife that live in it.

Williams said plants depend on mineral soil, and creating openings helps trees regenerate and lets animals like pine snakes benefit from exposure to the sun. Closed-canopy forests can cause problems for a natural habitat.

Plants and animals depend on the ecosystem to thrive, and having a forest get fire to open up is good, Williams said. I think the forest is already responding really well, and I think a lot of critters are happy that the fire came through.

Williams is aware that the smoke can be detrimental to humans in the area, and he is not insisting that forests should burn down. Instead, he said we need to live with the Wharton fire and allow fire to play a bigger role in sustaining the Pinelands.

Its finding a balance. In the end, fire is the lifeline of the forest, he said.

Williams said he thought the Forest Fire Service did a good job controlling the fire.

Weve got a problem here, and I think they did an excellent job of this. They got more fire on the ground, and that further enhances the management of the forest so that area wont be a problem for years to come, he said.
Tyler Dralle, 20, of Vineland, is one of two males charged with felony murder in connection with the June homicide of Deanna Scordo, of Winslow Township, according to a Thursday announcement by Camden County Prosecutor Mary Eva Colalillo.

The other person charged is a 17-year-old from New Castle, Delaware, according to Colalillo and Winslow Township police Chief George Smith.

Scordo was shot and killed in the early morning of June 25 during a burglary inside her home, which sat on a multiacre blueberry farm on the 700 block of Baridmore Avenue.

Camden County Prosecutors Office and Winslow Township police detectives pursued multiple tips and leads and were able to determine Dralle and the New Castle teenagers involvement in the incident, officials said.

Dralle was charged July 31 with the death of Scordo, the Prosecutors Office said. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested him Aug. 1 at his residence without incident. He was sent to the Camden County jail, the prosecutor said.

The New Castle teen was charged Aug. 2 and is being held in a juvenile facility in Delaware, the prosecutor said.

The pretrial detention hearing for Dralle is set for 10 a.m. Friday in front Judge Edward McBride in accordance with the states bail reform, the prosecutor said.

The court may order Dralle be detained without bail or released with conditions under the recent criminal justice reform rules.
President Donald Trumps pick to fill a long-standing federal appellate court vacancy never cleared a state vetting commission, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwins office said Friday.

Trumps administration announced Friday morning that he had chosen Milwaukee attorney Michael Brennan to fill the opening on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. The slot has stood empty since 2010, when Judge Terrance T. Evans announced he was taking senior status. He died the following year.

Brennan has close ties to Republican Gov. Scott Walker, having previously served as chairman of an advisory committee that helped Walker choose state-level judicial appointees. Walker tweeted congrats to Brennan after Trump announced the nomination and issued a news release calling Brennan a fair and impartial voice in our justice system.

The 7th Circuit encompasses Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. The open slot is designated for a judge from Wisconsin. Partisan bickering has delayed filling the position; Senate Republicans resisted confirming former President Barack Obamas picks.

A bipartisan state commission has made recommendations to Wisconsins two senators on federal nominations since 1979. The senators take the commissions picks and forward them on to the White House for consideration.

The six-member commission issued another call for applicants for the 7th Circuit opening in February. None of the applicants, including Brennan, garnered the requisite five votes to win a recommendation. Baldwin, D-Madison, issued a statement accusing Trump of ignoring Wisconsins traditions by choosing Brennan.

This nominee is not a product of our Wisconsin Federal Judicial Nominating Commission, she said. I am extremely troubled that (the) President has taken a partisan approach that disrespects our Wisconsin process.

White House spokeswoman Kelly Love said Brennan was the most qualified applicant the administration considered.

Brennan was out of his office Friday and didnt immediately reply to a voicemail.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, issued a statement praising Trump for choosing Brennan.

Our nations judicial system will be well served once he is confirmed by the Senate, the statement said.

A Johnson spokesman didnt immediately reply to a question about Baldwins criticism of the pick breaking with Wisconsin tradition.

Trump also announced Friday that he has nominated Waushara County District Attorney Scott C. Blader to serve as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, which covers the western two-thirds of the state.

Blader would replace John Vaudreuil, who resigned in March after Attorney General Jeff Sessions demanded that 46 U.S. attorneys step down.

Baldwin and Johnson announced in June that Blader had won the state commissions recommendation along with Jackson County District Attorney Gerald Fox.

Bladers and Brennans nominations are subject to Senate confirmation.

Meanwhile, Baldwin and Johnson jointly announced Friday that the commission had recommended Michael Aprahamian, Gordon Giampietro, Kevin Martens and Rick Sankovitz to fill an open seat in the federal court covering the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The senators said they forwarded the names to Trump on Thursday.
DALLAS, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 1, 2017, the Delaware Department of Finance (DOF) issued a revised proposed Department of Finance Abandoned or Unclaimed Property Reporting and Examination Manual ("Proposed Regulations") related to the enforcement of Delaware's Abandoned or Unclaimed Property Law (APL). As stated by the DOF, a number of substantive changes were made after the DOF received comments regarding the earlier version of the proposed regulations. Although a detailed description of each such change is beyond the scope of this summary document, highlights of the more noteworthy items in the revised Proposed Regulations are as follows.

Comment Period for DOF Regulations

Holders may comment on the new proposed regulations until 4:00 pm Eastern Time, August 31, 2017. The DOF indicates that upon the conclusion of the comment period, it will make a determination of whether to adopt the proposed regulations "based upon the results of DOF analysis and the consideration of the comments and written materials filed by other interested persons."

Estimation Regulations

The overall estimation methodology has not changed from the prior version of the proposed regulations. As expected, and consistent with the prior draft regulations and the Secretary of State estimation regulations, the key concerns expressed by the Delaware U.S. District Court in the Temple-Inland case do not appear to have been addressed in the revised Proposed Regulations.

Conversion of Existing Audit to VDA

Any holder currently undergoing a Delaware audit that received a Notice of Examination from the State Escheator on or before July 22, 2015, except for any securities examination in which estimation is not required, is potentially eligible to convert the pending examination into a VDA. However, in order to effect the conversion, a holder is required to file an executed copy of a Notice of Intent to Convert within sixty (60) days of the effective date of DOF estimation regulations. While the DOF has not yet adopted such regulations, it appears the earliest these estimation regulations will be adopted is October 1. Delaware law currently requires for estimation regulations to be adopted by the DOF no later than December 1, 2017.

Indication of Owner Interest in Property

Both the earlier and current versions of the Proposed Regulations delineate certain actions which do not include owners' interest in their property such as "automatic postings, automatic investments, computer system conversion dates, and non-return of mail (other than a non-returned IRS Form 1099 for ACH or Dividend Reinvestment accounts.)" The latest Proposed Regulations contain a new Section 2.5.4 which states: "Proof to the satisfaction of the State Escheator that an Owner has had contact with a designated representative of the Holder in the period of dormancy may be considered an indication of owner interest in the property." The new language indicates a broader view of owner contact will be considered, as well as the possibility of reviewing property specific circumstances. However, it gives the State Escheator the authority to agree or disagree with what constitutes such owner contact.

Record Retention

The earlier version of the DOF's proposed regulations did not provide any specific examples of records to be retained by the holder. The latest Proposed Regulations offer more detail and guidance, outlining a broad range of records to be retained including "the date, place, and nature of the circumstances that gave rise to the property right. These records may include the following: tax returns (including consolidated and affiliation schedules), organization charts, charts of accounts, unclaimed property filing history (for all states if the holder is incorporated or formed in Delaware), prior completed and accepted VDAs and examinations, bank statements, bank reconciliations, outstanding check lists, detail general ledgers, aged accounts receivable reports, aged accounts payable reports, policies and procedures related to record retention, accounting, and unclaimed property, and, if applicable, information surrounding gift card issuances and redemptions." See revised Section 2.9.

Ability to Enter into VDA

The earlier proposed regulations stated the issuance of the official examination letter terminated a holder's ability to enter into a VDA with Delaware. The revised Section 2.12.1 specifies the ability to enter into a VDA is only excluded as an option until the examination is concluded, which potentially offers expanded flexibility for holders.

Stored Value Card or Gift Card

Delaware law currently provides that for a stored value card or a gift card, the amount unclaimed "is the amount representing the maximum cost to the issuer of the merchandise, goods, or services, represented by the card." See APL, Section 1133(14). Both versions of proposed regulations contain a type of calculation formula which is not likely to be perceived as favorable to holders. However, the new section 2.4.2.2 has helpful language, in that it provides "[o]ther reasonable alternative calculations may be proposed by a holder and shall be considered on a case-by-case basis by the State Escheator."

Auditor Security Protocols

The new Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) provisions require an auditor to (i) provide a holder with information regarding the auditor's security measures, upon the reasonable request of holder, including data security protocols with respect to any electronic file transfer process used in the exam, and (ii) prevent any disclosure of confidential information by its representatives not otherwise permitted under the examination agreement. These requirements should be beneficial to the holder community. See NDA Section 3(f)-(g).

Confidential Information

New language has also been added in the NDA section 8 providing auditors shall promptly, and without undue delay, notify a holder in writing of any unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information, and shall reasonably cooperate with a holder to mitigate the effect of such unauthorized use or disclosure.

Non-Solicitation

Updated language has been added in the new NDA section 4 generally restricting auditors from informing other states or jurisdictions that Delaware has undertaken an audit. Additionally, auditors may not solicit other states or jurisdictions to commence an examination of the respective holder. However, these restrictions do not prohibit the auditor from disclosing Delaware's involvement in the audit to another participating state, once the other state has issued a formal notice of examination to the holder.

Prior Unclaimed Property Reports

Section 2.15.2 has added new language clarifying that Delaware, upon request by the holder, shall provide all records of previously filed unclaimed property reports. Although this should assist holders in constructing affirmative defenses during a Delaware audit, the better practice remains for holders to retain any unclaimed property reports filed with the various states.

Abatement of Penalties and Interest

Interest and penalties may be abated for good cause at the discretion of the State Escheator in accordance with 12 Del. Code sec. 1185. According to language now in Section 2.15.5, some of the factors the State Escheator may consider in determining good cause include a holder's filing history, the responsiveness of the holder during the examination, and whether the holder used "ordinary business care" in its compliance efforts.

Due Diligence/Owner Notification

The DOF has provided a different form of recommended "due diligence" letter to be sent to apparent owners before their property is turned over to Delaware. For example, Section 2.22.2 now provides in part that "[t]he State may sell property that is not U.S. legal tender."

Outreach Remediation Letter

For property that is included as part of the sampling population during the estimation process, the Proposed Regulations now provide a sample outreach "remediation" letter approved by the DOF in Section 2.22.

Expedited Examinations

A new provision in Section 2.25 provides that Delaware shall publish a form titled "Intent to Expedite Completion of Examination," which will outline expectations for this process.

Updated Form for Conversion of Audit into VDA

On August 2, 2017, the DOF released an updated form titled DISCLOSURE AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONVERT UNCLAIMED PROPERTY EXAMINATION INTO A REVIEW UNDER THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT PROGRAM PURSUANT TO Del. C.  1172(b), which clearly contemplates that holders may make an election at this time to convert eligible audits into the Secretary of State's Voluntary Disclosure Agreement (VDA) program. Because the estimation regulations have now been finalized by the Secretary of State, and have remained unchanged through two versions of the DOF Proposed Regulations, holders may now have essentially all information they need to make an informed decision on converting an eligible Delaware audit into a VDA at this time.

Summary

Some holders may determine they have essentially all information they need to make a decision to convert an eligible audit into a Secretary of State VDA. However, at the latest, qualifying holders will have 60 days after the effective date of the DOF final estimation regulations to make the significant decision whether to convert an existing audit into a VDA, convert to an expedited audit, or remain in the current (unexpedited) audit process. For those holders who may elect to wait until such time as the DOF final estimation regulations are adopted, they are encouraged to continue vigilant efforts to ascertain and address areas of potential unclaimed property exposure, and analyze with their unclaimed property advocate or counsel the pros and cons of each option, based on their particular facts and circumstances.

Holders seeking additional clarification on how these matters relate to their specific circumstances can contact their Ryan AUP representative.

About Ryan

Ryan, an award-winning global tax services and software provider, is the largest firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business taxes. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides an integrated suite of federal, state, local, and international tax services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including tax recovery, consulting, advocacy, compliance, and technology services. Ryan is a five-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multi-disciplinary team of more than 2,100 professionals and associates serves over 14,000 clients in more than 45 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Mark A. Paolillo

Principal

Abandoned and Unclaimed Property

Ryan

857.288.1976

[email protected]

Susan Han

Principal

Abandoned and Unclaimed Property

Ryan

442.244.2447

[email protected]

Jeff Henshall

Principal

Abandoned and Unclaimed Property

Ryan

404.365.0922

[email protected]

SOURCE Ryan

Related Links

http://www.ryan.com


BOSTON, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This Sunday through August 9th, the 2019 Commemoration, AMERICAN EVOLUTION, will be exhibiting at the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Legislative Summit and sponsoring a session that will share the story of the first representative legislative body held in 1619 in Jamestown, Virginia and provide historical context to the discussions going on at NCSL.

The exhibit includes a video booth to capture an attendee's thoughts and feelings about America's democratic system, the evolution and future of our government and our shared history. The videos captured at the NCSL event will be included in future AMERICAN EVOLUTION events as the 2019 Commemoration builds to the commemoration year with a series of signature events.

The session sponsored by the 2019 Commemoration features an introduction by historian Dr. Warren M. Billings who will lay out the historical context that led to the creation of the House of Burgesses. Session participants will examine legislation that was passed during that first House of Burgesses to discuss and pull out similarities in current legislation and policy work and discuss how it reflects in today's legislative environment

"Every state legislature in our country can trace its roots back to Jamestown," said Kathy Spangler, executive director of the 2019 Commemoration. "In many ways, 1619 is the true beginning of democracy in our country as we know it today. The 2019 Commemoration is proud to promote this history and are eager to hear what the elected officials attending the NCSL Summit have to add in their videos."

In April 1619, the Virginia Company of London, which established the Jamestown settlement abolished martial law that had governed the colony and asked Governor Sir George Yeardley to forge a "General Assembly." This General Assembly was comprised of two representatives from each of the 11 existing plantations and allowed the settlers to voice their grievances about social conditions in the colony and participate in self-government. The Assembly met for the first time over six hot and humid days beginning on July 30, 1619 in Jamestown's church.

The NCSL Legislative Summit runs from August 6-9th at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The AMERICAN EVOLUTION exhibit can be found at booth 767.

About the 2019 Commemoration

The 2019 Commemoration, AMERICAN EVOLUTION, highlights events that occurred in Virginia in 1619 that continue to influence America today. Featured programs, events and legacy projects will position Virginia as a leader in education, tourism and economic development. AMERICAN EVOLUTION commemorates the ongoing journey toward the key ideals of democracy, diversity and opportunity. Dominion Resources is an AMERICAN EVOLUTION Founding Partner and Altria Group is a Virginia Colony Partner. The 2019 Commemoration is a sub-agency of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.

CONTACT

Sarah Mars Bowie

2019 Commemoration

[email protected]

PH: (202) 974-5081

SOURCE 2019 Commemoration

Related Links

http://www.americanevolution2019.com


BERWYN, Pa., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME) today announced that its Board of Directors has elected two new Vice Presidents. Brian Nash was elected, Vice President, Operational Finance and Christopher Brooks was elected Vice President and General Manager of Engineered Medical Components.

"I am pleased to announce the promotion of Brian Nash and welcome Chris Brooks to AMETEK," said David A. Zapico, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain focused on developing and attracting executive leaders to expertly manage our businesses. Brian and Chris possess the experience and leadership qualities which will contribute to AMETEK's continued success."

Brian Nash Elected Vice President, Operational Finance

In his new position, Mr. Nash will lead financial due diligence on acquisitions and drive opportunities to improve business performance and internal controls. Additionally, he will provide acquisition integration support and lead company-wide financial initiatives.

"Brian has been an excellent leader within our Finance team for more than a decade. His experience will add tremendous value to this position," commented Mr. Zapico.

Mr. Nash previously served as Divisional Vice President, Finance of the Power Systems & Instruments Division since 2011. Prior to that, he served as Business Unit Controller of Process Instruments since joining AMETEK in 2007. Before his time with AMETEK, he held financial and operational roles with General Electric, Plastico Ltd., Spirent Communications, Del Monte, and II-VI Corporation.

Mr. Nash is a qualified Chartered Global Management Accountant since 2003, studying at West Midlands College in the United Kingdom.

Christopher Brooks Elected Vice President and General Manager, Engineered Medical Components

Mr. Brooks joins AMETEK from Illinois Tool Works (ITW) where he most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of ITW's Insulation Systems division since 2015.

"It is a pleasure to welcome Chris to AMETEK. He has an extensive background in general management, business development and operations which we expect will contribute to the success of our Engineered Medical Components division," concluded Mr. Zapico.

Prior to ITW, Mr. Brooks held various management positions with increasing responsibilities in operations, engineering, marketing and business development at Nordson, Coca-Cola, FMC, and Merck.

Mr. Brooks holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of North Carolina.

Corporate Profile

AMETEK is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annual sales of approximately $4.0 billion. AMETEK's Corporate Growth Plan is based on Four Key Strategies: Operational Excellence, Strategic Acquisitions, Global & Market Expansion and New Products. AMETEK's objective is double-digit percentage growth in earnings per share over the business cycle and a superior return on total capital. The common stock of AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500 Index.

Contact: Kevin Coleman +1 610-889-5247

SOURCE AMETEK, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ametek.com


DALLAS, Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leave it to Applebee's in Texas to serve craveable entrees to its guests while providing fundraising dollars at Food Banks to feed its neighbors in need.

Apple Texas, a franchise partner of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar with 65 restaurants in The Lone Star State, today announced its campaign, aptly named "Buy 1, Provide 1," which provides donation funds for one meal for every regular-price, non-discounted entree ordered at participating Applebee's during August. Apple Texas owns Applebee's in Austin, East Texas, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Waco and surrounding areas and has partnered with the following Food Banks in each of the communities it serves:

North Texas Food Bank in Dallas

Tarrant Area Food Bank in Ft. Worth

Houston Food Bank

Central Texas Food Bank for restaurants in Austin and Waco

and East Texas Food Bank for restaurants in East Texas and surrounding markets

"We always strive to be a great neighbor in the communities we serve and wanted to make sure to remember our neighbors in need while we serve our valued neighbors and guests," said Chris Dharod, Chief Operating Officer of Apple Texas, a subsidiary of SSCP Management, owned by Dallas businessman and philanthropist Sunil Dharod. "This is a two-for-one in the most charitable and philanthropic way. When a guest buys an entree in our restaurants, we will provide one meal to a food bank patron in need through our respected Food Bank partnerships every day in August."

All 65 Applebee's in DFW, Houston, Austin, Waco, East Texas, and surrounding locations will participate in the Buy 1, Provide 1 campaign. Guests with questions are encouraged to call their neighborhood Applebee's for more information.

About Apple Texas

Apple Texas is a subsidiary of SSCP Management, owned by Sunil Dharod, a Dallas businessman and philanthropist. Apple Texas operates 65 Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in Texas.

SOURCE Apple Texas
ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, American Trucking Associations and Drivers Legal Plan, a national legal firm dedicated to protecting the rights of truck drivers and the trucking industry, announced the renewal of Drivers Legal Plan's ATA Featured Product agreement.

"Safe drivers and strong companies are too often exposed to legal vulnerabilities in our industry," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "ATA is beyond thankful that companies like Drivers Legal Plan exist and are willing to fight on behalf of the trucking industry and its people."



Drivers Legal Plan's legal representation is dedicated to the defense of a driver's record and a motor carrier's safety profile and rating. Since the advent of the CDL, the firm has handled over 350,000 cases in essentially every jurisdiction in the country. Maintaining a one-of-a-kind database of cases involving moving or non-moving violations, citations and accidents, Drivers Legal Plan is one of the largest filers of DataQ challenges in the country.

"The uncertainty surrounding CSA and increased roadside enforcement initiatives across the U.S. have made actively and promptly addressing violation issues more critical for drivers and trucking companies," said Brad Klepper, executive vice president and general counsel at Drivers Legal Plan. "While we fully support efforts to improve highway safety, it is essential that drivers receive fair and uniform treatment in all jurisdictions. Drivers Legal Plan has backed the trucking industry's involvement in safety for 25 years and we are proud to continue our support through our ongoing participation in the ATA Featured Product program."

ATA's Featured Product list is available at www.atabusinesssolutions.com or by calling 866-821-3468.

Founded in 1991 by trucking company executives, Oklahoma City-based Drivers Legal Plan is a national law firm offering the highest quality legal representation available to truck drivers in the 48 continental U.S. states. The firm provides affordable legal protection against violations and citations that can have a detrimental effect on a driver's CDL record and a motor carrier's safety profile and rating. Dedicated entirely to defending truck drivers, Drivers Legal Plan currently represents truck drivers at hundreds of trucking companies. Drivers Legal Plan is affiliated with the American Trucking Associations, the Truckload Carriers Association and endorsed by a number of state trucking associations. For more information, visit www.driverslegalplan.com.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward.

SOURCE American Trucking Associations

Related Links

http://www.trucking.org


Abha Thakkar thought she was going to be an elementary school teacher.

But after finishing the coursework and completing her student teaching, Thakkar decided that career wasnt for her. Instead, she turned her focus toward the nonprofit field. The 42-year-old Middleton resident is now leading Madisons growing Northside Planning Council as its executive director.

The nonprofit runs the FEED Kitchens and a bakery training program, is administering the MarketReady program for the citys Public Market project, and is helping plan a path for how to use federal grants to reduce youth violence on Madisons North Side, among other initiatives.

Her husband, Ben Schumaker, founded the Memory Project, a nonprofit that enlists school students to draw and paint portraits of children living in refugee camps, orphanages or other difficult situations around the world. Through the Memory Project and a separate educational program Thakkar ran, she traveled to 38 countries in five years between stints at the Northside Planning Council.

Born in India, Thakkar moved to Wisconsin at age 2. She attended UW-Madison, studying political science and international relations, and later went back for an elementary teaching certificate she ultimately decided not to accept.

Since the birth of the couples daughter Asha, which means hope in Hindi, in 2011, Thakkar has largely put traveling on hold. But she left for Tanzania in East Africa last week for her first international trip in years.

When did you start with the Northside Planning Council?

Originally, I started in 2001 and left at the end of 2006, and then I worked with my husband and together we ran service learning programs, so he ran the Memory Project, and I ran a program called Books of Hope.  In my program, we were helping to support schools in northern Uganda by sending instructional material made by my American students. We had 17 schools that we sponsored and did fundraising for and shipped over tens of thousands of pounds of learning material, mostly in the Gulu area where the children were former child soldiers.

When did you come back to the organization?

I came back as editor in 2013 of the Northside News. ... In 2015, I became interim executive director, and then in 2016 I became the permanent executive director.

What are some of your roles and responsibilities?

My job is to oversee the various programs and to ensure the fiscal health of the organization, to oversee the staffing, the legal obligations. I help support the board of directors in their role and policy development. All of that sounds a bit mundane, except when you realize that four years ago we only had the Northside News, three years ago we opened FEED, last year we took on the FEED Bakery Training Program and Healthy Food for All. This year we started MarketReady and the Stable Families program. Two years ago we had three employees. We now have 26.

Have the new initiatives affected your role?

It has. To be honest, our management team, kind of our lead staff, are all probably doing two or three peoples jobs. ... Ive had to learn a lot about the local food system and how it works. Ive had to learn a lot about job training programs and how to run an effective job training program and how to evaluate it and how to fund it. I knew nothing about a lot of this work. What I knew how to do is I knew how to learn, and I knew that Im a community organizer by training. I knew how to engage people, and I knew how to get people motivated and to find common ground.

Are you going to Tanzania as part of the Memory Project? The impetus for this trip was to go back and see where my mom was born. My maternal grandparents started a school for girls there in Dar es Salaam in the 1960s. Its still open, and theyve educated tens of thousands of women. Ive always wanted to go visit, so Im going with my parents and a friend, and while were there well be visiting four different childrens homes where well be delivering portraits.

What are some of your hobbies?

Comic books. I havent changed that much. I was a geek before it was cool to be a geek. I am a Trekkie  well I think most people prefer to be called a Trekker  but I call myself a Trekkie. I play video games. I dont actually do any of these things, because I never have time, but if you were to give me all the time in the world, I would do those things.

 Interview by Logan Wroge
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Avelas Biosciences, Inc., a clinical stage oncology-focused company dedicated to improving cancer patient care from diagnosis through treatment, today announced the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 2 clinical trial of AVB-620 in women with primary, nonrecurrent breast cancer undergoing surgery.

"We're pleased to have begun dosing patients in our Phase 2 study of AVB-620 in women with breast cancer undergoing surgery, which marks a major milestone for Avelas," said Carmine Stengone, President & CEO of Avelas Biosciences. "This trial will allow us to confirm the findings from our Phase 1b trial, which demonstrated that AVB-620 could generate fluorescent signals that can distinguish breast cancer from adjacent tissues. We look forward to bringing this essential information to surgeons while they are still in the operating room."

"Surgical markers like AVB-620 have the potential to reshape cancer surgery by enabling surgeons to visualize cancer and make informed, real-time decisions to improve surgical treatment," said Steven Chen, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Avelas Biosciences. "This technology has the potential to reduce the number of re-operations that are needed due to incomplete initial resections, which could result in substantial cost savings and better outcomes for patients."

This open-label, single-arm, Phase 2 study of AVB-620 is designed to evaluate 100 patients during two separate trial periods. Period 1 will have approximately 30 patients to evaluate conditions to achieve maximal differences in fluorescent signals between malignant and nonmalignant tissue. Period 2 will assess approximately 70 patients to test dosing and imaging conditions determined in Period 1, and the accuracy of AVB-620 imaging data to distinguish between malignant and nonmalignant tissues. Additional information about this clinical trial is available at clinicaltrials.gov using the identifier: NCT03113825.

About Avelas Biosciences

Avelas Biosciences is a San Diego-based biotechnology company focused on developing technologies that advance a new standard-of-care for cancer surgery and therapeutic intervention. The company's lead candidate, AVB-620, has completed a Phase 1b clinical trial assessing safety, pharmacokinetics and fluorescence properties using tissue image analysis. A Phase 2 clinical trial for AVB-620 in breast cancer was initiated in June 2017. In addition, the company is advancing a therapeutic program, which utilizes the same technology platform. Avelas was founded by Avalon Ventures on technology from Roger Y. Tsien, Ph.D., co-winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry. For additional information, please visit www.avelasbio.com.

SOURCE Avelas Biosciences, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.avelasbio.com


NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Congregation Shearith Israel, represented pro bono by lead counsel Louis M. Solomon of Greenberg Traurig, won a complete reversal in the First Circuit Court of Appeals of a lower court decision that had erroneously turned Touro Synagogue over to its tenants.

Congregation Shearith Israel, the country's oldest Jewish congregation (dating from 1654), has owned Touro Synagogue (the oldest synagogue building in America, dating from 1760) since the early 19th century. The original congregation of Newport Jews had left Newport, Rhode Island, after the turmoil of the Revolutionary War period, and many became members of Shearith Israel in New York.

Jews began to return to Newport in the 1880s. Shearith Israel opened the synagogue to them, and in 1903 signed a lease with the new congregation, Congregation Jeshuat Israel, letting them use the synagogue and its "paraphernalia," for the token rent of $1/year. That "paraphernalia" included colonial-era silver "rimonim"  a pair of finials that adorn the Torah. This particular pair was made by silversmith Myer Myers, a contemporary of Paul Revere and the first Jew to become a member of Britain's silversmith guild. Myers had also made a pair for Shearith Israel.

In 2012, in derogation of the lease, Jeshuat Israel voted to sell the rimonim to fund an endowment. Shearith Israel found out and asserted its ownership and its religious objection to the sale of such objects that partake of the holiness of the Torah. Jeshuat Israel brought suit in Rhode Island, asserting its ownership of the rimonim  and also challenging Shearith Israel's ownership of the synagogue itself, alleging it was held in trust and that Shearith Israel should be removed as trustee.

After a 9-day bench trial, the trial court issued a 106-page decision on May 16, 2016, finding in favor of Jeshuat Israel. Shearith Israel was thus completely removed from any further connection with Touro Synagogue, for the first time in 200 years.

In the August 2, 2017, decision of the First Circuit, the decision of the lower court was reversed in toto. Shearith Israel was declared the outright owner of both the rimonim and the Touro Synagogue, free of any trust obligations to Jeshuat Israel.

Associate Justice Souter wrote the unanimous opinion. The First Circuit "reverse[d] on the basis of the parties' own agreements," including the lease. The Court found that the lease's "nominal rent of course, expresses a hopeful, if not kindly, disposition on the landlord's part, but is not an acknowledgement of any obligation of legally recognized trusteeship." Moreover, the Court found that the lease obligated Jeshuat Israel "to maintain the premises" and that "it had no discretion but to conduct 'the usual and stated religious services according to the ritual rites and customs of the [Sephardic] Jews as at this time practiced' in CSI's own synagogue in New York."

The First Circuit embraced Shearith Israel's argument that the express inclusion of "paraphernalia" in the lease "cover[ed] the rimonim."

After analyzing the lease, together with three other 20th century civil documents  a 1903 settlement between the parties, and two later contracts with the federal government concerning the historical preservation of Touro Synagogue  the Court ruled that Shearith Israel had prevailed: "We hold that the only reasonable conclusions to be drawn from [these documents] are that CSI [Shearith Israel] owns both the rimonim and the real property free of any civilly cognizable trust obligations to CJI [Jeshuat Israel]," and that "CJI's interest in the Synagogue building and related real property mentioned above is solely that of holdover lessee."

Thus, Shearith Israel was restored to the position it had held for centuries.

"Congregation Shearith Israel is gratified by the First Circuit's unanimous decision reaffirming our lawful, outright ownership of Newport's Touro Synagogue and the precious rimonim at issue here," said Solomon, who is Global Co-Head of Greenberg Traurig's International Litigation Practice. "Until our holdover tenant Congregation Jeshuat Israel tried to sell the rimonim and sued us in Rhode Island, Shearith Israel had sought to preserve the Touro Synagogue as an active house of worship. We will continue in our historic role and look forward to putting this unfortunate litigation behind us."

About Greenberg Traurig's Pro Bono Program

Greenberg Traurig lawyers across the firm's offices provide pro bono legal services to the indigent and working poor, as well as to numerous civic and charitable organizations dedicated to assisting them. The firm focuses its resources on specialized and interrelated issues including civil rights and affirmative action, anti-human trafficking, family law matters, criminal appeals, immigration and political asylum, housing and homelessness.

About Greenberg Traurig

Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One firm worldwide, GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web: www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.

Contact: Lourdes Brezo-Martinez, [email protected], 212-801-2131

SOURCE Greenberg Traurig

Related Links

http://www.gtlaw.com


BOCA RATON, Fla., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The following article by Anthony Phillips President of the Physician Dispensing Association discusses attempts by a multinational pharmaceutical company to undermine physician dispensing.

How do you know when your innovation is on the right track? One good indication may be found in the reaction you receive from the protectors of the paradigm you're trying to disrupt. I recently was made aware of a real-life example of this that just happened just this past weekend.

I was saddened to hear that at this year's American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Sumer Meeting in New York, a large, well known, multinational pharmaceutical company was heard publicly "slinging mud" at one of the industry's most exciting innovators. I am also reassured though that this is a good indication the innovator is changing things for the better. To make big pharma so concerned that their only resort is to turn around and slap the new kid on the block you must be doing something right!

There is no doubt It has been a rough past few years for big pharma. Headline after headline highlighting blatant industry-wide greed that pop-up seemingly on a weekly basis. Not only have their CEOs been taking a public shaming over price gouging, they have also introduced little-to-no new innovations or products.

In the article, The Public's View of Pharma Just Keeps Getting Worse published August 30th, Ed Silverman said, "Of 25 different business sectors, only the federal government is held in lower esteem by most Americans, according to a recent Gallup Poll." Could all the recent bad press and public criticism have anything to do with it?

Who was this company that earned the exasperation of a pharmaceutical giant? The company under attack is one whose members I have worked closely with for the past two years, Prescriber's Choice. Prescriber's Choice and its physician members have quietly but effectively been addressing some of the biggest issues in our healthcare model. Prescriber's Choice was founded on three core principles:

Enhance Patient Understanding Increase Patient Compliance Improve Patient Outcomes

This type of regard for our medical practitioners and their patients has been something painfully absent from the recent landscape of the pharmaceutical industry. This brings no surprise that this could make a company like Prescriber's Choice fall into the cross hairs of a pharmaceutical goliaths who have been putting profits over needs for some time now.

Our PDA members that use Prescriber's Choice are seeing amazing results from implementing the model into their practice. Most of them are dermatologists. The field of dermatology has been uniquely affected by recent price spikes in the industry, and reductions in insurance coverage.

Physicians love the point-of-care service because of how it has given them back the ability to practice medicine the way it was meant to be practiced. The patients see new hope in their prescription availability as physicians are providing custom-tailored medications directly to their patients, from the point of care. These medications are typically provided for less than the average specialty co-pay in a pharmacy. We asked some of our members what using Prescriber's Choice meant to them and their patients.

"Having the ability to custom formulate dermatology prescriptions that are both effective and economical for my patients, has been professionally gratifying and extremely empowering." - Julie Kenner MD PhD

"In office dispensing through Prescriber's Choice has helped alleviate the frustrations of our patients not being able to get the medications we want them to have due to cost or barriers from insurance companies." - Dr. Jerome Potozkin

"Prescriber's Choice allows me and my team the freedom to prescribe prescription medications based upon the patient's diagnosis and their needs without the limitations of insurance coverage, high cost or "special" access to mail order pharmacies. My patients obtain their medication immediately at the time of their appointment. Affordability is paramount and retail pharmaceuticals carry untenable costs. "Special" cards to defray this cost are specious as they charge insurance high fees for which we all ultimately pay. Prior Authorizations frequently fail and they consume valuable time while increasing frustration from patient and provider alike. Prescriber's Choice provides medications from an US based, FDA facility and my patients regularly obtain excellent results"  Carla Bauman, MD

"With the changing landscape of healthcare, essential and important medications are becoming harder for patients to obtain. Rising costs and decreasing coverage are problematic. As a physician, I have seen this first hand and I spend a large part of my day in the decision-making process of how to get patients medications and wondering if they will be covered. My staff and I spend excessive amounts of time determining what specialty pharmacies dispense what medications, if a coupon is available, filling out prior authorizations and then we end up speculating if the patient will even get the medication. This situation is a burden to my staff, me and most importantly, my patients. Since discovering and using Prescriber's Choice, I have been able to save my patients time and money and it is reassuring knowing that the patient has the medication they need when they leave my office. I have been incredibly happy with in-office dispensing thus far and am planning to expand the medications I carry in my office." - James C. Collyer, MD,

It is notable that these physicians have even taken additional steps to become an accredited practice through The Physician Dispensing Association, demonstrating that they meet the highest quality standards and state and federal regulations for dispensing medication outside of a pharmacy setting.

Yes, innovation brings the inevitable "break-the-rules" backlash, but is Prescriber's Choice breaking any actual rules? They are not. How do I know this? I know because we (The Physician Dispensing Association) have reviewed their model and its implementation by its physician members. We have carefully reviewed state by state the requirements to audit this physician dispensing platform. But that's not all.

Prescriber's Choice has also received a memorandum on its model demonstrating their validity and legitimacy from Ropes & Gray LLP, a preeminent global law firm, with more than 1200 legal professionals serving clients in business, technology, and government. Something that goes completely contrary to the street level defamation and innuendo our unnamed pharma giant has resorted to.

We do not have to accept the things we are not ok with, and that is where change and innovation take off. And while I am saddened to see such a poor reaction from such a large company, I am also convinced that Prescriber's Choice is on the right track to fixing inefficiencies in our healthcare system.

Progress is impossible without change and healthcare is due for progress. What more noble cause could a movement represent than to enhance patient understanding, increase compliance and improve outcomes? It's time we put needs before profits and see our healthcare system thrive. As we go forward we should expect more backlash from the old guard as positive change comes about.

Contact:

Anthony Phillips

[email protected]

888-510-8009

SOURCE Physician Dispensing Association

Related Links

http://www.physiciandispense.com


GREENWICH, Conn., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Brynwood Partners VII L.P. (" Brynwood VII ") announced today that it has acquired Cold Spring Brewing Company, Inc. (" Cold Spring ") from its current owner, the Lenore family. Terms and conditions of the transaction were not disclosed.

Located in Cold Spring, MN, Cold Spring is a leading beverage manufacturer that produces energy drinks, carbonated flavored waters and brews craft beers. The company primarily manufactures products, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and beer, for other companies' proprietary brands and retailers' private labels. Cold Spring also brews beer under its own brand, Third Street Brewhouse, for distribution locally in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Founded in 1874 in Cold Spring, MN, the company is one of the oldest beverage manufacturing plants in the U.S. Today, Cold Spring is a leading independent beverage manufacturer with over $60 million in net sales and employs approximately 350 people.

"We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Cold Spring," said Henk Hartong III, Chairman and CEO of Brynwood Partners. "The well-run facilities and exciting growth plans for the company represent a great investment opportunity for Brynwood Partners." Mr. Hartong continued, "While Cold Spring will be operated as a standalone company, we believe it will benefit greatly from the scale and national distribution and manufacturing foot print of Brynwood Partners' Harvest Hill Beverage Company investment. We look forward to working collaboratively with Cold Spring's management team to grow the business."

"On behalf of Brynwood Partners, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Lenore family for working with us on this transaction," said Ian MacTaggart, President and COO of Brynwood Partners. "This marks Brynwood VII's sixth investment in the beverage sector and is a significant investment for our firm. We look forward to supporting Cold Spring's loyal employees and growing its operations in Cold Spring, MN, where it has resided for 143 years and plays such an important role in the community."

Brynwood VII did not retain an investment banking advisor but was represented by Holland & Knight LLP on legal matters. Cold Spring retained Cascadia Capital LLC as its investment banking advisor and was represented by Stinson Leonard Street LLP on legal matters.

About Brynwood Partners:

Brynwood Partners, founded in 1984 and based in Greenwich, CT, is an operationally-focused private equity firm that makes control investments in North American-based lower middle market companies in the consumer sector.

Brynwood Partners currently manages more than $725 million of private equity capital for its limited partners, which include U.S. and international pension funds, fund-of-funds, endowments, high net worth family investment offices and financial institutions. For more information on Brynwood Partners, please visit www.brynwoodpartners.com.

About Harvest Hill Beverage Company:

Harvest Hill Beverage Company, based in Stamford, CT, was formed by Brynwood VII in July 2014 to acquire the iconic Juicy Juice brand from Nestle USA, Inc. Juicy Juice is the largest 100% juice brand in the U.S. focused on the kids segment. The company markets Juicy Juice products in single-serve and multi-serve formats to the retail and foodservice channels. In March 2015, Harvest Hill acquired American Beverage Corporation (" ABC ") from Wessanen, a publicly-traded food and beverage company based in Holland. With the ABC acquisition, the company added the Little HUG juice brand and Daily's Cocktails brand. ABC's brands are distributed to a blue-chip customer base that includes leading grocery retailers, wholesalers, supercenters and foodservice distributors. In October 2016, Harvest Hill acquired Faribault Foods, Inc.'s juice pouch manufacturing facility in Elk River, MN and other selected assets. Most recently, in December 2016, the company acquired the Nutrament energy drink brand from Nestle HealthCare Nutrition, Inc.

Brynwood VII acquired Sunny Delight Beverages Co. (" Sunny Delight ") from a private equity fund in February 2016 and, in May 2017, merged the company into its portfolio company, Harvest Hill. The 54-year-old SunnyD brand is a leading chilled juice drink in the U.S. In addition to the SunnyD brand, Sunny Delight markets the Fruit 2 O, Veryfine, Big Burst and Guzzler beverage brands. The company's products are widely distributed through leading retailers in the U.S. and Canada.

Harvest Hill, which currently operates seven manufacturing facilities strategically located across the U.S., intends to continue to grow its branded, private label and co-manufacturing businesses both organically and through strategic add-on acquisitions. For more information on Harvest Hill, please visit www.harvesthill.com, www.sunnyd.com, www.littlehug.com, www.dailyscocktails.com, www.fruit2o.com , www.veryfine.com and www.nutrament.com .

SOURCE Brynwood Partners

Related Links

http://www.brynwoodpartners.com


SEATTLE, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Buckling up may be the first thing most people do when they get in a car, but the latest poll from Seattle-based PEMCO Insurance finds that a significant number of backseat passengers don't always wear seatbelts, with many pointing to short trips as their excuse for the dangerous behavior.

The PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll finds that a majority of respondents (90 percent) believe wearing a seatbelt makes trips much safer, and nearly all drivers and front-seat passengers say they always buckle up.

However, almost one in five respondents in Washington and Oregon (18 percent) say they don't always wear their seatbelt when riding in the backseat. And when asked where they're more likely to wear a seatbelt  the front or the back  18 percent also say they're more likely to buckle up in the front seat.

"We're glad to see that most people here take seatbelt safety seriously, but it's still shocking to see that a considerable number knowingly take a risk by choosing not to buckle up in the back. Wearing your seatbelt isn't just for your safety, but for everyone else in the car, too, as the momentum of a crash could launch you into the driver or another passenger," said PEMCO Spokesperson Derek Wing.

Among those who admit to not wearing a seatbelt, one-third (33 percent) say they skip it when they think rides are too short to worry about wearing it, another third (35 percent) blame not being able to find it, and one-quarter (25 percent) say they simply forget.

A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests the popularity of ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft may be influencing passengers' seatbelt behaviors, as well.

According to IIHS data, of those who don't always wear seatbelts in the back, 4 out of 5 passengers nationwide say short trips or traveling by taxi or rideshare services are times they choose not to wear a seatbelt. And those who said that most of their trips as a rear-seat passenger took place in hired vehicles were less likely to report they always wear their seatbelt (57 percent) compared to passengers riding in personal vehicles (74 percent).

Though seatbelts have long been shown to save lives, IIHS reports that more than half of the people who die in passenger vehicle crashes in the U.S. each year are unbelted. Despite this alarming statistic, the IIHS survey also finds that many rear-seat passengers (25 percent) don't think belts are necessary because they mistakenly think the back seat is safer than the front.

"PEMCO's message is clear  wearing a seatbelt is critically important, no matter where you are seated in a vehicle. Choosing not to buckle up can have deadly consequences for you, and can put others in the vehicle at risk, as well," Wing added.

For a complete summary of PEMCO's poll results, visit www.pemco.com/poll, where you'll find the responses collected by FBK Research of Seattle in May 2017.

About the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll

PEMCO Insurance commissioned this independent survey, conducted by FBK Research of Seattle, that asked Washington and Oregon residents questions about driving habits and attitudes toward current Northwest issues. The sample size, 600 respondents in Washington and 600 in Oregon, yields an accuracy of +/- 4.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. In other words, if this study were conducted 100 times, in 95 instances the data will not vary by more than the associated error range.

About PEMCO Insurance

PEMCO Insurance is a true Northwest company providing auto, home, and boat insurance to our neighbors since 1949. Consistently ranked highest in customer satisfaction, people are the heart of our business. They can depend on us to anticipate and support their changing needs. PEMCO is committed to serving organizations that positively impact our local communities. We were started by a Seattle schoolteacher and stay true to our roots by focusing on nonprofits and organizations that support youth, education, and public safety. To learn more, visit www.pemco.com.

CONTACTS:

Derek Wing

PEMCO Insurance

206.628.4622

[email protected]

Kristi Herriott

Firmani + Associates Inc.

206.443.9357

[email protected]

SOURCE PEMCO Insurance

Related Links

http://www.pemco.com


Camp Southern Ground, located on over 400 acres in Fayetteville, Georgia and will serve children ages 7-17, from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races and religions, with activities to challenge, educate and inspire campers. As an inclusive camp, Camp Southern Ground will bring together typically developing children, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), learning and attention issues, social or emotional challenges, and those with family members serving in the military.

The event, held at the Vehicle Vault in Parker, Colorado, was a new venture for the non-profit. Bringing the mission of Camp Southern Ground, "to provide extraordinary experiences for children to recognize and magnify the unique gifts within themselves and others in order to profoundly impact the world," to a generous crowd of supporters and new-found advocates.

"It was an honor and a pleasure to not only celebrate my birthday at the Vehicle Vault, but share the mission of Camp Southern Ground with the local philanthropic community. I want to thank the Hutchison and Dilley families for welcoming us to Denver and being such gracious hosts for the evening. Camp will not just impact the children who live in Georgia, but for everyone regardless of distance. Beyond camp, we are thrilled to partner with amazing military and veteran support organizations who will deliver their programs on our campus," said Brown.

Guests of the evening experienced Camp Southern Ground through the stories shared by Zac and Shelly. Retired Marine Staff Sergeant Joey Jones, discussed Camp Southern Ground's commitment to providing support for military families, with a portion of proceeds from the evening being earmarked for children of service members based in Colorado to attend camp.

"We're thrilled by the amount of support we received in Denver, it was truly amazing to see the wonderful reactions to Camp Southern Ground. We're also excited to be able to give a portion of the proceeds raised that evening to children of military families based in Colorado so they can come and experience camp," said Mike Dobbs, President and CEO of Camp Southern Ground.

Guests included Vehicle Vault owners Erin and Daniel Dilley, Lou Hutchison, Glen and Angela Goad, State of Colorado Chief of Staff, Doug Friednash, host committee representatives; Carolyn and Craig Jackson of world famous, Barrett-Jackson Auctions, Sami and Steve Lockton, Debra and Wayne Berger, Jennifer and Adam Daurio, Ellen M. Robinson, Lisza Gulyas and Nancy Koontz.

Capping of the evening with an acoustic performance by members of the Zac Brown Band, guests left with a deeper understanding of Camp Southern Ground raising close to $1 million dollars over the course of the evening in support of the mission.

ABOUT CAMP SOUTHERN GROUND

Mission-driven, Camp Southern Ground offers children a world-class campus in a beautiful natural setting, with groundbreaking programs that inspire children to magnify their gifts, enhance their perspectives of self, empower them to overcome limitations, and spread love to impact their world. With state-of-the-art buildings and outdoor spaces, Camp Southern Ground is a one-of-a-kind place of learning and growth designed with children of diverse abilities and skill sets in mind, and will become a timeless institution that is the cornerstone of research and innovation.

SOURCE Southern Ground

Related Links

http://www.southernground.com


LONDON and HAMBURG, Germany, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With the number of cruise ships deployed in Europe increasing each year, ports and destinations are under increasing pressure to accommodate the influx of ships and passengers, as well as larger ships and new technologies. But how are they addressing the issue of berth and shoreside congestion, as well as increased risks in security?

A dedicated conference session at Seatrade Europe, taking place in Hamburg from 6-8 September, has a unique and new format, and will look at three 'Case Studies' on this particular topic, gaining insight from key industry leaders.

Moderating the session will be Alessandro Carollo, Head of Port Operations EMEA for Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd who offers us a view of the topic from a cruise line perspective:

"No doubt the increasing tonnage of new builds requires adjustments from ports and destinations alike; the improvements that these key stakeholders are constantly working on are critical to the success of the whole industry. Since the arrival of the world's largest ship in Europe (Oasis class) in 2014, we have seen a lot of engagement from both to better understand the requirements for ships of that size in terms of technical as well as touristic-related needs. All ports and destinations keen to work with mega ships need to continue to improve their infrastructures and offering, utilizing the success and lessons learned from their predecessors."

The first of these case studies will look at port and airport collaboration for home porting operations, and will be led by Arnt Mller Pedersen, Chief Operating Officer, Cruise & Ferries, Copenhagen Malmo Port:

"Copenhagen Malmo Port has for a number of years been working very closely with Copenhagen Airport, Bags Inc. and SAS, testing an 'Onboard Airline Check-in' system, which will allow cruise passengers to place their luggage outside their cabin door the night before arriving to Copenhagen, and then retrieve their luggage at the final destination airport. In order to implement the service in full, we still have some challenges with the communication between the European Airlines Amadeus IT system and the Bags Inc. system."

The second case study, led by Sacha Rougier, Managing Director for Cruise Gate Hamburg, will look at adapting to a quickly changing world through efficient use of infrastructure. Rougier also has great insight into best security practices for ports, following the recent G20 summit in Hamburg:

"Terminal Security during the G20 summit in Hamburg, and also after the recent attacks in Munich and Nice, is one of the topics I will be discussing during the session at Seatrade Europe. Hamburg deployed some 20,000 police officers for the G20 summit to prevent violent protests and to protect government leaders. As terminal operators we need to deal with most eventualities and therefore we worked closely with the Police to enable cruise ships to safely call at Hamburg during this period."

The final case study focusses on sustainable tourism and managing congestion ashore and will be led by Rita Berstand Maraak, Port Director for Geirangerfjord Cruise Port who has first-hand experience:

"We need to change to preserve. Geirangerfjord cruise port relies on a close dialogue with the shipping companies if we are to achieve an appropriate development of the region, and a harmonious relationship between the local community and an active cruise industry. Together, we can ensure a forward-looking and sustainable development  safeguarding both commercial development and the environment."

The topic of ports and destinations and how they operate beyond peak demand will be discussed during the conference at Seatrade Europe 2017, taking place at Hamburg Messe und Congress in Hamburg, Germany this September. It is a new format for the session and will feature 'Case Studies' from Copenhagen Malmo Port, Cruise Gate Hamburg and Geirangerfjord Cruise Port. The session will take place on Thursday 7 September 2017 from 1030-1130hrs.

To find out more about the full programme, and for regular updates, please visit www.seatrade-europe.com/programme/conference

To read the full thoughts on the participants for this session, please click here: http://ubm.seatradecruiseevents.com/europe-ports-destinations-speakers/

Contact  Nina Marston, Marketing Manager  Seatrade Cruise Portfolio, UBM EMEA

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 1206 201522

For more information please go to www.seatrade-europe.com

Notes to the editors:

About Seatrade Europe

Seatrade Europe, the leading trade event of the European cruise and river cruise industry, organised by Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH, in partnership with Seatrade (UBM EMEA), is held in Hamburg, Germany's famous seaport on the Elbe River. Industry decision-makers and professionals will meet to exchange ideas, set new trends and expand their business networks. Exhibitors include shipyards, ship chandlers, food and beverage suppliers, classification societies, cruise ports and shipbrokers, among others. From small-scale on-board hospitals to huge restaurant kitchens, from waste disposal to entertainment equipment, operations on board a cruise ship are highly complex, requiring perfect logistics. At the conference held in parallel with the exhibition, high-level experts will discuss current industry topics. Seatrade Europe will open doors from Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 September 2017.

For full details about Seatrade Europe, visit www.seatrade-europe.com

Find out more about Seatrade and UBM, visit Seatrade and UBM EMEA

Cruise Week in September 2017

From 1 to 10 September 2017, the port of Hamburg will again be transformed into a giant stage for major cruise events. For the second time, Hamburg will be bundling its cruise events and welcoming both the public and industry experts for ten days. The highlights are: Seatrade Europe (6-8 September)  Europe's meeting point for the cruise industry, the Hamburg Cruise Days (8-10 September)  Europe's largest public cruise event as well as two events organised by CLIA (56 September), the world's largest cruise association. Throughout the events, the port will again be illuminated and transformed into Blue Port Hamburg by lighting artist Michael Batz (1-10 September).

More information at www.hamburgcruisedays.com/cruiseweek

SOURCE Seatrade Europe
-- Company to Hold Conference Call on August 23 at 8:00 a.m. E.T. --

BEIJING, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- China New Borun Corporation (NYSE: BORN) ("Borun" or the "Company"), a leading producer and distributor of corn-based edible alcohol in China, today announced that it plans to release its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017, after the market closes on August 22, 2017.

Borun's management will hold a corresponding earnings conference call and live webcast at 8:00 a.m. E.T. on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 (8:00 p.m. Beijing time on Wednesday, August 23, 2017) to discuss the results and highlights from the second quarter 2017 and answer questions from investors. A webcast of the call will be available at http://ir.chinanewborun.com. Listeners may access the call by dialing:

United States Toll Free: 1-866-519-4004 US Toll/International: 1-845-675-0437 Hong Kong Toll Free: 800-906-601 Hong Kong Toll: 852-3018-6771 China Toll: 800-819-0121 China Toll (Mobile): 400-620-8038 Conference ID: 66753231

A replay of the webcast will be accessible through August 31, 2017 on http://ir.chinanewborun.com or by dialing:

United States toll free: 1-855-452-5696 International: 61-2-8199-0299 Passcode: 66753231

About China New Borun Corporation

China New Borun Corporation (NYSE: BORN) is a leading producer and distributor of corn-based edible alcohol

sold as an ingredient to producers of baijiu, a popular grain-based alcoholic beverage in China. The Company also produces DDGS Feed, liquid carbon dioxide and crude corn oil as by-products of edible alcohol production, and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) that is widely used in chemical industries. China New Borun is based in Shouguang, Shandong Province. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.chinanewborun.com and in documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

Contact Information

Asia Bridge Capital Limited

Michael Tieu

Phone: +86-10-8556-9033 (China)

+1-888-870-0798 (U.S.)

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE China New Borun Corporation

Related Links

http://www.chinanewborun.com


CLIFTON, N.J., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Comodo, a global innovator and developer of cybersecurity solutions and the worldwide leader in digital certificates, today announced its newest partnership with GeoCerts SSL, a leading provider of TLS/SSL certificates and certificate management solutions. The new partnership enables GeoCerts SSL to add Comodo's market-leading TLS/SSL certificate portfolio and Comodo cWatch Web, a fully-managed security solution for websites and applications, to its product lineup.

GeoCerts, a privately-held company based in Atlanta that is known for its customer service in helping clients find the right certificate solution, has traditionally only sold GeoTrust products. This is the first time in the company's history that it has expanded its certificate product portfolio with solutions from another certificate authority (CA).

"We pride ourselves in providing customers with market-leading solutions at a fair price, followed up by outstanding customer support; the partnership with Comodo enables us to deliver on that mission," said Scott Rogers, CEO, GeoCerts. "Comodo's partner-first approach and its ability to bring new, innovative security solutions to market, like Comodo cWatch Web, make the company an ideal partner for us."

In addition to Comodo's certificates, GeoCerts will be one of the first partners to offer Comodo's newest managed security solution, Comodo cWatch Web, tuned to detect threats before they can affect customers' websites, databases or critical web applications.

"Together, Comodo and GeoCerts will offer customers the right security solutions for their websites and applications with a white-glove support experience," said Comodo President Michael Fowler. "With an evolving threat landscape and the uncertainties surrounding authentication practices for GeoTrust, this strategic partnership enhances both of our abilities to protect and serve customers and partners."

Comodo security solutions will be available at https://www.geocerts.com in the summer of 2017.

About Comodo

The Comodo organization is a global innovator of cybersecurity solutions, protecting critical information across the digital landscape. Building on its unique position as the world's largest certificate authority, Comodo authenticates, validates and secures networks and infrastructures from individuals to mid-sized companies to the world's largest enterprises. Comodo provides complete end-to-end security solutions across the boundary, internal network and endpoint with innovative technologies solving the most advanced malware threats, both known and unknown. With global headquarters in Clifton, New Jersey and branch offices in Silicon Valley, Comodo has international offices in China, India, the Philippines, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit comodo.com.

Comodo and the Comodo brand are trademarks of the Comodo Group Inc. or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. The current list of Comodo trademarks and patents is available at comodo.com/repository.

Keep up to date with the latest Comodo News from the Comodo blog at https://blog.comodo.com/ and on Twitter @ComodoNews.

Connect with Comodo on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/comodo.

Contact

Deb Montner

Montner Tech PR

[email protected]

203-226-9290

SOURCE COMODO

Related Links

http//www.comodo.com


NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Delaware's Chancellor Andre Bouchard rendered a decision which perpetuates the unconstitutional taking of TransPerfect over the objection of two of its three owners, and forecloses a measure that would end corporate deadlock forever. Bouchard's order inequitably crippled Shirley Shawe's offer to save the company in favor of continuing to force a sale of the company. In effect, the Chancellor ruled that his prior order may not be disturbed by compromise  even where the relief initially requested by Elizabeth Elting (control free of Philip Shawe) is within reach and would result in less drastic court intervention. Put otherwise, he made clear that Ms. Elting's motives  even if they constituted bad faith  would not be considered by the court of "equity" in fashioning its now developing remedy.

Martin Russo, attorney for Shirley Shawe, said, "Delaware's Chief Justice Strine has held in the past that a shareholder had three basic rights - to sell, vote and sue. Chancellor Bouchard, by effectively denying Shirley Shawe's 211 motion, has deprived her of the right to vote her share, and shut down channels available to resolve the single issue that this entire case is based on  alleged deadlock. The Chancellor is serving no public purpose, other than otherwise enriching Elting by creating an exit strategy that she (Elting) did not bargain for."

Shirley Shawe said, "Chancellor Bouchard has exhausted enough from TransPerfect. I have the statutory right to vote to end deadlock -- he should permit me to do so."

SOURCE Shirley Shawe
Programming note: On Wednesday morning, I will be traveling to northeast Pennsylvania in connection with a new case on which I am working. As a result, additional posts will not appear here until late Wednesday afternoon or Wednesday evening. As always while I am traveling, additional appellate-related retweets may appear on this blogs Twitter feed.







City calls for Pa. Supreme Court to deny appeal of soda tax case: Alison Burdo of Philadelphia Business Journal has this report.






LONDON, August 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Writing in EU Today, Dmitry Leus asks whether the European Banking Authority should move post-Brexit to a compromise Brussels location.

The original article can be found at https://eutoday.net/news/should-the-european-banking-authority-move-post-brexit-to-a-compromise-brussels-location

Mr Leus wrote in the article published today: "The European Banking Authority (EBA), Europe's banking watchdog, will need to leave its London home in Canary Wharf after the UK leaves the European Union. The bids are all in from eight European cities, each vying to become the new seat of the EBA. The contenders are Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris, Prague, Luxembourg, Vienna, Warsaw and, intriguingly, Brussels."

He adds: "The application from Brussels seems to be supported by those who are trying to pitch a compromise candidate to avoid a politicised wrangle between the usual heavyweights such as France and Germany as they each push for their own candidates, Paris and Frankfurt. Of course Brussels has historically been the go-to compromise city. EU institutions are based there in part for that reason - that Brussels is in neither France nor Germany. But is a banking authority really appropriate terrain for this compromise approach? The only valid and practical factor in support of Brussels candidacy is that a Brussels location would give the EBA proximity to the Commission, with whom the EBA would presumably have to cooperate quite frequently with on regulatory matters."

Mr Leus went on to comment: "It is a challenge to come up with many other reasons in favour of Brussels as a location for the EBA. Brussels is overloaded with institutions, from the European Parliament to the Council and the Commission. It seems difficult to argue that Brussels should host yet another institution purely on the grounds of compromise."

In Mr Leus' view, "Frankfurt seems to many to be the most natural fit. This city is already home to the European Central Bank, as well as a sister agency of the EBA. Frankfurt is also the destination for those specific operations of several banks that require 'passporting' - we have seen announcements from banks from Nomura to Citigroup that they will move people to Frankfurt, albeit small, specific teams."

He goes on to ask: "But perhaps it's time for a bolder move? Ten countries from Central and Eastern Europe have joined the EU since 2004 and yet they are barely represented in terms of hosting EU bodies. Maybe this is a factor in Prague's favour? They seem to have presented a credible bid and they include their experience of hosting the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems as proof of their readiness to play such a role. They are so eager to host the EBA, the Czech Republic is offering new purpose-built headquarters and the government will pay the rent for the first five years. The other Eastern European Capital bidding to host the EBA is Warsaw, but neither Prague nor Warsaw are in Eurozone countries, which may hamper their bids."

"Certainly it does not seem fair or convincing that Brussels should be chosen simply because it's a compromise candidate. Banking does not seem the realm for compromise candidates. Hopefully the Council of Europe will vote with more rigour than that," he concludes.

Dmitry Leus is a London-based entrepreneur and banking and financial services professional. His previous positions include Chairman of the Russian Depository Bank. In 2006 he founded Zapadny Bank, where he worked as Chairman until late 2013.

About East-West Connect

East-West Connect is a London-based forum focused on investment risk and opportunity in Central and Eastern Europe. We provide news and analysis about the investment and economic climate of the region.

East-West Connect was founded by Dmitry Leus, an entrepreneur and banking and financial services professional. He started his career as FOREX specialist at Russia's Lesprombank in the mid-90s. He later became Head of International Settlements of the bank, and in 2000 began running the South-West section of Lesprombank. In 2002, he was appointed Chairman of the Russian Depository Bank. In 2006 he founded Zapadny bank, where he worked as Chairman until late 2013.

SOURCE East-West Connect
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

WHO: Equifax Workforce Solutions, a leader in human resource compliance, analytics and verification services, and a business unit of Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX)



WHAT: Will present two educational webinars, "What You Need to Know Now about New Form I-9 and Immigration Enforcement" and "Dot-to-Doc: Connecting the Dots between HR Documentation and Unemployment Liability" to help employers understand evolving HR legislative requirements.



WHEN: "What You Need to Know Now about New Form I-9 and Immigration Enforcement" is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. EDT (12:00 p.m. CDT / 11:00 a.m. MDT / 10:00 a.m. PDT).





"Dot-to-Doc: Connecting the Dots between HR Documentation and Unemployment Liability" is set for Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. EDT (1:00 p.m. CDT / 12:00 p.m. MDT / 11:00 a.m. PDT).

WHERE:

To register for "What You Need to Know Now about New Form I-9 and Immigration Enforcement" please visit: http://workforce.equifax.com/I-9-Immigration?source=news.

To register for "Dot-to-Doc: Connecting the Dots between HR Documentation and Unemployment Liability" please visit: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/17rtoc41hw1p&eom.

DETAILS:

In its upcoming webinars, Equifax Workforce Solutions will cover important legislative changes to the Form I-9 and key compliance considerations impacting unemployment claims processing.

What You Need to Know Now about Form I-9 and Immigration Enforcement

In this session, Jason Fry, senior director, Product Management and Brian Elfrink, director, I-9 Product Management for Equifax Workforce Solutions will join Monserrat Miller, partner, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP. Exploring the new Form I-9 going into effect this September, Fry, Elfrink and Miller will focus on what employers need to know. In addition, Fry, Elfrink and Miller will share best practices for improving Form I-9 compliance during new hire onboarding and offer tips for mitigating potential risks.

Dot-to-Doc: Connecting the Dots between HR Documentation and Unemployment Liability

During this presentation, Bob Austin, vice president, UC Operations and Steve Solovic, JD, director, Claim Services for Equifax Workforce Solutions, will examine unemployment claims documentation. Digging into the connectivity between written agreements, employee policies, performance evaluations and more, Austin and Solovic will help connect the dots between documentation and risk. In addition, Austin and Solovic will provide actionable insights into which documents tend to have the most impact on unemployment case decisions and ways to improve separation process documentation.

Attendees: Business leaders as well as finance and HR professionals interested in learning more about the impact of legislative updates and the ways Equifax Workforce Solutions can support their organizations are encouraged to attend these informative presentations.

These sessions are part of a series of educational webinars presented by Equifax Workforce Solutions.

About Equifax

Equifax is a global information solutions company that uses trusted unique data, innovative analytics, technology and industry expertise to power organizations and individuals around the world by transforming knowledge into insights that help make more informed business and personal decisions. The company organizes, assimilates and analyzes data on more than 820 million consumers and more than 91 million businesses worldwide, and its database includes employee data contributed from more than 7,100 employers. Equifax Workforce Solutions, an Equifax business unit, is a leading provider of human resource compliance, analytics and verification technology and services.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. It is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. Equifax employs approximately 9,900 employees worldwide.

Some noteworthy achievements for the company include: Named to the Top 100 American Banker FinTech Forward list (2015-2016); named a Top Technology Provider on the FinTech 100 list (2004-2016); named an InformationWeek Elite 100 Winner (2014-2015); named a Top Workplace by Atlanta Journal Constitution (2013-2017); named one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies (2011-2015); named one of Forbes' World's 100 Most Innovative Companies (2015-2016). For more information, visit www.equifax.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

1550 Peachtree Street, NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Pam Stevens

Media Relations

314.214.7235

[email protected]

SOURCE Equifax Inc.

Related Links

http://www.equifax.com


NEW YORK and SAN DIEGO, Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Generali Global Assistance's Travel Insurance division, CSA Travel Protection, today issued the following statement regarding the ongoing power outage situation that is affecting travelers in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina as it relates to its insurance policies for the vacation rental space.

"This is a man-made event of unprecedented scope and duration that is adversely impacting a significant number of families' vacation plans and, as a result, finances. We understand the frustration that this is causing for many travelers and we want to ensure our policy holders that we are covering this event due to the mandatory evacuation that is still in place and has cancelled, interrupted, or delayed people's travel plans in the area.

We want to alert our vacation rental policy holders that if they have incurred financial losses and have not received compensation by their vacation rental companies or property owners, they can submit a claim by visiting our website or by calling our dedicated hotline at 800-816-9454.

We are keenly aware of how important summer vacations are to our customers. Thus, we encourage you to keep up to date on the status of the evacuation order to determine if proceeding with your vacation is feasible.

About CSA Travel Protection

CSA Travel Protection, now Generali Global Assistance, is dedicated to providing valuable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' vacation investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. For 25 years CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and by offering products and services to meet their needs. Through award-winning customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way, whenever and wherever they are needed.

About Generali Global Assistance

Generali Global Assistance, formerly Europ Assistance USA, has been a leading provider of travel insurance and other assistance services for more than 25 years. The Company offers a full suite of innovative, vertically integrated travel insurance and emergency services, identity protection solutions, and beneficiary companion services. Generali Global Assistance is part of the multinational Generali Group, which for over 185 years has created a presence in 60 countries with over 76,000 employees. Our success has been built on the foundation of trust that clients have placed in our ability to provide assistance in the most difficult of circumstances.

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as Generali Global Assistance and Insurance Services. Plans are available to residents of the U.S. but may not be available in all jurisdictions. Benefits and services are described on a general basis; certain conditions and exclusions apply. Travel Retailers may not be licensed to sell insurance, in all states, and are not authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. This notice provides general information on Generali Global Assistance's products and services only. The information contained herein is not part of an insurance policy and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

Travel insurance plans are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231. Generali US Branch operates under the following names: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch) in California, Assicurazioni Generali  U.S. Branch in Colorado, Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice in Oregon, and The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice  U.S. Branch in Virginia. Generali US Branch is admitted or licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia.

Media Contact

Jesse Tron

M Group Strategic Communications (for Generali Global Assistance North America)

+1 212 266 0192

[email protected]

http://blog.csatravelprotection.com/index.php/category/vacation-rental/

SOURCE Generali Global Assistance

Related Links

https://www.generalitravelinsurance.com


HOUSTON, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodrich Petroleum Corporation (NYSE American: GDP) (the "Company") today announced financial results and an operational update for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

Production

Production for the quarter totaled 3.3 Bcfe, with average daily production of approximately 36,300 Mcfe per day (85% natural gas) growing sequentially by 40%, versus 2.3 Bcfe, or an average of 26,000 Mcfe per day in the prior quarter. Since the end of the second quarter, July production averaged approximately 44,000 Mcfe per day.

Revenues

Revenues for the quarter totaled $12.5 million, with 67% of our oil and gas revenue attributable to natural gas. The average realized price was $3.67 per Mcfe ($2.89 per Mcf of natural gas and $47.96 per barrel of oil).

Cash Flow

Adjusted EBITDA increased significantly to $5.1 million in the quarter versus $0.7 million in the prior quarter. Discretionary cash flow ("DCF"), defined as net cash provided by operating activities before changes in working capital, was $4.8 million in the quarter.

(See accompanying tables at the end of this press release that reconcile Adjusted EBITDA and DCF, each of which are non-US GAAP financial measures, to their most directly comparable US GAAP financial measure.)

Operating Expenses

Lease operating expense ("LOE") was $3.0 million in the quarter, or $0.89 per Mcfe. LOE for the quarter included $0.7 million, or $0.22 per Mcfe, for workovers. Lease operating expense excluding workovers was $2.2 million, or $0.67 per Mcfe, versus $0.94 per Mcfe in the first quarter. Per unit LOE will continue to fall as new Haynesville wells are added, as these wells carry very low operating costs per unit of production.

Production and other taxes were $0.4 million in the quarter, or $0.13 per Mcfe versus $0.28 per Mcfe in the first quarter. Haynesville wells drilled in North Louisiana have severance tax abatement until the earlier of payout or two years, and therefore the Company's production and other taxes per unit of production is expected to continue to fall in the near term as new Haynesville wells are added.

Transportation and processing expense was $1.9 million in the quarter, or $0.57 per Mcfe versus $0.51 per Mcfe in the first quarter. Transportation and processing expense for the quarter includes transportation fees incurred on non-operated natural gas volumes that we take in-kind and approximately $0.1 million of a gathering line amortization fee associated with the Company's Wurtsbaugh 25&24 No. 1 well, which is expected to be fully amortized by the end of August 2017. We expect per unit transportation and processing expense to fall this year as we add operated Haynesville production which carries a lower per unit cost.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") expense was $3.1 million in the quarter, or $0.93 per Mcfe versus $0.99 per Mcfe in the first quarter. The Company's DD&A rate is expected to decrease over time as the Company adds new Haynesville wells to the full cost pool and reserves, as finding costs for these new wells are expected to be lower than the current DD&A rate.

General and Administrative expense was $3.8 million in the quarter, which includes $1.0 million of stock based compensation, $0.7 million for potential performance bonuses to be compensated in common stock and $0.1 million in non-cash amortization of office rent. G&A payable in cash for the quarter was $2.0 million, or $0.59 per Mcfe. Per unit G&A payable in cash will continue to fall in 2017 as costs are expected to remain relatively flat and production volumes are expected to grow materially.

Operating Income

Operating income, defined as revenues minus operating expenses, totaled $0.4 million in the quarter versus an operating loss of $3.5 million in the prior quarter.

Interest Expense

Interest expense totaled $2.4 million in the quarter, which includes cash interest of $0.3 million incurred on the Company's first lien term loan and non-cash interest of $2.1 million incurred on the Company's second lien notes, which includes $1.4 million paid in-kind interest and $0.7 million amortization of debt discount.

Net Income (Loss)

The Company announced a net loss of $1.2 million in the quarter, or ($0.13) per basic share versus a net loss of $5.7 million in the prior quarter, or ($0.63) per basic share.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures totaled $14.1 million in the quarter, with the majority of the expenditures being spent on drilling and completion costs for the Company's recent Haynesville operated wells. The Company's capital expenditure budget for 2017 is being reduced to $3545 million from $40-50 million due to savings and efficiencies gained from drilling two 7,500 foot laterals from a two well pad versus two individual 10,000 foot laterals originally planned.

Balance Sheet

The Company exited the quarter with $35 million of cash (including $0.6 million in restricted cash) and $61 million of funded debt.

Crude Oil and Natural Gas Derivatives

The Company had a gain of $0.8 million on its derivatives not designated as hedges in the quarter, representing the change in fair value of our natural gas derivative contracts and a small realized gain on derivative settlements.

The Company currently has 2017 natural gas swaps on a total of 6,000 MMBtu/day at a fixed price of $3.20 and natural gas costless collars on 12,000 MMBtu/day at a price range of $3.00-$3.60, as well as 2018 natural gas swaps on a total of 20,000 MMBtu/day at an average fixed price of $3.00. As volumes grow, the Company anticipates adding hedges for additional downside protection.

OPERATIONAL UPDATE

Haynesville Shale

The Company is currently drilling its Franks 25&24 No. 1 well (69% WI, 50% NRI), which is planned as a 10,000 foot lateral with a completion design utilizing 5,000 lbs of proppant per foot. Following the Franks well, the Company's full year budget includes drilling and completing the Wurtsbaugh 25&24 Nos. 2 & 3 (67%WI, 49% NRI) wells from the same pad. The Wurtsbaugh 25&24 Nos. 2 & 3 wells are expected to be 7,500 foot laterals to optimize the geographic configuration and provide maximum reserve recovery for the Company's operated acreage. Due to the change in drilling schedule in order to take advantage of the two well pad and competitive service cost bids, the Company is now guiding to a year-end production exit rate of 55,000  60,000 Mcfe per day.

Well results continue to perform at or above the Company's type curves. The ROTC 1&2 wells, the Company's initial two 10,000 foot laterals in which it participated, have now produced approximately 11 Bcf in seven months under a choke management program designed to minimize drawdown. The Company has instituted a similar program for its two recent operated wells, the Wurtsbaugh 26 No. 1 and Wurtsbaugh 25&24 No. 1.

The Company's Haynesville acreage comprises approximately 50,000 gross (26,000 net) acres in Caddo and DeSoto Parishes, Louisiana and Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties, Texas. We estimate approximately 250 gross (100 net) locations prospective for the Haynesville on our core North Louisiana acreage, where the Company is allocating the vast majority of its capital expenditures in 2017.

THE COMPANY HAS POSTED A NEW PRESENTATION ON THE COMPANY'S WEBSITE WHICH WILL BE REVIEWED ON THE EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL. INVESTORS CAN ACCESS THE SLIDES AT: http://goodrichpetroleum.investorroom.com/events-and-presentations

OTHER INFORMATION

In this press release, the Company refers to several non-US GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, DCF, Adjusted revenues, Adjusted operating income (loss), Adjusted net loss and Cash operating margin. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA, DCF, Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted operating income (loss), Adjusted net loss and Cash operating margin are good financial indicators of the Company's performance and ability to internally generate operating funds. Neither DCF nor Cash operating margin, should be considered an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities, as defined by US GAAP. Adjusted revenues should not be considered an alternative to total revenues, as defined by US GAAP. Adjusted operating income (loss) should not be considered an alternative to operating income (loss), as defined by US GAAP. Adjusted net loss and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net loss, as defined by US GAAP. Management believes that all of these non-US GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors because they are monitored and used by Company management and widely used by professional research analysts in the valuation and investment recommendations of companies within the oil and gas exploration and production industry.

Initial production rates are subject to decline over time and should not be regarded as reflective of sustained production levels. In particular, production from horizontal drilling in shale oil and natural gas resource plays and tight natural gas plays that are stimulated with extensive pressure fracturing are typically characterized by significant early declines in production rates.

Unless otherwise stated, oil production volumes include condensate.

Certain statements in this news release regarding future expectations and plans for future activities may be regarded as "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. They are subject to various risks, such as financial market conditions, changes in commodities prices and costs of drilling and completion, operating hazards, drilling risks, and the inherent uncertainties in interpreting engineering data relating to underground accumulations of oil and gas, as well as other risks discussed in detail in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Goodrich Petroleum is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company listed on the NYSE American under the symbol "GDP".

GOODRICH PETROLEUM CORPORATION SELECTED INCOME AND PRODUCTION DATA (In thousands, except per share amounts)



















Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended







June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017

Volumes











Natural gas (MMcf)

2,795

4,628



Oil and condensate (MBbls)

84

166



Mmcfe - Total

3,299

5,623

















Mcfe per day

36,253

31,066















Oil and natural gas revenues

$ 12,115

$ 21,526

Other

350

352







$ 12,465

$ 21,878















Operating Expenses











Lease operating expense (LOE excluding workovers - $2,221 and $4,384, respectively)

2,950

7,261



Production and other taxes

424

1,083



Transportation and processing

1,868

3,044



Depreciation, depletion and amortization

3,083

5,377



General and administrative (payable in cash - $1,950 and $4,559, respectively)

3,772

8,235

Operating income (loss)

368

(3,122)















Other income (expense)











Interest expense (payable in cash - $279 and $531, respectively)

(2,360)

(4,539)



Interest income and other

12

21



Gain on derivatives not designated as hedges

766

506







(1,582)

(4,012)















Reorganization items, net

-

195















Loss before income taxes

(1,214)

(6,939)

Income tax benefit

-

-

Net loss

$ (1,214)

$ (6,939)













































Discretionary cash flow (see non-US GAAP reconciliation) (1)

$ 4,837

$ 5,282

















Adjusted EBITDA (see calculation and non-US GAAP reconciliation)( 2)

$ 5,106

$ 5,781















Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

9,670

9,381

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (3)

9,670

9,381















Earnings per share











Net loss - basic

$ (0.13)

$ (0.74)



Net loss - diluted

$ (0.13)

$ (0.74)





(1) Discretionary cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities. Management believes that the non-US GAAP measure of discretionary cash flow is useful as an indicator of an oil and natural gas exploration and production company's ability to internally fund exploration and development activities and to service or incur additional debt. The company has also included this information because changes in operating assets and liabilities relate to the timing of cash receipts and disbursements which the company may not control and may not relate to the period in which the operating activities occurred. Operating cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net cash provided by operating activities prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

(2) Adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest expense, income tax, DD&A, and impairment of oil and natural gas properties. In calculating adjusted EBITDA, gains/losses on derivatives, less net cash received or paid in settlement of commodity derivatives, are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. Other excluded items include Interest income, Stock compensation expense, Reorganization items and Other expense.

(3) Fully diluted shares excludes approximately 4.7 million potentially dilutive instruments that were anti-dilutive due to the net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. We report our financial results in accordance with US GAAP. However, management believes certain non-US GAAP performance measures may provide users of this financial information with additional meaningful comparisons between current results and the results of our peers.

GOODRICH PETROLEUM CORPORATION Per Unit Sales Prices and Costs

















Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended





June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017











Average sales price per unit:









Oil (per Bbl)









Including net cash received from/paid to settle oil derivatives

$ 47.96

$ 49.03

Excluding net cash received from/paid to settle oil derivatives

$ 47.96

$ 49.03

Natural gas (per Mcf)









Including net cash received from/paid to settle natural gas derivatives

$ 2.89

$ 2.92

Excluding net cash received from/paid to settle natural gas derivatives

$ 2.89

$ 2.89

Oil and natural gas (per Mcfe)









Including net cash received from/paid to settle oil and natural gas derivatives

$ 3.67

$ 3.86

Excluding net cash received from/paid to settle oil and natural gas derivatives

$ 3.67

$ 3.83























Costs Per Mcfe









Lease operating expense ($0.67 and $0.78 Per Mcfe excluding Workovers, respectively)

$ 0.89

$ 1.29

Production and other taxes

$ 0.13

$ 0.19

Transportation and processing

$ 0.57

$ 0.54

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

$ 0.93

$ 0.96

General and administrative (payable in cash - $0.59 and $0.81, respectively)

$ 1.14

$ 1.46





$ 3.67

$ 4.45











Note: Amounts on a per Mcfe basis may not total due to rounding.









GOODRICH PETROLEUM CORPORATION Selected Cash Flow Data (In Thousands):



















Reconciliation of discretionary cash flow and net cash provided by operating activities (unaudited)











Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017







Net cash provided by operating activities (US GAAP) 10,863

15,528 Net changes in working capital 6,026

10,246 Discretionary cash flow $ 4,837

$ 5,282









Supplemental Balance Sheet Data (unaudited)









As of







June 30, 2017















Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) $ 35,011















Long-term debt 51,180













Reconciliation of Net loss to Adjusted EBITDA









Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended



June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017











Net loss (US GAAP) $ (1,214)

$ (6,939)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") 3,083

5,377

Stock compensation expense 1,651

3,379

Interest expense 2,360

4,539

Gain on derivatives not designated as hedges (766)

(506)

Net cash received in settlement of derivative instruments 4

147

Other excluded items * (12)

(216)

Adjusted EBITDA $ 5,106

$ 5,781











* Other excluded items include Interest income and Reorganization items, net.













Other Information and Reconciliations

















Derivative Activity









Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended



June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017

Change in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges $ 762

$ 359

Net cash received in settlement of derivative instruments 4

147

Net gain on derivatives not designated as hedges $ 766

$ 506









Reconciliation of interest payable in cash to interest expense (unaudited)



















Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended



June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017











Interest expense (GAAP) $ 2,360

$ 4,539

Amortization of debt discount and paid-in-kind interest (2,081)

(4,008)

Interest payable in cash $ 279

$ 531











GOODRICH PETROLEUM CORPORATION Other Information and reconciliations continued (In Thousands):









Reconciliation of adjusted revenues and total revenues (unaudited)











Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017 Total revenues (US GAAP) $ 12,465

$ 21,878 Net cash received in settlement of derivative instruments 4

147 Adjusted revenues $ 12,469

$ 22,025









Reconciliation of capital expenditures (unaudited)











Six Months Ended





June 30, 2017



Net cash used in investing activities (US GAAP) $ (17,519)



Cash calls utilized (415)



Inventory utilized (574)



Capitalized asset retirement obligation (64)



Cost incurred in 2016 and paid in 2017 648



Capital accrual at June 30, 2017 (2,505)



Total capital expenditures $ (20,429)





Reconciliation of adjusted operating loss and operating loss (unaudited)











Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017 Operating income (loss) (US GAAP) $ 368

$ (3,122) Net cash received in settlement of derivative instruments 4

147 Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 372

$ (2,975)









Reconciliation of general & administrative expense payable in cash to general and administrative expense (unaudited)













Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended



June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017 General & administrative expense (GAAP) $ 3,772

$ 8,235 Share based compensation (975)

(1,983) Bonus share based compensation (698)

(1,395) Non-cash rent expense (149)

(298) General & administrative expense payable in cash $ 1,950

$ 4,559









Calculation of cash operating margin (unaudited)











Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017







Adjusted EBITDA (see calculation and non-US GAAP reconciliation) (3) $ 5,106

$ 5,781 Adjusted revenues (see non-US GAAP reconciliation) $ 12,469

$ 22,025 Cash operating margin 41%

26%

SOURCE Goodrich Petroleum Corporation

Related Links

http://www.goodrichpetroleum.com


VIENNA, Va., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Halvik Corp, a leading provider of information technology solutions delivering full end-to-end software and management solutions to the Federal Government announced today that Pete Santighian has joined as Senior Vice President for Defense/Intel & National Security.

Mr. Santighian brings 20 years of experience in the Federal marketplace where he has an outstanding reputation for his leadership and executive skills. Prior to joining Halvik, Mr. Santighian served in several leadership roles with Edgesource Corporation, ECS Federal, and Stanley Associates/CGI Federal. In positions of increasing responsibility, Mr. Santighian led executive level teams responsible for customer delivery, business growth, strategic investments, and overall company strategy. Mr. Santighian's experiences include leading $100+M/year divisions, overseeing sales functions including business development, capture, and proposals, and supporting several Mergers & Acquisition (M&A) activities including the integration of Stanley Associates into CGI Group. Mr. Santighian also has extensive experience delivering Cloud, Cyber, and Mobile based solutions leveraging Agile and DevOps principles. He has supported dozens of clients including the DoD, IC, HHS, Justice, Commerce, and Treasury.

"Our team is excited to have Pete join Halvik at this important juncture in our company's history. I have known Pete for many years witnessing his accomplishments in his previous roles," said Dr. Madhavi Bathula, Halvik's CEO. "His experience, knowledge, and leadership will help drive Halvik to the next level and help us reach our strategic milestones for growth, quality, customer satisfaction, and employee development."

Pete Santighian added, "I am excited to join Madhavi and the Halvik team. I am impressed by their reputation as a leader in Agile and DevOps services, their commitment to quality as evidenced by their ISO and CMMI qualifications, and their devotion to both customer and employee satisfaction."

About Halvik

Halvik is an award winning 8(a) Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business that provides full end-to-end software and management solutions. Since our founding in 2007 we have specialized in providing smart, technology-enabled solutions to help our clients realize new mission and business capabilities, and to continuously enhance and improve operations. Our breadth of capabilities, industry leading experience, client trust, and commitment to excellence, has enabled us to manifest the promise of agile business and adaptive IT into reality.

1-888-963-9431

[email protected]

1600 Spring Hill Road, Suite 240,

Vienna, VA 22182

http://www.halvik.com

SOURCE Halvik Corp

Related Links

http://halvik.com


BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), when performed by a properly trained and skilled Board Certified Urologist, continues to be a viable treatment for Prostate Cancer. HIFU allows men to maintain their quality of life and avoid the common side effects resulting from traditional treatments like robotic radical prostatectomy and radiation.



On July 20th, 2017 a Sarasota urologist was arrested for continuing to practice medicine, after the Florida Board of Medicine revoked his license. Both physicians and patients raised complaints that this physician diagnosed and prescribed treatment for prostate cancer based on prostate MRI findings alone. He informed his patients that a prostate biopsy should be avoided because the biopsy would cause the cancer cells to spread.

These patients, being fearful of having prostate cancer, were encouraged to have HIFU treatment immediately. Some of these patients did not actually have prostate cancer, and were frightened into undergoing a treatment that they did not need.

This scenario is a perfect example of why experience matters when it comes to choosing a physician. Vituro Health provides a Precision Prostate Management Program (PPMP) for patients and ensures that patients receive the proper treatment they need by only highly skilled physicians.

Through the Vituro Health Elite Center for HIFU Training, over 35 Board Certified physicians from private practice to academia have received peer-to-peer training and proctoring. This unique training ensures that Vituro Health patients achieve the best outcomes for treating their prostate cancer and maintaining their quality of life. Collectively, the Vituro Health physicians have more experience than any other providers in the country.

Since the FDA approved the Sonablate and Ablatherm devices for prostate tissue ablation, more and more doctors in the U.S. are offering the therapy to their patients, often without the proper training and without any peer-to-peer oversight.

Vituro Health Medical Director Stephen Scionti is the most experienced board certified HIFU doctor in the United States. With Dr. Scionti and the other members of our physician board, Vituro offers the most stringent training protocols, which far exceed the FDA requirements. Each patient participating in the Vituro Health PPMP program is reviewed by Dr. Scionti or our physician board before treatment to ensure proper treatment selection. We recommend all patients inquire as to experience and training prior to choosing a provider.

"The HIFU procedure a Vituro patient receives is very different than treatments provided by less experienced and trained physicians. Vituro Health physicians customize each treatment with the advanced diagnostics we require to ensure their best outcomes," Scionti said. "HIFU is only effective if done properly by a highly-skilled physician and in a precise manner. We perform a focused, precise, individualized treatment and this makes us different."

Patients seeking HIFU treatment can make appointments with partner physicians by calling 1.866.4VITURO (848876) or visiting http://www.viturohealth.com/contact/

About Vituro Health

Vituro Health empowers men with comprehensive prostate care during all stages of their lives. We arm partner physicians with HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) technology and other patient-centric, concierge services to elevate the standard of care and patient experiences. Vituro Health serves patients nationwide and is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., with partnering physicians in Birmingham, Sarasota, Fla., Jacksonville, Fla., Atlanta, Philadelphia, Pa., Dallas, Tex. and the Washington metropolitan area who are carefully selected based on their depth of experience, expertise and dedication to achieving the highest levels of patient outcomes. For more information, visit www.viturohealth.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emily Ferrell

[email protected]

205.862.0016

SOURCE Vituro Health

Related Links

http://www.viturohealth.com


TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Honduran government is tackling violence and going after gang leaders with renewed vigor following a meeting last week with top law enforcement officials from the United States, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

Honduras Partners with Central American Neighbors, U.S. to Fight Gang Violence

Honduran Prosecutor General Oscar Fernando Chinchilla, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, El Salvadorian Prosecutor General Douglas Arquimedes Melendez Ruiz, and Guatemalan Prosecutor General Thelma Esperanza Aldana convened in El Salvador to discuss how to better battle organized crime in the three Central American countries, collectively known as the Northern Triangle.

Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez celebrated the gathering as a step toward quashing the "illegal, disruptive, and violent gang networks in the Northern Triangle." "In the fight against organized crime," he said, "Northern Triangle countries can accomplish a lot more together than alone."

One topic of particular focus was Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, a multinational street gang that has committed heinous crimes in both Central America and the United States.

"Attorney General Sessions praised Prosecutor General Oscar Chinchilla for his efforts in the fight against MS-13, such as Operation Avalancha," U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Honduras Heide Fulton tweeted.

Under the leadership of the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Transparency and Fighting Corruption and the Technical Criminal Investigation Agency (ATIC), Honduras has made significant progress suppressing gang violence.

In February 2016, ATIC arrested several MS-13 gang leaders and seized over 1,500 MS-13 assets -- including 43 residences, 61 land plots, 17 businesses, and over 1,400 vehicles. In October 2016, the Honduran government searched over 60 properties in San Pedro Sula, an MS-13 hotspot. Last month, the government weakened the gang's financial arm by arresting a notorious MS-13 drug trafficker and money launderer.

The meeting attendees also discussed strengthening extradition relationships between their countries. Honduras has surrendered 15 Honduran nationals to be tried in the United States and is planning to send three more.

"When it comes to addressing violence, Honduras is setting an example for its Northern Triangle neighbors," President Hernandez stated. "We must continue to work with the United States to tackle gang violence. That is only way to defeat an enemy that does not respect national borders."

Media Contact:

Yael Wollstein

[email protected]

202-471-4228 ext. 118

SOURCE Republic of Honduras
HOUSTON, Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs Partner Erin Copeland has been elected to serve on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice (AAJ). Being a part of the Board of Governors for the world's largest trial bar association is an incredible honor, and one fit for an attorney who has committed her professional career to protecting victims' rights.

Erin is an experienced trial lawyer who has zealously defended the rights of seriously injured victims in state and federal courts across the country. Over the years, her work handling personal injury and product liability cases, including her important roles in transvaginal mesh and Essure litigation, has earned her widespread recognition and respect throughout the legal community. Held in high regard by her legal peers, she was voted unanimously to serve on the Board of Governors for the AAJ.

As a board member, Erin will pay a vital role in furthering the association's mission to promote a fair and effective justice system. This includes AAJ's continued work to support members and practicing lawyers dedicated to representing the injured and the wronged in civil matters, as well as advocacy efforts which fight back against legislation and corporate powers that have financial stakes in limiting victim's rights.

Just as she has done for clients of Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, Erin will work tirelessly to help the American Association for Justice succeed for its members and for American citizens who benefit from laws and public policies that protect their rights in the event of injustices and abuses, including those committed by some of the most powerful companies and corporations.

Erin Copeland is a seasoned Houston Trial Attorney and Partner at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs. Over the years, she has served in a number of important capacities for high stakes personal injury and product liability cases, has been included in the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers publication, and has helped secure millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of clients. Find more information about Attorney Copeland, AAJ and the firm at www.fibichlaw.com.

SOURCE Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs

Related Links

http://www.fibichlaw.com


GREENSBURG, Pa., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of Governor Wolf's effort to battle the opioid crisis, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department released a brochure to help people battling opioid addiction understand what substance use disorder treatment (SUD) is covered by their plan, depending on how they get their health care coverage.

"The coverage available for substance use disorder treatment varies by the type of health care coverage an individual has, so it's important for anyone needing treatment and their families and support group to understand how this coverage may vary," Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller said.

The brochure, "Substance Use Disorder and Your Insurance Coverage", was first made available today at a meeting on the opioid crisis held by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg, at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensburg, Westmoreland County.

The brochure outlines how the source of health care coverage impacts what SUD treatment coverage options an individual has, or whether this treatment is covered at all.

If you have coverage through government programs:

If you have Medicaid (also called Medical Assistance) or CHIP, you have SUD coverage. Check with your program to find out exactly what benefits you have.

If you have Medicare, you may have coverage depending on the type of treatment you need. Check with your program to see if you are covered.

If you have coverage through the individual market:

If you buy health insurance yourself at healthcare.gov, or directly through an insurance company or agent, you are covered for SUD treatment as long as the plan complies with the Affordable Care Act.

If you have coverage through an employer, you may or may not be covered.

Many companies are self-insured, meaning the company pays the claims itself even if it hires someone else to do the paperwork. Self-insured companies are NOT required to provide SUD coverage, but many do.

If your company buys coverage from a commercial insurer, Pennsylvania law guarantees you are covered for SUD treatment.

law guarantees you are covered for SUD treatment. Talk with your human resources department to find out if your company provides SUD treatment.

"Another important point explained in the brochure is that if you do have SUD coverage, the insurance plan must offer the same level of benefits as it does for medical or surgical treatment. This is called parity," Commissioner Miller said.

Examples of services that are subject to parity rules and must be covered at the same level as medical or surgical benefits are:

The number of outpatient visits

Out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance

Prior authorizations requirements

Your provider network for out-of-network services

Criteria used to determine medical necessity

"Governor Wolf's expanded Medicaid program and the availability of individual plans through the Affordable Care Act are providing access to SUD care for approximately 175,000 Pennsylvanians. Understanding what treatment consumers can get under their coverage is a vital part of accessing this care," Commissioner Miller said.

The "Substance Use Disorder and Your Insurance Coverage" brochure is available on the Insurance Department website. If you have questions or want to file a complaint about your insurance coverage, visit www.insurance.pa.gov, or call 1-877-881-6388.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ron Ruman, 717-787-3289

SOURCE Pennsylvania Insurance Department

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us


VICTORVILLE, Calif., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Janet Stacy has joined Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation as a Reverse Mortgage Loan Officer in Fairway's Victorville location. Janet and the Victorville branch offer a wide range of home loan products including Reverse Mortgages, down-payment assistant programs, fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages, loans for first-time homebuyers, FHA, USDA and Conventional loans, renovation financing options and more. Janet has more than 10 years' experience specializing in assisting seniors with their financial needs.

The Victorville office is conveniently located in Victorville at 15428 Civic Dr. Suite 310. Janet can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 760-217-1710.

About Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation:

Founded in 1996 by Steve Jacobson, and named by a childhood best friend, colleague and forever member of the Fairway family, Randy Cross, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is a mortgage lender headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin and Carrollton, Texas. The company has more than 400 locations and over 5000 employees nationwide. At Fairway, customer service is a way of life. Not only are we dedicated to finding great loan products and rates for our customers, we also offer some of the fastest turn times in the industry. Our goal is to act as a trusted advisor, providing highly personalized service and helping clients through every step of the loan process. It's all designed to exceed expectations, guarantee satisfaction and earn trust.

For more information, please visit our website at www.FairwayIndependentMC.com.





























SOURCE Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation

Related Links

http://www.fairwayindependentmc.com




Dennis McCann (r) was killed in Chicago in 2011 by an illegal alien now hiding in Mexico

CHICAGO - Three men whose loved ones were killed by persons living illegally in Illinois have tried time and time again, but Governor Rauner refuses to speak with them about the sanctuary bill he reportedly promised immigration groups he would sign into law.

The report by immigration groups saying Governor Rauner promised to sign SB 31 is "very disturbing to thousands of family members in the United States that mourn daily because their loved ones were killed by illegal aliens," one of the family members told Illinois Review Friday.

Three Illinoisans - namely Eric Brady who lost his wife on New Years Day in Champaign County, Ray Tranchant from the Danville area, who lost his daughter and Brian McCann, whose brother from Chicago was killed by an illegal alien driver - have made repeated requests to meet with the governor to no avail.
TORONTO, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - (TSX: KFS, NYSE: KFS) Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or the "Company") today announced it will release its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2017 after the market closes on Monday, August 7, 2017.

Kingsway's management will also host a conference call to provide an investor update the following morning (Tuesday, August 8, 2017) at 8:45 a.m. ET. The purpose of the call is to serve as a mid-year update on the Company between its Annual Shareholder Letter and the Company's planned Investor Day in November. Kingsway intends to make its discussion materials available to shareholders in advance of the conference call. These materials will be found on Form 8-K, which can be accessed on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com and on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, or through the Company's website at www.kingsway-financial.com.

Conference Call Details

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 8, 2017  8:45 a.m. ET

Participant Dial-In Numbers: (United States): 877-407-5976 (International): 412-902-0031

To access the call, please dial-in approximately five minutes before the start time and, when asked, provide the operator with passcode "Kingsway."

Webcast

The call will also be simultaneously webcast over the Internet via the Investor Relations section of Kingsway's website or by clicking on the conference call link: http://kingsway-financial.equisolvewebcast.com/inv-update.

About the Company

Kingsway is a holding company functioning as a merchant bank with a focus on long-term value-creation. The Company owns or controls subsidiaries primarily in the insurance, extended warranty, asset management and real estate industries and pursues non-control investments and other opportunities acting as an advisor, an investor and a financier. The common shares of Kingsway are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "KFS."

Additional Information

Additional information about Kingsway, including a copy of its 2016 Annual Report and filings on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, can be accessed on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com, on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov or through the Company's website at www.kingsway-financial.com.

SOURCE Kingsway Financial Services Inc.

Related Links

http://www.kingsway-financial.com


ST. LOUIS, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Local Knights of Columbus councils were honored with international service awards for outstanding achievements during an awards ceremony at the Knights' 135th annual international convention in St. Louis.

"Our international awards honor the year's most exemplary service projects at the local level," said Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "The efforts of each award winner help underscore the great good that can be done when faith brings us together for a common cause."

The award categories and this year's recipients include:

Community Activities: Ascension of Our Lord Council 9623 of LaPlace, Louisiana

Culture of Life Activities: Western Batangas Council 4668 of Balayan, Batangas, Luzon South, Philippines

Youth Activities: Our Lady of Czestochowa Queen of Poland Council 14004 of Radom, Poland

Council Activities: St. Isidore Council 5898 of Leopold, Missouri

Family Activities: St. Joseph Council 8872 of Colbert, Washington

Church Activities: Winnipeg St. John Brebeuf Council 1107 of Winnipeg, Manitoba

Community Activities: Aiding Flood Victims

When flooding in southern Louisiana left thousands displaced, Council 9623 was one of the first groups to respond. The council immediately assisted with the urgent rescue of families struggling to reach safety. Across the region, members prepared and served more than 5,300 hot meals for families. They helped fill sand bags to deter the backflow from swelling rivers, removed damaged items from homes, and installed wheelchair ramps for the disabled. The council provided food baskets at Thanksgiving and truckloads of toys and household items for Christmas. The council members collected monetary donations totaling $30,187.

Culture of Life Activities: Care Packages for Expectant Mothers

Recognizing the lack of support for pregnant women in their community, Council 4668 organized Expectant Mother's Day. They named the project after the care packages they assembled and distributed, each containing seven items of use to pregnant women in need of support. Council members worked with vendors and doctors in the local community, including a pro-life gynecologist who agreed to provide free ultrasound examinations and consultations as well as medical care and advice throughout each pregnancy. In addition, knowing that many of the expectant mothers were in dangerous, violent situations, Council 4668 arranged for a police officer and a registered nurse to discuss their legal and medical rights, and those of their children.

Youth Activities: Sponsoring Pilgrims for World Youth Day

Council 14004 helped the youth from the war-torn Zaporizhia region of Ukraine to attend World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland. The young people had the opportunity to hear Pope Francis and to make pilgrimages to Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish and the Divine Mercy Shrine. In order to cover travel expenses, the council organized fundraisers  which included four concerts and auctions featuring gifts donated by celebrities  and garnered support from the local parishes and community. The council donated 50,000 Polish zoty (the Polish monetary unit) and organized over 170 Knights to volunteer for the pilgrimage.

Council Activities: Fundraisers and Prayers for a Sick Brother Knight

When a member of Council 5898, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, his brother Knights came together to conduct a variety of activities to raise funds for him. Weekly organizational meetings were attended by 30-50 people apiece, and each gathering began with a prayer for the man's health. The council worked with community members to hold 12 fundraising activities, including a softball tournament, a benefit dinner, auctions, and a raffle for an automobile. At the end of the two-month campaign, the council was able to present a donation of $81,508 to the sick member and his wife.

Family Activities: Helping a Young Boy with Cancer

When 12-year-old altar server, Gregory Morrow, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, his mother quit her job to care for him. She planned on selling their house to cover medical expenses, but it was damaged and needed repairs before it could be sold. The Knights of Council 8872 made the repairs, replacing floors and windows, painting rooms and siding, and making other cosmetic improvements to the home to increase its value by $75,000. The Knights also hosted a pig roast that produced enough funds to cover the cost of the home repairs, and provide Gregory's family with an additional $16,000.

Church Activities: Keeping Christ in Christmas through Nativity Float

For the past five years, Winnipeg St. John Brebeuf Council 1107 has led the effort to design and construct a unique Christ-centered float for the local Santa Claus Parade. Each year, a council member opens his farm's heated shop where Knights from local councils and assemblies, in addition to local families, work together for hundreds of hours. This year, they constructed an illuminated Nativity float which was led in the parade by a contingent of 35 Knights. The council won the prize for best float in the parade.

SOURCE Knights of Columbus
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced today that lasmiditan, an investigational, oral, first-in-class molecule for the acute treatment of migraine, met its primary endpoint in SPARTAN, a second Phase 3 study. At two hours following the first dose, a greater percentage of patients treated with lasmiditan were migraine pain-free compared to placebo. These results were statistically significant across all three studied doses (50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg).

Lasmiditan also met the key secondary endpoint for SPARTAN across all three studied doses, with a statistically significantly greater percentage of patients free of their most bothersome symptom (MBS) compared with placebo at two hours following the first dose. In this study, patients chose their MBS from nausea, sensitivity to sound or sensitivity to light.

"Lasmiditan represents the first significant innovation in the acute treatment of migraine in more than 20 years, and could provide a much-needed new treatment option for the 36 million Americans living with migraine," said Christi Shaw, president of Lilly Bio-Medicines. "We are thrilled with these topline lasmiditan results, which add to more than 25 years of Lilly's research and development of migraine therapies."

The most commonly-reported adverse events after lasmiditan dosing were dizziness, paresthesia, somnolence, fatigue, nausea and lethargy.

These findings are consistent with SAMURAI, the first pivotal Phase 3 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of lasmiditan for the acute treatment of migraine. In this study, lasmiditan met both the primary and key secondary endpoints with statistical significance. Results from SAMURAI were presented at the American Headache Society (AHS) annual meeting in June.

Lilly plans to submit a New Drug Application for lasmiditan to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the second half of 2018.

SPARTAN Study Results

At two hours following the first dose of lasmiditan, the percentage of patients who were migraine pain-free was statistically significantly greater compared to placebo in all dosing groups: 28.6 percent for 50 mg (p=0.003); 31.4 percent for 100 mg (p<0.001); 38.8 percent for 200 mg (p<0.001) and 21.3 percent for placebo.

Statistically significantly more patients treated with lasmiditan were also free of their migraine-associated MBS compared to placebo at two hours following the first dose: 40.8 percent for 50 mg (p=0.009); 44.2 percent for 100 mg (p<0.001); 48.7 percent for 200 mg (p<0.001) and 33.5 percent for placebo.

"Lasmiditan has been designed to target receptors associated with migraine without the vasoconstrictor activity associated with some migraine therapies," said Robert Conley, M.D., Distinguished Lilly Scholar and Lilly global development leader for migraine therapeutics. "We hope these results are a significant step forward in the development of new acute migraine treatments for the millions of patients in need, including those who may be poorly served by existing therapies or those with cardiovascular disease or risk factors."

Lasmiditan also demonstrated statistically significant improvements compared to placebo in additional secondary endpoints, including migraine pain relief and migraine disability.

Lilly will present detailed data from both studies at scientific meetings and submit the results to peer-reviewed journals within the next year. An open-label Phase 3 studyGLADIATORis also underway evaluating the long-term safety of lasmiditan for the acute treatment of migraine.

About the SPARTAN Study

SPARTAN is a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled global trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of three doses of lasmiditan administered orally (50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg) compared with placebo for the acute treatment of migraine. To be eligible for this trial, patients were required to have at least moderate migraine disability (as measured by a Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS)  11). Patients that participated in the trial had an average of more than five migraine attacks per month at baseline. SPARTAN did not exclude patients with one or more cardiovascular risk factors or known coronary artery disease. The primary endpoint of the study was comparison of the percentage of patients in the lasmiditan 200 mg and placebo groups who were migraine pain-free at two hours following the first dose. The key secondary endpoint of the study was comparison of the percentage of patients in the lasmiditan 200 mg and placebo groups who were free of their MBS (nausea, sensitivity to sound or sensitivity to light) at two hours following the first dose.

About the SAMURAI Study

SAMURAI is a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled U.S. trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of two doses of lasmiditan administered orally (100 mg or 200 mg) compared with placebo for the acute treatment of migraine. To be eligible for the trial, patients were required to have at least moderate migraine disability (as measured by a MIDAS  11). Patients that participated in the trial had an average of more than five migraine attacks per month at baseline. SAMURAI did not exclude patients with one or more cardiovascular risk factors. The primary endpoint of the study was comparison of the percentage of patients in the lasmiditan 200 mg and placebo groups who were migraine pain-free at two hours following the first dose. The key secondary endpoint of the study was comparison of the percentage of patients in the lasmiditan 200 mg and placebo groups who were free of their MBS (nausea, sensitivity to sound or sensitivity to light) at two hours following the first dose.

About Migraine

Migraine is a disabling neurological disease characterized by recurrent episodes of severe headache accompanied by other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and changes in vision.1,2 More than 36 million Americans have migraine, with three times more women affected by migraine compared to men.3 According to the Migraine Research Foundation, healthcare and lost productivity costs associated with migraine are estimated to be as high as $36 billion annually in the U.S., yet it remains under-recognized and under-treated. 4,5

About Lilly in Migraine

For over 25 years, Lilly has been committed to helping people suffering from migraine, investigating more than a dozen different compounds for the treatment of migraine and disabling headache disorders. These research programs have accelerated understanding of this disease and advanced the development of Lilly's comprehensive late-stage development programs studying galcanezumab for prevention of migraine and cluster headache, and lasmiditan for the acute treatment of migraine. Our goal is to make life better for people with migraine by offering comprehensive solutions to prevent or stop this disabling disease. The combined clinical, academic and professional experience of our experts helps us to build our research portfolio, identify challenges for healthcare providers and pinpoint the needs of patients living with migraine and cluster headache.

About Lasmiditan

Lasmiditan is an investigational, first-in-class molecule under evaluation for the acute treatment of migraine. Lasmiditan selectively targets 5-HT 1F receptors expressed in the trigeminal pathway, and has been designed for the acute treatment of migraine without the vasoconstrictor activity associated with some migraine therapies. Data from SAMURAI, the first of two pivotal Phase 3 studies, was announced in 2016. In March 2017, Lilly completed the acquisition of CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, including lasmiditan, which was originally discovered at Lilly.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and www.lilly.com/newsroom/social-channels. P-LLY

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about lasmiditan as a potential acute treatment for patients with migraine, the SPARTAN, SAMURAI and GLADIATOR studies, and reflects Lilly's current belief. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of development and commercialization. Among other things, there can be no guarantee that future study results will be consistent with the results to date, or that lasmitidan will receive regulatory approvals or be commercially successful. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.

1 Headache disorders. World Health Organization website. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs277/en/. Accessed August 1, 2017.

2 Russo AF. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP): a new target for migraine. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2015;55:533-552.

3 Identifying and treating migraine. American Migraine Foundation website. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/identifying-treating-migraine/. Last accessed August 2, 2017.

4 Migraine facts. Migraine Research Foundation website. http://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/. Accessed August 2, 2017.

5 Blumenfeld AM, Bloudek LM, Becker WJ, et al. Patterns of use and reasons for discontinuation of prophylactic medications for episodic migraine and chronic migraine: results from the Second International Burden of Migraine Study (IBSM-II). Headache. 2013;53(4):644-655.

Refer to:

Jen Dial; [email protected]; 317-220-1172 (Media)

Phil Johnson, [email protected]; 317-655-6874 (Investors)

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company

Related Links

http://www.lilly.com


It is exciting to see all kinds of uniform formation in large parades, and the sophisticated and high-tech equipment are always hot topics. Even valiant heroic women soldiers are the focus of discussion. In addition to these, parade command vehicles are also one major highlight in grand parades.

As early as in 2015 when China held the grand parade on September 3 to mark the 70th anniversary of victory of the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the world anti-fascist war, SAIC MAXUS delivered 24 G10 vehicles to the military, which shuttled between the parade command center and training base to transport officers, soldiers and equipment throughout the training preparation period.

SAIC MAXUS are officially designated vehicles for the APEC Summit, the Youth Olympic Games, the Boao Forum for Asia and other top tournaments and activities. Thus it is fair to call SAIC MAXUS's vehicles ambassador cars.

As supporting vehicles for military command, safety is the most important principle. Military cars have demanding requirements for a four-wheel drive performance. The G10, V80 and T60 SAIC MUXUS vehicles used in the parade were reviewed by the world on behalf of Chinese auto brands.

During the parade, command vehicles have to deal with heavy personnel transport, transport management and complicated equipment procedures. SAIC MAXUS earned military recognition thanks to its high quality and high reliability.

Today, SAIC MAXUS's products have been exported to 42 countries and regions around the world, with the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and other developed countries and mature markets being the largest sources of overseas sales. Among them, SAIC MAXUS saw its sales in Australia and New Zealand growing 38.51 percent over the previous year to reach 1,507 units in the first half of this year. In June, sales exceeded 300 units and the market share in New Zealand has exceeded 18.3 percent. Two high-end SAIC MAXUS products, the pickup truck T60 and SUV D90 will debut in Australia and New Zealand on September 25.

SAIC MAXUS is the epitome of "made-in-China" products. SAIC MAXUS has been continuously improving the vehicles' safety, comfort, handling performance and sophistication to become one representative of China's military-grade quality vehicles. In the future, Chinese car brands, led by SAIC MAXUS, will continue to use the scientific and technological strength to lead the rise of "made-in-China" products to showcase the competitiveness of domestic independently-owned brands.

Image Attachments Links:

http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=294209

SOURCE SAIC MAXUS
BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Madhuri Hegde, PhD, FACMG of PerkinElmer, Inc. in Waltham, MA has been elected to the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine Board of Directors, the supporting educational foundation of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The ACMG Foundation is a national nonprofit foundation dedicated to facilitating the integration of genetics and genomics into medical practice. The board members are active participants in serving as advocates for the Foundation and for advancing its policies and programs. Dr. Hegde has been elected to a 2-year renewable term starting immediately.

Dr. Hegde joined PerkinElmer in 2016 as Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Global Genetics Laboratory Services. She also is an Adjunct Professor of Human Genetics in the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University. Previously, Dr. Hegde was Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer at Emory Genetics Laboratory in Atlanta, GA and Professor of Human Genetics and Pediatrics at Emory University and Assistant Professor, Department of Human Genetics and Senior Director at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.

Dr. Hegde has served on a number of Scientific Advisory Boards for patient advocacy groups including Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Congenital Muscular Dystrophy and Neuromuscular Disease Foundation. She was a Board member of the Association for Molecular Pathology and received the Outstanding Faculty Award from MD Anderson Cancer Center. She earned her PhD in Applied Biology from the University of Auckland in Auckland, New Zealand and completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She also holds a Master of Science in Microbiology from the University of Mumbai in India. She has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and has given more than 100 keynote and invited presentations at major national and internal conferences.

"We are delighted that Dr. Hegde has been elected to the ACMG Foundation Board of Directors. She has vast experience in genetic and genomic testing and is a longtime member of the College and supporter of both the College and the Foundation," said Bruce R. Korf, MD, PhD, FACMG, president of the ACMG Foundation.

The complete list of the ACMG Foundation board of directors is at www.acmgfoundation.org.

About the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a community of supporters and contributors who understand the importance of medical genetics and genomics in healthcare. Established in 1992, the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine supports the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics' mission to "translate genes into health" by raising funds to help train the next generation of medical geneticists, to sponsor the development of practice guidelines, to promote information about medical genetics, and much more.

To learn more about the important mission and projects of the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine and how you too can support the work of the Foundation, please visit www.acmgfoundation.org or contact us at [email protected] or 301-718-2014.

Contact Kathy Beal, MBA

ACMG Media Relations,

[email protected]

SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics

Related Links

http://www.acmg.net


STAINES-UPON-THAMES, United Kingdom, Aug. 4, 2017 /PR Newswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE: MNK), a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company, and InfaCare Pharmaceutical Corporation today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Mallinckrodt will acquire InfaCare, a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company focused on development and commercialization of proprietary pharmaceuticals for neonatal and pediatric patient populations. InfaCare's developmental product stannsoporfin, a heme oxygenase inhibitor, is under investigation for its potential to reduce the production of bilirubin, the elevation of which can contribute to serious consequences in infants.

In July 2016 InfaCare and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reached agreement that a New Drug Application (NDA) could be filed for stannsoporfin using the totality of the drug's data package, including:

a positive Phase 2(b) trial as its pivotal study, and

data from a second positive Phase 2(b) trial, with

no additional studies required pre-approval.

This allowance reflects the medical need in infants at risk of developing severe jaundice. There are also challenges in conducting controlled trials in this fragile population.

In December 2016 the FDA also granted stannsoporfin its Fast Track designation, a process designed to facilitate development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need1. Fast Track status allows for a "rolling" NDA data submission that has recently begun, and approval is anticipated in the first half of 2018. Post-approval commitments required by the FDA would include conducting trials in pre-term infants less than 35 weeks gestational age as part of the pediatric requirements. If approved, the drug will have substantial durability both as a new chemical entity2 and through its intellectual property which is valid until 20323.

"Severe hyperbilirubinemia can result in serious complications in infants, including brain damage and, rarely, death," said Steven Romano, MD, Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Vice President of Mallinckrodt. "We look forward to bringing this much-needed treatment option to babies at greatest risk for the consequences of this condition."

"We believe stannsoporfin has the potential to help thousands of infants whose severe jaundice is unresolved by current treatments," said Dan Burns, President and Chief Executive Officer, InfaCare. "We're also excited by the additional development capability and commercial reach that can be gained by becoming part of Mallinckrodt. Together I'm confident we can successfully bring this important treatment to market."

Understanding Severe Jaundice (Severe Hyperbilirubinemia)

Jaundice, or hyperbilirubinemia, is a common clinical condition seen in both term and pre-term newborns. Though lower levels of bilirubin can be benign, some newborns are at greater risk as a result of hemolysis (accelerated breakdown of red blood cells) contributing to the potential of reaching severe bilirubin levels. If a baby develops severe jaundice, there is a risk of bilirubin passing into the brain, a syndrome called acute bilirubin encephalopathy  which can be a serious condition. Prompt treatment may prevent significant lasting damage. But persistent, high levels of bilirubin in the brain can progress to kernicterus, a rare condition associated with severe and permanent brain damage. Symptoms include poor feeding, shrill cry, muscle rigidity, markedly arched back with a backwards hyperextension of the neck, seizures, and stupor or coma. Complications may also include hearing loss and death4,5. American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend all newborns be assessed for the risk of hyperbilirubinemia prior to discharge from the hospital6.

Stannsoporfin Reduces Potential for Developing Severe Jaundice through Novel Method of Action

Current therapies focus on removing excess bilirubin from the infant's system. Preliminary data from controlled clinical studies show that stannsoporfin's novel method of action demonstrated a robust effect in inhibiting bilirubin production. The drug has also been shown to have a good safety profile when compared to placebo, and has convenient administration through a single intramuscular injection. If approved, this proprietary therapy is expected to be the first and only pharmacologic treatment indicated for treatment of newborns at risk for developing severe infantile jaundice in the U.S.

"We believe stannsoporfin has the potential to significantly alter the treatment paradigm for infants with this condition which, if unchecked, can have devastating impact to the patient," said Mark Trudeau, Chief Executive Officer and President of Mallinckrodt. "The addition of this highly durable, unique developmental asset to our growing hospital business is an excellent example of Mallinckrodt's investment strategy."

InfaCare's founder and Chairman, Robert Vukovich, added, "A number of years ago we recognized the potential medical importance of stannsoporfin and the role it would play in treating severe neonatal jaundice and the potential serious neurological consequences of elevated bilirubin levels in newborns. Stannsoporfin is a breakthrough therapy and I am delighted to see that, with this transaction, the dream we have had to successfully develop this drug is coming to fruition, and we look forward to making it available for clinical use."

Global Severe Jaundice Market and Existing Treatment Paradigm

In the U.S., the total number of term births is estimated at 3.7 million per year7,8 and, of those, approximately 750,0009 infants are treated for jaundice. Of those treated, a significant number may be unresponsive to phototherapy  the current standard of care  even with extended and repeated courses of the treatment10 and face the risk of developing severe jaundice prior to discharge. In severe recurrent or refractory cases, physicians currently must resort to invasive treatment options, most often blood exchange transfusion and less frequently intravenous immunoglobululin infusions (IVIG), both of which have a more complex and lengthy administration than stannsoporfin's single injection. A small percentage of full-term infants may experience elevated bilirubin levels after discharge and be at risk of severe jaundice11, requiring hospital readmission. It is anticipated stannsoporfin could reduce the incidence of readmission. The combined potential patient treatments required annually in the U.S. for severe jaundice is approximately 70,000 to 125,000.

Severe jaundice requires extended or recurrent treatment, with current U.S. treatment costs approximately $5,000 per patient12,13 for infants treated for the condition, which implies an annual cost to the U.S. healthcare system of roughly half a billion dollars.

InfaCare holds worldwide rights to stannsoporfin, and Mallinckrodt estimates the market for severe jaundice patient treatments for term babies in key international countries14 to be in the range of 150,000 to 275,000 annually. Mallinckrodt will assess regulatory pathways for approvals in markets outside the U.S. post-acquisition.

Stannsoporfin, if approved, is expected to be a highly effective therapy used for near- and full-term infants at risk of developing complications associated with severe jaundice. This new treatment option may reduce the number of newborns advancing to bilirubin levels requiring more intrusive, less specific therapies.

If approved, the drug may also decrease the risks associated with other treatments (e.g., bilirubin rebound) and the risk of prolonged and/or severe bilirubin elevation, which can impact central nervous system development.

Commercialization

If approved, Mallinckrodt expects stannsoporfin to be commercialized by the company's existing sales organization which currently supports INOMAX (nitric oxide) gas, for inhalation, therapy in neonatal centers across the U.S. At launch, patient access to this unique treatment option would also be supported and enhanced by the company's strong relationships with hospital networks, insurance companies and group purchasing organizations. Mallinckrodt's existing infrastructure of clinical and medical affairs experts will also support both approval and launch of the product. Mallinckrodt will be working with existing InfaCare talent on a smooth integration of the development process and regulatory filings.

Financial Considerations and Closing

Financial terms of the transaction include an upfront payment of $80 million, with additional payments of up to $345 million dependent on regulatory and sales milestones. Mallinckrodt expects the acquisition to be dilutive to adjusted diluted earnings per share by $0.15 to $0.20 for 2017 and modestly higher in 2018. Guidance on the impact of the acquisition to the company's GAAP15 diluted earnings per share has not been provided due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting the timing or amount of items that would be included in calculating such impact. Subject to customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, the company estimates the transaction will close in the second half of 2017. InfaCare is headquartered in Trevose, Penn.

ABOUT INFACARE

InfaCare is an emerging specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary pharmaceuticals for the neonatal and pediatric patient population. InfaCare's lead product, stannsoporfin, is a first-in-class pharmacologic treatment currently in development for neonatal jaundice, known clinically as hyperbilirubinemia.

ABOUT MALLINCKRODT

Mallinckrodt is a global business that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. Areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology and ophthalmology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; and analgesics and hemostasis products. The company's core strengths include the acquisition and management of highly regulated raw materials and specialized chemistry, formulation and manufacturing capabilities. The company's Specialty Brands segment includes branded medicines and its Specialty Generics segment includes specialty generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients and external manufacturing. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This press release references adjusted diluted earnings per share, which is considered a "non-GAAP" financial measure under applicable SEC rules and regulations.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share represent adjusted net income divided by the number of diluted shares. Adjusted net income represents amounts, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP), adjusted for certain items (on an after-tax basis) that management believes are not reflective of the operational performance of the business. Adjustments to GAAP amounts include restructuring and related charges, net; amortization and impairment charges; discontinued operations; acquisition-related expenses, changes in fair value of contingent consideration obligations; inventory step-up expenses; significant legal and environmental charges ; pension settlement charges; recurrent cash tax payments to the IRS associated with internal installment sales transactions; and other items identified by the company.

The company has provided these adjusted financial measures because they are used by management, along with financial measures in accordance with GAAP, to evaluate the company's operating performance. In addition, the company believes that they will be used by certain investors to measure Mallinckrodt's operating results. Management believes that presenting these adjusted measures provides useful information about the company's performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that the company does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance.

These adjusted measures should be considered supplemental to and not a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The company's definition of these adjusted measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by others.

Because adjusted financial measures exclude the effect of items that will increase or decrease the company's reported results of operations, management strongly encourages investors to review the company's consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety.

Cautionary Statements Related to Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this document that are not strictly historical, including the proposed acquisition of InfaCare Pharmaceutical Corporation, the expected timetable for completing the transaction, statements regarding future financial condition and operating results, economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Mallinckrodt's and InfaCare's businesses and any other statements regarding events or developments that we believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future, may be "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.

There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which Mallinckrodt and InfaCare operate; InfaCare's ability to obtain regulatory approval to market its product or the timing of such approval process; the commercial success of Mallinckrodt's products and InfaCare's product; the parties' ability to satisfy the acquisition agreement conditions (including required regulatory approvals) and complete the InfaCare acquisition on the anticipated timeline or at all; Mallinckrodt's ability to realize anticipated growth, synergies and cost savings from acquisitions (including the InfaCare acquisition); conditions that could necessitate an evaluation of Mallinckrodt's goodwill and/or intangible assets for possible impairment; changes in laws and regulations; Mallinckrodt's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of operations, technology, products and businesses generally and to realize anticipated growth, synergies and cost savings (including with respect to the InfaCare acquisition); Mallinckrodt's ability to successfully develop or commercialize new products; Mallinckrodt's ability to protect intellectual property rights; Mallinckrodt's ability to receive procurement and production quotas granted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; customer concentration; Mallinckrodt's reliance on certain individual products that are material to its financial performance; cost containment efforts of customers, purchasing groups, third-party payers and governmental organizations; the reimbursement practices of a small number of public or private insurers; pricing pressure on certain of Mallinckrodt's products due to legal changes or changes in insurers' reimbursement practices resulting from recent increased public scrutiny of healthcare and pharmaceutical costs; limited clinical trial data for H.P. Acthar Gel; complex reporting and payment obligations under healthcare rebate programs; Mallinckrodt's ability to navigate price fluctuations; future changes to U.S. and foreign tax laws; Mallinckrodt's ability to achieve expected benefits from restructuring activities; complex manufacturing processes; competition; product liability losses and other litigation liability; ongoing governmental investigations; material health, safety and environmental liabilities; retention of key personnel; conducting business internationally; the effectiveness of information technology infrastructure; and cybersecurity and data leakage risks.

These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in the "Risk Factors" sections of Mallinckrodt's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACTS

Investor Relations

Coleman N. Lannum, CFA

Senior Vice President, Investor Strategy and IRO

314-654-6649

[email protected]

Daniel J. Speciale, CPA

Director, Investor Relations

314-654-3638

[email protected]

Media

Rhonda Sciarra

Senior Communications Manager

908-238-6765

[email protected]

Meredith Fischer

Chief Public Affairs Officer

314-654-3318

[email protected]

1 https://www.fda.gov/forpatients/approvals/fast/ucm405399.htm

2 Adis Insight

3 U.S. Patent and Trade Office

4 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infant-jaundice/basics/complications/con-20019637

5 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007309.htm

6 http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/114/1/297

7 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db258.pdf

8 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/births.htm

9 HCUP (Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project) KID Data

10 Mallinckrodt market research/management projections

11 http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/04/03/peds.2012-2634

12 Mallinckrodt market research/management projections

13 http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/04/03/peds.2012-2634

14 Estimated number is inclusive of the U.S., as well as initial ex-U.S. targets including Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada

15 Accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.

SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc

Related Links

http://www.mallinckrodt.com


WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA will host a media teleconference at noon EDT Tuesday, Aug. 8, to discuss select science investigations launching on the next SpaceX commercial resupply flight to the International Space Station.

SpaceX is targeting no earlier than Sunday, Aug. 13 for the launch of its Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Participants in the teleconference will be:

Marco Baptista , director of Research and Grants for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and lead investigator Sebastian Mathea of the University of Oxford , England, will discuss Crystallization of LRRK2 Under Microgravity Conditions. The investigation, sponsored by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), could help scientists better understand the pathology of Parkinson's and aid in the development of therapies.

, director of Research and Grants for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and lead investigator of the , England, will discuss Crystallization of LRRK2 Under Microgravity Conditions. The investigation, sponsored by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), could help scientists better understand the pathology of Parkinson's and aid in the development of therapies. Joan Nichols , professor of internal medicine and infectious diseases, and associate director of the Galveston National Laboratory at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, will discuss the Effect of Microgravity on Stem Cell Mediated Recellularization (Lung Tissue). The experiment uses the microgravity environment of space to test strategies for growing new lung tissue, and assists Earth-based efforts to develop complex bioengineered tissue that can be used to repair damaged organs or reduce organ rejection.

, professor of internal medicine and infectious diseases, and associate director of the Galveston National Laboratory at the Medical Branch in Galveston, will discuss the Effect of Microgravity on Stem Cell Mediated Recellularization (Lung Tissue). The experiment uses the microgravity environment of space to test strategies for growing new lung tissue, and assists Earth-based efforts to develop complex bioengineered tissue that can be used to repair damaged organs or reduce organ rejection. Eun-Suk Seo , principal investigator for the Cosmic-Ray Energetics and Mass investigation (CREAM) at the University of Maryland, College Park . This investigation will involve placing a balloon-borne instrument aboard the International Space Station to measure the charges of cosmic rays over a period of three years.

, principal investigator for the Cosmic-Ray Energetics and Mass investigation (CREAM) at the . This investigation will involve placing a balloon-borne instrument aboard the International Space Station to measure the charges of cosmic rays over a period of three years. Michael Delp , principal investigator for Rodent Research-9 at Florida State University , Tallahassee . The research team will evaluate the physiological changes in mice that occur during a long-duration spaceflight mission in order to improve understanding about how vision loss and joint changes occur in astronauts after long stays in space.

, principal investigator for Rodent Research-9 at , . The research team will evaluate the physiological changes in mice that occur during a long-duration spaceflight mission in order to improve understanding about how vision loss and joint changes occur in astronauts after long stays in space. Wheeler "Chip" Hardy, Kestrel Eye program manager with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC)/Army Forces Strategic Command. NanoRacks-SMDC-Kestrel Eye is a microsatellite carrying an optical imaging system payload to validate the concept of using microsatellites in low-Earth orbit to support critical operations.

To participate in the teleconference, media must contact Tabatha Thompson at 202-358-1100 or [email protected] by 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, for dial-in information.

Audio of the teleconference will be streamed live online at:

https://www.nasa.gov/live

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft will carry crew supplies, scientific research and hardware to the orbiting laboratory to support the Expedition 52 and 53 crews for the 12th mission by SpaceX under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract.



For launch countdown coverage, NASA's launch blog, and more information about the mission, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/spacex

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


The annual Best Workplaces list honors the top 80 employers in the state of Washington and receives hundreds of nominations from companies every year. Employees from nominated companies, which are evaluated in four categories based on headcount, are invited to participate in a confidential survey from Quantum Workplace. The survey results are then tabulated and used to rank the top companies.

This year Nintex ranked in the 100-249 employee category. Nintex was first recognized by the publication in 2015 and again in 2016. Employees consistently praise Nintex for its collaborative culture, competitive benefits, leadership and more.

"We're honored to receive continued recognition from the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of Washington's Best Workplaces," said Nintex CEO John Burton. "Our people are our biggest strength and remain committed to fostering collaboration, driving innovation and delivering easy-to-use technology that generates immediate impact for Nintex customers and partners globally."

Since 2015, the number of employees at the company's Bellevue headquarters has grown more than 60 percent. Nintex provides award-winning cloud technology that helps more than 7,000 organizations across every industry easily automate business processes by quickly connecting people, content and systems of record.

Earlier this year, Nintex was also named one of the top 10 large companies by Seattle Business Magazine's annual Washington's 100 Best Companies to Work For program. Nintex's London office was recognized on the 2017 UK's Best Workplaces List. Additionally, Nintex was named the Best Workflow Tool 2017 by Redmond Channel Partner and by CRN as one of its 2017 100 Coolest Cloud Vendors.

For current openings at Nintex, visit https://careers.nintex.com/.

Media Contact

Kristin Treat

Nintex Public Relations

[email protected]

Cell: (215) 317-9091

About Nintex

Nintex is the recognized global leader in workflow and content automation (WCA) with more than 7,000 enterprise clients and 1,700 partners in 90 countries who have built and published millions of workflow applications. With its unmatched breadth of capability and platform support delivered by unique architectural capabilities, Nintex empowers the line of business and IT departments to quickly automate hundreds of manual processes to progress on the journey to digital transformation. Nintex Workflow Cloud, the company's cloud platform, connects with all content repositories, systems of record, and people to consistently fuel successful business outcomes. Visit www.nintex.com to learn more.

Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Nintex

Related Links

http://www.nintex.com


WESTCLIFF PLAZA, Calif., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent survey of over 1000 remote workers, PrivacyDevil was ranked the number 1 laptop accessory for completing the digital lifestyle for remote workers.

One freelance tutor and PrivacyDevil user says, "I learned about PrivacyDevil when invigilating an exam at a top high school. Students on computers and the teacher had installed PrivacyDevils on each child's monitor so that only the student directly in front could see the contents of the screen. As I am a freelance tutor often working from cafes I just knew I had to have a PrivacyDevil Privacy Screen."

Travel Blogging is not just a hobby anymore but a full-time lifestyle. These bloggers must do things that captivate their audience from eating scorpions to skydiving. Blogging all these activities means they often must write at the nearest airport lounge or CoWorking hub. According to one blogger, "My content is unique, I earn a lot of money. Often, I am logged on and writing or even checking my finances. I need privacy, not just for security but also to focus. Using a PrivacyDevil Privacy Filter allows me to work freely."

It is not just bloggers that use PrivacyDevil, admin staff and engineers have started snapping them up, particularly in Silicon Valley. One inventor described, "I create medical devices that often sell to companies like Medtronic, devices I invent are worth millions of dollars, but to invent I need my fix of coffee and some background noise so I work at a nearby Starbucks. I would hide myself in some corner, hunched over to protect my screen, but since I discovered the PrivacyDevil Privacy Filter I am free. I even got one for my Husband, a Doctor specializing in IVF, in Newport Beach and San Francisco. Fertility is a confidential matter and it helps him remain HIPAA compliant."

Even creative types are swooning over the charming PrivacyDevil, one animator in Anaheim recounted, "I am creative and I dictate the terms of my employment; I get to choose where I work from. I am often poolside soaking up some sun and getting creative on my laptop. As I work on the latest movies I've got to be careful. I would often hide in a dark cafe when the poolside got busy. I recently discovered PrivacyDevil when my Beverly Hills lawyer was using it and I now enjoy working poolside."

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=privacydevil

YouTube Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8wOzZjZBHM

Website:

www.privacydevil.com

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/privacydevil

https://twitter.com/screenprivacy

Contact:

Robert Jones

1-866-965-2646

info(at)privacydevil(dot)com

SOURCE PrivacyDevil

Related Links

http://www.privacydevil.com


BOSTON, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Who's Who recognizes Robert Lawrence Beal as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Real Estate.

Beal is the Former President and Senior Officer of Beal & Co., Inc., also known as Related Beal. He served the industry for 50-plus years and brought expertise in the areas of both commercial and residential real estate to his role, then stepping down from his role to pursue philanthropic endeavors.

"Related Beal is a fully integrated real estate firm focused on development and investment opportunities in Boston and the surrounding region," the company's website states. "We leverage a national real estate platform with expertise across all assets, classes and storied local experience in life sciences, commercial and residential development, property management and real estate investments. We are a fully integrated, highly diversified industry leader with experience in virtually every aspect of development, acquisitions, management, finance, marketing and sales."

Beal is a graduate of Harvard College, Class of 1963  graduating with honors, and Harvard Business School, Class of 1965. He joined the Beal Companies in 1976 (now known as Related Beal).

To further his professional development, Beal is active in professional businesses and organizations both locally and internationally. He is a Past Director and Chairman of the Artery Business Committee, and a Past President of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. He is the former Chair of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, Chair of the Taubman Center for State and Local Government at Harvard as well as the Chair of the School of Social Science, Urban Affairs and Public Policy at Northeastern University.

In addition to his work through professional associations, Beal is an active participant in the community. He has generously served many organizations with his time, talent and resources, including the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (former overseer and trustee), the Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Chairman, Council of Fellows), the Boston Zoological Society (former Chair), the Museum of Fine Arts (Board of Overseers), the Combined Jewish Arts and Culture and is on the Board of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Most recently, Beal has been appointed as Director of the Old North Foundation and Trustee of Tufts Medical Center.

Beal dedicates this recognition to his nephew, Bruce Beal, Jr., who is the President of the Related Company in New York. Both are looking forward to continued growth and success in the future in the family.

For more information, please visit: www.bealco.com or http://www.relatedbeal.com/OurCompany/.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who
SPRINGFIELD - A group of pro-immigrant advocates met with Governor Rauner and say that he committed to signing SB 31, making every public school, hospital and more community sites places where employees are forbidden to ask citizenship status.

That includes any Secretary of State office in Illinois - where drivers licenses are issued and voter registration takes place. (READ the four questions Illinois Review asked FAIR)

From a press release issued today:
ANGLETON, Texas, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rowdy Girl Sanctuary ("RGS"), a 501(c)(3) charity that provides sanctuary to rescued farmed animals and advocates a vegan lifestyle, today responded to a ruling of the District Court of Harris County, Texas in a lawsuit filed by RGS and its founder Renee King-Sonnen and Tommy Sonnen against various individuals alleged to be defaming them.

The Lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed in March 2017 to seek damages resulting from an onslaught of malicious, defamatory remarks made on social media by animal activists who appeared intent on harming the reputation and work of RGS, and fellow animal rights activists King-Sonnen and Sonnen. RGS sued individuals who posted untruthful statements including that the sanctuary was a "scam" and a "pyramid scheme".

"I was so surprised that these self-proclaimed animal rights activists and vegans/vegetarians would spend so much of their time trying to shut down a vegan farm animal sanctuary that is trying to educate the public about the plight of farmed animals, and not focus their ire on actual animal abusers and the factory farming system that seeks to torture farm animals," said King-Sonnen. According to King-Sonnen, efforts were made to reach out to and educate individuals posting defamatory remarks to encourage them to actually review the facts, but when those efforts failed, RGS was left with no choice but to take legal action.

The Ruling

Unfortunately, the court ruled on a motion filed by three defendants who sought dismissal of the action claiming it sought to suppress First Amendment free speech. The court ruled the action should be dismissed and that RGS, King-Sonnen and Sonnen should pay the three defendants attorney's fees, costs and sanctions totaling $159,000.

"This ruling is unjust and erroneous. Unfortunately, in our legal system, sometimes judges make bad rulings," said Drew L. Alexis, an attorney and member of RGS' board. "I am afraid the court gave its blessing to those who wish to assault us with more harmful, defamatory statements in their campaign to tear down an organization trying to bring justice to farm animals," said King-Sonnen.

RGS is considering an appeal. "We may appeal as our lawyers have told us this ruling makes no sense," said King-Sonnen. "At the same time," she continued, "I want to put this matter behind us and move forward with the work that we are doing. I know in the end, whether justice is had in the court or not, we are going to continue to advance our mission to protect farm animals from cruelty. And I know that the truth is on our side, and not on the side of those spewing hate on social media."

About Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, Inc.

Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 2015 by Renee King-Sonnen. After going vegan, King-Sonnen and her husband, Tommy Sonnen, turned their beef cattle ranch into farm animal sanctuary that seeks to rescue farm animals from the cruelties of factory farming. Its mission is to educate the public about the cruelties of factory farming and to inspire other ranchers to experience a paradigm shift and help them move from participating in the cruelty of factory farming to living out compassion towards the animals whose lives usually end in brutal death.

SOURCE Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, Inc.
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Roy Dekel, and the SetSchedule Cares Foundation launches a campaign to donate to charitable organizations through employee matching and volunteer time. Over the past year, SetSchedule has raised and donated $30,000 for charities like the American Technion Society (ATS), the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Larger than Life.

Today, SetSchedule has started a campaign that hopes to continue to increase giving, and donations year after year, by looking inward and making the staff at SetSchedule a part of the community effort. We have started a movement with the cooperation of the SetSchedule Cares Foundation, by matching contributions to more than 19,000 charities. As an initial operation, we have high hopes for success and since inception have already received $8,500 in pledges.

"By incorporating our staff in the process they have an opportunity to build and enrich our community, Said Roy Dekel, SetSchedule CEO. "Together, we can all help nonprofits achieve their missions faster. Every dollar and hour donated makes a difference."

The effort has come a long way from the companies' annual beach cleanups. To further a culture of philanthropy, the SetSchedule Cares Foundation has a solid three year initiative to grow the foundation and has a plan to bring in $1.5 Million dollars in donations by the summer of 2020. SetSchedule matches cash contributions of its U.S. employees or donates $25 per hour for time volunteered with approved nonprofit organizations. SetSchedule pledges to match each employees' donations up to $2,500 annually, and encourages all employees to donate, making the foundation, and contributions a community affair.

About SetSchedule: Headquartered in Irvine, CA, SetSchedule is a "first of its' kind" technology based Real Estate Exchange Marketplace firm that connects Realtors with Homeowners, Buyers and Investors who are looking to buy and sell properties. Learn more at setschedule.com. To learn more about Roy Dekel's and SetSchedule's foundation work www.roydekel.org

SOURCE SetSchedule

Related Links

http://setschedule.com


SAN DIEGO, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP, one of the nation's leading class action civil rights firms, today announced that Judge Janis L. Sammartino of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California granted final approval of the Qualcomm $19.5 Million gender discrimination class and collective action settlement.

David Sanford, chairman of Sanford Heisler Sharp and lead counsel for the Plaintiff class, praised the settlement. "We have been privileged to represent a group of brilliant plaintiffs who courageously represented women in technology. Their tenacity brought about a significant settlement that will bring immediate relief to thousands of women and shape the industry going forward."

In addition to monetary relief, the settlement requires Qualcomm to institute comprehensive programmatic relief, which will ensure that female employees working in STEM and related positions will enjoy equal job opportunities. The settlement affects a class of approximately 3,400 women.

Danielle Fuschetti, an attorney at Sanford Heisler Sharp, noted: "This settlement is a good outcome for the women at Qualcomm now and into the future."

Under the settlement agreement, Qualcomm will make a non-reversionary payment of $19.5 Million to settle all class claims in the case. Qualcomm will also institute significant changes in its policies and practices to help eliminate gender disparities and foster equal employment opportunity going forward.

Jill Sanford, also an attorney at Sanford Heisler Sharp, said, "The settlement will make Qualcomm a stronger company. Rewarding and valuing all employees is not only right, it's good business."

About Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP

Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP is a public interest class-action litigation law firm with offices in New York, Washington, D.C, Nashville, San Francisco and San Diego. Our attorneys have graduated from the nation's top law schools, clerked for judges throughout the United States, and amassed extensive experience litigating cases that have earned over one billion dollars for our clients.

The Firm specializes in civil rights and general public interest cases, representing plaintiffs with employment discrimination, labor and wage violations, predatory lending, whistleblower, consumer fraud, and other claims. Along with a focus on class actions, the firm also represents individuals and has achieved particular success in the representation of executives and attorneys in employment disputes. For more information go to http://www.sanfordheisler.com/ or call 202 499-5200 or email [email protected]. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @sanfordheisler

For more information contact: Jamie Moss, newsPRos, PR Counsel, Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP; 201 788-0142; [email protected]

SOURCE Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP

Related Links

http://www.sanfordheisler.com


BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Smartsheet, the world's leading cloud platform for managing and automating collaborative work, today announced it was selected as Washington's Best Workplace in the XTRA Large category for 2017. The list is sponsored by the Puget Sound Business Journal and ranked according to survey responses from company employees.

"Our leadership team has always been intentional about building a company culture that reflects our values in action, demonstrates our integrity, and empowers our workforce to strive for excellence," said Kara Hamilton, VP of People Operations at Smartsheet. "It's an honor to be recognized for our commitment to making Smartsheet one of the very best places to work  not just today, but hopefully for years to come."

Smartsheet has managed to maintain its award winning culture through a period of high-growth. Over the past five years, headcount has grown from 30 employees to over 630, with the company recently closing a $52.1 million Series F funding round. On Glassdoor, employees have recognized the leadership's passion and transparency, the company's emphasis on work-life balance, and the huge market opportunity for the product.

Frequently acknowledged as a great place to work, Smartsheet has been ranked #15 on the list of the 50 highest-rated private cloud computing companies to work for by Battery Ventures and Glassdoor. In addition, Smartsheet was twice recognized as one of Seattle Business Magazine's '100 Best Companies to Work For,' included in Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list, and named on Forbes' 2017 Cloud 100 for the second year in a row.

The Puget Sound Business Journal created the Washington's Best Workplaces award to identify and celebrate companies in Washington that employees think highly of. To qualify, a proportion of employees must take a survey and rankings are based on scores across a variety of employee satisfaction and engagement measures.

About Smartsheet

Smartsheet is the world's leading SaaS application for managing and automating collaborative work. Our award-winning solutions deliver value for more than 69,000 brands and millions of information workers across more than 190 countries. Recently named to the Forbes Cloud 100 list of the world's best cloud companies, customers like Netflix, Salesforce, the GSA, Google, and over half of the Fortune 500 use Smartsheet internally, with clients, and partners.

Smartsheet is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington and, as of August 2017, has more than 630 employees in its Bellevue and Boston offices. To learn more, visit www.Smartsheet.com.

SOURCE Smartsheet

Related Links

http://www.smartsheet.com


"State Farm advertises that it is a 'good neighbor.' On the contrary: behind the closed doors of auto collision centers, State Farm's 'good neighbor' becomes a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde creature that turns into the 'neighbor from hell,'" according to the Federal Complaint filed by Matthew and Marcia Seebachan.

The lawsuit alleges that State Farm forced John Eagle Collision Center, "to use glue instead of welds and the shoddy and substandard repair work turned Matthew and Marcia Seebachan's Honda into a bonfire."

"State Farm secretly and covertly plays Russian Roulette with its customers and the public by forcing body shops to choose their profits over the safety of the motoring public," said Dallas vehicle safety lawyer Todd Tracy who represents the Seebachans.

During a family Christmas visit in 2013, Matthew and Marcia Seebachan suffered serious injuries when the safety cage of their 2010 Honda Fit collapsed because their roof literally separated where it had been glued with 3M 8115 adhesive rather than being welded at 104 spots as specified by Honda.

The failure of the glued roof set off a domino effect that crushed the couple and set their car on fire. Matthew Seebachan was trapped behind the steering wheel of the burning vehicle, and was conscious while his body burned.

The hail damaged body work was not disclosed to the Seebachans when they purchased the used Honda four months before the accident occurred.

The Body Shop Director for John Eagle Collision Center admitted, under oath, on July 7, 2017, that John Eagle deliberately violated Honda's 2009-2013 Honda Fit Body Repair Manual when it glued the new steel roof on to the 2010 Honda Fit with 3M 8115 adhesive. Honda's official repair manual for dealers specifies that a new roof must be welded onto a 2009-2013 Honda Fit when the roof is replaced. John Eagle's corporate representative further testified that the 3M 8115 adhesive used to glue the new roof on was used despite the fact that 3M has specifically stated that Honda does not permit the use of adhesives.

According to his testimony the collision center's profits trump safety, "State Farm dictated to John Eagle how the car was to be repaired, i.e., to use adhesive rather than spot welding. Furthermore, State Farm can 'trump' the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (Honda) specifications because the repair facility needs to get paid."

Tracy stressed that, "State Farm sells auto insurance. They are not in the business of designing vehicles, or testing vehicles, or repairing vehicles. And their adjusters are certainly not professional automotive engineers with an expertise in designing vehicles that provide crashworthiness protection to prevent serious injuries. No insurance company should ever dictate to a collision center how to repair a vehicle. Such coercion jeopardizes public safety on the nation's highways."

Yet, Repairer Driven News for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists reported that representatives of State Farm and Allstate at the Collision Industry Conference and NACE MSO Symposium for collision repair industry executives failed to support the idea that Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) instructions are always the standard of care  a position endorsed by all major collision repair trade groups, I-CAR, and even CIC's own definition of a collision repairer.

According to the report, Clint Marlow, director at Allstate stated: "I think there's a lot of  mechanical acumen in our industry, and while most of us are not mechanical engineers by trade, I believe that we are educated enough to form an opinion." Asked about OEM repair procedures, State Farm claims director Russ Hoffbauer said, "We don't consider them Gospel."

"State Farm Insurance needs to find some old time religion when it comes to protecting the safety of its flock, i.e., policyholders and motorists. Ethical safety minded collision centers clearly believe that the OEM is the industry Bible. The arrogant attitude of this insurance giant who pretends to be everybody's 'good neighbor' reveals its two faced Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde mentality when it comes to putting profits before safety. How many of their customers are driving defectively repaired cars that are ticking time bombs set to explode in an accident?" asked Tracy.

The federal lawsuit also accuses State Farm of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA).

Civil Action No. 4:17-cv-537

U.S. District Court For The Eastern District Of Texas

Sherman Division

SOURCE Tracy Law Firm
LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 813 applauds the National Labor Relations Board Region 29 for issuing a consolidated complaint against joint employers Shred-It USA, Inc., and Stericycle, Inc., for anti-worker, anti-union activity.

According to the complaint, workers at Shred-It were interrogated about union activity as they organized with the Teamsters, and threatened with the closure and merger of their facility if they selected the union as their bargaining representative. Workers were also promised better pay and hours if they refrained from joining the union.

Shred-It, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stericycle, provides confidential shredding services to businesses.

Teamsters Local 813 represents about 200 workers at Stericycle, which provides medical waste disposal to medical facilities and hospitals. Workers at Shred-It reached out to the union for assistance in joining Stericycle workers as Teamster members, and they are in the process of organizing.

In its complaint, the NLRB is seeking consequential damages and "all other relief as may be just and proper to remedy" the firing of Erwin Espinoza, a worker at Shred-It.

"It started in February when they came in telling us not to go the union route. I was fired for supporting the union, and we're working to get my job back," Espinoza said.

The Board is also calling for the company to read a notice of wrongdoing to its employees in the presence of a Board agent, a representative of the union and company supervisors. The complaint sends a strong public message that the government will go after companies that commit unfair labor practices by "interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees in the exercise of the rights" protected by law.

"This is what trade unionism is all aboutus working hard to fight for members' rights and the rights of workers to join a union," said Sean Campbell, President of Local 813. "We're going to continue to stand with these workers in seeking justice."

Contact:

Kara Deniz, (202) 624-6911

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 813
STOCKHOLM, Aug 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Swedish Securities Council has informed Haldex that it intends to rule on the application that Haldex submitted earlier this week at a meeting on August 16. Haldex has requested that the acceptance periods should not be extended after September 26. Knorr-Bremse has been given the opportunity to respond.

An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in Haldex will take place on August 17 at the request of Knorr-Bremse. Knorr-Bremse has proposed that the EGM resolve to instruct the board to change its decision and to recommend the Swedish Securities Counsel to approve an extension of the acceptance period until February 2018.

For further information, visit http://corporate.haldex.com or contact:

Jorgen Durban

Chairman of the Board

Phone: +46-418-476163

Ake Bengtsson

Acting CEO

Phone: +46-418-476150

Catharina Paulcen

SVP Corporate Communications

Phone: +46-418-476157

E-mail: [email protected]

Haldex AB (publ) is required to publish the above information under the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication by the Haldex media contact stated in the release on August 4, 2017 at 11.15 CEST.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/haldex/r/the-swedish-securities-council-intends-to-rule-on-haldex--submission-before-the-extraordinary-genera,c2322006

The following files are available for download:

http://mb.cision.com/Main/1432/2322006/706774.pdf Press release as pdf

SOURCE Haldex

Related Links

http://corporate.haldex.com


ATLANTA, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, a fast casual concept focused on fresh, bold, Asian inspired cuisine, announced today it is expanding in Georgia with a new location opening in Johns Creek on Thursday, August 10. Located at 11160 Medlock Bridge Road, the newest restaurant is owned and operated by Alonso Nava and marks the 10th Tin Drum Asian Kitchen to open in the greater Atlanta area. The grand opening will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. with the Chamber of Commerce, and doors will open to the public at 11 a.m. Guests will enjoy special prizes and giveaways, and the first 50 guests will receive free Tin Drum for an entire year. During the first week of its opening, Tin Drum will be offering $5 entrees, and kids will eat for free during the first weekend. A portion of first-weekend proceeds will be donated to the Veterans Association JC Chapter.

Prior to joining Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, Nava was a contractor and hotel owner. About one year ago, he dove in and became the sole franchise owner of the Johns Creek location  the first of his franchise concepts. From Maracaibo, Venezuela, Nava considers Tin Drum the first of what may be many U.S. business endeavors.

"I decided to become a Tin Drum franchisee because I love the franchise concept and superior cuisine," says Nava. "I am excited about my first U.S. business venture and believe the Johns Creek market is a great place to grow. We have a wonderful, family-oriented community that has been incredibly receptive to Tin Drum's fresh, affordable and authentic Asian street food."

Tin Drum Asian Kitchen provides the fast service and convenience of Asian street-side cafes, prepares each meal to order using fresh, simple ingredients. The menu is a dynamic mix of traditional Asian fare with bold flavors and features cuisine inspired by the cultures of China, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. The restaurant's aggressive franchise growth is backed by the entrepreneurs at the BIP Franchise Accelerator, a division of venture capital firm BIP Capital, which invested in the brand in 2010. BIP Capital has invested more than $250 million in emerging, high-growth brands across the franchising, software, and technology and consumer products industries. BIP Capital created the BIP Franchise Accelerator to leverage its leadership team's deep franchise experience to help emerging brands accelerates their growth. In addition to Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, the BIP Franchise Accelerator's portfolio includes Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which has more than 570 locations nationwide.

Tin Drum Asian Kitchen in Johns Creek will be open Sunday  Saturday from 11 a.m.  9 p.m. For more information, visit TinDrumAsianKitchen.com, or call (770) 837-2072. Follow Tin Drum Asian Kitchen on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

About Tin Drum Asian Kitchen

With 10 locations throughout Atlanta, Ga., Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, a fast casual concept focused on fresh, bold, Asian flavors, is inspired by music and the street-side cafes of Asia. The menu carries bold flavor profiles and all food is cooked fresh to order in an open kitchen. The space invites all taste buds and styles, and looks to elevate the fast casual dining experience with thoughtful, modern design elements and surprising, delightful details. For more information about Tin Drum, visit TinDrumAsianKitchen.com,

Contact:

Diana Leadley

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE Tin Drum Asian Kitchen

Related Links

http://TinDrumAsianKitchen.com


ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At their recent annual meeting the Trucking Association Executives Council recognized two distinguished individuals with a pair of prestigious awards.

TAEC honored Karen Rasmussen, president and CEO of HELP Inc. and former president of the Arizona Trucking Association, with the J.R. 'Bob' Halladay Award.

"Karen's extensive work within TAEC as a Vice President at the California Trucking Association, state government affairs representative for Ryder, Inc. followed by her tremendously successful term at the AzTA and now with HELP Inc., has benefitted our industry and TAEC in countless ways," said immediate past TAEC Chairman Tom Whitaker, executive director of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association. "TAEC is delighted to be able to recognize her contributions with this prestigious award."

First presented in 1991, the J.R. 'Bob' Halladay Award recognizes an individual who lends outstanding assistance and support to the work and efforts of state trucking associations. This prestigious award is bestowed only when a TAEC region hosting the Annual Meeting deems an individual worthy hence it is not presented annually.

The industry group also posthumously honored Jan Vineyard, with the TAEC Chairman's Excellence Award. Vineyard succumbed to ALS in May and served as the executive director of the West Virginia Trucking Association from October 2006 until her passing.

"In addition to being a tremendous advocate for trucking in her state and beyond, Jan was a great friend to many of us in this community and she is greatly missed," said Iowa Motor Truck Association President and CEO Brenda Neville.

Finally, TAEC named Kendra Hems, president of the Trucking Association of New York, as chair for the coming year while Frank Filgo, president & CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association was elected to be the national vice-chairman. As chair, Hems assumes the position of TAEC representative serving on the ATA Executive Committee.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward

SOURCE American Trucking Associations

Related Links

http://www.trucking.org


MIAMI, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, VaporFi announced 19 brick-and-mortar store openings in 6 states across the US and 2 other countries internationally that will provide ownership opportunities in a vaping market projected to reach approximately US$32.11 billion by 2021, according to Research and Markets. The company has also published an industry first-- VaporFi's Guide To Vaping: Everything You Need to Know.

As American companies move to create more jobs and reinvigorate the entrepreneurial and small-business spirit, VaporFi's new brick-and-mortar stores in Georgia, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island will be the beneficiaries of nearly 100 new jobs and franchise owner activity. The global brand has plans for several international openings from now until early 2018 as well (see below for full list of store openings).

"We're meeting demand head on by providing our customers with convenient, modern and clean physical locations stocked with expert advice and outstanding products," said CEO Nick Molina. "Having a place where customers can go for vape devices, accessories and VaporFi's full-liquid 30,000 flavor experience is paramount to our continued service-centered growth."

Benchmarking another industry first in the company's history, VaporFi published VaporFi's Guide To Vaping: Everything You Need to Know, in an effort to dispel myths and fake news on the lifestyle and culture of vaping. This free guide offers everyone facts and tips on everything from keeping hardware in the best shape and everyday vaping etiquette, to industry facts, lingo and resources.

"VaporFi is a company of vapers fully invested in the vaping culture, so we take our mission to inform, promote and defend this group both seriously and personally," said Molina. "Public opinion and government policy cannot be based on misinformation spread by special interests like big tobacco and pharmaceutical companies," he concluded.

VaporFi's Guide to Vaping is the first step in increased efforts to engage and inform the public on the benefits of vaping and potential future regulations. In keeping with VaporFi's proactive stance on protecting vaper's rights, VaporFi's Georgetown store hosted Vice News' Evan McMorris-Santoro and tax-reformist Grover Norquist. The two explored VaporFi's premium flavors and chose Belgian Waffles and Totally Toffee. Upon exhaling through his nose, Norquist remarked, "Tastes like freedom." It has since become a popular meme and rally cry for the vapers online.

For more information on VaporFi visit them online, and engage the movement for vaping rights with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

List of Upcoming VaporFi Store Openings:

Atlanta, GA (7 Locations)

Baltimore, MD (1)

Honolulu, HI (2)

Providence, RI (1)

Tampa, FL (3)

TBD, PA (3)

International - Suriname (1)

International - Guatemala (1)

About VaporFi

VaporFi is an electronic cigarette/vapor products manufacturer that has coupled the online e-commerce vapor market, with signature retail locations, located throughout the USA and internationally. Having launched to immediate success, and rapid expansion of their locations through franchising, VaporFi remains the most exciting brand of electronic cigarette, e-liquid, and vapor products around. For more information on the brand, their products, and locations, visit www.VaporFi.com

Media Contact for VaporFi:

Michael Bilello

813-732-0180

[email protected]

SOURCE VaporFi

Related Links

http://www.VaporFi.com


It's as simple as visiting www.SantaClara.org and clicking on "Santa Clara Virtual Tour." The virtual tour gives web users an up close preview of many of the city's visitor attractions. For convention delegates and/or prospective meeting and event planners, the virtual tour of the Santa Clara Convention Center allows you to virtually walk through nearly every area of the building.
BEIJING, Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. ("Xinyuan" or the "Company") (NYSE: XIN), an NYSE-listed real estate developer and property manager primarily in China and in other countries, today announced that it plans to release its second quarter 2017 financial results on Friday, August 11, 2017, before the U.S. market opens.

The Company will hold a conference call at 8:00am ET on August 11, 2017 to discuss its second quarter 2017 results. Listeners may access the call by dialing:

US Toll Free: 1-888-857-6931

China: +86-400-120-2694

International: 1-719-457-2601

A webcast will also be available through the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.xyre.com.

A replay of the call will be available through August 18, 2017 by dialing:

US: 1-844-512-2921

International: 1-412-317-6671

Access code: 4856564

About Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd.

Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. ("Xinyuan") is an NYSE-listed real estate developer and property manager primarily in China and in other countries. In China, the Company develops and manages large scale, high quality real estate projects in over ten tier one and tier two cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Jinan, Xi'an, Suzhou, among others. Xinyuan was one of the first Chinese real estate developers to enter the U.S. market and over the past few years has been active in real estate development in New York. The Company aims to provide comfortable and convenient real estate related products and services to middle-class consumers. For more information, please visit http://www.xyre.com.

For more information, please contact:

Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd.

Mr. Joe Xu

Investor Relations Deputy Director

Tel: +86 (10) 8588-9376

Email: [email protected]

ICR, LLC

Investors:

William Zima

In U.S.: +1-646-308-1472

In China: +86 (10) 6583 7511

Email: [email protected]

Media:

Edmond Lococo

In China: +86 (10) 6583-7510

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd.

Related Links

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"If you are teaching anything other than the Laws, Statutes and Judgments listed in the Bible, you are going against the Bible. Cute stories don't cut it; your congregations are counting on you to teach them truth. I will help you understand how to accomplish this, contact me," Yisrayl says.

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Yisrayl goes into lengthy detail in his publication and gives many cross-references in order to prove this urgent Truth. This article can be found on his blog.

To read this newsletter, go to http://yahwehsbranch.com

About Us

The House of Yahweh, fully recognized in 1983 as a non-profit organization in the United States of America, continues to this present day to fulfill its commissioned work of preaching and publishing the True Message of Salvation.

The House of Yahweh has correctly restored the Heavenly Father's Name and the Savior's True Name in the translation named in Scripture as The Book of Yahweh.

SOURCE The House of Yahweh

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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
Madrid, July 30 : Over 22,000 people have been evacuated from a Spanish festival in the city of Barcelona after a massive fire on Saturday night, local emergency services said.

Pictures posted on social media showed festival goers running away from a stage engulfed by flames, Xinhua news agency quoted Sky News as saying.

The Director General of Civil Protection in Catalunya posted on Twitter that no injuries had yet been reported.

Pyrotechnics on the stage have been blamed, British newspaper Daily Mirror quoted Spanish media as reporting.

A video shared on social media shows how the blaze erupted in a matter of seconds as the speaker system was engulfed in fire, triggering music fans to run for safety.

The emergency evacuation procedure flashed on the stage screen as the flames erupted, according to Daily Mirror.
Chennai, July 31 : Income Tax assesses and tax consultants here heaved a sigh of relief after hearing the central government's decision to extend the Income Tax return filing deadline to August 5, 2017.

Bogged down with the problems of Income Tax Department's server getting slower or systems not working, tax consultants said it was a great relief that the last date for filing of returns was extended.

"For the past five days, the IT server was slow and many a time it hanged. The Aadhaar details did not get updated. It is right that the government has extended the deadline for filing returns this year," R. Badrinarayanan, a Chennai-based tax consultant, told IANS.

Tax consultants also said there are problems in linking Aadhaar card with PAN card owing to mismatch in details.

For instance, the date of birth in Aadhaar card might have been keyed in wrongly and it takes time for the card holder to get it corrected. People realised the mismatch in dates only when they tried to link the two cards.
New Delhi, Aug 1 : With many ships, including Indian ones, becoming victim of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, India and Somalia on Tuesday discussed piracy and maritime security among a range of issues during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and visiting Somali Foreign Minister Yusuf Garaad Omar here.

"The entire gamut of India-Somalia bilateral relations, including the issue of piracy and maritime security were discussed between the two sides during the meetings," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The Somali Foreign Minister also held talks with Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar.

"Further, discussions on regional issues pertaining to developments in Gulf region and India's neighborhood were held," it stated.

Omar, who is accompanied by a senior-level official delegation, arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit at the invitation of Sushma Swaraj. This is his first visit to India since he assumed office earlier this year.

On Tuesday, the two sides also signed an agreement for transfer of sentenced persons in each other's country.

The Union Cabinet had in June given its approval for the ratification of the agreement on transfer of sentenced persons between India and Somalia, located on the Horn of Africa.

Earlier this year, India had thanked Somalia for rescuing 10 of its nationals held by pirates.

The Indians were crew members on a commercial vessel -- Al Kausar -- that was hijacked by pirates off the Indian Ocean coast near Yemen.

Somali security forces liberated the vessel in April.

India also offers Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training scholarships and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships to Somalia.

Somalia, situated near the Horn of Africa with the Gulf of Aden to its north, is among the partner countries of India's Pan African e-Network project.

The India-Somalia bilateral talks come as China opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa. Somalia shares border with Djibouti on the west.

India-Somalia bilateral trade stood at $391.05 million in 2014-15, a more than 51 per cent increase over the figure of $257.27 million in 2013-14.

The Somali Foreign Minister will also travel to Mumbai and Hyderabad during the course of his visit.

The visit is part of India's increased engagement with Africa.

Earlier this year, India also hosted the annual meeting of African Development Bank.
New Delhi, Aug 1 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday questioned the city police over the delay in probing the death of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's wife Sunanda Pushkar here in 2014.

A division bench of Justice G.S. Sistani and Justice Chander Shekhar expressed concern that though the Delhi Police had collected evidence in February 2015, the court was yet to get the final result of the electronic evidence seized, including that of the close friends of Tharoor and Pushkar.

"We are also concerned as to who the real culprit is," said the bench.

Pushkar, 52, was found dead in a Delhi hotel room on January 17, 2014.

The court was hearing a plea by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy for a court-monitored probe by a multi-disciplinary Special Investigation Team led by the Central Bureau of Investigation into Pushkar's death.

Shiv Menon, son of Pushkar from her earlier marriage, had also approached the court to intervene in the case on the ground that the BJP leader had no locus standi on the issue of his mother's death. Tharoor's step-son Menon said Swamy filed this plea to get publicity.

On the other hand, Swamy said Pushkar's son was not interested in knowing the reason behind her death and was "only interested in her property in Canada".

The bench was not convinced with the police's submission on the difference in the findings of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory and the Forensic Science Laboratory.

The bench expressed displeasure over the contention in the status report that data from some mobile phones seized during investigation have been deleted and the Indian forensic laboratories have been unable to retrieve these.

Approvals for sending these devices to their manufacturers abroad for chip-level retrieval are being obtained from competent authorities, the police told the bench.

In response, the court asked the police to file an additional affidavit on the issue before August 30, the next date of hearing.

Swamy earlier told the court that there were constant attempts to block the investigations and an FIR was registered after almost a year and nothing had happened since.

Even after three years, the Delhi Police had not arrested anyone and no custodial interrogation took place, Swamy had said, adding that the post-mortem examination report confirmed Pushkar's death was "unnatural" and "due to poison".

Swamy sought a time-bound probe, saying "very influential people are involved in the case, leading to attempts to protect them, and the matter has faced a lot of unnecessary delay already".

The BJP leader had claimed that a few days before her death, Pushkar had called for a press conference so as to expose a serious corruption case.
New Delhi : 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 )
Guwahati, Aug 2 : 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.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 3 : The Odisha government on Thursday requested the Centre open banks in the unbanked gram panchayats of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas in the state.

The state government raised the demand while discussing on security and development related issues in the Maoists affected areas with Union Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha through a video conferencing from New Delhi.

Chief Secretary A.P. Padhi informed that in the absence of any bank in about 85 per cent gram panchayats of LWE affected districts, it becomes very difficult to carry forward the schemes aimed at financial inclusion.

The issues relating to electrification of villages, establishment of solar parks, school education, literacy, skill development, promotion of entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, railway projects, tele connectivity, rural development and security matters were reviewed in the meeting.

Focusing on the need for data connectivity in these areas, the Chief Secretary urged the Ministry of Telecommunication to upgrade the existing towers to 3G level.

Padhi further requested the Cabinet Secretary for release of central grant of Rs 280 crore under security related expenditure the accounts of which was already audited and approved.

He also requested for allocation of more funds to the state under solar water pump scheme and solar lantern as these schemes have been very successful and popular among people in LWE areas.

Further, the chief secretary requested for starting the construction work of Jeypore-Malkangiri Railway Line (130 Kms).

Padhi highlighted the need for the project for a backward and large district like Malkangiri.

Notably, the Odisha government signed a MoU with Ministry of Railways in October last year for construction of the project under joint collaboration.

As per the MoU, Odisha was to share 25 per cent of the construction as well as land cost for the project. But East Coast Railways, instead of starting the project work asked for more financial assistance from the state government in June this year.

The state government communicated its inability for further contribution, said sources.

Informing that a total number of 21 girls hostels were sanctioned for Koraput and Maakangiri district, the Chief Secretary said out of this 9 hostels are in finishing stage and the work of balance 12 hotels were in progress.

Padhi apprised the Cabinet Secretary that only 50 per cent of the central grant has been received so far.

He requested for early release of funds for completion of projects.

Cabinet Secretary was also apprised about the 222 residential schools with a total borders of 83,981 being run by ST and SC development department in the districts of Koraput and Malkangiri.
New Delhi, Aug 3 : Four men who forced a cigarette vendor to open his shop here at gunpoint were arrested after one of them opened fire at policemen, who fired gunshots in the air and overpowered them, officials said on Thursday. Two others escaped.

Police said the incident took place around 11 p.m. on Wednesday in Connaught Place when six persons thrashed the vendor and told him to reopen his shop to sell them cigarettes.

The four who were arrested were identified as Aman Bhatia, Puneet, Sahil and Kamal, Deputy Commissioner of Police B.K. Singh told IANS.

Bhatia, who was released from jail a month ago after serving a sentence for murder, fired at the police when they intervened. But the bullet did not hit anyone.

"The police then fired in the air and all the four criminals were arrested. One of them, Sahil, was also thrashed by a crowd," Singh said.

He said a police team was checking vehicles on Sardar Bhagat Singh Marg when they were told that five or six persons were beating a shopkeeper.

"A pistol was recovered from Bhatia," the officer added.

All the accused, between 25 and 30 years, are residents of Uttam Nagar in west Delhi. A hunt has been launched for the two men who fled, the officer added.
New Delhi, Aug 3 : Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday filed an application before the Delhi High Court seeking to restrain Republic TV from making defamatory publications against him with regard to the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar.

Tharoor has already filed a defamation suit against journalist Arnab Goswami and his news channel Republic TV and claimed Rs 2 crore damages from them for defamatory remarks against him.

On May 29, the High Court had said the TV news channel can air stories by stating the facts related to the investigation into the death of Pushkar, but cannot call the Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram a "criminal".

The court said that they (Goswami and his channel) cannot use such language and had sought response from the journalist and channel on the defamation suit by August 16.

In a fresh application through advocate Gaurav Gupta, Tharoor said: "Despite the assurance given by the counsel of the defendants (Republic TV) on the last date of hearing, the defendants are still engaging in defaming the plaintiff (Tharoor) and maligning his image."

The application stated: "Numerous shows, debates, interviews etc. are being broadcast repeatedly on the New Channel of the defendants, wherein innuendos are being used to portray that the plaintiff was complicit in the unfortunate death of the deceased."

"There have also been instances when the plaintiff has been categorically called to be the killer of the deceased," it added.

The Congress leader pleaded that the expression "murder of Sunanda Pushkar" should not be used as it is yet to be established by a competent court of law that the death of his wife was a 'murder'.

The High Court will hear Tharoor's application on Friday.

Republic TV had recently aired what it called an expose in the death of Pushkar, playing tapes of a purported conversation between a reporter and Tharoor's assistant Narayan on the night of Pushkar's death. Pushkar was found dead in a five-star hotel in south Delhi on the night of January 17, 2014.

Tharoor, in his defamation suit, said he has suffered humiliation and severe loss of reputation in the eyes of the public.

He has baselessly been declared by them as the alleged murderer of his wife, said the defamation suit, seeking a permanent injunction against the channel from reporting or broadcasting any news regarding Pushkar's death until investigations are complete.
Washington, Aug 4 : US President Donald Trump told his Mexican counterpart Enrique PeAa Nieto to remain quiet about the border wall, according to a transcript of the conversation revealed on Thursday by The Washington Post.

The transcript of Trump's conversation with Mexico's leader was one of two phone calls revealed on Thursday, which provide a rare glimpse into the private conversations of a new US president testing his negotiating powers on foreign counterparts, CNN reported.

Trump also boasted about his election victory and called New Hampshire a "drug-infested den" in the phone call with the Mexican President.

The January 27 phone call with PeAa Nieto came seven days after Trump entered office.

In it, he focused mainly on issues of trade and immigration, with contentious moments coming in his insistence that Mexico will eventually pay for a wall along with US southern border. PeAa Nieto has insisted publicly his country will not pay for the wall's construction but Trump demanded he cease making that claim.

"You cannot say that to the press," Trump said on the phone call. "The press is going to go with that and I cannot live with that. You cannot say that to the press because I cannot negotiate under those circumstances."

On the same day, Trump carried out a phone conversation with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, which grew sour when Trump rejected an agreement to take in refugees.

The transcript shows Trump growing progressively more agitated, eventually telling his Australian counterpart the call was the most irksome of the day.

"I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day," Trump told Turnbull. "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous."

Trump later ended the phone call abruptly.
Srinagar, Aug 4 : A militant of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit and another unidentified person were killed on Friday in a gunfight between the security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.

"On specific input about the presence of three terrorists in Herpora (Kanelwan) area of Anantnag district, an operation was launched by police, Rashtriya Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)," a police spokesperson said.

"During search operation terrorists fired at the search party resulting in exchange of fire. Around midnight, taking advantage of darkness, two terrorists fired and managed to slip away from the cordon.

"The outer party of the army retaliated the firing from fleeing terrorists. Later, it was learnt that a person riding a motorcycle was killed in the cross firing," he said.

"No material leading to identity of the person could be found on him. One terrorist of HM outfit namely Yawar Nissar Shergujri alias Algazi was also killed in the encounter," the police spokesperson said.

One SLR (self-loading rifle), 2 magazines, 40 rounds of ammunition, one Chinese hand grenade and a pouch was recovered from the slain terrorist.

"One solider of Rashtriya Rifles, Rifleman Rohit Kumar also sustained injuries," the spokesperson added.
Sharjah, Aug 4 : An Indian expat, who went missing earlier this week, was found dead in a car here, police said.

Dixon, 35, from Perumbavoor in the Indian state of Kerala, returned to Sharjah on July 30 from Ireland, where he went to visit his family. He had been missing from Tuesday. Dixon came to the city to resign from a firm he had been working with for the past nine years and was planning to move to Ireland, his relatives told the Khaleej Times.

His partially-decomposed body was found in a parked car in Al Qulayaa area on Wednesday night, the daily reported on Friday.

According to police officials, they received a complaint on August 1 that Dixon had been missing. The police started an investigation and soon they received a call from the man's relatives, saying that his car was found in a parking space.

Dixon's relative Antony said: "We were returning from Ajman when we saw his car parked near the Sharjah Ladies Club. There was a smell of decomposed body when we got close to the car, and then saw him inside. We then called the police."

Another relative said Dixon was living in Sharjah with his family until last year. Then, his wife got employed in Ireland and shifted there. Dixon returned to the city on July 30 to quit his job at Sharjah Airport Free Zone and move to Ireland.

The body was taken to a hospital and will be repatriated to India once the legal procedures were over, said the police.
Chennai, Aug 4 : Car major Hyundai Motor India Ltd will ship out its new and high strength Verna sedan model starting later this year, an official said on Friday.

"We are targeting to sell around 4,500 units per month in the domestic market. We are confident of achieving the target. We will also start exporting the new Verna to Middle East, Europe, Latin America and other Asian markets," Y.K. Koo, Managing Director, told reporters here.

He said the company planned to export around 60,000 Verna units per year and the plant had the necessary capacity to achieve that.

The company showcased here its new and high strength Verna developed at an outlay of Rs 1,040 crore.

According to Koo, pre-booking for the new Verna started on Friday and will go on till August 21.

He said the next generation Verna has super body structure built out of 50 per cent advanced high strength steel (AHSS).

The model comes in petrol and diesel versions. The company also offers manual and automatic transmission options.

Koo said the company would deliver 10,000 units to customers before Diwali.

Queried about the car's price, Koo said it was yet to be finalised and may be less than Rs 10 lakh.

According to him, the industry size for Verna segment is around 12,000 units per month.

Asked about his confidence to sell 4,500 units per month when its current Verna sells around 700 units per month, Koo said a new model will spur sales.

A company official told IANS that prior to the launch of an upgraded model, production of existing model will be scaled down.

He also said HMIL would invest around Rs 5,000 crore to roll out eight new models over the next four years.

Koo said the company would touch a sales volume of around 6.7 lakh units this year and around 7 lakh units the next year.

Koo also ruled out any mild hybrid models from HMIL's stables.

He said HMIL was 21 years in India and the third largest market for parent company Hyundai.
New Delhi, Aug 4 : In a move to boost its disinvestment programme, the Centre on Friday announced the creation of the Bharat 22 exchange traded fund (ETF) comprising 22 companies, or investments, from among central public sector undertakings, public sector banks and strategic holdings in the Specified Undertaking of UTI (SUUTI), Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced here.

"A new ETF has been created under the name Bharat 22," Jaitley told reporters here, adding that this was the most significant announcement so far this year on the government's stake divestment programme.

"The 22 companies, oblique investments, comprise of central public sector undertakings (CPSEs), public sector banks (PSBs) and some strategic holdings in SUUTI," he said.

Large investors (sovereign/pension funds) prefer investing in ETFs due to the benefits of ETF being low cost and less risky, being highly liquid assets, transparent investment and that these can be traded at real time market price, the Finance Minister noted.

"Compared to energy heavy CPSE ETF, it is a well diversified portfolio of six sectors, which are basic materials, energy, financial, FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), industrial and utilities. No sector crosses the 20 per cent sectoral capping and there is a stock capping of 15 per cent," he added.

The Bharat 22 Index will be rebalanced annually. ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC) will be the ETF Manager and Asia Index Private Limited will be the Index Provider.

An ETF is a traded security that tracks an underlying asset like a group of companies or commodity. The government last month approved the alternative mechanism through the ETF route to divest its stake in CPSEs.

The alternate mechanism will be used to take decisions for divestment through ETF for all listed CPSEs, subject to the government retaining a 51 per cent stake in them.

While the National Aluminium Co (NALCO) is the only firm in the basic materials category in the Bharat 22 ETF, the energy sector includes the giants ONGC, Indian Oil, BPCL and Coal India.

The finance sector companies include the State Bank of India and Axis Bank, where the government holds some stake, while the only firm included in the FMCG sector is ITC.

Jaitley also said that the government had raised Rs 8,500 crore through the CPSE ETF route in the last fiscal.

In the Budget Speech of 2017-18, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had promised to use ETF as a vehicle for further disinvestment of shares. The Centre has a disinvestment target of Rs 72,500 crore for the current fiscal, of which Rs 46,500 crore is planned to be raised through disinvestment, while Rs 15,000 crore is the target in the case of strategic disinvestment that involves surrender of government's majority control of the company.

During the current financial year, the government has realised approx Rs 9,300 crore through nine disinvestment transactions so far.

Globally ETF assets have grown significantly. Globally today there are $4 trillion worth Assets Under Management (AUM). These are expected to touch $7 trillion by 2021, Jaitley said.

Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Secretary Neeraj Kumar Gupta said that the initial public offering (IPO) of Chochin Shipyard on Thursday was oversubscribed 76 times, which shows "there is hunger in the market".

ETF AUM has grown approximately five times in last three years as it has been a preferred instrument for investment by Provident Funds following flexibility given to them by government for their investments.
Addis Ababa, Aug 4 : Ethiopia on Friday lifted the state of emergency declared on October 9 last year after a deadly week of arson and violence that left many private and state-owned firms in flames.

The state of emergency was formally lifted after Defence Minister Siraj Fegessa in his report told the country's parliament that Ethiopia's stability had been sufficiently restored to warrant full lifting of martial law, Xinhua news agency reported.

The country declared the first six-month state of emergency in October due to violent demonstrations that erupted in some parts of the country throughout 2016 and intensified in October.

Protesters alleged political and economic discrimination by the country's government.

According to a recent report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, 669 Ethiopians were killed in connection with the demonstrations.

Parliament had decided on March 30 to extend the initial six-month period by additional four months.

Ethiopia's state of emergency during its initial days had imposed various restrictions such as curfews, social media blockage, and a ban on diplomats travelling in excess of 40 km outside Addis Ababa without government approval.

Much of the restrictions were gradually lifted in the following months as the country's peace and security situation improved.
New Delhi, Aug 4 : There have been a total of 10 attacks on army establishments in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 38 soldiers, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said there were no attacks on army bases outside Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the reply, there were two attacks on army camps in the state in 2014, two in 2015, five in 2016, and one in 2017.

The highest number of casualties was in 2016, when 26 soldiers were killed. Nineteen personnel died in the Uri terror attack while seven others were killed in an attack in Nagrota in November.

In 2014, nine soldiers were killed in attack on Army establishments, and this year, there have been three casualties.

The minister said "broad guidelines" were issued for security of defence installations, and the defence services have taken a "number of actions including risk categorisation of military bases; appraisal and upgradation of intelligence gathering capabilities; strengthening and streamlining of the response mechanism; unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); and periodic security audit of all military installations".

"Allout efforts, in conjunction with other intelligence agencies, are made to gather maximum intelligence inputs which are expeditiously shared with the concerned formations and units," the Minister added.
New Delhi, Aug 4 : Condemning the attack on party Vice President Rahul Gandhi's car in Banaskantha in Gujarat, the Congress on Friday said that "violence and physical attack have become BJP's culture".

In a series of tweets, Congress spokseperson Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged the attack was an organised act by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists.

"BJP goons attack Congress Vice President Rahulji's car in Lal Chowk, Dhanera, Banaskanta, Gujarat. Disgusting and disgraceful," said Surjewala on his Twitter page.

"With 218 deaths in Gujarat, 61 in Bansakanta alone, Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) only does an aerial visit while CM takes five days to visit. BJP only attacks opposition," he wrote attaching pictures of broken windowpanes of Gandhi's car.

Surjewala said: "Windowpanes of Congress Vice President's car broken in an organised attack by goons, security staff injured. BJP must know truth can't be silenced."

"Violence and physical attack have become BJP's culture. Congress and Rahulji get more determined to raise people's voice after every attack," he said.

Rahul Gandhi on Friday faced hostile black flag-waving crowds shouting slogans in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tour of flood-hit Dhanera town in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, forcing him to beat a hasty retreat.
Mumbai, Aug 4 : Legendary actor Dilip Kumar, 94, is being treated at a hospital here for kidney problems, according to a family friend.

"There are kidney problems and doctors are treating it," Udaya Tara Nayar, compiler of Dilip Kumar's autobiography, told IANS.

Nayar said Dilip Kumar is not on a ventilator at the Lilavati Hospital here.

"I have spoken to his nephew and even to Saira (Dilip Kumar's wife Saira Banu), who have said that his creatinine levels are high and he is being given intravenous medication.

"He is being kept in ICU because of age-related factors. His heart has to be monitored too," Nayar said, adding that she visited the ailing thespian at the hospital in Bandra West here on Thursday.

"He seems to be alright," Nayar said.

Dilip Kumar was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday evening after he suffered dehydration and a urinary tract infection.

Sources from the hospital on Friday told IANS that Dilip Kumar is "not on ventilator and is stable".

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. He is known for films like "Devdas", "Mughal-e-Azam" and "Karma".
New Delhi, Aug 4 : The Jagdalpur airport in restive Bastar region of Chhattisgarh will be made fully operational at the earliest under the central government's "common man flies" scheme.

This was disclosed on Wednesday at a meeting called to review the status of development projects and security related issues in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states. The meeting was chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh here.

"Regarding air connectivity, it was mentioned that the Jagdalpur airport will be operationalised shortly under the regional connectivity scheme," an official statement said.

The statement said the government has a plan to connect Jeypore airstrip in Odisha under the scheme called UDAN -- "Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik" -- which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April from Jubbarhatti, an airport on the outskirts of Shimla.

During the meeting on Friday, Rajnath Singh said the multipronged strategy comprising of security, development, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities should be vigorously pursued to defeat the left wing extremism.

The meeting reviewed different development projects, including road requirement plan, air connectivity, power, education, health and banking sectors.

"(Some) 4,433 km roads have been constructed which include 1,504 km road constructed during the last three years in the most difficult areas," the statement said.

The Home Minister asked the officials to expedite the remaining roads at the earliest and expressed his concern over delay in submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) by the state governments.

Regarding electrification, the meeting was informed that the "remaining 717 villages" in the left wing extremism affected areas will be covered under intense electrification scheme shortly.

"Eight solar parks are also planned for the affected areas for which land acquisition is under progress."
Chandigarh, Aug 4 : Even as Punjab truckers have intensified their agitation to demand a rollback of ban on truck unions, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday ruled out revoking his government's decision.

During a discussion on Friday with stakeholders on the new draft industrial policy, the Chief Minister assured that all concerns of the Punjab industry would be taken into account before finalising the new policy.

Transporters are on a warpath after the state's Congress government on July 5 announced the decision to abolish truck unions to end the mafia's control on the sector.

Truckers have kept nearly 93,000 trucks off the roads from July 9 and also set afire a truck in Nakodar town this week.

There are 134 truck unions in Punjab with over 93,000 trucks, including 70,000 that have been bought by raising loans from banks and others. Nearly 16 lakh people are associated with Punjab's transport sector.

"The move is aimed at destroying the mafia of goods transporters who had cartelised the business over the past several years, obstructing the free and fair movement of goods, thereby impacting industrial development of Punjab," the government said earlier.
Mumbai, Aug 4 : The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee on Friday strongly condemned the stone-pelting incidents on Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat and termed it as a display of the "unscrupulousness practiced all over the country" since the BJP came to power at the Centre.

In a statement, MPCC President Ashok Chavan said the brutal attack on Gandhi is "a blot on Indian democracy" and asked the government to book the culprits immediately.

He pointed out that Gandhi is a national leader and his security was the responsibility of the BJP-led Gujarat government which has deliberately neglected it.

"The attack is definitely the handiwork of deranged minds and a display of the unscrupulousness practiced all over the country since the Bharatiya Janata Party government took over," Chavan said sharply.

The BJP's policy is to grab power by hook or by crook and using money power, muscle-power, and other undemocratic means to achieve its aims, he said.

"The attack on Gandhi in Gujarat today smacks of such and I suspect it is a conspiracy to finish off the opposition in politics. However, the Congress workers and leaders shall not be cowed down and will continue to challenge the ideological fight in full vigour," Chavan said.

Several other Congress leaders from Maharashtra and across the country have flayed the attack on Gandhi during his visit to flood-devastated Banaskantha district of north-eastern Gujarat on Friday.
Panaji, Aug 4 : Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday announced four separate official enquiries into the activities of prolific RTI activist and government servant Kashinath Shetye, who over the last few years has filed 195 litigations against government agencies and officials over environment, corruption related issues and systemic failures in governance.

While a ruling BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral has already moved a privilege motion against Shetye, who works as a junior engineer with the state Electricity Department, Parrikar told the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislative assembly that Shetye's activities as a government servant and his assets would be probed by various agencies, including a specially set up team headed by an All India cadre officer from the IAS or IPS.

"195 cases in five years, 459 leave applications. I am wondering when was he working for the government," Parrikar said, in response to a question from Cabral.

Parrikar also said that Shetye's disproportionate assets case would be probed by the anti-corruption bureau, an enquiry would be initiated into how he obtained a gun licence, a vigilance department team would assist an IPS/IAS officer in another probe and another independent probe will verify whether Shetye has violated central civil service rules, during his tenure in government service.

"I will appoint a senior person, preferably from all India cadre," the Chief Minister said.

"I cannot tell many things because you have also moved a privilege motion against the person so some investigation is a part of privilege motion," Parrikar said.

The privilege motion was filed by Cabral, after Shetye uploaded a legislative assembly question submitted by Cabral to the Speaker's office, on his Facebook wall.

The MLA's question sought to know the details of Shetye's attendance and the number of litigations filed by the bureaucrat.

Shetye's litigations in local courts, Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court as well as the National Green Tribunal, over issues related to graft, environment and systemic failures in governance have been widely reported in the local media over the last few years.

His videos attacking corruption in government in his own unimitable style have also gone viral on social media.
Kolkata, Aug 4 : A 57-minute film that charts out the lives of women journalists from Afghanistan, Syria, India, Cameroon, Bangladesh and the Philippines, and showcases what is at stake for them and how they persist to expose truth despite the odds, was screened here on Friday.

In "Velvet Revolution", six women directors throw the spotlight on the quiet resolve of a clutch of women scribes at a time when attacks on the media are occurring globally.

Whether it is Rafida Bonya Ahmed, the editor of Muktomona, who was injured in a machette attack that killed her husband, Bangladesh blogger Avijit Roy, or Syrian journalist Zaina Erhaim, who is now living in exile in southern Turkey, the long documentary "showcases the courage, determination and talent of some women journalists who are pitted against both state and non-state players that try to curb their press freedom", says Executive Producer and Project Director Nupur Basu.

The film straddles different scenarios -- from writing in exile, to reporting from the frontline as well as grassroots journalism.

Veteran media activist Inday Espina Varona features from the Philippines, the second-most dangerous country for journalists in the past 25 years with 146 killings, as per the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

From Afghanistan, one learns about Najiba Ayubi, who runs Killid media for an NGO, continues to report despite regular death threats.

In Cameroon, radio journalist Moussa Marandata reports from the front lines of conflict with Boko Haram, but as the station manager for CRTV Far North she says that she continues to be challenged and belittled by men.

In India, the camera zooms in on the genesis of "Navodayam", a monthly magazine that is run mostly by Dalit women in rural Andhra Pradesh that now has circulation of about 200,000.

It also highlights Malini Subramaniam's persistence to cover human rights violations in Chhattisgarh despite being hounded out of Bastar.

The project also showcases Azerbaijani investigative journalist and radio host Khadija Ismayilova, who courted imprisonment for her role in the Panama Papers investigation.

"We are missing our own story. There is increasing attack on journalists world over. Women are trolled more cruelly on social media and they are also being attacked physically," said Basu.

The International Association of Women in Radio & Television project involved directors Illang Illang Quijano (the Philippines), Deepika Sharma (India), Pochi Tamba Nsoh and Sidonie Pongmoni (Cameroon) and Eva Brownstein (USA/ Bangladesh).
New Delhi, Aug 4 : As part of the commemorative events to mark the 25th anniversary of the India-Asean dialogue partnership, an India-Asean Youth Summit will be held in Bhopal from August 14 to 19, it was announced on Friday.

"This event is being organised in collaboration with the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Secretariat and the India Foundation on the commemorative year's theme which is 'Shared values, common destiny'," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in his weekly media briefing here.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chauhan are among the speakers listed for the event.

"We feel that this forum will enhance people-to-people contacts between India and Asean countries," Baglay said.

"It will debate and generate new ideas in further strengthening our relationship with Asean countries," he added.

India is actively boosting its ties with the 10-nation Asean bloc under New Delhi's Act East Policy.
Mumbai, Aug 4 : The Maharashtra and Mumbai Congress on Friday strongly condemned the stone throwing at Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must apologise for it.

"I condemn this cowardly act. PM Narendra Modi must apologise to Rahul Gandhi for this uncivilized, undemocratic and cheap gimmick of his party goons," said Mumbai Pradesh Congress Committee President Sanjay Nirupam.

In a strong statement, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Ashok Chavan termed it as a display of the "unscrupulousness practiced all over the country" since the BJP came to power at the Centre.

"The brutal attack on Gandhi is "a blot on Indian democracy" and asked the government to book the culprits immediately," Chavan said.

He pointed out that Gandhi is a national leader and his security was the responsibility of the BJP-led Gujarat government which has deliberately neglected it.

"The attack is definitely the handiwork of deranged minds and a display of the unscrupulousness practiced all over the country since the Bharatiya Janata Party government took over," Chavan said sharply.

Nirupam said that while Gandhi was sharing the pain of flood victims in Gujarat, BJP goons were protesting against him and pelting stones at him - "Are they afraid of him?", he wondered.

The BJP's policy is to grab power by hook or by crook and using money power, muscle-power, and other undemocratic means to achieve its aims, Chavan added.

Senior leader and MLC Sanjay Dutt termed the attack as "BJP's utter desperation and total breakdown of law and order" in the neighbouring state.

"BJP's frustrations at the prospect of losing Gujarat (elections) is making them attempt to turn the land of Gandhiji into Godse-land," said Dutt.

"The attack on Gandhi in Gujarat today smacks of such and I suspect it is a conspiracy to finish off the opposition in politics. However, the Congress workers and leaders shall not be cowed down and will continue to challenge the ideological fight in full vigour," Chavan said.

Several other Congress leaders from Maharashtra and across the country have flayed the attack on Rahul Gandhi during his visit to the flood-devastated Banaskantha district of north-eastern Gujarat on Friday.
New Delhi, Aug 4 : Prohibition of electronic cigarettes in India will lead to a rise in smuggling with no assurance of source and quality standard, said Tobacco Institute of India (TII) on Friday.

"In face of global growth trends and the increasing consumer acceptance of such products in India, a ban on legal business in electronic cigarettes in the country will pose a serious threat of illicit trade and large-scale smuggling of these products into the country with no assurance of source and quality standard," said a statement by TII.

E-cigarettes, also known as Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), considered to be safer than tobacco cigarettes, are handheld electronic devices that try to create a feeling of smoking tobacco.

They work by heating a liquid to generate an aerosol, commonly called a "vapor", that the user inhales.

According to the TII, 160 signatory countries under World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, including the US, the UK and EU countries have not imposed prohibition on electronic cigarettes.

Canada and New Zealand which had earlier prohibited ENDS have reversed their decision and allowed these products to be made available to people in their countries.

The TII says that the prohibition of e-cigarettes, would benefit illegal trade operators and promote foreign products owned by overseas entities in the absence of any domestic competition to challenge the illegal trade in these products.

The Health Ministry is considering measures to ban e-cigarettes after an expert committee said that it has cancer causing properties.
Seoul, Aug 4 : South Koreas spy agency has admitted it conducted an illicit campaign to influence the countrys 2012 presidential election, mobilising teams of experts to ensure that the conservative candidate, Park Geun-hye, beat her liberal rival.

An internal investigation by the powerful National Intelligence Service (NIS) also revealed attempts by its former Director and other senior officials to influence voters during parliamentary elections under Park's predecessor, the hardline right-winger Lee Myung-bak, the Guardian newspaper reported.

Park, who narrowly beat the current President Moon Jae-in, to become the country's first female President in the 2012 vote, is standing trial on charges of corruption and abuse of power and faces life in prison.

Moon, who was the target of a smear campaign by the NIS during his first failed run for the presidential Blue House in 2012, has vowed to reform the spy agency to prevent it from influencing future elections.

He has said intelligence officials should focus on foreign affairs, including countering the threat from North Korea, according to the daily.

The NIS's in-house investigation found that its cyberwarfare unit formed as many as 30 "extra-departmental" teams comprising officials and internet-savvy citizens to upload posts in support of conservative politicians for two years in the run-up to the 2012 presidential vote.

A spokesman for Park claimed the NIS inquiry was politically motivated. "The NIS says it will dissociate itself from politics but it is meddling in politics again by starting this probe," Kang Hyo-sang, of Park's opposition Liberty Korea party, said in a statement.

According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, the report said that days before the 2012 election, NIS officials posted messages critical of Moon on social networking and news sites.

The NIS taskforce said similar attempts had been made to influence elections for the National Assembly in 2011 and 2012, during which it also put prominent opposition politicians under surveillance, Yonhap added.

The NIS's new Director Suh Hoon vowed to end the agency's involvement in domestic politics.

"We are dropping involvement in politics and strengthening our core intelligence capabilities by focusing on our traditional role in national security [and] handling operations regarding overseas affairs," including North Korea and anti-terrorism, Huh told the South Korean Parliament's intelligence committee in July, according to reports.
New Delhi, Aug 4 : Accusing the CPI-M-led Kerala government of sponsoring the murders of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers in the state, the RSS on Friday demanded a court-headed probe into the killings.

"We demand investigation into the killings in Kerala under the supervision of either a judge of High Court or Supreme Court," RSS Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said at a press conference here.

Alleging that the state government was patronising the killers of Sangh workers, Hosabale said: "Ever since the CPI-M has come to power, its goons have unleashed a reign of terror in the state."

The RSS leader said that in the last 13 months, 14 RSS workers have been killed in the state.

"Fourteen RSS workers have been killed in the last 13 months and the Kerala government is doing nothing. The government should fulfill its constitutional responsibilities and check this political violence," he said.

He also said that those who talk about intolerance were silent on killings of RSS activists in Kerala. "Whenever there is any killing across the country then there is always an uproar, but when our workers are murdered in Kerala, there is no outrage," he alleged.

"These are not just murders but are political killings," he said, adding that RSS workers were targeted as more common and poor people are joining the organisation, which was not liked by the ruling Left party.

"Don't RSS workers have any right to work for their organisation in Kerala?" Hosabale asked, adding that the state-sponsored violence won't be tolerated.

He said that Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would be visiting the state on August 6.

The BJP leader's visit comes in the wake of the murder of RSS activist Ramesh in Thiruvananthapuram.

The RSS accused the Left government of not doing enough to check the violence of communist cadres in the state. "Over 300 people have been killed in the state since 1969."

The RSS leader claimed that despite being at the receiving end it has always tried to hold peace dialogue with the Left, at least three times in the past.
New Delhi, Aug 4 : The Delhi government on Friday signed a deal to procure e-PoS (electronic point of sale) machines forinstallation at 2,300 fair price shops in the city. The machines will be used for specific food articles (SFAs).

The government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bharat Electronics Ltd. for installation and maintenance of the e-POS devices under Build, Own & Operate public-private partnership model for distribution of ration in Delhi.

The owners of fair price shops will distribute ration through biometric authentication and weighing machines.

The e-POS devices will help in bringing more transparency in the public distribution of SFAs by ensuring that benefits reach people in fair and transparent manner and also avoid pilferage and diversion of supply.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain, speaking on the occasion, termed the installation of e-POS machines as a "game changer".

The Minister added that with the help of technology, the government will be able to ensure that beneficiaries receive ration on time and in prescribed quantities in a transparent manner.
Gurugram, Aug 4 : The crime branch of Haryana Police on Friday seized from the Delhi-Jaipur national highway a mini-truck loaded with whisky, a police officer here said.

Acting on a tip-off, a Farukhnagar crime branch team headed by its chief Ajay Kumar intercepted the mini-truck at Pachgaon Chowk near Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway early on Friday morning.

The police arrested the truck's driver Suresh Kumar, a resident of Haryana's Sonipat district.

In all, 848 boxes carrying 40,706 quarter bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) whisky were loaded in the vehicle.

"The IMFL was being smuggled from Sonipat to Palwal. Registration papers and number plates of vehicle were also bogus. We are grilling the accused, who is on three-day police remand," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sumit Kuhar said.

The accused failed to show any valid papers for carrying liquor and hence it was illicit, he said.
New Delhi, Aug 4 : Amid a face-off with China in Doklam, India has involved good friend Japan for a major infrastructure push in the sensitive northeast region.

To take forward the initiative, both sides announced the formation of a India-Japan Coordination Forum for Development of North East.

The coordination forum was announced on Thursday at an event here, by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and the Embassy of Japan. It was attended by Japan's Ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu and Naveen Verma, secretary in the Ministry for Development of the North-Eastern Region.

Development of India's northeast is a priority for India and a key to promote its Act East Policy. Japan has also placed a special emphasis on cooperation in the northeast for its geographical importance connecting India to Southeast Asia and historical ties.

Japan has cooperated with a variety of development projects in the northeast, ranging from connectivity infrastructure such as roads and electricity, water supply and sewage, to forest resource management and biodiversity. Furthermore, there is a great potential for people-to-people and cultural exchanges between Japan and the northeast, with Japan's historical connection with the region, a statement from the Japanese Embassy said.

The Coordination Forum would explore and expand cooperation in the Northeastern Region, and help strengthen the relationship between Japan and North East as well as that between Japan and India, it said.

The launch of the coordination forum comes in the backdrop of Chinese troops making incursions into Indian territory in the northeast, and currently in the Sikkim sector.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is slated to visit India in September, when he is likely to attend the ground-breaking ceremony of the high-speed rail corridor.

In April 2017, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed an agreement with the Indian government to provide over 67 billion yen ($610 million) for Phase I of the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project.

Phase 1 will see the development of National Highway 54 and National Highway 51 in Mizoram and Meghalaya.
New Delhi, Aug 4 : Two persons have been arrested on the charges of robbing and murdering a Delhi Jal Board (DJB) official in west Delhi while one accused is on the run, police said on Friday.

Amit Rathi, 24, a Bachelor in Computer Application (BCA), and his accomplice Rahul Bhatia, 21, are residents of Bhajanpura and were arrested on Thursday night from their hideouts in that area, Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishi Pal said.

They had shot dead DJB Section Officer Babu Ram Yadav, posted in Paschim Vihar, around 10 a.m. on Wednesday while he was on way to deliver cash and bank documents at his son's office in Rohini's Sector-16.

Rathi told the police that he was facing a financial crisis and had come to know that Yadav would deliver a huge amount of money at his son's office.

He hatched a conspiracy with Bhatia and Jagdeep to rob Yadav, the officer added.

A car and bank documents they snatched from Babu Ram Yadav have been recovered from them. A manhunt is on to nab Jagdeep, the police said.
Agra, Aug 4 : Actor Akshay Kumar with co-star Bhumi Pednekar, were here to promote their forthcoming "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha", shot extensively in Mathura.

"Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his beloved. Keshav in the film builds a toilet for his love Jaya, said Akshay as he and Bhumi were felicitated by local schools at a function near the Taj Mahal, at hotel Taj Khema.

Akshay met UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow early Friday. Officials indicated that the film would be tax-free in the state.
New Delhi, Aug 4 : The Congress on Friday demanded that the government announce a relief package of Rs 3,888 crore for the floods in Assam and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be more "serious, sympathetic and proactive" about the state.

The party also said the government was showing "step-motherly" attitude towards Assam at a time when Gujarat was given a relief package of Rs 2,000 crore.

"The Prime Minister visited Assam only after the flood situation in state improved. When Assam was reeling under floods, 25,42,000 people were affected and 4,084 villages in 29 districts of Assam were also hit," said Congress MP from Assam Bhubaneswar Kalita.

"He declared a relief package of Rs. 2,000 crore for the entire northeastern region. But how much Assam will get from this that is not clear. The demand for Assam was Rs. 3,888 crore for the entire relief and rehabilitation work," he added.

This amount was nothing in comparison to the unprecedented floods in Assam, he said, adding that the Prime Minister only took a review meeting in Guwahati without going to the flood-affected areas.

"The Prime Minister should have been more serious, sympathetic and proactive on Assam as northeastern states have been neglected compared to other states," Kalita said.
CSSI announces Joe Tosolt as Division President for barcode, scanning, mobility and custom software solutions Mr. Tosolt will pursue further growth in CSSIs business creating best-in-class scanning and mobility solutions as well as custom software development and support.

CSSI (Computer Support Services, Inc.), an international technology firm based in Lewisburg, PA, announced the appointment of Joseph J. Tosolt as divisional president reporting to chief executive officer David L. Cornelius. Tosolt has held various leadership roles during the last 15 years including Chief Executive Officer of Easton, PA-based manufacturer Innovative Office Products, LLC.

Mr. Tosolt will pursue further growth in CSSIs business creating best-in-class barcode scanning and mobility solutions as well as custom software development and support. Cornelius commented Joe brings the ideal set of leadership skills and experiences to this assignment including a deep understanding of strategy, sales and marketing. His track record of accelerated and sustained growth through innovation and unparalleled customer service fits perfectly with CSSIs corporate values and business objectives.

A graduate of Lafayette College, Mr. Tosolt received his Masters in Business Administration from Lehigh University. He was named a Thomas J. Watson Fellow in 1991 and spent the following year studying in Germany. Joe is an active member of the Pennsylvania chapter of YPO, a global platform for business executives to engage, learn and grow.

About Computer Support Services, Inc.

Computer Support Services, Inc. has provided technology solutions to its customers in the Central Pennsylvania region and throughout the world since it was founded in 1973. In addition to its flagship application, CoreIntegrator Workflow, CSSI offers innovative solutions through custom software development, network sales and support, sales of barcode, RFID, and handheld devices for use in shop floor management, and sales and support of the Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP software. CSSI has offices in Lewisburg, PA and Bangalore, India and is a certified partner of Microsoft, EMC, Motorola, Honeywell and Zebra Technologies. CoreIntegrator Workflow has been sold throughout North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

North & South America

Computer Support Services, Inc.

145 North 15th Street

Lewisburg, PA 17837

(570) 524-4424

http://www.cssi.com

Asia

CSSI Global Technologies PVT. LTD.

B-01 Prestige Center Point

No 7, Edward Road

Bangalore-560052

India

+91-080-40124742

http://www.cssiglobal.com
It is a great honor to be recognized as one of the Best Employers in Ohio. I also wish to extend our congratulations to the other winners of this award. It reflects strong company values and dedicated employees

Plumbline Consulting, LLC was recently named as one of the 2017 Best Employers in Ohio. As a leading technology consulting firm, Plumbline Consulting provides accounting and business solutions support to Microsoft Dynamics partners across the United States. The annual list of Best Employers in Ohio is managed by the Ohio SHRM State Council and Best Companies Group. Plumbline has been ranked fifth this year in the list of the top best employers in the small/medium company list.

To be selected as one of the Best Employers in Ohio, companies from across the state enter into a two-part survey process. The first part consists of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consists of employee surveys taken to measure the employee experience.

We are thrilled to be named to the Best Employers in Ohio list for the fifth time, with a higher ranking than we achieved last year. This nomination reflects our continued commitment to our employees, clients and partners. The Findlay community has supported our growth and offers a talented workforce, states Todd Michael, General Manager of Plumbline Consulting. Joseph Longo, President of Plumbline Consulting, adds It is a great honor to be recognized as one of the Best Employers in Ohio. I also wish to extend our congratulations to the other winners of this award. It reflects strong company values and dedicated employees.

About Plumbline Consulting

Plumbline provides software engineering and consulting services for Microsoft, Microsoft Dynamics Channel Partners and Microsoft Independent Software Vendors (ISVs). Plumbline offers software development, application support, technology and business process consulting, with a focus on delivering excellence and building lasting relationships. Plumbline also provides the Dynamics SL (formerly known as Solomon Software) Product Development, Marketing and Support services for Microsoft Corporation. The company is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio.

More information about Plumbline Consulting can be found at http://www.plumblineconsulting.com.
Continuing the strategic development of its Corporate Practice, global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has added Sunna Choi to the Los Angeles office and Kyle K. Fox to the Austin office, both as shareholders. The hiring of Choi and Fox follows the recent addition of more than one dozen corporate shareholders across the firm. Greenberg Traurigs team of 400+ multinational corporate and securities attorneys received a first-tier ranking for Corporate Law in the U.S. News Best Lawyers 2017 "Best Law Firms" report.

The collective, unique experience of Sunna and Kyle will add another dimension to our already robust Corporate team. We are thrilled they are joining us at this time of significant growth, said Bruce I. March, co-chair of Greenberg Traurigs global Corporate Practice. Our firm, corporate practice, and, most importantly, our clients will greatly benefit from their collective expertise in complex transactions.

Choi will concentrate her practice on corporate financing and related matters, including private equity-related corporate finance transactions, secured and unsecured syndicated financings, private placements of debt, distressed debt investments, restructuring transactions, venture capital financings, and cross-border financings. Choi represents borrowers, private equity sponsors, agents, and institutional lenders and holders of senior and subordinated debt.

Fox focuses his practice on mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions for private equity and venture capital backed companies, and private companies ranging from startups to international business ventures. Fox develops strategies to assist companies and investors in all types of financing transactions. In addition to his legal practice, he is an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law.

"Sunna is an exceptional finance lawyer and we are excited to have her join our firm's corporate and private equity practice," said Mark J. Kelson, chair of the Los Angeles Corporate Practice. Sunna is an example of the high caliber talent attracted to Greenberg Traurig and a wonderful addition to our growing Los Angeles Corporate Practice."

We are excited to welcome Kyle to our growing corporate team, said Gregory J. Casas, administrative shareholder of the Austin office. Kyles finance experience expands the extensive capabilities we are able to offer our local, regional, and international clients particularly in the technology industry for which Austin is a hotbed.

I am excited to be joining Greenberg Traurig, said Choi. The firms global reach and vast network will allow me to further develop my practice and provide our existing clients with a unique range of services.

I am delighted to join Greenberg Traurig and its team of more than 400 corporate attorneys. The firms global reach and local expertise is the right platform to assist investors and companies in their M&A and other transactions, said Fox.

Choi received her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School. She has an Executive MBA from University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and earned her B.A. in Sociology from Yonsei University. Choi joins Greenberg Traurig from OMelveny & Myers LLP, where she served as counsel in the Corporate Finance Group.

Fox received his J.D. from University of Texas Law school. He has a B.A. from University of Wisconsin at Madisons Honors Program. Fox joins Greenberg Traurig from Miller, Egan, Molter & Nelson, where he was a partner.

About Greenberg Traurig's Corporate & Securities Practice

Greenberg Traurigs Corporate & Securities Practice comprises more than 400 lawyers who advise public and privately held companies and investment funds on global mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, private equity and venture capital, underwritten and syndicated offerings, commercial finance and syndicated lending, cross-border transactions, and general corporate matters. The groups industry experience includes transactions in a wide range of fields, from the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and life sciences fields, to representations involving clients in the aviation, banking, energy, health care, manufacturing, technology, and telecommunications sectors.

About Greenberg Traurigs Private Equity Practice

Greenberg Traurigs Private Equity Practice utilizes the collective experience and resources of the firm to help clients achieve their goals. An experienced team of private equity attorneys leverages the firms unique geographic platform and extensive range of practice and industry capabilities across the firm, which distinguishes Greenberg Traurig from other large firms. To learn more about Greenberg Traurigs Private Equity Practice, click here.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One firm worldwide, GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.
Driving Arizona

Driving Arizona, which was recently named the No. 1 defensive driving school in Chandler, AZ, by DefensiveDriving.org, is celebrating its sixth year teaching safe driving. It has been an honor to serve Arizona these past six years and we are proud to have helped so many teens and new drivers learn safe and defensive driving, said Dave Paul, owner of Driving Arizona, who has extensive experience in driver training school leadership and instruction and has been actively involved in the professional driving industry since 1975.

Driving Arizona trainers are highly trained, contracted and possess years of education and training experience. Driving Arizona, which has an A+ rating with the BBB, provides an ideal environment for learning and acquiring the skills and tools needed to become a highly skilled driver.

I took the beginner course and it was totally worth it. Being an international student driving in the USA was a challenge for me but the instructor explained all the rules in detail and helped me gain confidence by making me drive on the highway, narrow streets and many other situations, said client Rahul S. I highly recommended it to everyone.

About Driving Arizona

Driving Arizona is contracted through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division. Driving Arizona offers three thorough and extensive driver training programs designed to meet the needs of its students, including Beginner, Intermediate and Skilled. For more information, please call (480) 777-7303, or visit http://www.drivingarizona.net. Driving Arizona is located at 1805 E. Elliot Road, Suite 102, Tempe, AZ 85284.

About the NALA

The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. The information and content in this article are not in conjunction with the views of the NALA. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.
Realtor Jodi Bohenna

The Colorado real estate market has become synonymous with high prices, low inventory and great demand. In a fast-paced market where homes are listed and under contract in record pace, it is very important to have an agent who represents you, said Keller Williams Clients Choice Realtor Jodi Bohenna, who is among the top 10% of agents in the Pikes Peak region and a member of The Peak Producers.

In order to help buyers get their offers accepted,Bohenna, recipient of the Keller Williams Triple Gold award, lists the following three tips.

No. 1: Always speak to a lender beforehand. This will provide you with a guide of what you can afford and if buying is the best option for you, said Bohenna.

No. 2: Get prequalified. Prequalification for a mortgage proves to the seller that the buyer is serious about buying and is capable of affording their home. The seller will favor an offer that leaves little to chance, noted Bohenna.

No. 3: Keep the bid free of contingencies. This includes making the purchase conditional on the sale of your current home. The key to saving money when purchasing a home is sticking to a plan, concluded Bohenna. Buying a home can be emotional; negotiating the price shouldnt be. Remember that buying a home is a business transaction, and treating it that way will help you save money. Great homes that are priced competitively can draw multiple offers in any market.

About Jodi Bohenna, Keller Williams Clients Choice

Jodi Bohenna prides herself on personal attention and communication, putting her clients first. Since 2006, Jodi, a Colorado Springs native, has been helping people to buy, sell and invest in real estate in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. She is a member of The Peak Producers and Agent Leadership Council, is a Keller Williams BOLD graduate, a Keller Williams Triple Gold Award Winner, a Keller Williams Double Gold Award Winner, a Keller Williams Silver Award Winner and is an Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Negotiation Expert, Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource and Certified Military Residential Specialist. For more information, call (719) 761-1545, or visit http://www.colospringshomesforsale.com.

About the NALA

The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. The information and content in this article are not in conjunction with the views of the NALA. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.
Modern Business "We appreciate the coverage that our appearance on the Modern Business show has afforded us," says Daniel Elber, Marketing Manager at DWS SRL. Past News Releases RSS

The Producers of Modern Business with Kevin Harrington, one of the original Sharks from hit reality series Shark Tank, are pleased to announce the broadcast of a new informative segment with DWS SRL.

Three Dimensional (3D) printing, formally known as Stereolithography, is an emerging technology that can take a digital "recipe" and create a 3D object by adding content from the ground up, which then solidifies when exposed to laser light. Once a plaything among IT experts, 3D printing is taking is rightful place in serious manufacturing applications, specifically where individual items of low-volume and high-complexity are required. Very much in the forefront of this new science since its earliest days is Italy's Digital Wax Systems  DWS.

Since DWS was founded in Vicenza, Italy, in 2007, the company has developed a full line of machines, software and consumables that are leading the way in this industry, from innovative building materials to out-of-the-box, one-time applications. The quality of the company's consumable products is the key differentiator between DWS and any other manufacturer entering into this space. Using precisely the right material, specifically calibrated for a particular application, has a profound impact on the caliber of the resulting product.

Following an initial foray into the world of jewelry and fashion, DWS has found more critical uses for 3D printing, notably in the dentistry sector. Reducing the number of patient visits, overall time of process and literal laser-accuracy of the final product, DWS products are changing this healthcare field for the better.

"We appreciate the coverage that our appearance on the Modern Business show has afforded us," says Daniel Elber, Marketing Manager at DWS SRL. "Bringing awareness of the relatively new science of 3D printing, as well as the specific advancements that DWS has contributed to this field, will give the entire industry a better standing in this ever more digital world."

"When we at Modern Business say that we're scouting for the latest, cutting-edge, game-changing ideas, that mission doesn't come more to fruition than with the technology that DWS SRL is developing," says Paul Douglas Scott, Executive Producer of Modern Business. "The things that 3D printing can accomplish may well result in a much different-looking world in another decade or two, and Modern Business is proud to have had a hand in bringing this news to our audience."

As a guest of Modern Business, DWS SRL will be appearing in a 3-5 minute segment set to air nationwide and which feature the original Shark himself, Kevin Harrington.

About Modern Business

Headquartered in South Florida, Modern Business is a full-service production, branding, and marketing company that specializes in producing and airing 3-5 minute informative, newsworthy segments about emerging and established companies that have new, innovative, game-changing ideas in order to showcase the hottest products and services that could very well transform our lives in the foreseeable future. Working out of a 25,000+ square foot, state-of-the-art studio, the companys creative team handles every aspect of production from script to screen to airing. For nearly two decades, Modern Businesss veteran staff of writers, producers, videographers and editors has amassed more than 50 Telly Awards, thousands of prestigious clients and over $20 million in television placements.

About Kevin Harrington

Kevin Harrington has paved the way as an inspiration to entrepreneurs around the world. He has been welcomed into millions of homes globally over the years through his informative and entertaining programs on both syndicated and paid television. As host of Modern Business, Kevin invites viewers to learn about hard working entrepreneurs, innovative technologies, new companies and exciting advancements. In every episode, he takes viewers behind the scenes with his DWS SRLs.

For more information on DWS SRL, please visit http://www.dwssystems.com.
Attorney Stefan Coleman a big victory for real estate brokers across the country

In a long battle between real estate brokers who provided services to the company BrokerPriceOpinion, who the brokers claimed failed to pay them or delayed payment, is finally being settled. In the class action Wornicki v. BrokerPriceOpinion.com 13-cv-03258 District Court of Colorado, Judge Philip Brimmer preliminarily approved the class action on August 8, 2017 providing for monetary relief for anyone who prepared a broker price opinion from December 2007 with BrokerPriceOpinion and who has not been paid in full.

Stefan Coleman, a lawyer for the Law Offices of Stefan Coleman called this, a big victory for real estate brokers across the country who have provided broker price opinions and who are still owed money. We had real estate agents contacting our firm for years who hadnt been paid in a very long time and were owed several thousand dollars. This settlement provides these brokers with the opportunity to get some of their money back and ensure that if they want to continue to provide services in the future, there are means to ensure that they will be paid for their valuable service.

Coleman went on to praise the work of the Terrell Marshall Law Group who acted as lead counsel on the case. Coleman went on to say that, Beth Terrell showed exemplary character and commitment in this case, continuing to fight for the real estate brokers who had not been paid in spite of the many obstacles and almost four years of litigation to get this case settled on good terms.

The class action settlement provides for a total of $1.56 Million over a 4-year period. In addition, BrokerPriceOpinion agrees to ensure that going forward, brokers will be paid within 90 days of submitting their BPOs. The class action settlement also provides oversight measures and serious consequences for BrokerPriceOpinion if they fail to uphold their assurances of timely paying brokers.

Class members will be notified shortly according to the notice plan set out in the class action settlement. Each class member will get the opportunity to claim the amount they are owed from the settlement fund.

About Law Offices of Stefan Coleman

The Law Offices of Stefan Coleman is a young and dynamic class action law firm that works on protecting consumers from large corporations. Attorney Stefan Coleman focuses on protecting consumer rights in the marketplace and in protecting consumer privacy rights in the digital age. If you would like more information about this case or any other types of cases, you can contact the Law Offices of Stefan Coleman at (877) 3339427.
Giving businesses some indication of the type of interim agreement the government will seek to negotiate is crucial for allowing them to plan for the future, the IoD said in a policy paper.

The paper outlined an initial range of options, including the political and practical pros and cons of each, in an attempt to move the debate on transition "from desirability to practicality."

"Businesses will be pleased that Ministers increasingly acknowledge the importance of a transition period in the Brexit process to minimise economic disruption," said Allie Renison, head of EU and trade policy at the IoD.

"There is now a window of opportunity for the government to flesh this out as a policy objective in order to reassure companies that a smooth and orderly Brexit is on the cards," she said.

A transitional deal would cover the period between the UK's 'exit day' from the EU in March 2019 and the point at which complicated new trading arrangements with the EU are finalised. The IoD said negotiating an interim agreement was important to ensure long-term opportunities were not jeopardised by "short-term chaotic cliff edges," and that the UK has a smooth exit.

Its proposals include extending the Article 50 deadline, which would give the government more time to negotiate but would be politically challenging, seeking membership of the European Economic Area and agreeing to extend the time EU law applies to the UK during a transitional period.

The IoD said the government should be concerned about business investment stalling; outlining a clearer blueprint for the future would boost confidence and allow businesses to consider practical issues, such as whether they will need to relocate some staff overseas.

"It is not about delaying the inevitable, but rather allowing sufficient time to get to the end destination to minimise the need for disruption," the paper said.
LONDON  Bank of England Governor Mark Carney says that Britain's financial services sector could double in size within the next 25 years, so long as Brexit goes to plan.

Speaking to The Guardian newspaper to mark the 10th anniversary of the start of the financial crisis, Carney said that business in the financial services sector could end up being worth "15 to 20 times GDP"  valuing it at roughly 38 trillion at current GDP levels.

UK GDP is around 1.9 trillion annually right now. However, obviously, the economy should grow significantly over the next 25 years, meaning that the City could be worth substantially more than that figure.

"We have a financial system that is ten times the size of this economy  It brings many strengths, it brings a million jobs, it pays 11% of tax revenue, it is the biggest export industry by some token  All good things," Carney told the Guardian's Larry Elliott and Jill Treanor.

"If the UK financial system thrives in a post-Brexit world, which is the plan, it will not be 10 times GDP, it will be 15 to 20 times GDP in another quarter of century because we will keep our market share of cross-border capital flows. Well then you really have to hold your nerve and keep the focus," he added.

There are fears that the City could lose its status as the EU's financial centre in a post-Brexit world, given the likely loss of the financial passport which allows banks with a base in the UK to sell products and services to customers and financial markets across the EU.

Banks from across the world are currently assessing their options when it comes to Britain's impending exit from the European Union. Most lenders from Japan and the USA currently have their European bases in London, but are expected to shift those operations to continental Europe to maintain an EU presence after Brexit.

But success, he told the Guardian, relies on the British government maintaining a strong regulatory framework in the post-Brexit world and not resorting to lowering taxes and cutting red tape to attract business.

"We have a view that post-Brexit the level of regulation will be at least as high as it currently is and thats a level that in many cases substantially exceeds international norms," Carney said.

"Theres a reason for that, because were not going to to go the lowest common denominator in a system that is 10 times size of GDP."

He replied that while he "personally [hopes] we will be able to remain in the mainstream of European economic and social thinking," EU threats to cut off single market access for the UK meant we may "become something different."
The Bill known as Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) seeks to remove the visa lottery that has seen over a million people from all over the world especially from Africa and eastern Europe gain U.S citizenship. The proposed bill is one of the campaign promises that Trump made during his campaign and his Republican Party is pushing it through.

Trump has indicated he prefers a system that rewards merit and skill rather than the uncertainty of a lottery.

This legislation will not only restore our competitive edge in the 21st century, but it will restore the sacred bonds of trust between America and its citizens, Mr. Trump said according to the New York Times.

Sponsors of the bill Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia however face a hard task in convincing 60 out of the 100 members of the Senate including its 48 Democrats to back the extravagantly named Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy Act (RAISE).

A host of African countries will be keeping an eye on the legislation with eight out of the top 12 participating countries found on the continent according to the Pew Research Centre. The West African nation of Ghana will be especially apprehensive as it is the leading applicant of the lottery in the world with an estimated 1.73 million people taking part in the lottery in 2015,around 7% of its population.

Carly Goodman, a historian who has written a book about the Diversity Lottery in an interview with TheIndependent.ie however things the abolition of the lottery will affect the USA.

"This programme is pretty powerful public diplomacy for the US that signals its openness and generosity," she said, noting that many Africans she spoke to for her book viewed the lottery as aid or a gift from America to Africa. The lottery also pays for itself in visa application fees, she noted.
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The block of ice, dubbed iceberg A-68, may hang around for years in the open sea, and it is awesome in scale: roughly the area of Delaware, the mass of 5.6 Mount Everests, and voluminous enough to fill Lake Erie  more than twice.

Because it's the middle of winter in Antarctica, though, scientists have struggled to get good optical images of the iceberg. So far, they've relied on polar satellites like Sentinel-1, which uses radar to see through thick cloud cover.

However, a few days of clear weather in late July gave Deimos-1 and Deimos-2  a pair of satellites that operate as a tag-team  a clear, visible-light view of the scene on the eastern Antarctic Peninsula.

"[T]hese images are striking  easily the best I have seen since calving," Adrian Luckman, a glaciologist at Swansea University and a member of the Antarctic research program Project Midas, told Business Insider in an email.

Here are the new photos, released by Deimos Imaging and Urthecast in an August 3 blog post, and what they show.

This story was updated to include comments by Adrian Luckman.

Deimos-1 and Deimos-2 follow similar orbits and work together to image the same spots on the ground in medium- and very-high-resolution.

Deimos-1 (left) takes wider-angle, medium-resolution images while Deimos-2 (right) takes zoomed-in, very-high-resolution pictures.

In late July, the satellites passed over the Antarctic Peninsula and the eastern edge of its Larsen C ice shelf  where iceberg A-68 had broken off of two weeks earlier.

Deimos-1 captured the iceberg in this wider-angle. "This is actually then first visible-light image of A68 that I have seen," Luckman said, "and it shows nicely how the perennial sea ice in the Weddell Sea is hemming A68 in and will probably keep it where it is for a long time."

Days later, Deimos-2 swung by and took two zoomed-in, very-high-resolution images of the iceberg and the rift that spawned it. This view shows a central section of the rift.

And this image shows a northern region of the iceberg and ice shelf.

Here's how those images fit together in the larger context of the ice shelf.

Zooming in on some of the details from Deimos-2 is revealing. This image shows mini-icebergs in a slush of ice between A-68 and the main Larsen C ice shelf.

The sun  low on the horizon during Antarctic winter  casts long shadows that reveal the cliff-like edges of the rift and its iceberg chunks.

Similar details pop out in a scene of the iceberg's northernmost flank. On the top right, a new crack in the Larsen C ice shelf is visible.

"We know about this weakness from Interferometry, but this is the first confirmation of a complete fracture," Luckman said of the new crack.

This image shows the point where Larsen C meets A-68 and a new broken-off chunk of the iceberg.

Glaciologists say iceberg A-68 will continue to break into smaller chunks as it floats northeast and into the opens seas of the Southern Ocean.

The image above shows the paths other icebergs have taken after breaking off of Antarctica, from June 1999 through April 2016.

Source:

Most likely, iceberg A-68 will drift toward the warmer waters of Falkland Islands, though many larger icebergs go farther east to the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.

In just two to three years, the new iceberg could fully melt  or at least turn into countless chunks of sea ice.
In a blogpost on Thursday, Coinbase Director of Communications David Farmer said the exchange intends to support the new Bitcoin Cash currency by January 1, 2018  "

The news, which Business Insider first reported was in the works, represents a dramatic turnaround from Coinbase's initial rejection of bitcoin cash. The company's rejection of bitcoin cash caused many users to stop using Coinbase, raising fears that it could suffer a customer exodus.

Coinbase told users last week that they would have to remove their bitcoin from the Coinbase system if they wanted to participate in Tuesday's "hard fork"  the official creation of bitcoin cash, a
Neymar is expected to earn 30, 992,000 annually. Converting this to Ghana Cedis Neymar will be earning GHC 178,762,506.83 and when converted to dollars he will be earning $40,779,273.60 every year.

This can help do a lot for Ghana.

 1 district; 1 factory

The government of Ghana has budgeted GH456.3 million to be used to implement its flagship one-district one-factory policy programme.

READ ALSO: West Hills not hiring

If this money is distributed proportionally in all the districts, each district will cost GHC 2,152,358. This means Neymars salary can provide 83 districts with the needed factories.

 1 constituency; 1 million dollars

Even though the Nana Addo-led government has told us it will not start implementing this policy from 2017, Neymars annual salary can give a million dollar each to 40 districts in the country.

 Free SHS

According to policy think tank, Imani Nana Addos free SHS will cost GHC 600 million yearly. If Neymar was benevolent enough to give his yearly salary to Ghana it will reduce the burden on the government to search for the money for this policy which is expected to start September 2017.

 Build Komfo Anokye maternity

Officials at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital say at least four babies die every day at the hospital, mainly because of severe congestion at the maternity ward.

Ghanas first lady has taken it upon herself to solicit for funds to help complete a Maternity block began in 1974. The hospital will need $70 million to complete the edifice.

Neymars 2 years salary will complete the maternity and reduce the number of deaths.

 More ambulance for the country

The average cost of a State-of-the-art ambulance is GHC 500, 000. This means Ghana can purchase 358 ambulances to help support the National Ambulance Service.

 Affordable housing units

A three room affordable housing unit costs, averagely, GHC60,000.
At a news conference in Accra, the leadership of the association accused management of the various tertiary institutions of charging exorbitant fees.

Currently, some of the institutions are charging more than GHC 2000, a situation which has ruffled feathers amongst students in public universities across the country.

Students all over the country have commenced campaigns complaining about the surge in prices of fees.

Already, the sector Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has requested all institutions to submit their fees for approval.

Emmanuel Kwarteng Frimpong said he doesnt comprehend the reason for the immediate rise the fees and pleaded with heads of the institutions to reduce them.

Were telling VCs that after parliament has approved the fees, they should also give us a breakdown because it is only when we know the breakdown of the fees that we would be confident that were not cheated he said.

The leadership of the students has condemned the recent assault meted out by some security officers against some national service personnel and asked the head of the security services to apologize to the students.

USAG also urged the government to provide an advanced technology to facilitate the registration for students at the comfort of their homes.
The television and radio personality makes headlines with his candid thoughts and his latest comment is nothing short of eye-popping.

In an interview on Okay FMs Ofie Kwanso with Abeiku Santana, Counselor Lutterodt has revealed that the King James Version of the Bible is for homosexuals and Rastafarians and it is not genuine because it was not translated directly from the Greek manuscript.

The marriage counselor who tried to explain his point to the host Abeiku Santana said people should use the New International Version (NIV) because that was translated directly from the Ancient Greek manuscript.

"King James Bible is not the original manuscript, the translation was made by a gay, so if you want to read the bible and understand what it is about, use the NIV, new international version, that is direct from the Greek word", the counsellor said.

"Anytime anybody is reading King James, they read it so that it will fill their whims and caprices, so Gays, Rastafarians and those who want to do their things use King James", he added.
The Taking Over hitmaker is presently back in the country after almost three weeks of touring the United States of America and visiting Jamaica to cement his Dancehall King status.

The self-acclaimed dance-hall king declared his presence back in the country by informing Ghanaians on a Facebook post which said he is the only dance-hall artiste to have four million views on YouTube.

In a post on Facebook, to announce his return, the Dancehall King said the only Ghanaian Dancehall artiste with 4 million views on YouTube is back. GM Ghana music industryYour nightmare is back.

Shatta who received the key to the city of Worchester is expected to present the keys to the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo.
This is according to American news site, The Hollywood Reporter, who confirmed the development in a recent report.

He is expected to join the likes of Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner and John Oliver in the remake of a 1994 original, now to be directed by Jon Favreau who also worked on "The Jungle Book".

The Hollywood Reporter has mentioned that the new movie is currently filming in Los Angeles.
The grand opening which took place Thursday, August 3, saw a host of Kumawood actors, actress and directors in attendance.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of Communications of Zylofon Media, Samuel Baah Atuobi, reiterated the companys commitment in investing heavily in the creative arts industry and why the new branch in Kumasi.

There are many talents out there who are not making money from their gifts due to lack of investment so they hardly achieve their goals. So at Zylofon Media, we nurture and support talents to make money from their gifts.

We have also established Ghana Arts Club in Accra where we help groom musicians, actors and those in the fashion business. We also know there are good talents in Kumasi so we are opening a branch here for those talents to benefit from the art club.

We have an online platform ready to host movies and share revenues with producers. So if we do this without getting closer to the actors and producers, it would be disrespectful hence, this ceremony.

We have done a lot in Accra but we are yet to invest in the creative arts industry in Kumasi.

Enoch Atakora, the Head of Operations at Zylofon Media also noted that they are ready to fund any movie producer who has good scripts and will soon open a new cinema to make it easy for producers to premiere their films.

If you have good script and budget, we have plans to accept and fund your movies. We have plans to open a cinema in Kumasi for producers to easily premiere their movies.

Zylofon Media new ambassadors; Zynnell Zuh, Kumi Guitar, Benedicta Gafah, Toosweet Annan,James Gardner, Bibi Bright and Obibini were also present to support the ceremony.
Mr. Woyome resorted to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) following attempts by the Attorney General to enforce the Supreme Court ruling ordering him to refund the money to the state.

He was of the view that the Supreme Court had been unfair to him in its ruling.

However, the ICC rejected Mr. Woyomes petition citing Article 6(4) of its Arbitration Rules and also the lack of establishment of prima facie.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by lawyers of the embattled Businessman indicates that his outfit had already advanced the case at the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights concerning some declarations made by the Supreme Court of Ghana.

Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome has sent this aspect of the case to the African Court on Human and Peoples Right in Arusha Tanzania by invoking Article 40 read together with Article 75 of the 1992 constitution of The Republic of Ghana under case number Ref:AfCHPR/Reg./appl.001/2017/001. Ghana has ratified the necessary protocols of the African Court, recognized the competence of the African Court, and also submitted to the authority of the African Court. A preliminary determination of the case has been made and a prima facie case has been established by the African Court in favour of Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome and Ghana has been served all the necessary processes through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana.

Per the statement, Ghana has been ordered to appoint Lawyers to represent the country by Tuesday, August 8, 2017.
The President was joined by leading members of the New Patriotic Party and the party faithful.

An anniversary lecture will also take place at 6 pm today [August 4] at the National Theatre to commemorate of the day.

READ ALSO: Government to mark birth of UGCC

The Ghana@60 anniversary committee set aside August 4, to celebrate the birth of The United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).

According to the committee, August 4 is one of the momentous and significant days in the history of Ghana.

Making the announcements at a press briefing at the Flagstaff House in Accra, a Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor said it is our contention that the Ghana of today was conceived on that day and that is why we have placed so much significance on the day and that is appropriate to honour that day and ensure that the importance of that day is told to the people.

According to Mr Jinapor, on August 4, 1947, Paa Grant and his colleagues converged on Saltpond to establish the first nationalist political movement of the country, the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).

It was at this gathering that the ingredients of the Ghana of today, the democratic, free and prosperous country was conceived and out of that, Ghana attained independence, he added.
The five, who were under investigation for various degrees of crimes including armed robbery managed to escape through the ceiling of a toilet in the facility.

Confirming the incident, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, Inspector Kwabena Danso called on the general public to assist them to re-arrest the suspects.

I can confirm to you that five prisoners have escaped from police cells at Ofankor. They managed to create a hole through the ceiling and escaped from custody. There is one armed robbery remand prisoner and the remaining four are involved in killing. Weve put measures in place. We have intensified police patrols, motor bike patrols and we have also activated our intelligence gathering across the country, he told Accra-based Citi FM.
READ ALSO: K B Asante slams August 4 celebration

In his view, the continuous use of such vehicles mean future drivers will not be obliged to go through the proper process of training when learning how to drive.

He is, therefore, calling on government to enact a law that will prevent automobile manufacturers and dealers from trading cars with automatic steering wheels in Ghana.

Enact a law preventing automobile manufacturers from selling cars in Ghana with automatic steering wheel, Mr. Adu Gyamfi remarked, as quoted by Adomomline.com.

According to him users of manual vehicles are more abreast with the operation of driving, as they fidget their cars a bit more, compared to their counterparts using automatic vehicles.

The driver of a manual constantly fidgets with the gear shift. An upshift here, a downshift there, everywhere [there is] a shift.
On its website, the UK government said possible attacks are likely to occur in places visited by foreigners.

While there have been no recent attacks in Ghana, terrorist groups in west Africa have demonstrated their capability and intent by mounting attacks in 2015 and 2016 in Cote dIvoire, Burkina Faso and Mali, targeting beach resorts, hotels, cafes and restaurants visited by foreigners.

READ ALSO: Prophet warns Ghana of heightened risk of terror attacks

The UK has, therefore, urged its nationals to be vigilant in these locations.

While Ghana has no recent history of terrorism, groups associated with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Islamic State of Libya and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) present a threat to the wider regionTheres a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

The UK alluded to a National Security statement indicating enhanced security measures in response to attacks elsewhere. It has continued to monitor the threat.

In 2016, Ghanas National Security declared travelers from Libya, Mali, and Niger high risk.

This followed threats of terrorist attacks on the country.

Meanwhile, in a May 2017 notice, the Canadian government also issued a similar warning to its citizens traveling to Ghana to be wary of an imminent terror attack on Ghana.
The alerts sought to caution citizens of the two countries resident in Ghana to be security conscious and selective about places of visit in Ghana.

While there have been no recent attacks in Ghana, terrorist groups in west Africa have demonstrated their capability and intent by mounting attacks in 2015 and 2016 in Cote dIvoire, Burkina Faso and Mali, targeting beach resorts, hotels, cafes and restaurants visited by foreigners.

While Ghana has no recent history of terrorism, groups associated with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Islamic State of Libya and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) present a threat to the wider regionTheres a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

The warnings have heightened fears in the general public with the minority in Parliament asking the government to investigate the supposed threats.

But a statement signed by the National Security Minister says that the alerts are only standard cautions and do not represent any specific known terrorism threats to the Nation.

Below is the statement by National Security:

The National Security Ministry has taken notice of news reports of some travel alerts issued by western nations as a caution to potential travelers to Ghana.

The Ministry hereby informs the Ghanaian public that the alerts are only standard cautions and do not represent any specific known terrorism threats to the Nation.

Through collaborative and intelligence sharing arrangements with International allies, the nations security agencies will be aware if there is a known threat in the offing.
Ghanas first political party was founded by J. B. Danquah and other academicians on 4 August 1947, exactly 70 years down the lane.

READ ALSO: ICC's ruling not surprising - Woyome The NPP government has proposed to celebrate this milestone occasion in Ghanas history with a memorial lecture and thanksgiving service.

However, the relevance of this celebration has been questioned by retired diplomat and statesman, K.B Asante who think there are other pressing national issues to be addressed. Ghana was not born twice, even an ordinary human being are you born twice. Ghana became Ghana on the 6th of March 1957I mean I dont understand" he lamented.

READ ALSO: National Security allays fears of terror attacks I dont know of any party which is happy with what is happening now, we have not gone far as we all expected and that is what we should be thinking about and not when we were independent and all that, Mr. Asante said.
Faraday Future, the electric-car startup that set out to challenge Tesla with its own electric self-driving SUV, is looking for a fresh start after a tumultuous year of executive departures, a cash shortage, and lawsuits from its suppliers.

To that end, the Los Angeles-based firm plans to shake up its executive ranks, starting near the top. Newly hired chief financial officer Stefan Krause, a veteran of BMW and Deutsche Bank, will also serve as chief operating officer and chief marketing officer at Faraday, according to people with knowledge of the pending announcement.

As COO, Krause will oversee strategic business decisions for Faraday until an official CEO is named, the people said. Faraday has no one operating in that role at this time. Krause will direct the company's marketing arm as CMO on a temporary basis until a permanent marketing officer is appointed.

The company last month brought on BMW's former head of electric vehicles, Ulrich Kranz, as chief technology officer.

Faraday's sole known investor, Jia Yueting, will be named chairman of the company's global executive committee, marking the first time he will assume an official role at Faraday Future. Jia is the founder of the Beijing-based electronics company LeEco, which has been bleeding cash and laying off employees worldwide in recent months.

Unpaid loan payments prompted a Chinese court to impose a three-year freeze on $182 million in assets tied to Jia in July. In the same month, an additional $37.2 million of Jia's assets were frozen for the same period. Jia resigned as CEO of LeEco's publicly listed arm, Leshi Internet Information and Technology, in May, citing cash problems at his non-publicly traded businesses that he said were "having a huge impact on operations."

Substitute factory in the works

According to people with direct knowledge of Faraday Future's plans, the company is close to securing a substitute manufacturing site in California. The company on July 10 said it was pulling out of its proposed factory project in North Las Vegas, Nevada, as its funds dried up.

Faraday had purchased about 900 acres in the Nevada desert last year, where it intended to build a massive assembly plant for its electric vehicle, the FF91, and create about 4,500 jobs.

"We are in a precarious situation right now," a senior-level Faraday Future employee told Business Insider before the announcement. "The generous funding we had in the past is no longer here."

The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that Faraday put up its Los Angeles-area headquarters as collateral to secure a $14 million emergency loan from the New York investment firm Innovatus Capital Partners.

It is unclear what other resources Faraday may be using for the substitute manufacturing facility it wants to secure in California. CFO Stefan Krause told Business Insider last month that his initial attempts to round up $1 billion from about 35 global investors were unsuccessful.

But Krause suggested that some prospective financiers were still on the fence.

"Some of them would like to see a factory and would like to see us moving a little bit further down the road," Krause told Business Insider. "We will secure an existing facility that we can lease or buy at a low cost and then bring in our equipment and be faster to market with the FF91," Krause said, adding that Faraday had already purchased some of the equipment for the factory that was planned for North Las Vegas.

An uncertain future

Lots of questions remain. Faraday officials declined to specify how it intends to pay for a substitute assembly plant, and there is still the matter of continuing development on the FF91, which has been in beta testing for some time but is far from being production-ready.

For his part, Jia has said he would focus his attention entirely on his auto business, even as LeEco wobbles in the background.

"Please give LeEco some time, please give LeEco car some time," Jia wrote in a post on China's biggest social-media website last month. "We will pay back creditors, suppliers and any other debts."
The news comes from a Wall Street Journal report that says internal emails show Uber managers in Singapore were aware of the April 2016 recall but continued to rent the cars to drivers without fixing the defect. It's unclear whether Uber executives in San Francisco or then-CEO Travis Kalanick knew of the recall.

"As soon as we learned of a Honda Vezel from the Lion City Rental fleet catching fire, we took swift action to fix the problem, in close coordination with Singapores Land Transport Authority as well as technical experts," an Uber spokesperson said. "But we acknowledge we could have done moreand we have done so."

Uber has since introduced a recall protocol for the company and hired three in-house experts to ensure the ride-hailing company is "fully responsive" to safety recalls, the spokesperson said. Uber has promptly responded to six vehicle recalls since the beginning of 2017.

The spokesperson declined to comment on whether Uber management in Singapore was aware of the recall and continued to lease the vehicles.

An Uber driver's Vezel did catch fire on the job after the ride-hailing giant ignored the recall, according to the report. The incident prompted managers in Singapore to add new safety measures and address the issue after the fact.

Uber bought the cars from a dozen auto importers and not directly from Honda, the report noted. Uber is now only purchasing vehicles from authorized dealers who honor recalls contractually, the spokesperson said.

The fire is one of many crises that unfolded while Kalanick held the to job at Uber.
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The platfrom is aimed at bringing together fashion industry talent in order to educate, support and promote African industry creatives.

To achieve this goal at the first edition which will hold on August 27, four designers have been carefully selected:

1. SGTC Clothing

This a ready-to-wear, lifestyle Afrocentric brand focuses on making affordable, stylish African-inspired pieces available to women of every shape and style.

All the pieces are contemporary styles uniquely designed with specially selected Ankara fabrics.

2. Nkadz

The brand represents the very edgy, classy and sophisticated woman.

Nkadzs major goal is to use mind blowing aesthetics to define the right body curves with her pieces social media handle.

3. 1407 Style

This local brand, started by Ugochukwu Onukwubiri, has a global appeal.

The organisers say:

"The brand was initiated in a bid to address accessible and affordable pieces which would stand the test of style and time.

"In the six years the brand has been in business it has gathered fans as well as collectors both locally and internationally.

"The choice of fabric and cut on most of the pieces mean that they can fit into a variety of wardrobes as stand alone items or can be worn as part of a look.

"The idea being that pieces can be dressed up or down and still stand the test of style and time.

4. Sally Bawa

This Nigerian fashion brand that made its debut in 2008 and each of their pieces is carefully designed and finished using careful finishing with hand painted detailing and embellishments to achieve that one-of-a-kind effect.

Organisers through a press release say:

"The brand offers ready to wear and bespoke pieces with a vision to deliver taste, Style, fit and timeless elegance.

"The Sally Bawa brand is where Europe meets Africa. Delivering quality pieces made in Nigeria and designed in classic European style.

"The creative director, is a graduate of the University of Lagos Nigeria, with extensive experience as a Petroleum Safety specialist and HSE Advisor in Oil & gas.
South East News reports that the lady, Chinwendu Njoku, was arrested by policemen attached to the Onitsha Area Command after she dumped her baby in a bush and abandoned it to die.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Garba Baba Umar, while addressing journalists on the incident, said Njoku told him that the young man who got her pregnant was ready to marry her but was rejected by her parents because he was unemployed and did not come from a renown family.

It was gathered that the CP who was touched by the story of the young couple, did an unbelievable thing by giving them a huge sum of money to set up a business and take care of their child after counseling them.

Aside from that, CP Umar was also said to have volunteered to take up the responsibility of the child as well as offer him a scholarship till he graduates from the university.

Read the press statement by the Anambra State Police Command on the incident:

'The Command, on Wednesday, 2/8/17, at a lecture parade with the officers and men of Onitsha Area Command, the CP stumbled on the case of an abandoned baby recovered by the police after more than one week.

Sequel to intelligence reports, it was discovered that one Chinwendu Njoku who was pregnant was suddenly found not pregnant again. The police arrested and interrogated her only to discover that she was actually the lady that gave birth to the baby and dumped him in the bush.

Either by divine intervention or stroke of luck, the young man responsible for the pregnancy showed up at the Police Division.

On interrogation by the CP personally, it was discovered that the young man indicated interest to marry the lady but her family turned him down because he was unemployed and does not have a 'family name'.

On learning about this, CP Garba Baba Umar was depressed and shocked to the marrow. He wondered why somebody can take such rash decision while many are looking for the fruit of the womb for donkey years.

After counseling the duo and without hesitation, he offered a huge amount of money for the rehabilitation of the young man and lady. He said the man should use the cash to start up a business while the lady should acquire any skill of her choice to earn a living for the child and herself.

CP Umar also made provision for the care of the new born baby and announced an automatic scholarship for the baby while volunteering for his training too.

The Commissioner of Police reunited the couple and handed over the baby to them. He also directed the DPO to keep an eye on the family and ensure that the money is used judiciously.

The beneficiaries were so stunned by the benevolence of the CP and shed tears of joy as they appreciated and prayed for him and his family.'
Daily Post reports that Buba, a mother of 10, was arrested in Maiduguri, the state capital after it was discovered that she was not only aware of her son's criminal activities but was actively involved in providing shelter and keeping his stolen items.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Damian Chukwu, while parading the suspects, said the housewife was arrested alongside seven other suspects, who attacked motorists and snatched vehicles in Jos, Plateau State and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

CP Chukwu explained that Buba was arrested for conspiring with her son to conceal the vehicles snatched from their owners.

The lady served as an accomplice in concealing the stolen vehicles. Whenever her son robbed cars, he will send it to his mother, who will, in turn, contact buyers in Maiduguri.

The Commissioner listed other suspects as Umar Kachalla, Muhammad Adamu, Abubakar Usman, Bashir Mohammad, Sulaiman Abubakar and Yakubu Abubakar.
Obi believes that Nigeria needs serious prayers from all quarters to survive the crippling recession as well as withstand the impending collapse starring her dangerously in the face.

Obi made the passionate appeal while speaking during the 9th Diocesan Women Conference of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Unubi, Anambra, recently.

Addressing the crowd of Christian mothers, a concerned Obi said:

Our dear country is the only country in the world that has as many as 11 million children out of school. Between 70% and 80% of this scary figure do not have jobs.

So why cant there be agitations all over the place? Be it Biafra, Arewa, Niger Delta, its just because of one thing, the accumulated leadership failure all through the years since independence.

But its not just the situation we find ourselves today that is the headache. The real scary problem is that it will even get worse as we move into the future. When all these people without jobs get to retirement age and theres nothing to fall back on, then the real danger comes in the open.

Obi who recalled that he approved N80 million for the construction of the Diocesan Hospital and School of Nursing in the spirit of the partnership between the State government and the Church, regretted not completing the project before he left office.

He said his government had the money to have completed the project like some others before he handed over, but that he was planning for a smooth continuity and had to set aside money for many projects so that his successor would have something to start running with immediately he assumed office.
Vanguard reports that Godwin who had a Nigerian International Passport with the number A06011089, slumped and died due to the high grams of the drug in his system.

It was gathered that the late drug courier may have died as a result of the drug that he had swallowed which burst inside his tummy just as the airline authorities have commenced investigations into the matter.

In a telephone conversation with the Nigerian Consul General to China, Ambassador Wale Oloko, the Vanguard gathered that Godwins death was announced to the consulate when the aircraft landed at the Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, China.

The consulate was informed that the Nigerian collapsed while in the plane and though first-aid measures were administered to him, he died before the aircraft could reach China.

It was also learned that the corpse was taken to the Aviation Hospitals mortuary within the Baiyun International Airport complex for post mortem to determine the cause of the sudden death.

Ambassador Oloko noted that the mission is not restricting investigations on its part and has gone ahead to advise the management of Ethiopian Airlines to use the information on the reservation system to reach the family of the deceased in Nigeria, with a view to arranging the repatriation of the body in line with the international aviation regulations, due to the fact that the incident took place inside the aircraft and before disembarkation.
Corporal Ajanaku who is a native of Kwara State going by his Facebook profile, had posted the hate speech on his wall describing the Igbo race as the most useless ethnic group in the country.

In the post, Ajanaku noted that all ladies of the Igbo stock are prostitutes while the men are either armed robbers, kidnappers, and ritualists.

He also revealed that prior to making the post, he had slept with three prostitutes who are Igbos the night before, justifying his belief that they are all commercial sex workers.

Read what Ajanaku posted here:

"Ibo fools, Ibo idiots, Ibo mumu and finally Ibos are the most useless ethnic group in Nigeria.

Their girls are into prostitution for a living; sincerely I slept with three last night; Threesome. Now talk of their men, haa-ahh aaa! Ye paa! Theyre robbers, kidnappers, and ritualists, Awon olori buruku, Koni da fun your mama and your papa."

However, his comments have been generating serious anger on social media as many Nigerians and even foreigners have called on the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to get Ajanaku arrested and prosecuted for making such comments as a police officer.

Read some of the comments of angry Nigerians in reaction to the hate speech by Corporal Ajanaku:

I dont blame him I blame the girls. You see this kinda demented Yoruba dirty pig faced bush police officer and he enters you.

I dont even know how this country works. You see that Biafra, we will get it.

This illiterate just lost his job. Now someone will say they are our friends, how is that now? When a law enforcement officer can make such a disgusting statement! We dont need your opinion to tell us about Igbo ladies nor their guys.

You need to be responsible, asshole. As the matter of fact, Im a Yoruba guy but I can die defending Igbos not in support of Biafra though.
But the moment she came into the house, she noticed that her uncle's wife is wayward and her suspicions were confirmed the day she caught the aunt having sex with her official driver when her uncle traveled.

Now Jeniffer is in a dilemma and does not know if she should tell her uncle about his cheating wife or keep quiet so as not to destroy the marriage.

Read her story here:

"My name is , a 25-year-old lady. I graduated from the university last year and came to Lagos for my service and had to live with my uncle with his family.

My uncle works with an oil firm while his wife works with a telecommunication company. From the first week I came to live with them, I noticed that my uncle's wife is the type of woman who would cheat on her husband.

You will wonder how I drew this conclusion but as a woman, you will know immediately if a woman is playing games and that was what I noticed with my uncle's wife.

I noticed she was always taking calls and chatting on her phone and sometimes, I caught some of the things she said and it was very obvious she was talking and chatting with men.

Once or twice, I heard her tell a caller to meet her somewhere and would leave immediately. I was minding my business when the unexpected happened.

That day, my uncle had traveled to Port Harcourt where the headquarters of his company is and was not due back for some days. On the day I caught her, I was supposed to go for my CDS but before I could get to my place of assignment, the heavens opened up and it rained heavily.

I was seriously drenched and I had to go back home earlier than I was supposed to. My uncle's two children had gone to school, so I was surprised to see his wife's car parked in the compound.

I knew she had left for work before I left, so I wondered why she was back that early. I did not bother myself with that as I used my key to open the door. I was going to my room to change my wet clothes when I heard sounds coming from their bedroom and I stopped in my track to listen.

It was the unmistakable sounds of a couple making love. I was shell shocked because my uncle had only left the day before and could not have come back suddenly and called his wife to come back home.

I tip-toed to the door and put my ear to the door and heard my aunt moaning and calling out the name of Friday, her official driver. That was when it dawned on me that she was having sex with the driver.

I tried the door handle gently but it was locked from within. I left for my room and after changing my clothes, I went to the sitting room to wait, knowing they will surely come out to meet me there.

My aunt and her driver were in the room for over two hours before coming out, giggling like teenage lovers. They met the shock of their lives when they saw me sitting there looking at them disdainfully.

The driver quickly left the room while my aunt stood there staring at me, the fear clearly written on her face.

I just stood up and left for my room where I locked myself inside and refused to open the door when she came knocking and begging me to open for her.

For one week now, she has been pleading with me not to tell my uncle about her affair with the driver, telling me her marriage would crash if I told my uncle, but I have refused to speak to her and have been avoiding her.

I am now in a dilemma. I don't know if I should tell my uncle about his wife's infidelity or keep quiet and protect her. I don't want to be the one to cause a problem in her marriage but I am still hurt over what she did.

Jennifer."

The teaser for the day was:

Would you tell your uncle you caught his wife with the driver?

How Nigeria voted:

Yes, I will tell him to know the kind of wife he has - 54%

No, I will not tell him so as not to destroy their marriage - 10%

I will confront the wife and warn her to desists from such - 22%

I will just pack out of the house to avoid problems - 23%
Total media reports that one of the suspected fraudsters identified simply as Hakeem, alias H-Funds, a 26-year-old university drop out, told the police that they use voodoo otherwise known as Yahoo Plus or Science to get money from their victims.

Hakeem who said he dropped out in his first year in school to concentrate on the ritual fraud, added that he was able to buy cars, build a house and other properties from the proceed of the rituals.

He reportedly said:

After spending lavishly, we sometimes go bankrupt. So, we have no choice than to use metaphysical powers to hypnotize our victims online. The act of using voodoo is what people nicknamed Yahoo Plus.

I use it so that the victim, otherwise known as a client, will fall deeply in love with me and obey my every command. I have been into dating scam for a while now and I can boast of two cars and a house.

I use voodoo for dating scam. I use it to spellbind my online victims and make him or her easy to control. There are different kinds of voodoos; one is to use the image of a white client, another one is to make incisions on our hands, place our legs on a tortoise or take the clients name to a cleric or native doctor.

Sometimes, we take our phones and computer to the shrine. The type of Yahoo Plus I do is to take clients name to the shrine, he confessed.

Another suspect who gave his name as Lanre, a 25-year-old man, also confessed to defrauding unsuspecting victims online, but however said he couldnt have succeeded in Internet fraud alongside his younger brother if their mother didnt step in.

According to him, after buying a car through his first scam proceeds, his mother took them to a herbalist and introduced them to the new level of cyber fraud, Yahoo Plus.

Although my father is late, we have been successful in this cyber fraud business because my mother supports my brother and I. My mother took my younger brother and me to a womans place.

The woman took us to a river and bathed us. Asides that, I do other sorts of rituals like Oshole. Once you have done Oshole, you will succeed in every kind of Internet scams.

I must confess that I have achieved a lot by Gods grace. I havent seen any repercussion because I do go back to the herbalists place to renew my voodoo.

Another suspect who gave his name simply as T-Money, said that he had been using black magic for his cyber crime for long.

The 27-year-old T-Money, a 200-level drop out, said after he abandoned his university programme, he tried his hands at several menial jobs, but failed to succeed in any, and had no option but to go into cyber fraud and later graduated to the use of rituals.

When I started the Internet fraud, I couldnt earn much. I only earned enough to buy clothes, some pair of shoes and an iPhone.

I became intrigued on how my friends were making good money. I asked questions and got answers. It was the answers that led me into Yahoo Plus. It is what most of my friends do. I went to meet an Islamic cleric.

I was into dating scam when I first started. The dating scam was not really fetching huge amount of money. I began using Yahoo Plus because my friends were making it big and buying cars.

Once they make big money, they will go and lodge in hotels. I desperately wanted to belong. I wanted to know what it feels like to be rich. I had no choice than to meet the cleric whom I paid money for the ritual. Look at me today, Im doing fine.

For 28-year-old Sir Cash, there are different categories of Yahoo Plus known as Oshole and Irapada.

According to him, the two are used to enhance Internet scam operations.

There is another Yahoo Plus. It is very bad and dangerous. It entails using the glory of innocent girls. You rub something like oil into the private part of a girl before having sexual intercourse with her.

She either becomes sick or will never amount to much in life. We also use prostitutes. Most of these rituals have repercussions. One must be very careful.

Most of us do a voodoo called Oshole. Oshole has little or no repercussion and most of us use it. The way Oshole works is that it compels the victim to pay money.

There are some of our guys, who, after using the voodoo get richer, but also forget to return to the shrines or clerics to renew their voodoo. Thats when problems start. One can even run mad if care is not taken.
A statement by the National President of the Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria [BCAN], Comrade Israel Adeshola, said the rebranding of bus conductors in the state which is in partnership with the state government is a project that has been in the master plan of the government as a way of stemming criminal activities and also protect the lives and properties of Lagosians.

I am sure you never knew there was a national body of conductors. Neither did I until now.

Smart move, you will say, but the directive will take the shine off the job and make the profession less attractive.

Gone will be the rugged, half drunk, croaky voiced guy hanging loosely on the door of a speeding Danfo bus as it tries to break Michael Schumacher's world motor race record on the Third Mainland Bridge.

What we will have now will be smartly dressed, uniformed corporate conductors who will be refined in their approach and even calling bus stops will be affected because everything about them will change.

You will no longer be at the risk of missing your bus stop because you will now hear what they say as against what we are currently used to. Instead of lumping all bus stops on a route together like they do, they will painstakingly call them out.

You will no longer hear things like Ketu-jota-kooduuu ooooo or Cele-jesha-mile 2-shodi-okeeeee.

Another thing Lagosians will miss with the introduction of uniforms and name tags for conductors will be their regular fights with roger-collecting police officers, NURTW officials at bus stops and their passengers.

They will stay away from engaging in such because they will be easily identified and fished out. You will be able to know their real names instead of hearing names like Jammani, Kamaru, Fighter or Commando.

The usual fight over change with passengers will now be a thing of the past as they will be held responsible if they try any nonsense.

Despite these things that we will miss, we sincerely hope this good initiative will not go under even before it starts as most good things find a way to go under within a few months.

We are pleading with the government to make the compliance of this initiative very strict so that it would not be abused and given a different coloration. We sincerely hope there will be measures taken to regulate their registration so that criminals will not get the uniforms and perpetrate crimes that will indict the conductors.

We pray the government will be able to capture the conductors in a data base so that if any of them commits a crime, it will be possible to trace him and nab him.

Aside from the introduction of the uniforms and name tags for conductors, we hope the government will do something to regulate the drivers themselves who think they own the roads and drive at break neck speed as if they are going to keep an appointment with the devil themselves.

These changes should also be taken to the motor parks and garages and weed out miscreants, drugs, and illicit drinks so as to bring sanity to the profession.
Addressing newsmen after a peaceful rally at the hospital, the ARD President, Dr Ige Kolawole, said that they were forced to embark on the strike following the continued deduction of their salaries since January 2014.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ARD members were armed with placards of various inscriptions as they marched round the hospital complex.

Some of the placards read: Stop Selected Victimisation of Resident Doctors and House Officers."

Underpayment of UITH Resident Doctors Is Deliberate by CMD; Mr CMD Disobedience to Government Directives is Illegal.

Kolawole said that the deduction was peculiar to UITH, as their members in other teaching hospitals across the country were receiving 100 per cent of their salaries.

The ARD president said that the hospitals management has not given cogent reasons as to why the illegal deduction should continue.

He said that the only reasons given by the UITH Chief Medical Director, Dr Abdulwaheed Olatinwo, was that additional 150 House Officers had been employed by the hospital.

This is demonstration of wickedness as our salaries have continued to be deducted because of additional employment of House Officers, Kolawole said.

He also accused the hospital management of employing additional workers without due authorisation from the appropriate quarters.

According to Kolawole, Enough is enough in UITH, the management should stop slashing our salaries and also stop collecting pension which is being put in a special account.

He said that the association would not hesitate to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) to look into the matter.

The ARD president urged the Federal Government to intervene and stop the UITH management from further slashing their salaries and victimisation of the doctors.
According to the Daily Post, the attack happened after the suicide bombers sneaked into the hospital through a back entrance.

ALSO READ: 7 die in attack in Adamawa community

Mohamed, one of the hospital's security guards said, "When they were sighted, one of them immediately blew herself to generate attention and the other gained entrance to hit at one of the hospital assistants, who died and four other persons who were injured as a result of the blast."
In a Twitter statement, the Presidency said Welby expressed delight in seeing that "Buhari is recovering rapidly."

The cleric was also quoted as pledging that he would continue to pray for Buhari and Nigeria.

In his response, Buhari expressed gratitude to the cleric for the gesture and thanked him for staying by him at "critical times."

This is the first time the Archbishop or any notable British personality would publicly visit Buhari since he returned to London for medical follow-up on May 7, 2017.

However, according to Presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, Welby had visited Buhari in March when the President first travelled on medical vacation.

ALSO READ: Buhari meets Obasanjo in London

In 2016, the archbishop defended Buhari when former British prime minister, David Cameron described Nigeria as a 'fantastically corrupt' country ahead of an anti-corruption summit in London.
The visit was to commiserate with him on the death of his mother, Alhaja Saratu, who died this week.

Alhaja Saratu, aka, Iya Olobi, died in the early hours of Tuesday, August 1, while the governor was away in Kebbi state for the Federal Government-Progressive Governors Forum Parley on Policy Synergy to ensure Development.

While speaking on Friday, Governor Aregbesola said his mother's death has caused him 'deep sorrow', describing it as a great blow to the Aregbesola dynasty and womanhood.

He said, "My mother would have been 85 years in the next few weeks if she had not died, but even at 90 years, I will not wish her dead.

"So it is a deep sorrow that I have to lose my mother as her death was not only shocking but painful to me personally.

"Her death has made me to know further that it is very tough to lose one's mother, aside looking good on camera, within me, I have a feeling of great loss, but I am consoled with the voluminous condolences and expression of sympathies and love from all quarters.

"This is an attestation to the fact that my mother is very happy in her new station most especially for the expression of concerns and sympathies received across faiths and personalities from all walks of life.

"May God translate all these griefs, condolences to rewards for my mother wherever she is now and grant her soul the best place in the Aljana Fridao (paradise).

"May Allah spare the lives of those she left behind and make us live longer."

In his condolence remarks, Governor Ahmed was thankful for the celebration of Alhaja Saratu's life saying it was worthy of emulation.

He said, "We have come to commiserate with our brother Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Governor of Osun, over the passing on of our dear mother.

"We have to be grateful to Allah for making Mama to see the successes of her children most especially the landmark achievements made by Governor Aregbesola in taking the people of Osun state to greater height.

"We pray God to give you and other members of the family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May God continue to stand by you, uphold you, guide you and protect you as you forge ahead to develop the state."

PresidentMuhammadu Buhari's aide, Garba Shehu, revealed on Twitter that the president expressed his condolences to Aregbesola in a telephone conversation on Thursday, August 3.
Ngige made the call in Umuahia on Thursday, during the graduation of the first set of the Abia State Education-for-Employment programme.

He regretted that the present curriculum only prepared students for white-collar jobs, saying that the situation had compounded the nations unemployment problem.

He said that current economic realities required a curriculum that would promote practical education and skill acquisition by students.

The minister charged the graduands, who trained in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), to put into practice the skill they acquired in order to become job creators rather than job-seekers.

He commended the Abia government for the initiative which, he said, could take the teeming graduates out of the labour market.

Nigerian students must learn skills in order to employ themselves and others; it is the only way to check the current situation where they idle away their time, many years after graduation, he said.

The minister also spoke on the agitation for restructuring and devolution of power to the states.

The Federal Government is interested in restructuring; restructuring is not resource control.

Restructuring will enable states to develop themselves. Devolution of power to states will promote healthy competition, he said.

Ngige said that the Federal Government would equip students that acquired skills to start their own businesses.

In his speech, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu said that the programme was part of the intitiative adopted by his administration to provide jobs for the youths.

Ikpeazu said that government would employ 10 of the graduands, from each of the 17 local government areas, to man the ICT units of the state government job centres.

The former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, who delivered the key-note address, encouraged the graduands to utilise their skills and strive to reach the peak of their careers.

ALSO READ: Ngige says Buhari will increase wages in 2017

Obi charged governments at all levels to invest more in human resource development than physical infrastructure, in order to secure the nations future.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Registrar and Chief Executive of National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe, were among those that presented goodwill messages at the occasion.
Critics have labelled the Sokoto State government as wasteful and tone deaf for the splurge, given the prevailing economic recession in the State and the rest of the country.

IN THE BEGINNING

Sometime in November of 2016, the secretary to the Sokoto State government, Prof Bashir Garba, submitted a letter to the Governor, seeking approval for the purchase of one of three properties in Abuja for the Sultan.

The properties were: N0 16 Ontario crescent, off Mississippi Street Maitama for N650,000,000; Alawo Close, off Lake Chad, Maitama for N700,000,000 and plot N0 1355, Cadastral zone, A05, Maitama district for N750,000,000.

All the listed properties are in highbrow Abuja--the nation's moneyed capital.

Your Excellency is aware of the expressed need received from the Sultanate council to have a guest house in Abuja to defray the government of accommodation and ensure convenience of his eminence and entourage while in Abuja for sundry official engagement, Garba wrote.

He concluded the letter with the following words; if your Excellency holds no objection, appropriate process will be carried out in line with necessary formalities as provided for in the regulations. We have provision under vote of charge Head/Sub Head 467/131.

Submitted for your Excellencys approval consideration and approval please.

ANGER IN THE LAND

As it turned out, Governor Tambuwal did consider and approve the purchase of the first property on the list--N0 16 Ontario crescent, worth a princely N650M--for the Sultan.

Cue anger and outrage from the land on social and mainstream media, this past couple of days.

With 6.5 million out of school children in the north, Sokoto state government is "investing" N7000M in a guest house for the Sultan in Abuja. Bravo!, wrote Diya Adeogun.

For Ejinaka Okwudili:How can Sokoto state government buy Sultan's house for N700M? This is outright stealing. This is why we need to restructure.

Sokoto to spend N700M for the Sultan's guest house in Abuja. I hope His Eminence rejects this misplaced offer or else, Allah Ya Isa!, vented a commenter who identifies himself as Mr. Ayenigba.

Nigeria is a joke, one respondent chimed in derisively.

However, in an exclusive chat with spokesperson for the Governor of Sokoto State, Mr. Imam Imam, said the acquisition was necessary for the long term and for the traditional institution in Nigeria.

The Sultan serves two purposes. Hes a traditional ruler and hes a religious leader, Imam said, choosing his words carefully, above the din of a wet and chaotic Lagos morning.

He continued: Understanding the role of the Sultan is key. The Sultan does a lot of things in Abuja. A lot. With development partners, with NGOs, with government at every level.

Understanding the complex nature of the work of the Sultanate council as a whole is necessary here, he lectured.

The State Sultanate law states that the funding of the activities of the Sultanate--and this is a very old law--should be between the State and the local governments. They agreed among themselves that considering the important role of the Sultanate council, all the funding will come from these sources.

The Sultan doesnt have a personal house. The Sultan does a lot of things. The Sultan is head of many inter and intra-governmental agencies. Any time the Sultan is in Abuja, he lodges in a hotel and hes been the Sultan for some eleven years now. Calculate the hotel bills hes racked up in that time.

And the Sultan doesnt move alone. By our tradition, he has the palace guards that he moves with. He has the entire office moving with him on any occasion.

So, about three years ago, the government said, Ok, lets minimise this cost of you going to a hotel. They decided to rent an apartment for him--an apartment that will serve the dual purpose of office and residential.

WE BOUGHT THE CHEAPER HOUSE

Imam told Pulse that the property settled for by the Sokoto State government was the cheaper alternative.

We discovered that to continue paying the rent, will cost as much as the Sultan lodging in a hotel; which is something the government wants to avoid, because of the long term cost implication. In those eleven years, its unimaginable how much has been paid to the Sultan in hotel bills.

This was about substituting the means of expending those monies; from paying for hotel bills to paying rent. It was about looking for long term solutions, because the Sultan will definitely continue to have engagements in Abuja. The Sultan will continue to meet with development partners. Hell meet with virtually all foreign countries who are keen on peaceful and economic prosperity of northern Nigeria, especially.

For instance, when Nigeria wanted to achieve success in polio eradication during the era, a former Governor of said polio vaccination is against Islam; at a time polio was endemic and spreading all over Nigeria, West Africa and Africa as a whole...So, one avenue that was used to counter that was, its better we use religious and traditional leaders.

Because if as a political leader says polio vaccination is against Islam, the State should deploy religious leaders who should persuade the people, enlighten them and say vaccination is okay. That was where the Sultan came into the picture.

All the successes recorded in the polio campaign can be attributed to the fact that traditional and religious leaders waded in. It was on account of this effort in containing polio in Nigeria that the Sultan received a lot of international awards.

The Sultans activities in Abuja are very essential. So, the Sokoto government said, lets save long term cost.

Ontario crescent is in the heart of Abuja. On the same street where they were renting a house for the Sultan, they asked the owner of the house if hell be interested in selling the house and he now said hes selling it for N3B--the same house Sultan has been renting in the last three years.

But the government said no, thats high. So, they now got another apartment that will serve the dual purpose of office and home for the Sultan and all the entourage from the Sultanate council if they have any reason to be in Abuja.

DUE PROCESS WAS FOLLOWED

Tambuwals spokesperson also added that due process was followed in the acquisition.

The now said the best thing we are going to do is follow all the processes.

The House then passed the bill as part of the budget and got in experts in that field who figured that the sum paid for the house was fairly reasonable.

Yes, theres poverty in the land, but sometimes as leaders, you have to take decisions that will have long term implications and impact on institutions you are leading.

To keep spending money on hotels and rent, would have had long term implications and cost more than N650,000,000 or N700,000,000. It was better to just do this once and for all.

The entire process was followed and captured in the supplementary budget last year, captured in the main budget this year, the State executive council sat down and approved it and payment was done and the Ontario apartment was bought.

The Sultan was renting 19 Ontario, but 16 Ontario was bought.

19 Ontario was selling for N3B--where the Sultan was renting. Just down the street, another house was bought for much less.

The Governor assented to it because this property purchase was geared toward institutional development.

The State executive council which is the highest decision making body in Sokoto, discussed the issue and gave approval. This was just to make sure due process was followed.

We had a choice between continuing to spend money on rent and doing this once and for all, Imam explained.
On April 19, 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the suspension of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal and Director General (DG) of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke.

Lawal was forced to exit office after the senate accused him of enriching himself from funds earmarked for the reconstruction of a terrorist ravaged north east region of Nigeria.

The senate had recommended Lawal's sack after he allegedly awarded a grass cutting contract worth N200M, in Yobe State, to a company in which he retains substantial interest.

Oke was suspended after the NIA claimed ownership of a staggering $50M stash of cash concealed in an apartment in upscale Ikoyi, Lagos.

The agency had claimed that the money was for covert operations.

HOME OF CASH

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives raided an apartment at the Osborne Towers Ikoyi on April 12, 2017; before making a show of their humongous find.

The money has since been returned to the coffers of the federal government as directed by a Judge.

In the statement announcing the suspension of Lawal and Oke, the presidency also detailed that it will be setting up a committee whose mandate will be to investigate the duo and recommend sanctions.

That committee, the presidency announced, was going to be headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno as members.

The committee was given 14 days to file in its report.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Some of the committees terms of reference included:

1. "A full scale investigation into the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the EFCC in a residential apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, over which the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has made a claim".

And:

"Enquiring into the circumstances in which the NIA came into possession of the funds, how and by whose or which authority the funds were made available to the NIA, and to establish whether or not there has been a breach of the law or security procedure in obtaining custody and use of the funds".

While the Osinbajo committee has since completed its assignment--with Aso Rock insiders confiding in Pulse that an outright dismissal of the duo was recommended--the report is yet to be made public or acted upon, four months after.

BUHARI HAS FINAL SAY

An apprehensive public fears that the report like others before it, will end up in a dusty bureaucracy cabinet--to be feasted on by rats and roaches.

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayosehas threatened to sue acting president Osinbajo if the report of the investigation isn't made public and acted on.

However, in an exclusive chat, a top official in the Buhari presidency who pleaded that his name be left out of this story because he hadnt been authorised to comment on the subject, told Pulse that only Buhari can act on the report.

The official also added that the report will only be made public when Buhari returns from what has turned out to be an open ended medical vacation.

It is the Vice president that headed the investigative team and he cant be the Judge, the official told Pulse.His brief was to submit the report as investigator, abi?

The official also said its ethically wrong for Osinbajo to act on a report he helped put together.

Acting president Osinbajo was the one who carried out the investigation; who headed the investigative panel alongside others and ethically, he cant do anything about it.

Hes supposed to submit the report to the president and that he has done. He was asked to head the investigative team, so its the president that will take action on this report, not the acting president.

Pressed on whether the president has seen the report, the official responded in the affirmative.

Buhari has seen the report, but no action can be taken until he returns. Its not as though Osinbajo cant take action on the report. He can. But as head of the investigative team, its ethically wrong for him to take action on the report. His panel can only recommend and that it has done.

SEALED LIPS

Pulse also asked our source if he is privy to the recommendations in the report.

I have no idea about what was recommended..Allah...I havent seen what is in the report, he swore.

A spokesperson in the presidency declined comments for this story.

President Buhari left Nigeria for the UK on May 7, 2017 and is reportedly convalescing rather nicely.

The Nigerian leader hasnt set foot in his homeland in 90 days.
What better way to ease off the stress of the week than watch a good movie.

With that in mind, check out our list of movies currently showing in cinemas across Lagos and Abuja.

Starring: Toyin Aimakhu-Johnson, Seyilaw, Ali Nuhu, Kunle Idowu

Synopsis: Hakkunde is an intriguing story of a young graduate who battles everything (including love, family, discrimination, drug abuse, culture, tradition and self) on his journey to self discovery and actualization.

Daily: 1:00pm 3:25pm 5:35pm 7:45pm

Daily: 10:40AM,2:50PM,6:35PM

Daily: 11AM, 3:50PM, 7:50PM

Starring: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen

Synopsis: A dark force threatens Alpha, a vast metropolis and home to species from a thousand planets. Special operatives Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.

Daily: 11:05AM, 3:25PM, 8:20PM

Daily: 11:50am 2:20pm

Daily: 12:20PM,4:30PM

Daily: 11AM, 3:55PM, 8:50PM

Starring: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr.

Synopsis: Several months after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Peter Parker, with the help of his mentor Tony Stark, tries to balance his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens, New York City while fighting crime as his superhero alter ego Spider-Man as a new threat, the Vulture, emerges.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 2PM, 3:25PM, 9:00PM

Daily: 11:45am 4:50pm

Friday - Thursday: 3:45PM

Synopsis: Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior.

When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny.

Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright

Daily: 10:35pm

Friday - Thursday: 5:50PM

Friday - Thursday: 8:35PM

Starring: Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Jon Hamm

Synopsis: After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.

Showing:

Daily: 12:50PM, 4:45PM

Daily: 12:30PM,4:50PM,8:30PM

Daily: 1:05PM, 5:05PM, 6:40PM, 8:50PM

Daily: 2:30pm 10:00pm

Starring: Fionn Whitehead, Damien Bonnard, Aneurin Barnard

Synopsis: Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 10:45AM

Starring: Richard Mofe-Damijo, Adesua Etomi, Mercy Johnson, Falz The Bahd Guy, 2Baba Idibia, Gbenro Ajibade, Fathia Balogun, Uti Nwachukwu, Yvonne Jegede

Synopsis: The movie is a feature-length comedy-drama that sees Akpos on another adventure, this time, to South Africa, with his girlfriend Bianca.

Showing:

Daily: 10:20AM

Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem

Synopsis: Gru meets his long-lost charming, cheerful, and more successful twin brother Dru who wants to team up with him for one last criminal heist.

Showing:

Daily: 11:00AM

Daily: 11:45AM, 1:40PM

Daily: 11:15am 1:20pm

Starring: Omotola Jalade- Ekeinde, Wale Ojo, Kunle Remi, Bobby Obodo, Jide Kosoko, Sexy Steel, Gregory Ojefua

Synopsis: A woman will stop at nothing to see sex offenders and molesters punished! If she cannot get the courts to imprison them she will find other ways to punish them.

Showing:

Daily: 11:00AM

Daily: 11:30AM, 6:00PM

Daily: 11:45AM, 1:40PM

Daily: 11:30am

Starring: Sam Worthington, Odeya Rush, Allen Leech

Synopsis: An assassin helps a young woman avenge the death of her family.

Showing:

Daily: 12:00PM

Starring: Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith

Synopsis: When four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there's enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make the Big Easy blush.

Showing:

Daily: 12:35PM,2:15PM,4:20PM,7:00PM,9:00PM

Daily: 1:35PM, 3:25PM, 4:35PM, 6:30PM, 8:30PM

Daily: 1:45PM, 4:00PM, 6:15PM, 8:35PM

Daily: 4:55pm 7:20pm 9:50pm

Starring: Bimbo Manuel, Chioma Omeruah, Patrick Diabuah, Uche Jombo, Saidi Balogun

Synopsis:He is paired with the cantankerous Ijeoma who will do anything to save her fathers house in Banana Island from the bank coming to reclaim it in three days. The two of them must first survive each other, then learn to work together, and eventually fall in love, to see their destinies unfold.

Showing:

Daily: 10:35AM,2:55PM,6:40PM,8:25PM

Daily: 12PM, 1:50PM, 2:40PM, 4:40PM, 7:15PM, 9PM

Daiy: 1:45PM, 6:10PM, 8:50PM

Daily: 3:50pm 7:35pm 9:55pm

(--VIP SHOWS--)

Daily: 6:10pm

Starring:Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Taylor

Synopsis: The last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain, has been locked in an eternal battle with Walter O'Dim, also known as the Man in Black, determined to prevent him from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil will collide in the ultimate battle as only Roland can defend the Tower from the Man in Black

Showing:

Daily: 12:45PM,4:45PM,6:35PM,8:30PM

Daily: 11:40AM, 1:35PM, 3:30PM, 5:25PM, 7:20PM, 9:15PM

Daiy: 2:55PM, 6:00PM, 6:55PM, 8:45PM

Daily: 1:45pm 4:30pm 6:55pm 9:30pm

(--VIP SHOWS--)
Its origins can be traced directly to God, according to a Reverend Fr. Akan Amos.

The Roman Catholic church sees the priesthood as an apostolic succession that started with Peter, when Jesus said, And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.( Matthew 16:18)

Thus, the Catholic church regards Peter as the first pope of Rome, and the priesthood as a divine calling that is expected to last forever!

Yet, there have been a few cases where priests resigned. The most recent in Nigeria being that of Rev. Fr. Patrick Henry Edet in Akwa Ibom state.

He just announced that he is leaving the priesthood in a dramatic manner.

Based on this, Pulse Nigeria has made a list of three reasons why Catholic priests change their minds.

Here are three reasons why priests decide to leave the priesthood.

1. Clerical celibacy: With the priesthood, comes the oath of celibacy. This means that Catholic priests are expected to stay without sexual intercourse for the rest of their lives. It goes without saying that they can not get married or have children.

Clerical celibacy was introduced by The Council of Elvira in the fourth century. They decreed that: Bishops, presbyters, deacons, and others with a position in the ministry are to abstain completely from sexual intercourse with their wives and from the procreation of children. If anyone disobeys, he shall be removed from the clerical office.

This has become a problem lately as more are rebelling against this. In 2016, 11 priests of celibacy wrote an open letter in which they called on the church to put an end to it. One of the signatories, retired priest Fr Franz Decker, said that people should be allowed to choose, to decide whether they want to get married or not.

He said, We believe that requiring that every man who becomes a priest to remain celibate is not acceptable. We think every Catholic should be allowed to choose if they would rather be celibate or not, regardless of whether they want to work as priests or not  just like in the Protestant Church or the Orthodox church, really, every church but the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has not changed her stance on this subject.

ALSO READ: Honourable reasons why priests do not have sex

2. Wrong reasons: Rev. Edets case might just fall under this category if the rumours are to be believed. Allegedly, he was pressured by his parents to become a priest. These claims also say that he only went to the seminary to please them. With this, it makes sense that he would feel tied down and eventually leave like he has just done.

If this is true, then his case is clearly one where a person goes into the priesthood for the wrong reason. Whenever anyone goes into priesthood because he is pressured by his parents, he thinks he is what he takes, all without an actual divine calling, they leave eventually.

3. No biblical support for the priesthood: Richard Bennet and Martin Buckingham published an interesting book in 1997. The book is called Far from Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of 50 Converted Roman Catholic Priests. As the name implies, it is a compilation of testimonies from priests who left Catholicism to find salvation in Jesus. Like the video above shows, they do not believe that the Bible encourages priesthood although the Catholic church backs the priesthood with Matthew 16:18.

In the book, Alexander Carson, who was the priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rayville, Louisiana states his reason for leaving the priesthood. He wrote, Bible or Tradition.  . . . the Holy Spirit led me to judge Roman Catholic theology by the standard of the Bible. Previously, I had always judged the Bible by Roman Catholic doctrine and theology.

He was supported by Henry Gregory Adams, who served five parishes in the Lemont, Alberta area. Adams wrote, The monastic life and the sacraments prescribed by the Roman Catholic Church did not help me to come to know Christ personally and find salvation . . . I realized that the man-made sacraments of my church and my good works were in vain for salvation. They lead to a false security.

The book was originally published in 1994.

If the reports are to be believed, people like the former Rev. Edet go to show that no one should become a priest without the right reasons.
The UN chief will hold talks with Israeli leaders, travel to Ramallah to meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and to the Gaza Strip, where the United Nations runs a major Palestinian aid program, during the three-day visit beginning August 28.

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon said the visit will allow Guterres to "build a relationship" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that he will also hold meetings with the Israeli president and defense minister.

"We are very happy about this visit," Danon told AFP.

"It's a great opportunity for the secretary-general to experience Israel, to meet the leaders of Israel and to understand the challenges that Israel faces day-in and day-out."

The Israeli government will discuss strengthening the mission of the UN interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said Danon, following a series of skirmishes along the UN-monitored demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.

The visit comes as diplomatic efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks appear deadlocked.

Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, "is experienced. He has been to Israel in the past. He knows the complexity of the issues. He is not someone who comes to our region and has no clue about what is happening," said Danon.

Relations between the United Nations and Israel have been tense over the expansion of Jewish settlements, which the world body has condemned as illegal.

Since taking over from Ban Ki-moon on January 1, Guterres has been cautious in his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, partly in response to US accusations that the United Nations was biased against Israel.

In March, the UN chief demanded that a report by a UN body be withdrawn after it accused Israel of imposing an apartheid system on the Palestinians.

Guterres had initially distanced himself from the report, but the United States insisted that it be withdrawn altogether.
Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon said the visit will allow Guterres to "build a relationship" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that he will also hold meetings with the Israeli president and defense minister.

"We are very happy about this visit," Danon told AFP.

"It's a great opportunity for the secretary-general to experience Israel, to meet the leaders of Israel and to understand the challenges that Israel faces day-in and day-out."

The Israeli government will discuss strengthening the mission of the UN interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said Danon, following a series of skirmishes along the UN-monitored demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.

The visit comes as diplomatic efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks appear deadlocked.

Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, "is experienced. He has been to Israel in the past. He knows the complexity of the issues. He is not someone who comes to our region and has no clue about what is happening," said Danon.

Relations between the United Nations and Israel have been tense over the expansion of Jewish settlements, which the world body has condemned as illegal.

Since taking over from Ban Ki-moon on January 1, Guterres has been cautious in his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, partly in response to US accusations that the United Nations was biased against Israel.

In March, the UN chief demanded that a report by a UN body be withdrawn after it accused Israel of imposing an apartheid system on the Palestinians.

Guterres had initially distanced himself from the report, but the United States insisted that it be withdrawn altogether.
"The Chinese Liuzhou naval vessel, which performs combat preparation duties in nearby waters, carried out operational coordination with the US side in the spirit of humanitarianism and in accordance with the 'Code for Unplanned Maritime Encounters'," the Chinese defence ministry said in a statement.

The sailor went missing Tuesday during a joint US-Japanese drill in the South China Sea.

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 called off their routine joint operation to focus on the search, a Japanese navy spokesman told AFP.

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.

Beijing has pursued claims on nearly the entire territory of the South China Sea by building military facilities and conducting naval exercises -- despite partial counter-claims from nations such as the Philippines and Vietnam.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said "we attach importance to the remarks", when questioned on the US's latest comments on the North, which has caused international alarm with two recent missile tests.

"We have noted that the US side has recently paid more attention to security issues on the peninsula -- China has always believed that security is at the core of the problem," Wang said, at a joint press conference with the visiting the foreign minister of Turkey.

Wang's statement alluded to Tillerson's efforts to underscore that Washington would not seek to topple North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

"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 told reporters on Tuesday.

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 scrambling to find a solution.

Tillerson said Washington would be willing to talk to the North if its leaders accept that they must disarm, and said that Beijing was not to blame for the situation.

His statement struck a more diplomatic tone than US President Donald Trump, who has demanded that China rein in its neighbour's nuclear ambitions -- angrily tweeting over the weekend that Beijing is not doing enough.

The president tweeted that he was "very disappointed in China" after the North boasted last week that the entire mainland US was within range of its intercontinental ballistic missiles.

"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," said the US leader.

Trump has repeatedly urged China, North Korea's main trade partner and ally, to use its economic sway to curb the regime's nuclear programme, while Beijing insists dialogue is the only practical way forward.

Wang said that China has maintained a "continuous and stable position" on the issue, calling on "parties to not take any action that will lead to escalating tensions".
The improvised device, using "high military-grade explosive", was due to be smuggled onto a July 15 service from Sydney, but the attempt was aborted before they reached security.

Two men -- Khaled Khayat and Mahmoud Khayat -- have been charged with terrorism offences and were refused bail on Friday, with a third still being questioned.

Police claim one of them planted the bomb in the passenger's luggage. Local reports said the luggage belonged to the man's own, innocent, brother.

"We will be alleging the person who was to carry the IED had no idea they were carrying an IED," said Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan.

"There is a little bit of conjecture as to why it didn't go ahead. It didn't get past the check-in."

Police are working on the theory that it was called off because the device may have been too heavy.

Authorities also foiled a second alleged plot involving a "chemical dispersion device", designed to release hydrogen sulphide, but this was in the early stages.

Hydrogen sulphide is highly toxic, and often fatal for people exposed to it.

"Not only have we stopped the IED that was believed to go on the plane but we have also completely disrupted the intended chemical dispersion device," said Phelan.

The second plan was hatched after the first one failed, police alleged, and was not necessarily targeted at a plane.

"They were talking about crowded closed spaces, you know, potentially public transport, and so on," Phelan said, but added that they "got nowhere near making one".

The plot was orchestrated by "a senior member of the Islamic State" based overseas.

Communications with the extremist group began in April and they sent components and propellants through international cargo from Turkey to the men, police said.

The men were then directed on how to build a bomb that would have caused "significant damage".

"With assistance from the ISIL commander, the accused assembled the IED into what we believe was a functioning IED to be placed on that flight," said Phelan, referring to Islamic State by an alternative acronym.

Originated in Turkey

The destination of the flight was not revealed, although reports have previously suggested it was Abu Dhabi. Etihad earlier this week confirmed it was working with authorities in Australia on their investigation.

Police would not reveal who the IS link was but said it will be alleged the men were introduced to him by a relative who is a senior IS member in Syria.

"It is a concern that it got through," said Phelan about the bomb components arriving in Australia through the mail.

"What we're alleging is the components of the IED originated in Turkey at this stage. We are very confident that we have found every single component of that IED."

Security was tightened at domestic and international airports across Australia after four men were arrested in raids in Sydney on Saturday over what Phelan called "one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil".

Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the impacts "could have been catastrophic".

"I understand that Australians will feel very unnerved about hearing this news and the police allege that we have been the target of a very serious ISIL plot," he told reporters.

"But I do want to remind everyone that this is the 13th time, because of the excellence of our law enforcement agencies, that we have been able to stop a terrorist attack from occurring on Australian soil in the past three years."

Khaled Khayat, 49, and Mahmoud Khayat, 32, have been charged with two counts of "acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act" and are next due in court on November 14.
The court in the city of Dessau found that the 21-year-old defendants, named only as Sebastian F. and Xenia I., lured the 25-year-old architecture student to an empty apartment in May last year, DPA news agency reported. They submitted their victim to a horrific ordeal that led to her death.

Presiding judge Uda Schmidt called the case an "incomprehensible crime", handing down a 15-year sentence to Sebastian F. and a juvenile sentence of five years and six months to his partner at the time, who is the mother of three children.

The two defendants, who sat impassively as the verdict was read out, were also ordered to pay a total of 60,000 euros ($71,300) for the pain and suffering of the victim's parents, who were co-plaintiffs in the case.

Schmidt said the pair's sole motive had been to fulfil a sadistic sexual fantasy.

After trapping her in the flat, the pair repeatedly sexually assaulted the woman, leaving her with such severe injuries that they assumed she would die, the court found.

When the couple returned hours later and found the victim, identified in media reports as Li Yangjie, still alive, they carried the severely injured woman away and abandoned her in underbrush.

After friends in Germany and China alerted the authorities that she was missing, police organised a search for the woman, who was from the eastern province of Henan. Her corpse was found two days later.

An autopsy found she had suffered blows to the head, torso and extremities.

After news of the murder spread, hundreds of Chinese students and local residents held a rally in Li's memory to demand justice.

The couple was arrested two weeks after the crime and went on trial last November.

Xenia I. had admitted in testimony that she had lured the young woman, who was jogging in town, to the empty flat under false pretences and was present while Sebastian F. raped her.

But she denied taking part in the abuse that led to the student's death.

Beyond the shock at the brutality of the crime, the case also caused controversy in Germany and China because the mother and stepfather of Sebastian F. are both police officers.

Sebastian F. is also accused of at least one further rape committed in the summer of 2013 in Dessau which only came to light in the course of the investigation.
Minniti's warning came a day after Italian authorities impounded a boat operated by German aid organisation Jugend Rettet on suspicion its crew effectively collaborated with people traffickers in a way that facilitated illegal immigration.

The aid organisation, which has only been operational for a year, said it would seek to overturn the seizure.

"Our Italian lawyer is appealing the confiscation of our boat. Our first priority is to free it and resume our rescue missions," a spokeswoman told AFP.

Italian authorities had been monitoring Jugend Rettet's boat, the Iuventa, since October.

Its crew is suspected to taking on board dinghy loads of migrants delivered directly to them by people traffickers and allowing the smugglers to make off with the vessels to be used again.

At least one such meeting allegedly took place only 1.3 miles off the Libyan coast, according to the prosecutor's file, the contents of which were published by Italian media.

The crew are also alleged to have flouted the authority of the Italian coastguard, which oversees rescue operations in the zone, out of humanitarian zeal rather than for any other motives.

Under the code of conduct, boats like the Iuventa would notably have to have an Italian police officer on board monitoring their activities.

Four of the nine NGOs involved in search and rescue operations have so far agreed to abide by the code: Save The Children, Malta-based MOAS, Spain's Pro-Activa Open Arms and Germany's Sea-Eye.

Pro-Activa said Thursday it regarded the new rules as unnecessary but acceptable as they would not involve any "significant change or impediment" to its rescue operations.

Among those who have refused to sign is the Nobel Prize-winning organisation Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

'Light at the end of the tunnel'

Minniti meanwhile said a sharp fall over recent weeks in the number of migrants arriving in Italy following rescues was an indication that efforts to beef up the Libyan coastguard and cooperation with local mayors was bearing fruit.

"In recent days we have begun to see light at the end of the tunnel," the minister said.

He revealed plans for further talks this month with Libyan mayors on economic development initiatives and with Chad, Niger and Mali on measures to reduce the number of migrants leaving those countries in the hope of reaching Europe.

Italy sent a naval patrol boat to the Libyan capital Tripoli on Wednesday to begin discussing further support for the Libyan coastguard's efforts to stop traffickers.

The move, the first in a larger naval support mission, prompted an angry response from Khalifa Haftar, the military strongman who controls parts of eastern Libya.

A spokesman said Haftar had issued an order to his forces to prevent foreign vessels entering Libyan waters without his permission.
The alliance, dubbed the "war wing", won the most seats in the June 11 vote, but accounts for only 39 out of 120 in parliament.

The nationalist leftist Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) party followed with 32 seats, with the centre-right League of Democratic Kosovo (LDK) third on 29.

They refuse to enter into a alliance with the "war wing", which has prevented the formation of a stable government.

Election of the speaker is a key step to constitute the parliament and pave the way for the president to name a prime minister.

The premier-designate then has 15 days to propose a cabinet and have it approved by a majority of 120-member parliament.

The failure to vote on a speaker has left observers worried that Kosovo could be headed for fresh elections.

If Self-determination and the LDK-led coalition do not support the "war wing" then "Kosovo could go to new elections," said political analyst Ramush Tahiri.

Kosovo, a former Serbian province whose 1.8 million-strong population are mainly ethnic Albanians, is one of the poorest countries in Europe.

It declared independence from Serbia in 2008, almost a decade after the 1998-1999 independence war that ended after a 11-week long NATO bombing campaign against Serbia.

The war left 13,000 people dead, the vast majority of them ethnic Albanians.
Saturday's referendum follows a tense campaign punctuated by massive protests that have been at times violently put down by the security forces.

Jemil Ould Mansour, head of the Islamic Tewassoul party spearheading the movement against the vote, said President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and his supporters had fixed "the electoral roll and voting materials to prepare fraud on a massive scale."

"Those in power are pushing people to violence by not allowing any kind of protest not in line with their own views," Mansour told reporters.

The boycott draws broad political support from religious conservatives and anti-slavery activists in the conservative west African nation, all of whom oppose measures including abolishing the Senate, suppressing several state bodies, and changing the national flag.

Around 1.4 million Mauritanians are eligible to vote, but the boycott coalition has declared the changes unconstitutional and is urging citizens to stay at home.

Violence "is not our choice", Mansour told journalists, but added Aziz and his supporters would be responsible if they continued to "force" the changes through.

Police and opposition activists clashed Thursday in Mauritania's capital on the final day of campaigning after the authorities refused to give the green light for protests in the capital and other regions of the Islamic republic.

Senators rejected the abolition of their own chamber in March, apparently to the government's surprise as a majority are from the ruling party, prompting Aziz to call the referendum.

Aziz accused the lawmakers of "betraying the nation" at his final rally, and called on the crowd to demand the dissolution of a chamber which, he said, "costs a lot, has no use and does nothing".

Several senators would soon be on trial, the president said, accusing them of corruption.

Polling stations open at 7am on Saturday while the nation's armed forces cast their ballots on Friday, according the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).
Navalny, who has said he will run for president next March, received a 300,000 ruble ($5,000) fine, with his two supporters given lesser penalties.

The three men were found guilty of violating rules on the organisation of public events by calling on Navalny's supporters to take to the streets on July 8-9 to distribute leaflets to people in Russian towns.

Dozens of supporters of Navalny, the Kremlin's foremost critic, were arrested by police over the two days.

Last month, Navalny himself walked free from jail after serving 25 days for having organised unauthorised protests against President Vladimir Putin's rule.

Russia's electoral authorities said in June that Navalny's five-year suspended sentence for embezzlement means he is ineligible to run.
Tens of thousands of cheering supporters, waving little red, white and blue flags, feted Kagame at his final rally Wednesday, praising the man who halted the 1994 genocide and has been de-facto leader of Rwanda ever since.

"I support President Kagame because he stopped the genocide and because he brought development to Rwanda," said supporter Ngendahimana Narcisse.

Another backer, Mukashimyirimiza Zainabu, said Kagame had "built schools, he's provided healthcare, roads, electricity so we're really behind him."

In contrast, only a few hundred people have attended the rallies of Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party -- the only permitted critical opposition party -- and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.

The opponents have complained about the limited time given to fundraise and campaign, which critics see as further evidence of Kagame's clampdown on the opposition.

"It is short, we would have liked at least two months. Towards the end of the campaign the number of people at our rallies increased a lot," said Jean-Claude Ntezimana, the executive secretary of the Green Party.

Victory assured

Habineza told AFP at a recent rally that putting up banners and posters had also been a challenge.

"They told us we cannot put our banners or flags where the RPF's things are, but unfortunately the RPF put theirs almost everywhere," he said.

Kagame's election is seen as assured 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 seek re-election twice more and remain in office until 2034.

Kagame, a lanky former guerrilla 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.

jpegMpeg4-1280x720He is credited with a remarkable turnaround in the shattered nation, bringing stability 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.
Amid fears the Dutch poultry industry could be facing millions of euros in losses, the country's biggest supermarket chain Albert Heijn said it was pulling 14 types of eggs from its shelves.

"All the eggs of these 14 kinds have been sent back to the depot and destroyed," company spokeswoman Els van Dijk told AFP.

It was "an unprecedented" situation for Albert Heijn, she added, saying instructions of the Dutch food authority (NVWA) were being followed.

Damage to Dutch poultry farms is already believed to have run into millions of euros, said Hennie de Haan, president of the National Poultry Owners union.

The NVWA was due to publish its findings later Thursday having closed 180 poultry farms across The Netherlands this week after traces of the insecticide, fipronil, was first found in samples taken from eggs, droppings and meat in late July.

Manufactured by Germany's BASF among other companies, fipronil is commonly used in veterinary products to get rid of fleas, lice and ticks.

But it is banned from being used to treat animals destined for human consumption, such as chickens.

The European Commission said it had been made aware of the egg issue, and EC spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen told reporters developments were being monitored "very closely".

"What I can say is that the farms are identified, the eggs are blocked, the contaminated eggs are traced and withdrawn from the market, and the situation is under control."

It is believed the substance was introduced to poultry farms by a Dutch business, named Chickfriend, which was called in to treat red lice, a nasty parasite in chickens.

German Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt called a "crisis teleconference" Thursday with his counterparts in German states where fipronil was also detected in eggs.

About one million eggs being transported to Germany were also recalled from the border on Tuesday with The Netherlands, the Dutch food authority NVWA added.

Belgium's federal food chain security agency (AFSCA) said it too has launched an investigation in cooperation with prosecutors.

Tests have found fipronil in some eggs but not in quantities that pose a threat to human health. None of the eggs have made it to Belgian supermarket shelves, the Belgian authority said.

In large quantities, the substance is considered to be "moderately hazardous" according to the World Health Organisation, and can have dangerous effects on people's kidneys, liver and thyroid glands.
Tehran says the new measures violate its 2015 deal with world powers that eased sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme, an agreement which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to tear up.

"So far we consider that all parties have been implementing their commitments under the deal," Catherine Ray, a spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, told a press briefing in Brussels.

"We expect their continued adherence," Ray said when asked to comment on the Iranian charges.

Ray based her expectation on a July 21 meeting in Vienna of the Mogherini-chaired commission that brings together Iran and the other parties to discuss the deal's implementation.

Mogherini's office issued a statement at the time saying the meeting's participants confirmed their continued adherence and "stressed the need to ensure its full and effective implementation in a constructive atmosphere."

Ray said the joint commission allowed for the Iranian view on new US sanctions to be widely discussed.

The United States enacted Wednesday new sanctions targeting Iran's ballistic missile programme, alleged human rights abuses and its support for the Lebanese Hezbollah, which Washington calls a terrorist group.

Following the nuclear deal, Washington and the EU lifted sanctions related to Iran's atomic programme that the West alleged was for military purposes but Tehran said was peaceful.

Mogherini is due in Tehran on Saturday for the inauguration of Hassan Rouhani, who was re-elected to a second term as president in May.
"The removal of the President will have disastrous consequences that can only have a negative impact on the people of South Africa," he said.

"It will result in the entire cabinet having to resign which will lead to a collapse in government... It will plunge our country into complete political instability."

Mthembu's intervention comes as Zuma has been mired by growing criticism from within the party over allegations that he is corrupt and incompetent.

South Africa's economy slumped into a recession in the first quarter of the year while unemployment nears 26 percent.

Popular support for the ANC, which was swept to power in the first non-racial elections in 1994, slipped to 55 percent in last year's local polls -- its worst-ever election result.

Zuma tipped to survive

"We are not blind to the grievances raised by our people including our partners," said the statement, referring to vocal criticism from the ANC's coalition allies.

It acknowledged the impact of an unpopular cabinet reshuffle at the end of March that saw respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan ousted and replaced with a Zuma loyalist.

The move led to a string of downgrades to South Africa's credit rating as well as causing the rand currency to tumble.

The statement also recognised the controversy raging around Zuma and his relationship with the Gupta business family, and a tranche of leaked emails that point to a corrupt relationship between the two sides.

It described allegations that state organs had been corrupted as "serious and legitimate concerns".

But the statement added: "We are raising these issues now to show the ANC has been responsive."

Gupta family member Atul recently told the BBC that the leaked emails had "no authenticity".

Nomura analyst Peter Attard Montalto said in a note to investors that he did not expect the vote to succeed, even if conducted with a secret ballot as opposition parties have campaigned for.

"There is a higher probability of the vote being passed under a secret ballot (but) ultimately we think most anti-Zuma MPs worry a secret ballot will not be secret because of the involvement of the security services and numbered ballot papers," he wrote.
"There are real problems and (current President Nicolas) Maduro's got to tackle them," said the left-wing politician, who is currently suspended from the main opposition Labour party for saying Adolf Hitler was initially "supporting Zionism".

"But one of the things that Chavez did, when he came to power -- he didn't kill all the oligarchs," Livingstone told TalkRadio.

"There's about 200 families that control 80 percent of the wealth in Venezuela, he allowed them to live, to carry on, and I suspect a lot of them are using their power and control over imports and exports, medicines and food to make it difficult and undermine Maduro."

When asked whether there would be no crisis if the oligarchs had been killed, he said "they wouldn't be able to undermine the present government", but said he was "not in favour of killing anyone".

Livingstone was London mayor between 2000 and 2008, overseeing the city's response to the 7/7 suicide bombings, but has long been a controversial figure.

Almost half of Labour MPs signed a letter to party leader Jeremy Corbyn in April condemning the failure to expel Livingstone over his Zionism comments. He was suspended pending an investigation.

Maduro faces mounting accusations of trampling on democracy in Venezuela with Sunday's controversial election for an all-powerful "Constituent Assembly".

Livingstone, who as mayor negotiated a deal with Chavez for Venezuela to supply the fuel for London's buses, was asked earlier this week if he still supported Maduro, and told The Times: "Oh God, yes."

On Thursday, he also blamed the United States for the situation, saying: "I suspect we'll discover that a lot of this crisis has been engineered, as it was in Brazil in '64, in Argentina, in Chile."
Tillerson is due to meet President Rodrigo Duterte on the sidelines of a regional security forum that begins on the weekend, and both sides have flagged that the human rights debate over the drug war would be on the agenda.

"We welcome the opportunity to address their concerns and correct the perceptions they may have gleaned from exaggerated media reports," a Philippine foreign department statement said on Friday.

The statement was released after acting US assistant secretary of state Susan Thornton said in Washington that Tillerson would discuss human rights issues in Manila.

Duterte easily won presidential elections last year after promising an unprecented war on drugs in which tens of thousands of people would be killed.

Since he took office in the middle of last year, police have confirmed killing more than 3,400 people in anti-drug operations.

More than 2,000 other people have been killed in drug-related crimes and thousands more murdered in unexplained circumstances, according to police data.

Rights groups say many of those victims have been killed by vigilante death squads linked to the government.

Rights groups have said that Duterte, who has said he would be "happy to slaughter" three million drug addicts, may be overseeing a crime against humanity.

Former US president Barack Obama was among the many international critics of the drug war.

Duterte, who frequently uses coarse language against his critics, responded by branding Obama a "son of a whore" last year.

Duterte also used the criticism as justification for loosening the Philippines' decades-long alliance with the United States in favour of warmer ties with China.

Duterte has boasted repeatedly that US President Donald Trump praised the drug war, although he still frequently rails against the US State Department and American politicians who criticise the killings.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday confirmed Duterte and Tillerson would hold talks in Manila, and that the meeting would be a step towards improving bilateral relations.
"We aren't winning... we are losing," Trump complained to top officials while upbraiding his military advisors at a White House meeting last month, NBC News reported, citing senior officials.

Trump's generals have called the Afghan conflict a "stalemate," and even after years of intensive help from the US and other NATO nations, Afghanistan's security forces still are struggling to hold back an emboldened Taliban.

In an early move to address the situation, Trump gave his Pentagon chief, Jim Mattis, broad powers to set troop numbers in Afghanistan and elsewhere. But several months later the level remains stuck at about 8,400 US and about 5,000 NATO troops.

Mattis wants to wait until the White House has come up with a coherent strategy for not just Afghanistan but the broader region, notably Pakistan and how it deals with terror groups, before he commits to any adjustments.

Mattis told lawmakers on June 13 he would present a detailed Afghanistan plan by mid-July -- but that timeframe came and went with no announcements.

"This is hard work and so you got to get it right. And that's all there is to it. So, we're working to get it right," Mattis told Pentagon reporters July 21.

According to NBC, Trump a day earlier had told Mattis and General Joe Dunford, who is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, they should replace General John Nicholson, who heads up US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

The White House declined to comment, and Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said only: "Secretary Mattis has confidence in General Nicholson's leadership."

Several lawmakers spoke in Nicholson's defense Thursday and two weeks have passed since the meeting, with the general still in position.

Meanwhile the situation in Afghanistan is as deadly as ever, with more than 2,500 Afghan police and troops killed in from January 1 to May 8.

US forces -- who are supposed to be in a non-combat role -- are still dying too, with nine killed in action so far this year, including two in Kandahar on Wednesday. The tally for 2017 is now the same as for all of 2016.

'No strategy for success'

In signs of broader divisions in the White House, Trump's National Security Advisor General HR McMaster -- who is helping lead the push for a new Afghanistan plan -- on Wednesday fired Ezra Cohen-Watnick, his senior intelligence director.

That comes on the heels of the departure of a contentious top Middle East advisor, Derek Harvey, who left in July.

And chief strategist Steve Bannon was himself ousted from his seat on the National Security Council, which decides issues of war and peace.

According to the New York Times, Bannon and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have pushed an idea to let private contractors conduct security work in Afghanistan instead of American soldiers.

Pentagon officials have said Mattis is weighing sending just shy of 4,000 troops to Afghanistan to operate in a non-combat role assisting local forces.

Military Times on Wednesday cited an Afghan government official as saying that Eric Prince, who was the former head of a controversial private military firm once known as Blackwater, had even offered to supply a private air force.

Senior Republican Senator John McCain, a longtime critic of the Obama administration's warfighting policies, this week expressed exasperation over Trump's lack of Afghanistan policy.

McCain said if a new plan hadn't been fleshed out by September, he would offer his own one -- based on the "advice of some our best military leaders" -- that he'd tack onto a massive military spending bill.

"There still is no strategy for success in Afghanistan," McCain said, though he provided no details on what his might be.

When Trump visited the Pentagon last month, a reporter asked him whether he would be sending more troops to Afghanistan.
Democrat Eric Sorensen declared victory at around 1 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, in the race for Illinois' 17th Congressional District against Republican Esther Joy King, but the margin of his lead was not large enough for either the Associated Press or New York Times to project him as the winner.
Dinakaran said the previous appointments remain the same and he has made new additions to the list of office-bearers.

AIADMK deputy general secretary and Sasikala's nephew TTV Dinakaran, whose family was sidelined, has once again jumped into the political ring to get hold of the party. In the wake of the recent developments of growing closeness of Edappadi K Palaniswami with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, TTV broke his 60-day-long deadline for EPS-OPS merger. He had given 60 days time for the factions to unite and function as a united AIADMK.

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But now looks like there are three factions of the AIADMK.

TTV Dinakaran has announced that he will tour the state and has inducted 64 new office-bearers. Induction of functionaries where already EPS faction members are functioning has come as a direct challenge.

Speaking to India Today, Dinakaran said, "It's an effort to strengthen the party. We wanted more members to get post".

But it was evident that he wants to show his strength as the new party functionaries had at least 20 MLAs and former ministers loyal to him.

However, it looks like Dinakaran wants to play the game safe. When asked if EPS is still with him, "You should ask him this question," he said.

TTV said his position in the party headquarters cannot be questioned and he will visit the party office whenever he wanted. The move is also seen to show that TTV still wants the government to run but he wants to strengthen the party.

"Ministers are scared of something. But they will come back to me," said Dinakaran. He also tried to brush aside the talks of NDA trying to rope in AIADMK. "We still have time to face the Lok Sabha elections. Ministers are probably only trying to build state-Centre relations," he said.

In the meantime, security has been beefed up at AIADMK headquarters in Royapettah anticipating Dinakaran's show of strength on Saturday.

"I will visit the party when I want. It's my office," he said. Dinakaran will start his tour from Melur on 14th August. Political analysts feel that TTV has to show his strength as EPS and O Panneerselvam have already carved their niche in AIADMK.

Political analyst RK Radhakrishnan said, "TTV's absence from the scene, initially due to his being in custody, and later, because of the 60-day exile, had created a perception that he's not needed for both the government and the party to function. He thus had no option but to do something to challenge this status quo, at least to change the optics. By roping in 64 new office bearers, he has demonstrated that he has some clout over the party, and that he cannot be written off yet".

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Also TTV doesn't not want to affect the government as he refrained from making scathing attacks. Analyst GC Segar said, "TTV is attempting to take control of party without disturbing the government."

Also Read

AIADMK symbol row: Dinakaran taken to Chennai for further investigation

Arrested last night, TTV Dinakaran to be produced in court today

Also watch:

Political equation changing in Tamil Nadu, TTV Dinakarn slams EPS for misrule

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The six-axle 1676mm-gauge locomotive carries a specially-designed livery with red representing energy and yellow symbolising freshness.

GE was awarded a $US 2.5bn contract in November 2015 to supply 700 3.36MW ES43ACmi locomotives (designated WDG4G by IR) and 300 4.47MW ES57ACi units over an 11-year period through a joint venture with IR. The more powerful variant is currently at the design stage and production is due to begin later this year.

The first 100 locomotives will be built at Erie and shipped either fully assembled or as kits, while the remaining 900 units will be constructed at a new joint venture production facility at Marhoura in the Indian state of Bihar. The 91.5-hectare facility is due to be commissioned next year.

In addition to production, the joint venture will be responsible for maintaining the fleet for a period of 13 years from the start of production.
The plan includes restructuring of the station, the track layout and Fuencarral train depot which will increase capacity and enable Charmartin to become a hub for high-speed lines radiating from Madrid north to A Coruna, Oviedo, Bilbao and France.

A third cross-city tunnel for use by standard-gauge high-speed trains is due to open within the next few months, connecting Spains northern and southern high-speed networks for the first time, although initially it will not serve Madrid Puerta de Atocha station on the south side of the city. The new tunnel will enable high-speed services from Seville, Malaga, Toledo, Alicante and Valencia to reach Chamartin.

Additional capacity is needed at Chamartin to cope with the steady expansion the high-speed network in northern Spain. The plan calls for the station to be expanded east over the terrain currently occupied by Renfe's headquarters, where 10 more platforms will be added to reach a total of 31.

Under the final configuration, the 18 easternmost platforms will be allocated to high-speed services compared with six today. Each platform will be 420m long. The remaining 13 platforms will be used by commuter, regional and other broad-gauge trains.

The Chamartin Operation project will also include a capacity boost for commuter services thanks to the construction of two flyovers at the northern end of the station in addition to the existing pair, to ensure not only an easy flow of empty stock to and from the nearby Fuencarral maintenance depot, but also to reduce conflicting movements and increasing operating flexibility.

As a result, it will be possible to route any broad-gauge train between either of the two existing Atocha - Chamartin tunnels and the three lines running north, without intersecting their respective paths. This will increase commercial speeds through the Charmartin area and make it possible to create new suburban services, for example to connect Sol in the city centre with Barajas Airport.

The current station building will be expanded, with new facilities created over the new tracks and with ramps replacing escalators. The enlarged station will also have space dedicated to check-in and security controls for passengers using high-speed trains. This is currently being undertaken on the platforms at Chamartin due to the lack of space in all types of weather.
The first call is for 60 multisystem electric locomotives, with delivery beginning at the end of 2017, and an option for 40 more.

The locomotives will operate on the Rhine - Alpine corridor from Germany, through Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands. The Vectrons will also operate in Belgium from 2020.

The 6.4 MW locomotives have a top speed of 160km/h and will be equipped with ETCS. Assembly will take place at Siemens plant in Munich-Allach.
Construction is slated to start this month on a $184-million wheat straw pulp mill in Southeast Washington state, the first of its kind and the first new pulp facility of any kind in the state in years.

The Columbia Mill, on a Union Pacific line northeast of Walla Walla in Columbia County, is expected to receive chemicals either from UP or Watco Companies Great Northwest Railroad. The mill is located in the heart of the states wheat-growing region, and farmsa there produce 4 million tons of waste wheat straw each year.

The last large pulp mill in Washington opened in 1989.

Using technology developed by Sustainable Fiber Technologies of Renton, Wa., the mill, located on the Snake River, will extract cellulose from straw left over from wheat and alfalfa harvests. While not a new concept, mills historically have processed wood chips and pulpwood to produce pulp for manufacturing paper.

The company is touting the sustainability of the project, which it claims uses less energy and chemicals of traditional pulp and paper mills. Waste straw typically is plowed into the ground or burned by farmers.

Local media reported the project was first proposed 11 years ago. After site location and design work, and false starts with financing, Goldman Sachs in late July completed the sale of $133.6 million in tax-exempt 15-year bonds issued by the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority. It raised another $54 million in private equity.
FTA issues ROD for Portal Bridge EIS Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman , Editor, Railway Track & Structures; and Engineering Editor, Railway Age









The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) that formally adopts the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Portal Bridge Project on the Northeast Corridor.

The project is seeking to replace a century-old swing bridge over the Hackensack River in New Jersey with a high-level, fixed-span bridge. The existing Portal Bridge hosts close to 450 New Jersey Transit and Amtrak trains per day traveling between several points in New Jersey and Penn Station New York. They inlude Amtrak trains, and NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line, North Jersey Coast Line and MidTown DIRECT trains on the Morristown, Gladstone and Montclair-Boonton Lines passing through Newark Penn and Newark Broad Street Stations connecting with the NEC at SWIFT Interlocking.

Portal Bridge has become a major bottleneck and source of delay of train traffic due to the aging mechanical components that sometimes malfunction while opening and closing for maritime traffic. The new bridge, estimated to cost $1.64 billion, will eliminate the movable components and risk of malfunction.

The project is currently in the project development phase of the FTAs Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program. The projects partners, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NJ Transit and Amtrak, are seeking $811 million in CIG funding toward the $1.64 billion total cost. The ROD is a part of the environmental review process required by law for projects seeking federal funding through the CIG Program. Additional steps must be completed according to legal criteria before the FTA can make a determination about CIG funding for the project.

In July, USDOT released the Draft EIS for the Hudson Tunnel Project, with the Final EIS expected to be issued in March 2018.

In May, the NJ Transit Board of Directors approved a $14.5-million early action contract with PKF-Mark III Inc., of Newtown, Pa. The work includes the realignment of a 138kV transmission pole, the installation of new fiber optic cable poles, the construction of a construction access structure known as a finger pier, the construction of a steel bridge structure over the Jersey City Municipal Utility Authority water main and the construction of a retaining wall just west of the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. Work began in July and is anticipated to be completed by the first-quarter of 2019.
CSXs situation continues to get tougher. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Aug. 2 filed a lawsuit against the railroad, claiming that it has been discriminating against women by using a physical strength test to determine employment eligibility.

EEOCs legal action occurred the same day as a hazmat derailment in Pennsylvania, and a few days after the Surface Transportation Board sent a letter to CEO Hunter Harrison asking him to address what it termed deteriorating service.

In the lawsuit, EEOC (a federal agency) accuses CSX of conducting isokinetic strength testing as a requirement for such jobs as conductor or material handler. Those tests, the agency said, has a discriminatory effect on women, who have been passing them at significantly lower rates than men. Women have also had lower passing rates on tests measuring aerobic capacity and arm endurance, the lawsuit said.

Because of the test results, CSX declined to hire a class of women workers for a range of jobs they sought  and the effect of the company testing practices has been to discriminate against women workers because of their sex, the suit said. Such testing is in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

EEOC filed the suit in West Virginia after it failed to reach a pre-litigation settlement with CSX. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief and court-ordered job instatement as well as payment of monetary remedies in the form of past and future lost wages and benefits to the class of female workers adversely affected by CSXs testing.

CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle released the following statement on Thursday, Aug. 4: CSX is committed to its obligations under the law, including federal antidiscrimination laws, and the company will defend its rigorous attention to inclusiveness and safety. Equal employment opportunity and the safety of our employees make up the foundation of our core values and business practices. Both work hand-in-hand to ensure our employees are in an inclusive environment where they can contribute to the best of their abilities and return home safely every day.
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By PTI: Beijing, Aug 4 (PTI) Air traffic hubs such as India and Thailand help seed dengue, according to a new study which linked spread of the mosquito-borne tropical disease to new areas to trends in air travel.

Dengue virus affects as estimated 390 million people around the globe each year, and can cause symptoms ranging from a mild fever and headache to severe low blood pressure.

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In the new work, Huaiyu Tian and Bing Xu, both of Beijing Normal University, China, together with colleagues from the University of Oxford and elsewhere analysed the spread of dengue viruses in Asia from 1956 to 2015, Asian Scientist Magazine said.

Their findings have been published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

They used 2,202 genetic sequences of dengue viruses, collected in 20 countries or regions of Asia over the 59 years, to determine how different strains were related.

They also investigated trends in air travel, maritime mobility, migration, and socio-economics to determine what factors impact the spread of dengue.

The spread of three different dengue virus serotypes, DENV-1, -2, and -3, is associated with air traffic more-so than any other factors, the data revealed.

Air traffic hubs such as Thailand and India, the researchers found, help seed dengue epidemics, while China, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Singapore help diffuse the virus to other Asian countries.

"Future trends in global mobility could potentially accelerate the appearance and diffusion of DENV worldwide," the researchers say.

"Prevention and control of dengue epidemics requires a better understanding of its mode of geographic dissemination, especially for countries in the tropics.?

Dengue virus has mostly caused disease in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, but a 2014 outbreak in Japan broke that pattern. Overall, the geographic area affected by dengue has been growing in recent years. PTI NSA

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U.S. court sentences Russian hacker Senakh in cyber fraud case

MOSCOW, August 4 (RAPSI)  A court in the United States has sentenced Russian citizen Maxim Senakh to 46 months in prison for the role he played in creation and installation of Ebury malware for the purpose of cyber fraud, the press-release of the U.S. Department of Justice reads.

On March 29, Senakh, creator of the malware, known as Ebury, pleaded guilty to infecting computer servers around the globe. The defendant confessed that he was creating accounts with domain registrars for developing the Ebury botnet infrastructure.

Prosecutors asked to sentence Senakh to 54 months in prison while the defendant asked for 36 months. According to the court ruling, the convict will be deported from the United States after he serves his time.

Senakh was arrested in Finland in August 2015 and later extradited to the United States. Russia condemned actions of the two countries and called Senakh's arrest "another demonstration of the illegal practice of arrest of Russian citizens abroad launched by U.S. authorities.

According to the U.S. authorities, the malware harvested log-on credentials from infected computer servers, allowing the defendant and his accomplices to create and operate a botnet comprising tens of thousands of infected servers throughout the world, including thousands in the United States. The criminal group members used the botnet to generate and redirect internet traffic in furtherance of various click-fraud and spam e-mail schemes, the statement of the U.S. Department of Justice reads.
Russian ex-governor Belykh charged with corruption goes on trial

MOSCOW, August 4 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  A criminal case against former governor of the Kirov Region Nikita Belykh, who stands charged with taking bribes, has been submitted to the Presnensky District Court of Moscow, the courts press service told RAPSI on Friday.

The hearing date has not been set yet.

According to investigation, between 2012 and 2016, Belykh personally and through intermediaries received large scale bribes amounting to 600,000 euros for protection of bribegivers and Novovyatsky Ski Plant and Forestry Managing Company controlled by them, the statement reads.

He was arrested on June 24 in a Moscow restaurant while he was allegedly accepting 150,000 euros, the third part of a 400,000-euro bribe, then Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said earlier. Moscows Basmanny District Court ordered the detention of Belykh.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty.

On July 28, President Vladimir Putin removed Belykh from his post of governor because of loss of trust.
The United States discarded its oft-misunderstood two war doctrine, intended as a template for providing the means to fight two regional wars simultaneously, late last decade. Designed to deter North Korea from launching a war while the United States was involved in fighting against Iran or Iraq (or vice versa,) the idea helped give form to the Department of Defense's procurement, logistical and basing strategies in the postCold War, when the United States no longer needed to face down the Soviet threat. The United States backed away from the doctrine because of changes in the international system, including the rising power of China and the proliferation of highly effective terrorist networks.
Germany is pushing its partners in the European Union to suspend any preparatory work on negotiations with Turkey pertaining to the modernization of the Customs Union agreement and to implement some measures to raise financial pressure on Turkey.[1]

Tensions between Turkey and European Union member states have increased over the past year, and the division between Turkey and Germany was deepened significantly after the arrest of German human rights consultant Peter Steudtner along with other Turkish civil society actors accused of plotting against government.

Aside from cooperation on migration, energy, and security-related efforts to address terrorism, modernizing the Customs Union is an important agenda item for the future of their relations. The bloc remains Turkeys biggest trade partner, and the adhesion process continues to be source of credibility from an economic and a political perspective.

The Customs Union was finalized in the 1990s to bring momentum to the EUTurkey relationship. Today the conditions are nearly the same: Turkey is facing serious political challenges and long-standing structural economic problems and its relationship with the EU is at a low point, leaving the Customs Union as an anchor for cooperation. Updating this agreement is the best way of bypassing the current impasse between the two parties.

The economic benefits of the Customs Union should not be underestimated. Since entering into force in 1996, it has provided a high level of integration between Turkey and European economies and provided many benefits for Turkish industry. The agreement helped bring competition and an international market for Turkish businesses, which lowered the cost of production and brought more discipline and predictability to Turkeys business ecosystem. Today, the EU is Turkeys number one export (48 percent in 2016) and import (37 percent in 2016) partner, and Turkey is Europes fifth biggest export and seventh import markets. The EU is the main source of the foreign direct investment in Turkey.

The Customs Union is narrowly focused on industrial goods, including components of agricultural products and goods wholly or partially manufactured from products coming from third countries, but which are in free circulation in the EU and Turkey. Customs Union reform is likely to cover many new areas of trade, including public procurement, agriculture, and services  involving nearly all facets of Turkish and EU economic activity. In this case, modernizing the agreement could push more economic integration between the EU and Turkey, thereby solidifying some positive cooperation.

The EU and Turkey need the Customs Union for their own economic welfare. The process for the modernization was officially initiated on May 2015 by the Turkish government and the European Commission. Prior to the negotiations, the European Commission and the Turkish Ministry of the Economy conducted impact assessments and consultations of stakeholders, concluding that addressing deficiencies in the agreement and extending trade preferences to new areas notably in services, agriculture, and public procurement is economically more beneficial  in terms of employment and GDP  for both sides, even if the lower competitiveness in agriculture and public procurement represents a risk for Turkey.[2]

The European Council did not give the green light to the Commission last December when it asked for a mandate to launch talks with Turkey on modernizing the existing Customs Union, due in large part to the strained relationship in the aftermath of the attempted coup in July 2016 and questions regarding the outcome of Turkeys presidential referendum in April 2017. President Erdogan responded to Europes accusations that he has dictatorial tendencies by publicly stating that European countries are acting like Nazis and supporting alleged coup plotters. This negative rhetoric continues to spread, greatly jeopardizing relations between Turkey and its Western partners.

It is important for Turkey to update the Customs Union agreement with the EU, as it would improve the problem of trade diversion  the disadvantageous situation in which Turkey loses its competitive trade as a result of new free trade agreements signed by the EU and third countries. The applications of quotas to Turkish trucks and visa to Turkish businessmen have also been important factors for the Turkish side to update the Customs Union. Modernization is also important for the EU, as it will help reboot growth at home and increase economic ties with its strongest defense partner on NATOs Eastern Flank.

The issue of human rights and fundamental freedom as a key condition of any new agreement can hamper the start of negotiations. The EU will bring these issues to the table, but Turkey will certainly not accept them as part of a new deal. The mood among European member states was made clear on July 6, 2017 when the Parliament released a resolution on the Commission Report on Turkey, stating that calls on the Commission to include a clause on human rights and fundamental freedom in the upgraded Customs union between Turkey and the EU

Resolving the Cyprus problem is still desirable and should be addressed to set the conditions for other areas of cooperation. In the same decision, the European Parliament recalls that the Customs Union can only achieve its potential when Turkey fully implements the Additional Protocol vis-a-vis all member states, which include Cyprus. An earnest attempt to reunite Cyprus in July 2017 from both Turkish and Greek leaders failed, unfortunately. As Turkey has not implemented the existing Customs Union rules to Greek Cyprus since it joined the EU, and refuses to open its ports and airports to Greek Cyprus vessels, the European Council will face some troubles for introducing these conditions.

The Turkish governments claims that Germany is protecting members of the Gulen Movement  officially defined by Turkey as Fetullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO) and accused by Ankara to be behind the failed coup detat  and PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), will only further impede positive relations  both economically and politically.

The divisions are deep and economic benefits might not be enough to bring a new positive agenda between Turkey and the EU. Political rhetoric from both sides can seriously damage relations and the possibility of partnership on mutually beneficial areas. The Customs Union remains an essential area of cooperation, but constructive communication and respectful dialogue between Turkey and EU member states is necessary before any formal negotiations can begin.

Turkey should seriously consider the concern of the EU on fundamental rights, independence of judiciary, and rule of law while at the same time taking the necessary efforts to bring the perpetrators of the failed coup to justice. Turkey cannot continue to be ruled under the state of emergency, which is not tenable in the eyes of Turkeys allies in the democratic world and which also accelerates the deterioration of the once-flourishing Turkish economy.

The EU should understand the series of Turkish tragedies. Ankaras decisions are in direct response to the security threats at its southern border and the decades-long effort by Gulenists to infiltrate the state apparatus. The EU can help normalize the situation by revitalizing cooperation through a new positive agenda with Ankara. Turkey needs a clear definition of the relationship moving forward.
There is a case for a deliberate U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. 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. Afghanistan is no more likely to become a future center of terrorist attacks outside its borders than many other weak and unstable countries.

Both Afghanistan and a troublesome Pakistan have only marginal strategic interest to the U.S. relative to many other areas where the U.S. can use its resources. Moreover, leaving the region places the security and aid burden on Russia, China, and local statesforcing the countries that do have major strategic interests in the region to take on the burden or live with the consequences.

The U.S. should not stay in Afghanistan without considering these risks and liabilities, or out of sheer strategic momentum. But, it should also not let the situation steadily deteriorate and lose the wear by negligence and default. There is a case for continuing military assistance and there may be a case for action on the civil side if the State Department and USAID are pressed hard to address it. Pakistan may remain problematic, but it may well not be so much of a problem that some form of victory is not possible.

The Trump Administration should evaluate the merits of a prolonged commitment in detail, make any commitment clearly conditional and set clear requirement for Afghan action. It 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.

The Military Side of Strategy

The military side of strategy is the most urgent. So far, the Trump Administration has talked vaguely about possible measures to support Afghanistan and increasing the train and assist and combat support missions by 3,000 to 5,000 troops. However, the Administration has made no decisions about creating a credible presence in Afghanistan and has not defined any clear strategy or plans for actually trying to win the war. It is doing just what it should not do. It is letting the situation steadily deteriorate and is losing by negligence and default.

There has been one area where some real action has been taken. The Administration has stepped up the use of U.S. airpower in support of Afghan forces. The latest unclassified summary issue by the U.S. Air Force branch of Central Command (AFCENT) covers the first six months of 2017 AFCENT and does not show an increase in total sorties per month over 2016. However, it does show that the U.S. flew an average of 86 strike sorties per month that released a munition in the first six months of 2017, versus 51 such sorties per month in 2016. Average actual munitions released against an enemy target per month have gone from 340 in 2012 to 197 in 2014, to only 79 in 2015, but has since risen to 111 in 2016, and 272 in 2017.

At the same time, the Coalition flew 165 active strike sorties per month to support its forces in 2012, and 95 sorties in 2014, when U.S. and other combat forces were leaving. There is negligible airlift and casualty evacuation support for Afghan forces, and the average number of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) sorties has dropped from 2,911 in 2012 to 2,750 in 2014, to 1,640 in 2016, to 1,482 in 2017.

These air numbers also have to be kept in careful perspective. In 2012-2014, the Coalition was on the offensive with far better armed troops fighting far fewer battles against a far less active mix of Taliban, Haqqani and other enemies. Half-formed Afghan security forces are fighting far more battles that are virtually all defensive, with far less ground mobility and far less capable weapons. Air power is no substitute for ground power and presence. Without them, it cannot win, only sometimes rescue Afghan ground forces that are already in deep trouble.

Building Effective Afghan Ground Forces

When the U.S. withdrew combat forces in 2014, senior commanders realized all too clearly that the Afghan force was hollow with many units having little more than basic training and limited combat experience. This was due to rushed efforts to mix Afghan forces with police and army to take on the entire military mission of defeating the Taliban and other insurgents. That effort had only really begun to be fully funded in 2011, and many of the required advisors were only present in 2012-2013.

It was clear that the Afghan Air Force was years away from having the strike, lift, and medevac capabilities it needed, and the Afghan governmentincluding the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interiorlacked core competence and were deeply corrupt. Senior U.S. commanders recommended a train and assist and combat support mission of some 20,000 troopsa mission that could aid the Afghan security forces down to the combat unit level and help it go from a force with basic training to one that could actually fight.

The Obama Administration and NATO made very different decisions. President Obama first decided to withdraw U.S. combat forces by the end of 2014, and did so without serious regard to how weak Afghan forces still were in 2011 and the probable conditions on the ground. In May 2014, the President decided to limit U.S. troops to 9,800 personnel, and later decided to cut this number in half by 2016.

The total authorized NATO force at the beginning 2015 was some 13,000 troops with 9,800 American in advisory and counter insurgency rolesplus large numbers of contractors and some additional counterinsurgency forces. U.S. advisors were not formally assigned below the corps level and where they could directly assist Afghan forces in combat, and combat support activity was very limited. In spite of adjustments in 2015 and 2016, that reflected the weaknesses in afghan forces and rise of the Taliban and other threats, the US. now formally deploys 8,400 troopsmany in in four major garrisons (Kabul, Kandahar, Bagram and Jalalabad)plus a limited Marine component in Helmand.

This situation could (and should) have been corrected soon after the Trump inauguration. The Trump Administration has given Secretary of Defense Mattis the theoretical authority to deploy several thousand more U.S. troopswith figures like 3,000-5,000 being quoted publically. In practice, however, it is now more than half way into the 2017 campaign season in Afghanistan, and the Secretary is still waiting on a White House decision as to the future U.S. strategy in Afghanistan.

No decision has been implemented to actually deploy the train and assist and combat support troops the Afghan forces desperately need at the major combat unit level, and even if a decision is taken this week, the end result of the delay will ensure that added personnel can only have a major impact on the 2018 campaign season, and that Afghan forces have already taken serious losses of personnel and territory.

The Cost of Not Having a Credible Military Strategy

The latest quarterly report by the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has just been issued, and SIGAR's summary provides a clear warning that the situation is so serious that more delays and indecision may lead to defeat in Afghanistan by default:

From March 1 through May 31, 2017, the UN recorded 6,252 security incidents, a 21% increase from last quarter.

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.

SIGAR is concerned that U.S. officials, whether at State, USAID, Justice, Treasury, Commerce, or elsewhere, cannot oversee the billions of dollars the United States is dedicating to Afghan reconstruction if, for the most part, they cannot leave the U.S. embassy compound. Hunkering down behind blast walls damages not only the U.S. civilian mission but also handicaps the U.S. military mission.

In the long run, such extreme risk aversion and avoidance may even contribute to greater insecurity, since it limits U.S. diplomatic reach to the very Afghans necessary to foster stability, rule of law, and economic growth, while sending an unintended but dangerous message to friend and foe alike that the terrorists should be feared and may actually be winning.

As of May 15, 2017, the struggle between the Afghan government and insurgents remains a stalemate, with the number of districts and the portion of the population under Afghan government and insurgent control unchanged since last quarter's February 15 assessment.

USFOR-A reported 12,073 MOD personnel had been identified as "unaccounted for" in the Afghan Human Resources Information Management System (AHRIMS) as of May 11, 2017, some of whom could be ghosts.

In the first six months of FY 1396 (which began December 22, 2016), Afghanistan's domestic revenues declined nearly 25% year-on-year and covered about 40% of total government expenditures.

The estimated value of opiates produced in Afghanistan increased to $3.02 billion in 2016 from $1.56 billion in 2015. The value of opiates is worth more than two-thirds of the country's entire illicit agricultural sector.

According to SIGAR analysis, the United States has obligated an estimated $714 billion for all spending-including war fighting and reconstruction-in Afghanistan over more than 15 years.

The situation is grim, but scarcely hopeless if the U.S. acts decisively to give the Afghan forces the same kind of intense air support, forward deployed train and assist effort, and combat support that has worked well with Iraqi forces against ISIS and with the Kurdish and Arab forces the U.S. is supporting in northwest Syria. Polls also show that the Taliban and other insurgents lack any form of broad popularity and the SIGAR report notes that the official estimate is that insurgent gains are still limited:

According to USFOR-A, as of May 15, 2017, the struggle between the Afghan government and insurgents remains a stalemate, with the number of districts and the portion of the population under Afghan government and insurgent control unchanged since last quarters February 15 assessment....USFOR-A reported that approximately 59.7% of the countrys 407 districts are under Afghan government control or influence as of May 15, 2017, the same as last quarter, but a six-point decline from the same period last year. As of May 2017, there were 45 districts (in 15 provinces) under insurgent control (11 districts) or influence (34 districts). Therefore, 11.1% of the countrys total districts are still under insurgent control or influence, more than a two percentage-point increase from the same period in 2016...USFOR-A attributes the loss of government control or influence over territory to the ANDSFs strategic approach to security prioritization, which involves identifying the most important areas that the ANDSF must hold to prevent defeat, and placing less emphasis on less vital areas... The number of contested districts (119) remains the same and represents 29.2% of all districts. It was not clear whether these districts are at risk or if, neither the insurgency nor the Afghan government exercises any significant control over these areas, as USFOR-A previously described. ...of the 407 districts of Afghanistans 34 provinces, 243 districts were under government control (97 districts) or influence (146 districts)...USFOR-A reports again this quarter that there are three million Afghans living under insurgent control or influence...of, the 32.6 million people living in Afghanistan, USFOR-A determined that the majority, 21.4 million (65.6%), live in areas controlled or influenced by the government, while another 8.2 million people (25.2%) live in areas that are contested...

The real world situation may, however, have been even more urgent than the SIGAR report indicates. There seems to be a strong element of the public relations exaggerations and lies that were all too common in the Vietnam follies in the official reporting of Taliban and insurgent gains. As a result, the need for immediate White House decisions and action may be even greater than the earlier data imply.

An article by Bill Roggioone of the most respected analysts of warin the August 1, 2017 edition of the Long War Journal notes that,

The battle between the Afghan government and the Taliban remains a stalemate and the number of districts under Taliban control or influence is unchanged since the last assessment by the US military was made more than five months ago. The Afghan government continue to cede less vital areas in order to prevent defeat. That assessment, provided by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in its most recent quarterly report to United States Congress, is likely the best possible scenario provided by the US military. SIGARs evaluation is based on data provided by US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A) and Resolute Support, NATOs mission in Afghanistan. The only problem is both USFOR-A and Resolute Support have significantly underestimated and understated the Talibans control of districts in the past...According to the report, the Taliban continues to control 11 districts and influences 34 of Afghanistans 407 districts (11 percent), while the Afghan government controls 97 districts and influences 146 (60 percent). Twenty-nine percent of Afghanistans districts remain contested. According to SIGAR, Kunduz province has the largest percentage of districts under Taliban control or influence (five of seven). Uruzgan (four of six Taliban controlled or influenced) and Helmand (nine of 14) round out the top three. USFOR-As assessment of Helmand, for example, demonstrates that the US military is painting the rosiest picture possible when it comes to determining the extent of Taliban control. USFOR-A claims that only nine of 14 districts are Taliban controlled or influenced, however the situation is far more dire than that. The Taliban now controls six of the provinces 14 districts (Baghran, Dishu, Khanashin, Now Zad, Musa Qala, and Sangin) and contests another seven, including the provincial capital (Lashkar Gah, Nahr-i-Sarraj, Nawa, Kajaki, Nad Ali, Marjah, and Garmsir), according to data compiled by FDDs Long War Journal...In other words, 13 of Helmands 14 districts are at the very least contested  much more than the assessment of nine by USFOR-A. Al Qaeda has taken advantage of the security situation in Helmand and is known to operate in southern Helmand. Fighters from al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent have reportedly trained at camps located in Helmands Dishu and Khanashin districts as recently as 2014. The town of Baramacha in Dishu is a known hub of jihadist activity. The camps are believed to be operational to this day. [See FDDs Long War Journalreport, Al Qaeda operates in southern Helmand province.] Another key indicator that USFOR-As data is skewed to present a more positive picture of the security situation is the identification of a problem area in southern Afghanistan. This region was previously described by FDDs Long War Journal as a belt of bases in the south that stretches across the provinces of Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, and Ghazni which are used to attack nearby provincial capitals and districts. According to SIGAR: The region with the most districts under insurgent control or influence is centered on northeastern Helmand Province and northwestern Kandahar Province, and includes the Helmand/Kandahar border area, Uruzgan Province, and northwestern Zabul. This region alone accounts for one-third of the 45 districts currently under insurgent control or influence. While USFOR-A does not provide data on Taliban control or influence on a province by province basis, it did identify the Taliban threat in two provinces: Helmand and Uruzgan. According to USFOR-A, there are 13 districts controlled of influence in Helmand and Uruzgan combined. If one-third of the 45 districts (15) controlled or influenced by the Taliban reside in the region, then this means only two districts in Zabul and Kandahar are Taliban controlled or influenced. The data clearly shows otherwise. The Taliban clearly controls three districts in northern Kandahar (Miya Nishin, Khakrez, and Ghorak) and two more in Zabul (Khak-e-Afghan and Arghandab). Several others, including Arghastan, Khakrez, Maruf, Maiwand, and Shah Wali Kot in Kandahar, are contested. Like in Helmand, al Qaeda has taken advantage of the security situation in Kandahar province to established bases. Up until Oct. 2015, al Qaeda ran two large training camps in Shorabak district. US forces killed more than 150 al Qaeda fighters while raiding the camps.

Moreover, U.S. advisors and troopsand tying U.S. military aid to actually enhance Afghan performanceare critical to help counter the mix of corruption and incompetence that permeates the Afghan security forces at every other levelcorruption and incompetence clearly recognized in the semi-annual reports on the war by the Department of Defense and the more regular quarterly reports by SIGAR. Transparency International ranks the Afghan government as the 7th most corrupt government in the world out of the 176 countries it evaluates and the World Bank governance indicators are equally terrible.

The Civil Side of Strategy

This raises the broader issue of the White House's failure to date in addressing any aspect of the civil side of the war. Every U.S. commander that has addressed the broader nature of the Afghan conflict has made it clear that no purely military victory is possible. As is the case in every insurgencyincluding Iraq and Syriaa lasting victory requires a civil structure whose politics, governance, and economics serve the people and bring lasting stability.

As is the case in Iraq and Syria, however, the Trump Administration has not given any indication that it has a credible strategyor any strategyto deal with the critical problems in Afghan politics, governance, and economics that make it a "failed state." There not only is a policy and intellectual vacuum, there is a total vacuum.

The U.S. cannot reshape Afghanistan, but it can make aid conditional on Afghan willingness to govern effectively by Afghan standards, and carry out a long series of Afghan pledges to make Afghan economic reforms. No U.S. strategy can afford to continue to ignore the near paralyzing political divisions between Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah, the country's power broker and warlord problems, the miserable rating of Afghan governance by the World Bank, and the warnings on the IMF and World Bank web pages of the seriousness of Afghanistan's poverty, employment, and other critical economic problems that affect the life of well over half of its population.

No amount of denial, exaggeration, and obfuscation by State and USAID can substitute for a concerted effort to deal with the civil side of the war. Put bluntly, half a strategy is not better than none. In practice, this means making it clear that every form of U.S. support in terms of aid, visas, and day-to-day interaction between governments will become steadily more dependent on real world Afghan performance, that any given flow of aid flow will be dependent on removing the corrupt and incompetent, and Afghanistan will have to live up to its own commitments and standards or the U.S. can and will leave. The U.S. has many other equally high priorities, and it cannot afford "normal diplomacy" in a nation where it is fighting a war.

Pakistan

Finally, U.S. strategy must accept the fact that there is no clear solution to the fact that Pakistan, a supposed ally receiving massive U.S. aid, never stopped from providing a de facto sanctuary to the Taliban, Haqqani network, and key elements of Al Qa'ida central. Pakistan is not only a real ally; it so far has not been a state where U.S. aid could make the Pakistani military fully support the U.S. on even a transactional basis. Words and meetings have also done little so far to change Pakistan's behavior.

The U.S. has two real world strategic options. The first is to simply go on dealing with Pakistan on the present basis. This does not mean ignoring Pakistan's real world actions, but adding some level of pressurealthough a series of explicit public white papers on Pakistan's actions and the role of ISIS in supporting terrorism might add to U.S. leverage. The other is to try to force the issue by making it clear that unless Pakistan acts decisively, U.S. aid will be suspended indefinitely and U.S. economic sanctions will be applied.

Quite frankly, a somewhat harder line U.S. approachcoupled to more transparently handle Pakistan's actionsseems far more practical than creating a major crisis that could drive Pakistan into reliance on China. There are times where there are no good options, but some options are worse than others.
On Aug. 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The U.S. remains the only country to have ever used nuclear weapons. As part of our project to review major World War II battles, I will examine the reasoning on both sides that led to the use of this weapon.

The Japanese had entered the war because of the effectiveness of U.S. economic sanctions imposed after the Japanese had invaded Indochina. As an industrial power devoid of its own resources, Japan had to import nearly all of its resources, mostly from Indochina and the Dutch East Indies.

The United States feared that Japan, after dominating the Western Pacific, would soon threaten its interests in the central and eastern Pacific. Japan had treaty agreements with France and the Netherlands guaranteeing shipments of commodities. When both were overrun by Germany, it became uncertain who would control their Pacific colonies, and Japan could not live with that uncertainty. When the U.S. tried to restrict Japans access to certain resources in order to limit Japanese expansion, Japan had a choice: It could continue expanding and face war with the United States, or it could allow itself to become completely dependent on the United States for access to minerals.

The United States saw Japan as an international outlaw that needed to be heeled by peaceful sanctions. The Japanese saw the United States as using sanctions to crush Japans economy. The result was war.

U.S. and Japanese Goals

The United States had two strategic goals. The first was to disrupt Japanese access to Southeast Asia supplies without invading the Dutch East Indies or Indochina. This meant intense submarine warfare. The second goal was to bring itself into range of Japan so that it could conduct a strategic bombing campaign. By 1945, the submarine campaign had dramatically reduced the flow of supplies, and the capture of Saipan and Tinian had brought B-29s within range of Japan.

The Japanese strategy strategic goal in 1945 was to prevent the occupation of the Japanese homeland and retain the existing regime, particularly the position of the emperor. The primary strategy for this was to create a defensive system that would potentially impose unacceptable casualties on the United States.

During the Pacific campaigns, the Japanese had learned that American pre-invasion bombing and bombardment were of limited value. The U.S. succeeded by forcing land battles that had high casualty rates but low casualty totals, relative to other battles in World War II, since these battles were comparatively small. This worked in the Gilberts, the Marianas and the Marshalls. What this proved, however, was that the U.S. would incur a high casualty rate in an invasion of Japan, which would require a substantially larger force.

The U.S. Navy suffered the greatest casualties due to the kamikazes. The Japanese strategy therefore focused on using the kamikazes to attack the Navy and on forcing battles of attrition by layering forces, including civilians, into the interior. Although this imposed catastrophic casualties on the Japanese  estimates say a quarter million died in Okinawa  American troops also suffered severe casualties.

The Japanese were betting on asymmetry of interest. They were fighting for their homeland and for a regime that was far from delegitimized. The Americans were fighting for an increasingly marginal goal  dismantling the Japanese regime. The Japanese believed that the U.S. would give up first and agree to a truce rather than requiring Japans unconditional surrender.

This was a reasonable assumption given that the United States most experienced troops were already exhausted from war in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany, and its most seasoned Marines had been fighting since Guadalcanal. If the U.S. did invade Japan, the troops that would be sent were the draftees from 1944 and 1945 who were inexperienced and not yet blooded. Instead, the U.S. hoped that bombing and submarine warfare would have forced capitulation.

It hadnt. Most cities were devastated, and the condition of the economy had reduced the country to penury. But the Japanese wouldnt capitulate. While they did send out peace feelers, they didnt include an offer to surrender  merely an offer to negotiate a settlement. The agreement among the Allies was that only unconditional surrender was acceptable, since the U.S. did not want a repeat of Versailles after World War I. They wanted to end Japanese expansion, and a prolonged negotiation would have exacerbated the ongoing bloodshed in China. Besides, Japan had already lost credibility with respect to peace negotiations, as it had previously been engaged in such talks while its fleet was preparing for Pearl Harbor. The argument for a negotiated settlement was not nearly as obvious then as it is now.

The Atomic Project

Still, the U.S. was caught in a bind. It couldnt afford the potential costs of invading, and it also couldnt accept anything less than total capitulation, which the Japanese werent willing to offer. It was this strategic situation that led to the use of atomic bombs. The atomic project was driven by German scientists and those who feared that Germany would develop a nuclear weapon. But the Germans didnt have the resources necessary to both define the concept and create the weapon; only the U.S. was capable of such a massive undertaking during the war. But the Americans were unaware of the limitations of the German program and therefore launched the Manhattan Project, the U.S program to develop an atomic bomb.

Years later, some would argue that the United States dropped the bomb to frighten the Soviets or keep them out of Japan. But the Soviets couldnt have invaded Japan anyway; they lacked the capability to send a massive number of troops there. The Soviets, moreover, already knew about the bomb, although the U.S. didnt realize that at the time. If the U.S. wanted to impress the Soviets, it had many ways to do it that didnt involve bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
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An 18-year-old girl was hacked to death in Rajasthan's Banswara. Police say it was a case of unrequited love. Here's what happened.

By India Today Web Desk: Vaishali Sharma, 18, had just cleared her Class 12 exams and preparing to take admission in a college for higher studies. Vaishali, a resident of Rajasthan's Banswara, had dreams of making it big in life. All was well till Wednesday (August 2).

It was a muggy afternoon on Wednesday. Vaishali was at her house in Agarpura Colony. She was helping the house maid with daily chores on the ground floor. Her father Pinkesh Sharma was on the second floor. Suddenly, Vaishali saw a man jumping the boundary wall of her house.

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HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED:

Vaishali saw her neighbour Jagdish jumping the boundary wall of her house and barged towards her. By the time she could react, Jagdish was at her. Jagdish held Vaishali and launched an unprovoked attack on her. She was stabbed multiple times on her neck. The maid tried to stop Jagdish but in vain. The man continued to attack the teenager in a fit of rage until she fell on the floor bleeding profusely. By the time Vaishali's handicapped father and her neighbours rushed to the spot Jagdish had fled. She was rushed to the hospital but it was too late. Vaishali was dead. The girl's relatives told the police that she had told them about Jagdish and his brother teasing her for the past few days. But her complaint was not taken seriously. The police launched a search operation to nab Jagdish who was later arrested in the evening. The accused refused to open his mouth initially. But later confessed to his crime and said that he was madly in love with Vaishali. Vaishali knew about Jagdish's feelings for her, however, never took him seriously. "If she couldn't be mine, I would not have allowed anyone to have her," Jagdish told the police while admitting to his crime.

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Mumbai: Girl stabbed to death by 22-year-old man on busy road

Delhi horror: Man stabs wife 25 times in front of son

WATCH: Caught on camera: Delhi woman stabbed 22 times by jilted lover

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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/05/2017



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

's fourth-season winner, Joshua Allen, is going to spend some time behind bars for domestic violence.After pleading no contest to domestic violence against an ex-girlfriend, Allen -- who won the Fox reality dance competition in 2008 -- was convicted of one felony count of willfully injuring a girlfriend and assault with a deadly weapon for two separate incidents, Deadline Hollywood reported.Allen was sentenced at Van Nuys Courthouse in California on Thursday to one year in jail.Allen will also reportedly have to serve five years of probation upon his jail release and undergo one year of domestic-violence counseling. The judge presiding over the case, Judge Michael Kellogg, additionally ordered Allen to stay away from the victim for 10 years or else face further imprisonment.The assault with a deadly weapon conviction stems from a June 19, 2016 incident in which the 28-year-old dancer allegedly attacked an ex-girlfriend and chased her into a coffee shop when she managed to escape his grasp.Once inside the shop, Allen reportedly got into a fight with a man trying to protect the woman and threw a glass vase at another female who intervened, according to Deadline Hollywood.Allen reportedly caused some damage in the shop until the Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey's office says he was "subdued by other good Samaritans."Allen previously assaulted the same ex-girlfriend on another occasion in April 2016, Deadline Hollywood reported.Allen's other run-in with the law in which he was convicted of "willfully injuring a girlfriend" occurred on January 13, 2016. At the time, he was actually dating the victim when he allegedly attempted to strangle her.When Allen was first charged in these matters in July 2016, he reportedly avoided a potential decade in prison.The alum has appeared in Step Up 3D in 2010, Footloose in 2011, and an episode of Dance Moms in 2015.is currently airing its 14th season, which features judges Vanessa Hudgens , Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe as well as 10 returning All-Star dancers.
As former USPresident Barack Obama turns a year older today, let's look at all the things the world misses about him.

By Mini Dixit, India Today Web Desk: It's been nearly a year since we saw the Obamas leave the White House. And while the Trumps have moved into the most important residence in the USA, they've been unable to make some space in our hearts, like Barack Obama and his family did.

Yet, Obama has given us enough memories to last a lifetime--something we will clearly be clinging on to for years to come.

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And as he turns a year older today (and his hair turn a little more grey), let's revel in six signature Obama-ish things we will absolutely miss about him.

His sense of humour:

Jokes about the size of his ears, him turning grey by the minute--as opposed to Michelle Obama only getting younger--and his popular high-waisted 'daddy jeans' might fade some day, but Barack Obama's reactions to the same never will.

Obama reading Mean Tweets. Picture courtesy: YouTube

One look at this Jimmy Kimmel Mean Tweets video and you'll know what we're talking about. Also, don't miss out on his reaction to Ellen DeGeneres breaking his Twitter record or for that matter, the video of him discussing his retirement plans with his buddy and Vice-President, Joe Biden.

His unadulterated love for Michelle Obama:

Theirs is literally our favourite love story ever. Even after years of exchanging vows, Michelle Obama and Barack Obama look so in love, it hurts; only in the will-we-ever-have-what-they-have kinda way, of course.

Michelle and Barack Obama redefine #CoupleGoals and how. Photo: Reuters

Him losing his chill around kids:

Ex-President Obama loses his chill around children the way children lose their chill around candies. No, really.

Obama around kids is the best kinda Obama. Picture courtesy: Facebook/The White House

His feelings about his children:

As if being the leader of the world's greatest superpower wasn't a huge deal, Ex-President Obama also shoulders the delicate responsibility of raising two wonderful daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama. He respects them, praises them and buys adorable sweaters for them every now and then.

His love for singing and dancing:

Mr Obama loves singing and dancing, and we love that! Don't believe us? Here's a video montage of him and Mrs Obama from their appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres over the years.

His speeches:

Since the day he took charge of the US Presidency, to the day when he left--and even after that, to be frank--Obama's speeches have had the perfect blend of humour and hardcore facts.

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Happy birthday, Mr Obama; we miss you!

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If you receive an email claiming to be from the income tax department that there's an outstanding tax demand that you need to pay immediately, don't get alarmed.

Get cautious, advises Tinesh Bhasin.

In all probability, that email is from cyber criminals, trying to trick you into revealing your bank account details.

Experts say there has been an exponential rise in such emails in the past month.

"Cyber criminals are sending these emails as it's the time when most people file returns and tax is on their minds," says Amarpal Chadha, tax partner and India mobility leader, EY.

His clients, says Chadha, have also received emails stating there is a refund pending with the I-T department and the recipient can claim it instantly.

These emails provide a link the receiver needs to click to pay the outstanding tax demand or get the refund.

Once an individual clicks on it, s/he is redirected to a Web page that looks similar to the I-T department's Web site.

The individual is asked to select her/his bank and is redirected to another fake bank Web site.

At this stage, as the victim tries to log into her/his bank account, cyber criminals capture sensitive details.

At times, the hackers are already aware of the bank account the taxpayer uses.

When the individual clicks on the link provided in the email, s/he is taken directly to a fake Web site of the bank.

Recognising such fraudulent emails is not difficult.

The first thing to look at is the email address.

The email might seem to be originating from incometaxindia.gov.in but many service providers, such as Gmail, inform the user if it actually originated from that Web site.

You will see such emails will have 'via' right after the email address, and then the name of the server.

This means the email was sent via another mail service.

The I-T department sends emails from the following IDs:

donotreply@incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in

intimations@cpc.gov.in

campaign@cpc.gov.in.

The fraudulent emails in circulation at present are from donotreply@incometaxindiafiling.gov.in. But some technologies can help scammers to send emails that seem to be from the official addresses.

If you happen to click on the link provided in the email, which takes you to the fake Web site of the bank or I-T department, check the address.

It will not be the same as your bank's or the I-T department's.

Whenever you are transacting online, check if the address starts with HTTPS, rather than HTTP.

It should also have a closed lock sign. This means the Web site is secure and verified.

The best way to cut risk is to use licensed antivirus software.

There is also a possibility that the email has an attachment instead of a link.

Do not download attachments as these could be spyware that could get installed on your computer.

Tax experts say the I-T department does not send out tax demands or refunds in July or August.

"If you receive an email this month or the next, that itself should be alarming. The authorities also don't ask you to provide bank details separately. Taxpayers have to give those details when filing returns," says Suresh Surana, founder of RSM Astute Consulting Group.

Fraudulent emails usually ask you to pay the outstanding demand immediately or state that you need to claim a refund within the next seven days.

"Any communication from the I-T department provides at least 30 days to the taxpayer," says Chadha.

He suggests that a tax payer always consult her/his chartered accountant on receiving a communication from the department, before acting on it.

The receiver can also contact the I-T department at its contact numbers to check if the email s/he has received is authentic.

The best option is to log into your e-filing account, where you can quickly check your refund or tax demand status.
Adding oomph to an ageing brand? When the first wrinkles appear, the search for the fountain of youth must begin!

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com.

Francois Mitterrand, president of France for two terms in the 1980s and 1990s, was the creator of Grands Projets.

It is an architectural programme to provide modern monuments in Paris symbolising Frances role in art, politics and economy. The best known among these is the redesign of the entrance to the Louvre.



The Louvre is the world's largest musuem. Home to 38,000 pieces of art, including, of course, the Mona Lisa, exhibited over nearly 73,000 square metres, it received 7.3 million visitors in 2016, the highest in the Western world. As an icon of Frances cultural pre-eminence, the Louvre is unique.

But back in the early 1980s, the Louvre reportedly faced a number of problems. Footfalls were poor. Its eight sections had an unbalanced distribution of visitors. Crucially, it had lost relevance to the youth.

If something wasnt done, this proud French icon could have become another faded relic of a long-lost past.



The Louvre rejuvenation committee made three brave and far-reaching choices. First, they appointed Chinese-American architect IM Pei to design the new entrance.

Second, they accepted Peis radical proposal to install a glass pyramid (and three smaller ones) in the Louvres forecourt.

Third, they implemented Peis proposals without compromise.

Unsurprisingly there was considerable consternation in the French cultural establishment: An American architect? Why not French? A pyramid? But thats Egyptian!



Significantly, Peis design is not only an aesthetic triumph, but also solved the Louvres problems: footfalls are up. The young now flock the museum. Visitor distribution is balanced, with the atrium below the pyramid influential in traffic management. The Louvres pyramid is a terrific example of adding oomph the right way.



Unilevers Lux is an example of what not to do.

Imprisoned by a drooping decades-old idea desperately in need of overhaul, Lux remains a soap. Meanwhile a vibrant luxury beauty category has blossomed around Lux.

Beware the fools gold of history. An archaeological dig will unearth ancient artefacts, but these may not help with the future. People change, tastes change, expectations change.



Tata famously brought commercial aviation to India, leading to what became Air India. Tata rightly and unemotionally dispensed with its unhelpful history when launching Vistara, and is much the better for it.



Another red herring is to look for new insights in the brands own category. This will deliver a poor catch, especially if the category is mature or overfished.

An Indian category in need of largescale brand revitalisation is our banks. Different logos, liveries and graphics do not make different brands when their products are similar, their branches are similar and their legions of apparatchiks similar.

How can they reverse age if they only look at others like themselves? The real answers need discontinuity and intuition. They lie outside banking in other and newer categories, in new needs and wants, in new personal and life aspirations.



Whats said about banks applies to other brands too. Tata Motors, for example, is a brand that is long overdue a transformative makeover.



Too many brand owners tinker or are timid. The fountain of brand youth is unlikely to be found in the backyard. It lies a daring adventure away. Why wait for the first wrinkle to appear? Why not make it an everyday journey?



Bharat Bambawale is a brand consultant and founder of Bharat Bambawale & Associates.
India today has accessed a copy of the Panchanama of the I-T department's search conducted at Shivakumar's residence. The document shows that no money or jewellery was found during the raid.

By Rohini Swamy: The Income Tax Department's search at Karnataka Energy minister DK Shivakumar's Sadashivnagar residence in Bengaluru has yielded nothing.

India today has accessed a copy of the Panchanama of the I-T department's search conducted at Shivakumar's residence.

The document shows that no money or jewellery was found during the search conducted at the residence on August 2. I-T officials continued the search for the second consecutive day ( August 3) as well. Current indications are that the search will continue for today as well.

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I-T sources, however, have said that the raids initiated at 36 properties have revealed approximately Rs 10 crore worth of unaccounted money. I-T sources have clarified that that the money so far confiscated is from different locations where the raids have been conducted.

Official figures of the amount seized are expected to be available only after the raids at various locations are completed, said one official.

The I-T department had shared photos of cash seized from the Safdarjung enclave residence of DK Shivakumar in Delhi on Wednesday.

D K Shivakumar is overseeing the stay of the 44 Congress MLAs who have been flown to Bengaluru from Gujarat to prevent the BJP from allegedly "poaching" on them.

ALSO READ:

IT Department raids Karnataka Energy minister, recovers cash

Income Tax raids on Karnataka minister, Rs 10 crore recovered: All you need to know in 10 points

WATCH:

Police seize Rs 5 crore from Karnataka Minister Shivakumar's Safdarjung residence in Delhi

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Murthys letter comes even as Sikka celebrates the completion of three years at the helm of Indias second largest software exporter.

Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthys concerns over governance lapses at the company have resurfaced.

Murthy has asked the company to make the recent Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher report public.

In a recent communication to the Infosys board, Murthy questioned why executives such as Ritika Suri - who was a member of the team that acquired Israeli firm Panaya - quit Infosys soon after the global law firm gave a clean chit.

Suri, a former colleague at SAP of Infosys chief executive officer Vishal Sikka, was head of corporate development and ventures, when the deal was signed in April 2015 and she quit the firm in June this year.

Since then, several executives have quit Infosys, including its Americas head Sandeep Dadlani, Anirban Dey, chief business officer of Edge products at EdgeVerve, and Yusuf Bashir, global head of Infys $500-million innovation fund.

The summary findings made public by Infosys in June had looked at the questionable severance payout made to former chief financial officer Rajiv Bansal, expenses incurred by Sikka and whistleblower complaints to market regulators Sebi and the US Securities and Exchange Commission over alleged improprieties in the $200-million acquisition of Panaya.

Murthy did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Infosys said in a response that the company did not plan to make the report public.

The investigation involved interviews of over 50 witnesses in India, the US, and elsewhere, the review of company policies, board minutes, public filings and internal documents, the collection, search and review by Gibson, Dunn attorneys of many thousands of internal emails and attachments, the use of forensic accounting experts to analyse technical and financial information, the review of public filings and media accounts in multiple countries, the review of the CAM reports and supporting documentation, and other investigative measures, said Infosys, pointing to the summary findings it released on its website in June.

A former senior executive of Infosys said the recent exits of senior executives who were involved in this particular transaction and a company such as Infosys no plan to make the report public raises more questions than answers.

Ever since Murthy made public his concerns on failing corporate governance public this year, Infosys has taken pains to address some of the questions, including changing policies that reflect better disclosure norms.

It has obliged Murthy by taking his nominee D N Prahlad on the board and elevated Ravi Venkatesan, an independent director, as a co-chairman and chairman R Seshasayee, making public that he would retire next year.

Murthys letter comes even as Sikka celebrates the completion of three years at the helm of Indias second largest software exporter. In a separate mail to employees on Thursday, Sikka emphasised the need to let go instead of holding on to the past without any reference to the ongoing tussle with Murthy.

Recently, when I turned 50, another anniversary, a great teacher of my life gave me a rare book of reflections by Hermann Hesse.

In it, I found this one gem: Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go, wrote Sikka, asking nearly 200,000 Infosys employees to think of the future.

The future is really a construction of now. A string of beautiful, momentous, nows. We live with an illusion of permanence, but all we really have is the now, with their beauty, their opportunity, their challenge, their ephemerality, he wrote to the employees.

Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI
The Indian arm is the second largest unit for the company, crosses 500 mn trips milestone

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com



Ride-hailing behemoth Uber on Thursday said it plans to double its base of drivers in India to one million by 2018.

The commitment comes amid the turmoil the companys headquarters is going through, including for the search of a new chief executive to replace founder Travis Kalanick.

Ubers India arm, the second-largest unit for the company after it sold off its China business to rival Didi, announced on Thursday that it had crossed the milestone of 500 million trips.

The company said it was witnessing a strong growth in India, with its business growing by almost 250 per cent year-on-year as of June.

Achieving new milestones and continuing our exponential growth journey is a reflection of a strong business we are building in India.

Im humbled at the pace at which Uber has grown and the impact we continue to make to the lives of our riders, driver partners and the cities we operate in, Amit Jain, president at Uber India, said in a statement on Thursday.

Uber kicked off its India business in August 2013 with just three employees and serving riders only in Bengaluru.

Today, the company says it has a team of over 1,000 people who run its business across 29 cities and develop features specifically for its Indian users.

While Uber says it is the largest ride-hailing service in India, its local rival Ola refutes the claim.

Uber claims it has over 450,000 registered drivers and five million weekly active riders on its platform.

Its rival Ola claims it has over 650,000 drivers, but spread across cabs, bikes, autos and buses.

While Uber talks of healthy double-digit growth of its service in India, a report by consulting firm RedSeer has recently pointed out that countrys ride-hailing market shrunk by five per cent in the first quarter of 2017.

Moreover, the drop in incentives being paid to drivers on Uber and Ola has led to a sizeable drop of available drivers on both platforms.

This has, however, not deterred driver unions. In Bengaluru, a group of 25,000 drivers, roughly a quarter of all partners attached to the two ride-hailing services in the city, have built an app of their own, with the backing of local political party Janta Dal (Secular).

The driver unions ride-hailing app in Bengaluru has said it would fix fares for rides starting at around Rs 12 per kilometer.

At that fare, they could end up undercutting the cost of Uber and Ola, which charge a rough average of Rs 15 per kilometer for a private cab.

Even the Indian government is now looking to enter the space.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had recently said that the government was looking to build its own ride-hailing app.

The feasibility of such services to rival Uber and Ola is questionable. It is largely being looked at as a way to gain political favour with the large bank of cab drivers in the country.

One of the indicators that people arent willing to pay higher fares comes from Uber itself.

The company claims that 25 per cent of all rides taken on its platform come from UberPOOL, its ride-sharing service that offers passengers trips at around half of what it would cost to book a private cab on its platform.
'If the nub of India's sensitivity over the Chinese presence in Doklam is the enhanced threat to the Siliguri Corridor, a vital link to the northeast, does it serve the national purpose to have the districts along it, and then much of the tribal northeast, in turmoil?' asks Shekhar Gupta.

IMAGE: Soldiers on the streets of Darjeeling after the indefinite bandh called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha demanding a separate Gorkhaland state.

Photograph: PTI Photo

The past few weeks have exposed us to an unknown strategic reality: The Chinese media.

Through this ongoing tussle in Doklam, it has continued to raise the alert levels to deeper shades of pink, now near-red.

An editorial in the State-run Global Times was intemperate, calling External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj 'a liar' and threatening war at many points across the frontier.

It says however well-prepared India may be, in the end China will win because it spends four times as much on defence (an understatement) and has five times the economy.

Nobody in India is quaking at these fulminations. My first instinct would have been to laugh.

My first reaction was also to ask why the Government of India was still keeping its own 'North Korean channels' (Arun Shourie's priceless description) in the barracks?

Just like the Chinese, our media is ready for the fight too, so unleash them. That would teach them a lesson.

The reason I wouldn't do so is simple. Our warrior media is privately-owned.

It merely takes the cue from the establishment and launches fake, politically loaded wars on enemies, internal (mostly imaginary) or external.

It does so because empty jingoism equals ratings and it's good to have a powerful government on your side.

This Indian media does not speak for the government, which has plenty of room to manoeuvre on policy.

The Chinese media, on the other hand, is State-owned. Beijing speaks through it. That's why you have to take notice of it.

You must never let it intimidate you, but you can't toss it with a laugh and switch channels.

For decades, China-watchers in Beijing, their old hangout Hong Kong and now across world capitals have micro-analysed commentaries in Chinese State media.

If you dissect the Global Times editorial line-by-line and separate the blustery chaff from substantive grain, a few things stand out.

One, that Doklam is a symbol, but the Chinese fulmination is over a larger, strategic issue.

They resent India continuing to pretend to be an Asian power and the only major country in the world to openly oppose and boycott its Belt and Road Initiative when even the United States, Japan and Australia, members of the quadrilateral with India, participated in deliberations over it.

Second, they are rising openly for proxy Pakistan.

Third, they are conveying a more arrogant message: You declare yourselves a big power too soon. You aren't in our league yet.

Because, besides a much smaller economy and military, you also have many chronic weaknesses you've failed to address.

China's irritation with the strengthening Japan-US-India axis is understandable, coming as it does in the week of the trilateral exercise Malabar.

India is delusional to count on Japanese and US help in the case of conflict, it says, because this help is 'illusory'.

But, to my mind, the most important line of the statement comes next: 'If India fancies the idea that it has a strategic card to play in the Indian Ocean, it could not be even more naive.'

'China does hold a lot of cards and can hit India's Achilles' heel, but India has no leverage at all to have a strategic showdown with China.'

Given how seriously the Chinese State media is taken for its diplomatic and strategic messaging, it is adept at weighing its words carefully.

But arrogance makes you slip up and give away what's on your mind. The reference to India's Achilles' heel is an example of this.

It is strategic messaging in anger and an alert India should wake up.

Does this mean China is threatening to get the Pakistanis to light up the Line of Control and the Kashmir valley? Some of that has already started.

Does it mean creating fresh anxieties across India's other borders, especially Nepal? The Chinese can do so at will, given how messed up India's Nepal policy currently is.

Does it mean more Chinese submarines bobbing in Chittagong, Sri Lankan and Pakistani ports?

Does it mean getting insurgencies in east-central India (Maoists) and the northeast, especially Nagaland and eastern Arunachal/Assam, activated again?

Could it be all of the above? Or more? Which should call for some introspection.

Right next to Sikkim, where the current trouble is located, Darjeeling has been burning for weeks now.

West Bengal, the state which governs Darjeeling, is in communal turmoil. It is more exaggerated than real, but situations like these can easily go out of control -- in fact they usually do.

The army, notably, had to be called out in recent weeks in Darjeeling.

In the middle of this, the Nagaland government has fallen and a new (more Bharatiya Janata Party-friendly) one has just been installed with the help of a friendly governor and defectors, upsetting a delicate inter-tribal balance of power and destabilising the ongoing -- but stalling -- peace negotiations as hostile groups gather strength.

Another front has opened up in the same region, with a group of Tripura tribals demanding a separate state and blocking the national highway.

If the nub of India's sensitivity over the Chinese presence in Doklam is the enhanced threat to the Siliguri Corridor, a vital link to the northeast, does it serve the national purpose to have the districts along it, and then much of the tribal northeast, in turmoil?

The Chinese have some leverage with the east-central Maoists, but they are much weakened already.

Pakistani allies can continue escalating Kashmir. But these may not be what they are calling our Achilles' heel.

It is closer to Doklam, in a wide semi-arc going deep north into Bengal districts abutting the Siliguri Corridor and eastwards into the fragile border states of the northeast.

How do you describe a situation where your Achilles' heel is actually your delicately placed jugular?

It's a strategic nightmare and that is what the Chinese have unwittingly reminded us of.

There are limits to what India can do to calm Kashmir and the LoC in the short run.

Sizable Indian forces, including several mountain divisions, will remain pinned down on the Pakistan frontiers.

Maoists can only be a nuisance, but too far and marginal to be a strategic liability.

West Bengal and the Northeast are different, particularly because the multiple ongoing crisis there are unnecessary and self-inflicted, a direct result of the BJP's relentless ambition to finally conquer the region.

It's a tap the BJP opened, and it can tighten it shut.

Politics will never go out of our lives, and a leader with the strength and authority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi can wait. He should firmly order a break in hostilities on these internal fronts.

Political instability in Nagaland now, the Darjeeling agitation and this utter shocker of a tribal uprising in Tripura -- by far the most peaceful state in the region, only one with Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act withdrawn from all districts -- all have his party's political fingerprints.

He must tether his interventionist governors, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh commandoes and special forces should be called back to the barracks, for now.

There is a much stronger enemy at the gates. It has even alerted you to vulnerabilities of your own creation.

Take advantage of that arrogant indiscretion and put your own house in order.

The party's conquest of the Northeast can be resumed later.
IMAGE: J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Kumar Singh, the Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen J S Sandhu along with officials and security forces personnel paying tributes to Major Kamlesh Pandey, martyred in Shopian encounter, at a solemn ceremony at BB Cantt in Srinagar on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo



The last rites of Major Kamlesh Pandey, killed by terrorists during a search operation in Shopian district of Kashmir, was held with full military honours near Haldwani in Uttarakhand on Friday, where his parents stay.

The funeral pyre was lit by Major Pandeys younger brother.

Chants of Vande Mataram and Hindustan Zindabad rend the air as a large number of people watched his mortal remains being consigned to flames at Chitrashila Ghat, Ranibag near Haldwani.

Father of Major Pandey exhorted India to wage a full-fledged war against Pakistan.

Mohan Chandra Pandey, who is himself a retired army officer, said that Pakistan is responsible for the death of his son and demanded that a war against Pakistan is needed to put an end to all the violence.

Speaking to media before the last rites of his son, Pandey said, Only a full-fledged war against Pakistan will put an end to this. There is no other option other than war. Only a war can ensure 15-20 years of peace.

State minister Yashpal Arya, Haldwani District Magistrate Dipendra Chowdhary and Senior Superintendent of Police Janmenjay Khanduri were among those who attended the last rites.

Major Pandey, Sepoys Tanzin Chhultim and Kirpal Singh were injured in the firing by terrorists at Zainapora in Shopian district during a cordon and search operation launched by security forces on Thursday.

The injured soldiers were evacuated to the Army's 92 Base Hospital Srinagar for treatment but Major Pandey and Sepoy Chhultim succumbed to injuries.

With inputs from ANI
A special court on Friday allowed the National Investigation Agency to continue with the custodial interrogation of the son-in-law of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and three others for 10 more days in a terror funding case.

Besides Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah, popularly known as Altaf Fantoosh, the court sent Peer Saifullah, Mehrajuddin Kalwal and Nayeem Khan to the agency's custody.

The NIA sought 12 days of custody, saying they were required to be confronted with each other and with the evidences gathered in the case.

The agency had arrested seven persons on July 24 in the case of alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley to fuel unrest.

The other three separatist leaders -- Shahid-ul-Islam, Farooq Ahmed Dar and Mohamad Akbar Khanday -- were sent to the judicial custody till September 1 after the NIA told Special Judge O P Saini that they were not required for further interrogation.

Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, appearing for the probe agency, said that Fantoosh and three others were required to be taken to distant places in the Valley in connection with the probe.

A lawyer associated with the case said that during an in-chamber proceedings, the NIA also requested the court to put its remand application in a sealed cover as it contained various sensitive informations, which was allowed by the court till next date of hearing.

The agency had earlier told the court that it had received information that Hafiz Saeed, head of Jamat-ul-Dawah, and separatists, including members of Hurriyat Conference, had been acting in connivance with banned outfits like Hizb-ul- Muzahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Dukhtaran-e-Millat and others to raise and receive funds from inside and abroad through illegal channels, including hawala.

The money was being raised to fund separatist and terror activities in restive Jammu and Kashmir, it had said, alleging that the accused were waging war against the country and they were involved in various offences punishable under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

It added that the accused were involved in creating unrest by way of anti-India demonstrations and bandhs, which were done on their and others' instructions.

Advocate Rajat Kumar, appearing for the accused persons, however, had claimed that they were falsely implicated and they have been cooperating in the probe which has been going on for the past one month.

Shah was in the custody of Jammu and Kashmir Police, which had put him under preventive detention immediately after Eid last month.

Geelani's close aides Tehreek-e-Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar and Peer Saifullah were arrested by the NIA from the valley.

Shahid-ul-Islam is the spokesman of the moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq.

Hafeez Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of the JuD, the front of the banned Lashkar-e-Tayiba, has been named in the FIR as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference, Hizbul Mujahideen and Dukhtaran-e-Milat.

The houses of those arrested had been raided by NIA sleuths last month.

The raids were part of the NIA's efforts at clamping down on separatist groups allegedly receiving funds for subversive activities in the valley.

The NIA had claimed that it recovered account books, Rs 2 crore in cash and letterheads of banned terror groups, including of the LeT and the HM, during the raids.
A fire ripped through one of the worlds tallest residential towers in Dubai on Friday, the latest in a series of fires in tall structures in the United Arab Emirates.

IMAGE: Flames could be seen shooting out from the sides of the building and glass and debris rained down from the skyscraper. Photograph: Reuters

Flames shot up the sides of the Torch tower in the second blaze to hit the high-rise since 2015, forcing hundreds of occupants to flee as burning debris showered down the sides of the 1,105 foot (337 metre)-tall, 79-storey structure.

Burning debris could be seen spiralling down to the ground below as firefighters desperately tackled the blaze.

The same skyscraper was devastated by fire in 2015 and the buildings flammable cladding, which was similar to that used in Grenfell Tower in the United Kingdom, was blamed for fuelling the flames.

Horrified Dubai residents and tourists shared photos and videos of the flaming debris falling from the building.

Twitter user Ernesto Che Guevara said: If you are in there get out! Its spreading rapidly up the building.

IMAGE: Firefighters were at the spot to tackle the blaze as burning debris showered down the sides of the 79-storey structure. Photograph: @Mammad_ElShabazz/Twitter

Rob Shepherd tweeted: Another major fire just broken out at Torch Tower Dubai friends and relatives just escaping now.

Cara Spillane added: Terrifying to see Torch Tower, in the area I live in on fire now. Hope everyone gets out OK.

The Dubai Media Office confirmed the civil defence was tackling the fire and no injuries had yet been reported.

A spokesman said: Firefighting squads from four civil defence stations have been deployed to bring the fire under control and ensure safety of residents.

IMAGE: Dubai Emergency Response teams and Dubai police are seen on the street near Dubai's Torch tower residential building in the Marina district, Dubai. Photograph: Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters

Dubai Police Commander in Chief & Dubai Civil Defence Director General are on site following measures to control the fire at the Torch Tower. No injuries have been reported so far. Dubai Police will be handling inquiries related to the fire and those affected by it through the emergency number.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but civil defence officials said they had successfully evacuated the building and were investigating.

The Torch Tower is the fifth tallest residential building in the world and stands at more than 330 metre (1,105 ft).

It became the tallest residential building in the world in 2011 but lost the record the following year to the neighbouring Princess Tower.
By PTI: Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 4 (PTI) The CPI(M) today accused the BJP and the RSS of trying to destabilise the LDF government in Kerala by unleashing "false propaganda" about political violence to damage the Left partys image.

Talking to reporters here after a state committee meeting that reviewed the latest political situation, CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan charged the saffron party with "unleashing planned violence" in the state since the LDF government came to power last year.

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He also alleged the violence was part of an "agenda" of BJP president Amit Shah to "destroy" the strongholds of the CPI(M) in the state.

Referring to the scheduled visit of Union minister Arun Jaitley to the house of a slain RSS worker here on August 6, besides families of BJP-RSS workers whose homes were attacked, he said the "false propaganda" by BJP national leaders, including Jaitley, was to "cover up" the attacks against CPI (M)cadres by the saffron party activists.

Balakrishnan said imposing the Presidents rule in Kerala would remain a daydream of the RSS.

"The objective of BJP-RSS is to destabilise the state government...They are unleashing false propaganda that political violence is increasing in the state to taint the image of CPI(M) at the national level," he said.

Balakrishnan said if any state government is to be dissolved in the name of murders, it should first be the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, "where an average of 4,000 murders are reported annually".

"The rate of murders is lower in Kerala compared to many other states. So if they (Centre) wants to dissolve any state (government) in the name of murders, they should dissolve governments in UP, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan before Kerala," he said.

On the demand of some BJP leaders for imposing Presidents rule, he said the saffron party would lose its lone seat also in the next assembly elections if it happens.

"There is no need for us to be scared of such propaganda as long as we have public support....BJPs lone MLA O Rajagopal will also lose his seat. That is what is going to happen," he said.

Balakrishnan alleged it was RSS that kicked off violence against CPI(M) cadres on the very day the assembly election results were announced in May 2016.

As many as 13 CPI(M) workers had been killed and over 200 party members and sympathisers attacked in various incidents by BJP-RSS activists in the last one year, he alleged.

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Several party offices and workers houses were also attacked by them, he added.

Referring to the peace talk initiative launched by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, he said the state committee decided to extend full support to restore a peaceful political climate, which is essential for the development of the state.

On the controversy over summoning of the Chief Minister by the Governor in the wake of the political violence in the state, he said the party did not see any fault in the move.

However, Governor P Sathasivam should have avoided tweeting on this matter after the meeting, which had triggered criticism from many quarters, he said.

Balakrishnan said there is an attempt by the Congress and the BJP to spoil the good relations between the government and the Governor.

"The CPI(M) is not going to fall in their trap," he said.

Meanwhile, BJP state unit President Kummanam Rajasekharan alleged the CPI(M) was indulging in false propaganda against the party and RSS.

"This will only help sabotage the peace process, which is now on," he said.

Rajasekharan, however, made it clear that the BJP would fully cooperate with all efforts to maintain peace. PTI LGK JRK APR TIR

--- ENDS ---

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Azerbaijan: Requirements and procedures for individuals born in the country in the late 1970s to obtain citizenship, if they departed the country in the early 1990s (2015-November 2016)

Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 25 November 2016 Citation / Document Symbol AZE105680.E Related Document(s) Azerbaidjan : information sur les exigences et les procedures pour qu'une personne nee au pays a la fin des annees 1970 obtienne la citoyennete si elle a quitte le pays au debut des annees 1990 (2015-novembre 2016) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Azerbaijan: Requirements and procedures for individuals born in the country in the late 1970s to obtain citizenship, if they departed the country in the early 1990s (2015-November 2016), 25 November 2016, AZE105680.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5984385e4.html [accessed 13 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.

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

The Law on Citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic was enacted in 1998 and amended in 2014 (Azerbaijan 1998, 9; ODIHR n.d.). An unofficial translation of the law is attached to this Response.

Article 5 of the Law on Citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic provides the following regarding "Affiliation to the Citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic":

The following persons shall be considered citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic:

Persons who had citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic by the day of enactment of this Law provided that they have been registered in a place of residence in the Azerbaijan Republic up to the day of entry into force of this Law. [emphasis in the original] Persons who are not citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic or other state and had a registered residence in the Azerbaijan Republic by January 1, 1992; Refugees who have been settled in the territory of the Azerbaijan Republic from January 1, 1988 until January 1, 1992; Persons who obtained the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic in accordance with this Law. Affiliation to the citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall be determined by the relevant executive body. The rules for determination of person's affiliation to the citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall be adopted by the relevant executive body [emphasis in the original]

Persons envisaged in Paragraph 2 of the first part of this Article may acquire the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic in case if they applied for citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic within one year from the day of enactment of this Law.

In accordance with Paragraph 3 of the first part of this Article, refugees who obtained the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic shall not lose their right to return to the countries they left. Privileges provided for internally displaced people by the legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic shall also apply to these persons. (Azerbaijan 1998)

In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a lawyer for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Baku, who is also a consultant for this organization, stated the following regarding the rights, requirements and procedures to obtain the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic for a person who never officially registered as a citizen:

In this case, regulation will be in the framework of the Law of Azerbaijan Republic Article 5, paragraph 2. According to this paragraph persons who were not citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan or of other states by January 1, 1992, but were registered in the Republic of Azerbaijan can be considered citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan: There is one issue, that such [a] person can be granted with the citizenship only if he/she applied for citizenship before 30.09.1999 [within one year of the enactment of the citizenship law of 30 September 1998]. (Lawyer 22 Nov. 2016)

The IOM lawyer in Baku also indicated that if a person left Azerbaijan as a minor and was granted citizenship of another country, the "general rules (the same as foreigners)" are applicable regarding citizenship, as set out in Article 14 of the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan (22 Nov. 2016). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

Article 14 of the Law on Citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic provides the following regarding "Admission to the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic":

A foreigner or a stateless person who legally resides on the territory of the Azerbaijan Republic uninterruptedly and permanently for the last 5 years, who has legal source of income and undertakes to abide by the Constitution and Azerbaijani legislation, as well submits a document certifying his/her knowledge of the state language, may be admitted to the citizenship of the Azerbaijan republic upon his/her own application consistent with this Law, regardless of his/her origin, social and property status , race and nationality, sex, educational background, language, religious views, political and other convictions.

The term of permanent residence on the territory of Azerbaijan Republic of foreigner or stateless person is being calculated from the date of issuance of permanent residence permit in established order.

The term of uninterrupted stay on the territory of Azerbaijan Republic is recognized to be uninterrupted only if person has been outside Azerbaijan for not more than 3 months in a year.

Foreigners and stateless persons can be admitted to the citizenship of Azerbaijan Republic regardless of the term indicated in the first part of this article in the following cases:

possession of high achievements in the sphere of science, technics, culture or sport; in exceptional cases, if persons represents special interest for the Republic of Azerbaijan

In these cases, the relevance of admittance of foreigners and stateless persons to the citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan is being substantiated by the appropriate body of executive power.

Person who has rendered great service for Azerbaijan Republic can be admitted to the citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan regardless of the conditions stipulated in the part 1 of this article.

If a person applying for the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic calls for forcible change in the state structure set by the Constitution of the Azerbaijan Republic, for disturbing its territorial integrity; performs activities that cause damage to state security, public order, the health and morality of the population; propagandizes racial, religious and national hatred; has relations with terrorist activities, then such application for citizenship shall be rejected.

Decision on admission to the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic shall be adopted in accordance with Article 109 of Paragraph 20, of the Constitution of the Azerbaijan Republic.

A person applying for the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic shall pay official fee in a manner and amount determined by the legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic. (Azerbaijan 1998, emphasis in the original)

In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a Partner at Caspian Legal Center, an Azerbaijani law firm that offers, among other services, legal support in immigration to Azerbaijan, explained that, regarding obtaining citizenship by birth, the July 2014 amendments to the Law on Citizenship introduced conditions to citizenship under Article 11, namely that "a person born in Azerbaijan may only be conferred citizenship if one of his/her parents is Azerbaijani citizen" (Partner 16 Nov. 2016). According to the same source, this requirement about the citizenship of a parent would not be applied retrospectively if a person was born before 1 July 2014 (ibid.). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

Articles 11 and 12 of the Law on Citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic provide the following:

Article 11. Grounds for acquisition of the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic

A person shall obtain the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic in the following cases:

by birth in the territory of the Azerbaijan Republic (except for cases envisaged in parts 1 and 2 of article 12 of the present Law) or being born by a citizen of the Azerbaijan Republic; by admission to the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic; by grounds foreseen under the international treaties of the Azerbaijan Republic; by other grounds foreseen under this Law.

Article 12. Citizenship of children of foreigners and stateless persons born in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan

A child born in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan both parents of whom are foreigners shall not be a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A child born in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan one parent of whom is a foreigner and the other one is a stateless person shall not be a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A child born in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan both parents of whom are stateless persons shall be a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan." (Azerbaijan 1998)

Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers approved the "Rules for establishment of the citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan" on 18 March 2015 (Azerbaijan 13 Mar. 2016; ABC.AZ 10 Apr. 2015; Partner 16 Nov. 2016). An article posted on the website of the State Migration Service states that

 Item 4.3 of the Rules [for establishment of the citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan] envisages such a significant provision that in case the absence of registration upon place of residence of persons, who were citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan (or SSR [Soviet Socialist Republic] of Azerbaijan) until the date when the Law "On citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan" came into force (until October 7, 1998) and have not left the territory of the country, results in their statelessness, then their affiliation to citizenship of Azerbaijan is recognized. (Azerbaijan 13 Mar. 2016)

The Partner at Caspian Legal Center explained the following:

The Law on [C]itizenship does not expressly regulate the situation where both parties have renounced their citizenship before their child obtains citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This law specifies that where a child's parent renounces Azerbaijani citizenship, the Azerbaijani citizenship of the child may be kept [as Azerbaijani] or the child may change the citizenship with the approval of the other parent. However, the Rules on the Determination of a Person's Belonging to Azerbaijani citizenship  specifics situation[s] where the citizenship may be recognized. One of these situations is where the parents of the child have renounced their Azerbaijani citizenship. This is one of the grounds to submit [an] application for the determination of belonging to Azerbaijani citizenship. Under Article 4.1.1. of the said Rules [for establishment of the citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan], in this case, the child's belonging to Azerbaijani citizenship may be recognized when one of the parents of the child continues to be Azerbaijani citizen. Since the Law on Citizenship and the Rules regulate qualification for citizenship and recognition of belonging to Azerbaijani citizenship via administrative procedure, it may be concluded that any other situation not expressly specified as the ground for recognition of belonging to Azerbaijani citizenship is considered as ground for refusal. Therefore, from this perspective the situation where both parents have renounced the citizenship may be refused from recognition. This specific administrative procedure is applicable in cases where the person generally qualifies for the citizenship, but has not obtained any document confirming the citizenship (domestic ID or national passport). (16 Nov. 2016.)

Similarly, a 2015 article about the Rules for establishment of the citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which was published on ABC.AZ, an Azerbaijani business information and news portal (ABZ.AZ n.d.), indicates the following:

[c]itizenship should be established in the case [that the] person's documents are absent of authenticity [or] [sic] the authenticity of such documents is questionable. Establishment of citizenship can be based on the following facts: a person was a citizen of Azerbaijan (or Azerbaijan SSR) before the law 'on Azerbaijan citizenship' came into force (before October 7 19[9]8); a person was born at the territory of Azerbaijan; both parents of a person are citizens of Azerbaijan; only one parent is a citizen of Azerbaijan; one or both parents [changed to] Azerbaijan citizenship or [renounced] it; one of parents adopted a foreign child or a child without citizenship: a person is a forced migrant (from January 1, 1988 until January 1, 1992), parents of a child living at the territory of Azerbaijan are not known. (ibid. 10 Apr. 2015)

The Migration Policy Centre (MPC) [1], a centre co-financed by the European Union that "conducts advanced policy-oriented research on global migration, asylum and mobility" (MPC n.d.), states, in a 2013 Migration Profile report on Azerbaijan, that

[t]he Law 'On State Policy Concerning Citizens Residing Abroad' provides the definition of a citizen residing abroad: citizens of AR [Azerbaijan Republic] and their children, former USSR citizens or former citizens of Azerbaijan and their children. This Law stipulates that residence of an AR citizen in another country shall not serve as a pretext for termination of his or her citizenship. (ibid. June 2013, 12)

Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

The State Migration Service's website states that "a person who desires to obtain citizenship  should apply with the application form addressed to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan" and that "documents required for the acquisition of citizenship of Azerbaijan by foreign and stateless persons" are attached to the application (Azerbaijan n.d.). The same source lists the documents required as:

four photos sized 3x4 cm;

reference from the place of residence on family members;

receipt certifying payment of the state fee;

reference from the place of residence on living last five years in the Republic of Azerbaijan;

reference from the Ministry of Education about knowledge on official language of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

copy of the permission card for permanent residence in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

copy of the identity document;

document certifying existence of legal source of income (one of the following documents: reference from work place, reference on getting pension, grant or social assistant, reference from tax collecting body on income of physical persons, reference on receipt of alimony, inheritance certificate, etc);

for highly qualified specialists in the fields of science, technology, culture or sport stipulated in 1st item of the fourth paragraph of Article 14th of Azerbaijani Republic Law "On citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan", justified application of state body inviting him/her to Azerbaijan Republic. (Azerbaijan n.d.)

The same website also provides a list of "documents required for the establishment of [a] person's citizenship" (ibid.). The source states that "[u]pon individual request of the person, the following documents are attached to the relevant application form" (ibid.):

Two photos sized 3x4 cm;

Autobiography;

In relation to the persons envisaged in Item 2.2.1 of "Rules on establishment of person's citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan" document issued by the Ministry of Interior Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan on registration upon place of residence in the Republic of Azerbaijan until the date of entry into force of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan" (with date of registration upon place of residence and deregistration indicated);

copy of the passport or other identity document (in case this document is not available, relevant document which indicates such information);

copy of the birth certificate (in case this document is not available, relevant document which indicates such information);

copy of the identity documents of the minor's parents;

in case the person is a refugee resided in the Republic of Azerbaijan from January 1, 1988 till January 1, 1992, copy of the relevant certifying document about the case (in case this document is not available, relevant document which indicates such information);

in case of adoption, copy of the document on adoption of the foreign or stateless child (in case this document is not available, relevant document which indicates such information);

in cases envisaged in Item 4.2 of "Rules on establishment of person's citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan", relevant statements of consent;

if the person, envisaged in Item 2.1 of "Rules on establishment of person's citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan", was born in the territory of another state (except the person whose birth has been officially registered by the Republic of Azerbaijan) or one of his/her parents is a citizen of another state or that person has lived in other states, copy of the document confirming that he/she is not a citizen of that state. (ibid.)

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Note

[1] The Migration Policy Centre is part of the Robert Schuman Centre at the European University Institute (EUI 1 Apr. 2016).

References

ABC.AZ. 10 April 2015. "Rules for Establishment of Nationality Adopted in Azerbaijan." [Accessed 7 Nov. 2016]

ABZ.AZ. N.d. "About Us." [Accessed 24 Nov. 2016]

Azerbaijan. 13 March 2016. State Migration Service. "Eradication of Statelessness as a Priority of State Migration Service." [Accessed 7 Nov. 2016]

Azerbaijan. 1998 (amended 2014). The Law of the Azerbaijan Republic on Citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic. [Accessed 28 Oct. 2016]

Azerbaijan. N.d. State Migration Service. "Required Documents." [Accessed 7 Nov. 2016]

Lawyer, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Azerbaijan. 22 November 2016. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

European University Institute (EUI). 1 April 2016. "Research Themes." [Accessed 14 Nov. 2016]

Migration Policy Centre (MPC). June 2013. MPC Migration Profile - Azerbaijan. [Accessed 7 Nov. 2016]

Migration Policy Centre (MPC). N.d. "About." [Accessed 14 Nov. 2016]

Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), a specialized institution of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). N.d. Legislationline. 2016. "Azerbaijan Citizenship." [Accessed 31 Oct. 2016]

Partner, Caspian Legal Center, Azerbaijan. 16 November. 2016. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Azerbaijan - Embassies in Ottawa, London, and Washington, DC, Ministry of International Affairs, State Migration Service; Center for Legal Assistance to Migrants; Forum of Azeri NGOs on Migration "FANGOM"; Legal Education Society; Society for Humanitarian Research; Three law firms in Azerbaijan; UN - UNHCR Canada.

Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; Azerbaijan - Ministry of International Affairs; Council of Europe; ecoi.net; Factiva; Human Rights Watch; UN - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Refworld; US - Department of State.

Attachment

Azerbaijan. 1998 (amended 2014). The Law of the Azerbaijan Republic on Citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic. [Accessed 28 Oct. 2016]
By PTI: Mumbai, Aug 4 (PTI) The body of one of the two revellers who died after falling into a 600-foot deep valley in Amboli Ghat in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra was today recovered.

A video of their fall had gone viral on social media, even as rescue teams were trying to locate the bodies for the last four days.

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The incident took place at Kawale Saad Point in Amboli Ghat, a popular picnic point.

Imran Garadi (26) and Pratap Rathod (21), who were part of a group of seven, fell into the valley on July 31, said Sunil Dhanawade, Senior Police Inspector of Sawantwadi police station.

As the rain and mist made it difficult to retrieve the bodies, police roped in some trekkers for recovery operation.

The body of Pratap Rathod who hailed from Beed was recovered at around 1 pm today, police said.

The two victims and their friends worked at a poultry farm in Kolhapur. On July 31, while others left the Kawale Saad Point after spending some time, Garadi and Rathod lingered. When they didnt join the group, their friends approached Sawantwadi police.

Police found out about the mishap from local people.

The viral video shows the two men, bottles in hand, climbing the railing around the edge of the valley and backtracking once or twice. Then the two are seen standing on the edge, beyond the railing, and slipping down. PTI DC VT KRK

--- ENDS ---
Democratic Republic of Congo: Situation of people returning to the country after they either spent time abroad, claimed refugee status, or were seeking asylum (2015-July 2017)

Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 10 July 2017 Citation / Document Symbol COD105818.FE Related Document(s) Republique democratique du Congo : information sur la situation des personnes qui retournent au pays apres avoir reside a l'etranger, demande le statut de refugie ou cherche a obtenir l'asile (2015-juillet 2017) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo: Situation of people returning to the country after they either spent time abroad, claimed refugee status, or were seeking asylum (2015-July 2017), 10 July 2017, COD105818.FE, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598439e54.html [accessed 13 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.

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

Current information about the situation of people returning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

1. Treatment of People Returning to the DRC

A document published in May 2015 by the International Refugee Rights Initiative (IRRI), an NGO that works to address the causes of conflict-related displacement and ensure respect for the rights of those forced to leave their homes (IRRI 2011) by providing research data on the risks faced by failed refugee claimants in 22 countries, includes the DRC in the list of countries where the practices of the authorities create "return-related risks" (IRRI May 2015, 4).

On the basis of information obtained on 10 December 2014, the September 2015 Country Information and Guidance of the UK Home Office cites a Kinshasa-based human rights organization as stating that the Congolese who return to the DRC are met by the Migration Directorate (Direction generale de migration, DGM) and interviewed by the DGM and the National Intelligence Agency (Agence nationale de renseignements, ANR) (UK Sept. 2015, 44). According to the same organization quoted by this source, the returnees interviewed by the authorities reported that they were questioned as to what they were doing when they were overseas, how long they were overseas, and why they were expelled from that country (UK Sept. 2015, 44-45). The same source indicates that DGM and ANR officers "on occasion" will ask them for money or clothing (UK Sept. 2015, 44-45). Similarly, a 2 June 2015 ruling by the UK Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber quotes the 13 February 2015 expert opinion prepared by Amnesty International for the case, which states the following:

A person is likely to be interviewed by immigration officials on return [to the DRC].  [I]in view of the level of corruption and arbitrary conduct [of the Congolese authorities] , Amnesty considers there to be a possibility that a person may be detained and/or potentially mistreated in such a context, either for the private gain of the officers concerned or as part of the authority's wider law enforcement or political agenda. (UK 2 June 2015, para. 24-27).

The September 2015 UK Home Office Country Guidance indicates that an official source at the Belgian embassy in Kinshasa, who monitored the repatriation of 23 Congolese from Belgium and deals with migration issues in the DRC, stated on 18 November 2014 that the DRC authorities are not interested in people involved in "low level" political activities, but rather in a group described by the source as "combatants", that is to say a Congolese diaspora movement active in Belgium, France, and the UK (UK September 2015, 41). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

1. 1 Refugees and Failed Refugee Claimants Who Return to the DRC

A February 2014 article in The Observer, a weekly newspaper published by the Guardian Media Group (The Guardian 6 June 2002), reports that a "top secret" document from the DRC Ministry of the Interior and circulated to senior officials in the ANR, the police and the DGM "instructs" security chiefs to track down and arrest opponents of the government, including members of the main opposition party, Union for Democracy and Social Progress (Union pour la democratie et le progress social, UDPS), and suggests torture could be used with "'discretion'" (The Observer 15 Feb. 2014). The same source reports that emphasis is placed on targeting political activists living in the UK and other parts of Europe who are deported to Kinshasa (The Observer 15 Feb. 2014). According to the same source, the document states, "'Above all, be on the lookout for the return to the country (of combatants) by refoulement' (a term referring to the expulsion of persons who have the rights to be recognised as refugees)" (The Observer 15 Feb. 2014). The article continues:

The document then states: "The treatment reserved for these people is clear: torture and other things must be done with the greatest discretion. These orders must be carried out flawlessly."



The document passed to the Observer urges police, immigration and secret service officials to be on the lookout for asylum seekers who have been forcibly returned at the different border posts in Kinshasa, including Ndjili airport, Ngobila Beach on the border between Congo and Congo Brazzaville, and other secret entry points along the river which borders the two countries. (The Observer 15 Feb. 2014)

The Observer considers this document as "apparent confirmation that returnees from the UK could be tortured" (The Observer 15 Feb. 2014). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

Jeune Afrique reportes that three Congolese who claimed refugee protection in the Netherlands and were deported to the DRC were [translation] "taken into custody" by the police upon their arrival in the DRC on 7 July 2014, and taken to the Ndolo military prison even though the Dutch justices "deemed that the DRC had provided adequate guarantees as to their safety" (Jeune Afrique 7 July 2014). The same source states that the three Congolese citizens [translation] "feared for their lives after incriminating the President of the DRC, Joseph Kabila, with their testimony" at the International Criminal Court in 2011 (Jeune Afrique 7 July 2014). According to the same source, the Congolese authorities stated that [translation] "the three men have nothing to fear in their own country" (Jeune Afrique 7 July 2014).

Aa March 2015 article in La Presse reports that the President of the Congolese Community of Montreal (Communaute congolaise de Montreal) stated that he had not heard from a Congolese man [translation] "deported" to the DRC who was arrested "as soon as he arrived at Kinshasa airport" and then incarcerated (La Presse 26 Mar. 2015). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

The Guardian. 6 June 2002. "History of the Observer." [Accessed 28 June 2017]

International Refugee Rights Initiative (IRRI). May 2015. Maybritt Jill Alpes, Charlotte Blondel, Marie Conciatori, Nausicaa Preiss, Meritxell Sayos Monras, Suzanne Seiller, Janine Uhlmannsiek. "Post-Deportation Risks: Criminalized Departure and Risks for Returnees in Countries of Origin." [Accessed 19 June 2017]

International Refugee Rights Initiative (IRRI). 2011. "Who We Are." [Accessed 20 June 2017]

Jeune Afrique. 7 July 2014. "Justice internationale - CPI : trois temoins du proces de Germain Katanga expulses vers la RDC." (Factiva) [Accessed 21 June 2017]

The Observer. 15 February 2015. Diane Taylor and Mark Townsend. "Congolese Asylum Seekers Face 'Torture with Discretion' After Removal from UK." [Accessed 21 June 2017]

La Presse. 26 March 2015. Gabrielle Duchaine. "Si je rentre au Congo, on m'envoie a la mort." [Accessed 19 June 2017]

United Kingdom (UK). September 2015. Home Office. Country Information and Guidance. Democratic Republic of Congo: Treatment on Return. [Accessed 20 June 2017]

United Kingdom (UK). 2 June 2015. Upper Tribunal. Immigration and Asylum Chamber. BM and Others (Returnees - Criminal and Non-criminal). [Accessed 27 June 2016]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Les amis de Nelson Mandela pour la defense des droits humains; Association africaine de defense des droits de l'homme; International Organization for Migration; researcher specializing in migration to the DRC.

Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; ecoi.net; Electronic Immigration Network; Forced Migration Review; Freedom House; Human Rights Watch; Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre; International Refugee Rights Initiative; Le Phare; Le Potentiel; Radio Okapi; United Nations - Refworld, High Commissioner for Refugees; United States - Department of State.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Prison conditions in Kinshasa, including the treament of prisoners (2015June 2017)

Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 28 June 2017 Citation / Document Symbol COD105817.FE Related Document(s) Republique democratique du Congo : information sur les conditions carcerales a Kinshasa, y compris le traitement des prisonniers (2015-juin 2017) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Prison conditions in Kinshasa, including the treament of prisoners (2015June 2017), 28 June 2017, COD105817.FE, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59843b394.html [accessed 13 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.

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

In its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016, the US Department of State reports that conditions in "most prisons" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are "harsh and life threatening" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 4). In its Freedom in the World 2017 report, Freedom House also reports that prison conditions in the DRC are "life threatening" (Freedom House 2017). According to Country Reports 2016, "most" prisons in the DRC experience food shortages and "gross overcrowding," while sanitary conditions and medical care are "inadequate" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 4). In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a representative of the Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace (BCFP)[1], a human rights NGO located in Kinshasa (Radio Okapi 21 Oct. 2015), described detention conditions in Kinshasa as [translation] "subhuman" (BCFP 3 June 2017). Sources indicate that there are two official prisons in Kinshasa: the central Makala prison and the Ndolo military prison (BCFP 3 June 2017; VSV 15 June 2017).

Sources report that the Makala prison, which has a capacity of 1,500 inmates, currently houses approximately 8,000 inmates (US 3 Mar. 2017, 4-5; Le Monde 18 May 18 2017) or 8,220 inmates (BCFP, 7 June 2017, 1). In contrast, an article published in Le Monde in 2017 states that an [translation] "informal" official affirmed that the Makala prison housed 3,366 inmates (Le Monde 18 May 2017). In a January 2016 article, Radio Okapi, the UN radio in the DRC (Radio Okapi 22 Sept, 2014), reported that [translation] "inmate overpopulation at the Makala prison has crossed a worrisome threshold, according to some inmates and prison authorities who spoke out anonymously" (Radio Okapi 29 Jan. 2016).

Sources report that the Ndolo prison has the capacity to house 500 inmates (BCFP 3 June 2015, 11) or approximately 500 inmates (VSV 15 June 2017). In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a representative of La voix des sans voix pour les droits de l'homme (VSV), a human rights NGO established in Kinshasa-Ngaliema (VSV n.d.), indicates that the inmate population at the Ndolo prison is 5,000 (VSV 15 June 2017). A 2015 BCFP report states that the Ndolo prison houses 1,359 inmates (BCFP, 3 June 2015, 11). Sources indicate that the Ndolo prison was renovated by the Netherlands (BCFP 3 June 2015) or with funding from the Netherlands (Waza 5 Apr. 2011). An article published in 2011 on Waza, a platform intended to facilitate discussions on freedom of expression, governance and human rights in subSaharan Africa (Waza n.d.), reports that the Ndolo prison has been reopened [translation] "14 years after being shut down" (Waza 5 Apr. 2011). The same source explains that the Ndolo prison is made up of ten buildings for men, one building for women, hygienic toilets, a kitchen and an infirmary, and that it is [translation] "the only Congolese prison that meets international standards" (Waza 5 Apr. 2011). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

The VSV representative explained that poor sanitation and promiscuity may [translation] "foster the transmission of contagious diseases" at the Makala prison (VSV June 15, 2017). Similarly, the BCFP representative wrote that, at the Makala prison [translation] "poor sanitation and promiscuity are the cause of many infectious diseases" (BCFP 7 June 2017). The article published by Radio Okapi in January 2016 states that the 11 buildings at the Makala prison are in a [translation] "filthy state," that some corridors smell of urine, that septic tanks "await the help of volunteers from charitable organizations in order to be emptied," and that inmates "rarely" shower owing to a lack of water (Radio Okapi 29 Jan. 2016). A BCFP report dated June 2017 indicates that inmates at the Makala prison make [translation] "monetary" contributions in order to ensure the cleanliness of their building (BCFP 7 June 2017, 1). Furthermore, according to the same report, each week the Red Cross provides soap for the daily care of prisoners (BCFP 7 June 2017, 1). The VSV representative wrote that the prisons in Kinshasa have [translation] "infirmaries" but that these are not "restocked with medication" (VSV 15 June 2017). Similarly, the BCFP representative stated that the health centre at the Makala prison is [translation] "without medication" (BCFP 3 June 2017). In a press release of 9 February 2017, the BCFP explained that inmates [translation] "die every day" in the Makala and Ndolo prisons, in part because of lack of care (BCFP 9 Feb. 2017). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

The VSV representative stated that, to receive care in [translation] "specialized centres," sick inmates in Kinshasa "face a long and difficult procedure that may or may not be successful" (VSV 15 June 2017). Similarly, a report dated September 2012, prepared by the BCFP, states that, in the Makala prison, it is [translation] "difficult" for sick inmates to obtain "authorization to leave" in order to receive care outside the prison (BCFP 11 Sept. 2012, 4). In its June 2017 report, the BCFP states that the Congolese state cannot provide material and financial assistance for sick inmates, and that these inmates must themselves cover the costs of medical care and hospitalization, as well as security services (BCFP 7 June 2017, 1). Similarly, the VSV representative explained that it is up to sick inmates or their family members to [translation] "take [financial] responsibility" for the police officers charged with guarding them (VSV 15 June 2017).

The BCFP press release dated 9 February 2017 states that the food stores at the Makala prison are empty (BCFP 9 Feb. 2017). In an article published in January 2016, Radio Okapi quotes the inmates of the Makala prison, who state that their [translation] "meals consist of beans mixed with corn, called  'vungule,' a distortion of the French expression 'vous mourez' meaning 'you die'" (Radio Okapi 29 Jan. 2016). The VSV representative reported that the food provided to the inmates at prisons in Kinshasa is [translation] "paltry" and consists of a single meal of rice and beans per day (VSV, 15 June 2017). Sources report that, in the DRC, inmates are fed by their family members, by the church (US 3 Mar. 2017, 4; BCFP 3 June 2017) and by NGOs (US 3 Mar. 2017, 4). Country Reports 2016 states that the International Committee of the Red Cross assisted more than 7,900 detainees in the DRC who were "severely malnourished" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 4).

Sources report that security at the Makala prison is ensured by the inmates themselves (Jeune Afrique 7 Oct. 2015; BCFP 3 June 2017). According to an article published in 2017 in Le Monde, the Makala prison is run by the inmates based on a [translation] "hierarchy that authorizes all kinds of trafficking and violence" (Le Monde 18 May 2017). An article published in 2015 in Jeune Afrique states that security at the Makala prison is ensured by [translation] "an informal structure" that keeps a register of the comings and goings of inmates, as well as grievances and incidents in which they are involved (Jeune Afrique 7 Oct. 2015). In contrast, the VSV representative reports that security at prisons in Kinshasa is ensured by the Republican Guard, the Congolese National Police and prison staff (VSV 15 June 2017). According to a 2016 article in Speak magazine, published by Journalists for Human Rights, a Canadian organization working to [Speak English version] "strengthen independent media" in Canada and subSaharan Africa and which is interested in human rights (Speak, n.d.), [translation] "soldiers and police  are responsible for ensuring security of the prison and its contents" (Speak 5 Feb. 2016). However, the same article states that security at the Makala prison is 90% ensured by the inmates (Speak 5 Feb. 2016).

The article published in 2017 in Le Monde cites a former inmate as stating that [translation] "the Makala prison works like the Congo: you need money and contacts to get by" (Le Monde 18 May 2017). Similarly, without giving any more details, the BCFP representative explained that getting a [translation] "good place" to sleep at the Makala prison means having to pay, and that senior Congolese officials have paid "more than US$2,500" for a room (BCFP 3 June 2017). An article published in 2016 in Speak magazine states that prison cells in the Makala prison [translation] "are assigned based on different amounts," ranging from 1,000 Congolese francs (approximately C$0.89) to US$100; cells that cost between US$50 and US$100 are single-occupancy and "generally occupied by political prisoners and high ranking inmates" (Speak 5 Feb. 2016). The same source explains that the rest of the cells are [translation] "for common use" and house 30 or more people (Speak 5 Feb. 2016).

Sources report that inmates escaped from the Makala prison on 17 May 2017 following an armed attack (BCFP 7 June 2017, 2; Jeune Afrique 2 June 2017). Sources explain that the attack was intended to liberate Ne Muanda Nsemi, the [translation] "guru" of Bundu Dia Mayala (BCFP 7 June 2017, 2) or Bundu dia Kongo, a politicalreligious sect (Jeune Afrique 2 June 2017). In an article published in June 2017, Jeune Afrique reports that a commando unit [translation] "made up of approximately 80 followers" of this sect launched the attack (Jeune Afrique 2 June 2017). Sources report that this incident resulted in the escape of 4,191 (BCFP 7 June 2017, 2) or nearly 5,000 people (Jeune Afrique 2 June 2017). In contrast, sources state that government representatives mentioned fifty escaped inmates (BCFP 7 June 2017, 2; Jeune Afrique 2 June 2017). The BCFP June 2017 report states that the [translation] "massive escape" of 17 May 2017 resulted in [translation] "several dead" and others injured (BCFP 7 June 2017, 4). Similarly, in the 2017 article by Le Monde reports that, according to the government, a police officer and five attackers were killed during this incident (Le Monde 18 May 2017). The Jeune Afrique article from June 2017 indicates that the Justice minister later acknowledged that this incident was [translation] "a humiliation for the DRC" and that, according to his "entourage," "a commission was set up to shed light on this matter" (Jeune Afrique 2 June 2017). Sources state that the prison director, Thaddee Kabisa, was dismissed (Jeune Afrique 2 June 2017; BCFP 7 June 2017, 4). A 2015 report from the United Nations Human Rights Council states that [UN English version] "[t]he dilapidated prison infrastructure [in the DRC] combined with negligence, and sometimes corruption of prison guards" may explain the escapes (UN 27 July 2015, para. 55).

Sources report that there are cases of detention without conviction in the DRC (BCFP 3 June 2017; Radio Okapi 29 Jan. 2016). According to an article published in 2015 by Avocats sans frontieres (ASF), lawyer Josephine Mfulu, [translation] "a member of the 'pretrial detention' pool of the Kinshasa-Matete bar, supported by ASF," explained that 70% of inmates at the Makala prison are in pretrial detention (ASF 12 Jan. 2015, in italics in the original). The same source cites Gaelle Vandeputte, Chief of Party for RCN Justice et Democratie (RCN J&D) [2], as stating that detention in the DRC [translation] "violates the fundamental freedoms set out in article  9 (on arbitrary detention) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights" (ASF 12 Jan. 2015). The BCFP report published in 2015 states that, out of a total of 1,359 inmates at the Ndolo prison, some 766 are waiting for a verdict or have not been convicted (BCFP 3 June 2015, 11). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

The article published in 2015 by ASF reports the statements of Sylvie Ntumba, lawyer and member of the Kinshasa-Gombe bar, according to whom, [translation] "the current law protecting children provides for a series of measures for placing and looking after children in private homes. Unfortunately, many minors are still placed in a reserved building at the Makala prison" (ASF 12 Jan. 2015). Similarly, the 2015 report of the BCFP states that the Makala prison houses 314 minors, including 304 boys and 10 girls, who [translation] "are languishing in prison without trial" (BCFP 3 June 2015, 2). The same source states that eight mothers with children under 10 months of age are incarcerated at the Makala prison [translation] "without beds, without mattresses, without food and without sanitary equipment" (BCFP 3 June 2015, 2). Still according to the same source, most of these people are being detained for minor offences such as [translation] "assault and battery, public insults, breach of trust and debt" (BCFP 3 June 2015, 2-3). According to the 2015 BCFP report, minors do not receive any professional training intended to facilitate their integration into society after their release (BCFP 3 June 2015, 3). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

According to Country Reports 2016, the DRC government has made efforts to improve prison conditions, such as issuing "collective presidential pardons" to women, youths and young adults under 30, and to individuals over 65 who did not commit violent crimes (US 3 Mar. 2017, 5). The same source reports that the ministries of Justice and Health have issued a decree according to which "local health zones" would assume responsibility for the medical needs of detainees (US 3 Mar. 2017, 5). According to the same source, the ministries have made "some effort" to standardize procedures to enable the implementation of the decree, but the results have been "limited" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 5). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Notes

[1] The Clinton Foundation, located in New York, indicates that it is not affiliated with the BCFP, located in the DRC (The Clinton Foundation June 28, 2016). According to a 2017 article published in Le Monde, the BCFP is [translation] "active in the Makala prison" (Le Monde May 18, 2017).

[2] The mission of RCN J&D is to [translation] "promote and support community and transitional justice as well as democratic practices in transitioning or developing societies and states" (RCN J&D n.d.).

References

Avocats sans frontieres (ASF). 12 January 2015. "Les conditions de detention en RD Congo violent les droits des prisonniers." [Accessed June 14 2017]

Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace (BCFP). 7 June 2017. Rapport de la Fondation Bill Clinton pour la paix FBCP sur l'evasion de la prison centrale de Makala CPRK en date du 17 mai 2017 et l'etat des lieux actuels. Sent to the Research Directorate by the BCFP, 7 June 2017.

Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace (BCFP). 3 June 2017. Correspondence from a representative to the Research Directorate.

Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace (BCFP). 9 February 2017. "Communique de presse no.190/FBCP/CEI/2017." Sent to the Research Directorate by the BCFP, 1 June 2017.

Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace (BCFP). 3 June 2015. Rapport de la Fondation Bill Clinton pour la paix (FBCP) sur les conditions precaires de detentions dans les prisons de la RDC, les violations massives des droits de l'homme et la politisation de la Loi d'amistie telle que definie par l'accord cadre d'Addis-Abeba du 1e juin 2015. Sent to the Research Directorate by the BCFP, 7 June 2017.

Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace (BCFP). 11 September 2012. Rapport de la Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace (BCFP) sur la situation dramatique et catastrophique des conditions de vie des prisonniers du centre penitencier de reeducation de Kinshasa (CPRK). Sent to the Research Directorate by the BCFP, 1 June 2017.

The Clinton Foundation. 28 June 2016. "Fraud Alert." [Accessed June 13 2017]

Freedom House. 2017. "Congo, Democratic Republic of (Kinshasa)." Freedom in the World 2017. [Accessed 26 June 2017]

Jeune Afrique. 2 June 2017. Tresor Kinbangula. "Prison de Makala : retour sur l'evasion geante qui a secoue Kinshasa." [Accessed 15 June 2017]

Jeune Afrique. 7 October 2015. Tresor Kibangula. "RDC : bienvenue dans l'enfer de Makala, la plus grande prison de Kinshasa." [Accessed 13 June 2017]

Jeune Afrique. N.d. "Qui sommes-nous ?" [Accessed 16 June 2017]

Le Monde. 18 May 2017. Pierre Benetti. "En RDC, des centaines de detenus de Makala 'se font la malle' le jour de la fete de la liberation." [Accessed 13 June 2017]

Radio Okapi. 29 January 2016. "Prison centrale de Makala : les conditions d'accueil se degradent au fil des ans." [Accessed 13 June 2017]

Radio Okapi. 21 October 2015. "La Fondation Bill Clinton pour la paix recense 2 000 cas de detentions artbitraires a Kinshasa." [Accessed 23 June 2017]

Radio Okapi. 22 September 2014 (updated on 8 April 2015). "A propos." [Accessed 16 June 2017]

RCN Justice & Democratie (RCN J&D). N.d. "Mission et objectifs." [Accessed 22 June 2017]

Speak. 5 February 2016. Patrick Monkango. "Les detenus de la prison de Makala deplorent leurs conditions de vie." [Accessed 14 June 2017]

Speak. N.d. "Qui sommes-nous?" [Accessed 14 June 2017]

La Voix des sans voix pour les droits de l'homme (VSV). 15 June 2017. Correspondence from a representative to the Research Directorate.

La Voix des sans voix pour les droits de l'homme (VSV). N.d. "Qui sommes-nous." [Accessed 22 June 2017]

United Nations (UN). 27 July 2015. Human Rights Council. Situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (A/HRC/30/32). [Accessed 26 June 2017]

United States (US). 3 March 2017. "Democratic Republic of the Congo." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016. [Accessed June 13 2017]

Waza. 5 April 2011. Alice Bafiala. "Ndolo : la nouvelle prison des detenus militaires a Kinshasa." [Accessed 14 June 2017]

Waza. N.d. "Qui sommes-nous?" [Accessed June 14, 2017]

Additional Sources Consulted

Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; ecoi.net; Human Rights Watch; Institute for Criminal Policy Research; International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Le Phare; Le Potentiel; United Nations - Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Refworld; World Prison Brief.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Requirements and procedures for filing a criminal complaint, including documents received by the complainant; whether the complaint file is accessible to the complainant, including the procedure to obtain a copy of the file in the country and from abroad; whether the DRC has a standard complaint form (2015-July 2017)

Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 5 July 2017 Citation / Document Symbol COD105816.FE Related Document(s) Republique democratique du Congo : information sur les exigences et les procedures pour le depot d'une plainte criminelle, y compris les documents remis au plaignant; information indiquant si le plaignant peut acceder au dossier de plainte, y compris la marche a suivre pour obtenir une copie du dossier dans le pays et depuis l'etranger; information indiquant si le modele de la plainte est uniforme dans tout le pays (2015-juillet 2017) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Requirements and procedures for filing a criminal complaint, including documents received by the complainant; whether the complaint file is accessible to the complainant, including the procedure to obtain a copy of the file in the country and from abroad; whether the DRC has a standard complaint form (2015-July 2017), 5 July 2017, COD105816.FE, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59843e654.html [accessed 13 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.

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

1. Procedure for Filing a Criminal Complaint

In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a lawyer (Lawyer A) working at a law office in Kinshasa specializing in criminal law explained that [translation] "Congolese law does not set out the form of a complaint or a denunciation" (Lawyer A 2 June 2017). According to the same source, a complaint can be filed with the police in person, by an authorized representative, or by filing a written complaint (Lawyer A 2 June 2017). Lawyer A explained that the plaintiff [translation] "must personally confirm his or her complaint in a report prepared by the judicial police officer seized of the matter" (Lawyer A 2 June 2017). In a telephone interview with the Research Directorate, a lawyer (Lawyer B) from another law office in Kinshasa that also specializes in criminal law similarly stated that, in the case of a verbal complaint, the police officer prepares [translation] "a verbal complaint report" (Lawyer B 12 June 2017). Similarly, the Practical Guide for Access to Justice in D.R. Congo (Guide pratique d'acces a la justice en R.D. Congo), published by ProJustice, a project dedicated to developping and supporting the Congolese judicial system funded by the United States Agency for International Development (US 22 Jan. 2014), states that [translation] "the victim of the crime makes a written or verbal complaint to a judicial police officer or a public prosecutor" (ProJustice 19 Oct. 2010, 55). The same source provides the following information:

[translation]

The role of the public prosecutor is to discover crimes, document them, collect evidence of these crimes, identify the perpetrators, and refer them, that is, bring them before the courts or tribunals for prosecution. Members of the public prosecutor's office are called magistrats du parquet, magistrats debout or magistrats du ministere public. (ProJustice, Oct. 19, 2010, 14)

In a document released on 6 March 2015, entitled "Secure Insecurity" ("L'insecurite securisee"), Oxfam reports that it was told by people living in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that local police were charging fees to perform their duties, for example US$5 to report a crime (Oxfam 6 March 2015, 4). A summary report entitled Making Justice Work for Women. Democratic Republic of Congo Country Report and written by two university researchers [1] similarly points out that the "high costs" of certain legal processes, such as initiating a proceeding, are a barrier to accessing justice and can be compounded by "substantial" additional costs borne of corruption (Shackel and Fiske Aug. 2016, 100). In its report, Oxfam also quotes a man who participated in a discussion group and stated that tradition dictates that women cannot file reports with the authorities or follow up on them (Oxfam 6 Mar. 2015, 23). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

1.1 Form of the Complaint

Lawyer A stated that [translation] "there is no standard form or format for the complaint" (Lawyer A 2 June 2017). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

Article 2 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the DRC (Code de procedure penale), adopted in 1959, reads as follows:

[translation]

Art. 2. - Judicial police officers record the offences that they are mandated to investigate, and receive denunciations, complaints and reports pertaining to these offences.

In their reports, they note the nature and circumstances of these offences, when and where they were committed, the evidence or clues with respect to the presumed perpetrators, and the depositions of alleged witnesses or those who may have information to report.

They interview the presumed perpetrators of the offences and compile their explanations.

The reports conclude with the following written declaration: "I swear that the information contained in this report is true."

The reports are forwarded directly to the authority with jurisdiction. (DRC 1959)

Lawyer B explained that, when a verbal complaint is received by a police officer and recorded in writing in a report, this report is made on paper bearing the police department's letterhead (Lawyer B 12 June 2017).

1.2 Documents Received by the Complainant

According to lawyer A, complainants do not receive a copy of the statement or the report when they file a complaint (Lawyer A 2 June 2017). The same source stated that an acknowledgement of receipt may be provided in the case of a written complaint (Lawyer A 2 June 2017). Lawyer B explained that when a written complaint is filed, the original is kept at the police station and a copy with a stamp noting it was received is given to the complainant (Lawyer B 12 June 2017).

Lawyer A pointed out the following with respect to access to complaint statements or reports:

[translation]

when the case is before the court, [each] party has the right to see and receive a copy of the prosecution file;

[during] the pretrial investigations, and given that this process is secret, no investigation or procedural documents can be made available (Lawyer A 2 June 2017).

Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

2. Obtaining a Copy of the Complaint

According to lawyer A, [translation] "[i]n order to obtain a copy of the statement or police report, the complainant or his or her authorized representative must request the release of a copy either from the clerk or the public prosecutor of the court with jurisdiction" (lawyer A 2 June 2016). Lawyer B indicated that it is not possible to obtain a copy of just the complaint and that the public prosecutor's authorization is required to obtain a copy of the entire file pertaining to the lodging of the complaint (Lawyer B 12 June 2017). According to lawyer A, [translation] "there is no legal time limit" for obtaining the statement or police report concerning a complaint, but in reality, the time limit is between 0 and 8 days depending on the "diligence" granted to the application (Lawyer A 2 June 2017). Lawyer B wrote that it takes 10 days to obtain the public prosecutor's authorization and a copy of the file (Lawyer B 12 June 2017). According to lawyer A, a fee is charged for a copy of a statement or police report (lawyer A 2 June 2017). Lawyer B indicated that the fee charged for the public prosecutor's authorization is approximately US$50, and the amount charged for a copy of the file depends on the number of pages in the file (lawyer B 12 June 2017).

2.1 Obtaining a Copy of the Complaint from Outside the Country

According to lawyer A, a person outside the DRC can obtain a copy of the statement by [translation] "appointing a representative" (Lawyer A 2 June 2017). If this representative is a third party, such as a friend or relative, he or she must present a [translation] "letter written by the interested party, certified and notarized at the embassy of the DRC, giving power of attorney to" this person (lawyer A 2 June 2017). The same source stated that "[t]he attorney is a recognized legal agent" who does not need to present a power of attorney (Lawyer A 2 June 2017). Lawyer B pointed out that the lawyer must have a power of attorney to obtain a copy of the complaint file for a client abroad and that a friend or family member cannot request the copy on behalf of the person who filed the complaint because they cannot prove a personal interest in the matter (Lawyer B 12 June 2017).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Note

[1] Rita Shackel is an associate professor at Sydney Law School, University of Sydney (University of Sydney 24 June 2013). Her research program is focused on "the evaluation and reform of legal and justice processes, with a specific focus on access to justice for children, women and other marginalised and vulnerable groups" (University of Sydney 24 June 2013). Lucy Fiske is a postdoctoral fellow in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the Sydney University of Technology (Sydney University of Technology n.d.). Lucy Fiske and Rita Shackel are working on a project exploring women's experiences of transitional justice, particularly in the DRC (Sydney University of Technology n.d.).

References

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). 1959. Code de procedure penale. [Accessed 28 June 2017]

Lawyer A, Kinshasa. 2 June 2017. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

Lawyer B, Kinshasa. 12 June 2017. Telephone interview with the Research Directorate.

Oxfam. 6 March 2015. "L'insecurite securisee." [Accessed 20 June 2017]

ProJustice. 19 October 2010. Guide pratique d'acces a la justice en R.D. Congo. [Accessed 21 June 2017]

Shackel, Rita and Lucy Fiske. August 2016. Making Justice Work for Women. Democratic Republic of Congo Country Report. [Accessed 20 June 2016]

University of Sydney. 24 June 2013. "Associate Professor Rita Shackel." [Accessed 21 June 2017]

University of Technology Sydney. N.d. "Dr Lucy Fiske." [Accessed 21 June 2017]

United States (US). 22 January 2014. Agency for International Development. Final Evaluation. ProJustice Program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [Accessed 21 June 2017]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Association africaine pour la defense des droits de l'homme; Association congolaise pour l'acces a la justice; Avocats sans frontieres - Bureau de Bruxelles, Bureau de Kinshasa; children's rights researcher in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Democratic Republic of the Congo - ambassade a Ottawa, ministere de la Justice, Police nationale; five criminal lawyers practising in Kinshasa; Groupe d'association de defense des droits de l'homme et de la paix; Voix des sans-voix pour les droits de l'homme.

Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; Association africaine pour la defense des droits de l'homme; Association congolaise pour l'acces a la justice; Avocats sans frontieres; Democratic Republic of the Congo - Barreau de Kinshasa/Gombe, Barreau de Lumumbashi, Cabinet du premier ministre, Police nationale; ecoi.net; Federation internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme; Groupe d'association de defense des droits de l'homme et de la paix; INTERPOL; Leganet.cd; Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa; United Nations - Refworld; United States - Department of State; Voix des sans-voix pour les droits de l'homme.
Djibouti: Treatment of political dissidents, journalists and defenders of freedom of the press by the authorities (2016-May 2017)

Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 16 June 2017 Citation / Document Symbol DJI105810.FE Related Document(s) Djibouti: information sur le traitement des dissidents politiques, des journalistes et des defenseurs de la liberte de la presse par les autorites (2016-mai 2017) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Djibouti: Treatment of political dissidents, journalists and defenders of freedom of the press by the authorities (2016-May 2017), 16 June 2017, DJI105810.FE, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598442764.html [accessed 13 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.

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

1. Overview

Ismail Omar Guelleh was re-elected president of the Republic of Djibouti for a fourth time (RFI 9 Apr. 2016; France 24 9 Apr. 2016) on April 8, 2016 (France 24 9 Apr. 2016). Sources indicate that, in 2010, an amendment to the country's constitution removed the limit on the number of presidential mandates (RFI 9 Apr. 2016; Liberation 8 Apr. 2016). Sources report that opposition parties united as part of a coalition of seven (Le Monde 8 Apr. 2016) or eight (Afrikarabia 28 Feb. 2016) parties under the banner of the Union for National Salvation (Union pour le salut national, USN) (Le Monde 8 Apr. 2016; Afrikarabia 28 Feb. 2016). Some within the USN called for a boycott of the 2016 presidential elections (Liberation 8 Apr. 2016; France 24 9 Apr. 2016). The BBC reports that three parties boycotted the election (BBC 7 Apr. 2016a). Afrikarabia, a news website focusing on Central Africa, which is managed by a French journalist (Afrikarabia n.d.), indicates that the Movement for Democratic Renewal and Development (Mouvement pour le renouveau democratique et le developpement, MRD), [[translation] "the first legal opposition party in Djibouti  created and legalized in September 1992 as the Democratic Renewal Party" and "re-legalized" under its current name on November 17, 2002 (MRD n.d.)], advocated for boycotting the election because it was of the opinion that [translation] "the conditions for an open and transparent election were not met" (Afrikarabia 28 Feb. 2016).

In its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016 on Djibouti, the United States (US) Department of State states that, in 2016 "[s]ecurity forces arrested and abused journalists, demonstrators, and opposition members" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 3).

2. Political Dissidents

HCH24, an news website focusing on East Africa, reports that five USN activists and members of the Opposition Youth Movement (Mouvement des jeunes de l'opposition, MJO) were arrested and detained on February 26, 2016, in part for [translation] "having peacefully expressed their political opinions against the president's fourth mandate" (HCH24 28 Feb. 2016). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this response.

Sources report that MRD members have been arrested since March 13, 2017 (FIDH 3 Apr. 2017; ODDH 29 Mar. 2017). In an April 2017 article published by Africa Confidential, a bimonthly magazine specializing in political, economic and security developments in Africa (Africa Confidential n.d.), reports that 19 MRD members or sympathizers have been arrested since mid-March 2017 (Africa Confidential 14 Apr. 2017). Similarly, Alkarama, a Geneva-based human rights NGO established in 2004 to [Alkarama English version] "assist all those in the Arab world subjected to or at risk of extrajudicial execution, enforced disappearance, torture, and arbitrary detention" (Alkarama n.d.), indicates that, between March 13 and 22, 2017, [translation] "19 members of the MRD were arrested  without warrants" and without "the victims being formally made aware of the reasons for their arrest" (Alkarama 31 Mar. 2017). Sources indicate that nine of these activists were brought before the public prosecutor (FIDH 3 Apr. 2017; Alkarama 31 Mar. 2017).

The International Federation for Human Rights (Federation internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme, FIDH), [FIDH English version] "an international human rights NGO federating 184 organizations from 112 countries" (FIDH n.d.), states that the nine MRD activists arrested in March 2017 were arrested [translation] "based on accusations of 'unlawful banking activity,'" but that five activists were released (FIDH 3 Apr. 2017). Sources report that four activists were prosecuted for [translation] "unlawful political activities" and were placed "under a committal order" and transferred to Djibouti's central prison (FIDH 3 Apr. 2017; Alkarama 31 Mar. 2017). Similarly, Africa Confidential reports that "[w]hile most have been granted conditional release, four were sentenced to two-month gaol terms for 'illegal political activity'" (Africa Confidential 14 Apr. 2017). An article from Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted the detainees' lawyer, who stated that [translation] "on March 28, [2017], his clients were sentenced to two months in prison for 'participating in the reconstruction of a dissolved party'" (AFP 7 Apr. 2017).

The president of the MRD, Daher Ahmed Farah, stated in an interview granted to Radio France internationale (RFI) that the members of his party who were arrested [translation] "'do not have access to their lawyers or their physicians" and he expressed the point of view that their detention was "'arbitrary'" and "'is part of the effort to try to silence the MRD'" (RFI 15 Mar. 2017). According to the same source, the president of the MRD explained that [translation] "'the police did not have any summons, they did not have any arrest warrants, we were not informed of any investigation by the public prosecutor's office Therefore, these people were arrested unlawfully'" (RFI 15 Mar. 2017). RFI reports in this same article that the public prosecutor of the Republic of Djibouti claimed [translation] "that he was unaware of these arrests" (RFI 15 Mar. 2017).

An article published in the La Nation newspaper, a government-owned daily in Djibouti (BBC 7 Apr. 2016b), states that the president of the MRD, [translation] "in a recent interview" given to TV5 Monde, "saw fit to take offence at the fact that the national authorities sought to identify the origin of the funds of his group" (La Nation 30 Mar. 2017). The same article also states:

[translation]

How to understand that, in these conditions, and at a time when, for security reasons, all the countries of the world are concerning themselves with knowing the origin of the flow of capital entering their territories, in his opinion, Djibouti should not pay it any mind and let it go? (La Nation 30 Mar. 2017)

Sources report that Omar Ali Ewado [president of the Djiboutian League of Human Rights (Ligue djiboutienne des droits humains, LDDH) (L'Humanite 21 Mar. 2017) or founder of the LDDH (AFP 7 Apr. 2017)] was arrested by the authorities on March 19, 2017 (L'Humanite 21 Mar. 2017; FIDH 29 Mar. 2017; APO 21 Mar. 2017). In an [translation] "urgent appeal" published in 2017 on its website, the FIDH reports that Omar Ali Ewado was finally released "without charges" on March 27, 2017, after nine days during which he "began a hunger strike to protest his arbitrary arrest" (FIDH 29 Mar. 2017).

An article published by the African Press Organization (APO), a media group that provides [APO English version] "press release distribution services dedicated to Africa and the Middle East" (APO n.d.), indicates that Omar Ali Ewado had previously been sentenced to three months in prison for [translation] "defamation" in January 2016 after the LDDH published a list of alleged victims of the incident in the Bouldhouqo area [1] (APO 21 Mar. 2017). Country Reports 2016 reports that the number of alleged victims published by the LDDH exceeded that given by the government (US 3 Mar. 2017, 9). The same source indicates that Omar Ali Ewado spent 45 days in pretrial detention and that the Supreme Court of Djibouti dropped all charges against him on April 30, 2016 (US 3 Mar. 2017, 9).

Describing a [translation] "wave of arrests within the opposition, of human rights defenders and  among executives and members of the MRD party," the Djiboutian Observatory for the Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights (Observatoire djiboutien pour la promotion de la democratie et des droits humains, ODDH), a local association created by civil servants (US 3 Mar. 2017), reports that Djama Houssein Robleh [Secretary General of the MRD (FIDH 3 Apr. 2017)] was arrested on March 23, 2017, and Farah Abadid Hildid, the president of the 2nd federation of the MRD, was arrested on March 24, 2017 (ODDH 24 Mar. 2017). With regard to the arrest of Djama Houssein Robleh, the ODDH indicates [translation] "that, currently, no one knows why he was taken in for questioning or the conditions of his detention" (ODDH 24 Mar. 2017). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this response.

A communique issued on May 15, 2017, by the Republican Alliance for Development (Alliance republicaine pour le developpement, ARD), an opposition party whose headquarters is located in Djibouti City (ARD Oct. 2002), reports that police forces showed up at a [translation] "meeting" organized by the ARD to commemorate the "16th anniversary of the May 12, 2001 peace accord that was violated by the government," which brought together a "crowd of activists" (ARD 15 May 2017). The same source reports that, one hour after the meeting was cancelled and the activists left, the police forces [translation] "entered without a summons or a search warrant, ARD premises, which they ransacked, taking computers and audio materials" (ARD 15 May 2017). According to the same source, the ARD found it [translation] "pointless to file complaints with judicial institutions whose binding decisions have repeatedly been violated and ignored by the executive and, singularly, by the Ministry of the Interior" (ARD 15 May 2017). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this response.

3. Freedom of the Press

In the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontieres, RSF) ranks Djibouti 172 out of 180 countries, a position that it also occupied in 2016 (RSF 2017). Sources indicate that there is no privately owned or independent media in Djibouti (RSF n.d.; US. 3 Mar. 2017, 8). RSF reports that the Freedom of Communication Law provides for jail terms for [RSF English version] "media offences" (RSF n.d.). Similarly, Freedom House indicates that the penal code and the Freedom of Communication Law allow criminal penalties for defamation and distributing false information (Freedom House 2016). RSF adds that La Voix de Djibouti, the country's only independent media outlet, broadcasts from outside the country (RSF n.d.). Country Reports 2016 states that, in Djibouti "[p]rinting facilities for mass media were government owned, which created obstacles for those wishing to publish criticism of the government" (US 3 Mar. 2017).

An article by the BBC published on April 6, 2016, indicates that a BBC team travelled to Djibouti to cover the 2016 elections, among other things, and was detained for 19 hours and interrogated as a group and individually for 8 hours in total (BBC 6 Apr. 2016). According to the same source, they were asked questions such as why they had interviewed an opposition candidate and why they had chosen this specific time to be in Djibouti (BBC 6 Apr. 2016). The same source continues, indicating that, during the interrogations, the BBC journalism team was accused of "posing a threat to the president and of being sponsored by the opposition" (BBC 6 Apr. 2016). The team was finally brought to the airport the following day (BBC 6 Apr. 2016). RSF reports that a letter sent by the BBC to the government of Djibouti requesting explanations has [RSF English version] "so far gone unanswered" (RSF 8 Apr. 2016). Country Reports 2016 indicates that, according to government officials, the BBC journalists did not have "proper media accreditation" to report on the presidential election, while the BBC asserted that they did have the required accreditation (US 3 Mar. 2017, 9).

Sources report that [Djiboutian] journalist Kadar Abdi Ibrahim was arrested on August 9, 2016, for attempting to cover [former Djiboutian minister] Hamoud Abdi Souldan's travel ban, and that he was released on August 11, 2016 (Alkarama 24 Aug. 2016; US 3 Mar. 2017, 6). Alkarama indicates that the journalist was [translation] "interrogated over a number of hours regarding his journalism activities" and "that his iPad was also confiscated and was returned to him on August 24, 2016, after all photographs had been erased" (Alkarama 24 Aug. 2016). Sources report that the journalist was deprived of food and water and that he was not allowed to meet with a lawyer or see his family during his detention (Alkarama 24 Aug. 2016; US. 3 Mar. 2017, 6).

Sources report that a Djiboutian citizen, Abdi Aden Cheik Ali, was arrested in July 2016 at his home after publishing a video denouncing a water shortage in the city of Ali-Sabieh (Alkarama 10 Aug. 2016; LDDH 22 July 2016). He was sentenced to three months of detention on July 31, 2016, without the presence of a lawyer (Alkarama 10 Aug. 2016). Alkarama states that he was released on October 24, 2016 (Alkarama 27 Oct 2016).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Note

[1] On December 21, 2015, Djiboutian security forces shot [translation] "real bullets" into the crowd at a traditional ceremony in Balbala [a suburb of Boldhouqo (L'Humanite 30 Dec. 2015)] killing 25 (RFI 22 Dec. 2015) or 28 (L'Humanite 30 Dec. 2015) people (RFI 22 Dec. 2015; L'Humanite 30 Dec. 2015).

References

Agence France-Presse (AFP). 7 April 2017. "Djibouti: la FIDH denonce une 'vague d'arrestations' d'opposants et militants." (Factiva)

Africa Confidential. 14 April 2017. "Guelleh Quells Opponents." Vol. 58, No 8. [Accessed 8 May 2017]

Africa Confidential. N.d. "About." [Accessed 25 May 2017]

Africanews. 7 April 2017. "Djibouti : la FIDH denonce une 'vague d'arrestations' d'opposants et militants." [Accessed 7 May 2017]

Afrikarabia. 28 February 2016. "Djibouti : 'la vraie opposition ne participera pas a la presidentielle'." [Accessed 8 May 2017]

Afrikarabia. N.d. "Qui sommes nous ?" [Accessed 8 June 2017]

Alkarama. 31 March 2017. "Djibouti : vague d'arrestations et de detentions arbitraires de membres de l'opposition." [Accessed 16 May 2017]

Alkarama. 27 October 2016. "Djibouti: Release of Cheik Ali After Three Months of Arbitrary Detention." [Accessed 26 May 2017]

Alkarama. 24 August 2016. "Arrestation et detention arbitraire du journaliste Kadar Abdi Ibrahim - La repression de la liberte d'opinion et d'expression se poursuit dans le pays [communique de presse]." (Factiva)

Alkarama. 10 August 2016. "Djibouti : arrestation d'un citoyen djiboutien suite a sa publication de videos denoncant une penurie d'eau dans le pays." [Accessed 15 May 2017]

Alkarama.N.d. "Notre travail." [Accessed 13 June 2017]

African Press Organization (APO). 21 March 2017. "Djibouti : Arrestation et detention arbitraire du defenseur Omar Ali Ewado." (Factiva)

African Press Organization (APO). N.d. "A propos d'APO." [Accessed 13 June 2017]

Alliance republicaine pour le developpement (ARD). 15 May 2017. "Note d'information de l'ARD : halte a la terreur policiere." [Accessed 26 May 2017]

Alliance republicaine pour le developpement (ARD). October 2002. Statuts de l'Alliance republicaine pour le developpement (ARD). [Accessed 26 May 2017]

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 7 April 2016a. "Djibouti Election : What You Need to Know." [Accessed 26 May 2017]

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 7 April 2016b. "Djibouti Profile - Media." [Accessed 8 May 2017]

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 6 April 2016. Tomi Oladipo. "Djibouti's Thin-skinned Democracy." [Accessed 8 May 2017]

Federation internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme (FIDH). 3 April 2017. "Le harcelement de l'opposition continue." [Accessed 15 May 2017]

Federation internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme (FIDH). 29 March 2017. "Djibouti : liberation de Omar Ali Ewado, fondateur de la Ligue djiboutienne des droits humains." [Accessed 15 May 2017]

Federation internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme (FIDH). N.d. "Le Mouvement mondial des droits humains." [Accessed 8 June 2017]

France 24. 9 April 2016. "Djibouti : face a une opposition muselee, le president Ismail Omar Guelleh reelu haut la main." [Accessed 16 May 2017]

Freedom House. 2016. "Djibouti." Freedom in the World 2016. [Accessed 8 May 2017]

HCH24. 28 February 2016. "Djibouti : Arrestations et detentions arbitraires de militants du Mouvement des jeunes de l'opposition (MJO) dans le cadre" [Accessed 9 May 2017]

L'Humanite. 21 March 2017. Stephane Aubouard. "Djibouti. Le pouvoir remet la pression sur l'opposition et les defenseurs des droits humains." (Factiva)

L'Humanite. 30 December 2015. Rosa Moussaoui. "Djibouti : la dictature de Guelleh reprime et massacre." [Accessed 13 June 2017]

Liberation. 8 April 2016. Charles Delouche. "A Djibouti, une election presidentielle jouee d'avance." [Accessed 8 May 2017]

Ligue djiboutienne des droits humains (LDDH). 22 July 2016. "Toujours l'arbitraire." [Accessed 8 May 2017]

Le Monde. 8 April 2016. "Election sans suspense et a huis clos a Djibouti." [Accessed 8 May 2017]

Mouvement pour le renouveau democratique et le developpement (MRD). N.d. "Dissolution arbitraire du MRD voici un bref rappel des faits." [Accessed 8 June 2017]

La Nation. 30 March 2017. Mahdi Zilay. "Billet : d'ou vient l'argent du MRD ?" [Accessed 10 May 2017]

L'Observatoire djiboutien de la democratie et des droits humains (ODDH). 29 March 2017. "Djibouti : une vague d'arrestations et d'interpellations au sein de l'opposition et de la societe civile." [Accessed 16 May 2017]

L'Observatoire djiboutien de la democratie et des droits humains (ODDH). 24 March 2017. "Djibouti : arrestation et detention de Djama Houssien, secretaire general du MRD (Mouvement pour le renouveau democratique)." [Accessed 23 May 2017]

Radio France internationale (RFI). 24 March 2017. "Mobilisation internationale contre la repression au pays." (Factiva)

Radio France internationale (RFI). 15 March 2017. "Djibouti : plusieurs membres du MRD (opposition) arretes." [Accessed 9 May 2017]

Radio France internationale (RFI). 9 April 2016. "Djibouti: Ismail Omar Guelleh largement reelu pour un quatrieme mandat." [Accessed 8 May 2017]

Radio France internationale (RFI). 21 December 2015. "Repression policiere a Djibouti : au moins 25 morts, selon l'opposition." [Accessed 13 June 2017]

Reporters sans frontieres (RSF). 2017. "Classement. Les donnees du classement de la liberte de la presse 2017." [Accessed 8 May 2017]

Reporters sans frontieres (RSF). 8 April 2016. "Elections a Djibouti : les autorites resserrent l'etau sur les journalistes." [Accessed 8 May 2017]

Reporters sans frontieres (RSF). N.d. "Une voix en exil, sinon rien." [Accessed 12 June 2017]

United States (US). 3 March 2017. Department of State. "Djibouti." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016. [Accessed 16 May 2017]

Additional Sources Consulted

Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; Djibnet; Djibouti - Republic of Djibouti; ecoi.net; Human Rights Watch; International Crisis Group; Jane's Intelligence Review; United Nations - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Refworld; World Bank.
Guinea-Bissau: Citizenship Law of 1992 and the Nationality Law of 2010

Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 22 June 2017 Citation / Document Symbol GNB105824.E Related Document(s) Guinee-Bissau : information sur la loi de 1992 sur la citoyennete et sur la loi de 2010 sur la nationalite Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Guinea-Bissau: Citizenship Law of 1992 and the Nationality Law of 2010, 22 June 2017, GNB105824.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5984455e4.html [accessed 13 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.

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

According to sources, Guinea-Bissau's Citizenship Law of 1992 (Lei n. 2/92 De 6 de Abril Lei da Cidadania) was amended by the Nationality Law of 2010 (Lei n. 6/2010 De 21 de Junho da Nacionalidad) (Manby 2016, 77; Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative n.d.a). According to the website Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative[1], the 2010 Nationality Law offers "stronger protections against loss of Guinean nationality and [permits] dual nationality for the first time" (Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative n.d.a). Further and corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

A copy of the Citizenship Law of 1992 is attached to this Response in English (Attachment 1) and in French (Attachment 2). A copy of the Nationality Law of 2010 is attached to this Response in English (Attachment 3) and in French (Attachment 4).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Note

[1] Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative is a website that "contains a database on nationality and statelessness in Africa featuring national laws and subsidiary legislation, reports and academic articles, news stories and blog postings, and other resources.  The website is hosted by the International Refugee Rights Initiative on behalf of the Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative, an informal network of organisations, individuals and experts in Africa working for the right to nationality and an end to statelessness in Africa" (Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative n.d.b).

References

Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative. N.d.a. "Guinea-Bissau." [Accessed 2 June 2017]

Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative. N.d.b. "About." [Accessed 2 June 2017]

Manby, Bronwen. 2016. Open Society Foundations. Citizenship Law in Africa: A Comparative Study. [Accessed 26 May 2017]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative; Commercial lawyer based in Bissau; Guinea-Bissau - Direccao Comercial da INACEP Imprensa Nacional, Embassy in Brussels, Embassy in Rabat, Honorary Consulate in Rotterdam; IOM Regional Office for Central and West Africa; Law firm based in Lisboa specializing in nationality cases of those born in former Portuguese territories; Senior Research Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science; UN - Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau.

Internet sites, including: African Law Library; All Africa; Brill; ecoi.net; EU - EUDO Citizenship; France - Cour nationale du droit d'asile; International Labour Organization - NATLEX; Open Society Foundations; UN - OHCHR, Refworld; US - Library of Congress; UPR Info.

Attachments
Haiti: The Tet Kale political party, including structure, leadership, objectives, activities, and documents issued to members (2012-February 2017)

Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 24 February 2017 Citation / Document Symbol HTI105764.E Related Document(s) Haiti : information sur le parti politique Tet Kale, y compris sa structure, ses dirigeants, ses objectifs, ses activites et les documents remis aux membres (2012-fevrier 2017) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Haiti: The Tet Kale political party, including structure, leadership, objectives, activities, and documents issued to members (2012-February 2017), 24 February 2017, HTI105764.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598449cf4.html [accessed 13 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.

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

1. Overview

Sources cite the Minister of Justice as stating that the Parti Haitien Tet Kale (PHTK) was officially recognized as a political party on 16 August 2012 (HaitiLibre 18 Aug. 2012; Le Nouvelliste 16 Aug. 2012). Sources indicate that PHTK is the political party of the former President of the Republic, Michel Martelly (TV5 Monde 30 Nov. 2016; RFI 29 Nov. 2016).

According to the same sources, Jovenel Moise, the PHTK candidate, won the November 2016 presidential election with 55.67 percent of the votes in the first round of the election (ibid.; TV5 Monde 30 Nov. 2016). Le Monde indicates that Jovenel Moise was sworn in as President of the Republic on 7 February 2017 (Le Monde 8 Feb. 2017). Sources state that the results of the first round of the 2015 presidential election had been cancelled due to fraud (ibid. 7 June 2016; TV5 Monde 30 Nov. 2016).

According to AFP, in August 2016, Jovenel Moise was [translation] "charged with corruption and assets laundering" by the Central Financial Information Unit (Unite centrale de renseignements financiers, UCREF) of Haiti [1], (AFP 5 Jan. 2017). According to Le Monde,

[translation]

The new president faces money laundering charges, which he rejects  In 2016, the [UCREF] opened an investigation into the laundering charges, which would concern several million dollars, as well as charges involving illegally obtaining bank loans. The file has been transferred to the public prosecutor's department, which heard Jovenel Moise at the end of January [2017]. The judicial decision has not been made public yet. (Le Monde 8 Feb. 2017)

1.1 Protest Following the Presidential Election

According to sources, the turnout in the first round of the November 2016 presidential election was 21 percent (Liberation 29 Nov. 2016; Le Monde 8 Feb. 2017). Le Monde notes that this [translation] "weak participation" and the contestation of the election results by other candidates undermines the new President's legitimacy (ibid.). Sources indicate that three candidates contested the results of the November 2016 election (ibid.; TV5 Monde 30 Nov. 2016). TV5 Monde adds that [translation] "as the candidates contested the results, several violent demonstrations" took place in Port-au-Prince (ibid.).

1.2 January 2017 Partial Legislative Elections

Sources indicate that PHTK obtained four out of the eight senator seats in the 29 January 2017 elections, while PHTK allies won three other seats (24 heures 3 Feb. 2017; Le Monde 4 Feb. 2017). According to Le Monde, these results give Jovenel Moise the majority in both chambers of the parliament (ibid.).

2. Objectives and Activities

According to a report published in September 2016 by the Observatoire Citoyen pour l'Institutionnalisation de la Democratie (OCID), a [translation] "consortium of the Haitian civil society" which aims to strengthen democratic governance in Haiti through the monitoring of institutions and political processes, election observation and advocacy (OCID n.d.), Jovenel Moise is a center-right politician (ibid. 22 Sept. 2016, 16). Le Nouvelliste, a Haitian newspaper, cites the Director General of Haiti's Justice Department as stating that PHTK is a [translation] "'centre right party' with a liberal disposition that is in favour of the state's withdrawal from the economy (Le Nouvelliste 16 Aug. 2012).

Le Nouvelliste further indicates that Jovenel Moise's presidential program focuses on agriculture, tourism, construction, and services (ibid. 19 Oct. 2015). Similarly, OCID states that Moise's election program has [translation] four axes: agriculture, tourism, construction and infrastructure, and entrepreneurship (OCID 22 Sept. 2016, 16). According to sources, Jovenel Moise committed to reconstitute Haiti's armed forces (HaitiLibre 21 Sept. 2015; Le Monde 8 Feb. 2017). Le Monde notes that Haiti's armed forces had been dissolved by former President Aristide (ibid.).

Information on the PHTK's activities could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

3. Structure and Members

In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a researcher in political science who has worked on Haiti-related projects at the Tricontinental Centre, a non-governmental organization based in Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium) and "committed to study, publications and training in issues of development and North-South relations" (CETRI n.d.), stated that PHTK [translation] "is more an informal grouping around a candidate for the [presidential] elections than a genuine structure" (Researcher 17 Feb. 2017). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

Sources indicate that the following individuals occupy leadership roles within the PHTK:

President: Ann Valerie [Ann-Valerie] Timothee Milfort (PHTK n.d.; jovenelmoise.ht 31 May 2016; Le Nouvelliste 10 June 2016);

Vice-president: MarieYanick Mezile (HaitiLibre 24 July 2016) or Yanick Mezile (Mag Haiti 20 Mar. 2015).

The [translation] "Executive bureau" (Bureau executif) section of the website of PHTK, lists Ann Valerie Timothee Milfort as president, Jean Renel Sanon as secretary, and Gregory Mayard-Paul as treasurer (PHTK n.d.). Corroborating information and information on the functions of the Bureau executif could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

A list of members of Haiti's Chamber of Deputies, including PHTK, provided by Haiti-Reference, a US-based website offering [translation] "a global vision of Haiti's society and culture through reliable basic information, references and the identification of major historical facts" (Haiti-Reference 7 Oct. 2016), is attached to this Response (Attachment 1). A list of members of Haiti's Senate, including PHTK, provided by Haiti-Reference, is also attached to this Response (Attachment 2).

Sources indicate that in August 2012, when PHTK was officially created, the Director General of Haiti's Justice Department stated that the party had submitted a list of 5,000 members (Le Nouvelliste 16 Aug. 2012; HaitiLibre 18 Aug. 2012). Further and corroborating information on membership numbers could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

4. Documents Issued to Members

Information on documents issued to members of PHTK could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Note

[1] The UCREF is a Haitian agency whose mission is to [translation] "prevent the use of the financial system for money laundering and financing of terrorism" (Le Nouvelliste 8 Sept. 2015).

References

24 heures. 3 February 2017. "Victoire du parti du president elu haitien." [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

Agence France Presse (AFP). 5 January 2017. Amelie Baron. "Jovenel Moise, 'l'homme-banane' devenu president d'Haiti." (Factiva)

HaitiLibre. 24 July 2016. "Haiti - Politic: The PHTK Claims the Mayor of Port-au-Prince." [Accessed 23 Feb. 2016]

HaitiLibre. 21 September 2015. "Haiti - Presidentielle 2015: Jovenel Moise, programme et promesses..." [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

HaitiLibre. 18 August 2012. "Haiti - Politique : Le Parti Haitien Tet Kale officiellement forme." [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

Haiti-Reference. 7 October 2016. "0100.- Introduction." [Accessed 23 Feb. 2017]

Jovenelmoise.ht. 31 May 2016. "La plateforme PHTK condamne l'incendie de la HPS." [Accessed 23 Feb. 2017]

Mag Haiti. 20 March 2015. "Inscription et confirmation des partis politiques aux elections." [Accessed 23 Feb. 2017]

Le Monde. 8 February 2017. Jean-Michel Caroit. "Jovenel Moise investi president d'Haiti." [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

Le Monde. 4 February 2017. "Legislatives partielles en Haiti : le parti de Jovenel Moise sort vainqueur." [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

Le Monde. 7 June 2016.  Haiti : le premier tour de la presidentielle annule, de nouvelles dates annoncees . [Accessed 14 July 2017]

Le Nouvelliste. 10 June 2016. "PHTK et allies s'unissent pour exiger le depart de Privert le 14 juin." [Accessed 23 Feb. 2017]

Le Nouvelliste. 19 October 2015. "Jovenel Moise promet continuite, correction et innovation." [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

Le Nouvelliste. 8 September 2015. "Un nouveau directeur general installe a l'UCREF." [Accessed 24 Feb. 2017]

Le Nouvelliste. 16 August 2012. "Parti haitien Tet Kale, le pouvoir se dote d'un 'chapeau legal'." [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

Liberation. 29 November 2016. Aude Massiot. "L'election de Jovenel Moise, 'une catastrophe' pour Haiti." [Accessed 20 Feb. 2017]

Observatoire Citoyen pour l'Institutionnalisation de la Democratie (OCID). 22 September 2016. Fritz Dorvilier. "Analyse des programmes politiques de candidats a l'election presidentielle de 2015-2016." [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

Observatoire Citoyen pour l'Institutionnalisation de la Democratie (OCID). N.d. "Qui nous sommes nous ?" [Accessed 20 Feb. 2017]

Parti Haitien Tet Kale (PHTK). N.d. "Le Bureau Executif." [Accessed 23 Feb. 2017]

Radio France internationale (RFI). 29 November 2016. "Presidentielle en Haiti: Jovenel Moise donne vainqueur des le premier tour." [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

Researcher, Tricontinental Centre. 17 February 2017. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

Tricontinental Centre (CETRI). N.d. "About." [Accessed 20 Feburary 2017]

TV5 Monde. 30 November 2016. Lea Baron. "Haiti: qui est Jovenel Moise, le nouveau president ?" [Accessed 10 Feb. 2017]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Haiti - Embassy in Canada; Organization of American States - Haiti Office; Parti Haitien Tet Kale.

Internet sites, including: Alter Presse; Anmwe News; BBC; ecoi.net; France 24; Freedom House; Haiti Observer; Haiti Press Network; International Foundation for Electoral Systems; Political Handbook of the World; UN - Refworld; US - Department of State.

Attachments
Haiti: National Cooperation for the Defense of Human Rights (Cooperation nationale pour la defense des droits humains, COONADH) political group, including its objectives, structure, program and current leaders; its relationship with the Fanmi Lavalas party and those close to Aristide; treatment of its members (2007-November 2016)

Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 18 November 2016 Citation / Document Symbol HTI105683.FE Related Document(s) Haiti : information sur le regroupement politique Cooperation nationale pour la defense des droits humains (COONADH), y compris sur ses objectifs, sa structure, son programme et ses dirigeants actuels; information sur sa relation avec le parti Fanmi Lavalas et les proches d'Aristide; le traitement reserve a ses membres (2007-novembre 2016) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Haiti: National Cooperation for the Defense of Human Rights (Cooperation nationale pour la defense des droits humains, COONADH) political group, including its objectives, structure, program and current leaders; its relationship with the Fanmi Lavalas party and those close to Aristide; treatment of its members (2007-November 2016), 18 November 2016, HTI105683.FE, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59844b1d4.html [accessed 13 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.

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

Information on the COONADH was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

The group is mentioned in an article dated December 12, 2006, by AlterPresse, an alternative Haitian information network, in which Junior Altenor, a participant in a demonstration against the violence and kidnappings in Port-au-Prince, is described as the [translation] "spokesperson for the National Cooperation for the Defense of Human Rights (COONADH), a new organization promoting human rights" (AlterPresse 12 Dec. 2006). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

The Haitian general-interest television channel Radio Tele Ginen also features this group in a Haitian Creole video, published on April 23, 2014, entitled Relaunch of COONADH, a National Organization for the Defense of Human Rights (Relansman COONADH ki se Oganizasyon nasyonal defans ak dwa moun) (RTG 23 Apr. 2014). In the video, Hilma Mathurin, a COONADH coordinator, mentioned that this group was established on April 7, 2006, with the objective of advocating for human rights; that it defends all people without exception, especially those who cannot defend themselves; and that the organization works in prisons, hospitals, etc. (RTG 23 Apr. 2014). The coordinator concluded by stating that the COONADH was re-launched that day (RTG 23 Apr. 2014). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

AlterPresse. 12 December 2006. "Haiti : un sit-in pour denoncer l'insecurite et reclamer des actions concretes du gouvernement." [Accessed 7 Nov. 2016]

Radio Tele Ginen (RTG). 23 April 2014. "Relansman COONADH se oganizasyon nasyonal defans ak dwa moun." (Relance de COONADH, une organisation nationale de defense des droits de la personne). [Accessed 7 Nov. 2016]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Centre oecumenique des droits de l'homme; director, Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti; director, Reseau national de defense des droits humains; human rights advocate, Collectif Defenseurs Plus; lawyer, Bureau des avocats internationaux; lawyer, Bureau des avocats internationaux, Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti; program manager assistant, Reseau national de defense des droits humains; protection officer, Front Line Defenders.

Internet sources, including: Amnesty International; ecoi.net; Factiva; Federation internationale des ligues de droits de l'homme; Freedom House; Haiti Libre; Haiti Press Network; Human Rights Watch, infohaiti.net; International Crisis Group; IRIN; Le Nouvelliste; Radio Metropole; UN - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Refworld, ReliefWeb; United States - Department of State.
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.
Venezuela: UN rights office urges all parties to refrain from violence amid protests over weekend polls

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 31 July 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Venezuela: UN rights office urges all parties to refrain from violence amid protests over weekend polls, 31 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59844d324.html [accessed 13 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations human rights office has expressed regret that at least 10 people died in Venezuela over the weekend amid clashes between security forces and protestors opposing the Constituent Assembly elections, a spokesman for the Secretary-General said today.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) calls for the investigations into the deaths to be prompt, effective and independent, and urges the Government to cooperate fully with such investigations, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the daily Headquarters briefing in New York.

According to media reports, President Nicolas Maduro declared victory in elections for a Constituent Assembly convened by him. The new body could replace the current legislative body, the National Assembly.

The Office also expressed concern that the Venezuelan authorities continue to violate the right of peaceful assembly by violently dispersing demonstrators, Mr. Dujarric said.

OHCHR calls on the authorities to cease the use of excessive force to repress demonstrations, and to ensure the right of peaceful assembly is respected, and it calls on all parties to refrain from the use of violence, he added.

Ahead of Sunday's elections, OHCHR spokesperson Elisabeth Throssell told reporters in Geneva Friday that the Office urged the authorities to manage any protests against the Constituent Assembly vote in line with international human rights norms and standards while calling on those opposing the election and the Assembly to do so peacefully.

With regard to the legitimacy of the vote itself, the spokesperson noted that it is a hugely controversial issue amplified by the fact that there had been an unofficial consultation by the opposition on the constituent assembly.

[Our] Office is concerned about the environment in which the elections are to take place and believes that a constitutional process can only be successful if based on a broad consensus and the participation of all sectors of society, Ms. Throssell said.
In Central African Republic, UN peacekeeping chief underscores political solution to end violence

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 31 July 2017 Cite as UN News Service, In Central African Republic, UN peacekeeping chief underscores political solution to end violence, 31 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59844f634.html [accessed 13 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The top United Nations peacekeeping official is in the Central African Republic where he today discussed the security situation and the political process, while paying homage to three UN 'blue helmets' killed in the line of duty in recent days.

The security dimension is important but it is only part of the solution, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said at a press conference in Bangui, stressing the importance of the political process in the country.

During his 48-hour visit, Mr. Lacroix met with President Faustin Touadera, the Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and engaged with the President of the National Assembly.

He also met with representatives of religious groups and civil society, as well as the diplomatic corps.

We need Central African leadership so that these processes can continue and progress, he said, stressing the importance of national ownership.

According to the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the country, known by its French acronym MINUSCA, he also urged prioritizing implementation of the ceasefire that was agreed upon in Rome on 20 June.

Speaking to the press, he warned against messages of hatred and division that advocate polarization on ethnic or religious grounds within Central African society: It is a poison and it is a duty to condemn these messages and stress that those who sow hatred will answer for their actions.

During the visit, Mr. Lacroix also met with the staff of the UN Mission and paid tribute to the three peacekeepers killed during attacks by alleged anti-Balaka fighters in Bangassou last week.

He also met with new troops from Tanzania and Zambia who recently joined MINUSCA.

Their arrival provides more force and greater flexibility for redeployment, and will make it possible to more effectively protect the population, the senior UN official said.

UNMISCA is implementing its robust mandate and is reorganizing to implement it further, he said.

Mr. Lacroix is expected to leave the CAR today and proceed next to South Sudan.
On Friday, two women in Shivpuri reported that when they woke up they found that their hair had been cut by someone.

By Rahul Noronha: Incidents of braid cutting reported in North India are now being reported from various parts of Madhya Pradesh too. On Friday, two women in Shivpuri reported that when they woke up they found that their hair had been cut by someone.

Earlier, a woman in Damoh had reported the same occurrence.

Girija Parashar, 50, wife of Shambhu Parashar, resident of Rambagh Colony, Shivpuri reported that she heard a knock on the door and when she opened it, she found a very tall man standing there. She said she fainted immediately and when she woke up she found that her hair had been cut. A large number of people collected at her house.

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In another incident, Rinki, resident of Gayatri colony, Bairad in Shivpuri also reported that she found her hair to be cut after she woke up in the morning.

Again on Friday morning, Kallo Bai, wife of Dhan Singh in Bamhori Shahpur village of Sagar district arrived at the district hospital and said that someone had struck her from behind and cut her hair. Her husband Dhan Singh said that Kallo Bai had been sweeping outside the house on Friday morning when he heard a shriek. He rushed to his wife who said that she felt someone grab her from behind but didn't see anyone when she turned around. She fainted soon afterwards and was brought to the hospital.

Earlier on Wednesday, Gayatri, wife of Bhagwandas Patel had reported that she was sleeping in her house with 3 children and husband at Patha in Madiadoh in Damoh district when she suddenly felt a force taking her over. Soon after wards she discovered that her hair had been cut.

Incidents of braid cutting have been reported from Delhi, UP and Haryana too. District administration in both Damoh and Shivpuri have dismissed the incidents as lacking any basis. The women in Shivpuri went to the police station but were turned away. The district administration has asked people to not believe these stories.

Also Read :

Bogeyman, black magic or good old thievery, braid plot

Lynching of deranged woman linked to braid choppings, claim

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Afghanistan: UN Mission condemns suicide attack against Iraqi embassy in Kabul

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 31 July 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Afghanistan: UN Mission condemns suicide attack against Iraqi embassy in Kabul, 31 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59844fab4.html [accessed 13 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations political mission in Afghanistan today denounced an attack on the embassy of Iraq saying it is another attack aimed at the international community but where Afghan civilians bear the brunt of the violence.

This attack shows complete contempt for human life, as well as the international law designed to protect diplomats, said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan.

The attack, which occurred in a residential area of central Kabul, lasted around five hours.

Several armed men killed two Afghan civilian employees inside the embassy and injured a police officer before being killed by Afghan security forces.

I commend the Afghan security forces for their swift action that saved many lives, said Mr. Yamamoto, who heads the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA.

He noted that the attack is yet another which appears to have targeted the international community but in which Afghan civilians bore the brunt of the violence.

Diplomatic missions are civilian objects protected under international humanitarian law, and attacks directed at them are serious violations that may amount to war crimes.

The Islamic State in the Khorasan Province has claimed responsibility.
DRC's Kasai region one of world's 'largest displacement crises' for children  UNICEF

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 31 July 2017 Cite as UN News Service, DRC's Kasai region one of world's 'largest displacement crises' for children  UNICEF, 31 July 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598450034.html [accessed 13 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.

Waves of violent conflict in the Greater Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have forced more than one million people, including hundreds of thousands of children from their homes, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has reported.

The lives of hundreds of thousands of children and their families in Greater Kasai have been turned upside down by this brutal violence, said Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Acting Representative in the DRC in a press statement issued late last week, calling the situation in the restive region of the DRC one of the largest displacement crises for children in the world.

A total of 1.4 million people, including 850,000 children, have been displaced, with at least 60,000 uprooted in the month of June alone, he added.

Most of the displaced, who have lost or left behind all their essential goods and personal belongings, live now with foster families and relatives in communities that are among the poorest in the country.

A smaller number of displaced families have fled to improvised huts in the bush near their villages. These families are the most vulnerable and least accessible to humanitarian workers. They suffer from lack of adequate food, shelter, healthcare, water and sanitation.

This is a rapidly growing humanitarian crisis, and with our partners, we are working amid great insecurity to try to help these highly vulnerable families, said Mr. Oyewale.

UNICEF and its partners have implemented a cash assistance programme for displaced people that provides households with $100 cash support, which can be used for basic necessities. To date, UNICEF has supported 11,225 households through this programme.

In addition to the cash programme, a flexible multi-sectoral programme called Rapid Response Mechanism pre-positions materials and aid partners to rapidly respond to the needs of displaced populations. The assistance includes healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, and essential non-food items  such as shelter materials, kitchen utensils, buckets of water, blankets. Some 50,000 households are expected to benefit from this programme over the coming months.

Thanks to donor support, UNICEF and its partners have so far this year, assisted 157,490 people in urgent humanitarian need.
In South Sudan, UN peacekeeping chief pledges support to displaced civilians in Malakal

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 3 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, In South Sudan, UN peacekeeping chief pledges support to displaced civilians in Malakal, 3 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5984506f4.html [accessed 13 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.

Having witnessed first-hand various security challenges and humanitarian efforts in South Sudan, the United Nations peacekeeping chief has wrapped up his three-day mission to the country, which included a visit to the UN Protection of Civilians site in Malakal, where he expressed the Organization's resolve to support the return to stability.

We are determined to continue doing our best to help the population, said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping Operations said after visiting Malakal.

Continued civil conflict has plagued South Sudan, since December 2013. A brokered peace deal signed in August 2015 has not completely taken hold, causing hundreds of thousands to flee amidst burgeoning humanitarian challenges.

Mr. Lacroix visited the UN Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Malakal, where 30,000 people struggle to survive. Since its formation, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) site has offered refuge to countless South Sudanese escaping conflict around their homes.

Troops on the ground briefed him on various security concerns, obstacles and humanitarian efforts underway to assist the local population.

My visit to Malakal was quite informative on the efforts that are being made to support the population there  the IDPs  but also the population as a whole, irrespective of their affiliation, he maintained.

Through a translator, one IDP living there since December 2013 said, in this camp we are secure, adding but still we need more security and peace in this country.

Accompanied by Special Representative of the Secretary-General David Shearer, Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the UN peacekeeping chief spoke with local authorities, as well as the UNMISS team and representatives of UN agencies, both on the humanitarian and development sides.

We had a good meeting with local authorities in Malakal and we agreed that we should continue to work together and increase our cooperation in order to help the return of stability and also generate better opportunities for the population there, elaborated Mr. Lacroix.

During the meeting, Peter Col Wal, speaker of the Upper Nile state assembly, urged UNMISS to support peace activities in his state.

Briefing the press in Juba

VIDEO: UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix stresses need to revitalize peace process in South Sudan.

Today in the capital, Juba, after wrapping up his three-day visit to the country, Mr. Lacroix reiterated, at his final press conference, the importance of the initiative led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) aimed to revitalize the peace agreement.

Clearly it is a very important and positive thing that the countries in the region are being more engaged in helping South Sudan return to peace, he said. The UN has welcomed and supported this new engagement by the IGAD and looks forward to that process moving forward.

He noted that the UN would continue to closely follow the national dialogue process to ensure that it is conducted in an inclusive and transparent manner, saying that it can be a helpful instrument in bringing together stakeholders and helping them resolve their differences especially at the local level.

The peacekeeping chief also called on all parties to stop fighting and to make all efforts towards a cessation of hostilities.

Finally, Mr. Lacroix expressed concern about the dire humanitarian situation and reiterated that the UN is working impartially to help everyone in South Sudan, irrespective of ethnic and religious affiliation.

The UN is acting impartially in helping everyone in South Sudan, irrespective of their ethnic or religious or any other affiliations. I really appreciate that this impartiality was recognized by the leadership during my meetings with them. So we are determined to continue doing our best to help the population, he said.
ISIL's 'genocide' against Yazidis is ongoing, UN rights panel says, calling for international action

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 3 August 2017 Related Document(s) "They came to destroy": ISIS Crimes Against the Yazidis Cite as UN News Service, ISIL's 'genocide' against Yazidis is ongoing, UN rights panel says, calling for international action, 3 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598451304.html [accessed 13 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.

Marking three years since the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) attacked the Yazidis in Syria, a United Nations-mandated inquiry has called for justice and rescue plans.

The Commission of Inquiry calls on the international community to recognize the crime of genocide being committed by ISIL against the Yazidis and to undertake steps to refer the situation to justice, said the expert panel in a statement marking the third anniversary of ISIL's attack on the Yazidis.

According to the Commission, in the early hours of 3 August 2014, ISIL fighters launched an attack on the Yazidis of Sinjar  a distinct religious community whose practice spans thousands of years. Over the following days, the terrorist group executed hundreds of men and took captive thousands of women and children, publicly reviling them as 'infidels.'

In its June 2016 report, entitled They Came to Destroy: ISIS Crimes Against the Yazidis the Commission found that many of the women and girls were taken to Syria where they were sold as chattel and sexually enslaved by ISIL fighters. Boys were indoctrinated, trained and used in hostilities.

ISIL committed the crime of genocide by seeking to destroy the Yazidis through killings, sexual slavery, enslavement, torture, forcible displacement, the transfer of children and measures intended to prohibit the birth of Yazidi children, the report concluded.

The genocide is on-going and remains largely unaddressed, despite the obligation of States Party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948 to prevent and to punish the crime, the Commission said.

The international community must also recognize ISIL is committing the crime of genocide against the Yazidis

Thousands of Yazidi men and boys remain missing and the terrorist group continues to subject some 3,000 women and girls in Syria to horrific violence including brutal daily rapes and beatings, the expert body noted.

Pointing out that some women and girls are being held in Raqqa city, the Commission revealed that as the Syrian Democratic Forces and international coalition offensive on Raqqa intensifies, reports have emerged of ISIL fighters trying to sell enslaved Yazidi women and girls before attempting to flee Syria.

The Commission recommended that all parties fighting ISIL consider plans to rescue Yazidi captives and use all possible to ensure their freedom during on-going military operations.

The international community must also recognize ISIL is committing the crime of genocide against the Yazidis, the statement concluded, urging action to refer the situation to justice, including to the International Criminal Court or an ad hoc tribunal with relevant geographic and temporal jurisdiction as well as to dedicate resources to bringing cases before national courts, whether under the framework of universal jurisdiction or otherwise.

The Independent International Commission  comprised of the Chair, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, Karen Koning AbuZayd and Carla Del Ponte  has been mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate and record all violations of international law since March 2011 in Syria.
Mauritania: UN rights office voices concern about unrest ahead of constitutional referendum

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 3 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Mauritania: UN rights office voices concern about unrest ahead of constitutional referendum, 3 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598451a34.html [accessed 13 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations human rights office today expressed concern about the ongoing unrest in Mauritania, ahead of the constitutional referendum scheduled for Saturday, particularly the apparent suppression of dissenting voices and the reported use of excessive force by the authorities against protest leaders.

Protests have been taking place daily since 21 July, led by opposition politicians calling for a boycott of the vote, said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in a statement.

The authorities reportedly did not respond to the majority of requests for authorization for the protests and actively dispersed gatherings. In several cases, protest leaders were reportedly beaten up and a number of them were arrested, she added.

An amendment to Mauritania's constitution, which would abolish the Senate and change the national flag, is put to a vote in the referendum.

Mass protests are planned this afternoon in Nouakchott and reports suggest that the Senate building has been cordoned off by the police and the gendarmerie.

OHCHR urged the Government to ensure that its response to the protests is line with its obligations under international human rights law and to ensure that the rights to peaceful assembly, to freedom of opinion and expression are fully respected.

These rights are particularly precious in a pre-electoral context, she said, calling on all sides to refrain from the use of violence and to take measures to prevent the situation from escalating.

The Government has a responsibility to ensure that the elections are held in conformity with the international human rights obligations of Mauritania, and should take all necessary measures to ensure free, transparent and credible elections, she stressed.
Amid 'political impasse' in Burundi, Security Council urges all parties to cease violence

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 2 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Amid 'political impasse' in Burundi, Security Council urges all parties to cease violence, 2 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5984522b4.html [accessed 13 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations Security Council today expressed deep concern over the political situation in Burundi  including increasing numbers of refugees and reports of torture, forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings  and strongly urged the Government and all parties to immediately cease and reject such violence.

In a statement read out by Ambassador Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta of Egypt, which holds the Council presidency for August, the 15-nation body underscored deep concern regarding the continued worsening humanitarian situation, marked by nearly 202,000 internally displaced persons, three million people in need and more than 416,000 Burundians seeking refuge in neighbouring countries [] resulting from the country's persisting political impasse.

The Council commended the host countries for their efforts, and regional governments to respect their international obligations relating to the status of refugees, and to ensure that their return is voluntary, based on informed decisions and in safety and dignity.

It also strongly condemned all public statements inciting violence or hatred towards different groups, including calls for forced impregnation of women and girls and urged the Government and all parties to cease all violence and to condemn any hate speech.

The Security Council stressed that the prevailing situation has seriously undermined the gains achieved through the 2000 Arusha Agreement, with devastating consequences for Burundi and the region as a whole.

The Council reiterated its intention to pursue targeted measures against all actors, both inside and outside of the country, who threaten the peace and security of Burundi and underlined the utmost importance of respecting the letter and the spirit of the Arusha Agreement that has helped to sustain a decade of peace in in the nation.

The Security Council urges the Government of Burundi to reengage with international partners, especially the United Nations, in a constructive manner based on mutual trust, the statement said.

In that regard, the Council reiterated its concern over significant delays in the deployment of African Union human rights observers and military experts, noting that only 40 of the former and eight of the latter had been deployed to Burundi so far.

Reaffirming the Government's primary responsibility for ensuring security in its territory and protecting its population, with respect for the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law, it also called on States in the region to contribute to a solution to the crisis in Burundi and to refrain from supporting the activities of armed movements in any way.
Conflict-affected rural families in Iraq to benefit from mobile cash-transfer technology  UN

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 2 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Conflict-affected rural families in Iraq to benefit from mobile cash-transfer technology  UN, 2 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598452a04.html [accessed 13 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.

Many vulnerable rural families in Iraq will now be able to safely receive income thanks to a newly adopted mobile money transfer technology that is part of a cash-for-work programme to rehabilitate farming infrastructure, according to the United Nations agriculture agency.

The use of mobile technology will streamline the safe delivery of cash transfers to participants, who are some of the most vulnerable people in the country, said Fadel El-Zubi, the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Representative in Iraq.

Participants, who are from households with no other income source, include women  often the sole breadwinners for their families  and people with a disability. The workers and their families are people who either remained in their villages during conflict or returned home after being displaced by the fighting.

Providing income opportunities is critical in rural areas affected by conflict, where competition for employment is high, jobs are scarce and people are struggling to support their families, he elaborated.

The programme, which is funded by the Belgian Government, will support 12,000 conflict-affected people in 30 villages in Kirkuk, Anbar, Salah al-Din and Ninewa governorates. It will benefit local farmers by enabling them to restart or expand farming activities with rehabilitated infrastructure and provides agricultural livelihoods opportunities for displaced people returning home.

The nuts and bolts

To facilitate payments, FAO has partnered with Zain, a mobile and data services operator with a commercial footprint in eight Middle Eastern and African countries.

Participant names and identity numbers are pre-registered with the company, and they receive a free SIM card. Once each person completes a certain number of days of work, they receive a text message containing a personalised security code. They can then collect their wages from any certified money mobile transfer agent, provided their code and identity number match those registered.

As well as providing much-needed income for participants, the programme will improve agricultural production in the surrounding communities, through activities including rehabilitating canals for irrigation to grow crops and preparing farmland for planting, said Mr. El-Zubi.

This, in turn, will encourage community members still displaced by conflict to return home and begin farming again. FAO's aim is to support people to get back on their feet as quickly as possible, and reduce their reliance on food assistance, he added.

Around 12 million Iraqis reside in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Years of conflict have destroyed or damaged harvests, equipment, infrastructure, livestock, seeds, crops and stored food  and left 3.2 million Iraqis food insecure.

As of 15 July, more than 3.3 million people remained displaced within Iraq, while about 2 million had returned home.

Support needed for scaled-up efforts

While the FAO cash-for-work programme encourages displaced people to return home, a major effort is needed to rehabilitate critical infrastructure so that agricultural production can resume and livelihoods can be restored.

FAO is seeking urgent funding of $74.5 million to assist 1.39 million people this year, through rehabilitating damaged agricultural infrastructure, supporting farmers to vaccinate and feed their livestock, and expanding cash-for-work and other income-generating opportunities.

In coordination with the Iraqi government, FAO's work supports returning and internally displaced families, host communities and Syrian refugees.
Afghanistan: UN condemns killing of civilians in Herat mosque attack

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 2 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Afghanistan: UN condemns killing of civilians in Herat mosque attack, 2 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598452ef4.html [accessed 13 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.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio 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.
In South Sudan, UN peacekeeping chief says regional engagement 'good thing' for peace process

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 2 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, In South Sudan, UN peacekeeping chief says regional engagement 'good thing' for peace process, 2 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598453784.html [accessed 13 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations peacekeeping chief said today the involvement of eastern African countries in revitalizing the peace process in South Sudan was among the main topics he discussed with that nation's President, describing such regional engagement a good thing.

We discussed the initiative of IGAD towards the revitalization of the peace process, said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, in the South Sudanese capital, Juba, following a meeting with President Salva Kiir.

Mr. Lacroix, on his first official visit to South Sudan, added there was a convergence of opinion that it was a good thing that the countries forming the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are more engaged in helping South Sudan and its people.

These countries are Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda.

The conflict in South Sudan began in December 2013 as a result of political face-off between President Salva Kiir and then First Vice-President Riek Machar. Despite the August 2015 peace agreement, violence has continued. To date, the crisis has left more than 5.5 million people in need of aid and some 1.7 million refugees have also fled to neighbouring countries.

Last month, the IGAD agreed to set up a high-level forum to work across the region to get the South Sudanese peace process back on track.

According to the UN Mission, known as UNMISS, South Sudan's Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Lomuro told the press that the President sent very clear message on what he would like the UN to do, noting that the President would like the IGAD, UNMISS or the UN to reach out to those rebels who are holding citizens hostages and to engage them and to bring them to the table to talk to one another in order to bring peace.

Mr. Lacroix met with senior Government officials including the First Vice-President Taban Deng, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deng Alor.

The peacekeeping chief said that there was a shared understanding with the government that actions and initiatives to advance peace are important and that they have to be put in place to accelerate the implementation of the Peace Agreement and bring sustainable peace to the world's youngest nation.

Mr. Lacroix underlined that the peace process could not move forward if fighting continued. He pledged the continued support of the UN towards providing aid for the most vulnerable people in South Sudan.

UN humanitarian agencies are doing their best to help South Sudanese and we look forward to further cooperation with the Government so that we can access populations in distress wherever the needs are.
DR Congo: UN envoy expresses concern over arbitrary arrests, urges restraint

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 2 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, DR Congo: UN envoy expresses concern over arbitrary arrests, urges restraint, 2 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598453b44.html [accessed 13 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations envoy for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today expressed his concern over arbitrary arrests and detentions across the country, following civil society's call for the holding of elections before year-end and their peaceful protests against delays in the publication of the electoral calendar.

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 Maman Sidikou, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for the country and head of the UN stabilization mission in the country, known by its French acronym, MONUSCO.

On 31 July, the UN documented over 120 arrests or detentions in Kinshasa, Goma, Lubumbashi, Beni, Butembo, Bukavu and Mbandaka.

Among those detained were eight media representatives, including a journalist from radio Okapi and two members of the international press, who were released following the UN Mission's intervention.

Mr. Sidikou called on the national and local authorities to fully uphold fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution of the country, as well as for all political actors to refrain from any statement or action that could heighten tensions and further polarize the political landscape.
By PTI: (Eds: Recasting overnight story)

By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Aug 4 (PTI) US President Donald Trump during his call with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto acknowledged that his promise to get Mexico to pay for a controversial border wall has left him cornered as he described the wall "the least important thing".

The Washington Post yesterday posted highly classified transcripts of Trumps conversations with Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, in yet another embarrassing leak for the US President.

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Trump promised throughout the 2016 campaign that not only will a wall on the Mexican-American border be built, but that Mexico would pay for it. Trump says he is building the wall to stop illegal immigration from Mexico

In his conversation with Nieto, Trump is heard pleading that the Mexican president should stop saying that Mexico would not pay for the wall.

Trump seems to acknowledge that his threats to make Mexico pay had left him cornered politically, saying the fact is "we are both in a little bit of a political bind because I have to have Mexico pay for the wall ? I have to".

"Believe it or not, this is the least important thing that we are talking about, but politically this might be the most important talk about. But in terms of dollars ? or pesos ? it is the least important thing. I know how to build very inexpensively, so it will be much lower than these numbers I am being presented with, and it will be a better wall and it will look nice. And it will do the job," Trump said, while talking on the issue of building the wall on the Mexican- American border.

As per the transcripts, Trump is heard asking the Mexican leader not to tell the press that Mexico would not pay for the construction of the wall along the US-Mexico border.

The building of the wall was one of the major electoral promises of the US president. During his election campaign, Trump had said that Mexico would pay for the wall. Pena Nieto has repeatedly said that Mexico will not pay for the wall.

"You cannot say that to the press. The press is going to go with that and I cannot live with that. You cannot say that to the press because I cannot negotiate under those circumstances," Trump told Pena Nieto, according to the transcripts.

In his conversation with the Australian Prime Minister, Trump is heard getting agitated on the refugee issue and eventually telling him that the call was the most irksome of the day.

Transcripts of both the conversations that happened on January 27 and 28 respectively.

The top American daily is now owned by Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos.

The White House called the leak a national security issue, saying it will prevent the president from being able to do what he does best, and negotiate with foreign leaders.

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In a statement, The Washington Post said the transcripts were prepared by the White House but have not been released.

"The Post is publishing reproductions rather than original documents in order to protect sources. The reproductions below also include minor spelling and grammatical mistakes that appeared in the documents," it said.

In his conversation with Turnbull, Trump says that accepting the refuges will "make us look awfully bad".

"We have to stop. We have allowed so many people into our country that should not be here. We have our San Bernardinos, we have had the World Trade Center come down because of people that should not have been in our country, and now we are supposed to take 2,000. It sends such a bad signal. You have no idea. It is such a bad thing," Trump is quoted as saying in the transcripts.

The conversation between the two leaders grew sour as Trump rejected an agreement to take refugees.

"I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day," Trump told Turnbull. "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous," said the US President, as he abruptly ends the call. PTI LKJ ASK UZM AKJ UZM

--- ENDS ---

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Deadly combination of cholera, hunger and conflict pushes Yemen to 'edge of a cliff'  senior UN official

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 1 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Deadly combination of cholera, hunger and conflict pushes Yemen to 'edge of a cliff'  senior UN official, 1 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598454024.html [accessed 13 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.

Describing the situation in Yemen as very bleak, with no end in sight, a senior United Nations official envoy today said the war-torn country, 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 Programme (UNDP) Country Director, briefing journalists in New York via teleconference from the capital, Sana'a.

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, Mr. Lootsma said, the one controlling the direction of the bus keeps going and pushes the accelerator, all but certain to crash.

He stressed that the Yemeni people are enduring incredible hardship, with 70 per cent 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.

Mr. Lootsma emphasized that 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.

The country is on the brink of famine, with 60 per cent of the population not knowing where its next meal is coming from, according to the UN envoy.

The current food security crisis is a man-made disaster resulting not only from decades of poverty and under-investment, but also as a war tactic through economic strangulation

He made clear that 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.

Pointing out that Yemen imported 90 per cent of its food even before the crisis, he painted a picture of the difficulty in bringing food into the country now.

Although food may be physically available in the market, it is actually financially out of reach for many of the poor families at this point in time, explained Mr. Lootsma.

The UNDP Country Director said that while cholera is not new to Yemen, the collapse of the health, water and sanitation sector due to a lack of salaries and damaged infrastructure exacerbated the situation.

Time is running out to 'stop the bus from going off the cliff'

He added that almost half of the health facilities are no longer functioning because they are partly or completely damaged, a situation made worse because 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 Mr. 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.

Mr. 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.
In South Sudan, UN peacekeeping chief urges an end to fighting to give peace process 'better chance'

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 1 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, In South Sudan, UN peacekeeping chief urges an end to fighting to give peace process 'better chance', 1 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5984544a4.html [accessed 13 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The conflict in South Sudan has to end in order to give the peace process there a better chance of success, the top United Nations peacekeeping official said today, kicking off a three-day trip to the African country.

In the South Sudanese capital, Juba, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix met with with senior Government officials including the First Vice-President Taban Deng, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deng Alor and the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Lomuro, as well as other ministers.

The peacekeeping chief said that there was a shared understanding with the Government that actions and initiatives to advance peace are important and that they have to be put in place to accelerate the implementation of the Peace Agreement and bring sustainable peace to the world's youngest nation.

Mr. Lacroix underlined that the peace process could not move forward if fighting continued.

The UN peacekeeping chief commended efforts made by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and neighbouring countries, such as Uganda, to revitalize the implementation of the Peace Agreement and to bring stakeholders together.

The conflict in South Sudan began in December 2013 and since then a humanitarian crisis has developed which has left more than 5.5 million people in need of aid. Some 1.7 million refugees have also fled to neighbouring countries.

The UN is here to help move forward efforts to achieve peace in South Sudan and to help the people of South Sudan, said Mr. Lacroix. UN humanitarian agencies are doing their best to help South Sudanese and we look forward to further cooperation with the Government so that we can access populations in distress wherever the needs are.
Venezuela: UN rights chief 'deeply concerned' by detention of opposition leaders

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 1 August 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Venezuela: UN rights chief 'deeply concerned' by detention of opposition leaders, 1 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5984547f4.html [accessed 13 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The 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.
By PTI: By Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Aug 4 (PTI) The Cabinet of Pakistans new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was sworn in today with media reports saying that Khawaja Asif has been appointed the countrys first full-time foreign minister since 2013.

President Mamnoon Hussain administered the oath to the new members at a ceremony at the President House in Islamabad.

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The new Cabinet largely retained old faces but some new leaders were included as ministers and ministers of state.

There was some confusion about the size of the Cabinet as state-run PTV reported that it included 28 ministers and 18 ministers of state, while Geo TV reported that 28 ministers and 19 ministers of state have taken oath.

There was no formal announcement so far on the portfolios.

Media reports said that portfolios of several ministers from the previous Nawaz Sharif dispensation have been changed.

According to the reports, Khawaja Asif has been appointed as the countrys first full-time foreign minister since 2013, when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party came to power.

Asif had the dual charge of the defence ministry and the water and power ministry in the previous government.

Ahsan Iqbal has been appointed the interior minister and former trade minister Khurrum Dastigir Khan was given the defence portfolio.

However, the powerful former interior minister Nisar Ali Khan has been excluded from the new Cabinet as he refused to join due to differences with the party leadership, the reports said.

Ishaq Dar retained the finance ministry portfolio despite Supreme Court orders to register corruption cases against him.

Daniyal Aziz, Talal Chaudhry, Arshad Leghari and Junaid Anwar Chaudhry were among the new faces to take oath.

Two days ago, Prime Minister Abbasi had delayed the formation of the Cabinet after meeting Sharif at the ousted premiers Murree residence.

Sharif has been staying in Murree since he vacated the official residence earlier this week after the Supreme Court disqualified him in connection with the Panama Papers scandal.

The transition to the new Cabinet has taken exactly seven days since Sharifs ouster on July 28. PTI SH ABH

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: As the armies of India and China continue to engage in a standoff for over a month in Doklam, an editorial from China's People's Daily has claimed that the Indian government is using Bhutan as an excuse to enter the Chinese territory.

People's Daily is the Chinese government's mouthpiece and the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party.

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We have translated the original editorial, written by Xiudong Jia, special commentator of People's Daily.

HERE IS THE COMPLETE EDITORIAL TRANSLATED FROM MANDARIN TO ENGLISH

On August 2, 2017, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People's Republic of China, on its official website, published a document Facts and China's Position Concerning the Indian Border Troop's Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory. The document provides clear facts, with reasons and evidences. Several days ago, on July 24, 2017, Yi Wang, the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, when interviewed by journalists, stated the official position on the China-India standoff. His words were brief, yet heavy.

Both the document and the declaration of position mentioned above contain two points. Firstly, they emphasise where the pinpoint lies in terms of the current situation - that the Indian border troops illegally entered Chinese territory. Secondly, they point out the solution to the standoff: India unconditionally withdraw its trespassing troops back into Indian territory.

In the aftermath of Doklam standoff, Indian government and media have spread all kinds of rhetoric, in order to justify the trespassing of its border troops. In the beginning, the Indian media claimed that China "invaded Indian territory". Then, Indian officials changed the tone and corrected that "Indian territory wasn't invaded." However, they brought up Bhutan and claimed Doklam as a disputed territory between China and Bhutan, and claimed that India had "security concern" regarding China's road construction in Doklam area.

India's rhetoric is without ground, all in terms of current situation, history, law, and conscience.

It's clear in facts that Indian border troops trespassed. At the press conference, the spokesperson of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs showed pictures of Indian border troops crossing China-India boundary in the Sikkim sector. The pictures clearly revealed that Indian armies and cars crossed borderline and entered Chinese territory. China-India boundary in the Sikkim sector has been outlined since the 1890 Convention of Calcutta. That convention was mutually agreed upon and adhered by Chinese and Indian governments. All previous administrations of India recognised the convention in written formats multiple times. The recent statements of India avoided any mention of the above convention, and even worse, resorted to rhetoric quibbles. From whichever angle, Doklam is not a disputed area between China and India. Indian border troops crossed the mutually recognised border in Sikkim sector, which is fundamentally different from previous frictions in disputed regions between China and India.

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India's claim that 'Doklam belongs to Bhutan' is equally ridiculous. China and Bhutan has started border meetings since the 1980s. So far, there have been 24 rounds of meetings between China and Bhutan. Though the two countries haven't officially drawn the boundary, there exists a basic consensus on the actual situation and the line at the border area between China and Bhutan. There is no dispute between China and Bhutan regarding that the Doklam is part of China. To take a step back, India has nothing to do with issues between China and Bhutan, and doesn't need to get itself involved. India has no right to enter the negotiation between China and Bhutan, and has no right to propose territorial boundary on behalf of Bhutan. India, uses Bhutan as an excuse, to enter Chinese territory, which not only violates Chinese territorial sovereignty but also Bhutan's autonomy.

India's claim that China's road construction brought up 'security concern' to India is ridiculous. China is building roads in its own territory, a reasonable and legal action of a sovereign state, which doesn't violate the consensus and treaty between China and Bhutan. On the contrary, it is Indian border troops' illegal crossing into the Chinese territory that altered the situation. To take a step back, even though two countries could have security concern over the other side of the defined boundary, they should resort to diplomatic channel to obtain resolutions that's built on trust. India using 'security concern' as an excuse and dispatching military to cross the defined borderline and entering the neighbouring countries, whatever it does, which sovereign state could tolerate India's behavior as such? Which international law grants India the right to do so?

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Just as the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, India's goal to stir up issues is apparent - that is to use the so-called 'security concern' as an excuse and 'protecting Bhutan' as a disguise, cross the defined borderline, enter the non-disputable Doklam region, create controversy in Doklam region and prohibit and constrain the negotiation progress between the two sovereign states China and Bhutan.

Regarding the issue of Doklam standoff, India's action is based on inaccurate historical knowledge, convoluted logic, and blind moral confidence. India is groundless, unreasonable and helpless.

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After the Doklam standoff, despite that India troops haven't ended their unwelcomed stay in Chinese territory, China still aims at peaceful solution. However, China will absolutely not compromise on issues of sovereignty. It would be a fantasy if India are to prolong the Doklam standoff.

Just as Yi Wang, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated, "The solution to the problem is simple. That is, India takes back its troops, conscientiously." There is a Chinese saying that goes "Those who understand the signs of the time are wise". The precondition to peaceful solution of Doklam standoff is that India's trespassed troops unconditionally retreat.

DOKLAM STANDOFF

Troops of both India and China 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.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry had on Wednesday released a 15-page statement that said Beijing would "take all necessary measures".

In another statement on Thursday, China had said it had notified India on two occasions through border mechanism meetings that it had planned to construct a road on June 16, and Beijing also sought to rebut Indian officials' statements saying around 400 Indian troops remained in the area, claiming "48 Indian troops and one bulldozer" remained on the disputed territory, which India and Bhutan see as Bhutanese.

(The editorial piece has been translated from Mandarin to English by Li Jianghanhan. She is currently doing her internship with India Today, and studying data journalism at Columbia University, New York.)

Also read:

China's 'salami slicing': Why Doklam must unite world leaders against Beijing

Doklam border standoff: Chinese army says restraint has a bottomline

Doklam: What China stands to lose if it goes to war with India

Doklam standoff: Why China wants India to stop defending Bhutan

ALSO WATCH | China's public statements on border situation a sign of bullying?

--- ENDS ---
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Body cameras for the Mooresville Police Department have arrived. Find out when they will be used.
PLA Colonel Ren Guoqiang said China had shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels, however, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line.

By Ananth Krishnan: China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has in a new statement said that its "restraint" over the Doklam standoff had "a bottom line", as it demanded for India to "immediately pull back trespassing troops".

In a statement late Thursday, PLA Colonel Ren Guoqiang, who is spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, said China had shown "utmost goodwill" and "sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels".

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Col. Ren added, "However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line".

He called on India "to give up the illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests."

"Chinese armed forces will resolutely protect the country's territorial sovereignty and security interests," he added.

The PLA statement underlined how China has through a series of statements sought to pressure India over the stand-off, as it now nears the 50-day mark.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday released a 15-page statement that said Beijing would "take all necessary measures".

In another statement on Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it had notified India on two occasions through border mechanism meetings that it had planned to construct a road on June 16, and Beijing also sought to rebut Indian officials' statements saying around 400 Indian troops remained in the area, claiming "48 Indian troops and one bulldozer" remained on the disputed territory, which India and Bhutan see as Bhutanese.

Also read:

Moving a mountain easier than shaking PLA: China's army threatens India

Now, China moves military equipment to Tibet. Should India be scared?

In China, women can now send husbands to storage while shopping in a mall

India's response to Doklam more reasonable than China: Ex-US official

ALSO WATCH: China's public statements on border situation a sign of bullying?

--- ENDS ---
Authorities in the northern Chinese region of Inner Mongolia have detained more than a dozen people after herders in an Evenk ethnic area staged a sit-in in protest over a grazing ban on local grasslands.



Eyewitnesses said police moved in to break up the protest with force after more than 100 Evenk herders gathered with their livestock on traditional grazing lands in Hulunbuir.



Photos of the aftermath of the clashes, which took place in the early hours of Friday, showed dozens of people sitting on a paved area with injuries they said were inflicted by police batons.



"They have been fighting over the grasslands in Evenk banner, in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia," the eyewitness who supplied the photos said.



"All of the different ethnic groups are starting to riot in Huiteng River," he said.



Video of the standoff showed herders moving flocks and herds of sheep and cattle into the grasslands under cover of night, calling and shouting.



Another clip showed protesters displaying their injuries in protest outside government offices in Hulunbuir following the clashes.



Veteran ethnic Mongolian dissident Hada blamed the conflict on a rapid influx of migrant Han Chinese settlers from elsewhere in China.



"This was in Yimin village," Hada said. "I heard that it was about incomers grabbing the grasslands and even stopping them from grazing their sheep and cattle."



"A lot of people were beaten up and injured," he said.



An employee who answered the phone at the Hulunbuir banner government offices on Friday hung up when contacted for comment by RFA.



A herder displays injuries he says he sustained from police batons in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, Aug. 4, 2017. Credit: Herders Increasingly common



Local herder Atguuda told RFA that the problem of grasslands being occupied by internal migrants is increasingly common in the region.



She accused local officials of illegally altering the household responsibility contracts under which the land is used by local people.



"From a legal point of view, this is completely worthless," she said.



Calls to the official she named rang unanswered during office hours on Friday.



Meanwhile, a herder from Inner Mongolia's Aungsu township said she had petitioned for a number of years over the loss of grazing lands, to no avail.



She called on local officials to look more closely into such disputes, which she said were a hangover from the abuses of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).



China is home to more than 30,000 members of the Evenk ethnic group, who form one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China.



However, the ethnicity of the participants in Friday's protests was unconfirmed.



Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
An Indonesian police officer in Jakarta guards Taiwanese and Chinese citizens who were arrested for alleged involvement in a cyber fraud ring, July 31, 2017.

Indonesia on Thursday deported 143 suspects allegedly involved in a $450 million cyber fraud ring that targeted wealthy Chinese, triggering a diplomatic protest from Taiwan after more than a dozen of its citizens were sent to China.

The suspects  125 Chinese and 18 Taiwanese citizens  were arrested on July 29 during raids in Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali, and deported at the request of authorities in China, Indonesian officials said.

The deportations drew protests from the Taiwanese capital Taipei and the Taiwan Economic and Trade Office (TETO), which serves as the islands diplomatic office in Jakarta.

According to the presumption of innocence and principle of repatriation of nationality, Taiwanese suspects should be sent back to Taiwan for investigation and trial, TETO said in a statement released Thursday.

It said a majority of the suspects did not have passports, allowing officials in Beijing to claim that all of them were Chinese citizens.

Forcibly sending Taiwanese nationals to the Chinese mainland completely ignores goodwill and appeals from our side, said Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council, a cabinet-level administrative agency under the central governments executive branch.

Color-coded shirts

The deportees left from Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on two flights, immigration office spokesman Agung Sampurno told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.

One hundred and forty-three people, consisting of 125 Chinese and 18 Taiwanese, were able to return home with emergency documents issued by the Chinese government, Agung said.

The suspects were taken to the Chinese cities of Chengdu or Tianjin. As they boarded their flights out of Indonesia, they wore T-shirts with designated colors  orange, blue or pink  to indicate the locations of their arrests, Indonesian and Taiwanese officials said.

Apart from the 143 who were expelled, four Taiwanese nationals and a Malaysian were detained in Jakarta because their documents had not been completed, Agung said.

Home to more than 23 million people, Taiwan is the most populous state to not be a member of the United Nations. China claims sovereignty and considers it a breakaway province.

Most nations, including Indonesia, adhere to Beijings strict One-China policy and do not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Official request from Beijing

BenarNews could not reach Arrmanatha Nasir, Indonesias Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, to comment on Taiwans protest.

Police said the 143 deportees were suspects in an international ring who allegedly extorted money from Chinese businessmen, by identifying themselves as law-enforcement officials who could help settle their legal cases after being paid a certain amount.

Investigators said they could not confirm the number of victims, but National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Rikwanto earlier told BenarNews that the international syndicate netted about 6 trillion rupiahs (U.S. $450 million).

The exact amount has not been known yet, as the legal process will be there (China), he said, adding local authorities did not start a legal process in Jakarta because there were no Indonesian victims.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
China is using Doklam as yet another laboratory to test its salami slicing policy of territorial expansion. India is resisting this attempt while the world leaders have generally maintained silence over Doklam.

By Prabhash K Dutta: Commenting on the Doklam standoff between the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Chinese foreign affairs spokesperson yesterday said, "Right now, I can tell you that there are 48 Indian military guards in our territory of Donglang (Doklam)."

"It has already been more than a month since the incident and India is still not only illegally remaining on Chinese territory, it is also repairing roads in the rear, stocking up supplies, massing a large number of armed personnel," Liu Jinsong said in New Delhi.

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This narrative of China is part of a well thought strategy of Beijing to endorse its policy of territorial expansion, which is being met with resistance both in the Himalayan region and the South China Sea. Doklam standoff serves as a warning to world leaders at the neo-colonial ambitions of China.

CHINA'S SALAMI SLICING

Since the birth of Communist China, it is the only country whose boundaries are expanding at the cost of its neighbours. China has been pursuing the expansion policy aggressively along its southern and eastern borders - both territorial and maritime.

Chinese expansion policy has a particular streak. China first stakes claim on its neighbours frontiers forcefully. Beijing repeats its claim at all platforms and on all possible occasions to such an extent that its carefully crafted narrative makes the frontier regions of its neighbours into a dispute or a disputed territory.

International affairs observers have named this Chinese approach of territorial and maritime expansion the 'salami slicing' policy. Doklam is the latest flashpoint of the salami slicing policy of China. While India is resisting Chinese attempt to alter boundaries of its neighbour Bhutan by usurping her land, the world leaders have rather been watching the development with conspicuous silence.

CHINA'S TRACK RECORD

When the Communist Party of China (CPC) unseated the Kuomintang rule in the Han dominated territory of China and drove the former rulers to Taiwan, Tibet was an independent country. It was ruled by Buddhist monks who had no army and were seen as a buffer state by the British Indian rulers.

China set its eyes on Tibet and occupied it militarily claiming that it was part of the country during ancient times. On that logic, India is entitle to lay its claim on Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and - as some may argue - even Nepal. The Russia can lay claim on even bigger territory.

Along with Tibet, China also occupied Xinjiang east of Ladakh on the western end of Tibet plateau. The two slices doubled Chinese territorial expanse within years of its establishment.

The next slice was to come from an Indian territory of the size of modern Switzerland - in the form of Aksai Chin. It was the part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Following its salami slicing policy, China first sent its pastoral communities from Han ethnic group to Aksai Chin with the instruction to drive out local Indian sheep herders.

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By 1962, China had announced its claim over Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. It went to war with India, whose contemporary policy was guided by the Panchsheel and not military prowess. Aksai Chin was cut off.

The Chinese expansion, after meeting resistance from India, has continued in Pakistan. A recent India Today report established how Pakistan has virtually become a colony of China .

EASTWARD EXPANSION

Emboldened by its success in the Himalayas, China replicated the salami slicing policy in the east. It went on to seize Paracel Islands in 1974 from Vietnam. China established Sansha City on the island forcible acquired from Vietnam.

It was followed by the Johnson Reef which China seized in 1988 from Vietnam. The Mischief Reef in 1995 and the Scarborough Shoal in 2012 were captured in the South China Sea from Philippines.

China has been in a campaign against Japan over the Senkaku Islands, which Beijing calls Diaoyu. It is located in the East China Sea, over which Beijing lays territorial claim. China considers Senkaku as the first chain of islands along with Taiwan and islands in the region controlled by Philippines and Vietnam.

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China first laid claim on Senkaku, controlled and administered by Japan. Despite Japan refuting the claims, and the US backing its stand on Senkaku, China kept reiterating its narrative. Now, there is an emerging view that Senkaku Islands are a dispute between China and Japan.

China maintains that it has exclusive territorial (almost 80 per cent of the area) claim over the South China Sea, which is very rich in minerals and natural gas. The US, Japan and the countries having shores in the South China Sea - Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam - dispute Chinese claim.

The Chinese claim is in violation of the provisions - including that of 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zones - defined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982. In the face of aggressive salami slicing policy of China, India's stand on Doklam came as flagging example for the world leaders to follow.

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ALSO READ |

Doklam border standoff: Chinese army says restraint has a bottomline

Doklam: What China stands to lose if it goes to war with India

Doklam standoff: Why China wants India to stop defending Bhutan

ALSO WATCH | China's public statements on border situation a sign of bullying?

--- ENDS ---
Authorities in the central Chinese province of Hunan have installed a large, locked gate outside the apartment of tortured Chinese rights lawyer Xie Yang, who has been incommunicado since his "release on bail" on May 8, his wife told RFA.



Xie was officially released after pleading guilty to subversion charges at a court in Hunan's provincial capital Changsha, but his U.S.-based wife Chen Guiqiu, who narrowly escaped repatriation with the couple's two daughters after seeking asylum in Bangkok, says her husband is far from free.



"The special case team rented the apartment opposite ours, and now they have installed a security barrier and door in between them," Chen told RFA in a recent interview.



"Their aim is to hold Xie Yang under house arrest," she said, adding: "If people want to go and take a selfie outside apartment 1401 in Block 3-23 of the Hunan University lecturers' compound, they will see just how our so-called 'society ruled by law' treats a recently released human rights lawyer."



Xie's friend and fellow activist Ou Biaofeng said the authorities want to ensure that Xie Yang, who has been denied permission to travel to the United States to be reunited with his family, has no communication with the outside world.



"[Xie] broke what was an unlawful agreement with the authorities and gave an interview to the foreign media, after being banned from communicating with the outside world," Ou told RFA. "I have been trying to call him this whole time but he isn't picking up, and he doesn't reply when I leave messages, either."



"He has been completely cut off from the outside world, and is under surveillance," he said. "His friends aren't allowed to visit him."



"As a friend of Xie Yang's, I strongly condemn this situation."



Tortured in custody



The new "home prison" comes after Xie officially returned to work at the Changsha Weigang law firm on July 13, after appearing briefly on social media in early July, chatting with legal colleagues and sharing photographs of meetings with friends.



He told RFA in a brief interview following his release that he had "done a deal" with the authorities, which included a ban on speaking out about his treatment in detention.



Rights activists have repeatedly called for Xie's release in recent months, detailing his lawyers' reports of his torture in a police-run detention center in the central province of Hunan.



Initially detained on July 11, 2015, Xie was held under "residential surveillance at a designated location" in a government guesthouse belonging to the National University of Defense Technology in Hunan's provincial capital, Changsha.



Subjected to abuse including deprivation of food and water, Xie was tortured again after being moved to the police-run Changsha No. 2 Detention Center following his formal arrest on Jan. 9, 2016.



Xie was subjected to confinement in a "hanging chair" made of plastic chairs stacked high above the ground for hours at a time, so that his legs swelled up and he was in excruciating pain, he told his lawyers.



He was also deprived of sleep and repeatedly beaten, humiliated, and taunted with death threats against his family, according to copious and detailed notes made public from meetings with his lawyers.



But he later read out a prepared statement that was broadcast on state media, denying that he had been tortured, and calling on Chinese rights lawyers, hundreds of whom have been detained or placed under surveillance or travel bans since July 2015, to stop talking to the foreign media.



Denied education



Meanwhile, the seven-year-old son of Beijing human rights lawyer Chen Jiangang, who exposed Xie's torture, has been denied a basic education by the authorities, Chen's wife Zou Shaomei told RFA.



An employee who answered the phone at the Tongzhou Shuren private elementary school, where the family had turned after being denied a place in a state school, confirmed it had rejected the application from Chen Zhongjing, but declined to say why.



"You will have to ask the [ruling Chinese Communist Party's] education committee or other relevant departments," the employee said.



An official who answered the phone at the Tongzhou Educational Affairs Bureau denied the order had come from them, however.



"We will have to look into it," the official said. "But an order to prevent an individual child from obtaining a school place isn't likely to have come from the education committee."



"If the child has the required five documents, then enrolling in school shouldn't be a problem."



Reported by Xin Lin for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Ng Yik-tung and Sing Man for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
As the ruling Chinese Communist Party gears up for an all-important political congress later this year, the administration of President Xi Jinping has issued new rules aimed at limiting what party members can do online.



In an "opinion" issued this week, the party's powerful Central Propaganda Department warned its more than 60 million rank-and-file members not to engage in any "illegal" online behavior.



In a hint that the president is concerned about dissent within party ranks, forbidden online actions include not organizing or participating in any form of political opposition, including via forums, social media, or live chat.



Party members are also to stay away from any form of online religious or "cult" activities, as well as refrain from "conniving" with religious extremists, separatists, and terrorists, it said.



The browsing of "illegal and reactionary" websites is also forbidden, as well as "using the internet to divulge party and state secrets."



"Online behavior is an important part of party members and cadres' work, and [they] should play an exemplary role," the opinion said.



It said party members and government officials should "adhere to political discipline and political rules" online, and "resolutely safeguard the authority of the Party Central Committee ... with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core."



Worry over dissent



Political analysts say Xi's relatively new status as a "core" party leader, not seen since the days of former president Jiang Zemin, is a sign that the president is worried about internal dissent, rather than a sign that he has already won an internal power struggle.



Party members must also swear off visiting online porn sites, and from viewing content that promotes "feudal superstitions," according to the directive.



Content that "vilifies and slanders" the party or state leaders is also off-limits, it says.



Government censors have recently moved to crack down on any form of online satire targeting the president.



Commentators said censors are clamping down on online dissent ahead of the 19th Party Congress later in the year, during which Xi will be looking to cement his status as a "core" party leader for the next five years of government.



A Guangdong-based activist surnamed Ye told RFA on Friday that the government is afraid that online dissent could spark "mass incidents" ahead of the 19th Party Congress, which is expected in November.



"The tension between people and government is getting worse and worse, and the authorities are afraid that it might lead to a mass movement like the Hong Kong Occupy Central movement or the 1989 pro-democracy movement on Tiananmen Square," Ye said.



"That's why they have to tighten up control of the internet, and that's why they held drills recently to practice shutting down websites and even the whole internet," he said.



Signs of pushback



There are signs of pushback from some of China's more than 730 million internet users, however.



Some online commentators called for an informal network to be set up in the event of an internet shutdown using the Bluetooth function on smartphones.



"All you need is a smartphone, and for everyone to install a particular kind of app, and to fire up the Bluetooth, and you have a network," one commentator wrote on social media.



Retired Shandong University professor Sun Wenguang said the new rules will likely have more of an impact on younger people, however, and will likely push more people into using older forms of technology to get news of the world outside the Great Firewall.



"There are so many Chinese people online now, and most of them are young," Sun said. "Older and middle-aged people just go to the park and walk around listening to overseas radio broadcasts. A radio is all they need."



"People are afraid that they will be under surveillance if they use the internet," he said.



Lecturers fired



Two universities recently terminated the contracts of lecturers, citing remarks they made online, reports indicated.



Beijing Normal University lecturers Shi Jiepeng had his contract terminated on July 25 after being accused of posting "inappropriate comments" to social media, including WeChat, according to a copy of his termination letter posted on Twitter.



And Li Mohai, a deputy professor at the Shandong Institute of Industry and Commerce, was fired from his job after he criticized government propaganda via his microblog account.



Calls to Shi and Li's cell phones rang unanswered on Friday.



Repeated calls to Beijing Normal University and the Shandong Institute of Industry and Commerce also rang unanswered during office hours on Friday.



Online writer Jiang Chun said Li is a member of the Communist Party, and had been fired because of the recent crackdown on party members.



"You can't try to dig up the truth about party history or say anything bad about the party," Jiang told RFA. "There are many more rules besides."



"They can deal with this pretty easily just by using administrative processes [like firing people]," he said.



Satirical images banned



China's internet censors recently banned social media tweets containing a reference to Winnie the Pooh, after a satirical image drawing parallels between the cuddly bear and President Xi circulated online.



The image showed the Disney version of Pooh and Tigger alongside a photograph of Xi and former U.S. President Barack Obama during their "shirtsleeves summit" in June 2013.



And Kwon Pyong, an ethnic Korean from the northeastern province of Jilin, stood trial on Feb. 15 for subversion after he wore a T-shirt emblazoned with satirical nicknames for President Xi Jinping, including "Xitler."



The last plenary session of the 18th Party Congress last October, which was held behind closed doors, formally endorsed President Xi Jinping as a "core" leader of the ruling party at the current plenum, potentially putting him on a par with former paramount leaders Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, whose authority must never be challenged.



Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wong Siu-san and Wen Yuqing for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.




North Korean staff assigned to consulates in China are being called back to Pyongyang for questioning on their political views, with some officials ordered home not returning to their posts, sources say.



The recall order, which began in April, is the largest in recent memory, a Korean-Chinese source in Shenyang city in Chinas Liaoning province told RFAs Korean Service.



The summoning of consulate staff back to Pyongyang began all at once in many cities in China, including Beijing, Shenyang, Dandong, and Shanghai, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



The reason for the mass recall seems to be to a review of the staffers ideology, though some say this may just be part of a North Korean plan to replace them all.



Some of those called back have not been seen again, the source said.



One North Korean staffer that I know was summoned to Pyongyang, but I havent heard from him for months. His wife and daughter, who had been studying at Liaoning University, went back with him.



A number of people from the Shenyang consulate have been called home, and they are reportedly being subjected to an intensive ideological review, the source said, adding that some younger staffers have been sent out to replace them, though not all posts have been filled.



Many of the consulate staff called back with their families have already had long tours in their posts, a second source told RFA, adding that this continuous summoning of staffers since April is causing extreme anxiety.



One worker in the Shenyang consulate who was put in charge of [Chinas] Dandong district was called back to Pyongyang and punished for his failure to manage conditions for North Korean workers in China to secure party funding, he said.



North Korea has exported workers to China, Russia, and countries farther afield for years, but requires them to remit most of their earnings to the North Korean government, which is believed to use the cash to fund its illicit weapons programs.



Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Richard Finney.


Hard-line Buddhist monks protest against the National League for Democracy government at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmars commercial capital Yangon, Aug. 2, 2017.

Myanmars home affairs ministry signaled its willingness on Friday to take action against nationalist monks and their supporters who are staging sit-ins in two large cities to protest against the National League for Democracy government.

A group of hard-liners set up camps in front of historic pagodas in Mandalay and Yangon on Wednesday, calling for the overthrow of the 16-month-old administration of de facto national leader Aung San Suu Kyi for what they say are policies that undermine the countrys majority Bamar nationality and the predominant Buddhist religion.

Major General Aung Soe, deputy minister of home affairs  one of the three ministries controlled by the countrys powerful military  told reporters after a parliamentary session in the capital Naypyidaw that authorities will take action against the protesters if the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture files a complaint about them.

If the religious affairs ministry files a complaint with authorities, there are laws and regulations in place to take action against the protestors, he said.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture has been discussing this with relevant religious organizations, he said. Also, the relevant regional governments have been working on it according to laws and regulations.

The ministry on Thursday issued a statement saying that the monks could stage protests only inside of their monastery compounds and under certain circumstances. It also said the monks could continue protesting if they refused to accept offerings and meals from laypeople.

The statement went on to say that instigators were using monks and other protesters to destabilize the country, and that the NLD government supports and protects the Buddhist religion.

The ministry also granted local chapters of the Sangha Maha Nayaka (Ma Ha Na), a government-appointed body that regulates the Buddhist clergy, the authority to deal with the monks, who are staging sit-ins at the Mahamyatmuni Pagoda in Mandalays Chanmyathazi township and the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

Though the Chanmyathazi township Ma Ha Na ordered the monks and their supporters to move the protest camp to another location on Thursday, they refused.

On Friday, the Mandalay regional government ordered protest leaders to remove their camp from the Mahamyatmuni Pagoda by 10 p.m. local time based on a request by the regional Ma Ha Na.

We dont know whether they will remove it or not, but we have to abide by the law if they dont remove it by reporting the situation to higher level authorities, said Colonel Kyaw Kyaw Min, Mandalay regions minister of security and border affairs.

He also said that the monks demands are not practical, but rather emotional, and do not represent what most people want.

A boycott, not a protest

Ashin Agga, the hard-line monk leading the sit-in, said the nationalists will not leave the area.

Because this is not a protest, but a boycott, we dont have any plan to remove our camp from this place, he told RFA.

We have heard that authorities will dismantle our camp tonight, he said. The current government is not a military government like the previous one. It is a democratic government. If the NLD government dismantles our camp, then it is not a democratic government anymore; it is a dictatorship.

Because the NLD government says it is the peoples government or a democratic government, it must hold discussions with the boycotts leadership committee, he said.

Tensions between Buddhists and Muslims, who constitute a minority in Myanmar, have been growing in the country since a major outbreak of communal violence in 2012 during which 200 people were killed and tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims in western Myanmars Rakhine state were displaced.

More recent incidents involved a mob stoning to death a Rohingya man in the Buddhist-majority Ywar Gyi Mrauk neighborhood of Sittwe. Six other Rohingya were injured in attack on July 4.

In May, Buddhist monks were involved in a violent confrontation with Muslims in a neighborhood in Mingala Taungnyunt township in the east-central part of Yangon, where they claimed that ethnic Rohingya Muslims were hiding illegally.

Two people were injured during the melee during which police had to fire warning shots into the air to disperse a crowd that had gathered.

In late April, two madrassas, or Islamic schools, were closed in Yangons Thaketa township after Buddhist ultranationalists accused Muslim residents of illegally using them for prayer services.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Attackers in the northern part of Myanmars Rakhine state have shot dead six farmers, while two others have gone missing in the latest violent incident to plague volatile Maungdaw township, a local official and the office of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi said on Thursday.

Tin Maung Swe, secretary of the Rakhine state government, told RFAs Myanmar Service that the eight farmers, all from the small Myo ethnic minority group in Maungdaws Kinegyi village, who went to their farms to work at about 8 a.m.

Han Nine, the father of one of the murdered farmers, said he heard about 10 shots about an hour later as he headed to the farm, and later found two dead bodies and a wounded woman, according to the official.

Han Nine went to his farm and found two men, Kone Wine and Lin Kyat, dead, and four women missing, Tin Maung Swe said. He went to the police station and reported it.

The State Counselor's Office later reported that six of the eight farmers were found dead, while two remained missing.

Border guards are searching for those who are missing, Tin Maung Swe said.

He also said government soldiers from Infantry Unit 380 and border guards are performing security clearance operations in the area.

Kinegyi village has about 50 households, and its residents are all Myo, a sub-ethnic group of the states ethnic Rakhine people, he said.

The village was burned during communal violence between Rohingya Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists in 2012 that left more than 200 people dead and displaced about 140,000 Rohingya who were then placed in internally displaced persons camps.

Myanmar considers the Rohingya illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and has denied them citizenship as well as access to basic services such as jobs, education, and health care.

State of upheaval

Maungdaw and two other townships in northern Rakhine state  Buthidaung and Rathedaung  have been in a state of upheaval since deadly attacks on three border guard stations in October 2016 blamed on a group of Rohingya militants.

As a result, Myanmar security forces conducted a violent four-month sweep of the region during which an estimated 1,000 people were killed and about 90,000 Rohingya fled, with most going across the border to neighboring Bangladesh.

A United Nations fact-finding mission has been tasked with investigating atrocities that the countrys army is said to have committed against the Rohingya during the crackdown in northern Rakhine, though the Myanmar government has rejected the decision and ordered that visas be denied to the commissioners.

Security forces continue to patrol the tri-township area where disappearances, murders, attacks on security forces, and periodic killings by troops continue to occur.

Since June, they have reported finding terrorist training sites, tunnels, weapons, and food supplies along the Mayu mountain range in the Maungdaw-Buthidaung township area.



Reported by Min Thein Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Hard-line Buddhist monks protest against the National League for Democracy government at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmars commercial capital Yangon, Aug. 2, 2017.

Nationalist monks and their supporters on Thursday refused to dismantle a camp they set up to protest against the National League for Democracy government in the central Myanmar city of Mandalay, disregarding an official notice from local religious authorities to move it.

About 20 hard-line monks and other nationalists erected the camp in front of historic Mahamyatmuni Pagoda in Mandalays Chanmyathazi township in township on Wednesday, calling for the overthrow of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, which they say has not dealt effectively with national interest and race issues and has failed to protect the majority Bamar nationality and the predominant Buddhist religion.

The townships Sangha Maha Nayaka (Ma Ha Na), a government-appointed body that regulates the Buddhist clergy, ordered the nationalists to end the sit-in protest against the 16-month-old government of de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The move came after Myanmars Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture issued a statement giving local Ma Ha Na chapters the authority to deal with the protesters.

Though the townships Ma Ha Na chapter sent a letter to the monks to remove the camp from its current location, the monks declined to comply. Authorities then went to the area and asked the monks to comply with the law.

Ashin Agga, the hard-line monk leading the protest, said he told authorities that the law did not apply to the nationalists because they were on strike rather than protesting.

There is no law for us because this is a boycott, not a protest, he said. What I mean is that we would apply for permission if we intended to protest, but we wont apply for it now because this is a boycott.

Myint Oo, a spokesman for the Mandalay demonstration, noted that the Ma Ha Nas wants the group to move to another location because the camp is located in the Mahamyatmuni Pagoda compound, a famous religious landmark and pilgrimage site.

It doesnt mean we have to end the protest or remove the camp, he told RFAs Myanmar Service. Ma Ha Na just wanted to tell us to change the location.

Myint Oo said the group responded that they were protesting to protect their nationality and religion and if they did not protest, the future of religious sites such as the Mahamyatmuni Pagoda would be jeopardized.

Monks from the township Ma Ha Na told protest leaders that they would submit the explanation to the Mandalay regions Ma Ha Na on Friday, he said.

Protest in Yangon

More than 50 monks and their supporters also set up a protest camp in the commercial capital Yangon on Wednesday in front of the Shwedagon Pagoda, a 2,500-year-old gilded stupa that is the countrys most sacred Buddhist religious site.

On Thursday, Khin Wine Kyi, a hard-line nationalist and former member of parliament, joined the protest at the Shwedagon Pagoda, calling for the government to respond to the nationalists demands, the online news service Democratic Voice of Burma reported

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture has updated its original statement, saying that the monks who are participating in the protest do not represent the monkhoods wishes, DVB reported

In May, the state Ma Ha Na banned the Association for the Protection of Race and Religion (Ma Ba Tha), an ultranationalist monk organization known for its anti-Islamic rhetoric.

Reported by Set Paing Tow and Thant Sin Oo for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
A Myanmar court released on bail on Friday a newspaper editor detained on defamation charges under a controversial statute, after having rejected nine previous bail requests since he was charged in June, his lawyer said.

Kyaw Min Swe, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper The Voice Daily, was charged under Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law after a Myanmar army officer filed a suit against him and the papers satire columnist Kyaw Zwa Naing in Yangons Bahan township on May 17.

Section 66(d) prohibits the use of the telecom network to defame people and carries a jail sentence of up to three years and a fine for those found guilty of violating it.

Both men were also charged with defamation for publishing a satirical piece mocking the military under Section 25(b) of the Media Law, which carries a fine of 300,000-1 million kyats (U.S. $217-U.S. $724) for media workers found guilty of violating professional responsibilities and codes of conduct, including writing news in a manner that deliberately harms the reputation of an individual or organization.

Kyaw Min Swe was granted bail by Bahan township court in Yangon for 22 million kyats (U.S. $16,000), including 20 million kyats (U.S. 14,500) for [the charge] under Section 66(d) and 2 million kyats (U.S. $1,450) under the Media Law, said attorney Khin Maung Aye who is representing Kyaw Min Swe.

Despite pressure from domestic and international rights groups, journalists, and diplomats, Myanmars upper house of parliament on Wednesday passed only minor reforms to the Telecommunications Law, including allowing bail for suspects and preventing third parties from filing cases, Turkeys Anadolu Agency reported.

A proposal to eliminate jail sentences for defamatory social media posts was voted down 92-59 in the upper house, dominated by lawmakers from State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyis ruling party, the report said.

The lower house is expected to vote on the amendment next week, according to Myanmars Mizzima news service.

After he was granted bail, Kyaw Min Swe said defamation lawsuits are not acceptable under the civilian government of de facto national leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

We have had a military government, a quasi-military government, and [now] a civilian government, Kyaw Min Swe said.

We can understand if we are charged under such unfair statutes by a military government, though we dont agree with it, he said. But its not suitable to be sued under these charges when we have a democratic government or civilian one, especially during the current time.

I had a lot of hope for this government and parliament, but my hope has faded, Kyaw Min Swe said.

The Media Law is not yet effective because the authorities have not followed it and are just using statutes to put the journalists behind bars right away as soon as a case against them is filed, he said. It is unfitting for the [countrys] democratic transition.

Charges under Section 66(d) were dropped against Kyaw Zwa Naing on June 16 after Kyaw Min Swe testified that he was solely responsible for posting on social media the satirical article that allegedly insulted the armed forces by mocking a military propaganda film.

Kyaw Zwa Naing was released on 2 million kyats (U.S. $1,448) bail for the charge brought against him under Section 25(b) of the Media Law.

Three others denied bail

In a related development, a court in the town of Thibaw in northeastern Shan state denied bail to three journalists from independent, domestic news outlets accused of violating a statute of the colonial-era Unlawful Associations Act, their lawyers said.

The three journalists  Lawi Weng of the online journal The Irrawaddy and Aye Nai and Pyae Phone Aung of the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB)  were arrested by the military on June 26 for covering an illegal drug-burning event by the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group that has been involved in hostilities with the Myanmar army.

They have been charged under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act for being involved with an unlawful organization and face up to three years in prison if convicted.

The judge gave us three reasons for rejecting the bail requests  the accused are not from this area, the court is still hearing the plaintiffs testimony, and the court still has to hear from many witnesses, said attorney Shwe Moe Nyunt who is representing the DVB journalists.

On July 28, the plaintiff, Captain Thet Naing Oo from the Myanmar armys Infantry Unit 503, submitted video files of TNLAs drug-burning ceremony confiscated from the detained reporters cameras as evidence.

He provided additional testimony again at Fridays hearing, which was the fourth time that the journalists have appeared in court.

Their next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11.

Reported by Kan Thar and Thant Sin Oo for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Authorities in the Tibet Autonomous Regions Chamdo (in Chinese, Changdu) prefecture beat a Tibetan man and detained him for two days last month on suspicion of maintaining contacts outside of the region, a Tibetan source in exile said Friday.



News of the incident was delayed in reaching outside media contacts owing to communications clampdowns imposed by Chinese authorities in the area.



Jampa Choegyal, 30, was taken into custody by police sometime in July while attending the Tsechok festival at Chuwar monastery, in Chamdos Dragyab (Chaya) county, the source told RFAs Tibetan Service, speaking on condition of anonymity.



While he was at the festival, he received a call from a Chinese official directing him to report to Nortom township, located about a mile [1.6 kilometers] from Chuwar monastery, the source said.



When he arrived at the township, he was immediately detained and also beat up. Jampa Choegyal and other Tibetans from his hometown had no clue why the police summoned him or why he was being detained.



Choegyal was taken to a police station in the seat of Dragyab county and held for two days, the source said, adding that officers repeatedly questioned him about his connection to his relative Ngawang Jampa, who had recently moved to Australia after fleeing Tibet to India.



He was also asked if any of his family members are in touch with Ngawang Jampa and so on, he said.



However, when they could not nail him down on any specific evidence of contact with outside relatives, he was released.



According to the source, authorities confiscated Choegyals cellphone on his release and called him after a few days to retrieve it.



At that time, the authorities were more explicit about his relative Ngawang Jampa who, according to them, is an active collaborator in the Dalai clique, he said, referring to Tibets spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who has lived in India since escaping Tibet during a failed national uprising in 1959.



They warned him not to contact [Jampa] for his own safety.



Choegyal, who is from Dragyabs Khargang Sotri township, is the son of Dorje Namgyal and Dorje Dolkar, the source said.



Beijing rejects the Dalai Lama's call for a "middle way" solution of a semiautonomous Tibet under Chinese rule, and accuses him and his supporters of campaigning to split Tibet from the rest of China.



Regional clampdown



Chinese campaigns to monitor the political views of Tibetan villagers have been particularly intrusive in Chamdo prefecture, with families forced to display photographs of Chinese national leaders, and monasteries and private homes ordered to fly the Chinese national flag from their roofs, sources told RFA in earlier reports.



In December, Chinese police attacked and beat a group of villagers in the prefectures Chamdo county who arrived late for a lecture on public health, sending several to the hospital and detaining others in a county jail, Tibetan sources said at the time.



Following the assault, police and local authorities raided and searched family homes, questioning those found there, they said.



In April last year, a source living in Chamdo told RFA that a Tibetan man named Tashi, who was detained by Chinese police at the Tsangshul detention center in Markham (in Chinese, Mangkang) county on unknown charges, had killed himself in custody to end brutal torture at the hands of his jailers.



He had been taken into custody by police shortly before the March 10 anniversary of the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule.



Reported by Sangay Dorjee for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
UPDATED at 11:13 P.M. on 2017-08-03



Authorities in northwest Chinas Xinjiang region are turning mosques used by mostly-Muslim ethnic Uyghurs for religious and community purposes into centers disseminating political propaganda, according to local sources.



Since Xinjiang Communist Party chief Chen Quanguo was appointed to run the region in August last year, he has initiated several harsh policies targeting the religious freedom of Uyghurs, including banning fasting during the May 26-June 24 Islamic holy month of Ramadan this year.



A new policy controlling mosques in Kashgar (in Chinese, Kashi) prefecturean area heavily populated by Uyghursis Chens latest measure aimed at assimilating members of the ethnic minority, who complain of pervasive ethnic discrimination, religious repression, and cultural suppression under Chinese rule in the region.



Under the directive, which has been implemented since June, caretakers of mosques in the prefecture are required to fly the national flag of China atop the buildings, sources said.



They have also been ordered to remove inscriptions of Islams holiest verse, There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God, from mosque walls and replace them with large red banners that read Love the [Communist] Party, Love the Country in yellow writing.



On Monday mornings, instead of a muezzin calling Muslims to prayer at the prefectures mosques, flag-raising ceremonies are now held, followed by the singing of the Chinese national anthem and a patriotic song entitled, Without the Communist Party, There is No New China.



The mosques imam or a government official then explains the meaning of the ceremony and reminds religious followers that the flag is a symbol of the sovereignty of the Peoples Republic of China, and urges them to love the party and nation, defend the unity of the motherland, and protect social stability.



Furthermore, instruction is given on the duty of patriotic religious clergy to help followers embrace Chinese-style socialism by strengthening the unity of the countrys different ethnicities, fight violent terrorism, and make contributions to the long-term peace and stability of Xinjiang.



While religious services are allowed to otherwise proceed as they had in the past, though administered by state-sanctioned imams, Uyghur residents of Kashgar prefecture have increasingly stopped attending mosques, citing frustration with the overwhelmingly political overtones of the gatherings.



Officials from Kashgars Kargilik (Yecheng) county Religious Affairs Bureau and Propaganda Office refused to comment about the new policy when contacted by RFAs Uyghur Service.



But an official with the Loq village government in Kargilik confirmed that his local mosque was now taking part in weekly patriotism sessions.



We hold a flag-raising ceremony every Monday, and there is a flag flying on our mosque and Love the Party, Love the Country banners as well, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



When we hold the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, we sing [patriotic] red songs. We start singing after the flag is raised. We sing Without the Communist Party, There is No New China.



A Uyghur shop owner at a market in the seat of Kargilik county confirmed that he had seen propaganda banners on mosques there exhorting worshippers to love the party and the country.



Yes, I have seen that big bannerI saw it a month ago, said the vendor, who also asked to remain unnamed.



An undated photo from the official China.org.cn website shows a banner inside a mosque in Xinjiang which reads 'Actively Promote Chinese-Style Islam.' Photo courtesy of China.org.cn Eid al-Fitr service



Official sources in Yapchan village, in Kashgars Yengisheher (Shule) county, told RFA that the theme of patriotism and Chinese propaganda had been pushed particularly hard during the June 25 prayer service for Eid al-Fitra holiday marking the end of Ramadan and one of the two most important days of religious observance in Islam, along with Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice.



As a result, they said, less than 10 percent of the local population attended the service, mirroring similarly low attendance in some of the largest mosques in the Xinjiang capital Urumqi.



According to a report by the official Xinjiang Television, more than 400 believers gathered under the flag in the square in front of Yanghan Mosque in Urumqi, where they attentively watched the flag being raised as they sang along with the national anthem.



Later, the grand imam of Yanghan Mosque, Sheripjan, delivered a lecture on resolutely walking the Chinese-style path, reviving the Chinese-style spirit, and solidifying Chinese strength, while stressing how religious believers can be devoted citizens.



Additionally, the report said, Chongkowruk Mosque in the capital drew more than 200 religious believers to its Eid prayer service.



Yanghan Mosque normally draws several thousand attendees for prayer services, while Chongkowruk Mosque can hold more than 1,000 people.



A police officer from Yapchan told RFA that only 141 [of 1,500] villagers came to the prayer service for Eid al-Fitr at his local mosque, and that nobody under the age of 18, or from the families of party members, village cadres, civil servants, or other government employees attended.



We kept a close watch on people on the outside, with some of us monitoring on closed circuit television and some of us monitoring and protecting [on foot patrol], he said, adding that 21 people in total had been assigned to observe the proceedings.



A Uyghur cadre from Yapchan said that even if he had wanted to attend the Eid al-Fitr prayer service at the village mosque, doing so would have been frowned upon because officials are instructed to honor the state before anything else.



Im a party member, so I wouldnt ever think about going to the Eid prayer service, he said.



Its the same with those who are not party membersas long as you get a salary from the government, you cant believe in religion. Only farmers have the freedom to believe in religion.



A Uyghur security official from Yapchan confirmed that Eid was off-limits for ranking government employees.



It isnt possible for us to attend the Eid prayer service because were government cadres, he said.



Anyway, government cadres cannot believe in religion. We can never attend prayer services and wouldnt dream of going.



Mosques vs. Party schools



Ilshat Hassan, president of the Washington-based Uyghur American Association, told RFA that propaganda is now so pervasive in Xinjiangs mosques that they are barely distinguishable from Chinas Communist Party schools.



Uyghur Muslims don't know whether they are going to a mosque for prayer or a propaganda center to praise the Chinese Communist Party, he said.



He dismissed Chinas bid to put Karl Marx, the founder of an atheist political system he called responsible for the death of millions of people around the world, above a God worshipped by more than one billion people.



Clearly, it's not the pious Uyghur Muslims who are extremists, as described by the Chinese authorities, he said.



It's the Chinese government that's driving an extremist agenda in [Xinjiang], turning the House of the Almighty into the House of Marx. The Muslim world should not let China do this to the Uyghur people with impunity.



Rights groups accuse Chinese authorities of heavy-handed rule in Xinjiang, including violent police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people.



China regularly vows to crack down on what it calls the three evils of terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism in Xinjiang.



But experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from Uyghur separatists, and that domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence that has left hundreds dead since 2012.



Reported by Kurban Niyaz and Shohret Hoshur for RFA's Uyghur Service. Translated by Alim Seytoff. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.



CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that mosques were required to remove flags depicting the star and crescent symbol of Islam in favor of the Chinese national flag.
Authorities in central Vietnams Quang Binh province arrested a member of an online democracy advocacy group on Friday, bringing to five the number of group members taken into custody during the last week.



Nguyen Trung Truc, a former political prisoner and member of the online Brotherhood for Democracy group, was taken from his home in handcuffs on charges of working to overthrow the government, Trucs son told RFAs Vietnamese Service following Tuc's arrest.



"At around 9:00 a.m., nearly 100 uniformed and plainclothes officers came to our house, Trucs son said.



They pulled my father outside to take video and photos, and then they forced him to sign some documents. Then they searched our house and took our phones and papers, he said.



They spent three hours doing all of this, then they took him away at about 1:00 p.m. after reading a document accusing my father of having violated Article 79 [of Vietnams Penal Code, related to "activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration."]



Speaking separately, another member of Quang Binh provinces Brotherhood for Democracy group confirmed that Truc had been arrested.



This morning, about 100 people went to Nguyen Trung Trucs house to arrest him under Article 79 and conducted a house search until about 12:30. Then they escorted him away, the source said, speaking to RFA on condition of anonymity.



Others also held



On Sunday, police detained four other members of the group on charges of attempting to topple the countrys one-party state, drawing condemnation from their organization and Paris-based rights campaigners who demanded their unconditional release next day.



Taken into custody were Protestant pastor Nguyen Trung Ton, 45, engineer Pham Van Troi, 45, journalist Truong Minh Duc, 57, and lawyer Nguyen Bac Truyen, 49, according to a statement on the website of Vietnams Ministry of Public Security.



The four men were charged under Article 79 and could face the death penalty if convicted.



Communist Vietnam, where all media are state-controlled, does not tolerate dissent, and rights groups identify Article 79 as among a set of vague provisions that authorities have used to detain dozens of writers and bloggers.



Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Emily Peyman. Written in English by Richard Finney.




By PTI: (Eds: With more inputs)

Mumbai, Aug 4 (PTI) Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta today faced a fresh allegation, of incorporating the names of his family members as the beneficiaries of a slum redevelopment project in his constituency, which the Congress said amounted to a "conflict of interest".

Mehta, an MLA from Ghatkopar (East), is already facing an inquiry ordered by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for allegedly violating norms in a slum redevelopment project in south Mumbai.

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He denied all charges, later in the evening.

Raising the issue in the Assembly, Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil (Congress) said, "Mehtas company Shri Sai Nidhi Pvt Ltd. had undertaken an SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) project in Ghatkopar. The beneficiaries of the project are yet to get flats in the building, which was constructed last year.

"In the meantime, names of Mehtas son Harsh and his relatives were inserted there as tenants. Mehta used his influence to get flats for his relatives. This is a conflict of interest."

However, the Congress leader couldnt complete his speech as BJP MLAs started shouting slogans raising an objection to the allegation.

Senior BJP leader and Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said, "He (Vikhe Patil) did not issue a notice to Mehta before raising the issue in the House today. Hence, the entire conversation should be expunged from the house record."

However, the Speaker didnt expunge the remarks.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Girish Bapat said the CM would discuss the issue with the Opposition before setting up any inquiry against Mehta.

Raising the pitch for Mehtas removal from the Cabinet, NCP leader Jayant Patil said there are fresh allegations against the minister every day and hence he should resign.

"The government is not giving any assurance about the inquiry but is protecting the tainted minister. This is a serious issue when the government keeps boasting about the corruption-free governance," Patil said.

Senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar said, "Another matter of corruption has come up against Mehta. The chief minister had assured that he would discuss with the Opposition leaders the inquiry in the corruption matter. But he did not invite anyone."

"The minister has admitted that he has committed the mistake. If Radheshyam Mopalwar is removed from the post (of the managing director of the state-undertaking MSRDC), then why not the minister?" he said.

"....Even Eknath Khadse (senior BJP leader) had resigned from the (Revenue) ministry after he was accused of corruption. Mehta should be removed from his post," Pawar said.

Mehta has been under fire ever since he allegedly allowed unauthorised transfer of extra building rights in the SRA project in south Mumbai, originally granted to slum dwellers, to project-affected people, apparently to favour a developer.

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He had wrongly mentioned on the file of the project that he had kept chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the loop about the transfer. Fadnavis denied later that he had been informed about the issue.

Vikhe Patil on August 2 also alleged that Mehta allotted a plot in suburban Ghatkopar to Nirmal Holdings this year. This plot had been taken back from the developer in 2016 by the state government for not using it for the intended purpose.

The ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature has been witnessing vociferous protests by the Congress and the NCP demanding Mehtas ouster.

In the Legislative Council, where the opposition has an upper hand numerically, the Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde (NCP) had warned the government of not letting the House function unless Mehta is removed from his post.

However, the chief minister has defended the minister.

He yesterday told the Council that Mehta cannot be accused of corruption merely on the basis of the file noting made by him and that the allegations are "politically motivated".

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Vikhe Patil today also alleged that Mehta forced police to change the name of his wife in an FIR lodged in Pantnagar police station in the city in connection with a dispute with a builder.

"Kishori Mehta, minister Prakash Mehtas wife, owns a flat in Samyak Darshan in Kirol area of Ghatkopar. Manish Shah, who lives in the same building, is the owner of the building. After some dispute, Mehta, through a junior engineer in BMC (civic body) lodged an FIR against Shah.

"Later, Mehta forced the police to change the name of his wife in the FIR. The name was changed to Kishor," the Congress leader alleged.

Mehta denied all the charges in the Assembly late in the evening.

"Though I was director of Sai Siddhi Pvt Ltd, I left the post before becoming the minister. Also, my son Harsh is an official tenant in that building. Allegations that my wifes name was changed (in FIR) is also wrong. The flat belongs to my wife but my brother Kishor stays there," Mehta said. PTI ND NSK KRK DIP

--- ENDS ---

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By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 4 (PTI) The parliamentary consultative of the ministries of power and new and renewable energy today reviewed the implementation of wind energy programme as well as working of state-run Power Grid Corporation.

The meeting of the consultative committee -- under the chairmanship of power, coal, new and renewable energy minister Piyush Goyal -- started with a presentation on Power Grid Corporation, the power ministry said in a statement.

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"The presentation gave an overview of areas of operation of PGCIL, initiatives being undertaken like development of national grid, green energy corridors for renewables, SAARC Grid, use of new technology in transmission, performance of financial parameters, the challenges ahead and the way forward," the statement said.

The presentation on implementation of wind energy programme by new and renewable energy ministry was also made during the meeting.

"Members were apprised of growth of wind power in India and its share in overall renewable energy, installed capacity, policy changes, states with high wind potential, domestic manufacturing, incentives for wind energy, first wind auction conducted successfully recently and challenges and future roadmap," it said. PTI SID MKJ

--- ENDS ---
A 54-year-old Richmond man with a lengthy criminal record is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury found him guilty Thursday of first-degree murder.

There was no question that Tracey S. Hughes, 54, of the 3300 block of Lawson Street, shot and killed 35-year-old Naquan R. Bentley in front of Hughes Swansboro West home around 6 a.m. Oct. 22, 2016. The only question was whether it was murder.

Bentley was shot eight times, including three to the back of his head.

Prosecutors said Hughes would have had to reload his .22-caliber long rifle revolver providing the premeditation and malice needed to prove first-degree murder.

Hughes attorney, Gregory Sheldon, arguing that it was self-defense, said Bentley had been drinking and fighting with others at Hughes home, and then lunged at Hughes just before the shooting.

Most murder trials are spent on who pulled the trigger, Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Latoya Croxton told the jury. That question has been answered for you already. The question is what happened after shot one, two or five or eight.

Sheldon said he agreed.

This isnt a whodunit, he said. This case is about how that happened and why that happened.

Several witnesses, many of whom were related to Hughes, were in the home, drinking and playing cards. At some point, Bentley got into an argument with another man at the home and left. Later, he returned and confronted Hughes, who told him to leave the home.

Around 6:08 a.m., Hughes opened fire, shooting Bentley, who was inside a fence in Hughes front yard. There was a pause and several more shots were fired  prosecutors said this is when Hughes reloaded and shot Bentley as he ran away.

It wasnt until 6:37 a.m. that Hughes brother called 911. He told police that Bentley had robbed his brother and Hughes shot him. The brother later recanted the story of the robbery.

When police arrived, Hughes admitted to shooting Bentley and showed police where he threw the gun in a bush.

In the chamber, which holds nine cartridges, forensic experts found three spent rounds and six full cartridges. To have shot Bentley eight times, prosecutor Sharon Carr said, Hughes had to have shot five times, then reloaded and fired three more times.

The jury of four men and eight women found that enough to convict Hughes of murder, and recommended a life sentence after hearing his prior convictions.

Hughes criminal record stretches back to 1982 with his first felony conviction for breaking and entering in Sussex County. He was convicted of six misdemeanors over the next four years.

In 1986, he was convicted in Philadelphia of aggravated assault, a felony, and simple assault. The next year, in Richmond, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for malicious wounding.

After his release, in 2003 and 2004, he racked up several convictions in Richmond and Chesterfield County. In 2005, he was sentenced to three more years in jail for three misdemeanor counts of second-degree assault and a single count of carrying a dangerous weapon in Baltimore.

Between 2008 and 2016, he was convicted of seven more crimes ranging from theft, trespassing, public intoxication and assault.

On Thursday, Hughes also was convicted of a gun charge that carries a mandatory three-year sentence, which was added to the life sentence recommendation.
They packed into the Linwood Holton Elementary School library on Thursday, ready to hear the bad news.

Delivery was a formality. Word had already trickled out to parents in the tight-knit school community that David Hudson would be leaving.

The man many credit with transforming the North Side institution from a place of last resort to a school of choice is ready for a change, and a chance to tackle a new challenge.

You all mean the world to me, Hudson said, with his hand over his heart. This is not goodbye; I just really want to thank you.

After 14 years at the helm, Hudson is leaving to begin this academic year at Franklin Military Academy, and returning to the building on North 37th Street where he once taught.

The move is part of a broader strategy the Richmond school system is undertaking to retain students during the middle school years, said interim Superintendent Tommy Kranz.

We want to expand Franklin, and this is a great opportunity for the district, Kranz said. Honestly, I could have used my powers as superintendent to keep him here, but I believe hell be extremely successful.

Holtons enrollment had dwindled to about 250 students within a few short years of the schools opening when Hudson arrived. He fought to win families back. Now the administrations challenge is how to accommodate the nearly 600 students slated to arrive Sept. 5.

The community became very involved in the hiring process that resulted in his selection after a few tumultuous principalships, and he is widely credited with being the glue that holds it all together, said 2nd District City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray.

Franklin, which serves about 400 students in grades six through 12, was the first public military school in the country when it opened its doors to students in August 1980.

Hudson succeeds Sheron Carter-Gunter, who retired this summer, according to human resources actions approved last month by the Richmond School Board. Former Fisher Elementary School Principal Charlene Brooks will lead Holton in an interim capacity.

What I really want to be able to do is have the opportunity to steal you away when they get to grade six, seven  through 12, Hudson said.

He means it. Hudson doles out his cellphone number to parents and students alike, and is known to show up at disciplinary hearings involving former students long after they have graduated from Holton and are no longer his responsibility.

Once you know someone, you know them, he said of his decision to testify as a character witness. You never stop caring.

The announcement on Thursday drew current and former School Board members back to the school, including former 3rd District representative Carol Wolf, who said installing Hudson at Holton was among the most critical achievements of her tenure.

David is on a very short list, Wolf said. Its fighting to ensure the districts compliance (with the Americans with Disabilities Act), improving special education, and hiring David Hudson to Holton.

The school is named for former Gov. A. Linwood Holton Jr., whose daughter, Anne Holton, and her husband, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, live in the surrounding neighborhood. It opened in 1999; Hudson became principal in 2004.

When I first came here, the school was not accredited, he said.

It is now, one of 11 elementary schools to meet the states full standards of accreditation in a district where only 17 of 44 schools are.

Hudson cautioned about putting too much stock in numbers, and the culture of fear and frustration that an overemphasis on testing can foster. He also directs teachers to send him students in need of discipline, so that they can stay focused on the rest of the class.

It makes an unhealthy environment for the teachers when they are trying to juggle too much, Hudson said. Thats how people burn out.

Not at Holton. Hudson said he lost only three employees this year: One married and moved away; another was promoted to become an assistant principal elsewhere; and his assistant principal left to become principal of a school in Louisa County.

Youve got to respect your people and invest in them, in their future, Hudson said. I demand a lot of my people, but I support them, too.

Aaron Garber, who has taught at Holton for 12 years, said watching Hudson take the next step is bittersweet.

He always supports us no matter what, so how can I do anything but the same, Garber said.

The school system currently has three other principal openings: at Fairfield Court Elementary School, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and Lucille Brown Middle School, according to spokeswoman Kenita Bowers. Whoever comes to King will be the schools fifth principal in five years.

Obviously that causes disruption  thats never good this close to the school year, Del. Jeffrey M. Bourne, D-Richmond, a former Richmond School Board member and parent of two students who will attend Holton this fall, said of the turnover.

Where Hudson is concerned, Bourne said he is divided: Disappointed to see him go as a parent who cares deeply about the school, but thrilled about the prospect of what Hudson will do for Franklin.

I try to look at this as the glass is half full, Bourne said. Were keeping a good principal in Richmond Public Schools who could easily go elsewhere.

He declined to comment on a lawsuit filed against the division and Hudson last year, when Bourne was on the School Board, by a former assistant principal at the school.

Community members rallied to Hudsons defense after the complaint was filed, which lawyers for Hudson have argued in court filings came in retaliation after Hudsons recommendation that the man be demoted to a counseling position because of poor performance.

Hudson said he demands excellence of his students and staff. Children are expected to tuck in their shirts and use kind words, always.

He burst into laughter at the thought of one kindergartner, eager to please, with his jacket stuffed into his pants and shoes on the wrong feet.
Deer hunters in Hanover County may soon have another option in their arsenal.

Hanover has asked its attorneys to craft an ordinance that would allow deer hunting by rifle from an elevated stand of 10 feet. If adopted, the ordinance would overturn a decades-long ban on hunting deer with rifles in Hanover and make the countys firearm regulations more similar to the majority of other localities across the state.

The ban on hunting deer with rifles is basically unenforceable and widely ignored in Hanover, said David Hennaman, a Department of Game and Inland Fisheries conservation police officer, during a presentation to Hanover officials in July.

Unless I catch them with a deer thats been shot with a rifle, its an unenforceable law, Hennaman said. Guys are shooting deer with rifles in Hanover anyway.

Rifles arent allowed to be used to hunt deer in Hanover but can be used to hunt other animals like coyote, bears, turkeys and squirrels. In Hanover, only shotguns and muzzleloading rifles that use black powder can be used to hunt deer.

Supervisor Sean Davis said he got a call roughly a year ago from a resident who wanted it to be legal to rifle hunt for deer. Supervisor Wayne Hazzard said he has gotten calls from people who are against such a change.

Im sure when this comes to a public hearing, were going to hear from the hunters that dont want it, Hazzard said. Hanover is so used to (hunting with) dogs and shotguns.

Hennaman said officials from DGIF thought Hanovers ban on rifle hunting for deer dated to around 1941, when someone was struck and killed by a rifle shot. It isnt clear whether it occurred as deer were being hunted.

Most counties in Virginia allow hunters to use rifles to hunt deer, and only eastern Virginia is home to localities that prohibit rifle hunting for deer. Henrico County and Goochland County allow rifle hunting for deer. Chesterfield County is shotgun only when it comes to deer, and Richmond generally prohibits deer hunting.

Everybody that deer hunts west of the Blue Ridge for the most part deer hunts with a rifle because its not dog hunting out there, Hennaman said. Theyre all in trees. Theyre shooting from an elevated position with a rifle.

Matt Knox, Deer Project coordinator at DGIF, said more counties allowing rifle hunting for deer has been a trend over the last decade or so. State code allows DGIF to set hunting seasons and lets localities regulate the discharge of firearms, Knox said.

Hennaman said that in the past 10 years, there have been 188 instances in Virginia when someone was either struck by a rifle or a shotgun while deer hunting; 150 of those instances involved shotguns, and 38 involved rifles.

Data supports that rifles are a safer way to deer hunt than shotguns, Hennaman said. Typically, the way people shotgun hunt in this area is its a large group of people, theyre running dogs, its thick cover, theyre on the ground and a lot of the cases we have that are accidents in the eastern part of Virginia is target misidentification or inexperienced hunters just shooting at the first thing they see or hear.

Hanover resident and hunter Will Hicks said the higher number of deer-hunting shotgun accidents does not mean shotguns are the problem.

It has nothing to do with the shotgun, Hicks said. It has something to do with the mentality of the person and the experience.

Hicks shot his first deer  a doe  when he was 8 or 9 years old. Since then, the 46-year-old commercial landscaper and former teacher has raised his two teenage sons as hunters. They are part of a local hunting club made up of extended family that formed more than 20 years ago.

Hicks often goes on group deer hunts with dogs at his side. He had no problem with the proposed ordinance and does not think there will be very much of an outcry against it.

Theres plenty of game, he said. Theres plenty of room.

Hicks said hunters illegally using rifles to hunt deer in Hanover give other hunters a bad rap.

Thats cheating, he said. Thats the one bad apple that gives the rest of us a bad name.

Hicks said he enjoys the thrill of the hunt when he goes out in a group with dogs. For him, hunting is a family tradition that instilled good values in his children.

It teaches more than just killing, he said. Its a way of living. Its a way of thinking.

Hanover Sheriff David R. Hines recommended there be an elevation requirement in the ordinance so rifle hunters shoot downward and the ground can work as a natural backstop. Hines noted that even though deer cannot be hunted with rifles, muzzleloading rifles are allowed.

We have muzzleloaders out here that are shooting a projectile 2,700 feet per second, Hines said. They dont have to be elevated, and its just like shooting a rifle.

There were no signs that the county planned to put an elevation requirement on people hunting with muzzleloaders. Hicks said he would support putting an elevation requirement on deer hunting with muzzleloaders.

The ordinance is expected to be put to a vote at a Board of Supervisors meeting before the opening day of deer hunting season in November. Hanover attorneys were asked to include language in the ordinance forbidding entrances and exits into the stands with rifles that have a round in the chamber.
I was in error and I reverse my ruling, said Henrico Circuit Court Judge James Yoffy on Wednesday. With that commendable admission, he undid the damage from a decision that had legal experts and reporters alike picking their jaws up off the floor.

In a case concerning state Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, Yoffy had found that the states Freedom of Information Act applies to the General Assembly as a whole, but not to individual lawmakers. This contradicts the plain meaning of the laws text, and Yoffy did the right thing when he recognized as much.

Remarks by Dunnavant suggest some question still might remain about how legislators should respond to FOIA requests. She says freshman lawmakers are taught to forward such inquiries to the states FOIA Advisory Council. The council can help in cases where legislators arent sure about their obligations.
In comparison to the 23 defence contracts signed in 2016-17, this year the Centre has signed only three defence contracts till now.

By India Today Web Desk: The Centre has signed a total of 61 defence contracts since 2014. While it signed a maximum of 23 contracts in 2016-17, it has done just three this year so far.

The foreign vendors are mainly from USA, Russia, Israel, UK, Germany, France and Sweden.

While the government signed 18 defence contracts worth Rs 11,261.72 crore in 2014-15, it signed 17 contracts worth Rs 29,171.75 crore in 2015-16. The 23 contracts signed in 2016-17 was worth Rs 81,129.62 crore while the three contracts this year is pegged at Rs 1,579.21 crore.

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Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said this in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

He said capital procurement of defence equipment is undertaken from various domestic as well as foreign vendors in accordance with the extant Defence Procurement Procedure, based on threat perceptions, operational challenges and technological changes and to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges.

He said the government is taking measures for modernization of the Armed Forces, through inducting of new equipment and upgrading of existing equipment and systems. The modernisation projects are progressed as per Services Capital Acquisition Plans and under the extant Defence Procurement Procedure.

Bhamre claimed that the government regularly monitors progress of ongoing procurement projects so as to ensure that these are concluded expeditiously.

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A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
The curator of a new exhibition at the Floyd Center for the Arts wants to demonstrate the art and craft that makes great photography.

William Russell Young, an expert in the history of photography who is based in Floyd County, has pulled together works from six photographers from around the country for Old Lands, New Visions, which opens Aug. 11 in the centers Hayloft Gallery and stays on display through Oct. 7.

Part of what Im trying to show here is what separates photography as an art from someone with an iPhone, Young said.

Young, 67, a Kentucky native, lived and worked in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for decades. After completing a doctorate in history of art photography at University of St. Andrews in Scotland, he felt the need for a change of climate and community. He and his then-wife found Southwest Virginia via internet search, and the friendliness of Floyd County led him to settle there. Floyd is very much like where I grew up, he said.

His own expertise has focused on pinhole photography and soft-focus photography as practiced in the early 20th century. He has an amazing collection of large format cameras from 1920s and 30s, wrote Floyd Center executive director Jeff Liverman.

Most of the photographers in the show are artists Young has known for years. His enthusiasm for their technique is palpable as he gingerly holds a platinum print to the light or points out an almost-invisible image hidden in a photography book, created by spot varnishing.

Young selected works for each photographer to create balances in style and theme. Three will have black-and-white works showcased, and three will have color. Each will present images taken in a different country. Each demonstrates mastery of their medium.

New Mexico photographer Charles Palmer , a pioneer in creating large negatives from digital images, contributes images from Cambodia.

, a pioneer in creating large negatives from digital images, contributes images from Cambodia. Dennis Carlyle Darling , who teaches at the University of Austin in Texas, is working on a project about Holocaust survivors. His photos in the show were taken in Mexico.

, who teaches at the University of Austin in Texas, is working on a project about Holocaust survivors. His photos in the show were taken in Mexico. Retired environmental geologist Kerik Kouklis , a California native, will show prints of images taken in Mongolia. His focus has been on 19th-century printmaking techniques.

, a California native, will show prints of images taken in Mongolia. His focus has been on 19th-century printmaking techniques. Massachusetts photographer Ellen Toby Slotnick provides shots taken in Scotland. She has worked as an archaeological photographer in the Middle East.

provides shots taken in Scotland. She has worked as an archaeological photographer in the Middle East. Maine photographer Tillman Crane will show scenes shot in China. Recently, he had 100 prints displayed in a show in Beijing.

will show scenes shot in China. Recently, he had 100 prints displayed in a show in Beijing. Bill Moretz, of Charlottesville, uses antique postcards as backdrops behind live foliage to explore what Young described as the country of the imagination.

Old Lands, New Visions will have a reception 5-7 p.m. Aug. 19, which will overlap the closing reception for the centers Floyd Plein Air Festival 2017, which starts Aug. 14 and has a schedule that spans six days and several Floyd County sites.
By PTI: data

New Delhi, Aug 3 (PTI) The Delhi government today sought clarification from civic bodies in the wake of a few cases of deaths in 2016 being apparently attributed to polio and smallpox in a report.

The city government had yesterday released the Registration of Births and Deaths in Delhi 2016 report. Reportedly, 11 cases of deaths were assigned to polio and two to smallpox.

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"Attention of the Department of Economics and Statistics has been drawn towards some reports in a section of the media," the Delhi government said in a statement.

Data for the report pertaining to births and deaths registrations were provided by five local bodies -- East Delhi Municipal Corporation, North Delhi Municipal Corporation, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Cantonment Board, it said.

"Clarifications/confirmation have been sought from the local bodies concerned about these reportings," the statement said.

"The Directorate has prepared the report according to secondary data provided by the local body concerned. After getting clarifications/confirmation form the local bodies, the discrepancies, if any, will be rectified accordingly," it added.

In institutional cases (where deaths occurred in hospitals/nursing homes etc.), the cause of deaths is being assigned and certified by the medical practitioner/doctor who has last attended the deceased, the city government said.

This data is further transmitted to the concerned local body online for registration of the death event. PTI KND GVS

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Salem and Roanoke firefighters can now help pet owners  and their furry companions  breathe easier after a fire, thanks to the Mountain Valley Cluster Dog Shows donation of $1,500 worth of pet oxygen recovery mask kits to local fire departments.

The organization gave Salem and Roanoke fire officials the kits Friday morning at the Salem Civic Center, where the dog show has been held since Wednesday. Roanoke Kennel Club President Charlie Kerfoot said the dog show donated the kits using proceeds from the show. Each kit costs about $100.

We also had them embroidered with the Roanoke Kennel Club logo, Kerfoot said.

The kits, made by veterinary company SurgiVet, include small, medium and large masks, as well as tubing that can be hooked up to an oxygen tank. The small masks can be used on both cats and smaller dogs, while the other masks are used for larger canine breeds.

Roanoke Fire-EMS spokeswoman Tiffany Bradbury said the department already had three pet rescue kits, which were kept in two battalion vehicles and the rescue supervisors car. But with the donation of the additional masks, the department will be able to place a mask on each of its engines.

Without these, we still try to help pets, but we have to use a regular oxygen bag for a person and try to make it work, she said.

In addition to the kits donated to the Roanoke and Salem fire departments, four club members donated kits individually to fire departments in their areas. Those kits will go to departments in Scruggs, Red Valley and Shady Grove in Franklin County, as well as Stewartsville in Bedford County.

Virginia Johnson, from Red Valley, said she donated the kits because she wanted to ensure the safety of dogs in her area.

Ive been raising dogs since the 70s, she said. Its something I believe in.
According to an FIR, he used to illegally sell the stents at Rs 1,44,000 each to hospitals in Kerela in connivance with his wife.

By Sneha Agrawal: The Delhi Police are investigating the alleged role of a government hospital staff in selling hospital-owned stents to private hospitals.

Police have booked Anil Lamba, employed as a nurse at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) based on the complaint received from the deputy head (operations). Lamba has been booked for criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation and cheating.

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He was entrusted with the store's consumables and utilisation of medical consumables, including stents in the interventional Radiology department.

ILBS being a government institution got stents supplied at a concessional rate. Lamba, according to an FIR, used to illegally sell the stents at Rs 1,44,000 each, to hospitals in Kerela in connivance with his wife.

The subsidised rates at which the stents were supplied was Rs 90,000 each.

Describing the modus operandi, the police were told that Lamba misappropriated and removed the stents owned by the govt hospital and not meant for resale.

It is alleged that he in connivance with his associates fabricated false documents to cover up the illegal activities. Lamba has been granted interim protection from arrest till August 8 from the Delhi High Court.

He has applied for bail in the high court, which remains pending.

ALSO READ |

Affordable healthcare: Government caps price of stents at Rs 29,600

Illegal pharma drugs business hitting Indian markets

--- ENDS ---
Vice President Mike Pence plans to attend a private fundraisier in Richmond later this month for Ed Gillespie, according to the Republican candidate for governors campaign .

Details about the Aug. 19 event, including its time and location, have not been released.

Pences boss, President Donald Trump, who lost Virginia to Democrat Hillary Clinton in November and has a low approval rating in the state, has already loomed large in the early stages of the gubernatorial campaign.

In the first debate between Gillespie and Democrat Ralph Northam, held July 22 at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Northam did not back down from having labeled the president a narcissistic maniac. Gillespie suggested that having a governor who insults the president would impede the states ability to secure federal funds.

During the debate Northam said: I believe that our president is a dangerous man.

Gillespie said Virginia needs a governor who will work with Trump and Republicans in Congress to protect the states military assets and keep transportation funds flowing to the state.

What are you going to do as our governor? Gillespie asked. Call the White House and say please put me through to the narcissistic maniac?

The fundraiser will occur on the same day that Americans for Prosperity, a national conservative policy advocacy organization backed by billionaires Charles and David Koch, brings its 11th annual volunteer conference to Richmond. Speakers announced so far for the AFP event include Gillespie and Virginia House Majority Leader Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, the GOPs designee to succeed retiring Speaker of the House Bill Howell, R-Stafford.

Gillespie and Pence have known one another since 2001, when the latter was first elected to Congress from Indianas 2nd District. At the time, Gillespie was a rising figure in the national GOP, having served in various senior capacities on several state and national campaigns in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He served as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2003 to 2005, and again for a brief stint between December 2006 and June 2007.

Gillespie then went to work for President George W. Bush as counselor to the president, a post he held until Bush left the White House in early 2009.

Pence served in Congress until 2013, when he was elected governor of Indiana.

A friend and successful former governor, Vice President Pence has long been a champion of pro-growth economic policies, and I look forward to welcoming him back to the commonwealth, Gillespie said in a statement.

Separately or jointly, Trump and Pence made more than a dozen campaign trips to Virginia between July 22, when Hillary Clinton named U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., as her running mate, and the Nov. 8 election.
FREDERICKSBURG  The rickety looking house where a woman and her two children were allegedly held captive stands in stark contrast to the much larger homes that surround it.

Newer houses in the rapidly suburbanized area near Interstate 95 have neat lawns and large backyard decks, while the one-story rental property where police arrested Kariem Moore, 43, has weeds, discarded trash and tiles missing from the roof.

Moore, who spent time years ago at a homeless shelter in Fairfax, was taken into custody on Saturday after law enforcement officers arrived at the house on Mine Road south of Fredericksburg for a welfare check, the Spotsylvania County Sheriffs office said.

While sheriffs deputies were talking to Moore, a 32-year-old woman and two children, ages 11 and 8, fled the house and said they had not been allowed outside for two years.

The woman, whom authorities described as Moores girlfriend, was hospitalized in serious condition, said sheriffs office spokesman Charles Carey. The children, who referred to Moore as their father, are staying with relatives, Carey said.

Moore has been charged with three felony counts of abduction and felony assault and battery, Carey said, and is being held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Dave Larrabee, director of operations for the Lamb Center  a day center for the homeless in Fairfax  said Moore frequented the facility for about four or five months in 2012, with his wife and young son.

Larrabee said the family would spend nights living in their car and that he recalled Moore saying he had been formerly incarcerated.

I do remember he had a temper, Larrabee said. He got angry at some of the other guests. I had a way of calming him down.

Moores mother, Harriette Moore, said in a brief phone interview that she hadnt seen her son in as many as five years. She said she was still trying to learn more about the allegations against him.

Its a shock. Im trying to hold up. I cant get it together, said Harriette Moore, who is in her 60s and is retired from working in government. She lives in Philadelphia. He was raised correctly. I raised my children to make their own way and become someone in the world.

She said the last time she saw Moore, he was with his significant other, who was using a wheelchair, and their children. She said Moore was taking care of her. She did not know if the couple had married.

Lorane James, who has lived next door to the house where Moore was arrested for 40 years, said she hadnt thought anyone was living there until she noticed a Spotyslvania County (Virginia) sheriffs patrol car parked in the yard about two weeks ago.

I said: Oh, I guess somebody does live there, James recalled on Thursday. Id never seen them, didnt know they were there, didnt have any idea anybody had been living there.

Kevin Johnson, a high school teacher who lives with his family on a cul-de-sac directly behind the house, said he hadnt seen any kind of activity there, ever.

Johnson, who teaches geography and social studies at Courtland High School in Spotsylvania County, said the neighborhood is generally filled with kids playing outside, with one or two parents casually keeping watch.

Many parents in the area home-school their children, he said.

Were a relatively close knit neighborhood, where people usually know whats going on, Johnson said. Its really sad. Its awful.

The case appears to resemble a handful of others that have drawn headlines and horrified attention in recent years.

In May 2013, three women were rescued from a house in Cleveland after being abducted a decade beforehand while in their teens and early 20s. The women  along with the 6-year-old daughter of one of the women, Amanda Berry  escaped after Berry got the attention of a neighbor and convinced him to help kick in the lower part of the homes front door. Berry then was able to call 911 from across the street.

In 2006, an Austrian girl was released after being kidnapped and held for more than eight years. Two years later, Austria was again shaken by the release of a woman imprisoned by her father in a basement dungeon for 24 years  over which time she bore him seven children. And two months after that, a woman was found near a town in Naples, Italy, after she had been kept in a locked room in her familys home for 18 years.
While the entire nation is reeling with shortage of coins, Reserve Bank of India is sitting on surplus production.

By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: Since the beginning of financial year 2017-18, there seems to be a shortage of coins. Traders, hoteliers, kirana shops, auto drivers to bus conductors all are facing problems in arranging loose coins of Rs 1, Rs 2, Rs 5 and Rs 10.

"Till some months back, we were getting lose coins from the local banks. But nowadays, banks are reluctant to give these coins. Hence, we have no other option then to purchase it from moneylenders by paying the commission of 20-22 per cent on every 100 coins," said president of Mumbai Traders Association.

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Not just traders and businessmen, but the common man in the maximum city are also facing the brunt. "In the morning, I had an argument with the bus conductor over Rs 2 coin. Neither he had those change, neither did I," said Santosh Jadav, a local.

A few days ago, the sudden disappearance of Rs 2,000 note from ATMs had made headlines. However, now the shortage of coins seems to have affected people of all walks. India Today conducted a survey to find the reasons behind the diminishing number of coins in circulation.

WHERE HAVE THE COINS GONE?

Sources within Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and mints told India Today that coins of all denominations are getting produced as per the requirement in all four mints in Mumbai, Noida, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

"All four mints had produced around 9,550 million coins till March 31. About 2,200 million coins were minted in Mumbai, 2,050 million in Kolkata; 1,500 million in Hyderabad and the rest were produced in Noida. But problems surfaced with the beginning of this fiscal year i.e. after April 1, 2017, thanks to demonetisation," a source from Mumbai mint told India Today on condition of anonymity.

The official also gave an explanation for the sudden shortage. "After March 31 which was set as deadline for demonetisation, huge quantity of old scrapped notes i.e. Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 were been kept in currency chests across the country. The process of destroying these old notes is taking lot of time. As a result, at present, there is no place to keep these new coins," he added.

Currency chest is the unit of a bank that is institutionalised to store the excess cash from the inward remittance without losing the interest revenue and not keeping the money idle in the branches and to ensure proper logistic management within the set of branches.

SIMILAR SITUATION IN ALL MINTS

In the first quarter of this fiscal year, Mumbai mint produced nearly 650 million coins, out of which almost 500 million coins are still lying untouched. Same is the situation at all other mints, where no bank officials are ready to pick up these coins and deliver it to bank chests, and subsequently, circulate in the market.

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"Coins are being produced as per the target, in fact, by putting extra hours, extra manpower and beyond the capacity of our machines. But since last six months, neither RBI lifted these coins nor RBI took any crucial decision to resolve the scarcity problem arising in the market," the official said.

Incidentally, queries sent to RBI by India Today remained unanswered. However, there is no information on when the deficiency of coins will end and when the old scrapped notes will be disposed. Until the shortage is over, people across the country will have to manage with less coins.

Also Read:

How many demonetised notes returned? Final tally likely to be out in September

Demonetisation: Can't ban people from depositing old notes, says Supreme Court; Centre to reply in 2 weeks

The good and bad of demonetisation

WATCH | RBI's 10 big revelations to Parliament panel on demonetisation

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By India Today Web Desk: Veteran actor Dilip Kumar has been admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati hospital after an acute case of dehydration. The 94-year-old actor was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday morning (August 2). While his condition was said to be stable, last evening reports started doing the rounds that his condition has worsened and has been put on ventilator.

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But his niece Shaheen has rubbished the reports. In an interview to Hindustan Times, she said that Dilip Kumar is stable, and doctors are waiting for the dehydration levels to go down.

She told the daily, "He is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the monitoring, otherwise he is okay. He is sitting on a chair and having normal lunch. He is not on ventilator. He is absolutely conscious, he walks in the room and even in the corridor with a little bit of help. He doesn't even look like a patient. He is 94 and his water levels have to be normal; we can't monitor things at home, so we had to bring him to the hospital."

In fact, they never thought that he would be shifted to the ICU initially.

"We had admitted him in a [normal] room but then we had to shift him to the ICU,so that IV fluid could be monitored better. He is being given IV fluid by the drip and he was not drinking enough water at home. We are just hoping that levels come to normal and he gets discharged soon," she added.

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. The epithet 'Tragedy King' was given to the actor because of his poignant and emotional films.

In a career spanning five decades, Dilip Kumar gifted us cult films like Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam and Karma. he tied the knot with Saira, over 20 years younger to him, in 1966.

ALSO READ: Hope Dilip Kumar recovers soon, says Saira Banu

ALSO READ: Dilip Kumar in ICU, kidneys not functioning properly

ALSO WATCH: Mimicking Dilip Kumar was difficult, says Shah Rukh

--- ENDS ---
May 25, 1947 July 29, 2017 Philip J. (Phil) Keating Jr., 70, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at his home in Newport, Va. He was born on May 25, 1947 in Newark, New Jersey to Col. Philip and Bettie Keating Sr. Phil grew up in many areas of the world, traveling where the Air Force led his father. He graduated from McLean High School in McLean, Va. and later attended Frederick College in Portsmouth, Va. Phil was in the air force and served in the Vietnam War. Phil married Judy Massey in 1975 in Suffolk, Va. They were happily married for 42 years. He worked at Virginia Tech for 36 years as a turfgrass research technician in the Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology & Weed Science. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, spending time with family and enjoying his farm in Clover Hollow. Phil was preceded in death by his parents Philip and Bettie Keating. Phil is survived by his spouse Judy of Newport; his daughter Julie (Dedra) Prester of Christiansburg; his daughter Chelsea Keating of Newport; his sister Susan Frihse of Lake Lanier, Ga.; and his loving brother and sister in-law, nieces and nephew. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Newport Rescue Squad 418 Blue Grass Trail Newport, Va. 24128 540-544-7695 http://www.newportrescue.com. Condolences may be left on Phil's online guestbook athttp://philip-phil-j-keating-jr.forevermissed.com/
By Wallace Mayo

Mayo is a 20 year resident of Roanoke, has taught earth science in high school, and is a member of the American Meteorological Society.

Are we up for it? Are we ready for up to an eight-degree rise in temperature and a sea-level rise up to five feet by 2100 as touted by some climate change watchers? A senior environmental official at the United Nations, Noel Brown, said entire nations could be wiped off the face of the earth by rising sea levels if global warming is not reversed by the year 2000. Longtime science advisor John Holdren has declared that due to climate change, we could expect thousands to ten thousands of heat-related deaths with droughts getting more frequent and more severe.

Meanwhile, climate change folk cant seem to get traction. How can this be? Weve been told 97 percent of scientists agree we are warming greatly, mostly caused by mankind (more on that later). But, somehow almost all Americans are unconvinced. Thats according to a global survey from YouGov UK released in 2016 showing nearly 91 percent of Americans do not believe global warming is a very serious issue. A New York Times article indicates just over a third of Americans say they care a great deal about climate change.

I think I know why. The American people are a busy lot, but most of them are fairly educated. They notice when claims dont go right. I think the climate change crowd overreached. An ABC-TV special in 2009 didnt help when it warned that by 2015, wed commonly see wildfires out of control covering hundreds of square miles, and hurricanes and tornadoes getting more numerous and much worse. New York would be underwater and Las Vegas abandoned.

In 2007, Professor Wieslaw Maslowski told an American Geophysical Union meeting in 2007 that the Arctic would be ice-free by the summer of 2013. Al Gore cited scientists saying 2014. Real Science said by 2016, and now the U.N. says by 2020. Lets watch. If theyre wrong again, then Im really losing faith in such predictions.

Meanwhile, weve been having less strong/ impacting hurricanes in the last 10 years, along with markedly lower annual tornado counts (except for 2011). Theyll probably return to normal levels, but such a significant dip lately flies in the face of very dire predictions.

The first Earth Day in 1970, Life magazine told us that scientists had solid experimental and theoretical evidence to believe that in a decade, urban dwellers will be forced to wear gas masks to survive, and by 1985 air pollution will have reduced the amount of sunlight reaching Earth by one half.

More recently, Texas and California were touted to be in a perma-drought, and wed better get used to it, all due to the coal and gas were burning. Then the rains came, ending the droughts. In fact, last April 25, federal officials announced that drought in the U.S. fell to a record low that week, with the lowest percentage in the 17-year history of the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor report.

Im just saying that folks notice when predictions go wrong, even in a five-day forecast. And now, after a 18-year flat line in temperatures, yes, we had a small spike, largely due to El-Nino and other ocean oscillations being in a warm cycle. But, major ocean cycles called AMO and PDO show signs of shifting to cold mode. Get ready to see some cooling.

Climate alarmists love to charge deniers with being like flat-earth or earth-centric-universe believers of centuries ago, suggesting they need to get their heads out of the ground. What a sorry analogy. Ninety-nine percent of doctors thought Dr. Barry Marshall and Dr. Robin Warren were crazy when they suggested a bacterium (H. Pylori) could cause acid stomach. Both met horrible resistance and were seriously hounded by the medical community. They ended up being right, getting a Nobel Prize later. You see, consensus is often a lousy way to do science. A French philosopher once said Just because 50,000 Frenchmen say something is so, it does not necessarily make it true.

Well, Im up for using a grain of salt with some of the climate change crowds catastrophic predictions. Why cant we have more balance? I think we all can handle modest and reasonable efforts to keep our planet clean, and multi-source energy including plenty of non-fossil fuel options. But, the uber-claims are not helpful. Many of them simply have not come true. And, frankly, Id rather use billions of dollars to combat hunger and poverty rather than trying to lower temperatures by 0.2 degrees.
Police said the girl, originally from West Bengal, was tortured for three months, during which she wasn't allowed to go out of her employer's home.

By Mail Today Bureau: A Patel Nagar based businessman is accused of keeping his 20-year-old domestic help in captivity and repeatedly raping her. Police said the girl, originally from West Bengal, was tortured for three months, during which she wasn't allowed to go out of her employer's home.

Her counselors said she was rescued under "dire circumstances". An FIR was registered on Wednesday night after an official translator was brought from Banga Bhavan - the office of the resident commissioner of West Bengal in Delhi. Her statement was taken.

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MAN ON THE RUN

The man, said to be in his 50s and owner of a few showrooms in west Delhi, is absconding with his family. The girl, meanwhile, is in the process of being sent back to her family in Dakshin Dinajpur district.

As per estimates, four million people, mainly women, are employed as domestic workers in India. And over 50 cases of violence against domestic helps were reported by the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) in 2016 alone.

Only one placement agency, out of 1,400 in Delhi, was found to have a valid license in 2016. With domestic work not being recognised under 'Labour Laws' in India, household helps - both adults and minors - are routinely brought from rural areas of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and Assam and kept in sub-human conditions.

VIOLENCE AGAINST DOMESTIC WORKERS RAMPANT

Earlier in September 2015, a Saudi diplomat was accused of raping his two Nepali helps and beating them repeatedly at his condominium in Gurgaon. But he escaped punishment due to diplomatic immunity. A month later, a 14-year-old maid from Jharkhand was found locked-up in a cupboard in Gurgaon with deep bruises all over her body.

A DCW officer said about Wednesday's incident, "We got a tip off about the girl recently and decided to raid the house. The girl, who was in a very bad condition, told us that she came to Delhi with a relative two years back. She was working in this house for three months."

WORKED WITHOUT FOOD AND PAY

"She said this man would rape her whenever the other house members would go out. He also threatened her against talking to anybody about this," he said. "She was made to toil without adequate food or any pay all day long, and was not even allowed to go out for once in all these months," he added.

DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal said, "There was a lot of delay in taking down her statement and registration of the FIR as she could speak only Bengali." "Also, the man is rich and wields influence in the area. We have requested all state resident commissioners in Delhi to have at least one translator on their rolls for such situations," she added.

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A Patel Nagar Police Station officer said, "An FIR has been lodged for rape, illegal confinement and other relevant sections. The girl's medical examination has confirmed rape too."

ALSO READ:

6 cops injured as mob turns violent over rape of minor schoolgirl in Chamba

Himachal Pradesh: Violent protests in Chamba over school girl's rape

WATCH:

Delhi: 21-year-old maid accuses employer's 11-year-old son of raping her, cops book her instead

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US President Donald Trump retweeted a supporter's tweet which said -"We won. Move on", after reports of a grand jury being convened as part of an investigation into potential links between Russia and the Trump campaign in the presidential election 2016 surfaced.

By India Today Web Desk: As reports of a grand jury being convened as a part of an investigation into potential coordination between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia surfaced, US President Donald Trump retweeted a tweet which said "We won. Move on".

US President Donald Trump might have displayed his increasing anger over the ongoing investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections,

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Mueller, a former FBI director, is looking into potential links between Russia and the Trump campaign in the presidential election.

Also read: Trump endorses merit-based immigration system, may benefit Indian IT professionals

He is using a grand jury in Washington as part of an investigation into potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia, reported Associated Press. According to a Reuters report, grand jury subpoenas have been issued in connection with the June 2016 meeting between Donald Trump Jr, a Russian lawyer and others.

The use of a grand jury, a standard prosecution tool in criminal investigations, suggests that Mueller and his team of investigators are likely to hear from witnesses and demand documents in the coming weeks and months.

Grand juries are common vehicles to subpoena witnesses and records and to present evidence, though they do not suggest any criminal charges are near or will necessarily be sought.

Also read: After Modi-Trump bear hug, time now for top US corporates to court India

Amid the reports of a grand jury being convened, Trump said "I just hope the final determination is a truly honest one".

(With inputs from Associated Press)

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Sarine Technologies Ltd has made major progress with the large scale testing of its revolutionary automated, consistent and reliable Clarity and Colour grading technologies.

The large scale testing of the new technologies have already achieved the ability to correctly and consistently match the grading opinion of a reference group of multiple human gemmologists, and the actual polished stone's gemmological lab report when available, within a grades accuracy, with 97% correlation for Clarity and 99% correlation for Colour.

These error rates, of 3% and 1% respectively, are in comparison to the current error rate of manual grading, which they have found to be in excess of 7% for Clarity and 3.5% for nonfluorescent Colour based on statistical analyses of the manual grading reference group. Sarine expects that these numbers will be further refined over time and will ultimately be less than 1%.

David Block, Chief Executive Officer of Sarine said, "For the past 25 years, we have offered the wholesale and retail markets for polished diamonds value-added services, commencing with the ground-breaking introduction of automated Cut grading in 1992 and its subsequent industry-leading refinements. This was followed later with the launching of truly accurate light performance grading in 2013, Sarine LoupeTM imaging in 2014 and the Sarine ProfileTM in 2015. Together with our ProfileTM, which is completely changing the buying experience in virtually all the APAC markets and starting to do so in North America, as well, this will enable retailers to enhance their brand at an entirely new level of sophistication. The 21st Century calls for 21st-century technology, and we are at the forefront of providing same to the retail diamond market.



Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished




Zimbabwe's High Court has ordered a state diamond company to cease all mining activities in Marange as it does not have a permit from the environmental agency allowing it to operate.

A local community lobby group, Marange Development Trust, backed by Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association approached the court earlier this year arguing ZCDC broke the law by mining without a license from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).

Reuters reports that the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), which was established last year following the eviction of all diamond mining firms in Marange, had argued that it should be allowed to continue operations until EMA approved its license application.

"The first respondent (ZCDC) is hereby interdicted and ordered to desist from conducting any mining operations in Marange district until it has conducted an environmental impact assessment process in accordance with the law and obtained an environmental impact assessment certificate," Judge David Mangota was quoted as saying.

Under Zimbabwean law, a mining company can only start operating after carrying out an environmental impact assessment of its project, which should be approved by EMA.

ZCDC plans to produce 2.5 million carats of diamonds this year.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




On July 2, 2017 evening two Chinese nationals were arrested by the Mumbai Police in association with Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), for allegedly stealing diamonds worth lakhs of rupees, as confirmed by the GJEPC.

The burglary occurred at a stall displaying precious gemstones at the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), which ended on 2, July evening.

On receiving a complaint from the exhibitor, the organisers verified with the closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera in the vicinity and lodged a first information report (FIR) at the local police station at Goregaon. The complaint, who shared information with the CISF office guarding the show, was later sent to the Mumbai airport police.

The Chinese duo named Jiang Changqing and Deng Xiaobo, who had cleared their immigrations at the Mumbai Airport were caught and brought to immigration by CISF personnel, and later taken to the police station for further interrogation.



Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished




VICENZAORO will host on September 24th an international meeting of Mujeres Brillantes (Brilliant Women), a group of about 500 businesswomen operating in the gold and jewellery sector that, although mainly from Latin America, also come from Turkey, Spain , Italy and Germany.

The Mujeres Brillantes mission is to help women in the jewellery and watch sector to consolidate their business by networking and sharing their own professionalism and experience.

The Mujeres Brillantes chose Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) and the VICENZAORO platform due to their mutual vision of gender equality and the respect and attention paid to women at the head of jewellery companies.

The Mujeres Brillantes united into an association in 2016 during the second week of the Latin America Jewelry Show in order to share experiences and present themselves as a united group to the jewellery industry. They particularly noticed the need for targeted communication on the female world - the main receiver of jewellery products and precious stones.

Leaders and members of other Associations such as WJA Italy, Cluster Joyeria y Bisuteria Bogota, Colombia and AORP (Association of GoldSmith and Watches), Portugal already confirmed their attending in the meeting.

I am very happy that we will have the attending of women from different countries and also representatives of prestigious international associations, it shows that everybody understand the importance of work together for the benefit of our industry. I believe that the time is changing and we are helping to change the mentality, said Ali Pastorini, President of Mujeres Brillantes .

The intention of the group is to improve the marketing approach upstream and to offer a new look at the sector through a female eye.



Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels




A new panel will keep an eye on Hong Kong's jewellers and look to make sure the industry maintains standards. The committee will consist of jewellery industry members and non-industry representatives. Former Liberal Party legislator Vincent Fang Kang will head the committee, as per a report in scmp.com.

If the committee finds jewellers have breached the guidelines, it could throw members out of professional associations, or deliver other, as yet unspecified, punishments.

The Code of Practice of the Jewellery Retail Industry will establish an independent review committee for compliance and for handling consumer complaints; introduce protection for online shoppers; and cover product quality assurance, promotions, customer services, and other things.

The code of practice, brought about by the Consumer Council and two jewellers' groups, took effect on 31st July. The council and the Hong Kong Jewellers' and Goldsmiths' Association hoped that 60 per cent of the industry, would adopt the code within three years.

Consumer Council chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-han denied that the new guidelines would be toothless, saying new provisions in the code would strengthen consumer protection on top of existing laws.



Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished




Just when you think things couldn't get worse for Pakistan, the country goes ahead and surprises you. Pakistan had already been put on notice by the Trump Administration that it cannot be business as usual till it acts against terror, its relations with India have reached their nadir and the International Court of Justice verdict on alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav went against it. Its economy is a shambles, local terrorist groups are flourishing, and now its democratically elected prime minister has been ousted in a judicial coup. Not that this is the first time. Since 1947, Pakistan has had as many as 18 prime ministers, with none completing their full term. Between 1958 and 1971, the office of the prime minister itself was dissolved, and not for the last time. Pakistani prime ministers have met various fates-assassination, overthrow by the army, dismissal by the president and even disqualification by the Supreme Court. In contrast, India has had 14 prime ministers in the same period and if their terms have been truncated, it has been because of parliamentary defeats.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been removed from office, this time by a five-member bench of the country's Supreme Court which barred him from electoral politics for at least five years. It gives him the dubious honour of being removed three times while in office - once by the president, then by the army and now by the Supreme Court. The reason? Violation of Articles 62 and 63 of Pakistan's Constitution, which demand that members of Parliament be 'sadiq' and 'ameen'-'truthful' and 'righteous'. The provocation? The Panama papers, the popular term for the work of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which showed illegal money laundering by Nawaz Sharif in the 1990s when he served as prime minister twice. This was followed by a court-appointed joint investigation team amassing a 275-page report on his family's misdemeanours, which sealed his fate.

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As ever, given our shared history, nothing that happens in Pakistan stays in Pakistan. For India, a civilian administration is always easier to deal with than a country under military rule. Nawaz Sharif was an early friend to the Narendra Modi government, accepting with alacrity an invitation to his swearing-in in 2014 and then being a happy host as Modi dropped in on his granddaughter's wedding in December 2015. The attack on the Pathankot air base within a week of that visit indicated the Pakistani army's displeasure with the incipient peace process. Things have gone downhill from there ever since, with renewed militancy in the Kashmir Valley.

The cover story this week focuses on the troubles in Pakistan, as it struggles to reform its economy, comes to terms with the 'snakes in its own backyard' and grapples with China's increasing intervention in its affairs. Lahore-based independent journalist Wajahat S Khan looks at the road ahead, as well as at Nawaz Sharif's successor and the next potential prime minister, his brother Shahbaz Sharif. Executive Editor Sandeep Unnithan analyses the impact of this political uncertainty on India. Nawaz Sharif was seen as the peacemaker with whom Modi could do business. Pakistan's diarchy of military power and civilian government always poses a dilemma of who India should deal with. Ideally, India should work with the duly-elected government but every time any sort of agreement is reached, it is sabotaged by the army.

What happens now that Nawaz Sharif is gone? New Delhi will possibly wait and watch till after the next general election in Pakistan, due in May 2018. It's a grim prospect for India. With no hope for dialogue, friction on the border will continue as will the sponsoring of militants who stoke unrest in Kashmir. Even assuming elections are held as scheduled, will the person who wins the popular mandate be allowed to run the country? Perhaps, it is time for India to forget diplomatic niceties and reconcile itself to talking with the generals as well. Maybe peace can come only by engaging with those who make war.

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ALROSA reports the Mir Mine is undergoing rescue operation

04 august 2017 News

On Friday, the underground Mir Mine developed by ALROSA was partially flooded. The companys press service specified that 151 miners were underground at the time of the accident and 142 of them are now safe, while the company continues its rescue operation to find 9 missing miners.

The head of ALROSA, Sergey Ivanov reports from the operational headquarters in Mirny: "As of 21.30 Moscow time (03:24 local time), the rescue operation aimed at locating 9 miners continues. One-way communication is currently established with some of them." Later on, he said that the powers of Mikhail Lopatinsky, General Manager of the Mirny Mining Division, were suspended until all the inspections of the accident are completed.

The likely cause of the accident was an uncontrolled inrush of water due to a sharp deterioration in mining and geological conditions. The work of the mine has been carried out in full compliance with all technical and safety requirements. The project passed the General State Expertise and repeated examinations for industrial safety. The main mining operations have corresponded to the mines project design.

Mir has never been recognized as an emergency mine, the work on it has never been suspended due to a pre-emergency or emergency situation. The mines equipment has been undergoing regular functional inspections.

The underground Mir Mine was commissioned on August 21, 2009. ALROSA spent 22 billion rubles on its construction. The mine yields high-quality rough diamonds, their average grade exceeds 3 carats per ton. According to the JORC code, the mine's reserves based on the current diamond grade are sufficient to continue mining operations until 2052. Currently, the mine's production capacity is 1 million tons of ore per year. Last year, its diamond output reached 3.19 million carats.
Maine Department of Transportation

More than $15 million in the latest round of Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grants will benefit rail projects in Mississippi and Maine.

The Maine Department of Transportation has been awarded a $7.89-million FASTLANE grant for the Maine Railroad Bridge Capacity project in northeastern Maine, according to Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).

This major rail link is used daily by manufacturers and customers across our state and these improvements will significantly increase capacity and efficiency throughout the corridor, said Sen. Collins.

The project will repair and upgrade 22 rail bridges on the Madawaska Subdivision of the Maine Northern Railway. One bridge requires complete replacement while three need superstructure replacements and 14 require minor repairs. Following project completion, the 151-mile section will be capable of carrying 286,000 pounds of rail car weight.

This FASTLANE grant is a critical piece of funding for the upgrades and improvements of railroad bridges in northern Maine, said MaineDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt. Through this important public/private partnership, operators of railroads will be able to safely increase the loaded weights for railcars over these bridges that will have long lasting, positive impacts on industries in the region.

In Mississippi, the North Central Mississippi Regional Railroad Authority (NCMRRA) was awarded a $7.54-million FASTLANE grant for improvements and repairs on a line between Grenada and Canton.

Sens. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) say the FASTLANE grant represents 50 percent of the needed funding for the project, which will also be supported with private-sector funding and the Mississippi Department of Transportation Railroad Revitalization Fund Loan Program.

The project will rehabilitate approximately 90 miles of track of between Grenada and Canton and also entails repairing the Coldwater River Bridge near Coldwater, which was damaged by fire in July, as well as repair work on several other bridges. The grant will also support reactivation of 18 active warning devices and new tie installation sufficient to raise the entire 180-mile Grenada Railroad line to Federal Railroad Administration Class II standards.

This grant will help preserve the hard-fought effort to restore service in north-central Mississippi. Improving the Grenada Railway is an important part of an overall transportation system that supports economic growth, Sen. Cochran said.

Restoring this rail link through the heart of our state will result in a brighter economic future for the region, Sen. Wicker said. The project will combine public and private funds to improve freight movement, enhance safety for the general public, and protect and create jobs all along the corridor.

The NCMRRA was created in 2011 by representatives from the counties of Tate, Panola, Yalobusha, Grenada, Montgomery, Carroll and Holmes counties with the objective of protecting long-term rail service in the region. In 2015, Iowa Pacific was awarded a 15-year lease to operate on the line.
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYMTA) has a new President and Managing Director, as well as three new board members.

Chairman Joseph Lhota on Aug. 3 appointed Patrick Foye as President and Veronique Ronnie Hakim as Managing Director of the NYMTA. Foye and Hakim will serve in the newly created Office of the Chairman, which will also include MTA Chief Development Officer Janno Lieber. Foye and Hakim will be responsible for managing the agency on a day-to-day basis. Foye will lead key innovation and modernization initiatives, and Hakim will be responsible for the operations of the authority, Lhota said.

Lhota recently announced what is described as a comprehensive plan to immediately stabilize and modernize the subway system. Foye and Hakim will be responsible for implementing that plan.

Foye, a former (2010-2012) NYMTA board member, has been Executive Director of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and President of PATH since November 2011. Prior to joining the Port Authority, he served as Deputy Secretary for Economic Development for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Foye was a Mergers and Acquisitions partner at Skadden Arps and managing partner of the firms Brussels, Budapest and Moscow offices. He was Executive Vice President of AIMCO, a real estate investment trust.

Hakim has served as Interim Executive Director of the NYMTA since January 2017. In 2015 she was named President of MTA New York City Transit, returning to the NYMTA after an earlier 23-year career at the authority. She has also previously served as the Executive Director of NJ Transit, and nearly four years as Executive Director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

Pat and Ronnie are veteran transportation professionals who together with Janno form the dynamic team the MTA needs at this moment, said Lhota. They will assume the day-to-day leadership of the MTA and ensure that our customers are always our first priority. The plan I recently introduced is ambitious, aggressive, and requires dedicated leadership ensuring operational excellence and long-term innovationwhich is exactly what the team in the Office of the Chairman will provide.

The three new NYMTA board members are Randy Glucksman, Scott Rechler and Carl Weisbrod. Glucksman, a non-voting member, was recommended by the MTA Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council. Gov. Cuomo recommended Rechler; New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recommended Weisbrod. Only Glucksman has railroad operating experience.

Glucksman sits on the Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road and New York City Transit/MTA Bus committees. He has more than 40 years of rail operations experience, most recently with SYSTRA Engineering, Inc. in Manhattan, where he worked as a senior rail operations analyst. Previously, Glucksman was employed with New York City Transit, where he held several positions, including principal transportation management analyst, superintendent, trainmaster, train dispatcher, motorman, and conductor. Throughout his career he has been an advocate for improved transit options, serving on several citizen advisory committees and studying proposals for transit improvements. Glucksman is a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He received his B.S in Business Administration from Dominican College.

Rechler sits on the Long Island Rail Road, New York City Transit/MTA Bus, Finance, and Capital Program Oversight committees. He is Chairman and CEO RXR Realty LLC, a multibillion-dollar private real estate company and one of the Tri-State areas largest real estate owners, managers and developers. In June 2011, Gov. Cuomo appointed Rechler to the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he served until October 2016 as vice chairman and as chairman of the Authoritys Capital Planning Committee. Rechler is a graduate of Clark University and earned an M.S. in Real Estate at New York Universitys Schack Institute.

Weisbrod sits on the New York City Transit/MTA Bus, Finance, and Capital Program Oversight committees. He is currently a senior advisor at HR&A Advisors, Inc., an economic development and real estate consulting firm with offices across the country, and a senior fellow at New York Universitys Marron Institute of Urban Management. From 2014 until February 2017, Weisbrod served as the chairman of the New York City Planning Commission and director of the New York City Department of City Planning. The founding president of both the New York City Economic Development Corp. and the Alliance for Downtown New York, he was appointed a director of the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
(Agencia CMA Latam) - The president of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, defended Venezuela's permanent suspension from Mercosur trade bloc and deemed as "unacceptable" what is happening in the country.

Speaking to Mar del Plata's Radio Brisas, Macri said that "consensus is being achieved throughout Latin America and in the world in general" to condemn the Venezuelan government. According to him "there is no longer a democracy" in Venezuela.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the four Mercosur's founding countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) agreed to meet urgently in Brazil to discuss the position of the regional bloc regarding Venezuela, already suspended for breach of democratic principles and not having approved the rules by which the group operates.

by Agencia CMA Latam

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

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Pearson plc. (PSON.L) reported Friday that its first-half loss before tax was 10 million pounds, narrower than last year's loss of 306 million pounds. Basic loss per share was 2.1 pence, compared to loss of 27.1 pence a year ago.

The narrower loss mainly reflected the absence of restructuring costs. Adjusted Earnings per share were 5.6 pence, compared to loss of 1.3 pence last year.

The company recorded operating profit of 16 million pounds, compared to loss of 286 million pounds last year. Adjusted operating profit surged to 107 million pounds from 15 million pounds a year ago.

Revenue increased to 2.047 billion pounds from 1.866 billion pounds last year. Headline growth was 10%, and underlying growth was 1 percent. At constant exchange rates, revenues were flat.

Further, the Board has declared an interim dividend of 5 pence per share, sharply lower than prior year's 18 pence.

The company also said it plans a share buyback of 300 million pounds following the announced reduction and recapitalisation of stake in PRH.

Looking ahead, the company now expects full-year adjusted operating profit of between 546 million pounds and 606 million pounds and adjusted earnings per share between 45.5 pence and 52.5 pence.

Previously, the company was projecting operating profit in 2017 of 570 million pounds to 630 million pounds, and adjusted earnings per share of 48.5 pence to 55.5 pence.

Further, the company announced the details of its earlier announced restructuring plan that it intends to take over the next two and a half years.

Under the 2017-2019 300 million pounds cost efficiency programme, the company will reduce employee headcount by approximately 3,000 full time equivalent employees.

The company plans to generate cost savings from next year with about 70 million pounds in 2018, an incremental about 130 million pounds in 2019 and the remaining 100 million pounds impacting 2020 reducing annualised cost base exiting 2019 by about 300 million pounds.

Savings will come from the simplification of architecture, increased use of shared service centres, standardisation and automation of processes, reduction of headcount with a particular focus on managerial positions, centralisation of procurement and the reduction of office locations, the company noted.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
RPS Group plc (RPS.L) reported profit before tax of 20.42 million pounds for the six months ended 30 June 2017 compared to 10.88 million pounds, previous year. Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent increased to 14.51 million pounds or 6.50 pence per share from 8.67 million pounds or 3.91 pence per share. Adjusted earnings per share was 8.65 pence compared to 6.41 pence.

First-half revenue increased to 314.52 million pounds from 291.43 million pounds, prior year. Fee income was 281.1 million pounds compared to 260.8 million pounds.

RPS Group said its Board remains confident about the Group's financial strength and will distribute an increased interim dividend of 4.80 pence, payable on 13 October 2017 to shareholders on the register on 15 September 2017.

Alan Hearne, Chief Executive, said: "The reduction in our dependence upon the oil and gas market, the continuing impact of good cost management and the strong results for the first half of the year enable us to anticipate modestly exceeding market expectations for the full year".

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Business News
Petrofac Ltd. (POFCF.PK,POFCY.PK,PFC.L) announced Friday that the company, in a 50/50 joint venture with Samsung Engineering, has received notification of intent to award a contract worth approximately $2 billion with Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries LLC or DRPIC in the southern part of Oman.

The company noted that work on the 47-month project will commence shortly, subject to financial closure and full notice to proceed from DRPIC.

Petrofac's and Samsung's scope of work includes engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, training and start-up operations for all the utilities and offsites at Duqm.

The development is a strategic investment for the Sultanate of Oman, and forms the cornerstone of the Duqm Special Economic Zone, the company said. It occupies more than 2,000 acres and, when completed, will have a refining capacity of approximately 230,000 barrels of oil per day.

Sathyanarayanan, Group Managing Director, Engineering & Construction, said, "This significant project represents our twelfth in the country and serves to reinforce Petrofac's commitment to one of our core ; one in which we have been present since 1988. Furthermore, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to continue to increase in-country value through engaging with the local supply chain and recruitment of local resources."

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Business News
The Election Commission today told the Supreme Court that the Indian EVMs were better than those used in the US, Germany and the Netherlands. The poll panel said that Indian EVMs could not be hacked.

By Anusha Soni: The Election Commission today told the Supreme Court that its electronic voting machines (EVMs) were fully tamper-proof and credible machines. The Indian EVMs can't be hacked, the poll panel told the apex court in New Delhi today.

Submitting the affidavit, the Election Commission told the Supreme Court that the public interest litigations (PILs) claiming that EVMs were faulty machines should be dismissed. There has not been any evidence to support the claimed lapses, the EC asserted in the affidavit.

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The Election Commission also told the apex court that the Indian EVMs were better than those used in the United States, Germany and the Netherlands.

The Election Commission's affidavit emphasised the point that the EVMs in some other countries relied on internet connectivity while the Indian EVMs were standalone devices and did not talk to any outside machine.

The Election Commission further assured the Supreme Court that the measures were being taken to allay any fears for unreliability of the EVMs. It stated that the 2019-general elections will be held with EVMs attached with voter verifiable paper audit trails (VVPAT).

The Election Commission also said that more than 16 lakh VVPATs would be procured for the EVMs by September, 2018. The Supreme Court will now examine the Election Commission's reply.

ALSO READ |

EVM politics: Why Election Commission believes its electronic voting machine is tamper-proof

Forensic lab test proves EVM was not hacked during Maharashtra election

EVM tampering row: Why Election Commission is resisting campaign for ballot paper

How EVM tampering row flared up: Truth behind Bhind experiment of Madhya Pradesh

ALSO WATCH | AAP raises EVM tampering alarm with Election Commission

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Malta's industrial production declined for the first time in seven months in June, figures from the National Statistics Office showed Friday.

Industrial production fell a working-day-adjusted 0.7 percent year-over-year in June, reversing a 2.9 percent rise in the prior month.

Among main industrial groups, production of non-durable consumer goods declined 9.6 percent annually in June and those of consumer goods dipped by 9.4 percent.

On a monthly basis, industrial production decreased 2.9 percent from May, when it edged down by 0.1 percent.

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Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Special counsel Robert Mueller, who is overseeing the federal investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during presidential election, has reportedly tapped a Washington grand jury to examine evidence of the allegations.

The use of a grand jury is a standard prosecution tool in criminal investigations to issue subpoenas to compel people to testify.

The move, regarded as a more aggressive approach by Mueller on the Russia probe, irked the president.

Trump poured scorn on the inquiry while addressing thousands of die-hard supporters in Huntington, West Virginia, on Thursday.

"They're trying to cheat you out of the leadership that you want with a fake story," Trump told the crowd.

He has been critical of Mueller's investigation of alleged Russian meddling in the presidential election.

Recent reports have claimed that Trump's legal team is looking for ways to discredit the probe by Mueller, searching for conflicts of interest.

Reuters reported Thursday that Mueller has already issued Grand Jury subpoenas linked to Donald Trump Jr.'s June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer who promised to provide information helpful to the Republican presidential campaign.

Mueller has also replaced most of the prosecutors originally on the case with more than a dozen investigators, including current and former justice department prosecutors experienced in international bribery, organized crime and financial fraud.

Thursday, he received strong Congressional support with two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee introducing legislation designed to protect the Special Counsel from being fired by the President.

The bill mandates that only the Attorney General or the most senior Justice Department official in charge of the matter would have the power to remove the special counsel.

Additionally, the special counsel would be allowed to challenge his or her removal in court under the legislation.

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Business News
After being elected as a Democrat just nine months ago, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has revealed plans to switch parties and become a Republican.

Justice announced his plans to jump to the GOP during a rally with President Donald Trump in Huntington, West Virginia, on Thursday.

"With lots of prayers and lots of thinking, I'll tell you West Virginians, I can't help you any more being a Democrat governor," Justice said. "So tomorrow, I will be changing my registration to Republican."

Justice, a billionaire coal mining and agriculture businessman, argued that the Democratic Party has walked away from him.

Trump praised the decision by Justice, which he claimed shows the country that his agenda "rises above left and right."

The move by Justice would give Republicans control of a record 34 governorships compared to just fifteen for the Democrats.

Elisabeth Pearson, Executive Director of the Democratic Governors Association, accused Justice of deceiving the voters of West Virginia when he ran as a Democrat.

"West Virginians have learned that they simply can't trust Jim Justice," Pearson said. "He will always put his financial interests above the needs of West Virginians."

Pearson claimed Justice owes millions of dollars in unpaid company taxes after a deal with a Russian coal company.

"If President Trump cut a deal, we hope it does not put U.S. taxpayers on the hook to bail out Jim Justice's personal finances," she added.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Blue Apron Holdings Inc. has announced that it will close itS New Jersey facility and transfer 1,270 jobs to new facility located in Linden, New Jersey later this year.

Blue Apron will give its employees of the Jersey City facility an option to transfer to the new Linden location, but if they choose not to accept, their employment will be terminated in October.

"As we scale up operations at our new Linden, NJ fulfillment center, we are ramping down our Jersey City, NJ facility. Our Linden location is a brand new, 495,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility that we expect will enable us to execute on our product expansion strategy. All of our Jersey City employees (currently 1270) have been offered the opportunity to transfer to a same or comparable position in Linden, and the majority of those employees have already elected to transfer. We hope that the remainder of our Jersey City employees will join us in Linden, as their knowledge and experience is invaluable," the company said in a statement according to TechCrunch.

News of the job transfers sent Blue Apron's shares down by over 6%. Blue Apron stock has been struggling since it debut on the NYSE last month. Blue Apron is currently trading below $5.89 a share, compared to its IPO price of $10 per share.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 4 (PTI) Essar Ports today said it has entered into a concession pact with Mozambique government to develop a new 20 MTPA coal terminal at Beira Port in the Southeast African country.

"Essar Ports has signed a 30-year concession agreement with the Government of Mozambique to develop a new coal terminal at Beira Port, as part of a public private partnership (PPP) project," the company said in a statement.

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The project will be executed on design, build, own, operate and transfer (DBOOT) basis through an arm -- New Coal Terminal Beira, SA (NCTB SA) -- a JV of Essar and Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de MoAambique.

The project will augment the coal handling capacity of Mozambique by 20 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

"We would like to congratulate the Government of Mozambique for this initiative. It will not only boost coal exports from Mozambique and strengthen its economy, but also deliver significant direct and indirect benefits," Essar Ports CEO & Managing Director Rajiv Agarwal said. PTI SID JM

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These girls from Kenya have now been selected as the only African team to compete at the 2017 Technovation Challenge.

By India Today Web Desk: As much as the world is trapped in socio-political problems, today's generation is not only more aware of the issues but also taking their own little measures to critique it, thereby disrupting the regular order.

Yes, this era is more about innovations and technological advancements. And now, five teenage girls from Kenya are making use of the same to make their dream come true--the dream of ending female genital mutilation (FGM) in their country.

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The teenagers have invented an app called i-Cut, which aims to provide girls access to legal and medical assistance, before and after FGM.

A non-medical procedure, FGM involves total or partial removal of a woman's external genitalia. FGM is illegal in Kenya but is widely practised as a cultural prerequisite for marriage. However, the procedure has no health benefits; instead, procedures can cause bleeding and problems in urinating. Besides, girls who have been cut are less likely to finish school. This obviously decreases their employment prospects.

According to World Health Organisation, more than 200 million girls are still subjected to the practice, not only in Africa but also Middle East and Asia.

The new app, i-Cut, is a revolution in itself. With the touch of a button only, girls will be able to seek help by alerting authorities through a distress call or even report violations at rescue centres.

Picture courtesy: Twitter/technovation Picture courtesy: Twitter/technovation

The app has now won its inventors a place in the 2017 Technovation Challenge, a competition to be held in Silicon Valley, towards the end of August.

The team behind the app includes Stacy Owino, Cynthia Otieno, Purity Achieng, Mascrine Atieno, and Ivy Akinyi--and they call themselves "The Restorers." This is the only African group whose app has been accepted for the challenge.

Also Read:This 5-year-old drew a picture of his mother with a red spot for her period

"FGM is a big problem affecting girls worldwide and it is a problem we want to solve," Stacy Owino, one of the app's creators, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

And what do they think about winning the competition? "This whole experience will change our lives. Whether we win or not, our perspective of the world and the possibilities it has will change for the better," Owino was quoted as saying by Mashable.

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By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 3 (PTI) Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat today held extensive talks with his Kazakh counterpart in Astana and explored ways to ramp up defence and counter-terror cooperation between the two countries.

Rawat is currently on a three-day visit to Kazakhstan.

"He met Commander-in-Chief Land Forces of Kazakhstan today and discussed with him various aspects of cooperation between the two armies," the Army said in a statement here.

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It said both the sides agreed to take forward the joint exercise between their armies.

The joint exercise is scheduled to be held at Bakloh, Himmachal Pradesh in November.

At the meeting, Gen. Rawat also conveyed Indias support for deployment of Kazakh forces in UN peacekeeping operations.

"Kazakhstan further sought assistance for capacity enhancement in the areas of counter insurgency operations, military education and training of cadets in India. The Chief of Army Staff assured them of whole-hearted support.

"He complimented the Kazakh Army for their professionalism as witnessed during the demonstration while visiting the 36 Air Assault Brigade," said the Army.

Gen. Rawat will leave for Turkmenistan tomorrow. PTI MPB GVS

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By SA Commercial Prop News

TPN Managing Director, Michelle Dickens who runs credit checks on potential tenants on behalf of landlords and agents, today shared her insights on how this years Lovers Cuddling Day heavily impacts the property arena.



TPN Managing Director, Michelle Dickens who runs credit checks on potential tenants on behalf of landlords and agents, today shared her insights on how this years Lovers Cuddling Day heavily impacts the property arena.

We know that Valentines Day has a huge impact on sales of flowers, chocolates and candlelit dinners. But romance also has a huge impact on another area of the economy: property.

When a couple decides to move in together, two households become one. And when things go pear-shaped, somebody has to move out  usually into rented accommodation.



An intriguing spike in TPNs rental statistics bears this out: South African men in their 30s generally dont rent  until they turn 39, when suddenly the figures jump. TPN runs credit checks on potential tenants on behalf of landlords and agents. In general, South Africans rent while theyre in their 20s before buying a home and settling down, says TPN Managing Director Michelle Dickens. So why were we seeing queries on so many men in their late 30s? The answer: divorce. When a marriage breaks down, its typically the wife who stays in the family home while the husband moves out.



When the Sunday Times revealed last weekend that Tokyo and Judy Sexwale are divorcing, they also noted that Judy Sexwale had moved into rented accommodation while Tokyo retained access to their various homes. That bucks the trend that TPN has picked up through their data.



According to a recently released survey by the South African Institute of Race Relations, the number of households is increasing, while the number of married couples is declining. This suggests that more couples are cohabiting and marrying later  and that more people prefer to live on their own. More households are good for the rental market, which continues to show reasonable returns relative to property prices. 1 bed apartments yield better returns than four bedroom homes according to FNB & TPNs Residential Yield data (1 bed apartments 11,7% and 4 bedroom full title 5.4% gross income yield), a reminder that more single person households are a bonus for property investors, especially for landlords who are just starting out.



Based on these figures, it would seem that were not seeing the same phenomenon that appeared in the US when the recession hit. Because house prices nosedived, couples that would otherwise have split up were forced to live under the same roof. Divorce became a luxury, like a new car, with lawyers reporting a 40% decline in business.



According to Statistics South Africa, divorces in 2010 declined by a massive 25.4% from the previous year, so its possible that this was related to the economic climate. Whether couples chose to stay together because supporting two households was too expensive, or one of them moved out isnt clear. The fact that South Africa has seen a steady increase in the number of smaller households would suggest that the trend towards single person living will continue.



Ironically, when romance goes well, its bad for landlords because theres one less household on the market, and when it breaks down, it can be good  because somebody has to find another place to stay in a hurry. Were always fascinated by what comes out of our data, says Dickens. Theres a story, not just about rentals, but the wider social trends behind them.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is visiting flood affected areas in Gujarat and Rajasthan today. He is going to visit the flood affected areas in Jalore, Rajasthan and Banaskantha, Gujarat today.'

Earlier on Wednesday, Rahul visited flood affected areas in Assam.

Interacting with the victims there, Rahul said: 'Since the Congress is not in power at the Centre as well as in Assam, we will try our best to raise the issue of flood and erosion problem in the Parliament. Most of flood affected people yet to receive any relief and compensation from the government. Government must ensure to provide relief and compensation immediately.'

"I will fight for your rights," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the state and reviewed the devastating flood situation.

The Prime Minister had announced a total package of Rs 2350 crore for all the flood affected north eastern states.
Search engine giant Google had offered $30 billion to buy Snap Inc -- the parent company of popular messaging app Snapchat -- in 2016 and a similar offer is still open, a media report said.

Google had held informal dialogue with Snap and floated an offer of $30 billion before the latter's last funding round, said a report in Business Insider on Thursday.

Snap's CEO Evan Spiegel, who is widely considered as being independent, apparently did not show interest in selling his firm to Google or anybody else.

Spiegel also values running Snap in Southern California and outside of Silicon Valley, where Alphabet -- Google's parent company is headquartered.

Earlier, in 2013, Google was rumoured to have been tried to acquire Snapchat for $4 billion after Spiegel refused an offer from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the report added.
By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 4 (PTI) The government today said it has set up a new exchange-traded fund (ETF), Bharat-22, comprising 22 scrips including ONGC, IOC, SBI and Axis Bank.

This will be the second ETF from the government after it raised over Rs 8,509 crore from three tranches of CPSE ETF.

Bharat-22 will have a diversified portfolio of six sectors, including energy, FMCG, finance, basic material and industrial and utilities, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters here.

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The 22 scrips include central public sector enterprises (CPSEs), state-owned banks and governments strategic holding in Axis Bank, ITC and L&T held through SUUTI (Specified Undertaking of Unit Trust of India).

"While selecting each of these sectors, we have kept in mind sectoral reforms which have had direct impact on the valuation of these shares... We believe that this ETF will be a fairly successful one," Jaitley said.

ETF functions like a mutual fund scheme and is bought by investors as units.

The oil and gas and coal and mine PSUs whose scrips figure in the new ETF are ONGC, IOC, BPCL, Coal India and Nalco.

The other CPSEs which on the list are Bharat Electronics, Engineers India, NBCC, NTPC, NHPC, SJVNL, GAIL, PGCIL and NLC India.

Only three PSU banks -- SBI, Indian Bank and Bank of Baroda -- figure in the Bharat-22 index.

Also, the government holding in Axis Bank, ITC and Larsen and Toubro held through SUUTI is also part of the ETF basket.

A list of 22 companies effectively means that small tranches of government holding in CPSEs and PSBs will be included, he added.

Jaitley said the inclusion of three PSU banks in Bharat-22 is "consistent" with the government policy.

"Governments stake can go down to 52 per cent in PSU banks and whenever possible, we will look for a possible consolidation," he added.

The government had raised about Rs 8,500 crore through the three tranches of CPSE ETF last fiscal.

The first CPSE ETF consisted of scrips of 10 PSUs -- ONGC, Coal India, IOC, GAIL (India), Oil India, PFC, Bharat Electronics, REC, Engineers India and Container Corporation of India.

India, Jaitley said, has tried the ETF experiment successfully and globally, ETF asset under management stands at USD 4 trillion.

Over 4 years, this AUM is expected to touch USD 7 trillion as sovereign and pension funds have started preferring the ETF mode, the finance minister said.

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ETF investment is less risky and provides liquid assets which are traded real time and is a transparent mode of investment, Jaitley pointed out.

Asked when the first tranche of Bharat-22 will hit the market, DIPAM Secretary Neeraj Gupta said there is no cap on funds that can be raised though ETF.

"It will be different tranches as per requirement of the government," he said.

The secretary in Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) said further that while formulating the ETF basket, returns for the last 10 years have been validated.

"Ninety per cent of the equities included are also traded in futures," Gupta said, adding that ICICI Prudential is the fund manager for Bharat-22. PTI JD ARD

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(M.P.M.C. Press Secretary) - Samoas late High Commissioner to Australia, Lemalu Tate Simis impeccable service was honoured in Canberra last week.

In her congratulatory speech acknowledging the dedication of the new Samoa High Commissions complex in Yarralumla, Canberra Australias Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Minister for International Development and Pacific paid tribute to the late Lemalu.

I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the late Lemalu Tate Simi, former High Commissioner to Australia, said the Cabinet Minister from the podium.

Australia warmly welcomed his appointment as High Commissioner to Australia in 2009.

To you Peseta Noumea Simi, (Chief Executive, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Australians who knew your late husband share Samoas sad loss.

He was a leading representative for Samoa and the wider Pacific community.

He was energetic, dedicated and an eloquent advocate for Samoan interests in Australia and highly respected amongst the Diplomatic Corps and the wider community across Australia.

As many of you will know, he was involved in getting this project off the ground.

It is fitting, Peseta, that you are here today to see the fruits of his labor, and to you our High Commissioner in continuing with his work.
A number of changes have been made to policies and procedures in relation to the Central Bank of Samoa (C.B.S) Exchange Control Regulations 1999.

In a statement issued yesterday, C.B.S informed members of the public about these changes.

They include:

1. Effective 1st August 2017, all payments of assurance, insurance and reinsurance premiums to overseas countries by individuals, businesses and Government authorities are now delegated to the authorized commercial banks and money transfer operator businesses for processing. This excludes foreign exchange payments of assurance, insurance and reinsurance premiums by licensed insurance companies and commercial banks, which still requires prior CBS approval.

The general public is also kindly reminded that:

1. Only licensed commercial banks and foreign exchange dealers authorized by the Central Bank of Samoa are allowed to buy or sell foreign currency in exchange for Samoan Tala within Samoa.

2. For businesses or individuals intending to sell any domestically produced or imported products outside of Samoa, you must first register with the Central Bank. Kindly provide relevant documentations for the completion of the CBS Form E, before proceeding to Customs, the Post Office or courier company for the shipment of any products. Please be reminded that all export proceeds must be receipted domestically within the specified period.

3. For any foreign exchange payments, proper supporting documentation must be presented and made available to the commercial banks and money transfer operator businesses. Approval of overseas payments may not be granted unless requested documents are sighted. These exchange control documentary requirements are in line with international standards for the prevention of anti-money laundering practices and counter financing of terrorism activities for the protection and safeguarding of Samoas financial system.

4. For foreign exchange payments that are referred to the CBS for prior approval, the maximum days for assessment is 3 days, subject to the availability of all relevant supporting documents.

For further clarification and assistance on any Foreign Exchange Control matters, please contact phone numbers 34152 or 34153.
For four months, the Media and Journalism students at the National University of Samoa, in partnership with U.N.E.S.C.O were hard at work to put together awareness materials, as part of their campaign to end school related gender-based violence.

The students celebrated the end of the campaign last Friday, with the launch of two short television documentaries as well as posters and other awareness materials, as their contribution to finding a solution to this ongoing problem.

The goal was to push and raise awareness among students to end gender-based violence in schools.

Two training seminars were also implemented by U.N.E.S.C.O, to build the capacity of the journalism students and selected N.U.S students to recognise gender-based violence and engage with each other to find a solution.

Vice Chancellor of the National University of Samoa, Professor Fui Asofou Soo acknowledged the efforts of the students, to produce a documentary that would seek to find solutions to the issue.

Media and journalism lecturer, Joshua Lafoai, who mentored and guided students during the process said the documentaries were not just for on campus N.U.S students but will hopefully be used widely to raise awareness of the issue.

Gender-based violence isnt limited to N.U.S or the colleges. It happens everywhere and theres a need to educate youth on lending a hand, he said.

We hope the campaign and the results will inspire students to seek solution, and to ask themselves if they are part of the problem, Joshua added.

Joshua acknowledged the support of U.N.E.S.C.O.

We are thankful towards U.N.E.S.C.O as they were knowledge providers in working together in making two incredible pieces, says Mr. Lafoai.

Media and Journalism student, Solonaima Uelese, believes that with the documentaries, students will be able to understand, believe and be a part of the solution.

We think that the documentaries were a success and hopefully the youth can lend a hand in helping end gender-based violence, says Solonaima.

The Media and Journalism program paid tribute to U.N.E.S.C.O, for the financial and technical assistance which made the four-month campaign possible.
Usually we meet or approach the average tourist in their natural habitat somewhere by the pool or meandering around the markets.

But you could say the opposite happened with Turkish Professor Orhan Kural who hunted the Samoa Observer down to tell us his Dear Tourist Story.

We found him causing a stir at Samoa Observer headquarters insisting that we hear his story out.

Professor Orhan Kural is head of the Mining Engineering Department of the Instanbul Technical University in Turkey and the President of the Turkish Travellers Club and he was very excited to be here in Samoa after a very long and eventful journey,

We came here because one of my friends came to Samoa many years ago, he worked here. He wrote a book about Samoa. This is a country I have not seen yet and I have been to Fiji and Solomon Islands , I was very curious about Samoa and my friend mentioned about Samoa in his book and he mentioned that this was like a paradise, it is supreme in the ocean - but if you want to come to paradise you must travel the distance but its worth it. Its not easy to travel here. We left Istanbul on Monday night to make our way hereit is now Thursday and we just arrived on Wednesday.

In Turkey, Dr Kural tried to find anything and everything about Samoa that he could get his hands on. He found there was a lack of information about the Pacific Islands and in particular Samoa which has led him here to document his travels on film so that he can share with the people in his country.

 I think you need a consulate in Instanbul to promote Samoa because people dont know, they cant get any knowledge about where Samoa is. 

Prof. is excited about filming Samoa while he is here. He talked about how being the President of the Turkish Travelers club, he has some insight on what Turkish people are looking for in a travel experience and that these days, Turkish travelers are looking beyond the usual hotspots like the UK or North America and are curiously looking to the Pacific to explore.

People will be so enthusiastic about coming to Samoa because it is so different from the popular destinations. Samoa is something different, they dont want to go to London or New York always or go to the seaside and lie there like a crocodile and eat and sleep. Here in Samoa, people are very friendly, they are smiling unlike in North America people are always busy buying something, why do they buy so many things?

The Professor is a host of a T. V Show and he talks a lot about the environment and tourism but one of his passions is organizing conferences that center on the need for countries to protect their culture and their environment and he has managed to coordinate with a local high school to speak at their assembly.

So far he has found Samoa to be fascinating and beautiful with its rich culture and striking landscapes,

In Samoa, we saw the open areas here, all around there are churches in these small communities. We saw a chiefs funeral and we saw how they respected him and all waited for him to arrive, this is something very traditional and it was very interesting

Professor Kural was very adamant that the crocodiles that just eat and sleep should stay clear of our beautiful shores and assures us the new tourist wants to experience Samoa on a deeper level he explained.

The ones who want to come here are not the ones that are polluting like the ones that go to Hawaii. The ones from Turkey who will travel the distance will come to share by getting to know the people and enjoying the nature - and this is how peace is made. If you know something or someone better you cannot hate them and there will not be war. 
With a name like Aliki Cornwall, you would think it gives away a hint of Samoan ancestry.

Well you are wrong. The 20-year-old Aliki is Greek Australian.

Aliki is an aunty to a mob of under 12 year olds and is also playing the role of au pair to them while their parents are off working in Upolu for the month.

Whilst her nieces and nephew have been to Samoa a few times before, this is Alikis first time here and she thinks its really different but also very beautiful.

Weve been here for the last two weeks and while their parents are working at the moment, Im babysitting these guys, its very different and its very beautiful.

The workers are very friendly, nice and very inviting, they do activities with us every day. Weve been kayaking, sailing, snorkeling. Theres pool games, bingo and trivia nights. They do a lot of movie nights. 

Nine year old Leilani pipes up from the side that while being here she won a massage prize,

I found it very relaxing, she says. I asked leilani if this was a good resort for kids to which she replied Definitely. All the workers are my favourite because they are friendly and working.

They have been at the resort for 2 whole weeks and she has not been bored saying her favourite part of her stay at the Taumeasina has been working at the resort. Recently the staff let her help with checking in the guests at the resort and assisting with the kayak equipment.

Returning back to Aliki, who pointed out some differences in Greek and Samoan Culture that were interesting to her.

 I guess the family part because we look after our families too. Other than that, its very different cultures. You guys have a lot of traditions and customs whether it like funerals where I heard all the families have to give even though they dont know someone very well. They are very giving. Its very different.

Will the Greek/Samoan beauties be returning to Samoa?

 Definitely, says Aliki.

We love Samoa. If theres somewhere that you want to go to and relax, then Samoa is the place. Ive travelled to a lot of places like all over Europe, Bali and Fiji but this is the sort of place to relax, just chill out.

Nothings rushed - not even our drinks or our food she laughs,  just come here and have no expectations of meeting time limits.
Penny Johnston has probably been to Samoa more times than a Samoan living abroad.

There is a reason for this. She rates it as one of her favourite places in the world.

Last year she brought her fiance with her after they decided that they wanted to get married here and came together to venue hunt for their big day.

When they walked into the Taumeasina Island Resort, they both decided that it was the perfect place for their wedding.

My first time here ( Taumeasina resort) was last year when we came for about a month, she said.

We came to look for a wedding venue and I didnt know this place was here and we came for lunch one day, had a look around and thought  why not? So thats why we are back here now.

The chapel here is absolutely gorgeous and theres the beach right there to take photos on afterwards. Last year we spent some time around the other side of the island but we felt that there was more of a chance that it would rain on that side than here on Taumeasina Island. And I like being close to town, theres heaps to do.

Penny told the Samoa Observer that even as an avid traveler around the world, there are many reasons why she keeps returning to Samoa.

I did a lot of travelling by myself when I was younger and Samoa is somewhere that I felt really safe to be on my own and its just so beautiful and its not overly expensive so its quite easy to come here.

Ive been around to Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga but theres just something about Samoa I find I think its the most beautiful of all the islands. The people are the friendliest.

Penny hasnt been stressed out at all while organizing her wedding saying that they have a great wedding co-coordinator through the resort that has made everything work smoothly for them, giving them time to relax and enjoy their holiday here.

Will Penny be returning to Samoa in the near future?

Yes I will and Ive recommended Samoa to a lot of people. My family have come here because of my recommendations. Whenever they ask me, I always say my top pick is Samoa out of all the islands.
Everyone has an opinion about the social and economical challenges of today.

Tapunuu Tailalo Faanoi, of Vailoa Aleipata, is the same.

Speaking to the Village Voice, he believes the traditional social and family structure of Samoa provides the best solution.

Take the village governance for example.

If the Village Council has good control over its people; then families will be stable as well, said Tapunuu.

The 60-year-old said rules within the village were set by their ancestors to guide people.

Things have now changed for the better in our village, said Tapunuu.

We emphasize our curfews and evening prayers (faiga lotu) because these are the kind of practices that we believe can keep families together.

He added: The same goes for the consumption of alcohol. Back then if you drink in the village you will be fined with two cartons of tin fish but we still saw people disobeying so weve raised the stake.

Now if you drink, you will be fined with an amount of $1000 and you know what, it actually works because people started getting tired of paying this huge amount of money.

Even when it comes to handling family matters, when a family has a disagreement that causes them to be in a dispute, they will be punished by the village council. Their problem will be brought to the council to be solved.

Furthermore, he said Whatever conflict the family has while they are staying in the village, thats the village business as well, and for me, I believe that helps a family in a way to help get their problems sorted out in a professional matter.

It is also within villages that practices of keeping our culture and traditions alive strongly exists because we know that without it, how do we expect to know who we truly are?

Thats why life in the village is the best and whenever I go to Apia, the moment I get there, I want to come back home straight away.
Making electricity affordable and more accessible is on the agenda in Samoa this week. The issue is at the centre of the Pacific Power Associations (P.P.A) 26th Annual Conference held at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel. At the opening ceremony, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Meg Taylor, called for an innovative approach to cheaper electricity for the Pacific region. Do you think electricity is affordable in Samoa? Talimalie Uta asked in todays Street Talk and this is what people said:

Tolovae Sosene, 24, Matautu Lefaga

Yes it is affordable. Given the fact that cash power is widely used by our people, I believe that I dont see any struggle with it anymore. For instance for my family, the amount of cash power we use in one week is $20. Therefore, this $20 has lessened the burden for me and my family.

Ata Tauaana, 51 Lepea

From my very own experience, we cannot afford it. The government should consider lowering the cost of electricity in Samoa. As you can see, Im selling bonus papers at the moment to earn money. We hardly have any money, let alone for electricity. So for that reason E.P.C. should come across with a solution to help people like me who cannot afford it because not all people are the same in terms of finances. Everyone has different abilities when it comes to money.

Auimatagi Tofi Brown, 81

Its expensive! Life in Samoa is getting more difficult by the day. We have so many obligations and so many responsibilities. And the high cost of electricity is adding to the pressure. I just cant deal with it anymore. Not all families can afford what the government has set for electricity. We are not like other families who drive around in expensive cars; they cant just drag us along with the rich people to pay the same amount for electricity. Life is hard for us the small people, who cannot afford the high cost of electricity.

Timi Faalupega, 43, Savaia I think the cost of electricity is reasonable. I think its cheaper especially with the introduction of cash power. If the government and the E.P.C. management are planning to make it cheaper, that would be even better. I believe that will benefit everyone, especially families who cannot afford it. Providing cheaper electricity will be one good step for the government moving forward. Siapai Williams, 49, Vaimoso I think the cost of electricity is cheap at the moment compared to the past when it was expensive and unaffordable. If the E.P.C. disconnects your electricity then you have to look for money to pay for it. Unlike today we can check our debit meter to see if we have enough power. The cash power has made us become more aware about the usage and thats good. Fenika Ah Lam, 27, Seesee I come from a very big family and electricity cost does not affect us at all. Its affordable because we all get to share. I dont know why people complain about it when you can just pay for a $10 cash power and manage it wisely to last the whole week. So I think the prices are reasonable.












It said the new guideline needs to be followed because the retail sale price printed on pre-packaged commodity prior to July 1, 2017, when GST was implemented, is required to be changed.

By India Today Web Desk: In the wake of GST, the Centre has issued an order for stamping, putting sticker or online printing on pre-packaged commodities for declaring the revised retail sale price (MRP) on the unsold stock.

The Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution ministry has asked the manufacturers, packers and importers to follow the guideline on account of implementation of GST.

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It said the new guideline needs to be followed because the retail sale price printed on pre-packaged commodity prior to July 1, 2017, when GST was implemented, is required to be changed.

Use of unexhausted packaging material and wrapper has been allowed up to September 30, 2017 after making the necessary corrections.

The guideline has already been disseminated to all the stakeholders and controllers of Legal Metrology of all states and UTs for immediate necessary action. The Department's website contains FAQs for explaining the manner in which MRP can be undertaken.

The ministry said the matter is being monitored on a continuous basis, and the complaints received so far for not selling the pre-packaged commodities at decreased prices where the rate has been decreased on National Consumer Helpline have been forwarded to the controllers of Legal Metrology for immediate necessary action.

Further, section 171 of the Central Goods and Services Act, 2017 provides for Anti-Profiteering measure according to which any reduction in rate of tax on any supply of goods or services or the benefit of input tax credit shall be passed on to the recipient by way of commensurate reduction in prices and the Centre may constitute an Authority to examine the same.

Many business entities have reduced the prices of their goods and services in view of lower GST rates under the GST regime. They have been publishing these revised rates in leading new dailies from time to time for consumer benefit.

The ministry has already issued an advertisement in newspapers regarding MRP aspects and the final price to protect consumer interests. It is also doing the outdoor publicity through creatives on MRP after implementation of GST.

Also Read :

Retailers, consumer goods cos may unlock $2.95 turn in 10 yrs

MGNREGA compensation delayed by Centre or states in around 50%

Also Watch : Service charge in restaurants is optional now : Government

--- ENDS ---
A 10-year-old girl raped in a banana patch back in 2014 was lured by a stranger who told her that her mother had sent him to pick her up from school.

Whats more, after the man had allegedly raped her, he wouldnt leave until after the frightened Year 5 student gave him $5 and a pack of biscuits.

This is what the alleged victim, who was a student at St. Therese Primary School at Lepea, told the Supreme Court when she gave evidence through a video feed this week.

The girls identity is suppressed.

The defendant is Isaia Liuafi, of Leauvaa and Talimatau who is facing four charges including one count of rape and three counts of sexual connection with a girl under the age of 12. He has denied all the charges.

Presiding in the matter is Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani TualaWarren. The prosecutor is Lucy Sio, of the Attorney Generals Office while the defense lawyer is Alex Sua.

The alleged incident occurred on 8 May 2014. The defendant was 20-years-old at the time.

School finished at around 2pm so me and two of my friends came and sat at the front of the chapel which is just before the school on the same compound, the young girl told the Court.

My friends then left and I then walked to the shop next to the school compound. When I walked out of the shop, this guy approached me and told me that my mother was waiting for me and that he was sent to pick me up.

The girl said the man held her hand and walked her along the main road.

I cant remember how far we walked but when we got to one of the roads going to the back, we turned in that road and we kept walking until we got to an abandoned house.

He told me to go inside the house but I refused. He then held my hand and we turned around and walked back until we got to a banana patch (togafai).

He told me to go inside the banana patch but I told him no. He held my hand and took me inside the banana patch.

There, she told the Court the defendant allegedly sexually violated her before he proceeded to rape her.

She said she was in a lot of pain. The alleged victim said when the defendant was done; he put on his clothes and he just stood there.

He wouldnt leave.

Afraid, the girl decided to give him $5 and a packet of biscuits in a bid to make him leave.

When he left, I walked back crying, she said.

It was there that I met a woman and I asked her if she knows the guy that is walking along the road.

The woman said no and then she asked me what happened and thats when I told her about what happened.

The woman took the girl to her house and later took her home to her parents.

When I got home my cousin carried me in the shower and when she took off my clothes, I saw that I was bleeding. My neck had bruises as well.

A medical report prepared by Dr. Cecillia Vaai  Bartley on the 9th May, 2014 stated that the victim had enormously extensive internal laceration.

The defendant disputed the version of events. The Court heard that he was on probation when the incident occurred. He has been sentenced to perform community service.

During cross-examination, Sua told the Court that his client went straight to his home at Talaimatau when he came back from his probation duties that day.

He refuted the girls evidence, casting doubt on her ability to recall what had actually happened and who was responsible for it.

The incident occurred in 2014 maybe you forgot about most of the details in regards to the incident, said Mr. Sua.

Isnt it true if I say that perhaps you have forgotten or you are not sure in identifying the attacker? Is it true if I say that you also have forgotten about the clothes that the attacker was wearing and that it wasnt Isaia?

But the young girl was certain.

She responded by holding up a page of mug shots that she was given.

She pointed to the picture of the defendant and said: No this is him.

I remember he was wearing a short and a blue t-shirt with a ie lavalava and he looked dirty.

The hearing continues.
The lighting of the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge will move into its second phase next week with nearly a half-million dollars allocated for detailed design work.

The San Diego Unified Port District board on Tuesday is set to approve $481,717 for the design team and Caltrans to fine-tune the lighting plan and hold public workshops to collect ideas as well. The money is coming from donations and port tenants public art budgets.

The project, in the works since 2006, is expected to cost up to $10 million and be completed in time for the bridges 50th birthday two years from now.

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Its a moment, after many years, to now be spending money to get the bridge lit, said port Commissioner Marshall Merrifield, who restarted the project when he chaired the board last year.

In recent months, he has been meeting several times a week with businesses and individuals to raise funds and has collected cash and pledges totaling $1.2 million.

They immediately see how a public lighting, public art display on the bridge every evening would add to the waterfront and be an expression of hopes and dreams and celebrate what San Diego wants to accomplish, Merrifield said. Its a chance to really be part of that. You dont get a chance too many times  to do something for the region for how we see ourselves and how we look at the world.

A gala is planned for next June and a GoFundMe page will be set up for individuals to participate, he said.

British artist Peter Fink won the design competition in 2010 to light the bridge and met with port officials earlier this year to restart the implementation process.

His design envisions lighting the bridge supports and roadway. Officials have spoken of being able to change colors, program a nightly light show and synchronize the display with performances at the San Diego Symphonys summer concerts on Embarcadero Marina Park South.

Our main aim is to finalize the concept of the bridge lighting in sufficient detail to determine the creative and practical issues, as well as cost and strategy for detail design and realization, Fink said in an email.

As considerable time has passed since the competition win, this Phase 2 review will allow consideration of the new lighting and control technologies, as well as more detailed review of the best and the most cost-efficient way of implementing and tendering (bidding) the project in Phases 3 and 4.

He said it will take about four months to refine the design and submit new renderings of possible options.

Studio Fink is also a consultant to companies signed on to redevelop Seaport Village. Randy Robbins, a principal with AVRP Studios, the lead architectural design firm, said the lighting of both projects will be coordinated.

Merrifield expressed confidence that funds necessary to proceed will be pledged or in hand by the third quarter of 2018. Bids could then be advertised to start installation thereafter. There will be no need to tap public agency budgets or charge a toll on the bridge, he said. The amount needed to be raised will be determined once the project cost is verified.

This (fund-raising) campaign can be sized appropriately, Merrifield said.

Already, he said, a gala fund-raising event is scheduled for June 13, 2018, at the Marriott Marquis hotel next to the San Diego Convention Center.

It will be a coming-out party for public art and a fund-raising opportunity as well, he said. Folks and organizations can buy tables and have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the bridge.

A GoFundMe page will posted online to encourage donations, large and small, and there may be an outreach to businesses and nonprofits statewide and nationally.

Besides Fink Studio, the port is working with two other design firms, Speirs + Major Associates, also in London, and Buro Happold Engineering in Los Angeles.

All three firms showcase various bridge projects on their websites, some offering spectacular lighting effects that have become more feasible and economical with the use of LED technology and computer-show programming software.

Studio Fink, which will receive up to $230,000 is responsible for updating the design and creating a new set of photorealistic, computer-generated renderings to illustrate whats possible.

Its representatives also are expected to attend design workshops and participate in onsite mockup tests on the bridge.

Caltrans will receive up to $251,717 to review the designs and help the port prepare documents for an environmental impact report and submissions to the California Coastal Commission.

Merrifield said the lighting project can be installed without interfering with now-dormant plans to add a pedestrian walkway under or alongside the bridge.

The San Diego Association of Governments had investigated that possibility earlier this year and concluded that it could cost up to $210 million to add pedestrian access.

Business

roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
Just as the new Superior Court building gets ready to host its first trials at Union and C streets, the courts old quarters across street are up for grabs.

The county government is seeking developers who will buy or lease the three blocks between Broadway and A, Front and Union streets. The project is being called Courthouse Commons.

Is it a golden opportunity to make over prime downtown real estate? Or an asbestos-ridden, middle-of-nowhere complex where the countys top priority is to build a tunnel under it to the Central Jail two blocks to the east.

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Those are the calculations bidders will have to make as they respond to a request for qualifications by 4 p.m. Aug. 31.

The county built the courthouse in the 1950s and 60s, transferred it to the state as part of court consolidation and is now taking it back from the state for redevelopment.

The land, once the existing buildings are demolished, is worth $73.75 million, according to a 2016 appraisal.

It doesnt cost developers anything to send in their resume.

But once the county Department of General Services real estate services division reviews the applicants, it remains to be seen if some pass on the chance to build office buildings, residential towers, hotels and a park on the land.

The county expects to short-list the finalists in September, publish development guidelines in October, ask them to reply by Dec. 5 and announce the winner in February or March.

The state has exempted the county from the Surplus Land Act that would give affordable housing agencies first right of refusal to buy the land.

Already Holland Partner Group from the Portland, Ore., area has publicly said its interested in applying. The company just started construction on the $275 million Park & Market residential and office project where UC San Diego plans a downtown outpost.

The San Diego Downtown Partnership has fielded calls from several other companies, according to President and CEO Kris Michell.

I call this a once-in-a-generation project because we dont get opportunities like this very often, Michell said.

Real estate consultant Gary London also said many other developers have called him about the project.

But London, who has advised companies on many landmark projects for more than 30 years, said the opportunity is fraught with problems and the county may end up with someone who will offer little if any cash payment because of the sites many problems.

It very well may be that you cant find value for the property, given the burden of the cost to develop on top of it, he said.

A county courthouse has occupied the site since Alonzo Horton donated the land in the 1870s as part of his drive to move the city center from Old Town.

The hallways in the old courthouse extend three blocks north from Broadway -- a design result of building the project in three phases as needs grew in the 1960s. (John Gibbins /U-T)

Downtown leaders have been fearful that the buildings will be boarded up and fenced off for several years until a developer is ready to proceed.

The only party hoping redevelopment doesnt go through immediately is the U.S. Marshals Service, whose spokesman said it would prefer to be able to keep the old jail in operation.

If it doesnt, were prepared to deal with it either way, said Steve Jurman.

The current complex encompasses 59 courtrooms, office and administration space in 503,305 square feet.

The southern block contains the main court offices and key criminal courtrooms.

The old jail on the middle block occupies 140,138 square feet, where the Geo Group oversees 600-700 prisoners for the U.S. Marshals Service.

The northern block includes both courtrooms and county parking, vehicle fleet garage and gas station.

The buildings contain asbestos that has to be abated and obsolete electrical, air conditioning and heating systems and are not considered worthy of adaptive reuse.

They replaced a grander courthouse built in 1888 that had a clock tower, sculpture and stained glass windows, which were mostly salvaged when the building was demolished in the 1950s.

The foyer inside of the old courthouse has a display of the clockworks from the 1888 courthouse that previously occupied the site. (John Gibbins / U-T)

In the request to developers, the countys first priority is to build an underground tunnel that connects the new Superior Court building with the Central Jail two blocks east.

The state dropped that connection from the new buildings $555 million budget, saving an estimated $25 million. But the county must spend a projected $3.3 million annually to transport prisoners.

The second priority set for developers is to abate the old buildings asbestos and other toxic materials and demolish the complex.

Third, the county wants to maximize the financial return on the sale or lease of the property.

Old pay phone booths are still in place -- without phones -- in the old courthouse. (John Gibbins / U-T)

These conditions, along with the sites obstructed views to the bay and general conditions in the downtown real estate market, lessen its attraction, London said.

Theres a lot of hair on this deal, London said.

Whereas this area of downtown was once bustling with new construction and redevelopment, most interest has shifted to East Village around Petco Park.

Its a question of whether or not our market opportunity is ripe enough to be going forward with development of the site at this time, London said. It might be better for them to take a look at the proposals they get back and maybe put it on hold for a decade.

But Civic San Diego President Reese Jarrett said developers will be drawn to the site, particularly the block fronting on Broadway.

The California seal was the subject of a stained glass window that was salvaged from the 1888 county courthouse, installed in 1961 replacement and will be moved again to the new Superior Court building. (Roger Showley/U-T)

The San Diego Trolley nears the skybridge over C Street where the old county courthouse is located. To the left is the old jail where federal prisoners are housed. (Roger Showley/U-T)

Brad Richter, CivicSDs assistant vice president for planning, said the county and selected developer will be urged to move swiftly on demolition.

If the developer is not ready to proceed, they could request to put surface parking lots there, Richter said. In the interim that could be profitable.

As for the proposed 1.4-acre Civic Square park earmarked for the middle block where an active earthquake fault has been detected, Richter said CivicSD will be estimating future developer fee income in a few weeks to see what might be available to build the park and underground parking.

The north and south blocks could each be developed with 1.2 million square feet, based on downtown guidelines. That would be twice the density of the 34-story One America Plazas office tower, just east of the Santa Fe Depot.

Demolition could take place as early next year but the county said it is too early to say when construction could begin. The typical timeline for such a project would suggest that design, financing and the approval process could delay a start until 2020 under the best of circumstances with completion two or three years later.

Business

roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
The nuclear energy industry has had a bad week.

On Monday, two utilities in South Carolina announced they are stopping work on two new reactors at the V.C. Summer nuclear plant, saying cost estimates came to more than $20 billion, almost twice what was expected. Some $9 billion has already been spent on the project since 2008.

Then on Wednesday, developers of another nuclear project in the South  the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia  announced costs had swelled from $14 billion to more than $25 billion and predicted completion will be delayed another 18 months.

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The two announcements come at a particularly bad time for the industry.

No new nuclear power plants have been built in the United States for 30 years, the nations fleet of 99 reactors is getting older and 10 existing plants have announced plans to shut down in the coming years, including Diablo Canyon, the last remaining nuclear plant in California.

And earlier this year, Westinghouse Electric Company, long considered the leader in nuclear power development, filed for bankruptcy protection.

Then there is nuclears problem when it comes to competing with natural gas.

Driven by developments in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling techniques, oil and gas producers in sites such as the Marcellus Shale formation have dramatically increased the amount of natural gas across the U.S.

The abundance has driven down prices and utilities have increasingly turned to natural gas as an alternative to nuclear, as well as coal.

I think what happened to the operating plants is the price of natural gas fell to levels that no one had ever predicted, said Jay Silberg, a nuclear energy lawyer and partner at the Washington D.C. law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop.

Another factor is the increasing amount of renewable energy on the grid.

It doesnt surprise me at all that these plants are getting canceled, said Rochelle Becker, a long-time critic of nuclear power and the executive director of the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility, based in San Luis Obispo.

Theyre like very expensive dominoes that are falling  With the price of natural gas and the availability of renewable and new sources that are continuing to hit the market, nuclear is pretty much dead in this country.

According to the most recent numbers by the California Energy Commission, renewable energy made up 27.9 percent of in-state generation of electricity in 2016, almost twice as much in 2009.

In addition, California is one of 28 states that have instituted Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) mandating utilities to include increasing amounts of clean-energy sources such as wind and solar into their grids.

The most recent iteration of Californias RPS calls for the state to derive 50 percent of its electricity from sources that do not emit carbon by 2030 and theres a bill in the Legislature this session that would take the target all the way to 100 percent by 2045.

Like most states, California does not classify nuclear as part of its clean-energy portfolio.

Another stumbling block is the radioactive waste that accompanies nuclear power plants.

Even though the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) has not produced electricity for more than five years, 3.55 million pounds of spent nuclear fuel remains at the plant within sight of the Pacific Ocean.

As seen at nuclear sites across the country, SONGS waste has been stranded because the federal government has not fulfilled its promise to complete a storage facility where nuclear waste can be deposited.

But nuclear energy still has its supporters.

The projects in Georgia and South Carolina each adopted an advanced reactor design called AP1000 developed by Westinghouse. While the design has its share of critics, a former president of the American Nuclear Society defended it.

The AP1000 is an excellent technology, said Ted Quinn, who runs a consultancy based in Dana Point. In the area of technology were good. In the area of construction practices, its a combination of the work force and the type of contracts that are written. Were challenged in that area.

Quinn and others say nuclear energy needs to be retained because of its ability to ensure reliable base load power for the grid and say the industrys ability to generate large amounts of energy without emitting greenhouse gases make it essential to reach targets to reduce global warming.

Without an aggressive build-out of nuclear power, climate goals are still attainable, but at much greater expense, Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, told Bloomberg News. Wed make a big mistake if we decide right now we dont need it.

A report from Environmental Progress, a pro-nuclear environmental group based in Berkeley, said Californias power sector emissions are 2 1/2 times higher today than they would have been had the state kept open and built planned nuclear plants.

Before SONGS was shut down, nuclear power accounted for 18 percent of Californias in-state generation. Since it has been closed, the figure dropped to 9 percent, with Diablo Canyon as the only nuclear plant left while natural gas  and renewables  have gone up.

The Brattle Group, an international consulting company, came out with a study in December 2016 that said premature retirements of nuclear plants could increase greenhouse gas emissions because its research showed that reductions made today have more impact than those made in the future.

Since CO2 emissions persist for many years in the atmosphere, near-term emission reductions are more helpful for climate protection than later ones, the study said. Thus, preserving existing nuclear plants will improve the effectiveness of any climate policy approach, by holding down cumulative emissions.

But Becker said nuclears waste issues blunt that argument.

For 60 years we havent been able to find a solution to the waste thats left behind at these nuclear plants, she said. What you have is very expensive back-end costs. In fact the back-end costs can be as large as the front-end costs.

The nuclear industry sees promise in a new generation of plants, including small modular reactors (SMRs) that take up a fraction of the space of current facilities and can be used in a multitude of locations, including remote sites.

San Diego-based General Atomics has been working on whats called the Energy Multiplier Module. But no SMRs are online yet. General Atomics hopes to have its project ready in 2030.

Internationally, the forecast is mixed.

Russia and China are building nuclear projects, with China expected to complete five new plants in this year alone.

But Germany swore off nuclear power after the Fukushima disaster and two countries that have embraced nuclear in the past may be making an about-face.

The environment minister in France said last month the country may close up to 17 reactors to reduce its reliance on nuclear power and boost its amount of renewable energy while South Korea just elected a new president who promised to de-emphasize nuclear power.

We will abolish our nuclear-centered energy policy and move toward a nuclear-free era, Moon Jae-In said in June.

For its critics, nuclear is becoming yesterdays news.

The future is not big, base load plants, Becker said. Its distributed generation and renewable and other energy that is on the table that we havent even talked about.

But its supporters see a brighter future, even if the present is problematic.

I dont think well see large nuclear power plants in the near future, Silberg said. We may see SMRs if they in fact get designed and licensed. But I dont think at this point in the next 15 or 20 years utility management is going to want to invest very much in a large nuclear plant project, unless of course natural gas prices go back up and the industry figures out how to overcome the problems that showed up at Vogtle and Summer.

Business

rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski

ALSO

The bankruptcy shaking nuclear energy to the core

Moving nuclear waste out of San Onofre: When and how?

House panel moves bill forward to send nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain
In the battle over ownership of fact-checking website Snopes.com, creator David Mikkelson was handed an early victory Thursday that should keep him in power as CEO of the company, and return months of lost advertising revenue to the cash-strapped site.

Snopes parent company Bardav, Inc. and Mikkelson were sued earlier this year by the companys advertising partner and alleged co-owner, Proper Media, for breach of contract, civil conspiracy and corporate waste, among other things.

Proper Media is seeking to be recognized as the beneficial owner of 50 percent of Bardav. The media firm is also attempting to have Mikkelson removed as a director of Bardav.

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The suit, ongoing since May and involving counterclaims made by Bardav, is still months away from being decided, but three separate motions are scheduled to be heard on Friday.

In a tentative ruling issued ahead of Fridays hearing, Judge Judith Hayes of the San Diego Superior Court decided in favor of Bardav in two crucial causes of action.

Proper Media cannot remove Mikkelson as a director of the company, the judge said.

Proper Media does not have standing to seek removal of Mikkelson.  Plaintiffs have not presented sufficient evidence to prove fraudulent acts, Hayes wrote in her decision.

The judge also granted Bardavs request for Proper Media to release the advertising revenue the firm has withheld from the company.

Bardav contends that Proper Media has cut the company off from advertising monies since April. It estimates that at least $500,000 in funds are owed to date, and that monthly upkeep expenses total more than $165,000.

In July, Snopes.com successfully solicited the public for donations to keep the site afloat amid its contentious legal battle with Proper Media. To date, Snopes has raised more than $685,000 from backers on GoFundMe.

Thursdays tentative decision, which is not binding, looks like a partial victory for Bardav, despite the fact that Hayes determined that Proper Media can move forward with its breach of contract claim.

This ruling is very favorable to Bardav and shows that the court understands the arguments weve made, said Paul Tyrell, the attorney for Bardav.

Lawyers for Proper Media did not immediately return a request for comment.

The Snopes.com ownership dispute started with the 2015 divorce of Mikkelson and his then-wife Barbara. The couple shared 50-50 ownership over Bardav, first established in 2003, until Barbara sold her stake in July of 2016 to the five directors of Proper Media. At the time, those directors were Christoper Richmond, Drew Schoentrup, Ryan Miller, Vincent Green and Tyler Dunn.

Barbaras stake was divvied up among the directors, with Richmond and Schoentrup each holding 20 percent interest in Bardav; and Miller, Green and Dunn each holding 3.33 percent.

With their suit, Richmond and Schoentrup are asserting that Proper Media maintains a 50 percent stake in the company, and that Schoentrup holds a board seat. Mikkelson contends that the five individuals, and not Proper Media, each hold a minority interest in Bardav and that Schoentrup was never elected to the board.

Both sides will get to argue on behalf of their pre-trial motions at Fridays hearing.

PREVIOUS

 Legal battle has Snopes.com pleading for readers financial support.

Business

jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1840 Twitter: @jbruin
Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland is working with the Boys & Girls Club of Vista to run a Dream It, Be It workshop Aug. 10 for girls at the Boys & Girls Club, 410 W. California Ave., Vista.

The workshop from 2 pm to 4 pm. will focus on Exploring Careers. The girls will work in small groups, led by Soroptimist club members along with community members.

The girls receive a pre-printed passport and will, speed-dating style, go from one volunteer career ambassador to another, asking them to share advice on different careers, receiving a stamp in their passport from each person they meet with.

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To volunteer as a career ambassador, contact ellen@bgcvista.com or Assly Sayyar at assly@vistalawyer.net.
Residents and visitors who need to use a wheelchair now have an easier access to the sand in Imperial Beach through mats paid for by the Port of San Diego.

The ADA mats installed in June, were inspired by San Diego resident Sid Marcos, who stopped to visit David Obdrzalek who owns Urban Shave in Little Italy.

Marcos, 25, has been disabled all of her life and is in a wheelchair.

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That day Obdrzalek said they got on the topic of wheelchair access and they talked about fundraising to pay for the mats.

Being a barber we have our hand on the pulse of whats happening in town so when an idea like this comes up its easy to network, he said.

After the conversation Marcos was inspired to pitch the idea to city officials.

Marcos emailed Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina, and he responded quickly and within a month the city said not to worry about funding the mats.

Imperial Beach Marine Safety Chief Robert Stabenow said city officials recommended the idea to port officials in May.

By enhancing accessibility on our waterfront, we are ensuring everyone  residents and visitors alike  can enjoy the many unique opportunities in our parks and beaches, said Port Chair Dan Malcolm.

The agency spent $7,000 on the mats and their installation, which only took a few hours.

Sand was leveled, and large spikes hold the mats in place. Stabenow said tidelands maintenance workers will blow sand off the mats daily.

Stabenow said that location was key. The mats were installed at Pier Plaza and Dunes Park, which both have handicapped parking nearby.

The mat size can be manipulated to accommodate events in other areas.

Obdrzalek said he is thankful to the city for moving so quickly.

We dont want anyone hesitating to use our beautiful and sandy beach, City Manager Andy Hall said.

Hall said the mats will augment manual and powered beach wheelchairs available at the Dempsey center.

Anyone wanting to reserve a beach wheelchair should call: (619) 685-7972.

For more information visit: www.ImperialBeachCA.gov/MarineSafety.
Lets just say if I had known Manny was a distant cousin of Fidel and Raul, I might have made it to his daughter Suzies wedding in Havana two years ago at the base of the Spanish fort overlooking the Old City. Manny hired 30 vintage American cars and the 102 guests, who had flown in from Belfast and Hong Kong, Paris and New York, San Diego and Charleston, all were chauffeured to the La Divina Pastora restaurant for the festivities. Most of Mannys ex-wives even showed up. Hes had four and is on to No. 5. They still all speak to him, which shows how good a negotiator he may be.

Manny Ramos, a former founding partner at Procopio, is the only person I know to hold dual U.S.-Cuban citizenship. At age 8, he was on the last flight out of Havana after the revolution. His father was the Havana city treasurer during the Batista dictatorship, and his job was to collect the taxes from the mob casinos. His father did not come to Suzies wedding.

But by all accounts it was a great wedding.

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After Procopio, Mannys job was to sue other lawyers for malpractice. Then he applied online (no kidding) to gov.com and became the only Latin lawyer to recover money from corrupt and failing banks after the Crash of 08. He quit after two years, out of boredom.

So I knew when we got off that almost-too-good-to-be-true 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. direct flight from L.A. to Havana on Alaska Airlines (for $355 round trip), we were not going to get the usual Cuba tour you read about in the glossy travel magazines.

No, we were going to get the Manny Tour.

Manny picked us up in a multi-parted Renault from an earlier century, and took our crisp $100 bills to achieve the best rate on the open black market. My wife, Ines, who is from Brazil and always nervous in developing nations, had asked Manny to set us up in a safe place. He put us in a one-bedroom air-conditioned apartment overlooking the ocean on the Malecon causeway, across from the American Embassy; cost per night, $40. It was a bit austere, the view, but well guarded.

In the morning, Manny returned us some hundreds of dollars in CUCs, some kind of Cuban money. He told us not to worry about holding cash; there is no street crime in a Communist country, he said. And we buzzed off to the Club Havana for lunch and a dip in the ocean. On the way, he showed us his old house, which occupied an entire suburban block, next to the house formerly owned by the Barcardi rum family. Mannys house was now a neurological institute. After the Revolution, Fidel wanted to keep an eye on the remaining bourgoisie so he garrisoned troops a block away, and as a rapt child Manny played with the soldiers. To the shock of his parents, his fraternizing turned him into a socialist, or at least a kid with a foot in each camp, communist and capitalist.

Afterward, Manny had some shopping to do with Yanette, his fifth wife. He dropped us off in front of the warehouse of folk art back downtown, where I was struck by the street traffic, vintage 53 blue Buick Specials lined up beside brand-new Chinese transit buses.

After Columbus killed off the Indians, explained Manny, the Spanish came, then the Americans, then the Russians. Now its the Chinese. See you tomorrow.

We wandered on foot along the back alleys toward the American Embassy. My paranoid wife made us stroll down the center of the streets, as daughter Julia, a 2017 graduate of La Jolla High, snapped pictures on her iPhone. I poked my head into churches and crumbling apartment lobbies with electric Chinese motorcycles lined up next to fish tanks. This was pretty much the slums  but these slums struck me as safe in this most contradictory of countries, with $500-a-night hotels frequented by pop stars like Beyonce and Jay-Z cheek-to-jowl with vastly under-code residencias from centuries past. This crazy mixed oldness fascinated Julia, a child of Southern California newness.

Day 2: Manny picked us up for a morning at Los Pinos Beach. Above us in the lanai of the beachfront restaurant on the perfect stretch of sand, 50 Danish women were having rumba lessons. As Manny and I swam out from the beach with a strong current carrying us toward Havana, the Buena Vista melody splashed around our ears.

After our swim, Manny took us to Le Mare in Guanabo, where Don Cheadle filmed the last episode of Showtimes House of Lies, with Manny as location manager. Le Mare was a completely unpainted (paint seemed in short supply in Cuba) restaurant on the water, where we shared a bowl of paella with shrimp so fresh they squirmed on the plate, and a dessert of flan. Then we stripped to our bathing suits, walked down the short steps from the open dining room to the water and bodysurfed in the 80-degree waves.

Day 3: Museum day. Julia rousted us at 6:30, jet lag be damned, and we rocketed out of the apartment on Cuban coffee.

First we hit the Museo de la Revolucion. This is not the U.S. view of history. We saw photos of how Che and Fidel came out of the mountains to defeat the American-backed dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, then photos of the many attempts on Castros life, the CIAs poisoning of Cubas tobacco crop, the bio-warfare (hotly denied by us) using swine flu germs, department stores bombed, and Cuban Flight 455, which was, according to Havana, blown up by Cuban exiles, killing 73 people, including the Cuban fencing team and several children.

Fishing by hand using fishing line onshore at Regla, as commuters cross the bay by ferry to Havana. (Ramon Espinosa / AP)

Out the back door of the Museo is the glassed-in Granma, the boat Fidel and the revolutionaries motored over from Mexico to annoy America for the last 58 years. The Granma, 63 feet long, is Cubas Shroud of Turin. Next door is the National Museum of Fine Arts, with paintings as good as anything youll find at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Lunch was at the La Guarida, the Locacion del filme Fresa y Chocolate. I had never heard of the film Strawberry and Chocolate or the restaurant, but Julia had noticed the Kardashians had eaten there. La Guarida was a bit like an extension of the National Museum of Fine Arts, with surrealistic paintings of naked crow-women on the walls. I watched as outside two beefy guys pedaled a large working tricycle loaded with seven skinned and gutted pigs to market, the pigs pink, the houses behind a cerrilean blue. Cuba. Beautiful.

Dinner was at El Cocinero (the Smokestack). Julia wanted her picture taken smoking an el Cubano with a glass of Ron Santiago de Cuba 11 anos, a drink specially paired with the better cigars, and a snifter you will not find at most graduation parties in San Diego. Next was an art reception for 500 college students from Canada, California and Europe.

We noticed there are no visible homeless in this city of 2 million, and Manny quoted James Patterson, the worlds highest selling author, after Patterson returned from Cuba last year: Why can such a poor little country like Cuba take care of, for free, all the basics like education, health care, housing, and food, and America cant?

Day 4: Hemingway.

The Hemingway Tour is not overrated. We started at 7 from the lobby of the El Presidente, which is much less formal than the Nationale, and vanned with our guide to Ernestos home, the Finca Vigia, or farm with a view, overlooking Havana.

The house is open on all sides. Tourists circle it like a museum that has been frozen from the memories of the many books we all read in high school  The Old Man and the Sea, The Sun Also Rises, Islands in the Stream  as you look inside at the authors bed; the scale upon which he weighed himself every morning, the weight marks still there beside the toilet; his typewriter, an old Royal, which is, if you ever thought of writing a novel yourself, like gazing upon the bare bones of some saint; the African skins on the floor; the Wyoming antelope heads on the walls. Below is a long swimming pool where everybody swam naked, and beside it the Cubans have dry-docked the Pilar, Hemingways boat from For Whom the Bell Tolls fame.

It started raining, a tropical downpour, and we ran to a tent where a live band was playing Afro-Cuban jazz and young Communist women thrust Havana Club rums into our hands and then maybe couple of refills, and we were ushered back into the van and on to a restaurant in the harbor where Hemingway kept the Pilar before it was a museum piece. More cheap rums were forced into our outstretched hands, and there was more dancing, with the Germans especially having a good time, this new live band wailing, and it was barely noon. With the rain increasing, we were shunted back to downtown Havana to visit the hotel room where Hemingway repaired when too many guests showed up, John Huston, A.E. Hotchener and the rest of us.

Here things got a little turned around. We entered the Floridita Bar, probable source of the proto Cuba Libre, the whole place vibrating with happy patrons from every country in the world; more rums, etc., and I lost the group.

I thought I found them at the Don Quixote statue down the street, but I was mistaken. We finally reconnoitered on top of the Hotel Ambos Mundo for lunch. By this point, our guide looked like she wanted to kill me.

I forget what lunch was, but the view from the rooftops was of the coming apocalypse: two mammoth white cruise ships rising up between antique buildings on the harbor. Thousands of people would soon be taking the Hemingway Tour, crowding the Floridita, busing to the country idyl of Venalles.

Even if the president makes changes to the current Cuba travel rules, group travel will be booked, if not by Americans, then the Italians, the Canadians, the Chinese. So get on that too-good-to-be-true Alaska direct flight now, before the Coca-Cola billboards rise over the Guarida. The Kardashians have already lunched. The cruise ships cometh. Cuba is just too much fun to stop the onslaught. Politics, be damned.

Chapple is the author of Outlaws in Babylon, and co-author of Let the Mountains Talk, Let the Rivers Run. He is a visiting scholar at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

If you go

Alaska Airlines: daily direct flights to Havana from L.A.; www.alaskaair.com

Cuba Visa Services: $85 each, https://cubavisaservices.com/product/touristvisa-card

Airbnb Cuba: (the money goes directly to Cubans) www.airbnb.com

La Guarida: www.laguarida.com/en

A savvy attorneys predictions about Cuba travel rules

Nothing changes until the new rules are published and the comment time expires, explains Manny Ramos. The hotels and restaurants that Americans cannot stay at or eat in because they are 51 percent owned by the Cuban security apparatus will need to be identified. Lots of hotels and restaurants will not be on that list.

Group travel will not help get money to small establishments, which is what Florida Sen. Rubio wants, and so I think the only real change is individual travelers, to be safe, will need to take better notes and keep records to establish people-to-people exchange, or whatever reason they are traveling.

In the eight years of Obama, not one American got fined for violating the congressionally enacted tourist ban. I predict the same will happen with Trump. Also, 55 senators, led by Jeff Flake of Arizona, have signed on to the Freedom of Americans to Travel to Cuba Act.

When Raul steps down Feb. 24, 2018, and no Castros are in the government, my guess is that it will pass and Trump will not veto it.
Heavy summer rain and thunderstorms continued to pound Los Angeles County on Thursday evening, leaving drivers trapped in their cars on flooded roadways in Acton and Metrolink train commuters scrambling to find a ride home.

A helicopter rescue team hoisted one man to safety as muddy water flowed down the roadway, said Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Gustavo Medina. Aerial footage showed him sitting on top of his black truck, water up to its wheels, before the rescue.

Some people were stuck at a pharmacy because of extreme flooding, while others reported being trapped in their cars in knee-high water.

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All the roadways look like a lake, said Sheriffs Lt. Anthony Gunn, warning commuters to avoid attempting to drive through moving water. If possible, [do] not drive anywhere at this point.

The flooding forced a Metrolink train carrying about 250 commuters to turn around before reaching the Vincent Grade/Acton station. On its way back to the Via Princessa station in Santa Clarita, the train was halted when floods affected another segment of the track.

They were getting pretty anxious, Gunn said of the commuters. They were concerned about being on the train due to what they were seeing through the windows.

Soon after, though, authorities determined the track was safe.

Service was interrupted for six other trains heading north from downtown Los Angeles on Thursday night  they are able to travel only up to Via Princessa. Officials were looking into busing high desert residents home, but also encouraged them to seek their own methods of transportation.

We are attempting to find alternate bus transportation, said Metrolink spokesman Scott Johnson. Right now because of flash flood issues throughout the Santa Clarita area, were having a difficult time with that as well.

Johnson said train service from the high desert will likely be affected through Friday.

Authorities began receiving reports of flooding about 5 p.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, 2 to 3 feet of mud and water had collected, forcing closures on several major roadways.

Crown Valley Road was closed from Soledad Canyon Road to the 14 Freeway. Part of Soledad Canyon Road was also closed. Metrolink shut down the railroad tracks as police diverted traffic.

Wild weather results in one Copter performing water rescue while another helps @Angeles_NF with #RedRockFire just a few miles away! (@abc7) pic.twitter.com/RqM9pMCStj  LACoFireAirOps (@LACoFireAirOps) August 4, 2017

Dramatic rescue by @LACo_FD of a stranded driver in #Acton trapped in flash flooding. @Sky5Tim overhead. pic.twitter.com/T1fbtKqPln  Nidia Becerra (@nidia_b) August 4, 2017

WATCH #LIVE: Man waiting in pickup truck stuck in Acton flood waiting for rescue crews https://t.co/TxMSbTKVFr pic.twitter.com/M0D3jhNZWr  ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) August 4, 2017

As copious amounts of monsoonal moisture brought heavy rain and thunderstorms across the mountains in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, weather officials warned residents to prepare for dangerous flash floods.

Areas recently burned by wildfires were particularly susceptible to flash flooding and debris flows.

Earlier this week, thunderstorms caused havoc across the Inland Empire and prompted a flash-flood warning in the Antelope Valley in Los Angeles County.

Strong winds knocked down power lines in Azusa and massive trees in San Bernardino County. Rain caused flooding on highways and neighborhoods throughout San Diego and Riverside counties as other communities were pounded by nickel-sized hail. In San Bernardino, a palm tree caught fire during a lightning storm.

In Huntington Beach, lightning strikes forced officials to briefly evacuate the city beach during the U.S. Open of Surfing.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AleneTchek

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UPDATES:

9:25 p.m.: This article was updated with a quote from police.

8:30 p.m.: This article was updated with minor editing, details about potential flash floods.

7:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional information on the flooding.

This article was originally published at 6:25 p.m.
By PTI: Legendary actor Dilip Kumar's wife Saira Banu is mum on reports of him suffering from a kidney ailment and says she is hopeful that he will recover soon with the prayers of his well-wishers and fans.

"We have to pray he recovers soon. He should be well Inshallah! God willing. The doctors are treating him," Banu told PTI this morning, when asked about reports that Kumar is suffering from a renal ailment.

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The 94-year-old acting legend is currently in the ICU at Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra. He was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday morning after he suffered from dehydration and urinary tract infection.

According to some reports, Kumar's kidney functions have not improved.

Dr Jalil Parkar, who is treating the actor at the hospital, was unavailable for a confirmation on this.

The thespian has given memorable performances in films like Andaz, Aan, Madhumati, Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam, Ganga Jamuna, Kranti, Karma and others.

His last film was Qila that released in 1998.

Known as the Tragedy King of Bollywood, Kumar 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.

ALSO READ: Dilip Kumar admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati hospital due to dehydration, urinary tract infection

ALSO READ: Dilip Kumar in ICU, kidneys not functioning properly

ALSO WATCH: Mimicking Dilip Kumar was difficult, says Shah Rukh

--- ENDS ---
The rationing system at the Lancaster Community Shelter worked on a simple principle: priority to those who slept on the street the night before.

They lined up on the right. Everyone who had a bed the night before lined up on the left and got a raffle ticket. When the doors opened around 4 p.m. the right line went in first. Then those on the left were called by number until the shelter was full. Usually about a dozen were turned away.



For the record: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified state Sen. Scott Wilk as an assemblyman.

You come here at 3 oclock, said Adam Mandolph, who stood in the left line one afternoon last week. The anxiety goes up. Will the little blue paper with your number on it come up?

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Mandolphs number didnt come up. The former music producer, 46, began what he called the long walk down Yucca Avenue, a quarter-mile hike to the citys charming main street, where he would spend the night.

I have hours of just walking tonight, Mandolph said. He said hes afraid of being attacked while he sleeps.

Starting Monday, there will be no reason for Mandolph to come back at all. There will be no line and no lottery. The operators of Antelope Valleys only drop-in homeless shelter abruptly announced late last month that after struggling with red ink for years, they are closing their doors.

The move by Grace Resources, a nonprofit organization that also operates a food bank, educational programs and a thrift store, has set off soul-searching among Antelope Valley officials amid a frantic effort to find other accommodations for the occupants of the 108-bed shelter.

Steve Baker, executive director of Grace Resources, explains to a client why the Lancaster Community Shelter will be forced to close on Sunday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Families are being given vouchers and relocated to motels. Youth are being transferred to other facilities. Churches are stepping up to offer their pews at night for single men and women.

I think well get most of them housed and in a bed, said Steve Baker, Graces executive director.

The closure of the shelter has added new urgency to complaints that the Antelope Valley, whose homeless count climbed 50% this year to an estimated 4,559, is woefully short of services.

In June, the states Joint Legislative Audit Committee ordered an audit to look into the complaint of state Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) that the Antelope Valley receives a disproportionately low share of federal homeless funds.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and board Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas to form an Antelope Valley homeless consortium to analyze the gap in services and develop solutions.

There is an immediate need to increase the capacity of homeless services in a regional, holistic and collaborative fashion in the Antelope Valley, Barger said.

My board finally said enough is enough. Ive gone way beyond my financial means.  Grace Resources Executive Director Steve Baker, on the decision to close the Lancaster Community Shelter

Last year, voters resoundingly rejected an attempt by Lancaster to unilaterally address its homeless problem.

At the urging of church groups, the City Council called a special election in October on a parcel tax to generate $4 million annually for both homeless services and law enforcement.

Baker said homeless advocates hoped to build a new shelter for 400 to 600 people to provide a regional solution.

Just over 34% of voters supported the measure.

Baker said Graces board decided the shelter had to close after years of deficit spending wiped out its reserves.

My board finally said enough is enough, Baker said. Ive gone way beyond my financial means.

The reasons for the shelters financial collapse remain unclear. Like most shelters, Grace had a complex funding structure. It held two contracts with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, one for 15 year-round beds and another for 39 winter beds, operations director Jeremy Johnson said. The city of Lancaster had a similar contract with the authority for 10 beds at the shelter and put up $200,000 in community block grant funds for it.

But Grace continued to take in clients for beds that werent funded after the winter contract expired, Johnson said.

Johnson attributed the deficits to a combination of the organizations faith-based mission and the cumbersome contracting process.

A generous heart and a gracious heart costs money, he said. Johnson said Baker, who has run Grace Resources since shortly after its formation by local pastors in 1991, will just keep going and give this family this and that family that.

Graces contract with the Homeless Services Authority, for example, provides $41,000 a year for vouchers to place families in motels, but the shelter gave out $56,000 in vouchers last year, Johnson said.

In March, Grace entered into a contract with Valley Oasis, a Palmdale-based social services agency, to provide 48 beds for crisis and bridge housing. The funding would come from the Homeless Services Authority, and while the contract provided steady income, it was too little, too late, Johnson said.

It also created a dilemma for shelter director Matthew Buck when Valley Oasis didnt refer enough clients to fill its beds, which were assigned based on specific requirements. Having only 20 beds for single men and 20 for single women, Buck said he had to turn people away even when there were empty beds, for which the shelter received no reimbursement.

Shanquan Beverly, 22, rests inside the Lancaster Community Shelter on Wednesday. Beverly was kicked out of his foster home at age 16 and has been homeless since. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Mandolph, the man turned away last week, said he was one of those. He knew there were empty beds, but thought he didnt meet the requirements.

Im not a felon, he said. I dont have a drug problem, dont have a mental illness. I would be appreciative to sleep on the floor, and even to receive a meal before they turn me away.

The Homeless Services Authority issued a statement Thursday saying it was working with the city of Lancaster to reopen the shelter. Authority spokesman Tom Waldman said the agency asked to both fund and continue operating the shelter and is also exploring other temporary shelter arrangements.

Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, who supported the shelter ballot measure last year, said he now has soured on it and is supporting Bargers proposal in the hopes it will lead to a regional solution.

The consortium is to include the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, community and faith-based organizations, local providers and advocacy groups, the Lancaster and Palmdale sheriffs stations, local school districts and the Homeless Services Authority.

Parris said he thought Graces board of directors was hoping we would come riding in on a white horse, but he didnt offer help.

Could we have figured out a way to keep that place open? Sure. But it would have been a detriment to the homeless population of the Antelope Valley, Parris said. Im glad its closing because I think were going to do something thats going to have a long-term success.

Even if the consortium to be convened by Barger takes a year to come up with a plan, he said, thats better than perpetuating the status quo.

So you have a year of 4,600 people being homeless versus 10 years of 4,500 people being homeless, Parris said. It took this to have people look at the reality of it.

doug.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATDoug

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In another move to pressure cities into cooperating with immigration enforcement, the U.S. Department of Justice threatened Thursday to withhold crime-fighting help from four cities  including two in California  if they refuse to help federal agents target jail inmates suspected of being in the country illegally.

But the decision to publicly question San Bernardino and Stockton as well as Baltimore and Albuquerque appeared poorly thought out. Perplexed officials in all four cities said they do not operate any jails. In two, officials said they have no sanctuary policies.

The city of San Bernardino is not a sanctuary city, Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said in an interview. Asked why he thought the city had been singled out by the Department of Justice, Burguan replied, You would have to ask DOJ.

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In a publicly released letter to U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry pushed back, highlighting the agreement his police department has with immigration officials to screen people who are arrested.

A Justice spokesman did not reply to questions regarding why the cities were selected.

Each of the cities has been hit hard by surges in violent crime and expressed interest in joining a program that puts federal law enforcement manpower and resources in cities struggling with violent crime.

The letters are the latest threat by the Trump administration to crack down on so-called sanctuary cities  a label for cities that decline to assist immigration officers in various ways. Despite repeated threats, the federal government has not cut funding to any of the affected communities.

The letters asked each city about its commitment to reducing violent crime stemming from illegal immigration and for proof that it helps immigration officers take custody of people who are being held in local jails and suspected of living in the country illegally. A Justice Department spokesman said the new questions are considerations, not requirements.

Even though Thursdays threats do not extend to stripping cities of existing funds, the stakes are nonetheless high for cities struggling to find ways to lift themselves out of spiraling crime.

San Bernardino has long been among the most violent cities in California, and its problems with crime have been compounded by deep financial struggles. Just this year, the city emerged from nearly five years of bankruptcy during which its police department suffered significant cuts. Last year, the city recorded its highest homicide total in two decades.

By taking simple, common-sense considerations into account, we are encouraging every jurisdiction in this country to cooperate with federal law enforcement.  U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions

As the police department works to rebuild, it has sought help from the federal government to help offset its limited resources. Late last year, city officials excitedly touted a $2.8-million grant from the Department of Justice to help fund 11 new officers.

The new assistance program the city wants to join, the National Public Safety Partnership, would help the department learn how other communities around the nation have successfully dealt with high violent crime rates, Burguan said.

Though the city has made some progress on its own, Im certainly in no position that I want to turn it down, Burguan said of the sought-after help.

Similarly, homicides in Baltimore climbed into the triple digits through the first four months of 2017, the citys highest murder rate per capita in recorded history, according to city officials. Violent crime was up 23% as of May 1, compared with the same time frame last year, with homicides, shootings and robberies all increasing by double digits.

Last week, the Justice Department announced that cooperation with immigration enforcement  specifically, agreements to let agents into jails to pick up people suspected of being in the country illegally  would be a condition for local police departments to receive a host of law enforcement-related grants totaling about $380 million for next year.

Significantly, in the letters sent this week, the department for the first time is asking whether cities are willing to comply with detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The detainers ask police to hold people for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released from custody in order to give ICE agents time to take them into federal custody. Some appeals courts have held that such requests, without warrants, are illegal. In light of the legal rulings, none of the county sheriffs in California  many of whom support a hard-line stance on immigration  honor detainer requests.

As in other immigration initiatives, the Trump administrations sanctuary city crackdown has been frustrated by federal courts. A judge in San Francisco blocked an executive order from Trump that would have denied all federal funding to municipalities that refuse to assist on immigration enforcement. That case is still ongoing, along with other challenges to the order.

There is no clear agreement on what constitutes a sanctuary city. That confusion, along with gaffes by the Justice and Homeland Security departments along the way, have hamstrung the campaign.

In April, Homeland Security officials publicly released an online database of immigrants in detention that was supposed to help the public search for potential criminals, only to discover that children as young as 3 and 4 were included. Department officials said a filter was not properly applied to the data made available on the website.

And several months ago, immigration officials began publishing error-plagued reports on jurisdictions they said were releasing immigrants from jail or after arrest despite detainer requests. In some cases, ICE mixed up names, such as confusing Franklin counties in Iowa, New York and Pennsylvania. In other cases, the detainees had already been picked up by ICE or had never been released.

But Sessions, a strong proponent of lower immigration rates, has continued to push the cause aggressively, highlighting cases in which people in the country illegally have committed violent crimes and condemning sanctuary cities as havens for these criminals.

By taking simple, common-sense considerations into account, we are encouraging every jurisdiction in this country to cooperate with federal law enforcement, Sessions said in a statement that accompanied the letters Thursday. That will ultimately make all of us safer  especially law enforcement on our streets.

The letters sent this week presented a litmus test to the four cities. The police chiefs were given until Aug. 18 to show they have policies in place that call for jailers to honor the detainer requests, grant immigration officers access to their jails and provide notice before releasing an inmate ICE agents have said they want to take into custody.

Its unfortunate when things like this become politicized.  Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones

Because they run no jails, officials in San Bernardino, Baltimore and Albuquerque presumably will be able to argue the policy questions are irrelevant to them. In at least some of the cities, people who are arrested can be briefly detained in holding cells  rarely long enough for immigration agents to issue a detainer request. Then the inmates are sent to county and state facilities.

Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said he was disappointed by the Department of Justices decision to use the program for political leverage.

For us, its all about reducing violent crime. Thats what the PSP is about. Its unfortunate when things like this become politicized, he said.

The chief added that he does not see a connection between illegal immigration and violent crime in Stockton. While the city struggles with gang violence, most of those factions are generational gangs that do not come from outside the country, he said.

Despite years of increasing violence, violent crime is down 2% in Stockton so far this year, Jones said.

Twelve cities are already enrolled in the Public Safety Partnership, which enlists federal agents, analysts and technology to help communities find solutions to crime. The group includes Houston, which is challenging a state law that would compel cities to turn over immigrants.

Sergio Luna, an organizer with Inland Congregations United for Change  a coalition of religious groups and others that has for years pushed San Bernardino to do more to address its violence problems  said that by tying funding for crime reduction to immigration efforts, the federal government does a disservice to a community in real need of help.

Its unfortunate that the administration is basically telling its own citizens, Well deny you funding for something youre obviously in desperate need of just to advance our own agenda of cracking down on immigrants,  he said. I think its a bad situation for the entire population of San Bernardino and completely unfair for the immigrant community that is not even the root cause of the urban gun violence that takes place.

Times staff writers Cindy Carcamo and Joel Rubin contributed to this report.

joseph.tanfani@latimes.com

paloma.esquivel@latimes.com

james.queally@latimes.com

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Congress takes aim at the Clean Air Act, putting the limits of Californias power to the test

Trumps Cabinet seeks spiritual guidance from minister with a dim view of female politicians

Justice Department calls for review of race-based college admissions, alarming civil rights groups

UPDATES:

4:25 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the cities that were sent letters as well as background about rising crime in some of those jurisdictions.

10:15 a.m.: This article was updated with staff reporting and details about violent crime in the cities that received letters.

This article was originally published at 7:55 a.m.
Behind the storefront offices of the Encanto-based Pillars of the Community, local artists have started work on a mural featuring images of several civil rights leaders.

Among them  depicted in profile  is Malcolm X, who was imprisoned as a young man on a burglary conviction and later became a minister and national spokesman for the Nation of Islam.

Although he eventually broke away from that organization, he remained committed to his faith and issues related to civil and social rights in the United States. He was assassinated in 1965.

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Paul Khalid Alexander, who like Malcolm X is a convert to the religion, founded Pillars of the Community seven years ago with an eye toward serving Muslims in southeastern San Diego and helping formerly incarcerated people get back on their feet after being released.

Since then, the nonprofit group has remained rooted in the Islamic faith, but its focus has broadened to include advocating on behalf of the entire community of southeastern San Diego through education, organization and action.

One of the things that bring a lot of people to Islam is kind of the social justice aspect, and the benefits that they see (Islam) bringing to the larger community, said Alexander, who is also an English professor at San Diego City College.

Most African Americans that have embraced the religion, I think thats the number one thing that attracts them to it, he said, mentioning both Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. Social justice is woven within the faith.

One of the organizations main objectives has been to work within the community on matters related to criminal justice, including racial profiling, mass incarceration and gang documentation by law enforcement.

On Saturday, the group is hosting a day-long conference called Document Me, billed as an event where community members can strategize ways to fight laws and practices they believe unfairly target residents in San Diego Countys most diverse neighborhoods, particularly those located south of Interstate 8.

The event is being held at the Educational Cultural Complex in Mountain View. More than 200 people have registered to attend.

In recent months, Pillars of the Community  which draws from a core group of 40 to 50 volunteers  has helped alert residents that they can ask the San Diego Police Department if their names and other personal information are included in a statewide gang database and find out if they meet the criteria for removal.

Its kind of a part of everyday life in southeast San Diego, Alexander said. From the time people are growing up, walking to school and being harassed by police, to dropping out of school and ending up incarcerated.

He noted that many people in the areas the group serves are not directly involved in the criminal justice system, but still feel its effects because of friends and family members.

So even if you are one of those people that manage to not fall through the many cracks that are out there, youre still going to be impacted by it through other people who werent as lucky as you, Alexander said.

Pillars of the Community operates mainly through donations although it has had significant grant funding in the past. Its budget last year was $300,000, according to Jess Jollett, who works with the group as its civic engagement specialist.

Jollett said she is often asked how she, a white woman born in City Heights and raised as a Christian, became involved with a Muslim-based organization that serves many people of color. She was working with the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union when she struck up a friendship with Alexander.

My father always said, Its easy to give, its hard to share, she said. So this idea of sharing your life in a whole and complete way, even if its through an organization, did not feel foreign. There was no learning curve.

After he was arrested in 2014, Lincoln Park native Aaron Harvey became one of the more public faces of Pillars of the Community  although perhaps reluctantly. He and rapper Brandon Tiny Doo Duncan were among more than 30 black men charged in two cases under a gang conspiracy law known as Penal Code 182.5.

Neither Harvey nor Duncan were accused of carrying out a string of shootings in 2014 and 2015, nine them fatal, but prosecutors alleged they had promoted or benefited from the crimes. Judges later dismissed the charges against Harvey and Duncan, although other defendants were convicted of felony crimes.

When the dust settled, Harvey and Duncan became active in Pillars of the Community. Harvey helped canvas neighborhoods and attract people to the organizations events, including a forum on Penal Code 182.5 with keynote speaker Cornel West, a prominent and provocative African-American scholar.

Once the case hit, we realized this is affecting people up and down the state, said Harvey, now 29. And me and Brandon and others kind of accidentally inherited a burden. It was almost our duty that we had to kind of advocate, speak out against it.

Harvey, who is now considering law school and perhaps a career in public policy, said he was uncomfortable at first with the attention the case drew to him and others associated with it, but he has grown more accustomed to public speaking and has gotten much better at it.

We were released one day, looking at life in prison, the very next day I had a camera in my face, said Harvey, who traveled to Sacramento this year to tell his story to California legislators.

When youre literally fighting for your life, you better get good at it quick, he said.

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @danalittlefield
One came to the U.S. from Mexico as a child and is now an attorney. Another is a border patrol agent who blends crime fighting with compassion. A third was an unauthorized immigrant and took jobs others didnt want. The fourth carries a firearm to protect his ranch.

The four made up an immigration and border issues panel hosted by The San Diego Union-Tribunes Community Advisory Board on Wednesday, drawing more than 200 people to the University of San Diego.

Their perspectives on policy were wide-ranging, with one advocating for open borders, another hoping for a border wall and the other two falling somewhere in the middle.

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We need to communicate, said Jose Gonzalez, one of the panelists and former farmhand who came to the U.S. as an unauthorized immigrant before gaining legal status through a program in the late 1980s. If we know how to listen, I think we can be better human beings. We kind of yell at each other most of the time. Its like marriage  if you dont talk with love, you dont understand.

Gonzalez advocated for allowing workers to come more easily through the border. Bob Maupin, an East County rancher who from the other end of the table advocated for higher security at the border, agreed with Gonzalezs desire for more conversation.

Anytime you can get a bunch of people like this together to talk over a situation that really needs to be discussed, mostly good things will come out of it, Maupin said.

There were moments that could have ended in tense confrontation like when Gonzalez, sitting next to Terence Shigg, a Border Patrol agent, described being arrested by Border Patrol in the 1980s while walking down a street in Oceanside. As he talked about the Border Patrol agents yelling at him and physically assaulting him, Shigg silently listened.

Maupin described his irritation at people using his land to cross into the U.S. and the confrontations that hes had with drug smugglers. Without escalating to a debate, he and Gonzalez exchanged their differing perspectives on those entering the U.S. illegally.

I have a very great respect for those people who come to this country and become Americans, Maupin said. I dont have a lot of respect for the people that cut the fence, let the cows out, and Ive got to go chase them.

He said his property has been damaged by people whom he considers trespassers and have caused him to carry a weapon and wear a bullet-proof vest.

Gonzalez said that people who live on the border in the U.S. dont understand the struggle that people like him go through.

A lot of us that come from a country where we cant find a job, and sometimes we cross property that were not supposed to cross, Gonzalez said, to us its not easy because we had to put our life on the line.

There were also moments of camaraderie Wednesday.

As the panelists sat down, Maupin, who supports building a border wall, reached out to shake Dulce Garcias hand and congratulate her on becoming an attorney.

Garcia was brought to the U.S. without permission as a young child and now has temporary protection from deportation as a Dreamer through former President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

Garcia, sitting on the other side of Border Patrol agent Shigg, said that she respected federal agents for the work that they do.

The last memory Garcia has of Mexico is her family getting assaulted and robbed at the border, she said.

I think we can all agree that no one wants terrorists to cross that border. No one wants illegal drugs across the border, Garcia said.

She also worried about how dangerous the border had become for those trying to cross, she said. As San Diegos border has become more heavily enforced, migrants routes have shifted east to more dangerous routes, resulting in more deaths of border crossers.

Shigg, President of the local chapter of the National Border Patrol Council, shared a story about an agent in Texas who was responding to a report of someone trying to cross the Rio Grande into the U.S. The person was pulled into a fierce current, and the agent jumped in to try to save him.

Its OK. Just let me go, the man told the agent as the agent struggled to try to keep them both from drowning, Shigg said.

Later, the agent told Shigg that he wasnt sure if the man had actually said that or if hed imagined it so that he would feel better about not being able to save him, Shigg said.

We all do have things in common. For one, all of us are human, Shigg said.

For Christopher Carbajal-Carbajal, an audience member and University of California San Diego student with political aspirations, that statement was important.

Actions are illegal, and people are not, Carbajal-Carbajal said over the phone the next day.  We all should recognize, especially in this political climate, these people are just people.

Carbajal-Carbajal said he came expecting an intense debate and was surprised to find himself listening to and trying to understand opinions that were unlike his own.

I thought I was going to be angry at the people who were against immigration, but afterwards, I was like, The people who are against immigration have their reasons, he said.

He understood Shiggs fears about drugs and violent cartels and Maupins desire to keep trespassers off of his property, he said.

Carbajal-Carbajal has high hopes for comprehensive immigration reform that would allow a pathway to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants. He said that he understood after the forum that such reform would have to take into account all perspectives on the issue.

Delores Chavez Harmes, vice president of the Latino American Political Association, said she found ways to empathize with each of the panelists.

The one who tore at my heartstrings the most was Dulce because, as she said, theres no remedy for her, Chavez Harmes said over the phone on Thursday. I never thought of that perspective. Theres always a solution, right? She has no solution. I cant imagine being in that position.

At the same time, Chavez Harmes believes that Maupin has certain rights as a property owner and that the border should be more secure, she said.

She said she hoped to see a more robust program for agricultural workers to come to the U.S. and then return to their home countries.

A video replay of the panel is available online with this story and on the Union-Tribunes Facebook page.

Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence

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San Diego hotelier Doug Manchester said he regrets his support for a state ballot measure against same-sex marriage during a Senate hearing on his nomination for U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas.

Manchester, the former owner of The San Diego Union-Tribune, said he should not have given $125,000 to support Proposition 8, a 2008 ballot measure that prohibited same-sex marriage that passed with 52 percent of the vote.

The law eventually was overturned in court.

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I was asked by the Catholic bishop of San Diego, and I am Catholic, to contribute and I did. And my family was opposed to it, Manchester told a subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday. And I want to clarify the issue: that was a huge mistake and I have more than done everything to rectify that mistake.

Manchester noted that he has had thousands of employees, including those who are gay and lesbian.

He also said that hes contributed a like amount of money to LGBTQ causes, adding that hes totally 100 percent for human rights all across the board.

Manchester said he believes that same-sex marriage should be legal.

I certainly support gay and lesbian marriage, for the record, he said.

He noted he has made these views known before.

Manchester was responding to a line of questioning from Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, one of the senior members of the committee, and a video of their exchange is circulating through social media.

President Donald Trump nominated Manchester to become ambassador to the Bahamas in May. Manchester, who owns a house in the island-nation, was an early backer of the president, and he and his wife each gave $454,800 between Trumps political committee and Trump-supporting Super PACS.

Menendez elicited Manchesters response with this question:

In 2008, you made a rather large donation in support of California Proposition 8 to oppose same-sex marriage. The donation created a good deal of controversy. Many of your hotels were focus of a boycott campaign. Many people would see your view of Proposition 8 as support for a policy of discrimination. Would you like to clarify our position for the committee?

The senator later pressed Manchester for additional details on his later financial support for LGBT-rights organizations, and suggested that he could submit financial documents to show contributions he has made.

Manchesters Proposition 8 contributions sparked a boycott of his properties, and within 10 months Manchester had reportedly lost a dozen conventions, canceled reservations, losing about $7 million in business, according to a 2010 Union-Tribune article.

Turning to another subject, Menendez said Manchesters required ethics and Federal Elections Commission filings were incomplete and had some inconsistencies. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, said Manchesters insufficient reports appear to be unintentional, but cautioned that such matters can still hold up a nomination.

Manchester said he has since completed and submitted the requisite paperwork.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

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Two sheriffs court services deputies fatally shot a man they were trying to evict from his apartment near downtown San Diego Friday morning, authorities said.

The 47-year-old black man, who had told the deputies he would shoot them if they came inside, retrieved a replica handgun from his room when the deputies forced their way into the home, San Diego police homicide Lt. Mike Holden said.

He said the deputies thought the weapon was a semi-automatic handgun.

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Both deputies fired, striking the man several times. Medics took him to a trauma center, where he died. The deputies were not injured.

My impression is that it happened fairly quickly, Holden said of the violent confrontation.

The mans name was not released.

He said deputies went to the two-story apartment building on Second Avenue, south of Hawthorne Street, about 7:50 a.m. to serve the eviction notice. Holden did not know why the man was being evicted.

Deputies knocked on the mans door, identified themselves and announced their intention to evict him, Holden said.

The man answered through a security door that if they entered, he would kill them, Holden said. The deputies pried open the locked door and went in anyway. The man ran into his bedroom and came out holding the replica handgun.

After he was shot, the man ran back into his bedroom, where deputies found him suffering from several gunshot wounds. They started first aid until paramedics arrived and took him to a hospital.

Investigators later recovered either an airsoft or BB air pistol in the bedroom, Holden said.

He said that in the early stages of the investigation, it appears that the man did not fire the weapon.

No one else was in the apartment at the time.

Mike Minier, who lives several blocks away, said he was walking his dog when he noticed the flashing lights of a sheriffs patrol car and turned south on Second Avenue to take a closer look.

A deputy kept pacing between the sidewalk and the grass, anxiously, like he was waiting for the ambulance, Minier said. He started shooting video of the scene with his cellphone, which showed several San Diego police cars arriving with sirens blaring.

Minier said he saw someone put into the back of the ambulance, which then left quickly.

Several nearby residents said they didnt hear any gunshots, but many have thickly paned windows to muffle the roar of jet engines overhead as airliners land at Lindbergh Field a short distance to the west.

Deputies assigned to the court services bureau not only provide security at county courthouses, but serve eviction notices as well as court summonses, restraining orders, bank levies and other legal papers.

The names of the deputies involved were not released. One is a 17-year veteran and the other has been with the Sheriffs Department for nine years.

UPDATES:

8:40 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 11:10 a.m.
An 89-year-old Del Cerro man who apparently lay for more than 24 hours under some bushes where he had fallen behind a neighbors home was found alive late Thursday night.

Two volunteer searchers said they decided to check a little dirt path off Overlake Avenue and one of them saw the man about five feet off the path.

He was alert, but hed been stuck there since last night, said Julie Swain, a cardiac surgeon and volunteer with Southwest Search Dogs. He looked great, considering.

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Charles Jacobson was suffering from dehydration and was taken by paramedics to a hospital. No update on his condition was available Friday.

Jacobsons son, who lives out of the county, called San Diego police about 6:30 p.m. Thursday to report that his father had not answered his phone for 24 hours. Officers went to the mans house and started a search. Within half an hour, they called in Southwest Search Dogs, which contracts with the Police Department to help look for missing people.

Police said Jacobson had last been seen about 7 p.m. Wednesday at his home on Overlake Avenue, near Ridgemoor Drive. Homes along the avenue have backyards facing open space around Lake Murray.

Jacobson was said to be diagnosed with early-onset dementia, and used a walking cane. Police Officer Josh Hodge said such cases are handled as a top priority. Ten officers and a helicopter crew began combing the neighborhood for the man.

Swain said a next-door neighbor told her and search partner Jan Frazee that Jacobson sometimes went through her gate to the backyard when he went on walks behind the homes. The volunteers didnt have their dogs with them at the moment they went down the same path. Frazee saw the mans cane, then saw him lying under some dense bushes shortly before 11 p.m.

Paramedics used a basket-style stretcher to carry the man up the short, steep slope.

Its just really nice for us to have a happy ending, Frazee said.
A state prison inmate serving the rest of his sentence at a re-entry program facility in Barrio Logan escaped after he walked away Thursday, authorities said.

Quincy Crawford, 24, was allowed to leave the center on Boston Avenue near 27th Street to attend college classes, according to the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Around the time he left, about 2:30 p.m., officials were notified that his GPS device had been tampered with. The notice triggered a search.

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Soon after, his GPS device was found ditched near a garbage receptacle in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant not far from the Male Community Re-Entry Program facility, officials said.

Crawford had been serving a six-year sentence for first-degree burglary and pimping since January 2015. He was admitted to the re-entry program in May and was scheduled to be released on probation in April, officials said.

He is 5 feet 9 inches tall and 170 pounds. Anyone with information about his whereabouts was asked to call 911.

The re-entry program allows eligible inmates to serve the last year or so of their sentences in the Barrio Logan facility and offers offenders a range of community-based rehabilitative services.

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Phone: (619) 293-1876

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A 19-year-old tourist fell roughly 20 feet off a bluff at Sunset Cliffs but walked away with only minor scrapes after he was rescued Thursday night.

Jerard Hobbs, of Houston, was shooting video with friends at the popular spot when he suddenly fell into the water, he told San Diego News Video.

When I fell in, all the seaweed wrapped around me, he said. I was just panicking at that point because I saw I actually fell off.

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The 20-foot fall was reported about 8:30 p.m. on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard near Monaco Street, said San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokeswoman Monica Munoz.

As curious onlookers watched, lifeguards reached the man and helped him onto some rocks before hoisting him onto the edge of the cliff. Hobbs said he suffered minor scapes on his leg.

Paramedics evaluated him at the scene before he walked away.

I should be dead right now, but Im really grateful, Hobbs said.

He said he and his friends arrived in San Diego Thursday night, then added: Were not going back to the cliffs.

Breaking News

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
By PTI: (Eds: Changing name in second last para)

Jammu, Aug 4 (PTI) An IAS officer was today removed from his post by the Jammu and Kashmir government and an enquiry ordered against him after some purported objectionable pictures of him went viral on social media.

"Pending enquiry into his conduct, Niraj Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, is hereby attached in the office of Divisional Commissioner Jammu," an order issued by the General Administration Department said.

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The purported objectionable photographs of the 2010-batch IAS officer have gone viral on social media networks since yesterday.

"We took immediate action after looking at the pictures. We do not know whether they are true or forged. A probe has been ordered to know the truth," a senior government officer told PTI.

Arvind Sharma, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Udhampur will look after the work of Kumar till further orders, Under Secretary to the government, Amrik Singh, said in an order.

Kumar was not available for comments. PTI MIJ/AB TIR

--- ENDS ---
A former manager for the largely publicly-funded nonprofit San Diego Workforce Partnership pleaded guilty Thursday to embezzling nearly half a million dollars from the job training and placement organization.

Jared Palmer, 41, pleaded guilty Thursday in San Diego federal court to one count of theft of public funds, a felony, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office. Prosecutors said he also agreed to repay the money he took.

Palmer is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 6 and could face up to 10 years in prison, prosecutors said.

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Palmer had been working for the San Diego Workforce Partnership for 14 years when he was fired from his job as facilities manager in June 2016, said Peter Callstrom, the organizations president and chief executive officer. Callstrom declined to say the reason Palmer was fired, citing privacy concerns related to personnel matters.

According to federal prosecutors, Palmer stole $455,606 from the organization between 2011 and 2016 through a scheme that involved falsifying invoices for janitorial services at the organizations facilities. The money was from U.S. Department of Labor job training funds that had been awarded to the organization.

San Diego Workforce Partnership reported $33 million in revenue in 2015, the most recent year of tax records available to the public. It spent almost all the money it brought in.

Palmer instructed these contractors to purchase items that he claimed were for the partnerships use, including Nest smart thermostats, electronics and pre-paid debit cards, the U.S. Attorneys Office wrote in a press release. Palmer then stole the items and replaced the invoices that included the cost of these stolen items with false invoices that made it appear as if all of the charges were for legitimate janitorial services.

The nonprofit discovered the scheme during a new and more in-depth internal analysis process to review accounting and invoice records, Callstrom said. The organizations officials quickly informed key stakeholders and funders, attorneys and law enforcement agencies, who launched an investigation.

Callstrom said the organizations insurance company checked the nonprofits internal controls, found them strong, and reimbursed the nonprofit for the money that was stolen.

Investigators did not turn up evidence that other employees at San Diego Workforce partnership or its janitorial vendor were involved, Callstrom said.

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

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Theres green in them thar hills, or at least there will be now that one of the countrys biggest marijuana companies has announced its buying the tiny Mojave Desert town of Nipton in order to turn it into a cannabis consumption and producing mecca.

We are excited to lead the charge for a true Green Rush, said David Gwyther, chairman and president of American Green after the announcement that it had acquired the century-old community which is located near the California/Nevada border in San Bernardino County. The town was founded in the early 1900s after gold was found nearby.

A woman walks out of the Hotel Nipton. (John Locher / AP)

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The company, which says it is the second oldest and largest publicly traded marijuana business in the U.S., plans to modernize the 80-acre town that boasts some 20 residents and make it the countrys first energy-independent, cannabis-friendly hospitality destination, and a hub for the manufacture of pot products, according to a press release.

The new enterprises will include a plant to bottle water infused with CBD, which is a cannabis compound with medical benefits that does not make users feel high, productions facilities for edible and extractions companies and possibly the fully-licensed cultivation of crops.

Also included are mineral baths, stores, bed and breakfast lodging, artist-in-resident programs and food events all aimed at making the Old-West town a pot paradise.

Laura Cavaness sweeps out a lodge at the Hotel Nipton. (John Locher / AP)

Currently, one of the towns biggest sources of income is the general store that sells California Lottery tickets to people who cross the border from Nevada.

American Green said its project will create jobs and be a model of the marijuana industrys role in stimulating and accelerating the rebuilding of struggling small town economies where the drug has been legalized.

The towns current owner Roxanne Lang told the Associated Press that she and her late husband Gerald Freeman had listed Nipton for sale for $5 million but she declined to say what the final price was.

Freeman, who was a geologist from Los Angeles, bought the ghost town in 1985, restored its hotel and store and built eco-freindly cabins, making the tiny outpost a popular destination for fans of the desert and California history. It sits 60 miles south of Las Vegas and about ten miles off Interstate 15.

I like to say its conveniently located in the middle of nowhere, said Lang.

American Green said the Nipton project is one of the biggest initiatives the company has ever undertaken and it hopes that people will flock to the destination much like thousands did when that gold was found in those hills.

We are thrilled to begin work on this first-of-its-kind eco-tourism experience for conscious cannabis consumers, company officials said.

A family walks along train tracks in Nipton, Calif. (John Locher / AP)

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Have you ever looked closely at the words etched into the century-old County Administration Building? The phrase  The noblest motive is the public good  adorns the main facades, a motto that has ultimately fueled a true spirit of generosity across the region and most recently culminated in yet another accolade for San Diego  Americas Most Charitable City.

The annual Charitable Cities report by Americas largest charity evaluator, Charity Navigator, compared the median performance and size of the biggest nonprofits across the nations 30 largest metro markets with San Diego coming in first (up three spots from 2016). The rankings were determined by 21 metrics across three distinct rating dimensions of financial, accountability and transparency, and size.

Americans are generous, and this year particularly more so than others. Giving USA research showed that giving is up in all sectors for the first time in 40 years, from religious causes to the environment, animal welfare and education. But many organizations that play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of our communities still struggle to sustain their employees and day-to-day operations.

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So how can we build on these positive giving trends and support a sustainable future for more than 10,000 nonprofit organizations across the San Diego region?

The first step is to dig a bit deeper into the Charity Navigator criteria, because while the giving trends are favorable, the metrics used are in fact flawed. They are based on the notion that the strongest charities are those that spend minimally on overhead while maximizing dollars to programs. We strongly believe that a more balanced approach focused on ROI (Return on Investment) and positive impact is a far better adjudicator of nonprofit practices.

For example, administrative expenses in the Charitable Cities Report reflect what percent of its total budget a charity spends on administrative staff and associated overhead. Dividing a charitys average administrative expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage, and the lower the number the more efficient the organization is purported to be. San Diego organizations come in at 9.5 percent.

However, while this focus on minimizing overhead is intended to promote organizational efficiency, it does not take into account the full costs incurred by many nonprofits to effectively support the causes and communities they serve.

This viewpoint does not necessarily mean we arent as philanthropic as the record reflects. Local research shows that the majority of San Diegans  87 percent  have high confidence in the nonprofit sector to meet the communitys most pressing needs. Likewise, many San Diegans give their own time, talent and treasure to nonprofits  with 51 percent of San Diego households making monetary donations to charity in 2015 and 37 percent volunteering an average of 26 hours that year.

Yet gaps in nonprofit capacity and resources can leave the community with gaps in service occurring at a time when many nonprofit leaders report an increase in demand for their organizations services and are confronting workforce development issues.

So how can we devise a holistic approach to philanthropy that starts with the end in mind? What are the outcomes we are looking to achieve and what does it really cost to deliver those outcomes?

A growing number of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders in San Diego County and elsewhere across the state and nation have identified the fact that many nonprofits operate with just enough funding in hand to operate for less than two months  a tenuous proposition for the long-term viability of these organizations and the communities they serve.

Thats why San Diego Grantmakers and The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego have now launched phase 2 of the Full Cost Project, a statewide suite of groundbreaking trainings for both funders and nonprofits to support practical and big-picture cultural shifts needed to make this change. Instead of focusing on reducing nonprofit overhead, the Full Cost Project (https://fullcostproject.org/) encourages a focus on outcomes and the role funders want their grant dollars to play in achieving those outcomes.

While the Giving USA and Charity Navigator data provides reason for optimism and pride, we must all continue to keep our energy up when it comes to supporting effective nonprofits. It is true that the noblest motive is the public good, but while mottos can be inspirational, our actions should reflect a genuine communitywide commitment to impactful service delivery, and that by changing the way we support nonprofits right now, we can fundamentally improve their ability to achieve our shared goals.

Jamison is president and CEO, San Diego Grantmakers. Young is executive director, The Nonprofit Institute, University of San Diego.
America has long needed a sweeping overhaul of its immigration system. Itll have to keep waiting. A bill from Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia that President Donald Trump just endorsed contains a smart policy idea that has worked well for Canada but is otherwise intellectually bereft and deeply disappointing.

The smart idea is moving to a merit-based system that admits immigrants who are most likely to become productive residents by grading them on a point system based on education, work experience and language proficiency. While America must always accept vulnerable refugees, there is no reason broader immigration policy shouldnt be akin to college admissions policies that value hard work, accomplishment, intelligence and diversity of backgrounds and experience. Yet there is disagreement.

This idea is attacked on the left as mean-spirited and, because of the language provision, racially motivated. But facility with English is already an immigration requirement  and such language skills are common throughout the world. English is either the primary or secondary language in 94 nations. More than one-third of residents in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Croatia, Latvia and Italy speak English. And as The New York Times reported in 2007, English dominates the world as no language ever has.

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The idea is attacked on the right because of the belief that legal immigrants take jobs away from Americans. While economists are divided over whether low-skilled unauthorized immigrants displace American workers, there is no question that legal immigrants are a huge engine of economic growth. A 2016 report found that more than half the 87 privately held U.S. startups valued at $1 billion or more were founded by immigrants from a long list of nations including South Africa, Israel, China, India, Canada and the United Kingdom.

But the most problematic thing about Trumps preferred plan is that while it recognizes the valued of skilled workers, it would cut the number of immigrants in half, allowing about 500,000 green cards to be issued a year, down from the present roughly 1 million. That is a recipe for shrinking the economy.

The plan also ignores how much the aging U.S. work force needs big infusions of new workers because of U.S. birth rates being at historic lows.

And it ignores the agriculture industrys concern about securing enough farm workers.

Finally, the Cotton-Perdue measure does nothing to bring 11 million unauthorized immigrants out of the shadows with a path to earn citizenship, punting on the biggest immigration issue of all.

The good news is that the bill appears dead on arrival in the Senate because of opposition from moderate Republicans. The bad news is that the chance of a grand immigration compromise seems more distant than ever, with many millions of Americans firm believers that immigration hurts the nation and many other millions of Americans believing such views are driven by rank bigotry.

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip ONeill, D-Massachusetts, managed to win bipartisan approval of a sweeping immigration reform measure with dozens of votes to spare.

In polarized 2017, alas, the very idea of such cooperation on immigration seems like a fantasy.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
With the failure of Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, there is an urgent need to address the laws problems. While Obamacare has worked out relatively well in California and some other states, its record elsewhere has gotten steadily worse. In 18 states, there are two or fewer insurers offering policies on health care exchanges, preventing competition that might reduce costs. Worse, more than one-fifth of Americans live in counties where there is only one insurer or none at all offering policies on health care exchanges  and the policies typically hammer their holders with both high premiums and high deductibles.

This is because structural flaws in the Affordable Care Act encourage individuals to wait until they get sick or are injured before buying insurance, sharply increasing insurers costs and making their participation in state exchanges less worthwhile. These issues must be addressed constructively  by President Donald Trump as well as Congress.

The most important first step is for Trump to announce that his administration will commit to continuing $7 billion a year in cost-sharing reduction subsidies that have allowed 7 million low- and middle-income Americans to get health insurance coverage. But on Tuesday, budget director Mick Mulvaney told CNN that the Trump administration would make its decisions on a month-by-month basis. Insurers need far greater assurances on whether subsidies will continue now; as detailed in a recent Vox article, under the ACA, insurers are supposed to finalize their proposed 2018 premiums by Aug. 16 and make their final decisions about whether to offer 2018 policies in state Obamacare exchanges by Sept. 27. The federal uncertainty and change has already contributed to Anthem Blue Cross announcement this week that it would stop selling policies through Covered California in nearly all of California, including San Diego County, leaving more than 150,000 people to find a new insurer.

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To further shore up insurance markets, the Trump administration should also announce it will continue to enforce the individual mandate requiring every American to have health insurance.

The next step is constructive action by Congress. Its not enough for Trump to continue Obamacare subsidies, which face a court challenge over whether theyre legal without congressional affirmation. Passing a bill authorizing the subsidies is the top priority of the Houses Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, whose 40-plus members include Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego. The group also backs another smart idea: creating a federal stability fund to help states deal with the high cost of providing insurance to individuals with pre-existing conditions.

The House caucus has company. The ranking Republican and Democrat on the Senate health committee  Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Patty Murray of Washington, respectively  have also vowed to work together to improve Obamacare.

The nations long-term goal should still be overhauling a health care system that costs more than those in other wealthy nations yet sees some poorer results. For now, though, Arizona GOP Rep. Martha McSallys goal of hitting singles and doubles in fixing Obamacare makes sense. Lets get on with it.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
On Friday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that a major crackdown on federal government leaking is under way  and underscored his seriousness by standing alongside Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats. Sessions said the Justice Department has more than tripled the number of leak investigations that the Obama administration had open. Obamas administration, of course, was far more aggressive than all others in targeting leaks it saw as harming national security.

Sessions response to what he called a staggering number of leaks needs to be considered thoughtfully, not reflexively trashed or defended. A day earlier, The Washington Post had published transcripts of President Trumps phone calls in January with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. In May, The Intercept posted a transcript of an April call between Trump and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. Such leaks have no precedent, and the White House is right to find them alarming.

But given that Trump seems furious over all leaks, there are reasons to worry that hell urge Sessions to subpoena reporters over stories with leaks that are merely embarrassing to the White House. That would be an abuse of power  not just an attempt to find leakers but to intimidate journalists.

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With his Russian probe recusal, Sessions has  to some degree  shown spine in his dealings with Trump. He may need to show more going forward.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
Lightly edited comments from our online coverage.

Regarding Dont count on Al Gore running for president (Aug. 2): Too bad, his defeat would likely be worse than Hillarys.

Werock51

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Sept. 12, 2016

New candidates please, no retreads.

Big_Cadillac

Joined Aug. 2, 2017

Regarding San Diegans push back against pro-growth efforts (July 29): This area will always attract more people than it can handle with any reasonable quality of life. Densification does not reduce housing prices  look at San Francisco or New York City.

j.eldon

Joined June 21, 2016

Regarding: Investigation: SANDAG bungled billions in revenue projections, deleted emails ahead of public vote (Aug. 2): This is the same organization that makes the growth projections that let the politicians give away our county to the developers.

ErikHanson

Joined March 9, 2017

Look at the work SANDAG has done. This should tell you all you need to know about its incompetence. The citys traffic problems are two decades behind the times. The organization is loathsome.

SportsdeadtownUSA

Joined April 23, 2016

Regarding Liquid meth border death of Tijuana teen a black mark for customs agency (Aug. 1): The kid drank the meth. His decision. His responsibility.

bobblack

Joined May 3, 2016

What this kid did was wrong. But to imply he deserved death and to justify the clearly irresponsible actions of these two agents as the conservative Trump supporting commenters have been doing all day is disgusting.

mattparker619

Joined Feb. 27, 2017

Regarding Why Coronado bridge could become deadliest in nation (Aug. 3): So if theres a net, what will stop them from jumping off the net? Will it slowly lower the person who jumped down to the deck of a waiting Harbor Police boat? Waste of money here.

Gale Anderson

Joined April 16, 2016

If they dont jump there, they will find somewhere else to do it. Your safety measure idea is merely costly and delaying the inevitable for those who wish to check out early. However, I think if the mayor of Coronado is that concerned then Coronado should step up and just offer to foot the bill and get that net built. You believe in something that much, bust out that wallet and git er done.

jimmyg808

Joined Aug. 2, 2017

Regarding Stock market boom: How much credit does Trump deserve? (Aug. 4): With 36 percent approval rating, zero accomplishments legislatively, a special prosecutor, and regular firings/resignations of top officials its safe to say the U-T is being generous.

Mr. Trump has proven that hes unfit for office and must go.

mclanea

Joined April 21, 2016

Were still enjoying Obamas economy. Trump hasnt improved anything. 80 months of job growth. Thanks Obama.

john.poe95

April 19, 2016

Regarding Moderate to heavy drinkers are more likely to live to 85 without developing dementia (Aug. 1): Wait, consuming more than four alcoholic beverages a day is considered excessive?

Who came up with this nonsense?

sjaxon

April 17, 2016

Ill drink to that.

scratchnich

Joined May 3, 2016

Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below.
The case of Michelle Carter was, to put it mildly, unsettling.

At the age of 17, Carter sent dozens of text messages encouraging, a Massachusetts judge ruled, her 18-year-old boyfriend, Conrad Roy, to commit suicide in 2014. Roy died of carbon monoxide poisoning inside his pickup truck.

Carter, now 20, was eventually found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and, at the time of her conviction in June, she faced up to 20 years in prison. On the eve of Carters sentencing hearing, Roys aunt, Kim Bozzi, asked the judge to punish her with a full sentence of 20 years.

But on Thursday, the sentence came: 15 months in prison. Inside the courtroom, reporters tweeted a debate between her attorneys and prosecutors arguing over what sort of sentence she should receive.

Lawrence Moniz, the juvenile court judge overseeing the case, called it a tragedy for two families. According to the Associated Press, Moniz said that the text messages Carter sent encouraging Roy to get back in, as he expressed fear and his truck began to fill with carbon monoxide, constituted wanton and reckless conduct.

The AP reported that Moniz gave Carter a 2 1/2-year jail sentence but said she had to serve only the 15 months. She also received five years of probation and will be able to stay out of jail until her state appeals are done.

The case and the subsequent sentencing drew strong, emotional reactions online where many Americans followed the tragic story.

Much of the reaction about the case focused on Carters text messages and their tone, including one that read: You cant think about it. You just have to do it. You said you were gonna do it. Like I dont get why you arent.

The messages left many thinking Carter cold-hearted, and the 15-month sentence left many wondering whether the sentence fit the crime.

Some people took sympathy on the young woman, whose defense centered around her mental health.

Others said Carters race played a role in her sentencing because she is white.

At the completion of her sentence, Carter is expected to report to probation and undergo mental health evaluation, the judge said Thursday. How the rest of America will move on remains to be seen.

What do you think  does the sentence fit the crime? Take our poll. Or let us know below.

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.
Learning commitment and responsibility and teamwork

My name is Ericka Bradley and I am in the Ramona Chapter of the FFA at Ramona High School.

I have been raising a sheep this year for the very first time. No one in my family has ever raised an animal. I thought this would be a good experience and teach me leadership skills and good work ethics, which it has.

First thing I needed to do was build a pen. Grandpa and I started that process with the help of friends. We gathered the materials and gave her a nice pen with a cover. We then had to build a pen to transport her from place to place for weighing and other things.

When I brought her home she would not stop baaing for two days. I went to the library and got a book to find out what was wrong. Sheep are herders and she wanted a friend. So my Grandpa found an old mirror and placed it in the pen so she could look at herself, and she saw another sheep. Problem solved. It was amazing.

I then began the process of raising a sheep. I was up at 5:30 every morning for feedings and at 6 at night. I did not realize the commitment. If I had a cheer practice or a track meet, cross country or water polo, I needed to make sure she was taken care of, which meant lots of water and a great deal of feeding, raking, bathing, walking, and shoveling her pen.

I have learned things such as commitment, responsibility, and teamwork.

Throughout this year I have done competitions with FFA, which has given me confidence.

I would like any potential buyer to please come by the Ramona Junior Fair this week and take a look at my sheep, as she goes up for auction on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Thank you for your support.

Ericka Bradley

Ramona

Director should resign

In response to a Ramona Sentinel article (July 20), Director Joe Zenovic appears to have no conscience. His motion at the July 11 Ramona Municipal Water District (RMWD) Board meeting to reduce fire funding by first $1.75 million, then $1 million in order to send a message to taxpayers is beyond all reason. His claim that they did vote to spend six to eight hours sitting on San Vicente (Road) in 2007 with the flames come leaping at their heels and they didnt want to spend the money  55 cents a day on fire, is absurd. This is not the first time he has made this claim.

According to Director Tom Ace, when San Diego County granted latent powers of the existing fire protection district to RMWD, it also granted a portion of county property tax revenue to pay some of the costs of fire protection. Mr. Zenovic is one of the RMWD directors that have annually voted to allocate less than the county-recommended portion of property tax revenue to the fire fund. The staff-proposed budget allocated about $1.3 million less in the current fiscal year, according to Mr. Ace. Mr. Zenovics original motion was to allocate more than $3 million of property tax revenue intended for the fire fund to pay for water and sewer services. His amended motion would have redirected $2.3 million intended for the fire fund.

Mr. Ace also reported that the Fire Ad Hoc Committee that he chairs is reviewing cost-saving options that include transfer of fire and emergency services to San Diego County or private sector providers. The cost savings would result from lower-cost personnel retirement compensation packages than the current Cal Fire contract. Mr. Zenovic does not want to consider any potential cost-savings.

Mr. Zenovics stated purpose for making his motion was to send a message to taxpayers. His message appears to be one of unending revenue increases for RMWD. The people of Ramona should not have to wait for the voters in his division to replace him in the 2018 election. He should resign now.

Gary Hurst

Ramona

Ducking questions hurts Hunters case

Congressman Duncan Hunter, (R-Alpine) has been under criminal Investigation by the FBI for more than a year for alleged fraudulent use of his campaign office credit card for personal gain.

Hunter has accidentally used his campaign credit card numerous times to charge more than $60,000 for personal use. Hunter enjoys a lavish lifestyle. Recently, he charged almost $1,500 at Sage Aria, an exclusive, upscale resort with restaurant, bar, and casino in the heart of the Vegas strip.

Hunter has lawyered up, hiring half a dozen different law firms, most that specialize in white collar crimes. He just retained the law firm of Wiley, Rein, LLP in Washington, D.C., purportedly, the top white collar defense team in the country. He has been has been under a cloud of investigation by the Department of Justice and the FBI. In his latest spending report with the Federal Election Commission, his campaign raised $155,000 and spent $236,000 between April 1 and June 30. Hunters campaign reported $617,000 in cash in hand. Hunter is relying on his stable of attorneys, accountants and public relation specialists.

Hunter is hurting his case by ducking direct questions. He claims he did not personally make any of the charges in question, and blames the errant spending to mistakes that were inadvertent and unintentional. In an interview with KGTV aired earlier this year, Hunter said he mixed up his own credit card with his campaign card, saying they were both the color blue. Questions sent via email to his campaign office resulted in an answer, We dont know anything about any FBI investigation. The campaign office phone has been out of service for months and apparently has no working phone at all. The San Diego office of the FBI said they do not comment on ongoing investigations.

Hunter has extravagant taste. He is apparently a tobacco aficionado and frequents the Alpine Tobacco Company, where he spent hundreds of dollars this year alone.

Hunter has spent campaign money for resorts, vacations, video games, jewelry, upscale salons, and even $600 to fly a pet rabbit across country. To his credit, however, he finally has stopped paying his wife $3,000 per month for consultant fees.

In the near future, Hunter may be exchanging his respectable businessmans suit for a rumpled orange prison jump suit.

Peter Quercia

Ramona
A couple weeks ago, I got this text from my mother:

That strange call from the IRS came again this morning. Says there is a case against me and I should contact them immediately.

I responded right away. The IRS will not call you. Do not call them back. And because I am both her daughter and a reporter, I sent her a link to a story I did two years ago warning about phone scams. I also sent a link to the Internal Revenue Service website in case she wanted to investigate further.

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Later, my mom told me this was the third suspicious call she and my dad had received in less than two weeks. A couple of them had sounded fairly threatening.

I asked her to save the messages so I could listen to them.

The reason of this call is to inform you that IRS is filing lawsuit against you, a robotic but vaguely female voice said in the recorded message. To get more information about this case file, please call immediately on our department number. ...

Another message, another robot voice.

 If you dont return the call and I dont hear from your attorney, then the only thing I can do is wish you good luck as this situation totally unfolds on you.

Then the last one, this time from a real person.

Im calling regarding an enforcement action executed by the U.S. Treasury... , said the slightly accented voice, identifying himself as Kevin Mason. Ignoring this will be an intentional attempt to avoid initial appearance before a magistrate judge or a grand jury for federal criminal (inaudible). ... I advise you to cooperate with us and help us to help you.

Ready for a confrontation, or maybe even courting one, I called them back. But by the time I did, none of the numbers left on my parents answering machine were working. Two had been disconnected. A third  the one left by Kevin Mason  just rang and rang after I dialed.

Last month, the real IRS issued a warning, saying the agency had seen an increase in robo-calls in which scammers leave urgent messages telling potential victims they need to settle tax bills. When the victim returns the call, the scammers threaten to arrest, deport or revoke the victims drivers license if he or she doesnt agree to pay.

The newest trend, authorities say, is to ask for payment on iTunes cards.

Anyone can be a target. In fact, a 30-year-old co-worker reported receiving a phony IRS call. But senior citizens are often the crooks favorites.

Is it just elders? No, said Paul Greenwood, a San Diego County deputy district attorney and head of that offices elder abuse prosecution unit. I think there are other people who may get sucked into it, but typically the profile is somebody in their 70s.

A typical victim is a widow or a widower who lives alone, Greenwood said.

When the phone call comes in or the letter comes in saying youve won (a sweepstakes) or you owe this (money), I think there is a tendency to panic and do what the crooks are telling them to do, he said.

Usually a family member  often an adult son or daughter  reports the crime, Greenwood said. But local law enforcement rarely investigates because theres no way to identify the suspects.

Theyre typically out of the country and police departments understandably say, We cant handle those. Were too busy with other leads, he said. My department is not really set up to take every call and take every case. I would like to, but I cant.

Greenwood said he wants the federal government to create regional elder task forces around the country to pursue the scammers and figure out where the money is going.

Is it always going overseas to places like Jamaica, Nigeria, the U.K.? he asked. Or, is it more domestic now? I really dont know.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Information has an online form to report IRS impersonation scams. But it asks people who may have been swindled via phone or email to provide their names, addresses and other personal identifying information through a website, and that just feels wrong. (Theres also a phone number: (800) 366-4484.)

Members of the public can also report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

I doubt my mom would have gone to the trouble. I didnt.

For now, it seems the best advice is to ignore the calls if you get them. And if you think you really do owe taxes, call the IRS directly at (800) 829-1040.

If Kevin Mason calls, just hang up.
By PTI: Bengaluru, Aug 4 (PTI) An IIT post-graduate has been arrested for accessing UIDAI server illegally by developing a mobile app which provides for Aadhaar e-KYC verification without authorisation.

According to the police, 31-year-old Abhinav Srivastava, who lives in Bengaluru and hails from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on August 1 based on a complaint from the Deputy Director of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

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The post-graduate from IIT-Kharagpur had developed a mobile application for Aadhaar e-KYC verification and hosted it on Google play store. To support the mobile app, Aadhaar related information, housed by the NIC server, was illegally accessed, the police said.

The UIDAI data was accessed through the e-Hospital application and its server, they said.

Srivastava was the co-founder of mobile payments firm Qarth Technologies Pvt Ltd, which was acquired by cab aggregator Ola in 2016. He was currently employed with Ola as a software development engineer.

Accusing Srivastava of committing a "very serious" crime by exposing the private information of citizens, police said the city crime branch along with cyber crime sleuths arrested him.

The police said a CPU, four laptops, a tablet, four mobile phones, six pen drives and other materials worth Rs 2.25 lakh were seized from him and further investigation was on. PTI KSU RA APR NSD ZMN NSD

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Boniface Mwangis hands trembled as he typed a Twitter post about his intention to heckle Kenyas top union leader at a rally attended by Kenyas new president.

To an Associated Press reporter in the crowd with him, he said: There is fire in my belly, but my feet are trembling. He knew that for taking on such powerful forces at an event being broadcast live on national radio and TV, he might be beaten and end up in jail. My feet can shake all they want, but all I need is my voice.

Mwangi, a 29-year-old photojournalist and father of three, is also an increasingly visible social campaigner who says he wants to unleash a Kenya Spring for a country bedeviled by poverty, corruption and a culture of impunity.

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The masses are ignorant... They lost their voice and we want to help them discover that voice, he says.

At the May Day rally, Mwangi and 20 friends planned to shout down Francis Atwoli, the secretary general of the Central Organization of Trade Unions, for supporting a hefty pay raise for members of parliament.

When Atwoli approached the podium, Mwangi stood up and repeatedly shouted msaliti, Swahili for traitor. But no one joined in and he quickly found he was alone as big men in black suits bore down on him and Atwoli told the crowd his army was taking care of the interruption.

The men in black chased Mwangi into a corner and beat him. Then his supporters arrived and formed a human shield around him. Police moved in and Mwangi emerged with a bloodied mouth. He was arrested, released, and faces a charge of offensive behavior in a manner likely to breach peace. It carries a penalty of up to six months in jail or a $65 fine.

But Mwangis lone protest wasnt in vain. It went out live on TV and sparked discussion on social media of MPs salaries, the union leaders position, and freedom of expression and assembly.

Kenyans are Africas second most active Tweeters after South Africans, according to a 2011 survey by Portland Communications, an international company. Tony Mbogo, whose company Timisha Solutions monitors social media, says the hashtag (hash)freebonifacemwangi was very popular on Kenyan social media between May 1 and May 3.

Mwangi, who has more than 33,000 Twitter followers, says: Twitter is my own personal radio station where I broadcast my opinions.

The May 1 event was not the first to pit Mwangi against Kenyas political class. He made a name for himself photographing the violence that followed the 2008 presidential election, and became famous in Kenya and on the Internet for his role in organizing the painting of detailed and colorful anti-establishment graffiti on city walls. In 2009, police arrested and beat him for shouting at then President Mwai Kibaki at a public event.

His protests target a political class seen by many Kenyans as purveyors of corruption, impunity and tribalism that shortchange the poor and hold their country back.

Legislators salaries are a particularly sore point with Mwangi. In January, he organized the burning of 221 coffins outside Parliament when MPs - or the MPigs, as he calls them - attempted to award themselves a $110,000 bonus to close their five-year term.

The May Day protest referred to MPs demands to reverse the ruling of a government commission that shrank their salaries from around $126,000 to $78,500, and impeach its members. Before that ruling, the lawmakers determined their own pay.

The minimum wage in Nairobi is about $1,500 a year.

How can you demand taxpayers buy you an $80,000 car so that you can drive it into the slum where your constituents have nothing to eat? Are these people normal? Mwangi asks.

MPs argue that they need high salaries because they are expected to help their poor constituents pay school fees and hospital bills.

A World Bank report released in December said with the money Kenyan firms pay in bribes each year they could hire 250,000 people. Doctors in public hospitals last year went on strike to protest a health care system so deprived that clinics often lack basic medicines and surgical gloves.

But campaigners like Mwangi, are rare. Another, Mwalimu Mati, says Kenyans arent ready for drastic change. They are so beaten down that they think if they behave, their leaders will throw them bread crumbs, Mati said. One of the reasons the May Day rally draws crowds is that its where increases in the minimum wage are announced.

Uhuru Kenyatta, the new president, hasnt said anything specific about the MPs pay claim since he was sworn in last month, but he complains that civil service salaries in general are eating up half of all revenues collected by the government.

Sometimes it really hurts. Instead of asking how we are going to serve our people, we are asking ourselves how we are going to get more money in our pockets, he said in a speech Thursday. Please, let us do what is important first, which is serving Kenyans.
Editors note: This is the last in a series profiling fivecandidates vying for two seats on the Lake Elsinore Unified SchoolDistrict board in the Nov. 4 election.

LAKE ELSINORE -- As a middle school principal, Susan E. Scottsaid she knows the power of parent input.

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Every year, as a requirement for schools that receive federalmoney because they serve large numbers of students from low-incomefamilies, Scotts school is required to survey parents.

Its a good feedback tool, she said.

Scott, who is running for a school board seat, said that if sheis elected, she would like to expand the use of surveys in the LakeElsinore Unified School District as a way to improve relationshipsbetween the board and the community.

From conversations with parents Ive had, they dont feel liketheir input is being valued, she said.

Scott is one of five people running for the two school boardseats up for grabs in November.

The other candidates vying for a four-year term are businessowner and teacher Max Aragon III; part-time writer and incumbentJeanie Corral; school Facilities Director Tina Cullors; and OrangeCounty sheriffs deputy and incumbent Jon Gray.

The five trustees receive a $441 monthly salary and healthinsurance.

Scott, 51, has been principal of Boulder Ridge Middle School inRomoland since March 2007. Before that, she worked in the LakeElsinore district as a teacher and as an assistant principal atElsinore and Terra Cotta middle schools.

Scotts husband, Nathan, and daughter, Cristina Wagoner, bothteach at Lake Elsinore schools.

Scott has received the endorsements of the Lake ElsinoreTeachers Association and the local chapter of the California SchoolEmployees Association, which represents nonteaching districtemployees such as bus drivers and clerks.

Scott has lived in Canyon Lake since 1982 and said she wouldprovide a voice for that city. When Scotts daughter was inelementary school, Scott said, she and her neighboring classmatesswitched campuses four times.

You look 26 years later and we havent gotten much betterdealing with the Canyon Lake community, she said, and we haventhad Canyon Lake representation on the board since Vick Knight left"in 2004.

Scott said she also brings experience from having worked for 21years for Ralphs grocery store, where she said she managed storeswith budgets up to $50 million.

She likened her idea for regular surveys of staff members,parents and students to the surveys that grocery store customerscomplete.

Using that data, I think we need to look at what we can do andwhat we can change, Scott said.

Scott also believes the district must expand specialty programssuch as GEMS, the math and science magnet program she helped startat Elsinore Middle and Lakeside High Schools culinary artsacademy.

While such programs can be tough for the district to fund, Scottsaid they are vitally important for students to find jobs.

Theyre not competing just with kids in the U.S., she said."Its more global now.

Scott said there are some low-cost ways to expand studentsskills, such as seeking out businesses that would offer studentsjobs. At Ralphs, she said, students who worked at the grocery storecould return as employees after they graduated.

If elected, Scott said, she would push for school counselors tomaintain lists of businesses that were willing to hire students.She said trustees could reach out to employers through the LakeElsinore City Council, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.

Scott said she also wants to make the district more financiallyresponsible by maximizing the money that goes to the classroomwhile minimizing the district office costs.

Scott said her employer -- the four-school Romoland SchoolDistrict -- seems to be dealing with the state budget situationbetter than Lake Elsinore Unified.

Were (weathering) this crisis very well, and I think that hasto do with when youre small, you are lean.

In Lake Elsinore, Scott said there doesnt appear to be muchwaste in the individual schools, citing the fact that class sizesare at their limits. She said she has not taken a close look at thedistricts $166 million budget, but believes she could use herexpertise to identify areas to trim in the districtadministration.

I would never go in with a specific game plan, she said. Ithink with my background in business and my experience in thepublic sector in addition to the private sector, I have theanalytical experience to make those decisions.

Contact staff writer Rani Gupta at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2625, orrgupta@californian.com.

Susan E. Scott

Age: 51

Occupation: Middle school principal

Civic involvement: Former board member of St. James CatholicSchool in Perris

Web site:www.susanescott.com
By PTI: court

Mumbai, Aug 4 (PTI) Shyamvar Rai, a former driver of Indrani Mukerjea, the prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, today said he did not know the content of his letter written to the court last year.

The letter requested the court to make him an approver -- accused-turned-prosecution witness -- in the sensational case. The court had granted the request.

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During his examination by the prosecution, Rai last week narrated how Sheena, Indranis daughter, was murdered.

During the cross-examination by defence lawyers today, when shown the letter, he said he can not read English, and hence did not know its content, though the signature was his.

The letter was purportedly written on Rais behalf.

Rai also told the court today that he was not aware of the legal provisions relating to approvers.

He said he was also not aware that after becoming an approver he would be pardoned by the court.

According to the CBI, Indrani and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna strangled Sheena, Indranis daughter from an earlier relationship, inside a car here in April 2012. Rai was driving the car.

The murder came to light in August 2015 after Rai, arrested in another case, spilled the beans. Later, Indranis husband Peter Mukerjea, a former media baron, was also arrested for being party to the conspiracy.

The CBI claimed that financial dispute was behind the killing. Also, Sheena was in a relationship with Peters son from earlier marriage, which Indrani did not approve of, it said. PTI VI KRK SK

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Some of the new beers invented this year will surprise you. Picture for representational purpose. Picture courtesy: Instagram/happysachii

By Shreya Goswami: When you had your first drink of beer, you might have been told that one needs acquired taste to appreciate it fully. But in 2016, beer got really weird. So weird in fact, that even if you've been drinking it for ages (and have all the acquired taste a regular beer-guzzler does) you'd be surprised, to say the least.

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Here are some of the new innovations made by some very adventurous brewers in 2016.

Vagina Beer

Vagina beer is flavoured with vaginal bacteria from a Czech model. Picture courtesy: Instagram/portalclubesat

Yes, that's beer flavoured with vaginal bacteria! Don't be grossed out yet, there's more. The company behind this brilliant innovation called itself the Order of Yoni, because borrowing the word 'yoni' from Sanskrit makes it sound so much more reassuring. The makers appealed for public funding to make this dream a reality in March. They assured their audiences through a YouTube video that the woman whose vagina will be swabbed for the fluids is a young and beautiful Czech model, Alexandra Brendlova. While the plan might have had quite an appeal for all the weirdos out there who want to know what a woman tastes like, the beer is actually yet to hit the market.

Belly Button Beer

Belly Button beer was inspired by the American Beard beer. Picture courtesy: Instagram/7centbrewery

This not-so-delicious sounding brew comes from Australia. Three brewers, Doug Bremner, Brendan Baker and Matthew Boustead, were inspired by the American Beard Beer. They realised that yeast is formed in our belly buttons just as much in men's chin hair, and decided to run with it. So, this awesome trio decided to swab their own belly buttons, and make up some beer with this natural yeast! While you might be a bit unsure if you want any bit of you going into a beverage that hundreds of people will get to taste, these brewers made the headlines in May.

Also read: Tea was meant to be a replacement for beer; a short history of tea as a beverage

Whale Vomit Beer

Whale vomit or ambergris is used to make this tasty beer. Picture courtesy: Instagram/huttstreetcellars

Another crazy idea from the Land Down Under, this beer is made from ambergris or whale vomit. Ambergris has a pungent odour, is very expensive, and is used in making perfume (ironically enough). Maris Biezaitis, the owner of Robe Brewing in South Australia, decided to use this unique product to make the Moby Dick Ambergris Ale. Strangely enough, once brewed, the beer tastes of caramel and fruit. Not at all disgusting in the end, eh?

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Urine Beer

Urine beer might sound gross, but it might solve Belgium's water supply issue. Photo: Reuters

Jokingly referred to as the 'sewer brewer', this beer might sound disgusting, but was actually for a good cause. A group of scientists at the University of Ghent, Belgium, created a solar-powered machine that converts urine into drinkable water and beer. The first machine was deployed in July at a theatre and music festival, and collected the urine of the attendees. If successful, this venture promises to solve the water supply issue that Belgium faces--and mark the advent of another Belgian beer.

Burger Beer

Burger and beer in a single tall glass sounds just amazing. Picture courtesy: Twitter/blogdecerveza

This beer is an ode to that classic meal combination--burger and beer. The cooks at a popular burger joint in Colorado, USA, came up with this awesome beer. The staff at Red Robin's Gourmet Burgers infused the flavours of their no-beef, teriyaki glazed, grilled pineapple, Banzai burger in a special beer brewed in association with the New Belgium Brewing Company. A limited edition of this beer was released in October, with the promise that if enough punters like it, the burger joint and brewery will conitnue making it.

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Just like beer, this year's weird beer innovations got tastier with time. Clearly, innovation in this field needs as much of an acquired taste (and an open mind) as the brew itself.

--- ENDS ---
Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/04/2017 -- Black Skeptics Los Angeles (BSLA), an African American atheist community-based organization, has partnered with the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) for its 2017 scholarship fund for youth non-believers of color. For the third year in a row, FFRF has granted the organization $10,000 for four awards to outstanding secular students of color from its Catherine Fahringer Memorial Scholarship fund. This year's winners are Dia Brown (University of Vermont), Lydia Mason (New York University), Sydney Steward (University of Pennsylvania), and Elijah Willig (Middlebury College). Each recipient will receive $2500 apiece to support their college education and expenses. According to BSLA founder Sikivu Hutchinson, "Secular African American youth disproportionately come from religious backgrounds and communities. These youth are often marginalized in K12 and higher education due to their non-conformity. This scholarship program provides a platform for their voices and experiences."



In 2013, BSLA spearheaded its First in the Family Humanist Scholarship initiative which focuses on undocumented, foster care, homeless, LGBTQI, system-involved and secular youth who are underrepresented in the college population. The organization was created to provide resources for non-believers of color and combat stereotypes about atheists not being socially responsible. Responding directly to the school-to-prison pipeline crisis in communities of color, BSLA is the first atheist organization to specifically address college pipelining for youth of color. If current prison pipelining trends persist the Education Trust estimates that only "one of every 20 African American kindergartners will graduate from a four-year California university" in the next decade.



The Freedom from Religion Foundation is a nonprofit organization that "works as an umbrella for those who are free from religion and are committed to the cherished principle of separation of state and church." The FFRF sponsors publications and competitions and conducts outreach and education on secularism worldwide.



Website: www.blackskepticsla.org, www.ffrf.org



About Black Skeptics Los Angeles

Black Skeptics Los Angeles is a 501c3 community-based organization that provides resources and education for non-believers, humanists and secularists of color.



Contact:

Steve Kelley

shutch2396@aol.com

323-304-9578

Los Angeles, CA 90043
Researchers have obtained and analyzed genome sequences from the ancient Minoans and Mycenaeans, who lived 3,000 to 5,000 years ago and were Europes first civilized people. The analysis suggests that Minoans and Mycenaeans were genetically similar, having at least three-quarters of their ancestry from the first Neolithic farmers; they likely migrated from Anatolia to Greece and Crete thousands of years prior to the Bronze Age.

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.

The Minoans, based on the island of Crete from roughly 3100 to 1050 BC, 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 Minoan civilization was astonishingly advanced artistically and technologically. The Minoans were also the first literate people of Europe.

The Mycenaeans of mainland Greece, 1700 to 1100 BC, who eventually conquered the Minoans, were skilled engineers and fierce warriors. They used the Linear B script, an early form of Greek.

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.

The origins of the Minoan and Mycenaean peoples, however, have puzzled scientists for over a century.

An analysis of well-preserved Minoan and Mycenaean DNA now provides many answers and insights.

An international team of researchers generated genome-wide data from 19 ancient individuals.

The ancient DNA 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 BC) from the mainland that predated the emergence of the Greek civilizations.

The scientists then compared the new DNA samples with previously reported data from 332 other ancient individuals, 2,614 present-day humans (including 28 modern Greek, from Greece and Cyprus), and two present-day Cretans.

The 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, said co-lead author Dr. Iosif Lazaridis, a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School.

This finding suggests that some migration occurred in the Aegean and southwestern Anatolia from further east after the time of the earliest farmers.

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.

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 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.

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, Dr. Lazaridis said.

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.

While the research sheds light on the origins of these ancient Greek civilizations, questions remain, said co-lead author Professor David Reich, also from Harvard Medical School.

For example, its 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.

The research is published in the journal Nature.

_____

Iosif Lazaridis et al. Genetic origins of the Minoans and Mycenaeans. Nature, published online August 2, 2017; doi: 10.1038/nature23310
A recent report suggests that Samsung will release the new Galaxy Note 8 on Sep. 15. Last year Samsung released the Note 7 though it was a debacle.

The Korean tech giant Samsung will release the new flagship handset Galaxy Note 8 in South Korea in September. According to ETNews, reports have also surfaced about the release of the LG Electronics' new handset V30 on the same day, that is Sep. 15. Now the tech industry is eagerly waiting to see whether the two tech companies will release their handsets on the same day or not.

Reports say Before the handset's release on Sep. 15, Samsung has a plan to uncover the Galaxy Note 8 on Aug. 23 in New York. A representative of one unnamed mobile network provider has stated the sale of Samsung's new flagship handset, though the price has not yet confirmed. On the other hand, another representative of a different unnamed mobile network provider has said about the company's decision to release the Note 8.

The representative has even assured that the date is almost confirmed, and there is very little chance of change. Last year Samsung released the Galaxy Note 7 one month earlier on Aug. 19. Late release of the Galaxy Note 8 by one month may be a strategy by the company to induce more interests from the consumers.

So far no news of the new handset's pre-order dates is available. But it is expected that Samsung will provide 10 to 14 days as the pre-order period to the customers. During this pre-order period, customers must have sufficient opportunities to experience the new Galaxy Note 8 and to make a decision regarding its purchase.

Experts assume that the sale of the latest Galaxy Note 8 must be huge compared to all the previous Galaxy Note handsets. According to BGR, Samsung's new handset will feature a 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 2960 pixels by 1440 pixels. It must be a larger super AMOLED display.

The important fact is the new Galaxy Note 8 will support two chips, Snapdragon 835, and Exynos 8895. This new Samsung phablet must contain 6GB of RAM and an option for the microSD card slot. With a battery of 3,300mAh, the device should support fast charging.
By PTI: Bengaluru, Aug 4 (PTI) Congress MP D K Suresh today met his brother Karnataka Minister D K Shivakumar, who is facing the heat of the Income Tax department raid, and said his blood pressure has gone up due to lack of sleep for the last two days.

Suresh, who was earlier in the day denied permission by I-T officials to meet his brother, was later allowed to do so as he expressed concerns over Shivakumars health.

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"I saw reports on TV about his health. I was worried. So I came back and asked officials for permission to meet my brother. Though initially they did not agree, after consultinghigher officials they allowed me to meet my brother for 10 minutes in their presence," he told reporters here.

"He (Shivakumar) has been asked to take rest. For the last two days he did not get any sleep. His blood pressure had increased. Officials said after giving him rest for two hours they will collect further information from him and try to complete searches by today or tomorrow," Suresh said.

"I feel that they may conclude the searches today, dont know at what time," the Bengaluru Rural MP added.

During searches at about 66 places across the country in connection with the case of alleged tax evasion, I-T officials said they have seized cash and jewellery worth over Rs 15 crore so far.

Informing mediapersons that he personally spoke to Shivakumar, Suresh said, "I enquired about his health, he is comfortable now. The doctor has advised rest for two days, but still he will cooperate with the officials."

Shivakumar, who hails from the 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.

The 55-year-old minister, considered a resourceful trouble shooter for the Congress with proximity to the party high command, is a six-time MLA.

He has been put in charge of 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs lodged in the Eagleton resort near here to keep the flock together and prevent the BJP from "poaching" on them ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls in Gujarat where Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, is facing a tough battle.

Suresh said he has requested I-T officials to make public facts about the searches, as the media is creating confusion among people, party leaders and Shivakumars supporters.

He said, "Officials have told me that they have so far not communicated anything to the media and they will submit a report to government and the department after concluding the searches. Shivakumar will also be given the opportunity to give his version."

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Earlier speaking to the media after he was denied permission to meet Shivakumar, Suresh had said he wanted to meet his brother and family members on the occasion of Varamahalakshmi puja today.

Meanwhile, speaking to a local news channel, Shivakumars mother Gowramma accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of "betraying" her son.

"He (Siddaramaiah) has come up (in politics) because of my son, today he has malice against my son. But we cant say anything as the elections are fast approaching. Let him and the BJP wait and watch," she said.

Asked whether she suspects the chief ministershand behind the I-T raids, she said, "There may be".

On Gowrammas remarks, Siddaramaiah said he did not want to react on it. PTI KSU RA RC NSD

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: The wait has come to an end. Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma's Jab Harry Met Sejal finally hit the theatres today. The makers had increased the curiosity with mini-trailers and quirky promotions, and the songs were a hit with the audience as well. However, if the reviews by Middle East-based publications are anything to go by, you're better off giving this film a miss.

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Khaleej Times said that the plot of the film was "lost in Europe's scenic beauty." While the publication praised SRK and Anushka, as well as their chemistry, it said that the "audience loses connect" after some time.

Gulf News, meanwhile, wrote that Shah Rukh, the King of Romance, has "become rusty." The review reads, "As far as stories go, there's not much for the actors to hold on to, but the pair manages to keep us hooked in the first half. But the second half spirals into this cloyingly intense and melodramatic territory."

READ HERE: JAB HARRY MET SEJAL MOVIE REVIEW

ALSO READ: Jab Harry Met Sejal or Toilet Ek Prem Katha, which one will have a bigger opening?

ALSO READ: After Jab Harry Met Sejal Mini Trail 5, 5 things we know about SRK-Anushka's film

ALSO WATCH: Shah Rukh-Anushka's Jab Harry Met Sejal; Spiderman Tom Holland visits kids hospital; more

--- ENDS ---
By Suhani Singh: Shah Rukh Khan is back to doing what he does best - romance. Will his collaboration with Anushka Sharma be third time lucky? Here is our review.

Jab Harry Met Sejal Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Chandan Roy Sanyal

Jab Harry Met Sejal Director: Imtiaz Ali

Jab Harry Met Sejal Rating: (1.5/5)

Euro trips are the diciest. So many countries to choose from, so little time. But tour guide Harry (Shah Rukh Khan) and soon-to-be-married lawyer Sejal (Anushka Sharma) have all the time (and money) in the world to find a ring and in process themselves and of course true love. Sounds familiar? That's because it's a page out of Dummy's Guide to Imitiaz Ali's Cinema.

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Despite the permanent sense of predictability Jab Harry Met Sejal works albeit only for the first half. The first 70 minutes are like the fun part of a holiday, when you are excited to discover and try new things. Ali has two bankable actors playing the now been-there-done-that characters. Shah Rukh is the lonely, complex hero with a tragic past about which one never gets a sense of, apart from a few random flashes. Like Jordan from Rockstar, music is his solace. He also is a womaniser. Anushka Sharma is the carefree heroine who thinks she has it sorted but really who is she kidding. She'll remind you most of Jab We Met's Geet. She is a complicated character. An insecure young woman-lawyer, she is constantly seeking validation from Harry for her appearance, wanting to be seen as hot and sexy and not cute and nice. Like many of Ali's heroine, she needs to be protected and guided. Together they embark on a journey in which for most part Sejal is trying to live vicariously through Harry and also comparing herself to other women.

Ali is good at introducing audiences to his protagonists who here for most part are chilling, smiling, drinking, singing, dancing, jumping about, flirting and oh yes pretending to find a ring. They do this across, by our count, five destinations of Europe. If you will learn one thing from JHMS, it is the capitals of at least five European countries. The title is inspired by a popular Hollywood romcom, but JHMS is most reminiscent of romantic classics such as It Happened One Night and Roman Holiday in which the crackling chemistry and repartee between the couple and a tight, focused narrative made them memorable viewings. You get the former and not the latter in JHMS. It doesn't help that no attempt is made to get a sense of the two leads.

With the growing attraction established long ago one waits for the inevitable in Ali's film. Doubt. It's the one thing that troubles Ali's characters more than losing a ring. And so begins the bad bit of the holiday when you know this hunky-dory phase will end soon. Only Ali takes the longest to leave Europe and end his vacation. This means that audiences have to sit through trips to Lisbon where a cheer squad welcome Harry and Sejal and a wedding in Frankfurt. Many hugs are shared and long intense looks (all courtesy Shah Rukh) thrown. In JHMS, love is pure, a tease but more so a drag.

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It's a further letdown when Ali is unable to weave songs seamlessly into his narrative. There are too many of them, placed awkwardly including the otherwise infectious disco track Beech Beech Mein. The last-minute introduction of a supposed bad guy, unfortunately named Gas, is of no significance. Ultimately Sejal's fiance Rupen sums it up best: "Ek angoothi ke liye itna drama?"

MOVIE REVIEW: JAB HARRY MET SEJAL

ALSO READ: Jab Harry Met Sejal or Toilet Ek Prem Katha, which one will have a bigger opening?

ALSO READ: After Jab Harry Met Sejal Mini Trail 5, 5 things we know about SRK-Anushka's film

ALSO WATCH: Shah Rukh-Anushka's Jab Harry Met Sejal; Spiderman Tom Holland visits kids hospital; more

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Kari said the July 18 circular was issued arbitrarily and without jurisdiction at the behest of different agencies to prevent him from travelling abroad.

By India Today Web Desk: After a lookout circular was issued against Karti Chidambaram in a corruption case, former union minister P Chidambaram's son moved the Madras High Court for quashing the order.

Karti, against whom the circular has been issued under the Passport Act over a corruption case filed by the CBI, said the investigative agency has planned to stop him at the airport.

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In his petition, Karti contended that the July 18 circular had been issued arbitrarily and without jurisdiction by the Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) and The Bureau of Immigration under the union home ministry at the behest of different agencies to prevent him from travelling abroad.

"The circular is a well thought out and meticulously orchestrated fraudulent plan of the CBI to stop me at the airport as and when I proceed abroad by springing an unpleasant surprise on me and leak it to the media that I was detained at the airport and cause embarrassment to me," he alleged.

He said he had responded to the summonses issued by the CBI in connection with the case and there was "no absolute cause of action" for issuance of the look out circular.

The case related to alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds when his father was the union finance minister in 2007.

When the matter came up for hearing before Justice D Duraiswamy, he adjourned it to August 7 after Additional Solicitor General G Rajagopalan sought time to get instructions on whether such a circular had been issued.

The petitioner had been summoned twice by the CBI since June this year to appear before it for questioning in connection with alleged irregularities in the clearance given by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to the media group for allegedly receiving funds from Mauritius when his father was the finance minister in 2007.

Karti had sought time to appear before the CBI, which had on May 15 registered an FIR against him and others alleging that a firm "indirectly controlled" by him had received money from INX Media, run by Indrani and Peter Mukerjea.

In his petition, Karti submitted that the LOC, which was used to monitor the arrival departure of foreigners and Indians or to restrict their movement, had been issued to restrain him from going abroad.

Claiming that the CBI issued the summons when he was abroad on personal work, Karti said his counsel had duly informed the CBI about this through a letter dated June 20.

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He said the LOC was a coercive measure to make a person surrender to the investigating agency only if it was amply demonstrated that he repeatedly and deliberately failed to cooperate with the investigation.

(PTI inputs)

Also read:

More trouble for Chidambaram son Karti as multi-agency probe intensifies

WATCH: CBI raids ex-INX Media chief Peter Mukherjea's Mumbai house hours after raiding Chidambaram, Karti

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: By Sumir Kaul

Anantnag (JK), Aug 4 (PTI) A family from south Kashmir claimed that LeT terrorist Abu Dujana, killed by security forces this week, was their lost son Muzafar but beat a hasty retreat when asked to give their DNA samples, officials said today.

The family from Kokernag, 64 km from Pulwama where Dujana was gunned down on Tuesday, reached here yesterday with a few others. They approached local police saying he was their son who had gone missing in 1999 and wanted to claim his body.

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Given that Dujana is believed to be from Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir police had said they would ask the Pakistan High Commission to take his body, this came as a surprise, officials said.

Narrating the incident, officials in the know said the visibly agitated group demanded to know where Dujana had been buried. They wanted to claim his body and offer fresh Namaz-e-Jinaza (last prayers). They insisted on burying him afresh in their ancestral graveyard, officials said.

The family claimed Dujana was actually Mohammed Muzafar Magrey, son of Ghulam Mohammed Magrey, from Checki Danibat locality of Kokernag. He had fled in 1999 and never returned. But the family was unable to provide any documentary proof to back their claim, the officials said.

Faced with what could be a tricky situation, the group was asked to sit down and ready for a DNA test. Faced with the ultimatum, the group quietened down and started leaving one by one.

They were not seen after that, officials said, adding that the DNA sample of Dujana, buried in north Kashmir, has been preserved.

Dujana was identified by the family where he was staying with in Pulwama. They had told police that Abu Dujana had claimed his family lived in Karachi.

Dujana, whose actual identity was not known, was killed in an encounter with a joint team of police, army and para- military forces on August 2. PTI SKL MIN

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Following an extensive investigation by the ACCC and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP), NYK has been charged with giving effect to cartel provisions in an arrangement or understanding with other shipping lines relating to the transportation of motor vehicles to Australia between 2009 and 2012.

The cartel operated from at least February 1997 and affected vehicles transported to Australia by NYK and other shipping lines from locations in Asia, the US and Europe on behalf of major car manufacturers including Nissan, Suzuki, Honda, Toyota and Mazda.

The Australian community relies heavily on imported vehicles, so a longstanding cartel in relation to the transportation of those vehicles to Australia was of significant concern, said Rod Sim, chairman of ACCC.

The NYK fine is also the second largest ever imposed under the Competition and Consumer Act, and incorporated a significant discount for NYKs plea and cooperation, Sim said.

The ACCC quoted Justice Wigney as saying that the fine incorporates a global discount of 50% for NYKs early plea of guilty and past and future assistance and cooperation, together with the contrition inherent in the early plea and cooperation: meaning that but for the early plea and past and future cooperation, the fine would have been AUD50m.

In this case, the maximum penalty was calculated on the basis of 10% of NYKs annual turnover in connection with Australia, in the 12 months prior to the commencement of the offence. On that basis, NYKs conduct attracted a maximum penalty of AUD100m.

Sim welcomed the Federal Courts decision and said the judgement sends a strong warning to the industry and the business community at large, and highlighted that parties who engage early and cooperate with the authorities may be shown leniency.

NYK entered a guilty plea on 18 July 2016 and has been cooperative throughout the ACCCs investigation.

On 20 November 2016, the CDPP laid charges against another alleged participant in the cartel, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), another Japanese shipping company.

The ACCC said its investigation in relation to other alleged cartel participants is continuing.
By PTI: Kolkata, Aug 4 (PTI) In order to boost more container cargo to Nepal, Kolkata Port Trust has decided to offer sops from August eight for six months.

"KoPT has decided to offer some sops like all road bound container imports will be granted a 10 days rent free period in docks, road bound containers will also be allowed to stay in docks up to 15 days for direct delivery on payment of ground rate as per Scale of Rate (SoR)," KoPT deputy chairman Kolkata Docks S Balaji Arunkumar said.

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"The 10 days rent free period in docks will begin from Agust 8 for a period of six months subject to review. This was a demand since long from the Nepal trade," he said.

All rail bound container imports will continue to enjoy at 20 days rent free period in docks, he added.

These were decided in a recent meeting with the Nepal Custom House Agents? Association by the riverine dock officials.

The meeting was attended by all major lines serving Nepal Trade (APL, OOCL, YANGMING, Samudera, PIL and others), beside CONCOR.

Similar benefit was also extended from Haldia Docks also, KoPT officials and it is expected to boost container traffic to Nepal from this port.

Last fiscal some 74,000 containers meant for Nepal trade were handled by KoPT. PTI BSM RG

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: It's not too often that you see the celebrities of today flaunt Indian handloom. That's why, when a young actress decides to embrace the most precious gift that this country has given us, it's our duty to throw some light on it.

So, Kriti Sanon has been busy promoting her upcoming movie, Bareilly Ki Barfi, with co-star Rajkummar Rao and Ayushmann Khurrana.

Photo: Yogen Shah

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During one such promotional event, Kriti was spotted wearing what seemed like khadi-silk pants in a fine grey colour and a silk off-shoulder, yellow top by Payal Khandwala, a designer who's also a favourite with the likes of Sonam Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

What we love about this attire--except the quality of the cloth--is the bold contrast, which is matched very beautifully with the huge, yellow neckpiece Kriti decided to wear.

Photo: Yogen Shah

To finish off her look perfectly, Kriti wore a pair of basic Kohlapuri chappals, and kept her long locks simple and loose.

Go on then, Kriti, give us more inspired looks--a clear departure from the fashion blunders you'd been making of late, for sure.

--- ENDS ---
The new owner of San Franciscos historic Anchor Brewing is undecided about whether it will follow through on plans to build a production facility and visitors center at Pier 48, a project city officials have long hoped would not only attract beer lovers but also bring blue-collar jobs back to the waterfront.

The short answer is they are currently considering any and all matters and have not made any decisions with respect to ongoing projects, said Sapporo Holdings spokesman Gino Colangelo. Nothing has been decided outside of the initial acquisition.

The Japanese group Sapporo announced this week that it had purchased Anchor Brewing, the craft-beer pioneer established in 1896.

In 2013, Anchor announced that it would expand from its Potrero Hill facility to Pier 48, which is adjacent to Seawall Lot 337, where the San Francisco Giants are in the final stages of planning a mega-development that will bring 1.4 million square feet of office space, 8 acres of parkland and 1,500 rental housing units to a surface parking lot across Mission Creek from AT&T Park. The project is known as Mission Rock.

While the revival of Pier 48 is a relatively small part of the Giants overall plan, it was a sentimental favorite of San Franciscans with an attachment to Anchor Brewing. The original plan called for a production facility that would increase capacity from 180,000 to 680,000 barrels.

Everything from brewing to packaging to shipping, as well as a restaurant, museum and educational space, would be included. At a time when maritime jobs have largely vanished from the San Francisco waterfront, port officials were especially pleased that Anchor planned to ship beer from the pier.

But even before the Sapporo announcement, Anchors commitment to the project had started to falter as projected costs to reinforce the pier for additional uses skyrocketed. In May, port officials revealed that the Pier 48 portion of the development, which had been expected to start in early 2019, would be be pushed back several years into a later phase of the Mission Rock development.

Port Project Manager Phil Williamson said the Anchor project is still part of the overall Giants project that will be before the Planning Commission on Oct. 5.

While its a vision that a lot of people are excited about, we have made the decision to move any industrial development like Anchor Brewing to a future phase of the project, Williamson said.

Pier 48 currently generates income for the port from parking, storage for the Department of Elections and some special events. Williamson said current uses will likely remain there for at least five to 10 years. In September, TechCrunch will host its annual TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2017 conference in the 80,000-square-foot pier shed.

We want to keep the facility in usable condition, generating port revenue, Williamson said.

While Pier 48 received some seismic improvements after a fire in 2002, converting it to a heavy public use with hundreds of daily visitors and workers would trigger a higher standard of reinforcement.

Giants spokeswoman Staci Slaughter said its too early to say how the sale of Anchor Brewing will impact the Pier 48 project.

The Giants and Anchor have enjoyed a very successful partnership for a number of years, and were committed to maintaining our strong relationship with future ventures, including at Mission Rock, 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.

Whether Sapporo decides to move into Pier 48, the Giants are committed to rehabbing the pier and the apron around it, Slaughter said. That pier is going to be a vibrant part of our project.

Meanwhile, residents who want to see an active waterfront are also uncertain about the future. Jasper Rubin, a San Francisco State University professor of urban studies who sits on several waterfront-related committees, said he loved the Anchor Brewing vision for Pier 48, but his initial reaction to the news of its sale was broader.

My biggest concern is not with Pier 48 but with the Potrero brewery itself, and I am hoping that nothing happens to that faculty, he said. Its our biggest (production) facility in the city.

Corinne Woods, a member of the ports Central Waterfront Advisory Group who lives in a houseboat on Mission Creek, said the escalating cost of fixing the citys crumbling piers casts doubt on a the economic viability of several port rehabilitation projects.

Over the last year we have learned a lot more about the condition of the piers, and the kind of money it takes to fix them, she said. Everybody is still trying to figure out what can be done  and what it will cost and whether there is enough of a return on investment to make it pay.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: JDineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen
San Jose Police Department

A passenger on a Southwest Airlines flight to San Jose was busted on suspicion of attempted child molestation after a woman sitting in a row behind him read suspicious large-font texts he was composing on his smartphone and tipped off the flight crew, officials said Thursday.

The witness was sitting behind 56-year-old Michael Kellar of Tacoma, Wash., on the Southwest flight from Seattle to San Jose on Monday when she saw him texting about molesting young children on a large-screen smartphone with an enlarged font, according to the San Jose Police Department.
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Warren Buffett famously said that he does not invest in any company whose business he does not understand.

Which makes Sees Candies the perfect Buffett investment: The South San Francisco company, owned by Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway Inc., makes and sells premium chocolates. Pure and simple. Case closed.

Except that things are getting a lot more complicated. Nearly half of Sees 240 stores are located in malls, a format suffering from dwindling traffic and the financial stress of anchor tenants like department stores.

And chocolate is a highly competitive industry. Buffett is 86 years old, which makes some people wonder how the company will fare without its superstar pitchman once he passes away.

Sees has a good business model today, said Burt Flickinger, managing director of Strategic Resources Group consulting firm in New York. But its increasingly becoming a broken one.

Founded in 1921 by Mary See, son Charles and his wife Florence, the company was acquired by Berkshire 45 years ago. Typically, Berkshire buys underperforming, distressed assets, but Sees was a different play.

See's candy company was the first high-quality business we ever bought, said Berkshire vice chairman Charlie Munger during a visit to San Francisco in 1996.

Sees fits the mold of a typical Berkshire Hathaway company: solid if unspectacular, with a brand that trades heavily on nostalgia, and also benefits from the charisma of Buffett. At the Berkshire annual meeting in Omaha, Buffett frequently strolls through the exhibit hall, cheerfully munching on Sees chocolates and sipping Cherry Coke. Sees also carries a list of his favorite treats on its website.

The company does not release financial results, but CEO Brad Kinstler tells me Sees annual sales typically grow in the mid-single digits. IBISWorld research firm estimates that Sees generated about $485.3 million in revenue last year, representing 5 percent annualized growth rate over the past 5 years.

The synergies between making and selling chocolate, combined with low cocoa prices, affords Sees with robust profit margins, IBISWorld says. The firm estimates that Sees controls about 31.4 percent of the specialty chocolate retail market, far ahead of Godiva (18.4 percent) and Lindt & Sprungli (10 percent).

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Sees is a brand with very loyal customers, Kinstler said. It takes them back to a different time.

But nostalgia can only take retailers so far in this turbulent time for brick-and-mortar chains. Kinstler said the rapid rise of online players like Amazon has not directly impacted Sees, since premium chocolate is something people still like to sample in physical stores.

That may be true, but Amazon is hurting Sees in a less obvious way. About 45 percent of Sees locations are in indoor malls, which have been struggling, in large part due to the growing popularity of e-commerce.

Typically, specialized mall shops like Sees rely on traffic generated by big department store anchors. But chains like Sears, Macys, and J.C. Penney have been closing stores in recent years. Without those locations, fewer people visit the mall, and fewer people walk through the doors of shops like Sees.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Flickinger estimates that the loss of an anchor department store reduces customer counts at adjacent mall shops by 10 to 15 percent.

Kinstler insists that Sees draws its own traffic, independent of the mall anchors. But he does acknowledge that the struggles of malls pose potential problems for his company.

Its a tough time to operate a business inside a mall, Kinstler said. It will take a while before we know what indoor malls look like in the future.

In the meantime, Sees is increasingly exploring other locations, including outdoor malls and stand-alone locations in higher density neighborhoods. The company typically opens six to 10 stores, each about 1,100 square feet, a year.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Carol Spieckerman, president of Speickerman Retail consulting firm, says Sees will need to get more creative. The company should explore more kiosks and pop-up stores, she said.

For Sees to think that people will visit a mall just to patronize its stores amounts to wishful thinking, Spieckerman said. They cant help but be hurt by declining traffic at the mall.

E-commerce only accounts for less than 10 percent of the companys overall sales. Sees is making sensible moves by distributing chocolate through Amazon (the company says those sales are unauthorized) and allowing customers to customize chocolates and assortments via its website, she said.

Thats about the best they can do, Spieckerman said. Sees is a one dimensional play, but they work it well.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Sees does have a powerful spokesman in Buffett. But what happens to the candy maker after Buffett leaves the scene, as Flickinger said?

The company does not spend a lot on advertising and marketing, relying instead on the star power of the famed investor, he said.

So as Sees plots its way forward, the company will need to find new ways to reach customers beyond its two best marketing vehicles: its physical stores and Buffett himself.

Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee

Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify references to sales of Sees candies on Amazon and in kiosks.
Resignation, rather than outrage, was the dominant tone of the reaction to Thursday mornings news that San Franciscos Anchor Brewing has been sold to Japans Sapporo Holdings Ltd.

Wow, one of the first OG (original) craft brewers selling out, Robby Lucido responded to The Chronicles tweet linking to the story. Can't hate on capitalism but it's a smart move these days.

Many in the beer industry look to Anchor Brewing as an icon and leader; Fritz Maytag, who purchased the company in 1965, transformed it into the first modern craft brewery in the United States. Several commented that a sale seemed a distinct possibility after Maytag sold it to the Griffin Group, a San Francisco investment firm, in 2010.

Regan Long, head brewer of Local Brewing Company in San Franciscos South of Market neighborhood, said she was surprised but not shocked by the announcement. Im in this industry every day, and things are changing so rapidly and its so competitive. Anchor probably wants to bring their brand to the next level.

For others, the sale seems like a sign of a changing of the guard, or at least a shift in trendiness.

If you go to the hip beer bars around the Bay Area, you never see Anchor anywhere, said Collin McDonnell, co-founder of the Santa Rosa-based HenHouse Brewing. Likely, the same people who would be annoyed with Anchor selling to Sapporo are the people who would go to those bars where theyre not giving money to Anchor.

Will Anchor still be considered a local beer if the profits flow to Japan? Trac Le, alcohol buyer for Bi-Rite Market, which showcases local food and beverage producers, said he will continue stocking the shelves with Anchors flagship brew unless the quality of the Anchor Steam goes down.

We understand that local people are still working on Anchor, he added. We want to support the people who work there.

Yet the San Francisco Brewers Guild, which represents 33 craft breweries in the Bay Area and coordinates the popular annual San Francisco Beer Week, announced several hours after the news broke that Anchor Brewing would have to leave the guild once the sale was finalized.

According to the organizations bylaws, member breweries must produce less than 6 million barrels of beer a year, and the ownership by non-craft-beer companies must be limited to 25 percent. Sapporo is slated to own all of Anchor Brewing.

It will be beyond sad not to count Anchor Brewing Co. as a member, given their rich heritage both in the craft beer industry and San Francisco, the guilds director, Joanne Marino, stated in the release.

It remains to be seen if beer drinkers are paying as much attention as the industry. I think its going to be interesting to see the response from customers and how people react, Long said. Its a pretty notable moment.

At least one commenter on Reddits /r/beer discussion board is giving the brewery the benefit of the doubt. I'd rather know that I'll always have Anchor Steam than worry that they could disappear at any moment, the writer stated. I want to have an Anchor when I go to Swan Oyster Depot.

Jonathan Kauffman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jkauffman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jonkauffman
Ravi Coltrane and a team of jazz greats worked their way through a dizzyingly ecstatic live set Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Stanford Universitys Dinkelspiel Auditorium. The 2017 Stanford Jazz Festival closed this week, and Coltrane gave it a magnificent send-off. His set was hypnotic, mournful, emotional and tense, and nourished the spirit in ways that the brain can only begin to process.

The son of legendary saxophonist John Coltrane and jazz pianist Alice Coltrane, Ravi lived up to the name, at the same time establishing his own ravishing and original voice. For Wednesday night only, he assembled a team who could match his smoky-manic sax every note of the way. George Colligans sharp piano chords and Eric Revis bass built the foundation. Ralph Alessi on the trumpet arched his back in a perfect C to squeeze out the most dynamic sounds. But it was Dafnis Prieto who beat the crowd into the wildest frenzy. The 43-year-old Cuban American drummer (a graduate of the 1997 Stanford Jazz Workshop) electrified with his alarmingly fast fills and cymbal-happy splashes.

Amazingly, Ravi Coltrane had never played with any of these guys before. And rarely did they reach for their sweat rags.

The quintet played five numbers  three manic and bop, two becalmed and spiritual  plus an encore (after a long standing ovation), where they spent whatever energy they improbably had left. At their best, the ensemble squeaked, hammered and bashed in tactile sync  as though trying to conjure up a storm in the cool room.

In the first number (a slowly building hurricane of speed), Coltrane started off slow and smoky, then brought in each instrument at a breakneck pace. Coltrane bent his knee to wrestle the sounds out of his sax; Prieto went into tentacle-like pyrotechnics; Alessi crisply trilled and ran all over his horn. These three formed the core of the storm, with Revis and Colligan swirling around them. The crowd cheered and yelled to Coltrane as if he played just for them in a private jazz nook. But Coltranes quintet also paradoxically filled up the wide auditorium; one became aware of what its like to breathe in brass instead of oxygen.

It was not all just breakneck bop. In the two slow numbers, regardless of religious affiliation, a listeners hands began to unconsciously fold into prayer. In the next-to-last number, Ravi Coltrane seemed to be working through father Johns Love Supreme spirituality, but with a calmness and clarity of mind all his own. Coltranes sax spoke with pungent loss, with the sound of a lifetime of mourning. This number marked the return of the first numbers stormy cloud of sound, that hurricane eye of a perfect ensemble. But instead of energy and mania, the storm blew with an unsettling solemnity. Prieto whisked the cymbals with brushes  a pitter-patter, like beach footsteps, squarely at odds with his fiery, slam-bang, bash-it-out style.

It was a tear-inducing work of hymnal majesty, befitting of John Coltranes mid-60s prayer-centered jazz and Alices devotional pieces of the 80s and 90s (released just this May by David Byrnes label Luaka Bop).

Throughout the night, audience brains worked overtime, as they tried to decide which musician deserved their attention. The players were equally inventive. Having to settle on one person felt like the jazz equivalent of asking Robert Altman to make his chatter-stuffed, all-over soundscapes more audible (and tamer) by focusing on only one conversation at a time. Alas, the brain can only soak in so much. Even so, by the end, one was as overwhelmed as at the end of an Altman film epic like Nashville or Short Cuts.

There was something special and mysterious about Coltranes set. He has been honing his rich sax tone with a quartet (not Wednesday nights) for the past five years, but they have yet to release an album. When you experience events like Coltranes set, you wonder how one can ever replicate the live buzz of that room on record. Its done time and again, of course, but Wednesday nights Coltrane set really drove home how sensational live jazz is when its performed winningly. At its best, live jazz is one of the most wondrous highs in the world; Coltrane and company proved it many times over.

Carlos Valladares is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cvalladares@sfchronicle.com
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Changes are en route to Jonathan Waxmans footprint at Ghirardelli Square.

The chefs flagship restaurant Waxmans, which opened in March 2016, has closed for a remodel. While its temporarily shuttered, Waxman will roll out a fast-casual, counter-service operation in the adjacent cafe space: J Bird, with a menu built around the chefs famed roast chicken with salsa verde.

Waxman said hes been thinking about the chicken concept his entire culinary career; he just needed a place to put it. When factoring in Ghirardelli Squares penchant for entertaining families and large groups of tourists, the destination looked to be the perfect setting, Waxman said.

For those familiar with the 2017 San Francisco food scene, J Bird might invoke a bit of deja vu. RT Rotisserie opened in Hayes Valley earlier this year with a similar appeal  meals of chicken and simple sides  as did the Missions Cajun-inspired Bayou and Tacolicious MF Chicken. For his part, Waxman has been roasting chickens since the 1980s, including at his seminal Jams in New York City. If anything, the chef is diving back into a trend he helped cultivate.

J Bird will officially open Aug. 8, but dont be surprised to see some test runs this week.

A whole chicken at J Bird will go for $19.50 while a half-chicken is $10.50. Fried chicken thighs served by the piece are $3. Theres also a J Bird picnic basket, which comes with a whole roast or fried chicken with two hot and two cold sides for $35.

All sides are $5 and range from mac-and-cheese to kale with shallots, among other things. As for the deserts, pies are $5 and the chocolate chip cookies are $2.50.

Jon de la Cruz who recently worked on the award-winning interior of Leos Oyster Bar is designing J Bird.

J Bird opens later this week; Waxmans is closed for renovations

Justin Phillips is a staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips
A teenage Muslim girl from Ahmedabad is determined to unfurl the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. She also wants to tie Rakhis to soldiers on this Raksha Bandhan.

By India Today Web Desk: A 14-year-old Muslim girl hailing from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has vowed to unfurl the national flag of India at Srinagar's Lal Chowk on this Raksha Bandhan.

Last year also, Tanzeem Merani vowed to unfurl the national flag at Srinagar's Lal Chowk on Independence Day, but could not.

This year, Tanzeem intends to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with the nation's soldiers and wants to tie them Rakhis on the occasion.

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"Last time, I was stopped at the airport itself, and I unfurled the flag there. But I will make sure I do it this time at Lal Chowk. This time, I chose Rakha Bandha because it is a celebration of brothers and sisters. I would like to tie Rakhis to my army brothers," Tanzeem said.

HINDU-MUSLIM UNITY

Upon learning Tanzeem's wish, her family has fully supported her. Her father is of the view that it isn't the best time to go to Srinagar where Tanzeem intends to unfurl the flag, but asked as to how long one should wait to do this.

He said that somebody had to initiate it and take a step in this direction, which his daughter did.

"First of all, I would I like to ask who has created this gap between Hindu and Muslims? Do they have different coloured blood? It is a celebration and we have right to go anywhere we want to... I will always stand with my daughter. It is just a festival and why are we dividing it to Hindu and Muslim?" Tanzeem's father said.

Backing his daughter's resolve, the father said that they want to spread the message of Hindu-Muslim unity and encourage the girls.

FYI || Raksha Bandhan Special: Indians choose Swadeshi rakhis over Chinese ||

FYI || Menace of Chinese manja: Close shave for Delhi man after deadly thread slits throat ||

--- ENDS ---
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BART claims it wants to be transparent about public safety.

But have you tried to look at BARTs crime reports? First, you have to find them  and thats no easy task online.

Or at least, it wasnt easy until now, thanks to BART rider Ben Friedland.

While riding BART, Friedland built a simple website to track crimes that happen on BART. And, appropriately, the address is bartcrimes.com.

The reports are pulled directly from public information provided by BART  the same public information thats challenging for the public to access. Because Friedland feels BART intentionally makes it inconvenient to access crime logs, he wrote software that removes all barriers to the information.

I dont think people need to be shielded from information in order to shape their opinion, Friedland told me. Its better to have the information than to hide it.

BART officials say crime rates remain low. But according to data requested by The Chronicle after a mob robbery in April, figures showed a 45 percent increase in robberies aboard BART trains in its stations during the first quarter of the year.

Ive spoken to BART riders in recent weeks who say theyve feared for their safety. They have a right to know whats happening on trains and around BART stations.

Knowledge is power.

Thats why the June decision by BART Police Chief Carlos Rojas to eliminate a daily police log that detailed criminal incidents was baffling. The replacement was a website that offered users information on the type of crime, date, time and location. It was time-consuming to use and not the best way to get the info to the public.

After weeks of criticism, the daily crime log was reinstated in July. Of course the problem with the crime log is that many people dont know how to find it. Thats because you have to subscribe to it  and BART doesnt make it easy to sign up for the subscription.

Friedlands software scrapes BARTs crime log, which is emailed to subscribers, and publishes the information on the website. That means anytime BART adds to its crime log, which sometimes happens more than once a day, the report is automatically uploaded to bartcrimes.com. And you dont have to be a subscriber to get access to the information.

Michael Macor/The Chronicle

To see how hard it was to get on the email list, I scoured BARTs website for a registration link. When I didnt find one, I sent a text to BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost for help. In less than two minutes, she sent me a link. And two minutes later, an email from BART confirmed my subscription.

And less than an hour later, I received my first update: A 56-year-old male acting suspiciously at the San Leandro BART Station had an outstanding felony warrant issued by the Napa County Sheriff's Office. The man was arrested by BART police and taken to the Santa Rita Jail.

Of course not everyone can simply text a BART spokesperson for help. Friedland, 38, told me he got his link on Reddit, a hub for online communities.

Friedland, a software developer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website, lives in Fremont with his wife and four dogs. It took him four BART rides  two round-trip commutes from the Fremont BART Station to Civic Center Station  to code the website.

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.

Bartcrimes.com launched July 18, and its become an arresting, daily read for me.

I wasnt surprised to see that BART parking lots remain playgrounds for smash-and-grab thieves. But I was surprised to see how many fare cheats BART catches each week. People who hop turnstiles cost the system up to $25 million per year. And when caught, it turns out that many have outstanding warrants.

Yes, certain crimes like robberies have increased, but Friedlands website reveals that for a system that has 400,000 daily riders, theres only a handful of daily police incidents.

Friedland told me he wants to start a dialogue about BART safety, and he hopes that by posting the crime logs, he will prompt people who ride BART to engage in the comments section.

I just want somewhere where people can share their opinions, he said. I think that the more that we do that, the better luck were going to have. Its kind of a fight we all have to fight together.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Email: otaylor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @otisrtaylorjr
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Public attention has focused on the Trump administrations many proposals that would harm our environment and endanger public health. But it would be a mistake for Californians and the media to focus exclusively on White House efforts to roll back existing environmental protections. Thats because, largely under the radar, the Republican-controlled Congress is pursuing its own antienvironment agenda.

One of the most dangerous and sweeping such congressional proposals is HR23, the deceptively named Gaining Responsibility on Water Act. That bill, which has already passed the House, would reverse the federal governments century-old deference to state water law, exempt water projects in California from long-standing state laws protecting the environment, and invalidate iconic federal environmental laws applying to those projects.

This attack on California water rights is the handiwork of California Republicans led by Rep. David Valadao of Tulare and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield. Make no mistake: They drafted this bill in close collaboration with Central Valley agribusiness interests. If successful, HR23 would provide additional water to California farmers and ranchers at the expense of Californias environment.

HR23, if enacted, would set a horrible precedent. It would eliminate basic protections for Californias environment  and only Californias environment  contained in long-standing federal laws including the Endangered Species Act. The consequences of these so-called reforms would be devastating for Californias water, land and wildlife resources.

The deep flaws and agribusiness handouts littered throughout this 137-page bill are far too numerous to recount. But to understand the worst features of HR23 requires a bit of Western political history.

More than a century ago, Congress passed  and Republican President Theodore Roosevelt signed  the Reclamation Act of 1902. This law made possible construction of an extensive system of federal water projects that transformed the American West. A key feature of the act  one replicated in numerous later federal laws  requires federal water projects such as Californias Central Valley Project to operate in full compliance with state water law.

But HR23 would reverse that long-standing principle of deference to state water law  at least when it comes to California and its water rights system. The bill would bar California regulators, including the State Water Resources Control Board and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, from imposing any environmental conditions on the Central Valley Project or the State Water Project that could impinge upon privately held water rights. HR23 would expressly make Californias public trust doctrine  a cornerstone principle of state environmental law that protects our natural resources for use by us all and that the California Supreme Court expressly declared applicable to state water rights in its 1983 Mono Lake decision  inapplicable to private California water rights altogether.

As if these provisions were not bad enough, HR23 also requires federal and state operators of the Central Valley and State Water projects to manage those water projects without regard to the [federal] Endangered Species Act. This represents a sweeping and unprecedented exemption of Californias biggest water projects from powerful environmental protections. HR23 would effectively repeal key provisions of the Central Valley Improvement Act, the landmark 1992 federal legislation designed to partially restore San Joaquin River flows that federal water operations have devastated.

In short, HR23 represents a clear and present danger to Californias environment while providing a huge water windfall to California agribusiness.

HR23 passed the House last month on a largely party-line vote, 230-190. (Notably, most members of Californias congressional delegation voted against this California-specific bill.) Now it moves to the Senate, where its passage is less certain. Californias senators, Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, have both announced their strong opposition to the bill, as has Gov. Jerry Brown.

The Senate represents an important last stand for opponents of HR23 because theres little doubt that if the Senate passes the bill President Trump will sign it into law.

As a candidate, Trump notoriously declared in a 2016 San Joaquin Valley campaign appearance that Californias unprecedented five-year drought was a falsehood. Trump simultaneously pledged that, if elected, he would do all he could to provide additional water to state agricultural interests  notwithstanding the adverse environmental consequences of such a reallocation of finite California water supplies.

Lets hope that the Senate sees HR23 for what it is: a nullification of states rights principles that Republicans profess to hold dear, an unwarranted windfall for state agribusiness, and a looming disaster for Californias unequaled environmental resources.
Transcripts of President Trumps late January phone calls with the leaders of Mexico and Australia show that his bombast, insults and falsehoods cross borders and oceans.

It would be one thing if Trumps petulant comments were to a foreign adversary such as, for example, Russian President Vladimir Putin. But these exchanges were with the president of this nations southern neighbor, Mexico, and the prime minister of one of its most enduring allies, Australia.

Moreover, the testiest moments might be more acceptable if they were cast in greater regard for our national interest and human rights, and lesser in exhibitions of his self-absorption and insecurity.

Among the unsettling comments in the White House transcripts, obtained by the Washington Post, was his callous disregard for a deal that his predecessor, President Barack Obama, struck with Australia for the U.S. to accept refugees.

This is ridiculous. ... This is going to kill me, Trump told Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. I am the worlds greatest person that does not want to let people into the country.

Trump later said, I guarantee you they are bad. That is why they are in prison right now.

Turnbull countered that the detainees were economic refugees who had not been accused of a crime. He also reminded Trump that a deal is a deal, even if it is not one that he would have made.

Trump was no less boorish in his call with Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto. The U.S. president did not miss a chance to remind Pena Nieto of the size of Trump rallies (no one got the people in their rallies as big as I did). He also claimed that he won New Hampshire because the state had become a drug-infested den (in truth, Hillary Clinton narrowly carried the state in the general election).

On his proposal to build a border wall, Trump said, I have to have Mexico pay for the wall  I have to. ... I have been talking about it for a two-year period. Trump offered the Mexican president a talking point, suggesting that both say a face-saving we will work it out. Pena Nieto repeatedly made plain that Mexico would not.

Trump supporters who lustily chanted build the wall at those big rallies might be disillusioned at his flimsy commitment. All Americans have cause to be concerned that the cool-headed leader at the end of each line was not their president.
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Galloping four abreast toward me on their creamy white steeds, they could be the Cartwrights of Bonanza, riding across the Ponderosa. Except that its not the West, its the South.

Of France.

Im visiting the Arnauds, a French family of manadieres (ranchers) who raise black bulls and ride les cheveux blanc Camarguais, the legendary semi-wild breed of horses native to the Camargue. This vast, marshy UNESCO protected national regional reserve  the largest river delta in Europe  drains into the Mediterranean Sea west of Marseille and south of Arles.

Here in the heart of Frances cowboy country where the violent winds of the mistral often blow, the bulls and the manadieres roam. Among other animals.

Sipping Sable de Camargue, a sparkling local wine, on the shady porch of the rambling ranch house, patriarch Gilbert Arnaud points toward a candy-colored mirage shimmering in the distance.

Les flamants roses, he says: hundreds of wobbly-kneed pink flamingos. Over 20,000 breeding pairs nest each year in the Camargues 400 square miles of wetlands.

The family ranch and the wetlands are a wild side of France I had not expected during my voyage down the Rhone on a riverboat, between Lyon and the Mediterranean. In a part of the world known more for lavender, wine and refined cuisine (and writers who spend a year here), were finding cowboys, canals, Roman ruins and, apparently, flamingos.

The leisurely pace of riding on the river matches the laid-back culture and landscape  and has been ideal for having time to absorb the regions surprises.

The five-day journey into the heart of Frances wild southeast begins as I board the Camargue, a recently refurbished two deck, 148-passenger vessel operated by CroisiEurope. Frances second longest river  and the countrys only one that empties into the Mediterranean  the 504-mile-long Rhone has been an important inland waterway since Greek and Roman times. It used to regularly flood its banks, wreaking widespread death and destruction.

Mark Sissons/Special to The Chronicle

Today, a series of dams and locks  some as deep at 75 feet  make for smooth sailing as it flows through the western edge of Provence, Frances gastronomic and wine producing heartland. With its sun-baked Mediterranean climate, the Rhone Valley south of Lyon is ideal for grape-growing, and wine tastings are hugely popular at its more than 1,800 private wineries.

Europes thousands of miles of rivers and canals have long been the continents commercial and intellectual lifeblood, carrying a steady flow of commerce, culture and ideas. From my vantage point on the Camargues sundeck as we cruise south toward the Mediterranean, little appears to have changed; we pass medieval castles, ancient cliffside villages, and fields of sunflowers, wheat and lavender.

Then an enormous nuclear power station or windmill farm will appear, reminding me of what century it is.

There are more advantages than just the leisurely pace: no constantly changing hotel rooms, climbing on and off of hot buses, or getting lost navigating highways or byways. Just smooth sailing down one of the continents most vital arteries, where history is always just a dock away. And sometimes sailing by night, which frees up my days and evenings to venture ashore and explore some of the regions pieces des resistance.

Gilbert Arnaud can trace his familys roots in the Camargue back to the 16th century. He once competed in professional rodeos all over Europe as a bull rider, but now he rears wild Camargue black bulls. The best and brightest he selects to compete in the traditional French sport of course camarguaise, a kind of bloodless bullfight considered much more humane than the Spanish-style corrida.

Distinguished by their lyre-shaped horns, champion Camargue bulls can bring their owners enormous prestige and plenty of prize money. According to Arnaud, theyre also exceptionally intelligent.

Dont even bother waving a red cape at a course camarguaise bull, says Arnaud, who has faced down many a mad Camargue bull in the ring. Hes too smart for that. Hes going to go right around it and get you.

I ask Arnaud what happens to the ones that fall short of achieving glory for their owners in the course camarguaise ring.

Some end up on the menus of Camarguais restaurants, he says  as le steak de taureau or daube de taureau mode gardienne, a popular Provencale beef stew named after les gardiens, the French cowboys who wrangle them.

The Camargue horse is an ancient breed indigenous to these wetlands. Most, I learn, roam free in the Camargues marshes and salt flats, and on its endless stretches of deserted beach. During cattle drives, les gardiens press them into herding service. With their small, sturdy frames and calm, docile dispositions, theyre considered ideal mounts for the work.

Camargue horses are more pony than horse, says Arnaud.

Mark Sissons/Special to The Chronicle

And beloved ponies they are, given the prominent placement of a Camargue horse statue overlooking the main roundabout in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a popular Mediterranean seaside beach resort a few miles south of the Arnauds spread.

Once a Roman fishing village, the Camargues capital is also a popular pilgrimage site for Slovak and Hungarian Gypsies who gather here by the thousands each May to venerate Black Sara. According to legend, she was a servant washed ashore here in Biblical times along with saints Mary Magdalene, Marie-Jacobe and Marie-Salome  the three Maries from which the town derives its name.

Strolling along Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mers seaside promenade in the midday heat, I pass pastel ice cream stalls, shuttered cafes, a deserted amusement park and children playing in the sand while their parents sunbathe on the stony beach.

Its hard to believe that this languid holiday town is the Cheyenne of the Mediterranean. Then I pass the towns prominent bullfighting ring  guarded by a life-size black statue of a raging Camargue bull glaring at the cobalt sea.

In Arles, a town of 50,000 just upstream from where the Rhone forks into two branches forming the Camargue, its said that if you start digging in your basement, youre likely to uncover an ancient foundation. An important Roman outpost, Arles contains a remarkably well-preserved 20,000-seat Roman amphitheater that still hosts plays, concerts and bullfights.

Mark Sissons/Special to The Chronicle

This famously sunny town also inspired some of Vincent van Goghs masterpieces, which he painted while briefly residing here in 1888 and 1889. Standing in the exact spots where the Dutch master created some of his most famous works  including the Bedroom in Arles paintings, Starry Night Over the Rhone and The Night Cafe  is a popular bucket-list item among art history lovers.

So should be docking in Avignon, headquarters of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Built to house the popes who fled here from an increasingly corrupt Rome, the immense Palais des Papes is an architectural work of art and the citys main draw.

The largest Gothic building constructed during the Middle Ages, it is a magnificent stone labyrinth of chambers, cloisters, chapels, great halls and cavernous bedrooms where several renegade popes (called antipopes) who refused to recognize Romes authority  outlaws in Europes version of the Wild West  prayed, slept, ate, schemed and died.

Farther on up the Rhone, nature takes center stage on another excursion. We drive through Ardeche Gorges, a densely vegetated stretch of canyons cut by the Ardeche River where the limestone cliffs on each side can reach nearly 1,000 feet. We marvel at the enormous natural archway  the Pont de lArc  hanging 200 feet above the valley floor.

Mark Sissons/Special to The Chronicle

We explore Vercors Regional Natural Park, a massif of densely forested mountains on a plateau east of the Rhone Valley, where the rugged vertical landscape is dotted with caves  once the haven of French Resistance fighters until Nazis brutally crushed the uprising. Between the gentle sound track of nature and the astonishing geologic wonders, however, the scene today is so removed from the bustling streets of Paris, the bistros of Lyon or the docks of Marseilles, it could be mistaken for another country.

Back aboard the Camargue after touring some of Frances most rugged countryside, we depart for the voyage home, and after a final dinner of classic French dishes, I retire alone to the roof deck. The boat passes a tableau of orchards, fields, mountains and terracotta-roofed villages  and the same rippled lights in the water that added to Van Goghs unorthodox, untamed style. Just another starry night over the Rhone.

Mark Sissons is a freelance writer based in Vancouver. Email: travel@sfchronicle.com

If you go

CroisiEurope: The five-day Magic of the Provencal Rhone and the Camargue river cruise departs from Lyon, with stops in Arles, Avignon and Viviers. Sailings continue until early November. From $1,448 per person, all-inclusive, not including airfare. www.croisieuroperivercruises.com
A video of Nandamuri Balakrishna mistreating his assistant has gone viral on the internet.

By India Today Web Desk: After wrapping his forthcoming film Paisa Vasool with Puri Jagannadh, superstar Nandamuri Balakrishna has started shooting for his next with director KS Ravikumar. However, the yet-untitled film is making news for the wrong reasons. On Thursday, a video of Nandamuri Balakrishna mistreating his assistant has drawn severe criticism.

In the video, Balakrishna can be seen hitting his assistant while asking him to tie his shoe laces. KS Ravikumar was also present when the incident took place. Ever since the video surfaced online, Balakrishna has been getting a lot of flak on social media. Earlier this year, Balakrishna made headlines after he snapped at a fan who wanted to take a selfie with him.

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Produced by C Kalyan, the film also stars Nayanthara, Prakash Raj and Jagapathi Babu in important roles.

Meanwhile, Balakrishna's action entertainer Paisa Vasool is all set to hit the screens in September this year.

ALSO READ: Ajith Kumar completes 25 years in films and fans unveil Thala statue

ALSO READ: After Rajini's statement, FEFSI workers call off strike

ALSO WATCH: Rajini requests FEFSI to call off strike over wage issue

--- ENDS ---
Eric Risberg/Associated Press

Kendall Graveman came off the As disabled list after missing nearly three months Thursday, and the As sent down Wednesday nights winning starter to make room for him.

Daniel Gossett, who worked seven innings and allowed just three hits and a run in Oaklands 6-1 win over the Giants, might be back soon: The team has a day off Monday, providing some leeway to skip a starter. However, Gossetts demotion also raises the possibility that Chris Smith, who pitched well as a fill-in, might return to the rotation should the As decide to give their regular starters the extra days off, as they often do, particularly with Graveman just coming off the DL.
Jane Tyska/Associated Press

A man was wounded in a shooting Thursday outside the eastern end of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco police said.

The shooting happened at 2:30 p.m., about half an hour before three people were wounded in a shooting in Dolores Park, but police said the two incidents did not appear to be related.
Residents of San Franciscos Mission and Dogpatch neighborhoods have a name for the tangle of freeway arteries that interlock over Cesar Chavez Street, Potrero Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard. They call it the Hairball.

That not-exactly-affectionate moniker encapsulates the frustrations of the bicyclists and pedestrians who travel daily across the numerous ramps and walkways connecting the three streets with U.S. Highway 101. It also sums up the gripes of city officials who have come to think of the interchange as one monstrous relic of the last century, a relic that along with several others in the city could be improved.

Its a mess, said Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who points out that Highway 101 and Interstate 280 form a spaghetti-like labyrinth around the Portola neighborhood she represents, cutting it off from the rest of the city.

Thats why so few people know about the Portola  its literally an island surrounded by freeway, she said.

Ronen is pushing an idea that some of her colleagues dismiss as illusory, but that she says will make the whole area safer and more attractive: put a chunk of the freeway underground.

Thats my first choice, Ronen said as she led a tour of the Hairballs slithering ramps on a balmy morning last month. She was accompanied by Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru, homeless czar Jeff Kositsky, County Transportation Authority chief Tilly Chang, and Supervisor Malia Cohen, whose Bayview district touches the east side of 101.

Also joining Ronens tour that day were members of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, who are angry about a homeless camp thats spread along the Hairballs undulating edges, spilling into bike lanes. Some bicyclists have posted videos of themselves weaving around tents and shopping carts  those videos stoked the political debate and put pressure on city officials to act.

Elevated freeways are a design thats no longer chic, said coalition spokesman Chris Cassidy, noting that he would gladly support a long-term plan to bury the freeway. In the short term, he and other coalition members want San Franciscos Department of Homelessness and Supportive Services to clear out the Hairball.

To Ronen, the freeway encampment is a natural result of poor urban design. Shes pressuring Kositsky to open a Navigation Center in the area as a temporary solution, while contemplating long-term plans to reconfigure the whole structure.

That could take decades and cost billions of dollars, Chang said. And it would require multiple city and county agencies to collaborate with Caltrans, which owns the freeway. To date, Caltrans hasnt been officially notified of Ronens big plans.

This would be very expensive, but it would also be a complete transformation, said Chang, who said she generally supports plans to overhaul freeways.

But there are still a lot of unknowns, like how a dip underground would impact the rest of the system  Highway 101 threads along Bayshore Boulevard, eventually becoming the Central Freeway, which ends at Market and Octavia streets. And its not clear where San Francisco would get the money for such a massive, disruptive project.

Ronen also might have a hard time getting approval from her board colleagues, including those whose districts are chopped up by the freeways.

Well, lets talk  I havent seen a proposal, Cohen said warily.

During budget negotiations in July, Ronen persuaded her colleagues to set aside $220,000 to start what could be a 25-year freeway redesign process. Half of it would pay for the San Francisco Planning Department to create a new blueprint for the area. The other half would pay for a transportation expert to come up with alternatives for the Hairball and another snarly interchange nearby known as the Alemany Maze.

The maze  a giant, tentacled structure where U.S. 101 and I-280 converge  would be much harder to tackle. Ronen dreams of placing a new layer of land over the maze, quilting it with housing or greenery.

And the bury-the-freeway bug is catching: Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who represents the Excelsior, has also cottoned to the idea of building on top of I-280. Earlier this year he asked the Transportation Authority to analyze the costs and challenges of covering a multi-mile swath that stretches from the Alemany Farmers Market to the Daly City border.

When that freeway was built, it cut streets in half, Safai said, noting that the additional tier of land would provide vital acreage for a city that desperately needs housing.

San Francisco completed two major freeway redesigns after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, knocking down the badly damaged double-deck Embarcadero Freeway and later demolishing the overhead U.S. 101 ramp along Octavia Boulevard.

Those two projects helped inject life into neighborhoods that had previously been desolate, said Jason Henderson, a professor of geography and environment at San Francisco State University who specializes in urban transportation.

That Embarcadero (waterfront) used to be a place where no one wanted to go, and now its beautiful, Henderson said.

Similarly, he said, the freeway demolition on Octavia helped reconnect the Lower Haight and Hayes Valley neighborhoods with the Civic Center, and transformed Hayes Valley into a chichi pocket of boutique shops, taprooms and expensive homes.

In both cases, Henderson said, the city opened up new land that it could sell to underwrite the new infrastructure.

The concept of razing or concealing invasive freeways has caught on in many parts of the country, and transportation wonks in San Francisco have their eyes set on several aging stretches of asphalt. The one thats most ripe for a redo, according to Henderson, is a crisscross where I-80 and U.S. 101 split in multiple directions over Division Street. Public Works officials periodically sweep out homeless people who camp beneath those overpasses.

The city could revitalize that area by cutting out part of 101 and extending Octavia Boulevard to Bryant Street, which would also create space to run a Muni line into Mission Bay  a neighborhood that still lacks transit connections, even though its seen plenty of new development.

Ronen, who lives in the Portola and whose husband regularly bikes across the Hairball on his way to work in the public defenders office, has refused to let cost projections get in the way of her vision.

I dont want us to be limited by finances, she said. I want to think big.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @rachelswan
There are plenty of factors to consider when looking for a place to live, especially in the pricey Bay Area real estate market. Among the many things to consider are school districts, the commute distance to work or cost of living.

Among the things people look at, crime and safety rank high. Analyst group Niche looked at a number of suburbs in California to help determine which areas are the safest.
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Every Friday morning, SFGATE finds the biggest headlines in local (and sometimes national) beer. Check back here weekly for news, events, and information about special releases from your favorite local breweries.

Note: Hello, beer lovers! We are renaming and moving this column to Fridays so we may better deliver can and bottle release updates as well as details about weekend brewery and beer bar events.

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Let's start with the big news: Anchor Brewing has been sold to Sapporo Holdings Limited for a reported $85 million. Reactions to the acquisition are mixed and varied, with some predictably bemoaning the change in the status of the brewery's independence, and others glad to hear that the brewery is being sold by the investors who purchased it from Fritz Maytag back to experienced brewers. In any case, there are already some rippling effects. One, for instance, comes from the San Francisco Brewers Guild, who told SFGATE that the storied brewing institution will no longer be a member of the Guild as of August 31, when the deal takes effect.

Toronado is gearing up for its 30th birthday celebration and Eater's got the massive and incredible list. Take a look to see the tributary creations to be contributed by Temescal, Faction, Boneyard, Sante Adairius, Alpha Acid and more.

Almanac is opening up an online store this weekend, beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, August 4 and running until 9 p.m. Sunday, August 6. Beers purchased through the site will be shipped directly to your door (in California) by August 11.

Barrel Head, a brewpub in the NoPa, is expanding with a new location at 823 Clement in the Richmond. No further details on the opening have been released yet.

Stone Brewing is working on its new space in Napa. Here's a video of its progress so far.

Richmond's new Armistice Brewing Company opens Friday, August 4. Here's their debut tap list.

El Granada's Hop Dogma is turning four years old, and they'll be celebrating the milestone with a party and concertpalooza on Saturday, August 5.

Ghost Town Brewing is preparing to open a West Oakland taproom this September. Get the details here.

Ferment.Drink.Repeat took home a 1st place ribbon in the Belgian Ale category from the California State Fair. The winning beer: a witbier called Wit Love.

Bottle and can releases:

Out now: HenHouse has released cans of its double IPA called Trade Deadline and its house IPA.

Out now: Alvarado Street has released the (probably already sold out) Spaced Out, a double IPA collaboration with Auburn's Moonraker, as well as a pale ale called Alta California and a pilsner called Peninsula.

Out this weekend: Fieldwork releases a double IPA called Destination Unknown, a dry-hopped lager called Casa de Citra, and a "Tart Breakfast Ale" called Jelly Packet. On Saturday, the brewery releases cans of its Toronado tribute, an IPA called Paulie Vs. Steve.

August 8-ish: Iron Springs is releasing cans of its Kent Lake Kolsch and its JC Flyer IPA.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.


A startup is trying to turbocharge a type of battery that has been a mainstay for simple devices like flashlights and toys, but until now has been ignored as an energy source for computers and electric cars.

Executives at Ionic Materials in Woburn, Mass., have announced a design breakthrough that could make solid-state alkaline batteries a viable alternative to lithium-ion and other high-energy storage technologies.

Alkaline batteries can be made far more cheaply and safely than todays lithium-ion batteries, but they are not rechargeable. That issue, along with the superior power of lithium-ion batteries, has meant that alkaline batteries are not used in personal computers, smartphones or electric vehicles.

Ionic could change that equation with an alkaline battery the company said could be recharged hundreds of times. One additional benefit of the companys breakthrough: An alkaline battery would not be as prone to the combustion issues that have plagued lithium-ion batteries in a range of products, most notably some Samsung smartphones.

Cheaper and more powerful batteries are also considered by many to be the driver needed to make the cost of renewable energy technologies like wind and solar competitive with the coal, gas and nuclear power that support the national energy grid.

Ionic said it had developed prototypes of a rechargeable alkaline battery that can be made using continuous manufacturing processes similar to the making of plastic wrap. So far, the company, backed by William Joy, a pioneering Silicon Valley computer designer, has demonstrated up to 400 recharge cycles for its prototypes. Ionic executives say they believe they will be able to triple that.

The alkaline batteries that Ionic has developed would initially be heavier than todays lithium-ion batteries, said Mike Zimmerman, a materials scientist who is the founder and chief executive of Ionic. But the new batteries would more than compensate for that handicap with their cost advantage and, in time, their ability to store more energy.

There are other advantages. Lithium-ion batteries rely on cobalt, and using that element comes with a human cost. Cobalt mines in Africa, for example, have been accused of using child labor while leaving behind a toxic mess.

Alkaline batteries, on the other hand, use relatively abundant zinc and manganese. Ionic can help us get lithium-ion past cobalt and completely eliminate it with alkaline, said Joy, a member of Ionics board.

He also said that the company had made progress toward an alkaline battery design that would replace zinc with more affordable aluminum. In the past, aluminum has not been usable because of issues like corrosion. Alkaline batteries based on aluminum would potentially weigh less than lithium-ion batteries and would be even cheaper to produce than todays alkaline designs.

Ionic made its announcement in Colorado at a conference for the 35th anniversary of the Rocky Mountain Institute, a sustainable-energy research group founded by physicist and environmentalist Amory Lovins and Hunter Lovins, his former wife.

They started with a very sensible set of criteria, Amory Lovins said of Ionic. They use an unusual electrolyte to come up with a battery that uses common cheap materials and is benign.

But he added a note of caution: Batteries are very difficult, and I want to see what they have and what can be measured and proven and whether it will get to market.

Technological progress in battery technology has been glacial compared with the exponential advances in processing speed and data storage capacity that have been staples of Silicon Valleys growth. In the last 150 years, only a handful of rechargeable battery chemistries have reached mass adoption.

Palo Altos Tesla, in partnership with Panasonic, is building a factory in Nevada with the intent of greatly expanding capacity to make lithium-ion batteries and lower production costs. Tesla officials said they wanted to create enough capacity to produce batteries for 1.5 million cars a year.

There is growing interest in pursuing such so-called solid-state battery technologies for both consumer and transportation applications. Last fall, the U.S. Department of Energys agency for supporting research in next-generation energy technology announced 16 research awards aimed at accelerating development of solid battery technologies, including a $3 million contract to Ionic Materials. The company said it had signed several licensing deals to produce commercial versions of its design, but it would not identify its partners.

The U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium, an auto industry group, wants to greatly reduce the cost of lithium-ion production. Analysts, however, say they believe the new facilities and technology from companies like auto and battery manufacturers will help bring costs down, but still fall short of industry goals.

In contrast, Ionic executives said they had found a way to achieve energy production costs that would be less than a fifth of the auto consortiums target.

Bloomberg New Energy Finance, an energy research group, has forecast that mass-market adoption of electric vehicles will not occur until operating costs fall to match those of internal combustion engines. That is expected to happen in 2025, according to the group.

In December, Ionic Materials also described a solid material it said would improve the safety of existing lithium-ion batteries. The company has demonstrated the batteries resistance to catching fire or exploding by driving nails through them and even shooting them with bullets.

John Markoff is a New York Times writer.
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GUADALAJARA, Mexico  With his frequent refrains about Mexicans and the need for a wall to contain them, it is no surprise that President Trump has made few friends in Mexico.

Yet here in the capital of Jalisco state, sometimes referred to as Mexicos Silicon Valley, people are practically celebrating him.

Hes helping us a lot! Gov. Aristoteles Sandoval exclaimed. Hes put us on the worlds agenda.

As part of Trumps 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.

Trumps 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 administrations rumblings. Silicon Valleys 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.

Its an exciting time, said Brad Duguid, the minister of economic development in Ontario, where Toronto is one of Canadas biggest tech hubs. And while its 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 visa program that makes it easier for companies to recruit highly skilled foreign workers. Under the program, which was in development before Trumps 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 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 is seizing its moment, said Navdeep Singh Bains, the countrys federal minister of innovation, science and economic development. Were 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 Trumps xenophobia and lack of global vision.

The efforts have included visits by Jalisco officials to the Bay Area and to Europe. The Chronicle published an opinion piece by Sandoval pitching the advantages of doing business in his state.

The officials herald Mexicos 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.

Chinas tech leaders have also been seizing the opportunity created by Trumps immigration policies.

Wang Huiyao, founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization, a research group in Beijing, said Trumps America First doctrine was a boon for Chinas 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.

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 tech.

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 countrys largest financial institution, shuffled jobs overseas using that technique.

Trumps 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 Trumps 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.

People here are extremely nervous, said Andreas Kraemer, managing partner of MITA Ventures, a San Francisco venture capital firm. This whole area is driven by immigration.

Leon David Perez, president of Propulsar, a Mexico City company that develops tech startups and has an office in San Francisco, argued that Trumps policies could jeopardize Silicon Valleys culture of creativity.

When you want to spur innovation, the best way to generate it is to employ the greatest diversity of people, he said. Thats whats being threatened with Trumps policies.

The uncertainty in Silicon Valley  combined with the invitations from around the world  have already begun to lead some tech companies and entrepreneurs to rethink the valleys gravitational pull.

Business interest in Jalisco has soared since Trumps election, leaders in the states tech sector contend. Trumps immigration policies, said Jaime Reyes Robles, Jaliscos secretary of innovation, science and technology, have been our best marketing.

In 2003, Manuel Gutierrez Novelo, a Mexican engineer, moved to Silicon Valley to develop TDVision Systems, a company specializing in 3-D technology. He went on to develop a multipronged operation based in California, with offices in Europe and Asia.

But in recent weeks, he uprooted his businesses and moved them back to Guadalajara, his hometown. Trumps efforts to restrict immigration were a big reason, he said, calling them anathema to his companys philosophy and a potential barrier to hiring foreign workers.

If I saw Donald Trump, Id tell him he has lost my business, he said.

Kirk Semple and Ian Austen are New York Times writers.
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Good morning from the Bay Area! Here are the stories were watching today:

Uber Freight  also known as Uber for trucking  will be expanding to several new regions across the U.S., including California. This app matches trucking companies with loads that need transportation, a process that used to involve several hours of calling brokers and negotiating rates.

With this expansion, the company says it now covers more than a quarter of U.S. drivers and freight, The Chronicles Carolyn Said reports.

Making news

Following the Trump administrations plan to scrap the International Entrepreneur Rule, the National Venture Capital Association  and dozens of other investors, startups and tech industry groups  sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider. Axios reports.

Google and Twitter reached an agreement with the Indonesian government to better flag controversial online content  such as child pornography and extremism. This deal comes after the government threatened to shut down the apps in the country, according to the WSJ.

Market movers

The economy is growing  and at a faster rate than economists predicted. The U.S. beat Wall Streets expectations and added 209,000 jobs in July, according to new figures released by the Labor Department Friday.

President Trump was quick to react on Twitter: I have only just begun, he wrote. Movement back to USA!

Read more about these numbers on the New York Times.

According to Business Insider, Google has been desperately trying to buy Snap, and offered $30 billion for the service last year.

By the Bay

Hoodline  Bye bye, Best Buy: The Best Buy on Geary Boulevard will shut down in September, possibly making way for a new retail structure in its parking lot.

San Francsico Chronicle  Driving along: Baidu, a Chinese Internet search giant, plans to test its self-driving cars at Concords GoMentum Station, a former military facility.

TechCrunch  Want Grub? San Franciscos Yelp is selling its food delivery service Eat24 to GrubHub.

Trisha Thadani

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: TThadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani
For Khairul Haque, a 30-year-old farm labourer from Dibu Dobak village in Assam's Kamrup district, home used to mean a bamboo structure with a tin roof. In February this year, district officials approached him with a proposal that seemed too good to be true, a concrete house. The assistance on offer - Rs 1.3 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme. Five months on, Haque is today the proud owner of a pucca house, a dream that sounded impossible even six months ago. About 2,500 km west of Haque's home, at Lohegaon village in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, 57-year-old tribal widow Shakuntala Hure has a similar story to tell. The daily wager recently shifted to a pucca house built with Rs 1.2 lakh government assistance.

Haque and Hure are just two beneficiaries whose names got flashed on the dashboards of the rural development ministry after their houses were completed. The houses were geo-tagged, photographed and uploaded on the dashboard for real-time monitoring. And it's not just the rural development ministry. Some of the other m inistries which have been running social welfare schemes maintain such dashboards to make sure that deliverables and benefits reach the intended target.

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Today, there are about four dozen such dashboards of various ministries and their departments which monitor the day-to-day progress of concerned schemes. This means government officers in charge of implementation are more accountable -- diversion of funds, fudged records, dummy beneficiaries etc. have been weeded out to an extent. Progress of schemes in the infrastructure sector too is monitored similarly. The NITI Aayog now monitors schemes in 15 infrastructure sectors of ministries like housing, coal, new and renewable energy, railways, rural roads and highways and power. "We are using a new concept called 'Big Data analysis' for selection of targets monitoring and review of projects and schemes across sectors to ensure outcome-based governance," says Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog.

The Niti Aayog has engaged two top data mining experts for the purpose, including one from IIM Bangalore, Pulok Ghosh, to analyse the huge flow of data and help the government arrive at the right policy decisions in terms of targets and implementation. A member of the prime minister's office (PMO), the prime mover behind the initiative, says, "Big data analysis is still in a nascent stage and was, till now, largely limited to the private sector. The Indian government is one of the first to adopt it. This will also mean transparency and empowering citizens with the help of data."

The new methods of monitoring were developed after months of close consultation in which the PMO played a key role. Kant made as many as 16 presentations before the PMO. Says ex-NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya, "At least now we have a reliable measure of what is happening in every infrastructure ministry. Earlier, we didn't know where we stood."

For instance, the Union power ministry has 13 dashboards for mapping the day-to-day progress of various schemes with near real-time data including geo-tagged pictures of the beneficiaries. Significantly, 12 of these are in the public domain. Piyush Goyal, minister of state for power, coal, new and renewable energy and mines has in a way revolutionised the process of monitoring and review. For example, a dashboard named Merit India tracks whether states are following the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) directive to buy power from the lowest cost source (earlier there was a lot of corruption in this). Another dashboard, Vidyut Pravah, connected to the national power exchange, tracks whether power is available at uniform and affordable rates across India at the same time. It also manages power 'congestion' to keep rates under control. Till 2015, there was not a single day when power was sold at the same rate at any given point of time. In June 2017, the rate uniformity percentage across India was 94 per cent.

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The Garv dashboard tracks power connections through the Aadhaar card. An example: on July 19, in Bajwa village of Bhojpur district, Bihar, Bachan Ram got a new connection under the Deeendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana. The next day his name was posted with a geo-tagged photo. On the same day, the dashboard showed that in Bajwa the number of households with power connection was 233, out of a total of 277.

Goyal even has an inhouse dashboard to monitor the progress of the major schemes of his four ministries. A section in it shows the progress in colour coding. Green means 'work in progress', blue is 'delay in work', orange 'slight delay' and yellow means 'late by 30 days or more', which is like a red flag. Interestingly, all the work has led to India improving its position in the World Bank's 'ease of getting power' ranking to No. 26, from No. 99 three years ago.

The use of satellite and other technology in this dashboard-based governance is also yielding great results. While it has sped up implementation, it has also brought to the fore the shortfalls in the schemes. Like in the PM's rural road scheme where the construction pace reportedly went up to over 130 km per day in 2016-17. Three years ago, 25,000 kms worth of roads were laid in a year. In 2016-17, the figure touched 47,000 kms. But the monitoring system also showed small lacunae - about 18 per cent of the rural roads were falling short by a few hundred feet while connecting the concerned villages.

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Dashboard-based governance is also encouraging healthy competition between states in the implementation of central schemes. The catch is, for it to succeed, you also need workers on the ground. From ensuring data feeds to the dashboard to geo-tagging, to taking clean pictures of beneficiaries and the projects and how and when to post them on the dashboard, a huge "back-end exercise" is involved.

An example of how a public dashboard can be successful is 'Meri Sadak', a public monitoring scheme for rural roads. People can post geo-tagged pictures of potholes and it is mandated that action has to be taken by the authorities within seven days of the post. The rural development ministry received 56,000 complaints with pictures in 2016-17. On the last date of the financial year, March 31, 2017, only 70 complaints were pending.

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The dashboard for monitoring rural housing shows that as against the target of one crore pucca homes for the poor by 2019, the government had built 3.2 million in 2016-17 itself, an impressive figure. The figures for urban housing, though, are not that flattering. Against the target of 12 million homes by 2022, only 1.02 million are under construction right now. It shows the lack of coordination between various state authorities in land-strapped cities like Mumbai where 1,500 acres, in just two chunks of private land in Vashi and Ambernath, is lying untapped.

Brick by brick Shakuntala Hure, at her new PMAY-built home in Lohegaon village, Maharashtra

In the shipping ministry, checking of foreign-bound ships is now physically happening for the first time since a new clause was introduced which requires that inspectors post geo-tagged photos of the inspection with details of every ship they check. Says Raj Gopal Sharma, officer on special duty to shipping minister Nitin Gadkari, "In many cases, ship inspections used to be only on paper before we introduced this mandatory provision of posting geo-tagged pictures."

But it's in MNREGA that dashboard-based governance has perhaps made the biggest difference. The Narendra Modi government turned around the largely non-productive scheme by linking it to asset creation, including watershed management projects. Almost every MNREGA asset is listed on the dashboard now. The constant monitoring, with of course greater budget allocation, has exponentially increased the number of assets created (over 6 million in 2016).

Drones are also being used for the first time to track various projects as part of the new concept of outcome-based governance. In the mining sector, the Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd uses drones for exploration while the power ministry is doing it in breakdown management by tracking physical disruptions in transmission lines. The coal ministry is using it to track illegal mining.

However, it's still only a beginning as far as plugging the loopholes in welfare schemes is concerned. Says Harinesh Pandya, who heads the Agaria Hitrakshak Samiti which works for the welfare of salt workers in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, "The Modi government has made a good beginning, but it's still a tall order. Well-off families masquerading as below poverty line (BPL) ones and availing benefits are still a significant enough number. They are entrenched in the structure with the connivance of corrupt officials. They have to be weeded out."

Pankti Jog, another social worker who works with Pandya in spreading RTI awareness amongst the rural poor, adds, "The government's commitment to transparent delivery of welfare schemes will be proved only when it enacts a law to punish false BPL card holders. It's a strong nexus that can only be broken by enacting a law."

The socio-economic and caste census (SECC) conducted between 2011 and 2015, based on which eligible families have been identified for welfare measures, also has faults. There have been many complaints that genuine beneficiaries have been left out of the BPL list. The government has a provision allowing such people to approach it through the gram sabha, but it is a lengthy and cumbersome process. Country-wide, about 3,58,000 families have till now claimed that they have been left out of PMAY despite being eligible. Says Janakidevi, wife of Ratan Ranjit Singh, of Chaukhutiya tehsil in Almora district, Uttarakhand: "We earn a pittance. My husband is bedridden. I make a living for our six-member family by selling firewood and grass. How can we not be eligible for a pucca house under the poverty criteria?" The story is repeated across the hill district.

Uttarakhand has some 35,000 applicants claiming they are BPL and hence eligible for a pucca house. The state rural development department still has no clue as to what the actual number might be. New applicants keep getting added every day. Union rural development secretary Amarjit Sinha says they are "trying to get these claims validated by the gram sabhas as per the eligibility criteria we have set. Many such cases stand cleared now".

The Modi government has taken the first few steps towards improving service delivery. This tiny technological step should go a long way in solving what is a problem of gigantic proportions.

--- ENDS ---
A Superior Court judge has rejected claims by a former professor at Stanford Universitys Graduate School of Business that its dean harassed and discriminated against him.

The case combined racial and gender issues, a workplace romance, online snooping, accusations of violence and lavish housing benefits, all tied to a top business school. The suit, filed in April 2014, drew national scrutiny. That it was being heard in Silicon Valley, where assertions of sexual harassment have steadily grown more pervasive, added to the attention.

The publicity surrounding the case brought to light significant ill feelings at Stanford against the hard-charging dean, Garth Saloner, who announced in September 2015 that he would step down at the end of the school year. At the time, Saloner was a little more than a year into his second five-year term.

In a decision filed Tuesday in Santa Clara Superior Court, Judge Theodore Zayner granted the requests of Stanford and Saloner for summary judgment, saying that plaintiff James Phills had failed to show that he was subject to discrimination, was wrongfully terminated or was subject to harassment.

At the root of the suit was a bitterly contentious divorce. Phills and his ex-wife, Deborah Gruenfeld, both taught at the business school, although her star was brighter. After the couple broke up, Gruenfeld began seeing Saloner, who had pushed Stanford past the highly regarded East Coast and Chicago business schools in the closely watched U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Phills, who was dismissed by Stanford in 2014, argued in court papers that Saloner punished him to benefit his new girlfriend. Phills, who is black, said he also had been subjected to discriminatory actions with respect to his compensation, work assignments and benefits based on his marital status, race and gender.

Saloner, who has been on sabbatical for the past year, said through a spokeswoman, I am gratified that the truth in this matter has been recognized by the court.

Phills, who now works at Apple, declined to comment on the ruling. But his lawyer, Andrew Pierce, said his client was not giving up.

The case raises novel issues about the definition of marital status discrimination and in particular whether it applies to marital separations of co-workers, he said. It also raises novel issues regarding a universitys responsibility to protect faculty from administrators who have reason to recuse themselves.

Pierce added that we will be exploring all avenues of review at the trial and appellate levels.

Stanford said the judges ruling was proof the case never had any merit. It is unfortunate that the system allows plaintiffs to file and publicize sensational and baseless claims, causing long-term harm that cannot be undone years later, even with a complete victory such as this one, said Lisa Lapin, a spokeswoman for the university.

Whatever the final disposition of Phills case, it did reveal problems at Stanford that the university was forced to acknowledge. In an interview with the New York Times in the fall of 2015, John Etchemendy, then Stanfords provost, acknowledged weaknesses in management and said they were being addressed.

We have very high standards of behavior and for the most part achieve them better than any other institution I know, he said. But we sometimes fall short.

One post-lawsuit development: For the first time, two of the four senior associate deans at Stanfords business school are women. Another: The business school is no longer No. 1. In the latest U.S. News rankings, it has slipped to a three-way tie for fourth.

David Streitfeld is a New York Times writer.
The lackluster stock market debuts of social media company Snap and meal-kit delivery service Blue Apron have splashed a dose of cold water on an initial public offering season that appeared to be heating up.

The two companies share several similarities. Both are closely watched upstarts that showed genuine promise for disrupting in their respective industries and making a name for themselves in a new category of business. Both are beginning to face a serious response from potential rivals. Both had yet to report regular profits.

The result has become a cautionary tale in an otherwise red-hot stock market, a lesson for a host of technology and commercial darlings that have been lining up for their day on the public markets. Bay Area names like file-hosting service Dropbox, digital media player Roku and subscription fashion service Stitch Fix have all signaled their interest in going public, part of a wave of IPOs that may one day include the likes of Airbnb and Uber.

After Snap had its IPO in March with an opening price of $17, it saw its shares close at a low of $12.52 on Wednesday, the same day Facebook reported that users under the age of 25 spend an average of 32 minutes a day on its Instagram app, demonstrating its success with a demographic Snapchat heavily targets. Snapchat released similar data in February when it originally filed its IPO. Some analysts said Snaps shares could fall farther when a lockup period ends that currently bars insiders from selling.

Blue Apron initially priced its shares in June at around $10 a share; by Wednesday, the stock had closed at $6.25, off more than 30 percent from its original price (which itself was lower than the company had hoped). The meal-delivery service was a victim of unfortunate timing. It went public shortly after Amazon.com announced its purchase of Whole Foods, leading to speculation the online retailer might accelerate its own meal delivery plans.

Snap and Blue Apron are kind of me too companies in a way, said Kathleen Smith, manager of IPO exchange traded funds at Renaissance Capital. Theres a lot of Blue Apron kinds of companies that have been funded. Your confidence gets shook when you see theres a lot of competition by others that do the same. Snap was a fairly unique company, but ever since Snap has been public, its revenue growth was light, suggesting that Facebook was penetrating its market.

Snap and Blue Aprons struggles comes as the IPO market has been showing some life. In 2016, just 105 companies went public, the lowest number since the recession in 2009, according to Renaissance Capital, an IPO research and investment firm. This year, 86 companies have gone public, a 65 percent increase from this time a year ago. Thats a healthy improvement, but hardly a pace likely to generate enough IPOs to top the annual tally in 2014 when 275 companies went public.

So whats prompted the renewed interest?

The stock market has been trading at record highs at a time when many of the companies, built with investor cash, have become mature enough to make a move. In some cases, the early investors are eager to start reaping their rewards for helping get the young companies on their feet.

The overall market is the driver thats causing companies to come off the sidelines, said Alan Jones, a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers Internationals Deals practice.

And the government is trying to help companies in it its own way.

On July 10, the SEC put in place a new rule allowing companies to confidentially submit registration documents related to IPOs in an attempt to ease their regulatory burden. The benefit only used to be offered to smaller companies; now others can take advantage, and many of them are.

Smith said the new rules can be a mixed bag for investors. The lack of information about a company can increase the risk of buying a particular share. But making it easier for good companies to go public can be a benefit for investors and the companies seeking to raise money.

When investors make money that opens the way for other companies to go public, she said.

To be sure, Snap and Blue Apron have been more the exception than the rule this year. Many technology startups have had successful offerings, and new shares for the real estate brokerage Redfin soared on its debut late last month. And beyond the stock price, Jones said going public can be a major marketing and branding coup, validation that a company has arrived in the big leagues.

With Roku, Dropbox and Stitch Fix all looking to go public by the end of the year, Carmel doesnt expect to see a pullback any time soon.

Were going to see a lot more IPO activity through 2017 and the first half of 2018, he said. I dont know where the second half of 2018 lies, but in the meantime I think well see a lot more liquidity acts that people dont know are ready to go out.

Alex Schiffer is a Washington Post writer.
DETROIT  A Volkswagen executive pleaded guilty on Friday to federal charges arising from a continuing investigation into the automakers diesel emissions scandal.

The charges against the executive, Oliver Schmidt, stem from his role in Volkswagens decade-long scheme to rig diesel cars with devices that circumvented federal emissions tests.

Schmidt, 48, the former head of Volkswagens environmental and engineering center in Michigan, had been facing three charges since his arrest in January.

He has been held without bond in prison pending trial. But last week his lawyers told a federal judge here that Schmidt had decided to enter a guilty plea.

Under a revision of the charges, he pleaded guilty to two counts: conspiracy to defraud the federal government and violating the Clean Air Act. A third charge of aiding and abetting wire fraud was rolled into the conspiracy charge.

Schmidt admitted conspiring with other Volkswagen employees to mislead and defraud the United States in 2015 by failing to disclose that thousands of diesel cars were rigged to evade detection of excess emissions levels. He also admitted filing fraudulent emissions reports to regulators.

Schmidt faces maximum penalties of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy charge, and two years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the environmental charge. He is to be sentenced Dec. 6.

Bill Vlasic is a New York Times writer.
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One of two men charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland had his request to be released on his own recognizance denied on Friday, but a judge lowered his bail by $330,000.

Derick Almena, 47, who was the master tenant of the Fruitvale neighborhood warehouse, appeared briefly before Judge Kevin Murphy in Alameda County Superior Court. His attorneys asked that his bail of $1.08 million be eliminated so he could be released from the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, where he has been held since June.

Though the judge did not grant the request, he did lower Almenas bail to $750,000.

Almenas co-defendant, Max Harris, who also appeared in court on Friday, made a similar request last month and was also rejected. Like Almena, his bail was also lowered to $750,000, which he has been unable to raise.

Prosecutors say Almena illegally converted the warehouse on 31st Avenue into a live-work artist collective, using makeshift materials and a tangle of electrical wires that turned the building into a deathtrap. They also said Harris blocked an exit on the night of the Dec. 2 fire  a claim his attorneys have denied.

We feel that really the bail issue became ultimately a pre-conviction punishment. We feel very frustrated and angry. We will take it obviously to the next step, said Tony Serra, Almenas attorney. We do extend to the family of the victims our utmost compassion and sympathy. Obviously, their loss is a disaster, but thats not a reason to impose punitive bail.

Almena and Harris were scheduled to enter pleas on Friday, but the hearing was postponed until Sept. 13 to give their lawyers more time to review discovery evidence in the case.

Serra said he plans to meet with people next week who are willing to put up equity and property to secure Almenas bail.

Sam Geller, an attorney for Harris, said that his office is working to organize an event to raise money for Harris bail.

Before Judge Murphy denied Almenas release on his own recognizance, another lawyer for Almena, Jeffrey Krasnoff, told the judge his client is not a flight risk, has deep ties to Alameda County and referenced character letters from supporters that had been submitted to the court beforehand.

Almenas wife, Micah Allison, sat in the court gallery with nearly 10 friends who had come to show their support.

Prosecutors argued that the high bail was necessary to ensure Almena, who was living with his family in Lake County prior to his arrest, will show up in court for trial.

Also in the courtroom on Friday were Kim and David Gregory, the parents of Michela Gregory, one of the 36 people who died in the inferno during an unpermitted music event.

We are very pleased that (Almena and Harris) will not be coming home to their families, said Mary Alexander, an attorney for the Gregory family. These young people who lost their lives will never come home to their families. Because they lost their lives, we think that its right and fair and just that these two defendants remain in jail.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
Jury selection could begin within weeks in the San Francisco murder case that sparked a national debate over immigration policies, with the case moving a step closer to trial Friday.

More than two years after 32-year-old Kate Steinle was shot on Pier 14 by a Mexican citizen who had been wanted for deportation by federal agents, the case was assigned to Superior Court Judge Samuel Feng, who is expected to preside over pretrial legal motions Monday. No trial date has been set.

Steinle was strolling with her arm around her father when a bullet pierced her back on July 1, 2015. Police arrested Juan Francisco Lopez Sanchez, 54, who admitted to handling the gun that fired the round.

The gun had been stolen from a Bureau of Land Management rangers car four days earlier in the city, and Lopez Sanchez, who was homeless, said he found the weapon wrapped in a T-shirt under a bench. His attorneys say the shooting was an accident, but prosecutors say he committed murder because he either aimed the gun at Steinle or recklessly fired the weapon in a crowded area.

Lopez Sanchez had been on track for a sixth deportation after serving 46 months in prison for felony re-entry into the country, but was released from the San Francisco jail before the shooting, rather than being turned over to immigration agents, under the citys sanctuary policies.

He had been transferred from federal custody to the city jail in March 2015 on an old warrant alleging he fled marijuana charges in 1995. When prosecutors discharged the case, the Sheriffs Department released him despite a federal request to hold him for deportation.

Lopez Sanchezs public defender, Matt Gonzalez, said jury selection could prove difficult because of the publicity around the case. But he believes his client will be able to obtain a fair trial.

Its expected that the people of San Francisco will have heard of this case and will have read about it, he said. I dont think that makes you ineligible to be a juror. I think the real question is whether or not those jurors havent read so much information that their mind is made up, that they cant re-evaluate the facts of the case.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
Sacramento man Donald Roots-Scott, Jr., was arrested Wednesday after authorities in Louisiana discovered that two cereal boxes in the backseat of his car actually contained two pounds of high-grade marijuana.

The New Orleans Advocate reports that police in St. Tammany Parish pulled over Roots-Scott, 23, when he was clocked driving 86 miles per hour.
1 Rapper arrested: A founding member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five stabbed a homeless man to death after a passing remark made him think the man was hitting on him, a law enforcement official said Thursday. Kidd Creole, whose real name is Nathaniel Glover, was walking in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday near where he worked security and maintenance when he passed by 55-year-old John Jolly, police said. Jolly said something that offended Glover, and they argued, said the official. The fight escalated until Glover stabbed Jolly and then walked off, authorities said. Jolly, a registered sex offender who was homeless, served time for sexually assaulting and attacking a woman. Glover, 57, is being held pending an arraignment on a murder charge.

2 Prohibited items: A survey of airline passengers found that more than 20 percent had knowingly or unknowingly smuggled prohibited items past Transportation Security Administration checkpoints onto the aircraft, including at least 6 percent who boarded the plane while unintentionally carrying prohibited knives or other bladed objects. Less than 1 percent claimed that they discovered belatedly that they had mistakenly traveled with firearms, ammunition or explosives. The survey was conducted by the Orlando, Fla. jet-charter service Stratos Jet Charters Inc., which also found that younger travelers were more likely to flout the rules.
1 Flooding: A Southern California desert community cleaned up Friday after thunderstorms unleashed muddy torrents through streets, threatened a commuter rail line and forced rescues of trapped motorists. The downpours struck Thursday north of Los Angeles in semirural Acton as monsoonal flow of moist air streaming across the region boiled up into huge thunderheads. In all, 14 people were rescued by fire crews, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said. Rushing water damaged tracks used by the regional Metrolink commuter train service. Metrolink reporting delays and cancellations Friday.

2 Train derailment: A propane fire caused when at least 32 freight cars derailed in Hyndman, Pa., burned itself out overnight, CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle said Friday. Smaller sulfur fires continued burning Friday as crews worked to clean up the mess from Wednesdays derailment about 100 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. About 1,000 people remain evacuated because of the remaining fires. No one was injured.
Amit Shah would be at the helm of expansion moves in the BJP, but it was Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Sushil Modi who lured Nitish Kumar back to the party, leading to one of the biggest political coups in recent times.

Party president Amit Shah has driven most recent expansion moves in the Bharatiya Janata Party, but though he was briefed on the developments, it was Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Sushil Modi who executed one of the biggest political coups in recent times.

Nitish had walked out of the NDA in 2013, to protest the anointment of Narendra Modi as the BJP's campaign chief for the 2014 LS polls. The grapevine is that both Prime Minister Modi and Shah believed that Modi ignited Nitish's aspirations to be PM. But any such ambition to become PM with the support of the 'third front' must have waned with the fall of the Janata Parivar and the resurgence of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.

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Jaitley had kept in touch with Nitish despite his bitter exit. The FM would host Nitish for a meal every time he visited Delhi. Even when political temperatures ran high, Nitish would support Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's jibes against the PM, but not against Jaitley.

Meanwhile, Sushil Modi, thanks to his proximity to Jaitley and top RSS leaders, managed to convince Modi-Shah of his allegations against Lalu. The grapevine in Patna is that two top JD(U) leaders gave him most of the documents, something he neither denies nor accepts. The allegations he made resulted in the CBI, ED and the I-T department investigating Lalu and his family. The ED and I-T departments report to the Jaitley-led finance ministry.

On July 22, Nitish was the only CM from the opposition parties to attend the farewell dinner the prime minister hosted for outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee. On the sidelines of this dinner, Nitish was tipped off about a plot by some RJD leaders to split the JD(U), possibly leading to his ouster. Earlier, too, say BJP insiders, two RJD MPs approached the BJP leadership with an offer to destabilise the Nitish government in return for 'help' in the benami cases against Lalu's kin. "These leaders met the party leadership twice. Their offer was not only rejected, but Kumar was also informed beforehand," says a party insider. Meanwhile, in the course of the dinner, Nitish was assured of BJP support if he moved out of the grand alliance. He did exactly that. And it was Sushil Modi, not state BJP chief Nityanand Rai that Shah called up on July 26 to rally the support of BJP MLAs for Nitish.

WRITING ON THE WALL

Nitish had been sulking since September last year when the Patna High Court granted muscleman-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin bail and the MP from Siwan came out saying Nitish was only "a leader of circumstance". Suspicion was rife that the RJD chief had a hand in the don's release. Nor did Lalu say anything to dismiss Shahabuddin's jibe. Later, the apex court cancelled Shahabuddin's bail and he was back in jail.

But the episode was a big jolt to Nitish, a stickler for his image as someone who had demolished jungle raj in the state. Then came reports of ministers from the RJD quota taking instructions from Lalu -- even for the administrative affairs -- rather than him. "All this was enough to make one feel uncomfortable," says a JD(U) MP.

In November, when Nitish expressed approval of demonetisation, Jaitley lost no time calling him. An offer was made to Nitish to return to the NDA even then, say BJP insiders. "But he didn't respond at the time." He also made several flip-flops in the ensuing months. If he shared warm vibes and the dais with PM Modi on January 5 at Guru Gobind Singh's 350th birthday celebrations at Patna Sahib; on February 10, at the release of former finance minister P Chidambaram's book Fearless in Opposition, he not only talked of the unity in opposition but also asked Rahul Gandhi (sitting in the audience) to set the agenda. At the same event, Nitish also denied reports of meeting Shah at a BJP Rajya Sabha MP's residence in Patna a month earlier.

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On July 7, the CBI raided Lalu's residence in Patna, something, BJP insiders say, Nitish was informed of beforehand by the PMO. On July 26, Lalu made it clear his son Tejashwi would not resign as deputy CM. "By then," says a top BJP leader, "Nitish had already made up his mind."

--- ENDS ---
WASHINGTON  Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Friday that the Justice Department was pursuing three times as many leak investigations as were open at the end of the previous administration, a significant devotion of law enforcement resources to hunt down the sources of unauthorized disclosures of information that have plagued the Trump administration.

Sessions vowed that the Justice Department would not hesitate to bring criminal charges against people who had leaked classified information. He also announced the FBI had created a new counterintelligence unit to manage these cases.

I strongly agree with the president and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks undermining the ability of our government to protect this country, he said. The announcement by Sessions comes 10 days after President Trump publicly accused his attorney general of being very weak on pursuing these investigations.

Sessions also said he had opened a review of Justice Department rules governing when investigators may issue subpoenas related to the news media and leak investigations. We respect the important role that the press plays and will give them respect, but it is not unlimited, he said. They cannot place lives at risk with impunity.

The news conference came against the backdrop of repeated pressure by Trump, in public and in private, for the Justice Department and the FBI to search for people inside the government who have been telling reporters what was happening behind closed doors.

President Barack Obamas administration oversaw a crackdown on people who talked to reporters about government secrets without authorization, bringing more leak-related criminal cases than all previous presidents combined. But Trump has suggested an even harder line.

In February, Trump told then-FBI Director James Comey that the bureau should consider prosecuting reporters for publishing classified information, according to one of Comeys associates. Sessions on Friday did not respond to a question about whether such a step, which would raise First Amendment issues, was under consideration.

In 2013, after a backlash in Congress and the news media over aggressive tactics to go after reporters information in leak investigations, then-Attorney General Eric Holder revised those rules to tighten limits on when the government is allowed to subpoena telephone companies for logs of a reporters phone calls, which could reveal their confidential sources.

The changes made it harder for law enforcement officials to obtain such logs without providing advance notice and giving news organizations a chance to contest the request in court.

The Trump administration has been bedeviled by leaks large and small that have disclosed infighting inside his administration, including the presidents rancorous phone conversations with foreign leaders.

Charlie Savage and Eileen Sullivan are New York Times writers.
RALEIGH, N.C.  Carloads of tourists rolled in, stores stocked seafood counters and kitchen workers chopped vegetables Friday as two North Carolina islands reopened to visitors after a weeklong power failure at the height of vacation season.

A line of cars was waiting to drive onto Hatteras Island at noon when vacationers were allowed to return, said Dare County spokeswoman Dorothy Hester. It was a welcome sign that things were returning to normal on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands a week after a construction accident cut power, threatening seasonal businesses bottom lines.

Word that power was fully restored Thursday set businesses racing to get ready for a wave of tourists arriving this weekend.

I went fishing this morning and caught some and cut it and put in the bar anticipating customers coming in, said Nicholas Wolosuk, owner of Buxton Seafood on Hatteras Island.

He said he also made a special drive off Hatteras Island to a seafood supplier to get fully stocked. He said Friday and Saturday are crucial days when arriving visitors buy food for the week. While he missed a prime week of business, hes glad the blackout didnt last longer. Its a relief, he said.

Power was cut to the two islands July 27 when workers building a new bridge drove a steel casing into underground transmission lines. An estimated 50,000 tourists were ordered to leave during a make-or-break period for seasonal businesses, many of which close during the cold-weather months. It was initially feared that repairs could take weeks.

Dare County officials estimate that Hatteras Island businesses easily lost $2 million overall for each day of the power failure, Hester said. She said the rough estimate is based on last years tourism figures and could change.

Donnie Shumate, spokesman for Hyde County, which contains Ocracoke Island, said the county attorney will be leading negotiations to recoup business losses from the construction company that caused the accident, PCL Construction.

Jonathan Drew is an Associated Press writer.
ANAHEIM  As minor-leaguer Casey Thomas died May 1 of accidental fentanyl intoxication, according to the medical examiner in Maricopa County, Ariz.

Fentanyl is a powerful opiate painkiller considered 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine; Prince died of an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2016.

Thomas, 24, was assigned to the As minor-league facility in Mesa, Ariz., at the time of his death and he had been playing in extended spring-training games there.

Oakland outfielder Jaycob Brugman, who went to high school in Phoenix with Thomas, was delighted to reconnect with him there, and he said Friday, Casey was there when I was rehabbing, so we got to spend a lot of time together. It was a surprise  he was so happy, doing his thing, playing baseball, and all of a sudden, hes gone. Obviously, no one expected it. It was a tragic, shocking thing, but I can say he was in good spirits. We hung out a little bit, went out to dinner a couple of days before.

Brugman said Thomas was not on a rehab assignment for any injury. We had some fun, we had some laughs, Brugman said. Casey was awesome, really funny, always joking around. It was nice to be around him  if you were down or sad, hed always say something to make you happy. Thats the kind of person he was.

The son of As scout Tom Thomas, Casey Thomas was a 34th-round draft pick out of Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 2016; he hit .258 with 18 RBIs in 37 games in the Arizona rookie league last season.

Another As minor-leaguer, Triple-A pitcher Sean Murphy, died of an undetected heart condition on April 25, 2016.

Transaction: The As claimed catcher Dustin Garneau from the Rockies but have yet to provide Garneau with an assignment  often an indication that a team is waiting for the new player to arrive. That suggests the As expect Garneau on Saturday; catcher Ryan Lavarnaway likely would be designated for assignment if so.

Garneau, 29, was Khris Davis teammate at Cal State Fullerton and, Davis said, He plays the game the right way. Dustins my boy.

Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

On deck

Saturday

at Angels

6:07 p.m. NBCSCA

Blackburn (2-1)

vs. Skaggs (1-1)

Sunday

at Angels

12:35 p.m. NBCSCA

Manaea (8-6)

vs. Nolasco (5-12)

Monday

Off

Leading off

Lighter DL: With Kendall Gravemans return, the As have only Dustin Fowler, Josh Phegley, Jake Smolinski, Andrew Triggs and Bobby Wahl on the disabled list, matching the season low, and Wahl is on a rehab assignment.

 Susan Slusser
Michael Short/Special to The Chronicle

Chinese Internet search giant Baidu has joined the list of companies testing self-driving cars at GoMentum Station, a former military facility in Concord.

Contra Costa County officials announced this week that Baidu will test its autonomous vehicles at the site, a former naval weapons depot  off-limits to the public  whose 20 miles of road can be used to simulate both rural highways and a city grid. Honda, self-driving truck company Otto and autonomous shuttle-bus developer EasyMile have used GoMentum for tests.
The bench questioned Congress leader Kapil Sibal why he approached the court on the eve of the election when NOTA had come into existence two years ago.

By Harish V Nair: It was double snub for the Congress from the Supreme Court on Thursday. A three-judge bench of the court not only rejected the party's plea to stay the Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat scheduled for August 8 or the use of 'None of the Above' (NOTA) vote, but also embarrassed it by asking if it was apprehensive of losing.

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There was further dig at the grand old party when the bench headed by justice Dipak Misra asked Congress leaders and senior lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek M Singhvi, who represented the party, if they did not challenge NOTA introduced in 2015 till now because it was suiting them.

The bench questioned Sibal why he approached the court on the eve of the election when NOTA had come into existence two years ago.

"How many elections have been conducted since these circulars? Why didn't you challenge it then? When it suited you, you didn't challenge it, but when it doesn't, you raise objections," the bench told the lawyers.

In its plea, the Congress claimed there is no legal sanction to introduce NOTA in a Rajya Sabha election and has called the EC action illegal. The SC said no stay can be granted, especially when the primary ground of challenge - use of NOTA in ballot papers - was declared by EC way back in January 2014 and November 2015.

The fate of Sonia Gandhi's political advisor Ahmed Patel is at stake in the elections after some Congress MLAs defected to the BJP. The other candidates in the fray in the three RS seats are BJP's Amit Shah, Smriti Irani and Balwant Singh Rajput. In case of cross-voting, the anti-defection law may disqualify an MLA, but the use of NOTA will not kick in disqualification.

When the lawyers argued that the use of NOTA is a "recipe for corruption" and it would be seen as if the court is turning its back on corruption and also raised concern that MLAs could defy party whips and invalidate their votes, SC asked Sibal if he was apprehensive of losing.

The only relief to the Congress is that the court agreed to examine the constitutional validity of the August 1 notification of EC allowing NOTA in RS polls. It has issued a notice to the EC for a hearing in September.

ALSO READ |

On NOTA in Gujarat Rajya Sabha election, a setback for Congress in Supreme Court

Disqualification if you mark NOTA: Congress whip to MLAs ahead of Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls

Why Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat isn't just a personal battle between Ahmed Patel and Amit Shah

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ALSO WATCH | Congress moves Supreme Court demanding scrapping of NOTA for Gujarat Rajya Sabha polls

--- ENDS ---
Several notable figures are sending birthday wishes to Former President Barack Obama as he turns 56 on Friday.

Former Vice President Joe Biden sent him birthday greetings in a tweet with a photo of the pair sharing a laugh back in 2012, taken by former White House photographer Pete Souza.
A 25-year-old man Rahul (name changed), student of engineering in Delhi, saved four lives in the city by donating his kidneys, liver and heart.

By Priyanka Sharma: The 'Organ Donation week' came as a boon to 51-year-old Sanjeev Aggarwal, an engineer at ONGC, who got a fresh lease of life after undergoing liver transplant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

A 25-year-old man Rahul (name changed), student of engineering in Delhi, saved four lives in the city by donating his kidneys, liver and heart.

Aggarwal, who hails from Dehradun, has been searching for a liver since a year. Doctors had diagnosed him with the advanced liver disease. Rahul, on the other hand, having met with an accident was declared brain-dead at the Fortis hospital (Vasant Kunj), Delhi.

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"I could see all doors getting shut one by one. I am thankful to the young soul, who is resting in peace now for saving the life of my husband," Sanjeev's wife Neeru told Mail Today.

Dr Naimish Mehta, senior liver transplant surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram said, "Sanjeev was diagnosed with Liver Cirrhosis. His blood showed presence of jaundice and kidney disorder. Meanwhile, we got a call from NOTTO. We operated Sanjeev and he is doing well now."

Other organs of Rahul were sent to Escort Heart institute, Fortis (Vasant Kunj) and BLK Hospital.

ALSO READ |

15-year-old brain dead boy's organs saves lives

Organ Donation Day: Brain dead Lucknow girl gives fresh lease of life to others

Have a heart: Patients suffer as India faces acute shortage of organ donors

The truth about organ transport and transplantation in India

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: By Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Aug 4 (PTI) Pakistan today said that it is committed to peacefully resolving the Kashmir issue and will extend its political and diplomatic support to the people of the Valley.

Pakistans Foreign Office, in a statement, accused the Indian security forces of using live ammunition and pellet guns against Kashmiris.

It said the "deteriorating human rights situation" in the Valley has serious implications for the regional peace and security.

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"Pakistan remains committed to peacefully resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and will continue to extend its moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir," it said amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC).

It called upon the "international community to take notice of the grave human rights crisis" in the Valley. PTI SH PMS

--- ENDS ---
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An Oakland teen was arrested Thursday in connection with a three-vehicle collision in Pleasanton that sent three other people and himself to the hospital.

Elijah Henry, 18, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs causing bodily injury to another, according to the Pleasanton Police Department.

On Thursday at 6:53 p.m., officers responded to a collision involving three vehicles at the intersection of Foothill Road and Laurel Creek Drive.

Police said a blue Nissan Altima ran a red light, entered the intersection and collided with a gray Chevy Sonic. A red Toyota Rav 4 was also involved in the collision.

The driver of the Nissan, identified as Henry, a passenger and the driver of the Chevy suffered major injuries in the collision, police said.

Henry and the passenger were listed in serious condition, and the driver of the Chevy was listed in critical condition Thursday night.

The driver of the Toyota suffered minor injuries, was transported to the hospital and was later released.

Police said investigators believe Henry was under the influence of marijuana when the collision occurred.

The collision partially closed the intersection of Foothill Road and Laurel Creek Drive for several hours as investigators worked the scene.
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said that the Indian Army has "domination and impact" along the western border and all steps have been taken to check infiltration from across the border.Pakistan

By PTI: Pakistan has increased attempts to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir through the border but there is a high number of casualties on their side, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday.

Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha that the Indian Army has "domination and impact" along the western border and all steps have been taken to check infiltration from across the border.

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"Pakistan has increased efforts of infiltration," he said during Question Hour.

Jaitely said due to the heightened vigil of the security forces, many infiltration attempts have been foiled and infiltration has been down.

"There is record high in the casualties on the other side," he said.

There have been 285 incidents of ceasefire violation so far this year through the LoC compared to 228 such incidents in the entire 2016 along the LoC in which eight people had lost their lives, Jaitley said.

He said there were 221 ceasefire violation along the International Border which is guarded by both the Border Security Force and the Army.

Replying another question, the minister said the Army has constructed an anti-infiltration obstacle system (AIOS) along the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, under its operational control.

Radars, sensors and thermal imagers along with surveillance have been incorporated on this fence to detect and intercept infiltration by terrorists.

The AIOS is further strengthened by deployment of troops and construction of defence works based on threat perception for an effective multi-tiered counter-infiltration grid.

"Fortification of border is a continuous process. Anti- infiltration steps like obstacle systems, technical gadgets have been installed by the Army and enough steps have been taken to check infiltration," he said.

Jaitely said the government regularly reviews the threat perception to secure the borders and protect national interests.

"Appropriate measures are taken from time-to-time to maintain and upgrade the country's defence preparedness along the border to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India," the Minister said.

Further, the areas along the borders are kept under surveillance by regular patrolling by troops and other aerial, optronic and electronic means.

"Appropriate retaliation to the ceasefire violations and other tactical incidents by Pakistan Army, as required, is carried out by Indian Army. All the forward posts are adequately strengthened to withstand enemy fire. Besides, there are well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to safeguard against enemy fire to minimise own casualties," Jaitley said.

He said the government is taking measures to ensure modernisation of Indian defence forces to keep them in a state of readiness to meet operational and security challenges.

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"This is being achieved by inducting new equipment, technologically upgrading existing equipment and systems, training etc. It will not be in the national interests to divulge further details," he said.

In reply to another question, Jaitley said the government has enhanced special allowances given to defence personnel serving in difficult areas like Siachen.

He said recently the government has announced the special allowances for defence personnel which were more than what the 7th Pay Commission had recommended.

Also Read

Pakistan bans Hafiz Saeed's new terror front Tehreek-e-Azad-Jammu Kashmir

Hafiz Saeed to register JuD as political party, renames it Milli Muslim League Pakistan

--- ENDS ---
Documents seized by the NIA team show that separatist leaders have amassed huge wealth and properties worth several crore in Kashmir and Delhi.

By Shashank Shekhar: Central security agencies are now going after the money trail of separatist leaders allegedly involved in pumping money from Pakistan based terror outfits to fuel violence in Kashmir.

Around 80 properties in the Valley and National Capital are under scanner which are either owned directly by separatists or through relative and associates this includes malls, shopping complex, flats in Delhi, orchards, schools and plus bungalows.

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HECTIC GRILLING

Revelations came during the search and interrogation of eight arrested separatist leaders in connection with the terror funding case by the National Investigating Agency (NIA).

Documents seized by the team show that separatist leaders have amassed huge wealth and properties worth several crore in Kashmir and Delhi.

According to the investigators, separatist leaders are suspected to be involved in routing money from their handlers in Pakistan to keep the Valley burning. They have been misguiding locals and exploited their sentiments but they themselves have raised castles.

"Most of the properties belonging to separatist leaders are being owned by their associates or relatives. Even they will be called for questioning and will be grilled about their source of income. Most of them have no major business to purchase these properties," said a senior officer to Mail Today.

He added that if they fail to disclose their channel of income their property can be attached. Probes show Kashmiri separatist leaders had made huge wealth during last two and a half decades since the time Kashmir is facing Pakistan-sponsored militancy.

NIA SCANNING ASSETS

The NIA is scanning close to 80 assets belonging to separatists, both on their own or kin's names and benami, which included malls, shopping complex, flats in Delhi, huge land, orchards, schools, bungalows, limestone and gypsum quarries, hotels and stakes in housing colonies.

NIA so far has arrested eight separatist leaders - Hurriyat chief Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah 'Funtoosh', Ayaz Akbar Khanday, Mehrajuddin Kalwal, Peer Saifullah (all from Geelani's faction of Hurriyat), Shahidul-Islam (of the faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq), Nayeem Khan of the Jammu Kashmir National Front, Farooq Ahmed Dar aka Bitta Karatey of J&K Liberation Front (R) and Devinder Singh Behal.

The NIA had registered the case on May 30, accusing separatist and secessionist leaders of being in cahoots with terrorist groups.

The case was registered over raising, receiving and collecting funds through various illegal means, including through hawala channels, for funding separatist and terrorist activities in the state and for causing disruption in the Valley by pelting security forces with stones, burning schools, damaging public property and waging war against India.

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STONE PELTING

For last one and a half months, the NIA has been investigating communication records, which have revealed the links of the seven separatist leaders with around four dozen J&K youth tracked repeatedly amid stone-pelting mobs over the past year.

Some telephonic conversations tapped showed connections with stone-pelters, who were in touch with Hurriyat leaders, who are allegedly connected to top separatists in J&K. The records also revealed a pattern that separatist leaders were passing money to local Hurriyat leaders who would pay the youth to pelt stones and unleash mob violence.

ALSO READ:

More separatist leaders on NIA radar after 8 arrested for fanning Kashmir unrest

Srinagar police tried to stop NIA from flying arrested Kashmir separatists to New Delhi

WATCH:

Arrested Hurriyat leaders produced in Patiala House court, NIA demands 20-day custody

--- ENDS ---
The government has decided to scrap the policy of no-detention of students till class VIII. The Bill to scrap no-detention policy is likely to be introduced in Parliament next week.

By Pooja Shali: The government is likely to introduce the Bill to scrap no-detention policy for schools next week in Parliament. As per the existing policy, the students of standard V to VIII are not detained on account of poor performance in examinations.

This policy was introduced by the previous UPA government. It is set to change. Speaking exclusively to India today, Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar hinted at the possibility of bill being introduced in Parliament next week.

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"Cabinet has cleared the bill. We shall be making a statement soon. The Bill likely will be introduced in Parliament by next week," said Javadekar.

Javadekar further said, "There will have to be accountability of teachers, parents, students and also of school. Students must learn and be taught certain minimum competency each year. There will be a learning outcome. If one does not acquire that level, the student will be detained."

Under the present provision of the RTE (Right to Education) Act, students are promoted automatically to higher classes till class 8. This is one of the key components of the RTE Act, which came into force on April 1, 2010.

Sources in staff of government sponsored schools in Delhi say the support is unanimous to scrap the policy. "No-detention has brought down the learning attainment levels as also the confidence level of younger children, who face sudden pressure in class IX," said a central school staff member, who did not wish to be named.

ALSO READ|

Cabinet approves scrapping of no-detention policy in schools till Class 8

ALSO WATCH VIDEO: CBSE chairman meets HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar over NEET exam row

--- ENDS ---
The beleaguered Housing Minister Prakash Mehta continues to face allegations of corruption in the housing scam.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Amid the clamour over resignation of Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta, the minister today said that he will step down if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asks him to.

The beleaguered housing minister continues to face allegations of corruption pertaining to his department.

The Opposition has been demanding his resignation in the ongoing monsoon session. Both the houses of the Maharashtra Legislature witnessed ruckus over demand for Mehta's resignation.

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Both the Houses were adjourned several times as the Opposition members aggressively sought Mehta's resignation.

Just as the Assembly was convened, Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil moved an adjournment motion to discuss Mehta's resignation.

As the question hour continued, Opposition members started shouting slogans in the well. Following the pandemonium the house was repeatedly adjourned.

Meanwhile, Prakash Mehta said he was willing to quit if the chief minister asked him. This is for the first time that Mehta has shown willingness to quit after the allegations surfaced.

Earlier, Mehta had maintained that he was innocent and that there was no need to quit. "If the Chief Minister asks me to stay away till the inquiry is complete, It is okay," Mehta told India Today.

OPPOSITION LEVELS FRESH ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MEHTA

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Patil's made a fresh round of allegations against Mehta. Patil alleged that Mehta showed his kith and kin as bogus tenants in a rehabilitation project and gave them flats.

These allegations pertain to a redeveloped building in Kirol area of suburban Mumbai's Ghatkopar.

"Mehta was additional director on a company Sai Nidhi Pvt Ltd which was listed with Ministry of Corporate affairs. Two buildings Laxmi Bhuvan and Gopal Bhuvan were developed on this plot under the slum rehabilitation scheme. The actual tenants of the demolished chawls are yet to get their flats. But Mehta's son's name - Harsh Mehta - is seen in the list of the tenants and has even got flat. Some other relatives of Mehta is also named in the list of bogus tenants," Vikhe said.

Mehta, however, is not the director of the company anymore. However, his close aide Mukesh Doshi is on the board as director at present.

Vikhe also levelled another allegation saying that Mehta got an FIR against his wife changed. Vikhe alleged that in an FIR pertaining to the renovation of his building, Mehta changed the name Kishori Mehta to Kishor Mehta.

Miffed with the allegations, Mehta charged Vikhe of stooping too low.

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"He has unnecessarily dragged the name of my wife into the controversy. The opposition has stooped to such a low," said Mehta.

Also Read:

SRA scam: Maharashtra housing minister in dock as CM Devendra Fadnavis orders probe

WATCH | Will resign if CM asks me to, says Maharashtra Minister Prakash Mehta over corruption charges

--- ENDS ---
BJP MP Bhupendra Yadav explained to the members of Parliament how to cast their ballot in favor of the NDA's vice-presidential nominee Venkaiah Naidu.

By Poulomi Saha: Ahead of the vice-president elections, the National Democratic Alliance today conducted a workshop of its Members of Parliament on how to cast votes.

BJP MP Bhupendra Yadav explained to the members of Parliament how to cast their ballot in favor of the NDA's vice-presidential nominee Venkaiah Naidu. BJP party president Amit Shah also attended the meeting.

After the demonstration, the members were asked to cast their vote on dummy ballot papers. Despite clear instructions, at least 10 members of Parliament did not cast their votes in the right manner.

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In the presidential elections held last month, at least 21 votes were deemed invalid. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah had reprimanded MPs for this error, despite it not being clear which members of Parliament had erred because it was a secret ballot.

Today's NDA meet was also attended by AIADMK, TRS and YSRCP members of Parliament, who aren't part of the NDA but have pledged support to Venkaiah Naidu.

On Saturday, 790 MPs, from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha will participate in the vice-presidential elections. Two candidates, NDA nominee Venkaiah Naidu and opposition candidate Gopal Krishna Gandhi are in the fray.

The current strength of the NDA is 337 in the Lok Sabha and 80 in the Rajya Sabha. The AIADMK, TRS and YSR Congress add another 67 MPs in both houses. This would make a total of 484 MPs voting in favor Venkaiah Naidu, apart from several nominated members as well. Opposition candidate Gopal Krishna Gandhi is being backed by 18 political parties, including NDA's newest ally, JDU, who have chosen to keep their old word to the Opposition and support Gandhi. The winner tomorrow needs 395 votes to become the next Vice-President of India.

Also Read :

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Aug 4 (PTI) The leak of transcripts of telephonic conversations between US President Donald Trump and the leaders of Mexico and Australia is a national security matter, the White House has said.

It was referring to the yesterdays incident of a leading American daily posting highly classified transcripts of Trumps conversations with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

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"Its a national security matter when phone call transcripts are being leaked out. It prevents the president from being able to do what he does best, and negotiate with foreign leaders," White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters told reporters yesterday abroad Air Force One travelling with Trump to West Virginia.

The White House officials, however, refused to comment on the specific leaks of the conversation, which was posted by The Washington Post on its website.

"What I can tell you regarding the border wall is that the president spoke about this on the campaign, continues to echo it now, and having a secure border is ... something that he had promised his supporters and has continued to focus on making sure that we have a secure border," she said.

The leaks of the presidential conversation has been condemned by even Trumps critics.

"This is beyond the pale and will have a chilling effect going forward on the ability of the commander-in-chief to have candid discussions with his counterparts," Ned Price, a former National Security Council official under President Barack Obama, told The Hill.

"Granted, the White House contributed to this atmosphere by welcoming the free-for-all environment, where anonymous leaks are commonplace. But we must draw the line somewhere," Price was quoted as saying.

"I wouldve lost my mind if transcripts of Obamas calls to foreign leaders leaked. He wouldnt have sounded so dumb, but its still absurd," said Tommy Vietor, another former spokesman of the National Security Council under the Obama Administration.

David Frum, a speech writer to the former US President George W Bush said that the presidents opponents do a "lasting damage" to American security when they violate norms to undermine him.

"Leaking the transcript of a presidential call to a foreign leader is unprecedented, shocking, and dangerous. It is vitally important that a president be able to speak confidentially, and perhaps even more important that foreign leaders understand that they can reply in confidence," he wrote in The Atlantic magazine.

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Frum said that the leak will reverberate around the world.

"No leader will again speak candidly on the phone to Washington, DC ?- at least for the duration of this presidency, and perhaps for longer," he said.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions along with his top intelligence officials are scheduled to have a press conference on leaks today. The presser was however scheduled before The Washington Post released the transcripts of the presidential conversation.

Democratic Senator Mark Warner, who is Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed apprehensions that the leak may be "reflective of a chaotic White House" and demanded that the president should investigate the leaks.

"While the leak may be reflective of a chaotic White House, it still constituted a massive breach of norms and was serious enough to merit a congressional inquiry. Whether that is Intel or Judicial (committees) looking into it, somebody ought to," Warner told The Daily Beast in an interview. PTI LKJ CK

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the multipronged strategy comprising of security, development, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities should be vigorously pursued.

Chairing a meeting here to review the status of development projects and security related issues in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states, Singh reiterated the concept of 'SAMADHAN' as the new doctrine for use in security operations. He had given the concept during a meeting of LWE affected states on May 08.

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The elements of this strategy are S for Smart Leadership, A for Aggressive Strategy, M for Motivation and Training, A for Actionable Intelligence, D for Dashboard-based Key Result Areas and Key Performance Indicators, H for Harnessing Technology, A for Action Plan for Each Theatre and N for No access to Financing.

During the meeting different development projects including road requirement plan (RRP), air connectivity, power, education, health and banking sectors were reviewed. Under RRP-1, 4,433 km roads have been constructed which include 1,504 km road constructed during the last three years in the most difficult areas. The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, OSD in MHA Rajiv Gauba and senior officers from the ministry and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

The Home Minister asked to expedite the remaining roads at the earliest. While reviewing the progress of road connectivity under RRP-II, Singh expressed his concern over delay in submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) by the state governments.

Regarding air connectivity, it was mentioned that the Jagdalpur airport will be operationalised shortly under Regional Connectivity Scheme. It was also pointed out that there is a plan to connect Jeypore airstrip in Odisha under this scheme.

Regarding electrification it was informed that the remaining 717 villages in LWE affected areas will be covered under intense electrification scheme shortly. Eight solar parks are also planned for LWE affected areas for which land acquisition is under progress. During the meeting, it was also informed that significant improvement has been made in filling up the vacancies in the security forces. The opening of new bank branches and ATMs in 35 most LWE affected districts was also reviewed.

The Home Minister said all the ongoing development projects should be taken up with the concerned central ministries and the state governments and it should be ensured that these are completed in a time bound manner.

Also Read

Kashmir, Kashmiris, Kashmiriyat are ours: Rajnath Singh

Rajnath Singh on Kashmir: Will eliminate Pakistan-sponsored terrorism soon

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New Delhi, Aug 4 (PTI) A month after the launch of historic tax reform GST, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said there is no finishing line for reforms and India still has to cover a long distance so as to remove poverty and bridge infrastructure deficit.

India needs to pump in huge amount of funds in sectors like health, education, rural infrastructure and irrigation, he said at the launch of a book, India Transformed - 25 Years of Economic Reform here.

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The BJP-led NDA government has introduced a slew of reforms on various fronts like financial inclusion, foreign direct investment and big push to digital economy.

The long pending Goods and Services Tax (GST), considered as the biggest taxation reform since Independence, was launched on the mid-night of June 30.

"Theres no finishing line as far as reforms are concerned and I think India still has to cover a huge distance," Jaitley said.

He further said that given the more favourable global environment, India needs to improve upon its growth rate.

The high growth rate, he said, has to sustained over a reasonably long period of time "because you still have large number of people living below the poverty line, you still have infrastructure deficit, you still need a lot of investment in health, education, in rural India and irrigation".

Faced with dwindling foreign exchange reserves, India opened its economy in June 1991, ushering in an era of big- bang economic reforms under the stewardship of the then finance minister Manmohan Singh.

Jaitley further said that unquestionably, 1991 was a key defining moment as far as India is concerned.

"Defining because it not only changed economic course, it changed the mindset of people," the finance minister said.

India has witnessed on an average 7 per cent growth in the past 25 years, he added.

Unquestionably, he said, India is a much better place to live in but added that still there are areas of challenges.

"India still needs large resources to enable to carry poverty alleviation steps. That large resources can only come if there is larger growth process," Jaitley said.

Singh, also Prime Minister of the country for 10 years, was also present at the book launch.

The book, edited by former RBI Deputy Governor Rakesh Mohan, has contributions from Mukesh Ambani, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, N R Narayana Murthy, Naushad Forbes, Sunil Bharti Mital, Baba Kalyani, Deepak Parekh, Y B Reddy, Strobe Talbott, and Gita Piramal. PTI DP NKD CS SA

--- ENDS ---

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By PTI: (Eds: Adding quotes of CEA Arvind Subramanian)

New Delhi, Aug 4 (PTI) A month after the launch of historic tax reform GST, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said there is no finishing line for reforms and India still has to cover a long distance so as to remove poverty and bridge infrastructure deficit.

India needs to pump in huge amount of funds in sectors like health, education, rural infrastructure and irrigation, he said at the launch of a book, India Transformed - 25 Years of Economic Reform here.

advertisement

The BJP-led NDA government has introduced a slew of reforms on various fronts like financial inclusion, foreign direct investment and big push to digital economy.

The long pending Goods and Services Tax (GST), considered as the biggest taxation reform since Independence, was launched on the mid-night of June 30.

"Theres no finishing line as far as reforms are concerned and I think India still has to cover a huge distance," Jaitley said.

He further said that given the more favourable global environment, India needs to improve upon its growth rate.

The high growth rate, he said, has to sustained over a reasonably long period of time "because you still have large number of people living below the poverty line, you still have infrastructure deficit, you still need a lot of investment in health, education, in rural India and irrigation".

Faced with dwindling foreign exchange reserves, India opened its economy in June 1991, ushering in an era of big- bang economic reforms under the stewardship of the then finance minister Manmohan Singh.

Jaitley further said that unquestionably, 1991 was a key defining moment as far as India is concerned.

"Defining because it not only changed economic course, it changed the mindset of people," the finance minister said.

India has witnessed on an average 7 per cent growth in the past 25 years, he added.

Unquestionably, he said, India is a much better place to live in but added that still there are areas of challenges.

"India still needs large resources to enable to carry poverty alleviation steps. That large resources can only come if there is larger growth process," Jaitley said.

Singh, also Prime Minister of the country for 10 years, was also present at the book launch.

The book, edited by former RBI Deputy Governor Rakesh Mohan, has contributions from Mukesh Ambani, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, N R Narayana Murthy, Naushad Forbes, Sunil Bharti Mital, Baba Kalyani, Deepak Parekh, Y B Reddy, Strobe Talbott, and Gita Piramal.

Speaking at the panel discussion after the book launch, Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian said all governments have made consistent efforts towards liberalised capital account convertibility.

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As a result of progressive opening of capital account, he said, manufacturing has suffered as the ability to maintain competitive exchange rate is not possible.

He further said that the advanced worlds problem is to manage slow down in growth, while the challenge before the developing economies is to manage dynamism. PTI DP NKD CS MKJ

--- ENDS ---
Juvenile bobcats seldom leave their dens or mothers, which makes a hiker's discovery of a kitten, alone on a trail near Sausalito, all the more startling.

"Very young bobcats are hardly ever seen by humans," wrote Alison Hermance, director of communications at urban wildlife hospital WildCare, in a blog post chronicling the rare encounter.

The hiker was walking his dog when he noticed something trailing him, Hermance explained. It moved with slow caution, wobbly on its four paws and obviously needing help. After realizing it was a kitten, he swaddled it in sweatshirt and carried it to the ranger station for examination.

The rangers knew it would be impossible to reunite the juvenile with its mother, having no sense where the den was tucked away  and having been found so near to a busy trail. They decided the best plan of action was to deliver the kitten to WildCare.

Once the kitten arrived at WildCare it had an examination  a tricky task when the patient is equipped with sharp teeth and claws, suited best for hunting, not hospitals.

Staff found the four-week-old "clinically healthy, but dehydrated, and with the usual allotment of ticks and fleas," Hermance wrote. As reward for its cooperation, the kitten then feasted on a hearty meal of minced mice.

Although the kitten might look like a cuddly pet, as Hermance notes, it is still a ferocious animal. Bobcats are small and mighty carnivores with an appetite for meaty flesh.

This particular bobcat is in a tough spot, as kittens rarely leave their dens or surrounding areas until they can hunt with their mothers. And like all wild youngsters, bobcat kittens prefer the company of their own.

Luckily, WildCare was able to locate some companions; Sierra Wildlife Rescue east of Sacramento had just acquired two bobcat kittens of its own. The bobcat was transferred to Sierra Wildlife to grow with its own kind, until it's strong enough to return to the wilderness.

Hermance predicts the kitten will be ready to prowl the hills of Northern California by late October or early November, but warned that bobcat releases can be somewhat underwhelming.

"Our medical staff person opens the door to the carrier, and...the cat just sits there like, 'Oh heck no, I'm not coming out,' " Hermance told SFGATE. "They eventually run off and it's all happy, but, like cats of any species, they don't do what you expect them to do."

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
Q: I was wondering if I could get your opinion on this issue my wife and I had with Delta Air Lines. We recently flew from Cleveland to Aruba via Atlanta. But we were removed from our connecting flight and had to spend the night in Atlanta. Delta covered our meals and hotel expenses.

I believe my wife and I were involuntarily denied boarding. Isnt there a rule that Delta should compensate us for being bumped? I noticed that on our return flight, they were offering $600 vouchers for people to give up their seats and take a later flight. Is Delta being cheap and trying to get out of offering flight vouchers, or arent we eligible?

Brian Maslar, North Royalton, Ohio

A: It sure looks as if Delta forgot to compensate you for removing you from a flight. And it never hurts to ask if an airline is being cheap. It usually is.

But is Delta being cheap? Lets have a look at the rules. If you have a seat on an oversold flight and an airline denies you boarding, also known as a bump, then youre entitled to compensation under federal regulations. Those are spelled out on the Department of Transportation website: www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights.

For example, if youre bumped and the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to get you to your final destination, including a later connection, within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation. But if youre delayed between one and two hours after your original arrival time on a domestic flight, the airline must pay you an amount equal to 200 percent of your one-way fare to your final destination that day, with a $675 maximum.

But if your flight is just delayed, then federal rules dont apply. So, for example, if your outbound flight is delayed and you cant make your connecting flight to Aruba, then youre not covered by any federal rules. Then the reasons for the delay would become important. For weather delays, the airline would not owe you anything  not even a hotel room. For a mechanical delay or anything within the airlines control, airlines normally cover hotels, meals and ground transportation.

You can find the particulars on Deltas domestic general rules tariff, the contract between you and the airline: www.delta.com/content/dam/delta-www/pdfs/legal/contract_of_carriage_dom.pdf. (See Rule 240-C for details.)

A brief, polite email to Delta might have cleared up any confusion. I list the names, numbers and email addresses of Deltas customer-service executives on my consumer-advocacy website: www.elliott.org/company-contacts/delta.

It looks as if you tried to resolve this case in person and by phone. First, by asking for compensation at the airline desk, and then by making a follow-up call. I would strongly recommend starting a paper trail, which is far easier to track.

I contacted Delta on your behalf, and it turns out that your initial delay in Cleveland meant you couldnt make your connection to Aruba. In other words, you werent bumped from the flight. A Delta representative contacted you and explained the circumstances, and offered you a choice of either 20,000 miles or a $200 flight voucher as a goodwill gesture. Youve indicated that youre happy with that resolution.

Christopher Elliott is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine. Find travel tips at www.elliott.org. Email: chris@elliott.org Twitter: @elliottdotorg
SYDNEY  The Australian police described on Friday an elaborate terrorist plot in which two men from Sydney tried to place an explosive supplied by the Islamic State on a flight last month, an operation that officials said was among the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil.

The Australian Federal Police said the charges covered an aborted attempt last month to place an explosive on an Etihad Airways flight from Sydney. The discovery of the plot led authorities to tighten airport security around the nation last weekend.

As part of the plot, one of the men brought the explosive device to the Sydney airport in a piece of luggage, and asked his brother to take the luggage on the plane without disclosing its actual contents. But the bag never made it onto the flight for unknown reasons.

Officials said the discovery of the plot was the 13th significant threat that police had exposed and broken up since Australia raised its terrorist threat level to probable in 2014.

The threat from terrorism is real, Michael Phelan, the deputy commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, said at a news conference on Friday announcing the charges against the two men, Khaled Mahmoud Khayat, 49, and Mahmoud Khayat, 32. This is one of the most sophisticated plots that has ever been attempted on Australian soil.

Investigators say that parts of the explosive, a roadside bomb, were sent through international air cargo from Turkey through Islamic State operatives in Syria to one of the suspects in Australia, Phelan said.

He added that an Islamic State commander told one of the suspects how to assemble the explosive device into what we believe was a functioning IED to be placed on that flight. But the bag never got past the check-in counter.

As a result of that aborted attempt, there were a number of actions that took place on that day, and we did recover components of that IED, the commissioner said.

Investigators also said that after the airport plot did not succeed, the suspects tried to create an improvised chemical device intended to release highly toxic hydrogen sulfide. An Islamic State operative in Syria advised the men on which public areas to place the device, police said.

The charges against the men carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Jacqueline Williams is a New York Times writer.
MOGADISHU, Somalia The U.S. military on Friday confirmed it killed a high-level commander of the al-Shabab extremist group with an air strike in Somalia over the weekend, targeting a man blamed for planning deadly attacks in the capital of the Horn of Africa nation.

President Trump earlier this year approved expanded military operations against the al Qaeda-linked al-Shabab, including more aggressive air strikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities. Al-Shabab is the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.

Just hours after the U.S. military confirmed that a drone strike on July 30 killed Ali Mohamed Hussein (also known as Ali Jabal), at least two people were killed in an apparent car bomb blast on a major street in Somalias capital of Mogadishu on Friday evening, police said. Police said the two victims were pedestrians, and that that the target was unknown.

Ali is the highest-level al-Shabab commander killed this year. The U.S. military statement said he was responsible for leading al-Shabab forces operating in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks against the capital of Mogadishu.

Ali also had served as the extremist groups shadow governor for Mogadishu and had been one of al-Shababs most outspoken officials. In his last public speech earlier this year, he boasted that the extremist group had the upper hand in guerrilla warfare against Somalias government in the capital.

The U.S. statement said the air strike occurred near Tortoroow, an al-Shabab stronghold in Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia as a direct response to al-Shabab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces. It said no civilians were killed in the strike.

Al-Shabab often carries out deadly attacks on high-profile targets in Mogadishu, including Somali military and African Union checkpoints and facilities, hotels and the area around the presidential palace.

The killing of Ali disrupts al-Shababs ability to plan and conduct attacks in Mogadishu and coordinate efforts between Al-Shabab regional commanders, the U.S. statement said.

The U.S. has carried out a handful of air strikes since Trumps expansion of military efforts.

Abdi Guled is an Associated Press writer.
AFT Pharmaceuticals' combination ibuprofen/paracetamol painkiller Maxigesic is well-positioned to capture Australian and US market share as those markets move away from opioid painkillers such as codeine, managing director Hartley Atkinson told shareholders at the company's annual meeting in Auckland.

In Australia, the company believes its sales of 26 million doses of Maxigesic in the last financial year should grow strongly as codeine-based painkillers are phased out as over-the-counter pain remedies towards the end of the 2017/18 financial year.

And while Maxigesic is not yet licenced for sale in the US - a process which is also not expected to start until late in the next financial year - the product was "swimming with the tide against opioids", Atkinson said. Opioid addiction has reached epidemic proportions in the US and is responsible for thousands of deaths annually.

Independent director Doug Wilson told shareholders: "Maxigesic is an alternative to opioids in the US market because it's stronger than existing non-opioid pain relief."

The US Food and Drug Administration has accepted Maxigesic's medical properties but the North American markets of Canada, the US, and Canada are not yet among the 124 countries where Maxigesic could, in theory be sold.

In Australia, some 750 million doses of codeine-based painkillers were distributed last year, and AFT believes between 40 and 47 percent - between 300 million and 352 million tablets annually - of customers will switch to an over-the-counter alternative analgesic. AFT's market share in Australia currently sits at 1.5 percent, compared with 7 percent in New Zealand.

New Zealand market growth is constrained by the fact Maxigesic is not available for prescription by doctors because the drug is not funded by the government buying agency Pharmac.

"Pharmac would be looking for a very, very low price that wouldn't be commercially attractive to us," said Atkinson. "It's already priced very keenly, but Pharmac would want a much lower price."

However, different markets called for different strategies. For example, the new Italian market for Maxigesic was showing strong growth from prescriptions.

In answer to questions from a shareholder representing Milford Asset Management, Atkinson confirmed the firm expects to break even either late in the current financial year or early next year after listing on the NZX two years ago and investing heavily in growth that has pushed the company into two years of planned losses.

Atkinson said it was too early in the year to confirm earnings guidance, but there was "nothing that's surprising us untowardly".

Independent director Nate Hukill, representing 13.4 percent shareholder and specialist healthcare investor CRG, praised AFT as a company that had grown impressively with very little capital deployed and which was only at the beginning of its potential to sell in multiple global markets

"There's no reason AFT can't be one of the most successful companies in New Zealand history," he said, observing that "making it through our due diligence process puts AFT in the top 2 percent of companies we consider worldwide".

Atkinson said it was only the 2018 financial ear that Maxigesic would become AFT's largest single product and start driving overall growth, with 80 percent of planned rollouts achieved by 2020.

"That's when sales will be much more significant from Maxigesic," he said.

(BusinessDesk)

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In a shocking incident which happened in Uttarakhand, a school teacher unbuttoned the shirt of a class six girl and thrashed her for securing one and a half marks in exam.

By India Today Web Desk: With each passing day, our humanity stoops to a new low. This time, it happened in Uttarakhand.

In a shocking incident which took place in Roorkee, a class six student was allegedly thrashed and forced to undress by her teacher.

The teacher asked the little kid to do so after she secured one and a half marks in an exam.

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The victim said, "I was asked to remove my clothes, when I refused teacher (Shefali) slapped me and forcefully started removing my clothes."

Upon learning about the incident, the school principal confirmed taking action against the teacher.

"A teacher was trying to unbutton the girl's shirt, I called her and criticized her for her action, suspended her with immediate effect ," school principal said.

FYI || Bull-dozed: Student clicks teacher sleeping in class, gets him suspended ||

FYI || No benches, no blackboard, no toilets, just a classroom under a tree ||

--- ENDS ---
Salman was charged in October 1998, with possessing an unlicensed .22 rifle and a .32 revolver and using them to poach two black bucks in Jodhpur.

Salman Khan was acquitted in the case in January.

By India Today Web Desk: Salman Khan appeared before a Jodhpur court in connection with 19-year-old arms act case. Salman, who was acquitted by the court in January in the case, was asked to sign a bail bond of Rs 20,000 by the court. The next date of hearing in the case has been fixed for October 5.

Salman was charged in October 1998, with possessing an unlicensed .22 rifle and a .32 revolver and using them to poach two black bucks at Jodhpur's Konkani village.

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The actor was acquitted the court due to insufficient evidence on January 18 but the prosecution appealed against the decision.

WHAT IS THE CASE

During the shooting of Sooraj Barjatya's movie - Hum Saath Saath Hain - in 1998, Salman allegedly went on a shooting expedition along with fellow actors Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Sonali Bendre and Tabu, killing two blackbucks in Kankani village.

Following protests by the local Bishnoi community, a case was later filed against Salman and the other actors.

ALSO READ:

Salman Khan acquitted by Jodhpur court in 1998 Arms Act case for lack of evidence

Black buck case: Did Salman Khan's political reach help him in Rajasthan?

Salman Khan's acquittal 'travesty of justice', Maharashtra tells SC

Relief for Salman Khan in illegal arms case

WATCH VIDEO: Salman Khan pays bail bond of Rs 20,000 at Jodhpur court in 1998 Arms Act case

--- ENDS ---
Questions are being raised at the letters written by Indrani Mukerjea's driver Shayamvar Rai after it was revealed that he is a school dropout and isn't familiar with English.

By Vidya : Indrani Mukerjea's lawyer Sudeep Pasbola today put forward over 100 questions to the prime witness Shyamwar Rai in the Sheena Bora murder case.

However, in response to a majority of questions Rai said that he did not remember. Judge of special CBI court, JC Jagdale, said that in response to 70 per cent of the questions Rai said that he did not remember.

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Pasbola had began questioning and in all likelihood he will take few more days to finish the questioning. Incidentally, Rai told the court that he did not understand or speak English. Rai, who is a native of Chhindwara of Madhya Pradesh, is a high school dropout.

However, there are few letters that Rai wrote while being in jail. In one of the letters he wrote on September 26, 2015 he requested to turn an approver to the Magistrate Court and informed them that he wanted to speak the truth. In another letter written on April 29, 2016 addressed to the CBI court he asked to be pardoned. This letter is written in English.

Despite the discrepancy with the language of communication, Rai told the court that he had not instructed anyone to write the letter. Pasbola, in response to the letter, asked Rai to read it aloud which he could not.

Rai also told the court that he was unaware of legal terms, while his letter was interspersed with legal jargons like 'cognisance' and cited sections of criminal procedure code and terms under which a person can be pardoned. The letter was also signed by him which he admitted.

The accused Indrani, Peter and Sanjeev were present when Rai was being questioned by Pasbola. His lack of memory over the recent letter raised burning questions as to how could he recount the minute details of what happened five years, but failed to remember things mentioned in a letter he submitted recently. Pasbola will continue his cross examination of Rai on August 7.

Indrani and Peter Mukerjea are accused of killing Sheena Bora in 2012. According to the CBI, Sanjeev Khanna helped the duo in carrying out the murder.

Also Read

Sheena Bora murder trial: Driver Shyamvar Rai smiles at Indrani, reveals more details of plot

Driver's chilling revelation: Indrani sat on dead Sheena's face, decked her up before torching body

--- ENDS ---
A Sikh family was brutally attacked by their neighbours over a property dispute in Bengaluru.

By India Today Web Desk: In what can be called a blot on Bengaluru's cosmopolitan culture, an incident of brutal attack on a Sikh family has come to light. The family was brutally assaulted by their neighbours.

The family was just not attacked, but were also subjected to racial slur. The attackers allegedly threatened them to sell off their property and leave the place.

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A property dispute led to the attack on the family. The neighbours reportedly wanted the Sikh family to sell them their property.

Adding to the woes of the family, policemen who rushed to the spot allegedly called them 'Pakistanis'.

The family members were soon rushed to a hospital where they are currently undergoing treatment. The entire incident was caught on CCTV installed in the vicinity of the residents.

FIR DOES NOT REFLECT GRAVITY OF CRIME

"Me, my mother and my brother were badly assaulted by a group of people on May 13. However the FIR did not reflect the gravity of the crime," said the victim Harpreet Uppal.

The family of mother and two sons suffered grievous injuries following the attack. Uppal is a retired Army colonel and they have been living in the locality for several years.

Harpreet Uppal (Photo: Ani)

After the incident was reported, the police arrested few of the attackers. "Police arrested few people but they got bail immediately. There was a lot of video evidence but no action taken," said Uppal.

CAPTAIN'S INTERVENTION

After the incident came to light, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

"We thank Karnataka and Punjab chief ministers for taking interest in our case. We want chargesheet to be filed correctly and IPC sections applied to be reflective of crime," said Uppal.

Also Read:

Bengaluru: Chinese national attacked by five miscreants

Bengaluru startup CEO enters restricted forest area, loses arm fighting a crocodile to save dogs

WATCH | Shocking video of Sikh family being attacked by neighbours in Bengaluru

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: By Gurdip Singh

Singapore, Aug 4 (PTI) A prominent academic from a renowned postgraduate school in Singapore holding US citizenship was today permanently banned from the country for working with a foreign government to influence the city states foreign policy.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that senior academic and specialist Huang Jin, a professor on the US-China relations in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), and his wife Shirley Yang Xiuping, will be permanently banned from Singapore, in what is the first publicly known case of its kind in nearly two decades.

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Huang gave what he claimed was a "privileged information" about the foreign country to prominent and influential Singaporeans, with the aim of influencing their opinions in favour of that country.

The foreign country was not named by the MHA.

"He knowingly interacted with intelligence organisations and agents of the foreign country, and cooperated with them to influence the Singapore governments foreign policy and public opinion in Singapore," the local media reported citing the MHA press release today.

Among those who Professor Huang gave the "privileged information" to was a senior member of LKYSPP, said the MHA, reported the Channel News Asia, saying the ministry had not named the person.

"The information was duly conveyed by that senior member of the LKYSPP to very senior public officials who were in a position to direct Singapores foreign policy. The clear intention was to use the information to cause the Singapore government to change its foreign policy," said the MHA.

"However, the Singapore government declined to act on the "privileged information."

According to his profile on the schools website, Professor Huang has published extensively on subjects such as the US-China relations, Chinese elite politics, Chinas development strategy and foreign policy, Sino-Japanese relations and security issues in the Asia Pacific.

Apart from the numerous journal articles he has written, Professor Huang, who was director of the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, also edited books on subjects like Chinas Taiwan policy, the South China Sea dispute and China-India relations.

His opinion pieces and columns have appeared in newspapers including the Global Times, The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao. He has also appeared on Channel NewsAsia, a leading local television channel.

"Huang used his senior position in the LKYSPP to deliberately and covertly advance the agenda of a foreign country at Singapores expense. He did this in collaboration with foreign intelligence agents," said the MHA.

"This amounts to subversion and foreign interference in Singapores domestic politics," said the ministry.

According to the MHA, Professor Huang recruited others to aid his operations. It added that his wife, Shirley Yang Xiuping, was aware of what he was doing.

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"Huangs continued presence in Singapore, and that of his wife, are therefore undesirable. Both will be permanently banned from re-entering Singapore," said the MHA.

Professor Huang and his wife both are US citizens.

The Singaporean government has in the past taken action against individuals who had carried out subversive activities for foreign countries.

In 1998, the Internal Security Department arrested four Singapore citizens. Three of them were agents for a foreign intelligence service, and one of them recruited the fourth person to collect intelligence on and to subvert a local community organisation. PTI GS KJ AKJ KJ

--- ENDS ---
Sources say that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami is contemplating AIADMK's merger in the BJP-led NDA. However, TTV Dinakaran is proving to be a stumbling block if Palanisamy's plan.

After OPS vs EPS fight in the AIADMK, the Tamil Nadu CM is now involved in a turf war with TTV Dinakaran.

O Paneerselvam versus Eddapadi Palanisamy faction is a passe in Tamil Nadu politics. It is EPS versus TTV Dinakaran now.

After OPS left AIADMK, Sasikala and her relatives handpicked Palaniswami to be the Chief Minister and handed over party affairs to Dinakaran. However, after Dinakaran was arrested in two leaves symbolgate, Palaniswami had enough time to consolidate his position in the party and the government.

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Despite a fierce opposition, he managed to pass the budget and neutralise the opposition. He didn't fail to have frequent meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Meanwhile, Dinakaran had given a deadline till August 4 for the merger of two factions but only to wake up to the fact now that Palaniswami is a faction by himself. Sources say that EPS has the backing of BJP which wants to keep the Sasikala family out.

WILL THE TWO AIADMK FACTIONS MERGE?

The rift between Palaniswami and Dhinakaran became clear when the CM held a meeting of MLAs at the party headquarters on Tuesday after Dinakaran had announced that he would come to ascertain his position as the deputy general secretary of the party.

Finance Minister D Jayakumar said that party and government are under the control of the EPS. TTV Dinakaran who met Sasikala at prison in Bengaluru on Wednesday dismissed the statement by Jayakumar and said ministers are scared of something.

"They will come out of it. We gave 60 days for merger of faction to happen. Now that period is getting over. I will discharge my duty as the deputy general secretary," he said.

Meanwhile, at least twenty five Sasikala loyalists MLAs have been meeting TTV Dinakaran at his residence in Chennai. MLA S Vetrivel said, "All MLAs are supporting TTV. He will go to the party headquarters. He will go everywhere. Sasikala is our general secretary and he our deputy general secretary."

BJP WOOING AIADMK

Another MLA, Thangatamizhselvan hit out Jayakumar saying he was making statements in inebriated condition. Further on BJP trying to include a merged AIADMK in NDA, he said,"I don't know anything about it. I only saw in the media. I have no information. All the MLAs are with TTV."

OPS STILL A THREAT?

In the midst of all this, political analysts feel that OPS is no more a threat but is adamant on not merging without getting CM post.

Interestingly, with EPS inching closer to BJP, O Paneerselvam hit out at the BJP government.

Speaking to mediapersons in Coimbatore on Income Tax raids at Congress minister's premises, he said, "Income Tax raids should have been conducted at Kuvathoor resort when Sasikala was doing horse trading."

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He added that ministers are speaking on their own. If TTV Dinakaran visits AIADMK headquarters further decision will be taken. "EPS is still with Sasikala family. He is only acting as if they have sidelined the family."

The mercurial politics in Tamil Nadu is getting hotter while rain gods are showing mercy on the state.

ALSO READ:

Is Tamil Nadu heading for mid-term election? O Panneerselvam thinks so

Tamil Nadu: Acceptable leadership, not merger of Sasikala-OPS factions, solution to AIADMK's problem

Team EPS loses interest in AIADMK merger: Don't need OPS, we have numbers

WATCH: End of road for AIADMK merger? EPS camp loses interest, says OPS not needed

--- ENDS ---
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Former Bihar deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav is in no mood to take Nitish Kumar's 'betrayal' lying down. He is embarking on a state-wide tour to expose his former boss.

Nitish Kumar's JDU said Tejashwi will soon have to begin jail yatra. (File Photo)

By Rohit Kumar Singh: Former deputy Chief Minister and younger son of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav is all set to embark on Janadesh Apman Yatra from August 9 to 'expose' his former boss Nitish Kumar.

With the proposed yatra, Tejashwi aims to expose Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who according to him has betrayed the mandate of the people given to Mahagathbandhan or grand alliance in 2015.

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The yatra is scheduled to begin from Champaran, the 'karmbhoomi' of Mahatma Gandhi. The date (August 9) of the yatra has also been meticulously chosen to coincide with Quit India movement against the British regime.

Tejashwi's ambitious tour will conclude on August 27, the day when the RJD is hosting 'BJP hatao, Desh bachao' rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan. Lalu Yadav has invited top Opposition leaders to participate in the rally in a show of unity against the BJP.

TEJASHWI WILL SOON BE ON COURT AND JAIL YATRA

Taking a dig at Tejashwi, Nitish's Janata Dal-United said the RJD leader would soon be beginning his 'court and jail yatra'.

JDU spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar said that the manner in which CBI case has been registered against Tejashwi for amassing benami properties and the pace at which the investigations are going on, it is possible that soon the former deputy CM will be behind bars.

"The CBI has already registered an FIR against Tejashwi in case of acquiring benami properties and investigations are going on. It is possible that soon he will be undertaking a regular yatra to court and jail", Neeraj Kumar told India Today.

ALSO READ:

Trusted Nitish Kumar blindly but he betrayed me, says Lalu Prasad

Nitish Kumar to be back as chief minister with BJP support: Bihar political drama as it unfolded

Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad, Bihar and the perfect storm of coincidences

Revealed: What Tejashwi Yadav told Nitish Kumar in their 45-minute meeting behind closed doors

WATCH: Nitish Kumar: Tolerated Lalu & Co a lot, lost patience

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Shillong, Aug 3 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today announced setting up of two engineering colleges here and at Tura in West Garo Hills district.

"Very soon I will be laying the foundation stones for a new engineering college at a campus near Shillong Polytechnic premises at Mawlai. The college of architecture and urban planning will come up at Tura," Sangma said.

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The state government has also mooted setting up of the Meghalaya Technical University, he said at a programme of tourism and travel management department here.

"Education can be our strength to create opportunities and create Meghalaya a destination that can attract students from all South East Asian countries," he said.

Stating that teachers from neighbouring countries are learning English language in institute in the city, Sangma urged all stakeholders to ensure that the state becomes a hub for education. PTI JOP NN

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Aug 4 (PTI) The Trump administration today issued a stern warning to those behind "the staggering number of leaks" of classified information and said that it was reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas.

The assertion came a day after The Washington Post posted highly classified transcripts of Trumps conversations with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

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"I strongly agree with the President and condemn in the strongest terms the staggering number of leaks undermining the ability of our government to protect this country," US Attorney General Jeff Sessions told reporters at a news conference here.

"No one is entitled to surreptitiously fight to advance battles in the media by revealing sensitive government information," Sessions said.

Asserting that America "must end this culture of leaks", Sessions said the Department of Justice will investigate and bring criminals to justice.

"We will not allow rogue anonymous sources with security clearances to sell out our country. These cases, to investigate and prosecute, are never easy, but cases will be made and leakers will be held accountable," he asserted.

"No government can be effective when its leaders cannot discuss sensitive matters in confidence or talk freely in confidence with foreign leaders," said Sessions as he was joined by top intelligence officials to talk about the dramatic growth in the number of unauthorised disclosures of classified national security information in recent months.

The leaks are being made to both the media and, in some cases, even unauthorised disclosures to the foreign adversaries, Sessions said.

"Dont do it," Sessions said in a warning to the leakers.

"One of the things we are doing is reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas. We respect the important role that the press plays and will give them respect. But it is not unlimited. They cannot place lives at risk with impunity," Sessions asserted.

"We must balance the press role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in the intelligence community, the armed forces, and all law-abiding Americans," he said.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said these disclosures have resulted in a major threat to US national security.

"They endanger the men and women of the intelligence community, the armed services, and those who serve overseas," he said.

"They give our adversaries knowledge of our activities. They impede our ability to share information with our allies. There is also a real cost in dollars to compensate for blown programmes. And, most importantly, as I have previously noted, these unauthorised disclosures endanger the safety and security of Americans across the country," Coats said.

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According to Coats, these national security breaches do not just originate in the intelligence community but they come from a wide range of sources within the government, including the executive branch and Congress.

"Any disclosure of unauthorised outside of authorised channels is a criminal offense, and we will simply not tolerate the illegal release of classified information," Coats said. PTI LKJ ASK ASK

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The incident occurred on July 20 when Rita Dhama, a teacher, noticed students cheating blatantly. She immediately approached the principal of the institute. But instead of taking action, the principal threatened her.

By Rajat Rai: It's a cheatbuster that backfired. A teacher at an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district faced the music for blowing the whistle on mass copying during practical exams.

The incident occurred on July 20 when Rita Dhama, a teacher working at the institution for the past 10 years, noticed something unusual in the practical lab of the institute at Khekra. Aghast at the sight of students cheating blatantly, she immediately approached the principal of the institute. But instead of taking action, the principal scolded her and threatened with dire consequences.

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TEACHER THREATENED

"I was on invigilation duty when I noticed the students suddenly taking out their mobile phones, cheat sheets, photocopies of the books, etc, and started copying the answers. I immediately informed the supervisor but he was also busy helping the students," Dhama told Mail Today over phone.

"Feeling helpless, I filmed the entire incident on my mobile phone and went to the principal to inform him," she added. But this novel move of Dhama instead left her in shock. "Principal Vijay Bahadur and his peon pulled me inside the rest room and started misbehaving. I managed to escape from there and somehow reached the nearest police station," she said.

Dhama showed the video clip to the police officers but to her surprise, even they overlooked it. Unfazed, the teacher filed an FIR against the principal and the peon. "The in charge of the Khekra police station assured me of proper investigation. After running from pillar to post for almost two weeks, I released the clip on social media sites," she added.

PROBE ORDERED

As the clip went viral on local news channels on Thursday, the administration pulled up its socks. The district magistrate of Baghpat has ordered a probe into the incident.

"We came to know about it through the media and we have also summoned the in charge of the police station concerned for inputs. An inquiry has been ordered and the guilty will be brought to books. If any such activity is taking place, we will send flying squads to check it," Bhawani Singh, district magistrate (Baghpat), told media persons.

The principal has refused Dhama's claims. "The charges are baseless and we are ready for any kind of investigation. The practicals are going on and we do not promote any such activity in our institution," said Bahadur.

According to reports, the exams will end on August 10 and mostly the practical papers of various trades are left. Meanwhile, the students of the institute avoided media. "Please talk to our teachers and the principal. We have nothing to share with you," a student said.

Though the education minister of the state could not be contacted after repeated attempts, the BJP has assured proper action. "The matter has come to the cognizance of the government and we assure swift and proper action," state BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla said.

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ALSO READ

India Today expose: How the petrol pump mafia cheats you with a chip

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YSR Congress Party Chief Jaganmohan Reddy said that people like Chandrababu Naidu should be shot in public at a rally.

By Ashish Pandey: The leader of opposition of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief Jaganmohan Reddy has triggered a controversy after he said people like Chandrababu Naidu should be shot.

He made the snide remark while addressing a public meeting in Nandyal town of Kurnool district on Thursday.

However, a day after the statement, representatives from the YSR Congress Party went on a defensive. YSRCP MLA Roja said that Reddy's comments were misconstrued. Roja said that the TDP conveniently ignored all other important questions raised by Reddy.

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The YSR Congress party chief was addressing a massive gathering ahead of the Assembly by-poll which is scheduled on August 23 in Nadyala.

Launching scathing attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam party chief N Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan asked the people to question Naidu about his unfulfilled promises made during the last three years of his governance.

While addressing the gathering Reddy described Chief Minister Naidu as a person with "duplicity, double-dealing and treachery.'' He even went on to say that a person like Chandrababu Naidu should be shot in public.

"Chandrababu is no different from the person who kills his parents and tries to gain sympathy later. Looking at the deceptive ploys being used by Naidu to gain sympathy of voters in Nandyal, I feel that there is nothing wrong if he is shot in public," said Jagan while addressing the gathering at SPG ground.

NAIDU USURPED THE PARTY

"Chandrababu Naidu had usurped the party and power from NTR and his life has always been full of dubious deals, so is his governance" said YS Jagan while alleging that TDP chief is using Jana-Sena party chief and Cine Star Pawan Kalyan as pawn.

Reacting on the shocking comment made by principal opposition party leader, TDP leader said that its shows the mental status of YSR Congress party chief who is facing several corruption charges and facing

Enforcement Directorate and CBI enquiry. He also added that party leaders are preparing to lodge police complaint against the opposition leader.

The by-election of Nadyal which falls under Kurnool district of Rayalseema region of state has become a prestige fight for ruling Telugu Desam Party.

Opposition YSR Congress has christened the election result as referendum of Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government as state is scheduled to go for election in 2019.

The by poll arrived as its sitting MLA Bhuma Nagi Reddy died from a heart attack in March this year.

Interestingly, Bhuma Nagi Reddy and his daughter Bhuma Akhila Priya won the election on YSR Congress party ticket but later switched sides and joined the ruling Telugu Desam Party.

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Allagadda MLA Bhuma Akhila Priya (26) was sworn in as youngest minister of Naidu Cabinet this year in April.

Also Read:

Wrong bar code: Why Chandrababu Naidu's decision to tweak rules post-GST could backfire

PV Sindhu appointed Deputy Collector in Andhra Pradesh government

WATCH | My voice is not in the sting: Chandrababu Naidu

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Chief Minister Andrew Barr has promised to remind Icon Water of their obligation to run a value-for-money business, foreshadowing a push for its multi-million dollar shared service deal with ActewAGL to be put out to tender in 2023.

A motion filed this week in the Legislative Assembly by ACT Opposition leader Alistair Coe called on the government to force Icon to release details of the agreement, which has cost $300 million over 11 years.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr: Mr Barr told the Assembly this week he would remind Icon Water of their obligation to run a competitive business in light of a multi-million dollar shared services deal with ActewAGL. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

The deal, exposed during Estimates, has been in place since the ActewAGL joint venture was formed in 2000 and sees the energy company provide IT support, human resources, payroll, billing and economic advisers among other services to Icon Water, a wholly territory-owned corporation.

Icon's management were last month criticised for re-signing the $27 million per year deal in 2012 before slashing a quarter of its staff.
The union representing Canberra's Catholic school teachers has warned its members are "only more angry" after the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations applied to prevent them from taking industrial action.

The two parties are in a spat over how to best settle disputes. The Independent Education Union wants the Fair Work Commission to be able to make binding decisions when the two groups can't come to an agreement, but the employer representative body would rather stick to the current deal where Fair Work can only get involved when both parties agree to the intervention.

Independent Education Union NSW/ACT secretary John Quessy

The Catholic Commission for Employment Relations this week lodged an objection to the union's application for protected industrial action.

Commission executive director Tony Farley questioned why the union objected to the dispute clause given it already applied in 450 independent schools.
The developer of the Giralang shops is in breach of the conditions of his lease, Labor backbencher Suzanne Orr has revealed.

Under the conditions of the lease, the developer had 36 months to complete the redevelopment of the Giralang shops, Ms Orr told parliament on Thursday evening.

The Giralang shops were the subject of a now-dismissed appeal against a major redevelopment by Woolworths. Credit:Melissa Adams

According to the Crown lease, construction should have been completed by March 12 this year.

But close to a year after a long-running legal stoush over the redevelopment was settled, work is yet to recommence on the abandoned construction site.
It looks like a freeze frame from a wild woman stare-off somewhere in the heart of Africa.

But this stunning artwork by Lori Cicchini is actually composed of three very distinct Canberra elements.

'Beauty and the Beast'. Credit:Lori Cicchini

The model is Canberra woman Anne Duffy, the cheetah is Zingula from our very own National Zoo and Aquarium, and the landscape is not a sloping plain in Namibia but a field out the back of Palmerston.

The image was one of eight portraits that helped land Cicchini two high-profile Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) titles for 2017: ACT Portrait Photographer of the Year and ACT Illustrative Photographer of the Year.
A Griffith man who allegedly accelerated a stolen car towards a police officer before fleeing the scene was later caught when his alleged co-offender dobbed him in, court documents say.

The ruby red Ford Mustang had been reported stolen the morning of August 3. But it was only a few hours later that police spotted the car at a 7-Eleven in Fyshwick being filled up with petrol.

The ruby red Ford Mustang GT reported stolen.

Police pulled their four-wheel drive in front of the Mustang, got out, and told the two men to get on the ground, the documents say.

The man in the driver's seat allegedly "aggressively reversed" even as the other man was trying to remove the fuelling nozzle.
Carlton are still hopeful they can recoup at least part of the almost $2 million they are owed from former co-major sponsor CareerOne.

As reported by Fairfax Media, administrators of collapsed education company Acquire Learning, the parent company of CareerOne, have sold its single biggest asset  the online job search site  to a media group.

Blues are hoping to recoup some of their lost sponsorship. Credit:Josh Robenstone

Cor Cordis revealed it had sold Acquire's 90 per cent stake in CareerOne for an undisclosed sum to Octomedia. Creditors will discover the sum at the next creditors meeting in September.

It's understood CareerOne, under its former ownership, had promised to honour the $1,923,000 it owed the Blues  but that has yet to eventuate. The club will wait until the creditors meeting to get a clearer picture of where it stands.
Two men recently jailed over a $2 million money laundering plot using a "cuckoo smurfing" scam are among 11 people already jailed as part of criminal syndicates caught exploiting Commonwealth Bank accounts to wash money.

Arlsan Shaffi and Salman Khan were arrested in May 2015 after laundering money using more than 100 CBA accounts in a complicated money-shifting scam.

The pair was jailed for a scheme involving the transfer of money between associates in separate countries in a manner that avoids the need for these parties to transfer money across borders and raise suspicions.

The pair laundered $1.78 million in cash deposits through 101 CBA bank accounts in 255 separate transactions. Authorities are now investigating the pair over at least another $3 million for offences under money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.
When Narev presents the bank's full-year results he will be receive a series of questions from analysts about how CBA plans to deal with the government's financial intelligence unit Austrac's legal action, how much it is likely to cost, whether it will make any provisions and what sort of remedies are in place. For now the best the bank will do is inform the ASX that the matter is subject to court proceedings. "We are currently reviewing Austrac's claim and will file a statement of defence," CBA said in a statement to the ASX on Friday. It says it will keep the market informed of any updates. Managing risks and engendering trust is the be all and end all of a bank. Without it, things fall apart.

But the elephant in the room is how a company considered to be fabulous with big IT can get itself into a situation where Austrac has had to resort to a 500-page statement of claim in the Federal Court. The regulator alleges CBA committed 53,506 contraventions of the Act, which attracts a maximum fine of $18 million per transaction or equivalent to $966 billion. If the allegations hold up, it is highly unlikely that such a figure would be the ultimate penalty as it would rock the sector and involve nationalising the bank. But even a fraction of that amount would have an impact on the financial accounts of the bank, never mind the reputational damage to a brand that has already taken a beating  all of its own doing. Managing risks and engendering trust is the be-all and end-all of a bank. Without it, things fall apart. It is what a banking licence is all about. It is why getting the culture right is paramount and it is why the board needs to show some strength. If the allegations are even partly right, CBA will have a lot of damage to repair.

As outlined in the summary of Austrac's statement of claim the Australian Federal Police informed CBA that numerous accounts in one syndicate were connected to a serious investigation into serious criminal offences, but CBA allowed some of the accounts to remain open and further transactions occurred. There are a litany of other cases where checks and balances didn't happen. CBA isn't the first bank to be busted for failure to comply with anti-money-laundering laws. In 2012  while CBA was rolling out a new ATM system, known as Intelligent Deposit Machines (IDMs), which are at the heart of the latest allegations  HSBC was fined $US1.9 billion for a "blatant failure" to implement anti money-laundering controls. HSBC, for its part, copped the fine and said it was "profoundly sorry for past mistakes" that allowed Mexican drug traffickers to deposit hundreds of thousands of dollars each day in HSBC accounts. The spotlight again went on money laundering in 2014 when Standard Chartered was fined $US300 million by the New York State Department of Financial Services. It followed a similar fine in 2012 that related to its anti-money-laundering compliance, which was described as leaving the American financial system "susceptible to terrorists and drug kingpins". All up, in 2012 Standard Chartered paid $US667 million to regulators.

Other banks have been slapped with fines for failure to have the proper systems in place to spot and report suspicious transactions. Austrac alleges CBA didn't carry out any risk assessment of money laundering or counter terrorism when it rolled out its IDMs, which enabled crooks to set up fake accounts and deposit money anonymously. When word got around that CBA had a blind spot in its systems, crooks went into overdrive and cash deposits into IDMs started to rise exponentially. Austrac alleges the bank failed to investigate what might be going on. Nor did it do anything in response to alerts raised in internal transaction monitoring systems or review its money laundering risk assessment despite identification by law enforcement of significant instances of money laundering through IDMs. While CBA mulls over its response to the legal action, the investment community  and Australians  want some clarity and leadership. In the case of CBA's financial planning scandal, compliance systems were sadly lacking, with customer files going missing and dodgy planners breaching the law but managing to flout the lax compliance procedures.
James Packer's Crown Resorts is reconsidering its long-running business of luring wealthy foreign high-rollers to Australia amid the scandal over its actions in China and a massive revenue slide in its VIP program.

The casino giant on Friday recorded normalised net profit after tax of $343 million - a decline of 5.5 per cent - in the 2017 financial year.

Revenue from its VIP program was almost halved, falling from more than $1 billion in 2016 to about $605 million last year.

"Crown's Australian operations' full-year result reflected difficult trading conditions," executive chairman John Alexander said.
Global online giant Amazon's commitment to a new warehouse in Melbourne's Dandenong will not only create many new jobs, but will also put the focus on the cost structures and store roll-outs of Australian retailers.

As reported last week in these pages, Amazon has signed a 24,000-square-metre lease in the Pellicano's M2 Industry Park in Dandenong South, Melbourne, which will provide access to the South Gippsland Highway, Monash Highway and Eastlink. The lease of the centre was facilitated by CBRE's Industrial & Logistics business.

Tthe Amazon Fulfillment center in Robbinsville Township, N.J. Amazon Credit:AP

Robert Bruce, Amazon's director of operations for Australia said: "This is just the start".

"Over time, we will bring thousands of new jobs to Australia and millions of dollars of investment as well as opening up the opportunity for thousands of Australian businesses to sell at home and abroad through Amazon Marketplace," Mr Bruce said.
The $5 billion-plus of infrastructure across metropolitan Sydney has sparked a buying frenzy of so-called industrial hotspots, according to Knight Frank agents.

Sydney's North West is experiencing the biggest uplift in activity, with investors looking to the Marsden Park, Rouse Hill and Box Hill precinct, predicting it will become a key part of the Sydney industrial market in addition to housing expansive population growth.

One of the Simonson Properties that sold, at 488-490 Victoria Street, Wetherill Park. Credit:Airphoto Australia

Knight Frank's director, industrial, NSW, Matthew Lee, said the increase in investor activity is a direct result of the government's infrastructure investment.

"We've experienced a surge of investment interest in the North West recently due to the upcoming infrastructure upgrades," Mr Lee said.
Australian betting giant Tabcorp has been dragged into a net loss partly due to the $54 million it has spent chasing its proposed merger with Tatts, but the company insists the move will pay off for shareholders.

Tabcorp on Friday revealed a $20.8 million loss for the past financial year, compared to a profit of $169 million the year before.

Tabcorp chief executive David Attenborough. Credit:Pat Scala

The company's chief executive, David Attenborough, said the year had been "strategically important", and the hefty investment in its campaign to take over Tatts was worth any risk the regulators might knock the deal back.

"The combination is expected to deliver at least $130 million per annum ... from synergies and business improvements," he said.
There's just one problem to remember before we work ourselves into a complete tizz over the War on Wages, convincing ourselves globalisation and digital disruption mean we'll never get a steady job or a decent pay rise again.

It's this: so far we've heard a lot of suspiciously confident predictions about the way robots and digitisation are about to destroy millions of jobs, a lot of anecdotes about law-breaking employers, a lot of scary stories about "the gig economy" and "portfolio jobs", a lot of adults assuring impressionable school children they'll have 10, or is it 17, different jobs in their working lives, a lot of propagandising by the unions about the rise of "precarious employment" and a lot of speculation about how all this somehow explains why wages growth is the slowest it's been since the early 1990s.

Know what we haven't got a lot of? Hard evidence that any of all that has actually started happening to any significant extent.

This is not to say some version of all that won't happen at some time in the future. I can't say it won't since I don't know that the future holds, unlike all the self-proclaimed experts with their precise predictions.
New York: Former drug company executive Martin Shkreli was convicted of securities fraud by jurors in a US court in Brooklyn on Friday after a highly publicised month-long trial.

Federal prosecutors had accused the 34-year-old of defrauding investors in his hedge funds and stealing from his old drug company, Retrophin, to pay them back.

On the fifth day of deliberations, jurors found Shkreli guilty on two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy. Shkreli was found not guilty on five other conspiracy counts.

Before going on trial, Shkreli had been best known for raising the price of anti-infection drug Daraprim by 5000 per cent in 2015 as chief executive of Turing Pharmaceuticals.
Since accounts of abuse, violence and drug use inside Bimberi Youth Detention emerged, the ACT government has taken only small steps to resolve the dysfunction at the centre.

The shocking descriptions of life inside the facility detailed by staff and former inmates demanded swift, bold action from the government and an unqualified admission of responsibility on the part of those officials responsible for the welfare of its detainees.

Canberra, and the children in Bimberi, have received neither. The government has hedged when describing its own role in the saga, saying the problems were historical and arguing it has taken action already. Where the problem needed leadership, its officials have been defensive. If anyone was waiting for an apology, none was heard.

The government gave the impression these problems happened at arm's length from the ministers and directorate running youth justice in the territory. Actually, they are ultimately to answer for the failures of the facility in recent years to provide a safe and rehabilitative environment for troubled young offenders sentenced to detention, and the toxic culture that has poisoned what should be a restorative facility for the ACT's young people.
There was the dry, husky voice that hinted at a million smoked Gauloises. There were the dark eyes, carnal and enigmatic. There was the brooding, slightly downward curve of her lips, a sultry pout that could flash capriciously into a beguiling smile. She was playful and dangerous. The French actress Jeanne Moreau, who became one of the most popular and bewitching film stars of the 1960s, died on July 31 age 89, in Paris. Her career spanned seven decades and nearly 150 movie and TV roles, establishing her as the thinking man's femme fatale. Orson Welles and Francois Truffaut were among the international directors who cast her in their movies. Most spoke rapturously of Ms Moreau  Welles called her "the greatest actress in the world"  and a few became her lovers.

Albert S. Zuidema, a World War II bomber pilot who survived the shooting down of his aircraft and the amputation of his left leg while in German custody, died on July 3 in a hospital in a Falls Church in Virginia. He was 98. The cause was respiratory failure and pneumonia, said his son, Peter Zuidema. Mr Zuidema was the pilot of a B-17 Army Air Forces aircraft that had its right wing shot off by a German fighter plane over Steyr, Austria, in April 1944. With the exception of the flight engineer, all of the crew survived the crash. Mr Zuidema lost consciousness and was either pulled from the wreckage of the plane by civilians or thrown clear of the plane before it crashed. He was relieved when German soldiers arrived to take him prisoner, his son said, because the area had been heavily bombed and there had been reports of farmers bayoneting Allied airmen with pitchforks. He was taken to a German hospital, which was subsequently bombed, causing an infection of his already-injured left leg, his son said. Without anaesthesia, the leg was amputated above the knee, and he was sent to a prisoner of war camp, where he remained until Germany surrendered in May 1945.

In Passing. Credit:Fairfax

Hywel Bennett, the Welsh actor, who has died aged 73, started out in films as a working-class "pretty boy" in the mould of David Hemmings, but became best known for his role as an over-educated loafer in the 1980s television sitcom Shelley. Fair-haired and slight of build, Bennett excelled at playing loners and outsiders, ranging from awkward types who refused to fit in to the frankly disturbed. He was also much in demand for voice-over work, British Rail using his cosy tones in the 1980s to insist, "We're getting there". Bennett made a string of films  usually risque comedies and now mostly forgotten  through the late 1960s and early 1970s, among them the Boulting Brothers' tender drama, The Family Way. For a time it looked as though he might become a star, like his fellow Welshman Richard Burton, with whom he was compared. He became a "face" of the period, bought a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and in 1970 was mobbed by paparazzi at his marriage in Streatham to Cathy McGowan, the mini-skirted presenter of the television show Ready Steady Go!
Why does the state government hate the Powerhouse Museum? Why is it so set upon spending millions, possibly billions, of dollars better used elsewhere (on addressing homelessness for instance) on a senseless relocation of a much-loved and unique institution from its current iconic site?

Why is it willing to spend $240 million to allow the Art Gallery of NSW to expand by encroaching on public land on the Domain while forcing the city's only science, design and technology museum out of Darling Harbour, the tourist epicentre of Sydney?

The view of the site of the future Powerhouse Museum from across the Parramatta River.

Why doesn't the Powerhouse enjoy the esteem and status bestowed on other cultural institutions such as the Art Gallery or the MCA?

What is it about the Powerhouse that has seen successive state governments determined to emasculate it with ruthless budget cuts, efficiency dividends and nonstop speculation about relocation that no other institution has to wear?
It will. But that's the second arena in which this will be fought. Before it goes to the wider party room, it is scheduled to go before the Turnbull cabinet, which will meet earlier on Monday, and this is where the government's position is to be decided. The cabinet meeting is taking shape as a contest between the author of the postal plebiscite compromise, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, and the advocate for an immediate parliamentary vote to allow gay marriage, Attorney-General George Brandis. Illustration: Jim Pavlidis. This would allow Turnbull to play chairman and to pronounce the final decision once everyone around the cabinet table has been heard. Dutton has been actively building support for the postal plebiscite among his colleagues. It already has won the grudging support of key moderates in the cabinet as the least worst option. Turnbull has not said so publicly but it's an outcome that he would embrace. But it will nonetheless be a hard-fought cabinet debate.

The government has commissioned legal advice on the option of a postal plebiscite. Some ministers have seen it already. This advice makes plain that a postal plebiscite would be vulnerable to a High Court challenge, as a number of academic experts on constitutional law have been saying publicly all week. The answer to this from Dutton and his supporters? That's OK. The High Court would be expected to hear the case expeditiously. If it allowed the plebiscite to proceed, the government could probably carry it out by the end of the year. It doesn't need any legislative approvals and the funding authority already exists, so Labor and the Greens couldn't block it. The plebiscite would inevitably endorse same-sex marriage. Turnbull would have kept his pledge to maintain the Abbott policy. He would have kept faith with the party. And same-sex marriage would quickly be endorsed by the government and legislated by the Parliament. The issue would be off the agenda by the time of the next election. But if the High Court were to strike it down? The Dutton argument is that that's OK, too. Turnbull would have made every effort to fulfil his pledge of a plebiscite. He will have kept faith with his party. In the first instance, he's been frustrated by Labor and the Greens in the Senate in his effort to hold a go-out-on-a-Saturday-and-cast-a-vote plebiscite. On the second, he would've been blocked by the High Court in his bid for a postal plebiscite. He would then be liberated to take the question it to a free parliamentary vote.

Whether the government were to win or lose in the High Court, legalised same-sex marriage would be the result. "A postal plebiscite could be a workable compromise because people with competing views could settle on it as a way forward," says a moderate cabinet minister. "Because there is a significant lack of willingness to make any effort at give and take on this on either side." Brandis can be expected to argue that a postal plebiscite is not only constitutionally dubious, it's also politically dubious. Why? If the postal vote were boycotted by the gay marriage lobby, and if younger voters lacked the interest to mail their ballot papers, the participation rate could be low, below 50 per cent. If that were to happen, the plebiscite could be dismissed as a farce, runs the argument. The same-sex marriage lobby would be undeterred and press on, agitating within the Liberal Party, continuing to destabilise. Labor would make it an issue at the next election. And the government would look like incompetent dills as well as homophobic bigots. The counter-argument is that a low turnout rate wouldn't matter  many countries routinely elect governments with voter turnouts of 30 or 40 or 50 per cent. Their legitimacy isn't questioned. French president Emmanuel Macron was elected on a turnout of 38 per cent, for instance. The cabinet debate will be further freighted by the political ambitions of the protagonists. Brandis is approaching the sunset of his time in the cabinet. He wants a decisive victory on same-sex marriage as his culminating career trophy on a matter that is dear to the moderate wing of the Liberal Party.

Besides, Brandis lost his last contest with Dutton. Brandis opposed the creation of a Home Affairs ministry. He didn't want to cede oversight of ASIO and the Federal Police to Dutton's super ministry. And he doesn't want to lose on this signature issue of rights. Dutton's political trajectory, conversely, is on the rise. He's emerged as the leading conservative in the cabinet. Fresh from being named Home Affairs Minister-designate and security supremo, he is now trying to demonstrate that he can be more than a conservative warrior, that he can transcend factions to become a political problem-solver and conciliator. It's widely recognised that same-sex marriage in Australia is inevitable. Progressives want it now; conservatives are merely seeking to delay as long as possible. For Turnbull, the trick is how to deliver it without the ruin of his prime ministership and possibly the collapse of the government along the way. The postal plebiscite is an appealing option for Turnbull because it's the least suicidal politically. Consider the other options. If Turnbull next week allows a free parliamentary vote, he would be seen to be yielding to the five pro-gay marriage MPs who are threatening to revolt on the issue. "If he does that, he will do himself very serious damage in the party room," says a conservative critic of the Prime Minister.

"Because the suspicion is that he hasn't acted in good faith," in keeping to his pledge to preserve the Abbott-era policy of a plebiscite. "I wouldn't be surprised if Malcolm Turnbull had given them some tacit encouragement." The conservative dissenters unhappy with Turnbull's leadership would proceed to do everything in their power to make his prime ministership unworkable. And the third option  that Turnbull preserve the status quo by confronting the pro-gay marriage rebels in his party  is also fraught. By daring them to revolt openly on the floor of the House, Turnbull runs the risk of losing control of the legislature. Labor could seize control of the chamber, pass a same-sex marriage law with the support of Liberal defectors, claim victory, and deal a humiliating blow to Turnbull. The consequences would be unpredictable. One scenario is that disgruntled Liberals would declare a spill motion. There are no candidates  no one is organising to seize the leadership at the moment. Indeed, Dutton, often cited by anonymous Liberal sources as a leadership contender, is not about to strike Turnbull. On the contrary, he is pursuing the postal plebiscite compromise as a way of protecting Turnbull and preserving the government.
Greg Whitby's analysis into the value of the HSC is forthright and insightful. (" 'HSC had its day': leading educator calls for overhaul", August 4). It is paramount that questions are raised and systems restructured to challenge changing needs and opportunities for our students. The International Baccalaureate is offered as an alternative, but caution is needed.

Early this decade Britain, too, realised a need for change and rushed into an alternative English Baccalaureate to appease all concerned interest groups (students seemingly last in interest). The strength of the International version is in its breadth and depth of subject with strong international recognition. Students become engaged and look beyond to the future. The English Baccalaureate falters into rules, regulations and more testing.

The necessity to overhaul the current system is imperative to ensure the NSW system remains respected and internationally well recognised. But rushed change or change to merely appease certain powerful interest groups wreaks havoc on an already overworked and stressed educational community. The change must be considered, directed at children's (and the wider community's) needs for the future and ensuring that staff are trained and in numbers (language and maths, for example) to accommodate.

Mr Whitby has proposed an adequate solution, with funding, additional consultation and adequate teacher training it could happen. But let us not travel the British route and split the educational communities into rival baccalaureates. Our children are too important.



Janice Creenaune Austinmer





Well done, Andrew Dostine and Pam Timms (Letters, August 4). The trouble with the current HSC paradigm that it tempts the strangulation of "competitivism" to squash creativity and character! In real education, what can be more important than these two?



Rosalind Winterton Maroubra
It may be seditious to even pose the question, but here goes: is it possible the Queen goes about her regal business permanently tipsy? A report from Food and Wine this week revealed Elizabeth II has four drinks a day  opening with a gin and Dubonnet before lunch (that's gin with a fortified wine: her Maj doesn't mess about with mixers), and ending with a glass of champagne before bed.

This classifies our monarch as a risky drinker, according to health guidelines, but then, those guidelines probably also stipulate one shouldn't eat cake every day, and yet, one does  a slice of one's favourite chocolate biscuit cake. If the Queen is travelling, she pops a piece of it in her handbag.

The 20th anniversary of Diana's death has reminded many of the misery of the Windsors: endless engagements, permanent small talk, constant pressure. Credit:AP

Such entirely self-pleasing consumption habits can only command respect for the Queen, but they're also a reminder of how tedious it must be to be royal. The endless engagements, the intimacy-killing sycophancy of all those curtseyed meetings, the sea of small talk, the constant pressure to look right and stay awake. Who wouldn't need a stiffener to endure it? And that's before you even get to the many occasions on which her own family must have driven Liz to drink.

The 20th anniversary of Diana's death has done much to remind us of the misery of the Windsors  for years the Princess of Wales was trapped in her marriage, starved of love and even ordinary kindness. She was a sacrificial virgin and little more than a child bride when she married at 20.
Inequality is finally becoming an issue in Australian politics as Labor leader Bill Shorten makes addressing it the centrepiece of his future election campaign, and Treasurer Scott Morrison counters by angrily insisting that it doesn't exist and no you shut up.

And it's being blithely reported upon as "hey, get ready for increased financial stress" as though everyone's in a position to handle yet another major pressure on their lives, so let's just make this explicit: the 2017 housing market is costing lives.

The 2017 housing market is costing lives. Credit:Rob Homer

As you'd no doubt be acutely aware, the last few months of headlines have been up and down about how the future is looking for Australians with an interest in not dying of exposure. And, as ever, it's those at the bottom that get hurt the most.

The proposed launch of the first swathe of rental bidding apps seem guaranteed to put upward pressure on rents, unless regulated to the point of not actually having them.
Australia's greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, making the task of future pollution cuts to meet international commitments more difficult, the latest data for the government show.

On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, emissions rose 1.6 per cent in the March quarter, the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory shows. The Environment Department confirmed the quarterly increase was the biggest in nine years.

On an annual basis, the country's emissions reached 550.4 million tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent, excluding land use changes such as land clearing. That tally was up 1 per cent from a year earlier.

For the March quarter alone, the 138.3 million tonnes - again excluding land use changes - was the most for any quarter since at least 2001-02. If land clearing is taken into account, the total is the most since September 2005.
Washington: The White House will formally tell the United Nations on Friday that it intends to abandon the Paris agreement on climate change but remains open to "re-engaging" on the accord.

The United States will participate in UN climate negotiations later this year despite its planned withdrawal, according to the administration's statement of intent.

The letter has no legal weight and does not set in motion the United States' departure from the pact of nearly 200 nations to curb planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Rather, those familiar with it said, it is a political document that affirms President Donald Trump's declaration in June that the Paris agreement is a "bad deal" for the United States.

"As the President indicated in his June 1 announcement and subsequently, he is open to re-engaging in the Paris Agreement if the US can identify terms that are more favourable to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people, and its taxpayers," the White House statement says.
Refugees and advocates are in despair over Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's admission, revealed in a leaked transcript, that Donald Trump could take as few as 100 or even zero refugees from Manus Island and Nauru under the US refugee deal.

They have also accused Mr Turnbull of lying when he insisted Australia's acceptance of refugees from Central America was unrelated to the US deal and did not constitute a "people swap", claims that have been undermined by the leaked document.

Refugees at the Manus Island regional processing centre protesting earlier this month.

During his explosive phone call with President Trump in January, a transcript of which was obtained by The Washington Post, Mr Turnbull won over the reluctant President by assuring him the US was not bound to accept a single refugee.
Actor Ryan Johnson, 37, is known for his role as Matt Knight in the Australian TV series Doctor Doctor. His wife, Tamara Asmar, 40, is a screenwriter for the show and a playwright. They have a four-year-old daughter, Alia.

RYAN: We met in 2001 in my acting agent's building in Sydney's Surry Hills. Tamara was the hot chick working in the office downstairs. I'd often wander down, say hi, tell jokes and see if I could warm her up. I thought she was gorgeous with her jet-black hair and big blue eyes. I didn't see her for a couple of years, then I was out having drinks with a friend at a pub and there was Tamara. I was besotted.

Tamara Asmar and Ryan Johnson. Credit:James Brickwood

She went away on a trip to visit her dad and I kept sending her emails. One was really cheesy: "Be careful walking past construction sites, because you're so gorgeous you might cause an accident." It was just terrible. When she got back we went out to the pub and have been together ever since.

She worked in PR for a long time and was getting frustrated, wanting to do more creative stuff. She even considered acting. I said, "Don't do that. It's heartbreaking and awful." She ended up doing a writing course at NIDA. In the early days, I directed one of her plays, Ninja. We got slammed in two reviews, which was horrible. In the theatre world there seems to be this notion that it's got to be brilliant or nothing.
Since becoming an international star in Game of Thrones, Sophie Turner has been unapologetically candid on the "f----- up" pressure for young actors to conform to the industry's body standards.

In an interview in the new Porter magazine, the 21-year-old, who has cemented her place as a muse for creative director of Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquiere, opened up on the balancing act between being a role model for young women and maintaining a physique which will continue to earn her roles.

Sophie Turner arrives at the LA Premiere of "Game of Thrones" at The Walt Disney Concert Hall. Credit:AP

Joining the cast of Game of Thrones as Sansa Stark as a 13-years-old, Turner has had what she describes as "a gradual" rise to fame. Yet the role model status andcriticism that comes along with it is still something she is getting used to.

Having openly discussed her battle with body criticism in the past, the actor revealed that the stepping into the fashion world and more red carpets has made her more susceptible to self-pressure.
David Jones' strategic muse is Fanny Fern.

While the American writer said; "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach", DJs has updated the outdated heteronormative mantra and gone one step further. Knowing these days the way to anyone's heart is through gourmet, Instagram-worthy produce, which is what its new Food Hall in Bondi Junction is bursting with.

David Jones food group director Pieter de Wet, Jesinta Franklin and chef Neil Perry at the new David Jones Bondi Junction Food Hall. Credit:Damian Shaw

The department store, which has also just added 30 new fashion labels to its racks, is also now stocking 6000 edible products. There are no vision-blocking aisles  so forget avoiding annoying neighbours, colleagues or former lovers  this multimillion dollar food hall that took five months to renovate has "worlds" of food, a juice bar and a porter service which will help carry your bags to the car.

The high-end retailer has also introduced something brand new, something that will make the customers from the days of yore clutch at their Paspaley baubles; trolleys and shopping baskets. The suburban supermarket staple - hand baskets - are now available in the revamped 2000-square metre food emporium that also boasts more leather, marble and granite than a Mehajer house.
James Sutton battled doctors for six weeks to get a 10-day course of amoxicillin for his severe bronchitic chest infection. When he got the antibiotics, they didn't really work and, what's more, he had a major allergic reaction, which caused an outbreak of hives all over his torso, adding to his misery.

"No one seems to know anymore what's the right thing to do," says Sutton, a 43-year-old fit and healthy publisher who cycles 18 miles to and from his office every day. "For the past 50 years or more, doctors have been giving us antibiotics and telling us we must make sure we complete the course; then they started rationing them because of antibiotic resistance in the bacteria. Now we're being told that doctors don't really know how to use them either because there hasn't been enough research, and that taking them for too long might be fuelling the rise of infection-resistant superbugs."

Don't throw out your antibiotics yet. Credit:Stocksy

He was referring to last week's report in the British Medical Journal declaring there is absolutely no evidence for the arbitrary lengths of time people are told to take antibiotics, which can range from two to 10 days or even longer, and that it might be better for them to stop as soon as they feel better, to reduce the global growth of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

The report has left many people baffled, and GPs have reported a stream of anxious inquiries from patients who are now unsure whose advice to believe.
My mum, Barbara McIntyre-Conway, raised me mostly on her own. I was born in Adelaide but moved to Melbourne after my parents divorced when I was around two. She and my dad, Lachlan, weren't the right fit for each other. My maternal grandmother, Jillian, lived in the front room of our weatherboard home and she helped raise me while Mum worked.

Everybody thought Grandma was a movie star  she had that classic beauty about her. She was a soprano and pianist and spent a lot of time being creative. We would paint together. In fact, I wanted to be a painter before I wanted to be an actor, thanks to her. She also fed me too many home-made sausage rolls and I got chubby as a kid.

"I have never been a player. I am the sort of guy who would get nothing out of that situation." Credit:AAP/ABC

Mum always worked her butt off to make ends meet while I was growing up. At one point, she opened a cafe opposite my school so she could be close to me for drop-off and pick-up. She was also an antique dealer and we'd take trains at 5am drinking cups of coffee. There was never a dull moment and she is a great storyteller.

My mum was diagnosed with cancer while I was back in Australia recently filming Pulse. She's going through a tough time.
Sydney couple Quinta and Greg Turton were looking forward to the arrival of their second baby, a much wanted younger sibling to their son Finlay.

They were devastated to learn their daughter Poppy had cystic fibrosis, dying from the genetic condition only 26 days after her birth.

Quinta and Greg Turton with their sons Angus, 6, and Finlay, 10.

Finlay, now 10, was healthy and the couple from Chifley in Sydney's south had no idea they were carriers of the faulty gene and had a one in four chance of passing it on to their children.

"It was a heartbreaking, horrible time," Mrs Turton said.
The Tax Office has outsourced its hunt for new employees to the tune of $6 million last year despite complaints that external recruitment companies lack knowledge to hire the right staff.

New figures show while an upswing in Australian Taxation Office recruiting followed the end of the Abbott-era APS hiring freeze in 2015, the agency paid outsiders to find one-third or more than 1000 of its new workers the next year.

The ATO has increased its spend on external recruitment companies. Credit:Tamara Voninski

The ATO spent $6.1 million in 2016 on recruitment agencies contracted to find staff, up on its $2 million spend the previous year and $700,000 in 2014 as it held back under the Coalition hiring crackdown.

But the agency says after it filled critical vacancies last year, it expected recruitment costs to fall significantly in 2017.
Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan said police and intelligence agencies had disrupted one of the most sophisticated terror plots planned in Australia. Credit:AAP With the unnamed passenger was his brother Khaled Mahmoud Khayat, 49, who on Thursday was charged with two counts of acting in preparation for or planning a terrorist act. Police allege he was directing the activities of the alleged plot. Police search a property in Lakemba in Sydney's south-west following sweeping terrorism raids. Credit:AAP Police allege Khaled Mahmoud Khayat took the luggage with him when he left Sydney Airport while his brother, who has not been identified, boarded the Etihad flight. He has not returned to Australia.

"We believe he had no idea," Mr Phelan said. A police officer searches items from a property in Lakemba as part of an investigation into an alleged terrorism plot. Credit:AAP Image/Paul Miller Khaled's other brother, Mahmoud Khayat, 32, was also charged with acting in preparation for a terrorist act. The pair have been in custody since their arrests in dramatic raids in Surry Hills, Punchbowl, Lakemba, Wiley Park and Bankstown last Saturday evening. An injured Khaled Merhi is taken away in an ambulance after being arrested in Surry Hills on July 29. Credit:Seven News

The pair's case was briefly mentioned in Parramatta Local Court on Friday. There was no application for bail and the case was adjourned to November 14. Police did not find out about the chilling close call until 11 days later. British and US intelligence agencies tipped off their Australian counterparts about the mass casualty plot. Khaled Khayat, pictured at Sydney Airport in 2014, is one of the men arrested. It is understood the overseas agencies intercepted communication between the Sydney men and Islamic State operatives. Mr Phelan would not be drawn on whether the failure of the passenger to check in the baggage on a pre-booked international flight raised any warning signs with airline staff.

Khaled Khayat was arrested in Surry Hills over the terrorist plot. "I'm not saying it didn't raise the red flag," he said. "What I am saying is the airline staff are part of the security layers, the multiple layers and everything from intelligence all the way through to physical searching of things. "The level of training they have, as far as I'm aware ... they are trained to certain standards to look for certain indicators like everybody else. "Whether or not those indicators helped bring this about and not getting on the plane, I can't say."

Exactly why the bomb did not make it past check-in is not certain but police are investigating whether the bag was deemed too heavy or Khaled Khayat simply changed his mind. The IED, concealed inside a meat mincer, was taken from the airport and partially dismantled. Mr Phelan said police found that device during raids over the past week. "The IED that was meant to be planted on [July] 15th, yes we are confident, very confident we have found every single component of that IED," he said. The cell then allegedly focused on a plan to create a "chemical dispersion device" that would emit a poisonous gas, possibly in an open, crowded space. The plot was being aided by a senior Syrian-based IS officer, who had sent the device components via Air Cargo to Sydney.

Mr Phelan said one of the Khayat brothers charged in Sydney was put in contact with an IS "controller" via one of his brothers. "One of the two people that has been charged was put in contact with the IS controller around about April this year," Mr Phelan said. "It will be alleged he was introduced by his brother who was a member of IS." All four men arrested as part of the terrorism investigation in Sydney are related by marriage. Abdul Merhi, 50, was released from police custody without charge on Tuesday night.
On July 15, Khaled Khayat arrived at Etihad's check-in counter at Sydney Airport's Terminal 1 to see his brother off on a flight to Abu Dhabi.

Unknown to the airline, the police and even the brother, Mr Khayat had allegedly packed a military-grade bomb, concealed in a kitchen meat mincer, in his brother's check-in bag.

Three months earlier, on April 13, Mr Khayat, 49, started talking to a senior Islamic State operative in Syria about what police now allege is the most serious and disturbing terror plot ever hatched in Australia.

The contact was possibly facilitated through his brother-in-law, Surry Hills man Khaled Merhi, whose brother Ahmad Merhi fled Australia for IS in 2014.
A senior Islamic State figure in Syria dictated a plan to execute mass-casualty terrorism on Australian soil and managed to send a "military-grade explosive" to Sydney undetected.

The alleged terrorism conspiracy that police cracked open last week served as a chilling example of how IS figures use supporters as puppets to carry out terrorism in foreign countries.

The method of "virtually planning" involves IS operatives feeding overseas supporters instructions via encrypted communication platforms on how to carry out terrorism.

This is what police allege occurred when men in an alleged Sydney terror cell began communicating with the terrorist group in April.
Sydney man who killed his neighbour with a smashed beer bottle during an attack which lasted less than 15 seconds has been found guilty of murder.

The victim, Kelly Ventigadoo, who'd been farewelling his parents outside his home, bled to death in five minutes.

Sateki Siale, 26, had admitted causing the death of Mr Ventigadoo but pleaded not guilty to murdering him early on October 11, 2015, at Lakemba in Sydney's southwest.

He claimed to have no memory of the attack and his barrister argued he was too drunk to form an intention to kill.
The man who sent Brisbane's central shopping strip into lockdown when he pulled a handgun on a police officer more than four years ago has failed in his bid to get out of jail early.

Lee Matthew Hillier, 38, took the parole board to court in June after it approved and then cancelled his application for parole, declaring him an unacceptable risk of reoffending.

Lee Matthew Hillier, pictured being confronted by an armed police officer, locked down the Queen Street Mall in March 2013. Credit:Andreas Kouremenos

The life-long drug user told a court hearing last month he wanted to to go to rehab before his full release so that he would not be "put onto the street full time with ... no direction."

Panic gripped Brisbane's CBD on March 8, 2013, when Hillier was asked for ID by a police officer and instead pulled out a handgun.
An Anglican vicar who enjoys acting and writing in his spare time has appeared in court on child pornography charges, after he was arrested at his church in suburban Melbourne during a police raid.

Father Philip John Murphy, 52, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, charged with 10 offences allegedly committed in East Burwood over five months, from September last year to February this year.

Detectives searched the Holy Apostles' Anglican Church, on Anderson Road in Sunshine West, on Thursday morning and arrested Father Murphy.

Police said the arrest was part of a 12-month investigation into online child exploitation, by the joint anti-child exploitation team.
An erratic driver has been arrested after he narrowly avoided hitting school-aged children in a police chase through Melbourne's south-east.

Police began pursuing the silver Holden Commodore after it was spotted being driven on the wrong side of Bungower Road and on the footpath in the Mornington Peninsula area about 3.30pm on Friday.

Callers to radio station 3AW said pedestrians, including children, had been forced to jump out of the way of the speeding car.

"He was flying," caller Cam told Tom Elliott.
The patched bikie gang member who shot and killed White Ribbon ambassador Karen Belej repeatedly lied to police about how she died, a court has heard.

Brandon Osborn, 37, appeared at the Supreme Court sitting at Mildura on Friday after pleading guilty in June to the manslaughter of his de facto partner at her home in nearby Cardross.

Karen Belej worked at Mildura council as an advocate for the White Ribbon program, which is aimed at preventing men's violence against women.

Osborn, a member of the Rebels Motorcycle Club, had previously faced a murder charge which was dropped after the plea deal.

Crown prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams said on the evening of May 1, 2016, Osborn held a gun close to Ms Belej's forehead and pulled the trigger after loading one round into the six barrel chamber of an unregistered revolver.
Detectives investigating the murder of a Perth woman whose body was found inside a car on the freeway last month are appealing for the public's help to identify the driver of another vehicle who may have information about her death.

The body of 35-year-old Rebecca Jane Gascoigne was discovered by police inside a Mitsubishi Lancer on the Mitchell Freeway on July 15th, with the 49-year-old driver of that vehicle taken for questioning.

Police are now appealing for public assistance to identify the driver of a vehicle that may have picked up or stopped and spoken to a man who was near the Northshore Drive car park in Whitford Beach at about 12.40am on Saturday July 15. Credit:WA Police

A manhunt for 42-year-old Shawn Adam Newton, who was known to the man and Ms Gascoigne, began shortly after the discovery of the body.

After more than a week on the run police were able to arrest Mr Newton at a pub near Whitfords Shopping Centre on Marmion Avenue, and charged him with the mother-of-three's murder.
Perth, this is why we can't have nice things.

The new Mitchell Freeway extension had been open for use all of three-and-a-half hours when a prang occurred at the new exit.

A photo of the crash was sent to the popular Facebook page Perth WA Revenue Raisers Alert. Credit:Kye Carter

A member of the public reported a minor car accident at the Hester Avenue interchange at around 6am, heading eastbound.

WA Police attended the scene, and Main Roads WA said a responder team was sent to the location.
London: By the year 2000, democracy was in the ascendant. Starting with Portugal in 1974, then spreading across the Mediterranean, Latin America and the Far East, before crescendoing in the great liberation of Eastern Europe after 1989, nation after nation joined the ranks of liberal democracies. Yet now, as Venezuela becomes the latest country to tumble towards dictatorship, we should ask ourselves again how democracy - the most powerful guarantor of personal freedoms there is - dies.

In Britain, it's easy to forget how fleeting democracy can be. The first great wave of democratisation in Europe came in 1918 with the end of the First World War. Yet of the nations set free by the war, by January 1939 only Czechoslovakia and Finland had escaped dictatorship.

Of course, 2017 is not 1933. But Venezuela and Turkey are just the latest demonstrations that, far from being on the march, democracy is in retreat. Freedom House, the US think tank, estimates that for the 11th year in a row global freedom has declined. So it's time to ask: what topples democracies, and how can we prevent it?

The first question is best answered by flipping it on its head. What makes democracies strong? The rule of law, secured by an independent judiciary; freedom of speech and the press; a strong civil society; firm civilian control over the security services and the military; and most important of all, a strong system of checks and balances on government.
Dubai: Firefighters have extinguished a blaze that swept through one of the world's tallest residential buildings in Dubai in the early hours of Friday, forcing occupants to flee their homes as burning debris showered down the sides of the tower.

Dubai's civil defence authorities said firefighting squads put out the blaze by about 4am (9am AEST) and were cooling the 352-metre tall Torch Tower.

The tower, in the city's upscale Marina district, was evacuated and no injuries were reported, authorities said, even though flames shot up the sides of the building. The 676-apartment tower has 86 floors above ground including a four-storey podium.

Firefighters and police sealed off surrounding streets, which were partially covered by dust and debris.
The German NGO migrant rescue boat has been put under preventive seizure as Italian authorities investigate what they suspected could be aiding people smuggling. Credit:ANSA/AP On Twitter on Thursday they said their crew were interviewed by officials "as part of the standard procedure" and they had received no information about an investigation. "Our legal teams are working hard to examine the legal basis of the confiscation of the ship," they said. Italian authorities allege the Iuventa crew took on migrants directly from smugglers' boats near Libya's coast. Credit:ANSA/AP They watched their ship's forced departure from Lampedusa "with heavy hearts" because the ship was "dearly needed", they said.

Last month, Italy, with the backing of the European Union, imposed a code of conduct for NGOs in the Mediterranean. Jugend Rettet said they had been negotiating with Rome over the code, but on Tuesday had decided not to sign it until it was rewritten. "Our top priority is to save people in distress but this is not prioritised [in] this code of conduct [which] would legally put us in an uncertain position," they said in a statement on Facebook. In May, Cartosio told a parliamentary committee in Rome that he had become suspicious of NGOs after noticing some rescue crews seemed to know in advance where to find migrant boats, and were making rescues without informing the Italian coastguard. Carmelo Zuccaro the chief prosecutor of the Sicilian port of Catania, has claimed he had evidence of phone calls between people smugglers and aid groups, but in May admitted he was expressing only a "hypothesis" and had no proof that could be used in court.

A fleet of around a dozen boats crewed by humanitarian groups are working on the Mediterranean to perform rescues. Around 85,000 migrants arrived in Italy by boat in the first six months of 2017, 21 per cent more than in the same period in 2016. More than 2200 people have died attempting the crossing this year, according to the International Organisation for Migration. Last year, rescues in the Mediterranean were closer to Italy, but now they were happening much closer to the border between Libyan and international waters, prompting accusations the NGOs are encouraging people smugglers. Smugglers were "including the presence of NGO boats in their business model", a European official familiar with the situation told Fairfax Media last month.

Izza Leghtas, a senior advocate for Refugees International, said search and rescue should not be made into a political issue. NGOs performed more than a third of the rescues in the area in the first part of 2017, Leghtas said. "They are filling a huge gap if they weren't doing that work then we would be talking probably about thousands more people drowning." "They are proactive, they go to the areas where they know people are at risk in international waters," she said, while official boats were more focused on border control. "We are talking about life and death situations and that needs to be the priority." Part of the problem was the pressure Italy was coming under because other European countries, including Italy's closest neighbours, had not stepped up to take a share of the migrants and refugees arriving from Africa.

The Italians had been traumatised by the number of deaths at sea and felt they had been left alone to handle it, Leghtas said. She rejected the claim that NGOs were encouraging migrants to take to the sea. "The conditions in Libya are so horrific, it's a question of a push factor not a pull factor," she said. "People get out of Libya because it's unbearable, because people are killed and tortured and sexually abused. "To focus on the rescue operations and ignore the fact they are fleeing for their lives [is wrong] people are going to go regardless [of the NGO boats]." Loading
Islamabad: The Pakistani Taliban has released the first edition of a new women's magazine, with articles celebrating the role of mothers in jihad and calling on "like-minded" sisters to "get together" and learn new skills - including how to use a grenade.

The 45-page publication seeks to draw support from a section of society traditionally scorned by the jihadist group.

Afghan women with children, refugees from Kunduz province walk to the town of Taloqan. Credit:AP

"We want to provoke women of Islam to come forward and join the ranks of mujahideen," reads an opening editorial in the magazine, which is titled Sunnat E Khaula, or The Way of Khaula, in honour of a female Muslim warrior from the 7th century.

Some features mimic the traditional format of a women's magazine.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, August 1st and Wednesday, August 2nd two male suspects in the in the ongoing Lynx investigation were arrested by detectives. The suspects with initials M.J.H. and D.R.C. were arrested without incident and taken to the Police Head Quarters in Philipsburg. The Lynx case is the investigation concerning the recent brawl between two groups resulting in the fatal stabbing of one man. The suspects have been led in front of an Acting- prosecutor and remain in custody for further investigation.

False alarm

On Wednesday, August 2nd at approximately 12.30 a.m. police were sent to Sint Peters road in the vicinity of Boasman Appt. where a shooting incident was reported. On the scene, the investigating officers learned that no shooting had taken place. The victim, who at the time was still on the scene, was severely under the influence of alcohol stated that he was not shot but he was ill treated by another man with an unknown object. The victim stated he would seek medical attention and then and file an official report.

KPSM Press Release.
Awards will be presented at Climate Smart Sustainable Tourism Forum taking place from 6-8 September in St. Kitts ~

BRIDGETOWN, Barbado:--- Four Caribbean primary school students ranging in age from 8-12, will be honoured for excellence in tourism writing at next month's Climate Smart Sustainable Tourism Forum in St. Kitts.

The four - Kassie Haley-Shai of St. Augustine Roman Catholic School in Montserrat, Ariah Khobie Diamante Darroux of Convent Preparatory School in Dominica (both in the 8-10 category), Jhe'auti Belyca Craigg of Belmont Government School in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Gabriella Lewis of Atwell's Educational Institute in Trinidad and Tobago (10-12 category) - emerged winners among 44 participants from 26 schools who participated in the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)'s Caribbean Primary Schools Tourism Writing Competition.

The contest, held as part of activities for International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and the CTO's Year of Adventure, was organised to enhance primary school students' awareness of tourism and its value and contribution to the region's social and economic development. It was also meant to challenge the students to think of creative ways to make tourism more sustainable.

"I am very pleased with the level of interest exhibited in this initiative, as evidenced by the diversity of participating schools," said Amanda Charles, the CTO's sustainable tourism development specialist, whose department spearheads the Climate Smart Sustainable Tourism Forum.

"The submissions were all of a high calibre, with the students displaying depth and creativity in their compositions. It is clear that even at the primary school level students are aware of the importance of tourism to the region, can speak eloquently about tourism in their countries and have some insight into the opportunities and challenges associated with tourism development."

The students in the 8-10 category were asked to write about what sustainable tourism meant to them or how visitors and locals should act towards each other to promote peace, while those in the 10-12 category were challenged to conceptualise and describe a new adventure tour or to suggest ways that the CTO can help make tourism in the Caribbean more sustainable. The students in both categories were also given the option of writing on whether they felt tourism does indeed contribute to making the Caribbean region a better place, or to identify an adventure tourism activity in their countries and deliver a sales pitch to encourage tourists to experience that activity.

Themed, Good for Us, Better for All, the 6-8 September Climate Smart Sustainable Tourism Forum is being held in observance of International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and will bring together local, regional, and international representatives from public and private sector tourism entities, as well as development agencies that offer programming in sustainable tourism, for three days of interactive engagements.

Major elements will include best practice sharing and strategic consultations for a CTO climate adaptation project funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, in order to strengthen holistic destination management approaches in the Caribbean. The programme will also include experiential field visits, a meeting of CTO's Sustainable Tourism Technical Committee, and winning presentations from CTO's Primary School Tourism Writing Competition. The event culminates with the presentation ceremony for CTO's 2017 Sustainable Tourism Awards which recognise regional sustainability champions.

Organising partners include the CTO, the St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism, the St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council, and Sustainable Travel International.

The winner of the 2014 CTO/Travel Mole Sustainable Tourism Award in Destination Stewardship, St Kitts is one of the first destinations in the world to be accepted as an early adopter of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's criteria for destinations. It also is a founding member of the Sustainable Destination Alliance of the Americas, an initiative by the CTO, the Organization of American States, Sustainable Travel International and Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited to promote sustainable destination management in the Caribbean and Central America.

Its many initiatives include the establishment of the Heart of St. Kitts Foundation and Sustainability Charter, which helps businesses understand how their operations contribute to destination-wide sustainability, and to support community projects that make St. Kitts a more sustainable place to live and experience.
Cayhill - The St. Maarten Medical Center has expanded its medical services with the addition of a new medical specialty, Urology.

Starting August 7th, the hospital will have a full-time Urologist. Patients will be available to visit the doctor for polyclinic starting Monday. Dr. Diego Ramos comes to the institution with 14 years of experience in urology, urological surgery, and endoscopy.

Dr. Ramos studied and obtained his degrees in general surgery and urology at the Central University of Venezuela and at the University of Los Andes. He has also worked for numerous years at the Margarita Hospital on Isla de Margarita, Venezuela. He is also a certified surgeon and brings his specialty of noninvasive laser treatments for kidney and bladder stones to the hospital.

Dr. Ramos is the first, full-time urologist to be employed at the SMMC. In the past, patients in need of treatment by a urologist were referred to the French side of the island or further abroad. With the start of this specialty at the SMMC patients now have the comfort of receiving treatment within the facility with new state of the art equipment.

Dr. Ramos says this is a new beginning for me, I am happy to be here where I can dedicate my services and expertise to the patient population of St. Maarten. I have brought with me not only, my knowledge but also new laser equipment that will contribute greatly to the quality care of the patients. I look forward to this new journey here on St. Maarten, it is a personal challenge, but I do believe that this is going to be a positive step.

SMMC Press Release
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee will meet in a session on August 4, 2017. The Ombudsman will be present.

The Central Committee meeting has been set for Friday, August 4, 2, 17 at 10.30 hrs in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:

1. Discussion with Ombudsman the on 2016 Year Report;

2. Approval Decision Lists Central Committee meetings Parliamentary Year 2016-2017 no. CC 1-2, 4-8, 10-15, 19-23 and 26;

3. Approval composition delegation and provisions Members of Parliament to participate in several Committee meetings of Parlatino from August 18-19, 2017 in Panama.

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.
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Everything you need to know about No. 20 Notre Dame's game vs. Navy Saturday in Baltimore
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DER SPIEGEL: How would you deal with Trump if you became chancellor?

Schulz: Fifteen years ago to the day, Gerhard Schroder showed how it is done by giving an unequivocal 'no' to a U.S. president on his war of aggression against Iraq that violated international law. At the end of the day, men like Donald Trump need to be given that which they themselves dispense: clear messages. I would confront him as clearly and explicitly as possible. It is not only the right, but also the duty, of the leader of a German government to do that.

DER SPIEGEL: That sounds a bit like a staged fight.

Schulz: Trump believes politics is a staged fight. But it is not. Still, clear words are sometimes needed in politics. In that sense, I believe I am better than Mrs. Merkel.
Bir Lahlu (SADR), August 04, 2017 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Mr. Brahim Gali on Friday called on the Pan-African Parliament to take the necessary measures to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Sahrawi political prisoners from the Gdeim Izik Group and all Sahrawi political prisoners unlawfully detained in Moroccan prisons.

In a letter to the President of the Pan-African Parliament, SE. Roger Nkodo Dang, the Saharawi president informed him of the latest progress on the Saharawi cause.

The POLISARIOs SG also stated that the "unjust convictions against the group of Saharawi political prisoners are another demonstration of Morocco's intentions to continue its policy of human rights abuses without the presence of witnesses, which highlights the urgent need to establish a human rights mechanism in Western Sahara to monitor the human rights situation in the Territory. "

It has become evident therefore that Moroccan authorities do not respect international humanitarian law and persist in their gross violations of human rights in Western Sahara. The African Union should therefore press Morocco on the need to respect its obligations under the AU Constitutive Act and other relevant decisions of the policy organs of the Union in relation to its occupation of parts of the territory of the SADR, Gali added

The Saharawi president addressed similar missives to the UN Secretary-General, the President of the Security Council, the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross. SPS

125/090/TRA
In early June, President Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, a controversial move that received broad opposition (and support). Since then, a growing number of cities and states have created their own alliances to uphold commitments to the accordvoluntary agreements to focus on sustainable energy sources, commitments to carbon emission reduction, and efforts to reduce rising global temperatures. These issues matter, since our food systems are directly affected by global warming.

Because global temperatures continue to rise, researchers and farmers have noticed a shift in food production, and are worried about the future of our food. Over the past few years, many articles have cited looming food shortages, even labeling them as food crises. The foods most often identified are chocolate, coffee, maple syrup, alcohol, and seafood.

Are these claims true? Its complicated.

As our climate continues to change, what we eat, where our food is grown, and how much we pay will certainly be affectedbut what's the bigger picture? Let's take a look at the buzz around these threatened foods and the social and environmental impacts that surround them.

There's extensive research covering all of these topics; below, we only take a brief look at where all of these foods currently stand. For more information, please follow these issues at the links provided at the end.

coffee + chocolate

Photos by James Ransom

Last year, Brazilian coffee farmers lost 90% of their crop due to drought and heat. In Central America, where a majority of the world's coffee beans are grown, coffee farmers are slowly replacing their production with cacao, because rising temperatures make their land unsuitable for growing coffee. The environmental impact on food creates a domino effect: Coffee has been a historically essential crop in parts of Central America (even used as currency!); now, communities must adapt to a new crop to survive. If coffee production is replaced with cacao, this impacts competing West African communities that rely heavily on cacao exports to make a living.

Currently, the Ivory Coast and Ghana provide 60% of the worlds cacao. The Telegraph recently reported how dramatic price drops in cacao have severely affected the Ivory Coasts economy, due to fluctuating demand and pricing thats affected by unpredictable weather. This economic instability has sparked fears of civil war. Research highlighted in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported that by 2050, growing cacao in West Africa will no longer be feasible. So West African farmers face enormous pressure to sustain their agricultural businesses, and need to diversify what they grownot an easy task under unstable governments that regulate resources.

The domino effect continues to different regions further away from the equator. Many of California's avocado farmers are turning to the coffee bean as they face constant challenges: limited water supply, and avocado trees producing less fruit. While this means we can continue to hold on to our love of coffee and chocolate and avocados, it comes at a serious humanitarian cost to the farmers that rely on these crops.

alcohol

Photo by James Ransom

As regions like Napa and Sonoma are exposed to extreme weather conditions, California winemakers are increasingly facing challenges. A study by Conservation International announced that California wine production could drop 70% by 2050, and other prominent European wine regions in France and Italy may also become unsuitable for production due to rising temperatures. These environmental changes will inevitably force a shift in where wine can be grown, and in 2050, its likely that our favorite wines will be produced in countries like China, Canada, and the U.K. But only time will tell. Researchers estimate it will take thirty years to fully observe production and consumption shifts, as scientists need to examine wine vinification under ever-changing growing conditions over an extended period of time to draw conclusions.

Other alcohol producers struggle with slumping grain yields due to climate change. Researchers at UC Davis and Cornell University noted a steady decline in wheat and barley by the end of this century. PRI reported that warmer temperatures are also not suitable for growing hops, which will effect the production of alcohol like beer and whiskey. To ease the pressure away from farmers growing these grains, we might see a rise in other brews that rely less on hops, like sour ales and pilsners, or find a growing market for sake instead of whiskey.

maple syrup

Maple researchers are finding that sap production is running earlier than it did a century ago, with more unpredictable yields. Syrup harvesters south of the Canadian border have experienced recent shortages due to unusually warm winters, in combination with the effects of acid rain and pests; these conditions become exacerbated as global warming continues. Currently, New England produces nearly 90% of our countrys maple syrup. For many of these states, maple syrup defines communities, local economies, and ways of life. Maple syrup prices will rise if supply cant meet consumer demand, but the maple syrupproducing communities are the ones affected most, as they continue to face production challenges and seek alternative solutions to sustain their economies. Montana State University scientists are in the midst of a 5-year study to see how climate change affects sap quality and taste, and to monitor the fluctuating maple syrup yields over time; theyre looking into other, more resilient maple tree species that can be tapped in the future instead.

seafood

Photo by Mark Weinberg

Overfishing and fertilizer runoff are notable causes for our depleting fish populations (which create a chain effect in itself); and then there's shellfish. Accumulated carbon emissions in our atmosphere are absorbed into our oceans, causing rising water temperatures and ocean acidification. This is problematic for the shellfish we eat because acidification weakens these creatures shells. A study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found a link between warming ocean conditions and a rise in domoic acid, a dangerous neurotoxin, that builds up in shellfish. Eating infected shellfish causes vomiting and abdominal pain, and in rare cases, death. Domoic acid isnt new; its been tracked for the past 20 years. Long-period observations of these incidents suggest that domoic acid blooms might be a chronic problem with the continuous rise in ocean temperatures.

One thing that can help seafood and combat global warming is seaweed. Kelp farming is a growing industry in New England, as fishing and shellfish farming become increasingly unviable. In 2015, The New Yorker named seaweed the culinary equivalent to the electric carit absorbs nitrogen, which mitigates the growing amount of dead zones in our oceans. Kelp farms also act as artificial reef systems, storm surge protectors, and creates thriving eco-systems for other sea life to hide and eat. Seaweed is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, with over 10,000 edible sea plants we havent tapped into yet. And most notably, seaweed is a zero-input crop, which means it doesn't require fresh water or food to grow.

The Takeaway

Our favorite foods may be around for a while, but perhaps not in the way were used to.

Our decisions matterthey affect the types of ingredients available to us, the livelihood of farmers, and our global economy. As the concept of terroir is changing, we also have to be flexible and adapt to changing production methods. More curious side effects of the increased value put on certain foods is large-scale food theft and food fraud, defined by the National Center for Food Protection and Defense as "a collective term used to encompass the deliberate and intentional substitution, addition, tampering, or misrepresentation of food." In fact, a recent food fraudone of the biggest in historyinvolved an $18.7 million maple syrup heist. Last year, thieves made off with $10 million worth of stolen nuts!

To protect our food, we can also uphold our own commitment to the Paris Climate Accordby making conscious choices about the ingredients we source and eat, and thoughtfully considering how we can preserve the future of our food.

Photo by Mark Weinberg

To read more about these foods and how they're affected by climate change, check out these links for more information:

Coffee at NPR, PRI, and Modern Farmer

Chocolate at Reuters and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Alcohol at Forbes and Conservation International

Maple Syrup at Science Daily; here's what Food52 covered earlier this year.

Shellfish at NPR and Seaweed at Yale
The 2016 election was a painful time for most Americans. It was so mentally strenuous that psychologists are still talking about post-election anxiety several months after Election Night. And where did we process all that anxiety and frustration?

Why, Facebook and Twitter, of course. Some have even gone so far as to blame the results and tone of the election entirely on social media and the way real and fake information was shared.

Who among us isnt still suffering aftershocks? Who doesnt have strained relationships with friends and family after one too many political opinion posts? Who hasnt been affected by use of the delete button? Social media, in its role as ground zero for viral political commentary, is invaluable, unavoidable, and exhausting.

But thats not the only social media shift happening.

Demographics of social media are changing. Teens have been leaving Facebook in droves for years, and many cant even be bothered to join because its what their parents use. In 2016, Facebook marked a 21 percent drop in original, personal updates as users have begun communicating more and more in shared articles and memes alone.

Privacy concerns are getting more pronounced as people become more aware of data harvesting, adding to previous concerns of identity theft.

Many in the industry are predicting massive changes as we move into the dramatically shifted post-election social media landscape. I recently interviewed Jeanne Lewis, CEO of Capsure, a new private social network for preserving memories, and she says, Social media has really gotten away from us. Its gotten to the point where we work for it, not the other way around. With social media as its been, the users are the product, which has caused some real rifts and problems between loved ones. Its just not connecting us the way it was supposed to.

Lewis isn't the only one who feels that way, but shes something of an expert on the subject, and she had some excellent points on how social media will transform in 2017 and on.

Related: To Be Blunt, a Lot of Your Social-Media Marketing is Getting You Nowhere

1. A focus on relationships

One of the first social networks was Friendster, a name which implies its purpose: Forming and maintaining friendships. That was how MySpace and Facebook ostensibly began, as well. However, as theyve progressed, theyve become more about personal brand maintenance and attempts to form and join various short-lived zeitgeists.

Social platforms today have evolved into a broadcast tool both for companies and individuals, says Lewis. While this is valuable when you have a broad announcement to share and want to reach as many people as possible, these are no longer the vehicles for sharing photos of your kids, recording audio or staying connected with your inner circle of family and friends."

To fix this, social media will probably begin to draw the focus back into relationships by emphasizing personal posts, photographs and small, intimate connections over outside content like memes and articles.

2. Diversity of personal posts

Until now, posts have been limited to outside material, pictures, videos and text. Dont be surprised if, going forward, new players will introduce more diverse posting options, intermingling audio and visual components to create a unique experience for people viewing and creating posts. As digital technology progresses, people will be hungry for new and interesting ways to share experience.

Lewis emphasizes the importance audio will play in social medias future: Just as many of us gathered around a cassette recorder in our early childhood, the unique power of audio can be experienced once again using our smartphones.

3. Users will pay for peace

Premium service will make a splash. This one sounds counterintuitive -- after all, who would pay for a social media experience when theyve all been free up to this point. Two things will happen to change that previous wisdom. First, with a more personal, story-driven experience, customers will want high-quality images, videos and audio files stored for posterity. Second, having a place to escape constant advertisements will become very important, something a premium social media experience will offer.

In order to ensure our digital memories are stored and preserved there should be a direct and clear relationship between compensation and the service provided, says Lewis. Otherwise, what assurance do users have?

4. Different types of groups

Google Plus tried something like this before to little success, but spurred by the frustration caused by people seeing the wrong posts, social grouping will make a comeback. In the last political cycle, many relationships were tested unnecessarily when people felt attacked by never-ending political rants. If you dont want Grandma to see your stances on gay marriage, put her in your non-political group. This will become very important for relationship maintenance.

Context is everything, says Lewis. The person we are with our family is not necessarily the person we are with our college friends. Nevertheless, theres a desire to stay connected with all of these groups but in a separate forum.

Related: How to Use Social Media and Not Feel Overwhelmed

5. Increased focus on privacy

Privacy concerns have plagued social media since its inception, and are only getting more pronounced. Expect future social media companies to offer more advanced network and profile privacy than ever before.

6. Less gamification

One of social medias key components is that its highly addictive, even going so far as to be described as more addictive than cigarettes. New platforms will try to gear more toward long-term customer wellness as a feature by staving off more addictive qualities. They will focus more on the communal quality of social media rather than offer quick hits of serotonin from gratifying and frustrating outside content.

7. Legacy building

As has been said many times, the internet is written in ink. It cannot be erased, and in the future, people wont want it to be. Users will want their social media to existing as an ongoing time capsule, a living record of their lives. Smart platform builders will realize posting shouldn't be a burst about a single moment in time, to be consumed in a few seconds and forgotten about immediately, but as a multi-faceted, interactive diary involving many writers, all telling pieces of their own and others stories.

Weve arrived at a place where we are as thoughtful about capturing a personal moment to preserve as we are about carefully curating our Instagram feed, says Lewis. Its a question of the legacy you want to leave behind. If someone has 2 hours to flip through your lifes journey, what do you want them to see?

8. Open to experimentation

The main social media giants are slow, lumbering machines, resistant to change, and unbearably clumsy when they do change.

Future models will have seen platforms of the past try different things to different levels of success and will be open to explore. They will try out wildly different ways of managing contacts, befriending people, organizing interface layouts, etc. Facebook has had basically the same layout since its beginning -- dont expect that to be the case with new platforms.

Related: 5 Social Media Rules Every Entrepreneur Should Know

9. Mobile-native

A mammoth advantage new platforms will have is that they about after the smartphone became ubiquitous. Facebook and Twitter both came before they could really function on a mobile phone, but future platforms will be designed with phones in mind from the beginning.

No clumsy borrowing between web and phone platforms -- seamless integration. The future of the internet is mobile, so it stands to reason that mobile-native platforms will be built to last.

10. Build us up, dont tear us down

The self care and heartfulness movements are big right now for a reason. In a world as chaotic and terrifying as ours, with such a constant barrage of information and stimuli, personal well-being is a thing we must actively pursue and maintain.

Family and friend communities have been part of humanity since there was humanity, and theyre there to build us up. Social media will begin to recognize that again.

11. Video, video, and more video

In late 2016, we saw a major development in social media video when Instagram release Instagram Stories and Instagram Live. Instagram's parent company Facebook also released Facebook Live and Messenger Day. The focus on the live format follows in the footsteps of Snapchat and Twitter's Periscope.

According to Jay Singh, CEO of PHL Venture Company, We continue to see a shift toward live content that is composed through a camera. The camera keeps growing in importance and the ability to see through other people's lenses in real time is becoming a powerful force in social media."

Conclusion

The most recent political cycle has exposed a lot of what was rotten in social media, making us all so constantly aware of what is wrong with ourselves and others that we barely have space in our heads for anything other than frustration and anxiety.

If theyre smart, new social media platforms will understand that create a new kind of social networking -- a kind that actually feels like a personal asset instead of a detriment.

Related:



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International concerns regarding North Koreas nuclear proliferation were heightened in the past weeks due to talk of a nuclear missile. The Trump administration has well established its focus on managing this threat.

What the United States and other leading nations fall short on addressing, is the epidemic of human rights violations within North Korea. We cannot hope for a change in the Kim Jong-uns regime without looking inside, and understanding the gravity of the gap between the government and its starving, tortured and abused citizens.

There is an overall lack in media coverage of what goes on inside the borders of North Korea, which has contributed to the lack of action against the cruel treatment that the regime imposes on its people. A video that circulated on social media depicts a young woman, Yeon-mi Park, describing her life inside of, and her escape from North Korea. She says, North Koreans are desperately seeking and dying for freedom at this moment. Park tells about the rape of her mother, burial of her father and her dangerous escape through the Gobi Desert and into Mongolia. Her tearful testimony gives a look into the harsh conditions within the country. She urges the support of refugees, and a global effort to stop Chinese repatriation.

What happens to the citizens detained by North Korea is a mystery. A few weeks ago, a friend and I were discussing the tragic death of an American student, Otto Warmbier, at the hands of the North Korean regime. My friend showed me a 60 Minutes clip in which Anderson Cooper interviewed a man who escaped a North Korean internment camp, named Camp 14. The mans name is Shin Dong-hyuk, and he was born in the detention camp due to a tradition called three generations of punishment. The North Korean government deploys this practice to eliminate three generations of a person who may have disobeyed the regime. Shins remarkable and shocking story sheds light on the inhumane conditions of the camp. More than 150,000 North Koreans have been detained in similar conditions in North Korea, while most of them havent even committed a crime. Other than Shins story, the world knows very little about these camps and the abuses that go on inside.

Its extremely important that exposure of human rights violations within North Korea increases. Much of the United States is considerably more focused on President Donald Trumps tweets than on the North Korean lives being lost, or even the American citizens detained by the regime. As Yeon-mi Park said, We have to shed a light on the darkest place in the world. The continuation of the North Korean regimes treatment of its citizens has the potential to eliminate generations. It is essential that their lives are preserved. The chance of changing the current regimes behavior or even preparing for different North Korean leadership without those people and their stories and experiences is slim.

On July 25, Congress passed a bill calling for increased sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea. The provisions on North Korea include a call for increased sanctions on those complicit in human rights abuses in North Korea. Trump has signed the legislation as of Aug. 2, which is certainly a step in the right direction. I hope to see Treasury move quickly to implement the bill. The United States is often looked to by global partners to lead on national security issues. There is a good chance the steps that the U.S. Government takes to expose and punish North Korean human rights violators will be followed by other nations. Should the United States and North Korea reach diplomatic negotiations over the regimes nuclear program, the United States should include efforts to address the suffering of North Korean citizens under the regime. For example, the United States could use sanctions as a point of leverage for making essential human rights changes within North Korea  such as demanding the closure of internment camps and the entrance of human rights NGOs to support the ailing.

The range of options to pressure North Korea into changing its behavior regarding human rights violations is vast and the circumstances under which that behavior will change is unknown. What is clear is that the United States needs to make this issue a priority and needs to bring these abuses to light before another generation of North Korean citizens is lost.

Anna Sargeantson is a rising freshman at Johns Hopkins University and an intern with Greenwich Media Strategies, LLC. She graduated from Greenwich Academy in May of this year.
T roubled publisher Pearson today unveiled another 3000 job cuts in its struggle to cope with a slump in college book sales.

The FTSE 100 company, which under chief executive John Fallon has sold the Financial Times and its stake in the Economist to focus on education, said the latest round of redundancies would form part of the 300 million cost-savings programme it unveiled in May.

It follows the decision last year to slash 4000 jobs, taking the total job cuts to 7000.

The latest round of cuts came despite last months $1 billion (760 million) sale of a 22% stake in publisher Penguin Random House.

Fallon, who faced calls for his head after a huge profit warning in January, said most of the cuts, which will reduce staff to around 29,000, will be in technology, finance and HR and the overall management of the company.

He added that they would not just be in its largest division, the US college textbooks business, which has suffered from lower enrolments as students rent instead of buy expensive textbooks.

On the location of the job cuts, Fallon said: Were looking more broadly across North America as we are in the UK and around the world.

He added: Its not just about reducing costs, this is about setting Pearson up for growth. This is about Pearson [becoming] much more like the digital, consumer-oriented, fast-moving, innovating company that it needs to be.

Investors initially welcomed the cost savings, but the shares quickly lost early gains, down 9p at 660p.

Pearson is slashing the dividend by 72% to just 5p for the first half of the year, although it had already warned it would lower the shareholder payout.

We think this will persuade those who have held Pearson for income reasons to reconsider their position, said Liberum analyst Ian Whittaker.

Sales in its US college business were a little ahead of where we expected them to be in the first six months of 2017, although it warned that book returns were a little higher than it anticipated.

Overall sales edged up 1% on an underlying basis to 2 billion. Adjusted operating profits were better than expected at 107 million from just 15 million the year before.

Clearly the structural challenges of our biggest market, higher education courseware, have been more challenging than any of us thought they would be three years ago, including myself, Fallon said.

Disgruntled investors revolted at Pearsons annual meeting, with six out of 10 voting against Fallons 1.5 million pay packet in the non-binding vote.

Pearson, which also unveiled a textbooks rental partnership with Barnes & Noble Education, said a stronger US jobs market had convinced people to get jobs rather than enrol at college.
R oyal Bank of Scotland had one of its best results since the financial crisis on Friday, lifting the shares and raising the prospect of a dividend in 2019 and a government share sell-off before then.

The bank smashed City forecasts to make a profit of 939 million in the first half, compared with a 2 billion loss last time.

It is still likely to make a loss for this full year  the 10th in a row  but should be profitable next year and paying dividends thereafter.

Bank faces money laundering probe RBS today revealed it is being investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority for alleged money-laundering offences, the bank revealed today. The legal warnings attached to the results said: On 21 July 2017, the FCA notified RBS that it is undertaking an investigation into RBS Plcs compliance with the money-laundering regulations 2007 in relation to certain customers. RBS is co-operating with the investigation. Chief Ross McEwan declined to elaborate. RBS was fined 5.6 million in 2010 for failing to prevent its branches being used for money-laundering that financed terrorism.

The shares rose 11p, or 4%, to 268p as the City cheered the figures. Thats still well below the 502p price at which the bank was bailed out, but Chancellor Philip Hammond has indicated he is willing to start selling the Governments 71% stake at a loss.

RBS plans to set up a new European headquarters in Amsterdam with 150 staff to ensure it can serve customers post-Brexit.

Old troubles still haunt the bank. It is trying to settle mortgage bond mis-selling in America and remains in talks with the Department of Justice, a case that will cost it billions.

Kiwi boss Ross McEwan said: Were doing what we said we would at our full-year results in February  growing income, reducing costs and improving returns for shareholders, while starting to deliver a better service for customers.

McEwan and finance director Ewen Stevenson argue that RBS is now a much simpler bank than it was. The results statement still ran to 55 dense pages, however.

On the DoJ talks, McEwan admitted: That deal may not be done this year. It depends on the conversation.
A t the end of a Prom last month, Daniel Barenboim, 74, gave an impromptu address to the audience at the Royal Albert Hall. Visibly moved after a concert in which his German orchestra had played an all-English programme, this Argentine-Israeli conductor, who also holds Spanish and Palestinian citizenship, talked about musics ability to unite people of different cultures and beliefs. He also mentioned isolationism, fanaticism and nationalism, arguing that their divisive effects can only be fought by educating future generations.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given the febrile climate, his words were met with opprobrium in certain quarters. The moment came at the end of a live broadcast, and for some commentators it seemed he had been encouraged to peddle explicit anti-Brexit sentiment  although Brexit was never mentioned.

The controversy that ensued raises a question bigger than any single artist or statement. What do we want our creative artists to be? Accomplished technicians who deliver the goods but have nothing to say? Or thinking humans who use their art to try to express what it is to be? The Proms is fortunate to be able to engage the worlds greatest soloists, ensembles and conductors; invitations to perform are based on musical merit alone. It is not, and has never been, a political platform, but it would be impoverished indeed if musicians  or audiences  were forced to suppress their authentic personalities.

Theres not a country on earth that wouldnt be proud to host a festival as ambitious in scope and open in spirit as this. Every summer, musicians and concertgoers of myriad nationalities are drawn to SW7. Multiple beliefs, political and otherwise, co-exist in that iconic hall which holds up to 6,000 people every night  1,000 of whom pay just 6. This season, as well as core classics, you could hear tributes to Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, Stax Records and Scott Walker, plus the film scores of John Williams or the theatrical glories of Oklahoma! You could enjoy a night of music from India and Pakistan, or Chineke!, an orchestra of classical musicians from BME backgrounds.

Music is an engine of empathy: whoever you are, I believe it is hard not to leave the Proms feeling a little more convinced that we are engaged in a collective endeavour: this being human. Our divisive times call more than ever for artists who answer what playwright Tennessee Williams described as the crying, almost screaming need of a great worldwide human effort to know ourselves and each other a great deal better.

Clemency Burton-Hill presents the Proms and Breakfast on BBC Radio 3. Her forthcoming book Year of Wonder: Classical Music for Every Day will be published in October by Headline.
W hat do Blake Lively, Cara Delevingne and Kate Middleton have in common? Theyve all recently been seen skating, proving its not just for teenage boys. Heres where to test your board skills.

Southbank Skate Spot

If you like an audience, head down to this Seventies skate spot on the banks of the Thames, where crowds gather to watch the tricks.

Free, all day Tuesday-Sunday, 337-338 Belvedere Road, SE1

BAYSIXTY6

This used to be known as Playstation Skatepark but became BAYSIXTY6 in 2011 when Xbox took over sponsorship. The huge undercover park features rails, wall rides and ski jump-style gaps.

From 2, noon-9pm every day, Acklam Road, W10

Victoria Park

An event skate park at the east end of Victoria Park. Its been creatively designed with a cradle, grind poles and two quarter-pipes.

Free, 9am-8pm every day, Victoria Park, E3

House of Vans

Londons first indoor skate park, this is in the tunnels beneath Waterloo station. Skate sessions are free and open to all ages, and there are lessons with The Skateboard School on Saturday mornings. Theres also a cafe, bar and cinema space.

Free, varying times Thurs-Sun, 228-232 Station Approach Road, SE1

Stockwell Skate Park

Ironically known as Stockwell Sands and Brixton Beach, this rolling, bumpy concrete park has a satisfying wide snake run flowing throughout.

Free, all day every day, 143 Stockwell Road, SW9
N ick Curtis

When I was 26, in 1992, I owned property and ran a car in London and was well travelled in Europe. The internet and email were in their infancy and the first smartphone had just been released. I smoked 30 high-tar cigarettes a day, drank heavily in pubs that closed at 11pm and dated people I met socially or at work. I cycled  which was much more dangerous then  played squash and swam, but wouldnt dream of visiting a gym. Satellite TV was still a niche service and there were four terrestrial channels. The first water-cooler TV series, Twin Peaks, aired in 1990, the year John Major succeeded Margaret Thatcher as prime minister.

Id been shaped by the 1980s, an era of political strife, inequality and racism, but also of second-wave feminism and gay rights: me and my friends were right-on though still prone to crude machismo. This strikes me as different but comparable to Sams world, and he and I have similar middle-class, south London backgrounds.

The music, the food, the attitudes to fitness and the bespoke stimulants may all have changed, but the personal and social concerns seem different in manner and magnitude rather than matter. Whats really striking, though, is the gulf of expectation.

At 26 I broke up with my long-term girlfriend from university and was convinced Id never get laid again. But it never occurred to me that I couldnt afford someday to marry, have a family and live in the kind of large Victorian house that I grew up in (I met my wife at 29 and wed when I was 32 and we own a  smaller  Victorian house).

Id flourished at a south London comp, felt entitled to faff around for three years at university, after which my grandmother paid for my one-year journalism diploma. My holidays were unadventurous because of lack of imagination and cash, not opportunity.

At 26, my sister and I bought a four-bedroom maisonette off Walworth Road for 68,000 with a 10,000 deposit from our parents (we sold it for exactly the same amount in the property slump three years later). Renting rooms to friends paid our mortgage and we thought we were scraping by. I saved nothing, but I had no student debt.

Id started work on a small theatre magazine in 1990 for 8,000 a year, and was on 10,000 when I quit in August 1992. Within a year I was earning more as a freelance than many friends, though those in finance zoomed ahead in their thirties. (Wow, looking back, I realise 26 was a pivotal age for me.)

London was changing, the yuppie wine bars of the 1980s kick-starting a gradual revolution in food and hospitality through the 1990s. But until the liberalisation of licensing laws in 2003 this still felt like a city that disapproved of pleasure. Cinemas were grim, theatres antediluvian. We hung out in Soho or Camden, went to pubs, gigs and house parties (clubs? Raves? Missed those!) You wouldnt dream of going to Shoreditch or Peckham for fun: not because they were threatening, but because there was nothing there.

Raised in a Labour household, Id marched as a student against education cuts, Trident and apartheid but by 1992 Id slumped into lazy despair over the Reagan-Thatcher ethos ever abating. I feel similar hopelessness now about the new populism. But I am old enough now to see cycles in history and hope we are at the bottom of a downswing.

I understand why Sams generation hates mine. We  not me personally, you understand  stole their houses and reaped the rewards of post-war prosperity and European membership, and screwed up the planet and their futures. Plus, we get to enjoy all the great, cheap stuff thats been invented to fill the economic gap for them: street food, pop-ups, downloads, affordable fashion.

What I dont understand is why some of my generation hates Sams. Todays 26-year-olds work much harder for a less certain future. I admire their resourcefulness, good humour and political engagement. The enslavement to smartphones and social media, though, they can keep.

@nickcurtis

Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures

Samuel Fishwick

For Nick and me, there is far more that unites us than divides us  although if you offered me a property of my own right now Id bite your hand off.

Unlike Nick I can vouch for the merits and drawbacks of being a deracinated twentysomething. This September, at the age of 26, Ill begin renting a room in my fourth home in 18 months, in Notting Hill this time, after stints in Hackney, Streatham and my parents house in Tooting Bec, where I still return to raid the fridge. I get around.

I voted Labour in Tooting at last years general election because I believe Dr Rosena Allin-Khan is a fine MP, despite being ensconced in east London at the time. I am a peripatetic floating voter.

Ive been lucky, to an extent: in two out of three cases my landlord has been a friends parents, and the housemates have always been my mates, which has made house-hunting and renting far less exhausting than it is for most people my age. As far as the property ladder is concerned, its grim for us younger folk. Just this week, a Sheffield Hallam University study revealed that one third of landlords are cutting back on renting to under-35s, with concerns over younger peoples ability to pay.

Nicks London of sub-par food scene and black cabs refusing to go south of the river are a different country to mine. In that respect, they did things differently. Ive bounced around London like a lost but happy ball-bearing in a pinball machine in my early twenties, a journey greased by countless late-night Ubers, cannoning from club nights in Shoreditch, squat raves in Peckham, restaurants, well, everywhere.

Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures

Before I met my wonderful girlfriend, I pursued Tinder and Bumble with skittish earnestness, and I hope I never have to go back to it (I received opening messages like, If youre wondering why youre single, its not your personality. You could have just swiped left, Anna.) Do I have any savings? No. I spend money running away at breakneck pace from my ragtag reality. It works for me.

We all worry about the future, dont we? My friends tell me theyre anxious  although maybe thats because I keep texting to ask, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE FUTURE? in block capitals. Ive been privileged in that I went to private school and a Russell Group university. Ive worked hard to avoid running to the Bank of Mum and Dad, but its there. Call it imposter syndrome, but Im constantly fearful that Im out of my depth at work, that I wont be able to provide the same quality of life Ive been afforded to my wife and children on any realistic future salary, and that I should have just bitten the bullet and become a rocket scientist/burglar/male escort.

Im not alone. A University of Greenwich study in 2014 found that 39 per cent of men and 49 per cent of women report feeling in crisis in their twenties. I probably read too many of these studies. I blame the relentless exposure to them on Twitter and Facebook.

Nick tells me that 26 years ago he imagined that the heavy millstone of sexism, racism and hate crime would have been lifted from societys neck by 2017. He was hopeful. I am not. I was dimly conscious of the optimism that followed Tony Blairs accession in 1997. But we live in a post-Brexit world, where President Donald Trump is in the White House. There are many reasons to be cheerful, but I cant see those -isms and schisms going away.

My friends prepared a checklist when I told them I was talking to a grown-up who wasnt related to me about their twentysomething experiences. Are you proud of your generations contribution to the human condition?, asked one. U OK, hun?, asked another. Clearly, theres some lingering resentment. When will I feel like a grown-up?, asked a last. Nick says that feeling didnt come until his thirties, when adult things began to happen to him.

For that, Im happy to wait. Nick has weaved through a similar landscape to mine: we are, after all, two white, cisgender men who write for a living. Still, I found our healthy exchange of values enormously comforting, woke little snowflake that I am. Maybe next I can get him to teach me how to drive.

@fish_o_wick
F or those who want to get away from frantic parents on holiday or frantic parenting and just want to enjoy a drink in a charming place between heaven and sea, then the adults only Amare Marbella Beach Hotel in Costa del Sol is one to consider.

The hotels Mediterranean name tries to capture the essence of this private paradise. Amare not only means love, but mar gives the feel of the sea.

Where is it?

It's set on the beach front, at the heart of Marbellas old town.

Design details

Its most luxurious room, Room Oh La La The One has a balcony that is open to the full force of the Med. It is spacious with glass walls and modern decoration.

Adults only hotel: perfect for couples or singles (Amare Marbella Beach Hotel) / Hotel Amare Marbella

Which room?

There are six types of rooms to choose from. Depending on the scale of luxury each guest desires, all rooms are modern and trendy with plenty of sunlight. The top rooms will have touches like a pillow menu, satellite TV, padded bedspreads and bathrooms with rainfall showers.

Rooms are modern and trendy (Amare Marbella Beach Hotel) / Hotel Amare Marbella

On the menu

Guests are spoilt for choice. The hotel is home to the award-winning and Michelin-starred Messina Restaurant, which serves elaborate local dishes such as Malaga Goat and fish and shellfish from Marbellas coast. Other places to eat within the hotel are Mare Nostrum Restaurant; Verite; Belvue Tooftop Bar; Amare Beach Restaurant and Amare Lounge.

Parpatana de Atn by CHef Mauricio Giovanini of Michelin-starred REstaurante Messina (Amare Marbella Beach Hotel) / Hotel Amare Marbella

Anything else I should know?

Although the hotel is a destination itself with its spa and various events, there is a myriad of things to see in Marbella. It has places of cultural interest such as the 15th century church, Ermita de Santiago. Those who like to wander can enjoy a walk by the promenade or venture out of the hotel and have dinner at Los Naranjos Square, where the fragrance of orange blossom lingers.

The hotel offers its guests with a free circuit with its Spa by Germaine de Capuccini (Amare Marbella Beach Hotel) / Hotel Amare Marbella

Best for

The hotel is an exclusive hotel for adults only, making the perfect couples retreat and singles holiday.

When to go

Those who wish to be under the blue skies should visit in the summer.

Enjoy summer walks through Marbella's old town (Amare Marbella Beach Hotel) / Hotel Amare Marbella

How to get there

Getting to the hotel is pretty straight forward. Marbella is a 40-minute drive from Malaga Airport. The hotel offers a private airport transport for a fee. As it is right in the heart of downtown Marbella, once there, no transportation is needed when exploring Marbellas old town.

amarehotels.com/amare-marbella.

Travel in style and hassle free by getting a chauffeur-driven taxi. Blacklane operates in more than 250 cities worldwide.
P olice are investigating after at least two youths were assaulted in an east London park in what is being labelled a hate crime.

The youths, in their early teens, were approached by three men in Weavers Fields, Bethnal Green, at around 5pm on July 25.

They men proceeded to assault the teenagers in an unprovoked attack, police said. The victims said they were left bruised and shocked.

Police today confirmed that the incident is being treated as a hate crime. There have not been any arrests yet.

The suspects are described as white males, aged between 30 and 40, with eastern European accents.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
T hugs who carry acid on the streets will face up to four years in prison under a new crackdown announced today by prosecutors.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it would in future seek to charge offenders caught with a corrosive substance with possession of an offensive weapon. The crime carries a potential four year jail term.

Prosecutors will be told to bring even tougher charges  carrying a maximum life sentence  against those who throw acid, even if no harm is caused to the intended victim.

It said the move was a response to public concern about a spate of horrific attacks and a recognition of the life-changing consequences that can be inflicted by acid and similar substances.

East London has been rocked by a series of horrific acid attacks in recent weeks, with five people targeted during one rampage / Twitter/@sarah_cobbold

The announcement came as details were released of the most recent acid conviction in which a burglar admitted inflicting 24 per cent burns on a 69-year-old woman by spraying corrosive liquid on her after breaking into her home in Ilford.

The man also threatened a 90-year-old woman with acid during another break-in and used corrosive substances in other attacks. He will be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court next month.

New charges for acid thugs: Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders / Glenn Copus

Unveiling the new crackdown today, Alison Saunders, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said she was updating her guidance to prosecutors to ensure that the courts had the widest possible sentencing power to deal with acid offenders.

Burglar sprayed pensioner in terrifying attack A burglar who left a female pensioner with 24 per cent burns after spraying her with acid during a break-in has been convicted at a London court. Gerard Whelan, 45, from Paddington, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent after squeezing acid from a bottle onto the 69-year-old woman during a night-time burglary at her home in Ilford in July last year. She had to have skin grafts and other surgery and has been left with permanent scars to her arms, legs and face. The substance used to inflict her injuries had the same strength as sulphuric acid. Whelan was also convicted of a series of other offences involving acid. One was another burglary in December during which he threatened a 90-year-old with a screwdriver and sprayed acid on a wall before demanding money.He also caused serious injuries by squeezing acid onto another woman during a break-in in Ilford the day before. He had previously woken her up and threatened her by holding a screwdriver over her as she lay in her bed saying: If you dont be quiet I will kill you. He took a bangle and rings from her hand and arm and used acid on her when she tried to escape. Five other people, three men and two women, were also attacked with acid during separate robberies carried out by Whelan. He also carried out other assaults using a screwdriver during his crime spree. He will be sentenced in September at Wood Green Crown Court.

Another aim was to deter those who carried acid instead of a knife or other weapon in the mistaken belief that they could escape criminal sanctions.

How the Standard reported a recent acid attack

The point is that if you cant just expect to carry acid around without an excuse. It counts as an offensive weapon just as much as a knife or a screwdriver could be, Ms Saunders told the Evening Standard.

We are very conscious of the impact of this crime and how there has been a recent spate of it so we are very keen to make sure that we do prosecute it and the court has the right sentencing powers.

This man recently fell victim to an acid attack in east London. He is pictured being treated in hospital

We are recognising that theres been an increase in this type of crime, we are recognising the serious nature of it, the impact it can have on individuals who suffer from having corrosive fluids or acid sprayed at them, which can be life-changing.

Its about making sure that we are prosecuting in a way that makes it clear there is a deterrent. Its not just about when you have sprayed, its about having it with you because if you are carrying acid around we will look to prosecute you for carrying an offensive weapon.

Mass protest: Moped riders stage a demo outside Parliament Square following a recent spate of acid attacks / @LewisJamesBrown

"The maximum sentence for that is four years.

Ms Saunders said that other charges that would be brought included inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. It applies when serious injury is caused and carries a potential life term.

Offenders who miss their target or fail to inflict injury because the victim is protecting themselves will risk an alternative charge of throwing acid or a similar corrosive substance with intent to maim, disfigure or disable a person. It too carries a maximum life sentence.

Exclusive: Acid attack outside Harrods

Other offences that todays new guidance urges prosecutors to consider include the crimes of possession of an offensive weapon on school premises and threatening with an offensive weapon in a school or public place. All carry up to four years in prison.

Ms Saunders added: The guidance is to make clear that its serious stuff. So on the public interest side we are very clear that so long as you have got the evidence you should be prosecuting these crimes.

We are giving the courts the widest possible sentencing power they could possibly want which is up to life.

Todays guidance emphasises that there are a number of compelling public interest factors in favour of prosecution when people are caught carrying or using acid in attacks.

They include the fact that the the offence is widespread in the area where it was committed and that a culture of carrying weapons encourages violence that may lead to more serious criminal behaviour.

Another factor in favour of charging is that prosecution will have a positive impact on community confidence.

The guidance also describes how acid and corrosive substances can be used in connection with hate crime, so-called honour based violence, domestic abuse, and by gangs in retribution.

It adds: Acid and corrosive substance attacks have a devastating effect on victims and when thrown on to the victims body  usually their face  cause the skin and flesh to melt, sometimes exposing and dissolving the bones below.

The long-term consequences .. may include blindness, permanent scarring of the face and body, and social and psychological difficulties.

Acid and other corrosive substances are becoming a preferred weapon of offenders carrying out criminal activity, due to it being easy to obtain, cheap and difficult to trace back to the perpetrator.

Ms Saunders said that people such as cleaners who might have a genuine reason to possess acid would not be prosecuted if they could prove that they were carrying the substance for a legitimate purpose.

The CPS currently has 14 acid prosecutions for offences in London underway after a spate of muggings, revenge and hate attacks carried out with corrosive substances.

Official figures have revealed that more than 400 acid or corrosive substance attacks were carried out in the six months up to April 2017 across England and Wales.

Bleach, ammonia and acid were the most commonly used substances. Home Secretary Amber Rudd has responded by promising stricter rules on acid sales and a review of law enforcement measures that can be taken against the problem.
T he family of a man who died after a police chase said they have raised concerns with the police watchdog about openness and transparency.

It follows confirmation from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) that an object removed from Rashan Charless throat was a mixture of paracetamol and caffeine wrapped in plastic.

The 20-year-olds death in east London two weeks ago has sparked protests and violent clashes with police.

In a statement released through Bhatt Murphy solicitors today, they said: We are a large family and speak with one voice. Our single objective is to establish what happened to Rashan, and to do this using all lawful means.

We expect the IPCC to conduct an investigation to the highest possible standards, and to provide the answers we urgently seek. We have raised concerns with the IPCC about openness and transparency, which is regrettable at this early stage.

Mr Charles was detained by a Metropolitan Police officer who had followed him on foot into a shop in Dalston, after an earlier attempted vehicle stop.

The officer restrained Mr Charles and he was handcuffed. After he was detained, attempts were made to remove the object from his mouth or throat.

No cause of death has yet been confirmed but the IPCC said it had released the information about the object because of the inflammatory nature of some ongoing speculation.
N ew research has revealed that a third of British renters have given up on ever buying a house while half of them think that the prospect of owning a property is increasingly being reserved for the wealthiest.

Two-thirds of tenants around the UK also admitted that the prospect of renting forever would make them unhappy, with this figure rising to 84% among Londoners.

These findings echo another recent study from the English Housing Survey which revealed that the number of privately rented households has doubled over the past 16 years, from 2 million in 2000 to 4.5 million in 2016.

Young tenants in the capital remain on the rental market roughly seven years more than the rest of the country.

The number of privately rented households has doubled over the past 16 years. / Getty Images

Renting in London is described as painful and unappealing: A fifth of the people surveyed complained they were treated like students by letting agents, rather than receiving a service that reflects their age or social standing. The same proportion admitted living in a property they weren't happy with just because they "couldn't bear to deal with the hassle of moving".

Mayank Mathur set up The Urban Collective after becoming fed up with their own process of renting last year.

Fifteen years ago, renting was a stop gap until people could save enough to buy."

"Today, owning a home is a long-term goal and in 15 years time it might just be an impossible dream, he told London Live.

Half of the population thinks owning a property is out of reach. / AFP/Getty Images

He continues: If were going to become a nation of forever renters then clearly the conditions have to improve."

"No wonder the thought of renting forever makes British people so unhappy: the rental market has geared towards serving landlords rather than tenants.

"Having personally experienced this ourselves, were trying to prioritise tenants for the first time and revolutionise the rental experience, bringing it into the 21st century.

The Urban Collective offers services allowing tenants to outsource the heavy lifting of finding and securing a new home to an expert. According to the company, using an expert would divide the time to find a new place by four.
M ore than a third of offices, factories and shops in London remain unlet six months after being launched on the market, a new survey reveals today.

It says these so called zombie properties are costing landlords hundreds of millions of pounds a year in lost rent. The figure was revealed by online commercial estate agent Virtual Commercial using data from the Zoopla portal.

Founder and chief executive Andrew Vertes said the market had seen a big fall in demand since Brexit with commercial rents in central London now falling back to levels not seen since the financial crash nearly a decade ago.

However, he said many agents were failing to adapt to the new market conditions, leading to thousands of properties languishing on the market.

He said: Keeping a property on the market for a long time, at an unreasonably high price, allows the estate agent to inflate the local leasehold market which helps with acquiring new clients, negotiations with tenants on behalf of landlords and professional work such as rent reviews.

In a bullish market this approach can work where demand keeps up with the supply. However, the current situation is that since Brexit commercial property demand has become more bearish.

He said a good example of a zombie property was the office block Westlink House  also known as the Pyrene Building  on the Great West Road, Brentford, which was first listed in June 2016 and has carries a rent of almost 1 million a year.

Mr Vertes added: Brexit is probably the cause, confidence has definitely been dented by it all. We went through a crazy period for commercial property when appetite was insatiable. Now theres a big question mark where there is going to be continued demand. Since Brexit weve definitely seen the number of vacant properties increase.

The problem is even worse outside the capital. Across England and Wales most large cities have zombie property rates of more than 50 per cent and in some cases more than 60 per cent.

Newcastle is the worst with 66.2 per cent of commercial properties not disposed of after six months on the market.


T wo of the capitals most illustrious galleries are embroiled in a row over building plans that one says will obscure a view of the capital  by a few feet.

The scheme proposed by the National Gallery as part of its long-awaited expansion plan hit a snag after the neighbouring National Portrait Gallery objected, saying it will ruin the view of diners in its restaurant.

The NPG is dwarfed by its more imposing neighbour, which last year attracted 6.2 million visitors.

The smaller gallery welcomed 1.9 million but is reported to be preparing to appoint a heavyweight new chairwoman to help transform its fortunes.

Among its patrons is the Duchess of Cambridge, who rubbed shoulders with Alexa Chung and Sophie Ellis-Bextor at its annual fundraising gala in March.

Planning battle: The existing view from the restaurant window

The NPG objects to the National Gallerys plan to convert two lightwells into offices and a cafe for staff. This would free up room next door in St Vincent House, which could eventually become new gallery space, allowing more of the institutions treasures to go on show.

Its proposal, which will be considered by councillors on Westminsters planning applications sub-committee on Tuesday, would transform what council officers describe as unsightly and underused parts of the building.

The scheme is supported by groups including Historic England. It said the plans were logical and central to the gallerys long-term viable and appropriate use.

The only objection came from the NPG, which said its Portrait Restaurants view, which stretches from Nelsons Column in Trafalgar Square down Whitehall to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye, would be harmed by the work which will leave one of the new structures jutting one storey above the existing roof.

Planning officers admitted the extension would be visible from the restaurant but added: Whilst the enjoyment of this view is important to the restaurant, it is considered a private view because it can only be enjoyed by patrons of the restaurant. The planning system offers little scope to protect it.

Notwithstanding this, the proposals would not obscure the main landmarks of interest from the restaurant, and images provided by the applicant demonstrate that Nelsons Column and other important landmarks would remain unobstructed.

Their report recommended members of the committee approve the work. The National Gallery, which was set up in 1824, opened its first new gallery space in 26 years last March. The NPG, established in 1856, moved to its current home 40 years later.
T he eleven applicants vying to become Ukip's new leader have been announced.

Deputy leader Peter Whittle, Scottish leader David Coburn, MEP Jane Collins and London Assembly member David Kurten are among hopeful candidates in the leadership race.

Sharia Watch director Ann Marie Waters, former Ukip councillor Ben Walker, former Kent police and crime commissioner candidate Henry Bolton and direct democracy activist John Rees-Evans, who came third in the last contest, are also fighting for the top job.

Other applicants include Aidan Powlesland, the party's South Suffolk candidate in the General Election, as well as David Allen and Marion Mason.

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage ruled himself out of the contest, while previous leadership candidate Bill Etheridge withdrew last month, warning that candidates such as Ms Waters and Mr Whittle would take the party to a "dark place" because of their obsession with Islam.

The party is now verifying the information of applicants and "completing vetting checks" ahead of a meeting of Ukip's National Executive Committee on August 11.

The NEC will approve the final list of candidates who will appear on the ballot paper.

Paul Nuttall resigned as leader after Ukip failed to win any seats at the General Election.

This triggered the third Ukip leadership race in a year, with former leader Diane James having quit in October, just 18 days after taking the job.

She won the contest to replace Mr Farage, who stepped down as Ukip leader after the EU referendum.

Ballot papers will be issued on September 1 and the new leader will be announced at Ukip's conference in Torquay on September 29.
R uth Davidson has ridiculed the Prime Minister by posting a photo of herself in a field of wheat after Theresa May announced it was the "naughtiest" thing she had ever done.

The leader of the Scottish Conservatives made the quip during a visit to Edinburghs Gorgie City Farm on Wednesday and claimed she was encouraged to run through their field of wheat.

Ms Davidson later admitted the stunt made her feel naughty.

During the General Election campaign, Mrs May was asked in an ITV News interview to reveal the naughtiest thing she had ever done.

She said: Oh, goodness me.

Well, I suppose gosh. Do you know, Im not quite sure. I cant think what the naughtiest thing

Well, nobody is ever perfectly behaved, are they? I mean, you know, there are times when I have to confess, when me and my friend, sort of, used to run through the fields of wheat, the farmers werent too pleased about that.

Her wild side led to widespread mockery as well as the launching of the Theresa May-inspired computer game called Come Wheat May  a game which guided the PM through a field avoiding Jeremy Corbyn-shaped scarecrows.

Speaking in an interview last week, Ms Davidson was also quizzed on the naughtiest thing shed ever done.

She responded: My mother would not like to see it in print.

Lets just say, I did inhale.
T he Duke of Edinburghs retirement from royal duties has been marked with the launch of a special commemorative 5 coin.

The reverse of the 5 coin bears the image of Prince Philip and the phrase Non sibi sed patriae  Latin for not for self, but country, while the other side features the face of the Queen.

Prince Philip, 96, attended his final solo royal engagement on Wednesday in the grounds of Buckingham Palace where he met Royal Marines who had completed a mammoth 1,664 mile trek.

The Queens Consort announced in May he would be retiring from royal engagements after more than 65 years supporting the monarch in her role as head of state and attending events for his own charities and organisations.

The Duke of Edinburgh at his last solo Royal engagement (REUTERS) / Reuters

Buckingham Palace has stressed although the Duke's diary of engagements came to an end on Wednesday he may decide to attend certain events, alongside the Queen, from time to time.

His son Prince Charles struck the very first commemorative coin during a recent visit to the Royal Mints visitor centre in Wales on July 11.

Prince Charles inspects the new 5 coin / PA

Prince Philip served as President of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee from 1952 until 1999, an unbroken period of 47 years.

Every UK coin and medal produced by The Royal Mint over this time, including four portraits of The Queen, has been discussed and approved by the committee he chaired.

Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh: Final Royal Engagement 1 /21 Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh: Final Royal Engagement The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace Getty Images The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace Reuters The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA Royal Marines prepare for a parade attended by Britain's Prince Philip, in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, on the Buckingham Palace Forecourt Reuters Royal Marines prepare for a parade attended by Prince Philip, in his role as Captain General, Royal Marines, to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge Reuters The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace PA The Duke of Edinburgh attending the Captain General's Parade as his final individual public engagement at Buckingham Palace Reuters

Adam Lawrence, Chief Executive of The Royal Mint, said: We are particularly delighted that the Prince of Wales struck the very first of the coins that will celebrate the contribution that The Duke of Edinburgh has made to public life.

The coin goes on sale on August 7 but the public can register their interest now at http://www.royalmint.com/pre-register/prince-philip.
T he United Nations has urged the UK to "step up" and double the number of refugees it takes.

A senior official at the UN's refugee agency said he hopes the UK will start accepting 10,000 refugees or more, effectively doubling its current rate, after 2020..

Volker Turk, assistant commissioner at the UN High Commission for Refugees, said there was a need for countries around the world to address the crisis and help people fleeing the world's trouble spots.

The Government has committed to take in 20,000 refugees by 2020 under a scheme set up to cover people fleeing the Syrian conflict, with 5,453 granted humanitarian protection under the programme in the year ending March 2017, and 3,000 vulnerable children and family members.

Solidarity: Thousands took to the streets of London to support refugees last year Twitter/@helen_undy / Twitter/@helen_undy

But Mr Turk, who was in London for talks with ministers, said he hoped the Government's response would be "significantly" expanded after 2020: "It would be a doubling."

Mr Turk said he wanted to see "significant numbers" of refugees offered the chance of a new life in the UK after 2020, with a resettlement programme open to people around the world, not just Syria.

After his talks with ministers he said: "We had good discussions about possible ideas about what can be done post-2020 and the Government is open to discussing this and to learn the lessons from what is ongoing at the moment.

"We hope very much that there will be a regular resettlement programme by Britain past 2020 in significant numbers."

Rally: Thousands of people showed their support on the march to Parliament Square / Twitter/@josephwillits

He added: "It would be a step change, it would not just be related to Syria. It would look at where the urgent situations are, to have a certain flexibility in responding to them.

"I think we have to be very honest about the need for countries to contribute and to step up."

Mr Turk praised the response of communities which had already received refugees and said some rural areas had been "revived" by the new arrivals.

He said he was "very encouraged by the reaction in Britain, by communities at grassroots level".

"I'm so amazed when I hear about rural areas in Britain that actually they are so happy that people come to them and it almost revives parts of Britain," he said.

A "whole of society" approach was needed to address the challenges, he said.

"It's about attitudes, it's about engagement, it's about understanding towards the plight of people who end up - because of conflict, because of war, because of persecution - in a situation of distress.

"Britain has a long history of asylum and sanctuary. That tradition is absolutely key and it will involve whole communities."

Asked if some of the rhetoric used by some politicians was unhelpful, he said: "In the industrialised world more generally, sometimes what we see and what we notice is that emotionally-charged subjects are used for short-term political games.

"In some ways, from the perspective of fairness, from the perspective of the rule of law, from the perspective of how societies have to deal with phenomena that exist, that's irresponsible."

He added: "I think it's an appeal to everyone who works in this area to come back to this voice of reason within, sometimes, very high emotions."

Additional reporting by Press Association
D rivers in Northern California were stunned after discovering a hacked road sign emblazoned with the words "Trump has herpes".

The electronic sign, placed to warn drivers about traffic delays, lit up with the words just before 11pm last night.

A passer-by snapped the image of the sign mocking President Donald Trump and shared it on Twitter.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said the Sacramento sign was placed there temporarily while a project to build a new bridge was underway.

But despite being locked with a password, hackers were able to bypass their security.

It comes after other signs in the area were hacked, with one reading free hookers ahead.

Another sign in Napa was reportedly taken over in July to carry the racist message: "Caution Asian drivers".

The unflattering statement has now been fixed but Caltrans is now investigating how the hackers gained access.

Earlier this week, a huge electronic advertising billboard in Cardiff city centre was taken over.

The hackers displayed offensive images including Nazi symbols and references to Sharia Law.
T he White House has cracked down on a series of embarrassing leaks in recent weeks, with the US Attorney General announcing that four people had been charged following an investigation.

Jeff Sessions addressed leakers in a news conference on Friday and accused them of undermining the US government.

In a move criticised by many as being an attack on the free press, Mr Sessions suggested the administration was reviewing policies on forcing journalists to reveal their sources.

He ordered employees of government agencies to stop leaking and called the issue a matter of national security.

Crackdown: US Attorney General Jeff Sessions with Director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats / EPA

President Trump has repeatedly voiced anger over a steady stream of leaks to the media about him and his administration since he took office in January.

Some have been related to probes into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election; others have concerned infighting in the White House.

"One of the things we are doing is reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas," Mr Sessions told reporters, saying that leaks undermine the ability of our government to protect this country."

"We respect the important role that the press plays and will give them respect, but it is not unlimited," the nation's top law official said.

A subpoena is a writ compelling a journalist to testify or produce evidence, with a penalty for failure to do so.

Trump: The President has accused media outlets who claim inside sources of reporting 'fake news' / EPA

Mr Sessions said the Justice Department has tripled the number of investigations into unauthorised leaks of classified information and announced four people have already been charged.

"We are taking a stand," he said. This culture of leaking must stop.

He did not identify the four people charged, but said they had been accused of unlawfully disclosing classified information or concealing contacts with foreign intelligence officers.

But Ben Wizner of the American Civil Liberties Union said this latest apparent crackdown from Mr Trumps administration should concern every American.

He said: Every American should be concerned about the Trump administrations threat to step up its efforts against whistle-blowers and journalists.

A crackdown on leaks is a crackdown on the free press and on democracy as a whole."
D onald Trump said he was the worlds greatest person during a phone conversation with the Australian prime minister, leaked transcripts show.

The US President made the big-headed comment in a call with PM Malcolm Turnbull just one week after taking office in January.

According to the Washington Post, which has seen White House transcripts of the conversation, President Trump wanted to drop a deal agreed by Barack Obama to take in 1,250 refugees from Australia.

It came just after the president had announced his travel ban on travellers from several Muslim-majority countries coming into the US.

Donald Trump: I can be more presidential than any former president

President Trump told Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull: Here I am calling for a ban, where I am not letting anybody in  and we take 2,000 people.

Really, it looks like 2,000 people that Australia does not want, and I do not blame you by the way, but the United States has become like a dumping ground.

Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. / EPA

After Mr Turnbull tries to reason with the US leader, Trump replies: Malcolm, why is this so important? I do not understand.

This is going to kill me. I am the worlds greatest person that does not want to let people into the country.

And now I am agreeing to take 2,000 people, and I agree I can vet them, but that puts me in a bad position.

He added that his call with the Australian PM  during a string of phone conversations with several world leaders that day  was my most unpleasant call.

When Mr Turnbull suggested that standing by Obamas deal would show Mr Trump as a man who is committed, the president replied: Ok, this shows me to be a dope.

Trump complains his good work is being ignored

We are like a dumping ground for the rest of the world. I look so foolish doing this.

It is horrible for me. I do not know where they find these people to make these stupid deals. Im going to get killed on this thing.

Donald Trump's shakes - in pictures 1 /18 Donald Trump's shakes - in pictures North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the start of their historic US-North Korea summit AFP/Getty Images North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the start of their historic US-North Korea summit AFP/Getty Images US President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un as they sit down for their historic US-North Korea summit, at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore AFP/Getty Images Mr Trump and Kim shake hands for the cameras before sitting down to sign a document Reuters US President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korea leader Kim Jong-un at the Capella resort on Sentosa AP Le Crunch Trump and President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands at the US ambassador's residence, on the sidelines of the NATO summit, in Brussels AFP/Getty Images The Hug Swerve Back in 2016, Hillary Clinton swerves a hug from Trump following the first presidential debate AFP/Getty Images The Comey Shimmy FBI director James Comey rejects a Donald Trump handshake in favour of a handshake The Soft Touch Theresa May shakes hands with Trump in Washington earlier this year Getty Images The Power Struggle President Donald Trump reaches to shake hands with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Oval Office AP Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin AFP/Getty Images US President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump shake hands during a transition planning meeting in the Oval Office at the White House AFP/Getty Images Vice president-elect Mike Pence and Republican president-elect Donald Trump shake hands Getty Images

The leaked transcript documents also reveal Mr Trump used his first phone call with the Mexican president, Enrique Pena Nieto, to urge him to stop publicly refusing to pay for the wall.

President Trump, who promised during the election campaign to build a wall along the border and get Mexico to pay for it, told Mexicos leader: You cannot say that to the press.

According to the Washington Post, he added: If you are going to say that Mexico is not going to pay for the wall, then I do not want to meet with you guys anymore because I cannot live with that.

Todays phone conversation revelations come as it was announced a grand jury has been assembled in the investigation into Russian meddling in the US election.

According to US media reports of the probe, the inquiry has apparently taken the first step towards possible criminal charges.
D emocratic governor Jim Justice has crossed over to the Republicans in a conversion that appeared to boost President Donald Trump's spirits.

Speaking at a Trump rally, Gov. Justice told the about 9,000 assembled West Virginians: "I can't help you anymore as a Democrat."

He said of the president: "This man is a good man. He's got a backbone. He's got real ideas."

A buoyant Mr Trump had hinted earlier in the day at something momentous to come, telling reporters of a "very big announcement".

Democratic governor Jim Justice switches to the Republicans

The formerly Democrat governor has visited the White House twice in recent weeks with proposals on coal mining - a major industry in West Virginia.

A former coal industry executive, Gov. Justice said he will work with Mr Trump because just wants to get things done.

He has previously identified as a Democrat, but also as a Republican and independent.
Tillersons recent comments clarified that he has been discussing the issue with Trump and attempting to focus attention upon how the agreement and its vigorous enforcement could be used to advance the administrations broader agenda for Iran. This is potentially made more significant by the fact that the White House announced it was undertaking a comprehensive review of its Iran policy, immediately following the certification of Iranian compliance. This roughly coincided with the nearly unanimous congressional votes in favor of a new sanctions bill, part of which targets the Islamic Republic over its ballistic missile activities and support of terrorism.

Before taking his position in the administration, Tillerson generally echoed Trumps criticisms of the JCPOA, but even then his public comments appeared to call for the deal to be reviewed with an eye toward strengthening its enforcement, not cancelling it outright. Accordingly, the Reuters report describes Tillerson as having a more nuanced view of the issue than the president. Nevertheless, Iranian officials have made no serious distinction between their criticism of the two White House figures. In an example of this trend, Irans state-run English-language propaganda network, Press TV published an article on Tuesday that described the Secretary of State as repeating the Trump administrations anti-Iran allegations.

The Press TV statement noted that the administration has accused Iran of being out of compliance with the spirit of the nuclear deal, a claim that Tehran has also made and continues to make of the US. Press TV went on to assert that the International Atomic Energy Agency had declared the Islamic Republic to be in full compliance, thus undermining the White Houses efforts to increase sanctions. But in reality, most reports on the IAEAs findings have acknowledged that the international monitoring agency recognized minor violations, such as Iran briefly exceeding limits on heavy water stockpiles, but dismissed these as not serious enough to endanger the deal in its entirety.

It is presumably with respect to these minor violations that Tillerson and other Western critics would like to see an expansion in international enforcement measures. But as Reuters points out, it is presently unlikely that European powers will go along with the US if it decides to re-implement sanctions. On the other hand, this is not to say that that recent American measures imposing new sanctions on the Islamic Republic are in violation of the nuclear deal. Iranian officials have repeatedly attempted to make this claim, however, often referencing the deals spirit, in much the same way the White House does when talking about peripheral Iranian violations.

On Tuesday, it was reported that Tehran had formally complained to the United Nations for the first time since the nuclear deal was implemented, insisting that the just-passed American sanctions constitute a violation of the deal. But on Wednesday, the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany issued a complaint of their own, focusing on ballistic missile tests that have been carried out in defiance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which was passed at the same time as the JCPOAs implementation.

The US Presidents certification of Iranian compliance, which is due before Congress every 90 days, refers not only to the JCPOA itself but also to Resolution 2231 and other so-called side deals. That resolution calls upon the Islamic Republic to avoid work on weapons that are designed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The vague language has allowed Tehran to argue that the given provision should be regarded as a non-binding recommendation, and also that it refers to weapons that are intended for a different purpose, regardless of their capabilities.

On Thursday, the Associated Press reported that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had built upon these talking points by essentially accusing the United States of anti-Iranian hysteria. You launch a satellite-carrying missile, they make noise, he said, adding, The response to the hostility is to become stronger. This was similar to the language used in earlier statements by the supposedly moderate Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who rejected what he characterized as foreign imposition over the countrys military development. Rouhani said that the Islamic nation has chosen to be strong, and he vowed that ballistic missile development would increase.

In July, immediately following the House of Representatives vote on new Iran sanctions, the Iranian parliament voted to devote more than a quarter of a billion dollars in new funding for the missile program, as well as providing the same funding increase to the foreign special operations Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Thursdays AP report added that Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had vaguely referenced additional measures to improve Irans armed forces as a specific reaction to the new US sanctions.

While these sorts of comments from Iranian officials are clearly based on outright dismissal of criticisms coming from the likes of Trump and Tillerson, they also ser ve to highlight the rationale behind the White Houses efforts to tighten existing restrictions and portray the Islamic Republic as being unwilling to cooperate with the international community. The disagreements between individual White House officials suggest that those efforts could be taking a more extreme form than they currently are. But as Iran continues to meet criticisms with defiance, it may become easier for Trumps hardline perspectives to prevail over those of his foreign policy advisors.
Major General Abbas must now complete the deal by persuading the Nusra factions to emigrate to Idlib in northwestern Syria, but Hezbollah must ask Syrian President Bashar to allow the remnants of the Nusra front to travel to Idlib.

One reason the war waged by Hezbollah is so difficult, is that the Lebanese / Syrian border is not clearly drawn. Another is the lack of support of the Muslim / Christian public for the Hezbollah wars.

Ghassan Imam asks, in his article for Track Persia, a Platform run by dedicated analysts who spend much of their time researching the Middle East, What benefit does Lebanon gain from replacing the Iranian mercenaries with the remnants of the ISIS and al-Qaeda on the Syrian / Lebanese borders?

He adds that a third reason is that the Lebanese army is in line with Hezbollah. The military turned a blind eye to Irans involvement in the Syrian war and its arming of Hezbollah with missiles and heavy weapons, so that it became better equipped than the homeland army. And then there is the question of the dominance of the Hezbollah state over the institutions of the legitimate state. This domination reached Sidon and West Beirut (a Sunni area), which was invaded by Hezbollah nine years ago.

Hezbollah waged a racist campaign against the Syrian refugees, according to Ghassan Imam, who says additionally, that Hezbollah invaded the camps near Arsal, and that four to ten of those arrested were tortured and died.

The visit of Prime Minister Saad Hariri to Washington coincided with Hezbollahs new war inside Lebanon. President Trump let him wait for five days, and then, during the joint press conference, Trump launched a massive hostile campaign against Iran and Hezbollah, describing the latter as a threat to the stability and security in the region.

Ghassan Imam writes that, The Trump administration and the Congressional committees of US military reduced its support to the Lebanese army at a rate of 82 percent and accused inner parties of leaking US weapons to Hezbollah. Hezbollah strengthened its dominance over Lebanon and its war with Bashar against Syrian civilians.

The Saudi governments position in supporting the prime minister was to strengthen the executive powers and to preserve the balance between the three main sects (the Maronites, Sunnis and Shiites).
MITCHELL  Bunnies were hopping on Wednesday at the Scotts Bluff County Fair.

Several first time youth as well as first time rabbits participated in the 2017 Scotts Bluff County Fair.

The rules are simple. The rabbits must jump over steeples of various heights. Bunnies are penalized if they knock over a bar on the steeple. They are also timed. Owners can only touch the first and last steeple.

Allison Parker was the grand champion with Comet, who completed the course in 9 seconds. Devin Suhr was reserve champion with his bunny, Mittems, only a fraction of a second behind.

Clover Kids and 4-Hers had a hopping good time as they encouraged their rabbits to hop over each fence. Most rabbits got about halfway through before needing a little nudge to continue.

Suhr said it wasnt hard to train his rabbit to hop over each obstacle.

My brothers rabbit wouldnt do it, he said. Mine just went.

The first three place finishers in the intermediate level were Grand Champion Allison Parker, Reserve Champion Devin Suhr and third place Jackson Schwartz.

In the beginning level, Patricia Woolsey took first place. Justin Keller received a purple ribbon. Amme Parker, Landen Heine and Laurence Keller took home blue ribbons.

Clover Kids Maddy Jenne and Brittyn Murphy-Kilthau took home ribbons with a little help from Numnum, a 10-month old Flemish Giant. The rabbit was the largest breed in the competition.

After the bunny hopping, University of Nebraska Chancellor Ronnie Green, who is visiting the state, encouraged all the youth to consider the university in the future and to investigate all the ways the University Extension Center in Scottsbluff has helped support 4-H over the years.

He said, 4-H is a great experience. We all need to take the time to thank the older people that help and provide leadership as well as the community support.
This is the in-between time, the time between summer and before fall. Once August hits, summer proper is all but over. Even the cooler temperatures Thursday hinted that fall is around the corner.

Sure, Sept. 22 is the first official day of fall. But fall in western Nebraska begins, even if the temperatures still spike now and again, as soon as the county fairs are wrapped up, schools open their doors, and lights once again illuminate fields dark since last fall.

Summers fly by even faster as our children leave elementary school and begin the all too fast ascent through middle school and high school. We parents find ourselves  or at least I do  counting how many summers remain until the kids are this age and that age and until, well, they wont be here for summer. Theyll be out there on their own in the world.

I should be happy for them. And I am. I really am. They are growing up and doing exceedingly well. I have much to be thankful for, and I am grateful for the blessings bestowed. Nonetheless, there remains a bitter sweet quality to it all as the years pile up one by one until the pathway to their lives will be built and they set out upon it.

I remind myself of the Preachers words from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes:

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

A time of war, and a time of peace. Just last week, on July 26, it was 100 years ago to the day that the American Expeditionary Force began to arrive in France. By the time the war was over, more than 100,000 U.S. servicemen would no longer experience another summer or fall back home.

Only the dead have seen the end the war. No one knows for sure who first said those words. But that matters not. The statement, unfortunately, is as sure as the ground beneath our feet. War will only cease at the trumpets blast and the falling of that last enemy, death.

As summer bleeds into fall, in this time that is neither really one nor the other, I wonder if there is a time of war or a time of peace coming. Far too many in each political party seem hell-bent on a new Cold War with Russia, and at the very same time that China snickers at any efforts to rein in their ICBM-touting, rotund Red friend. If war comes with North Korea, even if China stays on the side lines, it will be the sort of conflict that we have not seen in 70 years.

Juxtapose those two images. On the one hand, the possibility of war, even limited nuclear war. And on the other, here in western Nebraska, summer giving way to fall: school doors opening, bleachers filling up on Friday nights, farmers gearing up for harvest. The times the Preacher in Ecclesiastes speaks of  a time to weep, and a time laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance  they weave themselves together into a singular fabric of life.

I remember growing up in the' 80s, the last of the Cold War. And I remember wondering from time to time when the day would come that Id spot a mushroom cloud sprouting on the horizon. Still, in all its joys and fears and wonders, life went on. There was a time to get, and a time to lose; and a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

And there still is a time, for to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
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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Romania's APADOR-CH human rights watchdog is calling for increased punishments for police abuses against citizens in the context of amending the Criminal Code, in addition to the Interior Ministry's (MAI) proposal for tightened up punishment for assault on a public official.

"APADOR-CH is calling on the MPs, who are interested in achieving a balance in society, to urgently initiate a bill to be debated simultaneously with the current draft of the MAI, regarding the modification of the offence of abusive behaviour (Article 296 in the Criminal Code) so that the offence, regardless of how committed (in the form of verbal or physical aggression), should no longer be fineable, but punishable by imprisonment, with the sentence limits to be increased by 1/2 (instead of a current 1/3), as well as an increase in punishment for abusive search, ill treatment, torture, unjust repression," the organisation said Friday in a press statement.

APADOR-CH is also drawing attention to the fact that the tightening up of punishments in the Criminal Code should not be done "solely in favor of the authority", but also of the citizens. "With the tightening up of punishments for assault on a public official, similar treatment should be applied to punishments for abusive conduct, abusive search, ill-treatment, torture, unfair repression, offences the police may commit. While in the case of assault on a public official the author is the citizen and the victim the policeman, in the case of abusive behaviour or abusive search it is the opposite: the author is the policeman and the victim is the citizen. It requires a balance of regulations in criminal matters, whereby both the citizens and the police officers may be equally protected against each other's abuses / aggressions."

Agerpres.
Defence Minister, Adrian Tutuianu, on Friday met a delegation of General Dynamics European Land Systems, part of the General Dynamics Corporation, during the discussions highlighting the fact that, for the Ministry, the building and production of the armoured troop carrier in Romania is of key interest security-wise, reads a press release of MApN.

According to the said source, the meeting's agenda included topics such as looking for ways to conclude such partnerships at the national defence industry level to be adjusted to the operational needs of the Army, the creation of a joint venture to secure the transfer of state-of-the-art technology and consolidation in the Romanian economy of Romania's status as security provider. "During the talks it was also mentioned the fact that the armoured troop carried 8x8 has already been listed as one of the eight strategic programmes that the Army committed to carry out as major endowment programmes. For MApN, the acquisition, building and production of the armoured troop carrier in Romania represents a key interest for security, in the sense that it secures supply and maintenance of the equipment for its entire lifecycle", the release also says.

The meeting is part of a series of consultations held by the Minister of National Defence with the representatives of the defence industry in partnership with the Ministry of Economy. Participating in the meeting there were also secretaries of state Mircea Dusa and Florin Lazar Vladica and the Chief of the General Staff, General Nicolae Ciuca.

Agerpres.
Last year, the European Union produced 39 billion liters of alcoholic beer, by 400 million liters more than in 2015, as well as 900 million liters of alcohol-free beer or with a less than 0.5 pct alcohol content, and Romania ranked ninth among beer producers in the EU, according to data released on Friday by Eurostat.

With an 8.31 billion liters production (21 pct of the total EU production), Germany was the main producer in 2016, when one in five alcoholic beers produced in the EU came from Germany. The UK (5.14 billion liters), Poland (4.04 billion liters), Spain (3.70 billion liters), the Netherlands (2.64 billion liters), Belgium (2.29 billion liters), France (1.88 billion liters), the Czech Republic (1.86 billion liters) and Romania (1.76 billion liters) follow.

As for the largest beer exporters in the EU, the Netherlands ranks first with 1.9 billion liters of beer containing alcohol exported in 2016, followed by Germany (1.7 billion liters), Belgium (1.5 billion liters) France (700 million liters) and the UK (600 million liters).

The U.S. was the main destination for the EU beer exports to countries outside the EU bloc (1.1 billion liters of beer containing alcohol being exported in 2016, or 34 pct of total non-EU beer exports), followed by China (525 million liters), Canada (202 million liters), South Korea (117 million liters), Switzerland (113 million liters) and Taiwan (101 million liters).

When it comes to beer imports into the EU, beer from Mexico is preferred, with 179.5 million liters or almost half of all non-EU beer imports registered in 2016, followed by beer from Serbia (46.9 million liters), USA (36.5 million liters), Belarus (20.6 million liters), China (16.4 million liters) and Russia (11.6 million liters).

agerpres.
Updated at 6:45 p.m.

Cigna Corp. raised its full-year earnings forecast on Friday and reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by strength in its commercial business and cost control.

The company's shares closed at $172.55, down $3.50.

Cigna joins other health insurers such as Humana Inc. and Aetna Inc. in beating estimates and providing a rosy forecast at a time when uncertainty in the healthcare industry remains.

Republican lawmakers have vowed to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama's signature health care law, often called Obamacare, but have not agreed on how to do so.

President Donald Trump last week renewed his threat to cut about $8 billion in subsidies next year.

Cigna said in June it will continue to offer individual coverage under Obamacare, adding it was keeping the option to stay in the seven states where it now sells plans, but would wait to make a final decision on its participation depending on how possible market changes shake out.

The company said total commercial medical care ratio came in at 78.7 percent reflecting strong performance and effective medical cost management.

Medical care ratio is the amount an insurer spends on medical claims compared with its income from premiums.

"The beat follows similar results from peers as we continue to see a low cost trend quarter that we believe will persist through the remainder of the year," Piper Jaffray analyst Sarah James said.

Cigna's net income rose to $813 million, or $3.15 per share, in the second quarter ended June 30, from $510 million, or $1.97 per share, a year earlier.

Excluding items, the company earned $2.91 per share, ahead of analysts' estimate of $2.48, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Operating revenue rose to $10.27 billion from $9.89 billion, in line with estimates.

The company said it expects 2017 adjusted income from operations to be in the range of $9.75 to $10.05 per share, up from its previous forecast of $9.35 to $9.85.

Evercore ISI analyst Michael Newshel noted Cigna rounded out the health insurance earnings season with another big utilization-aided earnings beat, adding he expects the stock to be up on an overall strong quarter.
A few health care industry executives have sent a letter to Missouris insurance director, asking her to take a hard and earnest look at Anthems emergency room policy and whether it is legal.

This summer, Anthem began warning members that if they were to go to the ER for a minor ailment, then the patients would be stuck with the entire bill. Anthem said it would no longer cover emergency visits for such ailments as the common cold amid what Anthem said is an increasing trend of unnecessary ER visits by its members.

We think this policy is unfair to policyholders, and downright dangerous for patients, according to a letter dated July 27 and addressed to Insurance Director Chlora Lindley-Myers.

The letter was signed by Herb Kuhn, CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association; Dr. Jonathan Heidt, president of the Missouri College of Emergency Physicians; Brian Bowles, executive director of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons; and Thomas Holloway, executive vice president of the Missouri State Medical Association.

The signers allege that Anthems policy violates the prudent layperson standard. In other words, there are legal protections for people with limited medical knowledge who need what they believe is immediate care.

That standard is critically important, the letter said. Is that chest pain just unwelcome indigestion, or is it a life-threatening cardiac event?

The letter calls the policy by Anthem a way to shift costs from the insurer to the patient and says it will have a chilling effect on patients who will forgo care, worried they may be on the hook for the entire bill.

Holloway, one of the authors, said hes hoping for a sit-down with the insurance director.

A spokesman for the Department of Insurance did not respond to a request for comment.

Anthem has said the policy is more nuanced and has exceptions, such as chest pain. A member who ultimately has indigestion and not an actual heart attack will not be financially responsible for the entire visit.

Also, ER visits for children under the age of 14 will always be covered regardless of the reason for the visit.

Dr. Jay Moore, senior clinical director at Anthem, said his organization met with the Missouri Hospital Association, including its director Herb Kuhn, and other groups that signed the letter before the policy took effect to try to be as open as possible about the policy change.

This is the first we heard they were not comfortable with this program, Moore said. I dont know how we could be more transparent or open.

Anthem also previously told the Department of Insurance about its plans to notify members about the enforcement of the ER policy.
Updated at 4:54 p.m.

WASHINGTON  A drop in the unemployment rate to a 16-year low raises a tantalizing question about the job market: How much better can it get?

Earlier this year, economists worried that the low unemployment rate meant businesses would struggle to find workers and that would drag down the pace of hiring. Those fears were heightened by a tiny job gain in March and modest hiring in May.

Yet Friday's jobs report suggests such concerns are premature. Employers added 209,000 jobs, after a solid gain of 231,000 in June, the Labor Department said. The unemployment rate ticked down to 4.3 percent, from 4.4 percent, matching the low reached in May.

The U.S. economy is benefiting from steady growth around the world, with Europe and Japan perking up and China's economy stabilizing. Corporate revenue and profits are growing too, and the stock market has hit record highs.

Economists were particularly encouraged by the fact that more Americans are coming off the sidelines and finding jobs. For the first few years after the recession, many of the unemployed stopped looking for work.

Some were discouraged by the lack of available jobs. Others returned to school or stayed home to take care of family. The government doesn't count those out of work as unemployed unless they are actively searching for jobs.

That trend began to reverse last year and has continued into 2017. To many economists, that means robust hiring could continue for many more months, or even years.

"There's more people willing to work than the unemployment rate would have you believe," said Nick Bunker, a senior policy analyst at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, a liberal think tank.

President Donald Trump celebrated the data in a tweet shortly after the numbers were released. "Excellent Jobs Numbers," he wrote, "and I have only just begun."

Trump technically tweeted too early: His comment was posted at 8:45 a.m., just 15 minutes after the report was released. Federal rules specify that White House officials should wait for an hour before publicly commenting. The rule is intended to allow the data to be released without political spin.

President Barack Obama's former top economic adviser, Jason Furman, noted the slip-up, calling it a "minor transgression."

The pace of hiring so far this year, while solid, is pretty much the same as it was last year under Obama. Employers have added an average of 184,000 jobs a month through July, compared with 187,000 in 2016. Monthly job gains topped 200,000 on average in 2014 and 2015.

The steady hiring is adding up. In July, the proportion of Americans aged 25 through 54 who had a job or were looking for one rose to 81.8 percent, up a half-percentage point from a year earlier and the highest since December 2010.

Economists focus on that age group because it filters out the impact of retirements by the huge baby boomer generation and excludes younger workers who are more likely to be in school.

That means more Americans are optimistic about the job market and launching job searches. But that proportion is still substantially lower than the all-time peak of 84.6 percent, reached in January 1999.

There's no way to know whether that peak could be reached again. Many economists are doubtful, in part because it rose sharply in the 1980s and 1990s as women flooded the workforce. The proportion of women working or looking for work has slipped since 2000.

Based on historical trends, the share of working-age Americans who either have jobs or are looking for one could rise another 0.7 percentage points. That would create 1.8 million more jobs, according to Andrew Sojourner, an economist at the University of Minnesota.

Robert Maynard, CEO of Famous Toastery, a 22-restaurant chain based in Charlotte, N.C., is still looking to hire. He plans to add 10 more restaurants later this year, which should create about 250 full-time jobs.

At the same time, he said, other restaurants are also expanding and some are even peeling away his employees by offering higher pay. He's responded by boosting wages 10 to 15 percent.

"We're fighting to get the best workers," he said.

Restaurants and bars added a massive 53,100 jobs in July, roughly a quarter of all the job gains that month. And restaurant employees are seeing their pay rise faster than other workers. Average hourly pay in the industry jumped 4.7 percent in June from the previous year, the latest data available.

That compares to just 2.5 percent for all workers. Sluggish wage growth has been a persistent weak spot in the recovery. Wage gains are typically closer to 4 percent a year with the unemployment rate this low.

Some economists think it may be harder to pull many more workers off the sidelines.

A large proportion of those who aren't looking for work say they are disabled or ill. Some research indicates many are addicted to painkillers, noted Jed Kolko, chief economist for Indeed, a job listings website.

"They're the kinds of reasons that might not be overcome with slightly higher wages," Kolko said. "It's really hard to know what it would take to get people who have left the labor force to come back."

And many economists argue that demographics will eventually limit how much more hiring can happen. The U.S. population is aging and population growth has slowed in the past two decades.

Hiring needs to stay healthy for people like Johnny Palmer, of Stone Mountain, Georgia. After a long stint out of work, he found a job in June at Northside Hospital in the Atlanta region, preparing meals for patients.

"It's a lot of people still trying to find jobs," he said. "But the bottom line is trying to find a job where you can make enough money to live above the poverty line. It's hard," he said.

Associated Press writers Josh Boak and Jesse Holland contributed to this report.
When Mondelez International said Wednesday that Chief Executive Officer Irene Rosenfeld was retiring, it was no surprise that the food company also announced that she would be succeeded by a man.

Since 2009, 19 female CEOs of Standard & Poor's 500 companies have stepped down. In only three of those cases was she replaced by another woman, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Rosenfeld, 64, will retire in November and be succeeded by Dirk Van de Put, who currently leads McCain Foods.

"It underscores just how truly exceptional it is for a woman CEO to be succeeded by another woman," said Brande Stellings, senior vice president of advisory services at Catalyst, which tracks diversity in companies. "Since we had the first woman CEO in the Fortune 500 in 1972, there's only been 62 women CEOs in total, which is pretty staggering."

Investors are putting pressure on company boards to improve lackluster diversity records, particularly this year, when State Street Corp. and BlackRock Inc. voted against hundreds of directors at companies seen as lagging on gender parity and other measures. McKinsey & Co. and other consultants are providing a growing body of research that indicates that companies that shift away from a monolithic white male leadership outperform those that haven't changed their complexion. Still, most measures of diversity have been largely unchanged for a decade.

The direction a company takes on diversity comes from its board room, where white men have dominated since the last century. When choosing a new CEO, board members tend to rely more often on people they know than on executives selected by recruiters who screen candidates from a wider field, said Trina Gordon, CEO of executive-search firm Boyden. About 80 percent of S&P 500 directors are men.

"Boards are still not very diverse, and if you don't have diversity at the governance level, there's not a lot of changes that are going to happen," Gordon said.

Women, who make up about half of the U.S. work force, aren't forecast to gain parity in the board room until 2032, according to a June estimate from executive recruiter Heidrick & Struggles.

Debra Crew's promotion to succeed Susan Cameron as CEO at Reynolds American earlier this year was the first female-to-female handover in the S&P 500 in five years, according to data from recruiter Spencer Stuart. The distinction was short-lived because even before she took the job, British American Tobacco said it would buy Reynolds. Now Crew reports to BAT CEO Nicandro Durante.

Prior to that transition, the last time a female CEO was replaced by another woman was in 2012, when Sheri McCoy succeeded Andrea Jung at Avon Products. McCoy announced her resignation Thursday from Avon, which is no longer in the S&P 500. A successor hasn't been named.

The third example in recent years was Xerox CEO Ursula Burns, who replaced Anne Mulcahy in 2009. Burns retired this year and was replaced by Jeff Jacobson, her former chief operating officer.

When female CEOs step down, it's typically a man waiting in the wings. Among the 27 S&P 500 companies run by women, most chief operating officers or presidents are men. At PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi appointed Ramon Laguarta as chief operating officer last month, setting him up as her possible successor.

A big issue is that companies often prefer to make a safe choice for leadership, selecting an executive with a track record for running a company or a large unit, and those executives are still overwhelmingly male, said Gordon.

"The statistics are daunting,'' she said. "There is a perpetuation of the status quo."

Female chief executives are judged differently than men, another hurdle women face on the path to the C-suite, said Barbara Annis, founding partner of Gender Intelligence, a company that focuses on improving workplace gender relations. Research shows that women are judged on performance, while men are given opportunities based on their potential, she said. And when a woman is at the helm and a company performs poorly, frequently her gender is viewed as the reason.

"We attribute results to one's gender when it comes to a woman, and we don't do that with men," Annis said. "So often when that happens, we end up picking a man as the successor."

The different expectations also extend to how activists approach female CEOs, according to a 2016 report from a researcher at Arizona State University. For every 10 shareholder proposals at a company led by a man, there were 15 for a company with a female CEO. Those women had a 27 percent chance of being targeted by activists, while the risk to men was almost zero, according to the study, which examined shareholder proposals at Fortune 100 companies from 2003 to 2013.

Even as the number of women running the biggest companies falls to 25 from 27 this year  thanks to the departure of Crew and Rosenfeld  it remains a relatively new phenomenon to have so many at one time, Stellings from Catalyst said. Between 1972 and 2000, there were never more than four female CEOs serving at one time, she said.

"You could easily fit all of them, in the history of our time, into one room," Stellings said.
An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary about climate change, became a controversial addition to the public discourse when it was released in 2006  and turned environmentalist and former vice president Al Gore into a different kind of movie star.

With An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, Gore updates his message that the future of the planet is under threat. Recently, Cohen and Shenk talked with Go! about the film and their reasons for making it.

What made a sequel to An Inconvenient Truth necessary?

Cohen: Climate-related extreme weather has gotten very severe. A lot of the predictions that Al (Gore) made in the first film were coming to fruition, so it was important to look at that. But as important, if not more important, was the fact that now, 10 years later, we really have the solutions in place to solve the climate crisis. The (solar and wind) technologies are in place.

How did the election of President Donald Trump affect the film?

Shenk: The Trump/Clinton election was in the background of the film as we were shooting, because we were shooting during 2016. When Trump won, Bonni and I decided to take a breath, and wait and see if he would make good on some of his campaign promises  which included gutting the (Environmental Protection Agency) and pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord. Unfortunately, he made good on those promises. And so we deliver that news in the film. The exciting thing, from a climate perspective, is that the backlash against Trump has just been incredible.

What went into deciding how to approach the film visually? An Inconvenient Sequel doesnt seem to be as adventurous in terms of graphic presentation as An Inconvenient Truth.

Shenk: This film really stands on the shoulders of An Inconvenient Truth. It was such an incredible documentary and so successful by almost any measure. It gave everyday Americans  and, really, citizens around the world  the vocabulary to have the climate discussion. We felt that one step we could take was to go behind the scenes and show how (Al Gore) does his work. People are starting to understand that this is a real issue thats affecting their neighbors and friends. It called for a different type of film.

What would you say is the potential for this film to reach a broad audience?

Cohen: Climate change has become a partisan issue in this country, but there are a couple of opportunities in this film to see that it doesnt have to be anymore.
The majority of the worlds commerce lies outside the United States, yet exporting remains a challenge for most small businesses.

Thats why United Parcel Service is sponsoring its third X-Port Challenge, says Bill Seward, a top executive with the Atlanta-based shipping giant. UPS is hosting a dozen regional contests, including one focused on Missouri businesses.

The top 10 applicants from each market will pitch their business to a panel of judges from the local international business community. Judges will select the top three finalists as prize winners.

The first-place winner wins $10,000 in credits and a chance to compete nationally for a top prize of $25,000 in export shipping credit. Second- and third-place finishers will receive $2,500 and $1,000 in UPS export shipping credits respectively.

The winner of each market competition will be included in a virtual runoff, where UPS employees will vote on which product is export-worthy. The top three contestants with the most votes will be invited to a national competition for an opportunity to win prizes of $25,000, $15,000 or $10,000.

Interested companies that qualify in participating markets may submit an application online at global.ups.com/x-portchallenge2017 listing their specialty, global appeal and market challenges. A team of UPS employees will evaluate the applications based on criteria such as uniqueness, presentation, market demand and global readiness. Applications must be received by Aug. 20.

Among last years winners was Fusion Gates of Edwardsville, which won a $1,000 shipping credit for their customizable brand of baby and pet gates. Mobility Designed, a medical device startup in Kansas City won the $10,000 regional grand prize.

Lunch money

BoxLunch, a philanthropic retailer offering novelty pop-culture and licensed products, opened its first regional location this week at St. Clair Square. The shop with a charitable mission donates a healthful meal to a person in need for every $10 spent on merchandise.

The store operates in partnership with Feeding Americas nationwide network of food banks, including the St. Louis Area Foodbank, which will directly receive a percentage of the donations raised at the St. Clair Square BoxLunch store.

The location is one of more than 60 from the California-based retailer dedicated to national hunger-relief efforts. It opened just in time to entice do-gooder back-to-school shoppers looking to stock up on backpacks, notebooks, pencil cases, pens and apparel.

The St. Clair store will celebrate its grand opening weekend Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. with DJs, in-store giveaways and trivia games.

Burlington job fair

Burlington Stores is hosting a community job fair at 212 Turner Boulevard, St. Peters, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 9, 10, 15 and 16 for a range of available positions in its new St. Peters store in the Shoppes at Mid Rivers.

The store opens in September and there are approximately 75 positions available, including full time and part time.

The nearly 41,000-square-foot store is looking for supervisors, cashiers, customer service associates, receiving associates and front-end associates. Prior to attending the job fair, candidates are asked to complete the online application at burlingtonstores.jobs and bring a copy of their resume.

Burlington has about 600 stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico, and a Springfield, Mo., location is scheduled to open this fall at 2860 West Washita Street. That location will also employ 50 to 100 people in full-time and part-time positions.

Sprint also hiring

Sprint is also hiring in Missouri. The wireless phone company announced that it will be opening 30 new stores throughout Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska, creating more than 200 jobs.

Locations opened in late June at 8218 North Lindbergh Boulevard and 2518 South Brentwood Boulevard. A third location opened in Springfield.

There are now three more locations planned for the St. Louis area before the year ends, but the sites havent been negotiated yet.

The five St. Louis locations will account for approximately 35 jobs.

Currently, Sprint has more than 1,200 regional employees and operates more than 280 branded retail locations throughout the Midwest . Those interested in applying for open positions should visit sprint.com/jobs.

Sprint has launched a 1Million Project, designed to provide free devices and service to help high school students complete their online assignments, and it will soon be expanding to the region.
Mother Load Bags

Designer  Zara Merbaum

Home  Ladue

Family  Marc Merbaum, husband; Noah, 8; Molly, 4

Age  47

What she sells  Diaper bag organizing system with color-coded pouches and handles.

How to buy  Amazon or motherloadbags.com, but soon theyll be available at select baby boutiques.

Zara Merbaum addressed a frustration she had with baby bags after the birth of her first child and made it a business. Shes a Washington University fashion design graduate who went on to a career in ready-to-wear fashion and technical design for Macys and later Soft Surroundings. Her love of fashion fueled her love of stylish handbags at exorbitant prices that knows no logic or reason.

A traditional baby bag just would not do. Nope, sorry, not even an acceptable sacrifice for the cute little one gurgling and smiling from the stroller.

So she figured out what she really needed in baby supplies and how she could fit them into her current handbags. What she developed was Motherload bags, small durable zippered totes that mimic the compartments of a traditional baby bag but can be tucked into backpacks, messenger bags or the handbag of your choice. She said many people even use them in traditional baby bags. The benefit is that you can pull out individual color-coded pockets for specific needs. For instance, grab only the compartment for baby-changing station when you need it or only grabbing the snack bag or change of clothes bag or toy bag, instead of rooting through the entire baby bag.

She started thinking about it in 2010 and developed a trademark to start selling in 2014. Each year, she said sales have doubled, and shes currently developing new bags and color combinations.

Universal system  It turns anything into a diaper bag, which appealed to me because I spend so much on my handbags that I wanted to keep using them, Merbaum said with a half-smile. Each bag is designed with specific characteristics for the task. The feeding bag has a slot for bottles and the diaper changing bag includes a matching changing pad. All have a stretch mesh backing so that you can see inside and have room for odd shapes and sizes. The wet bag for dirty clothes, however, is not porous. And everythings machine washable.

Help for the sleep-deprived  The color-coding is twofold, she said. It becomes automatic, yellow for snacks, blue for diapering, etc. I was breastfeeding through the night, and I was just so tired and not sleeping, so I wanted to create something obvious and simple, Merbaum said. Each bag is also embroidered with a little symbol of its suggested purpose in case all mnemonic devices fail. We cure diaper bag chaos, she said. Its a nightmare. My husband would use them in his backpack.

More bags to come  The collection is full of easy-to-find brights, but maybe I need a quieter set, so thats a on the horizon. You know non-brights for the mom who likes neutrals and pastels. She is also developing a concept for a toddler bag to corral the stuff that ends up at bottom of your handbag, including the inhaler, Band-Aids, first aid ointments and other things kids needs. Being able to organize and compartmentalize isnt just about efficiency and time saving, its about keeping calm, she said.
CLAYTON  Jerrin Brown, 36, of unincorporated St. Louis County near Florissant, was sentenced Friday to 25 years in prison after admitting to fatally shooting a man in Berkeley in 2013.

Police said Paul Moore, 20, of the 6900 block of Lake Valley Drive, east of Black Jack, was fatally shot sitting in a car that had stopped in the 9300 block of Koenig Circle on April 28, 2013. Police said Brown allegedly approached the car and fired two shots, killing Moore.

Police have previously said Brown may have killed Moore in retribution for Moore's involvement in some other crime.

Brown pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action on July 7.

St. Louis County Circuit Judge Joseph Dueker sentenced Brown to concurrent 25-year sentences.

Court records say police recovered a gun, gloves and face mask based off Brown's statements to detectives.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis man was charged with murder Friday, accused of starting a shootout last month that left a man dead.

Laquawn M. Reece, 21, of the 1000 block of Wall Street, faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful drug possession.

Police say Eric Hogan, 26, was threatening another man about 11:40 p.m. July 26 and summoned Reece to the 1800 block of Warren Street in the city's St. Louis Place neighborhood. Charges say Reece showed up carrying a gun and began shooting at a man .

Court records say that man returned fire, killing Hogan, and later identified Reece in a photo lineup. Police previously have said an unidentified 36-year-old man at the scene when officers arrived had cuts to his face and hands and claimed to have shot Hogan in self-defense. That gunman has not been charged in the incident.

Bail for Reece was set at $750,000.

Reece was on probation for convictions of first-degree robbery and armed criminal action stemming from a carjacking May 18, 2014, and cellphone robbery on Oct. 16, 2013, court records say. In April, St. Louis Circuit Judge John Riley found him guilty of those charges following a bench trial.
Updated at 6 p.m. with afternoon testimony.

ST. LOUIS  Prosecutors on Thursday said they were close to wrapping up their case in the premeditated murder trial of a former St. Louis police officer.

The third day of former Officer Jason Stockleys bench trial recessed Thursday afternoon for the weekend and will not resume until Tuesday morning. His lawyers are expected to begin presenting evidence at the close of the states case.

Thursdays testimony came from a St. Louis homicide detective, an FBI firearms analyst, a former internal affairs investigator and two St. Louis Police Department crime lab analysts.

Stockley, 36, fatally shot Smith after a police chase stemming from a suspected drug deal on Dec. 20, 2011. Records say Smith, 24, of the 4800 block of Page Boulevard, was on parole for convictions of illegal gun possession, drug distribution and theft at the time of his death.

Prosecutors have alleged that Stockley planted a .38-caliber silver Taurus revolver in Smiths car after shooting him. Videos from the scene show him climbing into Smiths rented Buick after the shooting. Police reports and testimony from lab scientists said Stockleys DNA  but not Smiths  was found on the gun.

Stockleys lawyers have said he was justified in using deadly force to stop a reckless suspect believed to be armed.

Two St. Louis Police Department crime lab analysts testified Thursday about the presence of Stockleys DNA on his personal Draco AK-47 pistol as well as the revolver and bag of heroin seized from Smiths car. Both testified that even though DNA testing has improved in six years, it still can only confirm the presence of DNA  not its potential sources  such as blood, saliva or other bodily fluids.

Under cross-examination, Mary Kwiatkowski, a police department crime lab supervisor, told Stockleys lawyer Neil Bruntrager that she agreed that it is rare to find DNA on a firearm. She agreed someones contact with a gun doesnt always mean DNA is transferred and that tests revealing the presence of DNA on an item do not indicate how many times a person touched it.

Karen Preiter, another DNA analyst with the St. Louis crime lab, testified that the DNA found on the revolver was consistent with Stockleys profile and has a probability of 1 in 200 billion Caucasian males. She said Smiths DNA was not detected on swabs taken of the revolver.

Also Thursday, FBI analyst Doug Halepaska testified that one of the five 9 mm rounds Stockley fired at Smith was from within 6 inches based on gunshot residue tests of Smiths bloody clothing. A prosecutor claimed Tuesday in opening statements that Stockleys kill shot was from six inches away.

Under cross examination, Halepaska acknowledged he could not replicate environmental conditions in the laboratory or know what effects, if any, near-freezing temperatures, rain or wind could have had on results of his distance tests.

City homicide Detective Amy Funk testified that she was initially in charge of the shooting investigation. She said she did not attempt to interview Stockley after the shooting because doing so was not police protocol.

In officer-involved shootings, homicide detectives do not take statements from officers, Funk said. But she also said that at the time officer-involved shootings were investigated just as any other crime would be.

Funk said Stockley provided a written statement for investigators shortly after the shooting that was included in her final police report. The judge Thursday denied defense efforts to put Funks entire report and Stockleys written statement into evidence after Assistant Circuit Attorney Aaron Levinson objected, arguing everything Stockley said about the shooting was hearsay.

Lt. Kirk Deeken, who investigated the case for the Internal Affairs Division, testified that the department contacted the FBI to investigate Stockley for possible criminal charges based on a review of the dashboard and in-car camera videos during the police chase that preceded the shooting.

Stockleys lawyer Neil Bruntrager repeatedly objected to Levinsons attempt to elicit Deekens opinions about what he heard Stockley saying on the videos, arguing that Stockleys actions prior to the shooting were irrelevant and also could be considered hearsay similar to Levinsons objections to the admission of Stockleys written statement.

Deeken said he requested DNA analysis of the .38-caliber revolver seized from Smiths car after viewing photos of the gun and seeing what he thought might be blood. A St. Louis Police Department crime lab scientist testified Wednesday that his tests of the gun came back negative for blood.

Deeken was to return to the stand after lunch Thursday but prosecutors and defense lawyers ultimately decided not to question him further.

Next week, Stockleys lawyers hope to get testimony from Dr. Kris Mohandie, a former Los Angeles Police Department forensic psychologist on the psycho-physiological reactions before and after high stress encounters. Mohandie testified at the manslaughter trial in May of Tulsa Officer Betty Jo Shelby, who was acquitted.

The state, in a motion filed July 28, is trying to exclude Mohandies anticipated testimony that Smith was a violent offender whose behavior was consistent with someone prepared to hurt or kill police. Prosecutors also argue Mohandies opinions are rooted in hearsay and improper because Stockley has claimed self-defense and because Mohandie, a psychologist, has said in depositions that he hasnt observed Stockley to be mentally ill.

The judge has yet to rule on the states motion.
BRIGHTON  A St. Louis woman was killed in Brighton on Wednesday after her vehicle was struck by an Amtrak train traveling from Chicago to St. Louis.

Melanie Adams-Swearengen, 35, was driving an SUV that went off the road for unknown reasons and became stuck on the tracks, according to Illinois State Police. The vehicle was struck on the passenger side by the Amtrak 305 train about 10 p.m., according to state police.

Adams-Swearengen, who lived in the Lafayette Square neighborhood in St. Louis, was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Adams-Swearengen was an attorney based in Edwardsville with the Napoli Shkolnik law firm . According to her professional profile on the LinkedIn website, she graduated from the St. Louis University School of Law.

Kathleen Beach, United Cerebral Palsy Heartland spokeswoman, said Adams-Swearengen was a member of the nonprofits Board of Directors for three years. She led the boards committee tasked with fundraising and event planning.

Despite having a new baby and a new law position and a new home, she was always more and more committed to our organization, Beach said by phone. Its a sad and great loss. Its absolutely crushing to everybody here, because she was so involved.

There were 44 passengers aboard the train at the time of the crash, Amtrak officials said. One passenger was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, police said.

We felt a noticeable jerk, then a smaller one, said Kurt Kaufmann who was riding the train with his wife and son, 7. The train car in front of us filled with smoke. We could all smell it.

Kaufmann said passengers were asked to stay on the train for hours and were told that they had struck an unoccupied vehicle.

After a four-hour delay, the remaining passengers boarded a different train and continued on their way to St. Louis, arriving around 6 a.m. Thursday, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said.

Amtrak will review cameras on the train as standard procedure in the crash, Magliari said.

These kinds of incidents are always avoidable by drivers or pedestrians if they heed the warnings from the approaching train, Magliari said. These incidents are not only tragic for the driver, but also for the crew members.

Four Amtrak trains were delayed by the collision, Magliari said.

State police continue to investigate.

Mike Faulk of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.Erin Heffernan  314-340-8145 @erinheff on Twitter eheffernan@post-dispatch.com
Former Mexican President Vicente Fox is not one to mince words, especially when it comes to criticizing President Donald Trump's pledge to make Mexico pay for a wall along the southern border.

It was clear Friday morning that Fox still feels as strongly as ever, as the former president let one of his infamous f-bombs slip on live air during an appearance on "New Day."

CNN's Alisyn Camerota was questioning Fox about current Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's "diplomatic" tone when conversing with Trump in a leaked transcript of their January phone call.

"Do you think that the President of Mexico should have been more forceful in saying it's never going to happen?" Camerota asked.

"Well, you can use my words: We'll never pay for that f---ing wall," Fox said. "Why should Mexico pay for the wall? What's the reason?"

Camerota quickly followed up with an apology: "I apologize to our morning audience for the salty language this morning."

"Perhaps I should have taken that offer for the five-second delay," she added with a laugh.

Fox, who was President of Mexico from 2000-06, also slammed Trump for urging Pena Nieto to remain quiet on the issue of the southern border wall after Pena Nieto publicly disputed Trump's claims about Mexico footing the bill.

"The press is going to go with that, and I cannot live with that. You cannot say that to the press because I cannot negotiate under those circumstances," Trump told Pena Nieto over the phone.

"If you notice in that conversation, what Trump is trying to do is to save face in front of his voters," Fox said Friday. "He's not looking after America. It's just him trying to save face."

Fox's "New Day" appearance is not the first time that he has used colorful language to describe his opposition to Trump's border wall.

In a February 2016 interview, Fox told Fusion's Jorge Ramos: "I'm not going to pay for that f---king wall. He should pay for it."

Trump quickly fired back on Twitter. "FMR PRES of Mexico, Vicente Fox horribly used the F word when discussing the wall. He must apologize! If I did that there would be a uproar!" he tweeted in February.

Fox also used the expletive in an interview with Fox Business Network, discussing the same topic.

Trump ran for office promising to build a wall along the US southern border that would be funded by Mexico, but since taking office, Trump has said that the US will pay for the wall's initial construction with reimbursement from Mexico coming later.

"We have never thought we would be in a situation like this with a leading nation of the world, the greatest nation of the world, the United States," Fox said Friday.

At the conclusion of their "New Day" interview, Camerota thanked Fox for his "unpredictable" and "ever-surprising interview moments."
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Blind customer Andy Terry has been left 'immensely distressed' after he and his guide dog were booted out of a shop.

The 62-year-old was visiting the Mid Wales tourist resort of Fairbourne when he visited one of its shops.

But registered blind Andy - who has just five per cent peripheral vision - and Flame were ordered to leave because dogs are not allowed in the business.

The row broke out at Fairbourne Mini Mart last Friday as Andy visited the area with his sister.

Andy, of Endon Road, in Norton, said: I went into the shop and was told there was a sign on the door saying no dogs were allowed in the shop under any circumstances. I immediately told the man in the shop that my dog was a guide dog. He said no dogs under any circumstances."

He said: I explained I was legally entitled to go anywhere open to the public.

He became more agitated and ordered me to leave. I told him that this was discrimination and he had the temerity to say that I was discriminating against him for bringing the dog onto his premises.

This was immensely distressing. The relationship with a guide dog is so intense that it felt like a personal insult and affront.

Shopkeeper Robert North today defended his blanket dog ban - and complained Flame was sniffing around the bread on sale.

The 66-year-old said: There was no need for the dog to come into the shop and theres a sign on the door clearly stating that there are to be no dogs under any circumstance. His dog was sniffing around the bread and my customers and I find that extremely offensive.

My father was blind for 30 years so I understand how these things go. When we had the post office we had no choice but to allow dogs in, but this is my private property. He might have rights, but I do too.

Guide Dogs Cymru is writing to Mr North after the matter was brought to its attention.

Engagement manager Andrea Gordon said: Under the Equality Act, guide dogs and other assistance dog owners have the right to enter a shop with their dog and it is incredibly embarrassing and upsetting for them when they are refused access.

We will be writing to Mr North and are liaising with the guide dog owner to offer further support should he wish to take the matter further.
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Stoke City reportedly want to sign Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina.

The Telegraph is among those claiming Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is ready to splash out 15m for the 23 year-old Gabon international.

Obvious parallels would be drawn with his last major foray into the foreign market when he paid 18m for Giannelli Imbula 18 months ago.

Lemina has spent the past two years with Juventus after first signing on loan and then moving full-time last summer to the Italian champions.

Lemina started seven games in Serie A last season as competition remained tough at Italy's all-conquering title holders.

He appeared in seven Champions League ties last season, including a 78th minute appearance in the final against Real Madrid.

He played once at the Africa Cup of Nations for Gabon in Gabon.

Prior to Juventus, Lemina made is name in France with first Lorient and then Marseilles.
[August 03, 2017] Joint NASA-Brazil SPORT CubeSat Mission Will Unlock Complex Equatorial Phenomena, Lay Groundwork for Better Space Weather Prediction

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA and a team of Brazilian space researchers have announced a joint CubeSat mission to study phenomena in Earth's upper atmosphere -- a region of charged particles called the ionosphere -- capable of disrupting communications and navigation systems on the ground and potentially impacting satellites and human explorers in space. Two phenomena in the ionosphere -- equatorial plasma bubbles and scintillation -- have impacted radio communication systems, satellite technologies and global positioning system (GPS) signals for decades, said Jim Spann, chief scientist for the Science and Technology Directorate at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Equatorial plasma bubbles are regions of comparatively low density which may elongate into towering plumes during high-intensity periods. Scintillation is a unique type of atmospheric fluctuation that can interrupt radio frequencies, much like the "twinkling" effect seen in starlight when optical frequencies are disrupted. The Scintillation Prediction Observations Research Task (SPORT) mission, funded by NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, will observe these peculiar structures in order to understand what causes them, determine how to predict their behavior and assess ways to mitigate their effects. The joint U.S.-Brazilian team, led by Spann as principal investigator, will design and launch SPORT as a CubeSat, a compact satellite about the size of two loaves of bread. It will be launched in 2019 to an Earth orbit approximately 217-248 miles high (350-400 km). Its operational phase is expected to last at least a year. "Degraded communications and GPS signals are known to be closely linked to these phenomena," Spann said. It's his goal to shed new light on these phenomena and inspire new operational solutions to contend with the disturbed conditions. Protecting Brazil's aviation, agriculture

The Brazilian SPORT team seeks targeted solutions as well. Otavio Durao, project manager for the team at Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE) in Sao Jose dos Campos, a Sao Paulo municipality, said ionospheric responses to a space phenomenon called the South Atlantic Anomaly or the South American Magnetic Anomaly -- where space radiation dips close to Earth -- negatively impacts Brazil's busy airports. "Our country s interested in refining GPS signal processing, making takeoffs and landings safer and more precise," he said. "Because so many international flights come to and through Brazil, this should be a matter of concern for all countries."



Brazil's strong agricultural industry also is concerned about the anomaly's effects on GPS, said Durao's colleague Dr. Luis Loures, the SPORT spacecraft manager at the Instituto Tecnologico da Aeronautica in Sao Jose dos Campos. "Our agribusiness is always trying to increase crop productivity," he said. "One way to accomplish this is by using automated tools. But being able to precisely position those automated tractors and field sprayers, without disruption from solar phenomena, is crucial." "As society becomes more dependent every day on space-based technology -- cell phones, self-driving cars, secure military communications -- it's critically important we first understand the environment in which our technology resides, then learn how to operate through and preserve it from potentially disruptive or damaging interference," Spann said.

Understanding the phenomena

Building on decades of previous ground-based studies of plasma bubbles over equatorial regions, especially intensive research in Brazil and Peru, SPORT will help researchers determine what's happening in the ionosphere to stir up the bubbles, why they form along the equator and what causes them to appear at night. Plasma bubbles and scintillation are global equatorial and mid-latitude phenomena, made worse by the South American Magnetic Anomaly, where Earth's magnetic equator dips close to Earth. "Many of the discoveries to date have been confined to a limited number of longitudinal sectors," Spann said. "SPORT will make a systematic study of the ionosphere at all longitudes around the planet, documenting the conditions that trigger formation of the bubbles, with particular focus on the South American sector." As multiple instruments on the ground also record data, Spann said, SPORT will probe the ionosphere from above. During subsequent passes, it will study specific sectors to identify conditions favorable for developing plasma bubbles and ionospheric scintillations. These simultaneous satellite and ground-based studies will help researchers identify how the observations are related, providing a better understanding of the results at all longitudes. The team is confident the findings will enable researchers to use physics-based models to determine the physics of plasma bubble triggers, and thus identify the resulting scintillation of radio signals that propagate throughout the turbulent region. More about SPORT

SPORT science mission data will be distributed from and archived at the EMBRACE space-weather forecasting center in Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE) and mirrored at the Space Physics Data Facility at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The SPORT mission management team is led by Marshall alongside its international partners, the Brazilian Space Agency in Brasilia, and the National Institute for Space Research and Technical Aeronautics Institute, both in Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo. Spann's team, which oversees the mission science, flight instruments and the CubeSat launch, includes researchers at Marshall; Goddard; Utah State University in Logan, Utah; The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, California; the University of Texas at Dallas; and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. NASA's Brazilian partners are overseeing the development of the spacecraft; integration and testing; mission operations; data management and dissemination; and the ground observation network. The science analysis will be conducted by the entire team. SPORT is part of NASA's Heliophysics Technology and Instrument Development for Science program. NASA's heliophysics mission includes research into the effects of the sun on Earth, its atmosphere and the planets of our solar system. To learn more, visit: https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics Learn more about NASA and Marshall's science mission online: https://science.nasa.gov

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/science.html View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/joint-nasa-brazil-sport-cubesat-mission-will-unlock-complex-equatorial-phenomena-lay-groundwork-for-better-space-weather-prediction-300499506.html SOURCE NASA

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[August 03, 2017] Hartz Hotel Services, Inc. - Notice of Data Incident

SECAUCUS, N.J., Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sabre Hospitality Solutions ("Sabre") SynXis Central Reservations system (CRS) facilitates the booking of hotel reservations made by consumers through hotels, online travel agencies, and similar booking services. Beginning on June 6, 2017, Sabre notified affected entities that an unauthorized party gained access to account credentials that permitted unauthorized access to unencrypted payment card information, as well as certain reservation information, for a subset of hotel reservations processed through the CRS. Sabre worked with third-party forensic investigators in its investigation into this incident and has provided notice of this event to law enforcement and the payment card brands. The investigation determined that the unauthorized party first obtained access to payment card and other reservation information on August 10, 2016, and the last unauthorized access to payment card information was on March 9, 2017. According to Sabre, the unauthorized party was able to access payment card information for guests who made hotel reservation(s) at The Roxy Hotel and the Soho Grand Hotel, both located in New York City (together, "The Hotels"). This information potentially included guest: (1) name; (2) card number; (3) card expiration date; and, (4) your card security code. The unauthorized party was also able, in some cases, to access certain information such as guest name, email, phone number, address, and other information. Some of this information may not have been stored in Sabre's systems at the time of the incident and may not be affected, but Sabre is unable to confirm whether certain information was included and, out of an abundance of caution, The Hotels are providing notice of this incident. Sabre has confirmed that information such as Social Security number, passport number, or driver's license number was not impacted by this incident. The Hotels are mailing notice letters to individuals for whom they have address information whose payment card information was stored on the affected Sabre server and may have been accessed by the unauthorized party. Some individuals may also receive email notice. Steps Individuals Can Take : The Hotels encourage potentially impacted individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing account statements and monitoring free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect error, if any. Under U.S. law, you are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. You may also contact the three major credit bureaus directly to request a free copy of your credit report. Fraud Alerts . At no charge, you can also have these credit bureaus place a "fraud alert" on your file that alerts creditors to take additional steps to verify your identity prior to granting credit in your name. Note, however, that because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you, it may also delay your ability to obtain credit while the agency verifies your identity. As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the others are notified to place fraud alerts on your file. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, or should you have any questions regarding your credit report, please contact any one of the agencies listed below:







Equifax P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348 800-525-6285 www.equifax.com Experian

P.O. Box 2002

Allen, TX 75013

888-397-3742

www.experian.com TransUnion

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, PA 19106

800-680-7289

www.transunion.com

Security Freeze . You may also place a security freeze on your credit reports. A security freeze prohibits a credit bureau from releasing any information from a consumer's credit report without the consumer's written authorization. However, please be advised that placing a security freeze on your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prevent the timely approval of any requests you make for new loans, credit mortgages, employment, housing, or other services. If you have been a victim of identity theft and you provide the credit bureau with a valid police report, it cannot charge you to place, lift, or remove a security freeze. In all other cases, a credit bureau may charge you a fee to place, temporarily lift, or permanently remove a security freeze. Fees vary based on where you live, but commonly range from $3 to $15. You will need to place a security freeze separately with each of the three major credit bureaus listed above if you wish to place a freeze on all of your credit files. In order to request a security freeze, you will need to supply your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, all addresses for up to five previous years, email address, a copy of your state identification card or driver's license, and a copy of a utility bill, bank or insurance statement, or other statement proving residence. To find out more on how to place a security freeze, you can use the following contact information: Equifax Security Freeze P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348 1-800-685-1111 www.freeze.equifax.com Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com/freeze/ TransUnion P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016 1-888-909-8872 www.transunion.com/ credit-freeze/place-credit-freeze Additional Information. You can further educate yourself regarding identity theft, security freezes, fraud alerts, and the steps you can take to protect yourself against identity theft and fraud by contacting the Federal Trade Commission or your state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission can be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should be reported to law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission, and your state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed as the result of a law enforcement investigation. Hartz Hotel Services, Inc. is located at 667 Madison Avenue 24th floor, New York, New York 10065 and can be reached at 212-965-3030. For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General can be reached at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-888-743-0023; and www.oag.state.md.us. For North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Attorney General can be contacted by mail at 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; toll-free at 1-877-566-7226; by phone at 1-919-716-6400; and online at www.ncdoj.gov. For Rhode Island residents, the Rhode Island Attorney General can be contacted by mail at 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903; by phone at (401) 274-4400; and online at www.riag.ri.gov. There are a total of seventeen known Rhode Island residents that may be impacted by this incident. You have the right to file and obtain a police report if you ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that, in order to file a crime report or incident report with law enforcement for identity theft, you will likely need to provide some kind of proof that you have been a victim. For New Mexico residents, you have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in your credit file has been used against you, the right to know what is in your credit file, the right to ask for your credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting agencies must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to your file is limited; you must give your consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; you may limit "prescreened" offers of credit and insurance you get based on information in your credit report; and you may seek damages from violator. You may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage you to review your rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf, or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580. For Massachusetts residents, you have the right to obtain a police report. If you are the victim of identity theft, you also have the right to file a police report and obtain a copy of it. Individuals with questions can contact Sabre's dedicated assistance line at 1-888-721-6305 (toll-free) (Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day) or visit the Sabre website established specifically to help customers in responding to this incident at www.sabreconsumernotice.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hartz-hotel-services-inc---notice-of-data-incident-300499539.html SOURCE Hartz Hotel Services, Inc.

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[August 04, 2017]

Wisconsin Web Design Firm, Parr Interactive, Celebrates 20 Years

MADISON, Wis., Aug. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Christopher Parr, CEO of Parr Interactive, has collaborated with many prominent brands over the last 20 years, including Adobe, Intel, Sub-Zero and Wolf, Disney, American Family Insurance, TDS, HGTV, Rayovac, Insinkerator, and John Deere. In 2010, Parr founded the travel and leisure website Pursuitist - online at https://pursuitist.com - and he is a frequent contributor to Business Insider, Conde Nast Traveler and USA Today.

"Parr Interactive is delighted to have called Wisconsin home for two decades. We are proud to work with many fantastic brands, helping them grow," Christopher Parr said.







The Wisconsin web design and marketing company has received numerous industry awards, including recognition from ADDYs, WebAwards, Wired, NetGuide's Best of The Web, CNET, and MacWorld. Madison Magazine has named Christopher Parr as one of the 'Top 20 Most Influential People In Madison'  and USA Today has honored him as one of the 'Top 10 Best Travel Bloggers.'

"The medium of the web is not paper, it is not tv or the movies. The web is a unique medium, and Christopher Parr has shown us how to master it," said Michael Larson, author of HTML Unleashed.

"Parr creates delightfully rich and original work. Knows the solid groundwork in developing important content-rich websites," added Roger Black, author of Web Sites That Work.

In addition to web design and development, Parr Interactive provides social media marketing, content creation, user experience design and usability research, video production, events, and branding services.

Related Links

https://www.parrinteractive.com

https://www.pursuitist.com

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wisconsin-web-design-firm-parr-interactive-celebrates-20-years-300499890.html

SOURCE Parr Interactive
Government pressure is forcing Tauranga City Council to look at ways of divesting itself from its pensioner flats, according to a report to be discussed at the Community and Culture Committee on Tuesday.

The committee is going to be discussing a New Zealand Housing Foundation report on elder housing that recommends the council either sells or otherwise hands over its 246 pensioner flats to one or more registered Community Housing Providers  or it keeps ownership and sets up a partnership with a local community housing provider.

Government pressure comes in the form of the Local Government S17A review of the Elder Housing activity, which obliges the council to review its services for cost effectiveness. The law says three elements have to be considered; how a service is governed, how it is funded, and how it is delivered.

Nationally central government is encouraging local government to move away from providing elder housing through changes to the law, such as making Council tenants ineligible to access Income Related Rent Subsidies and limiting Council access to Government grant funding for building new units.

More than a third of Taurangas pensioner flats are over 50 years old, and none are less than 25 years old. One of the nine villages needs redevelopment within five years and at least three others within 10 years.

Most of the units, about 70 per cent of them, are considered to be below minimum design standards and, most units are small and poorly designed to meet modern life style expectations. The city council has no current plan to pay for replacements or to build new units.

Councils aspiration is to provide a higher standard of living for all our residents, and this includes affordable, fit for purpose housing for our ageing population, says Community and Culture Committee chair Terry Molloy.

We look forward to reading the full report and discussing the findings so we can decide the best option forward.

The NZHF review goes on to state that the current tenants will actually pay lower rents under a change of regime through access to the governments Income Related Rent Subsidy and related benefits.

The committee will make its recommendation to council, which if approved will be investigated in depth before staff report back to the committee in October to meet the timeframe for the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan.
In the coming weeks, The Weekend Sun and SunLive will be bringing you the best local 2017 General Election coverage.

Well be asking candidates what they and their parties will do to tackle the big issues of the campaign.

Earlier this month the government announced a $230 million interest-free loan to Tauranga City Council to build the infrastructure necessary for more houses.

However, opposition parties believe more needs to be done.

Speaking to SunLive last week, Labours housing spokesperson Phil Twyford says the median house price in the city has gone up 56 per cent, or more than $200,000, in the past three years.

The median house price is now seven times the median household income in Tauranga, while rents have increased by $5000 a year in the last five years.

So this week we asked local candidates about their parties stances on housing, and whether they think more needs to be done on the issue in our region.

Todd Muller  National

We are investing in the initial infrastructure required to build more permanent homes in our community with Tauranga receiving $230 million of the governments $1 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund. This will allow TCC to put in place a new water treatment plant at Waiari, an extension to our existing Te Maunga wastewater treatment plant, and help build 35,000 new houses  including 7300 in Papamoa East.

For those more vulnerable we have made a commitment for 220 new emergency housing places in the Bay over the next three years to help families in need, in addition to existing social housing. This will offer relief to families who are facing hard times and get them into a warm, dry home.

Todd is standing in Bay of Plenty.

Jan Tinetti  Labour

Housing sits at the heart of the Kiwi dream. Good quality, affordable housing is the foundation of strong communities.

But right now, that is all slipping away. Under National, Tauranga is facing a growing housing crisis. High prices are locking families out of the housing market. A severe shortage of housing means families are forced to live in cars and garages even as National sells off thousands of state houses.

Labour will build 100,000 new affordable homes for first home buyers. Well build thousands of new state houses and emergency houses for those in need, and introduce a Healthy Homes Guarantee to improve the quality of rental homes as well. Well close the loopholes that give speculators an unfair advantage and well ban foreign property speculators from buying up our homes.

Jan is standing in Tauranga.

Clayton Mitchell  NZ First

We have been out meeting people sleeping in their cars, and working with local community groups, businesses and government entities on the housing crisis since the 2014 election. We have managed to put a number of people together with landlords and housing providers, but the problem is still there, and wont improve until we look openly and honestly at the market fundamentals diving homelessness.

Foreign speculators are pushing prices up  if demand keeps outpacing supply prices and rent will only go up.

The cost of living keeps increasing.

Ineffective government housing policy has led to motel bills of $150,000 a night. They allowed $2m in their budget, but at this level its going to be $52m, which is not sound financial management.

Clayton is standing in Tauranga.

Emma-Leigh Hodge  Greens

There is absolutely a housing crisis throughout New Zealand. We recently learned that New Zealand has the highest level of homelessness in the OECD and that the current government is spending $12 million every three months for emergency housing in the form of motels. The Greens would prioritise building permanent, affordable, and accessible houses.

This must include building more state housing, at least 3000 units per year over three years just to catch up with the wait-list currently at 5353. We also need to clean up tenancy laws so those renting can feel more secure and make a home for themselves. Additionally, we would establish a Rent-to-Buy type program because no one should be prevented from establishing a decent home because of low income.

Emma-Leigh is standing in Tauranga.

Stuart Pedersen  ACT

First, a stronger ACT in coalition with National will undertake a complete overhaul of the Resource Management Act, making it easier for developers to build both up and out.

Second, we will pass 50 per cent of the GST collected on construction to the local councils to fund the pipes and roads needed for new subdivisions. Not only will this take the burden of funding infrastructure out of section prices, it will also encourage councils to zone more land for development.

Third, we will abolish the Auckland Metropolitan Urban Limit, as artificial restrictions on land supply are driving up section prices to many times what they need to be. Cheaper sections will also justify lower cost houses, and will allow builders to scale up and gain efficiencies.

Stuart is standing in Tauranga.

Te Ururoa Flavell  Maori

I want to build on what I have already achieved to date in this space. The Maori Housing Network has supported 46 housing proposals in the Waikato-Waiariki region since October 2015. These include supporting Te Tuinga Whanau Support Services with seven emergency houses in Tauranga, Mangatawa Papamoa (36 homes for whanau and kaumatua), Te Ohaaki a Miriama Papakainga (six units next to Tahuwhakatiki) and Nga Potiki with the Manawa Papamoa development (240-house subdivision with 30 per cent for Nga Potiki members).

I have secured $9m in this years Budget to back community-led initiatives to help whanau break out of the renting cycle, while the government has pledged to provide 68 transitional housing places in Tauranga and Papamoa by the end of this year.

Te Ururoa is standing in Waiariki.

Rusty Kane  Independent

The housing crisis was initially caused by short-sighted governments, back to the 1970s at least, when we stopped maintaining our state housing stocks and stopped building new ones to keep up with future demand, combined now with high immigration numbers.

The solution in my mind is to slow down immigration to more sustainable levels, to give us time to build up our much-needed infrastructure and housing stock.

This will need a major national housing plan, through private, government, and local government land and housing development throughout the country.

Government and local government housing development needs to be for affordable housing.

Another option is requiring new immigrants to build new houses, not buy our existing housing stock.

Rusty is standing in Tauranga.
Zespri won Exporter of the Year and a Supreme Award at the AmCham-DHL Awards for their investment made to grow kiwifruit sales across the United States.

The AmCham-DHL Awards, which was held in Auckland yesterday, acknowledged Zespris commitment to making the kiwifruit more of a classic in the US fruit bowl.

Zespri Chief Operating Officer Simon Limmer says the company is growing strongly across North America, with most of this growth coming from the new gold variety Zespri SunGold.

On behalf of our colleagues and partners in the States, were thrilled that the hard work thats gone in to relaunch Zespri Kiwifruit across the US has been recognised like this.

These awards are particularly special to us as they come just days after we officially opened our office in California to service the Americas region, with around 10 people working from the new site.

Simon says the New Zealand kiwifruit industry has a goal of doubling their sales to $4.5 billion by 2025 and a large proportion of that growth will come from developing markets like North America and building sales in a more established market.

Many consumers in the States have never tried Zespri SunGold and there is huge scope for us to grow sales as we introduce more people to the great taste of this sweet fruit, says Simon.

The AmCham judges took into account that Zespri sales in North America are set to nearly double from last season in the next two years to hit more than $100 million in 2018/19, with SunGold accounting for nearly three-quarters of the revenue.

Kiwifruit in the US is an underdeveloped category with it being ranked number 21 in the overall fruit bowl compared to ranking in the top 10 for most European and Asian countries.

However, total kiwifruit sales in the US are growing well above general fruit sales, as more people taste it for the first time and choose to buy it again.

Kiwifruit makes up just 1.5 percent of globally-traded fruit and Zespri has a goal of increasing overall kiwifruit sales around the world.

Simon says that retailers needs are changing and Zespri is working with their distributors to meet those needs.

Zespri has long-term relationships with our US distribution partners - the largest is Oppenheimer providing full service through to retail accounts, along with specialist organic distributer Awesum Organic - and these awards firmly recognise the contribution of our partners.

Appointing Zespri market development managers to work closely with distribution partners and key retailers has really expanded our distribution across the country and sees more value returned to New Zealand growers and our retail partners, says Simon.

Zespri was awarded Exporter of the Year and Supreme Award winner alongside Compac Sorting Equipment, NZ Mint, Pushpay Holdings and Scott Technology.
There are 50 timekeepers in all, though not all of them are wristwatches, and they come from brands big and small, well-known and almost unheard of.

Once again, the beneficiaries of any proceeds raised from the prestigious sale will be research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a debilitating muscle wasting disease that affects children.

For each Only Watch auction, watch brands create one-of-a-kind timepieces. Prior to the sale, all of the Only Watch models embark on a global tour to some of the worlds main capitals of luxury, including stopping off at Septembers Monaco Yacht Show.

So what horological marvels can we expect to see this year?

Some of the stand-out creations for 2017 include including a monopusher split-seconds chronograph from F.P. Journe, a Patek Philippe grand complication, a new Type 1 Squared from Ressence, and a blue-dialed version of its all black ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar by Audemars Piguet.

Ulysse Nardin, meanwhile, have also produced a truly eye-catching watch for the event. Their mechanical Marine Tourbillon Only timepiece features a striking blue Grand Feu enamel dial, flying tourbillon and 60 hour power reserve.

Since 2005, the Only Watch auction has been held every two years. After originally taking place during the Monaco Yacht Show, in 2015 the event moved to Geneva.

That year the auction generated an incredible 10.5 million for charity, including the most expensive wristwatch ever sold publicly, a stainless steel creation by Swiss brand Patek Philippe which fetched 6.8 million.

The 2017 Only Watch charity auction takes place on 11 November.
The British Firefighter Challenge competition, which took place recently at De Montfort University in Leicester, has been won by Matthew Coulthard from Gibraltar.

Matt is part of the local Firefighter Combat Challenge team, who have recently been competing at different events all over the world. Participants in the British Challenge included firefighters from UK and other countries, including Australia, Germany, USA, Austria and France.

The race consisted of eight tasks which are related to firefighting duties; the competitors were really put through their paces as they had to run up a tower via internal stairs then haul a hose up externally, make their way down the stairs again to the next station and move a heavy weight with a heavy hammer (Keiser force), drag a hose along a certain distance, roll the hose and carry it to a predetermined position, collect foam drums and then drag a 70kg dummy to the finish line.

The competition proved extremely tough, but Matthew finished first, winning the gold medal and well-deserved title of British Champion. He was also invited to join a team of firefighters from Humberside, UK, for the team relay, where again his contribution to the team earned them the silver medal, narrowly missing out on becoming overall champion.

In total, he achieved three medals: British Champion (Gold), Overall (Silver) and Team Relay (Silver).

The Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service has congratulated Matthew for his fantastic effort and outstanding achievement at this international event. In a statement, they said Matt is a true ambassador for the GFRS and has no doubt put Gibraltar on the map once again.
Work has begun to remove dangerous asbestos panelling from the Centro de Educacion Infantil y Primaria (CEIP) in Avenida Palma de Mallorca in Torremolinos.

The work is being carried out on the infant and primary school during July and August, while the students enjoy their summer holidays, and the town hall has promised it will be complete before they return for the new term in September.

Carlos del Alamo, the schools headteacher, welcomed the news and expressed his satisfaction that the work was to be completed in just one phase and not in two, as originally planned.

Our priority lies with the students and their families and we are very satisfied with the way the work is progressing, he said.

The town hall and the local education authority had been under pressure from the local parents association, AMPAS (Las Asociaciones de Madres y Padres de Alumnos), who had organised several demonstrations, with the help of the Costa del Sol Si Puede (CSSP), to bring the matter to light and have the harmful asbestos removed from the school.

Jose Manuel Pina, a spokesman for CSSP said, Thanks to the mobilisation of AMPAS, next term we will be able to take our children to school with the reassurance that the asbestos has been removed.

The mayor of Torremolinos, Jose Ortiz, and the delegate of Education of the regional government, Jose Luis Ruiz Espejo, visited the school last week in order to inspect the progress of the project.

The work involves the replacement of approximately 2,427 square meters of asbestos panels and the removal of old guttering and downpipes.

The programme to eradicate asbestos from public buildings was approved by the Junta de Andalucia in July 2016 and includes the removal of asbestos panelling from seven schools in Andalucia.

The mayor of Torremolinos pointed out the urgency to solve such a sensitive issue, and showed his appreciation at the speed at which the department of Education has reacted.

Different countries have differing regulations concerning the use, and removal, of asbestos. In Spain, limitations concerning the use of asbestos came into force in 1984 and were adjusted in 1993, but its use was not banned until 2001.
The nightmare is almost over for five workers at a shuttered-up hospitality training college in La Cala de Mijas who have been turning up for work for almost three years despite having little to do and not being paid.

Following the unblocking of a knot of red tape that has taken this long to unravel, the consortium that used to run the CiOMijas training campus has finally been wound up. This clears the way for money to be released to pay the five remaining staff. Other employees were paid off a long time ago.

The joint venture between the Junta de Andalucia and Mijas council has now ceased to exist and staff will move directly onto the payroll of the Junta.

A plan will now be worked out for the future use of the CiOMijas site that has been mothballed since 2014 and now falls directly under the Juntas control. Opposition politicians expressed their desire to see that the college is up and running again as soon as possible.

The last time the five staff, Elio, Virginia, Jani, Manuel and Ines were paid was in November 2014.
The three-party coalition that controls Marbella town hall has managed to survive - just.

By a slim margin of four votes, members of the governing body of Opcion Sampedrena (OSP), the San Pedro separatist party and coalition partner, voted not to withdraw their support for PSOE mayor Jose Bernal.

It means the OSPhas rejected the advances of the opposition PPparty to switch sides. Its three councilors will carry on as part of the ruling coalition that also includes the PSOE Socialist party and Izquierda Unida (IU) until the 2019 local elections.

Last weeks offer by PP councillors to OSP to support them in a vote of no confidence motion against the mayor in return for favourable treatment for the San Pedro area of the Marbella municipality, had threatened the stability of the council.

The OPSwent into coalition with the PSOEand IU on a two-year agreement in 2015, which expired recently. The coalition only has 12 votes, versus the 13 PPcouncillors, and the mayor has to frequently rely on the two votes of Podemos councillors to get what he wants.

Autonomy for San Pedro

The San Pedro councillors, who are known for following an agenda that favours their towns status, whether it comes from the left or right on Marbella council, had threatened to desert Jose Bernal and allow Angeles Munoz, PP leader, back in as mayor.

However the party voted down the PP offer in the utmost secrecy. Jose Bernal attend the partys meeting to lobby, promising more budget autonomy for San Pedro, where the OSP already runs the district town hall as part of the coalition deal.

Observers said the failure of the PPs Munoz to attend in person to lobby her case may have swung votes in favour of the existing coalition.
The traffic tailbacks on local motorways at weekends don't appear to have got much better as most motorists failed to heed official advice on how to avoid them.

Last Sunday there were some 24 kilometres of hold ups on the Costa del Sols motorway network during the busy evening rush.

Although this was down on the 30 kilometres of jams the previous weekend, the reduction made little real difference to the many motorists who found themselves trapped in tailbacks during the peak hours of 8pm to 10pm, as people headed back from day trips to the beaches and a weekend on the coast.

Last week the DGT national road traffic authority reacted to increasing jams at weekends by saying that it couldnt open extra relief lanes on hard shoulders, as it used to do, as space has been taken up at key bottlenecks by road widening over recent years. In addition officials say that they want to keep the hard shoulders clear for accidents and emergencies.

Instead they recommend that drivers stagger their departure times and use the under-used toll roads as alternatives to the main motorways.

The worst affected areas last Sunday evening were the A-7 between Velez-Malaga and Rincon de la Victoria, east of Malaga, where people were returning from the Torre del Mar airshow; the A-7 towards Marbella in San Pedro de Alcantara;and the A-7 around Calahonda and the Fuengirola area.

There were also the usual build ups on the MA-20 near Plaza Mayor and Malaga airport and on the A-45 inland motorway towards Antequera on the Las Pedrizas pass.

Despite last weeks advice, little looks likely to improve over the summer as the economy improves and weekend tourists flock to the coast.
Spains consul general in the United States, one of the most senior diplomatic figures that the government has based in Washington DC, was removed from his post this week after apparently insulting the people of Andalucia.

The minister for Foreign Affairs, Alfonso Dastis, moved quickly to remove 64-year-old Enrique Sarda Valls from his role after he had published a private post on Facebook mocking the distinct regional accent of people in Andalucia. Dastis himself is from Andalucia.

In his post, the veteran diplomat mentioned the seeming misfortune the regional president of Andalucia, Susana Diaz, found herself in on choosing the same colour dress as Queen Letizia when she welcomed her on a visit to Malaga last week. Some observers on social media had seen this as a major fashion faux pas and had created funny memes.

Commenting on the photograph of them together in Malaga, he typed a post full of spelling mistakes and a tone mocking the way he perceived that Andalusian people speak.

Although Sarda Valls is known for a colourful presence on Facebook by colleagues, the prestige of his diplomatic position in the US and his apparent disparaging attitude to the most heavily-populated region of his native country caused outrage, especially from people in Andalucia.

Vice president of the Andalucia region, Manuel Jimenez Barrios complained that a public representative, whoever they are, should behave with due courtesy. Susana Diaz added via social media that she was proudto be Andalusian.

Despite Sarda Valls issuing an apology on Facebook it was too late and he was removed on Tuesday from his Washington role representing Spain.

Speaking on national daytime TV the next day he again apologised but said his sacking had been an overreaction and his message had been taken out of context. Theres no freedom of expression in Spain any more, he lamented.
Spain appears to be on a roll. Second quarter economic growth, it was confirmed last Friday, was 0.9% of GDP, meaning that the Spanish economy has now returned to pre-crisis health. Unemployment is at its lowest level (17.1%) since 2009, with joblessness claims falling by 26,000 last month and 98,000 in June. The country also looks set to enjoy a record-breaking tourist season: in the first six months of this year, the number of foreign visitors to Spain increased by 6.2% compared with the first half of 2016. Champagne all round at the governmental offices in Madrid, surely.

In fact, the last two weeks have seen the Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy too caught up in the Gurtel corruption case to celebrate this spate of good news. Sooner or later, though, he will make an announcement to the effect that the GDP growth and fall in unemployment show that the Popular Party is the only one fit to run the Spanish economy. But how much credit can Rajoys government take for Spains dazzling macroeconomic performance this year?

Not much, as it turns out. Constrained by its status as a minority administration in a hostile congress, Rajoys party has barely been able to do anything since winning a second term last autumn. In fact, so far this year it has only passed four new laws: one of these allowed the belated 2017 budget to be approved, two consisted of small adjustments to the justice system and one stipulated a procedure for returning stolen art. The economy, it seems, is growing despite the current governments inaction, rather than because of dynamic new policies or economic stimulants.

Whenever unemployment statistics drop  as they always do during summer months  Rajoy reminds Spaniards that the PP is sticking to its promise of creating 500,000 new jobs a year. But the joblessness statistics quoted above are misleading, because July and August are the busiest months for tourism and many workers sign temporary contracts just for the holiday season. Since regaining power last autumn, Rajoy has passed no laws that increase stability or wages for such employees, nor any that address unemployment among 15 to 24-year-olds, which is currently at 39.2%.

You cant help but feel, as the Spanish GDP carries on increasing of its own accord, that the countrys government is not taking advantage of this expansion as much as it could. Instead of consolidating economic growth and addressing mounting concerns about the affect mass-tourism is having on Spanish towns and cities (as demonstrated by the attack on a tourist bus in Barcelona last week), it is passing laws on stolen art. Rajoys administration neednt worry about the countrys economy during the summer break, because it can run itself just fine. The same fact, though, disallows the PP from taking much credit for its recent expansion.
The Mattoon Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Blood Drive on Thursday October 5, 2017, in conjunction with our Annual Business Expo and Taste of the Expo. Donors need to wait 8 weeks between donations; this gives everyone plenty of time to plan for giving blood during the Chamber's Blood Drive. We are collaborating with Community Blood Services of Illinois, conveniently located in the Cross County Mall, which is the same location as the Expo. They have agreed to have their Bloodmobile on site to help with the process and draw attention to the drive.

The Chamber is always focused on buying local, shopping local, and focusing our efforts and support on Chamber members and local businesses. Many people may not realize, 100% of all blood collected by Community Blood Services, a Chamber of Commerce member, is used locally by Sarah Bush and Carle Hospitals.

Every 2 seconds someone somewhere needs blood. 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives. There is no substitute for human blood; it cannot be made synthetically in a lab. Every single person's blood donation is important regardless of your blood type. The rarest type is the one that is not on the shelf when a patient needs it. 17% of donated blood is used for cancer treatment. On average, 1 out of 7 people who enter a hospital need blood. Donating blood is a simple, safe procedure and the benefit is profound-you save lives!

Healthy adults, over 17 years old, (16 with parental consent), who weigh at least 110 pounds, may donate a pint of blood. 38% of the US population is able to donate blood but only 10% of those actually donate. The number one reason people never donate is they were never asked. We are asking everyone to join us at our blood drive. As Executive Director of the Chamber, I can tell you it is a fast and easy process that usually takes less than one hour. I am closing in on my first gallon of donated blood used locally through Community Blood Services. Community Blood Services have always been great to work with and put you at ease throughout the process. We are holding the Blood Drive during the hours of the Expo from 10am to 3pm on October 5th at Cross County Mall, be sure to bring a Photo ID to donate. Please contact the Chamber to make an appointment. We can be reached multiple ways: e-mail us at matchamber@consolidated.net; you can call us at 217-235-5661 or simply stop by our offices at 1518 Broadway Avenue here in downtown Mattoon. Give the gift of life!
A Pennsylvania writer spent several days in Marion recently learning all she could about the area that American writer Sherwood Anderson called home for several years.

Celia Catalina Esplugas, Ph.D., feels a bond with the renowned American writer, who, for a time in his life, called Southwest Virginia home.

Her visit included a trip to Round Hill Cemetery, where Anderson and his wife, Eleanor Copenhaver Anderson, are buried; a stop by the Smyth County News & Messenger to see a collection of photographs of Andersons days when he served as editor of the Marion Democrat and the Smyth County News, two Marion newspapers that he purchased in 1927; and several hours of research at the Smyth County Public Library, which has extensive information on the celebrated American writer.

She also visited with descendants of Eleanor Copenhaver Anderson and spent some time at Ripshin, Andersons home in Grayson County.

During her stay in Marion, Esplugas and her husband enjoyed meeting local residents and getting to know a little about the town. They also visited locally owned restaurants and absorbed as much of the communitys culture as they could.

Esplugas has recently completed a book on Anderson, Sherwood Andersons Pan-American Vision: Letters in Pursuit of a Cross-Cultural Bond. She is expecting galley proofs from McFarland, the publisher, in the next few weeks, and anticipates the book will be published by the years end.

Having studied Anderson and his writings for some time, Esplugas became interested in his Pan-American dream.

When I finished my dissertation on Sherwood Anderson, I continued conducting research on Andersons women and misfits, and their victimization in strict and insensitive societies. To this end, I went to the Newberry Library in Chicago, which has the largest holdings on Andersons works. Perusing his correspondence, I came across his letters with Latin American writers with the Argentine Eduardo Mallea. Curious about Andersons relationship with these writers, I pursued the topic. Thus, I discovered Andersons Pan-American dream: his desire to promote an artistic exchange between North and Latin American artists, a kind of exchange that would encourage peaceful and fruitful relations between the Americas and discourage the imperialistic domination of the Other America. I ended up with a collection of letters by Anderson and North and Latin American correspondents related to Andersons Pan-American dream that support the thesis of my book, Esplugas said.

Because of the intercontinental nature of her book, Esplugas conducted research in the United States, Chile and Argentina.

Esplugas was born in Argentina, where she completed her undergraduate work in ESL. She completed her graduate studies in the United States and holds a M.Ed. in secondary education, a masters in Spanish and a Ph.D. in English.

She now serves as professor emerita at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where she met her husband, John W. Ward. He taught at the university for 48 years and specializes in Shakespeare, English Renaissance drama and comparative literature.

He has always supported my academic career, acting as my sounding board, listening to my ideas, responding constructively, reading and revising my work. I am very thankful for his love and understanding, Esplugas said.

Esplugas has published a collection of short stories in Spanish titled Mujer y Dinero: Cuento de Escritoras Argentinas Contemporaneas (Women and Money: Short Stories by Contemporary Argentine Writers). She has also published numerous papers, nationally and internationally, on a variety of literary topics and approaches from feminist to psychological to cross-cultural to interpret literature as the reflection of its cultural and political moments, she said.

Esplugas believes that Andersons writings are as relevant today as they were in his lifetime.

Sometimes I wonder why I continue to study Sherwood Anderson. Isnt the topic passe? Then, after watching the current status of world societies, their tumbling democracies, imbued with power, greed and self-seeking conduct, I still think, and with renovated vigor, that Sherwoods democratic spirit and humanistic thinking continues to set a model to be followed globally, she said.

Esplugas and Ward were excited to visit the community that Anderson called home.

I was delighted to walk Marion streets, the same that Sherwood once walked, and see his tomb. I guess that when you worked so much and so long on an author, you develop a kind of emotional attachment for him/her and in a certain strange way he/she becomes part of your reality, Esplugas said.
MATTOON -- The states newly adopted budget means less revenue for the City of Mattoon and may lead to deficits in future city budgets, according to Mayor Tim Gover.

In reviewing the State of the City with the Mattoon Rotary Club on July 12, according to a press release, Gover noted that the State of Illinois will, under the newly adopted state budget, begin to deduct 2 percent of sales tax distributions to local governments, costing the City of Mattoon a projected $125,000 annually. The state budgets 10 percent reduction in state income tax distributions to local governments will further reduce Mattoons revenues by about $190,000 annually.

Gaming revenue provides one bright spot for Mattoon budgeting, Gover reported. Last year, the City of Mattoon received $313,000 from the 28 establishments operating 138 machines in the city. Gaming revenues go to the citys general fund, but are not used to pay for routine operation costs. They are instead earmarked for specific purposes: 20 percent for the demolition of derelict structures; 20 percent for the police/firefighter pension fund; 20 percent for the mobile equipment fund; 20 percent for the maintenance of City buildings, and 20 percent paid into a reserve fund.

Gover is encouraged by the growth he has witnessed among businesses operating in Mattoon. He observed that newly constructed facilities have recently opened for the Sarah Bush Lincoln Walk-In Clinic, the Copper Creek Cottage Memory Care Center, and the First National Bank Wealth Center. Groundbreaking is expected soon for a new strip-mall building with space for five tenants, including a Starbucks, to be constructed immediately west of the Cracker Barrel restaurant.

Wireless Mike's has expanded. Planet Fitness, Harbor Freight, and Crave Coffee have opened in remodeled spaces. KFC is scheduled to be remodeled. All American Realty will be moving into the building formerly occupied by the Pizza Hut restaurant. Dunkin Donuts is actively seeking a location for a store in Mattoon, the mayor said.

Public investment in infrastructure is an important piece of the puzzle for Mattoon to prosper. Gover spoke of the new Public Works building under construction on DeWitt Avenue that is expected to be in operation this fall. The new building will allow the city to park all of its equipment inside, secure and out of the weather, for the first time. Improvements are also being made to the city's sewer system. The installation of new street pavement and sidewalks in sections along Marshall Avenue will proceed as funds allow.
Businesses are invited to come to a special R&D Lunch and Learn on Friday, August 25th about research and development assistance from federal, state and local governments, said Lydeana Martin, the Floyd County Economic Development Director.

Floyd County is the only place in the New River Valley and Roanoke areas that is eligible for R&D grant funding from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. The Business R&D Funding Lunch and Learn will be held at the Floyd Innovation Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Virginias Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC), and the Floyd County Economic Development Authority and staff are collaborating to do this event, which is free for companies involved in R&D as well as economic development professionals. The event includes lunch and networking time. Register here http://www.cit.org/events/technology-funding-sources-from-cit/ or by contacting Lydeana Martin at lmartin@floydcova.org or 540 745-9300.

Virginia Delegate Nick Rush will welcome everyone. CIT President Ed Albrigo will speak on accelerating technology innovation across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Then several speakers will share about funding assistance available.

CIT seeks to close innovation gaps in the Commonwealth and the nation by focusing on new technologies, entrepreneurs and technology companies that make innovation happen, according to Robert Brooke, Director of Federal Funding Programs at CIT. We are pleased to collaborate with the Floyd Innovation Center and TRRC to present this special event. CIT helps with funding needs of the early stage tech community across Virginia. CITs SBIR Support Program, GAP Investment Fund program, and Commonwealth Research Commercialization Grant programs will each be featured at this event.

CIT works with Virginia companies and researchers to pursue Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from twelve federal agencies, including the US Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, Energy, Environmental Protection, Homeland Security, plus NASA and the National Science Foundation.

A short intro to the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding programs will also be provided at this lunch and learn, and Sara Williams, Grants Program Administrator for the Tobacco Commission, will speak regarding the Commissions R&D grant program which can provide matching funds for SBIR and other commercialization research. The session will conclude with Floyd County incentives and resources provided for technology-related firms including a tour of the Floyd Innovation Center and available spaces and equipment.

Come learn about these valuable resources, enjoy lunch on us, and network with others in the technology community, Brooke said.
A Richlands man will spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of forcible sodomy.

Daniel Adam Spears, 32, of 133 Chalk Street was in court Aug. 2 for sentencing for a crime that took place last year. Spears was indicted in September of 2016 for aggravated sexual battery, forcible sodomy and indecent liberties by a parent or guardian with the child being less than 15 years of age.

A press release from Commonwealth Attorney Michael Lee Denniss office said the crimes were committed against a four-year-old. He entered a plea of no contest to forcible sodomy on May 23 of this year.

Judge Jack S. Hurley Jr. also ordered that Spears be placed on indefinite probation if he were ever released on geriatric parole.

"I am very pleased with the outcome in this case and with Judge Hurley's decision to impose a life sentence. Children are to be loved and protected, not abused. We are satisfied to know that Mr. Spears will never have the opportunity to hurt another child again," said Michael Dennis, Commonwealth's Attorney.

Spears is currently being held at the Tazewell Regional Jail awaiting transfer to the Virginia Department of Corrections. This case was investigated by the Richlands Police Department and Tazewell County Department of Social Services. The case was prosecuted by Tazewell County Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Brandon S. Goins.
A new sign at the former Merillat plant in Atkins has people asking questions about current operations.

Company management and county administration, however, have declined to comment.

Earlier this year New Ridge LLC returned the money that Smyth County gave the Chinese firm as an incentive to bring 125 jobs to the community and develop its first U.S. subsidiary in the former Merillat plant in Atkins. The company also returned incentive money from the state.

The announcement that New Ridge was coming to Smyth County came from then-Governor Bob McDonnells office in November 2013. The announcement said that Liaoyang Ningfeng Woodenware Co. Ltd., a Chinese furniture manufacturer, planned to invest $2.1 million to establish New Ridge LLC in Smyth County. The companys plans were to manufacture furniture components for the Chinese market, supply its European customers with finished products from the U.S., manufacture and sell products for the U.S. market, and expand into lumber production and export to China.

The announcement came when Merillats closing earlier that year was fresh in everyones minds. About 280 employees lost their jobs with that shutdown, and the countys jobless rate came in at more than 8 percent.

Smyth County Economic Development Director Lori Deel told the board of supervisors in April that New Ridge said it was still committed to the county and will strive to bring jobs to the building.

In the community, fears had been expressed that New Ridge might be similar to a project in Appomattox that failed. In Appomattox, Lindenburg Industry LLC received $1.4 million in early 2015 from the Governors Opportunity Fund. The company defaulted on a pledge to invest $113 million and hire 349 workers to produce industrial ceramics. State and local officials were struggling to recoup their investments.

Deel said, New Ridge is not similar to Appomattox. The economic development director said New Ridge officials have stayed in regular contact with the county as well as state officials and have stayed up to date on paying the companys local taxes.

New Ridge maintains a website describing its products and mission and includes a map to the Atkins plant. Read more at www.newridgehomegoods.com.
Update: 2 recovering after helicopter called to Caygua County vehicle crash

SENNETT, N.Y. -- A helicopter was called to a crash in Cayuga County Thursday afternoon.

Dispatch center workers said a person was airlifted to a Syracuse hospital.

A call came in to 911 at 3:52 p.m. for a motor vehicle collision near the intersection of Grant Avenue/ Route 5 and County House Road in Sennett, an emergency services dispatch worker said.

It is not clear how many vehicles were involved, but a LifeNet helicopter was called to the scene and airlifted a person to Upstate University Hospital, according to 911.

Reports indicated a child may have suffered a head injury, and two other people were also injured and hospitalized, according to the Auburn Citizen.

The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office is still on scene and could not provide further information.

The Sennett Fire Department, Weedsport Fire Department, Auburn Police Department, and TLC Ambulance were also called.
SOLVAY, N.Y. -- A Syracuse man is facing charges for a stabbing in Solvay on Tuesday.

The Solvay Police Department said Jason A. Baxter, 22, of Fountain Street, Syracuse, stabbed another person during an argument.

Jason A. Baxter

Officials were called to Upstate University Hospital on Tuesday after a 22-year-old man with multiple stab wounds arrived in a private vehicle, the department stated.

Baxter got involved in a dispute between the man and another person along the 100 block of Cogswell Avenue, said Lt. Derek Osbeck, a Solvay police spokesman. Baxter and the 22-year-old began fighting, which is when the stabbing occurred.

The man was in serious condition and had a collapsed lung, police said. His condition has since been upgraded to stable.

Baxter was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, a felony; and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor. He is being held in Onondaga County jail on $25,000 cash bail or bond.

Baxter is due back in court Thursday.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Two men were hospitalized with stab wounds in Syracuse Thursday evening.

Neither of their injuries appear life-threatening, according to the Syracuse Police Department.

Officers were called to Elm Street and Hawley Avenue just before 5 p.m. Thursday after people saw two men fighting, police said.

A man was taken by ambulance from the area to Upstate University Hospital for a stab wound to his shoulder, according to the police department.

Police were told a second man, age 21, had arrived at Upstate University Hospital a short time later with a stab wound to his chest.

Police are still working to piece together what happened leading up to the stabbings, according to a statement released by police spokesman Sgt. Richard Helterline. No further information on the case was made immediately available.

Police ask anyone with information on the incident to call (315) 442-5222, or use the "SPD Tips" app.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Three Central New York state legislators are publicizing a study that contends a "community grid" to replace Interstate 81 through Syracuse is not feasible.

The study was paid for by Save81, a coalition of businesses that line the current highway. They oppose any I-81 plan that diverts cars from the current road's path.

The study cost less than $5,000 and took a consultant, John Shafer of Spectra Environmental Group, about two weeks to complete, Shafer said. He is a former chief engineer for the state Department of Transportation.

State Sen. John DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse), Assemblyman William Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) and Assemblyman Gary Finch (R-Springport) provided the 17-page study at a meeting of Syracuse.com reporters and editors. They are also holdng a news conference this morning.

Shafer's study was based on a draft of the environmental impact statement dated December 2016 that state engineers are currently compiling that will outline the options for replacing the highway. The Save81 group obtained a copy of the statement via a public records request to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DeFrancisco said.

The lawmakers highlighted two central conclusions in the study they said undermine state engineers' statements about whether a so-called "community grid" would work.

The grid would divert through traffic -- those cars not exiting in the city -- onto Interstate 481. It would disperse traffic traveling into Syracuse onto streets.

First, the study says state engineers underestimated the amount of traffic that would drive onto the street grid, which means maintenance costs, the number of accidents and the amount of air and noise pollution were undercounted.

Second, state engineers did not comply with the New York's Smart Growth law - which is aimed at cutting down urban sprawl, among other things -- by failing to conduct an economic impact study of a community grid on businesses. Schafer, in an interview, could not cite the exact provision of the law.

Shafer's study argues that these flaws are enough to drop the grid plan from consideration.

The DOT, in a statement, disputed Shafer's conclusions but did not address his specific claims.

"DOT has ordered an independent analysis conducted by a global expert which we expect to be released later this summer," spokesman Joseph Morrissey said. "While we welcome and review all comments and suggestions, our preliminary analysis indicates that the Spectra report is largely speculative and based on outdated designs. It contains inaccuracies and statements taken out of context. DOT continues to work with the community to develop and refine its project proposals."

Shafer's study cites the draft environmental impact study estimates of traffic flow onto the boulevard. According to Shafer, state engineers have estimated that, at peak-traffic hours, 60 percent of traffic will flow onto Interstate 481. As a result, engineers downplayed the impact of the remaining vehicles on city streets.

He said the 60 percent estimate is based on faulty assumptions made by state engineers about how many drivers will opt to take 481 even though it is several miles longer than cutting directly through the city. Engineers also overestimated the speeds drivers would reach on Interstate 481 and, therefore, the amount of time it would take to drive past Syracuse.

DeFrancisco, the Senate's deputy majority leader, and Schafer said these flawed estimates mean that any computer simulations of traffic volumes are not credible.

"Several items were undervalued and not really considered accurately," DeFrancisco said of the state engineers' study. "If you put garbage in an analysis, you're going to get garbage out."

Shafer could not immediately provide the state's environmental impact statement he used for his study, but it will be released publicly, potentially by later this summer. Syracuse.com also requested the statement from Save81, which did not immediately respond.

DeFrancisco has expressed support for an option that siphons much of the existing interstate traffic into a tunnel underneath Syracuse. Others have advocated for rebuilding an aerial highway where the current interstate stands.

The interstate's construction in the late 1950s destroyed the 15th Ward neighborhood and created a divide between the University area and downtown. It needs to be replaced, and state engineers and advocacy groups have been studying a proper replacement.

An independent consultant is studying whether a tunnel is a viable option and could release its findings later this month.

Read the study below:

Spectra Study by PatLohmann on Scribd
Movies Under the Stars planned tonight

ARTHUR -- Movies Under the Stars will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. tonight at Vine St Christian Church, 249 S. Vine St. This is a free outdoor movie. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Refreshments available.

For more information, visit www.vinestreetcc.com or call 217-543-2292.

Mattoon Circuit Convocation to be held at St. John's Lutheran

MATTOON -- Join St. John's Lutheran Church in Mattoon as they celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation.

The celebration begins at 9 a.m. with the Divine Service and will be followed by a Martin Luther impersonation by Clifford Frederich. The day will wrap up with a presentation about St. John's recent trip to Germany. Lunch and dinner will be provided and child care will be available for the day.

St. John's Lutheran Church is located at 200 Charleston Ave. For more information visit www.stjls-mattoon.com/ or contact 217-234-4923.

Williamsons and Common Bond to perform at Coles County Fair

CHARLESTON -- The Williamsons from Oklahoma and Common Bond from Kentucky will be the featured gospel groups at this year's Coles County Fair.

Their concert will be presented beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday in front of the grandstand. Both of these groups are known throughout the states for sharing the gospel with their music. This event is free, however a free-will offering will be taken. For more information, contact Teresa Higgs at 217-549-6781.

Annual Fish Fry to be held at First Apostolic

ARTHUR -- The First Apostolic Church, 320 Surrey Lane, will host the Annual Fish Fry from 4-7 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets are $9.50 for adults, children 2-12 are $6 and under 2 are free. Tickets will be available in advance or at the door. For more details call 217-543-3024 or email pashlynne@yahoo.com.

Water Fun Day to be held at Central Christian

CHARLESTON -- A Water Fun Day will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at Central Christian Church, 915 W. Lincoln Ave.

The event will feature an inflatable water slide, water balloons, games, snacks, and more. Bring towel, sunscreen, and your friends! For grades K-5th; younger children may come with a parent or guardian.

For more information, contact 217-345-3277 or centralchristianonline@gmail.com

Giveaway to be held at Cornerstone Christian Church

EFFINGHAM -- Clothing, household items and appliances, all in good used condition, will be accepted from 8 a.m.-noon at Cornerstone Christian Church, 3600 S. Banker St.

New this year are free children's haircuts, hourly giveaways, face painting and a car wash.

The congregation is sharing the love of Christ by giving back to the community. For more information, call 217-342-6770 or visit effinghamcornerstone.net.

St. Patricks Youth Orchestra concert set

URBANA -- Join the St. Patrick's Youth Orchestra for their annual movie music concert from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Church, 708 W Main St.

Hear music from classic films as well as newer favorites in this fun summer event. Admission is free.

For more information, call 217-367-2665.

Vineyard Softball to be held in Sullivan

SULLIVAN -- Bring the whole family and cheer for Team Vineyard from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday at Wyman Park, 2 W. Harrison St.

Interested in joining the team? Let us know and we will get you connected! This game is at the North Field at Wyman Park vs. Atwood First Baptist.

For more information, visit The Vineyard Church at www.thevineyardchurch.us/, call 217-728-4574 or karen.goss@thevineyardchurch.us.

Celebration Sunday to be held at Arthur United Methodist

ARTHUR -- Come celebrate Arthur United Methodist Church's new addition on Sunday with a combined worship service and Communion.

Worship time is at 10 a.m.. Afterward, they will have a cook-out and potluck. Bring your favorite dish and/or dessert. Arthur United Methodist Church is located at 128 E. Illinois St.

Visit them at www.arthurunitedmethodist.org or contact 217-543-3159, or aumchurch@consolidated.net.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study to be held

CHARLESTON -- Wednesday Morning Bible Study will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the LifeSpan Center with Dr. Daniel Haifley.

The LifeSpan Center is located at 11021 East County Road 800 North.
Martek secures large emissions monitoring system contract

Hyundai heavy industries has contracted Martek Marine to fit its EVOLUTION emissions monitoring systems on the worlds first LNG-fuelled Aframaxes that are being built for Sovcomflot.

Martek Marines third generation EVOLUTION system and its previous generations have been installed on over 260 ships worldwide and have been supplied to Hyundai for over 12 years. The system can be configured to any number of engines and multiple gases. The systems currently monitor over 800 marine engines and have over 5 mill operating hours of experience. Steve Coulson, Martek Marine director, commented: We are proud to be chosen for this prestigious contract and this re-affirms the market leadership of our EVOLUTION emissions monitoring system. The 114,000 dwt Ice Class IA Aframaxes are scheduled to be delivered from the third quarter of 2018 and will be chartered to Shell. The order for the four vessels is valued at $240 mill. An HHI official said that the company intends to win more orders for similar vessels. To enable IMO Tier III compliance when in liquid fuel operating mode, the contract also specifies the supply of low-pressure selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. EVOLUTION will then monitor the emissions and thus the efficacy of the SCR through analysis of NOx, SOx and CO2, using infra-red analysers. A strong growth in demand for the EVOLUTION system is forecast, due to the development of this type of LNG-fuelled vessel with an SCR fitted, Coulson added.




PSC MOUs to address safety of navigation

ABS has warned that the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding on Port State Control are to hold a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on safety of navigation from 1st September, 2017 to 30th November, 2017.

A questionnaire will be used to check the following: That navigation equipment complies with relevant statutory certificates.

That the Master and navigation officers are qualified and familiar with operation of bridge equipment, especially the ECDIS. That navigation equipment is properly maintained and functioning.




Teekay to benefit from investments

Teekay Corp reported a consolidated GAAP net loss of $80.2 mill and consolidated adjusted net loss of $38.1 mill for the second quarter of 2017.

In 2Q17, Teekay generated GAAP consolidated income from vessel operations of $48.3 mill and consolidated total cash flow from vessel operations of $254.5 mill. To shore up its balance sheet, the company recently announced a strategic partnership with Brookfield Business Partners, which includes a $640 mill equity investment in Teekay Offshore and other financing initiatives, which is also expected to eliminate Teekay Parents financial guarantees to Teekay Offshore and increase Teekay Parents liquidity. At the same time, Teekay Tankers agreed to an accretive merger with Tanker Investments and acquired the remaining interest in Teekays conventional tanker operations from Teekay Parent. Since reporting earnings last quarter, we have entered into two strategic transactions across the Teekay Group, which are expected to significantly strengthen our financial position and streamline our corporate structure, commented Kenneth Hvid, Teekays President and CEO. Last week, Teekay Offshore announced a comprehensive, transformative transaction with our new strategic partner, Brookfield, which we expect will also strengthen Teekay Parents financial position by eliminating all of its financial guarantees to Teekay Offshore, totalling up to $700 mill, and increasing Teekay Parents liquidity by approximately $140 mill. In addition, Teekay Tankers agreed to an accretive merger with Tanker Investments, which owns 18 modern conventional tankers, and acquired the remaining 50% interest in Teekays conventional tanker operations from Teekay Parent, thereby consolidating our conventional tanker franchise under Teekay Tankers. These strategic transactions not only are expected to strengthen our financial position but also better position us to benefit from an energy and tanker market recovery. Project execution at Teekay Offshore and Teekay LNG continues to be a major focus. Teekay Offshore recently took delivery of the Randgrid FSO, which is currently in transit to the North Sea for its charter contract with Statoil, and the Libra FPSO, which is on its Brazilian field undergoing field installation for its charter contract with a consortium of oil companies. Teekay LNGs joint venture with Exmar has recently taken delivery of its 10th mid-size LPG carrier newbuilding. We expect the deliveries of our various growth projects at Teekay Offshore and Teekay LNG will drive significant cash flow growth between now and 2020. I am also pleased to announce that we have secured a new charter contract for the Arctic Spirit LNG carrier commencing in September, 2017. We have now secured charter contracts for both in-chartered LNG vessels, the Arctic Spirit and the Polar Spirit, which improves Teekay Parents cash flows, he said. Teekay Corps consolidated results during 2Q17, compared to the same period in 2016, were impacted primarily by lower revenues from Teekay Parent related to a new contract in place for the Hummingbird Spirit FPSO at a lower fixed charter rate, which took effect on 1st July, 2016, and higher repairs and maintenance costs in preparation for an upcoming scheduled maintenance for the Foinaven FPSO in the third quarter of 2017; lower income and cash flows in Teekay LNG mainly as a result of the favourable settlement in 2Q16 of a disputed charter contract termination related to one of the vessels in Teekay LNGs 52%-owned MALT LNG joint venture with Marubeni Corp; lower income and cash flows in Teekay Offshore primarily due to the redelivery of the Petrojarl Varg (Varg) FPSO in July, 2016 and lower rates and lower fleet utilisation in the towage segment; plus a reduction in income and cash flows in Teekay Tankers, due to lower average spot tanker rates. These decreases were partially offset by higher income and cash flows from Teekay LNG as a result of the deliveries of two MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings in 2016 and 2017, the Oak Spirit and Torben Spirit, which commenced their respective charter contracts. On 31st May, 2017, Teekay Tankers agreed to acquire all of the remaining issued and outstanding shares of Tanker Investment in a share-for-share merger, which is expected to close in 4Q17. Teekay Parent and Teekay Tankers currently own about 8% and 11% interest, respectively, in TIL and account for their investments using the equity method. Teekay Parent GPCO cash flow, which includes distributions and dividends paid to Teekay Parent from Teekays daughter entities in the following quarter, less Teekay Parents corporate general and administrative expenses, was $3.3 mill for 2Q17, compared to $7.6 mill for the same period of 2016. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction in the cash distribution from Teekay Offshore, as a result of the recent strategic partnership with Brookfield Business Partners, together with its institutional partners and lower cash dividends received from Teekay Tankers, as a result of lower spot tanker rates during the period. Teekay Parent OPCO cash flow, which includes cash flow attributable to assets directly-owned by, or chartered-in to, Teekay Parent, net of interest expense and drydock expenditures, decreased to negative $22.9 mill for 2Q17, from negative $12.5 mill for 2Q16. Total Teekay Parent free cash flow, which is the total of Teekay Parent GPCO cash flow and Teekay Parent OPCO cash flow, was negative $19.6 mill during 2Q17, compared to negative $4.9 mill for the same period of 2016. Teekay LNGs results decreased during the quarter, compared to the same period in the previous year, primarily due to a favourable settlement in 2016 of the disputed charter contract termination related to one of the vessels in the MALT LNG joint venture, lower revenues from Teekay LNGs 50%-owned joint venture with Exmar, due to lower spot rates and the sale of three conventional tankers in 2016 and 2017. These decreases were partially offset by, among other things, the deliveries of two MEGI LNGC newbuildings in 2016 and 2017, which commenced their respective charter contracts. Teekay Offshores results decreased during the quarter, primarily due to the redelivery of the Varg FPSO (which left its field at the end of July, 2016), the redelivery of an FSO, the redelivery of a shuttle tanker, which commenced operating in the contract of affreightment (CoA) fleet in the North Sea in late-2016, the non-payment of charter hire for the Arendal Spirit UMS since early-November, 2016 and subsequent charter termination, and lower towage fleet rates and utilisation. These decreases were partially offset by two shuttle tankers commencing timecharter contracts following completion of their respective bareboat charter contracts, higher shuttle tanker CoA fleet utilisation, lower operating expenses in Teekay Offshores FPSO and shuttle fleets, and the delivery of two towage newbuildings in 2016 and 2017. Teekay Tankers results also came in lower, primarily due to lower average spot tanker rates in 2Q17. The tanker market experienced downward pressure over the course of the second quarter due to OPEC supply cuts, higher tanker fleet growth and normal seasonal weakness. Rates have continued to decline at the start of 3Q17, in what is normally the weakest part of the year for tanker rates. Meanwhile, Teekay Tankers has invited Richard Paterson to join the board and its audit committee, effective 1st August, 2017. Paterson is a certified public accountant who retired from PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2011 after 37 years of service.




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TMC wins order for Utkilen newbuildings

TMC Compressors (TMC) has won a contract from AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding to supply marine compressed air systems to two chemical tankers being built for Norwegian shipping company Utkilen.

TMC will provide a highly energy efficient compressed air system to the two chemical tankers as the companys Smart Air compressors are claimed to offer 50% energy savings, compared to conventional compressors, reducing both operational expenses and emissions. Under the contract, TMC will manufacture and deliver a complete Smart Air compressor working air system to each of the two vessels, plus air driers and filters for the on board service and control air system. Under a separate contract, TMC will also deliver two 235 KW feed air compressors to both of the vessels nitrogen systems. AVIC Dingheng is building two 9,900 dwt chemical tankers for Utkilen, due for delivery in 2019. It is encouraging to see that an increasing numbers of yards and shipowners are paying more attention to opex than before. Our Smart Air compressors are highly energy efficient and provide significant cost savings throughout the lifetime of a vessel. The maritime and shipping industries have a shared responsibility to reduce harmful emissions to air, and we are pleased to play a part in this, said Per Kjellin, TMC managing director.




Matt Olberding Business reporter Matt Olberding is a Lincoln native and University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate who has been covering business for the Journal Star since 2005. Follow Matt Olberding 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

With regulatory approval from the Federal Trade Commission and shareholder approval both occurring within a week of each other last month, it appeared Cabela's sale to Bass Pro Shops was a foregone conclusion.

But after another poor Cabela's earnings report Thursday, there is some suggestion that the deal is anything but.

Gillian Tan, a Bloomberg columnist who covers merger deals, suggested the Federal Reserve might not move fast enough on a regulatory decision for the sale of Cabela's World's Foremost Bank.

As part of the merger deal, the bank assets will be sold to Synovus Financial, which will keep the deposits and then sell the Cabela's credit card portfolio to Capital One.

Synovus was not part of the original deal but was brought in April as an intermediary after Capital One said it likely could not obtain regulatory approval by Oct. 3, which is the date on which the deal must close.

Tan pointed out that over the past three years, the Federal Reserve has taken 173 days on average to issue a ruling on similar deals.

Synovus filed its intent to purchase World's Foremost Bank on April 19, which is only 167 days from the deal's must-close-by date.

That date has been set in stone since the deal was originally announced in October, and Tan called it "striking" that Bass Pro declined to budge on that date when the deal was renegotiated in April.

She suggested the company could be looking to either renegotiate the price again if bank regulatory approval does not come by Oct. 3 or walk away from the deal altogether.

The date is key for a big reason. Before Oct. 3, Bass Pro would have to pay Cabela's $230 million if it walks away from the deal. After that date, there is no penalty.

A report in the New York Post suggests that's exactly what might happen.

The Post, citing unnamed sources, said it's unlikely the Fed will make a decision on the bank deal by the Oct. 3 deadline, and that Bass Pro will then demand a lower price or threaten to walk away.

According to at least one financial analyst, a lower price may be called for.

Bass Pro originally agreed to pay $65.50 per Cabela's share, and that was renegotiated to $61.50 a share in April.

However, an analyst from Raymond James on Thursday said that if the deal falls through, Cabela's shares would be worth only $25 to $30 a share.

The Post reported that in that scenario, another buyer likely wouldn't offer more than $42 a share based on a 40 percent buyout premium.

It's all fascinating stuff and will be interesting to watch over the next couple of months. Although I assume there will be some anxious employees in Sidney and Lincoln waiting to learn their fates.

The grocery store next door

Over the past several years I have watched neighborhoods try to prevent Walmart, CVS and even Costco from moving in next door. One of the biggest arguments always seems to be a potential drop in property values, but a recent study shows that certain grocery stores are good to have next door.

An analysis from ATTOM Data showed that homeowners who live near a Trader Joe's have seen their homes appreciate in value 67 percent since 2012. Those near a Whole Foods have seen a 52 percent increase, while the boost was 51 percent for homeowners near an Aldi.

That's a little bit better than overall price appreciation, which was nearly 47 percent nationally from the first quarter of 2012 to the first quarter of this year, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Story updates

* I wrote a story that ran in the Journal Star on July 30 giving an update on some major downtown projects, nearly all of which are behind schedule.

I now have more information on one of those projects.

Lumberworks Lofts involves three mixed-use buildings that will surround the Lumberworks parking garage at Canopy and N streets.

Developers Nelnet and Speedway Properties had originally said they hoped to start construction on the project in the first quarter and finish before the end of the year. However, no work other than site preparation has occurred as of yet.

City Urban Development Director David Landis said the delay is because of contaminated soil that was unexpectedly found on the site. That required a cleanup effort that cost about $70,000, and Landis said the city and the developers are renegotiating their redevelopment agreement to account for those costs.

Landis said construction should start in the next few weeks.

* On Aug. 1, the Journal Star ran a short story about a landlord suing Genesis Health Club at 1801 Pine Lake Road for nearly $300,000 in back rent and other fees.

The company did not respond to Journal Star questions about the suit until after the story had been published.

In a news release, Genesis owner Rodney Steven called the lawsuit a surprise and said the gym is current on its rent.

Steven said the landlord, Pine Ridge Plaza LLC, "hasnt been the easiest to work with," and he insinuated that the lawsuit may be because the building is mostly empty.

Despite saying he was blindsided by the suit and taking a swipe at his landlord, Steven seemed optimistic things will get worked out.

"We love Nebraska, and Lincoln is a market we intend to serve for a long time," he said in the news release. "Im sure once we get together, well be able to clear up the confusion and move on to what we do best."

Best of the Buzz

Excerpts from recent Biz Buzz posts:

* Oklahoma Joe's opened July 25. The barbecue joint shares space with Yowie's Lodge at Eighth and Q streets.

The Lincoln Oklahoma Joe's currently is the only one outside of Oklahoma, after the owners of a franchised location in the Washington, D.C., area decided earlier this year to rebrand their restaurant.

According to its website, the Lincoln Oklahoma Joe's is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

* According to a building permit filed last month, T-Mobile is planning its first Lincoln retail store. The store will be at 2820 Pine Lake Road, Suite 3. That's in the new building that has Valentino's and Eat Fit Go.

* Blu Velvet women's clothing boutique has moved from University Place to the Shoppes at Piedmont at 1265 S. Cotner Blvd. According to its Facebook page, the shop opened in the new location Aug. 1.
Stung by charges that it allowed fake news stories to proliferate during the 2016 election cycle, Facebook on Thursday began rolling out broadly a feature meant to regain the trust of its members. The tool effectively will surround questionable stories with related news stories offering different perspectives  a strategy intended to help readers discern where the truth lies.

Facebook this spring began testing the Related Articles feature, offering different takes on stories fact checkers have disputed as false, including coverage of the topics by legitimate news organizations.

Facebook also has updated its machine learning technology to flag potential hoax stories and send them to third-party fact checkers, according to News Feed product manager Sara Su. Following review, additional stories may be posted showing related articles beneath the original post.

Election Fallout

Facebook has been under fire since the 2016 election cycle for allowing fake news to proliferate on the network, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has taken criticism for failing to understand his companys role as a de facto provider of news and information to readers.

The company in January brought in former CNN and NBC broadcaster Campbell Brown to lead its news partnerships group, which acts as a liaison with more traditional media organizations to help Facebook better adhere to journalistic standards in terms of the content that is allowed in users News Feeds.

Ad placements next to fake news is increasingly being recognized as a problem by both the ad and publishing communities, observed Rick Edmonds, media business analyst at Poynter.

I think and certainly hope that there is a growing flight to quality, which will reward the providers of serious journalism like The New York Times, The Atlantic and Vox, he told TechNewsWorld.

Facebooks relationship with traditional media has been complicated by the fact that many legitimate news sites have found their articles and videos posted on the network for free, with no way of recouping revenue and no way of tracking how many legitimate subscribers actually are viewing the content.

As a result, Facebook last month announced plans to test a paywall that would charge users a fee to view content from certain sources, following a grace period of 10 free articles per month.

Fake news is a really tough problem to crack, noted Mark Nunnikhoven, vice president of cloud research at Trend Micro.

The challenge isnt actually filtering out posts from a news feed or search index  its how to identify what is fake about a story, he told TechNewsWorld.

Underground services in China, Russia, the Middle East and other countries propagate fake news, using everything from underground crowdsourcing services to voter manipulation platforms and services like BeSoEasy, which sells automation bots, according to a recent Trend Micro white paper.

Facebooks approach is admirable, Nunnikhoven said, because it avoids pointing fingers at particular stories but gives readers enough information to make their own value judgments.

However, the deeper challenge is determining whether something has gained the attention of the native algorithms from organic interest or a coordinated push, he pointed out. Even then, a coordinated push could be a marketing campaign and not something malicious.

Search Algorithm Issues

The fake news phenomenon is clearly is not limited to Facebook. Google also has been a target of criticism for allowing content farms and other automation services to drive certain stories up the search rankings. The result is that when users search for a particular subject, the misleading articles are displayed right next to legitimate stories.

Google has taken some steps to improve its algorithms, using new search-quality rater guidelines and direct feedback tools, Ben Gomes, vice president of engineering at Google, noted in an online post this spring.

Google also expanded its use of Jigsaws fact-check tool into its global search and Google News sites to display legitimate articles and tag them to show that they have been properly vetted, Justin Kosslyn, project manager at Jigsaw, and research scientist Connie Yu wrote in an online post.

Google also commissioned a study, conducted jointly by Michigan State University, Oxford University and the University of Ottawa, which found that fake news and biased search algorithms did not have a major impact on public opinion, based on a survey of 14,000 Internet users in the U.S. and six European nations.
The Rosa Desktop Fresh R series gets better with each new edition to its distro lineup.

The already-established Rosa Desktop Fresh R was a hit with its series of standard desktop editions released with two flavors of KDE desktop  KDE4 and Plasma 5  along with the GNOME 3 and MATE desktops.

This latest LXQt edition, released last week, adds the ability to run this powerhouse computing platform on legacy boxes with as little as 512 MB of RAM.

Each desktop edition is optimized for desktop usage. The distro targets advanced users and enthusiasts looking for rich functionality.

This distro is ideal for users who have outgrown basic Linux offerings and want a product with a wide set of customization and personalization possibilities. That is what Rosa Desktop delivers.

The Rosa Desktop label can give you the wrong impression. Rosa Desktop is not a new desktop environment. In fact, it is neither new nor experimental.

Rather, it is a very focused distro built around a well-tweaked integration of existing desktop environments, enhanced through a strict development path that pushes the latest versions of hand-picked Linux packages for optimum performance.

The LXQt edition now lets you have economy of scale, working in a lightweight desktop environment without sacrificing computing tools or desktop functionality. The tweaked performance of the LXQt desktop is a fusion of the LXDE and Razor-Qt desktop environments.

Desktop Basics

The LXQt hybrid is the next generation of the popular LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment). The result is a lightweight, modular, very fast desktop environment that is user-friendly.

The biggest improvement LXQt brings to the lightweight LXDE desktop is much more control over LXDE. The Qt Configuration Tools are integrated within the LXQt Settings Panel.

A mashup of sorts of LXDE and Xfce, the LXQt desktop is fast and easy to use. It is uncluttered and efficient.

That said, Ive found that Xfce is a bit more pleasant for me to use for long computing periods. My preference stems in part from its additional special effects and fewer design quirks.

The LXQt difference is immediately noticeable. Its additional tweaking closes the gap considerably between traditional LXDE and Xfce features and configurability.

Configurability is king inthe LXQts Configuration Center, bolstered by Openbox settings and more inthe Preferences main menu panel.

About the Rosa Distro

Rosa is a Russian company with a variety of Linux-based solutions. Rosa originally was forked from Mandriva Linux. The distro now is developed independently as a home computing platform.

The company also develops an enterprise server edition of Rosa and a commercially supported enterprise workstation that is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Several well-designed modifications enhance the user-friendliness of the working environment.

The Rosa distro uses the RPM package manager and the Systemd initialization daemon.

Under the Hood

The LXQt desktop in Rosa R9 is based on the R9 (2016.1) software platform. It uses the freshest 0.11 branch with simplified Rosa theme. Developers excised compositing and desktop effects, which contributes to its lightweight advantages for older, less endowed machines.

The Rosa distribution in general is built around the communitys own software builds and a developmental environment based on international testing and verification practices. The goal is constant monitoring of the state of the package base to guarantee compatibility of different distribution components, along with complete closure of repositories with respect to package dependencies.

The developers have crammed a collection of ideal components into the Linux engine. For instance, the graphical subsystem is based on X11 with up-to-date proprietary drivers for AMD and Nvidia cards, along with support for hybrid graphics. LXQt uses the Grub2 boot loader with UEFI support.

Rosa LXQt includes popular scripting languages with large sets of modules that include Perl, PHP, Python and Ruby. Developers included up-to-date drivers for printers and scanners of different vendors and added the OpenJDK Java environment.

Kernel version 4.9.20 LTS provides use on the latest Intel Skylake machines. It has proprietary AMD driver AMDGPU Pro included as an experimental feature.

Rosa repositories include Skype, Steam, Softmaker-freeoffice and Viber.

Using It

Descriptions of typical Linux distros as being look-alike replacements for Microsoft Windows wear thin. Most non-Linux users coming to the Rosa R9 Desktop distro know the Windows layout, so they will be completely at home with Rosas look and feel. But that does not mean it will resemble Microsofts computing platform.

The clean white background of application windows with the bold icons, mouse pointer and menus results in a pleasing, comfy clean looking desktop. Rosas LXQt edition avoids the clutter and distractions of more traditional Linux distros.

Rosa Desktop Fresh R9 LXQteditions simple and clean look masks its flexibility and power despiteits lightweight trappings.

This desktop platform needs no figuring out. The menu button, file manager, Web browser and notification areas are on the panel bar at the bottom of the screen. Navigating your way through menus is easy. Right-click on the desktop to get a limited list of available actions.

Rosa LXQt uses the NewMoon (PaleMoon) Web browser that consumes significantly fewer resources. The LXQt control panel makes personalizing how you use this OS quite simple.

The LXQt default installation includes some additional components for Internet users, such as Pidgin, qBitTorrent and Trojit. You also get the Nomacs image viewer for basic image manipulation tasks. The in-house app Rosa media player and the classic Audacious audio player are included.

Setting Up the System

The only real visible differences between the old LXDE and the hybrid release with Qt is in the settings and controls. You can launch many of these settings individually from other menu lists, both LXDE and Qt controls, within one common settings panel.

For example, first open Preferences from the main menu button. In the Preferences category display, you also have access to 14 general system settings.

The list of options starts with the LXQt sub menu on top. Click on it to have the LXQt Configuration Center slide out to the right. That displays two dozen individual settings.

One of the first areas to visit when setting up a new installation is the Openbox settings panel further down the list of settings options in the LXQt Configuration Center. This is where you select your Window Manager likes, such as theme choices, mouse actions, window and dock behavior and more.

Open the Box

Look in the Openbox settings for the desktop workspaces settings. I was able to set the maximum number for the 8 GB of RAM. Obviously, I had only two or three workspaces available on my ancient 512-MB laptop, but it is inconceivable that even power users like me can put 100 different workspaces to efficient use.

LXQt does not have a workplace switcher applet for the notifications panel. However, it is much easier to keep fingers on the keyboard and press the CTRL-ALT keys with left/right arrows to navigate among workspaces.

The only thing I dislike about the various system setting panels in LXQt is the lack of a back arrow or other method to close the current settings panel and remain within the Configuration Center options. Having to return to where you were via pressing the main menu button is annoying and inefficient.

Bottom Line

Mashing traditional LXDE functionality with the added tweaks from Razor-Qt is a big step in a better direction for this lightweight desktop environment. If you want eye-popping visual displays, you will not find them in the LXQt edition. Try out the other desktop options Rosa offers instead.

The Rosa distros custom software is a big differentiator that sets Rosa apart from other purveyors of Linux.

Want to Suggest a Review?

Is there a Linux software application or distro youd like to suggest for review? Something you love or would like to get to know?

Please email your ideas to me, and Ill consider them for a future Linux Picks and Pans column.

And use the Reader Comments feature below to provide your input!
Microsoft has decided to expand its support for Linux containers in the next release of Windows Server.

Linux containers and workloads will work natively on Windows Server, said Erin Chapple, general manager for the server operating system, in an online post last week.

The company also will extend Window Servers Hyper-V isolation capability, which was introduced in the 2016 release of the operating system.

This means customers will no longer have to deploy two separate container infrastructures to support both their Windows and Linux-based applications, Chapple wrote.

Whats more, Windows Bash also is coming to the next edition of Windows Server. Thats good news for developers.

This unique combination allows developer and application administrators to use the same scripts, tools, procedures and container images they have been using for Linux containers on their Windows Server container host, Chapple explained.

Slimmer Nano Server

Microsoft also has improvements in store for the container performance of its Nano Server productm Chapple noted.

Nano Server, introduced in 2015, is a purpose-built operating system designed to run born-in-the-cloud applications and containers.

The idea was to make it tiny, and allow each developer to add only the necessary elements for their specific micro-services to it, explained Ben Bernstein, CEO of Twistlock.

Its more compliant, stable and secure, he told LinuxInsider. The image does exactly what the developer adds to it and nothing more  no weird under-the-hood elements.

The next release of Windows Server will focus on making Nano Server the very best container image possible, Chapple wrote.

Customers will see Nano Server images shrink in size by more than 50 percent, which will decrease startup times and improve container density, she noted.

Targeting Pain Points

Reducing the size of an operating system inside a container is important for reserving resources for the primary application running in the virtual box.

Ideally, youd want the underlying operating system to be zero, because you want it entirely out of the way, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

This isnt there yet, he told LinuxInsider, but its very thin and gets out of the way as much as possible.

The size of Windows containers is one of three pain points with Microsofts implementation of the technology, noted Amir Jerbi, CTO of Aqua Security.

The size of Windows containers compared to Linux containers is very big  over 1 gigabyte, he told LinuxInsider. This will reduce that by 50 percent.

Running Linux containers natively on Microsoft server and Linux tools on Windows make things simpler for shops using both operating systems, Jerbi added.

Linux Dominates Containers

Microsofts container strategy aligns the company with current customer demand, Jerbi said.

 Organizations are looking to normalize operation processes and tools, he noted. Having a single platform that runs both Windows and Linux containers helps with that.

Microsofts moves reflect its recognition of the state of the container space.

In reality, 99 percent of container images are Linux images, observed Twistlocks Bernstein.

Since we are talking about containers that act as micro-services and, in turn, engage with each others containers, a Windows-containers-only environment is not realistic, he pointed out. For Microsoft to bootstrap any usage of Windows containers, it must support usage of existing Linux images.

Containers have become important for developing software in todays application environments. They can shorten development cycles. They allow software to be run anywhere  on premises or in the cloud. They also can simplify the development process because of the multitude of ready-made images.

Studies show that containers boost productivity, Bernstein said, which is why software product companies want to adopt them.
Olivia Duane Adams is chief customer officer and cofounder of Alteryx.

Alteryx Chief CustomerOfficerOlivia Duane Adams

In this exclusive interview, Adams speaks with TechNewsWorld about her passion for analytics, and the role of women in an analytics-driven future.

TechNewsWorld: Can you give me some background on Alteryx? What prompted you to start the company?

Olivia Duane Adams:

We founded the company because we thought that analytics needed to be easier for people to understand and consume. Today, our technology is a leading platform for self-service analytics. Anybody in a company is able to use Alteryx to find data and analyze it, and theyre able to do it in a repeatable workflow.

A lot of times, analysts get asked the same questions, and repeatability saves them a lot of time. Data needs to be delivered at the time a question is asked. Its got to be delivered in a matter of minutes, hours or days, and thats what our technology allows our user community to do. Its an exciting time to be in this analytic space.

TNW: Why do you have a passion for analytics?

Adams:

Its about having a sense of curiosity  the ability to look at data and say, what is it telling me? I define analytics as the ability to ingest any and all relevant sources of data that might help answer a question being asked.

Analytics is the ability to use all the data you have to answer a question, or at least to drive insight to get to a better answer. Analytics is everywhere, and thats because data is everywhere. When you think about data as an asset, that asset is going to drive answers, and hopefully action. That action could be to start doing, or to stop doing, or to modify what youre already doing.

Analytics impacts every department in every company, and if they want to become smarter, all they have to do is become data-aware. If you think about the data you have, youre able to move seamlessly forward in this world of analytics.

TNW: What challenges have you faced in your career as a woman in tech?

Adams:

There is a perception that women are more approachable. This can be a challenge, because people will use me as a sounding board. What do you think? How would you handle this? What do you think? And so I always turn those into opportunities to help people understand where theyre coming from, and what change they want to make.

TNW: How can womens participation in STEM fields  and specifically analytics  be supported and promoted?

Adams:

I see such huge opportunity, because I believe that women do think differently. Well always look at things differently, and thats of huge value to the departments and teams and companies we work for, since it gives another perspective on how to approach a problem, how to solve a problem.

I see huge opportunities for women in STEM fields, and I would like to see more colleges and universities and K-12 grades motivating everyone, including women, to understand the opportunities and to demystify them for women. Sometimes theres a disconnect, where undergraduate students think the real world is so far away. How do we help them see the reality of these careers, and how they can have an impact in them?

Id love to see colleges and universities putting students in the real world, so theyre ready to take these jobs when they graduate. One program that we have is the Alteryx for Good program. Were giving our technology to universities that want to teach analytics in their courses. Its free for the university when its being taught in the classroom.

It puts the students in a position to use technology thats very employable when they graduate, and it gives them a taste of what its like to use this technology in a real-world situation. It gives them a sense of what it feels like to be in the real world. Our passion is to make sure that those students are using state-of-the-art technology.

We hear great feedback about the technology, and they love using it in their courses. At one university, for instance, theyre using Alteryx in their journalism program, because when youre a journalist, you need to be able to quote facts. Where do you find those facts? In the data thats available.

TNW: Whats in the future for the field of analytics, and for Alteryx? How are things evolving?

Adams:

As we talk to senior leaders from organizations around the world, we continuously hear them say that their companies need to be more analytic. Data is everywhere, and companies are becoming data-aware. As data continues to grow, organizations are asking tougher questions that they need to be able to answer in a timely manner.
T-Mobile is currently head and shoulders above the rest in the cutthroat wireless carrier industry, according to the latest State of Mobile Networks report by OpenSignal.

While T-Mobile's dominance in the study could be partly attributed to its investments in improving its service, rivals Verizon and AT&T also did their part in handing over the crown to the Un-Carrier.

T-Mobile Wins All Awards In Latest State Of Mobile Networks

T-Mobile was given all the awards by OpenSignal in its latest State of Mobile Networks report, a fact that the Un-Carrier and its outspoken CEO John Legere will not live down anytime soon.

In OpenSignal's report, the research company analyzed more than 5 billion measurements to compare the 3G and 4G performance of the top four carriers in the United States. The study involved more than 170,000 devices in a period from April 1 to June 30 this year.

T-Mobile came out on top in all six categories, namely Download Speed: 4G, Download Speed: 3G, Download Speed: Overall, Latency: 4G, Latency: 3G, and Availability: 4G.

The 4G availability metric, however, was noted by OpenSignal as a close call. Testers were able to find a T-Mobile 4G signal 90.9 percent of the time, in comparison to 89.8 percent of the time for Verizon.

Verizon, AT&T Slow Down After Unlimited Plans Launch

OpenSignal said in the August 2017 State of Mobile Networks report that the overall speeds of Verizon and AT&T slowed down after the launch of their own unlimited plans, in a bid to combat the T-Mobile One. The two carriers were not prepared for the surge of data demand in their networks, resulting in decreased performance.

Verizon's average speed dropped by 2 Mbps, while AT&T saw its average speed decline by 1 Mbps. Verizon spokesperson Howard Waterman did not directly address the speed decline but pointed to other studies that ranked the company as the fastest mobile network in the United States.

T-Mobile Continues Ascent

In OpenSignal's last State of Mobile Networks report, released in February, T-Mobile and Verizon were going head to head in terms of speed. T-Mobile offered the fastest 4G speeds in the northeast, but Verizon was the fastest in the west.

T-Mobile has now established itself as the premier carrier in the United States, according to OpenSignal's report. Legere, which is either seen as an annoying executive or a genius strategist, has succeeded in getting the Un-Carrier to where it is now by making rivals adapt to T-Mobile's strategies and the evolving state of the industry. Whether T-Mobile will remain on top, however, remains to be seen, as we now start the wait for OpenSignal's next State of Mobile Networks report.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Marcus Hutchins, the cybersecurity expert credited with finding the so-called kill switch that stopped the WannaCry ransomware in May, has been arrested by the FBI.

Hutchins, also known as "Malwaretech," allegedly has a dark past, which has now come back to haunt him just a few months after being dubbed a hero.

Hutchins Arrested For Launching Banking Malware

Hutchins, 22 years old and working for cybersecurity firm Kryptos Logic, was arrested in Las Vegas, where he attended Defcon, one of the biggest conferences in the computer security industry. The WannaCry hero was nabbed by the authorities as he was on his way to fly home to the United Kingdom.

Federal prosecutors are accusing Hutchins of having launched the banking malware named Kronos. The cybersecurity expert allegedly created, maintained, and sold Kronos from July 2014 to July 2015 and is now facing six counts related to malware distribution.

Kronos, which was primarily spread through document attachments in malicious emails, is capable of monitoring the online browsing activities of victims and luring them to fake websites that are made to appear like those of legitimate banking services. The malware then collects sensitive information from its targets, including their usernames and passwords.

The malware, according to sellers, can evade antivirus software and can spy on targets using the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer.

The Two Faces Of The WannaCry Hero

The arrest of Hutchins showcases one of the most controversial traits of cybersecurity experts: while they are capable of preventing cybersecurity attacks, they are also the same people who are capable of launching them in the first place.

Hackers who have dabbled in malware creation and distribution can become important assets to cybersecurity companies and law enforcement agencies in stopping new security threats. In the case of Hutchins, though, there are claims that he was actually working to fight against Kronos, with some even saying that he was framed.

Whether the allegations are true or not, the importance of Hutchins's work in ending the spread of the WannaCry Ransomware could not be disputed.

The WannaCry ransomware wreaked havoc across 150 countries in May, hitting tens of thousands of systems and locking up their files. Victims can only regain access to their computers by paying ransoms in bitcoins to the attackers. The cybersecurity threat has since been linked to North Korea and China.

Hutchins identified and purchased the domain name of the ransomware. This allowed him to neutralize WannaCry, earning him fame as the WannaCry hero.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Manufacturers of dishwashing products have long been telling everyone that kitchen sponges play host to millions of bacteria in order to sell its products, but scientists have now discovered that no amount of cleaning product could actually make sponges safer.

According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the best course of action is to replace kitchen sponges weekly because simply cleaning them is not effective in getting rid of or even reducing bacteria in sponges.

Testing For Bacteria From Real Homes

In order to determine just how dangerous the seemingly innocent kitchen sponges are, the German researchers analyzed 28 different samples from 14 kitchen sponges collected from private homes in 2012.

Not only did they discover that there are more bacteria in kitchen sponges that originally believed, the researchers also found that several types of them are disease-causing bacteria.

"Our work demonstrated that kitchen sponges harbor a higher bacterial diversity that previously thought," the study authors reveal.

If anyone is wondering just how diverse bacterial activity is, the scientists involved in the study actually found a whopping 362 different types of bacteria and that five out of the 10 most common bacteria they found could potentially lead to human diseases.

Proper Sanitation For Sponges

Many people are probably thinking of heading to the kitchen to give their sponges a hot water wash or even a microwave treatment in order to kill all those harmful bacteria, but the researchers say those won't work at all.

"Sanitation by boiling or microwave treatment has been shown to significantly reduce the bacterial load of kitchen sponges and can, therefore, be regarded as a reasonable hygiene measure. However, our data showed that regularly sanitized sponges (as indicated by their users) did not contain less bacteria than uncleaned ones," the researcher reveal.

Not only did some of the bacteria survive the sanitation process, the researchers found that those "sanitation resistant" strains were able to quickly infest the sponge again and could even increase the number of disease-causing bacteria.

The researchers admit that further analyses are needed to substantiate their findings, but they still advise against DIY sanitation of kitchen sponges because it may actually do more harm than good. Their short-term advice is to simply replace kitchen sponges on a regular, weekly basis.

The result of the study is pretty concerning but some experts assure that there is no need to panic yet because bacteria can be found anywhere. The best thing to remember is to maintain good kitchen hygiene, disinfect utensils and surfaces especially after preparing uncooked food, and properly wash one's hands to avoid the spread of bacteria.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
There have been rumors that Google will be dropping the headphone jack for the Pixel 2, a move that now appears more likely as new evidence has popped up to support it.

If Google will really remove the headphone jack in the Pixel 2, it will find itself in an awkward position, as it made fun of Apple's decision to do away with the component in last year's iPhone 7.

Google Pixel 2 No Headphone Jack Rumors

Last month, renders released by reliable source OnLeaks gave a good look at the upcoming Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2. The images revealed no dual cameras for both models, the return of the partially glass backs, and the shift of the fingerprint scanner to the metal portion of the back panel.

However, another major takeaway from the renders is that neither the Pixel 2 nor the Pixel XL 2 have a headphone jack, replaced in both smartphones with a USB Type-C port.

The absence of the headphone jack in the Pixel 2 now looks even more likely, with new rumors claiming the same.

Stephen Hall of 9to5Google said through Twitter that he received another tip that the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 will not have the headphone jack. Hall followed up his tweet by stating that he has seen internal documents that show the move to drop the headphone jack and that he has also spoken with a source who claims to have seen the prototypes for the upcoming smartphones.

Hall, however, said that there is a chance that his information is outdated and that Google had a change of heart in removing the headphone jack from the Pixel XL 2.

In addition to Hall's tweet, a Pixel 2 render created by case maker Olixar and retailer MobileFun showed off more of the same, with no dual rear cameras and the fingerprint scanner at the metal portion of the smartphone's back. The cases, which are assumed to have been based on CAD dimensions sent out by Google to third-party accessory manufacturers, do not appear to show any indentations that the presence of the headphone jack will require.

What Else Do We Know About The Google Pixel 2?

The apparent lack of the headphone jack is not the only thing that we have heard so far about the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2, though.

Previous leaks claim that the smartphones will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 with 4 GB of RAM, with the Pixel XL 2 to be bigger compared to its predecessor with a 5.99-inch 1440p OLED screen and the Pixel 2 to have the same 4.97-inch 1080p FHD screen as the first Pixel.

More recent rumors, however, claim that the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 could be the first smartphones that will come with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 836.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Developers want to tear down the former Skate Zone building and build a hotel and small retail building in its place.

Plans submitted this week to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Department show a four-story, 84-room hotel on the eastern part of the site at 300 N. 48th St. and a 5,600-square-foot retail building on the western part of the site.

Officials from Omaha-based real estate company Access Commercial, the company that plans to buy and redevelop the property, declined to comment on the project.

According to the documents submitted to the Planning Department, the hotel would be a Tru by Hilton, a newer brand that is billed as "vibrant, affordable and young at heart."

The company says Tru is geared toward tech-savvy travelers, and it offers mobile check-in, a social media wall and charging stations throughout the hotel.

There currently are only five Tru hotels in the U.S., with another six under construction. The Lincoln one would be the first in Nebraska or any bordering states.

No potential users are identified for the retail building. Plans show it as a multi-use building with a potential drive-through lane and outdoor seating, which could indicate a restaurant in one of the spaces.

The project is estimated to cost $11 million and proposes using nearly $1 million in tax-increment financing. TIF is a tax incentive tool that allows property taxes generated by the increased property value to pay off bonds used to fund portions of the development that have a public benefit.

According to the documents, the project would create between 30 and 40 jobs.

No timeline was given for demolition of the Skate Zone building and another building on the site or for starting construction on new buildings, although it would likely be late this year or early next before any work could start.

Developers who want to use TIF have to negotiate a redevelopment agreement with the city, a process that usually takes several months.

The first step in that process, a public hearing before the Planning Commission to determine whether the project fits into the city-county Comprehensive Plan, is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 30.

Skate Zone closed at the end of April after nearly 65 years in business, leaving Lincoln without a roller skating rink. It held an auction last month for its equipment and other items.
For 35 years, Elsa Dorfman used a massive Polaroid Land camera to capture images of those who visited her Cambridge, Massachusetts, studio, an amalgam of families, musicians, poets and Harvard notables along with herself, her husband and son.

Then Polaroid went bankrupt and stopped producing the instant film used by its cameras, both the small models that were pervasive in the 60s through the 80s, and the giant 20-by-24-inch camera Dorfman rented from the company to do her work.

So, like it or not, Dorfman headed to retirement, leaving her with a garage-turned-archive full of prints.

On most shoots, Dorfman took a pair of photographs. The client, often the photos subject, took one of the pictures. The rejects were left to Dorfman, who called them B-Sides.

That phrase provides the title The B-Side: Elsa Dorfmans Portrait Photography, a gentle, enlightening documentary from Oscar-winner Errol Morris.

An old friend of Dorfman, Morris made the film with distinctive simplicity  filming her in the garage, showing some of her pictures and talking with her about her life. Add some full-screen versions of the images and some old television footage of interviews with Dorfman and youve got the picture.

Its told rather chronologically, with Dorfman, a good Jewish girl recounting her early days, including a stint working at Grove Press, the avant-garde publisher, in the late 1950s.

It was there she met Beat poet Allen Ginsberg, who became a lifelong friend and the subject of many of her photographs. The latter include some 80 by 40 images, including one of Ginsberg naked full-frontal, which gets the picture its R-rating.

Moving to Cambridge, she worked at the Grolier Poetry Book Shop, where she took pictures of the writers and poets who hung out there and began taking pictures of herself, her friends and her home, published in 1975 as Elsas Housebook  A Womans Photojournal, a book now recognized as a key development in feminist art.

Then came her discovery of the 20-by-24 camera, her hounding of Polaroid to get access to one of the beasts  only a handful were ever made  and a career of capturing people on the instant film.

Unlike many photographers, Dorfman says she had no interest in capturing the soul or essence of her subject. Rather her interest was in surface  what people looked like, plain and simple.

Morris used a prosecutorial interrogational interview style in his groundbreaking The Thin Blue Line, his Oscar-winner The Fog of War and his 2013 dissection of former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara in The Known Unknown.

But with his friend, theres no pointed quizzing, just simple questions like Do you think the camera tells the truth? eliciting answers like Absolutely not which leads into discussions of the nature of photography, its value as memory and the ramifications of technological change.

Those talks, which take place in the garage/archive, make the film more profound than its description would imply.

And Dorfman is a charmer with a great memory and some enlightening stories to tell  like the fact that Ginsberg lifted her technique of handwriting a caption on the bottom of a picture when he took up photography.

Morris doesnt belabor things  The B-Side runs just 75 minutes. Nor does he follow standard paths  theres no interviews with her family or friends, no discussion of and demonstration of the precise workings of the big Polaroid and no attempt to exhaustively find the celebrities and academic notables she photographed.

That makes The B-Side even more personal and enjoyable  a pair of old friends looking at Dorfmans work and talking about it.
Mark Pieloch is a lifelong lover of cars and animals.

Pieloch, who last fall opened the American Muscle Car Museum, which displays over 250 muscle cars in Melbourne, Florida, has put his passion for cars to work to benefit animals. On July 31, he donated a vintage Chevrolet Corvette from his personal collection in a ceremony at DuTeau Chevrolet in Lincoln to raise funds for the Capital Humane Society.

The Capital Humane Society touches my heart, Pieloch told the audience while standing by the Corvette. I grew up with dogs, cats and other pets in a family with five kids. Our dogs and cats were part of our family. Ive been fortunate to have been involved in successful animal-related businesses, and that has come to fruition to benefit animals.

Ive also loved cars since I was a little kid, Pieloch added. By donating this car, I know that Bob Downey (humane society president/CEO) will be able to raise additional dollars to help the humane society carry on its mission of helping animals.

The humane society will raffle the 1969 Corvette, which is valued at $70,000, for $100 a ticket. The contest will end after 1,070 tickets have been sold or on Dec. 31, whichever comes first.

Ever since Marks major $1.5 million gift in 2012, which brought us over the top in raising funds to build our pet adoption facility, he has stood by us with his support, Downey said. We wouldnt be where we are today without Marks generosity.

In 2014, Pieloch donated a 1970 Chevelle SS Coupe. The humane society sold 550 raffle tickets at $100 each for that vehicle.

The humane society counts on donations from the community to not only meet overall operating budget needs, but also to enable the humane society to offer programs that otherwise would not be possible, Downey said.

As an example, he said the humane societys foster care program will benefit from the Corvette raffle proceeds. Volunteer foster parents in the program temporarily care for cats and dogs that are not quite ready to be put into adoption. Some animals are too young to be spayed or neutered, and some have other health issues that require veterinary procedures and a temporary foster care home.

Last year, 550 kittens went into foster care homes long enough to grow up and enter the Pieloch Pet Adoption Center, Downey said.

The Corvette is on display at DuTeau Chevrolet, 7300 S. 27th St. Raffle tickets are available to purchase by check or cash at the dealership as well as at the Pieloch Pet Adoption Center, 6500 S. 70th St., and Capital Humane Society Admissions and Assessment Center, 2320 Park Blvd. For more details, see capitalhumanesociety.org or call 402-441-4488.
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
A Lincoln judge sentenced a 30-year-old La Vista man to a year in prison Thursday for punching an inmate at the county jail for turning the TV channel during a "Walking Dead" episode last November.

"I'm just human. I made a mistake," David Roze told the judge.

He said he was sorry for what he did.

Attorney Teresa Siglar said the night of Nov. 27, some inmates were in a pod at Lancaster County Corrections watching "The Walking Dead" when another inmate walked up and turned the channel.

She said Roze perhaps should have negotiated with the other inmate, but instead lost his temper and punched him.

The assault charge Roze was being held in jail on at the time later was dismissed when the victim didn't show up at a hearing, Siglar said.

Lancaster County District Judge John Colborn said he couldn't ignore the serious nature of Roze's crime or his prior acts of violence.
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Patrick Combs  the former public-address announcer at Nebraska's Memorial Stadium  can be retried on allegations he bilked an 88-year-old Lincoln widow of thousands despite issues during jury deliberations the first time around, the Nebraska Supreme Court said Friday.

Combs' attorney, Bob Creager, had argued retrying him would be double jeopardy to all four counts. A day after a deadlock led to a mistrial, the presiding juror came forward and said in a sworn affidavit that jurors had reached a decision  not guilty  on all but one of the charges.

In the hallway, just after the judge excused them, frustrated jurors spoke of a single holdout and an 11-1 vote to acquit.

Jurors had mistakenly believed they had to be in agreement on each of the charges, according to multiple jurors.

Before Combs could be retried, Creager appealed to the Supreme Court to decide the unusual question.

"I'm just simply saying Mr. Combs has a right to that verdict, he said of the three counts when the case was argued earlier this year.

But Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Austin Relph argued it was too late. Once a mistrial has been granted and the jury discharged, it's essentially irreversible, he said.

In a decision Friday, the states highest court agreed with the state, saying Creagers motion to acquit Combs on the three counts was untimely.

Such a motion logically cannot be made after a trial has ended in a mistrial, wrote Justice John Wright.

He said because Combs sought and was granted a mistrial, he could not now challenge the trial court's failure to ask the jurors if they were deadlocked on each count.

Wright said when a defendant asks the court to declare a mistrial and its granted, as it was here, the double jeopardy clause (which prohibits someone being put in jeopardy twice for the same offense) does not bar retrial but for one narrow exception where a prosecutors conduct gives rise to it.

In this case, Combs asked the district court three times to declare a mistrial, he wrote.

He said the court disagrees with Combs that the jury acquitted him.

"While the jury may have voted or tentatively voted to acquit Combs on three of the counts in its deliberations, it did not reach a verdict, Wright said.

The verdict form wasnt filled out or signed, and the jury didnt announce a verdict.

The Lancaster County Attorneys office has said it intends to retry Combs on charges of attempted theft by unlawful taking over $1,500, abuse of a vulnerable adult, theft by unlawful taking and unauthorized use of a credit or debit card in connection with his financial dealings with Harold and Beverly Mosher, who both since have died.
DONALDSONVILLE  The proposal by the group A Better Ascension to eliminate the elected Ascension Parish president position in favor of a more autonomous, appointed parish manager won't make it to the ballot this fall as the plan's backers had hoped.

Ascension Parish Council Chairman Bill Dawson announced Thursday night he is establishing a council committee to hold at least three public meetings on the plan before the full council decides whether to put the measure before the voters. One of those meetings will have to be in west Ascension.

Reading from a statement, Dawson said the committee will have the "specific task of publicly vetting the charter amendments proposed by A Better Ascension." Dawson said the new committee will be composed of the entire 11-member council.

Backers of the A Better Ascension proposal want to make major changes to the parish home rule charter, which is Ascension's plan of government, to create the new parish manager position in a bid to improve efficiency and insulate the parish executive from political back and forth.

The creation of the committee by Dawson means three groups will be holding public meetings on A Better Ascension's plan in the coming weeks and months, including another Parish Council committee and A Better Ascension itself.

Amendments to the home rule charter require a vote of the public. At least two-thirds of the council, or eight members, must vote to put proposed charter changes on the ballot.

The proposal would mean the parish executive would not be directly elected by voters, as the parish president is now, but would be selected by the Parish Council after nomination by a separate committee of primarily business leaders.

The proposal has already drawn opposition from sitting Parish President Kenny Matassa, his 2015 election runoff opponent surveyor Clint Cointment, and some council members. But other members expressed openness to the idea.

Dawson had said earlier there was likely a window to get the measure on the November ballot if the council had been able to vote on the proposal by the end of this month. But Dawson said Thursday the committee of the whole chairman won't make his first progress report to the Parish Council until mid-September. Dawson has named Councilman Travis Turner as chairman of the new committee and Councilman Aaron Lawler as the vice chairman.

Separate from Dawson's initiative, Councilman Daniel "Doc" Satterlee also called for discussion of A Better Ascension's proposal before the committee he chairs, the Council Strategic Planning Committee, which meets 6:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Parish Courthouse Annex in Gonzales.

A Better Ascension, the nonprofit group of business people pushing the measure, is also planning public meetings later this month.

J Hudson, a spokesman for A Better Ascension, said before the council meeting Thursday that the group's members respect "the process and are looking forward to sharing our message of professionalism, accountability, and efficiency throughout Ascension."

"Ultimately, the charter belongs to the people of Ascension," Hudson said. "Their voices deserve to be heard regarding these changes."

A Better Ascension is composed of business leaders from Ascension, including Eatel Corp. President John Scanlan and LABI political action committee director and Republican pollster and strategist John Diez Jr., a Gonzales native.
Fred Skelton of the First UMC introduces the industrial tax exemption reform during a citizen's assembly put on by Together Baton Rouge, Thursday, November 17, 2016, at Shiloh Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, La.
Bennelong. Bangarra Dance Theatre. Choreography: Stephen Page. Music: Steve Francis. Design: Jacob Nash, Jennifer Irwin, Nick Schlieper. Canberra Theatre. Until August 5. 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au.

In Bangarra's latest show, Bennelong, Stephen Page, as choreographer and creative storyteller, has taken as a starting point the life of Wongal man, Woollarawarre Bennelong, born in the Sydney area in the 1760s. He has then selected episodes from his life and woven them into a compelling, often heart-rending piece of dance theatre.

Bangarra's Bennelong at the Canberra Theatre. Credit:Karleen Minney

Bennelong was captured in 1789 on the orders of Governor Arthur Phillip, was absorbed into the colonial life of Sydney, learnt to speak English, was taken to England in 1792 and returned to Sydney a few years later. But Page rewrites the history we, as white people, have received of Bennelong as a kind of ambassador and an example of the apparent potential of assimilation. He shows him as a tormented soul, caught between two cultures but feeling ultimately that he belonged to neither.

It isn't always easy viewing and every episode we see on stage seems to generate a different emotion. There's a sense of horror in Onslaught when sections of the Aboriginal population are wiped out by smallpox. There's a sense of shock in Responding as assimilation is attempted through the donning of Western clothing. There's a feeling of discomfort in Crown as we watch Bennelong interacting with British high society after he arrives in London, and unease in Repatriation when we see ongoing efforts to repatriate bones and spirits of those Indigenous people who had died overseas.
The teenager who stormed into a Lincoln man's home and shot and killed him and his dog and paralyzed a second man in a bloody plot to steal marijuana has been sentenced to 100 years to life in prison.

"You are dangerous and society needs to be protected from your dangerousness," Lancaster County District Judge John Colborn told Markel Steele at his sentencing Friday.

Steele is 18, but was 17 on April 18, 2016, the day he went to 1966 Euclid Ave. and shot and killed Christopher Coleman and paralyzed Jerry Griffis.

Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Dan Packard said Griffis survived only by playing dead as Steele and Xheronte Lewis, his accomplice in the robbery, searched the kitchen for marijuana.

Steele didn't speak at his sentencing, opting instead to provide a private letter to the judge.

His attorney, Kelly Breen of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, said Steele, in a pre-sentence interview with a probation officer, took full responsibility for what he did and expressed remorse.

Steele said he knew what he needed to do in life, but disregarded it and did what he wanted, calling his crimes "pure stupidity."

"I feel very sorry I have hurt a lot of people ... on both sides," Breen said quoting Steele. "A mother had to bury her own son."

Colborn said he was considering, too, that Coleman's three children will grow up without a father and were in the house when Steele killed him.

"The court has also considered and cannot ignore the senselessness of these crimes of violence," the judge said, calling it a cold-blooded killing to steal marijuana.

And he gave Steele, who had pleaded guilty, 60 years to life for second-degree murder plus 40 to 50 years more for first-degree assault.

As they left the courtroom, members of Steele's family told him to keep his head up, that they love him. On the other side of the courtroom, a mother cried.

Moments later, Griffis said it was the first time he's been in the same room with Steele since Steele shot him, an experiencing he described as nerve-wracking.

As Packard had pointed out during sentencing, if Griffis hadn't played dead, this likely would've been a double murder.

"It was meant to be," Griffis said.

Packard said Steele's intent was to leave no witnesses to the robbery.

Griffis said, from his point of view, this was an execution, not a robbery.

Here's how he said it happened:

There was a knock on the door, Coleman opened it and in an instant took two shots to his chest and one to his head.

"Before I knew it, I saw an initial blast at me," Griffis said.

Suddenly, he was on the floor. Looking up at the ceiling. Coleman's dog ran over him.

"I turned my head back ... and the gun was pointed down at my head. Markel Steele was standing over my body," he said.

Griffis pointed out the scar on his left hand where the bullet hit when he tried to shield his head. The bullet bounced off bone and hit his cheek. He crumpled to the floor and stayed put, playing dead, listening to the men rifling through the kitchen for marijuana.

Griffis waited until he was sure they'd gone and tried to pull himself up to the kitchen island only to realize he couldn't feel his legs.

He tried to call 911, but couldn't remember where he was, so instead called a buddy who had dropped him off, and had him call.

Griffis, who is in a wheelchair now, said there's not a day that goes by that he doesn't think about what happened in the blink of an eye, or see it when he closes his eyes.

"It's almost as if it's impossible to escape from," he said.

Griffis said he was relieved there was finally justice for him and Coleman, and their families. He was satisfied to see long sentences for the men responsible.

"I have to sit for the rest of life and think about what they did to me and Chris. Why is it fair that they would have the chance to walk away from it," he said.

Steele won't be eligible for parole for 50 years.

Earlier this week, Lewis got 50 to 70 years in prison on two counts of aiding and abetting robbery.
Prosecutors will not seek a life sentence for a man who stabbed his wife as she breastfed their infant son in a "heinous, brutal, sustained and inexplicable" killing inside their south Canberra home.

Sabah Al-Mdwali, a mother-of-three, was found dead with 57 stab wounds on a bed in an upstairs bedroom of the couple's Gordon house in March 2015. She was 28.

Maged Al-Harazi was sentenced to 30 years in Canberra's jail for killing his wife. He will likely be deported upon his release.

An ACT Supreme Court jury found her husband, Maged Mohommed Ahmed Al-Harazi, 36, guilty of her murder.

He maintained his innocence and blamed his wife's father and brother for her death.
First. We don't know how lucky we are. I can tell you Australia is a great place. I travelled from St Petersburg to London plus parts of southern Europe and the Mediterranean and, as they say, there's no place like home.

So, 21 days on the other side of the world was quite an experience and nearly as mind-boggling as returning home to commentators ranting about immigration, refugees and marriage equality.

I've been away from Australia for three weeks, something I have never done before in more than 40 years of running a business that had three rules  service, service, service. And that meant never being away from the shop for too long.

Illustration: Cathy Wilcox

The second thing is, it's worth remembering that everybody is good at something. I ran our business that way. I used to tell my son, the CEO, that it's incumbent upon us to ensure new employees succeed. After all, half the responsibility of the hire was ours. So, under the banner of everybody is "good at something", we worked hard to slot people into places where it worked for them and us. Donald Trump doesn't get it.

We all have our strengths and specialities and the same thing seems to be true for cities and countries. In St Petersburg, it's the unique cultural assets such as The Hermitage and the Kirov that distinguish a bejewelled city where President Putin is a favourite son. Americans need to realise that the more they put the boot in, the more they elevate Putin's hero status. They might also be realising that whatever their problems with Putin, he is at least competent in running his own office.

I then moved to London where the British are so good at, well, being British. I think they're on a continuing demise, but they do some things brilliantly, like queuing.

Then to Barcelona where the Spanish have absorbed six million refugees while rebuilding a seriously damaged economy. They have just achieved GDP growth of 3 per cent, quite a bit higher than here. Our so called "illegal immigration" problems are nothing compared to what Europe is dealing with.
Let me share with you a time I was so full of self-loathing I could barely look at myself in the mirror. A period when I would wake each day in fright and wonder how much I would have to betray my principles, to contradict my conscience, and how much pressure there would be on me to outright lie.

You see  and this isn't easy for me to say  for a year, I was a publicist.

Now, to all who share this title, please don't be upset. I'm sure you will agree that the key to doing your job without doing your nut is to represent admirable clients and products. To like and respect what you flog. I didn't do that. I took the pieces of silver and paid for them with my dignity and self-respect.

I have been thinking about this horrible period of my life a lot lately. I even managed a laugh. I mean, who couldn't, watching Sean Spicer trying to spin turds (same as trying to polish, only with an added level of difficulty)?
That's a serious test. Few materials qualify. Concrete, glass, steel, brick, is about it. So it's likely many more than 1000 buildings are implicated, and unlikely that self-inspection and "asking Councils to check their data sets", as Fair Trading Minister Matt Kean proposes, will cut it.

Following London's Grenfell inferno, the NSW government promises to audit all buildings and require owners to replace dangerous cladding. But the word in the Building Code of Australia is not inflammable, or fire-resistant, or flame-retardant. The word is non-combustible.

Flammable, inflammable. It's one of those weird English instances of the word and its inverse meaning the same.

The fire-gutted Grenfell Tower in London. Credit:AP

It's also ironic that this same government is so hell-bent on demolishing the Sirius, which as public housing does everything right, including being non-combustible.

We tend to quarantine these issues  this is fire safety, that's social housing. But, like London's other Great Fire of 1666 (which gave us the Sydney terrace house), the June 2017 inferno has changed city-building everywhere, tsunamiing liability-anxiety through the construction industry. Suddenly, building material is no mere technicality with aesthetic and cost implications. It's a significant moral choice.

Moral? Absolutely. It's not just cost versus safety. It's about whose cost (theirs), whose safety (ours) and whose responsibility (anyone, anyone?) In other words, it's about the use and abuse of power. "Social murder," as one headline had it, may be a little strong but, as in war, there's one class of people making the decisions and another class wearing them. So perhaps it is time to ask, whose city is it?

It's not just a single dodgy aluminium-and-polyethylene sandwich-material we're talking about here. Of the thousands of buildings erected across Australia since the '90s that look like they dropped straight out of some ghastly digital world without texture, hormones or weight, many, perhaps most, are clad in materials whose fire behaviour is unguaranteed and essentially unknown. Architects across the country are scuttling for their insurance cover.
The leaked transcript of the January telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull reveals our government's willingness to mislead the public about the inhumane policy of mandatory offshore detention.

There is duplicity in Mr Turnbull's plea to Mr Trump to honour the deal struck last year with then president Barack Obama for the US to take up to 1250 refugees from the appalling camps on Nauru and Papua New Guinea's Manus Island. One of Mr Turnbull's arguments during the increasingly terse 24-minute conversation was that Mr Trump could be seen to honour the agreement without taking a single person. "The obligation is to only go through the [vetting] process," Mr Turnbull stated.

Donald Trump and Malcolm Turnbull meeting earlier this year. Credit:AP

Mr Turnbull said the people in the camps would have been permitted to stay in Australia had they arrived, as most asylum seekers do, by plane and then transgressed their visas. The transcript also reveals that contrary to our government's insistence, the deal was a people swap. Mr Turnbull offered to extend that: "We will take more. We will take anyone that you want us to take."

The transcript, the leaking of which is highly unusual, indicates Mr Turnbull's primary concern is political self-interest, rather than the welfare of people whose mental and physical health has been damaged by being detained, in contravention to international law, for the past four years under a bipartisan policy initiated by the former Labor government.
A majority of voters in six seats held by Liberal MPs who are undecided on marriage equality support same-sex marriage and a free vote in Parliament, new polling shows.

However, Liberal voters in those seats were significantly less inclined to support marriage equality or a parliamentary free vote  concerns MPs will need to weigh ahead of a special party room meeting on Monday.

The ReachTel poll, commissioned by activist group GetUp, examined six seats in Queensland and Western Australia  Hasluck, Moncrieff, Ryan, Stirling, Swan and Tangney  held by Coalition MPs whose position on same-sex marriage is undeclared according to Australian Marriage Equality.

In five of the six seats, more than 50 per cent of voters wanted same-sex marriage to be legalised. In Stirling, a metropolitan seat in Perth held by Justice Minister Michael Keenan, the figure was 48 per cent, with 42 per cent against change and 10 per cent undecided.
Airport workers at Perth and Canberra airports say there are serious security holes made worse by understaffing and cost-cutting.

Passengers have been allowed to wander secure areas, ground staff have been allowed on their own without security checks, staff bags are not being checked properly and trucks are being allowed into secure areas without having their cargo inspected, according to staff.

A "push-truck" at Canberra Airport with a cracked windscreen. Credit:TWU

At the centre of many of the accusations is airport services company Aerocare, which said the claims were part of an "unprecedented campaign of dishonesty and bullying" by Transport Workers Union, which has previously attacked the company over its treatment of workers.

Staff claimed that photos of "push-back" trucks, which are used to tow planes, with badly cracked windshields, and a photo of staff standing on plastic barricades to guide incoming planes showed safety and security were not being taken seriously.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has shrugged off criticism of her decision to dump a $3 billion casino and resort development on the Gold Coast, saying most of the feedback so far had been positive.

The casino's proponent, ASF director Louis Chien, accused the government of backflipping for political gain and warned of the impact the move could have on investor confidence in Queensland.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk: "I want to look at what other levers of government are open for me to apply to stop this dumping of NSW waste." Credit:AAP Image

Ms Palaszczuk, who has spent the week governing from the Gold Coast, told reporters she was not getting a negative reaction from the community.

She said she was not concerned businesses could perceive there was a sovereign risk in investing in Queensland.
In the Lakota tradition, the loss of a loved one leads to a year of mourning.

During that time, grieving relatives dont speak publicly about the person who died.

Its been nearly a year since Sherry Wounded Foot died after being found beaten in Whiteclay.

For her daughter Sandra Graham, its time to talk publicly about her mother. She plans to do so at a Monday event at First-Plymouth Church, 20th and D streets.

The free 7 p.m. event, titled Whiteclay: The Lives Lost, One Year After the Death of Sherry Wounded Foot, will feature a discussion by Winnebago activist Frank LaMere, documentary filmmaker John Maisch and Graham. The event also will pay tribute to Pete Blacksmith, co-star of Maischs documentary "Sober Indian/Dangerous Indian."

One of our priorities is to continue to urge Nebraska and South Dakota law enforcement to solve the unsolved murders of those who have died in Whiteclay, Maisch said.

Wounded Foot was found Aug. 5, severely beaten. She died 12 days later at a Rapid City, South Dakota, hospital.

Sheridan County Attorney Jamian Simmons declined to comment on the ongoing investigation into her death.

Maisch said a year has passed without a single arrest.

Graham said her family has hired an attorney to represent its interest during the investigation.

I feel its time for me to step out of the shadows, said the 32-year-old woman, who lives in Porcupine, South Dakota.

She said she was glad the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission rejected the liquor licenses for the four beer stores in Whiteclay in April. The unincorporated village simply cant handle the violence that occurred there before the beer stores were closed, she said.

She said her mom would sometimes drive to Whiteclay to buy beer but would usually come home immediately afterward. Graham said she doesnt know why her mom stayed longer the day she was beaten.

Wounded Foot was soft-spoken and generous, her oven always running as she cooked for others, Graham said. She would take care of Grahams five children when Graham worked.

What I need is justice, Graham said. My mom deserves that.
Even when you're covering your tracks by opening a new incognito window, your web browsing history might not be as private as you think. Information about what you do online, down to every single URL, can likely be purchased on the web by anyone who wants it. And while in most cases people are making those purchases for marketing reasons, they could choose to use their newfound knowledge maliciously as well.

Svea Eckert, a journalist, teamed up with a data scientist to see exactly what personal internet-user data they could buy. Turns out, the answer is a lot.

Incognito Mode does not make you anonymous.

The duo created a fake marketing company, complete with a fake website and careers page and then set out to purchase information, specifically raw browsing history, under the guise that they needed it to train an AI platform that would revolutionise marketing. They presented the project at DefCon, a hacker's conference in Las Vegas, The Guardian reports.

What they bought was the anonymous browsing history of three million Germans. While a few of them only had a few URLs listed, others had their entire browsing history, porn and all, there to see. The team actually didn't even have to buy it  a data broker gave it to them for free. And while it was supposed to be anonymised, it was easy for them to figure out who some of the users were pretty quickly.
Investors love Big Tech right now for the combination of growth, competitive "moats" and fat profit margins. But would their feelings be so strong if tech giants' margins lose a little plump?

One theme in recent earnings from Apple, Google, Amazon and Facebook was rising costs from changes in strategy or the hunt for their next big businesses. This could be savvy investing in the future. But all four are at or near record stock prices, and investors may be disappointed if they're betting on current levels of profitability persisting.

Apple a bit less flush

Consider Apple. The stock touched an all-time high on Wednesday on the heels of strong results. Apple executives are enthusiastic about prospects for its newest products, and the company continues to swim in profit like few others. But Apple is getting a bit less flush.
Eight-year-old computer prodigy Seth Yee has swapped his home in Singapore for Dandenong North, drawn by a program at a local primary school where students are learning how to build the next Bitcoin.

In what is believed to be a Victorian first, students at Wooranna Park Primary School are being taught how to use the software behind Bitcoin to create their own security-encrypted digital currency.

Eight-year-old Wooranna Park Primary School student Seth Yee and teacher Kieran Nolan with a server that authenticates Blockchain data. Credit:Paul Jeffers

Seth's father, Ray, said the family had searched far and wide to find a school such as Wooranna Park which would stimulate their son, who was building virtual spaceships on a NASA program when he was six.

"I think it is opening up a lot for him," said Mr Yee.
An anti-abortion protester accused of harassing a couple outside a clinic will argue her constitutional right to free speech means her case should be thrown out.

Kathleen Clubb, a mother of 13, is believed to be the first person charged under new safe-zone laws that prohibit protests within 150 metres of abortion clinics.

Kathy Clubb, in glasses, outside the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday Credit:Paul Jeffers

The laws also stop pro-life protesters from making contact with people entering or leaving clinics in a way that could cause distress or anxiety.

Ms Clubb, 51, handed a pamphlet to a couple outside the Fertility Control Clinic in East Melbourne on August 4 last year, and is charged with a single count of communicating about abortions with people accessing an abortion clinic.
A drug-addicted Melbourne man was crying out for help from hospitals in the weeks before he killed his housemate, his lawyer says.

Hugh William Brown, 45, was found guilty in June of murdering his friend, 43-year-old Steven Warlond, at their Port Melbourne unit in June 2016.

Defence lawyer Michael Cahill SC said on Friday that the ice-addicted Brown's "life was in crisis" at the time of the stabbing.

"There were serious attempts by him to get assistance," Mr Cahill told a Supreme Court plea hearing.

"He was reporting serious symptoms. But he was compliant and co-operative, and they discharged him."
Hong Kong: Trinh Xuan Thanh, a high-powered executive in Vietnam, has become the subject of an unusual and mysterious diplomatic spat, with Germany publicly accusing Vietnamese officials of abducting and forcibly returning him to Vietnam.

Thanh, 51, fled the country last year amid accusations of economic mismanagement, ending up in Germany where he applied for asylum. Officials in Berlin were scheduled to hear his case July 24, but he didn't show up.

In Berlin on Wednesday, a spokesman for Germany's Foreign Office, Martin Schaefer, told reporters that there was "no longer any serious doubt" that Vietnamese diplomats and intelligence agents had participated in what he said was Thanh's kidnapping.

The Foreign Office said in a statement that the representative of Vietnam's intelligence agencies in Germany had been declared "persona non grata" and ordered to leave the country within 48 hours.
US Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Credit:AP Mr Sessions said the administration was reviewing policies on forcing journalists to reveal their sources. "One of the things we are doing is reviewing policies affecting media subpoenas," he said. President Donald Trump adjusts his jacket before taking a tour of the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Washington earlier in August. Credit:AP "We respect the important role that the press plays and will give them respect, but it is not unlimited."

His boss, Mr Trump, has repeatedly criticised news outlets and their work as "fake news," and administration officials have criticised the use of anonymous sources, a standard journalistic practice that is also used by the White House to leak information when it is convenient to the administration. A media subpoena is a writ compelling a journalist to testify or produce evidence. "Every American should be concerned about the Trump administration's threat to step up its efforts against whistleblowers and journalists," said Ben Wizner of the American Civil Liberties Union. "A crackdown on leaks is a crackdown on the free press and on democracy as a whole." Mr Sessions said prosecutors had charged four people with leaking or "concealing contacts with federal officers."

It was not immediately clear to which prosecutions he was referring. Only one leak prosecution had been previously known. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein later clarified that only one of those four unauthorised disclosure cases specifically involved a leak to the news media. Mr Trump has complained vociferously about unauthorised disclosures of information, casting the issue as more worthy of attention than the investigation into whether his campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to influence the 2016 election. Mr Sessions, too, has said previously illegal leaks are "extraordinarily damaging to the United States' security" and confirmed that such disclosures were "already resulting in investigations." His work on the matter, though, has apparently not been to the President's satisfaction. Last week, Mr Trump wrote on Twitter that his attorney general had taken a "VERY weak position" on "Intel leakers."

Leak cases are difficult to prove and prosecute, and they almost always come with political controversy  especially when the leaks involve providing information to reporters that is arguably in the public interest. Attorney General Eric Holder issued new guidelines in 2015 to the department's policy on obtaining information from members of the news media, after his Department of Justice came under fire for the tactics prosecutors used in bringing such cases. The Obama administration had taken an especially aggressive stance on leaks. Prosecutors in the Obama era brought nine such cases, more than during all previous administration combined, and in the process, called a reporter a criminal "co-conspirator," and secretly went after reporters' phone records in a bid to identify reporters' sources. Prosecutors in the Obama administration also sought to compel a reporter to testify and identify a source, though they ultimately backed down from that effort. Mr Sessions said the Justice Department must "balance the press' role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in the intelligence community, the armed services and all law abiding Americans."

So far, the Justice Department under Sessions has publicly announced charges in just one leak case. Reality Leigh Winner, a 25-year-old government contractor, was charged in June with mishandling classified information after authorities said she gave a top-secret National Security Agency document to a news organisation. Mr Trump's presidency has been dogged by a steady stream of information provided to reporters by anonymous sources, though not all of those have involved classified information and many of the disclosures were likely not illegal. Mr Trump, for example, has complained that former FBI director James Comey's decision to engineer a leak of information about a conversation he had with the President was "illegal," when legal analysts say that is not likely the case. Mr Comey has conceded publicly that he told a friend to give a reporter information about his recollection of the President's request that he shut down the bureau's probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. But he said he did not share classified material.
Copenhagen: Prince Henrik of Denmark has been married to the country's queen for 50 years, and he has been carrying a grudge the whole time. Now, in an act of protest, he says he no longer wishes to be buried by her side, the Royal Danish House announced Thursday.

Behind the decision lies decades of frustration over what he sees as unequal treatment.

Danish Prince Henrik "loves his wife, but has difficulties with the queen as an institution". Credit:AP

Henrik, now 83, married Queen Margrethe II in 1967, and was later bestowed with the title of the queen's prince consort. But what he really wanted was to be king - or in this case "king consort."

"It is no secret that the prince for many years has been unhappy with his role and the title he has been awarded in the Danish monarchy," the Royal Danish House's director of communications, Lene Balleby, told the tabloid newspaper BT. "This discontent has grown more and more in recent years."
Rwandans start to vote in a polling station in Rwanda's capital Kigali on Friday. Credit:AP Still, the election in Rwanda stands in stark contrast with what is happening in nearby Kenya, where citizens are set to vote next week after vibrant campaigning by candidates. In Rwanda, a history of political repression and attacks on dissidents "stifles political debate and makes those who might speak out think twice before taking the risk," Amnesty International wrote recently in a report. David Himbara, who was Kagame's economic adviser until 2010, when the two men had a falling out, has accused authorities of manipulating statistics to make Rwanda appear wealthier and more advanced than it really is. Rwanda has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, expanding by eight per cent annually, according to the World Bank. But it is still very poor: More than half of the population lives on less than $US1.25 a day. "He says he has built an economic lion, when Rwanda is a midget in the region," Himbara said.

Although Kagame has sought to compare himself with strong leaders in Asia who transformed their economies, "in Rwanda's case, you have the suppression of human rights that is not delivering economic development," Himbara asserted. "That trade-off is not working." Despite the criticism, Rwanda has made spectacular strides under Kagame, who is known to be cerebral and introverted, since he led rebel forces into Kigali, the capital, in 1994 to oust the Hutu-led government after a three-month rampage in which more than 800,000 Tutsis were massacred. Twenty-three years later, the country is a darling of international donors, praised for its advances in health care and education, as well as for improving the rights of women, who make up a majority of the Cabinet and parliament. Although Rwanda is still poor, lives have improved significantly since the genocide. There is an emerging tech hub in Kigali. Streets are clean. Kagame has banned plastic bags. The government says the poverty rate dropped to less than 40 per cent in 2014 from nearly 57 per cent in 2006, a remarkable feat compared with the situation in some of Rwanda's neighbours, like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, which is still plagued by Tutsi-Hutu violence. The authorities in Rwanda are aiming to transform it into a middle-income country, along the lines of Kenya or Indonesia, by 2020.

More than a third of government revenue comes from foreign aid, but Kagame has been hailed by much of the world's elite as a "visionary" (former US President Bill Clinton) and "among the greatest leaders of our time" (Bill Gates), for using that assistance well. At the same time, analysts and those who know Kagame personally say that he has not groomed a successor, nor put in place a system that would ensure that Rwanda's advances outlast him. Opposition activists and journalists, who have accused Kagame of running a "police state," are routinely jailed. Dissidents have been assassinated, even abroad, according to human rights groups. Kagame's former intelligence chief, Patrick Karegeya, who was a friend of the president's but became one of his fiercest critics, was killed in South Africa in 2014. Naked pictures of Rwigara, a 35-year old opposition candidate and a trained accountant, appeared online just days after she announced her candidacy against Kagame. The National Electoral Commission eventually disqualified her over irregularities involving the signatures needed to run. Rwanda, she said in a recent interview with The Guardian, "is like a pretty girl with a lot of makeup, but the inside is dark and dirty."

Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at Brookings Institution and the director of the research organisation Africa Security Initiative, said that a country's leadership should not change just for change's sake. "But the danger of perpetuating a one-man rule," he said, "is - what will happen when he is gone?" Part of the reason Kagame appears so unwilling to let go is that building Rwanda is his life's work, said Stephen Kinzer, author of A Thousand Hills, a biography of the Rwandan president. "He is convinced that there is much more to do, and that at this point, he is the best person to do it," Kinzer said. "I find difficult to imagine him shrugging his shoulders and walking away and saying, 'I'll leave it to the next guy'." Kinzer recalled a conversation he had with a Rwandan. "In Africa," the man told him, "the moment it becomes clear who the next person is, you're finished." In the absence of a successor, O'Hanlon said, the president needs to create a political system that will promote institutional stability, and a multi-party system to lessen the probability of another genocide. Lee, the former Singapore leader whom many are quick to compare Kagame to, took the title of minister mentor toward the end of his career, part of an effort to at least try "to figure out a way to pass over power".
Other Side of 50 Falls can be serious for older adults; take precautions

For weeks, friends and neighbors worked on planning a surprise block party for my friend Margarets 90th birthday. On the big day, over 50 people showed up with food, drink and gifts to celebrate. Several of the neighbors who attended...

Walk supports breast cancer research The fifth annual Walk 3to9 2022 Breast Cancer Charity Walk to benefit the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research will take place at 8 a.m. Sun., Nov. 20 at Memorial Field on the Cal Lutheran University campus, Thousand...

Honoring the helpers Awards recognize those who support autism community

Thirteen community members and providers were recognized for their resilience, passion and heart at the 2022 Awesome in Autism Awards ceremony. The 14th annual event, hosted by Autism Society Ventura County, was held Oct. 20 at Wood Ranch Golf Club...

Go purple to support those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer November is the busiest month of the year for cancer awareness campaigns. Im going to focus on one of thempancreatic cancer because its a type weve seen a noticeable rise in over the last few years. And because it remains...
Steve Grasz, an Omaha attorney who served as chief deputy attorney general for Nebraska from 1991 to 2002, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.

Grasz was recommended for the post by Nebraska Sens. Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse.

Gov. Pete Ricketts praised the selection of Grasz, who is senior counsel at Husch Blackwell LLP in Omaha.

Grasz would succeed 8th Circuit Chief Judge William Jay Riley, who has announced plans to retire from active service.

In a joint announcement, Fischer and Sasse praised Grasz.

"Steve has sterling credentials and impressive experience," Fischer said. "His cases have been before the highest courts in Nebraska and our nation.

"Moreover, Steve's temperament, integrity and character are absolutely superb," she said.

Sasse described Grasz as "a by-the-book kind of guy" and said "that's exactly what the 8th Circuit needs.

"As a constitutionalist, he knows that a judge's job isn't to make up laws, but to apply them fairly to the facts," Sasse said.

The nomination will be considered at a public hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee before the committee decides whether to submit it to the floor of the Senate for a confirmation vote.

Sasse is a member of the committee.

Ricketts praised the nomination, describing Grasz as "one of the top constitutional law lawyers in our state" and a man who is "widely held in very high regard for his respect of the law and his thoughtful and fair-minded approach to issues."

Grasz has been legal counsel for Pete Ricketts for Governor, formerly served as general counsel for the Nebraska Republican Party and was legal counsel for Nebraskans for the Death Penalty. He has been an advisory board member of Gambling with the Good Life, which opposes expansion of gambling in Nebraska.

Grasz received his law degree from the University of Nebraska and lives in Elkhorn.
A review of the operations of the Nebraska State Patrol, released Thursday by Gov. Pete Ricketts, showed that fired Superintendent Brad Rice inappropriately interfered with internal affairs investigations at least four times.

He also violated the agency's workplace harassment and equal opportunity policy and had an "unduly familiar" relationship with the State Patrol union.

Rice, who was appointed by Ricketts in 2015, was fired last month and investigation findings turned over to federal law enforcement.

The review of operations, conducted by Jason Jackson, the state's chief human resources officer, was prompted by a number of concerns raised about the leadership, polices, procedures, training and other issues that impacted operations of the patrol, Jackson said.

The review found that the conduct of State Patrol command during two internal investigations of use-of-force incidents could have been dishonest and a dereliction of duty.

Those cases involved conflicting accounts by leaders of a tactical vehicle intervention on Oct. 3 in which the driver of a car being pursued after running a stop sign died after a blow to the car by a trooper's vehicle.

Rice directly interfered in another case involving use of lethal force, the report said, when a person passively resisting a trooper was struck with a rifle butt to the head. Rice is said to have downplayed its significance and was not interested in a criminal inquiry into trooper misconduct. He also directed that an investigation into dishonesty by the trooper involved not be pursued.

All investigations during Rice's tenure have been reviewed and flagged if similar patterns were identified.

Jackson also looked into a state trooper who was alleged to have stolen patrol ammunition, and the failure of the patrol to distribute protective vests on a timely basis.

The report also noted that the patrol failed to notify the state Crime Commission when officers were terminated for wrongful conduct, and at least some of those officers could have been hired by other law enforcement agencies as a result.

Patrol administration identified 12 cases that occurred over the past 10 years that should have resulted in a certification review but for the Patrol's failure to notify the Crime Commission of the officer misconduct.

It should be standard operating procedure, the report said, to complete an investigation into impropriety even if the officer resigns rather than being fired.

The report also said Rice learned in February of a workplace complaint that had originated in September 2014 involving inappropriate pre-employment medical screening of female applicants. Rice failed to exhibit leadership by correcting the agency's inaction. The patrol failed to document the complaint, any investigative findings, or follow through with updates for the person complaining, according to the review.

The report said Rice violated the chain of command with a professional relationship he allegedly had with union President Sgt. Brian Petersen. The patrol's code of conduct limits those relationships that give rise to actual or perceived conflicts of interest or create an adverse impact on supervision, safety and morale.

The report said Rice and Petersen appeared to violate union contract grievance procedures and undermined chain of command by giving the appearance that union leadership was driving operational and disciplinary decision-making.

In response, Petersen said he and the union were completely opposed to Rice's selection as patrol superintendent, and he had no entrusted relationship with Rice.

The union knew there were breaches in ethics that occurred over and over again within the field that it tried to address, but that weren't taken seriously. Petersen said he reached out to the governor's chief of staff to talk about the issues, but the chief of staff would go to Rice, who would debunk it, and the governor's office would take his word.

The accusations in the report regarding the union look like damage control, using the union as a conduit of escape, Petersen said. It's the opposite of the truth.

"I'm just beside myself with disappointment," Petersen said.

The review contains a long list of recommendations for the patrol, including revising the patrol's sexual harassment policy to address non-sworn employees and third-party agents. The policy should be corrected to shift the burden from the victim, and training should be done for leaders, the recommendation said.

Also, the command practice of discouraging reporting allegations of impropriety to human resources should be immediately discontinued. Allegations should be judged independent of the internal affairs process, the report said.

During Thursday's news conference, Ricketts thanked troopers and patrol employees for their service to the state.

He said he would not answer questions about the search for a replacement for Rice.

Major Russ Stanczyk, acting patrol superintendent, issued this statement: As we pledged at the outset of Mr. Jacksons review, NSP personnel have cooperated fully in an effort to improve our agency. We welcome the findings and, based on conversations throughout the process, have already begun to implement some of the recommendations."
MADISON  A former Norfolk student teacher accused of changing a student's grade in exchange for explicit photos of her has been sentenced to six months in jail.

Sean Neal, 24, of Wayne was sentenced Thursday in Madison County Court. Neal had pleaded no contest in June to attempted contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor.

Prosecutors said Neal had raised the grade the same day the 14-year-old Norfolk High School freshman sent the photos. She reported the incident to school officials within a day or two.
Funeral services for a 63-year-old Navasota man who was found dead Monday morning are scheduled for Saturday.

Pankie Freeman, a Navasota native, is remembered in his obituary as a man who went out of his way to help others and took care of his family. Visitation will be First Baptist Church of Navasota from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight, with services at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Holland Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will be in St. Holland Church Cemetery under the direction of Lindley Robertson Holt Funeral Home in Navasota.

Freeman was found after a health care provider who came to his home on West Virginia Street just after 7 a.m. notified authorities when he did not answer the door as he usually did. According to a police report, authorities noticed a glass panel on a door had been smashed, which allowed entry to the kitchen. Authorities found blood tracked throughout the house.

Freeman was found in his bedroom. Police believe he had been hit with a blunt object.

Authorities tracked down 35-year-old Romeka Jewel Conley -- who lives in Freeman's house -- at a Navasota grocery store on Monday. According to a police report, Conley told police as soon as she was approached that she killed Freeman. After she was read her Miranda rights, police say Conley repeated that she had beaten Freeman until he died, saying he had "gotten out of line."

The report states that Conley told police "It was me, Romeka Conley. No one else went in the house."

Brazos County court records show Conley has been arrested locally. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2002 on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, records state. Her other arrests were for traffic violations and various warrants.

Born in 1954, Freeman was the eighth of 13 children and an active member of First Baptist Church of Navasota.

His obituary states he attended Navasota schools and eventually moved to Houston, where he worked for the University of Houston's food services. Freeman, who never married and had no children, also worked for several steel companies before he was injured and became disabled. He was a longtime member of St. Holland Missionary Baptist Church and in recent years had been attending First Baptist Church. He is survived by seven sisters, an uncle, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
June 10,1917 - August 1, 2017

After celebrating her 100th birthday in June, 2017, Ruth Lynch Alexander passed away on August 1, 2017.

She was born June 10th, 1917, in Edmond, Ok, to Marion Eldridge Lynch and Alberta Wildman Lynch. After completing high school in Edmond, she married Paul M. Alexander of Buffalo, MO. Together they attended University of Missouri, each earning a degree in geology in 1939. They then traveled widely in the United States with a Conoco Oil Company seismograph party during which time their two sons, Paul and Philip, were born. The family then settled in Conroe, Tx, where both sons graduated high school. For almost 30 years she was the secretary at the First Methodist Church in Conroe.

She resettled in Bryan in 1975, and became the administrative secretary at the Texas A&M School of Medicine until her retirement in 1989. She was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church of Bryan.

She is survived by her two sons and their spouses, Paul and Leone Alexander of Hendersonville, NC, and Philip and Beverly Alexander of Bryan, TX. Also surviving her are four grandchildren, Clifford and Carlton Alexander of Minnesota and North Carolina, and Julie and Mark Alexander of Austin, TX, as well as five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ruth's memory to the First United Methodist Church of Bryan.

Please share memories of Ruth at www.hillierfuneralhome.com
It is tempting to bask in the daily dose of palace intrigue these days at the Trump White House, but the running narratives of who reports to whom ultimately are not important. What matters is the path forward for the presidents agenda, and whether it is helped or hindered by the ever-changing cast of characters.

Change itself usually is not helpful. The ideal is to see a team selected, then watch it harmoniously coalesce on a smooth, sure path toward its goals.

Thats not this presidency. But in fairness, thats not any presidency. Every administration has its sharp-elbowed infighting; this one simply has a special talent for putting it in a display window.

Amid turnover of this dizzying pace, the first question is: Are we upgrading at every position?

Sean Spicer to Sarah Huckabee Sanders as press secretary? Yes. Reince Priebus to John Kelly as Chief of Staff? Yes. Anthony Scaramucci to his successor as communications director? Without even knowing that successor yet? Yes.

Scaramuccis arrival and exit both warrant examination. His arrival showed Donald Trumps desire to work with people who resemble him. His departure shows Trumps unwillingness to work with people who embarrass him.

This is where the Trump haters step up to suggest theres irony in someone as brash as Trump possibly being embarrassed by the language of anyone in his sphere. But no Trump tweet or other public comment comes close to the reckless, inexplicable idiocy of Scaramuccis vulgar rant to a New Yorker reporter. The president likes fighters, but will not tolerate underlings who mortify critics and supporters alike for no reason.

So does the arrival of a retired Marine general as chief of staff bring instant discipline? It brought Scaramuccis instant departure and delivered an instant message. From here on out, its anybodys guess. Kelly almost surely will enforce a certain decorum among the ranks, but do not expect him to constrain the instincts of his boss.

Nor should he. The Trump tweets are the engine that inspires and delights his base, even as enemies float withering tales of Russia collusion.

But even the most loyal portions of that base are eager to see some actual results. The Obamacare repeal failure has not been his fault, and there is no doubt that the half-year of Trump has ushered in an America that feels very different in terms of borders, the economy, energy and various social issues, just for starters. Those changes have been welcomed by the vast majority of voters who sought exactly this type of change.

But as John Kelly plugs in to whip the troops into shape toward goals such as tax reduction and regulatory reform, history observes that chiefs of staff are rarely famous and rarely long-serving; Barack Obama had four in his first term. The best evidence that Kelly is doing his job will be how seldom he appears in the headlines.

That will be a challenge in a carnivorous media environment that will obsess at the slightest whiff of a West Wing soap opera. The best thing Kelly can do is enforce message discipline around the Oval Office while the man inside figures out what his daily or hourly passions are.

At no point will this come to resemble a White House akin to what any of Trumps 2016 rivals might have rolled out. At no point will it resemble any White House, ever.

John Kelly is a welcome asset who can be of great value, but the direction of the Trump administration will not be dictated by anyone but the president himself.

Mark Davis is a radio host in north Texas and a frequent columnist for The Dallas Morning News. Email him at markdavisshow@gmail.com.
Zach Pluhacek's article (Alcohol sales boom in area, July 28) vindicates the opponents of four beer stores in Whiteclay that annually sold 3.5 million cans of alcohol. Sales in local towns have increased, but the overall sale of alcohol to the area is down over 11 percent.

But the success of Whiteclay cannot be judged by the mere calculation of how much alcohol is sold. The back story is that crime is down.

Police logs compared to last year at the same time show trips to Whiteclay are nil except for routine patrols. According to Sheridan County officials, 20 percent of the law enforcement budget was being absorbed by Whiteclay lawlessness -- a $340,000 price tag despite Whiteclay's tax revenue of only $3,225. It's a windfall benefit to Sheridan County taxpayers.

Rushville's mayor admitted that no one has been cited for violating its new ordinance against vagrancy, violence and drunken behavior. And county officials acknowledged there have not been the accidents on Highway 87 everyone feared.

Better yet, there are not any reports of ambulances going to Whiteclay from Pine Ridge. There are no longer bodies lining the streets. Several residents of Whiteclay have reported a "surreal peace," and the business climate is booming with a sense of Nebraska pride.

Most importantly there have not been any murders or rapes reported to date. On Aug. 5, 2016, Sherry Wounded Foot was beaten unconscious in Whiteclay and later died in a Pine Ridge hospital. Her murder is under investigation.

It does not take a reasonable person very long to conclude because of what the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission did April 24, Pine Ridge residents and Nebraska taxpayers are better off without the lawlessness that was attributed to four beer stores selling 3.5 million cans of alcohol.

I hope the Supreme Court will conclude the same thing Aug. 29.

Alan Jacobsen, Denton
The saving of America, day one, began at 9:30 a.m. Monday in the Oval Office.

Retired four-star Marine General John Kelly, just six months into his first post-military tour of duty, relinquished his Homeland Security secretary title, raised his right hand and officially was sworn into his new job as President Donald Trumps chief of staff.

It was a compact ceremony, witnessed by a handful of attendees who included a glum-faced Anthony Scaramucci, who seemed nothing like his famously swaggering self. Trumps hand-picked, brand-new communications director had just spent the weekend making himself Team Trumps most famously outspoken (see also: famously obscene) newsmaker. Now Scaramucci was un-ceremonially sandwiched between journalists holding boom mics and so busy they actually were ignoring him. But not for long.

Just hours later, Scaramucci was huge news again. Suddenly, the man known on Wall Street as The Mooch, was back on the street  fired. And Washingtons journalists were scrambling to get the scoop: Who mooched The Mooch?

Gen. Kelly quickly had captured the high ground  and those who long have known and admired Kelly instantly understood why. Surely Scaramuccis foul-mouthed, judgment-impaired self-promoting ways would violate everything Kelly has stood for and everything he needs to impose order in the West Wing. Trump, who reportedly initially loved Scaramuccis foul tirade against former chief of staff Reince Priebus and counselor Stephen Bannon, had no choice but to validate Kellys first decision. In an instant, the general made sure his message was understood by all under his command.

Those who know Kelly well understand why he turned down Trumps earlier efforts to get him to accept this top White House job. They know Kelly disapproved of things Trump had done. It was more than just the crude things. When Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, Kelly reportedly considered resigning.

Kellys admirers are convinced he now took the job because America and the world have plunged into heightened volatility. North Korea poses a genuine nuclear threat. Russia has recycled its Cold War hostilities. The Republican Congress has gridlocked itself. Kelly concluded he couldnt turn his back on his country now.

Yet in his first week on the job, Trumps top general has witnessed some problematic things that may be beyond his ability to resolve.

For instance, Trump lies. He lies about things large and small, as if he cannot help himself. This week, Kelly learned from media reports that it was Trump who insisted his son Donald Jr. reject transparency and issue his initially deceptive description of his transition meeting in Trump Tower with a government-linked Russian lawyer. So Donald Jr.s first report omitted saying hed been promised hed get Russian government material damaging to Democratic 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. And he conveniently didnt mention Trumps son-in-law and campaign manager attending the meeting.

Also this week, Kelly discovered that spokespeople for both Mexicos president and the head of Americas Boy Scouts separately were denying Trumps boasts that both men had phoned Trump to praise him. Trump had said Mexicos president praised him for reducing Mexican immigration; and that the Scouts head praised his speech as great. Spokespeople for both said there were no phone calls at all. The Scouts organization actually apologized because Trumps talk was improperly political  something presidents never have done.

Kelly also may have a better understanding that his greatest future problem may stem from a concern he has tried not to dwell on  but which may plunge the president into a future crisis: The general who spent his last six months securing Americas homeland knows his commander in chief remains unwilling to admit Russia launched cyberattacks on Americas homeland in 2016  and that U.S. intelligence chiefs agree President Vladimir Putin gave the order. Yet Trump still sometimes voices doubts that Putin or Russia were behind the campaign leaks of stolen emails in a bid to help Trump defeat Clinton. (Im convinced Trump would have won without Russias help; but unlike Trump, I accept the conclusions of the CIA, NSA, FBI and national intelligence director.)

Having captured the high ground, the general may find himself surrounded by quicksand. Kelly soon may realize his biggest problem may begin with the reason behind Trumps sleepless, reckless 4 a.m. tweeting. Trump is making himself appear obsessed with the possibility that Special Counsel Robert Muellers probe may extend into decades of investments by Russian oligarchs into Trump real estate ventures. It could lead to questions of possible conflicts of interest and perhaps the laundering of money from questionable Russian sources.

Kelly soon may wonder if his decision to fulfill his patriotic duty to his country has landed him in a leading role in Mission Impossible.

Martin Schram, an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service, is a veteran Washington journalist, author and TV documentary executive. Email him at martin.schram@gmail.com.
Feathers and fur have adorned the fashions of the human race for as long as we've existed. A sign of power, status, wealth, and worn for any number of religious and cultural reasons, fur for so long has been accepted in cultures across the globe.

Worn on state visits and for ceremonial dress, both the Pope and the Queen have been pictured wearing mink and other furs; Native Indians wore feathers in their headdresses and the Edwardians wore hummingbirds in their hats.

But we're not, as the Edwardians were, killing rare and beautiful animals for study, and we're not having to wear fur for a lack of alternative clothing, so why are we still, in the 21st century, allowing unnecessary cruelty to animals for the sake of fashion?

The debate on the ethics of fur rages on and at the fourth annual summer school of the Oxford School for Animal Ethics, campaigners, academics, theologians, barristers and scientists came together to speak on the multi-faceted topic of animal fur and the ethics surrounding it.

The need for this forum is because the fur market continues to thrive - largely driven by the "couture" fashion houses who continue to fuel the demand for "luxury" items.

A quick Google search shows you can buy a chinchilla fur coat from Dior, setting you back in excess of 10,000 and you can buy a fox fur pom-pom from Fendi for around 300.

There are still consumers who want to wear beautiful animal furs, but lambasting the wearer with offensive slogans and throwing paint over those who choose to buy fur products is no longer an effective way to demonstrate the need to stop this cruel practice.

Of the five models who posed naked in the original 1994 "I'd rather go naked than wear fur" campaign ad for the charity PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), four have since worn fur, with Naomi Campbell regularly snapped wearing it.

Mink, rabbit, lynx, chinchilla, fox, dog and cat and even hamster fur is all used in the fashion industry, and 85% per cent of that fur is farmed.

But ending this is not about trying to change fashions, rather about education and creating a shift in culture.

In the paper delivered by Dr Savithri Bartlett, Senior Lecturer University of Winchester, and Professor Noel Sweeney, Visiting Professor, University of Winchester, entitled Animals Do Not Have an Artificial Personality the idea of animals having rights is explored.

We have the Human Rights Act, the Animal Welfare Act, but at present no Animal Rights Act.

Strange then, they argue, that we allow robots to be given artificial personalities, and even a river in New Zealand, (Whanganui River), which now has its own legal identity giving the same rights as humans owing to its significance to the Maori people.

As soon as animals are given their own rights, an artificial personality, we will no longer be able to persecute, to control, or to use them for our own means.
Professor Thomas Mitchell has named interim dean of Texas A&M law as the school conducts a nationwide search to replace Andrew Morris. Morris is now the founding dean of the School of Innovation and vice president for entrepreneurship and economic development at the university. Mitchell holds a JD from Howard University Law.
More than two dozen Nebraska state parks and recreation areas are along the eclipse path, and many are hosting special events for the eclipse: Mormon Island State Recreation Area, Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, Indian Cave State Park, Windmill State Recreation Area, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, Niobrara State Park, Lake Minatare State Recreation Area and Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area.

Events planned in state parks:

Movie at the Outdoor Amphitheater

Aug. 18

Indian Cave State Park

Get ready for the solar eclipse by viewing an eclipse-related movie outdoors.

Fun-filled Weekend at Indian Cave State Park

Aug. 18-20

Indian Cave State Park

As you wait for the solar eclipse on Monday, enjoy a fun weekend at Indian Cave with living history, horse trail rides, a buffalo stew cookout, a presentation by Matthew Sitting Bear Jones, and an eclipse-related movie at the outdoor amphitheater.

Gear up for the Great American Solar Eclipse

Aug. 19

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area

Learn more about the spectacular sight of the solar eclipse that youll be seeing on Monday, including how to view it safely.

Mathew Sitting Bear Jones  Solar Storytelling

Aug. 19

Indian Cave State Park

Join us for a spectacular storytelling by Mathew Jones, a Kiowa/Otoe-Missouria Indian of Oklahoma entitled The Night Sky-Americas Total Solar Eclipse.

Solar Eclipse Weekend: Horse Trail Rides/Cookout

Aug. 19

Indian Cave State Park

Spend a day getting hyped for the solar eclipse with tons of activities! Ride trails by horse, see history come to life, enjoy a buffalo stew cookout and more!

Pre-Solar Eclipse Party

Aug. 19

Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area

Enjoy food, a solar eclipse presentation, and a star party with a local amateur astronomer.

Stargazing: The Night Before

Aug. 19

Windmill State Recreation Area

Come and view the Perseid meteor shower, stargaze and explore the night skies with a telescope. Guests are also invited to make their own constellation to take home with them.

The Great American Solar Eclipse

Aug. 20

Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area

Hear from University of Nebraska physics professor Gregory Snow as he explains, in simple terms, what causes a solar eclipse, as well as other interesting facts about this rare and exciting astronomical event.

Look Up, Look Around: Citizen Science Encounter

Aug. 21

Mormon Island State Recreation Area

Help scientists better understand the behavior of animals during an eclipse by recording your observations in a diary.

Solar Eclipse

Aug. 21

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

Join us at the park to view the eclipse. Enjoy plant journaling and Citizen Science activities  gathering wildlife data for scientists to use.

Solar Eclipse

Aug. 21

Indian Cave State Park

Join us at the park to view the eclipse. Solar eclipse glasses will be distributed.

2017 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing

Aug. 21

Windmill State Recreation Area

Meet at the Nature Trail entrance to view the eclipse afield. A limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available.

Solar Eclipse Scavenger Hunt

Aug. 21

Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park

Join us to view the eclipse and go on an eclipse-related scavenger hunt!

Solar Eclipse

Aug. 21

Niobrara State Park

The park will be hosting a viewing of NASAs live streaming of the eclipse from Carbondale, Illinois, on a television in the Niobrara Group Lodge. You can also view a partial eclipse from the Lodge platform.

Solar Eclipse

Aug. 21

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area

View the eclipse from the Lighthouse, and enjoy educational programs throughout the morning.

Eclipse Viewing Party

Aug. 21

Smith Lake WMA

The Rushville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an Eclipse viewing party at Smith Lake, join them for food and festivities!
Have you ever tried to tell a whole story in 140 characters or less? That's how short a tweet on Twitter must be (with recent changes) if you want to leave room for others to share and comment.

Related: Without Twitter's 140 Character Limit Brevity Is No Longer the Soul of Wit

Now, I have no problem speaking for an hour with zero preparation, and when I do, I get rave reviews from audiences. But when I delivered a 15 minute TEDx talk, I spent two months preparing and still didn't deliver as well as I'd wanted. Delivering an effective message that will influence others in 140 characters is tough work. This is especially true when the products and services you offer are complicated. Take business accounting services, for example.

"Accounting is not known for its simplicity," Brad Hanks, VP of growth at accounting software startup, ZipBooks, told me. "Debits and credits can get messy, and content marketing is hard to master in general, let alone when [you're] trying to reach potential clients on Twitter."

For those of you trying to shrink your tweets, or tighten any other writing you do, here are some tips to help you get your point across in short order.

1. Say it once.

Redundancy in writing is a common problem, but it's easy to fix. Here's an example:

Original tweet: We put your data in the cloud, so you can access it online whenever you want.

Revised tweet: We put your data in the cloud, so you can access it whenever you want.

Comment: We already know the cloud is online, so remove "online" to conserve precious characters.

Related: Twitter Might Be Expanding Its 140 Character Limit - Sort Of

2. Get to the point.

Simplicity keeps your sentences short and clear. Here's how the former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, tweeted his support of the Paris Agreement.

Original tweet: So much for the idea that protecting the environment kills jobs. CA leads in job growth, pumping up the US economy.

Comment: For someone nicknamed "The Terminator,, this goes on far too long. He could have gotten the same point across faster and better:

Revised tweet: Protecting the environment creates job. CA leads growth in jobs AND regulations.

3. Get rid of intensifiers.

Adverbial intensifiers, like "very," add emphasis to an adjective. Stephen King (whose book On Writing is a must-read for writers, even if you don't like anything else King has written) said, "The road to hell is paved with adjectives," so let's get rid of those as well while we're at it. I admire the work of expert writer Darren Rowse over at @problogger, so I dug through Rowse's Twitter feed to test a hypothesis. As I suspected there was not an intensifier to be found.

4. Cut filler words.

Including such phrases as "it is," "there are," etc., adds no meaning. See how a small tweak can jazz up a tweet from @SteveKrak (formerly of CNN and TheBlaze):

Original tweet: BREAKING: Comey statement confirms whatever it is you personally believed about President Trump before the statement was released.

Revised tweet: BREAKING: Comey statement confirms what you believed about President Trump before the statement was released.

William Zinsser, the author of On Writing Well, wrote, "Look for the clutter in your writing and prune it ruthlessly. Be grateful for everything you can throw away."

5. Don't "think," don't "believe." Just say it.

Avoid phrases like "I think," "I believe," etc. These words are unnecessary. If you're saying it, people assume that you've thought about it and that you believe it, unless, of course, you're a politician.

6. Stay active.

Active voice keeps your tweets short and sweet because it's clear right away who's doing what. Keeping verbs active is a great way to communicate the same amount of information with fewer characters.

Original tweet: Customers with questions can be helped by Mary.

Revised tweet: Mary can help customers with questions.

In the second version, Mary is actively helping customers with questions. Mary is active. So, be like Mary.

7. Use contraction subtraction.

Even if you save only a couple of characters by using contractions, you'll have that much more room to respond and retweet your tweets. If it fits your brand, you can also use shorteners, like "w/" instead of "with" and "&" instead of "and."

Original tweet: The Cleveland Cavaliers are not out of the running yet!

Revised tweet: The Cleveland Cavaliers aren't out of the running yet!

Related: 10 Quick Tips for Better Business Writing

If you want to have an outsized influence on others, learn to be concise. Albert Einstein said, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." Brevity is difficult, yet with the limited space on social media, it's more important than ever that you hook your audience in the few seconds -- and characters -- you have.

Related:

Why is it too Early to Write off Prashant Kishor's Charisma

Having Trouble Saying What You Want to Say? 7 Ways to Cut Your Twitter Characters.

Discovery Responds To Tweeters Who Are Pissed That Michael Phelps Wasn't Eaten By a Shark



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


NORWALK  While investigating an accident on Main Street Thursday evening, a Norwalk police cruiser was sideswiped by a van, which then took off.

At around 5:30 p.m. the officer was outside of the car at an accident scene at Main and Broad streets when police say a female who was driving a U-Haul cargo van made contact with the police car and continued driving.
Andrew Brophy / Hearst Connecticut Media file

NORWALK  As the sixth-year anniversary of the unsolved murders of Iroquois Alston and Rackita Smalls approaches, police are reminding potential witnesses about a $50,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of those responsible for the deaths.

Smalls, 22, and Alston, 27, were found shot dead in a black Honda sedan on Avenue B in the early morning hours of Aug. 6, 2011.
The appeal small businesses have often stems from a strong company culture. When a team is smaller, all levels of the organization are typically closer and engaged with one another on a daily basis.

Related: The 153 Best Company Cultures in America (and What You Can Learn From Them)

Consider the experience of Sam Malouf and his wife, Kacie: When they started their bedding company, Malouf, in Logan, Utah, they had a small team. And each day, Sam told me, that small team would have lunch together.

"That was a good way to generate ideas and fix problems," he wrote in an email. "As more employees came on board, that time we shared helped everyone get to know about each other's families and interests."

Today, with more than 200 employees, the company is still keeping this tradition alive and still maintains that small business feel by having a culinary team cook lunch for everyone each day. "I think a lot of businesses would see that as cost prohibitive for a staff that big," Malouf continued. "But, lunch together has been a great way to talk and learn about other people's ideas since the beginning."

Here are more ways employers can keep their company culture alive as they grow:

1. Function like a family.

When teams start out together, they begin to feel like family. This is something Deborah Sweeney holds on to. Sweeney is the owner and CEO of MyCorporation, a leading provider of online document-filing services, based out of Calabasas, Calif., that helps clients form a corporation or limited liability company.

Related: Company Culture Comes From Good Leadership

As her small team grew to more than 50 employees, she shared, she strived to keep the family spirit alive. "We work with so many startups that the startup mentality has rubbed off on us," Sweeney wrote by email. "We literally dance around the office to pass out paychecks on Fridays."

The fun goes beyond payday. Employees also engage in a variety of team activities. "We go on field trips; we do live talent shows starring our team members and we hold a potluck for pretty much any occasion," she wrote. "Most of all, we treat one another with kindness and encourage each other to contribute. This allows us to focus on the big picture and work hard, but also enjoy those work days, too."

Despite the company's expansion over the course of six years, everyone still feels close and connected.

2. Keep executives accessible.

A major appeal for employees in a small company culture is accessibility: Employees and senior leadership are able to see each other more and communicate better. But an unfortunate side effect of growth is that executives become more distant.

Power Digital Marketing, an online marketing agency based out of San Diego, Calif., grew from 12 employees in 2014 to 45 employees this year. But CEO Grayson Lafrenz is well versed in keeping a strong company culture alive.

"Everything we do is very intentional, with each employee's happiness and well-being as our number one priority," he said via email. "For example, each month, our team holds personal one-on-one meetings between executive team members and junior and newer team members. This ensures that everyone feels like a priority and that their voice is heard. It also deepens the bonds and relationships between our team members."

These intimate sit-downs show the company cares about making its employees feel valued. Team meetings help maintain a stronger rapport among all levels of the organization, no matter their size.

3. Pay attention to feedback.

A small company setting enables employees to regularly provide feedback. That way, management responds and takes action to suit the team's needs. Unfortunately, however, growing organizations may lose this sense of staying "in touch," in which case employee feedback falls on deaf ears. And when employees don't see the changes they need, they leave.

David Waring, co-founder of FitSmallBusiness.com, a New York City-based online publication that serves small business owners, faced this issue head on.

"We were so focused on growing the business in the early days that we did not place a big enough emphasis on making sure people got to know each other personally," he told me via email. "After reading some complaints about our New York office on Glassdoor that former employees had left, we met with the team and decided to do a quarterly outing together."

His solution helped create a sense of unity for the entire team. Today, the company hosts weekly video conferences, with all hands on deck.

"Each staff member updates the team on what he or she has been working on over the last week," he wrote. "This helps keep the familiarity alive, especially considering that some of our staff is distributed throughout the country."

These conferences further help determine what employees need to succeed. Once employers know what their team members need, they should keep their processes simple and in one place.

Consider tools like EverythingBenefits, which simplifies administration and delivers a better employee experience This software integrates with existing solutions, helping employers handle compliance, while making enrollment easy for employees.

Maintaining a strong company culture is especially difficult when employees work in various locations. Regular outings and video conferences are great for keeping everyone connected, and software solutions can help streamline HR processes to make both the employer and the employee's lives easier.

4. Continue to learn from each other.

When David Kalt founded Reverb, an online music gear marketplace located in Chicago, he started a simple tradition -- all employees would participate in a stand-up meeting. They started with five employees crammed in a small room above a drum shop.

Now, nearly 200 employees gather each Thursday in an unfinished basement.

"At each meeting, three to four team members jump into the Fight Club-style circle to speak about whatever's on their mind," Kalt wrote via email. "Every story gives employees a piece of advice they can apply to their daily work."

Related: How These 8 Founders Are Innovating Company Culture

This allows them to get to know one other better and helps them learn from the advice and experiences of others. Reverb's company culture is founded on learning and openness, Kalt said; and as CEO, he said he keeps that spirit alive.

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This summers Hear Grand Island concert series, which wraps up Friday night, will finish with a bigger attendance than last years turnout.

Organizer Brent Lindner said the weather has been very good, except for a couple of really hot Fridays when the heat had an effect on attendance.

Lindner is happy that all 10 shows will unfold with no rainouts. That was awesome, he said.

Hes also happy about Fridays forecast. The National Weather Service predicts a high of 77 in Grand Island, with 61 the low Friday night.

Lindner and fellow organizer Sharena Anson were hoping for a total attendance of about 15,000 people this year. Last summer, the inaugural year for the series, about 10,000 people saw nine concerts presented over 11 weeks.

This summers attendance will run between 12,500 and 13,000, assuming that 1,200 to 1,300 people arrive railside tonight. Lindner said he expects a good turnout because its supposed to be gorgeous out.

Performing Friday night will be the James Lee Band, which is from the Sandhills; Cruz Control, from Kearney; and Skyloft, an Omaha band. Cruz Control includes Grand Island Senior High graduate Cruz Salazar.

As with all Hear Grand Island shows, admission is free.

The series wouldnt happen without the support of about 15 corporate sponsors, Lindner said. Those sponsors include The Independent.

Lindner and Anson do the day-to-day work, including the setup and teardown and all that kind of fun stuff, he said.

This weeks cooler weather means they wont be sweating so much as they set up, he said.

Hear Grand Island will be back next year for a third summer.

Lindner and Anson are already looking ahead to see if we can add some more bells and whistles. Improvements might include lighting and staging. The goal is just to make it more of an experience and a better show, with hopefully some bigger bands.

Its an educational experience.

Were learning as we go sometimes, he said.

And everyone has been so supportive, Lindner said. Those thank-yous, he said, make it all worthwhile.

At the shows, Lindner and Anson always encourage grateful patrons to buy food and beverages. Because that helps keep it going, he said.

If the series experiences a deficit, Sharena and I have to support that and write checks ourselves, Lindner said.

Otherwise, we rely completely on the corporate sponsors and then whatever we sell for food and beverages, he said.

He encourages Grand Islanders to come to the final show of the summer.

Its fun, Lindner said.

Many people apologize for not making it to the concerts. But you dont have to come stay the whole time, Lindner said. A lot of people come for a beer or two, listen to the music for 45 minutes, then go eat or do something else.

Thats perfectly fine.

Just come out. Check it out. Trust me. Its well worth it. Youre seeing some great Nebraska bands that work very hard. Its original music, Lindner said.

He invites people to dip their toes in the water. Come check out Hear Grand Island, if youve not already.

There will also be an opening artist reception downtown from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Studio K Art Gallery, 112 W. Third St.

Featured will be the figurative paintings of Janna Harsh, the jewelry of Rose Rutherford and the sculpture of Mike Fluent. Wine and light refreshments will be offered.
KENOSHA  Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the death of Olivia Mackay, 17, who was found dead July 24 in Mount Pleasant.

Kenosha police identified the suspects as Daniel Tate, 19, and Jamari Cook, 17. Both are residents of the City of Kenosha.

Tate and Cook were arrested late Thursday by Mount Pleasant and Kenosha police detectives, according to a news release.

Mackay went missing July 23. Less than 24 hours later her body was discovered on a ditch line in the 11000 block of Louis Sorenson Road in Mount Pleasant. The road is located east of Interstate 94, south of Highway 20, north of Highway 11 and west of the Sturtevant village limits.

Information regarding the arrests and investigation will be referred to the Kenosha County District Attorneys Office for criminal charges pending more investigation, according to the release. No charges had been filed as of Friday afternoon.

Officials urged anyone with information about the case to call the Kenosha Police Department Detective Bureau at 262-605-5203 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333.

Mount Pleasant police declined to release additional details, citing the ongoing investigation. The Kenosha Police Department is now the lead agency in the investigation as its likely the case began there, officials said.

Our Mount Pleasant detectives worked very closely with Kenosha detectives and they all worked hard to get to this point, Mount Pleasant Police Chief Tim Zarzecki said. Im very pleased with the work they have done thus far so we can move forward to continue to investigate the case.

There were detectives from both agencies working nonstop on the case every day to get to this point, Zarzecki said.

Insightful, inclusive

Mackay would have been a senior at Indian Trail High School and Academy in Kenosha this fall.

Olivia was insightful, inclusive, an outsider, but a leader in her own chosen, intimate circle of friends. She could be silly, but quiet and shy to people outside of that circle, family spokesman Jeff Moody said prior to a vigil last week.

Mackays family got the word out on social media after she went missing late July 23. They became suspicious after she did not show up for work at McDonalds in Kenosha, police said.

Police at the time called the death suspicious and later declared it a homicide. A cause of death has not yet been released.

Tate appeared in court Friday on a bail jumping charge related to a different case, court records show. That case involved a misdemeanor battery charge Tate pleaded guilty to last year.

An online fundraising page to help the Mackay family had raised more than $23,000 by Friday afternoon. Any donations exceeding the cost of the funeral, which was held Aug. 2, will go into a scholarship fund in Mackays honor, according to the page.
Comparability is the law in Nebraska  and that law is broken. The result is that government workers, in large part, are paid more, including higher benefits, than their private sector, market value competition.

The city of Grand Island is in a unique situation, where none of our comparables are in Nebraska, so we are comparing to a larger region, similar to a BIG 10 footprint vs. Grand Island.

I am elected to represent citizens of Ward 5 and ostensibly citizens of Grand Island.

The budget buzz this year has been about how we balance and sustain the 6 percent wage growth with a 2 percent revenue growth. What has been proposed has been all about reducing people and reducing services to citizens with higher taxes.

The library had a great approach of reducing hours, but promising to maintain the high level of service the community has come to love and appreciate.

The Parks Department, on the other hand, has done the opposite. They have proposed to eliminate flowers in our city parks and city facilities; close a few kids wading pools; stop allowing burials in the city cemetery on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, while yet spending $360,000 in tax dollars at the Heartland Shooting Park. This isnt about money, but more its about priorities, which I find reprehensible to citizens.

What has not been mentioned, discussed or on any administrations radar, is taking a good look at the opportunities where market-based labor can replace government labor. Not every government job has a private-sector comparison, but many do. Those that do have similar market-based labor alternatives should be explored for the opportunities to maintain the high standard of service we have come to expect at the lesser cost using market wages in Grand Island.

Nebraska workers are known across the country for their great work ethic. Be wary of government bureaucrats who say only government workers can do quality work. Im proud of the local work ethic here in Grand Island.

Wage freeze talk has also littered the discussion, but with comparability as the law in Nebraska, a freeze is a short-term cash flow solution for a long-term sustainability problem. A freeze would provide room to plan, but unfortunately the only plan I hear is how to raise more money. Raise money with a wheel tax (that can only be used for roads), raise money with a new half cent sales tax (that can only be used for capital), both of which are not a solution for the rising cost of government labor.

What I see are new promises that more money will solve the sustainability dilemma, but we would need to withdraw in failure the past promises of the past councils to move the new money to solve todays problems. More money didnt solve the problem in 1989 with the passage of the 1 cent sales tax. More money didnt solve the problem in 1995 with the renewal of the 1 cent sales tax. More money didnt solve the problem in 2005 with the passage of another half cent sales tax. More money didnt solve the problem with the passage and renewal of the food & beverage tax. More money will not solve todays sustainability problem with the passage of a wheel tax and a sales tax next year. It will simply push the problem to the next city council to contend with.

The solution rests with a combination of tactics. Replace government labor with market-based labor where opportunities exist. Never lose sight of our government purpose and objectives by continuing to provide essential government services now and in the future. Get out of non-essential services that pull essential resources away from those essential services. Learn to spend money wisely. Lastly, but perhaps the most important, dont spend money you dont have. Todays $5 million spending problem was created by past councils. Achieving this will take bold leadership, but will be in the best long-term interest of the city of Grand Island and for the future generations to come.
Grand Island and Mayor Jeremy Jensen find themselves in a difficult position with some very difficult decisions that must be made. The proposed path to a balanced budget is not a bad one, but I think it could be better. My perspective is based upon being in local government employment for more than 35 years, with 27 of them being an employee with the city of Grand Island.

The choice to not to spend down the reserve is solid. Grand Island has a history of major catastrophic events like floods and tornadoes, so Grand Island must have a strong reserve and be ready just in case.

Laying off a few people is not going to resolve the budget issue. The proposed layoffs impact low level employees who are not highly paid. The savings dont add up too fast, but the hardships to those individuals and their often-young families are devastating. Let them stay on the job and wait for a few more city employees to retire, quit, or be terminated. This slight delay in reaching the desired total number of city employees wont impact the savings much. If necessary, a few dollars from the reserve can cover what little it will cost to keep these few on the payroll until additional spots open up through other means. The cost of a little compassion from the city leaders is well worth what will be obtained in return.

Many city employees are represented by labor unions. The union leadership describes Nebraskas Commission on Industrial Relations (CIR) as inflexible and bound by comparable cities. This is partially true, but two parties can agree on any terms they desire. The CIR will only set wages if an agreement cannot be met. I hope that Grand Islands labor representatives will work with management and be a part in resolving this difficult budget issue.

On the surface, the proposed cuts to staff appear as if they are fair and take a little from multiple departments. Looking back at history to see how the city of Grand Island got to its current staffing levels paints a different picture. Referencing a document from Oct. 4, 1965, related to the citys pension plan, total city employee numbers were quite different. In 1965, there were 177 general city employees, 35 police department employees, and 46 fire department employees. In 2017, there are 403.68 general city employees, 108 police department employees, and 70 fire department employees. If my math is correct, over the last 50 years Grand Island has increased its general city employees by 128 percent, police department employees by 208 percent, and fire department employees by 52 percent. Over this same time-period, Grand Islands population rose from 29,050 in 1965 to an estimated 53,372 in 2017, or increased by 83 percent. If city staff would have risen in conjunction with the population increase, the city would now have 471 positions, which would be a reduction of 110 positions.

The Grand Island Fire Department has been very conservative in adding employees in spite of a growing population and adding many new duties for service delivery. New emergency response duties added since 1980 include paramedic level emergency medical care, hazardous materials response, extrication (jaws of life), and technical rescue. All of these added responsibilities increase training and equipment costs within the budget. Two additional fire stations were also added since 1980, but the opening of these stations was not done with adequate hiring of staff to fill the new positions.

The Grand Island Fire Department has been very conservative in expanding its work force and should not be cut as currently proposed. If the citys general employees and police would have expanded at the same rate as the fire department did over the last 50 years, there would be 189 less city employees today and quite likely no budget issues. In fixing todays budget issues, the easy path is to cut each department a little to limit the pain, but the right thing to do is look at the past and make cuts where greater expansion has occurred.

I think Grand Island has the right person leading them down this difficult decision path. I fully supported Mayor Jensen when he ran and support him today. He is open and honest and will do his best to ensure Grand Island goes down the right path. I know that Mayor Jensen was disappointed when Grand Island voters rejected a sales tax increase, but now he must act upon your vote and your vote will mean cuts to what the city of Grand Island can provide in services to its residents. He deeply cares about Grand Island and needs support during this difficult time. Regardless of how much he cares, he must take action to rectify the imbalance of revenue versus expenditures. He cannot kick this can down the road for the next mayor.
RACINE  A fire gutted a two-story home on Edgewood Avenue early Thursday morning, displacing a family of six which was on vacation when the blaze broke out.

Racine firefighters were dispatched to the home at 2:21 a.m., with the first engine crew reporting heavy fire throughout the first floor of the home, fire officials said.

The fire was quickly brought under control, officials said, but the home suffered extensive fire and smoke damage, resulting in a loss estimated at $68,000.

On Thursday afternoon, homeowner Charles Dedeyne and his family were seated outside the now charred family home awaiting their insurance agent.

Kayla Dedeyne, 15, said her father, her 14-year-old brother, 13-year-old sister and other family members had been in Wisconsin Dells when they got a call from a family member who told them their house was on fire.

I thought it was a dream, Kayla said, just after pointing to the spot where her bedroom had been.

All but one of the familys several pets were being watched by family members when the fire broke out, the Horlick High School Student said. Tido, a small tabby cat that had been home at the time, was still unaccounted for, she said Thursday afternoon.

Charles Dedeyne said he and everyone who was living at the home, including a godson and adult cousin, have found places to stay with other family members.

The home, however, is a total loss, he said.

The Red Cross reportedly reached out to the family, but Dedeyne said he was already receiving assistance from his insurance company.

I have insurance, so the insurance company is helping me out right now, he said. Lets save the Red Cross for other people who need it.
Jamie Kupferer, a teacher at Father McGivney Catholic High School, traveled to Washington, D.C., in June to attend the prestigious Supreme Court Summer Institute that took place at Georgetown University's Law Center and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Kupferer was one of just 60 teachers from across the U.S. chosen to participate in this year's institute which is open to teachers in the fields of law-related and civic education. The institute is co-sponsored by Street Law, Inc. and the Supreme Court Historical Society.

The Supreme Court Summer Institute offers teachers the opportunity to study recent Supreme Court cases in detail and learn innovative teaching methods for conveying this information to students.

Well-known Supreme Court lawyers, reporters, scholars, and educators served as speakers and instructors for the Institute, which gave the chosen teachers an in-depth understanding of how the Court chooses and decides cases and what it is like to argue before the Court.

At the end of the Institute, the teachers visited the Court to hear decisions handed down as well as enjoyed a reception at the Court.

Teachers who have attended the Supreme Court Summer Institute in the past have noted that they felt more confident discussing controversial issues and Supreme Court cases in their classrooms as well as discussing Supreme Court cases using interactive teaching strategies more frequently.

According to Kupferer, the institute focused a lot on Street Law, an interactive approach to teaching practical law in layman's terms. "Street Law began at Georgetown (University) originally as law students going into high schools teaching high schoolers about what they would call street law  so basic law that most high school kids want to know about  getting tickets and things like that," she explained.

Then in 1995, before Chief Justice Roberts became Chief Justice, he was integral in introducing the program to a summer institute specifically geared toward high school teachers and how do we help our students better understand the law and the Constitution," Kupferer added.

She pointed out that Chief Justice Roberts is still an integral part of the summer institute today.

"We got to meet him so that was fantastic," Kupferer said. "We had a reception on our last night actually at the Supreme Court...and he came and spoke with all the teachers. He spent about an hour with us."

Kupferer noted that Chief Justice Roberts talked specifically about how to relay to their students how the Supreme Court works and how the decisions the nine justices make are about what the Constitution states. Kupferer said that Chief Justice Roberts provided an example of this by stating, "Even though I don't necessarily say agree with burning a flag, your first amendment right is that you can do that as a freedom of expression,'" she recalled him saying.

So even though you may not personally agree with something, doesn't mean that other people don't have the constitutional right to do so," she elaborated. "And he was like, 'Often times, teenagers think that we're just making decisions on opinion, which we are, but we're looking at that legal basis of the opinion  what does the Constitution truly say?' So I thought that was very interesting and something that I think a lot of people don't necessarily think about."

Having only visited D.C. once before, Kupferer took advantage of every free minute to tour historical sites during her six-day visit. "Obviously being in D.C. and as a history teacher, that's kind of the epitome of U.S. history. I teach U.S. history and government at Father McGivney so it was definitely cool," she said. "We were in class pretty much from like 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. so you still had a good two-and-a-half hours of museums and being able to spend the evening walking the mall and things like that."

Kupferer, who resides in Glen Carbon and will begin her third year of teaching at Father McGivney in a couple weeks, intends to use what she learned at the institute with her ninth through 11th grade students.

"I can even use a lot of it in U.S. History because obviously there's some very pivotal historical cases that I look at even with my freshman, and Street Law actually is great because they take a lot of those big cases and they break them down for you," she said.

Since returning home, Kupferer has also been working with a teacher she met at the institute, who is from Pawnee, to host workshops and train other area teachers about Street Law and the U.S. Supreme Court. "We have been talking about trying to work with the Illinois Social Studies Council and doing a training of the things that we learned. That was nice too to find someone from Illinois who wasn't too far away," she said.

Kupferer felt the trip had enhanced her teaching skills and the institute's invaluable resources which will allow her to have even more teaching tools at her fingertips. "It was an amazing experience," Kupferer added.
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Linkedin Greg Poulgrain (The Jakarta Post) Brisbane  Fri, August 4, 2017

This week is the deadline for a full report on the death of Dag Hammarskjold to be handed to the current United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. Hammarskjold, from Sweden, was a former UN secretary-general killed in a mysterious plane crash in Africa in 1961.

After a string of reports over the last 50 years, new evidence led to another UN investigation two years ago by Mohamed Chande Othman, a high court judge from Tanzania. His initial finding was that the plane crash which caused the death of Hammarskjold was deliberate but more information from various governments, the US in particular, is needed.

The decision facing the UN General Assembly will be whether or not to investigate the political assassination of the person whom president John F. Kennedy described as the greatest statesman of the 20th century.

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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 08:00 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab7b80c 4 Editorial #Editorial,FidelisAriSudarwoto,anti-drug-operation,drug-policy,#drugs,marijuana,#marijuana Free

One of the latest drug convicts is a man from West Kalimantan who grew cannabis to ease the pains of his wife, who suffered from a rare spinal disease. Yenni Riawati eventually died, and her husband Fidelis Arie Sudewarto was sentenced Wednesday to eight months in jail for violating the Narcotics Law. The prosecutor had demanded five months in jail and a fine of Rp 800 million, but the judges at the Sanggau District Court ordered Fidelis to pay Rp 1 billion apart from imprisonment.

Like in most countries, marijuana is illegal here even for medicinal use; Australia just legalized cannabis for medication in February for chronically sick and severely ill people. Fidelis motive of reducing his wifes pain with cannabis oil was the basis of the lighter sentence demanded by prosecutors.

What is even more worrying about the Fidelis case, beyond the lack of options for those living with unbearable pain, is the attitude of law enforcers, who may increasingly march lockstep in the war on drugs under President Joko Jokowi Widodo. The chiefs of the police and the narcotics agency have expressed support for Jokowis cry to shoot drug pushers sight if necessary, regardless, it seems, of whether they are suspects who should be first arrested and tried in court.

Despite international outcry over the execution of drug convicts, Jokowi and his trigger-happy aides have apparently become even more convinced of harsh drug policies following the controversial measures of President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippine leader has defended himself against allegations of scores of extrajudicial killings of drug suspects. Indonesian Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian has told police officers not to hesitate to shoot drug dealers who resist arrest.

That judges gave Fidelis a harsher sentence than prosecutors had demanded is the latest sign of law enforcers enthusiastically taking up Jokowis tough policies.

The enthusiasm is unlikely to wane, despite the states own warnings of caution. Last week, the Indonesian Ombudsman confirmed allegations of wrong decisions concerning the execution of drug convicts. The Ombudsman concluded maladministration in last years execution of Nigerian Humphrey Jefferson Ejike Eleweke, as he was still seeking presidential clemency.

Jokowi often calls the state of drug abuse an emergency, winning wide support from people deeply nervous over the exposure of the young to drug addiction. This includes reports of sinister marketing methods of drug pushers in the form of colorful candy.

Handing drug barons a life sentence only shifts their operations to behind bars in the corrupt prison system, advocates of the death penalty for drug abusers say.

Indonesians generally remain unconvinced by evidence in several countries where the death penalty has not deterred crime; hence the support for both the death sentence and swift justice for alleged drug abusers.

Authorities cite porous borders and poor law enforcement as factors encouraging drug trafficking. However, killing the wrong people through legal shortcuts is both an ineffective and reckless way to address drug crime, compared to eradicating corruption in the judiciary and other efforts to prevent drug abuse.
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Linkedin Olasri Maboy (The Jakarta Post) Melbourne  Fri, August 4, 2017 15:33 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab8f4d9 3 Opinion election-bill,presidential-threshold,presidential-bid,house-of-representatives,#DPR,democracy Free

The legislature has recently passed the new general election bill despite dissenting opinion from the opposition parties. The new bill is a watershed moment for democracy in Indonesia  it guarantees political stability and upholds democratic legitimacy, while keeping election costs down.

The bill comprises significant changes for the 2019 simultaneous elections as it increases presidential candidate and parliamentary thresholds, based on the 2014 election results.

The primary similarity with the 2014 elections is that the 2019 elections will use an open proportional system where voters are able to directly choose their desired person and parties they belong to.

Whilst our current system has its benefits, there are many weaknesses which the new bill address and will solve, such as setting up a threshold for presidential candidates that potentially reduces the costs of the election process and also increases the threshold to hold seats in the legislature.

One of the enduring problems with our current process is that too many candidates are running for president given the low threshold for parties able to field candidates.

This leads to an overabundance of presidential candidates from political parties, many with no real prospect. Presently over 70 parties are registered with the Justice and Human Rights Ministry.

To solve this problem, the new law requires a political party or coalition of political parties wishing to nominate a president and vice-president to have at least 112 of 560 seats in the House or 25 percent of the legitimate national votes in the previous election.

In short, it should ensure that the election is a contest between the candidates with a real chance of victory, rather than a chorus call for minor candidates that only serve to confuse the electorate and make the process unnecessarily complicated.

As no party fulfils this requirement, it is arguably a fair option. In fact, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-Perjuangan) as the party with the highest lawmakers accounted only for 18.95 percent of national votes, followed by Golkar with 14.75 percent and Gerindra with 11.81 percent.

Another weakness of the current system is the low threshold to be represented in the House. This leads to a plethora of small parties, and large parties effectively need to buy the support of micro parties to get laws passed.

Under the new bill, the threshold is increased from 3.5 percent to 4 percent of the total votes. This should reduce the number of parties in the House and make the system more manageable.

In the 2014 elections, only 10 parties passed the 3.5 percent threshold.

Such high thresholds are not unusual; many established democracies such as Germany and New Zealand set 5 percent thresholds. It shows that thresholds can work and lead to a more efficient and stronger parliament.

In previous elections, representation in the House were from 21 political parties in 1999; 16 political parties in 2004; 9 parties in 2009 and 10 parties in 2014. When a majority is hard to form, unstable coalitions can have problems implementing new laws and new coalitions might be needed for different new laws.

Finally, reducing the number of presidential candidates will do a lot to save time and money since a run-off is less likely to occur. Also, it will make the contest more manageable.

Usually, only a few candidates have a real chance and the 20 percent support guarantees a political back-up.

The large support for the president would also strengthen his position. Both House and President  the main organs for checks and balances in the democratic process  therefore are more powerful, which enhances the process itself.

Remember the 2004 elections, where there were five presidential and vice-presidential groupings? Due to a large number of candidates, no single candidate was able to reach the 50 percent plus one cut off requirement. This necessitated an expensive run-off election between the top two parties.

The reality is, the new law will provide for a better working legislature and broader support for the president.

Yes, some minor parties will grumble and feel they are being marginalized. Since their interests are uncovered, they are forced to grab the hand of other parties and work with each other.

Take the final national consensus from the Democrat Party where they have decided to field candidates for president and vice-president. This threshold provision would not allow them to fulfil their own words. However, it is a small cost to pay for a better system.

The key point here is that everyone has the chance to be involved in politics. Whether or not they are heading to Senayan, we should be proud that every vote is counted and that everyone has the same opportunity to be represented.

Certainly, by having fewer parties, political parties would be more competitive and therefore the elected politicians would be more likely to represent the will of the public majority.

The new bill would make the House and the presidency more effective. It would make the system easier to understand, less costly to administer and ensure a more powerful democratic process that benefits the majority of Indonesians.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Inforial (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta, Indonesia  Fri, August 4, 2017

Sebastian Partogi

The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

The ancient Indonesian kingdom of Sriwijaya in the southwestern part of Sumatra Island played a significant role in the spice trail. The kingdom, which possibly originated in Palembang, South Sumatra, rose to power in the seventh century and retained control over the trade of spices  which grew in abundance in the region  for around 500 years thanks to its strong navy.

According to National Archaeological Research and Development Center researcher Bambang Budi Utomo, for around five centuries, Sriwijaya was the trading hub where middlemen from the Middle East and China went to get commodities  which had been shipped from the Maluku islands to Sumatra  in order to sell them to Europeans.

He said that because of limited navigation technology in the seventh century, European traders or middlemen could not easily reach the Maluku islands, which were located in the archipelagos easternmost area. The islands were home to lucrative endemic spices, such as clove, nutmeg and mace.

Bambang said that thanks to Indonesias fertile soil, local farmers could maintain the high quality of their spices, leaving overseas customers begging for more.

Pepper, for instance, was also a popular commodity in the spice trade at that time. Although pepper originated in India before it was cultivated in Indonesia, the pepper grown in our soil was somehow hotter than the one grown in India. This was why customers in the Middle East like Persia [now Iran] and even India itself preferred Indonesian pepper at that time, Bambang explained.

Also take camphor as an example. China and Thailand also produced the commodity at that time, but traders preferred Indonesian camphor, which originated in the Barus area of North Sumatra, because of its higher quality.

From all the foreign spice consumers at the time, Europeans remained the ones most hooked on the Indonesian spices as a result of religious tradition and scriptures.

Thanks to middlemen, the ancient spice trade before Sriwijaya had reached Italy before Christ. In 75 to 79 AD, the Roman bishop received a gift of 150 pounds of cloves from Emperor Constantine. In the Old Testament of the Bible, there is the story of the queen of Sheba presenting spices as gifts to King Solomon, Bambang told The Jakarta Post in a recent telephone interview.

Bambang said the Sriwijaya kingdom was able to sustain its hold on the spice trade for hundreds of years thanks to its maritime military strategy and technology.

Sriwijaya made use of suku laut [maritime tribe] at that time to guard the spice trade in the area. Although their main operational field was the sea, they were also great warriors, he explained. This strong military base helped the kingdom maintain its maritime sovereignty.

Aside from the military strategy, Sriwijayas ship technology also played a vital role in making it a successful maritime hub.

They had phinisi [schooners] that helped them navigate the ocean thanks to the design. That, however, is just one example of Sriwijayas outstanding maritime technology, Bagus said.

Separately, historian JJ Rizal, who runs publishing company Komunitas Bambu specializing in history books, said part of the secret of the kingdoms survival was its rulers strategy in turning financial accumulation into intellectual capital through a sound educational system.

The port city of Barus gave birth to intellectuals in the seventh century, including Hamzah Fansuri, he told the Post recently in his office. Hamzah Fansuri is a well-known Islamic literary writer.

Power was demonstrated not through weaponry but through the grandeur of artistic performances and negotiations, Rizal said.

The great Sriwijaya kingdom started to decline in the 12th century before its ultimate collapse in the 14th century.

There came a time when Sriwijaya became too greedy with traders and middlemen who came to Sumatra through high taxation. Furthermore, internal conflicts and corruption also contributed to its end, Bambang said.

Along with Sriwijayas decline, Indonesias maritime sovereignty and technology have not risen far from the ruins.

For instance, until the 1980s, we still had a traditional sailing and trading route from Kalimantan to Java using phinisi. This tradition has since died. We also have to ask why almost all of the ships that navigate Indonesian waters fly foreign flags. The government needs to create a few regulations in order to preserve our tradition, Bambang said, concluding the interview.

A story on this subject will also appear in the paper edition of The Jakarta Post on Aug. 18.

- (-/-)
MADISON  Local officials from Racine County gathered in Madison Thursday to express their support for a state incentive package that is expected to help seal the deal to bring Foxconn to southeastern Wisconsin.

The final selection of a site for Foxconns planned manufacturing campus has not yet been announced, but is imminent and expected within a few weeks, Mark Hogan, chief executive of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., said at a public hearing Thursday.

The company is targeting Racine or Kenosha County for its sprawling campus, planned to be more than 1,000 acres, to manufacture liquid crystal display (LCD) panels. The plant could employ 3,000 people initially and eventually up to 13,000.

Property owners on and near Highway 11 have been approached about selling their land to Foxconn. Sites in the Town of Paris in Kenosha County are also under consideration, according to media reports.

Thursdays public hearing in the state Capitol came after Gov. Scott Walker called a special session to consider the states proposed incentive package for Foxconn to locate in southeastern Wisconsin. The legislation includes up to $3 billion in state assistance.

Locals voice support

Local speakers at the hearing included Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, Mount Pleasant Village President Dave DeGroot, Caledonia Village Administrator Tom Christensen, and state Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine.

In his testimony, Delagrave strongly supported the Foxconn project and the package currently before the Legislature for consideration.

Im here today on behalf of Racine County to present my support of the package. I believe this is an opportunity we must seize, Delagrave said.

He said the benefits will cross county lines and affect the entire state.

But he said, This opportunity is dependent on this package. I urge you to support this legislation, Delagrave said.

While sitting before the legislative committee, Delagrave was also asked about negotiations with Foxconn.

Delagrave said the 4.5-hour negotiation session he sat in with Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou was one of the most intense things he has ever experienced in his life.

But, while Gou is a tough negotiator, Delagrave said he walked away believing that Gou cares about southeastern Wisconsin.

One of the things he said was he wants this to be a premier site that will be here for generations, said Delagrave.

Also speaking in support of the project, DeGroot said, We have been talking all day about numbers about legalities about legal language ... At some point in time we have to remember at the end of the day it comes down to people  We are talking about $54,000 jobs. We are talking about improving the standard of living.

DeGroot said, Im here to tell you we are ready to go. We are ready to be the epicenter. We ask that you support this.

Christensen also voiced his support for the project, saying how this is an opportunity to provide much needed employment for the entire region.

He summed up his comments to legislators, saying, Ladies and gentlemen, close this deal.

Both Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian and Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser were also at the hearing. They both also voiced support for the project, although they expressed some concern how they would pay for additional services such as emergency services for the growing community when there are tax limits in place.

Benefit for education

Gateway Technical College President Bryan Albrecht and University of Wisconsin-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford were also among the group testifying about the impact Foxconn would have on the region and their institutions.

Albrecht said that for every engineering position needed by Foxconn, there will be many more technicians, and Gateway will be there to provide assistance.

That is where we see the opportunity for the residents in our community, Albrecht said.

Talking about the advantages of Foxconn, Ford said, An opportunity to partner with Foxconn, and companies Foxconn may attract, will take the educational experience for our students and our faculty to a new level.

Parkside could, for example, connect its renowned pre-med program with top medical and biotechnology research supported by Foxconn and elevate students learning, Ford said.

Some Democrats skeptical

The hearing was held in front of the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy. State officials faced skepticism and concerns from Democrats on the committee about incentives, the environmental impact and other issues.

I have many unanswered questions, said state Rep. Tod Ohnstad, D-Kenosha, who noted the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau has not provided its analysis on the project.

Mason said hes excited about Foxconn possibly building a plant near Racine. But hes also hoping for changes to the bill to ease concerns.

Mason said he wants to look at ways to incentivize hiring of Wisconsin residents, fund workforce development and ensure environmental protections are in place.

Im hoping theres an opportunity to do some amendments and actually assuage some concerns that are out there, I think, on both sides of the aisle, he said.

State Rep. Amanda Stuck, D-Appleton, criticized Foxconn for not sending a representative to the hearing.

If theyre so committed, why arent they here to answer questions? Stuck said.

Gou said in statement read by committee chairman Rep. Adam Neylon that the project will transform the American electronics industry with the first liquid crystal display monitor plant outside of Asia.

The Taiwanese-based Foxconn has pledged to invest $10 billion in southeast Wisconsin on a liquid crystal display panel assembly plant that could employ 13,000 people over six years. The incentives are tied to job creation and investment targets.

Other parts of the bill include borrowing more than $250 million to rebuild Interstate 94 near where the plant would be located and the waiving of numerous environmental permit requirements and regulations to speed construction.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 10:02 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab7f585 1 Science & Tech NASA,Earth,Aliens,vacancy,work,space,#space,#NASA,planetary-protection-officer Free

NASA is offering a six-figure salary position with job description to defend Earth from aliens.

The position, titled planetary protection officer, is very real and actually very important. It involves acting to ensure that alien matter does not infect Earth and, more importantly, that humans in space do not contaminate planets and moons, reported Independent.co.uk.

Human beings have long hopes to find life in space, and for years extensive studies and explorations have been conducted. In our solar system alone, there are at least five worlds other than Earth that may have the conditions to support biology, due to the discovery of water on their surfaces. These worlds include Mars, Jupiter's moons Europa and Ganymede, as well as Saturn's moon Enceladus and Pluto.

However, in doing these explorations and making these discoveries, studies must be done by sending robot probes or human beings to these foreign areas. Robots may contain trace bacteria, viruses or other biological contaminants from Earth that can become a threat to foreign life, and humans present similar threats as well. Contamination may make it impossible for researchers to identify an organism as native to the planet or a stowaway, and in more extreme scenarios, contamination on the foreign environment could prove to be lethal.

Read also: NASA picks a dozen astronauts from a pool of 3 million

NASA created the three-year position, which may extend to five years, after the US signed the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. In signing this treaty, they vowed 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.

This new position is likely to fall under the upcoming NASA expedition to Europa, one of Jupiters moons. Approved by Congress, the US$2.7 billion project plans to map the moons surface and analyze whether it could be habitable.

Traveling frequently will be part of the job, and candidates are required to have at least one years experience as a top-level civilian government employee. They are also required to have an advanced degree in physical science, engineering or mathematics, as well as an advanced knowledge of planetary protection. The new hire will receive secret security clearance, and are required to possess demonstrated skills in diplomacy that resulted in win-win solutions during extremely difficult and complex multilateral discussions.

Only open for US citizens and US nationals to apply, the position offers a pay of a six-figure salary in the amount of $187,000 a year, plus benefits. (tha/kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 11:09 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab81382 1 Art & Culture exhibition,painting,State-Palace,#exhibition Free

Forty-eight paintings from all six presidential palaces are currently on display at the National Gallery in Central Jakarta as part of the 72nd anniversary celebrations of Indonesian independence.

In the exhibition, which runs until Aug. 30 and is open to the public for free, each painting has been carefully selected to reflect the theme Senandung Ibu Pertiwi (Songs of the Motherland).

The presidential palaces have an impressive collection of priceless historical artworks. Their collections boast a variety of different items, from paintings and sculptures, to jewelry, porcelain, stationery and cutlery.

Read also: Jakarta museums to host Jakarta Biennale 2017

These pieces are normally kept safely hidden in the state and presidential palaces located in Jakarta; Bogor and Cipanas in West Java; Tampaksiring Palace in Bali; as well as Gedung Agung in Yogyakarta.

The country's first president Sukarno was instrumental in acquiring these artworks and staying in touch with the arts during his time. Art was seen as a tool to help build the spirit and character of the nation.

According to Antara news agency, the government aimed to use this exhibition as a platform to showcase the works of Indonesian artists for the international community.

In addition to the paintings, the event committee are also showcasing archives and other documentation, as well as works by Russian artist Konstantin Makovsky, on a large LED screen. (tha/kes)
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Linkedin Sharon Nadeem (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 11:51 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab8310c 4 Art & Culture bentara-budaya,painting-exhibition,Balinale Free

Set against a colorful background of orange and red, two muscular men carry a piece of a relic depicting the head of a horse. In another, a tiger is being hunted by two men while being ridden by two tiny faceless figures against a backdrop of yellow and green.

These are not descriptions of surreal dreams but actually paintings by Wayan Kun Adnyana currently on display at the Bentara Budaya Jakarta cultural center in Jakarta until Aug. 8 as part of his solo exhibition, Citra Yuga: An Iconography of the Heroism of the Yeh Pulu Relief.

The Yeh Pulu Relief  thought to have been created in the 14th or 15th century in Gianyar, Bali  is at the center of Kuns solo exhibition. The beautiful carvings can be found at the Yeh Pulu temple in the middle of rice fields in the village of Bedulu.

He analyzes the visual artwork of the relief, deciphers the story behind it and uses it as an inspiration for his own paintings. The process brings together academia and art by using scientific research methods for the creation of art.

It is a dissemination exhibit from the result of my research, explained the artist.

Kun spent a year studying the relief using an iconographic theory by German art historian, Erwin Panofsky. What Kun found was that the Yeh Pulu Relief was different in comparison with other ancient monuments in Bali from the same era.

The Shadow of Heroes by Wayan Kun Adnyana (Wayan Kun Adnyana/File)

The figures depicted in the relief are very realistic and not ornamental or flat like the ones in Wayang Kamasan, a classical Balinese art form. The surface of the sculptures is also very rough and not smooth like the others, he said.

He said the biggest difference lay in the theme of the relief, which illustrates the lives of people in their daily lives.

Normally, monuments from that era portray gods and mythology, but this relief depicts hunting for tigers or boars, or men carrying tuak, a Balinese wine, he said.

The artist believes that these ordinary scenes show the history of heroism in everyday lives. A horse-riding prince, two men killing a tiger, men carrying a pig slung from a pole on their shoulders, a princess being waited on, all offer a glimpse into a life we can no longer witness. But in his contemporary paintings, these images come alive with a touch of the modern.

He combines five approaches in contemporary painting beginning with cutting, where he imagines the relief to be a poster that can be freely cut. He juxtaposes these cutouts on abstract backgrounds using a myriad of colors that are freely thrown, splashed and painted.

The paintings also include his trademark feature of muscular Balinese men devoid of facial features, yet displaying movements and emotions forming the essence of the painting. The men and the relief cutouts are highlighted and stand out from the background, drawing the focus of the viewer.

This establishes the starting point of the story and the center of attention for the viewer, Kun says.

The reliefs are filled in with an ink pen creating an intricate design that isnt visible at a first glance. While the background might make the paintings seem like modern art, Kun said modernism does not allow him to combine the different elements in his series.

In the modernist concept, you cant combine a dualist approach of abstract and realistic figuration. It is impossible. But with a contemporary concept, it is possible to combine what are considered binary positions, he said.

The artist: Kun Adnyana poses with his painting Ancient Artifact Discovery at the Bentara Budaya cultural center in Jakarta. The exhibition runs until Aug. 8. (Wayan Kun Adnyana/File)

Kun has been praised by art critic Jean Couteau as a rarity. Despite many great painters coming from Bali, he said not many were also writers on fine art.

Wayan Kun Adnyana is a fine example of that rarity  a cunning dancer of the brush, yet also a proficient composer of words. It is fitting for Bali as a space synonymous with cultural triumphs, to commence nurturing and holding scholars who are captivatingly clear, concise and critical in intellectual pursuits, Couteau was quoted as saying from Kuns book Nalar Rupa Perupa.

Kun stands tall among the contemporary figures who will shape the future Balinese culture. He is an intellectual who remains Bali, remains national, and increasingly global in his endeavors.

With his series, Kun hopes to connect the past and the present, offering a chance for todays Balinese youth to understand their ancient culture.

The aim of creating this art is that the new generation of Bali have new ways to remember their cultural monuments. The youth arent familiar with this relief and this series provides them with a new approach for remembering their past.

He does this with ease and finesse, as seen in his piece Gateway, which sees faceless figurines carrying doorframes, used to symbolize the plot of the relief and are the gateways through which past and genealogy can be viewed.

He believes that the tales of heroism present in everyday lives depicted in the Yeh Pulu Relief can be translated into our lives today  making each and every one of us heroes of today.

***

The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 17:47 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab92228 1 City fire,West-Jakarta,fatalities Free

A fire at a home on Jl. Semangka in Palmerah district, West Jakarta, claimed the lives of a mother and her three daughters on Friday afternoon.

The bodies of Fitria, 39, and her daughters, Salma, 8, and twins Kirana and Tirana, who were only four years old, were found hugging each other in their homes bathroom after the West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agency put out the flames.

The bodies have been brought to the Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital, said Rompis, who heads the West Jakarta Fire and Rescue Agencys fire prevention and rescue unit.

The agency deployed 14 firetrucks after receiving information on the fire at 1.10 p.m.

The fire was reportedly caused by the children playing with fire. It also caused an estimated Rp 50 million (US$3,754) in material losses, Rompis said in a media release on Friday. (hol)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4 2017

Jakarta Councillors hopes of each getting a personal assistant have been burst, because of the lack of a relevant provision in a government regulation, a Home Ministry official has said.

On Wednesday, the Jakarta administration invited representatives from the Law and Human Rights Ministry and the Home Ministry to explain the matter to the councillors.

Acting director general for regional finance at the Home Ministry, Moch. Ardian, said Government Regulation (PP) No. 18/2017 on financial authority and the administration of regional council leaders and members did not include a provision for expert staff or personal assistants.There is no such thing in the government regulation, Ardian said on Wednesday as quoted by kompas.com.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 11:10 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab822cc 4 Business Indonesia,US,trade-aggreement-talk,Airlangga-Hartarto,Trade-Ministry Free

In trying to boost its volume of textile exports, the Indonesian government is seeking a bilateral agreement with the United States.

Currently, the US imposes a 12.5 percent import duty for our textiles, while it imposes zero percent for Vietnamese textiles because they already have a bilateral agreement, said Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto in Jakarta on Thursday as reported by Antara.

Indonesian exports to the US reached US$9.13 billion last year. The main manufactured products exported to the country were palm oil products, furniture, pulp and paper, handicrafts, electronics and aluminum products.

The ministrys industrial resilience and international access director general, Harjanto, said that Indonesia had discussed various issues with the US through the Trade Investment Council (TIC) forum.

He explained that the TIC consisted of four working groups on industrial and agricultural products, illegal logging and associated trade, intellectual property rights, and investment.

Meanwhile, Indonesia and the US recently established a commercial dialogue--a forum that encourages the private sector to explore investment and trade opportunities in both countries.

Currently, the dialogue focuses on several issues, including investment climate, trade expansion, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurship, clean energy and industrial cooperation, Harjanto said. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 21:15 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab968b5 1 Business Indonesia,Russia,barter-trading,Sukhoi-jet-fighters,coffee,CPO,Enggartiasto-Lukita Free

Indonesian state-owned trading company PT Perusahaan Perdagangan and Russian state-owned company Rostec have signed a memorandum of understanding to barter Indonesian agricultural commodities for Russian jet fighters.

The barter deal, which is under the supervision of the two governments, will involve 11 Sukhoi SU-35 jet fighters and several commodities like coffee, palm oil, tea and others, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Enggar Lukita said in a statement on Friday.

Enggar, who is on an official visit to Russia from Aug. 3 to 5, expressed his hope that the agreement would be followed by other agreements in other sectors.

Russia currently faces economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union. In response, Russia has limited imports from the US and EU and is looking to other countries for commodity imports.

It is an opportunity we have to seize. The great potential for economic cooperation during the embargo and counter embargo goes beyond trade and investment issues. We also have the opportunity to enhance cooperation in tourism, student exchange, energy, technology, aviation, etc., Enggar added.

Trade between Indonesia and Russia in 2016 amounted to US$2.11 billion  with Indonesia posting a surplus of $411 million  compared to $1.9 billion in 2015. Indonesian non-oil exports to Russia grew by 8.50 percent in the last five years to a value of $1.3 billion in 2016, while Indonesian exports from January to May this year grew by 54.43 percent to $1.12 billion. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 14:23 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab8a39b 1 Business Indonesia,Russia,barter-trading,Sukhoi-jet-fighters,rubber Free

The Indonesian government is following up on a trade-by-barter offer from Russian company Rostec, which wants to trade Sukhoi US-35 jet fighters for Indonesian rubber, the trade minister has stated.

The barter has nearly reached a final agreement. But we are also offering other products to Russia in addition to rubber, said Trade Minister Enggartiasto "Enggar" Lukita, who is on an official visit to Russia from Aug. 3 to 5, as reported by Antara on Thursday.

During his Russia visit, Enggar and his entourage also discussed accelerating the Indonesia-Russia Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and the Indonesia-Eurasia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost trade with Russia and its neighboring countries.

Read also: Russia wants to barter Sukhoi for Indonesian rubber

Enggar said Russia was a gateway for Indonesian products to enter the Eurasian Economic Union market, whose members comprise Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. Russia is also the largest market for Indonesian products and services in Eastern and Central Europe.

Trade between Indonesia and Russia in 2016 was worth US$2.11 billion, with Indonesia posting a surplus of $411 million, compared to $1.9 billion in 2015.

Indonesian non-oil exports to Russia grew 8.50 percent in the last five years with an export value of $1.3 billion in 2016, while Indonesian exports from January to May this year grew 54.43 percent to $ 1.12 billion.

The main Indonesian commodities exported to Russia are palm oil and related products, coffee, rubber, coconut oil and cocoa. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 15:30 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab8f1e6 1 National KPK,corruption-eradication,corruption,corruption-case,corruption-eradication-commission,graft,village-funds,VillageFunds Free

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) says it has received hundreds of reports from the public on the alleged embezzlement of village funds since 2016, prompting the anti-graft body to investigate potential cases of corruption in the delivery of the funds.

KPK deputy chairman for prevention Pahala Nainggolan said the number of reports on alleged embezzled funds increased after it issued a circular that encouraged the public to report of any irregularities in the channeling of the funds.

Copies of the circular were distributed to villages, encouraging all residents to file reports if they suspected there were irregularities relating to village funds. We were eventually flooded with public complaints. The Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Ministry received 600 reports while we [KPK] got 300 reports. Were confused on what were supposed to do with all of these reports because it is not the commissions responsibility to handle the matter, said Pahala as quoted by tribunnews.com in Jakarta on Friday.

As the KPK is not tasked with dealing with such reports, it entrusted them to the ministry.

We left it to the ministry, but it claimed it could not audit the alleged fund irregularities because it was the regency administrations that had the authority to handle such problems, said Pahala.

He said reports on only 30 percent of the village funds were filed via the Village Finance Management System, an application established by the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP). Meanwhile, 70 percent of the reports were filed manually. (yon/ebf)
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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, August 4 2017

Indonesias oil and gas sector was once like a pretty girl who attracted everyones eye with her activities.

That was how IGN Wiratmaja Puja, the then-oil and gas director general at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, described the sector during a focus group discussion with various oil and gas stakeholders in June.

Many then spread rumors about her, blamed her or even tried to control her. It was inevitable, he continued, adding that day by day the pretty girl became more unattractive as shown by declining investment and plunging state revenues from the sector in recent years.

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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar  Sat, August 5 2017

Dressed in Balinese attire, thousands of people from across Bali gathered in Puputan Margarana square in Renon Denpasar on Friday morning to get what they have long been waiting for: a certificate for the plot of land they own.

One of them was Ni Wayan Puspawati, a resident of Buruan village in Gianyar regency.

Im very happy. Finally, our plot of land is certified. My husband had plans to set up a car service business. We can develop it now, said Puspawati, while showing a land certificate for her 500-square-meter plot.

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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, August 5 2017

With the United States saying no, Russia has said hello to Indonesian palm oil businesses, raising hopes for Southeast Asias largest economy to boost its palm oil exports amid growing negative sentiments.

During the Indonesia-Russia Business Forum on Palm Oil on Thursday in Moscow, the Indonesian Palm Oil Board (DMSI) signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Russias palm oil products trader PalmOleo Group LLC to boost trade and research, as well as to further efforts to promote the use of palm oil products in both countries.

Sahat Sinaga, the executive director of the Indonesian Vegetable Oil Refiners Association (GIMNI), said that through the agreement, both countries would be able to monitor each others market, while also exchanging technology for the conversion of palm oil into biodiesel.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Marina Bay Sands, Singapore  Sat, August 5 2017

Singapores Marina Bay Sands (MBS) will once again host the Epicurean Market, a popular culinary festival, from Aug. 11-13 at its Sands Expo and Convention Center with numerous attractions ranging from Michelin-starred signature bites, to rare whiskies and spirits, farm-fresh food from Asia, Europe and North America and stellar master classes.

Started in 2013, the MBS signature culinary festival celebrates the best in food, wine, spirits and gourmet products.

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Linkedin Nestor Corrales (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) Manila  Fri, August 4, 2017 14:15 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab88d72 2 SE Asia #ASEAN,#ASEAN-China,#China,#SouthChinaSea,#SouthChinaSeaDispute,#China-ASEAN,#China-sea-dispute Free

Southeast Asian countries and China have agreed that the framework for the Code of Conduct (COC) of Parties in the South China Sea was not an instrument to settle territorial disputes or maritime delimitation issues.

This developed even after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Chinese government both sought to craft a legally-binding COC that would address sea dispute.

A draft framework, which would be endorsed by ASEAN and China foreign ministers on Aug. 6 in Manila, would be rules-based, containing a set of norms to guide the conduct of parties and promote maritime cooperation in the South China Sea.

According to documents obtained by INQUIRER.net, the parties agreed that the framework must promote mutual trust, cooperation and confidence, prevent incidents, manage incidents should they occur and create a favorable environment for the peaceful resolution of disputes.

They also decided to maintain respect for each others independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law, and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.

The draft framework also highlights the need for full and effective implementation of the DOC (declaration on the code of conduct of parties in the South China Sea).

The DOC, signed by both parties in 2002, mandates self-restraint and non-militarization in the disputed waters.

The framework was finalized during the senior officials meeting in Guiyang, China, last May.

During the 30th ASEAN Summit last April, ASEAN member states chose not to mention Chinas reclamation activities and apparent militarization in the disputed territories.

Tensions between the Philippines and China erupted after Beijings expansive claims over the South China Sea and full scale reclamation activities in the contested waters.

The South China Sea issue also has strained the Philippines relations with China after Beijing claimed almost all parts of the minerals-rich region.

But since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office in June 30 last year, he has maintained a soft approach to China as he favored bilateral talks to settle the South China Sea disputes.

The Philippines won a landmark decision at the United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal but China has repeatedly rejected the decision.

In May, the Philippines and China held bilateral talks to discuss sensitive issues over the disputed sea.

Topics :

This article appeared on the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 15:16 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab8c6e6 2 News yogyakarta-tourism,bali,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,wedding,wedding-ceremony Free

Four wedding planners from India join a familiarization trip (famtrip) initiated by the Tourism Ministry to Yogyakarta and Bali on Aug. 2 to 6.

This famtrip aims to promote MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourist destinations in Indonesia.

After the trip, these wedding planners are expected to come up with wedding tour packages to destinations in Indonesia.

Read also: Five tips to host a Peranakan-themed wedding

The famtrip participants will be introduced to Borobudur and Prambanan temples and going to Bali to enjoy the beauty of the island as well as exploring Balinese and Indian foods, said the ministry's deputy assistant for Asia-Pacific Tourism Promotion, Vinsensius Jemadu.

During their time in Bali, the participants will visit Leke Leke tourist village in Bedugul where they can try tubing activity.

The Tourism Ministry is targeting to attract 546,000 Indian tourists in 2017. Its overall goal is to have 15 million foreign tourists, mostly from the Asia Pacific region, to come to Indonesia this year. (kes)
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Fri, August 4, 2017 13:13 1926 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97ab853aa 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Baliem-Valley-Cultural-Festival,Papua Free

Papua is set to hold the Baliem Valley Festival from August 8 to 11 in Baliem Valley, Jayawijaya Mountains.

With the theme 'Art of Dance & War', the festival will showcase the Papuan war tradition and traditional dances including the War Dance.

The War Dance is a hundred years old dance, visitors can take part in the dance if they want to, said Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.

Read also: Garuda Indonesia opens new routes in West Papua

Some of the Papuan tribes such as Dani, Yali and Yani will take part in the festival where they will perform a mock tribal war battle.

The traditional festival that was first held in 1989 is very popular among travel photographers from abroad.

Visitors can also directly interact with the indigenous people of Papua and there are plenty of beautiful sceneries that you can enjoy there, added the Ministry's Archipelago Marketing Development deputy, Esthy Reko Astuti.

Other activities that will be presented at the festival include traditional music performance using Pikon, karapan babi (pig races), theater performance, arrow and spear competition, Sikiki and Puradaan game, cooking demo and handicraft exhibition.

Read also: Guide to visiting Raja Ampat for first-timers

Not only famous for its beautiful scenery and interesting tradition, Baliem Valley is also the place where visitors can see mummies. Three mummies are preserved in Kurulu District, another three are preserved in Assologaima District and one is preserved in Kurima District.

These mummies are the bodies of previous tribal chiefs and commanders of the Dani tribe, the majority tribe in Wamena. They are being preserved using a traditional method and can last up to hundreds of years. (asw)
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The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has reported out favorably the Taylor Force Act, legislation that would suspend American aid to the Palestinian Authority as long as it continues to provide financial stipends to the families of Palestinians who commit acts of terror against American and Israeli citizens. Agudath Israel of America, a national Orthodox Jewish organization, is applauding the Committees approval of the bill.

The Committees vote is a tangible expression that when the US says it will combat terrorism it means what it says,  stated Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israels Vice President for Federal Affairs and Washington Director. It is unacceptable and unconscionable that American aid be provided to a regime which rewards and glorifies  in word and deed  bloodshed and violence against innocents. 

The Taylor Force Act is named after an American graduate student, a West Point graduate and armed forces combat veteran who was murdered in 2016 by a Palestinian terrorist while visiting Israel in a study abroad program.

The bill is being championed by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-TN). Rabbi Cohen noted with appreciation the significance of several prominent Democratic members joining the Republican majority in making it a truly bipartisan measure and increasing its chances for full Senate passage.

The Senate Committee has made clear that this support is intolerable to our nation and to those who hope for peace. American aid must stop at terrorisms door, Rabbi Cohen asserted.

The full Senate is expected to take up the measure in the fall.
According to a report on NY1, plans to build a flood barrier along the East River have been scaled back and the timetable for beginning construction has been delayed.

Back in 2014, the federal government awarded New York City $335 million for the first phase of the project, extending from East 24th Street to Montgomery Street. The idea was to create a series of berms and floodwalls in East River Park and to build new bridges to better connect the community to the park. Heres part of the report filed last night:

disputes within de Blasios administration are said to be disrupting an already tight timeline. Documents from late-2014 show development and construction should have started in June. Now, theres no construction, and plans are scaled back. There wont be any new bridges over the FDR Drive, although the city wants to improve some existing ones. Delays appear to continue. A city document from mid-July had a draft environmental impact statement release pegged for this summer. But another document released Thursday said winter. Its a tweak, perhaps, on a complex project, but the city doesnt have unlimited time.

NY1 spoke with Dan Zarrili, the citys chief resilience officer, who said, Were working through a lot of complicated issues, but we are committed to seeing this through. He acknowledged that the city must meet deadlines set by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Zarrili added that the administration is moving as quickly as possible to resolve some of the bureaucratic issues.

More to come
(lead article)

End US economic war against people of Cuba

SWP: Emulate example of the Cuban Revolution!

AP/Ramon Espinosa

The Cuban Revolution is living proof that working people can unite, organize, fight, transform ourselves in struggle, take political power from the propertied rulers and begin to build a society qualitatively different from dog-eat-dog capitalism  a socialist society based on human solidarity.

This is the significance of the celebrations in Cuba, the U.S. and elsewhere marking the anniversary of the 1953 attack on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel Cespedes garrisons by Fidel Castro and other young Cuban revolutionaries, opening the revolutionary struggle that led to the 1959 overthrow of the U.S.-backed Fulgencio Batista dictatorship.

The introduction to the book Cuba and the Coming American Revolution by SWP National Secretary Jack Barnes says, Cuba showed us that with class solidarity, political consciousness, courage, focus and persistent efforts at education, and a revolutionary leadership of a caliber like that in Cuba  a leadership tested and forged in battle over years, it is possible to stand up to enormous might and seemingly insurmountable odds and win.

In October, young people, workers and others from the U.S. and around the world will spend two weeks in Cuba as part of the In the Footsteps of Che International Brigade. Che Guevara was a central leader of the revolution who fell in combat in 1967 at the hands of the CIA while leading Bolivian, Cuban and other combatants in an effort to mobilize workers and farmers to overthrow the Bolivian dictatorship.

Join me on the brigade, to see firsthand Cubas social advances, such as free health care and education for all, part of social relations that can only exist in a country where the working class holds political power.

Above all well talk with Cuban workers and farmers whose solidarity, confidence, determination and internationalism made possible the sending of some 425,000 volunteers to Angola between 1975 and 1991 to defend that countrys newly won independence, help defeat the invading apartheid South African army, and win the liberation of Namibia.

The Cuban people extend solidarity with others fighting around the world, expecting nothing in return. They know the future lies in the hands of workers and youth who emulate their example and overthrow capitalist exploitation, racism and war. That is what my party, the Socialist Workers Party, is about.

The capitalist rulers of the United States fear that working people in the U.S., looking for a way out of the deepening economic, political, social and moral crisis of the capitalist system, will become attracted to the Cuban road. This is why Washington has never stopped seeking to overthrow the revolution, tightened its decadeslong economic embargo against Cuba, and refuses to give up its naval base and notorious prison at Guantanamo Bay.

The Socialist Workers Party is campaigning with workers on their doorsteps in big cities, small towns and rural areas across the country. We have seen how working people are more and more open to learning about the Cuban example.
(front page)

Celebrations in Cuba, U.S. mark Cuban Revolution

Tens of thousands gathered in Cubas western city of Pinar del Rio July 26 to celebrate the 64th anniversary of the 1953 attack on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel Cespedes garrisons by Fidel Castro and other young Cuban revolutionaries that marked the opening of the revolutionary struggle culminating in the 1959 overthrow of the U.S.-backed Fulgencio Batista dictatorship.

Supporters of the revolution in the United States and other countries also organized meetings and other events to commemorate the revolution, protest continuing efforts by Washington to attack it, and build the fall In the Footsteps of Che Guevara International Brigade to Cuba.

Castro was captured in the Moncada attack, then tried and imprisoned. His speech to the courtroom  History Will Absolve Me  became the program the July 26th Movement campaigned around to win support and members. This underground struggle helped to build political pressure that forced the dictatorship to release Castro and other founders of the movement.

This is the first time we are having this celebration without Fidel, Jose Machado Ventura, second secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and veteran of the revolutionary war, told the crowd. Castro died last November at the age of 90. But this does not mean that his image, work and example do not remain alongside our heroic people, committed in their daily work.

Machado compared the living and working conditions of Cubans in Pinar del Rio under capitalism and today. Before the revolution 85 percent of farms did not belong to the peasants who worked them. There were only 248 doctors in Pinar del Rio. Today 4,577 doctors provide health care, along with a nursing staff of 5,635. The infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births today stands at 1.7, it was 60 in 1958. Life expectancy has gone from 53 years to 79. Three thousand additional health care workers from the province are serving in 43 countries, many in Venezuela.

Illiteracy has been reduced from 30 percent to practically zero and unemployment from 30 percent to 1.3 percent, Machado said.

In this long difficult battle, we are convinced that the children of this indomitable land will continue to take the front lines, as did your parents and grandparents, Machado said, speaking to the new generations of Cuban revolutionaries who, over the next decade, will shoulder day-to-day leadership of the socialist revolution.

Machado condemned Washingtons recent moves to tighten its decadeslong economic embargo against Cuba and called for the U.S. to end its intervention into the internal affairs of Venezuela, reaffirming once again, our unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people.

In New York 125 people, including a large delegation from the Cuban Mission to the United Nations, attended a celebration July 29 organized by Cuba Si!, July 26 Coalition, and Casa de las Americas at the New York State Nurses Association hall.

We will not return to the past

No! We will not return to the past. We will never again be the people who suffered torture, inequality, social exclusion, exploitation, poverty, illiteracy, marginalization and oppression, said Anayansi Rodriguez, Cubas ambassador to the U.N. We reaffirm that any strategy that seeks to destroy the revolution, whether through coercion and pressure or through subtle methods, will fail, as they have failed during the last 55 years.

We will never resign ourselves to giving up the construction of our socialism, she said.

Before the indelible remembrance of the martyrs of the Moncada, we ratify our most firm conviction of being faithful to the ideas of Fidel; to continue building a prosperous and sustainable socialism; to remain deeply internationalist, Rodriguez said. And in that endeavor we are sure that we will continue to count on your permanent support.

Organizers showed a 12-minute video of Fernando Gonzalez, president of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), addressing delegates at the Fifth Continental Africa Conference in Solidarity with Cuba in Windhoek, Namibia, June 5-7. It was introduced by Willie Cotton, who had been a member of the Socialist Workers Party delegation to the conference.

Gonzalez was one of the Cuban Five, who spent a decade and a half in U.S. prisons for their actions in defense of Cubas revolution. He was one of the over 400,000 Cubans who volunteered between 1975 and 1991 to fight in Angola to defend that countrys newly won independence, to help defeat the invading apartheid South African army and to win the liberation of Namibia.

Thats when I realized I didnt know anything about colonialism. No matter how many books I had read, this was the real experience, he told conference attendees in Namibia, seeing the effects of colonialism in Africa, but seeing also the peoples of the continent fighting the consequences of colonialism and fighting to overcome colonialism itself.

In Chicago 70 people came together July 28 to celebrate the Cuban Revolution and to build the In the Footsteps of Che Guevara brigade that will travel to Cuba Oct. 1-15. Guevara, one of the central leaders of the revolution, fell in combat in 1967 while leading a guerrilla column as part of the struggle against the Bolivian dictatorship of Rene Barrientos and its backers in Washington.

One of the featured speakers was Jose Lopez, executive director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, who brought greetings from his brother. Oscar Lopez recently won his freedom after more than 35 years in U.S. prison for his activities in the fight for Puerto Rican independence. Today we are here to celebrate the attack on Moncada that set in motion the Cuban Revolution which has meant so much for Latin America, Jose Lopez said.

Maintenance worker Chris Oyola came to the meeting after he heard about it that afternoon at a rally organized by his union, part of their fight for a new contract. I didnt know much about Cuba. What I had heard was a lot of bad stuff, he told the Militant. Here I heard positive stuff. I would like to go on this brigade. Meeting participants contributed some $450 toward brigade expenses.

In Washington, D.C., Miguel Fraga, first secretary of the Cuban Embassy in Washington, spoke to 40 people at a meeting sponsored by the D.C. Metro Coalition in Solidarity with the Cuban Revolution, held at the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ.

Fraga repudiated slanders in the U.S. press saying Cuba only sends doctors and other volunteers to Venezuela to get oil.

We defend Venezuela. Our unity with that sister country is based on cooperation, Fraga said. Cubas relations with countries lacking medical care are not for oil, but for solidarity.

Cuban health workers went to Pakistan after they had a devastating earthquake there in 2005, he said. We did not have relations with Pakistan and expected nothing in return.
SWP takes its socialist program to working class

MINNEAPOLIS  A working class campaign? Thats me! It seems all I do is work, Porsche Chasman told David Rosenfeld, Socialist Workers Party candidate for mayor here, when he knocked on her door and introduced himself and his party July 29. The 26-year-old postal worker invited Rosenfeld and campaigner Jacquie Henderson into her north Minneapolis home to talk some more.

Under capitalism its dog eat dog, every man for himself, said Rosenfeld. They want us to look at fellow workers as the problem, not the capitalists who exploit us and push us further into misery. We have to change all that. Were the only class that can.

Id like to see that happen, replied Chasman. But how can we do that? We spend so much of our energy just trying to get through the complications of the day.

We have to struggle together against the brutal attacks coming down on us as a class, Rosenfeld said. In the process we begin to learn our own worth, to look to ourselves as a class for strength.

Chasman, who signed the petition to place the SWP candidate on the ballot, asked Rosenfeld and Henderson to come back later in the week to talk more when she has the money to get a copy of Malcolm X, Black Liberation, and the Road to Workers Power by SWP National Secretary Jack Barnes.

SWP members and supporters across the country are stepping up efforts to get out into working-class neighborhoods near and far to discuss what our class faces today and the partys program and activities. Theyre introducing the Workers Power book, as well as Are They Rich Because Theyre Smart? and The Clintons Anti-Working-Class Record, also by Barnes, and Is Socialist Revolution in the US Possible? by SWP leader Mary-Alice Waters, and expanding the reach of the Militant. Most importantly, theyre looking for people who want to talk, study and do things together to build a revolutionary working-class party.

Over the week SWP supporters sold 16 subscriptions to the Militant and 22 campaign books in the Minneapolis area. They also gathered another 154 signatures to put the SWP campaign on the ballot, raising the total to 485 toward the goal of getting 750, well over the requirement. SWP campaigners are planning a big weekend for August 5-6 to complete the ballot effort.

When is the next meeting I can attend? Floyd Lewis, a retired welder, asked campaigners Rose Engstrom and Kofi Komla July 30 after they talked for awhile about the need for workers to unite in struggle to end the dictatorship of capital.

This gives me a lot to think about, said Lewis. It would be great if we can come together for a government of the people. He bought Malcolm X, Black Liberation, and the Road to Workers Power and signed the petition to put Rosenfeld on the ballot.

I support Trump. Things are bad and have to change, a former masonry worker named Brad, who said he had to retire after hurting his back, told Engstrom. I dont know if he will help, but he is a start. After more discussion about the SWPs working-class perspectives he signed the petition and picked up a subscription to the Militant.

Id like to see Cuba and learn how they changed the priorities of the country with the revolution so that I can come back and work to do that here, said Delinia Parris, a food bank worker from St. Paul, after hearing about the In the Footsteps of Che International Brigade to Cuba from SWP campaigners who knocked on her door. If I cant go this time, Id like to help raise money for someone else who can. She got a Militant subscription and Malcolm X, Black Liberation, and the Road to Workers Power.

BY ELLEN BRICKLEY

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.  When Maggie Trowe, Socialist Workers Party candidate for mayor of Albany, New York, and I spoke with Lucy Colon on her porch here July 30, Colon said she especially liked the Militant article on the deepening crisis in health care under capitalism and bought a subscription.

I have Massachusetts state health care, but it doesnt cover medications, the patient care assistant and mother of four children told us. I have to take medicine to control a benign brain tumor, but the four pill monthly dose costs $382. I cant afford that!

Health care in the U.S. is a capitalist business, Trowe replied. The two parties that represent the rulers debate over different plans, but they all benefit the profit-hungry insurance, hospital and pharmaceutical bosses. They dont care if we live or die.

Trowe explained how workers and farmers in Cuba transformed themselves as they overthrew capitalism and the U.S.-backed dictatorship in 1959 and allocated the social surplus working people produce to provide health care for all. Im going on the brigade to Cuba in October to learn more firsthand about the revolution there and how we can make a revolution here, she said. Send me information about that brigade, Colon replied. Id like to go too.

Milly Guzman, a Puerto Rican-born worker from Hartford, Connecticut, and her daughter Amanda joined Trowe campaigning door to door. Guzman explained why workers should oppose the U.S.-imposed Financial Oversight and Management Board in Puerto Rico that is driving the government there to make deeper and deeper cuts in public employees wages, pensions, health care and other services to pay investors and speculators who have bought up Puerto Ricos bonds.

Esperanza Medina, 66, a retired dishwasher born in Puerto Rico, told Trowe and Guzman about how she worked seven-day weeks for $5.25 an hour in Pennsylvania and was never able to make ends meet.

The bosses want cheap labor, Guzman said. They try to solve their economic crisis on our backs.

My mother, who has cancer, lives in Arroyo, Puerto Rico, Medina said. Her gas and electricity was cut off as part of the governments budget cuts.

The working class in the United States must oppose the super-exploitation of Puerto Rican workers both here and in Puerto Rico, Trowe said, as part of unifying working people and building a mass movement that will become capable of taking power.





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(front page)

Drive to impeach Donald Trump reflects political crisis of US rulers

In their relentless furor to bring down the presidency of Donald Trump, liberal Democrats and their media cohorts, some Republicans and most middle-class left groups have latched onto the recent staff changes and disorganization in the administration to boost their clamor.

The White House is imploding, screams the headline in a July 28 column by Ruth Marcus in the Washington Post. The only remaining mystery is how, when and how badly this disaster of a presidency will end, she claims.

Trump Tries to Regroup As the West Wing Battles Itself, is the headline in an article by Peter Baker in the July 29 New York Times.

Workers are bombarded with the same line on morning talk shows, evening news and from late-night comedians, as well.

The instrument tasked with finding a way to remove Trump from office is the special prosecutors office led by former FBI Director Robert Mueller. The workers movement has long experience with special prosecutors. They arent appointed to investigate crime, but to dig as long as needed to find something to bring their target down. There are no restrictions or time limit on what they can investigate.

Theyre a mockery of the protections of the U.S. Constitution and a threat to workers rights. And this one is run by the former head of the rulers anti-labor political police.

Why the furor?

Its not Trump. Hes a real estate boss who is as committed to defending the interests of his fellow ruling class members as anyone. Whats different here is that behind his campaign and victory, the rulers see something else  the working class. They see how, under the deep crisis wracking the capitalism today, workers are looking for something different. They responded to Trump because he promised to work for the working class and drain the swamp.

As Gary Abernathy, editor of the Hillsboro, Ohio, Times Gazette  one of the few papers in the country that endorsed Trump  put it, workers like that Trump is a game-changer, a disrupter, a practitioner of what I see as crafted chaos. Our stale system and its corrupted processes are in need of disruption.

The rulers see  and fear  deepening class struggle coming. This is what the furor is about. And its self-reinforcing  the liberals are immersed in a world where everyone thinks the same way.

Trump got the votes of more than 62 million people, Michael Kinsley admitted in a July 29 Times column, saying, I am pretty sure I dont know any of them. These liberals are convinced workers are lesser creatures, without the smarts to choose their own leaders.

Under the pressure of the media barrage, a USA Today/Suffolk University poll June 29 states Trumps numbers hit historic lows for a president in the early months of his term, getting approval from 42 percent of those questioned, but his favorability standing was still better than the ratings for both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Much of the media has focused on changes in White House personnel, including the resignation of Sean Spicer as White House Press Secretary, the appointment and firing of Anthony Scaramucci as communications director, and the ousting of Reince Priebus as chief of staff, substituted by Homeland Security Director Gen. John Kelly.

President Trump spent a good part of the week complaining about the performance of former Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions, his attorney general. This turned Sessions, one of the countrys more overtly right-wing Republican politicians, into a hero for the liberals.

They claim this is a sign of chaos in the administration. What it really shows is that Trump isnt really a Republican. The Post reported, With every staff move, Trump seems to be moving ever further away from the Republican establishment.

Trump is more comfortable with his own people, businessmen, family and military figures who know something about the consequences of imperialist war.

Democrats, Republicans in crisis

Both of the capitalist ruling families political parties have been thrown into political crisis by the results of the elections.

One sign of the unraveling of the Republican Party was the collapse of all their attempts to repeal or modify Obamacare. The Republicans have a majority in both the Senate and House, but couldnt pass anything.

The Democrats are in no better shape.

On July 26 House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer rolled into Berryville, Virginia, an hour outside Washington  what Pelosi called the heartland of America  to announce the Democrats new brand, A Better Deal.

The deal is a rehash of liberal Band-Aids for the health care and jobs crisis without touching the real problem  capitalism in its decline.

Democrats will show the country we are the party on the side of working people, Schumer, who took his tie off for the road trip, proclaimed. This is the start of a new vision for the party.

But in a country still seething at Washington, the two Democratic leaders, the Financial Times wrote after Schumer and Pelosis media event, have served a collective six-and-a-half decades in Congress and are struggling to present themselves as the face of a new Democratic Party.

The other wing of the fractured party  Bernie Sanders and his supporters  are fighting to oust the party bosses and take over. Only a rebuilt party of radical capitalist reform, they believe, can win workers back into the two-party shell game.





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(special feature)

Sao Paulo Forum discusses struggle against imperialism

Youth organize to build Oct. World Festival in Russia

MANAGUA, Nicaragua  Over 300 delegates from 32 countries came together here to participate in the 23rd annual Sao Paulo Forum July 15-21. It is an honor, in the land of Sandino, to welcome everyone in the name of the Sandinista National Liberation Front of Nicaragua [FSLN], Daniel Ortega and all the Sandinistas, Jacinto Suarez, international secretary of the FSLN, told delegates at the opening session.

Large delegations came from Cuba, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Mexico, along with delegates from throughout Latin America and the Caribbean and invited guests from North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

The Sao Paulo forums began in 1990 at the initiative of Cuban President Fidel Castro and Brazilian Workers Party leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. They aim to bring together left political parties and activists from throughout the region to discuss and debate political perspectives to counter Washingtons ongoing interventions and to advance the fight for sovereignty and independence.

This year anti-imperialist youth at the forum took the occasion to discuss building the World Festival of Youth and Students in Sochi, Russia, Oct. 14-22.

We must all come to the defense of Venezuela, Jose Ramon Balaguer, a member of the Communist Party of Cubas Central Committee Secretariat and head of the Cuban delegation, said at the opening session, pointing to the importance of the fight to defend Venezuelas sovereignty against Washington and the pro-imperialist opposition forces. This is important for the sovereignty and independence of all countries in the region, he said.

We demand an immediate end to hostile actions and interference in Venezuela by the United States, Balaguer said.

Our country is in a serious and very difficult situation, Roy Daza, representing the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), told delegates. He said that the Constituent Assembly election called for July 30 would proceed. At the same time, he said that the PSUV is ready to engage in a national dialogue with the opposition in Venezuela and with the government of the United States, while demanding an immediate end to violent protests against the government of Nicolas Maduro.

Gabriel Aguirre from the Young Communists of Venezuela (JCV), the youth group of the Communist Party of Venezuela, said they disagreed. We oppose any negotiations with fascist opposition forces in Venezuela, he said.

Several meetings, workshops and seminars were held during the forum, including a womens meeting, an indigenous and Afro-descendants workshop, and one on the anti-colonial struggle. One of the largest was the youth meeting, with more than 100 young people coming together to discuss perspectives. Oscar Lopez Rivera, a Puerto Rican independence fighter who was framed up and jailed in the U.S. for 36 years, opened the meeting. A growing worldwide campaign was waged to win his freedom, and he was released in May.

Cubas revolution showed the importance of the youth. It helps in other countries like no other country in Latin America can, Lopez said. We have to emulate that example.

In October we will celebrate the World Festival of Youth and Students, said Jose Maury de Toro, secretary general of the World Federation of Democratic Youth and a leader of the Union of Young Communists of Cuba. It will be a great pleasure to have Oscar there with us to show the world what solidarity can accomplish.

Maury and some 20 representatives of youth organizations in the Americas region met the following morning to discuss political preparation for participation in the festival in Sochi. Over 1,500 delegates are registered to participate.

Ronald Hidalgo Rivera, second secretary of the Union of Young Communists of Cuba, thanked delegates for all the solidarity against the U.S. blockade on Cuba, noting that Washington continues its efforts to undermine and overthrow the Cuban Revolution.

Jacob Perasso, representing the Young Socialists in the United States, emphasized the need for youth groups across the hemisphere to campaign for U.S. Hands Off Venezuela! and an end to U.S. sanctions and attacks by the Organization of American States.

Perasso saluted Lopezs presence and spoke about the deepening class struggle in Puerto Rico, saying the fight against U.S. colonial rule should be supported by all working people in the U.S. Perasso also pointed to the importance of speaking out against Washingtons economic war against the Cuban Revolution and demanding Washington get out of Guantanamo.

One ongoing discussion at the forum was what the election of President Donald Trump signified about developments in the U.S. working class. Most middle-class left groups, and many of those at the forum, said Trumps election reflects the fact that U.S. workers are becoming more racist, sexist and reactionary.

Perasso argued that workers in the U.S., like their brothers and sisters south of the border, are seeking a way forward out of the brutality and carnage wrought by todays deepening crisis of capitalism. They aim to find a way to take on the government of the Democrats and Republicans in Washington that does nothing to meet their needs, to drain the swamp, as the Trumps popular election slogan goes. Many voted for Trump, Perasso explained, not because they were excited about his ideology, but in hopes of a change, as many had done earlier when they voted for Barack Obama. In fact, workers are less racist and more open to revolutionary change than in many years.

The Young Socialists and Socialist Workers Party find growing interest in our revolutionary program and activities as we join discussions with workers in the U.S., he said, including among workers who voted for Trump.

We point to the example of the Cuban Revolution, Perasso said, and explain the need for workers and farmers in the U.S. to follow its example and make a socialist revolution.

The forum ended in a festive atmosphere as delegates joined a rally of some 200,000 people July 19 to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Revolution, which dealt a blow to imperialism in the region. Speakers included Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, president and vice president of Nicaragua; Evo Morales, president of Bolivia; Salvador Sanchez Ceren, president of El Salvador; and Oscar Lopez Rivera. Miguel Diaz-Canel, vice president of Cuba, also participated.
Sign up for In Footsteps of Che brigade to Cuba!

DENVER  More people are signing up to join the In the Footsteps of Che International Brigade to Cuba Oct. 1-15, to have the opportunity to see revolutionary Cuba for themselves. Brigade members will do agricultural work alongside Cubans, meet with leaders of Cubas mass organizations, and visit places where Che Guevara led battles during the revolution.

Along with the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students taking place in Sochi, Russia, Oct. 14-22, the brigade will be an important way for anti-imperialist fighters and supporters of the Cuban Revolution to learn how to better prepare to engage in politics today.

The Che brigade, organized by the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1967 death in combat of Ernesto Che Guevara, one of the central leaders of the Cuban Revolution. In late 1966 Guevara led a detachment of Cuban internationalists to Bolivia, where they joined with revolutionists from Bolivia and Peru in a guerrilla movement to overthrow the U.S.-backed military dictatorship there. Wounded and captured by the Bolivian army in a CIA-organized operation on Oct. 8, 1967, Guevara was murdered the next day.

The 14-day brigade includes trips to several Cuban cities where Che led combatants during the 1956-58 Cuban revolutionary war and participation in events celebrating Ches legacy.

Brigadistas will visit Santa Clara, where Che led a column in the final offensive against the U.S.-backed Fulgencio Batista dictatorship. They will meet with Cubans who fought with Che in Las Villas, as well as with veterans who traveled with him to the Congo to join the struggle for independence from colonial rule there.

Six people have put in their applications for the brigade from the Hartford, Connecticut, area, Tim Craine, a member of the Greater Hartford Coalition on Cuba, told the Militant Aug. 1. Were organizing a picnic Aug. 15 and contacting people to raise $1,000 for the trip.

I feel like the Republicans and Democrats will not change anything here. I can go to Cuba and learn and bring it back to America and make our system better, Bridgete Burke, 33, from Denver, told the Militant, explaining why she is going on the brigade. America isnt going to change politically until individuals open our minds to something different.

Some 20,000 delegates from over 120 countries are expected at the World Festival of Youth and Students this year. It provides an opportunity to discuss, share experiences and learn about social struggles worldwide.

We will be part of the debates and workshops in the Americas region that includes North, South and Central America and the Caribbean, Jacob Perasso, a member of the National Preparatory Committee organizing U.S. participation in the youth festival, told the Militant. He said that over 100 people will be going from the U.S. There will be discussion on how we can work together to defend the Cuban Revolution and defend Venezuelan sovereignty against U.S. imperialist interference.
200 houses submerged as swollen river enter Tikapur, Janaki

Around 200 houses have been submerged after the overflowing waters of Patharaiya River entered human settlements at Tikapur Municipality and Janaki Rural Municipality.
Men who first encounter pornography at either an early or late age end up being bad news for women  but in different ways, researchers have found.

Gaining access to explicit sexual images when young forges a desire to exert power over women, while latecomers to porn have a tendency to become promiscuous playboys, the research showed.

The US team questioned 330 male university students aged 17 to 54 about their first exposure to pornographic material and their current attitudes towards women.

Scientists said the discovery went against their initial expectations (Yui Mok/PA)

Lead researcher Alyssa Bischmann, from the University of Nebraska, said: We found that the younger a man was when he first viewed pornography, the more likely he was to want power over women. The older a man was when he first viewed pornography, the more likely he would want to engage in playboy behaviour.

The second discovery was a surprise because sexual promiscuity was predicted to increase the earlier men were exposed to porn, said the scientists.

Chrissy Richardson, also from the Nebraska team, said: That finding has sparked many more questions and potential research ideas because it was so unexpected based on what we know about gender role socialisation and media exposure.

The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in Washington.

Men who were exposed to porn at a younger age were more likely to desire exerting power over women (Yui Mok/PA)

Among participants, the average age of their first exposure to porn was 13.37 years old. The youngest porn encounter was at the age of five and the oldest at more than 26 years old.

A majority of men indicated that their first exposure was accidental rather than deliberate or forced.

No significant association was seen between the nature of the exposure and subsequent attitudes towards women.

We were surprised that the type of exposure did not affect whether someone wanted power over women or to engage in playboy behaviours, said Ms Bischmann. We had expected that intentional, accidental or forced experiences would have differing outcomes.
It has been a year of horrors and disasters for Great Britain. However, the government seems to have reached its limit of empathy and care for its citizens with one disaster in the North of England.

New Ferry, located on The Wirral, has never been a significant part of the country. Located near to old seats of Imperial trade and commerce, New Ferrys decline in wealth was tied to the slow decline of Liverpool and the River Mersey. By the 1980s, New Ferry became a refuge for The Wirrals overcrowded housing estates with a construction frenzy of social housing.

In the last 10 years, this little-known part of The Wirral has passed under the radar. This changed on 25th March 2017 when this fragile community was dealt a devastating blow.

An explosion, on a scale not seen since the Merseyside Blitz, ripped through New Ferry and devastated most of the local businesses, homes and peoples lives. A gas explosion it seems. A local business had filled with gas and blew; the rubble became a wave of shrapnel that tore through the area. No fatalities, but 30 walking wounded and many hospitalised, even now, with life-changing injuries.

Yet the people of New Ferry have been abandoned. The local emergency services responded as did the local councillors but beyond that, no one came. Not one government official seemed to mind that New Ferry had been wiped off the map.

Disregard for the North, and Merseyside, is not anything terribly new but in this instance, the negligence shown is almost malevolent.

At first, no cabinet minister would attend the site, the business of an election took up their time... one could speculate that a visit to the site by the Conservatives may have helped with their image. In amidst the furore of election fever, there was not even time to vote emergency funds to New Ferry. Following the election, local councillors wrote to Mrs May, pleading for her assistance. They have this week been rebuked. Apparently, this explosion was not big enough.

According to whatever twisted manual the government uses, this particular destructive, life-changing blast is not ranked high enough on their scale of misery. One is left wondering that, maybe because there were no fatalities, the government thought it could let this one pass. Grenfell Tower could not be swept under the rug, but New Ferry easily could.

So as local residents are made homeless, businesses that have been there for 30 years close and historic buildings cling to the life support machine that is scaffolding, the world walks by. Chancellor Phillip Hammond was within a few miles of the blast site campaigning; he ignored it. Even when Theresa May came to Liverpool, across the River Mersey, for Armed Forces day there was no time to see the struggle or the plight of the ruin of New Ferry and its residents.

One beacon of hope has been the response to the disaster by the areas young councillor , Warren Ward; he is to be commended. Not many councillors, least of all one so young, would ever imagine facing a disaster of this scale with so few resources supplied. And he has gone on the offensive, challenging the misplaced priorities of this Conservative Government.

Our message to @theresa_may is simple - People must come before politics. #NewFerryMatters pic.twitter.com/5PKM5CpH5k  Cllr Warren Ward (@WarrenWard_UK) April 25, 2017

In a recent comment to the Liverpool Echo, Councillor Ward said, "Where is the moral justification of this government paying over 1bn for Theresa May to grasp onto power whilst at the same time kick the New Ferry community into the long grass.

Days after the announcement that no money would be allocated to The Wirral by this sitting Government, plans for investment in the Northern Powerhouse were also axed. The money instead reallocated to a second Crossrail development in London.

The Conservatives have long been accused of being the nasty party, particularly when Merseyside comes into the equation. 30 years ago a Cabinet Minister, apparently a figure we should respect, advised the abandonment of Liverpool and its surrounding areas as a lost cause. It seems this sentiment lives to this day. It now manifests itself as the stranglehold on the purse strings of the Exchequer not just for New Ferry and Merseyside but vast swathes of this country.

This is not an issue of simply one political party far too preoccupied with maintaining its illusion of authority. It is the disaster which is the Dickensian government that we seem to have fostered in this country in which Whitehall, no matter the party, walks past all below with its nose firmly in the air.

In its wake are the people of the North, of Grenfell, of Glasgow, of Belfast and everywhere else in the country that is not within the false realms of reality imagined by Whitehall. We have fallen back in time. The legacy of the likes Clement Attlee, Margaret Bondfield, David Lloyd George and many others has been lost in this antiquated, laissez-faire nation.

Britains relationship with its government has become that of Oliver Twist and Mr Bumble; asking for more is simply unacceptable.
Thursday evening heralded the biggest night in the cat calendar, as the winners were announced for the 2017 Cat of the Year Awards.

Catties Held at Londons Savoy Hotel and hosted by Alan Dedicoat (Mr National Lottery), theeasily eclipse the likes of the Oscars and the BAFTAs in being one of the worlds most important awards night. But the combined star-power of guests including Tim Vincent, Peter Egan and Jo Hemmings was no match for this year's cuddly cat contenders.

First up, in a close challenge, the paw-some Pixie fought off fierce feline competition from Phoenix and Layla to win the nights maiden award, Hero Cat of the Year.

Quick-thinking Pixie woke up her human, Sophie, when Sophies 15 month old daughter April was choking in the middle of the night. Receiving the award from Sky News host Stephen Dixon, Sophie said: Pixie deserves this so much as if it hadnt been for her warnings, we dont think April would be here today.

Meanwhile, in the Furr-ever Friends category, which celebrates friendship between cats and children, Mittens pulled off a shock victory over Harry and Percy.

Mittens helps 11

year old Faith, who lives with autism. Despite finding it difficult to connect with people, Faith has formed an incredible bond with Mittens. Faiths mum, Elizabeth said: Through Mittens, Faith has learnt so many new skills but also has a constant, reliable and fun friend by her side. He really is a one in a million and we all love him to bits. Were so delighted that the judges saw what a difference our cat makes to us.

A fur-real cute cat, Tilly was made Most Caring Cat in a nail-biting mew - ment , fending off competition from Missy and Layla.

Two year old Tilly cares for her human, Jess Laughton, who is entirely housebound due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Ehlors Danlos Syndrome. Tilly has become a faithful, caring companion who is completely dedicated to Jess. Celebrity judge Ali Bastion said: Neither could live without one another  there is total inspiring love.

In a claw-some win, black cat Genie was named Outstanding Rescue Cat, narrowly clinching the prize from Charlie and Nala. Genies human, 11 year old Evie, was diagnosed with bone cancer in March 2016. Since then, Genie has helped her cope with the ordeal. Even whilst in hospital , Evie would watch video footage of Genie and Genies fur moulting proved to be a comfort when Evie started to lose her own hair.

Showing a lot of cat-titude was the aptly named Spike. Spike was abandoned as a kitten 17 years ago but overcame adversity to become the winner of the Better Together award, which celebrates the special bond that has transformed the lives of both a feline and a human.

Now an elderly cat, Spike has numerous health difficulties and needs daily medication. Sadly, his human Mark suffers from Motor Neurone Disease, but Spikes presence makes his life more bearable. The two give each other the motivation to remain as active as they can and they are an inseparable pair.

The penultimate award of the evening saw a mew - ving win for 12 year old Lunar in the Special Recognition Award, narrowly beating Felix and Sadie to the plaudit.

Shortly after Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome sufferer Ali Coles adopted Lunar, she noticed that the faithful feline would sit stubbornly on her just prior to a fainting episode, providing the warning she needs to prepare herself. Vets believe that Lunar can sense the chemical change that happens prior to such an episode.

Upon collecting the award from Only Fools and Horses legend John Challis, Ali said: Im absolutely thrilled Lunars won () I dont know how she can tell when Im about to have a blackout, but shes managed to help me with my condition. Im so proud of her.
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A potential investor

AIIB has vowed to invest in multiple infrastructure projects; Nepal should utilise this opportunity
Kantipur journo collects award for 2016

Kantipur daily journalist Krishna Gyawali has been awarded with the Barbara Adams Investigative Journalism Award 2016.
CEC: Logistical issues if Provincial, federal elections polls held together

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Ayodhee Prasad Yadav said on Thursday that holding provincial and federal elections at one go will be difficult from the logistical point of view and proposed delaying the two polls by two weeks than the dates the Election Commission (EC) had earlier floated.
Clean sweep campaign on the cards to curb crime: Minister Sharma

Minister for Home Affairs Janardan Sharma has said that the government will soon launch a Clean Sweep Campaign to control gangsters and crime.
Prithvi Man Shrestha is a political reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering the governance-related issues including corruption and irregularities in the government machinery. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2009, he worked at nepalnews.com and Rising Nepal primarily covering the issues of political and economic affairs for three years.
Eight score and ten years ago, Liberia was conceptualized, conceived, and birthed as the land of freedom, liberty, and dignity of man. For the freed black American slaves, it symbolized release from the scourge and the bondage of human slavery in the American South. The American Colonization Society (ACS) established this new nation, the second black Republic in history, on the West Coast of Africa, bringing the autochthonous into the realm of western civilization. In nearly two centuries of sovereignty, the wretched conditions (education, domestic economy, healthcare, etc.) are evidence that the Republic has not live up to its true meaning and purpose. The impecunious condition we find ourselves today is the culpability of us all --- the PEOPLE.

Liberia is a republic, which is a form of democracy; in a democracy, the POWER of the republic is vested in the sovereign  the PEOPLE. To secure the Republic for posterity and defend individual liberty under the rule of law, the sovereignty establishes a government through free democratic elections to exercise the power of the state. Thus, the government is accountable to the PEOPLE.

On October 11, 2017, Liberians (except those in the Diasporas) will exercise their fundamental constitutional rights of electing a new government, the third since the senseless civil wars of the 1990s. Election campaigns are now in full throttle mode, but surprisingly without substantive pronouncements from the candidates on the apocalyptical problems facing the country:



The monopolization of the domestic economy by foreign nationals (i.e., the Lebanese)

The abject poverty of the masses

The mediocrity of the education system

The impecunious condition of the healthcare system

Economic injustice

The edema of corruption

Constitutional reform

Redefining our national character (i.e. new national symbol)

External growing national debt

Energy deficiencies

The above issues are of national strategic interest to the stability of the Republic, and the electorates have the right to know how each candidate will address these problems. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us (Progressives, Nationalists, the Clergy, and Patriots) to bring these issues to the attention of our various preferred candidates. One of these candidates will be president on October 12, 2017. We want to know that the president-elect is ready to grapple with these pending portentous challenges. One way to guess how the president-elect will address these issues is to challenge his candidacy about them before the election.

Let Us Challenge The Candidates Now To See How Well They Can Articulate These Issues.

J. Patrick Flomo can be reached at: zamawood@gmail.com

What is your take? Please post your comments below:


Gerrymandering warned

Experts have warned members of the Constituency Delimitation Commission that there could be attempts at gerrymandering while delineating the constituencies, in a way to cluster the electorate to favour a political party.
Watertown landowners will be involved in new Corps flood-control study
Govt promotes 11 DIGs to the post of AIG

The government on Thursday promoted 11 deputy inspectors general (DIGs) to the post of additional inspector general (AIG).
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.
Many leading companies and start-ups in the technology domain have recently resorted to layoffs, job cuts, and scaling down of their workforce.

Though this has been a source of demotivation for employees, it has also brought to the forefront, the importance of getting re-skilled. Technology goes out of trend in a matter of months. It has therefore become imperative that employees move up their learning curve and adapt to industry changes.

They have started understanding the need to move out of their comfort zone in order to acquire new skills and technologies and secure their job.

According to statistics, more than 50 per cent of the total learners undertaking various courses are full-time employees aiming to re-skill themselves. Employees are now becoming more flexible and empowering themselves with newer software and skills.

Today, they can opt for various online, offline, and self-help courses to study in their free time. Such modules and programmes are specially designed to suit the technological and cross-skilling needs of software professionals. Courses such as AI, cyber security, machine learning, DevOps and digital marketing are highly popular among the IT professionals.

Data sciences: A course in data sciences can help with an arsenal of concepts in the toolkit for data acquisition, preparation, exploration, visualisation, and more. Be it a professional or a fresh graduate in any field, what is required is a working knowledge of mathematics and some programming experience to get started. This course provides an opportunity to build projects drawn from realworld problems and also showcase employees skills to potential employers. The data science bundle helps in mastering the Hadoop environment, python, predictive machine learning, and R, all together.

Big data: The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that there will be a shortage of 1.7 million big data professionals over the next three years. Add to this the fact that in another few years, more than half of the data in this world will move to Hadoop. A course in big data can help you achieve expertise in this and more. This course is for those aiming to become a big data developer and encompasses Hadoop, MapReduce, HBase, Hive, Spark, and Oozie.

Machine learning: The idea of undertaking this course is to learn how to build and apply prediction functions with an emphasis on practical applications. It is applied in many areas, from medicine to advertising, and military to pedestrian. Machine learning can help when one needs to make sense of data.

Business analytics: This is the process of converting data into insights. It is the extensive use of data, statistical and quantitative analysis, explanatory and predictive models, and fact-based management to drive decisions and actions.The global research firm Gartner predicts that about 4.4 million new jobs will be created globally by business analytics.

DevOps: Training in devOps helps one in becoming a certified practitioner through hands-on training tools and best practices about continuous development, testing, configuration management. This includes continuous integration, deployment and finally monitoring of the software throughout its development life cycle. It is aimed any IT professional from the following backgrounds like systems admins, developers, testers, solutions architect, release engineers, and cloud professionals.

Digital marketing: This is an interactive way of marketing products or services using digital technologies to reach the customers and retain them through various digital marketing techniques. Digital marketing is experiencing a tremendous growth in recent times. As a result, there is a continuous demand for advertisers, consumers, and employers. From being a single module, it has now become the main focus of every companys marketing plan. And as a manager, one must know how digital media is affecting the companys branding and sales and also how to stay ahead of competitors. A certification programme in this course can help a professional understand the different tools and technologies involved.

Not only do candidates get to learn the best practices in digital marketing, but also get an idea of social media marketing and planning, budgeting, reporting, and tacking mechanism used in digital marketing. Automation has created an urgent need for employees to re-skill themselves.

Getting trained in the latest and next-level technologies will get the required knowledge to collaborate in different ways in an organisation. Stay abreast with the technological advancements, differentiate anomalies from real path-breaking trends, and equip to work alongside it without getting lost.

(The writer is president and co-founder, Acadgild)
IG appointment hearing postponed

The Supreme Court on Thursday postponed till August 10 hearing on a petition against promotion filed by DIG Nawaraj Silwal.
Title: The Retreat of Western Liberalism; Author: Edward Luce; Publisher: Little, Brown/Hachette India; Pages: 240; Price: Rs 599

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness," begins Charles Dickens' French Revolution drama "A Tale of Two Cities"  it could well describe our present times where people mourn or celebrate the re-creation of barriers and majoritarian, intolerant "democracies".

The appetite for globalisation, whose triumph was extolled till recently, is steadily diminishing with free trade and immigration inviting suspicion, if not hostility. And liberal democracies, with their multi-ethnic societies, extensive economic and social rights, especially to free speech and dissent, are under grave threat, not only in their new homes but also in their Western citadels.

But Brexit, Donald Trump's victory, or the far-right's rise in Europe  or elsewhere  "are not the cause, but a terrifying symptom" of this trend, says Financial Times journalist and author Edward Luce in this incisive but scarcely comforting book.

Trying to gauge why Western-style liberalism, secured and safeguarded through wars and extreme ideologies, is losing ground to internal threats of populism and an exclusivist, "nationalist" rhetoric whipped up by "democratic" mass leaders, he cites a personal but telling example.

In November 1989, he and some other optimistic friends skipped college to see, and contribute to, the Cold War's "physical demise"  by demolishing the Berlin Wall. In an "eerie coincidence" about three decades to the day, he suddenly remembered an invite to a Moscow conference when "America had just elected a President who was a big fan of walls and a big admirer of Vladimir Putin".

"This book is my attempt to answer the question (why liberalism is in retreat)," he says, admitting that for someone who has seen the rise of democracy, the spread of market economics, and indications of a global acceptance, even token, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "merely to pose the question is troubling enough".

But then, he says, we can no longer be confident that "the march of human freedom is unstoppable" or the West is still a model for the world.

The reasons include that history is not always linear  towards a better future, as most Western intellectual traditions from Christianity to Communism hold; or ignoring "non-Western versions of history, which were overshadowed by colonial rule but never forgotten", particularly of India and China, both of which are again rising.

And then the internal, mortal threat to the Western idea of progress, exemplified by Trump and his ilk, but rooted deep in the growing economic inequality in their societies.

Luce combines some hard, and unsettling, facts about the "stagnant" state of Western economies and societies, with perceptive, even provocative, insights into their implications. He also dwells on other issues like the "West's moral debt to its former colonies", say India. The focus is mainly on the West, but China and India are also covered, especially Narendra Modi's "Bonapartist traits".

The book is in four sections. "Fusion" recounts how global economy's integration had a radical impact on Western economies, where "the downward pressure on the income of the West's middle classes in the coming years will be relentless", while "Reaction" "explains the resulting degeneration of Western politics", where liberal democracies are not held by values but the "strongest glue" of economic growth.

"Fallout" goes on to deal with the implications, particularly the loss of faith in existing systems, which results in success of leaders like Trump who "offers a cure worse than the disease", and finally in "Half Life" he seeks to discern what, if anything, can be done.

Here, Luce is less than confident, noting it is not a temporary aberration as some would like to think, for his concern is not only with Trump but who or what follows him as "winter follows autumn". It will be a hard task, needing a radical shift in prevailing political and economic systems, he says.

Among his recommendations are workplace reforms, upholding free speech on campuses and in the media, simplified tax systems, which target bad things like carbon instead of good ones like jobs, but above all, active participation of all citizens concerned beyond "signing up to the occasional Facebook protest".

Can we do it  or be resigned to living under these circumstances? It is up to us.
Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Thursday approved the launch of 85 additional derivatives in stock exchanges of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City International Financial Service Centre (GIFT City IFSC).

SEBI elaborated that approval has been granted to BSE's India INX (International Exchange) and NSE IFSC at the GIFT City IFSC to launch derivatives on additional 33 and 52 Indian stocks, respectively.

"SEBI had already operationalised two stock exchanges and advised that all categories of exchange-traded products as available for trading in stock exchanges in FATF/IOSCO (Financial Action Task Force/ International Organisation of Securities Commissions) compliant jurisdictions shall be eligible for trading subject to prior approval of Sebi," the regulator said.

The approval now allows India INX and NSE IFSC to offer trade in a well-diversified range of products spanning various asset classes which include Indian index derivatives, derivatives on Indian stocks, derivatives on foreign stocks, currency derivatives and commodity futures on gold, silver and base metals.

According to Vikram Limaye, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, additional derivatives will encourage greater participation from foreign investors.

"This will enhance the offering of NSE IFSC for India based products and encourage much greater participation from foreign investors to give GIFT city a competitive edge among international IFSC's," Limaye said.

On its part, BSE's India INX said that 54 single stock derivatives will be offered for trade on its platform from Friday.

"Starting August 4, 2017, a total of 54 single stock derivatives will be traded on BSE's India INX, clocking a market capitalisation of Rs 72,34,061.09 crore, which amounts to 55 per cent of Rs 1,31,77,196.54 crore on BSE," the stock exchange major said in a statement.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of India INX V. Balasubramaniam said: "We have sought more product approvals from the regulator and are looking forward to creating a robust ecosystem for our clients."
Turkish and Qatari economy ministers on Thursday pledged to boost bilateral trade and investment at a business forum.

The two ministers, accompanied by a total of 250 businessmen from various sectors, met in the Turkish western city of Izmir to develop "productive alliances," Xinhua reported.

"As governments our only function is to bring our businessmen together," Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said at the forum.

"Turkish economy can satisfy all the needs of Qatar from food to tourism, from construction to energy," he added.

Addressing to the forum, Qatari Economy and Commerce Minister Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani said the two countries will be stronger through the establishment of high-level cooperation when facing problems in the future, local media reported.

"Increasing our trade volume and boosting successful investments will also strengthen our economies," Al-Thani added.

The trade volume between the two countries achieved $554 million during the first half of this year, according to Turkish state-run Anadolu agency.

Al-Thani also praised the role of Qatari and Turkish private sectors in breaking the blockade imposed on his country by several Arab states in early June, Anadolu said.

Turkey has sent a total of 221 cargo planes of daily used items to Qatar since the blockade, according to the figure released by Zeybekci at the forum.

The Saudi-led Arab quartet, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, cut their diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 and imposed a blockade on it, accusing the latter of supporting terrorism and interfering with their internal affairs, which Doha has repeatedly denied.
The Congress on Friday demanded that the government announce a relief package of Rs.3,888 crore for the floods in Assam and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be more "serious, sympathetic and proactive" about the state.

The party also said the government was showing "step-motherly" attitude towards Assam at a time when Gujarat was given a relief package of Rs.2,000 crore.

"The Prime Minister visited Assam only after the flood situation in state improved. When Assam was reeling under floods, 25,42,000 people were affected and 4,084 villages in 29 districts of Assam were also hit," said Congress MP from Assam Bhubaneswar Kalita.

"He declared a relief package of Rs.2,000 crore for the entire northeastern region. But how much Assam will get from this that is not clear. The demand for Assam was Rs.3,888 crore for the entire relief and rehabilitation work," he added.

This amount was nothing in comparison to the unprecedented floods in Assam, he said, adding that the Prime Minister only took a review meeting in Guwahati without going to the flood-affected areas.

"The Prime Minister should have been more serious, sympathetic and proactive on Assam as Northeastern states have been neglected compared to other states," Kalita said.


All the three Gorkha Janmukti Morcha MLAs have decided not to attend the monsoon session of the state Assembly which began on Friday, due to the indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling hills.

"As the indefinite shutdown in the hills is on for the last 51 days, we have decided not to attend the ongoing session of the assembly," GJM MLA from Darjeeling constituency Amar Singh Rai told PTI.

"Being elected representatives, we have some duty towards the people of our constituencies," he said.

Rai, however, said that the move was not a "boycott" of the Assembly session and the MLAs would inform the speaker about the reason for their absence.

Apart from Amar Singh Rai, Rohit Sharma and Sarita Rai are the two other GJM MLAs from Kurseong and Kalimpong constituencies respectively.
Delhi has become a dangerous city to live in because of rampant unauthorised construction, the High Court here said on Friday, and felt the need to unify the three municipal bodies as the trifurcation of MCD had not improved the situation.

Pulling up the three municipal corporations of Delhi, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said the court was flooded with PILs against illegal and unauthorised constructions which showed no regulation was being followed by the civic bodies.

Delhi is such a dangerous city now because of unauthorised constructions, it said.

The court also said that under the shield of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, amended from time to time, completely illegal and rampant unauthorised constructions were going on.

The Act, which was last amended by the Lok Sabha in December 2014, protected from punitive action all unauthorised constructions up to June 1, 2014.

Prior to the amendment, unauthorised constructions only up to February 8, 2007 were protected.

It observed that the MCD trifurcation had not improved the situation and there was a need to unify the trifurcated MCDs, while hearing a PIL alleging unauthorised construction was going on in some properties in Mehrauli in south Delhi.

Advocate Kushal Kumar, appearing for South Delhi Municipal Corporation, said that in the instant case the persons who were allegedly engaged in unauthorised construction had obtained sanction from it by applying online.

The bench, however, said that just because the application was made online, the corporation's responsibility to carry out an inspection does not get obviated.

The court listed the matter for hearing on August 8.
Bollywood actor Salman Khan on Friday appeared before a Jodhpur court in connection with an Arms Act case.

The next hearing in this matter will take place on October 5.

"Court had asked us to deposit bond of Rs. 20,000 which we'll deposit," the actor's lawyer Hastimal Saraswat was quoted as saying ahead of the hearing by a news agency.

'There'll be no questions and answers only bail bond has to be submitted. It is not essential for the convict to be present, he had said.

Salman was charged with possessing an unlicensed .22 rifle and a .32 revolver and allegedly using them to poach two blackbucks at Jodhpurs Kankani village in October 1998.

The actor was acquitted by the court due to insufficient evidence on January 18 in the poaching case but the prosecution appealed against the decision.

According to reports, during the shooting of Sooraj Barjatyas movie, Hum Saath Saath Hain in 1998, Salman allegedly went on a hunting expedition along with actors Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Sonali Bendre and Tabu, killing two blackbucks in Kankani village.

Following protests by the local Bishnoi community, a case was filed against Salman and the other actors.

(With inputs from agencies)
The famous naturalist, Charles Darwin, said that when we view individual plants of the same variety or sub-variety of our older cultivated plants and animals, we would observe that they differ more from each other than individuals of any one species.

He explains that these differences arise because they have been raised in different conditions and changes begin, which can continue for generations.

Our oldest cultivated plants, such as wheat, can produce new forms, as with domestic animals, which can take on different features, such as a Jersey or Holstein cow.

To consider the distribution of organic beings across the earth, the first significant factor we observe is that neither the similarity nor the dissimilarity of the beings of various regions can be accounted for by their climatic or other physical conditions. Darwin asserted that all authors agree the most fundamental divisions in geographical distribution are those between the New and Old Worlds.

Yet, if one travels over the American continent from the central parts of the US to its farthest southern point, they will find the most diversified conditions  the most humid districts, arid deserts, lofty mountains, grassy plains, forests, marshes, lakes and rivers.

Darwin writes of the parallelism in the conditions of the Old and New Worlds, yet how widely different their living productions are. In the southern hemisphere, large tracts of land in Australia, South Africa and western South America  between latitudes 25 degrees and 35 degrees  reveal parts extremely similar in all their conditions yet it would not be possible to point out three faunas and floras more utterly dissimilar.

The almost uniform conditions in these latitudes will not reveal any significant dissimilarity between species. However, AK Mandrelle, a former teacher of St Pauls School, Darjeeling, who now lives in Argentina, writes to articulate that although northern Argentina, Paraguay, and southern Brazil are within the same latitudes, some animals and plants like guava are found only in Paraguay.

Mandrelles observations are relevant, and this former teachers erudition, actually proves how he introduced a part of botany into his subject, biology. It evokes his brilliance, which made him among the first to teach botany in the school  a rare honour in St Pauls 200-year history.

Another significant factor is that barriers of any kind, which impede migrations or even pollination, are related quite closely to the differences between the productions of various regions.

This great difference, writes Darwin, is in all the terrestrial productions of the New and Old Worlds, except the northern parts, where the land almost joins.

The term Old World is used in the West to refer to Africa, Europe and Asia in the eastern hemisphere whereas New World is a name used for the majority of the Earths western hemisphere, particularly the Americas including the Caribbean islands.

A similar law applies in the seas. No two marine faunas are more distinct, with barely a fish or crab in common, than those of the eastern and western shores of South and Central America.

Yet those faunas are separated only by the narrow and impassable Isthmus of Panama. Proceeding further westward from the eastern islands of the tropical parts of the Pacific, one sees no impassable barriers and there are many islands, which serve as halting places for migrating species.

After travelling over a hemisphere, one comes to the shores of Africa. Darwin wrote that barely one fish is common to the faunas in the sea of Eastern and Western America, which describes dissimilarities. However, many fish and shell fish are common to the eastern islands of the Pacific and the eastern shores of Africa.

These similarities and dissimilarities appear to be governed by the absence or presence of factors, such as impassable barriers or halting places like islands where species rest and breed, often at the end of their migratory route.

The most striking and important fact in regard to inhabitants of islands is their affinity to those of the nearest mainland without actually being of the same species and Darwin exemplifies this with the Galapagos Archipelago situated under the Equator between 500 to 600 miles from the shores of South America.

There, products of land and water reflect the American continent in similarity. There are 26 land birds and Darwin asserts that 25 of those are distinct species.

Yet their similarity with many American birds is striking including their calls. There are similarities between species in the Galapagos and those in the American continent. There is nothing in the conditions of life in the Galapagos or even the climate, which resembles the conditions of the South American coast. On the other hand there is resemblance in the volcanic nature of the soil. But what an absolute difference in their inhabitants! Darwins erudite observation compares the creatures of the Galapagos to America and the inhabitants of Cape de Verde Islands are related to those of Africa.

He expands his thoughts to flora  the plants of the Kerguelen Islands though located nearer to Africa than America are related closely to America and this island was stocked by seeds brought with earth and on icebergs that drifted in on prevailing currents. Similarly New Zealands plants are related to those of Australia, the nearest mainland. These locations were literally clothed with vegetation before the glacial period. Darwin arrived at Galapagos in September 1835, when he disembarked on San Cristobal.

He spent five weeks in the Galapagos when he made careful observations about the geology and ecology of the islands. His notes became a valuable resource that crystallised in his book, The Origin of Species.
Congress leader Rajeev Shukla on Friday took objection to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's statement calling him a supporter of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying he had never advocated India giving a go-ahead to that plan.

Shukla said while replying to the debate on foreign policy in Rajya Sabha yesterday, Swaraj had criticised him for supporting CPEC.

"I had not talked of CPEC during my speech," he said, adding the minister "does not take notes and then stands up to criticise" him.

He said he had never advocated in favour of India allowing CPEC.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said he will go through the records and take necessary steps.

To Naresh Agarwal (SP) giving privilege notice against the publication of an article in a Hindi daily having critical references to the Upper House of Parliament, Kurien said his notice has been received and it is being dealt with.

"Chairman is allowing (the notice)," he said.

Agarwal said he had given the notice after the Chair had directed to move a relevant notice, rather than raise it through a point of order.
The Election Commission (EC) on Friday told the Supreme Court that the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are tamper-proof and credible machines and they cant be hacked.

The EC submitted an affidavit to the top court and said all PILs claiming that EVMs are faulty machines must be dismissed.

Saying that the EVMs being used in India are better than the ones being used in the US, Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland, the EC said that EVMs in foreign countries rely on internet connectivity, whereas EVMs in India are standalone devices which work on a completely internal platform.

The EC further said that the EVMs are regularly tested and such exercise is a must before they are used in polls.

The EC will conduct the 2019 general elections with EVMs having the voter verifiable paper audit trails (VVPAT) feature.

According to reports, more than 16 lakh VVPAT EVMs will be procured through two PSUs by September 2018.

As per reports, the top court, later in the day, will hear a plea filed by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma, seeking a thorough investigation by US-based scientists into the tampering of the EVMs. In his petition, Sharma claimed that in the April Assembly elections of five states, the EVMs were allegedly tampered with.

(With inputs from agencies)
Kasthamandap rebuild campaign disappointed with NRA decision

The Campaign to Rebuild Kasthmandap (CRK), a non-profit and community-led movement, has expressed its concerns over the National Reconstruction Authoritys decision to hand over the reconstruction of Kasthmandap to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC).
The government proposes to enhance the human milk bank facility which was recently launched in a city hospital, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.

Responding to a supplementary question on whether more such banks will be set up, Health minister J P Nadda said plans are to "enhance" the facility.

The bank at the Lady Hardinge Medical College here will collect and store milk donated by lactating mothers for the infants who are in need.

Referring to the infrastructure in major government hospitals where patients have to wait to get treatment, the minister said the AIIMS in Delhi will soon get 1563 additional beds.

He said the number of patients visiting central government hospitals for treatment was much more than their handling capacity in terms of number of beds, manpower and resources.

"However, all the patients registered in he OPD are attended to by the doctors on that particular day," he said in his written reply.
The stage is set for the vice presidential election on Saturday in which the ruling BJP-led NDA's candidate M Venkaiah Naidu is expected to be the victor, given the ruling camp's decisive numerical strength.

The counting of votes in this election will be carried out on Saturday evening following the polling from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m in which members of the Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha will cast their votes.

One-and-a-half dozens Opposition parties have fielded Gopalkrishna Gandhi ~ Mahatma Gandhi's grandson and ex-West Bengal Governor ~ as their joint vice presidential nominee.

against Naidu ~ a veteran BJP leader and ex-Union Minister.

The BJD and the Nitish Kumar-led JD-U, which had supported the NDA's candidate Ramnath Kovind in the presidential election in July, have decided to back Gandhi in his election, even though the JD-U has severed its ties with "grand alliance" and joined hands with the BJP to form their own coalition government in Bihar.

The incumbent Vice President of India M Hamid Ansari's tenure is coming to an end on 10 August. He has held this office for two consecutive terms.

The electoral college which elects the Vice President ~ who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha ~ comprises of elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

The vice presidential election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. No whip can be issued by political parties as the polling is held through a secret ballot.

The total strength of the two Houses of Parliament is 790, but there are reportedly a few vacancies in the two Houses at present. In the 545-member Lok Sabha, the BJP has 281 members while the NDA accounts for 338 members. In the 243-member Rajya Sabha, the NDA is however short of majority.

On the eve of the vice presidential poll, even the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien reportedly said on Friday that he expected Naidu to be the victor in the poll.

"He (Venkaiah) is going to be my Chairman," Kurien quipped after Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, in a lighter vein, remarked, "You are getting Venkaiah Naidu's skills now".

When another Congress member Pramod Tewari objected asking "How can you say this before election which has to take place", Kurien said, "Oh sorry, that is correct. Then I can say I expect."
Veteran Congress leader and two-time chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Digvijay Singh is currently general secretary of the party and a member of the Rajya Sabha. In an interview to SRI KRISHNA, he spoke on the prevailing political scenario and the alleged failure of the Narendra Modi government to handle the agrarian crisis as also various other issues, including demonetisation.

Excerpts:

Q: How do you rate the performance of this government in the last three years, especially in regard to the economy?

A: First of all let me go on record to say that most of the schemes which Narendra Modi, personally, and the BJP, in totality, had opposed earlier are schemes for which they are now taking credit. They have changed the names and are proclaiming it as their schemes. They have brought nothing new. Of course as regards GST, we (the Congress-led UPA) wanted to bring it in 2006-07.

The idea was to have one nation, one tax, one slab, but they have made it multi-slab and kept petroleum, alcohol and real estate out of its purview. They are the sectors from which black money flows in and out. So a trader dealing with any of these three would have to file returns with GST and VAT.

Therefore, compliance with GST has become difficult. It is more so especially for small and medium traders who would have to hire chartered accountants and instead of four returns per year, they would have to file 37 returns a year. If you have businesses in three different places, it would be even more difficult as one would have to file 37 X 3 returns a year. On a daily basis crores of returns would be filed and these would have to be uploaded onto a server handled at the national level.

Do we have the infrastructure to handle this kind of data? What happens if the system is hacked? This government instead of keeping GST at a single rate of 18 per cent which we (Congress-led UPA) had proposed, has made it multi-slab with a maximum up to 28 per cent.

If you add on other rates, it would come to about 32 to 34 per cent. GST in its present format is not going to succeed. One major decision of this government was demonetisation and it has been a big disaster.

On 8 November 2016, the prime minister announced demonetisation with the objective of curbing corruption, black money, fake currency and terrorism. But the four objectives have not been met and instead the country has been loaded with extra expenditure of printing new notes and their distribution.

The RBI even after nine months is not able to reconcile how many demonetised notes have come in. On 30 June, the RBI files its balance sheet but probably this time they have not been able to go ahead because they dont have the final figure of how many demonetised notes have come in.

One area where this government has succeeded is in marketing itself despite poor performance on the economic, social and foreign policy fronts. The money poured into a campaign such as Swachch Bharat Abhiyan is more than the actual money spent in building toilets.

Q: How do you view the foreign policy of this government, especially with the ongoing Sino-Indian border confrontation even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese leader Xi Jin Ping several times?

A: Let me confess that though foreign policy is not my forte, as a student of politics I see one has to be very clear on the issue of foreign policy. We do have border issues with China but since we are part of BRICS and also Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), both China and India who are major players in international politics have to sit down and resolve these issues.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has rightly pointed out that we both have to withdraw to original positions and then come to the table.

The present situation of a stand-off is not going to lead us anywhere. China and India have to act responsibly as trade and commerce between the two countries is important.

Q: The Kashmir valley continues to be rocked by violence. What is your stand on the handling of this issue by the government?

A: Sometimes, I feel that the government is deliberately acting to let this disturbance in Kashmir continue as it helps them because the politics of BJP and the RSS is that of polarisation. So, they are using disturbance in the Kashmir valley for political gains outside.

Two parties of conflicting ideologies came together to form the government (PDP and BJP). PDP advocated continuation of Article 370 giving special status and more powers to the state while the BJP fought the election on the plank of removing Article 370. It is a diametrically opposite situation.

This coalition cannot succeed. You will notice that ever since this coalition has come in, it is this conflicting ideology that is causing the situation to worsen in the last two-anda-half years.

Q:This government talks of cooperative federalism and the need to have better Centre-State relations.What is your take?

A: This government talks of cooperative federalism but has been targeting the smaller regional parties through the Enforcement Directorate, CBI and Income Tax department. Targeting political leaders who are opposed to you is something which should be avoided. You should also see the number of cases in which they are slowly taking away the powers of the state government.

Take, for example, the Mining Act, the authority of the state has been eroded. They have brought the Motor Vehicles Act, where again the authority of the state governments has been taken away by Government of India. So, when they talk of cooperative federalism, they should first look at the interest of the state governments and only through mutual discussion should any decision be reached.

They may say they have done it in GST. But the compliance procedure has not been looked at. Therefore by temperament and ideology, the RSSbacked BJP government is dictatorial and imposes its agenda on the states and political parties.

The statement by Venkaiah Naidu, the Vice Presidential candidate, that Hindi should be imposed on other languages is against the threelanguage formula.

Q: The agrarian crisis is increasing as also suicides by farmers.

A: Agriculture has become totally unviable. The policies of the Government of India have been against the interests of farmers. When there has been a bumper wheat crop, what is the idea of reducing import duty on wheat to zero per cent or on pulses to zero per cent or reducing import duty on edible oil. The moment you reduce the import duty, it depresses the market and reduces prices.

Then the support price for farmers comes down. Another factor is that the input price for the farmer has choked and in a primarily agricultural society where fertilisers used to be provided through cooperative societies, farmers are being forced to purchase fertilisers from private traders who are charging exorbitant rate of interest. The third factor is the depletion in ground water.

People are investing in tubewells as the scheme to replenish groundwater has not been implemented. Add to that, the kharif season from October to December and demonetisation which took place in November. Ninety five per cent of farmers sell their produce for cash.

When the kharif crop of farmers started coming in from November 2016 to January 2017, farmers could not get cash since traders told them that they would be paid only by cheque. The farmer would take the cheque and roam around without any cash.

Q: The Congress appears to be weakening and not able to counter the BJP.Why is it so?

A: Every party goes through a bad patch but its revives. The BJP is broadly a North Indian party whereas Congress is a party which is spread across the country.

In 2014 BJP ran a huge campaign through the media and social media and people believed that Congress party did not act against corruption. But, wherever there was misappropriation of funds, the UPA Government had given the cases to CBI and most of the cases involved the allied parties. Now Rahul Gandhi will rejuvenate the party by bringing in young people.

In 1977, too, people had written off the Congress but the party came back. We are sure people would see through the BJP since so far the farmers are not even getting 50 per cent of their dues while the governments promise of providing employment to two crore persons has not been delivered.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which marks its 50th anniversary on August 8, finds itself at a crossroads.

How can it continue to be relevant as a regional bloc, in the light of its inability to counter, or even merely criticise, expansive Chinese ambitions in the South China Sea? One possibility is for individual members to separately invoke last years arbitral tribunal ruling.

That landmark ruling in international law which the Philippines sought and which benefits individual member-states and the Asean as a regional association has been temporarily set aside by the Philippines.

The Award  decided by the arbitral tribunal convened under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea  was released on 12 July 2016, a mere 12 days after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office. His initial instructions were simple and forthright: provide a soft landing. What this meant, in the beginning, was for the Philippines to avoid gloating over the legal victory and rub Chinas face in it.

What this means, a year later, is that the much more pro-China administration Duterte heads has effectively shelved the ruling, in favour of closer cooperation with Beijing. But while it was the Philippines which brought the case, it wasnt the only interested party in the Asean.

Three other members have claims to parts of the South China Sea or the Spratly Islands or the Paracels that conflict with Chinas expansive nine-dash theory: Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Indonesia, Aseans largest economy, has continuing runins with Chinese fishing vessels and occasionally with the Chinese Coast Guard in its exclusive economic zone.

As the ruling itself noted, five Asean members sent official delegations to observe the hearings at The Hague in the Netherlands: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand (with the Philippines the five original members of the regional bloc), plus Vietnam.

The Philippines setting aside of the arbitral tribunal ruling thus provoked consternation in Asean capitals, in large part because they had seen the logical progression of the Philippines legal approach to the disputes with China. The Award gave the Philippines, and by implication Asean and its members, genuine leverage over China by delegitimising Beijings belated claims of historic rights to almost all of the South China Sea.

The Philippine case against China was so carefully prepared, and the Award so carefully calibrated, that its findings can be invoked by other countries. The tribunal took pains to emphasise that it did not have the power to rule on issues of sovereignty.

None of the Tribunals decisions in this Award are dependent on a finding of sovereignty, nor should anything in this Award be understood to imply a view with respect to questions of land sovereignty.

Also, the Tribunal has not been asked to, nor does it purport to, delimit any maritime boundary between the Parties or involving any other State bordering on the South China Sea.

This obsessive consideration of its limits heightened the impact of the Awards most famous, and most sweeping, finding: The tribunal DECLARES that, as between the Philippines and China, Chinas claims to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, with respect to the maritime areas of the South China Sea encompassed by the relevant part of the nine-dash line are contrary to the Convention and without lawful effect to the extent that they exceed the geographic and substantive limits of Chinas maritime entitlements under the Convention; and further DECLARES that the Convention superseded any historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, in excess of the limits imposed therein.

Given such an overwhelming legal victory, the Duterte administrations soft landing approach took its Asean partners aback. A year after the Award was handed down, however, it is possible to argue that other Asean capitals are recovering from the shock.

Last month, Indonesia renamed the waters off its northern perimeter the Laut Natuna Utara, the Northern Natuna Sea. The Natuna Islands border the South China Sea, and its waters have been a low-intensity battleground between a special multiagency task force set up by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Chinese fishing vessels.

Last year, to help mark Indonesias independence day, Jakarta blew up over 60 foreign fishing vessels it had seized. Whether the renaming is mere nationalistic posturing or part of a new campaign to push back against Chinese expansionism, the presentation of Indonesias new official map was significant for another reason. It invoked the 12 July 2016 arbitral ruling.

As analyst Evan A. Laksmana has noted: The July 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling  was invoked to justify the expansion of Indonesias EEZ in its border with Palau by assigning Tobi Island, Helen Reef and Merir Island a 12-nautical-mile enclave rather than a 200-nautical-mile maritime entitlement.

While this designation remains subject to negotiation, Indonesias reference to the arbitral ruling marks the first official government use of a decision included in the Award. Beijing did not look benignly on Jakartas renaming and referencing. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry offered a simple retort.

The so-called change of name makes no sense at all and is not conducive to the effort of the international standardisation of the name of places.

To be sure, one new official map does not make a new international order. But if other Asean countries were to invoke the judicious decisions of the arbitral tribunal in the Philippines vs China case, it may strengthen the status of the Award as international law, encourage other countries to assert their maritime rights against Chinas now-delegitimised nine-dashline, even embarrass the Philippines into a more assertive reception of the ruling it had fought hard for.

One result would be a regional bloc that can push back against Chinese expansionism, not because of collective action, but because of individual initiatives like Indonesias renaming of the North Natuna Sea.

Call it mini-minilateralism.

(The writer is Associate Editor and Opinion Columnist at the Philippine Daily Inquirer. This is a series of columns on global affairs written by top editors and columnists from members of the Asia News Network and published in newspapers and websites across the region.)
Wednesdays directive of the Supreme Court (coram: Madan Lokur and Deepak Gupta, JJ), imposing a 100 per cent penalty on the illegal mining companies in Odisha is a reflection on the BJD governments negligent monitoring of such activity.

While the companies have been asked to deposit their dues on or before 31 December, the beleaguered state government can be thankful for small mercies.

The apex judiciary has stopped short of directing a CBI probe into what is generally referred to as Odishas mega mining scam across three districts ~ Keonjhar, Sundargarh and a swathe of Mayurbhanj. That scam could not have flourished unless tacitly condoned by the administration in Bhubaneswar; allegations that certain ruling party activists are involved may not be wholly unfounded.

No least because the 2000-2010 time-span, when the iron ore scam was at its peak, was also the heyday of the Biju Janata Dal government.

A CBI inquiry, which would almost certainly have opened a can of worms, had been recommended by Justice MB Shah commission,which was appointed by the UPA government.

The suggestion, it would be useful to recall, had been greeted with political uproar. Which explains why no action was taken on the report either by the Centre or the state.

The Supreme Court hasnt exactly ruled out CBI intervention ~ For the present, we do not propose to direct an investigation or inquiry by the CBI. What is of immediate concern is to learn lessons from the past so that rapacious mining operations are not repeated in any other part of the country.

That rapaciousness persists unchecked, elsewhere in the country, too. Having tacitly condoned the illegality, the ruling BJD has now welcomed the court order, hoping that it will muffle the shrill for a CBI probe. Clearly, the states order some years back, imposing a fine of Rs.60,000 crore on 140 mining lease-holders for illegality and/or excess mining has had little or no effect.

The courts order on 100 per cent penalty is substantially higher than the central committees suggestion on a penalty of 30 per cent of the notional value of the mined ore.

The short point must be that a notional calibration of the ore is inherently indeterminate. No less critical is the suggestion to constitute an expert committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to examine how illegal mining has become endemic in Odisha and other parts of the country. In the immediate perspective, Odisha will have to substantially raise its penalty of Rs.60,000 crore in accord with the Supreme Court order.

With 102 of the 187 mines closed, most of them are not in a position to pay the penalty.

The illegality is as critical as sand mining in West Bengal. From the mines in Odisha to the river bank in Bankura, the political patronage is palpable.
Just when the Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, was engaged in attempts to wrest control over the country's foreign and security policies from the army, he has been disqualified from holding office by the Supreme Court on corruption and money laundering charges ~ for which he is still to be tried.

The Pakistan army had been watching the PM's efforts to consolidate power with some consternation.

The army connived with the judiciary to ensure that it had two members (one each from military intelligence and the ISI) in the Joint Investigation Team appointed by the Supreme Court to inquire into the allegations against the PM and members of his family. Sharif's removal amounts to a soft coup and the army is the only gainer from his ouster in the PanamaGate scam.

Like Pakistan the nation, its army has been passing through turbulent times. Its counter-insurgency operations in KhyberPakhtoonkhwa (erstwhile North West Frontier Province) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have not been going well; its establishments have been repeatedly attacked with at least some attackers coming from within; its relations with its NATO allies had plummeted to an all-time low after the spectacular US raid to kill Osama bin Laden at Abbottabad in May 2011 and never really recovered; the morale of the rank and file is low; and, its senior leadership is once again at loggerheads with the political leaders of Pakistan.

Despairing at the role played by the Pakistan army in meddling in the country's politics and governance in the context of the 'Memogate' scandal in December 2011, then Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani had called the army a 'state within a state'.

Though this phrase has been in use for long, many analysts are of the view that the Prime Minister got it wrong because, in Pakistan, the army is the state. In fact, the army and the ISI (the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate) together form the 'deep state'.

The military jackboot has ridden roughshod over Pakistan's polity for most of the country's history since its independence.

While Generals Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf ruled directly as Presidents or Chief Martial Law Administrators, the other army chiefs achieved perfection in the fine art of backseat driving.

The army repeatedly took over the reins of administration under the guise of the 'doctrine of necessity' and, in complete disregard of international norms of jurisprudence, Pakistan's Supreme Court mostly played along.

Almost since the birth of Pakistan, the army has effectively ensured that the country's fledgling democracy is not allowed to take deep root. The roots of authoritarianism in Pakistan can be traced back to General (later Field Marshal) Ayub Khan who promoted the idea of 'guided' or 'controlled' democracy.

The concept of the 'Troika' emerged later as a power-sharing arrangement between the President, the Prime Minister and the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).

The 'political militarism' of the Pakistan army imposed structural constraints on the institutionalisation of democratic norms in civil society. Some key national policies have always been dictated by the army. It determines Pakistan's national security threats and challenges and decides how to deal with them. Pakistan's policy on Afghanistan and Jammu and Kashmir is guided by the army and the rapprochement process with India cannot proceed without its concurrence.

The army controls Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme and the related research and development. The civilian government has no role to play in deciding the doctrine for nuclear deterrence, the force structures, the targeting policies and the process of command and control. The army Chief controls the ISI and decides the annual defence expenditure and all defence procurements. He also controls all senior-level promotions and appointments; the government merely rubber stamps the decisions.

In order to weaken India, as also to further China's objective to reduce India's influence in Asia, the Pakistan army has contrived a strategy to 'bleed India through a thousand cuts'. This has been given effect overtly through irregular warfare ~ the Razakar and Mujahid invasion of Kashmir in 1947-48 and Operation Gibraltar in 1965; and, the Kargil intrusions of 1999. Pakistan has been engaged in an asymmetric war with India through ISI-sponsored militancy and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India, like the Mumbai terror strikes in November 2008.

In the 1980s, Pakistan had encouraged and supported Sikh terrorist organisations in their misplaced venture to seek the creation of an independent state of Khalistan.

The ISI provides operational, intelligence, communication, training, financial and material support to fundamentalist terrorist organisations like the Lashkar-e-Tayebba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) to wage war against India.

Similarly, it provides substantial intelligence and material support to various Taliban factions like the North Waziristan-based Haqqani network to operate in Afghanistan against the Karzai regime and against NATO-ISAF forces.

This is done despite the fact that Pakistan is a major nonNATO ally in the so-called 'global war against terrorism' (GWOT).

This duplicitous working ethos of running with the hare and hunting with the hound comes naturally to the Pakistan army and the ISI. External factors have also led to the army playing a larger role than is warranted in a democracy. By arming the military to the teeth, the US has driven Pakistan to become a praetorian state in which the army plays a dominant role.

It is only recently, in the face of the Pakistan army's perfidious role in Afghanistan that the US government has begun to come to terms with its ill-considered policy.

After the killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers by NATO-ISAF forces in a border outpost in November 2011, US-Pakistan relations had hit a new low. The incident led to the Pakistan government's decision to stop the flow of logistics convoys through Quetta and Peshawar, deny base facilities at Shamsi airbase and demand re-negotiation of the rules of engagement. In turn, the US government announced that it would withhold military aid to Pakistan. The precarious situation in Pakistan is headed towards a dangerous denouement.

Pakistan cannot survive as a coherent nation-state unless the army gives up its agenda of seeking strategic depth in Afghanistan, its attempts to destabilise India through its asymmetric war, and stops meddling in politics.

The army needs to confine its activities to improving the internal security environment by substantively enhancing its capacity to conduct effective counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

In the national interest, the Pakistan army must give up being a state within a state and accept civilian control, even if it does so with bad grace.

(The writer is Distinguished Fellow, Insti- tute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi)
The biodiversity hotspot of the Dooars has a magical hold not only on travel bugs but also reputed authors and writers across the country.

Take the case of New Delhis Nidhi Dalmia, the author of the classic, Harpand an alumnus of St Stephens College, New Delhi. He is a post graduate from Oxford University who cherishes fond memories of visiting the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of the Dooars. His book Harp, which was published in August, last year, is set in the 60s and focuses on love, passion and sacrifice.

The writer hails from one of the oldest industrialist families of India. Way back in 1994, it was a chance encounter for the writer to visit Garumara National Park and Jaldapara National Park in the Dooars.

Dalmia, writer and an avid traveller, said, On our way back from Sikkim, I headed to the Dooars in the sub-Himalayan region of North Bengal as that was an experience not to be missed. The fragrance of lush bushes, the wide banyan trees, grasses, sound of insects and the floral diversity was unique. Though I was not aware of the botanical identity of the flora but it hardly made any difference and moreover, it was the experience that counted. I could feel the destination that had its own sense of place. It was clear that I had come to visit a one-of-a-kind destination resting between snow-capped peaks and alluvial plains.

Dalmia went on to narrate that the thrill of visiting the Dooars was mesmerising. He said, At Dooars, one feels the proximity of the Himalayas. But it was not only the Himalayas, a land away from the hustle and bustle of the city life of Siliguri that is significant for our country.Though it felt humid, the temperature was far from the scorching heat. But it was definitely a paradise of peace quite unlike the image of a crowded Bengal destination. Dooars implies dwar in Sanskrit and this forms the gateway to a destination that is well worth visiting on its own and should not be treated as a halting place or a stopover.

The writer encountered a number of ethnic groups during his visit to the Dooars. Dalmia said, The Dooars is a melting pot of culture with the bulk of the populace having Mongoloid features. The erstwhile kingdom of Cooch Behar is in the Dooars and there were kamtapuris and rajbanshis, the ethnic tribes of the place. The tea estates have a population of migrant workers.

There has been a major blending of different cultures and the ethnic groups lived peacefully in the Dooars. The writer has plans to visit all the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of the Dooars in future.

Dalmia said, I had a brief stay in the Dooars that was quite memorable and it was only later that I realised it was a gem in its own right. But lot needs to be done to boost the destination and with better connectivity, there will be an increased number of travellers.
After the Chamber of Deputies voted to dismiss charges against President Michel Temer for corruption, the government is focusing on social security reform, Brazil's Chief of Staff Eliseu Padilha has said.

Padilha on Thursday said the measure is necessary to ensure the security of Brazil's accounts.

"Brazil's accounts cannot get completely out of hand. We must resume and finish the social security reform," he told the G1 news site, Xinhua reported.

The House voted on Wednesday to dismiss the charges of corruption against President Temer, by 263 votes against 227. The victory was solid but not impressive, and certain representatives from Temer's own PMDB party, and other allies, voted in favour of a trial.

Now, the government is seeking a political win and wants a vote on social security reform as soon as possible. The reform has been one of Temer's pet projects, but the government has more pragmatic reasons to seek the approval sooner than later.

The President still can be charged with obstruction of justice, which would lead to a new vote in the House to admit the charges, further delaying approval of the reform.

In addition, the social security reform is a constitutional amendment and requires a two-thirds majority in Congress to be approved. This may be difficult to obtain at a time when Temer and his government have a approval rating of just 5 per cent.

The reform itself is also controversial. While the government states Brazil has a yawning social security deficit, which needs reform to honor future pensions, critics have dismissed this as a lie.

The Opposition claims the numbers presented by the administration do not take into consideration extra sources of funding, which actually mean social security has a surplus, not a deficit.

In addition, critics say the reform will make it harder for Brazilians to retire, especially poor workers from sectors such as agriculture and construction, who currently enjoy lower retirement ages.
Three persons including a NATO-led Resolute Support soldier were killed and six injured when a suicide bombing struck a joint Afghan-Coalition patrol near here, the coalition forces said on Friday.

The attack on Thursday evening came when a man detonated his suicide jacket near a police station near Kabul, Xinhua news agency reported.

The coalition said six persons, including five foreign soldiers and one translator, were wounded, and two civilians also died in the blast.

All those injured are in stable condition, it said.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Six villagers have been killed by terrorists with two persons missing near Kaigyi village in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, the State Counsellor's Office said on Friday.

The bodies of the Mro Arakan ethnic group members were discovered by security forces when patrolling the Mayu mountain range in Maungtaw on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

They were murdered with machetes and gunshots, a statement said, adding the forces were in pursuit of the killers.

The security forces had during the weekend found hidden tents of armed men in Mayu mountain range in Buthidaung-Maungtaw area during a search operation in the region.

Last week, 31 terror suspects were rounded up by the forces in Maungtaw township for holding a secret meeting in Kyauk Hlaykha village to plot terrorist acts.

A spate of violence continues in Buthidaung and Maungtaw from last October with 44 civilians killed and 27 kidnapped.
Land purchased by NOC in Bhairahawa inundated

The land purchased by Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) on the bank of Rohini River in Bhairahawa of Rupandehi district to build fuel storage facility has been inundated due to torrential rain on Friday.
US President Donald Trump told his Mexican counterpart Enrique Pena Nieto to remain quiet about the border wall, according to a transcript of the conversation revealed on Thursday by The Washington Post.

The transcript of Trump's conversation with Mexico's leader was one of two phone calls revealed on Thursday, which provide a rare glimpse into the private conversations of a new US president testing his negotiating powers on foreign counterparts, CNN reported.

Trump also boasted about his election victory and called New Hampshire a "drug-infested den" in the phone call with the Mexican President.

The January 27 phone call with Pena Nieto came seven days after Trump entered office.

In it, he focused mainly on issues of trade and immigration, with contentious moments coming in his insistence that Mexico will eventually pay for a wall along with US southern border. Pena Nieto has insisted publicly his country will not pay for the wall's construction but Trump demanded he cease making that claim.

"You cannot say that to the press," Trump said on the phone call. "The press is going to go with that and I cannot live with that. You cannot say that to the press because I cannot negotiate under those circumstances."

On the same day, Trump carried out a phone conversation with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, which grew sour when Trump rejected an agreement to take in refugees.

The transcript shows Trump growing progressively more agitated, eventually telling his Australian counterpart the call was the most irksome of the day.

"I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day," Trump told Turnbull. "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous."

Trump later ended the phone call abruptly.
The US has congratulated Pakistan's newly-elected Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, saying it "looks forward" to working with him on areas of mutual cooperation.

"We want to congratulate Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi on his election by the National Assembly. We will certainly look forward to working with him on areas of mutual cooperation," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her biweekly news conference on Wednesday.

"We have a very strong people-to-people ties with the government of Pakistan. We'll look forward to working with Pakistan, and we'll look forward to working with him as well," she said in response to a question on the election of Pakistan's new prime minister.

Meanwhile, Nauert said she is not aware of the claims by Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that the then US President Bill Clinton had offered him USD 5 billion during Kargil war.

"I'm not aware of any of that money and what you're referring to from quite a few administrations ago," she said.

Abbasi is likely to continue as premier for the remaining 10-month tenure of PML-N as the party chief Nawaz Sharif has hinted retaining his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the key province.

Sharif, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case on July 28, had nominated Shahbaz to succeed him after winning a by-election on his vacant seat in Lahore.

Abbasi, 58, was endorsed by Sharif to hold the post for interim arrangement of 45 days (till mid-September) till Shahbaz makes to Islamabad.
North Korea has said that unilateral sanctions imposed by the US earlier this week in response to its latest intercontinental missile test will only strengthen Pyongyang's resolve to fortify itself with nukes.

"The sanctions campaign by the US might work on other countries, but never with North Korea," a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said late Thursday.

"The US trumpeting about war and threat to impose extreme sanctions on North Korea will only increase the latter's vigilance and stamina, and provide further justification for it to access nukes," the spokesperson added.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump ratified a new set of sanctions against entities or individuals trading with North Korea in crude oil and its products, coal, or rare earth metals, apart from those who employ North Korean labour abroad, reports Efe news.

North Korea strongly condemns and rejects the so-called unilateral sanctions as an attempt by the US to "apply its federal law to international relations which constitutes a direct challenge to the UN Charter and international law", the spokesperson said.

He added that the missile test was a warning to the US and accused countries, who abide by the sanctions, of fuelling tensions on the Korean peninsula.

"Rather than wasting its energy on the hopeless sanctions racket against North Korea, the US should deliberate on ways to ensure its own internal security."
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Light rain transitioning to a few showers by morning. Low 39F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Light rain transitioning to a few showers by morning. Low 39F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.


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The last days of the Newfie Pride

There were many nights he didnt sleep. The numbers and scenarios turned over and over in his mind, making rest impossible. Id get up two, three oclock in the morning, night after night, come out to the kitchen table and work the numbers every ...
Media malpractice?

Mass media is not merely a means of disseminating news; it is also very important for moulding opinions
You can now channel your favourite Hollywood stars and walk along 50km of red carpet in the Italian region of Liguria, known as the Italian Riviera.

The red carpet was rolled out on April 29 connecting Rapallo and Portofino. The lengthy carpet passes through 9 villages and 14 municipalities and several coastal roads for the duration of the summer months.

This means you can meander for free through Campo Ligure, Toirano, Tellaro, Andora, Genova, Portovenere and Triora following the carpets route.

Genoa will also host a path that leads to Villa Pallavicini, regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in Italy. However, there are different red carpet routes such as Charming Paths through beautiful landscape, and The Passaborgo Project that offers tours through the ancient hamlets of Liguria.

The hope is to encourage tourists to venture into the heart of Ligurias municipalities and to enjoy the wide variety of food, wine, culture and landscape. Highlights in Liguria include the beautifully preserved medieval village of Zuccarello and idyllic beaches such as Baia dei Saraceni.

For more information visit www.lamialiguria.it/en/
Migrant worker killed in road accident in Qatar

A 40-year-old Nepali migrant worker has died in a road accident in Qatar. The deceased has been identified as Lila Jung Gurung of Dordi Rural Municipality-9 in Lamjung district.
Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy

By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat
I recently read an article which talked about how you stop caring about so many things that dont matter when you reach a particular age. You no longer care about peoples opinions, especially when they are about you. You no longer care about ridiculous fashion rules, like the one that says you shouldnt wear a bikini after turning 30. You no longer care about what your ex thinks about you. You realise that your mistakes dont define you; they are merely pieces in your life that have made you who you are. You also dont care about fitting in. Some people spend their whole lives trying to fit in only to realise that those who want to belong are just boring, says the article. Why would anyone want to be another sheep among millions of sheep? No thanks. Fly your freak flag and roll solo.

Anu Ahuja

For someone who had just turned 30 and on the brink of a new phase of her life, I could identify with the article. Yes, I was no longer the insecure, wannabe girl of my 20s. Drunken parties, experimental hairstyles, wild fashion choicesthese all seemed to be things of the past. In some ways, I had found myself. I had come to realise who I really was. And that, I came to understand, was not exclusive to me. Increasingly, people are starting to understand themselves and enjoying, even relishing life, no matter what age they are. I spoke to my cousins and friends of various ages and they all told me how they had gained enough confidence to be comfortable in their skin, even if they no longer looked like they did in their 20s.

I feel I no longer need to make excuses in life, says my cousin Rupa Jacob, 39. If I want to sleep early or stay at home and spend time with my children, then thats what I am going to do. Now, I also feel I am better equipped to handle difficult situations. I have become more responsible with age. Age is truly just a number. Having said that, it is important not to dismiss someone just because they are young. Every individual is different. Dont judge someone based on their age.

My friend Anu, who works in digital media and is soon turning 44, agrees. After I turned 35, I realised that I dont have to be anybody for anybody, she says. I have made peace with my flaws and limitations. In my late teens and early 20s, I was trying to portray an image but now, I am just myself. When I was young, I used to think that those in their 40s are so old but now that I am in my 40s, I dont feel that anymore. In college, I had big ambitions. I even aspired to come on the cover of TIME. But now I know that is not going to happen and I am okay with it. I am happy sitting with a glass of wine, surrounded by my family. I am happy doing mentally fulfilling work. I love the thrill of change that my job gives me. I have learnt how to balance my work and my family. These are decisions I have consciously made. I wouldnt want to be anywhere else than where I am right now.

She tells me how she feels younger than she is. I feel like I am the cool mother in her 40s. I could go to a teenage concert and fit in, whereas my mother would probably stand out in that crowd. Often my daughter has to remind me to act my age. I know the only legacy I will leave in this world are my children. Beyond that I am not sure anybody will remember anything I do.

Age changes you at your very core, says my uncle George Mathai, 55, an architect and founder of the design school Terrafirm Global Academy in Kerala. Very substantial changes take place in your life because of age, he says. For me, age has been a process of systematically removing what is unwanted in my life until I get to the core of who I am. It is not just the answers you seek but even the questions you ask in life that change. Earlier, if I asked how do you define success?, now I might be asking how important is success in life? It is not how independent you are, but how inter-dependent you are. Now people say they want freedom and independence. I think it is the most foolish thing you could ask for.

Erika Packard

Yet, we live in a culture that worships youth and looks. In her book The Beauty Myth, Naomi Wolf writes: During the past decade, women breached the power structure; meanwhile eating disorders rose exponentially and cosmetic surgery became the fastest-growing medical specialty. During the past five years, consumer spending doubled; pornography became the main media category, ahead of legitimate films and records combined, and 33,000 American women told researchers that they would rather lose 10 to 15 pounds than achieve any other goal.

The media, too, fuels this perception. Every day, you see items in the newspaper about fighting age. (Purging the body of retired cells could reverse ageing. Can high-intensity interval training delay the ageing process? Umbilical cord blood could slow brains ageing.) According to a report by the Indian Beauty and Hygiene Association, Bain and Co and Google India, beauty and hygiene was a $10 billion market here in 2015 and is estimated to grow at a 10 per cent growth rate to $17 billion by 2020. There seems to be an apparent paradox here. How can the beauty industry be growing if people are increasingly getting comfortable with their age and willing to accept themselves as they are? So, I decided to grab the bull by the horns and talk to people in the beauty industry.

It is society that makes you feel insecure about yourself, says Erika Packard, a 27-year-old model in Mumbai. Today, even younger girls are getting botox treatments. How can it be any different when they idolise people like Kylie Jenner who is only 19 and has already done a host of surgeries. When you are 25, people consider you over the hill whereas, in our parents time, 25 was still considered young. But when you are surrounded with people who accept you as you are, you no longer care about age.

When I ask her if she is scared of ageing, she replies: I dont believe in fear. I go with the flow. I was scouted by a modelling agency at the age of 19, and who would have thought that I would become a model? I have come such a long way since then. She talks about how society and people around her ask her why she is still single at 27: I dont care what people say. Yes, all of us want a partner but it happens when it is supposed to happen. Why force something?

Anu Ahuja, former model and show director who is now in her 40s, says the beauty industry is more about your looks than about your age. The pressure is to remain fit than stay young, she says. There are many commercials where women play mothers roles, so it is not correct to say that the majority of work goes to young girls.

I ask her whether she ever wishes to turn back the clock and live her life as a model in her 20s once again. It is a yes and a no, she says. Physically, you wish you were younger. I would be lying if I said that I dont look in the mirror and lament my looks. We live in a world where youth and beauty are worshipped. You keep getting bombarded with these small, constant messages that give value to beauty over everything else. I wish that perception would change. But that said, being older mentally and emotionally is the best thing, especially with the peace and maturity it brings.

Naomi Wolf

So, in an appearance-obsessed culture, how are these women daring to go beyond their looks? People live longer today so death anxiety is delayed to a later stage, says Dr Ashwin Jacob, a psychiatrist based in New York. Plus, people are more into exercise and yoga, which wards off early dementia. The existential anxiety that was a constant in the pre-antibiotic era is no longer there. Long-term studies show that what is known as the mid-life crisis might be a myth. Erik Erikson [German-born American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst] has written about the stages of development, in which he says that in every stage of life, you have to negotiate through a crisis. People who cope well with the crisis are more functional and happy. This is called generativity versus stagnation. Today, people are more aware of these things. They have more access to knowledge and are more psychologically savvy.

That said, Jacob also cautions us not to make such a blanket conclusion. You cant just generalise and say that people today are more comfortable with their age. There are so many external variables and it is so difficult to disentangle them. For example, generalised anxiety disorder, where you are anxious because of multiple reasons like job, future, health and retirement, is seen more commonly among the older generation. Biologically, too, a lot of changes take place in the brain as you grow older. The ability to learn new things, for example, decreases. But in most cases, it has been discovered that people with healthy relationships are happier than those without.

Jacob might have a point. Psychiatrist George Vaillant, who directed, for more than three decades, the Grant Study that followed the lives of 268 Harvard undergraduate men for 75 years, came to the same conclusion as Jacob: there is a strong co-relation between the strength of your relationships and your happiness when you are older. The 58 men who scored highest on measurements of warm relationships earned an average of $1,41,000 a year at their peak salaries [usually between ages 55 and 60] than the 31 men who scored lowest; the former were also three times more likely to have achieved professional success worthy of inclusion in Whos Who, stated an article in The Atlantic, quoting Vaillant.

I got confirmation of this from an unlikely sourcemy 56-year-old mother who works as a dermatologist in a small town in Kerala. In the decades that I have worked as a doctor, I have found that people with a healthy family, a loving spouse and children, generally accept their age better than people with problems, who blame their age and looks for their problems. They crib about their younger days, she says. Then, I talk to them and tell them that ageing is a natural process. But that said, I must say that the people who come to me for skin-lightening agents and anti-wrinkle creams are happy when the products work. They feel better when they look better.

Perhaps it is time to agree with writer C.S. Lewis when he says: You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
The separatist leaders arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Jammu and Kashmir for funding terror in the Valley will be produced before a special NIA court here today.

Seven separatistsAltaf Shah, Ayaz Akbar, Peer Saifullah, Mehraj Kalwal, Shahid-ul-Islam, Naeem Khan and Bitta Karatewere arrested on June 24. They were sent to 10-day NIA custody a day after their arrest.

The accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Six of them were arrested from Srinagar, while Bitta Karate was arrested from New Delhi.

The arrest came following the NIA's visit to Srinagar in May to probe alleged funding by Pakistan for illegal activities in Kashmir. It had then questioned several separatist leaders on the issue of raising, collecting and transferring funds via 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.
The unwritten 2003 ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) between India and Pakistan, has all but collapsed, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Modi's tough stand in dealing with Pakistan along the LoC and prevent infiltration into Kashmir has resulted in the disruption of the unwritten peace deal that had brought cheers to people living on both sides of the de facto border and helped improve the situation in the Kashmir valley.

Security analysts attribute the change in attitude to the 'Doval doctrine' conceived by the NSA to deal with Pakistan. Doval envisages offensive defence that entails massive retaliation to attacks and provocations by Pakistan through his doctrine.

Apart from extensive retaliation, the new doctrine also authorises the army to take punitive actions against Pakistan. Security analysts in Pakistan, including retired army officers, have admitted that the Indian Army has adopted a war-like posture against Pakistan that has proved costly to the Pakistan army and civilians living in PoK.

The neighbouring country's problem is complicated by the fact that the Indian deployment along the LoC and IB in Jammu and Kashmir is twice in number125,000to that of Pakistan's. India also has the tactical advantage of having more heights under its control on the mountainous LoC than Pakistan. The Indian Army is also better equipped than Pakistan.

The situation, however, is not one-sided. Pakistan also commands heights in some key sectors including the Poonch, Hajipeer, etc where they dominate the Indian Army positions. To take on India's advantage of more troops and weapons along the LoC, Pakistan has resorted to asymmetrical methods to get even with India.

They are making good use of the specialised border action team (BATs) that sneak into the Indian side of the LoC and target Indian patrols at vulnerable points. The bodies of Indian troops have been found mutilated in some attacks.

Moreover, Pakistan also uses jihadi elements to carry BAT actions inside India. In addition, the Pakistan army has used snipers to target Indian troops to good effect. The snipers have caused more damage than guns and shells, sources said.

Often, Indian response has been massive retaliation. The army has also used heavy artillery and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) to target Pakistan's forward posts. It has also effectively curtailed the movement of Pakistani troops in vulnerable sectors like the Neelam Valley.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has reiterated that the Indian troops have been asked not to count bullets while retaliating against Pakistan. This shift in the policy has completely freed the army commanders from restricted retaliation to massive fire assaults against the Pakistan army.

The strategy change also aims to maintain pressure on the Pakistan army and increase its anxieties. This has worked in India's favour. But at the same time, this has also resulted in Pakistan shifting its strategy, especially, after the September 18 surgical strikes in PoK last year. This has resulted in the Pakistan army suffering more casualties than the Indian Army.

The Pakistan army has refused to divulge the exact number of soldiers killed in Indian action on the LoC and IB.

Meanwhile, the civilians on the Pakistan side of the LoC have also borne the brunt of Indian actions. As per Pakistan's Inter Service Press Relations (ISPR), more than 60 civilians have been killed in Indian firing and shelling in PoK this year. On the Indian side, more than 300 incidents of firing and shelling along the LoC and IB have resulted in the death of 27 people, including 14 security personnel.

On February 1, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat had stressed the need for high level of alertness and vigil along the LoC. The next day, Pakistan launched heavy mortars and fired at forward Indian posts in the Nowshera sector. India troops retaliated to silence them.

On March 9, army trooper Deepak Jagannath was killed when Pakistani troops violated ceasefire in Poonch. The cross LoC bus was suspended after the Trade Centre complex was hit by Pakistani shells on March 12 and March 13. A school building and another structure at Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch were also affected by the shelling.

After a brief lull, firing resumed on March 19 in the Bhimber Gali and Balakote sectors of Poonch. Later, a soldier was killed on March 30 after Pakistan targeted army positions in Mendher.

After some respite, there was firing again on April 5 but no one was injured or killed. Eight days later, there was a heavy exchange of fire in Nowshera sector because of which many civilians were confined to their houses.

Two persons were killed on May 13 and three others were injured when Pakistani army fired mortar bombs and heavy caliber guns in Rajouri. According to defence spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta, the army retaliated strongly and effectively. Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri Shahid Iqbal Choudhary had then said the Pakistani troops targeted Jangarh, Bhawani, and Laam belts. The next day, the shelling was more intense and caused heavy damages to buildings and forced evacuation of 1,000 border dwellers.

More than seven villages have been affected, he had said. On May 23, Army took 'punitive action' against Pakistani troops and infiltrating militants in Nowshera sector and targeted nearly a dozen Pakistani posts and bunkers. About a week later on May 29, special forces of the army targeted Pakistani troops along the LoC in Uri sector in Baramulla, killing two and injuring at least four.

This was soon followed by response from Pakistan on June 1, targeting Indian positions in Krishna Ghati and Nowshera sectors in which a civilian and a General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) labourer were killed and four others were injured. A GREF vehicle, engaged in construction work at Balnoi Forward, was directly hit by a mortar shell fired by the Pakistan army, resulting in injuries to four workers, including the driver, one of whom, identified as Mohammad Parwaiz, later succumbed to his injuries. Mohammad Nizam-ud-Din, a BSF Havaldar, was also injured in the shelling.

The Indian Army soon retaliated with offensive action against the Pakistani troops at Bhimber and Battal sectors killing at least six Pakistani troopers and injuring five others. This was the third fierce retaliatory action undertaken by the Indian troops. Soon, Pakistan summoned Indias Deputy High Commissioner J.P. Singh in Islamabad to protest the casualties suffered by its army.

On June 16, Pakistan resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing in Nowshera sector killing soldier Naik Bakhtawar Singh and injuring two soldiers, one of whom succumbed to his injuries later.

Amid all the tension and killings, it is worthwhile to note that Indian and Pakistani army officials exchanged sweets at Chakan-Da-Bagh cross-LoC point in Poonch District, while BSF and Rangers also celebrated Eid jointly at various places along the IB.

Firing and retaliation from both the sides stand to continue to date and provocations from the Pakistan army along the LoC have become a routine affair these days. Often, the civilians on both sides of the LoC are left stranded. The firing has also triggered fresh migration in Nowshera and surrounding areas, including that of schools.
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, who had to cut down on work last year due to her kidney problem, is back in action mode. After blazing the monsoon session of parliament with her inimitable speeches on the search for the missing Indians in Mosul as well as on India's stand in the Doklam situation, the minister is now beginning on her travel schedule, too.

Swaraj will head to Kathmandu on August 10 to attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) foreign minister's meet. This meet is ahead of the BOMSTEC main summit that Nepal will host later this year.

Swaraj will also go to Bhopal for the India ASEAN Youth Summit which will be held from August 14 to 19. The summit is part of the celebration of the 25 years of India ASEAN dialogue partnership.
The National Investigation Agency has got more fodder against controversial televangelist Zakir Naik after it conducted searches in Kerala and Tamil Nadu on Thursday as part of its investigation in the IS Omar Al Hindi module case . This case adds to the pile of mounting evidence against Naik already declared a proclaimed offender by the anti-terror agency.

After the NIA gathered material evidence from its searches in the form of laptops, pen drives, DVDs and manuscripts on Thursday, it simultaneously summoned the suspected individual for questioning on Friday.

While the questioning is still on, official sources said during examination, two of the suspects have disclosed that they were radicalised through speeches of Salafi preachers like Dr Zakir Naik and Anwar Al-Awlaki.

According to NIA officials , the suspects admitted that they were following various IS/Daesh groups or channels in social media and have also disseminated pro-IS/ Daesh propaganda while they were in contact with the absconding accused persons like Abdul Rashid Abdulla.

Abdul has an Interpol Red corner Notice against him after he was chargesheeted by the NIA in the IS Kasargod module case.

"Abdul Rashid Abdulla alias Abu Isa Al-Hindi has been radicalising them on the ideology of IS/ Daesh and urging them to perform hijra to join and support the terrorist organization in the Islamic Caliphate," NIA officials said on Friday.

On Thursday, the NIA had conducted searches at two locations in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and one location in Alappuzha, Kerala. It may be recalled that a charge sheet had been filed under various sections of IPC and Unlawful activities prevention act against six arrested persons besides absconding accused Shajeer Mangalassery alias Abu Ayisha, who hatched the criminal conspiracy by forming a terror module to further the objectives of IS in India.

During the searches conducted at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and Alappuzha in Kerala on Thursday, the NIA had recovered 10 mobile phones, 4 laptops, 2 hard disks, 1 pen drive, 77 DVDs/ CDs, 3 memory cards, 16 SIM cards besides documents including books, diaries and manuscripts.

The seized material objects have been submitted before the NIA special court, which has sent the digital devices for forensic examination.
The Opposition will most likely move two privilege motions against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha today.

The motions will be moved against her over two issuesmisinformation on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lahore visit and the Bandung Conference.

Yesterday, Congress leader Anand Sharma had questioned Modi's foreign policy and asked the Centre its roadmap on dealing with Pakistan.

Flagging its concern over the deteriorating ties between both the nations, Sharma asked why the prime minister made that "dramatic" visit to Pakistan and why, till date, nobody knows the minute of the meeting.

"You were going to Afghanistan and got down at Lahore mid-way; till date the prime minister hasn't told the nation what talks took place. On one hand, you get miffed and cancel talks after Pakistan invites separatists on a tea party, and on the other hand, you make a dramatic visit breaching all protocols," he said.

In December 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had 'unexpectedly' landed in Lahore to meet his counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his way back home after a day-long trip today to Afghanistan where he went after concluding a two-day visit to Russia.

The Congress also warned Sushma over keeping two different and distinct views on the China issue and said that when it comes to Beijing, India should speak in one voice, there will be no two opinions on that.

Sharma said, "Let me remind Sushma Swaraj that out of courtesy we did not interrupt. What I had said catering to the Congress Party is concerned; we are very clear that we stand with the government as one. When it comes to China issue; India shall speak in one voicethere will be no two opinions on that. Sushma Swaraj should not have tried to break that opposition consensus and unity. When India is united why is the government keen on creating a division and breaking the consensus."

This happened after Sushma, in the Rajya Sabha, said that India has taken efforts to ease the stand-off with China.

She further stated that war cannot resolve the problems and that the wisdom is to resolve issues diplomatically on the issue of border stand-off with China.

The Centre and the opposition engaged in another verbal duel in the Rajya Sabha over India's statement at the last Bandung Conference in Indonesia.

A combative Sushma also asserted that she felt proud when she attended the Bandung Conference and saw large pictures of Nehru at the venue, when Anand Sharma alleged that first prime minister's name was omitted from the address delivered by Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh at the 60th anniversary of Bandung Conference.

Sushma said the speech which Sharma was referring to was delivered at another Afro-Asian Conference held separately.

Nehru was one of the founder members of the Bandung Conference founded in 1955.
US President Donald Trump's administration is preparing to probe a complaint by four Indian-American organisations and other Asian groups that Harvard University discriminates against students from the communities in its admission process.

Justice department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said on Wednesday the department wants to investigate the "administrative complaint filed by a coalition of 64 Asian-American associations in May 2015 that the prior administration left unresolved".

Flores said, "The complaint alleges racial discrimination against Asian-Americans in a university's admission policy and practices."

The Global Organisation of Persons of Indian Origin (Gopio), National Federation of Indian-American Associations, American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin, and BITS Sindri Alumni Association of North India were among the 64 Asian groups that jointly filed the federal complaint.

The complaint said, "Many Asian-American students who have almost perfect SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) scores, top one per cent GPAs (Grade Point Average), plus significant awards or leadership positions in various extracurricular activities have been rejected by Harvard University and other Ivy League Colleges while similarly situated applicants of other races have been admitted."

SAT is one of the common entrance exams for college admission.

Though officially the affirmative action programmes are meant to aid African American and Latino students, in reality the quota systemsimilar to reservations in Indiahas expanded to also help white students at the expense of Indian and other Asian students.

To ensure diversity, elite universities set academic standards for Asian students that are higher than that for even whites to prevent high-scoring Asians dominating the universities if admissions were based solely on merit.

A study by a Princeton University academic found that Asian-American students had to score 140 points more than whites in the SAT to gain admission to elite universities.

If a comparison is to be made to the Indian situation, Asians would be classified as "most forward" over the "forward" category.

Gopio International chairman Thomas Abraham said he welcomed the Trump administration's move to take up the complaint by the Indian and other Asian organisations.

He conceded that there was a need for affirmative action programmes to right the historical injustices done to the African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans and, therefore, he supported it for only those communities.

But "in the general quota for all the others there should not be any discrimination against Indians or Asians," he added.

"A white kid should not get preferred treatment at the expense of Asians and the general quota should be based solely on merit" and this was the central point in the complaint," he said.

Under former president Barack Obama, the education department dismissed a similar complaint by another organisation, while the justice department did not follow up on the complaint made to its office of civil rights that is now being taken up for review.

When it became known that the justice department was seeking lawyers to investigate the Asians discrimination suit, some major, mainstream American media twisted it and put out fake news that the Trump administration was preparing to sue universities over affirmative action admissions policies that were seen as discriminating against whites.

Flores denied the reports and said it was only the Asian complaint that was being taken up and that the department "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," she added.

A former civil rights official, Vanita Gupta, told The New York Times that the person sought for the investigation will be in "the political front office" and this "suggests that this person will be carrying out an agenda aimed at undermining diversity in higher education without needing to say it".

Gupta was the principal deputy assistant attorney general in Obama's administration and led the the civil rights division. She is now the president of the leadership conference on civil and human rights.

(via IANS)
NC organises gathering in Janakpur

In view of the third phase of local level elections in Province 2 scheduled for September 18, political parties have started their campaigns.
(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Following a Request by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Indian Red Cross, Magen David Adom and ICRC Representatives Arrive in India to Train First Aid Trainers from the Indian Red Cross

As part of MDAs international collaboration with other Red Cross organizations around the world to exchange accumulated experience, senior MDA instructors spent the past couple of weeks leading a workshop for First Aid Master Instructors and FA trainers from the Indian Red Cross.

In a country where thousands die in traffic accidents yearly, is prone to natural disasters as well as violent conflicts and terror attack, first aid knowledge is essential to saving lives even more than in other countries. In lieu of this reality, a first aid guide has been written, containing the most updated information known internationally, that would act as a fundamental document for streamlining first aid in the country. Additionally, it has been recognized that there is a necessity to transition from lecture-based first aid training, to practice and scenario based training.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Indian Red Cross have approached MDA over a year ago with the request to assisting with training Master FA trainers in the Indian Red Cross. The request came following an extensive program and the publishing of a first aid guide by the local Red Cross, and the recognition of the necessity to focus on practical, simulation-based training, a field in which MDA has accumulated vast experience being a leading organization in the field due to its practical expertise. As a first step, two first aid instructors courses took place in 2016 and 2017.

Now, the third step in the process is taking place  training the trainers in first aid. The participants went through training on how to train the next generation of trainers as well as worked on their professional skills. The training was led by representatives of the ICRC and MDA. Within the near future, a first aid training for members of two Houses of Representatives of states in India will take place. MDA instructors and an ICRC representative closely accompany the workshop participants, and in collaboration with the Israeli Embassy in India, more activities are set to take place and focus on the establishment of a first aid simulation training center, and the organization of a national first aid competition in India.

Magen David Adom Director General, Eli Bin: There is a fruitful collaboration between MDA and other Red Cross societies around the world, who view MDA as one of the most professional rescue organizations worldwide. We are happy to share the unique knowledge acquired in Israel with our partners around the world, for the important goal of saving lives, to present the true face of Israel around the world, and the challenges we deal with on a daily basis. At MDA weve learned that practice has an immense significant and is what makes our professionals more efficient. I am proud of the significant work and the willingness to lean and improve constantly.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Nepal, Morocco sign MoU on cooperation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on consultations and cooperation on Thursday.
Irans supreme leader on Thursday slammed the new U.S. sanctions on Tehran signed by President Donald Trump the previous day, and vowed his country would continue its missile program despite international pressure.

Washington will use any excuse to make a fuss against Iran, said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking at a ceremony marking the formal endorsement of President Hassan Rouhani for his second term in office.

You launch a satellite-carrying missile, they make noise, he said, describing the Iranian launch as a scientific and technical job that is routine and necessary.

The response to the hostility is to become stronger, Khamenei added and described the U.S. government as the top aggressor and the most shameless enemy of Iran.

Some have sharply applied hostility (against Iran), like those who today are in office in the U.S., Khamenei said, without mentioning Trump or the U.S. presidents signing of the legislation on Wednesday.

The law also imposed new sanctions on Russia and North Korea.

According to a letter sent to the U.N. Security Council and obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, the United States and three Western allies called Irans recent launch of a satellite-carrying rocket a threatening and provocative step that is inconsistent with a U.N. resolution endorsing the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Iran last week launched the countrys most advanced satellite-carrying rocket into space, marking the most significant step forward for the Islamic States young space program.

In the letter to the Security Council, the U.S., France, Germany and the United Kingdom complained that the Simorgh space launch vehicle, if configured as a ballistic missile, would have the range and payload capacity to carry a nuclear warhead.

Iran maintains the 2015 nuclear deal that put caps on its uranium enrichment program  a possible pathway to nuclear weapons  and the Security Council resolution endorsing that deal do not ban the country from ballistic missile activity. Russia, one of the five world powers that brokered the nuclear deal, has agreed with Tehran.

On Tuesday, Irans Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani announced that Tehran has officially complained to the U.N. Security Council over the latest U.S. sanctions.

Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, said Iran should continue to stand powerful in the face of its enemies.

International engagement should not lead to ignoring hostility of the enemies, Khamenei said at the ceremony, broadcast live on state TV. He added that despite all the sanctions and enmities, the Islamic Republic is stronger than before.

Rouhani, who will be formally sworn into office on Saturday in parliament, said the nuclear deal has been a sign of good faith by Iran and that t brought the nation respite from most difficult U.N. sanctions.

Transition from the most difficult sanctions was achieved through a combination of the power of diplomacy and deterrent defensive power, said Rouhani. He said that in his second term in office, Iran will insist on constructive engagement with the world more than before.

Earlier Thursday, the state TV website quoted deputy foreign minister and senior nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi as saying that Iran will come up with a smart reaction to the last U.S. sanctions.

Araghchi reiterated Irans stance that the U.S. legislation signed by Trump amounts to a hostile breach of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. Tehran has prepared measures that Iran would take against the U.S. action, he added without elaborating, except to say some of the measures will improve Irans armed forces.

The U.S. 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.

(AP)
Pearson Publishing is axing 3,000 jobs and slashing its dividend

Pearson is axing 3,000 jobs and slashing its dividend in an effort to revive its ailing business.

The cut, which represents 9 per cent of the education publisher's global workforce, will affect back office operations including human resources, technology and finance as well as its higher education business in North America.

Pearson has also cut its interim dividend from 18p to 5p, and announced plans for a 300million share buyback.

The company did not disclose how many of the job cuts will be in the UK, but a spokesman said the move will make the firm more 'streamlined' and efficient.

Pearson saw more than 1.9billion wiped off its market value in January after it admitted demand for printed books in America, its largest market, had 'gone off a cliff'.

It has been hit as students switch from textbooks to cheaper online alternatives  a move which contributed to a loss of 2.5billion in 2016  the biggest in its history.

Pearson's jobs cull was announced alongside its first-half results, which saw a 1 per cent rise in revenue to 1billion in the six months to the end of June, with profit coming in at 16million versus a 286million loss in the same period last year.
olid State specialises in so-called ruggedized electronics

What is it? Solid State specialises in so-called ruggedized electronics  ruggedized essentially means that the products are designed for use in a harsh environment.

Typical industries are transport companies. They also work with military and construction firms who have specific requirements for products, such as toughened touchscreens.

What's the latest? Revenue was up 9 per cent to 40million and pre-tax profit had climbed 6 per cent to 3.1million for the year to March 31.

Solid State bought specialist battery business Creasefield for 1.6million.

Who backs it? The largest shareholder is Hargreave Hale, an investment company which specialises in smaller firms.

It has an 18 per cent stake in the business. Other investors include finance firms Schroder & Co and Charles Stanley.

Managing director of the firm Gary Marsh and founder Gordon Comben are also among the top five shareholders.

Why you should invest Broker FinnCap says Solid State's investment in its facilities and people means it is in a good position to grow.

It's aiming to double its revenue over the next five years. Analysts at WH Ireland said the growth prospects for the industry could be being underestimated.

...And why you shouldn't Solid State has carved out a niche but the projects it works on are small volume and very specific, so some investors might be concerned about whether it can get enough business for revenues to continue rising.

That said, some of the products and the companies it supplies are very sensitive, so firms are keen to use UK manufacturers which limits the possibility of losing out to cheaper, overseas rivals.
JOBS BOOST Unemployment in the United States fell to a 16-year low of 4.3 per cent last month in a sign of strength in the world's biggest economy.

The fall in the jobless rate came as American firms created another 209,000 jobs  a second straight month of robust hiring.

PAY GROWTH remained muted, however, with average hourly earnings up 2.5 per cent. That is below the 3.5 per cent to 4 per cent typical when the unemployment rate is this low.

POLL WINNERS Successfully polling the outcome of the snap General Election helped boost data research firm YouGov.

As a result the polling firm said it now expects its trading for the full year to be strong and well ahead of its sector competitors.

LOSING OUT Workers have been told that engineering firm Delphi Diesel Systems is to close a plant in Suffolk with the loss of 500 jobs.

The Unite union said it understands the American owners plan to move work to Romania, where labour costs are cheaper.

HIGH FLYING Budget airline EasyJet carried 8.2million passengers in July, up from 7.5million the year before.

Despite the strong growth the airline cancelled 541 flights, compared to 350 in the same month last year.

PROFITS GROW A 9 per cent increase in mortgage business helped Leeds Building Society to profits of 63.2million in the first half of the year, up from 58million in the same period a year ago.

DIGS DEAL Student housing provider GCP Student Living has completed its deal to buy a 70million property in Brighton to provide accommodation for Brighton and Sussex university students as well as office space.

ELECTRIC DREAMS Carmakers Toyota and Mazda are creating a 1.2billion assembly plant in America and collaborating on technologies for electric vehicles.

The two firms will take small stakes in each other as part of the tie-up  with Toyota taking a 5 per cent share of Mazda and Mazda taking a 0.25 per cent share of the larger rival.
The billionaire co-founder of Hargreaves Lansdown has slammed regulators after they barred the investment group from paying a 50million dividend.

Peter Hargreaves said it felt as if the company was being 'victimised' after the Financial Conduct Authority ordered it to set aside the cash instead of handing it out to shareholders.

The watchdog said the business's rapid growth meant it had to hold back 50m extra in case of a possible downturn.

Peter Hargreaves said it felt as if the company was being 'victimised' after the Financial Conduct Authority ordered it to set aside 50minstead of handing it out to shareholders

Investors would otherwise have been given a special dividend likely worth around 9.9p a share.

Hargreaves trained as a chartered accountant and worked briefly in computer sales before returning to finance, then launched the firm in his bedroom in 1981. He owns 152.6m shares worth 2.1billion and would have pocketed 15million from the giveaway.

His co-founder Stephen Lansdown has 75.5m shares worth 1billion and would have picked up 7.5million in special dividends.

Regular shareholders will also suffer, many of them company employees who have earned stock as a reward for their service. An investor holding 1,000 shares will miss out on 99.

'I'm a little bit bemused as to why we almost seem to have been victimised,' said Hargreaves, who is the firm's largest shareholder but is no longer an employee or director and does not speak on its behalf.

'I can't understand why the company seems to get legislation piled onto it, and has to jump hurdles and hoops when it would appear to be the cleanest of clean businesses.

'Our track record is 100 per cent. We've never transgressed.'

The blow was revealed in a stock market announcement by Hargreaves, which runs an online trading platform used by 954,000 investors.

Shares in the company fell 2.6 per cent, or 36p, to 1347p, knocking 54.9million off the value of Hargreaves' holding and 27.2million from Lansdown's.

Bosses said the FCA told them on Thursday that it intended to reassess their regulatory capital requirements due to the company's 'strong recent growth in scale and complexity'.

Chief executive Chris Hill said the news was 'disappointing' but the business was 'in great shape'.

Hargreaves Lansdown said that for the year to June 30, the assets it oversees are expected to have risen by 28 per cent to 79.2billion. Profits are expected to be between 265million and 266million, up 21 per cent.

Hargreaves, who was chief executive until 2010, said he was concerned that the regulatory crackdown was part of a wider assault on success.

He said he would not have such a large shareholding if he thought there was any risk, and that the company paid the highest proportion of tax compared to its revenues of any UK business.

It gave 41.6million to HMRC in its last financial year, on turnover of 388.3million.

'Is that what's happening in this country  if you're profitable, you're seen as a horrible person?' Hargreaves said. 'It's gone mad. What are we doing wrong?

'I would just love somebody from the FCA's building to explain to me what we're doing wrong.'

The FCA did not comment.
Troubled Royal Bank of Scotland has unveiled first-half profits for the first time in three years  but this was overshadowed by a money-laundering probe.

The NatWest owner made 939million in the opening six months of 2017, a major turnaround from its 2billion loss for the same period last year.

However, the bank is still on course for an annual loss, the tenth since it was nearly destroyed by the financial crisis.

Profitable: The bank announced a second quarter of consecutive profit.

The lender revealed that the Financial Conduct Authority is investigating it for suspected breaches of money laundering rules.

It said a probe was started last month but declined to give any further details. The FCA also didnt want to comment.

There is growing speculation that the Government may soon sell down taxpayers 71.5 per cent stake in RBS, acquired when the bank was handed a 46billion bailout.

Ministers are thought to be waiting until after RBS has been fined by the US Department of Justice for selling toxic bundles of mortgage debt in the run-up to the Great Recession.
NOC fumbles trying to defend its land deal

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), which is facing charges of allegedly embezzling millions of rupees while purchasing land to build fuel storage facilities, hurriedly called a press meet on Thursday to defend its controversial move.
Highly paid workers should not be demonised nor face wage caps because they contribute large amounts in tax, a think tank has said today.

The Institute of Economic Affairs said that driving down wages of top CEOs will not help the average worker, and will only cut the level of taxes collected by the Treasury.

The comments came after the High Pay Centre released a report yesterday saying the typical British worker would take 160 years to earn the average yearly wage of a FTSE 100 chief executive.

The report with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development showed that FTSE 100 chiefs earned an average of 4.5million in 2016.

The High Pay Centre has been accused of trying to 'stoke public hostility' after it said would the typical British worker would take 160 years to earn the average wage of a FTSE 100 CEO

Even though this was down 17 per cent from last year, the group's Director Stefan Stern immediately called for measures to 'restrain and reverse excess at the top,' echoing Jeremy Corbyn's call for an executive wage cap.

The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association called executive pay 'extraordinarily high' and said reductions 'should be viewed positively'.

But today the IEA hit back, criticising the intention and language of the report, adding that attacking the high-paid does not help the average worker.

It accused the report of trying to 'stoke public hostility', and following a current trend of 'demonising' the high paid.

The IEA added that reducing executive's pay would reduce tax returns to the Treasury: the top one per cent of earners pay 27 per cent of income tax.

IEA Director General Mark Littlewood today told This is Money: 'The attempts to stoke public hostility against high pay are based on false premises. Cutting salaries at the top by no means translates to an increase in pay for those at the bottom; salaries are not fixed, nor is value created in this way.'

Jeremy Corbyn initially raised the idea of a maximum pay cap during a series of broadcast interviews in January

He argued that British companies must be allowed to attract and reward their top talent with market rates, especially when competing all over the world.

'In our globalised economy high pay has merit, with CEOs' roles becoming evermore important and high pressured as their decisions can make or break a company', he said.

'Real world examples show that government intervention and regulation in corporate governance has had little effect. Rather than trying to pluck a figure out of the air of where they think pay should be capped, politicians would be better advised to focus on the real problem of low pay and the rising cost of living in this country,' he added.

'Decisions on pay should be left up to shareholders, who are in the best position to deem what is the appropriate level of pay for all employees given their vested interest.'

Jeremy Corbyn initially raised the idea of a maximum pay cap during a series of broadcast interviews ahead of his first major speech of the year focusing on Britain's future after Brexit.

'If we want to live in a more egalitarian society and fund our public services, we cannot go on creating worse levels of inequality,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'I would like to see a maximum earnings limit, quite honestly, because I think that would be a fairer thing to do. We cannot set ourselves up as being a sort of grossly unequal, bargain-basement economy on the shores of Europe.'

Danny Blanchflower, a former adviser to the Labour leader and ex-Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member, said the idea was 'totally unworkable'.

The Director of the High Pay Centre, Stefan Stern, told This Is Money: 'We are not trying to "stoke hostility" towards anyone. We are trying to shine a light on a matter of great public concern.'
MBABANE  A female police officer sat on my face with her buttocks on my mouth.



Watsi namuhla utawudla longazange sewukudle, (You will eat what you have never eaten before), submitted Vusi Thwala of Mahamba, who alleged that he was assaulted by members of the Royal Swaziland Police on suspicions that he stole motor vehicle parts and fuel at the Central Transport Administration (CTA) Depot in Nhlangano.



Thwala worked at the depot as a security guard and he, and three others, were responsible looking after the vehicles at the depot.

Thwala, who is represented by Sifiso Jele of Mabila Attorneys, yesterday gave evidence before Principal Judge Qinisile Mabuza.

He was arrested and discharged allegedly due to lack of evidence. Thwala is demanding a sum of E272 000 from government for unlawful arrest, detention and assault among other damages.



The security guard submitted that as a result of the alleged assault by the police in January 2012, he still suffers from chest pains and his left ear still troubles him. He said after he was arrested, he appeared at the Nhlangano Magistrates Court and he was allegedly remanded in custody since the police were still investigating.



Thwala told the court that he was allegedly taken to a forest by the police, where they assaulted him and ordered that he revealed where the stolen items were kept. He was allegedly choked and assaulted with kicks and stones.

The principal judge asked Thwala if the police explained to him why they assaulted him and his response was that they informed him they wanted the stolen items.
SITEKI  A school guard and a female pupil have been arrested for collaborating in terminating the latters five-month pregnancy.



Bheki Frisco Mkhabela (34), allegedly administered abortion tablets to the pupil, who was doing Form IV in one of the high schools around the Lubombo region.



The pupils name has been withheld because she is a minor.

The guard was employed at the school attended by the pupil and reports are to the effect that he had been in a romantic relationship with the pupil for a while, before impregnating her early this year.



The two appeared before Magistrate Joseph Dlamini, who was sitting at Siphofaneni Circuit Court on Wednesday.



They both elected to conduct their own defence, when their right to legal representation was explained to them.

They were charged with abortion and when the charge was put to them, they wasted no time in pleading guilty to the offence.

Court papers allege that the two, acting in furtherance of a common purpose, did wrongfully, unlawfully and intentionally administer unknown tablets with intent to cause expulsion of the living foetus of five months, and thus procure miscarriage of the said foetus from the pupil.



The Crown accepted the accused persons pleas but applied to call in witnesses to prove commission of the offence.

First to take the stand was the mother of the pupil.
NPC should evolve into policy think-tank of govt

A Cabinet meeting held on Thursday appointed Swarnim Wagle as the vice chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC), the apex body that frames the countrys development plans and programmes. Wagle, 43, who has a PhD in economics from Australian National University, was first appointed as the member of the NPC when late Sushil Koirala was the head of the government.
LOBAMBA  Despite the fact that the Prime Minister, Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini, was not in Parliament for the much anticipated debate on the operations of government, MPs were yesterday in great spirits and even passed into law two of his Bills.



This happened yesterday during a quick sitting of the House of Assembly, which saw the Members of Parliament pass into law the Suppression of Terrorism (Amendment) Act and Public Order Act, 2016 which are under the PMs portfolio.



Speaker Themba Msibi said although they had set aside yesterday afternoon mostly to deliberate with the PM on issues that touched on the country, he had received a call on Wednesday morning that the PM had since been sent by the King to Iran on State duties.



We will therefore, set another date to discuss among other issues, those that pull down the image of Parliament, said Msibi. Although the agenda had been discussed on Monday, Manzini North MP Jan Sithole and Mbabane West MP Johane Shongwe had already had a motion without notice in place.



Motion No.14/2017 read, To move that this Hon.House debate with His Excellency the Right Honourable PM and the Executive the violation of the Parliamentary Privileges, inefficiencies and lack of service delivery and prioritisation of the people focused issues.

The MPs said they could await the PMs return to deliberate on the issues.

They unanimously agreed to pass the two laws which hold the key towards the country re-attaining the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA).



The motion to adopt these acts was moved by Zombodze Emuva MP Titus Thwala, who was seconded by Mhlangatane MP Mbalekelwa Ndwandwe.
MBABANE  I am not lijabhane (I am not a killer). This statement was uttered by *Nono (62) of Sidwashini, after she explained how some members of her community assumed she was a killer.



This statement emanates from Qiniso Mhlangas tragic abduction, murder and mutilation. Mhlanga was buried about two weeks ago and his death has aroused so much frustration and emotions among the people of Sidwashini, where Qiniso lived with his mother and brother.

Nono, who owns a preschool around the area and is also a vendor at Sidwashini market, said she had been hearing rumours linking her to Qinisos death.



In fact, the rumours have escalated so much so that assumptions have been made that some evidence leading to the childs death had been linked to her.

Nono is even aware of the fact that some claim that body parts were found in her refrigerator.



Apparently, one woman from the area openly calling Nono lijabhane after the memorial service of Qiniso held this past Sunday.

The memorial service was more of a motivational meeting which encouraged the community of Sidwashini to persistently and continuously seek the truth on Qinisos death, doing so without favour or fear.



The prayer also gave pointers for parents on how to keep their children safe from child abductors, as Mhlangas case was the second one in Sidwashini.



I am very much aware of these rumours and they hurt me. I have always been fond of the boy and his family and have no reason for people to associate me with such. The Friday before he disappeared, I went to my home town in Piggs Peak and came back on the Monday afternoon when he had already disappeared.



I checked on his family on the Monday and the next day when he was confirmed missing. I even donated some money to his mother and grandmother that very day before we heard he was no more, explained Nono on the incident, further stating that she has been with the family through their hard times.
Some of the sex workers cover their faces.

MBABANE  Bring all the prostitutes to me! These were the words of Manzini South Constituency Member of Parliament Owen Nxumalo.

Nxumalo, who doubles as the Minister of Public Service, said there was about E1.5 million that could be used in his constituency to empower those who were willing to leave the sex trade.



He was interviewed following the arrest of 30 sex workers on Tuesday night by the police on the streets of Manzini; which is a town under his constituency. The arrests were noted as an attempt to clean up the city centre and came a month after it had been reported that the city streets were infested with the ladies of the night.



He said: These sex workers were always posing near most of the traffic lights and with some barely covered in any form of clothing; which is uncouth when travelling with minors.



The elected MP tossed out the excuse that had been forwarded by many during their appearance at the Manzini Swazi National Court, that they were engaging in such a practice due to unemployment. Instead, he pleaded with his electorate, who engaged in such, to approach him or the constituency to be aided with funds.



We have a fund that is aimed at alleviating poverty among the constituents and it can be accessible to them instead of engaging in sex work, which will end up being a drain to the country financially.

He said Manzini South would not be empowering sex workers per se; but would be empowering those who resided within the constituency with life skills as means to curb sex work.

The funding, according to the minister, would be from the Regional Development Fund (RDF). The RDF was recently fine-tuned for development purposes, according to the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, which allocates the money to all the countrys constituencies.

Nxumalo said through this fund, his constituency had already empowered residents with business opportunities that include but not limited to buying tents and sound systems, which they then hire out to the public.
Okharpauwa locals lift obstructions

Okharpauwa locals on Thursday reached an agreement with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City to let the metropolis dump garbage at the Sisdole landfill site in the district.
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As the city and state attempt to reform the criminal justice system, the Queens district attorney announced he will dismiss nearly 100,000 open warrants for low-level offenses that are at least 10 years old.

DA Richard Brown joined his counterparts in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan in an unprecedented move to vacate about 1.5 million summonses, issued to mostly black and Latino individuals.

The unresolved warrants left New Yorkers vulnerable to automatic arrest when stopped by police and posed a barrier to hiring, obtaining citizenship and finding an apartment in public housing.

These summonses, which stemmed from failure to pay a ticket for minor incidents such as visiting a park after hours, could be the grounds for deportation for undocumented immigrants. The DAs will dismiss the warrants in court actions this month.

This is a welcome step in the citys efforts to give New Yorkers a clean slate after the stop-and-frisk era and unclog the overburdened court system.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council finally worked out an agreement this week on how to pay the legal fees for undocumented workers facing deportation because of felony convictions. City Hall had balked at dipping into public funds to represent immigrants found guilty of serious crimes, but private donors will kick in $250,000 for their defense.

This was a good compromise on a sticky issue for the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project, which provides free legal services for poor immigrants. Under city law an undocumented worker convicted of one of 170 serious crimes must be turned over to immigration authorities.

For lesser crimes, Councilman Rory Lancman wants a public accounting of the MTA rules against fare evasion. In the first six months of this year, police stopped straphangers more than 30,000 times for jumping the turnstiles and nearly 75 percent received a civil summons, he said. But of those, 8,600 fare dodgers were arrested for a misdemeanor offense under state law, which could spell deportation for even legal immigrants.

Lancman has introduced a bill that would require the NYPD to keep track of fare evasion arrests and summonses right down to the subway station, the police precinct and the age, gender and race of the person targeted.

He is pushing to document the racial disparity in the NYPDs evasion arrests, which have snared blacks and Latinos in over 85 percent of the cases in the last three years.

The wheels of justice are turning slowly in the city, but reform  however modest at first  is on the way.
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By Bill Parry

Three of the Democratic challengers who were in the race to replace City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-East Elmhurst) were kicked off the ballot Tuesday after attorneys from the Queens Democratic Party challenged their petitions on behalf of state Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-East Elmhurst).

Moya was the first to jump into the race after Ferreras-Copland stunned the Queens political community by announcing she would not seek re-election because she wanted to spend more time with her family.

Community activist Cristina Furlong, of Jackson Heights, and former City Council staffer Erycka Montoya, of Corona, were not able to validate enough of the required 450 signatures on their petitions. Yonel Letellier Sosa, a former chief of staff for state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) failed to list the office and district he was running in on his petitions.

Sosa could not be reached for comment.

Furlong and Montoya plan to appeal their rulings before the city Board of Elections. Both will appear at an Aug. 8 hearing in Queens Civil Court to invalidate Moyas objections. For now, Moya can concentrate his campaign for the seat on former state Senator and City Councilman Hiram Monserrate, who was expelled from the Senate in 2009 for assaulting his girlfriend and served time in federal prison for fraud.

Every candidate is required to meet their minimum mandated petition signature totals, a Moya campaign spokesman said. This is the same set of rules that everyone must abide by, and Francisco Moya is proud to have received many times over the 450 signatures required to make the ballot in the September primary.

Furlong and Montoya accused Moya and the Queens Democratic Party of acting no better than Tammany Hall, preventing their campaign for the City Council to continue  effectively stealing their right to run for public office.

Though flattered that the Dems feel my candidacy is such a threat to a veteran like Moya, Furlong said, Im appalled that County can direct the full force of their machine toward a first-timer like me, while choosing to sidestep Monserrate, who still owes over $70,000 in restitution for past crimes against this constituency.

Furlong said she came up 70 signatures short after challenges found improper addresses and some who were not registered Democrats living in the district.

Its a pain-staking process proving signatures are valid using a data base, she said. They were challenged legally using an archaic system designed to fend off challengers to candidates endorsed by the county party.

How can you claim to boast democracy while suppressing choice and furthering the notion that, without ties to big donors and big money influences, citizens should not throw their names in the ring? Montoya said. But I will not be deterred. This is why I chose to run. Not only to fight to make New York City more liveable for people like me, but to bring to light these political games that keep us away from the table. I have grown tired of waiting my turn, asking politely, and playing by the very rules that were meant to exclude me and displace me from the civic process and my city.
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
Re-election in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-19 underway

The re-election in Ward No 19 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City is underway under the first phase of local level elections. The voting commenced in six voting centres of the three polling stations at 7 am today, Chief ElectionOfficial, Kavi Prasad Neupane said.
ALBANY  The Cuomo administration says there was nothing improper about giving $25 million in taxpayer funds to a huge campaign donor whose projects were already being built without the public money.

Still, the administration is not exactly rushing to provide more information about the matter, arguing that six months is not enough time to gather and review documents concerning the grants to the cash-flush, for-profit company, Crystal Run Healthcare.

In mid-January, the Times Union filed a Freedom of Information Law request with the state Department of Health for any "documents pertaining to Crystal Run Healthcare LLP's application for grants" through the relevant Department of Health programs.

A second, much narrower request from mid-February asked for any "progress reports" submitted to the Department of Health by Crystal Run concerning the $25 million in contracts it had awarded, as well as any "claims for reimbursement" submitted by the vendor to the agency.

After more than six and five months of delays, respectively, from the Department of Health, the Times Union filed an appeal on July 27, arguing the delays meant the requests had been "constructively denied."

Under law in such situations, a state agency must fill the requests in 10 days business days, or else "fully explain in writing ... the reasons for further denial."

The Department of Health on Thursday provided nearly identical letters explaining why it had not filled both the broader and much narrower request.

"There is no provision in FOIL that prohibits extensions, even repeated extensions, particularly under the reasonable circumstances at hand," wrote David Spellman, the agency's records access appeals officer, in both denial letters. "Specifically, documents need to be located and then reviewed for responsiveness, legal privileges, and applicable FOIL extensions...Moreover, here Crystal Run asserted its rights under (Public Officers Law) 87(2)(d) and additional time has been need to first address those issues."

That portion of the law states that access to records can be denied are if they are "trade secrets" or material that "if disclosed would cause substantial injury to the competitive position of the subject enterprise."

As reported by the Times Union on February, the state in March 2016 gave the $25 million to Crystal Run, an Orange County-based group medical practice, to build two 70,000-square-foot health care facilities in West Nyack and Monroe despite the fact that both had broken ground about six months earlier.

Crystal Run had opened or was about to open both health care facility projects before Comptroller Tom DiNapoli even approved the $25 million contract subsidizing them in October 2016. Crystal Run's contracts have a stipulation that it could only receive state funding to "the extent that other funding is unavailable."

Department of Health Spokesman Benjamin Rosen said the Department of Health "has not reimbursed Crystal Run for any expenditures related to their (state Capital Restructuring Financing Program) contracts, as the reimbursement review process is ongoing."

Rosen added that the law "provides for the redaction of information that is trade secret or which was provided to an agency by a business, and which if disclosed would cause substantial injury to the competitive position of that business."

The state Health Department said the projects landed the money because they were among the high-scoring proposals in a competitive state procurement process. Only eight of the 162 state grants awarded went to a private company such as Crystal Run, and the company landed the only two awards paid to private firms outside New York City.

Crystal Run executives, doctors or their spouses have given at least $400,000 to Cuomo, including 10 donations each worth $25,000 over a two-day period in October 2013. A Cuomo campaign spokesman has said the donations stemmed from a fundraiser. Seven of the donors had otherwise not given in a New York election for at least a decade.

The developer for two projects was Columbia Development, the Albany-based firm whose principal is facing a state bid-rigging charge in a unrelated matter.

State Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, R-Schaghticoke, has written letters to a number of state government leaders calling for inquiries into $25 million in grants.
GLENVILLE  A young boy with his arm in a sling and a middle-aged man using crutches shuffled toward the plane Thursday afternoon, surrounded by a dozen medical technicians ready to fly them away from disaster.

In reality, no one was actually injured and the Capital Region had not been rocked by an earthquake, hurricane or other mass-casualty emergency. But the Air National Guard was pretending that was the case, in order to practice its response.
SCHENECTADY  The Planning Commission will review a proposal by Rotterdam-based Galesi Group to install two pylon signs and an electronic message board at the entrance to Mohawk Harbor, a $150 million residential, hotel, retail and waterfront development next to the city's new casino.

Last year, Rush Street Gaming of Chicago abandoned plans to build an 80-foot pylon sign at the Front Street entrance to the $330 million casino on Erie Boulevard after nearby residents criticized the proposed towering sign as garish. Rush Street is teaming up with Galesi on the Rivers Casino & Resort at Mohawk Habor.

This week, Galesi Group president and CEO David Buicko said the signs leading into Mohawk Harbor will help orient people.

"One is going to be a nice, well-done monument sign that says Mohawk Harbor so people know where they are, and the other one is basically showing who the tenants are," said Buicko. "It has nothing to do with that big pylon sign."

Based on preliminary drawings released last week by the city development office, the monument sign at Mohawk Harbor Way and Erie Boulevard would be 40 feet high and 10 feet wide while an illuminated pylon sign would be 32 feet high and 14 feet wide topped off by an double-faced LED screen.

In written notes, Paul Fallati, Galesi vice president of commercial and office properties, said considering the enormity of the project, "the sign request is extremely minimal" and "designed to be visually appealing with no noise generation and use low input LEDs to reduce glare."

Mayor Gary McCarthy said the application also calls for a special-use permit that would give the city engineer the power to mandate that the signs be taken down if they are a problem.

Still, Stockade resident David Giacalone said he would like to see a comprehensive line-of-sight study and renderings of what the signs will look like.

City planning officials said that the proposal may be revised before it's considered by the Planning Commission at its Aug. 16 meeting.

"It's something that's been on our plans forever and we just finalized it with the sign company," said Buicko.
SCHUYLERVILLE - For years, David Bullard has admitted strangers into his home on the hill. People stop by to stare at the blood stains on the floor or peer into the stone basement to see where Revolutionary War soldiers died on the then-dirt floor.

And this weekend, the owner of the Marshall House will be welcoming more than three to four dozen for a family reunion that celebrates both the turning point in the war and generations of Marshalls who once lived there. The weekend will coincide with the village's annual Turning Point Days, a weekend-long celebration of colonial times and the War for Independence in which the Marshall House played a pivotal role.

"It's a surviving witness to the Battle of Saratoga," Bullard said of the home he shares with his wife, composer Hilary Tann. "It's where Baroness Frederika Riedesel sheltered with her three young daughters during the battle and where many of the British and mercenary German soldiers died."

Bullard, who have given countless tours of the historic property, said that on Oct. 10, 1777, British General John Burgoyne was losing to the Americans. He was running out of food, ammunition and the weather was turning cold. Seeing this, Friedrich Adolf Riedesel, who was commanding the German mercenary soldiers, sent his wife and children to shelter just north of the village in the then-abandoned farm house, owned by the Lansings of Albany. Wives of other military leaders followed.

More Information Turning Point Weekend

When: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 5 and 6

Where: Schuylerville Info: Weekend includes festival from 1-11 p.m. in Fort Hardy Park on Saturday and parade at 1 p.m. down Broad Street on Sunday. More: www.turningpointparade.com/ See More Collapse

The Americans, across the Hudson River at Clark's Mills, spied the activity there and started to rain cannon balls down on the house  one of which snapped a beam, which is still propped up today with mortar and bricks.

"It was just boom, boom, boom, boom," Bullard said. "Everyone was crowded in the cellar. They ran out of water because the well ran dry and every time they went to get water from the river, they were shot at."

Bullard is familiar with the details of the week-long siege on Marshall House because the Baroness kept a diary, which he said "makes your hair stand straight up." He shared some of the passages.

"Eleven cannon balls went through the house, and we could plainly hear the rolling over our heads," she wrote. "One poor soldier, whose leg they were about to amputate, having been laid upon the table for this purpose, had the other leg taken off by a cannon ball in the very middle of the operation."

She also penned passages about people "rolling in anguish, scarcely breathing," "the horrible stench" and soldiers who were "more dead than alive."

A week later, Burgoyne surrendered to the Americans. Soon thereafter, France threw its support behind the rebellious Americans, helping them to ultimately win the war.

The darkness and anxiety of that week will be retold at the reunion by Debbie Bailey, a Greenwich re-enactor who portrays Baroness Riedesel. Bullard said she will center her performance on tales of "blood and gore."

The history of the house on Route 4 started out on a sunnier note. It was built in 1770 by Peter Lansing, who was enticed north of Albany by his friend Philip Schuyler. However, Lansing never really settled there and sold the home after the Revolution, to the Bushee family. In 1817, the Marshall family purchased the home and it remained in their family until the Bullards, who once owned the orchard in Schuylerville, bought it in 1930. David Bullard grew up in the house.

Over the years, he has found a 17-pound cannon ball and countless musket balls and uniform buttons.

"They pop up when I'm mowing the lawn," Bullard said. "The frost brings them up too."

His father, digging on the property to build a cold frame, unearthed human bones, presumably of the unknown number of soldiers that died there and were quickly buried in the yard. Archaeologists, including some from the Discovery Channel, have overrun the property numerous times.

"We've had a lot of people come in and want to dig around," Bullard said.

But a visit from the Marshalls, whom Bullard said have a "strong homing instinct," makes for a special occasion. They came in 2013 for the first time. They are returning for the family's 200th anniversary of home's purchase from the Bushees.

"It's interesting because none of them ever lived here," Bullard said. "The house has been in my family for 87 years. All the Marshalls that were here are dead and gone, but the ancestors are still interested and enthusiastic."

Elaine Gardella, one of the descendants, has done a full history on the family and the home and is looking forward to the weekend, which also will include a parade and fireworks display in the village, a boat ride on the Hudson, a trip to the Marshall cemetery and many meals at the Marshall House.

"It is our hope that the descendants of the Marshall and Bullard families will continue working together to preserve and protect this historic site for the future," Gardella said. "The vivid portrayal of the Baroness under siege while taking refuge in the cellar of this historic house truly makes history come alive. We must continue to educate the younger generations on the value of sharing these profound and moving stories during the forming of our nation."
TROY  A Rensselaer County grand jury indicted four men Friday on felony drug charges at a music festival in Stephentown this past weekend.

The defendants were among 19 people arrested during the Fractal Fest off Route 22 for allegedly selling or possessing cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms, LSD, ketamine, MDMA, marijuana and prescription pills.

Adam Cook, 30, of Wassaic, Dutchess County, was indicted on three counts each of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and single counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Corey "Harlow" McWhirter, 34, of Des Moines, Iowa, was indicted on single counts of second-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

David G. "Doobie" Nida, 32, of Des Moines, Iowa, was indicted on two counts each of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Ben Vilner Shimoni, 32, of Littleton, Mass., also known as Ben Vilner Goldblatt, was indicted on two counts each of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

In unrelated indictments handed up Thursday, Nasir Elliotte and Trevon McBee were charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Elliotte was charged in a Feb. 24 incident in Troy and McBee in a May 5 incident in Troy.
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Three times a day, Cape Air's nine-seat Cessnas fly round trips between Saranac Lake and Boston. For area residents, it's a link to the nation's network of commercial flights. Without it, travelers would have to drive to Plattsburgh or even Albany.

The flights are subsidized by the federal government's Essential Air Service program, But the Trump administration proposes eliminating funds for the program, which nationally costs about $250 million a year.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer was at the Saranac Lake airport Friday morning to criticize the planned cutbacks, calling them bad for the economy of a number of Adirondack communities.

"Let me be clear: these proposed cuts are wrong-headed and reckless," said Schumer. "Communities across the region rely on this program and the service these airports provide.

"It creates jobs, energizes our economy, and improves quality of life," he added. "Our job is to support families and grow communities. This unnecessary cut would do just the opposite."

While scheduled air service might be reduced or eliminated in Saranac Lake, Watertown, Massena, Jamestown, Plattsburgh and Ogdensburg, the Capital Region might also feel the impact.

Cape Air has its maintenance base at Albany International Airport, and flies from Albany to both Ogdensburg and Boston. It has 15 employees in Albany and another 11 in Ogdensburg, airline spokeswoman Trish Lorino said Friday.

The Essential Air Service program was created following airline deregulation in 1978, when carriers were free to drop money-losing routes. To prevent the loss of all air service, the federal government agreed to subsidize service.

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In Saranac Lake's case, the program provides $1.8 million annually to support the service to Boston, which was used by more than 9,200 passengers last year. The subsidy amounts to about $195 a passenger.

While regional airports have worked to reduce their reliance on the program, eliminating it could kill service completely, Schumer said.

"As the only airport offering commercial air service in the Adirondack Park," said Franklin County Legislature Chair Barb Rice, Saranac Lake "is an intrinsic part of the transportation infrastructure in the region."
Louisville, Ky.

Deaths in U.S. coal mines this year have surged ahead of last year's, and federal safety officials say workers who are new to a mine have been especially vulnerable to fatal accidents.

But the nation's coal miner's union says the mine safety agency isn't taking the right approach to fixing the problem.

Ten coal miners have died on the job so far this year, compared to a record low of eight deaths last year.

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration is responding to the uptick in deaths with a summer initiative, sending officials to observe and train miners new to a particular mine on safer working habits. The push comes during a transition for the agency, amid signals from President Donald Trump that he intends to ease the industry's regulatory burden.

The miner's union, the United Mine Workers of America, says the agency initiative falls short. It notes federal inspectors who conduct such training visits are barred from punishing the mine if they spot any safety violations.

"To take away the inspector's right to issue a violation takes away the one and only enforcement power the inspector and the agency has," union president Cecil Roberts wrote in a recent letter to the federal agency.

Patricia Silvey, a deputy assistant secretary at the Mine Safety and Health Administration, or MSHA, said eight of the coal miners who died this year had less than a year's experience at the mine where they worked.

"We found from the stats that category of miners were more prone to have an accident," Silvey said in an interview with The Associated Press before the 10th death occurred at mine in Pennsylvania on July 25.

Silvey pointed to a death last May at West Virginia's Pinnacle Mine where a miner riding a trolley rose up and struck his head on the mine roof. She said the fatality could have been due to the miner's unfamiliarity with the mine. The miner had worked there nine weeks, according to an accident report. And in the most recent death, a miner less than two weeks into the job at a mine in eastern Pennsylvania was run over by a bulldozer July 25.

Five of the 10 coal mining deaths this year have occurred in West Virginia, and two more in Kentucky. Alabama, Montana and Pennsylvania each had one coal mining death. Nine of the miners killed this year had several years' experience working at other mines.

The mine safety agency's injury numbers show workers who were new to a mine had more than double the injuries. Going back to October 2015, miners who worked at a specific mine less than a year suffered 903 injuries, compared to 418 for miners working at a mine one to two years.

The mine safety agency says it will visit mines and "offer suggestions" on training miners who have been at a mine less than a year. Silvey said the union is correct that inspectors won't be writing safety violations, but that the initiative "has in no way undermined our regular inspection program."

The miner's union said the federal agency should not expect safety suggestions to carry the same weight as citations and fines.

"To believe that an operator will comply with the law on their own free will is contrary to historical experience and naive on MSHA's part," the letter said.
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Memphis, Tenn.

FedEx will skip special charges for most packages shipped during the holiday season this year as it seeks to undercut rival UPS in a fight for a larger share of the millions of items now bought online.

FedEx Corp. said Thursday that it won't charge extra for peak-season residential deliveries unless the package requires extra handling, such as for very large items.

On an average day, FedEx delivers more than 12 million packages to businesses and homes, but that can jump to 25 million on peak days in December.

Residential shipments represent a much smaller share of the company's revenue, but they are growing faster because of the rise of online shopping. Residential deliveries are relatively inefficient because homes are so spread out and a driver might take one package to a house instead of several to a business  that raises costs for FedEx.

The shipper, based in Memphis, Tenn., said that from Nov. 20 through Dec. 24 it will add surcharges of $3 for packages needing special handling, $25 for oversized items, and $300 for unauthorized shipments.

FedEx's announcement comes two months after UPS announced new surcharges that will affect shipments in some weeks near Black Friday and Christmas.

United Parcel Service Inc. said that it would add 27 cents for residential deliveries from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2 and Dec. 17-23. It will add a fee of between 81 and 97 cents to overnight, second- or third-day deliveries for residential deliveries Dec. 17-23. There are other charges for oversized packages.

In addition, UPS will charge a peak surcharge on some international air-shipping routes.

UPS, based in Atlanta, did not immediately comment on the maneuver by FedEx.
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A law enforcement official says rapper Kidd Creole thought a New York City homeless man was hitting on him and that touched off a deadly argument.

The lyricist and founding member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5 was arrested Wednesday on a murder charge.

The official says he randomly passed by 55-year-old John Jolly, who made a remark. They argued and Kidd Creole, whose real name is Nathaniel Glover, allegedly stabbed the man with a knife. Jolly died at a hospital after police found him bleeding on the street.

Glover was awaiting arraignment Thursday in Manhattan.

 Associated Press

Vanity Fair stands by Jolie cover story

Vanity Fair is standing by its description of the casting process used for Angelina Jolie's forthcoming Netflix film, "First They Killed My Father."

The magazine says in a statement Thursday that it has reviewed transcripts and audio recordings from interviews with Jolie that were used to produce its September cover story about the actress.

The article described a "game" used to find the child star of Jolie's film about the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia.

It said casting directors presented money to impoverished children only to take it away from them as an acting exercise.

Jolie said last week that the suggestion that real money was taken from children during the auditions is "false and upsetting." Vanity Fair said

 Associated Press

'Dukes of Hazzard' star faces charges

The actor who played Luke on the 1980s television show "The Dukes of Hazzard" has been charged in Massachusetts with groping a female member of the cast of a musical he was supposed to appear in.

Tom Wopat pleaded not guilty Thursday to indecent assault and battery and drug charges. He was released on $1,000 bail and told to stay away from the woman.

He refused to comment outside court.

Waltham police arrested the 65-year-old Wopat at about 11 p.m. Wednesday. Police say during a search of his vehicle they found a white powder believed to be cocaine.

Wopat was supposed to play Julian Marsh in "42nd Street" at the Waltham-based Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston, but the theater announced Thursday that a different actor would play the role.

 Associated Press

Rap mogul allegedly threatened director

Former rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight pleaded not guilty Thursday to allegations that he threatened to kill or seriously injure the director of the film "Straight Outta Compton."

The Death Row Records co-founder appeared in court in Los Angeles after being indicted on criminal threat charges stemming from an August 2014 incident when Knight allegedly threatened the film's director, F. Gary Gray.

The 2015 biopic focused on the rise and fall of the hip hop group N.W.A. and Knight is depicted in the film as an influential figure in the rap movement in Compton in the late '80s and '90s. One of the group's members, Dr. Dre, left N.W.A. after he hired Knight as his manager.

The two later founded Death Row Records, which fueled gangster rap's popularity in the 1990s.

The indictment against Knight alleges he made specific threats against Gray that conveyed "an immediate prospect of execution," leading Gray to fear for his life and the safety of his family. Knight's attorney says he denies threatening Gray.

 Associated Press

Ex-bodyguard backs Diana documentary

A new documentary about Princess Diana has ignited controversy in Britain, with producers saying it offers insights into the strains of royal life and critics saying it's pure exploitation.

The late princess' friends have slammed a British broadcaster's decision to air private recordings in which she speaks frankly about her unhappy marriage to Prince Charles, their sex life, her fury at her husband's mistress and her love for another man.

But former bodyguard Ken Wharfe says Diana would "love" that the recordings are being broadcast in Britain for the first time. He says "she would say, people are actually listening to and hearing what I am saying."

"Diana: In Her Own Words" airs on Sunday.

 Associated Press
Save Dr Govinda KCs life: NHRC to govt

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to save the life of Dr Govinda KC, who has been staging hunger strike for the past 12 days, demanding reforms in the medical sector.
Director Kathryn Bigelow throws us into the middle of a riot in "Detroit," and in the words of the Martha and the Vandellas song, there's nowhere to run to, and there's nowhere to hide. Going to a theater, walking down the street, running down the street, even staying at home and looking out the window  none of it is safe. The burned-out businesses and wreckage don't look like America, but like a scene out of Lebanon or Kosovo, except that we recognize it, and we know: That's us.

Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal take us back to July 1967 and to the riots that submerged Detroit in destruction and chaos. They re-create a world  the cars, the hairstyles, the Motown  but they also reconstruct a mentality in which life seemed cheaper, where brutality was not necessarily accepted but expected as a fact of life, just as the separation of races was expected and, even to some extent, racism itself.
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NEW YORK  A loud rumble and giant billows of dust interrupted an otherwise serene day in Central Park on Thursday as hundreds of cream-colored carvings of dragons, Buddhas and horses awaited their public execution.

Onlookers waved paper fans reading "Protect their home." They cheered as sculptures and jewelry made from the tusks of elephants were carried on a conveyor belt and dropped in a pulverizer.

Brian Hackett, an animal-welfare activist from New Jersey, patiently awaited his turn to choose a carving from a table to be destroyed. For him, the mood was solemn.

"Every piece, no matter how polished, represents a beautiful animal that was slaughtered," Hackett said.

The carvings were confiscated in recent ivory busts in New York. They once belonged on the faces of a least 100 slaughtered elephants. Nearly 2 tons of ivory worth about $8 million was destroyed at the "Ivory Crush" event, which was timed to precede World Elephant Day on Aug. 12.

In 2014, New York was among the first states to prohibit the sale, purchase, trade or distribution of items made from elephant and mammoth ivory and rhinoceros horns.

The law helped "spur the world into action for elephants," said John Calvelli, executive vice president of public affairs at the Wildlife Conservation Society, in a statement.

"By crushing a ton of ivory in the middle of the world's most famous public park, New Yorkers are sending a message to poachers, traffickers and dealers who try to set up shop right here on our streets," Calvelli said in the statement. "We won't stand for the slaughter of elephants. Nobody needs an ivory brooch that badly."

About 96 elephants are killed each day in Africa because of ivory poaching, according to the society and the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation. All of the ivory destroyed on Thursday came from the undercover work of 300 officers during the past three years.

While some of the ivory was found in Buffalo and Albany, 95 percent was found in New York City, said Basil Seggos, the commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Over half of the ivory was confiscated from the Metropolitan Fine Arts and Antiques in Manhattan, which state officials raided in December 2015. From intricate carvings to a $200,000 pair of tusks, 126 ivory items were at the store.

On July 26, the brothers Irving Morano, 47, and Samuel Morano, 49, pleaded guilty to illegally selling and offering for sale more than $4.5 million worth of ivory. As part of their sentence, they forfeited all the seized ivory and an additional 1,657 ivory carvings, all of which were crushed on Thursday.

Mary Banerian, 67, who watched the destruction in Central Park, went to Western Africa in the 1980s, when there were fewer regulations, and remembered seeing about 10 elephant tusks for sale there.

She said seeing the ivory be rendered valueless on Thursday was "long overdue" and she hoped the destruction would hurt poachers and dealers.

"I feel terrible that those elephants had to die to make those items," she said.

The event was the second Ivory Crush in New York, after one in Times Square in 2015. The first in the nation was in Denver in 2013.

Rachel Karr, 48, the owner of Hyde Park Antiques on the Lower East Side, who specializes in 18th-century antiques, said the ivory-crushing events upset her and other antique collectors because some of the ivory found in bona fide antiques could be 300 to 400 years old and could have religious and historic value. For example, in teapots from the 18th century, the handles were carved from ivory to protect hands from burns, because ivory does not conduct heat.

"Even with my love of nature, I simply cannot understand what good it does to destroy things that were worked on 300, 400 years ago before conservation was part of daily language," Karr said.

"Face it, we're the original recyclers, antique dealers," she said. "We have no interest in using new ivory at all. We are willing to say we aren't willing to use it to repair old ivory."

Sam Wasser, a professor at the University of Washington who has performed forensic analysis on seized ivory for the last 13 years and analyzed the ivory that was crushed, said it was unlikely the destroyed carvings were more than 100 years old. The results are pending.

Iris Ho, who is the wildlife campaigns manager at Humane Society International, said the existing law does enough to protect antiques. The law provides exceptions for antiques that are determined to be at least 100 years old with only a small amount of ivory.

"Even if it's old," Ho said, "as long as you have an ivory item, you are perpetuating the myth that ivory has value and is collectible."
Washington

President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, has disclosed new income and consulting roles that he left off his public financial filing, including payments from the Trump transition team and a brief advisory role with a firm related to a controversial data analysis company that aided the Trump campaign.

A person close to Flynn told The Associated Press Thursday that the retired U.S. Army lieutenant general is amending his disclosure to show that near the end of the election, Flynn entered into a consulting agreement with SCL Group. The Virginia-based company is related to Cambridge Analytica, the data mining and analysis firm that worked last year with Trump's presidential campaign.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Flynn didn't perform work or accept payment as part of the agreement with SCL Group. The details of Flynn's role with SCL weren't specified, the person said, noting that Flynn terminated his involvement shortly after Trump won the presidency.

Cambridge Analytica was heavily funded by the family of Robert Mercer, a hedge fund manager who also backed the campaign. Trump administration chief strategist Steve Bannon was a vice president of Cambridge Analytica before he joined the Trump campaign.

Democratic lawmakers and Trump critics have seized on Cambridge Analytica's role as they've pushed congressional investigators to scrutinize the Trump campaign's data operation as part of probes into Russia's interference in the 2016 election.

Flynn's amended filing comes several months after he was ousted from the White House for misleading the vice president about conversations he had with the former Russian ambassador to the U.S. It also comes as Special Counsel Robert Mueller and congressional committees are scrutinizing Flynn's business deals and foreign connections.

The person close to Flynn said he is disclosing the information in an amended filing with the White House to make sure the "public record is accurate and transparent." The person noted that Flynn and his legal team have spent months piecing together the information necessary for the filing.
ALBANY  A former employee of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is charged with running up nearly $4,000 on a state-issued credit card to pay her rent, as well as for meals and even vacations, said Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott.

Cassie D. Charles, 24, formerly of Albany and now residing in Washington Heights, New York City, was arrested and faces a felony larceny charge, according to authorities.
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ALBANY - A man who tossed a brick through the window of a Bethlehem home and ran off when the security alarm sounded pleaded guilty to attempted burglary on Friday, the Albany County District Attorney's Office said.

Michael Rozell, 37, of Albany faces six years in prison when he's sentenced on Sept. 12.
Actor John Krasinski, best known as Jim Halpert in the television series "The Office," was in Little Falls, Herkimer County, this week to scout possible locations for an upcoming film, local media outlets reported.

Krasinski is set to write, direct and star in the thriller "A Quiet Place." The cast also includes his wife, Emily Blunt.
Taunton, Mass.

A young woman who as a teenager encouraged her suicidal boyfriend to kill himself in dozens of text messages and told him to "get back in" a truck filled with toxic gas was sentenced Thursday to 15 months in jail for involuntary manslaughter.

Michelle Carter was convicted in June by a judge who said her final instruction to Conrad Roy III caused his death. Carter was 17 when Roy, who was 18, was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in July 2014.

Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz gave Carter, now 20, a 21/2-year jail sentence but said she had to serve only 15 months of that. He also sentenced her to five years of probation. He granted a defense motion that will keep Carter out of jail until her appeals are exhausted.

The judge called the case "a tragedy for two families."

Carter's lawyer, Joseph Cataldo, asked the judge to spare her any jail time and instead give her five years of probation and require her to receive mental health counseling. He said she was struggling with mental health issues  bulimia, anorexia and depression  during the time she urged Roy to kill himself.

Prosecutor Maryclare Flynn called probation "just not reasonable punishment" for Carter's role in Roy's death. She asked the judge to send Carter to state prison for seven to 12 years.

Flynn said Carter "undertook a deliberate, well-thought-out campaign" to cause Roy's death in a "quest for attention" and sympathy from her friends. She said after Roy's death, Carter put on a charade as "the grieving girlfriend" for Roy's family and friends.

Flynn said Carter could have stopped Roy because the two teenagers were on the phone together as Roy succumbed to carbon monoxide inside his truck.

Roy's relatives told the court they were devastated by his death. His father, Conrad Roy Jr., said it inflicted the "worst emotional pain" he's ever experienced.

A teenage sister, Camden Roy, said she's "haunted" by the realization she'll never see him wed or be an aunt to his children.
Scholarship fund set up

The Non Resident Nepali Association of Thailand and Civil Initiative have set up a Civil Scholarship Fund to support in the education of needy students from the disadvantaged communities.
FRS Training, FBD and the HSA are demonstrating Farm Safety Live at the Tullamore Show on Sunday, August 13, to show farming families how simply safety precautions can be applied, when you are shown how.

Farm Safety Live will engage with the audience and bring three key farm hazard areas to life and deliver practical know how that can be applied back on the farm.

The focus will be on Safe Livestock Handling, Safe PTO Operations and Safe Bale Handling.

Farming remains the most dangerous occupation in Ireland, with 14 fatalities this year and non-fatal accidents averaging at approximately 2,000 per year.

Pat Griffin, senior inspector with HSA and member of the Farm Safety Partnership, said: The horrific consequences of a farm accident - whether fatal or causing serious injury - has a huge impact not only on the farmer, but also on the farm family, community and business.

We are working continuously with all in the farming community to raise awareness of the risks and to advise all of best practices in farm safety. I believe that the live demonstrations on practical safety at our shared stand at the Tullamore Show will help protect lives and prevent injury.

Jim Dockery, FRS training manager and member of the Farm Safety Partnership, said We are getting out there in front of farmers and their families to show them the safe way of doing everyday tasks on the farm. Sometimes it is the simplest thing that causes the horrific accidents and we want to put a stop to this and get everyone to farm more safely.

Ciaran Roche, vicechairman, Farm Safety Partnership, Risk Manager FBD said: A change in culture and behaviour is essential if unsafe ways of working are to be eliminated and a sustained reduction in farm accidents is to be achieved. We are aware that this is a slow and difficult process, as it takes significant investment in time and resources to effect real change. Its time to stop taking risks and prevent any unnecessary heartache.

Make sure you give time to safety at the Tullamore Show and visit Farm Safety Live.

Get involved and visit www.facebook.com/farmsafetylive for a chance to win complimentary tickets and to find out what you can expect to see on the day of the show.

Visit www.tullamoreshow.com for more general show information.
A Nenagh man with 50 public order convictions has been warned by a judge that he could be facing jail.

Damien Fitzpatrick of 9 Sarsfield Street, Nenagh, pleaded to being drunk in public and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Sarsfield Street on July 7, 2017.

The court heard that the Gardai had been called to a disturbance and found Mr Fitzpatrick highly intoxicated.

Solicitor Liz McKeever, for Mr Fitzpatrick, said that her client was well-known to the court. I know he has a bad record.

However, it had been two years since his last conviction.

On the night in question, Mr Fitzpatrick had taken too much of his medication and got into an argument with his girlfriend.

He has a history of mental health, alcohol and drug taking, but he is attending a counsellor, said Ms McKeever

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath agreed that Mr Fitzpatrick had a bad record and warned: He is heading towards a custodial sentence.

However, she agreed to consider a Community Service Order and adjourned the matter to September 15.

Judge MacGrath indicated that she had 80 hours' community service in lieu of two months in jail in mind for Mr Fitzpatrick.
Independent TD Mattie McGrath has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, to consider introducing more effective penalties for those who maltreat, or abandon their horses. Deputy McGrath was speaking after the Minister confirmed to him in a Parliamentary reply that his Department had given Local authorities 4.5 million to deal with the seizure and control of horses in the three year period from 2014-2017:

It is absolute staggering to see the industrial scale removal, seizure and killing of horses that Local Authorities have been engaged in from 2008 to 2016.

During that period 24,433 thousand horses were seized with 16, 971 subsequently being euthanised.

"What is deeply worrying, apart from the clear disregard for animal welfare that is occurring on such a massive scale, are the costs that are being generated and which must surely be detracting from the allocation of departmental funds for other vital projects.

"Minister Creed tells me that under The Control of Horses Act 1996 his department has offered millions in financial assistance towards the expenses incurred by the Local Authorities in operation of the Act, but says nothing about the financial contribution that each individual Local Authority has had to make on top of that assistance.

"This is information we need to have if we are to have a clearer sense of the financial burdens these animal welfare issues are causing.

While the vast majority of people in Tipperary provide very high standards of care to their horses, the problem of cruelty and maltreatment remains acute among some groups and that needs to be tackled in a far more robust manner than it has been to date, concluded Deputy McGrath.
A Tipperary lady was selected as a finalist for the best dressed lady on ladies day at Galway Races.

Susan Flanagan, Director of The Old School House Montessori, Pouldine, Thurles was amongst a select group who donned their finery in the hope of winning the coveted title.

This year, judges Aoibhin Garrihy and Baz Ashmawy helped to give three prizes - Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat, with the top winner taking home a pampering weekend at the five star g Hotel & Spa, a diamond pendant worth 2,500, a VIP trip to London with flights, accommodation and spending money and a hair makeover from Yourells Hair Group in Galway.

Ultimately the title went to a Galway girl. Aoife McCana from Spiddal was the unanimous choice of the judges who were captivated by her blue-grey dress from Ghost with its echoes of 1950s film noir and especially the hat she made herself from an upturned fruit bowl.



Blood and sweat, literally and figuratively, went into its design and she has the calluses on her hands to prove it.



The hats motifs were crafted using a soldering torch with help from a local artist, Julian Checkley. She also constructed a cage that holds the hat on her head. Getting out of a taxi was quite entertaining, she said.



McCana works as a software project manager in a company based across the road from the Ballybrit course. Before returning to Galway, she lived in Southampton, Paris, Taiwan and then mainland China.

She sourced her shoes in Taiwan. The lure of the west of Ireland brought her home. I was a Galway girl before the Galway girl became famous, she said.
A care home for six people with disabilities in Co. Tipperary has been found to be mostly compliant with HIQA standards.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) carried out an unannounced inspection of the Re Nua care home in Co. Tipperary on May 8th. The report was published on Tuesday (August 1st). All care homes are subject to regular inspections. The HSE is the registered provider, and Carol Moore is the Provider nominee. Re Nua is a designated centre comprising a large single story building that accommodates up to six residents who have intellectual disabilities. Four residents had their own ensuite bedroom which was decorated to reflect their interests. Two residents had self contained open plan apartments. The centre had an adequate amount of shared bathrooms and toilets which were equipped to cater for the needs of residents. There were also adequate communal rooms available for residents to have visitors such as family and friends. The centre was located within a town where public transport links were available.

Suitable transport was also made available to residents who wished to access the community. This inspection found compliance with the regulations under several outcomes including admissions, safeguarding, healthcare and medication. However, the inspector also found that improvements were required in relation to outcomes including residents' rights, social care needs, health and safety, governance and management and records. Significant improvement was also required in relation to workforce which was deemed as major non-compliant. Full report and reasons for these findings are at at hiqa.ie
Shots fired at businessman in Rupandehi, escapes unhurt

Two unidentified persons opened fire at a businessperson in Manigram of Tilottama Municipality, Rupandehi on Friday.
Telecommunications company Three Ireland has won an appeal to An Bord Pleanala, overturning a decision by Tipperary Co. Council that refused it planning permission for a 27m high mast near Roscrea.

Three Ireland (Hutchison) Ltd. was refused planning permission on February 9th this year for the construction of 27m high telecommunications support structure, carrying antennae and transmission dishes with associated equipment units, security fencing and access track, at Timoney, Knock, Roscrea.

The Councils grounds for refusal were: The proposed site is located on a poorly aligned roadway, whereby it has not been demonstrated that sightlines can be achieved in accordance with the standards set out (by)... North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010. Therefore, on the basis of the plans submitted, the Planning Authority is not satisfied that the development would not endanger public safety by reasons of traffic hazard.

Also, having regard to the siting and height of the proposed development and the proposed landscape plan, the Planning Authority considers that the proposed telecommunications support structure and security fencing would be dominant and visually obtrusive in the receiving landscape. It is considered that the proposed development, if permitted, would impact upon the existing visual amenities and landscape character of the area. The proposed development would be contrary to the provisions of the North Tipperary County Development Plan 2010, as varied and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The plans were lodged on July 12th last year. The application was subject to a request for further information on August 8th, and the information was supplied on January 16th.

Three Ireland appealed the plans on March 2nd. A planning inspector had advised that the project be granted permission, subject to seven revised conditions.

On July 25th, An Bord Pleanala upheld the Inspectors recommendations, granting the green light for the project.

The Board stated that it took into account: the national strategy regarding the improvement of mobile communications services and (guidelines)... issued by the Department of the Environment and Local Government; the location of the proposed development which is not in, or adjacent to, a primary or secondary amenity area or near a listed view; the general topography and landscape features in the vicinity of the site; the low levels of traffic predicted which are not considered to endanger public safety by reasons of traffic hazard; the separation distance and landscaping between it and the Protected Structure, and (that with) the existing pattern of development in the vicinity, it is considered the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area, would not endanger public safety, and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

An Bord Pleanala attached seven conditions including that the developer shall pay to the planning authority a financial contribution in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area, and that within six months of the cessation of use the telecommunications structure and ancillary structures shall be removed and the site shall be reinstated.

Full decision at pleanala.ie
Tipperary County Council has cast doubts on a call by Cllr Phyll Bugler for free on-street wifi to be available throughout Nenagh.

The Fine Gael councillor said that one of the benefits of the service was that visitors and shoppers would only need one password to access information on events and shops.

However Nenagh district manager Marcus O'Connor said that people could get all the information on their own mobile data.

I'm not so sure how successful free street wifi is. It is important, however, that there is high-speed broadband in the town, he said.

Cllr Bugler urged that the council at least think about the idea.

She made her call during a discussion at Nenagh Municipal District Council on tourism in the Lough Derg region.

Earlier, Cllr Seamus Morris called for the development of the town's historical quarter, urging that the one remaining Nenagh Gaol block still intact be renovated.

It is in the same state now as when the prisoners were kept in it, said the Sinn Fein councillor.

The gaol was built in 1843 and closed in 1887. Its most infamous event was the hanging of Loughmore brothers William and Daniel Cormack in 1859 for the murder of John Ellis, a crime they did not commit.

It has huge potential, said Cllr Morris. It is time to start talking about it and how it can bring tourists back to the town.

With Nenagh due to celebrate its 800th anniversary in 2020, Cllr Morris said: Making the gaol accessible is something we could aim for. Nenagh grew up from the castle.

He was supported by Cllr Bugler and Cllr John Carroll, who described the area around Nenagh Castle, the courthouse, the old town hall, the heritage centre and the former gaol as the jewel in the crown of Nenagh tourism.

Cllr Hughie McGrath reminded the council that the redevelopment of Nenagh Castle had been phase one of a two-pase process, which was stalled when funding was cut.

We need to see if we can re-ignite phase two again. It incorporated knocking two houses on Pearse Street and building a glass walkway. The design is in place. Maybe we should take it back to our Dail deputies, he said.

Cllr Ger Darcy said he would support anything to develop the historical quarter.

Further support came from Cllr John Carroll and Cllr Joe Hannigan, who suggested putting together a working group to bring the idea to the next level.

We should set a goal and map out a pathway. There are serious opportunities here for Nenagh, he said.

District administrator Rosemary Joyce pointed out that the council had advised groups that a committee to develop 2020 had been put togther involving Nenagh Chamber, Nenagh Arts Centre, North Tipperary Genealogy Centre, Ormond Historical Society and the council's heritage officer.

The gaol block and phase two on the castle have all been raised and we will be coming back to you on that, she said.

Castlefest praised

Meanwhile, Cllr Hughie McGrath was praised for organising Nenagh Castlefest, which featured, among others, musicians Mundy and Paddy Casey as well as trad music organised by Ormond Comhaltas.

It was an amazing event, said Cllr Morris. There was a great buzz around and a feelgood factor about it.

Cllr Darcy said the payback would be good for the town and showed Nenagh could host two-day events.

It was also praised by Cllr Carroll and Cllr Mattie Ryan.

Cllr McGrath said the organising committee, a joint venture between the St Patrick's Day committee and Comhaltas had left no stone unturned. That combination of music had brought a unique atmosphere.

He said the festival suggestion had initially come from Mr O'Connor
Vonage Expands APAC Presence

By Maurice Nagle - Web Editor

Cloud communications is on the rise, demands continues to surge and service providers are expanding operations to meet the influx of popularity for this burgeoning technology. An area of the world offering much in the way of opportunity, the Asia Pacific region (APAC) received some added attention this week.

Cloud communications provider Vonage announced an expanded APAC footprint this week to address the growing demand for cloud communications. To do this, it named Sunny Rao Vice President and General Manager for APAC to aid in the expansion.

Rao brings with him a wealth of expertise, and is tasked with overseeing the companys efforts in the region  including a number of new offices in mainland China. New locations will start in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzen.

"Through Nexmo, the Vonage API platform, Vonage already has strong leadership in EMEA and APAC with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Seoul, and we are thrilled to welcome Sunny to this growing team," said Vonage CEO Alan Masarek. "As we continue to see strong growth in adoption of programmable communications throughout these regions, Sunny's leadership will allow us to leverage the ease of use of our platform with our strong carrier connections to expand our current footprint in Asia and to take advantage of the market opportunity with the full suite of Vonage cloud communications offerings."

APIs are not new, but it is only in recent years weve seen this favored developer tool rise to prominence, as APIs enable the digital transformation taking place in cloud communications. Nexmo, the Vonage API platform, serves as an integral component in the firms expansion plans.

The cloud is here to stay, and future forward firms are recognizing this. This nascent technology is driving change across industry  from the data center to the c-suite. And now APAC gains access to one of the worlds cloud communications leaders.
IMPORTANT INVESTOR ALERT: Khang & Khang LLP Announces an Investigation of Halliburton Company and Encourages Investors with Losses to Contact the Firm

Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces that it is investigating claims against Halliburton Company ("Halliburton" or the "Company") (NYSE: HAL) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.

If you purchased shares of Halliburton and want more information, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang LLP, 4000 Barranca Parkway, Suite 250, Irvine, CA (News - Alert) 92604, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at [email protected].

The investigation focuses on whether Halliburton and certain of its officers and/or directors violated feeral securities laws. On October 21, 2011, the Company revealed that it commenced an internal investigation into possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") by Halliburton personnel in Angola. On July 27, 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that Halliburton would pay $29.2 million in fines and penalties to settle allegations of FCPA violations in connection with its Angolan operations. When this news was announced, shares of Halliburton decreased in value.







If you have any questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at [email protected].

This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170803006551/en/
[August 03, 2017] BlueTie President/CEO Purchases Company from B. Thomas Golisano, Other Rochester Investors

BlueTie (News - Alert) is pleased to announce that its President and CEO Robert Doty has purchased the company from B. Thomas Golisano, founder of Paychex and chairman of BlueTie; Walter Turek, former senior vice president of Sales and Marketing, Paychex and BlueTie board member; Gary Polisseni, founder of RTI Telecom and BlueTie board member; and David Koretz, entrepreneur and founder of BlueTie. Staffing will remain unchanged for the Rochester-based technology services company. Doty has more than 25 years of industry experience in management, customer service, IT and engineering. He became president and CEO of BlueTie in 2012. Prior to joining BlueTie in 2008, he worked at Xerox for 13 years in engineering management. Under Doty's leadership, BlueTie has concentrated on business and technical process re-engineering, automation and optimization. As owner he plans to transform BlueTie to a B4B company with a strong focus on creating an IT strategy, evolving its products to meet client needs and proviing a best-in-class suite of secure technology services.



"I see the value that our secure services and customer-focused BlueTie team brings to our clients," Doty said. "Over the last few years I've been evolving BlueTie from a single product company to a technology solutions provider. As owner, I will continue to partner with our clients to achieve their security, collaboration and technology goals while offering the personalized customer service we are known for. The future of BlueTie is bright and I'm thrilled about leading our partners and staff for many years to come." About BlueTie

Founded in 1999 by serial entrepreneur David Koretz and Paychex founder and Chairman Tom Golisano, BlueTie became a leading provider of fast, reliable technology services for businesses. BlueTie revolutionized the Software as a Service industry by introducing the first hosted suite of business email and collaboration applications. Today, BlueTie continues to deliver scalable email and collaboration solutions for Internet Service Providers and businesses of all sizes, supporting users worldwide. Expanding on its core strength of offering affordable solutions, BlueTie has become a one-stop shop to help companies create, store, organize, share and protect documents with a variety of secure cloud-based applications. Learn more at BlueTie.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170803006539/en/

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SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Goldberg Law PC Announces an Investigation of Molina Healthcare, Inc.

Goldberg Law PC, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Molina Healthcare, Inc. ("Molina" or the "Company") (NYSE: MOH).

If you purchased or otherwise acquired Molina shares, and would like more information about the investigation, we encourage you to contact Michael Goldberg or Brian Schall, of Goldberg Law PC, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA (News - Alert) 90067, at 800-977-7401, to discuss your rights without cost to you.

You can also reach us through the firm's website at http://www.Goldberglawpc.com, or by email at [email protected].







The investigation focuses on whether Molina and certain of its officers and/or directors violated federal securities laws. On August 2, 2017, the Company withdrew its 2017 earnings projection and revealed that it will eliminate 1,500 jobs and exit certain Obamacare markets after the health insurer posted a significant second quarter loss. Following this news, Molina's stock price dropped.

If you have any questions concerning your legal rights, please immediately contact Goldberg Law PC at 800-977-7401, or visit our website at http://www.Goldberglawpc.com, or email us at [email protected].

Goldberg Law PC represents investors around the world, and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170803006553/en/
[August 03, 2017] Hong Kong Government Awards UST Global (Singapore) Pte Ltd With the Standing Offer Agreement for Quality Professional Services

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. and HONG KONG, August 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 4-year Contract is for the supply of Information Technology Services to all its Departments UST Global (Singapore) Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of UST Global Inc., today announced that the Hong Kong Government has awarded the company with the Standing Offer Agreement for Quality Professional Services for the supply of Information Technology Services to all of its 80+ bureaus and departments. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/540539/UST_Global_Logo.jpg )

Through this award, UST Global (Singapore) Pte Ltd will be participating in the provision of the Category 1 Pre-implementation Services such as Departmental Information Technology Planning and Feasibility and Technical Study, and also Independent Programme/Project Management Services; and Category 2 Ongoing IT professional Services for System Maintenance and Support and Network Supportfor the Hong Kong Government departments between 31st July, 2017 to 30th July, 2021.



The contract was awarded by the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr. Allen Yeung, at the award ceremony held in Hong Kong on July 17th, 2017. Commenting on this award, Gilroy Mathew, GM - APAC, UST Global Inc, said, "We are delighted to be awarded the contract by the Hong Kong Government to provide innovative and creative IT services. This award is a testimony to our continuous growth and investment into our Digital Transformation initiatives within the APAC region for both Public Sector and Global 1000 customers. We look forward to working with the Hong Kong Government as we embark on this journey for the next 4 years."

About UST Global UST Global is a fast-growing digital technology company that provides advanced computing and digital services to large private and public enterprises around the world. Driven by a larger purpose of 'Transforming Lives' and the philosophy of 'fewer clients, more attention', we bring in the entrepreneurial spirit that seeks the fastest path to value in today's digital economy. Our innovative technology services and pioneering social programs make us stand apart. UST Global is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California and operates in 21 countries. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies in banking and financial services, healthcare, insurance, retail, high technology, manufacturing, shipping, and telecom. UST Global believes in building long-lasting, strategic business relationships through agile and client-centric global engagement models that combines local experts & resources with cost, scale, and quality advantages of global operations. Media Contact:

Manoj M Mani

[email protected]

+91-9632000553



Media Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE UST Global

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[August 04, 2017] Statement from Minister Goodale on his visit to Israel and the West Bank

TEL AVIV, Aug. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement following the conclusion of his visit to Israel and the West Bank: "Israel is a key ally and steadfast friend of Canada, and our two countries share a rich and multifaceted relationship based on common interests, and strong political and social ties. Canada is equally a friend of the Palestinian people, and has a strong relationship with the Palestinian Authority. This week, I travelled to Israel and the West Bank to engage with key representatives on public safety and cyber security issues. I met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Canada-Israel cooperation, and security issues in the region. I also had the opportunity to meet Israeli Miister of Public Security, Gilad Erdan, to discuss our two countries' cooperation on security, as well as our shared priority to ensure that public safety officers have the support and treatment they need when facing post-traumatic stress injuries. Following our meeting, I formally announced Canada's Mutual Recognition Arrangement with the Israel Tax Authority regarding our respective Trusted Trader programs, which represents our joint commitment to strengthening trade relations without compromising on security.



I visited the Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv and announced Canada's contribution of CAN$168,000 to train and empower one hundred young leaders in the region in citizen journalism and storytelling. This contribution, funded through Global Affairs Canada's Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, will foster participants' skills to promote messages of peaceful coexistence within their networks and communities. During a tour of Israel's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IL) facility at the CyberSpark Israeli Cyber Innovation Arena in Be'er Sheva, I had the opportunity to understand first-hand how Israel addresses cyber security events. Canada and Israel actively collaborate through our CERTs, and share information as a part of day-to-day operational activities.

While in Ramallah, I met with Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Dr. Rami Hamdallah, and discussed the current security situation in the West Bank and highlighted Canada's support to the Palestinian security sector. Throughout the meetings and discussions during my visit, I highlighted Canada's priority on countering radicalization to violence, and stressed the need for effective measures to reduce violence and instability. Canada is committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel. I thank our hosts for their warm welcome and hospitality, and reaffirm Canada's commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East." Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter. For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca. SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

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Swine flu death toll reaches eight

The death toll from swine flu (Influenza A H1N1) has reached eight across the country over the past two weeks.
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.
To better protect

Amendments to Foreign Employment Act must be implemented to safeguard migrant workers
About 10 employees at the IRS Center on 333 Pershing Road complained of sickness this morning after coming into contact with a suspicious package left in the building. Kansas City Fire Department spokesman James Garrett said the affected employees were triaged and two were transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life threatening.
"Mike Shanin interviews Port KC President & CEO Michael Collins about new development on the riverfront. Gwen Grant, Shawn Saving, Danedri Herbert & Patrick Tuohey discuss Jeff Colyer's challenges when he replaces Brownback as Governor and his potential impact on the 2016 race, the Missouri voter ID law and its implications for next week's election & Donald Trump's choice for a new Chief of Staff."

Theof our local discourse continues to examine the Kansas City issues of the day and the local trends of the times.Check tonight's episode description:You decide . . .
I had the opportunity to meet with County officials and auditor Jim Rowenhorst about the issue of staffing at the jail in advance of todays special legislative meeting. I understood the concerns that would be addressed and again, expressed the need for collaborative solutions. I am encouraged by todays public discussion in an effort to make progress and look forward to reviewing the auditors final report.

Improving conditions at the jail is my top priority and I am not taking this situation lightly. Staffing issues at the jail are not new, which is why we have followed the recommendations of a 2015 Department of Corrections Task Force and implemented new initiatives that include increasing pay and training for Corrections Officers. This problem did not happen overnight and it will not be fixed overnight. I remain committed to ensuring we operate a safe and secure facility for staff, inmates and visitors.
- A great deal of interest about our promo section thanks to some EPIC artwork created by the BRILLIANT Jake Joslyn

- We're open to story and post ideas from all Kansas City biz and we'd like to collaborate with locals wanting the share their unique perspectives with Kansas City's most KICK-ASS blog community in our new section.
KC Biz Journal: A vote to extend the Kansas City Streetcar south passed on Friday. A total of 3,642 voters cast their ballots in the mail-in election. Of that, 2,458 voted in favor of the extension, and 1,048 voted against it.

In a vote that was tarnished by snail-mail problems and allegations of voter suppression . . . Here's the final Friday decision by way ofworth of new taxes:The outcome was expected given the tiny swath of voters selected to vote following a defeat of this same line back in 2014.There are still a few more hurdles for the streetcar extension to overcome . . . And so far there's no sign of federal funding from the Trump administration.Yet, this is a win for toy train enthusiasts nevertheless.Developing . . .
Whither past deals?

Ignoring Madhesi grievances will not make them go away; they have to be addressed
Downtown Luxury Topping Out

Two Light celebrates topping out as construction continues A new skyscraper is preparing to be added to the Kansas City skyline. The Two Light Luxury Apartment Complex is having its topping out celebration on Friday. A large crowd, joined by city officials, took part in the ceremony as the building's last beam was put into place.

Today's EPIC Highway Backup

I-29 reopens in both directions at Barry Road after down power line brought traffic to complete stop KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A downed power line across I-29 caused traffic to stop in both directions at Barry Road Friday. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the backup just before 12:30 p.m., and the highway reopened just before 1 p.m. Crews diverted northbound traffic onto Roanridge and southbound traffic was diverted onto MO-152.

Have You Seen This JoCo Hottie???

Burglary suspect seen shopping with stolen credit card in Overland Park Overland Park, KS - Police are searching for a woman (pictured) suspected in an aggravated burglary at a home in the 7700 block of Farley. Surveillance video captured the woman using the victim's stolen credit card at a store. She is believed to be in her late twenties, and has brown hair and blue eyes.

Another Kansas City No-Show

Kelce not spotted at practice yet The big news out of the Kansas City Chiefs Friday training camp practice is that TE Travis Kelce has not been spotted on the field yet. This could be reason to worry ... or it could be nothing. Travis Kelce isn't out here yet- Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 4, 2017 The same thing happened to Justin Houston last weekend.

The Kansas City Shopping Weekend

Tax-free weekend underway in KCMO KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The back to school shopping season is officially underway. The tax free shopping weekend started at 12:01 a.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri. You do not have to pay sales tax on certain items. Those items include: Articles of clothing, shoes and cloth or other materials used to make school uniforms or other school clothing with a taxable value of $100 or less.
TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! KANSAS CITY INSIDER POLLING DATA REVEALS QUESTION #3 LEADING THE BALLOT BY +7 POINTS!!!

LIKELY KANSAS CITY VOTERS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT THE CONTROVERSIAL EFFORT!!!

- Question #3 leads all other ballot measures in the upcoming election by +7 points among likely voters.





- 60% of all supporters of streetcar Question #2 also support Question #3.





- Question #3 enjoyed its strongest support from voters under 40-years-old, white females and likely voters from the 3rd, 4th and 5th District.

Kansas City voters don't seem concerned about Missouri state law which forbids municipalities from raising their own wages as supporters of Question #3 tout polling success before the upcoming election.Here's the word . . .Like it or not . . .Again, these numbers were taken from the latest sample of more than 500 voters who were advised thatA closer look at the effort . . .Insider polling seyz:It's not all good news: Support from the Northland is too close to call: Slightly more than 50% of voters across the bridge said they would vote NO against the minimum wage increase with a 3% margin of error.Nevertheless, advocates across KCMO will kick their campaigns into overdrive amid the upcoming GOTV weekend no matter the polling data the our TKC blog community put on blastYou decide . . .
When it comes to the military, throughout history, leaders are always looking for that little something extra to get the edge. Many military forces thought that edge would be drugs. From ingesting herbs to the new world of drugs made in labs, soldiers have been going into war high for centuries with varying degrees of success.

10. Greeks and Opium

Opium derived from poppies was a very important substance to the Ancient Greeks. Three of their deities, Hypnos, Nyx, and Thanatos, who are deities of sleep, night, and death respectively, had wreaths of poppies.

The Greeks used opium in several ways. For example, priests thought that the sense of euphoria that comes with taking the drug was somehow supernatural, while Hippocrates, who was called The Father of Medicine, saw the medical uses for opium; specifically, it helped with diarrhea. Its also thought that Greek soldiers used opium. In Homers Odysessy, which contained real Greek customs, the soldiers drank wine mixed with opium after battles to calm their nerves and help them forget the horrors of war.

9. Vikings Might Have Used Magic Mushrooms

The term Berserker, which means bear shirt, is a Viking term for a violent trance-like fury they would enter into during battle. When they went Berserk, they would shiver and their teeth would chatter. Then their faces would become swollen and change color. Theyd howl like wild animals, charge into battle without armor, and then attack anyone who came near. After the battle, their minds would become dull and feeble for a few days.

In the late 18th century, Swedish scholar Samuel Lorenzo dman was researching the Berserker state and he noticed that their trances were similar to the trances that the tribes of Siberia entered into after they ingested Amanita muscaria mushrooms, also known as fly agaric mushrooms, or magic mushrooms. The Serbian tribes would consume dried mushrooms for ceremonies and rituals. dman theorized that the Vikings ingested a large amount of the mushrooms to coincide with the heat of the battle. Afterwards, the warriors needed to take a few days off because they had mushroom poisoning.

Evidence to back up dmans claim is that the mushrooms grew in Scandinavia during the time of the Vikings. Secondly, the Vikings did come into contact with people from Asia, because that is who introduced them to the concept of their god Odin, so its possible they would have learned about the hallucinogenic properties of the mushrooms from people who had contact with the Serbian tribes.

In the years since the initial theory was published, other researchers have tweaked it. Famed Norwegian botanist Frederik Schubeler suggested that the Vikings drank wine made from the mushrooms. Then in 1994, John Mann suggested that instead of Amanita muscaria, the Vikings ingested Amanita pantherina, which makes the user much more manic.

Many of you reading this are probably thinking that this is a ton of crap, and that may very well be because its just a theory. However, dman says that the inner circle of the Viking elite would have kept it secret as an advantage, so that is why the Vikings never wrote about it and that is why it is not a commonly known fact.

8. Napoleons Grande Armee Drank Heavily and Used Hashish

Keeping your army happy is key when conducting a military campaign; especially a campaign as expansive as the one run by Napoleon Bonaparte of France. While Napoleon wasnt focused too much on getting his men their food rations, he did his best to get them their daily rations of wine to keep them happy.

In June 1798, 36,000 members of the Grande Armee were in Egypt. This was a problem for the men because Egypt, as it is today, was largely an Islamic country, so there was no alcohol available. Instead, the locals ate, drank, and smoked hashish, which is resin taken from a marijuana plant.

The problem was that hashish made the men sluggish and lazy (and presumably they also wouldnt stop eating junk food and giggling over nothing). This led to Napoleon prohibiting the drug not long after arriving in Egypt. But that didnt stop his men from using it, and when the men returned to France, they brought the hashish with them and introduced it to French culture. Artists and writers were the first to use it and they set up hashish cafes. The use of hashish as a hallucinogenic then spread to other areas of Europe.

7. Inca Warriors Chewed Coca Leaves

The Inca people first appeared in the 12th century in the Andes region of South America. Because of their military strength they were able to build an empire that, at its peak, stretched from northern Ecuador to central Chile, with a population of 12 million people that was made up from 100 different ethnic groups.

When Europeans came upon the Incas for the first time in 1499, they noticed they were chewing on some green leaves. In 1544, during the conquest of Peru, the Europeans learned what the green leaves were  they were coca leaves, which is where cocaine comes from.

By chewing on the coca leaves, it enhanced endurance, made them less fatigued, and gave them resistance to pain. It also allowed them to travel long distances, at high altitudes, in a short amount of time.

Unfortunately, the coca leaves werent a strong enough edge for the Incas and they were overtaken in 1572.

6. The Zulu Warriors Were Pretty Much Wasted in Battle

In 1816, Shaka became the chief of the Zulu tribe, which consisted of just 1,500 people in South Africa. Shaka was a masterful military strategist and within seven years he managed to take over the Zulus neighboring tribes and ruled over the area that is today known as the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. However, Shaka was killed in 1828, by his two half-brothers after he went insane.

At its peak, the Zulu Kingdom, or Zululand, had over 10 million citizens. The size of their population became one of the most alluring reasons the British wanted to invade Zululand, because they wanted to use the Zulu people to work their diamond mines. They also wanted to create the South African federation to get a better foothold in Africa. This led to the Anglo-Zulu war, which started in January 1879.

The Zulu warriors were known to use a variety of drugs before, during, and after a battle. Before going to war, they would have a ceremonial meal where they ate and smoked various herbs and also drank special medicated beer. The Zulus believed that the beer would protect them against the enemy and make them resistant to their weapons. They may have also ate or drank teas containing Amanita muscaria, or magic mushrooms, and they did use the mushrooms after battles as a painkiller.

They were also known to use dagga, which is a strain of cannabis that is found in North and South Africa. They would either smoke it or drink it in a broth just before battle. Some of them even took dagga with them into battle.

An expert on the Zulu, Alfred T. Bryant, witnessed them smoking dagga before a battle and said after they smoked it, they acted like they could do anything. Other people said that they fought like they were immune to bullets.

There are some people who even credit dagga with helping the Zulus defeat the British at the Battle of Isandlwana on January 22, 1879. After smoking dagga they sent waves of fearless men at the British, who had slow loading rifles and cannons. The Zulus, high on pot, mushrooms, and buzzed on medicated beer, overwhelmed the British forces. They killed 710 men, making it the British Armys bloodiest day of the Victorian era.

Ultimately, the Zulus were forced to surrender just months after they were invaded in July 1879.

5. Kamikaze Pilots Used Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine was first synthesized in 1893 by a respectable Japanese scientist when he isolated the stimulant ephedrine from the Ephedra sinica plant. In 1919, one of his proteges synthesized the crystalline form of the ephedrine, making the worlds first crystal meth.

Amphetamines wouldnt become popular until World War II, when military forces on both sides of the war used them. The Japanese form of amphetamine was called Philopon and the government stockpiled it and gave it to their soldiers when they got tired and hungry.

They also found it was helpful with their special unit  the Kamikaze pilots. The unit had special planes, the Yokosuka MXY7 Ohka, which were essentially drivable missiles where the pilot was sealed into the cockpit. They were attached to a bomber and then flown to the battle. Once they were released and close to their target, they hit the booster rockets, flew past enemy gunfire, and would hopefully slam into an enemy ship.

Obviously, not all Kamikaze pilots were super pumped about killing themselves by flying into a wall of steel; especially because they may have been sealed into the small cockpit for several hours before getting to the target. That is a lot of time to think and reconsider your commitment to the mission. So they were given high doses of Philopon to keep themselves alert, sharp, and aggressive until they got to their target. Then, we have to assume, they had one of the wildest drug trips ever taken.

4. The Nazis Used A Lot of Amphetamine

When planning invasions of World War II, based on their experiences in the first World War, the German generals knew a big problem was fatigue after the first few days of battle, so they gave their soldiers Pervitin, which is a form of amphetamine. When the Nazis invaded France, Belgium, and the Netherlands in the spring of 1940, they brought 35 million Pervitin tablets with them.

While it may have been a good idea to start with, the problem was that the soldiers became strung out and it would take them longer to recuperate. So as a long term strategy, soldiers high on amphetamine wasnt exactly the best plan for world domination. Perhaps they chose that route because their leader was supposedly a junkie.

According to Norman Ohler, who is the author of Blitzed: Drugs In Nazi Germany, Hitler was constantly with a doctor named Theodor Morell, who provided him with opiates, steroids, and other concoctions that were specifically made for the Fuhrer. In 1944, Morell was giving Hitler very powerful cocaine eye drops, which explains Hitlers erratic behavior at the end of the war. Apparently, Hitler committed suicide while he was going through withdrawal.

3. Americans Used Amphetamines During Vietnam

Like the other armed forces, Americans used amphetamines during World War II. Benzedrine was given to servicemen who were doing long range reconnaissance missions and attacks. After the war, not much research was done on amphetamines, but that didnt stop it from being used in Vietnam.

According to a 1971 report by the House Select Committee on Crime, between 1966 to 1969, American forces had used 225 million stimulant tablets. Most of them were Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), which is an amphetamine derivative that is almost twice as strong as Benzedrine. If you break it down for pills per person, it was 21.1 pills for everyone in the Navy, 17.5 for the Air Force, and finally 13.8 for people in the Army. One soldier said that the amphetamine pills were being given out like they were candy.

The drugs were used to ensure that the troops didnt get combat fatigue. It would keep the soldiers wired, alert, and they also felt invulnerable. Finally, it also made them aggressive. A soldier said that after the high wore off, that he felt so frustrated that he felt like shooting children in the street.

It should also be noted that the Vietnam War was notorious because the American forces were accused of committing many atrocities against Vietnamese civilians. While its tough to say if methamphetamine played a part in these atrocities, and we certainly arent suggesting it as an excuse for their actions, but amphetamines are known to make people act violently.

2. Amphetamines are Being Used in the Syrian War

The Syrian Civil War began in March 2011, and since its start over 400,000 people have been killed, while a further 11 million have been displaced. During the civil war, ISIL (also known as ISIS) was able to move into the war torn country and gain some territory.

In part, one reason they were able to gain the territory is because their soldiers are high on Captagon, which is a drug that is usually only used in the Middle East. There are two components to the drug and as the body breaks it down, it activates the drugs. The first component is theophylline, which is similar to caffeine. It also helps open the users airways and sometimes theophylline is used to treat asthma. The second drug component is amphetamine, which speeds everything up and makes the soldiers more alert. They also need less food and less sleep while they are using amphetamines.

However, Captagon isnt very strong. It is weaker than Adderall and it was used to treat attention deficit disorder in the 1960s and 1970s. Yet, it is still considered to be helping fuel violence in the area.

1. The Future of Drugs in War

Currently, the American military spends hundreds of millions of dollars trying to create super soldiers and part of that spending goes to chemical upgrades. One drug, sometimes called a wonder drug by the military, is modafinil. The drug was developed in France and in 1998, it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Modafinil is sold by Cephalon under the name Provigil and it is a psycho stimulant that enhances wakefulness. It also improves memory and mood. Supposedly, soldiers can use it to stay awake for 48 hours. Unlike other stimulants, like cocaine and amphetamines, it doesnt make the user drowsy and there is no crash at the end of the high.

Another problem facing soldiers is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the military is working on a drug to treat PTSD in a very Black Mirror-type of way. A psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School believes that a beta blocker called propranolol, which is normally used to treat high blood pressure, can be used to erase, or at least weaken the impact, of horrific memories. Currently, the drug is undergoing memory-erasing trials. That can only end well.

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MONTREAL  After the unveiling of the bronze Sculpture of the Greek Immigrant on June 30 at the corner of Jean Talon Street and Park Avenue in Montreal, with Mayor Denis Coderre present, in the enclave of Hellenism, Parc-Extension, the next big goal for the community is the creation of a museum dedicated to the tens of thousands of Greek immigrants who arrived in the city in search of a better life.

The Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal is actively pursuing the idea for the museum. The organization coordinated the whole initiative for the Sculpture of the Greek Immigrant from the commissioning Greek artist Giorgos Houliaras to the placement of it, with the collaboration of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal and the Hellenic Congress of Quebec.

The Greek immigrant museum objective is to gather artifacts that will reflect the experience of Greeks in the city- and in the whole province of Quebec- and objects, memorabilia, photos, and documents describing the stories of expatriates and their families from their arrival in Montreal to the present day.

The establishment of the museum will require the support of the Montreal municipality, most likely through the allocation of space to house the museum.

In the meantime, the reaction from members of the Greek community has been overwhelmingly positive, as The National Herald discovered, for the aesthetic depiction and the location of the Sculpture of the Greek Immigrant.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre was impressed with the emblematic creation that traveled from the sculptors workshop in Athens via Halifax to end up in Montreal to take its place in the history of the city. This was the historical journey of the Greeks of the post-war era: Embarking from the port of Piraeus to the ocean liner, arriving at the Port of Halifax and then travel by train to Montreal, the general secretary of the Lyceum of Greek Women, journalist and author Justine Frangouli-Argyris told TNH.

President of the Lyceum of Greek Women is the Deputy Mayor of the city Mary Deros. In response to the unveiling of the sculpture, she reflected on her own memories, when she arrived with her family and half-empty suitcases at the Montreal train station (the one facing the Sculpture today) through Halifax, not knowing anyone or anything .

Deros confessed that as a young girl on the cold winter days, with the city covered by ice, she held onto railings in order to get to school without slipping. The days were difficult and painful for all of us, but today, we are entitled to celebrate the success and integration of the Greeks into the main body of the city of Montreal, she noted.

Meanwhile, the Sculpture of the Greek Immigrant continues to spark the interest of many expats from all over Canada and the northeastern United States, who rush to see it close up and take a photograph.

Menios Kanellopoulos, 42 years old, works in a local cafe, and told TNH the moving story of his children accompanying an elderly expatriate woman in a wheelchair who wanted to see the Sculpture of the Greek Immigrant close-up just last week.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Source: thenationalherald.com
The Government of Oman has signed a $3.55 billion five-year senior unsecured term loan with a group of Chinese financial institutions.



A statement issued by the Ministry of Finance said the term loan follows the sultanates $5 billion multi-tranche bond and $2 billion sukuk priced earlier this year.



The transaction witnessed strong interest from a group of leading Chinese banks with the transaction upsized from the initial target of $2 billion to accommodate the interest from the lenders, said a Oman News Agency report quotin the statement.



We are delighted to see the strong interest and support from the Chinese financial institutions and companies to increase their investments in Oman. The transaction demonstrates the continued confidence of international investors in Oman. With this loan we have successfully completed the financing requirements for the expected 2017 fiscal deficit, and also been able to meet the refinancing needs in relation to some of the loan instalments that fell due during the year," said Nasser bin Khamis Al-Jashmi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance.



The transaction was noteworthy in a number of ways and was able to fulfil the sultanates key objectives including: Complete governments external funding requirement for 2017; diversification of funding sources from the debt capital markets and the traditional source of Western/regional banks; a milestone transaction and a first for the region, where only Chinese financial institutions were invited to participate in a loan that introduced new pool of investors to Oman.



"The transaction saw significant demand from the Chinese lending base, reaffirming lenders continued belief in the sultanates long-term credit fundamentals," the statement said.



The $3.55 billion transaction size also represents the largest ever deal size achieved for a regional borrower exclusively in the Chinese market. The strong demand supported the competitive pricing and enabled Oman to upsize the facility, it said.



The transaction was self-arranged by the newly established Debt Management Office in the Ministry of Finance.
Woman crushed to death as flood destroys house section in Rupandehi

A woman was crushed to death after a section of her house fell down following a flood at Rohini River in Rupandehi on Friday.
Mumbai

The rupee on Friday resumed its record-setting spree after a brief pause and closed at a fresh two-year high of 63.58, hardening by 11 paise. The domestic currency had seen this level on July 22, 2015. Intra-day, the rupee hit a high of 63.55 against the American currency. PTI

Chandigarh

DishTV launches Mera Apna Pack

DishTV has launched a first-of-its-kind initiative in the industry Mera Apna Pack, at Rs 8.5 per channel and Swagat Pack, at Just Rs 160. Mera Apna Pack provides subscribers the flexibility of channel selection. Customers can opt for popular channels by just paying Rs 8.5 per channel over and above the basic service pack. Customers can also choose popular High Definition channels priced at Rs 17 per channel. TNS

Chennai

Hyundai unveils 5th generation Verna

Hyundai Motor India on Friday unveiled the all-new version of its mid-sized sedan, Verna which is slated to be launched later this month. The fifth generation Verna is based on a newly developed K2 platform and has been developed with an investment of Rs 1,040 crore. The company has also commenced the pre-bookings of the upcoming model which it plans to launch on August 22. PTI

Mumbai

Mahindra Q1 PAT down 20% to Rs 766 crore

Homegrown auto major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) on Friday reported 19.79% decline in its standalone profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 765.96 crore for the first quarter of the current fiscal as sales were hit by GST transition. Revenue from operations during the first quarter of 2017-18 stood at Rs 12,335.56 crore, up 3.29% from Rs 11,942.9 crore the year-ago period, M&M said. PTI

Chandigarh

Nissan rolls out Datsun redi-Go 1.0L

Datsun India has launched Datsun redi-GO 1.0L here. Equipped with iSAT engine and priced from Rs 3.57 lakh, deliveries have started at all Nissan dealerships across the country. It is powered by Intelligent Spark Automated Technology (iSAT) 1.0L three-cylinder fuel efficient engine, paired with a five-speed manual transmission, to enhance the driving experience. TNS
Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 4

Masol village in Mohali district is about 20 km away from Chandigarh, but when it comes to amenities, the hamlet appears to be ages away. Indication to this effect came during the hearing of a petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

As a case involving the issue of empowering women came up for resumed hearing, senior advocate Reeta Kohli, appointed amicus curiae or the friend of the court, told the Bench of Justice Ritu Bahri that even roads, good schools and other amenities were not available for residents of the village.

Taking a stern view, Justice Bahri directed a visit to the village by the authorities concerned before the submission of a detailed report. Justice Bahri, in fact, directed all officers present in court will visit the village.

Masol had hit the headlines a year ago after excavations by the Archeaological Survey of India had revealed large-size fossils of animals and even human beings. Apart from Indian archaeologists, a team of French scientists too had reportedly carried out an excavation and research in the village. Indications are that the fossils are 2.5 million years old.

The development took place soon after Justice Ritu Bahri initiated suo motu proceedings for preventing women from ending their lives and benefiting them at pre-crime stage.

The High Court had earlier finalised three villages in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh for the implementation of the scheme for turning them into model hamlets to empower women.

Justice Bahri had asserted that the villages could be taken as a sample for implementing MGNREGA scheme, whereby women could be employed for the purpose of creating

infrastructure for hygienic kitchen, besides beautification and cleaning of the villages. NGOs could also be associated for helping in the installation of solar lights and bio-gas plants in the villages. The students from architecture colleges too could be associated for giving suggestions to beautify the areas.

Justice Bahri had also recommended an increase in plantation by associating village panchayats and other villagers to overcome environmental threats. Suggestions could be given as to how women living in the villages could be motivated to produce healthy food, handicrafts, etc. which could be sold in cities with the help of social media and other means.

College students could be motivated to share their books, toys, clothes, etc. with children of the villages to increase happiness and peace among women and children of weaker sections, Justice Bahri had added.
Tribune News Service

Mohali, August 4

A 24-year-old migrant was electrocuted while four others sustained burn injuries at the Chandigarh International Airport at Mohali here this morning.

The incident occurred around 10 am when Shankar Sahu from Chhattisgarh, along with his colleagues Harishanker (19), Manoj (25), Ved Parkash (25) and Sobhran (21), was dragging a 25-foot-high aluminium ladder from the cargo area to the airport terminal when it came in contact with a 22-foot-high overhead 11kV high-tension wire. All victims, hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, were hired on daily wages by a contractor for some ongoing work at the airport.

According to eyewitnesses, all of them fell unconscious after receiving the electric shock. They were rushed to Fortis Hospital at Mohali in an ambulance of the hospital, which is usually stationed outside the airport for emergency purposes.

Shankar Sahu was declared brought dead at the hospital. We started the treatment of the other victims immediately and now their condition is stable, said one of the doctors. Later, the victims were shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32, Chandigarh.

Harishankar is the brother of the deceased, Sahu.

Ved Parkash said all of them were busy chatting while dragging the ladder from the cargo area to the airport terminal area for setting up a canopy at the entrance to the airport.

The ladder was foldable and we had removed its upper parts before dragging it. Nobody noticed the overhead electricity wire. All of sudden, I got a shock and found myself lying on the hospital bed, said Ved Parkash. The victims sustained burn injuries on their hands and arms. Fazal Ahmad, supervisor of the contractor, along with their advocate, Jatin Arora, reached the hospital. We will bear all expenses on the treatment of the victims and will also provide them all kind of help, said Arora.

Inspector HS Ball, SHO, said kin of Sahu and the other victims had been informed about the incident.

Let them come and record their statements; after that we will initiate our legal process, said the Inspector.

Workers presence of mind cames in handy

Timely help and presence of mind shown by some workers at the airport played a crucial role in saving the lives of the other victims. The workers, including Mukesh, Pawan Kumar, Rajvir and Chandan Singh Rajput, said they used chairs and bamboo sticks to separate the victims from the ladder. All of them had fallen unconscious. We rubbed their hands and feet and pumped their chest before the ambulance reached around 20 minutes after the incident, claimed the workers. Had the ambulance come earlier, the deceased could have been saved, they said. However, the hospital authorities said, A doctor from Fortis Hospital, stationed at the airport for medical assistance, received a call from the CISF control room at 10.27 am and immediately responded. In order to save time, he took the Fortis ambulance along with him and arrived at the scene in less than five minutes. The patients were admitted in the Emergency at Fortis Hospital at 10.40 am.
Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 4

Twenty students of Government Model School, Mani Majra, were rushed to hospital after suffering from "common side effects" of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine.

A majority of the children complained of rashes, fever and stomach ache while some complained of vomiting and nausea.

According to officials of the UT Heath Department, 19,706 children were vaccinated in over 70 schools in the city. The students were vaccinated in the afternoon following which many complained of stomach ache, some developed rashes while others were down with fever.

Official sources said 16 students were admitted to the Civil Hospital in Mani Majra while three were rushed to Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16.

However, all children were sent back home after treatment. Anxious parents complained that the Health Department should have issued an advisory regarding the possible side effects of the MR vaccine. Dr Rakesh Kashyap, Director, Health Services, UT, said there was no need to panic as side effects such as fever and rashes could occur in some cases following the vaccination. Three children were rushed to the GMSH, Sector 16. I do not have the details of the children admitted to the Mani Majra hospital. However, all students were discharged in the evening, said Dr Kashyap. He said the vaccine was of high quality and had been approved by the WHO.

Subhash, whose daughter studies in Class IV at Government Model School, Mani Majra, said, My daughter was administered the vaccine in the afternoon. After sometime, she complained of fever and suffocation. Soon, some more students showed similar symptoms. Without wasting time, I, along with the school staff, took the ailing children to hospital. Soon, more children with similar problems arrived at the hospital.

Suraj Kumar, father of another student who was taken ill, said there was chaos inside the hospital. Two students were accommodated on a bed. However, by evening, all children were fine.

Common side effects

'Injection spot' reactions (pain, redness, swelling or a lump), fever, rash, headache, dizziness, joint or muscle pain, nausea and vomiting.

Badnore opened drive

UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore had inaugurated the measles-rubella campaign on Thursday. Badnore highlighted the importance of the vaccine in the elimination of measles and control of rubella. He appealed to all children to take this vaccine and pass this message to their friends and neighbours as well. As many as 3.10 lakh children in the city will be covered under the MR vaccination drive. Dr Rakesh Kashyap, Director, Health Services, UT, said all children from nine months to 15 years of age would be vaccinated.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 4

Two women, including a daughter-in-law of a retired Home Guards official, was held guilty in an attempt-to-murder and robbery case. The quantum of sentence has been scheduled to be pronounced on Saturday.

It was on July 13, 2016, when a 60-year-old man was found with his neck slit at his CHB flat in Sector 63.

Later, the police arrested two women for the crime. The women were identified as Amandeep Kaur, alias Mano, and Fatima Bano. Amandeep is the daughter-in-law of a woman Home Guards volunteer in the UT police.

As per the police, Amandeep had come in contact with the victim, Ram Pal, a few weeks ago when he shifted his residence from Sector 42 to Sector 63. While the victim was shifting to the new house, Amandeep, who was passing by, asked the victim to sell an old mattress to her following which the victim took Amandeeps number.

The woman had visited the victims flat earlier as well and came to know that he was usually alone at his home during daytime. On the day of the incident, the woman, along with her accomplice, came to the flat and slit the victims neck.

The accused then robbed him of his gold chain, a mobile phone, wallet and a pair of shoes. The women also tried to open the safe by breaking the almirah, but failed in their attempt. Afterwards, the accused fled the spot.

The victim was found lying in a pool of blood by his wife Kamlesh, who reached the spot around 5 pm. Kamlesh raised the alarm and called her neighbours who informed the police.
Capt MS Kohli (retd)

Capt MS Kohli (retd)

SUUREALIST master Salvador Dali, Spain's most prominent artist who died 28 years ago, hit the world Press recently when his moustache on exhumation of his body on courts' orders was found in perfect ten-past -ten shape as it used to be in his lifetime. Some 50 years ago, during my visit to Europe, I had discovered a union of world's two trademark moustaches Dali's and the Air India Maharaja's, which had resulted in creating a rare art piece for Air India.

In 1967, as a successful Everest leader, I was invited by the French government to the International Meet of Mountaineers at Chamonix (France). I had taken an Air India flight to Geneva, from where Chamonix is about 90 minutes' drive. My excitement knew no bounds when our plane flew over Mont Blanc. A few days later while climbing Mount Blanc, I discovered the remains of a plane which had crashed on Mount Blanc in 1966, killing Homi Jehangir Bhabha  the first Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India.

On my return to Geneva, Nari Dastur, Air India's Regional Director Europe, invited over 1000 Swiss climbers and dignitaries to meet me at a fabulous reception. The following day, I met Nari Dastur in his office. He told me an interesting story about art collection by Air India which was making rounds in many social circles of Europe. It was based on an initiative taken by him.

Nari, a legendary figure fully committed to Air India, was extremely popular throughout Europe. Nari visited Spain and approached the world-famous Surrealist artist, Salvador Dali, to design a special piece of art for Air India. Dali immediately agreed. Nari wanted to know the cost involved. Dali surprised him with his demand to get him "A live baby elephant from India." Nari thought he was joking, but Dali was quite serious! Big-hearted Nari struck the deal. However, Dali did not divulge what he had in mind. Air India flew a two-year-old elephant from Bangalore, accompanied by a mahout (keeper) to Geneva. The elephant, nick-named Big Baby, was trucked to Cadaquez (Catalunya) in Spain, where it was received by Manager Air India Spain and cleared through the customs. The mahout then presented the elephant to Dali, who took it home. There were wild celebrations in Cadaquez. The Mayor declared a three-day holiday to welcome the new arrival. The elephant was paraded for public viewing in the Plaza. Thousands of people arrived from the neighbouring towns. In honour of the elephant, there were three nights of fun, festivity, music, dance, wine and pink champagne (Dali's favorite). A new drink 'Sherpa Tea,' introduced by the Indian Tea Board, which I too was promoting at the request of the Indian Tea Board, was served to guests. It was a mixture of wine and tea chilled at the same temperature and mixed. An Indian astrologer was flown in from Mumbai to read palms and predict the future. The elephant was finally presented by Dali to the Barcelona Zoo in a ceremonial manner.

Dali kept his promise to Air India. He decided to create a unique piece of art, a double image. The magic of Air India inspired Salvador Dali to create what is probably the most-unusual ashtray in the world. The ashtray was composed of a shell-shaped centre, with a serpent twined around its perimeter. It was supported by two surrealist headstands of an elephant on one side and a swan on the other. These supports were based on Dali's double-image effect. The master explained to Nari in his own words. The reflection of the elephant appears to be a swan and the reflection of the swan appears to be an elephant.This is what I have done for Air India. Thus the swan upside down becomes an elephant's head inverted and elephant inverted becomes a swan.

It was the first time that an artist of Dali's stature had designed an object d'art for an airline. JRD, Bobby Kooka and Nari Dastur were delighted. This unusual piece of art was presented to art lovers and friends of Air India globally. Nari was privileged to present one piece to Prince Juan Carlos of Spain. This ashtray became one of the most- important Air India pieces of modern Indian art. After Independence, the rajahs had ceased to have the means to fund artists and the art "market" had not yet take off. Air India filled the gap. The national carrier not only bought paintings but also commissioned works to adorn its offices in India and abroad, to print on its calendars, posters, covers of in-flight menu cards, timetables, exclusive giveaways and other publicity material.

Air India soon received international acclaim for its most fabulous art collection. Collected over six decades, from the 1950s onward, the works came from great masters of the world. Under the patronage of JRD Tata and Bobby Kooka, Jal Cawasji supervised this remarkable operation. Rajeev Lochan, Director of the National Gallery of Modern Art and an artist himself, remembers that it used to be a matter of pride to be in the Air India collection. Senior artist Paramjeet Singh remembers that Air India had picked up one of his paintings from his first group exhibition at the Jehangir Art Gallery. His wife, Arpita Singh's large canvas called Flight, however, finds pride of place among the 66 paintings and five sculptures chosen to be exhibited at the NGMA.

Many a time, Air India did not even have to pay for the paintings. As V Thulasidas, former Chairman and Managing Director of Air India, wrote in his preface to a book published in 2008 on the collection: Often, a work of art was added to the collection in lieu of an air ticket to the artists because, during this period, art did not really have any commercial value. MF Husain too has spoken about this to art-historian Yashodhara Dalmia: "They would take the paintings and give free air tickets in return. As a result, the artists could travel to Czechoslovakia, Hong Kong, Paris. I did about four or five trips.

In 2012, when the fear of Air India going bankrupt brought the art collection valued at hundreds of crores into the limelight, the national carrier began to give thought to what to do with it. In March 2013, around 15 paintings of B Prabha, the leading woman artist of the 1950s and 1960s, travelled to Paris as part of an exhibition to commemorate the International Women's Day.

The same year, for the first time, Air India's iconic collection of artworks by Indian masters MF Husain, SH Raza, B Prabha and Anjolie Ela Menon, among others, housed in its various offices across the country were brought together at an exhibition, Air India salutes Indian Masters in the National Art Gallery, New Delhi. As the talk of the Maharaja being sold is becoming louder and louder, the government and those who are aware about India's art treasures, should make an all-out effort to retrieve these gems and build a museum.





The writer was the leader of the record-breaking Indian Everest Expedition in 1965.
S Nihal Singh

S Nihal Singh

It is sad to see the fall of a promising leader. While the country has been astounded by the performance of Mr Nitish Kumar befitting a trapeze artiste resigning from the chief ministership of a grand coalition to become a chief minister again on the coat-tails of the Bharatiya Janata Party within the space of 24 hours, he crossed the thin dividing line between political opportunism and betrayal.

Indeed, the sense of betrayal is so deep in Bihar and in the country outside of the partisan warfare being carried out by his erstwhile ally Lalu Prasad that Mr Kumar has had to offer an unconvincing explanation four days later, saying that he had no option but to do what he did. He had the obvious option of dismissing his deputy, Lalu's son Tejashwi Yadav, and sort out the problems arising from it in the coalition.

Now that the dust has settled on the climactic events, its consequences and Mr Kumar's calculations that led to them have become clear. Mr Kumar has handed the BJP a double triumph by returning the party to power reversing the electoral verdict of two years ago and fatally diminishing his own stature to place himself at the mercy of the BJP leadership.

Looking back, Mr Kumar had been preparing his ground for the switch some time ago. First, he sided with the demonetisation decision, which was opposed by his fellow Opposition leaders; then he supported the BJP candidate for the presidency instead of the joint Opposition candidate and made a habit of absenting himself from Opposition meetings while lunching and dining with the Prime Minister.

Mr Kumar's moves seemed to be predicated on the belief that he could end up as the joint Opposition candidate in the 2019 general election to fight a losing battle and court political wilderness. He said as much in predicting that the Opposition could not match Mr Modi's popularity in 2019. Thus he chose self-advancement over anything resembling a will to fight a good fight. In the process, he shocked some of his own followers in the party, in particular the veteran leader Sharad Yadav. Only his chief spokesman on television remained superbly unperturbed.

Mr Kumar has been with the BJP earlier in the tolerant era of Vajpayee both at the Centre and in Bihar. Before his ambition destroyed him, he did some good work in administering Bihar. He made a string of compromises along the way. After the assembly elections, his JD (U) was the smaller party, compared to Lalu Prasads RJD. To become Chief Minister, he had to take two of Lalu's neophyte sons in his Cabinet, one of them as his deputy, and send a daughter to the Rajya Sabha from the coalitions quota. As is universally known, Lalu treats politics as a family business. With time running out, Mr Kumar took the extraordinary step he did to sign up with the BJP.

Mr Kumar's volte-face raises the important question of what happens to the Opposition's plans for using the Bihar model for building a grand coalition to contest the 2019 election. That model is now destroyed and there are quarrels enough for the Opposition parties to deal with. In immediate terms, it is a blow, but it is time for the Opposition to start framing a blueprint on the Sangh Parivar's weak spots.

The BJP's singular weaknesses in the three years it has been in power at the Centre and longer in the states are: neglect of the farm sector leading to rising suicides and much suffering, poor funding of education and health, except for indoctrination of the young, creating an atmosphere in which cow vigilantes, genuine or fake, lynch cattle traders, on occasion to death and the absurd levels to which the propagation of a Hindu India is being taken, with cow ambulances in one BJP-ruled state while the poor carry their dead on bicycles.

While the Congress and other Opposition spokesmen have raised some of these issues in Parliament, the need of the hour is to do ground work to exploit these deficiencies to build solid voting blocks. While the BJP has made the token gesture of making a Dalit the country's President, the Dalit community is still suffering every day from the depredations of Hindu vigilantes and resent the BJP's mindset in relation to their lot.

Before gaining power at the Centre, the BJP with its pronounced caste prejudices was essentially an urban party. Its legacy of a Brahmin-Bania configuration came at the expense of other lower castes, as recent occurrences in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have demonstrated. Its desire to cast its net wide in view of its national ambitions is obvious. But such gestures as the presidency and other token moves such as party president Amit Shah dining in Harijan homes will not fool many Dalits.

The Opposition has its own dilemmas. The hoary old Congress Party is essentially leaderless, with Mr Rahul Gandhi more a liability than an asset. Ms Mamata Banerjee is devoting all her energy to safeguarding her dominance in West Bengal from a prowling BJP. Tamil Naidu is poised at a delicate stage with the BJP fishing in troubled waters depending on the chances of a merger of the two AIADMK factions with the self-proclaimed successor to Jayalalithaa, Sasikaka, making waves while still in jail after causing the transfer of two senor IPS prison officials on the perquisites she reportedly enjoyed after paying handsome bribes.

The one message the BJP and the Sangh Parivar are sending out is that they are no respecter of norms or morality to win electoral power. If they are short of votes, they manoeuvre to form governments through inducements, as in Goa and Manipur. In the case of Bihar, as we have seen, they lure the Opposition leader to their side and offer him support.

In short, in common with the Trump presidency in the United States, Mr Modi believes in his form of transactional relationships to climb to power across the country. Morality can look after itself, he seems to suggest, while his party reigns supreme with the aim of converting India into a Hindu country.
Hisar, August 4

Two brothers were shot dead and another man was seriously injured by a group of assailants in Valmiki Mohalla here, the police said on Friday.

Old rivalry was said to be the cause of the crime, police said.

After the incident, heavy police force has been deployed in the area. The incident took place at about 11 pm on Thursday.

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Police said Sachin (28) and his brother Sunil (24), along with their friend Vinod and others, were sitting in the street when some persons arrived there and entered into a heated argument with them.

The two sides had some heated exchanges over some issues. Soon one Shankar, his friend Praveen and another youth allegedly started firing on the rival group.

The injured Sachin, his brother Sunil and their friend Vinod were taken to hospital where, the doctors declared Sachin and Sunil brought dead. Their bodies have been brought to the civil hospital for post-mortem, a police official said.

A case on charge of murder, attempt to murder and another case under relevant provisions of the Arms Act had been registered the complaint of Ajay, the brother of the deceased.

In his complaint, Ajay held Shankar, Praveen and others responsible for killing his two brothers, the police official said. PTI
Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 4

Virbhadra loyalist MLAs from politically significant Kangra district targeted Transport Minister GS Bali at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting yesterday for interfering in their Assembly segments.

The meeting, held in the presence of AICC general secretary Sushil Kumar Shinde and secretary Ranjeet Ranjan here, saw the Virbhadra camp targeting Bali and HP Congress Committee president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu as part of their strategy. A majority of the legislators, including Sanjay Rattan, Jagjivan Pal, Neeraj Bharti and Yadvinder Goma hit out at Bali for interfering in their constituencies and projecting leaders against them.

Incidentally, Pawan Kajal, Independent MLA from Kangra and now associate Congress member, also lodged a protest that Bali was interfering in his segment and not taking him into confidence.

The importance of Kangra was at full play as the MLAs also demanded that Virbhadra should be projected as the face of the party and the elections be fought under his leadership. Legislators, including Rakesh Kalia from Una and Bamber Thakur from Bilaspur, vociferously made a demand to project a single face, considering Virbhadras popularity and wide mass base.

Some leaders, including AICC secretary Asha Kumari, objected to the manner in which a section of the party leaders, including HPCC chief Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, were targeting Virbhadra. Some of his supporters also raised the issue of talk of some party MLAs deserting the party and being in touch with the BJP. Bali, who kept his calm all this while, finally retaliated and threatened to leave the meeting but was persuaded by others not to do so.
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, August 4

The Jammu and Kashmir Government allowed congregational prayers at the Jamia mosque in old Srinagar for the first time after six weeks.

Moderate Hurriyat faction chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was not allowed to visit the mosque as he continued to remain under house arrest.

Mirwaiz addressed the gathering over phone and termed the Kashmiri struggle as indigenous. Nobody will be allowed the hamper with the indigenous nature of the struggle, he said.

He lashed out at Indian television channels for defaming the separatist leadership. These channels are indulging in propaganda, he said.

There was no restriction in the old city on Friday  the first time since June 23  and people were seen heading to Jamia mosque to offer prayers.

The government had been imposing restrictions on Fridays after security wing DSP Mohammed Ayub Pandith (57) was beaten to death in Nowhatta on the night of June 22.

A large posse of the police and CRPF remained deployed in volatile areas in the old city since the morning. Clashes broke in the Nowhatta area after the culmination of Friday prayers.

A group of youths raising anti-India and pro-freedom slogans tried to take out a march outside the Jamia mosque premises, which was not allowed by the police.

The youths later threw stones and the clashes continued for nearly an hour. The police fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters, eyewitness said.

A police officer said the situation remained largely peaceful in the old city. There was a small group of youths inside the mosque premises that indulged in stone pelting. The situation remained peaceful in the old city and there was no report of any casualty so far, he said.

Clashes thereafter
Suhail A Shah

Bijbehara, August 4

A recent Hizbul Mujahideen militant and a civilian were killed during exchange of fire between security forces and militants since last evening in the Bijbehara area of south Kashmirs Anantnag district.

Yawar Nisar, an 18-year-old former student from Anantnag town, had joined the militant outfit 17 days back. An Army man sustained injuries during the encounter.

The civilian, Abdul Gani Bhat, a 35-year-old labourer from the Arwini area of Bijbehara, was returning from work when he was caught in the crossfire.

According to police reports, specific inputs had been received regarding the presence of militants in the Kanelwan area, along the Bijbehara-Pahalgam road.

The police said a joint operation was launched in the area by the Army, police and CRPF to nab the militants. The operation was launched around 8:30 pm yesterday.

While searches were being carried out, militants opened indiscriminate fire at security forces around midnight in a bid to flee, said a police official. He said the fire was returned, triggering an encounter.

While two militants managed to flee, one was cornered in a washroom located within the compound of a house. He kept firing and succumbed to his injuries there, the official said.

The police maintained that the civilian, was riding a motorcycle, died in crossfire some time during the encounter. We are trying to ascertain what the civilian was doing in the area at that time, he said.

The bodies were retrieved from the site and handed over to the families after identification. The militant was buried at the martyrs graveyard in Anantnag after hundreds attended his funeral.

Clashes erupted in many parts of Anantnag following the funeral. The police used teargas shells to disperse the protesting youths.

There was no report of any injuries during the clashes. A complete shutdown was observed across Anantnag district against the deaths.
Majid Jahangir & Suhail A Shah

Tribune News Service

Srinagar/Anantnag, August 3

Barely two days after the killing of top militant commander Abu Dujana, a Major and a soldier of the Army's elite counter-insurgency unit were killed in an ambush in Shopian district of south Kashmir today.

Hours before the ambush, security personnel had killed two local Hizbul militants in neighbouring Kulgam district  Aqib Ahmad Ittoo (17) from Gopalpora, and Suhail Rather (17) from Yaripora.

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Defence sources said: At 2 am, Hizbul militants opened fire on troops in Zadipora village, 55 km from Srinagar, while they were disembarking from their vehicles to lay a cordon following inputs on the presence of militants in the village. Soldiers of the Rashtriya Rifles, 62 Battalion, were part of the operation. In the ambush, three soldiers, including an officer, were critically wounded.

The injured were airlifted to the Armys Srinagar hospital where two of them, including the officer, died. Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia identified the slain as Major Kamlesh Pandey, 29, from Almora, Uttarakhand, and Sepoy Tanzin Chhultim, 25, from Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. The Army called it a chance encounter.

The J&K Police claimed to have gathered some clues on the attackers. One of them was definitely Altaf Kachroo, Shopian SP Ambarkar Shriram Dinkar said.

About the Kulgam encounter, a senior police officer said the security forces launched cordon and search operations in Gopalpora at 11 pm on Wednesday night. Aqib and Suhail, who were hiding in a house, were killed after a brief encounter.

Despite restrictions, thousands of people attended the funerals, a local resident said. Armed militants at Suhais funeral in Tantraypora area of Yaripora offered a gun salute, he claimed. Kulgam and Anantnag districts observed a shutdown to mourn the deaths. A police spokesman said Aqib was behind the attack on a cash van at Pombai, Kulgam, in which five policemen and two civilians were killed. Major Pandey is survived by his wife and a two-year-old daughter.
New Delhi, August 4

A special court today allowed the NIA to continue with the custodial interrogation of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelanis son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah and three others for 10 more days in a terror funding case.

The other three separatists whose custody has been extended are Peer Saifullah, Mehrajuddin Kalwal and Nayeem Khan. The NIA had sought 12 days of custody, saying that the accused were required to be confronted with each other and with the evidences gathered in the case.

The agency had arrested seven persons on July 24 in the case of the alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir valley to fuel unrest.

The other three separatist leaders  Shahid-ul-Islam, Farooq Ahmed Dar and Mohamad Akbar Khanday  were sent to judicial custody till September 1 after the NIA told Special Judge OP Saini that they were not required for further interrogation.

Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, appearing for the probe agency, said Altaf Ahmed Shah, popularly known as Altaf Fantoosh, and three others were required to be taken to distant places in the Valley in connection with the probe.

A lawyer associated with the case said that during the in-chamber proceedings, the NIA also requested the court to put its remand application in a sealed cover as it contained sensitive information, which was allowed by the court till the next date of hearing.

The agency had earlier told the court that it had received information that Hafiz Saeed, head of Jamat-ul-Dawah, and separatists, including members of the Hurriyat Conference, had been acting in connivance with banned outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Dukhtaran-e-Millat and others to raise and receive funds from inside and abroad through illegal channels, including hawala.

The money was being raised to fund separatist and terror activities in restive J&K, it had said, alleging that the accused were waging a war against the country and they were involved in various offences punishable under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The accused were involved in creating unrest by way of anti-India demonstrations and bandhs, which were done on their and others instructions.

Advocate Rajat Kumar, appearing for the accused persons, however, had claimed that they were falsely implicated and they had been cooperating in the probe which had been going on for the past one month.

Fantoosh was in the custody of J&K Police, which had put him under preventive detention immediately after Eid last month. Geelanis close aides Tehreek-e-Hurriyat spokesman Akbar and Peer Saifullah were arrested by the NIA from the Valley.

Shahid-ul-Islam is the spokesman for the moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. The houses of those arrested had been raided by NIA sleuths last month.

The raids were part of the NIAs efforts to clamp down on separatist groups for allegedly receiving funds for subversive activities in the Valley.  PTI

Terror trail
Girja Shankar Kaura

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 4

India today reiterated that it would continue to engage with China through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution to Doklam standoff.

At a media briefing here, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Indias objective was to achieve peace and tranquility in India-China border areas and it could be achieved only through diplomacy.

Baglay said India was upset with China for stalling the UN move to list JeMs Masood Azhar a global terrorist. To a query, Baglay replied New Delhi would continue to engage with Beijing through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution to the border tension in the Sikkim sector. It has already been conveyed to China that peace and tranquility are required in border areas, he said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had yesterday said India would not negotiate on the border issue. We are talking about bilateral relations with China. That is the only way to find a solution, she had said.

Reacting to Sushmas statement in the Rajya Sabha, China said it had shown utmost goodwill over the prolonged military standoff with India in the Sikkim sector, but warned its restraint had a bottom line.

Chinas Defence Ministry spokesperson Ren Guoqiang said India must immediately withdraw its trespassing troops. India must give up the illusion of its delaying tactic and immediately withdraw its trespassing troops to the Indian side of the boundary, state-controlled Xinhua news agency quoted Ren as saying.

The External Affairs Ministry had, in a statement yesterday, said peace and tranquility on the India-China border constituted an important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations.
Girja Shankar Kaura

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 4

India today said it was upset at the support being given to Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed floating a political party in Pakistan and it was a matter of concern.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay today said Saeed was trying to hide his blood-stained hands with the ballot ink, which is a matter of concern.

Taking a jibe at Saeed after reports claimed that the militant was planning to enter politics, Baglay said: The person who has traded in bullets to take human lives is trying to hide behind ballot... That is a matter of concern.

According to reports, the Mumbai terror attack mastermind is likely to rebrand JuD as a political party, Milli Muslim League Pakistan.

It is believed that Saeed will register the outfit with the election commission of Pakistan and launch the party on August 14 in Lahore. Saeed has been under house arrest since January along with his close aides.

This will be a major event since Pakistan recently elected Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as Prime Minister after Nawaz Sharif was disqualified in connection with the Panama Papers scandal by the Supreme Court. It is said that he has close ties with the Pakistan army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The development comes as Pakistan is grappling with political instability. While initial reports say Sharifs brother Shehbaz Sharif will be made the prime minister after he is elected to the National Assembly, Wednesdays reports suggest Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is likely to continue till the 2018 elections.

Saeed has been under house arrest since January 31, along with four of his aides, after years of living freely in Pakistan. Despite being confined, he continues to be an influential person in some of Pakistans religious groups.

However, every time he is placed under house arrest, Pakistani courts rule in his favour. They say intelligence against him is not admissible as evidence in court, and thus keeping him under house arrest is unconstitutional.

Pakistans Punjab province government has apparently extended the house arrest of Saeed and his aides by 60 days for their activities deemed detrimental to peace and security.

Saeed is wanted by India and the US for his alleged role in carrying out the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.
New Delhi, August 4

Ruling NDA candidate M Venkaiah Naidu is tipped to be Indias next vice president as members of Parliament gear up to cast their ballot on Saturday.

The name of the next vice president will be known on Saturday evening after members of Parliament cast their ballot during the day in Parliament House.

The ruling NDA, which has a majority in the Lok Sabha, will find it easy to place its candidate as the next vice president.

The opposition has fielded Gopal Krishna Gandhi against Naidu.

The BJD and the JD(U) which had supported NDA nominee Ramnath Kovind for the post of president, have decided to back opposition nominee Gandhi.

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Though the JD(U) has broken ties with mahagathbandhan and joined hands with the BJP to form a new government in Bihar, it has decided to vote for Gandhi, a former governor of West Bengal.

Members of Parliament will use special pens for marking their choice in the election to be held between 10 am and 5 pm.

The counting of votes will commence after polling and the results will be declared by 7 pm, Election Commission officials said quoting precedents.

No whip can be issued by political parties as the election is through a secret ballot.

The term of the present incumbent Hamid Ansari, who has held the post for two consecutive terms, is coming to an end on August 10.

The electoral college which elects the vice president, who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, consists of elected and nominated members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

The total strength of the two Houses is 790, but there are two vacancies in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha.

BJP MP in Lok Sabha Chhedi Paswan is barred from casting vote following a judicial pronouncement.

In the 545-member Lok Sabha, the BJP has 281 members. The NDA led by BJP, has 338 members.

In the 243-member Rajya Sabha, the BJP as of now has 56 members, while the Congress with 59 is the single largest party. With its recent wins in the recent assembly polls, the BJP is set to emerge as the single largest party in the Rajya Sabha too next year and the NDAs tally would be close to 100.

It would, however, still be short of a majority in the upper house.

The one who bags 50 per cent plus one vote of the total valid votes cast will win the poll. PTI
Bijay Sankar Bora

Tribune News Service

Guwahati, August 4

A day after dropping two of his senior cabinet ministers, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Friday inducted two Congress legislators in his cabinet just a few months ahead of the Assembly polls to be held early next year in the hill state that has remained one of two last bastions of Congress in the Northeast apart from Mizoram.

Governor Banwarilal Purohit administered the oath of office to Comingone Ymbon and Celestine Lyngdoh at a function in the Raj Bhavan in Shillong.

Community and Rural Development Minister Prestone Tynsong and Power Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar were sacked on Thursday night from the Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) government for their anti-party activities.

CM Sangma and MPCC president DD Lapang had met the AICC leadership earlier this week to discuss affairs of the party in the state where the BJP with the help of the National Peoples Party (NPP) has been trying to make inroads before the Assembly polls.

The BJP which is eyeing a slice of power in Meghalya after the next Assembly polls is yet to open an account in the Assembly in the hill state.

Denying that the sacking of Tynsong and Dhar had anything to do with their anti-party activities, Sangma said the purpose of the cabinet reshuffle was to facilitate them to work for the party on the ground.

I would like many more ministers telling me to relieve them from the ministry so that they can focus on their constituencies, Mukul Sangma said after the swearing-in of the new ministers hinting at more such reshuffles if the need arose.

Meghalaya has a 12-member ministry, including the Chief Minister. In the 60-member House, the ruling Congress has 30 MLAs and enjoys the support of two MLAs of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), one member of the North East Democratic Socialist Party and 11 Independents.

The opposition Meghalaya Peoples Front (MPF) comprises of eight MLAs of regional United Democratic Party (UDP) and two of the National Peoples Party (NPP).

The four MLAs of the regional Hill State Peoples Democratic Party (HSPDS) and two other Independent legislators are not part of the Meghalaya Peoples Front (MPF).
New Delhi, August 4

The Centre on Friday approved a proposal to rename the iconic Mughalsarai railway station in Uttar Pradesh after RSS ideologue Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay, a Home Ministry official said.

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The proposal was given by the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, in a bid to revive the legacy of Upadhyay, who was found dead in 1968 at the junction itself.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir cleared the proposal to rename the railway station as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar station, the Home Ministry official said.

The move led to an uproar in Parliament after several MPs, including Samajwadi Partys Naresh Agarwal, protested against the Centres decision to give the nod to renaming the junction after Upadhyay.

The junction, the fourth busiest railway station in the country, is located on the main Howrah-Delhi Grand Chord line.

The Uttar Pradesh government, headed by Yogi Adityanath, had in June approved the proposal of renaming the station and forwarded it to the Ministry of Railways for final approval.

Upadhyays body was found under mysterious circumstances on a platform of Mughalsarai in 1968. The town is part of Chandauli district and is just 20 km from Varanasi.

Mughalsarai is also the birthplace of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.

The station contains the largest railway marshaling yard in Asia. It is 12.5 km long and handles around 1,500 wagons daily. The largest wagon repair workshop of the Indian Railways is also located here.

Mughalsarai is not the only railway station whose name has been changed in recent times. The iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, which was earlier known as Victoria Terminus, saw the word Maharaj added to its name earlier this year. PTI
Tribune News Service

Ahmedabad/Jaipur, August 4

The car of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was pelted with stones allegedly by BJP workers during his visit to the flood-ravaged districts of north Gujarat today.

The mob waved black flags and raised slogans in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tried to disrupt his brief meetings in Dhanera, Runi besides other places. Gandhi, in his address to locals, said: The Congress has no government either in Delhi or Gujarat, but we as a party will try to help you as best as we can.

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Gandhis car was targeted at Monotra village when he was on his way to Dhanera town, one of the worst-hit areas. Gandhi, who was occupying the front seat, escaped unhurt as the stones fell on the rear seat after shattering the windscreen. He later said such petty things could not deter him from coming to share the hardships of his dear people.

The state government condemned the incident and ordered an inquiry. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said: It is highly deplorable and strict action will be taken against those responsible.

State Congress president Bharat Solanki, party in-charge of state affairs Ashok Gehlot, former state party chief Arjun Modhvadia were among those accompanying Gandhi. They condemned the attack and held the BJP government in the state responsible for it.

Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Sonia Gandhi, called it a fruitless attempt by the BJP government to divert the attention of the people from its abject failure to provide relief to the flood-hit. He said the issue would be raised in Parliament.

A group of youth Congress workers later filed a complaint at the Dhanera police station against some local BJP workers. Congress workers also held demonstrations against the BJP at several places.

In Rajasthan, Gandhi took stock of the situation at five flood-affected villages of Jalore district today, where he accused the BJP government of discriminating against the people of the state.

The Prime Minister toured the flood-hit areas of Gujarat while neglecting Rajasthan, which has been ravaged by floods, because of political gains. He announced a relief package for Gujarat, keeping in view the upcoming Assembly polls there, he alleged.
Mumbai, August 4

Four people, including two police constables, have been arrested in connection with the robbery of diamonds worth about Rs 24 lakh from a jewellery shop here.

A middleman, identified as Raj, set up a deal for a jeweller from suburban Borivali to buy diamonds from a Gujarat-based businessman, a police official said.

The businessman went to the jewellers shop in Borivali on Wednesday evening where Raj and the latters two friends, including a woman, were already present, he said.

As soon as Raj initiated the deal, two policemen arrived there and told them that they had information about an illegal transaction being done, he said.

The constables, attached to the office of the Mumbai police comissionerate, seized the diamonds and then took the jeweller and Raj along in their police van.

Later, the policemen dropped the jeweller and Raj midway and asked them to reach south Mumbais Crawford market in the evening with proper documents of the diamonds for verification, the official said.

They also told the duo to bring the businessman along with them, he said.

Sensing something amiss, the jeweller in the meantime informed about the matter to the Borivali police and lodged a case, he said.

The police identified the two constables from the CCTV footage of the jewellery shop and arrested them on Thursday, the official said.

Besides the constables, the police also nabbed the two friends of Raj, he said.

The official said a search was on for Raj, who is absconding.

The accused had been booked under Section 395 (punishment for dacoity) of the IPC, he said, adding that an investigation into the case is on. PTI
GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 4

It took the SGPC more than two decades to fulfil its promise of compensating Sikh victims, who were tortured in Uttar Pradeshs Pilibhit jail in early 1990s.

In all, four victims, who were left partially disabled, received cheques for Rs 50,000 each today. They were Trilok Singh, Manjit Singh, Gurnam Singh Johal and Pargat Singh.

The SGPC would on Monday give Rs 1 lakh each to five families of Karaj Singh, Sarvjit Singh, Tarsem Singh, Sukhdev Singh and Bachhittar Singh, who lost their lives then, officials said.

On the intervening night of November 8-9, 1994, 28 Sikhs were tortured in Pilibhit jail. Of them, seven were killed. All 28 were all booked under the TADA, but the police could not substantiate their claim.

Then SGPC president Gurcharan Singh Tohra had announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. But Rs 11,000 was given to the families of the deceased and Rs 5,000 to the injured.

With the assistance from the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), the victims are still fighting a legal battle. The next date of hearing is on August 16 at the Allahabad High Court.

Trilok Singh, who lives in Amritsars Rasoolpur village, said affidavits from three families of the deceased were submitted with the Allahabad HC. His brother Heera Singh is a truck driver.

Trilok said his elder brother Sarvjit Singh (then in his early 30s) was beaten to death by the Pilibhit jail staff. I was left permanently disabled. Sarvjit was cremated under pressure from the UP Government then. He had left behind two sons and two daughters. The UP Government had given a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the family, he said.

Tej Kaur (80) had lost her son Bacchittar during the police torture. She lives in Bhagwanpura village near Amritsar. Theres no one to look after her.

Another family is of Tarsem. His son Gurminder Singh (24) is a labourer at Chhina village in Amritsar district.

As for Karaj Singh, he was unmarried. His younger brother Kuldeep Singh has submitted a claim on his brothers behalf.
The last rites of Major Kamlesh Pandey, who laid down his life fighting terrorists at Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir, were performed at the Chitrashila ghat in his hometown of Haldwani on Friday.

Maj Pandeys brother, also an army man, lit the pyre amid presence of a large number of people. A contingent of the Kumaon Regiment sounded the Last Post to pay respect to the martyr.

Transport Minister Yashpal Arya, MLA Basidhar Bhagat and senior officials of the administration laid wreath at the mortal remains of Maj Pandey.

The martyr is survived by his wife Rachna Pandey and two-year-old daughter Bhumika, who live in Ghaziabad, UP.

Inconsolable, father of the martyr Mohan Chand Pandey said his son spoke to him before he left for the operation. Dehradun, TNS
Milwaukee: In the five years since a white supremacist fatally shot six worshippers at a gurdwara, those affected have remained united by a mission to combat hatred. A former skinhead and the son of a man killed in the massacre hold school assemblies to preach a message of peace. Another man whose mother was killed lobbied the federal government to start tracking hate crimes against Sikhs. And a police officer who was shot 15 times when he confronted the gunman on August 5, 2012, has remained close with the Sikh community. ap

Singapore Airlines offers crew unpaid leave

Singapore: Singapore Airlines is offering cabin crew unpaid leave in a cost-cutting measure as it struggles to keep up in an increasingly tough market. The city-state's flag carrier has been battling strong competition from Asian low-cost carriers and Middle Eastern airlines. It last resorted to the measure in 2009, after the global financial crisis. AFP

Chinese officials sacked for casting spells

Beijing: Two Chinese officials have been sacked for involvement in "superstitious activities", including casting spells to aid promotions and attending geomancy courses under the guise of business trips. Members of the ruling Communist Party are not supposed to follow any religion in officially atheist China. Reuters
Washington, August 4

The US has said it is deeply saddened by reports of the execution of Syrian blogger and activist Bassel Khartabil by the Syrian regime.

Palestinian-Syrian Bassel Khartabil was detained by the Syrian government in 2012, a year after Arab Spring protests first broke out. His wife Noura Ghazi is said to have announced that he was secretly executed in late 2015.

We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones, State Department Deputy spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

The United States expresses its outrage over the repeated acts of brutality, including torture, and extra- judicial executions, conducted by the Syrian regime, she said.

Nauert said the Assad regime bears responsibility for the widespread suffering, death, and destruction it has inflicted on its own citizens.

Every day, courageous individuals work to recover from the devastation the Syrian regime has wrought, and the United States will continue to stand with them as Syrians work towards a negotiated political settlement that brings an end to the conflict, said the State Department spokesperson. PTI
This operator moves briskly as he backs a trailer into a parking slot. The Electrotrekker is battery-electric powered. Photos: Tom Berg, from Verhagen video

OK, Gus. Park that yard-goat tractor against the fence cuz were gonna sell it. Get down outta there and hoof it from now on. Because we just bought you a V-Move Electrotrekker Its a walk-behind (and -ahead) gizmo from Verhagen Leiden, an outfit in Holland, and you control it like a pallet jack. Its got plenty of power from a 4-kilowatt, 36-volt AC motor and its big battery pack will keep you hoppin all day.

Yeah, it saves us money, but its part of our new employee physical fitness program and the exercise will do you good!

Thats one way the machine thats demonstrated on this Facebook clip could be introduced to a driver. Sure, Gus isnt going to operate the thing over long, er, treks within giant 200-door terminals. But its ideal for squeezing semitrailers in and out of tight loading spots and parking them where regular tractors can get at them.

The Dutchman in the video really whips the trailers around, and note that he walks as fast backwards as he does forward. Maybe hes in Iron Man training, and considers the Electrotrekker a fringe benefit.

A couple viewers of the Facebook video noted that there are no air hookups, and they'd be needed to release a North American-spec trailer's brakes for movement. This demo is in Europe, but if the product were to be sold here, it'd need air lines and a compressor, which would sap power from the battery pack. Also, any operating surface would have to be smooth and fairly level.

The Dutch device can move a trailer weighing up to 20 tons, according to the company's website.

The video has no narration or even music. But details on the device are at Verhagen's website. It comes up in Dutch, but a "Translate" button should appear and the words will turn into English. It's a kick.
AAON Inc. released on Wednesday its earnings, which showed the company posted net income of $13.8 million, or 26 cents per diluted share, in the second quarter.

That was a 6.3 percent drop from the $14.7 million, or 27 cents per diluted share, it earned in the same period a year ago.

The Tulsa-based manufacturer of industrial and commercial HVAC equipment had sales of $101.3 million in the quarter that ended June 30, a slight drop from the $102.3 million in sales in the second quarter of 2016.

CEO Norman H. Asbjornson said the company had been working through the retirement of two key executives this year.

There is a somewhat lengthy learning curve associated with the transition process, and our revenue for the first half of the year reflects the short-term challenges created by these changes in addition to the difficult labor markets, Asbjornson said in a statement.

Nonetheless, our incoming order rate remains strong (with backlog rising to $83.5 million at June 30, 2017), and we expect to see excellent improvement in our revenue growth once we complete the transition process.
The amount of saltwater being disposed of in Oklahomas deepest wells in the earthquake-prone parts of the state has dropped to a monthly level not seen since late 2011, according to government data analyzed by the Tulsa World.

In July, the operators of 443 Arbuckle disposal wells reported injecting 36.2 million barrels of produced wastewater within the 15,000-square-mile region under stricter quake regulations, according to Oklahoma Corporation Commission data. Figures for the last two days of the month werent available.

At the overall peak of disposal volumes, 94.5 million barrels were injected in December 2014. That is about 2 times more than the July amount. Volumes first topped 40 million barrels in early 2012.

Regulators and researchers have been analyzing data after several earthquakes that struck near Edmond on Tuesday and Wednesday, including a magnitude 4.2 that tied for Oklahomas largest in 2017.

Scientists say Oklahomas man-made earthquakes are caused by the tremendous volume of ancient seawater in some shale formations that comes to the surface with oil and natural gas and is re-injected back into the ground in the states deepest geologic formation  the Arbuckle.

The saltwaters pressure pops off earthquakes in the states crystalline granite basement, which has many faults that are critically stressed by natural tectonic forces and optimally oriented to slip.

From 2011 through 2016, 206 unique well operators reported injecting 4.2 billion barrels in 723 disposal wells, according to a previous analysis by the World.

For perspective, the 4.2 billion barrels is analogous to 64 hours of water flowing over Niagara Falls or 88 brimming Lake Yaholas in north Tulsa.

The high of 94.5 million barrels in December 2014 is equivalent to two Lake Yaholas. The 36.2 million barrels in July equates to three-fourths of Lake Yahola.

State seismologist Jake Walter said the Oklahoma Geological Surveys interpretation of the recent Edmond earthquake swarm is that if the wastewater injection of the past several years theoretically were to be removed, the series of quakes likely wouldnt have happened.

But he explained that it is difficult for experts to evaluate success of regulatory actions because of the complexity of causal factors.

Its not clear that any kind of mitigation would be successful other than a long-term strategy of wastewater reduction, Walter said in response to a question about whether more regulatory action is needed.

Matt Skinner, spokesman for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, previously said more actions will be required by the agency to restore what would be considered normal seismicity for Oklahoma.

He said whether the spike in seismicity near Edmond will prompt any new measures specific to that area isnt clear yet.

(The earthquake risk is) obviously unacceptably high, even if Edmond hadnt happened, Skinner said.
A mapped fault near Edmond has popped off eight earthquakes of at least magnitude 2.5 since Tuesday evening, including a 4.2 on Wednesday night  the fourth 4.0 in the state this year.

Matt Skinner, spokesman for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, said Thursday that state regulators are working with partners to bring the elevated risk of earthquakes down across the board to restore what would be considered normal seismicity for Oklahoma.

Skinner said that will require more actions by the Corporation Commission, but it isnt clear yet whether the recent spike in seismicity in the Edmond area will prompt any new measures specifically for that area. He said scientists and regulators are waiting on data from a disposal well monitor in the area.

(The risk is) obviously unacceptably high, even if Edmond hadnt happened, Skinner said.

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 4.2 quake at 9:56 p.m. Wednesday about 3 miles east-northeast of Edmond. The quakes epicenter was about 1 miles below the Earths surface.

Prior to the 4.2, five temblors ranging from 2.6 to 3.5 were recorded by the USGS from 9:42 p.m. Tuesday to 5:16 p.m. Wednesday in the same area. Two more occurred after the 4.2  a 3.5 at 1:40 a.m. Thursday and 3.3 at 11:11 a.m. Thursday.

The 4.2s preliminary magnitude was assessed at 4.4 before it was downgraded after scientists further studied the data. That ties it for the states largest quake of 2017 with one July 14 near Stroud that also occurred during a swarm of quakes.

State seismologist Jake Walter said each of the Edmond quakes appears to be on the same fault  a fault identified on the Oklahoma Geological Surveys 2015 fault map. He said the fault was active prior to 2014 and fairly active in 2016 with a series of smaller quakes similar to now.

Theres nothing that stands out with this particular sequence of earthquakes, Walter said. Again, its just another rash of seismicity.

The Corporation Commission is analyzing wastewater disposal data from eight wells within a roughly 10-mile radius of the seismicity, three of which havent been in operation.

After the 4.2 quake, the city of Edmond posted on its Twitter account that power outages were affecting large areas of the east and northeast sections of the city.

Edmond Electric reported 4,600 customers were without power.

Its nothing atypical, except Edmond hasnt had much seismicity of late, and I think everybody was going to bed and they felt it, Walter said. If you were close to the earthquake you felt it quite strongly.

Twitter: @JonesingToWrite
TAHLEQUAH  Harvey Chaffin, 76, remembers growing up on property along the clear-running Illinois River, where as kids he and his friends would drink delicious cold water from shallow riffles.

Those were days well before anyone had come up with the legal description of a scenic river.

Today he owns property on both sides of the Illinois, not because his family bought more land but because the river cut across a bend.

It cut through about five or six years ago, he said. With the floods the past two, three years, it got bigger.

The property is one clear example of what is happening to the banks of the river, including Barren Fork Creek and other tributaries that feed Oklahomas most popular scenic river from Lake Tenkiller to the Arkansas border, according to Ed Fite, vice president for water quality with the Grand River Dam Authoritys Scenic Rivers Operation.

The problem might be eased by an expected new infusion of cash from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, he said.

The GRDA board recently approved adding Chaffins 50 acres to its list of new Scenic Rivers Operations Protection Agreements.

The commission is expected to approve spending $500,000 for the new program Monday, of which $112,500 would cover the 30-year agreement on the 50 acres that encompass that river bend. That comes to $75 per acre per year.

Three more properties of 50 to 60 acres in Cherokee and Adair counties are on the list for this year, as well, and more money for easements may be on the horizon, Fite said.

Not all of the easements are so large. On Wednesday, Fite walked a 2-acre plot where 50 to 70 junk vehicles once were stored.

That was a pretty good deal; for $4,500 they got rid of all of that and an old barn that was all in plain view from the river, he said.

Chaffin could sell his land for a lot more, but this way the family still owns it, and it stays on the countys tax rolls.

The agreement puts the property off limits for development, livestock grazing, mowing, ATV use, storage and any timber cutting without an approved plan.

The Chaffin property is a good example because it is familiar to many people. It is just north of the junction of U.S. 62 and Oklahoma 10, the two-lane blacktop that so many people know because its where the popular canoe and raft vendors are lined up along the river.

Falcon Floats is one of the first roadside vendors people see after they turn north on Oklahoma 10. It is next to the Echota Public Access point, a popular take-out spot for people who start floats upriver.

When the river cut through the Chaffin property, it left those two roadside recreation features on a U-shaped bow that, with each flood event, silts in and is closed off from the river a little more, Fite said. They are now about 200 yards from the main channel.

Eventually they will be closed off, and thats a pretty obvious and important recreation and economic impact, Fite said.

The proof in the puddin is right there. Look what she (the river) has done, Fite said. Thats no bulldozers or track-hoes or tree cutting; thats the river doing what she does, making a new channel and closing off the old one.

Fite illustrates what is happening to the river with two facts. In 30 years the population of the river basin has grown from 180,000 to more than 600,000. Over that same course of time, floodwater flow has doubled.

From the Arkansas border to Tahlequah it used to take 24 hours for high water to get here. Now it takes 12, Fite said. We see quicker rises, shorter duration of crests and quicker falls. In the past it would come up slower because of all the vegetation and trees along the river and along the secondary streams that temporarily captured that water.

Land that is grazed or mowed erodes easily. New neighborhoods are built with flood control plans, which save the homes from flooding but in most cases mean water is channeled and sent downhill in a hurry.

The river is doing what it does naturally; it finds the fastest route down the valley, Fite said. The developments, changes in the watershed and exposed riverbanks exacerbate and accelerate the process.

Viewing aerial photos over time shows a change from a meandering timber-lined river with gravel bars to one that weaves through wide expanses of farmland with large gravel bars on the bends and dozens of side channels.

Purchasing conservation easements  an effort that has been off-and-on with Environmental Protection Agency and poultry-lawsuit settlement money since 2004 and the federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program since 2007  is intended to slow that process and ultimately save the state from having to spend more money on emergency stream bank restorations, Fite said.

An example of that also is visible on the Illinois River just downstream from the Chaffin property. Fite drove along the stretch Wednesday and pointed out the grass and trees planted and intended to hold the stream bank.

That was the Conservation Commission and (Department of Transportation) doing a lot of work and spending close to $1 million, he said. Thats not even a quarter-mile stretch.

Looking at an aerial photo of the river where the Chaffin property sits, Fite said he can see where the river already is trying to take yet another shortcut across the bend. Perhaps removing the cattle and allowing vegetation to grow up again will mean it takes decades, instead of years, for that to happen.

Chaffin said he believes in the process and that he knows vegetation will help keep the river in place.

Hopefully in 30 years my family will renew it or can extend it, Chaffin said of the agreement. Depending on how it goes, I might just decide to donate it as a permanent easement to Scenic Rivers.
Two Trump administration nominees with Oklahoma ties were among more than 70 the U.S. Senate confirmed by unanimous consent on Thursday.

Kelly Craft, a Kentucky native married to Tulsa-based coal magnate Joe Craft, was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Canada. The position has typically gone to big donors  which Craft and her husband are  but which could take on additional weight as the U.S., Canada and Mexico begin potentially contentious trade talks.

The Crafts are Kentucky natives and major Republican donors and fundraisers.

Also confirmed Thursday was Edmond's Lance Robertson as Assistant Secretary for Aging at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Robertson, 46, has director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Aging Services Division since 2007.
A woman was arrested on a bench warrant after being shot in the ankle while fending off carjackers attempting to take a stolen car that allegedly was in her possession, police said.

Police identified the woman as 23-year-old Nicole Marie Rumualdo, also known as Nicole Hughes.

Rumualdo told investigators that a man and two women approached her about 10 p.m. Wednesday at a convenience store in the 11300 block of East 11th Street and requested a ride to the Sierra Pointe Apartments, police said.

Rumualdo reportedly told police that she complied, but when she got near the complex, in the 1100 block of South 107th East Avenue, the man told her to turn down a dead-end street.

Rumualdo told investigators the trio demanded her car keys, but that she did not comply and fought with them, police said. When she exited the car, the man reportedly shot her in the ankle.

The trio reportedly fled east on foot, got into a gray vehicle and left the area.

Rumualdo said she drove to a nearby convenience store to get help.

She told investigators that the man was black and the two women were Hispanic, police said.

After Rumualdo was treated at a hospital, police arrested her on an outstanding bench warrant, according to court records.

She was convicted last year of possession of paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance, records show, and she allegedly failed to pay fines.

The issue of the stolen vehicle will be forwarded to the Tulsa County District Attorneys Office, police said.

Anyone with information may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 918-596-COPS (2677), online at p3tips.com/918 or via the Tulsa Tips app, which can be downloaded from Google Play or iTunes.
The Tulsa County Sheriffs Office will implement a new policy next week dictating who can visit inmates at the Tulsa Jail and reducing the number of visitation days.

Sheriffs Office officials announced last month that in-person visitation will be cut from six to two days per week sometime in early August as a cost-saving measure. Currently, half of the jails pods have visitation three days a week, followed by the other half with three additional days.

On Thursday, TCSO issued a release stating that in-person visitation for all pods will be condensed to Sundays and Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. throughout August. They will change to Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in September.

Sheriff Vic Regalado previously told the Tulsa World that his agency expects to save $500,000 a year by shifting eight employees currently assigned to visitation to other job vacancies inside the jail.

Also next week, only immediate family members will be allowed to visit inmates in person, with the exception of attorneys, clergy and bondsmen.

Prospective visitors must fill out an application on tcso.org, and background checks will be conducted on all applicants. The checks could take up to seven days to be completed, according to the release.

The heightened restrictions were put in place as a safety measure, officials say.

The Sheriffs Office is promoting the jails video-visitation system, HomeWAV, which enables anyone to speak with inmates from a computer or mobile device daily between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Officials are negotiating a rate reduction for those who use HomeWAV on their personal devices from 50 cents per minute to 20 cents per minute. The contract is being reviewed by the Tulsa County District Attorneys Office and will go before the Board of County Commissioners for a vote if approved.

Free HomeWAV terminals also can be used daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the upstairs visitation lobby at the jail, 300 N. Denver Ave.
Three men face first-degree murder charges in connection with a fatal shooting inside a vehicle that plowed into a childs bedroom room Tuesday at an apartment complex.

Cedric Warrior, 23; Justin Brooks, 27; and Maurice Sanders, 23, also were charged Thursday in Tulsa County District Court with shooting with intent to kill.

Warrior is in the Tulsa Jail without bond, while arrests warrants were issued for the other two men.

Officers responded to a reported crash at the Westminster Apartments in the 4700 block of East 47th Street around 2 a.m. Tuesday and came across a Chevrolet Tahoe lodged inside a residence.

Police found 32-year-old Charles Walker dead from two gunshot wounds in the backseat of the SUV, according to an affidavit. The driver also had been shot multiple times and was taken to a hospital, where he remained Thursday.

Additionally, an 8-year-old child who was sleeping in the room that the vehicle crashed into was hospitalized with minor injuries.

Investigators, who reportedly found 485 Lortab pills and a pistol inside the Tahoe, determined the incident resulted from a botched drug deal, the affidavit states. The shooting caused the wounded driver to accelerate, sending the vehicle into the building.

Police said they also recovered two cellphones belonging to Walker, which they used to identify Warrior as a suspect and take him into custody.

In an interview with investigators, Warrior said he was the middle man in a pill deal between the victim and two men from Kansas City, Missouri, the affidavit states. Police located two numbers on Warriors phone that led them to identify the remaining suspects as Brooks and Sanders.
The city of Tulsa wants the Oklahoma Supreme Court to step into a case concerning development of a portion of Helmerich Park, asking it to overrule a Tulsa County judges decision to allow a lawsuit to move forward.

City representatives laid out their argument to a Supreme Court referee on Monday, and officials expect to get a ruling in September.

At issue is the future of 8.8 acres, one-eighth of the 65-acre park at the southwest corner 71st Street and Riverside Drive.

UCR Development, a Texas-based developer, has designs for an open-air restaurant and several retail stores on the land, which is owned by the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority. The plans include an anchor tenant thought to be sporting-goods retailer REI.

The matter for the Supreme Court was largely argued in June before Tulsa County District Judge Jefferson Sellers, who sided with the plaintiffs, including former Mayor Terry Young.

The plaintiffs have blocked the planned development at Helmerich Park since 2015, saying the city improperly organized the sale and must maintain the property as park land.

Were asking the Supreme Court to assume original jurisdiction over the case, said City Attorney David OMeilia. Once they do that, the request is to essentially prohibit Judge Sellers from going forward in the case  on the grounds that the district court does not have subject-matter jurisdiction.

That position was made to Sellers in June, but he sided with the plaintiffs, who argued that having the case thrown out for subject-matter jurisdiction basically would bar them from the courthouse altogether, regardless of whether their legal position has merit.

This court (should) find special standing so that the courthouse door is not barred, plaintiffs attorney Greg Bledsoe said in June.

Oklahomas high court could deny the citys request, which would send the case back to Sellers to move forward.

If the Supreme Court assumes jurisdiction in the case, whether the case moves forward would then be up to the justices.

In January, the two sides of the case went to judge-ordered mediation, but no middle ground was reached.

The issue went before the Tulsa City Council in March, when Mayor G.T. Bynum attempted to reach a compromise through a proposal that altered the original deal but would still allow development. The council approved Bynums proposal in a split vote.

In April, opponents staged protests at the park after the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority erected Authorized uses only signs at the parks sand volleyball courts.
Police were summoned to an ice cream parlors parking lot this week on a mental health call involving a 30-year-old woman who was walking around barefoot.

The woman, sunburned and with badly blistered feet, didnt satisfy criteria for police to take her into protective custody for help without consent. She was cognizant of person, place and time, even in a delusional state. The officers ended up contacting her mother, who came to the scene.

Cue the Community Response Team, one of the Tulsa Police Departments latest efforts to better handle mental health crises. The specially trained trio  a Tulsa Police officer, a Tulsa Fire paramedic and a Family & Childrens Services mental health counselor from COPES (Community Outreach Psychiatric Emergency Services)  were sent to meet with the woman. Her mom had called COPES out of concern that her daughters mental state was deteriorating.

The Community Response Team is a pilot program that began in January based on a similar model used in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Tulsa effort started as a one-day-a-week deployment targeted at streamlining 911 services and reducing costly visits to a hospital, mental health clinic or jail. The team also hopes to de-escalate situations and avoid uses of force that could turn deadly.

This is designed to be kind of like a one-stop shop for emergency services, said Megan Henderson, a licensed professional counselor with COPES  a mobile psychiatric crisis program offered by Family & Childrens Services.

The Community Response Team discusses the patient while en route to a convenience store parking lot on Tuesday morning in east Tulsa where the 30-year-old has since moved from the ice cream shop.

Henderson pulls up her name in the Family & Childrens Services database and finds a pretty extensive mental illness history involving schizophrenia. The woman recently had been released from a mental health hospital.

Community Response Team members spot her inside a parked van, with her mother inside the convenience store.

Officer Susannah Ralston makes first contact but slips to the back when the woman, in her delusional state, accuses Ralston of arresting her 11 years ago. That allows one of the other two team members to try to open a line of communication and side-step escalation of the situation.

Theyll project you into their reality, said Tulsa Fire Capt. Bill Esmeyer.

Esmeyer hopes to gain a modicum of trust with the woman by offering to treat her badly damaged feet. She accepts.

Henderson chats with her, notebook in hand. Esmeyer said the woman was completely shut down, but Henderson was able to use her skills to coax conversation out of her. Part of Hendersons assessment involved determining whether the woman needed a higher level of care.

Seated back inside a Tulsa Fire Department Emergency Medical Service truck, the three appraise the results of the call. They chalk up a prevention of a mental health visit, as well as possible avoidance of a hospital trip.

Ralston notes that if she were a typical patrol officer pulling up on the scene, she wouldnt have access to the womans mental health history or advance notice that she was schizophrenic.

Esmeyer said paramedics and officers are geared toward fixing a problem in the moment, not longer-term solutions.

With a mental health counselor present, that person can schedule follow-ups or even obtain an emergency intake appointment.

It changes everything, Esmeyer said.

13,078 mental health calls in 2015

The Community Response Team is in the first week of a one-month stretch of gathering data to analyze the costs and benefits of the program, trying to quantify whether each of the three agencies can net positive gains.

Instead of a single day a week, the team will now work four 10-hour shifts each week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In 2015, the Tulsa Police Department fielded 13,078 mental health calls, according to data provided by the agency. The most frequent were suicidal people, with 3,323 calls.

Second is a 10-85, Tulsa police code for a possible mental health situation, with 2,392. Third are calls that involve transporting a mentally ill person to an out-of-town facility for mental health care, with 2,314.

Esmeyer, who has served as the Community Response Teams paramedic at least a dozen times, said his most important takeaway from participating is the sheer need for this type of program.

I dont think Ive run into the same person twice, Esmeyer said. Youd think youd run into the same person over and over again.

We talk amongst each other  the calls you have  (others who rotate in on the team) never have the same people, either. So youre looking at six months, and you see very few of the same people over and over.

That is genius

The Community Response Team went to a north Tulsa address on Tuesday afternoon after a man called 911 and reportedly didnt make sense twice in the past two days.

On the door was written in all caps: This resi has alz/dem pls do not remove unless med ness care is coming! They are loved.

The resident allowed in Ralston, who is TPDs mental health liaison officer, as well as the other CRT members and two Tulsa World reporters. Written prominently on a wall in black permanent marker were several names and phone numbers of people who could be called if necessary.

That is genius, Ralston said.

She got in touch with the mans daughter, who said she would swing by to see him after work. His nurse showed up and informed Ralston that for some reason he had been extremely agitated recently, which was unusual for him.

Esmeyer said it was obvious that the man was well-cared for. He relayed to the others that the man told him he had dialed 911 in an attempt to obtain an attorney.

The man said he had taken his morning medications. He smiled and laughed as he spoke with the CRT members.

Afterward, Ralston shared with his nurse information about signing up online for Smart911, a system that allows a person to log key information to aid first responders that pops up when a phone number dials in.

Examples include names, descriptions or photos of people, as well as any medical conditions. A home address can be added to a cellphones number. She explained that the personal information is only available if that phone number calls 911 and then disappears after 45 minutes.

Our whole goal is to keep people living with mental illness healthy and happy and living in their homes, Ralston said. We know that they dont like to have the police involved in their lives.
Petra Otee Mangesho is making good on a promise she made as a child living in an overcrowded orphanage in northern Uganda.

The children there played a game where they would share their dreams for the future. Many longed for a life with a ready supply of sugar and bread.

Mangesho had other plans. She told the others that she would leave the orphanage and come back for them.

Today the Tulsan runs Petra Kids Ministries, a nonprofit that operates a school in Uganda and administers a foster program in which children are placed in a familys home while the childs expenses are provided through sponsorship.

I hated the word orphanage. Theres this trauma accompanied to it. You feel like youve been dumped and no one really cares for you, Mangesho said. I think its great that a child grows up in a normal home. Even if they are poor, the child has siblings and a father figure and mother figure. In an orphanage you dont get that.

Mangesho was born and raised in Lira, a city in northern Uganda. Both her parents and an uncle were killed when she was 5, and on the day of her fathers burial, families from area villages volunteered to care for the children.

Mangesho was picked by a woman who had read of her fathers death in the newspaper. She was taken that day to live with the womans family in a different village, and it would be several years before she saw any of her siblings.

The whole scene was very chaotic, she said.

After about three years the family who had taken her in realized that Mangesho was too much of a burden  they already had six children of their own  and she was sent to live in an orphanage.

Life in the orphanage was at times brutal. The children were lucky to get one meal a day and slept on the ground with no mattresses.

You would just lie on the dry dirt and cry yourself to sleep. It was a very bad situation, she said.

By the age of 12, Mangesho had grown into something of a troublemaker and a ringleader.

I was a troubled child always looking for a way to escape. Escape to where? I didnt know, but I knew there was something better, she said.

She recruited two friends and devised a plan to escape. They were successful but quickly found themselves lost in the surrounding forest. They spent three days wandering with no direction and no food.

Starving, the temptation to eat anything they could find grew. Finally they picked some bright red berries. Her friend Alice was the first, and only one, to try them. She immediately started foaming at the mouth and passed out.

A hunter eventually came along and found the three girls. He carried Alice as the other two struggled to walk. After a while they made it to a house, where Alice died and the other two passed out.

When Mangesho woke up in a hospital, she met an Italian nun who had been sitting by her bed. The woman told her she had been looking for her and was going to adopt her.

Mangesho was placed in a boarding school and moved to Kampala, Ugandas capital.

She moved to the United States in November 2005, first living in Utah before moving to Tulsa to attend Oral Roberts University.

She graduated from ORU in 2015 with a degree in leadership studies and is pursuing a masters degree online.

After graduating from ORU, Mangesho was in Kampala working as an intern with Compassion International Ministries. One day she was going home during a storm when she saw three young children crying in the rain.

You kind of become accustomed to it, so you look the other way because what can you do, she said. If youre visiting, its a shock, but after awhile you learn to deal with it and not see it.

This time, though, she couldnt look away. She took the children to her one-bedroom apartment  just for the night  and set off in the morning to find them help.

Everywhere she turned she was unable to find anyone who could help them. Her boss at Compassion told her that if she felt so strongly, she should seek donations to care for the children herself.

From that, Petra Kids Ministries was born.

She reached out to friends and colleagues and found enough pledges to support those three children with clothing, food and school.

The children started bringing more children in need to her, and before she knew it, 15 were receiving support.

Needing more space, Mangesho moved the children to Lira and with the help of the church was able to get homes for them with families in the village.

Petra Kids now helps support 350 children. Many of them live in foster homes and receive financial support from donations. Mangesho has also built a school for children age 3 through seventh grade and dormitories for the older children.

Now they can dream and reach their full potential of being a teacher or an engineer  anything, Mangesho said.
OKLAHOMA CITY - Police on Tuesday arrested a 19-year-old Oklahoma City man on complaints of trafficking in marijuana, his third such arrest in less than a year.

Officers said they know the man well and that theyve arrested his parents and his brother for marijuana in the past.

His name? Brandon Clay Weed.

Weed and his girlfriend, Vanessa Lila Yahola, 18, were arrested about 1:10 p.m. at a home in the 8700 block of NW 90 along with two other people after officers obtained a warrant to search the house.
EL RENO  Three people have been charged with first-degree murder in the July 14 death of an Oklahoma City man.

Edward Dean Ellis, 30, of Okemah; Jennifer Danielle Smith, 25, of Oklahoma City; and Geremey King, 25, of Okemah, were all charged Thursday.

Smith and King, a couple, were arrested July 21 when police apprehended them at an Okemah apartment. Ellis turned himself in to the Okemah police on July 24.

The three are accused in the death of William Poe, 54, whose body was found in the bathroom of a home in the 12500 block of SW 14, according to a police report.
On Sunday 60 Minutes hears from survivors of a 2007 Melbourne CBD shooting, and catches up with lipstick queen Poppy King.

In the Line of Fire

One moment they were three strangers going to work on an ordinary Monday morning in Melbournes CBD. Then, in the blink of an eye, Natalie Gullace, Paul de Waard and Brendan Keilar found themselves deliberately walking into the line of gunfire  staring down and trying to stop an armed madman hellbent on murdering his girlfriend. The heroism the trio showed is beyond words, and while it saved Kaera Douglass life it came with a terrible cost. Kaera, Paul and Brendan were shot by drug-fuelled bikie Christopher Hudson, and Brendan died from his wounds. For the first time since the shooting the three survivors reunite to pay tribute to Brendan. They tell Tara Brown the trauma of that day will never leave them, and that a fate as cruel as this should be a reminder to everyone that theres nothing more precious than life itself.

Reporter: Tara Brown

Producer: Laura Sparkes

Tall Poppy

Remember Poppy King? Twenty-five years ago the then-teenage cosmetics entrepreneur from Melbourne could do no wrong. From nothing, Poppy created a multimillion-dollar lipstick empire and was even named Young Australian of the Year. But when the business hit hard times and collapsed, the lipstick queens reputation, once so admired, was smudged almost beyond repair. Red-faced Poppy King left Australia, believing she would never come back. She moved to New York where she picked herself up and dusted herself off. It has taken years of hard work, but as Liz Hayes discovers, a 45-year-old Poppy is now back in business and absolutely thriving.

Reporter: Liz Hayes

Producer: Phil Goyen

8:30pm Sunday on Nine.
Indigenous filmmakers aged 18-35 can now apply for RAW, a new initiative that will develop skills through the production of a TV pilot that will be pitched to ABC.

The initiative is backed by Leah Purcell and Wayne Blair as Mentors and Executive Producers.

The recent success of Cleverman and its return for a second season demonstrates there is a genuine appetite for contemporary Indigenous storytelling at the moment, but limited opportunity for those storytellers to be heard, Purcell said.

Our aim is to nurture the talents of young Indigenous filmmakers by giving them real industry experience, while also bringing Indigenous content made by talented storytellers, to an international audience whos hungry for bold storytelling, Blair said.

RAW comprises two phases. In the first phase up to three concepts will be selected for development into a shortform digital-first series. From these three, one concept will be chosen to continue through to become a completed TV pilot. In the second phase, additional writers, a producer and director will have the opportunity to develop the chosen concept into a fully produced pilot, to the production value of $60,000. The pilot will then be considered for full production by ABC Indigenous. The initiative includes intensive Writers Room workshops with leading industry figures, and all participant expenses will be covered.

Celebrated Indigenous directors Blair and Purcell  known for their collaboration on acclaimed ABC TV series Cleverman and Redfern Now  are the lead mentors for the young filmmakers.

RAW is supported by Artology  an award-winning organisation focused on championing youth creativity  in collaboration with ABC Indigenous, and run in partnership with the Indigenous Unit at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS).

Artologys Creative Producer for RAW, Liliana Munoz, said the program was a first in that it encourages young Indigenous content makers to pitch their very own shortform originals for the opportunity to ultimately have it made for premium online platforms in Australia and internationally.

RAW is a very exciting initiative, said ABC TV Head of Indigenous Kelrick Martin, and we look forward to seeing incredible ideas submitted from young Indigenous filmmakers around the country that reflect their unique world and their point of view.

The three concepts, and up to seven successful applicants will be chosen from ideas submitted online, with the selections made by Blair, Purcell, Head of ABC Indigenous Kelrick Martin, and AFTRS Head of Indigenous Unit, Kyas Sherriff.

What well be looking for are applicants with original concepts and a creative approach that will meet the demand for new Indigenous content head-on, and with a global appeal, Sherriff said.

Applications are open until August 28, 2017 at rawfilmmakers.com.
League route

Istanbul Basaksehir (TUR) v Sevilla (ESP)

 This will be Istanbul Basaksehir's first meeting with a Spanish club in UEFA competition.

 One team or other has scored three goals in each of Sevilla's three meetings with Turkish clubs in UEFA club competition. The Spanish side were 3-0 home winners against Besiktas at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in the group stage of their victorious UEFA Cup campaign in 2005/06.

The Champions League play-off draw Sportsfile

 Less happily for Sevilla, their UEFA Champions League campaign was ended by Fenerbahce in 2007/08. Beaten 3-2 in Istanbul in the first leg of their round of 16 tie, Sevilla won by the same scoreline in Spain only to lose the ensuing penalty shoot-out  also 3-2.

Young Boys (SUI) v CSKA Moskva (RUS)

 Young Boys have won both previous home games against Russian clubs  and lost both away. The Swiss club beat Zenit 2-1 in the first leg of their 2010/11 UEFA League round of 32 tie, but were eliminated after losing 3-1 in St Petersburg; in the group stage of the same competition in 2012/13 they were beaten 2-0 at Anji but won 3-1 at home.

 CSKA have won both their previous games against Swiss clubs. They recorded a 3-0 victory at Lausanne-Sport in the 2010/11 UEFA Europa League and were then 5-1 winners at home.

Nice's Mario Balotelli is looking for a first win against Napoli Getty Images

Napoli (ITA) v Nice (FRA)

 Napoli won both their last two meetings with French teams, beating Marseille away (2-1) and home (3-2) in the 2013/14 group stage.

 The Italian side's knockout record in UEFA competition against Ligue 1 clubs is W1 L2, all three ties coming in the UEFA Cup; they beat Bordeaux 1-0 on aggregate in the 1988/89 third round but lost on penalties to Toulouse in the first round in 1986/87 and were beaten by Paris 2-0 over two legs in the 1992/93 second round.

 Nice have never played a Serie A side in UEFA competition.

 Mario Balotelli was sent off in AC Milan's 2-1 home defeat by Napoli on 22 September 2013. The Italy striker's record against the Partonopei for Internazionale and Milan was W0 D1 L4  he failed to score in that time.

Hoffenheim (GER) v Liverpool (ENG)

 This is Hoffenheim's first European tie.

 Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six meetings with German clubs. Their overall record is P36 W17 D13 L6 F58 A31 (W11 D3 L0 at home; W2 D8 L4 away).

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino is looking forward to a Hoffenheim reunion Getty Images

 Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faced Hoffenheim 16 times as a manager during his time in Germany. His record was D1 L1 with Mainz; W5 D5 L4 while at Borussia Dortmund.

 Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino was at Hoffenheim between 2011 and 2015, scoring 38 goals in 140 league games.

Sporting CP (POR) v FCSB (ROU)

 Sporting have played six previous matches against Romanian clubs  and the home team has won every one, with the away team failing to score on every occasion.

 The Lisbon club got the better of FC Timisoara in the 1990/91 UEFA Cup second round (7-0 home, 0-2 away) but lost to Dinamo Bucuresti in the first round of the same competition in 1991/92 (1-0 home, 0-2 away).

 In the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League group stage, Sporting were 2-0 home winners against Vaslui, losing 1-0 in Romania.

 FCSB have won only one of their previous six games against clubs from Portugal, beating Rio Ave 2-1 in Bucharest in the 2014/15 UEFA Europa League group stage; they drew 2-2 away.

 FCSB's previous four ties with Portuguese clubs all came against Benfica, to whom they lost in the 1987/88 European Champion Clubs' Cup semi-finals (0-0 home, 0-2 away). In the 1994/95 UEFA Champions League group stage, a 2-1 defeat in Lisbon was followed by a 1-1 draw in Romania.

Highlights: Six stunning play-off round goals

Champions route

Qarabag (AZE) v Kbenhavn (DEN)

 The teams met in the 1998/99 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup qualifying round, with FCK easing to a 10-0 aggregate victory (6-0 home, 4-0 away).

 That tie was also the only time either side has played a club from their opponents' country.

APOEL (CYP) v Slavia Praha (CZE)

 APOEL have played two previous knockout ties against Czech clubs. They lost to Slavia's city rivals Sparta Praha in the 2004/05 second qualifying round (2-2 home, 1-2 away) but got the better of Jabolec in the 2010/11 UEFA Europa League third qualifying round (1-0 home, 3-1 away).

 The Cypriot club also played Sparta in the 2015/16 UEFA Europa League group stage, losing 2-0 away and 3-1 at home.

 Slavia have never played a club from Cyprus in UEFA competition.

Olympiacos (GRE) v Rijeka (CRO)

 Olympiacos have played six previous matches against Croatian opposition. They beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 at home in the 1977/78 UEFA Cup first round first leg only to lose the return 5-1, but they have enjoyed better fortune in UEFA Champions League group games against the same opponents.

 The Greek club beat Dinamo 2-0 at home in the 1998/99 group stage, drawing 1-1 away, and recorded away (1-0) and home (2-1) wins against the Zagreb outfit in 2015/16.

 Rijeka have never played a Greek team.

Watch: five huge play-off round shocks

Celtic (SCO) v Astana (KAZ)

 Celtic came out on top when the teams met in last season's third qualifying round. A 1-1 draw in Kazakhstan was followed by a 2-1 success for the Scottish club in Glasgow; Leigh Griffiths scored in both ties, with Moussa Dembele's 90th-minute penalty in the second leg proving decisive. Yuri Logvinenko scored Astana's first-leg goal.

 Celtic also came out on top in their only other tie against opposition from Kazakhstan, turning round a 2-0 first-leg loss at Shakhter Karagandy in the 2013/14 play-offs with a 3-0 second-leg win at Celtic Park.

 The 2016/17 meeting was Astana's sole tie against a club from Scotland.

Hapoel Beer-Sheva (ISR) v Maribor (SVN)

 Hapoel have never played a team from Slovenia before.

 Maribor's record in knockout ties against Israeli clubs is W1 L1. They lost 3-2 on aggregate to Maccabi Haifa in the 2011/12 third qualifying round (1-2 away, 1-1 home) but beat Maccabi Tel-Aviv by the same aggregate score, at the same stage, three years later (1-0 home, 2-2 away).
| By Alex Likowski

Lentigen Technology Inc., a subsidiary of Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, has acquired immunotherapy start-up Living Pharma, Inc. Eduardo Davila, PhD, Living Pharma Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, who is also a faculty member of the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), along with Koji Tamada, MD, PhD, UMSOM, invented Living Pharmas anti-tag-chimeric antigen receptor (AT-CAR) technology.

Current CAR-T cell therapies detect only a single tumor-associated antigen, thus requiring multiple CAR-T products for treating an individuals cancer. Living Pharmas solution, AT-CAR, recognizes a specific tag that is part of a tumor-targeting molecule. By adding or withdrawing the tumor-targeting molecule, CAR activity can be regulated. For example, CAR activity could be removed once the therapy has had its anti-tumor effect. The Living Pharma technology also endows a single AT-CAR T-cell product with the adaptability to target and destroy multiple cancer types and the potential to sequentially or simultaneously target a panel of tumor antigens.

The intellectual property behind AT-CAR technology is fundamental for the development of universal CAR-T cell therapeutics that couple a universal AT-CAR with tumor-targeting molecules, like an antibody, in the body. The potential of this technology is substantial and it could take CAR-T cell therapeutics to the next level, said Boro Dropulic, Lentigens Chief Science Officer and General Manager. Furthermore, with our operations in Gaithersburg, Maryland, its ideal for us to propel forward a technology developed right in our backyard and coming out of one of the States top institutions  the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Leveraging the capabilities and resources of Lentigen and Miltenyi Biotec with Living Pharmas universal CAR-T cell technology is a win-win for our companies and for individuals living with hard-to-treat cancers, said Ronald P. Dudek, President and Co-Founder of Living Pharma, and former VP Commercial Strategy at Juno Therapeutics, Inc. I look forward to joining the Lentigen and Miltenyi Biotec team to further develop the AT-CAR technology and to advance products for personalized cancer therapy into the clinic.

Phil Robilotto, DO, UMBs Assistant Vice President for Technology Transfer and board representative for Living Pharma, added, We are very excited by this acquisition as it enables the AT-CAR technology to receive benefits from both a global leader in Miltenyi and a growing local collaborator in Lentigen  while also further validating the Universitys New Venture Initiative model, in general.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
An Afghan mother hugs her child and weeps with relief on arrival on the Greek island of Lesvos.  UNHCR/Giles Duley

LONDON  Photographer Giles Duley travelled to countries in the Middle East and Europe in 2015 and 2016 documenting the refugee crisis, in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

The resulting images, shot on celluloid film mostly in black and white giving them a timeless quality, have been assembled and published as a book, I can only tell you what my eyes see.

Duley is renowned for his humanitarian photographic work. It has taken him into the lives of men, women and children uprooted by war and persecution, yet who resolutely make the most of their lives.

Giles has pictured their encounters with a new reality, that of life as a refugee  walking, grieving, playing, resting, questioning, teaching, thinking. Trying to survive, seeking ways to rebuild their lives, United Nations High Commissioner Filippo Grandi writes in the introduction. The result is a collection of images of powerful and arresting intimacy.

Duley is himself a war survivor. He lost both legs and his left arm in 2011 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device, or IED, while photographing U.S. troops on patrol in Afghanistan. The blast nearly killed him

He dedicated the book to a Syrian girl, Aya, who has spina bifida, and Khouloud, a Syrian refugee mother paralysed from the neck down by a snipers bullet. He met and photographed them with their families in Lebanon where they lived as refugees in makeshift tents. These meetings were a turning point for him.

When everybody else had given up on me, they were the first to believe in me, that I can tell their stories, he explained. They were the ones that gave me my life back. In some small way, I hope this book does that for them.

The book I can only tell you what my eyes see is published by Saqi Books. All profits are donated to UNHCR to protect the rights and well-being of refugees all over the world. His photos will be exhibited at the Old Truman Brewery gallery in London in October 2017.
Cameroonian migrant Daniel pictured in Agadez, Niger. He left his homeland with his uncle and brother, but was detained and tortured in Libya.  UNHCR/Louise Donovan

AGADEZ, Niger  Daniel knows well the dangers of the route to Libya. As he recalls his journey from his native Cameroon, the details spill out in a staccato of words, fidgets and sideways glances, an occasional smile dashing across his face. It is not excitement, but despair, that drives the constant movement.

He is a man used to being on the move. The 26-year-old left his homeland earlier this year with his twin brother and uncle, aiming to reach Libya, then Europe. But for the trio, as for untold thousands of others, the trip went badly wrong as they fell into the hands of ruthless smugglers.

When we reached Libya, the driver told us we had to pay another 1,500 dinars (US$1,100) per person, so 4,500 dinars for all three, he says. We didnt have any more money. We tried to explain the situation, but they didnt want to hear it.

So for lack of pay-off money, the three were thrown into one of Libyas informal detention centres, Daniel says, and beaten with weapons.

We were tortured, kept in a compound where other passengers were allowed to go out, but not us since they thought we might escape, he explains.

He was then taken back here, to neighbouring Niger, where he was bound into forced labour by his Libyan captors, while his family remained hostage across the border. When they finally released him, two months later, he had no money, nowhere to call home, and a ransom demand to pay.

Niger: the economy of human trafficking (Alex St-Denis, camera / Michelle Hoffman, producer)

Daniels harrowing journey took him along a centuries-old caravan trail to the Mediterranean, and left him at one of its crossroads  Agadez.

Once a hub in the trade in gold and salt, the low-slung labyrinth of ochre-walled compounds on the southern edge of the Sahara desert is now a centre in a dangerous trade in guns, drugs and, above all, people. In 2016 some 330,000 people crossed to Libya from Niger, mostly through Agadez, including about a quarter of them from Niger itself.

In 2015, largely in response to pressure from EU governments, Niger began cracking down on operators helping those travellers, mainly from West and Central Africa, cross into Libya. In return, the EU has offered more than 2 billion in aid to help the region  also including other priority African countries  on issues ranging from security to economic development.

While the numbers of people transiting through Agadez has dropped since the crackdown began, some observers say it is simply forcing the business of people smuggling underground, making the illicit trade even riskier.

Smugglers are taking alternative routes that are less well known  and charging higher prices for their services. Those who call themselves migration service providers in Agadez also say their business of transporting people is now attracting more criminal traffickers who also transport drugs and weapons.

"Irrespective of the status ... we are telling people it is dangerous to go to Libya."

Groups of migrants have been abandoned in the desert  some deliberately, others when a smugglers vehicle breaks down. Sometimes they are rescued but unknown numbers have died  and some estimate the figures of those who have perished en route in the deserts of Niger and in Libya are higher than the figures of those lost at sea heading to Europe.

Across the border in Libya, a whole host of other threats await. The country, in the throes of civil and political upheaval, has simply become a machine that destroys humans, said Vincent Cochetel, UNHCRs Special Envoy for the Central Mediterranean Situation, during a visit to Niger last week.

Irrespective of the status of people  whether they are economic migrants or refugees  we are telling people it is dangerous to go to Libya. People disappear. People are killed in the desert, much more than the people being killed in the Mediterranean trying to cross to go to Europe," he said.

Most of those who risk this desperate journey have been considered migrants, but analysis by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, shows that about 30 per cent of those who take migration routes through Niger could qualify for protection, including humanitarian status, once they reach Europe. Thus, tens of thousands of people traumatized by war, political persecution and terrorism go headlong into more danger.

A view over Agadez, Niger.  UNHCR/Louise Donovan

Its something Ive learned during this trip to Agadez, from testimonies weve heard from people, said Cochetel. Everybody has seen people dying in front of them in detention centres ... either in the hands of militias, or smugglers and traffickers. Everyone has had that experience  So were telling people its for your own protection. Its dangerous to be there. There are solutions on the way.

UNHCR has stepped up its operations in Niger, both to identify and protect vulnerable people of concern, and to help the Niger government to improve its capacity for determining asylum claims. It is also working closely with its partner, the International Organization for Migration, to reach out to people who may have fled war or persecution, to let them know that asylum is possible in Niger.

"I know that Ive done my part as a Christian  warning them about what happens out there.

As part of a wider drive to tackle the root causes of displacement, the UN Refugee Agency continues to offer its support to governments to seek lasting political solutions to the conflicts that provoke humanitarian crises in the region and worldwide.

After two months Daniel was released by his captors onto the streets of Agadez. There he has found some solace in the citys tiny Catholic parish and its priest, Father Pascal, who ministers to many migrants and refugees. Daniel has found the courage to voice his story and deliver a message to those who will listen.

Ive met other people here who want to go to Libya, he said. I told them about what Ive gone through. I dont know if theyve gone anyway or not. Thats up to them. But I know that Ive done my part as a Christian  warning them about what happens out there.
Then and Now is a series of stories profiling refugees who have journeyed to Canada over the years, in search of safety, stability and a chance at a better life.

Starting from 1956, when Canada accepted its first major intake of refugees, the project uses archived images and family photos to tell the stories of refugees from Hungary, Viet Nam, Uganda, Somalia, Colombia and beyond.

Join filmmaker Annie Sakkab and writer Leyland Cecco as they discover what the country means to people forced to leave theirs behind.
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
Wyoming Business Tips for Aug. 13-19

A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By John Privette, WSBDC regional director

How will my personal creditworthiness affect obtaining a business loan? Bob, Cheyenne

For a small-business owner, knowing how banks decide whether to give you a loan, and at what rate, is important.

A personal credit history is an important consideration and, the more you know, the easier it will be to take the actions needed to improve personal creditworthiness. A survey conducted by Credit Karma highlighted seven often-misunderstood facts about credit:

-- Multiple credit scores: There is no one official credit score. The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and each bureau developed its own proprietary credit score model.

-- Collections impact: Paying off a collections account does not automatically remove it from a credit report. Collections accounts can remain on a credit report for up to seven years, paid or not. Resolving collections could still benefit credit health.

-- The benefit of open accounts: Closing unused cards is not always the best action to take. It is usually best to keep all credit cards open, active and on time. Closing an account could raise credit use rates and drop a credit score.

-- Self-checking: Checking on your credit score and requesting a credit report does not affect the credit score. Self-checking is considered a soft inquiry, as opposed to a hard inquiry from a bank.

-- Income exclusion: Annual income is not included in a credit score calculation. Most lenders will request income information and consider debt-to-income ratios in lending decision making.

-- Zero balance, no problem: You do not have to carry a balance on your credit card from month to month to build credit ratings. It is important to use a credit card, but you receive credit value even with a zero balance.

-- Credit variety: Having a healthy variety of credit accounts -- such as credit cards, mortgage and auto loans -- can add to on-time payment history and help your credit.

A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments are available at www.wyomingsbdc.org/blog1/.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.
According to the department, the city won't give the go-ahead until the Ministry of Transport review the two-year pilot project of applying science and technology to support management and connect passenger services of contracted cars such as in Uber and Grab Car cases.



The ministry will announce the legal framework to better manage such services.



"After the government and the Ministry of Transport issue legal documents related to the services, we'll work with related agencies to consult the city people's committee and allow them to operate in accordance with the procedures and regulations," the department's representative said.



The department will meet with Uber Vietnam to halt the advertised service being made available in the city.



Uber Vietnam had previously announced on its website that after three years in Vietnam, the company would start a pilot run in Danang starting from August 1. Passengers would be given free rides during the first week.
Top Thai Brands 2017 is an important event in the series of trade promotion activities in Vietnam, with the slogan of Stepping towards Globalisation, co-organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Ministry of Commerce of Thailands Office of Commercial Affairs, the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi, and Vietnam National Trade Fair and Advertising Company (Vinexad).

The annual expo will take place from August 17 to August 20, 2017 at Hanoi International Exhibition Centre (ICE), Friendship Cultural Palace, 91 Tran Hung Dao street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.

Top Thai Brand has welcomed numerous visitors last year

This year, Top Thai Brands will hold the first two days for trade (August 17 and 18), and the last two days for the public (August 19 and 20). This special arrangement aims to create favourable conditions for either trade promotion and businessmen, giving them the chance to introduce their products and services for the professional eye. This is a new outstanding feature of Top Thai Brands 2017.

In particular, during the trading days, this is the first time Top Thai Brands spends two days for business matching (B2B) and relevant activities on-site. 113 companies and business associations from Thailand will be present at the event to meet up with Vietnamese companies and importers, with the hope that they can find appropriate Vietnamese trade partners for future businesses partnership.

Regarding the public days, 192 booths of Thai companies and their big agents in Vietnam will exhibit various categories of high-quality products and services from Thailand, including food and beverages, household products, baby products, fashion products, electronic appliances, automotive products, healthcare and beauty products, trade services, and so on.

A booth from last year

Besides the main activities, there will be interesting additional performances, such as fruit and vegetable carving, fresh flowers handworks, Thai cooking demonstration, and Thai dancing with professional dancers from Thailand.

Top Thai Brands 2017 is expected not only to promote bilateral trade and investment activities between Thailand and Vietnam, but also to enhance the mutual understanding of the cultures of both countries.
The Ninh Binh Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital lacks environmental impact report, and construction work on it is temporarily halted due to a shortage of funds. - Photo dantri.com.vn

The hospital investor has been fined for not having the environmental impact report for the past eight years.

The investor of the project is the management board of the Ninh Binh Civil and Industrial Investment and Construction Project.

Construction work on the hospital started in 2010; however, the investor did not have the environmental impact report as regulated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Inspectors from the Ninh Binh Department of Natural Resources and Environment on June 26 this year checked and proposed that the provincial Peoples Committee impose an administrative fine on the investor of the hospital.

Nguyen Ngoc Thach, deputy director of the provincial Peoples Committee, signed the decision on the administrative fine, in which he temporarily suspended construction work on the hospital for 60 days.

The management board of the Ninh Binh Civil and Industrial Investment and Construction Project was requested to complete all legal procedures related to environment protection to submit to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

The Ninh Binh Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital has total investment of VN2.7 trillion (US$120 million). At present, construction work on the hospital is temporarily halted due to a shortage of funds.

A leader of the management board of the Ninh Binh Civil and Industrial Investment and Construction Project told the Dan Tri (Peoples Intellectual Standards) e-newspaper that the board took over the project from another investor, and was unaware that the hospital lacked environmental impact report.

At present, construction work on the hospital has been halted until the report is complete and sufficient funds can be collected. The management board does not know when construction work will resume.
HDFinance was renamed HD Saison Finance after Japanese Credit Saison acquired 49 per cent

Foreign investors show interest

According to a source of VIR, after the takeover of ANZ Vietnams retail business, South Korean Shinhan Bank is planning to acquire a financial institution in Vietnam. This plan is aimed at expanding its business in the Vietnamese retail banking sector.

In addition, the source revealed that not only Shinhan Bank, but two other Japanese investors are also negotiating to purchase 49 per cent of the stakes in two different Vietnamese financial institutions.

At the end of last year, Shinsei Bank from Japan purchased a 49 per cent stake in Mcredit, the consumer finance arm of Military Bank. Afterwards, MCredit was renamed MB Shinsei Consumer Finance Limited Liability Company.

Earlier, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) allowed Ho Chi Minh City Development Bank (HDBank) to transfer 49 per cent of its capital in consumer finance company HDFinance to Japanese Credit Saison Co., Ltd.

After the completion of this sale, HDBank retains 50 per cent of HDFinance. With 49 per cent now belonging to Credit Saison Co., Ltd., and the last 1 per cent to Ho Chi Minh City Securities Corporation (HSC), subsequently, HDFinance was renamed HD Saison Finance.

Foreign investors interest in domestic financial institutions show that they highly appreciate the potential growth of Vietnamese consumer finance. The statistics of StoxPlus, a leading financial and business information corporation in Vietnam, demonstrates that in 2016 the Vietnamese consumer finance market was valued at $26.55 billion.

Especially, in recent years, the market has seen a very high annual growth rate of 30-40 per cent. Economist Dinh The Hien said an overseas wave of investment is poised to hit domestic financial institutions in 2017 and some M&A deals would be implemented soon.

Notably, many M&A deals in the consumer finance market were implemented by various enterprises from Japan. Besides common cultural traits, it is believed that Japanese firms experience in the retail sector and their cautiousness are necessary for the future development of Vietnamese financial institutions, which are very young and lacking in experience.

Domestics banks to follow trend

The increasing wave of domestic investment in financial institutions mainly derives from the restructuring policy for financial institutions of SBV. Up till now, there have been six M&A deals among domestic commercial banks and Vietnamese financial institutions.

However, most commercial banks M&A deals were with domestic enterprises, except for MBBank, which dealt with Japan partners, and HDBank, which acquired a French-invested company in Vietnam. Thus, commercial banks are now looking for foreign strategic shareholders and the amount of stakes sold may be up to 49 per cent.

Regarding FE Credit, VPBank does not have any plans to sell its stake in this financial institution as it has generated significant profit so far.

Also, the number of commercial banks aiming to develop consumer finance services seems to increase. In early 2017, Orient Commercial Joint Stock Bank (OCB) asked its shareholders about establishing a new financial enterprise or purchasing an existing one. Meanwhile, Asian Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ACB) has expressed interest in purchasing Post and Telecommunication Finance Company Limited (PTFinance).

Currently, the four biggest commercial banks in VietnamBIDV, Agribank, Vietcombank, and VietinBankhave yet to establish or conduct any M&A deal with financial institutions. In the past, BIDV did schedule purchasing a company in the consumer finance field, but the final decision was not made due to worries that the company may not be good enough. Regarding VietinBank, after the failure in merging with PGBank, it does not show any interest in establishing or purchasing another financial company.

Economist Can Van Luc said that many commercial banks can develop their consumer finance business without establishing or acquiring any financial institutions.
Some 10 billion eggs were produced in the country last year by about 1,000 poultry farms, with many of them going across the border into Germany. (AFP/Patrick HUISMAN)

Some 10 billion eggs were produced in the country last year by about 1,000 poultry farms, with many of them going across the border into Germany. (AFP/Patrick HUISMAN)

Amid fears the Dutch poultry industry could be facing huge financial losses, German officials said late Thursday they believed three million tainted eggs had been made their way into the country and been sold.

After shuttering 180 businesses earlier in the week, the Dutch food authority (NVWA) said following tests that 138 poultry farms - about a fifth of all such concerns in the country - would remain closed, with one batch of eggs posing "an acute danger to public health".

Eggs from another 59 farms contained high enough levels of the insecticide, fipronil, that the food authority warned they should not be eaten by children.

"Those businesses whose egg codes have been printed on the website will remain closed," the NVWA said, publishing a list of 138 codes printed on the sides of the eggs, which identify which farm they have come from.

According to Dutch media, some 10 billion eggs were produced in the country last year by about 1,000 poultry farms, with many of them going across the border into Germany.

SCRAMBLE IN GERMANY

The German agricultural ministry said "at least three million contaminated eggs" had been delivered from the Netherlands to Germany in recent weeks, most of which had been sold.

"Germany has been worse affected" than initially thought, admitted German Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt after holding a "crisis teleconference" on Thursday with his counterparts in German states.

Manufactured by Germany's BASF among other companies, fipronil is commonly used in veterinary products to get rid of fleas, lice and ticks.

But it is banned from being used to treat animals destined for human consumption, such as chickens.

The European Commission said it had been made aware of the egg issue, and spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen told reporters developments were being monitored "very closely".

"What I can say is that the farms are identified, the eggs are blocked, the contaminated eggs are traced and withdrawn from the market, and the situation is under control."

RED LICE

It is believed the toxic substance was introduced to poultry farms by a Dutch business, named Chickfriend, brought in to treat red lice, a nasty parasite in chickens. Dutch and Belgian media reports that the substance containing the insecticide was supplied to Chickfriend by a Belgian firm have not been confirmed.

German officials are also investigating reports that the contaminated product had been delivered directly to German poultry farms in the Lower Saxony region, which then sold their eggs in other parts of the country.

The biggest supermarket chain in The Netherlands, Albert Heijn, said meanwhile it was pulling 14 types of eggs from its shelves.

"All the eggs of these 14 kinds have been sent back to the depot and destroyed," company spokeswoman Els van Dijk told AFP.

Belgium's federal food chain security agency (AFSCA) has also launched a criminal investigation in cooperation with prosecutors.

Tests have found fipronil in some eggs but not in quantities that pose a threat to human health. None of the eggs have made it to Belgian supermarket shelves, the Belgian authority said.

In large quantities, the insecticide is considered to be "moderately hazardous" according to the World Health Organisation, and can have dangerous effects on people's kidneys, liver and thyroid glands.

With losses expected to run into millions of euros, it is another blow for Dutch poultry farmers after 190,000 ducks were culled in November amid a highly infectious strain of bird flu.
Reacting to positive developments in the private sector, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc reaffirmed the growth target for the year

On August 3, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc reaffirmed the government cabinet meeting that the government will remove all impediments and prejudice against private firms and that All efforts must be made to hit the target of 6.7 per cent this year.

The government estimated that the agricultural, industrial-construction, and commercial-services sectors are expected to grow by 3.05, 7.91, and 7.19 per cent, respectively, in 2017.

The Vietnamese investment climate has been significantly improved and investors and enterprises are more confident, Phuc added.

At the the second Vietnam Private Sector Forum 2017 in Hanoi earlier this week, chaired by the prime minister and attended by representatives of about 1,000 private firms in Vietnam, an on-site survey was conducted about firms confidence in Vietnams economic prospects. Results showed that 56 per cent of respondents believe their business performance will increase in 2017, and only 21 per cent foresaw decrease in 2017.

About 52 per cent think that the governments target of seeing one million operational enterprises by 2020 is within reach.

Before the forum was held, organisers also conducted a survey of over 245 CEOs of enterprises in Vietnam. Results showed that 61 per cent of respondents expected their firms profit to rise this year, and 52 per cent reported that their profit climbed last year. Some 63 per cent will expand their business this year.

In a specific case, Pham Gia Nghia, director of Inico Trade and Investment Co., Ltd. in the northern province of Bac Ninh, told VIR at the forum that this firm is expanding its partner network with Japanese and Korean firms to export plastics pellets and paper trays and is also planning to open two branches in southern Binh Duong province and Ho Chi Minh City.

We are providing products to Chinese partners and are expecting a 20 per cent rise in both revenue and profit, said Nghia. We now have to deal with simpler administrative procedures as compared to one year ago.

Phuc also said that with the government boosting state-owned enterprise (SOE) equitisation, private firms will have opportunities to engage further in many key sectors in the economy currently controlled by the state, like electricity, telecommunications, finance, banking, transport, health, and education.

Economists from Spain-based FocusEconomics, which provides in-depth economic analysis around the world, said in a report on Vietnams seven-month economic situation that the countrys investment prospects are high since reforms underway to liberalise SOEs have improved the business climate.

On July 10, 2017, Phuc announced lifting restrictions on the foreign ownership limit in SOEs.

Relaxing the control will enable foreign investors to enter such conditional services sectors as telecommunications, finance and banking. The government expects to raise $7 billion from share sales in the first equitisation round, said the report.

According to FocusEconomics, the positive spillover of healthy foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the economy will be felt in the manufacturing and construction sectors as new foreign-invested factories open.

This, coupled with positive growth prospects for Vietnams main trading partners, suggests that the economy will be one of the most dynamic in Southeast Asia in 2017, said the report.

In this years first seven months, the total registered FDI hit $21.93 billion, up 52 per cent year-on-year, and the total disbursed sum reached $9.05 billion, up 5.8 per cent year-on-year.

Also during the period, Vietnam witnessed nearly 73,000 newly-established enterprises registered at $31.34 billion, up 39 per cent year-on-year.
Shibukawa Animal Park's giant tortoise, which has escaped for the second time in less than two weeks. (Photo: Shibukawa Zoo)

Shibukawa Animal Park's giant tortoise, which has escaped for the second time in less than two weeks. (Photo: Shibukawa Zoo)

A Japanese zoo said Thursday (Aug 3) it was searching for its giant tortoise, which has escaped for the second time in less than two weeks.

The reptile, measuring about 1m in length, was captured on security cameras as she wandered out of the main entrance of Shibukawa Animal Park in western Japan's Okayama prefecture on Tuesday morning, according to zoo staffer Yoshimi Yamane.

The tortoise "won't immediately die because it will eat grass available around the zoo, but we're all very worried", Yamane told AFP.

"She's quiet and gentle," Yamane said, adding that the zoo has received no reports of sightings of the approximately 35-year-old tortoise.

Tuesday's escape was the second time in less than a fortnight that the fleet-footed reptile, which is allowed to walk freely inside the park during opening hours, fled the zoo.

Yamane said it was found walking down the road 150m away from the zoo on Jul 21.

"I spotted her on the way to the zoo. I stopped my car and asked my colleagues to help," she said. "She can walk faster than we can ever imagine."
Production chain at the Japanese-owned Yamato Industries at the Que Vo Industrial Zone in the northern province of Bac Ninh. - VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam

Nagai Katsuro of the Japanese Embassy to Viet Nam stressed that in recent years, co-operation between the two countries has been extremely close.

The Joint Initiative Phase VI that ends this year is divided into main seven issues that Japan wishes to solve and implement together with Viet Nam, so that the latter can improve its business and investment environment in the near future, said Nagai.

The initiative focuses on labour, salary, logistics, transportation, support for small- and medium-sized enterprises, restrictive rules applicable to foreign investors in the Investment Law and the Enterprise Law, and pharmaceutical distribution.

One issue raised by Japan at the meeting was labour and wages. Commenting on this, Nguyen Tien ang, head of the Salary Department under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), said the current method of calculating base salary is not transparent, and that basic data and survey methods to calculate base living expenses for workers are yet to be completed, hence the lack of results.

ang also said that the growth of the Consumer Price Index and the Gross Domestic Product are not in sync with the salary growth rates, which cause problems for foreign direct investors in the country.

To address the confusion, the Vietnamese and Japanese sides will conduct additional discussions, making sure that foreign firms in Viet Nam do not have to increase their workers salaries repeatedly to fend off competitors trying to poach them.

Speaking at the meeting, o Nhat Hoang, director of the MPIs Foreign Investment Agency, lauded the successful relationship, noting that bilateral trade and investment were flourishing and deepening , with Japanese investors placing their trust in Vietnamese business environment.

However, he warned that Viet Nam still needs to improve its investment opportunities and environment to better attract Japanese entrepreneurs.

Japan is the second biggest foreign investor in Viet Nam in the first seven months of 2017, according to a report by the MPI, with up to 24.92 per cent of total foreign direct investment capital in the country, which equates to $5.46 billion.

The Viet Nam-Japan Joint Initiative Phase VI: New Co-operation Cycle was initiated by the MPI in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam and the JapanViet Nam Economic Committee under the Japan Business Federation. The Viet Nam-Japan Joint Initiative, initiated in April 2003, is a forum for policy dialogue between Vietnamese authorities and Japanese investors.
Books!

Each month, Boris Kachka offers nonfiction and fiction book recommendations. You should read as many of them as possible  but only after reading two great August books by our staff: Adam Sternberghs absorbing comic dystopian thriller The Blinds and Carolyn Murnicks memoir The Hot One, about a friend who drifted away and was later murdered.

Lights On, Rats Out, by Cree LeFavour (Grove, Aug. 1)

Some memoirs descend into self-therapy or self-glorification, but LeFavour glorifies therapy as a happy ending  albeit a very slow fix. Her eloquent, irreverent, graphically precise story begins with bad luck: the daughter of a neglectful chef and a freewheeling mother who runs off, leaving the kids to raise themselves, LeFavour grows into a bulimic young adult with a bad cigarette habit (she uses them to self-administer third-degree burns). The chronicle of her slow climb out, with the help of Dr. Adam Kohl, is enriched by the psychiatrists own notes.

Mrs. Fletcher, by Tom Perrotta (Scribner, Aug. 1)

In his first novel since The Leftovers  both the dystopian novel and the darkly absurd HBO series he co-created  Perrotta returns to the suburban discomfort food that made his name (Election, Little Children). Spurred by middle age, an empty nest, and a mysterious booty call, the aspiring MILF of the title explores her sexuality while her bro-ish son, a freshman in college, does the same in a very different way. Neither really knows how to flirt with much more than disaster, but the authors satiric talent is applied with a fine, gentle brush.

Dying: A Memoir, by Cory Taylor (Tin House, Aug. 1)

Taylor, who died of cancer last year, not long after this was published in her native Australia, left behind one of the best entries in a grim genre. Her language is sharp and clear, her senses heightened by the feeling of time running out. She dwells not on the picayune details of dying but on its inevitability and the shadow it casts over life. Inspired in a way by her illness, Taylor recounts her own vivid childhood  a story colored and shaped, like all stories, by its final destination.

Beast, by Paul Kingsnorth (Graywolf, Aug. 1)

With the second book in a planned trilogy, Kingsnorth is becoming an existential David Mitchell: a versatile weaver of the seemingly unconnected into a tapestry realer than reality. His first novel, The Wake, featured a resister of the Norman invasion named buccmaster and was written in ersatz Old English. Beast stars a hermit named Buckmaster in a contemporary England where something is definitely off. He stalks an elusive (or illusory) beast in hypnotic language that makes the plot almost secondary. Book three will take place in the distant future; hopefully it will be published much sooner than that.

Stay With Me, by Ayobami Adebayo (Knopf, Aug. 12)

The Nigerian debut novel that earned Michiko Kakutanis last rave review  and deserved it  slyly melds African literary traditions with our own penchant for suspenseful split narratives about the lies husbands and wives tell each other and themselves. Childless for four years, Yejide reluctantly agrees to let Akin take a second wife, only to find herself pregnant by another man, while the younger wife ends up dead. Secrets unspool as Yejide and Akin tender separate confessions, leaving the reader to piece together the truth against a fascinating cultural and political backdrop.

Freud: The Making of an Illusion, by Frederick Crews (Henry Holt, August 22)

The powerful and thorough takedown of Sigmund Freud you may or may not have been waiting for casts the founding psychoanalyst as a far better self-promoter than scientist, even by the standards of his day. Much of Freuds work has already been contested or debunked, but Crews examines the role of his heirs and acolytes in burnishing his deeds and hiding evidence of his faults. To Crews, Freuds experiments and free administration of cocaine should have banished him to the status of occultist rather than a pioneer who invented the subconscious (which he did not).

Autumn, by Karl Ove Knausgaard (Penguin Press, Aug. 22)

Some of the best parts of Knausgaards six-volume deep dive into the writers most important subject  himself  were the moments he looked outward, into the books he read or the things he saw. Autumn, to be followed by three more season-themed books, gives the external its due. Beds, tin cans, vomit, and migrating birds, as well as more abstract qualities like forgiveness, are examined in short essays in his inimitable voice  profound earnestness, alternately cranky and ecstatic, with a Nordic half-wink of self-parody. No one dotes on details like Knausgaard.

The Burning Girl, by Claire Messud (Norton, Aug. 29)

Quieter than both The Emperors Children, her best known and funniest novel, and her last one, The Woman Upstairs, which plumbed the depths of female frenemyship, Messuds latest trades instead in inner turmoil  naturally, for a story of young feminine adolescence. The crucible of junior high school breaks the childhood bonds of Cassie and Julia  the former more popular but ultimately headed for darker waters. When her home situation verges on crisis, it might be up to Julia to save her, even as she realizes she never really knew her at all.
Cave of wonders, indeed.

Are you able to deal with a hot Jafar? Disney has cast Dutch-Tunisian actor Marwan Kenzari as the evil vizier Jafar in its live-action adaptation of Aladdin, which has Mena Massoud in the title role, Power Rangers actress Naomi Scott as Jasmine, and Will Smith as the genie. Kenzari has appeared in the recent remakes of The Mummy and Ben-Hur, and will soon appear in Kenneth Branaghs Murder on the Orient Express. More importantly, Kenzari is how do we put this delicately?  incredibly attractive. Feel free to do some Google searching for yourself, though he, unlike his co-star Massoud, does not have an Instagram. Disney, please make this a contractual obligation. Alongside Kenzari, Aladdin has also cast Nasim Pedrad as a new character named Mara, a friend and handmaid of Jasmine who is described as a comedic supporting role. A comedic role for Nasim Pedrad? It will never work!
An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. Photo: Paramount Pictures and Participant Media

The first time I saw An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power was at this years Sundance Film Festival, the opening film at a week that will go down in my memory as one of the strangest, most existential moments in showbiz Ive ever borne witness to. The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States took place on Day Two, upstaging just about every film premiere and party as a palpable malaise settled over Park City. Looking around, it was easy to imagine that everyone in the theater was one glass of wine away from declaring that Trumps defunding of the NEH and the EPA was just a warning shot, and by this time next year we wouldnt even have movies, much less an Earth to watch them on.

To open that festival with the follow-up to the Oscar-winning 2006 documentary An Inconvenient Truth felt like an especially cruel twist of the knife, especially with its upbeat, optimistic coda that felt like a preNovember 2016 artifact. Nowhere in Truth to Power is it suggested that anything has gotten better for the planet since 2007  despite leaps and bounds being made in green-energy infrastructure around the world. Instead, directors Jon Shenk and Bonni Cohen center their film more around Al Gore as a personality as he travels the world, showing his slideshow in an effort to recruit an international network of climate advocates and educators. As a character study, its highly successful, but given the context it will be watched in  albeit not quite as oxygen-deprived and manic as Sundance  it feels a little too pat.

Those with any memory of the 2000 election  which was won by George W. Bush in a Supreme Court ruling and still comes up multiple times in Truth to Power  might find Gore and personality to be contradictory terms, but here theres a kind of beleaguered, good-natured appeal to his Southern monotone. Hes still just about the most soothing person to warn anyone of an impending apocalypse, but his even keel and lack of drama are exactly what makes him compelling in this position. The film has received some snark as a supposed ego stroke for the put-upon former vice-president, but I simply dont buy it. This isnt Leonardo DiCaprio flying charter planes over polar bears; much of the work we see Gore do in the film is rather unglamorous, performed over the phone and in dreary, fluorescent-lit board rooms.

These sequences, including an extended behind-the-scenes account of Gores negotiations to get India off coal power at the 2016 Paris Climate Agreement, are the reason to see the film. For those of us who need no convincing of the truth of man-made climate change, but find the problem too paralyzingly abstract, Gores workmanlike methods are both fascinating, encouraging, and, yes, even a little exciting. There are plenty of updates to the slideshow, and a jaunt to Greenland the likes of which have become part of the film grammar of the eco-doc in the past decade. But these late-night calls and hastily set-up meetings feel illuminating in a way we havent seen before.

Shenk and Cohen turn the cameras off for the most tantalizing meeting of all: Gores visit to Trump Tower following the 2016 election. Youre left wondering not only what Gore would say to Trump  even in a meeting that was likely more ceremonial than anything else  but also what he would say about all the deregulation the president has enacted since coming to office. The film ends with a hastily added coda about states and cities stepping up to do the work the federal government will not, but it speeds through these ideas like its getting the wrap it up sign from the back of the room. But ironically, thats the eco-doc we need more than ever now: something with Gores sleeve-rolling, straight-talking approach to make those kinds of nitty-gritty local efforts seem not only exciting, but possible.
Columbus director Kogonada, right, with lead actress Haley Lu Richardson. Photo: Kyle Flubacker/Courtesy of Superlative Films

Its not unheard of for an American indie to premiere at festivals to a unanimously rapturous reception, but Columbus, which debuted at Sundance earlier this year, is probably one of the only ones to center around architecture. No less rare is the fact that both the male lead of Columbus (John Cho, of Harold and Kumar and Star Trek fame) and its director Kogonada (best known for his inventive video essays for the British Film Institute and the Criterion Collection) are both Asian-American.

Related Stories You Havent Seen Everything John Cho Can Do

Cho plays Jin, a translator who finds himself stranded in the small town of Columbus, Indiana, where his father, a famous scholar studying Columbuss unusually rich collection of modernist buildings, has suffered a stroke. There, he meets Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), a young local woman and architecture aficionado too worried about her recovering-addict mother to leave town. The two strike up a friendship as they visit Columbuss architectural landmarks. As in the films of Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu, a direct influence, Kogonadas debut feature is a quiet drama made all the more intense for being conveyed through silence and ambience. We caught up with the director in Manhattan before the movies August 4 release, discussing diversity in filmmaking, Asian maleness and sexuality, and giving John Cho space to show off his range.

Its safe to say youre older than most first-time directors. Youve had a bit of extra time to develop what you think your art should be. Do you feel like that shows in the movie?

I have had a lot of time to think about what kind of film I would want to make, if I ever had a chance to make it. I think it came from different perspectives, having an academic moment where I was kind of researching an aesthetic question about cinema. Even though I was trying to think about it academically as a kind of argument or case, in my head I was certainly imagining how that kind of aesthetic would play out in todays modern cinema. And you know, you dream: Youre writing about film, and theres a part of you that would also love to write a film. I think thats a lot of us in the community, or a certain amount of us. And that was probably always in the back of my head, and once I started making visual essays I felt certainly closer to that possibility. And I had also done short docs, and I had always sort of had my hands on creative expressions. Yeah, I think I was really working out something. So by the time I had a chance, Im glad I had all that time. It did allow me to really put something down that felt really thought out.

And you were raised in the Midwest, right? Was it anywhere near Columbus?

I lived most of my life in Chicago, but I did live different places in Indiana at one point. I didnt know Columbus, even when I lived in Indiana. It really was only recently, but I did pass by.

I was raised in Louisville.

Wow. A midwestern Asian as well.

Pretty much. It gets called a Southern city, but its probably the most midwestern part of Kentucky. What kind of films did you have access to back then?

I would sneak into movies. I watched Once Upon a Time in America. It was shocking. I watched a ton. And VHS was coming in, and all of that.

So how did you discover the works of Yasujiro Ozu?

That came later. You know, cause for the longest time Ozu films were not available at all. I think I always, like a lot of people, loved a lot of movies. It turns out my parents were cinephiles; I didnt know. They were Korean, they were real moviegoers, thats sort of how they met, but they were working-class immigrants. Once you come here 

You have to give that up for a generation.

So I didnt know any of that about them. But that they would drop me off in a cineplex, [which] maybe suggested they understood that. But there was this moment where I started looking at other kinds of films. I remember watching 400 Blows, and that kind of thing, and that was really starting to shape me a little bit. I had read Paul Schraders book, Transcendental Style in Film. I was really fascinated by that. So I watched an Ozu film, the only one you could get at that time, Good Morning. And I was so unimpressed with it. I thought, Why are they talking about this? And then I could not stop thinking about it. Not thinking about it, it was not even cognitive, it was more like I couldnt stop feeling the emotion of it, or some sort of memory of it. I think certainly it had to do with  if youre raised in an Asian home, theres something about that that resonates. It really was that first experience where I couldnt figure out why a film stayed with me, especially a film that didnt feel present at the time. You know, with the French New Wave, you could kind of figure out why that seemed to matter.

Pretty much all the Ozu films Ive seen are about renunciation in some way, giving up something you care about. But in America youre encouraged to want so much, and renounce so little, and its stressful in a different way. Do you see Ozus films as being this kind of pacification of this kind of American desire for more all the time?

What was interesting to me too was to flip this sort of thing [in my film]  its not the Asian who feels a duty toward the parent, its [Casey]. I wanted to confront it by showing this daughter whos actually feeling this burden for us to associate with, and it is an Asian sensibility, and I kind of wanted to fuse that. Thats one of the things Im wrestling with  what does diversity look like in filmmaking? I think that an Asian making a film can offer a sensibility that might exist in other characters. It doesnt always have to have this one-to-one ratio. And I thought, what would that look like, how would that confront that, if this thing this woman cant do is the American thing, which is just live for herself, what is that like? That was definitely something that was interesting to me.

And theres a romance in the film, but its very chaste. Jin has feelings for Parker Poseys character and Casey, but he doesnt get anywhere with either.

I think this is a question about Asian maleness and sexuality. The thing that feels really clear to me is that hes a sexual being, that he could, probably  that theres attraction thats happening  but we dont have to see it necessarily fulfilled. Theres a lot of tension in him. I think its all viable. We have this person hes had a crush on forever, who  theres certainly an indication that shes had some kind of relationship with his father. I think any time, especially if youre having some kind of intellectual connection, if youre with a person of the opposite sex, theres always gonna be that possibility, intention. It definitely exists in the film on both sides, but I think their connection is deeper, its something else, and theyre also protecting it a little bit.

Do you feel its just as valuable to represent these relationships that dont fit the standard narrative of consummation?

I think its definitely a choice that they [Jin and Casey] both make. I dont think its because its not viable. I think there are some representations of Asian males where theyre just not even sexual people, thats not even viable, so to me  and this is true for all human beings  being sexual is a part of our being. I wanted that to be a part of it, in the same way that one ought not to sexualize just for the sake of it. This is what I love about European cinema, especially at a time when youre sexually growing up  theres a way in which they humanize sexuality in other countries where its not for pure titillation. Its because were humans and thats part of our being. That was really significant for me, to see it in a way that is both appealing because were sexual, but also, its not like suddenly theres sexy music and the lighting changes and everything. Its just a part of nature that we are. Not just John, but all of them: I wanted to suggest that it was a part of them.

How was working with John? Youd never met him before, right?Not before us talking about the film. Theres a reason hes been working in this industry, which is difficult for any Asian-American. Hes had a long career because he is such a professional, hes a really hard worker, hes really thoughtful. I think people want to work with him again. But also hes someone who really loves the medium of acting. However one judges his career, hes given the most  of all the opportunities, he really is there and present. Also, he has this large range. He came from theater, Berkeley, he wanted to act. But, you know, the roles are really limited, so you dont get to see him exercise that. So just getting to see him play quiet, and what he was able to do in scenes that had no dialogue and were just him moving through space, it was something to see. He wanted to set the mood: He had been in sets where the lead actors created such a space for everyone to feel safe and generous. He said to me, I would really like to do that, and he did. He was really more than just a single actor there; he was really a participant. I only have wonderful things to say about him.

At what point did you decide to introduce the social or class aspect into the narrative?

It was always there. The question of architecture, and art in general, if you ask if it matters, its a class question too. I came from a working-class immigrant background, and so it [art] did break through in [my] world. Now that I look back, my parents were also very great at [art], my grandfather was like a calligrapher, so that existed. But it wasnt accessible to me. We didnt go to museums or anything like that. It was something I had to still discover myself. So I thought, it has to break through. And I knew that Casey was going to be working-class. I knew when I started doing research on Columbus, I knew that meth was a problem there. The thing that I also, though, wanted to avoid is  I think that theres almost an aesthetic of poverty, and even an aesthetic of drug addiction in cinema. I didnt want to create that. I wanted it to be in the past, [and] theres an aesthetic of hospital scenes that I didnt want to re-create either. I didnt want it to be in a hospital room and have that sort of  thing. So there were certain things I wanted to exist in the film but I also wanted to sort of navigate around them.

The interior design in the film was astonishing.

The opening scene is the Miller House, which used to be a residential house, but its almost a museum now.

Did you just find it like that?

Alexander Girard, the interior designer, is one of the most famous modernist designers. For a small film like ours, the advantage of getting to shoot that space  we had a great production set designer in Diana Rice, and she did these other spaces, but there were certain spaces where we werent allowed to touch them anyways, and it was so incredible.

Do you feel like youre free to go back to Columbus whenever?[Laughs.] Do I have, like, a key [to the city]? You know what, most of the people have not seen the film, so it will be interesting. But the mayor and the people who helped us make it, a lot of them have seen it, they came to Sundance. There were a few people who were at Sundance who were not a part of the film, they dont live in Columbus anymore, but they grew up in Columbus. Its a promotional piece for the city. I am enchanted by that city; I wrestle with it. The films not trying to disparage that city at all. Im actually working on a supplement for the release. Ive always wanted to do a kind of doc, a small visual thing, Im actually working on that right now, and its bringing me back into the city.

This interview has been edited and condensed.
From TV to books to movies, dystopian tales are in the air right now. All week long, Vulture is exploring how theyve been imagined in popular culture.

By the time the apocalypse hits or were under the rule of a dubiously pristine nation-state, well all be wearing jumpsuits. Onesies  the kind you can buy at Urban Outfitters, or see the sales clerks wearing at Glossier  play into every dark-future fantasy. But theyre relegated to the background of three science-fiction dramas  Equals, Gattaca, and Snowpiercer  that challenge our ideas of societys fate. Instead of pocketless, monochromatic jumpsuits, these movies spotlight costumes that pull inspiration from Japanese construction uniforms, the 1930s, or the military (including an old photo of Muammar Gaddafi). Utility is key, as is the ability to affix a garment with markers of status, to visually denote the haves from the have-nots. For Vultures Dark Futures week, we spoke with each movies costume designer, and they walked us through sketching and constructing each look from our dystopian future.

Kristen Stewart in Equals. Photo: A24

Abby OSullivan, Equals

When designing for a future  dark or twisted  its best to start with something the audience is familiar with. Abby OSullivan, the costume designer behind the Drake Doremus sci-fi romance Equals, uses bomber jackets as an example: When an audience has an immediate kinship with a piece, she said, it really frees you up to do something completely insane underneath it. Equals is a love story made up of stolen moments in a future where emotions are outlawed. The homogeneous white color palette and workwear aesthetic was developed by Doremus, Carlos Rosario and Alana Morehead, and were part of the movies visuals when OSullivan signed on mid-production, but she had to find a way to communicate the separations of class and rank. It was such a unique project in the sense that there was so much uniformity, but at the same time [we] were really trying to figure out how to build the world out from the constraints of that uniformity. She pulled inspiration from military uniforms and insane asylums: I looked at a lot of military stuff, but what I really harnessed onto were the uniforms in insane asylums in the early part of the 20th century. Thats what the all white was, she told Vulture. There had been a concept artist and concept art that had been [in existence] prior to my coming onto the project. It was cool in a sense that you build out from a generalized silhouette.

OSullivan built that generalized silhouette after seeing the workwear worn by Japanese construction workers on location. Its not something that a Western eye is used to seeing. They were just all around the studio where we were working, OSullivan said. Another source of inspiration: medical supplies. I would just send someone out to buy all of the medical supplies and all of the construction supplies you could find, and then wed lay them out in this little studio and build the costumes up from there.

Plain white often films flat, which made fabric with texture essential to making the color palette work on camera. OSullivan talked with Doremus about the idea of that world  an environmentally conscious utopia  when choosing fabrics. [The world was] green and lush, so I used a lot more natural fabrics, like a looser weave, things that didnt have coating, she said, anything that could have been manufactured in the future without damaging the environment.

So whats key to imagining how well dress in the a dark future? Figuring out which trends will last through any disaster, under any regime. OSullivan has a hunch: After the apocalypse, its gonna be military surplus stuff and a Toyota Tacoma. Those are the things that will last forever, she laughs.

Ethan Hawke in Gattaca.

Colleen Atwood, Gattaca

Colleen Atwood, whos currently pulling double duty on two sets  the Fantastic Beasts sequel and Tim Burtons Big Ears  worked on Gattaca two decades ago, but still remembers exactly how she drew a navy blueandsilver color scheme into each costume. I stayed with cool colors. It was very successful with the architecture of the film, she said. Jude [Law] played a guy without a piece of his leg, so we were trying to make his clothes look like they hung off him and he was in a wheelchair. There were a lot of ins and outs with taking his character to a different place, with an old world decadence in a new world. I took the purest design from the 30s and combined it with what was contemporary at the time in the costumes.

Faye Dunaway and Natasha Richardson in The Handmaids Tale.

Before Gattaca, Atwood worked on the original onscreen adaptation of The Handmaids Tale, directed by Volker Schlondorff. In that version  which starred Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, and Robert Duvall  Schlondorff passed on the headpieces that have defined the look of the Hulu adaptation. He didnt want to go back, he wanted it to be contemporary and of the moment, Atwood said. We used the red color thats obvious from the book. I stayed visually through the eyes of the 80s. He didnt want to do headdresses, so we did the hair strictly pulled back [with] a clean look. Logistically, it was so different than what theyre doing right now for TV, which I think is really great.

Theres a natural inclination to overdesign the future, Atwood said, which is a difficulty specific to this genre. You want [the design] to be something thats believable now, that you can connect with, she said. [Dont make] everything have bells and whistles on it when it doesnt need to.

Tilda Swinton in Snowpiercer.

Catherine George, Snowpiercer

An ice age wiped out the worlds population, and now the last survivors live on a bullet train that circles the globe in Snowpiercer, Bong Joon-hos post-apocalyptic dystopia. People from all different social classes and nationalities live onboard, which gave costume designer Catherine George a lot to work with: in one car, an aquarium serving sushi; in the next, a rave, or a hair salon servicing the bourgeoisie. Because of the situation on the train, people had come from all over the world to get on this train to escape the frozen tundra, George told Vulture.

Car by car, George got to imagine separate worlds with separate dress codes. For one car, she sourced clothing from Alaska to be worn by Inuit characters. In another, she played around with the opulence of the 20s and 30s for an Orient Express feeling. For the cars at the tail end, where the narrative begins, George paid special attention to making sure everything looked sufficiently worn. I wanted to make sure it had a global feel to it and all the pieces felt eclectic. They had to use all the resources that were left on the train. Via email, Georges head ager-dyer Katalina Iturralde, said that everything was over-dyed, to get uneven patterns and stains.

The inspiration board for Tilda Swintons Snowpiercer character. (Courtesy of Catherine George)

For Tilda Swintons character, Minister Mason, a cruel, bug-eyed, second-in-command charged with keeping order among the trains passengers, George and Swinton drew inspiration from an unexpected figure: Muammar Gaddafi. He was a bit of an inspiration for her uniform, all the medals and badges that she wears, George said. We found a photo of him coming off a plane in Italy and he had made his own medals and badges. It looked like he had made them on the plane. Mason had somehow made herself a row of badges and medals. That was funny  she was a combination of that kind of character and these other sort of Margaret Thatcher types.

Reuse and reinvention played heavily into Georges initial sketches and the costumes construction. Only one characters clothes were allowed to feel uniquely luxurious: the engineer, played by Ed Harris. [His costume] came from an early concept art sketch that was very moody and rough  it just reminded me of a robe, and thinking that this man was so privileged: He didnt have to get dressed if he didnt want to, George said. As other costumes were put together from scratch or leaned into their luxury, Harriss pajama set was an timeless outlier: It was all about comfort for his character, George said.
Patricia Dombrowski is just trying to make her way in this world, and according to her good friend Hareesh, all the aspiring emcee needs is a producer with the fire beats to take her street-rapping career as Killa P, a.k.a. Patti Cake$, to the next level. The movie is actress Danielle Macdonalds Eight Mile moment, and in this clip we see her with Hareesh (Siddharth Dhananjay), who, atop her Patti Wagon sedan, teases some hot bars out of her in a derelict parking lot. Patti Cake$ chronicles one aspiring stars ups and downs in Dirty Jersey as she shouts down the naysayers (her mom, local competing performers with bad attitudes), and fights to find her true voice with the help of her friends and her wheelchair-bound grandma (Cathy Moriarty). You can get that Cake in theaters starting August 18.
Looks the same to us!

In Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, the counselors of Camp Firewood live up to their promise to meet again and see what kind of people theyve become a decade after their big, eventful summer of 1981. The new season of Netflixs Wet Hot TV series also takes places ten years and eight weeks after the first season, First Day of Camp, which acted as a prequel to the original film, even though the actors were all 14 years older. To help you keep track of this confusing chronology  and also, importantly, to see how well this cast has aged  Vulture put together looks at all the key players then (in the original film, on the left), then (in the first season, in the middle), and now (in Ten Years Later, on the right).

Samm Levine as Arty the Beekeeper Solomon

Wet Hot cycled through two different child actors, whose voices were both dubbed by Samm Levine, in its two installments. Now, it finally gives us Samm Levine in the flesh in Ten Years Later. Yep, Artys still manning the controls of Camp Firewoods broadcast facility in the 90s. And guess what! He showered just last week.

Janeane Garofalo as Beth

After saving Camp Firewood twice in one summer, Beth has stuck around as the camp director ten years later, though its now in dire financial straits. At least shes maintained her commitment to carrying around clipboards.

Michael Showalter as Gerald Coop Cooperberg

Coop spent his first day of camp under the thumb of his then-girlfriend Donna (Lake Bell) and the last day of camp crushing on Katie (Marguerite Moreau). He returns to Firewood a decade later as an engaged novelist with writers block, though hes still dealing with unresolved feelings for Katie.

Marguerite Moreau as Katie

When we revisit Katie in Ten Years Later, shes hard at work trying to pin down what the years hot fall color will be. This 20-something Katie has grown into a classic 1990s power dresser, a far cry from her roots starring in Firewoods production of Electro-City and making out with Andy.

Paul Rudd as Andy

Paul Rudd never ages, but Andy is starting to burn out. By the time he makes it to Firewoods ten-year reunion, hes still clinging onto the cool persona he adopted at camp  and even challenges a current teenage camper to a contest for the title of King of Camp.

Elizabeth Banks as Lindsay

In First Day of Camp, we discover that Lindsay went from being an undercover journalist to an ordinary camper over the course of a single summer. By the time Ten Years Later rolls around, shes back in journalism again, diving into yet another conspiracy surrounding Ronald Reagan and Camp Firewood.

Bradley Cooper/Adam Scott as Ben

Ben and McKinleys love is the constant that holds Wet Hot American Summer together, and it remains as strong as ever ten years after their wedding at Firewood. Ben is an architect now, but despite a little nose job to fix a deviated septum, he is in no way visibly different.

Michael Ian Black as McKinley Dozen

McKinley and Ben bring their kid to their camp reunion, alongside their creepy babysitter Renata (Alyssa Milano), whom McKinley doesnt trust.

Amy Poehler as Susie

From her humble roots as the producer  er, director-slash-choreographer  of the Firewood talent show, Susie has grown up to be a Hollywood big shot, producing-slash-co-executive-producing a movie starring her beau, Garth (Jai Courtney).

Zak Orth as J.J.

The wig is back! Although J.J. hasnt been busy cutting his hair, hes grown into that classic 90s archetype: the film-snob video-store employee.

Ken Marino as Victor Pulak

Take it from Victor: Once you pretend youve had sex, its really, really hard to break the habit and actually have sex. Victor may get tons of tips as a shirtless bartender (maybe even more so than Paul Rudd, Ken Marino does not age), but it turns out that underneath all that swagger, hes still a virgin.

Joe Lo Truglio as Neil

Neil really did hook up with his high-school girlfriend Shari (Joe Lo Truglios real-life wife, Beth Dover), but at the beginning of Ten Years Later, theyve just broken up. Her new boyfriend is a professor at Columbia University, and he takes her to classy places in midtown. Poor Neil.

Marisa Ryan as Abby Bernstein

In First Day of Camp, we saw Abby transform from childlike camper to the sex-crazy counselor we met in the Wet Hot film. In Last Day of Camp, shes found a career as a sex columnist living in the city, whos returned to Camp Firewood because, perhaps, she has one more story left to tell.

Christopher Meloni as Gene/Jonas

He was dumped by Gail on the first day of camp, and then transformed into the bandanna-wearing chef we saw in the film. Ten years later, Gene has left the camp behind, but when Firewood falls into danger yet again, Mitch drags him back, in the way only a can of vegetables ever could.

Molly Shannon as Gail

Like Gene, Gail has carved out a life of her own away from Firewood, but that all gets interrupted when he stops by for a surprise visit and meets her daughter, who looks awfully familiar.

A.D. Miles as Gary

After spending some time under the tutelage of Jonas/Gene in the Firewood kitchen, Gary has taken on a career as a real-life chef.

Nina Hellman as Nurse Nancy

Nancy stuck around Camp Firewood, and shes always ready if you ever need a diaphragm. Also, shes got a little side thing going on with Mark (Mark Feuerstein), who has definitely been around this whole time.

H. Jon Benjamin as Mitch

H. Jon Benjamin voiced a can of mixed vegetables in the original film. In First Day of Camp, we learned that he was once a real man. In Ten Years Later, hes still that can of vegetables  but after a lot of physical therapy, hes learned how to walk. He still cant type, though.
Clockwise from top-left: Split, It, Raw, Get Out, The Devils Candy.

This list has been updated to include October releases.

The conversation around horror movies this year has been dominated by two words: Get Out. Jordan Peeles boundary-breaking thriller has deservedly become the reflexive response to the question, Seen any good horror movies lately? But while Peeles directorial debut has been generating early Oscar buzz, a lot of other great horror movies have hit theaters so far this year. Young actresses like Anya Taylor-Joy, Sennia Nanua, and Garance Marillier have impressed in showcase roles, while occult stories like A Dark Song and The Blackcoats Daughter have moved past the well-worn exorcism narrative in favor of more distinct takes on satanic horror. And there have also been some very good bad guys! Here then, are the best horror films of the year so far that arent Get Out. (But theres also Get Out.)

Annabelle: Creation

Annabelle: Creation is the fourth movie in the ever-expanding Conjuring universe, and it served as one of this years biggest summer horror surprises. Director David Sandberg came on for the second Annabelle movie, putting some snap back into the sub-franchise by taking viewers even farther back in time to learn the origins of the wicked doll. Dark, brooding indies are always appreciated, but sometimes, you just want jump scares served up on a platter. Thats exactly what Creation delivers  its absolutely overflowing with good, cheap thrills.

Berlin Syndrome

There are more and more strong roles for women in horror films, but still too few female directors. With Berlin Syndrome, Cate Shortland has made a terrifying film about the psychological toll of abusive relationships. Veteran horror heroine Teresa Palmer stars as an Australian tourist who gets taken prisoner after a one-night stand in Berlin, and the actress is even better in Berlin than she was in last years Lights Out. Shortlands claustrophobic look at toxic masculinity and the line between love and obsession is a powerful first foray into the suspense genre.

The Blackcoats Daughter

Blackcoats Daughter is the first feature from Osgood Perkins (star of Legally Blonde, son of Anthony), who also recently directed Netflixs I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House. If these films are a guide, Perkins has an affinity for stories about quiet, emotionally isolated women susceptible to being overcome by spirits, and Blackcoats is one of the more eerie possession movies in recent memory. It stars Kiernan Shipka and Emma Roberts as two characters on distinct but intersecting paths, both of whom suffer from troubling visions and flashbacks, and who are linked together by a boarding school in the Northeast. The movie is structured like a puzzle, and Perkins is entirely content to let viewers dwell on long, contemplative takes, with occult imagery sprinkled about. Its hard to make a unique movie about demonic possession, but Perkins avoids hoary tropes like exorcisms and body contortions. For that, his haunting debut earns your attention.

A Dark Song

A Dark Song is the feature debut of Irelands Liam Gavin, who comes on the scene strong with this meditation on grief and loss. A woman becomes obsessed with communicating again with her dead son, and so hires an occultist to guide her through a months-long ritual that will allow her to interact with the spirit realm. One big catch: Once the house has been bound, no one can leave it until the process is done. In an isolated country manor, she goes through one ordeal after another: Is her guru just a charlatan? When strange things start to happen, it is truly the divine, or just her paranoid mind? One thing is certain, though: When you open the door to the dead, you have to be prepared for whatever comes through.

The Devils Candy

Australian director Sean Byrnes long-awaited follow-up to his 2009 hit The Loved Ones is at once an ode to heavy metal, an endearing family drama, and a wonderful serial-killer movie rooted in a demonic-possession story. Ethan Embry plays a metalhead and aspiring artist, the head of a working-class family thats struggling to make ends meet. They cant resist buying a house on sale for a criminally low price, but the landlord neglected to tell them thats because the previous owners were killed by their son after the devil told him to do it. (To be fair, theres hardly a box for that on Zillow.) The Devils Candy has plenty of thrashing guitar, an unexpectedly touching father-daughter dynamic, and eventually, lots and lots of fire.

Get Out

Here it is! You know it. Youve heard about it, but if you havent seen it: Believe the hype. Jordan Peeles directorial debut is funny, frightening, and one of the most incisive pieces of social commentary ever made in suspense cinema. The story of a black man going home to meet his white girlfriends family, only to discover an unsettling plot, is one of the best movies of the year in any genre, and its a safe bet youll find it atop many critics lists when the year is over.

The Girl With All the Gifts

Zombies are a pretty tired construction at this point; youve got to have a really killer element to stand out. Fortunately, this British adaptation of M.R. Careys sci-fi novel has a great weapon in young actress Sennia Nanua, who delivers an impressive performance as a hybrid zombie who may contain the cure to a civilization-destroying infection in her unique blood. When a horde of undead overruns the research facility shes being kept in, a small unit of scientists and soldiers must try and find safety while ensuring her survival  and also avoid being eaten by her. Its an affecting family drama, and very good zombie romp.

Hounds of Love

Fun fact: Australians make really good rural-crime horror. (See Lake Mungo and The Snowtown Murders for proof.) Hounds of Love is the debut feature from Ben Young, and it tells the story of a mildly rebellious high-schooler taken prisoner by a couple that kidnaps local girls, makes them sex slaves, then kills them. Young does a phenomenal job of leaving the worst of the violence offscreen; he knows theres little value showing a brutal rape when a cutaway will deliver the message just as well. But its the movies female victimizer (Emma Booth), who herself is trapped in a cycle of abuse and infatuation with her murderous boyfriend, who takes Hounds to the next level, and who drives one of the most nerve-racking final scenes in recent memory.

It

As September ends, It looks poised to pass the half-billion dollar mark at the global box office before it leaves theaters, becoming the highest grossing horror movie of all time while blowing past the previous record-holder, The Exorcist. Its also gotten very good reviews. Andy Muschiettis revival of the classic Stephen King tale adheres more closely to the book than the iconic mini-series that aired on ABC in 1990. Its also shinier and meaner than its screen predecessor, putting the Losers Club through plenty of R-rated trials as they come together to try and vanquish the demonic Pennywise from their sleepy little town of Derry, Maine. Bill Skarsgard is great as the dancing clown, but keep your guard up against the heinous Henry Bowers  the bullys teeth are almost sharper than the sewer-dwelling hell creatures.

It Comes at Night

A less-than-honest marketing campaign has led to a lot of dissatisfaction from people who saw It Comes at Night in theaters, but A24s newest art-house horror movie deserves to find the right audience. Its a movie about two families who are brought together under extremely tense circumstances after an unexplained societal collapse. There is no physical It in It Comes At Night  just a nerve-jangling tone study about the limits of humanity when normal social rules have been abandoned. So lets be clear: Almost nothing in this movie will jump out and scare you, but if you want gorgeous cinematography, long takes, and an enduring sense of impending doom, this is the film for you.

Killing Ground

The most consistently well-executed horror cinema of the year has been funneling into the US from across the world. Killing Ground is the debut feature from Australian director Damien Power, whose take on the trapped-in-the-woods trope functions with equal effectiveness as a character drama and an icky thriller that makes you sink into your chair. When a couple on a camping holiday realizes the neighboring campsite has been hastily abandoned, they first set out to find its inhabitants, but then realize its time to get the hell out of Dodge when they come upon a twisted murder scene deeper into the woods. This one is not for viewers who prefer their violence off-camera. While Power does not gleefully linger on gore in the tradition of torture-tourism movies like Saw or Hostel, Killing Grounds brutality is presented in long, direct takes, making it feel horribly intimate. At a time when so many scary movies are artfully moving the violence out of the frame, Killing Ground is a quiet return to pain for the viewers who want it.

Lake Bodom

This Finnish movie premiered at SXSW earlier this year, and debuted for audiences on the horror-streaming service Shudder this month. The plot follows four teenagers  two boys and two girls  who go camping together in a nearby forest. The issue is, the boys lured the girls there under false pretenses to help them re-create a crime scene from an unsolved murder that took place on their impromptu campsite years before. Thats not even the creepiest part, but were not here to ruin the twists in this self-aware isolation horror standout.

Prevenge

Alice Lowe wrote, directed, and starred in Prevenge, and its one of the most darkly delightful movies to come out this year. Lowe plays Ruth, a pregnant woman who is mourning the death of her partner, and processing the grief by taking orders from her angry fetus to kill a bunch of people. Pregnancy horror is a genre unto itself, but it rarely affords its leads as much agency as Lowe gives Ruth in Prevenge. The result is some of the most empowering body horror youll find.

Raw

French director Julia Ducournaus first feature knocked critics out as it made its way around the festival circuit last year, and it finally hit U.S. theaters in March. Its a coming-of-age drama mixed with cannibal horror, about an academically overachieving and socially underachieving girl who finds herself living in the shadow of her more popular older sister. If that werent bad enough, a terrible hazing incident leaves her with an insatiable new hunger. Actress Garance Marillier is great as the repressed and increasingly rebellious lead, and Ducournau delivers a beautifully shot look at the terrifying bridge between being a teen girl and a young woman. Raw doesnt lazily lean on gratuitous violence, but it does provide just enough blood for the gore-hounds out there.

Split

Before Get Out premiered, Split spent a month as the early favorite for the years biggest horror movie. For an original story, its box-office success was unprecedented  until Peeles movie set the bar even higher. Still, Split fully cements the return of M. Night Shyamalan as an appointment-viewing director, with James McAvoy in full bloom as a man with multiple personalities, and Anya Taylor-Joy reaffirming why shes horrors young actress du jour. The themes in this one are dark, but its great to see the director get his edge back.

Super Dark Times

Super Dark isnt big or expensive. Its a lean little paranoia-based thriller about a pair of high schoolers who have to deal with the fallout of a very bad and very weird accident that will change their lives forever. In his debut feature, director Kevin Phillips does a great job of balancing tension with heartfelt adolescent drama as he follows a couple of nerdy boys who are dealing with high school bullies, first loves, growing apart from your best friend  and also, manslaughter.

Creep 2

Mark Duplass and writer-director Patrick Brice have put together an excellent follow-up to their micro-budget Creep from 2014, in which Duplass plays an amiable serial killer who prefers to forge weird bonds of friendship with his victims before doing them in. Desiree Akhavan plays a videographer on hand to film Duplasss character (hes changed his name from Josef to Aaron) as they spend a day together in a remote cabin. Creep 2 is tense and uncomfortable and features one of the best nude scenes of the year. Its also a clever deconstruction of a serial-killer movie, powered by an extremely discomfiting performance from Duplass in fully scary mode  made even scarier by the steady, confident presence of Akhavan.

The Babysitter

McGs The Babysitter is low-risk, high-yield horror-comedy play time. Cole (Judah Lewis) is a little old for a babysitter, but at least the late-blooming lovable geek has the ultracool Bee (Samara Weaving) to look after him. One weekend, when his parents go out of town (a well-placed Ken Marino and Leslie Bibb), Cole endeavors to spy on Bee after bedtime to see what she gets up to, and he is understandably surprised when she sees her carrying out ritual sacrifice in his living room with a group of sexy teens. Bee made a deal with the devil and her friends want in on the action, but when Cole finds out what theyre up to, hes going to have to kill or be killed to make it through the night. Babysitter is highly silly and very bloody, but its Bee and Coles sweet bond at the core that gives it a surprising, charming backbone. Also, actress Hana Mae Lee (the silent beatboxer in Pitch Perfect) actually gets to speak lines!

Better Watch Out

Chris Peckover has served up a perfect Halloween-time treat with his debut feature, Better Watch Out. Its a combination black comedy and Christmas horror story about a night of babysitting that turns awfully bloody when preteen Luke sets a plan in motion to get his minder to finally want him the way he wants her. Things start to go off the rails when a gun-wielding masked man invades the house, and only get worse when the babysitters ex-boyfriends enter the picture. We dont want to spoil the fun, but suffice to say Peckover does an excellent job of balancing violent bombast and acts of violation that are genuinely uncomfortable and anything but funny. He makes you a participant in the debauchery, then makes you pay for it, then does it all over again. Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould, those precocious siblings from The Visit, both give great performances alongside Levi Miller. Virginia Madsen and Patrick Warburton arent in the movie for long, but when they are, theyre hilarious.

Geralds Game

This Stephen King adaptation from designated horror hitter Mike Flanagan feels like horror for grown-ups. Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood play Jessie and Gerald, a married couple looking to put some zest back in their relationship with a weekend getaway. Jessie insists shes up for new experiences, but things get too rough too fast after Gerald cuffs her to the bed and starts playing out a rape fantasy she didnt know he had. The situation goes from distressing to harrowing, though, when Gerald dies of a heart attack, leaving her chained to the bed with little to no hope of rescue. Gugino delivers a powerful, dynamic performance, playing both the victim on the bed as well as a bolder manifestation of her subconscious self that tries to guide her through the situation  and through past traumas that have landed her in handcuffs with someone like Gerald in the first place. Guginos Jessie is a case study in the duality of feminine strength and vulnerability onscreen, embodying the virtues and perils of both.

Happy Death Day

A bratty college girl wakes up in a strange boys dorm room on her birthday, does the shame-walk back to her sorority, and gets killed on her way to a rager that night. That sounds like the opening death in a slasher movie in which said bratty girl will never be heard from again, but in Happy Death Day, it keeps happening over and over and over again. Tree Gelbman (Jessica Rothe) doesnt know why she keeps dying and coming back, but she does come to the conclusion that if she wants to move on with her life  or at least see it mercifully end  she has to unmask her killer. In a lesser movie, this Groundhog Day premise could get tired real fast, but Happy Death Day is aware enough of its own absurdity to be in on the jokes, and willing to make them before you do. This movie is as sweet as it is mean, which adds up to lots of fun, and new face Rachel Matthews is flat-out excellent as the head bitch in charge of the sorority house.

1922

Stephen King fever is still running hot in 2017, with the years final adaptation arriving in late October. Based on the novella of the same name, 1922 is about a Nebraska farmer named Wilfred James (Thomas Jane), who, with the help of his teenage son (Dylan Schmid), murders his wife (Molly Parker) to prevent her from selling her share of their land so she can move to the big city. The rest of the movie is a pressure cooker, with Wilfred succumbing to paranoia and hallucinating the ghost of his wife, who tells him terrible truths that only the dead could know. As the anxiety and harsh weather and bad luck take their toll, Jane delivers an excellent performance as the buttoned-up, soft-spoken farmer who cant escape his sins  especially with all those judgmental rats following him everywhere he goes.

Cult of Chucky

Murderer Charles Lee Ray has been in the body of a Play Pals Chucky doll for 30 years now, and the horror-comedy franchise still has a lot of gas in the tank. Brad Dourif sounds like hes having as much fun as ever as the voice of Chucky, Jennifer Tilly is back in for round four, and even the original Andy (Alex Vincent), who we last saw in 1990s Childs Play 2, has returned to the fold! Dont sleep on this wry, ridiculous, and surprisingly queer-friendly franchise, which has proven itself the surprise winner of the 1980s slasher wars. We would describe the plot, but it would really only make sense if you watched the previous six movies first (or read our primer on the franchise here).

Tragedy Girls

Alexandra Shipp and Brianna Hildebrand are two high-school friends obsessed with social-media clout  and theyre willing to kill to boost theirs. Fall has been a great season for horror comedy, and Tragedy Girls brings the fun as it follows Sadie and McKayla on their journey from trying to track down a serial killer in their town, to actually becoming the serial killers themselves. Dark and brooding toxic female friendships are a favorite trope in the suspense genre, but sometimes extremely misguided best girlfriends just wanna have a good time, even if that means dismembering bodies with the high-school shop supplies just for the lulz.
Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at Baylor University presented its community partner, Special Olympics of Waco and Waco Heart of Texas Chargers, with a Circle of Giving grant of $3,100 that will help defray costs for uniforms, travel, equipment and other needs.

Baylor students and Pi Kappa Phi members Michael Grace and Soloman Elias wrote the proposal for the Circle of Giving grant that was one of the few awarded to local chapters by national Pi Kappa Phi.

The Baylor chapter volunteers weekly with Special Olympics as part of its service to the community. In addition to their time, students were able to provide a financial boost to an organization serving people with different abilities.
Members of the National Good Soldier Foundation presented a special Spirit of America Award to University High School ROTC Cadet Ismael Lopez.

Lopez is credited with saving the life of his battalion commander, senior Alexandria Monroy, from an errant hammer throw during the Michael Johnson Invitational at Clyde Hart Track and Field Stadium in April. They were retrieving the flung hammers for the athletes when one sailed out of bounds toward them.

Lopez, who finished his junior year at the school, pulled Monroy out of the path of the 10-pound ball, which would have hit her on the head if not for his actions.

The medal was draped by retired Air Force Col. Dennis DeGraff, president of the Military Officers Association Heart of Texas.
Waco Rotary Club scholarships were recently presented to four recipients, who were awarded a total of $5,750.

The young women were recognized as outstanding students who represent values important to Rotary, such as service, integrity and leadership.

Chandler Smith, a graduate of Vanguard College Preparatory School, is a junior at Southwestern University. She is majoring in biology and planning to attend dental school.

Jessenia Ruiz, a Harmony Science Academy graduate, is a senior at Baylor University. She is majoring in communication studies and plans to attend law school.

Kelsey Erwin is a student at Tarleton State University, majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in English as a Second Language.

Berenice Fernandez, a Mart High graduate, attends Texas Tech University. She is majoring in nursing and planning to pursue a masters degree in nursing.
A judge rejected a plea agreement Thursday morning that proposed a 50-year prison term for a Bellmead man charged with decapitating his wife and putting her head in a freezer.

Davie Dauzat, 23, planned to plead guilty to murder in the Aug. 25 death of his 21-year-old wife, Natasha Dauzat.

However, the plea hearing was canceled after 54th State District Judge Matt Johnson conferred in his chambers with McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna and defense attorney Joseph Marcee. Court officials said the judge declined to accept the plea bargain offered by Reynas office.

Davie Dauzats parents and Natasha Dauzats family were in the courtroom for the anticipated plea but left to meet with attorneys to find out what happened.

A phone call to Reyna after the canceled hearing was not returned. Marcee declined comment.

Johnson set Dauzats murder trial to begin Sept. 18. If the judge had accepted the plea deal, Dauzat could have been eligible for parole in 25 years.

Dauzat remained in a holding cell and never made a court appearance Thursday morning.

Dauzat, who remains jailed under a $1 million bond, told investigators he killed his wife with a knife while their 1-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter were in the house.

An autopsy report confirmed Natasha Dauzat died from sharp-force injuries, including decapitation.

Dauzat told police killing his wife was wrong, but he also made conflicting statements, according to records filed in the case. He acknowledged that killing Natasha was wrong; however, he would also state that it was a battle between good and evil, the records state.

Dauzat told police he used drugs before the killing, but it was unclear what he took and when, other than smoking marijuana that day with his wife, according to affidavits filed in the case.

Police found drug paraphernalia in the home, and Dauzat told officers he used prescription drugs in the past.

Bellmead police were called to the home earlier that day to check on the family. They returned and found Natasha Dauzats body, Bellmead police Sgt. Kory Martin said at the time.

Dauzats brother told police Davie Dauzat called him and made weird statements and asked funny questions, but he was unsure if the comments were the result of drug use, Martin said.

Police returned to the home about 11 a.m. Aug. 25 after Dauzats brother called to say Dauzat killed his wife.

Dauzat initially refused to come out, but officers were able to convince him to surrender, police said. The children were uninjured but covered in blood, according to court documents.
Waco Independent School Districts Board of Trustees plans to increase the tax rate by a penny, giving teachers a 1.1 percent increase and non-teachers a 1 percent increase in salary as part of next years budget cycle.

The proposed budget does not take into account the possibility of a $1,000 salary increase proposed by the Texas Legislature for teachers across the state and who might fund it, Chief Financial Officer Sheryl Davis said. The district is monitoring that proposed legislation and a few other bills currently on the table during Gov. Greg Abbotts ongoing special session.

Trustees voted unanimously to propose adding a penny to the debt service tax rate after seeing updated numbers to a preliminary budget presented July 20. If passed, the rate would go from $1.40 to $1.41.

Once the proposed budget and tax rate are published Aug. 7, the public will have a chance to weigh in on the matter at a public hearing Aug. 31, Davis said.

If the budget passes, Waco ISD is expected to bring in more revenue and spend less than initially anticipated after district officials re-evaluated the 2017-2018 proposed preliminary budget this week, following the release of certified tax rolls by the McLennan County Appraisal District last week.

Initially, Waco ISD was expected to have $140.4 million in total revenue next year in its general fund, and about $143.6 million in total expenditures, according to the districts preliminary budget presented to the school board July 20.

Now, the district is expected to be closer to $140.9 million in total revenue, and about $143.3 million in total expenditures, Davis said. Waco ISDs net taxable property value increased this year from $4.8 billion to $5.3 billion, which is part of the reason behind the difference in the proposals, Davis said.

But the district will still have a shortfall of an estimated $2.5 million before operation transfers, Davis said.

The major issue we want to communicate to the public is that we do recognize were facing a shortfall we need to address over this upcoming year, Superintendent A. Marcus Nelson said, adding hes going to have to find a way to make some budget cuts that wont impact the classroom. Theres still some discrepancy about how much that is, but we do have a lot of work to do with our budget planning and were prepared to do that.

The one-cent tax rate increase is partially in response to how the district will handle increases in local property values and tax revenue, which means the district will get less money from the state this school year, Davis said.

TIF zones

The other reason behind the proposed rate is tied to how the district gives some of its debt service tax revenue to the citys Tax Increment Financing zones to help pay for infrastructure and development projects. The district is only reimbursed for what it pays out of the general fund toward TIF costs, so Waco ISD must make up for the loss somehow because theres no new money coming in from the state, Board President Pat Atkins said.

Property values have unexpectedly ballooned more than 20 percent since voters approved a tax rate increase more than two years ago that also brought the district almost $8 million in state funding. At the time of the tax ratification election, the district cut its debt-service tax rate by 8 cents per $100 of property value in an effort to offset the 13-cent per $100 of value increase to the maintenance and operation rate voters approved in 2015.

Use of that extra $8 million is limited to specific purposes laid out ahead of the election, including teacher aides, dual-credit courses and behavior management.

As I said last month, I dont think this can be construed as a bait and switch, Atkins said about the proposed rate. We kept it where we said we would keep it, and we would continue to do so. But for the impact of the increased property values in the TIF, and what that does for our state aid, we now have this.

With the added increase approved by the board, teachers will make an additional $600 more than what they made in 2016-17, Atkins said.

I just want to comment about our employees, too, and how important it is to give them a raise when we can, board member Angela Tekell said. They work so hard and I know our neighbors are raising their salary by 2 percent, and weve got to do what we can to stay competitive. If we fall behind, its really that much harder to catch up.

The tax rate wont change for homeowners who have turned 65 and older because the rate is frozen in place, Davis said.
The Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief came to the rescue of the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Mart this week in the form of a portable trailer equipped with four showers and five washers and dryers.

For nearly two weeks, the city of Mart has been bombarded by a series of problems with its water system and power outages compounded by the high summer water demand that forced officials to address citywide water shortages.

Among those affected was the Texas Juvenile Justice Department facility, which provides rehabilitation services to youth adjudicated for felony offenses and committed by a court.

The Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief, a program sponsored by the Austin Baptist Association, arrived July 27 and left Wednesday after providing the youth in the facility a place to shower and have clothes cleaned.

It was a huge help to us. I dont even know what our alternative might have been, said Carolyn Beck, TJJD director of external relations.

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department was notified July 24 by the city that the towns water pump station was out of service. The McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Mart began instructing staff to pick up water from the warehouse for their areas on campus, said Tanya Rosas, community relations coordinator. At the time, it was believed the water issue would be restored over the following day.

When it was realized water was far from returning, 18 portable toilets and handwashing stations were delivered to the campus for staff and students to use, Rosas said.

Then the Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief arrived.

The portable trailer was equipped with four showers and five washers and dryers. The city of Riesel water department supplied the facility with about 7,500 gallons of water, which was then hauled in a fire truck by the Mart Volunteer Fire department.

We appreciate them so much, Beck said. It feels like the whole community came together to help us in our time of need.

It took a day and a half to shower the more than 250 boys at the unit, Rosas said. By the end of the first day, more than 288 loads of laundry were washed, dried and folded, she said.

On Tuesday, the citys boil water notice was rescinded. However, city leaders reported conservation was still necessary to continue to improve upon the water storage levels. The water restriction was lowered from a Stage 4 to a Stage 3, meaning watering of landscaped areas was allowed with a hose between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. on odd days if residents have an odd-numbered address and even days if homeowners lived in an even-numbered address. Watering with a sprinkler system was still prohibited as well as non-essential use of water.

By noon Wednesday, the water situation was under control at the correctional facility and all the volunteers were able to return home, she said.

We will forever be grateful to Bob Andrews, director of the TBM Disaster Relief Team, and the TBM volunteers for their generosity with their time and equipment, facility Superintendent Bill Parks said. The assistance received from the city of Riesel and the Mart Volunteer Fire Department is more evidence that we live and work in a true community.

The Mart City Council met and agreed upon temporary repairs to help address the water shortages. The move will help hold the city over until the implementation of the multimillion-dollar grant and loan package from the U.S. Department of Agriculture the city received.

The USDA project will repair and replace old water distribution lines, including the transmission line that runs seven miles from the water treatment facility at Mart Lake to town. Streets will also be reworked through the grant as the citys water lines run beneath them.
Mae Jean Holcomb

Feb. 21, 1932 - Aug. 3, 2017

Mae Jean Holcomb, 85, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 3, 2017. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 5, at Oakwood Cemetery, 2124 S. 5th St., Waco. A time of visitation with the family will be from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, August 4, at The Venue at First Woodway Baptist Church. The Venue is located across the street from the church offices at 110 Ritchie Rd.

Mae Jean was an executive secretary at Southwestern Bell until her retirement in 1978. Several years later, Mae Jean returned to work as the pastor's secretary at Highland Baptist Church, where she served from 1984 to 1988. In 1992, she became the receptionist at HBC and remained in that position until she "retired" a second time in 2002. Mae Jean loved celebrating holidays and birthdays with her family members. She saved all year to be able to give generously on those occasions. She delighted in seeing the joy her gifts brought to the recipients, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mae Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Frank N. Holcomb, in 1984.

She is survived by her sons, Stephen and his wife, Patty, of Duncanville, Texas, and Mark and his wife, Tracy, of Waco; four grandchildren, Rachel, Erin, Patrick, and Jesse; and three great-grandchildren, Zachary, Zoey, and Caleb.

Memorials may be made in memory of Mae Jean Holcomb to the Dallas Baptist University Scholarship Fund, at Dallas Baptist University, 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX, 75211.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.
Mella M. Terry

March 4, 1924 - July 31, 2017

Mella Marie Ferrill Terry was called home to be with her Lord on Monday, July 31, 2017, at her home in Waco Texas.

Mella was born on March 4, 1924, in Elm Mott, Texas. She was the first of ten children born to Everett Lee and Nola Mae (Hurst) Ferrill. Mella was married to Wesley Abernathy "W.A." Terry on April 19, 1941. They were blessed with three wonderful children Dixie Marie, Betty Ann, and Bobby Gene. Mella and Wesley celebrated more than 65 years of marriage until his death on January 29, 2007.

Mella and Wesley thoroughly enjoyed camping and fishing at the lake with family and friends. Mella and Wesley were avid deer hunters enjoying many seasons with lifelong friend W.R. "Bo" Bohannan. She also loved card playing with family and friends, Tuesday night ladies poker group, and bridge club at Hamilton House and Senior Citizens Center. When not working with her husband in their business, W.A. Terry Co. Inc., she worked seasonally at the McLennan Community College Bookstore, Opal's, and Massy's Ladies Fine Fashions.

Mella and Wesley traveled extensively with their friends in the Karem Shrine Temple, where they were active members. Through the shrine, Mella was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, an organization focused on fundraising for the Shriners Hospitals.

Mella loved her family and was interested and involved in their activities as much as possible. Weekend card or domino nights at her home are very fond memories for all that participated. Mella "granny" was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by us all.Mella was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wesley; their children, Dixie, Betty, and Bobby; her parents, Everett Lee and Nola Mae; and siblings Edna Lois, Mildred Lee "Sissy", Martis Wayne, Paul C., Everett Ray, Mac Alvin, Freddie Joe, and Ruby Mae.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter-in-law, Dorothy Terry; grandchildren, Gary Dees and wife, Stacy, Terry Staton and wife, Jessie, Wesley Staton, Kenneth Green and wife, Robin, Natalie Terry, and Allison Terry; four great-grandchildren, Taylor Dees, Riley Dees, Kyle Green, and Lena Staton; brother, John Tom "Johnny"; and numerous nieces, and nephews.

A special thank you from the family to Dr. Stern, and his staff at the Fishpond Clinic for their kind and gentle care; Jackie Abercrombie long time friend and caretaker; and long time friend Shawn Smith.

Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, August 6, at Oak Crest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd. Graveside service will be at 3 p.m., Monday, August 7, at Oakwood Cemetery, 2124 S. 5th Street, Waco, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated the American Cancer Society and Providence Hospice for memorials.
Jacqueline Walter

February 26, 1926 - August 2, 2017

Jacqueline (Jackie) Ruff Walter, 91, of Robinson, formerly of South Bosque, passed away August 2, 2017, surrounded by her family at The Brazos of Waco. Services will be from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, August 6, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Drive, with Pastor David Cozart officiating. Visitation will immediately follow until 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Private graveside services will be at 9:00 a.m., Monday, August 7, am at Harris Creek Cemetery in South Bosque.

Jackie was born February 26, 1926, to William Homer and Annie Mae (Bickel) Ruff in McGregor, Texas. She graduated from South Bosque High School. She married Arvis E. Walter on June 3, 1944, and became a Navy wife, writing letters to Arvis every day and then moving to Idaho for a short time to finish out his tour of duty. They shared a wonderful life for 72 years, until Arvis' death on February 24, 2017. They lived in the South Bosque community surrounded by special family members that would meet in the evening in their front yard, on Bosque Lane, and visit and laugh and enjoy life. Jackie worked at Library Binding Company for 25 years.

Jackie loved attending their Harris Creek Baptist Sunday school class, which was led by special family members, Nolan and Willie Boyd. Mom was a very shy person, but she loved this group of people and felt very comfortable in their presence. Jackie grew up near the original Harris Creek Church, again surrounded by many aunts and uncles and family. Next to Arvis, "family" was the most important part of her life. She took over cooking holiday meals for the "Ruff" family after her mother passed away and kept alive the tradition of family holiday celebrations. She loved camping with the Walter family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arvis; her parents; two brothers, Frederick "Dude" Ruff and Donald Ruff; sister, Jean Helton; and special sister-in-law, Shirley Walter.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Smith and husband, Jim, of Robinson; granddaughters, Amber Clemons and husband, Chris, of Robinson, and Ashley Ellis and husband, Eric, of Lorena; three great-grandchildren, Halen Mae Clemons of Robinson, Braxton Jones of Lorena, and Jack (name sake) Clemons of Robinson; a favorite sister-in-law, Dorothy Walter, of South Bosque, who was a childhood friend; and sister-in-law, Ima Walter of McGregor. She also leaves to cherish her memories, her sister-in-law's, Mary Leard and husband, Tom, of Terrell, Virginia, Mudge and husband, David, of Whitney: brother-in-law, Billy Joe Walter of South Bosque; and several nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made Meadowbrook Baptist Church 1207 N. Old Robinson Road, Robinson, TX 76706 and designate "Homebound Ministries".

Special thanks to Bluebonnet Hospice, Westview Manor, and The Brazos in Waco for their care of Mom during her battle with Alzheimer's.

Online guestbook www.pecangrovefuneral.com.
M.N. Wright

June 27, 1914 - Aug. 2, 2017

M.N. "Bud" Wright, 103, of Waco, passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2017. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 5, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Drive, Waco, with Chaplain Danny Tomlinson officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, August 4, at the funeral home.

Bud was born on June 27, 1914, in Fairy, Texas, to B.L. and Carrel Phillips Wright. He served in the army from 1942 to 1946, during WWII. After the army, Bud worked at Brazos Valley Cotton Seed Oil Mill for 20 years. He eventually retired from TYMCO. He was married to Elizabeth "Betsy" Wright until her death in 2004. After retirement, he and Betsy enjoyed going to the deer lease, fishing and camping together.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy; his parents; son, Jimmie Wright; and 11 siblings.

Bud is survived by his son, Gary Wright and wife, Cathy, of Marlin, Texas; and grandson, Brad Wright of Waco, Texas.

The family would like to thank the staff at Golden Years Nursing Home in Marlin, Texas, for the wonderful care given to Bud.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Marlin, 411 Coleman St, Marlin, TX 76661.

Online guestbook www.pecangrovefuneral.com.
Profiles in courage

Washington is full of profiles in cowardice these days, but it still has a few heroes: Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and John McCain of Arizona.

Susan Collins is a throwback to the 1970s when the Republican Party was a conservative party, not a radical libertarian party. Despite the institutional changes that now give party leaders enormous control over senators elected to represent the people of their respective states, Susan Collins was the first Republican to stand up and defend affordable health care.

Lisa Murkowski was defeated in the 2010 Alaska Republican primary by libertarian tea-party radicals. She refused to surrender and defeated the radicals in the general election with a write-in campaign. When Donald Trump illegally threatened to harm her Alaskan constituents last week, she again refused to surrender. She stood with Susan Collins to defend health care.

Despite Donald Trumps cowardly attacks on John McCain, we already knew McCain was a hero. Trump, who never served in the military, made fun of the fact that McCains U.S. Navy A-4E Skyhawk was shot down over North Vietnam by a Russian missile. Trump said he liked heroes who didnt get captured.

McCain did something Trump could never do, or even understand: Despite broken bones and torture during five years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, McCain refused a special offer to be set free ahead of other POWs. For McCain, it was a matter of honor  something Donald Trump is not acquainted with.

Last week, McCain flew across the country shortly after surgery for brain cancer to cast the deciding vote to save Obamacare  and with it thousands of American lives. Americans are indebted to these three profiles in courage for rising above partisan politics to do what is right.

Charles Reed, Waco

Bet on glory

In reference to the I-35 widening project that goes on and on and on and on: My wife and I are in our early 70s and beginning to wonder which will occur first  the completion of this project or us going on to glory.

John Baker, Hewitt

EDITORS NOTE: At last report, $300 million has been allocated for the section between 12th Street and Loop 340 North to be widened from six to eight lanes with improvements to frontage roads, ramps and bridges. A contract for the project is to be let by December 2018.

Summer break

Up early this morning

And to my delight,

An overcast sky

Made a most pleasing sight.

With slow moving clouds

And a faint summer breeze,

My back porch temperature

Showed eighty degrees.

Its nice right now

Lets say it together 

Weve a fine Texas day

With this break in the weather.

Ben Hagins, Woodway
ASHLAND  The Platte Valley Wranglers 4-H club has been busy for the past few weeks competing in horse shows in Fremont and Wahoo.

Only one member of the Platte Valley Wranglers participated at the Fremont 4-H Fair this year, but she represented the club and Saunders County very well.

Madeline Spreeman (11 & Under) was Reserve Champion High Point for the day, Champion in Reining, Reserve Champion in Western Pleasure, and received a purple in Horsemanship, blue in Showmanship, blue in Barrels and red in Poles.

Five members of the Platte Valley Wranglers participated in the Saunders County Fair Horse Show this year. The results were as follows.

Madeline Spreeman  Over 4 year old mares (Over 14.2 hands), first blue; Over 4 year old Geldings (Over 14.2 hands), blue; Junior Showmanship, purple; Junior English Equitation, third place blue; Junior English Pleasure, third place blue; Junior Western Pleasure, third place blue; Junior Western Horsemanship, red; Junior Reining, fourth place blue; Junior Poles, second place blue; Junior Barrels, second with a purple.

Kaliska Kelley  Over 4 year geldings, purple; Intermediate Showmanship, purple.

Lillyan Cullinane  Over 4 year geldings (Over 14.2 hands), sixth place with a purple; Intermediate Showmanship, blue; Intermediate Western Pleasure, blue; Intermediate Horsemanship, sixth place with a blue; Junior Ranch Pleasure, sixth place with a blue; Junior Reining, sixth place with a blue; Intermediate Pole Bending, champion purple; Intermediate Barrel Racing, fourth place with a purple.

Mary Andelt  Intermediate Poles, white; Intermediate Barrels, second with a purple.

Frances Holley  Over 4 year mares (Over 14.2 hands), blue; Senior Western Pleasure, third place with a red; Senior Western Horsemanship, third place with a red; Senior Poles, fourth place with a red; Senior Barrels, third place with a blue.
WAHOO -- Youth getting back to school on the right foot is the goal of Active Community Team of Saunders County, and that starts with having the right tools available.

We hope to make a positive impact in the community by giving children some of the tools they will need for school, said ACT Secretary Jean Tesinsky.

On July 27 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wahoo, 209 backpacks were given to 76 families from across Saunders County to meet this need.

This number is on par with last years distribution, Tesinsky said.

We got lots of donations this year. There is a lot of generosity in the community, Tesinsky said.

Those families not only received backpacks full of school supplies, but were able to speak with vendors from WellCare, The Bridge, Community Action, Three Rivers Public Health Department, United Health Care and the American Job Center in regard to potentially meeting family needs.

Three Rivers Public Health Department also did a car seat safety check in the parking lot of the church prior to receiving backpacks.

Nearly 20 families got their car seats checked. That number is more than last year, said Three Rivers Health Educator Coartney DiGiorgio.

Those not able to make it to the event can still get backpacks and school supplies, Tesinsky said.

Backpacks can still be picked up at the Wahoo Public Library through Library Director Denise Lawver.

Backpacks can also be picked up at the Saunders County Youth Services office in the Law Enforcement and Judicial Center in Wahoo by contacting Youth Services Coordinator Amber Pelan.
WAHOO  Saunders County Weed Superintendent Ed Sladky uses a land, sea and air assault when exterminating the 12 species of noxious weeds across Saunders County.

Sladky is responsible for patrolling the 64 miles of Platte River bank and 760 square miles of Saunders County looking for the weeds.

There are 12 on the list, but were working hard on Phragmites and Purple Loosestrife now, Sladky said.

Phragmites and Purple Loosestrife are primarily fought on the waterfront.

This fight employs the use of a helicopter or Argo eight-wheeled amphibious all-terrain vehicle to reach the weeds and spray them with an aquatic herbicide.

These two weeds could eventually choke out a stream and divert water a different direction, he said.

Not only could the hardy weeds divert a stream, but that same effect takes its toll on the larger Platte River and has an effect on flooding by not allowing water to stay in its banks, Sladky said.

All 12 weeds on Nebraskas noxious weed list are imports from other countries and have no natural way to stay in check, Sladky said.

People used to use many of them as ornamental grasses or soil stabilizers.

Years ago, you could buy Purple Loosestrife at the store, Sladky said.

We had to call stores and tell them they couldnt sell it anymore.

The fight against these noxious weeds is a cooperative effort.

Land owners are responsible to kill noxious weeds on their property, but the expense and effort necessary can be burdensome.

In cooperation with natural resource districts, Saunders County is one of 10 that make up the Lower Platte Weed Management Area.

This group works together to get grant dollars to pay for items like chemicals, helicopters, airboats and the Argo that are used to fight along the rivers.

This past July, a helicopter survey was done along the river and GPS coordinates were marked where noxious weeds were seen.

We notify the land owners and ask if they want to join in paying for the cost, Sladky said.

The land owners cost is a 50-50 cost chare with the Lower Platte Weed Management Area, but allows for the group to utilize all the weapons at their disposal to fight the weeds.

The cost would be much higher if land owners did not utilize the resources of the group, Sladky said.

If found along inland ditches, Sladky said his office offers suggestions for controls to take.

A lot of what I do is education, Sladky said.

What some land owners dont know is that they are responsible to the middle of the road and the middle of the river along their property, he said.

Phragmites is a new enough weed to the area that many land owners might not recognize it as such or even look for it inland, he said.

It might grow in an area and cover 100 square feet or be in just one small clump.

But I always say one plant is too many, Sladky said.

In addition to fighting along the water, Leafy Spurge and Musk Thistle grow in pastures and thin out grazing grasses.

This makes for poorer grazing for livestock, he said.

One plant of Musk Thistle can produce 15,000 seeds.

Three of Nebraskas 12 noxious have not yet been spotted in Saunders County.

They are Japanese Knotweed, Giant Knotweed and Spotted Knapweed.

The remaining weeds are Canada Thistle, Plumeless Thistle, Diffuse Knapweed, Saltcedar and Sericea Lespedeza.

For more information about Nebraskas noxious weeds, including pictures of the weeds, visit neweed.org or contact Sladky at 402-443-8171.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvios engine is enough to get the job done, but cheap parts diminish the enjoyment, Warren Brown writes. (Alfa Romeo)

It is a head-turner, one of the most distinctively designed SUVs entering the 2018 automotive market, largely because of its prominent triangular grille.

But the competition is better in ways that count, and the competitors are many and constantly improving.

In addition to the crowded market, prices are high for high-class SUVs, running $40,000 and much more. That means the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Lusso, driven for this weeks column, might find it difficult to compete.

That is too bad, because there are many likable things about the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. But there also are many self-inflicted wounds, eerily reminiscent of a former communications director of a certain presidential administration.

The Stelvios problems:

It has good exterior looks but traffics in cheap parts  plastic roof handles with sharp edges that can cut unwary hands; center console pieces with beautiful exteriors on one side and unfinished, sharp plastic edges on the other; poorly fitting sun visors that let in as many solar rays as they keep out.

Like cheap language, cheap parts have a way of ruining things. In fairness to Alfa Romeo, a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, I suspect the parts problem was because the company rushed the Stelvio model sent to me  a preproduction happenstance. Heres hoping these silly errors will be absent from full-production models, a few of which are on sale in the Washington area.

Stelvio pricing is a tad off the mark for high-end SUVs. Equipped with advanced electronic safety features, a premium sound system and a panoramic glass roof, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio (with Ti Lusso trim) had a final price of $54,490. It will have a rough time going against models such as the well-equipped BMW X3 ($42,050), Jaguar F-Pace ($44,775), Audi Q5 ($41,500) and an array of other competitors from the United States, Japan and South Korea.

Options, of course, can lessen the price competitiveness of the other high-end models  but so what?

The South Koreans, especially, are using technological advances to increase their equipment offerings and reduce the prices of their vehicles. They are rendering the notion of prestige irrelevant, which is not a good thing for any of the purveyors of high-end models.

Still, if you enjoy being the center of attention, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the way to go. Currently, two Stelvio trim levels are for sale  the base Stelvio and the very well-equipped Ti Lusso. The vehicle is named after the twisty Stelvio mountain pass in northern Italy. Outfitted in Ti Lusso trim, which includes all-wheel drive and Brembo brakes, I have no doubt it easily and safely could make that trip.

The engine is enough  a turbocharged 2.0-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder model (280 horsepower, 306 pound-feet of torque). Handling is excellent. But Alfa Romeo might have entered the market a bit too late and unfinished with this one. Well see.
1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process.

2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive.

3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents.

4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance.

Vote

View Results
Paris: Air France-KLM has expanded its no-fly zone over North Korea after one of its jets flew past the location where an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) splashed down 10 minutes later, an airline spokesman said on Thursday.

Air France's flight 293, a Boeing 777 carrying 323 people from Tokyo to Paris, missed North Korea's latest ICBM as it fell to Earth on July 28 by about 100 kilometres  or approximately 10 minutes' flight time, the spokesman said, citing flight data provided by Japan.

Air France-KLM flies direct to Tokyo and Osaka and the expansion of the no-fly zone could make the flights 10 minutes to 30 minutes longer, depending on the direction, the spokesman said.

North Korea said on Saturday its latest ICBM test proved its ability to strike America's mainland.
Property giant Lendlease has accidentally released its full-year financial results three weeks ahead of schedule in an embarrassing slip-up that forced it to go public with the breach.

The diversified property group inadvertently released six pages of its draft annual report that detailed its $758.6 million profit after tax and earnings before interest and tax of $1.2 billion while testing its digital online systems. The error prompted inquiries from the corporate watchdog.

The diversified property group inadvertently released six pages of its draft annual report while testing automated search engines. Credit:Nic Walker

"While preparing for our annual report online release scheduled for 28 August, a testing environment appears to have been inadvertently made accessible to the public through an automated search engine," Lendlease said on Friday.

"Unfortunately, six pages of the draft annual report ... appear to have been accessed ... The breach has been rectified and all further testing has ceased."
American fashion retailer Gap will shut its doors in Australia within the next six months, its local franchisee has announced.

Oroton Group said on Friday it would discontinue its relationship with Gap and expected to close its six Gap stores by the end of January next year.

The troubled Australian company said closing the Gap stores would allow it to focus on its core Oroton handbag business and limit future financial losses.

However, it was too early to put a figure on what impact it would have, it said.
This seems to be a moment where the most heated political battles are among those who are meant to be on the same side. Australian voters will be familiar with this, having observed the slow implosion of the Coalition over the past two years  only underlined by this week's parrying on same-sex marriage. And more on that in a moment. But arguably the most telling illustration has come from America where, amid the continuing Trump-led circus, Republicans in congress have once more failed to kill off Obamacare.

This really is extraordinary. Republicans control every elected branch of government. They hold the White House, the House and the Senate. Accordingly, the country is theirs to run without the slightest hint of input from the Democrats, who are presently entirely irrelevant. And yet here we are, watching as the Republicans cannot deliver on what has been their most central reason for being for the past seven years. Imagine if Tony Abbott had booted Labor from power in a landslide that gave him majorities in both houses of Parliament, and yet couldn't manage to repeal carbon tax. We're looking at something that dysfunctional.

And yet, we're looking at something entirely understandable. The Republicans' problem is that, well, their approaches to healthcare largely stink. That can be masked in opposition, but when forced to implement something in government, the stench becomes overwhelming. Every attempt to replace Obamacare has come with a hideous number attached that forecasts just how many people will wind up losing their health cover under Republican proposals. First 23 million, then 32 million, then 16 million. You could bring that figure down, but only by keeping more elements of the thing you're trying to replace, at which point hardline Republicans would decry the policy for not going far enough. And when the principal benefit of this exercise seems to be the repeal of certain taxes for the wealthy, that's an awful message to defend publicly. Some congressional Republicans inevitably got cold feet. To date there has proven to be no magical balance that can satisfy both moderate and Tea Party-infused Republicans.

It's a study in the limits of oppositional politics. The cliche runs that you campaign in poetry and govern in prose. But how do you govern when you've campaigned in bumper stickers? It turns out you become largely mute. The Republicans' story is not one of lofty, utopian ambitions sullied by the inevitable compromises of politics. It is a story of no great ambition at all; of a bloody-minded plan for destruction that runs aground whenever the moment calls for construction. That's why after six months of unfettered political dominance, the Republicans have nothing of consequence to show for it. The politics of insurrection ran its course as soon as it achieved victory. The Republicans have proven little other than the sterility of their anger.
Donald Trump with then-national security adviser Michael Flynn and chief strategist Steve Bannon during a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in January. Credit:Bloomberg The conversation also confirmed Australia would take refugees from Central America as part of the arrangement, contradicting the Australian government's public insistence that the deal was not a swap. "This is a very big issue for us, particularly domestically," Mr Turnbull said, according to the transcript. "It requires, in return, for us to do a number of things for the United States  this is a big deal, I think we should respect [the] deal. Donald Trump with Mike Flynn and Steve Bannon in the Oval Office during the call to Malcolm Turnbull. Credit:AP "We will then hold up our end of the bargain by taking in our country 31 [inaudible] that you need to move on from ... we are taking people from the previous administration that they were very keen on getting out of the United States.

"We will take more. We will take anyone that you want us to take," Mr Turnbull promised as the President hit out at the "rotten deal". Donald Trump speaking to Malcolm Turnbull n the Oval Office of the White House. Credit:AP "I am going to get killed on this thing," Mr Trump said. "I will be seen as a weak and ineffective leader in my first week by these people. This is a killer," the President said, pointing out that it would contradict his hardline call for people from Muslim-majority countries to even be allowed to travel to the United States. He also asked for Mr Turnbull's assurances that Australia would not be exporting terrorists.

"We have our San Bernardinos, we have had the World Trade Centre come down because of people that should not have been in our country, and now we are supposed to take 2000. It sends such a bad signal. You have no idea. It is such a bad thing," Mr Trump said. At one point, Mr Trump asked: "Who made the deal? Obama?" Mr Turnbull had to explain Australia's border protection policies and the terms of the deal repeatedly to Mr Trump, who appeared to struggle to comprehend the arrangement. The Prime Minister also several times corrected the President's claim that Australia would send 2000 refugees to the US. Mr Turnbull said the actual figure was 1250. Mr Turnbull said the United States could decide to take only refugees who met its vetting procedures and that the "obligation is to only go through the process".

At one point he agreed with Mr Trump about the the prospect of the US vetting but then deciding to accept no refugees. However, he added that he would expect the US to act in "good faith". He described all the detainees on Nauru and Manus Island as safe and mostly "economic refugees" from Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. "They have been under our supervision for over three years now and we know exactly everything about them," he assured the President. He added that if they had come by plane, they would have already been settled in Australia. Mr Trump struggled to comprehend why Australia "discriminated" against people coming by boat and asked why the Australian government didn't just free the detainees if they were deemed safe. Mr Turnbull said the policy was aimed at stopping people-smuggler networks from selling dangerous sea voyages to Australia. And when he outlined Australia's harsh approach to asylum-seekers who arrived by boat - saying not even a Nobel prize-winning genius would be allowed to settle in Australia - Mr Trump praised the Australian leader as even worse than himself.

"That is a good idea. We should do that too. You are worse than I am," Mr Trump said. "Malcolm, why is this so important? I do not understand. This is going to kill me," the President said at one point. Australia prioritised Christians over Muslims Mr Turnbull also boasted to the President that Australia had prioritised Christians from Syria. "This is exactly what we have done with the program to bring in 12,000 Syrian refugees, 90 per cent of which will be Christians," Mr Turnbull said.

"It will be quite deliberate and the position I have taken  I have been very open about it  is that it is a tragic fact of life that when the situation in the Middle East settles down  the people that are going to be most unlikely to have a continuing home are those Christian minorities. "We have a similar perspective in that respect," he told Mr Trump. Turnbull agrees with Trump on Merkel Both leaders rubbished German Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door policy to accept refugees fleeing the Syrian conflict. Mr Trump suggested that Mrs Merkel regretted her decision. "Look at what has happened in Germany. Look at what is happening in these countries. These people are crazy to let this happen. I spoke to Merkel today and, believe me, she wishes she did not do it. Germany is a mess because of what happened," he said.
Transphobia does not fly with Lena Dunham.

Though the Girls creator and star says her flight was delayed at New York's JFK airport on Wednesday, she tweeted the "worst part" of the night was actually overhearing two American Airlines employees allegedly engage in bigoted conversation.

Lena Dunham got real about the beauty industry this week in her Lenny Letter column. Credit:AP

"Not gonna call out the airline who delayed cuz s--- happens BUT I did just overhear 2 @AmericanAir attendants having a transphobic talk [sic.]," the Lenny Letter co-founder tweeted.

"At this moment in history we should be teaching our employees about love and inclusivity @AmericanAir," she continued. "That was [the] worst part of this night."
Centrelink is under fire for letters using the AFP's logo and language that critics say is intended to intimidate clients into updating their personal details.

The agency has sent out the letters within months of prolonged controversy over the wording of notices it sent to welfare recipients about possible "robo-debts", and after Department of Human Services officials were forced to defend them.

Centrelink is under fire for letters using the AFP logo. Credit:Erin Jonasson

Letters sent to welfare recipients in late July have an AFP logo beneath Centrelink's and tell them to keep their personal details up to date, before listing a series of penalties if they commit welfare fraud, including a prison sentence and a criminal record.

"The majority of our customers do the right thing and tell us about any changes to their information. We also know that sometimes people make honest mistakes, however customers who deliberately withhold or provide false or misleading information could be committing fraud," it said.
The major contractor at Chevron's massive Wheatstone gas project in WA's north says it has taken action after more than 250 workers signed a petition alleging serious workplace bullying.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union says a worksite manager for US engineering giant Bechtel used profanity and bullying tactics when speaking to employees last month, including referring to workers as "rats" and "no better than paedophiles".

Chevron is building the $US34 billion Wheatstone LNG project at Ashburton North in WA.

"Bechtel takes all matters of this nature very seriously," the company said in an emailed statement.

"On this particular occasion, a thorough investigation was conducted and appropriate action has been taken."
Washington: When Jorge Guajardo, one of Mexico's most senior and seasoned foreign policy hands, got out of bed on Thursday morning, a couple of interesting messages were waiting on his mobile phone.

One was a link shared by a US diplomat to the leaked transcript of a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. In the second, a former Mexican official offered the quick analysis.

"He's the opposite of Teddy Roosevelt," that official quipped to Guajardo about Trump. "He speaks loudly and carries a small stick."

Seven months into the Trump administration, the world's diplomatic community has gone from throwing its hands in the air to now leaning back in their chairs and laughing, albeit morosely, at Trump's cringe-worthy display of diplomacy during the infancy of his presidency.
The leaking of transcripts of calls between the US President and foreign leaders is so significant and so unprecedented that it suggests that senior White House or national security staff are determined to leave the President hamstrung.

No foreign leader can now speak freely with Donald Trump without expecting to read the contents of the conversation on the front page in the coming months.

Lamenting this in The Atlantic magazine, former George W. Bush adviser David Frum, a member of the so-called "never Trump" faction of the Republican Party, observed, "The temptation [to leak] is obvious: Senior national-security professionals regard Trump as something between (at best) a reckless incompetent doofus and (at worst) an outright Russian espionage asset. The fear that a Russian mole has burrowed into the Oval Office may justify, to some, the most extreme actions against that suspected mole.

"The nature of this particular leak suggests just such a national-security establishment origin. It is a very elegantly designed leak. The two transcripts belong to calls whose substance was already widely reported in the media; they give away nothing new."
Taunton, Massachusetts: A woman who encouraged her suicidal boyfriend to kill himself in dozens of text messages and told him to "get back in" a truck filled with toxic gas has been sentenced to 15 months in jail for involuntary manslaughter.

Michelle Carter was convicted in June by a judge who said her final instruction to Conrad Roy III caused his death.

Carter was 17 when the 18-year-old Roy was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in July 2014.

Juvenile Court judge Lawrence Moniz on Thursday gave Carter a two-and-a-half-year jail sentence but said she had to serve only 15 months of that. He also sentenced her to five years of probation.
With sponsorship of CCF China and cooperation of the Chinese and the Spanish Customs Administrations, a WCO National Workshop on the modernization of the Customs Laboratory of Mongolia was held at the Ulaanbaatar Customs House, in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), from 31 July to 3 August 2017. The Workshop was attended by 25 Customs Officers from Mongolia Customs involved in Customs Laboratory and Harmonized System classification matters.

During the opening of the Workshop, the Director of the Public Administration and Management Department of Mongolia Customs, Mr. Tseyenregzen Ochirsuren, thanked the representatives from the Chinese and the Spanish Customs Administrations and from the WCO Secretariat for facilitating the discussions on the modernization of Mongolia's Customs Laboratory. In his remarks, he referred to the importance of a Customs Laboratory for the correct collection of Customs duties and for the uniform classification of commodities in the national Customs tariff. Also present at the opening ceremony, Mr. Yunge Wang, Director of the Customs Laboratory of Shanghai (China) referred to the benefits of the cooperation between Customs Laboratories and also to the importance of the "test procedures" in the context of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The Central Customs Laboratory of Mongolia is a well-equipped medium size laboratory that was established in 1996. Several topics related to the WCO strategy on Customs Laboratories were addressed and the participants were also thoroughly informed about several databases and documentation specifically designed for the day to day routine in a Customs Laboratory, in particular, in the context of the analysis of sensitive commodities for Mongolia's Customs such as pharmaceuticals, vitamins, textiles and polymers.

During the Workshop, a wide range of chemical analysis matters was addressed and the participants attending the Workshop were also thoroughly informed about the instruments and tools specifically produced by the WCO to facilitate the routine of the Customs Laboratories.

Present at the closing ceremony, Mr. Juan Moreno Peceno, from the Customs Laboratory of Madrid (Spain), emphasized the importance of the cooperation and networking between the Customs Laboratories all over the world and referred to the possibilities offered by the WCO Regional Customs Laboratories initiative.
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Alec Baldwin sues to 'clear his name' in movie set death
By West Kentucky Star Staff Aug. 03, 2017 | 09:15 PM | GRAVES COUNTY, KY

Two Graves County residents were arrested Thursday on drug and other charges.

According to Graves County Sheriff Dewayne Redmon, a detective spotted 46-year-old Robert Burton of Mayfield operating a lawn mower on Sunset Drive carrying a dorm refrigerator. Burton had an active warrant for shoplifting from a local business.

Police said 54-year-old Donnie Lear of Mayfield was following Burton while riding his bicycle. When the officer got out of his vehicle to arrest Burton, Lear continued riding his bicycle out of the area.

Lear circled the block and was passing by the scene when the officer instructed him to stop. Lear ignored the officer's orders. When Lear was manually stopped by the officer, he began to resist.

Police said Lear was armed with two large survival knives and was attempting to reach for one when an officer with the Mayfield Police Department arrived on scene and was able to gain control of Lear. During a search of Lear, officers reportedly found a baggie of methamphetamine along with items of drug paraphernalia.

Both Burton and Lear were lodged in the Graves County Jail. Burton was charged with theft by unlawful taking under $500. Lear was charged with wanton endangerment of a police officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and menacing.

Redmon said his office has been unable to determine if the mower and refrigerator are stolen. If anyone is missing these items they are encouraged to report it to law enforcement.
By The Associated Press Aug. 04, 2017 | 12:06 PM | LOUISVILLE, KY

A property assessment appeals board has sided with Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin in his dispute over the value of his new home in a Louisville suburb.

The Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals set the value of the property that includes Bevin's home at $2.15 million. That matches the value placed on the property by an appraiser hired by Bevin in the Republican governor's appeals case.

A copy of the board's ruling was released Friday.

Bevin purchased the home for $1.6 million in March. The Jefferson County property valuation administrator says the home is worth $2.9 million. Bevin appealed, arguing he purchased 10 acres of a 19-acre tract and said the home required significant repairs.

The issue was whether Bevin and his wife got a sweetheart deal on the house.

___

Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com
By The Associated Press Aug. 04, 2017 | 07:53 AM | LOUISVILLE, KY

Local officials say they were prevented from accessing much of Gov. Matt Bevin's home as part of the Kentucky Republican's appeal over the value of a property he purchased from a friend and campaign donor.

The Courier-Journal reports that Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator Tony Lindauer said two staff members told him Tuesday's inspection did not include the house's second floor, third floor and barn. Lindauer spoke to The Courier-Journal after Bevin's attorney Mark Sommer told the newspaper that the board of assessment appeals, which sets the tax value, was "given complete access to whatever it requested to see, inside and out."

Bevin purchased the home for $1.6 million in March. The Jefferson County property valuation administrator says the home is worth $2.9 million, which Bevin is appealing.

___

Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com
A Fountain City man died last week following a work accident in Goodview.

Zachary Lilla, 20, was declared dead after being taken to Winona Health with a traumatic head injury on July 31.

Goodview police officers were called to Custom Power Coatings in Minnesota City for an equipment accident, according to a police report.

Officers found a man identified as Lilla at the scene with severe head trauma.

Lilla and a co-worker were inspecting a dump truck when the box unexpectedly dropped, striking Lilla in the head.

Lilla was employed by the owner of the dump truck, Baures Excavating in Fountain City.

Lilla was transferred by ambulance to Winona Health, where he was pronounced dead.

In addition to the Goodview Police Department, Goodview Fire and First Responders, Winona Area Ambulance, Minnesota State Patrol CVI and Minnesota OSHA also responded to the incident.

The accident is currently under investigation, according to police reports.
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 projects 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, Were 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 Belles 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.
Students at Winona Area Public Schools will continue to get a hot lunch even when their parents or guardians arent able to pay for it.

The school board on Thursday passed a motion detailing how WAPS will handle unpaid meal charges, in response to a U.S. Department of Agriculture mandate that school districts adopt a policy addressing student meal accounts that slip into the red.

Jennifer Walters, school nutrition director for WAPS, said the policy is essentially a continuation of the districts old, informal procedure.

Its kind of a balance, Superintendent Rich Dahman said July 20 at the first reading of the motion. We want to collect on these charges, but we also need to make sure that every student gets a healthy meal.

In recent years, WAPSs Feed the Kids Fund has covered meal costs for students with negative balances. The fund is supported through donations by residents, businesses and organizations.

Not just any student can benefit from this safety net.

A principal, teacher or staff member first needs to give them the OK, and there are a number of procedures in place to keep students from ever getting to that point.

If a students meal account is low or in the red, his or her family will receive frequent letters from the district. Theyll also receive phone and email messages three times a week.

If an account dips $50 into the red, a representative from the district will contact the students family to make payment arrangements.

If an account dips $75 into the red, Walters will meet with a school counselor, social worker or principal to discuss the familys situation and determine a solution.

The school district will make reasonable efforts to collect unpaid meal charges, the policy reads. Unpaid meal charges will be designated as delinquent debt.

If a family is struggling to pay for a students lunch, WAPS will direct that family to the districts free and reduced lunch program, which is funded by the National School Lunch Program.
Sauk County residents in search of work, even those with children who may not have available daycare, could find a job on the courthouse square next week in Baraboo.

The Sauk County Job Center and its partners will host the first-ever Stay Local Showcase: Employment and Resource Fair on Tuesday on the courthouse lawn in downtown Baraboo. During the job fair, more than 40 area business and 15 organizations that provide employment assistance will set up booths and interact with potential job candidates.

Sauk and Dane County Job Center business services lead Mary Kauffman said the event is an opportunity for businesses and organizations in Sauk, Marquette, Columbia, Juneau and Adams counties to connect with job seekers and provide information about available positions, supportive services and resources.

More casual than a traditional job fair, Kauffman said the Stay Local Showcase is a family event, and job seekers are encouraged to bring their children. Several food vendors will be on site, along with the businesses and career assistance organizations.

Traditionally, a job fair is someone going to look for a job on their own, Kauffman said. But its hard to go to a job fair if you dont have someone to watch your kids, so we really talked to the employers about shifting the mindset from the traditional job fair.

The job fair will begin at 3 p.m. with opening remarks from Baraboo Mayor Mike Palm, Sauk County Board Chairman Marty Krueger and a representative from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Following the announcements, guests will be able to walk from booth to booth on the square and network with various businesses, organizations and other resource providers.

Ultimately, our business is helping and supporting job seekers in their job search, Kauffman said. The goal is really to match employers with job seekers, and to give them the opportunity to interact with employers they might not be able to interact with personally.

Julie Enloe of South Central Wisconsin American Job Centers said event organizers anticipate a turnout of about 150 people. She added that the number may be dependent on weather, as the job fair is outdoors. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly sunny skies for Tuesday with a high of 79 degrees.

Weather will be a factor, Enloe said. Were hoping and praying that we get some beautiful weather for that day so that people do turn out.
Anyone who has worked with children, or studied the effects of environment on them, knows that the quality of parenting they receive affects their attitudes, behaviors and overall mental health. Children who feel love and acceptance and whose parents set and consistently enforce reasonable limits on their behaviors usually develop self-confidence and a positive attitude toward others and life in general.

But there are many children who havent experienced those advantages. Ive met many of them while working in different jobs over the years.

One of those jobs was with troubled girls at a juvenile detention center in Akron, Ohio. The girls had been sent to detention for a variety of reasons. Some of them were waiting for foster homes; some had run away from abusive parents or guardians; some were awaiting court dates on charges of robbery or disorderly conduct; some were there for protection against hard-core pimps they were scheduled to testify against. Although they were all different, one of the things most of them shared was the lack of a nurturing parent or guardian.

One of the girls, although very small, terrified all the others. One evening, when she was in solitary confinement for attacking one of the other girls, I went in and spent some time with her, hoping to find out why she was always so angry. After she vented about how unfair it was that she was confined, she settled down and told me she probably never would have gotten in trouble if her mother had cared where she was or when she came home at night. She wasnt the only one who expressed the truth that children really do want and need parents who care enough to set limits.

Years later, I worked at a residential group home for adolescent girls and boys. Again, they were there for a variety of reasons  similar to those of the girls who had been in detention. But, unlike the detention center, the residents werent locked in and the boys and girls could mingle in the common area and during meals. And they, too, were eager to share the stories of their lives.

It became clear that the kids who suffered the most serious mental health issues were those who had been abandoned or neglected by their parents. When the most important people in their early lives abandoned or ignored them, they werent just deeply wounded; they were also extremely angry. That anger permeated every aspect of their lives and, most likely, negatively affected their futures unless they were saved early by someone who offered them what theyd missed.

And then there were the kids whose parents paid attention to them only when they got in trouble. They were often the braggarts, bullies and liars who demanded to be in the spotlight at all times. They acted tough, but hid a desperate fear of being ignored. Because of that fear, they didnt care how their actions affected others so long as they got the attention they so desperately craved. Often, they were the ones who become dangerous.

Which brings us to Donald Trump: By his admission, his father rarely had time for him when he was young. And by numerous reports, his mother was much more interested in spending his fathers money than caring for her children. The young Trump was such a well-known trouble-maker in school that his fellow students used his initials, D.T., to indicate detention. Because of his unruly conduct as a boy, his father sent him away to military school, effectively abandoning him.

How did that affect him? Its reported that he lied frequently, even when proven wrong. In college, he tried to push a classmate out of an upper floor window. In business, he cheated the workers who built his casinos and hotels. According to many who know him well, hes viciously vindictive to those he thinks slighted him. And it seems hell do anything for attention.

In referring to the current presidents behaviors, Dr. John Gartner, a former psychologist from Johns Hopkins University Medical School, used the term "malignant narcissism." That label is used for someone showing behaviors consistent with narcissistic, paranoid and antisocial personality disorders.

Trump certainly exhibits the symptoms and it explains his constant exaggerations, his childlike attacks on those he perceives to be disloyal, his lust for power and attention and his unconcern about the feelings of others.

Its so serious that over 41,000 mental health professionals have issued a warning and signed a petition calling for him to be removed from office because he is psychologically incapable of competently discharging the duties of president."

Think about that.
CAMBRIA  Didion Milling announced Wednesday that nearly all its employees are back working after operations at its milling and ethanol plants were halted following a fatal explosion at the milling facility here on the last day of May.

Its a multi-week process to restart and return to full production, Derrick Clark, vice president of operations at Didion Milling, said in a statement. We are excited the (ethanol) plant is up and running. Its great to have the team back together and to see steam coming from the plant again.

Construction crews were still removing debris from the milling plant on Thursday. Jagged pipes and wire stuck out from the exposed walls where the explosion occurred at 11 p.m., May 31. Five workers died and a dozen more were transported to area hospitals.

After the explosion, ethanol operations stopped due to the damage and debris from the milling plant. The explosion damaged rail lines near the grain elevator and debris on the site prevented trucks from delivering corn. In July, the company began to slowly ramp up production and bring back employees. Milling operations remain shut down.

Riley Didion, company president, said almost all of Didions employees are back to work, but some employees are limited in what they can do. About 100 employees are back to work and those who worked in milling have been redistributed to two of Didions other facilities in Johnson Creek and Markesan. Didion said that the plant has been slowly bringing more and more employees back to work in the past few weeks.

Everyone has been grieving in different ways and Didion said that Wisconsin has some resilient people. Since nearly everyone is back at work, he said that employees are celebrating small achievements and moving forward. After the incident, he said the company has continued to provide on-site counseling.

According to a news release, some employees are working for different employers through Didions External Project Team. The employees still receive pay and benefits from Didion while, the release states, the employees work for another employer until Didion can build a new mill.

After the explosion, the company began to work early on with farmers and has slowly been ramping up contract work in order to not fall behind, Didion said. The release states that the plant is now accepting corn from local farmers at its grain elevator in Cambria.

A process to rebuild the milling portion of the Cambria facility is in the planning stages. Didion said he foresees more than a year of planning and engineering on the rebuilding efforts. Part of the rebuilding effort will include a memorial, Didion said.
A traffic stop near Dekorra on Monday resulted in a Chicago-area man being arrested for carrying thousands of dollars and pounds of marijuana.

Victor M. Johnson, 36, of Lynwood, Illinois, appeared in Columbia County Circuit Court on Wednesday charged with a single count of possession with intent to deliver marijuana.

I suggest a $15,000 cash bond, said District Attorney Jane Kohlwey in Johnsons initial appearance. This man has, to the best of my knowledge, no ties to the state of Wisconsin, except that he was traveling between the Twin Cities area and Illinois and was stopped by a trooper who discovered he had just under $11,000 in cash in his vehicle as well as over 8 pounds of marijuana in packages of one pound each in his trunk.

The case began with a traffic stop on east Interstate 90/94 on Monday night around 10:45 p.m. when a Wisconsin State Trooper pulled Johnson over for speeding in a construction zone where he appeared to be on track to either sideswipe a another vehicle or hit one of the orange barrels.

The suspects vehicle reportedly hit the brakes to merge behind a truck, but was stopped once he was outside the construction zone.

When the trooper asked Johnson about what happened, Johnson reportedly said that he had mistimed the situation and then when asked about a smell of marijuana, he pointed to a pile of clothes in the back of the vehicle.

The officer searched Johnson finding, according to court documents, a lot of cash, totaling, mostly in $20 bills with 11 $100 bills, four $50 bills, and four $10 bills, adding up to $10,940. When he searched the vehicle, the officer looked in the trunk, finding an orange suitcase with eight packages of marijuana weighing between one and a third and nearly one and a half pounds each.

While I note that the District Attorney is correct that he does not have any ties to Columbia County, he does live in the greater Chicago area, which is not very far away, said defense attorney Nicholas Rifelj. It is a simple car ride to get here and hes closer to Columbia County than a lot of residents of the state.

Johnson is solidly based in the Chicago area by way of work and family, Rifelj argued, and not likely to make a break for Mexico or Canada. While I think that some cash would be appropriate in the eyes of the court, $15,000 is excessive.

The allegations are serious and the maximum sentence is dramatic in many ways and there are several factors, not the least of which is the defendants address, which are working against him here, said Judge W. Andrew Voigt. I think everyone is correct that a significant cash bond is necessary given the circumstances to assure that Mr. Johnson return to court when he is supposed to.

Not agreeing entirely to Kohlweys recommendation, Voigt ordered Johnson to be held on $10,000 cash bond, scheduled to next appear in court for an Aug. 10 preliminary hearing.

If convicted, Johnson faces up to 12  years in prison.
WALTHAM, Mass.  Actor Tom Wopat, a Columbia County native who played Luke Duke on the 1980s television show The Dukes of Hazzard, pleaded not guilty Thursday to groping a female member of the cast of a musical he was supposed to appear in.

Wopat  who was born and raised near Lodi and still owns property in the town of Lodi  was released on $1,000 bail and was told to stay away from the woman after pleading not guilty to indecent assault and battery and drug possession charges. He refused to comment outside court before driving away from the courthouse.

Wopat, 65, was arrested by Waltham police Wednesday night on a warrant on the indecent assault charge. Police said that during a search of him and his vehicle they found two bags of white powder believed to be cocaine.

Wopat denied touching anyone inappropriately, according to court documents. He said he flirts but did nothing that could be considered inappropriate.

He told police that he buys cocaine in large quantities and uses it over time, the court documents said.

Wopat was supposed to play Julian Marsh in 42nd Street at the Waltham-based Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston starting Thursday. But the theater announced Thursday that a different actor would play the role.

Besides his role on The Dukes of Hazzard, an action-comedy that ran from 1979 until 1985, he has acted in other television shows and movies, is a Tony Award-nominated stage actor and is a recording artist.

Although he is best known for starring in The Dukes of Hazzard from 1979 to 1985, Wopat also has recorded eight albums of pop, country and rock music. He also has appeared in numerous theater roles, in musical and non-musical productions.

In 1999, he was nominated for an Antoinette Perry (Tony) Award for his performance in the leading male role of Frank Butler in the Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammersteins musical Annie Get Your Gun.

The Tommy Awards, given annually to recognize excellence in musical theater of Wisconsin schools and students, are named after Wopat. This year, Portage High Schools production of Les Miserables garnered 19 Tommy nominations.

Daily Register Reporter Lyn Jerde contributed to this story.




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NEI opposes Texas bid for waste refund

04 August 2017

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The US Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) has called for the US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to reject a state of Texas request for payments from a fund intended for the disposal of used nuclear fuel. The request was made in a lawsuit filed in March by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against federal agencies, including the Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Paxton claimed the federal government had violated the country's Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA) in failing to complete the licensing process for a permanent repository for used nuclear fuel at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. A second motion, filed by Paxton in June, asked the court to declare the federal government to be in non-compliance with the NWPA.

In the March petition, as well as seeking to compel the NRC to complete the Yucca Mountain licensing process, Texas sought "restitution and disgorgement" of the Nuclear Waste Fund. The NEI on 31 July filed a brief with the court opposing those requests, saying such relief would "cause direct and significant harm" to the nuclear utilities that generate used nuclear fuel and have paid fees into the fund.

"The Nuclear Waste Fund is needed to pay for the used fuel management program and, therefore, restitution and disgorgement would be counterproductive and would potentially result in new costs being imposed on generators and their customers," NEI vice president, general counsel and secretary, Ellen Ginsberg, said yesterday. "Texas simply will not achieve its objective to have the government resume the disposal program if the Nuclear Waste Fund is depleted," she added.

Under the NWPA, which was enacted in 1982, the US federal government undertakes the obligation to dispose of used nuclear fuel. To pay for this, generators of the used fuel - nuclear utilities - pay fees into the Nuclear Waste Fund through a levy of 0.1 cent per kilowatt-hour of nuclear electricity generated. By the end of 2016, utilities had contributed over $21.2 billion into the fund, which attracts interest at about $1 billion per year. These obligations are detailed in a "standard contract", the creation of which was authorised by the NWPA.

In its filing, the NEI said that restitution and disgorgement of the fund would not be possible without a "total breach" of the standard contract. A total breach, however, would essentially revoke the federal government's obligation to dispose of the used fuel. A total breach is also "foreclosed by statute", the NEI said.

Payments out of the Nuclear Waste Fund would also unfairly disadvantage nuclear utilities - and their customers - that would have to pay into it, resulting in an increase in fees, the NEI said. It also said the state of Texas, not being a party to the standard contract, does not have standing to seek payments out of the Nuclear Waste Fund as it has not paid any fees into it.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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The Official Language of Yemen

Yemen is located in the southern region of the Arabian Peninsula. It has a population size of 25.408 million. The primary ethnic demographic in this country is Arab, while other subpopulations include European, Afro-Arab, and South Asian. The diversity of the ethnic makeup of Yemen is reflected in the languages spoken, with many indigenous languages used throughout the country.

The official language of Yemen is Modern Standard Arabic, as established by Article 2 of the 1991 constitution. This language is spoken by approximately 17.7 million individuals, and is the language of government services, media broadcasts, and public education.

In addition to the Modern Standard variety, at least 5 other spoken dialects of Arabic are also used throughout the country. These include Sanaani, TaIzzi-Adeni, Hadrami, Gulf, and Judeo-Yemeni. The Sanaani variety has approximately 7.6 million speakers, and can be heard throughout the country, primarily in the eastern, western, and central regions. The TaIzzi-Adeni variety has approximately 6.76 million speakers in Yemen, and can be heard in the southern region, where it is considered the primary language. The Hadrami language has around 300,000 speakers and can be heard in the governorates of Shabwah and Hadramawt. Gulf Arabic is only spoken by around 10,000 individuals, and Judeo-Yemeni has only 1,000 speakers. Sanaani, TaIzzi-Adeni, and Hadrami are considered Muslim languages, while Judeo-Yemeni is spoken by Jews in the governorates of Sanaa, Shabwah, Al Bayda, and Adan.

Non-Arabic Languages of Yemen

The non-Arabic languages of Yemen include Razihi, Soqotri, Mehri, Bathari, and Hobyot. The Razihi language has the highest number of speakers, with around 62,900. The majority of these individuals can be found in the region of Jabal Razih, the governorate of Sadah, and the district of Razih. The Soqotri language is the second largest non-Arabic language and has a speaking population of around 57,000 in Yemen. These people primarily live on the islands of the Gulf of Aden and the governorate of Amanat al Asimah. Approximately 50,000 individuals speak the Mehri language, which is concentrated in the governorate of Al Mahrah. Bathari is considered to be endangered and has such a small number of speakers that most linguists believe it will soon be extinct. It was once widely spoken throughout the governorate of al Mahrah. The final non-Arabic language is Hobyot, which can be found in a small area near the border with Oman.

Foreign Languages of Yemen

Yemen is also home to a number of immigrants and international businesses. Because of this diversity, several foreign languages are currently spoken in Yemen. Perhaps the most widespread foreign language spoken in Yemen is English, which has become essential for many business transactions and negotiations. Additionally, English is the most common foreign language currently taught in educational institutions. Although it can be heard anywhere in the country, English is primarily concentrated in the southern region. This geographic distribution is a result of the history of British colonial power in the area.

Aside from English, the second most common foreign language in Yemen is Russian. The Russian-speaking population is the result of a high number of Russian-Yemeni marriages that took place in the latter part of the 20th century.
After 12 years and 109 rally starts alongside Hayden Paddon, John Kennard hung up his co-driving overalls earlier this year, and in the run up Neste Rally Finland, Hyundai paid tribute to his contribution to both Paddons career and the team.

Finland is where Kennard contested his first WRC event as a co-driver, at the 1985 1000 Lakes Rally, and Hyundai marked this by revealing a replica of the Toyota Starlet he and driver Brent Rawstron campaigned on that first event.



"It was never the plan for me to co-drive on the rally, I'd never co-driven in my life, but Brent's original co-driver kept getting sick reading the notes and so I stepped in, the New Zealander told WRC.com.



"We finished as the highest-placed non Scandinavian crew, which got us enough prize money to do the RAC Rally later that year. The team have a done a terrific job with the replica - it looks really, really close!"



While Kennards seat in Paddons i20 is now occupied by British co-driver Seb Marshall, he continues to work with the team as Haydens route note crew on tarmac rallies, but he admitted to feeling mixed emotions about taking a step back.



After 12 years as Haydens co-driver, it was hard to lever myself out of that seat for the last time  which turned out to be in Argentina. But our deal has always been that I help Hayden in the most effective way possible and to have been his co-driver for so long, has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.



Kennard rates their 2016 WRC win in Argentina as a career high in terms of results. But overall, youd have to say starting to work with a very young, driver whod never even contested a national rally and, with the help of an incredible team of people, to now see that driver at the highest levels of the WRC, something that most people said was impossible for a Kiwi driver, is far and away our biggest achievement.



Paddon said: "It has been a huge pleasure to work with John and its difficult moving forward with John not in the car as he has played such a big part in everything. Its crazy to think how it started those 12 years ago and how far we have come. We have conquered so many highs and lows together and created lifelong memories."

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Sold Out Wrexham Show For Huge Name in Spoken Word Scene

This article is old - Published: Friday, Aug 4th, 2017

A spoken word artist who has racked up hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube will be bringing his work to Wrexham next week for the first performance of his UK tour.

Slam poet Neil Hilborn, who is also an Amazon best seller, will be performing at a sold out show on Monday 7th August at Wrexhams very own arts and creative space, UnDegUn.

Neil became a youtube sensation last year when a performance of his poem, OCD went viral. The video has so far been viewed over 73,000,000 times.

His book Our Numbered Days became an Amazon bestseller after selling over 75,000 copies.

The show at UnDegUn sees the start of a UK tour for Neil, which also includes a residency at this years Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The tour sold out many venues in a matter of hours and in London a third date in a 900 capacity venue is now on sale.

Support on the evening comes from The Voicebox Collective, a group of local poets and spoken word artists that are regular performers at the monthly Voicebox event that is also held at UnDegUn.

Organised between King Street Coffee Company and booking agency TKO, the event is the first for the independent coffee shop. Co-Founder Andy Gallanders said: Its great to be bringing such a huge name within the spoken word scene to Wrexham.

We are really pleased that the guys from Voicebox will be joining us to support Neil on the evening. UnDegUn provides the perfect setting for this event.

The team behind King Street Coffee have also launched their second venture in the town centre, with Bank Street Coffee opening its doors to customers last month. It is hoped that the shop will provide a venue for similar events in the future.

Andy added: We are looking to put small events on at Bank Street Coffee to offer something different in town. Whether that is a coffee tasting evening or a spoken word event we hope to offer a unique venue in Wrexham

The event sold out in a matter of hours but there has been a couple of returns and those tickets have been put back up for sale on seetickets.com  so grab them while you can!

Neil Hilborn will take to the stage at UnDegUn, Regent Street on Monday 7th August. Doors open at 7pm ahead of a 7:30pm start.
The WSWS urges railroad workers to contact us here or comment below with any information.

The hedge fund takeover of CSX railroad has thrown the company into a downward spiral, with a series of events this week pointing to chaos provoked by the recently appointed CEO Hunter Harrison. Widespread comments from employees about the state of affairs at the railroad provide a stark contrast to the rosy promotion that the financial press is giving the turnaround specialist at the helm.

Harrison is seeking to slash costs to further boost the share price of the company and enrich its top investors. He is taking an axe to equipment, maintenance, facilities, management personnel and railroad workers. Implementation of the cuts has been sudden and reckless, causing widespread complaints of poor service by industrial customers. Shippers have reported they are shifting traffic to trucks or competitor Norfolk Southern. Companies have been forced to halt production after rail shipments arrive days or even weeks behind. The complaints are so widespread that the federal Surface Transportation Board had to intervene, proposing toothless policies to monitor CSXs performance.

Harrison, who is being paid $300 million over the next four years, responded on Monday with a letter to shippers. With the utmost cynicism, he blamed railway workers, declaring, The pace of change at CSX has been extremely rapid, and while most people at the company have embraced the new plan, unfortunately, a few have pushed back and continue to do so. This resistance to change has resulted in some service disruptions.

A railroad Train and Equipment crew member (T&E) who spoke to the WSWS contested the slander, saying, Everywhere I go, everyone is trying to make this work. He comes in, and four months later all the customers are complainingand we are to blame? It is 100 percent BS.

Another T&E crew member said, We sacrifice a lot, especially the time away from our friends and family. We take pride in what we do and for him to try to use us as a fallback because his precision railroading is failing miserably is just insulting to all of us. The company was operating substantially better before he was approved. Most of my brothers out here agree that he has done nothing but slowly destroy the company piece by piece. Hes given us no information on what the final endgame is going to be.

The first worker continued, Our previous administration [former CEO Michael Ward and current COO Cindy Sanborn] were serious corporate raiders but they did it quietly. Nobody liked them, they wanted one-man crews and cooked the books. They would have managers coming out there and watching for any little mistake to write you up. It was nothing but fear and intimidation that ground us to a halt.

At first Harrison wiped out a layer of that management and there was a positive attitude. Some operating rules he took away people agreed with. But Harrison is more ruthless, and things are not going his way. There are secret teams showing up in crew rooms dressed in engineer and conductor uniforms, listening in on crew conversations to catch critical comments, and firing workers for conduct unbecoming of employees and insubordination. They are watching Facebook, and the previous administration changed our discipline policy to include social media, which can get you fired for a critical comment.

The blog CSX Sucks, which has aired workers complaints for over 15 years, has won legal battles against CSXs efforts to shut it down.

This pattern of intimidation has been a Harrison trademark at his past stints at Canadian Pacific Railroad and Canadian National Railroad. Even in the 1980s, when he was at Burlington Northern Railroad, he was known to fire anyone who disagreed with the way he wanted policies conductedoften policies that related to safe or sensible operation.

Reports of the most petty intimidation are now common at CSX, such as employees having their personal possessions dumped out of lockers and onto the ground, with no warning, when Avon Yard in Indianapolis was closed last weekend. That closure, which shifted traffic to three poorly equipped yards, has been partially reversed in a matter of days because it proved to be such a calamity. Decisions with large implications come from upper management with little to no warning, leading to high pressure scenarios.

Yardmasters, who control yards, have had workloads double and triple. They increasingly control a yard they are located at, and one or more yards in other locations remotely. For years, dispatchers have had their territories expanded, leaving them to juggle hundreds of miles of railway operation.

The T&E employee added, I am watching good men and women start to crack, management and labor. You walk into the office and it is high tension. Trainmasters look depressed, forlorn, upset. I think you are going to start seeing the place fall apart when Harrisons lackeys from CN and CP take over and they say do it or die. As for us, even including lower management, we are all in the ship together and we call it the Titanic.

At CN and CP, Harrison had a notorious policy that trained management to run trains and serve as strikebreakers, with union engineers responsible for training them. Serious derailments were linked to operations by these less-trained management employees.

Already, questions could be raised about public safety under the policies that CSX management, past and present, uses to run trains.

Early Tuesday, a CSX freight train descending a steep mountain grade derailed 34 of its 178 cars in Hyndman, Pennsylvania. A fire that has burned two days ensued, and the town was evacuated. Both the length and tonnage of the train were very large, following standards set in place in the last few years where management combines trains to save on crews. Details of the exact cause of the derailment are under investigation.

CSX workers are also voicing their disgust with the lack of opposition from the unions, and the concessionary deals that are being negotiated with Harrison. A T&E employee said, The workers have suffered out here because the BLE [engineers] and SMART [conductors] have spent the majority of their times fighting each other instead of fighting the company.

There is widespread opposition to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) offer to ditch working rules in return for higher hourly pay. In a remarkable statement, the union said, We have been fighting for these work rules for 150 years and they are going to have to pay us to erode that.

Harrison has mentioned that 35 percent of T&E employees could eventually be laid off. The ruthless intimidation of workers and loss of business would be one cause. But another could be the hourly agreement, which would let CSX push engineers to complete multiple assignments per shift, and effectively eliminate many local assignments. The BLET, in proposing the arrangement, is sowing divisions within the membership relating to pay and seniority.

These issues are of vital important to railroad workers across the country. The unions have forced workers to stay on the job three years after the expiration of their labor agreements, even though the carriers have remained intransigent in their concession demands. Comments from workers at Norfolk Southern document many similar cutbacks to CSX, with hump yards being closed, yardmasters forced to cover more yards, layoffs of T&E employees, and bloated, oppressive management. Another T&E worker states that CSX already has been a profitable railroad every quarter for years. How much profit is enough?

To the railroad and Wall Street investors behind it, there is never enough.
An intensive review of Internet data has established that Google has severed links between the World Socialist Web Site and the 45 most popular search terms that previously directed readers to the WSWS. The physical censorship implemented by Google is so extensive that of the top 150 search terms that, as late as April 2017, connected the WSWS with readers, 145 no longer do so.

These findings make clear that the decline in Google search traffic to the WSWS is not the result of some technical issue, but a deliberate policy of censorship. The fall took place in the three months since Google announced on April 25 plans to promote authoritative web sites above those containing offensive content and conspiracy theories.

Because of these measures, the WSWSs search traffic from Google has fallen by two-thirds since April.

The WSWS has analyzed tens of thousands of search terms, and identified those key phrases and words that had been most likely to place the WSWS on the first or second page of search results. The top 45 search terms previously included socialism, Russian revolution, Flint Michigan, proletariat, and UAW [United Auto Workers]. The top 150 results included the terms UAW contract, rendition and Bolshevik revolution. All of these terms are now blocked.

In a set of guidelines issued to Google evaluators in March, elaborated in April by Google VP of Engineering Ben Gomes, the company instructed its search evaluators to flag pages returning conspiracy theories or upsetting content unless the query clearly indicates the user is seeking an alternative viewpoint. The changes to the search rankings of WSWS content are consistent with such a mechanism.

Users of Google will be able to find the WSWS if they specifically include World Socialist Web Site in their search request. But if their inquiry simply includes term such as Trotsky, Trotskyism, Marxism, socialism or inequality, they will not find the site.

More than 90 percent of Google search users do not click on results past the first page, and over 99 percent do not click on links past the 10th page. This means that if a result is demoted beyond the first 100 results, it is effectively unreachable.

The new figures are based on a detailed analysis of the WSWSs top 30,000 search terms, compiled by the SEMRush search optimization software and checked against Googles own data as well as Google searches.

Despite repeated attempts to contact Googles press office, the company continues to refuse to comment on the facts revealed by the WSWSs investigation.

But the WSWSs coverage, which has been widely shared and referenced by other independent news outlets, has brought substantial attention to the role of Googles so-called evaluators.

In a live webcast Wednesday, John Mueller, a webmaster trends analyst at Google, was asked whether these evaluators could affect web site reputation. Mueller gave what could only be called a non-denial denial, declaring that the actions of evaluators could theoretically include something like reputation of a web site in general.

This was effectively an admission that Googles army of censors has the capability to blackball individual sites by demoting their reputation.

The list of search terms blocked by Google indicate what the government and corporate oligarchy do not want the population to know about.

Terms relating directly to socialism are those that are most heavily manipulated. The terms socialism vs. capitalism, socialist healthcare, social class struggle, and socialist party manifesto, which all returned WSWS articles on the first page in the past, now do not return the WSWS in the top 100 results. The terms socialism, socialist, socialist movement and class conflict, in which the WSWS previously appeared within the first four pages, all no longer return WSWS articles.

In 2014, the International Committee of the Fourth International vowed to put the struggle against war at the center of its political program, pledging to rebuild an anti-war movement based on the working class. Notably, the terms, anti-war literature, articles against war and war socialism, which used to have WSWS articles within the first page of search results, likewise no longer return WSWS articles at all.

The WSWS has been blacklisted in searches dealing with history, and in particular historical topics related to the revolutionary struggles of the 20th century. These include the terms Russian revolution, Bolshevik revolution and October revolution, all of which returned results in the top 50 in April.

Workers all over the world follow the coverage of the WSWS for its exposure of the anti-working class trade unions. Perhaps for this reason, the WSWS has been removed from the top 100 results for the term UAW, the abbreviation of the United Auto Workers. Over 125 search terms, including the word strike, have also had the WSWS removed from the top 100 results.

A major element of the WSWSs coverage relates to social issues, particularly social inequality, which the WSWS identified as a major trend in the US and internationally as early as 1998. Notably, the terms social inequality in the world, poverty and social inequality and global inequality articles, which previously returned results in the top five, now return no results in the top 100. The term Flint Michigan, which brought the second-highest amount of traffic to the WSWS of any keyword, likewise had all WSWS articles removed from the first 100 entries.

Finally, there is the expansion of war. Of the 30,000 search terms in which the WSWS appeared in the top 100 results in April, over 1,100 referenced the term war. Of those, more than half, or 761, were removed from the first 10 pages of results.

In April, the following search terms would result in an article from the WSWS among the first five entries: nuclear war with China (1), is the US going to war with Iran (1), China US war scenario, (3), and what would happen if a nuclear war happened (5). All of these terms have been blocked.

Other notable terms in the top 10 included will Russia start a nuclear war (6), war against Russia (8) and threat of nuclear war (9), all of which have been blocked from the first 100 results.

Google argues that it is seeking to implement changes to its search engine in order to improve the experience for users. But it is obvious that users who are searching for the word socialism or socialist, and Russian revolution are looking for socialist web sites and a socialist perspective!

Googles argument that it is flagging content that is not what people are looking for is an absurd and cynical fraud. WSWS articles are directly relevant to every single search term referenced in this article.

Google is blocking content from the WSWS precisely because it is what people are looking for, and what Google, working with the highest levels of the state intelligence apparatus, does not want them to find.

The WSWS needs your help fighting Googles censorship. The figures presented in this article alone have required dozens of hours to compile and required the commitment of substantial financial resources. But we need to do more. Please donate today!
Five weeks after the Grenfell Tower inferno killed at least 80 people and made hundreds homeless, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council (RBKC) announced a rehousing policy for survivors.

The plan was put together by the emergency team air-dropped into the RBKC by the Conservative government to salvage the official administrations inept and callous handling of the catastrophe. This included dumping survivors in the Westway Sport and Fitness Centre, where they had to sleep on the floor; placing them in hotels across the capital without contact with the council, clothes, food or financial assistance; and pressuring households to accept unsuitable rehousing offers.

Faced with growing hostility among local residents, the new managements primary concern is to quiet opposition and bring matters back under the control of the authorities in what amounts to a giant public relations campaign and political cover-up.

Addressing former residents of Grenfell Tower and Grenfell Walk, the council lists a series of commitments regarding the funds and future housing options to be made available.

According to the document, former residents will be given the highest possible priority for permanent social housing (that is, a lifetime secure tenancy in a council property or lifetime assured tenancy in a housing association) and will be rehoused within the next 12 months. The Council states it will not force residents to accept an offer of social housing and will not penalise them for refusing.

Offered properties will be of equal to or larger size than the homes lost in the fire; the rent on these housescharged after a 12-month amnesty on rent and utility billswill be set no higher than the rent paid in Grenfell. The policy applies to Council introductory or secure tenants, resident leaseholders, subtenants or lodgers of the above and tenants of non-resident leaseholders.

Replacing those homes destroyed in a disaster of their own making is the least the immensely wealthy RBKC can do, but residents should remain wary of this offer. As ever, the devil is in the detail.

The policy contains no commitment to rehousing residents locally, close to their jobs and support networks. While households will be allowed the right to refuse unsuitable properties, there is no guarantee that sufficient local or more generally suitable housing will be made available and offered. Currently, only 45 households have accepted accommodation offers, with only 12 properly rehoused. London continues to suffer a chronic housing shortage. Multi-million-pound developers then work to ensure that as little of that short supply is wasted on the working class. Last year, RBKC agreed deals worth almost 50 million to enable developers to avoid building affordable homes in the borough.

With the source of new housing uncertain, the FAQ document to former residents makes the following key statement:

We hope that you will be offered a property that is acceptable to you within twelve months, but we will make more offers for as long as it is reasonable and practical to do so (emphasis added). This leaves the whole commitment subject to withdrawal at the reasonable and practical whim of the Council.

Before residents find any suitable permanent housing, the policy states the intention to house them in temporary accommodation, as distinct from emergency accommodation like hotels. Offers of temporary accommodation will likewise be made as long as it is reasonable and practical to do so.

What rights households will have in these properties is unclear. Significantly, the 12 months worth of paid rent and utilities begins once residents move into temporary accommodation and not into their new permanent homes. This puts a clock on residents to accept offers soon so as to make financial arrangements. Many will end up waiting in poor emergency accommodation to avoid this situation.

The rehousing policy confirms the meagre funding to be allocated by the government to those affected: 5,000 plus 500 for each household member over 16 as a means of restarting a familymost of whom were already in a fragile economic position and are now dispossessed, traumatised and uprooted.

The 10,000 fresh start payment to households mentioned in the FAQ is drawn from the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation and administered by the Rugby Portobello Trust, two charities independent of the government and council. Overall, the three main charities involved in Grenfellthe K&C Foundation, British Red Cross and London Community Foundation (working with the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund)have put forward over 11 million in support, compared to the national governments 5 million.

RBKC and government officials are aware of the immense social discontent among the British working class for which Grenfell has become a catalyst. In the case of rehousing, their ultimate aim, as with the public inquiry organised by Prime Minister Theresa May, is to placate working class opposition with meaningless promises in the hope of eventually returning to business as usual.

Assuming the Grenfell survivors do make it to homes they are happy with, they will be confronted once again with the criminal practices of deregulation, privatisation and social cleansing which produced Grenfell. Conservative and Labour councils across London have spent the past decades neglecting working class communities and throwing them out of the capital to make way for luxury apartments and neighbourhoods fit for the ruling and upper middle class. There are at least 214 regeneration schemes underway in London that will result in a net loss of 7,326 social rented homes.
Last week, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit handed down a ruling denying the payment of damages to Davino Watson, a United States citizen detained wrongfully by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from 2008 to 2011, nearly three and a half years.

The ruling, passed by a 2-1 court majority, reversed a 2016 court ruling which found the US government liable for a mere $82,500 in damages, repayment for only 27 of the 1,273 days Watson spent wrongfully imprisoned.

Watson, who became a naturalized US citizen in 2002 at age 17, was arrested in 2008 on nonviolent drug charges and later released after serving a brief sentence. Upon release, Watson was seized by ICE agents who began the deportation process.

Ignoring efforts by the Jamaican-born Watson to provide documentation and family contacts establishing his US citizenship, ICE officers instead negligently contacted individuals unrelated to Watson while ignoring their own guidelines for dealing with detained US citizens.

Under current ICE policies, officers must immediately examine the merits of the claim [of citizenship] and notify and consult with his or her local OCC [Office of Chief Counsel]. If a detainee does not have an attorney, the officer involved should immediately provide the individual with [a] list of pro bono legal service providers, even if one was previously provided.

Watson, who was denied legal representation throughout his detention, was forced into a drawn-out process lasting over three and a half years, exceeding the two-year statute of limitations which would have allowed him to legally bring charges against the US government for his unlawful imprisonment.

In 2014, citing the credible claim that he was not aware of his legal options before the statute of limitations passed, Watson was able to bring charges against the US government, with a district court judge determining the US governments behavior represented a mindless failure.

The US Appeals Court last week clawed back the meager damages Watson had won, denying his right to seek a waiver from the statute of limitations. We reverse the judgment with respect to the false imprisonment claim, which is time-barred, the appeals court said, adding [t]here is no doubt that the government botched the investigation into Watsons assertion of citizenship, and that as a result a U.S. citizen was held for years in immigration detention and was nearly deported. Nonetheless, we must conclude that Watson is not entitled to damages from the government.

Ominously, the court found that keeping an American citizen falsely detained without legal remedy was an entirely common state of affairs and Watsons case did not justify a waiving of the statute of limitations.

Mary McCarthy, chief director of the Heartland Alliance National Immigrant Justice Center, told the WSWS that the Appeals Court ruling has set a very dangerous precedent which we hope doesnt spread.

Mark Flessner, Watsons attorney, noted that the ruling created a legal catch-22 requiring that Watson file a case [for compensation and damages] before it was even determined he was falsely imprisoned.

Increasing numbers of individuals, both immigrants and US citizens, have been detained by ICE as the United States has tightened its immigration policies. According to a 2011 University of California, Berkeley study of the Department of Homeland Securitys Secure Communities program around 3,600 US citizens were detained by ICE agents between 2008 and April 2011.

These arrests have led to American citizens being deported. In 2008, Mark Lyttle, who was mentally handicapped, was deported to Mexico where according to the ACLU he was forced to live on the streets and in prison for months.

In 2014, the DHS discontinued Secure Communities after it received public backlash. Upon his inauguration, President Donald Trump reinstated the program along with the travel ban, cracking down on immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim nations. Deportations have increased under Trump by nearly 40 percent since the same period last year.

Watsons case demonstrates the reactionary and undemocratic character of the US immigration system, in which American citizens can be swept up and be held for years without legal recourse or the ability to seek compensation. Such circumstances are likely to increase as Trump has vowed to unshackle ICE agents while attempting to cut the flow of immigration by as much as half the current rate.
Amazon, the worlds largest Internet-based retail company and tech giant, held a jobs fair in several cities and towns across the US on Wednesday. The scenes of tens of thousands of economically struggling workers lining up for low-paying jobs were reminiscent of the Great Depression of the 1930s.

The corporate media, however, had nothing but praise for the company, which is supposedly providing 50,000 workers it is hiring with new economic opportunities.

As the cars piled into the Amazon facilities parking lots, it was common to see husbands and wives or multiple generations of the same family come out to compete for jobs with minimum medical benefits that pay roughly $12.50 an hour.

Despite the low pay, many people told reporters from the International Amazon Workers Voice(IAWV) that the job would be an improvement on their current jobs or would be their only opportunity to receive any medical coverage.

One of the fairs was in Etna Township, Ohio, just east of the state capital of Columbus. Were here because the pay is good, Laurie told the IAWV. Currently, Im a grounds keeper at Zane State [College] and a student there. Im working for $8.50 an hour. It is good that they are offering jobs here. I dont know of anything in Zanesville [Ohio] that pays well.

Thirty-one percent of the residents in Zanesville live in poverty, according to the July 2016 US Census.

Asked about the social situation in the US, she added, The rich get richer and the poor keep getting poorer. I think Trump is going to hurt us. People didnt know what they were getting into when they voted for him.

Zack, who was also applying at the Etna facility, said, Im here to try out warehouse work because I have done call center work. Ive been out of a job for a month now. Around here, there are few jobs outside of working in fast food restaurants.

When it comes to politics, I dont get too involved. In the last election, I voted for Hillary Clinton just as a lesser-of-two-evils decision, but I wasnt thrilled with anyone.

Thomas, a retired newspaper publisher who was bringing a family member to an interview, stated, Workers didnt like Clinton or the Democrats message.

Nobody is stopping these billion-dollar corporations, the unions today are weak. In the 1930s and 40s, there were people in government who actually cared about the working people. Today, none of them do. The Democrats just want their votes. Nobody really believes they will do anything they promise anymore. Its like we are going back to the early 1900s, before workers had any rights.

Ohio, which went to Trump in the last election, has been heavily impacted by decades of deindustrialization and betrayals by the unions. The state was once associated with the militant strikes of the 1930s, such as the Toledo Auto-Lite strike and the rubber industry sit-down strikes in Akron, but is now synonymous with the abandoned industries and the opioid epidemic.

On the same day as the jobs fair, Attorney General Jeff Sessions was speaking in Columbus, Ohio, about the ongoing opioid crisis. According to the Health Department, more than 3,000 Ohioans died from opioid-related overdoses in 2015, with the numbers expected to be substantially higher for 2016.

Fall River, Massachusetts, where Amazon was hiring 700 new employees, is also one of the hardest hit by the economic crisis. The town of 89,000 people last year experienced 934 opioid-related deaths. In 2015, the poverty rate for Fall River was roughly 23 percent, compared to 11.6 percent in the rest of the state.

Devon Green, a 23-year-old who recently graduated college, described his work experience. I had a job at one of my friends restaurants for a while. Now Im working doing some landscaping and construction work for my moms clients. I turned down my first job out of college, in financial advising, because I didnt really have a lot of money to relocate.

I cant really speak for all people, I can only speak for myself. What held me back is not having enough money to find a place for myself at that particular time.

Lindsey Fennel, who just received a tour of the Amazon facility, said, It was really shocking to see what was in there. It was so big and people are working hard. When youre going on Amazon to shop, its just click and buy, click and buy. With work like this its going to be a tough, but I dont think it will be anything anybody cant handle.

I work retail for Christmas Tree Shop. I like the company. But Ive been there for almost a year, and its time for something new. I just moved here from Virginia about three or four weeks ago. I went from making $8.50 to $11-something, still for Christmas Tree, and we get time and a half on Sundays.

Landsy, who has worked for Amazon for three months, stated, People arent staying at Amazon because its hard work. Its 10 hours, four days a week, and youre on your feet. And when youre working on the pick machine, you have to get the products: up-down, up-down. Thats why people are not staying. My team, there were maybe 16 or 17 people when I started, now theres like 3 people. They are hiring every day, but theyre not staying.

[Amazon CEO Jeff] Bezos is making so much money because were working and we dont get enough pay. The harder they can make you work, the more they make.

Bezos has a net worth of approximately $90 billion.

Landsy described conditions in which workers are regularly fired at the whim of a manager. If they send you to get something and you dont see it, like five times, and they go and find it, you might get fired.
Amid the continuing health care debate in Washington, Native Americans throughout the country are bracing for major cuts to their insurance coverage. Under the Republican health care legislation just voted down in the US Senate, nearly 6 percent of the Native population, or 300,000 individuals, would lose access to health care coverage. In addition, government health agencies that serve Native Americans and Alaska Natives face ongoing budget cuts of up to $300 million.

Prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all tribal members were eligible to receive free health care through the Indian Health Services (IHS), the US government agency operated by tribal and federal leaders, financed through the Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 1976. However, the IHS has been severely underfunded throughout its entire existence, resulting in care that is insufficient at best and appalling at worst.

Serving roughly half the total Native American population, including both tribal and non-tribal members, the IHS has received only 30 to 50 percent of the funding required to maintain adequate services, staffing, and programs.

As a result, medical facilities struggle to serve their 2.2 million patients. Many facilities are unable to provide comprehensive services, especially preventive care, public health programs, and dental work. Unsafe and poor conditionssuch as outdated buildings, unqualified staff, and difficulty scheduling appointmentshave been reported in the hospitals and service units spread across 36 states. An inspection of IHS facilities in South Dakota last year found life-threatening conditions, such as neglect of patients in emergency rooms, lost medical records, and sanitation equipment that had been broken for months.

Additionally, IHS overwhelmingly focuses its services on those who live on tribal and rural lands. Of the 3.7 million tribal members who are eligible to receive IHS services, only one-fifth of members live in these areas as opposed to urban areas. This means that health services are largely inaccessible to the urban majority. As a result, IHS spends only $24 per capita on health services for the urban Native populationless than 1 percent of its overall funding.

With some of the most deplorable living conditions in the United States, Native Americans face severe health issues that have long gone untreated by the government-sponsored Indian health system. Disparities in rates of mortality, preventable illnesses and diseases, drug and alcohol addiction, and life expectancy are staggering.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Native Americans are 6 times more likely to die from tuberculosis, 4.8 times more likely to die from chronic liver disease, and 3 times more likely to die from diabetes than the general US population. Over 40 percent of young Native children are either overweight or obese, and by their teenage years Type 2 diabetes rates are three times the national average. Suicide has become the leading cause of death for Native men between the ages of 17 and 24, and among the general Native population over half suffer from trauma and mental health issues.

These urgent health issues were purportedly addressed by Obamacare through opening up the private health insurance market to tribal members. Rather than provide adequate funding to the IHS, directing resources toward programs and services that address Native American populations, the ACA attempted to expand Native Americans health care through Medicaid and private subsidized plans. Roughly 100,000 enrolled in Medicaid, with smaller numbers enrolling through employer-provided or private insurance.

Even though many American Indians and Alaska Natives were exempt from mandatory enrollment, revisions to the ACA sought to penalize 400,000 people who could not prove their tribal membership. This forced Native Americans into the private health system, while integrating private funding into the IHS budget.

Obamacare proponents hailed the expansion of third-party insurers as a progressive step for Native health. Yet the destruction of social welfare programs and the turn towards private insurance markets will likely add to the pool of 1.5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who are still uninsured.

Robert, a working-class resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico and member of the Cherokee tribe, spoke with WSWS reporters about his experiences with IHS and the Obamacare market. Having gone without health insurance for over seven years, he wasnt able to receive adequate care for his chronic conditions and immediate medical needs through IHS. A couple of trips to a private doctor on top of medications resulted in thousands of dollars in bills that he could not pay.

With the start of Obamacare, Robert signed up for coverage on the ACA marketplace using government subsidies. The combination of IHS and federal benefits helped him gain a health insurance plan at roughly $80/month.

Asked what it would mean if the subsidies and budgets were cut for Native American health programs, he said, Im sort of lucky because I have that fall-back [on IHS]. But at the same time, I know its a rough system that you dont want to have to deal with exclusively, unless you have to.

Theyll take care of you for serious things, Robert said. But for not-so-serious things that could lead to serious things, youre going to have a lot of trouble getting them taken care of. And something as simple as keeping teeth in your head is like a real fight.

Thats part of why I did what I did with buying insurance, he added. So for me Id be extremely concerned about it, and I actually do believe they would take it away. I have full faith they will screw it up as best they can.

Under either Obamacare or any bipartisan scheme to fix the ACA, Native Americans are likely to see their costs soar and benefits dry up as the criteria for subsidies narrow, or they lose coverage altogether. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimated that the latest versions of the Senate Republicans health care legislation would have cut 300,000 Native Americans from Medicaid and other federal plans.

Meanwhile, there are no efforts to increase direct funding to the Indian Health Services, even from IHS officials themselves. Budget requests for 2018 reveal at least $57.5 million in cuts, hitting facility maintenance and comprehensive services the hardest. The Trump administration proposes a more aggressive budget cut of $300 million.

While giant insurance and medical corporations accrue mega-profits, Indian Health Services is set to reduce its budget for the second year in a row, despite the growth in third-party revenue from Medicaid, Medicare, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Across the board, petty-bourgeois officials of the federal, state, and tribal systems have encouraged the turn away from public funding and toward the private market.

The majority of Native American policymakers, administrators, and advocates have maintained their close collaboration with the Democratic Party. These individuals have taken the option of full IHS funding completely off the table, and instead are focused on how to channel funding to the agency through the private market and the deteriorating Medicaid, Medicare, and VA programs. Though the funding from third-party insurers has brought in $1.5 billion over the past seven years, it is only a fraction of the $15 billion required to meet the health needs of Native Americans. This is a dead-end solution.

Keeping pace with the political establishment as a whole, Native leaders have moved further to the right in recent years. The only two Native American members of Congress, Reps. Tom Cole and Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, both Republicans, have enthusiastically supported their partys health care legislation under the guise of increasing consumer choice. Leading policymakers in South Dakota and the Sioux Nation tribes have attacked Obamacare by arguing that tribal governments should not be required to provide their employees with health insurance, arguing funds should be directed toward private, economic development projects instead.

Whether taking a conservative or liberal approach, the Native American elite are unable to present a solution to the dire conditions facing American Indians and Alaska Natives, precisely because their social position is bound up with the maintenance of capitalism and the private, for-profit health care system in the US. A solution to the health care crisis facing Native Americans is not to be found in Indian Health Services, Obamacare, or a bipartisan deal to fix the ACA. Native Americans as part of the working class as a whole must advance a strategy, independent of the Democrats and Republicans, that takes the health care industry out of private hands and establishes socialized medicine.
New Zealand Labour Party leader Andrew Little announced his resignation on August 1, and the party caucus unanimously endorsed his deputy Jacinda Ardern to replace him.

Littles decision to step down less than two months before the September 23 election is the latest sign of the crisis wracking the capitalist political establishment. It followed three separate polls on July 30 and 31 placing Labours support at between 23 and 24 percent. This was below the partys 24.7 percent result in the 2014 election, its worst defeat in 92 years.

Labours support has collapsed because it is widely and correctly seen as a party of big business and militarism just like the National Party government. National is also deeply unpopular and does not have enough support to govern alone. Last December, Prime Minister John Key suddenly resigned and was replaced by Bill English, revealing tensions within the party.

Labours main election pledges include cutting immigration by almost half and recruiting more police officers. Labour will not reverse Nationals austerity measures, including the partial privatisation of power companies, the increase in the Goods and Services Tax, and thousands of public sector job cuts. It also agrees with $20 billion in military spending planned over the next 15 years, aimed at preparing the country to join US-led wars.

Internationally, the working class is increasingly hostile to all established political parties. Labours equivalent in France, the Socialist Party, was all-but wiped out in this years elections in response to the partys imposition of draconian austerity measures, its militarism and attacks on democratic rights (see:  Political lessons of the French elections).

In New Zealand there is growing anger over the social crisis, including deepening homelessness, the soaring cost of living, and a severely underfunded health system. In the last two elections more than a quarter of eligible voters abstained. Among those aged under 29, turnout in 2014 was just 49 percent. A poll released last month by Ipsos found that 64 percent believe the economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful and 56 percent say traditional parties and politicians dont care about people like them.

The replacement of Little with Ardern is the latest desperate attempt to revive illusions in the Labour Party and stave off a complete collapse. For more than 100 years Labour has served as the most important prop for the bourgeoisie, preventing the working class from turning toward a socialist alternative.

Ardern is the fifth leader of the party since 2008. A similar attempt to portray Labour as shifting to the left, with the installation of David Cunliffe in 2013, was a dismal failure.

Like Cunliffe, Little has proven incapable of making any popular appeal. Before becoming Labour leader Little already had a long record of collaboration with big business as leader of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU), the countrys largest private sector union (now called E Tu), from 2000 to 2011. The union enforced thousands of job cuts and pro-corporate restructuring, including at Air New Zealand, NZ Post and mining company Solid Energy.

Little demonstrated his personal usefulness to the corporate elite following the 2010 Pike River mine explosion, which killed 29 men. He defended the companys safety practices, telling the media there was nothing unusual about the mine. It later became clear that there had been multiple warnings about life-threatening conditions in the mine, but the EPMU had said nothing and refused to take any action to prevent the disaster.

Ardern, 37, entered parliament in 2008. She became deputy leader earlier this year. She has been chosen to replace Little because, unlike every senior politician, she does not yet have a decades-long record of attacks on the working class. Before becoming an MP she worked in the offices of former Labour leader Phil Goff and former Prime Minister Helen Clark, who have both contributed to entrenched social inequality and strengthened ties with the US military.

Corporate media commentators, liberal pundits and middle-class pseudo-left organisations have swung behind Ardern, hailing her elevation as an opportunity for the Labour Party to revive its support. TV3 political commentator Patrick Gower described Ardern as powerful, composed, eloquent, adding, National should be frightened.

Martyn Bradbury, editor of the trade union-funded Daily Blog, declared that everything has changed for this election. He described Ardern as part of a generation that was taught empathy and compassion and consideration for others.

James Shaw, co-leader of Labours main ally the Green Party, declared to the media: Jacinda turns this election into a real competition... shes got the skills, shes got the leadership capability, shes got the connection with the public.

The pseudo-left groups hope Arderns installation will help them promote Labour as a lesser evil to National. In a statement entitled Labour must change course, the International Socialist Organisation said Ardern was no left-winger, but added: Labours popularity with the electorate matters... If Arderns leadership helps get some momentumany momentuminto Labour kicking National out then so much the better.

In reality, Ardern has not proposed any substantial change and has praised Little and the Labour Partys policy platform. She told Radio NZ she would place extra emphasis on some policies focused on housing, health and inequality, adding I believe in free education.

The party is currently promising three years of free tertiary education, but this would not be fully implemented until 2025, i.e. after three elections, making the pledge worthless. Labour and the Greens, which are campaigning as a coalition-in-waiting, have agreed on strict fiscal responsibility rules, including a pledge to pay down government debt and cap spending at 30 percent of gross domestic product.

Ardern told Radio NZ she considered herself a democratic socialist like US Democrat Bernie Sanders but quickly added: I dont think thats a meaningful term in New Zealand. Sanders gained support from workers and youth in the presidential primaries by portraying himself as a socialist, only to then line up behind Hillary Clinton, the preferred candidate of the military and the Wall Street banks.

The elevation of Ardern, Labours second female leader, alongside Kelvin Davis, the partys first Maori deputy leader, is an attempt to appeal to layers of the upper middle class on the basis of gender and racial identity politics. The media widely reported Arderns exchange with a newsreader who questioned whether she planned to have children. The Guardian said the exchange sparked debate within New Zealand and accusations of sexism. As in the US election, the purpose of the obsessive focus on gender is to divert attention from the fundamental issue of deepening social inequality.

Similarly, much has been made about Davis ethnicity. His installation, however, has nothing to do with helping the oppressed Maori working class, but is a clear pitch to the indigenous corporate elite. As the partys corrections spokesman, Davis has called for greater involvement by Maori tribal businesses in running prisons. He also supports Maori-run, for-profit charter schools established under the current government.

In her first press conference as leader Ardern pledged to continue working with the Greens and the right-wing, anti-immigrant New Zealand First Party. On current polling, the three parties could have enough support to form a government after the election. NZ First leader Winston Peters is running a campaign similar to that of Trump; he has called for discrimination against Muslims and repeatedly scapegoated immigrants, particularly Chinese, Indians and Pacific Islanders, for the social crisis.

Labour and its allies are preparing to lead a government committed to deeper austerity cuts in response to the economic crisis, along with anti-immigrant measures, further strengthening the intelligence agencies and ramping up military spending to prepare for war.
As the political warfare in Washington escalated, President Trump went to Huntington, West Virginia Thursday night for a campaign-style rally bringing together the fascistic themes that the White House has been developing over the past several weeks.

Posturing as the defender of coal miners and other working people against immigrants, environmentalists and unnamed special interests, Trump welcomed the Democratic governor of West Virginia, billionaire coal boss Jim Justice, who announced his switch to the Republican Party at the rally.

Trump invited other Democrats to support his right-wing policies and drop their campaign, backed by the military-intelligence apparatus, over alleged Russian interference in the 2016 elections. The reason why Democrats only talk about the totally made up Russia story is because they have no message, no agenda and no vision, he said.

This characterization of the Democratic Party is accurate as far as it goes. The maniacal focus of the Democrats on the Russia investigation leaves a political vacuum in which there is no opposition within the official political system to Trumps right-wing rampage against democratic rights and the social gains of working people.

Trump seeks to exploit this rhetorically with demagogic boasting about the (nonexistent) revival of the coal industry and the (fictitious) growth of manufacturing jobs. The real content of his economic program is revealed in the achievement to which he gave first place in his litany of supposed successes: the all-time-high stock market, which enriches billionaires like Trump and Justice, but comes at the expense of the jobs and living standards of workers.

Trump combines bogus claims to stand up for working people with vicious law-and-order and anti-immigrant demagogy, featuring the usual list of villains: radical Islamic terrorists, drug smugglers, human traffickers and vicious, violent gangs. Of those actually responsible for the terrible conditions of life in areas like West Virginiathe giant corporations and banks overseeing mass layoffs, wage-cutting and the opioid plague that has ensuedTrump said not a word.

The visit to Huntington is the latest in a series of public appearances through which the White House has carried out a step-by-step campaign to mobilize support from the police, the military, Christian fundamentalists, white racists and outright fascists.

While there has been an authoritarian thrust to the Trump administration going back to his inaugural address, what has unfolded over the past two weeks is a calculated political maneuver, beginning with Trumps July 22 speech to a naval audience at the christening of the new aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford.

Trump spoke last week before an audience of uniformed police on Long Island and urged them to be rough in treating people they arrested, particularly those involved in Latino immigrant gangs.

There have been open appeals to racism and anti-gay bigotry: Trump tweeted his decision that transgendered individuals will not be permitted to serve in any capacity in the US military. The Justice Department has taken the position that anti-gay discrimination by employers does not violate civil rights laws, and there are reports that it is preparing to charge that universities with affirmative action programs are engaged in anti-white discrimination.

On Monday, the new White House chief of staff, retired Marine General John F. Kelly, was sworn into office, replacing Reince Priebus, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, and putting a military man in the top White House job for the first time in nearly half a century.

And on Wednesday, Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller appeared at the White House press briefing to announce Trumps support for legislation that would cut the number of legal immigrants by 50 percent while enacting an openly racist standard favoring speakers of English and those desired by corporate employers, rather than family members.

Increasingly, the administrations political appeals are separated from any legislative or electoral agenda. The focus is on the persona of Trump himself and the building of a political movement around him.

Millers re-emergence Wednesday, after being sidelined for several months due to the initial debacle of Trumps anti-Muslim travel ban, brought the most openly authoritarian of Trumps top aides before the public and the press once more. He engaged in a widely publicized clash with Jim Acosta of CNN, in the course of which Miller inadvertently revealed the direct connection between the Trump White House and the fascist right.

In an exchange involving the famous poem by Emma Lazarus, embossed on the Statue of Liberty (which includes the line, Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free), Miller declared that the poem was added later, is not actually a part of the original Statue of Liberty. As both the Washington Post and the Jewish Daily Forward have pointed out, Millers remark was not original to him, but reproduces positions circulating in the fascist and neo-Nazi right, voiced at different times this year by Rush Limbaugh of talk radio, Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, and white supremacist Richard Spencer.

Trump and his closest aides are seeking to exploit the widespread hostility to the Democratic Party as the party of the liberal economic elite, including large sections of Wall Street, with an entirely bogus posture as the advocate of the forgotten man, as Trump put it during the election campaign and again on Thursday night. But Trump lacks even the semblance of an economic program to address the spread of mass impoverishment and social misery.

The Democrats are saying nothing about Trumps fascistic appeals. Instead, they are doubling down on their anti-Russia campaign. There were reports Thursday that independent counsel Robert Mueller has convened a special grand jury in his investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 elections and Trump campaign collusion with Moscow.

Leaks from within the White House and the intelligence agencies continue at an unprecedented level; most recently, the Washington Post published transcripts of Trump phone conversations with leaders of Mexico and Australia, giving an embarrassing glimpse of the presidents bullying and double-dealing approach to his foreign counterparts.

These attacks are motivated by differences within the ruling elite over foreign policy. While Trump has sought to accommodate his critics, most recently by signing a stringent new sanctions bill directed against Russia, he is also seeking to mobilize his ultra-right base and push back against his ruling class opponents.

The Democratic Party will do nothing to oppose Trumps effort to mobilize ultra-right and fascistic elements to attack the working class and destroy democratic rights. Their criticism of Trump is entirely within the framework set by the national-security establishment: he is soft on Russia, erratic overall, and preoccupied with his familys personal financial interests rather than the interests of Wall Street and American imperialism as a whole.

At the same time, the Democrats are leaving open the possibility of working with Trump, particularly on a tax reform that will lead to a new windfall for the corporate and financial elite.

The struggle against the ultra-right and in defense of democratic rights is a struggle to unite all sections of the working classblack, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and immigranton the basis of common class interests, to defend jobs and living standards and oppose the growing danger of imperialist war. This is possible only through the independent mobilization of working people against the two big business parties, the Democrats and Republicans, to fight for a socialist and internationalist program.
Grenfell Tower survivor Christos Fairbairn described his shabby treatment by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council:

I was put in a hotel for the first two weeks, then they came to me with an offer of a place that was behind the Houses of Parliament. Its in a nice place, a nice area, but Ive gone into the house and its small, there was a leak so the walls were wet. It wasnt liveable and they knew that.

He continued, My thought is that they are trying to palm us off for 12 months, let everything die down. Then when legislation changes and rules are changed, then theyre going to palm us off for good.

Asked whether fellow residents had a similar experience, Christos explained, Because [many of the residents] are not British or English, the council think they can offer them stupid things because they dont have the understanding. A lot of people are just taking places, not knowing that they dont have to take it.  For me personally, we need to stick together and we need to fight against the council for our rights.

Munira has not been offered any housing that is acceptable to her by the council. She managed to escape from Grenfell Tower with her husband, two children, father-in-law and sister-in-law. She said, There are six of us. We were put in a Premier Inn hotel and we are still there. It is outside the borough. They gave us two rooms. My husband has a room with my disabled father-in-law and looks after him. And I have another room with my sister-in-law and two kids in there.

They offered us three properties and they know my father-in-law is disabled and has medical problems. One of the places was outside the borough. My advocate says we have a right to look for properties online and rent privately, so I went online and looked for properties and I found some. I told them, I am from Grenfell Tower. And they replied, We cannot deal with you directly. You have to go through Kensington and Chelsea Council. They are dealing with you.

I then got told by the housing allocator at the council, If you go private, you will lose your rights as tenants of Kensington and Chelsea and the landlord can kick you out any time.

My father-in-law would need a stair-lift to go up and down stairs in any house, but they said, We cant do that. Its too expensive. Yet again they are talking about saving money.

Two days ago I heard that one of my neighbours at Grenfell accepted an offer to get a private place. I dont understand why we cant. We got offered a three-bedroom place, but there is no storage space there at all. My husband is getting depressed because the housing allocator keeps calling him saying, Why havent you accepted the flat yet? We were told by our advocate we have 21 days to make up our mind but the allocator keeps pushing us and saying, We want to know why you wont accept. We cant even drill in the bathroom to put a bar on so he [father-in-law] can sit down and stand up.

The council said when you accept the place it is 12 months rent free, but they have offered what we are not happy with. They have burnt our house down. We had two bedrooms, but we were happy. I met the housing officer and he said, When you accept a place the rent will be the same as what you had at Grenfell. My husband said, But what will happen after the 12 months? Will it still be the same then? They had no reply to that. Also, the lady who was showing us around admitted, After one year we dont know what is going to happen with you.

Munira continued, Whatever has happened here has brought us closer and we are united. If we are not happy with your offer we are not going to take it. Do what you want to do. They are acting like they are doing us a favour. They are thinking, Their house got burnt down and we are offering a three-bed house. We are being treated like we are beggars. But we will fight this and stand together.

Stephen, who is asthmatic, lived just 70 yards away from Grenfell Tower. He has suffered ongoing health problems since the fire, which produced vast quantities of deadly hydrogen cyanide from the flammable cladding in which it was encased, as well as other toxic fumes. At a recent public meeting called by the Grenfell Response Team, he demanded of council leader Elizabeth Campbell that he be rehoused.

Speaking to the WSWS, Stephen, who is visibly shaken at recent events said, We have had eight years of this. First they got rid of the car park [that would have allowed proper access to the building by fire engines when the fire broke out and was previously a fire assembly point for residents]. Then they built the school there, then they clad the tower and then there was the fire. I really thought when the fire started that it would soon be over and that the fire brigade would put it out.

Stephen spoke about the callous attitude to Grenfell Tower residents of the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO). The block that Stephen lived in is also run by KCTMO. Someone from the TMO came around to my flat and they didnt want to know. They spent about 10 minutes there. They said, Why didnt I make myself voluntarily homeless in order to get another place. I cant believe they said that. I was homeless before and finally managed to get a place to live.

Stephen said he had now been offered hotel accommodation, which he has accepted , but is only now starting to process the fire and its aftermath , which is proving to be traumatic. Some of the things he saw would be with him all his life. Stephen told the WSWS he saw the new head of the KCTMO, Elaine Elkington, had made a statement on taking over the role on Tuesday.

Elkington said,  I m looking forward to working with our resident-led board and with staff to move the organisation forward at a business-critical time.

While addressing the lucrative business opportunities that are the main priority of the KCTMO, Elkington did not make a single reference to the June 4 inferno in which at least 80 people perished in a terrible death. Stephen said, I cant believe that she didnt mention the fire. These people dont care.
A revealing article published in the New York Times provides a glimpse of the debate within the US state and its military-intelligence apparatus that led to last months decision by the Trump administration to pull the plug on the CIAs regime-change operation in Syria.

The Times account paints the CIAs dirty war to oust Syrias President Bashar al-Assad through the arming, training and funding of Sunni sectarian militias linked to Al Qaeda as an unmitigated fiasco.

It reports that the US government spent more than $1 billion over the life of the program to provide weapons and even pay the salaries of the so-called rebels.

Codenamed Timber Sycamore, the CIA regime-change operation was formally launched in June of 2013. In reality, the agency had been active in Syria for years. In the wake of the US-NATO wars toppling of the Libyan government and the assassination of its leader Muammar Gaddafi, the CIA created a rat line to funnel both arms stockpiles and Islamist fighters into Syria to launch a vicious sectarian war.

The Times describes the CIA program as one of the most expensive efforts to arm and train rebels since the agencys program arming the mujahedeen in Afghanistan in the 1980s.

It catalogues the ostensible disasters wrought by the CIAs barely covert intervention, including much of the CIA weapons funneled into Syria having ended up in the hands of a rebel group tied to Al Qaeda, i.e., the al-Nusra Front.

Once C.I.A.-trained fighters crossed into Syria, C.I.A. officers had difficulty controlling them, according to the Times article. The fact that some of their C.I.A. weapons ended up with Nusra Frontand that some of the rebels joined the groupconfirmed the fears of many in the Obama administration when the program began. Although the Nusra Front was widely seen as an effective fighting force against Mr. Assads troops, its Qaeda affiliation made it impossible for the Obama administration to provide direct support for the group.

This was hardly a mere mishap, given that the Nusra Front, along with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), constituted the backbone of the armed anti-Assad forces, and the CIAs supposedly vetted and moderate rebels fought in close alliance with these Islamist militias. The Times chooses its words carefully when it notes that the Al Qaeda affiliation of the Nusra Front made it impossible for the Obama administration to provide direct support for the group. Instead, the vetted rebels served as a conduit for arms that Washington knew would wind up with the Syrian Al Qaeda affiliate and its spin-off, ISIS.

Citing US intelligence estimates, the Times reports that the Nusra Front now has as many as 20,000 fighters in Syria, making it Al Qaedas largest affiliate. This represents the principal achievement secured by the CIA with its $1 billion program.

The article likewise notes that the White House also received periodic reports that the CIA-trained rebels had summarily executed prisoners and committed other violations of the rules of armed conflict. This is a delicate way of describing the beheading of children, sectarian massacres, the parading members of religious minorities in cages, mass executions and the terrorizing of entire civilian populations.

The CIA-orchestrated war for regime change reached its high watermark in 2015, threatening Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia and Hama provinces in the north, as well as Homs in the center of the country and areas of Damascus and other provinces in the south. The result was a bloodbath that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands and turned millions into refugees.

In response Russia offered military assistance to the Syrian government, providing air cover for a counteroffensive that ultimately drove the Islamist fighters back and wrested from them their last significant urban foothold in eastern Aleppo in December of last year. The victory of the government forces was a result not merely of Russian firepower, but more decisively the hostility toward the reactionary Islamist rebels of broad layers of the population that came to see the Assad regime, its repression and corruption notwithstanding, as the lesser evil.

The Times article makes clear that Trumps decision to end the CIA program in Syria, taken on the recommendations of his CIA director Mike Pompeo as well as senior military officials, was the end result of a protracted and bitter debate within the White House and the US military-intelligence apparatus that began under the Obama administration.

Opponents of the program within the US state condemned the operation as foolhardy, expensive and ineffective, the Times reports, while its supporters say that it was unnecessarily cautious, and that its achievements were remarkable given that the Obama administration had so many restrictions on it from the start, which they say ultimately ensured its failure.

Among these supporters, according to the Times, was John Brennan, Obamas last CIA director, who remained a vigorous defender of the program despite divisions within the spy agency about the efforts effectiveness. Also pushing the CIA program were foreign backers, including Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government has long sought Syrias dismemberment.

The Times article serves to shed considerable light on the political activities of a group of organizations and publications presenting themselves as socialists and leftists which promoted the CIA regime-change operation as a Syrian revolution that deserved unqualified support.

Prominent among these layers have been International Viewpoint, the publication of the Pabloite United Secretariat, and its principal spokesman on the Middle East, Gilbert Achcar, a professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London. Also a leading propagandist for the CIAs Syrian revolution has been the International Socialist Organization and its chief spokesman on Syrian developments, Ashley Smith.

These figures and others, such as the Left Party in Germany and the New Anti-Capitalist Party in France, waged an international campaign to drum up support for the imperialist-orchestrated war to oust the Assad government, appealing in the name of human rights to a middle-class milieu of liberals and ex-lefts.

They resolutely supported the right of the Syrian revolutionariesIslamists on the CIA payrollto receive arms, training and funds from the US intelligence agency and even to appeal for direct US imperialist intervention in Syria.

Achcar pioneered this approach by stridently supporting the US-NATO war for regime change in Libya, insisting that anti-imperialist principles had to take a back seat to humanitarian concerns for the Libyan people. Achcar and his allies provided a pseudo-left justification for a war that claimed the lives of over 30,000 Libyans and has left the country, nearly six years later, in state of utter chaos and devastation.

In relation to Syria, International Viewpoint and the ISOAchcar and Smithlambasted the Obama administration for failing to provide sufficient support for the Syrian revolution. They insisted after Russia began providing air support to the forces of the Assad government that the CIA arm the rebels with anti-aircraft missiles.

Aside from concerns that placing such weapons in the hands of the CIA-backed forces could trigger a military confrontation between the US and Russia, the worlds two major nuclear powers, elements in the US state apparatus also justifiably feared that they would end up in the hands of Al Qaeda and could, sooner rather than later, be turned against the US itself.

Thus, last September, Smith wrote angrily in the ISOs Socialist Worker that the Obama administration preferred to cut deals with Russia rather than take any action that might topple Assad and had refused to supply the FSA [Free Syrian Army, the fictitious label applied to the collection of Islamist militias] with weapons it pleaded for to defend itself against regime air strikes.

In the final analysis, these positions represented political support for the faction within the US state apparatusled by the likes of Brennan, the career CIA official implicated in countless crimes from torture, to drone assassinations to the mass killings in the Middle Eastthat was demanding an escalation of the regime-change operation.

This support was not merely platonic. Achcar, who is cited as an ally and an authority by elements like the ISO and Jacobin magazine, lent his expertise to the collection of US and French intelligence assets that comprised the Syrian National Council, counseling them on the most effective way to lobby for Western military intervention.

These pseudo-left figures and organizations function as what amount to specialized NGOs, acting, much like the National Endowment for Democracy and its constituent elements, as political fronts and facilitators for the CIA and US imperialism.

Their politics reflect the social interests of privileged layers of the upper-middle class, whose wealth and privileges are bound up with the processes of financial parasitism that have driven up stock prices and real estate values. The pseudo-left has worked to recruit this social strata as a new constituency for imperialism based on phony human rights appeals.

While the Trump administration has wound up the already failed CIA regime-change operation in Syria, US imperialism has by no means ended its intervention. On the contrary, the Pentagon has deployed US troops on the ground and has armed, funded and trained other proxy forces, including the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces, dominated by the Kurdish YPG militia, in the north, as well as Sunni elements in the south. The US military has made it clear that it intends to establish permanent bases in the country and carve out its own sphere of influence as part of the broader struggle to militarily assert US hegemony over the Middle East.

The escalation of the US military intervention, which found expression last April with the firing of 59 cruise missiles on a Syrian air base, has only elicited demands from the pseudo-lefts for more.

Responding to the US attack for the ISO, Ashley Smith lamented that The U.S. only attacked the one base and didnt even blow up its runway.

He went on to note Secretary of State Rex Tillersons statement that Washington was no longer seeking Assads ouster, declaring, The U.S. thus proved itself no ally of the Syrian Revolution. It has turned a blind eye while Russia, Iran and Hezbollah intervened in support of Assads counterrevolutionary war to save his dictatorship.

Rather than a blind eye, clearly the ISO wants a more aggressive US military response, a position that, once again, reflects the attitude of substantial layers of the US political establishment and its military and intelligence apparatus.
The Sri Lankan government tabled a new bill early last month designed to expand its tax income. The proposed taxes, which have been effectively authored by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will increase the economic burden on workers, small businesses and the self-employed while providing more concessions to big business. The bill is expected to be passed later this month

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told a press conference on July 21 that everyone over the age of 18 years should have a taxpayer number regardless of whether he or she had to pay taxes or not. In a crude attempt to deflect opposition to the new measures, State Minister of Finance Eran Wickramaratne told the same media event that the government would not tax the poor but then insisted that everybody must pay tax.

The government proposals include:

* Every resident or non-residents annual income, whether from employment, business, investment or other sources and starting at 600,000 rupees per year or 50,000 rupees (about $US300) per month will be taxed. This starts at 4 percent on annual incomes of 600,000 rupees and climbs to 24 percent for 3,000,000 rupees or more per year.

While the average monthly income for workers is around 15,000 rupees per month, state employees and bank workers, as well as some private sector workers, receive around 50,000 rupees or more per month. Many workers also have second jobs in order to cope with Sri Lankas rising cost of living.

* All pension funds, including the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), above a total lump sum payout of 2,000,000 rupees will be subjected to taxes of 5 to 10 percent. Almost all other payments, including employee compensation, termination allowances and other imbursements will also be taxed. While some corporations and the state banks previously paid their employees taxes, these workers will lose this benefit under the new system.

Under the new proposals there will be generous concessions for big business and investors, including:

* Corporate taxes for industries such as agriculture, exports, tourism, information technology, and education will be dropped to just 14 percent. This rate is very low by global standards.

* Taxes for other businesses will be just 28 percent, which is also low compared to other taxes in South Asian countries, such as India and Pakistan where it is 30 and 31 percent respectively.

* Taxes on dividends, interest, life insurance, and shares transactions on the Colombo Stock Exchange are expected to remain low under the new laws.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce immediately praised the tax bill, declaring that it was happy to note that most [of their] submissions were accepted. The big business peak body said that it planned to negotiate certain provisions relating to the practical implementation of the proposed law.

Amid growing competition for foreign investment, successive Sri Lankan governments have offered generous tax concessions while pushing regressive indirect taxes onto working people.

Finance Minister Samaraweera declared that he wanted to change the current ratio of direct and indirect taxes from 20 and 80 percent to 40 and 60 percent respectively. This is an attempt to hoodwink people into believing that the new system will reduce indirect taxes and provide some financial relief. In fact, the new taxes measures come on top of increases in the indirect VAT tax, which was lifted to 15 percent in November, and other government levies.

The IMF complains that Sri Lankas tax receipts are only 12 percent of GDP and that efforts must be made to increase the amount and boost government income. The international bank wants the budget deficit, which was 5.4 percent of GDP last year, reduced to 3.5 percent by 2020.

Implementation of the new tax bill was an IMF requirement for the release of its third installment of a $1.5 billion loan. Two weeks after the government tabled the bill, the IMF announced that the third tranche, which amounts to $167 million, had been approved and would be paid in September.

The squeezing of working people in Sri Lanka through higher direct taxes follows the imposition of similar measures last April in Greece at the behest of the IMF and European banks. In Greece, the tax-free threshold was reduced to 5,000 per year, down from the prevailing 8,636. This meant that workers earning less than 500 a month, which is below the poverty line, are now forced to pay tax.

The Sri Lankan government is reeling under massive foreign and domestic debts, declining exports and remittances, and faces a growing balance-of-payments crisis. On the directives of international capital and in alliance with Sri Lankan big business, Colombo is demanding that workers and the poor bear the burden.

Five trade unions at the Inland Revenue Department have criticised the new tax regime and made submissions to the Supreme Court alleging that some of the tax bill violates the constitution. The Inland Revenue Department Commissioner General will be given extensive powers under the bill, including the appointment of private individuals, corporate entities or non-governmental bodies to collect taxes.

The unions have also pointed out that the finance minister has the power to inspect the tax files of individuals and appoint teams of tax officers without considering the service minutes of the department. Under the new tax laws, tax officers may no longer be required to give reasons for rejecting assessments and the finance minister can increase income tax rates without parliamentary approval.

The new tax regime is part of broader austerity measures being demanded by the IMF. Other demands include the privatisation and commercialisation of state institutions, slashing of social welfare and the evisceration of public health and education.

While the trade unions at the Inland Revenue Department held a one-day strike on July 10 against the projected tax laws, these protests are aimed at preventing a direct political confrontation with the government and fostering illusions that Colombo can be pressured to soften the new taxes.
Amid bitter accusations that China has failed to rein in North Korea, the US administration is undertaking a review of trade policy and threatening to initiate trade war measures against Beijing over alleged theft of intellectual property rights.

News of the White House trade review was leaked to the media following President Donald Trumps tweets on the weekend, in which he declared he was very disappointed in China over the latest North Korean long-range missile launch last Friday.

Trump explicitly linked the missile test with trade, tweeting: Our foolish past leaders have allowed them [China] to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk.

The US president warned: We will no longer allow this to continue.

During last years presidential election campaign, Trump repeatedly lambasted China over trade, threatening to name it as a currency manipulator and impose tariffs of up to 45 percent on Chinese goods.

After a much-heralded meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, Trump toned down his threats in the expectation of bilateral trade talks and tough Chinese measures to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Negotiations on July 19 over a series of trade deals abruptly broke up without any news conference.

The Wall Street Journal and New York Times both reported this week that the Trump administration is considering initiating a formal investigation into whether Chinese intellectual property policies constitute unfair trade practices under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. A probe by US trade representative Robert Lighthizer would lay the basis for punitive measures against China.

Such an investigation would greatly heighten tensions between the US and China and could precipitate a trade war as each side retaliates in an effort to protect its markets and industries. Section 301 has been little used since the 1995 creation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which has mechanisms for resolving trade disputes.

Lighthizer and US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, however, have accused the WTO of having an anti-American bias and its dispute resolution procedures of being too slow. By threatening to use US legislation and act unilaterally, the Trump administration would significantly undermine the WTO.

The US used section 301 extensively against trade rivals, particularly Japan, in the 1980s and early 1990s under the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush. This aggressive US trade policy helped fuel moves for the creation of the WTO as a means for forestalling trade war and opening up new markets.

Lighthizer was deputy trade representative under Reagan.

The Trump administration has seized on intellectual property rights amid concerns by major American corporations that their Chinese counterparts could outpace them in technologies ranging from microchips and robotics to medical devices and electric cars.

As China has become the worlds largest manufacturing hub, US companies such as Apple and Microsoft rely on their monopoly over intellectual property to extract super-profits at the expense of Chinese companies that make or assemble their products.

While its more strident critics refer to intellectual property theft, China, like the US, is exploiting its economic clout within the framework of the capitalist market to ensure the competitiveness of its corporations and a larger share of profits.

The Wall Street Journal focused on corporate concerns that Beijing has pushed for technology transfers in return for access to the huge Chinese market, while noting fears that tough US measures could provoke retaliation and destabilise the global trading system.

Theres no company in this sector that doesnt think this isnt a problem, a corporate lobbyist told the Journal. But theres a real division with respect to what we want the US government to do about it, if anything.

The New York Times highlighted Chinese government demands that American companies cut their licensing fees for key patents and set up joint ventures with Chinese companies. It also pointed to a recent Chinese requirement that American companies such as Amazon and Microsoft set up China-based data centresa move prompted by Edward Snowdens revelations of massive US global electronic spying.

Leading US Democrats have backed any move by Trump to impose penalties on China over intellectual property rights. Senator Ron Wyden sent a letter to Lighthizer on Wednesday urging him to counter Chinas attempts to strong-arm US innovators into giving up their intellectual property and drive US firms further out of the Chinese market.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry rejected the suggestion that Beijing had not done enough to protect intellectual property. I would like to emphasise that the Chinese government has always put strong emphasis on the protection of intellectual property rights, spokesman Geo Feng told reporters yesterday.

Asked about the possible use of Section 301, Gao insisted any disputes should be taken to the WTO. Any trade measures taken by WTO members should abide by the rules of the WTO, he said.

An editorial in the state-owned China Daily yesterday declared that the course of action being mooted in Washington was worrying with the potential to spark a trade war. It argued that, depending on what the US does, China will have no choice but to take retaliatory measures.

In the US, Chad Bown from the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, told the Financial Times: I dont think starting a [Section 301] investigation would be the trigger for a trade war. But if the conclusion of the investigation is a sweeping set of new import restrictions on products from China then I think China is likely to react badly to that and we could see a trade war.

According to Reuters, Trump is expected to issue a memorandum declaring that Chinese theft of intellectual property is a problem requiring a US response. An announcement was anticipated this week, but appears to have been postponed.

In an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal on Monday, US Commerce Secretary Ross foreshadowed aggressive trade measures not only against China but also the European Union (EU). He attacked China and the EU for continuing tariffs on American goods and took aim at what he claimed were formidable nontariff trade barriers against US imports, including forced technology transfers.

Ross concluded by warning that the Trump administration will use every available tool to force its trade rivals to remove such barriers to American goods.
SUWANNEE COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - A wanted 69-year-old man is behind bars after police found 12 pounds of meth at his camper in the River Run Campground.

The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office says that on July 29, they received information from the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office that Charles Richard Spriggs was at a camper in the River Run Campground on US 27, east of Branford.

Spriggs was wanted for federal probation violation for sale of methamphetamine, and had an active warrant for his arrest.

Deputies went to the location and found Spriggs. While arresting him, they saw multiple pistols and numerous rounds of ammunition in plain sight. They say one of the guns, a revolver, had the serial number removed.

When they searched the camper, they found about 12 pounds of meth, a pound of marijuana, oxycodone tablets, assorted drug paraphernalia and a large sum of money.

Spriggs was charged with:

Trafficking methamphetamine

Possession of cannabis with intent to sell

Possession of controlled substance (oxycodone)

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Possession of firearm by a convicted felon

Possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, by a convicted felon

Possession of a firearm suppressor, by a convicted felon

Providing false identification to a law enforcement officer

US Marshalls warrant  Violation of Probation (original charge sale of methamphetamine)

Spriggs was transported the Suwannee County jail where he remains on a $267,500 bond.

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.
LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Leon County is applying for federal funding from FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

The money will be for the Hazard Mitigation Grant program, which is used to bring rundown areas up to code.

One of the locations the county is requesting funding for is 4908 Crooked Road.

Officials say the purpose of the project is to remove the structures and septic systems from potential future flood damage. Environmentalists say if they were to get the funding they would first have to remove the structure.

The other location the county is requesting funding for is at 12386 Waterfront Drive.

Officials say they're not sure when they will find out if their application was approved.
PERRY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Florida Highway Patrol says there is a road blockage at the intersection of US 19 and Wright Road caused by an accident.

Troopers say the accident happened about 11 a.m. Friday and the roadway is blocked in the northbound and southbound lanes.

No injuries have been reported.

This is a developing story. We'll have more details shortly.

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.
SUWANNEE COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - One of Rhode Island's most notorious killers is facing charges in the stabbing of a fellow inmate at the Suwannee Correctional Institution.

Craig Pric, 43, was arraigned Thursday on one charge of attempted murder and a charge of contraband in prison.

Prosecutors say he stabbed the inmate five times with a 5-inch knife on April 4.

Price was appointed a public defender, and his next court date is in September.

Price was 15 when he admitted to killing two women and two young girls in Warwick, Rhode Island in the late 1980s.

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.
WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Florida Highway Patrol has released the name of the Tallahassee man who died in Wakulla County, as 28 year old John Dylan Ballard.

A person is dead after their car ran off the road and into a church sign in Wakulla County.

The Florida Highway Patrol says a 2006 Honda Accord was traveling north on Crawfordville Highway around 6:55 a.m. on Thursday when the driver tried to pass another car in front of it.

Troopers said that the car drove into the left lane, in front of incoming traffic to get around the car in front.

Once the car had passed, the driver quickly veered back into the northbound lane, causing the car to travel off the road.

FHP says the car continued to travel off the road, where hit crashed into a large sign and numerous scrubs in the front law of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The driver, who is still unidentified, was pronounced dead at the scene.
UPDATE: Aug. 4, 4:15 p.m.: The air quality warning has been extended until noon on Wednesday
FILE - In this June 21, 2017, file photo, Special Counsel Robert Mueller departs after a closed-door meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about Russian meddling in the election at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE - In this June 21, 2017, file photo, Special Counsel Robert Mueller departs after a closed-door meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about Russian meddling in the election at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
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In spite of his advanced age, his poor healthwhich his concerned doctors define as excellentand his deep frustration over his failure to advance his people to an independent state, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas insists on holding on to the reins of power. Like other tyrants in the Middle East, he refuses to appoint a successor, groom someone or at least establish a system to select his heir.

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In the Muqataa, one must not mention the day after, although its clear to everyone that its approaching in huge steps. The Palestinians are entering a transit and waiting period, which will be followed by a vague future.

The Israeli government isnt preparing for the day after Abbas either. Likud and Bayit Yehudi leaders are waiting for the departure of the person who they see as the source of all evil in the Palestinians' relations with Israel. They are toying with the illusion that his successor will be more moderate than he is, will stop the incitement, will stop terror. They are daydreaming that his successor will agree to changes in the Muslim control of the Temple Mount, will accept the settlements and will settle for a tiny autonomic Palestinian entity.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian President Abbas in September 2010. The government missed the opportunity of his days in power to try to advance an agreement (Photo: Getty Images)

These hallucinations (which, for David Bitan and Miri Regevs information, exist neither in the Shin Bet nor in the defense establishment) are completely detached from reality. Anyone listening to the discourse in the Palestinian street, elite and political leadership understands that theres no desire to continue Abbas moderate way. As far as theyre concerned, he led the Palestinians to the lowest level of the compromises red line. What all the contenders in the inheritance battleMohammad Dahlan, Mahmoud al-Aloul, Majed Faraj or Marwan Barghoutihave in common is the fact that they are more hawkish than him.

What unites the Palestinians in their battle against Israel is the ethos of the conflict, focusing on the basic principles of the struggle, which include the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, the right of return, the prisoner release and a refusal to recognize Israel as the Jewish peoples nation state. A leader who diverts from these principles wont survive.

Abbas is good for the Jews, and he even benefits the Likud and right-wing government. He brought armed and organized terror to an end; he institutionalized the security cooperation, which IDF officers say is helping thwart terror; he stuck to the two-state vision, which he sees as giving up 78 percent of Palestines lands in favor of the Zionist state; he acted aggressively against Hamas and deepened the split between the West Bank and Gazaone of the Rights interests in its battle against the establishment of a Palestinian state; and his firm objection to pointless negotiations served the Netanyahu governments interest to avoid peace talks.

Its true that Abbas annoyed us with his de-legitimization moves and with his battle against the occupation in the international arena, but even without him, there would have been an opposition to settlements and there would have been international support for the two-state solution.

Contrary to the Rights mantra, Abbas could have been the best partner for negotiations. The government missed the opportunity of his days in power to try to advance an agreement. But the right-wing government favors a nationalistic ideology, and is singlehandedly creating the infrastructure for a binational state with an Arab demographic majority in the Land of Israel. And its bad for the Jews.

By the way, the argument that without the security cooperation with Israel Hamas would take over the Palestinian Authority is groundless: Its nothing more than an urban legend aimed at justifying the security cooperation on Israels part. Abbas has trained and obedient army forces, which have proved their ability to prevent Hamas from rearing its head in the West Bank even without Israels help.

Defense establishment officials are, rightly, concerned about the day after Abbas. Palestinian governmental stability guarantees security and could also help develop negotiations in the future. During this transit period, which no one knows how long it will last, Israel should therefore make some gestures, actions and activities which would at least indicate that it wishes to rebuild trust, in a bid to prevent anarchy on the day after.
JOHANNESBURG -- Al-Qaida's North Africa branch has freed a South African man who was held hostage for six years in Mali and he is now back home, South Africa's government announced Thursday.

Stephen McGown, who was released on July 25, was the longest-held of a number of foreigners seized by Islamic extremists in Mali, where several armed groups roam the West African country's north. The extremists have made a fortune over the last decade abducting foreigners in the vast Sahel region and demanding enormous ransoms for their release.

McGown was kidnapped in 2011 at a hostel in Timbuktu, where he had been traveling as a tourist. He also has British citizenship.

"It was a big surprise when Stephen walked through the door," his father, Malcolm, told reporters. "He felt as sound and as strong as before."
Clashes erupted during a demonstration in Jaffa following the arrest of the brother of the young man who was shot dead by police at the end of last week.

The protesters burned garbage cans, vandalized several shops and threw stones at policemen.

So far, 2 rioters have been arrested, as well as a senior member of the Islamic Movement who, according to suspicions, was the one who led the clashes with the police.

The brother was arrested after assaulting several policemen stationed in the city to maintain public order, and even bringing with him additional residents to confront the forces.
Israel is planning to construct a huge underground barrier on its southern border with Egypt and Gaza as a precautionary measure to stave off threats posed by ISIS terrorists seeking to infiltrate via the Sinai desert through tunnels.

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Expected to be complete within one-and-a-half years, the new barrier will set Israel back NIS 3.4 billion.

In its first phase, one kilometer only has been approved which will help the IDF identify and locate any tunnels being dug in the Sinai. As the construction continues, the barrier will stretch across a total of three kilometers.

According to Omer Gadi Yarkoni who heads the Eshkol Regional Council, the new protective measure is absolutely necessary for providing security to Israeli residents in the area.

Sinai border (Photo: Roi Kais)

We reiterate our concern about the increasing threat on the Egyptian border at every opportunity, and therefore this is a necessary and required step that will ensure maximum protection for our residents who are exposed and affected by the war taking place in Egypt, he continued. The tunnel threat is a strategic one around the Gaza region and around the whole of Israel.

The barrier will be identical to that which is currently being built along the Gaza border which was approved by the government following Operation Protective Edge upon the discovery of new tactics adopted by Hamas involving the digging of tunnels to infiltrate Israel.

The Egyptian army has been waging a prolonged war of attrition against ISIS in Sinai but has yet to achieve an outright victory and expunge its terrorists from the peninsula.

ISIS terrorist

Indeed, as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi continues to deploy his forces to bombard the terrorists, ISIS, though weakened and depleted, has still proven capable of taking its fight to the Egyptians through multiple deadly attacks and continues to draft more and more activists into its ranks.

While the bulk of ISIS attacks in the Sinai remain focused on obliterating Egyptian morale and al-Sisis forces, the group has in the past demonstrated an appetite to extend its hostilities against Israel, claiming responsibility for a number of rocket attacks launched on southern Israel.

In February, the Egyptian army destroyed six tunnel openings between Gaza and the Sinai, causing concern in Israel that ISIS does indeed plan to launch terror attacks from a subterranean network.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will be embarking on his first visit to Israel since being appointed to head the world body in December 2016.

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The visit is expected to last for three days, beginning on August 28, during which Guterres is expected to hold meetings with state leaders such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman. He will also travel to Ramallah to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Antonio Guterres (Photo: Reuters)

Moreover, the ninth UN chief is also said to be planning to visit the Gaza Strip, into which the UN is pumping huge sums of money for the enclaves residents.

Israels UN Ambassador Danny Danon said that the trip would enable Guterres to build a relationship with Netanyahu.

Danny Danon (Photo: AP)

We are extremely happy about this visit. It is a wonderful opportunity for the secretary-general to experience Israel, to meet with the leaders of Israel and to understand the challenges that Israel is facing day and night, Danon continued.

He also went on to emphasize the experience held by Guterres, the former prime minister of Portugal.

Riyad Mansour (Photo: EPA)

He has been in Israel in the past. He recognizes the complexity of the matter, he isn't someone who is coming to our area without a clue about what is happening, he said before adding that the government would be holding discussion on strengthening United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the UN body charged with preserving peace in southern Lebanon.

The Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, described the visit as one of extreme importance, saying that he supports interest shown by the UN in increasing its preoccupation with the plight of the Palestinians.
The IDFs Military Advocate General Brig. Gen. Sharon Afek has announced that he will not be seeking to impose the death penalty on the terrorist who last month slaughtered members of the Salomon family in a terror attack in the Halamish settlement of the West Bank.

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Yosef Salomon, 70, and his children Haya Salomon, 46, and Elad Salomon, 35, were celebrating what was supposed to be a happy occasionthe birth of a new son during their Friday night Shabbat mealwhen the terrorist, 19-year-old Omar al-Abed from the nearby village of Kobar entered the house and stabbed four victims, killing three.

Afeks announcement comes just a few days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his support for putting al-Abed to death.

The terrorist arrested at the scene of the attack

His statements were made as he paid his respects to al-Abed's victims during a visit to the family home in Halamish.

"It's time we start giving death sentences to terrorists," the prime minister told the mourning family. "It's enshrined in law, it requires a unanimous decision by the judges, but they also want to know the government's position. And my position as the prime minister, in this instance of such a heinous murdererhe needs to be executed. We need to wipe the smile off his face."

At the end of last week, The Legal Forum For Israel also joined the prime minister in supporting the death penalty when attorney Yossi Fox approached Afek and demanded that the military court hand down the punishment.

Sharon Afek (Photo: Zvika Tishler)

Fox reminded Afek that the measure had the backing of Netanyahu and a plethora of senior ministers including Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz.

Even though the State Attorney's Office is independent in its decisions to file indictments, and despite the fact that this is a matter of policy and general punishment, (the death penalty) aims to preserve peace and creat a deterrence which will prevent these kinds of massacres, Fox said.

It is within the authority of the entire defense establishment up to the level of the security cabinet headed by the prime minister.

Two days ago, Afeks bureau chief, Maj. Eli Levertov responded to Foxs exhortations, telling him: The military prosecutor works day and night to bring justice to terrorists who have harmed or attempted to harm the states citizens. The policy of law enforcement agencies in Israel is not to demand the death penalty, even when the right to do so is enshrined in law. This policy has been examined throughout the years  and has remained unchanged.

Omer al-Abed

Dissatisfied with the response, Fox wrote back expressing to Levertov his bewilderment with a reality in which Afeks authority supersedes that of Israels top political echelons.

It is inconceivable that the general policy of punishment for terrorists at the height of the wave of terror is determined by the military advocate general contrary to the position of the prime minister and the other cabinet ministers, he said.
The US military on Friday confirmed it killed a high-level commander of the al-Shabab extremist group with an airstrike in Somalia over the weekend, targeting a man blamed for planning deadly attacks in the capital of the Horn of Africa nation.

President Donald Trump earlier this year approved expanded military operations against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, including more aggressive airstrikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities. Al-Shabab is the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.

A US Africa Command statement said the strike on July 30 killed Ali Mohamed Hussein, also known as Ali Jabal. The statement said he was "was responsible for leading al-Shabab forces operating in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks against the capital of Mogadishu."

Ali also had served as the extremist group's shadow governor for Mogadishu and had been one of al-Shabab's most outspoken officials.

The statement said the airstrike occurred near Tortoroow, an al-Shabab stronghold in Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia "as a direct response to al-Shabab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces." It said no civilians were killed in the strike.

The US Africa Command has told The Associated Press it was a drone strike.
US President Donald Trump's promised wall along the Mexican border may be a tall order, but at least he has left his mark on the Israeli security barrier that he has promoted as a model.

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On the concrete barricades erected by Israel for security purposes around parts of Bethlehem giant spray-painted images of Trump have given Palestinians some comic relief.

"I'm going to build you a brother," the US leader tells the wall in one mural. In another, he hugs an Israeli army watch-tower, with heart-shaped emojis added alongside paint splashes and soot stains left by Palestinian demonstrations.

Trump graffitied on Israeli security barrier (Photo: Reuters)

The artist, who goes by the alias @LushSux and who Australian media have said comes from Melbourne, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Thursday, the Washington Post published a transcript of a conversation in which Trump pressured Mexico not to publicly oppose his plan to have it pay for a border wall that he says is needed to stop illegal immigration to the United States.

"You know, you look at IsraelIsrael has a wall and everyone said do not build a wall, walls do not work99.9 percent of people trying to come across that wall cannot get across and more," Trump told Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, according to the transcript of the phone call in January.

"Bibi Netanyahu told me the wall works," he added, using Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nickname.
In the past month, the streets of Dubai have been dotted with pink cars with women in pink uniforms. The phenomenon is a new initiative called the Women Responders Unit, intended to provide first aid and emergency services for women only.

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The project was launched by the state ambulance service about a month ago, to allow women more privacy in these situations. "In our society, Arab Muslim society, when patients call for help, they want privacy and they want to feel comfortable," said Bashayer al-Rimm, an emergency medical technician, in a conversation with AFP. She added that they are looking to preserve the privacy of the woman in a way that is consistent with our customs and traditions.

One of the medical professionals operating the women-only service

"This is a fully trained female team," said one of the project's superiors in Dubai. "The driver has a lot of knowledge in getting to the scene of accidents with casualties as soon as possible, and this is also true of the first aid provider in the vehicle."

Dubai said last month that there was a demand for pink ambulance services from women in the emirate. The service was designed to help women who were in labor and children who were in distress. "We have already received 55 calls," they said. Following its success, they intend to introduce another vehicle as part of the service.

Not everyone in the Arab world has applauded the project. One such criticism came from Egypt, where a service of pink taxis has already been launched, offering transportation services to women alone, in an effort to combat sexual harassment, a phenomenon that has become wide-spread in Egyptian society. A female anchor from Egyptian channel DreamTV referred to news of the Saudi Women Responders Unit by saying, "We like to imitate everything, but we are also a slightly more open society." she added that "these things are a bit more suitable for the Gulf countries than for us.

Guys, it's medicine. It shouldn't be segregated," the anchor added. "There are many things like women's cafes or taxis for women, which deepen the separation in society. In the end, we are all human beings."
The State Prosecutor's Office announced Friday that it had asked the police to open an investigation into the shooting incident at the Israeli embassy in Jordan last month involving Israeli security guard Ziv Moyal, in which two Jordanian civilians were killed.

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The State Prosecutor's Office added it has contacted the head of the Investigations and Intelligence Division of the Israel Police, and that the investigation would be conducted with the assistance of the State Attorney's Office. "In view of the findings that will be raised, the possibility will also be considered of contacting the Jordanian authorities in order to transfer additional materials to the police," the statement said.





L to R: Israeli Ambassador to Jordan Einat Schlein, PM Benjamin Netanyahu and security guard Ziv Moyal (Photo: Haim Tzach/GPO)

The examination that will be opened by the police will in fact have investigative characteristics. Apparently it was decided to define this as a "test" because the authorities in Israel are not interested at this stage in investigating the security guard under warning. The announcement came following Jordanian pressure on Israel: King Abdullah II and other Jordanian officials expressed anger at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's warm reception on his return from Jordan. The Jordanian king and his people made it clear that the appearance of the security guard as a hero in Israel would have serious implications for relations between the two countries.





Moyal

Last month's deadly shootings came as Jordan was involved in behind-the-scenes negotiations to end Israel-Palestinian tensions over the Temple Mount. Ziv Moyal, an Israeli embassy guard in Jordan, shot and killed 17-year-old Muhammad al-Jawawdeh after the young man stabbed Ziv with a screwdriver allegedly during a dispute.

Muhammad al-Jawawdeh

Bassem al-Hamarna, the landlord in the building where the stabbing took place, was killed after being struck with a stray bullet.

Bassem al-Hamarna

Funeral procession for Bassem al-Hamarna (Photo: EPA)

Embassy staff later returned to Israel under the protection of diplomatic immunity and the guard received a warm welcome from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to the dismay of Jordan and particularly its King Adullah II, who called Netanyahu's publishing of his embrace of the guard "unacceptable and provocative behavior."

Netnayahu embraces security guard Moyal upon his return to Israel

Jordanians protest in front of Israeli Embassy in Amman

There has been widespread anger over the incident in Jordan, where a 1994 peace treaty with Israel is unpopular.
YORK  Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court Michael Heavican was in York on Thursday, touring the Nebraska Center for Women and the York County Courthouse.

His visit was part of a week-long tour to a number of locations in the state as he met with court and county officials, as well as probation officers and attorneys.

His stop at the courthouse included conversations with county commissioners, Judge Linda Caster-Senff, State Senators Mark Kolterman and Curt Friesen, the county attorneys office, the public defenders office, court staff and a large number of probation officers from District 5 (which serve York).

Accompanying Heavican were administrative officers for the higher court as well as other justices.

I want to thank all of you for being here, for all the work you do and for your service in the legal field and our court system, Heavican told the dozens of people who turned out for his reception. This is now the end of our tour, which took us through central and southwest Nebraska. We enjoy seeing all of you as we get a lot of input from all of you about how we can do our jobs better. We are always here to answer any questions you might have. The operation of all of our courts all around the state is a cooperative effort.

Later Heavican said he believes expanded probation services and problem solving courts in the state are doing great things in helping to keep people from committing crimes again and helping them to be successful citizens in our society. There are special programs to help these folks with mental health issues, controlled substance abuse and other factors that play a role in reoffending. This leads to fewer people being incarcerated and more people being rehabilitated.

Tyson Jenkins, an Alternatives to Incarceration Specialist, who oversees the probation reporting centers, agreed that great strides are being made in these arenas.

He explained that the role is to serve those who are considered the highest risk to reoffend, which often includes those dealing with substance abuse, mental health issues, domestic violence situations and many times sex offenders.

He explained the scientific basis behind the programming that is provided for probation clients and how that programming can be brought to the clients in a setting that is overseen by probation officers.

York utilizes the reporting center in Columbus  which provides video services, support services and more, at the office in this community.

We work to drive behavior change that is scientifically driven, it is evidence-based and thereby make our communities safer, Jenkins said.

I want to thank all the probation officers here today, Heavican said, for all the good work you are doing here.

Following the visit of the courthouse, the justices, probation officers and other officials made their way to the prison.

Heavican said these types of tours throughout certain areas of Nebraska are done on an annual basis.
YORK  How many of you are super excited about the eclipse? asked Hillary Mundt, director of the Wessels Living History Farm, as she opened a presentation this week, addressing the dozens of people at the senior center.

About half the hands went into the air.

How many of you are just so so about the whole thing and dont care a whole lot about any of it? Mundt asked.

The other half of the hands went up.

Well, hopefully, when this hour is up, everyone is going to be super excited for the upcoming eclipse, Mundt said. We should be. This is going to be an incredible experience  and we are going to have a lot of visitors in our community. We have to be ready.

Mundt, along with York County Visitors Bureau Director Bob Sautter, held two public presentations this week, to help locals better understand what is going to happen in just a few short weeks.

Im not an eclipse expert, but I have given myself a crash course over the last year, Mundt explained. A little over a year ago, Bob (Sautter) asked me what I was doing at Wessels for the eclipse. After we did a bunch of research and realized what a big deal this is going to be, the answer was yes, yes,yes, we have to plan things for the eclipse.

Part of that research was attending a tourism conference where an eclipse chaser was a guest speaker.

The eclipse chaser had been documenting the weather patterns in North Platte for 20 years, to determine if that should be his location to watch the eclipse, Mundt said. To hear him talk about his eclipse experiences  after we heard him speak, everyone in the room was saying, Oh my gosh, what are we going to do for the eclipse?

Mundt has organized an event at Wessels the day of the eclipse  and she and Sautter have been busy trying to get others in the community on board with preparations.

I can tell you, right now, that a lot of people have already made reservations to watch the eclipse at Wessels, Mundt said. And they are coming from California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Scotland, Canada, the United Kingdom and of course, from other Nebraska communities. Just since lunch, I have 18 more voicemails, all for reservations.

And there are quite a few Nebraska communities that will not be able to see the eclipse  for example, Omaha is not in the shadow. The northern edge of Lincoln is barely on the path  many people from Lincoln have made reservations at the farm.

Eclipse chasers have likely been scouring maps for months if not years to find the right spot to watch, Mundt said. Bob (Sautter) has been in contact with a man from Japan who has been in Grand Island for the last six months, looking for the perfect spot to observe.

It was also noted that in past presentations and seminars she has attended, it has been said that Nebraska has the greatest likelihood for clear weather that day. That in itself could cause eclipse chasers to flood this area.

National media outlets will be covering the natural phenomenon and NASA will be following the eclipse from many different places in the country . . . and from outer space.

According to NASA, this will be the most viewed event in history, Mundt said. This eclipse is special because we are the only continent that will get to see this one. It starts and ends at the oceans.

It will take 93 minutes for the shadow of the eclipse to go across the United States, she said, referring to information she received from attending numerous presentations by scientists and eclipse experts.

If you are on the path, its all about getting close to the center line, Mundt explained, using maps and graphics. All of York is a good place to view the eclipse, you just need to get out in the open so you can better appreciate what is happening. The experts I heard said that seeing the eclipse shadow coming toward you is like seeing a big storm coming. You will see a cone-shaped shadow. Then the temperature will drop about 15 to 20 degrees. The birds will stop singing and animals will be confused. Animals and birds will go through their morning routine again, after the eclipse. They say, as an example, robins will have a different song because they have different songs in the evenings and the mornings.

Right before the second point of contact, where there is just a sliver of light, for about 20 to 30 seconds, you might be able to see shadows that look like snakes on the ground. We are told it doesnt happen for every eclipse, but it could happen and again when the moon is coming off the sun, Mundt explained. The shadow will come from the northwest and slice southeast.

When totality begins  at approximately 1 p.m.  it will be completely dark.

The time of totality in York is two minutes and 19.2 seconds.

Then the partial eclipse will exist and eventually phase out over the course of the next hour or so.

Its going to be incredible, Mundt said.

And both Sautter and Mundt said this is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience  as this will never happen here again in peoples lifetimes.

We are going to have a lot of people here, in York, Mundt stressed. Its exciting, but its also a little scary that we will have to take care of a lot of people.

Sautter said it is his understanding that all lodging properties in the county  hotel rooms and camping spots  have been reserved for a period of time already.

Mundt noted that numerous people in this area have been renting out houses for the weekend prior to the eclipse . . . some with hefty price tags.

Last week, Sautter and York Chamber of Commerce Director Madonna Mogul visited all service-oriented businesses in York to make sure they were aware a surge of visitors will be coming to York over that weekend and on the day of the eclipse.

It is predicted that there will be many motorists on the highways and interstate, and law enforcement is aware that traffic control might be needed.

Some projections are that York County will see as many as 5,000 visitors  but Sautter said it might be even bigger than that.

We just wont know until it happens, Sautter said. But its better to be prepared.

When asked again if they were super excited about the eclipse, nearly all the hands in the room were raised.

Editors note: More from Mundts and Sautters presentation will be published in tomorrows News-Times.
New York: A judge on Thursday sentenced a 20-year-old Massachusetts woman to two and a half years, with 15 months to be served behind bars, for encouraging her teenage boyfriend to make good on plans to kill himself.

A tearful Michelle Carter stood with hands clasped and eyes cast down to hear her fate over the death of Conrad Roy, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in July 2014.

In a sensational case seen as breaking new ground in a state with no law against encouraging suicide, Carter swapped hundreds of text messages with Roy, repeatedly urging him to follow through on his plan to kill himself and conceal it from his parents.

The defense argued that Carter, who was 17 years old at the time, was racked with depressive disorders, on anti-depressants and suffered from eating disorders, all of which swayed her judgment.

She had faced up to 20 years in prison.

But Judge Lawrence Moniz, who convicted Carter of involuntary manslaughter in June, said it was important to balance punishment and rehabilitation for her role Roy`s death in his pickup truck in a parking lot.

Moniz said that after 15 months behind bars, the balance of her sentence would be suspended until August 1, 2022. The sentence was stayed pending expected appeals.

Roy`s father, also named Conrad Roy, told the Taunton juvenile court, south of Boston, that he was heartbroken over his son`s death and accused Carter of exploiting his battle with depression for her own self-aggrandizement.

"How could Michelle Carter behave so viciously and encourage my son to end his life? Where was her humanity?" he asked.

"I pray that his death will save lives one day," Roy`s mother said in a statement read out by the prosecution, calling for changes in the law to guard against other families enduring the same torment.The prosecution had called for a sentence of between seven and 12 years, accusing Carter of waging a "deliberate" campaign to engineer Roy`s death in a bid to seek attention and sympathy.

"Her actions killed Conrad Roy. She ended his life to better her own," the prosecutor told the court.

"She has not accepted responsibility," she said. "She has shown no remorse."

Carter`s lawyer urged the judge for leniency on Thursday, saying his client, dressed in red pants and a cream blouse, hoped to build a career in real estate after graduating from high school, was still in counseling and was not a danger to the public.

"This is a terrible, terrible tragedy and she very much regrets this," said Joseph Cataldo, requesting five years of supervised probation with conditions that included mental health counseling.

Some legal experts questioned whether Carter`s actions were enough to secure a conviction under involuntary manslaughter.

But in convicting Carter, Moniz said it was her instruction to Roy to get back into the vehicle  during a telephone call after he stepped out  and her failure to sound the alarm that was crucial to the guilty verdict.

Prosecutors said at trial that Carter stayed on the telephone listening to her boyfriend as he died in the truck.

"She called no one," Moniz said in June, despite Carter knowing where Roy was and having his family`s telephone numbers. "And finally, she did not issue a simple additional instruction: `Get out of the truck.`"

He rejected a theory of involuntary intoxication raised by psychiatrist Peter Breggin, a defense witness who testified that Carter`s own medication would have hindered her state of mind.
Caracas: Venezuela's controversial "Constituent Assembly," a new legislative body with supreme powers packed with supporters of President Nicolas Maduro, began its first session in Caracas.

The assembly of 500-plus members, which is tasked with rewriting the crisis-wracked country's constitution, took its seats in an oval chamber under the golden dome of the capital's 145-year-old Legislative Palace.

Veteran loyalist politician Fernando Soto formally announced the opening of the session.

He was followed by a priest endorsing the body -- despite a statement from the Vatican earlier today that the assembly had added to a "climate of tension" in the country.

The assembly's members were accompanied to the palace by Maduro and thousands of supporters carrying the national flag and portraits of late president Hugo Chavez.

"The people today are going back to the assembly building and will never leave," said one supporter, 72-year-old Euclides Vivas.

The opposition-controlled legislature, the National Assembly, has vowed to keep sitting in a different chamber in the Legislative Palace.

It has denounced the new body, which was elected last weekend, as "fraudulent."

That claim was apparently backed by a British-based company involved in the vote, Smartmatic, which said the official turnout figure had been "tampered with" and exaggerated.

The United States, the European Union and major Latin American nations including Argentina, Colombia and Mexico have all said they will not recognize the Constituent Assembly.

The United States imposed direct sanctions on Maduro over its election and warned the assembly's members could also be targeted by punitive measures.
New York: President Donald Trump has almost decided to sack General John Nicholson as military commander in the region as American troops are not winning the war in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. media reports.

President Trump at a recent White House meeting suggested firing the commander of US forces in Afghanistan Gen Nicholson "because he is not winning the war." US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Joseph Dunford, also attended the July 19 meeting Trump asked them to find a new commander for Afghanistan, according to reports.

General John Nicholson, a highly respected four-star Army general with 35 years experience may become the first high-ranking military officer President Donald Trump decides to fire.

President Trump had become "increasingly frustrated" with the pace of the war in Afghanistan and was upset with the team he had asked to craft a new strategy for winning the war.

New commander will be announced soon but it is not known if he would agree to retire or demand to be fired as General David McKiernan did when Defense Secretary Robert Gates replaced him in 2009 as the Obama administration adopted a new counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan, CNN reported.

Nicholson also pledged to defeat and eliminate the local Afghan branch of ISIS known as ISIS-K, promising to do so by the end of 2017 and even authorised the use of the MOAB bomb, the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the US arsenal.
Chennai: Car major Hyundai Motor India Ltd will ship out its new and high strength Verna sedan model starting later this year, an official said on Friday.



"We are targeting to sell around 4,500 units per month in the domestic market. We are confident of achieving the target. We will also start exporting the new Verna to Middle East, Europe, Latin America and other Asian markets," Y.K. Koo, Managing Director, told reporters here.



He said the company planned to export around 60,000 Verna units per year and the plant had the necessary capacity to achieve that.



The company showcased here its new and high strength Verna developed at an outlay of Rs 1,040 crore.



According to Koo, pre-booking for the new Verna started on Friday and will go on till August 21.



He said the next generation Verna has super body structure built out of 50 percent advanced high strength steel (AHSS).



The model comes in petrol and diesel versions. The company also offers manual and automatic transmission options.



Koo said the company would deliver 10,000 units to customers before Diwali.



Queried about the car`s price, Koo said it was yet to be finalised and may be less than Rs 10 lakh.



According to him, the industry size for Verna segment is around 12,000 units per month.



Asked about his confidence to sell 4,500 units per month when its current Verna sells around 700 units per month, Koo said a new model will spur sales.



A company official told IANS that prior to the launch of an upgraded model, production of existing model will be scaled down.



He also said HMIL would invest around Rs 5,000 crore to roll out eight new models over the next four years.



Koo said the company would touch a sales volume of around 6.7 lakh units this year and around 7 lakh units the next year.



Koo also ruled out any mild hybrid models from HMIL`s stables.



He said HMIL was 21 years in India and the third largest market for parent company Hyundai.
New Delhi: Taapsee Pannu says people always overlook the effort it takes for an actor to appear convincing while dancing on a beach, fully decked-up.

The actor says commercial films may not be as emotionally draining as intense dramas, but they do demand a certain kind of physical effort from actors.

In an interview with PTI, Taapsee says, "Having done both commercial and hard-hitting cinema, I can say none of them are easy. In commercial films, you do get the privilege to not get into that intense zone. But looking like a million bucks on screen is not effortless.

"No matter how beautiful actors are, it is not easy to look drop dead gorgeous in every shot in a commercial film. To carry yourself as if you are the diva, it is not an easy job."

The actor says "dancing on the beach in heels or around the trees, no matter how much fun we make of it, it is not a simple thing to do."

Taapsee, 30, who made a mark with her hard-hitting performances in 'Pink' and 'Naam Shabana', will next be seen in romantic comedy 'Judwaa 2'.

The actor says she decided to do the typical Bollywood masala entertainer as she does not want people to box her in a particular category.

"I decided to do 'Judwaa 2' because I didn't want to put that genre tag on me and close my chapter. It is a constant change of gear. I want people to be more curious about what I am going to do next.

"I don't want my audience to rest and relax thinking she can only do a certain kind of cinema. I want to keep them on the edge."Taapsee says commercial space is not something new to her.

"I started my career with typical commercial glamorous film. I have build a certain audience for me because of 'Pink' and 'Naam Shabana' and they expect me to do certain kind of films.

"My answer to that is...If I keep doing hard-hitting stuff my impact will die down after some time. But I am not going to disappoint those people who want to see me doing those heavy duty roles. I will return to that because that has got me my audience."

The actress says her last few performances may have been praised a lot, but she believes she is yet to 'arrive' in the industry.

"I have still not arrived in a way that I can sit and wait and let things happens on the auto pilot mode. It won't happen still. Now I have different battles to fight. I am just getting ready for the next stage.

"I want to make sure that I am doing different genres. I want people to believe that I can pull off more than one or two types of genres or characters."
New Delhi: Well, festivities have begun and fans of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan can be seen going gaga across the nation. Yes, you guessed it right! Here, we are talking about the much-awaited release of King Khan's 'Jab Harry Met Sejal'.

You will be amazed to know that some of the moviegoers were even caught-on-cam dancing inside an Aurangabad theatre in order to celebrate the Imtiaz Ali directorial. The short clip was shared on Twitter by a fan page and it is now receiving a lot of love from the social media users.

Have a look:

SRK fans from Aurangabad dancing to Butterfly and celebrating JHMS. JHMS DAY pic.twitter.com/7KPzoXmZJ3  SRK Universe (@SRKUniverse) August 4, 2017

'Jab Harry Met Sejal', which also features Anushka Sharma in a key role, is garnering mixed reviews from critics.
New Delhi: With six months maternity leave, more and more women workers would be inclined to seek employment, Parliament was informed on Friday.

The response comes on a query whether the government has taken cognizance of the fact that six-month maternity leave could cause non-recruitment of female employees in the corporate sector.

"The government is of the opinion that with enforcement of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017, more and more women workers would be inclined to seek employment which will lead to increase in employment preferences for women," Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

He further said there are stringent provisions under Maternity Benefit Act as well as the Equal Remuneration Act for prevention of discriminatory practices against women workforce, including recruitment.

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was passed by Lok Sabha in March, months after Rajya Sabha approved the measure that takes India to the third position in terms of the number of weeks for maternity leave after Canada and Norway where it is 50 weeks and 44 weeks, respectively.

Under the new law, women working in the organised sector would be entitled to paid maternity leave of 26 weeks from the previous 12 weeks.

The new law would apply to all establishments employing 10 or more people and the entitlement would be only up to first two children. For third child, the entitlement is only 12 weeks.
Chennai: Hyundai Motor India on Friday unveiled the all new version of its mid-sized sedan, Verna which is slated to be launched later this month.

The fifth generation Verna is based on a newly developed K2 platform and has been developed with an investment of Rs 1,040 crore.

The company has also commenced the pre-bookings of the upcoming model which it plans to launch on August 22.

"We have set a target of 10,000 deliveries before Diwali," Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) Managing Director & CEO YK Koo told reporter here.

Exuding confidence of the new offering doing well, he said: "The next gen Verna will create disruption in the sedan segment with its benchmark features and performance."

The new Verna comes with 1.6 litre petrol and diesel engines mated with both manual and automatic transmissions.

The company has so far sold 3.17 lakh units of the sedan in the country since the introduction of the model in 2006. Globally, the company has sold around 88 lakh units of the sedan till date.

The new Verna will be pitched mainly against Maruti Suzuki's Ciaz and Honda's City sedans which are priced between Rs 7.65-13.43 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) in the mid-sized sedan segment.

On the overall business, Koo said India has contributed 14.5 per cent to overall volumes of the South Korean manufacturer in the first half of the current fiscal.

"In India, we have sold a total of 3,72,982 units in the first half," Koo said.
New Delhi: The INX media bribery case involving Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram is linked to clearances given to it, which was once owned by Peter Mukerjea .

According to the CBI, INX Media stated in its records that an amount of Rs 10 lakh was given to Advantage Strategic Consulting (P) Limited, a firm the CBI said was "indirectly" owned by Karti, for management consultancy charges towards an FIPB notification and clarification.

The CBI had also recovered vouchers of Rs 10 lakh which were allegedly paid for the services.

The CBI had filed an FIR against Karti and the Mukerjeas on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, receiving illegal gratification, influencing public servants and criminal misconduct.

It is alleged that Karti received money from INX Media for using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) conditions to receive investment from Mauritius.

Along with a CBI FIR on this case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also registered a money laundering case against Karti Chidambaram.

The central probe agency has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), ED's equivalent of a police FIR, against the accused named in the CBI complaint including Karti, INX media and its directors, Peter and Indrani Mukerjea, and others.

The ECIR has been registered under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA),

The ED is probing the alleged "proceeds of crime" generated in this case and may also attach assets of the various accused.

The CBI has so far carried out out several searches at the homes and offices of Karti across various cities for allegedly receiving money from the media firm owned by the Mukerjeas to scuttle a tax probe.

The Chidambarams have denied all the charges made against them.
New Delhi: Infosys Ltd has declined a request from its most high-profile founder N R Narayana Murthy to make public the report of an external consultant appointed to look into the charges of misgovernance.

Murthy, who was chairman of the company till 2014 and still holds 3.44 percent stake (along with family members), had asked the full report by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher to be made public.

Infosys had claimed in June that the external expert had cleared the management of charges of wrongdoing, as was alleged by an anonymous complaint, after a detailed and extensive investigation.

"The company does not plan to make the report public," Infosys said in a statement.

The law firm had been mandated to probe the whistleblower allegations of CEO Vishal Sikka being paid excessive compensation in relation to the Panaya acquisition.

"The summary finding statement of this investigation is also available on our website," Infosys said.

The company explained that the investigation involved interviews of over 50 witnesses in India, the US and elsewhere, the review of company policies, Board minutes, public filings and internal documents.

It also entailed investigation of "many thousands of internal emails and attachments" and used forensic accounting experts to analyse technical and financial information, the company said.

Infosys had ordered the probe following two anonymous letters in February that alleged wrongdoing in some of Infosys' acquisitions, improper contracting and CEO compensation as well as expenditures.

In a statement issued on June 23, Infosys had said the probe had found no evidence of any kickbacks, inappropriate contracting or unreasonable expenses incurred on Sikka.

Over the past few months, Infosys has drawn flak from some of the co-founders, including Murthy, on a number of occasions alleging corporate governance lapses at the firm.

They had also raised questions about the severance package offered to two former Infosys executives.

Infosys had also attached a copy of the letter that Gibson Dunn had written to its audit committee on findings of the investigation.

In February 2015, Infosys had announced buying Israeli automation firm, Panaya for USD 200 million (Rs 1,250 crore) in cash.
New Delhi: Amid severe administrative turmoil, two more senior executives submitted their resignation from e-commerce player Snapdeal, expressing their displeasure with the top management.

Rahul Ganjoo, Vice President, Programme Management and Arvind Heda, Vice President, Technology (Data Platform) resigned, according to sources.

While founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal said the workforce and investors were supportive of their `Snapdeal 2.0` strategy, the latter have openly expressed their dissent, and are inclining more towards taking the exit."Leadership is set by example not by blatant lies coming in from dubious founders," a senior employee of Snapdeal said.

After the announcement of major layoff with an agenda to cut down 80 percent of its employee strength in the company, Snapdeal on Tuesday witnessed exit from many senior members from technology, product and engineering division.

Vice President product, Pradeep Desai; Vice President, engineering, Viraj Chatterjee and head of IT, Gaurav Gupta are some of the first names to have exited the company.Yesterday, Business head of FMCG, Digvijay Ghosh and Business head of general merchandise, Rahul Jain of Snapdeal had resigned.

It is contemplated that many more from the product, IT and engineering division are to follow.Earlier, Snapdeal revealed that it is facilitating a major layoff in the company. It reported the departure of 1000 out of 1200 employees from the company after the merger deal failed with Flipkart.


New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Friday was briefly adjourned when some opposition members objected to the proposal of renaming Uttar Pradesh`s Mughalsarai railway station in Uttar Pradesh and came near the chair`s podium.

Samajwadi Party member Naresh Agrawal raised the issue during the Zero Hour and demanded to know why the government was changing the name of the "historic" Mughalsarai station.

"They are going to change New Delhi`s name too," he said.

The Central government has recently okayed the proposal by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to rename the station after Jan Sangh ideologue Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, who was found dead at the station in mysterious circumstances in 1968.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi retaliated that liking a railway station`s name after the Mughals and not after Upadhyay was "not the right thinking".

"Will all the things be named only after Nehru-Gandhis` names? A lot of other people have given sacrifice for this country," he said.

Meanwhile, other Samajwadi Party MPs and BSP members too came near the Chair`s podium and loudly protested against the proposed change of name.

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien, who was presiding over the House, said that such a matter cannot be raised during the Zero Hour or under Rule 267. But the agitating MPs kept loudly protesting.

Amid the ruckus, Kurien adjourned the House for 10 minutes.

The Mughalsarai station was set up in 1862 when the East India Company linked Howrah and Delhi by rail.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has declined to quash rape charge against a man, who is now married to the alleged victim, observing that it is an "offence against society".

Justice Pratibha Rani passed the order on a man's plea seeking quashing of an FIR lodged against him for repeatedly raping a woman, hurting and criminally intimidating her.

The court said, "In view of settled legal position..., the criminal proceedings emanating from an FIR registered with allegations of rape, which is an offence against society, despite the alleged marriage of the man with the complainant woman, cannot be quashed in exercise of powers vested in this court under CrPC."

The accused, who is out on interim bail since May 20, had urged the high court to quash the case against him on the ground that the physical relationship between him and the woman were consensual since the beginning and that they had tied the knot in May this year.

Contending that the case registered in November 2016 was frivolous and was a result of a misunderstanding, he demanded that it be quashed.

As per the prosecution, the two had been in a relationship since 2005. However, the relation was opposed by their families on caste consideration, after which the man married someone else in July 2012. Later he divorced his wife in 2015 and again came close to the woman.

He established physical relationship on promise to marry her but again backed out, which prompted the woman to file a rape case against him.

The court, however, noted whether the mere fact that the parties have allegedly got married should be a reason good enough to quash the rape charges. On appreciation of several precedents, the high court answered this question in the negative and dismissed the plea.
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday condemned the attack on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's car in flood-hit Dhanera town in Banaskantha district.

Rupani said he has directed officials concerned to take strict action against those responsible for the incident.

"Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has condemned the attack on the convoy of Rahul Gandhi. The chief minister also instructed the officials to take stern action against the persons responsible for the incident," a government statement said tonight.

On Gandhi's visit to villages in flood-hit Banaskantha district today, Rupani said it was a "photo-op exercise" and dubbed Gandhi a "perpetual tourist".

"The perpetual tourist, Shri @OfficeOfRG came to Gujarat but the people of Gujarat are asking--where are our INC MLAs in this crucial time?" Rupani said in a tweet, referring to the 44 MLAs of the Congress who are putting up in a resort in Bengaluru ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls.

"Instead of another photo-op, it would have been better had @OfficeOfRG and @INCIndia devoted time to proper relief work in flooded area.

"Rahul Gandhi's leadership style is working wonders in his party. Following him, Congress MLAs are also in vacation mode!" the CM said in another tweet.

"People of Gujarat know the tricks of Congress rather too well. Their anti-people and Anti-Gujarat mindset is not a secret," he tweeted.

In the Dhanera incident, a man hurled a cement brick at Gandhi's car, damaging its rear glass pane.

Earlier, the Congress vice-president was heckled by protesters at an event.

He left the stage in a huff after making a brief speech in the Lal Chowk area of the town after protesters showed black flags to him.
Rajkot: A mentally unstable woman allegedly set her two minor daughters and in-laws afire before committing suicide by pouring kerosene on herself in Bheemnagar locality of Rajkot, police said on Friday.

Bhavna Parmar, 30, tried to kill four members of her family by setting them on fire when they were sleeping at their home in Bheemnagar late last night. She then set herself ablaze, a police official said.

The woman, her daughters Jyoti, 11, and Nikita, 9, mother-in-law Nanduben, 55, and father-in-law Merubhai, 60, were rushed to the hospital.

While Bhavna couldn't be saved, the four others are undergoing treatment for severe burn injuries, an official at Gandhigram police station said.

"An initial investigation has revealed that Bhavna was mentally unstable and was undergoing treatment from a psychiatrist," sub-inspector SR Varu said.

"She poured kerosene on the four members of her family who were sleeping in one room, then poured it on herself before setting them on fire," he said.

"Her husband Rajesh Parmar, who was sleeping in an adjacent room along with their five-year-old daughter, rushed the victims to the hospital, where Bhavna died," Varu said.

Further investigation is on, police added.
Ahmedabad: The ongoing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has failed to waver the determination of a Gujarat teenager to hoist the Indian flag in Srinagar.

Tanzeem Merani (14), hailing from Ahmedabad, has vowed to hoist the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, which falls on August 07.

Merani said she wants to celebrate the festival with soldiers posted in the Valley.

Notably, Merani had attempted to unfurl the tricolour in Srinagar on August 15, 2016. However, she was barred from doing so.

Last time, I was stopped at the airport itself, and I had to unfurl the flag there. However, I will make sure I do it this time at Lal Chowk, said Merani.

She threatened to sit on hunger strike in case authorities stop her again from unfurling the tricolour in Srinagar.
Gurugram: The crime branch of Gurugram police has recovered demonetised currency notes worth around Rs 5 crore from an upscale locality here, officials said.



Acting on a tip-off, Sajjan Singh, chief of Palam Vihar`s crime branch, along with Assistant Sub-Inspector Morari Lal, Head Constable Kuldeep, Vikas and Vinod raided a building in Sector 15 on Thursday, close to Delhi-Gurugram expressway.



Police spokesperson Ravinder Singh told the media "seven persons were having words on some deal when the crime branch team raided the place".



"Seven persons, aged between 25 to 40 years, were identified as Rajiv, Satish and Sandeep, all residents of Delhi. The three other accused were identified as Dinesh from Nainital, Amit from Gurugram and Praveen Kumar from Rohtak," the police officer said.



The demonetised currency notes of Rs 500 and 1,000 were packed in several plastic boxes.



"The accused are being questioned and further legal action would be taken," the spokesperson added.
Aligarh: The Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday appealed people to not believe in rumours of braid cutting in the state and assured that the cases are being investigated."It is our appeal to people to not to believe in rumours.

It is our appeal to people to not believe in rumours; cases being investigated: Circle officer Tejvir Singh, #UttarPradesh police pic.twitter.com/ZVLIcP2SwE  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 4, 2017

The cases are being investigated by the police," Aligarh's Circle officer Tejveer Singh said.However, a victim said, "We are under trauma. The whole village is in panic mode."

Yesterday, three women in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh claimed that their braids were mysteriously chopped off by somebody.Reportedly, in many places including Delhi, NCR, Haryana and Agra, incidents of chopping off braids at night were witnessed by women.

The family members of Pinki (15) at Amara village in Firozabad had claimed that on hearing her cries last night, they rushed to her and found that her braid had been cut off, circle officer of Shikohabad Sanjay Verma had said.

In Jasrana area of the state district, the mother of Shivani (16) had claimed that last night when she had gone to meet someone after hearing a knock on the door, she heard her daughter's cry. On rushing back into the house she found that her daughter's braid has been cut off, the CO said.

Verma said he had visited Amari village and had found that the complaint was true but nothing can be said as to how the girl's braid had been cut.

In the Dayalbagh area of Agra, the wife of a temple priest had claimed that her plait was cut off early in the morning on Thursday. However, her family members refused to lodge a written complaint with the police.

In Hapur's Bajhera Khurd village, a married woman's plait was cut off while she was asleep. Similar cases have been reported in neighbouring states in the past couple of days.

(With inputs from agencies)
Beijing: China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers of an artillery regiment conducted a live shell drill in the Gobi desert.

The PLA organised and conducted live-fire confrontaion exercise on July 28, 2017.

China is currently engaged in a border standoff with Indian forces in the Doklam 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 Doklam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

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.
Jaipur: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday visited flood-hit areas in Jalore district of Rajasthan.

Gandhi reached Sanchor in Jalore by helicopter and toured the flood-hit areas by road.

Normal life in Jalore, Pali and Sirohi districts has been badly affected due to heavy downpour.

Jalore is the worst-hit district where more than 12,000 people have been relocated to safer areas.

Several shelter camps have been set up by the district administration and other social organisations in Jalore and Barmer where food and water are being supplied.

The Congress leader is accompanied by PCC President Sachin Pilot, former chief minister Ashok gehlot and other leaders and party workers.

He is also scheduled to visit Barmer.
New Delhi: A day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that India will continue to engage with China diplomatically to resolve Doklam border stand-off, a report on Friday suggested that there were indications that the Chinese could be relaxing their offensive posture on the plateau.

The Times of India quoted sources in government as saying that India's diplomatic efforts to end the stalemate had made satisfactory progress, but cautioned that it would be early to form an opinion regarding China's intent.

"They appeared to have lowered the ante on the ground, but we are keeping our fingers crossed," a senior official told the daily.

The official further cleared that India would not capitulate to its demand for simultaneous troop withdrawal by both countries from Doklam.

Doklam is disputed between China and Bhutan. India says the area belongs to Bhutan.

The crisis began when Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from building a road there in June.

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. 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.

China has repeatedly asked India to withdraw troops from Doklam. India says it is ready if Beijing does so too.

Earlier this week, Beijing, which earlier said it won't talk to New Delhi until the Indian troops leave, had hinted that the two sides were in touch to resolve the dragging dispute on the Sikkim section of the border.

On Wednesday, Beijing in a 15-page statement said the number of Indian troops in Doklam had reduced from 400 to 40 by the end of July.

India has denied any reduction in the troops at Doklam.

On July 25, a Chinese transgression took place in Uttarakhand when Chinese troops came about one kilometer into Indian territory.
Chennai: More trouble seems to be brewing for Congress leader Karti Chidambaram. A lookout notice has been issued against the former Finance Minister P Chidambaram 's son in the FEMA rules violation case.

About ten days ago, Karti Chidambaram approached the Madras HC appealing against lookout notice issued by CBI.

The petition came up for hearing today, with the high court asking for clarification on the matter from the Home Ministry. The matter has been adjourned to Monday.

CBI had allegedly issued summons against Chidambaram to appear before the agency for further interrogation related to the INX Media deal, when it was owned by Indrani and Peter Mukherjee.

He, however, refused to answer the summons and applied to Madras HC.

So far, Karthi Chidambaram has neither denied nor confirmed about the lookout notice against him.

Raids were conducted at Kartik's residence a few days ago.

Chidambaram told The Economic Times that he is currently in the country and not going anywhere. He further assured that he is ready to cooperate the investigation.
New Delhi: The Opposition will most likely move two privilege motions against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha on Friday. The motions will be moved against her over two issues - misinformation on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lahore visit and the Bandung Conference.

Congress leader Anand Sharma questioned Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy and asked the Centre its roadmap on dealing with Pakistan.

Flagging its concern over the deteriorating ties between both the nations, Sharma asked why Prime Minister Modi made that "dramatic" visit to Pakistan and why, till date, nobody knows the minutes of the meeting.

"You were going to Afghanistan and got down at Lahore mid-way; till date the Prime Minister hasn't told the nation what talks took place. On one hand, you get miffed and cancel talks after Pakistan invites separatists on a tea party, and on the other hand, you make a dramatic visit breaching all protocols," he said.

In December 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had 'unexpectedly' landed in Lahore to meet his counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his way back home after a day-long trip today to Afghanistan where he went after concluding a two-day visit to Russia.

The Congress also warned Sushma over keeping two different and distinct views on the China issue and said that when it comes to Beijing, India should speak in one voice, there will be no two opinions on that.

Sharma said, "Let me remind Sushma Swaraj that out of courtesy we did not interrupt. What I had said catering to the Congress Party is concerned; we are very clear that we stand with the government as one. When it comes to China issue; India shall speak in one voice- there will be no two opinions on that. Sushma Swaraj should not have tried to break that opposition consensus and unity. When India is united why is the government keen on creating a division and breaking the consensus."

This happened after Sushma, in the Rajya Sabha, said that India has taken efforts to ease the stand-off with China. She further stated that war cannot resolve the problems and that the wisdom is to resolve issues diplomatically on the issue of border stand-off with China.

The Centre and the Opposition engaged in another verbal duel in the Rajya Sabha over India's statement at the last Bandung Conference in Indonesia. A combative External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also asserted that she felt proud when she attended the Bandung Conference and saw large pictures of Nehru at the venue, when Anand Sharma alleged that first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's name was omitted from the address delivered by Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh at the 60th anniversary of Bandung Conference. Sushma said the speech which Sharma was referring to was delivered at another Afro-Asian Conference held separately.

Nehru was one of the founder members of the Bandung Conference founded in 1955.
New Delhi: Pakistan is constructing six dams on Indus river in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) with the help of China, informed the External Affairs Ministry in the Parliament on Friday.

Pak constructing six dams on Indus river in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir with assistance committed to those projects by China: MoS MEA VK Singh  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

China had previously 'committed to support Pakistan' in these projects and is, therefore, helping in building the dams, said the Minister of State, External Affair Minister and retired General VK Singh.

Adding that Pakistan has illegally occupied certain territories in Kashmir, Singh said that the border nation is undertaking collaborative activities which are in clear 'violation of Indias sovereignty & territorial integrity'.

"India has a clear and consistent position that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that any collaborative activity there is in violation of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Accordingly, we have made demarches to both Pakistan and China, conveying our position. Government will continue to maintain this position, said Singh.

The Indus river, the longest river and national river of Pakistan, runs through originates in Western Tibet near Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, and runs across Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Creation of the dams by Pakistan could severely compromise India's homeland security.
Islamabad: In Pakistan, history textbooks are telling students that "traitorous" Hindus are behind the bloodshed that erupted during Independence 70 years ago, when Britisher split undivided-India into two nations.

This rationale is starkly different from what students across the border in India are taught.

The official unwillingness to confront the bitter legacy of Partition -- and the skewed portrayals being peddled in classrooms from New Delhi to Karachi -- is hindering any hope of reconciliation between the arch-rivals, experts say.

August marks 70 years since the subcontinent was divided into two independent states -- Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan -- and millions were uprooted in one of the largest mass migrations in history.

An untold number of people -- some estimates say up two million -- died in the savage violence that followed, as Hindus and Muslims fleeing for their new homelands turned on one another, raping and butchering in genocidal retribution.

The carnage sowed the seeds for the acrimony that prevails today between India and Pakistan, and generations later this defining moment in the subcontinent`s history is still polarised by nationalism and rancour.

In a government-approved grade five history textbook used in schools in Pakistan`s Baluchistan province, Hindus are described as "thugs" who "massacred Muslims, confiscated their property, and forced them to leave India".

"They looked down upon us, that is why we created Pakistan," said 17-year-old Afzal from Pakistan`s Punjab province, reeling off a stock answer from his history textbook.

On the other side of the border, Mumbai schoolboy Triaksh Mitra learned how Mahatma Gandhi fought for a unified India free from British subjugation while the Muslim League -- the political party led by Pakistan`s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah -- sided with the colonial rulers to carve out their own nation.

"But what they hadn`t really told us was the Muslim side of it," the 15-year-old said of his Partition studies.

The chapters on Gandhi are a striking example of the gap between how Partition is portrayed on either side of the border. In Pakistan, his contribution to the struggle for independence is hardly mentioned, whereas in India he is hailed as an "one-man army".

Qasim Aslam`s "History Project" runs sessions in schools in India and Pakistan, inviting students to compare how Partition accounts are presented in the two countries` textbooks.

"By the time they are 20, it is solidified and stays with them all their lives," Aslam said of the one-sided history lessons proffered in schools.

(Edited by Zee Media Bureau)
Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ushered in a golden age for the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is the "new centre of political gravity in a country long controlled by the storied Nehru-Gandhi dynasty of Congress Party", a think tank said on Thursday.

Milan Vaishnav, the director and senior fellow of South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said in an op-ed: "The BJP not only occupies prime position for the countrys next General Electionscheduled for 2019but it is also moving at breakneck speed to cement its hold over powerful state governments."

Mentioning the recent political change in Bihar which saw the Janata Dal (United) breaking up with the Grand Alliance and making government with the Bharatiya Janata Party, Vaishnav said: "The upheaval is only the latest signal that the BJP is the new center of political gravity in a country long controlled by the storied Nehru-Gandhi dynasty of the Congress Party."

"It is hard to fathom now, but prior to Modis rise to power in 2014, many longtime observers of Indias labyrinthine domestic politics felt that the BJPs best years were behind it...But few could envisage the next act in this drama: the emergence on the national stage of Modi, a provincial politician who had been the long-serving chief minister of the state of Gujarat."

"Touting his business-friendly policies, nationalist rhetoric, and an aspirational appeal that struck a chord with a young and increasingly restless India, Modi led his party to a historic electoral rout. Securing the first single-party parliamentary majority in three decades, Modi has ushered in a golden age for the BJP," Vaishnav wrote in his op-ed.

The Carnegie scholar noted that one major factor spurring the BJPs growth is its systematic capture of state governments. "In 2014, the BJP and its allies (collectively known as the National Democratic Alliance or NDA) were in power in just six states, largely confined to the north and west India. Today, the NDA governs 18 states in all four corners of the country."

"As the BJP grows in strength, the opposition is literally heading for the hills."

Striking a note of caution, Vaishnav said that "if Indian history serves as any guide, this concentration of power in the hands of a single party also has a downside".

"The BJP, which has rapidly centralized authority under Modi and party president Amit Shah, would do well to heed the lessons of the past," Vaishnav added.

Milan Vaishnav is a senior fellow in the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. His primary research focus is the political economy of India, and he examines issues such as corruption and governance, state capacity, distributive politics, and electoral behaviour.
Ahmedabad: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a brief visit to flood-hit Banasakantha district of Gujarat, was shown black flags while his car was pelted with stones by the locals on Thursday.

Window panes of the car were broken in the attack, but Rahul Gandhi escaped unhurt as he was sitting in the front seat.

BJP goons attack Cong VP Rahulji's car in Lal Chowk, Dhanera, Banaskanta, Gujarat. Disgusting & disgraceful: RS Surjewala, Cong on Twitter pic.twitter.com/LebtcJgZRq  ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2017

Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Neeraj Badgujar confirmed to PTI that a stone was thrown at the car in which Rahul was on his way to the helipad after meeting flood victims at Dhanera. "One of the windows was damaged however Rahul managed to escape unhurt," the SP said adding that the person who allegedly threw a stone at Rahul's convoy has been detained.

The Congress vice-president is in the state to take a note of the flood situation.

The locals waved black flags and chanted "Modi-Modi" slogans as Rahul arrived to address a public during his visit to the Dhanera today.

Responding to the incident, Rahul asked his party men to let the protesting locals come in and said that the "protest doesn't make any difference to him". "Let those waving black flags come in. These people are scared. It doesn't make any difference to us," he said.

"Won't step back because of black flags, Narendra Modi slogans or stones," he added further.

As per PTI, Rahul left the stage in a huff minutes after black flags were waived at him during his public address.

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala called it a "disgusting and disgraceful act" and accused BJP of the incident. "BJP goons attack Cong VP Rahuljis car in Lal Chowk, Dhanera, Banaskanta, Gujarat. Disgusting & disgraceful," he wrote on the micro-blogging website.

Another senior leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi too blamed the BJP for the incident and said that Rahul was attacked with the cement bricks and the SPG who was with him has suffered minor injuries.

"Rahul Gandhi was attacked with cement bricks by BJP goons, SPG with him suffered minor injuries; should be condemned unequivocally," Singhvi was quoted saying by ANI.

However, reacting to the development, Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel said that he feels the attack on Gandhi's convoy was 'pre-planned'. "I feel this attack is pre-planned," NewsX quoted Patel saying.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday will hear the plea filed by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma, seeking a thorough investigation into the tampering of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by US-based scientists.

In his petition, Sharma claimed that in the April Assembly elections of five states, the EVMs were allegedly tampered.

Earlier, the top court had issued a notice to the Union Government seeking a reply into Sharma`s plea.

A bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar and comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and DY Chandrachud, issued the notice over the petition filed by lawyer Sharma.

The top court, however, at this stage refused to pass any order for a CBI inquiry.However, the Election Commission stated that that EVMs cannot be tampered and said, "Given the effective technical and administrative safeguards, Electronic Voting Machines are not tamperable and the integrity of the electoral process is preserved. If any specific allegation with material facts is presented, it (the allegations) will be looked into with all seriousness on administrative sides.

"Politicians had openly alleged tampering of EVMs in the Assembly elections with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal leading the charge.
New Delhi: Seven separatist leaders arrested from Jammu and Kashmir for funding terror in the Valley by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) were produced before Patiala High Court here today.

On June 24, seven Separatists - Altaf Shah, Ayaz Akbar, Peer Saifullah, Mehraj Kalwal, Shahid-ul-Islam, Naeem Khan and Bitta Karate were arrested. A day after their arrest they 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.Six of them were arrested from Srinagar, while Bitta Karate was arrested from New Delhi.

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.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik has recommended sacking of the suspended registrar of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University here after finding him guilty of violation of university rules and amassing huge wealth.

The governor had yesterday written a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, asking him to issue the termination order to U S Tomar at the earliest.

Tomar was suspended in 2015 by Naik for his alleged involvement in many irregularities, including violating the Supreme Court norms in providing affiliation to 44 colleges well past the 2012 deadline.

He also violated norms by ordering admission of students in the 2013-14 academic session and failed to file affidavits in the courts, a Rajbhawan release said.

The probe against the registrar proved that in 2014-15, Tomar opened an illegal bank account and even started a website without taking permission from vice-chancellor or any other competent authority, it said.

After a number of complaints against the registrar, the governor had set up a judicial probe headed by Justice (retired) S K Tripathi to investigate the charges against Tomar on November 5, 2015.



The registrar was subsequently suspended on November 23, 2015, it said.

"The probe committee submitted its 483 page report on May 31, 2017. The governor's decision came after the registrar was given ample opportunity to present his side before the chancellor," the release said.

Tomar was also recently caught entering the Vidhan Sabha building without a valid pass and was let off after he tendered a written apology.
New Delhi: The members of the parliament will vote on Saturday to elect the 15th vice-president of India. Former Union Minister and NDA candidate M Venkaiah Naidu and ex-West Bengal governor and Opposition nominee Gopalkrishna Gandhi will contest against each other for the second highest constitutional office.

Naidu appears to have an edge over Gandhi in the polls as the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has majority in the 545-member Lok Sabha.

Of the 338 NDA members in the Lok Sabha, BJP alone has 282 seats.

Incumbent Vice-President Hamid Ansari's term will end on August 10. He had held the position for two consecutive terms. The winner will be appointed ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Heres everything you need to know about the Vice-Presidential election:

The voting will start at 10 am and will carry on till 5 pm. Counting of votes will start at 7 pm and the result will be declared on Saturday evening.

The vice-president is elected in a secret ballot by an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament. Article 66 of the Indian Constitution states the manner of election of the Vice-President.

The electoral college consists of 790 MPs of the two chambers of Parliament.

In order to be eligible to contest for the vice-presidential election, a person must have completed over 35 years of age and do not hold any office of profit.

He or she must also be a member of the Rajya Sabha, while in the case of President, the candidate must be a member of the Lok Sabha.

Unlike the Presidential polls, members of the state legislatures do not take part in the vice-presidential election.

Also, the nomination of a candidate must be subscribed by at least 20 electors as proposers and 20 electors as seconders.

Announcing Naidu's candidature for vice president, BJP president Amit Shah told the media, "All the NDA allies have welcomed his candidate. He is one of the tallest and one of the most experienced leaders across party lines.

PM Narendra Modi said, "The years of Parliamentary experience Venkaiah Naidu will help him discharge the important role of Rajya Sabha Chairperson."

Opposition candidate and Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi has the backing of 18 political parties, including the Congress.

Naidu was elected as an MLA to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly twice from Udayagiri constituency in 1978 and 1983.

When the Congress swept the polls in Andhra Pradesh in 1978, he got elected from the Udayagiri Assembly seat with a Janata Party ticket. He was re-elected on a BJP ticket when NT Rama Rao swept the polls in the state.

The 68-year-old veteran BJP leader also had served as the party president from July 2002 to October 2004 for two consecutive terms.

After the defeat of the BJP-led NDA in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, he resigned from his post on 18 October 2004. He was rural development minister in the previous NDA government led by Vajpayee.

He was elected to the Rajya Sabha three times from Karnataka and currently represents Rajasthan in the Upper House of Parliament.

Gopalkrishna Gandhi served as an IAS officer from 1968 till 1992. He was the secretary to the Vice President from 1985 to 1987, joint secretary to President from 1987 to 1992 and secretary to President in 1997.

Gandhi also served as High Commissioner of India in Lesotho. In 2000, he was appointed as High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka. He was appointed Ambassador of India to Norway and Iceland.

In 2004, he was appointed governor of West Bengal. Apart from translating, Vikrma Seth's noted book 'A Suitable Boy' into Hindi, Gandhi also penned a novel on Sri Lankas Tamil plantation workers.
New Delhi: The election to decide India's 15th vice-president will be held on Saturday, August 5.

The counting of votes will commence after polling and the results will be declared by 7.00 pm on the same day.

Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu is the BJP-led NDA's choice for the vice-presidential candidate against Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the opposition's nominee. The ruling NDA, which has a majority in the Lok Sabha, will find it easy to place its candidate as the next vice president.

Nonetheless, we take a brief look at the former vice-president of India since 1952:

Dr Sarvapallli Radhakrishnan

Born in Thiruthani in Madras province on 5th September 1888, Dr S. Radhakrishnan served as vice-president for two consecutive terms.

He first served the term from 1952 to 1957 and took over again for the second term from 1957 to 1962. He was conferred on with Indias highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna in the year 1954.

Since 1962, his birthday is celebrated in India as Teachers' Day on 5 September.

Dr Zakir Hussain

Dr Zakir Hussian was born in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh on February 8, 1897, and died in New Delhi on May 3, 1969, at the age of 72. He served as the second vice-president of India from 13th May 1962 to 12th May 1967 when Dr S. Radhakrishnan was the President of India.

On May 13, 1967, Hussain became the third President of India. He remained in office until his death on May 3rd, 1969 during his tenure as the President of India.

He has been the shortest serving President of India.

He previously served as Governor of Bihar from 1957 to 1962. Husain was also the co-founder of Jamia Milia Islamia, serving as its Vice Chancellor from 1928. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 1963.

Dr Varahagiri Venkata Giri

Dr VV Giri, as he was commonly known, was elected the third vice-president of India on May 13, 1967, a post he held for nearly two years till May 3rd, 1969.

Giri was the first vice-president to not complete his full term in office on account of being elevated to the office of the President and was the third vice-president to be elected to the Presidency.

As President, Giri was the only person to be elected as an independent candidate. After the end of his full term, he was honoured by the Government of India with the Bharat Ratna in 1975. He died on June 24, 1980.

Gopal Swarup Pathak

Gopal Swarup Pathak was the fourth vice-president of India from August 1969 to August 1974. He was the first Indian vice-president not to succeed his superior as President, something all three of his predecessor did.

He was born on February 26, 1896, at Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly.

He was the judge in Allahabad High Court and was a member of Rajya Sabha from 1960-1966.

He died on 4 October 1982 at the age of 86.

Basappa Danappa Jatti

Basappa Danappa Jatti was the fifth vice-president of India, serving from 1974 to 1979. He was the Acting President of India for a brief period of time from February-July 1977 after the demise of Dr Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.

Jatti was born in Bagalkot district on 10 September 1913.

He served as the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry in 1968 and later became the Governor of Odisha in 1972.

He was hailed as a man who set an example of selfless service and stood for value-based politics. He died on 7 June 2002.

Justice Muhammad Hidaytullah

Mohammad Hidayatullah was the sixth vice-president of India, serving from 31 August 1979 to 30 August 1984 and the 11th Chief Justice of India.

He had also served as the Acting President of India from 20 July 1969 to 24 August 1969 and from 6 October 1982 to 31 October 1982.

Dr Ramaswamy Venkataraman

Ramaswamy Venkataraman was the seventh vice-president of India from 25th August 1982 to 25th July 1987, when Giani Zail Singh was the President of India.

He took over as the eighth president of India from July 1987 to July 1992.

Dr Shanker Dayala Sharma

Shanker Dayal Sharma was the eight vice-president of India serving under R. Venkataraman.

He also served as the Chief Minister of Bhopal from 19521956 and as a Cabinet Minister from 19561967, holding the portfolios of several ministries.

He was the President of the Indian National Congress in 19721974 and returned to the government as Union Minister for Communications from 1974 to 1977.

Kocheril Raman Narayan

K.R. Narayana was elected as the ninth vice-president of India when Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma was the President of India and went on to become the tenth President in 1997.

He was born at Perumthanam in Travancore, Kerala on 27th October 1920. He was the first member of the Dalit community to hold the post, and the only one until NDA's Ram Nath Kovind was elected in 2017.

Krishan Kant

Krishan Kant was the tenth vice-president of India from 1997 until his death. Previously, he was Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

He was appointed the governor of Andhra Pradesh by V.P. Singh government in 1989 and served in that position for seven years, becoming one of India's longest-serving governors. He stayed at that post till he was elevated as Vice-President of India.

He died in New Delhi aged 75 after suffering from a massive heart attack on 27 July 2002, a few weeks before he was to leave the office.

Bhairon Singh Shekhawat

Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was the 11th vice-president of India. He served in that position from August 2002, until he resigned on 21 July 2007, after losing the presidential election to Pratibha Patil.

He was elected as the Vice-President of India in 2002 when he defeated the opposition candidate, Sushil Kumar Shinde by a margin of 149 votes out of the total 750 votes polled.

A BJP member, Shekhawat served as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan three times.

Mohammad Hamid Ansari

Mohammad Hamid Ansari is the 12th and current vice-president of India and also the chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Ansari is the first person to be re-elected as Indian vice-president after Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in 1957. Since he has decided not to run for the third term, his term as the vice-president ends in August 2017.

Upon the inauguration of Ram Nath Kovind as President of India in 2017, Ansari became the first Indian vice-president to serve during the terms of three presidents.
San Francisco: Search engine giant Google had offered $30 billion to buy Snap Inc - the parent company of popular messaging app Snapchat - in 2016 and a similar offer is still open, a media report said.

Google had held informal dialogue with Snap and floated an offer of $30 billion before the latter`s last funding round, said a report in Business Insider on Thursday.

Snap`s CEO Evan Spiegel, who is widely considered as being independent, apparently did not show interest in selling his firm to Google or anybody else.

Spiegel also values running Snap in Southern California and outside of Silicon Valley, where Alphabet - Google`s parent company is headquartered.

Earlier, in 2013, Google was rumoured to have been tried to acquire Snapchat for $4 billion after Spiegel refused an offer from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the report added.

Snap Inc is set to announce earnings report next week, its second since going public at $17 just four months ago.
Srinagar: A newly-recruited local militant of Hizbul Mujahideen was killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, security officials said on Friday.

An unidentified person also lost his life in the ensuing crossfire.

One SLR (self-loading rifle), 2 magazines, 40 rounds of ammunition, one Chinese hand grenade and a pouch were recovered from the slain terrorist.

The encounter broke late Thursday night at Kanibal in Bijbehara of Anantnag district, 55 kms from Srinagar, when the Jammu and Kashmir Police along with Rashtriya Rifles and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) cordoned off a village following an intelligence input about the presence of militants, security officials said.

During the encounter, which lasted for two hours, one militant identified as Yawar Nissar Shergujri alias Algazi, hailing from Anantnag, was killed while two other militants managed to escape under the cover of darkness, they said, adding that one soldier of Rashtriya Rifles, Rifleman Rohit Kumar, also sustained bullet injury but was stated to be stable.

"During a search operation, terrorists fired at the search party resulting in an exchange of fire. Around midnight, taking advantage of darkness, two terrorists fired and managed to slip away from the cordon," a police spokesperson said.



"The outer party of the Army retaliated the firing from fleeing terrorists. Later, it was learnt that a person riding a motorcycle was killed in the cross-firing," he said.

Yawar, who was allegedly a "chronic stone pelter" of the area, had joined the militant outfit in the first week of last month, they said, adding that an SLR looted earlier from a police guard was recovered from him.

During the encounter, one motorcycle-borne individual, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, was found dead with bullet injuries, the officials said, expressing apprehension that he might have died in the crossfire.

The number plate of the vehicle was damaged and no identity card of the deceased was found.

Two mobile phones were recovered from the deceased who was in multi-layered clothing. The telephone contacts in his handset could not immediately help to confirm his identity.

The local police have released his picture for identification.

According to the officials, the body of Yawar was handed over to his family for burial and restrictions were imposed in the town as a preventive measure.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: The RSS on Friday demanded a judicial probe into the "political killings" of its workers in Kerala, alleging that they were aimed at containing its expansion in the state.

RSS Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale claimed that 14 RSS workers have been killed since October 2016.

"The Kerala government should fulfill its constitutional responsibilities and check this political violence. There should be a judicial inquiry by either a judge of the high court or Supreme Court in the murders of RSS workers in the state," Hosabale told reporters here.

"Our workers are targeted as more common and poor people are joining the RSS which is not going well with the ruling CPI(M) that's why they are killing our workers," he alleged.

"These are not just murders but are political killings," he said.

Replying to a question on the need for imposing president's rule in Kerala, the RSS leader claimed the people of the state feel so as the law and order have completely broken down.

He also said Union minister Arun Jaitley will also visit the house of RSS worker Rajesh who was killed allegedly by CPI(M) workers.
Chhindwara: Former city unit chief of the BJP's minority cell was shot dead from point blank range on the district court premises in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara on Friday allegedly by two gunmen, police said. The incident took place when the victim, Ikhlaq Qureshi, was being taken to the court for a hearing in a case amid police protection.

Heavy police force was deployed on the court premises as well as in parts of the city following the incident.

"Qureshi was shot three times in the neck from point blank range on the district court premises when he was being taken for a hearing," Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Neeraj Soni said.

The two accused, identified as Prashant Sahu and Dharmendra Malviya, were arrested, he said adding, "Prima facie, it appears that the incident was fallout of some old rivalry. A probe has been launched into the incident," he said.

Mr Soni said that security has been beefed up on the court premises along with different parts of the city after the incident.

Ikhlaq, who was former city president of the BJP's Alpsankhyak Morcha (Minority Cell) was an under-trial prisoner as he was accused in several cases, including in the alleged attack on Shiv Sena leader Narendra Patel.

According to police sources, the duo who carried out attack on Ikhlaq belonged to Patel's group.

BJP's state minority cell president, Sanwar Patel, confirmed that Qureshi was a former city unit chief of the party's minority cell.

"The incident is unfortunate. Presently, there is no executive body of minority cell in Chhindwara city. Qureshi was former city president of the minority cell," Mr Patel said.

Meanwhile, the Congress slammed the state government for the "deteriorating" law and order situation in Madhya Pradesh.

The incident in Chhindwara shows that people are not safe even on the court premises. Such incidents are creating panic across the state," state Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said.
New Delhi: Chinese smartphone maker Gionee is set to launch its mid-range smartphone `A1 Lite` in India next week.

`A1 Lite`, which is a new addition to Gionee `A` series, will be available starting August 10, industry sources told IANS.

As far as camera specifications are concerned, `A1 Lite` is likely to feature 20MP selfie camera and 13MP primary snapper.

It could sport 5.3-inch HD IPS display with dual SIM connectivity and 4G. The smartphone could also come with a 4000 mAh battery and run Android 7.0 Nougat OS.

The smartphone was introduced in Nepal for 26,999 Nepalese rupees in June this year. However, the price for the Indian market is yet to be announced.

Gionee recently introduced `A1` and `A1 Plus` smartphones in its `A` series of smartphones.

`A1 Plus` with dual rear cameras was launched at Rs 26,999 while its smaller sibling `A1` was launched at Rs 19,999 in the country.

`A1 Plus` has dual (13MP+5MP) camera system at the rear with LED flash and 20MP front camera.

Powered by 4,550 mAh battery, Gionee `A1 Plus` features a Helio P25 Octa-core processor coupled with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. The memory can be further expanded up to 256GB.
New Delhi: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan on Friday made an appearance in Jodhpur Sessions Court in connection with illegal arms act case. However, next hearing in the case will be held on October 5 this year.

The court had summoned him while hearing an appeal by the state government challenging his acquittal by the trial court in the case.

"The court had summoned him to sign the bail bonds. He signed them today and now the hearing on the state's appeal will begin from October 5," Khan's counsel H M Saraswat said.

Khan arrived by a chartered flight at Jodhpur Civil Airport at 12.30 pm and headed straight for the court to sign the bail bonds. He was in the court room for about five minutes and then left for the airport.

He had to appear in the court on July 6 for verification of bail bonds of Rs 20,000 submitted by him in the case but due to security reasons he sought an exemption from appearance after which the hearing was adjourned till today.

The 51-year-old star was charged in October 1998, with possessing an unlicensed .22 rifle and a .32 revolver and using them to poach two black bucks at Jodhpur's Kankani village.

Although he was acquitted by chief judicial magistrate's court due to insufficient evidence on January 18, the prosecution appealed against the decision and the appeal was scheduled for hearing on Friday.

During the shooting of Sooraj Barjatya's movie, 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in 1998, Salman allegedly went on a shooting expedition along with actors Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Sonali Bendre and Tabu, killing two blackbucks in Kankani village.

Following protests by the local Bishnoi community, a case was later filed against Salman and the other actors.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Bollywood veteran actor Dilip Kumar's health update was given by Doctor Jalil Parkar late on Friday evening. It is being said that the 94-year-old star is no more on a ventilator.

"Dilip Kumar's health is not good but he is not on ventilator. His haemoglobin is decreasing and potassium is increasing, creatinine is still rising. He will need a dialysis," Parkar was quoted as saying.

There have been reports that the 94-year-old actor is suffering from a renal ailment.

Earlier, Kumar's wife Saira Banu had said, "We (all) should pray he recovers soon. He should be well Inshallah! God willing. The doctors are treating him."

Dilip Kumar was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday evening after he suffered dehydration and a urinary tract infection.

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. He is known for films like 'Devdas', 'Mughal-e-Azam' and 'Karma'.

(With inputs from agencies)
New Delhi: The Aadhaar number is not mandatory for booking rail tickets, the Centre told the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

In a written reply in the Upper House of Parliament, Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said as of now, his ministry had no plans to make the 12-digit unique identification number compulsory for booking rail tickets.

"At present, there is no proposal to make the Aadhaar number compulsory for booking tickets for rail journey. However, with effect from January 1, 2017, the requirement of Aadhaar verification for getting concessional railway tickets for senior citizens has been introduced on a voluntary basis," he said.

The minister's statement comes on a day the home ministry made the Aadhaar number mandatory for registration of death with effect from October 1, 2017.

Over the last few months, the Aadhaar number has been made mandatory for a range of services and schemes -- for bank accounts, to file taxes, for tuberculosis patients to avail treatment under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), to avail the benefits under the Maternity Benefit Programme and Integrated Child Protection Scheme and other schemes for farmers, labourers, students etc.
New Delhi As many as 221 government websites have been defaced since 2014, of which 42 incidents took place this year alone, government said today.

"Currently about 8000 websites are hosted on NICNET. The total number of websites hosted on NICNET that have been defaced since 2014 is 221," Minister of State of Electronics and IT PP Chaudhary said in Rajya Sabha.

In 2014, 57 websites were defaced, which means hackers changed the content of the portals. Similarly, 41 were defaced in 2015, 81 in 2016, and 42 till date in 2017.

The minister said that National Informatics Centre (NIC), which provides IT and e-governance related services to government departments, protects the cyber resources from possible compromises through a layered security approach using secure and foolproof practices, procedures and technologies.

As precautionary measures relevant advisories are circulated among the NICNET from time-to-time.

"Cyber Security is a continuous process and the protection elements are updated on a regular basis. A 24X7 security monitoring centre is in place at NIC, for detecting and responding to security incidents, including NIC-CERT," Chaudhary said.
Mumbai: Speculations are rife that Kapil Sharma is extremely concerned about the plunging TRP, The Kapil Sharma Show has been generating of late. It has also been reported that the star comedian is under tremendous pressure to ensure that the show bounces back to its glory.

Hence, to boost the shows humour quotient, Sharma has hired writer Raaj Shaandilyaa, the man who had penned dialogues for Welcome Back (2015) and Freaky Ali (2016), a Mid-Day report suggests.

TKSS has undergone a major transformation since Sunil Grovers exit in March. A number of popular faces have joined forces with Kapil since then including comedienne Bharti Singh. But things havent worked well in the comedians favour.

To add to the challenges, the channel airing TKSS has launched a new comedy show  'The Drama Company'  hosted by Krushna Abhishek.

Will Shaandilyaas pen do wonders for Kapil and his team? Lets wait and watch.
Lucknow, Aug 4 (PTI) Three persons allegedly involved in fraud by posing as the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's personal assistant have been arrested, the Special Task Force (STF) of state police said here.

Atish Kumar Mishra, Hanuman Shukla and Rahul Upadhyay were arrested from Kapoorthala locality in Aliganj yesterday on a tip off, an official release issued by the STF said.

During interrogation, the trio told the STF that they had taken a sim card after submitting a fake identity proof and registered it in a caller identification app as 'Chief Minister UP'. They used it to call builders and others.

Posing as personal assistant of the CM, the accused called Deputy Labour Commissioner, Kanpur, RK Mishra and directed him to conduct a raid on a firm. Mishra, however, became suspicious and informed the district magistrate of Kanpur about it.

Later, the matter came to the STF which found out during its probe about their racket in the state capital.

Further probe is on, the release said.
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday received a notification that secret information related to Indian Army from the SDM Sadar office in Jhansi has been leaked out to foreign detective agents.

Following the input, a probe has been launched into the case. A team led by ATS sub-inspector KM Rai is investigating the matter.

Personnel in the office are being interrogated in connection with the case, as per ANI.

A few records have been taken in possession along with computers and pen drives.

Meanwhile, no arrest has been made in the case.

(With ANI inputs)
Dehradun: The mortal remains of Army Major Kamlesh Pandey, who was martyred while engaging with the militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday, were taken to his native place in Utarakahnd's Haldwani on Friday.

The body was taken to his residence in an Army truck.

As the mortal remains of the martyred Major reached his village in Uttarakhand for the last rites, slogans of Pakistan murdabad were raised by the locals.

The last rites will be performed with full military honours later today.

Major Kamlesh Pandey and a soldier were killed in Shopian district in an ambush by the Hizbul Mujahideen militants, which earlier lost two of its men to security forces in Kulgam district.

The Hizbul claimed responsibility for the attack on an Army patrol in Zaipora village which left Major Kamlesh Pandey, Sepoy Tanzin and Sepoy Kripal Singh injured.

The injured soldiers were evacuated to Army's 92 Base Hospital here for treatment but Major Pandey and Sepoy Chhultim succumbed to injuries, the officials said.
Mogadishu: The US on Friday said Al-Shabaab militant Ali Mohamed Hussein alias Ali Jabal was killed in drone strikes by American and Somalia forces in southern region.

The US Africa Command (Africom) said it conducted the operation on July 31 in coordination with its regional partners as a direct response to Al-Shabaab actions, including recent attacks on Somali forces, Xinhua reported.

There were no civilian casualties from this strike, Africom said in a statement.

The military said the strike was conducted within the parameters of the proposal approved by President Donald Trump in March, which allows the US Department of Defense to conduct lethal action against Al-Shabaab within a geographically-defined area of hostilities in support of partner forces.

Ali Jabal was responsible for leading Al-Shabaab forces in the Mogadishu and Banadiir regions in planning and executing attacks.

He used the Lower Shabelle Region of Somalia, a known Al-Shabaab safe haven, as a hub for these activities.

The Al-Shabaab also conducted numerous attacks against the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia members in the region.

His removal disrupts the Al-Qaeda allied groups ability to plan and conduct attacks in Mogadishu and coordinate efforts between Al-Shabaab regional commanders.
Brussels: The EU imposed sanctions on three Russian nationals and three firms on Friday after gas turbines sold by German industrial giant Siemens were diverted to Ukraine's Russian-annexed Crimea region, the bloc said.

The individuals -- two Russian government officials and a senior figure with one of the companies involved -- will be subject to an asset freeze and a travel ban, the European Union said in a statement.
Bangkok: Singapore authorities on Friday announced the expulsion of an American professor and his wife, both of whom are of Chinese descent, from the country for allegedly spying on behalf a foreign nation.



Huang Jing, an expert on US-China relations, worked at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) in Singapore and was Director of the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, Efe news reported.



Huang "has been identified as an agent of influence of a foreign country. He knowingly interacted with intelligence organisations and agents of the foreign country (...) to influence the government`s foreign policy and public opinion in Singapore," the Singaporean Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.



"Huang`s wife, Yang, was aware that Huang was acting through his position at the LKYSPP to advance the agenda of a foreign country," added the ministry.



"Huang`s continued presence in Singapore, and that of his wife, are therefore undesirable. Both will be permanently banned from re-entering Singapore," the statement said.
Washington: Special counsel Robert Mueller, who is a former FBI Director, has impanelled a grand jury to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential polls, media reports said.

The Wall Street Journal, which was first to report the news, said this is a sign his inquiry is growing in intensity and entering a new phase. The CNN in another report said that Mueller's investigation has now widened to focus on possible financial crimes.

In a statement, Ty Cobb, special counsel to the President, said he wasn't aware that Mueller had started using a new grand jury.

"Grand jury matters are typically secret," Cobb said.

"The White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly... The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr Mueller," he said.

"Former FBI Director Jim Comey said three times the President is not under investigation and we have no reason to believe that has changed," he added.

Congressman Jimmy Gomez said that the reports of Mueller impanelling a grand jury demonstrates that there are serious questions about foreign adversaries trying to gain influence through the financial interests of the president, his close family members, and other associates.

"Congress must uphold its duty to defend the Constitution and investigate President Trump's financial dealings. We must move forward with legislation like my bill, the BRIBE Act, to expose any foreign attempts to gain influence with the President, his family, or his administration," he added.

"President Trump's refusal to divest from his business holdings and release his tax returns create the possibility of foreign corruption and we must follow the money to ensure that his foreign entanglements do not constitute a national security challenge to the United States," Gomez said.

In a statement, Democratic National Committee CEO Jess O?Connell said Mueller impanelling a grand jury is further confirmation that this is a serious investigation and not a "witch hunt."

"As the investigation proceeds, it is more important than ever that all of our leaders draw a line in the sand and make clear to the President that he must respect the rule of law and refrain from continuing the pattern of threats and interference he has engaged in over the past several months," he said.?

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of Senators yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation that would create a judicial check on the executive branch's ability to remove a special counsel.

The Special Counsel Independence Protection Act (SCIPA) ensures that any action by the Attorney General or Acting Attorney General to remove a special counsel from office must first be reviewed by a panel of federal judges.

"Special counsels must act within boundaries, but they must also be protected. Our bill allows judicial review of any decision to terminate a special counsel to make sure it's done for the reasons cited in the regulation rather than political motivation," said Senator Lindsay Graham, a co-author of the bill.

"This bill would subject any decision to fire a special counsel to a review by a panel of federal judges, ensuring any removal is for legitimate reasons instead of political motivations," said Senator Cory Booker.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said that the President and his White House want nothing more than to end Mueller's investigation and avoid the consequences it may yield.
Kabul: A Taliban suicide bomber attacked a convoy of foreign forces in Afghanistan late Thursday, killing one NATO soldier and wounding six other personnel, the coalition said.

"The patrol was conducting a partnered mission with the Afghan National Army when a personnel-borne IED (improvised explosive device) detonated," in Qarabagh district in Kabul province," NATO said in a statement.

The Taliban quickly claimed the attack on social media and in Whatsapp messages to journalists.

Qarabagh district is located 50 kilometres north of the capital Kabul and is near Bagram Airbase, the largest American base in Afghanistan.

"One Resolute Support Soldier was killed and six personnel (five troops and one interpreter) were wounded Thursday evening when their patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber," Nato said referring to the name of its Afghan mission.

"The RS personnel who were wounded are being treated at the US military hospital at Bagram Airfield. All of the wounded are listed in stable condition," it added.

The nationality of the dead soldier and injured was not immediately known.

Civilians were also reported to have been wounded in the night-time attack.

"#Afghanistan explosion in Qarabagh district, 12 wounded brought to our #Kabul hospital so far," tweeted an Italian-run hospital in the capital which specialises in dealing with victims of bombings.

The attack came a day after a Taliban suicide bomber killed two US soldiers in Afghanistan`s restive southern province of Kandahar when he rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into a convoy of foreign forces.
Washington: US President Donald Trump told his Mexican counterpart Enrique Pena Nieto to remain quiet about the border wall, according to a transcript of the conversation revealed on Thursday by The Washington Post.



The transcript of Trump`s conversation with Mexico`s leader was one of two phone calls revealed on Thursday, which provide a rare glimpse into the private conversations of a new US president testing his negotiating powers on foreign counterparts, CNN reported.



Trump also boasted about his election victory and called New Hampshire a "drug-infested den" in the phone call with the Mexican President.



The January 27 phone call with Pena Nieto came seven days after Trump entered office.



In it, he focused mainly on issues of trade and immigration, with contentious moments coming in his insistence that Mexico will eventually pay for a wall along with US southern border. Pena Nieto has insisted publicly his country will not pay for the wall`s construction but Trump demanded he cease making that claim.



"You cannot say that to the press," Trump said on the phone call. "The press is going to go with that and I cannot live with that. You cannot say that to the press because I cannot negotiate under those circumstances."



On the same day, Trump carried out a phone conversation with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, which grew sour when Trump rejected an agreement to take in refugees.



The transcript shows Trump growing progressively more agitated, eventually telling his Australian counterpart the call was the most irksome of the day.



"I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day," Trump told Turnbull. "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous."



Trump later ended the phone call abruptly.
United Nations: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will pay his first visit since taking the UN helm to Israel and to the Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip, at the end of the month, diplomats said Thursday.

The UN chief will hold talks with Israeli leaders, travel to Ramallah to meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and to the Gaza Strip, where the United Nations runs a major Palestinian aid program, during the three-day visit beginning August 28.

Israel`s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said the visit will allow Guterres to "build a relationship" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that he will also hold meetings with the Israeli President and defense minister.

"We are very happy about this visit," Danon told AFP.

"It`s a great opportunity for the secretary-general to experience Israel, to meet the leaders of Israel and to understand the challenges that Israel faces day-in and day-out."

The Israeli government will discuss strengthening the mission of the UN interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said Danon, following a series of skirmishes along the UN-monitored demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.

The visit comes as diplomatic efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks appear deadlocked.

Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, "is experienced. He has been to Israel in the past. He knows the complexity of the issues. He is not someone who comes to our region and has no clue about what is happening," said Danon.

Relations between the United Nations and Israel have been tense over the expansion of Jewish settlements, which the world body has condemned as illegal.

Since taking over from Ban Ki-moon on January 1, Guterres has been cautious in his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, partly in response to US accusations that the United Nations was biased against Israel.

In March, the UN chief demanded that a report by a UN body be withdrawn after it accused Israel of imposing an apartheid system on the Palestinians.

Guterres had initially distanced himself from the report, but the United States insisted that it be withdrawn altogether.

During the recent flareup of violence in Jerusalem, Guterres called for de-escalation and respect for the status quo at holy sites after Israel installed metal detectors at the Haram al-Sharif mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.
California: A British computer security researcher hailed as a hero for thwarting the "WannaCry" ransomware onslaught was in US custody on Thursday after being indicted on charges of creating malware to attack banks.

Marcus Hutchins, known by the alias "Malwaretech," was charged in an indictment dated July 12 and unsealed by federal authorities in Wisconsin.

Hutchins was in Las Vegas, where a major Def Con hacker security conference took place over the weekend. Twitter postings from other security researchers said he was arrested as he prepared to fly back to Britain.

The indictment accuses Hutchins and another individual of making and distributing Kronos "banking Trojan," a reference to malicious software designed to steal valuable information related to online financial transactions.

The indictment set the time of the activity as being from July 2014 to July of the following year.

Hutchins was part of a conspiracy to distribute the hacking tool on so-called dark markets, according to the indictment signed last month by US Attorney Gregory Haanstad.

The FBI and US Department of Justice did not respond to an AFP request for comment.

Lawyers at the San Francisco-based online rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation said they were looking to contact Hutchins.

"The EFF is deeply concerned about the arrest of Marcus Hutchins, a security researcher known for shutting down the WannaCry ransomware. We are looking into the matter, and are reaching out to Hutchins," a statement from the group said.

A spokesperson for the British Embassy in Washington said only that they "are in touch with local authorities in Las Vegas following reports of a British man being arrested."

Hutchins was hailed as a hero in May for finding and triggering a "kill switch" for a WannaCry ransomware attack that was spreading wildly around the world, locking away data on computers and demanding money for its release.

Andrew Mabbitt, another security researcher who was with Hutchins in Las Vegas, said he did not believe the allegations against Hutchins.

"He spent his career stopping malware, not writing it," Mabbitt said on Twitter.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS. The exclusive project of ARMENPRESS entitled Yerevan Bestseller brings the top ten bestselling books of Yerevan every week.

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

Mark Arens Where Wild Roses Bloom is the 2nd in the list. The novel is about a Turkish former soldier, who suddenly hears a lullaby song  the only memory from his mother  and discovers that this song is actually in Armenian. The story tells about his subsequent inner feelings, struggles and attempts to find the graves of his parents.

Khaled Hosseinis The Kite Runner is ranked 3rd in the list. Published in 2003 by Riverhead Books, it tells the story of Amir, a young boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul, whose closest friend is Hassan. The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events, from the fall of Afghanistan's monarchy through the Soviet military intervention, the exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the United States, and the rise of the Taliban regime.

Stefan Zweigs Collected Stories comes next. Zweig was an Austrian novelist, playwright, journalist and biographer. At the height of his literary career, in the 1920s and 1930s, he was one of the most popular writers in the world. The book was translated by Ara Arakelyan and Margarit Arakelyan.

The Golden Calf by Ilya Ilf and Evgeny Petrov is ranked 5th in the bestselling list. Its main character, Ostap Bender, also appeared in a previous novel by the authors called The Twelve Chairs.

Oscar Wildes The Picture Of Dorian Gray, which was last weeks chartbuster, is ranked 6th. Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist who is impressed and infatuated by Dorian's beauty; he believes that Dorian's beauty is responsible for the new mode in his art as a painter. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, and he soon is enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic worldview: that beauty and sensual fulfillment are the only things worth pursuing in life.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury takes 7th position. Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel published in 1953. It is regarded as one of his best works. The novel presents a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found. The title refers to the temperature that Bradbury understood to be the autoignition point of paper.

The Alchemist by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho is 8th.Originally written in Portuguese, it became an international bestseller translated into some 70 languages as of 2016. An allegorical novel, The Alchemist follows a young Andalusian shepherd in his journey to Egypt, after having a recurring dream of finding treasure there.

Steppenwolf novel by German-Swiss author Hermann Hesse is the 9th in the list. Originally published in Germany in 1927, it was first translated into English in 1929. Combining autobiographical and psychoanalytic elements, the novel was named after the lonesome wolf of the steppes. The story in large part reflects a profound crisis in Hesse's spiritual world during the 1920s while memorably portraying the protagonist's split between his humanity and his wolf-like aggression and homelessness. Hesse would later assert that the book was largely misunderstood.

Dandelion Wine, 1957 novel by Ray Bradbury concludes this weeks list. The novel is taking place in the summer of 1928 in the fictional town of Green Town, Illinois, based upon Bradbury's childhood home of Waukegan, Illinois. It was translated from English by Zaven Boyadjyan.

To complete the bestseller list, the following bookshops have participated in the survey: Armenian Book (54-07-06), Edit Print (57-70-09), Bookinist (53-74-13), and Zangak (23-25-28).

YEREVAN BESTSELLER project presented by Angela Hambardzumyan
YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS. Center of Armenian literature will be opened in the National Academic Library of Kazakhstan, Umutkan Munalbaeva  director of the Library, told Armenpress, adding that there is a readiness for cooperation, programs are outlined, and several technical issues remained to be solved.

We are going to open center of Armenian literature here to present the Armenian literature. There is a large Armenian community in Kazakhstan and Armenians can use this fund. We are closely cooperating with our Armenian partners. I am ready to provide opportunities for Armenian writers to come here and meet with the Armenian community, present their books to them, Umutkan Munalbaeva said.

In 2016 center of Kazakh literature was opened in the National Library of Armenia which is a great opportunity to present to the Armenian reader Kazakhstans achievements and success. Director of the Library has been in Armenia and is very impressed by the opportunities the Matenadaran has, as well as its rich literature.

It is a unique structure, our minister said its necessary to establish similar center in Kazakhstan, however, we are still far away from you. I will be honest, when I saw the Mateadaran, I said bravo to Armenians. Armenians are educated, patriotic people appreciating literature and maintaining traditions. I think we will be able to present more our culture, history in the two countries via the literature. When I visited Armenia, it seemed to me I had a complete picture on Armenians, however, being there I understood that I know very little about them. The mutual awareness on the culture and history of the two peoples is not at a high level, steps must be taken on this path, she said.

The library management is being carried out in the National Academic Library of Kazakhstan.

I have seen this experience abroad. The library management supposes analysis on what kind of books today are demanded, what is the reader of today, what is the age group, what preferences they have, what is the readers opinion over the use of new technologies, she said, adding that she supports for libraries to be more.

The Academic Library created the best conditions for readers, scientists and researchers. Firstly, the library gives much emphasis on digitization, the literature in the library is being digitized by making numerous books, exclusive publications available online to readers.

The official opening ceremony of the Library was held on June 10, 2004. It hosted the first readers on September 10, 2005.

Anna Gziryan

Astana-Yerevan




YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Permanent Representative to the UN Zohrab Mnatsakanyan met with newly-appointed UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, press service of the Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress.

The Armenian Ambassador congratulated Steiner on his appointment and talked about the developing cooperation with the UNDP thanks to which numerous joint programs have been implemented in Armenia.

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner highly appreciated Armenias long-term partnership with the UNDP, thanked for the partnership and assistance.

The officials exchanged views on a number of affairs of world and bilateral agenda.

Achim Steiner expressed the UNDPs assistance to the process of nationalization and integration of the sustainable development goals in Armenia.

During the meeting it was reaffirmed that the UNDP remains important partner for Armenia in terms of attracting new platforms and new cooperation formats aimed at promoting investments on sustainable development.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian churches of historical Armenia need restoration, however, only those included in the UNESCO program are being reconstructed, reports Armenpress.

The remaining churches are in poor condition. Turks and Kurds have destroyed the grounds of almost all Armenian churches for the search of gold.

The Armenian churches are mainly in poor condition. There are also many broken cross-stones. However, the churches under the UNESCO program are being restored. For instance, we noticed that stones were brought for restoration of the St Savior Church of Ani. The St. Gregory the Illuminator Church has been restored to some extent, however, the Turkish and Armenian styles were intertwined, Edik Minasyan  dean of YSU history faculty, told reporters, summarizing the results of pilgrimage to historical Armenia.

In 2015 the Van Mayor promised to restore the Armenian monuments, however, he was arrested while returning to Turkey, and the program was not implemented. Currently our major task is the restoration of architectural monuments, Minasyan said.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS. Excavations are currently being carried out in certain parts of historical Armenia, Edik Minasyan  dean of the YSU history faculty, told reporters while summarizing the results of pilgrimage to historical Armenia, reports Armenpress.

Turkish and Iranian archeologists carry out joint excavations in Van. Excavations are also being implemented through the funds of UNESCO and the local archeological company.

The local Turkish archeologists carry out excavations with the group of Iranian archeologists. The Iranian archeologists informed us that during the excavations many monuments of pre-Christian era, ancient human bones, as well as traces of apartments have been discovered. Assyrian and Urartu inscriptions have been maintained on a rocky structure in Van, Minasyan said.

Minasyan informed that currently excavations are being carried out in Ani. Excavations are being conducted around the walls with the help of UNESCO and the local archeological company. It seems the remains of the ancient fortress built on the walls are being discovered, he said.

Minasyan added that in the recent period active construction works are being carried out near the Kars fortress.
YEREVAN, 4 AUGUST, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 4 August, USD exchange rate up by 0.05 drams to 478.77 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.79 drams to 568.83 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 7.93 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 3.77 drams to 629.82 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 21.05 drams to 19519.62 drams. Silver price down by 3.05 drams to 253.52 drams. Platinum price up by 247.80 drams to 14715.53 drams.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan visited Zangi IT company, press service of the Government told Armenpress.

The PM was introduced on the company activity, achievements, ongoing and prospective programs.

It was reported that Zangi is a communication system for new generation which enables to make free calls, video calls and exchange messages.

Company director Vahram Martirosyan informed that the app has 1.5 million subscribers and tens of thousands people communicate with each other via the app in a day. Since 2016 the company entered new development stage, in particular, it obtained 20+ Business-To-Business (B2B) partners from 12 countries of the world. Currently the company is engaged in creation of telecommunication infrastructures across countries.

The Armenian app this year has been presented at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and at the moment it is going to participate in the upcoming GITEX and Capacity Europe expos in Dubai and London.

PM Karapetyan attached importance to the consistent development of the IT field, in particular, the Armenian company, stating that this sector will be in the spotlight of the Government. The PM added that the Government is ready to discuss the proposals and programs of the private sector aimed at boosting the field and implementing them.






YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS. Two 14-year-old boys and a pilot have been killed in an air accident at a Swiss summer camp, Armenpress reports, citing BBC, police have said.

A 17-year-old girl also sustained serious injuries in the crash, which took place in the canton of Graubunden, near the Italian border, just before 09:30 local time (07:30 GMT).

They had been attending a week-long camp organised by the Swiss Aero Club.

The club's Yves Burkhardt told reporters the flight should have been the "highlight" of the week.

"My world has collapsed," he said.

The single-engine plane - identified as a Piper PA28 - had already made one trip before taking the group up, police spokesman Roman Ruegg told news agency AFP.

The crash, which took place about 10 minutes after take off, was witnessed by some tourists who had taken an airlift up the mountain, in the Diavolezza region, he added.

An investigation has been launched, while Swiss Civil Aviation has closed the airspace in the area.

The camp, which has been running for 35 years, introduces young people to the world of flight. This year, 192 teenagers, aged 14 to 16, attended, according to local media.
SAN FRANCISCONakedSword has just added another indie short film to the NakedSword Film Works library, which is already approaching 2 dozen indie shorts and features.

The emotionally powerful and moving film Hole is director Martin Edralin's heavily acclaimed 15-minute short film that gives voice to disabled people while tackling major issues around sexuality and disability.

This powerful story is at times uncomfortable to watch yet impossible to look away from. It's no wonder the film is has received more than 2 dozen awards at film festivals around the world after being screened at more than 100 international film festivals including Toronto and Sundance.

The short centers around a middle-aged disabled gay man named Billy who suffers from Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, which makes everyday tasks impossible without the help of a caregiver. Because of his disability, Billy feels alone in the world and yearns for intimacy and a sexual connection in a world that would rather ignore him.

Edralin met the actor Ken Harrower who plays the main character in Hole years before making the movie and was instantly struck by the actors positivity in the face of so many challenges.

He came to set with a Pride flag hanging at the back of his wheelchair, Edralin said. I thought it was really badass that this guy, who likely faces all kinds of prejudice because of his disability, was publicizing his sexuality.

For Ken Harrower, the short gives a voice to a group in society that is often unheard. He himself has experienced people having difficultly looking past the wheelchair and his disability to see his true self, a gay man with sexual desires.

Disabled people are as horny as everyone else, he said.

Tim Valenti, president of Falcon Studio Group and the NakedSword Network, said,Im very proud to have this film as apart of the NakedSword Film Works library, I think it's a bold storyline and moving depiction of the sexual desires of a group of people who are sometimes overlooked by society at large, particularly sexually speaking. It should be mandatory viewing for all of us to remind us that we are more than just our physical body.

Hole is the most watched movie on NakedSword.com for the past three days. See the trailer here.
McVities has been urged to reassure workers over its long-term commitment to production at its Glasgow factory.

Union GMB Scotland has voiced concerns that funding is not being brought forward for the modernisation of production lines at the Tollcross site in Glasgows East End, which employs more than 500 workers and produces Hobnobs and Rich Tea biscuits.

In a letter to the companys site manager, Mandy Major, GMB senior organiser Drew Duffy described a lack of clarity over the business needs and investment plan for the future of Tollcross as deeply concerning our members.

Generations of families have worked here and the workforce is highly concentrated in the local community and the Greater Glasgow area - a crucial pillar of decent employment in an area of high unemployment and social deprivation, he wrote.

So from the perspective of jobs, pay and prosperity, and against the backdrop of Brexit, rising costs of living and chronic manufacturing decline, the East End desperately needs a thriving manufacturing presence at McVities.

Thats why we are calling for clarity and reassurances, so we can understand what is needed to secure continued production and employment in the East End for years to come.

A spokesman for McVities-owner Pladis, the global biscuit and confectionery giant, said the site manager received a letter from GMB Scotland only one day before a press statement was issued.

The company will be responding directly as we value ongoing engagement with employees and union representatives, he said. As a matter of course, we meet with our employees and union representatives on a very regular basis and only two months ago our senior management team completed a full site-wide briefing, in which a number of issues and concerns were discussed frankly and openly. Furthermore, the national officer of GMB for food and drink was with us on-site only last week.

We discussed with employees then that, like all companies operating in an extremely challenging and uncertain economic climate, we review our operations on an ongoing basis  and that applies across our all our businesses and sites  in order to remain competitive.

We fully recognise the heritage of Tollcross as a manufacturing site and, should there be any proposals for changes to our operations at the site, employees and their union representatives will be the first to know.
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.
And yet judges noted many occasions partisan advantage was cited in court arguments



Anita Earls, an attorney for the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, speaks with reporters July 27 outside the U.S. courthouse in Greensboro. (CJ photo by Dan Way)

GREENSBORO The rights of people, rather than political considerations, must be the primary focus in fixing 28 unconstitutionally drawn state legislative districts.That's the message U.S. appeals court Judge James Wynn delivered Thursday during a hearing in the Covington v. North Carolina lawsuit involving racially gerrymandered election maps.Yet political implications and posturing took place throughout the three-hour hearing in North Carolina's U.S. Middle District Court.Plaintiffs' attorney Edwin Speas argued that Republicans are pulling out all stops to avoid a court order to create new district boundaries. Gov. Roy Cooper ordered lawmakers into special session to create new maps, and "they thumbed their nose at him."Phil Strach, one of the state's attorneys, disputed Speas' characterization, and got a nod from Wynn."I know that to be political," Wynn - who sits on the 4th Circuit - said of Cooper's call for a special legislative session to run concurrently with the regular legislative session.Wynn, along with U.S. District Court judges Catherine Eagles and Thomas Schroeder, comprise a three-judge panel hearing the case. The panel ruled the General Assembly relied too heavily on race, though demonstrating no ill intent, when drawing the district boundaries after the 2010 Census.The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed their decision, but returned the case to the lower court. The justices said the trial court must justify the disruption a special midterm election would cause or find a less intrusive solution.In another item with political overtones, the judges were caught off guard when informed by Michael McKnight, one of the state's attorneys, that the newly created Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement cannot function because it has no members, and there is no indication when they would be appointed.That creates major hurdles to holding a special legislative election this year when municipal elections are scheduled, McKnight said.McKnight told Eagles Cooper has the duty to appoint the members, but he has not The governor sued to overturn legislation creating the new state elections board, and lost. An appeal to the state Supreme Court is pending. In the meantime, Cooper has refused to appoint members to the state agency, who, in turn, appoint members to county election boards.At least 10 county election boards with vacancies cannot function because they lack the three members needed to constitute a quorum under the new four-member arrangement. In counties with three members all votes must be unanimous. Because of vacancies, and Cooper's inaction, some county boards could not handle municipal election voter and candidate challenges before Wednesday's deadline.Wynn asked Kim Westbrook Strach, executive director of the new board, during her testimony.Strach said. Then she changed her answer to say she oversees the agency.State Rep. Grier Martin, D-Wake, testified at length about problems Democrats face with no new electoral maps. He is the House Democratic Conference chairman whose responsibilities include identifying and recruiting candidates, andMartin said. He testified that the conference chairman position is a political jobbut he was not letting political considerations override policy in supporting the lawsuit or pushing for a special election.Martin said he has advised highly qualified Democratic candidates not to file for office prematurely because Republicans, "with the swipe of a pen or click of a keyboard," would put those candidates into districts that would be more difficult to win when drawing new maps.Getting new maps immediately would help Democrats decide where to run so they could begin to meet voters, and improve their odds of winning enough seats to end Republicans' veto-proof supermajorities, Martin told reporters.Milo Pyne of Durham, a plaintiff in the case, testified he is annoyed that the lack of maps is affecting Democratic fundraising. Pyne, a Durham County delegate to the Democratic Party State Executive Committee, said he is active in Durham County organizations with "a progressive political point of view."At a recent Democratic eventPyne said, blaming that on the lack of new electoral maps.North Carolina's General AssemblySpeas said during his closing argument. It could be argued the General Assembly includes "usurpers" passing unlawful acts because some districts were declared unconstitutional last year, he said.plaintiffs attorney Anita Earls said, telling the judges some parties may take legal action using the usurpers theory. She did not identify them.A case in Connecticutshe said. In that case a court ordered the entire legislature to desist taking any action.Phil Strach noted the case, Butterworth v. Dempsey , occurred in 1965, and involved reapportionment of districts. Unlike the Covington case, every district in the state was declared unconstitutional.in the Covington case, Wynn said. The state Supreme Court should deal with the matter separately.
Tom Campbell

Monday's redistricting verdict issued by a panel of three federal court judges was correct in three important elements.The panel ruled that legislators had dragged their feet redrawing legislative districts following the August 2016 verdict that current legislative districts were unconstitutional, a decision affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in June. Governor Cooper urged legislators to take prompt action by calling them into a "special" session in June. Cooper's request was ignored.The court further dictated that the new districts be redrawn by September 1, allowing them a grace period of two additional weeks if they demonstrated sufficient progress. Lawmakers had previously said they could complete the new maps by November 15th, but the court declared they had already had ample time to complete the process and were being intransigent.It is obvious legislators were stalling, perhaps because they had hopes the court might rule in their favor, but more likely because the longer they dragged their feet the less likely they would be forced to hold special elections prior to the 2018 scheduled date.The third decision ruled against holding special elections. Plaintiffs were disappointed, arguing that all laws passed in the recently concluded session were null and void because they were passed by an illegally constituted legislature. Common sense prevailed in this instance, however. The special elections that plaintiffs demanded would be both costly and only temporary, since any legislator elected in a special election would only serve until January 2019, when those elected in next year's elections would take office.So what's the significance between the November 15th date lawmakers proposed and the September deadline given by the court? Our state Constitution requires that to be eligible to serve in our legislature a person must live in the district from which they are elected for a minimum of one year. Legislative elections are scheduled for November 6th of 2018. The lawmakers' proposal would likely have precluded some candidates from running because they failed the residency requirement, but the court, mindful of the dilemma, waived the residency requirement for next year's elections.This is only one of the redistricting shenanigans we've seen recently. The practice of "hot bunking" two incumbents into the same district or deliberately redrawing a district so that an incumbent fails the residency requirement are not so subtle ways in which legislators have rid themselves of incumbents - sometimes within their own party - they would like to see gone.This case is far from over. The three-judge panel stipulated it would review the maps submitted by lawmakers to determine compliance with our Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Plaintiffs will have a similar opportunity to submit maps. The court reserves the right to accept the legislative maps, maps submitted by the plaintiffs or the court could itself draw new maps. This action would not be without precedent. Following the 2001 redistricting, also ruled unconstitutional, Johnston County Superior Court Judge Knox Jenkins grew weary of similar stalling by the Democrats that controlled the legislature, delays that forced the moving of the 2002 primary elections. Knox drew the maps himself.This entire affair proves again the need to take redistricting away from our legislature, saving time and many taxpayer dollars, instead placing the task with an independent body. Other states have successfully done so and it is time North Carolina followed suit.
When computer security expert and hardcore traveller Przemek Jaroszewski found that he couldn't enter an airline lounge in Warsaw because the automated reader mistakenly rejected his boarding card, he wrote a 600-line Javascript program that generated a QR code for "Batholemew Simpson," a business-class traveller on a flight departing that day.



It worked  and kept on working. In a presentation at Defcon, Jaroszewski showed how he was able to use the tactic to gain entry to lounges across Europe, exploiting the fact that the lounges' entry systems did not cross-check entrants with passenger manifests from the airplanes.

Ten years ago, computer science student Chris Soghoian won himself an FBI visit by creating a boarding-card generator that would get him through airport security. Soghoian is now chief technologist for the ACLU, and US aviation checkpoints now verify boarding cards by checking for a cryptographic signature from TSA  which means that Jaroszewski's hack will get ticketed, checked passengers into lounges, but won't let randos into airports.

Jaroszewski won't release his sourcecode, because he fears an FBI visit of his own, but he says it's easy enough to recreate. He also hasn't tried his attack against US airport lounges.



While traveling through airports, we usually don't give a second thought about why our boarding passes are scanned at various places. After all, it's all for the sake of passengers' security. Or is it? The fact that boarding pass security is broken has been proven many times by researchers who easily crafted their passes, effectively bypassing not just 'passenger only' screening, but also no-fly lists. Since then, not only security problems have not been solved, but boarding passes have become almost entirely bar-coded. And they are increasingly often checked by machines rather than humans. Effectively, we're dealing with simple unencrypted strings of characters containing all the information needed to decide on our eligibility for fast lane access, duty-free shopping, and more With a set of easily available tools, boarding pass hacking is easier than ever, and the checks are mostly a security theater. In my talk, I will discuss in depth how the boarding pass information is created, encoded and validated. I will demonstrate how easy it is to craft own boarding pass that works perfectly at most checkpoints (and explain why it doesn't work at other ones).



How to get good seats in the security theater? Hacking boarding passes for fun and profit.

[Przemek Jaroszewski/Defcon]

Fake Boarding Pass App Gets Hacker Into Fancy Airline Lounges [Andy Greenberg/Wired]





(Photo: Andy Greenberg)
Mary and Clyde Antrim are a married couple from Pueblo Colorado in their 80s. Mary and Clyde were upset when their car was stolen. Mary and Clyde were happy when Colorado Springs police found their stolen car. Mary and Clyde were unhappy when the police said they wouldn't give it back to them because it was being held for evidence. Mary and Clyde were mad a month later when they read online that the police were going to auction their car. Mary and Clyde were perplexed when the police department said it told them to come get the car, because the police never told them. Mary and Clyde were upset when they found out they had to pay they police $178 to get their car back even though charging crime victims is against Colorado Springs Police Department policy. Mary and Clyde were relieved when a local TV news station helped them get their car back. Mary and Clyde will be happy when the police department apologizes.

From KOAA:

"It is the policy of the Colorado Springs Police Department that victims of crimes whose vehicles are towed as part of the criminal investigation will not be charged tow/impound storage fees while at the Impound facility," Sgt. Garza wrote via email.

Yet we found the department wanted to charge Mary $178 to get her car back.

"I need my car for my doctors' appointments that I have to go to," Mary said. "That's my transportation and I'm 80 years old and I'd like to have my car back so I can do what I have to do."

News 5 Investigates contacted Colorado Springs police on July 11th. The next day, Colorado Springs police called Mary and told her they would waive all impound fees and release her vehicle.

"I think your calls obviously helped 100-percent," Mary said.

We went to the Impound Lot to verify Mary's car would be released without any problems. We did confirm her vehicle was released for free.
A Federal Appeals courts says Davino Watson, a U.S. citizen, has no right to damages awarded to him by a lower court after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) imprisoned for over 3 years as a deportable alien then dumped him without explanation in Alabama, leaving him with no means to get home to New York.

From NPR:

There is no right to a court-appointed attorney in immigration court. Watson, who was 23 and didn't have a high school diploma when he entered ICE custody, didn't have a lawyer of his own. So he hand-wrote a letter to immigration officers, attaching his father's naturalization certificate, and kept repeating his status to anyone who would listen.

Still, Immigration and Customs Enforcement kept Watson imprisoned as a deportable alien for nearly 3 1/2 years. Then it released Watson, who was from New York, in rural Alabama with no money and no explanation. Deportation proceedings continued for another year.

Watson was correct all along: He was a U.S. citizen. After he was released, he filed a complaint. Last year, a district judge in New York awarded him $82,500 in damages, citing "regrettable failures of the government."

On Monday, an appeals court ruled that Watson, now 32, is not eligible for any of that money  because while his case is "disturbing," the statute of limitations actually expired while he was still in ICE custody without a lawyer.
Special counsel Robert Mueller is using at least two grand juries, one in VA and one in D.C., to investigate possible coordination between the presidential campaign of Donald Trump and Russia, USA Today reports, citing a lawyer involved in the case.

Mueller's probe of possible Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election may continue to span multiple panels, or the investigation could at some point consolidate the multiple threads in the nation's capital, "where the special counsel's team has only begun to use a grand jury in recent weeks."

Snip:

But the lawyer, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter, said both venues continued to be active in recent days. The use of the grand jury located in Washington is potentially significant, analysts said, as it likely means investigators are probing activities that happened within that jurisdiction. Mueller's team is investigating possible obstruction of justice related to the president's abrupt May 9 dismissal of FBI Director James Comey, and former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's contacts with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak  all of which occurred in the District of Columbia. () [The] use of these grand juries is a clear sign that Mueller's probe is intensifying and could go on for months or years.

The move would give Mueller, a former FBI director, broad authority to subpoena documents and compel witnesses to testify under oath.

grand jury, rebuke from various PDs + own law enforcement, approval sinking below 35% in Q poll, laws of gravity again applying to DJT  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) August 4, 2017
SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chile's Congress approved late on Wednesday night a bill that legalizes abortion in certain cases, though it will still need to win the approval of the nation's courts to go into effect. After a complex and fractious process, the nation's Chamber of Deputies voted 70 to 45 to allow abortion when a woman's life is in danger, when a fetus in unviable, or when a pregnancy results from rape. It followed fierce debate and a razor-thin vote to approve the bill in the nation's more conservative Senate in July, and a previous debate in the Chamber of Deputies which sent a slightly different version of the original bill to the Senate last year. Chile is one of only a handful of countries worldwide where abortion is illegal without exception. The ban was put in place during the closing days of Augusto Pinochet's 1973 to 1990 dictatorship, and current center-left President Michelle Bachelet pledged reform when she took office in 2014. "Today we are signing a text that is returning liberty to women," said Senator Felipe Harboe, of the center-left Party for Democracy. "There is no woman who would be happy finding herself in one of these three situations, but there is no man who has the right to make her suffer." All eyes now will turn to Chile's Constitutional Tribunal, which will decide in the coming weeks on the legality of the new laws. It is not clear when exactly the matter will be tried by the Constitutional Tribunal. The body's current center-left president is set to be replaced by a conservative jurist on Aug. 29. Should the bill be litigated after that period, analysts say, the chances of it being struck down increase. "We're going to allege (in the court) that the project violates the right to life," said Senator Juan Antonio Coloma of the right-wing UDI party. (Reporting by Antonio de la Jara and Gram Slattery; Editing by Bill Rigby)
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Buses carrying Syrians who left Lebanon after a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Nusra militants on Thursday started crossing into the rebel-held zone where they will settle, a Hezbollah military media unit reported. About 7,000 Syrians, including Nusra militants and refugees, left the Arsal district on the border between Lebanon and Syria as part of a ceasefire deal that also involves the handover of captured Hezbollah fighters. A convoy of more than 100 buses arrived on Thursday at Saan in Hama province, where they began to cross frontlines from government territory, the Hezbollah media unit said. The buses left Arsal on Wednesday evening. The first of five Hezbollah captives due to be released in the deal crossed into government territory at the same place, the Hezbollah-affiliated al-Manar television reported. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that the convoy had arrived in the Hama countryside and that preparations had begun to transfer them to rebel territory. Hezbollah is an important ally of the Syrian government in the war against rebel groups that include the Nusra Front. The ceasefire took effect last week, just days after Shi'ite Hezbollah and the Syrian army launched an offensive to drive Nusra Front and other Sunni militants from their last foothold in the border area between Lebanon and Syria. Hezbollah fighters on Thursday moved into the areas that Nusra abandoned under the ceasefire, the media unit said. The transfer of militants along with large numbers of refugees has echoed 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 criticized by the opposition as amounting to the forced transfer of populations seen as sympathetic to the opposition. (Reporting By Angus McDowall; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
By Maja Zuvela PODGORICA (Reuters) - 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. (Additional reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic in Belgrade; Writing by Matt Robinson; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
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Washington, D.C., August 4, 2017A Chinese courts sentencing of journalist Lu Yuyu to four years in prison is a further heavy blow to press freedom in the country, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

The Dali Peoples Court in Yunnan province yesterday sentenced the journalist, who meticulously documented protests in China on social media platforms under the moniker Not News, on charges of picking quarrels and stirring up trouble, according to news reports.

Police detained Lu and Li Dingyu, his romantic and professional partner who worked with him documenting protests, on June 16, 2016, according to media reports. One of Lus lawyers, Wang Zongyue, in September told activists that prison officials had beaten the journalist in jail and that Lu had gone on hunger strike. His trial began on June 23.

Li was released after an April trial on the same charge, although no verdict has been announced in that case, according to the website Chinese Human Rights Defenders.

Lu Yuyus conviction on the vague charge of picking quarrels and stirring up trouble starkly illustrates the fear that Chinas leaders have of their own people, CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler said. This travesty of justice should be reversed immediately and Lu Yuyu released without further delay.

Lu is a former migrant worker from Guizhou Province who began reporting and documenting protests around China in October 2012, according to reports. Lu and Li documented protests against land expropriation, wage arrears, official corruption, and environmental pollution, verifying photos, videos, and textual accounts from social media, then republishing the information on a variety of social media platforms, including Twitter, Weibo, Blogspot, YouTube and Google Drive.

Not News collected a vast record of protests. In 2015 alone, Lu and Li documented more than 30,000 protests of various sorts, according to the Chinese-language website Bannedbook.org. The Chinese government stopped publishing statics of these kinds of protests after 2007, when more than 100,000 incidents were recorded for that year alone, according to the site.

Lus lawyer, Xiao Yungyang, called Lus sentence unreasonable, in an interview with Radio Free Asia, the U.S.-funded broadcaster, and said the conviction had already been appealed.
The case of a Mexican teen who died after taking several sips from a bottle containing liquid methamphetamine when he was attempting to smuggle the highly dangerous drug into Mexico has taken a new turn after footage of the November 2013 incident was made public.

The video, which was obtained by US broadcaster ABC and has no sound, shows two US border officials signaling for 16-year-old Cruz Marcelino Velazquez to drink from one of two bottles containing suspect liquids. The officials then gestured for the teen to drink from the other bottle while laughing and exchanging looks with each other.

Cruz died shortly after from an overdose.

Drug smuggling is a crime, but this teenager did not deserve a death sentence Zoe Lofgren, Democratic congressional member from California

The teen was attempting to cross from Tijuana in Mexico to San Diego and told border officials the liquids in his bottles were apple juice. In a 2016 trial, the officers involved in the incident said they had not forced to Cruz to drink. One of them said the teen had offered to drink the contents of the bottles.

The family of the boy received $1 million in compensation from the US government but the border officials involved were not found guilty of any wrongdoing.

A former head of internal affairs at US Customs and Border Protection, James Tomsheck, told ABC News: If they truly suspected there was a controlled substance in the bottle they should've conducted a field test.

Drug smuggling is wrong and is a crime, but this teenage boy did not deserve a death sentence, Zoe Lofgren, a Democratic congressional member from California, told ABC News.

English version by George Mills.
Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy greets Donald Trump at the NATO Summit in Brussels, in May. Twitter

The final details are being worked out for a proposed trip by Spains Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to the United States in late September, where he will attend the UN General Assembly and meet President Donald Trump at the White House, said diplomatic sources on Friday.

Rajoy is due to arrive in New York on September 22, toward the end of the UN General Assembly, which begins on September 19. He would then travel to Washington to meet Trump on Monday, September 25 or Tuesday, September 26.

This will be the first full meeting between Rajoy and Trump

The Spanish Foreign Ministry and La Moncloa, the official residence of the prime minister, are still finalizing details with US officials on what will be the first full meeting between Rajoy and Trump, who briefly met at the NATO Summit in May. The pair have also held two telephone conversations.

Rajoy will not arrive in New York in time to attend the traditional reception the US president offers world leaders at the Annual General Assembly, but Spanish diplomatic sources say they were not looking for a short meeting in the corridors of the UN headquarters, but instead a visit to the White House.

Rajoys visit will come less than two weeks before a referendum is due to be held in Catalonia on independence for the northeastern region on October 1. The referendum has been ruled illegal by the Spanish Constitutional Court, and Rajoy has said he is determined to prevent it from going ahead.

That said, the decision to visit the United States is aimed at projecting an image of normality, say diplomatic sources. At the same time, there is concern that it might be seen as inappropriate for Rajoy to be absent at such a critical time, which may mean that the US trip could be shortened and limited to a meeting with Trump.

New US ambassador named

Duke Buchan III, the newly appointed US ambassador to Spain.

Meanwhile, the White House has announced that Duke Buchan III, a hedge fund manager and early donor to the Trump campaign, has been named as the new US ambassador to Spain and Andorra.

Buchan, 54, who studied in Valencia and Seville, speaks Catalan as well as Spanish and is the founder of Hunter Global Investors. The firm is based in Palm Beach, where Trumps Mar-a-Lago mansion is located. He initially supported Jeb Bush in the Republican primaries, but then switched to Trump.

Brought up in North Carolina, Buchan also breeds horses. He studied economics and Spanish at the University of North Carolina and later attended Harvard.

Buchan donated $898,000 to the Trump campaign, and according to The New York Times, accompanied Trump during the campaign trail and was present at the three presidential debates. He also attended the inauguration.

His nomination will now have to be formally approved by the US Senate.

The United States has been without an ambassador in Spain since mid-January, when James Costos stepped down ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

Europe may accelerate financing of the projects of the Southern Gas Corridor in connection with the new US sanctions imposed on Russia.

The new US law on sanctions against Russia will also affect the Russian pipeline project known as the Nord Stream 2.

In the when the second branch of the Nord Stream pipeline would be laid, Russia, as an outcome of such construction, could receive more than 50 percent of the European gas market, which would lead to even greater dependence of Europe on the services of the sole supplier on the market.

The Southern Gas Corridor project which should provide Europe with Caspian gas is not mentioned in the document on tightening sanctions, which has been submitted to the United States President Donald Trump.

On one hand, there is a possibility that US is interested in entering the EU market with its own gas. That gas, of course, would be in liquefied form, as the sea route is the only acceptable one from the US to Europe. Nevertheless, Caspian gas, which should be supplied through the Southern Gas Corridor via the territory of Turkey, would be more lucrative for the Europe.

Europe may accelerate financing of the projects associated with the Southern Gas Corridor. The Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has set the approval date for the loan, worth $500 million and intended for the TANAP project implementation, today. The loan will be approved on October 18, 2017.

The funds will be allocated; moreover, these funds will be provided to the Southern Gas Corridor CJSC.

European Investment Bank (EIB) is also considering projects financing possibilities.

The project is being still evaluated, EIB representative told Trend Aug. 3.

"The EIB does not comment on the details until the evaluation of the project is completed, EIB representative added. The decision on the financing can not be made until the due diligence procedures are completed. Bank will carefully consider all relevant issues within these procedures.

Obviously, sanctions against Russia and Iran may impel the West to accelerate the implementation of the strategically important South Gas Corridor project, which would help to ensure energy independence and security of the EU member-states.

The implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project would change not only the world's energy, but the political map as well. It would also bring major dividends to Azerbaijan, since the country would become the first supplier of its own gas via this important route.

Elmira Tariverdiyeva is the head of Trend Agencys Russian news service, follow her on Twitter:@EmmaTariver
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has chaired a republican conference on the development of sericulture, tobacco and hazelnut production in Gakh district.

The head of state made an opening speech at the event.

Speakers at the event included Head of Gakh District Executive Authority Musa Shakiliyev, Head of Shaki City Executive Authority Elkhan Usubov, chairman of the Board of Shaki Ipek OJSC Nizami Garibov, Head of Zagatala District Executive Authority Mubariz Ahmadzade, Head of Zardab District Executive Authority Lutvali Babayev, chairman of Hazelnut Producers and Exporters Association Ismayil Orujov, Head of Fuzuli District Executive Authority Ali Aliyev, head of Daghlar Farming in Zagatala district Telman Hasratov and Head of Balakan District Executive Authority Islam Rzayev.

President Ilham Aliyev made a closing speech at the conference.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Azerbaijan and Slovenia intend to develop economic cooperation, in particular, in such areas as transportation, agriculture, high technologies, tourism and others.

All aspects of bilateral cooperation will be discussed during a visit of Slovenias Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec to Azerbaijan, a diplomatic source told Trend Aug. 4.

The visit is planned to be organized in autumn 2017.

An agreement on intensifying trade and economic relations was reached during consultations held as part of the visit of Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov to Slovenia in June.

The two sides had an exchange of views on development of cooperation in such areas as trade, industry, transportation, agriculture, energy, high technologies, tourism and culture. They also noted good potential for development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovenia.

A lions share in Slovenian exports to Azerbaijan accounts for goods of such companies as Krka, Gorenje and Riko.

Slovenian furniture manufacturers also deliver their goods to the Azerbaijani market. Thus, Slovenias Alples provided the Olympic village with furniture during the First European Games in Baku.

The two countries also have good potential to develop cooperation in tourism.

According to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, trade turnover with Slovenia amounted to $9.4 million in 1H17, decreasing by 1.95 percent as compared to the same period of 2016.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

Trend:

Food security is one of the key priority issues and the achievements made in this area are very pleasing, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed a republican conference on the development of sericulture, tobacco and hazelnut production in Gakh district.

The president added that better results are expected in the years to come.

"We are focused on this area because it is a priority. Representatives of the older generation are well aware of the fact that in the Soviet times, Azerbaijan could not provide itself with meat, butter, milk, chicken, and these products came from other republics, the president said, pointing out that food security is one of the key tasks ahead.

We, in turn, produced cotton, grapes, fruits, vegetables, tobacco and hazelnuts and exported them to other republics, Ilham Aliyev said. But during the years of independence, the food security issues have come to the fore.

Therefore, we have focused on this area, the president added. As a result, today there is a significant development in grain growing. True, this cannot yet fully satisfy us, we have not yet fully satisfied our needs, but there is progress. Meat production almost meets the needs of Azerbaijan."

"Thanks to the measures to be taken in the years ahead, we will have even great export potential, he said. We provide ourselves with chicken meat by 100 percent, with milk and dairy products by about 80 percent. Azerbaijan exports large amounts of fruits and vegetables.

That is, food security is a key priority issue in the country. I can say that the achievements made in this field are very pleasing. There will be even greater results in the years ahead, Ilham Aliyev noted.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Aug. 4

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistans Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov received Helena Fraser, the newly appointed UN resident coordinator and UNDP permanent representative in Uzbekistan, the Uzbek Foreign Ministrys press service said in a message.

Fraser presented a letter of appointment from the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to Minister Kamilov.

During the meeting, Kamilov and Fraser discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations.

The parties noted that the recent visits of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein to Uzbekistan and their negotiations with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev testified to the increase in attention that UN pays to Uzbekistan, as well as the Central Asian region in general.

Two sides also emphasized that, the Strategy of actions on five priority areas of development for 2017-2021, which was adopted by Uzbekistan, as well as the Strategic Development Goals for 2016-2030, approved by the UN General Assembly are united by the main principle  human interests are above all.

Minister Kamilov handed over the draft of the cooperation development plan between Uzbekistan and the UN for 2017-2020 for consideration.

The sides also exchanged views on certain global and regional issues, including the agenda of the forthcoming international conferences in Uzbekistan, under the auspices of the United Nations.

Minister Kamilov handed over for consideration the draft cooperation development plan between Uzbekistan and the UN for 2017-2020.

The sides also exchanged views on certain global and regional issues, including the agenda of the forthcoming international conferences in Uzbekistan under the auspices of the United Nations.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Aug. 4

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistans Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov and Japans Special Representative for United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Tadamichi Yamamoto, who arrived in Tashkent, exchanged views on topical international and regional issues in the context of developments in Afghanistan, the Uzbek Foreign Ministrys press service said in a message.

During the meeting held Aug. 3, Minister Kamilov noted that the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan, maintenance and development of friendly relations with that country is one of the main priorities of Uzbekistans foreign policy, conducted by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Currently, Uzbekistan is taking measures to intensify relations with Afghanistan in various fields of mutual interest, particularly, through intensifying the political dialogue, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Tadamichi Yamamoto was also informed about the upcoming international conference on security issues in Central Asia, which is planned to be held in Uzbekistan under the auspices of the United Nations.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Aug. 4

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree appointing Babur Alikhanov as acting chairman of National TV and Radio Company, the Uzbek presidents office told Trend Aug. 4.

Prior to this appointment, Alikhanov served as deputy chairman of the National TV and Radio Company.

The company broadcasts 12 TV and four radio channels.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

Uzbekistans Silk Industry Association Uzbekipaksanoat has signed a cooperation agreement with Chinas Shandong Guang Tong Silkworm Eggs Co. Ltd., the Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA) reported.

The cooperation agreement will ensure the export of Uzbek silkworms in the next five years.

The sides agreed to build factories for silkworm rearing in Navoi and Kashkadarya regions, according to the Chinese companys head, Feng Dong.

The company is expected to supply 40,000 boxes of silkworm eggs in the 2018 season. By 2020, this figure will be brought up to 200,000 boxes.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug 2

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

An Iranian stockbroker has forecasted that the formation of the countrys new administration would contribute to a better performance of the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE).

Hossein Khezli Kharazi, CEO of Iran's Bank Keshavarzi Securities Company, told Trend that, TSE would experience a steady growth over the second half of the current Iranian calendar year (23 August-21 March), as a result of the formation of President Hassan Rouhanis second government.

The CEO further added that, TSE listed petrochemical and steel companies have demonstrated a relatively good performance over the past weeks.

Elaborating on the surge of the petrochemicals stocks, he said that providing more transparency in the financial and accounting statements of the petrochemical companies have caused a surge in the petrochemical stocks.

He also cited the global hike in the prices of minerals and steel products as a reason behind the growth in shares of the steel companies.

Tehran-based investment company Turquoise Partners earlier suggested that TSE recorded its strongest gains over one week since mid-December 2016 with the All-Share Index advancing 1.7 percent to close at 81,509. Metal and mining companies were in demand for a second week as Base Metal (+11.4%) and Metallic Ore (+10.8%) became the top performing major sectors.

The inauguration ceremony of Hassan Rouhani is scheduled to take place on August 5, as Iranians re-elected him as President in the countrys Presidential election in May, 2017.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the President will have two weeks to submit his new cabinet to the parliament for a vote of confidence.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug 4

Trend:

Central Bank of Russia (CBR) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) at a meeting of the working group for financial and banking cooperation of the Russia-Iran permanent commission on trade and economic cooperation, TASS reported Aug. 4, citing the CBRs message.

During the meeting, a wide range of issues was discussed, including the work on development of banking infrastructure, mutual opening of correspondent accounts by the two countries credit organizations and others.

The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Chairman of CBR Dmitry Skobelkin and the Deputy Chairman of CBI Gholamali Kamyab, and attended by the representatives of both countries central banks, major (Russian and Iranian) credit organizations, Ministry of Economic Development and Foreign Ministry of Russia.
Baku, Azerbaijan, August 4

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The new sanctions imposed by the US on Iran might exacerbate the two countries relations, but will not be the basis for ending the nuclear deal, Carl Baker, Director of Programs, Pacific Forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) based Washington, told Trend Aug.4.

Iran has already articulated its view that it sees the recent US sanctions as a violation of the Iranian nuclear deal. From the US perspective, I think it sees the sanctions as a first step toward withdrawing from the deal, he said. The problem for the US is that it does not have the support of the other parties to the agreement, which means it will risk further isolation if it unilaterally withdraws. So ultimately, I think the sanctions might exacerbate US-Iran relations, but will not be the basis for ending the deal.

Regarding the possibility of even closer relations between Russia, Iran and North Korea after facing sanctions from the US, the expert said he doesnt think the bill itself will necessarily pave the way for a creation of a bloc comprised of these three countries.

It is certainly true that the US through its actions have sought to punish each of these countries, but for different reasons. I do think there are other motivations for bilateral cooperation between these countries, but again not so much in response to the US but based on common interests that ultimately conflict with US interests, noted Baker.

The expert believes that the primary basis for bilateral cooperation between Iran and Russia is the common interest in influencing the outcome of the war in Syria.

While this interest does extend to economic cooperation, there are inherent limits to the level of economic cooperation based on the fact that both countries are heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, he added.

On August 2 US President Donald Trump signed into law the legislation that levies new sanctions against Russia.

The new sanctions bill hits Russia's energy and defense sectors, and also includes fresh sanctions against Iran and North Korea.

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.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

About 11,000 Iranian pilgrims will be in Saudi Arabia from August 17 to September 7 to perform Hajj, Ali Ghazi Askar, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's representative for the Hajj and Pilgrimage Affairs said on Aug. 4.

Up until now, Saudi Arabia has issued 45,000 visas for Iranian, Ghazi Askar told state TV IRIB.

Previously, Iran had announced that 80,596 Iranians would perform Hajj this year.

Askar added that about 15,000 Sunni Iranians will also perform pilgrimage.

Iranians could not perform Hajj last year.

Riyadh cut its ties with Tehran in early 2016 due to the violent protests in front of its Iran-based diplomatic mission, right after the Kingdoms execution of leading Saudi Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Since that time, Iranians lost the ability to attend the Hajj.

A year earlier, a deadly human crush had occurred during Hajj rituals in Mina, near Mecca, killing thousands of pilgrims, including about four hundred Iranians.

In January, however, Iran stated that it had received official invitation from Saudi Arabia, announcing the latters willingness to host Iranian pilgrims.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

Georgia, despite the support of the United States, has a little chance of joining North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the short term, David Phillips, Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia Universitys Institute for the Study of Human Rights, told Trend.

He also mentioned that, NATO, at this sensitive stage, doesn't want to antagonize Russia, which doesnt support the idea.

Mike Pence was rhetorically reiterating the US commitment to Georgia's NATO membership in the long term, as called for in the 2008 Bucharest statement, the expert added.

US Vice President Mike Pence reassured his countrys strong support for Georgias ambitions of becoming a NATO member at a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili in Tbilisi on Aug 1.

At the April, 2008 Summit of NATO member countries in Bucharest, it was confirmed that Georgia may become a NATO member in the future, if it meets NATO standards.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

Although Turkmenistan, and the European Union, would be extremely pleased if the Trans-Caspian Pipeline (TCP) was built, the fact is that both Iran and Russian continue to oppose its construction, Bruce Pannier, US expert on Central Asia, told Trend.

Since Russia already exports gas to EU countries and Iran hopes to do the same very soon, there is a little likelihood that either country would drop its longstanding objections to TCP, according to the expert.

Publicly, Moscow and Tehran cite the possibility of environmental damage that could be caused by TCP, but in fact, the more likely reason is that they would rather not have a competitor in the European market, he said.

In addition, Russia has also made very visible demonstrations of its naval capabilities in the Caspian in recent years, notably, firing cruise missiles at the targets in Syria from Russian warships in the Caspian, Pannier noted.

Russia could have fired such missiles from other places but the choice of naval vessels in the Caspian seems to have been intended to send a message to other countries that the Russian Navy was the master of the Caspian Sea. That alone should give reason for any foreign investors to consider carefully joining the TCP project, he added.

Pannier stressed that, EU would be happy to include Turkmen gas into the unions Southern Gas Corridor project

While Turkmenistan is willing to sell gas via TCP, Ashgabat has never been willing to spend its own money to build the pipeline. In fact, Ashgabat has not even signed an agreement to sell gas to EU and has chosen to wait until pipeline construction actually starts, he said.

Pannier noted that TCP would carry 30 bcm of Turkmen gas, which would be helpful to EU, but would in no way mean that the latter could manage without natural gas from Russia, or other countries.

Even when Azerbaijani gas reaches EU in 2019, Turkmen gas would still be welcomed, but that raises another problem of whether there would be enough space in TANAP for Turkmen gas, or would a new pipeline across Turkey needed to be built, he concluded.

The Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline Project, which involves the construction of a 300-km pipeline along the bottom of the Caspian Sea to the coast of Azerbaijan, is considered to be the optimal solution for the delivery of Turkmen energy resources to the European market. Further, along the way, Turkmen gas can be transported through the existing pipelines to Turkey, which borders European countries.

The project may be implemented as a part of the huge Southern Gas Corridor project, designed to transport gas from the Caspian region to European countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

Based on the preliminary indications, July compliance levels for the 12 OPEC countries, involved in the deal, were broadly consistent with June, at around 93 percent, Rhidoy Rashid, analyst at Energy Aspects, told Trend.

However, Libya and Nigeria, who are not currently included in the cuts, both increased their production in July, meaning total OPEC output was likely higher than in June, he said.

The expert noted that, for non-OPEC countries, compliance was also broadly consistent, except for small gains in Kazakh production.

Overall, the effectiveness of the deal in boosting oil prices has been muted, largely a result of a strong rebound in the US production and also surprise recoveries in Nigerian and Libyan output, which has slowed the crude rebalancing process, he added.

In late 2016 OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1, with top exporter Saudi Arabia cutting as much as 486,000 barrels per day. Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce the output by 558,000 barrels per day. The agreement was for six months period, extendable for another six months.

In May, all the participants of last year's agreement agreed to extend it for another nine months.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, aka Iran nuclear deal, does not bar missile tests, Pierre Goldschmidt, nonresident senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment told Trend.

One of the provisions to the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 states that all UN members are called upon to comply with two paragraphs in an annex, which has not been endorsed by Iran, regarding its missile program, he said.

The use of the words called upon to comply rather than shall comply was insisted upon by Iran, to make the provision non-mandatory, according to the expert.

He also noted that, the word designed used in the resolution allows Iran to argue that their missiles were not designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

Although, the United States has imposed a new set of sanctions against Tehran, it is not likely that they will stop Iran from proceeding with further ballistic missiles tests, the expert 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.

The agreement puts limits 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 an international law.
A gunman shot three people Thursday at the crowded Dolores Park in San Francisco in the US state of California, the San Francisco Police Department said, Sputnik reported.

"SFPD is on scene investigating a shooting that occurred. 3 shooting victims at this time. All are being transported to the hospital," the department tweeted.

Law enforcers have asked residents and tourists to avoid the popular hillside park overlooking the downtown while a police operation is under way to find the shooter.

San Francisco General Hospital spokesman Brent Andrew said one of the victims was in critical condition, according to the Chicago Tribune newspaper. Another one was released, he said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkeys Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci will attend the inauguration ceremony of Irans re-elected President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Aug. 5, the Turkish Foreign Ministry told Trend.

According to the ministry, Zeybekci will visit Iran as a co-chairman of the Iran-Turkey joint economic commission.

The inauguration ceremony will be held in the Iranian Parliament with participation of civil and military officials from various countries, including eight presidents, 19 parliament members and 92 high-ranking international delegations.

For the first time, Rouhani became the President of Iran in August of 2013. During the elections held on May 19, 2017, he was re-elected for a second four-year term. He garnered 57 percent of the votes in the elections, with a turnout of 73 percent of the electorate.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 4

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkeys Armed Forces killed 46 members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist organization this week, the Turkish General Staff said in a message Aug. 4.

Operations against the PKK terrorists were carried out in southwestern provinces of the country.

Earlier, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim both stated that military operations against the PKK will continue until its complete eradication.

The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for more than 30 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives.

The UN and the European Union list the PKK as a terrorist organization.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
- Nigerian rapper and self-proclaimed rap king, Vic O has declared his intention to run for Governor

- The self-proclaimed rap king intends to run for governor of Cross River state

- Vic O is another entertainer who is eyeing a political chair, others have come forward in the past

Nigerian rapper Vic O has shared a post revealing his intention to run for public office. The rapper who calls himself the king of rap declared his intent on social media, asking fans to vote him as Cross Rivers state governor.

READ ALSO: Another Gucci loving big boy spotted on social media

Other Nigerian celebs like Kcee and Terry G have opened up about their intention of running for office in the past. Vic O is just one rapper who has joined the long list of those gunning for public offices.

The confident rapper even charged his voters by releasing his campaign poster and saying they should vote him and they will enjoy everything including his salary as he intends to rule for free.

READ ALSO: I don't show off anymore - Wizkid

It however doesn't seem like a lot of people are buying into his political ambition as fans laughed at him on social media:

Source: Instagram, Vic O

Seems the best some entertainers can get for now is VIP treatments from public office holders. Legit.ng earlier reported how Nollywood actor Jim Iyke got welcome from governor of Abia state on his state visit.

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Watch Legit.ng video on whether N30 million can change one's lifestyle:

Source: Legit.ng
2019 may be two years away, but politicians have already started strategising on how they could clinch the seats up for election. This is normal, but what is a bit surprising to many is how celebrities have started showing interest in running for elective office.

The Nigerian senate and House of Representatives has even passed the Not Too Young To Run bill giving youths the opportunity to run for political offices. Perhaps this is what has given celebrities the drive to delve into politics.

Legit.ng has curated a list of celebrities who have started making moves to fully enter politics. Check them out below:

1. Yul Edochie

Actor and son of Nollywood veteran Pete Edochie, Yul was the first celebrity to declare his intention to run for Governor in the forthcoming elections in Anambra state. Writing on why he wanted to become the next governor, Yul says we need young, vibrant, decisive Leaders with good hearts, Leaders who understand the urgent need to fix the problems of the masses. Leaders who will put tribalism and favouritism aside and work for the people. He hasnt announced the party on whose platform he intends to run for the governor of Anambra state in November 2017.

2. Kcee

Even though he has been embroiled in a battle with his former label mate Harrysong, Kcee surprised many when he announced his intention to also contest for governor of Anambra state in November 2017. Kcee says he wants to impact on the lives of the masses, thats why he is running for office.

3. Terry G

Another celebrity whose announcement to run for office surprised many, Terry G says if he doesnt get elected as the governor of Benue state, there would be problem. He also added that power belongs to the youths. Funny enough, he wants to be deputy governor too!

READ ALSO: Another Gucci loving big boy spotted on social media

4. Vic O

Rapper Vic O says he wants to rule Cross River state for free. Apart from his promise to donate his salary when he gets into office, Vic O has promised that he is going to save the state.

5. Uche Maduagwu

Known more for his outrageous posts on the lives of his colleagues on social media than for his acting roles, Uche Maduagwu has said he is the most popular candidate this means he would win the election easily.

6. Jim Iyke

The only celeb who hasnt declared his intention to run for office in any capacity or released a campaign poster, actor Jim Iyke has been at the fore front of a political moment called the Youth Democratic Party. Its only a matter of time before he tells us what he is running for.

Out of the names mentioned above, who do you think stands a chance of actually getting into office? Let us know.

NAIJ TV recently took to the streets to ask Nigerians what they think President Buhari should do immediately he returns to the country. Watch their responses below:

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A drug commonly used to treat diabetes may have disease-modifying potential to treat Parkinson's disease, a new UCL-led study suggests, paving the way for further research to define its efficacy and safety.

The study, published in The Lancet and funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF), found that people with Parkinson's who injected themselves each week with exenatide for one year performed better in movement (motor) tests than those who injected a placebo.

"This is a very promising finding, as the drug holds potential to affect the course of the disease itself, and not merely the symptoms," said the study's senior author, Professor Tom Foltynie (UCL Institute of Neurology). "With existing treatments, we can relieve most of the symptoms for some years, but the disease continues to worsen."

The researchers followed 60 people with Parkinson's disease at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) as they used either a once-weekly injection of exenatide for 48 weeks, or a placebo, in addition to their regular medications.

They found that people who used exenatide had better motor function at 48 weeks when they came off the treatment, which persisted after the 12-week follow-up. Those who had injected the placebo showed a decline in their motor scores at both the 48- and 60-week tests. The advantage of 4 points, on a 132-point scale of measures such as tremors, agility and speech, was statistically significant.

The participants did not report noticeable improvements in their symptoms during the trial period beyond what their standard medication already did for them. They were tested while temporarily off all medication, to determine how the disease itself was progressing. The research did not determine conclusively whether the drug was modifying the disease itself, so the next stage in the research will investigate that more fully.

Parkinson's disease affects 1 in 500 people and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Symptoms typically don't become apparent until over 70% of the brain's dopamine-producing cells have been affected. The condition results in muscle stiffness, slowness of movement, tremors, sleep disturbance, chronic fatigue and an impaired quality of life.

The saliva of the Gila monster lizard provided the inspiration for the development of exenatide, which has been used since 2005 to treat Type 2 diabetes. It activates receptors for the GLP-1 hormone in the pancreas to stimulate insulin release. GLP-1 receptors are also found in the brain, and prior research has shown that activating them can boost the function of dopamine connections, act as an anti-inflammatory, improve energy production, and switch on cell survival signals. Further research by a team led by Professor Foltynie will seek to clarify how exenatide works for people with Parkinson's disease.

Prior evidence in animal models demonstrated that exenatide improved motor performance. Another study also found early evidence that it could be a disease-modifying agent for Parkinson's, but it was an open-label trial, so this latest study strengthens the existing evidence as the first randomised, placebo-controlled trial of the drug for Parkinson's patients.

"This is the strongest evidence we have so far that a drug could do more than provide symptom relief for Parkinson's disease," said Professor Foltynie.

"Using approved therapies for one condition to treat another, or drug repurposing, offers new avenues to speed Parkinson's therapeutic development," said Dr Brian Fiske, senior vice president of research programs at MJFF. "The results from the exenatide studies justify continued testing, but clinicians and patients are urged not to add exenatide to their regimens until more is known about their safety and impact on Parkinson's."

"While we are optimistic about the results of our trial, there is more investigation to be done, and it will be a number of years before a new treatment could be approved and ready for use. We also hope to learn why exenatide appears to work better for some patients than for others," said the study's first author, Dr Dilan Athauda (UCL Institute of Neurology).

The researchers say the next step will be a longer-term study with more participants, which will investigate whether there are marked improvements in quality of life.

###

The study was conducted at UCL and the NHNN in collaboration with The Cure Parkinson's Trust and researchers from the National Institute on Aging, and was supported by the National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre.
By Marianna Parraga

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Venezuela's state-run PDVSA has reduced crude sales to its U.S. refining unit Citgo Petroleum while increasing supply to Russia's Rosneft, following a plan signed in May to catch up on overdue deliveries, according to PDVSA documents, sources from the company and its joint ventures.

Venezuela's oil output has declined since 2012 with the fall accelerating this year amid a lack of investment and payment delays to suppliers. Almost all of Petroleos de Venezuela's customers are receiving reduced volumes. That includes the United States, which has received less Venezuelan crude oil this year.

PDVSA agreed in the catch-up plan to compensate Rosneft for the delayed cargoes, since the oil is being sent in lieu of payment for loans.

Venezuela's Oil Minister Nelson Martinez at a forum in St Petersburg in June said Rosneft would receive some 70,000 barrels per day (bpd) as payment for a $1.5 billion loan extended to PDVSA in 2016. He did not disclose the reason for the supply agreement.

Days later, Russia publicly released a renegotiation of bilateral loans with Venezuela, an OPEC-member. The Russian Audit Chamber said it would slash projected state revenue by nearly $1 billion this year to reflect expectations that Venezuela may not make timely payments.

Since May, the "remediation agreement" with Rosneft has implied an extra supply of between 63,000 bpd and 105,000 bpd of Venezuela's diluted crude oil (DCO), according to a PDVSA document.

"The agreement is linked to the debt refinancing. The idea is to catch up by reducing the number of pending cargoes (to repay debt)," a PDVSA source said.

Rosneft and Citgo were not immediately available for comment.

Rosneft has loaned between $4 billion and $5 billion to Venezuela in recent years, mostly to be repaid with oil. Terms of most agreements have not been disclosed, but renegotiations have taken place in recent months, including on the possible return of a collateral on a 49.9 percent stake in Citgo offered to Rosneft last year.

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COLLATERAL DAMAGE

Because PDVSA will allocate more of its shrunken oil supplies to Rosneft, fewer barrels will be available to ship to other customers.

Citgo's Gulf Coast refineries - in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Lake Charles, Louisiana - have combined processing capacity of 582,000 bpd. The two typically refine a high percentage of Venezuela's heavy crude.

Since the remediation plan with Rosneft started, Citgo has been knocking on the doors of PDVSA's joint-venture partners for supplies of upgraded crude, one of the sources said.

Some PDVSA joint ventures in the Orinoco Belt, Venezuela's main producing region, have agreed to allocate as much oil as possible to Citgo after supplying their regular clients, but PDVSA expects total exports of Venezuelan crude to Citgo will remain below 120,000 bpd versus some 230,000 bpd stipulated in the supply contracts, the sources said.

Recent difficulties in finding Venezuelan crude supplies have increased prices for many heavy grades in the Atlantic Basin, which includes the Gulf Coast.

Citgo last year started sending gasoline and other fuels to Venezuela in exchange for a portion of its crude supply. But Citgo has increased the volume of U.S. oil it refines, and has also has also expanded its crude import sources.

Its 167,000-bpd Lemont, Illinois, refinery mostly processes Canadian oil, while Corpus Christi and Lake Charles this year have imported crude from Africa, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Azerbaijan, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has promised strong economic sanctions against Venezuela's government after a Constituent Assembly was elected last week in what United States called a "sham" vote. The new body will have power to rewrite the constitution and abolish the opposition-led Congress.

If those sanctions were to constrain Venezuela's oil shipments to the United States, Citgo could be ahead of its competitors in finding new supply sources.

(Reporting by Marianna Parraga; Editing by David Gregorio)
This founder split from Elon Musk and is now launching rockets for one-twentieth the cost of SpaceX

A company building tiny rockets is only a few launches away from cracking open a multi-billion dollar market.

Vector Space Systems on Thursday flight tested its Vector-R launch vehicle from Spaceport Camden in Georgia. The FAA-approved launch reached its targeted height of 10,000 feet while carrying a commercial payload which included packages from NASA, Astro Digital and the Center for Applied Technology.

The launch, partially funded by NASA, was a critical step in Vector's plan to become the top transporter of micro-satellites.

"The money in these vehicles is made in making a lot of them and flying a lot of them," CEO Jim Cantrell told CNBC.

Cantrell's company is building the Vector-R rockets to meet demand from companies that can't foot the bill to ride along with SpaceX or United Launch Alliance but still need to put satellites in orbit.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 vehicle is considered one of the most discounted in the industry, but its $62 million per launch price tag is still too expensive for a lot of small companies. The Vector-R aims to cost of less than $3 million per launch, one-twentieth the cost of SpaceX.

Cantrell was actually part of the SpaceX founding team, but left in 2002 because his dream differed from Elon Musk's, who wanted to build rockets large enough to bring cargo to the International Space Station and take humans to the Moon.

"We told Elon in the early days to start with a small vehicle and work your way up. Elon kind of had the argument that this was too small, that there's no market to it, which was right at the time," Cantrell said.

With the much lower cost per launch and $31 million in funding led by Sequoia -- one of the best-known venture capital firms in Silicon Valley -- Cantrell believes the Vector-R will quickly reach its goal of flying more than 100 times per year. Vector is in the final stages of negotiating its first customers.

"We're negotiating a flight manifest now and we have a number of contracts in place," Cantrell said. "We'll announce our first customer in about a month."

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The microsatellite industry is currently worth $2.92 billion, according to research firm MarketsandMarkets, and is expected to grow more than 20 percent annually to be worth more than $7.5 billion in 2022. Potential competitors in the sector include Rocket Lab, who has a launch site in New Zealand, and Virgin Orbit, who will begin testing its LauncherOne vehicle later this year.

WATCH: SpaceX is now worth $21 billion





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White House national security advisor H.R. McMaster speaks to reporters in the White House briefing room in Washington, U.S., May 16, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

Allies of White House chief strategist Steve Bannon intensified their battle against national security adviser H.R. McMaster this week as McMaster began asserting more control over the National Security Council and fired officials appointed by his immediate predecessor, Michael Flynn.

The dismissals of Ezra Cohen-Watnick, Rich Higgins, and Derek Harvey have exacerbated friction between McMaster and the White House's more nationalist wing, which is led by Bannon and has President Donald Trump's ear.

"There is a split in the White House between the Bannon camp of ideologues and the McMaster-Mattis-Tillerson camp of more centrist intellectuals," Pete Mansoor, a retired Army colonel who worked closely with McMaster, told Politico. "And this conflict is playing out in real time as the Trump administration tries to flesh out its foreign policy and national security policy."

John Kelly's recent move from homeland security secretary to White House chief of staff should ensure McMaster's independence and control over the NSC  for now.

But the nationalists may have a competitive advantage: Trump, who already thinks McMaster is a "pain" who talks too much and has complained to aides that he wants Flynn back at the White House, is reportedly considering sending McMaster to replace Gen. John Nicholson as the top commander of American and NATO troops in Afghanistan.

"What the nationalists are saying about McMaster: 'He wants to send more troops to Afghanistan, so we're going to send him,'" Axios' Mike Allen reported Thursday.

Donald Trump H.R. McMaster

Whether McMaster is ousted or not, efforts to undermine him both inside and outside the West Wing seem to be well underway.

McMaster has gone to bat for Trump in the past. He defended him to reporters after Trump disclosed Israeli intelligence to Russian diplomats in the Oval Office. And he said he "would not be concerned" if Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, had asked to set up a secret back-channel method of communication with Moscow during the transition period.

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Screen Shot 2017 08 04 at 11.04.49 AM

But right-wing media outlets like Breitbart have long harbored suspicions about McMaster, who persuaded Trump to stay away from the phrase "radical Islamic terrorism" in a speech to Middle Eastern leaders in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

Michael Warren, a writer for The Weekly Standard, told CNN on Friday that Bannon and his allies saw McMaster's sudden purge of Flynn appointees as an overt attempt to sabotage Trump's agenda.

Laura Ingraham, a conservative political commentator and Trump ally, on Thursday tweeted, "Obama holdovers at NSC or State Dept who are leaking [should] do real time for these leaks," and questioned why McMaster had "fired actual Trump supporters."

Since the firings, administration officials speaking anonymously to conservative-leaning news outlets have accused McMaster of being "anti-Israel" and opposing "everything the president wants to do."

One former NSC official told The Daily Caller that McMaster was a "sycophant" of retired Gen. David Petraeus. The official seemed to try to appeal directly to the president's ego, adding that he didn't understand why Trump was "allowing a guy who is subverting his foreign policy at every turn to remain in place."

On Thursday, a letter McMaster wrote to Susan Rice, a national security adviser during the Obama administration, allowing her to keep her security clearance was leaked to Circa  an outlet seen as friendly to Trump. Circa paired the letter, which immediately stirred outrage in far-right circles, with quotes from anonymous West Wing officials claiming it undermined the president's judgment.

"What is this? Does H.R. McMaster need to go? Susan Rice? Omg," Sean Hannity, a Trump ally and Fox News host who dined with the president last week, tweeted on Thursday.

"H.R. McMaster is a Deep State Plant who Opposes the Trump Agenda," tweeted Mike Cernovich, a prominent far-right provocateur who describes himself as an "American nationalist."

Cernovich set up a website this week called McMaster Leaks, on which he alleged the general had "been leaking information to David Petraeus and has had direct contact with George Soros," a billionaire, left-leaning philanthropist and frequent bogeyman of the far right.

"America needs Rich Higgins in office, not HR McMaster," tweeted Frank Gaffney, the president of the Center for Security Policy, a far-right think tank. He added that if McMaster weren't "fired for sabotaging" Trump's agenda, "it will be the McMaster administration."

"Why is Gen McMaster making decisions without even informing Gen Kelly?" tweeted Jack Posobiec, a far-right internet activist and pro-Trump conspiracy theorist. "Is this proper chain of command?"

Twitter accounts that have been linked to Russian influence operations have jumped on the anti-McMaster bandwagon, too, using hashtags like #FireMcMaster and #deepstate, according to a newly launched website that aims to track Russian propaganda efforts in real time.

On Friday, the top and trending websites the accounts were sharing were the Circa story about McMaster letting Rice keep her security clearance. Shares of a Breitbart story titled "NSC Purge: McMaster 'Deeply Hostile to Israel and to Trump'" have increased by 2,300% since Wednesday, according to the site, and "clearance," "McMaster," and "Susan Rice" were among the top and trending topics.

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Kyodo via REUTERS. There doesn't appear to be any military mobilization in North Korea that might indicate widespread preparations for war, experts said Thursday.

Amid the rising threat from North Korea, support from politicians is building for more spending on U.S. missile defense  and not just ground systems but adding a space-based intercept layer.

"You have both lawmakers and the Pentagon taking a hard look at the issue," said Cowen defense analyst Roman Schweizer.

A measure in the Senate has more than two dozen co-sponsors and would upgrade the current ground-based interceptor system used to protect the homeland and also order concept work on a space-based sensor layer that can track missile threats.

Another plan, by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, calls for a space-based interceptor system to defeat the nuclear threat from North Korea.

On Friday, North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile that some experts believe could put half, if not most, of the continental U.S. at risk. And there have been reports this week the regime may be close to conducting its sixth nuclear test.

Experts believe Iran could have an ICBM capability similar to North Korea within a few years, as just last week it demonstrated a capability to successfully launch missiles as well as satellite-carrying rockets that some see as a precursor to long-range ballistic missile weapon capability.

"You can't help but read the newspaper and see what North Korea is doing ... and ask are we postured well enough and will we remain sufficiently defended into the coming years should North Korea enter into serial production of these things," said Thomas Karako, senior fellow with the International Security Program and director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

The Senate version of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, a bill setting policy and a roadmap for defense spending for the next fiscal year, does include a recommendation that the Pentagon increase the homeland-focused Ground-based Midcourse Defense system.

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"Congress could decide to act more forcefully over the next few weeks or months as we head into the fall," said Schweizer.

A $696 billion NDAA passed by the full House last month requires the Pentagon to start developing "a space-based sensor layer for ballistic missile defense." The full Senate has yet to vote on the NDAA.

A major hurdle still remains: how to fund some of the next-generation missile defense plans, particularly space-based sensors or space-based interceptor carrier satellites. A report from the National Academy of Sciences in 2012 forecast the cost of a space-based missile defense could approach a whopping $300 billion, or about 10 times as much as other alternatives.

On the Senate side, Republican Dan Sullivan of Alaska, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is leading the bipartisan effort to potentially more than double the number of anti-ballistic missile interceptors in the nation's current GMD system.

Sullivan's measure, known as the Advancing America's Missile Defense Act, would authorize development of improved kill vehicles that intercept the warheads in space and order concept work on a space-based sensor layer that can track threats. Also, it requires evaluation and cost analysis of a transportable ground-based interceptor and the identification of sites, including in the eastern U.S., as well as an accelerated pace of missile defense testing.

The Sullivan legislation has at least 27 Senate co-sponsors, according to the senator's office.

The U.S. hopes to have a fleet of 44 ground-based interceptors on the GMD by the end of the calendar year (most in Alaska but a handful in California). That's up from 36 interceptors today, and Sullivan's plan would add 28 more interceptors and stockpile another 14 more. That would require the military to plan to have up to 100 interceptors spread across the U.S.

The ground-based interceptor missiles are believed to run $70 million to $100 million apiece, meaning if the Pentagon does end up doubling the size of the program and expanding it beyond California and Alaska, it could provide a meaningful boost to the bottom line of Boeing (NYSE: BA), the prime contractor on the GMD. Also, it would be good news for Raytheon (NYSE: RTN), maker of the "kill vehicle" and two other major GMD program contractors, Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) and Orbital ATK (: OA'WI).

The development and sustainment contract on the current Boeing-led GMD program is scheduled to end in December 2018. That said, Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves, director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, told CNBC the agency plans "to extend key portions of the contract" that will allow completion of a redesigned kill vehicle and integration of the radar.

The extension of the GMD program means Boeing will continue doing work as prime contractor through around the mid-2020s, but then MDA wants three smaller competitions to eventually move into one contract for system engineering and testing, another for maintenance and sustainment of the existing fleet, and a third contract for what the agency calls an "all up round," or new ground-based interceptor development and production.

Greaves said splitting up the contracts on the follow-on GMD "allows for the flexible development of the next-generation of homeland missile defense capabilities."

At the same time, Cruz, the former GOP presidential hopeful, wrote in an op-ed in Tuesday's Washington Post that the U.S. needs a space-based interceptor system to defeat the nuclear threat from North Korea. In 2009, the Bush administration advocated a space "test bed" of interceptors as a defensive layer but it ultimately was rejected.

During the mid-1980s under President Ronald Reagan, there was a Strategic Defense Initiative commonly referred to as "Star Wars." It was eventually abandoned, but not before the U.S. spent more than $30 billion. Clearly, the program would still have a significant cost but there's much more knowledge today that could potentially reduce the risk that the system won't provide sufficient protection.

"We must take missile defense into space," wrote Cruz. "Only with a serious space-based capability can we target missiles in their boost phase and maximize discrimination of decoys during midcourse flight."

North Korea is expected to ramp up its ICBM development program, including incorporating the use of "decoys and other penetration aids to defeat missile defense," according to a blog posting Tuesday by John Schilling, a missile expert at 38 North, a program of the U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington.

Playing out in the background of these proposals, though, is the recognition that we may be in the early days of a race centered around space-based ballistic missile defenses.

"While ground-based radars will remain a critical part of the missile defense architecture, we're going to have to go to space," said Karako. "This has been a refrain for a long time  and this is frankly the time to do it. The last five administrations have had a space-based sensor layer as a critical part of our long-range missile defense architecture on paper. But none of them have actually fielded it."

Advanced space-based sensors could provide defense not only against ballistic missiles but against other weapons such as long-range hypersonic strike vehicles now in development by the Russians and Chinese. Russia's Tass News agency quoted a defense ministry official recently as saying the country hopes to have hypersonic weapons in its arsenal as early as 2020.

Demonstration satellites have revealed in tests the "extraordinary capability" of space-based sensors, according to Karako.

"The technology has evolved, the threat has evolved, and the utility of space has always been there, but it is even more acute now," he said.





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office party costumes happy employees

 The average 401(k) account balance in the US is nearing six-figures for the first time.

 Stock market gains accounted for 72% of the rise.

 Still, Americans are contributing only one-third of the maximum annual contribution limit.

If you regularly contribute money to a retirement account, there's a good chance you're crushing it right now.

According to second-quarter data from Fidelity Investments, Americans' 401(k) and IRA balances have hit record-highs, averaging $97,700 and $100,200, respectively, as of June 30, Bloomberg reports.

According to Fidelity's data  which covers 15.1 million 401(k) plans from 22,155 companies, and 8.8 million IRA accounts  stock market gains accounted for 72% of the rise in retirement account balances.

Participant contributions, which rose by 4% in the last year to an average of $5,850, and employer matches accounted for the rest. While impressive, the maximum annual contribution limit to a 401(k) is more than three times that amount, at $18,000.

Strong market performance is to thank for a boost to retirement accounts of late, but it's no indication the trend will continue.

Ninety-five percent of workers are contributing to a 401(k), likely thanks to auto-enrollment, which starts contributions at 3% of an employee's pre-tax salary. That's fine to start, but workers need to periodically increase that rate as they approach retirement, and perhaps most importantly, to take advantage of one of the greatest benefits of employer-sponsored 401(k)s: the company match.

Fidelity found 21% of employees aren't contributing enough of their pre-tax salary to qualify for their company's contribution match, which averages 4.5%. Thankfully for many, it won't take much to get there. About half of plan participants are just 1 to 2 percentage points below that threshold.

[Money Basics: How a 401(k) works]

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Workers with 10 consecutive years in the same 401(k) also experienced a record quarter, with an average balance around $266,000. Market performance accounts for more than half of these 10-year gains, while the other half came from employee contributions and company matches, proving that consistent savings is the best strategy.

While impressive, it still may not be enough. There's a simple way to calculate how much you need to save to live on your desired annual income through retirement, and though it seems like a good nest egg, a low six-figure sum won't do the trick for most.

If you have $266,000 saved up and withdraw the recommended 4% per year, you're left with an annual income of $10,640, or $886 a month. Add that to the $1,360 average social security payout and that's just under $2,250 a month in retirement income.

amount needed to save for retirement based on desired income

Using savings strategies like the 'starve and stack' method in your 20s can make a significant difference in your future retirement account balances.

Regardless of when you start saving, the good news is it's not 'either or' when it comes to the two most common retirement savings accounts. It's 'both and'. Retirement tax savings fall into two categories: save now (traditional), or save later (Roth). Whichever category you choose, you'll still be able to max out one of each type of account  a 401(k) and an IRA.

If you're really flush  congrats, by the way  you can set aside $18,000 in your 401(k) this year and another $5,500 in an IRA. That's a grand total of $23,500 that you can invest while saving on taxes at the same time.

Once you're funneling $23,500 toward your retirement accounts, don't forget to invest it. A target-date fund can be a good option if the stock market intimidates, overwhelms, or bores you. The more you save and invest now, the sooner you can cash in on your hard work.

Additional reporting by Lauren Lyons Cole.

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Multiple news outlets report that motorcyclist and Instagram star Olga Pronina, sometimes referred to as the "sexiest motorcyclist," died when she crashed her BMW S1000RR into a guardrail in Vladivostock, Russia. According to the Mirror, she had more than 160,000 followers on her Instagram.



Using the name Monika9422, Pronina would post videos of her motorcycle-riding exploits and stunts, some of which were sexually suggestive, including one in a short blue dress that the New York Daily News says was the last video she posted. Although Pronina's Instagram account has since been deactivated, that particular video has been reposted to YouTube by user Zvjezdan 93, and can be viewed here. Another video demonstrating her stunt riding was uploaded by LucioSP11 and is featured above. Many duplicate accounts with variations on her screen name have been created and filled with old photos of her, and people are sharing images of her with the hashtag #monika9422.



The New York Post says Pronina was 40 years old and worked as a hairdresser. The Mirror reports that she may have left behind a 16-year-old daughter.



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SNAP IPO 15

Snap's stock is rising after Business Insider's Alex Heath reported that Google offered to buy the company for at least $30 billion last year.

Shares of Snap are up 1.74% after the report, bring the company back from Thursday's record low near $12. Snap is trading at about $12.87 after the report.

According to the report, Google offered to buy Snap just before the company raised money for its Series F funding round that valued the company at $20 billion. The $30 billion offer is potentially still on the table, according to one source.

Earlier this year, Snap sought a valuation of $24 billion in its initial public offering. The company was quickly disappointed as the stock has been mired in an almost a constant downward slide since IPOing at $17 a share. Investors are worried about how the company is stacking up against the competition.

Rumors of a larger company buying Snap are not new. Investors have been calling for management to sell for a while. Investors believed Facebook and Google were the most likely suitors, but a frosty relationship between Evan Spiegel and Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg has nearly ruled out that possibility, according to Heath. Spiegel turned down a previous offer from Zuckerberg.

Alphabet's executive chairman Eric Schmidt and Spiegel are reportedly close. Schmidt was an early advisor to Spiegel and the relationship between the two has remained positive.

Heath says an acquisition by Google would make sense, as the company has previously tried to start a social network.

Snap's Spiegel is reported to be very independent, and against being bought.

The market value of Snap after the jump sits around $15.2 billion, which means Google's potential offer would be about double what the company is currently worth.

Snap

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Stocks (^DJI, ^GSPC, ^IXIC) dropping on reports special prosecutor Mueller impanels a grand jury in his Russia investigation. Plus- Ubers not standing pat. Why trucking could be big business for the ride-hailing king. And, Amazons tackled everything from groceries, to home assistants and business services. Why its next move is even more audacious. Plus a look ahead to everything you need to know about tomorrow, when well get the big one, the jobs report. Catch The Final Round at 4 p.m. with Justine Underhill and Yahoo Finance markets correspondent Myles Udland.

Winners and losers

Stocks in the green today include Fitbit as the wearable makers loss was less than expected with sales topping estimates; Lending Club as Oppenheimer upgraded the stock to outperform claiming its too compelling an opportunity; and Tesla, with shares revving higher and burning shorts as the carmakers loss was less than expected and it reported more than 1,800 daily reservations for the Model 3.

Meanwhile stocks in the red today include Teva Pharmaceuticals as earnings were hurt by a weak US generics business; Avon Products as the cosmetics maker reported a surprise loss and announced its CEO will be departing; and Sturm Ruger, with shares of the gunmaker getting hit after it missed badly on quarterly revenue and profit.

Why Amazons next target could be media

Weve got books, groceries, home assistant devices, cloud storage  Whats left for Amazon to conquer? It might be media. Yahoo Finances Dan Roberts joins us now.
Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett holds a 25 pound box of See's peanut brittle, one of his favorites, before his company's annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska April 30, 2011. See's Candies is a BH company. REUTERS/Rick Wilking (Reuters)

By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - A U.S. judge has dismissed a proposed class action lawsuit claiming that See's Candies, a unit of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc, sold Valentine's Day chocolates that were mislabeled as kosher.

Though See's admitted to a printing error, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen in San Francisco said the lawsuit by New Jersey resident Avi Weiss did not belong in federal court because he did not show damages exceeding the required $5 million minimum.

Chen issued his decision on Thursday. Lawyers for Weiss did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday. Neil Popovic, a lawyer for See's, declined to comment.

In his February 2016 complaint, Weiss said he had bought See's Classic Red Heart Assorted Chocolates in its shop in Los Angeles, believing they were kosher. A shelf card had been printed with the "KSA" symbol of Kosher Supervision of America, which is often used to designate food as kosher.

Weiss sued on behalf of "thousands" of shoppers who overpaid for or would not have bought the See's candies if they knew they were not kosher. He accused See's of violating California consumer protection and false advertising laws.

The judge said that even if See's sold plenty of kosher candy, only mislabeled products were relevant to determining whether he had jurisdiction, and the evidence suggested that only an "extremely small" percentage was mislabeled.

Chen also noted that See's had disclosed the results of an internal review into whether it had broader mislabeling problems, but Weiss did not fully investigate whether such problems could get him over the $5 million threshold.

In light of that failure, Chen dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again.

See's is based in South San Francisco, California. It has apologized for the printing error, and offered refunds.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
This image made from video of a news bulletin aired by North Korea's KRT on Tuesday, July 4, 2017, shows what was said to be the preparation of the launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile, ICBM, in North Korea's northwest. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this photo. North Korea claimed to have tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile in a launch Tuesday, a potential game-changing development in its push to militarily challenge Washington  but a declaration that conflicts with earlier South Korean and U.S. assessments that it had an intermediate range

The US doesnt have the information it needs to stop an attack by North Korea. But it knows where to get it, thanks to a small unit within the Department of Defense that works like a Silicon Valley investment firm.

North Koreas recent ICBM test has analysts convinced that it can strike the US, possibly with a nuclear weapon. The US cant reliably spot missiles before they launch, and North Koreas use of mobile launchers makes it even harder. Spotting these mobile launchers in a timely fashion could allow the US to launch preemptive strikes, a plan known as Kill Chain, or evacuate threatened cities in time.

The only way to guarantee this kind of vision is to use space-based radar systems with enough satellites to provide blanket surveillance of the Korean peninsula. Satellites that take visual images can be confounded by the weather, and radar from planes and ground stations lacks the range and consistency.

The problem has always been money. In 2007, the Congressional Budget Office evaluated the costs (pdf) of various space radar systems with observing North Korea in mind. The cheapest option weighed in at $27 billion; the most expensive, $94 billion. Predictably, lawmakers refused.

But imminent threats tend to focus the congressional mind. Andrew Hunter, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who has worked in defense procurement at the Pentagon and in Congress, recalls that when troops in Iraq started falling victim to improvised explosive devices, Congress and the Defense Departments leadership said, Oh yeah, were willing to spend tens of billions of dollars to protect our troops from this threat. Five years before, the decision was not to devote any resources to meet this threat. People were aware that it was out there; what changed was their understanding of the odds that of it happening. The odds of North Korean launch against the United States are much higher than we would like them be.

Story continues

On a traditional satellite procurement schedule, it could take five years to get the birds in orbit if the money were approved now. But a vibrant new space industry is springing up as trends in cheap, powerful electronics and batteries converge with ambitious business plans funded by US venture capitalists.

Non-governmental organizations have already used commercial satellite data from companies like Planet to monitor North Koreas weapons programs. Planet launched its first test satellites in 2013; today, it operates 190 satellites, the largest commercial constellation in the world, and is well on the way to imaging the entire earth daily.

Tapping into this zeitgeist to surveil North Korea is the job of the Defense Innovation Unit, Experimental, or DIUx.

The organization isnt quite a government-backed venture capitalist (thats In-Q-Tel, the CIAs venture-capital arm) but more like a friendly face for entrepreneurs with exciting technology who are daunted by the thicket of rules and regulations that come with working with the federal government. The office of about 50 staff concludes development contracts with young companies, giving them funding in exchange for their work on new technology, with the possibility for a full-fledged contract down the line. The model is similar to the public-private partnerships NASA used to fund SpaceX and OrbitalATK.

To tackle the North Korean threat, DIUx began by contracting with Orbital Insight in February 2017. The start-up, which is dedicated to turning advances in machine learning to the massive and growing accumulation of satellite imagery, will build tools for the government that can analyze images in real time.

Then, in March, DIUx signed a contract with Capella Space, which was founded by former government engineers, to develop a constellation of small radar satellites. These will use Synthetic Aperture Radar or SAR, which builds up high-resolution images by making repeated passes over the same spot. Capellas CEO, Payam Banazadeh, told me in January that he expected to launch the first satellite of an expected 30 this year.

Some very, very smart people that we respect highly in a variety of branches of the Department of Defense and intelligence community concluded that a) Capellas technology was superior to anything on the market or that would be in the market and that b) it was ideal for that impressive technology to be operational in as many satellites as possible, as soon as possible, says Matt Ocko, a partner at DCVC, Capellas primary financial backer. Capella, like most earth-imaging companies, already envisioned doing business with the government, and Ocko says the DIUx contract accelerated these plans.

All this makes DIUxs sequence of investments look a lot like the journey down the value chain weve seen Silicon Valley investors follow. It invested first in a software company working to better analyze existing satellite data. That led it to a satellite operator with plans to gather better, more frequent, or different data. In turn, that will lead it to work on improving the satellite launch business: Its next investment will be in a US company developing a new breed of launch vehicles that are purpose built to deliver smaller payloads at a much smaller cost, said a Defense Department spokesman in a statement.

Which company might that be? There are only a few obvious candidates. One, Vector Space, raised $21 million in a July investment round to develop its small rocket after a successful test flight earlier this summer. The round was led by Sequoia, a venture-capital firm that is also an investor in Orbital Insight. Bill Coughran, a partner at Sequoia, says he thinks the government is also seeing value in these near-earth-orbit kind of small satellites, as opposed to some of the mega-satellites theyve traditionally deployed.

Another potential target is Rocket Lab, a US-New Zealand small-rocket firm. It too had its first test launch this summer and raised more than $75 million this year in a round led by DCVC, the Capella Space funder. You may notice that we are also investors in a space access company, able to launch on very short notice, very inexpensively, Ocko says. We are hopeful but not requiring that our companies make beautiful music together.

There are concerns that DIUx, a program that began under the Obama administration, might face turf wars with other government agencies as well as opposition from lawmakers who dont like government intervention in the economy. Congress delayed some of its funding this year while asking for more information on what DIUx has got in return for its $71 million of investments so far. But the threat of North Korean missiles, and the lack of any other real capability to detect them, may leave the US with few other options.

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Afghan officials say at least five security troops have been killed in a Taliban militant attack on a money-exchange market in the southern province of Helmand.

Authorities said at least three gunmen attacked the market and engaged security forces in the Gereshk district early on August 4.

A Taliban spokesman took responsibility for the attack, saying the target was a security-forces base and government buildings. The district governor's building was near the site of the attack.

The Gereshk district has seen considerable fighting over the last several weeks. A U.S. air strike on July 21 mistakenly killed 16 people and wounded two Afghan soldiers in the district.

The Taliban controls most of Helmand Province and regularly launches attacks in neighboring Uruzgan and Kandahar provinces.

Based on reporting by dpa and Al-Jazeera
TORONTO, Aug. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teranga Gold Corporation ("Teranga" or the "Company") (TSX:TGZ) (ASX:TGZ) announces that the Australian Securities Exchange (the "ASX") has approved its request for the removal of the Company from the official list of the ASX ("Official List") under ASX Listing Rule 17.11 as follows:



DECISION

1. Based solely on the information provided, ASX Limited (ASX) resolves to remove Teranga Gold Corporation (the Company) from the official list of ASX Limited (ASX) pursuant to listing rule 17.11, on 14 September 2017 or such other date to be decided by ASX in consultation with the Company, subject to compliance with the following conditions:



1.1. The Company sends written or electronic communication to all security holders whose securities are held on the Companys Australian register, in form and substance satisfactory to ASX, setting out:



1.1.1. the nominated time and date at which the entity will be removed from the ASX official list and that;



a) if they wish to sell their securities on ASX, they will need to do so before then; and



b) if they dont, thereafter they will only be able to sell the underlying securities on-market on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX);



1.1.2. generally what they will need to do if they wish to sell their securities on TSX; and



1.1.3. specifically, if their securities are traded on ASX in the form of CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs):



a) the steps they must take to convert their CDIs to the underlying securities before they are able to sell them on the other exchange or exchanges where the

entity is listed; and



b) the steps that will be taken by the CHESS Depositary Nominee if they do not convert their CDIs to the underlying securities by a nominated date.



1.2. The removal shall not take place any earlier than one month after the date the information in Resolution 1.1 has been sent to security holders;



1.3. The Company releases the full terms of this decision to the market;



2. ASX has considered listing rule 17.11 only and makes no statement as to the Companys compliance with other listing rules.

A letter was mailed to each holder of CHESS Depositary Interests ("CDIs") which provides specific instructions and details regarding the options available to them relating to their CDIs under the delisting process.

The Company is currently listed on two securities exchanges  the ASX and the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"). Following the expected delisting from the Official List of the ASX on September 14, 2017, Teranga will be removed from the Official List and its CDIs will no longer be tradeable on the ASX. The Companys common shares ("Shares") will continue to be listed on the TSX.

About Teranga

Teranga is a multi-jurisdictional West African gold company focused on production and development as well as the exploration of more than 5,000km2 of land located on prospective gold belts. Since its initial public offering in 2010, Teranga has produced more than 1.2 million ounces of gold from its operations in Senegal, which as of June 30, 2017 had a reserve base of 2.7 million ounces of gold. Focused on diversification and growth, the Company is advancing its Banfora development project and conducting extensive exploration programs in three countries: Senegal, Burkina Faso and Cote dIvoire. Teranga has a strong balance sheet and the financial flexibility to grow its business.

Steadfast in its commitment to set the benchmark for responsible mining, Teranga operates in accordance with the highest international standards and aims to act as a catalyst for sustainable economic, environmental, and community development as it strives to create value for all of its stakeholders. Teranga is a member of the United Nations Global Compact and a leading member of the multi-stakeholder group responsible for the submission of the first Senegalese Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative revenue report. The Company's responsibility report, is available at www.terangagold.com/responsibilityreport and is prepared in accordance with its commitments under the United Nations Global Compact and in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines.
ACCRA, Ghana, Aug. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TCs Energy Limited announces that it has entered into a binding commitment letter with TCs Energy Limited under the Mesa Fund 1, a global opportunity fund that is managed by Milost Global Inc. This is for the previously announced $2 billion financing facility with Milost.



Anthony Opoku, President & CEO of TCs Energy Limited, stated, This is a great day in Ghana and Africa at large. We are on the verge of executing the biggest Tidal energy project in Ghana and Africa. I really appreciate the effort of the various parties involved in structuring this deal. My deepest gratitude goes to Milost Global for supporting the vision of TCs Energy.

President & CEO of Milost Global, Egerton Forster, stated, "Milost is delighted for partnering in such a great project; we believe that this is the most relevant and opportune moment for Foreign Direct Investments to scale up their blows towards Ghana. As we have started this move, we will continue to seek opportunities as such within Ghana and outside. We commend TCs Energy team for such a great move to help the economy of Ghana. It is time to cut all the nonsense, this is time for Africa; we know for a fact that many will follow suit as we begin our journey to invest in one of the worlds all time mineral resources producers."

PROJECT INFORMATION

TCs Energy Limited has signed a 20 year Power Purchase Agreement with the government of Ghana through the governments electricity utility company, Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG). According to the PPA, the government will purchase a total of 1000 MW of electricity from TCs Energy Limited for a period of 20 years and this will translate into $950 million of annual revenues for TCs which values the contract at $17 billion. Milost has committed to fund all the costs of moving the project from pilot to full production of 1000 MW in return for equity in the company.

Mandla J. Gwadiso, the Chief Investment Officer of Milost Global Inc, also stated, Electricity is central to any economic development undertaking, as we all know that businesses cant operate without electricity and people in this age cant live without it. It is therefore on such basis that Milost is investing in TCs Energy. Our aim is to invest in the base foundations of economic development and therefore open doors for other investors to enter a market with a proven foundation and potential for growth. After all, Africa is still young and we believe in investing in the shaping of what a baby could become and in that respect, we attract more partnerships that could grow Africa and give it the platform that makes America great. For success to be achieved, faith, strong partnerships, resilience, patience, ambition and a will to become are the fundamental characteristics for any contrarian investor. This is just the beginning of our footing into Ghana and Africa and however long it takes, we are sure to endure the ride."

Vice-President of Africa operations at Palewater Advisory Group Inc, Sandile Magubane, from Palewaters Johannesburg office had this to say, I thank Anthony Opoku for hiring our firm to advise on this transaction and this is the largest transaction that Palewater has advised on in Africa in its 3 months presence in the continent and we are looking forward to see this project in full operation soon. It is visionaries like Mr. Opoku that keep us on our toes and we hope to get more mandates of this magnitude in the future as we seek to help and advise governments, corporations and entrepreneurs in Africa to become great. We do this by structuring and modelling transactions in a matter that makes sense to our investment network in Wall Street. We also thank MB Africa Investments in Africa and Bridgewater Advisory LLC in Ghana for their assistance and partnership in this transaction."

About TCs Energy Limited

TCs Energy Limited, established in 2013, is a Ghanaian Limited Liability Company. It is a Ghanaian Independent Power Producer seeking to generate 1,000 megawatts per hour (MW/H) of electricity from sea waves, in the Gulf of Guinea. The objective of TCs Energy is to introduce wave power as a sustainable alternative of generating electricity to meet Ghanas medium to long-term power challenges. The sea waves energy park to be put up at Ada (a suburb of the Greater Accra Region) has successfully completed its piloting programme and is currently about to add on capacity to start generating in commercial scale. It is the vision of TCs Energy to be the key leader in production and distribution of bulk electricity to feed the national grid of Ghana, Africa and beyond. www.tcenergy-gh.com

About Milost Global Inc

Milost Global Inc is an American Private Equity firm that is headquartered in New York City, with more than $25 billion in committed capital. Milost is at the intersection of creative investing and value creation. Milost is also a provider of alternative capital, mezzanine finance, and alternative lending to a broad range of industries across the globe including Technology, Transport, Cannabis, Education, Distribution, Mining, Oil & Gas, Financial Services, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Real Estate, Alternative Energy and Infrastructure Development. www.milostglobal.com

About Palewater Advisory Group Inc.

Palewater Advisory Group is a multinational corporate and public affairs advisory firm with headquarters in New York. We specialise in cross-border and M&A transactions, financing, public affairs, political campaign capital raising and strategy. Collectively as the team, we have had an excellent track record with more than 1000 references in our line of advisory work. We have a robust and yet solid network of contacts with specific focus on certain core industries, investment and banking communities. Our directors, leaders, professionals, and senior advisors collectively provide access to senior industrial, political, economic, government and financial decision makers throughout the world.

We provide individual and personal advice and react swiftly to our clients needs, while always providing direct access to the team, including the partners involved. As a professional services firm, we provide the best possible advice based on confidentiality and total discretion. We are committed to the principles of integrity and client service, and operate free from any conflict of interest. www.palewateradvisory.com
RenukaD wrote:

Neuroscientists, having amassed a wealth of knowledge over the past twenty years about the brain and its development from birth to adulthood, are now drawing solid conclusions about how the human brain grows and how babies acquire language.





(A) Neuroscientists, having amassed a wealth of knowledge over the past twenty years about the human brain and its development from birth to adulthood, are



(B) Neuroscientists, having amassed a wealth of knowledge about the brain and its development from birth to adulthood over the past twenty years, and are



(C) Neuroscientists amassing a wealth of knowledge about the brain and its development from birth to adulthood over the past twenty years, and are



(D) Neuroscientists have amassed a wealth of knowledge over past twenty years about the brain and its development from birth to adulthood,



(E) Neuroscientists have amassed, over the past twenty years, a wealth of knowledge about the brain and its development from birth to adulthood,





Meaning is crucial to solving this problem:

Concepts tested here: Meaning + Grammatical Construction

A:

Correct.

over the past twenty years

undergoes

as a separate action

B:

unspecified amount of time

underwent

specifically

over the past twenty years

undergoes

C:

unspecified amount of time

underwent

specifically

over the past twenty years

undergoes

D:

as a result

as a separate action

E:

as a result

as a separate action

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 meaning of this sentence is that neuroscientists are now drawing solid conclusions about how the human brain grows and how babies acquire language, and over the past twenty years they have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the human brain and its development from birth to adulthood. The introduction of the present participle ("verb+ing"- drawing in this case) after comma generally leads to a cause-effect relationship.This answer choice acts upon the subject - "Neuroscientists" - with the independent verb "are now drawing" to form a complete thought, leading to a complete sentence. Further, Option A uses the phrases "having amassed a wealth of knowledge over the past twenty years" and "are now drawing", conveying the intended meaning - that, neuroscientists have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the development the human brainfrom birth to adulthood, and, they are now drawing solid conclusions about how the human brain grows and how babies acquire language.This answer choice fails to form a complete sentence; "having amassed" is part of a modifying phrase, and "are now drawing" is part of a dependent clause, meaning there is no independent verb to act upon the subject - "Neuroscientists". Further, Option B alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "development from birth to adulthood over the past twenty years"; the construction of this phrase incorrectly implies that over anneuroscientists have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the development the human brainover the past twenty years,, from birth to adulthood; the intended meaning is that, neuroscientists have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the development the human brainfrom birth to adulthood.This answer choice fails to form a complete sentence; "amassing" is a present participle acting as a noun modifier, and "are now drawing" is part of a dependent clause, meaning there is no independent verb to act upon the subject - "Neuroscientists". Further, Option C alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "development from birth to adulthood over the past twenty years"; the construction of this phrase incorrectly implies that over anneuroscientists have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the development the human brainover the past twenty years,, from birth to adulthood; the intended meaning is that, neuroscientists have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the development the human brainfrom birth to adulthood.The sentence formed by this answer choice alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "now drawing solid conclusions"; the use of the "comma + present participle ("verb+ing" - "drawing" in this sentence)" construction incorrectly implies that over the past twenty years, neuroscientists have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the human brain and its development from birth to adulthood, and, they are now drawing solid conclusions about how the human brain grows and how babies acquire language; the intended meaning is that neuroscientists are now drawing solid conclusions about how the human brain grows and how babies acquire language, and,, over the past twenty years they have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the human brain and its development from birth to adulthood; remember, the introduction of the present participle ("verb+ing"- drawing in this case) after comma generally leads to a cause-effect relationship.The sentence formed by this answer choice alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "now drawing solid conclusions"; the use of the "comma + present participle ("verb+ing" - "drawing" in this sentence)" construction incorrectly implies that over the past twenty years, neuroscientists have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the human brain and its development from birth to adulthood, and, they are now drawing solid conclusions about how the human brain grows and how babies acquire language; the intended meaning is that neuroscientists are now drawing solid conclusions about how the human brain grows and how babies acquire language, and,, over the past twenty years they have amassed a wealth of knowledge about the human brain and its development from birth to adulthood; remember, the introduction of the present participle ("verb+ing"- drawing in this case) after comma generally leads to a cause-effect relationship.To understand the concept of "Comma + Present Participle for Cause-Effect Relationship" on GMAT, you may want to watch the following video (~3 minutes):All the best!Team_________________
There have been several cases of abandoned children across the country, at times they are abandoned because parents do not have the means to take care of them or because of superstitious believes that the child is cursed. Some are products of unwanted pregnancies.

Some children have been lucky to be rescued by good Samaritans, motherless babies homes and charity organisations like Land of Hope that has rescued so many abandoned children in Nigeria.

Another Nigerian child identified simply has Solomon has been rescued by Land of Hope Danish aid worker Anja Ringgren Loven.

According to Loven, the little boy who was found sick has been diagnosed of malnutrition and sepsis.

Danish care worker rescues another Nigerian boy Photo Source: Anja Ringgren Loven

READ ALSO: After being abandoned little boy Hope shows his dancing skills

In a post shared on her Facebook page, she noted that he is currently being treated with antibiotics and more medical investigations have been done.

She explained that Solomon is currently at the hospital awaiting the result from his tests with a nurse from the organisation.

PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App

Loven expressed that once the little boy gets better she would make sure he has a happy life full of hope, adding that he would also start school.

Read her post below:

Meanwhile, Olajumoke the bread seller shares story of her life before fame below:

Source: Legit.ng
As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ
1 A plane drops flame retardant to put out a fire in Rigaud, France, just north of Nice. France has been battling for several weeks huge fires near beaches on the Cote d'Azur that are popular with tourists, forcing the evacuation of people in the area.


A group of Cambodian girls will compete for the first time in an international technology competition in California's Silicon Valley.

The girls are between the ages of 11 and 12. They created a mobile app that was selected out of more than 1,000 entries as a finalist for the competition.

The competition is called the Technovation World Pitch Summit. It takes place at the headquarters of Google in Mountainview, California from August 7 to 11.

The girls created an app called the Cambodia Identity Product. It promotes traditional Khmer products.

Khmer refers to people, languages, or culture from Cambodia.

The Technovation challenge is a global competition, created by the non-profit group Iridescent. The group aims to raise interest in what are called STEM subjects among girls between the ages of 10 and 18 around the world. STEM subjects are the fields of science, technology engineering and mathematics.

This year the competition selected 12 finalist teams. Six teams will compete in the junior category, which includes the Cambodian team. They will compete against teams from India, Canada, the United States and Hong Kong.

To prepare for the competition, the teams took part in a 12-week training course in coding and entrepreneurship. They then had to create an app that addresses at least one of the areas covered by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Proud of their hard work

The girls are students at the Ligar Learning Center near Phnom Pehn. It is a school operated by a non-governmental organization for promising students who cannot pay for a good education.

According to Tes Putthira, the Cambodian teams mentor, the Cambodian girls 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.

She also said the school was very excited that the girls had succeeded up to this point. She said, "We will do our best to support them into the finals."

The girls app will promote traditional Khmer products such as clothes, hats and souvenirs. This will help bring money to craftspeople, who would be able to sell their products directly to customers, and internationally.

Role models for other girls

The Technovation project first began in the country in 2014. It is organized by USAID in partnership with Cambodias education ministry, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

Sotie Heidt, the wife of the current ambassador to Cambodia, visited the Ligar Learning Center. She 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 this years Technovation can expect to receive a total of $145,000 in award money.

Putthira hopes that with their strong support at home, the Cambodian team can win the competition. However, she says that, no matter what the outcome, the girls will be examples for other Cambodian girls interested in technology.

Im Phil Dierking

Sophat Soeung wrote this story for VOA News. Phil Dierking adapted his report for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

Are you interested in science and technology? Have you ever created and app? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

app - n. a computer program that performs a special function

capable - adj. having the qualities or abilities that are needed to do something

coding - v. to change (information) into a set of letters, numbers, or symbols that can be read by a computer

entrepreneurship - n. the activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.

entries - n. people or things that have entered something
This is Whats Trending Today.

Does this job sound like it might be for you?

Planetary Protection Officer, NASA.

The job opening was announced by the United States space agency, NASA.

The Washington Post called the job title one of the greatest ever conceived.

If you think this job seems just right for action movie stars like Bruce Willis in Armageddon or Will Smith in Men in Black or Independence Day, you are not alone.

The announcement says the job pays up to $187,000 yearly. It is getting a lot of attention on social media this week.

One person wondered if the job comes with a cape like a superhero would wear.

But before you start practicing your fighting skills, take a closer look at the description of the job:

Planetary protection is concerned with the avoidance ofbiological contamination in human and robotic space exploration.

This means the person who gets this job will be in charge of making sure Earth organisms are not accidentally taken to other planets. He or she will also be responsible for making sure samples collected on other planets are kept safe when they make it back to Earth.

NASA saw the job listing was getting a lot of attention, so it posted a video from Catharine Conley, the current officer.

The video explained the job by comparing what happens on Earth when non-native species are brought to a new continent.

When plants, fish, insects and other animals come to an area where they have no natural predators, they can kill native plants, eat other animals and damage crops.

NASA is concerned that might happen if a space vehicle brings something from Earth to another planet.

Conley is a biologist. So if your science background is not strong, you might not be a good fit for the job.



She has not yet said if she will re-apply for the job.

If you still think you might be a good fit for the job, keep one other thing in mind: you must be a U.S. citizen.

And thats Whats Trending Today.

Im Anna Mateo.

Dan Friedell wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on reports by Popular Mechanics and the Washington Post. Mario Ritter was the editor.

Why would you make a good planetary protection officer? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

cape  n. a piece of clothing that does not have sleeves and that fits closely at the neck and hangs over the shoulders, arms, and back : a short cloak

contaminate  v. to make (something) dangerous, dirty, or impure by adding something harmful or undesirable to it

conceive  v. to think of or create (something) in the mind

species  n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants : a group of related animals or plants that is smaller than a genus

predator  n. an animal that lives by killing and eating other animals : an animal that preys on other animals
Switzerland has opened the world's longest suspension footbridge. It is 494 meters long.

The bridge is suspended between 1,600 meters and 2,200 meters above sea level. It is only 65 centimeters wide and goes as high as 85 meters above the ground.

Hikers, within sight of the famed mountain, the Matterhorn, and the Bernese Alps, can cross it in about 10 minutes

The bridge crosses the deepest-cut valley in Switzerland. Hikers can look down onto it through grates in the bridge.

Without the bridge, the journey previously took up to four hours.

According to Swiss reports, it took only 10 weeks to build the bridge. And the structure surpasses Germanys Titan-RT as the worlds longest suspension footbridge. The "Titan-RT", which opened last month, is just over 450 meters long. It crosses Germany's highest reservoir, the Rappbode Dam.

The Swiss bridge is also longer than the so-called "footbridge in the sky." This bridge, built in 2014, is part of the Sochi Sky Park in Russia. It spans 439 meters and includes observation platforms looking on the mountains and the Black Sea Coast.

I'm John Russell.

John Russell adapted this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

suspension footbridge  n. a bridge ( for people who are walking) that is hung from two or more cables and held up by towers

surpass  v. to be better or greater than (someone or something)
Google releases a new version of its Android operating system about once a year. And then companies including Samsung, HTC, LG, Asus, and Lenovo get to work customizing the US with their own proprietary user interface and apps. Actually, scratch Lenovo from that list.

The companys head of product marketing for smartphones in India tells Gadgets360 that Lenovo is ditching its Vibe user interface for future phones, and will begin shipping devices with stock Android software.

Its not entirely clear if that means all future Lenovo phones sold around the globe will be Vibe-less. But its not like the company doesnt have experience in this area. Lenovo owns Motorola, which already ships phones with near-stock Android software.

According to Lenovos Anuj Sharma, the decision to go with stock Android is what consumers have been asking for. But that doesnt mean the software that ships on upcoming phones such as the Lenovo K8 Note will have the exact same software youd get on a Google Nexus or Pixel device.

Lenovo does plan to offer a few enhancements, including support for Dolby Atmos sound.

One benefit of shipping phones with stock Android software is that it makes it easier for phone makers and wireless carriers to ship software updates quickly after theyre released by Google. Companies still need to actually be proactive about doing that, but the move theoretically could help Lenovo ensure that its phones get security fixes and OS updates more reliably.

While most of the phones Lenovo sells in the US come from the companys Motorola division, the Chinese company does sell Lenovo-branded phones in its home country and other markets (including India, obviously). And you can find some Lenovo phones in the US, including the Lenovo Phab 2 and Phab 2 Pro (which was, until recently, the only smartphone to support Googles Tango 3D camera/augmented reality technology).
President-elect Hassan Rouhani has received official confirmation as the countrys political leader after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei handed him his appointment letter in confirmation of the election results.

Rouhani who is embarking on his second term is expected to be sworn-in on Saturday at the parliament. He would present his cabinet before the end of the month.

In acceptance of his appointment, Rouhani said the election result was the voice of the people and it must be respected.

Acknowledging that difficult times lie ahead in pursuing the countrys foreign policy, the Iranian president urged for the rationality and objectivity of the states actions with regards to the outside world while recalling that the nuclear deal is a sign of Irans goodwill on the international stage.

Rouhani is hoping that Iran will have increased access to international markets as he stressed that we will never accept isolation.

His first term in office has been dominated by policies geared towards ending diplomatic tussles between Tehran and other countries over its controversial nuclear program with the sealing of the Nuclear Framework agreement in 2015. The deal reduced the friction between Iran and the West but the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States has reignited the debate over the nuclear program and Tehrans regional policy.

Trump has expressed skepticism about the nuclear agreement, which significantly reduced the scope of Irans nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions, and has sought other ways to keep the pressure on Tehran.

Washington imposed, late last month, fresh sanctions on Iran despite compliance with terms of the agreement, Speaker of the Iranian parliament had said, announcing that Tehran called upon the nuclear pact implementation watchdog to address the violation of the historic 2015 nuclear deal by the US.

For Tehran, the new sanctions breach the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with the United States, Russia, China and three European powers in 2015.

Conscious of the task ahead, President Rouhani said the time for unity and cooperation has begun because the election has ended. He called on all those who seek the greatness of the country to support him on his second term.
A higher proportion of aggressive breast cancer subtypes are seen in black women, University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers have found. The study findings help to explain a gap in mortality that exists between black and white women with breast cancer, and could lead to improved treatment approaches to help close it.

In the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers published results of an analysis of approximately 1,000 invasive breast tumors. The study confirmed that young black women are more likely to have "triple negative," or "basal-like," breast cancers, a subtype that does not express any of the receptors for targeted biologic therapies. The study also identified variation by race within a clinical breast cancer type that has the greatest mortality disparity. Researchers found that younger black women with hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative breast cancer were more likely to have a high risk of recurrence score.

"When we look at a more clinically homogeneous group, such as women who have hormone-responsive, HER2-negative disease, we see pretty significant and biologically important differences between black and white women," said the study's lead author Melissa Troester, PhD, UNC Lineberger member and professor of epidemiology in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. "With genomic information, we're better able to say which patients are likely to have indolentor slow-growingdisease. And right now, we might mistake some people as having indolent disease, when actually they have a more aggressive tumor."

The study was part of the third phase of the seminal Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based study launched at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1993. A driving motivation for the study has been to understand why African-American women disproportionately die from breast cancer. Since 1993, the study has gathered data on more than 8,000 women from 44 counties in North Carolina.

In the new study, researchers compared the findings of commonly used immunohistochemical tests, which classify breast cancer according to tumor markers, with the findings of the PAM50 gene expression assay, which classifies tumors into different risk groups as well as different molecular subtypes based upon each tumor's genomic characteristics.

Confirming previous findings, researchers found that black women were less frequently diagnosed with luminal A breast cancer, a subtype of breast cancer that has a better prognosis overall. Black women had significantly higher odds of all three non-luminal A breast cancer subtypes: Their odds of basal-like breast cancer, a particularly aggressive subtype, were three times higher for black women compared to white women; odds were 45 percent higher for luminal B breast cancer or black women, and odds were twice that of white women for HER2-enriched breast cancer.

"If you look at the group of basal-like breast cancers, the burden of this disease is much higher if you're young and black," said UNC Lineberger's Lisa A. Carey, MD, physician-in-chief of the N.C. Cancer Hospital. "We believe this is playing a role in racial disparities in outcomes between young and old, and black and white women with breast cancer."

They also found variation within a clinically defined subtypethe hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative subtype in particular. Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer has the best prognosis overall, but the researchers report mortality disparities are also greatest within this group. In both black and white women, hormone receptor positive, HER2-negative breast cancer tumors were sometimes classified into the more aggressive genomic subtypes, including as basal-like breast cancer. In addition, on average, black women's tumors were more often classified into aggressive subtypes and had higher risk of recurrence scores within this group.

The findings underscore the role for genomic testing to drive precision medicine approaches to treatment, and may help explain a disparity in survival for black women with this type of breast cancer. In addition, the findings could have important clinical implications: Black patients with higher risk of recurrence scores could be candidates for chemotherapy or new treatment approaches, since high-risk scores are an indication for chemotherapy.

"If you really have a luminal A, low-risk tumor, and you were hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative, you could be treated less aggressively, and have different surgical options," Troester said. "But if you had these other tumor genomic subtypes, your doctor might consider a more aggressive treatment plan. We can do better to distinguish aggressive and indolent cancers if we use the genomic data that is becoming available."

More information: Melissa A. Troester et al. Racial Differences in PAM50 Subtypes in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2017). Journal information: Journal of the National Cancer Institute Melissa A. Troester et al. Racial Differences in PAM50 Subtypes in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study,(2017). DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djx135
While all-terrain vehicles may look stable, their tipping point is lower than many people expect. Credit: Shutterstock

Denise Pelletier never could have imagined that as an adult she would have to learn to walk, talk and read again. But a disastrous all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident left her with a traumatic brain injuryone she continues to struggle with 16 years later.

"My brain doesn't work the way it used to," she said. "A brain injury is a lifelong injury."

Pelletier survived, but many have not: 185 people died in quad-related accidents in Alberta between 2002 and 2013. That's an average of 16 deaths per year. Those killed ranged in age from one to 86.

"People look at ATVs and they look like stable, spongy-tired vehicles, but they're not necessarily that stable," said Don Voaklander, director of the Injury Prevention Centre, part of the University of Alberta's School of Public Health. "Then they take them onto terrain that inherently puts you into instability risk."

As with Pelletier's accident, more than half of the 185 deaths were caused by quads flipping or rolling over, and 41 per cent involved head injuries. More than three-quarters of those who died of head injuries weren't wearing helmets. A new law, which took effect in Alberta on May 15, now requires helmets to be worn by those operating, riding or being towed by ATVs, motorcycles, dirt bikes, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles on public land and roadways.

Most ATV users would be surprised to learn just how easily the machines tip over, said David Checkel, a UAlberta professor emeritus and a mechanical engineer. Checkel's research on the tipping points of ATVs has been used for an Alberta fatality inquiry and featured on CTV's W5 to highlight the dangers of the vehicles.

The tipping point is the angle at which a line straight down from the centre of gravity (the point where all the weight is concentrated) falls outside the ATV's track (or the space between the outside of one tire and the outside of the opposite tire). The machine tips over at this point because there's nothing beyond the lower wheel to keep it from rolling.

Using a tilt table and a 291-kilogram ATV with a 660cc engine, Checkel's practical testwhich considers what happens to the tires and suspension as the machine tiltsshows the tipping point to be 37 degrees. That's about knee-height, or 44 centimetres from the ground.

The point at which an all-terrain vehicle tips over is about 37 degrees, or 44 cm off the ground. Credit: Christine Pearce

If an ATV were driving along a gently sloped ditch, with two tires moving along the ditch and two moving parallel higher up the slope, the lower tires would squish and the suspension would become unbalanced and thus more tippy. Adding a load (rider, passenger, tool box) or dynamic forces such as turning can make the ATV tip at an even shallower angle. And, as an ATV tips, it accelerates into the tip unless the rider knows how to lean and correct the steering.

"The ATVs I tested met or exceeded the safety criterion, but that doesn't mean they won't tip over," said Checkel, who recommends people take a safety course before operating an ATV.

"I went to buy a chainsaw and had to go through a safety briefing before buying it. Why wouldn't we do that and more with ATVs? The injuries can be life-changing."

That's certainly true for Denise Pelletier, who says she'll never forget what she went through.

"The doctors have no medical explanation to how I survived," she said, adding that she no longer engages in activities she feels will risk another head injury. "I always joke that the brain is like an egg: you only scramble it once."

7 Tips to a Safe Ride

If you're heading out on the trails this August long weekend or later this summer, the Injury Prevention Centre has some important tips to keep you safe on an ATV.

Protect your head and body with an approved off-road helmet that has a shield for the eyes and face, plus gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, long pants and boots that cover the ankles and have heels to prevent feet from slipping off the foot rests. Never allow children under 16 to operate an adult-size ATV. An adult must supervise children driving ATVs. To find out if your child is ready to drive a quadwhether it be for agricultural work or for recreationanswer the questions from the North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks. Take an ATV training course. Check Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association or Alberta Safety Council. Do not carry a passenger on a single-seat ATV. Do not drink and drive. (From 2002 to 2013, 51 per cent of ATV drivers killed were over the legal blood alcohol content limit to drive.)
Sample of lung fibrosis: Green cells show markers of the lung epithelium, red cells are undergoing senescence. The nuclei are stained in blue. Credit: Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen

Pulmonary fibrosis can possibly be attributed to a kind of cellular aging process, which is called senescence. This has been shown by researchers from the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, partner in the German Center for Lung Research (DZL). As they report in the European Respiratory Journal, they have already successfully counteracted this mechanism in the cell culture with the help of drugs.

Pulmonary fibrosis causes the patient's lung tissue to scar, resulting in progressive pulmonary function deterioration. In particular, the surface of the alveoli (called the alveolar epithelium) is often affected. If the disease's origin is unknown, the condition is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF for short. "The treatment options for IPF have been few and far between," explains Dr. Mareike Lehmann, scientisit in the Lung Repair and Regeneration Research Unit (LRR) at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen. "We are therefore attempting to understand how the disease comes about so that we can facilitate targeted treatment."

In the current work, Lehmann and additional researchers, headed by department head Prof. Dr. Dr. Melanie Konigshoff, have now succeeded in solving another piece of the puzzle. "In both the experimental model and in the lungs of IPF patients, we were able to show that some cells in the alveolar epithelium have markers for senescence," explains study leader Konigshoff. "Because the occurrence of IPF increases with age, this was already suspected. We have now succeeded in proving this hypothesis."

Senescence promotes pulmonary fibrosis in two ways

Senescence impairs lung function in two ways: It prevents lung cells from dividing when they need to be replaced. And senescent cells secrete mediators that further promote fibrosis. Since this effect also plays a role in cancer, the scientists were able to access an already existing group of medicines, the so-called senolytic drugs that selectively kill off senescent cells.

Pulmonary fibrosis stopped in the cell culture

In order to test possible treatment strategies, the scientists placed the affected cells into a three-dimensional cell culture and examined the drugs's effect ex vivo, so to speak. Mareike Lehmann: "We observed that this caused a decline in the quantity of secreted mediators and additionally a reduction in the mass of connective tissue proteins, which are greatly increased in the disease."

Altogether, the study shows that senescence in the cells of the alveolar epithelium can contribute to the development and worsening of IPF. This finding is new and constitutes a possible starting point for the development of new treatments.

More information: Mareike Lehmann et al. Senolytic drugs target alveolar epithelial cell function and attenuate experimental lung fibrosis ex vivo, European Respiratory Journal (2017). Journal information: European Respiratory Journal Mareike Lehmann et al. Senolytic drugs target alveolar epithelial cell function and attenuate experimental lung fibrosis ex vivo,(2017). DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02367-2016
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Soldiers who experience the horror and terror of conflict often return home far different people than they were when they left. Many are angry, suffer from depression, harbour suicidal thoughts or attempt to isolate themselves from the world, hoping to avoid triggers that can instantly force them to relive their experiences.

While increasing attention has been paid in recent years to helping armed forces members cope with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), not as much attention has been paid to the experience and grief of intimate partners and families who experience trauma in trying to deal with the changes a loved one, coping with PTSD, goes through.

There is some research on the impact on partners, but not so much on children," says researcher Tara Collins, a Faculty of Social Work, Clinical Social Work PhD candidate who is conducting a new study on the impact of PTSD on military families.

"I wanted to look at the experience of both the partners and children. There are definitely not many services for children, and I'm finding that secondary trauma for the spouse and children is quite prevalent. The knowledge from the professionals isn't always there in terms of how to treat the secondary trauma or treat the families."

A huge issue: Nearly 40 per cent of Afghanistan mission personnel experience PTSD

Nearly one-in-ten Canadian military personnel who took part in the mission in Afghanistan collect disability benefits for PTSD. However, Collins, along with many other experts believe the number affected (but not, for example, collecting disability payments) is much higher. Some research indicates that up to 36 per cent of Afghanistan mission personnel are experiencing PTSD to some degree.

Collins recently received a prestigious Wounded Warriors Canada Doctoral Scholarship in Military and Veteran Health Research for her study that she says seeks to unpack the lived experiences of families residing with a military member coping with PTSD.

Personal interest sparks research project

Her interest in the study sprang from personal experience, after her partner returned from Afghanistan and struggled with PTSD.

"We were at a military parade and they were shooting the guns type thing," recalls Collins. "His reaction was to hide my daughter in his arms, and he squeezed her really tight  as if to really kind of hold her and protect her. His father noticed that he was really holding her tight, and he kind of said, 'Whoa. Whoa.' He was in his own world  really trying not to get triggered  but he was being triggered."

Collins says when her partner returned from Afghanistan "there was a lot of anger." He struggled with alcohol use and isolated himself from the family, he also wasn't sleeping and did anything possible to avoid having nightmares.

"He wasn't dealing with anything," recalls Collins. "He was just trying to ignore it as much as he could. I mean generally military members don't speak about their conflict experiences at home, and it's not always recommended that they do. However, the little pieces that I have heard are quite horrendous, and I don't blame him for trying to mask that. Eventually he got to a point where he basically didn't want to deal with it at all in terms of even living. I eventually said, 'No. We can't do this. We can't live like this.'"

Collin's partner was in agreement, and he agree to attend the eight-and-a-half week Bellwood Treatment Program in Ontario. The program included a brief four-day program for Collins and the children.

Study hopes to better inform counsellors and social workers about PTSD in military families

The road back from PTSD is long and Collins says that, not surprisingly, her partner "still has good days and bad days." This is why she believes her research is so important. While programs for military personnel are available, partners and children may not have the same access and may receive help from a social worker with little background or experience with this kind of trauma. Given her position as an "insider" to military life and someone who has lived the experience, she feels like she is in a unique position to help and in a unique position to find willing study participants. In the end, she hopes her research will better inform clinical social workers and others who provide support to families, to help the family heal as well.

"I always believe that approaches to family practice can always be improved," says Collins. "The services for children, in particular, are not anywhere near where they should be. The understanding of what is involved for these families is not there. I think PTSD is quite complex in general, and then when you get into the systemic issues associated with the military, because it really is a very different way of living."
Credit: iStock/Axiara

A hazardous class of flame retardant chemicals commonly found in furniture and household products damages children's intelligence, resulting in loss of IQ points, according to a new study by UC San Francisco researchers.

The study, published Aug. 3, 2017, in Environmental Health Perspectives, included the largest meta-analysis performed on flame retardants to date, and presented strong evidence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers' (PBDE) effect on children's intelligence.

The study comes as the debate over flame retardant chemicals continues to flare up; on July 25, legislation was introduced in the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to ban PBDEs and all other flame retardant chemicals from furniture and children's products in sold in the City and County of San Francisco.

"Despite a series of bans and phase-outs, nearly everyone is still exposed to PBDE flame retardants, and children are at the most risk," said UCSF's Tracey Woodruff, professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and a member of the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies. "Our findings should be a strong wake-up call to those policymakers currently working to weaken or eliminate environmental health protections."

The findings go beyond merely showing a strong correlation: using rigorous epidemiological criteria, the authors considered factors like strength and consistency of the evidence to establish that there was "sufficient evidence" supporting the link between PBDE exposure and intelligence outcomes. Furthermore, a recent report by the National Academies of Sciences endorsed the study and integrated evidence from animal studies to reach similar conclusions that PBDEs are a "presumed hazard" to intelligence in humans.

Prenatal PDBE exposure damages intelligence

Researchers examined data from studies around the world, covering nearly 3,000 mother-child pairs. They discovered that every 10-fold increase in a mom's PBDE levels led to a drop of 3.7 IQ points in her child.

"A 3.7-point decrease in IQ might not sound like a lot, but on a population-wide level it means more children who need early interventions and families who may face personal and economic burdens for the rest of their lives," said Juleen Lam, an associate research scientist at UCSF's Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment (PRHE) and the study's lead author.

"Many people are exposed to high levels of PBDEs, and the more PBDEs a pregnant woman is exposed to, the lower her child's IQ," said Woodruff. "And when the effects of PBDEs are combined with those of other toxic chemicals such as from building products or pesticides, the result is a serious chemical cocktail that our current environmental regulations simply don't account for."

The researchers also found some evidence of a link between PDBE exposures and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but concluded that more studies are necessary to better characterize the relationship.

Flame retardants still ubiquitous despite phase-out, bans

PBDEs first came into widespread use after California passed fire safety standards for furniture and certain other products in 1975. Thanks to the size of the Californian market, flame retardants soon became a standard treatment for furniture sold across the country. The additives received a boost from tobacco companies: since many furniture fires are caused by burning cigarettes, these companies lobbied heavily for stringent furniture safety regulations.

Mounting evidence of PDBEs' danger prompted reconsideration and starting in 2003 California, other states, and international bodies approved bans or phase outs for some of the most common PBDEs. PBDEs and similar flame retardants are especially concerning because they aren't chemically bonded to the foams they protect. Instead, they are merely mixed in, so can easily leach out from the foam and into house dust, food, and eventually, our bodies.

"The bans, restrictions, and phase out were forward progress towards protecting people's health, but the problem is that people are still exposed," said Patrice Sutton, who led the research translation division of PRHE and is a co-author on the study. "Reservoirs of PDBEs can be found in dust, old furniture, and electronic equipment. It's the horrible gift that keeps on giving."

In fact, Woodruff has previously found that pregnant women in California have much higher PDBE levels than other pregnant women around the worldthe legacy, she believes, of California's previous flammability standards that paved the way for widespread use of these chemical additives.

Guidelines for avoiding PDBEs during pregnancy are posted on UCSF's California Childcare Health Program website and on PRHE's website, but the authors say the needed solution is a change in policy. "The lesson we should learn from our experience with PBDEs is that persistent, harmful chemicals should never have been added to household products in the first place," said Lam.

More information: Developmental PBDE Exposure and IQ/ADHD in Childhood: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives DOI: 10.1289/EHP1632 Journal information: Environmental Health Perspectives Developmental PBDE Exposure and IQ/ADHD in Childhood: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
A Stanford professor of genetics discusses the thinking behind a formal policy statement endorsing the idea that researchers continue editing genes in human germ cells.

A team of genetics experts has issued a policy statement recommending that research on editing human genes in eggs, sperm and early embryos continue, provided the work does not result in a human pregnancy.

Kelly Ormond, MS, professor of genetics at the Stanford School of Medicine, is one of three lead authors of the statement, which provides a framework for regulating the editing of human germ cells. Germ cells, a tiny subset of all the cells in the body, give rise to eggs and sperm. Edits to the genes of germ cells are passed on to offspring.

The statement, published today in the American Journal of Human Genetics, was jointly prepared by the American Society for Human Genetics and four other human genetics organizations, including the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and endorsed by another six, including societies in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Africa and Asia.

Germline gene editing raises a host of technical and ethical questions that, for now, remain largely unanswered. The ASHG policy statement proposes that federal funding for germline genome editing research not be prohibited; that germline editing not be done in any human embryo that would develop inside a woman; and that future clinical germline genome editing in humans not proceed without a compelling medical rationale, evidence supporting clinical use, ethical justification, and a process incorporating input from the public, patients and their families, and other stakeholders.

Ormond recently discussed the issues that prompted the statement's creation with writer Jennie Dusheck.

Q: Why did you think it was important to issue a statement now?

Ormond: Much of the interest arose a couple of years ago when a group of researchers in China did a proof of principle study demonstrating that they could edit the genes of human embryos.

The embryos weren't viable [meaning they could not lead to a baby], but I think that paper worried people. Gene editing in human germ cells is not technically easy, and it's not likely to be a top choice for correcting genetic mutations. Still, it worried us that somebody was starting to do it.

We've been able to alter genes for many years now, but the new techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, that have come out in the past five years have made it a lot easier, and things are moving fast. It's now quite realistic to do human germline gene editing, and some people have been calling for a moratorium on such work.

Our organization, the American Society of Human Genetics, decided that it would be important to investigate the ethical issues and put out a statement regarding germline genome editing, and what we thought should happen in the near term moving forward.

As we got into the process, we realized that this had global impact because much of the work was happening outside of the United States. And we realized that if someone, anywhere in the world, were moving forward on germline genome editing, that it was going to influence things more broadly. So we reached out to many other countries and organizations to see if we could get global buy-in to the ideas we were thinking about.

Q: Are there regulations now in place that prevent researchers from editing human embryos that could result in a pregnancy and birth?

Ormond: Regulations vary from country to country, so research that is illegal in one country could be legal in another. That's part of the challenge and why we thought it was so important to have multiple countries involved in this statement.

Also, since 1995 the United States has had regulations against federal funding for research that creates or destroys human embryos. We worry that restricting federal funding on things like germline editing will drive the research underground so there's less regulation and less transparency. We felt it was really important to say that we support federal funding for this kind of research.

Q: Is germline editing in humans useful and valuable?

Ormond: Germline editing doesn't have many immediate uses. A lot of people argue that if you're trying to prevent genetic disease (as opposed to treating it), there are many other ways to do that. We have options like prenatal testing or IVF and pre-implantation genetic testing and then selecting only those embryos that aren't affected. For the vast majority of situations, those are feasible options for parents concerned about a genetic disease.

The number of situations where you couldn't use pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to avoid having an affected child are so few and far between. For example, if a parent was what we call a homozygote for a dominant condition such as BRCA1 or Huntington's disease, or if both members of the couple were affected with the same recessive condition, like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, it wouldn't be possible to have a biologically related child that didn't carry that gene, not unless germline editing were used.

Q: What makes germline editing controversial?

Ormond: There are families out there who see germline editing as a solution to some genetic conditions. For example, during a National Academy of Sciences meeting in December of 2015, a parent stood up and said, "I have a child who has a genetic condition. Please let this move forward; this is something that could help."

But I also work in disability studies, as it relates to genetic testing, and there are many individuals who feel strongly that genetic testing or changing genes in any way makes a negative statement about them and their worth. So this topic really edges into concerns about eugenics and about what can happen once we have the ability to change our genes.

Germline gene editing impacts not just the individual whose genes are edited, but their future offspring and future generations. We need to listen to all of those voices and try to set a path that takes all of them into account.

That's a huge debate right now. A lot of people say, "Let's not mess around with the germline. Let's only edit genes after a person is born with a medical condition." Treating an existing medical condition is different from changing someone's genes from the start, in the germline, when you don't know what else you're going to influence.

Q: There was a paper recently about gene editing that caused mutations in excessive numbers of nontargeted genes, so called "off-target effects." Did that result surprise you or change anything about what you were thinking?

Ormond: I think part of the problem is that this research is moving very fast. One of our biggest challenges was that you can't do a good ethical assessment of the risks and benefits of a treatment or technology if you don't know what those risks are, and they remain unclear.

We keep learning about potential risks, including off-target mutations and other unintended consequences. Before anyone ever tries to do germline gene editing in humans, it is very important that we do animal studies where the animals are followed through multiple generations, so that we can see what happens in the long term. There's just a lot that we don't know.

There are so many unknowns that we don't even know what guidelines to set. For example, what's an appropriate new mutation level in some of these technologies? What is the risk we're willing to take as we move forward into human studies? And I think those guidelines need to be set as we move forward into clinical trials, both in somatic cells [cells of the body, such as skin cells, neurons, blood cells] and in germline cells.

It's really hard because, of course, we're talking about, for the most part, bad diseases that significantly impact quality of life. So if you're talking about a really serious disease, maybe you're willing to take more risk there, and these new mutations aren't likely to be as bad as the genetic condition you already have. But we don't know, right?

We haven't had any public dialogue about any of this, and that's what we need to have. We need to find a way to educate the public and scientists about all of these issues so people can have informed discussions and really come together as this moves forward, so that were not in that reactive place when it potentially becomes a real choice.

And that goes back to your first question, which is why did we feel like we needed to have a statement now? We wanted to get those conversations going.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

By 2035, a third of the Canadian population will be over 60 years old. And Kinesiology PhD student Narlon Boa Sorte Silva wants to make sure every one of them stays active and engaged in life via exercise.

In a recent study, Boa Sorte Silva showed that mind-motor training  an activity that simultaneously engages both cognitive function and movement  used in association with regular exercise helped older adults stave off the effects of dementia more than just regular exercise alone. These findings could open the door to new physical activity programs and approaches for older adults.

"When we think of older population's needs, in terms of overall health, it is exercise. But we also need to think of cognition," Boa Sorte Silva explained. "We want to target cognitive health as well as overall health."

Originally, Boa Sorte Silva arrived at Western in 2014 for a three-month research project with Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Kinesiology professor Robert Petrella. He has since been fast-tracked for his PhD in Kinesiology.

In his recent research project, conducted in association with Petrella, Boa Sorte Silva followed two groups taking part in exercise programs: One group focused on exercise alone. A second group focused on exercise combined with mind-motor training, in this case, a square-stepping exercise on a gridded floor mat.

With the mind-motor training, subjects performed stepping patterns that slowly got more complicated. They watched a pattern and then attempted to repeat it.

Boa Sorte Silva recently presented his research at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference this past month in London, England.

The study found the group that combined exercise and mind-motor training showed greater improvement in cognition, global cognitive functioning and memory. As a side benefit, Boa Sorte Silva said group participants were more socially engaged, as the mind-motor training required participants to encourage and help each other out.

"They become more self-aware of the importance of training cognition and mobility," he said.

Petrella agreed. Earlier studies showed that older people who are more socially engaged tend to be more cognitively intact and enjoy life more.

"It's not just about exercise. We know epidemiologically exercise is associated with having better cognitive function. But if you can think about other ways people improve their cognitive ability in the long term  such as puzzles and dancing  all those things may have an impact," Petrella said.

In certain regions of the brain, mobility and cognitive functions co-exist. If you can make a change to that part of the brain, you could can get dual benefit. "And we're finding that," Petrella said.
In the world of health care, the phrase "too much information"or TMIcan be a serious problem. If you Google "How to prevent cancer," for example, you will find list after list of websites claiming to have the winning strategy, with some plans presenting 20-30 steps.

The same situation occurs if one searches for information on quitting smoking, exercising, sleep, and endless other issues. The question becomes this: When does a person receive too much health information? What's the best way for health providers to convey information without consumers skipping over or forgetting key information?

According to a new study from the University of Illinois, the answer lies in the goal of a specific health objective. Dolores Albarracin, professor of psychology, graduate student Jack McDonald, and colleagues at other universities studied the behavior of some 459 people to shine light on this topic that challenges health providers.

One school of thought among health care providers is to give health information in small doses of two or three recommendations at once. Others argue that it's best to give patients the entirety of their options, so as to not skip out on something that may prove useful. The Illinois study, published in Clinical Psychological Science, asserts that it depends on the nature of the recommendations.

According to the researchers, presenting a large amount of information would be appropriate if the goal would be for people to remember a large amount of potentially interchangeable behaviors, but if the goal is for people to remember a complete set of important recommendations, then the best strategy should be to present relatively few recommendations.

"The best number of health behaviors to recommend seems to depend on the goal of an intervention," Albarracin said. "If the goal is to communicate as many recommendations as possible, then go for a long list of behaviors. But if the goal is to implement behaviors, then the best strategy may be to convey a lower number of recommended behaviors."

The researchers, who also included Patrick McDonald at the University of Buffalo and Colleen Hughes at Indiana University-Bloomington (both are former members of Albarracin's research group), came to their conclusion by analyzing the results of experiments in which participants were presented with a list of brief health recommendations (ranging in number from two to 20, with each recommendation being about 33 words long). They were then asked to recall as many recommendations as they could.

Participants were also asked open-ended questions about their intentions to follow the recommendations. Even though more recommendations meant that participants recalled a lower proportion of the total, they recalled and intended to follow more recommendations.

"When multiple health recommendations are necessary, knowing the influence of the number of recommendations on recall and intended compliance is critical," the researchers wrote.

This information can prove useful in many health fields. For example, psychotherapists who want to change the behavior of their patients in specific ways could assign homework, for example, that addresses one behavior. Other health professionals might give recommendations in small bursts (perhaps via text messaging) to help maximize the proportion of recalled recommendations while minimizing the costs to a patient.

More information: Jack McDonald et al, Recalling and Intending to Enact Health Recommendations: Optimal Number of Prescribed Behaviors in Multibehavior Messages, Clinical Psychological Science (2017). Journal information: Clinical Psychological Science Jack McDonald et al, Recalling and Intending to Enact Health Recommendations: Optimal Number of Prescribed Behaviors in Multibehavior Messages,(2017). DOI: 10.1177/2167702617704453
When it comes to HIV prevention and treatment, there is a growing population that is being overlookedolder adultsand implicit ageism is partially responsible for this neglect, according to a presentation at the 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.

"The lack of perceived HIV risk in late adulthood among older people themselves, as well as providers and society in general, inhibits investment in education, testing and programmatic responses to address HIV in an aging population," said presenter Mark Brennan-Ing, PhD, director for research and evaluation at ACRIA, a non-profit HIV/AIDS research organization in New York City. "Ageism perpetuates the invisibility of older adults, which renders current medical and social service systems unprepared to respond to the needs of people aging with HIV infection."

There is an enduring misconception that HIV is a disease of the young, and in particular young gay and bisexual men, according to Brennan-Ing, but it is estimated that in developed countries with well-developed health care systems, almost half of all people living with HIV are 50 or older. In some countries, that number is expected to increase to 70 percent by 2020. People 50 and older account for 17 percent of new HIV infections, and are more likely than younger adults to be diagnosed with AIDS at the same time as they discover their HIV status.

Previous research has suggested as many as two-thirds of all older Americans with HIV have experienced stigma due not only to the disease, but to their age. This phenomenon may be even more pronounced among gay and bisexual men, because of an increased obsession with age and internalized ageism within the gay community.

Despite a median age of 58, older Americans with HIV are more likely to exhibit characteristics of people in their 60s, 70s or even 80s, said Brennan-Ing. The combination of stigma due to age, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, gender identity and expression, and HIV can lead to a number of negative outcomes specific to this population.

"Stigma results in social isolation, either through rejection by social network members or self-protective withdrawal, leading to loneliness and, ultimately, depression," he said. "Stigma also makes people reluctant to disclose their HIV status, which could affect their health care treatment or prevent them taking precautions to reduce transmission."

Older individuals who believe in the negative stereotypes associated with aging can also have poor health outcomes. Negative expectations about aging have been associated with poor cognitive test performance in older individuals and can increase stress, resulting in physical health issues, such as heart disease. More important, if an individual believes that aging leads to inevitable health problems and decline, that person may stop engaging in healthy behaviors, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

"These mechanisms may be responsible for empirical findings that internalized ageism is related to both chronic disease and longevity," he said.

While it may not be possible to reduce ageism at the societal level, there are opportunities at the community level for providers of health and human services to buffer or reduce the impact of ageism for those who are infected or at risk for HIV, he said.

Specifically, Brennan-Ing recommended:

Training health providers in HIV screening, early diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy in older populations and integration of key services.

Prevention, education and outreach targeting older adults.

Treatment guidelines for older individuals with HIV.

Funding in line with the aging of the epidemic.

Engagement of communities, community-based organizations and social service providers in outreach, mental health and social support.

Addressing the needs of special populations.

"With the demographic shift toward older adults in the HIV population globally, and the elusiveness of a cure, addressing the care needs of this aging population are paramount," said Brennan-Ing. "The aging of the HIV epidemic will be very challenging, but provides the opportunity to mount a global response that will address the needs of this population across regions and settings."

More information: Session 2126: "Ageism and Older Adults With HIV: A Source of Health Disparities?" Symposium, Friday, Aug. 4, 10-10:50 a.m. EDT, Room 149A, Street Level, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Routine prescribing of UV light treatment for severe skin conditions could significantly reduce the use of steroid creams and tablets while improving patient outcomes, according to new research from the University of Dundee.

Patients who experience the most severe forms of diseases such as psoriasis or eczema find their lives blighted by their conditions. Steroid creams are frequently prescribed but these can cause quite serious side effects and, in the case of bad psoriasis or eczema, can prove inadequate to bring the disease under control. In such instances patients may be referred to a dermatologist for more intensive treatment, which may take the forms of pills, injections or filtered UV light, known as phototherapy.

The Dundee team, co-led by Dr John Foerster, Dr Robert Dawe and Professor Sally Ibbotson from the University's School of Medicine, examined the outcomes of 1800 patients with severe psoriasis who received UV treatment over a six-year period. They found that three-quarters of patients experienced significant improvements in their condition and that the need for steroid creams was reduced by 25 per cent.

Phototherapy involves safe, controlled delivery of narrow wavebands of ultraviolet radiation in specially constructed cabins. It has been known to help skin disease sufferers for decades but this study is the first to demonstrate that its use can reduce the need for steroids in the treatment of psoriasis in routine practice and not just in a short-term clinical study.

Importantly, the findings also suggest that many patients can delay or avoid altogether the need for oral or injection treatments which can cause side effects such as gastric upset, liver dysfunction and infections.

"Physicians have been using phototherapy or even direct sunlight to treat skin conditions for 50 years," said Dr Foerster. "We know that it helps patients with psoriasis and eczema but until now we did not know that it actually causes a reduction in the use of steroid creams and can reduce the need for patients to have their conditions controlled by tablets or injections. These can work very well but can also have a downside.

"The form of treatment we are talking about is targeted, non-dangerous exposure to filtered light to treat skin conditions that are so severe that they can't be contained with creams. We were able to exploit a uniquely complete set of anonymised prescribing records that exists in Tayside and found that there was a very significant reduction in the amount of steroid cream prescribed to people who underwent phototherapy for up to 12 months after their treatment."

Access to phototherapy across the UK largely depends on a patient's location. Scotland is relatively well served with access to phototherapy thanks to Photonet, a nationwide managed clinical network governance scheme for phototherapy. This facilitates quality control and ensures patient safety but other areas are not so comprehensively covered. Dr Foerster says while there are many reasons for this, providing or extending access to this treatment would benefit many patients.

"Sadly phototherapy is not equally available around the UK," he said. "Whereas in Tayside and some other health boards you can generally expect a 2-6 week waiting time for treatment, in other areas this can be 3-6 months. What we see in these instances is that doctors are understandably unwilling to leave their patients without treatment for this period and so may prescribe pills instead to offer them some relief.

"Tablet treatments can be effective and safe with proper monitoring but it would be fantastic if everyone had the opportunity to try something that circumvents the need for any laboratory monitoring in the first place.

"There are other risks resulting from a lack of access to phototherapy. Sufferers of psoriasis or eczema may take matters into their own hands and seek out a sun-filled holiday or use sun beds. I have seen this on several occasions and it brings with it the many well-known dangers arising from skin exposure.

"One of the main stumbling blocks is that it is seen to be inconvenient for patients to travel to treatment. The success of satellite clinics, home phototherapy and self-treatment facilities in rural areas of Tayside, however, shows how successful strategies can be developed and implemented. We would like to see these replicated across the UK."

More information: John Foerster et al. Narrowband UVB treatment is highly effective and causes a strong reduction in the use of steroid and other creams in psoriasis patients in clinical practice, PLOS ONE (2017). Journal information: PLoS ONE John Foerster et al. Narrowband UVB treatment is highly effective and causes a strong reduction in the use of steroid and other creams in psoriasis patients in clinical practice,(2017). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181813
A call for more menopause-friendly workplaces is made in a new Government report prepared by a team from the University of Leicester.

In the most comprehensive study of its kind, the report reveals that 'many women tend to feel that they need to cope alone'because of 'a reluctance to speak up at work'. The report 'The effects of menopause transition on women's economic participation in the UK' was funded by the Government's Equalities Office.

The research, published by the Department for Education, was carried out by Joanna Brewis, Andrea Davies and Jesse Matheson of the University of Leicester School of Business and Vanessa Beck of the University of Bristol School of Economics, Finance and Management.

Its key findings and recommendations included:

Employers can do a great deal to intervene to reduce problems for mid-life women workers, including making low cost environmental changes like the provision of USB fans and introducing flexible working patterns so women can cope better with menopause-related sleep loss.

That compared to other reproductive stages such as pregnancy and maternity, menopause is not well understood in or catered for in UK workplaces

There is a social responsibility case for greater organisational attention to transition, in order to ensure mid-life women have the highest possible quality of working life

Cultural change programmes aimed at fostering open and supportive workplace environments around menopause transition are the foundation on which other, more tangible changes can be based

There is a legal case for organisational attention to the menopause transition

There are economic costs of transition for women as well as employers, but the most significant evidence gaps exist around the business or economic case for organisational attention to transition

One specific gap is the absence of any estimates at all for the costs of transition in the UK for women's economic participation. This is important in continuing to develop the business case for organisational attention to menopause transition

Professor Jo Brewis, who was the lead author of the study from the University of Leicester, said: "On the basis of our combined research expertise in gender, age, the body and health economics as they pertain to the workplace, we were delighted to win Government Equalities Office funding to compile this report and to see it published.

"The report discusses a wealth of literature on a range of menopause symptoms but also highlights the complexity and diversity in women's experiences of menopause transition. It outlines possible ways in which to enable women's continued participation in the labour market and identifies key evidence gaps relating to menopause transition, the workplace and the labour market.

"Menopause transition has both negative and positive effects on working women, although there is more evidence for the former, including reduced productivity, higher rates of absenteeism and lower job satisfaction. The evidence indicates that many women find transition symptoms, especially hot flushes, difficult to manage and that being at work can exacerbate these symptoms.

"But women tend to feel that they need to cope alone, for example because they don't want their manager or colleagues to think their performance is being affected or because they find the prospect of disclosure embarrassing. There is also some evidence of gendered ageism in organizations, a factor which requires more research."

Professor Brewis said more women in the UK were working than ever before  some 70% as it stands  but they also outnumber men in many labour market sectors, including health and social care, leisure, the professions and customer service.

Moreover women now work much later in life: indeed the largest increase in UK employment rates since the early 1990s has been amongst women of 50 and over. This is for a variety of reasons, including an ageing population more broadly, employers' efforts to retain skilled workers and increases in the state pension age. As a result, with the average age of menopause being 51, many more women in the UK now experience this natural mid-life phenomenon whilst in employment, and are managing menopause transition symptoms through their forties.

"Our report establishes the relationship between menopause transition and employment based on the available evidence for the last thirty years, in plain and accessible English," said Professor Brewis.

"Employers and managers can use the report to assist them in initiatives designed to create more menopause-friendly workplaces; and mid-life women will find the material we present reassuring as well as informative, in their working lives especially."

The researchers hope their study will have a four-fold benefit:



inspire employers across the UK to take action on this demographically pressing issue;

reassure mid-life working women that their experiences of menopause transition are in no way unusual;

educate those working with mid-life women about menopause transition;

encourage UK researchers to work to fill the numerous evidence gaps we have identified.

The report reviews 104 English language publicationsthe evidence base for the effects of menopause transition on women's economic participation in the UK from 1990 to the end of March 2016.
TCL Communications and Vodacom have launched the BlackBerry KeyOne smartphone in South Africa.

Vodacom will be the exclusive launch partner for the BlackBerry KeyOne, offering the device from 8 August.

Pre-orders are available through Cellucitys website, which states that it will release the device to buyers from 7 August.

Previously code-named Mercury, the BlackBerry KeyOne features a touch-sensitive physical keyboard and runs on Android 7.1.

Its touch-sensitive keyboard lets you navigate without touching the screen and offers BlackBerrys flick typing system on physical keys.

The BlackBerry KeyOne will retail for R9,649, and will be available for R479 per month on a 24-month Vodacom uChoose Flexi 200 contract.

TCL said the end of its exclusivity period with Vodacom has not been determined.

The specifications of the device are summarised in the table below.
Nokia licence holder HMD Global is close to launching a new entry-level smartphone, which is expected to be called the Nokia 2, SlashGear reported.

HMD Global has launched the Nokia 3, Nokia 5, and Nokia 6 devices, while there are rumours that a flagship device called the Nokia 8 is on the way.

A leak said to have originated from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shows the Nokia 2, along with hardware specifications.

Written onto an image posted to Chinese site Baidu, the screen is said to be a 4.7-5.0 HD IPS display, and it is set to run a Qualcomm Snapdragon 212.

Now read: Nokia to launch flagship Android smartphone
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
YEREVAN.  Idle talkers periodically attempt to meddle in the matters regarding the captives and missing persons as a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict.

Armen Kaprielyan, head of the working group of Armenias Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons, told the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am. He noted this commenting on Turkish figure Goksel Gulbeys respective publications in Azerbaijani media.

Kaprielyan, stressed that, by and large, such persons do not have the needed understanding of the topic about which they are making statements.

Firs, the claim that we [the Armenian side to the conflict] have deniedfor 25 consecutive yearsthe presence of Azerbaijani captives at us is absurd, he said. Gulbey should have studied the relevant archives and the materials published in the press to know exactly how many captives we have returned at different times. And if studying documents is complicated for Gulbey, he could have at least not become lazy and gotten acquainted with the [respective] 2016 data of the [relevant] Azerbaijani state commission.

Second, doesnt it seem extremely bizarreto put it mildlyto us that the conflicting party that holds representatives of the opposite party hostage and still keeps them hungry and thirsty doesnt create conditions for concealing the apparent violation of the norms of the Geneva law from the eyes of some citizens of Iran and Georgia?

Third, () its not quite understandable on what basis is Gulbey going to submit his rhetoric to the prestigious international organizations he has mentioned. How can professionals assure this figure that the given instances consider solely evidence-based materials?

And fourth, let me remind Gulbey and people like him the essence of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, which arose as a result of Azerbaijans using military force to suppress the peoples expression of free will and for aggression against Artsakh. So, there can be no word about any occupied territory of Azerbaijan.
The Program on Electricity Market Liberalization of Armenia may end in 2019.

Head of the Tariff Department of the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC), Garegin Baghramyan, told the aforementioned to Armenian News  NEWS.am, referring to the respective strategy adopted at the Government session on July 27.

The main idea of the reform is to do so that the electricity price can be chosen among several suppliers, who will compete in buying electricity from plants and sell it cheaper.

Who will be able to agree on the price? Local authorities, condominiums or each house for itself? These and other scenarios will be modeled by a computer program, which the Payments Center of the Armenian Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of Armenia ordered.

There will still be one electric network (duplicating it is expensive and senseless). But several suppliers will already be able to send electricity via it.

Nevertheless, the Commission does not want to overall cancel the fixed tariffs. Our consumers should have a guaranteed supplier. If someone is not comfortable with the contractual tariffs, they should know that they can rely on the fixed ones, Baghramyan noted.

The Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) will be one of such suppliers in the upcoming several years. However, they will not trade by contractual tariffs, but only by fixed ones, as they do now. Otherwise, if one entity owns an electric network and at the same time competes with its other users, this may create unequal conditions, Baghramyan said.

An analysis of model markets should be made by mid-2018, while the liberalization should be completed before 2019. The common energy market of the Eurasian Union should start operating by then.

PSRC has already developed commercial rules of energy market and wants to present them at its session on August 9.
AQAP Publishes Photos of Storming Elite Forces Position in Shabwa, Claims Killing 10 Houthi Fighters in al-Bayda
IS Claims Credit in Naba 92 for Attack on Oil Exploration Team in Northeast Nigeria
From Starbucks (SBUX) - Get Free Report to IBM (IBM) - Get Free Report , the use of artificial intelligence by big companies to alter your behavior is becoming a major thing.

The most recent example is coffee giant Starbucks, as TheStreet recently reported.

If you always have a caramel macchiato on Mondays, but Tuesdays call for the straight stuff, a double espresso, then Starbucks is ready to know every nuance of your coffee habit. There will be no coffee secrets between you, if you're a Rewards member, and Starbucks.

This fall as Starbucks rolls out more of its new cloud-based Digital Flywheel program, backed by artificial intelligence (AI), the chain's regulars will find their every java wish ready to be fulfilled and, the food and drink items you haven't yet thought about presented to you as what you're most likely to want next.

So targeted is the technology behind this program that, if the weather is sunny, you'll get a different suggestion than if the day is rainy. Or expect suggestions to vary on the weekend or a holiday, as opposed to a regular workday. If it's your birthday, Starbucks will offer a personalized birthday selection. If you patronize a Starbucks other than you're regular haunt, Starbucks will know that too.

Read full story here.

Starbucks is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells SBUX? Learn more now.

More of What's Trending on TheStreet:
Ford may be close to a major recall of one of its most popular cars, as customers and police officers continue to report leaking fumes from the Ford (F) - Get Free Report Explorer, a problem that has been driving people off the road.

The latest incident happened Wednesday, Aug. 2, when an officer in Auburn, Mass. reportedly passed out behind the wheel of his modified Ford vehicle. Subsequent test results showed the officer had carbon monoxide in his system at the time.

CBS News reported this morning that the company may be close to a recall, though the company said only that they are continuing their investigation.

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.

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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:
Workers Warned About Heat Stress

The Washington state Department of Labor & Industries noted that roofing, highway construction, and agricultural work are some occupations in the state with workers particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses when temperatures rise.

Hot weather in the U.S. northwest is causing agencies that include the Washington state Department of Labor & Industries to urge employers and workers to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. Workers are being warned they may experience heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, fainting, nausea, and other symptoms from exposure to extreme heat, and that heat-related illness can rapidly escalate to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

L&I noted that roofing, highway construction, and agricultural work are some occupations in the state with workers particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses when temperatures rise. It asks those working outdoors in hot weather to follow these five tips:

Drink a lot of water. Start work well hydrated and try to drink a cup every 15 minutes.

Keep an eye on your co-workers. Watch those working around you for signs of heat-related illness, including headaches, dizziness, or nausea.

Don't overdo it. Pace your work and take scheduled breaks in the shade.

Wear lightweight clothing and remove protective gear when it's safe to do so.

Limit caffeine and avoid heavy meals.

Employers with workers who work outdoors must train both employees and supervisors to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness and the steps to take if someone shows symptoms, according to the agency, and employers also must provide plenty of water for workers, respond appropriately to any employee with symptoms of illness, and include heat-related-illness hazards in their accident prevention program.

For more information, visit Lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/AtoZ/heatstress.
Phuket, 3 August 2017  As part of its continued expansion across the Asia-Pacific, ONYX Hospitality Group has announced two senior promotions with Pierre-Andre Pelletier named Regional Vice President of Operations for South Thailand, Vietnam and the Maldives; and David Cumming named Regional Vice President of Operations for Bangkok, Malaysia and Laos.

Previously the Vice President and Area General Manager for South Thailand, Pierre-Andre takes on added leadership responsibilities in the Maldives and Vietnam. ONYX currently operates Amari Havodda Maldives and is preparing for the early 2018 opening of OZO Hoi An. The company is in active negotiations with partners on potential new developments in both destinations.

Hailing from a family of hoteliers and restaurateurs, Switzerland-born Pierre-Andre joined the company in 1993. He has served as General Manager of Amari Pattaya, Amari Watergate Bangkok and more recently, the groups flagship Amari Phuket, where he will continue to be based.

David is elevated from his previous role as Vice President and Area General Manager for Bangkok. In his expanded role, David will support the companys future growth in Malaysia, where ONYX has one newly-launched Amari and three additional hotels in the pipeline, and Laos, the location of three new Amari properties currently under development.

A 25-year veteran in hospitality, David has been with the company since 2004 and has been General Manager at both Amari Pattaya and Amari Watergate Bangkok. He also held a corporate leadership role as Vice President of Operational Development at ONYX Hospitality Group, providing his wealth of industry expertise to new hotel openings. David will continue to be based at Amari Watergate Bangkok, location of the groups global head office.

This is an exciting time in the ongoing development and expansion of ONYX Hospitality Group, and also the year that we enter new markets like Malaysia, Vietnam and Laos, said Douglas Martell, President & CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group. The expansion of both Pierre-Andres and David roles is an important step towards enhancing our commitment within these markets and paving the way for our future growth.

Based in Bangkok, ONYX Hospitality Group has a growing regional portfolio of 44 operating properties across three core brands in eight countries. The Group has a robust development pipeline of 21 new properties in markets such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia, and has set a target of having 99 hotels by 2024 as part of its journey towards being the best medium-sized hospitality player in the region.
Credit: Queensland University of Technology

QUT researchers and Australian biotech company HFPA are hoping to turn a native Australian plant into a major new antibiotic after discovering the plant possesses antibacterial activity equivalent to some antibiotics currently used to treat Golden Staph infections.

The Brisbane-based research team is conducting pre-clinical testing and plans to go to clinical trials within 12 months.

Research leader Dr Trudi Collet from QUT's Indigenous Medicines Group said they had identified the compound within the plant  known as species 8472  responsible for its antibacterial activity.

This compound has been found to be as efficient against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (also known as Golden Staph) as the current standard antibiotic treatments.

"We initially hoped to develop a topical application but given its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties we are now working towards an ingestible antibiotic," Dr Collet said.

"We are starting pre-clinical testing on absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion that will give us the data needed to progress to clinical trials."

Dr Collet's group is working with Australian biotech company Health Focus Products Australia Pty Ltd (HFPA) and has applied for further Australian Government funding to advance the project.

Dr Collet said the relatively common Australian plant was not currently used for medicinal purposes and had potential.

"Our tests found that crude extracts from species 8472 are also effective against bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Proteus spp., Acinetobacter baumannii and E.coli which can cause serious infection and delay healing."

HFPA and the Commonwealth Government Innovation Connections scheme have provided $1 million funding for the native plant project, which is also investigating potential new treatments for diseases such as Zika, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Dr Collet, who is a member of QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, has had a longtime interest in complementary herbal medicine and the wound healing potential of Australian native plants.

She said the investigation of medicinal plants for their wound healing potential was an "emergent and rapidly expanding field".

"Australia has an amazing diversity of flora with potential to be a 'medicine cabinet' for the world," Dr Collet said.

Herbal remedies have been used for millennia across a multitude of cultures for the treatment of various infections and diseases.

"Numerous studies have demonstrated that several Australian plant species used for medicinal purposes produce biologically active extracts and compounds. Hence, traditional herbal plants may provide avenues for promoting the wound healing process and improving patient outcomes with an associated reduction in associated treatment cost.

"A scientific approach that examines the pharmacological efficacy of natural medicines reported to have an effect on infection and wound healing is necessary to validate traditional accounts."

HFPA chairman and founder Dr Mark Baldock said his company was helping fund the research out of a strong belief that the benefits of medicinal plants could be translated to products that would benefit the wider community.

QUT and HFPA recently announced the discovery of a group of naturally occurring compounds that effectively kill the Zika virus.

***

Update: Dr. Trudi Collet PhD commented to Phys.org on the plant name "species 8472":

"Since we cannot declare what the actual plant is, I have de-identified it and called it "species 8472." This is what we all refer to it as. My staff don't even know what the real name of the plant is. However, if you are a Star Trek voyager fan, you would know that species 8472 is the only species that the Borg could not assimilate. The Borg always say resistance is futile. In this particular instance, resistance is not futile as this plant I.e. Species 8472, is extremely potent and kills both gram positive and gram negative bacteria.... The reason I ... have not publicly named the plant is purely for intellectual property reasons. Once our full patent is lodged, then the identity of the plant will be disclosed but not before that time."
Sketch of an yolk-shell-type nanoreactor: reactands A and B diffuse through the shell and react to C at the catalytically active nanoparticle (yellow). Credit: HZB

Theoretical physicists have devised a mathematical model of two different molecules reacting within so called nanoreactors that act as catalysts. They gained surprising new insights as to what factors promote reactions and how to control and select them. The model is relevant for a wide range of research fields, from biophysics to energy materials.

Nanoreactors are tiny systems which facilitate specific chemical reactions, as a catalyst does. Many are found in biological systems, such as certain proteins. But chemists are also able to synthesise artificial nanoreactors to control chemical reactions. An important class of these nanoreactors has a "yolk & shell" architecture like an egg: a catalytically active metallic nanoparticle is surrounded by a shell consisting of a polymeric network. These kinds of nanoreactors can create isolated environments for specific reactions and restrict them to the tiny space inside the shell.

Mathematical description delivers new insights

"We have now mathematically described for the first time how two different molecules are transported to react within nanoreactors. The new model shows clearly what factors favour a given reaction", says Dr. Rafael Roa. Roa is first author of the publication in ACS Catalysis and a postdoc in the group headed by Prof. Joe Dzubiella at the HZB Institute for Soft Matter and Functional Materials.

What matters most?

Some of the results come as a surprise: contrary to expectations, the reaction rate is not so much limited by the concentration of the molecules in solution, but decisively by the permeability of the nanoreactor's shell. "This is extremely interesting since chemists today can often fine tune or even switch the permeability of these shells to specific molecules via variations in temperature or other parameters", explains co-author Dr. Won Kyu Kim.

Reactants A and B diffuse through the shell and react to product C at the catalytically active nanoparticle (yellow) inside. Credit: HZB

Photo-activation taken into account

The new model is a big step forward from the older theory done many decades earlier that could handle only one molecule. "Our model is applicable to research on energy materials, and it can even take into account photo-activation of one of the molecules at the shell by sunlight", Dzubiella states. He has achieved with this work one of the goals of his European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant (2015-2020).

Predictions will be put to test

Dzubiella's Soft Matter Theory group collaborates with HZB chemist Prof. Yan Lu, an acknowledged expert in synthetic nanoreactors. They are eager to test their theoretical predictions on real systems. "We're now able to better understand what happens, and we expect to predict how the catalytic effects of these types of nanoreactors can be controlled - through feedback loops, for instance, which will stop or start the reaction at will."

More information: Rafael Roa et al, Catalyzed Bimolecular Reactions in Responsive Nanoreactors, ACS Catalysis (2017). DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.7b01701 Journal information: ACS Catalysis
From the Giza pyramids to the pharaonic tombs of Luxor, Egypt's ancient monuments are holding onto mysteries which researchers now aim to unravel with cutting edge technology.

For more than 200 years since Napoleon Bonaparte landed in Egypt with a retinue of scholars who laid the groundwork for modern Egyptology, experts have used science to unlock the secrets of the country's ancient treasures.

In the 21st century, the scientists have been using electronic devices and chemical testing to date artefacts.

Chemical testing still requires small samples, but advanced techniques coming into use are meant to be non-invasive so as not to damage the ancient relics.

ScanPyramids is among the most ambitious of the projects to demystify the Khufu Pyramid near Cairo, the only surviving monument from the ancient Seven Wonders of the World.

It has employed infrared thermography and muographya technique that records images using muon particlesin its quest.

The project had announced last October that the massive pyramid may contain undiscovered recesses.

"All the devices we put in place are designed to find where the cavity is located. We know there is one, but we're trying to find out where," said Mehdi Tayoubi, president of the HIP Institute heading the ScanPyramids project.

The muon devices include chemical emulsion instruments from Japan's University of Nagoya, electronic sensors from the KEK Japanese Research Laboratory, and muon telescopes from the French Atomic Energy Commission.

The results are then compared with infrared and 3D images.

Some archaeologists have pinned hopes on the sophisticated technology to locate the burial place of the legendary queen Nefertiti.

The wife of King Akhenaten, who initiated a monotheistic cult in ancient Egypt, Nefertiti remains an enigma, best known for a bust depicting her that is now on exhibition in Berlin's Neues Museum.

A British Egyptologist, Nicholas Reeves, believed her remains were hidden in a secret chamber in the tomb of Tutankhamun, in the southern Valley of the Kings.

In 2015, archaeologists scanned the tomb with radar hoping for clues.

Both Reeves's theory and the inconclusive results have been dismissed by other Egyptologists.

One of them, former antiquities minister Zahi Hawass, said that an adept of the sun god Aton would never have been allowed to be buried in the Valley of the Kings.

Mapping out ancient dynasties

The excitement over the possible discovery has died down since the inconclusive results, but a team from Politecnico University in Turin, Italy, intends to give it another shot.

This time they will employ tomographya method used in medical scansand magnetometry, which measures magnetic fields.

Neither the Politecnico team nor the antiquities ministry has been inclined to discuss the fresh attempt, possibly put off by the anticlimactic media frenzy over the previous bid.

Elsewhere, Egyptologists are undertaking a project to nail down the chronology of Egypt's ancient dynasties more precisely.

The French Institute of Eastern Archaeology (IFAO) in Cairo has a dating laboratory that the researchers are putting to use for the project.

"The chronology of ancient Egypt is not clearly defined. We use a relative chronology," said Anita Quiles, head of research at the IFAO.

"We refer to reigns and dynasties but we do not know exactly the dates," she said.

The investigation, which involves chemical testing, is expected to take several years.

But Egyptologists say that science cannot replace archaeologists and their work on the ground.

"It is important to have science in archaeology," said Hawass.

"But it is very important not to let scientists announce any details about what they found unless it has been seen by Egyptologists."

 2017 AFP
Sediments below the bottom of the Arabian Sea harbour microbiol communities that reflect the history of climate in this region. Credit: 500cx / fotolia.com

They once inhabited the seafloor and have been steadily buried: Microorganisms in the sub-surface sediments at the bottom of the Arabian Sea reveal details of fluctuations in climate and environmental conditions over the past 52,000 years.

The sediments below the sea-bottom harbor microbial communities that survive there in spite of the lack of both light and oxygen. Many of the microbes belong to genera that once lived directly on the seafloor, and were progressively buried by accumulating sediments. But their metabolic pathways have adapted to the changing conditions. However, these cells now grow and divide very slowly, and are consequently under weak selection. Professor William Orsi of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at LMU, in collaboration with an international team of researchers, has now taken a closer look at the microbial life in sedimentary cores from the Arabian Sea. The investigation reveals that the metabolisms of a subset of these microorganisms reflect the history of the climate in this region. The new findings, which appear in the online journal Nature Scientific Reports, also suggest how microbial communities in the oceans may react to global warming.

The Arabian Sea hosts the world's largest Oxygen Minimum Zone, in which levels of dissolved oxygen are extremely low. As a result, the rate of oxidation of organic matter in the OMZ is drastically reduced. Surprisingly, however, organic carbon is enriched only in specific sedimentary layers, which are separated by intervening strata that contain very little organic material. Earlier studies had shown that this distribution is correlated with repeated  and in geological terms very rapid  oscillations in the water temperature: Warm water contains less dissolved oxygen, which allows higher levels of organic substances to accumulate in the sediments. Indeed, sediments that contain large concentrations of organic material were laid down in periods in which the average water temperature rose by some 5C within the space of a few decades.

To explore the effects of these temperature oscillations on the microbial communities within these sediments, the researchers recovered a 13-m core that covers the past 52,000 years of deposition, and analyzed the DNA present in different sections of the core. "This screen enabled us to characterize the sequence composition of the DNA at different levels in the sediments and date them with a precision of 100 years," Orsi explains. The sequence data in turn provide insights into the metabolic capacities of the microorganisms buried in the sediments. The analysis revealed that metabolic activities of 10 to 15% of the bacterial groups represented in their core sample reflect the climatic conditions prevailing at the time the sediments were deposited. This subset consists mainly of so-called denitrifying and sulfur-oxidizing groups. Denitrifiers obtain their metabolic energy from the conversion of nitrates into molecular nitrogen gas and nitric oxides. "Independently of depth and nitrate level, the denitrifiers among our indicator groups occur primarily in sediments that are rich in organic material, and were therefore deposited during the warmer periods. They apparently obtain most of their energy from fermentation reactions," Orsi explains. "They were obviously quite sensitive to temperature fluctuations, as they are absent from sediments that contain reduced amounts of organic carbon. So this tells us, for the first time, that rapid climatic oscillations clearly have an influence on the diversity of denitrifying bacteria."

The results also allow the researchers to infer how marine microorganisms are likely to react to future changes in the climate. Over the past 50 years, levels of dissolved oxygen in the oceans have shown a tendency to fall. Denitrifying bacteria in OMZs have been depleting nitrogen from the ecosystem and converting it into the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O), which contributes to global warming. "Our data demonstrate that, as the oxygen level in the water falls  which signals a warming trend  the relative prevalence of denitrifiers increases. Moreover, their species composition has changed completely since the last Ice Age," Orsi says. This could potentially contribute to a climatic feedback mechanism." He and his colleagues now plan to extend their studies to other regions of the oceans in order to test the robustness of their data from the Arabian Sea.

More information: William D. Orsi et al. Climate oscillations reflected within the microbiome of Arabian Sea sediments, Scientific Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05590-9 Journal information: Scientific Reports
Credit: Shutterstock

Creating a huge global network connecting billions of individuals might be one of humanity's greatest achievements to date, but microbes beat us to it by more than three billion years. These tiny single-celled organisms aren't just responsible for all life on Earth. They also have their own versions of the World Wide Web and the Internet of Things. Here's how they work.

Much like our own cells, microbes treat pieces of DNA as coded messages. These messages contain information for assembling proteins into molecular machines that can solve specific problems, such as repairing the cell. But microbes don't just get these messages from their own DNA. They also swallow pieces of DNA from their dead relatives or exchange them with living mates.

These DNA pieces are then incorporated into their genomes, which are like computers overseeing the work of the entire protein machinery. In this way, the tiny microbe is a flexible learning machine that intelligently searches for resources in its environment. If one protein machine doesn't work, the microbe tries another one. Trial and error solve all the problems.

But microbes are too small to act on their own. Instead, they form societies. Microbes have been living as giant colonies, containing trillions of members, from the dawn of life. These colonies have even left behind mineral structures known as stromatolites. These are microbial metropolises, frozen in time like Pompeii, that provide evidence of life from billions of years ago.

Microbial colonies are constantly learning and adapting. They emerged in the oceans and gradually conquered the land  and at the heart of their exploration strategy was information exchange. As we've seen, individual members communicate by exchanging chemical messages in a highly coordinated fashion. In this way, microbial society effectively constructs a collective "mind".

This collective mind directs pieces of software, written in DNA code, back and forth between trillions of microbes with a single aim: to fully explore the local environment for resources using protein machines.

When resources are exhausted in one place, microbial expedition forces advance to find new lands of plenty. They transmit their discoveries back to base using different kinds of chemical signals, calling for microbial society to transform from settlers to colonisers.

In this way, microbes eventually conquered the entire planet, creating a global microbial network that resembles our own World Wide Web but using biocehmical signals instead of electronic digital ones. In theory, a signal emitted in waters around the South Pole could effectively travel fast to waters around the North Pole.

Microbial chimeras. Credit: Shutterstock

Internet of living things

The similarities with human technology don't stop there. Scientists and engineers are now working on expanding our own information network into the Internet of Things, integrating all manner of devices by equipping them with microchips to sense and communicate. Your fridge will be able to alert you when it is out of milk. Your house will be able to tell you when it is being burgled.

Microbes built their version of the Internet of Things a long time ago. We can call it the "Internet of Living Things," although it's more often known as the biosphere. Every organism on the planet is linked in this complex network that depends on microbes for its survival.

More than a billion years ago, one microbe found its way inside another microbe that became its host. These two microbes became a symbiotic hybrid known as the eukaryotic cell, the basis for most of the lifeforms we are commonly familiar with today. All plants and animals are descended from this microbial merger and so they contain the biological "plug-in" software that connects them to the Internet of Living Things.

For example, humans are designed in a way that means we cannot function without the trillions of microbes inside our bodies (our microbiome) that help us do things like digest food and develop immunity to germs. We are so overwhelmed by microbes that we imprint personal microbial signatures on every surface we touch.

The Internet of Living Things is a neat and beautifully functioning system. Plants and animals live on the ecological waste created by microbes. While to microbes, all plants and animals are, as author Howard Bloom puts it, "mere cattle on whose flesh they dine," whose bodies will be digested and recycled one day.

Microbes are even potential cosmic tourists. If humans travel into deep space, our microbes will travel with us. The Internet of Living Things may have a long cosmic reach.

The paradox is that we still perceive microbes as inferior organisms. The reality is that microbes are the invisible and intelligent rulers of the biosphere. Their global biomass exceeds our own. They are the original inventors of the information-based society. Our internet is merely a by-product of the microbial information game initiated three billion years ago.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Homo floresiensis adult female - model of head. Credit: John Gurche, National Museum of Natural History, CC BY-SA

An often cited claim that humans, who are smarter and more technologically advanced than their ancestors, originated in response to climate change is challenged in a new report by a Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology researcher at George Washington University.

Many scientists have argued that an influx, described as a "pulse," of new animal species appear in the African fossil record between 2.8 and 2.5 million years ago, including our own genus Homo. Experts believe it takes a broad-scale event like global climate change to spark the origination of so many diverse new species. However, W. Andrew Barr, a visiting assistant professor of anthropology, published a report that says it's possible the pulse of new species could have occurred by chance and might not be directly related to climate change.

It is generally accepted that when major environmental changes occur, some species will go extinct and others will originate, which can create a cluster or pulse of new species in the fossil record. However, there is not a set definition of what is considered a pulse, so experts have disagreed about which clusters constitute meaningful events and which can be explained as random fluctuations.

Dr. Barr used computer simulation to model what the fossil record might look like over time in the absence of any climate change and found clusters of species originations that were of similar magnitude to the clusters observed in the fossil record. This means random patterns are likely under-credited for their role in speciation fluctuation, he said.

Dr. Barr's findings mean scientists may need to rethink widely-accepted ideas about why human ancestors became smarter and more sophisticated.

"The idea that our genus originated more than 2.5 million years ago as part of a turnover pulse in direct response to climate change has a deep history in paleonthropology," Dr. Barr said. "My study shows that the magnitude of that pulse could be caused by random fluctuations in speciation rates. One implication is that we may need to broaden our search for why our genus arose at that time and place."

He compared the pattern to flipping a coin. If you flip a coin 100 times, you would expect to record 50 heads and 50 tails. However, if you are only looking at 10 coin flips, you could see a greater imbalance, instead recording seven heads and only three tails. This would even out over time, but in the short-run, you could see clusters of these independent coin flips, he said.

Similarly, fluctuations in turnover in Dr. Barr's model are pronounced, but are caused purely by random processes.

"The idea the the origin of Homo is part of a climate-caused turnover pulse doesn't really bear out when you carefully look at the evidence and compare it against other possible explanations," Dr. Barr said.

This research challenges scientists to be careful about the stories they tell about the history of human adaption, Dr. Barr said. Traits that make humans different from our ancestors, like larger brains and greater technological sophistication, could have arisen for a variety of reasons, he said.

"We can sit in the present and tell stories of the past that make sense of our modern day adaptations," he said. "But these could have evolved for reasons we don't know."

The report, "Signal or noise? A null model method for evaluating the significance of turnover pulses," was published July 31.

More information: W. Andrew Barr, Signal or noise? A null model method for evaluating the significance of turnover pulses, Paleobiology (2017). DOI: 10.1017/pab.2017.21 Journal information: Paleobiology
The gauntlets from a suit of armour - the left one was analysed. Credit: Trustees of the Wallace Collection

Imperial researchers have tested a 'blued' gauntlet from a 16th-century suit of armour with a method usually used to study solar panels.

Metalworkers have used various techniques to prevent steel from rusting, some of which turn the metal black-blue. This 'blueing' effect can be created in several different ways, including by applying heat or (in later years) chemicals.

However, it can be difficult to know which method was used in older metalwork like armour or weapons, because the blueing is oxidised over time, and because many armourers kept their methods protected as trade secrets.

When conservators from The Wallace Collection discovered some blueing preserved beneath the overlapping finger plates of a 16th Century gauntlet, they decided to investigate.

Previously, they had teamed up with Dr Alex Mellor, from the Department of Physics at Imperial College London, to investigate the blueing of a sword blade from 1803, so they knew the method might work. But the gauntlet was a much trickier subject, thanks to its complex shape and the very small area of the surviving blued surface.

How a solar panel is like a gauntlet

The method used is called spectroscopic ellipsometry, and involves studying the reflections of light from the surface of a material. A monochromatic light beam is bounced off the material, and then analysed to see what changes occurred to the beam.

Dr Alex Mellor (L) and Tom Wilson checking the placement of the gauntlet in the ellipsometer. Credit: Imperial College London

As Dr Mellor explained: "When the linearly polarised monochromatic light beam interacts with a very thin film of material, the direction of the vibration of the light may be altered. This same effect is produced in rainbows or soap bubbles, when the light interacts with very thin films of water.

"Usually, we use spectroscopic ellipsometry in our lab to look at the effect of different films applied to the surface of solar panels. If a film can help panels reflect fewer wavelengths of light, then more light, and more energy, can be collected.

"In this case, we were looking for the effect on the light that the thin film of blue produces. By comparing the signature from this experiment to those where the production method is known  such as 19th century guns, or sample strips of metal  we can determine how the gauntlet was blued."

The best and the smartest

After several hours of careful placement and testing, the team were able to get some results from the blued surface of the gauntlet. From their preliminary results, it looks like the bluing is solely the result of heating to around 250C.

If, when the data have all been carefully processed, this turns out to be the case, then it would fit with the conservators' ideas of how the gauntlet was originally decorated.

The blueing on this 19th century pistol was created by chemicals and heat, while the blueing on the metal was created using a blow-torch. Credit: Imperial College London

Wallace Collection Consultant Archaeometallurgist Dr Alan Williams explained: "We think the blueing process could be associated with the intricate gilding on the gauntlet.

"Gilding involves chemical etching, followed by application of layers of copper and a gold-mercury amalgam, which when heated fixes the gold to the surface whilst removing the toxic mercury.

"It's during this heating that the bluing could have occurred  coming as a happy side-effect of gilding. For the best quality armour, heat treatment was also a method of hardening the metal; thus heat treatment could produce both the best steel, whilst simultaneously creating a very rich decorative appearance."

Valuable service

The physicists and conservators met in the curious surroundings of Chessington World of Adventures  at an ellipsometry workshop. Dr Williams was hunting around for possible new techniques that could be applied to metallurgical questions, and got talking to Dr Mellor.

Now that their second collaboration seems to have been a success, both teams hope to work together again, in what is a valuable exercise for both. As Dr Mellor said: "It's a good use of our equipment as a public asset. The Wallace Collection is a national resource, and we're pleased to be able to help unravel some of its mysteries."

The whole suit of armour. Credit: Trustees of the Wallace Collection

David Edge, Armourer and Head of Conservation at the Wallace Collection, agreed: "The importance of science in the study of historic artifacts like arms and armour cannot be understated, hence the enormous value of collaborative scientific projects like this."

The armour

Mr Edge then explained the origins of the gauntlet:

"The full set of armour that this gauntlet comes from (cat. no. A62) was made for Lord Buckhurst in 1587 at the Royal Armourers' Workshops in Greenwich - originally set up by Henry VIII at the beginning of the 16th century to provide himself and his Court with the finest quality armour.

"It was almost certainly ordered by Lord Buckhurst with the imminent arrival of the Spanish Armada in mind, the following year. Queen Elizabeth had placed Lord Buckhurst in command of troops along the south coast and he would have wanted a suitably impressive armour to lead them into battle against the Spanish invaders, who everyone was expecting would actually land rather than be defeated at sea.

"It was very definitely made as an armour for war, not 'parade', despite its rich appearance!"
Computer-aided engineering (CAE) systems help manufacturers to design parts with the ideal topology (inner and outer shape and structure) to withstand the conditions under which they will operate, such as specific temperature and pressure conditions, vibrations, and various stresses and strains, and to produce them with as little raw material as possible. In sum, CAE enables industrial design software to optimize part topology.

By deploying topology optimization software, manufacturers virtually sculpt lighter parts using a given amount of raw material and monitoring their strength.

These attributes are a function of the design. "You input parameters into the software with the properties and other characteristics the part needs to have, and the program shows the design path that has to be followed in order to achieve your goals," says mechatronic engineer Ricardo Doll Lahuerta, principal investigator for a research project that is promoting a significant quality enhancement in this type of tool.

Recently launched, and with several upgrades in progress, Virtual.Pyxis has already been licensed to advanced research departments of major multinationals and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, one of the world's leading research and education institutions.

The tool enables engineers to design stronger and more versatile parts while shortening lead time and development cost.

This type of software typically requires information on the conditions under which the part will operate, such as stress, compression, vibration and temperature, as well as other design constraints, including maximum flexibility and deformation. Details of the manufacturing process to be used, such as polymer injection, casting or 3-D printing, are also key inputs for CAE programs.

Virtual.Pyxis is distinguished mainly by its next-generation algorithm, which gives it the capacity to process a far larger number of variables and constraints for considerably less cost than commercially available programs.

"Our algorithm can process more variables without the need for much more computational capacity," Lahuerta explains. "As a result, any structural design can be developed with greater precision at a much lower cost. It's especially useful for designing mechanisms that need to be flexible, in which case many more variables have to be computed. Most of today's topological optimization programs pursue maximum rigidity, but that's not always ideal in a design project."

Virtual.Pyxis is capable of more complex analysis and can work with non-linear materials. It also enables the design of very precise frequency constraints, an important attribute to ensure that adjacent parts vibrate at the same resonant frequency. It is also capable of using different external calculus solvers, including those most used by the machine and metalworking industries.

VirtualCAE's software has immediate applications in a swathe of industries. It is already being used to design automotive components, farm implements, railroad equipment, and safety-linked vehicle parts. It can also be used to develop lower-cost production processes, as in the case of certain parts made by casting instead of creasing, folding and welding. Castings have better mechanical properties, last longer, use fewer components, and can be assembled faster because no welding is required. "FAPESP's support has been essential," says Valmir Fleischman, VirtualCAE's founding partner.

Even more applications are foreseen in the future. For example, enhanced prosthetic and orthotic devices. "Excessive rigidity in bone prostheses, for example, tends to weaken the bone to which they're connected. The program enables prostheses to be designed with the ideal degree of flexibility," Lahuerta says.

He adds that the development of 3-D printing, which builds objects gradually, layer by layer, will enable parts to be produced from various materials combined in a structure with more advanced properties. These objects would be far harder to obtain with today's manufacturing processes.

"In the future, we'll be able to design the inner structure of a part combining materials on an ever-smaller scale until we reach the atomic scale, significantly extending design possibilities. For example, we'll be able to design a part with certain intelligent characteristics, making it lighter and more efficient. With the software tools currently available, this would require prohibitively expensive computational capacity," Lahuerta says.

"Our software is easier to customize, and with access to training in its use, our customers are often able to pay for their investment in Virtual.Pyxis out of their very first design," says Leandro Garbin, a founding partner of the firm that is putting all its chips on innovation.

The program is still being upgraded, but VirtualCAE has already licensed it to important multinationals such as Thyssenkrupp (China unit), the American agricultural equipment manufacturer AGCO, and even one of MIT's research laboratories that provides services to the US Department of Defense. Thanks to innovation, the firm has opened branch offices in Germany and the US and has representatives in Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, China and Taiwan.

Provided by FAPESP
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A mobile learning app that uses game elements such as leaderboards and digital badges may have positive effects on student academic performance, engagement, and retention, according to a study published in the open access International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education. Researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia developed a fully customizable app that allowed lecturers to push quizzes based on course content directly to their students' devices in order to motivate them, increase their competitiveness, and keep them engaged with the course.

The researchers found a positive correlation between performing well on app tasks and achieving higher academic grades. App users on average achieved marks that were 7.03% higher compared to students who chose not to use the app. When the app was first introduced in the 2nd semester of 2015, student retention improved by just over 12% compared with the previous semester.

Dr Ekaterina Pechenkina, the corresponding author said: "Evidence-based research into student engagement tells us that well-engaged students are less likely to drop out. Our results imply that students are willing to use learning apps and that performing highly on the app may predict their future academic success."

Dr Pechenkina added: "Most studies into the use of mobile apps as learning tools in higher education primarily focus on apps designed to address one main aspect of the learning process, such as collaboration or motivation. We developed our app to achieve multiple goals, including improving engagement and measuring academic performance. In order to do that, we designed the app to include multiple-choice quizzes, push notifications, digital leaderboards and badges."

To prompt students to test their knowledge of the concepts introduced during a course, the app delivered quizzes directly to the students' mobile devices. Push notifications alerted students each time a new quiz became available. Based on app engagement, various data was collected through the app's analytics function, such as the speed at which students responded to quiz prompts and the number of attempts it took them to get an answer right. For each correct answer, students were assigned points which were collected in a leaderboard.

Dr Pechenkina said: "At a time when students' demand for personalized education is growing, mobile apps could allow students to access course material whenever they choose. Game elements like leaderboards and digital badges generate feedback, allowing students to see how they are performing compared to their peers. Taking advantage of mobile app technologies in this way could help lecturers reach out to their students and keep them interested in the course content."

394 students were recruited to test the app. Students were all enrolled in the first-year accounting or science units at Swinburne University in Semester 2, 2015. Lecturers tailored the content of the app to fit their specific course.

Dr Pechenkina said: "We were surprised to find that when analysed separately, the app's positive impact for the science cohort was significantly lower than for the accounting cohort, suggesting there are some interesting cohort-specific dynamics worth exploring further."

The authors point out that the initial success of the app may have been partly the result of a novelty effect, which could mean that the app's perceived usefulness may decline with longer-term use. The fact that students could choose to use the app may have led to sampling bias, as more conscientious students who were open to new experiences may have been more likely to be included in the experiment. The authors also caution that while they observed a positive correlation between students' scoring highly on the app and achieving higher academic grades, any causal relationship between the two needs further investigation.

More information: Ekaterina Pechenkina et al, Using a gamified mobile app to increase student engagement, retention and academic achievement, International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education (2017). DOI: 10.1186/s41239-017-0069-7
SFU Mechatronics Systems Engineering graduate student Oldooz Poyanfar and her bee monitoring system PRO. Credit: Simon Fraser University

Biologists are working to better understand Colony Collapse Disorder given the value of honey bees to the economy and the environment. Monitoring bee activity and improving monitoring systems may help to address the issue.

Simon Fraser University graduate student Oldooz Pooyanfar is monitoring what more than 20,000 honeybees housed in hives in a Cloverdale field are "saying" to each otherlooking for clues about their health.

Pooyanfar's technology is gleaning communication details from sound within the hives with her beehive monitoring systemtechnology she developed at SFU. She says improving knowledge about honey bee activity is critical, given a 30 per cent decline in the honeybee population over the past decade in North America. Research into the causes of what is referred to as Colony Collapse Disorder continues. The presence of fewer bees affects both crop pollination and the environment.

Pooyanfar's monitoring platform is placed along the wall of the hive and fitted with tiny sensors containing microphones (and eventually, accelometers) that monitor sound and vibration. Temperature and humidity are also recorded. Her system enables data collection on sound within the hives and also tracks any abnormalities to which beekeepers can immediately respond.

The high-tech smart system is being used to gather data over the summer.

Pooyanfar, who has been working with Chilliwack-based Worker Bee Honey Company, believes that better understanding the daily patterns and conditions, using an artificial neural network in the hive, will help to improve bee colony management. Current methods of monitoring provide less detailed information and can disrupt bee activity for up to 24 hours every time the hive is opened.

"To learn about what bees are communicating, we can either look at pheromonesthe chemical they produceor sound," says Pooyanfar, who initially received funding through the MITACS Accelerate program. The City of Surrey is providing the field space for her research.

Simon Fraser University graduate student Oldooz Pooyanfar has developed a monitoring system to study what more than 20,000 honeybees housed in hives in a Cloverdale field are 'saying' to each other -- looking for clues about their health. Credit: SFU

"With this monitoring system, we are collecting data in real time on what the bees are 'saying' about foraging, or if they're swarming, or if the queen bee is present  right now we are collecting as much data as possible that will pinpoint what they are actually doing."

Pooyanfar, a graduate student in SFU's School of Mechatronics Systems Engineering, plans to eventually manufacture a sensor package for this application to help lower the costs of monitoring and allow more beekeepers to monitor their hives in real-time. Her initial-stage research was featured at the Greater Vancouver Clean Technology Expo last fall.
The Nam Ngum reservoir in Laos. Working together with both engaged locals and international partners, SINTEF conducted greenhouse gas measurement in the older Nam Ngum reservoir. Credit: SINTEF

When hydropower reservoirs traps organic matter, it leads to higher local greenhouse gas emissions. But the emissions are not increased but displaced. A new tool calculates the real greenhouse gas footprints of reservoirs.

Trees and plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere to grow. When organic matter such as fallen leaves and branches degrades, CO2 is released back into the atmosphere. Water transports organic matter to the sea along rivers and along the way it might emit greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane. Building a reservoir stops the flow of water and traps some of the organic matter.

"Greenhouse gases that are emitted in a reservoir may well have been emitted anyway. It is a displacement, not an increase, and this was not accounted for in earlier calculations. You must also consider the prior land use and the processes in the whole river basin," says Atle Harby, a Senior Research Scientist at SINTEF Energy who has been working on developing a tool, called G-res tool.

Freshwater emissions have been a hot topic

The greenhouse gas status of freshwater reservoirs has been a hot topic over the past decade. Impacts are often attributed to hydropower projects, while a new framework and tool from the International Hydropower Association (IHA) shows that the truth is far more complex.

The net emissions approach considers naturally occurring emissions and emissions related to other human activities. The G-res tool enables users to estimate the real GHG footprint of reservoirs.

Greenhouse gas measurements in a Norwegian reservoir in early spring. SINTEF scientist Bjrn Henrik Hansen is using syringes to sample gas from floating chambers. Credit: Norway

Hydropower adds no new carbon dioxide to the atmosphere

Almost twenty years ago, stories began to emerge in the media that reservoirs created for hydropower projects were a major emitter of greenhouse gases. Yet there were no actual measurements to back up the theories.

In 2006, the IPCC released their greenhouse gas guidelines that included three approaches with formulas to calculate emissions from reservoirs. Statkraft, Europe's largest generator of renewable energy, used all three approaches to evaluate their measurements taken at the Trollheim reservoir and hydropower plant in central Norway.

The first approach using IPCC default values equated the emissions from Trollheim to those of a gas power plant. The second approach used some of their own data and halved the predicted emissions. Statkraft then engaged SINTEF to develop methodology and conduct measurements of emissions. The third approach using this data showed emissions from Trollheim would be around 2 g CO2eq/kWh, compared to 300 g CO2eq/kWh from a gas power plant.

"A hydropower reservoir does not add any new carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, unlike fossil-fuel power plants," said Tormod Schei, who at the time worked as a Senior Environmental Advisor for Statkraft.

Atle Harby, Senior Research Scientist at SINTEF Energy. Credit: PKfoto

A surprising find in Laos

The Nam Ngum reservoir in Laos is characterised by a warm and humid climate with dense forest in the upstream catchment area. If the early claims were to be believed, the tropical conditions should have been ripe for high greenhouse gas emissions.

Yet a study from EDF and SINTEF published in the journal Science of the Total Environment in 2011 found that the 40-year-old Nam Ngum reservoir behaves as a carbon sink, with negative net greenhouse gas emissions because of low methane production and a high CO2 uptake by phytoplankton.

Time for new tools and international guidelines

The uncertainties and lack of consensus led to consultation between scientists and development of the G-res tool, led by The International Hydropower Association (IHA) and UNESCO's International Hydrological Programme (UNESCO-IHP). Both SINTEF Energy and Statkraft along with research scientists from the University of Quebec and Natural Resources Institute Finland were involved in the development.

Schei calls the launch of the tool a major milestone in helping to assess the true value of hydropower.

"In Turkey, the Ataturk dam and reservoir is delivering on irrigation, while in China, flood control and transportation are more important than the energy produced. Understanding the likely greenhouse gas emissions of a new reservoir is a vital step in proper management of energy production and the river system," he said.

The IPCC are now going to revise their guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories with the help of Atle Harby and 15 other lead authors. The chapter on how to handle freshwater reservoirs (flooded land) will be revised following the new findings.

Provided by SINTEF
News

Microsoft Teams Bringing Apps Controls and Client Support

Microsoft recently announced some coming Office 365 Teams improvements, including IT administrative controls over the "third-party" applications.

Additionally, Microsoft announced an Outlook desktop client add-in to help with scheduling Microsoft Teams meetings. There's also added mobile applications support.

Teams "Apps" Controls

Microsoft Teams, which provides user access to meetings, messages and Skype calls, was turned on for Office 365 business subscribers back in March. It's available but turned off by default for Office 365 education tenancies.

The Microsoft Teams user interface has "tabs" that can be used with "connectors" to connect with other services, bots and applications. Back in March, Microsoft had indicated that around "150 integrations" with Teams connectors would be coming. The software that can be enabled through the tabs can be Microsoft's applications, as well as applications built by other software companies ("third party" applications), which are available from the Microsoft Teams app catalog. It's also possible for internally built applications to be "sideloaded" to Microsoft Teams for testing purposes.

This week, Microsoft promised that three new controls will be arriving for IT pros, which will add management controls over these Teams "apps." The controls, when available, can be used to carry out the following tasks:

Allow or block all third-party apps

Choose the apps to allow or block

Select actions to take when new apps get submitted to the Teams app catalog

The new controls "will be live in the next few days," Microsoft's announcement noted.

Typically, IT pros manage Microsoft Teams via the Office 365 Admin Center portal. Microsoft's announcement noted that it has renamed the "Tab and Bots" section in the portal to "Apps." When an app gets disabled using the new controls, it will disappear from the Teams tab user interface, Microsoft explained.

Outlook Add-In

Microsoft also recently announced that its Outlook messaging client application is getting a new button labeled, "New Teams Meeting." When clicked, it invites users to a meeting, which will show up in their Outlook and Teams calendars.

The new functionality is currently limited to invitations within an Office 365 tenancy. It doesn't extend invites to external users. Moreover, it just works for Windows users now, but "support for Mac is coming," Microsoft's announcement indicated.

The New Teams Meeting add-in won't work if an authentication proxy exists in a network. It's also just designed to send invites for "meetings with specific participants, not for meetings in a channel." For meetings in a channel, users should use the Teams interface, Microsoft's announcement explained.

The new add-in will arrive automatically for Microsoft Teams users that have Office 2013 or Office 2016 installed on Windows devices. Its use requires that end users sign into Microsoft Teams via so-called "modern authentication," which Microsoft defines as Office 356 "sign-ons based on the Azure Active Directory Authentication Library."

Mobile App Support

Microsoft also recently announced added mobile application support for the Microsoft Teams service. New Microsoft Teams mobile apps for Android and iOS devices permit the establishment of both "private and channel meetings."

The mobile applications support both audio and HD video connections. New participants can be added during a meeting, and users have access to tabbed resources. They can also view and edit Office files using the mobile apps, as well as interact with bots, or they can search for conversations or files.

The mobile apps are accessible from the Microsoft Teams download page here. The Android Teams app requires Android 4.4 and higher. The iOS Teams app is supported using iOS 10.0 or higher.
Motorola Solutions, Inc. provides mission critical communications and analytics in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation, and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce. Its land mobile radio communications and video security and access control devices include two-way portable and vehicle-mounted radios, fixed and mobile video cameras, and accessories; radio network core and central processing software, base stations, consoles, and repeaters; and video analytics, network video management hardware and software, and access control solutions. The Software and Services segment provides repair, technical support, and hardware maintenance services. This segment also offers monitoring, software updates, and cybersecurity services; and public safety and enterprise command center software, unified communications applications, and video software solutions through on-premise and as a service. It serves government, public safety, and commercial customers. The company was formerly known as Motorola, Inc. and changed its name to Motorola Solutions, Inc. in January 2011. Motorola Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
The following companies are subsidiares of Sysco: 2234829 Alberta ULC, 2234842 Alberta ULC, A. M. Briggs Inc., A.M. Briggs, Almacen Fiscal Frionet Caldera S.A., Almacen Fiscal Frionet Limon S.A., Appert's Foodservice, Arnotts (Fruit) Limited, Asian Foods, Bahamas Food Holdings Limited, Bahamas Food Services Limited, Brake Bros, Brake Bros Foodservice Ireland Limited, Brake Bros. Foodservice Limited, Brake Bros. Holding I Limited, Brake Bros. Ltd., Brakes Foodservice NI Limited, Buchy Food Service, Buckhead Beef Co., Buckhead Meat & Seafood of Houston Inc., Buckhead Meat Company, Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc., Buckhead Meat of Dallas Inc., Buckhead Meat of Denver Inc., Buckhead Meat of San Antonio LP, Buzztable Inc., CAKE Corporation, Central Seafood Co., Christys Wine & Spirits Limited, Clafra Aktiebolag, Colorado Boxed Beef Co - Specialty meat-cutting division, Corporacion Frionet Sociedad Anonima, Crossgar Foodservice, Crossgar Foodservice Limited, Crown I Enterprises Inc., Cucina Acquisitions (UK) Limited, Cucina Finance (UK) Limited, Cucina French Holdings Limited, Cucina Fresh Finance Limited, Cucina Fresh Investments Limited, Cucina Lux Investments Limited, Curleys Quality Foods Limited (Third Party), Davigel Belgilux S.A., Davigel Espana S.A., Desert Meats & Provisions, Distagro, Doerle Food Service, Doughtie's Foods Inc., Dust Bowl City LLC, Eko Fagel Fisk o mittemellan AB, Enclave Insurance Company, Enclave Parkway Association Inc., Enclave Properties LLC, European Imports, European Imports Inc., Figg Inc., Freedman Meats, Freedman Meats Inc., Freedman-KB Inc., Fresh Direct (UK) Limited, Fresh Direct Group Limited, Fresh Direct Limited, Fresh Holdings Limited, FreshPoint, FreshPoint Arizona Inc., FreshPoint Atlanta Inc., FreshPoint California Inc., FreshPoint Central California Inc., FreshPoint Central Florida Inc., FreshPoint Connecticut LLC, FreshPoint Dallas Inc., FreshPoint Denver Inc., FreshPoint Hawaii LLC, FreshPoint Inc., FreshPoint Las Vegas Inc., FreshPoint North Carolina Inc., FreshPoint North Florida Inc., FreshPoint Oklahoma City LLC, FreshPoint Pompano Real Estate LLC, FreshPoint Puerto Rico LLC, FreshPoint San Francisco Inc., FreshPoint South Florida Inc., FreshPoint South Texas Inc., FreshPoint Southern California Inc., FreshPoint Tomato LLC, FreshPoint Vancouver Ltd., Freshfayre Limited, Fruktservice i Helsingborg AB, GHS Classic Drinks Limited, Gilchrist & Soames Inc., Gilchrist & Soames UK Limited, Guest Packaging LLC, Guest Supply, Guest Supply Asia Limited, Guest Supply Singapore Pte. Ltd., International Food Group, Isakssons Frukt & Gront AB, J & M Wholesale Meats, J. Kings Food Service Professionals, J. Kings Food Service Professionals Inc., Kent Frozen Foods, Les Ateliers Du Gout, Liquid Assets Limited, M&J Seafood Holdings Limited, M&J Seafood Limited, Manchester Mills LLC, Mayca Autoservicio S.A., Mayca Distribuidores S.A., Menigo Foodservice AB, Mitshim Etatu Supply LP, Newport Meat Company, Newport Meat Northern California Inc., Newport Meat Pacific Northwest Inc., Newport Meat Southern California Inc., Newport Meat of Nevada Inc., North Star Holding Corporation, North Star Seafood, North Star Seafood Acquisition Corporation, North Star Seafood LLC, PFS de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Palisades Ranch Inc., Pallas Foods, Pallas Foods Farm Fresh Unlimited Company, Pallas Foods Unlimited Company, Pauleys Produce Limited, Promotora del Servicios S.A. de C.V., Restaurangakdemien AB, Restaurant of Tomorrow Inc., Rohan Viandes Elaboration SAS, SMS Bermuda Holdings, SMS GPC International Limited, SMS GPC International Resources Limited, SMS Global Holdings S.a.r.l., SMS International Resources Ireland Unlimited Company, SMS Lux Holdings LLC, SOTF LLC, SYY Netherlands C.V., SYY Panama S. de R.L., Serca Foodservice, Servicestyckarna I Johannes AB, Servicios Ameriserve S.A. de C.V., Shenzhen Guest Supply Trading Co. Limited, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Bianchi Montegut, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Boiseau, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Garcelles, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) J.D. Lanjouan, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Le Dauphin, Specialty Meat Holdings LLC, Stockflag Limited, Stockholms Fiskauktion AB, Supplies on the Fly, Sysco Albany LLC, Sysco Asian Foods Inc., Sysco Atlanta LLC, Sysco Autoservicio S.A., Sysco Baltimore LLC, Sysco Baraboo LLC, Sysco Bermuda Partners L.P., Sysco Boston LLC, Sysco Canada Holdings S.a.r.l., Sysco Canada Inc., Sysco Central Alabama LLC, Sysco Central California Inc., Sysco Central Florida Inc., Sysco Central Illinois Inc., Sysco Central Pennsylvania LLC, Sysco Charlotte LLC, Sysco Chicago Inc., Sysco Cincinnati LLC, Sysco Cleveland Inc., Sysco Columbia LLC, Sysco Connecticut LLC, Sysco Corporation, Sysco Corporation Director's Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Employee's 401(k) Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Good Government Committee Inc., Sysco Corporation Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Unemployment Benefits Plan Trust, Sysco Detroit LLC, Sysco Disaster Relief Foundation Inc., Sysco EI VI S. s.r.l., Sysco EU II S.a.r.l., Sysco EU III S.a.r.l., Sysco EU IV Capital Unlimited Company, Sysco EU IV S. s.r.l.., Sysco EU V S. s.r.l., Sysco Eastern Maryland LLC, Sysco Eastern Wisconsin LLC, Sysco Foundation Inc., Sysco France Holding SAS, Sysco France SAS, Sysco George Town II LLC, Sysco George Town Limited S. s.r.l.., Sysco Global Finance LLC, Sysco Global Finance LLP, Sysco Global Holdings B.V., Sysco Global Resources LLC, Sysco Global Services LLC, Sysco Grand Cayman Company, Sysco Grand Cayman II Company, Sysco Grand Cayman III Company, Sysco Grand Rapids LLC, Sysco Guernsey Limited, Sysco Guest Supply Canada Inc., Sysco Guest Supply Europe Goods Wholesalers LLC, Sysco Guest Supply Europe Limited, Sysco Guest Supply LLC, Sysco Gulf Coast LLC, Sysco Hampton Roads Inc., Sysco Hawaii Inc., Sysco Holdings II LLC, Sysco Holdings LLC, Sysco Indianapolis LLC, Sysco International Food Group Inc., Sysco International Inc., Sysco Iowa Inc., Sysco Jackson LLC, Sysco Jacksonville Inc., Sysco Kansas City Inc., Sysco Knoxville LLC, Sysco Labs Europe Limited, Sysco Labs Pvt. Ltd., Sysco Leasing LLC, Sysco Lincoln Inc., Sysco Lincoln Transportation Company Inc., Sysco Long Island LLC, Sysco Los Angeles Inc., Sysco Louisville Inc., Sysco Memphis LLC, Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Canada Inc., Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Inc., Sysco Metro New York LLC, Sysco Minnesota Inc., Sysco Montana Inc., Sysco Nashville LLC, Sysco Netherlands Partners LLC, Sysco North Central Florida Inc., Sysco North Dakota Inc., Sysco Northern New England Inc., Sysco Philadelphia LLC, Sysco Pittsburgh LLC, Sysco Portland Inc., Sysco Raleigh LLC, Sysco Resources Services LLC, Sysco Riverside Inc., Sysco Sacramento Inc., Sysco San Diego Inc., Sysco San Francisco Inc., Sysco Seattle Inc., Sysco South Florida Inc., Sysco Southeast Florida LLC, Sysco Spain Holdings SLU, Sysco Spokane Inc., Sysco St. Louis LLC, Sysco Syracuse LLC, Sysco Technologies Cayman Ltd., Sysco Technologies LLC, Sysco UK Holdings Limited, Sysco UK Limited, Sysco UK Partners LLP, Sysco USA I Inc., Sysco USA II LLC, Sysco USA III LLC, Sysco Ventura Inc., Sysco Ventures Inc., Sysco Virginia LLC, Sysco West Coast Florida Inc., Sysco Western Minnesota Inc., The SYGMA Network Inc., Upsys, Victua SAS, Walker Foods Inc., Waugh Foods, and Wild Harvest Limited.

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Apollo Global Management, Inc. is a private equity firm specializing in investments in credit, private equity and real estate markets. The firm's private equity investments include traditional buyouts, recapitalization, distressed buyouts and debt investments in real estate, corporate partner buyouts, distressed asset, corporate carve-outs, middle market, growth capital, turnaround, bridge, corporate restructuring, special situation, acquisition, and industry consolidation transactions. The firm provides its services to endowment and sovereign wealth funds, as well as other institutional and individual investors. It manages client focused portfolios. The firm launches and manages hedge funds for its clients. It also manages real estate funds and private equity funds for its clients. The firm invests in the fixed income and alternative investment markets across the globe. Its fixed income investments include income-oriented senior loans, bonds, collateralized loan obligations, structured credit, opportunistic credit, non-performing loans, distressed debt, mezzanine debt, and value oriented fixed income securities. The firm seeks to invest in chemicals, commodities, consumer and retail, oil and gas, metals, mining, agriculture, commodities, distribution and transportation, financial and business services, manufacturing and industrial, media distribution, cable, entertainment and leisure, telecom, technology, natural resources, energy, packaging and materials, and satellite and wireless industries. It seeks to invest in companies based in across Africa, North America with a focus on United States, and Europe. The firm also makes investments outside North America, primarily in Western Europe and Asia. It employs a combination of contrarian, value, and distressed strategies to make its investments. The firm seeks to make investments in the range of $10 million and $1500 million. The firm seeks to invest in companies with Enterprise value between $750 million to $2500 million. The firm conducts an in-house research to create its investment portfolio. It seeks to acquire minority and majority positions in its portfolio companies. Apollo Global Management, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices in North America, Asia , India and Europe.
Dr Huang Jing, a China affairs expert at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP. (Screen shot photo: LKYSPP)

An academic from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) had his Singapore permanent residency cancelled and will be permanently banned from the country for working with a foreign government to influence the Republics foreign policy, the Straits Times said in a report on Friday (4 August).

Huang Jing had his PR cancelled on Friday (4 August) while his wife Shirley Yang Xiuping will also be permanently banned from Singapore, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, according to the report by the Straits Times. The couple are United States citizens.

Dr Huang was an agent of influence of a foreign country who worked with intelligence organisations and agents from that country, MHA said, without naming the country. The academic is currently an economic analyst for Xinhua News Agency and an advisor to China Foundation for International and Strategic Studies.

The Lee Foundation Professor on US-China relations at the LKY School is a China expert whose views were often sought by the media, the report said.

Huang used his senior position in the LKYSPP to deliberately and covertly advance the agenda of a foreign country at Singapores expense. He did this in collaboration with foreign intelligence agents, said MHA.

This amounts to subversion and foreign interference in Singapores domestic politics. Huangs continued presence in Singapore, and that of his wife, are therefore undesirable.

The couples entry and re-entry permits have been cancelled, MHA added.

Yang was aware that her husband was using his position to promote a foreign countrys agenda, MHA said. Dr Huang had also provided privileged information about the foreign country to prominent Singaporeans, with the aim of creating positive opinions of that country, MHA said. Dr Huang also recruited others in his operations, MHA added.

Dr Huang provided privileged information to a senior member of the LKY School, so it could be passed on to the Singapore Government.

The information was duly conveyed by that senior member of the LKYSPP to very senior public officials who were in a position to direct Singapores foreign policy. The clear intention was to use the information to cause the Singapore Government to change its foreign policy, said MHA, adding that the Government declined to act on the information.

Dr Huang, who has taught at several universities in the US including Harvard, has published numerous opinion pieces in Singapores newspapers about Chinas foreign policy and other topics, the ST report said.
AGC looking into Facebook post by Lee Hsien Yangs son Li Shengwu

Li Shengwu, the eldest son of Lee Hsien Yang, said that a social media posting that he made in July was intended as a criticism of the litigious nature of the Singapore government and its subsequent effect on media freedoms, and not on the judiciary.

It is not my intent to attack the Singapore judiciary or to undermine public confidence in the administration of justice. Any criticism I made is of the Singapore governments litigious nature, and its use of legal rules and actions to stifle the free press, said Li in a Facebook post on Friday (4 August).

Li was referring to a private Facebook post he had made in July. Linking to a Wall Street Journal article about the Lee family feud, Li said then, The Singapore government is very litigious and has a pliant court system. This constrains what the international media can usually report.

The 32-year-old, who is also the nephew of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said he had been sent a threatening letter by the Attorney-Generals Chambers (AGC) that called the post an attack on the Singapore judiciary and in contempt of court. In response, he had decided to amend the original post to avoid any misunderstanding.

He explained that his intention was to convey the restrictions on international media in their reporting on the Lee saga, and the different legal rules with respect to press freedom in Singapore as compared with countries such as the United States.

There is also flexibility in Singapores defamation laws  they just have different boundaries from the defamation laws in other jurisdictions. The government makes use of these legal rules to restrict unfavourable reporting, he added.

Li noted that an unauthorised screenshot of the post had been taken and then published by several media outlets, including Singapore mainstream media.

No one who published or republished my private post had approached me to clarify what I meant. Curiously, the Singapore media had time to seek statements from a Senior Minister of State and the AGC, but did not even do basic fact-checking  they inaccurately reported that the post was taken down, because they did not bother to contact me.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrians who left Lebanon after a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Nusra militants on Thursday started crossing into a rebel-held area of Syria where they will settle, Lebanese media reported. As part of the same agreement, captured Hezbollah fighters began to be released at the same crossing point between government and rebel areas in northwestern Syria. About 7,000 Syrians, including Nusra militants and refugees, left the Arsal district on the border between Lebanon and Syria as part of a ceasefire deal that also involves the handover of captured Hezbollah fighters. The ceasefire took effect last week, just days after Shi'ite Hezbollah and the Syrian army launched an offensive to drive Nusra Front and other Sunni militants from their last foothold in the border area between Lebanon and Syria. A convoy of more than 100 buses arrived on Thursday at Saan in Hama province, where they began to cross the front lines from government territory, Hezbollah-affiliated al-Manar television reported. The buses left Arsal on Wednesday evening. Al-Manar broadcast what it said was live footage of the exchange, showing a line of buses slowly driving on a narrow road towards the crest of a low, brown hill and an ambulance travelling in the opposite direction. Hezbollah is an important ally of the Syrian government in the war against rebel groups that include the Nusra Front. Eight of its fighters were being held by Nusra in Arsal, of whom three were freed on Wednesday and more on Thursday. The crossing point at Saan gives access to the main rebel enclave in northwest Syria, including Idlib province and large parts of Aleppo province. Hezbollah fighters on Thursday moved into the areas around Arsal that Nusra abandoned under the ceasefire, a Hezbollah military media unit reported. The Lebanese army is expected to soon begin an assault on an Islamic State pocket in the same area and on Thursday it shelled the militant positions there, a security source in Lebanon said. The head of Lebanon's internal security service, General Abbas Ibrahim, said in a television interview that the army was preparing its offensive but was willing to negotiate a surrender by the jihadists. He added that the only other armed group still in the mountainous border area, Saraya Ahl al-Sham, which holds a tiny area on the frontier, would withdraw in the coming days. The transfer of militants along with large numbers of refugees has echoed 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. (Reporting By Angus McDowall; Editing by Larry King)
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A U.S.-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution, seen by Reuters on Friday, aims to slash by a third North Korea's $3 billion annual export revenue by banning the country's trade of coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore and seafood. A council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there was a "high confidence" that North Korea ally China and Russia would support the draft resolution, which was circulated to the 15 Security Council members on Friday. The United States is aiming for a vote on Saturday to impose the stronger sanctions over North Korea's two intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests in July, though Russia and some other council members are asking for more time, diplomats said. A resolution needs nine votes in favour, and no vetoes by the United States, China, Russia, France or Britain, to be adopted. The draft resolution would also prohibit countries from increasing the current numbers of North Korean labourers working abroad, ban new joint ventures with North Korea and any new investment in current joint ventures. "These are export sectors where this money is viewed as a critical, critical source of hard currency that the North immediately turns around into its fantastically expensive war machine and these just amazingly expensive ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs," the diplomat said. "These sanctions are not targeted at the people of North Korea," the diplomat said. U.S. PRESSURE ON CHINA The draft resolution would also add nine individuals and four entities to the U.N. blacklist, including North Korea's primary foreign exchange bank, subjecting them to a global asset freeze and travel ban. The United States and China have been negotiating the draft text for the past month. Typically, they agree sanctions on North Korea before formally involving other council members. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has been frustrated that China has not done more to rein in North Korea and Washington has threatened to impose new sanctions on Chinese firms doing business with Pyongyang. "The Trump administration should issue new sanctions against China at the same time the new resolution is adopted as Beijing is still violating U.S. law by allowing its companies, individuals, and banks to facilitate North Korea's sanctions evasion," said Anthony Ruggiero, a Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior fellow and former U.S. Treasury official. China has also been upset by possible moves by the Trump administration to exert trade pressure on Beijing. "(The draft) appears to reflect a compromise between the U.S. and China in several areas," Bonnie Glaser, senior adviser for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said. "It notably does not include any reduction in Chinese crude oil shipments to North Korea." While supportive of new U.N. action, Security Council member Sweden said sanctions alone could not solve the problem. "More creative diplomacy is urgently needed. A long-term solution can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiations," said Sweden's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Carl Skau. U.S. VS RUSSIA The United States had been informally keeping Britain and France in the loop on the bilateral negotiations, while U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said China had been sharing the draft and negotiating with Russia. It has not been clear if poor relations between Russia and the United States, which imposed new unilateral sanctions on Moscow on Wednesday, would hamper negotiations. Moscow has disagreed with assessments by Western powers that Pyongyang launched two long-range missiles, saying they were mid-range. Diplomats say China and Russia only view a test of a long-range missile or a nuclear weapon as a trigger for further possible U.N. sanctions. North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006 over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs and the Security Council has ratcheted up the measures in response to five nuclear weapons tests and two long-range missile launches. The U.N. diplomat said North Korea has been estimated to earn in 2017 $400 million from coal, $251 million from iron and iron ore, $113 million from lead and lead ore and $295 million from seafood. The diplomat said it was difficult to estimate how much North Korea was earning from sending workers abroad. A United Nations human rights investigator said in 2015 that North Korea has forced more than 50,000 people to work abroad, mainly in Russia and China, earning the country between $1.2 billion and $2.3 billion a year for the government. (Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Toni Reinhold and James Dalgleish)
The Owl Sanctuary in Norwich will be hosting a fundraiser to try and kickstart a new indoor park and gig space in Great Yarmouth on Sunday August 27th. Head down from 1pm for an afternoon of raffles, skate video screenings and more, followed in the evening by local punk and metal bands to keep things going.

More details can be found by clicking on the flyer below.
Weekends with Div Adam

We were in Scotland back in May where Div had joined us for a couple of days of sessions at Livingston Skatepark. At the end of our final day at Livi, Div declared:

I need to get going, man. Got to be on site in Oxford for 8am tomorrow, building a park down that way for the next few weeks til I go to Copenhagen.

With Oxford being a mere 40 minute drive from where I reside these days, we hatched a plan on the spot for weekends with Div Adam with him crashing at ours on weekends whilst the park was being built, so he had somewhere to recharge after being on site all week, skating on occasion and gathering footage and photos at the same time.

Good shit Geggsman, Ill see ya Friday.

The park he was building turned out to be a Maverick job in Henley-on-Thames, which is on the other side of Oxford from here and can be gotten to in about an hour and quarter drive (should traffic be clear), but the added bit of distance involved didnt end up altering our plan. Pretty much every Friday afternoon for the following two months, my phone would ring sometime around lunchtime:

Waddup Geggsman? Leavin now, should be at yours soon

Div would roll up to our house in his beloved black Astra van, the tunes would be fired up and the fridge would be stacked with beers, then the next two days would be spent rounding up as many folk keen for a session as possible and heading off to skate as many parks and spots as we could, throwing in some camping, fires, booze and anything else that sprung to mind. Monday morning would come around and Div would take himself back to Henley, then on Friday afternoon he would reappear and wed do it all over again.

The photos and video that resulted from these weekends with Div Adam that youre about to immerse yourself in now do exactly what they say on the tin  this is what we gathered over a handful of weekends with Div; starting out in Scotland, ending in Melton Mowbray and visiting London, Bristol, Wales, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex along the way.

The original plan was to run an interview alongside all of this, but, at Divs request, theres no interview to be read here; he asked for Zeta Rush  whos currently having time out from skating herself due to impending parenthood  to write about each of the photos from her perspective, as she was present for pretty much everything, keeping a watchful eye on Div from her faithful navy blue camping chair

Anyway, without further unnecessary ado, I present to you Weekends With Div  crack open a can of Strongbow Dark Fruits and enjoy



Music: Chase  Big Baga Ganja, (produced by Reklews)

More at: https://soundcloud.com/chase-d-double-m
Imagine youre building your dream house. You spend years conceiving the structure and sourcing the best materials, and for a while, things are going great. Then, one day, someone informs you theres no more money and you have two weeks before all the construction workers quit. Complicated window treatments are replaced by paper Home Depot shades, the imported tile floor with unsanded plywood. You end up with a majestic shell, a suggestion of the grandeur that might have been. If your tilt your head just so when youre watching The Dark Tower, you can almost see the movie it was trying to be, a mystical saga spanning numerous worlds and genres. Stephen King spent almost 35 years writing stories about Roland the Gunslinger, Jake Chambers, and the Man in Black, as well as dozens of other characters, and although plans to develop the seven-book (and then some) cycle as a multifilm series never came to pass, the movie, directed by Nikolaj Arcel, wants to convey that sense of scale. There are whispers of a war that has been raging since the beginning of time, against a threat that is larger than the universe itself, of worlds that have been and worlds yet to be. And then there is the sight of Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor), a teenage boy from New York City, being attacked by the floor of a decrepit house, which as it envelops him starts to look suspiciously like its been fashioned out of a cardboard box.

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In an era less focused on the construction of cinematic universes, The Dark Tower might have been a faintly cheesy cult classic, one where the low-grade special effects and Scene Missing lacunae were part of its charm. But the movie that Arcel made and co-wrote, along with Anders Thomas Jensen, Akiva Goldsman, and Jeff Pinkner, doesnt have the conviction that might allow you to look past its manifold shortcomings, and theres nothing charming about it.

Theres so much potential in what remains of Kings story that for a good while, thats enough. Jake, a troubled teenager whose disturbing dreams turn out to be manifestations of his nascent psychic powerscalled the shine, one of many ways in which the story functions as an overarching framework for all of Kings novelsand those powers lead him to a portal to Mid-World, one among countless other inhabited planets strewn across the universe, and possibly separated in time as well as space. Its there he meets Roland (Idris Elba), a kind of gun-toting warrior knight who is also a descendent of King Arthur, and learns about the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey), an all-powerful sorcerer whose aim is to destroy the Dark Tower that keeps the universe in balance. Incorporating ancient myths and futuristic technology, magical spells and marksmanship, it mixes elements from so many kinds of stories that the mixing itself comes to be the point. Its all the same tale, whether its played out with six-shooters or sky-rending blasts of light. Although it may be merely a clever ruse to keep fans of Kings books from complaining about this or that omission, the films makers announced last year that The Dark Tower is actually a sequel to Kings books rather than an adaptation of them, since the novels suggest that some version of the battle between Roland and the Man in Black is always going on and always will be. Perhaps thats why the movie feels like its always running in circles.

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Although The Dark Tower has hints of the science fiction, fantasy, and western genres, to name only a few, Arcel doesnt have a particular feel for any of them. The cinematography, from Rasmus Videbaek, is flat and colorless, and it makes the sets look cheap and flimsy. At a trim 95 minutes, the movie is always in a hurry to get somewhere, but we never linger long enough to get a real sense of place, even though some of its locations, like the mountaintop command base that the Man in Blackwhose real name, incidentally, is Walterand his minions inhabit, or the rustic village where Roland and Jake take shelter, are intriguing enough to be worth poking around awhile. The story is a journey at heart, but the movie keeps rushing to the next destination.

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The story is a journey at heart, but the movie keeps rushing to the next destination.

Even if you havent been following the behind-the-scenes reports of The Dark Towers own tumultuous journey to the screen, its easy to spot the hallmarks of a troubled productionTaylor appears to have gone through puberty in between principal photography and reshoots, so that his voice drops an octave from one scene to the next, and sometimes one shot to the next. But the movie would have been better as a shaggy, off-the-rails mess than the gutted husk as which its ended up. Elba nails the necessary mixture of gravitas and knowing camp; you believe him as both a mythic avenger and a fish out of water who puzzles at the contents of a Manhattan hot dog. But McConaugheys matter-of-fact evilhe can kill his enemies, with the lone exception of Roland, with a wave of his hand, or by simply telling them to stop breathingreads more like the indifference of a check-cashing movie star, and the movie cant decide whether it wants to treat Jake as an awestruck boy or a sullen teen.

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Although the writing has been on the wall for months about The Dark Towers not-goodness, plans appear to be proceeding apace for a TV spinoff: To quote a line from the trailers that didnt end up in the film, you cant stop whats coming. And perhaps TV is the place now for sprawling sagas like this one, where you need time to soak up the texture of its many worlds without having to hurtle headlong toward an apocalyptic endgame. But its possible for a movie to hint at things outside the frame, to sketch just enough of a place to let our minds fill in the gaps. The Dark Tower manages it on a few occasions, as when Roland and Jake explore an alien world thats littered with the detritus of eons-old theme parks. Is this a future Earth that exists at the same time as the present one, or a separate society that independently developed roller coasters on its own timeline? But the movies empty spaces mostly end up a blur, like exits breezed past as you zip down an endless, undistinguished highway. It gets where its going fast enough, but you dont feel like youve traveled anywhere at all.
In an effort to grow your social media presence and drive sales for specific products, have you considered the viability of social media contests? Theyve risen in popularity over the years and tend to provide a pretty decent return on investment. But there are a few things you need to know before getting started.

The Role of Gamification

In order to understand the value and efficacy of social media contests in the current marketplace, you have to first understand gamification and how it moves people to action.

Gamification is essentially the process by which game-like elements are used to get people to perform certain actions or engage in particular activities. As the name suggests, it comes from the word game, in which players are engaged in an experience with the purpose of accomplishing a goal and being rewarded with some sort of prize or recognition.

One of the simplest forms of gamification is getting a stamp every time you buy a coffee. Collect ten stamps and you get a free drink. Its like completing a level and getting a reward, copywriter Ben Brown says. Online, it could be the use of gaming elements like leaderboards, progress bars, and loyalty points. These tricks tap into our natural instincts: competition, exploration, curiosity.

But why does gamification work? What is it that draws people in and makes them willing to participate? There are a number of elements in play:

Control. We all like to be in control. Its why teenagers cant wait to get their drivers license. Its why people prefer starting their own business to working for someone else. Its why were obsessed with optimization and personalization. Gamification gives the user control and says, If you accomplish X, then you will be rewarded with Z. Theres excitement in being able to influence the outcome.

We all like to be in control. Its why teenagers cant wait to get their drivers license. Its why people prefer starting their own business to working for someone else. Its why were obsessed with optimization and personalization. Gamification gives the user control and says, If you accomplish X, then you will be rewarded with Z. Theres excitement in being able to influence the outcome. Achievement. As Brown explains, Achievement is one of the most powerful psychological driving factors of human behaviour. Everything we do, we do to achieve something. Gamification feels natural because it prioritizes and rewards achievement.

As Brown explains, Achievement is one of the most powerful psychological driving factors of human behaviour. Everything we do, we do to achieve something. Gamification feels natural because it prioritizes and rewards achievement. Competition. Finally, we all love gamification because it awakens our desire to compete against others and prove our dominance. People love knowing that theyre superior at something and gamification is usually tied to some type of ranking system.

Gamification can be used in any number of ways. One of the more traditional examples is an airline frequent flyer program or a punch card you get at an ice cream shop. But todays leading brands  powered by the internet and new technologies  have taken gamification to new levels. Specifically, theyve turned to social media contests as the perfect solution for engaging audiences and enhancing visibility.

What Makes a Social Media Contest Successful?

Social media contests have quickly become an industry best practice  and for good reason. As digital marketing expert Mikey Moran explains, its a good way to get some serious marketing power behind a new product launch. And it works even better for big brands with established audiences. But what makes a contest successful? Lets break it down into 5 Ps for easy recall.

People. You need the audience. Trying to push a contest on people who arent in your target market wont do you any good. Theres a chance theyll participate, but what long-term gain are you really getting?

You need the audience. Trying to push a contest on people who arent in your target market wont do you any good. Theres a chance theyll participate, but what long-term gain are you really getting? Platform. The social media platform you choose to use will have a big impact on your success. For example, there are distinct differences between Facebook and Instagram contests.

The social media platform you choose to use will have a big impact on your success. For example, there are distinct differences between Facebook and Instagram contests. Promotion. If you already have a massive following, you wont have to do much promotion other than introducing the contest and explaining the rules. But if youre a newer brand with a smaller audience, promotion plays a rather significant role. You cant be successful if you dont have a healthy number of entries.

If you already have a massive following, you wont have to do much promotion other than introducing the contest and explaining the rules. But if youre a newer brand with a smaller audience, promotion plays a rather significant role. You cant be successful if you dont have a healthy number of entries. Personalization. How hands-on is the contest? The more you can personalize the experience for individual users, the better the results will be. Remember, people participate in contests because they want to win. And in order to win, they want to feel like they have some control over the outcome.

How hands-on is the contest? The more you can personalize the experience for individual users, the better the results will be. Remember, people participate in contests because they want to win. And in order to win, they want to feel like they have some control over the outcome. Prize. Finally, theres the prize. Wishpond, which has seen its users run more than 31,000 social media contests over the years, believes the prize is the most important element. Specifically, theyve found that a bundle of items is better than a single item. Its also important that the prize worth is tied to the cost of entry. In other words, the more you ask from the entrant, the better the reward should be.

If youre able to get each of these five things right, youll thrive with social media contests. Its not easy, but theres a clear path to success if youre willing to follow it.

3 Creative Social Media Contests to Consider Running

Now that you know which factors matter the most, lets turn to the real meat of the issue. Which types of contests provide the optimal level of participation and visibility? Check it out:

1. Selfie Contests

Its 2017 and theres nothing quite like a good selfie to get people excited. Over the past couple of years, selfie contests have become quite popular. These contests generally revolve around entrants taking a selfie in a certain situation or environment and then tagging that image with a contest hashtag. Entrants love these contests because theyre trendy. Brands love them because theyre highly personal. When an entrants followers see the selfie in tandem with the hashtag, theyre more likely to have a positive view of the brand.

The Axe 2014 Kiss for Peace campaign is a good example. They called on social media users to post selfies of them kissing and tied it into their make love, not war slogan. It was highly successful and the winners were given a trip to Berlin.

2. Voting Contests

Trying to get pictures and videos from people isnt always easy. Some of your audience will oblige, but there are others who wont  no matter the prize. In these situations, something a little more casual can produce better results.

Voting contests are very popular. They dont require a whole lot of effort on either side and usually get high participation rates. They also allow you to get to know your audience better through how they vote on particular topics. Lays has had success with this in the past, letting customers vote on new flavors.

3. Artistic Contests

The more you can get people involved in the contest, the more value it will provide. Think about it. If youre just asking someone to repost an image, there isnt much effort involved. But if you actually ask your followers to take the time to create something, theyre much more vested. Artistic contests subscribe to this theory that more involvement is better.

The classic example of an artistic contest is the Starbucks White Cup Contest. The contest, which has been held a couple of times, asks customers to take the iconic white cup and add their own unique design, uploading to social media with the hashtag #WhiteCupContest. This contest has been hugely successful over the years, largely because it requires such an investment from each entrant. As a prize, the winners cup was turned into a limited edition Starbucks reusable plastic cup. Could you do something similar?

Gamify Your Audience

Gamification triggers a dopamine rush. Its that simple, Brown believes. Leveling up, gaining a reward, getting feedback or achieving something all gives you that little rush. Thats dopamine in your brain. Its your mind telling you to do it again because it feels good! And thats when addiction kicks in.

While there are plenty of ways to gamify your audience, social media contests are one of the best. Not only do they engage your followers and give them something to be excited about, but contests serve the purpose of enhancing visibility and expanding your brands reach. Your followers may think its about them, but it serves the ultimate purpose of strengthening your brand.

Study what other successful brands have done and be honest with yourself: What can you realistically do with your resources and audience? Start small and work your way towards bigger and better contests. With the right foundation  and a proper understanding of gamification  you can take even the smallest business to great heights.
The wines from the Small Carpathian wine region are typical of their freshness and have also built a reputation abroad.

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The inhabitants of Brussels were able to discover why Slovak wines from the Small Carpathians region are among the best at international competitions. They had opportunity to taste the best of them near the seat of the European Parliament in early June 2017.

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The offer of wines from the Small Carpathian wine region is very varied, said Peter Fulop, chair of the Small Carpathian Wine Route (MVC) association, as quoted by the TASR newswire, adding that among the most awarded are roses and white wines.

The wines from the Small Carpathian wine region are typical of their freshness and have also built a reputation abroad, though the Slovak vineyards cannot be compared with those of France, Italy or Spain, he added.

Despite the successes, Slovak wine is still relatively unknown in the Benelux countries, said Slovak Ambassador to Belgium Stanislav Vallo.

I must admit that this event has inspired our embassy, Vallo said, as quoted by TASR. We will try to promote and introduce here other wine regions in Slovakia as well.

The wine festival in Brussels was initiated by the Bratislava Self-Governing Region with the intent to make wine from the Small Carpathian region better known in and outside of Slovakia, said its deputy chair Gabriella Nemeth.
PM Fico is dismissive of critical economic analysis by Finance Ministry.

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The construction of the R2 express dual-carriageway from Zvolen (Banska Bystrica Region) in the direction of Kosice will continue as set out in the four-year programme of the current cabinet, leaders of three coalition parties agreed on August 3.

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Weve made clear our adherence to making good on the commitment enacted in the Government Manifesto to carry on with the construction of the R2 from Zvolen in the direction of Kosice, said Prime Minister and Smer leader Robert Fico after talks with Slovak National Party (SNS) leader and Speaker of Parliament Andrej Danko and Most-Hid chairman Bela Bugar.

Fico was dismissive of a preliminary opinion of the Finance Ministrys Value for Money unit, which assessed continuing to build the R2 express dual-carriageway as unprofitable. It instead suggested expanding some sections of an existing road or building a two-line express dual-carriageway in some sections.

I couldnt care less about what some clerk thinks, said Fico as cited by the TASR newswire. Its made clear in the Government Manifesto, and its the duty of all of us who hold some sway over it to make decisions that will deliver on this commitment.

Fico added that he expects Transport and Construction Minister Arpad Ersek (Most-Hid) to prepare decisions for the continuation and to ensure that the R2 continues to be built. Bugar and Danko also pledged the governments commitment to completing the R2 express dual-carriageway.

The ruling coalition sees completion of the network of highways and express dual-carriageway as a solution for so-called hunger valleys. It believes that a better road connection would bring more investments there and would thus bring jobs to local people. There are several hunger valleys in southern Slovakia that would be serviced by the new highway.

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Value for Money

The launch of the analytical team of Value for Money at the Finance Ministry (UHD) was inspired by an initiative of the late economist Martin Filko called Best of All Possible Worlds  Value for Money in Slovak Public Policies. Its main idea was that governments decisions should be based on analyses which lead to an effective and performance-oriented public administration. While this may sound simple and obvious, it requires a change in the way of thinking of the state that prevents state politicians from deciding subjectively.

The analytical team claims that it has never wanted to halt construction of the R2 express dual-carriageway and that some uncertainties occurred after partial information from evaluation of individual stretches were medialised.

Works on the R2 project are going on so that we will achieve the best solution possible and one which will contribute to meeting of the Government Manifesto, which is to build the R2 and follow the principles of value for money, wrote the Government Proxy for express dual-carriageways Igor Janckulik and director of UHD Stefan Kiss in a joint statement after their meeting on August 3.

The analysts have again asked the National Highway Company for the latest data, which they will use in updating their calculations and publishing an evaluation of the R2 projects underway. They stressed that they are not questioning the need to build the Zvolen-Kosice R2 express dual-carriageway but are looking for less costly alternatives.

Analyses and conclusions by the analytical team only serve as recommendations for the government.
The Defence Ministry is purchasing nine helicopters worth $261 million via a US government programme.

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New Sikorski UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters were handed over to the Slovak Air Force by Defence Minister Peter Gajdos (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) at a military helicopter facility in Presov in eastern Slovakia on August 3. The new US-made helicopters are set to replace the current Mi-17s, which are nearing the end of their lifespans.

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Minister Gajdos called the ceremony a watershed moment in terms of modernising the Slovak Air Force.

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I trust that the first two [machines] will be gradually joined by another seven under an agreed deadline in line with the approved contract, said Gajdos as cited by the TASR newswire. This modernisation of the Slovak Armed Forces and Air Force in particular will enable the Air Force to provide support to the military operations of ground forces and special forces and, of course, also provide domestic crisis management during crisis situations such as floods, snow drifts and fires.

Gajdos hopes that the modernisation of the military will continue among ground forces as well as in the Air Force.

In the next few weeks, Ill be seeking a mandate from the government and parliament to pass a long-term modernisation plan, said Gajdos. Well be pursuing the modernisation of the Slovak Armed Forces to make them compatible with our NATO coalition partners in terms of helicopters and ground forces.

The Defence Ministry is slated to purchase nine helicopters worth $261 million via the US government programme Foreign Military Sales.
The case will be addressed by the general prosecutor and a parliament committee.

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Czech Blazej Svoboda left an interrogation at a police station with bruises and ruptured eardrums, he told the Dennik N daily.

He came to talk to police in Senec on his own but left frightened and with a broken mobile phone after seven hours.

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The investigator did not like his statement regarding a friend who left her husband with three kids, according to Svoboda, and an investigation was started in her case.

The interrogation turned violent after Svoboda refused to speak about the private lives of people in the believers associations that he and his friend attended.

During that time, an investigator kicked and beat him with a stick, in addition to verbally assaulting him. Svoboda ended up in the hospital and was unable to work for nine days.

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The Defence and Security Committee of Parliament is going to deal with Svobodas case at the end of August, the SaS (Freedom and Solidarity) party informed the SITA newswire.

We call on the Police President Tibor Gaspar and Interior Minister Robert Kalinak to report about the case, said Lubomir Galko, a member of the committee and vice-chairman of SaS, as quoted by SITA.

He added that the best thing would be if the committee would name a different police president as well as interior minister.

In Slovak police are, unfortunately, also people that incline toward violence and brutality, said Galko, as quoted by SITA. So its enough to have a right atmosphere, and the behaviour of policemen are controlled by low instincts that are even contrary to the law and their mission to help and to protect.

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The bad atmosphere in the police department is the responsibility of Interior Minister Robert Kalinak, his subordinate Police President Tibor Gaspar and PM Robert Fico, according to SaS.

Police arrogance is a result of arrogance of power, Galko told SITA, adding that if policemen blindly serve Kalinak, Gaspar and Fico, they could slap witnesses until their eardrums rupture, kick a girl or pull out a gun thoughtlessly and kill the innocent.

The general prosecutor will also deal with Svobodas case.
The Bratislava City Council does not see any problem with using this place for parking.

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The lucrative Tyrsovo embankment near the Old Bridge with the view on the Castle and the city has become a popular place for camping. Some tourists spend just one night at the unofficial parking place next to Magio Beach summer resort, while others stay there for up to three nights. The problem, however, is that this is not an official camping site.

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Belgian tourists camping at the Tyrsovo embankment told the Sme daily that they found this place for camping at the internet. The website www.campercontact.com says that Parking Danubio enables mix parking along the Danube River. Its maximum capacity is 10 vans, while there is no maximum camper limit. It is open throughout the year.

Stayed here for three nights, fine to visit Bratislava you only need to cross the railway / footbridge and you are in the centre, Yvonne216 wrote in the review she left on the website. There are no amenities, if you look a little further than it was made close to a fake beach where you can drink, laze on beach chairs or hamburger and get hotdog, but there are also clean public restrooms. You stand on Danube where you look at a castle.

The city council does not see any problem in using this place for parking.

This way it enables citizens and visitors of Bratislava to park cars here free of charge and get to the city either on foot or by the tram via the Old Bridge, said Zuzana Onufer, spokesperson of the Bratislava city council as cited by the Sme daily.

Land on the Tyrsovo embankment is municipal, and after the re-built Old Bridge was put into operation, it turned into an unofficial parking place. People commuting to Bratislava park here and either walk to the city or use the tram.

As there is no ban for the parking of any kind of cars, neither the municipal office nor the police see any problem when people also sleep in the caravans parked there.

There are no road signs banning motor vehicles of certain categories to drive here, Peter Pleva, spokesperson of the Bratislava municipal police. Our patrol went to check the situation and did not find any violation of regulations, for example concerning order and cleanness on the part of the owners of caravans.

In Bratislava the only official camping sites are at Zlate Piesky and on the premises of the white water facility in Cunovo. Based on a regulation of the Economy Ministry on the categorisation of accommodation facilities, a camping site must have baths and toilettes and must be a catering establishment. These do not exist at the unofficial parking place, but nearby is Magio Beach, a summer resting place with sand, sport facilities and booths selling food and drinks.
The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United states and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. The Business Insurance segment offers workers' compensation, commercial automobile and property, general liability, commercial multi-peril, employers' liability, public and product liability, professional indemnity, marine, aviation, onshore and offshore energy, construction, terrorism, personal accident, and kidnap and ransom insurance products. This segment operates through select accounts, which serve small businesses; commercial accounts that serve mid-sized businesses; national accounts, which serve large companies; and national property and other that serve large and mid-sized customers, commercial trucking industry, and agricultural businesses, as well as markets and distributes its products through brokers, wholesale agents, and program managers. The Bond & Specialty Insurance segment provides surety, fidelity, management and professional liability, and other property and casualty coverages and related risk management services through independent agencies and brokers. The Personal Insurance segment offers property and casualty insurance covering personal risks, primarily automobile and homeowners insurance to individuals through independent agencies and brokers. The Travelers Companies, Inc. was founded in 1853 and is based in New York, New York.
Morgan Stanley is the 6th largest financial institution in the US. The company is ranked 61st on the Forbes Fortune 500 list and is the 39th largest bank in the world. A financial holding company, Morgan Stanley provides a full range of financial services to clients around the world.

Morgan Stanley was formed in 1935 as a result of the Glass-Steagall Act. Glass-Steagall separated commercial and investment banking in a way that forced the then-largest bank J.P. Morgan & Co to split into two groups. J.P. Morgan & Co. chose to retain the commercial side of the business while partners Henry S. Morga, grandson of J.P., and Harold Stanley took the investment end. In its first year, Morgan Stanley did 24% of the IPO business and maintains a lions share of the market to this day.

The original company existed and grew through acquisitions until 1987 when it merged with Dean Witter Discover & Co. The new Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover & Co existed for 14 years until 2001 when the name was shortened back to Morgan Stanley.

The bank is credited in part with both beginning and ending the financial crisis of 2007/2008. The Process Driven Trading unit lost $300 million in one day due to a short-squeeze that popped the bubble in the housing market. After teetering on the brink of failure Morgan Stanley agreed to become a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve, a key factor in the original decision to split from parent J.P. Morgan & Co. Ironically when given the chance, present-day J.P. Morgan refused to buy Morgan Stanley but that was for the better.

Today, Morgan Stanley operates through three segments via offices in 41 countries and employs more than 75,000 people. Revenue in 2021 topped $49 billion and total assets topped $1.15 trillion.

The operating segments are Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. The Institutional Securities segment is by far the largest and most profitable. It offers a range of services and products for businesses, institutions, and entities that include capital raising, strategic advisory, underwriting, advice on M&A, restructuring, and real estate. The Wealth Management segment provides brokerage and investment advisory services for individuals and employers. The services include brokerage, financial planning, company stock-plan administration, insurance, mortgage loans, lines of credit, and retirement planning. The Investment Management segment provides investment products to a range of institutions, organizations, corporations, and governments.
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..

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PetroChina Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in a range of petroleum related products, services, and activities in Mainland China and internationally. It operates through Exploration and Production, Refining and Chemicals, Marketing, and Natural Gas and Pipeline segments. The Exploration and Production segment engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of crude oil and natural gas. The Refining and Chemicals segment refines crude oil and petroleum products; and produces and markets primary petrochemical products, derivative petrochemical products, and other chemical products. The Marketing segment is involved in marketing of refined products and trading business. The Natural Gas and Pipeline segment engages in the transmission of natural gas, crude oil, and refined products; and sale of natural gas. As of December 31, 2021, the company had a total length of 26,076 km, including 17,329 km of natural gas pipelines, 7,340 km of crude oil pipelines, and 1,407 km of refined product pipelines. The company is also involved in the exploration, development, and production of oil sands and coalbed methane; trading of crude oil and petrochemical products; storage, chemical engineering, storage facilities, service station, and transportation facilities and related businesses; and production and sales of basic and derivative chemical, and other chemical products. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. PetroChina Company Limited is a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation.
The following companies are subsidiares of Prudential Financial: 210-220 E. 22nd Street SSGA Owner LLC, AIG Edison, AIG Star, AREF Cayman Co Ltd., AREF GP II Pte. Ltd., AREF GP Ltd., ASPF II - Feeder Fund GmbH, ASPF II - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, ASPF II Management GmbH, ASPF III Scots L.P., ASSURANCE, AST Investment Services Inc., Adlerwerke CB Investment LLC, Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Habitat S.A., Administradora de Inversiones Previsionales SpA, Aoba Life Insurance Company, Aoba Life Insurance Company Ltd., Asia Property Fund III GP S.a.r.l., Assurance IQ LLC, Assurance Intelligence LLC, BSC CP LP, Braeloch Holdings Inc., Braeloch Successor Corporation, Brazilian Capital Fund GP Limited, Broad Street Global Advisors LLC, Broome Street Holdings LLC, CB German Retail LLC, CLIS Co. Ltd., COLICO INC., Capital Agricultural Property Services Inc., Chadwick Boulevard Investment Holdings Co. LLC, Cibecue LLC, Coconino LLC, Colico II Inc., Columbus Drive Partners L.P., Commerce Street Holdings LLC, Commerce Street Investments LLC, Coolidge LLC, Coral Reef GP, Coral Reef L.P., Coral Reef Unit Trust, Cottage Street Investments LLC, Cottage Street Orbit Acquisition LLC, DICKENS AVENUE HOLDINGS VI LLC, DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI Ireland L.P., DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI US L.P., Dale/P Minerals Limited Partnership, Don Cesar Investor LLC, Dryden Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Dryden Finance II LLC, EVP II GP S.a r.l., EVP II Horizon GP S.a r.l., EVP II Sprint GP S.a r.l., Edison Place Senior Note LLC, Essex LLC, EuroCore GP S.a r.l., European Value Partners GP S.a.r.l., Everbright PGIM Fund Management Co. Ltd., Flagstaff LLC, GA 1600 Commons LLC, GA 333 Hennepin Investor LLC, GA BV LLC, GA Bay Area GP LLC, GA Bay Area Investor LLC, GA Belden LLC, GA CLARENDON LLC, GA Cal Crossings LLC, GA Collins LLC, GA E. 22nd Street Apartments Holdings LLC, GA East 86 Street LLC, GA JHCII LLC, GA MENLO PARK INVESTOR LLC, GA Manor at Harbour Island LLC, GA Metro LLC, GA TRITON INVESTOR LLC, GA W Paces LLC, GA/MDI 333 Hennepin Associates LLC, GIBRALTAR BSN HOLDINGS SDN BHD, GIBRALTAR INDIA SOLUTIONS LLP, Gateway Holdings II LLC, Gateway Holdings LLC, German Retail Income CP LP, Gibraltar BSN Life Berhad, Gibraltar International Insurance Services Company Inc., Gibraltar International Service LLC, Gibraltar Reinsurance Company Ltd., Gibraltar Universal Life Reinsurance Company, Glenealy International Limited, Global Portfolio Strategies Inc., Gold GP Limited, Gold II L.P., Gold L.P., Graham Resources Inc., Graham Royalty Ltd., Green Harvest Asset Management LLC, Green Tree GP, Green Tree L.P., Greenlee LLC, Halsey Street Investments LLC, Hirakata LLC, IVP Fund GP LLC, Impact Investments Bridges UK S.a.r.l, Inter-Atlantic G Fund L.P., Inversiones Previsionales Chile SpA, Inversiones Previsionales Dos SpA, Ironbound Fund LLC, Jennison Associates LLC, Kyarra S.a r.l., Kyoei Annuity Home Co. Ltd. Kabushiki Kaisha Kyouei Nenkin Home, LINEUP LLC, Lake Street Partners IV L.P., Lotus Reinsurance Company Ltd., MC GA COLLINS HOLDINGS LLC, MC GA COLLINS REALTY LLC, MC Insurance Agency Services LLC, Manor at Harbour Island LLC, Marble Canyon LLC, Maricopa LLC, Market Street Holdings IV LLC, Montana Capital Partners, Morenci LLC, Mulberry Street Holdings LLC, Mulberry Street Investment L.P., Mulberry Street Partners LLC, Mullin TBG Insurance Agency Services LLC, MullinTBG Insurance Agency Services, National Family Assurance Group LLC, New Savanna, Northbound Emerging Manager Fund A LP, Northbound Emerging Manager Fund II - A LP, Orchard Street Acres Inc., PAI Bay Farm LLC, PAI Bayrock Groves LLC, PAI Belvidere Farms LLC, PAI Big Cypress Farm LLC, PAI Corcoran 640 Ranch LLC, PAI DeKalb Farm LLC, PAI Delano 1500 Ranches LLC, PAI Desert Falcon Farms Manager LLC, PAI Flicker Orchard LLC, PAI Good Hope Farm LLC, PAI Hawk Creek Ranch LLC, PAI Hills Valley Ranches LLC, PAI Holly Hill Groves LLC, PAI Hunt Farm LLC, PAI Jackson Bayou Farm LLC, PAI Lake Placid Groves LLC, PAI River Bend Ranches LLC, PAI Wallula Gap Vineyard LLC, PCP V Cayman AIV GP L.P., PEREF II Co-Invest 1 GP S.a r.l., PEREF II GP S.a r.l., PFI EM-Tech Fund I LLC, PG Business Service Co. Ltd, PG Collection Service Co. Ltd., PG Friendly Partners Co. Ltd., PGA Asian Retail Limited, PGA European Limited, PGI Co. Ltd, PGIM AC Co-Invest GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM AVP IV GP S.a r.l., PGIM Advisory Shanghai Co. Ltd., PGIM Agricultural Investments GP LLC, PGIM Australia Pty Ltd, PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Fund L.P., PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Partners LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management Feeder VI LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management Fund VI L.P., PGIM Custom Harvest LLC, PGIM DC Co-Invest GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM DC JV GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM DC Solutions LLC, PGIM European Financing Limited, PGIM European Services Limited, PGIM Financial Limited, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund II L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives GP LLC, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives II GP LLC, PGIM Foreign Investments Inc., PGIM Holding Company LLC, PGIM Holdings Limited, PGIM Hong Kong Ltd., PGIM INDIA ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM INDIA TRUSTEES PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM IRELAND LIMITED, PGIM Inc., PGIM International Financing Inc., PGIM Investments Ireland Limited, PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM Japan Co. Ltd., PGIM Korea Inc., PGIM LTIF Berlin GP S.a r.l., PGIM LTIF Berlin MLP S.ar.l., PGIM LTIF GP S.a.r.l., PGIM Limited, PGIM Loan Originator Manager Limited, PGIM M Campus GP S.a r.l., PGIM Management Partner Limited, PGIM MetaProp Investor LP LLC, PGIM Netherlands B.V., PGIM Overseas Investment Fund Management Shanghai Company Ltd, PGIM Private Capital Ireland Limited, PGIM Private Capital Limited, PGIM Private Placement Investors Inc., PGIM Private Placement Investors L.P., PGIM QUANTITATIVE SOLUTIONS LLC, PGIM REF EUROPE SCSp, PGIM REF Europe GP S.a r.l., PGIM REF Europe Member LLC, PGIM REF Intermediary Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate CD S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Capital VII GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest L.P., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest SCSp, PGIM Real Estate Co-Invest Holdings LLC, PGIM Real Estate Debt GmbH, PGIM Real Estate Finance Holding Company, PGIM Real Estate Finance LLC, PGIM Real Estate France SAS, PGIM Real Estate Germany AG, PGIM Real Estate Global Debt GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Global Master Fund GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles II S de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles S. de R.L. de C.V, PGIM Real Estate Italy S.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Japan Ltd., PGIM Real Estate Loan Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate Luxembourg S.A., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Management Luxembourg S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Mexico S.C., PGIM Real Estate S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate U.S. CORE Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate U.S. Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate UK Limited, PGIM Scots Limited, PGIM Securities Investment Trust Enterprise, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management (Feeder) I LLC, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management Fund I L.P., PGIM Shanghai Company Ltd., PGIM Singapore Pte. Ltd., PGIM Strategic Financing LLC, PGIM Strategic Investments Inc., PGIM Taronga Investor GP LLC, PGIM U.S. Agriculture Fund LP, PGIM USPF VI Manager LLC, PGIM Wadhwani LLP, PGIM Warehouse Inc., PGLH of Delaware Inc., PIFM Holdco LLC, PIIC Limited, PIISC Holdings UK Limited, PIM KF Blocker V Holdings LLC, PIM USPF V Manager LLC, PLA Administradora Industrial SRL, PLA Administradora LLC, PLA Administradora S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional II S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional S.de R.L. de C.V., PLA Co-Investor LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager I LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager II LLC, PLA Retail Fund I Blue LP, PLA Retail Fund I Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LP, PLA Retail Fund II Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II U.S. Carry/Co-Invest LP, PLA Services Manager Mexico LLC, PLAI Limited, PMCF Holdings LLC, PMCF Properties LLC, PPPF General Partner LLP, PR GA SCP Apartments LLC, PRAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP LLP, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP SCOTS FEEDER LLP, PRECO Account IV LLC, PRECO Account Partnership IV LP, PRECO III GP LLP, PREFG Hanwha Manager LLC, PREI Acquisition I Inc., PREI Acquisition II Inc., PREI Acquisition LLC, PREI HYDG LLC, PREI International Inc., PRIAC Property Acquisitions LLC, PRICOA Management Partner Limited, PRISA Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Pooled Manager LLC, PRISA III Fund GP LLC, PRISA III Fund PIM LLC, PRREF Debt Fund Manager LLC, PRREF II Fund Manager LLC, PRU 3XSquare LLC, PRUCO LLC, PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL ENERGY PARTNERS MANAGEMENT (FEEDER) LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP MEMBER LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP REIT LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE 2 LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE LLC, PT PFI Mega Life Insurance, Passaic Fund LLC, Pine Tree GP, Pine Tree L.P., Platinum GP Limited, Platinum II L.P., Platinum L.P., Pramerica Business Consulting Shanghai Company Limited, Pramerica EVP CP LP, Pramerica Financial Asia Headquarters Pte. Ltd., Pramerica Financial Asia Limited, Pramerica Fixed Income Funds Management Limited, Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Pramerica Holdings Ltd, Pramerica Hong Kong Holdings Limited, Pramerica Insurance Agency China Company Ltd., Pramerica Luxembourg CP GP S.a.r.l., Pramerica PRECAP I GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP II GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP III GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP IV GP LLP, Pramerica Pan European Real Estate Scots LP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I GP Scots Feeder LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I Scotland Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital II Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital III Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Limited, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Scots Feeder LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V Netherlands GP LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital VI Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Scots CP GP LLP, Preco III Scotland Limited Partnership, Pru 101 Wood LLC, Pru Alpha Partners I LLC, Pru Fixed Income Emerging Markets Partners I LLC, PruVen Capital Partners Fund I L.P., Pruco Assignment Corporation, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Pruco Securities LLC, Prudential 900 Aviation Boulevard LLC, Prudential Affordable Mortgage Company LLC, Prudential Agricultural Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Annuities Distributors Inc., Prudential Annuities Holding Company Inc., Prudential Annuities Inc., Prudential Annuities Information Services & Technology Corporation, Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Captive Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Universal Company, Prudential Bank & Trust FSB, Prudential Capital Energy Opportunity Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners Management Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Partners Management Fund IV L.P., Prudential Capital and Investment Services LLC, Prudential Chile II SpA, Prudential Chile SpA, Prudential Commercial Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Equity Group LLC, Prudential Financial Inc., Prudential Fixed Income Global Liquidity Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Fixed Income U.S. Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Funding LLC, Prudential General Services of Japan Y.K., Prudential Gibraltar Agency Co. Ltd. Prudential Gibraltar Agency Kabushiki Kaisha, Prudential Global Funding LLC, Prudential Holdings of Japan Inc., Prudential Huntoon Paige Associates LLC, Prudential IBH Holdco Inc., Prudential Impact Investments Mortgage Loans LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Debt LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Equity LLC, Prudential Insurance Agency LLC, Prudential International Insurance Holdings Ltd., Prudential International Insurance Service Company L.L.C., Prudential International Investments Advisers LLC, Prudential International Investments Company LLC, Prudential International Investments LLC, Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, Prudential Japan Holdings LLC, Prudential Legacy Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 1 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 2 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Capital Asset Holding Company LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Funding LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Holdings LLC, Prudential Multifamily Mortgage LLC, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Prudential Newark Realty LLC, Prudential QOZ Investment Fund 1 LLC, Prudential Realty Securities Inc., Prudential Retirement Financial Services Holding LLC, Prudential Retirement Holdings LLC, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Prudential Securities Secured Financing Corporation, Prudential Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., Prudential Seguros S.A., Prudential Select Strategies LLC, Prudential Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Prudential Structured Settlement Company, Prudential Systems Japan Limited, Prudential Tax Services LLC, Prudential Term Reinsurance Company, Prudential Trust Co. Ltd., Prudential Trust Company, Prudential Universal Reinsurance Company, Prudential Workplace Solutions Group Services LLC, Prudential do Brasil Seguros de Vida S.A., Prudential do Brasil Vida em Grupo S.A., Prudential/TMW Real Estate Group LLC, Pruservicos Participacoes Ltda., QMA JP EM All Cap Equity Partners LLC, Quartzsite LLC, Residential Services Corporation of America LLC, Rio CP LP, Rock European Real Estate Holdings S.ar.l., Rock Global Real Estate LLC, Rock Kensington Limited, Rock Marty GP S.a r.l., Rock Oxford S.a r.l., Rock UK Real Estate II S.a.r.l., Rockstone Co. Ltd., Rosado Grande LLC, Ross Avenue Energy Fund Holdings LLC, Ross Avenue Minerals 2012 LLC, SCP Apartments LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERS VI GP LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERSHIP FUND VI GP LLC, SHP IV Carried Interest LP, SHP V Carried Interest L.P., SMP Holdings Inc., SVIIT Holdings Inc., Sanei Collection Service Co. Ltd. Kabushiki Kaisha Sanei Shuuno Service, Senior Housing Partners V LLC, Senior Housing Partnership Fund V LLC, Sterling Private Placement Management LLP, Stetson Street Partners L.P., Strand Investments Limited, TBG Insurance Services Corporation, TENSATOR HOLDINGS LTD, TF Proveedora S.C., TMW ASPF I Verwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, TMW ASPF Management GmbH, TMW Management LLC, TMW Real Estate Group LLC, TMW Realty Advisors LLC, TMW USPF Verwaltungs GmbH, TRGOAG Company Inc., The Gibraltar Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Keynes Dynamic Beta Strategy US Fund GP LLC, The Prudential Assigned Settlement Services Corp., The Prudential Brazilian Capital Fund LP, The Prudential Gibraltar Financial Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Prudential Home Mortgage Company Inc., The Prudential Insurance Company of America, The Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd., The Prudential Real Estate Financial Services of America Inc., The WMF Group, Thurloe Commercial Guernsey Limited, USPF V - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, USPF V Carry LLC, USPF V Co-Invest LLC, USPF V Investment LP, United States Property Fund VI GP S.a r.l., VIP Australia Holding Company LLC, VIP Australia Trustee Pty Ltd, Vailsburg Fund LLC, Vantage Casualty Insurance Company, Wabash Avenue Holdings V LLC, Wabash Avenue Partners V L.P., Wadhwani Capital Limited, Waveland Avenue Holdings I LLC, Waveland Avenue Partners I Ireland L.P., Waveland Avenue Partners I US L.P., Wellness Services Ecossistema De Bem Estar Ltda., Wellness Services SRL, Yamato Life, and Yavapai LLC.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Molina Healthcare: Aetna & Humana - Medicare Advantage, Affinity Health Plan, AmericanWork Inc., Better Health Network, Camelot Care Centers Inc, Children's Behavioral Health Inc., Choices Group Inc., College Community Services, Dockside Services Inc, Family Preservation Services Inc., Family Preservation Services of Florida Inc., Family Preservation Services of North Carolina Inc., Family Preservation Services of Washington D.C. Inc., Family Preservation Services of West Virginia Inc., Florida NetPASS LLC, Hclb Inc., Magellan Complete Care, Maple Star Nevada Inc., Maple Star Oregon Inc., Mercy CarePlus, Molina Clinical Services LLC, Molina Healthcare Data Center Inc., Molina Healthcare of Arizona Inc., Molina Healthcare of California, Molina Healthcare of Florida Inc., Molina Healthcare of Georgia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Molina Healthcare of Iowa Inc., Molina Healthcare of Louisiana Inc., Molina Healthcare of Maryland Inc., Molina Healthcare of Michigan Inc., Molina Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Molina Healthcare of Nevada Inc., Molina Healthcare of New Mexico Inc., Molina Healthcare of New York Inc., Molina Healthcare of North Carolina Inc., Molina Healthcare of Ohio Inc., Molina Healthcare of Oklahoma Inc., Molina Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Molina Healthcare of Puerto Rico Inc., Molina Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, Molina Healthcare of Texas Inc., Molina Healthcare of Texas Insurance Company, Molina Healthcare of Utah Inc., Molina Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Washington Inc., Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin Inc., Molina Holdings Corporation, Molina Hospital Management LLC, Molina Information Systems LLC dba Molina Medicaid Solutions, Molina Medical Management Inc., Molina Pathways LLC, Molina Pathways of Texas Inc., Molina Youth Academy, NextLevel Health Illinois, Pathways Community Corrections Inc., Pathways Community Services LLC, Pathways Community Support of Texas Inc., Pathways Health and Community Support LLC, Pathways Human Services LLC., Pathways of Arizona Inc., Pathways of Delaware Inc., Pathways of Idaho LLC, Pathways of Maine Inc., Pathways of Massachusetts LLC, Pathways of Oklahoma Inc., Pathways of Washington Inc., Providence Community Services, Providence Human Services, Raystown Developmental Services Inc., The Game of Work LLC, The RedCo Group Inc., Total Care Medicaid plan, Transitional Family Services Inc., Unisys -Health Information Management, and YourCare Health Plan.

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The following companies are subsidiares of MetLife: 10700 WILSHIRE LLC, 1201 TAB MANAGER LLC, 1350 EYE STREET MANAGER LLC, 1350 EYE STREET OWNER LLC, 150 NORTH RIVERSIDE PE MEMBER LLC, 1925 WJC OWNER LLC, 23RD STREET INVESTMENTS INC., 500 GRANT STREET ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, 500 GRANT STREET GP LLC, 6104 HOLLYWOOD LLC, AFP GENESIS ADMINISTRADORA DE FONDOS Y FIDECOMISOS S.A., AGENVITA S.R.L., ALICO HELLAS SINGLE MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ALICO OPERATIONS LLC, American Life Insurance Company, BEST MARKET S.A., BLOCK VISION HOLDINGS CORPORATION, BLOCK VISION OF TEXAS INC., BORDERLAND INVESTMENTS LIMITED, BOULEVARD RESIDENTIAL LLC, BUFORD LOGISTICS CENTER LLC, CC HOLDCO MANAGER LLC, CHESTNUT FLATS WIND LLC, CLOSED JOINT-STOCK COMPANY MASTER-D, COMPANIA INVERSORA METLIFE S.A., CORPORATE REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC, COVA LIFE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, DAVIS VISION INC., DAVISVISION IPA INC., DELAWARE AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, EURO CL INVESTMENTS LLC, EXCELENCIA OPERATIVA Y TECNOLOGICA S.A de C.V., FORTISSIMO CO. LTD, FUNDACION METLIFE MEXICO A.C., GLOBAL PROPERTIES INC., General American Life Insurance Company, Grand Bank N.A., HASKELL EAST VILLAGE LLC, HOUSING FUND MANAGER LLC, INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES LIMITED, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO DOS LIMITADA, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO TRES LIMITADA, LHC HOLDINGS LLC, LHCW HOLDINGS LLC, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING 2002 LLC, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING LLC, LHCW HOTEL OPERATING COMPANY 2002 LLC, LUMENLAB MALAYSIA SDN. BHD., Logan Circle Partners, MARKETPLACE RESIDENCES LLC, MC PORTFOLIO JV MEMBER LLC, MCJV LLC, MCPP OWNERS LLC, MCRE BLOCK 40 LP, MEC HEALTH CARE INC., MET 1065 HOTEL LLC, MET CANADA SOLAR ULC, METLIFE 1007 STEWART LLC, METLIFE 1201 TAB MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MANAGER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 555 12TH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 8280 MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ACOMA OWNER LLC, METLIFE ADMINISTRADORA DE FUNDOS MULTIPATROCINADOS LTDA., METLIFE ALTERNATIVES GP LLC, METLIFE ASHTON AUSTIN OWNER LLC, METLIFE ASIA HOLDING COMPANY PTE. LTD., METLIFE ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE ASIA SERVICES SDN. BHD, METLIFE ASSET MANAGEMENT CORP., METLIFE ASSIGNMENT COMPANY INC., METLIFE BORO STATION MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMINO RAMON MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMPUS AT SGV MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAPITAL CREDIT L.P., METLIFE CAPITAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, METLIFE CAPITAL TRUST IV, METLIFE CB W/A LLC, METLIFE CC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CHILE ADMINISTRADORA DE MUTUOS HIPOTECARIOS S.A., METLIFE CHILE INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS DE VIDA S.A., METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS GENERALES S.A., METLIFE CHINO MEMBER LLC, METLIFE COLOMBIA SEGUROS de VIDA S.A., METLIFE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CONSQUARE MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CONSUMER SERVICES INC., METLIFE CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CREDIT CORP., METLIFE DIGITAL VENTURES INC., METLIFE ENHANCED CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE EU HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE INSURANCE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPE SERVICES LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPEAN HOLDINGS LLC., METLIFE FINANCIAL SERVICES CO. LTD, METLIFE FM HOTEL MEMBER LLC, METLIFE FUNDING INC., METLIFE GENERAL INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE GLOBAL BENEFITS LTD., METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY I GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY II GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION S.A. De C.V., METLIFE GLOBAL INC., METLIFE GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE GROUP INC., METLIFE HCMJV 1 GP LLC, METLIFE HCMJV 1 LP LLC, METLIFE HEALTH PLANS INC., METLIFE HOLDINGS INC., METLIFE HOME LOANS LLC, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE LIMITED, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE PTE. LTD., METLIFE INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT TRUST, METLIFE INSURANCE BROKERAGE INC., METLIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF KOREA LTD., METLIFE INSURANCE K.K., METLIFE INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HF PARTNERS LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND I LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND II LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND III LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND IV LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND V LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND VI LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND VII LP, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT EUROPE LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENTS ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS SECURITIES LLC, METLIFE INVESTORS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, METLIFE INVESTORS GROUP LLC, METLIFE IRELAND TREASURY D.A.C., METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY FUND LP, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY OWNERS BLOCKER LLC, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY OWNERS LLC, METLIFE LATIN AMERICA ASESORIAS E INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE LEGAL PLANS INC., METLIFE LEGAL PLANS OF FLORIDA INC., METLIFE LHH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE LIFE INSURANCE S.A., METLIFE LOAN ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT FUND LP, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT MASTER FUND LP, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT PARALLEL FUND LP, METLIFE MAS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO HOLDINGS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO SERVICIOS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT FUND II LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT GP II LLC, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT GP LLC, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT II RATED FUND LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT PARALLEL FUND LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT PARALLEL GP LLC, METLIFE MMPD II SPECIAL LLC, METLIFE MULTI-FAMILY PARTNERS III LLC, METLIFE OBS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE OFC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ONTARIO STREET MEMBR LLC, METLIFE PARK TOWER MEMBER LLC, METLIFE PENSION TRUSTEES LIMITED, METLIFE PENSIONES MEXICO S.A., METLIFE PET INSURANCE SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE PLANOS ODONTOLOGICOS LTDA., METLIFE POWSZECHNE TOWARTZYSTWO EMERYTALNE S.A., METLIFE PRIVATE EQUITY HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE PROPERTIES VENTURES LLC, METLIFE RC SF MEMBER LLC, METLIFE REAL ESTATE LENDING LLC, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF BERMUDA LTD., METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF CHARLESTON, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF VERMONT, METLIFE RETIREMENT SERVICES LLC, METLIFE SECURITIZATION DEPOSITOR LLC, METLIFE SEGUROS S.A., METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING FINCO LLC, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING FUND LP, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING GP LLC, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING HOLDINGS LP, METLIFE SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE SERVICES CYPRUS LTD., METLIFE SERVICES EAST PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE SERVICES EEIG, METLIFE SERVICES EOOD, METLIFE SERVICES SOCIEDAD LIMITADA, METLIFE SERVICES SP Z.O.O, METLIFE SERVICIOS S.A., METLIFE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL FUND GP LLC, METLIFE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL FUND LP, METLIFE SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD., METLIFE SOLUTIONS S.A.S., METLIFE SP HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE STRATEGIC HOTEL DEBT FUND GP LLC, METLIFE SYNDICATED BANK LOAN LUX GP S.A.R.L., METLIFE THR INVESTOR LLC, METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO FUNDUSZY INWESTYCYJNYCH S.A., METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO UBEZPIECZEN NA ZYCIE I REASEKURACJI S.A., METLIFE TOWER RESOURCES GROUP INC., METLIFE TREAT TOWERS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS LLC, METROPOLITAN GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LLC, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN LIFE SEGUROS E PREVIDENCIA PRIVADA S.A., METROPOLITAN LIFE SOCIETATE de ADMINISTRARE a UNUI FOND de PENSII ADMINISTRAT PRIVAT S.A., METROPOLITAN TOWER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN TOWER REALTY COMPANY INC., MEX DF PROPERTIES LLC, MFA FINANCING VEHICLE CTR1 LLC, MIDTOWN HEIGHTS LLC, MIM CAMPUS AT SGV MANAGER LLC, MIM CLAL GENERAL PARTNER LLC, MIM CM SYNDICATOR LLC, MIM EMD GP LLC, MIM I LLC, MIM LS GP LLC, MIM METWEST INTERNATIONAL MANAGER LLC, MIM ML-AI VENTURE 5 MANAGER LLC, MIM OMD MANAGER LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OF GEORGIA 1 LLC, MIM SPOKANE INDUSTRIAL MANAGER LLC, MIM THIRD ARMY INDUSTRIAL MANAGER LLC, MISSOURI REINSURANCE INC., ML 300 THIRD MEMBER LLC, ML ARMATURE MEMBER LLC, ML BELLEVUE MANAGER LLC, ML BELLEVUE MEMBER LLC, ML CAPACITACION COMERCIAL S.A. DE C.V., ML CERRITOS TC MEMBER LLC, ML CLAL MEMBER LLC, ML CORNER 63 MEMBER LLC, ML DOLPHIN GP LLC, ML DOLPHIN MEZZ LLC, ML HUDSON MEMBER LLC, ML MATSON MILLS MEMBER LLC, ML MILILANI MEMBER LLC, ML OMD MEMBER LLC, ML ONE BEDMINSTER LLC, ML PORT CHESTER SC MEMBER LLC, ML SENTINEL SQUARE MEMBER LLC, ML SLOANS LAKE MEMEBR LLC, ML SOUTHLANDS MEMBER LLC, ML SOUTHMORE LLC, ML SPOKANE INDUSTRIAL MEMBER LLC, ML SWAN GP LLC, ML SWAN MEZZ LLC, ML TERRACES LLC, ML THIRD ARMY INDUSTRIAL MEMBER LLC, ML VENTURE 1 MANAGER S. DE R. L. DE C.V., ML VENTURE 1 SERVICER LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 1 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 2 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 3 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 4 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 5 LLC, ML-URS PORT CHESTER SC MANAGER LLC, MLIA MANAGER I LLC, MLIA PARK TOWER MANAGER LLC, MLIA SBAF COLONY MANAGER LLC, MLIA SBAF MANAGER LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS II LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS LLC, MLIC CB HOLDINGS LLC, MLJ US FEEDER LLC, MM GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER S.A. DE C.V., MMP CEDAR STREET OWNER LLC, MMP CEDAR STREET REIT LLC, MMP HOLDINGS III LLC, MMP OLIVIAN OWNER LLC, MMP OLIVIAN REIT LLC, MMP OWNERS III LLC, MMP OWNERS LLC, MMP SOUTH PARK OWNER LLC, MMP SOUTH PARK REIT LLC, MNQM TRUST 2020, MREF 425 MKT LLC, MSHDF HOLDCO I LLC, MSV IRVINE PROPERTY LLC, MTL LEASING LLC, MTU HOTEL OWNER LLC, NATILOPORTEM HOLDINGS LLC, NEWBURY INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, OCONEE GOLF COMPANY LLC, OCONEE HOTEL COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LLC, OCONEE MARINA COMPANY LLC, OMI MLIC INVESTMENTS LIMITED, PACIFIC LOGISTICS INDUSTRIAL NORTH LLC, PACIFIC LOGISTICS INDUSTRIAL SOUTH LLC, PARK TOWER JV MEMBER LLC, PARK TOWER REIT INC., PJSC METLIFE, PLAZA DRIVE PROPERTIES LLC, PREFCO FOURTEEN LLC, PREFCO XIV HOLDINGS LLC, PROVIDA INTERNACIONAL S.A., SAFEGUARD HEALTH ENTERPRISES INC., SAFEGUARD HEALTH PLANS INC., SAFEHEALTH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, SOUTHCREEK INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS LLC, ST. JAMES FLEET INVESTMENTS TWO LIMITED, SUPERIOR PROCUREMENT INC., SUPERIOR VISION BENEFIT MANAGEMENT INC., SUPERIOR VISION HOLDINGS INC., SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE INC., SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE PLAN OF WISCONSIN INC., SUPERIOR VISION OF NEW JERSEY INC., SUPERIOR VISION SERVICES INC., Safeguard Health Enterprises, Security First Group Inc., THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH AVENUE MEZZANINE LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL HOLDING LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL OWNER, THE DIRECT CALL CENTRE PTY LIMITED, TRANSMOUNTAIN LAND & LIVESTOCK COMPANY, UVC INDEPENDENT PRACTICE ASSOCIATION INC., VERSANT HEALTH CONSOLIDATIONS CORP., VERSANT HEALTH HOLDCO INC., VERSANT HEALTH INC., VERSANT HEALTH LAB LLC, VIRIDIAN MIRACLE MILE LLC, VISION 21 MANAGED EYE CARE OF TAMPA BAY INC., VISION 21 PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, VISION TWENTY-ONE MANAGED EYE CARE IPA INC., Versant Health, WDV ACQUISITION CORP., WFP 1000 HOLDING COMPANY GP LLC, WHITE OAK ROYALTY COMPANY, WHITE TRACT II LLC, and Willing.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Mohawk Industries: A&S Energie NV, A&U Energie NV, Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation, Aladdin Manufacturing Of New York LLC, Aladdin Manufacturing of Alabama LLC, Alsace Logistique S.A., Avelgem Green Power CVBA, Avon Pacific Holdings Ltd, B&M NV, BGE Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V., Berghoef GmbH, Berghoef-Hout B.V., Bienes Raices y Materiales del Centro S. de R.L. de C.V., C.F. Marazzi S.A., Canterbury Spinners Ltd, Carpet Foundation Ltd, Cevotrans BV, Ceramus Bahia S/A  Produtos Ceramicos, DT Mex Holdings LLC, DTM/CM Holdings LLC, Dal Italia LLC, Dal-Elit LLC, Dal-Tile Chile Comercial Limitada, Dal-Tile Colombia S.A.S., Dal-Tile Distribution Inc., Dal-Tile Group Inc., Dal-Tile I LLC, Dal-Tile Industrias S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile International Inc., Dal-Tile Mexico Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Operaciones Mexico S. De R.L. De C.V., Dal-Tile Peru SRL, Dal-Tile Puerto Rico Inc., Dal-Tile Services Inc., Dal-Tile Shared Services Inc., Dal-Tile Tennessee LLC, Dal-Tile of Canada ULC, Daltile, Daltile, Dekaply NV, Durkan, Dynea NV, Eliane Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Eliane S/A - Revestimentos Ceramicos, Emilceramica India Pvt Ltd., Emilceramica S.r.l, Emilgermany GmbH, Emilgroup Asia Ltd, Explorer S.r.l., F.I.L.S. Investments Unlimited Company, Feltex Carpets Ltd, Feltex Carpets Pty Ltd, Feltex New Zealand Ltd, Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd, Flooring Foundation Ltd, Flooring Industries Limited S.a r.l., Flooring XL B.V., Floorscape Limited, Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Group, Godfrey Hirst NZ Ltd, Hytherm (Ireland) Limited, IVC BVBA, IVC Far-East Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., IVC France S.a r.l., IVC GROUP LIMITED, IVC Green Power NV, IVC Group, IVC Group GmbH, IVC Luxembourg S.a r.l., IVC Rus OOO, IVC US Inc., International Flooring Systems S.a r.l., International Vinyl Company - Vostok OOO, KAI Group, KAI Keramica Ltd, KAI Mining EOOD, KERAMA CENTER OOO, Kerama Baltics OOO, Kerama Export OOO, Kerama Marazzi OOO, Kerampromservis (LLC), Khan Asparuh - Transport EOOD, Khan Asparuh AD, Khan Omurtag AD, Koninklijke Peitsman B.V., Kraj Kerama OOO, MG China Trading Ltd., MI Finance SRL, MUD (Holding) Brazil Ltda., Management Co EAD, Marazzi Acquisition S.r.l., Marazzi Deutschland G.m.b.H., Marazzi France Trading S.A.S., Marazzi Group, Marazzi Group F.Z.E., Marazzi Group S.r.l., Marazzi Group Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marazzi Iberia S.L.U., Marazzi Japan Co. Ltd., Marazzi Middle East FZ LLC, Marazzi Schweiz S.A.G.L., Marazzi UK Ltd., Mohawk Assurance Services Inc., Mohawk Australia Pty Ltd, Mohawk Canada Corporation, Mohawk Capital Finance S.A., Mohawk Capital Luxembourg SA, Mohawk Carpet Distribution Inc., Mohawk Carpet Foundation Inc., Mohawk Carpet LLC, Mohawk Carpet Transportation Of Georgia LLC, Mohawk Commercial Inc., Mohawk ESV Inc., Mohawk Europe BVBA, Mohawk Factoring II Inc., Mohawk Factoring LLC, Mohawk Finance S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Funding S.a.r.l, Mohawk Foreign Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Investments Inc., Mohawk Global Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Holdings International B.V., Mohawk Industries Inc., Mohawk International (Europe) S.a r.l., Mohawk International (Hong Kong) Limited, Mohawk International Capital N.V., Mohawk International Financing S.a.r.l, Mohawk International Holdings (DE) LLC, Mohawk International Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk International Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk International Netherlands B.V., Mohawk International Services BVBA, Mohawk KAI Luxembourg Holding S.a r.l., Mohawk KAI Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Capital S.A., Mohawk Luxembourg Financing S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Pacific S.a r.l., Mohawk Marazzi International BV, Mohawk Marazzi Russia BV, Mohawk New Zealand Limited, Mohawk Operaciones Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Mohawk Operations Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Pacific Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Resources LLC, Mohawk Servicing LLC, Mohawk Singapore Private Limited, Mohawk Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mohawk Unilin Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk United Finance B.V., Mohawk United International B.V., Mohawk Vinyl Financing S.a r.l., Molber Beheer B.V., Monarch Ceramic Tile Inc., P.F. Onroerend Goed B.V., PF Beheer B.V., Pergo, Pergo (Europe) AB, Pergo Holding BV, Pergo India Pvt Ltd, Polcolorit S.A., Premium Floors Australia Pty Limited, RR Apex LLC, Rata International Pty Ltd, Recubrimientos Interceramica S. de R.L. de C.V., Riverside Textiles Pty Ltd, S.C. KAI Ceramics SRL, Sibir Kerama OOO, SimpleSolutions USA LLC, Soft Step (Australia) Pty Ltd, Spano Group, Spano Invest BVBA, Spano NV, Stroyagromekhzapchast ChaO, Stroytrans OAO Orelstroy, Summit Wool Spinners Ltd, The Flooring Federation Ltd, Tiles Co OOD, Unilin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Unilin ApS, Unilin Arauco Pisos Ltda., Unilin BVBA, Unilin Beheer BV, Unilin Distribution Ltd., Unilin Distribution Ukraine LLC, Unilin Finland OY, Unilin Flooring India Private Limited, Unilin Flooring SAS, Unilin GmbH, Unilin Holding BVBA, Unilin Insulation BV, Unilin Insulation SAS, Unilin Insulation Sury SAS, Unilin Italia S.R.L., Unilin North America LLC, Unilin Norway AS, Unilin OOO, Unilin Panels SAS, Unilin Poland Sp.Z.o.o., Unilin SAS, Unilin Spain SL, Unilin Swiss GmbH, Unilin s.r.o., World International Inc., Xtratherm, Xtratherm Limited, Xtratherm S.A., and Xtratherm UK Limited.

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Cocaine

ACIC

SYDNEY  French authorities just seized this enormous consignment of cocaine worth headed for Australia on a small boat in the Pacific.

Its almost 1.5 tonnes, a record-breaking cocaine shipment bound for Australia worth over $300 million in street deals

It was found on a boat crewed by four people, believed to be Lithuanian and Latvian nationals.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) said the boat, believed to have departed South America, had been towed to the island of Noumea for investigations.

ACIC executive director for intelligence Col Blanch congratulated French authorities for the seizure.

Congratulations to the Marine Francaise and Gendarmerie Nationale for their efforts in relation to this record seizure of cocaine, he said. We are thankful for the actions taken by French authorities which has stopped a significant amount of drugs reaching the streets of Australia.

ACIC said judicial proceedings will be determined by French authorities.

NOW WATCH: Watch the moment a swimming rattlesnake tries to board a boat in California

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Europeans have experienced turbulent elections of late, with populist, authoritarian nationalism pitted against openness, tolerance, and democracy. But in one election after another, voters have chosen more pragmatic and optimistic visions of society. Nowhere was this as clear as in the UK, where the Conservatives' small-islander vision of a buccaneering Brexit Britain was resoundingly rejected in a snap June election. The rise of nationalism in the West has coincided with -- and perhaps encouraged -- a rolling back of human rights and pluralistic values across Eastern Europe to the Middle East and beyond. The Arabian Gulf countries are a fault line for such human rights concerns, and have been sites of increased government repression in recent years. Members of the European Parliament have been following the situation closely with growing concerns. We have repeatedly called for human rights to be upheld and protected, with some success, and have pushed for stronger action from the EU and its governments. Recent weeks and months have seen a series of grim milestones for human rights in the Gulf. Nabeel Rajab, director of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, was sentenced for two years in prison on July 10th for TV interviews he gave, after already spending a year in prison simply for tweeting criticism of the Kingdom's leaders. In Saudi Arabia, the 2015 Sakharov Prize winner, blogger Raif Badawi, is marking five years in prison for blogging about secularism. Meanwhile, juvenile protesters Ali al-Nimr, Dawoud al-Marhoon and Abdullah al-Zaher face imminent execution in spite of their age, and new fears have been raised that the Saudi King is days away from signing the death warrants of 14 alleged protesters, among them two juveniles and a disabled man. In May, Bahraini security forces cracked down on peaceful protesters in the village of Duraz, leading to 286 arrests, hundreds injured and five killed. Meanwhile Bahraini dissidents continue to be stripped of their citizenship. However, Bahrain's regional allies - including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - were quick to declare their support for the Bahraini government's actions. The EU's official response was a disappointingly meek statement on the need for "proportionality", whilst highlighting Bahrain's "sovereign right" to act. In January, the island Kingdom executed three protestors - reviving the death penalty after upholding a moratorium for six years. Two other protestors, Mohamed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa, also face imminent execution after being tortured into making false confessions. In the last few months, Bahrain's death row has doubled in size, while widespread reports of torture and abuse continue. Yet Britain is propping up the Bahraini and Saudi security apparatuses. The UK Foreign Office has spent nearly 6m of taxpayers' money on technical assistance to Bahrain since 2012 - training Bahraini police and prison guards who continue to torture prisoners, and, according to leading human rights NGOs such as Reprieve and FIDH, supporting a sham police Ombudsman that has whitewashed and covered up this torture, rather than investigating it. In Saudi Arabia, the UK has provided cyber-intelligence training for Saudi police without proper safeguards, as juveniles tortured by security forces await imminent beheading for the 'crime' of attending pro-democracy protests. British police themselves have voiced concerns that the training they have provided to Saudi police could lead to the torture of detainees, and a cross party group of UK MPs have just called for a full investigation into UK assistance to Saudi police. However, it seems that Theresa May's chaotic, right-wing Tory government, propped up by the hardline DUP, has chosen to ignore all of these developments. The Tories see their 'global' Brexit Britain as prioritising trade at all costs, above human rights considerations or anything else. This was the essence of May's message at her speech to GCC ministers in December 2016, Trade Secretary Liam Fox's visit to the region a month later, and May's visit to Saudi Arabia in April this year. With mounting violations and increasing tensions in the region, neither Britain nor the EU can continue to turn a blind eye, or hide behind the language of "sovereignty and responsibility". Britain must make clear that any further assistance to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia's police apparatuses must be conditional on these governments taking basic but binding anti-torture steps, such as ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) and allowing the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture to visit and make an independent assessment. Similar commitments must be undertaken by EU representatives who must be vocal and uncompromising about standing up for human rights first and foremost. This is not the time for timidity or rapprochement. The European Union, including the UK, has made itself a bulwark of democracy and human rights in the world, and as its voters opt to revive and strengthen these values, so too must the EU step up onto the world stage and put human rights at the heart of foreign policy. By depriving Theresa May of her mandate, the British electorate has indicated that it does not want Brexit Britain to take leave of its senses, or abandon its values. Brexit or no Brexit, the UK and the EU must stand up for the values they claim to represent.
Within the space of a week this autumn, the people of Catalonia and Kurdistan will be asked if they want to live in an independent country. If these two referendums result in declarations of independence, what happens next? It may seem straightforward that Kurdistan, Catalonia, or even both would become the worlds newest countries. But its not that simple.

International law states that people have the right to determine their own destiny, including political status. Our right of self-determination is enshrined in the UN Charter, and clarified in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This could be taken as the right to have sovereign statehood recognised by the international community. However, its most often interpreted as the right of a population to determine how they are governed and who governs them. In other words, self-determination in todays world most often pertains to choices within an existing country rather than as a path to new statehood.

This is partly because the laws on self-determination were mostly written during the period of decolonisation. That historical context cannot be ignored when interpreting their purpose. During that time, colonial powers were taking steps towards dismantling their empires. They had become expensive to maintain and political pressure was growing within the colonies themselves.

Creating a country

Another complicating factor in setting up a country is the fact that, for one territory to become a new state, another already existing sovereign state must lose some of its territory. That would violate the laws and norms of territorial integrity. These are some of the oldest and most steadfast rules underpinning the international system.

Recognition of a new state essentially means legally recognising the transfer of sovereignty over a territory from one authority to another. An international body, including the UN, cannot just take away territory without the permission of the original host state. To do so would be a violation of one of the defining rules of the system of states.

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Kosovo, for example, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but even to this day it doesnt have sovereign statehood  despite more than half of the UNs member states recognising its independence. This is largely because Serbia still claims sovereign control over the territory, although other factors are certainly also at play. In the same way, Iraq would have to relinquish sovereign control over territory in order for Kurdistan to become a state.

There are obvious competing and contradicting legal principles here. In at least one instance, these contradictions appear together within the same law. Indeed, what we find is that there is no clear legal path to obtaining sovereign statehood. There is also no legally established mechanism for who determines whether a territory becomes a sovereign state. So we have to look at previous examples to work out how its done.

The worlds most recent states are South Sudan, which was recognised in 2011 and East Timor, which was recognised in 2002. In the early 1990s, there was a wave of new states due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the breakup of Yugoslavia. In 1993, Eritrea also became a state after a decades-long war with Ethiopia, which had annexed Eritrea in 1962. Prior to that, the worlds new states emerged out of the shifting or collapse of empires, most notable with the end of colonialism.

For East Timor and South Sudan, and in many ways Eritrea, statehood was part of attempts to resolve another problem: violent conflict. In all three cases, the host state (Indonesia for East Timor; Sudan for South Sudan; Ethiopia for Eritrea) agreed to relinquish control of the territory as part of negotiated peace agreements.

All of these new states obtained sovereignty after the disappearance of their former sovereign power, or with the permission of their former sovereign power. What they all have in common is that they became states in order to resolve some kind of problem, meaning there was some international benefit to their recognition. For the worlds newest states, their recognition was more of a political act than a legally defined process.

When is a state recognised as independent?

Although its not clearly laid out in law, a territory essentially becomes a sovereign state when its independence is recognised by the United Nations. As the largest and most inclusive multilateral organisation, its sanctioning of sovereign statehood makes sense.

But while procedures for admitting new members are clearly laid out in the Charter and in the rules of the UN, these rules pertain to new members that are already sovereign states. Yet again there is ambiguity in the process that aspiring states must go through in order to become sovereign.

Becoming an internationally recognised sovereign country is not a clear or straightforward process. In many ways, it is determined by power and the international political climate of the day. And a surprising number of entities exist as unrecognised states, many for decades, without recognition of sovereignty.

If Catalonia or Kurdistan declare their independence this autumn, they may get sovereign statehood if their host states agree. If not, though, they could choose to declare their independence, and to exist as an unrecognised state indefinitely.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Rebecca Richards does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.
Russian Terminator

Screenshot/YouTube via Military & Space Archive

We just heard how the U.S. Armys top general wants to put lasers, rail guns and all kinds of high-tech wizbangery on the services next-generation tank.

Sure, that sounds awesome. But lets face it, those types of technologies built tough enough to be soldier-proof and deployed on a ground vehicle are still years off.

But what would happen if you slapped on a crap ton of totally badass weaponry thats available today, wrapped it in some truly tough armor and gave it some go-anywhere treads?

Well, thats what those mad scientists in Chelyabinsk (Russias main weapons development lab) did with the BMP-T Terminator. And by the looks of it, what trooper wouldnt want this Mecha-esque death dealer backing him up during a ground assault.

This machine is festooned with about everything a ground-pounder could ask for, aside from a 125mm main gun. With two  count em  twoside-by-side 30mm 2A42 autocannons, the Terminator can throw down up to 800 rounds of hate per minute out to 4,000 yards.

Take that Mr. Puny Bradley with your itty bitty 25mm chain gun

Those 30 mike-mikes will take care of most ground threats for sure, but the Russians didnt stop there. To blow up tanks and take down buildings and bunkers, the BMP-T is equipped with four launch tubes loaded with 130mm 9M120 Ataka-T anti-tank missiles. These missiles are capable of penetrating over two-feet of tank armor.

Enough badassery for one vic? No sir. The Terminator is also loaded with a secondary 7.62mm PKTM machine gun peeking out between the two 30mm cannons, and its got a pair of secondary, secondary 30mm grenade launchers just to add a little close in bang bang.

The Russians reportedly developed the BMP-T after its experience in Afghanistan and more recently in Chechnya, were the armor of a tank was needed in an urban fight, but with more maneuverability and better close-range armament than a tank gun.

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Reports indicate the Terminator has been deployed to the anti-ISIS fight in Syria for field trials, but its unclear how many of these wheeled arsenals Moscow actually has in its inventory.

That said, the video below shows just how freaking full-on this infantry fighting vehicle is and the devastating punch it packs for bad guys.

Watch the Terminator in action:

Youtube Embed:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/fdOtHUp20Pk

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By Clement Uwiringiyimana KIGALI (Reuters) - Rwanda began counting votes on Friday in a presidential election widely expected to hand incumbent Paul Kagame a third term in office, extending his 17 years in power. Kagame has won international plaudits for presiding over a peaceful and rapid economic recovery in the Central African nation since the 1994 genocide, when an estimated 800,000 people Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed. But he has also faced mounting censure for what critics and rights groups say are widespread human rights abuses, a muzzling of independent media and suppression of political opposition. Turnout was expected to top 90 percent in the East African country of 12 million citizens once full details emerged, Rwanda's electoral board said, in elections that fielded only a single opposition candidate, Frank Habineza, and an independent. "Generally the process went well. The process was peaceful and calm," Charles Munyaneza, the board's executive secretary, told Reuters after polls closed at 3 pm (1400 GMT). Provisional results were expected around 10 pm (2100 GMT). Under Kagame's rule, some dissidents were killed after they fled abroad, in cases that remain unsolved. The government denies any involvement and the cases appear to have done little to blunt Kagame's domestic standing among Rwandans. "Even if I am poor, I voted for Kagame for restoring peace and security," said 45-year-old farmer Appolinaire Karangwa, who cast his ballot in the capital Kigali. Kagame, a commander who led Tutsi rebel forces into Rwanda to end the 1994 genocide, banned the use of tribal terms after becoming president. He won the last election in 2010 with 93 percent of the vote and during this campaign for a further seven-year term, said he expected an outright victory. Kagame cast his vote in Kigali's Rugunga polling station earlier on Friday but declined to speak to reporters. The deputy head of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party expressed confidence of a win and said he did not see any reasons why Kagame would not stand for re-election in seven years time. "If the people of Rwanda wishes it like that then what is the problem?" Christophe Bazivamo told reporters in the same polling station. "If the population wants the president to remain at the time after this coming seven years and the president is okay, I dont see any inconvenience." Habineza, Kagame's main opponent, voted early on Friday at Kimironko, a polling station in the capital. He told reporters that his campaign had been hobbled because it could not compete with the machinery of the state. "All state structures belong to his party. It is not very easy but we are also strong," he said. If elected, Habineza has promised to set up a tribunal to retry dissidents whose convictions by Rwandan courts have been criticised as politically motivated. Another would-be opponent, Diane Rwigara, was disqualified by the election board despite her insistence that she met all the requirements to run. (Additional reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Writing by Aaron Maasho)
On Aug. 21, area residents will see a sight that won't happen in northeast Georgia for another 375 years.

A swath of the country from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina, will be blanketed in darkness for two minutes during the day for a rare total solar eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking all or part of the sun, according to NASA.

"Total solar eclipses are very rare, because it's the moon's shadow falling on the earth," said Lesley Simanton-Coogan, director of the George E. Coleman Sr. Planetarium at the University of North Georgia (UNG). "And the moon is smaller than the Earth and its shadow is small. Only people in the middle of the shadow will see the full eclipse."

In Georgia, the eclipse will begin about 1 p.m. with total darkness happening around 2:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, which coincides with the first day of fall semester classes at UNG. Classes on all campuses have been canceled beginning at noon and will resume at 4 p.m. Monday to allow the UNG community take advantage of the viewing activities planned on the Dahlonega, Gainesville and Oconee.

Students on UNG's Blue Ridge and Gainesville campuses will receive certified glasses  300 for Gainesville and 100 for Blue Ridge  to watch the solar eclipse. On the Dahlonega Campus, the Office of Student Involvement will host a viewing party on either the drill field or the dining hall terrace with 200 eclipse glasses available for students and astronomy-themed music. The Division of Professional and Continuing Education at UNG will hand out solar eclipse glasses at East Hall Middle School in Gainesville.

"You don't want to look directly at an eclipse," Simanton-Coogan said. "And you can't just use sunglasses. There are special glasses that you can purchase online to look at the sun safely."

The Dawsonville, Georgia, resident said NASA has instructions on how to safely view the eclipse via pinhole projection. People may create a cereal box viewer or use their crossed fingers for an indirect look. Simanton-Coogan also offers these additional tips:

If you are viewing the eclipse for any length of time, put on sunscreen.

Purchase some "ISO 12312-2 certified" safety glasses; regular sunglasses will not work.

To track the eclipse, make a pinhole viewer.

Look up the exact time for the eclipse to pass; it will begin at 1 p.m. in Georgia with total coverage around 2:30 p.m. if in the path of totality.

Put on certified glasses before looking at the sun and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime moment.

The day before the event, UNGs planetarium will host a public event.

"More people can spend more time learning about the eclipse on Sunday," Simanton-Coogan said.

From 1-5 p.m. Aug. 20, visitors can watch a couple of planetarium shows  "The Incredible Sun" and "Solar Superstorms"  and hear from UNG professors at the Health and Natural Science Building, 159 Sunset Drive in Dahlonega. Speaking will be Simanton-Coogan along with Dr. Greg Feiden and Dr. JB Sharma, both of the physics department, and Dr. Donna Governor of the education department. Their topics will range from historical clips to cultural mythology.

Simanton-Coogan said the stars are full of mythological references, citing several constellations with names from Greek mythology such as Andromeda, Aries, Cassiopeia, Gemini, Hercules, Orion, Pegasus, and Perseus. But the lectures will include myths other than Grecian ones.

"For example, the Cherokee have a legend that during the eclipse the sun is being swallowed by a giant frog," Simanton-Coogan said.

Visitors also can learn how to safely view the eclipse and may view the sun safely through a telescope if weather permits.

Simanton-Coogan is taking Aug. 21 off to watch the solar eclipse. She plans to use solar eclipse glasses and maybe a pinhole viewer to track the progress of the eclipse from her position in Toccoa, Georgia, which is in the 70-mile-wide "path of totality."

"It's like a giant diagonal strike across the U.S.," she said, noting UNG's Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses are not in the path but close to it. "The Blue Ridge Campus is the only UNG campus in the path of totality."

For those in the path, the sky will darken and the temperature can drop at least 20 degrees when the sun is completely blocked by the moon. At that time, residents can see the corona of the sun, which is where superheated material fly off its surface.

"Im excited to see the corona," Simanton-Coogan said, noting this will be her first total solar eclipse. "When I was kid, I only saw a partial one."

Several state parks in Georgia are planning viewing events and, for residents who cannot venture outdoors, NASA will stream the eclipse online. Directions and additional information about UNGs planetarium are available online.
Alliant Energy Corporation operates as a utility holding company that provides regulated electricity and natural gas services. It operates through three segments: Utility Electric Operations, Utility Gas Operations, and Utility Other. The company, through its subsidiary, Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), primarily generates and distributes electricity, and distributes and transports natural gas to retail customers in Iowa; sells electricity to wholesale customers in Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa; and generates and distributes steam in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Alliant Energy Corporation, through its other subsidiary, Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), generates and distributes electricity, and distributes and transports natural gas to retail customers in Wisconsin; and sells electricity to wholesale customers in Wisconsin. As of December 31, 2021, IPL supplied electric and natural gas service to approximately 500,000 and 225,000 retail customers respectively; and WPL supplied electric and natural gas service to approximately 485,000 and 200,000 retail customers, respectively. It serves retail customers in the farming, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, chemical, and packaging and food industries. In addition, the company owns and operates a short-line rail freight service in Iowa; a barge, rail, and truck freight terminal on the Mississippi River; and a rail-served warehouse in Iowa, as well as offers freight brokerage services. Further, it holds interests in a 347 megawatt (MW) natural gas-fired electric generating unit near Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin; and a 225 MW wind farm located in Oklahoma. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin.
Its fun. Its satire.

Most of all, its newsworthy.

The masterminds behind the series The New Mexico Inquisition are aiming to open New Mexicans minds with a monthly series.

Its New Mexicos only political news satire, says Danger K Varoz, executive producer, host and writer. Were looking at local issues and bringing a different point of view.

Varoz says the series is modeled after national comedy shows like The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

Its aim is to offer viewers a hilarious take on local headlines, field pieces on issues of public interest, and air interviews with local politicians and celebrities. It was created in the summer of 2016, and the first episode aired on UABQ, Comcast Channel 27, in February.

All episodes plus online exclusive content are available on YouTube at the Open Source Comedy Network channel.

Varoz says the impetus for the show came after the Democratic primaries in 2016.

He says that during that time Sen. Bernie Sanders released a message to Americans to start a grass-roots campaign or to volunteer.

I thought, what can a comedian named Danger do? he says. I have a background in film production, and I was working on my sketch comedy. I wanted to do a Daily Show of New Mexico. The goal was to galvanize an interest in local politics.

Varoz then began to attend the Bernalillo County Commission meetings.

At the first meeting, on the agenda was the Santolina development west of Albuquerque. The proposed Santolina development covers a boundary from Interstate 40 south to Pajarito Mesa and the Rio Puerco Escarpment east to 118th Street.

I began to interview some protesters there, he says. Most of them didnt know what was going on. Then I met Juan Reynosa from SWOP (SouthWest Organizing Project) and he knew what he was talking about. I began to put together a narrative.

As Varoz began to cultivate The New Mexico Inquisition, he put a feeler out to find someone with research experience.

Enter Sheridan Kay Johnson.

I have a background in research, Johnson chimes in. Danger was looking for people on that end.

Together, the duo are the driving force behind the series. They also do the heavy lifting for the monthly show, with planning, filming and editing.

They get help from Ann Gora, Jason Green, Kevin Baca and Isiah Yazzie, who all act as writers and correspondents.

I think everybody brings something different to the table, Johnson says. We all reach a different demographic. I think were trying to work with that.

With a handful of episodes completed, Varoz is ready to make a bigger push with the series. The newest episode was filmed in front of a live studio audience  and with one camera and premiered on Aug. 2. The next episode will film on Aug. 24 with a live audience.

I was hesitant to ask for money or pitch the show to networks until we had it down, he says. I feel like we have it down. And Im excited about the possibilities. Were not running out of ideas. Weve been dead-set on tackling hard issues.

Johnson says the series will also shine a light on some of the things that make New Mexico awesome.

One of the thing is that we have a low rate for having very few kill shelters, Johnson says. It can be really disheartening to always hear about what were doing wrong. We want to balance the news with some good things.

Varoz is hoping to get the series on one of the local stations in a late-night spot.

Its all starting to come together, he says. Wed eventually like to get paid for what were doing and make this a full-time job.

The New Mexico Inquisition

The New Mexico-based series can be seen on UABQ, Comcast Channel 27. On YouTube, it can be found on the Open Source Comedy Network. The series has a crowdfunding page at patreon.com/nminq
After a group of student musicians attending band camp at Highland High School realized someone had stolen their cell phones and other personal belongings Thursday morning, they took matters into their own hands.

Monica Armenta, a spokeswoman for the Albuquerque Public Schools, said around 10:30 a.m. a man entered the school and went into the room where the students kept their backpacks during band practice.

She said the man stole their stuff and took off.

Some of the items he took included cell phones, Armenta said. So the kids used Find My Phone locator apps and got pings. They started tracking him down.

She said the musicians called the police and then chased down the suspect. No one was hurt in the incident.

Armenta said the officers jumped into the pursuit and the suspect was arrested near Arizona and Southern SE. She said he was not an APS student.

Shortly after noon in a neighborhood near the school, a man could be seen being taken away in handcuffs by officers from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Albuquerque Public Schools Police Department.

An APD spokesman did not return phone calls asking for more information about the incident, including the name of the suspect and what he will be charged with.
Albuquerque police arrested a man who they say killed two 19-year-olds in southwest Albuquerque in early July.

Brandon Vigil, 19, faces two counts of murder in the deaths of Daniel Miramontes and Consuela Rios, according to the criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

Vigil shot both people inside Miramontes home, near Bridge and Coors SW, on July 5, according to police.

Police were called to the scene after Vigil showed up at a neighbors house covered in blood saying he shot someone and he didnt know what else to do  or where to go, according to the complaint.

When police showed up at Miramontes house, they found Miramontes clinging to life and Rios already dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

According to the complaint, officers spoke to Vigil at the scene, and he told police he shot Miramontes and Rios in self-defense after Miramontes tried to shoot him first. Vigil said he used two guns  both Miramontes  an Uzi and a revolver.

The officers released him, but later charged him with murder after speaking to multiple people who said Vigil had told them he had planned to kill and rob Miramontes, according to the complaint.

One of the people told police that Vigil said he shot Miramontes multiple times with his own revolver as he came out of the shower.

He told officers that Miramontes was still alive after being shot and realized Vigil had shot him.

Daniel grabbed a hold of Brandon and said Brandon, no!  the person told police.

Vigil reportedly said he then shot Rios with an Uzi that had been lying on Miramontes bed.

Miramontes grabbed Vigils ankle as Vigil tried to leave the room, so he shot him multiple times with the Uzi and stopped when the gun jammed, according to the complaint.

Brandon stated the devil got into his head when asked why he did this, an officer wrote in the complaint.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle is as relevant to journalism today as he was on April 18, 1945, when he was killed by a Japanese machine gunner while covering American forces pressing to capture the island of Okinawa.

Pyle, whose Albuquerque home is now a public library branch, is a symbol of what great war corresponding really is, and you dont want to go to war without us, said Joseph Galloway, a war correspondent for more than 40 years.

We need to come along, because we are the eyes and ears of the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends of those who put on the uniform and go into harms way under our flag, and on behalf of our country. If were not there, theres nobody telling their story, and its too damn easy to forget them.

Galloway, 75, was the keynote speaker Thursday, Pyles birthday, at the inaugural celebration of National Ernie Pyle Day, held at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial. He is also the author of several books, including the 1992 best-seller We Were Soldiers Once  And Young, later made into a Hollywood movie starring Mel Gibson.

About 300 people attended the event, mostly older veterans and active duty members of the military services. The youngest people present were the color guard from Ernie Pyle Middle School. That generational absence underscores why a small group of remaining Pyle family members formed the Ernie Pyle Legacy Foundation to keep public memory of the deceased Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent alive.

In addition, senators from Indiana, where Pyle was born, are pushing for official congressional recognition of National Ernie Pyle Day, said Pyle family member Linn Benson, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who served during the Vietnam War.

The World War II generation knew Ernie Pyle intimately and loved him, Galloway said. Their sons and daughters knew him because they heard their dads and uncles talking about Pyle and they had his books, including compilations of his newspaper columns.

With each subsequent generation, knowledge of Pyle was lost. Even though secondary schools taught the history of World War II, Galloway said, there was scant mention of Pyles contribution to that history.

Pyles columns were syndicated to more than 300 newspapers and served as the conduit of information to families who had loved ones in uniform.

He was telling the story of the common soldier in combat. That was his place on the battlefield, Galloway said. For me, he was a hero and a role model. I wanted to be a reporter. And I figured, if I managed to do that, and if my generation had a war, I wanted to cover that war like Ernie Pyle covered his war in his generation.

And Galloway did just that, writing from the front lines during four separate tours in Vietnam, as well as covering the Persian Gulf War, the Haiti incursion and two tours in Iraq.

Anytime I found myself reporting from a war zone, I was following Ernies map, he said.

Howard Romme, 93, a World War II Navy veteran, grew up in Albuquerque just a few blocks from Pyles home on Girard SE.

I didnt know him personally, but we read him daily in the Albuquerque newspaper and felt like we knew him, he said. His column was the first thing my mother looked for in the paper, and when I was in the Navy it was the first thing I looked for anytime we got a newspaper. Hes been gone a long time, but hes worth remembering.

Another World War II Navy veteran, Joe Padilla, 90, remembers that he was on his way to Okinawa when he learned that Pyle had been killed. I had access to newspapers and of course read his columns. He was a real war correspondent who was always right there with the troops. He didnt stay in hotels.

The inaugural events also included the reading of separate proclamations signed by New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry recognizing National Ernie Pyle Day; awarding of the first Ernie Pyle Legacy Foundation Scholarship to University of New Mexico journalism student Andres Del Aguila; music from the American Legion Band; and presentation of Ernie Pyle, A One Man Show, by local historian Baldwin Burr.

Pyle film screening

Enjoy a special screening of G.I. Joe: The Ernie Pyle Story from 1 to 2:30 p.m. today as part of the librarys Ernie Pyle Day celebration. The movie will be shown in the auditorium of the Main Library Downtown, 501 Copper NW.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

The operations of Desert State Life Management will now be in the hands of New Mexico financial regulators under a state District Court ruling Thursday that could lead to full-bore state efforts to try to recoup millions of dollars of alleged stolen trust funds.

Chief District Judge Nan Nash of Bernalillo County issued a permanent injunction to deny access to the company's accounts and books by Desert State owner Paul Donisthorpe, his former wife, and all other employees or board members of the small nonprofit trust company based in Albuquerque.

No one from the company appeared in court Thursday.

Chris Moya, acting director of the New Mexico Financial Institutions Division, was appointed receiver and will file an initial inventory of the firm's assets and liabilities within 30 days. A permanent receiver could later be hired.

But FID counsel Kevin Graham told the court, At this time we see almost no assets to do that. There appeared to be very few client trust funds remaining when state regulators first discovered serious irregularities in the company's books earlier this year. Donisthorpe is alleged to have used client funds for a cattle operation in Texas, but Graham told the court he wasn't sure the state wanted to get into the cattle business.

This heartbreaking case took a turn towards justice today and the Regulation and Licensing Department is committed to protecting clients from further victimization, said Alex Sanchez, deputy secretary of the department, which oversees the FID.

About 70 clients, many with special needs trusts because they are disabled or incapacitated, had funds managed by Desert State. Lawyers or guardians for several of the clients have filed separate lawsuits seeking damages against the firm.

The primary case was filed June 6 by Ayudando Guardians Inc. based in Albuquerque. Weeks later, Ayudando's two principals were accused of embezzling client funds in a 28-count federal indictment. Ayudando was also named as a defendant in the criminal indictment unsealed July 19. In that case, the U.S. Marshals Office is now running that company, which is accused of stealing more than $4 million from client accounts.

In the lawsuit against Desert State, Ayudando sued on behalf of seven of its incapacitated clients who had entrusted their funds to Desert State.

Attorneys for two other Desert State clients sought to join Ayudando's lawsuit against Desert State, but one backed out after Ayudando president Susan Harris and chief financial officer Sharon Moore were arrested on charges of money laundering, conspiracy and mail fraud.

Albuquerque attorney Mark Jaffe filed the withdrawal motion on July 31 citing the pending indictments against several of the Plantiff's (Ayudando's) corporate officers which appears likely to cause undue prosecution of this case.

In the Desert State case, the FBI appears to be investigating the actions of CEO and owner Paul Donisthorpe. The U.S. Attorney's Office has filed a forfeiture petition to seize three of Donisthorpe's properties, contending they were purchased in full or in part with illegally diverted client funds.

The allegations by federal investigators in both Desert State and Ayudando cases are similar, except that no criminal charges have been filed related to the estimated $4 million in funds alleged to have been embezzled by Donisthorpe. Donisthorpe's whereabouts are unknown.
The evolution of Santa Clara Pueblo pottery through the 20th century is the center of a new collection and exhibition at the Steve Elmore Indian Art Gallery.

The Red and the Black: A Century of Santa Clara Pottery, referring to the colors traditionally used on the tribes pots, opens tonight and includes about 25 pieces made between 1920 and 1990. The work is from seven to eight potters, including renowned artists Margaret Tafoya and Pablita Chavarria.

The time period covered in the show was a renaissance, Elmore said. Santa Clara potters began to make pieces less for practical use, such as for storing water or food, and more as commercial art to meet the growing demand from tourists who began traveling through New Mexico on the railroads. The tourists wanted pottery as souvenirs.

During that time, more Santa Clara women started creating and selling, Elmore said, and the work became more intricate through carvings or impressed designs as the decades passed on.

What we see in the 20th century is this shift from ethnographic to an art world pottery and that creates an explosion in the number of potters, said Elmore.

The pieces in the exhibition come from a collection that Elmores gallery received from the estate of Raton resident Loretta Moore. Before her death in August 2016, Moore had collected Santa Clara pottery and other Native American art since the 1960s with her husband Edward, a geologist and mining engineer who died in 2006.

It was mostly the talent and creativity of the Native Americans  that encouraged them to become collectors, said Elena Aston, Moores sister and one of the trustees of her estate. They fell in love with this work.

It was Moores wish that after her death the collection would go to someone with expertise in the field of Native art. Aston approached Elmore and, in April, he bought the pottery and some of Moores weaving collection, as well.

In the early 1900s, the creators were often anonymous, according to Elmore. Eventually, as skills and innovation within the craft increased, people began turning pottery into a career and distinguishing themselves. Famous Santa Clara potters like Tafoya began receiving recognition on a national scale. Her familys signature bear paw impression is present on some pieces at the Elmore gallery.

Though Tafoya died in 2001, many of her children and grandchildren still make pottery. Nancy Youngblood, Tafoyas granddaughter, said its important to honor and commemorate the early generations of Santa Clara potters, especially artists like her grandmother. She was innovative, but adhered to traditional techniques and made her family do the same.

One hundred years from now, she didnt want people to say, I want to do this old-style work, but nobody remembers how to do it,' said Youngblood.

The old ways for traditional potters include digging and processing their own clay and not using machines to create carvings. Today, Youngblood said, these techniques are unfortunately rare.

Elmore maintains the best potters were the ones, like those being showcased, who transitioned from one side of pottery  for everyday use  to the other in the first half of the century, rather than those who came later as the demand for Native pots grew.

While he isnt against the modern-day descendants who make only artistic pottery, he wants people to remember Santa Claras roots through their ancestral artists.

We dont know where the future is going to go with the art; we want it to continue, but I think it has a better chance if it keeps one foot in the history, he said.

The collection will be on display until Oct. 1.

If you go

WHAT: The Red and the Black: A Century of Santa Clara Pottery opening reception

WHERE: Steve Elmore Indian Art, 839 Paseo De Peralta

WHEN: Tonight, 5-7 p.m.

TICKETS: Free and open to the public
New rules on how to handle criminal defendants accused of violating conditions of their release from jail pending trial are the latest changes to flow from voter approval of a state constitutional amendment last year.

Before July 1, there was no set deadline for when a hearing had to be held after a defendant was picked up for violating terms of release  for instance, by failing a drug test or cutting off an electronic monitoring bracelet.

Now, new court rules set by the state Supreme Court have put a time crunch on some pretrial detention hearings in New Mexico. So far, though, officials in the judicial system in Santa Fe seem to be making the new rules work and say theyll make the criminal process more fair and get cases moving to trial more quickly.

The constitutional amendment that was passed by 87 percent of voters in November gave judges authority not to grant any bail at all for dangerous defendants, meaning incarceration until a trial or a plea. The amendment also allows defendants not deemed a danger to the community or a flight risk to be free pending trial without any requirement to post a bond.

State Supreme Court Justice Charles Daniels said the new rules on pretrial detention hearings arent directly related to the 2016 amendment, but are meant to reflect the spirit of it.

The constitutional amendment calls for expedited review of detention decisions and we try to follow that lead with all of our rules by setting time limits that didnt exist in the previous rules that ensure that these kinds of decisions, which impact defendants rights and community safety, be made quickly, Daniels said.

Our courts are underfunded, theyre understaffed, but this is a high-priority thing, so were requiring courts to act quickly. In virtually every one of those rules, youll see some time limits.

If a defendant is incarcerated for violating conditions of release while on electronic monitoring or under pretrial services setting requirements such as drug or alcohol screening, a hearing now has to be called within three days.

If, at that initial hearing, the judge proposes revoking or changing the defendants conditions of release, a second, evidentiary hearing must now be held within seven days. At the evidentiary hearing, the defendant has the right to compel witnesses to testify and to confront those witnesses. The judge then must rule on keeping the defendant on the same conditions of release, modifying those conditions or revoking them completely.

The changes have forced judges to collaborate with district attorneys and public defenders on meeting the deadlines.

Before the rule changes, judges would typically schedule the hearings for when their schedules allowed, often on a docket day when status hearings or other matters for many different cases are considered.

The new rules requires courts to be more efficient, Santa Fe District Court Chief Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said. Once a defendant is in custody for violating terms of release, a hearing must be held no later than three days after they are detained. A motion must also be filed by either the court or the prosecutor to consider revoking or modifying the conditions of release.

Judges still have discretion to issue a bench warrant for a defendants arrest if they feel thats needed  for instance, when someone accused of battery on a household member is believed to have fled. But the new rules for bench warrants require more specificity as to how a defendant violated their conditions of release.

If they cut the (electronic monitoring) bracelet, youre not going to issue a summons, Marlowe Sommer said. Youre going to get a bench warrant immediately.

The new time constraints means judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys need to be on the same page. Marlowe Sommer said there are staffers in the Santa Fe district attorneys office who receive emails as soon as motions for revoking or modifying conditions of release or bench warrant are filed. In order to make sure the motions are heard before the three-day deadline, the judge now has the 4 p.m. hour blocked off every day so she can drop those hearings in as needed.

Three days comes very quickly, so certainly you need to be more efficient and, to be more efficient, you need the collaboration of everyone, Marlowe Sommer said. We have not had very many problems on counsel showing up. Its actually run pretty smoothly.

There are more mechanics here, but in the long run I think its fair, and thats really what former Chief Justice Daniels wanted to do.

Morgan Wood, Santa Fes chief public defender, said the district attorneys office has been emailing motions to her. She then sends each motion to a defense attorney whos supposed to be in the courtroom for the three-day hearing.

Although it has been challenging to make sure she has enough personnel to cover all the hearings, Wood said she believes the new rules will cause cases to go to trial faster.

Before, it wasnt that automatic getting a person into court, especially so quickly, Wood said. It forces the court and the district attorney to get cases moving more quickly.

On Tuesday, Marlowe Sommer held a hearing for a man accused of cutting off his electronic monitoring bracelet and a woman who a prosecutor said had three pretrial services violations. Both defendants were being held at the Santa Fe County jail.

The new rules apparently havent put a strain on the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office, which has the responsibility of transporting inmates to the courthouse, according to a department spokesman.

Well get the information from the courts and well abide by that time frame, SFCSO spokesman Juan Rios said. We adjust with the staff that we have and were able to cover them.

The old rules governing revocation of conditions of release have been in effect since 1972, Justice Daniels said, and the old constitutional amendment regarding bond is modeled after the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1682. Daniels said the new amendment and rules are more in line with what other states, like New Jersey, are starting to adopt.

I think what the voters of New Mexico have done, with an overwhelming voice, is probably the most significant improvement in our pretrial justice system here in my years in the law, Daniels said. I think that constitutional amendment and the rules that flowed from it help better provide for public safety and for the equal administration of justice, more than anything were done in the pretrial justice area in my 50 years in the law.
The burden of proof is on the one who declares, not the one who denies.

 The Digest of Justinian (22.3.2)

You are shopping in a store. An employee accuses you of shoplifting. You are summoned to court. The judge says, Prove your innocence beyond a reasonable doubt. You are unable to prove a negative. The store employee does not even testify. You are convicted of shoplifting. It is on your record for life.

Wait  what?

I have just described a criminal justice system based upon the presumption of guilt. Such a system is inquisitorial and directly contrary to basic principles of a free society.

A person accused of a crime in America, however, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That is the ideal. But is it the reality?

In practice, the presumed innocence of the accused often is overlooked by Americans because of fear and anger, especially when the accused is charged with a particularly heinous crime. American judges have the specific and non-delegable task of protecting the accuseds presumed innocence. Put another way, the presumption of innocence and other rights of the accused are only as strong as the judges who enforce them.

However, and this is where it becomes extremely difficult, a judge must balance two competing interests, both of which are entirely valid. It is the perennial dilemma of individual rights versus the rights of the community as a whole.

The accused persons right to presumed innocence must be balanced against the communitys right to be safe from criminals.

The first stage in a criminal proceeding is the arraignment. An officer or detective already has submitted an affidavit of some sort outlining or summarizing the available evidence against the accused for the crime(s) charged. The judge reviews the affidavit or criminal complaint and normally enters a plea of not guilty on behalf of the accused. The judge then sets conditions of release, ranging anywhere from release with conditions, to release with bond, to a no-bond hold.

Should a judge err on the side of the individuals presumption of innocence and liberty interests? Or on the side of protecting the community?

If a judge releases the accused, how can he or she be certain that the accused will not abscond or harm someone? Predicting future behavior is not a science. Decisions involving pre-trial conditions of release are akin to walking on the edge of a razor blade. There is very little room for error.

And if a judge requires a bond in every case, or simply incarcerates every person accused of a crime until trial, what does that say for the presumption of innocence? It says that the presumption of innocence is a farce, an illusion, a lofty ideal but not a reality.

So how does a judge decide?

There is no magic answer. The judge must try to predict future behavior based on all available information about the accused, including criminal history, employment history, ties to the community and substance abuse and/or mental illness, if any.

Essentially, a judge must make life-and-death decisions with limited information about the crime and limited information about the accused and his or her background. And these decisions must be made quickly after an accused has been arrested. If the judge delays, the presumption of innocence is denied as the accused remains in jail. If the judge acts quickly and releases the accused, the community may be put in danger.

Conditions of release decisions are some of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as a judge.

When someone actually has been convicted of a crime, then the publics right to be protected becomes much more significant when balanced against the convicted individuals interests. But that is a separate issue with different considerations.

In the final analysis, why do we even bother with a presumption of innocence? Why not keep an accused in jail until trial?

Because, simply put, such a system would be repulsive to our inalienable constitutional right to freedom. We do not take someones liberty away solely on the basis of accusations.

Most Americans, I believe, support the presumption of innocence. Sometimes, however, it is hard to accept, especially when we all know the accused is guilty. Often, when judges afford the accused the presumption of innocence, the public becomes frustrated with the judicial system. That is totally understandable.

In the final analysis, however, the American judicial system is one of the best legal models ever crafted, and the presumption of innocence is one of the supporting pillars.

Judge Daniel E. Ramczyk is a judge of Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the judge individually and not those of the court.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trumps former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, disclosed a brief advisory role with a firm related to a controversial data analysis company that aided the Trump campaign, according to a filing Flynn submitted to the White House.

The disclosure of Flynns link to Cambridge Analytica came in an amended public financial filing in which the retired U.S. Army lieutenant general also discloses income that includes payments from the Trump transition team. The filing was made public by the White House on Friday in response to an Associated Press reporters request.

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported Friday night that Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating possible coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, has asked the White House for documents related to Flynn.

The newspaper says investigators on Muellers team have asked witnesses whether the Turkish government made secret payments to Flynn during the 2016 presidential campaign. The Times cited anonymous sources close to Muellers investigation.

Flynns now-defunct consulting firm, Flynn Intel Group, is under scrutiny by federal authorities and congressional investigators for its role in research and lobbying work for a Turkish businessman tied to the government of Turkey. The AP reported in May about inconsistencies in Flynns disclosures about payments from the Turkish client, Ekim Alptekin.

The amended disclosure filed Friday by Flynn lists him as an adviser to SCL Group, a Virginia-based company related to Cambridge Analytica, the data mining and analysis firm that worked with Trumps campaign.

A person close to Flynn told the AP that just before the end of the campaign, Flynn agreed to do consulting for the firm, but he never performed any work or accepted any payment as part of the agreement with SCL Group. The person spoke to AP on condition of anonymity Thursday to describe details of the filing made to the White House.

The details of Flynns role with SCL werent fully laid out, the person said, noting that Flynn terminated his involvement shortly after Trump won the presidency.

Cambridge Analytica is backed by the family of Robert Mercer, a hedge fund manager who also supported the campaign and other conservative candidates and causes. Trump administration chief strategist Steve Bannon was a vice president of Cambridge Analytica before he joined the Trump campaign.

Media reports in Britain and some statements by leaders involved in the pro-Brexit campaign had linked Cambridge Analytica to the successful effort in 2016 to pull Britain out of the European Union. But the company said in a statement Friday that it did not work on the referendum campaign.

Democratic lawmakers and Trump critics have seized on Cambridge Analyticas role as theyve pushed congressional investigators to scrutinize the Trump campaigns data operation as part of probes into Russias interference in the 2016 election. But the Trump campaign has played down the firms involvement. Campaign officials have said they used the company only for a short time for television advertising and paid some of the firms talented data employees, as the AP previously reported .

Flynns previous filing, submitted to the White House and Office of Government Ethics in March, listed at least $1.3 million in earnings, including between $50,000 and $100,000 from his consulting company, Flynn Intel Group Inc. The latest filing lists at least $1.8 million in income.

Flynns amended filing comes some six months after he was ousted from the White House for misleading the vice president about conversations he had with the then-Russian ambassador to the U.S. It also comes as Special Counsel Robert Mueller and congressional committees are scrutinizing Flynns business deals and foreign connections.

The person close to Flynn said he disclosed the information in an amended filing to make sure the public record is accurate and transparent. The person noted that Flynn and his legal team have spent months piecing together the information necessary for the filing without the assistance of the White House counsels office or the Office of Government Ethics.

In the filing, Flynn reports earning about $28,000 from the Trump presidential transition and more than $5,000 as a consultant to an aborted plan to build nuclear power plants across the Middle East. The consulting connection with a group of companies involved in the power plant proposal had been disclosed in Flynns previous filing, but it had not indicated that he had received payment.

Flynns new filing also provided more details about his consulting work for NJK Holding Corporation, a firm headed by Iranian-American multi-millionaire Nasser Kazeminy. The filing shows that Flynn was paid more than $140,000 for his roles as adviser and consultant to Minneapolis-based NJK.

Flynn also served as vice chairman at GreenZone Systems, a tech firm funded by NJK and headed by Bijan Kian, who was Flynns business partner in Flynn Intel.

In a statement to the AP, NJK said Flynn played an advisory role to NJK Holding relative to its investment interests in security. The firm added that in his roles with NJK and GreenZone, Flynn provided his counsel and guidance on public sector business opportunities for secure communications technology within the U.S. Department of Defense and with other agencies.

NJK said Kian has no current involvement with NJK or GreenZone.

Earlier Thursday, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, asked Kian for documents detailing Flynns foreign business contacts and travel. Flynn listed Kian as a personal reference in 2016 during his effort to renew his military security clearance. Kian told military investigators that Flynn had several foreign business contacts, but Flynn did not provide any of those contacts to investigators, Cummings said.

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Follow Chad Day on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChadSDay
LAS VEGAS  A Las Vegas man says he was fined after trying to nurse back to health a baby falcon that he found in New Mexico.

Elementary school teacher Claude Cain says he found the chick earlier this summer lying near a second baby bird that was already dead. He decided to bring it back to Nevada with him because his father was too sick to take care of it.

He was issued a fine and charged with a misdemeanor after reaching out to Nevada Department of Wildlife for help.

Department spokesman Doug Nielsen says people should not interfere with nature and need to call officials before they decide to act.

Cain plans to dispute the fine. His court case is scheduled for Sept. 11.
GENEVA  The U.N.s migration agency said Friday that it has tallied an increase this year in deaths of people trying to enter the United States from Mexico even as illegal crossings appear to have dropped sharply.

The International Organization of Migration counted 232 migrant deaths through the end of July, up from 204 a year earlier.

U.S. authorities have denied entry 140,000 times during the first half of the year, barely half of last years count, giving a rough sense of how sharply illegal crossings have dropped this year.

Fifty bodies were found in July alone, including 10 discovered in a truck in San Antonio, Texas, the migration agency said.

The Geneva-based agency said the higher toll could not be fully explained. It made no reference to President Donald Trumps calls for tighter border controls, but cited factors like hot weather and swelling Rio Grande waters.

The Border Patrol has counted 156 deaths on the Mexican border during the first seven months of the year, down 19 percent from 193 during the same period of 2016.

The U.N. agencys tally is based on figures from U.S. county medical examiners and sheriffs offices and media reports from the Mexican side of the border.

Thousands have died crossing the border since the mid-1990s, when heightened enforcement in San Diego and El Paso, Texas, pushed traffic into Arizonas remote, scorching deserts.

In recent years, South Texas has become the busiest corridor for illegal crossings and also the most deadly.

For the first seven months of the year, the Border Patrol reported 80 deaths in its Rio Grande Valley sector and 64 in its Laredo sector  both in South Texas  and 49 in its Tucson, Arizona, sector.
SANTA FE  For the second year in a row, a top-ranking New Mexico Republican lawmaker has been named to the executive committee of a deep-pocketed national group.

After a meeting in Atlanta, the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee announced Thursday that House Minority Leader Nate Gentry of Albuquerque will be one of 19 legislators from around the country to serve on the RLCCs executive committee.

Gentry also served on the groups executive committee last year.

Republicans currently control 69 of 99 legislative chambers nationwide  all states but Nebraska have two legislative chambers  but Democrats reclaimed control of the New Mexico House in last years general election. Democrats also outnumber Republicans in the state Senate.

The GOP will aim to return the favor in the 2018 election cycle, when all 70 New Mexico House seats will be up for election.

In addition to financial support for Republican candidates, the RLCC also provides campaign training and assistance in battleground states around the country.
CARACAS, Venezuela  Defying criticism from Washington to the Vatican, Venezuelas ruling party on Friday installed a new super assembly that supporters promise will pacify the country and critics fear will be a tool for imposing dictatorship.

The constitutional assemblys first order of business was selecting its head  former Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, a loyal follower of President Nicolas Maduro.

The nomination was approved unanimously by the 545 delegates, who marched to the neo-classical legislative palace accompanied by hundreds of red-shirted government supporters carrying roses and giant portraits of the late Hugo Chavez, Maduros predecessor and mentor.

Some shouted, Hes returned! as a jab at the opposition, which had ordered images of Chavez removed from an adjacent building when it won control of congress in 2015.

The assembly was scheduled to meet again Saturday, and Rodriguez pledged it would be taking action against Maduros political opponents.

Dont think were going to wait weeks, months or years, she said. Tomorrow we start to act. The violent fascists, those who wage economic war on the people, those who wage psychological war, justice is coming for you.

The installation of the all-powerful constitutional assembly is virtually certain to intensify a political crisis that has brought four months of protests that left at least 120 people dead and hundreds jailed. Maduro vows the assembly will strip opposition lawmakers of their constitutional immunity from prosecution, while members of congress say they will only be removed by force.

But the opposition is struggling to regain its footing in the face of the governments strong-armed tactics and the re-emergence of old, internal divisions. Several opposition activists have been jailed in recent days, others are rumored to be seeking exile and one leader has broken ranks from the opposition alliance to say his party will field candidates in regional elections despite widespread mistrust in Venezuelas electoral system.

In a sign of its apparent demoralized state only a few hundred demonstrators showed up for Fridays protest against the constitutional assembly, one of the smallest turnouts in months. They were halted by security forces firing tear gas and rubber bullets.

This is what the constitutional assembly will bring: more repression, said opposition lawmaker Miguel Pizarro.

However, Maduro accuses his opponents of using violence and argues that the constitutional assembly is the best way to restore peace. On Friday he heralded members of the security forces whove been on the front lines of the daily street battles, claiming that 580 of them had suffered serious injuries from brutal attacks by terrorist protesters.

I feel deeply the wounds of each one of you, Maduro said addressing a small group of injured national guardsmen scarred with burns, on crutches and wearing neck braces. With your bodies as your shield, you have defended the right to peace.

Amid the rising tensions, an increasing number of foreign governments have sided with the opposition, refusing to recognize the constitutional assembly and further isolating Maduros government.

On Friday, the Vatican urged Maduro to suspend the new body, expressing deep worry for the radicalization and worsening of the turmoil in Venezuela. President Donald Trump and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, agreed that Maduro must restore the rights of the Venezuelan people in a phone call Friday to discuss several ongoing international crises, according to a readout of the conversation by the White House.

Foreign ministers from several South American nations said they will gather Saturday in Brazil for an emergency meeting to decide whether to evict Venezuela from the Mercosur trade bloc for violating its democratic norms. Venezuela was suspended from the group in December.

The opposition boycotted the July 30 election of the constitutional assembly, saying the rules were rigged to further entrench Maduros dictatorship.

The results have come under mounting scrutiny after the international company that provided the electronic voting machines said that without any doubt the official turnout had been tampered with  a charge dismissed by Maduro and the National Electoral Council.

The U.S. State Department said Thursday the assembly was illegitimate, reiterating a call by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for Maduro to leave office or face unspecified actions to return the government processes back to the constitution.

The constitutional assembly is made up of an array of pro-government trade unionists, students and even representatives of Venezuelans with physical disabilities. But the agenda is expected to be set by bigger-name loyalists, including Maduros wife, son and several ministers who resigned their posts to join the body.

It will have sweeping powers to upend institutions and in theory could even remove Maduro, a fact held up by government supporters as proof that its not a partisan power grab. One of its first tasks, which may come as early as Saturday, could be the closure of the opposition-controlled congress and the removal of chief prosecutor, Luisa Ortega Diaz, a longtime supporter of Chavez who recently broke with Maduro.

Ortega Diaz filed a complaint Thursday seeking a court order to block installation of the new assembly. The request, filed to a lower court in an apparent attempt to circumvent the government-stacked Supreme Court, was dismissed Friday on procedural grounds.

She also ordered prosecutors to investigate the allegations of election tampering. Smartmatic CEO Antonio Mugica said Wednesday in London that results recorded by his companys systems and those reported by the National Electoral Council show the official turnout count of 8 million was off by at least 1 million votes. An independent poll suggested that fewer than 4 million people voted.

Opposition lawmakers have pledged to remain in power no matter what action is taken by the constitutional assembly, raising the possibility of two governing bodies operating side by side, with neither recognizing the other.

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Goodman reported from Bogota, Colombia. Associated Press writer Mike Weissenstein from Havana, Cuba contributed to this report.
SALT LAKE CITY  A Utah state panel has voted to recommend retaining the name of Utahs Negro Bill Canyon after receiving conflicting opinions about whether it is offensive.

The Utah Committee on Geographic Names said Friday that a lack of consensus from minority groups led to its 8-2 vote Thursday about a canyon that is home to a popular hiking spot in the eastern city of Moab, the gateway to stunning massive red rock formations.

The commissions recommendation next goes to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which is expected to make a final decision on canyons name later this year.

The local and national branches of the NAACP told the commission the name is not offensive and preserves the history of a canyon named for black rancher and prospector William Grandstaff, whose cattle grazed there in the 1870s.

Jeanetta Williams, president of NAACPs tri-state conference area of Idaho-Utah-Nevada, said the word negro may make some people feel uncomfortable but that theres nothing wrong with it. Other groups still use negro in their names, she said, citing the National Council of Negro Women, she said.

To sanitize it destroys the history and the background of what it is, Williams said. Its a word we often use in history, its in titlesIts no more uncomfortable saying the word negro than it is saying African-American or black.

But the decision drew strong rebuke from a member of the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, which sent a letter proposing a name change to relegate such blatant racism to the annals of history.

It is inexplicable to me that today in the 21st century that reasonably intelligent people who I know have kindness in their hearts found it acceptable to allows this name to continue to exist, said Jasen Lee, who said he was speaking for himself and not the entire commission.

The canyon southeast of Salt Lake City and the unique red-rock landscapes in nearby national parks lure tourist from around the world.

The Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Commission said in its letter that the word negro is a racially offensive descriptor and that it was time to finally make the change and relegate such blatant racism to the annals of history.

To remove the racially offensive descriptor from the official title of the popular geographic feature would express to the world that Utah has progressed to a place where such flagrant insensitivity is no longer tolerated or acceptable in our community, they wrote.

After the decision was issued, the commission said in a statement that its disappointed in the decision.

The canyons name has long been debated and a proposed name change in 1999 failed at the state and federal levels after receiving no support from Utah counties and state and federal land management agencies, the state geographic names committee said in a statement.

Spurred by complaints from tourists, the Grand County Council voted in January to change the canyons name after refusing to do so in 2013 and 2015, said council member Mary McGann.

Last September, the federal Bureau of Land Management administratively changed the signs at the Negro Bill trailhead to read instead Grandstaff Trailhead.

The decisions by the county council and the land management prompted the geographic names committee to take up the name change issue. It was difficult for the panel to reach a decision because of the conflicting opinions, said member Dina Blaes.

Its really not the committees job to pick winners and losers, its not our job to decide Oh, youre more credible or youre less credible,' said Blaes, the CEO of the Exoro Group, a public affairs firm and also chair of the State History Board. We did not come to this decision easily.

Lee, a reporter for the Deseret News and KSL-TV in Salt Lake City, called the lack of consensus justification a lame excuse. He said he remembers when he was a boy in the 1970s and people stopped calling black people negroes. He thinks that should stay in the past.

You cant name something using that descriptor today, said Lee, 51. Its hurtful to people like myself who are of a certain age that they know what this means. It speaks poorly of our state, of which Im a proud resident.

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Information from: Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com
WASHINGTON  Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Friday he is not recommending changes to Arizonas Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, the fifth site Zinke has removed from an ongoing review of national monuments for possible elimination or reduction.

The million-acre site overseen by the Interior Department was designated as a monument in 2000. The designation protects it from energy development and other activities.

The Arizona reserve, located west of the Grand Canyon, has some of the most pristine geological formations in North America, Zinke said. The formations show the scientific history of our Earth while containing thousands of years of human relics and fossils, he said.

Zinke is reviewing 27 national monuments designated by previous presidents. The review was ordered by President Donald Trump, who says many monument designations are unwarranted land grabs by the federal government.

Zinke has removed five sites from review ahead of a final report due later this month. Others removed from consideration are in Montana, Colorado, Idaho and Washington state.

Twenty-two other national monuments, mostly in the West, face curtailing or elimination of protections put in place over the past two decades by presidents from both parties. Monuments under review include Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah, Nevadas Basin and Range, and Katahdin Woods and Waters in Maine.

The Center for Western Priorities, a Colorado-based environmental group, slammed Zinke even as it praised his decision to spare Grand Canyon-Parashant.

Its time for Secretary Zinke to end this week-by-week reality show charade, said the groups executive director, Jennifer Rokala. Does he really expect us to say thank you for taking the only legal option available to him? By pardoning a landscape-scale monument of more than one million acres, hes acknowledging both the value and legal status of all of Americas national monuments.
SANTA FE  A Rio Arriba County man has been convicted a second time for killing an Algodones motorcyclist in a crash on the High Road to Taos over Memorial Day weekend in 2011 .

In a retrial this week in Tierra Amarilla that ended with verdicts Thursday, the jury convicted 62-year-old Juan de Dios Cordova of homicide by vehicle, two counts of great bodily harm by a vehicle and a count leaving the scene of an accident.

His original convictions, which included a DWI count, were overturned in June 2015 after the New Mexico Court of Appeals ruled that District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer should have not have allowed presentation of evidence that deputies obtained when they entered Cordovas home not far from the accident scene without a warrant shortly after the fatal crash.

Motorcyclist Mark Wolfe, 51, was killed in the crash that also caused serious injury to his wife, Debbie Hill. Wolfe was the leader of the Duke City Drifters, an Albuquerque motorcycle group that was riding together near Chimayo when Cordovas truck ran into them. A third motorcylist also was hurt.

In 2012, Cordova was sentenced to 29 years in prison after his first trial.

When police entered his home following the crash, they found Cordova drunk and the keys to a truck that had been abandoned near the accident scene. They determined that Cordova was the owner of the truck. He claimed that truck had been stolen. Officers determined that the truck crossed over the center line into the group of motorcyclists that included Wolfe.

While prosecutors tried to argue that police had the right to enter the home because they had reason to be concerned about Cordovas well-being, the Appeals Court stated when it threw out the original convictions that deputies did not have reasonable grounds to believe that the Defendant might have been injured to an extent requiring their immediate entry and assistance.
The Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA) announced the newly elected Board of Members at its 17th Annual General Meeting.

Joining the board for two-year terms are:-

1. Umendra Kumar Gupta, CMD of Holostik India Ltd. as President, ASPA

2. Arun Agarwal, CEO of Kantas Track Pack India Ltd. as Vice President, ASPA

3. Luv D. Shriram, Director, Shriram Veritech Solutions Pvt Ltd. as General Secretary and Treasurer

4. Nakul Pasricha, President & CEO, Pharma Secure PAS India Pvt Ltd. as General Body Member

5. Deepak Gupta, Director, Shree Lamipack Pvt Ltd. as General Body Member

6. Shobhit Arora, MD, Giriraj Foils Pvt Ltd. as Co-opted Member

7. Gaurav Sathaye, Director, United Speciality Inks Pvt Ltd. as Co-opted Member

The newly elected Board held its first meeting later in the day, where the group elected Umendra K Gupta as President. In recognition of his ongoing efforts, experience to promote the Authentication industry in India, the board member has unanimously elected Umendra K. Gupta, CMD, Holostik India Ltd, as President of the ASPA consecutively in second time. He is the only Indian to receive the coveted "Brian Monaghan Award for Business Innovation from International Hologram Manufacturers Association for his outstanding contribution to the development of the hologram industry.

The Board elected Arun Agarwal as Vice-President & Luv D Shriram as General Secretary & Treasurer. The board members also invited Shobhit Arora, MD, Giriraj Foils Pvt Ltd and Gaurav Sathaye, Director, United Speciality Inks Pvt Ltd as two additional co-opted members fulfilling the diversification of representatives at the Board.

While addressing the gathering, Mr. Gupta, said, The Association has ongoing campaigns like Make Sure India & Brand Protection Awareness across India. This is a part of its effort to promote the importance of Authentication solutions against counterfeiting and we are committed to take it to next level in upcoming years. Today, nearly every industry such as Pharmaceuticals, FMCG, Automotive and others face the menace of dealing with counterfeiting. Our Government seems to be proactive on taking a holistic approach to consumer protection and public welfare. ASPA as an industry body is aligned to support them in protecting brands and safeguarding consumer interest and our member companies are fully geared up to help industries meet this challenge," he added.

Meanwhile, Arun Agarwal, the Chief Executive Officer of Kantas Track Pack India Ltd. expressed his pleasure on being elected as the ASPA vice-president. He said, Im thrilled and honoured to be elected as Vice-President of this distinguished association. With the present ASPA team, I look forward to working with the Board and members to deliver on our core objectives of support, education and advocacy in the development of standards and the promotion of authentication solutions.
Leading digital imaging solutions company, Epson, launched two new commercials on Indian television for their InkTank Inkjet printers this July. These films follow the first InkTank commercial of 2015, which saw a smart little girl talking using printouts. The little girl, called Keya, returns gloriously in these 30 second commercials, clearly indicating that she has now achieved mascot status for the Epson printer product in the Indian market.

InkTank printers were first introduced by Epson in 2011 in a market that was dominated by traditionally expensive ink cartridges. Since this pioneering, bold, market-changing move, the traditional cartridge based inkjet market has been shifting rapidly to high-capacity InkTank printers. Epson InkTank printers have helped consumers across the home, commercial and office segments print without worry, by keeping print costs in control. The extremely low cost per print of 7 paise for Black and 18 paise for Colour struck a chord with consumers and Epson has seen sales in India go up exponentially over the years. The cumulative global sales of Epsons InkTank inkjet printers have reached 20 million units. In India alone, Epson has sold in excess of 1.8 Million InkTank printers since its launch. Epson has also has secured the No.1 position in the Inkjet printer market by Volume and Value, as per IDCs latest Hard Copy Peripherals (HCP) Quarterly market report for 2017 Q1.

The new commercials target value-conscious working professionals with children who have their own printing needs (SOHO, small office, self-employed), and who are keen for their child to have the best to help them with school projects, and even showcase their creative potential. The key message for the TVC is focused on the cost advantage, while Wi-Fi and ease of printing support the product proposition.Tushad Talati, Director, Brand & Communication at Epson India, says Epsons InkTank printers address all the printing needs of home, commercial and office, whether low print volume or high print volume. We hope to make Inkjet InkTank Printers the de facto technology replacing Ink Cartridge and Laser technology in India. We have seen immense success in the commercial segment. Now we are keen to penetrate deeper into the home and office markets. The home and SOHO market account for 75% of the Inkjet market. More and more families with kids having printing requirements, are realizing the benefit of InkTank printers over erstwhile cartridge based models. We have been actively targeting this segment and the penetration is surging. Our previous TV commercial using the character, Keya, resonated extremely well with a wide range of consumers across the country. The simple message  that with Epson you can get the lowest print costs  was easily communicated. The new commercials feature the same character and take a similar thought to the next level with amazing creativity and effectiveness.

The films were conceived by Bangalore-based OpusCDM, Epsons brand agency for several years, and were produced by Mumbai-based Equinox.



We see this as a continuation of the 2015-16 campaign, which received a tremendous response. For a product that historically ran on price points, Keya, with her less costly than a toffee message, helped the product reach users of different kinds and needs, in diverse markets. This strengthened our resolve to further build the bond between the character Keya and the Epson brand. Her character allegorically represents what an Epson printer is - smart, in-control, fun and caring. This time the challenge we took up was a little different, even though lowest print cost remained the main underlying message. We made an effort to enter the average modern Indian family, look closer and focus on their everyday needs. Printers are not used on a daily basis, or so the potential consumer believes, which is why they usually step out to take a print out. Thats where we step in and make the printer a part of the family, who you can rely on whenever you need. says Pramod Nath, Creative Lead at OpusCDM.

The two new TVCs capture the essence of home and home printing needs by exploring the facets of a father-daughter and mother-daughter relationship. While one commercial has her printing a ticket for her mother who is about to leave home on a business trip, the other has her helping her father cook with a printed recipe. Keya, in her inimitable way, targets the over-cautious behaviour of the typical consumer, especially when it comes to colour printing. The low-cost per print advantage as an everyday benefit is brought to light by comparing it to everyday household products, making it extremely relatable for one and all. Where one film says that a colour print costs less than a spoonful of sugar, the other leads from the 2015 TVC - emphasizing that a colour print costs less than a toffee. Given that the little girl is the wise one in the family, the films reflect that a new generation of money-saving printers is here. In the wake of changes in the Indian financial governance, Epson is going all out to ensure that the consumer benefits most.

On the two different films, Pramod Nath says Coming up with two separate films was a deliberate attempt to be at par with the current era of advertising, which reflects the quick-gratification nature of todays audience. Also, we figured that capturing little emotions separately would help us better represent Epson as a family printer.

The ad is currently running in 9 different languages across India.
We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain.
Google is partnering up with relevant authorities in Italy to launch an initiative called Digitali e Responsabili, meant to help teach Italians about responsible web use, and get a dialog going among the public on the topic. The first part of the initiative that has been announced is an engagement to host workshops at five prominent colleges throughout the country, teaching students and faculty alike best practices for safe and responsible internet usage. The workshops would not only teach basic internet safety practices, but would go in depth on how to use safety and security tools provided by Google, such as My Account and Content ID.

The reason for the program is data from a study conducted by Google that shows that internet safety and security best practices are a bit lacking in Italy. According to Googles data, a large number of people think that using the word password is actually a safe password, and most of the countrys millennials, a crowd thats generally fairly tech-savvy, admit to using the same password across multiple sites and services, or even just a single password for all of them. Even with a strong, difficult to guess password, this approach can be extremely unsafe; if a hacker manages to crack one password, they have all of them. While its not terribly hard to create strong and memorable passwords, even that duty can be taken care of by a sufficiently advanced password manager these days.

In order to help get Digitali e Responsabili off the ground, Google is enlisting the help of multiple government and non-government entities within Italy. The EU Data Protection Authority, the Commissions Regulatory Authority, the Postal Police, and a local consumer advocacy group called Altroconsumo. This campaign will be building on and supplementing material from earlier internet safety initiatives that Google has run in Italy, and will have the full support of the aforementioned organizations. Thus far, the only part of the new initiative that Google has announced is workshops at colleges in Italy. If there is going to be more to Digitali e Responsabili, it will likely be announced once the workshops have finished.
Lenovo has confirmed that all of its future smartphones will ship with stock Android. Until now, the Chinese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has continued to sell its smartphones with its custom Vibe Pure UI overlay, while its Motorola smartphones have consistently avoided any software modifications. Now, though, Lenovo has confirmed that its smartphones will be following in the steps of Motorola by shipping with pure Android straight out of the box.

The Chinese company has confirmed that the decision has been a long time coming. Over the past 11 months, Lenovo has been looking at its software and has taken into account all of the consumer feedback it has received. From the looks of things, it was clear to the company that many of its customers preferred the stock Android experience, hence the decision to switch to clean Android builds. Lenovo has confirmed it will make a few minimal modifications, similar to what Motorola does with its Android experience, in order to allow its smartphones to take advantage of technologies such as Dolby Atmos and TheaterMax. Other than that, the software will ship without customizations. Although the switch may seem like a no-brainer to many, the company has stated that the Chinese market prevented the change from being an easy one. Custom UIs are much more popular in the Far Eastern country, but Lenovo has been pushing hard for the change to be made. After all, by switching all of its devices to stock Android, their updating practices should be much quicker and efficient, while devices will also be supported for longer, not to mention the fact that they should run smoother than they previously did. Aside from those advantages, features such as Googles Assistant should also be supported by future devices from Lenovo.

With the change, the company also confirmed that its upcoming K8 Note, which is due to launch next week in India, will be its first smartphone to ship with a clean OS, running Android 7.1.1 Nougat. In the Indian market, consumers consistently prefer the stock Android experience, so the change should also make the device more appealing to many when it launches.
Another set of protective cases for the Galaxy Note 8 appeared online on Friday, with the accessories depicted in the newly uncovered renders being manufactured by Lumion. The cases will be priced at between $19.99 and $39.99 and are meant to provide future owners of Samsungs next phablet with a wide variety of options for protecting their Android flagship. The Huey, Diamon, Gardien, Osprey, and Savant cases are also depicted alongside new renders of the Galaxy Note 8 which can be seen below and seem to be perfectly in line with numerous previous sightings of the phablet that were recorded in recent weeks.

The renders show a device that features the same Infinity Display panel found on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus thats rumored to be slightly larger this time around, boasting a 6.3-inch diagonal. The screen features an 18.5:9 aspect ratio and covers almost the entire front side of the handset, curving around its long edges and only leaving minimal space for a top and bottom bezel. Lumions renders also provide a clear look at the back side of the Galaxy Note 8, indicating that the phablet will feature a dual camera setup entailing two horizontally arranged sensors next to a dual-LED (dual tone) flash unit and a heart rate monitor. Samsung once again opted to equip one of its Android flagships with a rear-mounted fingerprint reader after reportedly not being able to commercialize an on-screen scanner in time for the release of the Galaxy Note 8. The device shown in the renders also lacks a physical Home button and features the same Bixby key that debuted on the Galaxy S8 lineup. While the overall design of the handset is somewhat similar to Samsungs previous two flagships, the Galaxy Note 8 doesnt seem to be as rounded as the Galaxy S8-series smartphones and instead features slightly sharper and squarish edges.

The South Korean original equipment manufacturer (OEM) already confirmed that its next premium Android device will be officially announced on August 23, with a number of insiders previously claiming that the Galaxy Note 8 will go on sale by late September. The smartphone should be available globally and will almost certainly make an appearance at this years iteration of IFA Berlin before its released.
The Nokia 8 has just popped up on Geekbench, and interestingly enough, the phone is running Android O (Android 8.0.0, as per Geekbench). This listing does not exactly mention the Nokia 8 by name, but the phone that got listed comes with the Unknown Heart codename, so that we know this is a Nokia-branded phone, and considering that its running the Snapdragon 835 64-bit octa-core SoC, its easy to assume this is the Nokia 8 were looking at here.

Now, in addition to the aforementioned SoC and Android O, this device also packs in 4GB of RAM. The Nokia 8 managed to hit 1,789 points in the single-core test on Geekbench, while it achieved a score of 6,494 points in the multi-core test. Having said that, HMD Global announced a press conference for August 16, and it seems like the Nokia 8 will be announced during that event. If youre planning on visiting IFA in Berlin in September, chances are you will be able to play around with the Nokia 8, as the company will almost certainly show it off during that tradeshow, following its announcement in mid-August. Now, as far as Android O is concerned, Google had released the very last Developer Preview, but the stable version has not been announced nor pushed to any device just yet, and it will first hit Googles Pixel phones from last year, almost certainly. That basically means that the Nokia 8 wont launch with Android O out of the box, but this listing is suggesting that the company is testing the update, which means that it might arrive to the Nokia 8 in record time, following Googles upcoming announcement.

The Nokia 8 had surfaced plenty of times thus far, and if those leaks are accurate, the device will resemble the Nokia 6 to a degree, though it will ship with a dual camera setup on the back. The Nokia 8 is expected to sport a 5.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) display, along with 4GB / 6GB of RAM and 64GB / 128GB of expandable storage. Even though Android O is listed on Geekbench, the device will probably launch with Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box. The Nokia 8 will almost certainly ship with two SIM card slots, and a set of capacitive keys below its display.
The first Nokia flagship in the brands post-Microsoft era thats likely to be marketed as the Nokia 8 is scheduled to be officially unveiled in just a few weeks, and while HMD Global has yet to start teasing its upcoming smartphone, the device has already been the subject of numerous rumors, leaks, and reports from industry insiders in recent months. Most sources are in agreement regarding the vast majority of the Nokia 8s characteristics and as its launch draws closer, now would be a good time to take a look at everything that the handset is said to be offering.

Name

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According to a number of reports that emerged online in the last month, HMD Globals first Nokia flagship will be called the Nokia 8. All older rumors pertaining to the next high-end device from the Finnish company refer to it as the Nokia 9 and its still unclear whether the two are one and the same or if the Nokia 9 is meant to be released at a later date with comparable high-end specs but a more unconventional design, which has been a popular theory in some online communities. Still, as the latest reliable reports on the matter make no mention of the Nokia 9, the upcoming smartphone is now widely expected to bear the Nokia 8 moniker.

Design

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By most accounts, the Nokia 8 will look like a traditional candy bar phone with regularly sized bezels and an aluminum unibody design. The corners of the device look slightly rounded in recent leaks, whereas its dual camera setup slightly protrudes from the case. One recent rumor suggested that the handset will be 151.55 x 73.7mm in size, i.e. be slightly smaller than the Nokia 6, which is in line with other reports that claim the handset will feature a smaller display panel than the previously released mid-ranger.

The Nokia 8 is expected to be available in Black, Copper, Copper-Gold, Silver, and Blue, though it remains to be seen whether all variants will be sold globally. Nokias branding is seen on both sides of the smartphone in recently leaked renders, with some insiders claiming that the upcoming flagship will be IP68-certified.

Update 8/8: HMD Global sneaked whats widely believed to be the Nokia 8 into a new video celebrating the International Cat Day, with the device looking in accordance with previous reports.

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Specs & Models

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According to virtually all previous benchmark listings, the Nokia 8 will be powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip (SoC) and feature 64GB of internal flash memory expandable via a microSD card slot. Three variants of the device have been sighted so far  the TA-1004, TA-1012, and TA-1052  with each one of them boasting different amounts of RAM. The model with 4GB of RAM was previously rumored to be have been scrapped, though that doesnt seem like a probable scenario as it started resurfacing once again in various benchmark listings in recent weeks. The other two versions with 6GB and 8GB of RAM may only be targeted at select markets, with all of them featuring a 3,800mAh battery with support for some quick charging technology, according to previous rumors. Its still unclear whether the most premium variant of the handset will sport 128GB of storage space as its supposed benchmark sightings have been giving conflicting information so far.

The Nokia 8 is expected to ship with a 5.3-inch display panel with a resolution of 2,560 by 1,440 pixels (QHD) protected by 2.5D glass. The screen itself is likely of the LCD variety and leaves little room for side bezels. The international model of the device is rumored to feature a hybrid SIM setup and all versions should have a fingerprint reader embedded into their physical Home button. There have been rumors of an iris scanner as well, though no reliable information on the matter emerged so far. The Nokia 8 should run Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box thats expected to be close to the stock version of Googles operating system, much like the software running on other HMD Global-made Nokia phones is.

Update 8/8: A new leak showing whats thought to be the Nokia 8 suggests that its QHD screen boasts 559 pixels per inch, which would mean that its display panel actually has a 5.25-inch and not a 5.3-inch diagonal.

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Camera

The dual camera setup of the Nokia 8 consists of two vertically arranged sensors and a dual-LED (dual tone) flash. The two 13-megapixel sensors have been produced and calibrated by Carl Zeiss and support 4K video capture and optical image stabilization (OIS), though its currently unclear whether the German optics company also handled the 13-megapixel secondary camera housed by the top bezel of the Nokia 8. Phase detection autofocus is also said to be part of the main imaging system of the device, and theres still a possibility that previous benchmark listings of the handset arent perfectly accurate and the Nokia 8 ends up shipping with three 12-megapixel instead of 13-megapixel camera modules.

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Pricing & Availability

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A week ago, HMD Global started sending out press invites for a new product launch event thats scheduled to take place on August 16. The Finnish company didnt specifically state that the happening will see the release of the Nokia 8, though its invitation promises the reveal of the next milestone for Nokia phones. Given the relatively dramatic wording of that statement, its highly unlikely that the Finnish firm will reveal yet another mid-ranger or the entry-level Nokia 2 at the event. An August 16 launch also corresponds to a number of previous rumors pertaining to the high-end handset that claimed the Nokia 8 will be released in late summer, i.e. in September. Assuming that HMD Global wants to offer a pre-order period for the device thats at least a few weeks long, the company can hardly afford to unveil the Nokia 8 much later than mid-August if its hoping to make that rumored release window.

Several European sources previously stated that the Nokia 8 will be available in the region with a 589 ($696) price tag, though Vodafone Romania recently listed the device as being priced at 517.42 ($611). Provided that the latter figure is legitimate, the Nokia 8 will be even cheaper in Germany and Luxembourg due to the EUs internal economic policy and the fact that those two countries have a lower value-added tax rate than Romania. All other European markets will likely pay a little bit more than that, also depending on the VAT rates in particular jurisdictions. If the Nokia devices released by HMD Global earlier this year are any indication, the U.S. price tag of the upcoming flagship will be identical to the European figure, i.e. the handset may only set you back $599, thus being one of the more affordable premium Android devices on the market.

Wrap-Up

Theres still a number of details about the Nokia 8 that are still unclear, with most of them pertaining to the availability of particular models of the device. Regardless, most reports suggest that HMD Global is preparing a fully fledged Android flagship at an affordable price thats running near-stock Android which should ensure the smartphone gets fast and regular software updates and could hence appeal to the same demographic that once swore by Googles discontinues Nexus lineup. More information about the Nokia 8 is likely to surface in the coming days before its official launch and this article will be updated accordingly.
The United States Senate confirmed President Trumps two new picks for the Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  Jessica Rosenworcel and Brendan Carr  and has hence filled the two openings that the agency had for the last seven months. Rosenworcel returned to the FCC after a period of absence caused by partisan disputes in the U.S. Parliament which consequently prevented her from having her re-nomination approved in time for the agencys first 2017 session. The two Commissioners have mostly polar stances on not only the issues that the federal agency manages but also the role of the FCC itself; Rosenworcel is a Democrat advocating for the body to operate in largely the same manner in which it did under the former Chairman Tom Wheeler, whereas Carr previously sided with the current FCC chief Ajit Pai and his position that the agency should have a limited jurisdiction and apply a light regulatory touch to the telecommunications industry.

The difference in opinions between the two newly appointed Commissioners extends to their stances on net neutrality, currently one of the most heatedly debated topics in the country. Rosenworcel has been an outspoken advocate of net neutrality for years, whereas Carr shares Pais views that the current legal framework defending the open Internet principles stifles innovation by discouraging investments, thus negatively affecting job growth in the country. Carr worked as a lawyer in the telecommunications industry before joining Pai as his legal counsel in 2014, subsequently being named the FCCs general counsel when the current Chairman started presiding over the agency in early 2017.

The new appointments hence shouldnt affect the outcome of any FCC vote on the subject of net neutrality as Rosenworcel and Carr are expected to cancel each others votes due to their diametrically opposite stances on the issue, leaving the current composition of the agency still in favor of repealing the Title II regulations that classify Internet service providers (ISPs) as utility companies and consequently prevent them from selling prioritized access to their services. The net neutrality debate is expected to continue in the coming months, with some industry watchers estimating that the FCC could repeal the existing regulatory framework by the end of the year.
Acers Mixed Reality headset is finally here, albeit in pre-order status, and heres what you need to know about the device and what its capable of if youre planning on venturing into the world of VR and beyond. While there is already a fair number of VR headsets on the market for PC, consoles, and mobile platforms, Acers Mixed Reality headset is different from the rest specifically for the reason that its not just virtual reality. Its also equipped to handle and deliver Augmented Reality experiences as well as the Mixed Reality, which makes this a completely unique offering from anything else out there at the moment, though there is certainly going to be more Mixed Reality hardware in the future, and HP is also already offering its own mixed reality headset in pre-order status as well as it was one of Microsofts partners.

Because the headset is based on Mixed Reality technology, it should provide users with a well-rounded library of content that can be enjoyed across all forms of the above-mentioned technologies, and this is a good thing as it will allow for even more development across all of them as well. When it comes to VR, AR, and MR, content is king, just like with any other form of digital content, and having the Acer Mixed Reality headset available for developers will be able to give a big boost to the types of content that will be available more so than if the headset was only focused on one or the other. Now, the first important thing to note is that the currently available version of the Mixed Reality headset from Acer that has hit the Windows store is for developers only, but for the most part the details will be the same for consumers once the consumer version is available as well. That being said there are always some things that could be subject to change, such as the design, even if only slightly, as well as the features.

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Since this is a dev kit version of the hardware, much of what comes out of them will be progress towards expanding the available libraries of content once this goes into a full launch. The nice thing about this though is that it will give developers some time to actually build out their offerings and hopefully by the time a consumer version is ready, there will be plenty for users to actually dive into. Acers Mixed Reality headset features two liquid crystal displays each with a resolution of 1440 x 1440, so pictures of anything you immerse yourself into should be crisp, sharp, and high-quality. To use the headset youll need to have at least a GTX 980 GPU from NVIDIA if you want to meet the recommended hardware requirements, and for this version of the headset you will need to be on the Windows 10 creators update with developer mode enabled.

As for what the content will be like once things are in full effect, its a little fluid right now as the dev kits are just now being made available to pre-order for developers, so there isnt a way for consumers to really sit down and dive into something like they could with the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. That said, it isnt hard to imagine what experiences will be like. Microsoft has already demoed what to expect with the Acer Mixed Reality headset  think similar to HoloLens but not as fancy, and with the ability to move between a holographic/augmented reality space into a virtual reality space at your leisure. Another good way to think about what the mixed reality world will look like, at least from the AR side of things is just to take a look at whats possible the Tango-compatible smartphones like the ASUS ZenFone AR. Through augmented reality apps with the Acer Mixed Reality headset, users would be able to, for example, put on the headset and browse through a list of furniture they might want in their home, then pull it into the real world and view it at scale to see how it actually blends in with the rest of the decor. Once done, they could move over into something virtual, like a game, and begin playing using Microsofts advanced motion controllers for gameplay control.

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The Acer headset has a 95-degree field of view so itll be a bit lower than what youd get with something like the HTC Vive, which sits at 110-degrees, which will no doubt play a part in how good VR experiences look compared to the Vive and other headsets with a similar field of view, but then again the Acer Mixed Reality headset is only going to cost $299, whereas the Vive costs about $799 in most cases, so there are bound to be some differences. One nice thing about the Acer headset though is that all the tracking is done within the headset, whereas with the Vive tracking is done with external ancillary sensors. Tracking is handled by the two IR cameras that sit on the outside of the headset on each side of the device, so when you get too close to a wall, these cameras are able to track it and let you know. Of course this is something thats only going to be necessary to have when immersed in VR and not AR or MR.

Because of these sensors and the rest of the technology for the headset, and the fact that its built for Windows 10, means that users will be able to access their regular Windows 10 desktop just as if they were using the computer normally, but this time in a mixed reality setting and providing users with a huge virtual screen. Because youll be able to use this like a normal desktop with the mouse, there is room for plenty of possibilities. Down the road its not entirely impossible to think that there could be mixed reality versions of games that you already play in Windows 10 normally, which could prove to be pretty interesting. This headset will also eventually support Microsofts most recently announced Xbox Console, the Xbox One X, though support for that isnt due to hit the console until next year at some point. While the content and the platform itself that this headset will run on is still in the development stages, being able to move between different types of technology and between the Windows 10 PC and Xbox console will potentially give this headset an edge over other competing hardware. Obviously there is still a lot to develop and things could change by the time these hit the market for consumers, but the Acer Mixed Reality headset definitely has lots of potential.
Securities regulators are welcoming public comments on a cross-border investment channel under adoption in select APEC member economies, intent on building its capacity to securely drive growth.

Implementation progress of the Asia Region Funds Passport by participant economies Japan, Australia, Korea, New Zealand and Thailand is detailed in a newly released annual report. The measure will allow retail consumers to purchase collective investment products such as mutual funds across these markets.

The legal and regulatory particulars of how the Asia Region Funds Passport will be implemented in the participant economies are taking shape, said Geoff McCarthy, Deputy Chair of the Joint Committee of the Asia Region Funds Passport. We are seeking implementation feedback to identify any barriers to entry for fund operators who want to use the Passport.

The Asia Region Funds Passport will reduce incompatible or overlapping regulation that hinders the marketing of managed funds between participating APEC economies. APEC research has estimated that if passporting were to extend to all APEC economies, there would be savings of around USD 20 billion annually in fund management costs.

Participant economies are coordinating their implementation plans, as well as addressing tax and fund back office processing issues, said McCarthy.

The proposed regulatory requirements in key areas that would apply to foreign Passport funds entering each participating economy are outlined in a guidance notealso newly released. The information is provided to assist operators of collective investment schemes seeking entry in any of the APEC economies participating in the Asia Region Funds Passport.

Stakeholders are invited to provide comments to their relevant economys regulatory authority by 19 September 2017. Submissions should be made using the contact details available at this link.

Finance Ministers from all of the APEC member economies will examine Asia Region Funds Passport implementation and take forward complementary policy actions for improving growth when they meet in Hoi An, Viet Nam in October.

# # #

For further details, or to arrange possible media interviews, please contact:

David Hendrickson +65 9137 3886 at [email protected]

Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at [email protected]

More on APEC meetings, events, projects and publications can be found on www.apec.org. You can also follow APEC on Twitter and join us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Scheduled to go on sale in the automakers domestic market by the end of 2017 for the 2018 model year, the CX-8 featured in the following photos comes courtesy of Auto.cz. According to the pics of the brochure, the all-new crossover will be available in XD, XD Proactive, and XD L Package flavors, with either front- or all-wheel-drive. Theres only one choice in terms of drivetrain, and that is 6-speed automatic transmission and the SkyActiv-D 2.2.Mazdas four-cylinder turbo diesel is tuned to develop 175 PS (173 horsepower) and 420 Nm (310 pound-feet) of torque in this application. Zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) and top speed are still a mystery, but then again, dont expect the CX-8 to be as spritely as the gasoline-fueled SkyActiv-G 2.5 CX-5.Boasting a wheelbase that almost mirrors the CX-9s (2,930 millimeters or 115.3 inches), the CX-8 is a little shorter and narrower than its U.S.-spec sibling. Its also likely the newcomer wont be offered stateside or in Australia. The door, however, is open for other Asian markets (like South Korea). As far as Europe is concerned, Mazda didnt gloss over this prospect.The interior of the CX-8 is more CX-5 than CX-9, starting with the design of the air vents, door cards, cup holders, and the design of the armrest. Reports in the Japanese automotive media suggest the premiere of the 2018 Mazda CX-8 will happen at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in October 2017, with retail sales expected to kick off in November in the model's domestic market.The Ujina plant in Hiroshima will handle production, and if demand goes through the roof, the Hofu plant can also be adapted to support CX-8 production.
EV

From Motoring : This months HCCI tech forum will be followed by the October Tokyo motor show reveal of a small-car concept that previews next years all-new Mazda3. The Australian publications information is aligned with what we already knew about the next-generation Mazda3, which is supposed to go official during 2018 for the 2019 model year in the U.S.Interestingly (or rather curiously), Motoring claims the Mazda3 wont get a new platform for its fourth generation. Such a claim fits the Japanese automakers way of overhauling architectures from the ground up every two generations. The all-new CX-5 compact crossover utility vehicle serves as a case in point, so dont expect anything more than a redesigned body shell.After the 2019 Mazda3, SkyActiv 2 with HCCI will be implemented in the Mazda6 mid-size sedan and wagon. By the end of the decade, Motoring notes, the Japanese automaker will bring forth a successor to the BT-50 mid-size pickup truck, which will share many of its underpinnings with the next Isuzu D-Max . An, potentially co-developed with Toyota, is also in the offing. Come 2021, Mazda could debut a rotary-powered plug-in hybrid vehicle. Now that would be an interesting resurgence for the rotary.Motoring claims the third generation of SkyActiv engines will pop up sometime in 2025, a year that will see Europes fleet-average CO2 emissions requirement capped at 65 grams per kilometer. More thought-provoking is the possibility of Mazda bringing back the MPS performance treatment for SkyActiv 2 with HCCI models powered by the 2.5-liter turbo inline-four.And now, the waiting game begins.
kWh

PHEV

Eight years after its introduction, the i-MiEV currently prides itself on the lowest range and slowest accelerating electric vehicle in the United States. 2017 is the last model year for the Japanese model, as confirmed to Green Car Reports . Commenting about the demise, Mitsubishi highlights: "2017 was the last model year for the i-MiEV, and all available retail units have been sold."Care to guess how many i-MiEV vehicles were sold in the U.S. between the 2011 and 2017 model years? Thatd be 2,018 units, of which half were sold in 2013. To put these figures into perspective, Nissan moved 14,006 units of the Leaf in the U.S. last year, while Tesla prides itself on 29,421 Model S sedans.It was a slow and excruciating death for the i-MiEV , but Mitsubishi had it coming. Refusing to up its game in the electric vehicle genre is only half the story, for the i-MiEV isnt exactly the sort of car that would appeal to the American public. Not only is it too small for comfort, but the 16battery and EPA-rated 62 miles of driving range are nothing short of a practical joke. Pricing is something the i-MiEV had going for it at $23,845 including destination charge, translating to $16,345 after applying the federal credit.To make matters worse, Mitsubishis eco-friendly presence takes a step back in the United States because the Outlanderhas been delayed once again. This marks the eighth time since 2013 the Japanese automaker has disappointed prospective customers, and thats not cool for a company that was snatched up by Nissan amid the overstated fuel efficiency scandal of 2016.According to Erica Rasch of Mitsubishi Motors North America, the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid will launch later in the year, and dealers are expected to get the PHEV sometime during the first quarter of 2018. For reference, the U.S.-spec Outlander PHEV made its debut in March 2016 at the New York International Auto Show.
Maximum endurance test flights on highly polished commercial aircraft can be boringtaking the phrase drilling holes in the sky to the new flight levelsbut Boeings flight test team has been making an effort to add some levity to the ordeal. The new Boeing 787-800 needed an 18-hour test flight as part of its ETOPS certification, so the flight planners turned the long-range twin-jet into the worlds most expensive Etch-A-Sketch, tracing an outline of the airplane across the entire countrywings spanning from the southern tip of Texas to the northern reaches of Michigan.

This is not Boeings first radar track drawing, but it is the most artistic and the companys first foray into self-portraiture. Past efforts include spelling out the word MAX for the new 737 and an interstate-sized 12 in homage to the Seattle Seahawks. Boeing spokesman Doug Adler Jr. in a statement to the media said, The nose of the Dreamliner is pointing at the Puget Sound region, home to Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
4 August 2017 13:46 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), which is the main threat to the regional environment and lives of millions, continues its operation in Armenia.

The construction of the Metsamor NPP started in 1970. The plant was closed after a devastating earthquake of 1988 in the town of Spitak. However, in 1995, despite numerous protests of international community, the Armenian government renewed the operation of the NPP.

Recently, the Union of Informed Citizens public organization based in Yerevan has published the data on the aid received from donor countries aimed at enhancing security level of the NPP. The report shows that since 1995, the amount of assistance totaled about $160 million. As many as $65 million of them were granted by the U.S. and $55 million were allocated by the EU. The remaining part was granted by the IAEA, Russia and some other states.

The West has long ago insisted on closing this dangerous plant, but it faces with the reluctance of Armenia to do that. For instance, the European Union offered Yerevan 200 million Euro for closing the NPP, but the plant is still functioning as no alternative sources of energy exist in Armenia.

Earlier there were talks that a new nuclear power unit for the Metsamor NPP and even a new nuclear power plant will be built in Armenia, but now the Armenian government is silent about it. For the first time in the last 20 years, the program of the Armenian government for 2018-2022 has no mention of plans to build a new power unit.

The problem is the cost of building a new NPP  Armenia, one of the poorest post-Soviet states, does not have five billion dollars for that purpose. However, it is inadmissible to let Armenia continue to use the old Metsamor NPP.

A number of international experts have repeatedly urged that due to its deplorable state, the Armenian Metsamor NPP could repeat the fate of the Chernobyl NPP, thus threatening the lives of the Armenians and citizens of adjacent countries. The possible tragedy will also jeopardize the environment of the region. Moreover, its consequences will be felt in Europe and the Middle East. Azerbaijan has also many times expressed its concern about the operation of the Metsamor NPP and raised this issue at the international organizations.

However, the plant is still active, thus Armenia, as usual, continues to show its disrespect to the international community and peoples lives. For its part, the international community should stop allocating funds to Armenia for the Metsamor NPP, and finally exert due pressure to the country's government to close the dangerous facility.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 August 2017 15:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

Cross Border Club organized a business forum on Azerbaijan for local businessmen in Fukuoka, Japan.

General Manager of Cross Border Club Kazuyasu Ishida informed the participants of the forum about Azerbaijans business climate, adding that recently, interest of Japanese businessmen to Azerbaijan has increased.

He went on to say that the largest Japanese companies, as well as small and medium-sized entrepreneurs (SMEs) are trying to establish economic cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Further the speakers mentioned the exhibition, dedicated to the Japanese food products, which was held in Baku for the first time in November 2014.

Next such exhibition is scheduled for October 27-28.

Earlier, Ishida addressing a workshop for Japanese businessmen in Komatsu, Japan's Ishikawa prefecture said that the event will showcase Japanese food products, drinks, cosmetics and many other products, which will be delivered by direct flights from Komatsu.

The two-day exhibition will showcase about 500 high-quality Japanese products in 80 stands.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Japan were established in 1992. A number of important projects are being implemented in Azerbaijan through the financial support of Japan, while very important infrastructure projects had already been commissioned in the country through Japanese government`s loans.

Japan was one of the first countries to support Azerbaijan's forward-looking oil strategy. Today two major Japanese companies Itochu and Impex are involved in the Contract of the Century [signed on September 20, 1994 in Baku, a large-scale international contract on the joint development of three oil fields - Azeri, Chirag, Gunashli in the Azerbaijani Sector of the Caspian Sea].

Leaders of Japanese business, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Marubeni, and Sojits are involved in energy and infrastructure projects in the country.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Japan amounted to $22.08 million in January-March of 2017, according to the Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 August 2017 17:19 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijans National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support (NFES) provided preferential loans of 67.4 million manats ($40 million) since the beginning of the year, the Economy Ministry reported on August 4.

These loans were provided for 924 entrepreneurs to finance projects with a total value of 258 million manats ($153 million).

In general, about 150 million manats ($89 million) will be issued for granting preferential loans to entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan until the end of 2017.

The ministry also noted that entrepreneurs received preferential loans of 446,000 manats ($265,000) at the business forum held today in the Giraghli village of the Saatli region of Azerbaijan. These funds will be used for the development of animal husbandry, cotton growing and grain production. These projects will contribute to the creation of almost 50 new jobs.

In general, entrepreneurs from Saatli region received preferential loans of 24.2 million manats ($14.36 million) for the implementation of 639 investment projects.

The NFES, created in 1992, issues loans to entrepreneurs through authorized banks and non-bank lenders. During the first half of the year, the Fund contributed to the creation of 2,300 new jobs in Azerbaijan.

The main goal of NFES is to provide preferential loans from the state budget for small and medium business, in order to develop entrepreneurship in the country.

Allocation of funds by the NFES is aimed at the mitigating of the impact of global economic crisis to the national economy and minimization of its dependence on the oil sector.

---

Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 August 2017 12:36 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Baku will host the second edition of colorful and shiny festival - Indonesian Culture Days.

Indonesian Ambassador Husnan Bey Fananie, addressing the presentation ceremony on August 3, said that opening of the second Indonesian Cultural Festival (IFC) scheduled for September 9 at the Heydar Aliyev Palace and at Seaside Boulevard on the next day.

Both events will bring people of Azerbaijan closer to Indonesia. The aim of these events is to give you a better understanding of how Indonesian live their life, their values as well as their inspiration, he said.

The first day of the Festival will be staged at the majestic venue of Heydar Aliyev Palace to feature cultural exhibition and performances. The diversity of Indonesia is ranging from the daily Hindu rituals practiced on the island of Bali to the prevalence of Islamic sharia law in Aceh.



Fanani noted that within the framework of the opening ceremony on September 9, Indonesian dancers will deliver performances, and Miss Indonesia is also expected to attend the event.

Afterwards, a march with the participation of the Indonesians residing in Azerbaijan and friends of Indonesia will be organized, he said.

Admission for ICF is free. One needs to contact the Indonesian Embassy for seat reservation on email [email protected].

The diplomat said that, the Indonesian delegation, coming to Azerbaijan in September, will also consist of representatives of Indonesias business circles. In regard to this, they are going to hold a business meeting with their Azerbaijani counterparts on September 11.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 August 2017 15:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Beautiful models attract admiration from around the world. They are icons, inspirational to millions, setting the look, style and standard just as figures throughout history were admired for their beauty.

An event dedicated to presentation of the model school of the Best Model of Azerbaijan 2004 winner Ilgar Aliyev has been held in Khazar Golden Beach Hotel.

Famous models, stylists, representatives of the fashion industry, TV presenters, actors, attended the evening, Trend Life reported.

At the beginning of the presentation, entitled the Ilgar Aliyev Models Fashion Night, some 40 models - pupils of the school for the first time defiled on the catwalk, showing the clothes of famous brands.

Aliyev said that project aims to reveal talented actors and models and develop their professional skills.

"The modeling school will cooperate with various organizations for the implementation of joint projects. At the same time, our school begins a set that will continue until the end of August. We are looking for young and talented people who will help in the disclosure of their creative abilities. The school is open also for those who want to learn the correct gait, posture, style, manner of speaking. We want everyone to look beautiful", he said.

Ilgar Aliyev said that the modeling school is planned to be expanded in the future. "We have big plans and many ideas, I believe that everything will be good," added Aliyev.

At the end of the event, Ilgar Aliyev, awarded models with diplomas.

---

Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 August 2017 18:04 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan will welcome the 41st World Scout Conference and the 13th World Scout Youth Forum, which will bring together more than 1,500 scouts from 157 countries worldwide.

The 13th World Youth Scout Forum will be held in Gabala from August 7 to 10. The 41st World Scout Conference will be held in Baku on August 14-18.

In February 2013, Azerbaijan nominated itself for the host role of these key events, which are held every three years, and as a result of the elections it was declared the winner country.

The World Scout Conference is the governing body of WOSM (World Organization of the Scout Movement), and is where many important decisions are made. Here, member organizations consider the policy and standards of the Scout Movement, formulate the general policy of the World Organization and take the action required to further the purpose of the Movement.



Some of the functions of the Conference are to elect members of the World Scout Committee, admit new member countries, and select the venues for forthcoming World Scout Events, namely World Scout Jamborees, World Scout Moots, World Scout Conferences and World Scout Youth Forums. The Conference takes place every three years.

The World Scout Youth Forum takes place in conjunction with the World Scout Conference. The Youth Forum will take place before the conference and provides an opportunity for youth members of World Scouting to discuss different issues that face their NSOs from a youth perspective.



The World Scout Youth Forum is considered as an interim measure to improve youth involvement in decision-making at world level and at the end of the Forum suggestions may be put forward to the Conference for consideration.

The 13th World Youth Scout Forum and the 41st World Scout Conference will be the first large-scale events to be held in the Eurasian Scouting Region, and the second in the countries of the Muslim world.

The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is the largest international Scouting organization, attracting millions of young people who become active citizens, creating positive changes in the societies in which they live.

WOSM has 166 members- national scout organizations, which collectively have over 40 million participants.

The Association of Scouts of Azerbaijan is the national Scouting organization of Azerbaijan and was founded in 1997, and became the member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement on August 20, 2000.

---

Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 August 2017 20:54 (UTC+04:00)

"Food security is one of the key priority issues and the achievements made in this area are very pleasing. Better results are expected in the years to come," said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed a republican conference on the development of sericulture, tobacco and hazelnut production in Gakh district, Azertac reported.

Pointing out that food security is one of the key tasks ahead, the head of state said: "We are focused on this area because it is a priority. Representatives of the older generation are well aware of the fact that in the Soviet times, Azerbaijan could not provide itself with meat, butter, milk, chicken, and these products came from other republics. We, in turn, produced cotton, grapes, fruits, vegetables, tobacco and hazelnuts and exported them to other republics. But during the years of independence, the food security issues have come to the fore. Therefore, we have focused on this area. As a result, today there is a significant development in grain growing. True, this cannot yet fully satisfy us, we have not yet fully satisfied our needs, but there is progress. Meat production almost meets the needs of Azerbaijan."

"Thanks to the measures to be taken in the years ahead, we will have even great export potential. We provide ourselves with chicken by 100 per cent, with milk and dairy products by about 80 per cent.

Azerbaijan exports large amounts of fruit and vegetables. That is, food security is a key priority issue in the country. I can say that the achievements made in this field are very pleasing. There will be even greater results in the years ahead," the President added.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 August 2017 13:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.S., a subsidiary of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR in Turkey, intends to create a new chemical enterprise like Petkim in Turkey.

"Currently, Turkey imports petrochemical products worth $11 billion. There is a plan to build a petrochemical holding in Izmir, like Petkim. In Aliaga district of Izmir, Star refinery is being built, domestic demand of which is 4 times more than Petkim's annual production capacity of 3.5 tonnes," Minister of Science, Industry and Technology of Turkey Faruk Ozlu said.

Petkim, produces plastic packages, fabrics, detergents, and is the sole Turkish manufacturer of such products, a quarter of which is exported to the United States, and countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The complex includes 14 plants that produce 20 different types of products. The production capacity of Petkim is 3.6 million tons of products per year.

In early June, Head of SOCAR Turkey Enerji Zaur Gahramanov also said that SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.S. is working on a project to create a new chemical enterprise in Turkey and added that Turkish government fully supports all projects of the company.

SOCAR began its activity in Turkey after privatization of Petkim Holding in 2008 and has been operating under brand name of SOCAR Turkey. The company was acquired by SOCAR as a result of a tender of privatization.

Petkim shareholders include SOCAR Turkey Petrokimya A.S. with a share of 51 percent, SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.S. with 1.32 percent and 47.68 percent within free float.

It is expected that in 2018, the consolidated turnover of SOCAR Turkey Enerji will reach $15 billion and the company will become the second biggest industrial company in Turkey (the first is Koc Holding) with 5,000 employees and export potential of $3 billion. It sets a goal to become the biggest industrial company of Turkey by 2023.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 August 2017 09:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Ali Mustafayev

Moscow assessed the sanctions imposed by the United States against Russia as a "full-scale trade war" against it.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has criticized the sanctions bill signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump, 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 signed on August 2 the bill he once opposed, calling it significantly flawed.

The document aims to punish Russia for its alleged meddling in the U.S. elections and its actions in Ukraine and Syria. The legislation also limits the volume of American investments in Russian energy projects, and makes it more difficult for U.S. companies to do business with Russia.

The document also imposes tough new sanctions on Iran and North Korea over their missile programs, as well as for human rights abuses.

Medvedev added that the Trump administration demonstrated total impotence by surrendering its executive authority to Congress in the most humiliating way.

"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."

Meanwhile, Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is not going to impose new sanctions against Washington.

"This doesn't change anything," he said when a reporter asked him about the impact of the sanctions and a possibility of further retaliation from Russia.

"What kind of measures? No new steps. Retaliatory measures have already been taken."

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."

President Trump earlier accused Congress of overreach on the legislation. "As president, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress," he said.

The president, in signing the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions, attached a statement calling the measure "deeply flawed".

Donald Trump has repeatedly rejected any allegations that his campaign staff cooperated with Russia for victory in the elections.

The allegations by the U.S. intelligence community that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election are currently being investigated by Congress and a special investigator.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
4 August 2017 10:34 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The tensions between the US and Russia continue to increase, Turgut Kerem Tuncel, a senior analyst on the South Caucasus at the Center for Eurasian Studies, told Trend.

The increasing NATO deployment in the Baltics and Eastern Europe along Russias borders and Russias and Chinas accelerated armament efforts accompanied by the hardening rhetoric of the sides are the apparent signs of this rapidly maturing political context, he said.

Therefore, US Vice President Mike Pences affirmative statement about Georgias accession to the NATO should be evaluated within this framework, according to the expert.

Although the political situation in the Eurasian region is already tense, this statement would not be a major factor unless the US and NATO take concrete steps, which is not quite likely in the meantime, Tuncel believes.

Certainly, US vice presidents words should be taken seriously and assessed accordingly. However, one may justifiably ask whether NATO has the required determination and ability to integrate Georgia into its framework, he said.

The expert noted that this statement also demonstrates some level of inconsistency as Pence said that the US supports Georgias sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemned Russias occupation of Georgian territory.

Tuncel quoted Pence who said, the United States supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and the US will object to any claim at any time by any nation that undermines this enduring principle.

It remains inapprehensible, however, as to how the US administration does not hold the same principle with respect to Armenias occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions, which are a part of Azerbaijans internationally recognized territory, said Tuncel.

Armenia has not only been occupying the internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan, but it is also the major outpost of Russia in the region housing the Russian 102nd military base and the Russian 3624th airbase on its soil. Moreover, in July 2017 Armenia ratified the formation of a joint Russian-Armenian military force in Armenia, he said.

As such, it seems that the US is not only in pains to formulate a consistent strategy, it is also in the loosing ground in terms of persuasiveness, the expert noted.

US Vice President Mike Pence reassured his countrys strong support for Georgias ambition to join NATO at a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili in Tbilisi on August 1.

In April 2008, at the summit of NATO member countries in Bucharest, it was confirmed that Georgia may become a NATO member in the future if it meets NATO standards.

---

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
Deepika Padukone & OPPO  Two Style Icons Share a Secret; Want To Know What? Bollywood Wardrobe Staff

Deepika has emerged as a style icon over the years, she has established her reign not only in Bollywood but Hollywood as well with her impeccable style and grace. From debuting opposite King Khan, she has come a long way and ceases to look back.

Her journey has not been just about fashion, but it is a reflection of her self-confidence as well. From being a sporty girl next door, she has evolved into an edgy diva. Her recent appearances have been a balance of classic elegant gowns with risque cut-outs and casual laid-back chic styles with a "devil may care" attitude.

From her movie promotions to fashion weeks, Deepika has been ruling the red carpet with classic slick back hair, with minimal accessories, and fitted attires that accentuate her lean physique. Her recent partnership with OPPO has also established her as a style icon. OPPO, India's leading selfie expert, has chosen Deepika to be its brand ambassador because of her style and the elan with which she carries herself.

At the New York Fashion week, she charmed us all with a vintage 60s tassels in a custom Ralph and Russo gown looking like royalty, leaving all of us in heat trail. Working the layered looks, she made her presence felt among Hollywood's exclusive elite fashionista circles.

She has proved her mantle not just as an actor/model but also as an absolute style diva with strictly "not-to-be-messed-with" fierce demeanor. We can't help but be obsessed about this leggy lass adorning every avatar and pushing our imagination alongside.

Deepika has been an absolute stunner. She has taken quite a journey in her international appearances, from dazzling the Rohit Bal saree back in 2010 to spilling magic in sheer gown at the red carpet in 2017.

She has evidently topped her fashion game over time, and we just can't stop gushing over our household lady love. Deepika has been consistently ruling the red carpet with ease and elegance.

She walked the red carpet in a breathtaking gown as she adorned ruby toned Marchesa Notte creation with a plum blossom tint on her skin having a gold highlighter that made her look like an enchantress while she let her hair loose to soak in all the limelight.

She was also spotted in a gorgeous one-shoulder custom-made ensemble by Brandon Maxwell looking sophisticated and classy. Let's not forget the added layer of train that had us swooning over her all over again. She truly replicated the understated glamour of soft-fit and flare silhouettes.

That gorgeous smoky winged eyeliner in turquoise brought out every bit of the daring diva that she is with no harsh edges.

And yet again, she rocked at Cannes as a L'Oreal brand ambassador alongside Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon & Elle Fanning. Let's just say, we can't get enough of her.

What's more? Deepika Padukone is now offering one of her fans a chance to meet her! She has teamed up with OPPO and the two of them are sharing a secret. If you want to know more, check out the video below.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/08/2017 (1926 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

What started as a fun afternoon of tubing for Kirk Ziemianski and his family ended with a dangerous reminder of watercraft safety.

Ziemianski, his wife and their two friends were out boating on Sandy Lake last Friday, pulling their three kids on a tube behind them when they spotted a personal watercraft, commonly referred to as a Jet Ski, headed their way.

I saw this Jet Ski just humming toward us  they were originally going to probably go in front of our bow a little too close and I was ready to shake my fist at him, but all of a sudden he turned, Ziemianski said. Thats when I realized and said, Oh my God, this guy doesnt see us.

Submitted After getting hit by a Jet Ski last Friday, Kirk Ziemianskis boat gets pulled out of Sandy Lake to be assessed for repairs.

When the driver of the jet ski did realize they were heading toward Ziemianskis boat, it was too late.

The Jet Ski hit the side of the bow going approximately 40 kilometres an hour, Ziemianski estimated, launching the Jet Ski driver and his passenger from their seats, slamming into the side of the boat.

I yelled at my wife to get down and she got out of the way just in time  they just nailed us, Ziemianski said. It was a complete miracle that no one was seriously hurt.

The jet skiers were in shock, but otherwise OK, Ziemianski said. He pulled them aboard and got everyone to shore safely before the boat started to sink.

I thought we were going to go down, but the hole was high enough that we were able to get to shore, Ziemianski said. The boat is a write-off  When I brought it in (to get fixed), the guy couldnt believe no one was dead.

There was no alcohol involved in the collision, and everyone was wearing life-jackets, Ziemianski said, adding that it was the drivers first time on the Jet Ski.

I know he didnt do it on purpose, but it was a wake-up call  it can happen to anybody. Were just lucky nobody got killed, Ziemianski said. Its just food for thought  Sandy Lake has become so full of traffic and theres a lot of ignorant people out there who think they have this God-given right to do what they want on the water, but its everybodys responsible to be safe.

When it comes to boating safety, Manitobans need more education, said Kevin Tordiffe, the operations manager for the Manitoba branch of the Lifesaving Society.

On average, more people drown in Manitoba each year than die from impaired driving, Tordiffe said, adding that drinking and boating is a rising problem in the province, as well as not wearing life-jackets.

For this reason, the Lifesaving Society, along with Canadian Safe Boating Council and Manitoba law enforcement agencies, have launched Operation Dry Water, an annual initiative that looks to educate and inform people on water safety.

Canada-wide we find that 40 per cent of boating fatalities are alcohol-related, but in Manitoba its 70 per cent  the highest in Canada, Tordiffe said. Manitoba has always had this lake and boating culture  there has been this sense that its a recreational, enjoyable outdoor activity and with that goes this outdated attitude that its OK to bring alcohol out on the boat. The fatalities certainly are telling a different story.

The drowning statistics also show that 96 per cent of boating fatalities were not wearing a life-jacket, Tordiffe said.

The sad reality of it is that a lot of people will go out and buy a life-jacket so that they meet the legal requirements of having a life-jacket in their boat, but then they wont wear it, Tordiffe said. If were really going to have a meaningful change to boating fatalities, maybe its time we look at that legislation.

In order to get a boating licence, Tordiffe said he would like to see applicants have to take a mandatory, in-person boating safety course, like the one provided by The Lifesaving Society.

As it stands now, applicants can obtain a boating licence by passing the Official Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam online.

The online boat certification became a shortcut for people to put the checkmark beside what they needed to meet the regulations. But they didnt learn anything. They didnt make their boating any safer, Tordiffe said. In-person education is important especially when we are talking about safety.

 edebooy@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @erindebooy
Modified On Aug 04, 2017 11:51 AM By Raunak for Ford Figo 2015-2019

The 2018 Ford Figo/Aspire facelift is expected to come with updated interior and subtly reworked exterior.

Ford has begun testing the mid-cycle update/facelift of the second-generation Figo, which was recently spied for the first time in Brazil. For the uninitiated, both the Ford Figo and Aspire were conceptualised and made their world premiere in the South American country (known as KA and KA+ there, respectively).

What are we expecting?

Ford is expected to get rid of the ageing SYNC 1 system that is being offered currently with the Figo and Aspire. It is likely to be replaced by the latest touch-based SYNC 3 system.

The SYNC 1 not only looks primitive with loads of buttons and a small screen, but also makes the dash appear cumbersome. The dashboard of the test mules were completely covered, indicating an overhaul just like the upcoming EcoSport.

The Figo duo is likely to get the 6.5-inch SYNC 3 system (check out the image above), which is offered in the lower variants of the EcoSport facelift in Brazil and China (likely to be offered in India as well). The range-topping trims of the EcoSport get the same 8-inch unit as the Endeavour. Both the units come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Though the test mules are camouflaged, it is clearly evident that Ford has kept the grille of the Figo and Aspire intact. Expect subtle changes to its bumpers and a new set of alloys along with updated head and tail lamps.

Mechanically, for India, Ford could retune or rework their 1.2-litre petrol motor, which is probably one of the weakest points in their packaging. Though on paper it puts out competitive figures (88PS/111Nm), it is remotely enthusiast-oriented and is only good for city runabouts. The diesel, on the other hand, is a rocket in itself! The 100PS/215Nm motor will be carried over as it is, along with the 1.5-litre petrol (112PS/136Nm).

The updated models are likely to be launched next year and the prices are expected to be in the same range as the current ones. The updated sportier S versions are likely to be introduced as well.

Check out: 2017 Ford Figo Sports Edition: First Drive Review

Source

Read More on : Figo AMT
Modified On Sep 15, 2017 02:46 PM By Rachit Shad for Tata Nexon 2017-2020

You can get one reserved with a minimum booking amount of Rs 11,000

If you have been waiting for the Tata Nexon to hit showrooms, that moment is close by. We can say that confidently because authorised dealers for Tata Motors have started accepting bookings for the sub-4 metre SUV at a refundable amount of Rs 11,000. Tata Motors is expected to officially commence the bookings for the Nexon in a few days time. The car is expected to launch towards the end of this month. Meanwhile you can visit the Tata Nexons official website, which recently went live.

In case you are wondering what is it like to drive and what all features will it have, you can grab yourself a beverage and read our first drive review here. Tata Motors will offer both petrol and diesel engine options with its first-ever compact SUV. While the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo-petrol is tuned to produce 110PS of power and 170Nm of torque, the all-new 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel generates 110PS/260Nm. As of now, both the engines will come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, which will send the power to the front wheels only.

Were you hoping to get an AMT in the mix? Well, so were we. But we werent left frowning for long as Tata Motors has officially confirmed that the Nexon will get an AMT unit before April 2018.

The petrol engine that will do its duty in the Nexon is essentially the same engine that powers the Tiago and the Tigor. So, what if Tata Motors equips the Tiago with the turbocharged engine from the Nexon? Weve done some research on this and you can read all about it here.

As far as rivals for the Tata Nexon are concerned, it will lock horns with the Ford EcoSport and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. We ran an in-depth comparison of specifications amongst the three and new Tata product does sum up to be promising. If Tata Motors can keep the pricing competitive, which if we learn from the recent launches it will, the Nexon does have the potential to unsettle the established marques in the compact SUV segment. As per us, prices are likely to hover in the range of Rs 6.49-8.49 lakh.

Also Read: 5 Interesting Facts About Tata Nexon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rennie Sloan, rennie.sloan@cartercenter.org

ATLANTAAs part of a partnership with the Al Jalila Foundation, The Carter Center announced today two new recipients of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Program in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The program is the first mental health fellowship program for journalists in the Middle East, launched in the UAE in 2016 with two journalism fellows. See below for journalist names and project topics.

Over nearly two decades, the Center has awarded one-year fellowships to nearly 200 journalists to connect them with resources and experts to increase the quality and accuracy of mental health reporting around the world. The program is currently in the United States, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Colombia and was previously in New Zealand, South Africa, and Romania.

These fellows can reshape how media in the Middle East covers one of the most significant, misunderstood public health problems. Like the fellows before them, they will likely impact their colleagues and newsrooms, and become the point person in their field on mental health issues, said former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

The Carter Center provides training, educational materials, mentorship, evaluation tools, and technical assistance to Al Jalila Foundation to develop a sustainable and tailored program in the UAE.

The Al Jalila Foundation manages the program in the UAE and is responsible for the selection of journalists and adapting the program to meet the needs of the Emirates.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation, said: Journalists have immense power to inform, educate and influence society. Their support is essential to raise awareness and create a dialogue about mental health in the region. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that people with mental illnesses are not marginalized and that they receive the required support to live happy productive lives.

Dr. Abdulkareem Al Olama, chief executive officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: It is a huge privilege to partner with The Carter Center to continue the incredible work that former United States First Lady Rosalynn Carter has done to combat the stigma associated with mental illnesses. This is the second year that we have offered the mental health journalism program in the UAE and we look forward to working with the new fellows to initiate positive conversations on mental health to overcome the cycle of stigma."

Since the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism were established in 1996, fellows have produced more than 1500 stories, documentaries, books, and other works during and after their fellowship year. Their projects have garnered Emmy Awards, nominations for the Pulitzer Prize, and other awards.

The 2017-2018 recipients of the UAE Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism are:

Iman Ben Chaibah

CEO and Editor-in-Chief (Founder)

Sail Publishing and Sail Magazine

Dubai, UAE

Project: A study on mental health issues among UAE youth and to disseminate information on why and how to support people who suffer from mental illnesses.

Nahid Mubarak Khamis Faraj Alawani Alnaqbi

Senior Reporter

Albayan Newspaper

Sharjah, UAE

Project: Explore why the treatment of mental illnesses remains shrouded in fear and misconceptions in the UAE and how to reduce mental health stigma.

###

The Carter Center

"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.

Al Jalila Foundation

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, was founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai in April 2013, to position Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of medical innovation.

Al Jalila Foundation promotes medical education and research by investing in the UAEs medical treatment capabilities; it provides scholarships to nurture a home-grown generation of medical professionals and supports ground-breaking research that addresses health challenges prevalent in the region. The Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, set to open in 2017 in Dubai Healthcare City, will be a beacon for regionally-relevant medical innovation produced by home-grown biomedical researchers. The UAEs first independent multi-disciplinary medical research centre will focus on five of the most pressing regional health challenges: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health. Benefitting from the Foundations global outreach, the Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre will bring together international best practice and regional expertise in a cultivating environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

Al Jalila Foundation is named after Her Highness Sheikha Al Jalila Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein. Al Jalila Foundation is fully funded by the generosity of donors. 100% of funds donated to Al Jalila Foundation are invested into medical research, education and treatment in the UAE.

Al Jalila Foundation is one of the 28 member organisations under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to improve the Arab world through humanitarian, developmental and community work.

For more information on Al Jalila Foundation, please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae.

For media inquiries in the UAE, contact Carla Duarte, +971 50 654 0296, c.duarte@aljalilafoundation.ae
Lucky Cement updates on operations at home and away

04 August 2017

Lucky Cement has provided an update on operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as capacity expansion plans in Iraq and Pakistan, during a corporate briefing organised by Elixir Securities (Pakistan) earlier this week.



Stabilising market dynamics in the DR of Congo have resulted in Lucky Cement witnessing healthy growth from its operations in the central African country. As a result, the utilisation rate is expected to improve. However cement prices (currently hovering around the US$128-130/t mark) remain a concern owing to the alleged smuggling of bagged cement from neighbouring Zambia and Angola. Along with its local peer, PPC, Lucky Cement are lobbying relevant authorities to take strict action to increase duties on imported cement and implement measures to tackle the issue, Irfan Chawala, director Finance and CFO of Lucky Cement Ltd, said during the meeting.



Iraq expansion on track

Separately, the company has said the installation of another grinding mill in Iraq is currently on track and the first phase (0.435Mta) is expected to begin operations by October 2017. The remaining 50 per cent of the project (0.435Mta) is expected to come online the following month.



Pakistan projects

Amidst delays in acquiring a lease for its proposed 2.3Mta greenfield plant in Punjab province, Lucky Cement said it remains hopeful that the local government will revisit its policy on leasing new licenses to manufacturers in the province.

While Lucky Cement's first priority is to expand via a greenfield capacity addition, it is also exploring other options with a relatively lower gestation period. As such, the brownfield expansion of its existing Pezu site cannot be ruled out.

The CFO also highlighted that post-connectivity of major highways in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as part of the western route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, will result in a significant reduction in transportation time (of ~50 per cent), allowing the company to improve retention prices in Pezu.



The company is yet to finalise its decision regarding capacity enhancement in the North and is expected to convey its plans along with its 2QFY18 results.

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Anglican priests sacked for being gay must be reinstated, Kenya court rules

Three Anglican clergy sacked for allegedly being gay must be reinstated, a court in Kenya has ruled, after the Church failed to produce any evidence they were homosexuals.

The country's Court of Appeal upheld an earlier ruling forcing the Anglican Church of Kenya to pay 6.8million Kenyan shillings (50,000) in damages and reinstall the three men.

Archdeacon John Njogu Gachau, Rev James Maina Maigua and Rev Paul Mwangi Warui will be paid their salaries in full from when they were dismissed in July 2015 and given new jobs.

Archdeacon Gachau was awarded Sh2,437,780 (18,000) Rev Maigua Sh2,224,996 (16,700) and Rev Warui Sh2,219,814 (16,300).

Justice Philip Waki, Justice Roselyne Nambuye and Justice Patrick Kiage threw out an application by the Registered Trustees of the Anglican Church of Kenya which argued the payments were excessive and without legal basis.

Representing the Anglican Church lawyer Syphurine Nyongesa Mayende argued the court was failing to consider the circumstances when the priests were dismissed.

He said all three held sensitive posts within the church and accusations of homosexuality were read out to their congregations.

'Church ministers ought to have faith, credit and trust and these have been lost,' he argued.

But the court rejected their appeal, saying there was no evidence of alleged homosexuality and the Church had many dioceses across the country where they could be reinstated.
British churches urged to 'step up' response to refugee crisis

The UK is being urged to more than double its intake of refugees as churches have again been called on to take a lead.

Senior UN official Volker Turk, the assistant commissioner at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, called on Britain to 'step up' and play its part to solve the migrant crisis by taking in 10,000 refugees a year.

The government has committed to taking in 20,000 people by 2020  an average of 5,000 per year  meaning the rate would have to double to meet Turk's demands.

'It would be a step change, it would not just be related to Syria,' he said after meeting ministers in London on Thursday according to the Times. 'It would look at where the urgent situations are, to have a certain flexibility in responding to them. I think we have to be very honest about the need for countries to contribute and to step up.'

Turk went on to praise British communities who have welcomed in Syrian families in response to the crisis while criticising 'irresponsible' rhetoric from politicians.

'I'm so amazed when I hear about rural areas in Britain that actually they are so happy that people come to them and it almost revives parts of Britain,' he said.

He added: 'You have the impression that some of the negativity is amplified but we forget about all the positive things that are happening.'

It comes as UK congregations were urged to play their part in housing resettled families.

Speaking at New Wine, a major evangelical festival in Somerset, Roz Holland, chief executive of the Boaz Trust, said church should consider hosting a Syrian family.

A spokeswoman for Church Response For Refugees, another charity overseeing church involvement with resettling refugees, told pastors it was 'incumbent' on them to step up.

'Quite simply the church has an opportunity to play a part in solving one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our time,' she said.
Hope: 4 key passages from the New Testament to give us courage in dark times

Some words are so intrinsic to Christian faith that it's sometimes easy to skip over them when we see them. Love and faith spring to mind. Another word which looms large is hope.

There are times when the world feels hopeless. The great gift we can bring as a Church is to offer some hope.

In the Bible, hope isn't merely optimism or a positive attitude. If anything, hope is a concept that acknowledges just how bad the world can be, and even so chooses to believe that things can, and will, be better.

Here are four key passages on hope from the New Testament.

Romans 5: 1-5

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

1 John 3: 1-3

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Hebrews 6: 16-20

People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Ephesians 1: 17-19

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
How the Russian Orthodox Church is backing Vladimir Putin's new world order

The US presidential election race has focused attention on the role of religion there. Ostensibly a country that prizes freedom of religion, in practice its politicians who aren't seen to be "Christian" have a built-in disadvantage. The Republican nomination process in particular has highlighted the religious nationalism of many American evangelicals, who see patriotism and Christianity as deeply intertwined.

Thousands of miles away, however, there's an ideological synergy between Church and State which is just as unhealthy. Under its leader Patriarch Kirill, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has backed the aggressive expansionism of President Vladimir Putin, which has seen him extend Russian power into Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Kirill described Putin at a religious leaders' meeting in 2012 as "a miracle of God". It supported a government crackdown on "gay propaganda" in 2013. The ROC has made billions from trading concessions granted to it by the government. It is increasingly asserting its position as the largest of the 14 self-governing Orthodox Churches and is using its political muscle in support of Putin's aims. It's no friend to evangelicals, especially in the Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, seeing them as puppets of the West.

But how has it become so powerful  and how is it using its power?

The KGB, cigarettes and a Breuget watch

An answer has to begin with Kirill himself. An imposing figure, he looks  and plays  the part of a Russian Orthodox Patriarch to perfection. Ordained in 1969, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyayev, as he was then, rose through the ROC's heirarchy and was elected as Patriarch in January 2009.

According to material from Soviet archives, Kirill was also a KGB agent; as Patriarch he dedicated a church to the KGB.

While his political closeness to the regime has been criticised, he has also been tarnished by the ROC's financial dealings. After the fall of the Soviet Union the Church received special privileges, including the right to import alcohol and tobacco free of duty. It made massive amounts of money as a result through a string of companies with interests in areas ranging from TV to oil. Profits from the cigarettes operation alone  which ended in 1997  were estimated at $4 billion by The Moscow News in 2006. Kirill has always denied profiting personally from the operations, though his credibility was undermined when he was seen wearing a Breguet watch worth $30,000 in 2012  and further undermined when spin doctors made a clumsy attempt to airbrush the watch out in a picture on the ROC website.

Church and state in harmony

More important than his taste in wristwear, however, is Kirill's concept of how the Church and State should work together. Speaking at a conference on Ukraine in Lambeth Palace last April, participants highlighted the role of Orthodoxy in Putin's new world order. According to Mykhailo Cherenkov, a Ukrainian Baptist who is a Professor in Philosophy at Ukrainian Catholic University, the fall of the Soviet Union left Russia with an ideological vacuum.

What had held the USSR together, and Russia itself, was a belief in communism. When the Berlin Wall fell and Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms led to the abandonment of the communist enterprise, Russia needed a "new ideological binding agent". And, said Cherenkov, there was a tool ready to hand. The ROC fulfilled the same purpose as communism in giving Russians something to believe in. "It was Orthodoxy that served as the main ferment in the formation of a new Russian identity from the beginning of Putin's presidency. If, in Soviet times, the mark of the majority was political atheism, then now it is political Orthodoxy."

The Orthodox Church supports the state. It's patriotic to be Orthodox  and Orthodox to be patriotic. The Russian state's wars become holy wars. Cherenkov says of the Ukraine conflict: "The goal of the 'Holy War' is not seizure of territory, or change of power, or defeat of opponents, but the victory of faith over all lack of faith and false teaching, of the only right picture of the world over all wrong ones, of truth over all untruths. If Rus is Holy, then her faith and truth are the only Orthodox ones."

Only one Russian world

Another contributor, Antoine Arjakovsky, also from the Ukrainian Catholic University, cites Kirill's view that there's only one "Russian" world, which includes the historical territory of Ukraine. The Moscow Patriarchate has spiritual jurisdiction over all of it. He refers to a film made by senior cleric Metropolitan Hilarion in 2013 entitled The Second Baptism of the Rus. "Patriarch Kirill appears and says his priority is to gather together the lands of Holy Russia," says Arjakovsky. "There is even a parallel between the Trinitarian God and the trinity of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. President Putin also appears in person to tell how he was secretly baptised as an infant."

Kirill's notion is that Church and state function harmoniously together, each supporting the work of the other, in what Orthodoxy calls 'symphonia'. But his critics say this approach is fundamentally flawed. According to Michael Bourdeaux, who founded the Keston Institute to monitor religious freedom in the Soviet Union during the Cold War and is a leading expert in the field, this symphonia is "a betrayal of the basic Christian  and democratic  belief in freedom of conscience".

Why the Church doesn't criticise the Kremlin

Speaking at the same conference, Bourdeaux referred back to the establishment of the Moscow Patriarchate by Stalin during the Second World War after its abolition by Lenin. Part of the deal, he said, was that it would never criticise the Kremlin. Keston understood the pressure the Church was under and did not criticise it  though, he said, they were "stunned" to discover, in the early '90s, the extent of collaboration between the Church leadership and the atheist state.

When Communism collapsed, he said, "the Church leadership saw its opportunity to re-establish itself as a leading player in the new Russian state".

He concluded: "Now free from Soviet constraints, church leaders might have been expected to write dispassionately about the troubled history of the Soviet period. But this is far from happening. There's been no act of repentance for the collaboration with the Soviet regime. Those who fought for religious liberty during the later Soviet period have been largely edited out of history, even though many lost their freedom  and some their lives  in the cause of freedom."

And, says Bourdeaux: "These attitudes explain why the Moscow Patriarchate hasn't been willing to use its voice to attempt to rein in the forces leading to the Kremlin's aggression in Ukraine and the Crimea. My prayer is that, one day  and one hopes sooner rather than later  the Russian Orthodox Church would discover a prophetic voice and use its immense in influence in an attempt to reach a just resolution of the conflict in Ukraine."

A fake patriotic religion?

This statement is echoed by Joshua Searle, a lecturer at Spurgeon's College and Visiting Professor at Ukrainian Catholic University. He told Christian Today: "It needs to be made clear that the ROC hierarchy is essentially a political construct. The church structure is based not on gospel values of freedom, truth and enlightenment, but on fear, authoritarianism and the promotion of nationalism under the guise of religious zeal. This kind of fake patriotic religion deifies the State and gives divine sanction to a nation's imperialism.

"The ROC can even invoke the name of "God" as an idol who has bestowed a special blessing and favour on Russia, which then allegedly gives 'Holy Russia' the right to invade and conquer neighbouring territories and subdue their peoples. Such a sham Christianity, which is a denial of Christ and the gospel, will always refuse to accept any higher power and will ruthlessly destroy any forms of genuine Christian faith that go beyond cultural or national identity."

Evangelical Christians are suffering disproportionately in the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, he says; the ROC "regards evangelicals as 'sectarians' or even as 'Western spies' and as a dangerous presence on its 'canonical territory'". For Searle, this is "idolatrous, nationalistic official Christianity, which encourages war and hatred towards other nations, is inimical to the gospel and is under the control not of Christ, but of the dark 'powers and principalities' to which the author of Ephesians alluded".

After 1,000 years, a meeting in Havana

It's against this background that the meeting on February 12 at Havana airport between Kirill and Pope Francis has to be seen. The encounter was widely, and generally warmly, reported; moves toward healing a thousand-year rift make good headlines.

Francis and Kirill released a joint statement afterwards  prepared by their 'sherpas' and agreed in advance, obviously  which was largely uncontroversial. It referred to the terrible persecution faced by Christians, the desirability of unity, poverty, inequality and the family.

It also referred, as it could hardly avoid doing, to Ukraine. Francis, as head of a sovereign state, is accountable to no one in his diplomatic initiatives, but Kirill  whose visit had to be sanctioned by the Kremlin  the wording of these sections would have been hugely challenging.

That's not to say that it wasn't a diplomatic test for Francis too. Observant readers will have noticed that three of the theologians quoted are linked to the Ukrainian Catholic University (though they are not all Ukrainian Catholics). The Ukrainian Catholic Church derives from Orthodox bishops who re-established communion with Rome in 1595. They're regarded as schismatics by the ROC and there is constant tension over their buildings and property.

The Ukrainian Catholic problem

So the meeting between Kirill and Francis was deeply problematic for the Ukrainian Catholics, whose Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said the text of their agreement had caused "deep disappointment" for them and that he had not been consulted. While it expressed the hope that "our meeting may also contribute to reconciliation wherever tensions exist between Greek [ie Ukrainian] Catholics and Orthodox", it also said it was "clear that the past method of 'uniatism, understood as the union of one community to the other, separating it from its Church, is not the way to re-establish unity"  a clear challenge to the Ukrainian Catholics and an extraordinary concession by the Vatican.

It also said that "the ecclesial communities which emerged in these historical circumstances have the right to exist"  a half-hearted gesture by the ROC. The Ukrainian Catholics are not 'ecclesial communities', which is a dismissive expression also used of Protestants, but a Church.

According to the Catholic Herald, Shevchuk said the two sides "existed on two completely different planes and were pursuing different goals", with Francis experiencing the meeting as a spiritual event while "From the Moscow patriarch, one immediately sensed that this wasn't about any Spirit, or theology or actual religious matters."

Shevchuk said the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, which drew up the declaration, had been "exploited" during the drafting process by the Russian Orthodox Department of External Affairs.

While this apparent bickering over jurisdiction and ancient Church history might seem trivial in face of the suffering  now largely ignored in the West  of Ukraine, it's very characteristic of the ROC's concerns. In the bewildering array of Ukraine's competing Churches, it's also in dispute with the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the Kiev Patriarchate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Each of these bodies was the product of post-Revolutionary politics in the region. The point, however, is that as far as the ROC is concerned, it's the only legitimate Church. It wants to reclaim the territorial authority of which it believes it was wrongly deprived  a desire that puts it right alongside the neo-imperial ambitions of Vladimir Putin.

Russians, the ROC and the future

And in a sign of how well the ROC is playing in Putin's Russia, a survey just released by the Levada Centre shows more than half (56 per cent) of Russians are satisfied with the role played by the Church and religious NGOs in state politics. Furthermore, growing numbers of Russians want to see the Church increase its influence on the maintenance of public morality, with 47 per cent of respondents in favour of this idea in February 2016.

According to Levada Center sociologist Karina Pipiya: "The authorities are constantly articulating the important role of Orthodoxy as one of the components of 'special national identity,' in contrast with Western values and patterns, and people willingly support this idea, especially during periods of worsening relations between Russia and the West."

On both sides of the Atlantic, religion is playing a role in politics. In neither case does it appear to be a particularly healthy one. And while there is, in the US, a system of checks and balances to control it, things are very different elsewhere. It remains to be seen how religion will continue to shape Putin's Russia.

Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
New Wine: Women speakers, diversity and the Holy Spirit

It is now more than a year since Paul Harcourt took over as national leader of New Wine and there is a 'new energy' about the place, he says.

With the organisation's two weeks of 'United' summer festivals coming to an end, he sits down with Christian Today to reflect on them and his first full year in charge.

He admits taking on the role has felt like being in the shoes of Peter, who was 'invited by Jesus to step out of the boat into the impossible'. But with more than 23,000 flocking to the muddy Somerset fields over the past fortnight, the 28-year-old event seems to have recovered from a turbulent period after the previous leader Mark Bailey stepped aside last year.

Flicking through the 2017 programme, one thing that is immediately clear is the high number of women speakers.

Compared to equivalent evangelical festivals, New Wine comes remarkably close to achieving gender parity in its speakers across the festival. Out of 275 speakers running seminars, teaching streams and preaching in the main meetings this year, 126 (46 per cent) are women.

When put against 2016 figures from more conservative evangelical equivalents such as Keswick, where 87 per cent of speakers are male, and New Frontiers' Westpoint, with 82 per cent, New Wine is leaps and bounds ahead.

'We're not quite at full gender parity yet but 45 per cent is a big step forward from where we've been before,' Harcourt says. He says it is 'absolutely' something he has pushed and been focused on.

'We want as a movement to be more representative in our leadership in terms of age, geography and gender.'

As well as searching for more women speakers, the Anglican-dominated New Wine has made a point of welcoming Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, and other women bishops to speak.

'The absolute truth is there are phenomenally gifted women speakers  both celebration speakers and Bible teachers and it's just been a joy to showcase them.

'Many of them are younger leaders coming through and we hope New Wine can be a platform where their voice can be heard and honed. We need to give them experience of larger venues and contexts that are going to draw more out from them.

'It's really not a case of being patronising because you are talking about very gifted people and it's a sea-change in the way the Church thinks.'

Where New Wine does less well is ethnic balance and diversity and it still struggles to shake off its heritage as a largely white, suburban Anglican gathering. Harcourt admits more could be done to improve its ethnic representation.

'New Wine historically has been a week-long camping event and not every section of British society does week-long camping,' he says.

So instead they are looking at different types of events to appeal to black majority churches and others.

New Wine is praised for being 'teachable' and this is certainly true of how it is handling criticism of the Church's demographics.

Unafraid to receive a rollicking from Bishop Philip North and confident in its position as a charismatic, evangelical movement, New Wine is lively, joyful and seems surer of where it is going and what it is offering.

While other festivals on the Christian summer calendar seem to wax and wane, New Wine appears to be stable, confident and looking to the future.
Pastor who alleged workplace discrimination for anti-gay views was rightly fired, tribunal finds

A Christian pastor's claim for religious discrimination has been rejected by an employment tribunal.

Colin Houston said he was being harassed because of his Christian faith and opposition to gay marriage. He claimed the reason his temporary contract with Swissport, a baggage handling firm operating out of Belfast International Airport, had not been renewed was down to discrimination towards his faith.

But the tribunal heard Houston openly told one gay colleague there was a 'cure for gayness' and was told he had created 'succession of problems at work because of his aggression towards colleagues and supervisors and because of his attitude to his duties', according to the BBC.

When it came to evidence for his abuse, Houston pointed to a bumper sticker placed on his car that 'I'm so gay I can't even drive straight'.

He also said a can 'pink female deodorant had been placed on top of his block of lockers in the restroom/locker room area'.

The tribunal dismissed these allegations adding it thought his reaction to finding a woman's deodorant can in a mixed locked room seemed 'particularly paranoid and exaggerated'.

It added Houston did not strike them as a credible witness and did not appear to be able to understand the difference between an unsupported assumption and hard evidence.

The panel also noted that Houston thinks he is well known with a significant public profile in fighting against same-sex marriage and abortion. But none of the tribunal members had heard of him and they concluded he is 'not as well-known as he believes he is'.

Houston stood unsuccessfully as a council election candidate for the UUP in 2014 but resigned from the party shortly afterwards.
Pope To Make Four-Day Visit To Colombia in September

Pope Francis will visit Colombia in September, President Juan Manuel Santos said on Friday, stopping in Bogota, Medellin, Villavicencio and Cartagena during a four-day trip.

The pope has been a key supporter of Colombia's peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, rebels, even brokering discussions between Santos and his top opposition rival, former president Alvaro Uribe.

"His holiness gave us courage, he gave us momentum, he encouraged all Colombians to persevere in the search for peace and now he will come to Colombia during a unique moment for our country," Santos said after meeting with Colombia's episcopal council of bishops.

Francis will visit between Sept. 6 and Sept. 10.

Santos won last year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to reach an accord with the FARC, 6,000 of whom are now in the process of handing in their weapons at demobilization camps.

Francis, an Argentine who also helped broker diplomatic efforts in Cuba and Venezuela, repeatedly expressed support for the deal over four years of often tense negotiations.

The visit will be the third by a pope to the Andean nation. Francis has yet to visit his home country as pontiff. He visited the US three years ago and often receives rock-star welcomes - especially in Roman Catholic countries.
Ukraine, Separatists Say More Civilians Killed In Eastern Flare-up

Ukrainian authorities and pro-Russian separatists accused each other on Thursday of carrying out fresh artillery attacks on frontline residential areas in eastern Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides.

The reports follow a short lull in fighting in the wake of the deadliest clashes in recent months that have brought global attention back to the conflict. NATO and the EU have called on Russia to use its influence with rebels to stop the violence.

The head of the Ukraine-controlled Donetsk regional administration, Pavlo Zhebrivsky, said a humanitarian aid point in the government-held industrial town of Avdiyivka had been hit by mortars late on Thursday.

"According to preliminary figures, one person has been killed and one wounded in the attack. Shelling continues," he said on Facebook, blaming Russia-backed rebels.

In a separate post, Zhebrivsky said one civilian was killed by shelling in another part of the industrial town that has been the focal point of the recent flare-up in hostilities.

Damage from the escalation has cut power and water supplies to thousands of residents on both sides of the front line at a time of freezing winter temperatures, prompting warnings of a potential humanitarian crisis from aid agencies.

Separatist officials said around 10 civilians had been wounded as a result of fresh shelling by Ukrainian forces, also on Thursday evening, separatist website DAN reported.

None of the casualty reports have been independently verified.

Earlier the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ukraine called for all sides to hold fire to allow the emergency repair work to be carried out on damaged utilities infrastructure.

In a statement, the head of ICRC in Ukraine, Alain Aeschlimann, warned of "potentially tremendous humanitarian consequences" if the situation for civilians living near the eastern front line does not improve.

A Reuters witness in Avdiyivka said the intermittent boom of artillery fire could be heard in the distance throughout the day.

A February 2015 'Minsk' peace agreement locked the two sides in a stalemate which has been broken periodically by surges in fighting that Kiev and the Kremlin accuse each other of instigating.

Thirteen Ukrainian servicemen have been killed and around 30 wounded since Sunday, according to the military's press service in Kiev. Separatists have also reported casualties among their fighters but not provided an exact toll on a regular basis.

The clashes come as Kiev seeks to persuade the United States and the European Union of the need to maintain economic sanctions against Russia linked to its involvement in the conflict and annexation of Crimea.

Moscow denies accusations from Kiev and NATO that it supports the separatists with troops and weapons.

This is the first significant escalation of violence in Ukraine since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, whose call for better relations with Moscow has alarmed Kiev with the conflict unresolved.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kiev of provoking the flare-up as a ploy to win the support of the Trump administration.

But US Senator John McCain said Russia had instigated the violence to test Trump, and he urged the president to give Ukraine the lethal aid it needs to defend against the attacks.

Fighting between pro-Russian separatists and government forces first broke out in April 2014 after a pro-European uprising in Kiev ousted a Moscow-backed president. Close to 10,000 have since been killed.
Ukraine's forgotten crisis: How ordinary Christian heroes are bringing hope to the hopeless

Just a few years ago, Ukraine was the main issue in the news. Every day we would see on our TV screens distressing images of violent protests, a Russian invasion and occupation of the Ukrainian Crimea peninsula, and a bloody war being waged in Eastern Ukraine.

Nowadays Ukraine seems to have dropped off the agenda. This lack of media attention means that many people in the UK and beyond are unaware of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe there that continues to the present day.

As a result of the war in Eastern Ukraine, 11,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million people have been forced to leave their homes and are now living almost without hope. Behind these statistics lie countless stories and individual lives that have been destroyed by despair, heartbreak and tragedy.

Moreover, thousands have died indirectly as a consequence of the breakdown of infrastructure caused by the war. In many parts of Ukraine, especially in the eastern regions, the infrastructure of healthcare and social support has almost completely collapsed. Thousands of people have been left without any support from the state, which cannot cope with the overwhelming extent of human need.

As a result, during the winter months, many people, especially the elderly who cannot afford to meet the cost of rising fuel bills (again, this rise is directly attributable to the war with Russia), are literally freezing to death in their own homes. In Eastern Ukraine, temperatures regularly fall to minus 20 degrees and last winter thousands of people are thought to have died in their own homes as a result of prolonged exposure to the cold.

In the summer of 2016, I and a few friends based in London came together to explore how we could help alleviate some of this suffering. The result was the founding of a new organisation, Dnipro Hope Mission, with the aim of creating a new movement for renewal Ukraine by working in partnership with local churches and denominational leaders.

My own passion for Ukraine goes back many years. Between 2011 and 2013 I worked as a missionary at Donetsk Christian University (DCU), which was a major theological training centre in Eastern Ukraine. Sadly, in 2014, following the Russian-led uprising in Eastern Ukraine, DCU was forcibly seized by Russian special forces and has now been turned into a military base. The lecture halls where I used to teach trainee missionaries about the light of Christ, have become dark chambers where paramilitaries throw knives and fire bullets at targets on the walls.

From my experience of living and working in Ukraine I have seen first-hand the enormous difference that a few dedicated and compassionate Christians working from local churches can make to an entire region. In a situation where state institutions are either ineffective, corrupt or have broken down completely, the role of local churches becomes paramount. In many parts of Ukraine, ordinary Christians are performing heroic deeds, sometimes sacrificing their own health and safety to assist and care for those in desperate need.

I am convinced that were it not for the presence of heroic yet ordinary Christians in this region, the whole of Eastern Ukraine would long ago have descended into complete chaos. The work that Christians are doing, such as delivering insulin medicine for diabetics in war-torn regions of Eastern Ukraine, is literally saving lives, even while these Christians sometimes risk their own lives in the process.

The desire to help, support and encourage these people is what lies behind the foundation of Dnipro Hope Mission (DHM)  named after the river which runs through the middle of Ukraine from north to south and gives its name to the main city in Eastern Ukraine, where our ministry is based.

Our vision at DHM is to help to make the Kingdom of God a visible reality in Ukraine. We work closely with a network of trusted contacts in local churches in the region to help them provide high quality compassionate care for people in need, such as the sick, disabled, refugees, elderly and orphans.

Ordinary heroes doing gospel work

Pastor Sasha Boyko of Vasilkivka Baptist Church is one of the many unsung heroes whose ministry we are aiming to equip. Under the most adverse circumstances of poverty and deprivation, he has become something of a roving pastor, travelling throughout the Dnipro region, offering prayer, material help and encouragement and support for the forgotten people, such as those with disabilities or diseases, the elderly, the orphans and refugees.

Dnipro Hope Mission is launching a fundraising appeal for a minibus for pastor Sasha in order to assist him in this apostolic and compassionate ministry.

In recent years, Pastor Sasha has built up a relationship with the carers and residents in a home for people with disabilities in a small town near the city of Dnipro. Whenever I have accompanied Sasha on his visits to the care home, the suffering of the residents has been very tangible. Some people were visibly unwell. We heard tragic stories about how people had lost their limbs or were paralysed as a result of disease or accidents.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, DHM has been able to purchase thousands of pounds of medicines, mattresses, hearing aids, adult nappies, hygiene packs and other essential items of humanitarian aid for the residents of the disabled home.

Sergey's story

I had a particularly moving encounter with one of the residents of the care home, whose name is Sergey. He had all but lost the ability to speak, but Pastor Sasha explained that Sergey was once happily married and that he had a good job and a house where he and his wife lived with their three young children.

In 2002, Sergey went on holiday with his family to Crimea and on their way home, he stopped the car in a layby to get some food and drink from a nearby shop. While Sergey was away a lorry had collided into the back of the car where Sergey's wife and children had remained behind. They were all killed instantly.

Seeing the mangled remains of his dead family in the wreck of the car, Sergey flew into a furious rage and went over to the driver of the lorry, who was lightly injured and whose vehicle had come to a stop a short distance down the road. Sergey discovered that the lorry driver was drunk and in that moment he beat the driver to death in a fit of spontaneous rage.

As a result, Sergey was sent to prison for 10 years. In an instant he had lost everything: his wife and children, his job, his freedom and his faith in God. Over time, Sergey also lost his health as he became depressed and began to develop an addiction to alcohol and drugs. He even lost the ability to speak.

When he was released from prison, he was sent to the care home. Pastor Sasha took pity on Sergey and began to speak to him about the gospel. In 2014 Sergey committed his life to Christ and was baptised in a local river. With his face beaming, he proudly showed me the photographs of his baptism, which depicted him entering the water in his white robes on a beautiful, sunny spring day.

As we were viewing the photos, Pastor Sasha explained that when Sergey emerged from the waters of baptism he began spontaneously to speak words of praise and thanksgiving to God. This was the first time he had spoken for over 10 years.

It was a privilege to meet Sergey, to pray for him and to bring him a large supply of essential Western-quality medicine, which we hope will help him to recover further.

Our aim at DHM is to offer ongoing, sustained assistance to Sergey and others in sad and distressing situations of poverty, sickness and deprivation. Please visit our website to find out how you can become part of our vision to bring the light of Christ into these dark situations and working with God in the work that He is already doing in Ukraine.

If you're feeling fit, you may even want to apply to join one of our regular short-term mission trips to Ukraine.

A UK team recently returned from a DHM-led children's summer camp in Eastern Ukraine. See the website for photos and a full report.

Dr Joshua Searle is Chair of Dnipro Hope Mission and co-author of the book 'A Future and a Hope: Mission, Theological Education and the Transformation of Post-Soviet Society'. He can be contacted at joshua@dniprohopemission.org
'We have a crisis': Are internships a way of solving the Church's young adult problem?

A quick Google of 'Christian internships' yields around 971,000 results in a third of a second.

From Compassion International and YWAM to Youth for Christ and Bethel School of Supernatural Ministries, there is a wealth of options for 18 to 25-year-olds unsure what to do when they come out of school, college or university.

New Wine's Discipleship Year is one among the crowd and Chris Fox, the programme's director, says the abundance of choice is in response to a dire predicament.

'We have a crisis among young adults in the Church,' he tells Christian Today.

'Just three per cent of young adults are involved in local churches around the country.

'There is a dearth of young adults who are following Jesus.'

The Discipleship Year is in response to that.

We are talking at New Wine's main summer event, a festival for evangelical Christians in Somerset that attracts around 23,000 over two separate weeks. The demographic is largely older couples or families with young children.

But the number of students and people in their 20s is comparatively low, perhaps reflecting the crisis Fox speaks of or perhaps just the fact there are more tailormade summer festivals for young evangelical Christians.

The trend of young adults abandoning church is not a new one. For years figures have pointed to two particular transitions  leaving school and leaving university  as key points where people stop going to church.

For Fox, this has been a problem brewing for the past century.

'Ultimately I think there has been a failure in past generations of passing on their faith to the next generation.

'I think in the Church, particular in the historic traditional Churches, we've not done very well at that in the last 100 to 150 years.'

He goes on: 'The Church hasn't adapted very quickly to changes in culture, particularly the big shifts in the 20th century, in terms of responses to the two world wars and the sexual revolution, which was a big turning point in the Church, and the liberation of women.

'All of these are known and talked about as theories of why the Church has declined.

He adds: 'While there has been this big decline I'm also hugely optimistic.

'What we are seeing is young adults now are the most likely out of any generation to share their faith in Jesus.'

Far from being threatened by the sheer scale of options for young people, Fox says he welcomes the diversity

'I think the reason there are so many of these internship schemes is people are trying to do something about this gap with young adults.'

The Discipleship Year, much like the rest of New Wine's approach, is focused on local churches in the UK rather than glitzy international projects.

'Our unique selling point is discipleship,' he says.

'I think that's still the key question for churches in the 21st century  how do we make disciples for the next generation, not just do consumeristic programmes for young people but actually invest in them so they are the ones who are leading and discipling the next generation?'

Spread across the country in hubs from Poole in the south to Hull in the north, the year-long programme is a mixture of teaching, training and working in a local church. Interns spend one day a week in classes with intensive teaching and then a minimum of 12 hours across the rest of the week working in a local church. It is often accompanied with a short-term mission trip overseas as well as weekend retreats.

'Absolutely' committed to seeing more women leading churches, New Wine now leads many other Christian networks in its ratio of male-female speakers. The Discipleship Year is no different and Fox says he is 'utterly committed' to ensuring an equal representation of genders during the year's teaching.

Fox's optimism for growth among young adults is not unwarranted. Across 16 hubs around the country 80 took part in the programme last year with another 80 expected this year. The numbers aren't vast, but the Discipleship Year is making its mark in looking to address the dire numbers of young adults in church .
Why do US evangelicals think poor people are lazy  and what does the Bible really say?

A new report in the Washington Post says the majority of evangelicals think that poverty is down to a lack of effort on behalf of an individual. The research shows, 'Christians, especially white evangelical Christians, are much more likely than non-Christians to view poverty as the result of individual failings.'

The piece goes on to explain various academics theories as to why this might be. Why, exactly, does white evangelical culture lend itself to this conclusion  that poverty, rather than being structural, or the fault of circumstances, is primarily the fault of the person in poverty themselves and their own fecklessness?

The article highlights one of the key scriptures that explain this attitude. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 reads: 'For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat.'

I've heard this verse expounded by preachers who seem to take it as the basis of the entire evangelical analysis for poverty. At the extreme end of this theology we have the likes of megachurch pastor John Hagee who said a few years ago, 'Get your nasty self off the couch, and go get a job! America has rewarded laziness and we've called it welfare.' He then quotes the Thessalonians passage and claims it as 'God's position'.

While Hagee has thousands of people in his church following these teachings, he's also representative of a strand of conservative politics that intersects with evangelical Christianity. Rep Stephen Fincher (R, Tennessee) used this passage to justify cutting $4 billion from the food stamps programme, for example.

Let's leave aside the fact that the passage is being deliberately taken out of context (it's actually talking about those in the Church who gave up working because they were anticipating the imminent second coming). Even if it was written about people today, it's descriptive, not prescriptive. If you don't work, it's going to be difficult to eat.

There's a wider picture here, though. Some evangelicals in America seem to have a pathological hatred of the state and of welfare provision which makes those of us in the UK scratch our heads. What's going on here? I think there are three reasons that this happens.

First, America is the home of capitalism. In his classic work, sociologist Max Weber examined the 'Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.' Nowhere is this symbiotic relationship between free enterprise and Protestant culture more evident than in America. But for all the creativity and entrepreneurialism this has generated, it has also fostered an overly simplistic understanding of how the world works.

The American dream supposes that anyone, if they work hard enough, can become whatever they want to be. It simply isn't true. We're all bound by structures and quirks of circumstance.

Second, American evangelicalism is overly individualistic. A (correct) emphasis on not relying on being born into a Christian family and making sure you are personally in a relationship with God, has tipped over into something else. American evangelicalism emphasises that personal relationship above all else.

Into this environment, is it any wonder that the structural causes of poverty are given short shrift? Hagee's injunction for people to get off their couch and look for work is, of course, correct. But the thought doesn't seem to occur to him that there may not be enough jobs to go around, or that without education and qualifications not all jobs are available to all people.

A final reason for the findings is more related to how we read the Bible.

The Thessalonians verse, taken in isolation and interpreted without any historical context, looks like it supports the stance taken by the majority of those surveyed. A so-called 'flat reading' of Scripture implies that every verse in the Bible is of equal importance, and that proof texts can simply be pulled out to support a political argument.

That isn't really how the Bible works, though. A flat reading just doesn't stand up to much scrutiny. Though Thessalonians is important for teaching us doctrine and practice, it isn't the final word. It needs to be seen in the context of the whole of Scripture  and indeed of Church teaching.

Jesus' interactions with vulnerable people seem to point in a different direction to those who suggest poverty is simply the fault of the person themselves. In probably the most famous passage in which he interacts with a vulnerable person, Jesus deals with the woman caught in adultery.

In this story, the religious leaders have condemned the women. According to the letter of the law, they are of course correct. But Jesus challenges them to examine their own hearts, and they drift away. Eventually he asks her, 'Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?' 'No, Lord,' she says  to which he responds, 'Neither do I. Go and sin no more.'

On the surface this story isn't about the issue of poverty and work. But Jesus' actions here show his attitude. Firstly, those condemning her are sent away. In the words of another of his aphorisms, they're told to remove the log from their own eye before pointing out the speck in hers.

He then tells her to get on with her life  without saying she can just carry on as before. If laziness is to blame for someone's lack of work, then Jesus would say to them 'sin no more'. But before that, he has considered the structural inequality that has caused the person's situation.

A flat reading of the Bible just plucks out a text and applies it to the 21st century in America. We can't do theology like that  it doesn't work. People in poverty need to work, yes. But to close our eyes to the structural inequality in our economy isn't only ignorant  it's going against Jesus' example.

So, yes evangelicals are right that hard work is important in finding a way out of poverty. But to remove that from the Christian imperative to seek a just economy and dignity and opportunity for all is a short-sighted and ultimately wrong way to approach the issue.
Why Ukrainian Christians Are Closing Down Orphanages

Maybe you remember the heart-breaking images of children chained into cots rocking themselves to try and get some sensation and stimulation in their lives. Maybe you remember their shorn hair and expressionless faces as portrayed on the news a few decades ago. There were many thousands of children in these situations right across Eastern Europe. Children whose parents were too poor to care for them or who had died were put into appalling conditions in institutional care. The images spurred many Christians to get involved in these orphanages, doing both short term and long term work to help show the children some love and to fight for an improvement in their conditions. But over the last 10 years God has been mobilising the church to do something revolutionary for the sake of these children. I have spoken to many church leaders around the world who seem to be catching the same vision. This week I was in Ukraine to see first hand the remarkable things God is doing.

Through a movement called "Ukraine without Orphans" the church is being mobilised. Not just to lobby government to improve children's care homes. Not to send clothes or toys or volunteers. Not to raise sponsorship, train choirs or start educational programmes. But to close orphanages down, bring the children out and ensure each one has a safe and loving forever family. In Kiev last week I met hundreds of adoptive and foster families. The average carer I met had taken in more than seven children. I met one couple that had adopted 11 children. The motivation for these carers was not infertility as the vast majority had their own birth children. They were not wealthy people, they were not celebrities, or film stars with large mansions. They were ordinary people  mothers, fathers, teachers, pastors, and youthworkers  who felt compelled by God to do something radical. Many of the children had additional needs or scars from early neglect and abuse. And yet these families were queuing up to welcome them into their homes and lives.

During an address I gave at a conference sponsored by "Orphans Promise" for adoptive parents in Ukraine, I praised the adopters for offering their nation as a living parable of the gospel of God. The grace of God that had been poured out into our lives as Christians was being poured out into the lives of children rejected and discarded by society. This was no easy ministry, especially in Ukraine. The country is in the middle of a major military conflict with Russia. For many people the long-term exposure to conflict has given them traumatic stress disorder. And yet they still heed the call to step up to care for vulnerable children.

Tamara Dudnik who lives close to the Russian border explained:

"It is difficult to live in this continual state of war. We are so close to the frontline, but God has anointed us to be missionaries in the frontline. I have noticed in my town that the attitude to the evangelical church in our town has changed as it was the only that church that stayed, everyone else left."

I also spoke to a young couple Kotya and Olya who had opened their home for young people in transition. Previously young adults aging out of the orphanages had not been given the life skills they needed to survive in the wider world. This couple have seven young adults aged between 18 and 24 living with them and they are helping them to learn how to cook, work, plan and save for the first time from a safe and supportive base. They had discovered that some of the orphanages closed during the holidays and the children were sent to hospitals. They could not believe that healthy children were spending weeks in hospital beds just because there was nobody able to care for them. Hearing about this challenged Olya and Katya to get involved in caring for vulnerable children.

Oleg Shelashsky, who is the Vice President of the Alliance for Ukraine Without Orphans, observed that most of the orphanages around the world are run by Christians. Many think they are doing something good for children, protecting children from living on the streets. This is true, but orphanages also prevent children from living in families. Oleg's vision for Ukraine is to close all the orphanages in his country because he believes the best place that children can flourish is in loving families. He wanted to challenge UK Christians. Is your church supporting an orphanage somewhere in the world? Rather than cutting off the funding and leaving those institutions in the lurch  is there a way you and your church can use its influence to encourage a planned and appropriate transition to family-based care?

Too often Christians in the west export our our songs, our way of doing church, our programmes as if we have all the answers, all the theology, all the blessing. I am coming home from Ukraine having been challenged that the church there has something to teach the rest of us they set a new standard for the rest of us as to what mission looks like.

Dr Krish Kandiah is a contributing editor to Christian Today and the founding director of Home for Good. Follow him on Twitter @krishk.
World Relief has broken ranks. Will other evangelical organisations follow and criticise Trump?

It's a statistic that has become so familiar I could quote it in my sleep. But it's still surprising. Eighty-one per cent of white evangelicals voted for Trump in 2016.

That's more than voted for George W Bush, with his story of personal conversion and his winning soundbite during the 2000 campaign that Jesus was his favourite philosopher. It's more than voted for Ronald Reagan  the man who re-invented conservatism. It's more than voted for Jimmy Carter  the man who didn't just talk the evangelical talk but even taught Sunday school.

The evangelical support for Trump wasn't just astonishing because of his track record of owning casinos, boasting of assaulting a woman and other things completely antithetical to evangelical morality. It was also surprising because he quite clearly had no concept of what was actually involved in being a Christian.

He said he'd never asked for forgiveness, which isn't just a minor technical point, it's basically a pre-requisite of accepting the gospel.

Of course, the reasons for Trump's triumph among white evangelicals have been carefully analysed in the months since November. Legitimate questions over Hillary Clinton's suitability were obvious  and Trump's decision to appoint a conservative justice to the Supreme Court had the desired effect. Most evangelical leaders either backed Trump, or stayed quiet.

His most enthusiastic cheerleaders were dyed-in-the-wool evangelicals, such as Jerry Falwell Junior, who defended Trump in the face of various indiscretions, Robert Jeffress and Eric Metaxas.

A couple of prominent evangelicals from conservatives like Russell Moore to liberals like Jim Wallis denounced Trump  and significant female leaders such as Beth Moore also spoke out. Most, though, stayed quiet and their flock voted with the Trump cheerleaders.

Now, though, maybe a corner is being turned. As Christian Today reported this morning, a major evangelical organisation has launched an attack on a new immigration plan backed by President Trump.

World Relief issued a statement after Trump offered his support for the RAISE Act which would cut the number of legal migrants into the USA by up to 50 per cent. Although the statement itslef didn't mention Trump, it was clear that World Relief was standing in opposition to the act, which is seen as a key part of Trump's agenda.

CEO Tim Breene said: 'The notion of severely limiting legal immigration goes against the historic American values of freedom and opportunity.'

The criticism didn't end there, though. Speaking about the act's provisions to reduce the number of refugees allowed in to the country, World Relief's president Scott Arbeiter had his say. 'When a nation of immigrants and refugees forsakes its past, it gives up its future,' he said. 'We cannot lose the heart of compassion that gave so many of our own grandparents hope and refuge.

This very strongly worded intervention comes not from a group of liberals, not from Democrats or from the mainstream media. It comes from World Relief, which was founded in 1944 by the National Association of Evangelicals. This is a solidly evangelical organisation which doesn't exist to score political points, but to help vulnerable people. This statement won't have been made lightly.

The stinging critique of Trump's agenda from this well-respected and non-partisan organisation feels as though it may be a turning point.

Trump will always retain the support of true believers such as Falwell, who seem to value fealty to the Republican Party above all else. But for those who've previously kept quiet, this could be the beginning of them finding their voices.

The likes of Russell Moore took heavy criticism from Trump's support base for sticking to their guns and opposing him, but as the chaos of the White house has been laid bare, surely many more are beginning to question their whole-hearted support, or at least their silence in the face of the on-going soap opera at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?

Until recently, white evangelical approval of Trump was holding at around 75 per cent. This was despite an overall approval rating of just 34 per cent.

Can that hold up? As the appointment of a pro-life Supreme Court justice fades in memory somewhat and as more evangelical leaders put their heads above the parapet, then maybe.

Immigration and refugee issues are, of course, right at the centre of the concerns of the Bible. If World Relief has kicked off a period of introspection among evangelicals who prize their devotion to Scripture so highly, then things could be about to change.

It's hard to predict, though. Who'd have thought he'd end up with more white evangelical supporters than any other candidate? Who'd have thought they'd stick by him? The future is hard to predict, but just maybe the sands are shifting in the world of evangelcialism.

Follow Andy Walton on Twitter @waltonandy
Basic Income: A Radical Proposal for a Free Society and a Sane Economy, by Philippe Van Parijs and Yannick Vanderborght (Harvard University Press, 400 pp., $29.95)

Proposals to institute a basic income are increasingly popular, especially in Silicon Valley. Philippe Van Parijs and Yannick Vanderborght make their case for it in Basic Income: A Radical Proposal for a Free Society and a Sane Economy. A basic incomean annual, unconditional cash grant to every adult, regardless of need, and without a work requirement to obtain itwould be non-taxable and total about 25 percent of GDP. The amount of the grant could vary depending on the age of the recipient, but it would start at birth. It would supplement existing safety-net programs and replace only those whose benefits are less than the basic income amount; thus, the grant would establish a floor, but not a ceiling, on government income transfers. (Publicly financed health care would remain outside the system, for example.)

The overarching goal of the basic-income proposal is to ease economic distress stemming from the structural disappearance of work and declining real incomes for lower-skilled workers. Technology has eliminated countless jobs, and theres no reason to believe that this process wont continue. Researchers from MIT and Oxford have estimated that technology already in development, such as driverless cars, could eliminate nearly half of all current jobs in the United States. One does not have to accept this particular analysis to recognize the anxieties that existone reason why Silicon Valley supports the idea.

Another goal of the basic income is to redirect the negative incentives created by current welfare systems. When you pay people for being poor or unemployed, unsurprisingly, theyre often motivated to remain poor. Welfare benefits get phased out as income rises; the poor and lower-income workers can face effective marginal tax rates as high as 85 percent, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Working longer hours or seeking out a higher-paying but more difficult job doesnt make much sense in a system that punishes good behavior and traps people at the bottom of the income ladder.

Unfortunately, the authors version of basic income has several critical practical and philosophical flaws. A more controlled, restricted immigration system would be essential if everyone in the United States were entitled to a significant basic income just for being here. To their credit, the authors say that eligibility for basic income excludes tourists and other travelers, undocumented migrants, and employees of supranational organizations [emphasis added]. While they would prefer a global basic income with open borders, they understand that, if generous national (or, more generally, subglobal) basic incomes are to be made sustainable in the era of globalization, it will therefore not be possible to dispense with some version of the exclusionary [immigration] strategy.

This would likely be a showstopper for basic income in the United States. Championing de facto unlimited immigration and the rights of illegal migrants is arguably the highest priority of a significant portion of the American political class. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel closed 50 schools, shuttered half the citys mental-health clinics, and cut library hours, but still found $1 million to pay for legal aid for illegal migrants. Until America reestablishes control over immigration and limits the number of poor migrants it accepts, basic income will be completely unworkableas the authors concede.

Some humility from the authors would have been welcome about the risks of the radical restructuring that basic income would entail; Van Parijs and Vanderborght see only upside. To illustrate the downside potential, consider the poor results from annual per-capita payments of casino revenues to American Indian tribes (not discussed in the book). Some tribes enjoy a very high basic incomesometimes as high as $100,000 per year in the form of these payments. But as the Economist reports, as payment grows more Native Americans have stopped working and fallen into a drug and alcohol abuse lifestyle that has carried them back into poverty. The magazine contrasts this fate with that of more successful tribes like Washington States Jamestown SKlallam, which eliminated poverty by investing in tribal-owned small businesses instead of handing out cash grants.

Another major problem with the basic-income thesis is that its intrinsic vision of society is morally problematic, even perverse: individuals are entitled to a share of social prosperity but have no obligation to contribute anything to it. In the authors vision, it is perfectly acceptable for able-bodied young men to collect a perpetual income while living in moms basement or a small apartment and doing nothing but play video games and watch Internet porn. A basic income differs from conditional minimum-income schemes in having no strings attached, the authors concede. It carries no obligation for its beneficiaries to work or be available on the labor market. In this precise sense, we shall say that a basic income is obligation free. Their attempts to address the problems implicit in their asymmetric view of society are some of the weakest arguments in the book.

As is often the case with social reformers, Van Parijs and Vanderborght are making an argument that is fundamentally moral, not empirical or practical. An unconditional basic income is what we need, we argued, if what we care about is freedom, not just for a few but for all, they write. We thereby appeal to an egalitarian conception of distributive justice that treats freedom not as a constraint on what justice requires but as the very stuff that justice consists in distributing fairly. Make no mistake about what this means: if justice requires a basic income, then there is no moral right to dissent from it, and thus all disagreement with their position must ultimately be exiled from the realm of politics, democracy, and polite society. If a basic income were ever implemented, any attempt to remove it would be treated by its advocates as not just a bad policy idea, but evil, regardless of public support.

Basic income sounds to many like an attractive ideabut closer examination reveals that its also a dangerous one, based on dubious social and moral logic. Though it surely wasnt their intention in writing this book, Van Parijs and Vanderborght have made the dangers clearer.

Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
As a candidate, Donald Trump was given to bold policy proposals that he assured supporters he would enact once taking office. Were gonna do it, hed typically tell campaign crowds. But unlike many politicians, who, for better or worse, scale back ambitions after getting elected, President Trump has actually proposed the kind of sweeping, radical changes that he promised on the campaign trail. Thats probably one reason why he remains popular among his core supporters but is simultaneously having a tough time accomplishing anything that requires Congresss approval. The new legal-immigration reform plan that Trump announced on Wednesday exemplifies the problem and may represent another missed opportunity.

The plan includes a sensible pitch to reconfigure U.S. visa policies to reflect what most First World, industrialized nations have already done: give priority to skilled immigrants likely to succeed in the modern economy. This would mark a break with our current system, where most immigrants are granted entry based on family ties. But Trump would also cut legal immigration in half at a time when the countrys unemployment rate is below 5 percent, a proposal that could prompt strong opposition from moderate Republican senators whose votes are needed to pass any package, as well as from business groups that might otherwise be enthusiastic about a skills-based immigration system. Not surprisingly, Trumps backing of a severe reduction in legal-immigration levels has generated most of the headlines in stories.

Fixing our legal-immigration system was never going to be easy, but the effort is worth itthe payoff is potentially enormous. A decade ago, John McCain and Ted Kennedy produced a bill that proposed moving to a skills-based system. Though the measure ultimately died because it also included a controversial path to amnesty for illegals, even the bipartisan approach to a new legal system based on merit was divisive. Presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both objected to the bill, claiming that moving away from a family-based immigration system was contrary to America values. Today, the notion persists that emphasizing skills over family is somehow un-American, and separates families.

Given that history, Trump was always going to have to rely principally on keeping his own party members together to accomplish any immigration reform. Congressional Democrats have already shown that they remain united in opposition to Trump, and the party today sees immigration not as an area where policies need to be crafted in the national interest, but as a recruiting tool. For the Democrats, in other words, the more expansive the policy, the better. Republicans in Congress, however, are hardly unified. The party encompasses a range of right-leaning interests on immigration, from business groups that dont want to see the flow of newcomers severely reduced to blue-collar workers worried about disappearing jobs to culture warriors troubled by the increasingly slow assimilation of immigrants into American society.

If Trump has any chance of bringing this diverse group together, its with an argument that recognizes the benefits of immigration to the economy and specific industries but also acknowledges that our current system based on family ties is outdated and bad for our most vulnerable workers. Some two-thirds of those currently gaining legal entry come through family ties, or chain migration, and these newcomers are typically lower-skilled and command lower wages. As the American economy has become more knowledge-based, with jobs growing ever more sophisticated, unskilled workers have struggled to gain an economic footing and assimilated more slowly than better-skilled workers. The large number of unskilled immigrants also drives down wages for the lowest earners. As Harvard economist George Borjas recently observed, Since more than a quarter of Americas recent immigrants lack even a high-school diploma or its equivalent, immigration particularly hurts the least-educated native workers, the very people who are already struggling the most. Americas immigration system, in other words, pits two of the groups liberals care about mostthe native-born poor and the immigrant pooragainst each other.

Shifting to a system that emphasizes immigrants with skills, which has generated demonstrable benefits in other countries, notably Australia, changes this dynamic. As Australias experience shows, new arrivals with skills assimilate and succeed economically more quickly. Of course, any new competition for jobs potentially puts a downward pressure on wages, but theres evidence that America needs workers with skills far more than it needs new waves of unskilled laborers.

At the same time, the administration must answer the charge that shifting away from a family-based system would somehow separate families. Under Trumps proposed skills-based system, an individual who gains entry can bring along a spouse and minor children. Once those new immigrants establish legal residence here, though, they no longer would be able to bring over parents or adult brothers and sisters and their families, as current law allows. Since any new applicant for a visa would know this in advance, the policy hardly amounts to splitting up families.

Moreover, our family-based system, poorly thought out in the first place, has driven immigration policy in directions that Congress never anticipated. The extended-family policy created such demand for visas that, starting in the mid-1960s, Congress began a steady increase in immigration levels, seeking to cut down the long waiting list of applicants. But as Washington lifted the number of legal visas, that list has never grown shorter: the new visas have merely attracted more applicants. Thus, America went from legal immigration of 296,697 annually in 1965 to 524,295 by 1980 to more than 1 million today. Its safe to say that our legal immigration currently reflects no informed notion of a proper level of visas. Rather, those levels are a reflection of political pressures generated by a system that produced far more demand than originally intended.

Still, any appeal that Trumps immigration plan might have to moderate Republicans and business groups is undercut by its dramatic reduction in immigration levels. The plans skills-based approach, for instance, wouldnt add new visas for these workers, but merely reallocate 140,000 employment visas already available to workers. Meantime, the Trump proposal would, by ending visas for relatives beyond the nuclear family, eventually cut as many as 500,000 legal immigrants a year. Thats why the plan can be described by critics as restrictionistand why it will struggle to gain enough Republican votes to pass. Theres little doubt that shifting America toward a merit-based immigration system would have a positive impact on our economy and our culture. For that to happen, though, Trump will need to find common ground with his own party.

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
The government has said it will introduce measures which allow it to grant general licenses to help charities deliver humanitarian aid in sanctioned countries, following pressure from the charity sector.

The government opened a consultation back in April on views about the legal powers needed to continue to be able to impose and implement sanctions following the UKs withdrawal from the European Union.

Following the consultation, the governments response, released this week, said: We intend to create a power enabling general licences to be introduced in certain circumstances to authorise specific activities, for example to facilitate humanitarian aid to regions affected by sanctions.

The UK needs to be able to impose and implement sanctions in order to comply with its obligations under the United Nations (UN) Charter and to support its wider foreign policy and national security goals.

The Charity Finance Group welcomed this move, but said it isnt everything that the sector has asked for.

Andrew OBrien, head of policy and engagement at the CFG, said: The governments response on sanctions is a big step forward, although it isnt everything that the sector has asked for, it is a sign that the government recognises the significant challenges that the sanctions regime has presented to charities and banks working in high-risk countries.

Greater flexibility will hopefully enable the government to target the sanctions regime so that is restricts harmful activities and does not reduce the amount of humanitarian, development and peace-building work that UK charities undertake around the world. We look forward to scrutinising the Sanctions Bill when it comes before Parliament.

Difference between life and death

The CFG, in accordance with other aid charities, had responded to the consultation saying that it was inevitable that civil society organisations would need to work in areas that are restricted by sanctions. It said that the increasing use of sanctions as a foreign policy tool, and the increasing divergence of sanctions regimes are creating an ever more complex environment for NGOs, and that it was concerned that this problem is getting worse.

It said: This complex environment is leading to delays in aid delivery and in many theatres of NGO operation such delays can mean the difference between life and death.

The CFG said it believed that the government should use the opportunity of creating a new legal framework for sanctions to include sufficient legal powers in the primary legislation to ensure that the inadvertent disruption that sanctions can cause to humanitarian and peacebuilding activities is minimised.

It said that its preference was for the use of exemptions, as this enable NGOs to respond quickly and would give the clearest possible indication to UK banks and other financial service providers about the necessity of aid.

It said: We would recommend that the clearest method would be through building exemptions/derogations into the design of sanctions regimes, and where this is not possible use of a general licence/authorisation.

This development from government puts it in line with the US model, where general licenses can be broadly drafted to include exemptions for a wide range of activities, such as supporting humanitarian projects and democracy building.

The NGO Counter-Terrorism and Sanctions Working Group brings together a range of NGOs and charities, and is convened by CFG and Bond. The submission from CFG was prepared with, Oxfam, Save the Children, Christian Aid, Islamic Relief Worldwide, and Conciliation Resources.

Civil Society Media is hosting its NGO Insight 2017 conference on 28 November 2017. For more information, and to book, click here.
Shelter has announced the appointment of a new chair of its board of trustees, following the resignation of its previous chair who had connections to Grenfell Tower.

Shelter have confirmed that Ros Micklem has been appointed as the new chair of its board of trustees, replacing former chair Derek Myers,

Myers was former chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea Council and who stepped down from the role to avoid any unnecessary distraction shortly after the disaster.

Myers and another Shelter trustee, both resigned from their roles with the charity on 26 June 2017 in order to avoid any unnecessary distraction from the charitys work in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Myers jointly ran Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham councils between 2011 and 2013, and had recently led the intervention commission into Rotherham council.

Micklem has been a trustee of Shelter since 2014 and is also currently the chair of the Shelter Scotland Committee. She will step down from her role with Shelter Scotland in August, when a new chair is elected.

Her background is in further education and, alongside her charity trustee roles, Micklem is also currently a board member of the Scottish Legal Aid Board and was recently Scotland Director of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Micklem said: I feel honoured to have been elected to chair the board for the coming year. Im really looking forward to working with the incoming chief executive Polly Neate and her team to build on whats great about Shelter, encourage fresh thinking and develop a clear sense of direction for the years ahead.

In Governance & Leadership Magazine

Trustees and committee members all want to make a positive difference both for and with the people Shelter exists to support  thats why we volunteer our time. We know staff are committed to maximising Shelters impact and influence in a challenging environment and were determined to help them do that.

The housing and homelessness charity also announced that Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall, had been elected as vice chair of trustees and that Joanna Simmons had been elected chair of its audit, risk and finance committee.

All three appointments are for a 12-month period.
I remember when August was a very slow time for news, Washington Post reporter Paul Farhi tweeted last night. People did crazy stuff like go on vacation. Count me among the overwhelmed crazies. Im writing this from the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport, trying to keep up with a deluge of news pouring from the nations capital.

That attempt begins with The Wall Street Journals scoop that Special Counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury as part of his probe into Russias interference in the 2016 campaign. The escalation of Muellers investigation marks the latest development in a story that has dominated political coverage for months. The Journals reporting led evening newscasts, and indicated that the inquiry into Trumps ties to Russia will likely continue for months.

Then there was The Washington Posts disclosure of the transcripts of President Trumps calls with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The records of the conversations show combative exchanges with both leaders, and contradict a rosier picture that the administration attempted to sell to the media. Details of the calls had been previously reported, but the leak of the full transcripts shows that new Chief of Staff John Kellys attempt to plug a leaky West Wing has a long way to go.

While were on the subject of leaks, three West Wing and defense officials told Conservative Reviews Jordan Schachtel that National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster is a man fiercely opposed to strengthening the US alliance with the Jewish state. The internecine conflict between McMaster and more nationalist members of the administration has emerged as a major topic of coverage this week.

Senators are headed home for their August recess, but if yesterday was any indication, DC journalists wont be able to relax along with them. Below, more on a news-filled day in Washington.

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Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.
A PAIR OF NORTH CAROLINA sheriffs offices, in Ashe and Union counties, have a couple things in common. Each is on the receiving end of open records requests from an investigative TV reporter named Nick Ochsner, who asked for copies of text messages sent by law enforcement officials. And each office is pushing back against those requests to different degrees.

The FOIA disputesbetween these rural sheriffs offices and an urban reporter in this southern statehave made nightly newscasts and boiled over in behind-the-scenes legal correspondence. The dispute in Union County carries some of the anti-media posturing weve seen trickle down to the local level from Washington, including a mention of fake news.

This week, the situation in Union County escalated: WBTV-Charlotte sued the county sheriff and his office to try and pry loose records Ochsner seeks. Jonathan Jones, director of the North Carolina Open Government Coalition, tells CJR he believes the TV stations open records lawsuit for text messages is the first of its kind in the state. FOI litigation over text messages is far from common, though concerns over access to text messages are taking hold at the state level to various degrees.

The efforts by Ochsner and WBTV highlight some all-too-common hurdles reporters can face when trying to obtain certain public records.

WBTVs decision to file a lawsuit also conjures concerns about whether resource-strapped local newsrooms can handle the expenses associated with a protracted records battle. Yet in North Carolina, as in many states, the only way for journalists to resolve a public records dispute is to go to court. A spokesman for the Union County Sheriffs office declined to comment, saying he had yet to see the complaint.

The letter ends with this: Nick would not know the truth if it bit him in the facea quote that now graces the reporters Twitter bio.

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IN UNION COUNTY, WBTV has for months battled the sheriffs department for access to text messages between the sheriff and deputies. According to the WBTV lawsuit, the station is looking into the sheriff departments practices involving investigations of reported child sexual assaults, and certain decisions made by the office regarding charges made against a specific individual. The station has previously reported on the departments decision to charge Kristy Brooks, a mother who had gone into hiding with her daughter against a judges civil order, with felony child abduction days after an interview with her aired on WBTV.

Ochsner says when he asked six months ago for copies of text messages sent and received around the time the charges were filed, the sheriffs office declined to provide them.

The sheriffs then-attorney told the station that deputies dont have texts responsive to the request and the departments phone carrier doesnt retain messages for more than five days. However, the station reported, Best Practices for Electronic Communications in North Carolina, a manual produced by the state archives, says public agencies and employees should not rely on service providers to provide records created by text/IM.

WBTV is lucky, Ochsner says, because the Raycom-owned company has capable outside counsel to help with First Amendment matters. He says a lawyer for the station tried to set up a meeting with Union County officials, its phone carrier, and WBTV to work out the records request.

Instead of a meeting, WBTVs attorney got a nastygram from the Union County sheriffs outgoing lawyer, William McGuirt. Ochsner and WBTV published the letter. Heres an excerpt:

I have been watching WBTV lately just to see what Nick Oschner (sic) has been doing. It seems, to me and others, that he is doing nothing but making personal attacks of Republican Sheriffs and now, Republican legislators in North Carolina. It angers me that a large news organization is attacking Republicans because conservative Republicans dont agree with the medias liberal views. Suffice it to say that it is 4:45 a.m. on the last day of my employment with the Sheriff of Union County. I am completely satisfied that my Sheriff, Eddie Cathey, is a good and honest man. Nick Oschner (sic) is attempting to attack the reputation of a man who is beyond reproach and the majority of the citizens of our county see that. I will no longer watch WBTV. I dont agree with many things that our President says or does in Washington but I do agree with his assessment of the media and fake news. Especially in light of Nick Oschner (sic) and his recent reporting of the Kristy Brooks case.

The letter ends with this: Nick would not know the truth if it bit him in the face a quote that now graces the reporters Twitter bio.

In Ashe County, 150 miles away, Sheriff Terry Buchanan launched an investigation into county employees who attempted to fill a different request for text messages filed by Ochsner. In a public meeting, the sheriff characterized the WBTV inquiry as a politically motivated fishing expedition. He expressed frustration that an outside reporter from Charlotte is investigating the sheriffs office. Jones, of the North Carolina Open Government Coalition, called Buchanans response insane.

WBTV, which asked for copies of texts in April after a caller to the stations tip line suggested a potential story about the newly appointed sheriff, still hasnt received everything it requested; the station is contemplating its next move as county officials lawyer up in response to the request.

Theres a lot of government employees who simply just dont realize that when theyre texting about government business theyre creating a public record.

TEXT MESSAGES OBTAINED by North Carolina reporters have provided stories with important context. In 2015, The Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer relied on text messages for investigations that revealed then-Gov. Pat McCrory personally intervened to help a friend and campaign donor secure a multimillion-dollar prison contract. Last year, Ochsner relied on text messages obtained from House Speaker Tim Moore for a story about how the speaker landed a side job as a county attorney.

Perhaps just as often, though, reporters in North Carolina file stories about how hard obtaining copies of public text messages can be. The Charlotte Observer recently ran a story which detailed roadblocks encountered in the papers pursuit of records from officials in Mecklenburg County.

From the July 14 lede in The Observer:

North Carolina law is clear: Text messages exchanged by government workers are public records. But Mecklenburg County doesnt retain texts from county cellphones and officials personal devicesa practice that likely destroys public records in violation of state law.

The newspaper asked for texts sent or received by a county health director who resigned after learning about errors at county health clinics involving cervical cancer screenings for low-income women. Mecklenburg County officials told the paper they could not access them because the countys phone carrier, Verizon, doesnt keep them longer than a week. The North Carolina Open Government Coalitions Jones told the paper he believes the county violated the states public records law.

Caroline Metzler, one of the reporters for The Observer piece, pointed out in an email to CJR that other nearby local governments, like the Charlotte City Council, have found ways to preserve such text messages. As more and more public officials carry out business on their phones, some unanimity on how records of such business are retained and disclosed would be meaningfulin North Carolina and elsewhere.

To that end, the North Carolina Open Government Coalition partnered in January with newspapers and TV stations to test how public entities around the state respond to requests for texts. The group and its news partners sent requests to nine local governments and 19 state officials. The result was scattershot, though no one who was queried denied the records should be public.

Text messages in general are difficult to get from a lot of agencies mainly because theres not a lot of education about text messages being public records, says Jones. Theres a lot of government employees who simply just dont realize that when theyre texting about government business theyre creating a public record.

The WBTV lawsuit, in which the news station alleges it is informed and believes that texts were improperly deleted, asks the court to compel the sheriffs office to cough up the texts Ochsner asked for, and also to declare that the Union County Sheriffs Office violated the states open records law.

Its a real problem that more often than not in North Carolina when someone asks to see the government business done via text message, the answer is we dont have them or you cant see them, says Ochsner.

As for the personal attacks on his work from the lawyer, Ochsner says as a rule he doesnt respond to ad hominem attacks from public officials. Thats not the first time someones attacked my credibility in response to my questions for a story, he says. And, if Im doing my job well, it wont be the last. There is more room on his Twitter bio, after all.

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Corey Hutchins is CJRs correspondent based in Colorado, where he teaches journalism at Colorado College. A former alt-weekly reporter in South Carolina, he was twice named journalist of the year in the weekly division by the SC Press Association. Hutchins writes about politics and media for the Colorado Independent and worked on the State Integrity Investigation at the Center for Public Integrity; he has contributed to Slate, The Nation, the Washington Post, and others. Follow him on Twitter @coreyhutchins or email him at coreyhutchins@gmail.com.
Pakistan must do more to combat homegrown terrorism or risk joining the Muslim-majority nations on President Donald Trump's travel ban, political risk consultancy Eurasia has warned.

"Pakistan's continuing loss of influence with the [U.S.] executive branch and Congress could result in some form of economic and travel sanctions," said analysts Sasha Riser-Kositsky and Shailesh Kumar in a Thursday note.

"A senior White House official already suggested that Pakistan could be included on a list of terrorism-wracked countries whose citizens are now temporarily banned from entering the U.S."



Some policy experts were surprised that the South Asian nation wasn't included on Trump's Jan. 27 executive order. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has long been a hotbed for various militant groups and those motivated by sectarianism, anti-India sentiments, the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, or ISIS, are among the most prolific.

Washington and Islamabad share a multi-faceted relationship in areas of security, energy and investment, with the U.S. being Pakistan's largest export destination. In a December phone call, Trump told Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that he was "willing to play any role" to help "fantastic' Pakistan."
As businesses complain about the tax burden in China  including 25 per cent income tax and 17 per cent value-added tax  the situation is changing elsewhere. In the United States , President Donald Trump is pressing ahead with corporate tax cut plans, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pushing the country's biggest tax overhaul since independence.

Their sentiments reflect limited progress in the push to "cut costs for business"  one of the biggest economic goals under President Xi Jinping , along with reducing excess capacity and cutting debt levels.

That's according to the results of a nationwide survey of 14,709 companies released on Tuesday, relating to the three years from 2014, by the Chinese Academy of Fiscal Sciences, a think tank affiliated with the Ministry of Finance.

Chinese business owners say their profit margins have been "squeezed to the extreme" by rising rent and labour costs  and 80 per cent want taxes and levies cut to ease their burden.

The average tax burden of respondents was 5.14 per cent of total business turnover in 2016, the academy said. That was slightly less than the average of 5.32 per cent in 2014.

It found that the combined costs and expenses of the companies surveyed had exceeded their combined revenues in the three years from 2014.

Respondents said rising costs were largely to blame, with raw materials up 7.8 per cent last year, labour costs rising 6.8 per cent, and rents up 9.7 per cent.

Although Beijing has promised to reduce company taxes and charges with a taxation regime overhaul and preferential policies for small firms, the government collected an extra 9.8 per cent in revenues in the first half  compared to GDP growth of 6.9 per cent in the same period.

More from the South China Morning Post:

Are China's taxes killing its competitiveness?

Taxman tightens checks on China's 'high-tech' firms to cut abuse

China struggling to find foreigner to run giant telescope

Premier Li Keqiang said in March that his cabinet planned to cut the corporate burden by about 1 trillion yuan (US$148.72 billion) in 2017, partly through changes to value-added tax and by slashing administrative fees.

Tang Dajie, secretary general of Beijing-based think tank the China Enterprise Institute, said the actual tax burden on mainland China was heavier than official numbers suggested. "These tax cuts aren't helping companies," Tang said. "It's just a few government surcharges and administrative fees that have been removed."

He added that companies may even end up paying more tax this year as the authorities were getting tough on collection.

The issue of whether Beijing is demanding too much tax from companies came under the spotlight at the end of 2016, when billionaire vehicle glass manufacturer Cao Dewang said production costs in China were higher than in the United States  mainly because of its tax regime.

The country's macro tax burden, the broadest measure, has reached nearly 40 per cent of its gross domestic product, a "deadly rate" for businesses, according to an earlier report by Chinese think tank the Unirule Institute of Economics.
He also is believed to have started a new account on Twitter, the social media messaging site that banned him earlier this year to harassing a female journalist.

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Shkreli and his lawyers have been biding their time in the courthouse, where the trial began in late June. Shkreli has spent hours in the cafeteria with his father and some friends, in addition to chatting with his lawyers in the courtroom.

During that time they have sent out just one note, on Tuesday, that asked substantive questions. The relative lack of notes, either with questions about the case or telling the judge about a deadlock between jurors, is unusual given the amount of time Shkreli's jury has spent deliberating.

The seven-woman, five-man jury so far has deliberated for about 32 hours this week in Brooklyn, New York, federal court.

Jurors in the Martin Shkreli securities fraud trial ended their fourth day of deliberations Thursday without reaching a verdict  and without asking any questions about the evidence or testimony.

The account's owner followed a number of reporters covering the trial earlier in the week, and tweeted multiple messages about the case. Those messages, as well as other comments on the Twitter feed, echoed Shkreli's well-known online voice, which is widely considered as troll-ish. On Thursday, the account owner abruptly blocked most of those reporters from reading the message feed.

Meanwhile, Shkreli was streaming a live video feed showing his empty Manhattan apartment on YouTube for hours, while he was in the Brooklyn courthouse.

At one point, more than 40 people had connected to the livestream, with several of them bickering in the related comment thread.

Shkreli is charged with defrauding more than a half-dozen people who invested in two hedge funds he ran. He is accused of lying about the performance of those funds, and then refusing to give them back investors' money when they asked for it.

Shkreli also is accused of looting the drug company he founded, Retrophin , out of stock and cash to pay back the hedge fund investors for their swindled money. Shkreli denies the charges, which are unrelated to his having notoriously raised of the price of an anti-parasite drug by more than 5,000 percent in 2015.

On Tuesday which refers to the value of cash and investments that a fund manager is responsible for.

Jurors wanted to know the definition of the term, and whether it referred to assets in "a particular fund being discussed or to all the assets managed by the portfolio manager/general partner."

Matsumoto said she could not give them a definition, since none was introduced through testimony or evidence during the trial.

As for the question of what Shkreli intended when he talked about assets under management to investors, the Securities and Exchange Commission and alleged co-conspirators, the judge told jurors it "is an issue in dispute for you to resolve."

Shkreli, repeatedly lied to investors about the size of his funds' assets, claiming to have tens of millions of dollars under management. In reality, neither fund had much more than $3 million at their respective peaks, and often much, much less than that, prosecutors said.

Jurors also had asked Matsumoto to clarify the term "fraudulent intent." Shkreli's lawyer Benjamin Brafman

The judge pointed jurors to the sections in the legal instructions she had read to them before they started their deliberations.
Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson started his airline Virgin Atlantic in 1984 when his flight from Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands was cancelled.

Rather than waiting for the next available flight, "I hired a plane, borrowed a blackboard and as a joke, I wrote 'Virgin Airlines' on the top of the blackboard, '$39 one way to BVI,'" he says in a video by HP Matter. "I went out to round up all the passengers who had been bumped and I filled up my first plane."

Three decades after after its launch, Virgin Atlantic is the second-largest UK carrier. "But it hasn't always been easy ... during those 33 years," the founder writes in a letter to his employees.

Most notably, when Branson's airline was trying to establish itself in the 1990s, British Airways ran what became known as the "dirty tricks" campaign.

"We had about four planes flying, and [British Airways] went to extraordinary lengths to put us out of business," recalls Branson on an episode of NPR's "How I Built This" podcast. "They had a team of people illegally accessing our computer information and ringing up our passengers and pretending that they were from Virgin, telling them that flights were cancelled and switching them onto BA."
"Because you have this area of strength [in beauty], a lot of retailers are trying to play," Parikh said.

And one can't forget the ever-present threat of Amazon , which is rumored to be considering partnering with beauty supplier Violet Grey. The younger e-retailer's website sells products from big-name brands ranging from Chanel to MAC to Tom Ford to Dior. These are partnerships Amazon.com hasn't been able to secure yet.

This news, when combined with tough year-over-year comparisons, all point to a more "challenging beauty backdrop" for certain retailers in the coming quarters, Parikh said.

"If our read of L'Oreal's assessment is accurate, this, coupled with increased department store discounting, could suggest a less robust U.S. beauty market," Oppenheimer & Co. analyst Rupesh Parikh wrote in a Monday note to clients. "As a result, we now view the backdrop as more challenging for ULTA to deliver the same level of comp and earnings upside investors have grown accustomed to."

However, cosmetics giant L'Oreal on its latest earnings conference call pointed to softer trends in its North American beauty business. This caught one analyst's attention, and he quickly issued a downgrade on Ulta's stock.

Department stores had long been the only destination for women to browse for more expensive brands of blushes, lipsticks and perfumes. But nontraditional players like Ulta , LVMH' s Sephora and Macy's Bluemercury came into the mix and changed the beauty landscape, and were rewarded with robust growth.

"We've seen our competitors start to discount items like cosmetics, and I'm sure they're saying we're doing it," Jerry Storch, CEO of Hudson's Bay , the parent company of department store chain Saks Fifth Avenue, said on a recent conference call. "Once you get into that kind of a situation, everyone is fighting for every inch."

The initial warning sign occurred in early July when reports surfaced that there was more promotional activity at department stores' cosmetics counters  once a big no-no for these large retailers.

Following quarter after quarter of rampant growth, some signs of a slowdown in the U.S. beauty market are starting to appear, cooling some optimism for this once-hot sector.

Within the past two years, Ulta has surpassed smaller rivals Sephora, Bluemercury and others to become the nation's largest makeup merchant. Amid growing competition and the threat of falling foot traffic at stores, Ulta is still finding ways to lure shoppers through its doors.



"ULTA's loyalty, prestigious brand access, & mass offerings drive traffic and are competitive moats, enabling ULTA to protect & gain share," Cowen and Co. analyst Oliver Chen wrote in a recent note to clients. In some ways, Chen said he believes Ulta could become the "Amazon of beauty."



The beauty retailer has managed to turn itself into both an online and offline shopping destination, and importantly one that key cosmetics and skin care brands are actually looking to partner with, he added.

"As our readers know, we have been and remain quite bullish on ULTA's prospects due to a combination of company-specific initiatives, new product launches including MAC, and one of the strongest managements in retail," Oppenheimer's Parikh made sure to mention when he downgraded the stock earlier this week.

But for now, the company is struggling to convince Wall Street of the same story. Expectations have been set sky-high.

Ulta's stock has fallen about 8 percent over the past six months and is down nearly 14 percent for the past three months, owing much to recent chatter about increased promotions and makeup demand on the decline.

"Ulta is a victim of their own success," KeyBanc analyst Jason Gere told CNBC. "I think the stock is weak because people are saying all these good things can't last forever.  [Business] has to slow at some point."

But if you "peel back the layers of the onion," Ulta still has tremendous runway for growth, he added, and at least for a number of years.



Ulta has managed to come out of the "shadow" of the department stores, proving it can survive and thrive as a stand-alone business, Chris Conlon, chief operating officer of retail real estate investment trust Acadia, told CNBC in an interview. "They are the best example of moving out of that [department store] box."



After being "defined for decades as the ground floor of a department store where you were assaulted ... with samples and testers," the beauty sector has shown it's capable of changing from that, Conlon said.



The beauty business, he added, is still a hot-ticket item for real estate folks. Landlords want a bite of that apple, if they can get it.

Time Equities, a New York-based real estate agency and advisor, told CNBC that its business is still seeing strong demand from beauty operators in 2017, despite talk of the sector cooling off. Ami Ziff, who leads the firm's national retail team, said Time Equities is currently working on four prospective Ulta stores within its portfolio.

Meantime, Ulta is scheduled to open its first location in Manhattan later this year  a 12,000-square-foot box on the Upper East Side. Sephora and Bluemercury are both in close proximity down the block, but Ulta's footprint will undoubtedly be the biggest of the group.

The market still looks to be fair game for other retail players, too. At least no one company is really slowing growth.



Target and internet giant Amazon, for example, are looking to beef up their beauty offerings.

"[Target is] bringing in things that are trending, bringing in reasonably priced product and trying to get consumers excited," NPD Group's beauty analyst, Larissa Jensen, told CNBC. "Amazon is definitely going after beauty in a different way."

Amazon, Jensen said, is really able to win in beauty when it comes to replenishment  when women know exactly what they want, and when they want it.



Online players still only bring in less than 20 percent of total beauty dollar sales, NPD has found. Most females refuse to give up the "touch and feel" aspect of shopping when looking for the right shade of powder, lip gloss or eye shadow.



The threats and talk of Amazon making a bigger push into prestige beauty online are overblown and shouldn't steal from Ulta's success, Cowen's Chen said. In fact, Ulta is looking to make its own push online, he pointed out.

Ulta has set the bar high because of what investors have seen  double-digit growth in the high teens for same-store sales, quarter after quarter, Anthony Chukumba, an analyst at Loop Capital, told CNBC in an interview.

"But a sequential slowdown wouldn't end well. Absolutely not.  The next earnings report is going to be so pivotal." Ulta is set to report earnings after the bell on Thursday, Aug. 24.

For now, Ulta's biggest concern is that the company doesn't get too complacent with where it stands against its competitors. And that it keeps its store concept fresh, its customers satisfied and its investors believers.
watch now

Recent revelations showing President Donald Trump made unfounded or misleading claims are just the latest in a string of those statements since he took office more than six months ago. On Thursday morning, The Washington Post published a transcript of the president's January call with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull showing the pair had contentious exchanges. In February, Trump denied reports of the call getting heated, calling the conversation "civil." Trump: Thank you to Prime Minister of Australia for telling the truth about our very civil conversation that FAKE NEWS media lied about. Very nice! Several times since January, the White House has had to defend similarly misleading statements by the president or someone else in his administration after more information surfaces. Some of the more notable instances are listed below. The White House did not respond to CNBC's request to comment on this article.

President Donald Trump says something to reporters as he departs for travel to Poland and the upcoming G-20 summit in Germany, from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, July 5, 2017. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters

Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting

Early last month, The New York Times reported that Donald Trump Jr. met with a Russian lawyer last year. The statement by the president's son responding to the story said the meeting primarily concerned a "program about the adoption of Russian children." Subsequent reports and emails the younger Trump eventually released showed he took the meeting for another reason. He was offered compromising information on his father's election opponent, Hillary Clinton, as part of "Russia and its government's support" for the campaign. The president's lawyers initially said he had no role in drafting his son's misleading statement. But the elder Trump "personally dictated" the statement, The Washington Post later reported. Sanders then admitted that the president "weighed in just as any father would." The initial statement contained "no inaccuracy," she added.

Trump Tower 'wiretap'

Comey's firing

Trump abruptly fired Comey in May amid the federal investigation into Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 election. Comey had publicly confirmed the probe and said it included looking into whether the Trump campaign colluded with the Kremlin. Initially, the Trump administration said he made the decision based on Comey's handling of the Clinton email probe last year. The White House leaned on a memo by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein criticizing Comey's actions. Trump personally blew up the explanation. He told NBC News he would have ousted Comey "regardless" of what the Justice Department said. The president also said he was thinking of the "Russia thing" when he decided to remove Comey. The former FBI director later testified that he believes Trump fired him because of the probe.

Russia 'witch hunt'

Trump has repeatedly blasted the Russia investigation, calling it a "witch hunt" and a "hoax." The president has also deemed it an "excuse" for why the Democrats lost the 2016 election. ...Trump/Russia story was an excuse used by the Democrats as justification for losing the election. Perhaps Trump just ran a great campaign? Trump's criticisms miss some key points. Comey said the FBI investigation into Russia started last July, months before the election outcome. Bipartisan leaders of congressional panels have stressed the probe's seriousness. The president's new FBI director, Christopher Wray, also disputed that the investigation is a witch hunt. Trump and his top associates have denied any collusion with Russia.

Carrier jobs deal

In December, Trump publicly proclaimed that he saved 1,100 Carrier manufacturing jobs in Indiana from going to Mexico. He cited the deal as evidence of his coming administration inspiring companies to keep jobs in the United States. Trump misled about what the deal actually did. At least 300 of those jobs were not actually saved.

Mexico will pay for the wall

As a candidate, Trump repeatedly promised supporters that Mexico would pay for his proposed border wall. He contends the barrier on the U.S.-Mexico border is necessary to stop illegal immigration. Eventually, but at a later date so we can get started early, Mexico will be paying, in some form, for the badly needed border wall. Mexico repeatedly has said it has no plans to fund the project. The White House requested federal funding for the wall, while the House recently approved a $1.6 billion down payment on it. In a January call with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, Trump appeared to admit he knew the funding would not come from Mexico.

Letting Obamacare fail

Comey 'leaking' classified information

In July, Trump accused Comey of leaking classified information. "That is so illegal," Trump added in a tweet. Trump: James Comey leaked CLASSIFIED INFORMATION to the media. That is so illegal! The allegation apparently came after the Fox News program "Fox & Friends" aired a segment about Comey based on a report from The Hill. Some of the memos Comey wrote about his private conversations with Trump contained classified information, according to The Hill. But the report did not state that the memo Comey had a friend share with The New York Times contained classified information. Fox later corrected its story.

Trump's legislative achievements

Last month, Trump made some bold claims about his legislative progress during his time so far in office. "We've signed more bills  and I'm talking about through the legislature  than any president ever," Trump said, later noting that fact-checkers may call him out for the statement. Trump lags behind several presidents who came before him in terms of bills signed, according to Politifact.

'Failing' New York Times

Often when The New York Times publishes coverage the president dislikes, he has dubbed the newspaper "failing." Wow, the Failing @nytimes said about @foxandfriends "....the most powerful T.V. show in America." Last month, the Times reported its second-quarter digital advertising revenue rose 23 percent. It said it added a net 93,000 digital-only subscriptions. The company's stock has climbed more than 40 percent this year.

Phone calls

Trump gave a rambling, political speech at a national Boy Scouts event last month. It drew immediate criticism and an apology from the organization. The president later told The Wall Street Journal he "got a call from the head of the Boy Scouts saying it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them." However, the group said it was not aware of any call with Trump. On Wednesday, press secretary Sanders said the call with the head of the Boy Scouts did not actually take place. "Multiple members of the Boy Scout leadership" did praise Trump in person on the day of the speech, she claimed. She also made a similar concession about a call Trump claimed to have had with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Trump said his Mexican counterpart praised his border enforcement efforts. The pair actually discussed the U.S.-Mexico border at the G-20 summit in Germany last month, Sanders said Wednesday.

Inauguration viewers
German insurance titan Allianz said on Friday that it had agreed to create a joint venture and strategic partnership with British insurer LV= to form the third-largest property and casualty insurance company in the UK.

Allianz will pay 500 million pounds ($657.35 million) in exchange for a 49 percent stake in LV='s General insurance business, a deal that is expected to close in the second half of this year.

In a second stage, Allianz will pay 213 million pounds for a further 20.9 percent stage taking place in 2019.
As political and legal troubles mount, President Donald Trump holds ever tighter onto a base of support that grows ever smaller.

Last night, Trump traveled for the second time in 10 days to West Virginia, the small conservative state that gave him 68 percent of the vote last November. He basked in the applause of the crowd while ridiculing the news that the Justice Department special counsel has impaneled a grand jury in Washington.

Last week, after the failure of health-care legislation he championed, the president stood before law enforcement officers and talked about rougher treatment for criminal suspects. His message  which roused blue-collar white backers in 2016 amid high-profile controversies over police use of deadly force against black citizens  was so jarring that police chiefs disavowed it.

Before that, Trump embraced the sensibilities of cultural conservatives by tweeting out a directive that transgender soldiers could no longer serve in the U.S. military. So abrupt was that order that military commanders, taken by surprise, declined to immediately implement it.

In some ways, the president's approach is no surprise. It mirrors his strategy in 2016, when the intense backing he enjoyed in a handful of key swing states propelled him to the White House even as he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton.

In campaigning and governing alike, all political strategists prize intense enthusiasm among their backers as a means of overcoming opposition that might be broader but more passive. That's how the National Rifle Association, for example, consistently defeats gun control measures that polls show are popular.
He's the leader of the largest economy in the world, but President Donald Trump's inability to deliver on his aims has made him lose standing among some of his biggest rivals and most crucial diplomatic allies, according to one Chinese political analyst.

"The evaluation of Trump, which certainly I get from a lot of Asians and speaking to Chinese people, is that actually they see Trump as a very weak President," Jonathan Fenby, China chairman at LS Lombard, told CNBC Friday.

The U.S. president has had a tightrope to tread in Asia as he seeks the help of allied nations to defuse increasingly fraught relations with North Korea while attempting to rewrite what he considers an imbalanced trade relationship with China.

However, according to Fenby, his tendency to make noise but act little has been noted by Asian leaders and their citizens and could be undermining his power.